All Hell Let Loose: Somewhere in Italy in 1915.

A return to the All Hell Let Loose rules, this time focusing on the World War I version. It is currently being tested, and we have been invited to participate in the testing. The game was played on a 6mm scale.

SCENARIO: Test scenario No. 1.
UMPIRING: Andy Valdez-Tullett

SCENERY: Michael Schneider, SESWC

FIGURES & MODELS: Michael Schneider

1. Forces.

FRENCH & ITALIANS

(Bartek, Michael)

Italian Infantry Regiment (Inexperienced)

HQ

FO

4 x HMG

16 x Infantry

1st French Infantry Regiment (Inexperienced)

HQ

FO

2 x HMG

8 x Infantry

2nd French Infantry Regiment (Inexperienced)

HQ

FO

2 x HMG

8 x Infantry

3rd French Infantry Regiment (Regular)

HQ

FO

4 x HMG

16 x Infantry

1st Italian Battery (Regular)

HQ

FO

3 x Guns

2nd Italian Battery (Regular)

HQ

FO

3 x Guns

French Battery (Regular)

HQ

FO

3 x Guns

GERMANS

(Jimmy, Tim)

All Regular

1st Infantry Regiment

HQ

FO

2 x HMG

12 x Infantry

2nd Infantry Regiment

HQ

FO

2 x HMG

12 x Infantry

3rd Infantry Regiment

HQ

FO

2 x HMG

12 x Infantry

1st Battery

HQ

FO

4 x Guns

2nd Battery

HQ

FO

4 x Guns

2. The Game.

The game mechanics are very similar to those in the main rulebook, but there are a few rules that specifically adapt them for the Great War. I can't disclose those details, so for now, the game description will have to suffice. We will discuss the rules in more detail when they are released.

In our scenario, we needed to capture four villages. Although the French and Italians had more units, many of them were inexperienced. In contrast, the Germans had fewer troops but were more experienced and performed better in combat. 

We planned to defend the two southern villages: the Italians, supported by their artillery, would defend the western village, while the French would defend the eastern village and attempt to capture the northeastern village. Michael was in charge of the Italian troops, and I took command of the French forces, as usual. Tim was assigned to advance against the Italians with the German troops, while Jimmy was tasked with defending against the French.

The French advanced swiftly toward their objective and soon began shelling the village, which forced the German troops to retreat and regroup. In addition, they captured the hill west of the village, creating a breach in the German lines. Jimmy, the commander of the German forces there, was compelled to advance on the hill to flush the enemy out. This action weakened the troops defending his village, which was under attack from the best French regiment.

Tim's offensive against an Italian village came to a standstill at the river. The Germans, facing intense fire from the Italians, could not make any progress. The Italians, bolstered by artillery support, were causing significant damage to the German lines. It was clear that the Germans would not capture the village.

Fierce hand-to-hand combat raged on the hill as the Germans slowly began to push the French back, though they suffered heavy losses in the process. The French were preparing to assault the village, but unfortunately, time ran out. In the end, the Entente powers achieved a minor victory, as they were much closer to securing their objectives.

3. Links.

SESWC:

https://www.facebook.com/Seswc.co.uk/posts/1066474725509858

FLICKR:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/asienieboje/albums/72177720329643519

Black Powder: Pilica 1764.

This time, I returned to my fictional Second War of the Polish Succession. My freshly painted Saxon miniatures made their debut in the game, and it turned out as expected. We used the Black Powder rules along with the Last Argument of  Kings supplement.

