Spring and Summertime Audible Reading: WWII (Early War from 1939 to 1941)

Thanks to Audible (via listening in the car and while I am doing the washing up) I am able to keep up with my "electronic book time" (and in all honesty, I usually buy a paper copy of the books I like and have listened to too).  It is nourishing when you can mine a consistent meme or theme, even as a background task. I have recently gone back to one of my first loves of history, the early war period of WWII (clanky tanks, Stukas and all that stuff), with some nice new author "finds" and their revisionist reviews of oft forgotten episodes of the early war.

Reading List (Done):

Starting at the beginning - Case White: The Invasion of Poland 1939 (see below, Robert Forczyk is a great new author find for me and the Poland 1939 Campaign is covered in greater detail that I have managed to find before):

Of interest were the "learning mistakes" of the German Army, as not everything went right for them and how an alliance which looks good on paper is, when tested (France and Great Britain supporting the Poles - allegedly), falls apart through lack of any tangible help Britain and France could give Poland in 1939! The Allies in short wanted everything to go much slower, but were simply not given this luxury.  

The open fighting war in Poland now over, we move onto Narvik .. the campaign before the Low Countries started and the site of the Allies first "land" victory in WWII. This was after a bizarre naval start to to proceedings, where we almost saw an  "Allied invasion of Norway" first and arguably "an Allied act or war on Norway" (courtesy of the RN) ! A beguiling episode of unfathomable "what ifs" that could have spelled out a very different outcome. Overall an excellent book (see below, where bizarrely the displaced Polish troops helped the French and British inflict the first Blitzkrieg era defeat on Germany by the recapture of Narvik in what was the final moments of this ill-prepared campaign [on both sides]):

Then back to more familiar territory of France 1940 proper, but with a twist, not the familiar and beloved Alister Horne's recount, (France 1940: To Lose a battle) and looking predominately at Case Yellow, but instead just a review of that and then greater focus on Case Red. This is looking at the battle of France post Dunkirk, and what was termed the Second BEF's brief campaign. This includes the 2nd Armoured Divisions "trials and tribulations "in what was a travesty of combat, or "How not to attack with a British cruiser armed tank division in 1940, thinking it was the same as a French tank division and had supporting infantry". Fascinating early war "cringe" details, again a story of what could have been (see below, subtext - how allies can hurt each other as much as the enemy):

Then a real focus on Dunkirk from the German view, illuminating when considering the operation from a German perspective (see below, a huge take away was that the German effort to take Dunkirk was uncoordinated and from a C3 perspective was horrifically fragmented and certainly not combined arms, a fascinating read):

After the fall of France how long could Britain stand? Many thought, including Joseph Kennedy, JFK's father and American ambassador to Great Britain, thought not long. Britain was doomed as it could not stand alone. "We March Against England". This gives a peculiar twist to viewing and understanding  this period. Absolutely fascinating stuff (see below, again its from my latest author find, Mr Robert Forczyk):

This information was especially interesting when reviewing it against Paddy Griffith's epic1974 Operation Sea Lion game and the capabilities (see below, Paddy's book is full of of detailed notes and is available from the History of Wargaming Project):

Yet one more thing leading to another, the Western Desert comes into focus and another book from Robert Forczyk fills this gap nicely (see below, those early Italian and DAK battles covered in fascinating details [still as yet only available in hardback - so note to self, it is a book still for me to get]):  

Again a great book and brings a new perspective on the early war Western Desert campaign(s) and specifically Rommel's character and leadership in particular (a tank commander is being very hard on a felloe tan commander). Logistics, logistics and logistics! It is no good getting something after a hard fought battle if you cannot supply yourself sufficiently to keep it.

The above might explain my lack of posting over the last few months (first half of 2024), coupled with increased WhatsApp-Facebook-X  usage (a trio of digital distractions) and heck, a busy work-family life balance.

Reading List (To Do): 

Where next? Historically, all eyes turn East (as did Hitler) and the war swings in a very dramatic fashion as an 'irresistible force' hits an 'unmovable object' (Germany invades Russia) and believe it or not there is a book for that (see below, in truth there are many books, but this one concentrates on tanks which is a leading draw to me, thank you Mr Forczyk): 

Although I think, instead of a picture of a sexy Tiger Tank on the front cover (which is "just" in period, but will sell books for sure), I would have preferred a picture of a weather-worn, workhorse PzIII, which would have been much more appropriate IMHO. 

