Arnhem - Oosterbeek : Days 3 & 4

The game continued today, with all to play for.

The situation after day 2, was that 2 Para's tenuous hold on Arnhem bridge was being reinforced by 10 Para, and other units which had broken through to Arnhem, though German armour was vey much in evidence.

In the day 2 night turn, both sides consolidated their positions.

One worrying concern for the Germans however, was that their Army Morale had taken a more significant hit than that of the Paras, due to repeated close attacks in Arnhem itself. This would prove to be pivotal.

• The Germans were, despite their advantage in day 2, on the 'back foot' during day 3, with the 'Red Devils' continually winning initiative, creating blocking positions (which is what the Germans should have been doing), and generally creating good bases of fire within the built up areas of Arnhem.
• By day 4, a decision was forced upon the Germans by virtue of the amount of hits they had taken, and its requisite effect upon army morale. 
• Day 2, despite its relative success, had in fact been hard on the German forces, while day 3 allowed the Paras to outmaneuver, and essentially outfight, their tough opponent.

Just before dawn on September 19th, 1 Para tries to establish some modicum of defence against the  Panzers.

...while 11 Para have made good progress and re-established their positions at the outskirts of Arnhem. Already, this is a dangerous concern for the German forces.

German units still have a chance to threaten 2 Para's positions at the bridge, however the British troops have been reinforced.

German reinforcements threaten troops at Wolfheze and the landing zones too.

...while reinforcements north of Arnhem create ever growing concern for the British.

It looks bleak ...German Armour now threaten Arnhem, while infantry create a blocking to line to try and prevent British reinforcement.

...even 9th SS have still some units left intact.

But ...a large degree of Paratroopers remain in good order.

...as they close to the bridge, with several good initiative rolls.

...even fighting off some German armour, at least for a time.

They are however, being heavily reinforced.

...and making renewed attacks on the bridge itself, thereby supporting 2 and 10 Para.

An attack north of Arnhem helps to upset German plans.

...and the Paras see renewed success at the bridge.

KOSB at the Gasworks.

Limited AT sees some action.

The Paras expand their perimeter, taking advantage of excellent movement rolls, and good morale.

...even as German snipers take out 1 Para's commander.

Fighting continues at the bridge, but the Germans are stymied again and again.

...counterattacking with reinforcements north of  Arnhem.

Poles arrive at the landing zones, which remain uncontested.

Early on day 4, the Paratroopers are in a position to consolidate, while the Germans have taken severe losses.

Wren their third morale check (almost in a row) comes up, it's a foregone conclusion. The German units, beaten and battered, opt to pull back from the river in the hopes of maintaining a defence of sorts north of Arnhem.

Able therefore to maintain a defence through the day, the arrival of XXX Corps at the bridge is heralded with cheers!

A superb game as ever with a dynamic, narrative, mechanically superior and highly fluid ruleset.

For the battle and campaign, I have seen few better than this one from TIK history; recommended.
It might actually change a few perspectives...