Interesting Posts from The History of Wargaming Website

No commentary required, just read them for yourself (see below, recent postings from John Curry): 

• http://wargamingco.blogspot.com/2022/09/wargaming-tactical-actions-in-ukraine.html
• http://wargamingco.blogspot.com/2022/11/my-wargame-says-ukraine-is-going-to-win.html
• http://wargamingco.blogspot.com/2022/12/wargames-are-better-predictive-tools.html

Very thought provoking!

Wishing you all A Merry Xmas

I hope you all had a good one!

All the best for 2023

(1/72-1/76-20mm) Homage to the LRDP and SAS

These were my originals, salvaged from the loft, in a "North Africa Box" - I think they had been lying there for over a decade. The classic Revell-Matchbox LRDP Chevrolet and Jeep, plus a a bunch of Dixon 20mm metal SAS miniatures. They had been mostly base coated so I completed "the gaps" in the coverage (see below, their "potential" is evident): 

The same kit slightly different angle, there must have been a trigger happy cameraman on duty (see below, note the original paints were Tamiya, I toyed with using the  (partial) Tamiya collection I still have, but decided to move onto the Vallejo Game Colour range - partly because it is easier to squeeze out the paint after shaking):  

I decided to add a basic brown/sepia wash (from the dregs of a large Vallejo dipping pot - which I liberally dipped more water into, as not to spoil everything with a tarry residue instead of a light wash) spread over the base paint and then repainted the base colour back over (sparingly) after which I would then follow up with "spot highlighting" later (see below, my frequent chats with the "good" painters from various GW shops seemed to be paying a dividend, transferring 'fantasy techniques' back to historical WW2 and why ever not; a little close up of the detail):  

 

Panning out with the picture to see a wider scope and the "weather worn look" is what I was hoping to achieve (see below, a nice little "nuisance and mischief making" LRDP/SAS combination to harass the Italian and German DAK rear areas): 

Note: The exact painting sequence of these shots might be out of order. 

I plan to use the vehicles and figures as follows: a two man team in the Jeep and a three man team in Chevrolet, hence five SAS dismounts (see below, now I do know I have two more kits somewhere in the loft to pull out and make, so that will represent my SAS Squadron as thankfully I have sufficient Dixon metals to cover them too): 

I do like the animation of the original Matchbox figures (see below, slightly smaller 1/76 as opposed to 20mm metal [Dixon size] but their relaxed posture I think is just right, and of course a man with a classic pointing arm!): 

So there it is, thank you BBC "SAS Rogue Heroes", you certainly bought some life into some old toys I had stashed away :) 

BBC Series - SAS Rogue Heroes (North Africa)

With some trepidation I started to watch Episode One of the new BBC - SAS Rogue Heroes series. It had come with dare I say it, surprised recommendations from fellow some wargamers whom I deeply respect for their taste and acumen, so I took a deep breath and watched (or rather binged it on iPlayer). The jury was out in parts, the legend and the lore of the SAS are so easily overdone but as the story progressed I was totally hooked (for better or worse) but would it hold up in the cold light of day? It certainly had all the trappings of a professional marketing sell, the line-up of actors had clout, a "sexy rock and roll-heavy metal" sound track to boot and a very pacey delivery! (see below, would this montage of history, fiction, rock music and brat-pack acting [in a good sense] actually work?):     

And the verdict was .. well .. after some (short) deliberation .. I thought it was bloody brilliant! Somehow it all came together and seemed to get the gist of all the madness and stupidity associated with that era of the war - spot on. The wife even watched the series all the way through with me (partly due to the link with Sex Education actor and the lad who played the strapping Irishman [despite the beard]), it was simply such gripping television. Well done BBC how you pulled this off I do not know, in my heart I was expecting a "bitter lemon". There should not be a way that 1970's and 1980's rock music [Motorhead] could work for WWII - but it did. How? I still don't know, but do not care! Previously I was an instrumental "Where Eagles Dare" soundtrack person for top war stories but heck, (Rock Music) it worked, along with racing jeeps across the desert. You would, wouldn't you? The depiction of the LRDP was superb, they could have been over easily done, but no, a taxi service with guns who could navigate the desert like nobody else could. As for the storyline: I was laughing at moments, crying at moments and literally in awe - terrified at what was going to happen next - moments when I though "don't be daft - they wouldn't would they?" It has left me rushing for Michael Asher's history of The Regiment for the back story (it has been on the bookshelf long enough waiting to be read) .. and I bet I will get an Xmas book (and there are a few of them already out there) from the supermarket book isle! Sure I will find "discontinuity errors" as bits will have been simply "ripping yarns" but I love the disclaimer .. "the most incredible and unbelievable bits are the bits that are probably true"! Spoiler alert .. the last episode ended with Stirling down (captured), but will there be a Series Two following Paddy Mayne (and perhaps shots of Stirling musing in Colditz)? Meanwhile I unpacked "Undaunted: North Africa" and took a look at my 20mm Western Desert collection (with the classic LRDP set and some Dixon SAS metals, Strelets SAS-North African figures and Italians/DAK). There is a game or two in there to be had there ;) 

