This report discusses a recent game played using the Cruel Seas rules, featuring an attack by German Schnellboots on a British convoy.
UMPIRING: Tim Chant
1. Forces.
2. The Game.
Before the game began, both sides rolled a die to determine who would defend the convoy. The Germans won but chose to attack instead. With that decided, we organized our flotilla into three squadrons. David took command of the first, consisting of S-38s. I led the second, made up of S-100s, one of which was armed with a 37mm gun on the stern. Michael commanded the third, which included one S-38 and one S-100. Michael proposed a bold strategy: David and I would engage the convoy’s escorts head-on, drawing their attention, while he and his squadron would manoeuvre around the convoy and strike from behind.
The Royal Navy had clearly anticipated our strategy and was well-prepared to counter it. Tim commanded the convoy, Jimie led the vanguard with Type II Vospers, Andy held the forward right flank with his Type I Vosper, and Alasdair provided rear cover. Our boats made the first move, opening fire—but to little effect. The British, however, responded with deadly precision. Jimie’s boats targeted my boats, setting one ablaze and inflicting heavy casualties on the other. Such an attack could not go unanswered. In the next round, with support from David’s squadron, we retaliated, sinking both of Jimie’s boats. Michael’s flanking manoeuvre, however, was disrupted by Andy. One of his boats was forced to veer off course, while the other rammed one of Andy’s vessels. Yet, the British boat remained afloat, frustrating our efforts. Meanwhile, David’s squadron suffered the worst fate. Caught in a devastating crossfire from all British units, both of his boats were destroyed. With the battle reaching its climax, I finally had a clear shot at the convoy. I launched my torpedoes—but they missed. That moment sealed our fate. Michael eventually reached the rear of the convoy, and my remaining boats fired on the freighters, managing to inflict some damage. But it wasn’t enough. The Royal Navy had held firm, securing victory.
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| Sunken boats. |
3. Links.
SESWC:
FLICKR:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/asienieboje/albums/72177720323557376
