Lads,
I believe this is the first time I present this, as a complete AAR, of a couple of games, set during Operation Driehoek, in February 1980. Basically one of the most common actions, of many a skirmish not only of the so called Border Wars (1966-89) but also of Portuguese actions in Angola (1961-74, specially with GE and Flechas) and Bush Wars (1964-79).
The Border Wars was a conflict the spans from 1966 to 1989, covering in geographical terms the south of Angola and north of Namibia. The area is cover in part by the Namibe Desert, but also some low grass lands with thorn-bush, acacias and baobab trees.
As most operations were on the Summer – December/April – the grass was dry, and the soil varies from a red clay version to a dark yellow sand/soil.
Creating the table top (1,2x1,2m)
Teddy bear fur mat – the red-sand variety – covering an area 1,2x1,2m.
Some elevations – GW ones here – that were later insert under the fur.
Now the first scenario asked for some geographic element of note (on real operation it was a tree and a particular shape natural rock outcrop) – so I go for a 1:72 Baobab, from Schleich (really announced as a 54mm piece, but checking the dimensions it passes for a big 1:72 version…….)
Some extra trees – Acacias’ types
Some torn-bush laying around – these are Aquarium plant mats, cut to size
Finally the rocks formations – in reality dried cork catch on the local beach, and use to represent not only rock formations, but also termite ants’ nests.
The first game, was basically a typical SADF raid, following some intel to capture a PoI or documents on an incursion by a SWAPO gang (also typical group of around 30 elements with a few RPG and RPD)
The first mission will see some SADF scouts team trying to captured at least a SWAPO element alive (or wounded) to extract information, leading on the whereabouts of the main group.
I believe the actions photos are enough to give you the story.
Figures by Liberation (some from the Rhodesian range, others from my Portuguese units, as we do not have proper figures at the time)
The cautiously approach by the SADF scouts
First SWAPO’s casualties, and their attempts to «bombshell»
But without success, and at least an injured SWAPO element was captured to get proper information on the main group.
Next scenario: get into the main group.
The second part of the scenario, using more or less a similar layout as the first scenario, just new items on the tabletop.
This asked for an abandoned mining facility, so some man-made buildings – in ruined or not ruined form – and it’s done.
The game
Again a similar SADF force, approaching from cover – air support available at call, if necessary.
They almost manage to reach firing positions without being detected
A deadly fire fight followed, with most casualties from the SWAPO forces (the SADF group only suffered a light wounded) and a total success with the infiltrating group eliminated (only a team of 4 SWAPO fighters manage to bombshell, but the main leader was KO)
Thanks for looking, comments welcome.
Faustnik
August 20, 2014, 12:42:35 AM