The young Sarge and I had a wargame today. We didn't get too many turns in before we ran out of time, but there was action and plenty of laughs. We worked out a couple of quick lists using Kampfgruppe Normandy for army lists and Battle Group Kursk for the rules- a bit tricky but it seemed to work. Young Sarge used his US forces, about 240 points worth, and I cobbled together a German force made up mostly of Fallschirmjagers & a few Airfix Germans, about 120 points. As I had fewer points I chose to take up defensive positions with an undersized platoon, 2 x 80mm mortars, an 88, and a StuG . Young Sarge had an infantry platoon, 2 x HMGs, 2x Mortars, 3x Shermans, 1 x M10 Tank Destroyer, and a battlegroup HQ unit in a jeep.
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| The 88 lies in wait |
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| HQ Squad & an MG team in the farmhouse, with another squad lurking behind the house. |
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| MG team lurks behind a wall by the barn |
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| Another squad in front of the barn but behind a hedge |
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| The StuG hides in the shrubbery by the barn |
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| The Mortars, further back near a copse of trees |
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| A view of the farmhouse and barn |
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| Behind the German lines |
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| I put almost all my units on ambush fire |
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| The yanks move up, using the cover & avoiding the main road |
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| The jeep by the Sherman is the Battle Group HQ, Young Sarge was hoping to use them to spot for the mortars |
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| The Sherman has just made a move & was about to fire, when the StuG opened up on ambush fire... |
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| The StuG took out the Sherman |
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| The 88 spots a target |
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| The M10 speeds out into the open to deal some damage... |
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| Boom! the 88 takes it our at long range |
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Young sarge has to draw another morale chit, but this time draws"Beyond the call of duty"
and this Sherman gets more actions and.... |
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| ...uses them to supress the Germans in the farmhouse with area fire HE |
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| Whilst the jerries in the farmhouse are pinned he rushes up his infantry squads |
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I draw a chit to get my Germans off pinned & end up with "Mine Strike" which I can deal out to any
enemy vehicle. I give it to the Sherman that just pinned the jerries.... |
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Boom! the Sherman fails the mine strike test and is knocked out.
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At this point we called a halt to proceedings as the family had to go out for the evening. It sure is tough for allied tank in the hedgerows. We may have another game soon- Young Sarge thought he would like to be the Germans next time :)
Cool looking game Sarge. I really like your explosion markers. Very effective.
ReplyDeleteSteve
Thanks Steve, we had fun. The explosion markers were quite simple to make- the stuffing out of pillows etc., sprayed black (but not totally), stuck on washers, and flames painted on.
DeleteAwesome AAR, Always an enjoyable read. Glad too see the young sarge at the the front with the troops.
ReplyDeleteCheers DC, I'm glad you enjoyed it. Yes the young Sarge was a very good sport about it all, even though I blew up three of his tanks.
DeleteBeware the Stug in the barn.
ReplyDeleteIndeed.
DeleteIt's always tough trying to assault positions where the enemy is lying in wait for you.
Very nice layout, Sarge. Methinks what Young Sarge needed was a rank of Typhoons riding shotgun over the farm...
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you like the layout Archduke.
DeleteYes, Young Sarge did make mention during the game about his desire for air support... :)
Way cool! Fantastic set up. Well done John.
ReplyDeleteYour appreciation is noted :)
DeleteI was trying out some new towelling on top of our green blanket to give some variety to the grass/fields- looks ok, I shall have to keep a look out for some other shades of green.
The Young Sarge is now of an age where he is very good at grasping rules concepts, and this has been a great help in learning & remembering what to do in a game.
Cheers,
John
Absolutely lovely looking game John, very nice terrain, good looking figures and wonderful AFV's.
ReplyDeleteIt all comes together to work a treat. Even better with the young 'un involved.
10 out of 10 I think!
Thanks Paul , it's great when others enjoy what you do. I must admit the visual appeal of wargaming is something I really enjoy :)
DeleteThat is a wonderful looking table Sarge!
ReplyDeleteThanks Rodger, I'm glad you liked the look of it :)
DeleteWonderful table, nice game with your son! An excellent day!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing John.
p.s: can you please tell me where you got your trees from? Thank you in advance.
Thanks T :)
DeleteThere is a real assortment of trees on that table, some of which were purchased years ago. I think there are some pre-made trees there which came from Woodland Scenics, some plastic trees from children's farm sets and some homemade trees.