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Miniatures Adventure => The Second World War => Topic started by: TacticalPainter on February 09, 2018, 04:40:01 AM

Title: The Road to Bremen Chain of Command campaign
Post by: TacticalPainter on February 09, 2018, 04:40:01 AM
This is the intriguing campaign published in the Too Fat Lardies Christmas Special 2017 and sets up a late war British force against a motley collection of Germans from Volkssturm through to Falschimjager. The German player has to juggle with unreliable troops who may surrender even before a shot has been fired, but the British have time running against them. Every delay allows the Germans to build up their strength for the final scenarios. There's a host of options for the Germans, from Kriegsmarine supermines to Hitlerjugend tank killer teams. Welcome to Gotterdammerung.

As expected it's been an interesting ride so far and it's an interesting twist on the pint sized campaign concept. All played in 20mm.  You can read the first AARs here:

https://thetacticalpainter.blogspot.com.au/2018/02/the-road-to-bremen-scenarios-1-and-2.html
https://thetacticalpainter.blogspot.com.au/2018/02/the-road-to-bremen-scenario-3.html

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Title: Re: The Road to Bremen Chain of Command campaign
Post by: Poiter50 on February 09, 2018, 04:42:48 AM
Just read it after your FB post, great stuff.
Title: Re: The Road to Bremen Chain of Command campaign
Post by: LordSpode1879 on February 09, 2018, 06:19:14 PM
Interesting looking campaign! The Endkampf roll could make for some exciting/frustrating moments  lol?
Title: Re: The Road to Bremen Chain of Command campaign
Post by: TacticalPainter on February 09, 2018, 09:36:21 PM
Interesting looking campaign! The Endkampf roll could make for some exciting/frustrating moments  lol?

For sure, after all it is quite possible with a run of bad luck that the entire German force surrenders without a fight.  Unlikely, but not impossible.  Personally I like that lack of certainty, it gives a good idea of how the German command must have felt during this period. Trying to cobble together a mixed bag of units, many of whom are unreliable and try to build a cohesive defence.  Endkampf indeed, but it’s what has made the campaign so compelling for me, although I’m sure it would frustrate the hell out of others.
Title: Re: The Road to Bremen Chain of Command campaign
Post by: LordSpode1879 on February 09, 2018, 10:47:11 PM
Definitely one of Chain of Command's strengths (for me at least) is that it takes away some of that gamerism that can afflict other sets? You cannot simply cherry pick the best killer army list, it feels much more realistic to have to make do with what you have available?
Title: Re: The Road to Bremen Chain of Command campaign
Post by: TacticalPainter on February 10, 2018, 07:42:54 AM
Yep, couldn’t agree more. If I was playing with elite SS, all armed with Stg 44 and supported by a Tiger II, some might think that pretty cool, but that doesn’t sit comfortably with my understanding of Germany in 1945.  I’m enjoying trying to make something worthwhile from this motley collection of units and if the fortunes of war go against me, then I’m loving the challenge of making a fight out of it.  It’s a great set of rules and the pint sized campaigns are an excellent way of capturing the feel of command and managing limited resources.
Title: Re: The Road to Bremen Chain of Command campaign
Post by: LordSpode1879 on February 10, 2018, 12:04:03 PM
Yep, couldn’t agree more. If I was playing with elite SS, all armed with Stg 44 and supported by a Tiger II, some might think that pretty cool, but that doesn’t sit comfortably with my understanding of Germany in 1945.  I’m enjoying trying to make something worthwhile from this motley collection of units and if the fortunes of war go against me, then I’m loving the challenge of making a fight out of it.  It’s a great set of rules and the pint sized campaigns are an excellent way of capturing the feel of command and managing limited resources.

And the greater the glory if you win with dispirited regulars and barely trained levies?
Title: Re: The Road to Bremen Chain of Command campaign
Post by: vodkafan on February 10, 2018, 01:17:13 PM
Read both the AARs. I am enjoying this mini campaign. Can't wait for the refight at the bridge.
Title: Re: The Road to Bremen Chain of Command campaign
Post by: LordSpode1879 on February 10, 2018, 10:18:23 PM
Read both the AARs. I am enjoying this mini campaign. Can't wait for the refight at the bridge.

