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.
UMPIRING: Bartek Żynda
1. Forces.
USS IowaUSS IndianaUSS Brooklyn
USS Vixen (Regimental HQ)SS Clan MacCay (Regimental Equipment)SS Arizona (Regiment)USS Gloucester
ARMADA ESPANOLA
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:
FLICKR:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/asienieboje/albums/72177720329428579
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