Bolt Action Western Desert Play Test

With the kind assistance of several local gaming buddies, I was able to finally get a play test of the Western Desert game using the 2nd Edition Bolt Action rules.

I came up with a simple scenario taking place near the end of the 2nd Battle of El Alamein with the DAK attempting to retreat off the table. We played six turns with the DAK failing to get any of their units off the table. However, they managed to kill of a unit of 8th Army infantry and immobilizing their Crusader tank early in the game. The game was declared a draw after turn 6.

8th Army troops, including a Matilda tank securing the right flank of their front.

One of the British squads was killed off by DAK marksmanship emanating from the bunker in the distance.

DAK infantry trading shots with 8th Army troops at the "Bloody Oasis".

I failed to enforce the 1" distance between units. 

Rommel in a bunker keeping track of game turns. Although not making it off the table, the Sd.Kfz. 222 did well. First it frustrated the Crusader's firing by using it's Recce evade move out of line of fire. In subsequent turns it used it's auto cannon and MMG to good effect on Indian troops. The Panzer IV, which could only fire HE, ended up with 6 Pins near the end of the game and did not play a big part in the battle.

All in all it was a fun game with a lot of rules discussion both during and after the game. A key rule we failed to use was the adding of Penetration of HE to Damage of infantry - we only used it against vehicles. Anyway, happy to have gotten the recently completed figures and vehicles bloodied and with such good company. Until next time, happy gaming and painting to you all during this Holiday period.