STAFF TEST: Erik Schneider

[Edward"Butcher"McMillan]

With unanimous decision among the staff members that are active this is the beginning of Erik's Staff Test. Obviously Erik will be modding this whilst Dan and I oversee his actions and how things are handled and if need be step in to keep things running smoothly.

The combatants consist of:

- Unteroffizier Dieter Rentz
- Lieutenant Moritz Graham Erichsen

Who have already been notified and agreed to take place in this battle.

The forces are as follows:

Axis:

4 CPLs
10 PVTs
2 Radio
1 MG
2 Mortar (2 Cadets each)

Allies:

1 SGT
2 CPLs
12 PVTs
1 Radio (2 Operators)
1 MG
1 Half-track (Driver, Navigator, Gunner)

Each combatant has a total of 21 soldiers each. Things may look a bit odd but we are trying to incorporate as much as we can into the battle and still keep it down to the size of the average battle here. The Axis forces will be first to post and begin in the northern third of the map while the Allied forces will begin in the southern third of the map. These NPCs are fully supplied and because this is only a test kills/losses/victory/defeat don't matter as none of these will count for or against either of the combatants.

Here is the map:
img689.imageshack.us/img689/8064/modtest.png

-JT



Mr. Schneider this is now more or less your thread, best of luck.

-The Staff

[Dieter "Iceman" Rentz]

Introductory Posts: Neutral
Time of Day: 13.00
Current weather: Somewhat cloudy but clear, a small breeze in the air.

** MAP **

Unteroffizier Dieter Rentz closed the cap of the canteen and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, looking at the man gathered on the small open area behind the large, abandoned building that might have been some sort of an office complex at some point of it's history, but now stood quiet and abandoned. The local people had fled from the way of the carnage and the amount of men and firepower that the Germans had brought with them to this place certainly reminded Dieter of the harsh realities of war. Their task was clear and it was to hold and defend the small town from any Allied offensives. Dieter slung the scoped assault rifle on his back and walked to the two rather loose groups of Wehrmacht soldiers who were just waiting to receive their orders and get moving. They had spent the last ten minutes or so checking their equipment and Dieter could sense that familiar electricity in the air he seemed to feel before every battle. The weather was benevolent enough and even though clouds drifted along on the sky, it didn't seem like they should be expecting rain anytime soon. The ground was dry and the roads were dusty from the rather long period of time that had passed without any rainfall at all.

"Gebt fein acht, Männer," Dieter announced as he walked to the awaiting soldiers, although their eyes were already expectantly on him once they saw him approaching them. The Unteroffizier still waited for a while to make sure he had everyone's attention - he might have been the playful, fun-loving guy, but when it came to battle situations he was a calm and rational soldier who didn't like fidgeting around and wanted to make sure that everyone was clear on their tasks. "Wir haben Berichte von Alliierten im Gebiet nach Süden, und es ist sicher zu erwarten, dass sie versuchen werden, Kontrolle dieses Dorfes bald genug zu nehmen. Wir werden gute Verteidigungspositionen aufstellen, ihre Zahlen schätzen und werden sie mit Schwänzen zwischen ihren Beinen ablaufen lassen. Schenken Sie sorgfältige Aufmerksamkeit jetzt, Sie werden jeder einer bestimmten Gruppe zugeteilt. Mörser 1. Mörser 2. Unteroffizier Berkel, Sie zwei Grenadiere und Funker Krohn bleibt bei den Mörsern." Dieter paused for a while, eyeing the rest of the group thoughtfully. "Gruppe 1, es ist ich, Stabsgefreiter Steinberg, Funker Heinze und Sie drei Grenadiere. Wir werden eine Aufklärung tun," Dieter's fingers pointed at each individual as he spoke in a steady, assured voice and his eyes fell on the remaining men. "Gruppe 2 wird Stabsgefreiter Alzmann und Ober mit zwei Grenadiere sein. Und unsere MG-Gruppe wird durch drei Grenadiere begleitet, ich werde Ihnen allen zeigen, Positionen bald genug wo zu nehmen. Alles klar bis jetzt?"

