World At War 85: Blood and Fury Expansion Operation Red Gauntlet

It’s a Matter of Bridges, Commard-Colonel

World At War 85 Operation Red Gauntlet is a major expansion for Blood and Fury, Volume 2 of the World At War 85 series. The war in Europe has reached a critical phase. Warsaw Pact forces push hard toward the Weser River. NATO must hold key crossings or risk the collapse of the northern front. Bridges now decides the campaign.

Operation Red Gauntlet adds five new scenarios, numbered 17 through 21, continuing directly from the sixteen scenarios in Blood and Fury. These battles focus on the city of Minden and the surrounding region in West Germany, recreated with large multi-map layouts that form a historic battlefield configuration.

This expansion includes nine new geomorphic 13” by 19” maps and a complete expansion book with all required module and scenario rules. Four scenarios use the new maps alongside components from Blood and Fury. The final scenario, Operation Red Gauntlet, uses eight of the new maps in a large-format engagement and also requires Volume 1: Storming the Gap and its Expansion Kit.

New gameplay elements increase tactical depth and realism.

• Tunnel hexes and tunnel hexsides create intense close-quarters fighting beneath the Mittelland Canal.
• Dense City terrain slows armored advances and limits firepower.
• Light Industrial terrain adds complex line of sight effects and defensive options.
• Major River hexsides prohibit normal crossings and force deliberate bridge operations.
• Pontoon bridge units allow engineers to span rivers or ferry forces under fire.
• High rate of fire HE weapons can engage heavy armor in specific situations.
• Alternative missile and secondary AP systems expand tactical choices.
• Advanced night fighting capabilities and optional thermal imaging rules enhance night operations.

Bridging operations become central to victory. Engineers deploy pontoons during the Marker Removal Phase. Bridges take time to construct and remain vulnerable to enemy fire. Destroyed or disrupted pontoons can stall an offensive at a critical moment. Major rivers restrict movement and force both sides to plan coordinated assaults rather than rapid breakthroughs.

Scenarios included:

• Scenario 17 Assault Across the Weser, Minden South
• Scenario 18 Red Lightning, Minden North
• Scenario 19 Cracking the Neesen Bridgehead
• Scenario 20 Death from Above
• Scenario 21 Operation Red Gauntlet

These scenarios range from focused river crossings to large multi-map battles. Scenario 21 delivers a full-scale clash that challenges experienced commanders and tests your ability to coordinate armor, infantry, engineers, and air support.

World At War 85 Operation Red Gauntlet expands the conflict across northern West Germany and places the fate of the offensive on a single question. Will you seize the bridges and press forward, or will your advance stall at the riverbank?