Bolt Action - Game Report 40

Operation Castellan II 1946

Introduction

For the final game of the day I was up against Adam’s Soviets. We were all given the “Seek and Destroy” scenario, deployment was in quarters and there were prepared positions.

Situation

Following the failure to prevent the Soviet incursion into northern Persia, 1 DOG were withdrawn into reserve. However, the Soviet success emboldened their leaders, and they decided to commit more forces and release armoured units to try and force their claims. The British commander was forced to commit his forces piecemeal across the region and he place 1 DOG on a higher state of readiness as a counter penetration force to counter any breakthrough made by the Soviet Force. The breakthrough came with Soviet armoured forces and infantry penetrating the thin line of British troops. CO 1 DOG was tasked with committing his battlegroup into blocking and destroying this breakthrough.

Enemy Forces

Initial reports indicated that the breakthrough had been made by an Infantry force supported by a number of T34 tanks.

Friendly Forces

Officer Commanding (OC) C Coy would lead the advance guard to find and fix the enemy using 9Pl and Battalion assets from the MG, Mortar and Sniper Platoons and his usual artillery observer. Armour support would continue to be provided from the Wessex Yeomanry through a Sherman and a Humber armoured car. Engineer support, in the form of a Wasp flamethrower, from 33rd Armoured Engineer Squadron also remained task organised with C Company.

Mission

C Coy is to advance to contact and engage the enemy forces and fix them in place while the Battalion prepare a hasty defence to stop the breakthrough.

Post Mission Report

OC C Coy kept the force closely grouped together to provide mutual support. The artillery observer and sniper team were forward deployed to gather enemy and seek out targets of opportunity.

One of the Soviet T34s was destroyed early in the engagement by the Sherman. Additionally valuable artillery support was provided which caused significant disruption and losses to the enemy. No 1 Section was sent left to flank the enemy and destroy any enemy infiltrators.

The rest of 9Pl moved forward in tactical bounds using fire and manoeuvre to close with the enemy. They were supported on their right by the armoured vehicles.

The remainder of 9Pl advanced and destroyed all the enemy. However, the remaining T34 manoeuvred around No 1 Section to attack the depth of the British position. The Sherman was recalled and provided depth support. Both the T34 and Sherman engaged each other on the move and at close range neither inflicting hits or damage on each other.

Outcome

The Soviets lacked the supporting troops to exploit any limited early success they had made and were driven back, leaving British victorious.

Honours and Awards

CO 1 DOG failed to agree any awards recommended by OC C Coy.