Back in 2003 I paid a visit to the Norwich Rearguard Wargames Society at the invitation of Tony Hawkins, a long-time friend and member of the club. He had asked me if I could demonstrate the MEGABLITZ rules system to the other members, and I was more than pleased to do so.
Luckily for me one of the members of the club had his digital camera with him, and not long after my visit he sent me copies of the photographs he had taken. Whilst I was looking for another CD-ROM this morning I found the CD with these photos on it ... and decided that a selection of them might be of interest to some of my regular blog readers.
The scenario was called 'Operation Titan', and depicted the sort of attack mounted by Soviet forces in the aftermath of the Axis defeat at Stalingrad. The German defenders comprised a weak Corps of two small Infantry Divisions and an even smaller (and weaker) Luftwaffe Field Division. The Soviet attackers comprised 66th Army (with six Rifle Divisions and two Tank Brigades) and part of an Artillery Division.
The Soviet attack ground down the German defenders in what turned into a massive slogging match. In the end Soviet numbers gradually overcame German quality, but 66th Army was hardly able to exploit their success when the Germans eventually gave way.
Luckily for me one of the members of the club had his digital camera with him, and not long after my visit he sent me copies of the photographs he had taken. Whilst I was looking for another CD-ROM this morning I found the CD with these photos on it ... and decided that a selection of them might be of interest to some of my regular blog readers.
The scenario was called 'Operation Titan', and depicted the sort of attack mounted by Soviet forces in the aftermath of the Axis defeat at Stalingrad. The German defenders comprised a weak Corps of two small Infantry Divisions and an even smaller (and weaker) Luftwaffe Field Division. The Soviet attackers comprised 66th Army (with six Rifle Divisions and two Tank Brigades) and part of an Artillery Division.
The Soviet attack ground down the German defenders in what turned into a massive slogging match. In the end Soviet numbers gradually overcame German quality, but 66th Army was hardly able to exploit their success when the Germans eventually gave way.
Some of the artillery support enjoyed by the Soviet attackers. In this case a Mortar Battalion equipped with 82mm Mortars and an Anti-tank Regiment equipped with 45mm Anti-tank Guns.
The German infantry also enjoyed artillery support ... in this instance it was a Regiment equipped with 105mm Howitzers.
The German front-line. The brown oblongs to the left of the photograph represented minefields.
A Soviet Rifle Division (with three Rifle Regiments), supported by an Artillery Regiment equipped with 76.2mm Regimental Guns, an Anti-tank Regiment armed with 45mm Anti-tank Guns, a horse-drawn supply column, and a Tank Brigade equipped with T-34 Tanks.
The Soviet attack begins!
The 152mm Howitzers of the three Heavy Howitzer Regiments pounded the German front-line as two Soviet Rifle Divisions moved forward towards the minefields. Other Soviet forces can be seen waiting to exploit any breakthrough.
Another view of the main Soviet attack.
Despite suffering casualties, the German defenders fought hard to prevent a Soviet breakthrough.
It is a long time since I fought a battle using the MEGABLITZ rules system, but finding these photographs has reminded me how much I enjoyed fighting such large-scale battles.The devastated village in the centre of the German front-line was the scene of a hard-fought battle. The Soviets eventually prevailed, but their losses were high.
Looks like a great game- would love to try the system at some point myself.
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Pete.
Pete,
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion it is the only rules system designed for use with figures and model vehicles that gives players the opportunity to command large modern armies on the tabletop.
All the best,
Bob
Bob
ReplyDeleteI'm planning to get into Megablitz, how did you set up the markers on the stands?
Dick Bryant
Dick Bryant,
ReplyDeleteThe rules suggest that a strip of magnetic tape should be glued on the rear right-hand side of each base. The strength markers are made from self-adhesive steel paper, mounting board (thick card used for picture mounts), and laser/inkjet shipping labels (in the UK these are a single self-adhesive A4 label).
The strength markers are printed on the labels, which are then stuck to the non-adhesive side of the steel paper. The backing on the adhesive side of the steel paper is then carefully removed and sheet is pressed onto the mounting board. Using a sharp knife, the individual strength markers are cut out and sorted into numerical values. I use a plastic craft box that is divided up into smaller compartments to store my strength markers in, with a separate numerical value in each compartment.
The bases shown in my Megablitz photographs were put together quite early in the development of the rules, and I used steel coloured Rapesco clips (red for Russians, green for Germans) and magnetic strength markers. I later added a strip of magnetic tape to each clip so that my stuff was compatible with everyone else's Megablitz 'kit'.
I hope that this is of help to you.
All the best,
Bob
No kidding! I go to Norwich Rearguard, and although I didn't go there when you visited in 2003 it is great for the club to get a mention. I am sure you will be welcome at Norwich Rearguard any time.
ReplyDeleteLuke Hunter
Masher88 (Luke),
ReplyDeleteI was struck by how pleasant and welcoming the members of Norwich Rearguard were when I paid the club a visit ... and I would love to repeat the experience at some time in the future.
All the best,
Bob