tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16203701181607179312024-03-13T16:19:27.201-04:00Platoon Forward StoriesA site for fans to publish After Action Reports, stories, ideas and links using TFLs Platoon ForwardFlightDochttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10493092270549623224noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1620370118160717931.post-44793037814224392792014-12-03T13:24:00.000-05:002014-12-03T13:24:04.426-05:00Squadron Forward Game - Romanians v SovietsIts been a while since I have gotten a game in so this report is overdue. I just got in an interesting game last night. My game group in Atlanta has been playing a Squadron Forward campaign. I drew up the first squadron but this was actually the first game I have been able to get in. <P>
You can read the report <a href="http://cstoesen.blogspot.com/2014/12/bomber-escort-mission-well-at-least.html">here</a>.<P>
What I would like to bring up is what to do after the action has taken place. No rules or campaign system can deal with every possible situation. Once came up last night that should be extremely rare. It does not happen often when a friendly fire incident happens. Its rarer when it happens twice to the same pilot in the same mission. My Flight Leader managed to shoot friendly aircraft not once but twice. In the first case, he did not do any damage to the bomber he hit but that aircraft was later shot down by the enemy. In the second incident, he shot his wing man doing structural damage. All fighter aircraft returned to base (on both sides, no less) and two bombers were shot down and the other two sustained some damage. <P>
So it was a complete bust for the Romanians. But what do you do to the pilot that had two such incidents in one action? In my after action report, I had the pilot dismissed from service and arrested. Has anyone had a similar incident? Or what would you have done with the offending pilot?Chris Stoesenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07285495844651490795noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1620370118160717931.post-85854896295322188912012-10-23T16:57:00.001-04:002012-10-23T16:57:47.323-04:00Great Book AlertSorry for the gap between posts. Have been in the US taking a course for "senior medical leaders". <br />
It did give me time to read a great book on the challenge of leadership. I led a Military Police platoon briefly and have been on "G" series orders for the last 8 years for those of you who know what that means. <br />
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This book realy talks about the strain of command and the anguish of not always getting it right better than any I have ever read. It's lessions apply not only to Vietnam but to small unit leadership throughout time. It truely talks about "Platoon Forward". For the gamer it also makes for some great Vietnam scenarios. The <u>Cross of Iron</u> was the best war novel I had ever read but I think this one matches it and it is not a novel! {Honorable mention goes to <u>Delilah, </u> <u>Soldier of the Great War and Bomber</u>.} <br />
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On a second note-- We need some of you to post your stories here! We haven't had a post since March!<br />
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Cheers<br />
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JoeFlightDochttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10493092270549623224noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1620370118160717931.post-68234794744458359282012-03-16T12:16:00.002-04:002012-04-05T13:03:22.455-04:00Audet Ambushed: A Platoon Forward Game, Part Three<a href="http://wwii.ca/photos/caen/caen_medics.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 617px;" src="http://wwii.ca/photos/caen/caen_medics.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Normandy, June 8, 18:20 hours<br /><br />The crack of grenades was still ringing in his ears as Audet took stock of the situation. Matthieu's rifle section began to secure the hedgerow, while Pte. Leblanc checked the two prone forms left on the ground after the brief fight. One was clearly dead, but the other German was holding up his uninjured arm in an indication of surrender. Audet noticed that both Germans wore camouflaged smocks and helmet covers, unlike the ones he had seen previously, who wore their plain fieldgray uniforms. "Watch that one", he said to Leblanc.<br /><br />Climbing down from the hedgerow on to the road, Audet saw Padre Huard praying by the carrier that had contained Matthieu's Bren section. The crew stood nearby, their heads uncovered. Looking into the passenger compartment, Audet saw two bodies, both covered with gas capes. <br /><br />His Sten gun held loosely, Audet headed for the front of the ruined convoy, passing the burning truck in the centre of the column. It's cab was fully engulfed in flame. The crew of the lead truck were standing back from the flames, smoking cigarettes with expressionless faces. Beyond them, where the lead carriers had been ambushed, he saw Doc Armand kneeling and working beside a prone figure. Close by, two more men sprawled nearby, their battledress dusty. Dark brown stains surrounded the torn serge fabric where the Spandaus had caught them.<br /><br />Cpl. Legros and several of his riflemen watched the doctor working. Audet didn't like the way they had left the road and hedgerows uncovered. He grabbed Legros' shoulder to get his attention. "Report." <br /><br />"My Bren team. Arsenault and Gagnon are dead. LaRoche got one in the chest. Looks bad."<br /><br />"OK. Secure this site. You and your men make sure the doc is covered. I'll call in for help. Where's Sergeant Beaulieu?"<br /><br />Legros shrugged. "Dunno."<br /><br />Back in the center of the column, Audet found his platoon sergeant sitting beside the road, smoking a cigarette, his eyes unfocused. One side of Beaulieu's face was splashed with drying blood. <br /><br />"Is that yours?"<br /><br />No answer. <br /><br />"I said, is that your blood, sergeant?" <br /><br />Beaulieu shook his head, pointed to the carrier where the two bodies lay.<br /><br />Padre Huard came up beside Audet. "I think he's in shock."<br /><br />Audet pushed his helmet back and looked around. "Stay with him, Padre. Corporal Côté !"<br /><br />Two section's leader trotted over to him. Audet was relieved to see that the man's eyes were alert behind his spectacles. "You're acting sergeant. Send two men with a stretcher up to help the Doc. Get the rest to secure this road until we get some help. I don't want to get hit again."<br /><br />From there, Audet went over to his carrier to call his Company. He wasn't looking forward to speaking to the Major.<br /><br />****<br /><br />So the aftermath of the action is not great. For each soldier who got a killed result in TW&T, I rolled a 1d6, with the result of 1-2 lightly wounded, 3-4 seriously wounded, and 5-6 dead. The results are unkind. Two of Legros' One Section Bren team are dead, and the third is seriously wounded. Two of Matthieu's Three Section Bren team are also dead.<br /><br />Since Sgt. Beaulieu's card only came up once at the end of the fight, my artistic license is that he was shocked into immobility during the fight. Having two men killed beside him evoked memories of the Great War, perhaps, hence his being incapacitated at the end.<br /><br />For the Freeform Event at the end of the fight, Audet wants Sgt. Beaulieu removed from his platoon. That is a possible result on Platoon Forward's All Knowing Odds Table, but a "10" result means not now. That result isn't helped by Audet's abrasive personality and by his lack of success in the mission. Doc Armand thinks a day's rest is all the sergeant needs, and Major Charpentier agrees with the Doc. It looks as if Audet will be stuck with his crusty old sergeant for a while yet. <br /><br />Now there are two rolls to be made on the Fixed Events table. <br /><br />The first is a 5, Player Character. The subsequent roll is a 4, Character Noticed. A subsequent roll of 5 means that a squad leader has been noticed, and that squad leader turns out to be Legros. Legros has been noticed by his surviving section mates. His coarse personality does not help, but the roll is a "5" on a 1d6, so that is not a bad result. Turns out that what's left of his section thinks Legros has done a pretty good job of keeping them alive, and they blame Audet for their casualties.<br /><br />The second Fixed Equipment roll is a 2, meaning Equipment. The result is a "5". meaning additional rounds of somethig. I decide that since Division has learned some lessons from its contact with 12th SS, extra PIAT anti-tank rounds will be issued. No 18 Platoon will get a case of three PIAT rounds to go with their PIAT and its six standard rounds. Someone will have to carry that gear.<br /><br />Sadly, no replacements are available for No 18 Platoon for now. <br /><br />Audet has limited opportunity to interact with Major Charpentier, but he senses that his Company Commander is acting cool to him. Audet knows thay Doc Armand and Padre Huard have spoken well of his conduct in the ambush, particularly during the melee in the hedgerow. However, he fears that Charpentier may have deflected any displeasure from the Colonel onto Audet's shoulders, rather than accept the blame for ordering a road move in an area that is still unsecured. Audet was hoping for some recognition for bringing back a prisoner from 21st Panzer Division, but Charpentier treated this as nothing very special.<br /><br />Before he retires for the night, Audet draws up this roster for No. 18 Platoon.<br /><br />Platoon Commander: Lt. Denis Audet with one soldier as a signaller with the platooon radio set.<br /><br />Platoon Sergeant: Sgt. Beaulieu (ordered to rest for a day)<br /><br />No 1 Section: Cpl. Legros and four soldiers, plus one soldier who is recovering from serious wounds. Audet has decided to use the section as a Bren team plus to have one soldier carry the platoon PIAT and others to carry the PIAT rounds.<br /><br />No 2 section: Cpl. Côté and six men, plus one soldier recovering from serious wounds and two recovering from light wounds. Cote has the section organized as a two man Bren team and himself with four soldiers as the rifle team.<br /><br />No 3 section: Cpl Matthieu and seven men. Matthieu has the section organized as a three man Bren team and himself with four soldiers as the rifle teamMad Padrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00410143683610813671noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1620370118160717931.post-87118063595143773792012-03-13T13:25:00.001-04:002012-03-13T13:25:58.747-04:00Audet Ambushed: A Platoon Forward Action, Part Two<a href="http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/5928/thetable2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 640px; height: 347px;" src="http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/5928/thetable2.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />The ambush scenario in Platoon Forward requires the side being ambushed to traverse a table from one edge to another. Accordingly, I set up this Normandyish scene with a main road and some side roads. The blinds on the board indicate possible German ambush sites, which are rolled for randomly as per PF's mecnahism for determining the type and number of OPFOR. As per the ambush rules, the ambushing side has six turns to wreak havoc before relieving forces come to the rescue, at which point the game either ends or is continued with the ambushing side taking on the relievers. The ambushers are outnumbered by a factor of 1-3 or thereabouts.<br /><br />As with other Denis Audet games, I am playing them solitaire, using Too Fat Lardies' Troops, Weapons and Tactics rules. Normally I would use 20mm or 1\72nd scale rules for these games, but given the number of vehicles needed for the convoy I am using my 15mm kit. All the infantry shown below are manufactured by Battlefront, as are the carriers. The trucks are from Old Glory. The buildings are from Paper Terrain by Scitt Washburn, which I highly recommend for affordable buildings.<br /><br /><a href="http://img38.imageshack.us/img38/1662/carriersfirstmove.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 640px; height: 421px;" src="http://img38.imageshack.us/img38/1662/carriersfirstmove.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><em>Cpl Legros leads the way with three section as the convoy sets off.</em><br /><br />"Is he going to be decorated?" Audet asked Dr. Armand as their carrier clattered along a narrow dirt road. <br /><br />"He should be." The RMO was referring to Pte Roy*, from the regiment's antitank platoon. He had been found dead beside his 6 pdr gun, and everyone was saying that his actions were deserving of the Victoria Cross. "If it hadn't been for Roy and his gun, the Jerries would have overrun A Company. Hell of a way to spend our first night in France." <br /><br />"A decoration would be good for us, for the Regiment" said Audet. He allowed himself a brief vision of being at Buckingham Palace and having the English king pin a medal on his dress uniform, maybe an MC. That would be good. <br /><br /><br /><a href="http://img43.imageshack.us/img43/4081/thetable.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 640px; height: 480px;" src="http://img43.imageshack.us/img43/4081/thetable.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><em>The Canadian convoy enters further on the board. The first blind in the village is a dummy blind. Phew! But wait a moment ... the second blind is the real deal, Gefreiter Letkeman and his panzer grenadiers.</em><br /><br />In the back of the carrier, the Chaud's chaplain, Padre Huard,** was dozing, his head pillowed against a canvas satchel stuffed with medical equipment. He and the RMO were good friends, and often entertained their fellow officers with debates about science and religion. Audet, not much of a churchgoer, felt uncomfortable around the padre, but he acknowledged the good he did to the men. Huard's simple burial service for Cpl Yergeau two days ago had meant a lot to the men of 18 Platoon.<br /><br />Looking ahead, from his place in the middle of the column, Audet saw Sgt. Beaulieu in the carrier ahead of him, along with the three man Bren gun team of Cpl. Matthieu's Three Section. Ahead of them was one of the three lumbering trucks they were escorting, and ahead of it was Matthieu with his rifle team. Leading the convoy was Legros with 1 section, in the lead two carriers, with the lead truck between him and Matthieu. Looking back, Audet saw the rear most truck, and behind that, he knew, Cpl Cote and two section brought up the rear. From what he could see of him, his men were enjoying the novelty of riding instead of marching, and the gradual cooling of the oncoming evening was pleasant.<br /><br /><a href="http://img256.imageshack.us/img256/3650/germanswatch.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 640px; height: 301px;" src="http://img256.imageshack.us/img256/3650/germanswatch.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><em>Achtung! Gefreiter Letkeman watches and awaits his opportunity. Battlefront Miniatures painted by my friend James Manto.</em><br /><br />***<br /><br />Letkeman signalled his men to prepare to fire. He wished he had some panzerfausts to see off the little tracked carriers, but Leutnant Krauss had said they were reserved for the frontline boys and couldn't be wasted on raiders. At least he had four Spandaus to put to good use. Just a moment more, let the two lead carriers pass, then the first truck, let that get into his other LMGs' field of fire, now a second truck ... "FIRE!"<br /><br /><a href="http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/1411/momentofattack.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 640px; height: 480px;" src="http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/1411/momentofattack.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><em>The situation at the moment the ambush is sprung. The middle truck and Beaulieu's carrier are right in front of Letkeman. The two lead carriers with Legros' section are passing one of Letkeman's two LMG teams.</em><br /><br /><a href="http://img338.imageshack.us/img338/2517/firingdowntheroad.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 640px; height: 412px;" src="http://img338.imageshack.us/img338/2517/firingdowntheroad.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><em>The third LMG team is sited with a clear line of sight down the road, able to engage the head of the column. It opens fire head on at the two carriers with Legros' section on board.</em><br /><br />*** <br />Sgt Beaulieu was telling the boys how they were spoiled having these little carriers, and how in the Great War he had been lucky for a ride in a stinking boxcar on the occasional train. "Marched our feet to nubs, we did."<br /><br />Private Cournoyer, the No 2 on the Bren, laughed obligingly, just as all hell broke loose. He pitched forward, and Beaulieu felt something hot splash across his face. Old instinct kicked in, and he threw himself down in the back of the carrier, then felt a heavy weight as someone fell on top of him. <br /><br />Behind him, Audet's eyes widened as he saw two men in the carrier ahead of him topple over, then was thrown off balance as his own carrier braked hard. He could hear at least two MGs, the distinctive Jerry sound, like canvas being ripped hard, sending a chill down his spine. The fire all seemed directed forward of him, and he could see muzzle flashes from the hedge about twenty five metres ahead and to his left. Now he could see two men leaping from the back of the carrier ahead, Beaulieu and another soldier with a Bren gun, and crouch behind their vehicle. Ahead of them was a loud WHOOOMP as the middle truck exploded into a fireball. He didn't see anyone get out. <br /><br />Doc Armand and the Padre looked around them, their faces alarmed. "Stay down!" Audet told them, his mind racing.<br /><br />***<br /><br />The first two turns don't go well for the Canadians. The MG fire from Letkeman and one of his half sections causes two casualties on the passengers in Beaulieu's carrier, both from Matthieu's Bren team. The carrier crew must take a morale check and fail resulting in the passengers bailing out and the carrier retreating. Beaulieu and the surviving Bren gunner bail out. They get a few ineffectual shots off before taking covef under a hail if German kead. Letkeman's other section opens up on the truck, causing many hits, killing the crew and destroying the vehicle. It explodes. At the head of the column, both carriers transporting Legros' section fail their morale checks. The one carrying Legros and his rifle team turns to flee, while the second, carrying his Bren team, gets a result of passengers dismount. <br /><br />The German's opening fire ends the first of six turns. The first draw of the second turn is, incredibly, the Tea Break card. Not a bad way to simulate shock and fear among the ambushed. The Germans open fire again. Legros' Bren team suffers two casualties. Beaulieu and the remnant of Matthieu's Bren team take several shock points. German fire is less effective this turn. Canadians cower.<br /><br /><a href="http://img717.imageshack.us/img717/7224/burningtruck.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 640px; height: 284px;" src="http://img717.imageshack.us/img717/7224/burningtruck.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><em>A truck burns while Beaulieu and another soldier have scrambled out of their carrier and try to take shelter.</em><br /><br /><br />Turn 3 and the Canadians start reacting. The lead truck halts, its crew scrambling for the ditches. The rearmost truck's driver panics, and tries to reverse on the narrow road. Unfortunately, he does this as Cote tries to push forward. One of his carriers rolls badly and collides with the reversing truck, jamming both vehicles and blocking most of the road. <br /><br /><a href="http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/6079/crashsv.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 640px; height: 480px;" src="http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/6079/crashsv.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />The two lead carriers retreat towards the centre of the column, leaving Legros' hapless Bren gun team cowering on the road, where they are all shot down. When Legros' car finally comes up, he is able to dismount, and directs his rifle section at one of Letkeman's two half sections.