Hobby admin - done!

Hi folks,

So perhaps slightly faster than I had expected, but I've finally finished my rebasing effort! I had expected this to take longer, but it seems I had built it up in my head to be a much more difficult task than it turned out to be. 

For anyone who is interested, 109 replaced large Flames of War bases look like this:

The final effort was to finish off a couple of odds and sods, such as my SBG Churchill. This has been put on a much smaller base (90mm by 40mm?) than it was previously, and hit with ultra matt varnish as well. I do have a deployed bridge and some spare fascine bundles to sort out as well, which I should add to the list of things to do:

 And then the final part, my C squadron of 144RAC. 

As mentioned previously, I had wanted to do some extra work on these guys. Turret number decals were replaced as required, hull squadron symbols added where needed and the whole unit was painted with my ultra matt varnish. Repairs were made if they were needed as well. Weathering was also applied to decals, as some hadn't been weathered before. 

I also, as mentioned before, replaced the barrels on the firefly models:

I am missing one type of tuft for some of this units bases, but the brand I've been using isn't available just now due to their webshop being closed. Hopefully that sorts itself out soon, but it's not a big job to fix once I have the product. 

I have to say, the amount of satisfaction I got from finishing this particular unit was far greater than I was expecting. As far as my collection goes, these guys are very much the core of everything and as much as I had 'finished' them previously, there were still bits to do that bugged me. Now all the decals and basing is standardised, and the ultra matt varnish brought out the highlights, I am really pleased. 

I'm not too sure what's next hobby wise. I do have a 10mm For Joshua army to base, so while I'm in the basing mood I should get on with that. I also have some Polish Stuarts and an ARV to do in order to completely finish another outstanding project. Young Alexander is now going to bed in the evenings rather than staying downstairs with me, which gives me a bit more hobby time. 

Corrected 33 Armoured Brigade Arm of Service (AoS) numbers - Sept 1944 to Jan 1945

Hi folks,

Taking a bit of a break from hobby stuff to blog about something I frequently encounter when researching the 144th Regiment, Royal Armoured Corps, and 33 Armoured Brigade in particular. 

This involves the markings used by the brigade, and the repetition of a mistake so many times people take it as a fact. I hope to demonstrate, with evidence, that the information repeated in numerous sources in incorrect. 

First up, what information is commonly quoted but is correct? The 'standard' information is that prior to September 1944, the Brigade used the below AoS numbers. There is ample visual evidence of this AoS scheme in use by the brigade, which I won't show here as this information is not in dispute:

Battlefront image - used for educational purposes, no ownership claimed

The issue arises from the restructuring of the Brigade following the disbandment of 148RAC and the joining of the East Riding Yeomanry (ERY) in August 1944. Most sources (in fact, every book I have that mentions the topic) then incorrectly state that the brigade used the AoS numbers 151 to 154. 

Here is my own mock up of these incorrect AoS numbers, which the sources say were in use from August/September 1944 until January 1945:

Edited Battlefront image - used for educational purposes, no ownership claimed

I strongly dispute this information. No a single image exists which supports the use of the 151 to 153 AoS numbers by this formation. There is no actual evidence that these number were ever put on 33AB vehicles. I am unsure where the notion that these numbers were used originates, but I suspect some early post war source made a mistake that has been reported as a fact ever since.    

What does exist is a whole range of historical images of tanks from the various units in 33AB, from October 1944 onward, showing an AoS range of 50 to 53 in use. So from September 1944 till January 1945 the markings of the unit were actually (correctly): 

Edited Battlefront image - used for educational purposes, no ownership claimed

I've accumulated a few images to back this assertion up. These are mainly from trawling Imperial War Museum (IWM) footage, as well as various websites relating to the regiments of the brigade, or units they served with. I claim no ownership of these images and are using them for educational purposes only. Where I've been able, I've linked the source of the image. 

