AAR: 1 September 39 - The Beginning of the War

**7eat51** · 06-16-2015 07:52

Last night, our group converged on our FLGS to begin our foray into WGS. I plan on taking the group through the War somewhat chronologically, covering as many theatres and types of engagements as possible. Each session, I will introduce another rule until everyone is familiar with the full rule set, and then choosing a subset tailored to each session. For our first round, we used a mix of basic and standard rules - no altitude or ground fire, but using special damage.

With seven players in attendance (Sue/ling, George/CelticCat, and Dave/degodave among them), our first scenario centered on the German bombing of Warsaw on 1 September 39. The following excerpt formed the basis of our scenario: Alarmed by the well-organized network of observation posts, the Pursuit Brigade in full force (52 aircraft) intercepted a large formation of He 111 bombers from KG27 escorted by Bf 110s of I/LG1 (http://avstop.com/history/aroundtheworld/poland/). I set up the scenario using one He 111, two Bf 110s, and five Gloster Gladiators as proxies for the Polish planes (the best I was able to do given my collection - I would love some Polish planes if anyone can suggest a source); the Gladiators respawned if shot down. The mission was for the He 111 to drop its payload on the selected city-scape. Below are some highlights of the engagement:

Closing - the Polish pilots begin their interception of the German force

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First Blood: of course, the first hit is a boom chit on one of my escorts; fortunately, we were playing that such booms accounted for 10-points of damage

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An Intense Exchange: throughout the engagement, there was a lot of shots fired as all the planes remained relatively close to each other

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Bomb's Away: Sue released her bomb while exchanging fire with an interceptor

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And One Falls: Much to the interceptor's dismay

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Bullseye: Mission accomplished via Miss Deadeye's aim

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We, all of us, had a great time. It was fun waiting while the Polish pilots planned their strategy and studied the German plane cards, learning their abilities. After the first maneuver, everyone was in the thick of it until the very last turn, shots being fired each round. We, then, spent another hour shooting the bull and eating home-cooked Turkish food (provided by Jamie and his wife - the gamestore owners), well, actually, we took a break mid-game to start the eating and never quite stopped.

Next month, the Battle of France begins.

**LTJG NSCC** · 06-16-2015 08:01

Ambitious project! I look forward to seeing more of it! I will note that a pair of Bf 110's seems well-matched with five Gladiators...trying to figure out balances of forces myself.

**7eat51** · 06-16-2015 08:30

All of us who were there last night hang out together in various combos throughout the week, so it makes for a very fun time. We hope to attract other players and recruit some new ones. Jamie has a great space in downtown Bloomington.

By going through the war this way, we'll all learn a bit of history, and become familiar with various facets of the game. We'll meet once per month, unless our schedules enable additional times. It is a fun way to spend the evening.

I don't concern myself, at least not very much, with game balance. I try to think about the narrative, and then adjust game mechanics, accordingly. Sometimes this is done through victory conditions, sometimes through respawning, etc.; this provides a measure of freedom regarding what is on the table at any given moment.

At Origins, Keith, our illustrious and sadistic leader, ran a game in which six of us flew FW-190 interceptors against six P-51 escorts and four B-17 bombers. We didn't stand a chance, but the game was a whole lot of fun, I mean a whole lot of fun. Asymmetry can be our friend.

**LTJG NSCC** · 06-16-2015 08:46

Originally Posted by 7eat51

At Origins, Keith, our illustrious and sadistic leader, ran a game in which six of us flew FW-190 interceptors against six P-51 escorts and four B-17 bombers. We didn't stand a chance, but the game was a whole lot of fun, I mean a whole lot of fun. Asymmetry can be our friend.

Most excellent! History didn't care much for "balance", did it?! And survival against odds has a satisfaction all its own.

Hey, side question: how do you get "aerial victories" in your profile? (Yours says "83".) Is that from convention games or something similar?

**degodave** · 06-16-2015 08:52

Fun was had by all during the exchange. It was interesting to note how fast the bomber moves (once the size of its base is factored in) and how quickly the escorts can flip around via Immelmann. By contrast, the smaller interceptors were slow, representing the deficiencies in equipment the Polish were faced with compared to the Germans. All in all, I enjoyed the history as well as the playing and socializing.

