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An Introduction to Maurice

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Hi Everyone
I played an introductory game of Maurice last Sunday at the monthly League of Ancients meeting.
My opponents were Darren and his son Declan (I hope I've spelt that correctly).
As this was an introduction to Maurice for them I simply slapped down some terrain and provided both armies.
Darren decided to defend and the objective was the town of Declansplatz.
Darren used my yet to be rebased Seven Years War Russians.
They had the National Advantages 'Steady Lads' and Maison du Roi.
Army ORBAT
1x Elite cavalry (Horse Guards)
2 x Trained Cavalry
1 x Elite Reg Infantry (Foot Guards)
5 x Trained Reg Infantry
4 x Artillery

My army was Prussians (1806 variety).
Army ORBAT
3 x Trained Cavalry
2 x Elite Infantry (combined Grenadiers)
5 x Trained Infantry
2 x Artillery
1 x irregular Infantry (Jagers)

National Advantages for my guys were 'Great Captain' and 'Artillery Academy'. The last was to prove totally useless to an army having the princely sum of 2 (count 'em), 2 guns.
BELOW: My Infantry lines advancing. The 1806 Prussians are a handsome army.


The terrain was pretty horrible from the perspective of the attacker. The objective sat neatly between a large hill on the enemies right flank and disordering terrain on the left. Darren garrisoned the objective with one battalion of infantry, an deployed his elite infantry on the right of the town with another battalion in front of them. He deployed his other 3 battalions to the left of the town supported by two artillery pieces. His other two guns were deployed on the hill to the right of the town together with his massed 3 regiments of cavalry.
With the enemy so well entrenched my usual plan of simply ignoring the objective and destroying the enemy army wasn't really on the cards.
I decided instead to try and seize the town. I pinned my hopes on somehow defeating his cavalry and his right flank forces and the capturing the town. On reflection a stupid pan, as he outmatched me in the quality of his horse, and his best infantry was also on the flank where
I intended to make my main effort.
As expected it ended in disaster. I suffered a bloody nose trying to take the town, and my cavalry were roughly handled by the enemy's superior cavalry.
Ultimately however it was all about introducing some fresh blood to 'Maurice' and so it was a successful two and a half hours of gaming.
All in all it was a fun game. I think Darren had fun, and young Declan commanded the Russian cavalry well, getting the better of the majority of combats
ABOVE: My brave infantry approach the objective.
BELOW: The Cavalry battle on my left flank.


MAURICE at Canberra Games Society.

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Hi All
Well, its been a long time since I've posted on this blog, (and more on the reason why later) but here is a long overdue addition to my reports.
I've been staying in Canberra for the last few weeks, so I took the opportunity to catch up with an old gaming mate David and get in a game of MAURICE.
David provided all the miniatures and terrain and gaming aids.
My army was a Hessian force with some Pfalz allies. David's army was Russian. 

Hessian ORBAT:
2 ELITE Cuirassiers
2 TRAINED Dragoons
1 ELITE Foot Grenadiers
5 TRAINED Musketeers 
1 IRREGULAR Foot Jagers
1 IRREGULAR Hussars
2 ARTILLERY
National Characteristics were Steady Lads and Rally To The Colours

Russian ORBAT:
2 ELITE Cuirassiers
1 TRAINED Dragoons
2 ELITE Foot Grenadiers
5 TRAINED Musketeers
1 IRREGULAR Cossacks
4 ARTILLERY
National Characteristics were Artillery Academy and Clerics
I chose to defend.
BELOW: My forces deployed facing David's Russian hoard.
I deployed with three battalions of Musketeers on the right of the enemies objective, the town of Hayleystadt with two forward and one in reserve on the high ground.  My irregulars were deployed in and around the wooded area on our far right flank. I garrisoned the town with a battalion of musketeers and deployed my two guns in front of and slightly to the left of the town. My left flank consisted of the Elite Grenadiers and a a Pfalz Musketeer Battalion.
Finally I massed all my Cavalry in reserve in March Column behind the left flank battalions. My notables consisted of the Rev.Whitehorse and Hans Von Gudarian (I might have changed their names)  ;)
Gudarian was my choice to command my mounted reserve, adding a +1 to all rally rolls for the Regiment he was attached to.
The Rev Whitehorse was commanding the right flank infantry.
David decided to stack his right flank. I looked like he intended to try and clobber my left flank infantry and then roll up my Cavalry reserve in a combined arms attack. He massed his artillery in the center, I assumed to provide support to either flank, in either defence or attack.
 ABOVE:David's first move. He advanced his massed artillery and in a coordinated move worthy of a Prussian Drill manual swings his cavalry regiments out towards his right flank.
 Before I could exclaim "Mien Gott"! david was able to sweep all his horse around to threaten my left.
Fortunately I was able to wheel my Pfalz Musketeers back and refuse my left flank and change the facing of my own Cuirassiers to face the threat.
I was able to hold off the Russian attempt to roll up my left flank. Quickly David now advanced his Elite Grenadiers and Musketeer to support his cavalry.
 ABOVE: The threat to my left flank.
BELOW:I advance my right in an attempt to distract David, to no avail.
 As David threw his men at my left I attempted to distract him by repaying him the favour by advancing the three battalions on my right. All my attacked achieved doing was destroying one of his Artillery with a combination of brisk musketry and artillery fire. (see above and below)

 ABOVE:My Hessian ELITE cavalry, Cuirassiers, andBELOW:the Russian equivalents.

 The action now centered on my left flank, with fire-fights and the occasional charges into hand to hand combat between our flank forces infantry and cavalry. My Pfalz Musketeers performed feats of valour, consistently rallying of disruption and delivering devastating volley fire resulting in the dispatching of one battalion of Russian Grenadiers, and then a supporting battalion of Musketeers after some torrid hand to hand combat. (see below) 
Not to be outdone, two of my cuirassiers then routed one of their opposite numbers after an initial setback. Adding insult to injury the Russian artillery was whipped out gun by gun by the less numerous Hessian gunners.
BELOW: The fog of war; Pfalz Musketeers blaze away at Russian Dragoons and Hessian Cuirassiers destroy one of the Russian Cuirassier Regiments leaving only one left to continue the uneven fight
 With the Regiment of Russian Dragoons being routed by musket fire (see above) the Russian army fell apart and routed from the field.
 David played an excellent game, but just couldn't turn hits into disruption. Furthermore my lads consistently rallied of what disruption they did take showing incredible discipline.
David's gunners were a huge disappointment, with my gunners performing beyond expectations.
A great game, lots of fun and done in two hours including set up.
David's comments:

"I simply did't expect you to refuse your flank by falling the Pflaz battalion back. But I was disappointed (embarrassed actually!) with my artillery.Still a very enjoyable game played at a good pace".

David's miniatures are the beautiful EUREKA Miniatures 18mm infantry and Artillery and the Cavalry are Old Glory or Essex miniatures I think.
As usual, comments are welcomed.
Cheers

Four score and seven years,...

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Yesterday marked the 150th anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln’s ‘Gettysburg Address’. Only recently I returned from a holiday in the US, and was fortunate enough to visit the battlefields of Antietam and Gettysburg
 
Given the date I thought it might be appropriate to share just a few photos of my visit to Gettysburg.

My beautiful wife Raechel accompanied me on my battlefield tours and I honestly thought it would be torture for her but much to my surprise she really seemed to enjoy the visits. So much so she got dressed up whilst at Gettysburg. Many thanks to the lovely ladies at the Gettysburg Emporium by the way.

To quote Raech:
To my dear friends at the Gettysburg Emporium thank you so much for such a lovely time on my recent visit to Gettysburg. When I entered your shop, I had in mind just to have a bit of a look, perhaps try on a dress or buy a bonnet, what I got instead was a warm, heart felt experience and pampering and some lovely life-long friends. Thank you and I can't wait to return to Gettysburg and visit with you once again some day xox
Anyway we had a fabulous three days at Gettysburg. The people were very friendly and we were blessed with fantastic weather.
 
 
I’d like to recommend that if you do visit Gettysburg a great way to see the battlefield is on horseback. Raech and rode along with a tour from Artillery Ridge.
 

The perspective of being on horseback was excellent, and our tour guide knew her business answering all the questions I threw her way.
The highlight for me however was having my photo taken in a Union Officer’s uniform with Raech dressed as a lady of the day with a camera that was over 150 years old. We now have ‘Tin Plate’ photos that will stay in the family for years to come. However the best part was actually seeing how the photos were produced and the photographer Rob Gibson was only too pleased to show us the entire process.


Above: A visit to Gettysburg would not be complete without a visit to the Visitors Center. Below: An immaculate 'Napoleon' artillery piece at the Visitors Center. 










ABOVE: Just a small part of the Gettysburg Cyclorama. Just awesome!


BELOW: Raechel looking the part. She convinced me to get into a uniform, so being a 'Union Man' I selected that of a Federal Artillery Officer.


 http://www.choosepennsylvania.com/gibsons_photographic_gallery-sp-4528/

Express Miniatures: A painting Service review

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ABOVE:"HUZZAH"! Prussian Hussars to be sure, 2nd Silesian.
BELOW: The same Hussars, but from a different angle.
Hi Everyone
Recently I heard a new painting service was operating here in Australia, so always keen to support the local 'Wargaming' community I thought I should send some miniatures off to the new venture to be painted.
I came to know of EXPRESS MINIATURES via The Miniature Page (TMP). I sent Kurt a email and soon had five 12 figure Squadrons of Prussian 18mm AB Miniatures Prussian Cavalry on their way to him. I also sent of twenty BOLT ACTION 28mm World War Two Germans and twenty BOLT ACTION 28mm World War Two  US ARMY GIs to be assembled and painted. I also requested that they all be based and flocked so that essentially they were 'Ready to play' as soon as they arrived.
BELOW: Two Squadrons of Prussian Landwehr Cavalry, 1st Kurmark and 1st East Prussian
As a rule I rate Painting Services on four criteria. These being Painting (this includes assembly, basing and flocking if requested), Value For Money, Customer Service and Packaging.
So how did Express Miniature Fair?
PAINTING: The miniatures were well painted. Neat with subtle highlights and shading. I like my troops to have that 'On campaign' look about them, and Kurt asked me if I wanted my lads looking as if they were just off the parade ground or had been doing some hard marching.
I didn't need to provide uniform references, (which is very convenient). I was particularly please with the basing and flocking however I do like my base edges (I mean the very sides) to be clean and free from any marks. Some of the bases had brown marls on them, detracting from the otherwise 'neat' black edges.
Assembly of the 28mm plastic Bolt Action Germans and Americans was good. I won't say excellent as their were subtle issues to do with positioning of weapons and or hands that I as a professional soldier picked up on as 'odd'. I'm being highly critical it's fair to say.

