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PG-HQ Library - Panzer Grenadier Hall > Games > Spearhead Division

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Spearhead Division

AP Series	Panzer Grenadier
Designers	Perryman, Rouleau, Ward
Game Type	Expansion
Format	Book
Release Date	2017-06
Availability	In Print
Scenarios	25
Counters	88
Counter Type	Die-cut
Maps	0

Tour Veterans

2017-10-18 KNPayne

Overall Rating, 84 votes
5 4 3 2 1 3.92
Expansion Rank: 9 of 127

Popularity: Ownership & Activity
Status	Owned by 13%	Played by 8%	AAR'd by 5%	Medaled by 1%
Rank	64th of 179	37th of 172	67th of 170	99th of 106

Expansion Game Requirements & Playability
25/25	Spearhead Division
25/25	Elsenborn Ridge

Overall balance chart for Spearhead Division

	Total
Side 1	22
Draw	11
Side 2	50

	Total
Side 1	18
Draw	9
Side 2	39

	Total
Side 1	4
Draw	2
Side 2	11

	Formed during the U.S. Army’s 1941 pre-war expansion, the Third Armored Division fought its way from Normandy deep into Germany. Breaking German resistance, the division suffered enormous casualties – over 16,000 of them, 2,500 of them killed in action (including division commander Maurice Rose). Late in the war, the division took the name “Spearhead” to note its achievements. Spearhead Division is a supplement for our Panzer Grenadier: Elsenborn Ridge game, featuring 88 new die-cut, mounted pieces displaying the division’s units in their own special color scheme. There are also 25 scenarios, and with four “battle games” that link them together.

Formed during the U.S. Army’s 1941 pre-war expansion, the Third Armored Division fought its way from Normandy deep into Germany. Breaking German resistance, the division suffered enormous casualties – over 16,000 of them, 2,500 of them killed in action (including division commander Maurice Rose). Late in the war, the division took the name “Spearhead” to note its achievements.

Spearhead Division is a supplement for our Panzer Grenadier: Elsenborn Ridge game, featuring 88 new die-cut, mounted pieces displaying the division’s units in their own special color scheme. There are also 25 scenarios, and with four “battle games” that link them together.

Display Scenario List (25)

Scenario	Plays	AARs	Rating
01. Breaching the West Wall	13	6	4.3
02. Enter the Buffaloes	6	3	3.9
03. Buffalo Stampede	5	2	4
04. All In	2	1	4.5
05. Battle for the Supplies	5	1	3.3
06. Diepenlinchen	5	1	4.3
07. Munsterbusch	1	0	4
08. Kottenich	8	1	4
09. Bad Road to Hastenrath	4	3	3.5
10. Round Two at Hastenrath	1	0	3
11. Scherpenseel	3	1	3.5
12. Back Into the Fray	2	0	4
13. It Starts	2	1	4
14. Altenkirchen	1	0	3
15. Dillenberg	1	0	3
16. Final Accounting	2	0	3
17. Bazooka Town	1	0	4
18. They Were Wrong	3	1	3.7
19. The Cats Return	1	0	5
20. Wewer	2	1	3.5
21. Harste	2	1	4.5
22. The Beast	3	2	4
23. Osterode	2	1	4.5
24. Gieboldehausen	2	0	4.5
25. Bockelnhagen	2	1	3.5

