'Operation Archery' - Vaagso, Dec 1941

 Another excellent, though shorter WW2 bash today, with a scenario borrowed from the old Rapid Fire 1st ed (green book). Op Archery was the first real test of the new British Commando concept, and met with great success.

'Reservation? Sorry, we seem to be full at the moment...'

A good test also of FoB/Battle Command WW2 spotting, smoke, platoon level version rules and objectives added to normal attrition rules.

The lighthouse, made from loo roll, with a tea-light inside, to make it totally realistic...

The Commandos despite being met with resistance on Maaloy Island, had great success on the mainland, taking the German HQ and causing horrendous casualties, whilst clearing and blowing objectives - but still a great game.

'Welcome to Vaagso. our lighthouse is actually a loo roll!'

Commandos blow the light-house

Commandos landing on Maaloy Island have a much tougher time

...and YES - the old Airfix coastal defence installation finally gets some use...

As the main groups move inland...

Reserve group is committed very early, to take down the armed trawler and the first of the Fish Oil factories

Some resistance, but eventually makes its way in

Going is slow (bad cards and rolls at the start) but steady

Maaloy becomes a stalemate, though does prevent teh coastal guns from firing inland

As German defenders give further resistance - scattered across the village

A factory taken, but not blown yet

German defenders overwhelmed in the centre of town

The single Panzer had its work cut out, and is forced back to defend the HQ/Hotel

...but the commandos, with superb shooting, manage to take down much of the resisting garrison

...and start taking down the factories

Maaloy becomes a massive distraction for both sides, but the German garrison ends up losing too much morale..and is eventually defeated upon the mainland...a great game once more.

 A great summary of the actual raid here: