Steel Division: Normandy 44

Steel Division: Normandy 44

Just Before Dawn
Chief Berto  [developer] Apr 30, 2018 @ 1:40pm
A Look at the Added Divisions:
- The 4th Canadian Armoured Division (DLC)- A blend between U.S. and Commonwealth forces, the 4th Canadian fields the unusual combination of both a full infantry brigade (originally meant for an infantry division) and armoured brigade, as well a powerful armoured reconnaissance regiment. Landing in Normandy in late July, the 4th saw action during the taking of Caen, helped close the Falaise Gap, and continued on the frontline into the autumn of 1944. With a slow income curve the 4th must rely on its early armoured recon to survive till its late game income and availability allows it to stand toe-to-toe with the powerful Panzer Divisions.
- Expect Recon Honeys and Shermans, high infantry availability, and then a strong core of Shermans along with vetted Fireflies to win the day

- The 9. SS-Panzer Division- The 9 SS. was in the process of rebuilding, following heavy combat on the Eastern Front, when they were ordered to Normandy following the invasion. Already at somewhere between 60-70% strength when the division started moving to the Front, they were repeatedly the victim of Allied fighter-bombers. The Division then took heavy causalties during the defense of Caen, and the British attack Operation Goodwood and Jupiter. 9. SS avoided being surrounded in the Falaise Pocket but none the less retreated from Normandy with less than half the men they entered with.
- One of the SS. Panzer Divisions that had been devastated on the Eastern Front, the 9. SS is mostly made of green soldiers commanded some veteran officers. Their high A income can be hard to take advantage of because it can leave them very exposed during their dismal B. Altneritvely they can save A points to call in a massive push at the start B. The division boosts a standard but largely unvetted complement of infantry and panzers, with decent support and artillery, but lacks AT and AA weapons.

- The 85. Infantrie- A new Division raised in the early months of 1944, the 85. Infantrie was put into action in early August. Replacing the 12. SS in the line, they quickly saw fierce combat against the Allied forces pushing out from Caen. With the support of the 102 SS. Heavy Panzer Battalion, the Division’s position was a vital link in keeping the Falaise Pocket open. When the 4th Canadian Armor broke through it was the final push that surrounded the battered 7th Army, leading to the decisive Allied victory.
- The 85. is a fairly standard German infantry division, with a strong core of infantry, AT, and artillery, while greatly lacking mobility. The infantry selection is pretty standard relying mostly on the high availablity of grenadiers to hold the line. However the new Uberfall Kommando is a recon unit that excels at ambushes, being able to remain hidden until the perfect moment. The division also relies on a new infantry supply unit, that while containing limited supplies, can serve as emegerncy infantry in a pinch. While lacking many vehicles, the 85. can rely on a veteran detachment of Tiger tanks from the 102.

- 4th Infantry Division- Landing on Utah beach the Normandy of June 6, the green ‘Ivy’ Division saw continuous combat over the next several months. Steadily advancing from the beginning the 4th had one of the most successful starts to the campaign, completing the vital task of linking up with the 2 American Airborne Divisions. The Division helped secure the Cotentin Peninsula, take Cherbourg and then helped push the German left to enable the breakout that led to the liberation of Paris.
- The 4th is a standard American infantry division that is well-rounded without great specialized strengths or glaring weakness. Solid income and versatility mean this division has what it takes to get the job done. The new combination of Fire and Assualt Teams give commanders the perfect standard infantry units to handle specific tasks. The Fire Team is a 2 B.A.R. unit much like the Commonwealth's Bren Group, while the Assualt Team is a 7-man single satchel unit perfect for engaging the enemy up close. While the infantry lacks much veterancy, the division does benefit greatly from the attached veteran 70th Tank Battalion.

- 11th Armoured Division- Formed in 1941 the Division was still untested when it landed in France in the Summer of 1944. Despite the lack of experience the Division’s commander Pip Roberts found ‘everyone raring to go and with a few experienced officers in important positions, this was the ideal solution’. Once in France the ‘Black Bulls’ were thrown into the heart of the Allies push to take Caen, fighting at Odon, Cheux, Hill 112, and Carpiquet. They were a vital part of Operations Espom, Goodwood, and Bluecoat, and became recognized as one of the finest Allied Armoured Divisions.
- The 11th is a pure armoured division, reflected by their large tank tab and availability of armoured recon. While infantry and other support is light they do get the help from their brigade of Welsh Borders and the powerful 83. Group.

- 326. Infantrie- (DLC) Originally raised in 1942 as a static division for the occupation and defense of Southern France. In March of 1944 the 326. was given some mobility including Marders, and moved north, to be a reserve force for the inevitable invasion. The 326. attempted replace the battered 2. Panzer Division on the frontline, but an element of the ‘Men from Vienna’ became engaged by the allies forcing them to continue fighting alongside the 326. The 326. Also received support from elite Jagdpanthers. The division was eventually destroyed during the Allied advance.
- Their phase A focuses on the trapped element of the 2. Pz, with a varity of units in limited availability, including elite ad-hoc 'Men from Vienna' squads and Pzgren sniper teams. From B on they turn into a green infantry division including disheartend eastern troops. All of their AT is self-propelled Marders with a few elite Jagdpanthers.


Last edited by Chief Berto; May 26, 2018 @ 12:15pm