SCENARIO: Bartek Żynda
UMPIRING: Bartek Żynda

SCENERY: Michael Schneider, Bartek Żynda, SESWC

FIGURES & MODELS: Michael Schneider, Bartek Żynda

1. Forces.

POLISH-LITHUANIAN COMMONWEALTH, SAXONY

(Alasdair, Bartek)

CinC (8)

Grenadier Brigade

General (8)

4 x Grenadier Battalion

1 x Regimental Gun

1st Muskeeter Brigade

General (7)

4 x Muskeeter Battalion

1 x Regimental Gun

Polish- Saxon Infantry Brigade

General (8)

2 x Saxon Small Muskeeter Battalion

1 x Radziwiłł Militia

1 x Regimental Gun

1st Cavalry Brigade

General (8)

1 x Cuirasiers

1 x Dragoons

2nd Cavalry Brigade

General (8)

2 x Uhlans

Gun Battery

General (8)

3 x Medium Gun

REINFORCEMENTS:

2nd Muskeeter Brigade

General (8)

4 x Muskeeter Brigade

1 x Regimental Gun

PRUSSIA

(Andy, Michael)

2. Scenario.

After the Battle of Warsaw, the armies divided. The Austrians began their retreat towards Częstochowa, while the Saxons moved towards Kraków. Meanwhile, the Russians decided to surround the gathering deputies of the Election Sejm to influence the selection of a "suitable" candidate for the King of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. The Prussians opted to pursue the Saxons, who still possessed the royal regalia. What the Prussians did not realise was that the Saxons were expecting reinforcements, with the second part of their forces marching in from Kraków. The two forces eventually met at the Pilica River, where they decided to make a stand and confront the Prussians.

The terrain appeared to be advantageous for defence. The Saxon positions were situated beyond the river, and both banks were bordered by marshy floodplains, making it difficult for infantry and cavalry to march or charge effectively. Although the river was relatively low, it did not present a major barrier to crossing. However, the current of the Pilica was treacherous, posing a significant challenge for anyone attempting to cross it. There is a bridge over the river located north of the village. On the northern side of the river, there is a prominent hill known as Swedish Hill. On the eastern and western sides of the river, two small woods can be easily traversed by both infantry and cavalry.

DEPLOYMENT:

The Saxon player begins by deploying his brigades. He positions two infantry brigades and all cavalry brigades, along with a battery of medium guns and what is known as the Polish-Saxon brigade. The Polish-Saxon brigade is stationed in the village (In one of the buildings, the player secretly positions the royal regalia), the medium artillery is set up on Grodzisko Hill, the infantry is positioned along the flood line, and the cavalry is placed on the flanks. If the brigade has regimental guns, those are also deployed.

The Prussian player begins by deploying his three infantry brigades, all cavalry brigades, and one medium/heavy artillery battery. If the infantry brigades are equipped with regimental guns, those guns will be deployed alongside their respective brigades. The Prussians can deploy their brigades 24 inches from their edge, with cavalry on the flanks and artillery positioned on the Swedish Hill. After this initial deployment, the player rolls to determine the status of the remaining infantry brigades and artillery batteries. If the player rolls a 6, that brigade is also deployed, but it must be arranged in marching columns or positioned limbered if it is artillery. Additionally, these brigades must touch either point A or point B.

The remaining brigades will enter the table starting from the second turn. The Prussian brigades will be positioned at points A and B, while the Saxon brigades will be located at point C on the map.

TERRAIN SPECIAL RULES:

The bridge can only be crossed in a marching column.

Rivers and floodplains are considered "tricky ground." Infantry and light cavalry become disorganised on a roll of 6, while other cavalry disorganise on a roll of 5 or 6. For cannons, a roll of 4 or higher results in their loss. Test every move the unit makes on this terrain.

All woods are passable for both infantry and light cavalry. For heavy cavalry and artillery, these areas are considered difficult terrain, and their movement speed is halved when travelling through them. Woods provide a +1 bonus to cover when targets are shot at (except artillery), and they can be seen from up to 2 inches away from their edge.

Buildings provide +2 cover from muskets and +1 from light artillery, but offer no cover from medium or heavy artillery.

VICTORY CONDITION:

PRUSSIANS: Break through the Saxon-Polish defence line and capture the village, or force three Saxon infantry brigades to retreat. If the royal regalia are captured and transported beyond the Prussian lines, the game will end in a decisive victory for Prussia.

