tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9514224606648947262024-03-13T09:27:46.662-07:00A room without a LOSTales of counters and hexspines.bongotastichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06403616300118528548noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-951422460664894726.post-20552423166252825382015-07-17T18:06:00.000-07:002015-07-17T18:06:37.260-07:00[Crossing the Moro CG] T=0902 -- Rough startThe first turn of the CG was surprisingly lethal. The Germans are entering the map in plain sight. The infantry ran down the slopes to the cover of the wood, but were met with MMG and extremely accurate MTR fire (a 10-2 SMC directing is kind of helping). A squad of pioneer got wiped, and its 9-1 routed back up the hill. <div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Where it hurt the most is by a stretch of lucky shots from the piddly *75 of the Shermans. Although the Pz IV kept moving, the difficult terrain got them to stick to the roads and paths where the meandering exposed their side armors. Three out of 4 Pz IV got eliminated in the first turn! Furthermore, the 10-2/60mm MTR broke the dm HMG positioned in a stone building at the edge of the map. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The last Pz IVH eliminated one of the Sherman, at least. The Germans won't find true cover until they get into blind hexes. But this means that they'll have to run the gauntlet for 2 more turns, without armor support anymore.<br /><div>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UMhr5yTXpu8/VamjpjL9vUI/AAAAAAAArbk/ganPnxsIWd8/s1600/IMG_0030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UMhr5yTXpu8/VamjpjL9vUI/AAAAAAAArbk/ganPnxsIWd8/s320/IMG_0030.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">North West approach: burning PZ IVH</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wOuODMjCyZY/VamjppkWhLI/AAAAAAAArbk/DJQyzYzPT3o/s1600/IMG_0029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wOuODMjCyZY/VamjppkWhLI/AAAAAAAArbk/DJQyzYzPT3o/s320/IMG_0029.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">North East Approach</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
</div>
bongotastichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06403616300118528548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-951422460664894726.post-50393298257124488542015-06-05T13:24:00.000-07:002015-06-05T18:37:45.407-07:00A few Acres of Mud - Invitation<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A Few Acres of Mud (AFAM) is recruiting field commanders to take part in a Regimental-level combined arm operation in the open terrains of Romania, spring of 1944. The situation will span up to 2 days of combat, the terrain is horrible, mobility and and information are more valuable than ammunition. More details are available to people committing to one side so as not to break operational surprise.</span></div>
<b id="docs-internal-guid-ef4c7118-c557-94bb-d515-412e47d0639e" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The open positions are for commanders either at the Regiment/Brigade OR Battalion level. The sides are the soviet's red army and the coalition of Germany and Romania. Task force commanders may be used sporadically to resolve ASL battles but the positions at this level aren't assigned from the start. Not all positions need to be filled to go forward. The engine used is the ASL rule set, and GURPS where out of ASL's scope. Overall operations will be handled abstractly (NOT in 2-minutes turns) while particular engagements will be resolved using ASL. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oWSEPS4jP7Q/VXIEgE-1FsI/AAAAAAAAqzA/vMoo0LGWPHo/s1600/iasi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="186" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oWSEPS4jP7Q/VXIEgE-1FsI/AAAAAAAAqzA/vMoo0LGWPHo/s320/iasi.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mud is in effect, no kidding.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<h2>
Gameplay</h2>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Commanders receive reports and issue orders. Players are on the ground, which impacts what they know and can do. The situation is summarized on a map. </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<ul style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Players should be available to typically respond a regular time span. Anywhere between a day and a few is fine (it is a game, let's not stress about it while keeping the ball rolling!). </span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">No need to be familiar with ASL or GURPS for commanders above Company-level. Understanding of WW2 combined-arm operations and tactics is necessary.</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tactical combat will be made of tightly-framed, time limited scenarios on (masterfully crafted) custom maps.</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The campaign will last for several weeks.</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<br />
If you are interested, contact me by commenting on the post linking here so that I can pass you along my email address. Specify whether you want to play on the Soviet or German side, and whether you want to run at the Company, Battalion or Regiment level.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<h2>
The map</h2>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ssk70e4xVoE/VXICpmPM07I/AAAAAAAAqy4/F-Bo4j-Bueg/s1600/mastermapv1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="163" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ssk70e4xVoE/VXICpmPM07I/AAAAAAAAqy4/F-Bo4j-Bueg/s400/mastermapv1.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Low Resolution Operational Map: 8km deep X 2 km wide.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h2>
Sample communications</h2>
<h3>
<br />Contact report</h3>
<div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">---</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">SPOTREP S001 - LOCATION:POLESTI - TIMESTAMP:10APR44-0100Z</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">FROM: 206/II Rgt CO</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">TO: 27/206 CO</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">---</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Romanian Inf Div retreating South of objective BLUE. German armored scouts briefly engaged along Iasi-Targu Frumos road. Possibly NOT elements of 24th panzer Div.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">---</span></div>
<h3>
Operational Orders</h3>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">---</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">OPORD GD001 - LOCATION:AA GUNTER - TIMESTAMP:10APR44-0100Z</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">FROM: GD/PzGr III CO</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">TO: PzGr.III/2Bn CO</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">---</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">SITUATION - GD/Arty have suppressed Soviet AT guns along route HELGA. Ju-88 are covering. Soviet resistance along route HELGA estimated as 1 AT Company (Coy) and 1 rifle Coy.</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">ORDER - SECURE route HELGA before 1530Z. DESTROY soviet's communication post on Hill 112.</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">INTENTION - A train of supply will depart the assembly area at 1530Z IF the road is secure. This is the last chance to ressuply today. Soviet AT guns must be destroyed or captured so that they cannot be recovered when you withdraw. Panzer Brigade 3 Co has the off-road capability to reach the communication post.</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">ATTACHMENT - PzBd/3 Co (Pz V)</span></div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">---</span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
bongotastichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06403616300118528548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-951422460664894726.post-2972553464829319582015-05-21T19:09:00.001-07:002015-05-21T19:34:28.104-07:00ASL 147 - First-Person play - Going in blind<h3>
The scenario</h3>
<div>
The main challenge in ASL147 is to <b>find</b> and then <b>clear</b> the defenders from the road. In regular ASL, finding is trivial although it should have been the main command challenge. Finding can also be made easy by spreading thin, but then again this would leave the advancing forces vulnerable and too weak to actually do the <b>clearing</b> part.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In short, Japan has to sweep and clear the vicinity of the road without being infiltrated to its rear. The Gurkhas have to, one way or another, remain in position such that an ambush on the approaching main columns is possible. I <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1UffOO6JkMLHEX5Kw4X035HypbA4r9QfvkkO41E9tdZU/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">modified the victory conditions</a> to emphasize that this is a game of information as much as a game of elimination.</div>
<br />
I hope that the scenario proved an exciting new experience for the players.<br />
<br />
Here are some special <a href="https://www.evernote.com/shard/s260/nl/33766647/0c1240f5-9067-4dfc-a512-9f90fce24a40/" target="_blank">rules on detection</a> and command and control.<br />
<br />
Special Thanks to Stefan Fiedler for playing the MMG crew on turn 7.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Summary of the battle</h3>
<div>
A detailed story for each player (with lots of screenshots) can be found below:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/164JYvsg8rIgSyQ1bS3FjpPfCbkx0TG9WIKLkwGLY7EY/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">3 Tank Bn (det)</a> [Japan]</li>
<li><a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pGnKsDn-QP_63_7cdXEfOriYoaXIJE1Xk7BpjwvLx0w/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">2/1st Gurkha rifles</a> [UK]</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<br />
Japan opted for a larger SAN of 4 instead of a free recon roll. Unfortunately, the IJA a sniper didn't activate during the scenario. The Gurkhas opted for an extra spool of wire.<br />
<br />
Lt. Samikawa was surprised by Lt. Corhay's choice to defend deeper in the jungle rather than at its edge. Contact was made late in the scenario as the IJA was cautiously advancing into the deep blue foliage. The IJA conducted a textbook combined operation and got to converge nearly its whole force where it expected the main defensive positions. It found little but a thin screen which melted in the jungle on contact.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HxO7eFIKYx4/VV03BijnFEI/AAAAAAAAqt8/OWYdDJKXFCA/s1600/Screenshot%2B2015-05-14%2B23.21.08.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="269" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HxO7eFIKYx4/VV03BijnFEI/AAAAAAAAqt8/OWYdDJKXFCA/s320/Screenshot%2B2015-05-14%2B23.21.08.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lt. Corhay is rallying his troops (U10) while all hell is <br />
breaking loose somewhere else! Flash are used for noise, <br />
IR for tank MA fire.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
