British Invasion

Teams were chosen at randomly as follows:

Abe Lincoln - Frank (T100), Will (T026), Steve (T040), Neil (T001), Joe (T010)

Statue of Liberty - John (T079), Paul (T077), Doug (T058), Marty (T039)

Castle Guard - Tracy (FA007), Claire (FA003), Rick (FA004)

In the first sortie, forces loyal to Abe Lincoln would attempt to rescue Princess Susie from the evil clutches of the Statue of Liberty gang. The captors were allowed to re-supply themselves from a forward base close to the village, but would have to return to the Main Base to re-incarnate. The Castle Guard artillery would be allowed to re-supply only from the Main Base and were provided only two guards each. The castle itself was guard by three "Royal Guards" that had to be eliminated before Princess Susie could be transported back to the Main Base to complete the mission. Thirty minutes would be allowed to rescue the princess.

The 1st sortie began with a rumble as the rescuers pushed forth together. Flanking moves in the field north of the village provided them with clean shots into the village to dispatch the artillery guards (always the first objective in village assaults). Accurate long and medium range shooting dropped the artillery guards quickly and the artillery was soon silenced. Armored engagements in various sectors left the castle with no armor support, allowing the Semovente, Tiger and Cromwell to enter in full force. The castle guards were quickly dispatched and Princess Susie was rescued by Sir Rochford, returning to the main base in only 8 minutes and 20 seconds.

In the 2nd sortie, the Abe Lincoln forces would defend Princess Susie in her summer castle and the Statue of Liberty gang would attempt to steal her back. Steve allowed Loic to operate the Cromwell as part of the castle defense, while Sir Rochford turned traitor to help the Statue of Liberty gang. Clair, Tracy and Rick would again attempt to defend the princess. The sortie began with defenders spread out inside and around the village. The attackers probed the defenses but never caused a significant break in the ranks. At various times, the defenders pooled their forces to attack the attackers, sending them back to the Main Base on a number of occasions. Gun problems in John's PzII temporarily kept all the attackers off the battlefield, while the defenders waited and watched the clock tick down. A last minute attempt to storm the castle was foiled and the clock ran out after 30 minutes, with Princess Susie safe and sound in her castle.

Princess Claire?

Due to the generosity of my new found friends I was offered the use of many different assets. I was especially delighted to be awarded the use of T001 and leapt on the offer without hesitation. Miss Claire was given use of the Navarone gun and I was told "do not shoot me". I made the mistake of thinking that meant an agreement of truce had been declared between Miss Claire and myself as I wandered into her space trying to make a kill on any Pittelli foe in front of me. Snug to the side of a tree I could see enemy tanks breaking formation and showing side to me, seizing my chance with gritted teeth I fired into them landing a few hits just as I saw four paintballs smash into the back end of T001. I was later informed by Miss Claire that "do not shoot me" meant that I was not allowed to shoot her but she could still shoot me.

Dazzled by my encounter and after a home base clean off I set off with slightly more caution, moving into position I could see the Cromwell driving erratically in my direction. I positioned myself face on knowing certain death was imminent if I did otherwise. To my amazement T040 drove in front of me and slowed down with its back to T001. Almost in disbelief and giving the driver time to see the error of his ways I fired four shots into the back of the Cromwell, awarding myself the easiest kill in all my time in R/C tank combat. I could see Steve was having little influence on the fate of his prized tank but I'm impressed he gave control to Loic, being a complete newcomer to battling.

Driving into the village I could see the Princess lay on the ground face down in the dirt. I heard Joe shout "Neil grab the princess", so I did. I can't say whether it was Joe's voice or another tanker on the field (or more and more I hear instructions in my head from an uncertain source) but something made me put the Princess in my pocket and I sped at full speed back to home base. I was later told this was against the rules as royalty should only be transported in scale vehicles, not in pockets. I remain humble to the rules no matter how they may differ from one continent to the next and may the powers that be refresh my score card accordingly.