A low choir of acknowledging mutters followed suite and Dieter brushed his forehead absentmindedly as his other hand went for the map in his pocket and he unfolded it, walking to the first group he had designated. "Mörser-Gruppen 1 und 2, Sie werden sich ungefähr hier niederlassen. Finden Sie einen Punkt, wo Sie Ihre Umgebungen zu Ihrem Vorteil verwenden können, Ihre Schaufeln verwenden, finden Sie einige Bürsten. Stellen Sie sicher, dass Sie zu viel richtig nicht hervortreten? Ich werde das Feuer durch das Radio leiten, und der Rest der Mannschaft wird sicherstellen, dass Ihre Flanken frei jeder Belästigung bleiben. Ich bin sicher, dass sie das weit nicht bekommen, aber Ihre Augen geschält irgendwie halten würden." Dieter glanced at the men to make sure they had understood their tasks, and then he moved on to point places on the map to the other groups.

"Unten die Linie vorwärtstreibend... Die erste Mannschaft wird mit mir sein, und die zweite Mannschaft wird sich hier, Augen zum Süden niederlassen. Kein Bedürfnis anzufangen, sich um zu prügeln, bevor Sie einen sicheren Schuss machen können, liegen Sie am besten niedrig und überrumpeln Sie sie, wenn sie scheitern, Sie zu entdecken. Und es gibt kein Bedürfnis sich zu sorgen, Sie werden starke Feuerunterstützung vom Rest von uns haben, sich gerade auf das Halten von ihnen befestigt unten konzentrieren, gehen Sie unnötige Risikos nicht ein. Und als nächstes, die MG-Gruppe, werden Sie sich hier niederlassen. Richtung des Feuers, Südens. Im Falle dass ich die Ordnungen ändern muss, werde ich die Änderungen durch das Radio weitergeben und jemanden von den Mörser-Gruppen haben liefern die neue Information an Sie," Dieter's blue eyes narrowed and he gave the soldiers a small, assuring smile. "Wenn Sie irgendwelche Fragen haben, jetzt ist die Zeit, um zu fragen. Wenn nicht, dann wollen wir Aufstellung jener Positionen bekommen." The Unteroffizier waited for a moment, but after nobody seemed to have anything to ask, the man folded up the map and slid it back in his pocket. "Sie haben Ihre Ordnungen, Männer. Behalten Sie Ihr kühles, kümmern Sie sich um Ihre kämpfenden Partner und wollen wir dieses schade kleine Dorf in die Hölle für die Tommys machen. Stellung!"

The men sharpened up, the Corporals in the groups making sure that everything was in order before moving out to man their positions. Dieter glanced at the men in his group and nodded at them with a thin, crooked smile. They would turn the town into hell for the Tommies, indeed.


Translations:

"Gebt fein acht, Männer."
"Sharpen up, men."

"Wir haben Berichte von Alliierten im Gebiet nach Süden, und es ist sicher zu erwarten, dass sie versuchen werden, Kontrolle dieses Dorfes bald genug zu nehmen..."
"We have reports of Allied forces in the area to the south and it's safe to expect they will be trying to take control of this village soon enough. We will set up good defensive positions, estimate their numbers and make them run out with tails between their legs. Pay careful attention now, you will each be assigned to a certain group. Mortar 1. Mortar 2. Corporal Berkel, you two privates and radioman Krohn stay with the mortars."

"Gruppe 1, es ist ich, Stabsgefreiter Steinberg, Funker Heinze und Sie drei Grenadiere. Wir werden eine Aufklärung tun."
"Group 1, that's me, Corporal Steinberg, radioman Heinze and you three Privates. We'll be doing some reconnaissance."

"Gruppe 2 wird Stabsgefreiter Alzmann und Ober mit zwei Grenadiere sein..."
"Group 2 will be Corporals Alzmann and Ober with two Privates. And our MG group will be accompanied by three privates, I will show you all where to take positions soon enough. All clear so far?"

