Harpoon3.6 1950 – 1964 (Colonial Wars) Database & Scenarios

IMPORTANT NOTE: All further work on the commercial versions of computer Harpoon was suspended in mid-2013 after more than two decades. The guys behind HarpoonHQ (now WarfareSims) saw the signs of Computer Harpoon’s collapse as early as 2006 and started developing our own simulator named Command: Modern Air/Naval Operations which was released in September 2013. Since the owners of WarfareSims have been avid Harpoon fans since the late 1980s / early 1990s, we decided (on popular demand) to keep some of the Harpoon material on our new site even though we’ve now scratch-built our own product that is not related with the Harpoon franchise. The material is provided as-is and is no longer supported. WarfareSims’ time and energy is now devoted to continued development & enhancement of Command: Modern Air/Naval Operations which has similar focus as Harpoon but with a much more pronounced balance between air and naval operations.

The Colonial Wars Database

The Colonial Wars database covers the period between 1950 and 1964. This epoch saw the 1950-53 Korean War, Suez Crisis (1956) and the Cuban Missile Crisis (1962). Numerous conflicts in Africa and South America were flaring up and the Soviets and Americans were starting to flex their muscles and having influence in developing countries worldwide while traditional European power was in decline losing overseas colonies in Africa and the Far East. This is an era where missiles were just starting to make their appearance in the form of SAMs and AAMs; the Soviets were developing large long range air, surface and sub launched missiles; the United States was starting to build their fleet of Super Carriers and the Royal Navy was engaged world wide. In all, an interesting period of actual and possible conflicts throughout the world after the end of World War Two.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The “DB2000”, “Colonial Wars” and “Missile Age” databases and all their associated material remain the IP property of their respective authors.

 

Download Colonial Wars Database Version 1.9 for Harpoon 3.6
Updated 26 November 2006

Gaming tips

If you’re new to Harpoon3, please visit the Getting Started Section for information on how to set up the database and scenarios. Due to all the bugs and weird behaviour in version 3.7, 3.8 and 3.9 we strongly recommend that you use version 3.6 of the game.

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Operational Sea Training – Flag Officer Sea Training (FOST)

“The most important single factor in a Naval Service is the quality of its personnel and their training.” (Fundamentals of British Maritime Doctrine)

FOST has been training Royal Navy ships for nearly 50 years. During the Second World War much of the Operational Sea Training (OST) of the Royal Navy was conducted in Scotland around Tobermory. In 1946 the economics of the post-war period began to bite and so it became necessary to restrict the larger capital ships to home water exercises and harbour training. Linked to the Fleet returning to peace-time manning, this precipitated the formation of the Portland Training Squadron, whose role was to prepare ships for their operational tasks before they joined their squadrons.

OST was established at Portland in late 1958 as a modification of the existing Portland Training Squadron’s role. Many famous names passed through Portland that first year, HMS Belfast and HMS Daring to name but two. The last Royal Navy ship to undergo OST at Portland, before the move to Plymouth in the summer of 1995, was the Type 22 frigate HMS London.

ASW EXERCISE [Harpoon 3.6]
DTG – 18 JULY 1964
LOCATION – UK SOUTH COAST EXERCISE TRAINING AREAS
SIDES – FOST UNITS UNDER TRAINING
DURATION – 8 HOURS
NUKE OPTION – OFF
AUTHOR – SIRIUS

After todays Serials of Replenishment at Sea and Towing Exercises , TG 603.01 is now about to start their final week of Tactical Warfare training, tonights Serial is ASW the aim to Escort the HVU along a PIM and to arrive intact at the end.

AAW EXERCISE [Harpoon 3.6]
DTG – 19 JULY 1964
LOCATION – UK SOUTH COAST EXERCISE TRAINING AREAS
SIDES – FOST UNITS UNDER TRAINING
DURATION – 4 HOURS
NUKE OPTION – OFF
AUTHOR – SIRIUS

This Scenario covers an advanced Air Defence Exercise in the South Coast Exercise Areas off Portland Bill Weymouth.
This mornings damage control exercises completed and units re fueled , this afternoons tactical serial is an Air Defence Exercise is a combined Missile and FBA attacks conducted by Soviet Badger and Mig and Su series of aircraft.
You are to escort the HVU RFA Olwen to point PIM and fend off any raids using CAP from St Mawgan and ships SAMs and AAA.

