ADLG - Game Report 230

Libyan Egyptian (15) vs Kyrenean Greek (58)

For the final game I was playing Pete’s Kyrenean Greeks. Only for the second time was I asked to defend, this time in the plains. The battlefield was denuded of terrain on the Libyan left, so wh
ere else would the chariots go? The heavy Meshwesh warriors were in the centre with the Libu warriors on their right. This was going to be an interesting fight against the pikes of Kyrene.

The line will advance, besides what else could we do!

The Libyan chariots were able to inflict some bow fire casualties on the way to contact. The Libu warriors are moving ahead of the main line and will end in contact first.

Contact! While the infantry line did its best to defeat the Greek pikes and hoplites, it would be up to the Chariots to buy them time; if necessary with their lives.

The Chariots have outperformed themselves and are now in the ascendancy. In the centre one pike unit has already succumbed to the power of the Meshwesh, while the other has now bee flanked. On the far right the mediocre swords are now in position to move against the enemy line’s flank.

The Libyan chariots may have outreached themselves, but they have completed their mission. The infantry has broken through along the line and all the pikes have been defeated. One of the Meshwesh warrior units is attempting to reach the enemy camp!

Outcome

A Libyan victory by inflicting 29 hits and receiving 24 in return.

For the weekend of Attack, the Libyan’s came away with 3 winds, 1 defeat and 1 draw leaving me 5th out of 26 players; my best result for a tournament. A big thank you to Paul for suggesting the army.

Lessons Learnt

Once the Chariots had engaged and then regrouped I was too aggressive and should have stood off more.

ADLG - Game Report 229

Libyan Egyptian (15) vs Early Carthaginians (54)

For the first game on Sunday I was against Dave’s Carthaginians. I was attacking in the plains, but the benefits of the terrain were definitely felt on the Carthaginian side of the battlefield. They had an excellent defensive position and lots of terrain that could hamper the ability of the heavy Meshwesh warriors to be effective. On the right I wanted to avoid, if possible, a fight for the hill. I left the Libu warriors on that flank, in the end it would be whose command dice failed to hold their impetuous troops. In the centre I wanted to try and avoid the heavy infantry fighting in the field, but I needed them to fight to win. The Chariots were on either side of the field.

As we advanced in the centre, so the Carthaginians withdrew behind the field to defend the far side of it. We advanced on the right to try and entice the enemy from their hill. While on the left we used the chariots to provide supports to the Meshwesh and to occupy the attention of the Carthaginian heavy chariots.

An enemy ambush in the left field decided that discretion was better than facing the three Libyan light infantry. The Libyans have decided to reinforce the rightwith the medium Meshwesh warriors. On the right it was whose command dice would fail to hold their troops.

Unfortunately it was the Libyan command dice that failed to hold their troops and as such we were forced to attack the hill, losing a unit on contact to the enemy. On the far left out of picture two Libyan chariots are trying to make a nuisance of themselves on the left flank.

The Carthaginian left has had a significant victory of the Libyan right. The question is could the Libyan centre and left rescue the situation?

The deeper the Libyans were into the depth of the Carthaginian position the more the Libyan left were able to reorientate and offer battle. On the left the Chariots are fighting well against the heavy chariots and will soon be supported by the remaining chariots.

The cowardly Carthaginian included general commanding their right flank refused to give nettle and we couldn’t get to grips with him. In the centre and on the right the Libyans have been soundly beaten.

Outcome

A Carthaginian victory by inflicting 27 hits and only receiving 17 in return.

Lessons Learnt

In retrospect I should have left the Libu warriors further back and offered the mediocre swords and bows as bait to draw the enemy off the hill.

The Meshwessh did not need to be committed in the centre and a defensive position would have been far better, with the chariots enveloping from the Libyan left.

ADLG - Game Report 228

Libyan Egyptian (15) vs Ancient British (98)

Final game of day 1, and I found myself against Harry; we had both won 2 on the bounce and this would be a fight out for who might move up or down the leaderboard. If there is one ting Harry knows well it is how to mess with his opponent’s head. Most of the times it is by placing the terrain at odd angles; which is surprisingly successful tactic. This time he surprised me by winning the initiative and deciding to attack me in the desert! I knew I was outnumbered in Chariots by 2 to 1; but what I did not know was that they were split between each of his three commands. I therefore deployed the Libu warriors forward on the right, with the Meshwesh Warriors refused to their left, and the Chariots refused to their left.

The Brit chariots arrived to suffer a wave of bow fire from the Libyans.

