Campaign: Operation Market Garden

With the start of 2024 comes a new year and a new Bolt Action campaign. After the great success of our Normandy Campaign we will now begin our play through of the infamous "Operation Market Garden". Much like our last campaign we will start with smaller 500pt battles gradually moving up to larger games as we settle into the campaign. The campaign will consist of 7 battles played out from the Airborne drops on 17th September 1944 up until the Airborne withdrawal from Arnhem on 25th September 1944. 

The battles will be played in the following order:

• Battle of the Wolfheze Woods
  
• Graber's Assault at Arnhem Bridge
  
• The Battle for Nijmegen
  
• River Crossing of the Wahl
  
• 107th Panzer Assault on the Son Bridge
  
• German attack on the Oosterbreek Perimeter
  
• Airborne Retreat
  

I will be playing with the same opponent over the course of the campaign with the idea to play one battle per month or two if our schedule allows for it.

 

The daring Operation Market-Garden would see British, Polish and US airborne forces capture key bridges throughout the Netherlands to allow XXX corps to roll through Arnhem and into Germany.

Very much looking forward to playing through this campaign with my opponent and, of course, documenting it all on this blog!

Signing off,

Chewie

Army Showcase: British Airborne

In preparation for next years "Market Garden" campaign I have been working on a British airborne force which is now finally finished (can an army every be finished?). The army is an infantry heavy British Airborne list with Operation Market Garden in mind but could easily be used for D-Day 6th Airborne in a pinch.

British 1st Airborne:

 Let's have a look at the units!

Lieutenant and man:

 

A simple two man squad with Sten guns and minor arm swap from the SS kit on the leutenant. I wanted to capture an 'Urquhart-esque' character so the mustache was a must.

Infantry Squad 1:

The three infantry squads are run as 8 man veteran squads with Bren LMG and loader. The sergeant is equip with SMG and there are many subtle conversions throughout such as arm swaps, head swaps and captured German weapons.

Infantry Squad 2:

 Squad 2 is set up identical to the above.

Infantry Squad 3:

 As is Squad 3!

Sniper Team:

One of my goals with this army was to replace all metal figures with plastic conversions and this sniper team is an example of that. The spotter is a simple conversion of plastic airborne bits pointing out his target while the Sniper is the prone body from the US airborne kit with a head-swap, gun-swap and British webbing. I think they really look the part of a deadly sniper team!

PIAT Team:

The PIAT team was put together using British Airborne sprue with no major conversions or changes. They do the job nicely!

Mortar Team:

 

This mortar team + spotter are completely converted from plastic bits with the Mortar being the only metal piece I kept from the original kit. I feel like they capture the frantic team very well and I have a detailed description of each model here.

Medium Machine gun Team:

Again this MMG team has been made from plastic conversion with the original metal gunner from the warlord starter army. I decided to go with a 'scenic' base showing the MMG positioned in some bombed out ruins with the two loaders bringing up ammo for the gunner. The gunners Lee Enfield rifle can be seen resting on the broken brick wall to the right. This was a fun build and each figure is removable from the base to depict casualties suffered by the team.

Medium Machine gun Team:

The infamous 'Free British Observer'! This was a simple kit bash using airborne parts and a radio made from paper-clips, a plastic ammo box and milliput. I like to imagine he's screaming co-ordinates to repel a German attack on the airborne pocket in Oosterbeek! 

6 pdr Gun:

 

This 6pdr gun will provide some much needed anti-tank support for the force! Once again all the metal crew replaced with plastic conversions. I also opted for a scenic base and all of the crew are removable. I have a detailed description on how this was made here.

Airborne Jeep:

The only vehicle in the entire list - the trusty Airborne Jeep! This is a rubicon 1/4 ton 4 x 4 utility truck kit and while Rubicon make absolutely stunning vehicles (the best 56mm kits by far in my opinion) I feel like the model is slightly too small for the bolt action scale and the crew definitely leave something to be desired. I tried a head-swap with airborne bolt action heads but the scale difference made it look ridiculous.  In any case when they are all out there on the table they look the part well enough!

That's it for the airborne army and I believe the whole thing comes out to ~1000pts with all the veteran infantry. It's been a treat to put this force together and the small conversions and making of the plastic crews was an excellent hobby experience. I really put a lot of effort into these guys and I hope that comes across. Things to add in the future would be a howitzer and maybe a Tetrarch tank!