"Mörser-Gruppen 1 und 2, Sie werden sich ungefähr hier niederlassen. Finden Sie einen Punkt, wo Sie Ihre Umgebungen zu Ihrem Vorteil verwenden können, Ihre Schaufeln verwenden, finden Sie einige Bürsten..."
"Mortar teams 1 and 2, you will be setting up approximately here. Find a spot where you can use your surroundings to your advantage, use your shovels, find some brushes. Make sure you do not stand out too much, right? I will be directing the fire through radio and the rest of the team will be making sure that your flanks stay clear of any harassment. I'm sure they wouldn't get that far, but keep your eyes peeled, anyway."

"Unten die Linie vorwärtstreibend... Die erste Mannschaft wird mit mir sein, und die zweite Mannschaft wird sich hier, Augen zum Süden niederlassen..."
"Moving on down the line... First team will be with me, and second team will set up here, eyes towards south. No need to start hassling around before you can make a safe shot, best lay low and take them by surprise if they fail to spot you. And there's no need to worry, you'll have strong fire support from the rest of us, just focus on keeping them pinned down, don't take unnecessary risks. And next, the MG Group, you will be setting up here. Direction of fire, south. In case I need to change the orders, I'll relay the changes through radio and have someone from the Mortar Groups deliver the new information to you."

"Wenn Sie irgendwelche Fragen haben, jetzt ist die Zeit, um zu fragen. Wenn nicht, dann wollen wir Aufstellung jener Positionen bekommen."
"If you have any questions, now is the time to ask. If not, then let's get setting up those positions."

"Sie haben Ihre Ordnungen, Männer..."
"You have your orders, men. Keep your cool, look after your fighting partners and let's make this sorry little village into hell for the Tommies. Move out!"

[∬: Erik Schneider]

This is taking a bit longer than expected to get off the ground. Maria, I've given you a few weeks to get your post up. You told me a post should be expected by the 19th about a week or two ago.

As of now, you have five days to post or a replacement Allied member will have to be found for the battle.

[Moritz Erichsen]

OOC: I was just building suspense!

MAP

(Note: Contrary to Dieter, I have just one radio with two operators which are seen in the colour blue. Not two radios!)


Clouds of grey smoke embraced the tall, imposing figure of the dark-haired officer as he overlooked his surroundings; the desolate small French town appeared deserted and neglected amidst the destruction, dust and debris that stood in the region in all of their bitter and dispassionate negligence, a grimace distorting his deathly face as his hawk-like, coal-black eyes scanned the district, the pale, long fingers looped tightly around his MK4 and observing the positions of his soldiers. The objective was certainly to claim the area as Allied territory, but the ironies of life were such as to bring forward the case of a German fighting other Germans; the reason behind such travesty lay not in statistical calculations (regarding which side had the advantages of turning out victorious) but relied on purely psychological reasons along with the fact he cared not for which side one should ally as long as the wartime beat kept on playing within his heart, and around him; as long as the spoils of war were being relished on and savoured. He breathed in as he smelled the distinct stench of piss in the buckets on the distance, the rotten canned meat, the sharp cold air, the green leaves shifting from the strengthened breeze even though there was no promise of rainfall for the following hours. Then again, the weather had often proved to be quite unpredictable in previous occasions.

The end of the cigarette burned in the corner of his mouth as Lieutenant Erichsen surveyed the region carefully and closely, snatching the binoculars from inside his greatcoat to examine what lay in the distance, apart from the debris. They knew there were Axis forces stationed in the northern area of the town, and which they had to crush in order to claim the territory as their own and ensure Allied victory, but they were also quite clearly aware of the fact the enemies must have strengthened up their fortifications but for now the British troops remained positioned in the Southeast region and exploiting whatever bit of advantage the surrounding area could possibly offer them, which, truth be said, was not much, if anything, apart from, well, trees lest one of them should suddenly wish to play the goat and start nibbling on the green leaves in hunger. “Can you see them Krauts, Lieutenant?” Sergeant Hargreve questioned the man, the oddity of such a question notwithstanding (as to referring to the enemies as ‘Krauts’ when the officer in question was one himself). Moritz did not immediately respond, but quietly observed the distance in search of a remotest shadow that would reveal the enemy’s positions, his mind racing but his body tense and rigid; but then clouds had cascaded across the blue sky, and the sun had momentarily hid feebly behind them. “If I could, would I be standing here still? Are the men ready?” Moritz said in his raspy, hoarse voice, his tone authoritative and commanding, as he drew on the last remaining fumes of the burning cigarette, his eyes staring not at the Sergeant but through his binoculars towards the distance. “Yes, Sir, ready and waiting for your orders,” Sergeant Hargreve responded steadily, and nodded his head.

