Hi... ;)
Pierre and I started the RCW campaign which can be found in the Mill (n°4).
Here is the debriefing of the first battle, around Tsaritsyn area... We played it last saturday, in our local club (Liffré) in Brittany...
It was a 500 points battle.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
RCW campaign - Mission n ° 1 - Comrade General Anatoli Vassili Anatolovitch's debriefing.
March 1918, somewhere around Voronezh area...
My name is Anatoli Vassili Anatolovitch ... A few months ago, I was a sergeant in the 72nd infantry regiment of the imperial army of the Tsar... Now I am the comrade commanding a bunch of mismatched units of the People's Red Army...
I'm now sitting in a train going I don't know where, surrounded by 10 men from Comrade Trotsky's guard, and I am still a bit drunk...
Arriving at the station (I think this is Voronezh), I get off and my escort leads me to an office in the main building. At 100 meters on my right, a guy has just been shot ... An officer, it seems.
There, in the office, six (high ranked) officers are looking at me... No one is talking. I greet and introduce myself:
"Comrade commander Anatolovitch, at your orders, comrades".
"GENERAL Anatolovitch," replies the one who seems to be the boss ... I am promoted... Bad news...
"I am Comrade General Alexandr Peticanitch, who reports directly to Comrade Trotsky's staff. Here are the comrades Postitch, Kouglov, Saprisky, Grobov and Savapavitch. I will be direct. General Piotr Camulogénovitch's imperialist forces are gathering in the Tsaritsyn sector. Congratulations, comrade... You have just been proposed to command our army for an assault in this area in order to destroy his army. You shouldn't have a hard time doing better than your predecessor...
Damn ... it must be the poor guy I saw outside ...
"We have regrouped several regiments in the Voronezh sector. You will have a regiment of riflemen, another from Comrade Trotsky's Sotnia, two or even three regiments of regulars and a few conscripts. You will be assigned a cavalry unit as well as artillery and we will see what we can do about armoured vehicles. Any questions ?
- Uh yes ... When should we attack?
- As quickly as possible. From a reliable source, the White forces do not expect an assault in this sector... We have an opportunity to launch an unexpected attack "...
One of the officers sets a card on the table.
"This is the area where the White elements were spotted two days ago. We think they will take up residence near Tsaritsyn, there exactly. To achieve a decisive victory, we would have to secure four objectives:
- An area in the forest on our left flank (Zone 4),
- A crossroads in the center (Zone 2),
- A village in the center - Its church would be a perfect observation point for our artillery (Zone 3);
- A hill to the right of the battlefield (zone 1).
I know, comrade ... The task will to be difficult to accomplish ... But we know you will be able to do it, in the name of the revolution"!
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/camp0179.jpg)
Here I am outside, now... Officers of the different regiments I am going to lead into battle stand in front of me. It is my job to galvanize them so that they have only one goal in mind: victory against the imperialists!
Arrival in the Tsaritsyn sector takes a week by train. It was necessary to gather and equip the thousand men who will take part in the assault. I am not unhappy with the presence of the Kronstadt sailors and the Red Sotnia: they are really tough guys!
We still need a day for the regiments to take up their respective positions. During the train trip, I had time to plan operations and submit this plan to my officers.
It will be simple. The army will be divided into three columns:
- The bulk of the effort will go towards the center of the map, towards the village (3) and the crossroads (zone 2). My two elite regiments as well as a regular infantry regiment supported by two gun batteries will take place in this sector;
- The attack on the wood on the left flank (zone 4) will be made with conscripts and a regiment of regulars, supported by two artillery batteries and several machineguns;
- Finally, the assault on the hill on the right flank (zone 1) will be led by a cavalry regiment supported by some light armoured vehicles. Speed will be their main asset. A gun battery will support them back.
Our spies have confirmed to us that the Whites do not expect this assault... But I remain suspicious. I've had the opportunity to fight against them before. They are determined, efficient, well trained. Many former cadres of the tyrant's army (the Tsar) have joined them and they perfectly know how to fight...
Some problems were also reported to me during the deployment... several hundred conscripts deserted. Also problematic, we will have to launch the assault without the prior support of our heavy artillery... The latter will not be ready at best until long after the attack has started.
I don't like it ... But we can not go back!
At 6:00 am, I order the launch of the attack. The regiments quickly set off and launched out as one man in a formidable assault. Revolutionary hymns are heard and ignite the soldiers... Nothing can resist this red tide that will shed its blood for the freedom of the Russian people, for the just revolution of the proletarians ...
Many objectives, except the crossroads located further forward in the enemy lines, are unoccupied! I distinguish silhouettes among the Whites ...
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/camp0181.jpg)
They seem to have been taken by surprise ...
Our troops are advancing quickly in a formidable wave.
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/camp0180.jpg)
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/camp0182.jpg)
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/camp0184.jpg)
Our assault is successful, in the central area. The regular regiment quickly occupied the village and its church, with the two elite regiments in support. The Whites are getting positioned in front of us...
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/camp0183.jpg)
Occupying this objective is a good point for us... Our field artillery follows the movement.
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/camp0185.jpg)
The enemy takes position ...
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/camp0187.jpg)
I can hear the enemy armoured vehicles starting their engine on... They react more quickly than I expected. They are professional units in front of us...
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/camp0186.jpg)
Our forces prepare to dig in the central area ...
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/camp0188.jpg)
On the left flank, conscripts supported by a regiment of regulars and several machine guns arrive at the edge of the forest. For the moment, there does not seem to be any presence of enemy soldiers. The artillery has just deployed parts in a field...
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/camp0189.jpg)
As for the right flank, I watch from my position their rapid advance towards the hill, facing the city where several White units are positioned. The assault which will be launched MUST be successful there...
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/camp0190.jpg)
The village in the central area seems to be an easy target to hold. Indeed, enemies will have to cross a large swampy area before arriving in front of the first houses.
But the Whites react quickly... From my position, I see reinforcements arriving by the main road, at the bottom of their side...
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/camp0191.jpg)
Suddenly, a rumble followed by whistles and explosions makes the air vibrate... In the village, sprays of land are rising towards the sky, causing panic among the regiment of regulars who had just captured it. These last hold up at first...
