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Author Topic: 28mm skirmish level rules?  (Read 3158 times)

Offline huevans

  • Mad Scientist
  • Posts: 755
Re: 28mm skirmish level rules?
« Reply #15 on: June 10, 2020, 10:45:43 PM »
Thanks, Robert, for taking an enormous amount of time to answer a random query. We've chatted about this before, when I asked you if platoons ever fought as SEPARATE sub-units in the 1914-1916 period.

That would be more my concern than whether the sections used fire and movement as part of an integrated battalion advance or defence.

If I wanted to use  2 or 3 sections as a separate wargames force, as I could in WW2 or post-WW2, I don't think I could in 1914-15 with any historical authenticity. Hence my idea of putting together a RN / RM raiding force.

Any clarity from someone who knows far more than me would be gratefully..... ?

Offline monk2002uk

  • Mad Scientist
  • Posts: 727
Re: 28mm skirmish level rules?
« Reply #16 on: June 11, 2020, 05:32:06 AM »
For sure you can do this, from the earliest days of the war. Here is an example from the first engagement of the British Expeditionary Force near Mons. It comes from the war diary of 2/Royal Irish Regiment (a BEF battalion) on 23 August 1914. This was the day of the Battle of Mons.

"...the [battalion] was distributed [during the previous night] as follows:
    HdQrs, D Coy and Regt Transport at ST SYMPHORIEN
    A and C coys, MGs and Regt Scouts at VILLERS ST GHISLAIN, with a Fd Co R.E. attached for the purpose of assisting in defensive works.
    B coy at GIVRY

12.30 pm Dinners were being prepared for the Battn on side of road, when order was received to at once support the MIDDLESEX.

Lt Col Cox ordered 1st Line Transport back under cover of houses in the Town and proceeded with the Battn with utmost speed to S.E. corner of cemetery. The Battn then turned about and moved round S.W. corner of Cemetery. "A", "C" and 2 platoons B Coy under Major St Leger moved forward at the double into the Quarry NW of Cemetery and prolonged the right under curve of a sunk[en] road. Col Cox meantime hearing that the enemy were close up to S.E. corner of Cemetery turned D Coy and the remaining 2 platoons of B Coy about and ordered Capt Elliot with D Coy to take up a position N of the road turning E from the Cemetery.

Orders having just been received to reinforce the GORDON HIGHLANDERS at X roads MONS-BINCHE MONS-GIVRY roads, 2 sections B Coy under 2 Lieut Shine were despatched to this point. 2 sections of B Coy under Lieut Ferguson were placed within field W of Cemetery covering the exit between Hosp and Cemetery. The remaing platoon of B Coy under Major Daniell were ordered to prolong the right of D Coy."

The various companies, platoons and sections were all in the same overall geographic location but dispersed enough that a platoon or even 2/3 sections only would feature on a Bolt Action table.

Robert

Offline Tim Haslam

  • Supporting Adventurer
  • Mastermind
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  • Posts: 1304
Re: 28mm skirmish level rules?
« Reply #17 on: June 11, 2020, 11:21:47 AM »
So, would say that if I’m using Bolt Action rules (because I’m lazy and don’t want to learn another set!  lol) Then maybe on my 6X4 table I should play with smaller forces?
I usually play 1000pts, but maybe go down to 600pts?
A millionaire trapped in a peasants body!

Offline monk2002uk

  • Mad Scientist
  • Posts: 727
Re: 28mm skirmish level rules?
« Reply #18 on: June 11, 2020, 02:17:29 PM »
Only use smaller forces if you want to. There is no need to. 1000 points will be fine.

Robert

Offline huevans

  • Mad Scientist
  • Posts: 755
Re: 28mm skirmish level rules?
« Reply #19 on: June 11, 2020, 05:53:01 PM »
Thanks again, Monk2002.

It's a great benefit having you on this forum!

Offline vodkafan

  • Scatterbrained Genius
  • Posts: 3510
Re: 28mm skirmish level rules?
« Reply #20 on: July 19, 2020, 10:40:31 PM »
Just a reminder though, that British Army sections in WW1 were 20 men, not 10.
I am going to build a wargames army, a big beautiful wargames army, and Mexico is going to pay for it.

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