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At THE COMPLEAT STRATEGIST you'll be you can't wait to get home to start playing.* able to find everything you'll ever need or We are happy to announce the opening of want for your wargaming hobby, from books another store that caters particularly to the to brigands! We carry historical books, refer­ historical wargamer, located at: ence books, boardgames, all the historical 320 West 57th Street wargame magazines, at least 50 different New York, N~ historical wargame rules from ancients to Opening Date: moderns. We have over 3 ,000 figures and On or about June 1, 1981 a complete line of paints, brushes and If you're unable to visit one of our accessories. locations, we also accept mail AND phone You'll enjoy the friendly casual atmosphereSample orders file. Mail orders are accepted ONLY at our at THE COMPLEAT STRATEGIST and our 33rd Street location; or by phone during staff will be happy to answer any questions business hours at (212) 685-3880-1. Please you may have and assist you with your use VISA or MASTERCHARGE for purchases. There are phone orders. Write to even game rooms located THE the store nearest you for a in our stores just in case --OMPLFAT free Catalog. JR4TEGI5T WE'VE GOT IT ALU • No game room at the 57th Street store.

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< Ti·1)u"~ttI ~ NORTH AMERICA'S FOREMOST MINIATURE GAMING MAGAZINE

FEATURE ARTICLES

20TH CENTURY NAVAL MINIATURES ...... 3 CLIFF SA YRE JR. reviews rules and material

LINEAR TACTICS AND THE WARGAME - Part III ...... '8 RICHARD RIEHN profiles the Prussian Army in this last installment. SEVEN YEARS WAR FIGURE REVIEW ...... 17 KEN BUNGER rounds out the theme year THE FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR ...... 19 STEVE LINDHOLM games Braddock and the Ohio Valley Campaign THE ROYAL SWEDISH POMERANIAN LEGION 1813-14 ...... 21 DAN SCHORR describes uniforms and flags MEDIEVAL WARFARE ...... 29 ERIC RITCHIE & KEITH BEARDSLEY review the Scot-English Conflict. THE FIRE EFFECT IN NAPOLEONIC WARGAMING ...... 36 WAL TER SIMEON presents a simple model TRICORNE MODIFICATIONS FOR THE AMR ...... 44 STEVEN LINDHOLM

DEPARTMENTS

THE REVIEWING STAND with Jim Womer 24 THE COURIER DISPATCH with Robert Maclean.Sample . .file ...... 41 SAPPER'S REPORT A Bas ic 25mm Ship by Bill Abrams ...... , ...... 43 DISPATCHES FROM THE FIELD letters to the Editor ...... 45 VOLLEY FIRE ...... , ...... , ...... 48

