Tribute to Normandy '44 - Versus #3
Hello commander,
Welcome back to the third Versus of our upcoming Tribute-style expansion, hitting the Steel Division 2 shores in the near future.
In today’s DevBlog, we’ll look at the famous Allied “Screaming Eagles” of Band of Brothers fame, the 101st Airborne Division, and the Axis German 716. Infanterie-Division.
Keep in mind that all the following is still actively being worked on!
[h2]101st Airborne Division’s Combat History[/h2]
Much has been written about the illustrious 101st Airborne Division, known as the “Screaming Eagles.” Established in World War I, the original infantry division was reformed as an airborne unit in 1942. In comparison to the 82n Airborne, the 101st didn’t have any combat experience prior to D-Day.
It took part in some of the most noteworthy airborne assaults during World War II, including Operation Overlord, Operation Market Garden, and the Battle of the Bulge. During the landings in Normandy, the 101st seized the exit causeways of Utah Beach while simultaneously securing the left flank anchored on the Cotentin Peninsula.
[h2]101st Airborne Division’s in Steel Division 2[/h2]
The 101st Airborne Division was featured in the base game of Steel Division: Normandy ‘44.
Let’s look at the “Screaming Eagles” as they would appear in the Steel Division 2. As a (very) light infantry division, more so than other nation’s airborne formations, it has no organic tanks nor anti-air defenses. Only light anti-tank guns and artillery pieces are to be found, with its firepower resting almost entirely on its infantry and lighter support weapons such as machine guns and mortars.
The 101st Airborne Division can count on various detachments joining the division on the battlefield during the Normandy campaign, some from D-Day itself. This offsets the lack of heavier units somewhat.
[h2]Recon, Infantry, Tanks[/h2]
Let’s go through each category for the 101st Airborne Division and see its arsenal of units and weapons.
RECON
A good amount of slots and unit availability, including their costs.
INFANTRY
Likewise, a good combination of the number of slots and their costs. Many US airborne squads featured in the 1st Airborne Task Force will reappear.
TANKS
An average amount of choice, with limited availability and high prices.
[h2]Support, Anti-Tank, Anti-Air, Artillery, Air[/h2]
SUPPORT
A good amount of slots and choices.
ANTI-TANK
Not very stellar, with a less than average allocation of slots and unit availability.
ANTI-AIR
Again, a not very impressive category.
ARTILLERY
Artillery is pretty decent, with a good amount of slots.
AIR
Air support is pretty good - enough said!
The 101st Airborne Division is a light infantry division with excellent infantry and a bit of (but just a bit) of everything to help push the airborne troops forward.
[h2]716. Infanterie-Division’s Combat History[/h2]
The 716. Infanterie-Division is another “700” division, meaning more 15. Welle Warriors much like the 715. Infanterie-Division from the Steel Division 2: Men of Steel expansion.
That means men too old, too sick, too crippled for campaign service. Instead, they were restricted to coastal defense duties in static formations (meaning with hardly any organic transport), also known as the “700” series.
Therefore, the squads and models of these divisions will be the same as those forming the core of the 715. Infanterie-Division. They are inexperienced troops featuring the Disheartened trait.
Historically, the 716. Infanterie-Division, like other divisions along the coast, was given the mission to withstand the first blow of the expected Allied invasion. They should hold and wait for a “mighty” air and ground counter-attack promised by high command to follow shortly.
What really happened was that the German intelligence vastly underestimated the Allied firepower and that the massive counter-attack, by 21. Panzer quickly petered out. Left to its own devices, the 716. Infanterie-Division’s combat history was a short one. Being the first line of defense on June 6th, it was pulled out of the line on June 15th, completely gutted.
[h2]716. Infanterie-Division’s in Steel Division 2[/h2]
The 716. Infanterie-Division will be rather unique for Steel Division 2. The division will not feature one tank. Not a single one. Even with the support of the 21. Panzer’s Kampfgruppe Rauch, bringing some panzergrenadiers, including armor cars and self-propelled guns, the 716. Infanterie-Division never received any tank support.
Though the division in Steel Division: Normandy ‘44 features the B1, this wasn’t very accurate, as these older French tanks were on the other side of the Cotentin Peninsula, on the Channel Islands.
However, while its loss of armor is noticeable, it will receive some units to boost its arsenal.
[h2]Recon, Infantry, Tanks[/h2]
Let’s go through each category for the 716. Infanterie-Division and see the arsenal of units and weapons. Note that units bolded and italic are new!
RECON
Not particularly noteworthy with few slots, being quite expensive.
INFANTRY
A good amount of slots for reasonable prices.
