When I was researching the Marmon-Herrington CTLS light tanks for the Dutch East Indies I found that a convoy of them was on the way to Java when the Islands fell to the Japanese. These were diverted to Australia for use by the AIF.
Their arrival coincided with a period of acute anxiety following the fall of Singapore and the rapid Japanese movement south through Southeast Asia. At that stage Australia possessed only a small and unevenly equipped armoured force, and even lightly armed vehicles were considered useful for local defence.
In Australian service the CTLS was not regarded as a battle tank but as an interim measure. The vehicles were issued primarily for home defence, training, and the protection of vulnerable installations such as airfields and supply depots. Their machine-gun armament and mobility made them suitable as mobile defensive positions against the threat of raids or small-scale landings. For militia units and airfield defence detachments with little prior experience of armoured vehicles, they also provided a valuable opportunity for familiarisation with tracked equipment and basic armoured tactics. At a time when invasion seemed a genuine possibility, their presence carried as much psychological value as practical utility.
The limitations of the type were soon apparent. Armour protection was light, armament was confined to machine guns, and the two-man crew was heavily burdened, with the commander responsible for gunnery and communications as well as command. Mechanical reliability and spare parts supply presented additional difficulties. As more capable British and American tanks entered Australian service from late 1942 onwards, the CTLS was steadily withdrawn from any operational role and relegated to training and secondary duties. Its period of service was brief and largely uneventful, but it illustrates the improvisation and uncertainty that characterised Australian defence preparations during the early stages of the Pacific War.
As they were used by the RAAF I thought why not create a Bolt Action scenario that, although fictional, was quite plausible. Her is the result.
STOP THE RAID
Horn Island Airstrip, Torres Strait, Queensland, 1942
Bolt Action 3rd Edition Scenario
Players: 2
Forces: ~1,000 pts per side
Table: 6′ x 4′
Game Length: 6 turns + Turn 7 (4+) + Turn 8 (6)
BACKGROUND
After Rabaul fell and Japan quickly advanced into New Guinea, the Torres Strait became an important route to Australia. Horn Island, which helped with reconnaissance, transport, and fighter operations, became a key airfield connecting Australia and New Guinea.
Throughout 1942, the island was bombed often, and people feared invasion. Defenses were made up quickly and were often unfinished, relying mostly on militia, RAAF airfield defense personnel, and ground crews with support from signals and logistics teams.
With modern armor unavailable, three outdated Marmon-Herrington CTLS light tanks — redirected from orders for the Dutch East Indies — were sent north for emergency airfield defense. Their purpose was not to stop an invasion completely but to slow down and disrupt any attacking force to protect the airstrip and its fuel supplies from the enemy.
Before dawn, landing craft approach the northern shore.
TABLE LAYOUT
6′ x 4′ table
Northern table edge: coastal landing zone
Remaining edges: scrub and interior island terrain
- Central coral runway
- Aircraft revetments
- Fuel dump (south of runway)
- Militia & RAAF camp
- Small island settlement
- Vehicle park/workshop
- Scrub and palm cover
- Perimeter pits/wire near runway
Map Courtesy of Chatgpt.
AUSTRALIAN FORCES
Militia and RAAF reinforced platoon.
Must include
- Militia Platoon Commander (Regular)
- 2 Militia Sections (Regular)
- RAAF Airfield Defence Section (Veteran)
- RAAF Ground Crew Section (Inexperienced)
- Boys ATR team
- Optional Vickers MMG
- Optional Light mortar
- Optional Bren carrier
Armour
3 × Regular Marmon-Herrington CTLS
Armour 7+
Hull + turret MMG
No HE or AT capability
Special rules
Thin armour: +1 penetration vs CTLS
Cramped crew: −1 to hit if 2+ pins
Improvised doctrine: −1 to order if greater than 12″ from officer
Restrictions:
No heavy artillery or heavy tanks.
JAPANESE Advance raiding detachment.
Must include
- Lieutenant (Regular or Veteran)
- Minimum 3 infantry squads
- 1 engineer or assault squad with demolition capability
- At least 1 anti-tank asset
May include
- Sniper
- Light mortar
- Transport
- Optional light tankette (unreliable)
Tankette special rule — Unreliable
If failed order test → Down instead
If first hit received → must reverse next turn
Restrictions:
No medium/heavy tanks
No artillery observer
DEPLOYMENT
Australians deploy first within 24″ of runway.
One unit may begin hidden in prepared positions.
One CTLS may start in reserve.
Japanese deploy second and take first turn.
Enter from northern coastal edge or split flanking entry.
OBJECTIVES
JAPANESE PRIMARY OBJECTIVES
Fuel dump destroyed — 3 VP
Runway sabotaged — 3 VP
All CTLS destroyed — 3 VP
AUSTRALIAN PRIMARY OBJECTIVES
Airstrip operational — 3 VP
Fuel stores intact — 3 VP
Perimeter held (CTLS + infantry survive) — 3 VP
SECONDARY OBJECTIVES FOR BOTH SIDES
Enemy commander destroyed — 1 VP
Hold runway centre — 1 VP
Enemy below half strength — 1 VP
Exit one unit off enemy edge — 1 VP
SPECIAL RULES
Dawn Attack
Turns 1–2 visibility limited to 30″.
Prepared Defences
Allied units within 12″ of runway may begin on Ambush or Down.
Fuel Explosion
When destroyed, fuel dump causes D6 hits within 6″ and creates heavy smoke for remainder of game.
Improvised Garrison
If Australian officer is killed, all Australian units suffer −1 order tests for remainder of battle.
VICTORY
Major Victory: 3+ VP difference
Minor Victory: 1–2 VP difference
Draw: Equal VP
DESIGNER’S NOTE
Horn Island was one of Australia’s most exposed forward airfields in 1942. Its defence relied on militia, RAAF personnel, and whatever equipment could be rushed north. TheMarmon-Herrington tanks represent improvised reinforcement rather than a coherent armoured force.
The Japanese player must strike quickly to destroy fuel and disable the runway before the defence stabilises. The Australian player must preserve key installations and maintain a viable defensive perimeter. Victory depends on achieving critical objectives under pressure rather than annihilating the enemy.
Enjoy.