Scenarios: Scenario 1: First Contact 6 September 1987 Umpire notes: (for his eyes only) Players may not view an opponent s Order of Battle for this scenario. Each player is allocated to a side (either SADF/UNITA or FAPLA), prior to being issued with the individual briefings. This scenario allows for 3 FAPLA and 3 SADF players. The key to the realistic experience of participants in this battle lies therein that the exact composition, deployment, and strength of opposing forces are not realized by either side. The SADF/UNITA commanders that can be played as are: Commandant Les Rudman (SADF) Major Pierre Franken (SADF) Lieutenant Oranje* (UNITA) The FAPLA commanders that can be played as are: Major Alonso Maria* (FAPLA) Major Carlos dos Santos* (FAPLA) Captain Banca Armindo Fraternidade* (FAPLA) All names marked with * are, while real enough, fictitious in their designations. All players will be briefed that an unknown number of dummy markers will be in play by both sides. Markers, including dummy markers will be allocated to each player as follows: Commandant Les Rudman (SADF) 4 Markers - one per call sign + 3xD6 dummy markers (to deploy anywhere in area marked E) Major Pierre Franken (SADF) 4 Markers - one per call sign + 3xD6 dummy markers (to deploy anywhere in area marked E) Lieutenant Oranje* (UNITA) 4 Markers - one per call sign + 3xD6 dummy markers (to deploy anywhere in area marked F) Major Alonso Maria* (FAPLA) 18 Markers - one per call sign + D6 dummy markers (arriving anywhere on table edge marked A) Major Carlos dos Santos* (FAPLA) 18 Markers - one per call sign + D6 dummy markers (arriving anywhere on table edge marked B) Captain Banca Armindo Fraternidade* (FAPLA) 4 Markers - one per call sign + 3xD6 dummy markers (arriving anywhere on table edge marked C) This should create an impression on both sides that equivalent forces are facing each other, until such time that actual forces are spotted. While players on the same side are aware of the actual strengths of each other s forces, the dummy markers should also create confusion about exactly where friendly forces are deployed on the table.
The ground scale is as normal with 1cm = 20m (50cm = 1km), and the figure scale are 1 model per vehicle, and 1 full stand (4 figures) per section (8-10 men) or ½ stand (2 figures) per team (4-6 men). Time scale is 1 full turn (all players had 1 bound each) equals 5 minutes of real time. The time for the first turn is 10h00 and only Maj Franken may move his force first, followed by the arrival of any FAPLA forces. Thereafter the turn sequence remains as UNITA, SADF, FAPLA in turns, until a result is reached or the unlikely event of darkness occurs Actual Forces involved: SADF: [Call Signs] # men CSI Liaison Team 2(All Veteran), with Commandant Les Rudman 1 liaison team (1 officers, 2 NCO s) [L2] 3 1 81mm mortar (on roof of Casspir) 1 Groundshout Casspir (with 12.7mm + 7.62mm MGs) 1 pathfinder support section, with [L2A] 6 1 Casspir (with 12.7mm + 7.62mm MGs) 1 pathfinder teams (Elite) (NCO, 4 men) [L2B] 5 3 supply teams, 32 battalion (NCO, 4 men) [10E] 15 3 Blesbok trucks (with 7.62mm MGs) 1 technical team (Veteran)(NCO, 3 men) [L2C] 4 1 Gemsbok Recovery
Major Pierre Franken, CO Pappa Battery (Veteran) (MLR s not available) 2 Buffels 1 OPO team (officer, 2NCOs, radio operator) [10A] 4 2 reconnaissance teams, 32 Battalion (Elite), each with [10B][10C] 1 rifle team (NCO, 3 men with R4/AK47/M79/RPG-7) 8 Quebec Battery (off-board, in general support), with [20] 2 155mm G-5 guns 2 gun crews (NCO, 9 men) Total: 45 UNITA: (all Regular) Infantry Platoon, 3 rd Semi-Regular Battalion Lieutenant Oranje* Command section (1 officer, 2 NCO s, 2 men) [U31A] 5 2 infantry sections (1 NCO, 9 men with AK47s) [U31B][U31C] 20 1 close support section, with [U31D] 10 Total: 35 FAPLA (All Conscript) 1st Infantry Battalion, 47 th Brigade, with Major Alonso Maria* Battalion Headquarters, with [F10] 1 command section (2 officers, 2 NCO s, radio operator) 5 1st infantry company, with [F11] [F111] [F112] [F113]