It should be noted for clarity that in the NWE campaign 33 Armoured Brigade were the only Sherman equipped unit that used the 'diablo' hourglass sign. While 31 Tank Brigade did use the same shape (all in green), they were equipped with Churchills. 

First up, 33AB HQ - according to all of the various sources, tanks of this brigade HQ unit should have  the AoS of 151 and the black and green diablo. That's not what we can see, however:

Image cropped from IWM footage - no ownership claimed, used for educational purposes

Taken from here, specifically dated 23 October 1944. AoS of 50 on left and the 33AB Diablo sign on right. The AoS of 50 is clearer in the film, as the tank is moving. 

Image cropped from IWM footage - no ownership claimed, used for educational purposes

Another image of a brigade HQ tank, taken from here and specifically dated 25 October 1944. Again, AoS of 50 on left and the Diablo sign on right. Both this and the other HQ tank is a Sherman I Hybrid with the cast front hull. However, they do not appear to be the same vehicle. 

Therefore there are multiple images taken on different dates in different locations in October 1944 showing 33AB HQ tanks with the AoS of 50 - not 151.  

Next up, 1st Northamptonshire Yeomanry, who according to the sources should be using an AoS of 152:

Image cropped from IWM footage - no ownership claimed, used for educational purposes

Taken from here, and specifically dated 30 October 1944. Three tanks pass the camera, but this is the clearest image of the AoS markings (you have to be quick on the pause button! It's the first tank after the jeep). Text for the film is "three Sherman tanks belonging to the 1st Northamptonshire Yeomanry's 'B' squadron bound for Raamsdonck and a jeep carrying the CO of the 1st Battalion Gordon Highlanders drive through Loon-op-Zand shortly after its capture". The AoS of 51 can clearly be seen, as can the 33AB diablo sign. 

We're unable to tell from these images whether 1NY was still using turret numbers at this time, due to the added camo on the turret. If they were, they would likely be red with a white outline. 

Image cropped from IWM footage - no ownership claimed, used for educational purposes

The 33AB symbol on the above tank is hard to make out, but the AoS number is very clear. Taken from here and dated 23 October 1944, the text describes "Firefly and a Humber scout car from the 1st Northamptonshire Yeomanry and an M5 half-track OP from the 126th Field Regiment RA" while the units war diary supports the fact it was fighting in this area at the time, and other units of the brigade are filmed around the same area on the same dates. The images of the Humber are too fast to make out details, however I also found this image on another website.

Image source unknown, found online - no ownership claimed

A Daimler Scout Car in action beside the Highland Division - note the clear AoS of 51 and the 33AB formation sign. This image came from here and is from an action which took place between 14th and 26th of November 1944 involving the Highland Division and 33AB, and specifically mentioning 1NY. 

Then we have the East Riding Yeomanry. According to the sources, this unit should have an AoS of 153:

Image cropped from IWM footage - no ownership claimed, used for educational purposes

Image cropped from IWM footage - no ownership claimed, used for educational purposes

Different images of the same tank from here, dated 23 October 1944. Again, the images are clearer in the footage as the tank is moving. Notice the hull numbers on the side (44), and the AoS of 52 alongside the 33AB formation marking. The IWM has a whole series of films from this operation, in which the East Riding Yeomanry is described as being present, but only the hull numbers on the Shermans really mark them out. There are a few instances where you can make out either the formation sign or the AoS of 52 on the tanks. I'm unaware of any other British units in NWE using identifying numbers on their hull like this. 

These hull numbers would likely have been in yellow, with a white edging. 

Image cropped from IWM footage - no ownership claimed, used for educational purposes

As an example, the image above taken from a film doesn't show the 33AB formation sign, but does show the same style and placement of hull number, along with the '52' AoS, and is filmed in the same area as 33AB were operating. The footage does show other identifiable 33AB tanks. Therefore it's reasonable to consider that this is an ERY tank showing the AoS of 52. 

