"Operation Sea Lion" 10mm Battle Report II: Britain Verses Germany

GERMAN TANKS ATTEMPT A LANDING ALONG THE SOUTH COAST OF ENGLAND

This game was played using some homemade rules (M.I.S.S.) so as to allow us to quickly play through a campaign utilising my painted 10mm World War Two Early War models by "Pendraken Miniatures", and took place upon a 48" x 48" "Deep Cut Studio" playmat. The battlefield was populated with a variety of pre-painted "Escenografia Epsilon" scenic pieces previously sold through the Middlesbrough-based company at Warfare 2021, but now sadly out of production.

“The story so far… It is September 1940 and having defeated France, the German Army have launched an amphibious assault upon Britain. Deployed from Le Havre, a small Axis strike force have already successfully taken the shores of Portsmouth, and now the Fuhrer has turned his attention to the nearby shingle beach of Gosport. Desperate to fend off the invasion, General Sir Alan Brooke has flooded the area of Stoke's Bay with Crusader II tanks - The Battle for Alverstoke has begun..."

THE TABLETOP - STOKE'S BAY IN SOUTHERN ENGLAND

The Germans started in the water, just before the southern shoreline. Consisting of a unit of four Panzers, a mixture of Panzer III and IV tanks, three Panzer IIs and four Panzerjägers, the Axis spearhead was poised to strike as far north as it could. In response, the British assembled three Crusader II tanks (west), a trio of Vickers VI tanks, two Matilda II tanks, and three (more) Crusader II tanks (east). All these armoured vehicles would rush south, destroying any enemy targets they encountered.

The tabletop was populated with a small number of bunkers to represent Browndown, and a collection of buildings and houses to portray Alverstoke and Anglesey. There were five strategic objectives evenly located across the battlefield. These were randomly valued from one to five points and would not be revealed until after the battle had ended. To win an objective an army must have at least one unopposed tank alongside it by the end of the eighth turn. In addition, no enemy tanks were allowed to come within an inch of an opponent's armoured vehicle - except to contest an objective. This was to ensure we played a 'shooting game' as opposed to just having all the tanks pile into one another.

SOME OF THE BUILDINGS DEPICTING BROWNDOWN, ALVERSTOKE AND ANGLESEY

The opening turns saw both forces attempt to outmanoeuvre one another and 'snatch' as many objectives as they could. The Panzers trundled their way to 'capture' Objective Four, whilst the Panzer II, III and IV tanks all moved towards the central objective in Alverstoke. The Panzerjägers rumbled past Objective Five, fixing their anti=tank guns upon anything which emerged from the direction of Anglesey.

Determined to keep the Axis Forces as close to the shoreline as possible, the British forces swept south, The Crusader II tanks (west) took Objective One, and began firing upon the oncoming Panzer III and Panzer IVs. The Vickers VI tanks sought the cover of Alverstoke's buildings, waiting for the much slower Matilda IIs to catch them up. Lastly, the Crusader II tanks (east) decided to bravely pass through Anglesey and rely upon their armour to outfight the Panzerjäger line.

AS THE PANZER II TANKS REACH THE SHORE, THE BRISTISH CRUSADERS POUNCE

Unfortunately, the German invaders decided now was the time to open fire with their guns. The whole Abteilung of Panzerjägers blazed away with their PaK 38(t) guns and left just a single Crusader II (east) standing south of Anglesey. The Panzer III and Panzer IV tanks took aim at the Crusader II tanks (west) which had previously fired upon them and blew one Cruiser up. It was disconcertingly first blood to the Third Reich.

Holding their nerve the sole-surviving Crusader II tank (east) returned fire upon the Panzerjägers, but without any result. Happily however, the same could not be said for the survivability of the Panzer II tanks approaching Alverstoke - two of which were blown up by the Matilda II tanks. Furthermore, the Crusader II tanks (west) managed to knock out the Panzer III, clearly blunting the Axis invasion's spearhead.

THE GERMAN PANZERS CAPTURE AN OBJECTIVE NEAR THE SHORELINE

Realising that their front line was in danger of irreparably breaking, the Panzers moved north past Objective Four to give the Crusader II tanks (west) something else to shoot at than the Panzer IVs. The lone Panzer II managed to secure Objective Two, and took shelter behind a building, effectively giving the Germans the centre of the battlefield. This 'advantage' was built upon by the Panzerjägers destroying the last of the Crusader II tanks (east) and the Panzer IVs blowing up another Crusader II tank (west).

It was clear that the British would need to reorganise to take account of their increasing losses, so the sole Crusader II tank (west) moved further west to take up a position overlooking the highly vulnerable Panzers. The Vickers VI tanks and Matilda IIs trundled south-east towards the Panzerjägers.

THE PANZERJAGERS OPEN UP AS THE BRITISH TANKS ADVANCE SOUTH

Confident they already held a strong line of offence, and relying upon their armour, the Panzer IVs sped north, whilst the Panzerjägers opened up upon the Matilda II tanks. This time though the King's armoured vehicles took the beating and continued onwards. Such an awesome display of 'Dunkirk spirit' clearly inspired the Crusader II (west) to annihilate one of the four Panzers south of Browndown. Whilst the Matilda IIs returned fire and destroyed a pair of Panzerjägers. Adding insult to injury, the Vickers VI light tanks' Besa machine guns somehow managed to score a couple of hits on one of the Panzer IVs.

