Combat Mission Final Blitzkrieg: Multiplayer Chaos at Ferme Diedenhove Part 1 30/08/18

Scenario: Chaos at Ferme Diedenhove
Part 1 of a multiplayer H2H PBEM on WeGo and Elite vs Nathangun from the Few Good Men forums.
Rumours suggest a full scale German attack into the Ardennes. US units must stop resupplying and prepare defensive positions to stop the advance.
www.thefewgoodmen.com/

[@Skringly]

The crew of that immobilised Sherman 76 deserve a damn medal for their stubborn defence of KT2

[@joseywales3848]

If they survive the battle??!!??

[@Skringly]

Ahhh don’t say that! Now I can’t wait for the next part

[@jburroughs2922]

Oh hey, my favorite combat mission youtuber And this one is intense! Nice.

[@daveclarke2155]

Hi Jason, another great video! I wish there were some way during the battle that we could see the orientation of the battlefield during the close ups. I'm sure it's not possible but I tend to get disorientated sometimes as to what direction it's going. I am playing this same scenario against Ritchie Rich at FGM. I am the US forces, fun scenario.

[@joseywales3848]

Hi Dave, the only way I could envisage this would be to pull out a bit higher each time. This would communicate better where each event was taking place but would interrupt the cinematic feel to the vids. I do narrate where each event is happening eg 'South of the Objective' or 'On my left flank in the woods' but understand that it's easier for me to say than it is for someone else to picture. I also now have one side moving across the screen from left to right and the other side moving from right to left, much like the film 'Waterloo' was shot to also try and clarify what's going on. The strategic updates are intended to communicate what has been happening over the last five to ten minutes of footage but if you do have a suggestion of how to make this more easy to understand whilst maintaining the cinematic feel I'd be happy to listen.

[@daveclarke2155]

Josey Wales Thanks for the reply Jason. No I really don't have any suggestions, you do a fantastic job with your vids, it was more just a question for you to noodle with as you do them. My wife and I love to watch them, and considering I'm playing the same scenario it was fun to point out things to her. Can't wait for the conclusion, it seems you have Nathangun on the ropes a bit. I'm trying to get my opponent in the woods and bog him down there letting HIS precious time expire...

[@fontaine717]

I get how some have trouble following the location especially in an intense battle like that one. I also strugle a bit sometimes before figuring out where the action is taking place, maybe puting a mini map in a corner, with a sqare around the location in question? But it would ruin the cinematic feel... Anyway great video as always, cant wait to see the rest of the battle.

[@joseywales3848]

+Dave clarke + Johenry lois As I edit part 2, I've been having a think about your comments to see if there is a way I can communicate the second part of this battle more clearly. The conclusion I have come to is that some battles are easier to communicate than others. This battle not only has a huge amount going on, but a large portion of what is going on is not happening in separate, defined locations which I can easily chop up and say 'over here this is happening, meanwhile over here this other thing is happening' What is actually happening without giving too much away is that my opponent occupies a very dominant spot on the battlefield which he can fire upon and receive fire from multiple locations at once. Essentially everything is criss-crossing and that is why this battle is hard to follow. Believe me it's a challenge to edit and keep a continuity of narrative. I appreciate your points and have given them due consideration. This is just a very confusing battle so I suggest when part 2 comes out, take as much in during the strategic updates and then sit back, relax and watch the shells fly!

[@MatchingTies]

Awesome video! Glad you posted again, I always look forwards to the combat mission videos!

[@rodolfomiracolo7958]

I⁸

[@Obalcan]

What an amazing cinematography, what tense visuals, what a carnage! Bravo Josey!

[@j.e.schoon4339]

I am astonished to see how often, even when the German vehicles get off the first shot, the Shermans react so fast and accurate, they still win the engagement.

[@pipsqueaks_home]

Loved watching the withdraw from Ferme Diedenhove. You really managed to show the desperate attempt to slow down the attackers. Very well done and fun to watch. Another brilliant presentation. Thank you.

[@Philhamm]

Have been eagerly and patiently awaiting a new video. As usual, I am not disappointed! Looking forward to the thrilling conclusion!

[@OlJames]

I love this series so happy you uploaded

[@joseywales3848]

Thanks Oli, but you don't have time to watch KZbin vids - you need to do your homework!

[@OlJames]

Josey Wales no Schools = no HW

[@joseywales3848]

Ha, fair enough then.