By then, Lt. Corhay lost contact with half of its force for the rest of the scenario. He maneuvered his units that broke under MMG a but rallied fast enough to avert disaster. Some remnants to the south drew most of the IJA a squads, which allowed the, to sneak to the rear and in position to ambush the column of strategically moving IJA armor ( the objective ). This going was high in tense moments such as finding himself HIP ADJACENT to a MMG after all of the broken squads ran past his positions.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Across the road, a squad of Gurkhas sneaked through swamp and thicket and slipped into the rear while the rest of the Gurkhas entertained mutual annihilation with Lt. Samikawa's local forces. Samikawa, wounded before the hand to hand, shamefully didn't participated. The IJA, still cohesive under Samikawa, neutralized the remaining Gurkhas such that they cannot impede the progress of the main body. A last minute spread of the IJA ensured that the southern end of the Area of Operation was cleared.<br />
<br />
In the very last turn, Lt. Corhay decided to remain HIP as the MMG crew stumbled over their positions. Stripped from HIP, they held fire in hope to go HtH while concealed. The japanese crew shot in the foliage and pinned Corhay himself and one of the squad, the Gurkhas charged but in the confusion the crew slipped out and got away from certain death (The gurkhas needed 11, rolled 12). </div>
<div>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<h3>
Outcome</h3>
</div>
<div>
The <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1UffOO6JkMLHEX5Kw4X035HypbA4r9QfvkkO41E9tdZU/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">victory conditions were adapted</a> to make it more interesting in this context. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
The aide of the Colonel arrive with an escort details. The CO is pissed off by the delay. He demands a decision on your part: “Is it safe to proceed with a strategic march through this patch of jungle, or not?”<br />
<br />
Lt. Samikawa declare the area clear and the Batallion moves forward. Reinforcements comes and help clearing the remaining known Gurkhas. Soon enough, the 3 Tank Bn is passed through and overrun the British defense a few miles down the road.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Lesson learned as referee</h3>
<div>
<ul>
<li>The force commander for scenario larger than platoon-sized should be represented as a SMC in addition to the OOB SMCs.</li>
<li>Minimize low-level orders to each units. Keep it high level.</li>
<li>Expand in details where the players is personally in danger because it is exciting.</li>
<ul>
<li>Consider adjudicating some situation using GURPS WWII where ASL isn't handling as well at this scale (tracking, stealth, perception (noise)). </li>
</ul>
<li>The jungle is a harsh place to learn to fight blind. This is kind of buying a $20 bottle of wine when you are 17.</li>
<li>Triple check the VASL file before sending it out...</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
Playing in the 1st person</h3>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Stay connected: </li>
<ul>
<li>Minimize distance in MP to other Task forces</li>
<li>Keep line of communication clear of interdictable hexes.</li>
</ul>
<li>Find, fix, flank and fight. It starts with a thin screen (find), followed by MG/fire base (fix), maneuver to better approaches [flank], then move on to CC [fight].</li>
<li>Minimize issuing commands:</li>
<ul>
<li>Set objectives, phase lines, fire base so that out of contact units can still act predictably. </li>
</ul>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
bongotastichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06403616300118528548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-951422460664894726.post-22666915749982726962015-05-16T18:15:00.000-07:002015-05-16T18:19:59.094-07:00Gavutu-Tanambogo - Conclusion of the CGAnd thus ends the CG. The second wave went well enough, with two Marines company committed and all remaining Naval OBA. Japan's grand plan was to make the US pay for each hex: they did.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
By turn 9 of the 2nd assault period, there are not enough IJA squads left to eliminate to compensate for the US deficit on CVPs. I doubt that Japan can hold out for two more assault periods, but the US can't do it without unacceptable casualties. The US didn't see this one coming until it was almost too late: getting the first wave completely wiped out will do this to the CG. </div>
<div>
<br />
<div>
<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/-wjaIDcF-SAk/VVfk0RMzgII/AAAAAAAAqqI/tUrG2Ry3nWA/s1600/20150516_204211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wjaIDcF-SAk/VVfk0RMzgII/AAAAAAAAqqI/tUrG2Ry3nWA/s400/20150516_204211.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The line when the outcome was decided.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
</div>
<h3>
Random Thoughts</h3>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Too much risks were taken in wave 1 trying to collapse caves that weren't unoccupied. DC aren't that effective against cave without the bonus when the cave is empty.</li>
<li>NOBA is useless in close support because two OBA cards must be drawn when within 6 hexes of friends.</li>
<li>Air strikes on enemies in the jungle have a high chance of ending in friendly fire.</li>
<li>Unarmored LV are deathtraps. </li>
<li>Japan's defense must be made of concentrated fields of fire from cave locations and timely use of counter attacks. Japan can only win the CG by causing LOTS of CVP. </li>
<ul>
<li>Shooting from the other island and from caves makes it incredibly difficult for the US to deal with.</li>
</ul>
<li>Conversely, US tactics must minimize loss. This implies an incompatible mixture of patience and seaborne assaults. </li>
<li>This was a wild CG to play rulewise. But also a lot of fun. I'll play simpler ASL for a while but sure will come back one day to Gavutu and Tanambogo.</li>
</ul>
</div>
bongotastichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06403616300118528548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-951422460664894726.post-34590894125791595182015-05-11T17:40:00.002-07:002015-05-11T17:40:25.040-07:00Gavutu-Tanambogo Assault 2 Turn 8It took a whole lot of time for the Marines to land on the North shore of Tanambogo. The presence of huts and the narrowness of the landable area took the best of 6 turns to get everyone on shore. Artillery fire from Gavutu and a few well placed MGs kept on breaking the marines in their attempt to encircle the hill.<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uNsSZ7L1ow4/VVFIt61X1RI/AAAAAAAAqiE/Cvx6U01Lr2o/s1600/20150511_204650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uNsSZ7L1ow4/VVFIt61X1RI/AAAAAAAAqiE/Cvx6U01Lr2o/s400/20150511_204650.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The island is mostly in US hands now.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />The East end of the island is still a kill zone for Japan, but the SLNF have been beaten back into a pile of HS on the reverse slope. There is no way for the americans to know whether the CG will result in a victory yet. Here is the deal:<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The Gap in CVP favours Japan by about 20 CVPs. There may be up to 30 CVPs worth of IJA units left on the two islands. If the marines lose more than 10 CVPs, they will take the islands but lose the CG. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So, once more, ASL pulls the edge-of-seat feeling as the US must now play 0 casualties while clearing another island with a double cave complex stuffed with HMGs, MMGs, a bunch of captured 60mm MTR and a 70mm INF. This calls for night action, landing the tanks, and keeping all toes and fingers crossed.<br /><br /></div>
bongotastichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06403616300118528548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-951422460664894726.post-20938462972706745242015-05-02T11:11:00.000-07:002015-05-03T06:48:49.251-07:00Gavutu-Tanambogo Assault 2 - Turn 1-3.5 - Aleas iacta estLet's cut the crap and admit that every single marine from the 1Para is gone. This came at a cost for Japan. So I decided to go for broke and land two companies back daylight. All of the NOBA is committed and so is a flight of close air support.<br />
<br />
The plan you may ask? Land on Tanambogo, pound anything that is farther away from 6 hexes of the troops with NOBA, CAS on turn 3-4. The landing site isn't beach, but it doesn't matter with this kind of LC. The objective, take the island before nightfall.<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/-7st-eMSUYNo/VUURI-EqMKI/AAAAAAAAqZ4/1UJxc6qXbXY/s1600/20150502_144321.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7st-eMSUYNo/VUURI-EqMKI/AAAAAAAAqZ4/1UJxc6qXbXY/s1600/20150502_144321.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Landing area: congested but well supported by MG fire.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Running inland on the left got complicated when fire from a number of mortars, the 70mm INF and MG fires converged on any given hexe of the hinterland. The SNLF are out of sight on the hill, waiting for the marines to attempt to gain the high ground out of the LOF from the caves. </div>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4znD1yPKxEQ/VUURIyZ8unI/AAAAAAAAqZ4/WAt7darEx3Q/s1600/20150502_144305.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4znD1yPKxEQ/VUURIyZ8unI/AAAAAAAAqZ4/WAt7darEx3Q/s1600/20150502_144305.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pushback: Amazing how captured marine 60mm can clear an area from a distance.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Close air support was effective in suppressing some mortars and striping the SNLF. Where I thought that Japan was fighting a losing battle, I'm starting to think that it will be a close one once again. </div>
bongotastichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06403616300118528548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-951422460664894726.post-14548129575420347772015-04-25T06:38:00.002-07:002015-04-25T07:56:40.418-07:00Gavutu-Tanambogo Assault 1 Conclusion - Snuffed hopes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The CG is running its course. During the USMC turn 8, the americans tried to push back the japanese from Hill 148. Their firepower is thinning because of the numerical inferiority. Also, a 4MC still only step reduces and degrades the charging japaneses, but doesn't stop them from coming. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
US turn 8</h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The good news is that almost all US units have rallied. You got to give it to the Yanks: they know how to snap off a DM counter when it is really needed.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qyasH6amshc/VTeErsNdQ1I/AAAAAAAAqR8/8FMnmbNux7U/s1600/20150421_200755.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qyasH6amshc/VTeErsNdQ1I/AAAAAAAAqR8/8FMnmbNux7U/s1600/20150421_200755.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
View from the West: the line has not changed. A lot of japanese infantry has died, but the surge isn't stomped. Luckily, most of the stacks are now step-reduced and ELR'd. Will this be good enough to withstand the next two minutes.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LnhtFI0rHQk/VTeEruEY6hI/AAAAAAAAqR8/Ud2qBgD1QV4/s1600/20150421_200741.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LnhtFI0rHQk/VTeEruEY6hI/AAAAAAAAqR8/Ud2qBgD1QV4/s1600/20150421_200741.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
View from Bloody beach: Everyone has climbed up on Hill 148. A few fresh brokies are low-crawling downslopes. Murderous MTR fire is raining from a pier to the North.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