20th CENTURY NAVAL MINIATURES PG. 3 LINEAR TACTICS - PART III - PG.8

1 mbe ~ltU'M~tt THE MANAGING EDITOR: Richard L. Bryant BUSINESS MANAGER: leo Cronin ART DIRECTOR: Joseph Miceli VANGUARD ADVERTISING MANAGER: Gloria Mice li THEME EDITOR: SEVEN YEARS WAR Ken Bunger EDITOR'S NOTES CONTRIBUTING EDITORS William Abrams; B.yron Angel; Stuart Asquith; Phil Barker; Robert Beattie; Rodman Burr; Steve Car­ penter; Tom Desmond; Steve Haller; Peter Hollin­ ger; Ian Knight; Doug Johnso n; Robert Mosca; Eric ' Ritchie; Bob Sarber; Bruce Weeks; Jim Womer. STAFF CARTOONIST: Jose Niera Here we are the end of another volume - transition time again. This past STAFF ILLUSTRATOR: Mike Gilbert year's theme of The Seven Years War has been very successful with Richard STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER: Philio O . Stearns THE COURIER DISPATCH: Robert Maclean Riehn providing three of the best articles we have had to date. Many thanks THE COURIER PUBLISHING COMPANY, INC. to Ken Bunger, our theme editor, who will continue to cover the Seven Richard L. Bryant, President Years War in the future. STAFF ILLUSTRATORS Alan Archambault Mike Gilbert The theme for Volume III is THE RENAISSANCE, theme editor is Nick DIRECTORS Nascati - his biography will appear in Vol. III, No. 1. This is in keeping with Richard Bryant, leo Cronin, Gloria Miceli the whole idea of a THEME, i.e. to explore in some depth otherwise lesser gamed periods. Judging from reader's letters and volley fire response cards, THE COURIER is published approximately bi­ as well as several surveys taken over the last two years, there has been a lot monthly at 45 Willow Street, Brockton, MA 02401 of interest in the Renaissance as a primary period as well as a secondary USA. Back issues are available for $2.75 (foreign one. $3.00 surface, $4.50 airmail) six issue subscriptions are $10.50, USA ($12 .00 Canada & foreign surface rate; All foreign airmail, 3rd class - $25.00). All WWII/MODERN INTEREST LOW monies in US funds drawn on US banks or inter­ national Postal Money Order. Subscriptions start This brings me to the obviously low level of interest amoung our readers in with NEXT published issue after receipt of pay­ ment. the WWII/Modern period. While most of our articles in the period rate well, the NON INTEREST QUOTIENT has always been on the order of 40+ %! No responsibility is assumed for statements of fact WeSample were planning file to run an eight page "pullout" of rule modification for or opinion made by the authors. No responsibility WRC WWII and Modern period rules. Since the NIQ for a preview article on is assumed for unsolicited manuscripts, but all sub­ the subject in the last issue exceeds 70% (of the responses to date) we have missions are welcome, no query necessary. All submissions should contain a self-addressed not printed that "pullout". Those who are interested should turn to Volley STAMPED envelope. Fire and answer the questions about the period. If there is enough interest we will sell the eight page booklet as a special publication for $2 .50 - $3 .00. This magazine and other publications of The Courier Publishing Company are sold with the un­ derstanding that every reasonable attempt is made I felt that the low interest was due to our not 'capturing' the subscriber who to deliver them safely through the mails. The games in the WWII/Modern period - I had hoped that continued publica­ Courier Publishing Comapny is not responsible for tion of this type of article would draw that kind of gamer and increase our items lost in the mails. Replacements will be pro­ subscriber "rolls". Though interest in the period is 31 % amoung our readers vided at their usual cost. (see survey results - Vol. II, No. 4 pg. 46) it was only third choice for 2/3 of DEALER INQUIRIES (USA), ADVERTISING COPY them! AND INQUIRIES, SUBSCRIPTIONS AND AR­ TICLES to THE COURIER, Box 1878, Brockton, MA So unless we hear from you WWII/Modern gamers, THE COURIER will 02403. CANADIAN DEALER INQUIRIES: le reduce coverage of the period by 50% - running an article every other Champ de Bataille, P.O . Box 996. RR " 1 Mascouche Heights. Quebec JON1TO, Canada. issue. VOLLEY FIRE RESPONSE IS IMPORTANT! Through it we will modify FOREIGN DEALER INQUIRIES to P.O . Box 1878, THE COURIER to meet YOUR needs. This decision is an indication of how Brockton, MA 02403. USA. the system works. So get off your duffs & send in your Volley Fire responses every issue! Entire Contents Copyright© 1981 by The Courier Publishing Company, Inc.

. ~'~ r~ 2 20TH CEN'TURY NAVAL MINIATURES BY CLIFFORD L. SAYRE, JR.

