Wargaming with Maximus Gluteus

SUSPICIONS CONFIRMED

LOCAL HISTORICAL WARGAMERS

THE TIMING OF A SCENARIO

A SMALL WWII SCENARIO

KOREAN WAR CROSSFIRE SCENARIOS

OVERSEAS VISITORS

CROSS FIRE FOR THE KOREAN WAR

CROSS FIRE FOR THE KOREAN WAR AIRCRAFT

Control of the sky over the battlefield was of tantamount importance in battle. We usually ignore that aspect of the battles in Cross Fire but taking air into account can certainly add some “spice” to the scenario. Steve Thomas of the UK came up with some very playable rules for CF in WWII. With Steve’s kind permission, I have modified them for The Korean War. Steve’s site is replete with scenarios and rules ideas for Cross Fire - please check it out. The original can be seen at:

www.balagan.org.uk/war/crossfire/musing/aircraft.htm

The Battle of Weisse Swamp

Air superiority

The air superiority tends to vary over time. Use this air superiority modifier which is dependent on year the game is being played in:

Planes, but are they ours?

Ground Attack

Anti-aircraft (AA) fire

Cost

Aircraft

Note: I left out aircraft whose mission was primarily air-to-air combat.

Option 1: Contested skies

Option 2: All or nothing

2015-06-07T11:01:00.000-04:00

Unfortunately, I find this true about most of my games and have been trying for some 40 years to overcome it! The AAR for this game, in two parts, is up on my other site: http://kingstonirregulars.blogspot.com/

THE GAME YOU WANT TO PLAY

THE GAME YOU END UP PLAYING!

2015-04-13T08:12:00.001-04:00

I have noticed several views by local gamers (I assume) - Milton, Raynham, etc. Why not contact me at mgluteus@aol.com and join us for a game on some Thursday night? Be sure to list a subject on your e-mail as I don't open e-mails eithout a subject line.
Dick Bryant

2014-08-25T19:00:00.002-04:00

I recently created some 2' x 2' game boards for playing out the six 2' x 2' mini Cross Fire scenarios (see the next blog entry) at conventions to spread the word about Cross Fire. There are actually only 3 boards-6 players and 3 games being about the most a single umpire can handle when teaching novices to a particular rule set. An extra road segment and a river allow an additional two maps to be played, while the 3rd additional board just adds a hill. The original 3 tables are shown below.

THE TOWN

THE FARM

THE WOOD

As mentioned, the next three boards are made from the first three.

THE CROSSROADS

THE HILL

THE RIVER

2012-03-30T16:56:00.000-04:00

CROSS FIRE

SMALL 2’ X 2’ SCENARIOS

I am always looking for small scenarios that can be played in an hour or less and that can be used to teach newbies the nuances of the game. There are several available from various blogs. Of note is http://www.balagan.org.uk/war/crossfire/scenarios/novice/index.htm and http://www.lloydianaspects.co.uk/wargames/crossfire/cfnovice.html and , my favorite http://www.iandrea.co.uk/wargames/xfire/xfsc/df/df.html . I thought I'd try my hand at such a scenario and the result was 6 scenarios that can be played on a 2 ft. x 2 ft. table with a minimum of figures. All 6 scenarios use the same forces and we have played them out several times, taking about an hour/scenario.
Please let me know what you think and what your experience was.

The forces for all the scenarios are the same: 32.5 pts ea.

The defender (VETERAN) occupies squares D and C and starts hidden. He places troops first.

Platoon w/supports

1 HMG
1 sniper

1 PC (+1)

3 Rifle Sqds

1 Small Mortar (50mm, 60mm, etc.) 12FM

1 80MM (or equivalent)Mortar off table with 12 FM and FO

1 minefield

The attacker (REGULARS) occupies the “bottom” or southern 6” of squares A and B. Only units starting in buildings are hidden – none are “dug-in”. Places troops second and has initiative.

1 Small Mortar (50mm, 60mm, etc.) 12FM

1 120 MM Mortar (or equivalent) off table with 10 FM and FO

1 Engineer stand

2 Platoons ea. w/

1 PC (+1)

3 Rifle Sqds

NOTE: In “the woods “scenario, both attacker and defender start hidden, not “dug-in”.

Mortars: 1/3 of the FM can be smoke rounds.

Terrain:

Blds/Bunkers hold 2 stands not including commanders or FOs.

All terrain is “In Season” thus breaks LOS.

Victory Conditions: (Must hold for two initiatives)

THE FARM: Attacker takes farm house.

THE CROSSROADS: Attacker must occupy house and hedge area.

THE RIVER: Attacker gets the majority of his force into the bldg and right-hand woods. The river is a “linear obstacle”, but fordable.

THE TOWN: Attacker clears or occupies 3 of the bldgs in D and C.

THE HILL: Occupy the hill

THE WOODS: Find and destroy the enemy.