Audible - Vietnam, Max Hastings

I knew I needed to read this book, so I bought it, but it sat on the shelf (as it is no small volume) for  a long time. I knew I needed something to complement the numerous first hand accounts I had read, to try and to get a wider picture of the conflict. I relished Ken Burns marvellous TV documentary series and it stands out for its graphic imagery and cinematography. The hurdle of "reading about it" (a much more intimate process) defeated me though. As a second best (listening to it) Audible came to my aid. Max Hasting's "Vietnam" via Audible has become a friend on car journeys and dog walks, telling a very dark history with my hard copy flicked through for reference points of maps and pictures (see below, Max Hastings certainly pulls no punches with his views on the American politicians and Generals, which in his capacity as a reporter, he met first hand, from the likes of President Lyndon B. Johnson and Robert McNamara; absolutely fascinating): 

Update I: Just over a third of the way through this book and it is truly an epic journey, masterfully told. Starting with Vietnams earliest modern colonial history and disputed WWII ownership, through the French post WWII period in Indo China and finally into its most turbulent and troublesome times with the active American involvement. Still twenty hours to go! Gripping! Highly recommended.

Update II: Coming to the final few chapters and I honestly cannot believe the twists and turns - trials and tribulations that South Vietnam went through. As much as the pre-American deployment history was new to me, the post American withdrawal, political cynicism and huge battles (AVRN supported by US air power) that followed were equally "new" to my previously selective history (Platoon and The Deer Hunter) of the period. Everyone could see it was not going to end well and it didn't! I literally don't want to hear the next chapter unfold.

Update III: Finished. And the avoidable horror happened all the way to the end of this tragic period of history. The gut-retching senselessness of it all and then the haunting words that Max Hastings penned, to parallel the folly of the 1960's and 10970's to the subsequent Iraqi and Afghanistan events. To quote a US Cavalry Troop commander from Iraqi, "There was nothing to hang any success onto". No fabric or structure that was not alien to the indigenous peoples - that we (the Western World) were supposed to be helping!

WWIII - Somewhere in Belgium in the late 1980's a Cold War Goes HOT [Part 2 of 2] The Battle

The Soviet player made very obvious pushes on the far right and centre of his line but almost unnoticed  there was a subtle (BTR Battalion sized) end-around left. "Bear Two's" report had not gone unnoticed or unheard, its importance had been digested, understood and the opportunity was tantalising. The Soviet General committed his fifth BTR battalion to his far left. Although slow in its move up across rough ground but its significance is huge, as it was the key to unlock the Belgian back-door and completely break the line of defence (see below, quietly the the fifth BTR moves up in company column and line): 

In the middle of the battlefield, what seemed to be destined for a bloody tank-v-tank slug fest, frittered away into a long range sniping duel. After a worrisome moment where the Belgian Abrams could have been caught in the open, it changed to professional calm as the M1s acquired the safety of hull down positions - which meant it was (very, very) prudent for the Soviets to retire their "gun line of tanks"; leaving both sides covering a "dead zone", one that either side could only move through at its peril. A Mexican stand-off. Suddenly this part of the battlefield was static. Note: The best Belgian unit was held in check, fixed into a defensive position. The battle would circulate around the M1s rather than them being an active part of it (see below, the T-72s prudently move back after firing a last Parthian shot):   

Meanwhile Soviet infantry swarm into a Belgian town sector. The Soviets have mechanically and efficiently de-bussed a whole battalion into an urban sector defended by a single company of Belgian infantry. The supporting Soviets tanks, and there is always a bunch of supporting Soviet tanks wherever you look, roam the perimeter of the urban area, like frustrated dinosaurs taking pot shots at targets of opportunity. Burning Belgian Cavalry recon M113s burn like Roman candles (see below, the Belgians were clearly caught off guard, displaced, pinned and unnerved in this isolated town quarter. A very bad start to the day - local reinforcements are called up and the Belgian Divisional Commander commits his reserve, but will it get there in time to be of use. The Russians are pressing everywhere): 

