Wargames Atlantic - 28mm BEF Figures - Reference Material

I think Wargames Atlantic have surpassed themselves with their 28mm WWII BEF kit. I am bowled over with their quality and the ease at which things fit together. Brilliant, the variety too is brilliant. The classic LH and RH numbering system for the arms works really well! Although no printed "instructions" (look at the pictures) I found the additional Internet resources invaluable for me (see below, otherwise I would have doubled up on the entrenching tools): 

https://www.sofmilitary.co.uk/bef-infantrymans-dunkirk-1940-uniform-set.html

Other people have shared their opinion and interest in BEF 1940 in the battle of France:

https://iagsmgm.blogspot.com/2019/06/bef-platoon-28mm.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6m0oShxuMc4

Spring and Summertime Audible Reading: WWII (Early War from 1939 to 1941)

Thanks to Audible (via listening in the car and while I am doing the washing up) I am able to keep up with my "electronic book time" (and in all honesty, I usually buy a paper copy of the books I like and have listened to too).  It is nourishing when you can mine a consistent meme or theme, even as a background task. I have recently gone back to one of my first loves of history, the early war period of WWII (clanky tanks, Stukas and all that stuff), with some nice new author "finds" and their revisionist reviews of oft forgotten episodes of the early war.

Reading List (Done):

Starting at the beginning - Case White: The Invasion of Poland 1939 (see below, Robert Forczyk is a great new author find for me and the Poland 1939 Campaign is covered in greater detail that I have managed to find before):

Of interest were the "learning mistakes" of the German Army, as not everything went right for them and how an alliance which looks good on paper is, when tested (France and Great Britain supporting the Poles - allegedly), falls apart through lack of any tangible help Britain and France could give Poland in 1939! The Allies in short wanted everything to go much slower, but were simply not given this luxury.  

The open fighting war in Poland now over, we move onto Narvik .. the campaign before the Low Countries started and the site of the Allies first "land" victory in WWII. This was after a bizarre naval start to to proceedings, where we almost saw an  "Allied invasion of Norway" first and arguably "an Allied act or war on Norway" (courtesy of the RN) ! A beguiling episode of unfathomable "what ifs" that could have spelled out a very different outcome. Overall an excellent book (see below, where bizarrely the displaced Polish troops helped the French and British inflict the first Blitzkrieg era defeat on Germany by the recapture of Narvik in what was the final moments of this ill-prepared campaign [on both sides]):

Then back to more familiar territory of France 1940 proper, but with a twist, not the familiar and beloved Alister Horne's recount, (France 1940: To Lose a battle) and looking predominately at Case Yellow, but instead just a review of that and then greater focus on Case Red. This is looking at the battle of France post Dunkirk, and what was termed the Second BEF's brief campaign. This includes the 2nd Armoured Divisions "trials and tribulations "in what was a travesty of combat, or "How not to attack with a British cruiser armed tank division in 1940, thinking it was the same as a French tank division and had supporting infantry". Fascinating early war "cringe" details, again a story of what could have been (see below, subtext - how allies can hurt each other as much as the enemy):

Then a real focus on Dunkirk from the German view, illuminating when considering the operation from a German perspective (see below, a huge take away was that the German effort to take Dunkirk was uncoordinated and from a C3 perspective was horrifically fragmented and certainly not combined arms, a fascinating read):

After the fall of France how long could Britain stand? Many thought, including Joseph Kennedy, JFK's father and American ambassador to Great Britain, thought not long. Britain was doomed as it could not stand alone. "We March Against England". This gives a peculiar twist to viewing and understanding  this period. Absolutely fascinating stuff (see below, again its from my latest author find, Mr Robert Forczyk):

This information was especially interesting when reviewing it against Paddy Griffith's epic1974 Operation Sea Lion game and the capabilities (see below, Paddy's book is full of of detailed notes and is available from the History of Wargaming Project):

Yet one more thing leading to another, the Western Desert comes into focus and another book from Robert Forczyk fills this gap nicely (see below, those early Italian and DAK battles covered in fascinating details [still as yet only available in hardback - so note to self, it is a book still for me to get]):  

Again a great book and brings a new perspective on the early war Western Desert campaign(s) and specifically Rommel's character and leadership in particular (a tank commander is being very hard on a felloe tan commander). Logistics, logistics and logistics! It is no good getting something after a hard fought battle if you cannot supply yourself sufficiently to keep it.

