FEBUARY 7th TRAINING DAY

Looks unlikely that I will be able to make this, as I am running out of leave entitlement

Well, that's what comes of running off to rock The Rock in your Waffenrock at weekends

Yeah, I'm going to have to stop that ,skirmishing all day then working all night is killing me.

After checking a couple of alternatives I am afraid I can not get myself that far south for a day at this thingumy.

Sorry Chaps

I am hoping to turn up for this but just need to go through diaries with the wife this weekend before commiting.

I would really like to cover the Bren movement and rifleman support as per previous posts. I think it is the most glaring absence from a ww2 tactics point of view in ww2 airsoft games. Most people carrying smgs is the cause of this (MP40 and Thompson), understandable given the relative cost, usefullness in none ww2 games and ease of obtaining. In reality, the lower powered smg round would be less advantageous in open and wooded ground than it is in airsoft games. The only way to counter this is to allow the MGs to have a bit more 'poke' (say max 400fps) and have more riflemen (as per current max 500fps) to have longer range squad 'volley' fire; keeping the smg users at a distance. Sensible engagement distances need to be used obviously.

I have only read a bit about ww2 British tactics, but they seem to have remained largely the same up to the mid/ late 80s when I did a bit. In my view, the squad commander is most important for the success of tactics where most of the squad firepower is in the MG (unlike today's squads): he dictates the plan of attack and the movements/ positions.

Also, as we are foot soldiers rather than mechanised infantry, the old way of dividing up the squad into larger rifle sections seems necessary where the weapons are mainly single shot.

Basically, the above means that positioning the Bren and protecting the Bren are paramount; while assaults are rarely full frontal due to having only single shot weapons.

My understanding would be that the Bren would be sited and protected while one rifle section quietly flanks the objective and only when close, and grenade'd, would assault with fixed bayonets. The Bren truly supporting the approach prior to assault and also drawing the attention of the defenders.

Comments on this please but this is what I would like to practice.

Just to note that the above might not be the case for a particular job, particularly Commando & SAS. For example, fibua or installation raids might mean no Bren but supporting fire from an MG on a Jeep or boat, and all men carrying SMGs. Obviously, in this configuration, they would not be full frontal assaulting over open ground as that would be stupid! That scenario might be another topic to cover? Although, beyond raids, ww2 Fibua didn't involve going through doors once they learned this was a bad idea, and generally involved arty or a tank!

Additionally, analysis of the German tactics of the day might be useful?

Yeah, that stuff was covered quite well in the first training day we had in 2008. I'm pretty sure it can be repeated.

Yeah, that stuff was covered quite well in the first training day we had in 2008. I'm pretty sure it can be repeated.

OK well I am happy with whatever happens on the day.

Will there be a confirmed start and end time and also a confirmed required kit closer to the date?

I'll be there - I've not seen Grange Farm yet - and I've not managed to make it to a training day before either.

-- Ed --

i believe i am no1 on the bren, barrie asked for volunteers and i stepped forward. have we got a no2 yet?

coming from sheffield ed? car share?

I am not bringing my M249 likey Bren as it is'nt proper.

So I don't mind going No2 on the Bren as I have the aux pouches but I think for this, they are just for show as we won't be using them for ammo distribution in any way?

apart from evo's bandolier, am i bringing anything for anyone else?

Cakes and tea for the lads....

Oh i forgot to tell you you'd been transferred to RASC hadn't I??

* heads off to the rock cake and bromide shop*

Any chance of camping on the Friday night?

I'll check but i'm pretty sure that will be fine

Right sorry I've been incommunicado recently-bit unwell but all ok now. Anyway count up two more for training bash-self and Jeremy -we are trying to get more 22nd Para to come along to do's....

Awesome, be good to see you again fella.

i think i have got the foot drill bit sorted,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7brD0YO0PAg

I posted that a couple of weeks ago!

i thought you posted " SQUAD CAMP IT UP !" ?

Oh yeah... I didn't bother watching this new one. Just assumed it was the same one.