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/camp0192.jpg)
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/camp0193.jpg)
But they end up shrinking from the intensity of the shelling.
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/camp0194.jpg)
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/camp0195.jpg)
On the left flank, an imperialist regiment has just taken up position in the wood. Damn! We will have to assault them quickly, or we will be in trouble in this area...
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/camp0196.jpg)
A first assault took place: the regulars run toward the position held by the enemy. The fighting is fierce... But the Whites, against all odds, are pushing our forces back on the edge of the forest. Our losses are significant and morale of the regiment drops.
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/camp0197.jpg)
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/camp0198.jpg)
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/camp0199.jpg)
Meanwhile, Red Sotnia units have just reoccupied the central village, allowing regulars who have withdrawn to reorganize. Hurray!
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/camp0100.jpg)
Our heavy artillery finally opens fire, pounding a position which could provide reinforcements to the Whites occupying the target area of the forest, on the left flank.
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/camp0101.jpg)
On the right side, cavalry and light armoured vehicles are doing extremely well: a white regiment which had previously occupied the hill is fleeing after a furious assault of the red Cossacks! Sailors took the opportunity to reinforce this flank, in order to support the cavalry regiment on its objective. Things are going on well.
The light armoured vehicle has taken a hit: it remains operational, but for how long?...
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/camp0102.jpg)
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/camp0103.jpg)
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/camp0105.jpg)
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/camp0104.jpg)
A clamour grabs my attention. In the central area, a white regiment has just crossed the marshes and is attacking the village. Red Sotnia and regulars who had just reorganized succeed in pushing back the opponent... The Whites must fall back after having suffered heavy losses. It confirms my idea that this central position will be very difficult to be taken by the enemy...
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/camp0106.jpg)
On the left flank, a second air-supported assault was launched by the conscripts against the Whites' newly fortified position.
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/camp0107.jpg)
It's a true disaster... Volunteers are almost annihilated and the aviation is totally ineffective. The latter defected, that day...
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/camp0109.jpg)
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/camp0108.jpg)
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/camp0200.jpg)
I don't see how we are going to achieve to capture this position. Enemy units arrived in support. I then order the withdrawal, because it is still the best thing to do in this sector.
The remains of the volunteers and the regiment of regulars therefore retreat to the central village, with the mission of defending the left flank of this objective. Field artillery took up positions further back to cover the area between the left flank and the central village.
At midday, the situation is as follows:
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/camp0202.jpg)
On the right flank, the enemy fails in assaulting our troop, heroes of this day on the hill ...
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/camp0203.jpg)
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/camp0201.jpg)
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/camp0204.jpg)
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/camp0205.jpg)
By meantime, two regiments of White cavalry and an armoured vehicle carry out a bypass maneuver which directly threatens my staff...
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/camp0206.jpg)
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/camp0207.jpg)
I order my officers to move to the left close to the artillery. A regiment of regulars left the central area at that time in an attempt to join and protect our headquarters due to the flanking maneuver of the enemy.
At the end of the day, with my officers, we agree that the situation is blocked... We hold two objectives out of the four, on which we are firmly entrenched. The enemy is in an identical configuration. He is weakened, and have nearly no chance to capture our fortified and well defended positions. Unfortunately, we no longer have any hope of seizing the wooded area on the left flank, and the central crossroads seem impossible to capture, its troops being deployed around...
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/camp0208.jpg)
I think that Comrade General Peticanitch is not going to like this situation... We must now evaluate the situation precisely...
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
To be continued next month, as we still have to determine the victory conditions... Who won this game? Mmmm... What a suspense!! ;D
Anatoli - what a wonderful write-up of a beautiful game - thank you!
At the risk of diving into trivial detail, I don't think I've seen such effective explosion markers before - did you make those yourself, of did you buy them?
In any case, well done all round,
Simon
Hi Simon,
Thank you... ;)
Here is the 3D file used for explosions :
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3254204
You need to rescale it (I use a 21% scale - Maximum 25%) as it is quite big...
Those in the pictures have been painted by Pierre...
Wow - newfangled 3D printers - whatever next? ;)
Anatoli.... also enjoyed reading your report on what looked like a great game.
...and thank you for the pointer to those wonderful explosion markers.
Bob
Thank you for this entertaining write up of a fantastic looking game.
Martin Buck
Wow! wish I could get my stuff to that level of completion.
I very much enjoyed reading that. That was a great report.
regards,
Nick
Excellent write up. It really drew me in to the constant back and forth of a Square Bashing game.
Results of the first battle
After having calculated the score of the very tight game (92 points vs 81) we played a month ago, it turns out to be a White victory at Tsaritsyn!
Nothing could stop his armies after his victory; so general Piotr Camulogenovitch invaded the Voronezh sector...
Motivated by this victory, the White HQ decided to launch a major offensive towards Pskov from Riga, west side of Russia. He launched an elite army into the battle : his formidable German Freikorps (n°34 in the army book)!
The Bolshevik HQ decided to launch several regiments of the Red Shock Army (n°42 in the army book) into the battle, to defend Pskov! Comrade general Anatoli Vassili Anatolovitch will be in command of the Red Army in Pskov.
The battle coming will be fierce... ;)
Debriefing of this 2nd battle in a few weeks, when we play it in our local club ! :)
To be continued...
Congrats to Pierre for his victory !! ;)
Cheers,
Xavier
Wow, that's a very tight score on points. I'd ask for a recount :D
Looking forward to the second after action report!
Hi...
Here is the second battle of the Square Bashing RCW campaign initiated last february...
It was a fierce and tigh battle as you will notice by reading this battle report. Some objectives were captured and re-captured several times...
We had a great fun playing the game.
RCW campaign - Mission n ° 2 - Comrade General Anatoli Vassili Anatolovitch's debriefing.
May 1918, somewhere around Pskov area...
After our defeat in Tsaritsyn and the loss of the city two months ago, we have learned that the enemy forces have decided to launch a major offensive at Pskov, in the north-east of the country. Our reports indicate that the Bermondt-Avalov Freikorps will lead the attack to capture the city.