2nd infantry company, with [F12] [F121] [F122] [F123] 3rd infantry company, with [F13] [F131] [F132] [F133] Support company, with [F14] 1 mortar platoon 6 82mm mortars + crews (NCO, 4 men) [F141] 30 1 AT platoon
6 82mm B-10 teams (NCO, 4 men) [F142] 30 1 grenade-launcher platoon 6 30mm AGS-17 teams (NCO, 4 men) [F143] 30 1 Air-defence Platoon 4 ZPU-2 teams (NCO, 3 men) [F144] 16 3 SA-7 teams (NCO, 3 men) 12 Total: 408 2nd Infantry Battalion, 47 th Brigade, with Major Carlos dos Santos* Battalion Headquarters, with [F20] 1 command section (2 officers, 2 NCO s, radio operator) 5 1st infantry company, with [F21] [F211] [F212] [F213] 2nd infantry company, with [F22] [F221] [F222] [F223]
3rd infantry company, with [F23] [F231] [F232] [F233] Support company, with [F14] 1 mortar platoon 6 82mm mortars+ 6 crews (NCO, 4 men) [F141] 30 1 AT platoon 6 82mm B-10 team (NCO, 4 men) [F142] 30 1 grenade-launcher platoon 6 30mm AGS-17 teams (NCO, 4 men) [F143] 30 1 Air-defence Platoon 4 ZPU-2 teams (NCO, 3 men) [F143] 16 3 SA-7 teams (NCO, 3 men) 12 Total: 408 1 infantry company, 3 rd Battalion, 47 Brigade, with Captain Banca Armindo Fraternidade* [F31] [F311] 2 LMG teams (2 men)
[F312] 2 LMG teams (2 men) [F313] 2 LMG teams (2 men) Total: 95 Total: 911 VICTORY CONDITIONS Victory points are to be awarded according to each individual briefing's Orders stipulations. (A copy of these should be made available to the Umpire) If the combined VPs for SADF and UNITA are double those of FAPLA, the result of the First Contact will be a Decisive Victory for the SADF/UNITA alliance. The entire FAPLA advancing force will fall back on their previous positions and reconsider their tactics. The outcome is considered a serious blow to their prestige and those of their Cuban allies as the free press of the world proclaims victory for a small UNITA blocking force over the advancing communist hordes with no mention of South African assistance! Of course the Angolan and Cuban press claims that a much larger UNITA force, supported by at least a Division of South Africans, have temporarily delayed their advance! The entire FAPLA force s morale drops by one level, while the UNITA/SADF morale increase by one level. If the combined VPs for SADF and UNITA are more than but not double or more than that of FAPLA, the result of the First Contact will be a Marginal Victory for the SADF/UNITA alliance. The advancing FAPLA battalion(s) fall back on the current position of 47 Brigade while the SADF/UNITA forces move up closer to reinforce the small monitoring force. The free press is curiously silent and remains unaware of direct South African involvement. If the VPs for FAPLA are more than but not double or more than that of the combined VPs of SADF and UNITA, the result of the First Contact will be a Marginal Victory for FAPLA. The SADF/UNITA monitoring force falls back in disorder as the FAPLA 47 Brigade occupies the positions held by the UNITA/SADF forces. The occurrence does not make the evening news of the free world.
If the VPs for FAPLA are double those of the combined VPs of SADF and UNITA, the result of the First Contact will be a Decisive Victory for FAPLA. Loudly proclaimed by the Angolan and Cuban press as a major victory over superior forces, captured and dead South Africans and destroyed equipment are proudly displayed on every major news channel in the world. Clearly nothing is going to stop the FAPLA advance to Mavinga as 47 Brigade continues its advance to the Lomba-Cuzizi confluence unopposed. All SADF forces fall back to the Lomba-Gombe confluence. All UNITA forces back off from contact as the FAPLA Brigade advances. The entire FAPLA force s morale are boosted up a level, while UNITA and SADF morale drops one level.
