HEREFORD SPRING 2024 BATTLE REPORT (1) - A438 EAST ("STOKE EDITH")

FROM ONE OF FLEET STREET'S FINEST !

THE BATTLE OF STOKE EDITH

As witnessed by our own correspondent, Ivor Goodview, present with H.M.Forces on the scene

Photos by our staff photographer Max Lens

"The day dawned bright and clear across the peaceful Herefordshire countryside, as birds sang and rabbits frolicked in the fields - until the tramp of marching boots put them to flight. Long lines of HM Government troops passed my position, adjacent to the bright yellow commercial van that was waiting to travel along the A438 from Hereford to Ledbury.

Advance of Government Forces. Centre foreground, the CTV Heavy Howitzer

Ahead on the left lay some woods and scattered farm buildings, while the ground to the right was mainly open fields with some hedges, and a couple of houses adjoining the minor road that crossed the A438. This marked the line of the enemy defences, though none could be seen. Even the improvised barricade erected across the A438 appeared unmanned, although the woods behind could, and as it transpired did, conceal any number of men.

Reichmarshall Goering’s Kampfgruppe deployed to the left of the main road, while the Europa Division took position to the right. The Corpo Truppo Voluntaire advanced just to the right of the road, flanked by their Spanish allies, the Carlist Requetes in their distinctive red berets, and the Blue Division, with a government Assault Squad following. 

Reichsmarschall Goering's Kampfgruppe advance, HQ Section right foreground.

The "bright yellow commercial van" and the SA Artillerie-Ausbildungsschule, a key component of the
"Herman Goering Kampfgruppe". An Assault Squad of Hereford BUF (Umpire addition) left of the hedge.

Carlist Requetes in their disinctive red berets, centrepiece of the "Europa Division"

Beyond the Blue Division, the Italian CTV artillery moved forward and began to unlimber, and the anti-tank squad and Hungarian AT "Buzoganyveto" advanced ahead of them. Alone far out on the right wing were the Russian sailors of the Legion of St.Nicholas, advancing along a hedge.

The silence was suddenly shattered by an ear-splitting explosion, as the enemy artillery zeroed in on their Italian counter-parts, causing numerous casualties:

Italian CTV "Big Gun" on receiving end of Anglican shelling.

This was a devastating blow at such an early stage of the battle, but the redoubtable Major-General Everard, leading the advance in the centre, reacted swiftly by sending his runners to help recrew the gun. However, this took some time, so the advance continued under enemy shelling, including the notorious "Storridge Skunk" mobile mortar, and another mortar tucked away behind the farm on the left. Although less devastating than the opening salvo this did cause some units to waver, including the CVT and one unit of Germans.

Major General Everard (centre, square base) leads the Requetes and Blue Division forward

A (highly advanced) Government tank supports the Requetes

The advance continued under shellfire, and the sight of the Russians apparently heading towards their artillery seemed to concern the enemy commander, who sent a crack unit of infantry forward to stop them. This they did with great effect, driving back the sailors until they finally broke and fled. Meanwhile the Italian gunners gained a measure of revenge by knocking out the main weapon of the "Skunk".

Going, going........the Legion of St. Nicholas take a pasting from the Opposition

Gone - the Russian sailors have had enough of battle.

As the main thrust made steady progress, Goering’s Fallschirmjagers cleared out opposition around the farm, and Everard’s men neared the crossroads. An enemy anti-tank gun began a duel with the Government tank, which eventually silenced the gun with machine gun fire. An Anglican HMG in a house opened fire, but was soon destroyed by a barrage of fire from the advancing Spaniards, supported by the Italian HMG and artillery. A couple of trucks attempted to drive along the minor road but were stopped by tank fire. The enemy infantry finally made their appearance at the edge of the woods and began inflicting casualties on the Blue Division. The Anglican infantry on the far right, having routed the Russians, turned towards the Italian artillery, which, being unsupported, opted for an ‘Italian advance’, limbering up and moving rapidly away from the enemy.

At this point, Gen. Everard’s master stroke swung the battle decisively in the government’s favour. A previously invisible "Fifth Column" of BUF sympathisers appeared behind the enemy artillery, fired a swift volley, then charged forward, wiping them out in a vicious hand-to-hand melee.

The BUF "Fifth Column" spring their surprise !
(No, we've no idea what those yellow hoops are, either -
perhaps the BUF were shooting life preservers.)

The Fifth Column's success was short-lived as numerous enemy infantry, assisted by the machine gun of the damaged Storridge Skunk, sought revenge, and in a prolonged close-range fire fight the BUF partisans were eventually slain.

5th Column in firefight around the Anglican artillery....

....and eventually overcome (possibly by experimental ammunition
in the form of luminous yellow hoops)

Nevertheless, the Fifth Column's gallant sacrifice had lured significant Opposition troops away, allowing the Spanish troops to overcome their immediate opponents and seize the cross-roads. The Government (highly advanced) tank smashed its way though the Opposition barricades, clearing the way for the yellow commercial van to proceed towards Ledbury.

Government Tank v Opposition Barricade.......

Only one winner........

On the left the Germans advanced steadily, seizing the farms, eliminating the enemy mortar, and whittling down the LDV across the road. The German artillery knocked out an enemy armoured car, allowing their compatriots to also reach the crossroads.

Kampfgruppe Goering seize a strategic farm.

The Fallschirmjager knock out an Opposition armoured car as.....

The Requetes and allies seize the A438. Victory !

Major-General Everard’s brilliant tactics of concentrating his main strength in the centre while luring the enemy away with some raw Russians and a surprise rear attack, confirmed his growing reputation as one of HMG’s most reliable commanders.

I spoke afterwards to Tenente Guiseppe Eyasacrema of the CVT Artillery about his rumoured challenge to the "Big Gun" of the SA Artillerie-Ausbildungsschule. He suggested that the result was an honourable draw. The Germans had destroyed an armoured car but his men, despite horrific casualties early in the battle, had recovered to knock out the Storridge Skunk’s mortar and helped eliminate the enemy HMG. In celebration he was sending a case of Chianti to his German colleagues.

VBCW Verify - having been pasted by Anglican artillery at the beginning of the game,
 the CTV "Big Gun" executes "an Italian advance"

VBCW Verify - Anglican Infantry in hot pursuit of said CTV Big Gun !

VBCW Verify - Help ! CTV Artillery in search of Chianti (and a cover story).

News is still coming in regarding the Blackshort advance along the A438 (West) from Ross on Wye towards Hereford, but initial reports suggest a similar victory for the forces of the Spode family, which will be more welcome news for HM Government....."

Note : with many thanks to Alan (aka Mr Ivor Goodview, Mr Max Lens and of course Major General Everard) for the battle report and all photos ! Further reports follow.........