TANK
As mentioned earlier…no tank!
This lack means the other categories see a boost in slot numbers and costs.
[h2]Support, Anti-Tank, Anti-Air, Artillery, Air[/h2]
SUPPORT
A good amount of slots and prices.
ANTI-TANK
Likewise, a pretty good category with plenty of availability and good prices.
ANTI-AIR
Decent in terms of slot and cost, but limited choice.
ARTILLERY
Rather impressive. The 716. Infanterie-Division was a World War I-style division with infantry in bunkers and trenches calling pre-sighted artillery strikes.
Expect to find guns of all origins and calibers. These include:
AIR
Air cover is pretty good for the 716. Infanterie-Division.
The 716. Infanterie-Division is a very defensive division. Static, with few armored vehicles and no tanks, but able to bring a mass of infantry and a lot of artillery firepower to the battlefield
[h2]Steel Division: Tribute to Normandy ‘44[/h2]
Keep in mind that the Steel Division: Tribute to Normandy ‘44 is a work-in-progress name. What will this expansion contain?
[h2]Steel Division: Tribute to Normandy ‘44 Versus[/h2]
In our Versus DevBlogs, we highlight a pair of new divisions coming to Steel Division 2. We take a look not only at their historical background and combat history but also at new units and weapons, and how the formation would operate on the Steel Division 2 battlefield.
If you want to read more about the new divisions to be shipped with Steel Division: Tribute to Normandy ‘44 check out the following Versus DevBlogs:
[h2]See you on the battlefield[/h2]
That’s all for this third Versus. Let us know what you think.
Don’t be shy, join the Steel Division 2 community on our Steam forums. The latest Steel Division 2 news can also be encountered on our Instagram.
Looking for an online game? Visit the Discord server or Reddit page and get involved with the lively Steel Division 2 community!
See you on the battlefield, commander!
Welcome back to the third Versus of our upcoming Tribute-style expansion, hitting the Steel Division 2 shores in the near future.
In today’s DevBlog, we’ll look at the famous Allied “Screaming Eagles” of Band of Brothers fame, the 101st Airborne Division, and the Axis German 716. Infanterie-Division.
Keep in mind that all the following is still actively being worked on!
[h2]101st Airborne Division’s Combat History[/h2]
Much has been written about the illustrious 101st Airborne Division, known as the “Screaming Eagles.” Established in World War I, the original infantry division was reformed as an airborne unit in 1942. In comparison to the 82n Airborne, the 101st didn’t have any combat experience prior to D-Day.
It took part in some of the most noteworthy airborne assaults during World War II, including Operation Overlord, Operation Market Garden, and the Battle of the Bulge. During the landings in Normandy, the 101st seized the exit causeways of Utah Beach while simultaneously securing the left flank anchored on the Cotentin Peninsula.
[h2]101st Airborne Division’s in Steel Division 2[/h2]
The 101st Airborne Division was featured in the base game of Steel Division: Normandy ‘44.
Let’s look at the “Screaming Eagles” as they would appear in the Steel Division 2. As a (very) light infantry division, more so than other nation’s airborne formations, it has no organic tanks nor anti-air defenses. Only light anti-tank guns and artillery pieces are to be found, with its firepower resting almost entirely on its infantry and lighter support weapons such as machine guns and mortars.
The 101st Airborne Division can count on various detachments joining the division on the battlefield during the Normandy campaign, some from D-Day itself. This offsets the lack of heavier units somewhat.
[h2]Recon, Infantry, Tanks[/h2]
Let’s go through each category for the 101st Airborne Division and see its arsenal of units and weapons.
RECON
A good amount of slots and unit availability, including their costs.
- The ubiquitous JEEP .50, as well as AB SCOUTS and PATHFINDERS (already featured in the 1st Airborne Task Force from Steel Division 2: Men of Steel). The latter unit will be reworked (benefitting both divisions) as 9-men squads with a Radio.
- A new unit to be added to this division in Steel Division 2 is the FILTHY THIRTHEEN. Check out this Wikipedia page for more information. This unique unit will be featured as a single elite heavy demolition squad with Recon and Shock traits and sporting the trademark Mohawk haircut and war face paint. The Filthy Thirteen, although not penal troops in real life, were the actual inspiration for the Dirty Dozen movie.
- From Combat Phase B onwards, the 101st Airborne Division can count on the 24th Cavalry Recon Squadron for some support. These bring some M8, as well as SCOUTS in M20 armored cars.
INFANTRY
Likewise, a good combination of the number of slots and their costs. Many US airborne squads featured in the 1st Airborne Task Force will reappear.
