Hello!
Welcome to the second part of Versus #7, and, with it, the introduction of a brand-new division coming to Steel Division 2! In today’s DevBlog, we’ll look at the 4th Canadian Armoured Division.
This follows last week’s Versus, which detailed the Axis German 1. SS-Panzerdivision “LSSAH”. This also means we have reached the end of our Versus run for Tribute to Steel Division: Normandy 44 expansion.
Without further ado, let’s dive in!
4th Canadian Armoured Division’s Combat History
The 4th Canadian Armoured Division can trace its origins to World War I, formed as an infantry division and seeing action on the Western Front. By World War II, in 1942, it was reformed into an armored formation. The 4th Canadian Armoured Division was quickly shipped to the United Kingdom, spending almost two years training on the Home Isles.
Transported to Normandy in July 1944, the 4th Canadian Armoured Division’s hour of glory came during the climax of the Battle of Falaise in mid-August 1944. A Canadian mixed-force detachment led by Major David Currie captured Saint-Lambert-sur-Dives. This town was smack in the middle of the retreating German forces.
Currie and his men held their positions long enough for Americans from the 90th Infantry Division to link up, coming from opposite Chambois. This sealed the trap. With the pocket closed, tens of thousands of Germans were captured. Major Currie was later awarded the Victoria Cross for this action.
The 4th Canadian Armoured Division would continue to service in Western Europe, fighting in Belgium, passing the winter in the southern Netherlands before taking part in the final advance across the northern plains of Germany in 1945.
A Missing Link
In terms of organization, the 4th Canadian Armoured Division can be considered the “missing link” between an American and British armored division. It will have a distinct flavor, setting it apart from the “heavy” cavalry Guards Armoured Division and the “light” cavalry 7th Armoured Division “Desert Rats”.
- The Canadian formation will be organized along British TO&E lines.
- The divisional recon regiment (the South Alberta Regiment, or SAR) doesn’t get its usual Cromwells but is equipped with Shermans instead.
- Though mounted on American half-tracks and armored cars, Canadian infantry were earmarked to transition towards lighter, more mobile Canadian-built C15TA armored trucks.
- Recon armored cars were Canadian-built Otters instead of the Humber.
Next to the above changes, and to set it apart further from other Commonwealth divisions in Steel Division 2, we have decided to represent the historical link-up with American troops in closing the Falaise pocket by adding elements of the U.S. 90th Infantry Division in Combat Phase C.
4th Armoured Division’s Strengths and Weaknesses
What can you expect from the 4th Canadian Armoured Division?
RECON
Above average, with a fair number of slots and decent prices. There is quite a bit of choice, including new units.
- Expect to deploy a lot of SHERMAN V S.A.R.!
- In terms of armored cards, the 4th Canadian Armoured Division relies mainly on OTTER Mk.1. This vehicle is basically an enclosed and armored C15TA with a forward-fixed Boys anti-tank rifle and Bren machine gun in a turret. An unarmed OTTER Mk.2 is also available as a scout transport, equipped with a Radio. This force is rounded out by a handful of A-only STAGHOUND, historically part of divisional HQ.
- Infantry scout squads deploy in smaller numbers than other divisions. The new SCOUT S.A.R. are “heavy scouts” with the Tank Rider trait. They share this trait with the before-mentioned SHERMAN V S.A.R.. These troops represent the tank-riding forces Major Currie brought with him to capture Saint-Lambert.
- From Combat Phase C, commanders can deploy American recon units: SCOUTS, JEEPS, M8 and M20 armored cars.
INF
A good number of slots and ditto prices.
- The division features the usual Commonwealth RIFLES, ENGINEERS and MOTOR RIFLES squads and their Command variants.
- To represent the transition to C15TA-mounted infantry, a new MOTOR RIFLES (late) squad (plus Command version) has been created. This infantry squad can only deploy from Combat Phase B onwards but features additional veterancy, different small arms loadout, and access to the C15TA.
- From C onwards, American infantry can deploy in half-tracks.
- And joining Yanks are Canadian KANGAROO RIFLES with not the standard KANGAROO as a transport option but also its later variant, the RAM KANGAROO built from the much sturdier (and unused) RAM II tank.
TANK
A good number of slots. Prices are reasonable across the board.
- A few STUART VI (and Command variant) are featured, most of them being jalopied (deturreted).
- Lots of SHERMAN V (and Command models), plus some FIREFLY Vc and Ic. The latter two units weren’t deployed fully, as the division started receiving them just before shipping them to France. The division only received its full complement by September.
- From Combat Phase C onward, the American M4 (and Command version).
SUPPORT
Rather average.
- The typical arsenal of 2-IN. MORTAR, VICKERS machine guns, SUPPLY units, and a few flamethrowing WASP Mk.II.
- Commanders can deploy in the standard infantry squad, RAM II, and SHERMAN V.
- From C onwards, the American M2HB and M4(75) will become available.
ANTI-TANK
Once again, a pretty standard category for the 4th Canadian Armoured Division.
- A classic assortment of choice, from PIAT teams to 6-PDR and heavier 17-PDR towed guns, and the M10c ACHILLES tank destroyer.
ANTI-AIR
Below average with only a few slots.
- Unit options include towed and self-propelled BOFORS, plus CRUSADER Mk.1 and Mk.2.
ARTILLERY
The division can count a good number of slots, fairly priced.
- These include the standard units: 3-INCH and 4,2-INCH MORTAR, 25-PDR and the self-propelled SEXTON.
- The Americans bring their M2A1 and M1A1 LONG TOM howitzers, available from Combat Phase C.
AIR
A standard category for this division.
- The division relies mostly on the “new” Canadian TYPHOON in fighter, rocket, and fighter-bomber roles.
- Added to that, a few Canadian MOSQUITO fighter bombers and AUSTER recon planes.
- From Combat Phase B onwards (not Phase C like the land-based Americans), the P-38J-15 fighters and B-26B4-MA MARAUDER can deploy.
The 4th Canadian Armoured Division is a solid armored division emphasizing recon, tank, and infantry forces. While supporting arms and air forces might be average, enough flexibility and firepower give this formation enough flexibility in offensive or defensive battles.
Steel Division: Tribute to Normandy ‘44 Versus
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 while its Allied counterpart, the French commandos of the DBSAS are detailed here.
- Finally, the Axis German 1. SS-Panzerdivision “LSSAH” is featured in the Versus 7#A[ which you can check out here.
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.
Steel Division: Tribute to Normandy ‘44
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.
- 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.
See you on the battlefield
That’s all for Versus posts for the[ b]Tribute to Steel Division: Normandy 44. We will be back soon with more details, but in the meantime, we are keen to hear what you think!
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See you on the battlefield, commander!