Bolt action: Historically Normandy 1944 project

Going into the squad organization I will start with the german heer squad. A standard german squad consisted of 10 men. Of course this was probably not always right. As every one with some military experiences knows, a squad is almost never up to 100 %. Either a member or more of the squad is ill/wounded or been transfered to another platoon/squad, which the higher commanding officers (in all their infinite knowledge #sarcasm) thinks is the best use of the manpower. Of course when a military campaign is rolling there is always the chance of casualties. And dont get me started with a squad being up to 100 % on material (food, weapons, tools and so on), that almost never happens. And when we talk mass warfare as WW2 was, I will bet you that a normal Heer platoon was always in short of supplies in someway or another.

Getting some work related frustration out of my systems, I will now go on to talk about the german heer squad.

As I said before the squad consisted of 10 men:

1 squad leader (unterfeldwebel) is equal in some degree a sergeant. He was normally equipped with a MP40. Giving the SQL (squad leader) an advantage in close range engagements. I think the reason why he was equipped with a MP (machine pistol) and not a rifle, is because the SQL is not the one doing the most shooting, but is analysing the situation and giving orders, and therefore dont have the time for long range aim shots. This comes from my own work experience as a private/private first class for 3 years and squad leader for 5 years now. It therefore makes good sense for the SQL to be equipped with a short range weapon and only shoot when the enemy is dangerous close.

I made my SQL with a MP40 and a M43 Field Cap. I know that it is a bad example for the SQL to wear the soft cap instead for the helmet. I know I would grill my squad members if they showed up to a firefight not in full combat gear! But I did this to the miniature for it to stand out, so it was easier locate on the tabletop battle.

the squad also consisted of a assistant squad leader (obergefreiter) equal to a corporal. Sometimes the obergefreiter could also act as a squad leader, do to either casualty or that the obergefreiter hadn’t completed his squad leader education yet.

I made my ASL (assistant squad leader) with a StG 44 to give the squad some extra fire power. I know this is perhaps historically on thin ice. StG 44 got into mass production after july 1944. But the beta version of StG 44 was named MP43 and was used with great succes on the eastern front. So if I have to place my squad in a time frame from start july 1944 to end august 1944, it maybe a rarity to see StG 44 in Normandy. What do you guys think? I was thinking about a narrativ where this german unit had been redeployed from Russia to France for rearmament and retraining of replacements, and that the unit brought their few StG with them, alongside the rest of the units equipment.

I will begoing over the MG team next.