MEGA - Game log Jan

MEGA Game Log

Game List - January to June, 2001

Jan 6 - Sons of the Desert Apr 7 - 7th Fleet Final Day

Jan 13 - France May 1940 Apr 14 - At the Gates of Moscow - WWII Skirmish

Jan 20 - No Game Apr 21 - No Game - Taking My Walk to Emmaus

Jan 27- German Counter Attack, France 1944 Apr 28 - No Game

Feb 3 - Whaoo' Way Out West May 5 - Devil's Den ACW

Feb 10 - Eastern Front - Kiev 20mm May 12 - No Game

Feb 17- Pacific WWII Naval Action May 19 - One on One

Feb 24 - 7Th Fleet - The Blockade of Japan May 26 - Convoy PQ11 WWII Naval Game

Mar 3 - 20mm Eastern Front - Assault on the Tractor Factory Jun 2 - Attending DiCon

Mar 10 - Attending Cold Wars 2001 Jun 9 - WWII 1/600 Coastal Naval

Mar 17 - 7Th Fleet Campaign Set Up and First day Jun 16 - Sons of the Desert - Attack on the Fort.

Mar 24 - 7Th Fleet Campaign Second Day Jun 23 - No Game Everyone has a family thing to do

Mar 31 - 7Th Fleet Campaign Third Day Jun 30 -French Counterattack May 1940

January 6, 2001 - Sons of the Desert

Played three games of "Sons of the Desert" a French Foreign Legion Skirmish game. We each played as the Arabs twice and as the French once. We found out fairly quickly that the French rifles are deadly. By the end of the night also found out the arabs must run to win. Run as in charge to get into hand to hand combat. Here is a picture of the hand to hand combat in the third and final game. Melee I am sorry if the quality of the picture is poor, it is my first attempt at using and down loading a picture from a digital camera.
Victories: Arabs once with Warren and Terry and French Foreign Legion twice Warren and Terry in separate games. Moderator Pat McGarrity.

Players

Terry Callahan
Joe Shaffer
Warren Peterson

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January 13, 2001 - France May 1940 20mm Skirmish Game

We played an early WW2 skirmish using our home rules G.I. The battle takes place in France 1940, the German Blitzkrieg has rolled through the Low Countries and now is into France. The French are attempting to hold up a German column at a river crossing. French forces are a Char B and a Hotchkis tank, two squads of infantry, a two medium machine guns, a pair of anti tank guns and a mortar section. One of the ATG's was emplaced in a concrete bunker next to the river bridge. The German reconnaissance column came down a road lead by a motor cycle, and armored car and a squad in a half track. The rest of the column consisted of a platoon of 3 PZIII's and a PZIV, two squads of infantry in half tracks, a 37mm ATG and a mortar squad. The Germans had to cross the bridge within 15 turns to win the French had to stop them.

The German column came down the road at full speed. As the motor cycle came around a bombed out cottage it was hit with a burst of machine gun fire from a French Char B tank sitting in front of the bridge. The gunner in the side car was KIA and the driver escaped unhurt. The armored car stopped short and the half track of infantry jumped out along the wall that surrounded the bomb out cottage. That was a mistake! A French squad opened fire from behind the same wall and killed the motor cycle driver and killed or wounded five squad members in the first burst. The armored car opened up with it 20mm auto cannon and half the French squad went down. A close assault by the remain three Germans squad captured the remaining French. At this point a French Hotchkis tank opened up destroying the armored car and a half track in the rear that had just been emptied of troops. A PZIII crew abandoned its tank when it was immobilized by a hit from a concealed French ATG.

It was not looking too good for the Germans at this point. But good luck and timely reinforcements turned the tide. A armored infantry squad and PZIV arrived on the table behind the Hotchkis a quick shot or two and it was destroyed. The infantry dismounted to protect the tank from infantry assault. On the other side a French MMG began firing into the Germans that had just dismounted and an ATG fired again at another PZIII. The PZIII finally spotted the ATG and began shelling it eventually putting the gun out of action. Moving up it began to use it machine guns on the remaining ATG crew and the French MMG crew silencing it too. The Germans began to close in on the bridge, only the Char B and the bunker in the way. The PZIII put a couple of high explosive hit on the out side concrete when on the third shot the shell went through the slit and exploded inside the bunker. Scratch one ATG gun and another MMG. All that remained was the Char B and it soon was disabled and the crew fleeing over the bridge. But the tank it self provided the French with class A road block preventing any vehicles from crossing.

As it began to look bad for the French a Matilda and couple of British Bren Carriers with troops showed up.Some casualties were taken by the Germans and the late arriving PZIV was abandoned by its crew. A few rounds into the buildings along the river silenced the British troops. And the Matilda's crew abandoned its tank when it was hit by a few rounds of fire from the three remaining German tanks. The Germans were ready to rush across the bridge, all that had to be accomplished was to push the abandoned Char B out of the way. A PZIII moved against the side of the French tank and began to push it when it suddenly threw a track! Now the bridge was thoroughly blocked with two disabled tanks on the west edge and another abandoned tank on the bridge. The British began to withdraw as the Germans waited for some tank recovery vehicles to be brought up to clear the traffic jam on the bridge.

