BFP 37 Debacle at Yeang Dang Q

[bprobst]

Scenario sheet lists a Thai Bofors AT Gun, 37L AP only.

Reading the Thai ordnance notes suggests that they use the Axis Minor counter & note 51 (which is actually a Skoda), which is a 37L that fires AP & HE.

The Axis Minor Bofors AT counter (that matches the illustration on the scenario sheet) is Note 2 (Romanian Ordnance).

So what is it that the Thai units are supposed to be using here?

 

[Paul M. Weir]

The 2 guns (Bofors/Skoda) are identical except for the ability to fire HE.

The notes for AXO 51 state that the gun also represents guns like the PAK 35/36, so is more a generic piece.

To confuse matters the Bofors 37L did have HE. The LRDG did use a porteed Bofors 37mm and usually had a mix of 50/50 HE and AP according to an Osprey book (Yeah, I know take with a grain of salt). It seems reasonable given that their use of the Bofors would have greatly benefited from the availability of some HE. The LRDG would have tried to get the maximum use of every kilo of weight carried. Other users, including some British AT units in 1940 (at Beda Fomm), would not have required the presence of a (fairly pitiful) HE round as they would have been part of a larger organisation that would have had better HE weapons.

In effect the only difference between the AXO 2 and AXO 51 is the availibility of HE.

Given that the action occured early in 1941 and that B&J Thai ON 2 states that the Japanese Type 34 37mm guns (represented by AXO 51) were only issued prior the invasion of the Shan States in May 1942, so I would use the Bofors 37L AXO 2. Just my reading of things.

 

[bprobst]

Still waiting for a response from BFP, guys.

 

[Gunner Scott]

Hi-

Just use the counter as printed, IE it only fires AP only. Thats how I played it and many others in these parts. BTW very fun scenario.


Scott

 

[Chas]

The gun should be the one listed in the Thai Chapter H. We will issue applicable errata.

Chas

 

[bprobst]

The gun should be the one listed in the Thai Chapter H. We will issue applicable errata.

Hmm. Well, thanks for the info.

Not a very good scenario IMO, but never mind. They can't all be winners, and I'm sure there are plenty of gems to be found in the B&J package.