OTTBE Mission 20 - Albert to Bapaume - 23rd August 1918
August 20, 1918 - The French 10th Army takes 8,000 prisoners at Noyon and captures the Aisne Heights.
Battle of Albert (21–23 August 1918) was the third battle by that name fought during World War I, following the First Battle of Albert and the Second Battle of Albert, with each of the series of three being fought roughly two years apart.[1] This smaller third battle was significant in that it was the opening push that would lead to the Second Battle of the Somme and involved the Australian Corps. This attack opened the advance, with the main attack being launched by the Third Army along with support from the Fourth Army.[2] The Second Battle of Bapaume, from 25 August to 3 September, was a continuation of this battle.[3]
The attacks developed into an advance, which pushed the German 2nd Army back along a 50-mile (80 km) front line. On 22 August, the 18th (Eastern) Division took Albert, with the British and Americans advancing on Arras.[2] On 29 August, during the Second Battle of Bapaume, the town of Bapaume fell into New Zealand hands. This resulted in an advance by the Australian Corps, who crossed the Somme River on 31 August and broke the German lines during the Battle of Mont St. Quentin.[2] The Westheer (German armies on the Western Front) was pushed back to the Hindenburg Line, from which they had launched their spring offensive.[citation needed]
The second battle began on 21 August with the opening of the Second Battle of Bapaume to the north of the river itself. That developed into an advance which pushed the German Second Army back over a 55 kilometre front, from south of Douai to La Fère, south of Saint-Quentin, Aisne. Albert was captured on 22 August. On 26 August, the British First Army widened the attack by another twelve kilometres, sometimes called the Second Battle of Arras.[2] Bapaume fell on 29 August. The Australian Corps crossed the Somme River on the night of 31 August, and broke the German lines at the Battle of Mont St. Quentin and the Battle of Péronne. The British Fourth Army's commander, General Henry Rawlinson, described the Australian advances of 31 August – 4 September as the greatest military achievement of the war.[3]
The Bulldogs are tasked with providing fire support as the front advances.
The Eagles are tasked with either providing counter battery fire on the advancing Entente, or they can fly as an attack wing.
Bulldogs:
4 Scouts
1 Two Seater
Eagles:
Attack Wing:
4 Scouts
Counter Battery
3 Scouts
1 Two Seater
Deployment
Using the pictures below set your board up in the following manner.
At least 2 mats or the area covered by two mats. Make a defined front about halfway across the mats, this will give you an idea of Friendly Territory or Enemy Territory.
You need a deck of playing cards. Divide the Hearts, Clubs, Diamonds, and Spades. Using one suit for the Entente and one for the Central Powers start at the short side edge opposite your position and go around clockwise placing your cards either as example A or B.
Then draw 3 cards for the Entente, 1 for each group of two scouts and 1 for the Two Seater.
Draw 2 cards for each pair of Central Powers planes.
These will be your starting positions.
Decide which plane or groups of planes go with each card as you draw.
All planes positioned on the long side of the board will face the enemy side. All planes positioned on the short side of the board will start facing the opposite side.
All planes come on on the same turn.
In example C and D you can see examples of placement cards drawn.
Example A
Attachment 242271
Example B
Example C
Attachment 242273
Example D
Attachment 242274
If by some chance you end up with opposing forces opposite each other to start move the Enemy position to the opposite side of the board.
Special Notes
Central Powers
Resources are dwindling.
No more than 2 planes of any one type.
Ammunition Limitations 50 points to be divided between your planes. 1 shot at close range or long range equals 1 ammo point.
Lubricants are in short supply, any Engine hit head home
Two Seaters
Make a random deck from your planes maneuver deck with the following cards,
2 Straight
1 Stall
1 Long Left and Long Right
1 Short Left and Short Right
1 Left side slip and right side slip
Mix your cards and draw 3 per turn.
Your Artillery spotting can be done on Straights or Stalls. Roll a D6 to see if you hit. You need a 5 or 6 to hit what is below you.
NOTE:
Clarification
Eagles Commanders you have the choice of either doing the Attack Wing Miision or the Counter Battery Mission.
Entente Commanders you have the choice of either going up against the Attack Wing Mission or the Counter Battery Mission.
This is so you can use what pilots are available.
Victory Points
Entente
1 point per artillery hit
2 points per CP plane leaving early
4 points per CP plane shot down
Central Powers
1 point per artillery hit
2 points per Entente plane leaving early
4 points per Entente plane shot down
Reply With Quote
Originally Posted by gully_raker
Looking forward to having a crack at this next week.
Just about to set up for this one. Wish me luck 
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