SAXONS: Hold the village and hill for at least eight turns or destroy three Prussian infantry brigades. Do not lose the royal regalia.

BROKEN BRIGADE SPECIAL RULE:

If more than half the units in a brigade are destroyed or shaken, a test must be conducted for the brigade. Roll a D6 and subtract 1 for each destroyed unit and 0.5 for each shaken unit. Regimental artillery and skirmishers should not be included in this calculation. If the result is 0 or less, the brigade panics and flees.

Prussian CinC is 9, all other Brigade Commanders are 8

Saxon CinC has a level of 8, and all other Brigade Commanders also have a level of 8. However, for each commander, roll D6. If the result of their test is 1, their level drops to 7.

3. The Game.

The deployment of forces went quite smoothly. On the Polish-Saxon side, Alasdair commanded the artillery, grenadiers, and the first musketeer brigade, while I led the remaining troops. The royal regalia were concealed in the right-hand building, protected by one of the small Saxon battalions. Opposite us, the Prussians held their left flank under the command of Michael and their right flank under Andy. Our strategy was to maintain our position and avoid being broken.  

The Prussians advanced aggressively, but they encountered significant difficulties due to the Pilica River and its floodplains. To make matters worse, they faced consistent fire from the Saxons, which constantly disrupted their lines. Only two Prussian brigades were able to cross the river and engage the Saxon positions. This led to intense hand-to-hand combat, where the Prussian soldiers showcased their superiority. Gradually, the Saxons began to retreat.

Before this could happen, a cavalry fight erupted on our left flank. Initially, the Saxon cuirassiers defeated a unit of Prussian jagers that had gotten too close to the river. The dragoons then responded, and the Prussian cuirassiers charged, successfully routing them. As a result, the Saxon cuirassiers were forced to retreat. Seizing the opportunity, the Prussian cuirassiers crossed the river and threatened our flank. Meanwhile, the Saxon cuirassiers returned to the battlefield, but they were routed again, this time by the Prussian dragoons.

Light cavalry brigades joined the fighting, with Hussars fighting for the Prussians and Uhlans for the Saxons. The Uhlans charged against the Cuirassiers, but their attack ended in defeat. However, this charge provided the reserve Saxon infantry brigade with the opportunity to secure its flank, ultimately preventing the destruction of the Saxon-Polish army.

At this point, we were on our fifth turn. The Saxon commander, realising that the Prussians had successfully established a second battery of cannons across from the village, along with the serious situation in the Saxon infantry lines, ordered a retreat towards Kraków. Most of the forces were still on the opposite side of the river. The Uhlans managed to cover the retreat, giving the Saxons a chance to withdraw. Most importantly, the royal regalia remained in the possession of the Saxon elector, which was a significant argument in the ongoing discussions at the electoral sejm, under the watchful eyes of Russian bayonets.

The Saxons experienced significant casualties, losing two grenadier battalions along with a regiment of cuirassiers and dragoons. Three of these units were freshly painted. The Prussians, on the other hand, lost a battalion of jägers and another of musketeers, and several more of their units were shaken.

4. Links.

SESWC:

https://www.facebook.com/Seswc.co.uk/posts/1066474725509858

FLICKR:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/asienieboje/albums/72177720329483103

Gods of War Togo. Disaster in the Philippine Sea.

In our games set during this period of the war, the Spanish have consistently come out on top. This is somewhat surprising given the quality of the ships in both fleets. This time, I decided to introduce merchant ships and proposed a "me versus others" format for the game. The rules, of course, are from Gods of War: Togo, and the ships are in a 1/1200 scale.

SCENARIO: Bartek Żynda
UMPIRING: Bartek Żynda

SCENERY: SESWC

FIGURES & MODELS: Bartek Żynda

1. Forces.

US NAVY

(Bartek)

Convoy Escort

USS Iowa

USS Indiana

USS Brooklyn

Convoy

USS Vixen (Regimental HQ)

SS Clan MacCay (Regimental Equipment)

SS Arizona (Regiment)

USS Gloucester

ARMADA ESPANOLA

Pelayo (Tim)

Infanta Maria Teresa (Alasdair)

Cristobal Colon (Campbell)

Vizcaya (Michael)

2. The Game.

The Americans' objective was straightforward: to lead the convoy, fully assembled, from one corner of the table to the opposite corner. The Spanish forces had to counter this movement. The Americans received bonus victory points for destroying Spanish ships.

