HMGS – Page 9

Johnny Reb III – Antietam

Saturday the local HMGS-South group played a game of Johnny Reb III, based on the action near Burnside’s Bridge at the battle of Antietam. Several Federal brigades attempt to take two bridges and find a ford over Antietam Creek.

Confederate position overlooking the southern bridge

Federal approach to the southern bridge and ford

Federal losses pile up on the southern bridge

Federal troops get across the southern bridge, but cannot hold there

Federal cavalry ready to cross the northern bridge after the defenders have been cleared

The ford is taken, but Confederate troops still cover the southern bridge

Gutshot Game – Tombstone Arizona 1881

Saturday the local HMGS-South group played a game of Gutshot, with additional role-playing elements, at the Dogs of War shop.

The game was set in Tombstone Arizona in the days leading up to the Gunfight at the OK Corral. Three factions (the Earps, the Clantons and the Cowboys) contest control of the town’s business (mostly illicit) in order to raise cash. The two leading factions will shoot it out at the OK Corral to determine the winner.

In this game the Earps made a bit of money on bets, but were otherwise law-abiding and fell behind financially. The Clantons and the Cowboys tried shaking down the local merchants in a protection racket, but were not making much. Johnny Ringo got shot by an irate merchant, which did not help his reputation. The Clantons did well in the entertainment business and stage coach robbery. The Cowboys ambushed some local bandits and cleaned up betting against one of their own in a boxing match. The final shootout was won by the Clantons, although both McLaurys died (a historical result).

Operation Cobra – Rapid Fire Game Photos

Saturday the local HMGS-South group played a game of Rapid Fire. The scenario was July 28, 1944 (three days after the start of Cobra) and involved efforts of the U.S. 3rd and 4th Armored Divisions to take Coutances as the American breakout of Normandy begins. The Americans were opposed by elements of the 353rd Infantry, 17th SS Panzer Grenadier and 2nd SS Panzer Divisions.

The terrain and buildings are made by Rob of Real-Terrain (RMLHM901@aol.com).

Order of Battle

WW2 Market-Garden Blitzkrieg Commander Game

On Saturday the local HMGS-South group played a WW2 Market-Garden game using Blitzkrieg Commander at the Dogs of War shop. In this semi-historical scenario, two battalions of the 502nd Paratroop Infantry Regiment attempt to hold off the 107th Panzer Brigade untill the arrival of a Coldstream Guards armored force.

Two paratroop battalions dropped on the north-south road and moved to occupy the towns to the north-east and south. A German security company and two platoons of flak units defended the two northern towns. The security company was eventually overwhelmed and the north-east town taken.

On turn 5, German tanks and panzer grenadiers entered from the east and occupied the woods, covering both roads heading north. The panzer grenadiers assaulted the north-east town. The attack was stopped at the edge of town by a combination of mortar fire and bazookas.

On turn 9 British tanks and armored infantry entered from the south and raced north to relieve the airborne troops. Since Blitzkrieg Commander uses die rolls for orders, ‘racing’ can be very fast or very slow. The force moving up the east side of the table made good rolls and got into action against a flank guard of PzIVs and Stugs.

The game was ended due to time constraints with the Germans still in a strong defensive position.

Piedmont – Black Powder ACW AAR

On Saturday the local HMGS-South group played an American Civil War game at the Dogs of War shop. The rules were Black Powder and the scenario was based on the Battle of Piedmont, June 5th 1864.

In the actual battle, the Confederate infantry formed behind the ridge along Walker Lane and later fell back to barricades in the woods behind. The players were allowed a free setup (still in progress in this photo) and placed the bulk of their infantry and guns to the east of East Road, covering the gap between the two main wooded areas. Confederate cavalry were deployed to the east of the eastern woods.

Union infantry advance to engage at close musket range. Two regiments bypass the Confederate infantry line to threaten the guns on the ridge. In the distance, Confederate cavalry have dismounted and advance on the Union left flank. A Confederate horse battery advanced beyond the lines and was destroyed by a Union mounted charge.

View from the east, Union cavalry move to find room to deploy on the east flank. Union artillery are firing on the Confederate dismounted cavalry. On the ridge, a Confederate battery is destroyed by an infantry charge.

Union cavalry have formed for a grand advance, but poor command rolls delay movement. The Union artillery pounds the right of the Confederate line, but the dismounted cavalry retire in good order. A Confederate cavalry brigade in the woods has broken and retired. The Union infantry forces the Confederate center back, but takes heavy casualties.

The Confederates avoided the rout of the historical battle, while taking significant losses in cavalry and artillery. The Union side was hampered by the cramped deployment area, but attacked boldly in spite of heavy losses in infantry.