ASuW EXERCISE [Harpoon 3.6]
DTG – 20 JULY 1964
LOCATION – UK SOUTH COAST EXERCISE TRAINING AREAS
SIDES – FOST UNITS UNDER TRAINING
DURATION – 8 HOURS
NUKE OPTION – OFF
AUTHOR – SIRIUS

The Royal Navy’s Flag Officer Sea Training (FOST) offers a number of Operational Sea Training packages. Basic Operational Sea Training (BOST) is a demanding but rewarding eight week period, during which time a ship’s organisation is thoroughly trained, with the objective being to ensure that the Royal Navy ships are at the right level of operational capability.
This evenings exercise is a surface engagement against a Soviet Forces comprising of Missile armed Destroyers, Cruisers and Frigates, enemy units are unlocated to the south east of your forces, friendly air assets are available , based at St Mawgan comprising of 4 Buccaneers.

Korean War Scenarios

OPENING MOVES [Harpoon 3.6]
DTG – 01 JULY 1950
LOCATION – EAST COAST KOREA
SIDE – UNITED NATIONS
DURATION – 12 HOURS
NUKE OPTION – OFF
AUTHOR – SIRIUS

Hostilities are still raging throughout Korea, North Korean Forces have made major advances along all front lines.
South Korean forces are taking heavy losses and are now pulling back to regroup near Seoul.
COMNAVFE a mix of US and UK Destroyers and Cruisers has been formed to patrol the coastal areas and try and inforce a blockade. The Task Group has ben weakened during the last 2 days as 2 US Destroyers have been detached to provide support to US troops to the South.
In all the group now consists of the Flagship USS Juneau, HMS Jamaica and the Sloop HMS Black Swan which are now tasked to intercept a troop convoy onroute from Wonsan to Chumunjin… an easy task you may think …. well think again!

DAWN STRIKE [Harpoon 3.6]
DTG- 02 JULY 1950
LOCATION- WEST COAST NORTH KOREA
SIDES- UNITED NATIONS
DURATION- 8 HOURS
NUKE OPTION – OFF
AUTHOR – SIRIUS

The first Carrier Strikes of the Korean War were lauched from the decks of the USS Valley Forge and HMS Triumph on the 3rd July 1950. The targets were the Airfields at P’yongyang for the Valley Forges Skyraiders, Corsairs and Panthers. HMS Triumphs airgroup of elderly Fireflies and Seafires were tasked with the destruction of the Airfield at Haeju. Hoping to catch the North Korean forces asleep the strikes were planned for early morning….but North Korean pilots were airborne and waiting. This is an actual real life mission but has been altered to enhance game play.

RUSSIAN ROULETTE [Harpoon 3.6]
DTG- 20 NOVEMBER 1950
LOCATION- EAST COAST NORTH KOREA
SIDES- UNITED NATION
DURATION- 8 HORS
NUKES OPTION- OFF
AUTHOR – SIRIUS

Since the successful landings at Inchon UN forces have struck back at the Communist forces pushing them back to the pre-war start lines. Now is the time to strike deep into North Korean territory.USAAF B-29s have been tasked to strike 3 major power complexes, these are well protected by AAA sites at Airfields. With China now offically in the war expect them to be nearby.
4 days ago USAAF A-26s made a major error in target ID and bombed a Soviet airfield resulting in many casualties, reaction from Moscow has been one of harsh words and threats, so far nothing has happened….yet.

MATCH BEARINGS AND FIRE [Harpoon 3.6]
DTG – 07 DECEMBER 1950
LOCATION – KOREA
DURATION – 12 HOURS
SIDES – UN FORCES
NUKE OPTION – OFF
AUTHOR – SIRIUS

After the massive air attack by Russia on the USS Philipphine Sea Carrier group resulting in her loss, UN forces have been thrown back. Soviet forces are now stretched which includes there supply line.
COMSUBPAC have been tasked to seek and destroy a known convoy under heavy escort which has left Vladivostok onroute to Wonsan Harbour, this Convoy is carrying over 3000 soviet troops, armour and guns and is a prime target !

Standalone Scenarios

AMBUSHED [Harpoon 3.6]
DTG – 21 OCTOBER 1961
LOCATION – INDIAN OCEAN
DURATION – 1. 5 DAYS
SIDES – PAKISTAN , INDIA
NUKE OPTION – OFF
AUTHOR – PAUL BRIDGE AKA SIRIUS

On the 16 February 1961 India became an aircraft carrier nation with the commisioning of INS Vikrant.
She was brought to Bombay on November 3 1961 and later became part of the Indian Fleet as a fully operational carrier.
Her initial air wing consisted of British Hawker Seahawk fighter-bombers and French Alize anti-submarine aircraft.
Pakistan was outraged at the purchase of the Vikrant, and protested to the United Nations stating that this would alter the balance of power in the Indian Ocean Region into Indias favour. This protest fell on deaf ears so Pakistan decided to take action herself to ensure Vikrant would never reach Bombay.