Next up will be my SS army who will be fighting these guys in the 'Market Garden Campaign!'

Signing out,

Chewie. 



 

 

Kit Bash: Subtle Conversions for late war SS

Lately I've really enjoying bringing a touch of individuality to my models through subtle conversions. With a Market Garden Campaign on the horizon for next year, I felt inspired to add a personal touch to my SS troops who will play the part of the many kampfgruppen which were formed in response the allied landings.

These examples below are simple arm swaps with bits from the British Airborne plastic kit and the German Grenadiers plastic kit - both from warlord. 

This SS soldier with panzerfaust has his Kar98 slung over his shoulder. The arm and sling are from the British Airborne box with the Lee Enfield snipped off and replaced with a spare Kar98 from the German Grenadiers box. I think it really captures the feel of an exhausted soldier who's been marching for hours.

Likewise, this soldier running and swapping out his Stg44 magazine was a simple conversion made using a spare Stg44 from the SS kit and an empty arm from the British Airborne kit. I imagine him advancing under heavy fire while taking a fresh magazine from his bandolier. 

When placed together the figures look the part and capture the feeling of a small Kampfgruppen ready to push the Brits out of Arnhem!

As I continue to add to my 6th Airborne and SS armies I'm sure I will make many other conversions inspired by photos, other wargamers models and anything else I see. When complete I will be sure do post an army showcase for each army!

Signing off,

Chewie.

Battle Report: Armored clash

The half-track moments before its destruction

10th February 1945, The rumble of the Sherman's engine reverberated through the serene West German countryside as tank driver Greg Alexander, maneuvered down the narrow road. The rhythmic clatter of tank treads echoed the anticipation that hung in the air. As he rounded a bend, the peaceful landscape gave way to a scene of impending conflict. Before him stretched a column of German armor, ominous and unyielding. The tension inside the tank was palpable; each crew member understood the gravity of the moment. He gripped the controls with a mixture of determination and nerves, knowing that the fate of the impending clash rested on the steel shoulders of his Sherman. Little did he know, this quiet road would soon transform into the crucible of a fierce and decisive battle.

The immobilized Puma did not fire it's gun
for the whole game

The rolling fields echoed with the distant rumble of armor as the American half-track, a vital element of the Airborne's advance, moved cautiously forward. Suddenly, the tranquility shattered as a thunderous blast erupted from the treeline. A shell from a concealed German Stug III found its mark, sending the American half-track into a fiery explosion. Paratroopers inside were injured, and the shock of the blast rippled through the American ranks.

Undeterred, the German Panzer division pressed forward, but their advance was soon marred by a twist of fate. A well-aimed shot from an American Greyhound struck the German Puma, rending its wheels useless. The immobilized Puma became a focal point of the battlefield, as its crew desperately attempted repairs under the hail of bullets and shrapnel. However, the relentless pressure from the American Airborne kept the German mechanics at bay, leaving the Puma stranded throughout the entirety of the battle.

The Panzergrenadiers take cover behind the flaming
Stug III

In a strategic move, the American Sherman tank, advanced across the terrain and unleashed a devastating shell that struck the Stug III with precision. The German assault gun, once a formidable threat, now smoldered and billowed smoke. German infantry, having lost their mobile cover, sought refuge behind the burning wreckage and cried out for reinforcements.

As the battle raged on, the Luftwaffe attempted to turn the tide with a precision airstrike. However, misfortune struck when a rookie pilot mistakenly identified the German positions. In a tragic act of friendly fire, the airstrike targeted the wrong coordinates, claiming the life of the German lieutenant's attendant and further complicating the Panzer division's command structure.

Americans surge forward for the win

With the battlefield ablaze and the German forces in disarray, the American Airborne seized the initiative. Bolstered by their operational Sherman tank, the Americans surged forward, exploiting weaknesses in the fragmented German defenses. The immobilized Puma, the burning Stug, and the chaotic aftermath of the friendly fire incident left the Panzer division in disarray.