With the battle heading towards it final phase the Germans decided to take what land they could and resultantly the Panzers retreated back south to hold Objective Four. Providing plenty of covering fire, the Panzer IV tanks blazed away at both the Crusader II tank (west) and the impudent Vickers VI armoured vehicles. But not a single shot penetrated the British. Indeed, the Matilda II tanks also remained untouched following another salvo from the usually deadly Panzerjägers.

BOTH ARMIES START TO TAKE A SERIOUSLY HARD POUNDING

Perhaps feeling the tide of the confrontation might be turning in the Allies favour, the Crusader II tank (west) trundled south using Browndown's fortifications as cover so it could keep the Panzers in sight. Meanwhile, another burst of Besa machine guns sensationally saw a Panzer IV go out of action, and the Matilda II tanks destroyed a third Panzerjäger. The Axis forces might have the positions, but their losses were now close to being unsustainable.

Seizing the initiative for the first time, the Crusader II tank (west) grabbed Objective One, and stoically watched as both the Vickers VI and Matilda II tanks swung about to challenge the Panzer II holding Objective Two. In direct response the Panzer IV headed north-west to contest Objective One, and the Panzer II tank unsuccessfully fired upon the approaching Vickers VI tanks. Finally, the Panzerjäger managed to strike one of the Matilda IIs. But such was the thickness of the Infantry Tank Mark II's 78mm front glacis, that no actual damage was caused.

THE BRITISH TANKS ATTEMPT TO DRIVE THE GERMAN INVASION FORCE INTO THE SEA

In a last burst of action, the Panzer IV contested Objective One and the single Panzerjäger withdrew to seize Objective Five. Astoundingly, the Panzer II tank managed to use its 2 cm cannon to destroy a Vickers VI tank. This meant that although the British armoured unit still contested Objective Two, the building between them and the Panzer II thwarted any line of sight to attack. In desperation therefore, the Matilda II tanks fired a last salvo at the Panzerjäger holding Objective Five and stunningly blew it up.

This meant that just a single objective was neither contested or void, and saw the somewhat mauled Panzers obtain a single Victory Point for holding Objective Four. The Battle for Alverstoke belonged to the Germans, and the Axis forces now had two footholds on the English mainland...

"Operation Sea Lion" 10mm Battle Report: Britain Verses Germany

GERMAN ANTI-TANK GUNS ATTEMPT A LANDING ON THE SOUTHERN ENGLISH  COAST

This game was played using some homemade rules (M.I.S.S.) so as to allow us to quickly play through a campaign utilising my painted 10mm World War Two Early War models by "Pendraken Miniatures", and took place upon a 48" x 48" "Deep Cut Studio" playmat. The battlefield was populated with a variety of pre-painted "Escenografia Epsilon" scenic pieces previously sold through the Middlesbrough-based company at Warfare 2021, but now sadly out of production.

“The story so far… It is September 1940 and having defeated France, the German Army have launched an amphibious assault upon Britain. Deployed from Le Havre, a small Axis strike force has reached the shore of Portsmouth, and begun disembarking its armoured vehicles. Stung into action, a hastily-assembled contingent of British tanks has been ordered by Prime Minister Winston Churchill to halt the invaders - The Battle for Southsea has begun..."

THE TABLETOP - SOUTHSEA IN SOUTHERN ENGLAND

The Germans started in the water, just before the southern shoreline. Consisting of a unit of three Panzerjägers, three Panzer II tanks, and a Command unit comprising of a single Panzer III with two escorting Panzers, the Axis spearhead was poised to strike as far north as it could. In response, the British had a trio of Vickers VI tanks just north of Clarence, two Crusader II tanks travelling towards Southsea, and two Matilda II tanks near Eastney. All these armoured vehicles would wind south, picking off any enemy targets as they travelled.

The tabletop was split in half with a line of unoccupied fortifications dominating the seaside resort's esplanade. To the north were the suburbs of Clarence, Southsea and Eastney. Whilst to the south was just the beach and shoreline. To win the German army had to cross the line of fortifications by the end of the game's eight turn. Furthermore, no enemy tanks were allowed to come within an inch of an opponent's armoured vehicle. This was to ensure we played a 'shooting game' as opposed to just having all the tanks pile into one another.

CRUSADER II TANKS ARE ORDERED INTO ACTION AS THE GERMANS APPROACH

With little to do at the beginning except move, due to the considerable distances between the two forces, the Germans essentially raced north as best they could. The Panzer II tanks however, decided to initially disregard the Vickers VI vehicles approaching them and swung slightly northeast in favour of adding their firepower to the centre of the battlefield where the Crusader II tanks were presumably heading. Realising that the heavily outdated Panzers were a little slower than the sole Panzer III, the medium tank was forced to maintain a speed consistent with its escorts.

Worried by the German anti-tank guns, the Matilda tanks decided to seek the shelter of Eastney, whilst the fast-moving Vickers VI vehicles hurried through Clarence. The Crusader II tanks took up a firing position just north of the gap between Clarence and Southsea, and awaited the Panzer III and Panzers.

BRITISH TANKS RACE SOUTH AS THE PANZER II TANKS HIT THE ENGLISH SHORELINE

Adapting their positions in response to the British movement, the Germans continued north. But had the Command unit shy away from direct contact with the Crusader II tanks. Meanwhile, the Vickers continued travelling south as fast as their Meadows 6-cylinder petrol engine would permit. Furthermore, both the Matilda II tanks and Crusaders opened up their guns with some ranging shots = all of which fell short of their targets.

