Good article:
Showing posts with label NATO. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NATO. Show all posts
Monday, 12 May 2025
Thursday, 13 June 2024
Thursday, 23 November 2023
Wednesday, 28 December 2022
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!
Friday, 18 November 2022
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):
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!"
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!"
Thursday, 17 November 2022
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.
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.
Sunday, 3 April 2022
Thursday, 10 February 2022
Back Playing - Flash Point Campaign - Red Storm
I do like this game. I had to reinstall after a computer crash (see below, hello old friend, how I missed you):
The best computer games to my mind inspire you to go to the table top with miniatures and this one does that (in 1/300 scale) for me! (see below, the frightening Red Hordes have been tamed - I even got the HQ and artillery park, although I still have a healthy respect for the SU-25 Frogfoot tactical bomber):
Admittedly this is the introductory scenario and I have played it a few times, but it was well worth it to shake some of the "computing gaming rust" off ;)
The best computer games to my mind inspire you to go to the table top with miniatures and this one does that (in 1/300 scale) for me! (see below, the frightening Red Hordes have been tamed - I even got the HQ and artillery park, although I still have a healthy respect for the SU-25 Frogfoot tactical bomber):
Admittedly this is the introductory scenario and I have played it a few times, but it was well worth it to shake some of the "computing gaming rust" off ;)
Monday, 7 February 2022
Purchase Number 3: Book - Battlegroup! (Jim Storr)
Battlegroup! The Lessons of the Unfought Battles of the Cold War by Jim Storr.
This book seems to have created a little bit of a stir in the wargaming community associated with myself. Lots of people have went out and bought a copy and even read it cover-to-cover. I have gotten through the introduction (see below, a classic Cold War that never went Hot [thank god], but what could we have learned from it - as in the planning for it):
Of interest his background research seems to be built around extensive (over 200 games over a couple of decades playing with his brother) play-testing of a set of modern wargames - using in fact the WRG Moderns rules (1:1 scale). This is a ruleset that I have seen, looked through (WWII and Modern version) but as of yet not played in anger at the table top. Watch this space I am hoping that will change soon!
Saturday, 1 January 2022
Xmas Presents: Naval Aviation and an Osprey Submarine Game
From underneath the Xmas tree I was given these little crackers. Two Blood Red Skies (BRS) Midway expansion packs (IJN and USN carrier naval/carrier-based bombers) plus a surprise modelling project in "large scale" 1/48 of the marvellous Royal Navy Sea Harrier. I must confess that I hummed and hared about asking for the Midway expansion packs, but the Devastators have such a soft spot in my heart and I cannot easily see them in 1/144 - the alternative wargaming scale IMHO. I justified the BRS packs as going from a "complete game in a box" to a "complete campaign in three boxes" which was good value for money (see below, one resin project and one traditional plastic project - sharp eyes will also note the Pacific war Vallejo colours in the background [USN Pale Blue and IJN Ivory White]):
From flying above the waves to swimming beneath the (Cold War) waves! A game from the Osprey stable but written by a former RN Submarine Commander. Also an excuse for a few 1/3000 Navwar modern miniature perhaps (see below, note in the design notes it is very much a "game" rather than a "simulation" but based upon "the principles"):
Fun to be had in 2022 with these, but my first (January) 2022 project is cracking on with some British 15mm Malburians!
From flying above the waves to swimming beneath the (Cold War) waves! A game from the Osprey stable but written by a former RN Submarine Commander. Also an excuse for a few 1/3000 Navwar modern miniature perhaps (see below, note in the design notes it is very much a "game" rather than a "simulation" but based upon "the principles"):
Fun to be had in 2022 with these, but my first (January) 2022 project is cracking on with some British 15mm Malburians!
Sunday, 17 January 2021
PC Game - Flash Point Red Storm - WWIII "The War That Never Came"
This is my latest PC obsession, which has already caused the wife to pass caustic comments on my hobby and her hubby's strange sense of priorities. It hankers back to my teenage youth (the late 1980's) and the threat of the Cold War going "Hot" was in the back of everybody's minds (see below, never mind "Nina and her 99 Red Balloons" .. what about those T-72 Tanks? There are thousands of them!):
What I love about this game is the WEGO system (something that would mentally kill you if you tried to umpire something like it on a tabletop, as the computer must slice a turn into so many little segments and hold tract of who goes first etc on a huge list of actions) and the "hands off AI" for a lot of the minutia (stuff the troops would be doing without you having to tell them to do it .. for example, indirect weapons repositioning themselves after a shoot is a case in point). The double bonus is the classic FOW (Fog of War play .. which leaves you [peeing] on "the seat of your pants") during play. The triple play bonus whammy for me is that it is breathing a bit of life back into my modern 1/300 scale collection (which seemed stopped at Modern Spearhead about a decade ago) as a few little extra models would not go amiss. I may look to expand it is the direction of some Americans and British (BOAR) - already having some Russians/Warsaw Pact and West Germans.
