Post by Whiterook on Nov 17, 2023 16:03:20 GMT -5
A classic… WWII British Paratroops landing in Horsa Gliders on June 6, 1944 — D-Day! The road crossing over the Caen Canal, between Caen and Ouistreham in Normandy was a critical objective for the Allies, and a sneak attack in all its glory! Again, another of four scenario’s in the Lock in Load Tactical system played with my buddy, Tim, at the Compass Games Expo, November Edition. I commanded said Brits’ Ox and Bucks, and though I’ve commanded both sides through several different systems, this battle never gets old… and is no push over!
As usual, not a lot of time to get ‘er done, with about 7 turns allotted. I had to pick three landing spots (hexes) for the Horsa Gliders; they had to all face the same direction hex side, however, and this actually complicates the decision process. My allotted OOB of troopers would exit the rear, within 3 hexes of the back, so I had to decide not only which side of the river to land, but where I wanted to skid to a halt. And of course, there is a mechanic to decide if hat chosen hex ended up being the spot, or if I drifted… I can’t remember how it worked out but I think I only had one that went off course a tad, but I was all in pretty much the areas I wanted them to be.
Note that terrain-wise, the hedgerows and such on the left side of the river do not exist and are in fact, clear terrain.
There was no time to dilly dally! My troops exited and started forming up quickly during the first couple turns! The first lads…
…followed by the others…
…noticed the Germans heard something and sent some squads to the bridge house at the center of the bridge’s south side! On the right side of the map, Germans area, there’s a house at the bottom serving as snoozing area (and cover) for the German troops, as well as a foxhole area; and at top, there’s a bunker that has an arc of fire of G2, G1, and F1 (basically, diagonally to the right and down, and the to each hex side conically out); I was actually surprised at this arc angle, but as I recall it was predetermined for the German player…I guess, backs to the bridge and river, but I certainly exploited that with my troopers staying out of that arc of fire. Of course, to take it, I had to sneak in back and on top and probably grenade the occupants!
As usual, not a lot of time to get ‘er done, with about 7 turns allotted. I had to pick three landing spots (hexes) for the Horsa Gliders; they had to all face the same direction hex side, however, and this actually complicates the decision process. My allotted OOB of troopers would exit the rear, within 3 hexes of the back, so I had to decide not only which side of the river to land, but where I wanted to skid to a halt. And of course, there is a mechanic to decide if hat chosen hex ended up being the spot, or if I drifted… I can’t remember how it worked out but I think I only had one that went off course a tad, but I was all in pretty much the areas I wanted them to be.
Note that terrain-wise, the hedgerows and such on the left side of the river do not exist and are in fact, clear terrain.
There was no time to dilly dally! My troops exited and started forming up quickly during the first couple turns! The first lads…
…followed by the others…
…noticed the Germans heard something and sent some squads to the bridge house at the center of the bridge’s south side! On the right side of the map, Germans area, there’s a house at the bottom serving as snoozing area (and cover) for the German troops, as well as a foxhole area; and at top, there’s a bunker that has an arc of fire of G2, G1, and F1 (basically, diagonally to the right and down, and the to each hex side conically out); I was actually surprised at this arc angle, but as I recall it was predetermined for the German player…I guess, backs to the bridge and river, but I certainly exploited that with my troopers staying out of that arc of fire. Of course, to take it, I had to sneak in back and on top and probably grenade the occupants!