The above might explain my lack of posting over the last few months (first half of 2024), coupled with increased WhatsApp-Facebook-X  usage (a trio of digital distractions) and heck, a busy work-family life balance.

Reading List (To Do): 

Where next? Historically, all eyes turn East (as did Hitler) and the war swings in a very dramatic fashion as an 'irresistible force' hits an 'unmovable object' (Germany invades Russia) and believe it or not there is a book for that (see below, in truth there are many books, but this one concentrates on tanks which is a leading draw to me, thank you Mr Forczyk): 

Although I think, instead of a picture of a sexy Tiger Tank on the front cover (which is "just" in period, but will sell books for sure), I would have preferred a picture of a weather-worn, workhorse PzIII, which would have been much more appropriate IMHO. 

Note: Any more book recommendations appreciated and welcome, as I seem to have come to the bottom of my list (ready-use locker). 

Dunkirk 1940 the German View - Audible Book

Although I have not been posting I have been listening to "wargaming stuff" throughout February. I can highly recommend this book to get a much needed German perspective on the fighting around Dunkirk (see below, a valuable item to my understanding of the early 1940 campaigns): 

Like a lot of the factual Audible books I listen to, as soon as I was getting into it, I could not resist getting a hard copy - there was too much detail I knew I would want to go back to, even though it was still at a hardback price! That in itself is a complement to the quality and standard of the careful research that went into the book. The RAF got a better press than usual, as the German infantry also did not like being attacked from the air (no "superhuman" soldiers there) and the almost comical German command and control problems were highlighted.

Well worth the read if you can get it!

Audible - "A Savage War of Peace" Alistair Horne

Ever since reading, or should I say literally burned the print from the page with my mark one eyeball from Alistair Horne's "To lose a Battle: France 1940" - I knew I had to go on and complete his four part French Trilogy (akin to Douglas Adams five part Hitch-Hikers Guide to teh Trilogy). It was a bucket list "thing" for me to do. I devoured "The Price of Glory: Verdun 1916" but then came to an abrupt halt. Despite buying both the Franco Prussian prequel ("The Fall of Paris: The Siege and teh Commune 1870-71") and the de Gaulle sequel ("A Savage Wat of Peace: Algeria 1954 - 64"), the books never leapt into my hands. They have remained a "pile of pages" for decades, shameful look down. To jumpstart the much delayed process I saw Audible had "A Savage War of Peace" so downloaded it and jumped in feet first (see below, I had been warned from others that it was not a "happy book" and they were absolutely right, it made the Northern Ireland troubles look kindergarten by comparison):  

When I finally finished it, there was a sense of relief, "that's over". The only way I can try to describe it is as, "watching a good sports team play their professional game in a haphazard unprofessional amateur fashion. What they did well, was done in teh wrong places for the wrong reasons. The star goal scorer  (de Gaulle) was living off his past victories and prestige. I feel as if I now know how little I really know about France, having had but a small glimpse of their suffering and self inflicted post-Colonial malaise (of both indignation and sense of collective guilt). I now need a way to get into the Franco Prussian chapter - I seem to have read them all in the wrong sort of order.

Blood Red Skies (BRS) Campaign - Low Countries and France: Pendrakon Event

As the lights, one by one, went out in Europe, there were brave pilots who nevertheess took to the sky to defend democracy against fascism. In the Pendrakon "Low Countries and France BRS Campaign Day" most of these brave souls seemed to be Belgians flying the sturdy "gun bus" Hurricane. My newly painted Luftwaffe Me 109Es  ran into a patrol of them in and around the Belgian-German border just before the "balloon" went up big time (see below, I squared off against an old adversary, the redoubtable Monsieur Lambert, leading a flight of Belgians finest and came a "close run second" as my boom chit count was exceeded and he had me running for home - bloodless but a Belgian victory): 