ABOVE: Prussian Landwehr at ease. 1st Squadron, East Prussia

VALUE FOR MONEY: I would rate Kurt's painting somewhere between 'Collector' and 'Showcase' quality. For example he charges $6.00 for a mounted figure, ($6.50 for Hussars). Given the savings on not having to send the miniatures overseas the charges are pretty darn reasonable. All in all I'd suggest that Express Miniatures are reasonable to good value for money. Convenience is a big factor here as I live in Australia and posting miniatures overseas for painting can be expensive and stressful, (Will they arrive ok? Will they return ok?).

CUSTOMER SERVICE: Quite simply this was excellent. I was always kept informed in regards to progress, and provided photos to comment on. For example I was sent a photo of the BOLT ACTION GIs and I wasn't really happy with the colour of their trouser, (too dark). This was quickly addressed and a new photo was sent within 24 hours for my comment.
Kurt even returned the miniatures to me personally.
Consequently I cant comment on PACKAGING as like I said, they were hand delivered.

BELOW: 1st Squadron, Pomerania.
You can see more photos and get some commentary on how these miniatures were painted and based right from the horses mouth so to speak HERE 

BELOW: The BOLT ACTION 28mm Plastic Germans.

BELOW: The BOLT ACTION 28mm Plastic American GIs

In summary I would recommend EXPRESS MINIATURES to anyone who wants their miniatures painted to a high standard for a reasonable price.
Cheers
Trailape Out! 

So I've been MIA! Here's why.

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ABOVE:The 'King's Palace' at Kabul, Afghanistan. It'll be nice once it's finished I suspect
Hi Guys
Some of you may have noticed I'd not posted to my blog between June and November. It would have been only fair if someone had assumed I've been Missing In Action!
Well the reason is pretty simple.
I as diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder earlier this year. One of the symptoms is a lack of interest in things that use to give you pleasure, (my hobby being a casualty).
ABOVE: Me as a recruit, October 1982.

I enlisted in 1982 as a 17yr old and was allocated to the Royal Regiment of Australian Artillery. Moved through the enlisted ranks rather quickly being a Sergeant within six years and being posted to what was at the time the Army's only Medium Artillery Battery (103rd MDM BTY) equipped with 5.5inch Guns and then M198 155mm Gun Howitzers. Soon after I was posted to our only Airborne Battery, 'A' FD Battery (PARA).

BELOW: Exercise Far Canopy or Diamond Dollar in the late 80s. I can't remember which.
 
ABOVE: As a young Sergeant awaiting a jump with my mates.
 

I served with the British Army on The Rhine in 1990 on exchange. Deployed to the Sinai in 1999 attached to the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO). I deployed on Operation Relex II in 2004 doing border security work and took up a position later that year assisting in the training of US Marines who were deploying to Iraq. I deployed to Afghanistan in 2011 as a training mentor for 6 months working closely with the Afghan National Army (ANA). I was diagnosed with PTSD in early 2013. For me it wasn't one single incident but rather just the culmination of 31 years of soldiering. It wasn't just what I experienced in the Middle East and Afghanistan but in training. Unfortunately I had mates injured and killed in training accidents. It all came to a head after Afghanistan. My tolerance levels were shot to shreds. I was snapping peoples heads off at work on occasions and wasn't the happy go lucky easy going young lad that had joined up as a keen as mustard 17 year old who had wanted to be a soldier since he was five. My sister died in July 2008, and then my brother died 3 months later. Six months after that, my mother died and yet I was emotionally numb to it all. The combination of my experiences on deployment and in training together with the ridiculous personal standards that I had maintained as a professional soldier had taken their toll. Never being late. Never having as much as a bit of lint on my uniform. Everything having its place and making sure everything was in it place. Always placing the needs of my soldiers and superiors ahead of my own (or my family) for so long became unbearable. Oddly enough however I didn't notice the deterioration in myself. I was a Warrant Officer Class One by 2008. I was posted as Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) of an artillery regiment and then RSM of my Regimental School in 2010.
ABOVE: Laying a M777 as RSM School of Artillery. CO firing, (as is his prerogative)For any Artilleryman this would be considered the principal of their career, and certainly not one that would be attained by a 'weak' individual. My wife noticed a change in my demeanour when I returned from Afghanistan. I'd always been a difficult man to live with, demanding high standards from all around me including my family but upon my return I now took those standards to ridiculous heights. My wife and children were reduced to walking on eggshells. My four year old daughter Mathilda in particular was weary of me. My two year old son, (who was only 10 days old when I deployed to Afghanistan) stayed close to his mum. What I considered important, even life saving, was considered by my family as simply irrational. I was reduced to only 3 hours sleep a night from the time I returned from Afghanistan, which after 18months had done nothing to help with my attitude.
My 'tolerance' levels had been shot to pieces and I wasn't suffering fools in the slightest.
Ultimately my unit doctor intervened and I was admitted to the repat hospital at Epping for 6 weeks and then placed on a 12 week outpatient PTSD program. In itself this was not an easy feat for me and was initially impossible to accept. I was a man who had only ever had approx three or four months off for sick leave over a 31 year career, and most of that was convalescing after knee surgeries. Being away from my place of work and those who depended upon me for such an extensive time was one of the hardest parts. I felt 'jack' at times and I refused to accept there was anything wrong with me and that it was all in my head. I was having my own personal struggle about it. Yet as much as I felt bad about not being at work, the thought of returning made me sick to the pit of my stomach. Luckily, I've had excellent support from my Commanding Officer and unit in general. Most critically I've had fantastic loving support from my wife and children. I'm a long way from better, but I'm getting there.


 ABOVE: In Afghanistan with my mates
BELOW: Coming home from Afghanistan late 2011.
ABOVE:Why we fight. So little girls in Afghanistan can go to school. Its a good enough reason for me.

Longstreet at last.

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ABOVE: Part of my force. Louisiana Tiger Zouaves followed by the 18th Georgia Regiment
Hi Team
Well I've finally done it. I finally got around to playing a game of LONGSTREET. For those that don't know, LONGSTREET is the latest offering in the Honour Series of wargame rules by Sam Mustafa. Previous offerings have been LASALLE and MAURICE. I'm a big fan of Sam's two previous sets and you can find plenty of AARs on my blog if you are interested.
LONGSTREET is Sam's American Civil War rule set, the previous sets covering the Napoleonic and 'Age of Reason' periods. As you've probably guessed each set is named after a particularly noteworthy General Officer of the period being gamed.
It just so happens that Lt Gen James Longstreet is probably the confederate officer I've been most interested in for quite some time.
I purchased these rules as soon as they were available but unfortunately due to illness I've not had the opportunity until now to actually play a game. Fortunately however my gaming buddy Stan and his beautiful family ended up spending Christmas and Boxing Day with my family and we both we keen to squeeze in a game.
I'd just finished basing some Confederate and Union troops, and Stan had brought with him his ACW collection. Neither of us however had any cavalry, so it was destined to be an infantry dominated affair with a battery on each side.
Much to my shame I was going to have to use troops with unflocked bases but at least they were painted.
We had both read through the rules but I'd never played a game and Stan had only played about one or two games previously.
We settled on playing a scenario and dice roles resulted in the 'Meeting Engagement'.
Graciously Stan allowed me to pick a side, so I chose the side of the Confederacy.
Both sides would consist of three large ten base battalions of infantry and one three piece Artillery Batteries consisting of two six pounders and a howitzer.
All infantry would be EAGER RECRUITS for simplicity and the year would be 1863.
In LONGSTREET the year you are fighting in is of importance as certain advantages will be enjoyed by either the Confedreates or Union sides. For example early in the war (1861 to 62) the Rebs have the advantage. Later in the war (1864-65) the Union become more dominate. 1863 sees both sides fairly even, and this showed in our game.
Preparation for play is very straight forward. Each side is activated and maneuvered through the use of a 'hand' of six cards which is maintained at that level by drawing the appropriate number of cards from you deck consisting of cards based on the side you're fighting for and year you are fighting in.
The battlefield was dominated by a hill on my left flank and a few fields of standing crops in the centre. Three clumps of wood covered my right flank.
 ABOVE:The battlefield with my boys arriving from the upper left and Stan's Yankees arriving from the lower right.
BELOW:A close up of my troops. The 8th Virginians closes to camera

The battle itself was a rather straight forward affair. The Federals moved up between the 'Three Pond Woods' and the open ground to their right. I suspect their plan was simply to stand their ground and shoot me up. The Federal Battery was deployed on the Federal right, and I thought my best option was to rush my Battery forward over Boxer Hill and bring enfilade fire onto the Yankee line.

 ABOVE:My brigade advances and is met with the first shots of the day from the Union Battery.
BELOW:"BOOM BOOM BOOM"!
 
ABOVE: The Thin Blue Line.
The Louisianans' were to have the privilege off capturing the Federal artillery but someone failed to notice the swampy ground directly between them and the Yankee guns, (Stan played an 'interrupt card' that resulted in the swampy ground being 'discovered') . They were a mixed lot these boys from the Pelican State being the dregs from the 'Tigers' and some fresh faced firemen from Baton Rouge (See Below).

 BELOW: As the Rebs advance they are surprised to find a swamp.


As the  Louisianans' contemplated what they were going to do about the swampy ground before them the remaining Confederate infantry pressed forward determined to settle the matter with the bayonet!
Meanwhile the Confederate Battery finally came into action and started a duel with the Yankee gunners.

