ACTION AT OCHRE. 30/10/13
REPORT FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT AT THE FRONT.
Today the forces of the imperialist Federal States of Greenland crossed the border into the heartland of the peace loving Peoples Republic of Tansylvania. A Greenland armoured column attacked the industrial settlement of Ochre in an attempt to sieze the nation's vital Cooking oil facility there. The Green forces were led by General Verdi, known throughout Tansylvania as “The Butcher”, (Editor's note: General Verdi's father runs a small boulangerie business in the Greenland capital Turquoise). Verdi is also notorious for being the man who burnt Sienna in the abortive invasion attempt three years ago.
The gallant army of Tansylvania had deployed its famous 1st People's Guards regiment to Ochre to defend the city against the Green incursion, accompanied by the Steel Fists armoured cavalry. Colonel von Braun, commander of the 1st told our reporter that his troops, despite being outnumbered, would hold Ochre to the last man. The populace had been evacuated after receiving news that the Greenland column was en route. Colonel von Bruan placed his regiment in defensive positions around the industrial complex and at forward outposts within the city limits, with blocking positions on Highway 1, the enemy's main axis of advance, additional units were emplaced covering the approaches into Ochre via the Umber Pass.
The Greenlanders sent a strong armoured force along Highway 1 towards the strongpoint at the Ochre barracks which was heavily defended by Red Company of the 1st, covering the roadblock at the junction with President Drive and Factory Road. A second strong Greenland element coming through the Umber Pass, infilitrated the city limits through the agricultural region to the north. Very quickly the barracks came under attack, and despite gallant resistance by the garrison the fort was overwhelmed, ferocious barrages of Greenland artillery forced the surviving defenders to withdraw. The roadblock then came under intense tank and small arms fire until it too was swept away by enemy artillery. To the north the Greenlanders advanced through the fields making slow progress thanks to stubborn resistance by Blue Company supported by the the Steel Fists.
The factory, held by Tan Company, and the HQ Platoon, supported by the Steel Fists only tank remained at their posts even during the shelling which disabled the tank. But luckily after much sacrifice the Greenlanders were held on the line of President Drive, with one of their tanks, disabled by a gallant Red Company grenadier, blocking the path onwards. As night fell, the Tansylvanian troops licked their wounds and prepared to counterattack. Meanwhile the Greenlanders took up positions on their side of what is now being called the President Line.
Long Live Tansylvania.
In case you didn't notice I commanded the Tansylvanians, and Tate, my grandson, the Greenlanders, and he kicked my ass. But we had a brilliant game, and the very simple rules allowed all manner of fun and heroic incident. We winged it on the artillery as this was a new addition to the armies, but it seemed to work. I shall be extending the rules slightly based on what I learnt from this game. On the plus side the Greenland engineer platoon who had the mission of destroying the factory and radio mast failed to reach their objective, so it was a bloody draw, honours even.
A view of Ochre from the north, the industrial complex at the back left.
Central Ochre as seen from the factories.
Red Company's roadblock position on President Drive.
Greenland artillery prepare to shell Tansylvanian positions.
Tan Company positons around the industrial complex.
Greenland armour starts it's advance along Highway 1, the Engineer platoon follow in their transport.
The barracks comes under attack.
The Steel Fists armoured cavalry arrive to support the right flank and a hard pressed Blue Company.
Their road block destroyed, Red Company withdraw, giving ground slowly.
A Blue Company anti tank team take up position.
Greenland infantry start to infiltrate the Tansylvanian right flank.
The defenders respond and engage the enemy flanking forces.
A fierce firefight ensues.
Following the destruction of their lead vehicle, the remainder of the Steel Fists swing into the alleyway to race to Blue Company's aid.
Private Mahogany of Red Company after succesfully blowing the track from the lead Greenlander tank, the junction now effectively blocked and Greenland's advance halted.
The survivors of Red Company regroup.
Thank you for looking.