Blackpool Illuminations - an Indonesian Confrontation scenario

HMS Blackpool

Although I wasn't very pleased with my 1/3000th scale RN and Indonesian ships that I painted back in January, I've decided to crack on regardless and have a go at an introductory scenario for the Indonesian Confrontation, designed for Naval Command. This is more of a learning tool for me than a fully functioning scenario, but I think it's a good place to start and will give me a boost to get some more ships painted up.

The date is August 1964. 

A para-commando raid has been ordered by the Indonesian High Command on the North West coast of Malaysia, in order to infiltrate special forces sabotage teams and support local insurgents. The commandos will be landed at night by inflatable boats, after being transported across the Malacca Straits in the Skoryy Class destroyer KRI Sarwadjaja, with the Riga class frigate KRI Kakiali as an escort. The force commander is cleared to attack and sink any enemy warships encountered to prevent the mission being compromised.

A Royal Navy Whitby class frigate, HMS Blackpool, is patrolling the area and is approaching from the west. Her orders are to intercept and identify any fishing boats or cargo vessels encountered and to stop and search them. There is no intelligence to suggest that Indonesian naval units are conducting an operation in the area but the rules of engagement allow for a show of force if they are positively identified, but not to fire first. All ships will deploy as contact markers on Turn 1.

The action takes place at night. There are several small islands that block line of sight and radar. The visibility is good as it is a moonlit night, so visual detection range is 12cm. The sea state is also calm. The Indonesian force is operating passive radar (ESM) detection at the start of the scenario while HMS Blackpool is using her active radar. To make a positive identification of the Indonesian warships, they must be detected by radar and then visually identified, unless they fire first.

To achieve a major victory, the Indonesian force must exit the northern edge of the area undetected. If detected, it can still achieve a minor victory if HMS Blackpool suffers heavy damage or is destroyed. Any other result is a defeat. The Royal Navy win a major victory if HMS Blackpool inflicts heavy damage on or sinks the KRI Sarwadjaja. If only KRI Kakiali is damaged or sunk it will be a minor victory. Any other result will be a defeat. If neither side achieves any victory objectives it will be a draw.