 Immediately the 8th Virginians in the centre of my line unleashed a "Rebel Yell" and hurled themselves at the Federal 'Irish' Regiment. The Irishmen stood their grand manfully and the result saw the Virginians driven back a considerable distance.
BELOW: Hot Yankee lead greets Rebel Cold Steel.
 The 18th Georgia Regiment on my right were more successful. They drove off the Yankees they met but soon found themselves confronted by the Federal Regiment that was held in reserve and the reformed Yankees they had had the better of earlier.
BELOW: The 8th Virginian are driven back by the Irish, and the 18th Georgians are about to be monstered by two Union Regiments. Meanwhile the Reb Zouaves agonised what to do about the swampy ground. Apparently no one wanted muddy boots.
 As the 18th Georgians were grudgingly but steadily driven back by the more numerous yanks the 8th Virginians edged forward and engaged the Irish in a musket duel that they steadily got the better of.
As this unfolded the Confederate Gunners also proved to be better at their trade than their Union counterparts and soon wiped out the Union Battery for the loss of one base (two guns) of their own guns.
Suddenly the Irishmen received some confusing orders, or maybe their Colonel decided that an advance was appropriate. Either way they found themselves disordered when part of their regiment blundered into the swampy ground.
It was at this point the Rebel Zouaves decided to throw caution to the wind. With the Union Battery knocked out they unleashed themselves on the Irishmen.
The Louisianans charge inflicted heavy casualties on the Irish and sent the reeling back.
BELOW: The situation after the Louisianan attack through the swampy ground into the Irishmen.
 At this point the Federal commander called it a day. With only one base away from breaking and the Rebs now with the initiative (my turn about to commence) the writing was on the wall.
I was 3 or 4 bases away from defeat myself.
BELOW:The situation at the end of play. Two of the three Union Regiments reduced to half strength or below and their artillery destroyed. The Georgians were down to only 30% strength!
 BELOW: The dogged 18th Georgia Infantry.
My conclusion:
LONGSTREET gave an excellent and 'flavoursome' game. One might ask "Why don't units rout"?
I guess it comes down to this. When units are forced to fall back by the bayonet they can be considered "Driven Back" (a short fall back move dictated by a low numbered die roll) or routed (a high die roll). It's assumed that once they have fallen back the required distance the Officers, Sergeants and other NCOs have got the remainder back into some semblance of order and back into the fight. This seems consistent with my readings of the conflict.
The card driven system ensures a quick paced and exciting game. You never know what spanner your opponent will throw into your gears with an 'interrupt' card.
All the game mechanisms are very straight forward with rolls to hit and then Kill when shooting.
Hand to Hand combat is a little more complicated but is quickly picked up.
The player has the option of using cards to remove some 'Kills' but in doing so might have to give up a card or two that really could prove useful later on. Decisions decisions,...
I HIGHLY recommend LONGSTREET for those that have a hankering for battling Regimental to  Brigade level games in the American Civil War.
All Miniatures were a mix of PERRY MINIATURE (both Plastics and Metals), some Sash and Saber Miniatures and Old Glory 2nd Edition Miniatures. Most of the Rebs were painted by Fernando Enterprise
Comments Welcomed!
Cheers



Damned Red Legged Devils!

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Hi All
The 14th Regiment New York State Militia (also called the 14th Brooklyn) was a volunteer militia regiment from the City of Brooklyn, New York. It has always been a unit that has interested me. Firstly because of its damn fine uniform. It looks more like a 'Chasseur' uniform than a 'Zouave', (hence their other nick name of 'Brooklyn Chasseurs'). The other reason was of their involvement at 1st Bull Run where they picked up their nick name Red Legged Devils.


 
In the Civil War, the regiment was made up of a majority of abolitionists from the Brooklyn area. It was led first by Colonel Alfred M. Wood and later by Colonel Edward Brush Fowler. The 14th Brooklyn was involved in heavy fighting, including most major engagements of the Eastern theatre. Their engagements included the First and Second Battles of Bull Run, the Battle of Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, The Wilderness, and Spotsylvania Court House. During the war, the men of the 14th Brooklyn were well known by both armies and throughout the country for their hard drill, hard fighting, and constant refusal to stand down from a fight. During their three years of service they never withdrew from battle in unorderly fashion.

 
The 14th Brooklyn received its nickname, the "Red Legged Devils", during the First Battle of Bull Run. Referring to the regiment's colourful red trousers as the regiment repeatedly charged up Henry House Hill, Confederate General Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson yelled to his men:
 "Hold on boys! Here come those red legged devils again!"

 
On 7 December 1861, the State of New York officially changed the regiment's designation to the 84th New York Volunteer Infantry (and its unit histories are sometimes found under this designation). But at the unit's request and because of the fame attained by the unit at First Bull Run, the United States Army continued to refer to it as the 14th.
In the early part of the war, when the 14th Brooklyn was in General Walter Phelps' brigade, the brigade was named "Iron Brigade". It would later to become known as the "Eastern Iron Brigade" after John Gibbon's Black Hat Brigade was given the name "Western Iron Brigade". At the conclusion of the war, all members of the "Eastern" or "First" Iron Brigade were given medals for their service within the Iron Brigade

BELOW: The Regiment in Line. 
My version  of the 14th Brooklyn is made up of PERRY MINIATURES (Coded ACW64 and 65)because at the time I was unaware of any manufacturer that made this specific Regiment. I've since discovered SASH AND SABER (S&S) and FORGOTTEN AND GLORIOUS (FG MiniZ) do in fact produce this Regiment in 28mm metal.
So, I purchased a Regimental pack from FG MiniZ on a preorder deal they were running, (they had not actually produced them but were in the process of doing so at the time).
NOW I have the 14th Brooklyn in both PERRY and FG MiniZ form, although I have not painted the FG Miniz version yet.
 The PERRY version was painted by FERNANDO ENTERPRISE to their COLLECTOR Standard. I'm pretty pleased with the results. FE does a great job at an excellent price in my opinion. I have not finish them yet. I still need to dry brush the bases, add flock and grass tuffs and obviously I need to add both National and Regimental Flags.
 The FG MiniZ boys I will paint myself. They are a more accurate representation of the 14th Brooklyn than the PERRYs as the have the 'knots' on their shoulders.

 BELOW: A 'Side By Side' comparison of the FG MiniZ and PERRY miniatures. Both manufacturers have produced beautiful figures I think.
As you can see the FG MiniZ are sculpted in a very dynamic 'Advancing at Right Shoulder Shift'. There was no flash at all on the FG MiniZ sculpts and the flag Staffs fitted neatly into the Sergeants hands without any drilling required at all!!!
The FG MiniZ also produce casualties and a nice mounted officer. There is a drummer AND bugler available in addition to a nifty Ammunition Carrying party of two figures, (See Below)

The 14th Brooklyn is an interesting and colourful unit. They saw plenty of action and I'm glad I've got them in my collection.
OH!!! And I cant leave without mentioning a FANTASTIC Podcast that is a MUST for those of you interested in the American Civil War:
The CIVIL WAR (1861-1865: A HISTORY PODCAST


 It's EXTREAMLY informative and entertaining.
I highly recommend a listen.

11th New York Infantry. The Fire Zouaves

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Hi Guys
Continuing on with my ACW units in 28mm for 'LONGSTREET' I thought I'd share some photos on another unit that was baptised with fire at 1st Bull Run.
The 11th New York Infantry Regiment is another very colourful Regiment and like many of the early war Regiments looks and sounds more like a Social Club rather than a Infantry Regiment. Drawn from the ranks of the city's many volunteer fire companies, the unit was known alternately as the Ellsworth Zouaves, First Fire Zouaves, First Regiment New York Zouaves, and U.S. National Guards!
I used the very tasty PERRY MINIATURES codes ACW57 and 58. Flags are from FLAGS OF WAR
I purchased enough to make a six based unit. I'm kicking myself, as with gust 12 more miniature (2 packs) I could have created a big 10 base unit. Oh well, you live and learn and I've come up with a bit of a solution if I do need the extra four bases.
 As usual I've obtained some unit details / historical notes via Wikipedia. Not the best of accurate source I know, but I've check the facts against my own readings and they match up. Getting the details from Wiki just saves me a lot of time and hassle typing:

The 11th New York Infantry Regiment (Fire Zouaves).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/11th_New_York_Infantry

The Zouaves' first major combat experience occurred during the First Battle of Bull Run. On the morning of July 21, Farnham's men were awoken at 2:00 a.m. to begin their march to intercept the Confederate army. McDowell's plan for the day was for divisions under Colonel Daniel Tyler and Brig. Gen. Heintzelman to cross Bull Run at Sudley Ford, expected to be only several miles north of their camp. Poor scouting by Union chief engineer John G. Barnard resulted in a 14-mile (23 km) march for men entering battle that morning. During the march, lead units engaged skirmishers east of Sudley's Ford with artillery in the early dawn. McDowell had divided his three divisions, sending Heintzelman to the north, sweeping down to cover the Union right, and thus his was the last division to engage. The other two divisions, under Tyler and David Hunter, engaged first on the Union left and center, at Matthews Hill. With those divisions facing heavy resistance, Heintzelman's division with the 11th New York was called forward at the double-quick. One observer commented that the 11th New York looked more like firemen randomly running to a fire than soldiers marching towards the front.

 BELOW: I could have added some static grass to the bases, but decided that a few tuffs were sufficient


 ABOVE:The unit as seen from behind. I used the 'tag' from the flags I obtained from FLAGS OF WAR to place a nifty little name tag on the command base.
 


As the fight moved from Matthews Hill to Henry House Hill, the 11th New York fought beside the 1st Minnesota Volunteer Infantry Regiment and a battalion of US Marines. These units were ordered to support two batteries of cannon on the Federal right flank led by Captains Charles Griffin and James B. Ricketts. The 11th New York and 1st Minnesota were directed into position at the top of Henry House Hill by Major William Farquhar Barry, McDowell's chief of artillery, and ordered to assault the Confederate line.[42] On the initial confrontation with the 33rd Virginia Infantry on the left of Confederate General Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson's line, both the Union and Confederate forces were initially confused because the some of 11th New York were wearing several colors of shirts and the Virginians were clad in dark blue frock coats and dark blue trousers. The Virginians fired a volley that took down several men and the Zouaves and Marines broke and ran, but a few of the men remained.

 

As the 11th New York and 1st Minnesota were regrouping along the Manassas-Sudley Road, they were encountered by Confederate Colonel J. E. B. Stuart and his 150 cavalrymen. Stuart mistook the New Yorkers for retreating Confederates in the smoke and quickly rode forward, shouting, “Don’t run, boys; we are here.” But after seeing a color bearer passing with the United States flag, he realized his mistake.
BELOW: Stuart's Cavalry encounters the Fire Zouaves!Painting by Don Troiani


Stuart ordered a small band of "Black Horse" cavalry, led by R. Welby Carter and the men of his Loudoun Company, to charge from the right and strike the 11th's rear guard. The 11th New York saw them coming and shifted formations to meet Carter's men. The 11th's volleys quickly killed eight of the riders and wounded nine with the rest escaping back into the woods; the charge had little effect on the organization of Fire Zouaves. While repulsing the cavalry charge, Colonel Farnham was wounded, but remained on the field aided by Lt. Colonel John Cregier and Major Loeser".
 

