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Following the failure to prevent the Soviet incursion into northern Persia, 1 DOG were withdrawn into reserve.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.

Bolt Action - Game Report 39

Operation Garden – September 1944

Introduction

The second game of our VE Day event was against James’s German force. Were given the Key Positions scenario with a meeting engagement conducted against the long table edge.

Situation

Operation Garden is the ground component of the wider Market Garden operation. VIII Corps are operating on the eastern flank of XXX Corps’s advance to protect it and to prevent German reinforcements from interfering with their progress. Wherever possible VIII Corps in the east and XII Corps in the west are to advance and engage any enemy moving towards the Arnhem road. 11th Armoured division would be spearheading the advance and using its mobility to move swiftly to intercept any German forces, and destroy them. The Division’s 29th Armd Bde has been reinforced by 1 DOG for the operation in order to provide more infantry support to pin down the enemy to allow the armour to use is mobility to move and destroy the enemy by shock and fire.

Enemy Forces

In spite of their severe losses in Normandy the Germans have reconstituted significant forces and supported by armour. VIII Corps can expect to be opposed by stubborn dug in infantry and when highly motivated mobile forces, likely to be made up of combined arms of tanks and mobile infantry.

Friendly Forces

Officer Commanding (OC) C Coy will command a task force for the operation with 9Pl and Battalion assets from the MG, Mortar and Sniper Platoons and his usual artillery observer. Armour support will be provided by 23rd Hussars through a Sherman and a Humber armoured car. Engineer support, in the form of a Wasp flamethrower, from 612th Field Squadron, Royal Engineers has been earmarked for the operation.

Mission

C Coy is to provide the Battalion’s advance guard and advance to contact to engage and fix the enemy to allow the rest of the Battalion supported by elements of 23rd Hussars to destroy the enemy.

Post Mission Report

C Coy detected the enemy in and around the outskirts of the village of Asten SW of Eindhoven. The initial indicators were that the enemy consisted of armour and mechanised infantry. C Coy dismounted and 9 Pl (less No 2 Section) advanced to contact. The Mortar section was set up to provide supporting fire. The Sherman from 23rd Huss moved forward to engage the enemy armour.

No 2 Section supported by the Wasp and Humber armoured car advanced parallel with the remainder of the company. With the threat of enemy armour it moved to find cover in the lee of the buildings on the outskirts.

Fortunately, Sgt Blacker from the Sniper Section managed o move ahead of the company and found an excellent overwatch position in Kasteel Asten.

While the Sherman duelled with the enemy Stug, No 1 and 2 Sections advanced supported by the Vickers and the Mortars.

The Germans were very aggressive and intent on closing the distance for a close quarter battle, even at the expense of their half-track two brave and fanatical German soldiers charged the Vickers MG. No 2 Section advanced to the farmhouse while No 1 Section supported the MG team.

Meanwhile No 3 Section advanced supported by the Humber and Wasp, another brave German with a handheld ant-tank weapons tried to intervene only to be killed in the attempt.

The Vickers MG regrouped after the close assault had been destroyed and No 1 Section rallied around them to provide intimate support to the firebase. However No 2 Section had been engaged by the enemy Stug, which had manoeuvred away from the Sherman, and had taken severe losses. Despite this set back the Sherman continued to stalk the Stug.

Outcome

C Coy secured the objectives and destroyed 8 enemy units for the loss of only 3.

Honours and Awards

Cpl Stevens commanding No 3 Section was mentioned in despatches for his leadership and aggressive tactics.

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.

Bolt Action - Game Report 37

Moro River Campaign Dec 1943

Introduction

Flush with the excitement of his Christmas present of the latest version of the Bolt Action Rules, Kevin wanted a game to try his hand and of course I was pleased to oblige. The date was set, and he decided to build us some nice Italianesque terrain to fight over. The scenario we rolled for was:

Victory Conditions – Hold Until Relieved

Deployment Zones – Quarters

Deployment Type – Prepared Positions (we decided to rule out the “Fog of War” option

I would be using the British and another outing for 9 Platoon, C company of the 1st Battalion of the Duke of Glendon’s Light Infantry (1DOG). For those who may not be familiar with tis fictional British infantry regiment, it features in the classic, and I do mean classic, WW2 war movie “The Way Ahead” starring David Niven.

