STALKER7

Last Saturday saw a large BA 3E game on the CCWC table. Loosely based on the battle for Son Bridge during Operation Market Garden, the US paratroopers squared off against the German defenders and their fearsome 88s. Props to John S for taking the lead on all things Bolt Action. Most of the minis and terrain are his, including the 88s, the game mat, and the bridge.

Scheduling conflicts made for a smaller group than usual, but Connor, John S, Matt G and spent a few hours around the game table and had a good time. An afternoon well spent, IMO.

More of a Photo Dump than AAR, John S took most of these with his phone – which is why his US forces feature so heavily.

The Mission Area

A small garrison of Germans holds the bridge area and a portion of the village. US forces are massed in the corner of the table, in the woods. German reinforcements will arrive at the end of each turn.

Advance to Contact

Determined US paratroopers move up through the village and start taking desultory fire. (desultory. Word of the Day)

German reaction is to fire a few random shots, slow the US forces down, and frantically call for reinforcements.

A lucky roll and they enter the battlefield – along with pizza – on the US left flank.

Counterattack

John S and Matt G send US rifle and support squads into cover, intent on holding the new threat at bay while pushing for the bridge. Connor and I opt for more measured action, sticking behind the cover of a stone wall and laying down fire on anything that moves on the far side of the center road. The two 88s at the bridge and one off-board do little more than waste ammo. (they look cool, tho) The German commander encourages his troops from the rear while the spotter in the attic takes another bite of pizza and wipes greasy fingerprints from his binoculars.

A Robust Exchange of Fire

German and US forces trade shots. The paratroopers push to the river but superior German firepower slowly gains the upper hand; a lucky off-board 88 hit + the armored car’s 20mm cannon/MMG combo prove deadly. US forces take casualties.

Call it an evening

The sun sets, the pizza is gone, and the last of the German reinforcements arrive. With the 88s still holding fast, rifle squads advancing on their left, John S and Matt G decide rally their bruised force and fall back. Live to fight another day as it were. Game called. German win. The garrison commander finally moves out of cover and saunters across the still-intact bridge. Taking all the credit…

If I recall correctly, the US forces actually destroyed the 88s IRL, but the Germans blew the bridge and forced a US withdrawal.

Another good game session. We’re still learning the ropes with BA 3E and certainly aren’t finessing competitive army lists, but we’re having a great time painting up to soldiers and chucking dice. Thanks Warlord Games for great figs and a fun rule set.

As for the future, we’re moving into the busy holiday season. I’m hoping everyone’s schedule works and we can resume Symbaroum. If not, maybe more Bolt Action action.

Once again, thanks for stopping by. Have a good one.

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