Tuesday 31 December 2013

NEW YEARS RESOLUTION



I thought it would be a good idea if all five us put down a New Years Resolution for wargaming.  Not a period or battle that we intend to put on (We have already committed to to this in our 2014 agenda) but something more general and fundamental to our approach to wargaming.

For example, mine will be to use technology more often in my games.  I have a projector, an i-pad and access to this blog and I should ensure that I use them to enhance every game I put on.  It should be as important as the scenario, how well the troops are painted or how good the terrain is laid out.  By this time next year this approach should be a seamless part of my games.

 We had some great games in 2013 and I feel our whole approach has moved up a gear, especially with the shared use of this blog.  So, have a think and commit to a wargames resolution for 2014, you know you'll feel better!

Monday 30 December 2013

Japanese Battle Formations in the Sengoku Period


Japanese battle formations were instigated once the samurai army drew near to its enemy (i.e. from order of march to order of battle) and dependent on the terrain on which conflict would take place and also the expected formation the enemy would itself be in.  Many formations were counters to other formations (e.g. the Keyhole and other similar formations were used to counter the Arrowhead). 

In addition, the daimyo would aim to change the formation mid-battle in order to secure an advantage or to counter a move by the enemy.

Note that the terrain over which the Japanese fought was rarely a large, empty field!  They fought over strategic positions like bridges, castles, mountain passes and the like.  At that time Japan had few roads and much of the terrian was mountainous (or at least hilly) and heavily wooded.  Most formations therefore kept the daimyo at the rear or centre of the formation with significant strength at all sides (flank, rear and vanguard) unless they knew the territory well or knew that their rear was protected.

Hoshi formation
As you can see from the above illustration, the Daimyo is centre rear.  At the front, arqubusiers are densely packed to blast a hole for the troops behind (usually samurai and ashigaru yari) to burst through.  However, the formation keeps a strong screen to the rear and the flanks can similarly be protected from an unexpected attack.

As such, most Japanese formations tended to be 'deeper' than 'wider' - although there were some exceptions such as Lying Dragon (used when defending a hillside)

Before moving into formation, the daimyo would typically be seated inside a maku (a semi-enclosed space) on a folding camp stool and generally communicate his orders through subordinate generals - these would then be transmitted down the chain of command.

The simplest formations were mainly based on ancient Chinese models - the simplest of all was the nanasonae (Seven Units) - three vanguard units, two flanking units, the daimyo with the main body and a rear guard.  All of the formations had some elements in common - the daimyo at centre rear and a vanguard of missile troops (formed and skirmish) protected by ashigaru yari and samurai (who tended to form the flanks as well).  The baggage train would be well defended.

Units would communicate using highly mobile Courier Guards - usually but not exclusively mounted.  

Moving into different formations required a highly trained army and the more complex formations were prevalent more towards the latter stages of the Sengoku period (as professional ashigaru rather than levy peasants were employed).

The hachijin - the 8 most important traditional Chinese battle formations - were associated with Tang Emperor Taizong who reigned from AD626 to AD649 and were themselves probably derived from the writings of Chinese strategist Wu Zi (born around 400BC).  It seems incredible that the Japanese formed their battle tactics on the writings of around 1,100 years ago (a bit like fighting WW2 based on the tactics of the Norman Conquests) - and where the main troop types (crossbowmen and chariots) were not even used. However, early Japanese armies fought according to the writings of Sun Tzu and Takeda Shingen had a quote from the Art of War emblazoned on his battle flag.

Most battle formations became adaptations of the hachijin and so were variations of hochi, kakuyoku, gyorin, engetsu, choda, hoen, koyaku and ganko) and it is these we will talk about first


1. Hoshi (arrowhead)--This was a formation for a fierce charge. A dense screen of arquebusiers headed the vanguard samurai and softened up the enemy ranks for them. This formation was made for a fierce attack so the flanks were more lightly protected.  The formation literally took the form of an arrowhead - a wedge facing the enemy.  It was used by the Takeda when using their famed cavalry and most famously used by Shimazu Yoshihiro who, when he realised he was surrounded at the Battle of Sekigahara, placed himself at the head of 80 men in a hoshi formation to break out. 


