An Old Friend

After umpiring what turned out to be a very tense Sharp Practice campaign I was really quite knackered and ready to take a back seat for awhile. Luckily, Cpt. Dundarse kindly stepped up to the plate and offered to put on an IABSM game. This was most welcome and I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed revisiting one of my favourite games and actually getting to play for a change. This is despite  the fact that Quincy and myself, as the Russians, were decisively thrashed by new boy Alan. Having demonstrated his now legendary dice luck in the Sharp Practice campaign he now showed that this was no fluke but actually quite normal!
As we had such fun with an old favourite, this week we rolled out another old friend - Bag the Hun or to be more accurate Bag the Hun 2. For this I dusted off my 1/300th scale Battle of Britain collection. We had 5 players, of whom only Quincy and myself had played before. Truth be told, although we had played this a lot, we had played more with the first edition and hence were more than a tad rusty. As this would be very much a learning game I adapted the simple starter scenario from the rule-book. Hence, Dundarse, myself and Wee Archie, representing the RAF's finest, took to the skies against the evil Hun led by Quincy and new boy Alan.

Axis Bogies seen through the haze (OK the photo's blurred)

For this first game we didn't use dummies so the axis came on, out of the sun and with height advantage,  as a central schwarm of four flanked by two pairs.
The allies deployed opposite in three vics.

The Allies in outmoded formations

Making good use of a formation bonus, Top Ace Victor Valiant moves his section of Spitfires into a position to spot the Axis schwarm; now revealed as Me 110s.

Bandits spotted dead ahead - Tally Ho!

In turn, Valiant is spotted by Top Ace Max von Quincy, with his escort of Me 109s.

Looks like it's a head on attack boys

Just when it looked like a high speed game of chicken, another propitious formation bonus allowed Valiant to speed past the 109s and line up a shot on the 110s behind.

Just when things were starting to look tricky for the Axis, junior Ace Alan demonstrated that his luck had not left him and with the turn of the air gunners card let rip with his rear gunner. Pish and tush thinks I - it's only a single machine gun after all. Foolish boy - more hits than is natural, followed by less saves than is normal, topped of with a whopping roll for damage saw a Spitfire hurtling to the ground from the first shot of the game. With his formation now broken and accompanied by an unnamed Sprog, Valiant was now decidedly less cocky.

Binky trails smoke as he hurtles to the ground

Luckily, after this initial set back, Valiant was to demonstrate the value of an Ace, scything through the formation of 110s time after time, picking off the unfortunate prey one by one. An early casualty was junior Ace Alan, losing control and diving off the edge of the table.
Meanwhile, Wee Archie's section was broken up by Top Ace Max who was only thrown off the tail of his target because it exploded!
As Valiant wreaked havoc on the unfortunate 110s and Wee Archie fled from the attentions of Max, Dundarse, still on a bogey, had worked his way around a fleeing 110 to execute a bounce out of the sun.

Dundarse's bounce

The next few moves saw Binky fail to undo his canopy as his Spitfire crashed into the ground, most of the Me 110 crewmen jump for safety from burning craft and a swirling dog fight develop between Wee Archie, Dundarse and Max. Also the unnamed Sprog blindly flew his Spitfire into the clutches of the remaining 109 pair - those blue bogey markers really do work, I just didn't see them!
It was now pub o'clock although we'd only played five out of the allotted ten moves. However, a quick calculation showed that if the Axis didn't turn for home now they would run out of fuel. Also on the Allied side Valiant had actually completely emptied his guns, so the game was reaching a natural conclusion in any case.
The game could have gone quicker but as a learning game we didn't do too badly. Everyone seemed to enjoy it and were keen to give it a go next week as well. Dundarse even ordered a copy of the rules during the game -I think it was move two!

Endgame - the Hun turn for home

25th May: The Action off the Isle de Grois

The HMS Nymphe and HMS Satyr have both entered Quiberon bay.  Nymphe, slightly to the north, pauses before sailing into the Isle de Grois anchorage as dusk approaches.  Satyr, cautiously picks her way north in support.

The Isle de Grois Anchorage

The view from the masthead HMS Satyr

The Corvette (Left)  and Merchantman (Right)  HMS Nymphe is just beyond the Cats rocks.

HMS Nymphe cleared for action runs down onto the anchorage in battle sail 

The Nymphe uses her red, white and blue phases to close. 

A double shotted rake across the stern of the anchored Corvette. 

