1/32 Beau Geste (Part 1/2)
Date:September 24, 2010.
We played a French Legion in North Africa game.
All figures are from Steven Swiers
A mixed patrol of cavalry and infantry supported by one Gatling machine gun, were on their way to check for hostile activities near a ruined desert village. The Arab players had the choice from where to enter the field and could use the cover of mountains and dunes. The Arab force had much cavalry, a camel unit and some infantry.
The French had a superior firepower, being able to shoot twice every turn.
We diced for who would take what side, and Geert and I would be French, Steven en Ronny Arabs. To maximise the advantage of the firepower, I decided it would be best not to do the obvious being: getting within the ruins as quickly as possible. I would be much better to take position on dunes having a clear view and good fire ranges. However, as we were "en route" for the ruins, we could not take any action before having spotted the enemy.
Ronny, with the cavalry, advanced quickly in sight as he wanted to prevent us to take cover in the village, enabling us to withdraw on the dunes.
Our move confused our opponents : Ronny dismounted part of his cavalry to enter the ruins and Steven infantry also went that way staring a firefight they could not win, losing a number of units in the process
After a number of rounds, the Arab players finally started a charge, with initial success, but having no reserves to follow up, and very lucky dicing on my side threw the assailants back with heavy losses. The arrival of reinforcements for the Arabs didn't change much as my dicing luck continued the charges dying out before coming in close combat.
A French victory. Steven en Ronny should have repositioned their forces, and opted a direct charge. Seen the casualties inflicted by their crippled charge, this would surely have resulted in overrunning the French position.
Dirk Donvil
Belgium
Many thanks to Mr. Donvil.