Situation

The 8th Army have been advancing up the east coast of Italy after their landing at the foot of Italy in Operation Baytown. The Germans have been fighting a successful delaying action as they retire in good order defending every natural barrier they can. 8th Army’s goal was to punch through the German Winter Line on the Moro River and advance on Rome.

In a preparatory diversionary operation in support of V (BR) Corps plan to cross the Moro river the Corps Commander directed that a number of key positions should be seized and held on the. 1DOG was ordered to seize and hold a number of key objectives to the west with the goal of attracting enemy armour tactical reserves away from the main operation.

Enemy Forces

The German 90th Panzer Grenadier Division was in the line, with significant armoured reserves based on Panzer Grenadiers supported by tanks and half tracks.

Friendly Forces

9 Platoon of C Coy would be leading with their 3 sections, and they would be supported by an Forward Observation Officer (FOO) to provide artillery support, a Mortar section of two 3 inch mortars, a sniper team from the Battalion Sniper Section, and a Sherman and Humber MkIII armoured support from 3rd Hussars of 9th Armoured Brigade.

Mission

9 Platoon is to secure the village of San Gelato and hold it.

Post Mission Report

The Platoon Commander brought up two infantry sections and the mortar sections as soon as possible to the outskirts of the village. The Humber mkIII provided close support to the advance into the village. The Mortar Spotter and already infiltrated in the wood and a close view of the objective. Additionally, the FOO and sniper team had forward deployed to the top floor of the two story building.

The Germans had detected the advance and were prepared to contest the British occupation of San Gelato. Their Panzer Grenadiers were supported by a half-track with a light anti-tank gun, and their sniper team. The sniper team detected the sunlight reflecting of the FOO’s binos as the FOO was preparing his initial fire orders; orders he never delivered. The British were no longer able to call for artillery support.

While 2 Section provided overwatch, 1 Section were deployed inside the ground floor of the building to protect them from the fire from the half-track. The sniper team on the top floor also took casualties from fire but was able to provide suppressive fire to force the Germans into cover.

The Mortar section was brought under direct fire and one tube was destroyed, the other taking casualties. However, the timely arrival of the Sherman from 3rd Hussars and a Wasp from 237th Field Company, Royal Engineers arrived to provide timely fire support.

Further German armoured reinforcements arrived in the shape of a PzIV. Both the Humber and Sherman manoeuvred around the rear of the church to flank the enemy tank. They were unable to disable it, but they did manage to drive it off, at this stage both sides were trying to press their case towards the objective but neither side was able to make significant progress.

2 Section had advanced into the village outbuildings using the hard cover to protect them from enemy fire. 3 Section arrived to try and secure the woods to ambush the enemy. However, by this time the enemy reinforcements were arriving en masse with another half-track with infantry to press home their attack.

The Wasp was brought forward and was able to close and destroy the half-track. Unfortunately, it ran out of fuel and was sent back behind the village to protect it. The PzIV was able to rally and to continue its attempt to encircle the village, and to play cat and mouse with the Humber and the Sherman.

3 Section abandoned the wood (Fubar) but were able to rally before they left the battlefield.

The failure of 3 Section to hold the wood as emboldened the Panzer Grenadiers to advance to support the half track which has made it to the objective. Fortunately, the enemy firepower was reduced by the sniper team taking out the truck as it tried to join the attack.

The Humber came forward to engage the enemy half-track and destroyed it only to be taken out be a Panzer Grenadier with a Panzerfaust.