By 2:00 p.m., the 11th New York and 1st Minnesota were joined by the 14th Brooklyn Regiment and again took their place behind the Union guns. However, soon confusion again erupted on the battlefield in front of them. As the gunners confronted the blue-clad 33rd Virginia, Major Barry ordered Ricketts to hold his fire, allowing the Virginians to charge the batteries and capture the guns. While the 14th Brooklyn was able to quickly retake the guns, the Union regiments supporting the cannon were unable to withstand the near constant barrage from Confederate artillery and infantry and fell back again to the Manassas-Sudley Road. The 11th New York, the Irish 69th New York Militia and 14th Brooklyn would charge Henry Hill four times, first in an effort to retake Ricketts' and Griffin's cannon, but each attempt failed. In the wild melee, the 69th's color bearers were killed and its colors lost, but an officer of the 11th, Captain John Wildey, was able to recapture the Irish color, and then handed it back to the grateful Irishmen, as depicted in the painting by Don Troiani below
 Painting by Don Troiani
When the order to withdraw from the field came later that evening from General McDowell, the 11th New York served as a rearguard. It was during this retreat that the regiment saw its heaviest casualties. Although accounts of the battle differ, most sources list 177 men lost at Bull Run, with 35 men killed, 74 wounded, and another 68 missing and presumed captured. Those that were taken prisoner were initially confined in Richmond. In September, they were transferred to Castle Pinckney, South Carolina, where they remained until they were paroled the following May".

Now as I mentioned earlier I'm short by 4 bases to create a LARGE 10 based unit. Fortunately I had a couple of PERRY MINIATURES code ACW 59 and 60 that could easily pass as early war troops of either side. Consequently I've painted so they can pass as extra bases for either Union or Confederates. I even placed halberds in the command figures hands rather than flags so the can pass as 'Firemen'.
 They can be used as either a small 4 base unit or added to my 11th NYFZ or even my Confederate 'Tiger Zouaves'.



  I'll try and add a post focusing on a Confederate Regiment next time.
Comments are always welcomed.
Cheers


Red Legged Devils: Part Two

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Hi Guys
I've finished basing my PERRY MINIATURES 14th Brooklyn Infantry.
I use 'GOLDEN GEL MEDIUMS' and at 28mm scale opt for the Coarse Pumice Gel. This comes as a white paste which I like as I can colour it to suit. It's coarse enough to really take a dry brushing really well. After painting and dry brushing I added some grass 'Tuffs' and a few twigs I hunted around for in the garden. Finally I applied some ARMY PAINTER 'Battlefields Field Grass'. I highly recommend the ARMY PAINTER grass. It's very fine and 'sits up' nicely after being applied.
The Bases are 40mm square MDF bases from Back-2-Basix.
Flags are from FLAGS OF WAR.
Now I just need to start work on the Forgotten and Glorious miniatures version of this Regiment advancing at Right Shoulder Shift.

Comments are always welcomed.
Cheers

The 33rd Virginia Volunteer Infantry Regiment Emerald Guard

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Hi Team
Today I'm posting about a Confederate Regiment, the 33rd Virginia Volunteer Infantry Regiment.
The regiment earned immortality at 1st Bull Run but I'm depicting them as they would have appeared at or after Gettysburg in 1863.
 ABOVE and BELOW:The 33rd advancing under fire.

As usual, they are based on 40mm square MDF with 'Golden Gel Medium' flocking paste (Coarse Pumice) which was coloured with 'Jo Sonjas' Burnt Sienna . The base was then dry brushed with Citadel 'Karak Stone' and finished with MiniNature grass tuffs and Army Painter Battlefield Grass.

The miniatures are mostly PERRY MINIATURES Plastics 'Confederate Infantry' but there are also a few PERRY, OLD GLORY 2nd EDITION and SASH AND SABER metals in there.
Flags are from FLAGS OF WAR.
I have based these chaps for playing LONGSTREET but they could easily work for BLACK POWDER or other rules.

As usual I obtained the following information from Wikipedia and checked it against my resources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/33rd_Virginia_Infantry


33rd Virginia

The regiment was organized and mustered into service soon after the secession of Virginia on 17 April 1861. It was formed of ten companies, which included men from Hampshire, Shenandoah, Frederick, Hardy, Page, and Rockingham counties. Two of these counties, Hampshire and Hardy, seceded in 1863 from the state of Virginia, forming part of the northeastern Panhandle of West Virginia.

The ten companies were:

1.A - Potomac Guards (Hampshire Co.)

2.B - Toms Brook Guard (Shenandoah Co.)

3.C - Tenth Legion Minute Men/Shenandoah Riflemen (Shenandoah Co.)

4.D - Mountain Rangers (Winchester, Frederick Co.)

5.E - Emerald Guard (Shenandoah Co.)

6.F - Independent Greys/Hardy Greys (Hardy Co.)

7.G - Mount Jackson Rifles (Shenandoah Co.)

8.H - Page Grays (Page Co.)

9.I - Rockingham Confederates (Rockingham Co.)

10.J - Shenandoah Riflemen(Shenandoah Co.)

 Originally, the regiment was commanded by Col. Arthur C. Cummings, though it would change hands many times through the war. The 33rd, along with the 2nd, 4th, 5th, and 27th Virginia Regiments, formed the famous 'Stonewall Brigade' under the command of the legendary Stonewall Jackson. The average height of a soldier in the regiment was 5'8", and the average age was 25 years; these figures fluctuated greatly as the years progressed.
 ABOVE and BELOW: I've based the 33rd as a big 10 base unit. Confederate units tended to be larger than their Federal counterparts on the whole.

 ABOVE and BELOW: All ten bases in line.
 
Action at 1st Bull Run (1st Manassas)

When the Union and Confederate armies engaged near Manassas Junction, Virginia on 21 July 1861, General Jackson and his brigade earned the nickname "Stonewall" when, as they retreated to reform along Henry House Hill, Gen. Barnard Bee cried out to his ailing troops: "There stands Jackson like a stone wall. Rally behind the Virginians!" Eight of the ten companies in the 33rd were present.

At the height of the battle, it was Jackson's first brigade, and more specifically, the undersized regiment of Colonel Cummings that turned the tide of battle with a well-timed charge against an exposed artillery battery. The successful capture of the guns is thought to be largely because, due to the lack of formality in early war uniforms, Jackson's men were dressed in blue, just like their Federal counterparts. Though the 33rd Virginia succeeded in capturing the guns, the number of men that made the charge (only about 250) were unable to maintain possession and were forced to retreat. The charge had halted the steady advance of the Union Army up to that point, and precipitated further charges by Jackson's other regiments. By day's end, the actions of the 33rd led to the complete rout of the Union Army, and played a major role in immortalizing the brigade.

The cost of immortality for Cummings' regiment was high. Of the 450 men who were present at the battle, the 33rd would suffer 43 killed and 140 wounded

The 33rd Virginia remained in the Stonewall Brigade in Thomas J. Jackson's Second Corps until the restructuring of the Army of Northern Virginia after his death in the spring of 1863. It was then put under Richard Ewell's command until the spring of 1864, when it dissolved at the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House.


Action at GETTYSBURG

Arriving late in the evening of 1 July, the brigade to which the 33rd belonged spent much of the second day skirmishing on the far Confederate left. It would not be until the next day that the 33rd would see real fighting. At 3:00 a.m. on the morning of the 3rd, the regiment was aroused and marched off with the rest of the brigade towards the enemy position atop Culp's Hill. After daybreak, the regiment advanced in line of battle towards the enemy who was "strongly intrenched in a most advantageous position." The regiment advanced up the slopes of the hill advancing "in intervals" as the men took cover behind rocks and trees as they advanced. Although the regiment exhausted its ammunition within an hour or two, at least part of the 33rd remained engaged for almost five hours, as partial supplies were received upon the field. During this portion of the fighting, Captain Bedinger of the Emerald Guard was killed while advancing towards the enemy. Captain Golladay, in temporary command of the regiment after the battle would write that Bedinger's body had fallen perhaps the closest to the enemy's lines.

Sometime around noon, the regiment was withdrawn from the slopes, reorganized and replenished with ammunition. The regiment was then moved several hundred yards to the right, and another advance was made upon the enemy. The fighting was intense and lasted only a half-hour or so before the regiment was withdrawn again and marched to the rear for a short rest until mid-afternoon. Again, the regiment was aroused, reequipped and marched to a position farther to the right of the line. From this time until nightfall, the regiment was only engaged in skirmishing after which the day's survivors quietly retired. Upon the field were left many whom Golladay considered the "flower of the regiment." Twenty-three percent of the 236 men who fought at Gettysburg were killed, wounded, or missing.

On 3 July, the Stonewall Brigade lost one of its former commanders, Richard B. Garnett, who was killed during the infamous 'Pickett's Charge,' possibly due to an injured leg that cause him to ride a horse into the battle.

As Lee began his long retreat in the rain on 4 July and 5, five members of company E, some of whom had been wounded two days before, were captured at Waterloo and Chambersburg. By the time the 33rd had re-crossed the Potomac and moved into camp around Orange Court House, the regiment numbered only 90 men. With the death of George Bedinger and the only Lieutenant, Patrick Maxwell, absent sick, Captain D. B. Huffman of Co. G, 33rd Virginia Infantry assumed temporary responsibility for the shattered Emerald Guard. On 31 August 1863, the 33rd was again mustered to be paid.

Introducing G.I. GINGER

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Hi guys
My wife Raechel (G.I.Ginger) has entered in the Miss Pinup Australia contest in the NSW division
Raech is a serving member of the ADF. 
As you can see not all Army girls just wear army boots and spend all their time figuring out how to wrestle tanks.
Raechel's photos are inspired by the World War Two'Rosie the Riveter' and Bomber Nose Art.
 