<br /><br /><a href="http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/2861/sriflemen.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 640px; height: 480px;" src="http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/2861/sriflemen.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><em>Legros in action. Canadians begin to fight back.</em><br /><br />Cpl. Cote is activated, and while his Bren team scrambles dazed from the wreck of their carrier, Cote leads his rifle team through the hedge and begins to try and outflank Letkeman. They get a few shots off and the shock begins to mount on the Germans.<br /><br /><a href="http://img848.imageshack.us/img848/4701/coteoutflanksletkeman.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 640px; height: 480px;" src="http://img848.imageshack.us/img848/4701/coteoutflanksletkeman.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><em>Cote begins to stalk Letkeman, who is feeling less than comfortable now.</em><br /><br /><a href="http://img828.imageshack.us/img828/1262/audettakescommand.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 640px; height: 480px;" src="http://img828.imageshack.us/img828/1262/audettakescommand.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><em>Audet is now activated. Leaving the Padre and the Doc in the relative shelter of the carrier, he goes to join himself to Legros' rifle section. That's Audet on the left, pointing decisively.</em><br /><br /><a href="http://img33.imageshack.us/img33/7572/sriflesectioninaction.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 640px; height: 480px;" src="http://img33.imageshack.us/img33/7572/sriflesectioninaction.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><em>More Canadian reactions. Cpl Matthieu leads his rifle section to shelter behind the burning truck, and opens fire on Letkeman, who is now taking fire from three sides.</em><br /><br /><a href="http://img192.imageshack.us/img192/3039/secondtruckblowsup.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 640px; height: 480px;" src="http://img192.imageshack.us/img192/3039/secondtruckblowsup.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /> <br /><em>The German LMG team posted at the far left has a clear shot down the road and takes out the lead Canadian truck. All three trucks are now immobilized or burning.</em><br /><br /><a href="http://img542.imageshack.us/img542/3268/letkemanbeginstowithdra.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 640px; height: 480px;" src="http://img542.imageshack.us/img542/3268/letkemanbeginstowithdra.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><em>Gefreiter Letkeman, a veteran, knows that the Tommies are over their shock and outnumber him. One of his half sections has taken a casualty. Time they were going. Joining one half section, he directs the other to withdraw a bound, set up their LMG, and cover his withdrawal. That way they will leapfrog back and break contact, trusting his other LMG teams will do the same.</em><br /><br /><a href="http://img571.imageshack.us/img571/756/audetassaults.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 640px; height: 480px;" src="http://img571.imageshack.us/img571/756/audetassaults.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><em>Every game with Audet includes one use per game of the Heroic Commander card. Audet is a jerk, but he's a brave glory hound and the Heroic Commander card allows him to do something incredibly brave and rash. The HC card comes up now, just after Letkeman begins to pull back. Sensing that the German fire is slackening, Audet grabs Legros' arm, and waves his Sten at the hedge with his other hand. "A l'assaut les boys!" The Canadians charge forward, and roll enough movement dice to push through the hedge and into Letkeman and his half section. The ensuring Close Combat is a near thing, but the result is that the Germans lose two men and take some shock. They lose the melee and fall back 12 inches. Letkeman survives and his men fade away into the Norman countryside. <br />The ambush is over.</em><br /><br />That charge concluded the fighting. The two German LMG teams break contact. The Germans lost three men. The Canadians had suffered five casualties, and the severity of these casualties will be checked in the next installment. Audet's mission had failed. The convoy would not get through. Two trucks were destroyed, with two crew killed. A third was damaged, along with a carrier. Not the outcome Audet had hoped for, but at least he has survived and has a sharp little fight in the hedgerows to point to, witnessed by the RMO and Padre from the carrier. <br /><br />In our next installment, perhaps tomorrow night, we'll see what the result is for Audet.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />*Pte L.V. Roy did exist. He and his 6 pdr played a vital role in protecting the Chaudiere's A Coy on the night of June 6-7. when they were nearly overrun by halftracks and troops from 21st Panzer Division. Roy never received a posthumous decoration but is still remembered in the Regiment today.<br />**Padre Huard also existed. He was a Roman Catholic priest serving as the regiment's chaplain in Normandy, and by this <a href="http://www.thememoryproject.com/stories/veteran-profile.aspx?itemid=3180">account</a>, he was a good one.Mad Padrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00410143683610813671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1620370118160717931.post-75997360072477642262012-03-13T13:22:00.000-04:002012-03-13T13:24:00.587-04:00Audet Ambushed: A Platoon Forward Action, Part One<a href="http://wwii.ca/photos/dday/dday_cdnsoldiers.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 626px;" src="http://wwii.ca/photos/dday/dday_cdnsoldiers.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Readers of this blog from a while back will remember my WW2 character, Lt. Denis Audet, <a href="http://madpadrewargames.blogspot.com/2011/02/platoon-forward-gets-mad-padre-blessing.html">who came to light using Joe Legan's campaign and scenario generator, Platoon Forward</a>. Audet is a young, brash and egotistical platoon commander leading No. 18 Platoon of Le Régiment de la Chaudière , a French Canadian infantry battalion taking part in the first days of the Normandy campaign.<br /><br />Audet has survived two engagements. On D plus one <a href="http://madpadrewargames.blogspot.com/2011/03/audet-takes-his-hill-first-game-with.html">he led a successful platoon attack on a hill</a>, and on <a href="http://madpadrewargames.blogspot.com/2011/05/audets-church-d-day-plus-3-platoon.html">D+3 he took a village church </a>that the Germans were preparing to use as an observation post. As a result of that second action <a href="http://madpadrewargames.blogspot.com/2011/10/audets-church-aftermath.html">he earned the notice of his Company Commander, Major Charpentier</a>, which is great because Audet is as ambitious as Lucifer. Audet's platoon is relatively unscathed, having lost 1 man killed and one seriously wounded in the first action, and two lightly wounded in the second. The dead man, Cpl. Yergeau, led section one and was replaced by Cpl. Cote, who was promoted from within the section. <br /><br />Audet's men respect his courage, but they also recognize that their platoon sergeant, Denis Beaulieu, is hostile to Audet. Beaulieu is a veteran of the Great War and wants to get through this war in one piece. Two of the section leaders, Legros and Matthieu, are part of his clique, whereas Cpl. Cote, who leads two section, is ambitious and educated, and wants to hitch his star to Audet's.<br /><br />Here's a quick summary of the cast of characters:<br /><br />Audet's boss is Major Michel Charpentier, OC D Coy. Not the best soldier in the army<br /><br />Personality: Idealistic<br />Interest: Government<br />Combat Temperament: Even<br />Combat Leadership: Level 1<br />Background: Average family<br />Special Skills: Fluent Anglophone<br /><br />Platoon Commander: Lt. Denis Audet Lvl 3 Big Man<br />Personality: Egotistical<br />Motivation: Position<br />Not fluent in English<br /><br />Platoon warrant officer: Jean Beaulieu, Level 2 Big Man<br />Personality: Glum <br />Motivation: Hedonistic. He is a Level 2 Big Man. Beaulieu is a veteran of the Great War who reenlisted. He is emerging as Audet's nemesis. Audet wouldn't mind getting rid of him.<br /><br />No 1 section (Cpl Jean Legros and seven men, - 1 wounded and 1 (Legros) promoted in first action)<br />Cpl Legros Personality: Coarse<br />Motivation and Interest: Position (wants to get ahead)<br />Combat Temperament: Bold<br />Combat Leadership: Level Two Big Man<br />Background: Son of a military family<br /><br /><br />No 2 section (Cpl and six men, minus one badly wounded in first engagement and two recovering from lit wounds from the second engagement)<br />Sgt. Pierre Cote <br />Scholarly <br />Motivation: Position. <br />He can speak English well - he learned it at seminary but when the the war came he left his studies to enlist. Now that he's seen the world, he would like to get ahead in it as something other than a priest. Level 2 Big Man.<br /><br /><br />No 3 Section: Cpl. Louis Matthieu and nine men<br />Egotistical <br />Motivation: Wealth. <br />He and Beaulieu are tight since he's a natural scrounger and trader and manages to get a lot of creature comforts for Beaulieu and his cronies. Francophone only. Is sure that there's a way to get rich out of the war. Level 2 Big Man.<br /><br />Optimally the sections are divided into a six man rifle team and a three man Bren gun team. One and Two sections are under strength and Audet has not yet received any replacements.<br /><br />Ok, enough recap, on with the story.<br /><br />Normandy, June 8, 17:00 hours. <br />Denis Audet was pleased to be summoned to see his company commander. After he had delivered his report and prisoners to Charpentier that morning, he had sensed that the Major was pleased with his work and had been hoping for good things all day. No. 18 platoon had been relieved from the little village they had captured that morning and been allowed a rest in regimental lines that afternoon. Word around the lines was that their Division was being heavily engaged by German counterattacks and that it wasn't going well. <br /><br />"Hello, Audet.". Salutes has been left behind in England, thanks to German sniping. Charpentier lit a briar pipe and Audet briefly considered whether the type a la pipe look would work for him, He didn't think it would. "The corporal you brought in as a prisoner told us about a German field hospital belonging to their 716th Division, about five kilometers from here." The major pointed to a map with his pipe stem. "As you know, things are still pretty unsettled between here and the sea. We're still getting stragglers and fellows wanting to surrender, and some who want to keep fighting. Too much work for the Provos to handle, which is why D Company has been tasked with rear area security for now. Captain Armand, the Regimental Medical Officer, is not too busy right now and wants to see this hospital. The Jerries are just waiting to surrender to someone, so it might as well be us. Is your platoon rested from this morning?"<br /><br />Rested enough, Audet thought. "Yes, sir." When he had last seen them, he had thought they had been resting too much, and he had ordered Sgt. Beaulieu to get them busy cleaning kit and stripping weapons.<br /><br />"Good. I want your platoon to escort the RMO to this Jerry hospital so he can assess the situation. Your men can provide security overnight until we can get Brigade to collect them tomorrow sometime. Hard to tell when that will be exactly with the Germans pushing back at us/"<br /><br />"How's it going, sir?". <br /><br />Charpentier looked thoughtful as he drew on his pipe. "Tough going. Brigade says we're up against their Hitler Youth Division. Crazy Nazi kids with good leaders. Well equipped. This could take a while. The sooner I have your platoon back tomorrow the better, as we'll likely be going into divisional reserve soon. I've assigned you transport from carrier platoon and some lorries the doc requested to move the seriously wounded. The walking wounded can march to the beach. So go report to the RMO and get over there before sunset. Secure the place tonight, and once the redcaps show up in the morning, help them get Jerry to the cages, and then get back here. Questions?"<br /><br />"No sir." Charpentier nodded dismissal, and Audet left the little cottage serving as D Coy headquarters. It sounded simple enough, and there might be the chance of some loot, either a Luger for Papa or maybe something shiny for Yvette. And if what the Major said about those Hitler kids was true, there would be fighting to come, so an easy job and a bit of a rest would be good. Audet smiled as he remembered what the Major had said about him getting the job done. That was a sign of good things to come. <br /><br />He began looking for Sergeant Beaulieu to give his warning order. The grizzled old guy would not be happy. He never was with any mission. Tant pis. Too bad. Another good job under his belt and Audet felt he could persuade Major Charpentier to take the old Sergeant off his hands and let him promote Côté in Beaulieu's place. Audet found Beaulieu's negative attitude annoying, and he was sure it was rubbing off on the boys. Maybe two wars were too many for Sgt. Beaulieu.<br /><br /><br /><br />****<br /><br />Gefreiter Willi Letkeman watched the Tommy jeep pass by in a cloud of dust, and was pleased that hits panzer grenadiers had remained calm. The section's two MG42s could easily have finished off the little vehicle, but he was after bigger game. The Tommy's motor had faded, the driver unaware that he had also passed Letkeman's two LMG teams three hundred metres further down the road. Those teams had also kept silent, under orders not to fire unless they heard him shoot first. Letkeman was satisifed with his men's fire discipline and concealment. He had orders to ambush supply or troop convoys, and to remain in position until sunset, at which time he was to pull back and return to battalion. Letkeman looked up at the sun and judged another two to three hours of light. This little road was quiet, but he was confident something good would come along. Until it did, they would wait.<br /><br />*******<br /><br />So, as you can see by this sinister piece of foreshadowing, it might not go so well for our brash and rather shallow hero in his next fight. In the aftermath of the morning's church battle, the PF system generated a result that a non player character wanted to tag along with Audet on the next mission, and that led me to think of the RMO. Why would he want to tag along? Something of a medical nature, and given the fluid nature behind the front in the first few days, a German field hospital wanting to surrender seemed a good idea. In fact, I believe an incident like this is mentioned in one of Mark Zuelkhe's books on the Canadians in Normandy. The idea seems sound.<br /><br />Now the bad news. The next mission rolled is an ambush. Normally in Platoon Forward, you play the ambusher, but with an idea already in mind for Audet's mission, it seemed to make sense that he would get bumped, either by cut off German dead enders or some of the 12th SS? Well, Audet's had a good few scraps. Let's see what happens when things don't quite go his way.Mad Padrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00410143683610813671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1620370118160717931.post-86038660294395226072011-12-03T15:53:00.001-05:002011-12-03T16:16:37.618-05:00Soldiers of the Rearguard or, The Social(ist) Network<br />
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Only three weeks
after Karpov’s return to grace comes another opportunity to distinguish himself
and the First Company. This time, the
men would have to be the rearguard, and hold a route through the city open so
that a truck convoy could escape. With
the close quarters of urban combat, there would be plenty of opportunities for
heroism. The problem with that is,
heroism comes with a price. This would
be a wild ride, full of random events that no one could have predicted.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Even by rearguard
standards, this was a bit of a scratch force.
Other than the rifle company with 54 men and three officers, there was
only an MMG, a 45mm ATG, and a couple of 50mm mortars. There was also an engineer/SMG platoon with
an officer attached to the force. The
rifle company had high morale though, so there was an Allied Rally card in the
deck. The layout was urban, and for once
the map and the board didn’t quite match up.
According to the map as rolled up, the layout should be:<o:p></o:p></div>
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2 buildings<o:p></o:p></div>
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2 buildings<o:p></o:p></div>
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Stream<o:p></o:p></div>
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Park<o:p></o:p></div>
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Hill<o:p></o:p></div>
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Key building<o:p></o:p></div>
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2 buildings<o:p></o:p></div>
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2 buildings<o:p></o:p></div>
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Boulevard<o:p></o:p></div>
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Well, everyone
knows how inaccurate Soviet maps can be, so the area wound up looking like this
instead:<o:p></o:p></div>
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Basically the same, but with a bit more construction; maybe
the map was from the Tsarist period. The
large gray ruin closest to the camera is the key building, and it would indeed
play a key role in the coming battle.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Not knowing where the Germans would mass
their forces, Karpov tried to defend a little bit of everything. The
next picture gives an idea of the general setup for the defenders:<o:p></o:p></div>
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Expecting the German assault to come up the center most of
2nd Platoon and its Jr. Lt. was dug in on the hill, with the engineers and ATG
protecting the left flank. 1st Platoon
was in the rear as a reserve, as was one squad of 2nd Platoon under command of
the new replacement commissar from Regimental HQ. The mortars were safely back to provide
support where needed, and the MMG was anchoring the right of the position with
a squad of engineers in the building next to them. Overall, not a bad plan, at least not until
the Germans started their attack.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The
German force consisted of 5 A, 2 B and 1 C type blind. The expected attack in the center didn’t
materialize; instead most of the German forces wound up at the river’s edge,
with 2 blinds coming up the center and the C blind coming in as reserves on the
Red Army left. While they hit the least
defended part of the position, it did at least have the advantage of putting
the bulk of the attack on the opposite side of town from the truck convoy’s
entrance.<o:p></o:p></div>
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When
the German force entered, it started what could only be described as “The Great
Footrace.” Karpov took the first
platoon, Commissar Bodmachin (another replacement from Regimental HQ) took his
squad from second platoon, and both commanders headed for the key building. Obviously, they were hoping to cobble
together some sort of defense that would last long enough for the trucks to get
away. They made it, but were undoubtedly
helped by the fact that the Germans seemed to be fascinated by the river. They were so fascinated that, for two turns,
they didn’t move at all. The truck
drivers in the convoy realized what a reprieve they had been given, so were
going hell for leather to get out of town.
There was a brief traffic jam, but the infantry managed to stay away
from the fleeing trucks.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The Commissar and
his squad took up a position in the back of the key building, ready to hold off
whatever might come their way. About
this same time, the officer in charge of the engineers on the left flank decided
it was time to strike a blow at the enemy.