Image source unknown, found online - no ownership claimed

Another image of a ERY tank in action in Holland - note the 33AB formation sign and AoS of 52 and the presence of a squadron geometric marking (a square) in the central rear hull. This image is extremely clear, showing the turret number (which would be yellow with a white surround). It looks like the tank is actually parked in a petrol station, and those kids are being carried past in a hurry. 

Image source unknown, found online - no ownership claimed

Another image of ERY Shermans, this time in a more wintery setting (November/December 1944?). While unclear, the formation sign can be made out on the left of the 2nd Sherman. A zoomed in image...

Image source unknown, found online - no ownership claimed

...shows the vague hourglass formation sign on the left, the same square marking mid rear as the petrol station tank, the faint '52' on the right rear and the hull numbers spoken about above faintly visible between the extra hull armour plates.  

Image source unknown, found online - no ownership claimed

A similar image to the one above...

Image source unknown, found online - no ownership claimed

Again, faintly you can see the 33AB hourglass on the rear left, the same (petrol station tank) square squadron marking mid rear and a faint 52 on the right rear. Also identifiable are the side hull numbers discussed above. This image is sometimes described as being an American unit, which can be discounted as the Americans didn't use Fireflies. 

Then we have 144RAC who according to the various sources should have an AoS of 154 by October 1944. However, here we have an image from 'Blue Flash', Colonel Jolly's written account of the regiments actions. This picture was taken at the same time and place as much of the IWM footage above was taken, during the fighting in the Netherlands:

Quite clearly, the regiment is using an AoS of 53 in October 1944, the formation sign is also clear on the left and the turret number is visible on the rear of the turret. This would have been blue with probably a white edging at this time. Another change from the Normandy period is that the tank number was previous also displayed on the side of the turret, but is not visible in these later pictures. Possibly when they had to paint the new (blue) numbers on, they only did them on the turret rear. 

Image cropped from IWM footage - no ownership claimed, used for educational purposes

Another image, dated 25 October 1944, and found here - the description wrongly attributes these tanks as being ERY, however the AoS of 53 marks these as 144RAC tanks, in company with a 33AB Brigade HQ tank. Again, the turret numbers would be blue with a white edge. 

A little later, during the fighting in the bulge, this Pathe film shows some 144RAC sliding about:

Image cropped from Pathe footage - no ownership claimed, used for educational purposes

In this image, the 53 is nice and clear, and the hour glass formation sight can be seen on the left above and below the tool attached to the hull. 

Image cropped from Pathe footage - no ownership claimed, used for educational purposes

A different tank, and only a brief moving view of the rear. However the AoS of 53 is clear, and the hour glass formation sign can be made out to the left of the tool head. 

Image cropped from Pathe footage - no ownership claimed, used for educational purposes

Another moving image, with a fuzzy AoS of 53 and formation sign. 33AB did take part in the Battle of the Bulge, with them being engaged in a few notable actions with the 51st Highland Division.  

Unfortunately, the 33AB Diablo sign shows much better on the footage than it does on the still images I have taken, as the tanks are moving in the footage. However, it is clear that these images taken between October and December 1944 demonstrate that 144RAC tanks were not bearing the AoS 154.  

There are a number of later IWM films of these units/the brigade, which are unfortunately still to be digitised. I'm confident, however, that when they are digitised and available I will be able to add further evidence that the brigade did not use the AoS number range of 151 to 154. It appears fairly nailed on that they did in fact use the number range 50 to 53 for the various units in the brigade. 

Another incorrect piece of  often repeated information is that the unit used the 'Corps' marker of a white bar under the AoS number. As you can see from the images, there is no evidence of any such addition from October 1944 onwards. While this should have been in use, given the nature of the 33AB as an independent Corps level asset, for some reason the brigade did not include this signifier on their tanks. It should also be noted that there is no evidence of this bar being added below the AoS number in Normandy either. 

