“The sound of
sirens keeps going on. The Axis air strikes were relentless, pounding us every
hour as the convoy continues its advancement toward Malta. Oh when will this
nightmare ends.” - Petty officer aboard HMS Icarus, part of Force X
As the convoy continues its journey towards
relieving Malta, Axis air strikes provided some action along the way. Every
single interval box, Axis air were present keeping the Royal Navy entertained.
Note house rules: Attributing to difference
in Axis air strike type and grouping, total Force's AA value were divided, as
per player choice.
Anticipating an air raid on Force Z, the Royal Navy woke up to a surprise. At 0800 hours, Axis air power flew past Force Z and stroked Force X instead. With minimal CAP presence, the air superiority favors the Axis.
HMS Cairo was the only casualty from this
strike after being strike by German air bombers causing uncontrollable flooding
and subsequently meeting it's demised.
“Direct all
fighters to Force X.” - HMS Indomitable
With whatever fighters left available, the
Royal Navy managed to assemble 2 CAP above Force X. This proved inadequate as
the Axis air power were far numerous and far superior - taking down all Royal
Navy's fighters in quick succession.
1100 hours on that day, Force X flagship, HMS
Kenya was squarely hit by Italian level bomber and sunk to the abyss. Subsequent
command checks showed no warship left play, attributing to Royal Navy’s proud
naval tradition. From then on, HMS Nigeria assumed command of Force X.
“Focus fire
lads!! Bring those planes down!!” – Officer on board HMS Nelson
At 1400 hours and having no fighters
available, the Axis air power raided Force Z. With a total of 37 AA guns still
proved insufficient as the Italian level bombers once again finding its mark and
resulting in a hit to HMS Rodney – saved by its massive hull points.
“Admiral YS
Oon, we had successfully delivered the much needed planes to Malta and it’s up
your Force X to carry out the rest of the journey in relieving Malta. We are
needed up north, I bade you farewell.” – Admiral Eric Lew, commanding officer
of Force Z, on returning to Gibraltar.
By 1400 hours, Force Z had successfully delivered
the much needed planes to Malta, the journey cut short as the entire Force are
required to return to port for its next expedition up north.
“Enemy surface
ship spotted at the horizon” – yelled a petty office
“Hostile
submarine detected!!” – yelled another
 |
| Kreigsmarine setup |
As 1700 hours approached, the Kreigsmarine
surface warships were detected within striking distance coupled with 5 known Regia
Marina submarines patrolling the same waters. On the other hand, Force X was escorted
by 5 submarines bearing the Royal Navy – which soon erupted in combined arms
warfare.
 |
| Royal Navy setup |
The Royal Navy submarines drew first blood as
they managed to sink one Italian submarine, still insufficient as the Italians
torpedoes managed to record a hit on HMS Manchester, thankfully, it did not
breach the hull.
A non-penetration hit by Royal Navy submarine
was achieved on the Scharnhorst.
“All ships
stern ahead” – Admiral YS Oon
 |
| Turn 1 |
With only 4 Kreigsmarine warships available,
Force X plotted their way ahead and soon both fleets met head on.
At turn 1, with the Royal Navy warships on
focus fire, both Z4 and Z5 destroyers were destroyed in quick succession. Minor
damages were recorded in return.
As both fleets were in striking distance from
one another, this provides a great platform for Scharnhorst to once again demonstrate
its superior fire power.
“Incoming torpedoes!!” – Onboard HMS Penn
 |
| Turn 2 |
HMS Penn was within torpedo distance from Z6 destroyer
which took almost no time to be fired upon by torpedoes. Both warship will meet
their demised in turn 2, firing at each other.
Scharnhorst, despite the distance, managed to
find its mark caused HMS Manchester to take in water. This will plague HMS
Manchester the entire surface encounter and will force it to leave the battle
area by turn 4. Attributing to the heavy damaged sustained and persistent
flooding, HMS Manchester was called to port.
“We have it
surrounded. It will not escape” – HMS Icarus reporting
 |
| Turn 3 |
With none of its escorts remained in battle, Scharnhorst
was left to fend for itself. However, she will not go down without a fight. Her
powerful guns tore into HMS Nigeria, which sparked uncontrollable fire on board,
and her torpedoes sent HMS Icarus to the abyss.
Scharnhorst continues to soldier on, despite
herself taking a torpedo hit which caused severe damaged to the engine room.
“What is that
ship made out off?” – Officer aboard HMS Interpid exclaimed.
 |
| Turn 4 |
Despite taking severe pounding from the Royal
Navy warships, Scharnhorst continues to defy destruction. Having surrounded
virtually by all corners, she bored all its guns.
"What should
we do Mein Herr? Should I order a withdrawal?" The deck seems to be a little
chaotic as all officers started to ask the next course of action, however Admiral
Hyiktsay, still peeking thru the telescope, looking toward the far edge as if
he is hoping for something, something miracle to arrive.
All these were
suddenly interrupted, "Another enemy destroyer is hit!" everyone cheered
except the officers, they knew that their doom is coming soon.
Ever so poised,
Admiral Hyiktsay turned towards his officers, "Continue pursue HMS
Nigeria, starboard 30 and full speed” – followed by main canons roar.
 |
| Turn 4 - Scharnhorst surrounded |
It will take 3 torpedo hits to finally sink
the Scharnhorst, long enough for her main guns to seek utter destruction of
Force X.
Before she succumbs, Scharnhorst main guns ripped
apart HMS Nigeria, HMS Interpid and HMS Ledbury – sending all 3 ships and its
crew to the bottom.
 |
| Convoy merchant ship |
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