2. Kakuyoku (crane's wing).  This was a defensive arrangement which allowed for rapid deployment into an offensive movement to surround an attacking enemy.  The vanguard absorbed the enemy advance using missile weapons and skirmishers while the main strength (the outstretched and reverse-curved 'wings') spread out to envelope the enemy.  It was used by Takeda Shingen at the 4th Battle of Kawanakajima in 1561 to receive what he thought was the fleeing Uesegi army. 


3. Gyorin (fish scales).  This would be adopted if your army was outnumbered.  It was essentially a blunted hoshi - a less risky version for an army that couldn't risk everything in a rapid charge.  A strong centre is supplemented by overlapping units but there was more ability to protect the flanks.  

4. Engetsu (crescent moon). This was a highly defensive formation named for the assymetric shape the troops form around their general.  This was the ideal formation for a last stand - but also if attacked with a gyorin formation.  

5. Choda (long snake).  Although the name implies a long, thin formation it was actually quite wide so an enemy advance against either flank can be held in check.  The middle troops (behind the front line) provide support to either front or rear.  Meanwhile the vanguard is held centrally to break out into an attack.  It was a great counter to an enveloping kakuyoku.

6. Hoen (a square and a circle) aka Saku (keyhole).  The best formation for countering a hoshi attack.  Six ranks of arquebusiers and 2 of bows angled to receive the hoshi attack.The troops in the centre formed a square and circle (the keyhole shape) - best shaped to absorb the charge proper.

7. Koyaku (yoke). Named after the wooden yoke (kubiki) used on an ox cart this was considered a good defense against most attacks - especially the "cranes wing" and "arrowhead" attacks. The vanguard would hold the enemy long enough to know their intentions. The commander could then react with the most suitable formation.  As such it provided strength at the vanguard but also flexibility to adapt.

8. Ganko (birds in flight). This was a very flexible and deep arrangement of troops that could be changed as the situation developed. Arquebuses screened the front and rear, but, could move if needed to a flank if the enemy altered their attack.  The arrangement of many ranks deep could absorb a fierce charge (as happened at the Battle of Anegawa in 1570).  Essentially a defensive formation but as an attacking model it worked well against a keyhole.

Many more formations were added later and appeared sporadically during the Sengoku period.  Some are only described in text so guessing the actual formation itself is not easy.

9. Koto (tiger's tail - or more specifically treading on a tigers' tail.  The formation takes its name from a poem about being very daring and was seen as a good defensive formation when facing an enemy of equal strength.  It was a deep formation which provided flexibility as well.

10. Garyo (reclining dragon).  The formation to adopt when defending a hillside.  The divisions are able to move easily to new positions when there is a need to change formation. Skirmishing troops were deep to the front and all round protection was provided.

11. Taimo (great gamble).  This was used to assess the enemy strength on the flanks.  Once the weakness was found, the centre force is used to penetrate it.  Again, considerable skirmish firepower was at the front and the forces were arrayed to rush into any gap that formed.

12. Koran (dancing tiger).  The formation to adopt if your army is about to be attacked on both flanks.  The leading division strikes the enemy's 'head' then the rear divisions move to take the enemy in the rear. Bows and arquebuses formed the head of the tiger (with support) and other divisions would move out and around as the tigers head withdrew.

13. Kenran (dancing sword).  Similar to koran but with greater strength to the rear, increasing its defensive value for a general that fears attacks from all sides.

14. Shogi-gashira (captain of chess).  The formation for pursuing a retreating or retiring enemy.  The central units form  a shape similar to the playing pieces in shogi (Japanese chess) and advance upon the enemy.  Meanwhile the flanks, middle and rear press forward and expand left and right to allow an envelopment.

