Visit to Central London Wargames Club

 I was staying down in London for a few days on a work-related trip. I took the opportunity to pop in to see the guys at the above club, which meets every Thursday evening in the function room of a pub near Mornington Crescent tube station - see their web page for details. 

There were three really interesting games being played. One was a fictional clash between the Royal Navy anD the Russian navy at the time of the Russo Japanese War; another an Ancients game between the Byzantines and Arab, and a fun sci fi game of Stargrave, which benefited from great, largely home made terrain.

The members were great fun and very friendly. Pop along if you live in London or are visiting the capital.

!Viva Franco! - Another win for the (slightly more) efficient Nationalists

The players swopped sides this time, although the Nationalists prevailed again. Despite having superior armour, one of the Republican T26s permanently broke down, whilst a Nationalist captured T26 took out an enemy armoured car and performed a solo flanking manoeuvre.

The highlight of the encounter was probably the when the CV33 tankettes came out fighting by machine gunning and 'flamethrowing' an International Brigade Company caught out in the open, completely annihilating them.

In the end the better quality of the Nationalists, and slightly better infantry support weapons, ensured another victory for the Francoists.

!Viva Espana!

Spanish Civil War Wargame

Carry on Up The Khyber - A ridiculous romp set on North West Frontier

The 3rd Foot and Mouth managed to be overrun in both plays at this scenario. An officer of the Raj, being held by the great Khazi of Khalabar, had to be freed from captivity. Nevertheless the 'stiff upper lip', along with good old fashioned British pluck, weren't enough to save them from the devious Afghan tribesmen who were not going to be 'taken up the Khyber'!

Prussians in action

The Prussians make an appearance in this game and they performed rather well. The highlight of the battle was When a regiment of Prussian lancers routed a regiment of French dragoons.

 

Team Yankee - Iran Iraq War

The Iraqis suffered a heavy defeat in this 'modern' game using Team Yankee rules. The Iranians delivered a left flank attack spearheaded by Chieftains, supported by TOW jeeps, which enabled their infantry to assault and take the objective. The Iraqi T72s were a big disappointment and could hardly land a blow against the Iranian M60s.

Also of note was the appearance of Cobra and Crocodile (Hind) attack helicopters. The Cobras had some limited success before falling prey to the Crocodiles. The Crocks had the run of the table thereafter, although failed to KO anything other than a solitary Chieftain.

Interestingly, both armies have some decent modern equipment, for the 1980s, although their training and skill levels leave a lot to be desired. The Iranians have better morale and can remount 'bailed out' vehicles more easily, which also helped give them the edge in this game.