These units are mainly made up of elite regiments ...
The task will be arduous... A part of the troops that I will command is still on the way towards Pskov and will not be ready when the Whites launch their attack... Only 25% of my artillery guns will be available.
It's a very hard blow. Our opponents are well equipped ... That's what Comrade General Peticanich told me during the trip.
Let's talk about Tsaritsyn's trip to Pskov: it was long and tiring, with many various incidents. Bandits has committed countless sabotages of railways ... We ended up neutralizing them, at the cost of a significant loss of time and many deaths in our ranks.
Fortunately, when I arrive there, I discovered that the troops who will defend this strategic area of Pskov seem to be well supplied. In particular, I find there a regiment of the Red Sotnia and troops of sailors from the Baltic. Several regiments of regular troops are also present. We should be able to do something with what we have there ...
We were assigned with four objectives to defend.
- n°1: a sector covered with forests in the east;
- n°2: a strategic crossroads (center of map);
- n°3: a village along the road (center / west);
- n°4: a hill, in the north-west, which could constitute an excellent site for the deployment of artillery guns.
Looking at the map and taking into account our forces, I immediately decide not to occupy objective n°4 (the hill): I cannot afford to divide my forces. In addition, my scouts have just announced the arrival of the White vanguard north of our positions.
We are starting a race against time ... The imperialist forces should sizer objective n°1 (the forest) before us ... We will probably have to fight in order to re-capture it. The crossroads and the village are being fortified. The hill at the northwest will be covered with enemy troops soon.
In the east, the Red Sotnia, a regular regiment and a machine guns platoon are moving towards objective n°1 (the forest). A cavalry unit and an armoured carsplatoon enter the crossroads, ready to be deployed where the need arises; sailors and a regiment of regular troops supported by a machine guns platoon took up positions in the village (objective n°3). Finally, a piece of artillery was deployed on the hill between objectives n°1 and n°2.
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/camp0212.jpg)
Quite far away in front of us, villages near Pskov are occupied by Whites; they have got armoured vehicles. I've already seen these machines at work: it's terrifying!
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/camp0211.jpg)
The fortification works begin at the crossroads, ... But we are under pressure: I guess the White units are getting closer and closer...
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/camp0210.jpg)
In the small village (objective n°3) along the road heading to the west, everyone holds their breath: the first White units are now walking towards our positions.
But the village is well defended by our regiments!
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/camp0214.jpg)
Suddenly, in the center area of the map, the Whites launch their attack... They arrive quickly, their tanks in front of them...
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/camp0213.jpg)
In the east side of the battlefield, Freikorps have just taken up position in the forest. I immediately order an assault on this objective, and I send a cavalry regiment in support.
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/camp0215.jpg)
After a very violent fight, the Whites retreat and our troops immediately occupy the forest. Unfortunately, I can see two other regiments ready to launch a counterattack.
In the northwest, white artillery and armoured cars have just occupied the hill (objective n°4).
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/camp0217.jpg)
Our troops in the forest do not have time to build fortifications, even basic ones ... The pressure is great.
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/camp0216.jpg)
In the distance, white conscripts have just occupied another village, without a fight. We had no troops to oppose them.
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/camp0218.jpg)
Suddenly, a huge noise sounds in the village (objective n°3): the enemy has just launched a terrible artillery barrage. Men will need nerves of steel not to panic in this sector.
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/camp0219.jpg)
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/camp0220.jpg)
In the east sector, Freikorps launch an assault on the forest which is repelled with difficulty by our troops. The first losses take place. It's going to be impossible to send reinforcements to the sector, as they only come in sparse...
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/camp0221.jpg)
In the center area, towards the village (objective n°3), the White troops are preparing for the assault... The artillery barrage is formidable and the morale of the defenders begins to go lower.
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/camp0222.jpg)
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/camp0224.jpg)
Fortunately, some of the shells fall outside the village...
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/camp0223.jpg)
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/camp0225.jpg)
In the east sector, the White army launched a second assault ... The latter was also repulsed, but with difficulty. Losses are piling up. The situation of our troops in this sector is not brilliant ... Morale is low as men are exhausted.
I have no reinforcements to send there, as an assault is preparing towards the crossroads (objective n°2).
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/camp0226.jpg)
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/camp0227.jpg)
An enemy force supported by armoured vehicles rushes to the crossroads. I have no choice but to withdraw the cavalrymen who were in support of the besieged troops in the forest to charge them.
The horsemen charge from the hill on the side of the attackers; on the other side, troops positioned between the crossroads and the village (objectives n°2 and n°3) come to support in an attempt to break the advance of the Whites.
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/camp0230.jpg)
The fighting was tough and the White regiments involved were forced to retreat under the violence of the counterattack. The crossroads is temporarily saved. Hourre!
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/camp0228.jpg)
Simultaneously, the village (objective n°3) is under an attack of a White force which will be repulsed by our troops.
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/camp0229.jpg)
Situation at mid-game is as follows: the white intensifies the pressure, but with the exception of the hill (objective n°4) to the west side, the forest, the crossroads and the village are still in our hands!
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/camp0233.jpg)
In the forest sector, our air force finally comes to relieve the defenders in the forest. Attacking aircrafts on Whites seem quite effective, but it finally appears that little damage will be inflicted.
Hell!
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/camp0231.jpg)
Enemy forces are reorganizing in order to launch another assault towards the crossroads. Our reinforcements still slowly enter the battlefield... We need some more troops!
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/camp0232.jpg)
Another assault is launched against the village...
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/camp0234.jpg)
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/camp0235.jpg)
In the west area, General Piotr Camulogenovitch moved his armoured cars forward in an attempt to initiate a flank maneuver. Our armoured cars are immediately dispatched to try to counter intruders.
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/camp0236.jpg)
In the center area, the Whites are once again heading towards the crossroads...
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/camp0238.jpg)
...While in the west, the armoured cars will meet to fight...
