Tuesday, February 22, 2011
15mm Amazons and Wemics
These are some pretty cool shots of my Amazons moving through the jungle, along with a couple shots of the Wemics.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Boxer Campaign - Battle of Feng Go Forest - Part 12 of 12
The Germans sent this top secret communique not to be shared with any allied player. Five fast couriers are to proceed to the Lutheran Mission under flags of truce. They carry an order that reads thus:
Honored Gentlemen,
I am aware that you have beseiged the Lutheran Mission near Mia Tuchin. An allied coalition force is prepared to attack and relieve the mission at once. We can assure you that our intentions are simply to spare the lives of those men, women and children that we are responsible for protecting. I beseech you to peacefully release these persons into our care at the earliest possible moment. We have been very impressed with your bravery and understand that you are men of honor. We asked that you comply with this appeal out of honor. In no way do we think you to be cowards. We understand that you are prepared to defend to the last, as we have seen evidence of your bravery on many bloody fields before. The resultant clash of arms will result in a great effusion of blood. If you allow us to gain custody of the missionaries, we give you our word that we will march north and out of this territory and will leave you in peace. I send a young German captain fluent in Chinese that will interpret and bring me your reply. If you answer in the affirmative, then we will work out a specific time to allow the missionaries to march out under a flag of truce. At this time, we will immediately march out of this area.
Respectfully,
Field Marshal Ludwig von Bolling
The appeal went unanswered and the you German captain never returned.
The Internationalist (Germans, Americans, Italians) have cut their ties with the railway and have launched an assault on the 2nd Chinese Imperial Army that has been shadowing their force from the south for over a day. The Chinese Western Trained army is also shadowing the force, but it is to the west and is dug in. The Internationalists are counting on their superior firepower and surprise to destroy the 2nd Imperial Army before they can unite with the Western Trained army.
The 2nd Imperial Army is deployed in Feng Go forest and will try to use the large woods to protect them from the Foreign Devil's artillery and rifle fire. Who's will will break today? Will the Western Trained Army abandon their trenches to help the 2nd Imperial Army? Even if they did would the arrive in time?
The battle was excellent and tense throughout, with USMC and one German unit taking heavy casualties, but pushing on and routing the less sturdy Chinese. Chinese 2nd Imperial Army had hidden deployment due to their positions in the Feng Go Forest. I'm sorry I didn't take more interactive photos.
General advance into the woods.
Chinese Western trained army arrives, but once again German and their mausers put them to flight.
US Marines (light blue pants), fight through the woods.
Italians get shot at point blank range by Chinese guns. (Will the Italians ever get a break in this campaign?)
Germans advancing into the woods to clear out the Imperial Chinese.
The veteran German Seebatallions are taking the fight directly to the Chinese.
Americans flank the Chinese line, rolling up the Chinese and putting them to flight.
France 24 --- Winner!
Russia 20
USA 17
Italy 17
Germany 16
As the winner, Eric Cottrell, received a copy of Columbia Game's Rommel in the Desert, and every player received a reproduction Boxer Rebellion medal from the US Marine Corp!
As an umpire for a campaign, this was one of the most rewarding campaigns I have ever run. Players were active, they remained in character, they contributed to the drama, and we were able to successfully finish the campaign! A rare accomplishment in the wargaming world!
Honored Gentlemen,
I am aware that you have beseiged the Lutheran Mission near Mia Tuchin. An allied coalition force is prepared to attack and relieve the mission at once. We can assure you that our intentions are simply to spare the lives of those men, women and children that we are responsible for protecting. I beseech you to peacefully release these persons into our care at the earliest possible moment. We have been very impressed with your bravery and understand that you are men of honor. We asked that you comply with this appeal out of honor. In no way do we think you to be cowards. We understand that you are prepared to defend to the last, as we have seen evidence of your bravery on many bloody fields before. The resultant clash of arms will result in a great effusion of blood. If you allow us to gain custody of the missionaries, we give you our word that we will march north and out of this territory and will leave you in peace. I send a young German captain fluent in Chinese that will interpret and bring me your reply. If you answer in the affirmative, then we will work out a specific time to allow the missionaries to march out under a flag of truce. At this time, we will immediately march out of this area.
Respectfully,
Field Marshal Ludwig von Bolling
The appeal went unanswered and the you German captain never returned.
The Internationalist (Germans, Americans, Italians) have cut their ties with the railway and have launched an assault on the 2nd Chinese Imperial Army that has been shadowing their force from the south for over a day. The Chinese Western Trained army is also shadowing the force, but it is to the west and is dug in. The Internationalists are counting on their superior firepower and surprise to destroy the 2nd Imperial Army before they can unite with the Western Trained army.