This link below takes you directly to 'G.I. Ginger's' photos:
 
 
You can see all the other NSW entrants here (you'll need to scroll down on the white page).
http://www.misspinupaustralia.com.au/index.php?page=nsw
 
Please vote for G.I. Ginger!
Serving in the Army and being married to a wargaming geek is reason enough to vote for her surely?
All the best for 2014.
Cheers
Scott

Waterloo Highlanders: The 42nd Regiment of Foot

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Hi Guys
A break from ACW stuff today and a look at something 'Napoleonic'.
Here is the freshly based 42nd Regiment of Foot, (The Black Watch) as painted by my very talented mate 'Gunner Dunbar'. They are almost all VICTRIX 28mm Plastics except for the Rude Highlander flashing his backside at those pesky French. He is a metal miniature from Westfalia Miniatures.
 
You can see the 'Hard Campaigning' Highlanders that Gunner Dunbar painted for me earlier HERE

I've included some regimental history notes as I found on Wikipedia.
Early History
After the Jacobite rising of 1715 the British government did not have the resources or manpower to keep a standing army in the Scottish Highlands. As a result, they were forced to keep order by recruiting men from local Highland clans that had been loyal to the Whigs. This proved to be unsuccessful in deterring crime, especially cattle rustling. Therefore Independent Highland Companies (of what would be known as the "Black Watch") were raised as a militia in 1725 by General George Wade to keep "watch" for crime. He was commissioned to build a network of roads to help in the task. The six Independent Highland Companies were recruited from local clans, with one company coming from Clan Munro, one from Clan Fraser, one from Clan Grant and three from Clan Campbell. These companies were commonly known as Am Freiceadan Dubh, or the Black Watch, this name may well have been due to the way they dressed. Four more companies were added in 1739 to make a total of ten Independent Highland Companies.
The ten Independent Highland Companies of "Black Watch" were officially formed into the "43rd Highland Regiment of Foot", a regiment of the line in 1739. It was first mustered in 1740, at Aberfeldy, Scotland. The Colonel was John Lindsay, 20th Earl of Crawford and the Lieutenant-Colonel was Sir Robert Munro, 6th Baronet. Among the Captains were his next brother, George Munro, 1st of Culcairn (also a Captain of an Independent Company raised in 1745) and their cousin John Munro, 4th of Newmore who was promoted lieutenant-Colonel in 1745 (in place of Sir Robert who went on to command the 37th (North Hampshire) Regiment of Foot). The other Captains of the 43rd were George Grant, Colin Campbell of Monzie, James Colquhoun of Luss, John Campbell of Carrick, Collin Campbell of Balliemore and Dougal Campbell of Craignish

 ABOVE:One of Westfalia's 'RUDE HIGHLANDER'.
 ABOVE and BELOW: My lads here are depicted as the would have appeared at Quatre Bras and Waterloo.


100 Days
The now single battalion 42nd fought at the chaotic Battle of Quatre Bras on 16 June 1815 and was one of four battalions mentioned in despatches by Wellington. Two days later at the Battle of Waterloo, the 42nd and also the 2nd/73rd Highlanders, were both in some of the most intense fighting in the battle and lost 289 men




I've based the miniatures on 50mm wide by 40mm deep bases for use with LASALLE or FOG-N.
Flags are from VICTRIX and come with the miniatures when purchased.
As usual comments are welcomed

PERRY Prussian Foot Artillery. 1813

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 ABOVE:The Howitzer about to be fired and a gun being run up into the 'In Battery' position.
Hi All
Continuing on from my last post and  keeping with a 'Napoleonic' theme I recently finished off a 28mm Prussian Foot Battery.
The miniatures are PERRY. I've based them on 50mm wide by 100mm deep bases.
I'll use them for playing LASALLE and Field of Glory: Napoleon.
I'm a huge fan of PERRY MINIATURES. In 28mm scale I think only CALPE can rival their Prussian range.

There are 3 different types of poses with the PERRY Prussian Artillery. Firing, Loading and Running Up.

 BELOW: These guys are my favourites. As a Gunner myself I can really identify with these guys hauling their gun back it the 'In Battery' position in preparation for another shot. Maybe the next one will be for the devil,...


As usual comments are welcomed.
Cheers

The Battle of Lambsnag on Bunn. A FoG-N AAR

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NORTH
WESTEAST
SOUTH
ABOVE:Just as the sun rises and the morning fog lifts, the French army converges on the town of Lambsnag on the river Bunn.
Hi All
Stan and I recently invited our good mate Arnaud up from the 'Big Smoke' of Melbourne to join us for a game of Field Of Glory - Napoleonic. I quickly designed a scenario based 'loosely' on the battle of Albuera. I don't have many Spanish and Portuguese miniatures, so decided on a 'German' setting. The combatants would consist on one side, (commanded by Arnaud) French with some Polish troops and the other side consisting of a mix of  Bavarians and Wurtembergers and British.
The idea is as follows:
It's 1814, and even though the Bavarians and Wurttembergers have defected to the Allies, Napoleon has managed to withdraw from the Battle of Leipzig in good shape. The Allies have brought across from the Low Countries a British Corp to aid their new found allies, (the Bavarians and Wurttembergers). A mixed force of these 'Germans' are now defending the strategically important town of Lambsnag on Bunn. Marshal Victor has been directed by the Emperor to capture the town and the vital bridges and road intersections. Sir General Thomas Graham is commanding the the British Army (of Corps size) and he is hurrying to the aid of the newly raised Bavarian and Wurttembeg units.
The Emperor had intelligence that the town is defended by the recently defecting Bavarians, and suspected that even though they had fought hard against him at Hanau that here (without any Austrians to intimidate them) they might surrender the town.
The battlefield was dominated by the river Bunn running across it. On the eastern side of the river was the town of Lambsnag. A long line of hills ran the length of the eastern side of the Bunn. Further east and behind the hill line lay a small stream; the Dinneroll which ran between the hill line and the Kornchip Heights
Some Scenario Notes:
Here is the Map:
A: French deployment are for French Infantry Divisions.
B: French deployment are for French Cavalry Divisions.
C: Entry point for British Divisions.


The French divisions in Deployment area 'A' setup just outside Musket range, (that's 6 BW in FoG-N terms).
The French player can deploy his troops in any way he sees fit within the deployment areas.
The Bavarians start with the Vanguard Division with one unit in Lambsburg and one unit to the south in any formation he wants. 
The Bavarian Guard Division must be deployed to the north of the towm. 
The German Cavalry Division starts on the Kornchip Heights.
Terrain Notes:
The town of Lambsnag can hold either one LARGE unit or two SMALL units.
For game purposes all the hills are gentle slopes. The River Bunn will cause all troops types to halt as soon as they contact it, but they may then cross it at no penalty. 
The small Dinneroll stream is clear terrain for movement, but does offer some aid in defence.

The mechanism for the arrival of the British is as follows:
A roll of 5 or 6 on a D6 is required for each British division per turn. If the roll is unsuccessful then next turn TWO divisions arrive on a 5 or 6. If that roll fails then THREE divisions arrive on a roll of a 5 -6. I think you can see the pattern here.
If (in the unlikely event NO Brits have arrived by turn three) then they will ALL arrive on turn 4 in any Order of March the Allied Player wishes. Otherwise the Allies contine to roll for reinforcements every turn.

I will refer to the Allied units as Regiments and the French units as Brigades.
Now I've set the scenario in Germany in 1814 with French fighting Bavarians and British, but you could easily use Austrian in 1809 or whatever. Use your imagination, I did.

BELOW: As the morning fog lifts, the Bavarians are confronted with the French army just outside musket range.
The French ORBAT was as follows:
FRENCH and Polish
Troop Type
Name
Size
Elan
Training
1st Corps

CC2 (Skilled)
Victor
1st Division
DC1 (Competent)
Girard
Small
Average
Drilled
Light Infantry
French Light Infantry
Small
Average
Veteran
Line Infantry (reformed)
French Line Infantry (Skirm)
Small
Average
Drilled
Medium Foot Artillery
French 8 pndr Foot Artillery
Small
Average
Drilled
2nd Division
DC2 (Skilled)
Gazan
Light Infantry
French Light Infantry
Small
Average
Drilled
Line Infantry (reformed)
French Line Infantry (Skirm)
Large
Average
Drilled
Medium Foot Artillery
French 8 pndr Foot Artillery
Small
Average
Drilled
3rd Division
DC1 (Competent)
Godinot
Line Infantry (reformed)
French Line Infantry (Skirm)
Large
Average
Drilled
Line Infantry (reformed)
French Line Infantry
Large
Average
Drilled
Line Infantry (reformed)
1st Swiss Line Infantry
Small
Superior
Veteran
Medium Foot Artillery
French 8 pndr Foot Artillery
Small
Average
Drilled
Polish Division
DC1 (Competent)
Dombronski
Line Infantry (reformed)
Duchy of Warsaw Inf (Med Arty)
Large
Average
Veteran
Line Infantry (reformed)
Irish Legion Infantry
Small
Average
Veteran
Dragoon Division
DC1 (Competent)
Latour-Mabourg
Heavy Cavalry
French Dragoons
Small
Average
Veteran
Heavy Cavalry
French Dragoons
Small
Average
Veteran
Light Cavalry (Lancers)
Polish Lancers
Small
Average
Veteran
Horse Artillery
Polish Horse Artillery
Small
Average
Veteran
Light Cavalry Division
DC1 (Competent)
Briche
Light Cavalry
French Chasseurs
Small
Average
Drilled
Horse Artillery
Westphalia Horse Artillery
Small
Average
Drilled



The Allies ORBAT was as follows:
ALLIES  
Troop Type
Name
Size
Elan
Training
CC2 (Skilled)
Graham
2nd Division
DC1 (Competent)
Stewart
Line Infantry (reformed)
British Line (Skirm)
Small
Average
Drilled
Line Infantry (reformed)
British Line
Small
Average
Drilled
Line Infantry (reformed)
British Line (Skirm)
Large
Average
Veteran
4th Division
DC1 (Competent)
Cole
Line Infantry (reformed)
British Line (Skirm)
Small
Average
Veteran
Line Infantry (reformed)
British Line
Large
Average
Drilled
Medium Foot Artillery
British RA 9pndrs
Small
Average
Drilled
5th Division
DC1 (Competent)
Hamilton
Light Infantry
British Lights
Small
Average
Drilled
Light Infantry
Small
Average
Drilled
Line Infantry (reformed)
British Line (Skirm)
Large
Average
Drilled
Light Cavalry
Light  Dragoons
Small
Average
Drilled
Medium Foot Artillery
British RA 6pndrs
Small
Average
Drilled
Cavalry Division
DC2 (Skilled)
Merchant
Impetuous Shock Heavy Cavalry
British Heavy Dragoons
Small
Average
Veteran
Horse Artillery
British Royal Horse Artillery
Small
Average
Drilled
CC1 (Competent)
Beckers
Vanguard Division
DC1 (Competent)
Pappenheim
Light Infantry
1st Bavarian Light Inf
Large
Average
Drilled
Line Infantry (reformed)
11th Bavarian Line Inf
Large
Poor
Drilled
Guard Division
DC1 (Competent)
Holler
Line Infantry (reformed)
Bavarian Guard Inf (Skirm)
Small
Average
Drilled
Line Infantry (reformed)
Württ Guard Inf (Skirm)
Small
Average
Drilled
Line  Infantry (reformed)
12th Bavarian Reserve Inf
Small
Poor
Conscript
German Cavalry Division
DC1 (Competent)
Dietz
Light Cavalry
Wurttemberg Chevaulegers
Small
Poor
Drilled
Heavy Cavalry
Bavarian Dragoons
Small
Average
Conscript