Note: Any more book recommendations appreciated and welcome, as I seem to have come to the bottom of my list (ready-use locker). 

Nimitz - Operation Freya (1/3000 Ships)

At last a use for my 1/3000 WWII Navwar naval collection (huzzah), the Nimitz rule set and its hypothetical introductory scenario, Norway 1940 - Operation Freya a RN v KM battlecruiser clash, let the dice roll and decide history (see below, slowly collected over many decades part of my 1/3000 collection which I consider as an ongoing proect): 

I guess the intention in the scenario (from Sam Mustafa's website download section) is to be a WW2 version of a Dogger Bank 'fast and furious' battlecruiser clash, with one side (RN) having destroyers and one side (KM) having a light cruiser, both sides having something capable of firing torpedoes (see below, the ships were fast out of their starting blocks with the KM hurling caution to the wind and sending in their light cruiser [Nurnberg] for a torpedo attack on the RN Hood and Repulse): 

Nurnberg was crippled and sunk, but her sacrifice was not entirely in vain (as the RN battlecruisers paid her some main armament attention) as she allowed the Scharnhorst and Gneisenau to deliver painful blows to the Mighty Hood, taking structural points away (see below, one crippled RN destroyer stays attending to the British main force [aka hiding], while the two healthy attack the German battle cruisers [gulp]): 

With HMS Hood suffering yet again (and the British return shells bouncing off Krupp armour) t'was "the better part of valour" this time for the British as they retired off table under cover of a threatened or rather attempted torpedo attack (see below, the rules showed the nice premise of a running battle - jumping between tactical and operation game boards was possible - something previously hinted at but not really supported by other tactical rules sets): 

I liked the scenario (and the way Nimitz was playing [without cheese]) so much I decided to play it again, this time over at a friend's house who had a much better "sea mat" than me! In a short summary, the British need to get lucky early or the German armour works in the KM's favour over the course of a long range gunnery dual. Note, players don't seem to be the classic missing smoke-screens, not just yet at any rate (see below, in the first run through we forgot about rolling the "dice for advantage" [I like this little tweak] - nothing is equal so KM rolled well enough to "have the advantage2, so they can watch the RN set-up in a limited "floor space" and choose their angle of attack from anywhere in their half of the board (see below, the RN force opt to make a high speed run [hence the yellow counters on their ships]):  

The RN strategy is "run fast, shoot with a full broadside and then get lucky" whereas the KM felt an uncontrollable urge to charge at the enemy with the Nurnberg - two separate [unrelated so I don't think it's genetics] German players did this (see below, in the exchange the Scharnhorst suffered light damage [structural] and the KM player learned it pays to "move fast when you can" because you are harder to hit - even if it makes your shooting slightly worse): 

The Nurnberg meets a watery grave from a bucket load of torpedoes from the leading RN destroyer (which was crippled in the process - a medal for someone) - Nurnberg's back was broken and  she went straight down (see below, he RN's strategy was working for two thirds of their battle plan - keep going fast, shooting away with full broadsides but alas missing with their shooting - whereas the KM just "got lucky" and HMS Hood (that fateful old girl) suffered accordingly, losing lots of structure points and a nice 15" turret to boot):     

A RN admiral discussion concluded that whereas the German armour was saving them from serious damage and the Admiralty would like to get HMS Hood back to Scapa to be repaired (see below, the two fresh RN destroyers were able to chase the German battlecruisers away as the RN battlecruisers disengaged):  

After seeing what torpedoes can do to KM ships the German admiral was satisfied to claim honours and retire just after the British had retired from the map (see below, the game worked really well, credit to the Germans in both games with sound tactical victories - note in the Halsey campaign this would be set up for a nice running battle over several encounters and other Task Forces trying to intercept [or hide if you were a convoy], all good stuff): 

This all bodes well for this rule system methinks and future battles. Nimitz is easy to pick up, fun to play and gives more or less, plausible historical results in a much quicker time than the likes of GQ II (my previous preferred WW2 naval rule set). I can recommend watching the SaturdayNightFights of the Armchair Dragoons fame, playthrough of Operation Freya:

https://www.armchairdragoons.com/events/wn/saturdaynightfights-operation-freya-for-nimitz/

