When the lad Henry got home from school we had a cracking action. I prepared four ORBATs each based around a simple escort mission and put these in envelopes. Henry chose one each and I, flying the flag for our American cousins, had the weakest of the four – typical! And my luck didn't improve.
I deployed; the MV Bridgeton with the USS Crommelin as close escort. I had the benefit of some air support in the shape of a pair of F14s and an A6 but I held one F14 and the A6 in reserve. It was a mistake; I should have deployed both F14s together.
I had a air contacts to the NE and NW, plus three suspicious looking surface contacts which seemed to be shadowing my force some 30 miles ENE. The NE contact came within 30 miles and was challenged. It didn't respond but I couldn't take the risk and it continued on course, passing my F14 which was able to confirm that it was an airbus on a scheduled flight.
Apologies for the makeshift stand and as yet un-repainted aeroplane!
The F14 took up station near my frigate, ready (I hoped!) to fend off any Iranian attacks.
The NW contact was also going to pass too close for comfort so that too was challenged. Again there was no response and again I held fire.
The air contact turned and closed. Identified as an F4 Phantom I tried and failed to get a firing solution. Fortunately so did he and I was able to breath a sigh of relief, but much would depend on who got the first order dice out of the bag in turn 3.
I drew the first order dice so my F14 swung into action, but couldn't draw a bead on the Iranian jet. The Iranian had better luck and a sidewinder sent my plane into the Gulf.
Another contact had appeared to the NE and again I held fire until I knew what I was up against. This time it was a mistake…
Again I'd let a Phantom approach to firing range through fear of downing a civilian aircraft.
The F4 fired its Maverick missiles at the Crommelin.
I didn't have a hope; the missiles were only 12 miles out when fired. I managed to take one down with my phalanx but four slammed into my hapless ship, making her a total loss.
I had lost a frigate and an F14; too late my reinforcements arrived. The Tomcat immediately went into action as the two Phantoms turned to face the new threat; first one, then the other Iranian plane suffered damage and had to turn for home and safety. The Tomcat pursued and splashed one F4. I crossed into Iranian territory to do so but by this time my blood was up.
In the meantime the Bridgeton was doing it's best to make it to safety when one of the surface contacts suddenly increased speed. Gotcha, I thought, and my intruder closed to within 25 miles before firing its full load of four harpoons at what turned out to be the Joshan, an Iranian version of the Combattante II fast attack craft.
The Joshan exploded and the A6 crew ruefully watched as a second Combattante II turned and fled – if only they'd saved a couple of the harpoons!
And that was that; a fun action which took an hour and a half (with constant interruption from Mrs Jones). I need to work on the air combat mechanics and radar lock odds, but we thoroughly enjoyed it.
Nick
