>>700990
>> Find Captain Welchley, this business with undermining your orders needs addressing, even if the couple hours extra has done wonders for that headache you'd developed.

>>700990
>> Find Captain Welchley, this business with undermining your orders needs addressing, even if the couple hours extra has done wonders for that headache you'd developed.

>>700990
>> Find Captain Welchley, this business with undermining your orders needs addressing, even if the couple hours extra has done wonders for that headache you'd developed.

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> INFO POST 1: The Wartime Emergency Military Service Act (WEMS)
By 1943, manpower in the British Empire was at a premium, with fronts across the globe and manufacturing requiring many skilled labourers, the need for more troops, especially more infantry was becoming critical for the pursuit of further operations on the European mainland. In September 1943, a radical solution was posed to this problem with the Wartime Emergency Military Service Act, which would open voluntary service in combat duties to women, provided they could pass the acceptance requirements.

Argument over the bill in parliament was fierce, with Prime Minister Winston Churchill himself notably speaking out against it repeatedly, but on the 15th of November, 1943 the WEMS Act was ratified by the House of Lords and women began supplementing British combat units, particularly in the RAF Bomber Command and Royal Navy, freeing up men to be drafted into the Army. The Army itself has seen far less female recruitment, with few volunteering and fewer still meeting requirements for combat service. A number of them however, have been assigned to Armoured units for the invasion of Normandy, including the act's Army postergirl, Captain Eleanor Welchley, the first woman to obtain a combat unit commission in the British army and also the first to have command authority over non-female subordinates as 2iC of A Squadron, 5 RTR.

> Writing main post now, this is just something to tide you over and explain some background stuff, I've got a few more to share over the course of the quest too.

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> Find Captain Welchley, this business with undermining your orders needs addressing, even if the couple hours extra has done wonders for that headache you'd developed.

"And go find Captain Welchley, she's to report to me immediately." You can't have your 2iC second guessing you, at least not where it could be seen by the lads. Then again, at least you can think clearly for the first time in days.

"Yes, sir!" Cooper, snaps off a crisp salute and hurries out of the tent.

"What did I tell you about saluting in combat zone! I swear if you get my head blown off by some Jerry-" and he's gone, you swear, these bloody junior officers are going to be the death of you the first time they see real combat. What you'd give to get a man like Sergeant Ellis over in B Squadron a commission, or any of the old sweats really. You'd come up through the ranks the hard way and giving command of a Troop to anyone who hadn't been with the 5th in North Africa just didn't sit right with you. Consequently just about the only Troop leader you put much weight in was Lieutenant Garnett and his No. 1 Troop, he'd been with the Regiment since Sidi Razeigh and was rock solid.

You muse further about the woes of command as you finish adjusting your equipment, finally getting your PPK's chest rig to sit comfortable over your tanker's jumpsuit. One of your better trophies to be sure and also one of the few to survive through all the bailouts and flaps of the North African war. You finally step out into the morning air of the leaguer and are immediately assaulted by the sounds of hundreds of men and dozens of tanks preparing to get underway. A gaggle of tankers nod or curtly address you by rank as they pass, one fresh faced Trooper almost saluting, before his Corporal grabs his arm and drags him off. Good lad. As they clear your vision you spot the Lieutenant returning this time with a young woman in tow. It's no wonder the papers back home picked Captain Eleanor Welchley as their poster girl for the WEMS Act, the little lady's been on the march and in and out of combat operations for days now and still looks ready for a press shoot, quite in contrast to the rest of the 'Filthy Fifth'. The pair stop in front of you and stand to attention.

(1/2)

>>701290
(2/2)

"You wanted to see me, sir?" Welchley speaks first, her voice as prim and proper as her bearing.

"Yes. Andy, you're dismissed, catch up with Lieutenant Garnett and start gathering up the lads for a Griff talk in 15, and get Bob to turn the engine over, we'll be leaving in a hurry." He nods and jogs away into the camp, looking for the Troop leader. "Now, Captain, it's about this matter of taking the morning duties into your own hands."

> "Thank you, but next time make sure you clear it with me first. Now, give me the morning reports."
> "I appreciate you're trying to help, but do not ever undermine my authority again, especially to my own Adjutant."
> "It's downright insubordinate and if it happens again I'll have you representing women in the services by driving an artillery tractor for the rest of the war."
> Other

>>701156
>>701290
>>701300
Also just realised I dropped my trip. Apologies for the slower update there, had some minor internet hiccups that delayed posting by about 10-15 minutes, should be quicker from now on.

>>701300
> "I appreciate you're trying to help, but do not ever undermine my authority again, especially to my own Adjutant."
Firm

>>701300
>> "Thank you, but next time make sure you clear it with me first. Now, give me the morning reports."

>>701300
>> "I appreciate you're trying to help, but do not ever undermine my authority again, especially to my own Adjutant."

>>701300
>> "I appreciate you're trying to help, but do not ever undermine my authority again, especially to my own Adjutant."

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> "I appreciate you're trying to help, but do not ever undermine my authority again, especially to my own Adjutant."

She furrows her brow abit before nodding "Understood, Major, it won't happen again."

"Good to hear Captain, now, what's the word from the morning rounds?" You say, beginning to walk towards your own Cromwell which splutters a couple times before the Meteor engine roars to life.