In round two however I met my Waterloo, while escorting a slow bomber formation I was bounced by obsolete RAF Gloster Gladiators from a cloud formation (that is my story and I an sticking to it) - fearlessly piloted by a very capable RAF Flight Sergeant Leslie who scalped my unwittingly-foolish-laxidasical Ace who instantly regretted treating the Gladiator Ace with contempt (see below, the true meaning of the Greek word hubris was learnt, especially as the bombers went on to miss the airfield target they were trying to annihilate - a hard one to report back on the Head Quarters, dangling on teh end of a parachute the Ace had a long time to think about it):   

Two nil down, but the German armies were pushing relentlessly through France and the Low Countries and for the third round I face Belgian Hurricanes (again), this time against a new Allied player who was facing a scenario disadvantage of "stretched fighter resources" - which gave me a one plane advantage in the battle (see below, [Luftwaffe kill one] this time the day went to Hun but my gallant Belgian adversary fought to the last and despite his great skill it was the German numbers that told in the end):   

The Belgians earned the Luftwaffe's utmost respect and gained yet more gallant combat spurs on the day. Despite their country being overrun, one could tell by the fierce look of determination on their faces, that these pilots were destined to fight on under new colours (see below, [Luftwaffe kill two], one feels like we will meet these Belgians again over the green fields of Britain): 

All in all a fantastic day, rewarded with good natured play and some nice campaign "goodies". many, many thanks to my old friend Renko (see link for his posting on his thoughts for the event day) for setting it up and for Pendrakon hosting it. Respect!

Note: I am already looking forward to playing the Battle of Britain in August. I hope to use it also as an excuse [incentive] to paint up the six Spitfires included with the BRS starter set. I already have acquired the Warlord Game RAF Battle of Britain 72 Squadron decal set!

Painting 1/200 Me 109s (Warlord Games - Blood Red Skies) - The Luftwaffe Ready Room

Seeking painting inspiration I toured the internet for videos on how to paint WWII German Luftwaffe Me 109s circa 1940:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A4V6BQo8tyQ

https://www.google.com/search?q=blood+red+skies+1%2F200+me-109+painting+guide&rlz=1C1JZAP_enGB834GB834&sxsrf=APwXEdfZY4A5444DZzh2nGo8DTEftsbQ5A%3A1686928428885&ei=LHyMZNS1NfiThbIPzOC7yAQ&ved=0ahUKEwjU-46Oisj_AhX4SUEAHUzwDkkQ4dUDCA8&uact=5&oq=blood+red+skies+1%2F200+me-109+painting+guide&gs_lcp=Cgxnd3Mtd2l6LXNlcnAQAzIFCAAQogQyBQgAEKIEOggIABCiBBCwA0oECEEYAVCZDViaKmDnK2gBcAB4AIABhwGIAcwNkgEENC4xMpgBAKABAcABAcgBBA&sclient=gws-wiz-serp#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:ea18ff39,vid:Pbopp8mOSeA

http://www.dogfighter.com/Messerschmitt-Me-Bf-109-E-3/0344.html

My final recipe was as follows: 

• Airfix/Humbrol Acrylic Primer
• Vallejo Black Wash (to highlight detail) 
• Light Blue (Base) Airfix/Humbrol Acrylic
• Vallejo Model (Base) Dark Grey
• Vallejo Model (Base) Light Grey
• Vallejo Game Colour Bone White foundation for (Base) Yellow area on nose
• Vallejo Game Colour (Base) Golden Yellow
• Vallejo Brown Ink 
• Vallejo Game Colour (Highlight) Yellow (see below, half way through): 

• Vallejo Yellow Ink
• Final Vallejo Game Colour Yellow (Highlight) 
• Smoke Wash
• Vallejo Black on Canopy
• Vallejo Model Colour German Grey on Propeller
• Vallejo Model Colour Black Propeller
• (Highlight) Dark Grey including canopy struts 
• (Highlight) Light Grey including canopy struts 
• (Highlight) Light Blue
• Micro Sol preparation of decal area 
• Decals: Warlord Games Decal Pack - 1/200 JG-26 using Micro Sol (see below): 

• Micro Set
• Humbrol Satin Varnish

The end result (see below): 

Off to play Blood Red Skies next Battle of France 1940!