In checking the historical images, I will accept that I have been unable to locate any pictures or film footage of tanks from the brigade between late August to September 1944 (during which time they took part in the siege and liberation of Le Havre). 

It is theoretically possible the the brigade used the 151 to 154 AoS range for a very short time in September before changing to 50 to 53 in October. However, my belief is that the brigade took up the 'standard' AoS numbering system of the Armoured Division armoured brigades upon restructuring in early September 1944. I have a memory of an official order issued during the Normandy fighting to this effect for all of the independent armoured brigades, but have been unable to confirm or locate this.

The ERY did join 33AB at the end of August 1944, during which time the brigade was taking part in the 'big swan' after the hectic actions in closing the Falaise Gap. The ERY was a more senior regiment in the British Army, and it's joining the brigade would have necessitated a reorganisation of the AoS numbers and tactical colours fairly rapidly in order that 144RAC take up a more junior position in the brigade. In addition, with the disbanding of 148RAC there would have been an integration of crew and vehicles into the remaining 33AB units. 144RAC had a period of around 10 days at the beginning of September where they were undertaking maintenance and rest (their first such period since 7 August 1944). The rest of the brigade were in much the same position. My feeling is that during this time, and prior to the attack on Le Havre, the AoS numbers and tactical symbols for the various regiments were updated. Obviously, footage of 33AB tanks during the Le Havre operation would help clarify this, but so far I have been unable to find any. 

From a credibility point of view, there is zero evidence that the AoS range of 151 to 154 was ever used by the brigade. Those same sources make no reference to the 50 to 53 range which there is evidence of, and as such cannot be determined to be credible. A case of a mistake repeated enough times, contrary to the evidence, that other publications repeat the same mistake without checking. Which makes me wonder what other such errors exist. 

**Edit 11/5/2021**

I've come across a picture of a tank bearing the AoS of 148RAC crossing a pontoon bridge over the Seine on 2/9/44. However, 148RAC had been disbanded by that date, which suggests that this tank has been re-assigned to another unit. 1NY were supporting 152 Brigade around this time, and according to their war diary did cross this bridge around the date shown. 

This is the latest identifiable picture I have found with the old three digit AoS. 

IWM image - no ownership claimed, used for educational purposes

The IWM image is much clearer, and on a zoom in you can make out '175'. 

This suggests that there were 33AB tanks in early September which still had the older style of AoS numbers and needed re-doing, so we can assume that the new number system was not in effect before this date. 

Having also re-visited 'Blue Flash', it appears that 144RAC spent almost a month following the fall of Le Havre resting. During this time (between the 13th September and 11th October 1944), the regiment undertook "a general domestic overhaul. Inspections, vehicle maintenance and administrative reorganisation were the order of the day" and "Nor was it a slack period for the squadron fitters and R.E.M.E. personnel of the L.A.D. During battle they were busy; out of battle they were more busy than ever. They looked on a period like this as a God-sent opportunity for taking those tanks to bits which they knew 'were getting a bit ropy' so as to make sure that they were as ready as possible for the next party, whenever it might be". This explains the lack of photos, as the Brigade was well behind the lines and resting - although it appears that this may have been partly enforced by the allied supply situation and mention is made in Blue Flash of the regiment having to temporarily give up it's trucks to help move supplies forward during this period. However, this longer period of restructuring, domestic upkeep and maintenance would appear to be the perfect time for new tactical markings to be painted. 

Finished: 15mm RAF Liaison and Lt. Col. Jolly

Hi folks,

Progress slightly delayed due to a weeks holiday in a very sunny North Wales, however I have managed to finish more vehicles on my painting plan. 

On show today are two models from Battlefront - these came from a out of production pack 'Colonel Vandeleur & Forward Observer' (BR885) which were included in the old V3 Market Garden book for Guards Armoured Division. These have been more usefully repurposed to units which actually achieved something in NWE (yes, really - name one successful operation they took part in).