"No. 2 troop had a gearbox failure on one of their tanks, but Sergeant Petty managed to requisition a replacement Cromwell from the Regimental Reserve, so we should be setting out at full strength." She says, falling into step besides you. "We had another minor disciplinary issue with Ms Cartwright and Sergeant Wardrop from B Squadron overnight too, I'm beginning to think we'll have to lock her away each night to stop this." 'Fraternisation' had been an issue with the integration of women into combat units from just about day one, and while the army took a very dim view of the whole situation, there wasn't much to be done about it.

"I'll take it up with Lieutenant-Colonel Holliman again, but I don't see how we could change a combat leaguer to prevent this kind of thing without compromising ourselves. I'll have a word with the Sergeants too, and Vernon about getting a handle on Wardrop." You arrive at your Cromwell and climb up onto the side of the hull, nodding greetings to your driver, Lance Corporal Bob Nesbit as you do.

"Mornin' Major, lovely day out." He replies in his thick Cornish accent, and his broad face spreads into a smile as he spots the Captain, any conversation with you forgotten in a moment. While the two exchange pleasantries, you reach down into the turret through the loader's hatch to start turning the radio on so you could get the word from RHQ on any changes to last night's plan. After an abortive attempt at turning it on a quick smack to the side of its container, the radio crackles to life on the Regimental net and you wait for a break in traffic before keying the transmit switch.

"Regiment this is Able, you copy? Over." You hold one side of your headset up to your ear and wait for the response.

(1/2)

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>>701712

"Able this is Regiment, we copy, what do you need. Over." The voice on the other end is the confident tones of Lt-Col Holliman, but his Adjutant Captain Crickmay.

"Regiment, can you confirm march details unchanged from last night? Over."

"Negative, C Squadron had a few mortar rounds land in amongst them last night." My god how did you sleep through that? "They've got one troop out of action for the morning while repairs are done, so A Squadron will be taking the lead now. Over."

"Understood Regiment, Able Out." You hop back down from the tank and turn to the Captain, who's politely holding conversation with the obviously enraptured Nesbit. "Enough chit-chat Captain, word is we're taking the lead today instead of C Squadron. The rest of the officers are waiting for the Griff talk, so let's get along then." She nods and gives a curt affirmative and the two of you begin jogging over to the centre of the camp, where a knot of Sergeants, Corporals and Lieutenants has formed to discuss the plan for today's operation. As you go you cast a quick look over your shoulder back at your tank, she's:

> A Cromwell V Control: standard issue for a Squadron Commander, with extra radios, a 75mmm QF gun and a powerful engine she's ideal for mobile, anti-infantry operations in the command and control role, but not particularly well armoured and the 75mm has lackluster anti-tank capabilities. Instead of pulling any strings for yourself, you managed to sweet talk some lads in requisitions into sending your Squadron the first A30 Challengers to arrive in Normandy.
> A Cromwell VIIw: You pulled some strings back after you heard about these just starting to roll off of the line and it arrived a couple days ago. With frontal armour as thick as the Tiger's and no loss in speed, the VIIw is ideal for leading your lads from the front.
> A Cromwell V (LT): You called in some favours with the Regimental Maintenance lads and managed to get them to pull the 75mm out of your Cromwell V and a few others in the Squadron and replace it them the 6-pounder, scrounging ammo off of the 1st Motor Brigades Anti-tank units and anywhere else you could find it. The HE's a bit lackluster but at least now you can kill enemy panzers with a bit more confidence.

>>701718
> The voice on the other end is the confident tones of Lt-Col Holliman, but his Adjutant Captain Crickmay
This should say "isn't" not "is"

>>701718
> A Cromwell VIIw: You pulled some strings back after you heard about these just starting to roll off of the line and it arrived a couple days ago. With frontal armour as thick as the Tiger's and no loss in speed, the VIIw is ideal for leading your lads from the front.
Nothing like leading by example

>>700990
My inner hooah just got [b]hard[/b].

>>701718
>> A Cromwell VIIw: You pulled some strings back after you heard about these just starting to roll off of the line and it arrived a couple days ago. With frontal armour as thick as the Tiger's and no loss in speed, the VIIw is ideal for leading your lads from the front.

Bring me closer! I want to hit them whit my sword!

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> INFO POST 2: The Caumont Gap
During the Normandy landings, the Day-1 objective for the British advance was the ambitious capture of Caen, the largest city in the region and incredibly valuable strategic location, this attack was to be known as Operation Perch. However, British troops were halted short of it by elements of the 21st Panzer Division before sundown and over the course of the next week found themselves facing off against almost the entire might of the 5th Panzer Army and by June 13th, Operation Perch was called off. However, to their immediate West, the US V Corps were making strong progress against the German 352nd Infantry Division, and with little to no armoured support arrayed against the American lines, the 1st and 2nd Infantry Divisions smashed the Easternmost German positions by June 10th, opening a gap several miles wide between the the British and American advances, near the town of Caumont.

Seeing the strategic opportunity, XXX Corps dispatched the veteran 7th Armoured Division to exploit this gap and use it to take the Panzer Lehr Division from the rear, hopefully collapsing the Western flank of the defence of Caen and leading to a decisive victory. On the 12th of June the Division moved to Livry and began preparing the town as a base for further operations, before the 22nd Armoured Brigade (minus 1 RTR who would remain to hold Livry with the infantry) set out in the early morning to capture the high ground near the town of Villers-Bocage.

>>701718 #
>> A Cromwell VIIw: You pulled some strings back after you heard about these just starting to roll off of the line and it arrived a couple days ago. With frontal armour as thick as the Tiger's and no loss in speed, the VIIw is ideal for leading your lads from the front

>>701857
And that map is damn gorgeous. Great work, OP!