THE GAME
Turn one. As can be seen from the photos above the allies start with the Bavarian 11th Line Infantry in the town of Lambsnag and the 1st Light infantry to the south of the town. The German Guard Division was deployed on the Hill line to the north of the town. The German cavalry was still asleep in their camp on the Kornchip Heights.
The French were converging on the town under the cover of an early morning fog. As the mist lifted the French were almost withing musketry range. The Masses of French and Polish cavalry were coming down from the north.
The battle opened with the Allies testing to see if any of the British would arrive on turn one.
Good news (a 6 is rolled), Stewart's 2nd Division was marching west on the Lambsnag - Hanau road and were already on the Kornchip Heights.


BELOW:The Bavarian Guard Grenadiers. Average Drilled Line infantry. Nothing special. They have an attachment of Wurttemberg Light Infantry Skirmishers. Newly raised, they won't get the 'Guard' bonus.
BELOW:Wurttemberg Guard Light Infantry. Again, newly raised, we've classed them as Average Drilled LINE infantry with a Skirmisher attachment.
BELOW: Bavarian Reserves. 'Poor Conscripts' LINE infantry.
BELOW:The British 2nd Division arrive just as the German Cavalry division is tumbling out of bed and onto their horses.
The French for their part didn't waste any time and launched an immediate assault on Lambsnag with a Brigade from the 3rd Division.
Try as they might the French could not budge the Bavarians from the town. Victor decided to focus on clearing the southern flank and drove off the large Bavarian Light infantry Regiment away with a massive weight of fire.
ABOVE and BELOWA fire fight erupts!
Whilst the fire fight continued around Lambsnag, the masses of French and Polish cavalry moved to envelope the north of the town. The German cavalry moved off to confront them.

BELOW:The French and Polish cavalry heading north before sweeping towards the Allies northern flank.
BELOW: The Bavarian Light Infantry withdraw (wavering) from the flank of the town.
Turn two, and the Allies rolled to see if more of the British will arrive. Another 6!
Now the British 4th Division under Cole arrives. As they arrive the British 2nd division, (two regiments of Highlanders and a regiment of English Line infantry) move of Kornchip Heights to support the Bavarians in the town. Just in time also, as they are able to provide some 'rear Support' for the town's defenders, and provide some refuge for the retreating Bavarian light infantry.
BELOW: The British 2nd Div moves down off Kornchip Heights as Cole's 4th Division arrives.
BELOW:The Bavarian 11th Infantry Regiment defends Lambsnag as French infantry swarm across the Bunn River to the south of the town.
Turn three. No British arrive this turn (a 3 is rolled).
Again and again the French launch attacks on Lambsnag without any success. As two French Brigades attack from the western side one brigade manages to attack from the northern side.
This only invites the Bavarian Guard Grenadiers to enter the fray however, and the charge down the hill and into the flank of the French brigade. After a short fight the French brigade breaks and routs back across the Bunn.
The French have more success on the south of the town however and those units from the 1st and 2nd Divisions that have crossed the Bunn engage the British 2nd Division units in a fire fight.
The result of which will see the small Highlander Regiment driven back 'Wavering' and the English Regiment is disordered.
The French are in a firm position on the high ground to the south of Lambsnag now. Now Victor looks north.

BELOW:Hot lead and round shot crash into the town, disordering the Bavarians within.
At the top of the picture you can see the large French brigade crossing the Bunn . They then asaulted the town from the north.
BELOW:Polish Lancers and French Dragoons eye the German cavalry across the Bunn river.
BELOW:The Bavarian Guard Grenadiers moments before they chrged down the hill into the exposed flank of the French attacking Lambsnag from the north.
Turn Four. Again, no British arrived this turn (a 1 rolled).
Victor was now getting frustrated with the failed attacks on Lambsnag. He sends an ADC of to order the French and Polish cavalry to attack the German horsemen across the Bunn. At the same time he ordered the Polish, Irish and Swiss Infantry to do what the French seemed incapable of, and that is to drive off some Bavarian and Wurttemberg infantry.
"Those fellows on the hills will do. They don't have any stout stone walls to hide behind"!
With that the Swiss crashed into the Bavarian Guard Grenadiers now downhill after driving off a large French brigade. At the same time the Polish infantry attacked uphill into the Bavarian Reserve infantry and the Irish also charged uphill into the Wurttemburg Guard Light infantry.
The Reservists were already 'wavering' from the fire from the Poles, and they were soon destroyed.
The Swiss and Irish were also victorious, breaking their opposite numbers.
The success didn't end there. The French and Polish cavalry smashed the German cavalry. Not at all surprising being more numerous to the score of 2 to 1, having disordered half the enemy cavalry with supporting fire from their horse artillery and finally being of better quality and 'Elan'!
They German cavalry did manage however to kill General Birche, commander of the French Chasseurs a Chevals brigade.
BELOW: The results of the cavalry battle. All the German cavalry routed from the field.
BELOW: The situation at the end of turn four. The French secure the high ground to the north and south of Lambsnag. The town is still held and a large regiment of Highlanders still provide support, however the allies are very battered with three Regiments of foot broken and two regiments of cavalry routed from the field.
Turn Five: Still no reinforcements for the Allies. The Bavarian Guard Grenadiers rally, (now spent and 'wavering') but the Wurttemberg Guard Lights disperse and a lost for this battle. The turn is spent reorganizing a defence on Kornchip Heights. The French for their part manage to drive off the wavering Highlanders leaving the sole 'Large' Regiment of Scots behind Lambsnag. They also launch yet another assault on the town and again, the attackers, (the Swiss this time) are beaten back. 
 ABOVE:The 'Small' Highland regiment (waving) catches more hot lead. The result sees them retiring quickly up the Kornchip Heights.
BELOW: The French and Polish cavalry advance towards Kornchip Heights. The Irish Infantry link up with their mounted brothers.

 ABOVE: The Bavarian Grenadiers rally after crossing the Dinneroll.
BELOW:The Swiss assault Lambsnag.
Turn Six: HUZZAH!!! A 5 is rolled. More British arrive. This time it's the 5th Division.
The Allies are still holding on grimly but it's looking bad. The French are closing in on three sides. The Allies are pushed back to the foot of the Kornchip Heights. The British 2nd division to the south of Lambsnag are looking particularly vulnerable. All along the battlefield fire fights rage. Finally the Bavarian's in Lambsnag can't take any more punishment and are broken by the massive weight of fire that is brought down on them. 
 ABOVE and BELOW: The Bavarian 11th Regt is finally driven from Lambsnag.
Now the French make what they hope is one last push. The Swiss move into the now vacant Lambsnag. The three French Infantry to the south hurl themselves on the Bavarian Light infantry and the Small English Regiment on their flank. It's 3 V 2 and all are 'disordered' except one of the French Brigades. The fire from the Bavarians and English scores a hit on each on some of the French but they all charge home. The hand to hand combat results in one French Brigade reduced to wavering, but both of the Allied Regiments are routed.
The French also launched their cavalry up the Kornchip Height at the British positions there, but it was at this point the allies concede defeat and decided to withdraw as best they can from the Kornchip Heights.
 ABOVE and BELOW: The French Charge in and receive fire but not enough to stop them. The Allies are broken by the bayonet.
    Another very enjoyable game of FoG:N.
I really like these rules. The ebb and flow is well captured and their is plenty of 'Friction' to frustrate your plans.
As usual. Comments are welcomed.
Cheers


ZOMBIES!

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Hi Guys
Ok, I'll admit it,.. I'm a fan of all things 'Zombie'.
The idea of mindless undead swarming over the countryside hell bent on destroying all in their path holds a particular fascination for me. Maybe it's the image of stalwart dogged survivors fighting it out in a post apocalyptic world or maybe it's just living in our nations capital where I'm convinced the 'Walking Dead' already hold sway, (particularly in Parliament).
Anyway I recently came across a game called 'ZOMBICIDE' and what a nifty BIG boxed game it is.
The game is produced by Guillotine Games and is an impressive collection of gaming 'Bits and pieces'.
It comes with 71 Miniatures consisting of 6 survivors, 65 'Zombies' (40 'Walkers', 16 'Runners', 8 'Fatties' and 1' Abomination'). There is also 9 Game Tiles that fit together to make the playing surface and of course Dice, Tokens, Cards and a very easy to read and learn rule book.
At a retail price of $120 it isn't cheap, but when you consider all the stuff you get its pretty good value for money. It's almost worth it just for the miniatures alone.
Yes they are plastic but they are very nice miniatures, well detailed and already based.
The rule system is simplicity itself! First off, you do not play against your fellow players. Well, you could but that wouldn't be wise. The game is designed to be played against the system controlled zombies. Ideally you should play cooperatively against the walking dead but there is nothing stopping you from ignoring the other survivors or actually blowing them away also.
All survivors start off at a 'basic' level of experience (BLUE LEVEL) and as they succeed in tasks, or take out the Zombies they gain experience, from BLUE to YELLOW to ORANGE and finally RED. As soon as one player reaches the next level of experience the number of zombies that are 'SPAWED' by the game system either increase in number or become more dangerous (move a little quicker). That said, the survivor gains extra skills as he or she gains a new experience level. Too bad for those survivors that are experience level BLUE when you're level ORANGE!!!!
Basically the game is played with all survivors carrying out a few actions such as moving, fighting, searching or a mix of the above. Certain ACTIONS cause noise, and noise attracts zombies. Do you dispatch that zombie with a crowbar or a chain saw. Sure the chainsaw will mince the zeek, but it's sure to draw some unwelcomed guests. Once all the survivors have done their actions then the zombies spawn, then move or attack, (or move AND attack).
The rules themselves are IMHO a tad too simple. For example, if you fire a weapon into a 'zone' where there are both friends AND zombies the first 'HIT' you score MUST be on a friendly (unless you have a 'scoped' weapon). Now for me this is ridiculous. At worse there should be a chance you might hit a friendly with you first shot but if there is 8 zombies in a zone with one fellow survivor I'm guessing even the worst marksman is more likely to hit a lumbering corpse than a franticly flying friend! When my daughter and I played our first game we instituted a 'house rule' that ALL shots had a percentage chance of hitting a friendly (depending on the number of zombies and the experience of the shooter). And here is the real diamond in the rough with these rules! They are so easy to modify or use as a base for your own rule system.
My 15 year old daughter Hayley and I played the Tutorial scenario and with 3 survivors each came within a whisker of succeeding in the mission but unfortunately we were overcome by a wave of stinking undead just short of freedom.
BELOW: Early in our first game. Not many 'Zeeks', and we're doing well

ABOVE: Ned is doing well, knocking over 'Zeek' by the half dozen!
BELOW: Ned's in trouble!