HMS Satyr running north before the wind

The Nymphe grapples alongside and Captain Quincy leads his boarders in person.

24th May 1794 Log of the HMS Satyr

24th May 1794
The Biscay Cruise

Wind :  Southerly 

State of the sea (wind+sea)

Degree   Height (m) Height (ft)  Description
4            1.25–2.50     4.1–8.2     Moderate

Character of the sea swell

Moderate :  Long Track of HMS Satyr 24th May Orders: Date: 0800 (Forenoon watch) 24 May 1794 Intelligence: It is and you have just returned from meeting the Admiral aboard HMS Charlotte 100. We are lying off Brest at 48.7N 5.0W in 70 fathoms, and the rocks known as the Saints are fine off our port bow. The seabed is sand. The wind is Southerly and the sea state is 4 Moderate with a long swell. It will be worse in the Bay Captains orders for the day of 24 May 1794........................Wind: Southerly I would like to see the Sailing Master, Mr. Clegg. ‘Remain standing Mr. Clegg. Now my man, it has been brought to my attention that you have requested to keep an eye on Mr. Blair. Well out with it man! Explain yourself; I will not have ill feeling between my officers. Why exactly does one of my officers need to be watched? And we’ll have none of your cheese metaphors!) I would also like to see the Purser; ‘Now then Mr Brown…..may I call you Prudence? I do realise that I am new to the ship and may not be au fait with the idiosyncrasies of your former Captain but I would like to beg your indulgence if I may? Lt Bookbinder has provided me with a copy of your accounts and I would be greatly obliged if you could elaborate on a couple of entries. Firstly, you have requisitioned 10 casks of rum, yet Mr. Bookbinder’s inspection only accounts for eight. Secondly, I note that our stern is only painted yellow; pray tell where is the missing gold leaf?’ To the 1st Lieutenant, ‘Thank you for you report Mr Bookbinder, I have examined the punishment book and have a few questions. In your opinion is there a problem with discipline on the ship? I note that Mr Hood seems quite free with his punishments; I would like you to keep an eye on young Mr Hood if you please.’ I would also like a report from the Bosun, regarding our boats. What is their current condition, how many do we have and what is their capacity? We will set a course close hauled on the starboard tack, tacking to clear the Saints and bringing us to a position 47° 47'N 5° 6'W Saintes bearing E by N. From there we will proceed under Full Sail, Close hauled on starboard tack bearing ESE until we raise Ilse de Grois le Chats bearing N. We will then lie under furled sail whilst I switch charts! 24th May     First watch: 2000 to 0000     Middle watch: 0000 to 0400     Morning watch: 0400 to 0800  Briefing by the Admiral     Forenoon watch: 0800 to 1200  47.50N 4.45W   On heading for the Saints a depth sounding of by the mark 4 caused Sailing Master Clegg to swiftly wear the ship around earlier than planned, losing some time.  Mr Blair had the helm but gave no orders.   3 fathoms would have risked us being aground even though the chart said six.  The Saints are visible as islets only slightly further  east, but there are hidden rocks marked here. Similarly he went about on the run around the Saints rather than tack.  He seems a cautious man.  He explains privately that Mr Blair seems over confident in his abilities, but if he has overstepped the mark he will withdraw his advice on this officer. Midshipman Hood recommends two Topmen, Reeves and Mortimer for punishment (Insult to an Officer - Midshipman Hood)  Incident occurred when Satyr was putting about.   Afternoon watch: 1200 to 1600  47.35N 4.22W  Sighting.  The HMS Nymphe is close hauling under full sail at an impressive speed, some twelve miles ahead, matching your course.  