SHQ German "Propaganda" Tank

Wikipedea: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neubaufahrzeug

A multi-turreted early war metal monster, the German equivalent of the T-28. Not quite as mad as the Russian T-35 but clearly sanity prevailed as it never reached production getting halted at the prototype state (five in total), although three vehicles did fight in the Norwegian Campaign. It is a SHQ birthday present that has been a long time waiting for its time in the sun (see below):

It has all kinds of experimental madness, with twin guns (3.7mm AT and low velocity 75mm L24 HE) in its main turret, two Pz I style machine gun sub-turrets (that only have one HMG a piece in them) and a crazy high hull with multi-roller tracks (see below):

It comes together in a sort of mad Indiana Jones style way (see below):

Next stage(s): From silver to black to Panzer Grey, but when?

KM Blucher (Cont) "Moving Towards the Stern"

With the "bow" and "amidships" done it is time to move towards the "stern" of the ship, please note the obligatory cup of shipyard "tea" (see below):

All the gaps are now covered over (see below):

Just a case of building up the "pointy bits" at the back (see below):

Note: The KM Blucher had a brief combat life (1939-40), but her sister the KM Admiral Hipper lived through to 1945 (even venturing forth into the North Atlantic and fighting in the Battle of the Barents Sea) as did her infamous big sister KM Prinz Eugen (same armament but a bit longer and more sea worthy, Battle of the Denmark Strait and the Channel Dash).

KM Blucher (Continued) : Front bit done ...

The main mast and associated tricky bits have all gone onto the front (bow) end of the ship.The construction, moving as per the instructions, moves down the middle sides fitting in the various things that poke up here and there, stop me if I get too technical (see below): )

All-in-all it's coming together nicely!

Note: Please see the upgraded canteen facilities this week of "cup of tea and mini muffin" ;)

KM Blucher's "Upper Works" Started

The front upper works of the KM Blucher have started to take on some of its sinister shape (see below): 

The only concern here is to avoid the "leaning tower" look, by allowing the plastic once glued to dry solidly into place. The temptation is to 'rush' however the model is showing its age. Not fitting together with "clinical precision' meant that there were a few moments of glue and hold while sipping mouthfuls of tea. Eventually I got there. Almost two thirds of the way there I think (to an unpainted model).   

1/720-1/600 WWII Naval Arms Race

The German WWII Naval response to the latest RN Destroyer acquisition (aka HMS Kipling) is the KM Blucher (sister ship to the KM Admiral Hipper). A ship with an interesting demise in Norwegian waters in 1940, as to be the only ship I know of (and that knowledge is not necessarily encyclopaedic) to be sunk by land based torpedoes (built ironically by Krupps of Germany)! Serves you right for invading a foreign country I guess (see below):

This one could be a very 'slow build' as it has been strategically placed at my fathers and gets some Sunday attention while the children are playing in the garden (or more likely watching Cartoon Network on the TV) and I quietly slip upstairs to the back room with a cup of tea ;)

What rules I hear you ask? Fletcher Pratt on a very large grass lawn methinks!

The "Clanky Tank Party" starts (Polish, French and German early war tanks)

Every party needs some "Party Animals" and I have a bunch of five from SHQ:

The three Polish 7TP's (one with twin MG's and two with two with 37mm Bofers cannon), the French D2 and the German Propaganda Tank

Work starts on the elaborate early war Polish camouflage (see above en mass), the base coat is applied, Anita's Acrylic Earth Brown (11014), Tamiya Acrylic XF-60 Dark yellow and Tamiya Acrylic XF-62 Olive Drab (see below for the close-up of the twin-MG 7TP):  

Both the yellow and green will have to be modified to match my guide and early war tank bible (see below):

Handily all three tanks are covered with nice plates and descriptions. Still on holiday and loving it ;)

Narvil [11]: Outcome of First Battle of Narvik

With the end of the blockade skirmish the loose ends from the First Battle of Narvil draw to a close.

Honours to both sides, but the Germans have the edge as they have a destroyer force that can attempt to make a dash back for Germany (or at the very least Trondhiem which is in German hands). Bunched up for the dash:

Then spread out for the Swordfish attack from HMS Furious (and she jolly well is after the indignantly of HMS Penelope's amidships)!

The RN is stepping up preparations to attack the remaining forces in Narvik (the battleship HMS Warspite and a gaggle of Fleet destroyers), which should be a rather one-sided affair.

