New Zealand division on Crete 1941

[Rhys]

I've started to post up some information on a game we played 20 years ago focusing on the NZ divison on Crete in 1941.
Hopefully some find it usefull in how I went about researching and staging the refight.

[Steve J]

Much appreciated old chap and I'm sure it will be useful for my planned campaign in the Autumn .

[fred.]

Thanks for doing this Rhys, Crete is on the 'quite like to do' list!

[toxicpixie]

I've started to post up some information on a game we played 20 years ago focusing on the NZ divison on Crete in 1941.
Hopefully some find it usefull in how I went about researching and staging the refight.

Superb

[Rhys]

Second post is up with the OOB for the 2nd NZ division plus other troops in the Maleme-Suda bay sector. This is based on the NZ official histories and a command decision OOB I found somewhere on the net.

[fred.]

Thanks for sharing - as you note not many heavy weapons, and a right mix of guns!

What does 1 stand represent in real world terms - I'm thinking a platoon?

[toxicpixie]

Thanks for sharing - as you note not many heavy weapons, and a right mix of guns!

What does 1 stand represent in real world terms - I'm thinking a platoon?

Yes, it's for Spearhead so a Platoon for infantry, or five real world vehicles/guns.

There's a bit of fudging here and there but broadly that's about it.

Excellent stuff, Rhys! Ta

[fred.]

Cheers TP

Always a bit of fudging needed to fit unit counts to gaming units!

[toxicpixie]

Cheers TP

Always a bit of fudging needed to fit unit counts to gaming units!

Spearhead is mostly consistent, at least to the OOBs they worked from so it evens out.

Except those awkward bits where you have eg a two gun section at Battalion which would make six guns which becomes one model at Regt.

Or in some cases that becomes a gun model at Battalion still because bias

[Rhys]

And the 3rd part is up with the German OOB. This contains the troops for the Maleme-Galatas sector and also the reserves for the entire operation. Again theres a bit of guesswork but I think its mostly correct.
While Spearhead has its issues here and there (I can think of a few small things I would like changed) our extended group in New Zealand are quite happy to use it as written. The system takes most of the "gods eye view" out of the game and lets players actually command a brigade rather than micromanage platoons. I have even managed to run a division in a 1 day game (Russian 1980's motor rifle division with 4 regiments plus divisional supports).

[Steve J]

Thanks Rhys, once again very useful stuff  .

[toxicpixie]

And the 3rd part is up with the German OOB. This contains the troops for the Maleme-Galatas sector and also the reserves for the entire operation. Again theres a bit of guesswork but I think its mostly correct.
While Spearhead has its issues here and there (I can think of a few small things I would like changed) our extended group in New Zealand are quite happy to use it as written. The system takes most of the "gods eye view" out of the game and lets players actually command a brigade rather than micromanage platoons. I have even managed to run a division in a 1 day game (Russian 1980's motor rifle division with 4 regiments plus divisional supports).

It's my favourite WW2 game, in all honesty!

[Rhys]

And they are coming thick and fast. Part 4 up and we are onto the table. The terrain was largely made from recycled carpet (I was a greenie 20 years ago, or maybe I was just broke...). I'll even throw in a photo.

Maleme Airfield at front left, and Suda bay is beyond the far left. Photo taken during setup on the Saturday morning (note the troop trays).

[toxicpixie]

And they are coming thick and fast. Part 4 up and we are onto the table. The terrain was largely made from recycled carpet (I was a greenie 20 years ago, or maybe I was just broke...). I'll even throw in a photo.

Maleme Airfield at front left, and Suda bay is beyond the far left. Photo taken during setup on the Saturday morning (note the troop trays).

I wouldn't fault the carport tiles, they look pretty good in that pic!

[Rhys]

I've just posted part 5 of the series and theres still a few to go yet. This one covers how to make your own buildings for those on a budget (or who are just terminally tight).