Heartily seconded! Well written and insightful AAR's like these are extremely inspirational!
Title: Re: The Road to Bremen Chain of Command campaign
Post by: TacticalPainter on February 16, 2018, 05:39:05 AM
The British return to have another go at forcing the Heer platoon from the bridge.  This time around they have some additional support from the battalion, but will it be enough to make a difference?  The full AAR is here http://thetacticalpainter.blogspot.com.au/2018/02/the-road-to-bremen-scenario-3-round-two.html

(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/923/sz3k6S.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pnsz3k6Sj)


Title: Re: The Road to Bremen Chain of Command campaign Updated 16 02 18
Post by: LordSpode1879 on February 16, 2018, 10:25:41 AM
Another excellent of AAR! I particularly liked your forward defensive strategy, it was so close to winning you that game! I would say the destruction of the Sherman could have been crucial to a German victory if you had succeeded in killing off that last engineer? Taken together that would have represented a significant hit on the British FM!

I wonder though if his death could have forced a British withdrawal if they were unable to completely clear the bridge of obstacles?

Perusing your superb blog I spotted your rather nifty idea of swapping out wounded JL's and SL's for wounded figures....simple and elegant way of keeping down the amount of unsightly clutter!
Title: Re: The Road to Bremen Chain of Command campaign Updated 16 02 18
Post by: jon_1066 on February 16, 2018, 01:52:38 PM
Great AARs and really nice table.  Why does your opponent keep bringing his tank into Panzerschrek range?  Surely his best bet is to force you to deploy with his infantry, then bring his tank on and blast you to bits at range with HE?
Title: Re: The Road to Bremen Chain of Command campaign Updated 16 02 18
Post by: vodkafan on February 16, 2018, 05:24:53 PM
Brilliant stuff.
Title: Re: The Road to Bremen Chain of Command campaign Updated 16 02 18
Post by: LordSpode1879 on February 16, 2018, 07:40:49 PM
Great AARs and really nice table.  Why does your opponent keep bringing his tank into Panzerschrek range?  Surely his best bet is to force you to deploy with his infantry, then bring his tank on and blast you to bits at range with HE?

If his opponent is anything like me he possibly suffers from 'tank invulnerability syndrome' where you trundle across the table in your faux-armoured behemoth only to be taken out by the Panzerschreck/bazooka/piat (no laughing at the back there!)........you assumed couldn't even scratch your paintwork?
Title: Re: The Road to Bremen Chain of Command campaign Updated 16 02 18
Post by: vodkafan on February 16, 2018, 08:12:57 PM
If his opponent is anything like me he possibly suffers from 'tank invulnerability syndrome' where you trundle across the table in your faux-armoured behemoth only to be taken out by the Panzerschreck/bazooka/piat (no laughing at the back there!)........you assumed couldn't even scratch your paintwork?

I think the lesson here is if you are a Sherman tank commander, donate  every building a couple of rounds of the 75 before going anywhere near.
I think the game has played out fairly realistic historically so far.
Title: Re: The Road to Bremen Chain of Command campaign Updated 16 02 18
Post by: LordSpode1879 on February 16, 2018, 11:21:37 PM
I think the lesson here is if you are a Sherman tank commander, donate  every building a couple of rounds of the 75 before going anywhere near.
I think the game has played out fairly realistic historically so far.

Agreed....when there is even the slightest probability a couple of rounds of HE should clear up any lingering doubt as to whether the building is occupied or not?
Title: Re: The Road to Bremen Chain of Command campaign Updated 16 02 18
Post by: TacticalPainter on February 17, 2018, 12:46:50 AM
Why does your opponent keep bringing his tank into Panzerschrek range?  Surely his best bet is to force you to deploy with his infantry, then bring his tank on and blast you to bits at range with HE?

