Some time ago, Tim devised a mini-campaign using the Cruel Seas and Blood Red Skies rules. In the first game, the Germans tried and failed to clear the approaches to the port. In the second, the Luftwaffe was equally unsuccessful in covering a convoy heading to the port. As a result, the British dispatched a rather strong force of their own boats to destroy the German convoy. At least, that was their mission. However, while covering the convoy, the Germans had a new surprise in store: a Flakship, freshly painted by Tim!
UMPIRING: Tim Chant
1. Forces.
2. The Game.
The Germans were tasked with escorting the convoy into port. The problem was the unswept minefields on the approaches to the harbour. These were to be cleared by two teams under the command of Jimmy and Alasdair. Each team consisted of an R-23 minesweeper and an S-100 torpedo boat. Alasdair was to reach the first section very quickly, clear it, and open my route into port, while Jimmy was to provide support from the other side. The Royal Navy was scheduled to appear in the corner of the table. I thought they would only show up partially, but they arrived in full force. This proved decisive, as the boats in port had their engines shut down and could only begin moving once the British boats entered the battlefield at full speed. My Flakship was the only cover.
Since Alasdair had chosen to move very slowly in the port and Jimmy had to take a detour to reach the enemy, I decided to carry out a risky plan. I ordered my Flakship to reduce speed and open fire on the approaching British boats. The ship mounted an 88 mm gun on its bow, which proved highly effective whenever it found its mark. Meanwhile, the convoy surged ahead, racing toward the harbour at full speed—15 knots—directly into the uncleared minefield.
I managed to cripple one of the gunboats, but the British firepower was so overwhelming that my own vessel was quickly reduced to a wreck. The convoy was left without cover...
A surge of torpedoes suddenly churned the water, forcing my tanker to throttle back. The freighter somehow threaded its way through the swarm, even taking one glancing, ineffective hit. For the moment, the convoy remained safe, but the British—still unpunished, as my port security was either creeping uselessly around the harbour or too far out to strike anything—began to tighten the noose around us.
At last, the Royal Navy got down to business, abandoning its ineffective torpedo attacks and switching to artillery fire. That brought the drama to a close. First, the freighter went down, followed shortly afterwards by the tanker. The convoy was completely destroyed. Meanwhile, my harbour screen slowly began to edge out of the port. It was in vain; there was nothing left to protect.
3. Links.
SESWC:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/631841809210352
FLICKR:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/asienieboje/albums/72177720333041685
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