TJByrum

World War II: The Battle of Hagen's Farm

May 11th, 1940. The German invasion of Belgium was in full swing. The German airborne forces were tasked with taking Fort Eben-Emael, which was integral to the success of the army. A series of battles were being fought along the border, usually aimed to secure important bridges and crossings.

German Panzer divisions were ready to move into central Belgium and bring the invasion to a swift end. First, however, Belgian garrisons protecting the bridges and crossings needed to be eliminated. And this was a task that fell to Hans Bauer.

Surveying the field ahead, Hans deduced that the coast was clear and signaled for the rest of his squad to approach. They had advanced this far under the cover of a forest. Across the ways was a dirt road which ran north, passing by Hagen’s Farm and crossing over a river. The bridge which crossed over that river was a vital crossing that the German Panzer Divisions sought to utilize. But thus far the Belgian garrisons threatened this move.

By the time the squad had assembled on the edge of the wood, Hans began to relay orders. “Ziegler, Brant,” he referred to the two Machine Gunners, “cover our advance. Moltke, Kramer, you’re with me. Winter, you take Seidel and Schmidt. We’ll split up and advance on the road in two teams. Schnell!”

The disciplined soldiers exited the forest and proceeded towards the road in two teams; Hans had tasked Winter with leading the second team because he was the oldest and most experienced, having served in the Great War. Meanwhile, Ziegler and Brant, with the help of Claus and Otto - the two machine gun assistants - covered the advance.

Once they made it to the road and found no resistance, Hans signaled for the MG teams to regroup.

Now it was only a matter of advancing north, along the road, towards Hagen’s Farm, where the Belgians were expected to be. The darkness would cover their approach, and they remained on the eastern side of the road so they could cover themselves in the ditch.

World War II: The Battle of Hagen's Farm

The German Squad

Hans Bauer - Sergeant
Hans Bauer is the 35 year old sergeant of the German squad. He is of average size, with short black hair and blue eyes. He is a strong-willed soldier and a proud supporter of the Third Reich. His leadership and camaraderie makes him the ideal commander for this operation. Hans carries an MP40 sub-machine gun and a Luger pistol.

Franz Ziegler - Private (Machine Gunner)
38 year old Franz is a stout men with an even temper - a 'gentle giant'. He is tall and imposing, yet calm and passive. He values his friends, and would do anything to protect them. Franz carries an MG32 machine gun and a Luger pistol.

Gerhard Brant - Private (Machine Gunner)
Gerhard is the most hot-tempered of the group. Tall, strong, and mean - this bull-of-a-man represents the extremes of bravery and courage. Or perhaps it is arrogance and anger - after all, Brandt served in the Great War and harbors a particular grudge against the Allies. Gerhard carries an MG32 machine gun and a Luger pistol.

Claus Jager - Private (Assistant Gunner)
A young man, from the same village as Otto Kraus. Claus was born and raised on a farm, and like his father he is loyal to the Fatherland. He is an assistant for the squad's machine gunners. Claus carries a Luger pistol and spare ammo.

Otto Kraus - Private (Assistant Gunner)
Otto was born and raised in the same village as Claus, and the two grew up as friends. Like Jager, he is an assistant for the machine gunners. He carries a Luger pistol and spare ammo.

Karl Moltke - Private (Grenadier/Rifleman)
Karl is a personal friend of the sergant, Hans Bauer, and also acts as his second-in-command. Karl displays excellent leadership skills as well. He is a strong and stout ally, and acts as the squad's primary grenadier. He carries a Karabiner 98k, a Luger pistol, and 3 grenades.

Helmut Seidel - Private (Grenadier/Rifleman)
Helmut is a humble man who has quick adapted to the shock of warfare. Helmut can maintain his composure in the face of enemy fire, and never backs down from a fight. As a former meat cutter and cook, he is also the squad's primary cooker. He carries a Karabiner 98k, a Luger pistol, a frag grenade, and 2 smoke grenades.

Wessel Winter - Private (Rifleman)
The oldest member of the group, and a veteran of the Great War. Wessel fights for Germany with a determined heart. He carries a Karabiner 98k and a Luger pistol.

