There were several resistance movements throughout occupied Europe. With their ability to disrupt German communications and movements from behind enemy lines, they were a critical resource to the coming invasion. Their members were also at high risk of being captured and killed. The Allied high command realized that without help, many of these groups would…
The Battle of the Falaise Pocket was fought between August 12th and 21st, 1944. The Allied breakout following the beach landings was a phenomenal success, trapping the 7th German Army in an area just south of Falaise. This proved to be the decisive factor in Normandy, and effectively ended the campaign in the region. The…
The focus of D-Day Overlord is the day, and battle, that is one of the most celebrated, not just of World War Two, but of all military history. The 6th June 1944 marked the opening of the second front in Europe and is celebrated not only for its historical and military significance but also because…
We spotted this recreation of the Battle of Brécourt Manor on Facebook. Ed Rossman guides us through the game pitting 14 US paratroopers against 47 Germans. Brécourt Manor, June 6th 1944 1st Lieutenant Dick Winters of Easy Company, 506th Regiment, 101st Airborne, was given the unenviable task of neutralising a hidden battery of 105mm guns…
The famous ‘Duck’ of WWII, the DUKW Amphibious truck, comes to Bolt Action as a US transport, ideal for games in both World War II and the Korean War. During World War II, it became apparent that there was a need for amphibious transport that could both ferry men to the beaches and shuttle…
Our monolithic D-Day campaign has come to an end. Warlorder Tom looks back at the course of the campaign, and the heroic victory achieved by the allies! Our D-Day campaign has spanned three months from start to finish, covering the battle for Normandy from the initial landings on June 6th, through the brutal battles in…
The 7th Armoured Division, nicknamed ‘The Desert Rats’, found fame in their North African campaign, but they also played a vital role in the D-Day landings. “Dear Desert Rats! May your glory ever shine! May your laurels never fade! May the memory of this glorious pilgrimage of war which you have made from Alamein, via…
Though it was best known for its major role in the North African Campaign, the 21st Panzer Division were also fierce defenders in Normandy on D-Day. Under the command of Rommel, the 21st were originally one of the two armoured divisions that made up the Deutsches Afrikakorps in the campaigns of 1941-1943. You can…
Our D-Day 75th Anniversary campaign is continuing to thrive, with many battles being hard-fought for both sides. Today we highlight a brilliant linked series of games from Yann Cléach… Yann has shared this series of battle reports on our D- Day Campaign facebook group, providing a terrific write-up on each occasion. You can…
We’re joining the Canadian advance towards Caen this week with a look at the fierce fighting around the Carpiquet airfield during Operation Windsor. The Battle for Caen One of the principal objectives for the British and Canadian forces on D-Day was the capture of Caen. Sitting astride the Orne river and Caen canal, the city…
Dan Hewitson
Tom Mecredy