As could be expected it was not long before contact was made. Already the Libyan armoured light chariots are providing more robust than the British chariots. The Libu warriors have inflicted hits on the British infantry. Although no one seems keen to contact the Meshwesh heavy warriors.

Contact continues along the line with the Meshwesh warriors now in contact with the enemy. We were matching each other for casualties at this stage.

More British chariots suffer losses and in the centre they have broken off contact.

By this stage it was looking to be a close run thing, with the losses favouring the Libyans. Only for the Brits to get their second win and for the dice gods to desert the Libyans

Outcome

The Brits snatched a mutual destruction from the jaws of defeat on the last turn, with the Brits losing 28 to our 27.

Lessons Learnt

Neither of us had sufficient reserves to win the day.

ADLG - Game Report 227

Libyan Egyptian (15) vs Saitic Egyptians (57)

Onto the second game of the day, against a new enemy; Lance’s Saitic Egyptians. Once again, I attacked in the plains. I didn’t like the look of the enemy ambush in the village on the left and therefore placed the Chariots on the right. I was less sure of whether they would stay there or move centre or left depending on what targets of opportunity presented themselves.

We advanced and I opted to take forward two chariots at this stage. On the left the medium Meshwesh warriors are advancing towards the marsh occupied by enemy light infantry.

The enemy are holding their main line in place and therefore I have decided to move forward my warriors. The Chariots remain in reserve as I do not want to be forced into using them against the enemy spearmen; even if they are mediocre.

Multiple waves of Libyan troops are in echelon ready to engage. I am a little concerned about the enemy cavalry behind the Libu Warriors flank.

The enemy have come out from their ambush position in the village, and the Libyan’s have been forced to disperse to protect the flank. In the centre the main clash of arms is taking place, and importantly the threat of the flanking cavalry has been shrugged off. On the right the enemy heavy chariot has bee flanked and is looking in a weak position.

Outcome

After the clash of the mainline the Saitic Egyptians left the field to the Libyans, leaving them victors by inflicting 29 and suffering only 19 losses.

Lessons Learnt

On balance the Chariots were on the correct flank, although they did not materially contribute to victory.

ADLG - Game Report 226

Libyan Egyptian (15) vs New Kingdom Egyptian (14)

All the test games, and pondering over what army to choose, and then what that army should contain, is all behind us all as we all arrive for the 15mm ADLG Competition at Attack in Devizes. A competition which seemed to be overwhelmed with armies from the along the north African Shores – ranging from Early Carthaginians, through Kyrenean Greeks to various flavours of Egyptian dynasties. For my part this is the Libyan Egyptian Army I went with in the end!

So onto battle, first up I was playing Charles and his New Kingdom Egyptians. Charles had been my first opponent at Beachhead where his Seleucids handsomely beat my own Seleucids. I was attacking in the plains. I decided to deploy the Chariots out on the left with the Meshwesh warriors in the centre and the Libu Warriors out on the right.

As we closed to contact I allowed the Libu Warriors to fall back from the gully, while the centre command advanced happily towards the enemy main line. Meanwhile the lights are contesting the Plantation while two of the chariots have moved left around the plantation.

The Libyan light infantry have prevailed in the plantation, and have moved forward to provide flank protection for the Chariots. Elsewhere down the line the commander has held his warriors in place.

The Libyan light infantry are now in an excellent position behind the enemy flank. On the right the mediocre bows and swordsmen have manoeuvred to provide flank protection in the gully for the Meshwesh warriors to their left.

Contact! The enemy chariots have evaded, as they didn’t want to face the Meshwesh warriors. Out on the left the remaining two chariots have advanced around the plantation and are poised to ride down the enemy line. To their left the remaining warriors have engaged the Egyptians. On the right the Libu warriors have made a breakthrough.

The enemy chariots have been forced to engage the warriors with bow fire. All be it a little late as their line of infantry falls apart from the tender attentions of the Meshwesh and Libu Warriors.

Outcome

A Libyan victory by inflicting 26 losses and losing 18 of 27

Lessons Learnt

I could have reinforced the chariots flanking the plantation in order to ensure that the full weight of the Meshwesh warriors could engage the enemy centre.

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.

ADLG - Game Report 214

Umayyad Arab (131) vs Arab Conquest(131)

For the final Roll Call Battle it was a déjà vu encounter against Paul’s Arab Conquest army. In this battle I was defending in the Plains. I decided to deploy in classical fashion with the infantry centre and the cavalry on the wings. The left-wing command deployed its medium troops forward in ambush – one of the poorer decisions made over the weekend.