Although the town fighting is abstracted in Modern Spearhead/Battle Group Commander, you get the sense of the Belgian's dire predicament; they are outnumbered 3:1 and the enemy is bringing down indirect fire assets to bear. It is only a matter of time before the outermost town sector falls, retreat is impossible because the boulevard is covered by those damn T-72's main guns. What is more worrying is fact that the Belgian right flank is now hanging completely exposed as miscellaneous Soviet AFV's bypass the town. The only Belgian hope is another frantic rushed commitment of reserves to plug the gap (see the Soviet pressure below, one Soviet battalion in the town, another flanking left, yet another rushing right [into the larger "centre" of the main town] - the Belgian infantry defensive line is crumbling and their powerful M1 Abram tanks are hull-down in the wrong part of the battlefield so cannot help and could they even help in an urban environment?):  

The Soviet BTR Battalion that was called up to exploit the hanging gate explodes onto the Belgian left flank. Just a single company of Belgian infantry are hunkered down on the edge of the woods, in cover holding this flank. The Belgian infantry faces off against a composite Soviet armoured infantry force, very wary of the deadly NATO AT LAWs. Recon "Bear Two" is called upon once more to advance and flush the Belgian infantry out 'by being too tempting a target' not to fire at. The Belgian infantry is hoping they can buy time for a company of AFV "Tank Hunters" to deploy and make a mess of the Soviet armour (see below, the infantry combat here is critical to the outcome of the wider battle, a time for the NATO troops to show their professionalism, hold their nerve and hold the line): 

Firing is simultaneous and represents an extended firefight for over a period of fifteen or so minutes of direct and indirect fire (the blue markers on the NATO forces are player aids to assist remember who is still to fire). The advantage of defensive terrain for the Belgians is partly offset by armour and more heavy calibre weapons of the Soviet mechanised infantry and the Soviet advantage in numbers. Each stand represents a platoon of infantry or troop (4-5) vehicles, casualties represent KIA, wounded, troops temporally incapacitated and lack of cohesion. Vehicle hits represent KO, non-runners and abandoned vehicles (see below, "the dice will have it" all hangs in the balance): 

The close combat is brutal and as the guns speak the Soviets take a terrible 20% casualties but the Belgians take a horrific loss of 50% combat effectiveness. That means unless there is a miraculous intervention the Soviets will likely overrun the Belgians, especially as the Soviets too have additional troops moving up. The sounds of the Belgian armoured "Tank Hunters" moving up through the woods gives cause for some hope, but the terrain is too poor for these ersatz tanks to make quick progress (see below, the Belgians will need (or be blessed with) a massive amount of luck next turn or face a crippling blow from which they may not be able to recover):  

"Fate" is not kind to the underdog. The plucky Belgians are overran. They lost the initiative and the Soviets unleashed a second wave, of this time newly dismounted mechanised infantry, which broke the Belgian infantry company into pieces. What is even more worrying, the ersatz tankers who hurried up a break-neck speed are now completely without infantry support, which means the "hunters" are going to become the "hunted" in very short measure (see below, the fate of the whole battle is hanging on the outcome of this small micro-battle on such a small plot of real-estate): 

The Belgian "hunters" become trophy "hunted" by dismounted Soviet mechanised infantry, the Soviet BTR Battalion commander duly reports success back up the chain of command. The Soviet system is brutally simple - reinforce success, ignore failure, in fact punish failure by taking away assets that can be more usefully deployed elsewhere. The only black mark for the Soviets is that valiant "Bear Two" was lost by straying too close to an ersatz tanker and finding that the cannon was more than good enough for despatching a BRDM2 armoured car with. Still I am sure that the Soviet Divisional Commander has a posthumous medal in a tin box waiting for his widow (see below, the significance of this reverse it dawning on the Belgian Divisional Commander, as 'one-by-one' his units on his right flank are going "off net" unexpectedly): 

Crunch! With the last defending Belgian back stop removed the Soviet General can sense blood and the potential of a huge Divisional breakout. A radio frequency is dialled and the Regimental Tank Commander's voice is heard expectantly asking, "You have orders for me Comrade General?" "Yes Yuri. You are to lead the divisional breakthrough in Sector Four Two, there is no meaningful resistance left. The BMP Regiment will be close in support behind you. Punch through the woods to the left of the town, we have the Belgians on the ropes, show them no mercy! Speed Yuri, speed is of the essence. May the devil run with you! Overrun their headquarters and rear area!"