Narvik [10]: End Game, Turn Towards or Away?

The scorecard so far:

RN with HMS Penelope scores two German destroyers crippled and one still to get (before it manages to get cheeky with a "fish" or two in the water). At a cost of just a third of her ammunition quota (better have a chit ready).

KM: Barely scratched the paint work on HMS Penelope (for the loss of the above) 

Now the 'precarious' sequence of play, well known to General Quarters destroyer captains, comes into play. In order for Z5 to launch its torpedoes she has to survive a maelstrom of gunfire from HMS Penelope, in the 'minimum range' bracket to boot, with everything blasting at 'rapid fire' rate, a rather tall order. Especially if you are the last remaining viable destroyer in the attack.  

The die is cast. Z5 (topmost in the picture) takes savage damage on the hull (three boxes and is reduced to 3 inches speed) and also loses half her armaments, but 'importantly' still possesses one set of good torpedo tubes (4 fish). Meanwhile Z4 (lower left) positions herself cheekily for a long/extreme range torpedo pop (4) at HMS Penelope.

Some recompense is gained from the guns of Z5 as they are at last effective too, scoring one and a half hull boxes, penetrating her armour and causing Penelope's speed to drop to nine inches, ouch (but nowhere near fatal). The KM has somehow managed to put eight fish in the water, something serious at last for HMS Penelope's captain to think about.

The commander HMS Penelope now has the same dilemma faced by Admiral John Jellicoe at the Battle of Jutland in 1916. To turn towards or away from a torpedo attack? The German commanders have already scribbled their torpedo directions in classic GQ style, trying desperately to remember which is Port and which is Starboard in relation to the target ship (not an easy thing in the heat of battle). HMS Penelope moves, ordering a "turn hard to Starboard helmsman" at the torpedoes not away (the safer option).

Did he guess right? The papers are revealed: Z4 fired behind (miss) but Z5 fired to starboard (an attack die is rolled at a shortened range).

The classic way of representing a torpedo fan: pipe cleaners.

Crash, a huge column of water erupts amidships of HMS Penelope. Three full hull boxes and one full armament box damage, HMS Penelope immediately pulls up dead in the water with only half a hull box remaining. Technically (with that half hull box) she still has power (RN breath a huge sigh of relief) and thus her guns immediately cripple Z5 on the next round, removing all the remaining armament boxes and leaving her dead in the water too with only a half hull box.

Z3 and Z4 make good there escape under cover of smoke, while Z5 and HMS Penelope stare at each other.

HMS Penelope's captain cursing his luck on one hand but is thankful to be still afloat on the other. He wants to conserve his depleted ammunition stock so refrains from sinking the rather hapless (but valiant) Z5. The question is which sides reinforcements will turn up next? At least HMS Penelope can attempt to defend herself (though now at the 50% ammunition used point).

Damage control parties in Z5 regain creep speed propulsion and seeing the 'prize' attempting to depart, HMS Penelope promptly despatches Z5 to the bottom. On the horizon the RN destroyers HMS Hero and HMS Ilex appear and the tactical game closes down as HMS Penelope engines start on "creep speed" and she heads back to Scapa with her ASW escort. 

Next: Taking stock?

Narvik [9]: Death Ride of the German Destroyers

With each successive salvo from HMS Penelope Z3 suffered grievously. Soon Z3 was little more than a wreck. Her speed reduced to 3 inches and upper armament swept away, holding on to a set of torpedo tubes as her only offensive weapon. In an act of calculated desperation Z4 and Z5 charged head on to HMS Penelope out of the protective smoke-screen..

HMS Penelope was still  in complete control of the engagement choosing to shorten the range only for her own benefit with ruthless efficiency. The German guns were still reliant on getting "lucky hits" because even the light armour (LC) of the cruiser was sufficient to protect her at the 30" bands from the German 5" guns. Girding their loins for more losses the German destroyer pair pressed the attack.

Z3 dropped astern retiring back to Narvik. Soon Z4 staggered and sagged under the weight of 'Main' and 'Secondary' armament from HMS Penelope despite violent evasive actions. The cruiser was an altogether better gun platform and her shooting in turn was good. Z4 was reduced to half (6 inch) speed and half her armament boxes were set ablaze. She hung in for the hope of a long range torpedo shot. Z5 knew her turn was next, but at least now the range, although it meant murderous incoming, allowed at last for potentially effective German return fire. 

