Scenarios for Iron Ships & Wooden Heads - 1

These scenarios arose from a game run at Wargames Developments’ Conference of Wargamers in July 1998.

This game, called ‘Banana Boats’, concerned a naval arms race between three fictional South American countries (The Peoples Republic of Alicante, The Basque Republic and The Republic of Castile) in the early 1930s. The 40+ players were divided between three admiralty committees and six foreign shipyards. The committee players argued over which ships to order, while fanciful designers and unscrupulous salesmen tried to offload their products. These included the celebrated British 'F**k-Off class large battleships...   Sales gimmicks included the Italian offer of free uniforms and the innovative Spanish ‘buy now and pay after you win the war’ plan.

Scenario 1

This scenario takes place after a period of rising tension between the Basque Republic and the Republic of Castile. The main issue is that of the disputed Purile Islands (Islas Purilos?) which lie some 200 miles east of the mainland, with the Basque Republic to the north-west, and the Republic of Castile to the south-west. This scenario can be played on a six by four foot table, laid out as follows:

The disputed Puerile Islands - two small (no more than 6 inches long) islands in the south-eastern corner of the table, and a small island in the centre of the table.

The Navy of the Basque Republic (NOBER)

4 Battleships                         Brilliante, Bolero, Bullfighter, Bellona

2 Aircraft Carriers                 Bedknobs, Broomsticks

4 Light Cruisers                    Bongo, Bango, Bingo, Beano

7 Destroyer Flotillas             DB1, DB2 etc

6 Troop Transports               25 de Mayo, 26 de Mayo etc

Depending on the number of players available, this fleet should be divided between up to four squadrons, each led by a battleship. The exception to this is the transport squadron, which may be led by a light cruiser. Sailing orders must specify the composition, route and order of appearance of each squadron. All squadrons enter in line astern, on the northern edge of the table.

Objective: To get the transports safely off the south-eastern corner of the table, between the two islands

 

The Fleet of the Republic of Castile (FROC)

The Castillian Fleet is divided into three squadrons as follows:

Provisional Independent Cruiser Squadron (PRICS). Starts on table, sailing in a straight line from one corner (player’s choice) to diagonally opposite corner until enemy ships sighted.

4 Heavy Cruisers:                Crapo, Crudo, Cluedo, Completo (all with 11in guns - think Graf Spee)

2^nd Battlecruiser Squadron (2BCS). Starts off table, will arrive on south-eastern corner 1D6 turns after PRICS sends appeal for help.

2 Battlecruisers:                   Cortez, Cortege

1^st Battle Squadron. Starts off table, will arrive on south-eastern corner 2D6 turns after 2BCS sights enemy ships.

1 Battleship                           Collage

1 Carrier                                 Clueless

4 Destroyer Flotillas             CD1, CD2 etc

Who won?

The NOBER wins if it is able to exit at least five undamaged transports from the SE corner while having lost no more than two battleships or carriers.

FROC wins if it prevents the above while losing no more than one BB, BC or CV and no more than two of the Heavy Cruisers.

Any other result is a draw.

In the event of a draw or a Basque victory, try Scenario 2…(coming soon)