Having finally seized the initiative, the Vickers VI tanks swung east by the southern end of Clarence to assault the Panzer II tanks, and teach them a lesson to ignore one of Vickers-Armstrongs' finest productions. Likewise, the Crusaders also pushed south towards the German Command unit, trusting in their armour and longer range weapons. The Matilda II tanks began infiltrating Eastney, using its buildings as cover from the German anti-tank guns.

THE GERMANS TRUNDLE UP THE BRITISH BEACH JUST AS THE VICKERS VI TANKS ARRIVE

Realising the potential threat the Vickers might pose, the Panzer II tanks turned to face their attackers, using one of the esplanade's forts to protect their exposed flank from the Crusaders. The Panzerjägers simply repositioned their "Forward Firing" guns to sweep the centre of the battlefield, and provide any supporting fire where possible. The Panzer III decided to strike out at the Crusaders. But missed.

Slightly confused at the non-appearance of the Matilda II tanks and no other prospective targets, the Panzerjägers decided to put the mission goal first, so pressed further north towards the line of fortifications. The Panzer II tanks opened up upon the Vickers VI vehicles in something akin to an old Wild West shoot-out. Shockingly though, it suddenly became clear that the German's auto-cannons were still out of range. Sadly for the British, this wasn't the case with the lone Panzer III, which blew up one of the approaching Crusader II tanks. First blood to the Third Reich.

THE BRITISH ATTEMPT TO ENCIRCLE THE PANZER II TANKS FROM TWO DIRECTIONS

Possibly reeling from the news that one of their fellow tanks had been destroyed, the Matilda II tanks continued to get themselves well and truly snarled up inside Eastney, essentially nullifying any threat the Infantry tank had. The Vickers VI vehicles closed the gap with the Panzer II tanks, and with a cheer, the surviving Crusader II tank lethally struck one of the Panzers escorting the Panzer III.

With both sides now tasting blood, the Germans continued to press their opponents with the Panzer II tanks finally finding their targets to be in range and demolishing two of the Matilda II tanks. Sensing that they were on the verge of a breakthrough, the Panzer III fired at the remaining (partially-hidden) Crusader II. It was a difficult shot, yet was successful. Incredibly though, the British vehicle's armour saved it from destruction.

THE MATILDA II TANKS FINALLY START TO ZERO IN ON THE GERMAN PANZERJAGERS

Having finally moved themselves in a position to spot the Panzerjägers, the Matilda II tanks watched as both the Crusader II and Vickers VI tanks failed to strike their targets. The wind of this particular small war was definitely flying in the favour of the Germans.

Realising that it was now time for an all or nothing assault, the British sat and opened fire upon their shoreline's invaders. The Vickers VI managed to pepper one of the Panzer II tanks with enough bullets to put the vehicle out of action. Whilst the Matilda II tanks quite surprisingly made their first impact upon the battle by destroying a Panzerjäger. However, the Crusader II was unable to hit the German Command unit.

THE PANZER II TANKS START MAKING LIGHT WORK OF THE MATILDA II TANKS

With time growing somewhat short, the two Panzerjägers reached the fortification line, ignoring any threat from the Matilda II tanks. The Panzer II tanks also wiped out the sole-surviving Vickers VI tank, leaving Clarence wide open for invasion. Despite there still being another turn to play, it was clear the Germans had caused enough damage to breach the British defences and won, so the game was ended early...

"Battle Of The Bulge" 10mm Battle Report III: Allies Verses Germany

BRITISH CHURCHILLS TACKLE GERMAN TIGER AND PANZER III TANKS

This game was played using some homemade rules (M.I.S.S.) so as to allow us to quickly play through a short campaign utilising many of my painted 10mm World War Two (Winter) models by "Pendraken Miniatures", and took place upon a 36" x 28" "Deep Cut Studio" playmat. The battlefield was populated with a variety of pre-painted "Escenografia Epsilon" scenic pieces previously sold through the Middlesbrough-based company at Warfare 2021, but now sadly out of production.

“The story so far… It is December 1944 and the German Army have now committed some of their heavier armoured vehicles to the Ardennes Offensive. Having originally penetrated the western front line from Losheim in Eastern Belgium, the Third Reich's spearhead now plans to envelope the Allied Forces stationed within the municipality of St. Vith by suddenly sweeping south. However, the Allies have no less than two squadrons of American M4 Shermans, two squadrons of British Churchill VIIs, and a small number of M5A Stuarts stationed there..."

BRITISH CHURCHILLS TACKLE GERMAN TIGER AND PANZER III TANKS

The Germans started in the Fort District, with a division of Panzer III tanks and another of Panzer IV (75mm Short) tanks located along the region's southernmost area looking to quickly rush into the Rural and Fishing Districts. The Army's Tiger tanks were placed in the southeastern corner with orders to dominate the centre of the battlefield. Whilst a division of Panzer IV (75mm Long) tanks were positioned on the eastern flank so as to head straight into the Town District. A small unit of Panthers was held in reserve to support either the Tigers or Panzer IV (Long) tanks.

Across from the German's position, in the Village District, the First British squadron of Churchill VIIs were instructed to compete for the middle of the warzone, and Second British squadron, along with the American M5A Stuart tanks, tasked with taking the Fishing District. Both American squadrons of Shermans, codenamed "Babs" and "Vagabond", were ordered to travel north to 'capture' the Farm and Town Districts.

The tabletop was split into six identically-sized Districts, each populated with a number of buildings to represent their occupants. Each area was worth a single victory point, with a seventh point being offered to any unit which held the very centre of the battlefield. To win an area an army must be the only side with any armoured vehicles in it by the end of the game's sixth turn. Furthermore, no enemy tanks were allowed to come within an inch of an opponent's armoured vehicle. This was to ensure we played a 'shooting game' as opposed to just having all the tanks pile into one another.