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> A Cromwell VIIw: You pulled some strings back after you heard about these just starting to roll off of the line and it arrived a couple days ago. With frontal armour as thick as the Tiger's and no loss in speed, the VIIw is ideal for leading your lads from the front.

You'd bailed out of more than enough tanks in your time, and lost more than enough friends to want to go through another. At least this one could take a hit, even if its armour was still flat as a board's. Turning back to look where you're going, you push your way through to the front of the gathered commanders of A Squadron and clear your voice, raising your hands to signal the meeting's about to begin. Welchley steps up beside you, ready to field questions and provide information. "Right lads, we're moving out Eastwards to day at flank speed, headed towards a town called Villers-Bocage. Now the 11th and 8th are both out doing flank security to our North so we won't have any Recce but our own to work ahead of us, but Intelligence says German presence in the area should be light until the 2nd Panzer Division arrives to plug the gap over the next couple of days. C Squadron's got mechanical issues so we're going to be leading the Regiment and I'll have Squadron HQ at the front of the column, but we'll have the County of London chaps ahead of us."

You quickly fall into describing the plan, in essence the untested 4th Battalion County of London Yeomanry will be the ones capturing the town itself, supported by a Motorised Infantry Company from the 1st Battalion Rifle Brigade while 5 RTR would hold at the nearby town Tracy-Bocage and cover them before passing through to the high-ground of Maisoncelles-Pelvey to the South. From here the Brigade would be able to dominate the surrounding area and be poised to finish their hook around into the rear of Panzer Lehr Division at will.

For your part, A Squadron would be at the front of the 5th's advance and take up position on a ridge called Le Mesril just North of Tracy immediately prior to 4CLY entering Villers. B Squadron would follow up and hold Tracy proper while C set up with the Brigade Group tactical headquarters at Amayé-sur-Seulles. "Any questions?"

> Do you (as in the readers) have any questions?

Otherwise
> "We need to be aggressive today, keep fast and move with purpose, it's likely that the rookies in 4 CLY will bugger something up royally and when they do, we'll have to pull them out of it."
> "Be cautious and keep your heads on a swivel lads, we're a long way behind enemy lines here and an ambush could be disastrous. Even though Division's saying we should advance without Recce I'll see if I can't get a few of the Stuart's to run ahead of us."
> "Just stick to the plan and we'll be fine, Jerry's taken a beating these last few days and the last thing he'll expect are Brit tanks appearing behind him. It'll be like shooting fish in a barrel."

>>701964
I just found it on Wikipedia, nothing ventured on my end.

>>701980
>What exactly are we going to be doing on that ridge?

> "Be cautious and keep your heads on a swivel lads, we're a long way behind enemy lines here and an ambush could be disastrous. Even though Division's saying we should advance without Recce I'll see if I can't get a few of the Stuart's to run ahead of us."

>>702015
"Ah yes Corporal Evans, the Ridge will afford us a vantage point on the Western side of Villers Bocage, as well as the Northern and Souther approaches to our position. If 4 CLY meets resistance on approach to the town we will be able to cover them and if elements of Panzer Lehr Division or the 2nd Panzer Division move to intercept the Brigade group they will have to engage us first."

>>702028
>Will our tanks have range from the ridge?

>>702041
Captain Welchley steps forward to field Evans' second question. "Yes, the ridge is only about 800 yards short of the village, and while there's heavy wooding in the area our lines of fire should be effective."

>>702063
>Thank you sir. That is all.

>>701980
>> "We need to be aggressive today, keep fast and move with purpose, it's likely that the rookies in 4 CLY will bugger something up royally and when they do, we'll have to pull them out of it."

Hit them hard.

Rolled 1 (1d2)

>>702015
>>702116
Welp if no further votes are incoming, I'll just break the tie.
1. Ambush smambush, just put the pedal to the metal!
2. Be careful like a nerd.

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> "We need to be aggressive today, keep fast and move with purpose, it's likely that the rookies in 4 CLY will bugger something up royally and when they do, we'll have to pull them out of it."

You are met with a chorus of "Yes, Major!"s and dismiss your commanders, sending them back to their tanks. All around you crewmen are stamping out fires, throwing down the last of their morning brews and mounting up as the leaguer is pulled down and the Regiment gets ready to move out. Welchley and Cooper follow you back towards where the Squadron HQ tanks are parked, as do Corporal Evans and Sergeant Major Turnbull, the commander's of the Squadron's two Cromwell Close Support tanks that operate alongside yourself and the Captain's tanks.

After checking the others have lagged behind a bit Whelchley sidles in next you and asks "Are you sure it's wise to encourage them to rush like that? Who knows what could be waiting for us out there?"

"It doesn't matter what's waiting, we have to move fast and hit the Boche hard before he can figure out what we're doing back here. Violence of action is key, and I wasn't kidding about what I said with the Yeomanry types. They're rookies, never so much as fired a shot in anger before 3 days ago, and they've certainly never dealt with German Armoured units in force before. Something you've got in common with them Captain." A look of anger clouds her face for a moment before she registers the jesting tone in your voice, and it's replaced by a more pensive expression. "Don't worry Welchley, you'll do fine, just follow my lead."

