The lad has gone back to university this weekend so his room and desk are free for me to set up some games. I won this one on eBay for a very good price, unpunched and in pristine condition, so I thought I'd give it a try out. The rules are very straightforward so I'm hoping it will be a good reintroduction to hex and counter wargaming, after a long time off doing other things.
As it was my birthday earlier this week I decided to treat myself to a second hand copy of DVG IAF Leader, which covers the Israeli Air Force campaigns from 1948 all the way to the present day. It arrived yesterday and what a hefty box it is, packed full of counters, cards, rules and a nice mounted board, all in excellent condition. Brilliant!
Here's my proposed add on for Corvette Command to determine what happens when a merchant ship sinks and if some or all of the crew abandon ship and get picked up. It's a bit less complicated than my original idea, on the basis that basic is better.
When a ship is hit roll a 1d6 on this table:
1 = Sinks on an even keel
2 = Goes down by the bow
3 = Goes down by the stern
4 = Breaks in half
5 = Capsizes
6 = Raging Fire / Tanker or Ammo Ship Explodes
Next, roll for a successful abandon ship and pick up for some of the crew (it is assumed that some will go down with the ship but most will get to the boats / rafts or into the water)
ACTIVE = CREW (Ship Tonnage / 1000) e.g. 6000 /1000 = 6
PASSIVE = THE SEA (use weather as base: Good = 1 / Poor = 3 / Fog or Snow = 5)
Apply Difficulty Modifiers
Sinks on Even Keel = +2 to CREW
Sinks Bow / Stern first = +1 to SEA
Breaks in Half = +2 to SEA
Capsizes = +3 to SEA
Raging Fire = +4 to SEA
Explodes = +5 to SEA
Night Time = +1 to SEA
Oct-March = +2 to SEA
June-August = +2 to CREW
In Air Gap = +1 to SEA
Canadian Sector / Western Approaches = +1 to CREW
Note: maximum modified value is 10, minimum is 1.
Roll on the RESOLUTION TABLE.
A successful roll means the crew abandon ship and are picked up by a rescue ship, a merchant, a convoy escort or by ASR amphibian if in home waters.
A failed roll means that they either go down with the ship, or do not get picked up and are adrift at sea, missing presumed dead.
I did consider adding an extra 1d6 roll to determine if the ship goes under slowly or fast, but that seemed a bit too detailed. I also thought of an additional 1D10 roll to see how many crew managed to survive (as a percentage of the whole crew) but again that seemed like a bit too much to add on.
I'll try this system out next convoy to see how it works.
February 1942
HMCS Windflower
Slow convoy (SC/71) of sixty five merchant ships from ST JOHNS to LIVERPOOL
14th February
Weather fog with snow showers on departure from ST JOHNS, although sea state dead calm. E/S may well take advantage of poor visibility to lurk off shore. Convoy commodore orders immediate zig zagging as precaution, although some older merchant vessels find it difficult to maintain position.
13.35 Torpedo hits MV Atlantan (7000t) with cargo of steel, which shifts causing capsize. Some of the crew picked up by rescue ship SS Bury (1700t) but she is also torpedoed while picking up survivors and goes down quickly by the bow. SOE orders all escorts to begin co-ordinated ASDIC and RADAR sweep for E/S.
14.15 ASDIC picks up close range (300yds) contact and depth charge attack set for shallow depth, tight pattern, no luck! ASDIC contact subsequently lost but re-acquired at medium range (1800yds), with faint trace. E/S successfully evades, probably going deep. CO orders extra lookouts and ASDIC on constant watch, as wolfpack now presumed to be tracking convoy.
15th-16th February
Weather improves with good visibility and calm seas, although haze makes it difficult for lookouts to observe E/S. Crew on action stations, constant watch.
11.47 RADAR detects contact on surface at long range (3100yds), bearing 087 degrees, but lookouts unable to confirm E/S due to haze.
12.13 Torpedo hit on MV Empire Liberty (7000t), ship settles slowly as cargo of grain absorbs damage and limits flooding of No1 hold. Crew abandon ship and picked up.
13.05 Torpedo hit on MV Dunboyne (3000t), general cargo, goes down by the stern sinking quickly but most of crew picked up from the water.
RADAR contact with E/S lost. Assumed to have withdrawn due to lack of torpedoes but may well return after dark. CO orders constant RADAR and ASDIC watch.