THE BATTLE BEGINS WITH THE CHURCHILL TANKS TAKING A HARD POUNDING

The battle opened with the Allies reacting to the presence of the Germans. Both the Second Churchill and Stuart squadrons moved west into the Fishing District. However, alarmed at the presence of the Tiger tanks, all of the Shermans headed northeast trying to ensure there were some buildings between them and their opponents. The First Churchill squadron remained stationary, and, having passed an intimidation check to fire at the Tiger tanks, managed to cause some minor damage to one of their "overengineered" opponents. First blood to the British.

In response, the Panzer III tanks headed south into the Rural District and the Panzer IV (Long) tanks moved southeast to swoop upon the Shermans. The Panthers also trundled south to support the Tiger tanks, which unsurprisingly returned fire upon the First Churchill Squadron hitting one armoured vehicle twice. Furthermore, the Panzer IV (Short) opened up upon the Second Churchill Squadron and struck one of its tanks a couple of times too.

Seizing the initiative, the Germans settled down to blast away at any and all opposition. Utilising their long-range guns, the Panthers struck the leading vehicle of the Second Churchill squadron. The Panzer IV (Short) tanks targeted the smoking hull and blew the British infantry tank up despite its heavy armour. Encouraged by their colleagues' success, the Panzer III tanks fired at the remaining Churchill tank hunkered down beside a Fishing factory, and caused two hits. Perhaps the Allies' reliance upon the armoured vehicles' 152 mm armour to keep them safe was unwise..?

THE CHURCHILL TANKS ENDURE AN ABSOLUTE DRUBBING AS THE 'HANDS' OF THE GERMAN TANKS

The Tiger tanks subsequently poured more fire into the First Churchill squadron and two more fiery plumes erupted from their target. The British were definitely taking a hard-pounding in the early stages of this fight. To make matters worse, "Vagabond" squadron also lost one of its Shermans to a blaze of fire from the Panzer IV (Long) tanks.

Despite this loss though, the American Shermans continued heading north towards the Town District. Whilst the Stuarts swung into the Fishing District unchallenged. Showing plenty of Tommy steel, both British Churchill squadrons decided to stand their ground and returned fire upon their numerous attackers. A single Panzer III tank was 'cooked' by the assault. But the Tiger tanks were undamaged.

With the battle already very much in the balance, the Allies realised they needed to hold firm and poured as many shots into the oncoming Germans as they could muster. The Shermans' managed to get two crippling hits upon one of the Panzer IV (Long) tanks challenging them, and the First Churchill squadron managed a similar feat upon one of the Tiger tanks. However, the Second Churchill squadron missed the Panzer III tanks entirely. Perhaps discretion might have been the better part of valour..?

THE ALLIES FINALLY START TO PUT PRESSURE ON THE ADVANCING GERMAN LINE

The Panthers continued to travel south in support of the Tiger tanks, who shockingly failed to hit any of their large British targets. The Panzer IV (Long) tanks did though manage to destroy another of the Shermans, and the first of the American Stuarts was pulverised by a salvo from the Panzer IV (Short) tanks. Quite possibly summing up the incredible good fortune of the Third Reich, one of the Panzer III tanks even managed to damage the sole-surviving member of the Second Churchill squadron.

Sensing that the moment to win this winter-based confrontation was now, the German Panthers rolled past the Tiger tanks with fresh orders to seize the centre of the battlefield. The Panzer IV (Short) tanks opened up upon the Stuarts, destroying another. However, luckily for the Allies, the American squadron's final armoured vehicle was just out of range of their guns. Such news did not cheer the "Grand Alliance" up for long though, as the Tiger tanks finally ripped apart one of the First Churchill squadron's members. Whilst the Panzer III tanks sensationally put an end to the entirety of the Second British Churchill Squadron. Plus, the Panzer IV (Long) tanks took out another of the Shermans.

ISOLATED AND ALONE. THE ALLIED TANKS TAKE SHELTER WHERE THEY CAN

It was now clear that the combined British and American forces were never going to destroy enough of their opponent's vehicles in time to win any more districts, so the decision was made for the Allied tanks to hold what they already owned. Resultantly, the sole Stuart surrounded itself with Fishing warehouses, and the Churchill started to retreat back to the shelter of the Village District. The Shermans though needed to clear the Farm District of the Axis, so fired for all their worth at the Panzer IV (Long) tanks, and shockingly blew a pair of them up. Surely the Allies couldn't snatch an unlikely victory from the jaws of defeat..?

Racing north towards the Town District, "Vagabond" was ordered to ignore the remaining Panzer IV (Long) tank and 'go for the victory points'. "Babs" was instructed to provide the American Sherman squadron with covering fire, and incredibly blew away the final German tank in the Farm District - suddenly edging the Allies ahead. In a show of defiance, the Churchill blazed away at the approaching Panthers. But failed to make a connection.

Reeling from their grip of the battle astonishingly loosening, despite their superior firepower and numbers. The Germans attempted to seize as much territory as they could by moving the Panzer III tanks back to hold the Fort District. The Panzer IV (Short) were ordered south and the Panthers south-east. The Tiger tanks also repositioned themselves instead of firing, by wheeling about so they could strike east before the fight ended.

