Battalion S3: Operations and Training is a magazine dedicated to the Battalion Combat Series. It includes the game Danger Forward: The Battle of Gela, July 1943, ideal for introducing BCS to new players while still offering a great experience for veteran players. The magazine is full of articles centered around Danger Forward to help players better understand aspects like activations, combat, and logistics.
Danger Forward is a complete game covering the Battle of Gela that took place between 10-12 July, 1943 in Sicily. Following the initial landings of Operation Husky, the Italians and Germans were determined to throw the American forces back into the sea. They launched a vigorous attack that nearly succeeded, shelling the beaches with tank fire. The American ground forces, supported by the Royal Navy and US Navy offshore, fought hard to prevent defeat. Not resting on their laurels, the Allied forces had to push inland to secure ports and airfields to ultimately take the island. Taking Sicily quickly led to the invasion of Italy and ultimately the downfall of Mussolini. All of that hung in the balance based on the results of the fighting at Gela.
The game showcases the unique forces involved at Gela, including the infamous Hermann Göring Panzer Division, the US 1st Infantry Division ("Big Red One"), US Rangers, and the Italian Livorno Division that acquitted itself well. The terrain depicts the unique Sicilian landscape, from the invasion beaches, the rough mountains inland, and the ubiquitous olive orchards that dotted the island.
Danger Forward is ideal for gameplay: a single map, a handful of formations, and a three turn game. Yet the situation and game variables allow for replayability. Veteran players will see dynamic situations as challenging for each side, and new players will learn the ropes of how to perfect strategy and tactics. The maps and counters use the larger format as in Arracourt. It's ideal for setting up and completing in a single game session.
Scenarios:
- The Battle of Gela (Campaign)
- Cent Beach (Intro Scenario)
- Dime Beach (Small Scenario)
- American Husky (Historical Ground Entries)
- Bitter Victory (All Historical Setup)
Components:
- 40+ page magazine (includes the game rules for Danger Forward)
- Two BCS Charts and Tables (v2.0)
- One 22"x34" full color game map
- 176 5/8" counters (One sheet with units and markers)
Note: The BCS Series Rules and Series Support Book are not included; these can be downloaded from The Gamers Archive on the MMP website if you do not already have these.