Since everyone seemed to be headed for the other side of town, he
decided to join in the fun. By pulling
his men out of position, he insured that the left flank was covered only by the
45mm ATG. Meanwhile, Jr. Lt. Chernikov
with the second platoon had spotted the blinds in the center, and they turned
out to be fakes. He decided to stay
where he was though, since orders were orders and all that. The left flank is dangling, the right is
threatened, and the shooting hasn’t even started yet. What fun!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Then, German
reinforcements arrived on the left. It
turned out to be a platoon of Panzer Grenadiers, advancing slowly and
cautiously in their half-tracks. The
lead track wasn’t quite cautious enough, and the ATG punished him for that,
knocking him out of action and killing the crew. Back on the right, Commissar Bodmachin and
his squad were ready for anything except what they were confronted with:</div>
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While not all the German platoon
could get in on the close combat, there were enough of them to send Badmachin
and the remnants of the squad fleeing the building, and the edge of the board. Now it was time for Karpov to enter the
building.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Unfortunately,
there are no pictures of what happened next.
Karpov took one squad upstairs, while the other stayed in the front of
the building. The three German squads
that assaulted the building consolidated their position. One squad moved into the corridor in the
center of the building while a second squad provided overwatch and the third
squad got caught in the rubble, with almost no movement. Then, Karpov and the squad on the second
floor fired on the overwatch squad, distracting them into shooting back. This gave the Russian squad on the first
floor the chance to move into close combat with the German squad in the
corridor. After the combat, that German
squad ran out of the back of the building and was useless for the rest of the
game.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Now, the flare
went up that signaled the trucks were away safely. This switched the focus from being the
rearguard to mere survival. The second
platoon under Chernikov left the trenches and headed towards the edge of town,
with the engineers following them. The
ATG limbered up and left, just before the remaining German halftracks put on a
burst of speed using their dead comrade as cover. This carried them to the base of the hill,
and they unloaded their troops behind the hill and prepared to storm the
trenches. Karpov and one squad got out
of the building and onto the sidewalk, but one squad was trapped inside by
German movements in the other rooms. One
squad of engineers in a building next to the key building was also cut off by
the Germans, as they couldn’t move without being seen. Having been under accurate close range rifle
fire for some time, the MMG decided it was time to leave as well, and started
heading downstairs.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Having contributed
nothing to the proceedings up to now, Jr. Lt. Chernikov suddenly decided that
the enemy was crumbling, and decided to launch 2nd platoon at the nearest
German unit he could find. It took about
five Red Army KIA to convince him that he was wrong in his assessment, and he
continued to retreat towards the edge of the board. Karpov’s other squad managed to get out of
the building, but the Germans inside raced to the windows and began to shoot
them down like dogs, as they were moving in the open and at close range. One of the German squads inside the building
was close enough for Karpov and his squad to launch a close assault against
them, trying to take some of the pressure off of their comrades in the street. The close assault was a success, forcing the
Germans back and costing only one Russian casualty. Unfortunately, that casualty was Karpov
himself. His squad was still in good
order though, so they picked up his body and began to retreat. There was nothing else they could do to save
the rest of First Platoon, and the other squad was killed to a man.<o:p></o:p></div>
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All these heroics
must have impressed the commander of the engineers, as he suddenly decided he
could not leave the one isolated squad of his unit to their fate. Ordering the rest of the platoon to retreat,
he headed into the building where his squad was located, intending to rally
them and then cut their way out of the trap they were in. A noble sentiment, but ultimately futile; he
had just enough time to rally them before he was killed. They were then close assaulted by a German
unit, and the survivors were captured. A
similar fate awaited the MMG crew.
Although they were able to destroy one squad of Panzer Grenadiers, the
combined fire of the other squads killed the last of the valiant Soviet
defenders. By now, everyone else had
retreated off the board and the game was over.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Another victory,
but another heavy butcher’s bill as well.
First Platoon started with 24 men, and ended with 12 (12/0). Second Platoon started with 30 men, and ended
up with only 18 (5/10/3). Karpov was lightly
wounded, so will only miss one engagement.
Overall, the units under Karpov’s command took almost 40 percent
casualties. They did achieve their
objectives though, so that is good for something. However,
it is beginning to look as if the unit may have to be withdrawn for
reorganization. Before the post-game events
are considered, there are barely enough men left in the company to make up one
full-strength platoon.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Post-game events
prove to be very interesting as well.
First, Karpov is recognized by the Battalion CO, Major Goryunov
(Cheap/Arts/Military). This proves to be
another negative encounter for Karpov, even with a shared military background. Looking at some numbers though, it’s easy to
see why Goryunov might not like his subordinate. Given Goryunov’s background, he wants maximum
results for minimum expense. Karpov has
won 4 out of 5 battles. However, two of
the wins and the loss incurred heavy casualties. Karpov might be the battalion’s ‘go-to
officer,’ but don’t expect any elegant results, even by Soviet standards. This almost certainly offends Goryunov’s
cheap and artistic nature. While recuperating,
Karpov met Captain Lesovaya (Pleasant/Hedonist/Ranker), the battalion mortar
company commander. For some reason, they
hit it off together. Lesovaya isn’t
really a friend in a high place, as he is a company commander just like
Karpov. However, being on good terms
with a man that controls six 82mm mortars could be handy at some point in the
future, particularly on the defensive….<o:p></o:p></div>
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Since Commissar
Vlasov will be back for the next engagement, that means that Commissar
Bodmachin (Glum/Hedonist/Military) will be going back to Regimental HQ. Oddly enough, he has taken a shine to Captain
Karpov. Perhaps it is their shared
Military background, maybe it is because Karpov didn’t say anything about Bodmachin’s
running away from combat, or maybe it is something else. For whatever reason, Karpov now has a friend
at Regimental HQ, and that will undoubtedly help offset the negativity that
Karpov somehow creates for himself. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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A new crop of
replacements came in, and Karpov’s lack of friends is finally starting to
show. Because Goryunov and Klimkinov don’t
like him, Karpov’s company got the lowest number of replacements it has ever
received: only 12 men this time. Now,
some hard decisions have to be made about company organization, as this will
give a total of only 42 men on the books, not counting officers. That is barely one pre-war platoon. In short, the unit is almost burned out. I suspect that they probably have one good
fight left in them before they are withdrawn for refitting. This would keep them out of action for about
3 months. There is something to be said for
even surviving the summer of 1941 if you are in the Red Army, though. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />BrianWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00381316332364595094noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1620370118160717931.post-38215757340992890322011-11-19T15:54:00.004-05:002011-12-03T16:16:57.349-05:00Captain Karpov Rides Again!<div style="text-align: center;">
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After taking a break over the summer (my game table is in the garage, and in Texas that means it is basically unusable during the summer months), it was time for the next installment in the adventures of Captain Karpov and the 1st Company of the 537th Rifle Regiment.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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As you may remember, Captain Karpov had a regimental Commissar assigned to him, and was looking over his shoulder waiting for the NKVD squad to show up after he lost the last battle. This was not the case; in fact, Commissar Klimkinov thought that the two of them might actually hit it off together, since they both had a military background. Karpov, on the other hand, thought that he had to prove to this headquarters interloper that he was not a coward or traitor. It turns out that Karpov did prove something, just not what he set out to prove.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The company’s mission was to provide cover for a group of engineers doing some roadwork just off the table. The company is barely able to field two platoons right now, and so it was probably a good thing that the terrain turned out to be heavy. There was no artillery, no armor and no light support, so this would be a straight up infantry fight for the Red Army. The second platoon was looking for a fight though, and so would be rated as aggressive (pre-game event).<o:p></o:p></div>
<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676813321890037954" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--URFrUQDmDY/TsgXo6N2AMI/AAAAAAAAABo/83Ye2V3b77g/s400/100_1346.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /><br />
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<i>In August 1941, this was a full strength rifle company.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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The terrain was heavy, as can be seen from the map below. While I thought that would be a good thing at first, it turned out not to be as helpful as I had envisioned.</div>
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<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;"> <tbody>
<tr style="height: .75in; mso-height-rule: exactly; mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0; page-break-inside: avoid;"> <td style="border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: .75in; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-height-rule: exactly; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<b>Hill<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>Open<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>River</b></div>
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<b>Wooded Hill<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>Light Woods<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>Heavy Woods<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>Open<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>Light Woods<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>Crops<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<i><o:p> </o:p></i></div>
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As luck would have it, the company entered on area 7 (the open area at bottom left), and the German blinds entered between areas 1 and 2. The two forces advanced towards each other, but suddenly the Germans stopped in the woods at the edge of the hill and just waited. This was just fine for the Soviet force as the clock was still running, but Karpov was intent on showing that he wasn’t afraid of a fight. At this point, the Commissar was incapacitated for two turns on the random event card. The company pushed on without him, and as both platoon neared the base of the wooded hill, the Germans decided to move. This made them easier to spot, and the leading blind was quickly revealed to be the real force, consisting of 4 A blinds, 1 B blind and a C blind.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The B blind was spotted first, and turned out to be a tripod mounted MMG. Some amazing shooting from second platoon severely hurt the gunners, and first platoon wiped them out before they could respond. The other blinds turned out to be three squads of German infantry, and a 222 armored car. The German squads took up a firing line, and the fight was on. The German return fire caused only one casualty on second platoon, but unfortunately it was the brand new Jr. Sgt. Zinoviev who went down.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The flare went off saying that the engineers were finished, so now it was time to withdraw. This was not so easy though, as both platoons had taken enough shock to make moving difficult. One squad from second platoon had taken enough shock to lose its bottle and run off the board. The second squad retreated in good order carrying Zinoviev. First platoon was occupied with the German armored car that had moved down to the base of the hill and was trying to shoot them up with its 20mm cannon. Both squads from first platoon assaulted the A/C, with one of them getting two hits and knocking out the main gun. This was enough to convince the armored car that it needed to be away from the fighting, and rather quickly too.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The commissar had recovered by this point, and so he and Karpov were able to take enough shock off of the squads to let them move out of effective rifle range fairly quickly. The German infantry pursuit was half-hearted at best, and first platoon retreated off the board, ending the battle. By Soviet standards, the butcher’s bill was fairly light. First platoon took 6 casualties out of 22 engaged, and second platoon took 6 casualties out of 18, plus Jr. Sgt. Zinoviev. German casualties were estimated as 8, plus the damaged armored car.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Post-game events were almost as interesting as the battle. For the freeform event, first platoon attempted to go from poor troops to good troops and passed the roll! Finally, those months of being hammered on are paying off. Another roll determined that Jr. Sgt. Zinoviev was KIA, not just wounded. So much for being aggressive in your first command. For the first fixed event, the replacement commissar was transferred out of the unit. Apparently, Regimental HQ is convinced that Karpov is not a traitor. However, Commissar Klimkinov does NOT like Karpov; in fact, even with the modifiers for complimentary backgrounds the roll was a failure. Maybe Karpov made some sarcastic remark about Klimkinov “turning his ankle right before the battle started, and healing in time to leave.” Something like that would be consistent with Karpov’s character. At any rate, there is now one ‘enemy in high places’ for the company to deal with later on. The second permanent result was replacements, and enough were sent to bring one platoon up to 2 men over full strength. The die roll showed this to be second platoon, so that meant that 20 replacements joined the company. Now, that many replacements will get you an officer to shepherd them along so now Jr. Lt. Chernikov has joined the outfit. He is optimistic, with a religious motivation. He’s a Level II commander, so is either well trained or has some combat experience. He is of average background, and will be of Bold temperament for his first engagement. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Chernikov will take over the newly constituted second platoon. First platoon is down to 24 men (10/4/8), so second squad is broken up and the survivors divided between the other two squads. The two leftover new replacements are put into third squad, which gives first platoon two squads of 12 men each. At last, first company is finally starting to fill back out again. Who knows how long this will last though?<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>BrianWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00381316332364595094noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1620370118160717931.post-54669553302335228542011-10-12T14:50:00.003-04:002011-10-12T14:50:43.358-04:00Captain's Courageous - or - The Light Company Gets a BathUpon the safe return of Lieutenant Swiven to the Division, Captain Beesley and the Light Company had two weeks of blessed rest. The East Southhamstershires were kept busy guarding the Divisional Headquarters and there was no urgent need for the Light Company's services. Such idleness did not go unpunished. The men of the Light Company were good men in a fight and quite capable foragers.
Too clever by half for many of the provosts. Chickens, pigs and goats began disappearing for mile around after the return of the Light Company. While nothing could ever be proven, enough complaints were raised that once again, the Light Company drew official notice. Finding himself in the General's tent, Captain Beesley sweats lightly as he awaits his audience. His Colonel stands beside him casting disproving glances Beesley's way since neither knew why they were summoned.
The General and his aide enter the room. The twinkle in the general's eye only partially calms Beesley's nerves. "Well Captain, you and your rogues have made quite a name for yourselves. It seems that idleness does not become your men. So I have found something to keep them active." With a large smirk upon his face he adds, "We shall keep them from running a fowl of the provosts, eh?"
Dutifully, the aide laughs at his general's jest. The Colonel joins in and subtlety moves away from Beesley, instinctively sensing something amiss and not wanting to get splashed in any foul mess that Beesley may have jumped into.
"In reading your record, Beesley, I see that you have worked with the Navy before. And therefore you are familiar with His Majesty's ship HMS Gout?" The General continues without pause assuming the answers, "The Captain of the Gout has been ordered to land a company of British infantry on the northern coast of Spain as an observation post. You will be landed in the dead of night and given a number of birds to send messages back here to keep us informed. The Gout will check in on you from time to time, keeping you supplied with powder, shot and necessities. As resourceful as your men are, I do not thing you shall be lacking in any comforts."
Beesley presented a calm outward visage but internally he ranted, <i>Damn and blast Smallwood. Whose chickens has the man been stealing for my mess anyway? Wellington's?!?</i> Instead he responded, "Yes sir," with a crispness that would have done them proud back at horse-guards.
"Now, in order to move your men, we have had to rather upset Captain Turnwall as his ship had to be configured 'en flute' or whatever that nautical nonsense means. He seemed quite upset so be on your watch on the voyage. He has also had to post his marines to shore duty to fit your full company on board. Once landed, you will be staying here." With that he jabbed a finger at the map on the desk. You spot an 'x' on his map that is very near the French border.
"This is a ruined castle that dates back nearly to the reconquista. You can see the main coast road coming down from France and keep an eye out for French movements into Spain. This is vital work. You will be relieved in about a month. Any questions?"
By this the General made it clear that there were to be no questions and he was expected to go away.
<B>Three Days Later - Off the coast of Northern Spain</B>
The storm crashed down upon the HMS Gout. They had been in harsh weather for over 42 hours straight. The men of the Light Company were dreadfully sea sick. The men of the Gout were fighting for their ship's very life. Though Beesley offered his assistance, he was rudely dismissed below by the Captain. The second officer and three hands had already been lost in this storm. Several more have been sent to the surgeon having ruptured themselves in the strenuous work of saving the ship. To the men of the Light Company, they nearly to a man believed that they were doomed.
Fifty six hours into the storm, the wind slackened enough that the sailing master and the Captain decided on a desperate plan. They ran the ship towards the shore in an attempt to wait out the storm in a sheltered cove that the Sailing Master knew from his days as a smuggler in his misspent youth. Halfway into the mouth of the cove, the main top gallant mast snapped with a thunderous report. The whip crack of stays and lines was heard slashing from above as the broken mast plunged downward to the deck below. The mast struck the deck after first passing through the body of the captain, nearly cutting the man in half.
The next two hours were a blur of motions as sailors and their surviving officers restored order and saved the ship. Once order has been restored, Captain Beesley found himself being summoned by the ship's Bosun to the Captain's cabin. Finding himself there with the First Lieutenant (now captain of the Gout), a Midshipman, the Sailing Master, the Bosun, the surgeon and the Master Gunner, he looked from man to man at the grim faces.
Lieutenant Hardbrace spoke for the group, "Captain Beesley, we cannot complete the mission as ordered. The ship is leaking badly from the storm. We lack the cannon to defend ourselves in the event of an attack from sea. We need to repair the masts and other damage to the rigging. We are stranded here on this shore until we can make repairs. We need your help." The last sentence was delivered where Hardbrace had to visibly swallow his pride before hand.
Beesley nods, "I understand, Captain. I have inquired with my Ensign, the pigeons have all perished in the storm. Even if you were to drop us off at our original destination, we have no means of communicating back with the division. Half my men are still ill from the voyage but I place my officers and those of my men that can work at your disposal."
With relief the naval types all nod. Hardbrace describes their situation, "We are in a sheltered cove. It is doubtful that anyone has spotted our arrival and we are secluded enough here that unless someone comes down the hill from above, we should not be noticed. I would like your men to form a perimeter around the hill and serve as sentries while my men complete the repairs on the ship. If you have men to spare, we need additional hands at the pumps to keep us from sinking." Pointing to the Bosun, "I will send the bosun ashore with a party of reliable hands to gather what materials we can in order to expedite repairs. There is a small fishing smack that we have confiscated in the cove. We have this and one longboat left. The other ships boats were lost in the storm. We will begin ferrying your men ashore as soon as you are able."
Another half hour of quick work sketched out what little was known of the cove and their approximate location.