"Understood, sir." She nods and the two of you arrive back at your tanks, where you can see your crew finalising preparations to move out. Bob's helping your Co-Driver Trooper Ethan Cartwright finish welding another length of track to the front of the turret, in addition the circle of boiler plate fashioned into a rudimentary outer mantlet and VIIw's applique armour. Your crew learned their lessons in North Africa about the danger of German guns, and with your tendency to lead from the front and aggressively, they'll to do whatever they can to increase your tank's survivability. You grab onto one of the bags dangling off the back of your turret and begin hoisting yourself up onto the turret, trying to negotiate past the mess of stowage that inevitably adorns just about all the "Filthy Fifths'" vehicles. Just as you step off of the tracks though, the duffel you're hanging onto slips and you almost smash your face into the side of the turret when a thick, hairy arm arrests your fall by the scruff of your uniform.

(1/2)

>>702404
(2/2)

"You don't need to kiss it g'mornin' Major." the thick Glaswegian accent of your Gunner Sergeant Richard "Dickie" McDow is unmistakable as is the baritone chuckle that follows it.

"Yeah, yeah, laugh it up you mangy Scot bastard." He hoists you back onto the turret bodily before dusting himself off and disappearing back into the turret, somehow squeezing his massive frame in with uncanny ease. You smile and shake your head, Dickie had been with you since France, and was just about the only enlisted man in the regiment who could get away with acting friendly with you consequently. You clamber around into the commander's hatch as Andy gets the last of the kit stowed in the turret bin. "Alright everyone, mount up! We're leading A Squadron out in 5!" Your crew hops to it, packing their gear away and hopping into their positions. You pull your headset on over the black Royal Tank Regiment beret and the radio crackles to life, open on the Regiment wide channel as is the 5th's practice.

"Regiment, this is Able, we're heading out in 5, confirm. Over."
"Able, Regiment confirms, County of London are already rolling. Out." You look around at the rest of the Squadron HQ Troop. There's 'Aethelfled', the poetically named Cromwell Vw crewed by Captain Welchley and her girls, 'Alamein', Sergeant Major Turnbulls Cromwell VI and Corporal Evans' VI 'Aggressor'. All 'A' names as is the tradition for A Squadron tanks.

Your tank is named:
> Alaric, you always did like a bit of irony.
> Ajax, as it too is a great warrior.
> Victoria, you were never one for traditions anyway.
> Other

>>702413
>Caesar, a fine name, a finer leader, and the finest tank

>>702413
> Ajax, as it too is a great warrior.
I´m too drunk to think rigth now.

And I like it too much

>>702413
If this is a tie then this >>702459

> Caesar

You didn't stick by the whole 'A' names tradition, mainly because you'd started out in C Squadron as a trooper before the war, so you'd kept the naming tradition of your old gang. A few more minutes pass as the rest of the Squadron packs down and mounts up, but soon a path clears ahead of you. "Bob, take us forward, cruising speed. Squadron HQ follow on us, I want 2, 3 and 4 troop behind us with 1 troop bringing up the rear. And remember lads, no dawdling." Caesar's V12 Meteor roars and the tanks shoots forward, Aethelfled peeling in behind you as you pass, followed by the two Close Support tanks, then joined by the other Troops of the Squadron as you set off at a quick pace.

...

"Able, this is Regiment, we've got reports of a possible AT gun South of your position, about 1200 yards out, can any tanks confirm?"

"Just a fallen tree, sir." You reply back, lowering your binoculars. You don't mention that if it was an AT Gun it would've had you dead to rights for a whole half minute before you spotted it. Dammit. "A Squadron's moving past the Yeomanry's rear elements now, we should be atop Le Mesril within a quarter hour."

"Confirmed, Able, good work, that means we're ahead of schedule for the attack on Villers, but don't get reckless, Major." Lt-Colonel Holliman's voice is steady and clear in spite of the radio's static hiss. You're turned out of the commander's hatch with Lieutenant Cooper poking out the loader's hatch next to you both of you checking maps and charts trying to figure out exactly where will afford the best sightlines up on the ridge. Some of the CLY tank commanders and Motorised infantry in their Universal Carriers and Half-tracks nod or wave as you pass their now almost stationary column. You wait until you're halfway up the hill before signalling to the tanks behind you to turn off to the right, making for the wooded high ground of Le Mesril.

(1/2)

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>>702682
"Alright Bob, take us cross country from here." The tank smoothly cycles right and begins climbing the grassy slope towards the treeline. "Troops 1 and 2 take the left of the ridge, Lieutenant Garnett I want you covering the North-East approach with both Fireflies, Troops 3 and 4 move up into the centre with HQ." A chorus of affirmatives sound back and the Squadron peels off the road behind you, while the Regimental net returns to various back and forths between tank commanders. C Squadron have finally caught up with the rear of the column and will move onto Amayé-sur-Seulles shortly, while B have linked up with their Motor Rifle Company and made their turn-off to approach Tracy-Bocage.

After some tight fits and micromanagement of Bob's driving, you manage to arrive at the crest of the ridge, before moving slightly down the gentle forward slope of the hill to avoid silhouetting your vehicle and get close enough to the treeline to see Villers-Bocage. Next to you you see the Cromwells and Fireflies of 3 and 4 troop amongst the trees also come to a halt. Raising your binoculars to your eyes you scan the Western side of Villers, searching for signs of AT guns or tanks dug into ambush positions, but the village looks empty. You radio the all clear to Regiment and they pass it on to 4 CLY, whose own A Squadron is already racing down towards the village intent on capturing the high ground on the East Side. Your position on the high ground is advantageous, but there is little opportunity for hull down positions and you're not particularly diligently hidden. You could try to dig in, but you mightn't be here very long anyway and the village below looks empty of any Germans.

