Method

FO specifies target, round type and, for off table batteries, sheaf type-open or converged.  Place marker on centre of sheaf target.

Throw dice for Contact and Ranging:

+1 Observed by Criquet.

+1 Continuing an open sheaf barrage.

+1 Linked by field telephone.

-1 Non artillery FO (Not if Coy Cdr calling own mortar).

-1 Caller under fire (not necessarily hit) or friend within one base under fire in either this initiative or last enemy initiative.

Result

5+ Fire for effect on target.

On target next initiative.

Deviates and Fire for Effect.

2- Not available.

A "delayed" or "not available" result does not lose the initiative.

A deviating fire for effect that causes a PIN, SUPPRESS or KILL result to any friendlies loses the initiative.

A "delayed" result fires for effect automatically at the very beginning of the next friendly initiative.  It may be not cancelled, even if the target has moved (a problem the French had), unless there is an incoming airstrike. 

Deviation

Dice again and deviate by "walking" the sheaf up or down or to the side by turning it over its edge.  For on table mortar fire substitute a base width for sheaf distances.  Result:

1 = short 3 sheafs.

2 = short 2 sheafs.

3 = short 1 sheaf.

4 = left 1 sheaf.

5 = right 1 sheaf.

6 = long 1 sheaf.

Barrages

The sheaf from an off table battery is placed parallel to the table side the fire is coming from.  Each squad in the sheaf is attacked at the Initial (IN) rate.  After all combat results have been applied all squads in the sheaf ground hug.  Any squad that attempts to move or fire for the remainder of the friendly initiative and the whole of the next enemy initiative is attacked at the Sustained (SUS) rate.  At the very beginning of the next friendly initiative the FO (providing all normal FO requirements still apply) may attempt to continue the barrage.  This requires another C&R roll and a result of 4 or better.  If successful all squads in the sheaf are attacked at the sustained rate and the usual sustained attacks on movers and fires are conducted.

Sheaf Sizes and Effects

Weapon

converged sheaf

open sheaf

Size

IN/SUS

Size

IN/SUS

minimum safe

75mm/3.7"guns

81/82mm M

4"x 4"

3/3

8"X4"

2/2

3"

25lb, 105 mm guns. 4.2"/120mm M

4" x 5"

4/3

8" x 5"

3/2

6"

155 mm guns, katusha

5" x 5"

5/3

12" x 5"

4/3

8"

Corrections

Successfully continued barrages may be moved or corrected by "walking" the sheaf up to twice each continued initiative.

Minimum Safe Distances

Barrages may not be dropped within minimum safe distances unless all friendlies are inside fieldworks or hard cover.

VM Restrictions

Off-table VM batteries may only fire pre-planned barrages or on pre-registered targets.

Pre-planned Barrages

Scenario dependent.  No FO required.  May be cancelled.

Pre-Registered Fires (PRF)

Barrages may be called down on targets registered before the scenario begins.

FOs may be devolved to CC, PC or even squads as appropriate

PRFs are called for by scenario specific C&R rolls.  They may even be automatic.

French FOs (not infantry alternatives) may pre-register targets during the game by making a successful C&R roll.  There is no fire for effect.  If the result is a delay the FO may not attempt another action until the end of the delay initiative, or else the registration is cancelled.

VM FOs may pre-register targets during the game by making a successful C&R roll of '6'.

Harassment and Interdiction Fires (HI)

French (only) may call down unobserved HI fires on any location.  Conduct C&R roll as normal except that any result of 5 or 4 also results in deviation, (the 4 deviates when it arrives.)

HI fires may not be corrected.

HI fires are always open sheaf.