Flames of War: Op GOODWOOD

Many years ago I had the good fortune to undertake a battlefield tour with my good friend Stephen. We noted at the time how shallow the infamous Bourgebous ridge appeared to be in this area.

In keeping with my theme to play as many Normandy actions on or close to the date they fell 80 years ago, the Wollongong Wargamers indulged me in a large game themed around the second day of Op GOODWOOD.

The scenario focussed on the western half of the battlefield, to feature as much as possible of both those British armoured division most heavily engaged.

Between us we have far more Cromwell tanks than Shermans in this scale, so the 7th Armoured Division would have to feature heavily! But I feel a particular affection for the Guards Armoured Division so we featured part of their area of operations on that fateful day.

When planning 12mm scenarios for evening games I try to balance two conflicting aims: a large sweeping game, but with objectives that allow in a quick result. 

But with this scenario I might have gone too far in making things challenging for the Germans!

Above: John and Daniel tweak the German plan...

Resulting in some fast redeployments!

Initially, Stuart's 7th Armd pushed hard for the centre objective, his infantry debussing early on to administer the coup de grace.

The Germans attention was drawn to the centre...

After battering the area with artillery and direct fire, the Rifle Brigade went in - only to be rebuffed by defensive fire!

The Germans sprang their ambush - Schwere Panzer Abteilung 503! Predictably their initial volley was devastating, but they then drew the fire of every Firefly in sight - the survivors soon withdrew.

Whilst all the attention - mine included with the Guards Armoured - was focussed on the centre, Stuart made a swift lunge for the far eastern objective, knocking out the Panther platoon defending it, to win the game in turn 5! If only the historical battle had been such a comparative walkover for the British!