3rd BIG Battle of Britain Pre-Game

Date: Saturday 28 January 2017
Game Time: 5-11pm
Early Arrival: 4:30pm (Let's get one mission airborne before 5pm)
Pilots: 13
Areas: East, Center, West and A Western Side Approach Area
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Geography: Fictional, greatly compressed and "imagineered"
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This a "Spectacle Wargame" made possible only by the cooperation and interest of more than a dozen gamers pooling their resources. Anyone can do this too. Never say never.
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Luftwaffe:
1. Chuck S. CinC
2. Bob B.
3. Chuck L.
4. Rob O.
5. Morgan E.
6. Nick K.
7. Bill K.
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RAF
1. Bill P.
2. John B. (Flight Controller)
3. Lewis S.
4. Jim H.
5. Dan E.
6. Matt L.
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Dynamics:
0-2 Luftwaffe Players maximum (to reduce congestion)
1 player is aloft and formed up no closer than 30cms to the table edge.
The other is taking off from the airfield.

Dynamics:
1-2 RAF Players maximum (to reduce congestion)
RAF aircraft are on the Back Table airfield waiting for orders.
Not Shown: More terrain to the right of the factories.

Dynamics:
0-2 Luftwaffe Players maximum (to reduce congestion)
Aircraft are aloft and formed no closer than 30cms to the table edge.

Dynamics:
1-2 RAF Players maximum (to reduce congestion)
RAF aircraft are on the Back Table airfield waiting for orders.

Dynamics:
0-2 Luftwaffe Players maximum (to reduce congestion)
Aircraft are aloft and formed no closer than 30 cms to the table edge.

Dynamics:
1-2 RAF Players maximum (to reduce congestion)
RAF aircraft are on the airfield seen here waiting for orders.

Dynamics:
This table is 6'x28'.
France is off image to the right.
Foreground: West Sector (Waters leading into Southampton)
Center: White Cliffs of Dover to The Beach
Far Away: East Sector
Somewhere: RAF aloft on Combat Air Patrol

Dynamics:
0-2 Luftwaffe Players maximum (to reduce congestion)
Aircraft are aloft and formed no closer than 30 cms to the table edge.

GENERAL PATTON'S DECEMBER 1944 PRAYER
Our 3rd BIG Battle of Britain game on 28 January 2017 is in the winter. I hope for good weather by a modified version of: General Patton’s Third Army Prayer written by Chaplain O’Neil on 14 December 1944.

 “Almighty and most merciful Father, we humbly beseech Thee, of Thy great goodness, to restrain [this] immoderate [winter] with which we have had to contend. Grant us fair weather…. Graciously hearken to us as [your children] who call upon Thee that, armed with Thy power, we may [arrive and return home safely after our activity].”

Feel free to privately pray this, if you please - anyone - reading this on the planet.
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Equipment To Bring Please:

Tape measures in metric

Bring your own D4s and D6s, if you wish. 

Rob O. (Watercraft)

Lewis S. (D4s, Movement Templates, Watercraft, Train)

Your personal aircraft.

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Please Bring To Share

One small item of chow

or

Small amount of beverage

Can be British, French or German ethnic --- or not.

We will eat as we fly.

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Playability And Game Tempo 

 Game is a hybrid between tactical and strategic 

 We fly at the same combat altitude; unplayable otherwise 

 Meant to be a spectacle 

 Long flying times and return to friendly bases 

 No long debates or long speechifying --- please 

 Stay on task 

 Plan ahead and be ready when your cards are drawn 

 Vital Importance: Let’s play a lot of turns; get in two missions for some pilots too. 

 Have fun. Laugh. “Carry on.” 

 Don’t congest areas with too many aircraft. Reason: Bogs down (hurts) the game.

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 Coordination Between Player Pilots 

 Disallowed after takeoff. (You do this and I’ll do that) 

British ground can communicate with pilots. (That's John B.)

 Follow mission orders – hopefully written clearly 

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Formation Flying 

 RAF: Three aircraft minimum 

 Luftwaffe: Usually four, but three or two are okay 

 Formations Are Broken When: Minimum # of aircraft are not maintained Doing a Barrel Roll or Immelmann 

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Fuel Consumption (New) 

 When The Fuel Card Is Drawn Fighters and Stukas mark off one fuel box 

 Does not affect bombers or ME 110s.

 Fuel low? Must break off. Return to a friendly airfield.

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Tactical Tips

 “Make decisions promptly.” 

 “Act quickly even if your tactics are not the best.” 

 “Go in quickly – Punch hard – Get out!” This is how aces survived 

 Our home version of Bag The Hun is meant to be: Fast paced. Please play that way. Chaotic, sudden and very unpredictable. 

 All aircraft Bogeys move 60cms; ships 45cms). (No extra D4 movement) Be one as long as possible. Reason: To fly longer distances more quickly

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Respectfully,

Bill P.