**7eat51** · 06-16-2015 08:54

Originally Posted by LTJG NSCC

Hey, side question: how do you get "aerial victories" in your profile? (Yours says "83".) Is that from convention games or something similar?

I bribe, I mean make facilitation payments to, Keith.

The aerial victories represent the combined value of the medals awarded. Each medal has a given worth.

Your comment about history is spot on.

**Nightbomber** · 06-16-2015 09:36

That is a magnificent effort of yours, my Friend. Thanks so much for bringing the story in the game form

.
I know it must have been a kind of frustration for the defenders, well, that is history.
Actually, the number of destroyed German aircraft in the campaign was quite big. If memory serves well 130, against 110 lost.
As far as proper PZL P-11 fighters are concerned, Shapeways is an option.
If you let me finish my ambitious "workbench" project, some of them will land at your door, Eric

.

Thanks again,
Andy.

**7eat51** · 06-16-2015 09:54

Yes, I think there is some misinformation about September '39 that needs correcting.

Shapeways - great. Off to look.

**Teaticket** · 06-16-2015 09:54

What a great way to play your way through the entire war. Will you be doing the Pacific as well? This is something I've been looking into doing with WWI. WW2 too....hmmmmm.....

**7eat51** · 06-16-2015 10:17

Yes. Baz piqued an interest in the Pacific for me awhile back.

Now, I am trying to build a collection that will enable me to cover a wide-range of engagements, and even some what-ifs. Keith's and Neil's Origin's scenarios gave me some game mechanic and scenario ideas. So as I learn, I will be able to pass that knowledge onto others via the scenario history and the rules for the evening.

**Marechallannes** · 06-16-2015 10:31

Nice AAR, Eric.

**Flying Officer Kyte** · 06-16-2015 10:37

Well played Eric.
I have had to be up against the odds as you know with Malta, and the worst there is yet to come. You can't stop the bombers getting through if they are three to one, but taking a couple out and getting away is certainly a great feeling.
Rob.

**Lt. S.Kafloc** · 06-16-2015 12:25

Great to see your project off the ground Eric. You told me all about this idea, nice to see it started. Can't wait for France.

Neil

**7eat51** · 06-16-2015 22:15

Originally Posted by Skafloc

Great to see your project off the ground Eric. You told me all about this idea, nice to see it started. Can't wait for France.

Neil

I think this will be a nice way to build the collection as well as develop scenarios; the chronology provides a ready path. I am looking at AIM French planes for next month. Looks like I will have to develop some modeling skill. I will, of course, recruit Sue for some painting as well.

I need to do some reading on the Battle of France regarding aerial engagements.

**Teaticket** · 06-17-2015 06:59

FYI Check Your Six! has a scenario book for the battle of France, 'Days of Glory'. It has battles with both the French and the British.
I have it if you'd like any info from it.

**Lt. S.Kafloc** · 06-17-2015 07:59

Ah. Brain kick started. Next project for Doncaster et al thought of. Simple tchch.

Just one word Eric that's all it took. Just one word of five letters.

Neil.

**7eat51** · 06-17-2015 08:30

Thanks, Peter. PM to be sent, shortly.

Five letter word, Neil? Hmmm.

**Teaticket** · 06-17-2015 08:39

Originally Posted by 7eat51

Thanks, Peter. PM to be sent, shortly.

Five letter word, Neil? Hmmm.

I think that would be Hmmmm.

**gully_raker** · 06-17-2015 18:17

What a great project Eric!
I will look forward to seeing the AAR's as your War progresses!

By the way did you finish "Shattered Sword"?

**7eat51** · 07-24-2015 22:29

This past Monday, I was going to start the Battle of France, but wanting the folks to learn altitude and a fuller compliment of the rules first, I taught them, accordingly, and then let them loose for any every pilot for him(her)self brawl. They had a blast; everyone stayed and watched the final two duel it out with Dave (degodave) being the victor. So come August, we'll fly our first Battle of France scenario in which I will add AA and surface-to-air machine gun fire.