CoC Operation Martlet Campaign

The lads from the 12SS try and make their way to the other wall

We certainly enjoy playing Chain of Command WW2 rules from Too Fat Lardies.  In my opinion Richard Clarke has put together an excellent system for playing low level games in the period with a great deal of ease, pleasant complexity and period feel.

Mike and I had long ago discussed the fact that we were not playing enough games gainst eachother at the club in recent years and both decided that a monthly CoC would be the best way to rectify this concern!  Then with the added spice of playing one of the fantastic Pint Sized Campaigns made available by TFL, we decided to venture into Operation Martlet which occurs some 19 days after the intial D-Day landings of the Normandy Campaign.

These "Pint Sized Campaigns" are available for purchase from TFL on their website. They are tremendous value and              I couldn't recommend them highly enough.  Get on their and purchase them all...you know you want to!

Table set-up with initial Patrol markers on the table before the patrol phase

The map from the campaign scenario one is reproduced only to show how we tried to replicate it ourselves

The patrol markers start to make their way out and jump off points are chosen

Mike sends his first section on and takes the house on the extreme left of the field.

The campaign has several fascinationg nuances which I will not share too much of in case you wish to play the game yourselbes.  Suffice to say that it was proving difficult for both forces to get thwir troops onto the table as they wanted to due to a myriad of designed cirecumstances including barrages, mist and poor die rolling.

I chose to purchase some entrenchments in my supports - bloody good investment as well!

So was this...though it was part of my initial force

Gorgeous Panzer MkIV model originally put together by Neil at Troop of Shrewe.  Clever man.

The British infantry make their way down the left hand side of the board

Whilst a jeep with PIAT team attached ends up in a bad way

Martin and Angus look very excited as casual observers

Another entrenchment with a senior officer in the background barking out orders left, right and centre

Some chaps considering their options as the jeep burns in the distance

The PzMKIV makes it way out to the crossroad

Whilst the troops ready a PIAT team

The PIAT team takes fier whilst the first section makes a run for it across the road and onto the road

I had purchased an additional rifle section as a mobile reserve - thank goodness I did

The first British section makes a bolt for the table edge and victory

A view down teh table showing the nearly sole left flank/table edge attack by the Brits

The German Rifle section hit the British infantry in the open

Then follow up in an assault

The German armour, confident in a lack of enemy AT takes off down the road

The Senior Sergeant looks for men to add to the push

This section looks like its going to fit the bill

Who thinks they know what may well be about to happen?

This shot shows the effect that hull mg fire and a section over watch can do to an advance

At this point the British force had to withdraw due to a loss of Force Morale.  We still have to tally up all the losses, returns etc. however it was obvious that the German had managed to defend the line.

A great game, due for a replay as Mike once again attempts to push through the table.  Four weeks time should be perfect.