Display Order of Battle

Germany Order of Battle

Heer
Foot Leader Mechanized Motorized Towed

Heer

Foot

Leader

Mechanized

Motorized

Towed

Luftwaffe
Towed

Schutzstaffel
Foot Leader Mechanized Towed

Schutzstaffel

Foot

Leader

Mechanized

Towed

United States Order of Battle

Army
Foot Leader Mechanized Motorized Towed

Army

Foot

Leader

Mechanized

Motorized

Towed

Display Relevant AFV Rules

AFV Rules Pertaining to this Game's Order of Battle
Vulnerable to results on the Assault Combat Chart (7.25, 7.63, ACC), and may be attacked by Anti-Tank fire (11.2, DFT). Anti-Tank fire only affects the individual unit fired upon (7.62, 11.0). AFV's are activated by tank leaders (3.2, 3.3, 5.42, 6.8). They may also be activated as part of an initial activating stack, but if activated in this way would need a tank leader in order to carry out combat movement. AFV's do not block Direct Fire (10.1). Full-strength AFV's with "armor efficiency" may make two anti-tank (AT) fire attacks per turn (either in their action segment or during opportunity fire) if they have AT fire values of 0 or more (11.2). Each unit with an AT fire value of 2 or more may fire at targets at a distance of between 100% and 150% of its printed AT range. It does so at half its AT fire value. (11.3) Efficient and non-efficient AFV's may conduct two opportunity fires per turn if using direct fire (7.44, 7.64). Units with both Direct and AT Fire values may use either type of fire in the same turn as their opportunity fire, but not both (7.22, 13.0). Units which can take opportunity fire twice per turn do not have to target the same unit both times (13.0). Demoralized AFV's are not required to flee from units that do not have AT fire values (14.3). Place a Wreck marker when an AFV is eliminated in a bridge or town hex (16.3). AFV's do not benefit from Entrenchments (16.42). AFV's may Dig In (16.2). Open-top AFV's: Immune to M, M1 and M2 results on Direct and Bombardment Fire Tables, but DO take step losses from X and #X results (7.25, 7.41, 7.61, BT, DFT). If a "2X" or "3X" result is rolled, at least one of the step losses must be taken by an open-top AFV if present. Closed-top AFV's: Immune to M, M1 and M2 results on Direct and Bombardment Fire Tables. Do not take step losses from Direct or Bombardment Fire. If X or #X result on Fire Table, make M morale check instead (7.25, 7.41, 7.61, BT, DFT). Closed-top AFV's: Provide the +1 modifier on the Assault Table when combined with infantry. (Modifier only applies to Germans in all scenarios; Soviet Guards in scenarios taking place after 1942; Polish, US and Commonwealth in scenarios taking place after 1943.) (ACC) Tank: all are closed-top and provide the +1 Assault bonus, when applicable Assault Gun: if closed-top, provide the +1 Assault bonus, when applicable Tank Destroyer: do not provide the +1 Assault bonus, even if closed-top (SB) Self-Propelled Artillery: do not provide the +1 Assault bonus, even if closed-top (SB) Anti-Aircraft Weapon Carrier: apply a -1 modifier to an air attack if within three hexes of the targeted hex (15.14). Anti-Tank Gun Carrier: half-track with anti-tank gun, NOT a Tank Destroyer APC – Armored Personnel Carrier: These are Combat Units, but stack like Transports. They can transport personnel units or towed units. They are not counted as combat units for the +1 stacking modifier on the Direct Fire and Bombardment Tables (4.4). They may be activated by regular leaders and tank leaders (1.2, 3.34, 4.3, 5.43). They do not provide the +1 Assault bonus (ACC). Armored Cars: These are Combat Units. They are motorized instead of mechanized. All have their own armored car leaders, who can only activate armored cars (6.85). Do not provide the +1 Assault bonus (ACC). Reconnaissance Vehicle: 8.23 Special Spotting Powers Both foot and vehicle mounted recce units (1.2) possess two special spotting abilities. The first ability is that they can spot enemy in limiting terrain at one hex further than the TEC specifies for other units and leaders. For example, an enemy unit in town can normally be spotted at three hexes or less, but a recce unit can spot them at four hexes.Their second ability is that they can place a Spotted marker on any one enemy unit they can spot per turn, just as if the enemy unit had "blown its cover" by firing. Such Spotted markers are removed as described earlier.

