The Sword & The Flame: Another Geste!

This is a re-match from my last TSATF post that featured an FFL attempt to break through an Arab force that is encircling them [CLICK]. Excellent scenario - #25 "Infiltration" from One-Hour Wargames - has exceeded my expectations for a tense game! The French need to exit two of four units to win. 

--> Bonus points for either side re: the caravan, to exit it or to loot it.

As last time, the French mass firepower against the hill while maneuvering towards the northeast road exit. 

This time, I allowed the Arab rifles Class 4 Target status if at the hill's crest.

Experimenting with a "Pinning" rule, which suits the later part of TSATF period better than just plinking away until 50% casualties induces Major Morale checks. Here the Arabs pass MM needing an 8 or lower, rolling a '6'.

And in true Sword and the Flame drama... fist Arab shot wounds the squad's Leader, the renowned Sergeant-Major Acier!

Arabs survive another Pinning check after taking a couple casualties.

Despite the shocking event, the FFL squad passes morale and isn't pinned, either.

They are probably angry at this point - beware their wrath!

Arabs are snipers!  They pick off a cavalryman; Unit rolls '10' and is Pinned. 

Turn 3. Arab reinforcements arrive, spears and rifles. Rifles wound a Legionnaire but they are not pinned - after all, they expect to March or Die!

Cavalry roll an '8' and recover from the Pin.

However, they are clearly shocked at their loss, and roll a total of '4' for nest movement, hardly enough to adjust their position! I love TSATF...!

French return fire takes out a few of the Arab rifles and a spearman.

The French definitely need to break through the rifles so aggressively advance.  The spearmen move into a blocking position by attempting to charge, but are shot up. They are below Major Morale so they check and fail, and Rout.

The French are taking a steady trickle of casualties, but manage to gain a lot of ground by Turn 6 when the Arab reinforcements enter. These move up the road, but not very fast. The French try to block them with the cavalry, who charge, defeat and pursue the Camel-cav in the lead.

Unfortunately, this success allows the mounted Arab rifles to maneuver up the road thanks to a high roll.  The following turn, they charge the camel-train intent on looting it!  And torturing the wounded if they have time...

To prevent this, the French maneuver both infantry squads into support forming close order along the way. 

In the ensuing Close Combats, the Arab caravan drivers all survive [!] but the Infantry lose and are Shaken, and their officer is wounded.

They Retreat avoiding the spearmen, carrying Lt. Biftek on their backs.

Morale Phase, the French squad of 2 rally [fools!]. But next Movement Phase, the larger squad Routs off the board.

With only two infantry, and the cavalry, the French do not have enough combat power to win, and the last two Infantry will certainly be shot before they can escape on the road. The French cavalry could attempt to die to a man and rescue the caravan, but with the drivers having Retreated, Shaken, it's unlikely they will be able to pull it all off against a larger cav unit with rifles. There are still snipers on the hill.

This time, what appeared to be another easy French win turned into a disaster. 

The tactical mistake was the French cavalry charging the Arab reinforcements. It seemed like a good idea at the time.

This allowed the Arab cavalry to circle round, shoot the charging French cavalry, then continue on their way to attack the caravan. This appeared safe with the Infantry and Gun guarding it. But the Arab cavalry charge was devastating, consistently out-rolling all comers, and forcing the defenders to Retreat, Shaken. This pulled them way out of position, and scattered them in small groups.

When the last four infantry failed Major Morale, it was clear that a measly 7 cavalry would not be able to restore the situation.

I like the simple Pinning rule I came up with. Units that took Hits in the Fire Phase check Major Morale in the Morale Phase to be pinned. If they fail, they are Pinned per the usual rules, and are vulnerable next turn.

Another great time with TSATF!