He made it through the Ras then, and that is a weatherly ship!  His course seems to be for Quiberon Bay.  First Officer recommends that both Topmen were provoked by Hood,  BUT that in ordinary circumstances you would have to administer a lashing to back up your officer or Discipline will fall.  Bookbinder actually thinks that in this case making an example of Hood by mast-heading him would be good for discipline.  "The little shit has been causing no end of bother Sir. It would put a stop to him, and cheer up our people."  The Satyr clears the Pennemarc rocks with her Captain at the helm, although the depth soundings are well over 50 fathoms on a long line..  Some movement observed on the cliffs, probably civilians in panic.  The Boatswain reports that the ships boats are all in excellent condition as per: Launch Forty men Barge  Forty men Cutter twenty men Captain's gig Coxswain and ten  First dog watch: 1600 to 1800    47.22N   3.52W     First Officer reports having discovered the gold leaf in the Purser's stores (But swears it has only just appeared.  Similarly the two missing casks of rum are now back.  Bookbinder suspects that a Cook's mate, Alastair Darling was in cahoots with the Purser and that you have thrown both into a panic.  The HMS Nymphe is now out of sight. Clegg has an idea where the Honourable Captain Quincy may be.  "By Cheesus Sir, he's lying off the Isle de Grois somewhere."   From the mast head Topman Reeves reports that he can see vessels in the anchorage at Belle Isle, "looks like two Privateer corvettes,"  AND over the Birvideaux rocks there are ships in the Quiberon anchorage (He things these are a Corvette and a big Merchantman, perhaps a French West Indies vessel.)  You are at mid point between the two anchorages, but out of sight of land, just the tops of those vessels.  Last dog watch: 1800 to 2000    47.30N  3.46W ship at furled sail, drift is 1kt due south.    Midshipmen fighting in the gun room.  Mr Hood and Mr Thicke.  Bookbinder (does the man ever sleep) informs you that the fracas was the result of allegations of bullying and undue intimacy against Mr Hood.  "Damn me," he comments, "that idiot Farthingdale may be our best Middie!  At least he doesn`t have the Greek problem."  Bookbinder has mast-headed the pair of them, but if you wish to take further action... First watch: 2000 to 0000.  47.30N  3.46W  HMS Nymphe runs into the area just south of the Cats, blocking the egress from the Isle de Grois anchorage.  Clegg thinks she anchored just before sunset.  ("she was run out sir, but is showing no lights, you Gouda like Captain Quincy Sir.  He is mature." ) 25th May The Position at the beginning of the First watch  46.25N  3.15W     Furled south of the Birdvideaux and the Isle de Grois. Young Cameron is keen to lead a cutting out operation.  "They won`t have seen us Sir!"  We have four Ships boats Sir."  Lt Blair seems less keen and is visibly shaken.   Bookbinder merely nods at you with perfect confidence in your decision, (but comments "too long a pull for the boats into Quiberon with a knot of current running south here")  Clegg comments that you couldn't do feta than listen to Bookbinder. Pue, the political Officer tells you that he has business further South, and that if you could land him on the sand at Quiberon that would fulfill your obligation to him.  He seems resigned to the danger, but then he is going into enemy territory.  Odd people these political fellows. Your Orders Sir.  Do you rescue the lady from the beach by signalling with your stern lights (but you would have to get the ship closer, or cut out the damn Frenchies in hope of gaining the Admiral vital information on the whereabouts of that French Squadron.   Or have a go at those Corvette Privateers?

