Here is the view from the Italian front line, looking up the mountain towards the Austro-Hungarian lines. The flag is a bit of a clue. The finely crafted terrain may have the look of a sheet flung over some boxes - a suspicion which may be reinforced by the mountain’s name - Berg Archivbox.
The right of the Italian line, with a machine gun company and of course the minestrone pot.
Looking down from the Austrian positions towards what the flag clearly indicates is Italy.
On the Italian left - but not necessarily politically - Alpini prepare to leave their trenches.
The Italian players were Pete, John and Simon, the Austrians Martin, Tim C and Tom.
The Italian battle plan. A battalion of Alpini on the left, infantry on the right and Arditi assault troops in the centre. They also had two support elements - a MG company and a mountain gun battery but shortly before the battle a message arrived with the news that due to a mule shortage only one of the support units was available. Brigade commander Pete opted for the MGs. In the earlier game I’d gone with the mountain guns.
The Italian pre-battle bombardment plan. Coming next - the bombardment phase.
Great set up as if H G Wells were here and in Lockdown. I look forward to seeing how this proceeds, good honest to goodness toy soldiering that it is. Hope all is well with you and yours.
ReplyDeleteBerg Archivebox was a wonderful construction, very imaginative.
ReplyDeleteThis looks like it's going to be a fun game. A particular Ernest Hemingway novel was going through my head as I read your post.
ReplyDeleteI don't think I've ever been so excited for a battle to commence!'
ReplyDeleteThose are some imposing bunkers high up on the mountain. I can only imagine the Italians are in for a historically accurate bad time.
You may have mentioned, but what rules are you using? Are they of your own devising?
tradgardmastare
ReplyDeletePlanning and running this and other games has been very helpful during these strange times. I wonder what HGW would make of it all?
Martin Rapier
ReplyDeleteThe mountain looked a damn sight better than it had any right to!
Chris
ReplyDeleteThe snows of Kilimanjaro?
John Y
ReplyDeleteI was - and still am - wildly excited about it myself! Rules? I had the basics of Funny Little Wars in mind but never actually looked at them during the game. always best to keep it simple and keep the narrative of the battle going than be referring to rules & tables. Happily my players hold similarly relaxed views!
Bloody hell, this is a lot of Prep!
ReplyDeleteGeordie
ReplyDeleteIt always helps to build anticipation.