With the major Russian Offensive occurring miles to the north, a minor skirmish was occurring at a small bridge on a minor tributary. The objective for both sides was to destroy any enemy tanks and thus control the bridge for a future flanking attack if this was required.

The two Russian T34/76’s were commanded by David S and the two German Panzer IV Ausf F’sby Steve N.

Prior to the main event we had a small trial one on one tank duel for Steve to get used to the game mechanics.

Both tank commanders attacked and exposed their tanks to significant damage but eventually the Russians were reduced to zero command dice and bailed out. With a win in the trial game Steve felt comfortable with the system and managing two tanks instead of one.

With the onset of winter the river was only a minor obstacle. The terrain was typical rural countryside.

The Germans attacked down their right flank and the centre. With the Panzer IV trying to get passed the left-most T34. Unfortunately the T34 had the “Hell Driving” tanker card which together with being a fast tank easily allowed it to obtain a shot on the Panzer IV’s vulnerable rear armour.

Making sure of the point blank shot with two extra aim dice only 3 or less on two die would save the German tank.

You guessed it – nah just kidding – in a blinding flash the Panzer IV was no more. Fortunately the crew escaped to fight another day.

Out numbered two to one the Germans fought on and despite having a tank to both front and rear was able to even up the odds.

Firing at point blank range it was onlt a matter of time before one side faltered.

Trying to back away into the cover of the trees the Germans luck finally ran out.

In 1848 a quasi-military expedition led by Edmund Kennedy comprising of 13 men, twenty-eight horses and 100 sheep set out from Rockingham Bay (between Cairns and Townsville to blaze a trail to Cape York. This was only three years after Ludwig Leichardt first explored the area.

Closely observed by the local people, they appeared to wave Kennedy and his companions back. When a spear was thrown he ordered his him to open fire….. (Six Australian Battlefields p243).

Thus was the historical background to our Wednesday night’s game.

The Kalkadoon warriors were being played by David K (see his previous blog on the painting of his Eureka miniatures figures):

Kenndey and his expedition  was being played by David S:

We decided to use “Stongsword” which gave two good games but we wold like to try “Tribal” or “FUBAR Victorian” rules next time.

The Kalkadoon Warriors advance.

Accurate fire causes Kalkadoon casualities.

Climbing over the rocky outcrop the Kalkadoons suffer more casualities.

The attack on Kennedy’s right flank is blunted.

The unknown Kalkadoon leader is repulsed in closed combat.

With the leader finally downed the skirmish is over.

We then played a second game with more Kalkadoon long ranged fire (boomerangs), and fewer men in Kennedy’s expedition. The fight ended with a decisive Kalkadoon victory.

With all of the Europeans casualities, the native scouts in Kennedy’s expedition fight on despite being outnumbered.

The end is near…….

Two good games but we need to find more suitable rules for the period.

The Ilansky crossroads were a part of a non descript side road that was at best only going to be used as a spare supply line. Unfortunately both the Russians and the Germans wanted it.  A small troop of tanks from either side was sent, unbeknowns to each other, to secure the village.

The surrounding countryside consisted of slightly wooded, rolling farmland, which at this time of the year was suffering from the first falls of snow.

The protagnosists consisted of Boris and Igor in their T34/76 tanks.

Both veterans who had worked there way up from T26’s to command these masterpieces of Russian engineering, they were proud of their achievements and were prepared to make the invaders pay dearly for the ravages done to the “motherland”.

On the other side Klink and Schultz were already sick of the protracted invasion of Russia which they were told would end in weeks but was already into its second year.

With all of the best equipment beingshipped to Normandy in preparation for the invasion of England their brand new “Panther” tanks had only recently been swapped for Panzer IV’s. Nevertheless they were experienced, and had fought alongside each other since the invasion of France. Both were confident of dealing with whatever came up against them.

With dawn approaching both sides were looking forward to a quiet day guarding the crossroads until their engineers arrived to fortify what remained of the village.

Igor (David S) moved quickly into an excellent firing position where he commanded the crossroads, allowing Boris (Andrew W) to advance under his protection. Boris had other ideas and just sat waiting for the “ideal” shot to present itself.

Klink (David “special” K) advanced into Igor’s cross hairs but after several turns of being shot at only had minor damage to his tank.

Schultz (David K) advanced over the crossroads trying to out-flank Igor

Instead of outflanking Igor, Schultz sped straight past “Hell Driving” (card from the “Tanker” deck allowing additional movement) to obtain a flank shot at Boris’ T34. The cover of the trees did not prevent the tank brewing up as the side armour proved no match for the 75mm gun of the Panzer IV. Alas that “ideal” shot Boris was waiting for would never arrive.

Meanwhile Klink had moved through the crossroads leaving Igor and his T34 with enemy to front and rear. Obviously the mentioning of Siberia proved just the medicine to improve the T34’s shooting and with six hits from seven dice (Klink was still unbuttoned) the turret was completely blown off Klink’s tank.

The demise of Klink

Schultz and Igor continued to exchange blows.  With both tanks significantly damaged they withdrew, to await reinforcements, with main guns still aimed at the crossroads.

The time waiting was spent painting a “kill ring” on their tanks, which allows them to draw an additional tanker card at the start of their next engagement.

“What a Tanker”  is a really good set of rules for mid week gaming. The mechanisms are easy to learn but include many tactical nuances that can tax the experienced gamer.

We eagerly await the next thrilling installment in Igor’s and Schultz’s careers.