Zero Hour was invited to Bovington Tank Museum to put on a display / demo / participation game and here it is!
Our game is an adaption of the Battle of Cambrai 1917 - the first major tank tank attack (ever) - and it was very well received by both visitors (gamers and non-gamers) along with the excellent museum staff. Especial thanks to Jock and Sam for looking after us and giving us a special treat to start day two... more in moment.
The well stocked German trench line and German air support.
A pic of the game at the end of day one. To be fair, we'd spent a LOT of the day talking to visitors but we had reached the point where the German line was being breached by tanks, infantry and the supporting cavalry.
Only one pic from day two - the Germans have called in a massive support barrage to try to stem the British advance.
The game was huge fun and we had some people joining in throughout the weekend. We closed with the the German Stormtrooper counter-attack going in hard - particularly the slaughter of the Indian Cavalry - but having to face the remaining British infantry and several Mk IV tanks. So no clear victor.
Now, about the special treat ... Jock kindly provided Dave and me with a private tour (before the museum opened) of the WW1 hall and showed us some of the not-usually-seen exhibits along with being able to get inside a vintage Mk IV tank. Jock is a lovely chap, hugely knowledgeable about tanks (as you might expect) and bursting with enthusiasm, particularly for WW1. What a treat!
Chum Orange Dave inside the Mk IV with what appears to be "Speckled Jim". Note - the tanks were issued with two carrier pigeons so that they could "communicate" with HQ.
No visit to the Tank Museum would be complete without a look at the rest of the exhibits.
The first pic of the four above shows the astonishing difference between a Tiger II and a Panzer II, the second is of course the famous Tiger "131", the third is a particular favourite of mine, a Panzer III, and lastly is yours truly with a Panzer IV.
My warmest thanks to Dave for inviting me along to share the fun. I'm looking forward to more fab weekends like this!
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