Operation Cygent - Post Campaign Thoughts

With the recent and successful attack on Pemba, giving the British the objective of the campaign, I thought I'd do a bit of a wash up on how the campaign finished and then some thoughts on the campaign in general.

The mist continued to linger over the campaign area, as both sides took stock of their respective situations. See the map below for more details:

An overview of the campaign map and the general dispositions for both sides.

The British are firmly in control of Pemba (3), with no immediate threat that can be seen. A depleted 'A' Coy and 'A' Sqdn, with 2nd Recce, are holding the approaches to the bridge to Pemba. The German Volkstuurm and 2nd FJ Kompanie lack any offensive capability in reality. The Nebelwerfer (2) has no FAO left to call it in and the Heavy Panzer Kompanie are too far away to pose any imminent threat to the British positions.

'D' Coy and 'D' Sqdn, although depleted in strength, have plenty of armoured support in the form of Churchills and Cromwells. The FJ Kompanies around them have no armour to support them, no any heavy weapons with which to maintain any prospect of offensive action.

Post Campaign Thoughts

In no particular order:

• The Warplan 5/5 map was perfect for my needs, with the basic terrain descriptions for each square enough to allow me to figure out some basic positions for forces etc, without having to go into too much detail. The simple map movement worked fine too and was easy to remember. I will certainly be using these maps again for my games and campaigns.
• Next time I might try and find a map with a bit more varied terrain, rather than lots of open grazing land. Of course I can always tweak the terrain descriptions to suit, but it is easier to use those given.
• The simple Recce spotting rules worked OK, if not always that effective due to poor dice rolls! Something that I might work up in a bit more detail, but will ponder this and other issues in due course.
• The Random Deployment entrance points worked fine for the Germans, along with the Hidden Counters and Blinds, giving a nice Fog of War to the game, which is just perfect for solo play. It was always fun to see what was 'under' each counter when it was revealed, wither voluntarily of as a result of Recce spotting.
• I deliberately kept the initial German forces that were available 'light weight', to reflect the hasty nature of the German response. As the Campaign Turns progressed, 'heavier materiel' became available, such as the Panzers and Heavy Panzers. Not knowing what had actually been drawn added a nice level of friction to the campaign. all-in-all I'm pretty happy with how this worked.
• The Weather Chart was great and this is something that I will certainly be using in future games where appropriate. It added another level to the campaign and the games, as the case of the Mist showed. Its effects were not too dramatic but enough to be noticeable, which was good.
• The basic starting OOB were good, but I wished I had typed them up and printed them out to make it easier to keep track of the losses suffered by both sides. This is certainly much easier to do that various bits of paper here and there. Lesson learnt.
• The mixed German units were fun to have in the Campaign, even though not all of them got to see action. How often do you actually field Volkstuurm or out of date Panzers in a game? Certainly a first for me and something I hope to do in the future.
• Borrowing some ideas from battlegroup Panzer Grenadier worked well, but these really need to be worked up into a more formal set of house rules for future games. This will be done in the cold light of day, once the Campaign is out of my hair so to speak.
• The 'House Hosing' felt right and like the above, this needs some thought and firming up for future games.
• I'm really happy how the Campaign played out from a solo perspective. Nominally I was the British commander, but the items outlined above made it really fun and unpredictable throughout. I would change hats so to speak when it was the German's Campaign Turn and think what would be the most logical approach for them and also ignoring the God's eye view that I had of the table.
• I did find it hard to maintain momentum as the Campaign progressed, as some of the fun went out of it as I felt I needed to keep putting updates on the Blog. The break did me good but it was hard to pick up where I had finished off and at what stage was the Campaign. 
• I felt the Campaign as a whole, being inspired by Operation Market-Garden, worked really well. Having a grounding in a historical campaign and/or action, helped figure out the whole narrative. So for example the weather and its effects upon Air Support, the fragmented nature of the German units and reinforcements etc. Going forward I will try and do something similar for future campaigns. Of course the historical research part of it is fun too.
• Be flexible and take the KISS approach to the Campaign. Afterall you want it to be fun and frankly you cannot cover every conceivable situation that might arise. Things what would be the most probable outcome of any situation, given the local and overall situation and then go with that. It seemed to work OK in this campaign.

It seems funny to think that it is all over now and that it's time to move onto to something else. What that might be I'm not sure. I want to try and get some painting in for a campaign I have planned for the Autumn, alongside some smaller games of something or other. We'll have to wait and see what might grab my attention.

