Close Action as location?

My thoughts exactly.

I'm somewhat troubled by the the scenario as proposed, at the moment anyway. We have always taken great care to make the game fit the location, more often than not damn close to the actual day of the real event too.
The Close Action site is distinctly European woodland and I just can't picture this as a hot location where forces would have worn light gear if they had it. Let alone something next to the sea.

Doesn't hurt just to put "CiA Airsoft Battle TBA" in the diary for that date.

I know you're cautious about announcing before a scenario, but with so many people writing games nowadays, I think it's a good idea to book our slot and get on with it after that.

EDIT: The areas around Salerno are heavily wooded. There's a lot of hunting around there. Check it out: http://bit.ly/9PqRQL

We could set it Salerno +5 with German and Italian forces retreating into the woods (for some top secret reason that we can make up) and US units tasked with finding and destroying them, or a German counter-attack from the forests.

Well, let's do the preliminary recce first, then go from there. The scenario was one I plucked out that involves a very good combination of US forces (and no 101st!), that our player base already has kit for and doesn't involve yet another NW Europe battle, that's all.

Yes, no harm in putting it in the diary at all. And done.

Well, let's do the preliminary recce first, then go from there. The scenario was one I plucked out that involves a very good combination of US forces (and no 101st!), that our player base already has kit for and doesn't involve yet another NW Europe battle, that's all.

Aye, reasons accepted. Its just that CA isn't remotely Italy, that's all.

Point taken. Well, looks like more research is needed then.

Operation Market Garden - 82nd were there until 10 Nov 1944 - so some synchronicity on dates there. OK NW Europe.

Heh, 82nd did what - Sicily, Naples-Foggia, Anzio, D Day, Ardennes, Market Garden, Crossing the Rhine.

How about something in here: http://www.ww2-airborne.us/division/campaigns/germany.html

That's the site I got my info from as well.

My idea was to try and include airborne and infantry without it being a fantasy game. It's a pity about Italy, because we have 82nd airborne and Glider troops, as well as 1st infantry. All kit which our yank players have and we have "groups" dedicated to those units as well.

See my edit. Salerno is surrounded by coniferous woodland.

I was just looking at the 82nd's movements too. 508th PIR were quite a good one, and would give the Germans the chance to attack. Found this (last two paragraphs most interesting.:

The 504th was given the objective of seizing the longest bridge in Europe over the Maas River and several other bridges over the Maas-Waal Canal. Because of previous cancellations the men of the 82nd were doubtful that the mission would go especially when told that the planned flight was through the Scheldt Estuary (nicknamed "Flak Alley" by Allied bomber pilots) and that they were reportedly outnumbered by 4,000 of Hitler’s Schutzstaffel (SS) troops and an unknown number of German tanks.

No cancellation was received, however, and on 17 September at 1231 hours, the pathfinders landed on the drop zone, followed thirty minutes later by the rest of the Regiment and C Company, 307th Engineers, to become the first Allied troops to land in Holland as part of Operation Market Garden - the largest airborne operation in history. By 1800 hours, the 504th had accomplished its assigned mission (although the enemy had managed to destroy one of the bridges). In just four hours, the Regiment had jumped, assembled, engaged the enemy, and seized its objectives.

Meanwhile, the 508th was under heavy enemy fire from the German paratroopers of the 3rd Fallschirmjager Division. The enemy continually counter attacked. The fight was intense at times but the 508th held the high ground on a place that earned the nickname "Devil's Hill."

For two days, the 82nd held its ground and conducted aggressive combat and reconnaissance patrols until the Irish Guards made the ground link-up, spearheading the advance of the 30th Corps of the Second British Army. However, the Nijmegen road and rail bridges, which were the last remaining link to British Airborne forces in Arnhem, remained in enemy hands.

And this:

After their success in Normandy, the Regiment returned to its billet at Wollaton Park and prepared for its part in Operation Market Garden, jumping on 17 September 1944. The regiment established and maintained a defensive position over 12,000 yards (11,000 m) in length, with German troops on three sides of their position. They seized a key bridge and prevented its destruction. Other units prevented the demolition of the Waal river Bridge at Nijmegen. The regiment additionally seized, occupied, organized and defended the Berg EN Dalkamp Hill mass, terrain which controlled the Groesbeek-Nijmegen area. They cut Highway K, preventing the movement of enemy reserves, or escape of enemy along this important international route.

Can also incorporate gliders in this:

The next glider assault for the 325th was during Operation Market Garden, the largest airborne operation ever conducted. During this battle, the 325th landed among German positions that had surrounded other elements of the 82nd Airborne Division. This glider attack turned the tide of battle and earned the Regiment the Distinguished Unit Citation.

Devils' Hill - bloody good name for a game!

Edit: And fits the site.

Yup.

Like I say though, Salerno could work as they were dropped 19 miles south of the down, and it's very forested around Salerno.....that's the last time I'll make that point.

From Webby and seems a good idea sticking with the date...

Hi Chomley, hope you're ok!
I think the general concensus with the "sandbox" team is that we're going to change the event and venue for Kasserine. Lardy and I have been trawling through engagements between the US and Germans where Tropical kit might have been used, so that folk who've bought the kit can still use it, but those who havent can wear alternatives. That way, hopefully everyone is happy, and we can hold Kasserine in reserve for the future should the site/new site become available.
Just need the nod from Craig and Dean, and probably more importantly Tyreal at this time, but we're proposing a game based on where the US invade the south of france... hopefully at FSA on the same game date, subject to Alex's availability
Will let you know over the weekend what is decided so we can alter the forum details where necessary.
Chars,
M

Good thinking by Webby.

"Devils' Hill"? I like it, even more catchy than "oil drum drop". You beat me to it with the google earth link Steve!

The site has an old railway cutting. It's a long shot, but we could make that a 'bridge' at some point.

David, I've got the wifes' 40th birthday (with about 50 "guests") the day before our site visit. So, can we make it an afternoon one please? I'll be far to hungover (and possibly still too pissed!) to get there in the morning!

No problem, just say a time.

Meet there at about 1330hrs?

Follow up of site visit - Chris and Tony were very accommodating (Tony even has a hankering for Jeburgh, he has the prof. training and done IED stuff as well)

The site has been thinned out a bit since I was last there - bunkers have been moved around a bit. Plantation is very dense even without foliage although a wide track has now been driven through it allowing it to be passed through as well as around. The railway cutting is now out of use and now forms the site boundary.

I think Pete agreed there is nothing about the site that says 'Italy' and that prob. Westwald is going to be more productive.

However, a more fundamental problem. Camping. The Top Shades walker/bird spotter visitor centre only has a caravan park and no facility for camping. There is mention elsewhere of rough sleeping shelters with eco toilet constructed somewhere in Fineshade Wood that is used by schools/scouts etc but no mention of this is made on the FC website.

Is it desirable/doable to have an event without a social? Or organised camping?