In the final moments, the American Airborne, with their Sherman leading the charge, overwhelmed the beleaguered Germans. The combination of firepower, strategic finesse, and a resolute will to win tipped the scales. The German Panzer division, now fragmented and demoralized, conceded defeat as the American forces pushed forward, securing victory in the fields of West Germany.

 

A convincing victory for the US forces with a final score of 10 victory points vs 4! Some unlucky rolls from my opponent sealed the deal with his Puma never passing an order after being immobilized in the first turn and his air strike rolling a 1 with me placing it onto his command unit. It was awesome to get all the vehicles out for this one and flat and open terrain of the board meant that maneuvering the tanks was important tactical factor that we both often forgot!

As usual can't wait for the next game of bolt action and perhaps time to start organising an operation Market Garden Campaign to play out in the next year!

Signing off, 

Chewie

Kit Bash: US Airborne Forward Radio Operator

 

US Airborne on a SCR-300 "Walkie Talkie" radio

The SCR-300 Walkie-Talkie was a significant technological advancement in military communications during World War II. Its portability and reliability made it a valuable tool for infantry units, allowing them to communicate effectively and adapt to changing battlefield conditions. Inspired by various photos I had seen I decided to try my hand at making a dedicated forward observer model for my US airborne army with one of these radios. Previously I had just been using my Mortar team spotter (a guy holding binoculars) who definitely looked the part but was a bit awkward if I ever wanted to field my spotter + observer in the same game.

 

 

The conversion is simple enough - I used a mixture of US airborne, US army and wargames atlantic french resistance pieces to make the full plastic model.  The radio is a US ammo box with a bit of broom bristle as antenna. The earpiece is a binocular with a german grenade head and a bit of wire. Finally I like the helmet off look and the resistance fighter head was a great fit.

All in all this was a simple conversion which I feel really captures the scene of the radio operator taking a rest and relaying some co-ordinates to the battery behind the line (or pilots in the air!). I hope it inspires others to use their bits boxes creatively to make some unique models!

Signing off,

Chewie.

 

 

Battle Report: Battle for Franqueville

The morning sun rose over the French town of Franqueville on a hot summer morning. Both American and German troops entered the now abandoned town with the sole goal of driving the other force from the field. As the two sides hastily ran to get into position, German troops, strategically positioned in upper-story windows, unleashed a barrage of gunfire upon the advancing American forces. Despite their efforts, the Germans found it difficult to land effective shots as the Americans sought cover behind debris and buildings.  

Undeterred, the US soldiers pushed forward, a determined look in their eyes. With orders ringing out, they charged toward a trench that had been hastily dug by the German defenders. Enemy fire continued to rain down, forcing some Americans supporting a flamethrower team to take cover, while others made it into the trench, hoping to gain a foothold and secure a key position. However, in direct response a group of determined SS Panzer Grenadiers, driven by fanatical devotion to their cause, charged forward with reckless abandon. Their shouts of fervor echoed through the air as they stormed toward the American-held trench cutting down all the Americans within including a bazooka team.

The German machine gun team fire from
an abandoned farm house

Americans advance to the trench under heavy fire

The American Lieutenant Jack Daniels then found himself isolated from his unit, a dangerous situation in the midst of combat. As he struggled to regain his bearings, a group of determined German soldiers closed in on him and stormed the building he was taking cover in. A fierce melee ensued, and despite his best efforts, the Lieutenant was overwhelmed by the enemy's superior numbers and fell.

Lieutenant Daniels is caught by the Germans.

The loss of their leader was a devastating blow to the American morale and the German troops seized the opportunity to press their advantage. With their spirits bolstered by this turn of events, they intensified their assault, gradually pushing the American forces back. However, a well placed mortar shot from the Americans landed in the top story of the farm house and killed the machine gun crew to the man, silencing the gun once and for all.

Amidst the chaos, the French Resistance emerged from a basement of smoldering farm house, armed and ready to contribute to the battle. "Viva le Resistance!" cried one of the resistance fighters as he aimed a Panzerfaust at an approaching German motorbike, hoping to deal a decisive blow. The rocket was fired with a deafening roar, streaking across the street. However, luck was not on their side, and the warhead narrowly missed its target, erupting in an explosion that sent shrapnel flying. 

 

The Resistance fighters ambush the motorbike!

