Kampfgruppes in FOW – Part 1: Assembling your KG

Today we are going over part one of a three-part series of Kampfgruppes (KG) in Flames of War.

The first thing you may be thinking to yourself if you played Flames of War in Version 3, is that the Kampfegruppe rule was taken out in Version 4.

I am actually referring to a little known, but very well written article that Battlefront put out when Desperate Measures was released. In that article, is a Random Kampfgruppe Generator.

The Kampfgruppe Generator is used to simulate what a German Commander might have faced when an operation got underway. He really didn’ know what he had till it was time to go into action.

For example, several of the tanks could have broken down on the way to battle. His company of Panzergrenadiers actually may be only Platoon size, or worse, squad size. Inits that existed in paper only. The Battalion of Panzers that were promised to him from reserve ends up being just too worn down Panthers.

For this Kampfgruppe that I will be “assembling” today, we have a scenario. The scenario is that German High Command has ordered an immediate counterattack of an Allied breakthrough. Going through Desperate Measures, I’ve decided that a Veteran Panzer Kampfgruppe fits this scenario the best, as most Panzer groups in 1945 were used as fire brigades to attempt to stop breakthroughs. My game will be against Brian Sullivan, who will either use his Soviets or pick through my American collection to assemble his force.

After assigning dice to each option, it was time to roll. I’m hoping that I don’t roll Panthers, Jagdpanthers, and then King Tigers in Support. Although that could be a fun list, it would be very difficult to wield to victory. Honestly, I’ve used this Kampfgruppe Generator several times, and it doesn’ spit out competitive lists.

However, it is fun to use, and frankly, it represents what German Commanders had to deal with in the war at this point.

It’s time to roll. The first thing to roll for is HQ, which then also becomes my 1st Platoon as I need a Combat Platoon the same as HQ.

I rolled a five which ends up being StuGs from what I have on hand. I take two for my HQ and opt to take four in my first combat platoon.

For my second combat platoon, I roll a 3, which gives me Panzer IV/L70 V. I opt to take 3 for 450 points.

This brings my KG up to a total of 1040 Points. I have 740 points left. I have fulfilled my compulsory platoons and can now opt to forgo the 3rd combat platoon and move to the support options if I want. If I was making a competitive list, I’d probably try to take a third Combat Platoon of some of the cheaper thanks. I have decided to a good variety I’ll move to support and see what surprises are in store.

In support, I’ll roll to see what support box I get, and then roll again to see what option I get in those support boxes. This is where the truly odd selections come out.

My first roll is a 3, which gives me the Infantry box. From that box, I roll a 3 again, giving me a Veteran Panzer Pioneer platoon. I opt for the full-size platoon at 290 points. If I had the 251 Stukas I’d throw some of those in. Oh well.

For my 2nd Support Platoon, I roll a 2. That’ the recon box. I roll a 4 and get the Tracked Panzerspah Platoon, and take 1 patrol of Luchs. This list actually isn’t that bad.

I have 1445 points now in this KG. Plenty more for some more support. I rolled a 6 for my third Support option. Yikes, Air Support. I rolled a 5 and did not get Hand Rudel. I’ll be working with an HS129B. Was actually really worried about getting Hand Rudel as he is not cheap and isn’t as powerful as he was in Version 3.

With just over 200 points left, I roll again for Support. I rolled a 5, which grants me the Anti-Aircraft box. I rolled a 2, which has been on the receiving end of a Veteran Heavy Anti-Aircraft Platoon. Would have rather had the Flak43s, as my choices are either one or two 88s in this platoon. For the sake of finishing this KG, I opted for two 88s with extra crew. This would not have been a normal choice for me, but my only two boxes left were Schwere Panzers and Arty, neither of which I have the points for.

Overview of List

Well, this is what I have been given to lead the counterattack. I’ve used the Random Kampfgruppe Generator a few times and have gotten lists that were doomed from the get-go, which reflects the situations some commanders are faced with. I actually got a decent list. The only thing I’d really change is dropping the 88s for a template weapon if I could.

This would be a good list to defend with. In the scenario, I will be attacking though. I’ll have to use the Panzer IV/L70s to snipe out the medium/heavy tanks. The StuGs will be the workhouse, clearing the way for the Pioneers in their halftracks. The plane will be used to take out anything armoured that is threatening my advance.

Next up, we’ll see what this list does against Brian Sullivan. Be sure to check back on how it does!