Georgetown University Wargaming Society: YouTube Channel

Bookmark this or whatever, just remember where this is - these wargaming talks are brilliant!

• https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCw0nVuQu5KoHv0kFiC9yX4Q

The last four talks in particular were spectacular: 

Why and how games work so well in educational settings! (Jared Fishman) Brilliant! I just wish I was a student in a class like that, in a school that taught like that .. heck to be on the faculty teaching this way would be a dream job! Serious envy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VPtyNCPzYhk

War Plan Orange (Peter Pellegrino) - Myth Busting the NWC in the development of War Plan but emphasizing the cadre of naval commanders it created via its intensive wargaming teaching methods (that lead to the eventual victory over Japan): 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PzwDWX8oQn8

Designing Modern Operational Naval Games (Paul Vebber), the scope of this talk is amazing!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5JbSn5bevnI

The Battle of France 1940 (Peter Perla) - this campaign hold so much interest for me, in particular the first tank battle at the Gembloux Gap:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aknHj_6a2RM

And there are many more great talks in the pipeline!

28mm: 1940 Germans Continued

I seem to be going through a phase of assembling 28mm plastic WWII soldier and painting 10mm WWII soldiers. My thinking may not be quite as joined up as I want it to be. Slowly they are getting assembled, my second platoon for Chain of Command - although I do feel the insane urge to get Bolt Action too (see below, the results of making one pack [which is not quite enough] of Warlord Games Blitzkrieg Germans):

They make three full squads, the HQ [officer ad sergeant] (minus the attached 5cm mortar and crew) plus the MG34/42 with some riflemen for the fourth squad (see below, my fingers are raw with all the snipping done):

I realised I had forgotten to add the German Officer and Senior Sergeant on the previous photograph (see below, Hans and Ruben admire their command):

A brief pause ensued, then as the Warlord Games German Pioneer set was purchased it enabled me to complete the fourth squad for the basic platoon and add 'the spare figures' to the possible support list by making them up in various engineer combinations (see below, the German 5cm Mortar is created from two prone figures and the 5cm mortar parts from the Perry's DAK box - the arms are a little smaller but it is a passable conversion):

The remaining troops are made up in a plethora of engineering combination and specialist weapons (see below, including an anti-tank rifle, a sniper, the 5cm mortar team, a wire-cutter, a mine clearer, a remote control Goliath operative, a demolition expert, a flamethrower, an officer with a SMG, three NCOs with SMG, a anti-tank rifle grenade and five riflemen in engineer garb - note the yellow figures [an AT rifle team are from the Perry's DAK box and although made them up I will not be using them with the Warlord Games figures as the scales don't quite match, they shall be heading for North Africa after all]):

Now it is time to put them to one side for priming and painting, but first I think I will assemble the remaining boxes I have of 28mm kit. As mentioned at the start of the post I have seemingly the urge to paint 10mm and assemble 28mm. Well if it works, don't knock it - but I need to be a ruthless finisher of projects, nit WIP collector!

Finishing Off those Blitzkrieg Germans

Taking a cue from a friend (Renko) I procures a second box of Warlord Games Early War Germans but this time opted for the German Pioneer set (see below, flamethrowers, satchel charges galore and what looked like to my eyes a "combat bricklayer" to which I was later told was an extremely powerful demolition charge):

This should allow me now to build the fourth squad (the early war 1940 German Platoons sure are big) and a few supports!