WWIII - Somewhere in Belgium in the late 1980's a Cold War Goes HOT [Part 1 of 2] Ebb and Flow

The Sunday morning quiet of a sleepy Belgian town is rudely broken by military diesel engine revving noises as camouflaged armoured reconnaissance vehicles trundle inconsiderately into its sleepy suburbs. Recon is wit, speed, aggression but tempered with enough caution to live long enough survive and report. The Soviets thus win the opening moves with their aggressive thrust (see below, the Soviets advance across two thirds of the table whereas the Belgians are content in gaining local objective points around the town, the consequences of which means that the Soviets can spread and seek out the weaknesses of the Belgian defence):    

The Soviets are poking their noses around corners of fields, folds in the ground, trails through woods - constantly testing for gaps and finding out where the Belgians are and are not. This empty road seems to point straight into the NATO backfield (see below, a tempting  open flank is found that really needs to be explored by "Bear Two" - no Belgians in sight either, even better): 

The Belgian reconnaissance commander is bemused by so many reports coming in of enemy movement across the whole front, surely the Soviets cannot be here so soon? Small arms fire is heard from the outskirts of the town, looters or the enemy? The implied reported numbers mean that the Soviets are here in force, it must be a whole recon battalion which implies at least a couple of regiments will be following up behind. There is going to be some hot action starting here very shortly. Still the valiant Belgian is reassured in himself that the Belgian formation is tank heavy, so they should be well placed to stop the Reds in their tracks (see below, the morning solace is broken all hell is about to break out): 

 

Significantly a Soviet recon creeps quietly across an important river. The Soviet Lieutenant briefly reports, "Bear Three. Route Green Three is open, feet dry!" Back at the mobile command centre, a wry smile breaks across the face of a grizzled Soviet Motor Rifle Divisional Commander as he taps a Red BTR Battalion marker on the map, "Forward! Fast!" (see below, there is a fleeting opportunity to exploit the slow moving Belgians):  

Incredibly the Russian motor cycle reconnaissance platoon along with a BRDM2 armoured car support troop races around the sleepy Belgian suburbs without encountering any opposition. Not understanding how they are still alive they radio in "Bear Two. Route One Open. Repeat, Route One Open!" This generates yet more frantic activity at the Russian Divisional HQ. Three battalion markers, each representing a BTR formation is moved across teh map to the town. "Take the town!" barks the General, knowingly committing a full regiment of his best (BTR) infantry supported with their organic tank companies (see below, a Soviet Recon unit disbelievingly with an open road and no sign of any opposition): 

Meanwhile the Belgian recon is hunkering down behind a riverine and near a friendly town. They nervously expect to meet Soviet Recon elements at any time. They are hoping their powerful M1's will appear soon. The Belgian caution resembles more of a peacetime operation, following a known COA with NATO Allies playing Red, repeating a common TEWT pattern and a plodding ignorance of an active enemy stalking them (see below, the Belgian recon is far more content to watch across the river than actively probe beyond it, they are bivouacked and awaiting orders and thus vulnerable to unexpected "events"): 

"Events" such as a whole battalion of BTRs crossing an undefended bridge on the Belgian left flank, something which the peace loving Belgians are totally unaware of (despite the Belgian player being able to "see them" out of the corner of his eye). So, 'Bear Three' has the company it requested, is really happy and is ready to push forwards to create more mischief. The Soviets are flanking left in battalion force, even if jut to be a nuisance (see below, undoubtedly the Belgians will have to react to it and in teh process be "distracted" from teh defence of the central town): 

Speaking of which, the "town" has now become the centre of attention for "three" Soviet BTR battalions. The first of which runs into Belgian teeth, a formidable Belgian defensive formation, a battle line of M1 Abrams tanks deployed onto a key terrain feature overlooking the approaches to the town. The Soviet Tank Coy supporting the BTR Battalion starts a fire fight to cover the Soviet infantry deployment (see below, the BTR battalion is ordered to de-bus into the urban area to its immediate right): 