AFV Rules Pertaining to this Game's Order of Battle

Vulnerable to results on the Assault Combat Chart (7.25, 7.63, ACC), and may be attacked by Anti-Tank fire (11.2, DFT). Anti-Tank fire only affects the individual unit fired upon (7.62, 11.0).
AFV's are activated by tank leaders (3.2, 3.3, 5.42, 6.8). They may also be activated as part of an initial activating stack, but if activated in this way would need a tank leader in order to carry out combat movement.
AFV's do not block Direct Fire (10.1).
Full-strength AFV's with "armor efficiency" may make two anti-tank (AT) fire attacks per turn (either in their action segment or during opportunity fire) if they have AT fire values of 0 or more (11.2).
Each unit with an AT fire value of 2 or more may fire at targets at a distance of between 100% and 150% of its printed AT range. It does so at half its AT fire value. (11.3)
Efficient and non-efficient AFV's may conduct two opportunity fires per turn if using direct fire (7.44, 7.64). Units with both Direct and AT Fire values may use either type of fire in the same turn as their opportunity fire, but not both (7.22, 13.0). Units which can take opportunity fire twice per turn do not have to target the same unit both times (13.0).
Demoralized AFV's are not required to flee from units that do not have AT fire values (14.3).
Place a Wreck marker when an AFV is eliminated in a bridge or town hex (16.3).
AFV's do not benefit from Entrenchments (16.42).
AFV's may Dig In (16.2).
Open-top AFV's: Immune to M, M1 and M2 results on Direct and Bombardment Fire Tables, but DO take step losses from X and #X results (7.25, 7.41, 7.61, BT, DFT). If a "2X" or "3X" result is rolled, at least one of the step losses must be taken by an open-top AFV if present.
Closed-top AFV's: Immune to M, M1 and M2 results on Direct and Bombardment Fire Tables. Do not take step losses from Direct or Bombardment Fire. If X or #X result on Fire Table, make M morale check instead (7.25, 7.41, 7.61, BT, DFT).
Closed-top AFV's: Provide the +1 modifier on the Assault Table when combined with infantry. (Modifier only applies to Germans in all scenarios; Soviet Guards in scenarios taking place after 1942; Polish, US and Commonwealth in scenarios taking place after 1943.) (ACC)
Tank: all are closed-top and provide the +1 Assault bonus, when applicable
Assault Gun: if closed-top, provide the +1 Assault bonus, when applicable
Tank Destroyer: do not provide the +1 Assault bonus, even if closed-top (SB)
Self-Propelled Artillery: do not provide the +1 Assault bonus, even if closed-top (SB)
Anti-Aircraft Weapon Carrier: apply a -1 modifier to an air attack if within three hexes of the targeted hex (15.14).
Anti-Tank Gun Carrier: half-track with anti-tank gun, NOT a Tank Destroyer
APC – Armored Personnel Carrier: These are Combat Units, but stack like Transports. They can transport personnel units or towed units. They are not counted as combat units for the +1 stacking modifier on the Direct Fire and Bombardment Tables (4.4). They may be activated by regular leaders and tank leaders (1.2, 3.34, 4.3, 5.43). They do not provide the +1 Assault bonus (ACC).
Armored Cars: These are Combat Units. They are motorized instead of mechanized. All have their own armored car leaders, who can only activate armored cars (6.85). Do not provide the +1 Assault bonus (ACC).
Reconnaissance Vehicle: 8.23 Special Spotting Powers Both foot and vehicle mounted recce units (1.2) possess two special spotting abilities. The first ability is that they can spot enemy in limiting terrain at one hex further than the TEC specifies for other units and leaders. For example, an enemy unit in town can normally be spotted at three hexes or less, but a recce unit can spot them at four hexes.Their second ability is that they can place a Spotted marker on any one enemy unit they can spot per turn, just as if the enemy unit had "blown its cover" by firing. Such Spotted markers are removed as described earlier.