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/camp0239.jpg)
Meanwhile, the defenders in the village are shaken up by a new assault... There are losses, but the objective does not fall into the hands of the Whites... I consider the defenders as heroes of the Revolution, as the battle was really fierce!
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/camp0237.jpg)
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/camp0240.jpg)
In the east side, our troops still hold the forest. Many heroic actions have taken place in the past few hours...
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/camp0241.jpg)
Whites still can't get in the forest due to our heroic resistance...
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/camp0242.jpg)
Situation :
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/camp0243.jpg)
From now, the entire White front launched assaults simultaneously.
This is the case in the village.
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/camp0245.jpg)
I'm trying to call our artillery in order to launch a barrage on the attackers. Unfortunately, communications are cut. I do not succeed in calling them (not even one "6" out of 17 dice !!). 😊
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/camp0244.jpg)
A regiment of regular troops has just arrived as reinforcements! Hourre! I immediately send them toward the crossroads, where very few defenders occupy the premises. And considering the assault that is preparing in front, we really need them in this sector!
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/camp0247.jpg)
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/camp0246.jpg)
The fighting at the crossroads and in the village is fierce and the situation indecisive... I can not see anything because of this smoke screen in the village...
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/camp0248.jpg)
A new assault on the forest in the east side has shaken up the defenders. Our troops give up and abandon the objective after heavy fightings.
Hell! We lost objective n°1!
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/camp0249.jpg)
The Whites take the opportunity to launch a flank maneuver: troops are on the way to over flank the defenders who have just abandoned the forest... We will soon have to head towards the crossroads to gather with the troops there.
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/camp0250.jpg)
Hell! The crossroads has just fallen into the hands of the Whites. Our troops were forced to retreat.
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/camp0251.jpg)
Finally, in the village, the last White assault overruns our regiments: the latter are driven out, with heavy losses. Our regiment of regular troops who fought with the sailors has just paid a very heavy cost...
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/camp0252.jpg)
The enemy doesn't waste his time... He immediately occupies the newly captured objective.
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/camp0253.jpg)
At the end of this series of assaults, our situation is very complicated: we have lost all of our objectives. But the Whites are also exhausted from the fighting. We may still have a card to play...
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/camp0254.jpg)
I made up my mind and order the sailors to attack again in an attempt to re-capture the village...
I know men are exhausted, weaken and shocked. But we have no other solution except attack again and again...
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/camp0255.jpg)
Simultaneously, at the crossroads, our men who were retreating have just reorganized... They are now heading towards the enemy...
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/camp0256.jpg)
And against all odds, the assault lead by sailors and regular troops succeeded in pushing back the Whites from the village! Hourre! The positions are immediately reoccupied by our men. We have just re-captured objective n°3!
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/camp0257.jpg)
Several victorious assaults were launched against the Whites who occupied the crossroads. The latter suffer appalling losses, being surrounded... The defenders of the forest, back to the crossroads, came to support the attackers...
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/camp0259.jpg)
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/camp0258.jpg)
But we have a problem coming... A part of the White regiments which now occupy the forest have just left it to try to help the defenders who still hold the crossroads.
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/camp0260.jpg)
Imperialist forces now attack the red Sotnia and the regiment of regular troops; the shock is severe and our troops are forced to retreat, opening agap in the eastern flank of the crossroads...
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/camp0261.jpg)
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/camp0262.jpg)
But elite troops regroup, join the newly arrived reinforcements and launch an attack on the crossroads to crush the last weakened White defences.
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/camp0263.jpg)
At the same time, the Whites have recovered themselves near the village (objective n°3) ... They successfully counterattack, forcing our men to retreat. But this time, unfortunately, our losses will prevent us from re-capturing this objective...
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/camp0264.jpg)
Meanwhile, our regiments have just recaptured the crossroads after destroying the weak troops still present! Hourre! The Party will be proud of us!
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/camp0265.jpg)
From now, the situation will no longer evolve... The game comes to an end.
We have retained only one objective out of the four: the crossroads. The White army occupies the others. The losses were appalling on both sides.
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/camp0266.jpg)
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
After the fights, the score was extremely tight: 53 to 57, which turned to be an Ex Aequo.
The game was epic, with a lot of surprises on both sides... A big thriller until the end!
Can't wait for the next one !! 😊
Anatoli,
That is a fabulous set-up, battle and write-up - thank you so much for taking the trouble to write up and share.
Simon
Anatoli,
Fantastic, I really enjoyed reading the battle report and looking at the fabulous figures and terrain.
Thank you,
Martin Buck
Wow, that was an epic post. Really enjoyed that and all the photos.
Thanks,
Nick
Amazing looking game!!! Can I ask what size bases you used for the Freikorps and whites? Thanks so much!!!
Hi... ;)
This is the debriefing of the third battle of our campaign (see The Mill n°4) played 2 weekes ago in our local club (Liffré, Brittany)... We had a great time playing it...
Enjoy !! :)
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
RCW campaign - Mission n°3 - Comrade General Anatoli Vassili Anatolovitch's debriefing.
November 1918, somewhere around Arkhangelsk sector...
Our narrow victory in Pskov sector reduced the pressure of the white armies on our forces. Above all, it gave us time to dispatch a large force of cavalry to prepare for an assault on the Arkhangelsk sector, northside of the country. Weather conditions are deteriorating rapidly as we go through autumn. We must strike quickly before winter comes; we must harass enemy troops!
No less than 4 cavalry regiments (including an elite one) under the command of Comrade Boudienny have just arrived in this sector. Sailors from Kronstadt, motivated after their victory in Pskov, will also be there.
I just arrived yesterday after a long trip in an armoured train. We had to bring revolution to a few villages full of kulaks during our trip...
A meeting with leaders of all regiments allowed me to see that morale is high: the troops are well supplied and ready to fight against the enemy.
The enemy... Several reports indicate foreign imperialist troops have entered Russia to try to sabotage the revolution! French, Canadian, British... These troops, in small numbers, are located in the Arkhangelsk sector. Since these soldiers refuse to rally to our cause, we will sweep them away.
As we gathered these informations, I look at a map; four objectives needed to be captured and hold:
- To the west, a forest borders the main road. We will have to capture this objective to prevent enemy warbands from using it as a base for raiding the surrounding area (objective n°1).