> Dig in, better safe than sorry, and either way it's likely Jerry will try to take this position sooner or later, might as well leave something for whichever poor sods have to defend it then.
> Reshuffle your positions, try and find the best possible sightlines, it'll take a bit of time but this way if trouble shows up you'll be able to see it quicker and kill it faster. (Focus in a particular direction? If so, which?)
> Keep scanning with your binoculars, just in case.

>>702689
>> Keep scanning with your binoculars, just in case.
I have a feeling of an ambush

This is some fantastic writing. It is written like an actual tank commander. Do you have any past experience or have you just read up on it?

>>702689

> Reshuffle your positions, try and find the best possible sightlines, it'll take a bit of time but this way if trouble shows up you'll be able to see it quicker and kill it faster. (Focus in a particular direction? If so, which?)
> Keep scanning with your binoculars, just in case.

Reshuffle in pairs and be prepared for whatever german surprise. And keep wathcing, let the others handle the repositioning, trust you´r oficials.

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>>702743
Thanks, no prior experience but I've read a lot of tank related literature, from memoirs to historical work and technical manuals. Glad you're enjoying it.

Next post will be the last for today, writing now.

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> Reshuffle your positions, try and find the best possible sightlines, it'll take a bit of time but this way if trouble shows up you'll be able to see it quicker and kill it faster. (Focus in a particular direction? If so, which?)
> Keep scanning with your binoculars, just in case.

You keep the Binoculars glued to your eyes and bring Caesar even closer to the treeline, instructing the rest of your crew to scan the area too. "Captain Welchley, reorganise A Squadron's positions, I want to make sure we have the best possible sightlines, especially for the Fireflies."

"Understood sir." She begins issuing orders over the net before debussing to go oversee positions personally. You stare intently Eastwards, scanning your vision back and forth searching for anything out of place. Meanwhile, 4 CLY's tanks rush into the town and disappear from sight. Or at least the lead elements do, but after nearly 15 minutes watching, the rearmost elements, mainly supply vehicles and transports for the Rifle Brigade troops are pulled over and stationary, like the column had halted in the middle of the town. You check your watch, 8:45am, and then raise your binoculars again, looking beyond Villers-Bocage to the ridge on the other side of town which you can barely see though the trees and buildings. You stare, hard for a few minutes and see nothing, then exasperated, hop up out of your cupola, pulling off your headset and stand atop your turret, peering again towards the high ground. Now you see them, 4 CLY's A Squadron are where they're meant to be, on top of the ridge, from what you can see.

But they're all on top of the ridge and clustered about in a clump around the road, arse to elbow almost. There's no way they can provide security for the Regiment there, and no way they'll see anything coming until it's far too late. "What the fuck are they playing at?" You look again, then back at Villers-Bocage where the rest of 4 CLY are still almost stationary, in single file on the main road through town. Something makes your stomach turn over as you realise this is a massacre in the making. You're about to hop back down and get on the horn when Captain Whelchley interrupts your thoughts.

"Major Stanley, the Troops are all in position, I've sighted two Fireflies towards Villers and the other two North East towards any potential Panzer Lehr reinforcements."

"Thank you Captain, now can you get on the horn to Regiment and tell them 4 CLY needs to get its security spread out instead of trying to score with some mademoiselles." You say, and turn to hop back down when something glints and catches your eye near point 213, between the trees. Raising your binoculars once again you find the spot and then track to either side of it, looking for something, anything that could've caused. Hmmph, must've been nothin- You catch a rectangular shape flit between trees, it's silhouette broken up and distant but unmistakable to a veteran of North Africa.

Tiger.

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That's it for today with Tankies Quest, and I won't be running tomorrow or the day after thanks to my crippling addiction to LGA 2 quest, but I should be back to finish up around the same time US Monday (Tuesday down here is Aus) and I'll tweet about an hour before I start and when I go live. Hope you enjoyed it!

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Danontg

Feel free to ask any questions or whatnot, it's only mid afternoon for me so I'll be around for quite a while.

>>703018
So how are you planning on proceeding with a combat system? Rolls? Or just good decisions?

>>703018
Thanks for the run!

Also, how much do you prepare man? Because you write too good, shit is fantastic.
The simple fact, that in my drunkness haze I knew what was happening is wonderfull.

> Keep scanning with your binoculars, just in case

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>>703027
Good decisions more than anything. If there are situations where it's pure luck I'll roll some stuff on my end but I want that to be hidden from players. You should never have your decisions affected by a dice roll over in-character reasoning. I.e. I don't want the "good plan gets bad roll so everyone votes for bad plan that got good rolls" thing that happens so often in dice system quests.

>>703051
The Info Posts are pre-written, nothing else is. Other than that I've got a bunch of reference materials for Villers-Bocage open (including google Earth and Streetview to check sightlines where I can). Thanks though, I don't really rate my narrative writing that well so it's nice to know I'm not terrible.

Darn, too late.

That was a great read, hope I can join for the next run. Are there any other tanks issued to this squadron other than Crommies by the way?

>>703063
Wanna get me a Jumbo Sherman

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>>703063
Sherman Fireflies at a rate of one per Troop, and possibly Challengers later on in 1944. Other than that you'll sometimes get assigned Stuarts (and later in the war Chaffees) from the Regimental Reconnaissance Troop to help with scouting. The 7th Armoured as a rule though is all Cromwell all the time in keeping with their intended 'pursuit' role.

