ASL Module 14

What sounds like the labelling for an SF outpost is the Finnish ASL expansion. I swore I wouldn’t buy it because I think the Finns are as overrated in ASL as the Italians are underrated. But what the heck, in the end I couldn’t resist. So here’s a new addition to my warchest Hakkaa Päälle! And I’m so glad that the German QWERTZ keyboard allows regular access to the “Umlaute” (äöü). 😎

ORSOGNA HASL

^{The Orsogna comes in a box with excellently produced contents.}

Advancing Fire has recently released ORSOGNA, a HASL set in Abruzzo in December 1943. centres on the fierce fighting in which the British 8th Army attempted to break through the German Gustaf Line along the Moro River. Amongst other battles the Battles I to IV of Orsogna saw fierce fighting between the 2nd New Zealand Division and the German 26th Armoured Division. Latter was supported by parts of the Fallschirmjäger, Gebirgsjäger and the 65. Infanterie-Division. The town itself was the subject of further fighting between Canadians and German paratroopers until February 1944 and was only fully liberated in July 1944.

PEARL OF THE DANUBE III

The second campaign day promises to see a following up of the Soviet effort to take the Cogwheel Railway Station. The environmental conditions (EC) are Wet, the sky is Overcast, Snowfall is possible on a Weather Check DR ≥10.

Campaign Day Preparation

The Soviets receive 12 CCPP & 3 SPCC and convert them to a Guards Rifles Company set up on board and a section of OT-34 tanks to support the attack. Artillery and air cover are not available for this attack. The Axis receive 8 CCPP & 3 SCP , which they convert into a Vannay Hvy Weapons Co and an 80mm AA-gun, both of which are deployed on board, and place a second German Alarm Co in reserve.

PEARL OF THE DANUBE II

In preparation of the Festung Budapest campaign I read the scenario special rules and layed out the map. I have prepared the start forces for both sides and made up a battle plan. To better organise the various battle groups I use plastic bags, one for each unit. They will hold all counters during campaign day preparation and between scenarios.

PEARL OF THE DANUBE

One of the most recognised historical ASL publications is Fortress Budapest. The package contains 18 scenarios and 3 campaign games. I will try to give an introduction into Campaign Game I Pearl of the Danube. It is only 6 campaign days long and the forces, at least at start, seam to be quite managable. I intend to play solo, but might ask visiting friends to take sides and play a scenario face-to-face. Campaign dates are 19 to 24 January 1945, when the Pest side of the city was already evacuated by the Axis defenders and the Sovjets startet to assault Buda in earnest. I will try and report intents & plans, forces involved, remarcable events, and outcomes for each campaign scenario.