To be continued ...

Narvik (8): The encounter with HMS Penelope - First Rounds

The "destroyer" that to the horror of the watching Germans turned out to be in fact a "six inch cruiser", the irrepressible "HMS Penelope" (later known as HMS Pepper-pot when serving in the Mediterranean because of the daylight that streamed through the many, many holes the Germans and Italians put into her, yet she still survived).

Her mission to blockade and report on any enemy activity in the vicinity of Narvik.

The deep-blue sea base is my experiment with "cheap oils". Lessons learned being that they take an age to dry! Meanwhile leading the German force into battle is destroyer Z3 followed by Z4 and Z5.

First blood to the RN as Z3 is immediately straddled, good shooting Penelope at the twilight 40" range bracket.  Lucky shots or the taste of things to come?

Z3 makes smoke to cover Z4 & Z5 as the Germans attempt to "close the range". Hoping that Z3 can take the punishment stoically and still remain afloat. Logic being at this range the traffic is all one way in the RN's favour, the destroyers need to half the range to be effective with their gunfire and perhaps have a sporting chance with a torpedo attack. Strategically the Germans want to punch a hole in the blockade and make a run home to Germany with at least some of the destroyers.

It looks likely to be a bloody affair though if HMS Penelope keeps up her good shooting.

To be Continued ...

Narvik (6): German Perimeter Search

Von (J) disposed of the active German Destroyers as follows:

Search Patrol (1):
Dispatched immediate:
One Destroyer
Out to a range of six nautical miles
North West sweeping in an arc down south

Search Patrol (2):
Dispatched one hour later that (1)
Three destroyers
Out to a range of six nautical miles
South sweeping in an arc upwards

Reinforcement Group
Dispatched two hours later than (1)
Two destroyers
Station keeping two miles outside of Narvik
Von (J) with this group

If uneventful both patrols should meet approximately WSW of Narvik six nautical miles out.
As night breaks into twilight ... Contact [South 6nm, unidentified ship - probable destroyer] reported from Patrol Group (2)

Note:
In addition there were three destroyers still in the process of refuelling in Narvik.
The Von Roeder was moored in the outer Fjord as a floating gun platform, though still capable of raising steam and minor movement, she is as such not sea worthy.

Narvik (4): The German Player's Call [Hypothetical]

This is where my mini-naval campaign departs from the historical, as after the Narvik (1), (2) and (3) postings the short-term initiative rests with the German Player Captain Von (J).

The clatter of Enigma exchanges between the German Naval High Command and the Captain Von(J) goes as follows:

------------------------------

To: C-in-C KM from Captain Von(J) Narvik Force
Narvik Situation Report

Local Weather conditions poor, driving snow and poor visibility

Have rebuffed RN destroyer probe of Fjord 18th December

Fierce engagement
1 Enemy Destroyer Sunk (HMS Hotspur)
1 Enemy Destroyer Crippled (Unknown)
Von Roeder (KM) Destroyer Crippled "cannot make return journey, function is now purely of static harbour defence value - disembarking majority of crew to fight as infantry"

Remaining OrBat:
6 Destroyers Fueled
3 Destroyers Fueling

Awaiting your orders
-------------------------------------------------
From: C-in-C KM Forces to Narvik Commander

Your Situation Report is understood
Additional intelligence suggests heavy build up of RN forces in or heading to the Narvik area

Composition unknown but traffic indicates presence of Destroyers, Cruisers and/or Capital Ships
U-25,  U-46, U-48, U-51 and U64 remain on station in Narvik area

[Umpire's Note: not under KM player's control]
No additional KM forces available

Luftwaffe promise long range reconnaissance tomorrow

What are your intentions?
Can you defend Narvik or will you attempt to break out before being trapped?

Von Raeder
-------------------------------------------------
Game Options:

(i) Defend Narvik .. possibly face heavy RN units
(ii) Order immediate break-out (6 Fueled Destroyers)
(iii) Order delayed break-out (9 Destroyers)

(iv) Another Plan

Note to readers, feel free to advise Captain Von(J) as to the merits of his above options and even offer other cunning alternative plans ;)

The Boys from Narvik: Scenario Roll Call

Given that the photography from the First Battle of Narvik was a tad fuzzy (a hand held phone in my unsteady hands and harsh complaints as I nearly knock the table askew) I thought it a quick and worthwhile project to take some shots of the Navwar 1/3000 miniatures used on the night.

