Tribute to Normandy '44 - Versus #6b - DBSAS
Hello!
Welcome back to the second part of Versus #6. As we are actively testing the divisions in the upcoming Tribute to Steel Division: Normandy 44 expansion, our pace to show them off will be slightly slower.
Each Versus will now highlight only one division. In today’s DevBlog, we will turn to the Allied French commandos and resistance fighters of DBSAS.
The previous installment, detailing the Axis German 2. Panzerdivision can be found here.
[h2]DBSAS’s Combat History[/h2]
The Demi-Brigade SAS has a rather interesting role to play during D-Day and the subsequent liberation of France. Mostly unknown to the outside world, composed of Free French elite SAS commandos, the Demi-Brigade SAS was vital in harassing the German occupiers in Brittany in the opening stages of the Allied campaign in Normandy. They did this in concert with local FFI fighters on the ground.
The term demi-brigade signifies “half brigade” and is mostly used in a more modern context to determine provisional formations, such as our World War II commando-centric battlegroup. The French SAS can trace their origins to the illustrious British counterparts fighting in North Africa. Separate but part of the same group of commandos, they gained valuable experience in raiding and harassing the enemy. After Tunisia, the French special forces were reinforced and earmarked to play a vital role in securing the Brittany flank during Operation Overlord.
Jumping into the rear of the Germans during the Allied invasion, with frequent reinforcement waves of small SAS squads, including Allied Jegdburh teams, the French commandos set out to cause as much havoc as possible. They even established two major bases in the region. The call-up for resistance was also answered en masse by the local French FFI. Regular weapon drops resulted in a mix of well-armed resistance and elite special forces tying down German local troops and French auxiliary collaborationists in Brittany.
The Germans, first taken aback, began combat operations and tried to weed out the demi-brigade during the Battle of Saint-Marcel on June 18th. The lightly armed French forces managed to beat off repeated attacks by the Germans, with some much-needed aerial help from American fighter bombers operating at the very end of their range. Having dispersed after the battle, the French commandos welcomed the first American tanks of Patton’s Third Army. The rapidly advancing tankmen found most of the countryside already in French hands, with the Germans holed up in the bigger towns and cities.
[h2]A much feared opponent[/h2]
The DBSAS was featured in the Steel Division: Normandy ‘44’s expansion Back to Hell.
The Demi-Brigade SAS in the original Steel Division was one of the first divisions to feature the unlocking of units to represent the passing of time. We used this concept much more in Steel Division 2.
For the French formation, this means three phases:
The above-mentioned French SAS troops will all feature the Commando trait and include (all of them new units):
The SAS units are very lightly armed, with lots of Stens, M1 Carbines, and Bren LMGs, but only a few AT weapons.
[h2]DBSAS’s Strengths and Weaknesses[/h2]
Let’s dive in. What can you expect of DBSAS arsenal in Steel Division 2?
RECON
Good, with plenty of cheap slots and lots of options.
INF
Clearly one of the strong points of the DBSAS with many cheap slots and a large variety of options.
TANK
A rather special category, much like the Axis Korück. The FFI had hidden or captured a great variety of vehicles but each in very limited numbers. This category is tailor made to reflect that.
SUPPORT
Pretty good with lots of slots, reasonably priced.
ANTI-TANK
An average category for the DBSAS, with a limited number of open slots.
ANTI-AIR
Not a very promising category. Slots are limited and expensive.
ART
A decent category with a medium amount of slots and ditto prices, but with only a few light units (including off-map).
AIR
A pretty good category.
The DBSAS is a division with a very very light presence in Combat Phase A, literally fighting for survival. Infiltration, harassing the enemy, and lightning-fast raids are all keywords. The French need to build up their troops and take the fight to the enemy, with heavier units becoming available in B and C.
[h2]Steel Division: Tribute to Normandy ‘44 Versus[/h2]
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:
That’s not all, though. We have also detailed the six new Aces coming with the expansion. Read all about Lt.-Colonel Creighton Abrams, 1st Lieutenant Richard “Dick” Winters, Oberfeldwebel Alexander Ulhig, and others in this dedicated DevBlog here.
[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]See you on the battlefield[/h2]
That’s the second part of Versus #6 done. We’ll be back next week!
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 second part of Versus #6. As we are actively testing the divisions in the upcoming Tribute to Steel Division: Normandy 44 expansion, our pace to show them off will be slightly slower.
Each Versus will now highlight only one division. In today’s DevBlog, we will turn to the Allied French commandos and resistance fighters of DBSAS.
