The situation in the River Otter Valley continues to deteriorate. The various rebel factions are facing increased pressure from government troops. Lord Otterford, Archibald Royston, has called a family meeting in town to try to bring some order to the forces supported by his immediate family. His wife, Miriam, and her Albertine supporters are at odds with his sister Katherine's reds. Escorted by the River Otter Valley Local Defense Brigade (ROVLDB) ceremonial guards, the family is meting at the local pub. The town militia consisting of the police, fire brigade, and postal guards are positioned to keep the peace.
Meanwhile, a platoon of territorial troops have been dispatched to establish a garrison in town. Led by the young Lieutenant Neville Abernathy, the troops consist of regulars, territorials, and a smattering of drafted British Union of Fascists recruits. Abernathy's troops advance from the outskirts of town with three sections abreast, covered by the 2" mortar team.
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| Abernathy's platoon approches from the outskirts |
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| The defenders don't want to start a battle. |
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| A quick advance along the line. |
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| Police set up on the hill, covering the road. |
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| Hearing that the enemy is in sight, Lord Otterford breaks up the meeting and sends the family to take up positions. |
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| Bold advance in the center. The center section gets spooked an fires on the house to their front as they move through the orchard. |
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| Return fire from the postal inspectors pins down a team behind the wall. |
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| The mortar sets up in the tree cover... |
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| ...and gentlemanly fire into the town! |
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| The ROVLDB guards charge into an enemy section. |
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| A costly melee ensues...the Guards are victorious! |
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| But on the other flank, the police are under heavy fire on the hill. |
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| And the attack in the center is stalled. |
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| Civilians are running for cover. |
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| The right flank attackers are in trouble. |
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| Abernathy take matters into his own hands, leading the attack in the center to regain the initiative. |
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| Trading casualties on the hill. |
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| The civilians are fleeing town. |
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| The Guards charge again! |
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| Taking more prisoners. |
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| "Red" Kate is directing the counter-attack around the flank. |
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| The battle is rotating clockwise. |
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| Police fall back under pressure. |
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| Abernathy recklessly charges the house. |
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| Refugees gather outside town. |
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| Abernathy's command group kicks in the door and catches Otterford unprepared...the Lord is down! |
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| The flank attack is slowly moving into position...will it be too late? |
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| Casualty clearing station is getting busy. |
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| Abernathy is on a rampage...his troops secure prisoners. |
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| The towns folk in hiding. |
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| The Guards escort their prisoners to the rear. |
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| Miriam tries to rescue her husband but she is shot down by the vile (and wounded) Lieutenant! |
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| Another tea, secures the next house. |
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| And set up a Lewis gun on the hill. |
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| The mortar team repositions to cover the flank. |
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| Kate is too late to catch the mortar team. |
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| Lewis gun in action. |
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| Objectives secured. |
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| Miriam is pulled to safety. |
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| The Vicar checks on Miss Marple. |
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| POWs on the move. |
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| What is the fate of Lord Otterford? |
A cracking solo game as a test for a multi-player game I plan to host in December at home. This will set the scenario for the next game...is a rescue mission in order? Can Kate and Miriam cooperate for the Archibald's sake? Is the River Otter Valley in danger of falling into Fascist hands?
Casualties: 17 casualties
ROVLDB
-KIA: 3
-WIA: 3
-POW: 11! (most were wounded) --- Lord Otterford wounded and taken prisoner!
Government Troops: 17 casualties
-KIA: 2
-WIA: 9 (including Lieutenant Abernathy)
-POW: 5
-Deserted: 1