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This will be the third outing of Captain Beesley and the Light Company. I have been looking for a way to utilize the Frigate model that I have been building. This seems to fit the bill. I hope to get this on a table to game out shortly.
Chris Stoesenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07285495844651490795noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1620370118160717931.post-74086342513510840722011-10-03T01:02:00.000-04:002011-10-03T01:03:38.626-04:00Audet's Church: A D-Day Plus 3 Skirmish<em>This post is an attempt to remember a solitaire game I played several months back was a busy summer, using the characters generated with the help of Platoon Forward as described in previous posts. The scenario I rolled up with PF was Scenario Card F, a Platoon Attack, and the randomly generated objective as a Key Building. Of course, in a Mad Padre wargame, the key building has to be a church. In keeping with Lt. Audet's abrasive and glory-seeking nature, there would be no way that he would pass up another chance to gain attention. A further assumption of mine was that in the first few days after D-Day, given the historical role of the Chaudieres as rear security, any German opposition would likely be scattered and disorganized. You may feel from this AAR that Audet got off lightly. Perhaps. One gets attracted to the imaginary troops that PF gives you. No doubt in future, Audet's challenges will increase.</em><br /><br /><a href="http://chemindeserables.pagesperso-orange.fr/StOuenduTilleul_RgtChaudiere7.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 450px; height: 300px;" src="http://chemindeserables.pagesperso-orange.fr/StOuenduTilleul_RgtChaudiere7.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br />07:45, 8 June, 1944 Normandy - within the lines of La Regiment de la Chaudiere, <br /><br />"Things are going well for us. The Division is ashore, we've linked up with the British, and we're taking ground. Just as importantly", Major Charpentier paused to look around at his platoon commanders, "D Company succeeded in our first tasking yesterday. We took some casualties, but the CO is pleased that we pushed out and straightened our sector. Well done all."<br /><br />Lt. Denis Audet was hoping to hear the Major praise 18 Platoon for their role in the company attack yesterday, but was disappointed as the OC continued. "Today is maintenance and routine patrolling, but we do have one special job. Our recce platoon heard some motors and noted some vehicle activity here, at Eglise St. Michel. They also report that the church is suitable for an OP that could overlook our battalion lines. I need a platoon to have a look at it and if possible take the church. You were all in action yesterday so I'm asking for volun ..." <br /><br />Charpentier stopped as a hand shot up. Audet saw Capt. Cournoyer roll his eyes but he didn't care. "My boys can do it, sir."<br /><br />"Good. Go get the recce brief from Lt. Aubin and report back in an hour with your plan and your support requirements."<br /><br /><em>Here's the table I rolled up using Platoon Forward's terrain generator.<br />Canadian side, left to right: Forest, Building, Hill<br />Center, left to right: Forest, Significant Building, Open<br />German side, left to right: Open, Open, Swamp<br /><br />Since it was Normandy I interpreted the open areas to be hedged, and since there is a significant building in the centre, that seemed to require roads and perhaps suggest a road junction. Here's the result.</em><br /><a href="http://img64.imageshack.us/img64/6083/audet2005.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 640px; height: 425px;" src="http://img64.imageshack.us/img64/6083/audet2005.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br />18 Platoon was sitting near the foxholes they had slept in the night before, eating a breakfast of compo rations: tinned fruit, biscuits, and coffee. Adjutant (French for Warrant Officer) Beaulieu was telling the new corporal, Legros, about his adventures with Legros' pere in a barfight in the last war when Lt. Audet came strolling over with a worrisome purpose. "Have the platoon ready to move in thirty minutes, Adjutant. Light fighting order. We have a patrol."<br /><br />Beaulieu climbed to his feet, feeling every one of his forty three years in his bones. "Us again, sir?"<br /><br />Audet grinned and slapped the older man's shoulder. "Us again. Natural choice. We showed them we're the best, eh?"<br /><br />As Audet walked away, Beaulieu took a long drag on his Players and threw it to the ground. He looked at his corporals. "You heard Clark Gable. We're the best." He shook his head. "Idiot."<br /><br />By 09:00 18 platoon has been briefed and guided into position by two scouts from recce platoon. Audet had surveyed the ground through binos with in company with recce's Lt. Aubin. He was reasonably happy with his supports. He had been hoping for a tank, but a vehicle from the Carrier Platoon would give him some recce capability and another Bren gun, while the same Vickers HMG team that had worked with him in their last fight had been reassigned. Major Charpentier had approved his plan and now it was time to go. <br /><br /><a href="http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/4939/audet2013.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 640px; height: 425px;" src="http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/4939/audet2013.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><em>Lt. Audet briefs Major Charpentier on his plan while the men of two section crouch ready in the hedges on the start line. Command group are plastic figures by Valiant.</em><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kMvchDCTqYg/Td61HHEcJrI/AAAAAAAAAc8/ZVoNEyAPxio/s1600/eglise%2Bst%2Bmichel.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kMvchDCTqYg/Td61HHEcJrI/AAAAAAAAAc8/ZVoNEyAPxio/s400/eglise%2Bst%2Bmichel.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611121319511598770" /></a><br /><br /><em>This small image looks bigger when you click on it. The blue text and arrows show Audet's plan as follows. Vickers HMG and 1 section under WO Beaulieu will move onto the hill and establish a firebase to cover platoon's advance. With that covering fire, Audet will lead 2 section towards the church at the right moment, while three section with the Bren carrier will probe up the road into the village and look for possibilities to outflank the church posititon. <br /><br />The black shows the force that PF generated for the Germans. In addition to dummy blinds, the Germans had an infantry section with a Big Man in the church, a heavy AT gun behind the church, two tanks, an MMG section at the crossroads, and a Forward Observer in contact with a four gun 81mm mortar section. Since German resistance would still be firming up just three days after the invasion, my premise is that the infantry and the FOO belong to 716th Div and have orders to hold the church and the village, the other elements belong to separate formations, most likely 21 Panzer Div, and are not attached or supporting. So the two tanks, Pz IIIs, and the AT gun, a towed 88mm, are passing through and have orders to exit the board.</em><br /><br />Gefreiter Lothar Schreiber sat on board bench in the little church steeple and listened to the conversation in the street below. Janke, his sergeant was in the street, sharing a smoke with a Luftwaffe leutnant commanding the 88 and crew tucked in alongside the church. Schreiber was impressed at the careful placement of camo netting and twigs to conceal the gun and its heavy mover. He could appreciate the need for it. A few minutes ago a flight of jabos had passed low over head, hunting for targets further inland. For the last three days all he had seen were Tommy aircraft, and he wondered when one would get bored and strafe his steeple just for sport. <br /><br /><a href="http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/9593/audet2010.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 640px; height: 425px;" src="http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/9593/audet2010.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><em>Limbered 88mm gun and heavy mover, carefully tucked behind the church. I've had this model for years and never used it until this game. ESCI, I think.</em><br /><br /><br />"He's been gone too long." The Luftwaffe leutnant was peering up the street, hoping to see the military policeman return on his motorbike. The chaindog was route control for this sector, and had held the gunners in place while he went to check that the route further inland was safe for transit. <br /><br />"Be nice if you could stay, sir. We could use your support. Same with the Panzer boys." Janke pointed to the orchard across the road from the church, where two Pz IIIs, also heavily netted and concealed, were parked, their crews lounging about.<br /><br />"Sorry. Got to get back to my unit, wherever they are. Been wandering for three days now, ever since the Tommies arrived. And as for the Panzers, while, they don't talk to the likes of us air force types."<br /><br />Schreiber was about to chuckle at the joke when Moller, number two on the MG42, elbowed him and pointed out the belfry to the south. "Actung! Tommies on that hill."<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://img651.imageshack.us/img651/3838/audet2017.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 640px; height: 425px;" src="http://img651.imageshack.us/img651/3838/audet2017.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><em>1 section and the attached HMG move onto the hill and come off their blinds.</em><br /><br />Beaulieu heard the first rounds of MG tearing the air above him. They were shooting high. He had expected the Germans to have opened fire earlier, but perhaps some sentry had been snoozing. "Get to the crest and let 'em have it. All fire on that church." Now rifle fire was coming at them as well, and gouts of earth were kicking up closer to them. Cpl. Legros and his Bren team had already flopped down and seconds later started chugging out rounds at the church. The riflemen of One Section joined them and Enfields began cracking. Two of the Vickers team arrived a moment later, toiling under their burdens, and began setting up their weapon. Their third man lay crumpled twenty feet back. Beaulieu raced over to him, retreived the heavy ammo boxes, and staggered back to the machine gunners. "Spray that f'n church good."<br /><br />The sound of fire to his right was Cpl. Matthieu's signal to start 3 section moving on the road to the left of the church. With the Bren carrier leading the way in a cloud of exhaust, he and his men cautiously went forward, some hugging the walls of a ruined brick cottage, others crouching behind the carrier. Within minutes they realized that they had walked into the firelane of a machine gun, and three section was pinned. <br /><br />Inside the church it wasn`t much better. Schreiber and his LMG crew huddled for dear life behind thick stone, keeping well away from the open spaces in the belfry. The fire from the hill had picked up and wasn`t stopping. Through the din he was aware of a young landser calling from the stairway. `Sgt. Janke is dead, corporal!`<br />Verdamnt! `Well, keep shooting!` he yelled back, then cringed as another burst of 303 lashed the steeple.<br /><br /><em>The Germans took an unlucky break early on when their Big Man in the church, Janke, was killed. Presumably he looked out a window at the wrong time. The character of Schreiber would be the replacement if the dice favoured it. Meanwhile, as 1 and 2 sections and the HMG under Audet and Beaulieu remained active, peppering the church, Matthieu would not have his card come up for many turns, effectively taking him and three section out of the game.<br /><br />The German 88 had its card come up several times and did the sensible thing, pulling away from the church and towards the German rear, where it safely exited despite a few shots from the Bren. The two Pz IIIs followed. Without an effective infantry leader in the church to coordinate with them, they did the sensible thing and retreated off the board edge, since this was an assembly point on a road move and not a staging area for combat. One tank did take a shot at the Bren carrier which was visible down the road, and while the shot was a near miss, it convinced the driver that escape and survival was his best bet. His exit only seemed to convince Matthieu and 3 section to remain invisible and under cover.</em><br /><br /><a href="http://img256.imageshack.us/img256/7172/audet2023.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 800px; height: 531px;" src="http://img256.imageshack.us/img256/7172/audet2023.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Gefreiter Schreiber watches from the steeple in dismay as the second PZ III pulls out of its leaguer and heads away from the fighting.<br /><br /><a href="http://img823.imageshack.us/img823/7885/audet2020.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 640px; height: 425px;" src="http://img823.imageshack.us/img823/7885/audet2020.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />PZ III covers the withdrawal of the towed 88 and fires a shot at the Bren carrier.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qg0N7cc97K8/Toky1T8rBRI/AAAAAAAAAfo/qkw7O4IpWrY/s1600/Audet%2B2%2B019.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qg0N7cc97K8/Toky1T8rBRI/AAAAAAAAAfo/qkw7O4IpWrY/s400/Audet%2B2%2B019.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659110298236945682" /></a><br /><br />Which promptly flees back down the road and off the table.<br /><br />Leutnant Gunther Horst and his radio operator had been driving cautiously towards Eglise St. Michel, following instructions from the day before to identify an OP to direct the fire a section of 81mm mortars. His major had said something about stabilizing the front line but as Horst heard small arms fire he had doubts that there was any front line. Signalling his driver to halt, they left the kubelwagen amidst some trees and crept forward until he had a line of site on the village. <br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jRCyitHFL-A/Tok2BBHTm9I/AAAAAAAAAfw/xSnXkFu6xj4/s1600/Audet%2B2%2B027.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jRCyitHFL-A/Tok2BBHTm9I/AAAAAAAAAfw/xSnXkFu6xj4/s400/Audet%2B2%2B027.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659113797874588626" /></a><br /><br />The FOO Lt. Horst sets up in the woods with a line of sight to No 3 section.<br /> <br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xhTjZC23cwk/Tok3HLLR9iI/AAAAAAAAAf4/c_6ZCLczPZ4/s1600/Audet%2B2%2B024.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xhTjZC23cwk/Tok3HLLR9iI/AAAAAAAAAf4/c_6ZCLczPZ4/s400/Audet%2B2%2B024.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659115003166455330" /></a><br /><br />Mortar shells begin to fall on No 3 section (background) while Audet starts 2 Section towards the church. <br /><br /><br />Matthieu and his section flattened themselves against walls and buildings as mortar shells began to fall nearby. The corporal could see from the postures of his men and the expressions of a few nearby that they were thoroughly pinned. He wasn't going anywhere, but he lifted his head briefly as he heard a new sound, tank tracks. The reassuring shape of a Sherman appeared in the roadway (a random event generated an Allied reinforcement).<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c_1y3nlI6SE/Tok5tQlu2_I/AAAAAAAAAgA/1P20ZHhQ24Q/s1600/Audet%2B2%2B031.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c_1y3nlI6SE/Tok5tQlu2_I/AAAAAAAAAgA/1P20ZHhQ24Q/s400/Audet%2B2%2B031.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659117856477862898" /></a><br /><br />Through his binoculars, Audent could see fragments of stone flying from the walls of the church as the Vickers gun continued to lash it. The rate of return fire from within the church had fallen off considerably. Now was the time. "Follow me, les boys!" Once again his men were sprinting behind him. There was a brief burst of Spandau fire from the steeple, and a man staggered and fell behind him, but they were through to the wall now. "Grenades, ready and ... now!" A flurry of grenades were tossed through the windows, with bangs and screams. A soldier kicked the door down and Audet stepped forward, Sten gun spraying. There was no return fire, the nave of the church was littered with six field gray forms, sone still, some moaning. "Kamerad", a voice called from the steeple stairs. Gefreiter Schreiber and his surviving No 2 had had enough. Minutes later, WO Beaulieu on the hill twatched his lieutenant wave jauntily from the steeple. "F*** me, he did it again!"<br /><br /><em>Epilogue: The Canadian close assault on the church was an amazingly lucky run of sixes, and wiped out the defending rifle section. With two of the three LMG crew surviving in the steeple, there seemed to be little point in further resistance. THe advent of the Sherman was enough to scare off Lt. Horst and the MMG team at tbe crossroads. Lt. Audet had his church and his casualties had been amazingly light. One killed from the supporting Vickers crew, and two riflemen lightly wounded from 2 section during their assault on the church. A very small bill for a decisive victory. In the next post, we'll see how Audet fares in his quest for recognition and promotion. Thanks for reading, and blessings on your die rolls. MP+</em>Mad Padrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00410143683610813671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1620370118160717931.post-21069174279414288932011-07-25T13:25:00.001-04:002011-07-25T13:25:48.971-04:00The Return of Captain Beesley and the East SouthhamstershiresFollowing their initial action, the East Southhamstershires fell back to friendly lines. Captain Beesley of the Light Company was called into the Colonel's tent. <br />
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"<blue>AH! Beesley, there you are. I think we have something for you.</BLUE>" The Colonel lazily points to a splendidly decked out officer of the Engineer service who is standing rather stiffly around the Colonel and Major. <br />
"<blue>Lieutenant Swiven?</BLUE>" He glances back at the lieutenant to ensure he said the name correctly and presses on, "<blue>Swiven here is to conduct a survey mission of an area to our front. He is looking to find any suitable paths that the army can use and to ensure that the French do not have a route that we do not know about yet. You sir, are to be his escort. Take the young gentleman where he wishes to go and ensure that no harm comes to him.</BLUE>"<br />
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Being dismissed as if these could not possibly be any questions that he could have with such clear and decisive orders, Beesley gathered his company together to move out.<br />
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The light company marched out on a lovely morning with Lieutenant Swiven and his survey party. They arrived at a small village near a river crossing. The survey party began their work. Beesley established a sentry post near some ruined walls just to the north of the town. The river is north of the sentry post.<br />
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Next, Beesley set a picket along a strong stone fence at the north end of the village. Here Sergeant Smallwood and eight men waited for sign of the enemy.<br />
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The light company enjoyed some rest for a few days while the survey was being done. On the third day, the sentry spotted an advancing french unit crossing the bridge. A small unit of carabiniers quickly chased the sentry away and occupied his position.<br />
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The warning of the sentry brought out Lieutenant Harthwaite with 8 men and Sergeant Langtree with twelve men from the houses and formed a line between Sergeant Smallwood's position and the northern most house.<br />
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The carabiniers and Lt Harthwaite's commands exchanged fire with little coming of it. The French moved across the bridge without any serious opposition. One blind headed to the top of the hill on their left while another ran towards the stand of crops on their right. Two more proceeded down the center of the road. <br />
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Captain Beesley and 8 men moved to support Sgt Smallwood along the stone wall. One french blind continued forward until it was spotted only 12" from the front of the British lines. Once spotted, it revealed itself to be a fast moving french column of 4 groups of nine men each. The British opened fire across their line against the column massing a significant amount of shock and some casualties. The blind following the french column stalled near the bridge.<br />
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In the fight that began against the column, the French commander, Lt Gerard managed to remove shock and charge the column into Sgt Langtree's line. In the resulting fisticuffs, both Langtree and Gerard were killed. Two rounds of fisticuffs saw Langtree's command break and fall back.<br />
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The luck of Gerard's column died with him as Lt Harthwaite, Sgt Smallwood and Captain Beesley's groups opened fire on the column at nearly point blank range. The fire shattered the column that was never able to recover and it routed off the board back where it came from.<br />
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At this point, Lt Harthwaite spotted the other blind. This was a french half company commanded by Captain Amaury and Lieutenant Ernest. Captain Amaury believed that his men could carry the day. Rushing his men in two separate formations of two groups of nine each they moved quickly up either side of the road. This time, the British were able to bring the advance to a halt 12" from their lines. The French were never able to overcome the mounting casualties and shock and were forced to withdraw. They lost another big man - Sergeant Laurent.<br />
<br />
Once the smoke of the battle cleared, the British had suffered eleven casualties including Sergeant Langtree. Sgt Langtree managed to nearly stop the French column through his weight of fire but died galantly leading his men against the French charge. The French lost 29 men in casualties including two big men: Lt Gerard and Sgt Laurent.<br />
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======================================================================<br />
<br />
The use of a column to charge the British line nearly worked. Had the French had access to a reasonable bonus card, they may have pulled it off. Instead they had drawn Water and Stand Fast. The British started with two Stand Fast cards. They then drew all of the French cards (Hop to It and Pas De Charge). The British used their two Stand fast cards well and received grasp the nettle cards as needed. The french always seemed to have their big men arrive before their GTN cards. <br />