Display Errata (12)

12 Errata Items
Scen 6	Two items of concern: 1) the Special Rules section in the setup instructions specify that ONLY US 1st Infantry Div leaders may spot for 1st Infantry Div OBA and Mortars, and that 3rd Armored Div leaders may ONLY spot for 3rd Armored OBA and Mortars. In other words, only leaders from the correct US division may spot for THAT division's supporting artillery & mortars. Unfortunately, the instructions do not identify which of the two US outfits controls the OBA. I imagine that the pair of 18 OBA artillery increments belong to the 1st Infantry Div (olive green increments) and not the 3rd Armored DIv (armor gold increments). These OBA increments were probably organic to the 1st Infantry Div. 2) NO 81mm Mortars are included in the setup instructions for the 3rd Armored Division. I suggest that players ADD a unit of 81mm Mortars to the counter mix for the 3rd Armored contingent in the setup. (treadasaurusrex on 2025 Apr 01)
Scen 8	This scenario's victory conditions do not specify the maximum number of steps that the attacking American side may lose to claim a Major Victory. I suggest that the US Major Victory conditions be restated as follows: "American Major victory: Control ALL town hexes at the end of play AND lose no more steps than the German side (tanks count double)." (treadasaurusrex on 2026 Jul 25)
Scen 11	Dawn happens at 0830 in this scenario as per the Elsenborn Ridge rules for November 1944. Unfortunately there is no mention of when dawn occurs in the flawed Spearhead Division setup instructions. (CavDo on 2026 Apr 06)
Scen 11	Dawn happens at 0830 in this scenario as per the Elsenborn Ridge rules for November 1944. Unfortunately there is no mention of when dawn occurs in the flawed Spearhead Division setup instructions. (CavDo on 2026 Apr 06)
	The reduced direct fire value of the Heer HMG became 5-5 starting with Fall of France. (plloyd1010 on 2015 Jul 31)
	All SS PzIVH tanks should have a movement of 8. (Shad on 2010 Dec 15)
	The morale and combat modifiers of German Sergeant #1614 should be "0", not "8". (Shad on 2010 Dec 15)
	All SPW 251s have an armor value of 0. (Shad on 2010 Dec 15)
	The movement allowance on the counters in Airborne is misprinted. It should be "3." (rerathbun on 2012 Jan 30)
	The reduced direct fire value of the SS HMG is 5-5 in Beyond Normandy and Road to Berlin. (plloyd1010 on 2015 Jul 31)
	The Units in Beyond Normandy were misprinted with a movement factor of 5. The movement factor should be 8. (rerathbun on 2012 Mar 21)
	Liberation 1944's counters are mislabeled 'PzIVF2.' The counter's ratings are correct (Armor 5, Move 8, DF 11-6, AT 6-8). (rerathbun on 2014 Feb 14)

Display Nations (2)

Nations at War - Scenario Appearance Percentages
Germany	100%	Germany
United States	100%	United States

Display Battle Types (8)

Battle Types - Scenario Appearance Percentages
Inflict Enemy Casualties	96%	Inflict Enemy Casualties
Urban Assault	92%	Urban Assault
Delaying Action	36%	Delaying Action
Exit the Battle Area	36%	Exit the Battle Area
Road Control	20%	Road Control
Entrenchment Control	12%	Entrenchment Control
Hill Control	8%	Hill Control
Rural Assault	4%	Rural Assault

Display Conditions (11)

Conditions - Scenario Appearance Percentages
Off-board Artillery	100%	Off-board Artillery
Smoke	100%	Smoke
Reinforcements	64%	Reinforcements
Anti-infantry Wire	60%	Anti-infantry Wire
Randomly-drawn Aircraft	56%	Randomly-drawn Aircraft
Minefields	48%	Minefields
Terrain Mods	36%	Terrain Mods
Severe Weather	32%	Severe Weather
Entrenchments	24%	Entrenchments
Illumination	16%	Illumination
Hidden Units	8%	Hidden Units

Spanish Blues

Stalin's Tanks

PG-HQ Library - Panzer Grenadier Hall > Games > Spearhead Division

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