Franz Schmidt - Private (Rifleman)
The second-to-youngest member of the group and one of the freshest recruits. Franz attended a university before the outbreak of the Second World War. He is an educated young man, willing to prove himself in the service of his country. He carries a Karabiner 98k and Luger pistol.

Kristoph Kramer - Private (Rifleman)
The youngest and freshest recruit of the squad. Kristoph's father served in the Great War, and like him he wants to prove himself. He is loyal to the Third Reich, and often argues with Franz on various subjects. He carries a Karabiner 98k and a Luger pistol.

World War II: The Battle of Hagen's Farm

World War II
The Battle of Hagen's Farm

On 10th May 1940, German forces under Fedor von Bock invaded Belgium, a struggle which would later become known as the 18 Days Campaign. The Wehrmacht would cut through the Ardennes and advance to the English Channel, thus encircling the Allied forces in Belgium - who would surrender on 28th May 1940.

This role play takes place during the invasion. German Panzer divisions are ready to move further into Belgium. One such crossing is Hagen's Farm, which provides a bridge to move the armor north. Unfortunately for the Germans, a Belgian squad has advanced and taken control of the bridge. In response, the Wehrmacht is sending a squad of its own to attack the Belgian garrison and open the way for the Panzer division.

Warhammer Fantasy: The Guild of Esteemed Sellswords - An adventure in the Warhammer Fantasy world!

Jeb turned and looked upon the dwarf (@poohead189) with curious eyes. "Ale. Keep it coming," he had told the barkeep, stealing away the Hochlander's attention. He would have spoken up if another, Vlad (@andreyich), had not plopped down beside him, who soon proclaimed a round of vodka for everyone.

Jeb shrugged, grinning, and looked back the barkeep. "I s'pose I'll take vodka, then." The sharpshooter adjusted the straps that ran across his chest, which held his long rifle on his back. He looked at the dwarf, and then over at the Kislevite. "The two of you look mighty experienced," he began, "name's Jeb. I'm lookin' for work." Jeb looked over the dawi's panoply of axes: "but I'm not fighter. At least, not an experienced one. But I can shoot - and I'm a damn good marksman."

Jebidiah looked at both individuals beside him, eager to sell his services to either of them.

Warhammer Fantasy: The Guild of Esteemed Sellswords - An adventure in the Warhammer Fantasy world!

As Galadred was hopelessly anticipating the arrival of renowned warriors, he would no doubt spot the seemingly mundane Jebidiah Braun. Jeb, as he was known to his friends and relatives, had traveled from Hochland to this part of the Reikland in search of opportunity and adventure, hoping to capitalize on his skill with a long rifle. Indeed, the Hochlander was a marksman, having raised himself as an avid and capable hunter, and proving himself by defending Esk from Beastmen.

There was nothing specifically interesting about the new arrival, and he was - for all intents and purposes - 'a commoner'. There were no colors to indicate his Hochlander origin, but the long rifle on his back would certainly give it away. A fur cloak hung over the man's shoulders, much like the lion hide around Galadred, though less imaginative. These observations would paint this man as a huntsman - stereotypical for a Hochlander.

The bushy-bearded, brown-eyed man rubbed his hand over his head, pulling his long brown hair out of his face. He observed the otherwise charming atmosphere of the locale, before setting his eyes upon Galadred. He was impressed at the man's size, armor, and the lion's hide - but further impressed when he realized it was no man but an elf.

But Jebidiah diverted his focus to Ludolf Bohn, the apparent owner of this establishment. He approached the bar and took a seat at one of the stools. Provided the barkeep approached, he would ask "Well met, friend. I'm after room and board."

Warhammer Fantasy: The Guild of Esteemed Sellswords - An adventure in the Warhammer Fantasy world!

