Battlegroup: Rhineland River Crossing 1945, AAR

[@LittleWarsTV]

Really high quality report here. Battlegroup is a game we have not yet tried in our club so that made this a nice watch, too!

[@LongShotWargaming]

Thanks @Little Wars TV we appreciate your view. We really love battlegroup! We'll have to meet up at a convention or something someday and play a game!

[@TaltosVT]

Beautiful table, nice clean and well lit room, clear battle maps, great narration, and a wonderful game. Well done, guys!

[@LongShotWargaming]

Thanks Elroy, Glad you liked it!

[@marshallwhitlock6240]

Holy shit guys keep it up. Wargames with high quality tables dont exist on youtube. You guys are filling the void.

[@LongShotWargaming]

Thanks Marshall!

[@firstfighter7037]

Well done!.. Very cool job and a very cool terrain!!! Best regards from Germany (near the Hurtgen Forest)

[@onkelgroen]

Beautiful table! I enjoyed the narrative style very much, no need for endless dice rolling. Great job!

[@scottbarber2736]

I am a flames of war player and I enjoyed your report. Better than most FOW reports. Thank you for sharing!

[@Tigerheart01]

I love how you guys have the huge printouts of the Bolt Action and Battlegroup rules charts, and then framed them on the wall. What a great idea!

[@LongShotWargaming]

It is definitely helpful. Page turning gets old.

[@andrewdad10]

Wow. That was amazing. That terrain took so much effort to make. It was well worth it.

[@LongShotWargaming]

Glad you enjoyed it! Stay tuned we've got some cool stuff planned.

[@bretttolhurst2870]

I'm with Taylor congratulations on having this AAR nominated for a Little Wars TV Caesar Award. Keep up the great work, looking forward to the next one. Best of luck in March.

[@LongShotWargaming]

Thanks Brett!

[@thehood3885]

Wow... great table, great wargames room, great report (and great set of rules!). Excellent AAR, not too short, not too long... well done

[@laipplst]

Another great video. Really enjoy your after action reports. Solid work. Thank you!

[@LongShotWargaming]

Thanks for watching.

[@dicewarfaregaming]

Hands down one of the best battle reports I've seen in some time. Like watching a game and documentary. Great work guys!

[@LongShotWargaming]

Thanks for the view/comment!

[@thestoicsteve]

First of your videos I have seen. I like the format and will watch more. Keep it up!

[@LongShotWargaming]

Thanks for the view!

[@aliciawatts3356]

Holy Moses. Gentlemen, this as professional as historical batreps get. Very well done....very well done.

[@LongShotWargaming]

Thanks Alicia, we've got some cool stuff planned stay tuned. Thanks for your view.

[@mondsilber4400]

This table is excellent. The narrative way of your report caused intense tension. Really great. I felt sorry for the soldiers on the bridge.

[@LongShotWargaming]

Thanks for the view/comment. Yes, that was an unfortunate series of events.

[@shiro4ever]

Me, seeing the bridge: "I wonder if they made a destroyed version too?" Me, two minutes later: ::satisfied smile::

[@LongShotWargaming]

We couldn't afford CGI so balsa wood is the next best thing! haha

[@ThisOLmaan]

yup had to made a destroyed version, i too smile but just seeing the gameplay

[@adiebland9220]

I think this is probably the best battle report I’ve ever seen, Congratulations lads, excellent work

[@LongShotWargaming]

Thank you Adie! That is quite a compliment.

[@pbeccas]

Man, you guys are doing an amazing job. Really enjoyed this vid.

[@LongShotWargaming]

Thanks pbeccas! We are excited about making more.

[@Nico-ig1mr]

super high quality stuff guys! Great job. Definitely your best one yet

[@LongShotWargaming]

Thanks Nico!

[@darrenpowell2362]

What a fantastic battle report. Excellent production. Very well explained. I particularly liked the snippets of information and the film clips. Got to be one of the best I've seen. Darren, UK.

[@LongShotWargaming]

Thanks Darren! Stay tuned we've got some cool stuff planned particularly pertaining to your countrymen in 28mm!