- There are a number of new units. This includes the AB RIFLES (LMG), which is a new squad featuring an extra M1919A6. Every airborne rifle platoon only had one bazooka per two squads. This means our current AB RIFLES loadout is only true for half of them. This new squad will also have their Thompson SMG replaced by M1 Carbines.
- Another new unit is the GLIDER RIFLE LDR., which are large 10-man command squads delivered in trucks or DUKW (also featured with GLIDER RIFLES).
- The new AB CONV. GUNNERS. The 377th Parachute Field Artillery Battalion lost 11 out of its 12 M1A1 75mm howitzers during the landing. The artillerymen had to fight on foot as infantry. While vet-locked, they proved quite able and are not hampered by the Disheartened trait.
TANKS
An average amount of choice, with limited availability and high prices.
- The 101st Airborne Division had a battalion of Sherman DD allocated to it from D-Day. It was to fight from the beach and link up with the airborne troops. Throughout the campaign, several tank battalions rotated in and out, the last one containing Stuart light tanks.
- The division will have M4 DD only in Combat Phase A.
- In Phase B there will be M4A1 (including command).
- And in Phase B and C, M5A1 (Stuarts) can be deployed.
- The division will have M4 DD only in Combat Phase A.
- In Steel Division: Normandy 44, the division featured the M22 Locust. We were always under the impression that these armored vehicles were left in the UK, ready but unused until later in the war. As a matter of fact, the Locust stayed in the US, with only a handful shipped in early 1945, so the British could use them. That’s why they have been left out in Steel Division 2.
[h2]Support, Anti-Tank, Anti-Air, Artillery, Air[/h2]
SUPPORT
A good amount of slots and choices.
- Includes the usual arsenal of machine guns, supplies, commanders (on foot, jeep, and from B onwards, in a M20 Command Car), as well as a Combat Phase A-only elite direct-fire AB M1A1 PACK 75mm (which represents the one piece that wasn’t lost on D-Day) plus M4(105) tanks.
ANTI-TANK
Not very stellar, with a less than average allocation of slots and unit availability.
- Unlike other airborne troops, the Americans didn’t have a glider big enough to carry 75mm anti-tank guns. This means the 101st Airborne Division is restricted to AB BAZOOKA teams and the AB M1 57mm.
- One new unit is the AB M3 37mm, a light AT gun usually attached to the Glider regiment, but historically, left behind on D-Day.
ANTI-AIR
Again, a not very impressive category.
- In real life, the 101st Airborne Division only had .50 cal HMGs as AA defenses. By chance, a self-propelled AA battalion was attached to the airborne troops as soon as American ground forces exited Utah Beach.
- This means a complement of M16 and M15 AA halftracks can be used in this division.
ARTILLERY
Artillery is pretty decent, with a good amount of slots.
- The core of the paratrooper’s long-range fire support comes from the ubiquitous AB Mortar 60mm and 81mm variant.
- As explained previously, most M1A1 75mm howitzers were lost during the landing. This left the division with only a handful (which have been moved to SUPPORT category) in Combat Phase A. More were delivered by sea later and thus the indiirect fire variant will be available from B.
- It doesn’t mean that the division is left entirely without howitzers in the opening stages of combat. The airborne soldiers managed to capture from the Germans some Beute Soviet ZiS-3 76,2mm guns, which were put to good use.
- From Phase B onwards, the division also gets heavier fire support as M7 105mm (Priest) and M1 155 towed howitzers.
AIR
Air support is pretty good - enough said!
- The 101st Airborne Division can count on massive P-51 support, either in fighter or fighter-bomber roles.
- Heavier air support comes in the form of B-26 Marauder bombers and P-47D-23-RA rocket-carrying close air support planes.
The 101st Airborne Division is a light infantry division with excellent infantry and a bit of (but just a bit) of everything to help push the airborne troops forward.
[h2]716. Infanterie-Division’s Combat History[/h2]
The 716. Infanterie-Division is another “700” division, meaning more 15. Welle Warriors much like the 715. Infanterie-Division from the Steel Division 2: Men of Steel expansion.
That means men too old, too sick, too crippled for campaign service. Instead, they were restricted to coastal defense duties in static formations (meaning with hardly any organic transport), also known as the “700” series.
Therefore, the squads and models of these divisions will be the same as those forming the core of the 715. Infanterie-Division. They are inexperienced troops featuring the Disheartened trait.
Historically, the 716. Infanterie-Division, like other divisions along the coast, was given the mission to withstand the first blow of the expected Allied invasion. They should hold and wait for a “mighty” air and ground counter-attack promised by high command to follow shortly.