Now let's look a bit more at the miniatures.

The miniatures that come in the box set are '30mm' apparently. Well they look like the traditional 28mm miniatures we all know and love.
BELOW: We have photos of the SURVIVORS (and the hulking 'Abomination'). Wanda the rollerblading waitress with a chainsaw was Hayley's favourite. 'Lucky' Phil, (the grey miniature of a police officer with the shotgun) I was rather fond of.
BELOW: Some of the Zombies. As you can see the quality and detail is first rate. Like I said, the price is almost worth just the miniatures alone.

 
They mix well with the 28mm plastic figures from WARGAMES FACTORY. I've included some photos so you can make a comparison
 
 ABOVE: Two of the 4 box sets available from WARGAMES FACTORY (WGF). I also have the 'MEN' survivors and the ZOMBIE sets.
BELOW: Two WGF zombies either side of a ZOMBICIDE WALKER. The early production zombies from WGF don't come with round bases and are rather crude compared to their later sets for Female Zombies and MALE and FEMALE survivors. Considering they are the walking dead, a lack of detail isn't a deal breaker for me.
 BELOW: A ZOMBICIDE female walker (left) and a WGF Zombie Vixen. Both are excellent miniatures with plenty of detail and character.
 BELOW: ZOMBICIDE 'Phil' survivor and one of WGF 'MEN' survivors with a handgun. On the extreme right is a WGF Male that I converted with a RPG from the WOMENS box set.
 BELOW: A EUREKA MINIATURES 28mm metal Afghan National Police officer 'back to back with 'Phil' from the ZOMBICIDE box set
BELOW: You can see the difference in quality between the earlier 'ZOMBIES' from WGF and their current set of ZOMBIE VIXENS.
BELOW: A WGF MALE SURVIVOR (with an RPG from the WOMEN set) along side a EUREKA MINIATURES 28mm metal AFGHAN POLICE or ANA soldier with an RPG. Compatible? Works for me!
BELOW: A WGF MALE SURVIVOR (with a AK47 or AK74) along side a EUREKA MINIATURES 28mm metal AFGHAN POLICE or ANA soldier with the same weapon.
 BELOW: WGF Survivors and ZOMBIES! AAArrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrgggghhhhhh!!!




 BELOW: Wanda and her stats card. here you can see the colour coded experience gauge.
 
There is also an IPAD app for ZOMBICIDE that basically gives you the stats cards for all the survivors and tracks their equipment, wounds and skills as well as their experience level.
The App will even resolve combats for you (you can roll dice or have the App do it for you) complete with the sound of weapons being discharged.
Very handy and a must for those ZOMBICIDE players who have an IPAD. 
As we can see below, Wanda has settled in nicely even if she has sustained 1 wound.
 
I highly recommend ZOMBICIDE to those who have an interest in such things. It's a simple fun game that is well worth the price. There are two expansions that I know of (I have them on order at present). The miniatures are very high quality and the rules are great as a basis to build upon if you want some more 'Chrome'.
Well, gotta go. I'm feeling a bit seedy,........ aaaaarrrrrgggghh.
 
 

 


CANCON 2014

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Hi All
It's the Australia Day long weekend and as usual the Canberra Gaming Society hosts CANCON.
As usual there was a lot to see.
A big crowd again this year with day one appearing to me to have the biggest crowd.
I didn't play in any of the tournaments, but I did play in two participation games
I did get some shopping in. The Bring and Buy stall as usual as a real treasure trove, and VERY crowded on the first day in the morning.
I did manage to purchase the following at excellent prices:
1. A Platoon of Australian 20mm Wartime Miniatures modern infantry and a Bushmaster Infantry Mobility Vehicle (IMV) and about 40 Taliban fighters and a mint copy of 'Operation Enduring Freedom' Codex and scenario boot for $60. The Aussies were even painted to a rather good standard.
2. A mint condition 'A Nation Divided' ACW board game, (that I'll use for my LONGSTREET campaign) for $25.
3. A mint condition copy of BATTLE CRY ACW battle game for $20.00

Hall of Hero's was there and selling X-WING expansions are bargain prices. I got a Millennium Falcon, a Shuttle, two Tie Bombers and a B-Wing for $90.00!

Without a further ado here are some photos from the three days

BELOW: EUREKA MINIATURES was in attendance and are now producing AB MINIATURES 20mm WW2 range. Here we see the German Paratroopers. I purchased a Platoon plus worth or these guys for 'Chain of Command'

 BELOW: FoG-Ancients Babylonians
 BELOW: BOLT ACTION games. And some very nice Teddy Bear fur terrain.
Romanian Infantry I think.

 

 BELOW: A Mathilda Mk II Tank for BOLT ACTION.


ABOVE:BOLT ACTION action
BELOW: A MASSIVE modern Chain Of Command game set in Rwanda
BELOW:Some of the action from the IMPETUS comp. Egyptian Chariots always look impressive when painted and based to such a high standard.

 BELOW: IMPETUS battle between Egyptians and Sassanid Persians
 BELOW: EUREKA MINIATURES Taliban.

 ABOVE and BELOW: The magnificent Grotto Wargames Furniture.
 BELOW: DBMM or FoG-Ancients game.
BELOW: More IMPETUS tournament games in progress.



 BELOW: MUSKET and TOMOHAWK game in progress

 BELOW: The BOLT ACTION 'Pegasus Bridge' DEME and PARTICIPATION game
 BELOW: A DBMM game
 BELOW: Some of the impressive remote controlled Tanks on show.
 BELOW: Three photos of some of the very impressive Teddy Bear Fur terrain used in the BOLT ACTION tournament.


 BELOW: A very interesting Counter Insurgency game with LOTS of human terrain to deal with and some nice scratch built buildings.
 BELOW:The WRG Napoleonic's tournament. Hard to believe people are still using these old rules.





Chain Of Command at CANCON 2014

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ABOVE: My forces for the game
 
I was fortunate enough to play a CHAIN OF COMMANDparticipation game at CANCON.

What follows is an AAR from my (The German Army or Heer) perspective.

Leutnant Hans Meashmizer surveyed the lay of the land before him.
BELOW:Leutnant Hans Meashmizer and the Panzershreck team of Privates Franke and Hessmann
 

His unit had been fighting for the last week against American Paratroopers and had suffered some casualties. Each of his 3 sections had been reduced to a MG42 LMG team of 3 men and 4 riflemen with a panzerfaust. CHQ had offered up a Panzershreck team and these two soldiers where his main defence against an armour that might link up with the American paratroopers from the beachheads of Normandy. Hopefully it wouldn’t come to that.

The small hamlet of Le Epic seemed empty. The little terrace houses and their small enclosed gardens looked peaceful enough nestled in amongst the bocage that surrounded it.

Unteroffiziers Schmidt and Paulus, take your sections and secure the first two houses on the main street. Obergefrieter Gobel, take your section along the line of bocage and await further orders. I will keep the Panzer killers with me. Move out”!

With that sections one and two occupied the two buildings on the western end of the hamlet on the south side of the road.
ABOVE:The German Sections secure the two houses
 
Obergefrieter Gobel’s section was slower to move off. The familiar and terrifying sound of a 60mm mortar firing caused them to pause.

At the north east end of Le Epic American Paratroopers from the 82nd were advancing into the Hamlet. One squad rushed into the house almost opposite number 2 section. Just as Unteroffizier Paulus’ men open fire on the ‘All Americans’ across the road a mortar round crashed into the roof above them killing Private Brand and causing the rest of the section to become concerned (suffering a point of ‘SHOCK’)

GAME NOTE: When a section, team or squad have more shock then members they become ‘Pinned / suppressed’ Once they have twice as much ‘Shock’ as members they rout!

ABOVE: The American Paratroopers take fire from Paulus men, and;
BELOW: Paulus men suffer a casualty and some 'SHOCK' from the Paras and their 60mm Mortar.

Unteroffizier Paulus started kicking some butts and the fire that his section poured across the road at the Yank Paratroopers across the road was very effective killing or wounding half the Americans.

Shorty an uneven firefight erupted between the two German sections and the now much depleted American Paratroopers. A Panzerfaust shot across the road sealed the Yanks fate and the three survivors fled out the back of the house into the part of the Platoon Sergeant who rallied them.  