<br />
This was a fun solo game and I was able to play with using columns. Reading Cornwall's Sharp books it seemed that the French loved to advance in column. The tactic must of worked somewhere for them to continue to try it. Here it nearly worked and the column was able to reach the British line and did break it. They just lacked the power to stay in the fight after the initial clash.<br />
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Sorry for the lack of pictures as the camera (my cell phone) was absconded by my son so he could play angry birds.Chris Stoesenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07285495844651490795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1620370118160717931.post-10929007693046442982011-07-12T19:00:00.003-04:002011-07-12T19:06:00.422-04:00Interlude and Paranoia<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;line-height:200%">Suffering over 50% casualties in one battle is enough to take the stuffing out of any unit.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>So, it was not surprising when the dice told me that it would be about 3 weeks before the next engagement.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>That should be enough time to get the replacements in, and at least teach them which end of a rifle to point at the enemy.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Once again, it was consolidation time within the company.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>As each platoon is now down to basically one squad each, it only made sense to group the survivors together into the new 1 Platoon, and send the replacements into 2 Platoon.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>That gives 1 Platoon almost a full strength TO&E, with 2 squads of 10 and one of 8.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>2 Platoon now has a squad of 10 men and a squad of 7, all of which are replacements.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>While going through the casualty figures, I discovered that the 50mm mortars had not been completely wiped out.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>There was 1 soldier left alive out of the two crews, so he went into 2 Platoon.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>That gave the second squad 8 men.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>3 Platoon has ceased to exist.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Oddly enough, this might benefit the company, as the attentions of the (too few) leaders will not be as divided among the company subgroups.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;line-height:200%"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;line-height:200%">Since this is September 1941, there is a definite shortage of Junior and Senior Lieutenants out there to assign to the company.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>So, it is time for Captain Karpov to reach into the ranks for another big man.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He does just that, and comes up with Junior Sergeant Zinoviev.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Zinoviev is a scholarly type, whose motivation is religion.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Maybe his family wanted him to go into the priesthood, or maybe he comes from a background like Jr. Lt. Lobachevsky did.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Either way, it’s not something that is going to help him go far in the Red Army.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>As a squad leader, he is only a Level I leader, but has a D4 ability, which is better than both of the officers he is replacing.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Apparently that scholarly personality, combined with some practical experience, has taught him a little bit about handling troops.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He has an even temperament, and comes from an average background, so it seems obvious that Capt. Karpov <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>has chosen him for his ability.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Surely this is a relief instead of having to deal with what he was given, as was the case with Bartov and Lobachevsky. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Since he is a Junior Sergeant, Zinoviev can only influence one squad within the platoon; however, that is all you can do once the shooting starts anyway so it shouldn’t be that much of a negative.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;line-height:200%">Of course, it wouldn’t be the 1941 RKKA without the paranoia mentioned in the title.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Captain Karpov might not be in disgrace, but he is surely under a cloud.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It doesn’t matter that he was outnumbered, undermanned and in a bad position.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>What matters is that he did not carry out the combat task assigned to him.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>While there is no evidence (yet) that he is a traitor to the Motherland, it seems clear to the upper echelons that the reason he lost this last engagement is that there was not a Commissar to provide the men with the proper fighting spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>So, regimental HQ has sent one of their political officers down to ‘assist the Company Commander until Comrade Vlasov returns to duty.’<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Enter Regimental Commissar Klimkinov.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He is a generous type, just like Vlasov.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>However, he is motivated by the Government, so this political officer is one of the ‘true believers.’<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He is a better leader than Vlasov, being a Level II officer but that is probably expected since he is higher up the political chain of command.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He has an even temperament, and comes from a military background just like Karpov does.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Klimkinov probably thinks this will help him get along with Karpov, since they have something in common there.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I don’t think that is the case, though.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;line-height:200%">Let’s look at things from Karpov’s view.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He lost half his command in the last battle, and lost the battle.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He got reinforcements, but instead of more leaders he got a commissar from regimental to ‘assist’ him.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>For Karpov, there is no way this could be good.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The flip side of this is that if Karpov can get past his paranoia, he might realize that having a contact on the regimental staff could be a good thing, even if it is on the political end.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Since Klimkinov’s assignment with the unit is a short one, it will be interesting to see if Karpov comes to this conclusion, or continues to look for the NKVD squad to show up.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;line-height:200%">The next mission will be a screening of friendly engineers while they do some roadwork.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Karpov will probably see this as a slight against his unit as well.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>After all, a regimental commissar looking over his shoulder AND <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>a ‘milk run’ type of mission for the company’s return to combat can only add up to one thing.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The obvious conclusion is that regimental HQ doesn’t trust him or his men.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Given that he is an aggressive, revenge motivated type, there is no doubt that he will drive his troops hard in the next engagement.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>That way, he will get his revenge against the Germans, and prove to the new commissar that he is not a traitor.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>October 1, 1941 (the date of the next action) should be an interesting day for all concerned.<o:p></o:p></p>BrianWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00381316332364595094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1620370118160717931.post-6743884386066432522011-06-29T15:23:00.002-04:002011-06-29T15:26:27.429-04:00…but Defeat is an Orphan<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px; ">After two winning scenarios, I was feeling pretty good about my rifle company.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>With a loss rate for the unit running at about 32 percent, I was bumping up against my self-imposed ceiling of high casualty rates.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>If this were an American or British rifle company, those kinds of losses would be barbarous.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Indeed, 25 percent losses over such a short period might be considered high for them.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>By 1941 Red Army standards however, the unit has two victories AND they have roughly a 1:1 loss ratio with the Germans that they have faced.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It might sound harsh, but in the summer of 1941 a 1:1 loss ratio is a win for the Red Army. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Clearly, the 537th Rifle Regiment is part of the broom that will sweep the Soviet Motherland clean of the Fascist invader:</span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;line-height:150%"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 150%; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IKSDb8-Eh-Q/Tgt76g5YIaI/AAAAAAAAAAg/fmIwHwBoC-k/s320/Red%2BArmy%2Bbroom.jpg" /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 150%; "></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;line-height:150%">The problem with a winning streak is that eventually it will end.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The next mission that I rolled up was Scenario M, “A Hasty Defense.”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The dice told me that I had only hours to prepare.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Obviously, this would be the German counterattack to try and retake the village.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Although I had rolled up 15 replacements after the attack, I decided that they probably would not have arrived in time so I would do without.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Consequently, the map is the same as before, except that this time I was the one defending.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <div align="center"> <table class="MsoTableGrid" border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="margin-left:100.5pt;border-collapse:collapse;border:none;mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt;mso-yfti-tbllook:1184;mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <tbody><tr style="mso-yfti-irow:0;mso-yfti-firstrow:yes"> <td valign="top" style="border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt; text-align:center;line-height:150%">Open<o:p></o:p></p> </td> <td valign="top" style="border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-left:none; mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt; text-align:center;line-height:150%">Open<o:p></o:p></p> </td> <td valign="top" style="border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-left:none; mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt; text-align:center;line-height:150%">Road<o:p></o:p></p> </td> </tr> <tr style="mso-yfti-irow:1"> <td valign="top" style="border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt; text-align:center;line-height:150%">Light Woods<o:p></o:p></p> </td> <td valign="top" style="border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt; text-align:center;line-height:150%">Village (with road)<o:p></o:p></p> </td> <td valign="top" style="border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt; text-align:center;line-height:150%">Light Woods<o:p></o:p></p> </td> </tr> <tr style="mso-yfti-irow:2;mso-yfti-lastrow:yes"> <td valign="top" style="border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt; text-align:center;line-height:150%">Light Woods<o:p></o:p></p> </td> <td valign="top" style="border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt; text-align:center;line-height:150%">Open<o:p></o:p></p> </td> <td valign="top" style="border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt; text-align:center;line-height:150%">Road<o:p></o:p></p> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> </div> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;line-height:150%"><o:p> S</o:p>ince Sr. Lt. Bartov got himself killed in the assault, and Politruk Vlasov was wounded, that left only Jr. Lt. Lobachevsky on the field.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I decided that it was now time to bring in Captain Karpov, as he was the only other Big Man available to the company at this point.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Interestingly enough, the pre-game event roll gave me High Morale, so maybe the Captain is not as unpopular as I thought he might be.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Or, maybe the men were just a little more confident with a more experienced officer than Lobachevsky at the helm?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>With the reinforcements rolled up, my force was:</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;line-height:150%"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal">Platoons 1, 2, 3 (only 2 squads each due to losses)<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal">Captain Karpov, Jr. Lt. Lobachevsky<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal">2x 50mm mortars<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal">3x MMG<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal">2x 45mm ATG<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal">3x T-26 (these would come in later, as reinforcements)<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in;line-height:normal"><o:p> </o:p><o:p> </o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px; ">Since I knew the general direction the Germans would be coming from, I placed an ATG in the woods on either flank, and put the MMGs and men throughout the village and woods.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>My hope was that there wouldn’t be too many German vehicles, and that we could hold the attack at bay until my armor arrived.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>As it turned out, a defense plan with the word ‘hopefully’ is about as good as a financial plan that starts out, ‘When I win the lottery….’</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in;line-height:150%"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in;line-height:150%">The game started with two German stonks that killed some infantrymen and both of the limbers for my ATGs.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Then, I watched in horror as a wave of German blinds rolled onto the board.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>One of my ATGs spotted tanks, and drew first blood, but it was mostly downhill after that.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>As the spotting rolls revealed the German force, it was very clear that they wanted this village back.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I was facing:<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal">3x infantry platoons (all at full strength)<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal">2x HQ infantry squads<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal">3x 50mm mortars<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal">6x Leaders<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal">1x MMG<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal">1x ATR<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal">4x Pz III<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal">3x Pz IV<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal">2x SiG 150mm Bison/Pz I SPGs<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;line-height:150%">It was a large force, and a true combined arms assault.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The tanks took on the ATGs, the light mortars smoked in the village huts so that the German infantry could advance, and the 2 SPGs fired on whatever the mortars couldn’t cover.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>While there were some small successes in the woods on the left, within minutes the Germans were in the village and a series of close combats broke out in the huts.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Lobachevsky went down, and since his squad lost the assault, they didn’t stop to see if he was dead or wounded.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Captain Karpov fought off one assault, but then was isolated, with Germans on his left and right.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>At this point, he decided to pull what was left of his command out of the village.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>At this point, things were so crazy that he and his squad were close assaulted in the street by another German squad.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>After he fought them off, the survivors streamed out of the village closely followed by the Germans.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Things were so bad that the squad Karpov was attached to was machine-gunned, leaving him as the only survivor.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>At this point the T-26s arrived, only to be shot down by the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Panzerwaffe</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Two tanks were destroyed, and the other was abandoned due to damage. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The game ended with the survivors running off the board, and the Germans re-establishing themselves in the village.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;line-height:150%">Soviet casualties were almost as bad as the combat results.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>1 Platoon started with 19 men, and ended with 10.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>2 Platoon started with 20 and ended with 7, although 5 of the 13 casualties were actually captured.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>3 Platoon started with 20 men and ended with 11.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Jr. Lt. Lobachevsky is MIA, presumed dead.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>That makes a total of 32 casualties out of 61 men in the company, and we haven’t even discussed the supporting units yet.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Both of the ATGs were wiped out, as was one of the MMGs and both of the 50mm mortars.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>All 3 of the T-26s were lost, although only two were destroyed.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>German infantry casualties were light, only about 20-25 men.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>They did lose two Pz-IIIs and two Pz-IVs, and both of the SPGs were damaged, but there is no way this could be considered a Soviet victory, even a minor one.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;line-height:150%">The after game events were almost as bad as the battle.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>For the free-form event, I tried to get the survivors to improve to Good quality, but that was a spectacular failure.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Obviously, the survivors knew they had been whipped.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>For fixed events, I got Manpower and Player Choice.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The manpower result took away one of the MMG teams.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>For the player’s choice I took replacements.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The die roll let me bring one platoon up to six men below book strength, and another die roll indicated that would be 2 Platoon.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>So, 17 replacements joined the company.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>That will boost the company roster from 28 men to 45.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Of course, the company is so badly cut up right now that even if the designated platoon had been 1 or 3, the number of replacements would have been 14 and 13, respectively.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;line-height:150%">Right now, the campaign is on hold while I follow up some other projects.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I am looking forward to getting back to Captain Karpov and his men.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>After all, it’s only early September 1941 in this campaign so there is still lots to do.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Joe Legan has also said that he will be developing the “Middle of Nowhere” asymmetrical warfare expansion sometime in the future.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>That will be good, as I have some US miniatures eager for a campaign against Victor Charlie!<o:p></o:p></p><p></p>BrianWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00381316332364595094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1620370118160717931.post-88695692939586448282011-06-24T15:47:00.002-04:002011-06-24T19:44:42.100-04:00The Opening Battles<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;line-height:150%">Stalin is supposed to have said that it takes a brave man to be a coward in the Red Army.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>After the first three scenarios of my campaign, I would say that it takes an even braver man to be an officer in the Red Army.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>After three battles, my company is down to about platoon size, and only one of the original officers is left in action.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Although I didn’t have my camera available for these actions, I’ll try and describe them.