BRIEFING: To: Commandant Les Rudman (SADF): Date: 6 September 1987 08H00 Background 1. Your Liaison Team of the Chief of Staff Intelligence (CSI) is operating in Angola in support of UNITA as you would deem fit. You are allocated to the UNITA Headquarters of General Demosthenes and operate under his general direction. You are to: a) Liaise in an intelligence and training role with UNITA, and b) Operate and engage FAPLA forces independently of other South African Army formations even while liaising with them, with a high degree of autonomy. 2. You only answer directly to Admiral Dries Putter of CSI. Situation 3. Own Forces a) You are currently operating independently south of the Lomba River monitoring the movements of the advancing FAPLA 47 and 59 Brigades. b) Your force comprises of a typical Liaison team with: 1 liaison team (1 officer, 2 NCO s) [L2] 3 men 1 81mm mortar (on roof of Casspir) 1 Groundshout Casspir (with 12.7mm + 7.62mm MGs) 1 pathfinder support section, with [L2A] 6 men 1 Casspir (with 12.7mm + 7.62mm MGs) 1 pathfinder team (Elite) (NCO, 4 men) [L2B] 5 men 3 supply teams, 32 battalion (NCO, 4 men) [10E] 15 3 Blesbok trucks (with 7.62mm MGs) 1 technical team (Veteran)(NCO, 3 men) [L2C] 4 men 1 Gemsbok Recovery TOTAL: 33 men c) Maj. Pierre Franken (SAA) and his 32 Battalion reconnaissance team(s) are in the vicinity. d) You have the support of local UNITA elements in the immediate vicinity, strength unknown. 4. Enemy Forces: a) Known enemy brigades in the area: 47 Brigade to the east advancing around the source of the Lomba as well as 59 Brigade north of the Lomba River. Each brigade could have at least three battalions of infantry, a battalion of artillery, as well as either a company or battalion of tanks. b) An unidentified FAPLA battalion is rumoured to have crossed the Lomba near the Cuzizi confluence, according to UNITA intelligence.
Orders: 5. You are to investigate the rumoured crossing of the FAPLA battalion. Confirm their identity, size and position [2VP per company sized unit identified] 6. You are to deploy your force anywhere in the area designated as E on the map. 7. Harass and delay, causing maximum casualties on the enemy [2 VP per enemy stand] 8. Locate the AOO, Maj Franken and his team and bring them in under your combined protection [2VP] 9. Assist the AOO to bring in observed fire on the enemy, causing maximum casualties [1 VP per enemy stand shared with AOO] 10. You are not to lose any casualties or equipment to the enemy under any circumstances. This includes the AOO with their reconnaissance elements or any other SA elements under your control. [lose 10VP per stand/ 5VP per vehicle lost] 11. After completing your main mission, fall back [to table edge D] with the remainder of your force [5VP] [Signed] Commandant R Hartslief Commander Combat Group Bravo 20 SA Brigade
BRIEFING: To: Major Pierre Franken (SAA): Date: 6 September 1987 08H00 Background 1. Your Observation Post team is operating in Angola in support of UNITA and you are monitoring the progress of FAPLA s 47 Brigade as it advances round the source of the Lomba River. 2. You report directly to Commanding Officer 20 Art regiment, Colonel van der Westhuizen.. Situation 3. Own Forces a) You are currently operating independently south of the Lomba River monitoring the movements of the advancing FAPLA 47 and 59 Brigades. b) Your force comprises of a small OPO team with: [call sign] # men 2 Buffels 1 OPO team (officer, 2NCOs, radio operator) [10A] 4 2 reconnaissance teams, 32 Battalion (Elite), each with [10B][10C] 1 rifle team (NCO, 3 men with R4/AK47/M79/RPG-7) 8 Standing by for your direct support: Quebec Battery (off-board, in general support), with [20] 2 155mm G-5 guns 2 gun crews (NCO, 9 men) TOTAL: 12 men c) Commandant Les Rudman and his Liaison Team are in the vicinity. d) You have the support of local UNITA elements in the immediate vicinity, strength unknown. 