The Second squad of Company E of the 46th Engineers of the US Army Corps of Engineers (the steel spike) are now ready for action.
Australian 7th Militia at Milne Bay
The Second squad is basically the same as the first squadron with the models slightly different in some cases.
Squad Leader with SMG
2-I-C with SMG
Squad member with BAR
Squad members with rifles
Flame thrower team
The rules for the Milne bay scenario allow you to have a flamethrower with each engineering squad, although there is no evidence that they were ever used, other than for clearing vegetation prior to building the airfield.
The squads M3 Halftrack.
I will work on a few more of these half completed squads in the future,
Certainly! Within the vast and mysterious world of the Saharan Sanguine Lycanthropes, where the desert winds whisper ancient secrets and the moon casts an otherworldly glow upon the shifting sands, a captivating and enigmatic tale unfolds.
Legend has it that these formidable creatures possess the ability to metamorphose from human to wolf-like forms, their fiery eyes reflecting untold depths of wisdom and ancient primordial power.
The nomadic tribes of the Saharan Sanguine Lycanthropes navigate the harsh desert terrain with an air of stoic resilience, their senses keen and their instincts finely honed. Their traditions and customs intertwine with the ebb and flow of the natural world, each rhythm and pattern woven intricately into the fabric of their existence.
From the rhythmic beat of the tribal drums to the haunting melody of their age-old chants, the resonance of their culture echoes across the undulating dunes, connecting them to the very essence of their ancestral heritage.
As night descends and the celestial bodies weave their tapestry across the heavens, the Saharan Sanguine Lycanthropes undergo a profound transformation. Under the shimmering moonlight, their latent primal nature emerges, compelling them to embrace their lupine aspect and roam the desert under the sublime gaze of the night sky.
It is during these moments of transcendence that the veil between the human and the beast grows thin, and the untamed spirit of the desert commingles with the essence of the Sanguine Lycanthropes, blurring the boundaries between the corporeal and the metaphysical.
Each member of this mysterious and revered lineage carries within them the echoes of their ancestors, the collective wisdom and experiences that have been passed down through generations.
Theirs is a saga etched in the annals of time, a saga that speaks of resilience, kinship, and an enduring connection to the untamed wilderness that cradles their existence.
In the heart of the Sahara, amidst the shifting sands and the mystic allure of the night, the Saharan Sanguine Lycanthropes stand as a testament to the enduring power of the enigmatic and the eternal dance between the human and the wild.
It was this wild desert nature that I wanted to capture for my Konflict 47 Shcreckwulfen. They needed to fit in with my Africa Corpse theme, both in terms of colour and difference. I am really happy with the outcome.
I have been looking around the “bits box” for a figure to lead my German Weird War Totenkorps. I came up with this little beauty which I have named the “Dessicated Fox”!
Arriving in Africa in February 1941, “The Dessicated Fox” quickly took charge of the faltering Axis campaign, scoring several quick victories against British defences around Cyrenaica and surrounding the coastal fortress of Tobruk by mid-April. In early 1942, he launched another offensive, culminating in the defeat of the British in the Battle of Gazala in June and the capture of Tobruk.
“The Dessicated Fox’s” speedy surprise attacks drew awe and praise even from his enemies, and just the mention of his name, “The Dessicated Fox” instilled fear amongst his opponents. It is widely believed that he originated from the Transylvanian Alps, but little is really known about his origins.
These “modern” gaming rules are extremely thorough, and whilst I am not totally sure yet, may be too thorough. It is not a good omen when you are supplied with an eight page ready reference booklet! Most rules I use are not even that long!
The attention to detail and the wealth of content provided in these rules allow players to explore and simulate a wide range of military tactics and strategies on the tabletop. Whether engaging in covert operations, counter-insurgency missions, or high-stakes hostage rescues, Spectre Operations offers a rich and immersive gaming experience for enthusiasts of modern warfare.
Spectre Operations is designed to immerse players into dynamic and realistic modern warfare scenarios and this it achieves. The rules offer a comprehensive and detailed approach to gaming, providing a thorough (too thorough) framework for tactical engagements.
While some players may appreciate the thoroughness of the rules, others may find the them daunting – I am one of those.
In conclusion, whilst Spectre Operations is tailored to players seeking an in-depth and authentic portrayal of modern combat scenarios, they are not for me.
Rules like “In Country” (INX), have achieved the same result with far smoother mechanics and rules that are smaller than spectre’s quick reference sheet. I wish I had saved my money!
The last WW2 Japanese Infantry section is also designated a Veteran section, although in truth it is set up like all of the infantry sections to be multi-purpose.
Section on their shelf and transport base.
Infantry Section
NCO with rifle and NCO with SMG
Light machine Gun
Infantryman with bugle
Light mortar or grenade launcher.
Flag Bearer with rifle
Twelve Infantrymen
At last everything is completed for our Balikpapan game (already happened by the time this post is sent).
The Battle of Balikpapan was the concluding stage of Operation Oboe, the campaign to liberate Japanese-held British and Dutch Borneo.
The landings took place on 1 July 1945. The Australian 7th Division, composed of the 18th, 21st and 25th Infantry Brigades, with a small number of Netherlands East Indies KNIL troops (Unfortuately I was unable to complete the KNIL forces so these were not represented), made an amphibious landing, codenamed Operation Oboe Two, a few miles north of Balikpapan. The Allied invasion fleet consisted of around 100 ships.
The landing had been preceded by heavy bombing and shelling by Australian and US air and naval forces. The Allied force totalled 33,000 personnel and was commanded by Major General Edward Milford, while the Japanese force, commanded by Rear Admiral Michiaki Kamada, numbered between 8,400 and 10,000, of which between 3,100 and 3,900 were combatants.