The Royal Navy Second Destroyer Flotilla (from left to right, HMS Hunter, HMS Havoc, HMS Hardy (FL), HMS Hotspur, HMS Hostile):

Three packets of Navwar RN destroyers is all you need, at today's prices that is £3.30 (and a spare ship to boot: 4 x N1514 H Class Destroyer, 1 x N1515 Flotilla Leader) and you have a piece of RN History.

Meanwhile lurking in the shadows is the 2nd Flotilla's nemesis (on the replay night only, historically a tad different) the "deadly" Von Roeder (Z17):

Then the members of "The Friends of the Von Roeder" society who came to its rescue to chase away the RN 2nd Destroyer Flotilla from delivering a "coup de grace" on the then 'limping home' Von Roeder:

Not actually named on the night they were: Hans Ludemann (Z18), Herman Kunne (Z19), Wilhelm Heidkamp (Z21), Anton Schmit (Z22). Navwar serial number N3503 (all Von Roeder class), and again the princely sum of £3.30 for three packets buys you this piece of history (and a spare valid historical destroyer).
    
Lurking in distant corners of the fjord and too distant to play a part in my concocted scenario were yet more German destroyers.

The Georg Thiele (Z2), Wolfgang Zenger (Z9), Bernard Von Arnim (Z11), Erich Giese (Z12) and the Erich Koellner (Z13). All Maas class destroyers, Navwar code N3504, again £3.30 for three packets buys you these piece of history (and another spare valid historical destroyer).   

The First Battle of Narvik for less than a tenner, a bargain :) 

I'm still hoping to play a follow on battle from this, somewhat diverging from the historical second battle (as the German KM took much less damage in my re-run of The First Battle of Narvik) which could mean even a spirited German attempt at a breakout. All depends to Captain Von (J)'s reply to my next email.

GQ2 Mal-Rule applied on the night: Rather late apologies to Captain (D) the British player, one rule I did get wrong on the night was not flipping the initiative of who moves first in the sequence of play. By this I mean [First Turn] Side A moves first then Side B moves, to [Second Turn] Side B moves first then Side A and so forth in an alternate sequence. However as a matter of fact (IMHO) it mattered little in this short sharp action, a stern chase and then quick retreat (gunnery is taken after all movement and is simultaneous). The German player at most may have got one broad-side (perhaps) advantage on the HMS Hunter early on.

Wargame Night (Cont): The Battle of Narvik (3)

Decision time for the RN.

Captain (D) knew secrecy was blown as the Germans defenders were obviously wide awake to the 2nd. Flotilla's presence in the fjord. Signal flares were going off the length and breadth of the fjord and even the cackle of light arms echoed from the shore. However visibility remained diabolically short so this was all window dressing to the real events. Captain (D) reasoned that given the cataclysmic destruction of HMS Hotspur and the coldness of the water there seemed little reason to stop and look for survivors. This thought was completely abandoned when three darkened shadows were seen lumbering out of the swirling snow squalls ahead (see bottom left in the photograph below). German destroyers, big ones at that!

For Captain (D) on HMS Hardy this was quite enough and while the initiative lay with him, and the range still permitted it to be carried out unopposed, he ordered the Second Destroyer Flotilla to "Break off Action". HMS Hardy and HMS Hostile executed simultaneous emergency turns and departed whence they came up the fjord (see bottom right in the picture below), using their superior speed and smoke to break off the action. The Von Roeder thanked its lucky stars, although wrecked as a fighting unit, it was still afloat and under its own power (just).

Over on  the other side of the fjord HMS Havoc had remained on guard station covering the heavily damaged HMS Hunter's tactical withdrawal. It too sighted an equally sinister silhouette of yet another German large destroyer approaching. Discretion being the better part of valour, HMS Havoc used her superior speed to break contact, then made a tortuous extradition covering HMS Hunter struggle out of the fjord under half power. However as the Kriegsmarine were content to put on a defensive show of strength, assisting the damaged Von Roeder back into Narvik and searching the wreckage of HMS Hotspur for survivors. None being found.

