Firestorm: Red Thunder

Had the chance to get in an evening game with Bstann on Friday night. Knowing I would be facing a Russian Horde I can be my own worst enemy, but I must lead by example and take them on face to face. It is not about me. It’s for NATO, and the HOF of course.

**This is only my second Battle Report and learning from your comments and suggestions. Please note I may have a few terms wrong, typos, and sure there are flaws LOL **

CAMPAIGN NO RETREAT / 100 PT
DRAW 3 to 3

NATO (Klute)
Mech HQ
M113 - x 4 Dragons
M113 - x 4 Dragons
M113 - x 3 Dragons
M1 - 4
M901 x 3
M109 x 6 x Mines & Copperheads
Fist
M163
A-10 x 2

Russians (Best I could remember) (Bstann)
BMP 1- 2
BMP 2- 1
Recon
T-64 x (10)
Gopher

Setting the table was just as fun as playing the game. Bstann has an amazing selection of terrain and scenario to select from. We set up an open industrial area, a small city area in the middle, and beat up housing area. Every table needs an 8 Story High Rise Apartment complex.

I chose the open Industrial Area which shocked Bstann, thinking I would have taken the dense building side of the table for my Mech Company. I saw allot of opportunity for choke holds taking this side. Knowing I have 4 Minefields, and 2 more possible from minelets, and after reading the Russian Horde 101 Made Easy Book, I had another plan….. More to follow. Additionally, I wanted an open area and line of sight, when my deep reserves would show up. Of course I would successfully Blitz on the table and have an open field of fire and would not be blocked by any terrain.

Deployment: Deep Reserves Ouch! I deployed Alpha, Bravo, and Charlie Company Mech Platoons. Keeping them in cover in the woods, and over in the factory buildings. (See photo above) Arty tucked away in the wheat field in the back corner of the table, and the ITV had a great look down Main Street in the middle of the table contesting the objective. Our Fist was able to tuck into a nice line of sight next to the train station. I was very happy with the deployment and placement of the minefields. It was Night time, I had several chock points, the minefields would delay his advance until I started rolling 5+ on turn 3. All I had to do is sit back and wait and enjoy my cup of coffee……

Bstann only had 2 Platoons to deploy. Bstann was prepared for me and knows I have a passion for minefields, so he was prepared and took as many mine plows of course. He deployed a thousand infantry stands and BMPs in the middle of the table right behind the high rise, and deployed the other thousand stand to the far left. Luckily his scouts were limited to their Spearhead Deployment.

Bstann moved his infantry company into the High-rise. Well at least as many as he could fit. Additionally, his infantry were close enough to minefields for a mine clearing order on the right side. His second infantry company moved to the left to occupy buildings while his BMPs moved to choke point 1 to the left of the table. Vision was limited and hitting on 7s was not successful. Quick turn.

Now it was time for my turn to execute my plan after reading Horde 101 Made Easy Book. I gave the order that no Commander wants to make, but has too. Push up the M113s into the open choke points that did not have minefields and spray and pray. They sprayed, they prayed, and the better pray again as their shooting was not very successful. But they are all in place. I was able to range in on the High-Rise and Arty team went to work. I can't remember the number of dice I rolled, but did not have enough to roll at one time. Pinned the infantry, and the bullet proof couches in the high rise only managed to kill two stands. We heard them laughing at us. Remainder of the Platoons stayed low in the cover of darkness.

I got caught up on the battle as my mine fields were being removed, and BStanns Immediate reserves were stolling onto the table, I knew I was in trouble. I was not able to track turn by turn, but will give you all the readers digest version of the remained of the game. His Scout car and infantry started to move towards the objective in the center of the table. His tanks were moving to my right flank. I knew I was in trouble when Bravos M113s pushed up to spray and pray on the infantry in the open 4 ½ inches away and rolled snake eyes and could not see them in the night I had a major problem. Bstann ripped apart my M113s. But they did provide the result I was looking for causing obstacles and delaying the hordes movement forward. Alpha Company was very successful on the left flank as night was glowing with burning BMPs. Bravo and Charlie never got off a single shot hiding in the buildings. They were able to delay the Horde as they moved cautiously through this area. Charlie Company’s burning M113s also provided obstacles for the right flank. The fight was focused on the middle of the table. Now hundreds of infantry charging for the objective. My ITVs were only able to shoot their AA guns at the charge.

It stayed dark to the bottom of turn 5. My reserves once again were all back at the Enlisted Club and never arrived. It was late in the night and both commanders were exhausted, and evaluated the battlefield. And I ran out of storage on my Ipad for photos. We shook hands and called it a night.

We both agreed it was a great and bloody battle, but would have taken us late into the evening. Based on the numbers of infantry he had remaining they would have continued to contest the objective, and I would have been able to reduce the numbers over the next two rounds, but with the number of infantry remaining, would have resulted in a draw. My reserves would eventually roll in and tackle the flanks movement. We agreed a Draw and neither won using the Losers 3VP for destroying 2+ Units.
I always enjoying getting in a friendly game in with BStann. We laughed, we cringed, and of course you always second guess what you did...

The most important, it was a fun game. That is the priority for me, and will take a loss if it’s a fun game any day. I have not had any success in with a victory against the Horde. But a Draw, I will take and getting closer. The Minefields and sacrificing my M113s to create obstacles for the Horde did delay the advance. Not sure if night helped me on this game. Not being able to utilize my Fist and Copperheads and utilize my Dragons by the limited site, allowed the Russians to get in close quickly and then my Dragons were useless. Deep Reserves are rough if you have the same dice I have, and tease you on fours. I am planning to ground Air Support at this time. Last two games the pilots never left the Officers Club. Those points can be used for additional ground support. Great game Bstann and thank you once again for hosting the game late in to the evening.

Sorry NATO I tried to protect the HOFF....