2011-09-26T09:54:00.004-04:00

THE TIMING OF A SCENARIO

On several occasions, now, I have played in a scenario where the victory conditions depend on "real" time as opposed to "game" time. I understand the reasoning for such a limit. Usually it is because we only have a certain amount of time to play and we do not have the luxury of a room where we can leave the game set up until the next "game day". Yet the victory condition is unrealistic and artificial at best.

EXAMPLE: The sides start as shown on the table. Game start is nominally 7PM but we must be done by 9:30PM, so the Victory Points allocated at 9:30 determine the winner. Now the attacker's nearest unit is 4 ft from the enemy force that he must overcome to get the VPs. He must suppress enemy guns, cross rough terrain and a ford to to the objective, then fight a volley and melee battle when he gets there. It may take 2 or 3 attempts. If his max move is 12"/turn it takes 4 turns to get in position to attack the objective IF none of the obstacles that he has to overcome existed! Then all it takes is an opponent constantly asking questions of the umpire or the umpire constantly looking up rules to slow the process even further so the objective of the best possible plan of attack is un obtainable!

Before setting up any "timed" game the author of the scenario must take into account the starting positions of the opposing units - at the best rate of speed, can a unit even reach its objective, never mind having to fight its way there? It must take into account the reduction in time available to meet the objective caused by looking up rules, etc which is inevitable in any game.

I feel that a good rule of thumb to start with is to measure the distance from the attacking units' starting position to the objective and using the nominal movement rate (i.e do not include using roads, or crossing streams or other movement multipliers) divide the one by the other to determine the number of turns just to march to the objective. Then double that number. The result is the number of GAME turns within which the attacker can win (or loose). So if a unit has to march 4 feet to the objective and the march rate is 12"/turn, the unit would need 8 GAME turns to meet its victory conditions at a minimum.

Other drains on game time available to play out a scenario are the need for setting up the table or developing your plan for winning the game. It should be obvious that the game should be set up and the troops organized by the scenario desiger (umpire) before the allotted time for game start. The introduction to the scenario to the players, which includes each side developing its plan for it, can take up 25% of the time allotted to play the game, resulting in scenario designer using the artificial real time clock to determine win/lose.

In this day of computers and the internet, why can't the oranization of forces, the map and scenario sent on to the players (modified as per what side they are playing on) a few days before the game and the side commander duly bound to have written orders for each of his players to be handed out at game start, or even better, by internet before the day of the game. Failing that, use a Xerox machine and mail the info out, If time is a factor plan each game two weeks ahead which gives two weeks to get the info into the players hands. I have posted an EXAMPLE of an operational order for a subordinate below. It was used in a recent WWII Cross Fire game. Note that some game playing hints (see Red) are included for a gamer that has not had as much experience in the rules as the others.

A CrossFire Game

Operational Order

SITUATION:

The enemy is trying to take and occupy the road exit to the South of the swamp. We must prevent him from coming within 1 ft. of the exit.

ENEMY:

Expect between 1 reinforced Company (5 platoons) to two companies with armor support. His main effort is expected to be on our left as he has more covered approaches in that area. Though he may try an armor attack from our right.

FORCES:

2/9 Platoon

1 PC (+1)

2 Rifle Sqds

1 Panzerfaust Sqd (also acts as rifle sqd)

1 HMG

3/9 Platoon

1 PC (+1)

2 Rifle Sqds

1 Panzerfaust Sqd (also acts as rifle sqd)

1 HMG

In addition a FO reporting directly to the Company Commander with 2/9

1/9 is on your left rear

A Co. of Mk IV tanks are in immediate support to the rear.

MISSION:

Occupy the positions as shown on the map. You will dig in and remain hidden until detected by the enemy or forced to fire.

Hold your position (the center and right) as long as possible, causing casualties to the enemy as much as possible. If heavily pressed fall back to positions in the town, but maintain your zones of fire. If falling back, wood “A” must be held. Be prepared to reinforce the left by pulling straight back into the town on my order.

Bring all possible fire to bear on enemy when he shows himself except to keep one sqd from going “no fire”.

NOTE: You kill the enemy by firing on him – do so!

If you pull straight back out of a defensive position you cannot be fired upon until you enter another terrain feature!

You do not have to place the units in the positions they are indicated on the map. When you have to reveal them put them in the MOST ADVANTAGOUS position for the situation at the time of placement.

I would be very interested in your comments.

2011-04-13T19:43:00.011-04:00

ACTION AT BAISEQUE, FRANCE 1944

Wanting to get away from the large Cross Fire games that we usually have 6 to 8 players every Thursday night to fit in to a game, I thought of having 3 small identical games with one player on each side to see how they would do.

The result was a scenario that can be played as above or as a small 2-person game. The game was played several times and since both sides won about an equal number of times, I can assume that it is fairly balanced.