As the battle wore on, the German troops displayed remarkable cohesion and discipline. Their well-coordinated attacks and effective use of cover allowed them to maintain control of key positions. Despite the American soldiers' courage and resilience, they struggled to regain their momentum.

The ferocity and unwavering fanaticism of the SS soldiers charging into the trench proved decisive in this harrowing engagement. In the end, the combined efforts of the German troops and their strategic positioning proved decisive. The US forces were gradually pushed back and eventually forced to retreat from the town. The German victory was hard-fought but resounding, as they successfully defended their positions and repelled the American assault.

Another cracker of a game of bolt action! The SS charging into the trench and killing the US flamethrower team was the real turning point in the battle and the US side seemed to have the upper hand before then, in the end it was a convincing German victory. We also had some new toys to play with today - The German motorbike with sidecar and the Resistance squad. We gave the resistance squad the rule that they could come out of reserve in any terrain piece (as long as it makes sense) so they emerged from one of the empty buildings to ambush the motorbike! It was an epic moment but unfortunately my opponent did not get lucky with the dice - but that's the beauty of bolt action!

Until the next game!

Signing out,

Chewie.

Battle Report: Capture the downed pilot.

German forces moving in on the pilot

On the cold November morning of 1944 allied planes engaged in a dog fight against a weakened Luftwaffe. A lone German ME109, already damaged from enemy fire, fought to stay airborne. However, its valiant struggle ended as it crashed into a nearby farm in Eastern France. The impact was thunderous, engulfing the area in a cloud of smoke and debris. The unexpected crash spelled it's own disaster as both allied and German intelligence were aware that the pilot of this plane had on his possession important documents crucial to the German war effort. 

Thus, a critical mission unfolded as British Commandos embarked on a daring operation to capture a downed enemy pilot carrying these crucial documents. However, their valiant efforts were soon met with unexpected challenges posed by the determined German forces. The British Commandos stealthily made their way through the treacherous terrain, moving cautiously towards the downed pilot's location. Encountering German resistance, tensions rose as both sides braced themselves for a fierce confrontation. 

SS Fanatics storm the wreckage but
there is no sign of the pilot or documents.

The wounded pilot began to stumble about the field and in his dazed state and walked straight into the hands of the British who quickly captured him, bound his arms and opened fire on the German forces arriving at the crash sight. In the midst of the chaos and uncertainty, a fierce exchange of fire erupted between the British Commandos and the German forces. 

The crack of gunfire reverberated through the air, intermingling with the deafening sounds of explosions and the screams of combatants. Both sides fought with unwavering determination, unleashing a storm of bullets upon each other, however, the German forces demonstrated their mettle.

They skillfully outmaneuvered the British Commandos, gaining the upper hand in the fierce battle. With superior tactics and unwavering resolve, the Germans pressed forward, determined to protect their position and prevent the capture of the downed pilot. A series of well placed MG42 shots coupled with the German Uberleutnant snapping his men to action at a critical time forced the British to go down lest they be cut down by the wicked fire. 

The commandos ask for appeasement from the hedge.

 A crack unit of SS veterans surged forward and assaulted the British driving them from the battlefield and securing the wounded pilot for themselves. Ordered to counter assault and drive the SS back, a British sergeant lost his mettle and instead called for a policy of appeasement attempting to let the Germans take the pilot if they would only hand over the documents. Unfortunately for the British, these calls fell onto deaf ears. The Germans forces under the intense fire from machine gun, rifle and sniper fire were able to secure the pilot and drag him to safety. In this intense encounter, the German forces showcased their exceptional combat prowess and strategic acumen.

The brave actions of the German soldiers, under heavy fire, successfully secured the downed pilot and the vital documents and won the day. The fate of the war, however, still hung in the balance.

A melee between SS and British forces.

Another excellent game of bolt action which ended in a convincing German victory. My opponent, commanding the British, made a few ill opportune moves and had his squads caught out of cover and some strong shooting from my infantry squads really turned the tide of the battle. I think he would have been better suited to use his early dice to set his squads on Ambush and wait for my men to leave cover to come capture the pilot he was escorting back to his own lines. Once again the game was so gripping I quickly forgot to take photos of some of the key turns and scenes but that's the beauty of this game, it is so immersive and leads to some real nail-biting situations! Can't wait for the next one!

Signing out,

Chewie.