The battle on who would control the objective. 1 Section launched an assault on the Germans holding the objective but were destroyed, and in a last throw of the dice the Germans decided to counter attack 2 Section in the outbuildings and manged to overwhelm them despite the presence of the Sherman.

Outcome

A German win on the last pull of the last German dice from the bag! A great game that was won by 2 dice draws from the bag:

By the Germans by pulling the first dice from the bag (for the German sniper to destroy the FOO)

And the last dice of the game to assault and overwhelm 2 Section in the building.

Bolt Action - Game Report 36

The Invasion of Hungary Sep 1944

Introduction

After a surfeit of ADLG Paul and I decided to continue the momentum of learning the new Bolt Action V3 rules by having a game at Entoyment. It would also help us see how much we had learnt from the experience of the recent Bolt Action V3 event at which we had both played. We threw (not literally) some terrain on the table and started to roll the dice for the scenario and battle. We mutually decided that we wouldn’t play the Fog-Of-war option. In the event it was a simple meeting engagement deployed along the long table edge.

Situation

At the beginning of Sep the General Malinovsky’s 2nd Ukrainian Front’s supporting attacks in the southern Carpathian mountains to the 3rd Ukrainian Front’s offensive against Belgrade had failed to break through in to Hungary. Subsequently Stavka directed that Malinkovsy use his 46th Army to launch an attach from the Arad salient to encircle Debrecen.

As a prelude to this operation mobile columns were created to drive forward to seek intelligence through aggressive action seeking for weak points in the enemy defences. The Hungarians were skilled in preventing deep penetrations of their lines preventing the deep attack methods that had been successful previously against the Axis forces. The 476th Rifle Regiment of the 320th Rifle Division were given the honour of leading the mobile column from the 37th Rifle Corps.

The Commander of the 476th Rifle Regiment deployed a strong combat reconnaissance patrol to lead the advance guard and to find and fix the enemy to allow him to manoeuvre the Advance Guard to bypass any opposition that could then be dealt with by follow on forces from the rest of the Division.

Enemy Forces

Intelligence was limited. It was known that the Hungarian army had regrouped and reconstituted its forces after the debacle they had suffered after Operation Saturn in 1943. Additionally there motivation was high as they were now defending their own territory. Aerial reconnaissance had indicated that there was enemy armour on the line of advance but its strength and type was unknown.

Friendly Forces

Junior Lieutenant Feodor Asimov was given command of the combat recon patrol. He had under his command his own platoon of 3 rifle squads, and an additional SMG squad along with an anti tank rifle team and a sniper. He was accompanied by a Mortar section of two 82mm tubes, a Forward observer. Operating on his line of advance and in support was a recon patrol of a T70 and BA-10 from the 30th Cavalry Division.

Mission

The 476th Rifle Regiment’s Combat Patrol under Lt Azimov is to drive forward and engage and fix the enemy in place to allow the Regiment to manoeuvre and to penetrate the enemy’s first line of defences.

Post Mission Report

Without the benefit of being able to infiltrate the enemy’s position Lt Azimov deployed a wide formation keeping his three rifle sections in line abreast . The mortar section deployed in cover ready to provide supporting fire. The FOO managed to find a good location on the left flank to be able to provide supporting fire when he detected a suitable target.

Azimov decided to move around the left flank. The right of his three sections took fire and casualties but pressed on in support. The other two sections regrouped around the hill on the left to provide a base of fire against the enemy advancing through the woods to their front.

The enemy brough direct fire against the mortars and reduced the firepower available, but not before they were able to range in on their targets. The sniper moved into overwatch to the right of the mortars.

The timely arrival of the armoured recon managed to provide some essential fire support. Despite continuing to receive fire the mortar section continued to provide good fire support.

A counterattack by enemy armour manoeuvring around our right flank was countered by some excellent gunnery from Junior Sergeant Afanseeva commanding the BA-10 armoured car.

Junior Sergeant Afanseeva continued his advance using his machine guns to suppress the enemy infantry. 

