A Crossfire scenario featuring German infantry and anti-tank guns – from the 437th Infantry Regiment, 132nd Infantry Division – defending the village of Kodorov against an infiltrating Russian battalion on 29 Aug 1941. It is based on an incident described in Bidermann. See also my Battle Report.
Crossfire Scenarios
In over 20 years of playing Crossfire, Arty Conliffe’s company level WW2 game, I have only played pick-up games a couple of times. I usually play scenarios – mostly my own. If you’re completely new to the Crossfire then I suggest you try out the Crossfire Freebie 1: Mini-scenarios, Scenario for Novices and Mac’s Crossfire Missions.
Kamenets-Podosk – A Crossfire Scenario
A Crossfire scenario based on an incident as Soviet T34/76s approached Kamenets-Podosk on 24 Mar 1944. The tanks were carrying tank riders – men of the 1st Motor Rifle Battalion, 49th Mechanized Brigade, 6th Guards Mechanized Corps, 4th Tank Army. In command of 2nd Platoon, 1st Company was a Junior Lieutenant Evgeni Bessonov – who subsequently wrote a book about his experiences as a tank rider.
Sitno – A Crossfire Scenario featuring the Blue Division
A Crossfire scenario with II/269 battalion of the Spanish Blue Division defending the village of Sitno north of the Volkhov against massed Soviet assaults.
Mekensievy-Gory – Sharp shooting PAKs – A Crossfire Scenario
A Crossfire scenario that has, on 29 Dec 1941, Gottlob Bidermann defending Mekensievy-Gory with his 3.7cm PaK 35/36 and some very understrength infantry from 437th Infantry Regiment, 132nd Infantry Division. They are facing Russian infantry and light armour . It is based on an incident described in Bidermann (2000).
Crossfire For Novices – A Scenario to Introduce Newbies
If you’re completely new to the Arty Conliffe’s Crossfire then Nikolas Lloyd has a good Description and Review and some Advice on Play, and also check out Rob Wolsky Tactical Advice.
Medley – Five days to live
Robin Medley (1990) was a 2nd Lieutenant in C Company, 2nd Battalion, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment (2nd Bedfords) in France and Belgium 1939-40 (during World War II). He has written a little booklet describing this period. They don’t seem to have been heavily engaged in combat but it is interesting reading.
Bessonov – Tank Rider “Mount the Tanks!”
Bessonov is one of many memoirs coming out of the former Soviet Union. Evgeni Bessonov was a young Russian officer in a Tank Rider unit during World War II. In two years of fighting he led his unit from the Orel Offensive (Aug 1943) to Berlin. Bessonov (2003) is his own account of those years. I found it one of the better memoirs. It is a good read and I enjoyed in insight into the life of tank rider.
River Crossings – Suggestions for Crossfire Scenarios
John (?) asked the Crossfire group for advice on a scenario where the attacker is channelled through a single bridge:
Ponyri Station and Hill 253.5 – A Big Crossfire Scenario during Kursk
I volunteered to run a day long Crossfire multi-player event for my old club in Guildford. This scenario represents one attack and counter-attack cycle of the battle around Ponyri Station and Hill 253.5 on 7 July 1943. The parameters were:
- WW2
- 6-8 players
- one big table (’cause I wanted to try out the Multi-player Rules with the Guildford chaps)
- playable by a mix of Crossfire novices and more experienced gamers
- using the kit I have available (Germans and Russians)
- must finish in about six hours of gaming (set up and pack up time was in addition)
This is what I came up with.
Krasny Bor Campaign: Phase 2 – Consolidate gains
Phase 2 of the Krasny Bor Campaign is for consolidation and each Soviet player has different objectives. It ends at 13.00 hours and is fought on the Rear tables.