>>703066
Sadly the Jumbo's still some months away from seeing service and was only used by the US and in limited numbers. That said, I don't plan on this being a particularly long running Quest, but if the mood takes me I might follow it up with other Tanker quests with different nationalities, units and campaigns.

>>703094
>>703018
>>702977
Cool thread, love the detail. Looking forward to catching it next time.

Enjoy the rest of your Saturday. Where in Aus you from?

>>703155
Glad you enjoyed. I'm in Brisbane, it's a boring city but not so bad all things considered.

Sorry i missed it.

Another Aus,
Tasmania.

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Second session in 12 hours. Wherezatiger?

Addendum, it's possible I forgot that 5 RTR had a different naming system to most other British Armoured units and gave most of their tanks 'E' names, though they broke that rule pretty regularly, with stuff like 'Ajax', 'Doreen' and 'Satan's Chariot' popping up in their 1944 records. I'll be keeping the names already given the same and pass it off as Squadron HQs taking names after their Squadron while the regular Troops use the 'E' system. Just a heads up as to why that'll be changing.

> 13th June, 1944
> Normandy, Le Mesril High Ground
> 08:50
You scramble back down into commander's hatch, fumbling with your headset for a moment before throwing it back on and snatching the transmitter from Lieutenant Cooper. "Sorry Andy, it's important," you key the transmitter and take a deep breath to steady your nerves.

"This is Able, German armour spotted moving North along the Eastern edge of Villers, at least 1 Tiger, no sign of supporting elements. The 4th show no signs of having spotted it but it's within 800 yards of the rear of their lead elements. Over." An eerie silence descends over the Regimental net for a few seconds, all previous exchanges forgotten at the prospect of having the face the legendary Kraut heavy armour. Everyone's waiting for confirmation or someone to make a choice, Lt-Col Holliman is, unsurprisingly, the first to do so.

"Able, this is Regiment, confirm German armour on the East of Villers-Bocage? Over."

"Confirmed Regiment, no way in hell it was anything other."

"Copy Able, everyone, to your action stations then, where there's one Panzer there's bound to be more, I'll put the call up to Brigade and they can let 4CLY know. Over."

The net bursts back into life, B Squadron's CO and Troop leaders reshuffling formations and getting crews back into their tanks and ready for a fight, while C, who are still on the road behind the rest of the Regiment begin exhorting each other to get a move on. As A Squadron's already in well sighted positions you simply shoot a short message of encouragement to the lads and tell them to sit tight. From the town of Villers-Bocage there's still no signs of activity though, except the faint sounds of what is that, cheering?

"Those stupid wankers are out of their tanks celebrating with the locals!" You mutter, incredulous, slumping back into your chair. Dickie twists around to look at you, his eyebrow cocked.

"You really surprised Major? What was it the lads were saying yesterday; 'Yeomanry in the lead again, until they meet opposition! Then it'll be our job.'" he says, a scathing tone in his voice, "and whaddya know, sir, it'll be our job soon enough." You're about to shoot back something unbecoming of an officer when the Colonel's voice comes back on the radio.

(1/2)

>>717417

"Able, this is Regiment, 4 CLY isn't responding to Brigade hails on the Command net, what the hell's going on down there?"

"Regiment, they've pulled over for a spot of morning tea and a chat with the locals." You say, trying and failing to keep the disdain out of your voice.

"Copy Able, I'll send a courier quick as I can, but it could take some time. Over." You look out past Villers again, no sights or sounds of combat yet, but that Tiger couldn't be more than 500 yards from the tanks at Point 213 now.

> "Understood, sir." No way you're sticking your neck out for those morons, besides, you need to see to the defence of your position first and foremost.
> "Don't bother sir, I'll go down there and take care of it myself." If someone doesn't get down there and take charge of the situation this is going to be a massacre
> "Sir, I could fire a warning shot." Putting a HE round into the Tiger's last known position would give 4 CLY the gist of things, but it would also let the Germans know they're made.

>>717421
>> "Don't bother sir, I'll go down there and take care of it myself." If someone doesn't get down there and take charge of the situation this is going to be a massacre

>>717421
>> "Don't bother sir, I'll go down there and take care of it myself." If someone doesn't get down there and take charge of the situation this is going to be a massacre

>> "Sir, I could fire a warning shot." Putting a HE round into the Tiger's last known position would give 4 CLY the gist of things, but it would also let the Germans know they're made.

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> "Don't bother sir, I'll go down there and take care of it myself." If someone doesn't get down there and take charge of the situation this is going to be a massacre.

The net's silent for a few moments as Holliman considers your proposition.

"Alright Able, Captain Welchley will take command of the Squadron in your absence, don't take more than a Troop with you. Godspeed and good luck, Major."

"Understood, sir." You switch the handset to intercom and turn to your turret crew. "Alright lads, let's get on with it, we'll head straight down onto the main road through town, fast as we can. Counting on you Bob, Andy, break out the shells, get an AP in the pipe, Ethan, keep an eye out and yell if you see anything German looking and Dickie if you get a shot nail that Kraut bastard soon as we see him, got it?" A chorus of affirmatives answer you and you stand back up out of the cupola just as 'Aethelfled' pull up alongside, Welchley turned out and looking uncharacteristically nervous at the prospect of even brevet command of the squadron.