The red rings around my eyes tells you all you need to know for now ;)
Tuesday, 23 January 2018
New Russian Threat?
Better get my moderns down from the loft (see BBC News link below):
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-42770208
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-42770208
Wednesday, 4 January 2017
An evocative little title for a book .. "War with Russia" (2017)
Certainly an evocative title which I read over the Xmas break. Written by a recent (now retired) high ranking UK NATO general to boot. 'Chops off at the knees' all those civil servants and politicians who for decades have crucified (or have stood by and simply watched as) the armed forces were "bugetised" (no such word) and then "castrated-by-accountants" (as painful as it sounds). So true operational capability shrinks leaving only a paper shadow of what was supposed to be still there. An aircraft carrier without planes? Really, surely fiction? Oh bugger! No more Nimrods? That leaves a whole somewhere! Half working tanks lacking spares? Phantom reservists on an Order of Battle still doing their days jobs out of theatre? It certainly is a page turner, jumps around a bit .. no spoilers, worth a read and pass on to a friend with a look of horror (see below the cover, the nuclear missile is more scary than the tank IMHO):
In summary: "War with Russia (2017)" I realy hope not as I don't think [spoiler alert] there is any hope of a "Boy's Own" ending in real life ... I think it what really would pan out is far more dire consequences, aka .. possibly no more "First World" and a nuclear winter (a more radical form of climate change nobody would be in a position to try and deny).
PS: It should all kick off in May apparently in the Crimea! Here's hoping not :(
In summary: "War with Russia (2017)" I realy hope not as I don't think [spoiler alert] there is any hope of a "Boy's Own" ending in real life ... I think it what really would pan out is far more dire consequences, aka .. possibly no more "First World" and a nuclear winter (a more radical form of climate change nobody would be in a position to try and deny).
PS: It should all kick off in May apparently in the Crimea! Here's hoping not :(
Sunday, 28 August 2016
NATO Ground Crew 1/72 Impulse Purchase
Life is full of strange connections so my motto is take them when they come and work to your advantage. I was out on a "first stage job interview" and was mulling over on how I thought I had done when I passed a "toy shop", Saw it and thought "What the heck I will treat myself" (see below, good result):
And was glad I did! Nice little combination of Cold War NATO lightly armed NBC guards and rear echelon types, useful for modern Chain of Command or Black Ops (Osprey Rules).
And was glad I did! Nice little combination of Cold War NATO lightly armed NBC guards and rear echelon types, useful for modern Chain of Command or Black Ops (Osprey Rules).
Monday, 16 February 2015
Something from the Weekend Sir?
Well along with sticks of rock and buckets of sweets from the seaside shops, Daddy picked himself up a curio from a little toy shop (see below):
Addendum: (see below I already had purchased the British Infantry of WWII pack, silly me, still on the look-out for the others though):
When I see any of this classic old range I have vowed to snap them up.
These ex-Matchbox, new Revell 1:76 figures are real classics. I don't remember Marchbox doing anything as interesting as the Falklands War! To be fair I fancy them taking a crack at 1970/80 era Soviets in the same way Paul down under has been playing recently ;)
Addendum: (see below I already had purchased the British Infantry of WWII pack, silly me, still on the look-out for the others though):
When I see any of this classic old range I have vowed to snap them up.
- WWII German
- WWII DAK
- WWII 8th Army
- WWII Japanese
- WWII US .