Jebidiah 'Jeb' Braun

Username: @tjbyrum

Character Name: Jebidiah 'Jeb' Braun

Race/Species: Human / Hochlander

Gender: Male

Age: 24

Career (if any) and Skills: Jeb was born and raised in Hochland, a province of the Empire known for its natural-born hunters, trappers, and survivalists. It is no surprise, then, that Jeb carries the specific traits of a Hochlander with him. He shows exceptional skill with his Hochlander Long Rifle, is an avid hunter, long-range marksman, tracker, survivalist, and trapper.

Weapons
Hochland Long Rifle
2 Pistols
Sword

Attire: Jeb is a commoner and wears a dark green undershirt with a brown leather jerkin. He also wears brown traveling trousers and boots. A red-lined grey cape hangs over one shoulder, and a plumed hat sits on his head. He also owns a self-crafted fur cloak which keeps him warm and safe from the elements.

Equipment/Other
Aside from carrying extra gunpowder and ammunition for his firearms, Jeb also carries a hunting knife and various items that assist him in hunting and trapping.

Physical Description (as detailed as possible please, pictures not accepted.): Jeb stands six feet and weighs 170 lbs. He is an average sized man, well-built and stout. His dark brown eyes are set upon a determined stone face, the lower part of the latter covered by his long bushy beard. His only scar originates from a self-inflicted gash on his left index finger, sliced open by his hunting knife.

Mental Description/Personality: Jeb is a humble man from Hochland. His bravery and courage is no doubt overshadowed by his inexperience and naivete. Nevertheless, he is strong-willed, determined, and willing to see things through. He admires companionship and will do all that he can to protect his allies.

Background/History: Jeb was born and raised in Hochland, in a small hamlet just down the road from Esk. His father, a veteran of battle, was a logger who often worked in the nearby town, and his mother maintained the house and raised the children. When not playing with his brothers and sisters, Jeb was commonly collecting firewood or fishing for supper. As he got older he taught himself to trap various critters that roamed Hochland's wilds.

Ultimately, in his teen years, he was forced to accompany his father and brothers and work as a logger in Esk. Jeb never enjoyed this life, and preferred the wilderness. Fortunately, he was allowed to hunt on occasion, and his fellow loggers enjoyed the fruits of his success.

One day the town of Esk was targeted by a herd of Beastmen. All of the men, women, and children spread throughout the countryside made their way to town, and it was there they would put up a defense. Jeb's father gave him his own Hochlander Long Rifle, having used it in the wars years ago. It was during the resulting battle that Jeb not only impressed himself, but impressed all of those in Esk. He was a crackshot marksman, as accurate as he was steady.

Jeb spent a few more years as Esk's premiere huntsman, but more recently he has been interested in doing mercenary work - where he can apply his marksman skills for higher wages, and more adventure.

The Blue and the Gray: Harrison's Valley

As soon as the Negro forces came to a stop and prepared to fire, the 50 Mounted Rifles, now dismounted, were ordered to fire into their ranks and make a hasty retreat across the river with their horses. Some would surely fall from the Negroes retaliatory volley, however. Beaufort, meanwhile, led his 142 Partisan Cavalry around the line, due northwest, before turning to push northward against the Natives. His Cavalry were well-trained, as Southern horsemen naturally were, and he hoped to inflict terrible casualties on the Natives before withdrawing, or perhaps even force them to retreat into the woods.

---

Rebel artillerists were preparing their own ambitions back at Miller's Farm opposite the Union forces. However, Brigadier General Rumby sent a messenger along - waving a white flag of truce so that the Union might not shoot at him. Assuming he made it to a Union soldier unharmed he would deliver a message:

To the Commanding Federal Officer,

Brigadier General John Rumby requests that you evacuate the town of Harrisburg of all non-combatants before morning, before the inevitable battle commences. Your only other option would be to withdraw, but the honor of a soldier would never permit such course.

During the downtime Confederate artillerists set up their four howitzers southwest of the town. These long-range cannons, while inaccurate, were meant to bombard the town, destroy fortifications, and demoralize the Union troops. Before Rumby gave any order to fire, however, he would await the Federal response to his message. Just north of their location were 4 horse artillery crews, out of range from the town but within sufficient range to bombard any Union force which may attempt to move against the howitzers. The Infantry, Marines, Cavalry, and others were encamped behind the artillery placements. Though currently resting, the rebel forces were ready to deploy at Rumby's notice.