It was the beginning of Turn 14 and an Allied victory. Moderator: Pat McGarrity (part time)

German

Terry Callahan
Warren Peterson

French

Joe Shaffer

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January 20, 2001 - No Game
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January 27, 2001 Game held at Medieval Starship - German Counter Attack, France 1944

There were six players plus ample support from my friends. Two of the players appeared to be brand new to historical miniatures. Warren P.’s two sons were also fairly new to the genre. The store owner was very helpful and there were several interested observers. All in all it was a worthwhile enterprise.

An American mechanized infantry platoon supported by a platoon of Tank Destroyers had bivouacked in a small village following a two-day advance toward a key highway junction. Exhausted and having sustained 30% casualties, the Americans’ orders called for them to await reinforcement from a nearby tank battalion before resuming the offensive.

The Germans, meanwhile had regrouped for a final defense of the area road net. Assembling a potent force of armor supported by a panzer grenadier platoon, the commander ordered a counter-attack into the village at dawn to secure the crossroads there.

The Americans expected their armored reinforcements sometime after dawn, so the troops were preparing to move when the heavy morning mist reverberated with the roar of tanks to their front. Within a few minutes, German armored vehicles approached along the main road and the open country to the west. The Germans dismounted and prepared to move into the village. Two tank destroyers (Jpz IV/70 and Hetzer) appeared and began to lay down suppressive fire along the northwestern edge of the village. One of the German squads advanced through a tree line parallel to the road and attempted to secure a small grove of trees on the north edge of the village. They were stopped by a machine gun team set up as a blocking force. The squad took several casualties and fell behind a pair of advancing advancing assault guns (StG III). These vehicles along with the 75mm howitzer mounted on a halftrack (Sdkfz 251/9) made short work of the machine gun team and its supporting men.

Simultaneously, Pzkw V Panthers advanced past the tank destroyers in the northwest sector. Supported by another squad they moved to flank the position from the west as the infantry assaulted the buildings on the northwest edge. This advance was answered by fire from the American M10 Wolverines, although the exchange resulted in one Wolverine immobilized and a second in flames. The latter was the product of a particularly violent exchange when a Panther careened around a corner into a point blank encounter with the second M10. The immobilized M10 was able to fire again and damage the Panther and moments later the crew abandoned the tank. The German infantry assault was a vicious series of close assaults for one building. The attackers had nearly cleared the building when the last American squad moving to reinforce the area charged the distracted Germans. The Germans surrendered but the Americans took several more casualties from the enemy jagdpanzers firing in support. The northwest sector was now essentially defenseless as only parts of two squads and an immobilized M10 remained and the Germans had a fresh squad plus another with more than 50% strength on hand.

By this time the mist had cleared and the sun was well over the horizon. The American reinforcements had arrived and when the commander of the platoon of Shermans (4 M4A3 and 1 M4E8) realized the Germans were attacking, he disobeyed his orders and shifted his advance to the east of the village through a thinly forested area. As the mist lifted the tanks barrelled into the open and the exposed left flank of the assault guns and halftracks. A series of exchanges knocked both StG III’s out of action with the cost of one Sherman. The remaining Panther and the jagdpanzers quickly abandoned the nearly completed attack on the northwest to meet the flank attack. The combat resulted in another disabled Sherman, but then an American gunner took a flank shot on the Panther and destroyed it. This prompted the German commander to recall his surviving vehicles and order a withdrawal.

The action was essentially a stalemate as neither side achieved victory conditions. The Germans had failed to take the village and the Americans had lost the offensive initiative. Casualties were substantial on both sides, but ultimately the German losses (2 Panther, and 2 StG III for 1 M10 and 2 Shermans) were more precious. Moderator: Joe Shaffer

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February 3, 2001 - Whaoo' Way Out West

Tried out a new genre WIld West in 15mm. Warren brought everything needed and we had a great time with the bad guys and good guys shooting it out. The gold shipment was due and the Bad Guys I and II had to take the Gold or rob the bank. Toss in a band of Indians looking for a good time. It was the Indian Band that got off to a good start raiding the Kettle Farm. Ma got in a couple shots with her shotgun before running off to warn the town of the indian raid with son Abner. PA Kettle got in a couple shots too but lost out in a hand to hand with a couple indians. About this time the Bad Guys and Gold Shipment showed up at the bank at the same time. After some furious gun fights the Sheriff and Guards were dead or wounded in the street and the gold shipment was being carried off. The Bossman of Bad Guys I didn't make it though. He was shot at several times and stabbed in the chest with a bottle of sarsparilla by the clerk in the Dry Good Store. A good time was had by all, with much laughter and hooting when the meek Dry Goods Clerk got the drop on the Bossman I with a pepperbox. We found a good replacement for Vikings and "Pigs and Glory" Victory: The Bad Guys I. Moderator Warren Peterson.