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;line-height:150%">The first action was a little one, to welcome Lobachevsky, the new Jr. Lt.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It was a Raid scenario, which the dice decided would be a POW Snatch/Listening Post raid.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The terrain was mostly open, with fields on the Soviet entry edge, and a ruined factory in the middle of the board to serve as a main objective.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>To make it even more interesting, I decided that this would be a night scenario.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>After all, even a brand new Lt. knows that you don’t try to snatch a prisoner in broad daylight.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>In practical terms, this meant that I never really knew what forces the Germans had arrayed against me, as I never spotted all of the German blinds.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>There were, however, 4 A type blinds and 2 B type blinds.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The good Lieutenant had a force of two platoons, 2xMMGs for light support, and 2x82 mm mortars off board.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The Soviets won the scenario by bringing back a prisoner, and inflicted 21 casualties on the Germans.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>However, 1st platoon took 18 casualties and 2nd platoon took three casualties, for a 1:1 exchange rate.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>After battle events gave me 2 replacement rolls, for a total of 16 men.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Given their light losses, 2nd platoon did not get any replacements.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I arbitrarily decided that the start date for this campaign would be August 1941, so the date of the first engagement was August 17.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Using the time progression method from TFL’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Charlie Don’t Surf</i> campaign rules, it would be about two weeks until my next battle.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;line-height:150%">The second action took place on September 3, 1941 and was a full-scale company attack on a German held village. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This time, the terrain was moderately heavy and the board looked like this:<o:p></o:p></p> <div align="center"> <table class="MsoTableGrid" border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="margin-left:100.5pt;border-collapse:collapse;border:none;mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt;mso-yfti-tbllook:1184;mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <tbody><tr style="mso-yfti-irow:0;mso-yfti-firstrow:yes"> <td valign="top" style="border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt; text-align:center;line-height:150%">Open<o:p></o:p></p> </td> <td valign="top" style="border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-left:none; mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt; text-align:center;line-height:150%">Open<o:p></o:p></p> </td> <td valign="top" style="border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-left:none; mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt; text-align:center;line-height:150%">Road<o:p></o:p></p> </td> </tr> <tr style="mso-yfti-irow:1"> <td valign="top" style="border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt; text-align:center;line-height:150%">Light Woods<o:p></o:p></p> </td> <td valign="top" style="border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt; text-align:center;line-height:150%">Village (with road)<o:p></o:p></p> </td> <td valign="top" style="border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt; text-align:center;line-height:150%">Light Woods<o:p></o:p></p> </td> </tr> <tr style="mso-yfti-irow:2;mso-yfti-lastrow:yes"> <td valign="top" style="border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none; mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt; text-align:center;line-height:150%">Light Woods<o:p></o:p></p> </td> <td valign="top" style="border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt; text-align:center;line-height:150%">Open<o:p></o:p></p> </td> <td valign="top" style="border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;mso-border-top-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt"> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt; text-align:center;line-height:150%">Road<o:p></o:p></p> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> </div> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;line-height:150%"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in;line-height:150%">The village only comprised about 6-7 huts, but higher command must have wanted it badly.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I say this because every support roll for the Russian forces came up positive.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The attacking force was:<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal">Platoons 1,2,3 (1&2 have a 50mm mortar)<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal">Commissar Vlasov, Sr. Lt. Bartov, Jr. Lt. Lobachevsky<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal">4x82mm mortars for off board support<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal">3x T-28 tanks for armor support<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal">3xMMG for light support<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal">1x Engineer platoon consisting of 3xSMG squads with an officer<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal">2x 45mm ATG.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in;line-height:normal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in;line-height:normal">These went up against a defending German force composed of:<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal">2x Infantry platoons,<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal">3x leaders<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal">3x MMG<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal">Off-Board Artillery and an FO team<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal">1xStG III<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal">1x Pz III<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in;line-height:normal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in;line-height:150%">The battle plan was tried and true 1941 RKKA.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Engineers on the left in the woods, infantry and tanks spread out and making an assault across open ground to get into the village.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It was truly a battle of extremes.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Commissar Vlasov went down in the very first exchange of fire, and Lobachevsky led at least four successful close assaults with 3 Platoon to bring the right wing of the attack into the village itself.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Bartov got his platoon to move into the village later in the attack, and the company pushed the Germans out of the village and won the scenario.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>In the last shot of the game however, the retreating Pz III fired into one of the buildings, got one kill, and that was Sr. Lt. Bartov.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>While losses among the officers were bad, the losses among the men were as severe.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>1 Platoon had 11 casualties, 2 Platoon had 6, and 3 Platoon had 9 men down.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The support units were hit heavily as well, with 2 T-28s and 1 MMG lost.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We counted 31 German bodies, and 1 StG III killed.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent: .5in;line-height:150%">Die roll results for after the battle proved to be interesting as well.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>One of the officers improved his skills, and a die roll determined that would be Commissar Vlasov, who was not dead but only wounded.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>One of the officers won notice from the Company CO, and once again the die roll determined that the lucky man would be Vlasov.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Captain Karpov put him in for the Combat Service Medal, but that was turned down by battalion HQ.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The company was scheduled to get 15 replacements, but events would negate that result, as I will explain later.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Nevertheless, after two hard battles there were two victories, even with my poor quality troops.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Clearly, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">On to Berlin!</i> was our rallying cry.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Unfortunately, reality was about to visit the 537th Rifle Regiment via our third battle, which I will describe in the next post.<o:p></o:p></p>BrianWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00381316332364595094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1620370118160717931.post-348967139989459562011-05-03T17:22:00.005-04:002011-05-04T13:49:17.329-04:00D Plus Two: After Lt. Audet's First Fight(Thanks Joe for letting me post here, and good luck getting ready to go to England. Here's a continuation of the Platoon Forward narrative I started in <a href="http://madpadrewargames.blogspot.com/2011/03/audet-takes-his-hill-first-game-with.html">Audet Takes His Hill</a>, about a callow and vain young French Canadian subbie in Normandy. MP)<br /><br /><br />After a long absence, I've had time to continue the story started with Platoon Forward and Lt. Denis Audet, a vain, ambitious and brave young commander of 18 Platoon, Le Regiment de la Chaudiere, who won his first action on 7 June, after landing on Juno Beach.<br /><br />Using PF to generate this platoon, the original leader of 1 section was Cpl Francois Yergeau, a likeable and cheerful young man with a bent for mechanics thanks to working on the family farm. Yergeau also spoke some English, an asset in a Francophone battalion within an Anglophone brigade. Unfortunately, Cpl. Yergeau was killed seconds into the platoon's first engagement, an assault on a hill some ten kilometres inland from Juno Beach, as part of the brigade's consolidation on 7 June.<br /><br />Yergeau's death required a replacement character, so I used the PF system to generate Cpl. Jean Legros.<br /><br />Personality: Coarse<br />Motivation and Interest: Position (wants to get ahead)<br />Combat Temperament: Bold<br />Combat Leadership: Level Two Big Man<br />Background: Son of a military family<br /><br />So Cpl Legros is quite a fighter, but no choirboy. A good soldier to take over 1 Section, which lost another rifleman in addition to Cpl Yergeau. With his coarse temperament, military background and low rank, a perfect backstory for Legros is that he is the son of a veteran of the Great War, a sergeant who served with the Chauds in the trenches. He's a natural ally for the platoon sergeant, WO Beaulieu, himself a Great War vet who likely is a friend of Legros' dad. <br /><br />So Audet is lucky in his NCOs. All three section leaders and his Warrant Officer are all Level 2 Big Men in Too Fat Lardies terms, so they are all good soldiers. However, Beaulieu doesn't like Audet and Beaulieu's two cronies, Matthieu and Legros, will side with their Warrant. The more scholarly Cote, who is also ambitious, is likely to seek his Lt's patronage. A talented bunch, but some interesting potential for undercurrents and tensions.<br /><br />Now to run through the Platoon Forward after-action checklist. The result is that a player character has been noticed, one of the squad leaders, who turns out to be Cpl. Matthieu of 3 Section. A further roll shows that Matthieu has been noticed by the men in his section, and another roll shows it is a positive reaction. Interpreting that result, Matthieu has just led his men in their first action and he performed reasonably well as a leader. Finding the wine and chickens in the captured farmhouse didn't hurt his standing either. So, Matthieu's popularity goes from 0 to +1 (in PF popularity ranges from -2 to +2). Seems like a minor result, but we shall see how it figures in subsequent actions. <br /><br />I also decided to check the character of Audet's boss, and so invented the character and the name Michel Charpentier, the Major commanding D Coy.<br /><br />Personality: Idealistic<br />Interest: Government<br />Combat Temperament: Even<br />Combat Leadership: Level 1<br />Background: Average family<br />Special Skills: Fluent Anglophone<br /><br />This, the Major is a good staff officer but no skilled soldier. As an idealist, he is that rare Quebecker who believes in the war as one of liberating the homeland of la France, and wants to see the sons of Quebec fight well and earn their place as equals in Canada. Perhaps he has even preached such sermons when addressing the men of his Company, who doubtless listen indifferently. He's travelled outside of Beauce to become fluent in English, perhaps working for a big Anglo-owned firm in Montreal. The Battalion CO has his eye on the Major for a possible staff job with Battalion or as a liason to Brigade, but wants him to get some combat experience first.<br /><br />His even temperament allows him to tolerate Audet's Egotistical personality somewhat, but the ambitious young Lieutenant is not his favourite platoon commander. However, Audet has shown the major in his first fight that he can get results.Mad Padrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00410143683610813671noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1620370118160717931.post-70672785917080842262011-04-28T16:06:00.007-04:002011-04-28T18:41:35.321-04:00Greetings from the 537th Rifle Regiment!<div style="mso-element:para-border-div;border:none;border-bottom:solid #4F81BD 1.0pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor:accent1;padding:0in 0in 4.0pt 0in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 32px;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:200%"><span class="Apple-style-span">Or, to be more accurate, the 1-Й РОТА, 1-Й БАТАЛЬОН, 537-Й СТРЕЛКОВЫХ ПОЛК.<span> </span>For my <i>Platoon Forward</i> campaign, I have decided to run an early war Red Army rifle company.<span> </span>Using a Red Army unit poses a rather unique set of challenges, both tactically and in the <i>Platoon Forward</i> context.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:200%"><span class="Apple-style-span">The biggest challenge is a lack of Big Men to get things done.<span> </span>Under the IABSM rules, a Soviet rifle company in 1941 only has 2 Big Men, plus a commissar.<span> </span>To make things worse, neither of the Big Men is the company commander.<span> </span>So, the company commander becomes an NPC in PF terms, and the player becomes a platoon commander similar to unmodified PF.<span> </span>Of course, in this case you are not in overall command.<span> </span>Given the dearth of leaders, Red Army officers have to be a lot more aggressive in leading assaults (and taking risks) than their western counterparts.<span> </span>From a storytelling point of view, there is a good thing about having so few Big Men:<span> </span>Fewer characters to keep track of.<span> </span>With that in mind, let’s take a look at the 537<sup>th</sup>’s <i>dramatis personae.</i><span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:200%"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span"><u><span>Company Commander</span></u></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span>:<span> </span>Captain Karpov is the company CO, and will be considered an NPC until/unless one of the Lieutenants is KIA.<span> </span>He is an Aggressive personality, whose motivation is revenge.<span> </span>He is a level II commander (DAv) who has a Bold temperament and a Military background.<span> </span>From this, I take it that he is a long-term officer who wants results (the <i>Aggressive</i> personality) and will take defeats or slights VERY personally thanks to the <i>Revenge </i>motivation.<span> </span>He is a competent enough officer (Level II), and his father was probably an officer in the Revolution, given his military background. <span> </span>His background also means that he probably does not care too much for all these amateurs that have flooded his beloved RKKA.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:200%"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span"><u><span>Commissar</span></u></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span>:<span> </span>Politruk Vlasov is a very different man from the CO.<span> </span>He is a Generous personality, and his motivation is wealth.<span> </span>He is a level I commander (D4-2) with a Reckless temperament, and his background is that of a ranker.<span> </span>His generous personality makes him more popular with the men than Captain Karpov is, and his ranker background contributes to that popularity.<span> </span>The relationship between a company commander and his political officer would be strained at best, and Vlasov’s ranker background does not make this any easier.<span> </span>Vlasov’s ability and temperament means that he is not as good a military leader as he thinks he is, even if the men do like him.<span> </span>He is not above finding ways to line his pockets with some extra rubles if the way is legal, and so is probably not a particularly zealous Commissar.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:200%"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span"><u><span>Big Man 1</span></u></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span>: Senior Lieutenant Bartov is an Optimist whose motivation is government.<span> </span>He is another level I commander (D4-2) with a Reckless temperament who comes from a privileged background.<span> </span>Clearly, he is a happy-go-lucky type who believes that things are always getting better thanks to the Communist Party and Comrade Stalin.<span> </span>Sometimes, it seems that he should be the Commissar and not Vlasov.<span> </span>Perhaps part of the reason he is such an optimist is because his privileged background (family connections, maybe?) got him where he is today.<span> </span>Whatever got him his rank it clearly is not his military ability.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:200%"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span"><u><span>Big Man 2</span></u></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span>:<span> </span>Junior Lieutenant Lobachevsky is the newest officer in the company.<span> </span>He is a Conformist whose motivation is religion.<span> </span>He is also a level I commander (D4-2), but with an even temperament he is under no illusions about his lack of ability and his average background gives him none of the advantages or disadvantages that the other characters have.<span> </span>Overall, Jr. Lt. Lobachevsky is a bit of an enigma.<span> </span>He has learned not to stick his neck out for anything, perhaps because he lost some friends in the purges?<span> </span>Or maybe it is because of the religious background his parents imparted to him.<span> </span>No matter what, this religious bent is a side of his personality that he will NOT let show in his present assignment.<span> </span>Due to his conformist nature, he will do whatever it takes to carry out his orders, just so he doesn’t have to face the wrath of Captain Karpov.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:200%"><span class="apple-style-span"><span><span class="Apple-style-span">I am already two games into my current campaign, but did not take any pictures.<span> </span>I will sum them up in another post.</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:200%"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin"><o:p> </o:p></span></p></span></div>BrianWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00381316332364595094noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1620370118160717931.post-3169154891208493092011-04-15T07:38:00.002-04:002011-04-15T07:45:28.995-04:00Gung Ho!"Listen up Lieutenant!" Captain Middlebrock was irritated. "I'm not really sure what you 90-day wonders know, but you have your stripes and it's time to prove you deserve them! I don't care if you got off the boat yesterday, the rest of us got off our boat the day before that, and the germans didn't give us any time to catch our breath. I have a leaderless platoon and a section of french land I need patrolled! You can do it, they are good men and they long to get some revenge for Lt. Ingram. Oh, yes, he's your predecessor.Unfortunately I can't give you any transport, the last patrol got their halftrack strafed by our own flyboys, and I can't afford to lose any more vehicles. Now get to it!"<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xFQXEqmmLUg/TaIj-8-Z_6I/AAAAAAAAADg/IyCrCcULNh4/s1600/03_board.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xFQXEqmmLUg/TaIj-8-Z_6I/AAAAAAAAADg/IyCrCcULNh4/s400/03_board.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The table and entry points.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>My second mission in Platoon Forward was <em>Patrol</em>. The mission, naturally, is about patrolling an area, which basically is all of the board. Somewhere along the way you will encounter the enemy.<br />
I rolled up the board and got the outskirts of a village, a small stream, a big area of light woods and a smaller area of heavy woods. I also got an empty area so I put a stone wall in their to create a field. I placed a burning M3 on the road through the village for some flavour.<br />
<br />
I planned to advance through the heavy woods, skirt around the field and then sneak along the river. I would try to sneak at the edge of the village and then through the light woods back to my own lines. Hopefully I would avoid detection and get the drop on any enemy troops I encountered. I decided to use both squads so one could support the other if they ran into a problem. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UD2ldYA5Bkk/TaIlDsOaH7I/AAAAAAAAADk/2X3oC1Lacqw/s1600/05_platoon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="100" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UD2ldYA5Bkk/TaIlDsOaH7I/AAAAAAAAADk/2X3oC1Lacqw/s400/05_platoon.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1st squad on the left, Lt. Caulfield and Sgt. Sipowitz in the middle. 2nd squad on the right lack in camoflague skills!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>So my forces are as follows: <span style="font-family: inherit;">2nd Lieutenant Caulfield, grade 1.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Staff sergeant Sipowitz, grade 3, reckless.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1:a grupp, sex man ledda av Private 1st class Dimitriou, grade 1.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">2:a grupp, åtta man ledda av Corporal Dever, grade 1, brave.</span><br />
