Friendly forces have flanked north the town of St Gilles. We will continue our assault, approaching from the north, hopefully dodging some of the defences of the town. An Armoured Grenadier force is expected to be in the town.

Platoon Size Element
G-508 troop transporter
Ambulance (if CMT)
M10 Tank Destroyers
1x command vic

Entrenched german grenadiers supported by eastern conscripts.
Armoured assets
IDF assets
QRFs

Capturing Saint Gilles and surrounding areas

In possession of Saint Gilles

Purpose: The purpose of this operation is to seize Saint Gilles in order to enable further advances to the west and south. This will be achieved by using the newly opened northern avenue of approach in order to flank the most hardened fortified positions. Key Tasks: - Move to assault position at Hébécrevon - Swiftly assault and capture hamlets north of Saint Gilles to enable safe movement to Saint Gilles - Use the forest northeast of Saint Gilles to reduce chances of premature contact with the forces in Saint Gilles - Seize Saint Gilles - Establish defensive positions on the west-southwest end of Saint Gilles and await further orders End State: Saint Gilles under friendly control, enemy forces on the retreat.

OVERVIEW OF THE OPERATION

Concept of Operations

This operation will be divided into three main phases:

Phase YELLOW: Movement to Assault Point

Objective: Troops move to assault positions without detection Order of march: M10 - infantry (truck, driven by Crossroads) - M10 Route: SP BASS - CHK COD - RP DARTER Course of action at RP DARTER: * Alternative squad bounds southwest, so that the platoon is situated directly north of OBJ Atlantic * LIGHTNING forms an approximate line southwards, ready to assault as soon as PHASE AMBER initiates. * THUNDER loiters at the rear of the formation, ready to neutralise any armoured threats * VORTEX sets up a support station in Hébécrevon.

Phase AMBER: Initial Contact

Objective: Enemy troops at OBJECTIVE ATLANTIC and OBJECTIVE PACIFIC are all neutralised OBJECTIVE ATLANTIC Actions: LIGHTNING 2 moves in first and secures a beachhead in Le Chêne à Loup, and confirms this as secure as soon as possible. Lightning 2 remains in position and provides support-by-fire until Lightning 1 has moved in. As soon as Lightning 2 has confirmed they have secured a beachhead, LIGHTNING 1 moves in through the beachhead and starts clearing the southwest side of the minor road D77. As soon as Lightning 1 has passed through the beachhead, LIGHTNING 2 continues clearing the northeast side of the objective. THUNDER maintains vigilance and supports LIGHTNING by destroying force multipliers. The unit keeps an extra eye southwards along D77. OBJECTIVE PACIFIC Actions: LIGHTNING 1 bypasses Lightning 2 and sets at the structure in middle of the two objectives. Lightning 1 is then tasked with support-by-fire. LIGHTNING 2 leapfrogs Lightning 1, and enters the northern end of the objective. The unit clears the area surrounding the crossroads. Once secure, Lightning 2 announces it as such on the frequency, and assumes a support-by-fire stance on the southern end of this crossroads. LIGHTNING 1, upon hearing the announcement from Lightning 2, moves through the crossroads and starts clearing the southern end of the objective. THUNDER remains in the vicinity of LIGHTNING. It maintains extra security along the north-south dirt road that passes through the objective.

Phase RED: Saint Gilles

Objective: Fully secure Saint Gilles. Actions: LIGHTNING moves cautiously through Mingrey Forest by utilising successive bounding. LIGHTNING 2 clears Castillon farm on Mingrey Forest's sourthern limits as needed. LIGHTNING 1 secures an appropriate beachhead on the northeast side of Saint Gilles, remaining north of the national road N172. The unit is then temporarily tasked with support-by-fire, and announces the beachhead secured. This task remains until Lightning 2 has been able to establish themselves in the town. LIGHTNING 2 moves through the beachhead to the southern side of national road N172. When established on the southern side of the national road, it announces as such, and starts clearing east-west along the southern side of the national road - always remaining parallel to Lightning 1. The unit takes care not to divert too far from the national road without coordinating as such with the other elements. This is crucial due to operational distance concerns. Upon reaching the end of the objective, Lightning 2 takes up defensive positions securing the southern perimeter. Upon Lightning 2 announcing they are established, LIGHTNING 1 starts clearing east-west along the northern side of the national road - always remaining parallel to Lightning 2. The unit takes care not to divert too far from the national road without coordinating as such with the other elements. This is crucial due to operational distance concerns. Upon reaching the end of the objective, Lightning 1 takes up defensive positions securing the western perimeter. THUNDER remains in the vicinity of LIGHTNING. It maintains extra security along national road N172.

Due to continuing limitations at the divisional level, the platoon's logistical support remains limited. One engineer, callsign VORTEX has been assigned to the element, whose purpose is to support the offensive movements with equipment, ammunition and repairs. Due to the circumstances, the individual will prioritise ensuring THUNDER is operational. This due to the threat enemy armoured vehicles pose us in this area. Support to LIGHTNING will as such be limited, and must be requested far in advance of any urgent needs.

Due to continuing limitations at the divisional level, the platoon's MEDEVAC capabilities are severely limited. Support may, if need be, be sent from Saint Lô. This is, however, time-consuming and resource-intensive, and will not be available on short notice.

The platoon medic leads the medical efforts during any developing mass casualty incidents.

Succession of Command: Lightning 9, Lightning 1, Lightning 2, Thunder