I think he's been asking himself the same question.  In this instance he knew my squad was pinned and therefore couldn't use their panzerfausts, but he completely forgot I had a panzerschreck team I could deploy. In many ways that sums up some of the beauty of CoC, while the gamer appears to be 'all seeing' the game itself has mechanics that undermine that yet give what feels like a historical outcome.  The golden rule for any tank commander is to approach late war German infantry with extreme caution, not to mention plenty of your own supporting infantry leading the way.
Title: Re: The Road to Bremen Chain of Command campaign Updated 16 02 18
Post by: Truscott Trotter on February 17, 2018, 02:58:51 AM
Funny I am reading an account of a tank troop commander in Normandy and he said exactly that!
The golden rule for any tank commander is to approach late war German infantry with extreme caution, not to mention plenty of your own supporting infantry leading the way.
Title: Re: The Road to Bremen Chain of Command campaign Updated 16 02 18
Post by: LordSpode1879 on February 17, 2018, 11:21:01 PM
The trouble with those pesky panzerschrecks is their good range.....you don't necessarily have to wander too close with an armoured vehicle before you're within the danger zone?
Title: Re: The Road to Bremen Chain of Command campaign Updated 16 02 18
Post by: Truscott Trotter on February 19, 2018, 08:02:19 AM
That's right 24" and you are within the second range band so only a 6+ to hit with 2D6  :'(
Title: Re: The Road to Bremen Chain of Command campaign Updated 16 02 18
Post by: LordSpode1879 on February 19, 2018, 01:59:28 PM
That's right 24" and you are within the second range band so only a 6+ to hit with 2D6  :'(

Much closer and you have to factor in panzerfausts and the les enfant perdus ....or Panzer-knacker teams
Title: Re: The Road to Bremen Chain of Command campaign Updated 16 02 18
Post by: TacticalPainter on February 26, 2018, 12:36:05 AM
The British now move further down the road to Bremen and on to Map 4 of the campaign.  Having dealt with the Heer platoon defending the previous map what lay ahead was a mystery. Would it be fierce resistance or meek surrender? Perhaps the thunderous blast of a Kriegsmarine supermine? Or then again, some German farmers quietly going about their business? The added unknown factor of what map is defended and, if it is, if the defenders will stand and fight adds another layer of suspense to what is turning out to be a great little campaign with a great feel for the final months of the war.  The full AAR for the next stage of the campaign is here https://thetacticalpainter.blogspot.com.au/2018/02/the-road-to-bremen-scenario-4.html

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Title: Re: The Road to Bremen Chain of Command campaign Updated 26 02 18
Post by: LordSpode1879 on February 26, 2018, 02:19:39 PM
Another excellent AAR and a showcase for Chain of Command! Superbly balanced campaign with both players on a knife edge of uncertainty. The tension builds with each new map ...will the Germans stand one last time or shuffle off into captivity?

This particular AAR shows how quickly the initiative can pass from one side to the other! The British seemed to have this well in hand with a well thought out and patient attack yet in the blink of an eye the Fallschirmjaeger pulled it back and forced their foes into a retreat!
Title: Re: The Road to Bremen Chain of Command campaign Updated 26 02 18
Post by: TacticalPainter on February 27, 2018, 12:42:28 AM
Thanks, really glad you are enjoying following this one. 

When the British made their breakthrough it had me worried, but the fact they were leaving it to a single squad with insufficient support always gave me hope that a swift riposte might swing things around.  Which, of course, is exactly what happened.  The best thing was that it felt right - junior commanders on the spot making vital decisions that influence events. 

Once the British Corporal was out of action the section was at a disadvantage and with the Platoon Sergeant a long way off, the British lacked a senior member of the platoon to try to rally them.  On the other hand the Germans had the Feldwebel on hand and able to command three squads.  It's not called Chain of Command for nothing......
Title: Re: The Road to Bremen Chain of Command campaign Updated 26 02 18
Post by: LordSpode1879 on February 27, 2018, 11:15:18 AM
Thanks, really glad you are enjoying following this one. 

When the British made their breakthrough it had me worried, but the fact they were leaving it to a single squad with insufficient support always gave me hope that a swift riposte might swing things around.  Which, of course, is exactly what happened.  The best thing was that it felt right - junior commanders on the spot making vital decisions that influence events. 

