Flames of War Battle in the Sands

 This is a replay of the same action as last week, but uses the Flames of War rules

Recce elements taking cover next to the Panzer jager battery 

The Panzer III section falls to the Grants

And the recent Squadron rushes ahead to the objective however they will be checked by the Italian recce squad 

So the after action report was that the universal carrier section was knocked down to just one carrier, but held on until infantry came in. While the Italians could have tried to contest the objective, the Germans had already lost control of the village. This one goes to the British.

Bolt action Duel in Sand Scenario

 As a birthday gift, my son gave me some time so we could play a game.

Combined 51st Highland Division on left with 38th Irish Brigade on the right with 7th Armoured Division in the centre.

The Afrika Korp position holding a fuel supply dump and village 

My son noticing that he can put units inside the desert buildings I got back in January. These were the Bolt Action debut for the game.

So my plan was to draw his units away from the objective by rushing infantry towards the village, which worked until they got bogged down in trying to get the building 

The British armour began to advance on the objective which Ian noticed and using the superior German guns and armour picked off my tanks. 

The infantry was able to close in but even though they assaulted the tanks, it was no good. The DAK holds onto the village, and the 8th Army needs to find a new commander 

Anhilation Afrika Korps vs 8th Army, North Africa 1942

Ian and i continue on our Bolt Action journey. He's taken to reading the rule book which means 1. he doesnt accuse me of being sneaky, 2. hes finding stuff to hit me hard with 3. Actually understanding how to resolve casualties.

The first action we are working on is a desert campaign. Just a flat table, with a small hill.
Masonry enough in the startled the access player that was in Lost His nerve and fell back in a complete Retreat that was after the 8th Army with Australian an Indian support Advance taking the high grounds which was the only High Ground on the entire Battlefield and which completely demoralized the axis player

Second Battle of Long Stop Hill, April 21-23,1943

This attack is being conducted by the Indian, ANZAC, 51st Highland Divs, 38th Irish Brigade supported by the 7th Armoured Bde,

38th Irish Brigade are the first to hit the hill, the New Zealanders are on the other side of the hill while the Australians are on the left. The Gurkhas took a bunker on the German right. The Irish took two bunkers on the centre.

Ian begins his counter attack. 

The Australian's wait for their next set of orders

The German tanks are pushing back the Allies attack

The 51st Highland Division are in reserve with an attached armoured brigade

Supporting artillery from the 1st Armoured Division and troops from The Rifle Brigade. 

It was a hard fought engagement. Eventually, the only offensive unit left to charge were the 28th Maori Battalion! The remaining Commonwealth units had pounded the hill and drove off a German reinforcement attempt. 

It was one of the first outright victories I have had over Ian. 

The next position calls.

Bolt Action Scenarios in North Africa and Mediterranean

Duel in the Sun: Bolt Action in North Africa and Italy

I saw a copy for sale and since I'm building up my ANZAC force, why not?
I'll post more once it arrives.
First Action: Scenario 6 Siege of Tobruk

German's overrun the Australian positions

Australian troops hold a defensive line in Tobruk. The forward area is a minefield. The ANZAC trenches are also mined.

Australian's await the German attack

Germans move forward. The pictures loaded backwards. 

2nd New Zealand Division, Middle East 1941-45

For my North African and Italian campaign, I have painted up my ESCI Commonwealth Infantry as 2nd New Zealand Division.
So far I have painted up the 18th Battalion. I will also include the Maori Battalion

My soldiers and armor order arrived. Happy to say I really liked the Stuart tank kit. Not only could I build a Stuart tank for the Kiwis but also I could build a Kangaroo Stuart!
I need to get cracking on painting them, as well as a Sherman

Italian Campaign: Fighting in the hills above the Sangro River, Italy,

1st Canadian Division with additional New Zealand and Indian troops begin to form up.

A German Paratroop battalion with an Italian Alpini battalion hold a line of trenches above the Sangro River.

Canadian Recce elements push forward taking heavy fire and casualties, but are able to radio in important information.

One Churchill brews up, but the onslaught begins.

8th Panzer Regiment attacks British position at Gazala

British Position

8th Panzer Regiment begins attack

Panzers first attack takes out half of the 6pdr guns but they are sucked in

and encircled 

and picked off one by one from 4RTR, and aggressive infantry. 

This battle lasted all of 90 minutes. Ian and I had fun, but I was preoccupied with other matters.

French Foreign Legion units in World War 2

I previously had a copy of MAA French Foreign Legion since 1945 but felt that it didn't really give me the information I was after or interested in. Subsequently, I sold it at a local used book store.

After a quick google search of FFL artwork for the period, I chose to paint up some of my ESCI FFL in WW2 uniforms.

Once I get some more bases, I shall put some units together to be attached to the British 8th Army as they battle in North Africa, Syria, and Italy.
Pictures to follow

The Battle of Bizerte: 6th Armoured Division vs. German Afrika Korps 1942

This Bolt Action game using scenario 3 has an armored brigade made up of 2nd Lothians and Border Horse, 12th Regiment, Royal Horse Artillery (Honourable Artillery Company)  and infantry of the 38th Irish Brigade attacking up the road to Bizerte against a German brigade.

38th (Irish) Infantry Brigade (from 9 June 1942, left 16 February 1943)^[14]

• 2nd Battalion, London Irish Rifles
• 1st Battalion, Royal Irish Fusiliers
• 6th Battalion, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers

Pictures to follow