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products are available for download at www.wargamevault.com

To contact the author, eNaval Thunder: Bitter Rivals

Cover artwork copyright © 2009Text, diagrams, Steel Dreadnought Games logo

Other pictures and artwork in this publication are public domain. Reproduction of this work by any means without the w

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CREDITS

Game Design Harry Pratt

Editor/LayoutLeslie Pratt

PlaytestersStuart DarraughMichael DotyAaron Feit

Eric GustafsonMatt Heid

Tom JaggardLt. Col. (Ret) Harry D.A. Pratt

Leslie PrattTom Sibley

Cover ArtWayne Scarpaci

www.artbywayne.com

This and other Steel Dreadnought Games products are available for download at

t.com.

To contact the author, e-mail Harry Pratt at navalthunder@gmail.com

Bitter Rivals © 2009 Harry Pratt. All rights reserved. Cover artwork copyright © 2009 Wayne Scarpaci. Used with permission.

Text, diagrams, Steel Dreadnought Games logo, and Art By Wayne logo are subject to copyright. Other pictures and artwork in this publication are public domain.

Reproduction of this work by any means without the written permission of the author is expressly forbidden.

Editor/Layout Leslie Pratt

Playtesters Stuart Darraugh Michael Doty Aaron Feit

Eric Gustafson Matt Heid

Tom Jaggard Lt. Col. (Ret) Harry D.A. Pratt

Leslie Pratt Tom Sibley

Cover Art Wayne Scarpaci

www.artbywayne.com

navalthunder@gmail.com. © 2009 Harry Pratt. All rights reserved.

Used with permission. are subject to copyright.

Other pictures and artwork in this publication are public domain. ritten permission of the author is expressly forbidden.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION 4 NATIONALITY RULES FOR NEW NAVIES 5 British Special Rules 5 France Special Rules 6 Germany Special Rules 6 Italy Special Rules 7 HISTORICAL SCENARIOS 9 New Scenario Rules 10 Battle of the River Plate 12 Battlecruisers at War 14 Battle of the Denmark Strait 16 Sink the Bismarck! 18 Battle of the Barents Sea 20 Operation Catapult 22 Battle of Calabria 24 Battle of Cape Spada 26 Battle of Cape Spartivento 28 Battle of Savo Island 30 Battle of Cape Esperance 32 First Guadalcanal 34 Empress Augusta Bay 36 SHIP LIMITS BY CLASS 39 British Royal Navy 40 French La Royale Marine Nationale 42 German Kriegsmarine 42 Italian Regia Marine 43

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From the cold waters of the North Atlantic and polar seas, to the warm waters of the Mediterranean, the European theater saw bitter and hard fought naval combat between old powers – some with grudges that had been simmering since the First World War. Advanew battleships, cruisers, destroyers, and submarines as well as the introduction of the aircraft carrier had revolutionized naval warfare in the decades since World War I. Many of the powers on the losing side of the Great War, were now confident thcould level the playing field for them in this new era. Unfortunately, most naval strategies of the day were based on flawed theories, inaccurate information, and political rather than military decisions. However, the resulting chamany thrilling naval battles and “almost happened battles” that are excellent fodder for exciting naval wargaming. Naval Thunder: Bitter Rivals brings the naval might of four additional nations to your fingertips with over 130 new classes of ship to use in creating your own “what if” naval engagements between some of the most famous warships in history. In addition, this book includes 13 carefully researched, historically accurate scenarios depicting many of the most important naval battles of the World War II. Included with the scenarios are a half dozen new special scenario rules for accurately representingconditions and challenges faced during the battles.