THE GERMAN HEAVY ARMOUR MOVE INTO POSITION TO SEIZE VARIOUS DISTRICTS

"Vagabond" continued to travel north to take the Town District. Whilst "Babs" hunkered down to hold the Farm District. Content that they already had possession of the Village District, the Churchill once again fired at the Panthers, and once again missed their target.

The Panzer III tanks took the Fort District for the Axis forces, and the Panzer IV (Short) tanks captured the Rural District. Despite the fire from the First British Churchill squadron, the Panthers easily trundled into position at the centre of the battlefield. Finally, the Tiger tanks entered the Town District, contesting the area with the Shermans of "Vagabond" squadron. The battle was drawn, albeit the Allies had been pushed to their very limits...

"Battle Of The Bulge" 10mm Battle Report II: Allies Verses Germany

AMERICAN AND BRITISH TANKS DEFEND AGAINST SOME GERMAN PANZER IIIs AND IVs

This game was played using some homemade rules (M.I.S.S.) so as to allow us to quickly play through a short campaign utilising many of my painted 10mm World War Two (Winter) models by "Pendraken Miniatures", and took place upon an old 24" x 24" game board. The battlefield was populated with a variety of pre-painted "Escenografia Epsilon" scenic pieces previously sold through the Middlesbrough-based company at Warfare 2021, but now sadly out of production.

“The story so far… It is December 1944 and the German Army have already started their Ardennes Offensive by striking out at the Allied Forces from Losheim in Eastern Belgium. As part of this attack a force of Panzer III and Panzer IV tanks is pushing west through the town to help reinforce the Third Reich's initial spearhead. However, the Allies still have two squadrons of American M4 Shermans and some British Churchill VIIs in position to oppose the thrust..."

THE TABLETOP - PART OF LOSHEIM IN EASTERN BELGIUM

The Germans started on the eastern edge of the battlefield. In the north east Festung Division contained three Panzer IV tanks with (Short) 75mm guns, in the centre Volks Division was comprised of three Panzer IV with (Long) 75mm guns, and in the south east Schwert Division contained a trio of Panzer III tanks. Across from their position, along the western edge, were the American First and Second Squadrons consisting of three M4 Shermans with 75mm guns apiece, and a squadron of British Churchill VIIs in the centre.

The tabletop was populated with a number of houses to represent the town in the north and the less developed buildings on its southern outskirts. There were three strategic objectives located in a line from the south west corner to the north east corner. These were randomly valued from one to three points and would not be revealed until after the battle had ended. To win an objective an army must have more tanks than their opponent within six inches of it. In addition, no enemy tanks were allowed to come within an inch of an opponent's armoured vehicle. This was to ensure we played a 'shooting game' as opposed to just having all the tanks pile into one another.

THE GERMAN PANZERS LAUNCH THEIR ATTACK

Considering that the German plan was simply to roll straight at their opponents and blow then away, it came as no surprise that all their armoured vehicles moved west in some fashion or another. Schwert Division scuttled in between the village buildings, whilst Volks Division decided to rely upon the armour of its Panzer IVs. Festung Division also headed west, deciding that if they took too much damage that they could fall back to properly secure Objective One.

In response, only the Sherman named Babs moved, rumbling northeast so they could have a better line of sight against their opponents. The rest of the Allied line simply fired and wildly cheered as their salvos took an encouragingly good toll upon the advancing Germans. One of the Panzer IIIs was hit, followed by a Panzer IV (Short) being struck twice. But then in the centre, the Churchill VIIs also managed to hole one of the Panzer IVs (Long) too - partially engulfing the entire Axis line in smoke.

THE GERMAN TANKS ARE PEPPERED BY THE ALLIES' GUNS

Heartened by this success, the American Shermans fired again completely destroying a Panzer III , a Panzer IV (Short) and damaging another Panzer IV (Short). The British did just as well, wrecking a Panzer IV (Long) and striking a second Panzer IV (Long) alongside it. The Allied firepower had been devastating, and wrecked the German Army's plan to use its slight numerical advantage to win the day.

Splitting its force's orders between movement and returning fire, the Third Reich took the central Objective Two and sent the remnants of Festung Division back east to hold Objective One as well. Schwert Division attempted to obtain as much cover as they could  amidst the village in the south, whilst the Panzer IVs (Long) opened up on the Churchill VIIs causing a single hit. On paper the Germans were still 'out in front'. But in order to do so, they had lost a third of their number, and if the Allies were to seize the initiative it seemed unlikely the Axis forces would hold the ground gained for long.

THE BRITISH CHURCHILL VIIs DISH OUT SOME SERIOUS PUNISHMENT

With their opponents whittled down by two rounds of intense firing, the American First Squadron headed east towards Objective One with only Vagabond staying behind to support the two Churchill VIIs in the Allied centre line. These British tanks continued to pound away at the Panzer IVs by Objective Two and damaged another one. Second Squadron also headed east with Babs providing some unsuccessful covering fire against the Panzer IIIs before them.

Having currently seized control of two of the three objectives, the German forces finally started to fire upon the Allies with some gusto. Babs and a Churchill VII were struck as a result. Furthermore a Panzer IV (Short) moved into a position to flank attack the American First Squadron in the north.

DESPITE TAKING FIRE THE AMERICAN SHERMANS PUSH FORWARDS

In response Ol' Reliable positioned itself by a Windmill in the village so as to have better sight of Objective Two and Vagabond attached itself to the Churchill VIIs - just in time to witness the British tanks blow up a second Panzer IV (Long). In the north, Kraut Killer roared east towards Objective One. Whilst down south Second Squadron destroyed another Panzer III. Things were definitely turning in the Allies' favour, especially when the only thing the Germans could muster in reply was a dent in Babs' hull.

