Friday, February 17, 2023

Bolt Action Battle of Alam El Halfa Playtest

Playtest for a Bolt Action Western Desert game. Thanks to a few of my buddies, got in a nice refresher Bolt Action game using the Battle of Alam El Halfa scenario. We ended the game due to time, but got a lot of action in. Not sure if this ever really happened, but my Matilda took out a Panzer III. Anyway, just wanted to post this to show that I'm still in the hobby. In fact, I plan to get back into gaming more once I retire, hopefully at the end of this year. 

The sole vehicle casualty in the game - the Panzer III hit by the Matlida's 2 pounder. A subsequent Damage roll of 6 took the Panzer out of commission. How historical this may be is still in debate.

A squad of Scots in cover. The spotter for the mortar team in the distance.

Italian Bersaglieri on top of the sandstone outcrop - giving them hard cover. The Panzer III supporting them below. 

Senegalese troops with Tough Fighter attributes moving in support of the Matilda. Looks like one of them snuck out and joined the FFL unit ahead of them. 

The Grant creeping along sandstone outcroppings.

Rommel was the overall leader for the DAK and Italians. He's chilling out behind the oasis. He was given an Officer Bonus value of 3. DAK mortar team spotter in front of him.

The halftrack was used to tow the Pak 38. 

 Having been pinned at the start of the game by preparatory bombardment, the 6 pounder was never able to pass their Orders test and never moved or fired. 

The Panzer II and armored car traded shots with the Grant and Crusader with little effect to either side.

Allied units pinned after receiving DAK preparatory bombardment at the start of the game. Skull markers indicate the unit is hidden.

22 comments:

  1. Dean, great to see you posting again especially this handsome game.

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    1. Thank you very much, Jonathan! Yes, it's been quite a while since I hosted (or even played) in a game - as well as posting on the blog. I plan to run this next month at our Fort Steilacoom gameday - about a mile 1/2 down the road from me. Will also host it again at Enfilade in May. Appreciate the visit and kind words! Dean

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  2. Dean, great looking game. One of my favorite theaters in the War to read about.

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    1. Thank you so much, Michal! Really appreciate your visits and kind comments. Warm regards, Dean

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  4. Lovely looking game and very enjoyable report to read Dean.

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    1. Thank you very much, Richard! I'm glad to hear you liked the post! Kindest regards, Dean

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  5. Hi Dean, as always a lovely table and models - thanks.

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    1. Thank you very much, Norm! Warm regards, Dean

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  6. Nice to see you gaming and posting Dean, it has been quite a long gap between drinks. Retiring later this year, lucky man! Hopefully that does lead to more time for the gaming hobby.

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    1. Thank you very much, Keith. I'm counting the days till retirement. Looking forward to not having to worry about work. Incidentally, the three buddies who played in this game are retired. Kindest regards, Dean

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  7. Great looking Bolt Action game Dean! Retirement is pretty good - plenty of time for gaming, painting and whatever else takes your fancy.

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    1. Thank you very much, Mike. Looking forward to days of not needing to do anything on time. Warnest regards, Dean

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  8. Great looking game, Dean!
    Sounds like you're about 2 year ahead of me on the retirement plan!

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    1. Thank you, Peter. Yes, my wife has authorized me to retire at the end of this year. She's tired of me complaining about work. Kindest regards, Dean

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  9. Wait, what? You have done all that massive painting and your nor even retired YET! (Heavy sigh as I slump back into my old man easy chair😞)

    Glad your still upright and kicking😁

    Cheers
    Kevin

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    1. Hey, Kevin! Nice to hear from you too. Yes, I'm planning to retire a few years sooner than I probably should, but since teleworking during and after the pandemic, I've really gotten to the point of throwing in the towel. Warmest regards, Dean

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    2. I understand that, sorry to hear about burnout. You never know though (once you retire and set your mind free) what gig might await you that you’ll enjoy.

      Cheers
      Kevin

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    3. Thanks, Kevin. It's really not that bad, but I guess it's time to leave the work force. Let some of the younger generation toil. :)

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  10. looking good Dean, I see we are following a similar path again, great looking game and figures.
    Cheers
    Stu

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    1. Thanks a lot for the visit and kind words again, Stu! Much appreciated. Yes, one of my favorite theaters of the second World War. Something about the earlier period. Kindest regards, Dean

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