Throwing the cigarette down, Moritz crushed it on the ground with his foot and then turned over his shoulder to observe the soldiers around him. The jackboots thumped against the French soil, dirt glued across the corners, as he approached them slowly with decided, steadfast and well-calculated steps, pulling his binoculars lower while the soldiers gathered around him in anticipation of his commands. “Straighten up, men,” he ordered, “and raise your chins high, let your mothers be proud for walking this far, let your fathers smile with gratification when they hear of your deeds. The town you see may be useless for drinks, women and entertainment, but it is especially critical to secure a strategic victory and give those bloody cowards a run for their money. To see them crawl away in fear will be our entertainment,” he determinedly rasped through gritted teeth, his eyes narrowing, “to feast with their women will be our reward, and to drink from their tears shall be our revenge. This isn’t about faith, this isn’t about glory or money, lads; this isn’t about love, or about pathological heroism I’m sure each and every one of you would be dying for. This is about revenge, and justice. We don’t act here in blind rage that only sends our fellow soldiers to their graves, we act in mathematical precision and well-executed calculations. Don’t try to be heroes in a hopeless situation, if victory means you have to take one step back to proceed two steps further later, then so be it. Some of you are young but not inexperienced. You’re more than men, boys. You’re soldiers, and you will act as soldiers. This town will be ours by nightfall, and there’s no Fritz in this world who can try and stop it.”

He wrinkled his forehead, and slightly nodded his head. “Private Norden,” he called out, “you’ll accompany the radio operators, radioman Winter and radioman Carter.” His eyes surveyed the soldiers in search of the specific ones he had in mind, next. “Privates Turner and Chapman will be supporting the MG with Corporal Birdham. Sergeant Hargreve and Private Lloyd will stay with me, while Privates Lovecraft, Harleston and Cunningham will be assigned to the half-track; Lovecraft, you’ll be the driver, and Harleston can be the gunner while Cunningham will be the navigator, he’s good at that.” The Lieutenant then proceeded to pair up Private Ford with Private Hancock in accompanying the radio team, while the remaining soldiers, Privates Beerstow, Bishopson and Piggott would provide fire support to the radio operators. “Remember the enemy is positioned somewhere in the Northern part of this god-forsaken village which is where the fire will be aimed at, so keep your minds clear and your eyes wide open as we need to know their exact positions. Our goal is to catch them by surprise so best to remain undetected for as long as we know where exactly they are; we will break through their defenses and seize control of this village before too long,” he finished, and as he breathed in the cool afternoon air, adrenaline pierced through his mind and shot all the day down across his spine, his eyes turning over to overlook the sorry little village that had to pay for some men’s vanity and other’s men revenge.

[∬: Erik Schneider]

Moderation Post

Let's start this off then, shall we? I've organized your men accordingly and provided some basic morale for the neutral posts. I figured that on a battle this scale, it would be easier for everyone if the units were organized into the groups/squads your broke them down into. Good luck to both you![/color]

Axis:

Units:[/b] [/color]
- Unteroffizer Rentz
- Corporal Steinberg
- Radioman Heinze
- 3 Privates

- Corporal Berkel
- 4 Cadets
- 2 Privates
- Radioman Krohn

- Corporal Alzmann
- Corporal Ober
- 2 Privates

- Heavy Gunner
- 3 Privates

Morale: Average morale/in good spirits. High alertness. With an organized defense plan, the Germans are prepared to hold the line.