Naval wargaming received a considerable amount of at­ sets of rules require research of ship data, calculation of tention and publicity during World War II. The well ship cards, etc. before one is ready to wargame. Many known mil itary analyst and author, Fletcher Pratt, naval buffs enjoy researching and calculating the data published a set of rules which still provide the basis for which are necessary to playa game. If you are primarily several popular game systems. POPULAR SCIENCE interested in gaming, be sure that the rules which you magazine published plans for a number of contemporary select have a reasonably extensive set of ship character­ United States naval ships in 1 :1200 scale in a series of ar­ istics available, either as an integral part of the rules or ticles which appeared during 1939. Norman Bel Geddes, for purchase as an accessory booklet. The tables in this an industrial designer and photographer, had a fleet of article give some indication of the relative completeness more than fifteen hundred warships of all nations built of each set of rules. to a scale of 1 :1200. Geddes' ships were featured in ar­ ticles in LIFE, POPULAR SCIENCE and other magazines In looking for a set of rules to get started, therefore, one and Sunday supplements where the models were fre­ has to decide on which basic game system appears to be quently posed to illustrate naval engagements in the the most challenging, and to keep an eye out for the news. The armed forces used 1 :1200 models for training relative completeness or thoroughness of a particular set personnel how to recognize and identify naval Samplevessels. of file rules. Pratt's rules and surplus recognition models provided the basis for an expanded interest in modern naval war­ gaming subsequent to World War II. In this article I will BOOKS ABOUT NAVAL WARGAMING discuss some of the basic information relating to naval wargaming in the twentieth century period. There are four books from which one can learn more about naval miniatures and wargaming. NAVAL WAR GETTING STARTED GAMES by Donald Featherstone (Stanley Paul, London, 1965) is the oldest, but still the best and most complete There are two basic game systems used for twentieth treatment of naval wargaming. Featherstone covers all century naval wargaming: range estimation and proba­ periods in history and includes several sets of rules for bilistic. The range estimation system (publicized by Flet­ different eras. His book also includes a reprint of Fred cher Pratt) requires the players to estimate ranges bet­ Janes' ru les of 1989 and a reprint of Fletcher Pratt's ru les ween ships as the basis for deciding whether hits and of the 1940's. A more recent book, SEA BATTLES IN casualties are produced. Players take pride in their MINIA TURE by Paul Hague (Patrick Stephens Ltd., Cam­ capability to develop and improve the skill which is re­ bridge, 1980) provides an excellent overview of naval quired to estimate distances and to judge where the wargaming of all periods in history and includes rules as enemy targets will be at the end of the movement phase. well as instructions for making models. SEA BA TTLE Thus, the players attempt to solve a game analog of the GAMES by P. Dunn (MAP Ltd., 1970) includes sailing ship fire control problem, all be it without the rangefinding rules and twentieth century naval rules as well as infor­ and computing equipment of the modern warship. The mation about the purchase and construction of models. probabilistic game system uses dice rolls and some kind Dunn's book is somewhat less comprehensive than of Combat Results Table(s) to determine hits and Featherstone or Hague. NAVAL WARGAMES by Barry damage in much the same manner as board wargames Carter (ARCa, 1975) concentrates on the twentieth cen­ and other miniatures wargames. The table in this article tury period and includes some information about naval list the various rules which are available and indicate board wargames. All of the books mentioned are well il­ which basic game system is used by a particular set of lustrated with photographs, maps and sketches to pro­ rules. Some rules are complete game systems which pro­ vide the reader with a visual impression of the excite­ vide rules of play, ship data and various play aids. Other 3 ment and interest to be found in naval miniatures. MODELS OR MOCKUPS ... WHAT SCALEl However, at $125 per year, it is about as unattainable for an individual as it was for me in 1940 when the annual Although most rules mention a particular size scale as volume cost was only $25. I used to bring my lunch to appropriate, most rules can be used with ship models of the Grosvenor Library in Buffalo to browse through the any scale. Very few rule systems use a game scale which only set available to the city. Later, in Washington, D.C., is the same distance scale as the ship model size scale. I repeated the treks on weekends to the Library of Con­ Those rules which do specify a distance scale identical gress. In recent years the U.S. Naval Institute has been with the model scale generally require a gymnasium, publishing COMBAT FLEETS OF THE WORLD, edited by ballroom or parking lot to provide sufficient area for a Jean l. Couhat. The price of $65 for the 1980/81 volume playing surface. Cast plastic or metal models are com­ is only half that of JANES, but it will still put a sizeable mercially available in scales of 1 :1200, 1 :2400, 1 :3000 dent in a naval buff's budget. ARCO publishers have and 1 :4800. Stated in other terms, the above scales mean reprinted several volumes of JANES : 1898 (the first issue), ... 1" = 100 feet; 1" = 200 feet; 1" = 250 feet; or 1 " = 1905/06, 1906/07, 1914 and 1919. The volumes are 400 feet; respectively. The 1 :3000 scale can also be inter­ available at prices ranging from $15 to $25 depending on preted as 1 mm = 10 feet, or 1 cm = 100 feet. Those who the volume and the supplier. For someone who is just may wish to make models can find ready-made measur­ getting started, a consumer's "best buy" is THE ENCY­ ing scales available by purchasing and "Engineer' s CLOPEDIA OF THE WORLD'S WARSHIPS, by Hugh Lyon Scale" at a drafting supply store. (Crescent Books, 1978). This book contains selected ship statistics and pictures for naval ships from 1900 to the present and can be purchased for about $13. There are colored photographs and plates which give excellent details for constructing and painting models.