You can see from the name, I hope, that this is a totally non-historical battle.

AMERICANS

Your orders are to take and occupy the German position in and about a small farm outside of the French town of Baiseque. It controls the approaches to the flank of their MLR. You must take the farm house and the bunker (exact location unknown) with as few casualties as possible. You start on the table where shown on the map and with initiative.

You place your troops in the designated area, un hidden and NOT dug in. You may keep any amount of your force off table and enter at the Reinforcement Entry Point. You have the Inititiave

FORCES: 92points
1 Reinforced Company (VETERAN)
1 CC (+1)
1 60mm Mortar (on table)(12 Rds)

2 75mm Howitzers (offboard) W/observer 12 rds ea.

1 HMG
      4 Rifle Platoons
          1st Pl.
            1 PC(+1)
            2 Rifle Squads
            1 Bazooka Squad(2.5”)
          2nd Pl
             1PC(0)
             2 Rifle Squads
             1 Bazooka Squad(2.5”)
          3nd Pl
             1PC(0)
             2 Rifle Squads
             1 Bazooka Squad(2.5”)
           4th Pl
             1PC(0)
             2 Rifle Squads
             1 Bazooka Squad(2.5”)
Reinforcements

Potential reinforcement may be called upon at your discretion. They enter where shown on the map and on your initiative following the initiative in which you asked for them:

GERMANS

Your position is a small farm outside of the French town of Baiseque. It controls the approaches to the main position behind you. You must hold the position at all costs, causing as much damage to the allies as possible.

You start hidden and dug in on the table in the area North of the river.

FORCES:

1 company (REGULARS) 91.5 Pts

1 CC(+2)

1 HMG

1 120mm Mortar (10FMs) w/FO

1 81mm Mortar (12FMs) w/FO

3 Rifle Platoons

1^st Pl 1PC(+2)

3 Rifle Sqds –all w/Panzerfaust

2^nd Pl PC(+1)

3 Rifle Sqds

3rd Pl PC(+1)

3 Rifle Sqds

1 two stand bunker

2 sections Barbed Wire

1 Minefield

Reinforcements:Potential reinforcements that may be called upon at your discretion and enter anywhere along the North baseline on your initiative following the initiative in which you asked for them:

A. 1 PAC 40 AT gun w/ truck 3 Pts

B. 1 Mk IV tank 9 Pts

C. 1 REGULAR Platoon 17 Pts

w/1 Panzerfaust and PC(+1)

D. 1 HMG w/truck 6Pts

TERRAIN

Fields are NOT in season

River is a fordable linear obstacle

Bog Down rule in effect for woods and river( 4- in river, 3- in woods. Unbog on a 5+, 1 is permanently bogged. +1 to Guns firing at bogged unit.)

Constructions hold 2 stands not including FOs or Commanders

VICTORY POINTS GER US

Ea. US Stand killed or suppressed at game end +2Pts N/A

Ea. Reinforcement Used -1/2 point value

Each US objective Held 5Pts 10Pts

2011-04-13T19:38:00.004-04:00

"No Scenario Survives First Contact with a Wargamer"

NOTE: If you try any of these scenarios please let me know how it went. Think about submitting a battle report for inclusion here. Any questions will be answered and any suggestions as to how to improve them gratefully accepted.

KOREAN WAR SCENARIO #1

TASK FORCE SMITH

First Contact July 5 1950

Col. Smith was tasked with stopping or holding back the North Korean advance along the main Seoul-Pusan highway. The position chosen was north of Osan. Only 1 in 6 of his force had any combat experience beyond boot camp!

The battle took place in two in two phases with a pause between. The first phase consisted of an advance of 33 N. Korean tanks of the 107^th tank Rgt. down the road in several sections. It was here that it was discovered that the WWII 2.6” Bazookas were useless against t-34/85 tanks. The 75 mm RR also failed. The only success was a 105mm howitzer direct firing the only HEAT available on the Korean Penninsula, knocking out 4 tanks. The next phase of the battle started at 11:30 AM with the advance of a more tanks and elements of the North Korean 4^th Division. Task force Smith was able to hold on for about 3 hours before being forced to retreat.

It is this second phase that the scenario will simulate. The only tanks on the table at game start are knocked- out N. Korean tanks. They break LOS and give direct cover but due to their location on the table, you can eliminate them without damaging the scenario.

TASK FORCE SMITH July 5, 1950

TERRAIN
NOTE: 2 contour hills are impassible to tanks.

Terrain is the same as in Cross Fire and Hit The Dirt with a couple of additions:

ROUGH TERRAIN: Represents broken and/or rocky ground. Breaks LOS and provides direct fire cover only

RICE PADDIES: Provide Direct Cover only and do not break LOS. Vehicle bog down rule from HitThe Dirt applies.