It genuinely was now or never for the Third Reich, so the entire Axis line - or at least what remained - opened up with everything they had. Babs was sensationally blown up, marking the first Allied tank casualty of the day. A Churchill VII, Kraut Kruncher and Kraut Killer were also damaged. But it was not enough to stop Bouncing TNT from reaching Objective One.

BABS SUCCUMBS TO ITS DAMAGE AS THE FIGHTING GETS CLOSE AND PERSONAL

The signal was suddenly given for the majority of the Allied armour to push eastwards, so with a gruff rumble of engines the Churchill VIIs moved towards the centre of the battlefield with Vagabond just behind them. Ol' Reliable also moved so as to face the final Panzer III head on.

Now the American and British had started their counter-attack there really was no stopping them. The two Churchill VIIs and Vagabond swamped the Germans holding Objective Two, just as Kraut Killer ensured First Squadron contested the Third Reich's control of Objective One. Ol' Reliable even won a moral victory over the Panzer III it faced by damaging the Axis tank without suffering anything itself.

THE BRITISH AND AMERICAN TANKS PUSH ON FOR VICTORY

The final round of German fire was completely ineffective, resulting in the Allies successfully winning Objective Three (for three Victory Points), muscling in to win Objective Two (for one Victory Point), and earning a well-fought draw over Objective One. The Americans and British had quite easily held off the German assault in the end. But more Axis armour was en route...

"Battle Of The Bulge" 10mm Battle Report: United States Verses Germany

AMERICAN M4 SHERMANS FACE OFF AGAINST SOME GERMAN PANZER IIIs AND IVs

This game was played using some homemade rules (M.I.S.S.) so as to allow us to quickly play through a short campaign utilising many of my painted 10mm World War Two (Winter) models by "Pendraken Miniatures", and took place upon an old 24" x 24" game board. The battlefield was populated with a variety of pre-painted "Escenografia Epsilon" scenic pieces previously sold through the Middlesbrough-based company at Warfare 2021, but now sadly out of production.

“The story so far… It is December 1944 and the German Army have started their Ardennes Offensive by striking out at the Allied Forces from Losheim in Eastern Belgium. As part of their initial spearhead two divisions of Panzer III and Panzer IV tanks have moved west out of the town to capture a building situated just behind some recently abandoned fortifications. In response, the Americans have dispatched two squadrons of M4 Shermans..."

THE TABLETOP - PART OF LOSHEIM IN EASTERN BELGIUM

The Germans started on the two eastern corners of the battlefield. In the North East Festung Division contained three Panzer IV tanks with (Short) 75mm guns. Whilst in the South East Volks Division was comprised of three Panzer III tanks and a Panzer IV with (Long) 75mm gun. Across from their position, along the two western corners, were the American First and Second Squadrons. These formations both consisted of three M4 Shermans with 75mm guns apiece.

The quite heavily populated tabletop had just a single, central strategic Objective. This needed to be held by the end of Turn Six by a single army. Whoever reached the building first had to be dislodged or destroyed by enemy fire before the opposing force could capture it. In addition, no enemy tanks were allowed to come within an inch of an opponent's armoured vehicle. This was to ensure we played a 'shooting game' as opposed to just having all the tanks pile into one another in the centre of the map.

THE GERMAN PANZERS ADVANCE TOWARDS THE AMERICAN LINE

The Fuhrer's forces won the initiative and attempted to take both flanks by moving two of the Panzer IIIs located in the south east straight towards the enemy, and a single Panzer IV do the same thing in the north. The rest of the German tanks filtered around the dwellings towards the centre of the battlefield.

Realising that in their haste to dominate both the flanks and the centre the Axis forces had moved within range of their guns, the majority of the American line simply sat and fired. Second Squadron managed to damage one of the Panzer IIIs from Volks Division which was fast approaching them. But disappointingly, First Squadron failed to hit any of its targets. However, Ol' Reliable and Kraut Kruncher trundled north-east towards the inner line of fortifications.

THE GERMANS APPROACH THE OBJECTIVE AS THE AMERICANS OPEN FIRE

Determined to brave the Allied shells, the German tanks continued their advance, placing their sole Panzer IV (Long) and a Panzer IV (Short) directly beside the Objective. A second Panzer IV (Short) and a Panzer III then took up 'flanking positions' by appropriate buildings to give covering fire. The non-moving Panzer tanks then fired, with Vagabond of First Squadron taking some damage.

In response the Americans all blazed away. It was clear they were going to have to shift the Axis armour if they wanted to win the day. Impressively, Second Squadron tore both of Volks Division's southernmost Panzer IIIs to shreds, completely obliterating the German's hold on the south flank. In addition, Ol' Reliable and Kraut Kruncher managed to strike their opponents with their shells, but their targets were still in the fight when the smoke settled.

THE ALLIES CONTINUE TO POUND ANY GERMAN TANKS AROUND THE OBJECTIVE

Sensing the need to keep up their barrage upon the Third Reich, the vast majority of M4 Shermans simply reloaded their guns and fired again. First Squadron managed to strike two targets. Yet failed to knock either Panzer out of the action. In the meantime Bouncing TNT and Babs moved west to push through the fortifications.

In response the sole-surviving Panzer III managed to damage Kraut Killer, whilst the Panzer IV (Long) shockingly almost took out Bouncing TNT. Kraut Kruncher and Vagabond were also banged up during the impressive German salvo, courtesy of no M4 Sherman which was struck making a successful armour save roll. The Allied line actually looked in danger of breaking.

