We had earlier in the year had a comment that our group had strayed away from the campaign game concept and this is one in a series of miniatures linked scenarios to address that. In discussions on both sides of the Big Muddy we had several point out that many a campaign game in the past ended up being “great idea, lets collect and paint a bunch of minis only to see interest wane well before much really happened.” Our 2026 effort involves using off the shelf components reimagined so that we can actually get games on the table and complete a mini campaign.
Our Retirees gang met at Miniature Market Rock Hill to continue our “Wings of Glory WWI” mini campaign game as the Allied Air Forces tried to clear the skies and find some hidden German artillery in preparation of a big push on the ground. In our previous episode the Allies had shot down the German Observation Balloon (after several tries). Now it was time to find the Kaiser’s artillery position and come back with a photo.
The Triple Alliance forces were headed by Jay C. Ravi R and Pat L facing off against Steve L, Steve T. Mark J and D.J. flying for the Triple Entente.
Jay was kind enough to provide us with a synopsis of the game so we will turn it over to him…
“Thursday saw the return of the brave pilots and air crew for another Wings of Glory outing on the western Front. Kevin Fitzpatrick was in charge of the show as the Entente (mainly the Royal Flying Corps with some French help) attempted to find a particularly troublesome German heavy artillery battery somewhere on the Western Front. To accomplish this, the RFC sent DJ and a RE8 spotter aircraft with a camera to go looking for it Escorting the RE8 were Steve and Steve in a Spad XIII and a SE5A Mark later joined with a Nieuport 28. Trying to intercept and prevent this important information from reaching RFC headquarters were the Germans (Jay and Ravi). In addition to a Pfalz DIII, Fokker DR1 and later, Pat and a Fokker DV. The Germans had some ground AA positions and decoys to try to fool the RFC spotters.”
“Before long, the solders in their trenches below were treated to a fantastic furball above them that stretched just past the German forward trenches and into the German reserve positions. The RE8 came in and was able to sniff out the position where the German battery was, but got shot down before it could take a picture. The Entente managed to drive off some of the German planes while they brought in another spotter aircraft. Fresh German planes came in and managed to shoot down the new spotter just after it was observed taking pictures of the gun battery area. The Entente defensive formation broke as the SE5 and Spad also went down behind German lines. Fresh Entente planes came in with part of the battle stretching over the Entente side of the trenches and more German aircraft retreating off after being heavily damaged. The Entente finally score their first victory as they shoot down the DR1. Yet another spotter shows up and almost makes it back to the trenches when it too is shot down. The German DV also goes down for the second Entente victory. “
“After having thinned out the German air available for the scenario (and Entente not having much left either), we decided to call it a day with it being judged that the Entente would get a spotter aircraft over and pictures taken since the Germans simply didn’t have anything left to stop the Entente at the moment. This important development will play a role for a future scenario since the RFC will learn that the German battery can’t be knocked out by counter battery fire because of the terrain and where it is sitting. That means the RFC will have to make a return trip at some point with the bombers. For today however, the German airmen celebrate their victory over the Entente. The final tally was 5 Entente planes shot down vs 2 German planes. The Germans had a couple of ground positions knocked out by Entente planes strafing and have a number of damaged planes to fix, but the Entente suffered heavy losses both in terms of aircraft and air crew to get their information.”
A big Thank You Jay for this well written and interesting game report. Information by the players and GMs always add to the whole as we are able to include more perspectives. Thanks to all the players for taking time to join in the twists and turns above the trenches. Our continued appreciation to Miniature Market Rock Hill for their for their support.
Remember to shop local.
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