Players

Terry Callahan Good Guys
Joe Shaffer Bad Guys I
James Price Bad guys II
Pat McGarrity Indians

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February 10, 2001 Eastern Front Kiev 1941 20mm Skirmish

AFTER ACTION REPORT
July 1941,
Russia
Comrade General:

It is with great sadness that I must report that the town of Zhitomir located west of Kiev has fallen to the Fascist invaders. My men fought heroically, but without reinforcements I was unable to hold the town.

The battle started with German tank and infantry forces advancing at dawn. Reports indicated the German forces consisted of five Panzer IIIs, one armored car, one motorcycle with sidecar, three half-tracks, four infantry squads, and one mortar team.

As instructed, I had prepared defensive positions in several town buildings and the tractor factory. My forces were three infantry squads, one KV-1, one Matilda, one unarmed M-3 scout car, one 45mm anti-tank gun (ATG), and two heavy machine guns. I had no artillery or air support.

German tanks and motorized infantry advanced rapidly down the main road on my left flank and through an open field on my right. On the outskirts of town, the German forces on the main road ran into the KV-1 and ATG. I had stationed the tank along side the road in some dense woods. As the tank lacked sufficient fuel to maneuver it was necessary to deploy it in a forward position. The ATG was to provide supporting fire. My strategy was to surprise the German column and force them into town where my infantry might delay them until reinforcements arrived. Two German tanks were destroyed and their motorized infantry was thrown in confusion. However, the German infantry still managed to dismount and close assault the KV-1. A few casualties were inflicted on the assaulting infantry with small arms fire, but the conscripted KV-1 crew abandoned the vehicle.

After the KV-1 fell, the German infantry left the road and started maneuvering towards one large building at the edge of town. I had station a veteran squad in this building. A heavy machine gun also provided supporting fire from a nearby building. A fierce gun battle commenced with several close assaults. I lost one squad in the fight, but the Fascists’ lost almost two entire squads.

After clearing the building, the German’s on my right flank advanced a remaining tank and two half tracks towards the tractor factory. Near the factory, a Matilda surprised the German tank. The conscripted crew missed its shots, and return fire from the Germans disabled and later destroyed the vehicle. The ATG tried several shots against these German vehicles but missed.

On the right flank, German forces advanced to the edge of town when a sniper and heavy machine gun started firing. A reconnaissance motorcycle was taken out of action. Suppressing fire provided by a tank, an armored car and other infantry managed to suppress and eventually kill my defenders.Cautious approach.

Having taken out this position, the Germans began to cautiously advance building by building towards the tractor factory. With two tanks in close support, two German squads managed to gain a foot hold in the factory and assault my prepared positions. I had stationed a squad in the factory and later reinforced it with another squad. The men fought heroically, but were unable to stand against the onslaught. At dusk I withdrew my remaining troops.

Respectfully submitted,

Colonel Nikolai Shootemdedsky
Kiev Military District

German

Terry Callahan
Matt Sherman

Russian

Warren Peterson

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February 17, 2001 - Pacific WWII Naval Action

We played Shipbase III tonight, American vs Japanese surface action in the Pacific early war. I let Joe and Warren pick the forces. They were a pretty evenly matched mix of capital ships and destroyers. 17 Japanese to 15 American. The Americans had one battleship, the USS Alabama vs two battlecruisers, Kongo and Haruna. The start was tentative but by the middle of the game there were dozens of Japanese torpedoes in the water. The American ships avoided most of the torps losing only the CA's Salt lake City, New Orleans and a Cleveland Class Cruiser. A couple American destroyers were also sunk. I wish the Japanese could say they had as light of losses. At the end of the game only the two Japanese battlecruisers Haruna and Kongo were afloat. Victory American. No moderator.

Note: We used historical for the damage setting in the Game Setup, we normally use tough to lessen the American edge in fire power. Sorry no pictures, I forgot to take them!

Japanese

Joe Shaffer
Warren Peterson

American

Terry Callahan

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February 24, 2001 - 7Th Fleet - The Blockade of Japan

We played a practice game of Victory Games' 7th Fleet. This is a board game of 1980's modern naval combat in the Western Pacific, We are going to play a campaign later in March for several weeks.

The Russian were blockading resupply of Japan. They had to prevent one slow convoy and two convoy of tankers from reaching Japan and at the same time destroy the Allied naval assets. The Allies got one tanker convoy to port, one was completely lost and the slow convoy arrived with some losses. The CVN Carl Vinson suffered damage right at the end of the game. Allied Marginal Victory. Moderator Joe Shaffer.

Allied

Terry Callahan (American)
Warren Peterson (Japanese)

Russian

Pat McGarrity
Joe Shaffer

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March 3, 2001- Eastern Front WWII

A report from the Eastern Front

Comrade General:
By now you have received my report on the battle at Zhitomir. Although I was unsuccessful in defending Zhitomir, I can report that the battle delayed the fascist invaders long enough to allow Soviet engineers to destroy all local bridges over the Teterev River. This should delay the German advance on Kiev, and allow our glorious Red Army time to prepare for a victorious counterattack.