RAILROADS: Always considered on embankments unless otherwise specified. Embankment breaks LOS except for sighting troops who are on 2nd or higher contour of a hill adjacent to the embankment. Embankment is a linear obstacle and troops on top receive direct cover.

AMERICAN FORCES

Deploys first dug-in and hidden within map area designated by blue dotted line

Task Force Smith (GREEN)

Col Smith BC (+1)

1 Rifle Sqd.

Hvy Weapons Co

1 75mm Recoiless rifle

1 4.2” Mortar w/ FO (10 FM)

1 105mm Howitzer w/FO (8 FM)

2 HMG

2 2.36” Bazooka teams

B Company

1 CC(+1)

2 platoons ea with:

1 PC(+0)

3 Rifle Sqd

1 platoon with:

3 Rifle Sqd

1 60mm mortar (on table) (12 FM)

C Company

1 CC(+1)

2 platoons ea with:

1 PC(+0)

3 Rifle Sqd

1 platoon with:

3 Rifle Sqd

1 60mm mortar (on table) (12 FM)

Your mission is to hold the position until relieved, blunting the advance of the North Korean force.

The Americans win a minor victory if they have 50% of their forces not suppressed or dead by1330 hrs. They win a major victory if they still meet these conditions by 1430 hrs.

NORTH KOREAN FORCE

Deploys second. Marches on at the road entrance indicated by the red arrow

Elements of the 4^th North Korean Infantry Division. (REGULAR)

4 T34/85

BC(+1)

1-Commissar (+1)

Machinegun Company

3-HMGs

Mortar Company

3-82mm Mortars OT(8 FM ea.) w/FO

3-Infantry Companies, ea. with:

1CC(+1)

1-SMG Sqd.

Company Heavy Weapons

1 HMG

3-Rifle Platoons; each with:

1-PC(+1)

2-Rifle Squads

1-SMG Squad

Your Mission is to advance through Osan and take the port of Pusan.

NOTE: The North Koreans must march on the road until fired upon, at which time they can deploy to either side of the road. Following troops no longer have to come on the road but may enter anywhere on the entrance road side of the table. Once all three companies of the Btn have been commited, As your troops are killed and or suppressed, you may take them off the table and reform into platoons/companies to enter as a new company on the table behind the lead troops. This represents the fact that the Americans were facing a DIVISION. Your Mortars are at the end of your Battalion column and it takes 1hour, 40 Minutes -5 initiatives (moving Clock – see below) before the FOs to move on table. The company HMGs arrive with their companies, the Btn HMGs when the whole Btn. has been committed.

VICTORY CONDITIONS

The moving Clock (as in Hit the Dirt) is in effect. Game start is 1120 hrs and the clock advances 1/3 hr after every American Initiative in which a 5 or 6 is rolled on a D6.

The Americans win a minor victory if they have 50% of their forces not suppressed or dead by 1340 hrs. They win a major victory if they still meet these conditions by 1440 hrs.

NOTE: THERE IS A BATTLE REPORT FOR THIS SCENARIO AT :

http://kingstonirregulars.blogspot.com/

KOREAN WAR SCENARIO #2

DEFEND THE GUNS

North Korean Infiltration Sept 1950

In September 1950 the United Nations forces were defending the Pusan perimeter and building up for the breakout. That period saw major guerilla activity and infiltration of UN rear areas by the North Koreans. The early morning of Sept, 3 1950 the N. Koreans surprised A Battery, 64th Field Artillery Btn in an attempt to overrun the guns and destroy them. The Americans were able to fight them off in a hard fought nose-to-nose action.

This is a small company size action suitable for 2 players.

U.S. FORCE

It is 0245, defend your guns and hold your position until dawn (0500)

Set on FIRST within the blue-dotted area shown on map.

Only Buildings SOUTH of the Chinjin-Masan road may be occupied by 1 Sqd ea.

Each 105 mm Howitzer is dug in and the emplacement may be occupied by 1 Sqd. The HMGs may also start dug-in

A Battery

CC (+1)(Regular)

2 HMG

6 105mm Howitzers. w/1 sqd. ea. as rifle armed crew (Green)

Equivalent of 2 platoons of rifle armed crew (Green)

Platoon A

1 PC (+1)

3 gunners/rifle squads

Platoon B

1 PC (+0)

3 gunners/rifle squads

2 communication Squads w/rifles(Green)

1 M16 Quad ½ track mtd MG

This weapon was poorly maintained – if a pair of 1’s show up on any roll of the hit dice for this weapon, it jams and is useless for the rest of the game.

Possible Reinforcement.

Reinforcement arrives at the beginning of the American initiative listed. Roll a D6 for a 5-6. If reinforcement does not arrive, dice at the beginning of each subsequent initiative.

2 FM of 155MM anywhere on ridge line at 0415 or later.

1 M4 E8 tank arrives from the West at 0430.

NORTH KOREAN FORCE

It is 0245, attack and destroy enemy guns before until dawn (0500)

You will split your force into 2 groups, equal in size as may be. They will attack from 2 of 3 possible directions from off table. From the North, South or West.