15. Matsukawa (bark of the pine tree).  An unusual formation as it places cavalry, missile troops and spears in the middle of the formation (cavalry on the outside with foot samurai behind them.  The main benefit was greater mobility and protection from all sides.  The cavalry could easily wheel to vanguard or rear - but by keeping the shooting troops inside it meant that this was vulnerable to shooting.

16, Kuruma gakari (winding wheel). This formation formed in a circle. While moving on the enemy it maintained this composure. When the point of attack was decided units were detached from the circle. Once the unit grew weary, another would be rotated in its place. Fresh units would continue to be sent upon the target until a breakthrough was achieved. This Formation was used by Uesugi Kenshin to counter Shingen's "cranes wing" at Fourth Kawanakajima.  It is an idealised representation of a tactical move that replaces tired units with fresh ones without breaking momentum.

17. Wachigai (interlaced circles).  The formation takes its name from the shape presented by the front and rear of the formation.  It was apparently of most use when outnumbered and fighting in woodland.

18. Sei ganko choku (variation on ganko).  Representing an elaborate ganko, it combined depth and flexibility.  Arquebusiers were found in more strength to the centre and rear and samurai and yari ashigaru spaced to adapt to an attack from any side.

19. Betsute naoshi (different direction).  Recommended for one's reserve troops if the enemy is drawing near - especially in the case of a disadvantage in height (i.e. the enemy is above you).  There is a considerable defensive element - especially around the daimyo / general.

20. Ryukei (flowing current).  Used in a fighting retreat, the inclined flanking units provided excellent cover from enemy harassment.

21. Unryo (cloud dragon).  Adopted when the enemy had the advantage in terrain (such as steep or difficult places) but not in numbers.

22. Hicho (flying bird).  Similar to unryo in appearance but adopted when the enemy has the advantage in terrain AND numbers.

The following formations have no diagrams as guidance so their shape and size (and the units used) can only be guessed at.

23. Suki no seki (vanguard's plough).  A combination of gyorin and kakuyoku - therefore essentially defensive.

24. Choun (cloud of birds).  Described as being like the gathering and dispersal of birds or the changing appearance of clouds when an army takes position on a hill.  A defensive formation which suggests quick movement by units (hence adapatability)

25. Kanchi (sink into the ground).  Essentially a defensive formation where the troops provided mutual protection.  Used by a unit at the battle of Hibikino which thereby avoided certain death.

26. Hidaka (high sun).  Adopted when a large Korean army cut the road along which the Mori clan were travelling. Has to be assumed as being an attacking formation and one that was effective against a static defence.

27. Hyori (principle of law).  Used at the battle of Aoino. 

28. Ryu (dragon).  

29. Ryu no maru (dragon in a circle).  Sounds like a variation of engetsu (or possibly karuma gakari) and appears in an account of the 4th battle of Kawanakajima.  The Takeda surprise attack force arrived at the summit of Saijosan.  The Uesegi position was deserted and they could hear the sound of battle coming from the plain in the north.  The attack force therefore rushed down the paths to support the main body but Uesegi Kenshin had left a body of 1,000 troops to guard the river crossing in the ryu no maru formation.  The Takeda did eventually with through but at a high cost.  Assume it is a defensive position for a narrow area.

30. Hangetsu (3 day old moon).  Used at the battle of Konodai.  Similar to engetsu as it is used specifically to neutralise a hoshi attack.

31. Minotenari (winnowing fan).  Defensive formation enhanced with bamboo bundles which provides a protective screen for arquebusiers.


Despite the samurai being well drilled, we cannot expect armies to easily move from one of the formations to another of the 31 easily (if at all).  Some of the shapes of formations were radically different and there is a risk in moving troops when an enemy is close (or in actual contact).  Some movements were more important than others and so better rehearsed.  Formations whose style and constitution (such as ganko and unryo) would be relatively easy to do.  Going from a kakuyoku to a hoshi would be much more difficult (impossible if in contact with the enemy) but not beyond the remit of a well drilled army and a good commander.  