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INTRODUCTION From the cold waters of the North Atlantic and polar seas, to the warm waters of the Mediterranean, the European theater saw bitter and hard fought naval combat between old

some with grudges that had been simmering since the First World War. Advanew battleships, cruisers, destroyers, and submarines as well as the introduction of the aircraft carrier had revolutionized naval warfare in the decades since World War I. Many of the powers on the losing side of the Great War, were now confident that their new navies could level the playing field for them in this new era. Unfortunately, most naval strategies of the day were based on flawed theories, inaccurate information, and political rather than military decisions. However, the resulting chaos produced many thrilling naval battles and “almost happened battles” that are excellent fodder for exciting

brings the naval might of four additional nations to your fingertips

hip to use in creating your own “what if” naval engagements between some of the most famous warships in history. In addition, this book includes 13 carefully researched, historically accurate scenarios depicting many of the most important

the World War II. Included with the scenarios are a half dozen new special

representing the conditions and challenges faced during the

From the cold waters of the North Atlantic and polar seas, to the warm waters of the Mediterranean, the European theater saw bitter and hard fought naval combat between old

some with grudges that had been simmering since the First World War. Advanced new battleships, cruisers, destroyers, and submarines as well as the introduction of the aircraft carrier had revolutionized naval warfare in the decades since World War I. Many of

at their new navies

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Nationality Rules for the British Special Rules The British Royal Navy receives 3 submarine attack dice Advanced Radar – British radar was sufficiently advanced to allow for completely blind fire. British ships with fire control type RDR are able to make gunfire attacks through smoke andhave a 40” target limit (instead of 20”) during night battles. Proud Naval Tradition – In the basic game, the command rating for British ships is 9 rather than 8. When using the variable command ratings optional rule, British ships gain +1 to their die roll to determine their command rating. Shoals of Escorts –When constructing fleets, 2 frigates or 3 corvettes may be taken in place of a destroyer. The British player may substitute as many destroyers as he or she wishes in this way. Frigates and corvettes are treated as dest Shift in Priorities – During the late war (1943 version of any cruiser class that has one. AA refit cruiser variants are not available during the early war.

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Nationality Rules for the New Navies

receives 3 submarine attack dice. radar was allow for

ships with fire control type RDR are able to make gunfire attacks through smoke and

(instead of 20”)

In the basic game, the command rating for British ships is 9

than 8. When using the variable command ratings optional rule, British

their die roll to determine

When constructing fleets, 2 frigates or 3 corvettes may be taken in place of a destroyer. The British player may substitute as many destroyers as he or she wishes in this way. Frigates and corvettes are treated as destroyer escorts in all other respects.

During the late war (1943 – 1945) the UK player must use the AA Refit version of any cruiser class that has one. AA refit cruiser variants are not available during

When constructing fleets, 2 frigates or 3 corvettes may be taken in place of a destroyer. The British player may substitute as many destroyers as he or she wishes in

royer escorts in all other respects. 1945) the UK player must use the AA Refit

version of any cruiser class that has one. AA refit cruiser variants are not available during

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France Special Rules France receives 1 submarine attack die Allies – A U.S. or U.K. fleet may include French ships designated as “U.S. Refit” in their fleet. When including French ships in this way, the French ships cost 10% fewer points. Seized – A German fleet may include any French ships in its fleet not designated as “U.S. Refit” at normal cost. Torpedo Boats – When constructing fleets, the French player may take 2 torpedo boats in the place of 1 destroyer. Any number of destroyers may be substituted in this way. Torpedo Boats are treated as Destroyer Escorts in all other respects. Germany Special Rules Germany receives 6 submarine attack dice. For the Feurher – German battlecruisers and battleships automatically pass any command checks they are required to make. Teutonic Efficiency – Germany receives a natural 10s on the die roll. Torpedo Boats – When constructing fleets, the German player may take 2 torpedo boats in the place of 1 destroyer. Any number of destroyers may be substituted in this way. Torpedo Boats are treated as Destroyer Escorts in all other respects.