"Don't worry, sir, I'll take good care of the squadron until you return." She says with a slightly shaky voice. You remember how nervous you were during your first combat command, you were almost sick all over the turret.

"I know you will Captain." Her face visibly lightens at your confidence.

"Thank you sir, now who will you be taking down into the town?"

> ONE TROOP: Also known as Wahed Troop (one in Arabic), these are your best and most experienced tankers lead by the veteran Lieutenant Garnett. They're rock solid and highly skilled by their experience makes them less willing to take risks and they could be vital to holding the hill if it comes under attack.
> TWO OR THREE TROOP: These Troops are an even mix of desert war veterans and rookie replacements that joined before D-Day. While the veterans (usually the Firefly commanders) are experienced, they are also exhausted after up to 4 years of war and are often sluggish to follow risky orders. The rookies on the other hand might be eager, but lack the discipline and skill of longer serving crews, especially the two officers who are untested in real combat.
> FOUR TROOP: Made up almost entirely of replacement commanders and crews, four troop are undoubtedly your weakest Troop, but at least if you keep them close you can hopefully control them more effectively.
> HQ TROOP: While Captain Welchley is staying on the hill, the HQ Troop also contains a pair of Cromwell VIs armed with the 3.7 inch Howitzer and intended for Close Support. They'd be invaluable for defending the hill from any kind of infantry attack but their HEAT rounds while inaccurate are more than capable of killing a Tiger outright at close range.

>>717633
>> HQ TROOP: While Captain Welchley is staying on the hill, the HQ Troop also contains a pair of Cromwell VIs armed with the 3.7 inch Howitzer and intended for Close Support. They'd be invaluable for defending the hill from any kind of infantry attack but their HEAT rounds while inaccurate are more than capable of killing a Tiger outright at close range.

>>717633
I forgot a pair of options here due to a mis-copy-paste. Should also include:

> NOONE: All your tanks are needed on the hill to hold it, you'll go it alone or gather an ad hoc formation from 4 CLY when you get down there.
> Other: Specify

>>717633
>> NOONE: All your tanks are needed on the hill to hold it, you'll go it alone or gather an ad hoc formation from 4 CLY when you get down there.

>>717633
I'll give another 5min for a tiebreaker vote before rolling for it.

Rolled 2 (1d2)

1. Girth is important so we should bring howitzers.
2. Pfft, help is for pansies!

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> NOONE: All your tanks are needed on the hill to hold it, you'll go it alone or gather an ad hoc formation from 4 CLY when you get down there.

"I'm going it alone Captain, they're all yours." You give her a nod then turn back East, "Driver, take us forward, flank speed!" Caesar's engine roars and it leaps foward down the slope, Bob's expert driving weaving between trees and shrubs as you gain speed, heading for the road into Villers. The tracks send clumps of earth and grass flying as the tank churns its way across the field at full speed. Ahead of you the rear elements of the 1st Rifle Brigade Company are still halted in single file at the West end of Villers-Bocage and as you mount the road and your speed increases even more you can even see some of them men in and around the Universal Carriers and Half-tracks turn around to look at the lone Cromwell tearing downhill towards them.

You've just got to get down there and start getting them back into their tanks, prepare a defence of some kind, the Tiger must be cautious, you've still got time. You're only about 200 yards out now, and start waving at the troops to clear the road so you can pass through. Then one of the men in a half-track stands up and starts yelling something, and the troops mill about, some diving for cover, others trying to form into their squads or mount or dismount from their vehicles. What the hell's going on- A BOOM rumbles over the village from the East interrupting your thoughts, the unmistakeable sound of an eighty-eight firing. You scramble for you watch and count the seconds. 1..2..3..4..5..6 another 88 report, then the shriek-bang of a brewed up tank's ammunition detonating. Followed by a couple of pops from Cromwell 75s. The regimental net bursts with activity as crews begin reporting the gunfire and scanning their approaches.

You speed past the rearmost end of the convoy, yelling panicked infantrymen and French civilians out of the way as you speed through. Arriving at the bend in the main street you can now see down the length of Villers and the sight is one of pandemonium. Crewmen, infantry and civilians all mill about in the middle of the street while the Regiment's tanks, half-tracks, trucks and UCs are parked up in single file along the left-side of the road, nose to tail. One word is being yelled repeatedly, by all parties: "Tiger!" You see several tanks starting up, often only after 2 or 3 crewmen remount and one Firefly manages to pull out of the jam only to be rammed by the Cromwell behind it as it tries to pull out, thankfully not detracking either but temporarily blocking the road about halfway through the village.

(1/2)

>>717799
(2/2)


"Major, I can't keep this pace, there's no room to move forwards!" Corporal Nesbit yells over the intercom. Indeed, you're now almost up against the mass of people, you'll have to wait for them to get out of the way if you want to get through.

"There's North and South side roads that run the lenght of the village, we could take those!" Cooper shouts to be heard over the cacophony around you, pointing at a map of Villers resting on the front of his loader's hatch and then at the turn offs just ahead of you on either side. You bite your lip, the side roads might be faster but there's only a couple of tanks far enough back that you could try and scrape together to join you if you took either of them, while the main street could let you organise more substantial resistance.

> Keep moving down the main road, the people should be dispersed in a few moments and you'll be able to gather up more of 4 CLY this way.
> Take the North road, it's narrow and constrained but the cover's good and it should put you in a flanking position if the Tiger heads for the town.
> Take the South road, it's easier to move down, but it leaves you somewhat exposed if there are more Panzers to the South and/or East.

