1917 - The Big Push

This game was another in Martin's series of WW1 Corps level engagements.  On this occaision, our corps under newly promoted Jerry Elsmore (General Mitchell having been recalled to HQ for urgent consultations)comprised 2 divisions - one French and one British.  In addition to our divisional troops, The French division (John Armatys) was supported by 3 heavy artillery regiments and a tank unit (Schneiders). Us Brits had 4 heavy and one super heavy (a rail gun) artillery units, a forth infantry brigade, a tank unit and a cavalry brigade.  I think the corps commander must be an old India hand, bless him.

The corps ready to roll.  Brits on the right, French on the left.  Any resemblance the rail gun bears to the German rail gun used in a game last year is entirely coincidental...

Most of the toys are from the collection of Martin Rapier - the British and German figures are Emhar and the French mostly old Airfix.  The Schneider tank is  from a card kit (apparently it was a bugger to assemble).  The allied heavy guns are from my WW2 French units and the British tank is an old Airfix veteran.

Below: The Brits formed up for the attack.  Once again my trusty (or just rusty?) RE-8 takes to the skies to spot the Boche guns.

The French advance showing almost pre-war levels of elan.  The Poilou with the flag marks the regiment rated as 'dashing'.

The results of the Allied bombardment.  After 2 days the wire in the French sector has been cleared. The nasty looking cloud over the Hun redoubt is gas.

Side by side the Allies storm through the (lightly held) German front line.

General Gow's experience of tanks pays dividends.  The fast but flimsy cardboard Schneider races ahead.

The German second line looms into view.

The Brits prepare to assault the second trench line.  The reserve (dashing) Brigade accompanies the tanks. Artillery and infantry fire had  by this time driven off two counter attacks by hordes of Jerry Stormtroops,

Ancient and modern!  The Cavalry Brigade follows the armoured spearhead to the green fields beyond(?)

Ironically the tank is ancient (30+ yaers old) and the cavalry quite new.

Breakthrough (after only 3 years...)  Sadly the French armour expired in the bitter struggle for the village.

The British combined arms assault menaces the German gun line.

Endgame.  A rare colour photo taken by British air recce .  Not the RE-8 - it got shot down by a swarm of Hun fighters.