Renault FT-17 (Gun)

I needed a quick and easy painting project after working on Napoleonic figures for a while, so I decided to work on another Renault FT-17 tank from Warlords for my Poland 1920 project. To spruce up the model, I added a few extras such as a wooden box and tools from Plastic Soldier Company leftovers, a canvas made from a paper kitchen towel soaked in wood glue, and a chain from some unwanted jewellery. I painted the tank in the colours of the 1st Tank Regiment and replicated the skull pattern on the tower. The original pattern should have the word 'Śmierć' on it, which means 'Death,' but I opted not to include it.

Currently, my half-platoon has this many tanks. I plan to paint two more tanks to complete the platoon. It would be great if someone could produce a plastic kit for this tank.

Updated Poland 1920 army list:

https://asienieboje.blogspot.com/p/poland-1918-1921-28mm.html

Sink that Convoy!

Cruel Seas, but this time with the convoy and torpedoes! Tim painted two large ships - a tanker and a cargo ship - which were added to the German fleet. They were tasked with travelling from point A to point B, which in this case was the entire length of the table. To make the journey, they were escorted by some e-boats. However, the Royal Navy was determined to sink them.

SCENARIO: Tim Chant
UMPIRING: Tim Chant

SCENERY: SESWC

FIGURES & MODELS: Tim Chant

1. Forces.

ROYAL NAVY

(Mike, Peter, Tim)

3 x VOSPER MTB I

2 x VOSPER MTB II

KRIEGSMARINE

(Bartek, David, Michael)

1 x TANKER SHIP

1 x CARGO SHIP

2 x S-38 class

2 x S-100 class

2. The Game.

The battle began with artillery fire from the small boats. The Germans attempted to block the British from obtaining favourable positions to launch their torpedoes. Despite losing one boat, the British boats outmanoeuvred the Germans and successfully fired their torpedoes. In retaliation, the Germans lost one of their boats. 

The ship was attacked with torpedoes, but only a few of them hit the target while three of them were skillfully avoided by a German captain. However, it was the concentrated fire of the HMGs on the British boats that ultimately sank the ship. As a result, half of the cargo was lost, giving the British a minor victory.

Sunken ships.

3. Links.

FLICKR:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/asienieboje/albums/72177720314985402

Grzmotnice 1813.

The Napoleonic mood was still present and it was unclear what to do about it. The best way to handle it was to play a game, and it would be even better if it was a large game. Last Sunday, we played Black Powder in 28mm with my Duchy of Warsaw against Michael's Austrians. We each had 1585 points, and the objective was for the Poles to defend the pass. The game took place on a 16'x6' table.

SCENARIO: Michael Schneider, Bartek Zynda
UMPIRING: Michael Schneider, Bartek Zynda

SCENERY: Bartek Zynda, SESWC

FIGURES & MODELS: Michael Schneider, Bartek Zynda

1. Forces.

DUCHY OF WARSAW

(Bartek)

Prince Poniatowski

1 x Chasseur Regiment

2 x Heavy Gun

INFANTRY DIVISION

General of Division

1st Infantry Brigade

1 x Voltigeur Detachment

4 x Infantry Battalion

1 x Regimental Gun

3 x Field Gun

1 x Howitzer

2nd Infantry Brigade

1 x Voltigeur Detachment

4 x Infantry Battalion

1 x Regimental Gun

3 x Field Gun

1 x Howitzer

CAVALRY DIVISION

General of Division

1st Cavalry Brigade

2 x Uhlan Regiment

1 x Chasseur Regiment

2 x Horse Gun

2nd Cavalry Brigade

2 x Uhlan Regiment

1 x Chasseur Regiment

2 x Horse Gun

AUSTRIA

(Michael)

CinC

1 x Heavy Gun

Advance Brigade

2 x Jaegers

1 x Horse Gun

1st Infantry Brigade

2 x Infantry Battalion (Large)

1 x Field Gun

2nd Infantry Brigade

2 x Infantry Battalion (Large)

1 x Field Gun

3rd Infantry Brigade

2 x Infantry Battalion (Large)

1 x Field Gun

4th Infantry Brigade

2 x Infantry Battalion (Large, Elite)

1 x Field Gun

5th Infantry Brigade

2 x Infantry Battalion (Large, Elite)

1 x Field Gun

1st Cavalry Brigade

4 x Chevauleger Abtailungen

2 x Hussar (Large)

1 x Horse Gun

2nd Cavalry Brigade

4 x Dragoon Abtailungen

2 x Dragoon (Large)

1 x Horse Gun

2. The game.

The Poles initiated the game, with both of their Infantry brigades positioning themselves on hills and placing guns in the centres of their respective brigades. Voltigeurs acted as a screen. The cavalry brigades took their positions on the flanks and prepared for possible charges. The Austrians were successful in capturing all three villages and were getting ready for a massive assault.

I had a lot of guns, more than what was necessary for my army's size. Unfortunately, they were not very accurate when the Austrians attacked. It's a good thing they didn't use the Pike and Shotte tactic, otherwise I would have lost most of my guns. I couldn't believe how many times I rolled a 1 during that turn. On my flanks, the Uhlans charged but were unsuccessful in repelling the Austrian cavalry. They had to retreat to regroup and recover.

At last, the Austrians arrived at my position, and the melee began with my Polish troops standing their ground. Although there were some issues, they managed to hold their position. Unfortunately, one of the battalions had to retreat and they lost a regimental gun. Soon after, more Austrian infantry arrived, only to be met with a barrage of fire from my guns. The Austrians suffered heavy casualties and I was able to break three of their battalions.

In the meantime, we both fought for control over the village located at the center of the table. Half of the village was occupied by Austrian forces and the other half was under Polish control. Eventually, the Poles received heavy artillery support which proved to be a significant advantage. Meanwhile, my cavalry was performing poorly and was continuously pushed back. Despite this, I managed to inflict significant losses on the Austrian infantry, leading to a Polish victory. Overall, it was an exciting and engaging game!

3. Links.

MICHAEL:

https://meneken.blogspot.com/2024/02/1813-donnergrollen-on-krawallpass.html

FLICKR:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/asienieboje/albums/72177720314819599