4. Enemy Forces: e) Known enemy brigades in the area: 47 Brigade to the east advancing around the source of the Lomba as well as 59 Brigade north of the Lomba River. Each brigade could have at least three battalions of infantry, a battalion of artillery, as well as either a company or battalion of tanks. f) An unidentified FAPLA battalion is rumoured to have crossed the Lomba near the Cuzizi confluence, according to UNITA intelligence. Orders: 5. You are to deploy your force anywhere in the area within 12 inches of the table edge designated as A on the map. 6. Locate the Liaison Team, Cmdt. Les Rudman and his team and join them for their combined protection [2VP] 7. Locate enemy and bring in observed fire on the enemy, causing maximum casualties [2 VP per enemy stand]
8. You are not to lose any casualties or equipment to the enemy under any circumstances. This includes the reconnaissance elements or any other SA elements under your control. [lose 10VP per stand/ 5VP per vehicle lost] 9. After completing your main mission, fall back [to table edge D] with the remainder of your force [5VP] [Signed] Colonel van der Westhuizen Commander 20 Art Regiment 20 SA Brigade
BRIEFING: To: Lt Oranja (UNITA): Date: 6 September 1987 08H00 Background 1. Your platoon is operating in Angola in support of the SADF and you are monitoring the progress of FAPLA s 47 Brigade as it advances round the source of the Lomba River. 2. You report directly to Commanding Officer 3 rd Regular UNITA Regiment, Situation 3. Own Forces a) You are currently operating independently south of the Lomba River monitoring the movements of the advancing FAPLA 47 and 59 Brigades. b) Your force comprises of your platoon with: [call sign] # men Command section (1 officer, 2 NCO s, 2 men) [U31A] 5 2 infantry sections (1 NCO, 9 men with AK47s) [U31B][U31C] 20 1 close support section, with [U31D] 10 Total: 35 c) Commandant Les Rudman and his Liaison Team are in the vicinity. d) Maj. Pierre Franken (SAA) and his 32 Battalion reconnaissance team(s) are in the vicinity. 4. Enemy Forces: a) Known enemy brigades in the area: 47 Brigade to the east advancing around the source of the Lomba as well as 59 Brigade north of the Lomba River. Each brigade could have at least three battalions of infantry, a battalion of artillery, as well as either a company or battalion of tanks. b) An unidentified FAPLA battalion is rumoured to have crossed the Lomba near the Cuzizi confluence, according to UNITA intelligence. Orders: 5. You are to deploy your force anywhere in the area designated as F on the map. 6. If you locate advancing enemy, notify the SADF Liaison Team of their whereabouts in your vicinity as a priority [5VP] 7. Harass and delay, causing maximum casualties on the enemy [1 VP per enemy stand]. 8. Preserve your own force [5 VP per surviving base at end of game] [Signed] Colonel Commander 3 rd Regular UNITA Regiment
BRIEFING: To: Major Alonso Maria* (FAPLA): Date: 6 September 1987 08H00 Background 1. Your 1 st Battalion forms part of the FAPLA 47 Brigade which is advancing round the source of the Lomba River for an attack on the UNITA base at Mavinga. 2. You report directly to Commanding Officer, 47 Brigade Situation 3. Own Forces a) You are currently operating independently south of the Lomba River probing the positions of UNITA and SADF elements. b) Your force comprises of your battalion with: [call sign] # men Battalion Headquarters, with [F10] 1 command section (2 officers, 2 NCO s, radio operator) 5 1st infantry company, with [F11] [F111] [F112] [F113] 2nd infantry company, with [F12] [F121]
