TEWT No. 1: NCM – A Section Problem at Verrières

General Instructions

Follow these simple guidelines for the completion of the TEWT:

• Orient the graphic (map) and christen the ground - feel free to use Google Earth to explore the objective in greater detail;
• Read the scenario;
• Update or mark the map as required using proper tactical symbols
• See the Tactical Aide-Memoire pdf (p1)(p2)
• Identify the tactical problem using mission analysis for basic guidance);
• Discuss the problem if conducted as a group exercise;
• Complete a combat estimate;
• Choose a Course of Action (COA); and
• Develop a quick plan

The tactical problem presented in this TEWT is based on an actual operation the Canadian Army conducted during the Normandy Campaign in 1944. It has been modernized to reflect the army of today. This TEWT is designed to promote discussion and to further enhance leader’s decision-making abilities through the use of mission analysis and the combat estimate against a realistic tactical problem. There are no right or wrong answers and you are not expected to parrot the 1944 outcome. 

See ‘Account of ‘A’ Company Royal Hamilton Light Infantry in the Attack on Verrières, 25 July 1944’ for the actual outcome.

At 0410 hrs ‘C’ Company, 3 RCR, crossed the start line dismounted and conducted and Advance to Contact towards the town of Verrières with 9 Platoon left and 7 Platoon right. Company HQ crossed at 0420 hrs and was in the centre. 8 Platoon was in depth as reserve. ‘B’ Company began similar movements on the left flank. Intelligence indicated that the village was held by a mechanized company with the location of enemy tanks unknown but thought to be close by. ‘C’ Company’s right flank was unsupported as the closest unit was 2 km to the west and although the company had been given a tank troop for support it did not arrive by H-hour. Within 9 Platoon, c/s 33A was left forward, 33B right forward, Platoon HQ was in the centre with Weapons Det, and your c/s 33C was depth. 9 Platoon made good progress advancing south through dry and level wheat fields and 33A maintained contact with a north-south road on the left and the boundary with ‘B’ Company.

There was little illumination, and the waist high wheat did provide some limited concealment. As dawn broke the lead elements of 9 Platoon were able to identify a predominate hedgerow surrounding an orchard and field on the northwestern portion of Verrières. The lead sections moved into an extended line in anticipation of clearing this feature. When the lead elements were within 100m of the hedgerow, the enemy opened fire with multiple MGs from the hedgerow and simultaneously a MG on the right flank somewhere in the field opened fire. The platoon was caught in an enemy Kill Zone. The lead sections and Platoon HQ suffered significant casualties. The Platoon Commander and Platoon 2IC were killed, the Weapons Det was lost, and all the section commanders were killed. As your section sought cover in the field, your LMG gunner on the right was killed by enemy fire. You are now the senior surviving NCM in 9 Platoon and assess that your section of seven is all that is left of the platoon.

What do you do?

Feedback

If you have used this product the authors would appreciate your feedback on ways to improve for future TEWTs that may be uploaded to the “Line of Sight” website. Please contact Major John Rickard or CWO King.