---

Allies:

Units:[/b] [/color]
- Lieutenant Erichsen
- 1 Corporal
- Sergeant Hargreve
- Private Lloyd

- Radioman Winter
- Radioman Carter
- Private Norden
- Private Ford
- Private Hancock
- Private Beerstow
- Private Bishopson
- Private Piggott

- Corporal Birdham
- Bren Heavy Gunner
- Private Turner
- Private Chapman

- Private Lovecraft
- Private Harleston
- Private Cunningham

Morale: Fairly high morale/moderate alertness. The presence of a Lieutenant and Erichsens pep talk has raised the British soldiers spirits.

Next Post: Dieter

[Dieter "Iceman" Rentz]

**** MAP ****

As the men set to their appointed tasks, Dieter motioned for his own group to follow him and together with the second group they set out towards the buildings further to the south. As the two groups of soldiers went around the rather massive building, Dieter's blue eyes scanned the surroundings, his gaze held by the multitude of trees that surrounded the small village. They could be both a blessing and a curse, but the Unteroffizier felt that with the organized defence they had, the trees wouldn't pose a problem. Besides, no cluster of trees would save the enemy from the mortars and Dieter only needed to direct the fire accordingly. The man poked the edge of his helmet with his finger once they had reached the road and he nodded at Alzmann and Ober. "Nehmen Sie Ihre Positionen im Gebäude auf und halten Sie Ihre Augen offen. Werden Sie zu nervös in dort nicht, wir bedecken Ihre Rücken. Augen nach Süden, aber stellen sicher, dass Sie zu Ihren Umgebungen auch nicht völlig blind sind. Viele Bäume ringsherum, Sie müssen wachsam halten. Glück," Dieter nodded at the group of men with a small smile and Alzmann motioned at the men with his hand, leading them towards the building just across the dirt road.

The second group entered the building from the western entrance and Alzmann remained next to the door, while Private Weisenberg took position in the window opening to the south, with Private Glauss next to him. Not wanting to make any sounds that would betray their position, they merely opened the windows, with Ober taking up a position in the window opening to the west. Checking their rifles once more, the men set to the task of observing both the road and the opening through the trees. The air seemed to stand still for them despite the breeze and the men in the building knew that the enemy could be heading towards them at any given moment. Reminding themselves of the fact that the other Germans were not very far away from their positions, they settled into waiting, their eyes sharpened for any movement.

*******

In the meanwhile, machine gunner Leininger had entered the northernmost building, setting up his position in the window opening to the south, with privates Duken and Schrader seeing to the two nearby windows opening to the south. Having no real idea of the proximity of the enemy troops, they pushed each one of the south windows open and Leininger readied his MG42 in a seasoned manner, telling Private Bauer to help him with feeding the belt. Shouldering his rifle once again, Bauer settled into assisting Leininger with the heavy machine gun, maybe even feeling slightly relieved for having a task that seemed as simple as this one did. The eyes of the other Privates fixed intently towards the south and Leininger inserted the ammunition belt into the feed tray, settling into waiting for the action to begin.

*******

The mortar groups and the soldiers assigned to assist them were securing their positions with haste, using the foliage around them to mask their positions the best they could, with two of the privates digging into the ground with their shovels to create further protection for the mortars from any enemy fire. Taking care not to leave obvious, big mounds of extra dirt around, Privates Angst and Trier tried to mask the location of the group the best they could. It would have been ideal if the enemy wouldn't spot them at all, but all the men in the group felt much more confident knowing that a MG42 was also watching after them.


*******

Walking some distance from the corner of the building for a better view, Dieter grabbed the weapon from his back and, standing next to the tall tree, steadied the FG-42 so he could observe the buildings and road to the south and slightly south-east through the scope. His blue eyes slightly squinted, the man tried to spot any glints or movements in the distance, his ears strained for any possible sounds that might have been carried his way by the gentle breeze. In the background, Privates Landa, Waltz and Zoller stared at the Unteroffizier expectantly, trying to discern if the man had spotted something or not. Despite the relative beauty of the day, the air felt electric and multiple German eyes scanned the surroundings expectantly.