NAVAL WARGAMING RULES

The tables accompanying this article I ist rules for twen­ tieth century naval wargaming. Most of the rules listed are still available in the original edition, as a reprint (e.g., Fletcher Pratt), or in a revised edition. One table lists rules using the range estimation system. The other table lists rules using a probabilistic hit/damage system. I have played both types of rules, starting with Fletcher Pratt in 1942 and prefer a probabilistic system. The resolution of gunfire is generally a two-step procedure. First, it is re­ quired to decide whether the target has been hit; then the type of damage is determined. As a part of the COMPARISON OF 1:1200, 1:2400 AND 1:4800 SCALE MODELS OF primary considerations above one also ascertains GERMAN LIGHT CRUISER KOLN whether the target is in range, whether armor has been Cost will be a primary consideration in determiningSample what penetrated file and where the target has been hit, either as a scale is likely to be feasible for a gamer. A battleship, part of the two-step procedure or in separate calcula­ 750 feet long (71h" model size) in 1 :1200 scale may cost tions or table entries. Many of the rules are quite com­ $10-$15, depending on the particular ship and manu­ plex and require numerous die rolls and/or the use of facturer. Destroyers, about 31h" long in 1 :1200 scale, various auxiliary tables to resolve the combat procedure. may cost $3-$5 each. In general, the 1 :2400 models, Some players equate complexity and detail with which would be one-half of the size quoted for the "realism". However, the use of detail is not necessarily 1 :1200 scale, would cost only about one-third or one­ any more realistic than some simpler technique. The fourth as much as the 1 :1200 models. The small end of MTB and WWII COASTAL rules listed in the tables in­ the size and price spectrum is the 1 :4800 scale, where volve considerable detail and use a very short time inter­ one can obtain a set of ten ships for about $5.; but, the val per game turn. Such short game turns lead to what I largest ship is less than two inches long. call the " bionic commander" syndrome where real time

