Andy shares some photos of games at the meeting on 25/07/2026.
PETER – 10mm AWI. A Shot Heard Round The Pub.
MARK J – 28mm WW2 – Chain of Command, Operation Martlet.
STEPHEN – 15mm Vietnam – Charlie Don’t Surf: ‘Battle For AnLoc April 1972’
If you would like to see what games are coming up at the Society you can see our diary here.
That’s all for this week.
Andy shares a 2026 Open Day photo round up.
Yesterday the Society staged its Open Day, putting on half a dozen games.
Here are a few photos in, roughly, historical order
Barons War (13th Century)
Commando raid, WW2, 1940’s (0200 Hours Rules)
Vietnam (1960’s – 70’s) Charlie don’t Surf rules
Technicals, somewhere in Africa, 1970’s – 80’s, home grown rules
Apologies to David, I only got one photo of his game, if any are shared by other members I’ll update the post.
We now depart history for some more whimsical,and fantastical, games.
A Clash of Rhyfles, battles with the Quar.
And finally, some Dragon Rampant.
That’s all for now. Our next open day will be in June next year, but if you fancy coming along to the club we meet between 10:00 and 17:00 on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month (only the first of these in December) at Linton Village Hall, Linton Hill (A229), Maidstone. The first two meetings attended are free for prospective members, and subs are prorated.
You can find more details and directions here.
Tiger Tracks by Wolfgang Faust
Written in the late 1940s by a former Tiger tank driver, this book supposedly shocked the post-war German public in its depiction of the savagery of the fighting on the Eastern front. It tells the story of a Tiger company during a 3-day battle to defend a river crossing point and allow as much of the retreating German army to escape as possible.
The first thing to point out is that the book is remarkably vague about where and when all of this took place. There are no town or village names, we don’t know the name of the river and can only assume that the action takes place in Russia. But there are also hints that we are close to the border with Germany as Faust worries about the Red Army reaching the territory of the Reich. Hardly anyone is named apart from the crew of the Tiger tank that is the centre of the action.
We follow Faust’s tank and its crew through a series of delaying actions as they gradually make their way back to the river crossing and join the defences there. On the way we encounter Soviet infantry in concealed fox holes, partisans in the woods and increasingly powerful enemy armour. They initially face T34s, then T34/85s, and ramp up to IS tanks and various types of SU and ISU tank destroyers and assault guns. As the driver, Faust has to deal with the gradual degrading of the tank from continued minor damage, along with a shortage of fuel.
The book is quite short and is entirely from the viewpoint of the author, so we don’t see much other than the goings on inside the tank, and what Faust can see through his driver’s vision block (which has a minor storyline of its own), although it must be said that he does seem to have a remarkably good view from there. A crashed Luftwaffe pilot and a Soviet PoW are the only significant characters we meet beyond the crew (no-one else seems to live long enough!). It’s a fast-paced story, the tank is continuously in action so there’s little down time. And without giving too much away, there’s quite a shocking scene at the end of the book, which apparently caused much disquiet at the time of its original publication.
The description of the combat is remarkably graphic, with tanks exploding left, right and centre, and lots of severed limbs and heads. This is certainly different from other tanker memoirs that I’ve read – in those, most tanks break down or are incapacitated from minor damage such as broken tracks or jammed turret rings. In fact, it reads more like a Sven Hassell novel than a historical memoir. Or if you swapped the Tiger for an M2A4 blower tank, and turned the enemies from the Soviet army into the Lightning Division, then you could be reading one of David Drake’s Hammer’s Slammers stories. It really doesn’t read like a memoir.
So I looked a little deeper into the origin of Wolfgang Faust and his book. And, surprise, surprise, it may not all be quite true… I can’t get a definitive answer, but the consensus of various other reviews I’ve read seems to be that it is indeed a work of fiction. It may be based on historical events, but the claims about it being written and published in the 1940s seem dubious at best – if nothing else, the tone and style of the writing doesn’t feel like it’s from that time.
So by all means go ahead and give this book a go, but do so with this in mind. Consider it a story, not a historical document, and you’ll be treated to a fast moving, action filled tale. It has several encounters that could be turned into wargames scenarios, or even a linked mini-campaign.
Just for completeness, the version I reviewed was the audio book on Audible, which is unabridged.
I really enjoyed Monty’s Functional Doctrine as it offered a fresh and evidence based assessment of Montgomery’s leadership and the way he shaped 21st Army Group. Rather than relying on the usual myths and assumptions surrounding Monty, the author examines how his methods, planning and command philosophy actually functioned in practice. The book explains clearly why Montgomery fought the way he did and how his approach reflected both the strengths and limitations of the British Army during the campaign in North West Europe.
