My questions in blue, Bruce's answers in Green.
- It is clear that if both stands are in the open the maximum sighting range is 12", while in cover it is limited to 1". However, if one stand is in cover and the other is in the open that I wish clarified. Using hidden deployment, the stand in cover will not be seen by the stand in the clear, even after it has moved closer than 12". OK so far. But what if the stand in cover moves or fires. If I recall correctly, the stand must then be placed on the table. But if it is over 1" away from the stand in the clear, but less than 12" can it be seen or not?
- Most wargames rules, (not a good guide I know) have reciprocal sighting distances for units that fire or move. However, given the scale of GBWWII, knowing the presence of an enemy unit from its movement or shooting does not mean that its position will be sufficiently precise to return effective fire. We play that direct or indirect fire cannot be used against the stand in cover until the shooter is within 1", but artillery may be called in by any stand within 12". How close are we to what you had intended?
- Concerns placing casualty markers on stands other than the one targeted. This has been the hardest thing for many of our group to come to terms with. I well understand the rationale for this and think it is a good feature. My only question concerns the stand to which the casualty results is to be passed. Can you pass a casualty (suppression or destroyed) to a suppressed stand? We play that a casualty must actually do something to the stand to which it has been passed. In other words, a suppressed can only be passed to an unsuppressed stand, while a destroyed may be passed to either a suppressed or unsuppressed stand. The remaining rules governing passing casualties seem to be understood. How close are we to what you had intended?
- Also concerns when you are allowed to "hand-off" combat results (suppression or elimination). We know from your previous answer to whom such results may be given, but the rule permitting this only appears in the Direct-Fire section. I take this means you can only "hand-off" results as a result of direct fire and not close combat or artillery barrages?
- Concerns Pre-Planned artillery barrages. I have read the answers to some questions that are posted on The Miniatures Page, where you make it plain that artillery barrages can be called off without delay. Does this apply to pre-planned artillery barrages, which else are stated as occurring as planned regardless of the situation?
- The last question concerns On-Call artillery barrages. It is not stated when an on-call barrage template should be placed on the table. We have always played that it is placed when the barrage finally arrives. However, your modelling of the role of FOO's has the effect that artillery always arrives on target. The question is when is the location of the target "fixed in concrete"? When the first call for fire is made, or when it actually arrives? I'm thinking that the FOO might be able to give corrections if an enemy unit which was the object of the barrage moved between the call for fire and its arrival. Of course when a template is placed on the table it is fixed in place.
- In Drop Zone it is quite clear what should be done with black deployment cards, but what about red ones? Are they discarded, immediately returned to the deck or are they kept in the hand when they are drawn?
- Can paratroop stands in non activated battalions make consolidation moves if it means that stand must move closer to an enemy stand within 12"? What about stands in battalions that have gone to ground?
- Jeeps are mentioned in the Arnhem scenario. Are they just transport stands for other stands in 1 Airborne Division? Should there be extra dismounted stands to represent the divisional reconnaissance stands from real life? Is there some missing special rule to cover jeeps?
- One German panzer battalion from the Arnhem scenario is mentioned as being deployed on the table but may not move until the night turn. Is the allowed movement just being returned to reserve or is there some special movement allowed at night?
- Do battalions that lose a stand to landing casualties (including amphibious landings) make a morale test?
- If an amphibious landing stand fails morale and its 3" retreat takes it into the sea, does it just lose one extra stand instead? (similar to paratroops).
- If an airlanding stand lands directly on top of another stand is it simply moved to the closest free location or are there other effects?
- Is it correct that if stands are at their maximum lateral separation of 2" then a 2" artillery template cannot cover both those stands?
We play that any unit that moves or fires is put on the table. We find it cleaner and easier. It also "feels" right - if you're in ambush you have to choose your shot. Shoot now or wait to see if they move closer.
We play that a spotter (most any combat unit) must be within 1" in cover for artillery to fire.
(Conclusion: a unit in "cover" cannot be targeted using any form of combat by a stand more than 1" away.)
This is EXACTLY the way we play the rule
Correct
They can be called off, but they are then expended completely
Your interpretation is correct. You place the template when the barrage finally arrives. Single ranging shots and corrections are considered to take place before that, but the target units have no way of knowing for sure that they are the target until the first full barrage arrive.
Keep them in your hand so that the opponent never knows how many activations you have.
Non-activated battalions may move as they like as long as they do not come within 12" of the enemy OR, if within 12" do not come closer to the enemy" (rule9.3)
(Conclusion: Non-activated paratroop battalions are NOT exempt from this rule.)
They are just transport stands that allow infantry to move at the speed of trucks -- no offensive or defensive bonuses
(Conclusion: The division's reconnaisance squadrons are omitted from the OOB.)
No, just the usual return to reserve or wait until morning and move as usual.
Yes.
Yes.
Yes, it is just moved to the nearest empty location. If the stand it landed upon was an enemy stand it must not break contact and must initiate close combat.
Yes, this is the intent of the rule. Support stands placed in between the stands are in fact mixed in with the infantry stands and so can be included under the template.
Bruce ended by saying:
Thanks for your time, Nigel. Its always nice to hear from people that are playing the rules. There is no way of telling if people are playing a set of rules. We hope to have Fall Geib -- Invasion of France and Britian 1940 published in some form (maybe a web-page) by next year.
However, I'm afraid the France '40 project is stuck in the tubes. My part is done. The text and maps are completed, but the CWG has more or less dissolved as a producer of rules. We are having a general meeting, in January, to decide what to do, as a group, in the future. So I guess only time will tell.
I have been contacted by a person who says he wants to publish the series, but after giving my approvial he has not made contact with me since.
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Last Update 23 Nov. 2001.
Artillery Template Query answer.