The previous installment, detailing the Axis German 2. Panzerdivision can be found here.
[h2]DBSAS’s Combat History[/h2]
The Demi-Brigade SAS has a rather interesting role to play during D-Day and the subsequent liberation of France. Mostly unknown to the outside world, composed of Free French elite SAS commandos, the Demi-Brigade SAS was vital in harassing the German occupiers in Brittany in the opening stages of the Allied campaign in Normandy. They did this in concert with local FFI fighters on the ground.
The term demi-brigade signifies “half brigade” and is mostly used in a more modern context to determine provisional formations, such as our World War II commando-centric battlegroup. The French SAS can trace their origins to the illustrious British counterparts fighting in North Africa. Separate but part of the same group of commandos, they gained valuable experience in raiding and harassing the enemy. After Tunisia, the French special forces were reinforced and earmarked to play a vital role in securing the Brittany flank during Operation Overlord.
Jumping into the rear of the Germans during the Allied invasion, with frequent reinforcement waves of small SAS squads, including Allied Jegdburh teams, the French commandos set out to cause as much havoc as possible. They even established two major bases in the region. The call-up for resistance was also answered en masse by the local French FFI. Regular weapon drops resulted in a mix of well-armed resistance and elite special forces tying down German local troops and French auxiliary collaborationists in Brittany.
The Germans, first taken aback, began combat operations and tried to weed out the demi-brigade during the Battle of Saint-Marcel on June 18th. The lightly armed French forces managed to beat off repeated attacks by the Germans, with some much-needed aerial help from American fighter bombers operating at the very end of their range. Having dispersed after the battle, the French commandos welcomed the first American tanks of Patton’s Third Army. The rapidly advancing tankmen found most of the countryside already in French hands, with the Germans holed up in the bigger towns and cities.
[h2]A much feared opponent[/h2]
The DBSAS was featured in the Steel Division: Normandy ‘44’s expansion Back to Hell.
The Demi-Brigade SAS in the original Steel Division was one of the first divisions to feature the unlocking of units to represent the passing of time. We used this concept much more in Steel Division 2.
For the French formation, this means three phases:
- Combat Phase A will focus on the actions between June 5th and June 18th. It will represent the SAS jumping over Brittany and linking up with FFI groups on the ground. The guerilla campaign against local German troops is in full swing. This culminates with the battle of Saint-Marcel. Most of the elite SAS and other very light troops will be available in this Phase.
- Combat Phase B will represent the FFI uprising spreading across Brittany. More volunteers, bringing heavier hidden or captured materiel, join the fight. The first of General Patton’s lead (meaning light) elements become available.
- Combat Phase C will feature Patton’s heavier equipment joining the fight in Brittany.
The above-mentioned French SAS troops will all feature the Commando trait and include (all of them new units):
- SAS CMDT
- SAS CHASSEURS-PARA.
- SAS GROUPE FM
- SAS SCOUT
- SAS SNIPER
- SAS PIAT
- SAS MORT. 2-in.
- SAS MORT. 3-in.
- SAS JEEP (the famous jeep with two twin-Vickers K).
The SAS units are very lightly armed, with lots of Stens, M1 Carbines, and Bren LMGs, but only a few AT weapons.
[h2]DBSAS’s Strengths and Weaknesses[/h2]
Let’s dive in. What can you expect of DBSAS arsenal in Steel Division 2?
RECON
Good, with plenty of cheap slots and lots of options.
- In Combat Phase A, SAS (including SAS JEEPS) and FFI featuring (hidden/(re)captured) PANHARD 178.
- From B, these light recon units are reinforced by the 4th U.S. Armored Division’s vanguard bringing CAVALRY SCOUTS, M5A1 RECON and M8 GREYHOUNDS.
INF
Clearly one of the strong points of the DBSAS with many cheap slots and a large variety of options.
- The new SAS CMDT, CHASSEURS-PARAS. and GROUPE FM can deploy in Combat Phase A, as do the French resistance with their (already existing in-game) FFI CMDT, MAQUISARDS and RALLIES. Other new units include:
- FFI FRANC-TIREURS PARTISANS. The FTP, although part of the FFI, was the French communist party’s military branch. They joined the French resistance to get their share of weapons clandestinely dropped by the Allies but kept up their separate identity. Looked upon with suspicion by de Gaulle, the FTP always complained they were at the bottom of the priority list for weapon drops. As such, they field a mix of (new) MAS-38 SMGs, Kar. 98K and MAS-36 plus Molotov cocktails.
