Thursday 26 September 2013

Vijay revisited

A few weeks ago I ran Bob Cordery's Operation Vijay game at the Sheffield Club.  Five players attended (of whom more later).  Bob had lent me all the maps and briefings for the game - the toys are all mine anyway!
The Indian team took the decision to have their army units advance in a single column - in contrast to the three-pronged approach adopted at COW in July!  The Air Force was sent in to bomb the radio station and a crucial bridge.  Sadly they couldn't find the former and missed the latter.  Naval vessels had a worrying encounter with a Portuguese gunboat but fog soon ended the indecisive action.
The Indian Navy landed a shore party which was beaten back by Portuguese troops, but heavy naval gunfire soon discouraged further resistance (and levelled much of the capital...)
 The first land encounter - Portuguese armoured cavalry acting as a 'speed bump.'
The IAF was soon back in action in support of the Army - I confess to some disappointment when there was no friendly fire!
Superior Indian force soon prevailed but not quite in time to prevent a UN resolution.
Martin reprises his role as the Governor General.
The pride of the Indian armed forces - John, Mark, Pete (who had made a special journey from darkest Huddersfield for the game) and Jerry.

13 comments:

Pete. said...

Thanks for the invite down- it was a great game.

Cheers,

Pete.

Conrad Kinch said...

What did the UN resolve?

Tim Gow said...

Pete
Come again soon - you're welcome anytime!

Tim Gow said...

Conrad Kinch
A ceasefire - just before the Garrison surrendered!

Martin Rapier said...

Yes, the final Portuguese blocking line held out just long enough to prevent the Indians overunning the airfield and the capital before the UN imposed a ceasfire.

The Indians this time chose a far more sensible approach route (up the main highway) rather than at COW (over lots of easily defendible rivers!) but neglected to send any diversionary attacks so the entire Portuguese defence force could concentrate against their single axis of advance.

At COW the Portuguese were ovewhelmed by concentric attacks from multiple directions despite the worse terrain.

Pete. said...

Thanks Tim, I'll plan my next trip down in better time though.

Cheers,

Pete.

Wg Cdr Luddite said...

That photo looks like the dock in a war crimes trial....

Mark Hides said...

An excellent little diversion with the players really getting into the mindset :)

Thanks Tim!

Tim Gow said...

Martin Rapier
"...the entire Portuguese force..." You make it sound quite impressive!

Tim Gow said...

Wg Cdr Luddite
And the similarities don't end there!

Tim Gow said...

Mark Hides
Glad you enjoyed it - you certainly advanced the cause of the air force more than your historical counterpart!

Wg Cdr Luddite said...

The half-pint with the goatee is definitely guilty.
The others could say they were "just following orders".

Tim Gow said...

Wg Cdr Luddite
I'd convict 'em all just to be sure!