>>717806
>> Take the North road, it's narrow and constrained but the cover's good and it should put you in a flanking position if the Tiger heads for the town.

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> Take the North road, it's narrow and constrained but the cover's good and it should put you in a flanking position if the Tiger heads for the town.

"Turn us around, we'll take the North road, hop to it!" The Cromwell slews about on the spot before setting of along the narrow avenue that ran alongside the main street of Villers Bocage. More BOOMs ripple through the air, now joined by the sounds of machinegun fire. The 88 reports have started overlapping, more Tigers must have joined the fray at Point 213. You quickly raise the handset again and transmit.

"Regiment this is Able, I've moved down into Villers, but the 4th's in a tizzy and it sounds like multiple Tigers are attacking their forward positions, any luck on raising their CO yet? Over."

"Copy Able, no luck on their CO yet but Brigade managed to get their Adjutant, Captain Dyas, I'll get you their command channel quick as I can."

"Yes, sir." You scan the buildings and alleys as Bob brings you down the narrow side street. You're lucky you're in a Cromwell, a Sherman probably wouldn't be able to turn around with this little room to manoeuvre. Suddenly a Cromwell reverses straight out into your way, a panicked looking Corporal yelling down into the turret at his crew. Caesar screeches a halt just shy of slamming into the Cromwell, but its commander seems oblivious to your presence.

"C'mon get her turned around, we need to get out of here before that Tiger arrives!" His voice is shaking and his hands grip the edge of the hatch hard enough to turn his knuckles white. You clear your throat and then shout out to him.

> "You'll do no such thing Corporal, I'm taking brevet command of you and your crew and we're going to kill that Tiger!"
> "Follow me or get out of my way, Corporal, I don't care which!"
> "Get the bloody hell out of my way, coward!"

>>718005
>> "You'll do no such thing Corporal, I'm taking brevet command of you and your crew and we're going to kill that Tiger!"

> "You'll do no such thing Corporal, I'm taking brevet command of you and your crew and we're going to kill that Tiger!"

The Corporal turns to look at you, eyes wide with fear, but you meet them with what you hope is a steely gaze. He gulps then nods quickly a few times.

"Uh, yes sir, Major, we're right behind you."

"Good to hear it lad, now fall in behind us once we pass." You're about to continue when Holliman comes back on over the radio.

"Able, this is Regiment, their Regimental Command channel's Baker Baker Able Foxtrot. Patch yourself through. Over." Good, now you'll at least be able to communicate with the 4th, though it'll meaning being out of contact with 5 RTR for the time being.

"Understood Regiment, Able Over and Out." you turn to Lieutenant Cooper "You heard him lad, tune us to 4 CLY's command channel, quick smart."

"Got it, Major." He ducks back down into the turret and starts tuning the wireless set, while you turn to the Corporal, who's tank's now moved forward to let Caesar pass.

"So lad, what's your name?"

"Corporal Reggie Patters, sir, B Squadron. I haven't seen you about the Regiment sir, when'd you join us?" He says, clearly not registering the unit marking on your tank or cap.

"That's because I'm not one of you lot, Major Stanley, A Squadron, 5th RTR. Now let's get on the hop, tune your radio to the command channel, Baker Baker Able Foxtrot!" As if on cue, the radio crackles and the sounds of 4 CLY's officers filter in.

"A Squadron's getting to torn apart out here!" A panicked voice, probably belonging to the CO of the 4th's A Squadron, chatters over the net. "I've lost 3 tanks already, including one Firefly and we're being engaged by multiple Tigers from the North and South East."

"We can't move up to assist A Squadron, there's a Tiger coming down the Route Nationale straight at us! It's chewing up-"

"C Squadron's pulling back to regroup, we can't get organised in thi-"

"Negative, we need to hold position and form a defensive pe-" The channel becomes increasingly crowded and unintelligible as commanders transmit over each other, rant or lose their cool, and those officers that do keep their cool seem confused as to the situation or what to do. As you wait for an opportunity to cut in or take command of the situation you race down the Northern road towards the East side of the town, the booms of cannon fire and bursts of machineguns growing in volume. A loud kaboom from close ahead signals the destruction of a tank at the lead of 4 CLY's column. The radio chatter grows even more panicked and crowded as crews switch from their squadron nets to the regimental command one in an attempt to get some semblance of orders. Behind you comes Corporal Patters' Cromwell, keeping pace with Bob's driving surprisingly well.

(1/2)

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>>718265
(2/2)

As you wait for a moment to cut in, the street widens up to a level similar to the main street again and you enter the more open town centre getting your first good view back onto the main street. A Cromwell that has been knocked out is just to your right, apparently hit while trying to take cover behind a building, smoke is belching from its open hatches, and another two sit abandoned by the side of the road, unmanned and abandoned. Two tanks reverse past painfully slowly, firing down the main road at a target out of sight until one of them is struck through the turret front by a shell with a great shower of sparks and grinds to a halt, causing the other one to turn off the road and flee through a garden. Your Cromwell continues forwards across the town centre, obscured from what you presume to be the Tiger by the buildings opposite you, but just as Caesar is about to pass behind the houses on the Eastern side, you see the distinctive muzzle of an Eighty Eight poke around the corner to your South.

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And I'm going to call it here for the day, seeing as we appear to be down to just the one player and I'm also really not happy with my writing for this session. I'll be back again on Friday US time to follow up, hopefully with quality more in line with the first session and a few more of you around.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Danontg