Set on SECOND and you have the Initiative.

1 CC(+1) (All Veteran)

2 HMG

1 80mm Mortar w/FO and 10 FM

4 paltoons ea. w/

1 PC(0)

3 Rifle Sqds.

Possible Reinforcement.

Historically, American ammo was hit by gunfire and caught fire illuminating much of the American position. At the beginning of the 0345 initiative or subsequent initiatives, roll a D6 a 5+, the ammo illuminates the American set on area except only inside the hill. Illuminated targets no longer get the one Die night cover. All other night fighting rules apply.

SPECIAL RULES

Night fighting: As per Hit The Dirt

Moving Clock is in effect: Whenever the American loose the initiative, roll a D6. The clock advances 15 minutes for a roll of 5+

KOREAN WAR SCENARIO #3
The Pusan Perimiter, August 1950

HILL 303

Based on an actual battle that took place on the Pusan Perimeter Aug 14-17, 1950. The action started at 0800 on the 15^th with the Americans holding out until they managed to break out late in the evening of the next day. Obviously a Cross Fire game representing 36 or more hours would be a little daunting – so I reduced the forces available and have set the end of scenario time at 1000 hrs on the 14^th, a game length representing 14 hrs.

TERRAIN NOTE: Fields are IN SEASON, Houses hold 2 stands (CO, Observers do not count),

UNITED STATES

Mission: To break through and relieve Coy G, 5^th Cav Rgt that has been surrounded by the North Koreans and are in danger of being overrun.

Forces Available:

Co B, 5^th Cav Rgt. REGULARS

CO (+2)

1 HMG

1 76MM RR w/ Prime Mover

3 Platoons ea. with

1 PC (+1)

3 Inf Sqds

1 Mortar Platoon

1 PC(+0)

2 60mm Mortars

Co C, 5^th Cav Rgt. REGULARS

CO (+2)

1 HMG

1 76MM RR w/ Prime mover

3 Platoons ea. with [EU1]

PC (+1)

3 Inf Sqds

1 Mortar Platoon

1 PC(+0)

2 60mm Mortars

Tank Platoon

3 M4 Shermans

Support Artillery:

3 4.2" Mortars 12 rounds each. w/ 1 FO ea.

Company G will place first followed by the North Koreans then these US Forces will enter the EAST end of the table.

UNITED STATES

Co G, 5^th Cav Rgt.

You set on first within the BLUE dotted lines on Hill 303. You have had heavy casualties and are completely surrounded by the North Koreans. Your mission is to survive and to break out to the East where friendly forces are moving towards your relief.

All your units start DUG IN But once a stand moves it looses the Cover defined by DUG IN.

Co G, 5^th Cav Rgt. REGULARS

1 CO (+2)

1 HMG

2 Platoons ea. with

1 PC (+1)

2 Inf Sqds

1 Platoon. with

1 PC (+1)

2 Inf Sqds

1 3.5” Bazooka Sqd

2 60mm Mortars

3 sections of Barbed Wire

1 Minefield

NORTH KOREA

Mission: Destroy the enemy position on Hill 303 but maintain the strength of you units as they are needed in a planned attack into the NAKONG BULGE. You place your troops second (after CO G) within the dotted red lines and have the initiative. Your tank force will come over the bridge over the Nan river to the west on the 0930 initiative. There is an enemy buildup of armor and infantry to the EAST.

Forces:

1 Btn CO (+2) (REGULAR)

2 HMG

Co A

CO (+1)

3 Platoons ea with

1 PC (+0)

3 Inf Sqds

Co B

CO (+1)

3 Platoons ea with

1 PC (+0)

3 Inf Sqds

Co C

CO (+1)

2 Platoons ea with

1 PC (+0)

3 Inf Sqds

1Platoon ea with

1 PC (+0)

3 SMG Sqds

1 120mm Mortar (12 Missions) w/FO

1 80mm Mortar (12 Missions) w/FO

Tank Platoon:

4 T 34 Tanks

VICTORY CONDITIONS

The Americans win if they can get a platoon of infantry into the Co G positions, or if at least 4 elements of Co G pushes through the NK position to the East.

SPECIAL RULES

The Moving Clock is in effect. Roll a D6 after each American initiative loss. A 5+ and the clock advances ½ hour. If the clock does not advance for two initiatives in a row, the die roll requirement moves to 4+ until there is a clock advance, then it reverts to 5+. The game starts at 0800 and ends at 2200. Night fall is at 2000 hrs.

Initiative. There is ONE initiative for the Americans. The relieving force commander will decide which of the 2 American forces get the initiative or when and if one force will pass it on to the other.