02.45 RADAR detects surface contact at medium range (1800yds), bearing 242 degrees. Star shell fired to illuminate but no visual identification. Course set to intercept but E/S evades, using convoy as cover.
03.01 Torpedo hit on tanker MV George H. Jones, (12000t), lubrication oil. Fire breaks out forward but contained by crew, allowing them to abandon ship via stern life rafts. Torpedo tracks comb two ships in convoy.
03.05 Torpedo hit on ammunition ship SS Arica (5000t), explodes, no survivors. RADAR confirms E/S contact lost, the explosion no doubt letting the U-Boat slip away.
February 17th-28th
Weather deteriorates to fog and snow then full Force 10 gale, with high seas and storm force winds. This shakes off the U-Boats but life very uncomfortable for ships complement, as galley fires out and mess deck swamped.
February 29th Arrive LIVERPOOL.
That was a bad convoy for HMCS Windflower, with some poor lookout rolls allowing the U-Boats to strike without being attacked in return, while the weather once again gave the enemy an edge. The RADAR and ASDIC crews did comparatively well but the wolfpack overwhelmed the convoy at one point, leading to six ships being lost including the rescue ship. In the wash up, however, it was still an minor allied victory and was followed up by some useful crew upgrades for the ship's complement, who are now veterans of four convoys.
I aqiured a second hand copy of Avalon Hill's Raid on St Nazaire a few years ago, only to discover that the rulebook was in a terrible state, having been cut up and badly laminated, even though the rest of the game was in a good condition.
Today I discovered that the rulebook can be downloaded from BGG as a pdf, so I can now print it off and actually play it. This is great as I've always wanted to try it out, as it's ideal for solo use and has a really good reputation as a challenging, highly tactical game.
I've been thinking of a way to determine what actually happens to ships in Corvette Command when they are hit and sunk by torpedoes. I'm going to try to work out a mechanism to determine how and why a merchant ship or tanker sinks, the fate of the crew and their chances of being rescued. There's a really good and detailed system in Arctic Command but I want something nice and simple to bolt on to the existing rules in Corvette Command, which just allow for the type and tonnage of the ship hit.
The initial idea is to take the tonnage and divide it by 1000 to give an active number for the resolution table, to roll against a passive number using the U-Boats attack rating, based on the idea that the larger the ship the longer it takes to sink and the lesser the impact of a torpedo hit, against the skill of the U-Boat commander in hitting the target in the right place. There would then be modifiers for time of day, weather, type of cargo carried, risk of explosion or fire, location and chances of a rescue ship or air sea rescue coverage and so on.
It's all a bit sketchy at the moment but I think it wouldn't be too difficult to work something out?
I played the last of three convoy escort missions for my Corvette Command campaign the other day but haven't had time to write an after action report yet. I'll do that tomorrow, as it was a fairly eventful crossing with lots of action including another wolfpack attack which inflicted some significant losses, although not enough to tip the scales in the Kriegsmarine's favour just yet.
The end of three convoys did, however, mean that my Lookout, RADAR, ASDIC, AA gun, depth charge and engineering teams got to roll for a skills upgrade, as they had all been in action and had achieved some positive results. The crew of HMCS Windflower have now boosted all of their skill levels by +1 apart from the AA gunners who are stuck on a 2, perhaps down to their dodgy maintenance of the pom pom, and the 4'' gun crew who failed to hit anything and are still on a 1.
Incidentally, the depth charge team sank a U-Boat in the first game, so got to roll for a skills upgrade too as it was a confirmed sinking. The CO has been awarded a DSC for closing to engage the enemy on several occasions, sinking an enemy submarine and demonstrating a high level of aggression in command of HMCS Windflower, not to mention maintaining a happy ship with an efficient, well trained crew. Hip Hip Hooray!
The enemy will now have to deal with a level 3 RADAR operator for starters, with much of the ship's complement on a solid level 2, so I'm looking forward to hunting down some more U-Boats! The next convoy will be leaving Liverpool in a few days time, after the ship has re-fuelled, re-armed and re-provisioned, with the campaign now half way through February 1942, although I have yet to roll up the exact composition or route that it will take. I'm try to get a game in tomorrow, if I can find the time?
I've been after a copy of Avalon Hill's classic solo game B17 Queen of the Skies for ages but they go for ridiculous prices and are often in the US, so too expensive to import. Luckily, I've found this free print and play equivalent, which looks really good and not at all dis-similar in terms of set up and game play, so I'm going to try it out instead. It's had some really good reviews on FB, so I'm optimistic that it will be worth all that printer ink. The graphic design is by Mike Haught as well, which means it looks amazing!
