Sergeant Parish's account, source "Bulge Bugle, " 2004
| The afternoon of the 18th we were sent to the outer edge of Rocherath to an old barn and pig farm that was sitting on a hill. We took up positions inside the farm facing southwest. From this position we had a good view. One of the men and I took a position, in the hayloft. We could see over the hedge rows through the holes torn in the roof by artillery shells. We soon found out why we were there. After ten minutes after we took our positions tanks started firing incendiary shells into the barn. The shells were hitting the other end of the barn where there was no hay. If they had hit our end where the hay was we would have had a fire and probably would have been hit by fragments. |
| The attack came with half tracks and infantry. They were two hundred yards out and were partially hid the hedgerows... |
The 2nd Infantry Division have pulled back towards the twin towns. With 12th SS and it's attached units close behind in pursuit a rearguard must be mounted. Newly promoted Sergeant Ernie Borgnine and the remains of his squad must hold for a day. They have found a good, but pungent, position at a pig farm on the edge of Krinkelt-Rocherath, and have consolidated. It is morning and the first battle of the pig pens is about to begin.
Ernie has ten men remaining from what used to be the entire platoon. The Lieutenant hasn't been seen for days, mainly because he is acting company commander. The former squad Sergeant "Rock" Hudson has been promoted to 1st Sergeant, despite running from combat three times. He hasn't been seen since the Krinkelt road action yesterday and the boys hope for the worst.
One good piece of news for Ernie is that he has managed to attach a couple of privates from the weapons platoon, but they have a captured German MG42 as their weapon, rather than a good old Uncle Sam issue .30 Cal. As a consequence they have limited ammo, and must try not to roll too many sixes.
The Germans are feeling more confident, despite three defeats. Feldwebel Heinz Schoup has two small sections under his command, with an additional half track and its Mortar team now also now attached. Advancing through the Ardennes trees towards the twin towns he suddenly halts. Something smells wrong about this. Ah, a pig farm is marked on his excellent German map 200 yards to the front! With his mortars ranging in on the barn its time for Heinz to attack...
Characters on the battlefield:
- Group Captain "call me Dave" Cameron RAF, shot down and taking refuge in a sty.
- Mayor Boris of Bűllingden, a bumbling blonde far right collaborator, and pig lover.
- Jacob Reece-Himmler, SS-Sturmbannführer, in his half track hastening his men on.
- 1st Sergeant Rock Hudson, avoiding the MPs.
- Lootenant Hank Toms, acting "E" Company Commander, with his HQ squad.
- De Keizerin (the Walloon Empress) prizewinning sow.
Two battlefield events are scheduled for this game, occurring on the first and second roll of a double 6:
1. Scavenged Loot
2. Accident
Setup
2nd Division's squad sets up in the farm buildings on the Western side of the table. Two scouts may be deployed as sentries, out to 18" from the western table edge entry point. Historically Sergeant Parish and his buddy used the hayloft of the barn and this is an alternate scout deployment.
The 990th Pz Grenadiers are heading down the farm track towards the town. Further north a Panzerjager company is advancing in support. The Grenadiers have 2 Hannomag half tracks, and are using these to cover the advance.
A snowstorm is imminent, limiting visibility to 18". It will begin if more than three ones are rolled in any action dice roll.
The Game
Waiting for table space...
I leave the last word to Sergeant Parish.
Some of the enemies wounded and dead were within ten feet of the barn when the attack was stopped. One of the tanks raised a white flag and came to pick up the wounded. We didn’t fire on it, while they loaded them and drove off.
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