Night. Nightfall is at 1000 hrs. The night fighting rules of Hit The Dirt then apply.
ED NOTE: Le Shako, a wargame club in France has published a scenario and battle report based on this one - see: http://clubleshakko.blogspot.com/

[EU1]

2011-03-29T21:20:00.000-04:00

We have been having a fair number of hits from oveseas - Russia, Italy, The Philippines, New Zealand, Indonesia, Iran(!), Australia to name a few. Please, if you are visiting in, drop a comment about your hobby interests and what you might be looking for on this site. Perhaps I can help.

Thanks
Dick Bryant

2010-10-25T14:15:00.030-04:00

Chinese attack supressed (red markers) Marine platoon

The Forgotten War, Korea, seems to be essentially forgotten in wargaming as well. The Korean War has at least as many situations that can be gamed using Cross Fire (CF) as does WWII. Perhaps more, as there were many small company-sized actions in very mountainous terrain. Yet there are enough similarities to the armies of WWII that the transition is easy. There are a few new weapons and new organizations (especially the Chinese) to be researched, but this is not insurmountable. I have always been interested in the period as it was the war I grew up with and the numerous possible scenarios present different problems than does WWII. For those of you not familiar with CF, I recommend this site: http://crossfire.wargaming.info/.

NKPA

The North Korean People’s Army of 1950 used essentially Russian organization and tactical battle concepts. They were well armed and supplied and especially well trained. Soon after the Inchon invasion, their quality diminished as the veteran cadre was killed off and replaced by Green recruits. The Btn. support weapons and higher echelon support weapons were reduced to lower levels from Oct. 1950 to Aug 1951. After Aug. 1951., the NKPA built up to its previous levels.

LEG INFANTRY BATTALION

(June-Oct 1950, veteran; Nov 1950-Aug 1951 , Green; after Aug. 1951, Regular)

Battalion Headquarters:

1-BC (+1)

1-Commissar (+1)

Machinegun Company

3-HMGs

Mortar Company

3-82mm Mortars

Anti-Tank Platoon

1-45mm ATG/Truck

Anti-Tank Rifle Platoon

1-PC

3-Sqds w/14.5mm ATR

3-Infantry Companies, ea.(55/37/44pts) with:

1CC(+1)

1-SMG Sqd.

Company Heavy Weapons

1 HMG

3-Rifle Platoons; each with:

1-PC(+1)

2-Rifle Squads

1-SMG Squad

Infantry Fire Support

12 FMs 82mm Mortars 6

12 FMs 120mm Mortars 7

12 FMs 76mm Infantry Gun 6

4 FMs 122mm Howitzer 10

T34/85

SU-76

CHINESE PEOPLE’S LIBERATION ARMY

The Chinese forces that came over the Yalu River in Sept-Oct 1950 were light troops armed with mostly sub-machine guns, rifles, grenades and other small arms. Their heavy artillery was left on the Chinese side of the river. They had no armor until later (1951) when they used North Korean armor remnants supplemented with some Russian re-supply.

The Chinese PCs did not provide much direction to their platoons, the command structure commanding from the Company HQ level. In CF the Chinese squads must have a LOS to their PC at both the beginning and end of a move (as Russians). The PCs must have a LOS to the CC or Commissar at the beginning of a move

The CC and the Political Commissars were equally able to command the troops but at company level. Maneuver is by whole company and the loss of both the CC and the Commissar renders the Company ineffective and it will withdraw.

The Chinese in Melee ignore pins, but a suppress is a kill.

The Chinese may use Human Wave attacks as in Hit the Dirt:

LEG INFANTRY BATTALION

(Nov 1950-1953, Regular)

Battalion Headquarters:

1-BC (+1)

1-Commissar (+1)

Weapons Company

1-HMG Platoon (1 HMG Sqd)

1-82mm Mortar Platoon (1 81mm Mortar)

1-57mm RR Platoon ( 1 57mm Recoiless Rifle)

3-Infantry Companies, ea.(55/44pts) with:

1CC(+1)

Company Heavy Weapons

1-60mm Mortar

1-3.5” Bazooka

1-HMG

1 Rifle Platoon with

1-PC(0) Has no value in combat nor in rallying

3-Rifle Squads

1 SMG Platoon with

1-PC(0) Has no value in combat nor in rallying

3-SMG Squads

1-Hand Grenade Platoon with: (+2 in close combat)

1-PC(0) Has no value in combat nor in rallying

3-Hand Grenade Squads

NOTE: can add 1 sqd of the proper type to each platoon for and additional 13.5/9 pts(veteran /regular) to the company.

Infantry Fire Support Pts

12 FMs 82mm Mortars 6

12 FMs 120mm Mortars 7

12 FMs 76mm Infantry Gun 6 Jan 52 on

4 FMs 122mm Howitzer 10 Jan 52 on

OTHER KOREAN WAR ARMIES

ROK

The beginning of the war saw the S. Koreans (ROK) poorly armed and with few unit exceptions( 17^th Independent Rgt), poorly trained. Later they added more modern weaponry from the U.S. and per force became more experienced and able on the battle field.

