Epsom WW2

On the weekend of 17 September we hosted a game based on Day 2 of the Operation Epsom battle from June 1944. The Allied main objectives were to seize four bridges across the Orne but also scored points for taking of the major villages and towns on the way. The Germans had to stop them and scored victory points for the same overall objectives, just at different values.

Here are some pictures of the action.

Half way through Day 1 and the British right flank advances past Le Manoir where German infantry still cling on to the buildings.

British Armour and Infantry move up between Rauray (just off shot to the left) and Haut du Bosq far right.

The highlight of the game for the Germans was this ambush by pioneers with two flamethrowers taking out two Churchills. The pioneers were quickly mowed down afterwards but they had dinted the British advance centre left.

From the British far left, combines arms make good ground towards Mouen (just off the road to the bottom of the picture).

A look down the table mainly used on Day 1’s action.

A look down the Table mainly used on Day 2 as the British pushed for the 4 bridge objectives.

Two Churchills and two Achilles bravely take on three Tigers. The Tigers were to find themselves brewed very shortly after due to unlucky dice rolls.

British right flank about to swarm Haut Des Forge. The road here leads to one of the 4 bridges across the Orne which are the Allies main objectives.

British centre right forces racing through to take the town of Valtru and then onwards to the bridge over the Orne.

British centre left forces seizing Mondrainville before the last push to their bridge over the Orne objective.

The game ended in a convincing win for the British Team, although given the position and German forces left just 2 turns before, it could easily have been a German win. The last push in force by all the British players over the last two turns and the losses they inflicted on the Germans really made a difference.