Introduction
This
is game 27 in replaying the scenarios from the Briton
Publishers Operation Jupiter skirmish scenario book.
Links to previous games are on this blog page.
Rules used
I
am using my WW2 rules that I had for a 3x4 grid that I then made a gridless
version for 2’x2’ games. These games are
larger forces on a bigger table (half a table tennis table or 4x5’x5’) so I
have modified them a little so now added a few things from my older rules -
unit card activation and now each figures is not suppressed but a section can
be if fired on by enough dice. They are
very similar to rule I used 10 years ago.
Scenario
The Germans have 6 turns to recapture the orchard
from the British.
Troops
British
 |
| British (already deployed) |
1xCompany HQ (4 figures)
1xPlatoon
(10 figures)
1xPIAT
team
2x17pdr
AT guns
2 25pdr missions (average availability)
Germans
 |
| Germans |
1xKompanie HQ (7 figures)
2xZuz (10
figures each)
3xTiger 1
(veterans)
The British deploy the 17pdrs to the rear but lined up on the gaps in the hedgerow. The platoon is against the hedgerows with the CHQ as a reserve. The PIAT team is at the corner edge but not sure how useful it will be.
 |
| The German entry viewpoint. Note the gaps in the hedgerows. |
Game
6 turns is
not long. The Germans will need to bring
on everything fast – One Zug first, then send the Tigers through the gaps in
the hedgerows.
Tigers come on, as does the first Zug. Then the 2nd Zug and lastly the Kompanie HQ.
 |
| Germans are all on. |
The British platoon (well, the two sections in range) fires at the lead Gruppe and two figures are KO. (now end of turn 2)
 |
| A solitary figure |
The German 1st Zug fire back but for no effect, the 2nd Zug moves to the hedgeline and manages to rout a British figure. But the British first section fires back again and 3 more German figures are gone.
 |
| A British section is down a figure and suppressed |
It is getting a little attrition-like with both static on the hedgeline and exchanging fire. The Germans manage to inflict two more casualties.
 |
| The foxholes have less troops than at the start |
The British first section fires with 6 dice. Need a 5 or a 6 to KO a figure, they do not hit a thing. The German return fire and KO 2 British figures. The Tiger tanks move to the hedgeline to help the infantry.
 |
| Tigers on the move |
The 17pdrs have been waiting for this and open up, damaging a Tiger (can’t move).
 |
| The 17pdrs are lined up for this though |
It is now end of turn 4, 2 turns to go.
The British CO successfully calls in the 25pdrs on the centre hedgeline. Only one casualty, but the 2nd Zug is suppressed. The 17pdrs fire again and the center Tiger is kaput (very lucky)!
 |
| One Tiger down. |
The British 1st section is under fire and retreats. The German 1st Zug and Kompanie HQ infantry advances deeper into the orchard.
 |
| Germans advancing |
The German 2nd Zug attempts to rally but some figures decide to rout, causing 2 morale checks and the 2nd Zug pulls back a full move.
 |
| Retreating 2nd Zug |
The British 1st section fails a morale check and retreats off the table. The Germans win! It was the 6th turn as well.
 |
| Final positions |
Verdict
Another
loss to the British. Another great and also
close game – it could have easily gone either way. And I remembered the British artillery support
that was used to good effect.
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Well that was close and I thought the Brits had managed to hand on for a win, but 'twas not to be. Good you remembered the artillery this time around! As always a bit nostalgia hit seeing these figures and models:).
ReplyDeleteThanks Steve. I too thought the Brits were likely to win, especially as the artillery was working for them. Alas was not to be.
DeleteTo feed you nostalgia, there are a two more reports left to publish on the same table using much the same figures :-)
I too thought the Brits would likely emerge victorious, especially as time was limited, but the victory conditions weren’t favourable (I’m drawing some consolation from the fact that the Jerries had hardly achieved a decisive victory).
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Geoff
Hello Geoff,
DeleteIt was a close game, I think it seems to be a falrly balanced scenario. It did take until the last turn of the game for the Germans to win and you are correct, it was costly to them to achieve retaking the orchard.