AAR Murrell Bridge - Falklands 7th June 1982

 This small scenario was played mainly to check out the night rules for Fireteam Modern, a system regular readers will know I rate.

Very briefly this was a short sharp engagement between elements of Patrols Company 3PARA and Comando Company 601/Guard Comando Company 601. Prior to 3PARA's attack on Mount Longdon elements of Patrol Company conducted night time reconnaissance onto the mountain and used the bluffs overlooking Murrel Bridge as a patrol base. Early morning on 7th June had 2 4 man patrols resting after a recce when Argentine elements of 601 crossed the Murrell Bridge towards 3PARAs position. Argentine troops were at least double the British forces. Patrols engaged the Argentine forces to start the engagement.

Here's an aerial view, 3PARA Patrols are located on the bluffs overlooking the bridge to the right of the picture, Argentine forces entered from the left crossing the bridge.

I played the Argentine Forces and my son, Alex played the Brits. Patrols were prone, "Down" in game terms and classed as hidden, Alex waited until 601 had crossed the bridge in a 2 forward 1 back position before engaging one of the units. The night rules caused him some problems initially spotting them but once he had he opened up he caused 1 KIA and 1 serious wound and a good load of suppression causing this unit to be "Suppressed". I managed to get activated, getting units forward in the centre and right flank however Alex again successfully engaged and halted the centre unit before deciding to withdraw without having time to pick up their bergans.

My right flank unit engaged one of the British patrols inflicting a serious wound casualty and putting a few suppression points on it.

Alex was by this stage extracting backwards towards the table edge when I tried to seize the initiative and tried with my right hand flanking unit to close the range and close assault.

601 closing in but about to feel the pain.

Alex was activated and put a withering hail of fire onto the 601 unit causing more casualties before managing to extract off the table ending the scenario.

The Argentines had forced the British to withdraw and captured the bergans, however at a high price, 3 KIA 6 wounded.

The British withdrew with 1 wounded.

Both Alex and I thought the night rules worked well and interestingly this was a similar result to the actual engagement.

For those interested there's a good account of this engagement in "Green-Eyed Boys" by Jennings and Weale pls 111-115.

Dougie