On the far left, japan is on top of the hill and encircling a small patch of jungle. On the centre, a large number of high-quality SMCs and fresh squads are in position for a Banzai charge. On the right, a number of degraded troops are swerving around the beach. A lone crew is keeping an eye on Bloody beach to keep a lid on the caves and the pillbox.<br />
<br /></div>
<h3 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Japan's turn 8</h3>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KdpBA7tmty0/VTuSPFE65RI/AAAAAAAAqVQ/GW9_6rBafxQ/s1600/20150422_233043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KdpBA7tmty0/VTuSPFE65RI/AAAAAAAAqVQ/GW9_6rBafxQ/s1600/20150422_233043.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just before the Banzai charges resolutions</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
Banzai charges have crept on marines from the North-West and the Eastern beach. The marines guarding the eastern edge weren't as lucky and got swept by large Banzai charge. The flank of the marine's defense got wiped by a snakeye from the lousy 8+1 kill stack. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Near the top of Hill 148, a huge pile of japanese took huge punishments on during their charge, but made it into the patch of jungle. The marines, however, crushed them on the spot during CC as their combined force had been decreased a lot via step-reduction. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<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/-rOJcUH7p_sk/VTuSPFYM92I/AAAAAAAAqVQ/fe24q2tICC8/s1600/20150422_234242.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rOJcUH7p_sk/VTuSPFYM92I/AAAAAAAAqVQ/fe24q2tICC8/s1600/20150422_234242.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shortly after the storm while bracing for another one.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h3>
Turn 9</h3>
<div>
The marines consolidate their position as the noose is getting tighter. A hero rises among the troops hiding in the communication building on the crest of Hill 148.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<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/-4OJdb4YeDXE/VTuUwciELGI/AAAAAAAAqVc/2hNTRI5JQX0/s1600/20150425_080706.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4OJdb4YeDXE/VTuUwciELGI/AAAAAAAAqVc/2hNTRI5JQX0/s1600/20150425_080706.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view is great, but the neighborhood is going downhill.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Japan swept the marines in the communication building, but the banzai charge on the foxholes gives a chance for the marines (mostly broken), to withdraw without fighting. <br />
<div>
<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/-UKCsiOH9KPc/VTuVSe13uLI/AAAAAAAAqVk/vtHXma10Z3w/s1600/20150425_083107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UKCsiOH9KPc/VTuVSe13uLI/AAAAAAAAqVk/vtHXma10Z3w/s1600/20150425_083107.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There is not a lot of ground to give anymore.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Final turn of Assault phase 1</h3>
<div>
The marines are running the gauntlet around a squad of conscripts to avoid the bulk of a giant banzai charge in the making. DFF from the hill is terrible and both remaining leaders are killed in action. The faithful crew that is positionned in the palm trees holds the line on the edge of the beach.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WGGKwoVF_yM/VTuWMRVM_-I/AAAAAAAAqWI/0OeJin_HJrs/s1600/20150425_084320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WGGKwoVF_yM/VTuWMRVM_-I/AAAAAAAAqWI/0OeJin_HJrs/s1600/20150425_084320.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hey sarge, why are we still lugging this dm mortar again?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Japan threw its best Banzai charge at the remaining marines. The result was pyrrhic: the marine took the best Japanese leader down with them on their way to Valhalla. At this point, the Japanese part of my brain started to wonder whether this was a worthwhile charge. The valiant crew finally succumbed to a banzai charge, but not without shoving something hot and sharp up Col. Honda's landing gear. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
When the fire died down, there was much to collect on the battlefield that was made in the US of A.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<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/-VDf4rIosAhw/VTuW9gWeSLI/AAAAAAAAqWc/1qt7g8KOqMo/s1600/20150425_085650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VDf4rIosAhw/VTuW9gWeSLI/AAAAAAAAqWc/1qt7g8KOqMo/s1600/20150425_085650.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Col Honda has outdone himself.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The US invasions of Gavutu-Tanambogo has been averted, at a great cost.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y97ccYisK30/VTuYHGIQ7UI/AAAAAAAAqW4/EVTTUgfoHfQ/s1600/20150425_100225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y97ccYisK30/VTuYHGIQ7UI/AAAAAAAAqW4/EVTTUgfoHfQ/s1600/20150425_100225.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Japan's OOB going forward. Only one cave entrance collapsed. Enough to hold?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ohc6tS6z2fA/VTuYHME391I/AAAAAAAAqW4/kItWwczrJ0c/s1600/20150425_100235.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ohc6tS6z2fA/VTuYHME391I/AAAAAAAAqW4/kItWwczrJ0c/s1600/20150425_100235.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Japan's loot by the end of the assault phase. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div>
The question is now, would have the Marines aborted the invasion at this point? All future waves are half as big, with lightly armored LCVs...<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
</div>
bongotastichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06403616300118528548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-951422460664894726.post-44153052633464838292015-04-19T18:05:00.000-07:002015-04-19T18:05:05.999-07:00Gavutu-Tanambogo Assault 1 turn 8 - Little Bighorn<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As I thought that Assault Period 1 was winding down, things got weird. The Japanese figured out that they held strong defensive position and the Marines could hold Hill 148 easily while clearing the beach to the south for the next wave of landing. However... two unlikely events coincided.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<ol>
<li>A japanese HMG finished off a USMC hero keeping an eye on cave 3112.</li>
<li>USN NOBA placed a SR in the middle of the Japanese assembly area. </li>
</ol>
The Japanese leader decided NOT to sit a 200mm FFE, although NOBA has been unreliable so far. With the Eastern Cave unobserved, a squad of 2nd-liners and a MTR slipped out and into the USMC's rear. All squads in caves at the base of Hill 148 ran out while the counter attack followed the trenches towards US positions.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zUrL_wDTF60/VTRIagdT9jI/AAAAAAAAqOw/Q7rQhsyVTbc/s1600/20150419_212808.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zUrL_wDTF60/VTRIagdT9jI/AAAAAAAAqOw/Q7rQhsyVTbc/s1600/20150419_212808.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The Fanatic USMC squads spend the turn pinned by HMG fire while the japanese assaulted in CC two other positions. Their advancing fire broke one stack, and the two other stack miraculously both won ambush withdrawals. What's left that is unbroken in a wounded 9-2, a squad wading in WP, one covering the brokies in the jungle hex and a MTR crew in the summit of Hill 148. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QpCm2yB2asw/VTRHmpQMFJI/AAAAAAAAqOM/RyiaQCMrwAw/s1600/20150419_203719.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QpCm2yB2asw/VTRHmpQMFJI/AAAAAAAAqOM/RyiaQCMrwAw/s1600/20150419_203719.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
On the Eastern shore beach, japanese ran out of caves, trenches and foxholes to rush south towards USMC positions. The US squads overhead fired without much effect while the troops on bloody beach (south) are mainly broken or under fire from the pillbox at the far end of the beach.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qkLZFVItegg/VTRHmjMqGzI/AAAAAAAAqOM/M55GAyHHPwY/s1600/20150419_203655.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qkLZFVItegg/VTRHmjMqGzI/AAAAAAAAqOM/M55GAyHHPwY/s1600/20150419_203655.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
On bloody beach, a USMC squad got really pissed at the MMG fire on them as they recovered a DC (I know, there should be no HoB on a beach: my mistake). There are only two squads in good order, one Fanatic and the other manning a DM MTR left there by an eliminated squad. The Japanese are steamrolling southward while their MTR fire are finishing off broken squads stranded on the beach. No one will come to their help anymore: MMG fire are spewing from a cave and a pillbox which resisted the last DC assault. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The Western position are surrounded, the North face is having an unsuccessful turkey shoot through the palm trees, these stranded on bloody beach as being shredded by MG fire. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Things take funny turns in desperate situations. I hope that the CG isn't going to die before the first assault period is over. </div>
<br />bongotastichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06403616300118528548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-951422460664894726.post-35902382578556594502015-04-15T16:04:00.002-07:002015-04-16T11:25:26.973-07:00Gavutu-Tanambogo Assault 1 turn 6.5 - Trial and mostly errorTurn 5.5 to 6.5 was a hard one for both sides. Japan's counterattack was scattered by 200mm NOBA and sent the infantry running for trenches as close as possible to Marines positions. The cruiser offshore ceased fire since the island started to look like a mess of friends and foes.<br />
<br />
The poor squad that escaped death and swam to shore got intercepted by a HS and reduced to a HS itself. Fortunately, heavy fire from the hill pinned the IJA before they could engage the disarmed marines in CC.<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mLd-XmlieL8/VS7uKVntdCI/AAAAAAAAqKs/eB9cQYnm00E/s1600/20150415_191547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mLd-XmlieL8/VS7uKVntdCI/AAAAAAAAqKs/eB9cQYnm00E/s1600/20150415_191547.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The swimmers gets to shore only to be met with the sniper's<br />
crosshair, and a squad of demented Japanese conscripts with<br />
TWO DCs.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
On bloody beach, marksmen from a cave made short order of two crews attempting to place DCs in their midst.<br />
<br />
Around the corner, Marines from up above dropped a smoke grenade in the other cave. The Japanese MMC down there was berserk and as it was about to get out of the cave, realized that a Marine crew had shoved a DC at the mouth of the cave. Many Japanese soldiers died, but not enough of them as far as the Marines are concenred.<br />
<br />
The unarmed marines kept on wading away from the japanese conscripts, fearing CC or even a DC attack. As they reached the shore, punishing mortar fire from the far end of Gavutu wiped 3 broken HS stuck on the beach.<br />
<br />
Overhead, the USN bombers were swerving back home. The sound of NOBA on Tanambogo can be heard. The marines are now trapped on Hill 148, alone, with dwindling stocks of DC and little collapsed caves to show for.<br />
<br />