With the bridges out on the Zhitomir-Kiev Road, I moved my remaining forces northeast towards Korosten. There I encountered the reinforcements (now replacements) I had requested at Zhitomir. These consisted of three infantry squads, one KV-1, two Matildas, one T-28, one 45mm AT gun, one 40mm Bofors AA gun and two heavy machine guns. Artillery support consisted of one 152mm gun. I had just finished assigning my subordinate commanders defensive sectors when a German Panzer column arrived.

German tanks and motorized infantry advanced rapidly across open field and down the road on my right flank. On the outskirts of town, the German forces ran into a 152mm gun emplacement. Lt. Sleepstumuch positioned this gun in a forward position and intended using it as an AT gun. This was against my instructions. German forces supported by tanks and infantry suppressed then overran the position . Both the gun and crew were lost. Comrade Sleepstumuch was later arrested by the NKVD and charged with dereliction of duty. Sentence was carried out immediately.

With the German penetration into town, I activated my reserve tank forces hoping to repel the invaders. Some initial success was achieved as the inexperienced German commander on the left flank resorted to a cautious advance after destruction of some of his forces. Eventually, the Germans managed to setup a 88mm gun sited along the road. This weapon destroyed several tanks and the 40mm Bofors gun emplacement.

Back on the right flank the German forces where again slowed when they came within the firing range of the 45mm AT gun. The dug-in AT gun was well positioned and supported by one Matilda and a near by T-28. Lt. Baddenough is to be commended for proper implementation of my instructions and adherence to training doctrine.

With the end of the day approaching, the Germans in Korosten moved to consolidate their positions and bring up reinforcements. I expect a renewed assault in the morning. I urgently request additional tank and infantry replacements if I am to continue my vigorous defense of this town.

Respectfully submitted,
Colonel Nikolai Shootemdedsky
Kiev Military District

German

Terry Callahan
Warren Peterson
Matt Sherman
Dave Andrew

Russian

Pat McGarrity (part time)
Kelly Richie
Cliff Martin
Adams Jones

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March 10, 2001 - No Game - We all attended Cold Wars 2001 in Lancaster, PA

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March 17, 2001 - 7Th Fleet Campaign

We began a campaign game of 7th Fleet, Victory Games game of warfare in the Western Pacific in the 1980's. We picked scenario 13, World War Three. Tonight we set up and completed the first day of the war. At the end of the day the Allies had lost a base on Japan and its CAP. This allowed the Russian Backfire bombers access to most of the Pacific. With access the bombers attacked several Allied task groups and task forces sinking several ships and damaging others. The Allies were starting to get worried about their prospects. They were looking for a way to take out the Rusian Bacfire bomber Airbases. When the day finished the Allies did receive needed reinforcements but were being pressed hard by the Russians in several strategic zones. The Russians, though, were told they would not be getting any reinforcements at all for the next two days. We suspended play for the night to resume again in a week.

American/Allied

Terry Callahan
Warren Peterson

Russian

Joe Shaffer

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March 24, 2001 - 7Th Fleet Campaign Day the 2nd Day

We are playing Victory Games, 7th Fleet, a game of modern naval warfare in the Western Pacific. Play resumed at the beginning of the second day.

The Americans moved much need reinforcements into the region to help shore up its forces that the Russians had hit hard the day before. A Japanese air base was activated that helped partially close the CAP barrier in its airspace. A three ship attack of long range cruise missiles took out a Backfire bomber base, a couple turns later three more cruise missile attacks took out another Russian Air base. This was to have a major impact on Russian air attacks. The game then settled down to submarine attacks by both side.

The Russian began moving two carrier task forces built around the carriers Kiev and Minsk. The Kiev's task force was attacked by three submarines. Two torpedo attacks and a SSM attack damaged two DD's, slowing the task force to three hex movement. At the Tushima Straits the Russians forgetting history tried to run the straits with a task force built around the carrier Minsk. South Korean PSC craft, Japanese submarines and Allied aircraft attacked the task force mercilessly. The Minsk and a CG, both damaged, retreated back north leaving three ships, a CG and 3 DD's, sunk in the wake of the Allied attacks.

In the North Pacific and Hokkaido Zones the Russians were closing in on four American Task Forces/Groups with eight submarines and the Kiev's Task Force. The Americans were going to try to run the gauntlet of submarines and ships to reach their objectives. As the 2nd day finished and the third day began the situation was drastically changed from the first day. The Russians had not made any successful air attacks since losing the two bases, and were being pressed hard in the southern zones. The only area in doubt was in the Hokkaido Zone with the American Task Forces. They were being attacked by seven Soviet subs. At this point we recessed for the night to resume next Saturday.