What really happened was that the German intelligence vastly underestimated the Allied firepower and that the massive counter-attack, by 21. Panzer quickly petered out. Left to its own devices, the 716. Infanterie-Division’s combat history was a short one. Being the first line of defense on June 6th, it was pulled out of the line on June 15th, completely gutted.
[h2]716. Infanterie-Division’s in Steel Division 2[/h2]
The 716. Infanterie-Division will be rather unique for Steel Division 2. The division will not feature one tank. Not a single one. Even with the support of the 21. Panzer’s Kampfgruppe Rauch, bringing some panzergrenadiers, including armor cars and self-propelled guns, the 716. Infanterie-Division never received any tank support.
Though the division in Steel Division: Normandy ‘44 features the B1, this wasn’t very accurate, as these older French tanks were on the other side of the Cotentin Peninsula, on the Channel Islands.
However, while its loss of armor is noticeable, it will receive some units to boost its arsenal.
- As mentioned above, the division will see a detachment of Kampfgruppe Rauch’s associated units in Combat Phase B.
- Several Kriegsmarine coastal batteries and personnel were in 716. Infanterie-Division’s sector. These will be attached in Combat Phase A.
- Three Ost battalions were part of the division. Though reported of poor combat value, two were Cossack battalions which gained praise for their spirited counter-attacks.
- And like the original, some of the 716. Infanterie-Division’s best troops were Italian volunteers. These were recruited from Italian POW camps and noted for their energetic defense. So, instead of the usual way, the ex-Soviet and Italian troops will be the most reliable in this division, and the German ones the least likely to fight.
- Lots and lots of artillery support!
[h2]Recon, Infantry, Tanks[/h2]
Let’s go through each category for the 716. Infanterie-Division and see the arsenal of units and weapons. Note that units bolded and italic are new!
RECON
Not particularly noteworthy with few slots, being quite expensive.
- 716. Infanterie-Division, being static, had no Fusilier battalion, so only a few BMW side-cars and the new KANALWACHE (“watcher over the Channel”) squads. These latter three-man units are armed with MP-40, an FM 24/29, and a Boys anti-tank rifle and represent the small sentry squads placed in Tobruk bunkers to guard the coastline.
- A single card of A-only recon REIT.-KOSAKEN (renamed from KOSAKEN) courtesy of our ex-Soviet mounted troops.
- From Combat Phase B onwards, the 21. Panzer’s recon battalion gives the division access to AUFKLÄRER, SPÄHTRUPP, SDKFZ. 250/9 and SPW 233.
INFANTRY
A good amount of slots for reasonable prices.
- The division has access to GRENADIER (15W) and PIONIER (15W) squads with the Disheartened trait. These were already featured by the 715. Infanterie-Division from the Steel Division 2: Men of Steel expansion.
- The Ost battalions provide OSTTRUPPEN (re-equipped with Soviet weapons which will affect all divisions featuring this squad) plus new KOSAKEN and KOSAKEN-PIONIER.
- Local Kriegsmarine coastal defense troops bring KM MARINEINFANTERIE, KM FÜHRER and Disheartened KM FLAKTRUPPEN in Combat Phase A only.
- Italian PoWs who had volunteered to keep fighting with the Germans were scattered throughout the division. We regrouped them into an ITA. FREIWILLIGE squad.
- From Combat Phase B, Kampfgruppe Rauch brings PZ.GREN. FÜH. (PzF), PZ.GRENADIER (PzF) and STURMPIONIER in Unic halftracks.
TANK
As mentioned earlier…no tank!
This lack means the other categories see a boost in slot numbers and costs.
[h2]Support, Anti-Tank, Anti-Air, Artillery, Air[/h2]
SUPPORT
A good amount of slots and prices.
- Lots of machine gun teams. These include MG-34, MG-42, KM MG-08, MG-30(p), etc.
- GrW. 50mm but no infantry gun, as the division had none. In its place, the division received four SDKFZ. 135/1, courtesy of Baukommando Becker. NOTE: we mentioned these units in last week’s Versus as part of the 16.LwFD, but that was a mix-up, these units were with the 716.ID, not the Luftwaffe division.
- KM KÜSTENPOLIZEI to keep order among the rank-and-file.
- Plus the usual supply and commander units.
ANTI-TANK
Likewise, a pretty good category with plenty of availability and good prices.
- The division had a range of anti-tank guns: Soviet PAK 184(r) 45mm, PAK 38 50mm, PAK 40 75mm and even some PAK 43 88mm.
- A small number of self-propelled 75mm AT guns were also available (of type unknown, but likely stemming from Baukommando Becker). We decided to model the new Panzerjäger 39(H) mit 7.5cm PaK40/1 Marder I, or known as the MARDER I H-39 ingame. This is a PaK 40 mounted on the hull of a captured French H-39 tank.