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zms81mg-q_k/VS7q9n_05aI/AAAAAAAAqKc/WBn9b73jizY/s1600/20150415_194431.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zms81mg-q_k/VS7q9n_05aI/AAAAAAAAqKc/WBn9b73jizY/s1600/20150415_194431.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last glimpse from the USN planes on the way back to the flat-top</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PLpvttfvCeA/VS7q9jkpZnI/AAAAAAAAqKc/S8abMco9Iik/s1600/20150415_194451.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PLpvttfvCeA/VS7q9jkpZnI/AAAAAAAAqKc/S8abMco9Iik/s1600/20150415_194451.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bloody beach in the sunlight. Capturing the pillbox on the left is, hopefully, next.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />bongotastichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06403616300118528548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-951422460664894726.post-31788783632705410092015-04-12T11:21:00.002-07:002015-04-12T11:21:52.191-07:00Gavutu-Tanambogo Assault 1 turn 5.5 - Friendly fire This had to happen, a fighter-bomber CAS on a big stack of entrenched Japanese in light jungle went astray and smote my 9-2 SMC and a squad on the edge of the hill. The pilot during debrief reported that they looked japaneser. The SMC lost both thumbs during the point attack, but still instruct the remaining broken HS to give the finger to "blue falcon" flying over. A mystery cave was discovered, but there is no telling what's inside. The good news is that my 10-2 SMC was closer to the target, but in a blind hex and so was spared (Although not blind from a different hex grain, so I may have played this wrong).<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/-mBqwcE-yjmg/VSq1TJWJ0pI/AAAAAAAAqGU/PvWhq2rmDFs/s1600/20150412_110400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mBqwcE-yjmg/VSq1TJWJ0pI/AAAAAAAAqGU/PvWhq2rmDFs/s1600/20150412_110400.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue Falcon just after his bombs smashed the Marine <br />
overwatch covering the beach.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Lesson learned: +3 sighting TC because of woods is a bit of a bitch. Blue Falcon shall never strike<br />
<br />
Finally, the 200mm NOBA finally bothered with a FFE on the assembly point of the Japanese counter attack.<br />
<br />
This assault phase is way too close to be called right now: the way good ASL scenario are going usually. In the next turn, the DC assaults on two key caves will be carried over: this will decide how hard the next landing wave will be for the Marines. The Japanese will also decide whether to launch a counterattack or consolidate the line.<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NG2N92ZnHd4/VSq3KCFjOEI/AAAAAAAAqHI/4xx8BWzVCE4/s1600/20150412_144954.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NG2N92ZnHd4/VSq3KCFjOEI/AAAAAAAAqHI/4xx8BWzVCE4/s1600/20150412_144954.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Turn 5.5 is over... look at the cool guys wading in the shallow-OCEAN!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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/-1psfAqwE90o/VSq3KC9cW7I/AAAAAAAAqHI/waYU8xqHDF8/s1600/20150412_145041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1psfAqwE90o/VSq3KC9cW7I/AAAAAAAAqHI/waYU8xqHDF8/s1600/20150412_145041.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy hours is still on on the beaches of Tanambogo, despite the airstrikes on<br />the MTR.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />bongotastichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06403616300118528548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-951422460664894726.post-16665696353287883592015-04-11T07:23:00.000-07:002015-04-11T07:23:15.962-07:00Gavutu-Tanambogo Assault 1 turn 4.5Turn 3.5 to 4.5 delivered a pile of awesome. The Marines have the high ground, but little safe path to the beaches still. A brave HS collapsed a cave thus allowing safe climb in a single location. With a counter attack mounting, lots of lost DC when the LCV sank, an unknown number of japanese crawling under their feet and MTR and HMG streaming from Tanambogo, it is hard to claim that things are looking up (but they do).<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
A destroyer even bother firing WP across the causeway! In less than a turn, Close air support will kick in!<br /><div>
<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/-AVl6g9lYaiM/VSkqtTIcfBI/AAAAAAAAqFA/9vlUfZqJSGY/s1600/20150411_110218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AVl6g9lYaiM/VSkqtTIcfBI/AAAAAAAAqFA/9vlUfZqJSGY/s1600/20150411_110218.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Marines have the high ground, but no safe way to get back down.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EKsjju4jXKg/VSkqtZN7qUI/AAAAAAAAqFA/Z6j-soBJdJo/s1600/20150411_110154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EKsjju4jXKg/VSkqtZN7qUI/AAAAAAAAqFA/Z6j-soBJdJo/s1600/20150411_110154.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beach is kind-of clear, but not secure at all.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
</div>
bongotastichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06403616300118528548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-951422460664894726.post-12724086519352837372015-04-10T18:53:00.001-07:002015-04-10T18:53:20.534-07:00Gavutu-Tanambogo Assault 1, turn 3.5<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The Marines have landed with the timing of a synchronized swim team, giving up a few more CVP to Japan. NOBA is still nowhere to be found, but this is now largely due to the fact that the Marines and the Japanese are on top of each other. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Shortly after taking this picture, a few CC were resolved with devastating effect for the Japanese conscripts in foxholes and trenches. The Marines are still alive! But it is great time to secure a better beachhead and collapse many caves.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<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/-zQOxPO_6OcA/VSh9TKgfQAI/AAAAAAAAqCU/AIaPj684PU0/s1600/20150410_201222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zQOxPO_6OcA/VSh9TKgfQAI/AAAAAAAAqCU/AIaPj684PU0/s1600/20150410_201222.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think that I hate dealing with piles of counters like that.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />bongotastichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06403616300118528548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-951422460664894726.post-51306781823512601242015-04-08T17:44:00.000-07:002015-04-08T17:53:22.098-07:00Gavutu - Tanambogo - Turn 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Ptlj-kzYZng/VSXHumAJuCI/AAAAAAAAp_Y/xocSZSci0eM/s640/blogger-image-187609243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
The IJA has shredded 5 of the 12 Higgins boats. In one case, there was time for one squad to jump and start swimming, but many other marine squads didn't get this chance. The two LCVs that made it to shore got thrashed by MG fire coming from caves and pillboxes while another LCV ran aground.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Things may have gone better had the NOBA kicked in with White Phosphorus and HE. The batteries did not fire as the worried Marines dashed to shore. One good news, the INF gun in the cave overlooking the beach has jammed. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The left wing of the landing has avoided heavy fire and will hit the beaches on Turn 3. Wading, landed and swimming infantry will try to gain the cover of the jungle and the IJA's prepared fortifications. They will, however, run in quite a bit of HIP units waiting in ambush. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Good news, there may be some 120mm WP FFE in the coming turn. Let's just not mention the lousy accuracy dr of the 200mm battery.</div>
<div>
<br />
<div>
<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="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-SnW03E4s4RI/VSXH5_A11EI/AAAAAAAAp_g/Ul3VKwQhRRw/s640/blogger-image-919209581.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-SnW03E4s4RI/VSXH5_A11EI/AAAAAAAAp_g/Ul3VKwQhRRw/s640/blogger-image-919209581.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">End of Turn 2 - The landing isn't going too well.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Ptlj-kzYZng/VSXHumAJuCI/AAAAAAAAp_Y/xocSZSci0eM/s640/blogger-image-187609243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<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="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-2Tu4ZFYfLS4/VSXHtRI68GI/AAAAAAAAp_Q/I1naIDhkeq4/s640/blogger-image--640299433.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-2Tu4ZFYfLS4/VSXHtRI68GI/AAAAAAAAp_Q/I1naIDhkeq4/s640/blogger-image--640299433.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Turn 2 - Midpoint: the Para Bn has mostly touched down. Waiting the the fire to open.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
</div>
bongotastichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06403616300118528548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-951422460664894726.post-73522694407246445642015-04-08T17:23:00.000-07:002015-04-08T17:23:57.528-07:00Gavutu-Tanambogo CG - Setup<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/-cBvvvYUZot0/VSXF44PlZOI/AAAAAAAAp-8/I-ruTNK5mq8/s1600/20150403_114306~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cBvvvYUZot0/VSXF44PlZOI/AAAAAAAAp-8/I-ruTNK5mq8/s1600/20150403_114306%7E2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The LCV setup prior to Turn 1</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JuhJ9AMsp7c/VSXGDbARupI/AAAAAAAAp_E/Sr4SwQ-GJXw/s1600/IMG_0051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JuhJ9AMsp7c/VSXGDbARupI/AAAAAAAAp_E/Sr4SwQ-GJXw/s1600/IMG_0051.JPG" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The IJA setup </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />bongotastichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06403616300118528548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-951422460664894726.post-39057529778554627492015-02-09T16:36:00.002-08:002015-02-09T17:50:20.583-08:0019 - Backs to the Sea - An AAR.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<h3 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Introduction</h3>
<div>
I just bought Yanks! and am taking it for a spin. I read about the US infantry, but I have yet to see how they play out. The 2nd Ranger Bn, F Coy has its back to the cliffs of Normandy and are sitting tight as the first credible wave of 2nd line german rifles are launching an assault. All grain, buildings, junctions and bogs are shellholes. The numerical odds are over 2 to 1 for the germans. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h4>
2Rng/F, concept of operation</h4>
<div>
The company is to screen the whole width of the AO and slowly trade terrain for time. Keep the germans at standoff range, using shellholes for cover before settling into the woods. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h4>
726th Inf Rgt, concept of operation</h4>
<div>
We're facing US rangers: their standoff range is larger than ours, their firepower, and ability to fire in the AfPh makes them tough nuts to crack. They key here is to overwhelm by presenting too many targets, and overrun them while they run from our bullets. They don't remain broken for long! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We are making a feint on our right, punching hard in the centre, with a credible push on the left.</div>
<div>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /></div>
