In With The New

Dave came over the other day for our weekly game, it is the school holidays here so Dave's grandson Will joined us for a World War Two game. We decided to use Rapid Fire Reloaded as we thought it would be easier for Will to follow. Will is quite keen on World War Two he builds and paints his own figures, vehicles and planes and is gathering some extensive knowledge on all things World War Two, which of course we aim to encourage!

I gathered two small forces, a German infantry battalion with support and a Soviet motorized infantry battalion with support, the Soviets aim to exit two AFVs and at least six infantry figures off the enemy table edge to win, getting just one AFV off would be a draw. As usual there follows an annotated photo montage of the action.

The Soviet advance on the centre left.

Meanwhile on the right they attempt a dash down the road.

The Germans have other ideas.

Over on the German right the infantry await the approaching T34s and infantry.

The Soviets attempt to sneak around the Germans left.

The T34s trade shots with the German PAK40 and Stug III neither side manage any penetrating hits.

It is left to both sides mortars and howitzers to do the job.

Over on the Soviet left another T34 is knocked out.

Off table 105mm howitzers rain down hell.

Further support from the Germans 150mm Sig33s.

Another T34 bites the dust.

Another ends any chance of winning and with the remaining T34 having to run the gauntlet of two Stugs, Panzerschreks and Panzerfausts even a draw is extremely unlikely. No win for Will and myself but Will enjoyed himself nonetheless taking numerous photos for himself along the way.

Until next time...................KBO

Partisans And Paras

 Still slow going on the painting front not helped by a four day break in Wales. First up another three paratroopers from the Empress Miniatures Heroes of Arnhem range.

Next up in 20mm some more Soviet partisans for my little side project, these are from Britannia Miniatures available from Grubby Tanks. Although they may not be the most anatomical correct figures and the weapons a tad over scale one cannot deny they have oodles of character and IMHO look the part.

Speaking of Wales here are some military related photos. First up Beaumaris Castle built by Edward I, although it was never completed it is still a formidable looking fortification.

Next up we made a return visit to Plad Newydd seat of the Marquis's of Anglesey to see red squirrels, but of course I would have to and view the exhibits relating to the 1st Marquess Henry Paget aka the Earl of Uxbridge.

Coincidentally they had another property just up the road from where we live, at Beaudesert. The estate was broken up by the 6th Marquess in the 1920s. The hall was never sold, demolition began in 1935 but was never completed and some ruins remain standing. The Green Pipe which used to supply water to the estate is still in situ and has become a bit of a landmark, it is also used to direct folks on Google maps!

Our accomodation was close by RAF Valley and under their training flight path.

Next week's game will be over at GHQ, stand by for some 19th century action in the Crimea.

I til next time..................KBO