I decided to move the convoy at an average speed of approximately 9 knots along the lower long edge of the table. The escort, consisting of the USS Indiana and USS Iowa, was initially to travel with the convoy. As needed, they would then detach to hold off the advancing Spanish forces. Although I wasn't aware of the exact plan the Spanish had, it appeared they intended to cross the convoy's path and launch an attack.

Soon, a significant misunderstanding occurred among the Spanish ships. The Infanta Maria turned too quickly, causing a major shift in their formation. Pelayo and Cristobal Colon narrowly avoided a collision, while only the Vizcaya managed to hold its course, but it had pushed too far ahead. As a result of this confusion, Pelayo began his summer cruise around the outer reaches of the fleet, and the Cristobal Colon ended up crashing into an island. Welcome, Campbell, to the Island Ramming Club!

The Vizcaya began bombarding the convoy. She swiftly sank the USS Vixen and inflicted significant damage on the SS Clan MacKlay. At this point, only the USS Iowa had left the convoy, while the other ships returned fire on the Vizcaya. The Vizcaya was hit several times and ended up on a collision course with the SS Arizona. The massive passenger ship struck the Spanish ship, slicing it in half and resulting in the Vizcaya's destruction.

The Infanta Maria also entered the battle, sinking the American freighter. The USS Indiana then rammed the Spanish vessel. Meanwhile, the Cristobal Colon was able to dislodge the shoal, but the damage it sustained was severe. After receiving several salvos from the USS Iowa, it ultimately sank to the depths as well. Only the Pelayo continued to fight, managing to hit the USS Iowa several times.

At this point, the Spanish had reached their limit. The Infanta Maria raised the white flag, and the captain of the battleship, Pelayo, seeing his squadron completely destroyed, made the decision to sink his own ship. The Spanish lost their entire squadron, while the Americans managed to keep the SS Arizona, with its troops prepared to fight in the Philippines. Although the infantry regiment lacked sufficient equipment and leadership, these were only minor issues.

3. Links.

SESWC:

https://www.facebook.com/Seswc.co.uk/posts/1066474725509858

FLICKR:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/asienieboje/albums/72177720329428579

One Million Views! Some wonderful museums to explore.

While I was on holiday, something I had been anticipating for years finally happened: the visitor count on the blog surpassed one million views! This is another reason to celebrate, especially since we recently commemorated our 1,000th post. For that reason, this post will be a bit different - we'll catch up.

I promised you several reports from museum visits, but they never happened due to time constraints. It's time to change that. In today's post, I will recommend two museums that are long overdue, along with a report from my recent vacation to Florence, Italy.

The first stop is the Battle of Culloden Museum, located near Inverness, Scotland. This site is significant in British history, as it was here that the last battle on the island was fought, marking the end of the country’s civil wars. The museum is easily accessible from the city of Inverness, with a bus service from the city centre; however, I discovered that the bus does not operate on Sundays, so it's essential to plan accordingly. The museum also has a spacious parking lot, so parking should not be an issue.

The museum is relatively small but features an impressive collection of weapons, uniforms, and equipment from the period. It also showcases the results of archaeological excavations conducted at the battlefield. I was particularly impressed by the virtual presentation of the battle, which effectively illustrates how the events unfolded and the factors that contributed to the Jacobite defeat. 

After visiting the museum, it's a good idea to take a walk around the battlefield itself. The first things you notice are the flagpoles—one red, marking the position of the government forces, and the other blue, indicating where the Jacobites were stationed. This battlefield is one of the best-preserved and best-presented sites I've ever encountered.

