Motor Platoon

The famous British Rifles were the obvious choice for the role of daring motorised infantry. They have proved invaluable during the mobile battles of the desert, and now the last hurdle is Hitler’s grip on Europe. Their mobility becomes even more important as the British Army go about finally putting Jerry back in his place.

New lend-lease equipment has provided armoured protection, allowing the Riflemen to carry the fight to the enemy more readily. The riflemen’s new transport is the lend-lease M5 half-track made by International Harvester in the States. This provides them with protection from Jerry small arms fire.

They don’t have the vehicle-mounted machine-guns of their American counter-parts—the war ministry has found other uses for those—however the riflemen are furnished with ample Bren light machine-guns. This gives them remarkable firepower for such a small unit.

Pioneer Platoon

A rifle battalion has its own platoon of pioneers of tradesmen and sappers. The pioneers receive additional training in the specialist areas of field fortifications and obstacles. They have proven their worth time and time again in Normandy and Italy, clearing the way for infantry assaults against the German’s defences.

In Flames of War

The Motor Platoons form the core of a Motor Company and are all MG teams apart from the specialist PIAT and Light Mortar teams. Riding in the lend-lease M5 half-track provides them with a level of protection from enemy small arms fire as they ride into battle.

The Pioneer Platoon are specialists in clearing obstacles and taking out field fortifications. They can arm one team with a flame-trower. They are a small unit and must be used in conjunction with, and protected by, your Rifle Platoons in combat. They are available as a Weapons Platoon for a British Rifle Company.