The second Japanese patrol was also successful intercepting the USN EasGroup which is the subject of the next game. The heavy cruiser Nachi with 4 Shiratsuyu class destroyers are on a reciprocal course with the US sweep which it sights at a distance of 23,000 yards (115cm). The US force consists of the cruisers Houston and Boise escorted by 9 Clemson class 4-stacker destroyers. An overview at the start. Continued - A lucky opening salvo from the Nachi hits the Houston (lead cruiser in the photo) breaching a bulkhead. The US ship fortunately stops the flooding limiting the damag ..read more

In this phase the Japanese have sent out two patrols with the intention of intervening any allied sweeps before they interfere with any invasion or supply convoys. The first action sees WesGroup out of Singapore intercepted by the WAF patrol: HMS Exeter continues its northerly route having lost HMS Dragon crippled by an air attack and now returning to Singapore. The remaining two 'D' class light cruisers and 7 destroyers plough through the force 7 sea state with reduced visibility. Continued - Exeter leads Danae and Durban. On their starboard beam are the 4 x 'S' class destroyers Scou ..read more

Two Japanese Land Based Air attacks were launched. One each from the Western Attack Force and the Eastern Attack Force. Turning first to the WAF: A force of Betty and Nell bombers, equipped with medium bombs and escorted by Zero fighters, successfully located the Royal Navy WestGroup who had been heading north to target the Malayan bound supply convoys. The 4 British cruisers were in line astern lead by the Danae, followed by the flagship Exeter, Durban and Dragon. The cruisers were escorted by 7 destroyers. 9 flights of Nell bombers are in the first wave. One was damaged by AA fire w ..read more

  The Japanese Eastern Attack Force are now operating out of Davao allowing them to ramp up operations. The allies have yet to form ABDACOM and are operating individually. In an attempt to disrupt the Japanese, the Royal Navy operate out of Singapore, the Dutch out of Batavia, the USN out of Surabaya, and the Australians from Darwin. The map shows the planned movements including Japanese supply convoys, invasion fleets and naval patrols. The weather is good with clear skies and clear visibility. A carrier air strike from the Ryojo takes advantage of the good conditions successfully loc ..read more

Currently reading a book covering the naval aspects of the invasion of Norway in 1940 had inspired me to continue with my naval campaign.  On reviewing my posts so far I noticed a glaring omission. They could really have benefitted from maps.  Maps have now been added with the map supplied in the scenario book used as the base. Ship movements are my additions reflecting events within the campaign. A couple of the maps are included here providing a brief summary of movements and actions so far. Force Z sortie during turn 0. Turn 1. The only contact occurred when a swee ..read more

I will break the battlefield down into 3 for ease of following the flow of the game: From the Royalist perspective; Left Flank, Centre, Right Flank. LEFT FLANK The initial exchange between the deployed dragoons on both sides saw the Roundheads get the upper hand with both Royalist regiments suffering the heavier casualties and subsequently falling back. Wilmot's cavalry took the lead but something close to a disaster struck the Royalists. The first casualty on this flank was Wilmot himself. Leading his own regiment he was struck by a musket ball suffering a severe wound. He wil ..read more

This is a battle I have intended to play ever since my days with ECW re-enactment societies in the 1970's. In those days it was 25mm Hinchliffe and Minifigs but I never seemed to be able to collect anywhere near enough to do it justice. Not to mention the pathetically small number of painted figures! 6mm has finally provided that opportunity without breaking the bank and in a small enough space that will fit in the garage.  A very brief background to the battle: King Charles I marched his army on London held by Parliament. The Earl of Essex commanding the main Parliamentary field army of ..read more

As any wargamer knows, planning a year ahead with any degree of accuracy can prove a challenge! A sudden urge to start a new period, campaign, or particular battle, tends to intrude. That said, I will once again lay out what I hope to be the direction of my wargaming in the coming year. As in previous years I will break down my plans into Battles, Campaigns, Painting/Modelling. BATTLES ANCIENTS: Early Imperial Roman 20th Legion v Ancient British Cantii tribe who have rebelled. ECW: Edgehill - This is a definite and I know this as it is currently occupying my tabletop. Hope to have a blog ..read more

This has not been a great year for my wargaming hobby. A near full time child care of our two young granddaughters has impacted significantly on the time available. I do though commit to doing something on all but a handful of days. Even if only 15 or 20 minutes at the start of the day which keeps it ticking over. I will list my aims for the year (in italics) and my success or otherwise of completing them. BATTLES ANCIENTS: Early Imperial Roman 2nd Augusta Legion v Ancient British Durotriges tribe in the west country. Completed - The Durotriges tribe has been thoroughly subdued with the atten ..read more

  The situation at the end of turn 12. Turns 13 - 16 British Left Vallin's cavalry brigade has been moved forward to strengthen Toussaint's infantry brigade ready to counter the advance of the British 5th Division. Continued - The 1/79th Highlanders somewhat recklessly charged 2 French battalion columns. Shrugging off a casualty on the way in, the Highlanders piled into the French battalions. French numbers prevailed and held the Highlanders to a draw. The situation at the end of turn 15. The Highlanders do their stuff and successfully overturn ..read more