Note: The picture does not do them justice :(
Thursday, 22 August 2013
Holiday Reading ("A Tale of Three Books")
The Alpha:
The summer holiday allowed me to read a book that I have on the shelf for far too long a time. The trials and tribulations of the BEF have always fascinated me. The totality of the defeat suffered in 1940 by Britain and France defies common sense logic. Having "more of things" sometimes means being capable of doing far, far less. The reasons why were touched on in Hugh Sebag-Montefiore's excellent book, but the essence was that the Allied armies command structure were designed to fight the previous war and operationally could not react to the changing pace of WWII combat (see below):
The Omega:
Having taken only one book away with me I was rather pleased with myself to "pick up another" after I, in all fairness, unexpectedly finished the first one. I had always wanted, but never managed to get round to getting a copy of "The Longest Day" by Cornelius Ryan. A classic read (see below):
The armies that came back to France in 1944 were a very different kind of beast to the ones defeated so comprehensively in 1940. Their new capabilities in command structure, as well as their sheer quantity, showed in a steely determination in "getting things done". By contrast the 'well-oiled' German machine was a thing of the past. The striking major Allied advantage seemed to the air with the significant footnote that the Germans did not think it possible "logistics and shipping wise" to do so quickly what the D-Day planners achieved.
Onto the Cold War:
On the last day of holiday another 'read' was found to be required and one turned up in a bargain book shop (see below):
Thirty years later, the passage of time allows more secrets of the 1982 Falklands War to seep into the public domain, placed in the context of the Cold War "Warsaw Pact versus NATO" submarine activities. A good contextual read of politics, The Royal Navy and submarine operations.
The summer holiday allowed me to read a book that I have on the shelf for far too long a time. The trials and tribulations of the BEF have always fascinated me. The totality of the defeat suffered in 1940 by Britain and France defies common sense logic. Having "more of things" sometimes means being capable of doing far, far less. The reasons why were touched on in Hugh Sebag-Montefiore's excellent book, but the essence was that the Allied armies command structure were designed to fight the previous war and operationally could not react to the changing pace of WWII combat (see below):
Having taken only one book away with me I was rather pleased with myself to "pick up another" after I, in all fairness, unexpectedly finished the first one. I had always wanted, but never managed to get round to getting a copy of "The Longest Day" by Cornelius Ryan. A classic read (see below):
The armies that came back to France in 1944 were a very different kind of beast to the ones defeated so comprehensively in 1940. Their new capabilities in command structure, as well as their sheer quantity, showed in a steely determination in "getting things done". By contrast the 'well-oiled' German machine was a thing of the past. The striking major Allied advantage seemed to the air with the significant footnote that the Germans did not think it possible "logistics and shipping wise" to do so quickly what the D-Day planners achieved.
Onto the Cold War:
On the last day of holiday another 'read' was found to be required and one turned up in a bargain book shop (see below):
Thirty years later, the passage of time allows more secrets of the 1982 Falklands War to seep into the public domain, placed in the context of the Cold War "Warsaw Pact versus NATO" submarine activities. A good contextual read of politics, The Royal Navy and submarine operations.
Tuesday, 2 November 2010
WWIII: The bridgehead at Dinnersdorf (2)
The silence is broken with incoming mortar and artillery rounds into the Russian columns.
Driving through the indirect fire the leading Soviet MR battalions hit the direct fire of the dug-in WG paratroopers (top of picture) in the "woods" i.e. green felt.
Reconnaissance by contact in the middle.
Red smoke indicates a kill, while the explosion counters represents a suppression (in the rules two suppressions equal a kill, although getting a second suppression can be hard). The Soviets were taken aback by the hail of Milan fire from the hills behind the Anna River. Cumulatively these pesky Milans (on motorised carts started) start taking a toll of Soviet tanks and APC infantry.
However the attack is pressed home (below).
The attack is pressed to the left (below) with Soviet regimental FOO's finally in place (can you spot him in the built up area?), bringing in an unhealthy barrage of 122mm eggs in danger close. A risky tactic which [in this case] killed more defending WG paratroopers than Soviet attackers.
With the left hand side Soviet flank battalion taking "soaking fire" but importantly shielding the centre attack from distracting hits the wood (above) is assaulted. The Soviet supported central battalion finally gets into deadly close combat where despite its losses numbers tell on the now beleaguered WG paratroopers.
Soviet success and NATO disaster looms on the Soviet right flank.
The NATO paratroopers are stubborn but are eventually overwhelmed (see above). The mathematics of defending with two companies against an attack of two battalions mean that the WG are forced to pull back as a motley gaggle of survivors. The three fresh MR battalions (out of the original six) remain and are deemed to take back and eventually clear Dinnersdorf (held only by NATO regimental support units rather than front-line infantry) well before the 'blessed' NATO relief column appears on the horizon.