Graf Zeppelin – Although the Graf Zeppelin was not completed during the war, it could have been had German construction priorities been allocated differently. During the late war period (1943 – 1945) the German player may include the Graf Zeppelin in his fleGraf Zeppelin is not available during the early war (1939

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France receives 1 submarine attack die A U.S. or U.K. fleet may include French ships designated as “U.S. Refit” in their

fleet. When including French ships in this way, the French ships cost 10% fewer points.leet may include any

French ships in its fleet not designated

When constructing fleets, the French player may take 2 destroyer. Any number of destroyers

this way. Torpedo Boats are treated as Destroyer Escorts in

Germany receives 6 submarine attack dice. German battlecruisers and battleships automatically pass any command

checks they are required to make. Germany receives a -1 bonus to all damage control checks that are not

ucting fleets, the German player may take 2 torpedo boats in the place of 1 destroyer. Any number of destroyers may be substituted in this way. Torpedo Boats are treated as Destroyer Escorts in all other respects.

HE 111 – During the late war period (1– 1945) all opponents gain a +1 to attack rolls against German torpedo bombers. ME 262 – During the late war period (1943 – 1945) the German player may purchases flights of ME 262 fighters as land based aircraft. ME 262 fighters cost 150 points per flight, but gain a +2 bonus to all attack rolls and win on ties against enemy fighters.

Although the Graf Zeppelin was not completed during the war, it could have been had German construction priorities been allocated differently. During the late war

1945) the German player may include the Graf Zeppelin in his fleGraf Zeppelin is not available during the early war (1939 – 1942) period.

A U.S. or U.K. fleet may include French ships designated as “U.S. Refit” in their fleet. When including French ships in this way, the French ships cost 10% fewer points.

German battlecruisers and battleships automatically pass any command

1 bonus to all damage control checks that are not

ucting fleets, the German player may take 2 torpedo boats in the place of 1 destroyer. Any number of destroyers may be substituted in this way.

During the late war period (1943 1945) all opponents gain a +1 to attack

rolls against German torpedo bombers. During the late war period (1943

1945) the German player may purchases flights of ME 262 fighters as land based aircraft. ME 262 fighters cost 150 points per flight, but gain a +2 bonus to all attack rolls and win on ties against enemy

Although the Graf Zeppelin was not completed during the war, it could have been had German construction priorities been allocated differently. During the late war

1945) the German player may include the Graf Zeppelin in his fleet. The

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Italy Special Rules Italy receives 3 submarine attack dice. Home waters – The Italian player may include any number of land based aircraft in his fleet, with no restrictions due to fleet composition. Point limitations still apply. Aerial Confusion – Before the 1st sortie, roll 1d10. On a 1, the enemy controls the Italian land-based bombers as a separate strike force during the first sortie. Thereafter, the Italian land-based bombers take no further part in the battle. On a 2-3 all Italian land-based aircraft take no part in the battle. Axis Power – An Italian fleet may include 1 German Deutschland class heavy cruiser it its fleet mix. Torpedo Boats – When constructing fleets, the Italian player may take 2 torpedo boats in the place of 1 destroyer. Any number oTorpedo Boats are treated as Destroyer Escorts in all other respects. Unprepared for War – During the Early War (1939 bombers in its fleets.

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Italy receives 3 submarine attack dice.

player may include any number

separate strike force during the

An Italian fleet may include 1 German Deutschland class heavy cruiser it its

When constructing fleets, the Italian player may take 2 torpedo boats in the place of 1 destroyer. Any number of destroyers may be substituted in this way. Torpedo Boats are treated as Destroyer Escorts in all other respects.

During the Early War (1939 – 1943) Italy may not include any dive Aquila – Although the Aquila was not completed during the war, it could have been had Italian construction priorities been allocated differently. During the late war period (1943 1945) the Italian player may include the Aquila in his fleet. The Aquila is not available during the early war (1939 – 1942) period.

An Italian fleet may include 1 German Deutschland class heavy cruiser it its

When constructing fleets, the Italian player may take 2 torpedo boats in f destroyers may be substituted in this way.

1943) Italy may not include any dive

a was not completed during the war, it could have been had Italian construction priorities been allocated differently. During the late war period (1943 – 1945) the Italian player may include the Aquila in his fleet. The Aquila is not available during

1942) period.

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