The enemy had moved forward to occupy the village, in doing so they brought severe fire down on the right-hand rifle section. However, the enemy were spotted by the FOO who brought in a fire strike from the Divisional artillery regiment that destroyed the building and the occupants, along with supporting elements. The reserve SMG section was rushed forward to try and secure the ruins in the village.

A further counterattack by enemy armour this time against the left flank left the left section severely depleted. Despite the success they had had driving the enemy out of the wood to their front.

Brave and potentially foolish actions by the enemy rocket team brought the T70 under fire and destroyed it.

Outcome

Despite the initial success of the Soviet advance, and the effectiveness of the artillery in support, the Hungarians managed to recover much of their losses and forced a draw!

Honours and Awards

Junior Sergeant Afanseeva was awarded The Medal for Courage for his skilled gunnery and aggressive actions.

Artillery Lieutenant Oleg Frederovich was commended by the Divisional Commander Col. Yosif Zakarovich Burik for his skilful artillery direction and for saving the combat patrol from destruction.

Bolt Action - Game Report 35

Operation Saturn Recrossing the Don – Jan 1943

Introduction

Onto the third game of the day, against Paul’s Germans. The scenario chosen for this was “Hold until relieved”, with the fog of war deployment option along the long edge. Paul managed to secure the better terrain selection, which went nicely with my ability to craft a scenario around it! However, the fog-of-war option means that any reinforcement could come on from any table edge.

Situation

After successfully encircling the German forces in Stalingrad and pursuing the Germans to the Chir River and then to the Donets River Stavka directed that the Don Front should cross the river Don across its entire length to the Sea of Azov. General Rokossovski directed 28th Army to secure crossing points on the Lower Don River by advancing Southwest to clear the left bank of the river Don and then advance North to cross the river.

General Rokossovski ordered General Gerasimenko’s 248th Rifle Division to pursue the retreating enemy forces and to secure bridgeheads across the River Don. He formed an advance guard from the 905th Rifle Regiment. Junior Lieutenant Kaminkov led the advance guard with his platoon.

Enemy Forces

The enemy was throwing small groups of troops into Battlegroups to delay and block our advance. Composition of these groups and likely opposition to the advance were unknown unto contact was made.

Friendly Forces

Lt Kaminkov’s platoon was supported by a Heavy Weapon Platoon of a mortar and a MMG. It was known that there was a Scout squad operating in the line of advance and It was anticipated that his artillery observer with on call artillery support would be able to link up with them. A tank platoon with a T34 and a T70, from the 565th Separate Tank Battalion was also operating in the area, and would be crossing independently.

Mission

Lieutenant Kaminkov is to secure a bridgehead over the River Don to allow the rest of the 905th Rifle Regiment to cross the river and continue the pursuit.

Post Mission Report

The Scout Squad were able to deploy are start to recon the bridgehead. Enemy heavy weapons were detected beyond the river line with enemy defensive barriers deployed around the river line.

The heavy weapons platoon crossed before the Germans were aware, however they were able to direct fire and suppress the Mortar before it could provide effective fire.

As the Scout Squad continued its stealthy advance it was ambushed by an enemy half-track and its dismounted section.

The welcome arrival of a T70 which had crossed the river upstream, supported by our anti tank rifle team, provided an effective supporting force to cause the enemy problems.

Meanwhile on the left flank the rest of Lt Kaminkov’s platoon arrived after crossing downstream of the crossing site. This fortuitously allowed them to advance and engage to destroy the enemy mortar and gun line.

Meanwhile the German forces had brought forward to a further half track and section that they dismounted to secure the crossing point. The welcome arrival of the T34 belonging to the Tank Platoon was able to finally overcome the enemy resistance in the rear by helping to destroy the mortars and nebelwerfers.

A further section from Lt Kaminkov’s platoon arrived in the rear of the enemy position and destroyed them by fire, to secure the hastily prepared defences.

