Better late than never… here’s my latest battle report - of a battle from 12th May! Thankfully, the astute bureaucrats in the Vilniaus 39th and broader Adeptus Administrarum took enough notes for a fairly accurate retelling of this rematch against some Ultramarines…
This was a rematch against the same opponent as in this game:
Another tough battle, with plenty of mistakes on my side relating to how dangerous some Space Marines units are, like those pesky Eradicators!
Read below for the full report from Lt. Spade…
After Action Report: Engagement with Ultramarines
Reported by: Lt. Spade, Vilnius 39th Astra Militarum
Summary Info
Date of Engagement: [REDACTED]
Location: Ruins of [REDACTED]
Commanding Officer: Death Korps Marshal
Engaged Enemy: Ultramarines, led by Uriel Ventris
Forces Deployed
Vilnius 39th Astra Militarum:
Death Korps of Krieg Platoon, led by a Death Korps Marshal
Tank Commander in a Leman Russ Demolisher
Leman Russ Exterminator
Leman Russ Battle Tank
Cadian Shock Troop Squad (10 men)
Armoured Fist Squad in a Chimera
Scout Sentinel
Ultramarines:
Uriel Ventris, leading a squad of Assault Intercessors
Redemptor Dreadnought
Eradicators
Aggressors
Interceptors
Devastators
Scouts
Operational Summary
Deployment
The Vilnius 39th deployed in a strategic line formation. Central positions were held by two Leman Russ tanks, a platoon of Death Korps of Krieg infantry, and an Armoured Fist Squad in a Chimera. A Leman Russ Battle Tank was held in reserve on the right flank, while a Cadian Shock Troop Squad took positions in the ruins on the left flank. The Ultramarines, under Uriel Ventris, deployed within the ruins, poised to strike.
The Vilniaus 39th deploys for battle.
Initial Engagement
The Ultramarines seized the initiative, advancing to secure objectives without engaging in immediate combat, leaving our forces unscathed. The disciplined advance of the Ultramarines showcased their tactical restraint, allowing them to position for a stronger offensive in the later stages. In response, we advanced on all fronts. The Scout Sentinel moved forward, eliminating two Intercessors with its plasma cannon and inflicting significant damage on a Redemptor Dreadnought using a hunter-killer missile. Despite the imminent threat of destruction, the Sentinel charged into the Intercessors but was ultimately destroyed, causing collateral damage to a nearby Chimera and infantry unit. The Sentinel's selfless charge disrupted the enemy's initial momentum, buying precious time for our forces to reposition.
The Vilniaus 39th advances. Who parked the Leman Russ so far back?!
The Scout Sentinel prepares to sacrifice itself.
The Clash Intensifies
The Ultramarines pressed their assault in the second phase with a coordinated attack. Aggressors advanced towards our central position but suffered casualties from overwatch fire by the Tank Commander’s demolisher cannon, a testament to the Tank Commander's precision under pressure. The Aggressors managed to kill one of our infantry on the left, their advance blunted but not halted. Devastators emerged from cover, targeting and destroying the Chimera on our right flank. The Redemptor Dreadnought and Eradicators joined forces, devastating our Tank Commander with precise melta fire.
The Tank Commander smartly overwatches Aggressors as they emerge from the ruins, shortly before being obliterated by the enemy army.
Interceptors suddenly arrive behind our lines! Suddenly, the positioning of that Leman Russ wasn’t too bad - even if I still lose the objective.
Despite taking heavy casualties, we continued our offensive. The reserve Leman Russ annihilated the Interceptors behind our lines with devastatingly accurate firepower. The Exterminator advanced, killing an Aggressor, while coordinated fire from our infantry platoon left an enemy leader isolated. A follow-up bayonet charge swiftly eliminated the isolated leader, a moment of brutal close-quarters combat that exemplified the valor of our troops. The right flank's platoon, despite the loss of their Chimera, rallied to support the advance, showcasing the unyielding spirit of the Death Korps of Krieg.
True to form, there was a tank shock. This time, the Exterminator rammed into the Aggressors, running one over.
Charge! A brave bayonet charge by the Death Korps of Krieg wipes out theenemy on an objective.
Final Stand
The Ultramarines maintained their relentless onslaught. Aggressors disengaged from the Exterminator, which failed to inflict damage during overwatch. The Eradicators then destroyed the Exterminator with concentrated melta fire, leaving a smoking wreck in their wake. On the right flank, the Death Korps of Krieg platoon suffered severe casualties from combined fire by Aggressors, Devastators, and Scouts, who then charged into close combat. The hand-to-hand fighting was brutal, with the Scouts leveraging their agility and training to gain the upper hand.
The remaining Death Korps of Krieg after a merciless pummling by enemy units…
As the battle turned decisively against us, the order for a tactical withdrawal was given to preserve our remaining forces for future engagements. The disciplined retreat was executed under heavy fire, with the remaining tanks providing covering fire. The withdrawal allowed us to save valuable personnel and equipment, ensuring we could regroup and fight another day.
Casualties
Vilnius 39th:
Scout Sentinel destroyed
Tank Commander and Chimera destroyed
Significant (but, acceptable!) losses among Death Korps of Krieg infantry
Ultramarines:
Several Intercessors and an Aggressor squad eliminated
Intercessors
One enemy leader neutralized
Recommendations
Enhance anti-armor capabilities within infantry units to counter heavily armored threats.
Improve Sentinel deployment strategies to maximize their impact before destruction.
Develop rapid response tactics to better deal with (or prevent) infiltrating enemy units.
Increase training for close-quarters combat to better handle aggressive enemy advances.
Conclusion
The engagement with the Ultramarines was intense and unforgiving. Despite the valor and resilience shown by the Vilnius 39th, the superior tactics and firepower of the Ultramarines forced a tactical withdrawal. This battle serves as a reminder of the need for constant adaptation and enhancement of our strategies and capabilities. The sacrifices made by our soldiers will guide future actions, ensuring that the Vilnius 39th returns stronger and more prepared for the Emperor’s next call to arms.
Lt. Spade
Vilnius 39th Astra Militarum
I don’t have the scorecard for this battle. My iPhone suffered a hapless fate recently and I lost that specific battle somehow from the app (perhaps it didn’t save properly). Regardless, I called it towards the end of Battle Round Three - it was clear I just didn’t have enough forces really to mount a counter attack or contest objectives properly.
Here’s to the next battle! Thanks for reading.
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