I have a FtF game tomorrow with a friend and some acquaintences from the Cotwswold Wargaming Day, using 28mm figures on a large table and some SYW type Imagi-Nations using the ever excellent Honours of War rules. This should be fun and I'm looking forward to it and keeping my fingers crossed my back holds up!

So until next time, stay safe and keep healthy!

Operation Cygnet - Day Three - Assault On Pemba

At the same time as the recent action, Volkstuurm Vorwarts!, was taking place, the main British attack went in with the aim of securing Pemba, the objective of the campaign. Both sides had taken losses in the build up to this, but the British certainly had the numerical and materiel superiority. However the Germans were in Pemba and taking a BUA without artillery or air support would be challenge for sure.

German Kampfgruppe OOB

1 x CO (CV 8)

2 x HQ (CV 8)

1 x FAO (CV 7)

2 x Heer Infantry (one unit with 3 hits)

1 x 81mm Mortar (with 2 hits)

1 x Stug III

1 x 105mm Artillery Support Unit

1 x Nebelwerfer

British OOB

1 x CO (CV 9)

1 x Churchill Crocodile

1 x Churchill SBG

'B' Coy

1 x HQ (CV 8)

2 x Infantry

'B' Sqdn

1 x HQ (CV 8)

2 x Shermans

'C' Coy

1 x HQ (CV 8)

3 x Infantry

'C' Sqdn

1 x HQ (CV 8)

3 x Shermans

1 x Firefly

3rd Recce

1 x HQ (CV 8)

1 x Infantry

1 x 3" Mortar

1 x 6 pdr ATG + Tow

2 x Humber Armoured Cars

Scenario

Quite simply to take Pemba as quickly and with minimal casualties as possible for the British. For the Germans, to hold on as long as possible and to inflict maximum casualties on the British.

Mist  -1CV & 50cm Visibilty

An overview of the table, with the British entering via the Southern and Easter table edges. The Germans are in Pemba itself.

A close up of Pemba, with infantry to the fore and the FAO in the building at the entrance to Pemba, in the attic to gain the best view of the British attack.

The second line of defence, with the Stug III and Infantry Gun covering the road.

The 105mm artillery piece deployed in a direct fire role (note I had to use a 75mm ATG as my 105mm is not even based. Oh the shame!).

'B' Coy & 'B' Sqdn on the left flank.

'C' Sqdn on the right flank.

'C' Coy on the right flank.

3rd Recce ready to enter to try and quickly unhinge the German defences in Pemba by attacking from the rear.

The Game

The British plan was to use the left flank to help pin the Germans in Pemba, whilst the right flank formed the main attack, with the 3rd Recce coming in from the rear.

The end of Turn 1. A poor start for the British attack, with only 'B' Coy moving forward to the next fence line. The rest of the main force simply stayed put. At least the 3rd Recce arrived on the flank. In reply the German FAO called in the Nebelwerfers onto 'B' Sqdn, who got away quite lightly with only one Sherman suppressed. All the other German units remained hidden from view.

'C' Sqdn get a little welcome barrage from the 'Moaning Minnies'.

3rd Recce arrive and push forward to the first hedgerow.

The end of Turn 2. 'B' Sqdn moved up to support 'B' Coy, with the latter being hit by mortar fire, called in by the Germans in the house to their front. 'C' Coy and 'C' Sqdn finally moved off, but still not quite as quickly as the CO would like. Luckily for the British the German FAO failed to get through to his Nebelwerfers this turn.

'B' Coy are suppressed by well aimed mortar fire, but at least armoured support has begun to arrive.

'C' Sqdn pushes forward.

The end of Turn 3. Their was no movement on the British left flank, as 'B' Coy was suppressed and 'B' Sqdn failed to move. 'C' Sqdn moved forward, aided by the CO, and  'C' Coy moved into the woods with the aim of attacking Pemba from the East. 3rd Recce managed to push forward to another hedgeline and closed in on the German positions in Pemba. At least the much needed Churchill AVRE's arrived.

The German FAO got through to his Nebelwerfers, which hit 'B' Coy with devastating effect, KO'ing one infantry unit and suppressing the other, which was then forced to retreat by more well directed mortar fire. The British left flank was now in quite a precarious position, with no real infantry support left and only two tanks in play.

'B' Coy have taken a pasting from the 'Moaning Minnies'.

'C' Sqdn advance as the AVRE's arrive and not a moment too soon.

'C' Coy move through the woods, out of sight of the Germans.

3rd Recce close up with the German positions and have not been spotted yet.

