WWII 28mm - Play Test using Rate of Fire, Crusader Publishing

These games were put on by Nick S to test the Rate of Fire rules by Crusader Publishing.

Rate of Fire WW2 Skirmish Rules - Crusader Publishing

The initial game was set up as a US Reconnaissance in force with the Germans defending,

Troop List
US
HQ Section
1 Lieutenant with pistol (Leader)
1 Sergeant with SMG (Leader)
2 Riflemen with SA-Rifle's
HMG Section
1 Gunner with HMG
2 Assistants Riflemen with SA-Rifle's
1 NCO with SMG
2 Squads with
1 Rifle Section
1 NCO with SMG
6 Riflemen with SA-Rifle's
1 LSW BAR Section
1 Gunner with BAR
2 Assistants Riflemen with SA-Rifle's
Plus
3x M3 Halftrack
1x M8 Greyhound
1x M4 Sherman
1x M24 Chaffee

German Defenders
HQ Section
1 Sergeant with SMG (Leader)
6 Riflemen with Rifle's
1 LSW MG42 Section
1 Gunner with MG42
1 Assistant Rifleman
1x Opel Blitz
1x Sd.Kfz. 234
German Relief Force (Coming on at turn 2)
HQ Section
1 Lieutenant with pistol (Leader)
1 Sergeant with SMG (Leader)
2 Riflemen
1 Rifle Section
1 NCO with SMG
6 Riflemen
1 LSW MG42 Section
1 Gunner with MG42
1 Assistant Rifleman
Plus
1x Sd.Kfz. 251
1x SdKfz. 222
1x Sig III

The Game
The Americans advanced on both flanks but unknown to them the Germans had deployed well in advance of the village. As the Sherman went to smash through a hedge on the left flank it was immobilised by a Panzerfaust. It was still able to fire but as it only had AP it was not really any help as infantry support.

On the right flank the Chaffee did its own little hedge dance only to meet a Puma hidden in the trees as it pushed into a field. Its 50mm soon destroyed the Chaffee before it had a chance to spot it. Nick has a very good line in smoke for destroyed vehicles.

In the centre the Greyhound pushed forward on the road with its accompanying infantry. All the American infantry debussed to move forward in the hunt for the German infantry. As they started to move they were able to push the scattered German infantry back support arrived in the form of a Stug III, SdKfz. 222, Sd.Kfz. 251 and infantry support.

At this point the Americans decided that discretion being the better part of valour, they would bug out and give the Germans the game.

The second game was reversal of roles but instead of going the length of the table we went across.
The Germans advanced on each flank.

Troop list 2nd Game

US Defending.
HQ Section
1 Lieutenant with pistol (Leader)
1 Sergeant with SMG (Leader)
2 Riflemen With SA-Rifle's
HMG Section
1 Gunner with HMG
2 Assistants Riflemen With SA-Rifle's
1 NCO with SMG
1 Squads with
1 Rifle Section
1 NCO with SMG
6 Riflemen With SA-Rifle's
1 LSW BAR Section
1 Gunner with BAR
2 Assistants Riflemen With SA-Rifle's
Plus
2x M3 Halftrack
1x M8 Greyhound
1x M18
1x 6 Pounder

German Attacking Force
HQ Section
1 Lieutenant with pistol (Leader)
2 Riflemen
2 Squads with
1 Rifle Section
1 NCO with SMG
6 Riflemen
1 LSW MG42 Section
1 Gunner with MG42
1 Assistant Riflemen
1 Squad with
1 Rifle Section
1 NCO with SMG
6 Riflemen
1 HMG Section
1 Gunner HMG
2 Assistant Riflemen
1 NCO with SMG
Plus
1x Sd.Kfz. 251
1x SdKfz. 222
1x Sd.Kfz. 234
1x Opel Blitz
1x StuG III
1x PzKpfw IV F2

As the Germans moved forward on the left they were assaulted but an M18 Hellcat, which was hull down across the road. One thing that these rules allow for is where a shot hits. If you take an aimed shot then the chances of hitting are increased. Anyway the lead German Panzer IV opened fire but the dice throw was against the hull. As the M18 was hull down the shot did no damage.

On the right two German Armoured Cars advanced with their infantry support and managed to destroy a Greyhound and moved forward with its, now deployed, infantry support.

The Americans once again decided to retire in reasonably good order the field belonged to the Germans.

One thing that we learned is that you either have to have very few Germans or lots more Americans.

The infantry are pretty closely matched but you really need more Sherman’s to take on the German
armour we have.

The rules are interesting and with the ability to be able to take aimed shots you can try to stop a bigger vehicle which you can’t destroy, i.e. take out tracks on a Panther with a 6 Pdr.

Your players were Si, Nathan and Steve L.

February 2011 Spanish Civil War 28mm

The Republicans try and early attack on the square

Things that can ruin your day

Reinforcements: Legion no less !

You Cross the Road. No, after you !

This month Chas put on a SCW battle in 28mm. Steve M & me played the brave revolutionaries and Andy & Malcolm were the oppressive communist government.

The scenario revolved around government attempts to take the town of Sesena. A unit of Moroccans were caught resting in the town square and victory was deemed to go to whoever occupied the square a close of play.

The Republicans attacked with regulars supported by 3 x T 26's. This caused some alarm to my Moroccans, as they lacked any distance effect weapons that could damage tanks. The Moroccans duly spread out, manning the barricades and occupying the houses around the square.

A field gun and tow turned up in support and the gun deployed covering the square. The tow truck was used to block one of the roads into town.

A desperate fight for the church ensued and Andy launched several attacks on the barricades, only to be beaten back by the Moroccans.

With both sides receiving reinforcements the battle swung to and fro. The government lost the T 26 on the edge of the square, to a round from the field gun, but the gun crew then withdrew under mg fire.

Given the short ranges, crossing open ground was very costly and a stand off on the approach roads developed.

On our right Steve and Malcolm shot at each other from cover. Even the "Chip Van" could not be persuaded to turn the corner under fire from Steve's Legionnaire's, Civil Guard and Moroccans.

On our left, mg fire from the hill meant the Legion and Carlists could not leave the wood. Equally the POUM militia facing them dare not leave cover.

In a desperate assault Andy took the factory on the left of the square, only to be wiped out by counterattacking Legionaries (who died to a man in the process !).

As darkness fell 3 Moroccans still manned the barricades and a mass of Phalangists moved down the road to reinforce them.

A good game, played in a good spirit to "Rate of Fire" rules.

A little more aggressive use of the tanks and Chip Van might have swung the game. If we had lost the square, then the deadly cross fire from the buildings and barricades would have made retaking it very difficult.

Vince

P.S thanks to JJ for the photos.