[@OldVelcro]

Wow. Amazing AAR man. Looking forward to watching Part II.

[@AndyP998]

Superb production and editing. Laugh about those wobbling heads inside vehicles all time

[@voakk4062]

Always great to see. Thank you

[@GeneralJackRipper]

Being a Sherman 105 crewman seems to be one of the most irritating jobs in all of Combat Mission.

[@joseywales3848]

You mean they always die before they get to use the 105mm gun?

[@GeneralJackRipper]

Same thing happened in my 'Duel in the Mist' playthrough, the 105 has such a huge muzzle blast, it was the first tank spotted out of an entire company area firing while in foggy conditions.

[@michaelcharles4596]

Whoopie!!! class is back in session. So much to learn so little time.

[@wartsnall7332]

Excellent video, and a nail biter.

[@Dusty7460]

Finally thank you Josey. I have been waiting for a new one. ;)

[@joseywales3848]

It's been a while I know. This one took a long time to play due to real life taking up so much of mine and my opponents time.

[@Dusty7460]

it is ok sir i am glad you made it. Take all the time you need just keep delivering. Also we will see in the near future CMSF 2 AAR MP? :D

[@joseywales3848]

I am aware CMSF2 is extremely popular and no doubt I'd likely get quite a few views from making an AAR of it shortly after release. The thing is I am just not that interested in the modern era which is why I always play the WW2 titles.

[@Dusty7460]

@@joseywales3848 Ow i understand now.Thank you for your response. I wish you a great weekend.

[@Doomdab606]

Holy cow! That was intense! I know this is only a computer game but it really captures the horror of a violent battle.

[@joseywales3848]

Yeah I agree. Nothing else quite comes close.

[@musicasesonspararelaxament5679]

Po ol

[@vanvan-oc4nj]

Interesting vid, shows tactics are important to react to situations !

[@GeneralJackRipper]

I _LOVE_ your AAR's.

[@markraffety3246]

Exquisite game play and recap. I had the same thing happen to me with an immobilized Sherman in the older combat mission series except, unfortunately for me, I was playing German A Marder immobilized the Sherman just after the Sherman rolled over a bridge. The Sherman knocked out the Marder and proceeded to knock out three more Marders, one Pz4 and damage the gun on another Pz. Eventually I was able to get a shot with a Stug that hit and the crew finally abandoned the Sherman. It will be interesting to see whether the Sherman in this video survives the fight.

[@joseywales3848]

When it's working for you it's great, but when it's working against you it's very frustrating. Part 2 is nearing completion!

[@markraffety3246]

Josey Wales I watched the play through again. Your use of the AA half tracks was excellent and, so far as I know, historically very accurate. I knew a man who had served in an AA unit in WW2 as a crewman in a half track with quad fifty caliber mount. It was rare for him to discuss his combat experiences, but from what he did say their half tracks were employed in the manner in which you used yours in the game. As a last note the shot of the Jackson destroying the Panther was very well done. I have killed more Panthers with Jacksons and Fireflies in head to head confrontations than with any other vehicles, including Stalin tanks. Now for a whiskey and a first viewing of part one of In for a Pound.

[@joseywales3848]

Ha, having a whiskey whilst watching my vids is highly approved!! Thanks for the great feedback. It seems as if AA guns in general made great anti infantry guns, and of course in the case of the Flak 88 a great anti-tank gun.

[@svjness]

This was excellent

[@MrHyde-wv8wi]

You put the "ACTION" in "After ACTION Reports"... Big Thumbs Up...

[@michaelyiannett4515]

Superb play!

[@joseywales3848]

Thanks Michael, part 2 coming soon!

[@snoo333]

This is a crazy battle. that bogged tank team deserve metals. :)

[@JuergenGDB]

Love the Sherman with 76mm. But my favorite is still Panther late model G with Chin mantle.

[@cameronkoch6842]

Both are beautiful tanks.

[@Primetime397]

Excellent!

[@GenBuBlu]

Great start for a new battle! Like in many CM-scenarios, the terrain strikes me as a bit weird/out of scale though. So narrow and crowded with short LOS, point blank enagagements are all over the place!