World War 1 Coloured Markers

Before anyone orders anything I think I have the cheapest solution for our required coloured markers for WW1 guns.

I picked these up last Year at the show we attended in Wolverhampton

they are a handy 15mm diameter and made from MDF. I simply airbrushed these with red and orange.

They are currently available from www.minibits.co.uk for £1 for 30 so I will order some once I have some feedback on how many we really need.

I can easy spray them using my air brush with the designated colours which we require for the guns.

Let me know what you think and how many packs I need to order.


Signalling and identification in Sengoku Period

Signalling and identification was crucial to the Japanese art of warfare in the Sengoku (Warring States) period (the period of almost perpetual war from 1450 to 1615).  
As armies increased in size, especially during the Warring States period, opponents often had trouble identifying each other and commanders could not recognize important samurai amid the crush of bodies. 
Signals became an effective means of controlling troops from a distance during battles, since only coordinated efforts could be successful. Strategies included the use of items such as flags, drums, and conch shells, as well as deployment of fire signals and messengers. 
For instance, many samurai and ashigaru affixed a sashimono, or personal banner, on the back of their armor. The family crest (mon) of the army commander was usually painted on the field of the sashimono, which later developed into the more visible vertical banner called a nobori carried by standard bearers into battle. 
Similarly, recognizing the potential of messengers, daimyos invested in preparing elite corps of messengers. A commander relied upon his messaging system to convey orders to other generals and ensure timely compliance with directives. These messengers were specially identified by cloaks or distinctive sashimono. For example, Toyotomi Hideyoshi had 29 messengers, all of whom were fitted with a golden sashimono. Nobunaga provided his messengers with a horo, a fabric bag similar to a cloak attached to the back of the armor, in either red or black.

Messenger with horo
During the Warring States period, as the military became more professionalized and battles were plentiful, specialized signaling and other means of identifying entire companies as well as specific figures were instituted. To ensure quick identification of opposing forces at a distance or ready identification of a military leader in poor weather, high-ranking figures had elaborate helmets and other distinguishing characteristics that made them readily recognizable. 
Nobori, uma-jirushi and sashimono

At the dawning of this era of many feuding daimyo, the tradition of affixing a sashimono was abandoned, perhaps because such devices could hinder the progress of an elite warrior. Regardless, high-ranking samurai had attendants (standard-bearers) who were charged with carrying the large vertical flag known as a nobori identifying the entire company or unit.
Personalized armor or helmet elements functioned like a crest which might be etched into or painted on European armor to indicate one’s allegiance to a particular ruler. However, overall, Japanese use of banners and flags contrasted with European styles. Apparently, free-flying banners, as commonly seen in recreations of European battles, were not favored in Japan. The most typical banner style of the 15th century and after, the nobori, was a long, vertical piece of fabric that hung from the arm of a pole, which could be easily seen from both sides. Essentially these were larger versions of sashimono made more visible as well as less personal, a change that underscores the increasing grandeur of well orchestrated combat at the end of the Warring States period.
Other types of flags and banners served diverse purposes. Signal flags (as well as fires) could be employed in directing unit movements. Another banner used for identification was the uma-jirushi, or horse insignia, which was worn by the standard-bearer of a daimyo and used to determine whether a leading figure had lost his mount.


In peacetime, banners and flags served to distinguish rank and status of samurai in service to the Tokugawa shogunate. Under the reorganization of the feudal system, samurai rank was equated with banner size. For example, samurai with an income of 1,300 koku were entitled to bear a small flag, while those possessing more than 6,000 koku of annual income could display a large flag. Thus, an entourage approaching the Tokugawa castle in Edo could be identified from a distance. Such banners required three soldiers to serve as bearers, more than the single figure that had accompanied the sashimono of high-ranking retainers in the medieval period. However, due to the dearth of battles, such flags were displayed primarily during processions of daimyo to and from the capital, and represented no hindrance to the typically slow and ceremonious progress of such entourages.

