Operation Dauntless: The Battles for Fontenay and Rauray, France, June 1944

Get ready for an epic wargame that transports you straight to Normandy in June 1944! In Operation Dauntless, you command the British 49th Infantry Division, known as "The Polar Bears," on a mission to capture Fontenay and secure the high ground near Rauray. This objective is crucial for the impending Operation Epsom. But don't think it'll be a walk in the park! Facing you are the fearsome 12th SS Panzer Division "Hitlerjugend" and Panzer Lehr, elite German units packed with powerful tanks like Panthers and Tigers. The game utilizes the same system as the acclaimed Red Winter, but with a full focus on World War II, ditching winter-specific rules for a more detailed armor system and intense combat. The scale is grand: each turn represents 90 minutes, each hex covers 425 yards, and units are mostly company-sized infantry with platoon-sized armor. Prepare for intense action with rules covering German fanatical defense, British special ammo, combat engineers, air support, night bombings, and the impact of the massive initial British barrage. The terrain varies from fields and orchards to woods and villages, with the Germans starting entrenched and able to reinforce their positions. You can play a full multi-day campaign or enjoy shorter scenarios, some even featuring German counter-offensives to retake ground. Designed for two players, it also works exceptionally well solo. The complexity is medium, similar to other games by the designer, but with an added layer of detail. If you enjoy historical immersion and tactical challenges in your wargames, Operation Dauntless is a guaranteed hit!