Admiral's report -

With reference to Order 3001xxxx, Operation Rhine was initiated for both support and preparation of Operation Dronier. As enclosed in Order 3001xxxx, objectives of Operation Rhine are as follows -

• Establish presence in the Eisenborn system
• Provide screening force for Centre Force
• Engage and destroy any Rebel Fleet stationed there

Enclosed in Order 3001xxxx as well is 27th Fleet's operational area, Fenestre Crossroads. Previous action at the aforementioned area resulted in severe losses. 27th Fleet has since than recovered from that action and presents the following order of battle for Operation Rhine -

• ISD Bismarck the Relentless
• GSD Prince Eugene the Demolisher
• RSD Akizuki the Impetus
• RSD Teruzuki the Instigator
• Rhymer Squadron from Valkyrian Guard

The above fleet was commanded by Admiral Alfred von Motti. For Operation Rhine, Agent Fett from B-Deinst has been attached to the fleet to gather intel about the Rebel order of battle as well as forces present in Fenestre Crossroads.

Intelligence report from B-Deinst reports that the Rebel order of battle includes -

• MC80 Prince of Wales
• AF2 Hood
• MC30 Norfolk
• NebB Suffolk
• "Farlander" B-wing squadron
• "Tycho" A-wing squadron
• "Skywalker" X-wing squadron
• "Fairey Swordfish" Y-wing squadron

B-Deinst was unable to ascertain the admiral commanding the aforementioned Rebel fleet.

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Accurate and up to date intelligence report fed by B-Deinst to 27th Fleet allowed us to gain the superior position over the Rebel fleet. The enemy deployed line abreast on the far side of Fenestre Crossroads. The 27th Fleet deployed diagonally across them. 61st Light Division took the far right together with Rhymer and Agent Fett while Bismarck and Prince Eugene on the left.



The Rebel fleet made the opening moves. All their ships attempted to turn to form a battle line. MC30 Suffolk and NebB Norfolk raced up to engage Bismarck at point blank. Their fire proved to be ineffective. Both Suffolk and Norfolk were engaged by both Bismarck and Prince Eugen. The gunnery team on Bismarck gave both ships a hard beating. The opening salvoes obliterate and semblance their port side. Prince Eugene followed up with a missile strike on Norffolk using the G7c assault concussion missile, vapourising Norfolk. Only 3 survivours were rescued by Prince Eugene. Suffolk was than rammed by Bismarck breaking her into 2 resulting a loss of all hands and minimal structural damage to Bismarck.




While this was going on, Rhymer's squadron and Agent Fett came under attack from "Tycho" Squadron. "Skywalker" and "Farlander" squadrons attack Prince Eugen though damaged inflicted on her was minor. Hood on the other hand attempted to come around Bismarck but both remained out of range of each other.

Seeing that Bismarck and Prince Eugene is astern of Prince of Wales, I ordered for a pursuit. Akizuki and Teruzuki were ordered to tie down their fighters. Hood continued on her wide flanking move but her course and speed continued to keep her away from Bismarck and Prince Eugene.

Bismarck and Prince Eugene continued to pursue Prince of Wales. The exchange of fire proved to be ineffective.

Akizuki and Teruzuki, together with Rhymer and Fett continued to engage their squadrons. All squadrons were accounted for except for "Fairey Swordfish" Squadron. The combined AA fire from LiDiv 61 and both Fett and Rhyper's squadron withered their X-, B- and A- squadrons.




After being absent from the battle, Hood finally engages us. Shots fired into Teruzuki resulted in minor damage. By than, the battle was almost over. With Norfolk and Suffolk sunk, X-, B- and A- squadrons obliterated, Y- squadron still unaccounted for and Prince of Wales perused by Bismarck and Prince Eugene, the position proved to be a precarious one. Opting to preserve what remains of the shattered Rebel fleet, our radio intercepted a general withdrawl order being issued from Hood.





The general withdrawal by the enemy marked the end of battle. Both ships escaped into hyperspace in the general direction of Orkney Passage where the 47th Fleet has been assigned to. A flash message has been sent to their commander, Admiral Gunther Prein, of the escapees so the appropriate action could be taken.



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Battle off Fenestre Crossroads - https://community.fantasyflightgames.com/topic/200071-battle-off-fenestre-crossroads/

I am seriously at a loss of how I've missed saying anything about this till now. I can't begin to tell you how much I enjoy these after action reports, mate. They really are a treat. They do have that condensed albeit formalized method and mode, and really were just purely enjoyable to read. I really prefer this narrative style to the more common 'I moved, shot, two black dice, he whiffed' dictation style of battle report. The pictures were good and conveyed what they needed and I realy can appreciate that final one. Nice little wrap up there.

The battle itself seemed pretty good, nothing that screamed that something was out of position, just a number of gambles that seemed to pay off and, well, not pay off in the case of the Norfolk and Suffolk. Again, it's also 3AM and tactical analytics aren't my forte' at the best of times. Still, it sounded like fun. I might very well have to emulate the style for a game coming up as it really works for me.

Ich mochte Ihnen fur die Zeit und Arbeit machen zu danken. Man my German is terrible: but anyhow, thanks again mate, I do appreciate it. Looking forward to Operation Dronier!

Awesome battle report dude, really enjoyable read!