Once the British Corporal was out of action the section was at a disadvantage and with the Platoon Sergeant a long way off, the British lacked a senior member of the platoon to try to rally them.  On the other hand the Germans had the Feldwebel on hand and able to command three squads.  It's not called Chain of Command for nothing......

The attack did have something of the forlorn hope about it most definitely! The British seemed by that stage somewhat overextended and were perhaps relying on a level of disorganisation and defeatism in their foes that was not actually present?
Title: Re: The Road to Bremen Chain of Command campaign Updated 26 02 18
Post by: Marine0846 on February 27, 2018, 02:55:54 PM
Excellent ARR.
Lots of great looking figures.
Looks like you are having a fun time playing out the games.
Look forward to the next battle.
Title: Re: The Road to Bremen Chain of Command campaign Updated 26 02 18
Post by: vodkafan on March 01, 2018, 11:03:22 AM
Great AAR and game again. is the PAK 40 allowed to be redeployed before the next game, so that the Brits don't know where it is?  Thinking about that made me wonder what the interval between turns is, does it follow on immediately or is it meant to be next day for convenience sake? 
Title: Re: The Road to Bremen Chain of Command campaign Updated 26 02 18
Post by: Doug ex-em4 on March 01, 2018, 01:44:20 PM
Excellent AARs - read them all at one sitting. Reminds me of 20mm WW2 games I played at the beginning of my wargame career in 1970. Lots of atmosphere, uncertainty and tension.

Terrific. Thanks for sharing.

Doug
Title: Re: The Road to Bremen Chain of Command campaign Updated 26 02 18
Post by: TacticalPainter on March 02, 2018, 05:22:33 AM
Great AAR and game again. is the PAK 40 allowed to be redeployed before the next game, so that the Brits don't know where it is?  Thinking about that made me wonder what the interval between turns is, does it follow on immediately or is it meant to be next day for convenience sake?

Yes, the PAK 40 can redeploy.  The game follows the lead units of the British.  If they are held up, they are able to call up more support from the main column and mount a new attack.  It's assumed some time has passed, enough for the defenders to change dispositions.
Title: Re: The Road to Bremen Chain of Command campaign Updated 26 02 18
Post by: TacticalPainter on March 02, 2018, 05:24:17 AM
Well we are back for more.  Could the British make more progress at the second attempt?  They would have more support to draw on and with time ticking they need to make it count. The full AAR is here https://thetacticalpainter.blogspot.com.au/2018/03/the-road-to-bremen-scenario-4-round-two.html

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Title: Re: The Road to Bremen Chain of Command campaign Updated 02 03 18
Post by: Doug ex-em4 on March 02, 2018, 02:07:25 PM
That was ace - very exciting and good to see some success for the Brits😊. Could they have done more with those Sherman’s? They seemed to be almost a liability, something to keep under wraps in case they were knocked out instead of being a potentially decisive force in the attack. And keeping the Pak obscured by smoke to protect the Shermans denied the support the mortar could have offered elsewhere.

Oh ifs, buts and what-ifs are what make it all so enjoyable. And now a few weeks to wait for more! Tragic!

Thanks for the fun.

Doug
Title: Re: The Road to Bremen Chain of Command campaign Updated 02 03 18
Post by: LordSpode1879 on March 03, 2018, 09:58:21 AM
At first read of another excellent AAR it seems to me the Germans were largely undone by a disastrous patrol phase and some shocking dice? I find it can be a frustrating few minutes for the defending player as you sit and watch as the attacker pushes his patrol markers up the table towards you limiting your deployment options as well as potentially reducing the effectiveness of certain support choices?

In this game once the German jump off points were restricted to the wooded terrain there was little you could have done...especially when the British brought their FO onto the table.  Cautious with his armour (the invincible carrier notwithstanding) the British player denied you your best chance to redress the force imbalance by taking out some juicy support units, obviously preferring to draw your teeth before risking those Shermans? Kudos to the British player for a well executed attack on a formidable (even in a bad tactical situation) opponent!

