Problem 1 - Deployment - Translated

What follows is my translation (using Google Translate and some common sense) of the first Problem in Rommel's 1940 edition of "Problems for Platoon and Company". These problems/exercises were originally intended to be performed in the field, to simulate that we will be using Combat Mission Battle for Normandy. Each problem will have an accompanying CMBN scenario where you can try to learn the lesson Rommel intended.

Translated text will be in black text and my comments in blue. 

Problem 1: Deployment

Troop: 1 Rifle Platoon

Location: 3rd platoon at the end of the formation (1st Company/F.R. 1; attachments: 1 Heavy MG half platoon (two guns) and 1 spotter* team) Marching on a road to the east, approaching the eastern edge of the very dense forest (B). See sketch!

*“Blinftruppe” in the original text was translated by Google Translate as “Blind Squad”, so I made the assumption that this might have been a small team to assist the heavy machine guns with target identification.

The 1st infantry Platoon is 600m in front of the company. The company commander (in charge) has just received a message from a Cavalryman. In the east, in the distance, you can hear individual shots being fired.

Intended Actions:

After the exercise has begun (3rd platoon on the march), the company commander (in charge) verbally orders the platoon leader, who has been summoned by signal: "Weak enemy identified by cavalry spearhead in Village (H) (5km east of here).”

The company begins its march outside this forest: 2nd platoon and company troops on the right. 3rd platoon to the left of the road. The Heavy MG half platoon follows the company at a distance of 300m on the road.

I will be with 2nd platoon.”

Potential Solutions:

The 3rd platoon leader orders, without moving back, either: 

a) By signal: "Direction of march left of the road", "Increase the distance between the platoons and the gap to 150m". The platoon then deploys: 1st squad in the front line stays about 150m to the left of the road, 2nd and 3rd squads follow to the right or left in staggered formation with a distance of 100m between them. 4th squad and the mortar team follow 1st squad at a distance of 200m. Platoon leader with 1st squad.”

The platoon leader informs the squad leaders about the enemy and his own intentions only after deployment has taken place. He also deploys troops for security.

Or:

b) Verbally to the quickly summoned squad leaders: “Weak enemy in Village (H) (5km from here) engaged by cavalry.

The company continues its march outside the forest with the 2nd platoon on the right and the 3rd platoon on the left of the road.

3rd platoon deploys on the march! Movement direction is towards the group of trees on the left of the road! Let’s go platoon! Security: 1st squad forward, 3rd squad 250m from the 2nd platoon! I'm with 1st squad! Repeat the orders and fall out!”

I tried, with the translation to be as faithful as possible to the original text. 

There will be some differences with the accompanying Combat Mission scenario where I adjust distances and initial setup locations. The problem remains the same, the player must deploy their 3rd Platoon, and this is the real point of the exercise, then cross the open ground in whatever formation deemed best. Then they must decide whether to continue the scenario to attack the village or not. I highly recommend playing it through to the end, and seeing if you can coordinate your attack with 2nd Platoon. 

Use the Battle Drill Tactical Toolbox as required.

Download Combat Mission Battle for Normandy scenario (Save file to the SAVED GAMES folder, then load saved game to play):  Rommel Problem 1 Deployment

Note: This scenario requires the Commonwealth Module for CMBN.