Efreitor Rublikan led his inexperienced riflemen with great elan and entirely in disregard of any casualties to move in and help to destroy the enemy mortars.

Outcome

A game win to Paul’s Germans for securing the “objective”. However, the moral victory was surely mine with the destruction of 12 German units to only losing 6 in return. Perhaps the mission should be caveated by securing the objective and not losing so many troops!

Honours and Awards

The Medal for Courage was awarded to Efreitor Dmitry Rublikan commanding an inexperienced rifle squad for driving forward to engage the enemy with close range rifle fire to destroy a number of enemy mortars.

Bolt Action - Game Report 34

In Defence of the Motherland September 1949

Introduction

For the second round the scenario we were offered was “Top Secret – Meeting Engagement” deploying in the quarters. The enemies this time were Phil, from Tabletop Tommies’s, USMC force, and once again a desert setting. An opp force and terrain to give me an opportunity to stretch my imagination for a plausible post-battle narrative.

Situation

The Motherland exploded their first atomic device a week ago. Since then the US Imperialists have been launching waves of reconnaissance flights to capture data on the results of this test. One of these reconnaissance flights crash landed close to the north coast of the Black Sea near to Tuopse. Stavka has directed that the crash site is to be secured by the Tbilisi Military District Forces and valuable data recovered from the crash site. It is not clear whether the Imperialist Yankee forces will intervene.

Enemy Forces

The closest proximity US forces to the crash site is an embarked US Marine force on exercise of the north coast of Turkey.

Friendly Forces

1367th Rifle Regiment of the 414th Division has formed a task force from units conducting manoeuvres north of the Caucasus Mountains; this force will be commanded by Lt Pruskov. He has with him his Infantry Platoon and is supported by a Heavy Weapon Platoon of a mortar and a MMG, a tank platoon with a T34 and a T70, and an artillery observer with on call artillery support. A Scout squad has been flown forward from Tbilisi Military District HQ to provide on-site recon.

Mission

Lt Pruskov is to secure the crash site and secure the data stolen by the illegal Imperialist Yankee incursion into the Motherland. He is authorised to use all means at his disposal to secure the data.

Post Mission Report

The Scout Squad was able to deploy forward to provide overwatch, along with the FOO and the sniper team. However, there was strong evidence that the US Marines had landed and were trying to reach the objective.

Lt Pruskov advanced in force to the crash site with his platoon and the Heavy weapons in direct support.

The Scout Squad were immediately brought under fire by the US Marines who had landed with support from their own armour. The multiple barrels from their Air Defence halftrack forced the Scout Squad into cover. What was more of a concern was that the Scout Squad reported the sound of other armour approaching with the enemy infantry.

The enemy infantry were very aggressive and were determined to advance irrespective of the casualties we inflicted and the fire that Lt Pruskov’s platoon were able to bring to bear on them.

Fortunately, the Tank platoon arrived in support to destroy the enemy vehicles. However, it looked increasingly unlikely that the Scout Squad would survive long enough to benefit from their support.

The US Marines were trying to move around the buildings on both sides to try and reach the crash site. They were supported strongly by their mortars which zeroed in on the infantry squad moving forward to beat the Americans to the prize.

It was left to Lt Pruskov to lead the attack by himself and his aide. The rest of his infantry were increasingly pinned down by the enemy fire and unable to advance.

After the destruction of the Scout Squad it was left to the Tank Platoon to engage the enemy armour and to prevent them intervening in support of their infantry.

The Marines continued to press forward despite the casualties and the weight of fire being directed at them, but they still couldn’t reach the crash site.

Lt Pruskov perished in his attack, but the remains of his infantry platoon were able to prevent by fire the Americans from recovering their material from the crash site.

Outcome

Neither side were able to secure the crash site and we both suffered 3 units lost and hence a drawn game.

Honours and Awards

The death of Lt Pruskov prevented the NKVD from bringing charges of dereliction of duty against him for failing to destroy the Imperialist invaders and from securing the essential data from the crash site.