Follow on Game:
This sets up an interesting follow on game with a NATO armoured column finally appearing and making an attack against a Soviet defensive bridgehead.
Forces: A WG Panzer Brigade (with the remnants of the WG paratroopers) attacking the remnants of the two Soviet MR regiments that are being reinforced by the BMP regiment and a Tank regiment (if I can paint then in time).
I think NATO/Soviet air-strikes and XX artillery may play a part too.
Driving through the indirect fire the leading Soviet MR battalions hit the direct fire of the dug-in WG paratroopers (top of picture) in the "woods" i.e. green felt.
Reconnaissance by contact in the middle.
Red smoke indicates a kill, while the explosion counters represents a suppression (in the rules two suppressions equal a kill, although getting a second suppression can be hard). The Soviets were taken aback by the hail of Milan fire from the hills behind the Anna River. Cumulatively these pesky Milans (on motorised carts started) start taking a toll of Soviet tanks and APC infantry.
However the attack is pressed home (below).
The attack is pressed to the left (below) with Soviet regimental FOO's finally in place (can you spot him in the built up area?), bringing in an unhealthy barrage of 122mm eggs in danger close. A risky tactic which [in this case] killed more defending WG paratroopers than Soviet attackers.
With the left hand side Soviet flank battalion taking "soaking fire" but importantly shielding the centre attack from distracting hits the wood (above) is assaulted. The Soviet supported central battalion finally gets into deadly close combat where despite its losses numbers tell on the now beleaguered WG paratroopers.
Soviet success and NATO disaster looms on the Soviet right flank.
The NATO paratroopers are stubborn but are eventually overwhelmed (see above). The mathematics of defending with two companies against an attack of two battalions mean that the WG are forced to pull back as a motley gaggle of survivors. The three fresh MR battalions (out of the original six) remain and are deemed to take back and eventually clear Dinnersdorf (held only by NATO regimental support units rather than front-line infantry) well before the 'blessed' NATO relief column appears on the horizon.
Follow on Game:
This sets up an interesting follow on game with a NATO armoured column finally appearing and making an attack against a Soviet defensive bridgehead.
Forces: A WG Panzer Brigade (with the remnants of the WG paratroopers) attacking the remnants of the two Soviet MR regiments that are being reinforced by the BMP regiment and a Tank regiment (if I can paint then in time).
I think NATO/Soviet air-strikes and XX artillery may play a part too.
Sunday, 31 October 2010
WWIII: The bridgehead at Dinnersdorf (1)
A hypothetical Soviet invasion of the West set in a late 1980's or 1990's context. The Russian tide is sweeping west but is threatened in a sector by a bold NATO counter stroke. Soviet XXX HQ have informed XX HQ of a dangerous flank development. West German paratroops have seized a bridgehead over the Anna river. The Anna river line had previously been the right defensive flank of the advance. This is now compromised.
The West German bridgehead must be crushed before a NATO armoured column relieves it. Two Soviet Motor Rifle Regiments are detailed to perform a hasty attack. WG paratroops hold the above half of the board.
The Russian half of the board with the two MR III advancing in parallel, both regiments choosing supported (two) battalion attacks in the centre and a flanker battalion to the left and right. Poor reconnaissance rolls did not reveal any NATO troop dispositions.
The Soviets race forward finding deserted NATO picket posts but no line of resistance. Pre-planned 122mm regimental artillery hammers the above built up areas.
The West German bridgehead must be crushed before a NATO armoured column relieves it. Two Soviet Motor Rifle Regiments are detailed to perform a hasty attack. WG paratroops hold the above half of the board.
The Russian half of the board with the two MR III advancing in parallel, both regiments choosing supported (two) battalion attacks in the centre and a flanker battalion to the left and right. Poor reconnaissance rolls did not reveal any NATO troop dispositions.
The Soviets race forward finding deserted NATO picket posts but no line of resistance. Pre-planned 122mm regimental artillery hammers the above built up areas.
Friday, 2 July 2010
Modern War in Europe (1990's plus) Play Test II
The Red Tide rolled forward and engaged in fierce combat with both sides calling artillery assets. The camera was concentrating on the left hand side of the battlefield (where I was commanding the BTR regiment):
Here it became rather ugly for the German Panzer Grenadiers, but their mettle held firm and they stood and fought well against seemingly impossible odds (and despite again rolling poor "to hit/kill" combat dice).