[@tomcartwright5524]

Outstanding! Looking forward to the next one. Loving the enlarged Boltaction rules on the walls!

[@LongShotWargaming]

Thanks Tom, Yes the QR posters were a good investment, keeps us from fiddling with OR sheets all the time.

[@johnpineapple1824]

Beautiful and amazing battle report! 👌🏽 I can count with my hand the number of complete battle reports I have watched from beginning to end. Now this one is among them 😜👍🏽

[@LongShotWargaming]

Thanks John, our philosophy is to make videos we would actually watch. Stay tuned we've got more cool games coming.

[@TheBoriskiller222]

You guys are killing it! Great narration. Great production. It's obvious you guys have alot of passion with both the hobby and the subject material. Well done!

[@LongShotWargaming]

Thanks David! There are more to come.

[@TheBoriskiller222]

@@LongShotWargaming cant wait! Keep having fun and have a pour for me!

[@th0331a]

I just found you guys after watching Little WarsTV's Caesar nominations. Congratulations on the well deserved nomination. Great report. And Good Night Chesty wherever you are.

[@LongShotWargaming]

Rah! Thanks for the view Taylor! Make sure to subscribe we have some cool games planned!

[@ratelmike8825]

Another splendid report. I really like the showing of the force list in detail.

[@flynitlo]

Love this channel. Been waiting for Battlegroup narratives like this. The step by step action is perfect. Please keep this going. I'm building my hobby man cave and am getting great ideas for my game table. The Battlegroup system in awesome I have the complete library and waiting on Stalingrad. Great Job!

[@LongShotWargaming]

Sorry for the late response flynitlo. Thanks for the view! Battlegroup is unparalleled in our opinion. Ive about got a full collection of theater books minus a couple. I did manage to snag a Pacific Theater book which im very excited about.

[@mih2]

Enjoyed: soundtrack, historical background, table, overview narrative gameplay & end of turn maps. No negs, this is a super video. Ive sadly seen that you dont post very often. Please consider more vids. Your work is top of class. Outstanding. Please consider Bolt Action as a future video.

[@LongShotWargaming]

Thanks Matt for the view and comment. Sadly we don't post often but our philosophy is quality over quantity. But it just so happens we have a West Wall video coming out any day now so stay tuned.

[@bretttolhurst2870]

Congratulations on winning the Caesar Award for this video!! Well deserved, keep up the great work, always look forward to a new video from you guys. Well done.

[@LongShotWargaming]

Thanks Brett! We are honored to have been nominated and win! We are planning on releasing our next video in about a week.

[@WarGamingNewbHistorical]

Fantastic table and war room. Production values are outstanding. Looking forward to the next one.

[@LongShotWargaming]

Thanks, this was a fun table, we've played it about four times now. Stay tuned we have some cool games planned.

[@WarGamingNewbHistorical]

@@LongShotWargaming looking forward to more. Fantastic work!

[@alangreenwood4079]

Excellent video. Really interested in the Battlegroup rules. As well as these AARs, please can you do a series of rules tutorials? Cheers

[@Michaelangelo1776]

Would you ever put on a “how to play” battle group video? Also - are those the rules on the wall hanging up? Great idea if so!

[@LongShotWargaming]

They are quick reference sheets, got tired of the fiddly pages.

[@fogh]

Great battle report! Love your gaming set up. Looking forward to more. 👍

[@StormofSteelWargaming]

Another great video. Fantastic table and great video report!

[@LongShotWargaming]

@Storm of Steel Wargaming, Thanks, we appreciate your views.

[@WARdROBEPlaysWWII]

With this quality you all will rock the AAR video world. Btw, good to see 12th AD in one of the historical photos, was my grandfathers division.

[@davidarmstrong7549]

I very much enjoyed this video. Well done!

[@okabayashijoe]

Fantastic report! Very much enjoy the visuals and the sound effects.

[@LongShotWargaming]

Thanks!

[@worldhistoryminiatureshous9757]

The terrain and the figures are awesome . Great report . Glad to discover your channel . Subscribed .

[@LongShotWargaming]

Thanks for the sub! There will be lots of 15mm WW2 content but also much more stay tuned!