Addendum and Extraneous signals

Uriah the Umpire

Ah, it seems that its all a little lighter than reported.   A quick consultation of Old Ma Finnigan's Cider Drinkers Alamanc indicates that sunset at 47.25 degrees is 20.56 Rise is 05.29.   (http://www.dawnsun.net/astro/suncalc/)

Doesn't change the fact that you still have some light.  Donning your tweed  Mast Climbing Pantalons you make for the tops to get a better look.

The HMS Nymphe is anchored down, bow facing North due to the knot of current running south here.  With your telescope you can clearly see Captain the Honourable Quincy at his masthead looking at you through a huge silver telescope.  No doubt one of his Dawlish creations.  What the Dickens is he up to?  And just who is this Dickens fellow, never heard of him!

In the Isle de Grois anchorage you can still see two French ships, a big Merchantman and a Corvette of 20 guns.  The current running south has them pointing their bows north at anchor too.  

The Belle Isle anchorage has two Corvettes probably also 20 guns, Privateers from their look.  It's doubtful they can see you from their position.  

It's 20.00hrs Captain.  You have a little light left it seems.  Orders? 

Captain Christmas Quilp

Make the private signal. Signal Nymphe our intention to cut out the Ilse de Grasse vessels. Does he require assistance?

Uriah the Umpire

Before you can signal the HMS Nymphe, she flies the general signal Number 9 for Assistance.  You see that the Nymphe has shortened her cable and hauled the anchor that's only just gone down. Mr Clegg nods his head sagely, "He's goin in by Cheesus!".  Nymphe is still run out.  You signal your intention to cut out the Isle de Grois vessels, but he's going in with the Nymphe herself.   A quick look at the chart will tell you that there are few options for getting out of Quiberon, but in a Souther wind its just about possible.  Damn the fellow for a madman!  , 

24th May 1794 Log of the HMS Nymphe

24th May 1794
The Biscay Cruise

Wind :  Southerly 

State of the sea (wind+sea)

Degree   Height (m) Height (ft)  Description
4            1.25–2.50     4.1–8.2     Moderate

Character of the sea swell

Moderate :  Long The Log: HMS Nymphe Captains Orders for 24th May 1794, Wind southerly. Course ESE. Full sail. Thank you Mr Mudge, your knowledge in these matters is without question but I cannot dawdle close-hauled while that slug Quilp steals a march on us. We shall take the Passage du Ras steering between the Tevernnec rocks and the Ile de Sein. I shall take the watch myself until we are clear of the Pointe de Ras. New orders after we have cleared the Pennemarc rocks: Steer ESE and make for the Ile de Groix with all speed. Dropping anchor we shall lie with its southern promintory to port under furled canvas for the evening. At four bells on first watch (sunset) we shall up anchor and steer ENE and approach the beach at Plouhinec. Making enough sail to arrive just off the beach at six bells. I shall take proceedings from there. Gentlemen we are entering the enemy's dog pit; but we are the better dog. Mr Thatcher make sure the lamps have plenty of oil and then beat to quarters if you please. (aside) Mr Pickwick be so kind as to discover where Mr Mudge has hidden his bottles. Under the cartridge boxes or amongst the livestock are always favourites. 24th May     First watch: 2000 to 0000     Middle watch: 0000 to 0400     Morning watch: 0400 to 0800   Briefing by the Admiral     Forenoon watch: 0800 to 1200  48.70N 5.00W Nymphe clears the Passage du Ras   Midshipman Fylte recommends Topmen, Watson and Graves, for punishment (Insult to an Officer - Midshipman Flyte)  Incident occurred when Nyphe was tacking before the wind in the Passage du Ras, a manoeuvre of incredible precision.  Mr Mudge earned his money today. Afternoon watch: 1200 to 1600  47.50N 4.20W  First Officer recommends that both Topmen were provoked by Flyte,  BUT that you may have to administer a lashing to back up your officer or Discipline will fall.  The Nymphe clears the Pennemarc rocks with her Captain at the helm.  Some movement observed on the cliffs, probably civilians in panic.  Sighting astern.  Mr Mudge reports that the HMS Satyr is on a converging course some twelve miles astern.  She seems to be a slightly crank vessel, and not as weatherly as Nymphe. First dog watch: 1600 to 1800    47.40N   4.20W  Purser Osbourne condemns a meat cask.  First Officer reports having discovered Mr Mudge's supplies of Rum, hidden in the lower cable tier, and refilled them with water. He explains that basically it is a Caribbean Rum, and goes on the explain the history and development of the brand at some length. The HMS Satyr is now out of sight, presumably somewhere astern. Last dog watch: 1800 to 2000    47.30N  3.46W   Ship running silently.  Midshipmen fighting in the gun room.  Mr Ryder and Mr Howe.  Pickwick informs you that the fracas was the result of allegations against Mr Flyte.  "Damn me," he comments, "that idiot Farthingdale may be our best Middie!  At least he doesn`t have the Greek problem." 20.00 46.25N  3.15W    Anchor down south  of the Cats and the Isle de Grois. 25th May The Position at the beginning of the First watch  46.25N  3.15W    Anchor down south  of the Cats and the Isle de Grois. The stern lights of two French ships can be seen in the anchorage beside the Isle de Grois (on the Blue X.  One appears to be a big merchantman.  The other seems to be a small warship.  Mr Pickwick comments that basically it is a French corvette and goes on the explain the history and development of this class of ship.  Young Thatcher is keen to lead a cutting out operation.  "They won`t have seen us Sir!"  You have four Ships boats, which can carry: Launch Forty men Barge  Forty men Cutter twenty men Captain's gig Coxswain and ten Thatcher is also enraged at Midshipman Flyte.  In private he informs you that the chap is unnatural, and has been making suggestions to young Charles Ryder.  He wishes them separated and will take Ryder into his watch.  A fine young Lieutenant Thatcher!  If only he could stop dancing up and down in excitement all the damn time. Lt. Blythswick asks if he may entertain the crew with his latest poem, "How Quincy took her up the Ras, an ode." Your Orders Sir.  Do you rescue the lady from the beach by signalling with your stern lights, or cut out the damn Frenchies in hope of gaining the Admiral vital information on the whereabouts of that French Squadron.  First watch: 2000 to 0000  Middle watch: 0000 to 0400 Addendum and Extraneous Signals Or When the Umpire forgets to note the time of sunset! Captain Q “Mr Pickwick, you really do stretch the bounds of credulity. The beginning of First watch and you can only see their stern lights?! It's not sunset for another hour and a half according to the Day Book. Bring me my glass, I'm going up top to take a good look at these "phantom ships". Mr Farthingdale you come up as well, you might learn something *sotto voce* Miracles have been known to happen.” Uriah the Umpire Ah, a quick consultation of Old Ma Finnigan's Cider Drinkers Alamanc indicates that sunset at 47.25 degrees is 20.56 Rise is 05.29.  Pickwick will explain that basically the angle of the meridian proves him right and then continue to give you a potted history of Old Ma Finnigan and her Almanac. (http://www.dawnsun.net/astro/suncalc/) Doesn't change the fact that you still have some light.  Donning your tweed Dawlish Mast Climbing Pantalons you make for the tops. One thing you see that was not reported is that the HMS Satyr has crept into Quiberon.  He is too far South!  There is a knot of current here running south and he is south of Les Birdivaux rocks, where the chart says "Quiberon."  The bigger question is just what he is doing here! Pickwick should have told you this, and perhaps he is less efficient than he believes. In the anchorage you can still see two French ships, a big Merchantman and a Corvette of 20 guns.  The current running south has them pointing their bows north at anchor.  The problem is that they just may be able to see you too, although they are across the Island so perhaps not.  You allow Midshipman Farthingdale a look through your Telescope but he holds it the wrong way around. It's 20.00hrs Captain.  You have a little light left it seems.  Orders?  Captain Q Haul anchor! Battle stations! Straight at the corvette Mr Mudge then swing across her stern and rake her. Thank God for this southerly Mr Pickwick I do believe we shall have 'em. (aside) Sadly this will put the kibosh on our little rendezvous, the doxie'll bolt as soon as she hears the guns if she's got any sense. Best thing really, wasn't over keen on having a woman aboard. They're bad luck y'know. My father married a woman; never really got over it. Mr Blythswick make signal to Satyr for Assistance. That's No. 9 Mr Howe, page 62 in Mr Edles' book - I'll be testing you on that tomorrow so I hope you've been swotting. Mr Farthingdale - just try to help where you can. For England and for the Prize! Late Note from Uriah the Umpire The HMS Satyr has signaled her intention to cut out the Vessels in the Isle de Grois anchorage.  He asks you if you can assist him!  the cheek of the man!  You are however well ahead of him, although any vessel in sight of an action can claim on the prize monies.   Captain Parker (as Opposed to Quilp) will not have his orders back to me until Saturday.  I will set out the table and show you the overhead views before you have to make any tactical decisions.  Good hunting Captain. How Quincy took Her Up the Ras, an Ode, by Enoch Topaz Blythswick, the Yorkshire Laureate Quincy took her up the Ras, He went at it Full Sail, The Nymphe was shaken violently And pitching on her rail. But the Captain waved his hat on high, and shouted "Yes, Yes, Yes!" He shot out of the lower end And we all were most Imprest!