<h3 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1600Z </h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aBmUoAFbmsE/VM7TLGXYDvI/AAAAAAAAo1Y/0WmZZ8VkLFo/s1600/20150201_111624.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aBmUoAFbmsE/VM7TLGXYDvI/AAAAAAAAo1Y/0WmZZ8VkLFo/s1600/20150201_111624.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poised to assault, the XXXth Inf Bn is dashing across the field into concealed positions.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<h3>
1602Z </h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h4>
Germans</h4>
<div>
The MTR team in the center pins the US MTR while the extremes left and right engage. On the right, the US MTR breaks two squads before getting thrashed by a FG in the AfPh. The rangers rout through shellholes. Let's call this an exchange. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
On the far left, the rangers mow down a whole MMC with defensive fire. The bulk of the germans will make contact in the APh.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-76Os3JagU80/VM7c-4TmCDI/AAAAAAAAo1o/diVyJqL96Og/s1600/20150201_120023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-76Os3JagU80/VM7c-4TmCDI/AAAAAAAAo1o/diVyJqL96Og/s1600/20150201_120023.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
US Rangers</h4>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
True test of command here: the rangers rearrange to keep at standoff range. Enough bullets are whizzing over the artillery craters and a few MMCs are breaking here and there. Surprisingly, the US MTR rallied and managed to fire in the PfPh! The germans are degrading fast, with an ELR of 2. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2s0-OatAmiU/VM7e26mnuaI/AAAAAAAAo10/Qr4cVYaNJ1M/s1600/20150201_164115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2s0-OatAmiU/VM7e26mnuaI/AAAAAAAAo10/Qr4cVYaNJ1M/s1600/20150201_164115.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
1604Z onwards...</h3>
<div>
I forgot to take picture, but it didn't end well for the rangers. The Germans finally got their MMGs and MTR, formed big FGs and the americans were shredded to pieces, forced to rout through shellholes and in the open. There is no picture, it was too sad to forfeit a game about halfway through the scenario. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h2>
Take 2</h2>
<div>
The rangers learned from their mistakes, the germans learned from their successes. First of all, I realized that there was 4 MMC too many on the german side, so I fixed that. But this error doesn't explain the disaster on its own. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<h4>
2Rng/F, concept of operation</h4>
<div>
Setup deep into the AO and let them come! I grouped them together to form 12 FP FGs which would still pack a 6FP punch in long range. I placed my 60mm MTR in such as way that they have a killing field but are not exposed too much to the obvious place for the germans to setup their MMGs and MTRs. I was leery of air burst and first avoided the woods, but concealment terrain and a better TEM are good tradeoffs.<br />
<br />
Without a screening position, the rangers were banking on long range rifle fire and 60mm mortars to interdict the advancing germans.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h4>
726th Inf Rgt, concept of operation</h4>
<div>
The plan wasn't changed too much. I ignored on third of the map, made a really thin screen to interdict the shifting rangers from reinforcing the main push. Keep the FG at 8FP, with the SW to keep the rangers fixed in place.<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/-3ryFJ79lRk8/VNlOFTNB1HI/AAAAAAAAo9U/WNMKUBl8PH4/s1600/20150204_155459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3ryFJ79lRk8/VNlOFTNB1HI/AAAAAAAAo9U/WNMKUBl8PH4/s1600/20150204_155459.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Take 2 setup. Dummies at the left, mortars and 3 MMCs in the woods.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ym11BJCoB_c/VNlN_qjIUEI/AAAAAAAAo9M/_QzEBvP4FAI/s1600/20150204_155507.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ym11BJCoB_c/VNlN_qjIUEI/AAAAAAAAo9M/_QzEBvP4FAI/s1600/20150204_155507.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">US right wing. Expecting the germans to use the bocage (stone wall on the map, bocage by SSR)<br />
as main approach.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
I didn't take many picture as I played quickly and was having too much fun. One german MMG broke very quickly and a few german MMCs broke and downgraded to conscripts in the second turn. The wind turned in the next turn when the germans brought the SW to bear and broke almost everything in sight. The germans made the best times to the woods. And this is where awesome happened.<br />
<br />
<br />
<h4>
A tiny cardboard medal for PFC Clouse</h4>
<div>
Clouse, a 1-4-9 was the only thing left in good order as the germans hit the woods. The rangers piled up in a rout under a broken 8-1 SMC. He rallied, but not them. PFC Clouse fought a rear-guard with PBF, broke the advancing germans for long enough to allow the ranger to rally. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
All rangers, under a 8-1, in the wood and no longer DM, manned up at once. They broke with PBF all of the germans assembled into a kill stack, ready for the final assault. This had to be done in PfPh, leaving the job to run circle around the germans to PFC Clouse. Single-handedly, PFC Clouse denied routing and lead the three germans MMCs into the rangers positions, who made no quarters (for the lack of babysitters). </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Here below is a picture of PFC Clouse and his homies, prancing in the woods as the germans figure out that there is not enough of them left in good order to win the scenario. </div>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3iRH4VrHNlY/VNlPITKVuoI/AAAAAAAAo9g/ioguB6JvEEg/s1600/20150209_200159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3iRH4VrHNlY/VNlPITKVuoI/AAAAAAAAo9g/ioguB6JvEEg/s1600/20150209_200159.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PFC Clouse, have a C-ration: it's on the house.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h3>
What did I learn? </h3>
<br />
<ol>
<li>A broken morale of 8 changes the dynamic of a battle, as expected. It gets more real when you play through, though.</li>
<li>Respect the mortar, for they are solid assets on the field. </li>
<ol>
<li>It makes sense to use mortars as counter-battery by setting them up to engage the defensive MTRs quickly (and hope to win the duel).</li>
<li>I remember once reading that ASLers didn't like the light MTRs. I find them rather potent.</li>
</ol>
<li>There is little point in manipulating groups mustering less than 6 FPs, 8 FP being even better. </li>
<li>Heroes have their uses, but rarely as a complement to a FG.</li>
</ol>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />bongotastichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06403616300118528548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-951422460664894726.post-69106016535106625182015-01-31T06:00:00.001-08:002015-01-31T06:15:19.005-08:00AP45 - Reaping Rewards - T5 - Burning tanks!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<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/-PZl3elGz8RU/VMze5ev0e4I/AAAAAAAAozE/DAwW_1ge4i4/s1600/2015-01-31%2B08.46.45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PZl3elGz8RU/VMze5ev0e4I/AAAAAAAAozE/DAwW_1ge4i4/s1600/2015-01-31%2B08.46.45.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marvel at the chain of a burning KV-8, a burning T-34, an immobilized T-34, and another burning T-34. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
AP45 - T5<br />
The Germans have taught a valuable lessons to the Russian tankers: don't assault in a built-up area without infantry support! This is particularly so if the enemies have MOL capabilities.<br />
<br />
Both sides are 30%+ casualties. Lots of things went goofy dues to a crazy number of snake eyes. However, I learned the hard way that tanks aren't invincible against infantry. Not that I didn't know that at first, but I didn't had a feel for how easy it is to kill tanks in CCV/MOL.<br />
<br />
What an awesome scenario.bongotastichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06403616300118528548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-951422460664894726.post-40757318230703020642014-07-20T11:40:00.000-07:002014-07-30T13:47:10.233-07:00Human Factors v0.2 Playtest 1 - ASL 102 - The point of the swordI decided to try my Human Factors (HF) rules using a live scenario instead of playing small, context-less, setups. Here is a link to the <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1DhprbHy_b00I-Xu3bvVNLtedhZcDyBJ-lNoZ-hOxrhs/edit?usp=sharing">rules to be playtested</a>. Disclaimer: elite troops fighting in an open terrain are the least susceptible to these rules. I realized this quickly into turn 2. A better play test will be in a busier map and/or with lower quality troops.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Gist of the Human Factors rules</h3>
<div>
Units initiating movement or opening fire without the cue from a nearby friendly unit must pass a TC or be delayed. There is a bit more to it, but I want to keep it simple and add a level of unpredictability without altering gameplay too much. <span style="color: purple;"><b>Passages relevant to the playtest are color coded in purple.</b></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
The Setup</h3>
<div>
The germans are going to use forward stone buildings to force the UK commando to bypass into an open area setup as a killing fields. The forward position is also strongly supported by many fields of fire. If the Brits/Canadians spend too much time on this, they remain exposed to dangerous fire. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The UK is going to engage the Germans in an attempt to force their way into the village and discover the fortifications. They need to clear the way quickly so the Canadians can enter the board on turn 3, as pointed out by <a class="g-profile" href="https://plus.google.com/102865245889555619500" target="_blank">+Jackson Kwan</a> in his <a href="http://hongkongwargamer.com/2013/10/13/asl102-point-of-the-sword/comment-page-1">AAR</a>.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uHUZfnQ-Mr8/U8sghkdw9lI/AAAAAAAAnbY/sMog1B8pgbM/s1600/20140719_205158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uHUZfnQ-Mr8/U8sghkdw9lI/AAAAAAAAnbY/sMog1B8pgbM/s1600/20140719_205158.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Positions at Setup</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /></div>
<h3>
Turn 1 - Allies</h3>
<div>
Platoon B and C are to fix the forward positions on the western side of the map while Platoon A bypassed and flank to fix the supporting line in row U. <span style="color: purple;"><b>The first unit to move is subject to a TC according to E100.12. It passes and this will act as a cue to all units in LOS of each other</b></span> (All of them in this case). </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The SAN goes a bit nuts: the top Ger leader is wounded, a UK commando squad is broken. Another UK commando is broken by HMG fire.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><span style="color: purple;">In the Defense phase, the 50mm MTR initiates fire against the UK hero and a squad. Rule E100.2 is activated because no german unit has fired in the DFPh yet. The TC is failed and the MTR is marked as delayed. The LMG in row S has to pass a TC because the previous units failed to provide the cue.</span> </b>The first stack breaks a MMC, the second pins the leader. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="color: purple;"><b>When all non-delayed units have fired</b></span>, the MTR may fire. The LOS hindrance is heavy and the mortar fire miss its target. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fCGvNSVxHbU/U8sjfIfBizI/AAAAAAAAnbs/IfADAFteLq0/s1600/20140719_211813.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fCGvNSVxHbU/U8sjfIfBizI/AAAAAAAAnbs/IfADAFteLq0/s1600/20140719_211813.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">End of the Allies turn 1. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br />
