Festung Cherbourg 1944

Festung Cherbourg 1944

Designer: Adam Niechwiej
Year of publication: 2026

Game "Festung Cherbourg 1944" shows fighting for the biggest sea port in Normandy at the end of June 1944. American VII corps under General Joseph Lawton Collins had to break resistance of German units commanded by General Karl Wilhelm von Schlieben. American force were composed of three infantry divisions supported by strong artillery, air force and navy. German units were remnants of various divisions, often battered during earlier combat on Cotentin Peninsula. Their defensive value was increased by strong concrete forts, positioned in key locations of German lines.

The game rules are based on proofed solutions used in "Festung Breslau 1945" which was published in 2017.

During fighting the initiative was on American side. They decided about place and time of attack. German defenders were limited to stubborne defense of prepared positions. Their counterattacks were very rare. In rules this situation is shown by reverse sequence of movement and combat phases. Americans first move and then assault and Germans assault adjacent units first and then move. Moreover, movements of American units are preceded by air and artillery bombardments. This way the German defense could be softened in selected sectors.

General von Schlieben, commander of Festung Cherbourg, had limited influence on events, because he was in bunker without reliable communication with subordinate troops. This situation is simulated by checking morale of German units. A die roll decides which units leave their improved positions and strat to act as  common infantry.

Other simple procedures simulate historical events, for example artillery duel between Allied navy and German costal batteries.

Players, who are familiar with "Festung Breslau 1945", jump without any hesitation straight into action around Cherbourg.

Game components:
- one board (48 x 68 cm);
- 216 die-cut counters (15 x 15 mm);
- one rule book (12 pages);
- one player's aid card;
- one six-sided die.

Playing time: 4 – 6 hours.
Game is suitable for 2 players from 12 years old upwards.