American/Allied

Terry Callahan
Warren Peterson

Russian

Joe Shaffer

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March 31, 2001 - 7Th Fleet Campaign Third Day

We are playing Victory Games, 7th Fleet, a game of modern naval warfare in the Western Pacific. Play resumed at the beginning of the Third day.

Where it had been all American on the second day of the War, the third day was a day of mixed results for both sides. The Russians sank several critically needed cargo ships in the South Pacific that were inadvertently misrouted to the Philippines. Soviet submarines and bombers from Viet Nam sank two of the escorts and two of the cargo ships. The USS Wasp's Task Force of Marines landed in South Korea in time to repel a land invasion from the North. The CV Vinson freed from it's escort duty of the Wasp Task Force moved to port for resupply and ready itself to sail south to protect the northbound convoy routes. The Soviet resupply convoy for Cam Ran Bay was hit hard and retreated back to a Soviet port in the Sea of Japan Zone. At the same time B-52s found the damaged CV Minsk and its accompanying CG and sank both in a hail of anti-ship missiles. In the Hokkaido Zone both American task forces survived repeated Russian submarine and air attacks to deliver needed supplies to Hokkaido.

Soviet Air missing during the second day was very much in evidence on the third day. Russian bombers for the second time in as many days caught a task force of DD's in open water and sank three ships. A cruise missile attack from a lone Soviet SN damaged one of the northern Japanese air bases opening a gap in the CAP barrier over Northern Japan. It was evident that the Allied ASW was working when it was announced the 10 to 1 ratio of Soviet to Allied submarines sunk. Americans have devastated the Russian submarine fleet by sinking over twenty subs to a loss of two American boats. More subs were seen leaving Russian several ports enroute to the war zones. The Allies ended the second day of the war knowing that a problem in communications would delay any reinforcement help for two days.

American/Allied

Terry Callahan
Warren Peterson

Russian

Joe Shaffer

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April 7, 2001 - 7Th Fleet Campaign Final Day

We are playing Victory Games, 7th Fleet, a game of modern naval warfare in the Western Pacific. Play resumed with the night turn of the Third day.

The night turn was quiet for both sides. The three American carrier task forces put into port to refuel and rearm the frigates and destroyers. Aircraft attacks by the Russians centered on a MP and escorting frigate. Allied P3's and ASW submarines attacked and sank several Soviet submarines. The fourth day of the war began with the American dominating the strategic war by controlling the Hokkaido and Sea of Japan Zones. American carrier groups left port and all entered the Sea of Japan Zone for coordinated attack on the Soviet and North Korean Air Bases. Several attacks by ground based fighters were unsuccessful leading to high level discussion as to the wisdom of going after these bases. The Russians attempted to send their Backfire bombers on a sortie and strayed too close to Japan and was successfully attacked by local CAP. Later the same bombers went after a lone ship in the Sea of Japan Zone and again strayed too close to the coast of Japan and was destroyed by CAP.

A check of weapons on several submarines revealed low stockpiles and all US subs were ordered to port for rearming and an important new objective. JSDF subs were ordered to take up station in the zones the US subs were leaving. It was becoming apparent that the Allies had won the undersea war with the loss of only 3 submarines to an estimated Soviet loss of almost 30 submarines. At the end of the PM turn only one Soviet submarine operated outside of the Sea of Japan and the Sea of Okotsk Zone.

At the end of the Fourth Day PM turn the Russians asked for a cease fire. The Americans granted the request and a the Victory points were totaled up. Russian: 178 - American/Allied : 256 = American/Allied Marginal Victory. The three players agreed that the Russian has a difficult time winning because it has no large carriers in it fleet. It was the carrier battle groups that carried the day for the Americans. The anti sub warfare was also significant in the American victory. We all agreed we had a good time playing 7th Fleet, taking several weeks to complete. We will do another board game again in the future. Victory American. No Moderator

Link to the Allied and Russian After Action Report by Warren Peterson and Joe Shaffer.

American/Allied

Terry Callahan
Warren Peterson

Russian

Joe Shaffer

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April 14, 2001 - At the Gates of Moscow - WWII Skirmish

After Action Report
by Joe Shaffer

Approaching the climax of the invasion of the Soviet Union, elements of the 4th Panzer division conducted an assault on the outskirts Moscow. The Russians had presented increasingly tough defensive positions at each village, and the Wermacht troops knew this would be no better. Dominated by its onion-domed church on a low hill, the village was really a scattering of farms and outlying houses. The ruins of two larger workers dormitories shared the heights with the church, and preliminary reconnaissance showed several prepared fighting positions, including a network of trenches, wire and gun positions at the base of the hill before the church. A preliminary barrage hit the trench line and a crossroad with good effect.

The German commander ordered his reconnaissance team, composed of an armored car (234/1) and a PzIIId carrying a squad, to probe the first farm on the road into the village. The attackers didn't even reach the farm before an anti-tank gun (45mm) on the heights destroyed the armored car. The reconnaissance commander promptly swerved to the left off the road and into a forest through which he intended to advance on the flank of the gun position. The main body of the attack, composed of five more PzIII and four squads of infantry followed the original attack plan, advancing in the center and on the right through the farm.