After the initial landing, the Allies secured the town and its port, and then advanced along the coast and into the hinterland, capturing the two Japanese airfields.
Major combat operations concluded around 21 July, but were followed by mopping-up operations, which lasted until the end of the war in mid-August. Australian troops remained in the area until early 1946.
We are re-fighting the landings on the left of the Milford Highway towards the Oil Refineries at Balikpapan itself. The Australian 2/27th was tasked with this role. The forces consisted of:
In addition 9 tanks of the Royal New South Wales Lancers were attached. These included 1 Matilda Hedgehog, I Matilda Dozer, 3 Matilda II 2pdr, 2 Matilda CS, and 2 Matilda Frogs.
The Australian dispositions are above. Attached to both Company A and Company B were two Matilda Frogs and Two Matilda II’s. Company C had attached the Matilda Hedgehog ( from the centre position it could almost reach the entire table), and a Matilda IICS, and Company D had the Matilda Bulldozer and a Matilda II CS.
The objectives were simple: control all five red biox objectives. These consisted of taking the refineries intact and having no enemy within 12 inches of the the four sector boxes.
The Australians historically obtained a detailed map of the Japanese deployments which they were able to use but could not be sure the “sneaky” Japanese would use the same.
The Australians knew the Japanese were understrength, low on ammunition, but fanatical. From a map obtained after the battle the Japanese forces and deployment were as follows:
Captured from the Japanese Commander after the battle. Thanks Rob !
The Japanese could achieve victory by holding/denying the Australians the oil fields and inflicting heavy casualties – hard but possible. Australian players were allowed to decide which units were in each of the landing waves as was the Japanese with their deployment.
Following the Allied preliminary bombardment, which was reasonably effective, and a smoke barrage which landed in the water, the first wave of landing craft approach the beach. The preliminary bomardment cost the allies two turns and the smoke barrage one turn making it a 9 turn games instead of the 12. The initial bombardment took out one of the oil refinery tanks as occurred historically, reducing the capacity of the Australians to achieve enough victory points (see photos with the black smoke above). Despite this the Australian orders were still Go! Go! Go!
Japanese positions at the junction between the Australian 2/27th A and B Companies. At this stage the Australian players did not know which bunkers were dummies or real nor did they know the placement of any hidden bunkers.
Landing craft “hit the beach”. The Australian figures in the landing craft are a single piece 3D print made by Drew from the Australian Wargames Holiday Centre, and can be removed when they have disembarked.
The initial wave is a mixture of troops and armour as it was historically. I should say at this stage that the game was a re-fight and not a re-enactment, although both forces stayed close to the historical deployments and objectives.
The first troops come ashore.
The tanks come ashore. Historically they were severely hampered by soft ground and in game terms this was reflected by becoming bogged on a roll of 1 when moving in open ground and a 1-2 when moving in jungle. The left flank were severely hampered by this but the right and centre were able to push forward without any issues (lucky buggers”).
The bunker was a fake and the hut empty.
The second wave is about to “hit the beach”.
Dave, the hedgehog finally sees combat and proved extremely effective. This was the only engagement in which it was used historically and only then to a limited extent.
The Matilda Frog unleashed its flamer on a squad of Japanese in a fortified bunker to great effect.
Bunkers and huts destroyed viewed from the Japanese side.
One of the two 240mm naval guns deployed by the Japanese. One was captured and held by Australian Commandos secretly deployed prior to the engagement.
The “killing ground” once the Australians push through the Japanese defences.
An Australian Spitfire takes out a Kamikaze Zero threatening the landing area. The American PT boat having already disposed of Japanese Kamikaze boat, arrives to support but is not required.
The mass of Australians landing in the left/centre. The Japanese were outnumbered 10 to 1 historically, but only about 3 to 1 in our re-fight.
Having dealt with the Zero the Spitfire eliminates some suicide bombers that were about to threaten a bogged Matilda tank.
The triple 120mm AA gun can be seen at the top of the photo. This was captured by secretly deployed Australian Commandos.
Having unloaded its troops the “Buffalo” moves in to provide close machine gun suppressive fire.
The attack in the centre is moving to plan as the Australian infantry and armour push forward.
The right flank is also pressing ahead according to plan.
The armoured support from the New South Wales Lancer Regiment is now proving very effective.
The Australian major attack on the oil refineries is now ready for the final push.
C Company advancing from the beachhead.
The juncture of Company B and C. The Japanese did not have the troops to take advantage of the gap.
With most Japanese resistance suppressed the Australians advance to secure the beachheads.
The fortified bunker still holding out against the Matilda Frog with its flamer.
Looking along the beach head to the Australian right flank.
The Company HQ mortar and MMG supports have now landed. The mortars concentrated on the Japanese concrete bunker to no effect.
A Buffalo and two Landing craft move towards the beach.
The Australians have totally cleared any threat to the Australian right flank’s attack on the refineries.
Australian sniper comes out on top in a sniper duel.
Two of the three refineries are now in control of the Australians with only the concrete bunker holding out. The bogged Matilda Frog ( bottom right) is urgently required to take out this last threat.
Company C has cleared all opposition.
Company D has also achieved their objective.
Close up of Company D.
Although the Australians had suffered significant losses (carry forward to the push inland) to be re-fought soon), having achieved three of the four landing objectives and secured two of the three oil tanks it ended up a decisive Australian victory.
The figures and terrain were supplied by Guru, and Drew from the Wargames Holiday Centre Australia.
Thanks to every one who took part and hope you join us for the Battle of Coke Hill as the Australians advance further inland. Coke Hill was the only major resistance that the Australians faced.
