Rummaging around in John's library, we've come across some good old classic war films of the type that have inspired many a generation of future soldiers and gamers alike…
With the recent release of our new plastic Fallschirmjӓger, what better film to inspire us than the 1976 World War II movie classic The Eagle Has Landed?
Tom Mankiewicz's screenplay, based on the best-selling novel by Jack Higgins, The Eagle Has Landed tells the fictional story of Hitler's attempted capture of Prime Minister Winston Churchill. Inspired by the real-life rescue of Hitler's ally Benito Mussolini by Otto Skorzeny, The Eagle Has Landed sees a German strike force headed by Colonel Kurt Steiner (Michael Caine) land in England on a covert mission to kidnap Prime Minister Winston Churchill and bring him to Berlin. What starts as a seemingly impossible assignment becomes soon more feasible, with Steiner and his men arriving in England to face the very real possibility of success.
Oberst Kurt Steiner commanding the elite 12th Parachute Regiment is chosen to undertake this audacious mission. Posing as Colonel Miller in command of the Free Polish Parachute Battalion, he parachutes his 16 men into a small Norfolk hamlet of Studly Constable – Churchill's weekend retreat!
Unknown to Steiner and just down the road at Maple House is a company of U.S. Rangers led by the war-eager Colonel Clancy Pitts.
Mission
This battle takes place immediately after the discovery of the ruse, with Colonel Pitts disregarding any tactical doctrine and racing headlong into the village. Oberst Steiner and his men, previously disguised as Polish Paras and now in Fallshirmjager uniform, must hold out in the village center long enough for a secret passage in the church to be revealed and Steiner to escape, thus going on to attempt the capture of Churchill himself!
Deployment
North
All German units are considered Hidden and in Ambush.
Steiner and his batman start in the Pub, Squad A in the Church, Squad B in the House or either of the shops (Secretly make a note before the battle starts), and Squad C in the Mill.
To start the battle, Colonel Pitts moves on in his jeep from the North road whilst the second jeep enters from the West road past the mill. 1st squad enters on foot through woods from the North West.
At the start of Turn 3, U.S. reinforcements arrive – unfortunately for Steiner, this Captain looks like he knows what he's about!
Captain Clark arrives from the North edge of the table with 2nd squad in a M3 half-track.
3rd Squad enters from the North via the car park.
Forces
- Steiner – Eagle Has Landed
- German Fallschirmjager – Veterans all armed with submachineguns
- Oberst Steiner (Captain) plus one man
- Squad A – one NCO and four men
- Squad B – one NCO and four men
- Squad C – one NCO and four men
- Steiner – Eagle Has Landed one
- U.S. Rangers – Turn one
- Colonel Pitts (2nd Lieutenant) plus one man in Jeep
- 2nd Jeep – two men
- 1st Squad – one NCO and four men
- US Rangers – Turn three
- Captain Clark (Captain)
- Bazooka team
- 2nd Squad – one NCO and four men
- 3rd Squad – one NCO and four men
Special Rules
Due to his ineptitude, Colonel Pitts is classed as a second lieutenant, and all U.S. units are considered regular until Captain Clark arrives later at the start of turn three.
At the start of turn three, with the arrival of Captain Clark, all U.S. units become Veteran.
Objective
Oberst Steiner must reach the Church, then defend his position for at least four turns before a secret passage is opened.
Captain Clark, taking charge of the situation, must overwhelm the Fallschirmjӓger in the Church before Steiner escapes!
Victory
Can the Germans hold? – at the end of turn four, roll one D6; on a 4+, the secret passage has been revealed, Steiner escapes as his men fight to the last!
Should the battle continue, then each time a German order dice is pulled from the bag, from now on roll a D6; on a 4+, the secret passage has been revealed, Steiner escapes as his men fight to the last! Victory to the Germans.
If Steiner and his men are overwhelmed before they can escape, then victory is the Rangers and they can celebrate preventing Churchill's capture as heroes!
Taking inspiration from books or films is a great way to prepare for painting or gaming, and can even spur you on in choosing the type of armies you may want to collect.
Gather your troops and be sure to let us know how your battles go (include pics) over at the Warlord Games forums, and whilst you're there, why not let us know your top ten favorite war films – maybe your choice of a themed set could be next?
The complete The Eagle Has Landed theme set will include:
- Oberst Steiner
- Three metal Fallschirmjӓger with looted weapons
- Seven metal Polish Airbourne
- Six new plastic Fallschirmjӓger
- 20 U.S. infantry plastic
- U.S. Ranger decal sheet
- U.S. Officer
- U.S. Radio operator
- Two U.S. Jeeps with crew
- U.S. M3 plastic halftrack
- Plastic Stone Walls
- 4Ground Grave Stones
- Sarissa Watermill
- Sarissa Old English Church
You may have already got some but not all the above sets, have no fear – you'll be able to get them all separately in these three sets:
The Eagle Has Landed Infantry Set will include:
- Oberst Steiner
- Three metal Fallschirmjӓger with looted weapons
- Seven metal Polish Airbourne
- Six new plastic Fallschirmjӓger
- 20 U.S. infantry plastic
- U.S. Ranger decal sheet
- U.S. officer
- U.S. radio operator
The Eagle Has Landed Vehicle Set:
- Two U.S. Jeeps with crew
- U.S. M3 plastic halftrack
The Eagle Has Landed Scenery Set:
Check out this great video showing the village then and now.
For the ultimate collector, upgrade to a fully painted and kitted-out church with the awesome 4Ground complete Parish Church Collection.