[@worldhistoryminiatureshous9757]

@@LongShotWargaming All right . i will ! As well take time to have a look to my channel . Cheers !

[@christophermontgomery5106]

Awesome AAR. Thanks for posting!

[@LongShotWargaming]

Thanks for watching!

[@themodernwarfarehistorian825]

Really wonderful match, AAR and video! I'm safe to assume that everyone cannot wait for more!

[@LongShotWargaming]

More to come!

[@philRminiatures]

Wow, wonderful looking game, the table is gorgeous, splendid figures and informative maps...Congrats! 👍👍

[@LongShotWargaming]

Thanks! we've got more cool stuff coming.

[@samb2052]

Great video, excellent production quality, keep it up.

[@LongShotWargaming]

Thanks, will do!

[@WARdROBEPlaysWWII]

Fantastic work and great looking room. Battlegroup is cool because of all the support rules they include. Like bridge building.

[@LongShotWargaming]

Thanks! we find it do be the best ww2 rule set at that scale! And you are correct it is all of the auxiliary rules that give it its personality.

[@seandezart8294]

Great to share with you - I'm sure I would have moved up my German armour earlier to block/destroy the bridge construction - it was a close thing !

[@2ManyHobbies16]

Beautiful table , awesome narrative, top notch video, hope you guys have plans for more videos soon.

[@grimdesaye6534]

Hi Very good Battle report! God Bless your family I take it at the end?: ) I had alot of family including my Father who were in WW2. Very Beautiful terrain!

[@LongShotWargaming]

Thanks Grim, WWII certainly affected everyone globally. That fellow at the end is my grandfather.

[@rileyosteen6470]

Cool table, like the narrative approach for a batrep. Don’t know how wise it was rushing those halftracks forward without any covering fire or smoke, though..

[@LongShotWargaming]

In hindsight i agree, but at the time i was counting on passing my comms checks for artillery and didn't know the bridge was going to blow so early in the game. Would have been nice to rush some things across without having to wait for the pontoon bridge.

[@stuartjarman4930]

Love the radio traffic when you attempt the comm check! It's a shame you didn't have the two 60mm mortars that were organic to every US Armored infantry platoon as I'm sure they could have helped by putting down suppressive fire on those German MG's.

[@LongShotWargaming]

Thanks Stuart! Well ill admit this was not my finest hour (Tom speaking ). I did indeed have the organic mortars but i only attempted a couple shots and was quickly discouraged by their minimal effect on the reinforced cover. But there were several tactical mistakes made no doubt. It is OK, my opponent Rick deserves to win every once and a while! = )

[@get_the_lead_out]

Exceptionally well done guys!! Very clear explanation of the battle, with a stunning table! Subscribed. Would you guys be interested in doing a video showcasing the Battlefront rules and explaining them?

[@LongShotWargaming]

Thanks Jim! When you say Battlefront rules are you referring to Flames of war by batlefront? or did you mean Batlegroup which is what w used here?

[@get_the_lead_out]

@@LongShotWargaming Sorry - Battlegroup. Battleground, Battlegroup, Battlestar Galactica, Batman- - they all run together sometimes!!!😆😂😜

[@LongShotWargaming]

@@get_the_lead_out Fair enough haha, yet we want to do a rules review/overview at some point.

[@andypickard7314]

Great report. Well filmed and excellent story telling.

[@tonyromano6220]

Oh wow! What a layout!

[@JP-eg6gz]

Great video and an amazing table. Keep up the good work.

[@collin4592]

Love the videos. Please keep them coming!

[@LongShotWargaming]

Thanks Collin!

[@huntclanhunt9697]

My great grandpa was an engineer carpenter general. His company built a makeshift lumber mill in belgium near the town of Malmedy, and build pontoons for the crossing.

[@mweaver6037]

An excellent battle report - thanks. Beautiful table.

[@WendyDaCanuck]

Great battle report. I am looking forward to your next one.

[@LongShotWargaming]

Thanks for the view Wendy!

[@warpaintjj]

That was excellent chaps!

[@Ernzt8]

Great video!