[@GenBuBlu]

PS: The area of the fictional scenario should be somewhere around Eschweiler (72/56) on the map "Wiltz North Sheet 122": www.coulthart.com/134/maps/map-index.htm (the grid is 1x1km). The whole scenario map is just 1x1km. The problem with small maps like these is that elevated positions further to the rear (which could offer lines of fire and lines of sight) are simply cut off. You're bottlenecked into a blood bath.

[@joseywales3848]

The point blank engagements are caused by the very shallow curve of the hill. Basically the hill dominates the map, I am on one side of it and Nathangun is on the other. He can either come around its southern edge, over its top or through the northern woods.

[@Syndie702]

I think I found the patch of ground this map is based on. I can make out the distinctive shape of this map's fields, and it looks mostly geographically accurate, at least as far as I can tell viewing it on Google maps. The man-made features seem to be off, but it's entirely possible that a lot has changed in eighty years especially if this area was as battle damaged in real life as it is in this scenario. There is an empty field where Ferme Diedenhowe is, and I can't find any T-junction. There seems to be a four-lane highway cutting across where the church used to be, so maybe it got bulldozed to make way, and maybe Ferme Diedenhowe was never rebuilt after World War II. If you want to take a look, it's the area near the village of Elange. Elange sits right where the Grange du Cheval objective is. The highway is labelled A. de Lorraine Bourgogne. Looking at it from an operational/strategic standpoint, this attack and the map boundaries makes a lot of sense. The Germans are canalized through this field by dense woods to the north, and the urban area of Thionville to the south. They have to attack through this field if they don't want to have their tanks close assaulted by infantry. The real life man-made terrain actually seems closer than it is shown on this map, at least today, as there is now a whole village on the map and not just rolling farmland.

[@IHateYoutubeHandlesVeryMuch]

You can report information between units? That's an interesting game mechanic. I've pretty much only played the Combat mission Afghanistan demo, so I never knew that.

[@joseywales3848]

Yes, contact information can be passed via voice, hand signals and radio. A unit which is 'aware' that an enemy unit is nearby will acquire that target quicker when it moves into 'Line of Sight' than if they are not aware.

[@Salaci]

@@joseywales3848 How do they pass information? Im quite new to the game.

[@joseywales3848]

@Kikoy troops will pass on contact information when in close proximity to each other. It isn't always instantaneous as it depends on their experience level. They can also pass information over the radio net. It just happens in the background, you don't have to give them any specific orders to pass on the information.

[@samuraidog4212]

Very cool after action report , you really have a handy for cinematic shots ,im eager to see part 2 see u around. Oh and could you pls say which soundmod are you using , i think i have a less cooler, anyway thank u , have a nice day ! :)

[@joseywales3848]

Many thanks, I use HQS 2.6. I have removed some of the files I didn't like.

[@samuraidog4212]

@@joseywales3848 hey thanks ! :) i use the same , maybe they had a little Update or something , it is a few months since i visited the few good men , and played some combat mission , guess i should do again ^^ anyway thanks for the kind replie :)

[@major_kontrol2572]

I like how you left 21:48 without a comment...

[@joseywales3848]

Ha good spot. Well I wasn't really sure what happened there because the rifle grenade seemed to just miss the Sherman. But the Sherman still blew up. I think it was actually hit by an unseen jagdpanzer however it was easier to communicate the rifle grenade story.

[@major_kontrol2572]

Montage made it look hilarious. Great content. Found you by looking for CM footage.

[@Thunder_Child]

Nicely done, thanks for the upload. May i ask how long it takes you guys to play a MP session, and how is it conducted? (Ie; do you meet in TS and play it through, or is it done in turns over a longer time). Cheers :)

[@joseywales3848]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it. Generally it takes weeks although some games have ran into months. We don't use TS but play instead using the 'Play by Email' system (PBEM). Basically I play a turn which creates a file. I then send the file to my opponent, he then opens the file, plays his turn and sends a new file back to me and so on. It is however all managed automatically by a program which detects when either of us have played a turn and automatically sends the file to the other one ready to be played. I play one game at a time and manage a turn a day on average although some people with time on their hands play multiple turns and day and have multiple games all going on at once.

[@Thunder_Child]

@@joseywales3848 Thanks for the info, thats old school! Great work with the AAR's, they look like a lot of work. Cheers

[@Doomdab606]

Eagerly awaiting part 2! Is there an update?

[@joseywales3848]

Yes it's very nearly complete. Just the final checks to do. Should be out this week.

[@Doomdab606]

Awesome! Thanks for the update!