Cardboard silhouettes or plan views (generally in 1 :1200 scale) can be purchased from some sources or made fromplans in naval reference books such as JANE'S FIGHTING SHIPS. Cardboard counter sheets for the boardgames JUTLAND, SUBMARINE or BISMARCK can be purchased from the Avalon H ill company spare parts list to provide "professional-looking" markers. The boardgames can often be purchased at flea markets or club auctions and used for parts. Model makers can use balsa wood or soft pine to build reasonably realistic 1 :1200 scale ships from the plans in JANES or other naval annuals. The reference books cited in the previous sec­ tion provide helpful advice for modelers. JANE 'S FIGHTING SHIPS is an excellent source of plans (1 :1200) and pictures for model builders as well as ship data for those who wish to calculate their own ship data cards. RANGE ESTIMATION SYSTEM RULES 4 is cut into so many small chunks that players may QUARTERS (either version by itself), PANZERSCHIFFES, ponder and analyze actions which would not be feasible SEA POWER, SEKRIEG and SEATAC are complete and in 'real time'. Many players would prefer more action ready-to-go. All of these rules are reasonably simple and less bookkeeping. In general, the less complex rule and/or well-documented with examples and illustrations systems permit games to be played to completion in so that a novice could probably figure out how to play. shorter time periods than the other, more detailed rules MTB, MICRO FLEET WWI and MICRO FLEET WWII, systems. I have given each of the rules a complexity which are all published by Tabletop Games, are com­ rating of 1-5, with 1 being the simplest and 5 being the plete and even include cardboard ship markers in the most difficult. Complexity can take several forms. One package. However, these rules are rather complex for a type is simply the requirement to perform a lot of tasks beginner. BA TTLE STATIONS, CLEAR FOR ACTION, to complete a procedure, but each of the tasks may be CORDITE & STEEL and WARSHIP COMMANDER are easy to implement. Complexity can also mean that con­ complete and ready-to-play, but probably require some voluted procedures are required such as calculations or previous experience because of the complexity of the complicated table-indexing. Another form of complexity game systems. The other sets of rules generally do not in­ may arise from a lack of clarity in the writing of the rules clude the ship data which are necessary to play the so that the players do really understand what is required game. Rules which have a section on campaigns or to implement a procedure. The lack of clarity in some strategic rules are desireable to provide an overall ra­ rules arises from the fact that the rules were written for tionale for engagements which might take place. Other­ persons who are generally familiar with miniatures rule wise games tend to be power-dominated slugfests on a systems and were not written for neophytes or novices. Saturday afternoon with no overall pattern or motive Many sets of rules could be improved by the addition of other than to "do in" the enemy. The best and most com­ diagrams to explain how procedures are implemented. plete strategic rules suggestions can be found in GENERAL QUARTERS and SEEKRIEG. The reference I remarked in the section on getting started that some books cited in the previous section also discuss cam­ sets of rules are more complete than others. GENERAL paign rules.

TWENTIETH CENTURY NAVAL RULES - RANGE ESTIMATION

Rules Author Publisher/Date Format CmdScp Pages Time/ Gunnery Era Torpedo Air Sub Strategic Ship Complexity/Remarks Scope Move System System Rules Rules Rules Data

Battle Stations! Zimm Horseman/77 P 47 4 min SFS WW2 P or FC X brief 10 5 - excellent; very complex; PLAIDS

Clear for Action! Martin Integrated P 1 - 2 62 3 min SFS WW2 FC 80+ 4 - ·scenario data in- Wargames/77 eluded; AlC rules to be pub.; PLAIDS

Cordite & Steel Wilson TSR/77 P 49 3 min SFS WW1 FC 44 4 - PLAIDS et al

Fletcher Pratt's Pratt Harrison/40 y, p 32 Sample4 min SFS fileWW2 FC X X 2 - available in reprint; must compute or buy ship data

Seekrieg Sartore Sartore/77 V, P 2 - 3 32 1 min SFS WW2 FC X X X # 2 - #-extensive ship data comes in separate booklet with rules; very complete; excellent SeaTac Likens Q-Games/80 V, P 3 - 4 40 2 min T MOD P X X 300+ 3 - extensive ship data and list of naval forces of countries

TABLE ABREVIATIONS

Command Scope - a subjective estimate of the number Complexity - a subjective rating of the relative complexi­ of ships which might be conveniently handled by one ty of the various rules systems. 1 and 2 (perhaps 3) player. suitable for novices, 4 and 5 probably require prior ex­ perience and/or trained referees. Time/move - the real-time interval represented by one game turn. Plaids - playaids such as turn templates, ship data forms, Gunnery System - SFS - shell for shell resolution of hits; T auxiliary tables and charts. = resolution of damage grouping guns by turrents; BAT = resolution of damage grouping guns by battery (i.e., Ship Data - the numerical value represents an estimate all of the guns of a particular calibre); GUN = per gun of the number of ships for which data are provided in a (may be several rounds) form ready-to-use. Torpedo System - FC = fire control solution, hit by ship intercept; P = hit based on die-roll probability; FC+ P = Format - P - page size, 8%" x 11"; %P = digest size, 5%" combination. x8%" 5