I for one shall look forward with eager impatience to the next instalment!
Title: Re: The Road to Bremen Chain of Command campaign Updated 02 03 18
Post by: TacticalPainter on March 09, 2018, 03:05:48 AM
We managed to just find time to squeeze in one more game before work takes me away for a couple of weeks. The British have swanned across two maps and are now able to manage a schedule that makes victory a tantalising possibility. First they need to clear Map 7 and then, if necessary, take the final map in a single turn (that's assuming the defenders don't just surrender). So what or who was waiting for them at Map 7? Full AAR is here https://thetacticalpainter.blogspot.com.au/2018/03/the-road-to-bremen-scenario-7.html

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Title: Re: The Road to Bremen Chain of Command campaign Updated 09 03 18
Post by: Shahbahraz on March 09, 2018, 09:31:52 AM
Cracking report. Really enjoying this series. Very much looking forward to the final installment..   Then what?
Title: Re: The Road to Bremen Chain of Command campaign Updated 09 03 18
Post by: LordSpode1879 on March 09, 2018, 05:24:20 PM
What an awesome AAR of yet another nail-biting instalment in this fascinating campaign! Talk about punching above their weight?? Holding off deploying the German force till the last possible moment really worked and almost snatched victory from the jaws of defeat at the end there!
Title: Re: The Road to Bremen Chain of Command campaign Updated 09 03 18
Post by: vodkafan on March 09, 2018, 08:32:14 PM
That was very close.  :o  I am going to have to have a lie down to recover. I should be better in time for the last fight.
Title: Re: The Road to Bremen Chain of Command campaign Updated 09 03 18
Post by: TacticalPainter on March 10, 2018, 05:28:30 AM
Thanks guys.  Those Volkssturm really performed above and beyond my expectations.  Their role was simply to make the British burn up a campaign turn to deal with them.  Given the rapid British progress in the earlier scenarios, assigning them to defend this map turns out to have been a good call. I never expected much more, so this was a really enjoyable and rewarding game and as LordSpode and vodkafan point out, it came very close.  I never expected to have so much fun being beaten!
Title: Re: The Road to Bremen Chain of Command campaign Updated 09 03 18
Post by: Truscott Trotter on March 10, 2018, 05:41:53 AM
I never expected to have so much fun being beaten!

You obviously did not go to an English Public school!  lol
Title: Re: The Road to Bremen Chain of Command campaign Updated 09 03 18
Post by: LordSpode1879 on March 10, 2018, 07:56:01 PM
Thanks guys.  Those Volkssturm really performed above and beyond my expectations.  Their role was simply to make the British burn up a campaign turn to deal with them.  Given the rapid British progress in the earlier scenarios, assigning them to defend this map turns out to have been a good call. I never expected much more, so this was a really enjoyable and rewarding game and as LordSpode and vodkafan point out, it came very close.  I never expected to have so much fun being beaten!

What's left for the Germans now?
Title: Re: The Road to Bremen Chain of Command campaign Updated 09 03 18
Post by: TacticalPainter on March 11, 2018, 02:54:55 AM
What's left for the Germans now?

Hope?  :-j
Title: Re: The Road to Bremen Chain of Command campaign Updated 09 03 18
Post by: Poiter50 on March 11, 2018, 03:08:43 AM
The Big Man topping himself and the new leader surrendering?

What's left for the Germans now?
Title: Re: The Road to Bremen Chain of Command campaign Updated 09 03 18
Post by: Marine0846 on March 11, 2018, 07:22:17 PM
I went back and reread the thread from the beginning.
Wonderful reports and excellent figures and terrain.
Will have to think about picking up the campaign to play.
Title: Re: The Road to Bremen Chain of Command campaign Updated 09 03 18
Post by: Truscott Trotter on March 11, 2018, 09:00:40 PM
Yes I too am tempted by this campaign as it is quite different from most of the other CoC camapigns I have played or seen.

Also just read 18 Platoon by Jary and he was in Somerset Lt Inf part of 11th Armoured racing against 6th Airborne to Breman.