June 1950- May 1952

During this period there were only 3 105mm Btns to support the entire ROK army – they were with the 7^th and 8^th Divisions. So in scenarios involving those units, off-board Hvy. Arty. is allowed.

LEG INFANTRY BATTALION

(June 1950 –May 1952, Green: After May, 1952, Regular)

Battalion Headquarters:

1-BC (0)

1 57mm ATG w/truck (from Division resources)(3 pts).

Hvy Weapons Company (20pts)

2 HMG

2 82mm Mortars w/FO (off Table).

3-Infantry Companies, ea.(42.5/47pts) with:

1CC(+1)

Company Heavy Weapons

1 HMG

1 60mm Howitzer

3-Rifle Platoons; each with:

1-PC(0)

3-Rifle Squads

Infantry Fire Support pts

12 FMs 82mm Mortars 6

BRITAIN

The first British contingent the 27^th Bde., made up of the 1^st Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders and the 1^st Middlesex Rgt. Arrived in late August of 1950. Other Commonwealth forces joined as the war progressed until a full Commonwealth Division was in place by July 1951. The British were in some of the hardest fought battles of the war, including the retreat from the Chosin.

LEG INFANTRY BATTALION

(Aug -Dec1950, Regular; Jan 1951-on, Veteran)

Use the organization from Cross Fire for WWII except that each Btn. had only 2 companies until Sept/Oct 1950. Initially their support arm was American tanks and artillery with Centurian tanks arriving in Nov 1950. They proved too heavy for the Korean bridges and thus saw limited action.

Infantry Fire Support

12 FMs 2” Mortars 4

12 FMs 3” Mortars 6

12 FMs 4.2” Mortars 7

Use US Hvy Artillery

Centurian Mk 3 (After Nov 1950) 6

WEAPONS FOR THE KOREAN WAR

Most of the weaponry for the Korean War is from WWII and the charts in Cross Fire may be used. The T34/85, SU76, 81mm, 60mm and 120mm mortars for the North Koreans and Chinese and the 2.5” Bazooka, the mortars, the M4 WWII Sherman tanks the “super” E8 Sherman and the M36 for the UN forces from the original rules all apply. Actually all of the WWII US material can be used.

Upgrades are needed for the 3.5” bazooka, the 57mm and 75mm Recoilless Rifles, The M26/M46 Pershing/Patton tanks, the M24 Chaffee, and M16s (quad 50 cal MG on a ½ track).

Totally new rules are needed for Air Support, Flame Throwers, Napalm (all used in WWII but unaddressed in the original Cross Fire.).

NAME	ARM	ACC	PEN	HE/EFF	HD	POINTS
M46 Patton	6/3	2	2	5/2SQ	YES	9
M24 Chaffee	3/2	1	0	4/2SQ	YES	9
M3 Centurion	6/4	2	3	5/2SQ	YES	9
3.5” Bazooka	-	-2	2	2SQ	NO	2 per SQ
57mm RR	-	-2	2	2SQ	NO	3
75mm RR	-	-1	3	2SQ	NO	3
M16	1/1	MG		2 X 4/2 SQ*	NO	10
				*2 separate throws of 4/2sq

FIGURES FOR THE KOREAN WAR

The armor and vehicles for both sides are essentially WWII vintage. The US and other UN troops were virtually the same as those who fought in WWII though rivet counters may disagree as to some small details. Companies abound that carry those figures. The problem is the Chinese and N. Korean infantrymen .Companies that carry Korean War North Koreans and Chinese figures follow. If you can add any to the list please contact me..

15mm

Eureka is introducing a new line of 15mm figures for the period. They will be available at Historicon '11. I will have a review of samples sent this week.

http://www.eurekamin.com.au/

Quality Castings. Most of my figures are QC from before they sold the company. They are still available from:

http://www.warweb.com/quality-casting-modern-c-70_153_319.html?osCsid=10e1faaf15484c64f74bfce94f591fb3

Khurasan Miniatures

They have Chinese Infantry in winter uniforms

http://khurasanminiatures.tripod.com/chinese-korean-war.html

QRF

http://quickreactionforce.co.uk/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=440

20mm

Imex (various stockists) makes a line of Korean War 20mm plastic infantry. Unfortunately the Chinese are only presently available in summer uniforms

R H Models has an extensive line of 20 mm Korean War figures http://www.rhmodels.com/

25mm

1^st Corps has Chinese and British infantry

http://www.1stcorps.co.uk/

2010-10-24T20:36:00.000-04:00

Year	Air Superiority Modifier
	UN	Communist
1950 Jn, Jly		+2
1950 after July	+1
1951 on	+2

There are two ways of assessing when planes are over the table.

