American forces

Totally understood.

*************REPLACEMENT********

PRIVATE TARPEY reporting for orders! (DOG, squad)

Hi guys, this will be my first piece of action, i'm so excited!

Got my kit sorted. Gonna wear a french greatcoat or M42 uniform. Which do you think?

The only thing i need to sort is a gun, (Unable to buy one until become a member.)

Our CO (HS) has said their may be a gun to borrow on the day? or if not, do you think First and Only would hire me one?

I can't make it saturday, so will be arriving sunday morning (Gutted, wanted to have a drink on sat night and meet everyone before the battle)

Some Questions:
Roughly how many bb's for the day? are they 0.2?
any other essentials that newbies always forget?

Cheers everyone
PRIVATE TARPEY

Which do you have, greatcoat or M42's? If both then wear both, if none then I'd plump for a greatcoat personally. This is the game for greatcoats! (Also means you can wear the warmest unauthentic kit underneath and be toasty)

The CiA members have sorted you out a gun (well, an arsenal as chaps have been so kind) which will be lent on a 'you break it, you fix it' basis.

A bottle of 0.2g BB's from the shop will see you through the day.

Gentlemen, if you have e-tools then bring them. We may need to reinforce our positions as we are taking over Limey entrenchments and it's unlikely they'll be up to much.

Will do! One thing though, do you suppose the ground is going to be fit for digging in? Would we be better with explosives haha Oh and will there be time to improve the defences? Or will we be digging under fire?

Check your standing orders Alex and it should be clear that defences must be complete before you come under fire - too late otherwise!

I have seen the Standing Orders. I was more thinking about...if the Germans are going to arrive at the position in say 2 minutes from Game on...I'd say it would be more useful making the most of what's there instead of being caught with your pants down holding a shovel not a gun (that was a metaphor I don't tend to dig foxholes with my pants round my ankles )

LOL, I'm not going to describe the battle minute by minute, all you have to do is follow orders, whether you get caught with your pants down or not!

Well I've got no problem following that.

MANDATORY VIEWING DURING THE NEXT WEEK.

Band of Brothers Epidsodes 6 & 7.

Just watching Ep 7, with the shelling in the Bois Jacques...chance of much shelling HS?

Yes, possible inbound mortar and 88 shells from what the Limey chaps have been telling us. We'll dig in deep and see it through though, if the guys from the 101st can handle it in Bastogne, I know we can.

Bloody hell, HS is in character already. I haven't even got my gear out yet. I am actually looking forward to doing some digging though.

Thought this might come in handy

How to Build a Foxhole

This article explains how to build a standard US Army defensive fighting position.

Things You'll Need:

* A shovel
* Some sandbags (logs can be used instead)
* A few logs or a saw and access to some trees
* A tarpaulin or a rain poncho

STEPS

1. Select an appropriate site.

2. Dig a rectangular hole 6.5' by 3'. The hole should be deep such that if you stand in the hole, the walls come up to your armpits.

3. Dig sumps four or five inches wide stretching the entire width of the hole on the left and right sides. Make these at least two feet deep. These are there so you can dispose of any grenades that are thrown into your foxhole.

4. About a foot and a half in front of the hole, place a row of sandbags two bags high and 6.5' long. Similarly, place rows of sandbags to the left and right sides of the hole. These support the roof and provide protection from shrapnel and bullets.

5. In the rear, place a centered row of sandbags two sandbags high 1.5' away from the hole but only 3.25' long.

6. Place 4"-6" logs across the top stretching from the back wall of sandbags to the front, cover with a tarpaulin or a poncho for waterproofing, then cover with a small layer of soil. This provides for shelter from the elements and fragmentation.

7. Camouflage the entire thing and be sure to hide or disguise the displaced soil.

HINTS & TIPS

* Roots are awful to dig through. Bring a hatchet, pruning shears, or better still, choose a site that isn't near any trees.

* 4"-6" diameter logs can be used in the place of sandbags if your wife won't let you borrow her pillowcases.

* Don't use explosives. They can be dangerous and sometimes even illegal. Don't make the mistake I did.

Very helpful, I'm going to find some sandbags! But one thing...do you suppose we'll have time to dig a hole that is 6.5" x 3" x 5" I think we'll be lucky if the spades actually go in the soil this time of year.

Of course guys, you could always just consult the original manuals. What's all that bollocks about pruning shears in biguk's instructions? Have they not thought to sharpen the blade of the e-tool?

do we need sand bags if so ive got some

I doubt we'll have the time (or inclination) to dig full fire trenches - probably best to concentrate on shell scrapes and reinforce with sand bags around the edge.

Didnt see that bit....I was looking for some manual pics, on your Hard scrabble Farm website. Maybe didnt look hard enough.