After visiting the museum, I suggest taking a 20-30 minute walk south of the battlefield to the Clava Cairns, which are well-preserved Neolithic tombs.

You can find my complete gallery at this link:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/asienieboje/albums/72177720329101936/

I recently discovered another museum located on the Spanish island of Mallorca. During my visit there last year, I decided to explore the Museu Històric Militar de Sant Carles. This museum is situated in Fort Saint Carles, at the southern edge of the port in Palma de Mallorca. It is easily accessible by city bus from the city centre, although it's important to note that the ticket price is higher than a regular city bus ticket. At that time, a one-way ticket cost €3 instead of the standard €2. Additionally, cash was required for bus fares, as card payments were not accepted, but this policy may change in the future.

During my visit to the museum, I found that admission was free, although donations were greatly appreciated. The museum features an intriguing collection of artillery spanning from the 19th century to the present day. I was particularly drawn to the coastal artillery from the late 19th century and the pieces from the Spanish Civil War. Inside the fort buildings, there is a substantial collection of small arms from around the world, and I was especially surprised to see one from the Mahdi Rebellion in Sudan. Additionally, visitors have the opportunity to take a virtual flight over the fortress, which adds to the experience. I highly recommend the museum as a fascinating and lesser-known escape from the beaches of Mallorca, especially since it tends to be less crowded than other attractions in the island's capital.

Gallery from the museum:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/asienieboje/albums/72177720329099100/

My last holiday was in Florence and Pisa, both of which are wonderful destinations. In Florence, you must visit the Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia, which I did, along with many other museums. I also climbed the cathedral's dome and its bell tower, which my fitness level still allows me to do. During my museum visits, I focused primarily on source material for my future projects, specifically the Italian Wars and seventeenth-century conflicts. I encourage you to check out my gallery on Flickr; it might provide you with some inspiration as well.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/asienieboje/albums/72177720329099400/

Florence is a truly beautiful city, but one place stands out as particularly special: the Stibbert Museum. This museum is home to the private collection of Frederick Stibbert, an English art collector and businessman. After his death, his entire collection was opened to the public. 

Visiting this museum evoked a feeling in me similar to what I experienced at the Musée de l'Armée in Paris and the Bovington Tank Museum. I haven't felt such excitement in a long time. The museum features impressive collections of Oriental and Japanese weapons, as well as artefacts from the Italian Wars, the 17th-century wars, and the Napoleonic Wars. I highly recommend visiting this collection; it is truly remarkable. 

You can reach the museum by bus from the city centre, but be prepared for a 20-minute uphill walk from the bus stop. It's worth the effort! You can find the full gallery from the museum in the link below:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/asienieboje/albums/72177720329099830/

Florence has a collection of toy soldiers that I didn’t get a chance to see during my visit. I plan to return to the city because some of the artworks were undergoing conservation at that time, so I was unable to see them. There’s definitely a possibility that I’ll visit again.

Dante Alighieri's dagger, used by him during the Battle of Campaldino (11 June 1289).

Our next stop was Pisa. We only had one day to explore this city, compared to six days in Florence, so we didn’t have time to see everything. However, we did visit the most significant site: the Square of Miracles, which features the famous Leaning Tower. I decided not to climb the tower this time, but the entire complex is definitely worth seeing. It includes the baptistery, cemetery, cathedral, and several additional museums. There are also stunning engravings, paintings, and historic Muslim flags on display. It truly is a marvel! As always, the gallery is below:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/asienieboje/albums/72177720329130334/

I made sure to set aside time to visit a specific museum in Pisa that I was eager to see: the Museo delle Navi Antiche di Pisa. This museum features the wreck of the Roman ship Alkedo, along with a replica of the ship. Additionally, it showcases Pisa's maritime history, highlighting its past as a bustling centre of maritime trade. The museum is located in converted stables, adding to its unique charm.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/asienieboje/albums/72177720329113052/

I will conclude this report here. Thank you once again for all your visits. Now, I need to catch up on your blogs, as I didn't have time during my holiday; we are back to regular blogging.