<br />
I got the pre-game event Gung-ho! which means one squad got a bonus in close combat and decided that 1st squad is out for revenge. Since they have lost two men I attached Sgt Sipowitz to them, while Lt. Caulfield went with Dever and 2nd squad.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FNJT2r7wZCA/TaIjxHI0iKI/AAAAAAAAADc/cKUnJaRTBEA/s1600/00_dice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="255" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FNJT2r7wZCA/TaIjxHI0iKI/AAAAAAAAADc/cKUnJaRTBEA/s400/00_dice.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">This time I had some new, american, patriotic dice!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<a name='more'></a><br />
Lt. Caulfield rushes 2nd squad through the heavier parts of the wood while Sipowitz guides 1st squad along the edge of the heavy woods. Sipowitz' trained eyes pick out the easier route and 1st squad pulls ahead, out for payback. In the village there is some movement on the road, and is that the sound of an engine on the far side of the river?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6GgXR7TEIhA/TaInsMrx8CI/AAAAAAAAADs/84Urql2Aw0Y/s1600/07_1st_squad_sneaks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="187" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6GgXR7TEIhA/TaInsMrx8CI/AAAAAAAAADs/84Urql2Aw0Y/s400/07_1st_squad_sneaks.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Take cover!</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div>Cpl Dever spreads out 2nd squad along the stone wall at the field while Caulfield tries to detect any enemies across the river. Meanwhile 1st squads sneaks closer to the village, almost as if Dimitriou and Sipowitz challenge eachother in bravery. <em>(I was a bit impatient and split my squads a little bit to get an early spot on the two enemy blinds on the board.)</em><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iElysPuG128/TaIpoACqCII/AAAAAAAAAD0/oD0Xcsal-Vs/s1600/09_germans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iElysPuG128/TaIpoACqCII/AAAAAAAAAD0/oD0Xcsal-Vs/s400/09_germans.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Les Boches!</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: left;">Sure enough, there are germans in the village! A small patrol consisting of a halftrack, a squad of infantry and a heavy MG team. Dever moves 2nd squad up along the edge of the field to be able to support 1st squad, even though the range is too long for them to see anything right now. Dimitriou' squad take cover behind the hedge of the petrol station, but the germans has seen them! The HMG team dismount and make their way up to the second floor of the building across the road, where they set up their weapon. In a classic example of fire and maneuver the infantry squad split in two teams with a MG42 covering the others who rush across the gravelled yard, aiming for a flank attack on 1st squad. However, the americans are able to react and gun down two of the germans. The three survivors turn on the spot and high-tail it towards another building and safety.</div><br />
Caulfield is still content to let Dever decide and 2nd squad slowly move toward the river, to creep to the other side of the village. But Caulfield suddenly becomes unsure, wasn't there a mine field somewhere here? He calls a halt and digs out his map while the squad drop where they stand, afraid to move as much as an inch. So where on the map is this village? This one, or this one? Caulfield can't remember what the Captain said. Wait, the map is upside down! No it isn't... The men start to look around nervously, but daren't move in case there really is a minefield here. From the village the sound of gunfire echoes. (I got a random event and rolled <i>Distracted</i>. Caulfield and 2nd squad is out of the fight unless some other Big Man manages to contact them. Ouch!)<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gywMXRahQfU/TaIpoYYffbI/AAAAAAAAAD4/_2rcMOIWYFo/s1600/10_village_overview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gywMXRahQfU/TaIpoYYffbI/AAAAAAAAAD4/_2rcMOIWYFo/s400/10_village_overview.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dimitriou crawls around the hedge</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: left;">In the village 1st squad ducks back behind the hedge when the german HMG opens up. Nobody is hit but they have to keep their heads down. (The <em>Shock points</em> started to rack up...) Sergeant Sipowitz wonders where the hell the lieutenant is? He turns around and can make out the shapes of 2nd squad lying down among the trees without moving. He waves and tries to get their attention, but Caulfield is still bent over his map. As Dimitriou starts to move his little squad sideways along the hedge to get out of the fire Sipowitz decides to do something, and runs back to try and shake the lieutenant into action.</div><br />
Sipowitz notes that the shortest way to 2nd squad is covered by the HMG on the second floor, but he doesn't hesitate a second -- he's reckless after all. His heart pounding, trying to outrun the bullets chasing after him, Sipowitz is hit in the back and is dead before he falls to the ground, only a few yard away from Caulfield. (The Heroic Leader card came up and I decided to chance it instead of waiting to draw Sipowitz' card again, you never know when that will be. Of course I rolled snake eyes for Sipowitz, and then proceeded to roll a six for damage. So much for new dice...)<br />
<br />
Unbeknowst of Sipowitz' fate, Dimitriou instills new courage into his men and they continue to crawl around the hedge, meaning to try and flank at least one of the MG:s. The crew of the german halftrack decides to interfere and drives off the road, around it's burning american counterpart. They open up with their 37mm "door-knocker", which might not be the best gun in the world, but still one of the americans are killed. Dimitriou and his men are in trouble but suddenly they hear more engine noise coming from the trees behind them. A Sherman rolls forward and opens fire on the halftrack but the first shots all miss. Desperately the german driver slams in the reverse and tries to get out of there. (Another Random Event, this time the dice were on my side!)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uxJwNZfBaPY/TaIrLrU9TzI/AAAAAAAAAD8/-FbjCPVqf9U/s1600/11_sherman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="257" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uxJwNZfBaPY/TaIrLrU9TzI/AAAAAAAAAD8/-FbjCPVqf9U/s400/11_sherman.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Surprise!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The halftrack tries to get away from the Sherman, but in vain. Two shells slam into it's side and set it on fire. The light machine gun team on the road pulls back to the ground floor of the building the HMG is in. They obviously felt a bit exposed with the halftrack destroyed. Seeing the opportunity 1st squad then jumps across the hedge and into the garden, sheltering behind the small house. They then realise the momentun is on their side and runs out of the garden again, taking cover behind the burning M3 and prepares to storm the house. (I got yet a third Random Event: <em>Leaderhip Check</em> which resulted in a bonus flanking move.) Meanwhile the Sherman hoses the upper floor with MG fire to keep the HMG from firing. 1st squad then storms across the road with grenades and bayonets! For the price of only one american they eliminate the MG team and take their squad leader prisoner. <br />
Here I ended the game. I judged that the HMG group on the top floor would surrender, they were leaderless and started to accumulate shock, and being stuck in a building with the enemy below and a tank parked outside. All in all I suffered three KIA which is a fair price to pay for five enemies killed, three prisoners and a half-track knocked out. Unfortunately the platoon sergeant was among the casualties, and he was the only really capable leader left! Typical that I had to roll a six, since on any other roll he would only be wounded.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">Postgame I tried to get Dimitriou noticed but no luck. Obviously Caulfield tries to cover his own cock-up, and with Sipowitz killed there is nobody to report what Dimitriou achieved. Two other post-game events had the squads brought up to strength with one man to spare each, but the platoon is short on grenades. I decided against rolling up a replacement for Sipowitz though, Caulfield has to manage on his own next time...</div>Laffehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09125733864107467243noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1620370118160717931.post-30282691083002119602011-03-31T13:12:00.002-04:002011-03-31T13:14:05.223-04:00ReplacementsWell, time to see who will replace Lt. Ingram who was badly wounded during his first mission. A few rolls of the dice later...<br />
<br />
Lt. Gary Caulfield is a <em>Conformist</em> motivated by <em>Wealth</em>. So he's a yes-sayer who doesn't stick his chin out. His temperament in combat is even (neither takes unnecessary risks nor is overly cautious) and he comes from a normal background. Unfortunately I roll low for his skill and he turns out as only a grade 1 leader. I draw the conclusion that he hasn't lead a platoon of his own before, either earning his stripes behind a desk or coasting along on another officer's merits. In any way it is not good for the platoon.<br />
<br />
I then rolled to see if anyone from Jenkins' squad will step up while he's away. Hooray, yes indeed! Private 1st class Jeff Dimitriou shoulder's the responsibility. Since Jenkins is grade 2 Dimitriou automatically becomes grade 1, but it's better than nothing as otherwise the platoon sergeant would have had to take charge. (This roll was not a function of PF, but of the rules I play, the WW2 variant of M&B, which specifies the chance of "battle-field promotion"). His personality is <em>Cheap</em> and his motivation is <em>Position</em> just like Jenkins, which I figure is the reason he's stepping up to command the squad. In combat though he's cautious -- a bit understandable after what happened to Ingram and Jenkins!<br />
<br />
Finally I roll for the next scenario: Patrol it is. I have to move through all nine parts of the board and if I encounter any opposition I have to drive them off, preferably without too many casualties. Unfortunately there is no support available. I also roll for a pre-combat event and gets Gung-Ho! One squad get a bonus in close combat, and I chose Jenkins old squad now led by Dimitriou. I reckon they want to give the hun a bloody nose as revenge!<br />
<br />
So the composition of my little patrol is:<br />
<br />
<ul><li>2nd Lieutenant Caulfield (grade I).</li>
<li>Staff sergeant Sipowitz (grade III).</li>
<li>1:st squad, six men led by Private 1st class Dimitriou (grade I).</li>
<li>2:nd squad, eight men led by Corporal Dever (grade I).</li>
</ul><br />
I need to get some more figures based up and do some terrain building before I play the mission. Stay tuned, folks!Laffehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09125733864107467243noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1620370118160717931.post-5611685370818729352011-03-27T20:54:00.002-04:002011-10-12T14:13:13.861-04:00The Light Company's TriumphMajor Minor proceeded the Light Company as they marched back to Division HQ. He carried a rather smug smile on his face - very unlike his normal dour expression. Captain Beesley and the major proceeded to located the Colonel. Snapping to a smart attention they reported in.<br />
<br />
Sensing the happiness of the two officers in front of him, the Colonel asks, "<font COLOR=gray>Well Minor, you seem rather pleased with yourself. Rather like the cat that ate the canary so to speak. What brings you such joy today?</FONT>"<br />
<br />
"<font color=gray>Yes Sah! I accompanied the captain in a reconnaissance of Sonolenta Aldeia. We were landed ashore by the navy and proceeded to some woods near the town. Our command was joined by a naval gun crew that set up a gun pit for their 6 pounder to be able to fire on the town. Spotting several French patrols we prepared to leave and report back our findings.</font>" The near monotone of the glum major nearly puts the captain to sleep as he tells their tale. Beesley stifles a yawn as the major drones on.<br />
<br />
"<font color=gray>The day we decided to pull out, we set our sites on liberating a local ox cart to pull the Navy's gun and bring it out with us. The French beat us to the town. A full company of Legere arrives in skirmish order and occupied the town.</FONT>"<br />
<br />
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"<font color=gray>The navy immediately put the French under fire and we advanced the infantry forward to the tree line. While we were engaging the French, we spotted movement to our left. This turned out to be Lieutenant Houseman of the Navy coming to retrieve us and their gun. The lieutenant placed his marines to the fore who began down the road in column.</font>"<br />
<br />
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"<font color=gray>While we welcomed the navy's assistance, they were hardly necessary for the small scrap I dare say.</font>"<br />
<br />
Captain Beesley coughs as he hears the Major downplay the navy's role. Without their arrival, the French would have undoubtedly concentrated all of their forces against you instead of dividing their forces as they did to engage them as well, things could have been a bit sticky.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.kodakgallery.com/imaging-site/services/doc/5370:865530238407/jpeg/BG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="465" width="640" src="http://www.kodakgallery.com/imaging-site/services/doc/5370:865530238407/jpeg/BG" /></a></div><br />
"<font color=gray>The French advanced in skirmish order across a curved front. They sent troops into the fields to our right and others towards the vineyards to the front as well as advancing a third portion down the road and the final portion towards our positions. I had Captain Beesley advance his men to the treeline and given them a good volley. We dedicated Sergeant Smallwood to supervise the gun. <br />
<br />
Captain Beesley charged forward to engage the enemy with steel following their volley. Their charge was beaten off but the casualties were very light.</font>" While the words were not condemning, the tone implied that the Captain should have done more to ensure success.<br />
<br />
Beesley almost let his anger show on his face. His men performed admirably in their charge. They only lost a single man. The French would later collapse and run while his men fell back in good order and continued the fight. <br />
<br />
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The major continued, "<font color=gray>Drawing Lieutenant Harthwaite's platoon in line we also charged the enemy. The boys on the right of the line became tangled in the hedges. They were to exchange fire with the French stuck in the fields. Most of the line reached the enemy and drove them from the field. We captured three French officers and a sergeant. The French left several of their dead behind on the field. The action was a resounding success. We held the field. Met with the Navy and secured transport for their gun. The Marines suffered a single man lost while the Light Company lost but a few men.</font>"<br />
<br />
Beesley nodded as now the Major's recollections were more closely matching his own. The Colonel nods and smiles, "<font color=gray>Well done men. I see I can expect great things for the Light Company in the future. I have no doubt that we can find gainful employment for you and your men.</FONT>"<br />
<br />
Even with Sergeant Smallwood's excellent supervision of the gun, he still does not have the confidence that you expect him to have (did not get promoted a level). <br />
<br />
You are pleasantly surprised to find that all four of your men who you had sent out to request help are waiting for you and eager to be back with their friends in the company. Furthermore, you are able to replace all of your losses with well trained men. Your quality will not suffer from the few losses that you have taken.<br />
<br />
As you and the Major begin to leave the Colonel's tent, the Colonel beacons you back for a moment. The major frowns as he is left out of this confidence. Once the tent flap closes behind the glum major, the Colonel gives you a smile. "<font color=gray>Your episode will be communicated to the division in rather glowing terms. You have done the regiment proud sir. I feel your are an officer to be watched. A man such as you is just what I need at the moment. I will need your men to retrieve something for me.</font>"<br />
<br />
What began as a moment of pride in yourself and your command turns to a sick dread. It sounds like the Colonel wants you to do something dangerous.<br />
<br />
"<font color=gray>An officer of engineers was performing a similar task to the one you just preformed. He, however, has been cut off. The Frogs have cut him off from friendly lines. I will need your company to fetch him back home. Do you think can manage this for me, sir?</font>"<br />
<br />
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Stay tuned for the next installment of Captain Beesley and the light company.<br />
<br />
Thanks to Mark Luther for bringing a camera to the game. All the pictures are his. Great fun. Mark played the light company while I umpired and played a late arriving French Cavalry unit. Dan Fox played the French infantry (new player to Sharp Practice) and Jim and Cody played the Naval landing party. It was great fun for me at least. I hope the other players enjoyed it as well.Chris Stoesenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07285495844651490795noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1620370118160717931.post-37104514385010780452011-03-25T14:25:00.000-04:002011-03-25T14:25:19.650-04:00Meet the CompanyThe East Southhamstershires Light Company with its full compliment of big men and characters are pictured below. The additional sergeants (not big men) are pictured as well. I still need a pioneer to add to the company as well. I have the four remaining troopers on painting sticks and they should be ready for duty shortly. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-16_i4vxTrD8/TYzcp1XjtgI/AAAAAAAAAVw/eriDHS9XrZg/s1600/LightCompany.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="116" width="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-16_i4vxTrD8/TYzcp1XjtgI/AAAAAAAAAVw/eriDHS9XrZg/s320/LightCompany.jpg" /></a></div><br />
The troops will be seeing their first outing tomorrow.Chris Stoesenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07285495844651490795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1620370118160717931.post-7232105099194798722011-03-21T15:49:00.003-04:002011-03-31T13:14:55.221-04:00FUBAR!<em>"I have a problem, Lieutenant!" Captain Middlebrock said, "We have taken the beach and the nearby villages, but we must drive further inland before the hun has time to gather his defences. There's a bunker covering some fields I want you to check out. The navy boys claim they have knocked it out with them big guns of theirs, but I'm not so sure. This goddamn country is too flat and open for my taste, so it can seriously hamper us if it's still occupied. The question is wether Fritz has run away or is still hunkering down inside it!" </em><br />
<br />
<em>"Don't look so alarmed, I'll lend you a .50 as cover. And you don't have to knock it out, just check if there are any germans in or around it. I suggest you go tonight, questions? Good, dismissed!"</em><br />
<br />
My first mission turned out to be Point Reconaissance. I rolled on the relevant tables and got a bunker, yay! Each mission has information about what your objectives are, any opposition and so on. There are also tables for laying out your board if you don't want to decide yourself (perfect for lazy unimaginitive games like me). Unfortunately for Lt. Ingram I managed to roll three completely empty fields on the side his little force would enter the board. I added some hedges to the fields to break them up somewhat and a road between the buildings seemed logical. I also turned a light woods into an orchard as it fitted better in the area.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v91/laffe69/Miniatures/PlatoonForward/118_0256.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" r6="true" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v91/laffe69/Miniatures/PlatoonForward/118_0256.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The board as decided by the dice. Note the bunker in the middle of the board, covering the road and fields, and the entry point of forces. <br />
<br />
Platoon Forward specifies how strong the enemy forces are through a number of blinds. Each blind can either contain troops or be empty, so you don't really know where the enemy will be. Objectives tend to have troops though :-) In this case there were nine blinds: four type A (infantry), three type B (support) and two type C (vehicles). When spotted or when they wish to fire you roll on a table and see wath, if anything is there. For this scenario specified an A blind in a shell crater in the field in front of the bunker and an A blind on the hill directly behind the bunker. I then placed a B blind inside the bunker and a pair of A+B blinds in each of the built up areas on the sides. The C blinds were placed in the orchard and behind the bridge respectively. The objective is to spot at least half the blinds (so five) preferrably including the bunker. </div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v91/laffe69/Miniatures/PlatoonForward/118_0257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v91/laffe69/Miniatures/PlatoonForward/118_0257.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Lt. Ingram only took one squad accompanying him, led by Cpl Jenkins. As it was a recon mission he didn't want to get into a firefight anyway. The .50 was a random addition and I decided to let it cover the bunker hoping it would be able to supress it a little bit if needed. The squad would advance on the other side of the hedge, hopefully without being detected. (Apologies for the unpainted lead...)<br />