NOW IN FORMATION THE PANZERS START RETURNING FIRE

Trying to shore up the two Axis divisions into a single, solid defensive 'U-shape', the Panzer III to the south moved north-west to flank a fortification, This manoeuvre was mirrored to the north by a Panzer IV (Short) rumbling alongside another fortification. The remaining German tanks then opened fire and cheered when Kraut Kruncher was blown apart. Babs almost joined him. But luckily kept chugging away despite two palpable hits.

It was increasingly becoming clear that the Americans were now in bad shape and needed to thin down their opponents if they were going to challenge for the Objective before the battle's end. Disastrously though, despite some concentrated firepower on the Germans, only Bouncing TNT struck their target, and the Panzer III remained operable.

THE PANZERS CONTINUE TO HOLD THE OBJECTIVE DESPITE SOME SERIOUS LOSSES

With the day theirs to be won, the Third Reich opened up once again upon the beleaguered Allies. Kraut Killer was damaged and Babs torn asunder, effectively leaving the centre of the battlefield devoid of any M4 Shermans.

Desperate to turn the tide with one last mighty effort, Bouncing TNT managed to finally destroy the last of the Panzer IIIs and totally wipe out Volks Division. This exposed the entire southern flank of the German formation. But incredibly, none of the American tanks were able to push home their advantage and damage any of the partially-vulnerable Panzer IVs. The Objective was still firmly in Axis hands.

THE AMERICANS MAKE AN UNSUCCESSFUL LAST GASP EFFORT

Deciding that a temporary tactical withdrawal was the better part of valour, the remaining M4 Shermans conceded the battlefield. The German rush to capture the building early on had paid off, and despite predominantly fielding inferior tanks to the Americans, the Third Reich's slight numerical advantage had won them a close-fought victory...

"Horus Heresy" 15mm Battle Report: Sons Of Horus Verses Imperial Guard

DEMONS JOIN THE SONS OF HORUS AGAINST THE IMPERIAL GUARD

This game was played using some homemade rules (M.I.S.S.) so as to allow us to play through a short campaign utilising many of my painted miniatures from "The Ion Age" range by "Alternative Armies", and took place upon a 36" x 28" "Deep Cut Studio" playmat. The battlefield was populated with a variety of "Battlefield in a Box" scenic ruins by "Gale Force Nine".

“The story so far… The Warmaster, Horus Lupercal, has treacherously decided to murder the Emperor, and replace him as sole ruler of the Imperium of Mankind. However, in order for his plan to succeed the Traitor Legions must first take the Red Planet and this world has already been fortified by the loyal Imperial Guard. Realising that the Sons Of Horus might not be strong enough to be victorious alone, the Warmaster summons demonic reinforcements, and launches an attack upon the planet's already bombarded capital..."

THE TABLETOP - THE RUINS OF THE RED PLANET'S CAPITAL CITY

The Imperial Guard started on the eastern side of the battlefield. It's forces consisted of two units of infantry and a heavy weapons team to the south-east, a command unit with a heavy las-cannon tank at its centre, and a unit of infantry with two heavy weapons teams to the north-east. Across from their position, along the western edge, stood two units of demon warriors, a Sons of Horus command unit with accompanying tank, and a combined unit of Sons of Horus space marines with (more) demon warriors.

The ruin-covered tabletop had five strategic locations, each worth an unknown number of victory points from one to six. These would only be revealed once they had been discovered during the confrontation and could only be claimed by an unopposed unit being in direct contact with them at the end of Turn Six.

THE IMPERIAL GUARD CHARGE DEMONS AND SONS OF HORUS SPACE MARINES

The Emperor's forces won the initiative and all moved west towards Objective One [Northern Villa] and Objective Five [Southern Villa]. In the south-west the demon warriors marched towards Objective Four [Insulae], whilst the Sons of Horus command unit sought shelter just south of Objective Two [Domus]. The Warmaster's tank fired towards the loyal soldiers heading towards Objective Five, but were out of range.

The demon warriors continued their advance east to capture control of Objective Four [Insulae] and claim six Victory Points. Determined to hold the position they formed up in line in front of it. The Sons of Horus and demon warriors to the north performed the same manoeuvre with Objective Two [Domus] to size a further Four Victory Points. Realising that he now simply had to hold these positions until the battle's end, Horus moved his tank up alongside his main body of demon warriors.

THE TWO OPPOSING FORCES TAKE THEIR OBJECTIVES EARLY

In response the Imperial Guard captured Objective Five [Southern Villa] and Objective One [Northern Villa] for Five and Three Victory Points respectfully. The soldiers also managed to overcome their 'fear' of the demon warriors to wound one of the units stood beside the Sons of Horus tank. First blood to the Emperor's forces.

The Imperial Guard infantry continued to fire upon the demon warriors, and those who didn't fail to keep their terror in check managed to score more injuries upon the cruel denizens of the Warp. However, it was clear that they still needed to claim more objectives, so led by their commander, some of the heavy weapon teams pressed further west towards both the enemy's lines and Objective Three [Ruined Tower].

THE IMPERIAL GUARD ATTEMPT TO TAKE THE CENTRAL OBJECTIVE WITH A HEAVY WEAPONS TEAM

The demon warriors were unable to call replacements from the Warp, so simply took comfort in gunning down some of the soldiers before them. In addition, Horus ordered his tank up to the south-west corner of Objective Three [Ruined Tower] to attract the fire of the Imperial Guard. To the north, the combined force of Sons of Horus space marines and demon warriors brought the supposedly safe Imperial Guard command unit, which was partially-shielded by the Ruined Tower, down to just a single wound.