Summer 2019 IABSM 10mm

An alternate 2019 Summer Campaign game suggestion


I ain't been shot Mum, 10mm Cassino, the attack on Cassino 

Up to three players can each command a company sized force advancing in sectors on table against up to three German Companies.  Players have an entire Battalion at their disposal but can only field a single company at a time, The close nature of the terrain makes this concentration of troops possible on table.  

Because of the Multi National Allied forces either US or Commonwealth Infantry or Armoured forces may be used by the player, just to mix it up a bit.  Similarly the Germans could be Fallschirmjäger or Panzer Grenadiers, Mountain or just plain Wehrmacht Infantry.  Note that I intend to deploy the Rajputs who were part of 4th Indian Division.

The basic premise is Operation Dickens, 2nd New Zealand Division vs 1st Fallschirmjäger Division but with US or other Commonwealth support.  

Player 1 
First Game Castle Hill 
Second game The Castle
Third game  German Counter Attack
Fourth Game  The Continental Hotel

Player 2
The Nunnery
The Jail
The Botanical gardens
The Hotel Des Roses North

Player 3
Tanks on the Outer Road
Post Office
Town hall
Hotel Des Roses South

Player 4
Fallschirmjäger Battalion Castle Hill 

Player 5 
Wehrmacht Battalion Town Centre

Player 6 
Panzer Grenadier Battalion - outer road and south side of the town

The Axis opposition was Richard Heidrich’s 1st Fallschirmjäger Division. Heidrich's three regimental commanders would be represented on table.  
Oberst Karl-Lothar Schulz, of 1st Fallschirmjäger Regiment occupying the town; 
Ludwig Heilmann of the 3rd Regiment around the monastery; and, 
Erich Walther, leading the 4th Regiment in the hills beyond.  

Finally his artillery brigade commander, is Oberstleutnant Bruno Schram, who may not have the firepower of the Allies, but due to their observational position on the mountain have far greater accuracy.  Schram and his gunners will be represented by a random fire mission table.


Notes
15 March 1944, Operation DICKENS, 6th New Zealand Brigade attacks the Italian town of Cassino as part of the Allies’ advance on Rome.  This will be a series of games for objectives in the town, Tanks on the perimeter road, Castle Hill, the Railway station, the Continental Hotel, all using company sized forces.  Objectives would be dealt randomly on cards on a game by game basis, and losses would accrue from game to game, until a Company must be retired from the action at 50% strength to rest and refit.

The Germans tenacious resistance from hidden positions in the maze of rubble that was once Cassino is some of the most difficult streetfighting in WW2.  After eight days of fighting from one shattered building to the next, General Freyberg decided the cost was proving too high and he ordered his troops to stop the attack. 




The attack on 15 March relied on a planned bombing campaign which reduced Cassino a pile of rubble.  Predictably the German defenders rallied quickly and put up staunch resistance among bomb craters that flooded as heavy rain set in, turning the rubble into a morass.  The terrain would be Mediterranean style buildings and scratch built walls and ruins (easy enough to do and the look would be spectacular.

The Avalon Hill game map.  A useful terrain guide. 
The Allies start at the bottom of the map. 

http://archive.is/www.bayonetstrength.150m.com

The Biscay Cruise. Admiral Howe's Orders.

Please note that the Satyr's Captain is "Christmas" Quilp. 
He clearly hasn`t paid the printer!

Being a Marshal Petain Gentleman's Club's Blog and email Kriegspiel game for Autumn 2018, and a follow up to the Channel Islands Patrol reported in earlier posts.  This is a Naval Kriegspiel and utilises extant period Naval charts over which the combatants manoeuvre and fight.  This is however a joint enterprise as well as being competitive, since both players take the role of Royal Navy Captains, and the cunning and overweight Umpire controls the French by use of reaction tables and the "French Plan", which is historical, and will only be deviated from in response to the actions of one of our players.  I shall publish the "French Plan" at the end of the cruise.  They are in effect programmed...

The Umpire will conduct all battles, using the "Post Captain" rules,  according to the orders received from the RN Captains involved.  I will also deliver blog reports on the action.

If there are any other volunteers out there I have roles for a few more Captains, whose actions are currently under planned orders but who could just as easily be played. Just let me know in the comments below.

Gentlemen you have been invited to the Day cabin aboard the first rate HMS Queen Charlotte of 100 guns, Lord Howe's flagship on the blockade at Brest.  You will be briefed individually on your mission by the Political Officer Lord D`Arcy Pue who will accompany one of your ships.  Lord Howe's remarks are summarised by the Secretary into orders:

Orders to our Loyal and Good Servants, Captains Quincy Whitmore Jr and Christmas Quilp, Writ this day 24th May 1794

As you are aware...
the political situation this spring 1794 is that the French Regicides, under their National Convention, are at war with all their neighbours. Famine is imminent, and unrest growing, particularly along the Biscay Coast.  The French Committee of Public Safety has requested a grain convoy from the French colonies and the perfiduous United States, to be convoyed across the Atlantic during April, May and June, accompanied by a small escort squadron.

This convoy must not get through.  The French have a second, larger squadron in the Bay of Biscay and as if this were not bad enough the French Atlantic Fleet, under Admiral Villaret de Joyeuse, has vanished into the Bay of Biscay.

Note that political upheaval has severely reduced the French Navy's ability to fight coherently and supply shortages have devastated its morale, whilst at home we are suffering from a severe shortage of trained seamen.  Your Frigates have been crewed and made ready in all respects for sea.  Due to a severe shortage of Royal marines you will each take a Lieutenant, Sergeant and 30 men of the 29th Regiment due to the nature of the Political missions you have been assigned.

