This game was played a couple of weeks ago using my draft WW2 rules, 1/32 figures and 1/50 AFVs. It was based on the December 1944 German attack on the 'twin villages' of Krinkelt and Rocherath in Belgium. The table was about 5x8 feet. The US players were Russell and Simon, the Germans were John, Martin and Pete. The photos are in no particular order but I hope they will give an impression of the game. Photos by me, Pete, Martin and Russell. My thanks to all players for making this such an enjoyable day.
Above - the biggest problem the Germans faced was traffic congestion! Luckily the weather was grim so no allied air cover! Additionally, thick mist covered the area for the first few turns, halving visibility.
In this game and infantry company is represented by six figures and each AFV represents around 10 vehicles, though a few are 'platoon-sized' stands representing half as many.
The Germans make progress but come under fire.
To prepare for the game I laid out the units on large sheets of paper. At the last minute I chucked them in the car to assist me - and the players - on the day. And yes, there are five Panthers!
US AT guns fire on the distant enemy.
Panthers clatter westwards.
In the villages the US Rgt HQ took up residence and chanelled reinforcements forward.
US infantry and armour (or 'armor?') shulking in fields.
Another view of the German setup. This was the debut outing for my (Solido) Bergepanzer IV.
A company of Pz IV having a tough time.
A Panzergrenadier btl with panzer support.
One American gunner clearly wasn't feeling the cold!
Shermans take on Pz IVs
The US HQ included a Military Police detachment.
The German forces
Another toy making it's combat debut was this 'Grille' - a self propelled 15cm infantry gun battery. It's (pre-painted) camo was very effective!
Having struggles to get off the starting line, the Germans made insufficiently swift progress to put the Yanks under real pressure. A bit like the real battle then!
Fantastic looking game! And shirtless guy in winter checks out - there's always more than one at every outdoors winter NFL game.
ReplyDeleteThanks John. I did wonder if that guy was a lost sports fan.
DeleteTruly inspiring! I look forward to reading more battle reports in the near future.
ReplyDeleteAll the best,
Bob
Thanks Bob. I’ll see what I can do!
DeleteSplendid looking game Tim, I look forward to more of this.
ReplyDeleteMore? Well OK then….
DeleteThe shirtless gunner just cracked me up, so I had to take a photo. Thanks for a great day out Tim, and fabulous opportunity to play with the lovely toys. The Grille was my personal favourite, and I hugely enjoyed "shelling" the towns with the Nebelwerfers.
ReplyDeleteBoth my Kampfgruppe commanders wil be attending traffic management courses shortly and my gunner commander is heading back to the ranges to practice with his matchstick firing 25pdr.
The Nebelwerfer (I must post a photo of them) fire was a delight to witness - a barrage of both matchsticks and profanity!
DeleteKeep this sort of thing up and I might get the urge to hoik out my own WW2 kit once more!
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Ion
You absolutely should!
Delete