- In the center of the map, two objectives must be captured: the crossroad and the village located to the north-west. Capturing this crossroads will allow our troops to move faster and, above all, the delivery of supplies. The village will serve as a supply storage (objectives n°2 and 3).
- Finally, to the east, a hill dominates the area: if we capture it, we will be able to install artillery there (objective n°4).
Moving fast is our main asset... I ordered two cavalry regiments to turn the enemy positions from the east, in order to strike in their back after the onset of the offensive.
It's 6:05 AM... It is really cold now. The assault will be launched in 15 minutes. All our comrades know what they have to do...
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/0012.jpg)
I take a seat in my command car. Austin-Putilov A/C start their engines near our positions...
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/0127.jpg)
6:20 AM: the assault is launched along the front line... From my position, I can see troops rushing towards the positions held by the foreign imperialist regiments.
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/0227.jpg)
Part of our artillery has moved through swamps, and set its guns on the edge.
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/0326.jpg)
Imperialist regiments have taken position in the crossroads (objective n°3). They didn't seem to expect an assault in this area!
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/0525.jpg)
Canadian troops prepare to climb the hill (Objective n°4) to dig in. This suggests bitter fighting to get them out from there ...
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/0626.jpg)
By seeing our troops attacking, enemy regiments know they have no choice but to fight in order to save their life!
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/0725.jpg)
Residents of the village (objective n°2) warned us that French troops had just reached the first houses...
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/0823.jpg)
The offensive of our revolutionary forces, supported by artillery, is off to a good start. Our advance towards the crossroads does not meet any strong resistance.
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/0924.jpg)
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/1025.jpg)
An armoured vehicle is heard beyond the crossroads. The enemy understood the strategic importance of this position. Artillery is also moving to this area...
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/1125.jpg)
During this time, two cavalry units enter the forest (objective n°1) after a very fast movement, without encountering resistance... Their objective is to hold the sector and wait for infantry units to reinforce them.
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/1222.jpg)
Objective n°1 is now under control, less than hour after the start of the offensive and our forces are ready to launch assaults on objectives n°3 and 4.
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/1321.jpg)
The first assault is launched toward the crossroads.
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/1421.jpg)
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/1521.jpg)
In the west side of the sector, two enemy infantry regiments are moving at full speed in an attempt to dislodge our troops located in the forest.
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/1620.jpg)
A red scout aircraft flies over the combat zone in order to prepare an artillery barrage.
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/1718.jpg)
Suddenly, against all odds, the imperialist artillery opens fire on our central and eastern forces as they rush toward the crossroads and the hill.
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/1816.jpg)
Our soldiers are pinned due to this accurate and violent shelling...
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/1915.jpg)
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/2017.jpg)
Enemy vehicles take the opportunity to position themselves along the front line, ready to move where they will be called.
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/2116.jpg)
In the west sector, enemy troops come under deadly shootings. Their morale begins to drop.
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/2317.jpg)
Half an hour later, things haven't changed much. Our soldiers are temporarily stopped in the center and east areas.
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/2415.jpg)
After a few minutes, our forces resume the offensive.
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/2515.jpg)
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/2616.jpg)
In the west sector, the elite cavalry regiment pushes the French back, as they were ready to assault our horsemen in the forest. The latter are then forced to withdraw with heavy losses. The situation is looking good in this area...
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/2714.jpg)
It is our turn to unleash hell on the imperialist positions. An intense shelling takes place at the crossroads. Unfortunately, the enemy forces are well entrenched and the shells do little damage.
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/2812.jpg)
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/2912.jpg)
Suddenly, the two cavalry regiments which had bypassed the White positions appears behind enemy lines, moving fast toward them!
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/3012.jpg)
At the same time, our infantry assaults the Canadians positions on the hill; the latter are strongly entrenched at the top of it.
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/3112.jpg)
The Canadians soldiers stared at the Red Cavalry advance behind them, as they already come under a frontal assault at the same time... The situation seems hopeless for them. We will quickly throw them away them from the hill...
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/3212.jpg)
At the same time, our assault on the crossroads turns to be a failure: the imperialists troops resist better than I would have thought...
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/3312.jpg)
Fortunately, a support fire from our artillery come on time to balance the situation.
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/3412.jpg)
On the hill, despite a well-conducted assault, the situation is not clear. Our regiments seem to have taken the advantage, but the Canadians hang on with the force of desperation. We still cannot push them back...
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/3512.jpg)
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/3612.jpg)
Our horsemen, who have just moved into the enemy line, are nearly stopped by heavy shootings.
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/3712.jpg)
The enemy air force comes to bring even more confusion in our ranks; our soldiers are struggling to recover from the last assault.
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/3811.jpg)
The Canadians troops have a good view of the surrounding area... They hope that our cavalry will not surround them.
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/3911.jpg)
Except the western sector where the fighting is turning to our advantage, the offensive is slowing down because of the fierce resistance of the enemy regiments.
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/4011.jpg)
Enemy reinforcements have just arrived near the forest, ready to support their comrades who have been previously assaulted by our cavalry.
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/4110.jpg)
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/4210.jpg)
A tank stands in front of the horsemen and opens fire...
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/4310.jpg)
The enemy seems to recover along the sector. We have to make more efforts unless we fail... This is not an option!
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/4510.jpg)
The Allied Air Force attacks our artillery, causing more fear than damage...
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/4610.jpg)
Another assault fails in front of Canadian troops... Their losses are terrifying! However, the situation is dramatically tense for us...
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/4710.jpg)
Explosions can be seen near the forest to the west: the enemy calls for its artillery in an attempt to destroy our elite cavalry regiment...
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/4810.jpg)
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/4910.jpg)
At the same time, a daring counterattack by the imperialists in the center fails to push back our regiments.
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/5010.jpg)
Behind the hill, what seemed improbable just an hour ago is now happening: our horsemen are routed after having suffered armour and artillery fire... This is a major part of my initial plan that collapses!
