Something for the weekend sir?

by Paul@ Empress Fri May 06, 2022 5:12 am

Something for the weekend sir?

We have been planning on playing this game for ages but real life keeps getting in the way. This Sunday should see us finally roll some dice.

French Indo China Urban Game. Colonial Town of Man How 1953.

SCENARIO BACKGROUND.

This is a fictitious game based on the type of attacks that were carried out by the ever bolder Vietminh forces in the early 1950’s. Man How is a French Colonial Town 30 miles south of Hanoi. It has a small local defence militia made up of local French business men. The local Vietnamese population continue to appear loyal to the French however communist influence is silently taking hold and its been very noticeable that in recent weeks the local population have become noticeably quiet and reserved. FFL paratroopers patrol the area to help police the situation but are hard pushed to try and be in the right place at the right time.

The French have limited air support and no artillery within range. Military intelligence has concluded that an attack is likely by Vietminh regular troops.
SCENARIO.

The town is typical of the busy slightly shambolic old French colonial towns with a mix of French and local buildings. Communist activity has been minimal but developing. The local town militia has been warned of an impending attack by Vietminh regulars and has taken up positions to defend the town as best is can. The local Vietnamese population are not trusted. A plea for help has been sent to local French forces and a reinforced French FFL Paratroop squad has been sent in support.
The game starts with the French milita in defensive positions of its choice. It has one barricade that it can place on the table anywhere it wants. Must defend the town.
First move French regulars can enter on the western and northern sides of the town. Orders are to support the mayors militia and defend the town.
Local Vietnamese continue about their business but are subject to the Random Events Chart.

First move Vietminh troops can enter along the southern and eastern sides of the table. Capture the town. Kill any French population especially the mayor and priest. Capture the local population and hold courts to see who is loyal to the communist cause.

FORCES.

French Town Militia
Commander mayor, Priest and 6 other townspeople. Mission to defend the town. Various basic weapons SMG, Bolt action rifles, shotguns. S&D 3
French FFL Paratroop reinforced Squad.
Every French para has one grenade.
Sous-lieutenant Piere Thrulewindow. RTO, Sergent-Chef, Medic, 1 X 30 cal two crew. S&D 4
FIRE SQUAD: Squad Leader Sergeant – SMG, 1 x LMG, and No2 with carbine. 3 x Riflemen, 1 x SMG. S&D 4
SHOCK SQUAD: Fireteam 1 Leader Corporal – SMG, 2 X Riflegrenadiers, 2 x carbines, 1 x SMG. S&D 4
Fireteam 2 Leader Corporal – SMG, 1X LMG, and No2 with carbine. 1 x SMG, 4 x Riflemen/ carbines. S&D 3

French Town Militia.
8 men Assorted weapons ranging from pistols, rifles, SMG, shotguns. S&D 3

Local Vietnamese. If they become hostile assorted weapons. S&D 3

Vietminh Force. Weak platoon
HQ – CO, Medic, Bugler for comms, Standard bearer, runner. S&D 4
Support squads.
50mm mortar. 2 crew. S&D 3
MMG 2 crew. S&D 3
75mm RR 3 Crew. S&D4
Squad 1. 8 men. Mix of bolt action rifles and SMG’s 2 grenade per squad. S&D 4
Squad 2 8 men. Mix of bolt action rifles and SMG’s 2 grenade per squad. S&D 3
Squad 3 8 men. Mix of bolt action rifles and SMG’s 2 grenade per squad. S&D 3
Squad 4 8 men. Mix of bolt action rifles and SMG’s 2 grenade per squad. S&D 4
Squad 5 8 men. Mix of bolt action rifles and SMG’s 2 grenade per squad. S&D 4

French Indo China Urban Game. Random Events Chart.
1 - Local Vietnamese grab their guns. Roll D20. Result 1 – 10 Join the French forces. 11 – 20 Join the Vietminh.
2 – No Effect.
3 – French Militia panic and retreat to church and defend it for the rest of the game.
4 – No Effect.
5 – Vietminh squad nearest the enemy make full charge on French force.
6 – No Effect.
7 – French Radio stops working for 2 moves.
8 – No Effect.
9 – French Ground Bomber arrives over the table for up to 5 moves. Has two heavy bombs. Must be given target by ground force so cannot randomly attack. Move 10x 6” 2 x heavy bombs, 2 x HMG’s, S&D 4
10 – No Effect.
11 – Vietminh start to run out of ammunition. Can only fire once per move.
12 – No Effect.
13 – Petrol Station catches fire. Evacuate it immediately.
14 – No Effect.
15 – French Stuart 105mm Howitzer support tank arrives at the edge of the table. French player chooses where. Has 5 shots only. 3X 6” Medium Artillery pieces, 1 x HMG. S&D 3
16 – No Effect.
17 – French 30cal jams and is out of action for the rest of the game.
18 – No Effect.
19 – Random artillery shell land in the centre of the table. Roll D20 for inches and arrow die for direction.
20 – No Effect.
See you on the other side for a run through of how it went.
Cheers, Paul.