- From Combat Phase B onwards, Kampfgruppe Rauch brings more self-propelled anti-tank guns as the S307(f) PAK.
ANTI-AIR
Decent in terms of slot and cost, but limited choice.
- Only the FLAK 38 20mm and French FLAK 36(f) 75mm will be available.
ARTILLERY
Rather impressive. The 716. Infanterie-Division was a World War I-style division with infantry in bunkers and trenches calling pre-sighted artillery strikes.
Expect to find guns of all origins and calibers. These include:
- Czech. le.FH 14/19(t) 100mm
- Soviet s.FH 396(r) (a M-30) and K.390(r) 122mm (the A-19)
- French K 419(f) 155mm howitzers (which are GPF)
- as well as off-map 152mm.
AIR
Air cover is pretty good for the 716. Infanterie-Division.
- In real life, only a few Fw-190A-8 and Me-109G-6 and G-8 reached the invasion sector on D-Day. These aircraft will be available from A. The former will come in fighter, fighter bomber, and recon roles.
- From Combat Phase B onwards, JU-87D-3, D-5 and even a few cluster-loaded Hs 129 B-2/R4 will join the fight. The latter were rare in Normandy, as only a single Staffel was left at Carpiquet airfield when the rest of its squadron was transferred to the Eastern Front.
- The division will receive a new air unit: the Ar 234 B-2 in the recon role. This was the first use of these latter-to-be jet bombers and made fast recon passes over the Allied armada lying in front of the Normandy coast.
The 716. Infanterie-Division is a very defensive division. Static, with few armored vehicles and no tanks, but able to bring a mass of infantry and a lot of artillery firepower to the battlefield
[h2]Steel Division: Tribute to Normandy ‘44[/h2]
Keep in mind that the Steel Division: Tribute to Normandy ‘44 is a work-in-progress name. What will this expansion contain?
- It will include ALL the missing Steel Division: Normandy 44 divisions, including those that were featured in subsequent DLCs (First Blood, Second Wave, Back to Hell).
- This means 7 Axis and 7 Allied divisions, with one Allied formation being brand-new!
- Get ready to take command of the Allied US 101st Airborne Division, US 4th Armored Division, US 1st Infantry Division "Big Red One", UK Guards Armoured Division, UK 7th Armoured Division “Desert Rats” and French Demi-Brigade SAS. The 4th Canadian Armoured Division will be brand-new.
- On the Axis side, the new Tribute expansion will feature the 91. Luftlande-Division, 716. Infanterie-Division, 1. SS-Panzerdivision "LSSAH", 16. Luftwaffe-Feld-Division, 9. Panzerdivision, 2. Panzerdivision, and Festungs Gross-Paris.
- Get ready to take command of the Allied US 101st Airborne Division, US 4th Armored Division, US 1st Infantry Division "Big Red One", UK Guards Armoured Division, UK 7th Armoured Division “Desert Rats” and French Demi-Brigade SAS. The 4th Canadian Armoured Division will be brand-new.
- This will result in the biggest Tribute expansion for Steel Division 2.
- It will contain only divisions. As this is a recurring question, the answer remains the same. NO new maps!
- The new divisions will be updated to take advantage of Steel Division 2’s mechanics, traits, equipment, etc. They will be closer to historical reality and maybe different regarding unit disposition, materiel, weapons, etc. The new divisions will keep their main features and playstyles, of course.
[h2]Steel Division: Tribute to Normandy ‘44 Versus[/h2]
In our Versus DevBlogs, we highlight a pair of new divisions coming to Steel Division 2. We take a look not only at their historical background and combat history but also at new units and weapons, and how the formation would operate on the Steel Division 2 battlefield.
If you want to read more about the new divisions to be shipped with Steel Division: Tribute to Normandy ‘44 check out the following Versus DevBlogs:
- The Allied US 4th Armored Division and Axis Festungs Gross-Paris are detailed in Versus #1, which you can check here.
- The Allied US 1st Infantry Division "Big Red One" and the Axis 16. Luftwaffe-Feld-Division get their chance to shine in Versus #2 which you can read in this dedicated DevBlog here.
[h2]See you on the battlefield[/h2]
That’s all for this third Versus. Let us know what you think.
Don’t be shy, join the Steel Division 2 community on our Steam forums. The latest Steel Division 2 news can also be encountered on our Instagram.
Looking for an online game? Visit the Discord server or Reddit page and get involved with the lively Steel Division 2 community!
See you on the battlefield, commander!