Blitzkrieg Germans .. an Unexpected Project

I remember swearing blind that I was not going to deviate from WWII 20mm collection, that was hard enough to "cover" (and I literally meant cover in all nationalities 1939-45) and this resulted in a huge pile of plastic I admittedly enjoy making - more modelling than wargaming battles, although this is something I wish to change. I want all of my models to in effect fulfil their wargaming destiny and fight across the tabletop, even if in only the merest of skirmishes. I gave into scale creep madness many years ago and now sighed despondently as I found myself buying a set of 28mm Biltzkrieg Germans from Warlord Games (see below, beautiful artwork, beautiful models and a dream to put together - although I have sore hands after the end the assembly process):

So thinking that the early war Germans conformed to the later war formations I sketched out my platoon order of battle (OoB). No that seemed I could almost get a platoon out of a single box (see below, what could possibly go wrong?):

So I started assembly the Germans conscious that I would need a lot of rifles and few few SMGs (see below, the first one is just an experiment to get the rhythm of the factory process):

These Germans were "justified" in my mind's eye as "good opposition" for my Stalingrad Germans .. although the real reason was that everyone else [four unnamed people] who was wanting to play a 1940 Blitzkrieg Chain of Command Campaign wanted to be Belgians, French or BEF. At this point I have collected and painted a 1942 Stalingrad Russian force, I had some boxes of late war Brits and Yanks, but as of yet .. no Huns. So the time seemed right (see below, half a squad, or should I say the first sprue, one MG34 gunner and five rifles; I am consciously ignoring the sexy SMGs for the German NCOs): 

Then comes the sting in the tail, I discover to my horror that there seemed to be no manpower shortage in the 1940 Heer organisations as that every platoon [unless you were designated "Second Wave"] had four squads (see below, I had to re-sketch my OoB - only to discover I needed another box of figures):

My first squad was complete (as in assembled) but instead of being a third the way hone I was only a quarter - akin to running a marathon uphill (see below, I am happy with the look and feel of these guys - even though there will be quite a lot of them):

The completed box almost got me three squads but I was two figures short in the end. This did give me artistic license in putting together the Platoon Command (see below, note the Platoon Command gave me an officer with pistol [Luger of course] and a senior NCO with "machine pistol"):

I have ordered and am now awaiting a second box ;)

Note to Self: Resources used for Arras 1940 Scenario

A Map:
http://digitalarchive.mcmaster.ca/islandora/object/macrepo:8876

An Official British History of the Battle of Arras:
http://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/UN/UK/UK-NWE-Flanders/UK-NWE-Flanders-6.html 

Arras 1940 Re-fight (Part 4 of 4) Closing Time

Despite the destruction of the 7th RTR as a fighting formation, some of the surviving individual elements took on 'local initiatives' and pressed forwards. This had mixed results as a Recon Bren Carrier "finds" a hidden Pak 37mm troop an incongruously succumbs to a less than heroic fate (see below, the corpse British 7th RTR is now being nibbled away):

The Allies now opt to sacrifice a VP by committing a "reserve" (historically not used on the day), the flanking composite French Char Battalion (Germans 3 VPs,  Allies 5 VPs). This allows a French Char Company to overrun the last company of routing German Motorised Infantry from the SS Totenkoft Battalion - no additional VPs claimed but a case of 'clearing' the board of troublemakers):

The grim path of destruction is plain to see for all, although it is a brave Frenchman that ignores a Panzer Jaeger troop on his flank (see below, in the far off distance you can see a de-bussed company of British 2pdr Anti-Tank guns, supported by a Infantry Company of the 8th DLI):

This unexpected threat sends uncontrollable fits and convulsions through the 7th Panzer Division's chain of command, Rommel would later write that he was being attacked by no less than five enemy divisions. The result being at Rommel commits the 25th Panzer regiment into the fray. It had already been well off table and "halted" then "reversed" back to Arras (the tanks not literally in reverse though), now by committing it the Germans lose an additional 2 VPs. Though as the Germans see it, if the French tanks are not stopped they could easily roll through the flank of the whole German artillery set up, which would be another 7 VPs, so 2 VPs is a worthwhile investment. The first German Light Panzer Company mops up the remaining troublesome British Bren Carrier troop and stops the threat to the German backfield (see below (Germans 3 VPs while the Allies have surged ahead to 7 VPs):