Looking forward to the concluding battle.
Title: Re: The Road to Bremen Chain of Command campaign Updated 09 03 18
Post by: LordSpode1879 on March 12, 2018, 09:44:17 AM
Hope?  :-j

Still time for the Germans to pull off a remarkable result!
Title: Re: The Road to Bremen Chain of Command campaign Updated 09 03 18
Post by: LordSpode1879 on March 12, 2018, 09:44:59 AM
The Big Man topping himself and the new leader surrendering?

There is that too  :D
Title: Re: The Road to Bremen Chain of Command campaign Updated 09 03 18
Post by: johnl5555 on March 15, 2018, 06:58:26 PM
I have been reading all of these mini-campaigns you have posted. They really are exceptional! Great looking battles and figs. They really keep you on the edge of your seat! TFL has no better way to show how great CoC is and how well they set up those mini-campaign supplements. Really good stuff!!!!!!
Title: Re: The Road to Bremen Chain of Command campaign Updated 09 03 18
Post by: TacticalPainter on March 16, 2018, 04:54:55 AM
Thanks!  You bear a remarkable similarity to LordSpode1879, it must be the avatars   ;)
Title: Re: The Road to Bremen Chain of Command campaign Updated 09 03 18
Post by: LordSpode1879 on March 16, 2018, 05:47:30 PM
Thanks!  You bear a remarkable similarity to LordSpode1879, it must be the avatars   ;)

A change is as good as a rest as they say  :D
Title: Re: The Road to Bremen Chain of Command campaign Updated 09 03 18
Post by: TacticalPainter on April 13, 2018, 01:33:10 AM
After a few weeks delay we get back into the action.

Scenario 8 and campaign turn 8, if the British can win this game, then they have won the campaign. It really has come down to the wire in what has been a very enjoyable campaign so far. So is this the end, or just the beginning of the end? Will the Germans hold on to Bremen for a little while longer yet? The full AAR is on the blog https://thetacticalpainter.blogspot.com.au/2018/04/the-road-to-bremen-scenario-8.html

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Title: Re: The Road to Bremen Chain of Command campaign Updated 13 04 18
Post by: Marine0846 on April 13, 2018, 03:39:03 AM
A really fine ending.
I was on the edge of my seat.
Great photos and story telling.
Thanks so much for sharing.
Title: Re: The Road to Bremen Chain of Command campaign Updated 13 04 18
Post by: jon_1066 on April 13, 2018, 11:07:16 AM
Cracking report and a great looking game.
Title: Re: The Road to Bremen Chain of Command campaign Updated 13 04 18
Post by: Corporal Chaos on April 14, 2018, 02:59:21 PM
Wonderful AAR and great games. I have been waiting anxiously for this report. Now to the next! Thanks for sharing these.
Title: Re: The Road to Bremen Chain of Command campaign Updated 13 04 18
Post by: winder on April 20, 2018, 07:36:19 AM
Another great AAR and campaign, looking forward to the conclusion.

Your set of CoC campaigns has inspired me to paint up armies to do an Eastern Front campaign eventually.

Keep up the great work!
Title: Re: The Road to Bremen Chain of Command campaign Updated 13 04 18
Post by: vodkafan on April 21, 2018, 01:51:13 PM
Great report as always. I really missed this campaign while you were away. I was frustrated by the British player this time more than ever, he once again failed to use the mobility and firepower of his tank. Leaving it in one place  where it can be stalked by tank hunters? Oh no! I could see it coming.
As for the British centre section rushing out in the open against Germans in a building with an MG? I have done that myself a couple of times in games and it has always ended up with a lot of dead tommies laying out in the open  :(
Title: Re: The Road to Bremen Chain of Command campaign Updated 13 04 18
Post by: LordSpode1879 on April 21, 2018, 04:30:25 PM
What a stunning game! First off nice terrain....really conveyed the devastation of Bremen well! A close and tense wargame with the initiative switching back and forth with bewildering speed! Kudos to the grit and determination displayed by the Fallschirmjager.....how much more punishment can they soak up?

