It was Half-Term this week so naturally William joined Phil and I for our weekly game, with Emma making a brief contribution drawing the dice before being whisked off out to lunch by Grandma! The game, a 1940 Operation Zeelöwe setting with the excuse of getting my Interwar/Early War 28mm collection out for an overdue airing. William joined Phil commanding the gallant folk of Piddlyn-on-the-Weald attempting to block a German attack on this section of the newly forming defence line. That left yours truly in command of the Germans. We used Bolt Action for simplicity with both sides having 12 Action Dice, not enough for all the forces once deployed. In addition we had a red Special Event Dice which once drawn allowed subsequent Action Dice to be used on units which had already received an order. This worked well enough in most Turns, enabling extra movement in a tight situation or sustained fire on a vital target.
The Germans had two commands, each of several rifle squads each supported by a machine gun squad. In addition each command had a variety of support weapon groups and ultimately the Germans could call on three tanks. The British had three commands: the LDV; the Territorials; and lastly the motorized Regulars. In addition they had a Matilda Mk1 and three Vickers Light Tanks. In deploying they were constrained by having to get all the LDV on first, followed by all the Territorials before the Regulars could deploy. This should have given the Germans the early edge in movement...
Of course the run of the Action Dice in Bolt Action is important, especially early on I've found. My Heer Recce squad reached the ford on the Piddlyn quickly, but failed to cross it...
That failure so early in Turn 1 allowed two LDV Rifle squads time to take up defensive positions taking advantage of the cover afforded by Piddlyn Wood! The Germans would have to fight to secure the ford for their tanks.
On the German right the first squads of Fallskrimjägers found their advance halted by fire from Piddlyn Farm! The first Territorials had arrived ahead of expected time!
Taking advantage of the GPO phone line Captain Watkiss was able to keep in touch with LDV HQ while still directing his third squad to deploy in a line of trees covering his flank.
The Fallskrimjägers having landed on the far side of the Piddlyn found themselves somewhat distant from the opening action and rather exposed to enemy fire from the Farm. Now we had more elements than dice in the game choice of Action Dice and the appearance of the Special Event Red Dice became more important to both sides.
German losses on their right amongst the Fallskrimjägers soon began to mount, with
Pins additionally disrupting attempts to issue orders! So confident was Colonel Robinson in the developing situation that he held the Regulars back in reserve after they might have arrived.
The Recce squad are tied down at the Ford by the LDV stalwarts, selling their lives dearly in defence of their homes! Support was slow in reaching them, leading to mounting losses and accumulated Pins.
At last the German's anti-tank gun gets into position just as the Motorized Regulars start to arrive in support of the Territorials engaging the Fallskrimjägers probing the flank of the British position.
Their ranging shot hits home on the lead truck, causing chaos in the ranks as well as three casualties!
Despite this sudden setback Col. Robinson is not moved from his developing plan. Stalwart defence by the LDV in Piddlyn Wood and steady fire from the Territorials has so far held up the German probing attacks allowing a breathing space for the Regulars to recover and deploy.
By Turn 5 the Germans have made little impression on the heroic defenders. Capt. Watkiss' men still hold Piddlyn Wood and although some Germans have secured St Olaf's church Piddlyn-on-the-Weald is still mostly held by the LDV, supported by the Territorials. German infantry have dug in along a low ridge brining more fire to bear on the hard pressed defenders. At last they hear the low roar of tanks approaching to support their attack.
The first 38T crosses the Piddlyn Ford, the LDV occupying Piddlyn Wood finally having had to withdraw. The Boys anti-tank rifle team steady themselves and prepare to fire on the advancing tank.
Boom! A direct hit - 11 on two Dx6, thanks William! The tank brews up blocking the Ford. The remaining 38T and Panzer II cannot now cross. The second crossing point is too far away in the time remaining (Turn 6) and so the Germans call off the attack, the Fallskrimjägers having suffered too many casualties to make further progress on the right. Piddlyn-on-the-Weald has been held, allowing the new defence line to be consolidated by the Regulars and the RTR tanks.
A grand three hander of a game we all thought and another infrequently seen collection given an airing! Next week here in GHQ should feature a game with Paul, circumstances permitting! I'm looking forward then to a trip to 'Ommer'ead at the end of the month.