[@marshallwhitlock6240]

Fibally, a new video.

[@Gekkibi]

I saw what you did there. Well played by stealing my punchline.

[@joseywales3848]

One month later, I fibally noticed what you were referring to!

[@Gekkibi]

Better late than... bever? Speaking of "one month later", looking forward to seeing that next part.

[@joseywales3848]

It's out now.

[@morilesjustine7087]

Finally!!!

[@xromovcat]

Good!

[@normannobrot]

hi, love the videos but what do you use to edit the videos?

[@joseywales3848]

Thanks, I believe this one was edited in Windows Movie Maker but my more recent ones are with Cyberlink Power Director.

[@normannobrot]

Cheers buddy. Will look and check it out. Have you reviewed a battle called fire brigade via CMBN ? it's a large mission. Oddly based on eastern front before that module came out.

[@joseywales3848]

You're welcome. No I don't believe I have.

[@jackfitzpatrick2461]

Would like to see British

[@kevlarburrito6693]

Do you play these RT or WEGO?

[@joseywales3848]

I always play WEGO

[@kevlarburrito6693]

@@joseywales3848 personal preference or do you find that's more conducive to multiplayer? I play real time myself, but I allow myself to pause to account for the issuing of large quantities of orders or sudden changes in orders that would realistically occur. If it's an order that would occur as a snap decision I don't pause, to allow for the progression of time to continue.

[@joseywales3848]

I've never played in real time. When the CM series first came about, it could only be played as WEGO. The 2nd generation added real time but I've never tried it. I made a video called The Merits of Simultaneous Execution as to why I only play WEGO both in single player and multilayer.

[@kevlarburrito6693]

Josey Wales yeah I remember the early combat missions. I wish they would make a new North Africa version. They’ve said they might. As well as eventually getting to a pacific series. Time will tell I guess.

[@joseywales3848]

I have fond memories of CMAK, you're not alone in wishlisting a Pacific theatre. We'll see.

[@one_pang]

such a lucky shot at 14:24, panthers are awful to go against.

[@joseywales3848]

Ha yep, right on the muzzle! I see that your vids are mostly real time? Do you ever play WeGo much?

[@one_pang]

@@joseywales3848 I play pretty much all turn-based (singleplayer or hotseat) FB, RT, SF2, and BS.

[@one_pang]

@@joseywales3848 so i guess wego, I haven't played real time for quite a while

[@joseywales3848]

@@one_pang I must have been looking at one of your older videos. I've just watched your recent Red Thunder one and must say that it's very good. The editing is spot on.

[@one_pang]

@@joseywales3848 Thank you, editing CM videos are a labor of love, as I'm sure you're aware.

[@phsyco91100]

I’m so bad with this game, even after 30hrs gameplay I still get recked by the AI on the easiest difficulty

[@joseywales3848]

The difficulty settings don't actually make the game any easier or harder, they just determine how much information you are given as the player. But I hear you, when I first played CM I just got beaten every time on most scenarios. I would say that unlike many games, learning CM is more like learning a musical instrument, it takes a long time. This is because CM is one of the most authentic simulations out there of combined arms warfare. It's not a simulation in the way that Steel Beasts or DCS is, more that it is a simulation of the 'concepts' of combined arms warfare. All I can suggest is look at as many tutorials as you can find - Armchair General and Proambulator are the best in my opinion. Play a small scenario you suck at over and over until you start to see an improvement. If you have the patience you'll get there.

[@phsyco91100]

Josey Wales I’ve played through SF2’s campaign 3 times with ease but that’s because of the advantages you have over the enemy. But damm, FB is challenging. Thanks for the advice, I will watch those tutorials and replay scenarios until I become better.

[@Primetime397]

I am curious, has anyone ever actually seen a guy with a rifle kill anyone in CM? Lol

[@joseywales3848]

Ha, well you bring up a good point. If you look at the 'Combat Victories' of yours and the enemies units when you review the map at the end of a battle you see the armoured vehicles, FO's and mortar teams always have the individual highest kill counts. However if you look at infantry as a platoon you'll see that a platoon of infantry will have a similar kill count to an armoured vehicle. Some historical sources suggest that small arms caused between 15% and 30% of battlefield casualties, with artillery and mortar fire causing the majority.

[@leeponzu]

Squad rushes into building of enemy, rifle fire follows...