The 2nd Imperial Army is deployed in Feng Go forest and will try to use the large woods to protect them from the Foreign Devil's artillery and rifle fire. Who's will will break today? Will the Western Trained Army abandon their trenches to help the 2nd Imperial Army? Even if they did would the arrive in time?
The battle was excellent and tense throughout, with USMC and one German unit taking heavy casualties, but pushing on and routing the less sturdy Chinese. Chinese 2nd Imperial Army had hidden deployment due to their positions in the Feng Go Forest. I'm sorry I didn't take more interactive photos.
USMC knocking out the first of the Chinese battalions!
Entire German army moving in.
General advance into the woods.
Chinese Western trained army arrives, but once again German and their mausers put them to flight.
US Marines (light blue pants), fight through the woods.
Italians get shot at point blank range by Chinese guns. (Will the Italians ever get a break in this campaign?)
Germans advancing into the woods to clear out the Imperial Chinese.
The veteran German Seebatallions are taking the fight directly to the Chinese.
Americans flank the Chinese line, rolling up the Chinese and putting them to flight.
With the smashing success of the International Forces at the BATTLE OF FENG GO FOREST the allies hastily pushed on to the LUTHERAN MISSION at MIA TUCHEN. The Boxers were no where to be found, but their handy-work was evident. The Lutheran Mission was burnt to the ground and the missionaries were slaughtered. Priests, nuns, Chinese Christians were all killed in horrible ways. The massacre appears to have been carried out a day or two before hand. The Germans, Italians, and Americans buried the dead and turned north to their journey home.
This ended the campaign as all effective Imperial Chinese and Boxer forces in the region had been defeated. The International armies made their way without incident back to the port of WIE LUNG HOO, where they evacuated the remaining Western civilians, Chinese Christians, sick, and wounded.
It was an extremely successful campaign, but many battles were in doubt right until the end. I think some of the International Commanders were thrilled just to be marching out of China, rather than coming out in a dead cart!
The final tally for the campaign VPs were as follows:
Russia 20
USA 17
Italy 17
Germany 16
As the winner, Eric Cottrell, received a copy of Columbia Game's Rommel in the Desert, and every player received a reproduction Boxer Rebellion medal from the US Marine Corp!
Some of the commanders receiving their medals! Left to right: General "Mad Dog" Hood, Chinese General Johnson, Field Marshal Ludwig von Bolling, General Konnellovski.
From General "Mad Dog" Hood:
"I'll be setting up a "coffee" house in Hong Kong, writing my memoirs of the campaign. It'll be presented to Congress and read into the record."
As an umpire for a campaign, this was one of the most rewarding campaigns I have ever run. Players were active, they remained in character, they contributed to the drama, and we were able to successfully finish the campaign! A rare accomplishment in the wargaming world!
Cheers!
Eric
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Boxer Campaign - Battle of Fusuchow - Part 11 of 12
DAY7 of the Campaign
Some campaign details that the player's received, to give you an idea what kind of info I gave them:
MOON TEMPLE FORCE rests on DAY7 due to severe casualties. They can see units of the Western Trained Army maneuvering south of the canal, but there have been no attacks.
FLEET POSITIONS
Main fleet in WEI LUNG HOO
Gurbett and USS Monacacy at the Imperial Road Bridge on the SI HO River. (no enemy activity reported)
SI-LIAN Garrison remains in place and no enemy encounters are reported.
WENPO Garrison has been silent for quite some time. No word on their situation.
US\GERMAN SUPPLY COLUMN - Has begun heading South again, but will have difficulty when it encounters the main relief column as it will have to wait until it passes before continuing onward towards WUSEN.
RELIEF COLUMN - The night passes without incident and the camp forms up for the morning march. As the Cossacks approach the town of FUSUCHOW to continue the march north they encounter Imperial Chinese forces in strength. It appears that the Imperials slipped into the town during the night since none of the approaches to the town were guarded. The only road North goes through FUSUCHOW so the column will have to fight their way building-to-building in FUSUCHOW if they want to continue up the Imperial Road. Please take note of the terrain around FUSUCHOW. You are encamped west of town and any attack against FUSUCHOW will be funnelled due to the two sets of millet fields to either flank. This battle will be difficult, but will be a good chance for glory.
BATTLE OF FUSUCHOW
The Russians deploy for battle, with Fusuchow in the distance. Germans are just to their right.
French approaching along the railroad from the south. Large millet crops to the left.