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/5110.jpg)
Same situation in the west sector: violent artillery fires and assaults led by the French push back two regiments of red cavalry from the forest... The area is free for the imperialists to settle there. We just lost target n°1! It is a disaster...
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/5210.jpg)
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/5310.jpg)
French regiments size the forest and our troops are unable to counterattack... It is an epic failure for the Revolution!
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/5410.jpg)
The situation has turned into a disaster: in the west sector, we lost objective n°1. In the center area, our regiments withdraw after having failed in their attacks. In the east sector, the Canadian survivors, heroes of the day, still manage to keep the hill.
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/5510.jpg)
It is a major defeat for the Revolution!
We must now withdraw in order to prepare another assault in another part of our country.
So far, after 3 battles, the Whites have captured 2 territories (Tsaritsyn and Arkhangelsk), and our forces, only one: Pskov in the west part of Russia.
I am afraid of Comrade Trotsky's reaction...
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Congrats to Pierre : it was a brilliant victory after 4 hours of an epic game...
Cheers,
Xavier
It could be the gulag for you comrade. Great game Xavier.
John
Wow, what a battle. And a write-up of suitably epic proportions too! The ebb and flow of the fortunes of war were palpable. I would probably try to avoid Comrade Trotsky for a little while...
Congratulations to both Xavier and Pierre for putting on such a show (lovely figures and terrain as usual) and thank you for sharing it with us here.
Simon
Fantastic looking game and report. Thank you ☺
Mike
Fantastic looking figures, well done.
Looks like a great game
Stewart
I second all of the above.
Simply fantastic. Thank you.
Best wishes,
Martin Buck
Great game and report Xavier and Pierre.
Ralph and myself had a great WW1 game at this club with these guys and we were well looked after and had an enjoyable afternoons gaming.
Thank you very much for showing this.
Very very good.
C'est tres bon (see what I did there).
martin
Thank you very much for your really kind comments... ;)
We play this campaign in a 500 points format. But for the last battle (Moscow), we should play it in a 900 points format.
Oops... That reminds me I still have 2 regiments to paint in order to reach 900 points... ;D
@Leslie & Ralph : we hope to see you soon at the club for another great afternoon around a game ! ;)
Have a good weekend, everyone...
Cheers
Xavier
Excellent looking game and report. Thanks for sharing.
Helen
Xavier we will be coming again, but at present not doing too much to help protect our elderly neighbours who we see and help most days.
And my daughter who works with elderly mental disabled and needs to be very careful as her partner runs a bar. If he gets shut down they need her money.
Have been talking to Fabrice about some scenery he is making.
Hi everyone... ;)
Here is the debriefing of the 4th mission of the campaign... We had a great fun in playing it, as it was full of surprises !!
RCW campaign - Mission n°4 - Comrade General Anatoli Vassili Anatolovitch's debriefing.
March 1919, somewhere in Ukraine...
Comrades! Today is a great day ! Ukraine is free, now! Makhno and his tsarist's bandits fled from this part of Russia! The revolution spreads in the country, and nothing could stop it!
The battle was fierce! Our HQ was captured by the ennemy; some red regiments have been wiped out due to the enemy cavalry.
Some red soldiers were heroes today... An objective (n°4 on the photo) has been captured with the remains of a regiment, led by a brillant man. We will never forget our comrades who fell during this attack. the red soldiers who held the objective n°2 never retreated!
Let's have some rest, today, and we will prepare our next combats tomorrow!
Hourre !
I have to go to debrief with comrade Trosky. All the documents has been lost when my HQ was catured... The following photos are the only ones we could save from this battle. On one photo, we can see Makhno talking with White officers... This is a proof of his betrayal!
The 4 objectives are indicated on the map. At the begining of the fight, only one was held by our troops.
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/0013.jpg)
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/0129.jpg)
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/0229.jpg)
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/0328.jpg)
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/0427.jpg)
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/0527.jpg)
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/0629.jpg)
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/0727.jpg)
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/0825.jpg)
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/0926.jpg)
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/1028.jpg)
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/1127.jpg)
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/1224.jpg)
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/1324.jpg)
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/1425.jpg)
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/1524.jpg)
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/1622.jpg)
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/1720.jpg)
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/1818.jpg)
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/1916.jpg)
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/2019.jpg)
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/2118.jpg)
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/2217.jpg)
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/2319.jpg)
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/2417.jpg)
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/2517.jpg)
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/2617.jpg)
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/2715.jpg)
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/2813.jpg)
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/2913.jpg)
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/3013.jpg)
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/3113.jpg)
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/3213.jpg)
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/3313.jpg)
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/3413.jpg)
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/3513.jpg)
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/3613.jpg)
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/3713.jpg)
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/3812.jpg)
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/3912.jpg)
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/4012.jpg)
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/4112.jpg)
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/4211.jpg)
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/4311.jpg)
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/4411.jpg)
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/4511.jpg)
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/4611.jpg)
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/4711.jpg)
This battle was fierce... Makhno's cavalry, really mobile, led some violent attacks, sometimes on our flanks... these cavalry charges were very effective!
The following map shows what the strategic situation is, in mid-campaign ... This is what we call a draw, for the moment ...
The next battles will be decisive... ;D
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/carte_10.jpg)
On the left picture, the situation at the start of the campaign. On the right one, after this battle in Ukraine ...
Besides Moscow, there are now 6 territories controlled by each of the two camps ...
Xavier.
Lovely pictures of an excellent game. All beautifully done, figures, terrain and report.
Thank you for the excellent game report and more pictures of your lovely terrain and figures.
It's good to see that someone has the opportunity to game.
Best wishes,
Martin Buck
Xavier,
What wonderful models and photos. It sounds as though you had a great time.
I did wonder for a short period what the "WTF" markers were for (this acronym has an unfortunate alternative meaning, but one which might prove useful for many wargamers when the dice are against them...!), but then I saw the other saying "Winning the Fight", and all became clear :)
Your campaign map looks very workable. Maybe you could share the campaign-level rules you are using at some point - perhaps as a short article for The Mill?