I was at a bit of a loss as to what to do with the figure in the Humber Scout, until I remembered recently seeing some footage of some 144th Regiment Royal Armoured Corps tanks being followed by a liaison vehicle. 

As such, I added a pintle mounted Bren and a bit of a tarp cover over the stowage on the rear. I had previously added extra stowage. I decided the officer figure could represent my Grandfather's regimental commander, Lt. Col. Alan Jolly. I marked up the appropriate decals - including using some of those I had made specifically and that I plan to use when updating all the original 144RAC Shermans I have. 

Post painting, aerials and decals were applied. The whole model was then weathered (perhaps looking a little too dusty looking) but the weathering powder shows up more in the light from the pictures. 

The other vehicle is an M3 White Scout Car. The model comes with an RAF officer and a radio operator. 

I struggled a little with the blue of the RAF uniform colour. It should be more grey blue, but I went with what I had. I also added the numerous aerials and a few bits of stowage. I struggled for what markings this vehicle should have, before spotting that the infantry brigade HQ units included an RAF Liaison vehicle which was mounted in a truck or M3 White Scout Car. As such, this one has been marked with the HQ AoS of 154 Brigade (a white 94 on a browny green background), along with the Highland Division markings. 

Interestingly, it seems like the RAF officers with army units would tend to wear standard battledress due to the risk of friendly fire as the RAF uniforms were too similar to the German field grey. However, this model was clearly in RAF blues, so I went with that. 

I am, sadly, starting to run down my stock of decals. Doms Decals doesn't appear to be fulfilling orders. As such, there is a still a little to do with regards the WD numbers and I'm having to be a lot more careful with what I use and where. 

I also finished five M5 Halftracks for my 2nd Derbyshire Yeomanry squadron. These are done with the exception of the crew and passengers, so I'll display them when these are finished. 

Oh, and bases - these are from Warbases. Flames of War medium base sized MDF with a pre-cut hole for a 2mm by 5mm magnet. This means I don't need to do anything else to magnetise these bases for my storage. My plan is to move the few other half-tracks I have painted to medium bases as well (mainly to reduce the space these models take in storage as well).  

State of the collection 2017 - Part 1 - British/Polish/Canadian Armour

Hi folks,

So, having lived in this house for 9 or 10 months now, I finally got organised and had the old furniture which was filling the garage taken away. As a result, I now have a decent amount of space in the garage... more than enough to get my table up and get some pictures taken!

Normally I try to do a 'state of the collection' review around June time. But I'm sure you can forgive me for breaking from tradition and getting all the toys out!

Now, the issue this time was that even with the extensions put out on the table, I don't think the table is big enough to hold everything at once! I've plans to get some 2' by 5' boards for it, but in the mean time I decided to split my allied collection down into infantry, armour and artillery. This post will cover my armour!

The video I made (complete with a silent patch where the numpty that I am covered the mike with my thumb - giving more weight to the need to buy a decent tripod) can be found here:

But I know some of you won't want to listen to me whitter on (or not, while I cover the mike), so I thought some still images might be welcome.

C Squadron, 144RAC, 33rd Armoured Brigade with additional units from HQ Squadron (and some Churchill Crocs from 141RAC, 31st Tank Brigade)

Engineering and Croc support from 79th Armoured Division and 31st Tank Brigade

A Squadron, 24th Polish Lancers, 1st Polish Armoured Division. 

Supporting battery from 6th Anti-Tank Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery, 2nd Canadian Corps. 

Spares! 

Thanks! Stay tuned for more!

FoW v4 AAR: The Battle for Noyers, Phase 1

Hi folks,

On Easter Monday I headed over to StiGs for a quick, introductory, game of version 4 Flames of War. Also taking part was Stu, who had never played FoW before. On the 30th of April I'm laying on a large scale FoW v4 game at the club, so wanted to use this game as an opportunity to test out the theory (and the new rules) in a trial scenario.