[@Darilon12]

Well done! Beautiful narration and very atmospheric sound. I have 2 very minor corrections. The so called Rhineland is in western not southern Germany. The diesel sherman (m4a2) was not used in combat by the US army for logistical reasons. Anyway. Keep up the good work.

[@joeokabayashi8669]

Excellent format.

[@Oldschool-RPG]

What a fantastic battle report! Thank you :-)

[@richardbradley2335]

Brilliant....NO EFFING DICE ROLLS !!!!!!!!!!!! and one more !

[@levsharus5899]

Stunning AAR. Are you planning a let’s play Battlegroup video?

[@WARdROBEPlaysWWII]

I dig the QRS on the wall for the game!

[@chriswilson4280]

Great report, keep them coming

[@LongShotWargaming]

Thanks Chris, we're working on something big right now stay tuned!!

[@chriswilson4280]

@@LongShotWargaming look forward to it

[@barriereid9244]

Amazing table. Amazing game. 10/10

[@vonketteringham]

Great vid, subbed!

[@LongShotWargaming]

Thanks for the sub! Stay tuned for more!

[@geraldeade391]

Very good video, interesting and I love that gaming table

[@LongShotWargaming]

Thanks Gerald! We are hoping to win a @LittleWarsTV Caesar Award with this thing!

[@wc9109]

Great gaming room! Nice reports

[@LongShotWargaming]

Thanks W C! We love our game room, definitely makes for good gaming. Thanks for the comment.

[@vickyking3408]

lovely terrain as well a good vlog

[@VictorumGaming]

Great table and battle!

[@jessewoods6890]

Hello, Love yout work, can you please tell me where do you get the plastic Smoke/Fire Markers ??? Thanks Jess.

[@LongShotWargaming]

Hello Jess. Those fire markers are from a company called Litko. They make a tom of fantastic gaming accessories. www.litko.net

[@jessewoods6890]

@@LongShotWargamingThank you very much for your help !!!!!!!!!!

[@zargonfuture4046]

Great game and great terrain. Wonderful AAR too.

[@LongShotWargaming]

Thank you Zargon Future! We are working on one right now we are very excited about, stay tuned!

[@Gerhard_Schroeder]

Again - I love the presentation!

[@Jimo1956]

Starts out with a mistake (the Rhineland is not in Southern Germany, but Western Germany), but otherwise, incredible AAR. Top notch and fun to watch. Well done. Oh, BTW, German mortars were 81mm, not 80.

[@tonyromano6220]

Squad leader 3d! What patience.

[@JimHopper]

awesome job - thanks!

[@LongShotWargaming]

Glad you liked it!

[@sandtable8091]

Very good and very enjoyable

[@burningphoneix]

What a beautiful table but why in the world did the American player rush unarmoured half tracks unsupported towards the most heavily defended point on the map? Also, I'm not aware of the battlegroup rules but couldn't the 105 sherman blast those dug in infantry in their buildings?

[@omahawargames]

Great video !! grettings from OMAHA WARGAMES !!

[@kevlarburrito6693]

Not to be overly critical here, but a monotone introduction after a heavy metal intro screen is... a real weird shift in energy

[@RedTheHead]

Does anyone know what miniatures to use. I can’t find any sort of official online store.

[@LongShotWargaming]

If you are looking for miniatures to use with Battlegroup any will work really. Plastic Soldier Company is the publisher of the rule set and they have an extensive miniature line. We use a lot of Battlfront brand miniatures and some Zvezda. But the beauty is that ant miniatures will work in a handful of different scales.

[@RedTheHead]

@@LongShotWargaming alright thanks

[@JohnDiPonio]

Very nice job guys! What a great, interesting watch. One question, how did you print out your player aids in poster form that you have on the walls? Did you just enlarge and have them printed?

[@missionreadyllc]

Can we get more? This is amazing!

[@LongShotWargaming]

Yes! In fact our next project is Battlegroup! They just released there "West Wall" theater supplement. So stay tuned for some Americans to smash against the Siegfried line.

[@Anvilarm07]

Great batrep. Love the terrain.