 
 

Whilst this was happening Obergefrieter Gobel’s section was moving east along the bocage in an attempt find a flank to work around, and towards the sound of the American 60mm mortar that was continuing to drop round after round of HE on the two Heer sections in the houses at the western end of town.
Now Leutnant Hans Meashmizer entered the battlefield with the Panzershrek team. They halted in the walled garden behind Unteroffizier Paulus’ house. “Franke, take Hessmann with you and cover down the road for the approach of enemy Panz,…”

"BLAM BLAM BLAM ‘PING’! BLAM ‘PING’ !Buddddaa budda budda budda BLAM BLAM BLAM ‘PING’! BLAM”!!!
The bocage to the east of the terrace houses suddenly erupted with the sound of multiple M1 Garands and a 30 Cal MG!
Both Franke and Hessmann were both killed instantly and their Panzershreck fell in amongst the tomatoes and beets in the garden. As masonry and twigs flew all around him Leutnant Meashmizer dashed for and reached the relative safety of Paulus’ house. Only to find Paulus section dashing out the front door in an attempt to secure the house that was vacated by the broken and fleeing Americans. Paulus’ men stacked up outside the house in preparation of entering.
BELOW: Only Leutnant Hans Meashmizer is left standing in the garden
 
ABOVE :Obergefrieter Gobel’s section moving east towards the sound of the mortar firing
 
As this was happening another American squad and a bazooka team was attempting to move to the west and dashed across the road heading north and propped up against the side of the bocage,… the wrong side of the bocage. Unteroffizier Schmidt’s section blazed away and wiped out the majority of the Paratroopers. Only the Bazooka team managed to get over the bocage to relative safety. The three surviving Paras went back the way they cam and hunkered down in a garden behind a house.

Maybe it was the close call or maybe the rain of 60mm onto the house Leutnant Meashmizer was sheltering in but a paralysis overcame the German command.

GAME NOTE: My opponent stung together two phases of double 6 rolls, them played a CHAIN OF COMMAND (CoC) die then we had a ‘Random Event’ where ‘JABOS’ appeared overhead that resulted in everyone not moving.
BELOW:Paulus’ men stacked up outside the house in preparation of entering get shot up.

As Paulus men prepared to enter the house the Americans had vacated Yank Paratroopers at the northern end of the bocage that had just wiped out the P’shrek team now blazed away at them. The 60mm mortar also dropped a round on them. Only Paulus and two of his MG42 team made it inside. They managed to get their LMG into action and finished off the three remaining Paras that Sergeant Rock had rallied. At that same time Schmidt’s section crossed the road and occupied the house opposite them.

Obergefrieter Gobel’s section arrived opposite the bocage the American squad to the east had been using to cause so much carnage and managed to get the drop on them
GAME NOTE: I played my CoC Die and interrupted the American’s turn.
ABOVE: Obergefrieter Gobel’s section arrived opposite the bocage
BELOW: The Yanks suffer the consequences of being surprised
 

Grenades sailed over the bocage onto the Americans followed by a hail of Rifle, SMG and LMG fire. Killing or wounding 4 Americans.
The Mortar shifts its fire onto Paulus and his LMG team.
The American SNCO SGT Rock called out to the three Paras lurking in the garden to lay down a suppressive fire onto Paulus’ and his two Machine Gunners before hurling a grenade and assaulting them. Amazingly he killed all three Germans and recaptured the house! .
BELOW:The Three Yank Paratroopers who laid down the suppressive fire for SGT Rock's charge!

BELOW: SGT Rocks Assault! THE PLAN! The thin red lines represent the 'Support by fire' from the 60mm Mortar and the three paratroopers in the garden. The narrow arrow is SGT Rocks assault. The thick red arrow is Schmidt's dash across to road into the house.
 

ABOVE: SGT Rock prepares to assault Paulus and his two man LMG team!
BELOW: The victorious SGT Rock 
Feeling embolden by SGT Rock’s heroics the three Paras rushed into Schmidt’s house only to be wiped out.

BELOW: Schmidt's men seize the house on the northern side of the road and dispatch the three brave / foolish Paratroopers.

From their now digs Schmidt's men engage and kill the Bazooka team. The American moral is now very low and only one point away from breaking!
 
Obergefrieter Gobel’s section continued to engage in a vicious firefight with the Paratroopers across the road and behind the bocage eventually coming off second best when the Obergefrieter is stunned and unable to rally off any shock.


Leutnant Meashmizer then decides it’s up to him to storm the house occupied by SGT Rock. SGT Rock decides to meet the German officer in the street and like some scene out of Saving Private Ryan they both kill each other.  

At this point the game ends with the German Moral at 0 and the US moral at 1. Both sides are pretty much destroyed.
SUMMARY!
What a FANTASTIC game! CoC is without doubt one of the most realist WW2 / Modern skirmish games I've ever played. It plays quickly, easily and if you employ historical / real tactical doctrines you will be rewarded with a very enjoyable and historically accurate game.
My two biggest blunders were sending Paulus' section across the road without first ensuring it was safe to do so. No smoke was thrown to cover their crossing, and the whole section crossed when really I should have sent across only a team at a time. A rush of blood saw the section lose half it's strength. I should probably have sent Schmidt's section across the road at the same time and by team bounds.
Blunder number two? Assuming my P'shreck team and Leutnant Meashmizer were in a secure position resulted in a near disaster. Losing the P'Sheck team was a bitter lesson. Never assume anything unless you absolutely have to.
Unfortunately for me the firefight with the American squad behind the bocage came down to poor firing by my guys and the JNCO being taken out of the fight. Without his leadership the section soon fell apart.  
I wont go through all the game mechanics. My advice is go over to YouTUBE and watch the video series the guys at Too Fat Lardies have posted on CoC. They are well worth a look.
Part one is here:
 http://youtu.be/XiT70m6CJO8
In short. A great game. I highly recommend Chain of Command to you all!
Thanks to the guys who put the game on and to my opponent Dean from Sydney. The terrain and miniatures were first rate and Dean was a real gentleman to play against.

A Visit to WAR AND PEACE GAMES.

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 Hi Guys
Well its been hectic.
My wife has started University studies in Sydney, so it was pack up our house in Canberra and head north.
It did however lead to an opportunity to visit WAR AND PEACE GAMES.
War and Peace are a Postal Orders / Online Shop working out of the Central Coast north of Sydney.
What struck me when I took up John's invite to "Pop in and visit us" was how very well stocked they were.
As you can see there are racks upon racks of stock to be had.
Long story short I left with a few packs of Perry Metals and some fantastic 4Ground Buildings in both 28mm and 1/72nd scale.
I also grabbed a box of AGEMA Miniatures Roman Republic Velites simply because I'd never heard of this manufacturer before. A quick look in the box and I was quite impressed with what I saw and 16 figs for $18.00 AUD seemed reasonable to me.
I'll do a review of these miniature shortly.
 The guys are running a very slick and professional operation.
 BELOW:My host John. He's grinning I suspect because I've just explained I'd need to sell a kidney after smashing my wallet.
 I'd recommend you consider WAR AND PEACE GAMES when thinking about stocking up on anything from Miniatures, Rules, terrain, paints and all manner of wargame supplies.
Cheers
Scott

REVIEW: PERRY WW2 Metal British

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Hi Guys
I'll admit it. I'm a PERRY-O-PHILE.
I've never been disappointed be anything the PERRYS produce. I think their plastics are particularly good. Highly detailed, easy to assemble and brilliant value for money. Their latest venture into the Second World War is particularly good, as each box set so far produces a complete Platoon. Coupled with their Metals and you have a very nice range of miniatures.
They decided to enter the WW2 market with troops from the Western Desert theater. An unusual choice one might think, given you're average pimply faced teen only thinks of WW2 starting some time in December 1941 and being fought only in the Pacific and in France with the GIs saving the rest of the free worlds sorry arse.
But the choice the Perrys' have come up with is actually pretty smart. Not only can these 'Desert Rats' (British 8th Army) set be utilized for fighting in the Western Desert of North Africa, but they are suitable for Commonwealth forces fighting in Crete, Sicily, Italy and Singapore, Malaya, Burma, India and also used as Aussies in PNG.
To supplement the Plastic box set they have recently released some metal miniatures but these lads are wearing Battle Dress (BD) trousers in contrast to the plastic soldiers in Shorts.
Naturally I couldn't resist getting some so here is a short review of some of the Metals with a focus on how they compare to the plastics.
I purchased one pack each of codes WW11, WW12 WW13 and WW14. You can see them HERE
The four packs combined give an under strength platoon of two rather than three sections. Not unrealistic at all.
The first thing I noticed when I opened the box of WW13 (infantry charging with fixed bayonets in battle Dress Trousers) was how very fine the bayonets and rifles were. The bayonets in particular were almost bent back upon themselves. Fortunately I was able to bend them back into their correct position without any breakages but one needs to be aware that the rifles and bayonets appear to be rather fragile. I guess this is the price one pays for correctly scaled weapons. 
The poses are (as to be expected) excellent. The Bren Gun Teams from WW12 are my favorites. The set consists of a Bren Gunner, Loader and NCO with a Thompson SMG. The kneeling bren gun team is a real gem with the loader / assistant passing a magazine to the gunner as the NCO gives a target indication. The advancing Bren team is also lovely, the the assistant being depicted with a bandoleer of Mags draped over his shoulder and a very determined looking Bren gunner leading the way firing from the hip
Casting was excellent with only some minor flash. One or two figures from  packs WW13 and 14 did have mold lines across the helmets, but these are easily fixed with a scalpel and or file.
Most importantly the metals fit in perfectly with the plastics. Mixing the metals and plastics will not be an issue at all.
As you can see from the photos I posed the metals on plasticard to compensate for the Plastics being mounted on the bases that the come with in the box set.
Fortunately the PERRYS have made the 20mm round plastic bases that come with their box sets available as for purchase. SEE THEM HERE



I would HIGHLY recommend these metal additions to the PERRYS' WW2 British range. They are quite simply beautiful miniatures.
Cheers

Underlay: A new terrain option?

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Hi Guys
I recently acquired some underlay material. We were moving house (again) and the removalists left some underlay with us wrapped around some furniture.
I remember reading somewhere that underlay was a useful material for use as a terrain covering though the consensus was it was best used buy draping over books of foam bloxks to create hils and then covering it with a terrain 'coloured' cloth.
I wondered if it was possible to simply colour the underlay itself.
What follows is a series of photos of my attempt at colouring underlay and using it as a terrain matt.
Here is what the underlay looks like without any alteration at all in contrast to a Warhammer Game Matt:

 Next: I sprayed the underlay with several cans of paint. Starting with earthy and dark browns the dark green and light green.
 You can see here that the underlay has a natural 'Grassy' look about it.
Finally I gave it an 'All Over' light spray of Army Painter Desert Yellow colour as a bit of a highlight.
 Add some terrain features like roads, crops and a building,.....
 a '"teddy Bear' fur wheat field and a felt stream/

 Add some troops!

 All in all it looks OK I think!
It will be interesting to see how well it stands up to the rigor of a few games.
I've discovered you can create some excellent hills by placing a couple of folded towels under the underlay.
As usual, comments are welcomed.
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