- FFI GROUPE FM. A large fire support squad with FM 24/29 and Bren LMGs.
- FFI FRANC-TIREURS PARTISANS. The FTP, although part of the FFI, was the French communist party’s military branch. They joined the French resistance to get their share of weapons clandestinely dropped by the Allies but kept up their separate identity. Looked upon with suspicion by de Gaulle, the FTP always complained they were at the bottom of the priority list for weapon drops. As such, they field a mix of (new) MAS-38 SMGs, Kar. 98K and MAS-36 plus Molotov cocktails.
- From Combat Phase C onwards, U.S. ARM. LEADER, ARM. RIFLES, ARM. RIFLES (BAR) and ENGINEERS join the fight.
TANK
A rather special category, much like the Axis Korück. The FFI had hidden or captured a great variety of vehicles but each in very limited numbers. This category is tailor made to reflect that.
- This category has a decent number of slots, all costing just one point.
- But the tank card’s availability is limited to one-third or half of their usual complement.
- The FFI armor is only available from Combat Phase B and includes a few of the following new FFI-operated units:
- H-39
- PANZER III H
- B1 BIS
- PANZER IV H
- JAGDPANZER IV (classified as a tank)
- From C onwards, the American armor arrives. These are unaffected by any restrictions but each vehicle model is only featured with one card.
SUPPORT
Pretty good with lots of slots, reasonably priced.
- The usual classical composition of light mortars, MG teams, supply units, and commanders (in FFI TRACTION, the new JEDBURGH, and American M20 armored cars).
- From C onwards, U.S. M4A3(105)W provide some heavier firepower.
ANTI-TANK
An average category for the DBSAS, with a limited number of open slots.
- In Combat Phase A, only very light AT units are available. These include PIAT teams, CANON AC 25MM SA-L and the new CANON 47mm Mle. 1937 (the Romanian Schneider 47mm).
- In B, some heavier captured gun pieces can be brought to bear: PAK 38 50mm and PAK 40 75mm.
- In C, American M1 57mm and M18 HELLCAT become available.
ANTI-AIR
Not a very promising category. Slots are limited and expensive.
- Only French CANON CA 25mm and CITRON HOTCHKISS in Phase A.
- From B, American self-propelled M15 and M16.
ART
A decent category with a medium amount of slots and ditto prices, but with only a few light units (including off-map).
- The only artillery unit available in Phase A is the new SAS MORT. 3-in.
- From Combat Phase B onward, captured le.FH 18M 105mm and off-map JEEP FAO (155mm), representing SAS troops directing artillery from the arriving American vanguard, plus a JEEP FAO (381mm) representing the Navy’s formidable offshore support.
- From C, the American M7 105mm self-propelled gun and M21 81mm mortar carrier can be found.
AIR
A pretty good category.
- The DBSAS is restricted in Combat Phase A to the LYSANDER (the Résistance’s liaison plane with London) as a recon/light bomber and a few American P-47D-23-RA fighters. These represent the four planes operating at maximum range, which played a crucial role in holding the Germans at bay during the Battle of Saint-Marcel.
- From B, the USAAF arrives in force. This means plenty more P-47 in fighter-bomber roles, as well as A-20G-20-DO bombers and the F-6C recon fighter.
- From Phase C, P-61A-5 heavy fighter and the P-61A-10 bomber variant of the BLACK WIDOW can deploy.
The DBSAS is a division with a very very light presence in Combat Phase A, literally fighting for survival. Infiltration, harassing the enemy, and lightning-fast raids are all keywords. The French need to build up their troops and take the fight to the enemy, with heavier units becoming available in B and C.
[h2]Steel Division: Tribute to Normandy ‘44 Versus[/h2]
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.
- The famous Allied 101st Airborne Division and the Axis German 716. Infanterie-Division are featured in Versus #3, which you can check out here.
- The elite Allied British Guards Armoured Division and the Axis 91. Luftlande-Division are looked at in Versus #4 which you can read here.
- The Allied British 7th Armoured Division “Desert Rats” and the Axis 9. Panzerdivision get a deep dive in Versus #5, which you can read here.
- The Axis 2. Panzerdivision in the first part of Versus #6, which can be checked here.
That’s not all, though. We have also detailed the six new Aces coming with the expansion. Read all about Lt.-Colonel Creighton Abrams, 1st Lieutenant Richard “Dick” Winters, Oberfeldwebel Alexander Ulhig, and others in this dedicated DevBlog here.
[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]See you on the battlefield[/h2]
That’s the second part of Versus #6 done. We’ll be back next week!
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!