<br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v91/laffe69/Miniatures/PlatoonForward/118_0258.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v91/laffe69/Miniatures/PlatoonForward/118_0258.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The game begins with the squad sitting tight while Lt. Ingram tries to spot the buildings on the left side. No luck, so he decides to advance carefully along the hedge. But disaster strikes, one of them trips in the dark and goes down wildly cursing! The german listening post in the field realises something is afoot and starts to run towards the german lines.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> <span class="hps" style="font-style: italic;" title="Klicka om du vill visa alternativa översättningar">Alarm</span><span class="" style="font-style: italic;" title="Klicka om du vill visa alternativa översättningar">!</span><i> </i><span class="hps" style="font-style: italic;" title="Klicka om du vill visa alternativa översättningar">Alarm</span><span class="" style="font-style: italic;" title="Klicka om du vill visa alternativa översättningar">!</span><i> </i><span class="hps" style="font-style: italic;" title="Klicka om du vill visa alternativa översättningar">Der</span><i> </i><span class="hps" style="font-style: italic;" title="Klicka om du vill visa alternativa översättningar">Feind</span><i> </i><span class="hps" style="font-style: italic;" title="Klicka om du vill visa alternativa översättningar">kommt</span><span class="" title="Klicka om du vill visa alternativa översättningar"><i>! </i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="" title="Klicka om du vill visa alternativa översättningar">(</span></span>I rolled box cars for their spot.)<br />
<br />
Deciding that the game is up anyway the Browning team opens up and cuts down two of the fleeing germans. Hopefully they will draw attention away from the squad.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v91/laffe69/Miniatures/PlatoonForward/118_0261.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v91/laffe69/Miniatures/PlatoonForward/118_0261.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Move! Move! Move! Hit the dirt!</i> Cpl. Jenkins urges the squad forward and they all hug the ground at the end of the hedge. Nervously Ingram pops the lens caps off his field glasses and manages to deduce that the nearest house is empty. Two blinds spotted, three to go. Maybe there aren't so many germans here after all?<br />
(Note that I'm using german markers and dice, I didn't have a US set...)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v91/laffe69/Miniatures/PlatoonForward/118_0263.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v91/laffe69/Miniatures/PlatoonForward/118_0263.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The german card comes up. The B-blinds at the intersection and the bunker are both within medium range and they have LoS to the US squad. The bunker has a worse field of fire since there are lots of hedge in the way, but they will try to fire anyway. To my horror both blinds turn out to be Medium Machine guns. The bunker had a 50% chanse of being real while the one at the intersection only had 20% chance. Before resolving the fire I move up the C blinds and one of the remaining A blinds to better positions. Note the card on the bridge which is one of the C blinds. (I do try to play both sides to the best of my ability.)</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v91/laffe69/Miniatures/PlatoonForward/118_0264.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v91/laffe69/Miniatures/PlatoonForward/118_0264.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Two americans go down, caught in the murderous crossfire. I also recieve a shock point (the round marker). Since it was dark and the squad had gone to ground earlier they came off relatively unscathed. Unfortunetaly Lt. Ingram was one of the hit! Rolling for damage he was Badly Wounded and out of the game. His men would have to carry him off the board -- unliked leaders get left where they lie though.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Next, Jenkins card comes up and I have a choice. Retreat, mission unaccomplished, or try to carry on. Since the MG's had revealed themselves I only had to spot one more blind. And Jenkins is <em>Reckless</em> and motivated by <em>Position</em> so it would be in character to try and continue. Furthermore, retreating backwards would not take the squad out of fire from one of the MG's, but advancing behind the ruined building would shield them from both MG's. From there the squad could try to flank the MG and spot the C blind on the bridge. It would be a bit risky since if the blind turns out to be anything heavier than a halftrack I have nothing but guts to throw at it, literally! But then again, Jenkins is reckless. So the US squad leaps up and tries to sprint across the field, dragging Lt. Ingram with them.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v91/laffe69/Miniatures/PlatoonForward/118_0267.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v91/laffe69/Miniatures/PlatoonForward/118_0267.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Again the dice gods laugh at me. I didn't roll high enough to get across the field. The squad is out of range of the bunker (because it's night) but recieves more shock from the other MG. Luckily no hits, this time. The "Heroic Leader" card comes up, and I decide that Jenkins will try to lob a grenade at the MG. The card is a double edged sword which lets you try something ridiculously dangerous and heroic, but if you fail you have to pay the price. I give Jenkins a whopping 70% to succeed (because I'm biased, so there), having to roll four or more on a D10. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v91/laffe69/Miniatures/PlatoonForward/118_0266.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="190" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v91/laffe69/Miniatures/PlatoonForward/118_0266.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">...naturally I roll a one!!! Jenkins leaps down into a crater, frantically unpins a grenade and leaps up again, just to be struck by a burst. Jenkins collapses back again and the grenade explodes harmlessly on the road. Turns out he is only lightly wounded, but it's still enough for the wind to go out of the american GI:s. They manage to get in behind the building and out of the fire, and then slink back to the US lines.<br />
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After the game I rolled for replacements and random events. Turns out that I won't be getting any replacements this time, except for a new Lieutenant. Ingram will be travelling back to england on a medical ship, who knows when he will be back? To add insult to injury Jenkins will be away resting for the next three scenarios. Punishment Jenkins calls it, but it's the captain's orders. I dice to see if anyone in Jenkins' squad steps up to replace him; and it turns out that indeed, someone does. So next time I will generate another Lieutenant to replace Ingram and Jenkins' squad won't be leaderless, just two men short.</div>Laffehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09125733864107467243noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1620370118160717931.post-65072228940508193082011-03-17T15:53:00.001-04:002011-03-25T14:26:46.645-04:00The Honorable Sir Horace Beesley of the East SouthhamstershiresWell, Laffee beat me to the first post.<br />
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I am moving to adapt this to Sharp Practice. The story will revolve around Sir Horace Beesley's Light Company from the East Southhamstershires during the Peninsular campaign. I have a near full company of British troops painted so far. I am 4 short of having even platoons. That should be corrected shortly. <br />
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<font color=gray><i><b>Our Cast:</b></i></font><br />
The Light Company staff and personalities are as follows:<br />
Captain Sir Horace Beesley - Company Commander<br />
Lieutenant Judah P Benjamin - 1st Lieutenant/Company Exec (Commanding right platoon)<br />
Lieutenant Reginald Harthwaite - 2nd Lieutenant (commanding left platoon)<br />
Ensign William "Little Billy" Smythe - Apprentice officer (not a big man...yet)<br />
Sergeant Jebadiah Smallwood - Senior Sergeant of the Company<br />
Sergeant Mordecai Langtree - Another Sergeant within the company.<br />
Pioneer James McCaffrey - One of the 11 pioneers within the regiment. He is assigned to the light company.<br />
Corporal Andrew Punishmont - A utility character who will be used as needed for the purposes of story craft. Not a big man.<br />
Private James W Boothe - A chosen Man (the best shot in the company)<br />
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The corporals have been left out deliberately as non-big men. The ensign and Pioneer have been included for color in our story if nothing else. Chosen man Boothe is added as he will be called upon during the course of actual games.<br />
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<font color=gray><b><i>Our Heroes:</i></b></font><br />
<b>Captain Beesley</b> - Our good captain inherited his knighthood. Coming from a life of privilege and is manor born, his parents bought his commission in this semi-reputable/slightly fashionable regiment. He is a generous man but is seeking to improve his position. His desire is to command a regiment of his own but he knows he needs to prove himself on the field first. He is a man of even temperament which relieves most of his men. All in all our captain is a Jolly Good Chap. The Captain is an average stamp in size and is no looker. He is no swordsman but a mere hack slasher. He is an occasional horseman. All in all he is an honorable man and somewhat of a linguist. <br />
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<b>Lieutenant Benjamin</B> - Lt Benjamin is a pragmatic man. He is extremely pious and observant in his faith. As such he is completely of the belief that the changes brought about by the French Revolution and now Napoleon are the work of haSatan and must be stopped. While normally he would view the military as a gentile trade, he has dedicated himself to eliminate this threat to his people. Armed with his zeal, he is a bold officer that wishes to press the attack to the enemy. He is from a family that has new money. He has no lands nor titles but his family is well off enough to have purchased his commission. While no giant, he is a strapping fellow who is fair of face. He is universally loved by his men even though his faith is not theirs. He is a fair hand with a sword and an occasional horseman. In spite of his religious beliefs, he is a bit of a cad and a ladies man.<br />
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<b>Lieutenant Harthwaite</B> - The Lieutenant is a complete conformist. He is a family man who completely dotes on his wife back home in London. He lives for the mail and word from his love. He slightly bores the others in the officers mess with the stories of his children back home. His dedication to his home life have left him a cautious officer who is not likely to risk himself nor his men. He is a Young Buck and a man of average means. He is a strapping fellow and rather plain of face. He is universally loved by his men who would do anything for him. He is neither a swordsman nor a horseman. He does however have a fondness for goose and has developed a good deal of skill with a fowling piece that has enriched the officers mess. The man is completely honorable and a bit of a countryman.<br />
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<b>Ensign Smythe</B> - The youngest of the officers in the company, Master Smythe is a very young man whose family has shipped him off to the Army at the first possible moment. He is a cheery lad with a dark side to him. His favorite uncle was killed by the mob during the fall of the port of Toulon in 1793. As such he wants to punish the French. He is of even temperament. He is a Young Buck but is not yet perceived as having any real authority within the company. He is politely tolerated by the men as a gentleman in training. He is of average size for a boy his age.<br />
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<b>Sergeant Smallwood</B> - Sergeant Smallwood is a veteran campaigner. He is a likeable man with a strong interest in the arts. His travels throughout the Empire have given him a deep appreciation for the music and art of the lands he has visited. This interest in the arts has no way tempered his battle lust. The man is reckless in battle. Always desiring to come to grips with the enemy. He is a fine fellah and a giant of a man. He is fair of face and popular with the men and more importantly to him, with the ladies. He was gutter born and early on found a home in the army. He has yet to find a horse he likes and at home with either a musket or sergeant's pike. He disdains the sword as a foppish weapon best left to the nobles. Even with his gutter upbringing, he is a chivalrous man and a charismatic leader. He is a bit lecherous but his sense of chivalry keeps himself in check even though he has been known to fall off the wagon from time to time.<br />
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<b>Sergeant Langtree</B> - The sergeant is a bad apple. He is unsupportive to the point that he seeks only to increase his personal wealth. He is prone to loot ... well anything. He is a complete barracks lawyer and only has rank as it allows him to get away with more. In battle he is bold. Mostly because he has seen that it is easier to enrich himself on dead Frenchies than by running away from them. The man is an average stamp and has a face like a pig's backside. He is disliked by his men but is not above bribing them for help if things get that desperate. He is a complete bounder and gripped by Avarice.<br />
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<font color=gray><i><b>Supporting Cast:</b></i></font><br />
Colonel Edward Moore - The commander of the East Southhamstershires. He is a stern man with a cunning mind. He is a fervent supporter of the government and a Bold Military commander. <br />
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Lieutenant Colonel Mann - Is the right hand of Colonel Moore. He is an active officer with sensible view to towards the running of the regiment. The man is fascinated by engineering and is constantly looking to expand his knowledge.<br />
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Major Mathew Antonious Minor - The Major is glum individual. He is rather fond of the bottle but has an even temperament in battle. He is from a wealthy family and has lived a privileged life. He is one of two majors in your regiment.<br />
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<font color=gray><i><b>Our Story Begins:</B></I></font><br />
The spring of 1809 has the East Southhamstershires attempting to block the onrush of Marshal Soult's invasion of Portugal. Captain Beesley is called into the colonel's tent for a briefing. Following the normal pleasantries, all awfully brief from the stern Colonel Moore, his beefy finger jabs at a map. "<font color=ltBLUE>THERE! Captain, I need your men there.</font>" <br />
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Captain Beesley stares at the map and notices a small town labeled Sonolenta Aldeia. Your growing knowledge of Portuguese registers that the name of the town is sleepy village. Sounds like a lively place. <br />
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The Colonel continues. "<font color=ltBLUE>I will send you with three of the center companies up this track here. You will be at the fore and will observe the French movements. At your discretion, you may engage the enemy but your primary task is to watch their movements and report back if you notice anything out of the ordinary. The center companies will be deployed at these bridges along the way to secure your path of retreat. In addition, you may receive supply from the Royal Navy. Captain Tobias Mayhew of HMS Gout will be landing a small force to support you as well. Any questions Captain?</font>"<br />
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The question was the Colonel's means of saying you are dismissed. As you leave the colonel's tent, the Major follows you out. He rests a hand on your shoulder and informs you in his dour voice, "<font color=ltBLUE>I will be accompanying you Sir Beesley. We shall see what the Froggies are up to eh?</font>" Even the man's attempt at a jest seems funereal rather than jovial. <br />
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......<br />
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Two weeks later, you have been in position for over a week. The small force that was provided by the HMS Gout turned out to be a single 6-pounder naval gun and a gun crew. Their industry extended to building a fortified position for the gun allowing you to fire on either the town or down the road. Your supplies are running short but you have kept your men from being spotted by the few villagers from the sleepy village. Yesterday, things became exciting. A company of Legere with their blue pants moved into town. You have also spotted some cavalry elements riding through the countryside. The major announced that you will march this evening back to rejoin the regiment. The navy men want to know how to move their gun. You have spotted a wagon and mules in the town. You may have to attempt to secure this to bring out the gun. You hope the enemy will be obliging and allow you to do just that.<br />
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This will be the first scenario for this unit. Stay tuned and see how the gallant captain fairs.<br />
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Our Story Continues:<br />
<a href="http://platoonforwardstories.blogspot.com/2011/03/meet-company.html">Meet the Company</a>Chris Stoesenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07285495844651490795noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1620370118160717931.post-25595081564650227262011-03-17T03:51:00.005-04:002011-03-31T13:14:31.123-04:00Big Red One<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/41/US_1st_Infantry_Division_SSI.svg/150px-US_1st_Infantry_Division_SSI.svg.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/41/US_1st_Infantry_Division_SSI.svg/150px-US_1st_Infantry_Division_SSI.svg.png" /></a>So okay, I got Platoon Forward and have been reading it thoroughly several times now. I am intending to use it with "Chain of Command", the WW2 version of TooFatLardies "Through the Mud and the Blood". The game is still in it's playtest stages but this will be an excellent method of generating games for testing the rules.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I was procrastinating a bit before I decided I would play a US platoon from the 1st Infantry Division in Normandy. They were called the Big Red One, and landed at Omaha Beach on D-Day, taking some 30% casualties. To reflect that, and because I don't have many US figures (yet!) the platoon will start with only two squads. Any support weapons heavier than a BAR they will have to get from the company or batallion assets which means they will be rolled for on the appropriate tables in Platoon Forward.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><ul><li>The platoon is led by <em>2nd lieutenant Charles Ingram</em>. He is <i>liberal</i> and motivated by <i>wealth</i>, from a <em>privileged background</em>. He turned out to be a grade III leader (on a scale of one to four). He is basically a good guy who wants to do his duty, but his family's connections got him into West Point and he is destined for a career as a lawyer after the war.</li>
<li>Second in command is <em>staff sergeant Andy Sipowitz</em>. He is <i>corrupt </i>but has the motivation <i>government</i>, which means he believes in the system but thinks it's ok to earn an extra buck here and there. He too is a grade III leader and is <em>reckless</em> in combat. So he's a good leader but takes risks. I decide his parents immigrated from Poland at the beginning of the century but he is born and raised in Ney York with little feelings for his old country.</li>
<li><em>Corporal Richard Jenkins </em>is leading 1st squad. He is <em>idealistic</em> and motivated by <em>position.</em> He is grade II and <em>reckless</em> as well.. I'm starting to see why the platoon has suffered a lot of casualties, maybe he and sergeant Sipowitz are trying to outshine eachother?</li>
<li><em>Corporal James D. Dever</em> heads up second squad. He is <i>haughty </i>and motivated by <i>religion</i>. Only a grade I leader but <em>bold </em>(the Lord is his shepherd after all)<em>.</em> He is the only leader in the platoon who recieved a negative trait which will affect his interactions with other people. I decide he's from the bible belt and has -- according to himself -- high standards and morale. He'd rather preach about his men's faults than listen to their needs and looks down upon those who cannot live up to his standards. He is not particularly liked by his men.</li>
<li>Finally I rolled up the company commander since he's the person the platoon has to deal with. <em>Captain Keith Middlebrock</em> is <i>generous</i> and <i>hedonist, </i>which is quite an odd combination. He is also from a privileged <em>background</em> so I decide he's quite an adventurer and mercenary who has seen a lot of action around the world before the war and totally lives for the moment.</li>
</ul>So, our actors are ready, and the scene is set. Our saga will begin on june the 8th, 1944.Laffehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09125733864107467243noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1620370118160717931.post-12982051341384460652011-03-15T20:11:00.003-04:002011-03-15T20:24:53.191-04:00Welcome to YOUR Blog!<div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9nNlICw-YZw/TYABkbYY6zI/AAAAAAAAAlQ/hExWxzoTRrM/s1600/002.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584465263276387122" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9nNlICw-YZw/TYABkbYY6zI/AAAAAAAAAlQ/hExWxzoTRrM/s320/002.JPG" /></a> <strong>Have you heard! People are finally going to hear </strong></div><div align="center"><strong>about our stories!</strong><br /></div><div align="center">Welcome to your blog. Have a great after action report? A great story or a heartbreaking battle? Tell us about it by posting it here. I will moderate the site but it is meant for me (and the collective US) to hear your stories using Platoon Forward. </div><div align="left">Ground Rules:</div><div align="left">Posts must have something (even vaguely) to do with Platoon Forward. Does not have to be WW II. Can be anything (variants) you guys have come up with as I know there is at least one variant for Sci fi out there.</div><div align="left">Be kind and courteous in all discourse.</div><div align="left">To post please e-mail me at <a href="mailto:the_legans4@msn.com">the_legans4@msn.com</a> and I will add you to the list of people that can post. </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">Thanks and enjoy!</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">Joe</div>FlightDochttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10493092270549623224noreply@blogger.com0