ASL – Operation Martlet

Theme
Operation Martlet is an Advanced Squad Leader (ASL) module focused on the British offensive of the same name, conducted in June 1944 during the Normandy Campaign as part of the larger Epsom operation.

The module depicts the XXX Corps’ advance to secure high ground northwest of Caen and protect the flank of the main Allied offensive. The scenarios feature intense fighting against German forces, including elements of the 12th SS Panzer Division Hitlerjugend and the Panzer-Lehr Division, in classic Norman bocage terrain.

Game System
The module is designed for Advanced Squad Leader, the standard tactical system for WWII squad-level combat.

The scenarios make extensive use of ASL rules for bocage terrain, mechanized warfare, combined arms tactics, and German defensive operations. The focus is on coordinated British assaults, strong German resistance, and the challenges of fighting in compartmentalized terrain.

Included Scenarios

OM-1 – Opening the Line
June 1944 – Initial approaches
British forces advance against early German defensive positions in the bocage.

OM-2 – Bocage Break-in
June 1944 – Hedgerow sector
Intense infantry combat to breach a well-prepared German defensive line.

OM-3 – Panzer Counterstroke
June 1944 – Central sector
German armored counterattack aimed at halting the British advance.

OM-4 – Orchard Fighting
June 1944 – Norman orchards
Close-range combat in orchards and hedgerows with extremely limited visibility.

OM-5 – Hillcrest Assault
June 1944 – High ground
British assault to seize a key tactical elevation.

OM-6 – Final Push to Rauray
June 1944 – Axis toward Rauray
Final phase of the operation with British forces pushing under heavy resistance.

Objective
Each scenario features historical objectives tied to Operation Martlet: village capture, high ground control, armored unit destruction, or breakthrough of German defensive lines.

The scenarios highlight the difficulty of British advances in the bocage against strong German defenses and armored counterattacks.

Players
2 players

Playing Time
2–5 hours per scenario

Complexity
High
Designed for experienced ASL players

Replayability
6 linked scenarios
Strong asymmetry between British and German forces
Varied bocage combat situations
Wide tactical diversity (infantry, armor, counterattacks)

Components (indicative)
6 ASL scenarios
Scenario cards
Historical notes

A mapboard

1/2 countersheet
ASL-compatible materials