Saturday 28 December 2013

Banja Luca - Battle Report (totally unbiased and fair): Part 1

Fecking dice!  We wuz robbed.  And other epithets.

Anyway, apart from us rolling a record number of 20's for morale and 1's for pips (and Jono having a 6 fest with his mortars) and the fact that dice never affect the outcome of a battle it ended up (somehow) to be an honourable draw.  To be fair though, Mark was robbed by time - if we'd carried on after 24 turns it would be likely that the Turks would eventually have broken the forces at the pontoon.

So down to the battle proper.  From the Imperial point of view we could have attacked the walls where the melee troops were based.  However, this meant taking cannister fire from both sides as we went in at least twice (once while trying to scale the walls.  With 12 strength troops this would have meant that a couple of bad rolls would mean a collapse of our strongest force and the pontoon would never have been held by a d4 commander.

Similarly at the breach, our troops would be fighting more troops who were in better cover and could shoot back.  The damage done going in would have been more than offset by the damage coming back.  Not only that but had we got our forces into the town, the pontoon force on its own would have been unable to hold back the Turkish tide, and then could have fed troops into the town unhindered.

Attacking the town was therefore off the agenda.  But we wanted to keep a threat there so maintained the force with the mortars and siege guns.  If we could have seen off the cannon (which survived innumerable hits and a 20 roll) then we might have been tempted but it required a combination of us rolling 6's (which happened once all battle), the Turks not rolling 6's for their mortars (which didn't happen) and some poor morale rolls (which didn't happen).  Indeed, the Turks at the breach had barely been scratched after 20+ turns of firing, which tells its own story.

So our plan was to stop the relief force.  This required getting the main force close to the pontoon bridge to allow them to cover both sides of the river (should Mark's force have pulled off a sneaky manouvre).  Again with hindsight we should have either got the cavalry over straight away OR had the main force right next to the pontoon on Turn 1.  This meant we could ferry the troops over piecemeal as required, left the cavalry where it was to screen the flanks and definitely got the cannon away from the town's cannon and in a position to hammer anything.  Indeed, there is a thought that putting the cannon in the pontoon defence force and just leaving them in square would have made them pretty invulnerable.

So the main force ended up behind the hill and we awaited developments.  The siege troops we moved further back to stay out of harms way while our guns were expected to inflict pain on the Turks.  Which they proved over 24 turns to be incapable of.  Ho hum.

Banja Luca - what a great set up by Ian

Little church on the Prairie

Close up of the main gate (and mosque)

yes - its 6mm!


Bastion from ground level

And from above - 45 degrees from every face = deathtrap

Mountains in the background

No way are we assaulting THAT!

The besieging troops 


From ground level the background looks superb


Gatehouse

Pontoon defence force

Russ's 2 which doomed him to being on the Imperial side



Pontoon defence before being bolstered with Grenadiers

And from ground level

I had completed the second part of this - saved it and tried to publish it but it neither published nor (despite saying that it had) saved either.  2 hours work down the pan!  I will aim to get the report re-written soon.

Monday 23 December 2013

FRIDAY GAME


I have had no feedback from anyone about what they want to play on Friday.  If it's down to me it will be an eighteenth century PoW as this is the simplest to put on.  I suppose I could also put on Stamford Bridge 1066.  WW1 is also easy if Russ plans an attack list with his Germans (and remembers to bring them).  If anyone wants to bring a ready and assembled game along feel free, but tell everyone on the blog  - I don't want tantrums and thrown dice because its not what they want to play!

Ian

Saturday 21 December 2013

BANJA LUKA - PHOTOS

Here are some photos from our game yesterday, thanks to Ian for putting on another excellent battle.

Despite the bad dice rolling the battle went down to the wire in the end and I am looking forward to reading the full AAR when it's published.

.