So that we are consistent in our umpiring of the separate games on May 21st, I thought it might be helpful if I copied what Richard did for Crete and Stalingrad and produced a set of Umpire's Guidelines. Indeed, parts of this briefing are cribbed directly from his work!

Although the Malaya game is again a large and challenging project, it really consists of three quite large games rather than one massive one. Lardak, the battle we are fighting, is effectively a simulation of the battle of Kampar, which took place about a third of the way down Malaya between 28th December 1941 and 3rd January 1942. There, the Japanese launched attacks against a British position over a number of days and from three distinct directions. At Lardak, we will be compressing time and space and have all three Japanese attacks happening at the same time. I would highly recommend that you read an account of Kampar before the 21st, just so you have an idea of what we will be trying to recreate. There is a good one in the Liongate scenario pack, very reasonably priced at just £6!

The Lardak game takes place over three tables, with each of you handling one table. Can I suggest that Richard takes Table One/Itchi in the centre; Nick takes Table Two/Ni to the right; and Noddy takes Table Three/San, perpendicular to the other two on the left. As Senior Umpire my role will be to oversee the interaction between the tables (potentially a major part of the game); to deal with external factors such as air strikes; to help adjudicate artillery firing; and to take all the credit when things go as brilliantly as I expect them to.

Below you will find a Game Overview giving a brief summary of what's happening on each table; an overall "campaign" map; and then a map of each table. Following that are details or expanded rules on such things as terrain, artillery etc. Finally I attach the British and Japanese briefing documents that provide a lot of background and additional information. The British pack, in particular, contains a lot of information about the mindset and quality of the units involved: and it would be nice if we could introduce some aspect of this into the game by letting it colour some of our decisions. As an example, the 1st Independent Company was being trained for commando missions behind enemy lines, and comprised all the hard cases of other British units: either volunteers for such duty, or those who's CO had taken advantage of the opportunity to ship out troublemakers! Historically they fought brilliantly, but were known for their indiscipline and a tendency to fight anyone and steal anything! Sort of like the Wild Bunch.

Prior to the day itself, I also hope to be able to pass on to you the summary orders documents from each commander. These will give you who is controlling what and where.