The Red surge continued, with the German Infantry suppressed to the front in good defensive terrain it was time for the Soviet infantry to disembark and finish the job.
After a nasty armour exchange where the German was worsted the Panzer Grenadier battalion was now set to retire in good order before it was swamped, to a position a km behind to support an already "in place" Leopard II battalion to provide much needed infantry cover against the Reds.
Over on the right flank the Soviets were faced with a deeper river to wade and were trading infantry and armour with another Panzer grenadier battalion, again the latter forming the mindset of it being more prudent to retire at this point rather than be swamped by dismounted BTR infantry.
Play test ended in a tactical draw, Soviets across the river but still with heavy unbroken opposition to their front. The Soviet Divisional commander is about to commit the BMP or Tank Regiment to the left flank, his NATO counterpart forming up in the next line of defence.
The wars goes on bur time was up for the wargamers on the night!
Here it became rather ugly for the German Panzer Grenadiers, but their mettle held firm and they stood and fought well against seemingly impossible odds (and despite again rolling poor "to hit/kill" combat dice).
The Red surge continued, with the German Infantry suppressed to the front in good defensive terrain it was time for the Soviet infantry to disembark and finish the job.
After a nasty armour exchange where the German was worsted the Panzer Grenadier battalion was now set to retire in good order before it was swamped, to a position a km behind to support an already "in place" Leopard II battalion to provide much needed infantry cover against the Reds.
Over on the right flank the Soviets were faced with a deeper river to wade and were trading infantry and armour with another Panzer grenadier battalion, again the latter forming the mindset of it being more prudent to retire at this point rather than be swamped by dismounted BTR infantry.
Play test ended in a tactical draw, Soviets across the river but still with heavy unbroken opposition to their front. The Soviet Divisional commander is about to commit the BMP or Tank Regiment to the left flank, his NATO counterpart forming up in the next line of defence.
The wars goes on bur time was up for the wargamers on the night!
Wednesday, 30 June 2010
Modern War in Europe (1990's plus) Play Test I
To me modern (Cold War plus) warfare is a difficult period to game as although the technology is a known how it would have "interacted" is still a bit of a guessing game (but not quite as whimsical as Sci-Fi). The fact that NATO and the Warsaw Pact never traded blows is of an everlasting relief. However the "What-If" possibilities exist. One of my local clubs have developed a set of rules on from Modern Spearhead called Battle Group Commander which I find very informative to play.
The rules are more of a simulation than game, I participated in a clash between a Panzer Grenadier Brigade and a Soviet Motor Rifle Division.
The Soviet approach (left):
One Soviet battalion detailed to "pin" the Germans (operational zone left of the road) as the other two form up to assault in a compact mass of armour and BTR APC's (operational zone to the right of the road). Regimental AT asset move up in support using the cover of the built up area in the centre.
The Soviet approach (right):
The Soviet right flank is in waves as opposed to columns, but pins to the left with a battalion and attacks to the right with two in support of each other. The Germans prepare to unleash a second turn of defensive fire. On both flanks the Soviet pinning battalions have suffered casualties due to the first round of defensive fire.
Continued exchange of fire and contact on the Soviet left, from the pinning battalion:
And from leading elements (T64) of the second (assault) battalion and regimental ATGW and FOO assets from the middle urban area (also helped by the Germans throwing low):
The battle continues ...
The rules are more of a simulation than game, I participated in a clash between a Panzer Grenadier Brigade and a Soviet Motor Rifle Division.
The Soviet approach (left):
One Soviet battalion detailed to "pin" the Germans (operational zone left of the road) as the other two form up to assault in a compact mass of armour and BTR APC's (operational zone to the right of the road). Regimental AT asset move up in support using the cover of the built up area in the centre.
The Soviet approach (right):
The Soviet right flank is in waves as opposed to columns, but pins to the left with a battalion and attacks to the right with two in support of each other. The Germans prepare to unleash a second turn of defensive fire. On both flanks the Soviet pinning battalions have suffered casualties due to the first round of defensive fire.
Continued exchange of fire and contact on the Soviet left, from the pinning battalion:
And from leading elements (T64) of the second (assault) battalion and regimental ATGW and FOO assets from the middle urban area (also helped by the Germans throwing low):
The battle continues ...
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