Many thanks for your post,
Simon
Quote from: Colonel Kilgore on December 28, 2020, 12:39:53 PM
Your campaign map looks very workable. Maybe you could share the campaign-level rules you are using at some point - perhaps as a short article for The Mill?
Simon
Simon,
you'll find the campaign rules details in THE 15
MILL n° 4 :
https://www.peterpig.co.uk/THE%20MILL%20many%20attempt.pdf (https://www.peterpig.co.uk/THE%20MILL%20many%20attempt.pdf)
The markers are made with "alphabet" noodles; as there was a shortage of noodles during the lockdown, we were only able to produce "WTF" markers instead of "Winning The Fight" ;D
Quote from: Smoking gun on December 27, 2020, 08:46:58 PM
It's good to see that someone has the opportunity to game.
Martin Buck
We played this scenario in october, between the lockdowns... ::) I'm afraid that It will be the norm by now.. :(
Pierre
Pierre,
Whoops - thank you for jogging my memory! Anything pre-Covid feels years ago...
And what a great idea to use noodles in this way! I have a couple of sets of the nice Warbases acrylic markers, which was the lazy way out!
Simon
Hi,
Here is the debriefing of mission n°6, which concludes the campaign... There was nothing concerning mission n°5, as my HQ was captured by the infamous Whites... ;D :P
Who won the campaign ? Reds ? Whites ? What a suspense... ;)
The answer is given at the end of this debriefing... ;) ;D ;D
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
RCW campaign - Mission n°6 - Comrade General Anatoli Vassili Anatolovitch's debriefing.
December 1920, somewhere in the outskirts of Ekaterinbourg...
"Comrades!
Here we are ... In this last fight, we throw all our forces. No doubt the Whites will do the same.
For the moment, the situation is quite balanced: on the outcome of this battle will depend the fate of the Revolution. No more no less...
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/c0010.jpg)
Our informations indicate that the white forces are composed of the remains of cavalry, pieces of regiments gathered in haste... The presence of veterans is probable. However, they suffered the lack of supplies due to the disastrous railway condition in the area. By the way, Semionov's armored train has been seen in the vicinity ...
Semionov is in command of their army!
This is why we are going to launch a major offensive with the elite of our army! The morale of our regiments is high, and we are going to make the Revolution triumph! I expect you, comrades, to be fully involved in this endeavor that we are leading ...
Defeat is not an option!
Hourre! "
Today, our objectives will be as follows: we must capture:
- The hill on our left flank (objective n° 1);
- The strategic crossroads (objective n° 2);
- The railway station (objective n° 3);
- The wooded area on our right flank (objective n° 4).
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/c0110.jpg)
The assault starts. Our forces quickly capture the hill (n° 1) and the wooded area (n° 4). In the center area, regiments move in order to attack.
The white player's artillery is getting prepared at the station ; the Whites know that they will face a red horde that will show no mercy ...
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/c0210.jpg)
The white forces take up position at the crossroads; an artillery gun comes to give them a hand. In the rear, Semionov and his staff keep watching.
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/c0310.jpg)
On our left flank, the enemy cavalry seems to start a turning movement, probably to create panic on our rear guard. I'm leaving a few units behind, just in case.
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/c0410.jpg)
Suddenly the enemy artillery opens fire on the hill (n° 1); fortunately, our units had time to dig in trenches. Behind them, a machinegun platoon is caught under this fire of steel! Damage proved to be very limited.
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/c0510.jpg)
At this stage of the offensive, the situation has not changed too much; our units will soon jump into the battle in the center area.
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/c0610.jpg)
The crossroads are in sight... We are preparing for the assault. The Red Sotnya's officers galvanize their men ...
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/c0710.jpg)
On the hill (left side of the battlefield), the men wait and observe the enemy lines, ready for a reaction from the Whites troops...
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/c0810.jpg)
The whites reinforced their position at the crossroads (n° 2).
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/c0910.jpg)
On the left flank, our men saw the white cavalry bypassing our flank; I order one of the regiments occupying the hill to move backward in order to intercept them.
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/c1010.jpg)
On the right flank, the enemy had launched a cavalry unit through the swamps in an attempt to stop our troops on their way to the station (n° 4). I order an assault which results in a complete annihilation of this cavalry unit.
The way is cleared towards the station ... Unfortunately, the enemy has moved his armored train, to protect this frontline sector...
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/c1110.jpg)
Hourre! A first assault is launched towards the crossroads (n° 2). But it fails, due to the determination of the whites forces ...
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/c1210.jpg)
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/c1310.jpg)
On the right flank, our men advance despite the deluge of fire and steel coming from the train... They reach the station area (n° 3) and get prepared for the assault ...
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/c1410.jpg)
At the crossroads, a second assault is launched; it overthrows the enemy forces who are forced to abandon the position. We immediately occupy the area, and set up the machine guns, ready for an expected counterattack.
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/c1510.jpg)
Cheka takes the opportunity to organize propaganda everywhere ...
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/c1610.jpg)
The White forces decide to move their armored cars, in order to support their troops ; their soldiers are exhausted due to the heavy pressure...
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/c1710.jpg)
Reinforcements of White cavalry come to the battlefield.
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/c1810.jpg)
In front of the hill, the white artillery opens fire on our soldiers. We will hold our positions!
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/c1910.jpg)
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/c2010.jpg)
The flank attack initiated by the White cavalry manages to bypass our forces. Their horsemen enter a village, while several Bolshevik units and 75mm guns do everything to stop them.
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/c2110.jpg)
At the station (n° 3), a first assault fails to push the enemy back, due to the armored train.
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/c2210.jpg)
At the crossroads (n° 2), the Whites sent a cavalry unit in a flank assault on the position we have just captured... His unit are almost wiped out in this maneuver that I cannot help but qualify. heroic ...
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/c2310.jpg)
At the station (n° 3), the enemy manages to strengthen its position: it will be very difficult to capture it.
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/c2410.jpg)
A red unit is held in reserve near the forest (n° 4), just in case... Its mission is also to protect the HQ. On the left side of the battlefield, the white cavalry tries to break through...
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/c2510.jpg)
The first fights to prevent the enemy cavalry from disorganizing our rear area are taking place. The situation is confused ...
