MEMOIR 44 SEELOW HEIGHTS, BERLIN DELUXE VINYL PREPRINTED OVERLORD WATERPROOF MAT

🪖 Memoir ’44 — Battle of the Seelow Heights Overlord Scenario

Special Collector’s Edition | Deluxe Vinyl | English & French

NEW RELEASE — Begins Shipping Thursday, 1 August 2024
Available in Classic Paper, Vivid PVC, and Deluxe Vinyl. This listing is for the Deluxe Vinyl edition — 100% waterproof, extra durable, and ready for serious gameplay or display.

🇩🇪 The Scenario

Recreate one of the final, decisive battles of World War II — the Battle of the Seelow Heights (Berlin, April 1945). This massive Overlord scenario challenges players to assault or defend the last major German defensive line before Berlin fell to the Soviets.

📦 Product Details

• Material: Deluxe vinyl — 100% waterproof and super-resistant

• Size: Approx. 144 × 70 cm (56.7 × 27.6 in)

• Languages: English & French (all scenario text printed on the mat)

• Format: Pre-printed scenario map, historical background, victory conditions, and special rules — just as in official Memoir ’44 Overlord battlemaps

• Ships rolled inside a sturdy tube

• Worldwide DHL shipping to all 50 US states, territories, and international destinations

🏆 Why Collectors Love It

• Rare, limited-edition production

• Historically accurate and visually striking

• Premium waterproof vinyl ensures long life — perfect for repeated play or display

📜 Historical Background (Brief)

On April 16, 1945, Soviet forces under Zhukov began their assault on the Seelow Heights, defended by General Busse’s 9th Army. After brutal artillery barrages, swampy terrain, and fierce German counterattacks — including elite Tiger tanks — the Soviets finally broke through on April 18. The road to Berlin was open, but at staggering cost.

The stage is set, the battle lines are drawn — you are in command.

***

Memoir '44 Battle Report: Seelow Heights, April 1945
Players: Soviet Red Army vs. German Wehrmacht (Diederik Stolk)

Starting Positions
The battlefield depicted the Seelow Heights—a crucial defensive line in the final days of World War II. The Germans held the high ground with fortified infantry, 88mm Flak anti-tank guns, and well-placed strong points. Swampy terrain funneled Soviet advances into predictable paths, amplifying their exposure to German firepower. Two elite Tiger tank units bolstered the German center as armored reserves.

The Soviet forces enjoyed numerical superiority, including mobile artillery and a resupply system vital for sustaining their offensive. However, card limitations added strategic complexity, forcing the Soviets to choose their actions carefully. A breakthrough across the German rear exit line offered critical victory points, mirroring the challenge of breaking the Seelow defenses—a brilliant design choice in the game.

Early Phase: Testing the Defenses
The game began with cautious maneuvers. The Soviets advanced along a broad front but were quickly bogged down by the swamps and lethal German defenses. The 88mm Flak units wreaked havoc, destroying Soviet armor and earning key victory points.

The Germans adopted a defensive posture, maximizing their fortified positions. The Soviets' initial pushes suffered heavy losses, mirroring the grinding attrition of the historical battle. It became clear that the sequence of Command Cards would be pivotal.

Midgame: Tiger Counterattack and Soviet Resilience
The German Tigers launched a counterattack, initially halting the Soviet advance. However, bad luck and precise Soviet dice rolls led to the Tigers' destruction, delivering a morale blow to the Germans. The loss forced the German player into a reactive stance, as Soviet persistence and dynamic card play began to turn the tide.

Decisive Moment: Breakthrough on the Right Flank
Regrouping and resupplying, the Soviets prepared a concentrated assault. Well-timed Command Cards, such as "Move Out," "Direct from HQ," and "Counter-Attack," allowed them to focus on their right flank.

At the village of Letschin, a combined artillery and infantry assault overwhelmed the German left flank. Soviet forces crossed the exit line, earning vital victory points and breaking through the Seelow Heights. Despite German attempts to recover, their forces were too stretched to repel the Soviet momentum, highlighting the importance of strategic flexibility.

Conclusion
This Memoir '44 session was a thrilling blend of strategy, luck, and historical immersion. The game echoed the challenges of the Battle of Seelow Heights, from early Soviet losses to the decisive breakthroughs on the flanks.

Memoir '44 remains a masterpiece of accessible tactical wargaming, offering rich historical detail and engaging mechanics. Unfortunately, its limited availability and rising prices make it harder for new players to enjoy. For those who can access it, this scenario is a must-play, delivering an intense and rewarding experience.