The first unfortunate event was the failure of the right wing to advance quickly enough – a roll of one for a competent commander will do that to you. The left-wing cavalry have moved forward of the infantry while the infantry for their part move left to protect the left.

The ambush failed totally and didn’t even slow the Arab Conquest troops down at all. It would now be up to the infantry line to try and hold the flank on its own. The left-wing cavalry have engaged, and we can see the consequences of the failure to move the right-wing cavalry as they now cannot provide any support.

The infantry is waiting patiently for their turn to fight. While the right wing cavalry has arrived and is now ready to be committed, at the same time the Arab Conquest left wing has decided to come to the battle as well. In the centre the CinC has broken off with a unit while the remaining cavalry in contact fights to the end.

The infantry is holding its own, but with losses and the threat of other troops soon to appear on their left flank. On the right the main clash is yet to be decided.

The gaps are starting to appear in both lines as the combats start to become effective, but not quickly enough for the Umayyad Arabs.

Outcome

A win for the Arab Conquest by inflicting 24 and only receiving 13 in return. The fall to the bottom was completed with this rout.

Lessons Learnt

The ambush failure was due to firstly being fixated with trying to use the terrain and trying to be too clever.

Secondly, it also failed because having faced this army only days before I knew what Arab Conquest Troops would be advancing through the difficult terrain.

I also knew Paul’s general tactics, and if I wanted to do a left wheel to pin them against the coast I should have placed the best general on the flank!

Finally, the camp was much too close to the enemy threat area.

ADLG - Game Report 213

Umayyad Arab (131) vs Mongol Empire (218)

First up on Sunday as a battle against Nigel’s Mongol Horde. It would be interesting to see how his army performed, because all through the previous day he had been bemoaning that fact that none of his horse archers could hit a damn thing!! I was gifted the privilege of attacking in the Steppes. I therefore decided that the first imperative was to have a secure flank and therefore deployed with the infantry on the right, but no sooner than I had achieved this than I was confronted with a potential flank march from the Mongols.

We advanced out to meet the Mongols, and to hell with the flanks they can take care of themselves!

Well rather than allowing the camp to fall by default. The medium troops were sent to confront the marauding Mongols from the flank. It would have been better if I could have at least had enough command points to move the Javelin men as well, or at least placed them closer to the camp. The Mongols managed to source some new arrows and had started to make them count.

The Arab camp falls to the Mongols as the Arab Javelinmen look on from their hill. On the right the Infantry are trying to drive the Mongols away, while the cavalry continues their advance to do likewise. All the time the hits from bow fire are starting to mount.

The medium troops left behind to deal with the Mongol flank march are struggling to finish them off. Whilst the rest of the Mongols prove equally resilient and effective with their bow fire.

Outcome

A win for the Mongols by only suffering 6 and inflicting 24 on the Arabs. The march to the bottom continues.

Lessons Learnt

If there is a likelihood of a flank march deploy the camp in the centre.

Or at least place its protection closer to it to defend it before reserves can arrive.

ADLG - Game Report 212

Umayyad Arab (131) vs Aramaean (74)

For the final game of Day One of Roll Call I was presented with an array of camels from Mark’s Aramaean’s, in which I was invited to attack in the plains. I duly set up with an infantry centre with cavalry wings and for the second game in a row the cavalry command with the medium infantry supports was on the right.

Of course, as has become my norm, in the advance the cavalry led the way. However, I was a little discomfited by having to face both Cataphracts on the enemy right and Camelphracts on the enemy left. All of which were supported by a number of bowmen.

I decided to take the chance and attempted to ride down and through the bowmen and then use the cavalry’s superior mobility to attach the ‘phracts from the rear. Only to be confounded by a number of bowmen who were keen to prove that they were as strong as normal troops!

The infantry were then brought forward to do what the cavalry couldn’t. In fact they managed to defeat and destroy on of the Camelphracts. On the left the included Arab Cavalry general went on a solo crusade to destroy a lone Cataphract but instead the enemy held. On the next turn the Aramaean command was sufficient to see him to turn a cataphract around and take the general in the rear and destroy him.

The final act was the attempt to destroy as many Aramaean’s as possible before we lost the battle. And here again the gods of dice conspired against the Arab forces as they had in part done throughout the game!

Outcome

An Aramaean victory by inflicting 24 and only suffering 13 out of 26.

Lessons Learnt

The loss of the included General was a mistake and miscalculation.

The infantry, despite their mediocrity, acquitted themselves well.