I decided to go for the Battle of Noyers (Operation Pomegranate), one of the diversionary attacks put in by the allied armies immediately before Operation Goodwood. As usual, I went with something that has a personal connection - this was the first battle that 33rd Armoured Brigade fought as a unit following it's arrival in Normandy. The other benefits of using this battle as a scenario is that there were two phases to the battle. This meant I could do a trial game with StiG and Stu before the main event, and have it impact on the game on the 30th.

As an intro game, and a scenario, I decided to use a few special rules. However, we stuck to the v4 rules for everything with the exception of three main points:

1.  Hidden German deployment. The Germans were controlled by myself as umpire and were deployed at the beginning of the game via a sketch map.

2.  Preparatory bombardment. The allied players each for a bombardment template at the start of the game, which left a ranged in marker. This was relevant as one of these templates was directly on a German position. Artillery was off table and available via a different mechanic..

3.  Tiddly Winks... Over the board, at points I deemed to be tactically significant (gaps in hedges, narrow points of the roads, forests and corn fields, etc) I scattered small green counters. These counters, on being approached by allied units, would generate a D20 roll on a random events table. These events ranged from positive events - such as 'covered approach' which allowed the unit to move 2d6 and be in cover at the end of that movement, or Ambulance Jeep, which brought on an ambulance jeep which would allow an auto unpin for a unit it was near. On the other hand, there were negatives - such as a random sniper shot against a unit (including armour - the commander was being sniped), German reinforcements or - mainly - minefields in Ambush! Artillery was also available (for both sides) through this method, but neither side rolled for artillery support.

This combination of hidden deployment and random events seemed to go down very well with the players. StiG stated that he thought it was one of the best games of FoW he had played, which I take as a massive compliment. Both players approached the game carefully and tactically and there were some great, thematic, random events. Like both times the corn fields were entered resulted in the 'covered approach' roll, allowing units to appear at the edge of the corn in one move. Or the unit emerging from the corn into an orchard rolling the 'lost' event, and ending up 2d6 away in a random direction and emerging onto the parallel road. The most common event, however, was 'minefield'. This was deliberate, as I had seeded this event into the table several times to reflect the history of the battle. Basically the allied forces had been promised that friendly minefields had been lifted or gapped for them, only to find out they had not been. As a result, from one Squadron of 18 tanks, only 7 made it to the enemy positions - largely down to 'friendly' minefields!

I'll be using a different table to roll on during the next game, so for your enjoyment, here is what I used:

Battlefield Events 

1. Ambush minefield – skill test to avoid (4+)  

2. Wireless failure – no unpinning or remounting for one unit this turn – umpires selection 

3. Reinforcements – Sherman Crabs (if already on table, roll again) 

4. Artillery support available (off table) - 1 battery of 4 x 25 Pounders. Must be used in same turn, if no spotter then previous ranged in marker used. May lay smoke.  

5. German DF point – mortar bombardment on location of counter 

6. Ambush Minefield – skill test to avoid (4+) 

7. Battlefield smoke – unit counts as concealed for turn 

8. Field ambulance available (can be held till needed, immediately unpins one platoon) 

9. German Armour – StuG reinforcements arrive 

10. Covered approach – unit may move 2d6 in a chosen direction, counts as in cover at end of movement.  

11. Commander casualty – closest armored vehicle immediately bailed 

12. Ambush minefield – skill test to avoid 

13. Reinforcements – Crocodiles (if already on table, roll again)  

14. Enemy spotted – hidden enemy unit visible for turn.  

15. Artillery support available (off table) - 1 battery of 4 x 25 Pounders. Must be used in same turn, if no spotter then previous ranged in marker used. May lay smoke.  

16. Sniper – enemy sniper shot against unit. 

17. Battlefield smoke – unit counts as concealed for turn 

18. Ambush minefield – skill test to avoid (4+) 

19. Lost – unit randomly moved 2d6 in random direction 

20. Covered approach – unit may move 2d6 in a chosen direction, counts as in cover at end of movement. 

Brits deploying and the long view up the table. Objectives there the three 'lines' up from the nearest cornfield. With line 1 being the hedgerow, line 2 the orchard and line 3 at the rear of the hamlet. 

