A Wargamer in Cyprus: Squarebashing Polygon Wood, 19-20 October 1914

Wednesday 4 May 2022

Squarebashing Polygon Wood, 19-20 October 1914

7th Division front, just before 11 am on 20 October, in line with Field Marshal French’s strategy of offensive operations by I and IV Corps, a reconnaissance in force from 20 Brigade, accompanied by the divisional cyclists and cavalry (Northumberland Hussars) and a battery of artillery, was pushed down the Menin Road towards Gheluwe. The left flank was covered by the advance of a strong flanking group, two battalions and some artillery from 20 Brigade, which first cleared Becelaere and then advanced along the Terhand spur.

Good progress had been made until, about midday, the situation of 3rd (Cavalry) Division around Passchendaele and of 22 Brigade, east of Zonnebeke, threatened IV Corps’ left flank. The movement was halted, 20 Brigade returning to its line without difficulty; the two battalions from 21 (Guards) Brigade, 2/Wiltshires (Wilts) and 2/Scots Fusiliers (RSF) faced a more difficult task, in particular 2/Wilts, which suffered some sixty casualties before getting back to its former positions north of Reutel.

The Menin Road 1914

"This advance began on October 19. Unfortunately for the British, the Germans knew the attack was coming, as they had captured a British officer carrying his orders. The 7^th Division advanced into an overwhelming enemy force and had to retreat.

Aerial reconnaissance told the British they now faced a massive German force."

Ypres 1914

A rules reminder game, based loosely on the advance of 21 Brigade on 19th October 1914 near Polygon Wood. 2/Wiltshires (Wilts) and 2/Scots Fusiliers (RSF) are attacking three German reserve battalions from 52 Reserve Div.

I'm using companies as the base units rather than battalions, as in the rules. It gives the two attacking British battalions, with their constituent mgs, four companies each.