What stood out most was the balanced nature of the argument. The author neither presents Montgomery as an untouchable genius nor dismisses him as simply cautious and over methodical. Instead, the book makes a convincing case that his doctrine was deliberate, practical and designed to reduce unnecessary losses whilst maintaining constant pressure on the enemy. The emphasis on set piece battles, overwhelming artillery support and careful preparation is shown not as a lack of aggression, but as a conscious operational method developed from experience earlier in the war.
The book also gives some excellent examples of how this doctrine worked in practice. Montgomery’s insistence on detailed planning and strong logistical preparation allowed 21st Army Group to maintain momentum after Normandy despite difficult terrain and determined German resistance. The use of concentrated artillery firepower, combined arms integration and limited objective attacks demonstrated his belief in fighting battles that could be controlled and sustained rather than relying on risky improvisation. Operations such as Goodwood and the battles around the Rhine are used effectively to show how Montgomery sought to wear down German forces through material superiority and coordinated pressure rather than dramatic breakthroughs.
What I particularly liked was the way the book challenges the idea that Montgomery’s command style was entirely rigid or overly centralised. Whilst he undoubtedly exercised tight control over planning and operational objectives, the author shows that he also fostered a culture of problem solving within his formations. Subordinate commanders were expected to understand the wider intent of the operation and adapt to changing battlefield conditions whilst still working within the overall framework of the plan. This balance between control and flexibility allowed officers and units to react, innovate and exploit opportunities without losing cohesion or operational focus.
The book also places Montgomery’s decisions within the wider strategic reality facing Britain in 1944 and 1945. It argues convincingly that his methods reflected the manpower limitations of the British Army and the need to preserve combat effectiveness over a long campaign. For anyone interested in British operational doctrine, command leadership or the performance of 21st Army Group, this is a very worthwhile and thought provoking read.
Our illustrious Chairman takes us through a recent game of Chain of Command.
Picture the scene, Linton Village Hall on a sunny Saturday morning, a gathering of War Gamers at one of the oldest clubs in the UK and a game of big CoC. Me, Mark J (club chairman), Alan K (long time fan of Lard), Pete S (best damn terrain builder south of Leeds), Eric G (bravest of them all) and last but never least Dave P (another keen lardman). All of us ready to do battle across an eight by five table.
I decided I had to run a game of Chain of Command at the club based around the aftermath of the encounter at Hill 226 on Sunday 30th July 1944, right at the start of operation Bluecoat in Normandy. What happened on that day was a crushing encounter for the Scots Guards, who were I believe one of the first British units to encounter the mighty Jagdpanther, three of them in fact. The encounter left 11 Churchills destroyed and sadly quite a few Scots casualties. If you go to Hill 226 now you will see a memorial to them.
The game took place Monday 31st July with a bit of a ‘what if’ twist to it. What if instead of simply zooming off after giving the Guards a very bloody nose, the Germans consolidated against the Guards right flank just beyond Hill 226 taking advantage of their tactical victory.
British forces
Two platoons of British infantry, The Argylls. Supported by a Vickers machine gun team, one 17 pound AT gun, an engineer team and a medic. Both platoons were armed with Gammon Bombs. The British also benefited from a pre battle bombardment and a company HQ and replen point.
One troop of Scotts Gaurds, 2 Churchill mk VIIs supported by 1 Churchill Crocodile from the 79th Division.
German forces
1 platoon of German infantry, 326th Division. Supported by MG42 team, 20mm flack cannon, 88mm flack gun and a Stug IIIG.
One Jagdpanther, 311 Leutnant Scheiber
The Battle
We played a broad front big CoC with two British objectives. British orders were to take both objectives (a road junction and farm just beyond Hill 226) and hold until reinforcements arrive. The British had good intel having carried out night patrols and were aware that while the Germans had pulled in some heavy fire power, they were short on manpower. Actual intel at the time stated that the 326th were depleted and in need of rest.
The Germans having hastily consolidated their position had relatively poor intel, I told the German player to expect heavy armour and a flame thrower. I took the decision to add a Crocodile as they were in the area at the time. The addition of intel worked well, with the German player selecting two mine fields and placing one across a road, the only place where the Crocodile could pass without using its flame thrower or another Churchill smashing through the bocage hedges to clear a path. I had given the Crocodile three shots with the flamethrower.
The battle started with Pete’s platoon probing the middle section of the battlefield hoping to sweep right around the woods to reach the farm. Eric to the left fank heading for the road junction, a dangerous mission given substantial open ground to cover towards the objective. Dave’s troop supported Pete’s sweep by pushing against the German’s weaker right flank (or so he thought).