Postmortem:

A tactical German success (win). RN: losses being 1 destroyer SUNK and 1 HEAVILY DAMAGED, while the KM: had 1 destroyer CRIPPLED, barely afloat but incapable of making the return journey to Germany as planned. It would have to remain as a Narvik harbour defense ship and await developments. The bulk of her crew would probably be used as infantry as Narvik had no repair facilities to speak of.

Strategically it is still "To Be Decided" as the RN would be back to fight another battle bringing heavier assets to bear. The prize of a clutch of German destroyers would be too tempting and tantalising for Winston as the First Sea Lord to miss and his badgering the Admiralty for another go would continue. It's a question of whether the German player Von (J) wishes the KM to fuel up and attempt break out or wait to sit it out in defensive mode. I eagerly await his decision.   

Was it a Good Game? It certainly was a quick filler that did the job on the night, though you had to be of a certain nautical mind set to let the game flow. You either like the abstraction in GQ2 or hate it and I find that as a player that can (nay, usually) depend on the dice you throw.

After the Battle Considerations:

Alert Status of Kriegsmarine: This was far greater than historical so to give both sides an even matched scenario. Firstly in the ability of the German destroyers to move once alerted to the British presence, this allowed a stronger response to be organised far quicker than the historical event. Having said that I halved the total number of German destroyers available from ten to five to compensate somewhat for this and represent the refueling activities taking place. I was still happy with the overall scenario balance given that this was a reconnaissance in force, effectively a "meeting engagement".

Magnetic North: German torpedoes experienced repeated failures due to the magnetic pistons malfunctioning due to the unusual geology (rich in ferrous iron-are) affecting their behaviour and poor quality control factors in construction and design principles. Heads literally rolled in scientific departments after this fiasco was investigated. This I effectively ignored, so the crew of HMS Hotspur should bear me a hard grudge. Having said that, eight torpedoes, two hits, both registered as SUNK. I'll say that's enough of a convincing statistical outcome to say it could have happened.  

Scale: I would be tempted to run The Second Battle of Narvik (if it ever happens) using cm instead of inches, particularly as HMS Warspite and/or a cruiser may be involved (that should upset or influence Von (J)'s decision if he is reading this). If truth be told I am slightly annoyed I didn't use the cm scale for the first battle.

Hidden movement and Solo Game Potential: Once the models were in the table the "Fog of War" was hard to maintain without sending players out of the room, something I am not (or no longer) keen to do. Replay value methinks would be with a more complicated solo game or a RN 'team' exploring the fjord and its side channels and reacting to random events.

Any constructive thoughts or comments appreciated ;)

Wargame Night (Cont): The Battle of Narvik (2)

With the crackle of gunfire still echoing around the fjord the Von Roeder makes smoke and executes what it hopes to be a speedy exit to meet up with friendly forces further down the fjord. Note: The many wargame uses of a poker chip. Green equals part of a smoke screen, red a visibility limit, simple but it was working well enough on the night. Back to the Von Roeder. Racing around the lee of the island she gains protection from two RN destroyers (HMS Hunter and HMS Havoc) but the Von Roeder (top middle trailing green "smoke" poker chits) is blissfully unaware that she is on a collision course with the rest of the RN 2nd Destroyer Flotilla (bottom right). 

"Enemy sighted" and HMS Hotspur engages and trades minor hits with the startled Von Roeder. HMS Hardy soon joins in the battle as the Von Roeder and HMS Hotspur enter into a close (or rather effective) range torpedo duel in the fjord. Both captains decide to unload 'all' their fish and it's a case of who guesses right under the GQ2 basic torpedo rules, but I like it that way. A sophisticated bottle top marks the torpedo launch points. Both sides write down their predictions and wait nervously.  

The Von Roder bears to port (top middle), but Captain (D) guessed straight ahead therefore MISS, while Von (J) picked correct, straight ahead and HMS Hotspur obliged, though at rather a high speed. [Note: Only now do I see an umpire omission, that they could have spread their fish to different sectors - my fault, but it was the same mistake for all sides - I honestly knew these rules once!] The result being a Torpedo Attack on HMS Hotspur. The dice roll, the players wait with baited breath. Then follows then is a catastrophic explosion (two in fact) on the brave and valiant little HMS Hotspur, as she simply disintegrates [Umpire: SUNK result twice].