French advance, while their guns start to hit the town.
AMBUSH! Black Banner Boxers jump on the Tonkinese Rifleman, which are routed.
The momentum of the attack sends the Boxers into the French Marines!
The Marine's discipline allows them to turn and defeat (rout) the Boxers!
Marines continue their attack into the town and run into an Imperial Chinese unit with Jingals. A vicious fire-fight ensues. Meanwhile, the other Tonkinese unit moves into the factory's coal field.
Good look at the Russian and German progress.
The French storm the factory grounds
Boxers fleeing the scene as French fight house to house.
Imperial Chinese pile out of the local buildings to attack the Tonkinese.
The Tonkinese rout due to fire and the French Sailors shore up the line.
French troops routing from the battle.
Russians begin their assault. The rocks indicate hits against buildings, in case Chinese are hidden in them. The International forces were allowed bombard the town.
The Marines clear another town section only to be attacked by more Imperial Chinese!
Boxers attack the Russians. The Cossacks take some surprising casualties!
As the Tonkinese flee they are ambushed by Boxers! French Colonel Frey looking on. More Tonkinese are killed by the Boxers.
Russians and Germans start to move through the town.
Marines disorder (green marker) the Boxers then rout them!
Colonel Frey overrun by Boxers. Not much left of his body.
Boxer's flip a Heroic Moment + Melee Resolution and attack the Russians!
Russians fall back from the Boxer attack
French Marines and Zouaves continue to clear out pockets of Boxer and Imperial Chinese resistance.
The Boxers continue to fight in a rage, but are driven back by the Russian Maxim guns!
After cutting up Colonel Frey, the Boxer's turn on the Tonkinese who had just finished rallying.
Collision!
The Tonkinese destroy the Boxers in melee!!
French Marines overrun the last of the Chinese forces defending the Coal Factory.
Germans begin to filter through the streats, not meeting much resistance.
I just liked this photo angle. :-)
Imperial Chinese are still fighting in the center of town. The Zouaves in column of companies attack the building.
Zouaves survive the point blank fire of the Chinese forces and melee them. The Zouaves rout the Chinese.
Germans finally encounter one of the last remaining Chinese units, which happened to be a battalion only armed with BOWS! (The Germans had it real tough in this one)
Casualty Results of FUSUCHOW
Russians
Amur Cossacks (2 stands) - 1 stand returns to duty, 1 stand lost for the campaign
Siberian Cossaks (4 stands) - 3 stands return to duty, 1 stand lost for the campaign.
French
Sailors of the 1st Naval Landing Party (3 stands) - 1 stand returns to duty, 2 stands lost for campaign
Sailors of the 2nd Naval Landing Party (1 stand) - 1 stand lost until day 10 of campaign.
1st Regiment Annimite-Tonkinese (2 stands) - 2 stands lost until DAY10 of campaign.
2nd Regiment Annimite-Tonkinese (1 stand) - 1 stand lost for campaign. (-1 on future battle quality rolls)
Colonel Frey was KIA.
General Cottrell was shot from his horse and had minor wounds.
Germans
Suffered no significant casualties
BATTLE HONORS
French 1/11th Marines wrapped themselves in glory
Russian MG fought a tenatious battle
Russian Section B 9lbr guns fought with distinction
Victory Points for the Battle of FUSUCHOW
Russians = 2 VP (Routed or destroyed 6 Chinese units, but two Cossack units were routed)
Germans = 1VP (Routed Imperial Chinese unit)
French = 0 VP (Routed or destroyed 8 Chinese units, but had four units Rout)
Look for the final campaign post in about a week.
Eric
Some campaign details that the player's received, to give you an idea what kind of info I gave them:
MOON TEMPLE FORCE rests on DAY7 due to severe casualties. They can see units of the Western Trained Army maneuvering south of the canal, but there have been no attacks.
FLEET POSITIONS
Main fleet in WEI LUNG HOO
Gurbett and USS Monacacy at the Imperial Road Bridge on the SI HO River. (no enemy activity reported)
SI-LIAN Garrison remains in place and no enemy encounters are reported.
WENPO Garrison has been silent for quite some time. No word on their situation.
US\GERMAN SUPPLY COLUMN - Has begun heading South again, but will have difficulty when it encounters the main relief column as it will have to wait until it passes before continuing onward towards WUSEN.