I backed this print and play Kickstarter a few months ago but have only just got round to downloading the files for printing out. It's a solo tactical wargame of WW2 infantry and armour in NW Europe, a bit like Rifles in the Ardennes from what I've managed to gather, although the mechanics are different. I really like the artwork as well, which has a nice sepia, toned down quality to it. I'm planning to print and laminate all the bits at some point in the next few weeks and give it a try out when I have the time.
My New Year's Resolution this year is to play more board wargames, some old favourites and some new additions to the collection, most of which are second hand but in very good condition. For my presents this year, I have a quartet of great games, most of which can be played solo, especially Phantom Leader and Wing Leader, both of which I'm very keen to get started on.
I've also bought myself some more games including Panzer Blitz, as I'm a veteran Panzer Leader player and love the game, as well as Lock n' Load Band of Heroes, so I can try out the Lock n' Load system. I've also just got hold of Manoeuvre by GMT, which ticks all the boxes for Beer and Pretzels wargaming, although not so great for solo play. I'm hoping to really dig into board wargaming again after having neglected this side of the hobby for far too long.
January 1942
HMCS Windflower
Fast convoy (ON/59) of forty nine merchant ships from LIVERPOOL to HALIFAX, Nova Scotia
23rd January
After slight delay due to bomb damage to docks, convoy departs LIVERPOOL in poor weather, with rain showers and heavy swell.
24th - 26th January
Good progress made despite inclement weather on passage North of Ireland. Weather partially clears as depression blows through but met office forecast for crossing is not good.
27th January
Poor weather returns overnight, with rain squalls and intermittent light snow fall as temperature drops to below freezing.
09.46 Report of Coastal Command Avro Anson ditching due to icing in proximity of convoy. HMCS Windflower dispatched to conduct area search in last known position. A/C not located and crew assumed missing, presumed dead. C/O informed that this was a high priority research flight testing new A/S radar equipment, now assumed to have been lost with the A/C. At least Jerry didn't get his grubby hands on it!
28th - 29th January
Weather deteriorates further to fog and intermittent blizzard conditions. Visibility reduced and risk of collision evident but good seamanship and a sharp lookout prevents any problems.
30th January - 1st February
Three days of rough weather, with high seas and storm force winds. Galley fires out so crew on cold rations and nutty. At least the U-Boats will be forced under for the duration.
2nd February
Storm blows itself out with fog and snow showers reducing visibility, although sea state now light swell rather than choppy. HMCS Windflower ordered to search for three convoy stragglers, scattered by the storm, using RADAR and lookouts to locate missing vessels.
15.23 Lookout reports E/S on surface, bearing 030, 800yds off starboard bow. Identified as Type VII. 4'' gun at action stations, gets off two rounds, first falling short but second very close. Good show!
E/S crash dives but ASDIC fails to make contact. E/S assumed to have gone deep and escaped. Number One, a pre-war artist of some repute no less, has made a rather good charcoal sketch of the action now hanging on the wardroom bulkhead.
Stragglers not located so HMCS Windflower re-joins convoy.
3rd - 5th February
Slight improvement in weather conditions but fog and snow soon return after a brief break in the overcast. Visibility poor and constant watch kept in case of collision.
Inspection reveals storm damage to aft Mk VIII AA pom-pom mount, with traverse mechanism seized and one breech jammed by salt water corrosion. Temporary repairs made but AA now U/S until parts can be replaced alongside in Halifax.
6th February
Arrive HALIFAX. No ships lost to E/S whilst under convoy escort but three stragglers still missing. Subsequent ASR search locates lifeboat from M/V Algonquin (7000t). Survivors confirm sinking by E/S. No trace of M/V Ceronia (8000t) or M/V White Crest (4000t) assumed lost with all hands.
END
That was a much quicker game, mainly due to the weather which prevented a U-Boat attack and because I now have a good grasp of the rules so don't need to keep checking things.
I now have seven days to repair, rearm and refuel before HMCS Windflower is back on escort duty!
Weather remains good, with calm seas and good visibility. Lookouts on high alert as conditions ideal for E/S attack.
10th / 11th January
Weather still good due to high pressure system over Eastern Atlantic.