The euphoria is short lived on the Von Roeder as she is then subjected to a withering fire from HMS Hardy and HMS Hostile seeking a bloody vengence for the Hostspur. For the first time the Von Roeders normally crack aim (aka Von(J)'s deadly dice roll) deserts her, Lady Luck is such a cruel girl. The Von Roeder is now reduced to a single armament and hull box, limping lowly along, truly "peppered". Von (J)'s previously humorous comment about sticking close to shore to run aground if in trouble looks a rather good pragmatic option now.

Is it time for the RN to rethink its plans? Do they press on or break off?

Wargame Night: The First Battle of Narvik (1)

I'm a happy man, no more thinking about it, but a bit of doing. A "night pass" (married folk will understand) is secured, hurriedly a box of toys tucked safely under an arm and off we go to actually ... wargame. It's been over a month, well over, I am so looking forward to it even though I am only going to be the umpire tonight. Now perhaps you would expect a 20mm WWII battle. No that would be far too sensible a thing for me to do. Far better to blow the dust off some of my old Navwar 1:3000 scale miniatures and try and to remember the GQ2 (General Quarters 2) rule set. I have not (and probably will not) made the transition to GQ3 as it unfortunately drops what I liked about the original rules, namely simplification and a pleasant level of abstraction.

The scenario was a bit of a thrown together "what shall we do at the last minute tonight affair" based on the hectic First Battle of Narvik in December 1940. The game was played in a serious (as becomes an Englishman playing a commander in the Royal Navy) but friendly fashion with a few embarrassing breaks as I fluttered through the rule book. Ahem, I knew these rules once!

A quick Google will tell you that in 1940 the Germans transported an invasion force to Narvik by destroyer (ten large ones in fact) and soon took control of the port facilities and hinterland. A sea journey so far north all but exhausted the fuel range of the destroyers so cunningly replenishment oil tankers accompanied them to top then up for the return journey. This extra complexity cost time and gave the Royal Navy the opportunity to strike a blow against the Kriegsmarine. Unsure of the exact size and strength of the German presence a reconnaissance in force was organised. The Admiralty after much procrastination sent the Second Destroyer flotilla of five 'H' Class destroyers under the command of Captain Warburton-Lee to aggressively probe and attack enemy shipping in the Narvik fjord system.

Players (J) and (D) took center stage. The British player (D) took the brief in his stride and in a damn-the-torpedoes style line-abreast, battle ensigns fluttering in the breeze, entered the fjord aggressively as shown below. Note: The terrain below is a completely haphazard concoction thrown together on the night, serving to facilitate a close action to the shore working with little or no room for maneuver. It probably bears little or no historical relevance, please accept this as so. Black hexes represent the sea, therefore it follows green gaps with 25/28mm rock scenery represent islands and/or shoreline.

The red poker markers indicate the furthest line of visibility (D) could see the moment the RN entered the fjord, the ships have moved their full allowance. The German player (J) has plotted his hidden patrol(s) in true "Fog of War" fashion. The visibility was randomly rolled for and came back with a very historical poor line of sight as per the snow-bound night of the 10th December 1940. Maximum visibility range was a mere 16 inches which meant gunnery combat (when it happened) would be in the murderous rapid fire category. In hindsight perhaps I should have used cm to widen the fjord and give the British more room to play with, for example if they wanted to try and dodge the/any patrols. As it was the British player intended to make contact with whatever was in the fjord, so strategically I think nothing was a miss here. The three British player bounded forward three turns until "contact".

The moment of "Contact":

The German "designated" Patrol destroyer (Von Roeder - bottom middle) is sighted by two RN destroyers (HMS Hunter and HMS Havoc). Gunnery ensued, with the Von Roeder coming off better after a brief but bloody exchange of gunfire over the next two turns. Key to this being the KM's ability to broadside and cross the T's of the Royal Navy flotilla (again, only two of which could engage due to the visibility and even then only for for half gunnery effect). HMS Hunter took the brunt of the firestorm, taking a critical in the boiler halving her speed, plus numerous hull and armament box hits (both being reduced by two). She was effectively out of the game in Captain (D)'s eyes.

In return the Von Roeder picked up only a half a hull hit. The Germans were blessed by the Brit(D) just rolling poor on the "to hit" dice. Nevertheless following written orders when faced by a superior force the Von Roeder made smoke RN and retired back to friendly forces behind the lee of a convenient small island. An alert (by signal flares and the sound of gunfire) was also sent to activate "other" German forces in the Narvik fjord area.