Operation Antegrave

DATE: 30/08/2026

TIME (GMT): 18:00

ERA: WW2

MAP(S): Grave Bridge

TYPE: COOP

TEAMSPEAK: ts1.biaarma.com

GAME: Arma 3

EVENT: Official

AUTHOR(S): Doctor

SLOTS: 68 / 78

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RATING: (29)

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OPERATION MARKET GARDEN is underway. The main Allied airborne assault has begun, with the bulk of the 82nd Airborne Division currently landing and assembling on Drop Zones outside the immediate Grave area. These forces will shortly begin moving towards their assigned objectives, including the strategically vital crossing over the River Maas at Grave.

Ahead of the main force, a Pathfinder Company has already inserted into the vicinity of the bridge. Their role is not to conduct the main assault. Instead, the Pathfinders must prepare the battlefield so that the forces following behind them can move, fight, resupply and establish command without delay. The immediate Grave area remains under German control. Enemy forces occupy important road junctions, defensive positions and infrastructure throughout the area, while the approaching Allied airborne forces remain dispersed around their landing zones. For the moment, the Pathfinders are on their own. They must use the time before the arrival of the main element to dismantle German control of the immediate area, prepare supply Drop Zones, open the route for friendly armour and establish a secure foothold from which the coming assault can develop.

German forces in the Grave area consist of local security troops supported by more capable combat elements positioned around important infrastructure and approaches to the river. Enemy checkpoints have been established along the southern Main Supply Route, allowing German forces to control movement towards Grave. Intelligence has identified both a radio relay and a fuel storage facility associated with these positions. The relay provides the enemy with an early-warning capability against movement approaching from the south, while the fuel facility represents an important local sustainment asset. German troops also occupy the approaches to the river crossing and positions north of the Maas. The exact strength and disposition of German forces are unknown. Pathfinders should expect prepared defensive positions, machine guns, anti-tank capability and the possibility of armoured support. Enemy forces elsewhere in the area will increasingly become aware of the airborne operation as events develop. German resistance should therefore be expected to become more organised as Allied forces establish themselves around Grave.

The 82nd Airborne Division is presently conducting its main airborne insertion away from the immediate operational area. Those formations are still landing, assembling and preparing to advance. They cannot provide immediate support to the Pathfinder force around Grave. The Pathfinder Company represents the advance element in the area and is organised around a Company Headquarters, two Pathfinder platoons and dedicated machine-gun elements. The company carries the specialist equipment required to establish airborne supply zones, including Eureka radio transceivers used to identify and mark the Drop Zones for approaching Allied aircraft.

Pathfinder Company will prepare the Grave Bridge area for the arrival of the main body of the 82nd Airborne Division and supporting Allied forces. To achieve this, the company must establish two supply Drop Zones, clear German positions obstructing the southern reinforcement route, secure the river crossing, establish the Command Post, and create a defensible position north of the river.