Referee's Information
This key to running this scenario is to ensure that both sides have their artillery orders down on paper before the start of the game and that the Germans turn in their plans for an attack. Players should be told that first light is 0600, with visibility at that point going from 2" to 15". Each turn thereafter, it will increase by 15", until it reaches the usual 60". The Germans will be told that they may start moving or firing as of 0500, but not before.
However, from 0600 to 1000, there was a heavy ground fog over this area. The visibility will start at 5", and will increase according to the chart below. Note that throughout this time the minimum visibility allowed will be 5", while the maximum allowed win be 30".
Die Roll Result
- 1 Increase visibility by 10"
2,3 Increase visibility by 5
4,5,6,7 No Change
8,9 Decrease visibility by 5"
0 Decease visibility by 10"
In additional, halve all movement for ALL stands while the Fog Rule is in effect. If possible, try not to let the players know about the fog. Historically, the Germans spent from 0600 to 0700 putting down a smokescreen that was unneeded, while the British artillery was handicapped as most of their preplotted fire points were never in view. The fog also prevented the RAF from helping out during the morning.
Several quick reminders on the rules:
1. Except for the German Strosstruppen, none of the troops in this game may run.
2. Staff stands only work from troops in trenches, or in are controlled at the start of the game.
3. Both sides may attempt to use chemical warfare with th( artillery.
4. The game should last from 0600 to 1800 if the players wish. (When one can't run, movement slows down quickly.)
For the record, the British were driven out of Villers Bretonnei at about 1700. A counterattack by the 13th and 15th Australi Brigades at 2000 restored the situation and allowed the British hold on to the town and rim of the plateau.
Bibliography
The Australians, Their Final Campaign, 1918, F.M.
Cutlack Sampson Low, Marston and Company, 1919.
Histories of the Divisions of the German Army in the
West 1914-1918, Intelligence Section, American Expeditionary Force
Chaumot, France, 1919.
See How They Run, William Moore, Leo Cooper, London
1970.
Military Operations, France and Belgium, 1918,
Brigadier General James E. Edmonds, Macmillan and Company, Londc
1937.
More Amiens: April 24, 1918: Villers Bretonneux
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© Copyright 1993 by Greg Novak.
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