Awesome AAR up to the very high standards you have established in this campaign and the earlier ones! Literally can't wait to see how this brilliantly balanced campaign ends! Thank you for taking the time to post it!
Title: Re: The Road to Bremen Chain of Command campaign Updated 13 04 18
Post by: TacticalPainter on April 22, 2018, 12:27:55 AM
I was frustrated by the British player this time more than ever, he once again failed to use the mobility and firepower of his tank. Leaving it in one place  where it can be stalked by tank hunters? Oh no! I could see it coming.

We’ve talked about this after each game.  Armour is very vulnerable at these ranges and so it can be a double edged sword, but I tend to agree.  Always handy to have a CoC die on hand so you can protect your tank with an interrupt, and always wise to steer clear of unsuppressed enemy JoP.  I think in this instance Dave wanted to take advantage of its superior range, but as it was in the open it was a relatively easy shot, even at long range for the Schreck, needing only average dice.

Quote
As for the British centre section rushing out in the open against Germans in a building with an MG? I have done that myself a couple of times in games and it has always ended up with a lot of dead tommies laying out in the open  :(

The Germans had actually fallen back from the windows at that stage, so it was a risk, but not a crazy one.  He did have the flamethrower in support as well, however once I’d deployed my third squad and returned to the windows he was definitely in a spot of bother.
Title: Re: The Road to Bremen Chain of Command campaign Updated 13 04 18
Post by: TacticalPainter on April 22, 2018, 12:42:05 AM
What a stunning game! First off nice terrain....really conveyed the devastation of Bremen well! A close and tense wargame with the initiative switching back and forth with bewildering speed! Kudos to the grit and determination displayed by the Fallschirmjager.....how much more punishment can they soak up?

Thanks, it was great to use all those ruined buildings again.  Hopefully I can use them again when TFL publish the Stalingrad campaign.

It’s going to get tough for my Fallschirmjager, I can only hope I might be lucky with my reinforcement roll before the next game, I’m going to need all the help I can get.  I have yet to succeed in holding off the British for two consecutive games, so at this rate we are heading towards a campaign draw, if I can just manage to squeeze out a victory in this coming game it will be enough for campaign victory no matter what little forces I have remaining to fight out the 10th game.
Title: Re: The Road to Bremen Chain of Command campaign Updated 13 04 18
Post by: Doug ex-em4 on April 24, 2018, 08:04:34 PM
Another splendid AAR. I’d like to ask posters not to include Spoilers after an update of this campaign. A lot of the enjoyment of reading the blog report is not knowing the result. The games, including this recent one, see-saw from one side to the other and the end result is unpredictable. So I was disappointed that the first response gave away the winner...! Otherwise, total enjoyment.

Thanks

Doug
Title: Re: The Road to Bremen Chain of Command campaign Updated 13 04 18
Post by: Marine0846 on April 27, 2018, 12:04:11 AM
Sorry Doug,
I was the one who let the cat out of the bag.
I have now changed my post.
Again sorry for spoiling the ending.
Title: Re: The Road to Bremen Chain of Command campaign Updated 13 04 18
Post by: TacticalPainter on April 27, 2018, 12:12:15 AM
I was flicking through the latest edition of Wargames Soldiers and Strategy and began reading Richard Clarke’s Up Front column (if you don’t already know, Rich is one of the owners of Too Fat Lardies and the designer of Chain of Command). I can’t tell you how pleasantly surprised I was to read this:

“One of the great joys for me is using social media to keep up with players all over the globe who are enjoying games I’ve designed. Recently, the blog reports about two chaps in New South Wales playing through a 1945 “Road to Bremen” campaign I wrote for Chain of Command have had me on the edge of my seat - to the extent that when I wake up in the morning I find myself checking to see if the next instalment has been played.”

Generous words from the big man!
Title: Re: The Road to Bremen Chain of Command campaign Updated 13 04 18
Post by: Baron von Wreckedoften on April 27, 2018, 10:26:17 AM
I have really enjoyed reading your battle reports, right from game 1.

When will you be playing your final game?
Title: Re: The Road to Bremen Chain of Command campaign Updated 13 04 18
Post by: Doug ex-em4 on April 27, 2018, 11:08:05 PM
Sorry Doug,
I was the one who let the cat out of the bag.
I have now changed my post.
Again sorry for spoiling the ending.

