German Initial Plan

ORDERS

Gentlemen:

I regret to inform that Obstlt. Kraus has been injured when his staff car overturned near Sedan. Obstlt. Lange will take over command of II-8, and I welcome his appointment knowing he will ably fill the position. This message contains your final orders for the advance on Stonne. We shall capture this town and then hold it against all counterattacks be the French forces. We should expect these counterattacks before noon in strong force. You should all use your initiative and adapt your plan to enemy actions. Keep me informed at all times of events with your commands. I will be travelling with a signal team along with I-GD.

Lines of departure have previously been sent to you (i.e. game setups), as well as subordination instructions of IV-GD, artillery and air. If you have not received these instructions, you should advise at once.

Lines of boundary between battalions will be as follows, however, you should keep abreast of your flanking battalions actions and needs for manuever and be able to adjust them as necessary.

• Between III-GD and I-GD - 19.30 to 26.18 to 26.05
  
• Between I-GD and II-GD - The line here will run from Raminoise then south along the Tertiary Road to the stream. It will then follow the stream to the clearing (hex 32.24) the through the clearing to 35.22 then to 39.20 then to 39.14. I-GD will clear the area to the west of the line and II-GD to the east.
  
• Between II-GD and II-8 - 55.35 to 55.10 to 40.05

II-GD will be charged with protecting I-GD's left flank, and assisting I-GD as called upon in taking Stonne. The Bois de Raucourt must be cleared and I-GD's flank protected. II-GD should support I-GD by attacking Stonne from the woods west and northwest of Stonne (ie around 41.15 and 43.12). Once Stonne is secure, you must coordinate with II-8 in protecting our right flank against enemy counterattack and holding the woods to the east of Stonne. Watch for French observers around the hill at 47.01. If they are present, they should be taken out with the assistence of II-8.

III-GD will be charged with taking Hill 339 and La Grange au Mont and then defending against any French movement against our right flank. We cannot afford to have our right turned and III-GD is to prevent such.

II-8 will be charged with clearing La Besace, Franclieu and Candrieres and then supporting II-GD. II-8 shall prevent the turning of our left flank, and be prepared to counter the sure to arrive French counterattack on Stonne, hopefully taking the enemy in its right flank.

All commands should be sure to assure all French organized resistence in their sectors of advance are eliminated.

Onward to Stonne!!!