Bolt Action - Game Report 38

Land Grab – Operation Castellan I 1946

Introduction

To commemorate VE Day a Bolt Action event was staged at Entoyment on 17 May. Of course I couldn’t not attend. I dusted down 9 Platoon C Company 1st Battalion Duke of Glendon’s Light Infantry (abbreviated as 9Pl C Coy 1 DOG) for the event. The first scenario was “Land Grab” on page 179 of Bolt Action Rules Version 3. My first battle was against Johnny’s Soviets.

Situation

The incursion by Soviet forces into the British controlled area of Northern Persia is continuing. An all arms battle group has been formed to preserve the territorial integrity of Persia and to defeat Soviet border incursions. There have already been a number of engagements between British and Soviet forces. Following the most recent engagement a Gurkha Battalion after the battle was able to secure a copy of the Soviet Commanders post-battle report. It seems that they like us are trying to maintain these engagements as low key as possible and to avoid overt escalation.

Enemy Forces

From intelligence gained during earlier skirmishes between a Gurkha battalion, the Soviet forces seem to be relatively lightly equipped. However, the Soviets seem to be placing a significant emphasis on the use of their special forces to lead their advance. There are no indications that they have brought forward more armour.

Friendly Forces

Officer Commanding (OC) C Coy will command the operation with 9Pl and Battalion assets from the MG, Mortar and Sniper Platoons and his usual artillery observer. Armour support has been 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 has been earmarked for the operation.

Mission

C Coy 1DOG is to advance to contact and engage the Soviet forces to force them to withdraw.

Post Mission Report

The first stage of the advance was dominated by high and rough ground unsuitable for vehicles. OC C Coy directed 9Pl to advance in line abreast. In the N No 1 Section would provide close support to the Sherman and Humber, while No 2 Section would advance S of the high ground and provide support to the Wasp. Meanwhile 3 Section with the supporting troops would advance over the high ground and seize control of it for future operations. Unfortunately, the Soviet Special Forces were able to penetrate deeper into our rear than we anticipated and C Coy soon found itself having to defend itself from Soviet Scout sections deploying from the SW, the N and the NE.

OC C Coy immediately recognised that to service and achieve his objective he would have to disperse or destroy all the enemy advancing on him. Everyone immediately adopted all round defence. No 2 Section were turned around to engage the enemy to their rear, while No 1 Section N of the hill tried to find cover in the wood.

No 1 Section in the wood fought valiantly but were eventually overran with the numbers facing them. Wherever possible fire was brought sown to disrupt or destroy the enemy. The Sherman and the Humber’s machine guns proved very valuable in proving fire support.

The Soviets brought forward their mine dogs to try and destroy the Sherman, but only were able to immobilise the vehicle. Despite this the vehicle fought on bravely although its guns did run silent for a while allowing the enemy to move up as close as possible.

In spite of the confusion and damage to his vehicle the Sherman tank commander rallied his troops though his own example and soon again managed to bring devastating fire on the enemy to prevent them closing on his vehicle. No 2 Section started to advance around the hill in order to counter-attack the enemy.

Outcome

C Coy 1 DOG failed to achieve its objectives, although it inflicted more casualties on the enemy than we suffered. A Soviet victory be seizing all its objectives.

Honours and Awards

Sgt Brian Ball, Tank Commander of the Wessex Yeomanry, was awarded the Military Medal for outstanding bravery and leadership, by fighting on in his immobilised tank he continued to suppress and disrupt the enemy providing valuable support to C Coy 1 DOG. His inspirational leadership ensured that his tank and crew stayed in the fight to the very end of the battle.