Great game tonight - played through Scenario 5 from Surfs Up in full (last week we had a couple of trial turns).
ANZACS sent one platoon via the jungle side of the table and 2 platoons plus Company HQ toward the rubber plantation on the opposite flank. The VC security bravely raised the alarm before retreating very rapidly (Awe effect!) off the table.
The NVA then intercepted with a platoon on each flank. All went well on the jungle flank as dug in AA HMGs and light mortars supported the platoon and the ANZACs were forced back with casualties mounting.
Things were going reasonably well in the rubber plantation with the ANZACs aging forced back caring numerous dead. Unfortunately the Aussie Hog gunship support then arrived and caused bloody havoc. The ANZAC superior command played heavily as they recovered and pressed forward.
Where was the NVA third platoon I hear you ask - lost in the damn tunnel leading from the jungle to the middle of the village! They are probably still wandering……
So , just as the NVA were getting the upper hand on the jungle flank the artillery support arrived covering the jungle tree line where the mortars and AA HMGs were entrenched. Bang goes the NVA fire support.
A clear military victory for the ANZACs with two thirds of the NVA MIA or heavily shocked (beyond the point of Awe) and the VC having legged it,
However, a political victory for the forces of Communism due to the high number of ANZC dead and several dead villagers - killed in the attempt to clear the paddy fields of VC!
Great fun!
Nick Bellamy