This rule tries to simply simulate a fluctuating situation where both sides have planes in the sky.

Each side throws 1D6 for air support at the start of their own initiative, adding or subtracting their Air Superiority as they choose. On a 6+ something happens:

· If there is already an aircraft (of either side) over the table the aircraft is immediately driven off the table by enemy fighters. It or a replacement, however, can return in subsequent initiatives.

· If there is no aircraft over the table then a plane friendly to the player whose initiative it is arrives over the table.

Each side with aircraft rolls a D6 to determine air superiority in the game; if a side can't have an aircraft then they effectively get 0 for this roll. The player with the higher score gets a plane; a draw means no plane for either side.

The difference between the air superiority rolls is the number of friendly initiatives in which the side with air superiority can deploy their plane over the table.

The plane first arrives on table on a 6 at the start of any friendly player initiative.

Each bound the plane is on-table the player must draw a straight line across the table, representing the flight path. The aircraft can only attack targets along the flight path, and is only susceptible to AA fire along this path.

Once on-table, aircraft act in a similar way to off table artillery. As with artillery fire, failure to suppress or kill with an aircraft's attacks does not end the phasing player's initiative. The ground attack process goes like this:

Player nominates the target and type of attack.
Anti-aircraft reactive fire is resolved.
If the aircraft is not driven off or shot down, determine the result of the ground attack itself.

Each plane has a certain number of bombs, of a certain potency (HE/EFF), plus machine guns or a cannon for strafing. A plane's bomb/rocket load is roughly analogous to the FM of artillery. Bombs/rockets are treated as indirect fire for Protective Cover and strafing with machine guns as direct fire. A plane can do one of the following each initiative it is on table:

Drop one or more of its remaining bombs (Dive Bombers can only drop one bomb per initiative)
Fire a pair of Rockets or its cannon
Strafe with its machine guns
Drop Napalm (Napalm does not suffer cover penalties except for targets in structures)

An aircraft may not engage the same target in two consecutive friendly initiatives.

Weapon	HE/EFF	ACC	PEN	NOTES
Machine Guns	4/0 SQ
20 mm Cannon	2/1 SQ	-1	-3
37 mm cannon	2/1 SQ	-1	-2
Small bomb (up to 100lb)	4/1 SQ			A
Light bomb (250lb)	4/2 SQ			A
Medium bomb (500lb)	5/3 SQ (2 EFF in structures)			A
Heavy bomb (1000lb+)	6/3 SQ (2 EFF in structures)			A
Pair of 3.5”, 5”Rockets	4/2 SQ	+1	-1	Target armor is always “Flank”
Pair of 6.5” Rockets (US Only Mid-Aug 1950 on)	4/2 SQ	+1	+3	Target armor is always “Flank”
Napalm	6/3 SQ (2 EFF in structures)

A. Bombs use Hit the Dirt's Special Rule 7 Indirect Fire on Vehicles.

The non-phasing player can reactive fire against the plane as it attacks. Only one stand can perform AA fire this stand can be either:

Dedicated AA guns which are the target or with line of fire to the flight path. Such guns fire with their full effect against the aircraft (assume 4d6, unless otherwise known).
Other targets shoot with their normal factors (HE factors in the case of guns), less 1d6, e.g. a Rifle Squad shoots in AA with 2d6.

(Other stands cannot reactive fire against aircraft.)

The results of reactive AA fire are:

Hits	Effect
1	No effect
2	If aircraft is a Dive Bomber, then no effect. Otherwise the current attack is aborted. Two aborted attacks in consecutive initiatives means the plane is driven from the table.
3	Killed

If you're using points to build your force then:

20 points for a chance to roll for air superiority
+20 points gives a +1 on the air superiority roll (can't buy more than +1)

A. 1 75mm AT gun w/truck

B. 1 M4 tank

C. 1 REGULAR platoon w/bazooka and PC(+1)

D. 1 Engineer Sqd. W/ Halftrack

Aircraft	Cannon/MG	Bombs				Rockets 4/2 SQ
Aircraft	Cannon/MG	Hvy	Med	Light	Napalm	Rockets 4/2 SQ
UN
F-51 (P51)	MG	2	4	8	1	10
F-80	MG	2	4	8	1	8
F-84	MG	2	4	8	1	24
F4Ucorsair (AU-1)	20 mm Cannon	2	2	4	1	8
AD -4 (Navy)	20 mm Cannon	4	8	16	2	24
China/N. Korea
MIG-15bis	37mm Cannon
Yak-9	20 mm Cannon		2	4		2
Ilyushin Il-10	20 mm Cannon	2	4	8		4
PO-2 “Bedcheck Charlie”				6
British
Gloster Meteor	20 mm Cannon	2				16
F4Ucorsair (AU-1)	20 mm Cannon	2	2	4	1	8
Fairey Firefly 5	20 mm Cannon	2	2	4	1	-