The end of Turn 4. With 'B' Coy effectively hors de combat, 'B' Sqdn begun shooting into the houses to try and suppress any defenders (see post game thoughts), but came under fire from the 105mm Artillery. Failing to suppress the Shermans the 105mm Artillery was then KO's by the 'B' Sqdn Shermans. 'C' Sqdn likewise speculatively shot to suppress the leading buildings, whilst 'C' Coy continued to move through the woods. As they did this the Churchill AVRE's roared forward and reached the edge of Pemba. With all the attention fixed to the front, 3rd Recce closed in on the back of the Church and the Stug III located there. Certainly a good Turn for the British.

With the German FAO and Infantry units suppressed as a result of the Shermans shooting, there was little that could be done in offensive terms. However the German CO spotted the 3rd Recce Armoured Cars to the rear and ordered the Stug III to about face, but it was suppressed by some accuarte shooting from the Armoured Cars.

'B' Sqdn begin to hose down the houses with MG and 75mm fire.

'C' Sqdn did the same, allowing the Churchill AVRE's to close to within effective range of Pemba.

The Churchills prepare for action.

3rd Recce dpeloy for action.

The Armoured Cars begin a firefight with the Stug III.

'C' Coy in the woods.

The end of Turn 5. The Churchill AVRE's make short work of the German Infantry to their front and also destroy another building. 'B' Sqdn and 'C' Sqdn's fail their command rolls, but at least 'C' Coy moves quickly from the woods and into the outskirts of Pemba. 3rd Recce continues to duel with the Stug III, but neither side gains an advantage.

Things were getting serious for the Germans and the FAO managed to call in his Nebelwefers onto 'C' Sqdn, suppressing one Sherman and causing hits on another and the HQ unit. The mortar finished off the last infantry unit in 'B' Coy and the infantry retreat to the next defensive line to try and hold out for as long as possible. The Stug III hit the 3rd Recce Armoured Cars but failed to KO them, but was itself KO'd by Opportunity Fire in return.

'B' Sqdn fail to move or fire.

'C' Sqdn come under fire from the 'Moaning Minnies'.

The Churchill AVRE's make short work of the buildings and their defenders in front of them.

The Stug III brews up.

'C' Coy enters Pemba as the burning buildings cover their advance.

The 3rd Recce Armoured Cars happy to survice their encounter with the Stug III.

The end of Turn 6. The Churchill AVRE's continue to burn and blow up buildings on the outskirts of Pemba, KO'ing the German FAO as a result. 'B' Sqdn pushed forward and attacked the German mortar in Pemba, as 'C' Sqdn also moved up in support of the AVRE's. 'C' Coy moved further into Pemba, overunning an HQ unit and closing in the German CO. With the situation now completely hopeless, the remaining Germans surrendered.

'B' Sqdn attacks the German mortar that had contributed to the demise of 'B' Coy.

'C' sqdn moves forward.

The Churchill AVRE's continue to wreak death and destruction.

'C' Coy begin to occupy Pemba.

The German defenders have little option other than to surrender.

End of Game

In the end, the defeat came about more quickly than expected, with the AVRE's being the real game changer. So victory to the British!

Casualties

British - 2 x Infantry and 1 x Sherman all but done for.

German - 1 x Stug III,1 x Infantry, 1 x 105mm Artillery, 1 x FAO, 1 x HQ and 1 x Mortar all but done for.

Post Game Thoughts

Well that was an interesting game and one in which the British could have taken more casualties than they did, had the German Nebelwerfer been a tad more effective on the die rolls. The game changer was the AVRE's, which were sorely needed in the absence of Artillery or Air Support. Also taking BUA's really requires a lot of infantry, of which the British was somewhat short of, due to campaign losses and the Nebelwerfer and Mortar fire. Anyway, enough waffle and onto some post-game thoughts:

• Nebelwerfers are nasty! There was only one in this game, but with 8D6 and a 30cm diameter template, they can inflict a lot of damage. This can be seen in how quickly 'B' Coy were rendered hors de combat, with supporting mortar fire. Frankly the Shermans got away quite lightly given the amount of dice rolled against them. If the Dice Gods had favoured the Germans more, then it could have been quite a different game.
• Hosing down the houses. Well that's the phrase I came up with to try and replicate the suppressive fire that the British used that I've so often read about, when attacking bocage, woods and BUA's etc, even if they didn't have any view of the enemy. This wokred OK for me in the game and felt right, but others might disagree, as it's not normally something you can do in BKC. My trial required a 6+ to hit, then there was the building save, with any unsaved hits ending in suppression only. A work in progess but something I want to work up for future use.
• The British got off to a slow start, with the Mist -1CV causing trouble once again. The speedy advance by the AVRE's and the flanking attack by the 3rd Recce won the game for them.
• The Germans faced an uphill battle from the start, given that they had som few units with which to play with. Had they not taken so many losses in the previous battle for the bridge, then the British might have had to wait for clear skies to allow for Air Support to help take Pemba. As it was their Nebelwerfers helped keep them in the game with the British losses slowly mounting from early on.
• The British certainly missed having some Artillery Support, whether it be HE or Smoke to cover their advance.
• Taking BUA's is a tough ask. With limited Line of Sight and the terrain favouring the Defender, then you require at least a 3:1 advantage in Infantry, plus a materiel advantage too, such as the AVRE's.