No problem, sir. Your first response was immediate and enthusiastic and I don’t blame you for that😊. Bring on the final instalment.

Doug
Title: Re: The Road to Bremen Chain of Command campaign Updated 13 04 18
Post by: LordSpode1879 on April 30, 2018, 09:51:31 PM
Thanks, it was great to use all those ruined buildings again.  Hopefully I can use them again when TFL publish the Stalingrad campaign.

It’s going to get tough for my Fallschirmjager, I can only hope I might be lucky with my reinforcement roll before the next game, I’m going to need all the help I can get.  I have yet to succeed in holding off the British for two consecutive games, so at this rate we are heading towards a campaign draw, if I can just manage to squeeze out a victory in this coming game it will be enough for campaign victory no matter what little forces I have remaining to fight out the 10th game.

Can't wait for the Stalingrad campaign...I think it may well prove to be rather epic!!!  The current campaign is truly nail-biting stuff....looking forward to the end of this one and the next!
Title: Re: The Road to Bremen Chain of Command campaign Updated 13 04 18
Post by: TacticalPainter on May 06, 2018, 10:00:23 AM
The battle over the bombed out ruins of Bremen continues as the Fallschirmjager desperately try to hold out for another campaign turn. They've done enough to deny the British campaign victory, but can they hold on for one more game and bring this to a minor German victory? It's a big ask, it is April 1945 after all…..

Full AAR and pictures are here https://thetacticalpainter.blogspot.com.au/2018/05/the-road-to-bremen-scenario-8-round-two.html

(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/922/FvggTb.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pmFvggTbj)

(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/922/5wZTrM.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pm5wZTrMj)

(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/924/q8h7Iy.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/poq8h7Iyj)

(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/922/ikxvm8.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pmikxvm8j)

(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/923/1cpCTo.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pn1cpCToj)
Title: Re: The Road to Bremen Chain of Command campaign Updated 06 05 18
Post by: Marine0846 on May 06, 2018, 04:22:08 PM
Another exciting battle.
Thanks for sharing.
Title: Re: The Road to Bremen Chain of Command campaign Updated 06 05 18
Post by: vodkafan on May 07, 2018, 12:54:34 AM
What a finish! I have enjoyed this whole mini campaign so much.
Title: Re: The Road to Bremen Chain of Command campaign Updated 06 05 18
Post by: TacticalPainter on May 07, 2018, 05:05:29 AM
Glad you enjoyed it.  Probably the most enjoyable of the campaigns I’ve played so far.  The Germans have a colourful and unpredictable order of battle and a lot of scope for creative thinking when it comes to constructing a defence.  I love playing this ‘backs to the wall’ stuff and the campaign certainly delivered for me.
Title: Re: The Road to Bremen Chain of Command campaign Updated 06 05 18
Post by: jon_1066 on May 08, 2018, 03:24:16 PM
Great report again.  This highlights the one thing I am not so keen on in CoC - the mortar barrage.  Having it as some precision guided artillery moving a few yards at a time is really unrealistic.
Title: Re: The Road to Bremen Chain of Command campaign Updated 06 05 18
Post by: vodkafan on May 12, 2018, 02:42:06 PM
Great report again.  This highlights the one thing I am not so keen on in CoC - the mortar barrage.  Having it as some precision guided artillery moving a few yards at a time is really unrealistic.

Is it? I always thought that in the hands of skilled teams mortars can be highly accurate.
Title: Re: The Road to Bremen Chain of Command campaign Updated 06 05 18
Post by: has.been on May 12, 2018, 03:38:07 PM
Vodkafan. In our most recent AK47 game every single one of my mortars fired every move for the entire game & hit....nothing.
There were only two of them & they were poor quality militia, but NOTHING, omg!!!!!
Title: Re: The Road to Bremen Chain of Command campaign Updated 06 05 18
Post by: LordSpode1879 on May 12, 2018, 11:28:54 PM
Tense nail-biting stuff to the very end! Magnificently played in the proper spirit!

Thank you for sharing your efforts....truly inspirational stuff!