The Battle for Stanford : Operation Sealion

Has been a busy gaming week as I managed to squeeze a midweek game in. The Germans having captured New Inn Green have sent a small reconnaissance force north up the B2068 looking to discover the extent of any British counter attack. At the same time the Allies have sent a small reconnaissance force south to assess the progress of the german offensive. They meet in the small village of Stanford. Both forces have a clear objective to ascertain the whereabouts of the enemy and if possible capture the village.

It was a small battle introducing a new player to bolt action rules so we had small forces about seven units per side, no heavy armour and only a few photos. It kind of shows why I like these open ended campaigns as I can play almost any scale of game but still fit it into the wider context. Anyway on with the action.....

German Kradschutzen immediately race up to the village centre on turn one, not sure if it is covered by the rules but we gave them recon rule which seems eminently sensible. In the distance German infantry supported by an MG34 are moving through the fields.

A rapidly form militia unit from the village have decided to take refuge in the church with a view to defending their homes from the Hun, they come under fire from the road and start to waver in their resolve

A view from behind german lines, infantry pushing forward they have an SdKfz 222 in support but they are well ahead of the main force who are about 5 miles behind getting off the beaches.

Another unit of infantry moving towards the church, and allied Matilda 1 has just appeared moving slowly down the main road.

On the other side of the church, British infantry are working their way through the church yard, the Homeguard having found their courage made it into the church.

The two armoured cars face off across the orchard and back gardens, whilst more allied infantry attempt to outflank the German advance. I missed a few pictures here but brutal fighting has seen the church changes hands twice. First the Homeguard were chased out.........

but eventually the British infantry is able to push through the church and out flank the Germans on the left, at the same time the Matilda 1 has trundled down the main road.

 

The Germans recon force is now over exposed, the Kradschutzen abandoned their bikes and although the other infantry continue to return fire from the hedgerow, the slow advance of the Matilda and the CS9 mean the game is up, the Germans begin to pull back leaving the allies holding the village. Their job done they settle down for a cup of tea, not realising they are the only force holding the main advance route for the Germans driving north to Canterbury, they are in for a surprise the next morning !

A fun battle showing how flexible bolt action is 😀