» Topic: First Battle of the Somme 1918

This topic has 9 replies, 5 voices, and was last updated 1 month, 3 weeks ago by Robert Dunlop.

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30/01/2023 at 11:24 #182793

Robert Dunlop
Participant

A very personal project that resulted in the following play test of a Great War Spearhead scenario, covering the involvement of New Zealand Division in the aftermath of Operation Michael:

https://www.greatwarspearhead.com/battle-reports/first-battle-of-the-somme/

Robert

30/01/2023 at 15:59 #182800

Darkest Star Games
Participant

I really love your terrain and the way the land rolls, looks fantastic!

Not being familiar with the battle I wonder why the old trenches were not occupied by the Allies. If the Germans were not present (as shown with their advance ) why not take advantage of the existing fortifications? Were they facing the wrong way? Just curious.

"I saw this in a cartoon once, but I'm pretty sure I can do it..."

30/01/2023 at 16:20 #182801

Robert Dunlop
Participant

Thank you. The trenches lay in the low ground. Given the fluid nature of the fighting withdrawal, it seemed to be more important to occupy higher ground. It gave better observation and fire control over any advance by the attackers, plus cover and concealment once over the crest if a further withdrawal was needed.

Robert

30/01/2023 at 16:28 #182802

Robert Dunlop
Participant

The rolling terrain is based on Kallistra Hexons, matched to the 20m contours on the WW1 topographical trench maps. A heavy felt terrain mat then gradually conforms to the contours, taking away the hexagonal edges and creating a smooth continuous but historical accurate terrain. This really helps in understanding historical battles.

Robert

30/01/2023 at 22:37 #182819

Konstantinos Travlos
Participant

Really great stuff as always!

31/01/2023 at 10:44 #182836

Robert Dunlop
Participant

Thank you very much, Konstantinos.

Robert

31/01/2023 at 17:22 #182859

Steve Johnson
Participant

Hmmm, the link doesn’t work for me:(.

31/01/2023 at 17:37 #182860

Guy Farrish
Participant

That’s odd Steve.

Works for me – using Windows 10 and Chrome.

And very good it is too Robert.

31/01/2023 at 19:24 #182863

Robert Dunlop
Participant

I uploaded some more content, covering the German and 3rd Tank Battalion histories. Steve, you might have hit the server when the upload was in process.

Robert

01/02/2023 at 12:23 #182902

Robert Dunlop
Participant

There are three more pages added, providing additional historical context. First is the IR 140 account of the British tanks:

https://www.greatwarspearhead.com/battle-reports/first-battle-of-the-somme/infanterie-regiment-nr-140.html

The war diary entry for 3rd (Light) Tank Battalion:

https://www.greatwarspearhead.com/battle-reports/first-battle-of-the-somme/3rd-light-tank-battalion.html

And a German official historical account:

https://www.greatwarspearhead.com/battle-reports/first-battle-of-the-somme/german-official-history.html

Robert
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