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/c2610.jpg)
At the same time, I learn that the station (n° 3) has fallen into our hands! Hourre! Our troops are fortifying the place: a couter-offensive is expected!
At this stage of operations, all the objectives are in our hands!
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/c2710.jpg)
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/c2810.jpg)
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/c2910.jpg)
In our lines, the situation has not improved: one of our assault on the enemy cavalry failed; the losses were severe... On the other hand, the Whites cannot progress anymore...
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/c3010.jpg)
I decide not to order our reservist regiment to move ; I prefer to wait and see how the situation evolves...
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/c3110.jpg)
The Whites are still pinned in the village; our guns open fire...
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/c3210.jpg)
At the station, guns of the armored train slaughtered our lines; but we held our position! I organize the redeployment of units whose mission will be to support our men who hold the crossroads (n° 2) and the station (n° 3).
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/c3310.jpg)
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/c3410.jpg)
The White forces try to reorganize in order to launch another assault.
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/c3510.jpg)
View of the crossroads (n° 2) on the left, and the station (n° 3) on the right; red units are placed in support.
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/c3610.jpg)
In order to annihilate all the White horsemen who attack our rear positions, our planes are successfully launched into the battle ; this is a good news ... We will be able to free units and bring them up to the front!
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/c3710.jpg)
The Whites launch deadly assaults; our men succeed in repelling them. It's a bloodbath!
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/c3810.jpg)
On our left flank, the hill is now attacked by enemy cavalry; a deadly HE fire damaged the defending machine-gun platoon. I decide to bring in reinforcements whatever I have in the area: a half-strength unit and 2 guns. Hope this will be enough!
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/c4011.jpg)
A violent assault led on the crossroads (n° 2) by an elite White unit made our men fall back! We are forced to abandon this position! Our losses are severe ...
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/c4111.jpg)
Finally, we will occupy 3 objectives (the hill - the assault of the enemy cavalry having failed in this sector - the station and the forest).
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/c4211.jpg)
Unfortunately, this will not be enough to win the battle...
The fate of the campaign is sealed: the White forces win the final victory of this terrific campaign ...
But a last stand (a 900 points battle!) will be organized soon for ... the Battle of Moscow!
(https://i.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/c4310.jpg)
Congratulations to Pierre for this great victory !! What a campaign !
Wow that was breathtaking. As always so beautifully presented. The figures are wonderful and the whole look of the table is something I always strive to achieve.
Congratulations and thank you for sharing.
(I'm very tempted to transfer this idea to Spain...!)
What wonderful models, game, photos and write-up!
I did enjoy seeing so many Peter Pig buildings and sprinkles on the table.
And that mat is great - some snow, but not too much. That really was a feast for the eyes.
Well done chaps!
Simon
Indeed, you can't beat a beautifully presented game, which is what it's about for me.
RCW campaign - Bonus mission
February 1921, somewhere in the outskirts of Moscow...
Hi,
Today, we had a 900 points Square Bashing game in our local club ; the battle for Moscow was the bonus mission to conclude this campaign. Victory went to the White side after 4 hours of a game full of suspense... 4 of the 6 objectives were captured by the whites.
Red player was the attacker.
Here are some photos taken during this game... ;)
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
(https://i87.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/0017.jpg)
(https://i87.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/0252.jpg)
(https://i87.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/0351.jpg)
(https://i87.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/0448.jpg)
(https://i87.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/0546.jpg)
(https://i87.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/0645.jpg)
(https://i87.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/0743.jpg)
(https://i87.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/0840.jpg)
(https://i87.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/0941.jpg)
(https://i87.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/1043.jpg)
(https://i87.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/1142.jpg)
(https://i87.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/1240.jpg)
(https://i87.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/1340.jpg)
(https://i87.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/1440.jpg)
(https://i87.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/1540.jpg)
(https://i87.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/1638.jpg)
(https://i87.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/1734.jpg)
(https://i87.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/1831.jpg)
(https://i87.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/1929.jpg)
(https://i87.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/2032.jpg)
(https://i87.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/2132.jpg)
(https://i87.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/2229.jpg)
(https://i87.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/2330.jpg)
(https://i87.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/2428.jpg)
(https://i87.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/2528.jpg)
(https://i87.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/2627.jpg)
(https://i87.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/2723.jpg)
(https://i87.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/2820.jpg)
(https://i87.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/2920.jpg)
(https://i87.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/3022.jpg)
(https://i87.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/3123.jpg)
(https://i87.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/3222.jpg)
(https://i87.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/3321.jpg)
(https://i87.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/3419.jpg)
(https://i87.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/3519.jpg)
(https://i87.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/3618.jpg)
(https://i87.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/3718.jpg)
(https://i87.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/3816.jpg)
(https://i87.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/3916.jpg)
(https://i87.servimg.com/u/f87/19/91/06/23/4017.jpg)
Cheers,
Xavier
Lovely figures and terrain. Sounds like a great game.
Best wishes,
Martin Buck
Simply stunning.
What size table did you use? 6'x3'?
Thank you, Sean... ;)
Quote from: Sean Clark on November 28, 2021, 12:35:11 AM
What size table did you use? 6'x3'?
You are right... :) 12 squares x 6 squares.
We had a great fun playing this scenario, as there were some interesting situations during the game. The White player suffered from heavy losses at the begining, but was able to hold the line and, later, to size some objectives with weakened troops !
Wonderful models and photography, as usual. Thanks for sharing!
Simon
A pleasure to see, great game and lovely models.
David & Ben
Hi Julian,
This is a PP figure modified by Pierre...
He used a headswap...
I'll ask him. ;)
Hi Julian,
I used an Austrian officer (Peter Pig WW1 range, pack 140), with a head taken from a cossack.
I just filed the cane to make it look more like a cavalry stick, and added a big saber scabbard to his belt as well as a bit of putty on his neck to make his hair look a little longer, according to the anarchist fashion of the time!
Pierre
(https://i33.servimg.com/u/f33/18/89/10/74/anar2110.jpg) (https://servimg.com/view/18891074/1959)