However, the two other BTR battalions find much less opposition barring their way into the town and push the Belgian reconnaissance units easily aside. A burning M113 tells the sorry tale. The last thing an armoured Belgian cavalry commander really wants to do is play "meet and greet" with a Soviet T-72 in a boulevard. One BTR battalion spreads out in deployment of a fighting line covering the third battalions column of attack into teh heart of the town (see below, deployed Soviet infantry are now advancing into the town and the Belgians find themselves on the backfoot and need to make an emergency deployment): 

The Soviet floodgates have been unleashed. Two full BTR regiments, the wheeled infantry complement of teh Soviet Motor Rifle Division, are set in motion. The broader plan if for the Soviet infantry to find a weakness in the Belgian defensive line. Then the Tank Regiment followed by the BMP Regiment can create a deep penetration. 

Remembrance Sunday 2022

There is a village in North Yorkshire, England .. like so many other small villages and places in the UK that remembers those who made the sacrifice (see below, the hand knitted poppies from the community, mostly red, but white, purple and black too - are planted): 

Individual soldiers were researched and remembered (see below, the old photographs are haunting, putting a face to a chiselled name): 

The lawn of the church bleeds red (see below, from the font of the War Memorial across the well-cut grass): 

The ghosts stand-to, guarding the poppies (see below, and stop the passer-by in their tracks): 

There are so many to be named (see below, from all walks of life): 

From the world wars and more modern wars (see below, it never seems to stop):

It is a very moving place where people's thoughts turn to the past (see below, I am left wondering how far we have actually come): 

And this is but one of the many villages, of the many towns and of the many cities in the UK and wider Commonwealth and connected world (see below, it touches us all): 

Remembrance and respect.

A Package from America: "Fire in the Lake" COIN Board Game - GMT P500

In the hedonistic (pre-Covid) days where the UK pound was much stronger than the dollar, so transatlantic shipping(*) from America was offset by the nice GMT P500 discount, I saw the jewel of the COIN crown was being reprinted so I jumped on that P500 train without hesitation. Now, my long term investment (years of waiting/forgetting) has paid off as the postman passed on a suitably (or dare I say delightfully) heavy parcel to me (see below, the box art is beautiful, the Huey is so iconic of Vietnam [got to make one of those in 1/72] and the scene below seems straight from "Apocalypse Now" - the red setting sun and steaming jungle):

(*) Note: Appreciation and kudos goes out to Second Chance Games as they partially offset this cost with their Euro Friendly Shipping arrangement with GMT.  

Inside the geography jumps up from a beautifully mounted map board (see below, a geography map straight from teh classroom, bended with some lovely photo art, class!): 

Then there are the meeples, the event cards, the rules, the bot instructions and the scenarios (see below, a long winter night or two will be spent around this one for sure): 

It is a thing of pure beauty to behold and a nice companion to "A Distant Plain". 

Wargames Developments (WD) Third Edition

Click here, for those adventurous wargaming souls brave enough to enter the WD catacombs of thought (see below, time to expand your mind): 

https://wargamedevelopments.org/info.htm.

There be pearls of wisdom and games of unimaginable forms that await you. I bet you will find a "new take" on something or a "definition" of something you did not even know existed.

Red Teaming - Audible Book

This one book that has been on the reading list for a while, but because I thought it hinted at more of the business side of things I hung back. I now regret that, thirty minutes in and I am truly "hooked" (see below, it even has a hook into "The 10th Man" from 'World War Z' - which seems appropriate given my recent Cthulhu RPG reading):  

Recommended .. even though I have not even finished it yet!

First Experimental Battles - Triremes

Ok the kit (or certainly enough kit) has been painted and placed on the table = but how to play? (see below, "Red" Spartan triremes face-off against "Blue" Athenian .. as they represent ships, not squadrons, .. I think I will need more "space"): 

The "dice have it" .. coloured dice to represent hit points of damage .. six hits and you are dead. Double attacks from flank and rear. Working on the principle of one ship per model (aka "not squadrons") there  is a maelstrom of ramming and mad manoeuvre (see below, this Athenian started the day extremely confident but ended the day clinging to the wreck of his trireme with his gloating Spartan son sailing on - the Fates are extremely fickle):   

Seeking easier prey, I called on my friend, we'll call him "Dave" - who always loses in the most sportsmanlike way, so I laid a trap for him (see below, I gave him plenty of Spartan triremes to surround my defensive circle of Athenians in a prickly "kyklos" formation):  

All I had to do was survive for a set number of turns until the rest of the Athenian fleet turned up and scared the Peloponnesians away, simple. As the unwary Spartans approached I decided I would sprint out at them, like a released coiled spring (see below, unleash watery hell!): 

Except Dave had not read the script and biffed me up before the rest of the Athenians had time to turn up. Perhaps I should have waited more patiently for the attack to bounce off my prows and then I could have taken the unwary Peloponnesians in the flank or rear quarter as they drifted past in disarray (see below, as it was I traded blows and came off far worst, swimming home again): 

Sigh, I retain my 100% ancient naval record, the only way now being up. All hail to Dave the Navarch, I now tremble in your wake or rather swim pathetically!