Translations:

"Nehmen Sie Ihre Positionen im Gebäude auf und halten Sie Ihre Augen offen. Werden Sie zu nervös in dort nicht, wir bedecken Ihre Rücken. Augen nach Süden, aber stellen sicher, dass Sie zu Ihren Umgebungen auch nicht völlig blind sind. Viele Bäume ringsherum, Sie müssen wachsam halten. Glück."
"Take up your positions in the building and keep your eyes open. Don't get too nervous in there, we are covering your backs. Eyes to the south, but make sure you're not completely blind to your surroundings, either. A lot of trees around, you have to keep vigilant. Good luck."

[∬: Erik Schneider]

Moderation Post

[/color]

Axis:

Units:[/b] [/color]
- Unteroffizer Rentz
- Corporal Steinberg
- Radioman Heinze
- Private Landa
- Private Waltz
- Private Zoller

- Corporal Berkel
- 4 Cadets
- Private Angst
- Private Trier
- Radioman Krohn

- Corporal Alzmann
- Corporal Ober
- Private Weisenberg
- Private Glauss

- Heavy Gunner Leininger
- Private Duken
- Private Schrader
- Private Bauer

Morale: Moderate morale and high alertness. Anxious.

Actions:

• The Axis forces were able to move into position safely, but the large movement of troops has alerted the British to the south that there is still very much a threat in the northern sector of the town.
  
  
• Expecting the British to come at any moment, the Germans are growing more anxious every passing second they scan the area. Overall, the men feel much safer and much more prepared to hold the town now that they have organized their defense.
  

---

Allies:

Units:[/b] [/color]
- Lieutenant Erichsen
- 1 Corporal
- Sergeant Hargreve
- Private Lloyd

- Radioman Winter
- Radioman Carter
- Private Norden
- Private Ford
- Private Hancock
- Private Beerstow
- Private Bishopson
- Private Piggott

- Corporal Birdham
- Bren Heavy Gunner
- Private Turner
- Private Chapman

- Private Lovecraft
- Private Harleston
- Private Cunningham

Morale: High morale. Alert and aware of German presence.

Actions:

• Preparing to move out upon the Lieutenant's orders, the Allied forces hesitated. The movement to the north wasn't obvious, the Germans were definitely trying to conceal any sound as they made their way into buildings and settled into defensive positions. However, the British are now aware from the surge of noise in the other wise silent town that someone is expecting them.
  
  
• Fully aware they are now readying themselves to assault a defended position, the British are full of pre-battle adrenaline. The first shot has yet to be fired, but the men are eagerly awaiting Erichsen's commands to uproot the German defenders.
  

Next Post: Maria

[Moritz Erichsen]

Movement
Clean


“We have company, Lieutenant, Sir,” Sergeant Hargreve told Moritz in a hushed voice as the inferior ranked soldier approached his superior in a few strides, appearing serious and controlled as he spoke. The Lieutenant nodded briskly, scanning the northern region of the neglected, quiet village with his binoculars after he had adjusted the lens and silently observed the near distance for any signs of movement that might alert him as to the enemy’s exact whereabouts. They had received intelligence that there were German soldiers to be found many metres ahead of the British troops with the sole purpose of defending this godforsaken land, of course – intelligence procured due to the surge of noise the Germans had created with their movement, which had violated the dominating silence surrounding the region. Having observed the map thoroughly and been over the well-organized and carefully structured plan regarding the assault line once more with the rest of the soldiers before they had arrived in the village, Moritz was perfectly aware of the fact they mostly needed to take advantage of the buildings situated near them which were, judging from the fact the village was now nothing more but a debris of waste and rubble, abandoned most likely. “Tell everyone to move into position,” he instructed Hargreve, who immediately proceeded to do as was requested while the Lieutenant remained in his position, binoculars at hand, and surveying the region relentlessly.