<h3>
Turn 1 - Axis</h3>
</div>
<div>
<b><span style="color: purple;">In this turn, human factors didn't have any game-changing effect. This largely is because we are dealing with elite troops on both sides</span>. <span style="color: purple;">The german MRT was indeed delayed, which means that it had to fire last instead of first</span>. <span style="color: purple;">In such an open map, once a unit fire/move, it is witnessed by most units and if the order of action is done properly, there is a need to succeed a single TC to obtain complete freedom of action.</span></b></div>
<div>
<span style="color: purple;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
The Germans stuck to the plan and moved units to optimize fields of fire. The evil plan set, they waited for the Brits to assault in the next turn.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D9pAqYj6mMg/U8vtAbppUbI/AAAAAAAAndQ/IzlWAmVxbbE/s1600/20140720_132310.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D9pAqYj6mMg/U8vtAbppUbI/AAAAAAAAndQ/IzlWAmVxbbE/s1600/20140720_132310.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">End of Turn 1: Breaking already broken Commandos (O8) really pissed them off. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<h3>
Turn 2 - Allies' turn</h3>
<div>
The advance was a disaster for the allies: they lost >20% of their Battlefield Integrity in 1/2 turn! The advance was blunted in the West by a KIA, in the centre by a strong of 5-6 50mm MTR bombardment, including a CH which cause a K/1 result. In the East, the Brits rushed the German positions and eliminated them in CC but at the cost of a number of broken supporting units. <b><span style="color: purple;">Human factors didn't influence this turn which played out normally with a single key TC in the West. The germans didn't really get to fire in the DFPh as they fully engaged in the MPh (where no TC is required)</span>. </b> Residual fire/fire lanes were all over the place by the end of that phase. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<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><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dllSU_i2ZGU/U8v5TtPZOzI/AAAAAAAAnc0/Kx9XIztS5-k/s1600/20140720_141513.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dllSU_i2ZGU/U8v5TtPZOzI/AAAAAAAAnc0/Kx9XIztS5-k/s1600/20140720_141513.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">The Brits have score some good positions in row Q by clearing forward positions.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<h3>
Turn 2 - Axis' turn</h3>
<div>
The Germans were pretty much set on pulling out to the second line of defense until the MMC in R6 miraculously rallied. <b><span style="color: purple;">The Tactical Command Unit (TCU) in R6/R7 passed their HF TC and broke the commando in Q7. This provided the cue to all other units to open fire without further TCs (except the one in T10 which would get its cue later from the MMG)</span>.</b> </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The German 50mm MTR completely wiped the commando in Q3 with another long string of ROF'd airburst fire. With both hard-won positions lost and a majority of the Brits either broken or dead, the germans only have to wait for the French-Canadians to walk into the map in turn 4. Things are looking up for the Panzergrenadiers. </div>
<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><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CfstXHk1I_E/U8v_uHnUvxI/AAAAAAAAndc/oBAUBk488YY/s1600/20140720_144304.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CfstXHk1I_E/U8v_uHnUvxI/AAAAAAAAndc/oBAUBk488YY/s1600/20140720_144304.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">The german 50mm MTR is, at this point, going to win the most valuable player award today.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
Turn 3 - Allies' turn</h3>
<div>
</div>
The allies have no choice but to pull back since almost no squads are in good order. <span style="color: purple;"><b>The 51mm MTR gets delayed when it fails its TC. It will move only at the end of the MPh with one less MF to spare</b></span>. <span style="color: purple;"><b>The hero passed its TC</b></span> and withdrew in the orchard. Cherry on the sunday: the only unbroken squad with a LMG managed to jam it when trying to settle into its new position. The german 50mm MTR has pounded the Brit's MTR into the dirt and forced a rout to a small wooden house at the edge of the woods.<br />
<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/-4Dv6vgkYgY0/U8xfirDG87I/AAAAAAAAne4/rIt2m8_DoO8/s1600/20140720_204228-EFFECTS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4Dv6vgkYgY0/U8xfirDG87I/AAAAAAAAne4/rIt2m8_DoO8/s1600/20140720_204228-EFFECTS.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The defeated Commandos are pulling back in hope tha the French-Canadians will save the day.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h3>
Turn 3 - Axis' turn</h3>
<div>
30% casualty has downgraded the Brits' ELR by one from now on. The germans are positioning to maximise firepower. A squad fails to entrench to the East. The biggest rearrangement is the HMG which needs to be relocated because the Brits' snipers has honed on its position. The Brits have little to fire back with. <span style="color: purple;"><b>However, the AFPh sees two key germans positions delayed. This has for consequence that the squad in Q7 decides to engage the broken fanatics in N10. Only later would the MMG will open fire.</b></span> </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<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/-HQYIbIJr06k/U8xgF4J-QII/AAAAAAAAnfE/IVc4rl2ldIY/s1600/20140720_205718.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HQYIbIJr06k/U8xgF4J-QII/AAAAAAAAnfE/IVc4rl2ldIY/s1600/20140720_205718.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The calm before the storm. A rare quiet ASL turn.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<h3>
Turn 4 - Allies' turn</h3>
<div>
The time to party for the germans wasn't expected to last for very long. The Canadians barged in and the germans lit up the map with residual fire counters. The German 50mm MTR stopped the advance in the open once more in the East, holding an impossible position as the only squad there is broken. <span style="color: purple;"><b>With such high density of troops all working together, HF didn't influence this turn as it took only one elite squad to cue everyone else, and no TC is required for defensive fire in the MPh</b></span>. The decision to pull back was made by the Canadian's advancing fire as they broke the key MMG in R9. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<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/-55WuVXdavIw/U86yQHLokgI/AAAAAAAAnhY/v0Doz7aywAc/s1600/20140722_145106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-55WuVXdavIw/U86yQHLokgI/AAAAAAAAnhY/v0Doz7aywAc/s1600/20140722_145106.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The French-Canadian elite troops have arrived!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
Turn 4 - Axis' turn</h3>
<div>
The germans had a low-key turn as they pulled back to a second line of defense. They decided to leave a squad in U7 to open possibilities for fire lanes. However, with a LMG, this isn't very useful. The germans are hoping that the terrain will help singling out units spearheading the advance and blunt their charge. </div>
<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><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L8HkJZOjazE/U86x5nJ3GqI/AAAAAAAAnhI/HNSrmF28y6o/s1600/20140722_150507.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L8HkJZOjazE/U86x5nJ3GqI/AAAAAAAAnhI/HNSrmF28y6o/s1600/20140722_150507.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">The French-Canadian elite troops have arrived.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; widows: auto;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<h3 style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
Turn 5 - Allies' turn</h3>
The sheer number of advancing troops made it difficult for the germans to manage. They pulled their MMG just on time and their 50mm MTR which caused so much troubles to the allies malfunctioned. <b><span style="color: purple;">Interestingly, two key units on the West-end of the german lines got delayed in the DFPh which forced the other units to adjust to ensure that the Canadians in R6-R7 were under fire. This is the first case where HF has affected the development of the game in a significant manner. Because it was hard to tell whether these units would get broken or not, the HMG had to open fire first. This gave a free ride to the squads in Q6</span></b>. In the end, R7 got peppered thoroughly and enough for one squad to lose it and go berserk.<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D6KpRtyifMw/U86t7hWuyBI/AAAAAAAAnh4/pX_xuf6orCU/s1600/20140722_153052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D6KpRtyifMw/U86t7hWuyBI/AAAAAAAAnh4/pX_xuf6orCU/s1600/20140722_153052.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mad frogs in R7. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
Turn 5 - Axis' turn</h3>
<br />
The germans lost 3 HS equivalent in the pull back but got everyone to the second defensive line. The Canadians are going to inherit a fancy MG38 if they choose too. <b><span style="color: purple;">The HF rule played an interesting complicating factor here again as the movement of a squad was delayed. This required other units counting in its ability to draw fire and FP away to adjust their paths. Again, a subtle effect but a disturbance in an otherwise better suited sequence of movement. </span></b><br />
<br />
The berserkers are in for a surprise as the nearest unit is in fact located inside a fortified building! Ooops.<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VCSRp8M-oic/U872oNvKSSI/AAAAAAAAnjM/GtUtWOyT7tE/s1600/20140722_201305.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VCSRp8M-oic/U872oNvKSSI/AAAAAAAAnjM/GtUtWOyT7tE/s1600/20140722_201305.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A well ordered withdrawal. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div style="color: black; font-weight: normal;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="color: black;">
Turn 6 - Allies' turn</h3>
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="T6Al"></a>
<br />
<div>
<span style="color: purple;"><b>This turn sees the testing of <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1DhprbHy_b00I-Xu3bvVNLtedhZcDyBJ-lNoZ-hOxrhs/edit?usp=sharing">v 0.3 of the HF rules</a> which integrates graphics control measures into the HF rules. As a military sim geek, I love to be able to model a battlefield closer to how planning and execution was conducted. I find that these rules behave more naturally than in previous versions of the HF rules: if the battlespace is well planned, units are going to act naturally and not require TCs</b></span>. </div>
