WWII Soviet Invasion of Poland, 1939

The Soviets took the opportunity to invade Poland 16 days after Nazi Germany did, in 1939. Poland was in an impossible position, having to fight a war on two fronts, and were hopelessly outnumbered. After 20 days the Red Army had overcome all resistance.

In this refight the Polish 75mm French field gun, and 40mm Bofors AA gun, managed to KO most of the Soviet BT7s, to achieve a defensive victory.

WWII Eastern Front - A Sad Day for Fine Art and Antique Furniture

This game became somewhat lopsided when the Soviet T34/76s managed to get the better of a Panther and 3 Panzer IVs to win the tank battle aspect of the game. The German infantry were then forced to 'make a run for it' over open ground without armoured support. This proved to be foolhardy and predictably disastrous, especially when the Russian infantry battalion defending the village was reinforced with yet another infantry battalion in turn three.

There was also a sub plot in which a German general was attempting to flee with his looted fine art and antique furniture, which was stored in a number of trucks. This was assumed to have been lost or destroyed as the trucks were all stuck behind a KO'd Panther which was blocking the road.

Either way, not a great day for the German army, it is fair to say. Nor for collectors of fine art and antique furniture.

Romania 1944

The Romanians went from neutrality, to an alliance with the Axis, through to  switching sides to join the allies, during the course of the war. This battle represented the point at which the Romanians turned on their German and Hungarian allies and stood in the way of their attempted retreat form the oncoming Soviet hordes.

In our battle, the Axis commanders were confused as to whether they should try to break through the Romanian lines, or defeat them in open battle. The Romains managed to hold back their former allies (using some of their gifted armour and equipment!) through clever use of AT guns, and a certain degree of defence in depth.

September 1939

A dismounted Polish cavalry formation desperately defend a treeline against the surging German panzers. Towards the end of the game, the Poles had lost most of their anti-tank capability and their infantry defending the village were hard pressed.

Two players were left to finish the game as the rest of us left the club for the evening, so we are unsure of the final result. Either way, some great early war armour on display!

Escape from Budapest

In this hard fought scenario, a rag tag group of Germans and Hungarians make an attempt to break out of the encirclement of Budapest and make for Vienna. The Axis remnants, which included some Panthers, Stugs, infantry and cavalry formations, were further hindered by truck loads of wounded personnel.

Despite being significantly outnumbered by the Soviets lying in wait for them, somehow a handful of Germans and Hungarians managed to escape off board, including some cavalry, infantry and a truck load of wounded men.

Heroes of the 'Great Escape' from Budapest