[@LongShotWargaming]

Thanks for the view/comment! Stay tuned for more to come soon!

[@stephengilbert8166]

simply superb :-))

[@ggourtay7284]

Nice table ! GG

[@LongShotWargaming]

Thanks!

[@panagiotisgkotsis2518]

❤Τέλειο φίλε μου ❤

[@davidlarge8894]

You can’t forge a river crossing without heavy artillery support against dug in troops .

[@sitraahra1979]

What were they gonna do against the Tiger when they crossed the bridge?

[@ryleeculla5570]

Wouldn’t it take 2 shoots in the Side of a panzer 4 with a bazoka cause the panzer four has something called spaced armor so the round would just blow off a thing sheet of armored plating

[@multitallented]

What a fantastic video! I'm a little surprised the Americans didn't bring more artillery.

[@LongShotWargaming]

Thanks for the comment! Admittedly, the video does not show this well but the Americans did have sufficient artillery support but continuously failed critical comms checks rolls. Looking back i think the Americans should have been less concerned with capturing the existing bridge and more focused on concentrating what firepower was available to soften a bridgehead. Stay tuned!

[@multitallented]

@@LongShotWargaming I might recommend Pre-Registered target points then since they will not require comms checks. Might help secure a fixed point for a bridge crossing too

[@SGusky]

Also what were the battle ratings of each force please

[@LongShotWargaming]

I don't remember the figures exactly but obviously the German battle rating was far lower than the Americans. That is a detail i love about the battlegroup rules is that the battle rating reflects the period of the war pretty well.

[@grobsop6688]

Americans always conducted their attacks with pre-emptive artillery. Furthermore, at this point in time, americans would have had heavier and more capable shermans than the M4A1. For the last point, an attack is always conducted with a sizeable force over the defender.

[@sirrathersplendid4825]

Exactly. I’d have thought artillery support pretty much essential in a bridging op of this sort. That and plenty of smoke shells. 🌫🌫🌫

[@WARdROBEPlaysWWII]

How big is that table?

[@LongShotWargaming]

It is a 6' x 10'

[@thekameleon9785]

Qeustion battlegroup is 1 figure 1 soldier right. How do you do so with multiple figures on a base. Not criticizing but i want to do the same

[@LongShotWargaming]

We use very tiny dice to track casualties for each squad. It works pretty well. I like squad basing rather than individuals, but i don't think that is the popular consensus.

[@oblomovbruce9979]

@@LongShotWargaming Actually, I do see this quite a bit - particularly when people have 15mm 'Flames of War' 'refugees'. The small dice work well and it does make sense to keep units in fire teams and squads. In 20mm individual figures look better, but I also use sabots with 'Fireball Forward' - a company+ level game [which would also be great for your 15mm figs]. That river is awesome, btw! At that time of the war would expect an odd Panther, Marder or Stug/Hetzer with a few AT guns - might have given US a better chance, especially if they brought their artillery to bear. Any indirect German fire on those bridges would be nasty, however. Sucks to cross rivers under fire. Thanks for bringing us this great video - [nice panorama of whiskies too.]

[@MrMegamike2k]

Amazing battle. Beautiful table! Subscribe.

[@prophetofchange3103]

Great vid

[@LongShotWargaming]

Thanks William!

[@DE-rd1zl]

Man...awesome table set up. How big was it? Hard fought battle for sure...

[@LongShotWargaming]

Thanks D E, it is a 6'x10' table.

[@DE-rd1zl]

@@LongShotWargaming Nice...

[@DE-rd1zl]

@@LongShotWargaming While I don't have the BG book for the Rhineland, was it played at platoon, company or battalion level?

[@LongShotWargaming]

@@DE-rd1zl It was company level

[@DE-rd1zl]

@@LongShotWargaming Nice...lots of stands then :)

[@mrgunn2726]

Great report, but with no arty and no air power, those Shermans were toast against the Tiger, perhaps an infantry close assault could have taken the Tiger, the Americans did well just to get the bridge built.

[@LongShotWargaming]

Yeah, it was quite a blow when all the fire support fell through!

[@WARdROBEPlaysWWII]

Lovely table.