GMT Games Operation Dauntless

Operation Dauntless is a moderately complex wargame that covers the actions of the British 49th Infantry Division a.k.a “The Polar Bears” near Caen during Operation Martlet (called Operation Dauntless by the British at the time of the battle). Opposing these lads are elements of the 12th SS Panzer Division “Hitlerjugend” (Hitler Youth) and Panzer Lehr- elite panzergrenadier units.

The key mechanics of Operation Dauntless are the same as those in Red Winter. Central to play is the Action Phase, wherein each unit may choose only one from several possible actions: move/assault, attempt recovery, dig in, or take replacement steps. This makes for some very tense decisions for both players. It also conveniently moves the game along at a brisk pace.

Ranged fire from weapons such as artillery, mortars and machine guns provides a “use it or lose it” benefit to combats against the targeted hex. Thus the attacker will need to follow up his artillery strikes during the very same Combat Phase in order to exploit their benefit, or the suppressed hex will return to normal.

The game scenarios include the Campaign Game, which covers a three day period from June 25th-27th, plus many shorter scenarios covering various actions from June 16th through June 30th.