20.15 M/V Snowden (4000t) hit by torpedo. Crew taken off. U/Boat detected at long range by ASDIC, bearing 156. Tanker M/V Missouri (8000t) hit by torpedo and explodes. Survivors rescued but most of crew lost. Convoy reports several torpedo tracks spotted.
01.47 Suspicions of a Wolfpack confirmed by RADAR contact with surfaced E/S, bearing 230, but lookout could not locate as down moon and at long range. Torpedo tracks spotted by convoy but only one vessel hit, cargo liner SS Talbot Castle (10000t), crew and passengers taken off.
03.16 Torpedo hits M/V Sennen (4000t), cargo of ammunition explodes with no survivors, followed immediately afterwards by hit on MV Gratton (5000t), with crew picked up from lifeboats. No RADAR or ASDIC contact made but suspect E/S had launched spread of torpedoes.
03.40 M/V Portland Bay (4000t) hit by torpedo, crew abandon ship. A solid RADAR contact, bearing 178, with surfaced E/S at long range but lookout fails to locate. Suspect E/S submerges to evade detection.
05.46 Torpedo tracks spotted by lookout and torpedo closing HMCS Windflower located by ASDIC, evasive manoeuvres, torpedo passes down starboard side but fails to hit.
05.50 Torpedo hits tanker, M/V Shell Adventure (8000t) with cargo of aviation fuel, explodes with no survivors. RADAR contact with surfaced E/S confirms it has moved to long range, then lost as probably submerged.
A costly night for the convoy but most survivors successfully picked up by daybreak.
Weather generally good but deteriorates to poor conditions, with moderate swell and some rain showers. No further enemy activity as now within air cover of Coastal Command and destroyer escort Western Approaches.
15th January
Convoy arrives LIVERPOOL, in poor weather. Over night a bombing raid by E/A on docks and roadstead. HMCS Windflower engages with AA and claims one aircraft shot down. P/O Boucher and gun crew congratulated by C/O. Huzzah! No hits on convoy.
END
That was a dramatic convoy with an attack by a Wolfpack of four U-Boats in ideal conditions at night. It was very hard to detect them, even with RADAR and eight ships were sunk, making a total of ten overall for the convoy. This means the Kriegsmarine have won a Minor Victory, having sunk 69000 tonnes of shipping, although they did lose a U-Boat in the process. I now have six days to repair, rearm and refuel before HMCS Windflower heads back across the North Atlantic with a new convoy!
January 1942
HMCS Windflower
Slow Convoy (SC/63) of fifty merchant ships from St John's, Newfoundland, to Liverpool.
3rd January
Departed St John's in good weather and calm seas.
On A/S drill ASDIC U/S due to serious electrical fault and lookout reported that bridge range finder damaged by water penetration. C/O not amused.
Immediate repairs made to ASDIC set and range finder to be dismantled and lenses replaced. ASDIC now fully operational.
US Radio broadcast reports heavy bombing of Liverpool overnight.
4th / 5th January
Weather deteriorates to fog and snow showers. Danger of collisions in reduced visibility but good convoy discipline prevents any problems.
6th January
Weather slowly improves although still poor with heavy swell but visibility much better.
Bridge range finder now fully repaired.
Weather now good with high air pressure and low temperatures but excellent visibility. Clear skies and long nights will bring U-Boats, so lookouts on full alert.
19.47 U-Boat detected by ASDIC at long range during the night but evades and contact is lost. Several torpedo tracks identified by convoy.
M/V Texas Star (11000t) with cargo of aviation fuel hit by torpedo and blows up. No survivors.
ASDIC maintains contact and two depth charge attacks made, with E/S forced to surface. Identified as a Type VIIC (U82). Crew abandon E/S and picked up by launch but U-Boat sinks before boarding party can get aboard. Suspect scuttling charges detonated by crew before they abandoned E/S.
TO BE CONTINUED....
That was a really good start to the campaign with plenty of opportunities to try out the key elements of the rules. I've only moved four sector squares due to zig zagging and the U-Boat attacks, with the wolfpack following up the first attack, but it's been a lot of fun so far. I also made lots of notes which always slows things down a bit but the actual game play is quite quick, especially when there is a blank sector counter.
So far, I've had one random event and one U-Boat attack, as well as a mechanical breakdown in the very first turn, so pretty busy on the bridge of HMCS Windflower. At least a Type VIIC has been sunk and the C/O will get a DSC, while the ASDIC operator will get his mention in dispatches, just like my grandfather in very much the same circumstances!
Keep tuned for the next instalment.