One of the Imperial Guard heavy weapons teams reached the top of Objective Three [Ruined Tower] and to their dismay discovered it was only worth a single Victory Point. This meant the Emperor's forces had to stop Horus from claiming one of the two objectives his army already held. As a result, the Imperial Guard to the south started whittling away at the armour of the Sons of Horus tank, whilst the heavy weapons teams in the north rather riskily pushed further west right out in the open.

THE IMPERIAL GUARD CLAIM A RUINED TOWER IN THE NAME OF THE EMPEROR

This proved catastrophic for the Emperor's forces, as once the combined cannons of the Sons of Horus tank and his demon warriors had fallen silent, neither of the brave human heavy weapons teams in the north remained. To makes matters worse, the Sons of Horus space marines and accompanying demon warriors also scored a couple of debilitating hits upon the infantry just behind the massacred heavy weapons teams.

Putting their faith in the Emperor, and their losses aside, the Imperial Guard units made another mad dash west towards Objective Four [Insulae] and Objective Two [Domus]. Astonishingly, their las-cannon tank miraculously destroyed the Sons of Horus space marines in the north, and actually made it momentarily appear that the Warmaster's forces might be broken.

BOTH FORCES' HEAVILY-ARMOURED TANKS MAKE THEIR PRESENCES FELT

However, the south-based Sons of Horus tank suddenly trampled over the advancing Imperial Guard infantrymen approaching its position. This allowed the Traitor Legion's commander to establish himself near Objective Four [Insulae], and gave the demon warriors in the north an opportunity to reposition themselves by Objective Two [Domus].

In the final turn of the battle, the Sons of Horus command claimed Objective Four [Insulae] for Six Victory Points, and then watched with glee as their tank killed the Imperial Guard's commander. To the south, the demon warriors rejoiced as reinforcements arrived from the Warp, and helped them score two more hits upon the soldiers assaulting their position.

THE SONS OF HORUS AND DEMONS TAKE A HEAVY TOLL UPON THE IMPERIAL GUARD

Incredibly though, Horus had miscalculated, and stared in horror as the Imperial Guard's dwindling forces still had enough units to retain ownership of Objective Five [Southern Villa], Objective One [Northern Villa] and Objective Three [Ruined Tower] for a total of Nine Victory Points, and then still reach Objective Two [Domus] with some infantry to contest the position, and resultantly deprive the Warmaster of its game-winning Four Victory Points. The Imperial Guard had won... for now at least.

“Hulk Will Smash!”

“Now Hulk is free - - and no one will lock him up again.”

This 40mm scale model of the incredible Hulk is produced by "CoolMiniOrNot", and can be found inside the Marvel United Core Box. Designed by Edouard Guiton, Bruce Banner’s alter-ego is one of five costumed crime-fighters found inside the “fast-paced cooperative” board game, along with three super-villains.

Fashioned in a bright, light blue hard plastic, the gaming piece was initially primed with a double-helping of “Vallejo” Escorpena Green, liberally shaded in “Citadel” Biel-Tan Green, and dry-brushed with (more) “Vallejo” Escorpena Green. I then applied a heavily water-down wash of “Citadel” Biel-Tan Green over the entire founding Avenger, before ‘finishing off’ all his muscular flesh with a second (and much lighter) dry-brush of “Vallejo” Escorpena Green.

The Blood Angels and Imperial Guard cautiously approach an alien-infested swamp

The gamma scientist’s trousers were pigmented using a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Violet and "Citadel" Druchii Violet. Whilst his hair was layered with “Vallejo” Heavy Black Green, washed with “Citadel” Nuln Oil, and later dry-brushed using (more) “Vallejo” Heavy Black Green and a little Heavy Green. Finally, the Hulk’s tongue was ‘picked out’ with “Vallejo” Heavy Red, and his teeth in White. Both of these areas were subsequently shaded with “Citadel” Agrax Earthshade.

With the third of my Marvel United figures finished, I’ve spent some more time further play-testing my homemade 15mm science fiction collaborative rules, "M.I.S.S.”, once again using a load of Xenomorphs by “Ground Zero Games”, 10mm Face Huggers by “Pendraken Miniatures” and Ion Age figures by "Alternative Armies". The two games centred around a swamp being infested by H.R. Giger’s famous aliens, and saw the Throneworld’s administration deploy a combined force of Imperial Guard, Crimson Fists and Blood Angels to eradicate them.

The Crimson Fists and Imperial Guard get in close and personal with a wave of Facehuggers

The first ‘cleansing’ was successfully achieved by the Astra Militarum and Sanguinius’ Chapter locating some of the site’s disused technology, and subsequently swapping the different pump devices between two locations so as to drain the Alien’s partially submerged hive of water. This conflict was a close-fought scenario, with the Imperial Guard desperately trying to provide covering fire from the safety of the woods whilst the Blood Angels tried to move the machinery.

In the end, due to a ‘flood of facehuggers’ the roles were soon reversed, and it ultimately fell upon mortal men to complete the mission, rather than the partially-overwhelmed Space Marines. The second battle simply saw a full-on face-off between the two opposing forces, with the Blood Angels accompanied by plenty of Crimson Fist battle-brothers. This was an absolute blast with the Astra Militarum successfully sweeping the area in front of the forests clear of any extra-terrestrials with their Lasrifle fire, and the Adeptus Astartes eventually getting in close with plenty of Alien warrior drones…