RELIEF COLUMN - The night passes without incident and the camp forms up for the morning march. As the Cossacks approach the town of FUSUCHOW to continue the march north they encounter Imperial Chinese forces in strength. It appears that the Imperials slipped into the town during the night since none of the approaches to the town were guarded. The only road North goes through FUSUCHOW so the column will have to fight their way building-to-building in FUSUCHOW if they want to continue up the Imperial Road. Please take note of the terrain around FUSUCHOW. You are encamped west of town and any attack against FUSUCHOW will be funnelled due to the two sets of millet fields to either flank. This battle will be difficult, but will be a good chance for glory.
BATTLE OF FUSUCHOW
The Russians deploy for battle, with Fusuchow in the distance. Germans are just to their right.
French approaching along the railroad from the south. Large millet crops to the left.
French advance, while their guns start to hit the town.
AMBUSH! Black Banner Boxers jump on the Tonkinese Rifleman, which are routed.
The momentum of the attack sends the Boxers into the French Marines!
The Marine's discipline allows them to turn and defeat (rout) the Boxers!
Marines continue their attack into the town and run into an Imperial Chinese unit with Jingals. A vicious fire-fight ensues. Meanwhile, the other Tonkinese unit moves into the factory's coal field.
Good look at the Russian and German progress.
The French storm the factory grounds
Boxers fleeing the scene as French fight house to house.
Imperial Chinese pile out of the local buildings to attack the Tonkinese.
The Tonkinese rout due to fire and the French Sailors shore up the line.
French troops routing from the battle.
Russians begin their assault. The rocks indicate hits against buildings, in case Chinese are hidden in them. The International forces were allowed bombard the town.
The Marines clear another town section only to be attacked by more Imperial Chinese!
Boxers attack the Russians. The Cossacks take some surprising casualties!
As the Tonkinese flee they are ambushed by Boxers! French Colonel Frey looking on. More Tonkinese are killed by the Boxers.
Russians and Germans start to move through the town.
Marines disorder (green marker) the Boxers then rout them!
Colonel Frey overrun by Boxers. Not much left of his body.
Boxer's flip a Heroic Moment + Melee Resolution and attack the Russians!
Russians fall back from the Boxer attack
French Marines and Zouaves continue to clear out pockets of Boxer and Imperial Chinese resistance.
The Boxers continue to fight in a rage, but are driven back by the Russian Maxim guns!
After cutting up Colonel Frey, the Boxer's turn on the Tonkinese who had just finished rallying.
Collision!
The Tonkinese destroy the Boxers in melee!!
French Marines overrun the last of the Chinese forces defending the Coal Factory.
Germans begin to filter through the streats, not meeting much resistance.
I just liked this photo angle. :-)
Imperial Chinese are still fighting in the center of town. The Zouaves in column of companies attack the building.
Zouaves survive the point blank fire of the Chinese forces and melee them. The Zouaves rout the Chinese.
Germans finally encounter one of the last remaining Chinese units, which happened to be a battalion only armed with BOWS! (The Germans had it real tough in this one)
FUSUCHOW has been secured after nearly 4 hours of very bitter and short range fighting. The French have taken the worst of the beating and will not move from FUSUCHOW for the rest of DAY7. German reinforcements have arrived via train and the US\German supply column has arrived in FUSUCHOW which includes the German East Asian Cavalry Regiment and US 3rd Cavalry Regiment. All full strength. FUSUCHOW burns and smokes, with nearly half the town destroyed.
Casualty Results of FUSUCHOW
Russians
Amur Cossacks (2 stands) - 1 stand returns to duty, 1 stand lost for the campaign
Siberian Cossaks (4 stands) - 3 stands return to duty, 1 stand lost for the campaign.
French
Sailors of the 1st Naval Landing Party (3 stands) - 1 stand returns to duty, 2 stands lost for campaign
Sailors of the 2nd Naval Landing Party (1 stand) - 1 stand lost until day 10 of campaign.
1st Regiment Annimite-Tonkinese (2 stands) - 2 stands lost until DAY10 of campaign.
2nd Regiment Annimite-Tonkinese (1 stand) - 1 stand lost for campaign. (-1 on future battle quality rolls)
Colonel Frey was KIA.
General Cottrell was shot from his horse and had minor wounds.
Germans
Suffered no significant casualties
BATTLE HONORS
French 1/11th Marines wrapped themselves in glory
Russian MG fought a tenatious battle
Russian Section B 9lbr guns fought with distinction
Victory Points for the Battle of FUSUCHOW
Russians = 2 VP (Routed or destroyed 6 Chinese units, but two Cossack units were routed)
Germans = 1VP (Routed Imperial Chinese unit)
French = 0 VP (Routed or destroyed 8 Chinese units, but had four units Rout)
Look for the final campaign post in about a week.
Eric
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