Alan played things pretty cool, not deploying for the first four phases as he tried to sus out the British plan. He knew given the terrain (bocage into farmland) that the Brits would have to pepper pot with one Platoon taking the attack to him, exposing his position with the other following up and of course the heavy armour and support. Despite a lack of Germans, the British attack was quite sluggish, and they failed to deploy their platoon mortar teams. The open ground between hedges was clearly worrying them and over occupying their thoughts.
Pete was the first to take the bit between his teeth ordering Eric to push on (Pete had company HQ) he moved forward with two sections leaving one behind cover. Time for the first German ambush. As the Argyles began to cross a field toward another hedge and potential German territory, they heard the Blam! Blam! Blam! of a 20mm flack cannon. The section hit the dirt taking one causality and two shock, could have been a lot worse.
As this was taking place the Crocodile rumbled into view just to the right of Pete’s platoon, further right a Mk VII took on a bocage hedge hoping to flatten it and create another route to the Farm for the Crocodile. Unfortunately, the Mk VII didn’t make it across the hedge and was ambushed by a couple of German infantrymen with a Panzerfaust, Boom! one Churchill down. Not looking too good for the Brits. To make things worse Alan had thrown a double phase and once again blasted the poor Argylls with his 20mm, a section corporal was hit and stunned leaving the lead section stuck in the open.
Now was the time for the Crocodile to have a go, having got into range Woosh! Great streaks of flame burst out toward the 20mm flack gun destroying it and the crew plus the hedge it was using for cover. There was now a gap in front of the Argylls in open ground. What would they do next.
Alan clearly feeling it was time for some serious heavy metal deployed Jagdpanther 311 at the farm with a line of site along the road through the woods into British territory. The British responded by deploying their 17 pounder in line of sight of the Jagdpanther, a gutsy move given they would not be able to move away in time if things didn’t go well. The Germans struck ambushing the 17 pounder as it deployed and got ready to fire. An 88mm HE shell hitting the gun but doing no significant damage, unbelievable luck. The crew wasted no time firing an AT round at the beast and taking it out in one shot to a roar of cheers from the Brits. The last few minutes may have turned the battle in their favour.
On the British right flank Eric had followed orders and had pushed hard, finally deploying his platoon mortar and laying smoke he quickly moved toward the objective using sound tactics of cover and move and deploying a reconnaissance team. However just as he reached the objective, he was ambushed by a German infantry section losing two men and gaining shock. Eric continued to lay smoke well, blocking line of sight but his attack had stalled. He fought on to hold the road junction but lost a section corporal, his lead section was now severely depleted and pinned. Eric pushed on with his two remaining sections towards the German infantry section.
Pete deployed his Lieutenant and rallied the lead section; on they went with a fresh section in support towards the broken ground. No smoke was used, and his men again hit the dirt after hearing the awful BRRRRRRP! of an MG 42. The lead section had been ambushed by a tripod mounted MG42, once again luck was on their side and while this stalled their advance they took no casualties. Pete finally started to lay smoke across the German line buying his men some time to recover and move.
The Germans sensing a pivotal moment in the battle deployed another infantry section in front of Pete’s platoon. However, Eric poured fire onto their right flank forcing them back into a cornfield and in line of site of the Crocodile. Woosh! another blast of flame and Five of the section were gone, their leader remained unscathed amazingly and they fell back to some vines to the left of the Farm. The Germans now pulled back their other section giving up the road junction to consolidate their position at the farm, the Stug III was also deployed.
Once again, the Brits stalled staying behind their line of smoke and not taking the ground. The second Mk VII pushed on to right of Pete’s flank where his third section had deployed in the woods in front of the farm. The Crocodile moved across the minefield which had now been made safe by the engineer team. The British re-supplied obtaining more smoke and got ready for a final attack but time had run out.
A great game followed by a de-brief at the pub next door. What did we learn from this game. As always having fun is the main objective which we did. The Brits had opportunities to push on which would have resulted in causalities, but we all agreed would likely have won the day. Easy to say hard to do, no one wants to lose their troops.
Andy presents a taster of the games at the last meeting. Five, count them, five, games in progress!
Let’s have a look at them in historical order:
First up we have a mixed scale (6mm & 15mm) Field of Glory Game. Apologies to the players, I only took one photo of this.
Next up Stephen & Andy concluded their three game Barons War mini campaign. Totally unbiased reports of these games to follow.
Moving to more recent history, Chairman Mark ran a 28mm Chain of Command game, Operation Bluecoat, Normandy 1944.
