Over the weekend of 07 and 08 September 2019, we welcomed back three members of PB5, Dave, Richard and Simon. PB5 were our first ever weekend event way back in 2010 when they turned up for a Napoleonic first day in full Imperial Guard and Napoleon costumes, and a Pony Wars capgun shooting adventure on the second day.
Joining the PB5 crew were Brian (returning after our Caen game earlier this year); newcomer Bob; and good friend Richard who helped us build the lodge.
The game was the Battle of Tebourba, 1942 Tunisia using Rapid Fire rules. PB5, new to WW2 and Rapid Fire, took the roles of the defending British and American forces whilst the others would be attacking with Germans and Italians. A little artistic licence was used in the forces to make for a better game. We played this over two days of real time to match the two days of the action back in 1942, both sides having a chance to regroup over night at the end of the first day.
Bobs’s German’s came straight into the action on a surprised British armoured battalion of Crusaders and Valentines commanded by Richard based around Chouigui,….
….and fierce deadly fighting soon littered the battlefield with burning wrecks from both sides.
“Stuka” Bob reaching for yet another poor dice roll, but still knocking out the British defenders by weight of numbers.
More German armour from another Kampfgruppe start to make their way towards Tebourba across the open ground and suffer an early casualty. The shape of things to come?
And a third German force also moving from Djedeida.
And what is that I see trundling along the back? A Tiger? In Africa? Surely not!
And on the other side of the room, Brian and his joint Italian and German force is making his way up the table edge and then down towards Tebourba, taking artillery fire as he goes.
End of Day 1 looking from Chouigui across to Tebourba on the right and seeing the German lines poised to strike out on to table 2 and their ultimate goal at Tebourba.
After redressing the lines during the night, the remnants of the British around Chouigui decided they had had enough and would abandon the town and retreat back to consolidate with the rest of the Allied command. Overnight they were reinforced by an American task force of 7 Grant’s, a battalion of infantry and some other odds and sods. The Germans occupied the town and the rest of the Axis lines were tidied up ready for the final push the following day.
Below we see the action mid way through day 2 as the Italian attack on Tebourba starts to go in.
And the Germans line out in support of the Italian push.
The armoured thrust out of Chouigui stalls as the British and American tanks hidden in the olive groves reign fire down on them.
So the infantry hunker down in around the town whilst they try regroup again.
A few final pictures of the action around Tebourba after we had enjoyed lunch in the sun in the garden again.
At the end, the Allied forces had been severely mauled and had only one main tank left, the battalion HQ valentine which had been the first in action day one and in action throughout both days constantly. Amazing performance along with the luckiest deacon crew ever, who also lasted two days despite constant targeting by the Axis. Tebourba was still in British hands when we had to call it a day, but the onrushing German heavy armour would have been very difficult to stop, so we had to give the win to the Germans. But all said, a valiant defence by PB5, particularly as they were new to the period and the rules so were learning on the fly against three opponents all knowing how to play Rapid Fire.
The game was played in a very sporting manner and there were lots of laughs and terrible jokes. Dice rolling on both sides was appalling in terms of luck, yet still loads was blown up. It was a real pleasure to see the PB5 lads back again, and to have Richard, Bob and Brian with us also. Thanks to everyone. We hope you all had a Legendary Weekend.
For anyone interested in playing this battle, or any of our other games, please keep an eye on the website as we will be issuing a list of scheduled games for 2020 very soon. Of course, if they are not suitable, please contact us to enquire about other weekend dates that suit you.
brian southwell
Great write up – Good fun to play, very tactical, and a very pleasurable experience, If you only ever visit once – VISIT – you never know you may enjoy it so much you’ll want to come back for more – I did, and will!
David Corlett
In your dreams you have been to Tunisia.
It was a pleasure to return for a Legendary weekend of wargaming and daring do in their purpose built theatre of war.
The scenario was excellent as was the support from the Legendary chaps and our noble opponents. The quality of the scenery, the models, the venue and excellent management of the event was all top notch. A most enjoyable couple of days.
Richard and Andy are fantastic hosts who clearly love what they do, I would strongly recommend such a weekend to anyone, with any level of wargaming knowledge, as all are accommodated by the fine hosts.
The PB5 would like to wish Legendary great success in the future and look forward to returning in fancy dress once again.
Congratulations to our victorious opponents who fought with valour and honour. ( a few more 1’s would have been appreciated 🙂 )
Bob
I think I threw enough 1s to satisfy your requirements. It was an excellent weekend with good company and gaming. I look forward to returning.
Carlo
What a brilliant report gents and obviously a fun day was had by all. What a great way to play such a spectacular wargame. Well done lads and keep the photos and reports coming.
Ken Hanning
Lovely terrain and models guys – once again I have “room” envy! Great post.