The last remaining stands of British armour (two troops, a Matilda I and Matilda II, approximately ten tanks all told) attempt a valiant do or die, slow charge of the heavy brigade in the face of the massed deployed artillery of the SS Totenkoft and 7th Panzer Division. The results were predictable but it was a close run thing (see below, a billowing column of smoke marks the final resting place of the 7th RTR Regimental HQ troop):

"Crump!" goes one H-35 as the "forgotten about" Panzer Jaeger I reminds the French tankers about its existence. It then shoots and scoots away as the last surviving non-routed SS Totenkoft stand. The French armour although it could go 'toe-to-toe' or better with the panzers  in a stand up fair fight, is in the unenviable position or being surrounded and attacked in the flank so rather than "lose it" and hand the Germans some VPs, teh French commander decides to 'fall back' and defend the baseline (see below, inadvertently this French attack marks the deepest Allied penetration of the day):

The final state of affairs .. yes, we ran out of time, another half to an hour and it would have all been cleared up nicely .. but we had to call it here. Another (the second from the 25th Panzer Regiment) has appeared threatening the French baseline. This caused the French Char Battalion to face right and join up with the DLI's 2pdr Anti-Tank line forming a solid "PAK wall". It would be a foolish German Panzer Battalion that tried to charge through that! Meanwhile the tragic crescent of smoke shows the baleful advance of the 7th RTR and its subsequent demise, but i has extracted a huge price in VPs. To the far right of the "British Bulge" dismounted infantry of the DLI are peeling back. Thankfully out of line of sight to the mass of German artillery. As a final insult to injury a German motorcycle company has infiltrated behind the DLI's lines and is threatening Allied baseline VP and 'safe-exit' hexes (see below, although the Allied position seems dire, they have won a VP victory as they have shocked the Germans by the ferocity of their attack, panicked Rommel and caused flutters in the German High Command):

So end'eth the game! A good concept test of mapping Panzer Blitz/Panzer Leader rules to hex based miniature games, trying to simulate the theme of actual battles. I think it 'worked' but I would like to review some of the game mechanics. The addition of a withdraw and rout states were a very good improvement. No automatic rallies was a good change although I think that target prioritisation from Spearhead could also be easily included, as could Command Decision "Company Command" orders. The key thing is speed of play and reducing unnecessary dice roles to a bare minimum. Thought should also be given to 1940 "clanky tank" or "tank fright" rules and features of combined arms attacks getting bonuses in the likes of close assaults.

Arras 1940 Re-fight (Part 3 of 4) - A Bloody Exchange of Blows

The Matilda I's slow tortuous escape from the direct fire of the 105mm Howitzers firing over open sights continues, but inevitably it means more casualties of precious tanks that the British Army (or rather BEF) can ill afford to lose at this juncture. The two companies of Matilda I's swing to right of the contested village - as the Brit would see it], the one company of heavier Matilda II's swinging to the left [as the Brit would see it]. The Matilda I's have already suffered 50% casualties but the Matilda II's are as of yet fresh and untouched (see below, the DLI infantry are content to be out of sight from the German artillery,but a watchful eye to the sky reveals another [potentially more deadly] danger, circling like a flock of vultures, a visitor from the Luftwaffe a flight of Stukas, eyeing up the tantalising sight of a nice line of enemy troops sill in trucks):
 

The mournful wail of the sirens from the Stuka's precedes a devastating bombardment that "incredibly" (only) pins a company of the 8th DLI and does not destroy them - however they are "frozen in their situation" aka "perilous". Meanwhile the armoured tip of the British Right Hand Column, although dispersed and diluted, has swung into the "soft" head of the Totenkoft Motorised Infantry Battalion it has already savaged. Two troops of Bren Carriers and two troops of Matilda Is conduct an armoured assault - though lacking friendly infantry back-up (see below, the British force is being pulled out of mutually supporting formation and is being dispersed across a widening battlefield):

One positive development for the British is the positioning of the British Royal Artillery detachments FOO, clearly seeing the enemy firing over open sights. He promptly call ups a bit of counter battery fire with devastating effect. One battery of German 105mm is annihilated and another routed, effectively a Battalion of firepower so that is another 2VPs for the Allies (see below, although well ahead of the VP (4-0 [2 x 1VP Hex + 1 x 2VP support battalion]) front the Allied player is extremely concerned about recent developments):

