Background
The Battle of Zeeland was a little-known on the Western Front during the early stages of the German assault on France and the Low Countries during World War II. Several Dutch and French units attempted to hold off the German onslaught by making a determined defense of the Dutch province of Zeeland. The battle lasted eight days and was a disappointing defeat for the French and Dutch forces defending the province.
The province of Zeeland had received little attention from the Dutch government prior to the German invasion of the Low Countries in May 1940. On 10 May, the Germans launched their attack.
In an attempt to raise morale amongst the Allies and to stem the tide of the German onslaught, several Dutch battalions—most notably the 14th Border Infantry Battalion—rapidly constructed defensive lines in Zeeland. The first—the Bathline (named after the nearby medieval fortress of Bath)—was little more than a tank barrier, slightly reinforced with 12 concrete casements.[1] The second—and more defensible line—was the Zanddijkline, approximately 15 km (9.3 mi) west of the Bathline. This position was actually two lines, (a frontline and a stopline). It was defended by just two infantry battalions, the 3rd Battalion of the 38th Infantry Regiment and the 1st Battalion of the 40th Infantry Regiment, supported by limited and obsolete AA guns, a number of mortars and some light field artillery.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Zeeland
Situation
It has been a rough fight for the Netherlands, with the overwhelming German forces sweeping through the country. However, a number of local victories have given the Germans a bloody nose and slowed their time table. There is now one fight left for the last foot hold. German SS forces are closing in on the Dutch Zeeland defenses, they must force the canal crossing and break the Dutch forces before they can be reinforced by the French. Can the brave Dutch hold on in time for the allies to come to their rescue?
The Game
The Germans must break through the Dutch forward positions and clear the Zeeland defenses before the French can intervene and keep the Dutch in the war. The Dutch just need to hold on and make the Germans pay for every inch of ground.
Terrain
The terrain is all flatland country side. It is bisected by roads, fields, tree lines and a few villages. The canals follow the standard rules for rivers and may only be crossed by the one remaining bridge by vehicles and guns.
Scenario Rules
- Game is played across the short end of the table.
- One infantry company of Dutch must set up in front of the Canal. The other is in the rear area holding villages in case of Fallschirmjager attack. Supporting elements are deployed anywhere behind the canal.
- German forces can set up 16″ away from forward Dutch units. Units that cannot set up, may enter on turn one.
- Germans win if they can break the Dutch Formation or clear half the towns before turn ten. Dutch win by not allowing the Germans to achieve their objectives.
- Dutch forces are from the Netherlands at War pdf. German forces are from the SS infantry lists in Blitzkrieg. The Germans may not take any tank support (Stug III and armored cars are allowed).
- All rear area Dutch units begin the game pinned. The reserve infantry company cannot commit unit the Germans have crossed the canal with at least one infantry or gun company.
Forces:
The Dutch force consisted of two infantry companies (three platoons, mortar platoon, AT platoon and HMG platoon each), with 105mm artillery, 75mm artillery and ATG and armored car units in support. Total points were 3,000. All units are Confident Trained.
The Germans consisted of two forces. Both were SS infantry companies with HMG, mortar, infantry guns, 105mm artillery and light armored cars in support. Total points were 3,000 and all units were rated as Fearless Trained.
Game Highlights
The German plan was to bull rush the forward Dutch units and overwhelm them (as only SS love to do!), hoping to break the forward Dutch company and sweep forward before the reserves could interfere. The Dutch pan was to dig in deep and kill as many Germans as possible.
The game involved the Germans launching frontal assaults along the entire Dutch line, with the Dutch raking the German units with fire. With a lot of effort, the right flank German company was able to push back or eliminate the Dutch facing it and cross the canal. However, it had taken heavy casualties in the process.
On the German left, the SS formed into waves and tried to rush the Dutch position. They were able to clear their side of the canal, but again with heaving casualties.
The fighting ground on for eight turns as the Germans tried to out shoot the Dutch. However, the Dutch held on to the last man in every position and extracted disproportionate losses on the SS schutzen.
The Germans had finally cleared the canal and started to cross over the canal in strength. However, to much time had passed (eight turns) and it was clear that not much more could be achieved before the arrival of the French. the game was declared a major Dutch victory!
– Manteuffel