British, Canadian, and German Infantry. Normandy 1944
Introduction
The Normandy Campaign of 1944 saw intense and complex infantry engagements, characterized by varying tactics, weapons, and squad compositions among the belligerents. This article delves into the differences between British and Canadian regular infantry squads versus their German counterparts, focusing particularly on the German 352nd Infantry Division as arguably they were the closest thing to a ‘regular’. infantry division during this campaign. We will explore their respective weaponry, squad composition, tactical philosophy, and background, highlighting the unique challenges faced by the German forces due to their diverse and often disjointed composition. Additionally, we'll provide insights into how these squads are represented in popular miniature wargames like Flames of War, Bolt Action, and Chain of Command.
British and Canadian Infantry 1944
Historical Composition and Weapons
Squad Composition:
British and Canadian squads typically consisted of 10 men: a squad leader (usually a sergeant), a corporal, a Bren gunner, an assistant Bren gunner, and seven riflemen. A platoon is made up of 3 squads.
Roles: The squad leader coordinated movements and tactics, while the corporal often acted as the second-in-command. The Bren gun team provided suppressive fire, and riflemen supported with their Lee-Enfield rifles.
Weapons:
Primary Weapons: The core firepower came from the Bren light machine gun (LMG), known for its reliability and accuracy. Riflemen were equipped with the bolt-action Lee-Enfield No. 4 Mk I, which offered rapid fire and accuracy.
Support Weapons: Squads had access to PIAT (Projector, Infantry, Anti-Tank) launchers for anti-tank purposes and Mills bombs (hand grenades) for close combat.
Tactics and Philosophy
The tactical doctrine emphasized flexibility, fire and movement, and the use of cover. British and Canadian squads were trained to operate cohesively, with the Bren gun providing a base of fire while riflemen maneuvered to flank and engage the enemy. The emphasis was on maintaining momentum and exploiting weaknesses in the enemy's defense
A British Rifle Platoon (includes 3 squads) in 15mm
Wargaming Representation
In miniature wargames like Flames of War, Bolt Action, and Chain of Command, British and Canadian infantry squads are depicted with an emphasis on their historical tactics and weapons. Players will find that:
Bren Gun Teams: Provide consistent suppressive fire, crucial for pinning enemy units and supporting advances.
Special Abilities: Rules like "British Bulldog" in Flames of War and "Rapid Fire" in Bolt Action highlight the squads' disciplined training and effective use of small arms.
Tactical Flexibility: The inclusion of PIAT launchers offers squads the versatility to engage both infantry and armored threats, reflecting their well-rounded combat capabilities. In addition the platoon HQ’s light mortar provides support for the infantry, particularly useful for providing a smoke screen ahead of the main assault!
German Infantry conducting an ad-hoc counter attack against Allied forces
German Infantry 1944 (352nd Infantry Division)
Historical Composition and Weapons
Squad Composition:
German squads (Gruppe) generally comprised 10 men: a squad leader (Gefreiter or Unteroffizier), a deputy squad leader, a machine gunner, an assistant machine gunner, and six riflemen.
Roles: The squad leader directed the squad's actions, while the deputy assisted. The machine gun team, with the MG42, formed the backbone of the squad's firepower.
Weapons:
Primary Weapons: The MG42 machine gun was the primary source of firepower, capable of a high rate of fire. Riflemen were equipped with the Karabiner 98k bolt-action rifle.
Support Weapons: Squads also had access to Panzerfausts for anti-tank defense and various grenades.
Tactics and Philosophy
German infantry tactics emphasized the use of the MG42's superior firepower to pin down the enemy, allowing riflemen to maneuver. Squad-level tactics focused on defensive positions, counterattacks, and flexible responses to Allied advances. The doctrine stressed the importance of maintaining fire superiority and using terrain to their advantage.
Challenges Faced by the 352nd Infantry Division
The 352nd Infantry Division was a microcosm of the broader issues facing the German Wehrmacht in Normandy. It was a patchwork of various units, including:
Osttruppen: Units composed of non-German volunteers, often from occupied territories, who had varying levels of training and reliability.
Mixture of Equipment: The division's equipment varied widely, including captured Soviet and French weapons, leading to logistical challenges in ammunition supply and maintenance.
Diverse Nationalities: The division included troops of different nationalities, which sometimes led to communication difficulties and issues with unit cohesion.
These factors contributed to a lack of uniformity and efficiency compared to their Allied counterparts. The disparity in equipment quality and the presence of non-German troops, who were sometimes less motivated, further complicated the division's operational effectiveness.
Wargaming Representation
German infantry squads, particularly from divisions like the 352nd, are represented in wargames with a focus on their machine gun-centric tactics and mixed equipment. Players will notice that:
MG42 Dominance: The MG42's high rate of fire is a central feature in games like Bolt Action, where the "Hitler's Buzzsaw" rule underscores its battlefield effectiveness.
Diverse Composition: The logistical challenges and diverse nationalities within the 352nd Division can be simulated with mixed equipment and variable morale ratings in games like Chain of Command.
Command Flexibility: Special rules such as "Stormtroopers" in Flames of War allow for additional movement, reflecting the tactical adaptability of German squads despite their organizational challenges.
Conclusion
The Normandy Campaign showcased stark differences in infantry squad composition, weapons, and tactics between the British, Canadian, and German forces. British and Canadian squads were characterized by their cohesive structure and reliable equipment, whereas the German 352nd Infantry Division struggled with a heterogeneous composition and logistical challenges. Understanding these differences provides a deeper insight into the operational dynamics and outcomes of the Normandy battles, shedding light on the complexities of infantry warfare during World War II.
Thanks for reading
Matt Pullen
