The theatre of war
All things considered, our office is a mellow place. There is seldom a crossed word and it is a rare occasion indeed when voices are raised (and even then, it never lasts for long). Every now and then though, the office is home to a pitched battle and I feel that I am somewhat responsible.
You see, as well as a first class office for the technology division of the market leading banking software house, the facilities are also tailor-made for the odd war-game.
The scenario underway in these photos is the very first battle in the Pacific War, the invasion of Malaya by Japanese forces. The night before the fearsome attack on Pearl Harbour, just after midnight, Japanese forces descended on the coast near Kota Bharu.
It doesn’t look good for the British
Luckily for the British (or more accurately Indian) army, the seas were very rough and many Japanese soldiers drowned. Despite these losses, the Japanese fielded a formidable force. In defence, the British relied on a network of pillboxes, minefields and an appropriated 18 pounder gun.
Our game focussed on one spot of beach defended by the 3rd / 17th Dogras under the command of Captain Nawin Chandra. Unfortunately, just like in real life, the battle did not end well for the British and victory lay in the hands of the Japanese.
It was to be the beginning of a long and bloody campaign that spanned the Pacific and unfortunately, many more battles were lost before the tide turned.
Next time, we’re off to the Russian front!
Related articles
- Dasar Sabak Beach – Kota Bharu, Kelantan (thriftytraveller.wordpress.com)
- Backpacking Malaysia: KL to Kota Bharu, Kelantan (makkosadventures.wordpress.com)
- In Kota Bharu, A Friendly Hello and a Killer Soup (eatingasia.typepad.com)
Filed under: games