<div style="color: black; font-weight: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="color: purple;"><b>I divided the board into two Area of Operations (AOs) so that my force may chase two Objective Areas (OA) simultaneously. The stack in T5 had to cross the boundary and required a TC, which both units in the stack failed. They had to get delayed and activate at the end of the MPh with one less MF. Thus is the cost of meddling with pre-planned orders</b></span><span style="color: black; font-weight: normal;">. </span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-weight: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-weight: normal;">
The mad rush to the fortified hex V7 didn't ended well, with one unit taking two consecutive ELR downgrade and one casualty reduction. Even the berserkers got broken as they inadvertently bumped into the fortification and couldn't enter. The germans in V5 valiantly gave a hard time to the advancing Canadians/Brits but got broken in the end by advancing fire. </div>
<div style="color: black; font-weight: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-weight: normal;">
<br /></div>
<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/-zYllpdeGPpk/U9A-_bkEcKI/AAAAAAAAnj4/dgYPj3qlddg/s1600/20140723_194056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zYllpdeGPpk/U9A-_bkEcKI/AAAAAAAAnj4/dgYPj3qlddg/s1600/20140723_194056.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ooooh, graphic control measures. Now we are talkin'</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<div style="color: black; font-weight: normal;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="color: black;">
Turn 6 - Axis' turn</h3>
<div style="color: black;">
It was a toss-up between standing fast and pulling back. The British sniper solved the impass by <b>breaking the unit in the V7 fortification</b> after a freak sniper relocation roll which sent the counter halfway across the board. They left a wounded leader to manage a broken squad and relocated across the plaza to defend the last two hidden fortified locations, AA4 and Z6.</div>
<div style="color: black; font-weight: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; font-weight: normal; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jRua9ahnufQ/U9lV_ME9sPI/AAAAAAAAnmw/LCeKvSZk0Os/s1600/20140730_161820.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jRua9ahnufQ/U9lV_ME9sPI/AAAAAAAAnmw/LCeKvSZk0Os/s1600/20140730_161820.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="color: black; font-weight: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-weight: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-weight: normal;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="color: black;">
Turn 7 - Allies' turn</h3>
<div style="color: black;">
The allies' berserker unit didn't get satisfied as the unit that they were about to destroy got eliminated by other friendly fire (a gamble, I know). A large mass of allies are now in position an peppering the last few germans with killer fire groups. The ELR of the Brits is down by 3 because of battlefield integrity, and the ELR of the germans is down by 1. Both sides are suffering 60% casualties. </div>
<div style="color: black;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F306-B9g99Q/U9lW_0gCEBI/AAAAAAAAnm8/wL1ilEqjcko/s1600/20140730_165532.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F306-B9g99Q/U9lW_0gCEBI/AAAAAAAAnm8/wL1ilEqjcko/s1600/20140730_165532.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="color: black;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="color: black;">
Turn 7 - Axis' turn</h3>
<div style="color: black;">
Oops, forgot to take a picture. The germans tried to suppress in the PFPh with no real success. They got severely slammed in the DFPh by the killer fire groups. It wasn't pretty.</div>
<div style="color: black;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="color: black;">
Endgame</h3>
<div style="color: black;">
The fire on the East side wasn't very effectual, but the allies swept the large building in the west and thus cleared the second hidden fortification. A perfectly pointless but entertaining berserker charge in the centre square added a final touch to the turn, and the scenario. </div>
<div style="color: black;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CQ9QBbQ0two/U9lYDRQPF0I/AAAAAAAAnnM/lWByEd58XCQ/s1600/20140730_171906.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CQ9QBbQ0two/U9lYDRQPF0I/AAAAAAAAnnM/lWByEd58XCQ/s1600/20140730_171906.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="color: black;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black;">
<br /></div>
<h3>
<span style="color: purple;">Notes about Human Factors rules</span></h3>
<div>
<span style="color: purple;"><b>Using control measures greatly simplified the gameplay as most actions didn't require a TC. I really need to playtest in different context, with low quality units where planning is more important. However, solely on the basis of this playtest, I'm not sure that these rules add a lot to the game. This is the first playtest, though, and a poor choice for these rules. </b></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="color: purple;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
bongotastichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06403616300118528548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-951422460664894726.post-85980612844214020222014-06-28T16:26:00.001-07:002014-06-28T16:26:29.074-07:00The Czerniakow Bridgehead - T8 - Desperate timesThe scenario is clearly won by the Russians. However, I decided that I'd try to do the right thing and pull out the Germans so that they can fight another day. Their ELR is down to 2 due to Battlefield Integrity.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The russians figured out that coming from all sides will seal the SPW 521/1 in place for the kill in the following turn. The Germans are dismounted. The halftrack is pointing in the wrong direction. And yeah, the 3-3-7 have MOL.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Strangely, I can't recall of any rules which makes it dangerous to engage with fire when there is a friendly unit right on the other side of the target. Any such thing?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
What course of action is the most likely to save as many Germans as possible? If and only if they are almost certain to die, how would you make the russian pay the highest price for their kill?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<div>
</div>
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
I can think of lots of fun things to do...</div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<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/-1kMndO0mcok/U69Oun9nD7I/AAAAAAAAm_Y/C3Rg8vb35ao/s1600/20140628_152956.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1kMndO0mcok/U69Oun9nD7I/AAAAAAAAm_Y/C3Rg8vb35ao/s1600/20140628_152956.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With the stack exploded.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Same situation, with neat stacks.<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/-Ic8JXgbP7yw/U69Ouhi3z6I/AAAAAAAAm_Y/re--1555Nr8/s1600/20140628_152906.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ic8JXgbP7yw/U69Ouhi3z6I/AAAAAAAAm_Y/re--1555Nr8/s1600/20140628_152906.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With neat stacks.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
</div>
bongotastichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06403616300118528548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-951422460664894726.post-31698121022879584372014-06-28T12:13:00.000-07:002014-06-28T12:13:23.505-07:00The Czerniakow Bridgehead - T8 - The last standThe scenario is clearly won by the Russians. However, I decided that I'd try to do the right thing and pull out the Germans so that they can fight another day. Their ELR is down to 2 due to Battlefield Integrity. <div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The russians figured out that coming from all sides will seal the SPW 521/1 in place for the kill in the following turn. The Germans are dismounted. The halftrack is pointing in the wrong direction. And yeah, the 3-3-7 have MOL.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Strangely, I can't recall of any rules which makes it dangerous to engage with fire when there is a friendly unit right on the other side of the target. Any such thing?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
What course of action is the most likely to save as many Germans as possible? If and only if they are almost certain to die, how would you make the russian pay the highest price for their kill?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I can think of lots of fun things to do...</div>
<div>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qXCUqsKrMu0/U68JqruumgI/AAAAAAAAm_A/C1IW2c0StHo/s1600/20140628_152956.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qXCUqsKrMu0/U68JqruumgI/AAAAAAAAm_A/C1IW2c0StHo/s1600/20140628_152956.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With stacks exploded</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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/-BMSe5gKCQeo/U68JhFmBnrI/AAAAAAAAm_M/POGXxDxQzlk/s1600/20140628_152906.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BMSe5gKCQeo/U68JhFmBnrI/AAAAAAAAm_M/POGXxDxQzlk/s1600/20140628_152906.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Layout with neat stacks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
bongotastichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06403616300118528548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-951422460664894726.post-63230477890215879632014-06-27T04:13:00.001-07:002014-06-27T04:13:54.646-07:00The Czerniakow Bridgehead - T6.5 - Something snapped<i>The russians are handing a well measured but still contested defeat to the Germans. </i><br />
<br />
The Germans were about to pull a victory by a thin margin as they broke through the Polish/Russian defenses. However, a HIP LMG opened up on the HMG crew which assumed the open R10 to be safe. The result: 1KIA. This loss of the crew/HMG made victory impossible without bringing more troop from the rear.<br />
<br />
The Russians counter-attacked and destroyed a MMC/SMC stack in R8. The thin line of Germans screen, including a guard unit, moved in for a counter-counter-attack on the next turn but the Russians didn't wait. The German defensive fire was fierce and broke the stack. Final fire from F9 broke them again. The russian MMC made the NMC, but the leader went berserk.<br />
<br />
Here we are, S8 is such an entertaining hex right now. This is a euphemism for "I had to re-read a buncha rules to keep going".<br />
<i><br /></i>
<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/-zaKT7IwGkM4/U61Oj-RvbDI/AAAAAAAAm8I/HOsiU92JyZo/s1600/20140627_074858.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zaKT7IwGkM4/U61Oj-RvbDI/AAAAAAAAm8I/HOsiU92JyZo/s1600/20140627_074858.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Behold, the most colorful stack of counters on the board so far. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i><br /></i>bongotastichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06403616300118528548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-951422460664894726.post-19277196884633772782014-06-21T20:25:00.002-07:002014-06-22T04:42:33.987-07:00The Czerniakow Bridgehead - T4 - The germans have hit a wall.<div>