[F122] [F123] 3rd infantry company, with [F13] [F131] [F132] [F133] Support company, with [F14] 1 mortar platoon 6 82mm mortars + crews (NCO, 4 men) [F141] 30 1 AT platoon 6 82mm B-10 teams (NCO, 4 men) [F142] 30 1 grenade-launcher platoon 6 30mm AGS-17 teams (NCO, 4 men) [F143] 30 1 Air-defence Platoon 4 ZPU-2 teams (NCO, 3 men) [F144] 16 3 SA-7 teams (NCO, 3 men) 12 Total: 408 c) The 2 nd Battalion and another company from the 3 rd Battalion are in the vicinity with a similar mission as yours. 4. Enemy Forces:
a) Known enemy forces in the area include UNITA s 3 rd Regular Battalion as well as unknown elements from the SADF tasked to stop the advance Orders: 5. You are to arrive in any formation in the area designated as A on the map during your first move. 6. If you locate enemy positions, proceed with destroying or capturing [relevant VPx2] any UNITA [2VP] or SADF elements [10VP] or SADF equipment [5VP] [Signed] Commander Silva Commander FAPLA 47 th Brigade
BRIEFING: To: Major Carlos dos Santos* (FAPLA): Date: 6 September 1987 08H00 Background 1. Your 2nd Battalion forms part of the FAPLA 47 Brigade which is advancing round the source of the Lomba River for an attack on the UNITA base at Mavinga. 2. You report directly to Commanding Officer, 47 Brigade Situation 3. Own Forces a) You are currently operating independently south of the Lomba River probing the positions of UNITA and SADF elements. b) Your force comprises of your company with: [call sign] # men Battalion Headquarters, with [F20] 1 command section (2 officers, 2 NCO s, radio operator) 5 1st infantry company, with [F21] [F211] [F212] [F213] 2nd infantry company, with [F22] [F221]
[F222] [F223] 3rd infantry company, with [F23] [F231] [F232] [F233] Support company, with [F14] 1 mortar platoon 6 82mm mortars+ 6 crews (NCO, 4 men) [F141] 30 1 AT platoon 6 82mm B-10 team (NCO, 4 men) [F142] 30 1 grenade-launcher platoon 6 30mm AGS-17 teams (NCO, 4 men) [F143] 30 1 Air-defence Platoon 4 ZPU-2 teams (NCO, 3 men) [F143] 16 3 SA-7 teams (NCO, 3 men) 12 Total: 408 c) The 1st Battalion and another company from the 3 rd Battalion are in the vicinity with a similar mission as yours.
4. Enemy Forces: a) Known enemy forces in the area include UNITA s 3 rd Regular Battalion as well as unknown elements from the SADF tasked to stop the advance Orders: 5. You are to arrive in any formation in the area designated as B on the map during your first move. 6. If you locate enemy positions, proceed with destroying or capturing [relevant VPx2] any UNITA [2VP] or SADF elements [10VP] or SADF equipment [5VP] [Signed] Commander Silva Commander FAPLA 47 th Brigade
BRIEFING: To: Captain Banca Armindo Fraternidade* (FAPLA): Date: 6 September 1987 08H00 Background 1. Your 1 st Company, 3 rd Battalion forms part of the FAPLA 47 Brigade which is advancing round the source of the Lomba River for an attack on the UNITA base at Mavinga. 2. You report directly to Commanding Officer, 47 Brigade Situation 3. Own Forces a) You are currently operating independently south of the Lomba River probing the positions of UNITA and SADF elements. b) Your force comprises of your battalion with: [call sign] # men [F31] [F311] 2 LMG teams (2 men) [F312] 2 LMG teams (2 men) [F313] 2 LMG teams (2 men) Total: 95 c) The 1 st and 2 nd Battalions are in the vicinity with a similar mission as yours. 4. Enemy Forces: b) Known enemy forces in the area include UNITA s 3 rd Regular Battalion as well as unknown elements from the SADF tasked to stop the advance Orders: 5. You are to arrive in any formation in the area designated as C on the map during your first move.
6. If you locate enemy positions, proceed with destroying or capturing [relevant VPx2] any UNITA [2VP] or SADF elements [10VP] or SADF equipment [5VP] [Signed] Commander Silva Commander FAPLA 47 th Brigade