Operation Clipper

5th DCLI in Geilenkirchen, November 1944

I've just read the chapter in Brothers in Arms detailing the role played by the Sherwood Rangers Yeomanry in Operation Clipper, the arduous battle for Geilenkirchen in November 1944. This has been a long term interest of mine, as the 5th Battalion of the Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry were also heavily involved, albeit on the opposite flank of the attack.

I've had two or three abortive attempts to do a wargaming project based on the 5th DCLI over the last twenty years, from IABSM in 15mm, to Rapid Fire in 20mm and Chain of Command in 28mm, but have decided that 15mm with Chain of Command is probably the best option. In fact, despite my recent 28mm Western Desert Perry and Rubicon purchases, the lure of Peter Pig late war 15mm British infantry is very strong, urging me to go have another crack at this project. Mind you, my last spurt of enthusiasm for this was five years ago, so why I haven't done it by now is a moot point!

http://jimswargamesworkbench.blogspot.com/2018/06/summer-holiday-project-re-think.html

Incidentally, we drove within spitting distance of Geilenkirchen a few days ago but didn't stop off as we were in a rush to get back home. It's ironic as the twin is twinned with the in-laws town here in Brittany as well. The battle was a particularly nasty one but the project would have a wider scope, from September 1944 through to April 1945, allowing for all the background reading I've done to be worked up into some historical scenarios. 

Who knows, if I get my act together and really get a grip on the rules, it could even turn into an article for the Lard Mag one day?