The German armor was decimated in its advance. Within ten minutes, five tanks were out of action with no loss to the Russian armor. One German tank exchanged several shots with a T-34, eventually losing the contest and a KV-1 dug in knocked out , the second of two panzers, which had inflicted several futile hits on the heavy tank. The remaining German tank was the recon commander's, who also controlled an intact squad. This force forged a path through the woods and encountered a Russian squad deployed to protect the KV's position. Even though the sound of the German approach had been unmistakable, the Russians were unprepared and a fury of machine gun and small arms fire eliminated the Russian position. The Soviet platoon commander on that flank, enraged by the pointless slaughter, ordered his remaining squad to charge the Germans from a strong-point in the center of the field.

This recklessness could have ruined the Soviet right and exposed the KV's position to infantry attack, but on the Soviet left the fate of the German assault was being sealed. The Soviets had concentrated attention on the German armor and on the infantry advancing in the center. This carnage had served as a screen to the infantry advancing on the right and under fire the Germans reached the trench line, driving off several defenders. The lead German squad was poised to roll up the entire line and assault the T-34, but it was at that moment that German artillery returned. The first barrages landed squarely on the Russian line causing several casualties and suppressing the defenders, but the barrage drifted onto the Germans and at the same moment the T-34 opened up with its machine guns on the infantry which had over-run the trenches. The combination of these events threw the lead element into confusion and with the NCO's dead, the survivors surrendered. The German commander realized that he had little left with which to threaten the Soviets and so he ordered a withdrawal to collect reinforcements and plan a new assault. Soviet and German losses in infantry were roughly equal, but the loss of five tanks and an armored car with nothing in exchange told the tale. Victory Russian (barely) Moderator Pat McGarrity

German

Joe Shaffer
Cliff Martin
Adam Jones

Russian

Terry Callahan
Jeremny Papp

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April 21, 2001- No Game - Taking My Walk to Emmausus

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April 28, 2001 - No Game

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May 5, 2001 - Devil's Den ACW

We had a practice game for DiCon. I am hosting a 25 mm ACW game using Brother Against Brother rules. The battle is the engagement around the south end of Houck's Ridge at the Battle of Gettysburg. This was otherwise know as the Devil's Den. This is only a small part of the battle, the Union has only the 4th New York Independent Battery consisting of four 10# Parrot Rifles on the top of the ridge and in support the 124th New York Infantry. The Confederate force is the 1st Texas.

The Rebels lined up along a fence line and stepped out advancing on the ridge above. Union fire began to cut down the Rebs as soon as they came into range, losing two units right away. The Confederates started shooting back though at a distinct disadvantage. The Union troops were behind a stone wall and the Rebs were out in the open. The die rolls were decidedly against the Texans. As the 1st Texas advanced up the hill their fire began to have an effect on the Federal troops behind the wall. The third line Texans stepped out of the woods at this point and their fire helped route several units above. Fire was traded back and forth and the Union held the flanks but lost the center. Several CSA units charged the gun and melee between Rebel infantry and Union infantry and artillerists ensued. It was a close thing for the Union but they were overwhelmed by the Texans and retired from the hill. The Texans captured the guns.

We had some observations after the battle. The original OOB was ten squads of Confederates with three more coming on later. The Union had five squads and four 10# Parrot Rifles. We felt the Confederates had about the right amount to start, but I will increase the Union Squads to six with two reinforcements and leave the Confederates with ten to start and four reinforcements later. I am also going to increase the canister to eight rounds for the battery, they began with four. I am also going to change the size of the canister pattern from 2x3 to 4x6 inches. I am not happy with the shot table and am considering changing it too. Overall we all agreed it will be a good game for the a con. Straight up shoot out typical of Civil War engagements.

Rules: Brother Against Brother. Confederate victory. moderator: Terry Callahan (part time).

Union

Joe Shaffer

Confederate

Terry Callahan
Warren Peterson

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May 12, 2001 - No Game
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May 19, 2001 - One on One

There were only two players tonight so we played some one on one. We began with Blue Sky rules and one on one aircraft combat, with a series of games consisting on one plane per player.

Here is the list and the outcome of each engagement. The players were Joe Shaffer and Terry Callahan, one player would select the aircraft and then we would flip a coin or throw a die to see who flew which plane. It became very evident as we went along how difficult it is to shoot a plane down in a one on one combat. In the P38 vs Zero game the Zero's ability to turn and the P38's speed meant neither had a distinct advantage and resulted in a draw. The other games the planes were closely matched and pilot error was the deciding factor.

