I am just back from the Somme - after spending July 1st at Thiepval, our party looked at some of the actions/locations of Ludendorff 1918 offensive - also know as the Kaiser's battle.   I have never gamed 1918.  But the Stormtrooper tactics - Blitzkreig in boots - with action in the green field beyond the trenches looks very suitable for 10mm big skirmish gaming.

  The attack faltered due to (i) logistical failure to keep up with the stormtoops, (ii) lack of clear objectives and (iii) impressive response by Haig who -it is possible to argue - can be credited with inventing deep defence  on the modern battlefield, and thus denied the Germans  the Channel ports.

Has anyone had a go that this era? Any images,  thoughts or wargame reps?

Lynn Reid Banks book on the subject is very good, but that's as far as I got...

Quote from: mad lemmey on 05 July 2013, 01:43:56 PM
Lynn Reid Banks book on the subject is very good, but that's as far as I got...

Book title ?

I have to admit it is the only part of the W.Front I would game after Loos, but my priorities at present are 1914/15.

To the last man Lynn McDonald
http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Last-Man-Spring-1918/dp/B001RQKEIE/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1373047280&sr=8-2&keywords=to+the+last+man+spring+1918

yes, the good thing is that all the bits are already on the Pendraken shelves.  I found some really inspiring images of Stormtroops in the photos section.


What rules would the panel suggest for this fluid period of warfare - where Germans have SMGs in close combat and both Lewis and Marsden LMGs are the norm?

Would BKW reflect the dynamic? I have used them to much enjoyment in inter war games where frankly the equipment and the open country is similar.

Quote from: mad lemmey on 05 July 2013, 05:59:58 PM
To the last man Lynn McDonald
http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Last-Man-Spring-1918/dp/B001RQKEIE/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1373047280&sr=8-2&keywords=to+the+last+man+spring+1918

Thank you 

Sunray, RCW plays very well with Square Bashing and I assume late Great War would too. In fact one of the scenarios is for Amiens 1918.

Hi Sunray,

Back in February I had a go at commanding  German Counter attack circa 1918  and did quite well  mainly thanks to reinforcements and and the enemy's inability to call on Artillery.

What follows is a write up on my blog:
http://miniature-inspiration.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/hmg-world-war-one-rules.html



I hope that helps,

Jerry

Men

Many thanks for the advice, rules and the eye candy.  Yes, I think 1918 is a war to game in 10mm. 

I was attracted to the setting for the same reasons as you. I used the Blitz Krieg Commander rule but slightly modified the artillery support rules. This was mainly to avoid learning a new rule set but the whole thing worked fine.

An attractive option might be to look at some of the Allied counter-attacks in this period- I think both the French and Canadian efforts featured Heath-Robinson style armoured cars.

Hamsterking

Quote from: hamsterking on 24 July 2013, 06:58:02 AM
I was attracted to the setting for the same reasons as you. I used the Blitz Krieg Commander rule but slightly modified the artillery support rules. This was mainly to avoid learning a new rule set but the whole thing worked fine.

Yes, I do know , love and swear by BKC - thanks for this

Quote from: hamsterking on 24 July 2013, 06:58:02 AM
I was attracted to the setting for the same reasons as you. I used the Blitz Krieg Commander rule but slightly modified the artillery support rules. This was mainly to avoid learning a new rule set but the whole thing worked fine.

An attractive option might be to look at some of the Allied counter-attacks in this period- I think both the French and Canadian efforts featured Heath-Robinson style armoured cars.

Hamsterking

I keep being tempted with the idea of WW1 using BKC, what mods did you make to the artillery?

Hello Sunjester

Here at http://canuckcommander.pbworks.com/w/page/14311310/WW1%20Wargaming is a take on WW1 using BKC.

Cheers

GrumpyOldMan

Vic, you surpass yourself with scrounging - great find!