Next we had a game of AK47 Reloaded, more 15mm mayhem in 1970s San Guano. A rare outing for this ruleset at the Society.
And last, but by no means least, Tony & Jeremey tried out Grimdark Future Mass Battle rules with their collection of 15mm armies.
That’s all for this time, next meeting is on the 9th of May, you can see Society diary here.
Andy rounds up the Valentine’s Day meeting
A quieter meeting this time, just three games in progress.
Paul and Colin staged a 2mm recreation of the Battle of Waterloo.
Mark J and Tony F were trying out ‘O’ Group with an early WW2 encounter between the French and Germans in 10mm.
And finally Stephen ran a Stargrave game, with a Valentine’s Day theme. Look out for the Captains’ unbiased reports in a blog post soon.
Information about the Society, including directions, can be found here.
The diary of planned games can be found here, this is updated throughout the year so please have a look from time to time.
Andy rounds up last weekend’s society meeting.
Another good turn out for the second meeting of the year, around 20 members were present with 5 games in progress.
First up we have John L running another naval game, this time in the South China Sea with Emperor Ming taking on Li Chee (the Pirate Queen) using Galleys and Galleons rules.
We then move on to David P running a small Chain of Command 2 game, in 20mm, to introduce the rules to a couple of players.
Former Chairman John ran a 6mm Ancient FOG game with multiple players
Current chairman Mark, together with Dave and Chris put on a Legions Imperialis game using masses of tanks etc.
And finally Stephen ran the third of his trilogy of 173rd Airborne in Vietnam games, Operation McLain, in 15mm. A write up of this game will be appearing soon.
Information about the Society, including directions, can be found here.
The diary of planned games can be found here, this is updated throughout the year so please have a look from time to time.
Maidstone Wargames Society held their first meeting of the year on Saturday. This meeting includes our AGM so often has a good turnout.
Around 24 members were in attendance for the meeting. The AGM was, as usual, short, only around 30 minutes. Also, as usual, the existing committee was re-elected without opposition. Despite the chairman’s pleas to be released!
There was also a very good turnout of games, covering a variety of scales, periods of genres, here’s a short photo round up.
John L brought out his 1:1200 Baltic Galleys for some Naval action.
Another naval game, but a few centuries later and under the water rather than on it, Peter M staged a 1:100th Stingray game, “Anything can happen in the next half hour“.
Paul and Colin brought out some 3mm Ancients for some FoG games.
Tony G and Stephen both fielded Anglo-Saxon warbands for some 28mm SAGA games.
Some more recent conflict now, some late WW2 Chain of Command action staged by chairman Mark J with 28mm vehicles and figures.
And last, but by no means least, Tony F and Phil staged a battle from the Lord of the Rings, again in 28mm.
That’s it for the round up of the first meeting of the year.
MWS meet on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month (except the 4th Saturday in December) from 10:00 to 17:00 at Linton Village Hall, south of Maidstone on the A299.
Information about the Society, including directions, can be found here.
The diary of planned games can be found here, this is updated throughout the year so please have a look from time to time.
Review by Mark J
I have been a lover of books for as long as I can remember and very much love the fact that books really help me play better games on the tabletop. The research part of our hobby is one of my favourite parts. Learning about a battle, campaign and the men and women that fought brings the historical game narrative to the tabletop.
I’m always on the lookout for a good book that helps me create and run better games. Ben Kite’s Stout Hearts fits the bill perfectly. Easy to read, covering British and Canadian armed forces that fought to liberate France in 44. I’ve used this book to create an Op Bluecoat game at the club next year. Here’s my take on the book.
Stout Hearts is an impressive, deeply researched analysis of British and Canadian operations in Normandy, offering a refreshing counterbalance to long-standing myths about Allied performance. Ben Kite blends operational history with tactical detail, drawing heavily on primary sources to show how units fought on the ground. His writing is clear, measured, and avoids the polemics that so frustratingly often colour Normandy historiography.
Kite’s great strength is his ability to contextualise British and Canadian actions—explaining doctrine, logistics, training, and the battlefield environment—to illustrate why commanders made the choices they did. The book challenges the idea that the British and Canadians were slow or lacking aggression, showing instead a professional and adaptive army grappling with a formidable German defence and extremely difficult terrain.
While occasionally dense due to its technical depth, Stout Hearts is accessible and is packed with valuable insight for wargamers, military historians, and anyone interested in the Normandy campaign. One of the most balanced and authoritative studies of Allied performance in 1944 I’ve read in a long time.
If you want to view the book on Amazon you can find it here. The club earns a small referral if you purchase it which we put towards our website fees.
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