Game 1: Spitfire I vs BF-190E Emil. Winner - BF190E
Game 2: P38F Lightning vs A6M2 Zero. Draw
Game 3: Spitfire I vs A6M2 Zero. Winner - A6M2 Zero
Game 4: P38F Lightning vs ME109G-6 Gustav. Winner - P38F Lighting

We then played Avalon Hill's Arika Korps, Joe was British and Terry was German. The British made one mistake in the game and it cost them the victory in the end. At about the July 1941 the Germans had Tobruk under siege, the British attempted a breakout with a 1-1 attack and rolled an A Elim on the combat results table. This allowed the German's to occupy Tobruk and press steadily against the British, pushing them back to El Alamain. A break through the British line by the Germans resulted in the loss of the British Home Base in July 1942. The Brits counter-attacked but failed to successfully route the German defenders from the British Home Base. At this point the British were out of supply units and conceded the game. No Moderator, Victory German.

Note: I hadn't played this game since college 30 years ago. The game was a present to one of my brothers in 1967.
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May 26, 2001 - Convoy PQ11 WWII Naval Game

Had a practice game for DiCon. Convoy PQ18. An Allied convoy bound for Russia in spring 1942 with 21 freighters and seven escorts. Attacking was the German Battleship Tirpitz and escort of four destroyers.

The Convoy commander had a choice of support forces to come in when the Germans were spotted. His choice was the British Battleship King George V one heavy and two light cruiser escorted by five A-L Class destroyers.

The battle was a running fight with the convoy escorts taking it hard, losing 3 corvettes and 2 destroyers and three freighters before the support force arrived on the scene. A German torpedo attack on the convoy sent two more freighters and a tanker to the bottom. The German destroyers were ahead on the convoy preparing another torpedo attack when disaster struck the Tirpitz. Because of a miscalculation in orders the German battleship received a 180 degree turn order too late. As it was turning it came parallel to the British destroyer division at a range of 1000 to 4000 yards. The British lunched a torpedo attack aimed at the German battleship. In the first spread five of eight torpedoes hit for 52% damage, the second spread 3 of eight hit for 28% damage, the third had 2 of eight hit for 32% damage. The last two spreads didn't reach the unlucky battleship. The Tirpitz went down in minutes with 10 torpedo hits. The German destroyers seeing the sinking of the Tirpitz disengaged from the battle. Allied Victory. No moderator.

Allied

Warren Peterson

German

Terry Callahan

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June 2, 2001 No Game - We all attended DiCon in Collinsville, IL

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June 9, 2001 - WWII Coastal Naval Battles

Played a new set of rules and genre. Warren brought 1/600 coastal boats, PT, MBT , Schnellbotes etc. We played two games using Flaklighter, Naval Rules for 1/600 boats.

Both games used the same boats and scenario, Germans had to move across the bay to land several barges. The Allies had to intercept them in the first and in the second a night action had to locate and stop the Germans. All in all a good game system and like all good game systems it of course need a bit of refinement. We though out the rulers and used hex based movement and gunfire distance, we added collateral damage when a boat explodes to any other boat unfortunate enough to be near the doomed boat and a couple other minor changes.

In the first game the Germans had a better time of it than the Allies. I ran all three of my boats aground and Joe lost a couple of his boats in sinkings. In the second the Allies had a better time of it the Germans lost all weapons on tow boats and the lost another to an explosion. The Allies lost one boat to an explosion and two other to gunfire. we had a good time and thought of several more possibilities, Japanese Destroyers running the Slot, against PT boats, an MBT attack against the Tirpitz anchored in a Norwegian fjord defended by Germans destroyers and E-Boats, English Channel battles etc. Look for more games later.

Players

Warren Peterson
Terry Callahan
Joe Shaffer

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June 16, 2001 - Son of the Desert - Attack on the Fort

Final statement given by Sean Murphy, Irish recruit, to the fort commander directly before his death:

Colonel, right after you left the fort with the men and supplies to head off the attack on our neighboring town, a host of Arabs stormed all around us. The Arabs were very persistent in gaining entry into our fort at the gate. They tried once, but they retreated back when our guns opened up. When they realized how few guns we had, they tried again, but the Hotchkiss fired into the crowded cavalry, sending them into a rout.

Two of the six men left in the infirmary, Daryl (#1) and Daryl (#2), grabbed rifles and headed out the front gate. They were completely delirious, and we thought they were dead for sure. Amazingly, Daryl (#1) and Daryl (#2) started picking off mounted. Inspired, two more of the ill men headed out the door. The group of four entered a melee with Arab cavalry, wounding two mounted tribesmen. Unfortunately, right before the cavalry routed again, the second group of two legionnaires to go out were killed. The Hotchkiss, directly above the melee, started to pick off enemy light infantry on delirious soldiers left flank. Hoping for better luck than the last group, the last two ill men from the infirmary hopped out the gate, only to be killed instantly by riflemen aiming right at the gate. Daryl (#1) and Daryl (#2) were amazing! Even after the second and third pair were killed, they kept fighting strong. A melee ensued, one mounted tribesman fell from his horse, another was killed at which point the entire group routed - AGAIN! Only four mounted tribesmen remained. The men on the walls killed the remaining cavalrymen.

