Judging by the previous AARs I had expected this to be a horrible scenario. I was pleasantly surprised that it wasn't. I still don't see how the Australians can win but it was entertaining as the Australians kept it from being a complete slaughter until near the end. The Japanese came in three groups - east edge trail, south edge trail, and north edge trail. The east group (Capt/2 inf/1eng) went after the Australian Captain and 2 inf in the village while the southern group (Lt/2 inf/1 eng) moved north to the trail juncture where they fell upon Lt. Jack Duggan and his 2 infantry platoons. The norther group moved toward the junction but then went through the jungle to the trail hex on the western edge to cut off any chance of retreat. The Australian Capt/2 inf in the village did very well with opportunity fire and direct fire prior to being assaulted eliminating one full platoon of Japanese engineers. This allowed them to stay alive until turn 8 when they were finally eliminated after knocking out one more step of Japanese infantry. Lt. Duggan eliminated one step of Japanese engineers on direct fire before being assaulted and despite losing a full platoon before the Aus Sgt with one platoon of infantry came to support him was staying alive with his men until he finally became demoralized and fled the field only to be captured on turn 8.

Sure there were lucky die rolls and sure I probably made some mistakes with the rules but it was entertaining .And trying to do the Leader Character Campaign led to extra enjoyment (until turn 8). And I blame troopers Kelly, Davis, and Fitzroy for causing the death of the Wild Colonial Boy.

I will have to try it again to see if Lt. Duggan can survive to fight again.