The Matilda Is attack routs a motorised German Infantry Company but loses another Matilda I to a Panzer Jaeger I troop which is sufficient to crack (or rather check) the British morale (see below, another colourful spot of flame lights up the battlefield):

The Bren Carriers attack is again spectacular as this time a whole company of German motorcyclists are 'put to the sword' effectively ending this German battalion as an effective fighting force (see below, and earning the Allies another VP in the process making it 5-0 to them):

The British Commander although taken aback at the Matilda I's rough treatment of is extremely aggressive in nature (he must have read Rommel's book)  and decides to launch a combined armour/infantry assault to break through the line of German infantry to the left of the village [as the Brits would see it]. He certainly is taking the fight to the Germans and causing them much concern  (see below, the Matilda II is also a much stronger faster and better armed tank than the Matilda I):

The "Hell on Earth" consumed the column of tanks, as to their left a Battalion of SS Totenkoft heavy artillery opened up from concealed flanking positions. They had moved up and de-bussed during the course of the initial exchange with the companies of Matilda I and under cover of the Stuka attack. The flanking position improved their odds against the Matilda II's heavy armour and just when the Germans needed it they received "good dice" (see below, three out of four Matilda II troops went up in flames and effectively brought the British attack to a sudden stop):

With that came the first German VPs, two for destroying the 7th RTR as an effective fighting force (Germans 2 VP, Allies 5 VP).

Arras 1940 Re-fight (Part 2 of 4) - Hitting the Soft Underbelly

While the Middle of the British Column is being attacked the leading elements (Recon/Scout Carriers - see below, top left in the photograph and middle respectfully) have encountered a juicy soft target, an undefended lorried column of German Infantry (see below, top-middle right in the photograph). This Motorised Infantry Battalion is part of the SS Totenkopt formation that is keeping pace with Rommel's 7th Panzer Division (see below, it has been caught completely unawares by the rapid British advance, two companies are exposed between the two villages):

Carnage ensues, as the lorried infantry are in "the worst case possible scenario" for defence purposes (see below, the passengers suffering the same fate as their transport):

One company of German Infantry is completely destroyed and the other company is routed and loses its transport for game purposes (see below, the British Carriers will follow through and claim the white Victory Hexes off the German baseline):

The final "cut scene" of the aftermath of the "charge of the British Bren Carriers" (see below, OK, technically Scout and Recon Carriers but Bren sounds more BEF 1940 period to me):

Meanwhile back in the middle of the British Column another British Infantry Matilda I troop goes up in smoke under direct fire from the German 105mm artillery (see below, the trouble is that the Matilda I has such a slow speed it has terrible problems disengaging from long range fire and those lorried 8th DLI infantry look terribly exposed to the casual observer):

The most advanced British Carrier discovers a very unpleasant secret in the adjacent village as a German Support Company (Pak 37 and 75mm Infantry Gun) open up at point blank range (see below, the trouble with these mad cavalry charges is that they can end up with a"sticky end"):

The British Bren carrier succumbs to a "sticky end" but it has sold itself very dearly (see below, it still keeps the "white victory" marked as it has sown sufficient disorder and confusion in the ranks of the advancing Germans - who thought they were "as safe as houses"):

Both sides seem to be trading telling blows in different parts of the battlefield. Confusion seems to be mounting on both sides. Urgent messages of recall are being sent to the lead elements of the 7th Panzer Division asking the Panzers to about face and return to "help out". This advocates more British "white" victory markers (one per Panzer battalion is ordered to return - Rommel elects to recall two which means the Allies have earned four victory points already). By way of contrast Rommel gains two VPs if he destroys/mauls the 7RTR, 2 VPS if he destroys the French Char Battalion, one VP if he makes the French Char Battalion retreat and 1 VP for destroying the 8th DLI. The British can attain addition VPs per German Battalion Destroyed (2 per Panzer, 1 per Infantry, 2 per Artillery, 1 per Flak 88 Battery).