The Daryl (#1) ran out of ammo, so he came back through the gate. That Daryl (#2) to fight off the increasing numbers of tribesmen that were beginning to enter the fray at the front gate. Woefully outnumbered Daryl (#2), at 4 to1, lost his life in the ensuing melee.

As soon as Daryl (#1) went back through the gates, two massive explosions rocked the fort. The Arabs had used TNT on the side wall of the fort. Arabs started to pour into the fort. Daryl (#1) and another legionnaire entered into melee with 28 Arabs. What a sight! The Hotchkiss on the ramparts turned around opened up into the crowd, killing Daryl (#1) and 3 Arabs! What a fate for someone so brave! Then the Sgt. Major opened up into the crowd and killed another Arab, but there were to many. Maximillian Sherman fired from the wall and started to kill Arabs left and right.

The Arabs were smart, though, and quickly entered into a number of melees within the fort. The first (2:1) resulted in the wounding of one Arab and one legionnaire. The second (4:1) remained a stalemate with our legionnaire holding on strong! The third (2:2) ended up with one Arab and one legionnaire receiving wounds. The final melee (2:1), between two reserve Arab cavalrymen and a legionnaire, finished with our legionnaire receiving heavy wounds. But none of our boys lost their lives (yet) despite the incredible odds; Our own men killed more legionnaires than the Arabs did. The Hotchkiss opened up again, killing two Arabs and one legionnaire. Maximillian Sherman fired and struck the Arab leader.

Despite our losses, us few boys left were doing everything we could. The reserve cavalier then died quickly at the hands of a legionnaire, followed by chaos. Arabs were yelling and screaming and firing, but they didn't hit a single legionnaire (there were so few targets!). When the Arabs realized that Maximillian Sherman was firing and killing with great accuracy, two Arabs fired at him, but missed. Then the Arabs turned their sights to the Hotchkiss, missing the first time, but doing severe damage the next. The Hotchkiss opened up one last time and, like every other time, the bullets found our own men. I fell due to the Hotchkiss. Maximillian was the next to fall, but he didn't last as long as I. All the legionnaires left standing had no ammo, and our only hope, the Hotchkiss, jammed. The rest is just to unbearable to speak. Please forgive us Colonel, we did all we could.

Sean Murphy
Victory - Arab Tribesmen Moderator - Joe Shaffer

French Foreign Legion

Matt Sherman
Cliff Martin

Tribesmen

Terry Callahan
Warren Peterson
Pat McGarrity

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June 23, 2001 - No Game everyone had a something to do tonight.
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June 30, 2001 - French Counterattack May 1940

A French counter attack on a German position during May 1940 German Offensive. The German Army advancing through northern France had stopped to regroup before resuming its blitzkrieg against the French. A German antiaircraft battery and army police had set up around a farm house occupied by the division commander.

A French force of seven tanks and a platoon of infantry attacked taking the Germans by surprise. But the Germans had a surprise on their side too. A battery of Flak88's set up in a vicious crossfire. Fire from the 88's took out three CharB medium tanks in minutes. It looked bad for the French. A lucky HE round though fired at one of the 88's evened up the score and allowed the French to drive on the German left flank through the woods. German PZI's and a couple PZIII's exchanged fire with the French tanks on the French Left. Three close assaults by two squads of French infantry took out one of the PZIII's and sent the PZI's in retreat collapsing the German Left Flank. At this point the German General decided it was time to leave but his driver lost control of the staff car and crashed into a stone wall. French victory: Moderator Pat McGarrity: Rules G.I.

French

Terry Callahan
Warren Peterson

German

Matt Sherman

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Game List - January to June, 2001
Jan 6 - Sons of the Desert	Apr 7 - 7th Fleet Final Day
Jan 13 - France May 1940	Apr 14 - At the Gates of Moscow - WWII Skirmish
Jan 20 - No Game	Apr 21 - No Game - Taking My Walk to Emmaus
Jan 27- German Counter Attack, France 1944	Apr 28 - No Game
Feb 3 - Whaoo' Way Out West	May 5 - Devil's Den ACW
Feb 10 - Eastern Front - Kiev 20mm	May 12 - No Game
Feb 17- Pacific WWII Naval Action	May 19 - One on One
Feb 24 - 7Th Fleet - The Blockade of Japan	May 26 - Convoy PQ11 WWII Naval Game
Mar 3 - 20mm Eastern Front - Assault on the Tractor Factory	Jun 2 - Attending DiCon
Mar 10 - Attending Cold Wars 2001	Jun 9 - WWII 1/600 Coastal Naval
Mar 17 - 7Th Fleet Campaign Set Up and First day	Jun 16 - Sons of the Desert - Attack on the Fort.
Mar 24 - 7Th Fleet Campaign Second Day	Jun 23 - No Game Everyone has a family thing to do

Mar 31 - 7Th Fleet Campaign Third Day	Jun 30 -French Counterattack May 1940