The Blue and the Gray: Harrison's Valley

Captain Beaufort and his men were believed to see the river crossing up ahead. The few scouts who straggled behind rightfully abandoned their duties to catch up with the main body, having successfully spied the approaching Coloured Division. "There it is boys, let's get on over and meet back up with Rumby." The cavalry began to make their approach right when the Union's Native Americans sprang from the forest.

First Beaufort had spied flashes of firearms, but the smoke expelled from the barrels and cacophony of the weapons confirmed their presence. Also in this barrage were flaming arrows. The attack may have been quite deadly and catastrophic for Beaufort's party, but the mounted force had moved swiftly down the river's edge and they would have outpaced the infantry force considerably. Only the rear of the column would be affected, and of the 150 men 8 men were hit.

"Ride, ride hard," Beaufort commanded at the head of his column. "Mounted riflemen, dismount at the crossing in loose formation, Partisan Cavalry on me!" He pointed to a ranking officer, "make for Rumby's position and tell him what's happening!" One of the cavalrymen nodded and darted to the crossing and passed over unmolested. He would inform Rumby of the impending disaster.

The mounted force would outrun the Natives and Negroes. The 50 Mounted Rifles dismounted and formed a loose battle line, ready to fire on the Negroes and get the first shot as soon as they were within range. Meanwhile, Beaufort positioned his Partisan Cavalry, of which there were 142, formed behind this thin line.

The Blue and the Gray: Harrison's Valley

Captain Beaufort in the West
Beaufort's cavalry, consisting of 100 Partisan Cavalry and 50 Mounted Rifles, would continue their southerly retreat in the face of the numerically superior British Cuirassiers and Negroes. They were currently unaware of the Native Americans. They offered no threat or desire to battle, but maintained surveillance to ensure they were well ahead of the enemy. Beaufort kept his 50 Mounted Rifles in the rear and his 100 Partisan Cavalry at the front. Perhaps if the British volunteers galloped ahead on their own steeds the rebels might offer battle, but for the moment they'd make way for the southern river crossing.

Brigadier General Rumby at Miller's Farm
The rebels set up camp around Miller's Farm, establishing lookouts and pickets all around. John Rumby began to devise a plan to seize Harrisburg, which the Yankees were certainly fortifying at the moment. His plan started to take form but he decided he would allow his soldiers time to rest. A few Grey-clad scouts would be spotted on the outskirts of the town as the rebels attempted to survey the goings-on of the Union force.

The Blue and the Gray: Harrison's Valley

Rumby, seeing the Yanks retreat, was relieved. A battle would not occur here at the bridge. With the knowledge that their advance would be unrestricted here, Rumby began to issue orders to his men to cross the bridge. A warning shot from the negroes was met with a few hateful insults, but overall no damage was done to either side. First the cannons crossed, then the cavalry, then the camp followers, the infantry, sharpshooters, howitzers, and the marines last. However, Rumby approached one of his cavalry commanders, Alexander Beaufort, at the end of the maneuver.

"Beaufort. Take the 1st Horse and half of the 1st Mounted Rifles with you and harass the enemy on this side. The rest of the army will make for Miller's Farm nearby for much-needed supplies. No doubt the Yanks are making for Harrisburg. Have faith, we'll get'em out."

Beaufort would take 100 of the Partisan Cavalry and 50 of the Mounted Rifles with him, and start moving back south a few paces. Rumby took the remaining forces and made for Miller's Farm, just to the east, where he would set up camp and allow his men rest.

Rumby's final act at this position was to use his guns to blow the bridge, negating the Yanks a chance to pursue his army here.

If the Union was sending anyone to Harrisburg by train, they would arrive there shortly. It was a moderately-sized town, having grown with the introduction of the railroad. There was a central courthouse on the main road, surrounded by other one to two or even three story buildings. There were no walls around the town. Large expansive fields expanded all around the town.