<a href="http://aroomwithoutalos.blogspot.ca/2014/06/the-czerniakow-bridgehead-t2-ballad-of.html">Private Kaminski's antics</a> in the North have been for naught. The Russians have figured out that they could interdict the bridge without exposing themselves to the German's base of fire. Meanwhile inthe center and against the main effort, the stalwart Russians held strong positions keeping the Germans from moving around freely once passed the bridge. As a result, the forces from the North have been diverted to cut the flanking of the german bridgehead across the deep stream. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<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/-KvVqaflrCDg/U6SiQv8oVUI/AAAAAAAAmzk/GQG_VOfxy5A/s1600/20140620_175629.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KvVqaflrCDg/U6SiQv8oVUI/AAAAAAAAmzk/GQG_VOfxy5A/s1600/20140620_175629.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stalled in the North...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Early success in the south encouraged the germans to be bold over there too. They slipped into good positions, broke a bunch of russian squads and pinned in the open russian reinforcements. The missing piece of the puzzle was a pincer from the main force coming from the north.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<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/-yUMRxc0uI4Q/U6SgAnaFPDI/AAAAAAAAmzw/d2vvz3g_SdI/s1600/20140620_175609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yUMRxc0uI4Q/U6SgAnaFPDI/AAAAAAAAmzw/d2vvz3g_SdI/s1600/20140620_175609.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the south, the germans have carved a good position, but it is tenuous... The Russian LMG in K7 is broken and downgraded... it isn't going to rally in a long while. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The russian counter attack was swift and effective. They came from down the street through buildings, weathered the german defensive fire like big boys and finished them off in close combat. Thus ends the half-hearted diversion on the southern approach. The germans have learned to rejoice when prep-fire works well and not blindly jump in everything that looks like a hole. Granted, the main force should have cleared the way already and this hasn't happen yet.<br />
<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/-ywUhIq4B0Kg/U6ZKEJ0cLlI/AAAAAAAAm2A/cV_0GN3pN0M/s1600/20140622_001005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ywUhIq4B0Kg/U6ZKEJ0cLlI/AAAAAAAAm2A/cV_0GN3pN0M/s1600/20140622_001005.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The tiny stack on H5 now has to make a tough choice.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
What turn 5 has in store? I think that the germans will have to wheel in the MMG in the SPW 251/1 in order to support the retreat of the beleaguered MMC/LMG/8-0 stack: reinforcing defeat is generally a bad idea, but here we're talking about 3 CPV that could bloat to 6 CVP if the Russians capture them alive.<br />
<br />
Oh, and yea, the main force as a side show has managed to clear the worst of the russian base of fire overlooking the bridge. We'll see where that takes them. Diverting the SPW 251/1 and the MMG to the south bridge may help in rescuing a bucket full of CVP still to lose, but there remains that it still is a diversion of the main effort which is in need of a boost.<br />
<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/-oj6gavzSHs4/U6ZLydlYMSI/AAAAAAAAm2Q/fP89FWbxiQc/s1600/20140622_001023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oj6gavzSHs4/U6ZLydlYMSI/AAAAAAAAm2Q/fP89FWbxiQc/s1600/20140622_001023.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The russians O10 and N9 gummed up the German advance for 4 turns! This was caused by a mixture of good dice and a lack of focus of the Germans. Lesson learned here too.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />bongotastichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06403616300118528548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-951422460664894726.post-8293678980798170202014-06-18T20:01:00.000-07:002014-06-18T20:14:59.557-07:00The Czerniakow Bridgehead - T2 - The Ballad of Pvt. Valery Kaminski<i>The scenario is "The Czerniakow Bridgehead", played solo. After consulting ROAR, I decided to give the White Russians (Germans) a SPW 251/1 halftrack. The story that follows is a sideshow to the main push. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Private Kaminski was the only White Russian (Russians fighting for the Germans) excited about the assault on the bridgehead this morning. His company slipped North in order to fix a matching body of "Red" Russian troop from their 9th Infantry Regiment.<br />
<br />
Lt. Schmoe explained that the objective was to fix the Russians while the main body down-canal pushed to the Vistul and hopefully flank the men across the canal. The base of fire was effective, maybe too effective because Lt. Schmoe decided to go for an early assault. The defending russians kept quiet until they got on the other side.<br />
<br />
A flurry of fire coming from the building on both sides broke the assaulting squad and Schmoe. The white russians were falling like flies when the last straw was pulled: some Polish Home army peeps opened with a LMG from down the road. <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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QRdvwTnDrKA/U6JLo8PlnLI/AAAAAAAAmwQ/wDfqkh5Lgx8/s1600/20140616_202930.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QRdvwTnDrKA/U6JLo8PlnLI/AAAAAAAAmwQ/wDfqkh5Lgx8/s1600/20140616_202930.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bridge Absolut and Smirnoff at 1000: A few seconds before the storm.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The white russians dropped their weapons and surrendered to the russians nearby while Private Kaminski decided to pick up the LMG and make a run for the bridge in a low crawl.<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dIJEK-HOSg8/U6JLo9a5PhI/AAAAAAAAmwQ/tEQiZ3K0bow/s1600/20140617_181733.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dIJEK-HOSg8/U6JLo9a5PhI/AAAAAAAAmwQ/tEQiZ3K0bow/s1600/20140617_181733.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Private Kaminski split from his surrendering friends and made it to the bridge while dodging bullets coming from all sides.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The fire came from many sides, but the Polish LMG was noisier than dangerous. While his friends on the West bank called for him to pull back, Pvt. Kaminsky slipped from the bridge into the canal underneath. He thus fell out of sight: wet but safe for now. While struggling to keep from sliding into deeper waters, Pvt Kaminski witnessed his colleagues getting a bloody nose on their attempt to cross <i>Bridge Absolut: </i>The Russians on the far side were pinned, but obviously not pinned enough.<br />
<div>
<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/-oEPABZTCqEs/U6JNEG4JnzI/AAAAAAAAmwo/MKbLg-3tA1c/s1600/20140618_233708.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oEPABZTCqEs/U6JNEG4JnzI/AAAAAAAAmwo/MKbLg-3tA1c/s1600/20140618_233708.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pvt Kaminski has slipped under the bridge and into a deep canal. Everyone is holding their breath.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i><br /></i></div>
bongotastichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06403616300118528548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-951422460664894726.post-65273583691890952932014-06-14T11:39:00.000-07:002014-06-14T11:40:10.352-07:00Red Packets (BV6) - Turn 4Vehicular combat in ASL is abrupt and fast. I made the best use of platoon movement to concentrate return fire and with it the russians made short order of a scout halftrack and would have sent into a blaze a Pz-IIIF had it been not able to claim HD behind the hedge. It still strikes me as odd to claim HD behind a hedge, but I guess I should be looking at it as a depression behind the hedge which made this possible. Nonethless, the PzIIIF has a malfunctioning gun. Things are looking up for the russians.<br />
<div>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gw9oEALYL-A/U5yVpQALPhI/AAAAAAAAmqw/jChfL_4-G4I/s1600/20140614_153157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gw9oEALYL-A/U5yVpQALPhI/AAAAAAAAmqw/jChfL_4-G4I/s1600/20140614_153157.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The clash happened less than a turn ago, not looking good for the Germans.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
bongotastichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06403616300118528548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-951422460664894726.post-36188510543929813332014-06-08T10:21:00.001-07:002014-06-08T10:21:46.460-07:00Mila 18 - T8 - Holy ammo box! The ZON just flipped the tableI know that I pronounced the game over yesterday, and I predicted that I could be wrong (as usual). I was right about being wrong. The ZON bagged a huge loot in prisoners which brings their VP tally to 28, thus requiring the SS to get 56 VP. This is almost the full OOB of partisans. And the remaining partisans are either in a fortress or in a building that they didn't manage to get into for a bunch of turns. <div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Things are very much up in the air... and I'm glad that I didn't abdicate yesterday as the ZON.<br /><div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j-ICpGVy5_c/U5SasD_bAVI/AAAAAAAAmnw/Q1lGWKElXpg/s1600/20140608_141533.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j-ICpGVy5_c/U5SasD_bAVI/AAAAAAAAmnw/Q1lGWKElXpg/s1600/20140608_141533.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The row of SS off the map are the prisoners held in L9!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
</div>
bongotastichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06403616300118528548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-951422460664894726.post-72849244757657836682014-06-07T15:55:00.002-07:002014-06-07T15:55:36.931-07:00Mila 18 - T4.5 - The futile last standThe ZON did not manage to do much damage. As expected (but not hoped for), the sewers seemed to be more a gimmick than a sound solution to mobility. The use of MOL was a welcome plus on the ZON's side. However, there are enough SS MMC and enough time to allow to do proper maneuvers: a good fire base strips the concealments and break the ZON and then the SS move in with a 2-to-1 or 3-to-1 CC. Ambushes happen but don't make a large difference when you roll at 1-to-4.<br />
<br />
The scenario is a clear win for the SS by mainly eliminating the ZON. They can at this point take defensive positions and wait for the end of the scenario with little chance of losing enough VP to lose the game. However, why stop here? This isn't why I'm playing so the ZON will try. They have a fortress in W5, and have been spanking the SS from their strong position in O8. If they eliminate 1 6-5-8 or two HS with no further loss, the game is theirs. This is a gamble, but the only thing left to hold on to. Beside, most of my ASL games so far turned out to be nail biters a turn after I pronounced them "resolved".<br />
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/--uFmJoZL4cU/U5OBzTqkW7I/AAAAAAAAmmg/rJLCpCZzNK8/s1600/20140607_181831.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--uFmJoZL4cU/U5OBzTqkW7I/AAAAAAAAmmg/rJLCpCZzNK8/s1600/20140607_181831.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hey look, overzealous MOL caused a pretty pattern in column N.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />bongotastichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06403616300118528548noreply@blogger.com0