So there we have it, a British victory in the campaign! I will do an update soon of the final map positions, thoughts on what units were left and where, as well as some general thoughts on the campaign.

Until then, stay safe and keep healthy.

Operation Cygnet - Day Three - Volkstuurm Vorwarts!

After quite a hiatus on the campaign front, I felt in the mood to get this back up and running, so after re-acquainting myself with where the campaign had finished on Day Two, it was time to decide upon which scenario to play. So after a bit of thought I plumped for the combined Fallschirmjager, Volkstuurm and Panzerschule attack towards the bridge, with the aim of cutting and/or disrupting Club Route.

German OOB

1 x CO (CV9)

1 x FJ HQ (CV8)

3 x FJ

1 x MG

1 x 81mm Mortar

1 x Volkstuurm HQ (CV7)

3 x Volkstuurm

1 x MG

1 x 81mm Mortar

1 x Panzerschule HQ (CV8)

1 x Pz II

2 x Pz III 50mm Lang

1 x Pz IV Short

British OOB

1 x FAO (CV8)

2 x 25 pdr Batterys

1 x 'A' Coy HQ (CV8)

3 x Infantry

1 x MG

1 x 'A' Sqdn HQ (CV8)

3 x Shermans

1 x Sherman Firefly

1 x 2nd Recce HQ

2 x Armoured Cars

2 x Infantry

Scenario Details

Quite simply for the Germans to cut the road and inflict as many losses as possible, whilst minimising their own. The British had left a decent covering force in place to defend the road junction and approaches to the bridge.

Weather - Mist  

-1CV and visibility down to 50cm. No Air Support available.

The Game

An overview of the table, with the British to the right, on and around the road junction. The Germans to the left, with the Volkstuurm in the woods and FJ and Panzers across the road. The German plan was to try and creat a diversion with a limited Volkstuurm attack, whilst the FJ & Panzers mounted the main attack from their right.

'A' Coy dug-in along the hedgeline of the road, with Shermans in support. A Firefly and Sherman were kept back as a mobile reserve. Note the AVRE's (top right) en route to support the attack on Pemba.

2nd Recce in postion observing towards the farm for signs of any German movement.

The main German strike force in position and ready to move off.

Likewise for the Volkstuurm.

The end of Turn 1. The Germans got off to a bad start, with the Volkstuurm failing to move, likewise the FJ, but at least the independent Pz III's moved up to the fence. The British couldn't see anything through the mist, but could hear the Panzers moving, but could not be sure if they might be British or not, so they held their positions.

The end of Turn 2. The Volkstuurm moved off out of the woods and were spotted by the 2nd Recce, who managed to suppress one Volkstuurm unit in the open. In response the Volkstuurm MG & Mortar opened fire and suppressed a Recce Infantry unit. On the right, the FJ and Panzers continued to advance under the cover of the mist. 

The 2nd Recce, having a perfect opportunity to attack the Volkstuurm, failed their command roll (this was to be a recurring theme). With no targets in sight, the British stood too and moved up the reserve Shermans in support, in response the shooting to their right. 

The Panzers advance and the British respond, but neither side can see each other yet.

The Volkstuurm move off and come under fire, but respond rather too effectively for the 2nd Recce infantry.

The Sherman and Firefly move up in response to the gunfire and the sound of armour advancing on the left.

The end of Turn 3. Well the Volkstuurm were playing a bit of a blinder, as they managed to KO a 2nd Recce Infantry unit and move up under cover of the mist to threaten the British right flank. On the right the Panzers crossed onto the road and again threatened the British left flank. The FJ took the attack to the remaining 2nd Recce Infantry unit, but failed to suppress it.

The 2nd Recce Infantry unit used some Initiative movement to pull back to another fence line to avois being caught in the flank. Then right across the board all British HQ's failed their command rolls! A certain corporal Jones from 1st Platoon, 'A' Company could be heard to  cry out; "Don't Panic!!!"