Rules: Er, yes, there were some, sort of. I was going to play using a set called "One Hour Ancient Naval" (by "somebody" - Update [12-1-2022]: please see comments by Simon for clarification on this) whose name escapes me. However I had to roughly translate the movement in inches to hexes and related the up to 45 degree turns into a number of hex sides. I then slimmed everything down to do triremes only (Romans really liked boarding and shooting a lot), so the rules were a back of the fag packet and a bit in my head, so yes I kludged them together and called them in as I saw fit. The result being I pulled in rules from of things I had read historically or I think were in one of the many other ancient trireme rule sets I have previously read ... and so, the result was that I still lost, if I may say so in the finest of style and Dave managed his fourteenth game in a month ;) 

WWII AFV Unit History Book: Stug III Brigade 191

A nice surprise! I received an unexpected book gift from the father-in-law courtesy of the wife's quick visit home (see below, a book I must confess to have picked this very book up, thumbed through it, wanted [I touched it so it means I can keep it], but thought that I could not justify it - but a present justifies itself, so result): 

Time to get thinking as to what scale models does it inspire me to paint up from my collections (20mm, 15mm(?), 1/200)? 

Audible Book: Admiral Jellicoe and The Crisis of the Naval War

This was a fascinating subject as Jellicoe was very much a "war hero" for his services to the Grand Fleet, leading up to and beyond Jutland, but the inability to deal with the U-Boat threat was his Achilles Heal (see below, revealing more as a detective story of what was not said, what he was prepared to say and what he was focused or overly fixated on): 

All in all I found it a turgid read, but was totally fascinated by the way the man was consumed with detail but somehow missed the most facing pungent problem facing the Allies in WWI (he considered fighting U-Boars nigh impossible). The convoy solution to the problem was mentioned in passing (and is literally the oldest trick in the naval service book) as "logistical problems were eventually solved", no hint at the political issues (understatement, ahem) with Lloyd George and no admission of credit to which the crisis was turned around. Plenty of attention to efforts and energy of ideas and systems that did not really yield the results effective convoys did. A far cry from an account of the same period from these Wikipedia pages: 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Convoys_in_World_War_I

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Jellicoe,_1st_Earl_Jellicoe

Cthulhu RPG

If your character is frightened and paranoid then I think you are probably playing it right (see below, be afraid, be very afraid):  

Then some more. Did I just see a tentacle, or two? 

1/1200 Navwar Triremes - Greece in Peril [Again]

I tend to cycle round in my 'catholic' (as in disparate and varied rather than religious) wargaming interests and it is about time I revisited my 'old' (as in unfinished) ancient naval collection of triremes from the "Greece in Peril" period (see below, despite being 1/1200 you can get some nice detail on these Navwar miniatures - Themistocles to the front!): 

As one swallow does not make a summer, then one trireme clearly does not make a fleet (see below, the complete [or first stage] collection of Greek triremes, the two square bases were just products of experimentation to see what works, but they may also have a use representing a Navarch):  

This is "my starter for ten" Greek fleet with three squadrons on ten each, plus two command ships - or a left, middle and right of the fleet if I put the individual ships into sabots of bigger bases. Nothing deciding bar the need for flexibility of thought. As for the rules to use .. plenty of options, watch this space in due course ;)  

Footnote: It is sobering to reflect that I started this project in 2012! What a different world that was! For instructions on how I based and painted the above please see link below and keep scrolling down: 

Geordie's Big Battles: trireme (exiledfog.blogspot.com)

1/300 Russian Missile Troop

Classified as "Divisional Level" assets (certainly according to the Modern Spearhead OoB) for my Russian Cold War Motor Rifle Division (see below, a Frog-7 [conventional or nuclear armed] and four SA-6B Gainful): 

Heroics and Ross models.