Normandy '44: Over the Hill

I decided to try out Toofatlardies I Ain't Been Shot Mum as a solo ruleset to use with my vast but untouched for many years 20mm World War II miniatures collection - and get back to my youth of the days of Charles Grant's Battle.

IABSM uses a card activation mechanism with an unpredictable turn end based on the appearance of a 'tea break' card.  Hence it is well suited to solo play as you never know what elements are going to be able to activate each turn (although you can influence this to a certain extent by judicious use of 'big men' representing outstanding leaders).  You can play each side to the best of your ability, and still feel like you get a good game out of it with a suitable reflection of the 'fog of war' and Clausewitz's 'friction'.


The introductory scenario I used was called 'Over the Hill' and essentially revolved around a British attempt to clear some high ground in Normandy.  Needless to say, German defenders complete with spandaus and panzerfauts look to spoil the day of the British reinforced infantry company leading the advance up the hill.

After an initial 'stonk' by artillery the Loamshire Light Infantry advanced along a bocage flanked road with tank support from the Sherwood Foresters.

All seems quiet - too quiet!

The ambush is sprung by the Germans.

Up close and personal as German infantry stalk a Sherman.

Panzerfaust kill!

The Loamshires are hit with spandau fire from a wood.

A second ambush hits the Loamshires from the flank as they try to advance through the bocage country.

A good first game, with plenty of lessons learnt for next time!