The Commander Series Forum

Trenches cost 5pts, can be occupied by a single unit, count as hard cover and grant a 5+ save. Pill boxes cost five times as much, have restricted arc and only offer the same level of protection as the much cheaper trench. Am I missing something here?

Thanks

Hmmmm. Good point ebarret. Can't give you an answer, but I do agree with you.

Check page 35 for rules that apply to forticiations (including Pill Boxes but not the trenches). Worth the extra points? If you play with points that is. Everyone's own call.

iA

so infantry in pill boxes can only be shot at the front 90 and cannot be assulted from the front. also pill boxes look cooler than trench lines on the table.

I play with trenches not having a save.

I agree that with the rules as written pill boxes and bunkers are not as protective, relative to other terrain, as they might be. The saving throws are a big improvement over BKC1, but I also add that these positions are invulnerable to small arms and may be engaged by other weapons (including IATW) with direct fire only from within 20cm (basically initiative distance). Reading battlefield accounts seems to indicate that, except for demolitions, direct fire was conducted at very close range at the embrasures. If you look at pictures of D-Day bunkers the front faces around the embrasures look like a moonscape.

The limitation on ranged fire really improves the performance of bunkers and seems right -- accurate fire on the embrasures was devastating to these positions.

Chris

That bit on page 35 kinda explains it, thanks folks