In the world of tabletop wargaming, historical scenarios come to life in ways that allow us to explore and appreciate the events of the past. Today, we delve into a gaming adventure that took us to the iconic Son Bridge, a scenario featured in the Rapid Fire North West Europe scenario book.
Historically, Son Bridge witnessed the destruction by the Germans and its replacement with a Bailey bridge. However, our gaming group had recently acquired a beautifully crafted bridge from Jt Krieger (big thanks to JT for this fantastic addition!) that deserved its moment in the spotlight.
The Son Bridge scenario is designed as a challenging introduction to the game, making it accessible and exciting for both seasoned gamers and newcomers. It's a quick game, perfect for a leisurely afternoon of tabletop action, as it fits comfortably on a 4x4-foot gaming area.
What's unique about this scenario is that we decided to play it not just once, but twice, giving each side the opportunity to experience the challenge from both perspectives. This decision added an extra layer of excitement and unpredictability to our gaming session.
After the first game, we swapped roles, allowing each side to take on the roles of both the defenders and the attackers. This gave us a well-rounded understanding of the scenario and allowed us to explore different strategies and tactics.
As for the final scores, it ended in a draw with one victory for each side. Both games were skillfully played by Dave, who demonstrated his tactical prowess and adaptability on the tabletop.
In the end, our gaming adventure to Son Bridge was not just about recreating history but also about creating memorable moments, strategizing, and, most importantly, having a great time with friends. It's a testament to the versatility of tabletop wargaming, where even a small bridge scenario can provide hours of enjoyment and camaraderie.
Stay tuned for more gaming adventures and scenarios as we continue to explore the fascinating world of tabletop wargaming.
Turn 1, game one, Dave as the Germans advances on to the table via the tow path concealed US troops (or are they?) hide in the woods
The Son Bridge
Occupying one of the buildings along the tow path, the axis forces advance
Ambush #2, a US 57mm M1 anti tank gun fires at one of the Panthers, and grimace as the shell bounces off, and the next one...
On turn 6, British Cromwell tanks arrive to support the US Airborne - hussar!!!!!
....to no avail. One of the Panthers is a cracking shot, and brews up one of the Cromwells.
With the US airborne over run, an Axis victory is declared. The bridge is recaptured.
Game 2, after a cuppa and reset, the players swap sides, now Taff advances as the Axis forces and Dave takes control of the Allies. Dave uses a different set up to Taff's, and lures him further and further onto the field of battle.
Here you can see a couple of markers on and around the bridge - are they "hidden" or "dug in" troops? Or merely decoys?
Without having received any incoming Fire, and having tested to identify a couple of decoys, a shot rings out.
Ambush!!! The 57mm A/T gun beaches forth....
....damaging a Panther. The crew, shaken, turn tail and flee having failed their morale test.
Allied player turn 6, with the Germans re-taking the bridge, the US bazooka glances off the big cat's glacis plate, but the two arriving Cromwells distract it.
And bam, one Cromwell down, the Panther lurches forward for a point blank flank shot.
German troops rush to follow up and secure the bridge.
But that flank shot must have either passed clean through the turret and out the other side. Or more likely the novice loader panicked and loaded his thermos flask by mistake, for it was a costly miss. By turn 8 the mobile Allied artillery had arrived and overwhelmed, the cat fell to the remaining Cromwell.
Final tally was one win for the Allies. One for the Axis