The German Panzers arrive on the British left flank and a paralysis seemed to decend upon the British, somewhat surprised at their emergence from the mist.

The Volkstuurm sneak up on the unsuspecting British right flank.

The Shermans and Infantry fail to see anything through the mist.

Lots of targets but they failed to capitalise on the opportunity in front of them.

The end of Turn 4. The Volkstuurm moved up quietly and one Infantry unit crossed into the open to spot one of 'A' Coys platoons, but then failed their command roll. On the right the Panzers suppressed another of 'A' Coys platoons, then hit the 2nd Recce Armoured Cars but failed to KO them. The FJ and their supporting Panzers KO the remaining 2nd Recce Infantry unit and then advanced forward. In response a Sherman managed to suppress the FJ MG.

Finally the FAO had line of sight to some targets and his artillery strike suppressed the Panzers HQ, a Panzer III and KO'd the other one. The Shermans engaged the Panzers, who returned fire, with both sides making some amazinf armour saves to stay in the game. At least the Firefly forced the suppressed Panzer III back.

Both sides armour becomes hotly engaged, but to limited effect.

The Panzer IV and a Sherman both took 5 hits a piece, yet both saved all of them! What are the chances?

A Sherman reacts to the emergence of the Volkstuurm Infantry, but fails to shoot.

The end of Turn 5. The Volkstuurm again had a rather decent Turn, with some brilliant shooting they KO'd the 'A' Coy platoon on the right flank. The Sherman at least managed to suppress the Volkstuurm Infantry in the open and force them back slightly. On the other flank, with some Panzers suppressed, the remaining few caused little damage to the Shermans, but the Pz IV was suppressed by opportunity Fire.

With some many targets to the fore, the British FAO managed to call in his artillery right on top of the FJ & Panzers, KO'ing two FJ Infantry and suppressing two HQ's and the remaining Panzer III. From there the Shermans finished off what was left of the German armour and on the right flank the Sherman KO'd a Volkstuurm Infantry unit as it failed its Fallbacl roll.

The burning wrecks on the Panzers.

And the Shermans that finished many of them off.

Another view of the carnage and also of the 2nd Recce Armoured Cars that failed to move at all.

The Volkstuurm still in position.

The Shermans that did so much damage in the end.

End of Game

With the loss of all of their Panzers and most of the FJ Kompanie, the Germans were spent as an attacking force and so wisely retreated back into the mist. The British were in no position to pursue, given their losses and their orders to protect the bridge and Club Route.

Casualties

The Germans lost 1 x Volkstuurm, 2 x FJ, 1 x Pz II, 2 x Pz III and 1 x Pz IV

The British lost 2 x Recce Infantry and 2 x Infantry.

Post Game Thoughts

It was nice to resume the campaign after quite a break. I did think at one point that the Germans might have cut Club Route, given the poor British response mid-game, but the FAO and Artillery came to the rescue, which was a rather historical outcome. So as always a few thoughts on the game:

• I must admit that I was feeling a bit under the weather all day and whilst it didn't affect the game, some of my decisions might have been better with a clearer head. It was a bit of a struggle at times but I did enjoy getting the toys on the table though.
• There were a lot of Blunders in this game, which was rather unusual. Not all of them I recorded but they did break up both sides ability to excerpt C&C. You could blame it on the mist I suppose!
• The British did have more than their fair share of failed command rolls, with the 2nd Recce being a case in point. I don't think they made one successful roll all game! Also on Turn 3 when all HQ's failed really hampered their ability to respond to the German attacks.
• The German mortars as always were rather effective. I know many find them too effective. However recently reading on of Patrick Delaforce's books, in Normandy and into Belgium some 80% of casualties were from mortar or artillery fire. Only in 1945 did this switch markedly to small arms fire. So worth bearing in mind.
• The British artillery once again saved the day and as with the above book, this happened so often in breaking up German attacks throughout the NWE campaign. If they hadn't come to the rescue, then the Germans might have caused more casualties.
• The Germans really missed having some decent armoured support, but then that's part of the fun of this sort of campaign. I did enjoy using the early was armour though, even if they didn't have quite the desired effect I might have hoped for.
• With both sides having taken quite severe losses, this is likely to have quite an impact campaign wise. After the attack on Pemba and following campaign moves, then it will become clearer as to what these might be.

So there we have. Nice to get the campaign up and running again and I hope to get the Pemba attack in soon. A few other things to do before that, but it's nice to have other things to keep one occupied. All being well I even have a FtF scheduled for this coming Sunday. Fingers crossed I remain Covid free! 

Until next time stay safe and keep healthy.