*

Corporal Birdham directed his team into the building from the Southeast entrance as he stepped around the wall surrounding the space on his left of what appeared to have once been a backyard, walking alongside the wall with the tree in front of him used as cover, and slipped through the narrow opening between the wall and the tree as he moved over to the backyard, and walked alongside the wall – only this time from the inside, as he then entered the building; heavy gunner Koff was following right behind, as did Privates Turner and Chapman, their movement quiet and calculated, and once they were inside the deserted edifice they did not hesitate to move into their according positions, with Koff placing himself at the northernmost part of the room right in front of the window which Private Turner assisted him in opening as he took his own position next to him, while Private Chapman stood not many inches away from him, on the window next to the door that had a view on the main road alongside which the half-track crew would pass. Corporal Birdham, meanwhile, placed himself on the second window next to the backyard entrance – once the group had inaudibly opened the windows and checked their properly loaded guns, they remained on the alert in terms of their surroundings, examining the area carefully for any movement that would betray the enemy’s positions.

*

The Lieutenant observed their movement as he walked slowly and calmly across the building and positioned himself behind the tree that stood on the backyard’s rear side, with Sergeant Hargreve situated on his right behind another tree for full cover, while Corporal Bond – who preferred the enemy’s heads on a golden platter roasted, not fried – walked alongside the backyard wall, slipped into the small opening the tree provided but instead of turning around to his left to enter the backyard, he quietly continued his way along the building’s eastern side and found his position on the northernmost edge, right in the narrow opening from behind the tree and against the construction’s wall. Private Lloyd walked the few steps required to reach the trunk of the tree situated a few feet ahead of him, able to observe Bond to his left, and Birdham from the window. Certainly the Lieutenant’s presence was enough to boost morale and confidence within each soldier’s heart, and yet the upcoming surprise assault that was to uproot the German defence lines combined with the solid offensive plan acted as further incentives for such poise, as Moritz could perceive – at least for now, when spirits were high and the weather was welcoming.

*

The radio operators, closely accompanied by a group of six Privates, easily positioned themselves on the western part right next to the building, with Privates Norden, Ford and Beerstow remaining a step behind them, as Hancock, Bishopson and Piggott moved a few feet away from them, on the tree in their back, overlooking the road as the half-track slowly moved alongside it, properly covered with boughs, foliage and leafage. Their observance was tight and calculated as they waited for the right moment the half-track would slowly reach their line of movement, and once this occurred, the driver, Private Lovecraft, turned the engine off and waited, as Hancock, Bishopson and Piggott within a few seconds covered the few steps required to reach the half-track’s rear with their heads down low and their bodies bent, and wasted no time whatsoever in swiftly moving behind the tree that lay a couple of inches away and, aware they were provided with cover by the trees standing tall and helpful ahead of them, within few seconds moved across the ground and positioned themselves even higher, standing behind the next tree that stood right there in front of their view.

At the same time, Privates Norden and Ford followed suit, passed behind the half-track and occupied the vacant spot behind the tree which the first group had vacated only moments ago. Hancock, Bishopson and Piggott, exploiting the fact a tree which conveniently stood in the way along their line of movement several feet in the distance and near a building blocked anyone from the other side from observing the swift motion, quickly crawled across the ground and reached the next tree in procession, while in co-ordination, Norden and Ford occupied the empty spot their fellow soldiers had only just vacated, both teams now remaining unmoving and as silent as ever in their new positions, at the same time as the half-track slowly turned left and moved alongside the trees, finally resting with the engine turned off between the two trees which the two small groups had used to cover themselves. With their guns ready and their adrenaline kicking off, the five Privates remained silent in their position, and motionless, but alert and heedful.

[Edward"Butcher"McMillan]

Due to RL taking precedence and things arrising beyond our control I'm closing this thread, at least for the itme being. Weather this is permanant or not has yet to be determined. Once a final call has been made upon this thread there may be a small bit of CP dished out for you guys' help

-JT