Your orders are to sail into the bay, and find that Fleet.  Lord Howe and the whole Channel Fleet are relying upon the success of your Mission.  Find that fleet,

Winston Wolfe
Secretary to the Lord Admiral

It is 0800 in the Forenoon watch and you have just returned from meeting the Admiral aboard HMS Charlotte 100.  We are lying off Brest at 48.7N 5.0W in 70 fathoms, and the rocks known as the Saints are fine off our port bow.  The seabed is sand.  The wind is Southerly and the sea state is 4 Moderate with a long swell.  It will be worse in the Bay.

Links to orders.  Eyes only...

Specific Orders for Captain Quilp HMS Satyr


Specific Orders for Captain Whitmore HMS Nymphe


Link to the Bay of Biscay Naval Chart
Other more detailed charts will be issued as required, for instance on entering Quiberon Bay, or the Basque Roads.

The chart showing Missions

The detailed Quiberon bay chart

Morning Watch 24th May

How to sail a ship using a chart and bearings.

Ships have variable speed depending on the sail set, the wind strength and the bearing to the wind.

Ships also have a “Top speed” based on the length of the keel, displacement of water and beam of the vessel.  HMS Victory was reckoned to achieve 9 kn in strong winds.  Smaller vessels could achieve this in lighter airs.

As Commander you can order various sail settings.

Full Sail with Studding sails set.   Basically the lot.

Full Sail     Every sail on the yards in use.

Plain Sail   The heavier sails for stronger winds

Storm sail  The minimum sail, courses reefed up.

Battle sail   Usually only topsails and jib.

The ships speed is calculated in knots – 1NM per hour is a knot.  Taking a reef into the sails reduces speed by 1 kt.  I will generally give you a logged estimated latitude and longitude, but please note that this will not be 100% accurate.  The map is gridded Latitude and Longitude.  Nymphe and Satyr would report the above position as 48.7N 5.0W.  The Royal Navy deliberately calculated a nautical mile short, the idea being that this made running ashore more unlikely. 

I will give you headland sightings, and sea bed composition in the ship’s log where these are available.  A picture of my game on the map will have only the detail that your ship could see, and may therefore be useless for navigation, especially in a squall, fog or at night.

On the subject of night time I would refrain from full sail around these waters in poor visibility.

A lookout can theoretically see about 10NM, but note that in the Bay there are many places ships may suddenly appear from, as well as sea mist and squalls.

I will be on hand to give you advice from the Ships Master on Navigation, the 1^st Lieutenant on shipboard matters, the Gunner on firing and the Carpenter on your leaky bottom. (all via the ships log) 

For example the Sailing Master should inform you if your course is likely to run the ship aground.  The First Lieutenant will report disciplinary matters...

The game is played in “watches,” with movement every 4 game hours, but orders are daily, as the Captain's orders for the day.

    First watch: 2000 to 0000

    Middle watch: 0000 to 0400

    Morning watch: 0400 to 0800

    Forenoon watch: 0800 to 1200

    Afternoon watch: 1200 to 1600

    First dog watch: 1600 to 1800

    Last dog watch: 1800 to 2000

Ships Log

Captains orders for the day of ........................  Wind (Direction wind coming from)  .......................

Course, sail setting, Actions to be taken.

Watch Officers will then report back with Any Item of Interest occurring during their watch.

Further orders may be required if other vessels are sighted, or if the captain intends something like a cutting out expedition. 

Some advice:

Based on the advice Nathaniel Drinkwater was given for the Bay as well as Moore’s observations.

Beware the sudden Squall.  Have at least one good deck Officer. 

An anchor has a 100 fathom cable, measurement is in terms of cables (1/10 NM) and Nautical miles.  The Bay has relatively shallow water, so don`t be afraid to get the anchor down.

The French have shore batteries that will lob a shot out at least a mile.  The typical French trick is to anchor off these.

If you sail off the map I have other charts that will allow you to complete a chase, but your patrol area is that of the Bay of Biscay and you risk censure for being off it.

If you take a prize you must send an Officer, Warrant Officer or Midshipman with a number of crew, to sail the prize into Plymouth (or any British port).  

As always, Prize Monies reflect your Personal Victory points in this game.

24 May 1794

Link to Met Office Notes on the Sailing Conditions in the Bay of Biscay.  These will be used to generate the "weather."