Making WW I Paper Soldiers for Trench Hammer rules

Despite unexpectedly learning my printer can not handle 110 pound paper, but inspired by another approach to basing Paper Soldiers by Kaptain Kobold, I decided to experiment with a foam  approach to basing Paper Soldiers.  I glue together 2 separate sheets of colored foam (different colored foam can be used to delineate armies). Let dry over night and then cut into 40 mm by 30 mm bases using a pair of scissors. Next, I use an Exacto knife to carefully cut through 1 layer of foam. For bases with 2 figures I mark and cut 10 mm from each end. For bases with 3 figures (machine guns, etc.), a third slice is made in the middle. If you are using 1 figure platoon HQ bases, they are 20 mm X 30 mm and have a single slice in the middle of the base. A 2 cut base is used for a Company HQ (Lt. and Sgt.). Tacky glue can be used to secure paper figures, but is NOT necessary.

                                                          Half of a Hand Bomber section

I am making a legendary American 369th Infantry ( "Harlem  Hellfighters") platoon/company supported with French machine guns and led by French officers.

To print out your own WW I soldiers check out  Ungern's or Vasily Zaitzev's paper figures at World War I Ground Forces on the Junior General's website.

Inexpensive Platoon/Company level rules: Trench Hammer rules (currently for under $5.00)

Unfortunately, Trench Hammer rules only include platoon information for the British and Germans.

US WW I platoon was made up of 4 sections: Hand Bombers, Rifle Grenadiers, Riflemen and Automatic Riflemen. Platoon HQ was 1 Lt., 1 Sgt. and 4 Privates.

French WW I platoon was also 4 sections (squads): Bombers (8 rifles), MG squad (1 chauchat, 6 rifles), 2 X rifle squads (12 rifles each).

Disclaimer: There are wide variations in basic platoon configurations depending on date and nation.  

I used 67 pound paper (on sale), but 65# (shinier paper) would be fine also. The glue for assembling the paper soldiers is Scotch Clear Glue. 

Happy Boxing Day !

Merry Christmas ...

The Battle of Granite Point

The Kingdom of Anna, a matriarchy, and the nation of Sergey, an oligarchy, have had an uneasy peace for the past 2 years. And, then this happened at Granite Point.

                                                                                  Setup

                                              Anna                                           Sergey

     

Anna's regular infantry is entrenched (new rules test) on the lower hills supported by the artillery on the summit under the command of General Rudolf, herself.  The Sergey forces under the command of General Karjakin will enter the battle with the simple orders "Let the dice decide" (1 artillery unit from each direction and other units will dice for entry points).

 Artillery phase

 Sergey artillery takes out Anna fortfications on the slopes of Granite Point

                                                  Most Sergey (green) units are on board.

 Sergey infantry battles on the southern slopes reinforced by light cavalry and regular infantry

 Sergey artillery continues to take out fortifications on the lower slopes

                                     Sergey (green) Dragoons finally arrive in the North

An Anna infantry unit is destroyed on southern slope

 Sergey (Green) Heavy Infantry tries to batter its way up the slopes in the face of cannon and musket fire.

 Artillery phase

             An Anna regular infantry unit is destroyed

 Turn 15, Anna artillery fires down the slopes into charging regular infantry led by General Karjakin. The General is dead, kaput and gone to meet his maker, etc. etc. 

 Chaos and not enough morale to rally the Sergey troops. Anna troops are ordered to cease fire by General Rudolf to allow the Sergey forces to recover their General's body and retrieve their wounded.

 General Karjakin "the elder" is slain to be succeeded by his son Karjakin "the younger" the "Secretary of Defense".

What a great battle. Sergey artillery managed to knock down fortifications to allow them to gain footholds on the slopes. But, lost 2 artillery units with a 3rd in poor shape. However, the Sergey heavy infantry was in a good position on the southern slopes to eventually gain the summit supported by infantry plodding its way on the northeastern slopes. The battle had the potential to go longer with a different outcome... until the sudden death of General Karjakin.

A great way to spend a rainy Friday morning and I am pleased with the play of the special rules I was testing.  Mistakes, a few. Like forgetting to move the heavy infantry sooner. The dice brought them in an easily forgotten area 8-) When the action heats up in solo it is so easy to forget, something.

                       My personal wish for a Happy Holidays to you and your families !!