Somewhere, Germans lurk...

Allied forces start rolling forward, with the friendly minefields to their front, and the 'cleared' spaces. Note the tiddly wink next to the hedge. 

Rapidly, the allied advance ran into minefields. Quite a lot of minefields, especially in front of StiGs platoon of the 1/6th South Staffs.

Ranged in markers and craters marking where the initial bombardment landed. 

StiGs infantry (on the right) had to clear several minefields to let his tanks advance. Minefield rules have now been well and truly clarified for next game!

Shermans breaching the hedgeline. I wonder what that tiddly wink could be... a Minefield!

As the allies advanced, the Germans held their fire, waiting for clear lines of fire (or trying to unpin)!

Stu's careful armour advance, avoiding the road... The marker on the road would turn out to be... a minefield!

StiG running into more minefields! but they were still enjoying rolling the D20. 

The first Pak40, having unpinned, takes some shots and some of Stu's infantry on the road (the only target it could see). Both teams died, but the German forward line was established. Or was it!

The German Pak40, despite being dug in and having a 3+ save, it fell to 75mm fire from the Shermans. 

Stu encounters another hidden gun, losing a Firefly in the following turn. StiGs forces circumvent the minefields and try to keep up!

The Firefly commander scans the ridge carefully... he thought he saw movement, but it must have been a rabbit.

Stu's platoon reaches the edge of the corn field, to find themselves face to face with a dug in German infantry platoon. Concentrated MG42 fire would soon wipe out this half of the platoon (another slight variation from the rules, Stu had the company commander with the rest of the platoon, so we judged that it would stick around under his command till the platoon commander got back in command range). 

The StuGs make their presence known... for the allies some Crocodiles and Sherman Crabs turned up. 

The Crabs chose to operate out of command - a dodgy move if they had taken casualties, but it fitted the scenario. 

A German Sniper team in the corn, soon to be pinned and assaulted - no prisoners were taken! The Sherman on the road would fall to a Pak40 shot from the hedgerow beyond the corn field. 

Ambulance jeep, prior to being run off the road by HMG42 fire from the green building. 

Burning firefly (using my new smoke marker)

The battle rages. Stu's surviving infantry flank the village while his armour moves up. StiGs armour and infantry get bogged down in the corn field, losing a Sherman to the Pak40. The infantry platoon would get hit hard by MG42 fire. 

British armour dashes up the road to support - including the Crocodile, which would burn a lot of the Germans from their buildings. A duel was ongoing on the left between Stu's armour and the left most Pak40. The Pak would eventually lose. 

A StuG and Pak40 trade long range fire with StiG's crocodile. But that front armour of 13 bounces it all. 

Close up of the StuG on Sherman action...

Allied armour enters the town. A German assault from the buildings is seen off with no casualties on either side. Then the Croc gets in range and 5D6 dice worth of flamethrower (causing re-rolls on successful saves) empties the buildings of German units. On the other flank, the other Croc does the same. The last surviving German squad surrenders, and Phase II is read to go!

I really enjoyed running the game, and I hope I can run something as fun on the 30th! The table looked great, and it was really good to get my terrain out again. Need more hedges and stuff, but I was happy with the look.

How did v4 play? I think StiG summed it up best. He has played v1, 2, 3 and now v4. His comment was that "It's Flames of War, it just plays more smoothly. But it's definitely Flames of War.". I would 100% agree - this was very much a FoW game, even with my little tweaks. I'm a strong believer that the rules can be used as a framework for playing historical games. I think what we played was a fun, fast and tactical game based very much on a historical scenario. To me, it reflected the outcome of the actual battle - and that is key to me. Any rules should reflect the outcome you expect.

I'll get pictures and stuff from the game on the 30th,