OPERATION MAINBRACE [Harpoon 3.6]
DTG – 13 SEPT 1951
LOCATION – NORTH CAPE
SIDES – NATO
DURATION – 1 DAY
NUKE OPTION – ON
AUTHOR – PAUL BRIDGE AKA SIRIUS

Soviet forces from the east have overrun the plains of Western Germany and are pouring into Denmark. General Ridgeway’s armies are holding along the Kiel Canal, but the enemy has already penetrated Northern Norway and is threatening to send an amphibious landing force around the North Cape.
This is a ficitious situation set for Operation Mainbrace, NATO’s first big naval exercise.  Mainbrace was conceived in 1951 by General Eisenhower to convince NATO’s Scandinavian members (Norway and Denmark) that their lands can be defended in the event with war with Russia.  Soviet forces have now entered Norway and have captured several airfield , these are now operational with aircraft based there. Norwegian forces are holding the Vanguard of the Soviet advance 70 miles North of Sandnessjoen and are taking heavy losses. Norwegian air support has been wiped out along with must of their Naval units, you are to insure the line is held with USMC reinforcements on route to Sandnessjoen.
The Soviet Northern Fleet is at sea in strength in the North Cape area supported by air assets and Submarines we believe they are trying to breakthrough to the shipping lanes in the Atlantic.

FINAL QUARTER [Harpoon 3.6]
DTG – 17 OCTOBER 1962
LOCATION – NORTH ATLANTIC
DURATION – 2 DAYS
NUKE OPTION – ON
SIDES – NATO
AUTHOR – PAUL BRIDGE AKA SIRIUS

After 2 weeks of conflict the first of many convoys is making its final run to France to offload vital stores and equipment for NATO Forces in West Germany. USS Yorktown ASW Carrier is providing ASW cover for the Convoy, with the USS Hancock CVA up threat to the north is assisting with CAP, ASuW and EW cover, the UK has sortied to Frigate Squadrons to deal with Soviet Submarines believed to be south of Ireland. Iceland is in the hands of Soviet forces and aircraft based there have been wreaking havoc with northern convoys so this convoy has been routed further south …. but will this help!

STRATO-JET DOWN [Harpoon 3.6]
DTG – 19 AUGUST 1964
LOCATION – SOMALIA
SIDES – UNITED STATES
DURATION – 1 DAY 12 HOURS
NUKE OPTION – OFF
AUTHOR – PAUL BRIDGE AKA SIRIUS

Six hours ago an RB-47 Strato-jet crashed in Northern Somalia, the RB-47 was on a Ferret mission to the Soviet Bases at Berbera in Somalia, the Soviets over resent years have been supplying Somalia with Arms including Migs and Arms.

Last comms report from the RB-47 was “SAM lock-on activating counter-measures”, The USS Boxer Amphib Group onroute from Aden has deployed a recovery team to the “Down Bird” site, and the USS Coral Sea Strike Group is on transit through the Red Sea to provide support, Somalia has told the United States that any further incrouchments into her Air Space with be met by hostile force. At present Somali and Soviet forces are trying to locate the crash site to recovery the crew and any inteligence infomation.
From the White House any hostile intent shown by Somali and the Soviet Union in the recovery of the downed crew will be met by leathal force and Weapons Free has been authorised to all Task Group Commanders.

FIRST STRIKE OF THE INTRUDER [Harpoon 3.6]
DTG – 13 SEPTEMBER 1964
LOCATION -KOLA PENINSULA / BARENTS SEA
DURATION – 2 DAYS
NUKE OPTION – ON
SIDES – NATO
AUTHOR – PAUL BRIDGE AKA SIRIUS

Four days ago Soviet Forces entered into Nato occupied Berlin, Peace talks have failed to solve the incursion of Soviet Forces into Nato occupied Berlin and sporadic fighting has taken place along the East and West German borders.
With the outbreak of hostilities only hours away, NATO has positioned to Carrier Strike Groups on Russia’s doorstep.
The aim of the Combined Nato Carrier Groups is to destroy Soviet Naval Facilities along the Kola Peninsula.
Embarked on the USS Saratoga is VA-75 Sunday Punchers on their first operational Deployment of the A-6A Intruder!

THE BEDFORD INCIDENT [Harpoon 3.6]
DTG – 01 JANUARY 1965
LOCATION – GREENLAND
DURATION – 4 DAYS
SIDES – USA , SOVIETS
NUKES OPTION – ON
AUTHOR – SIRIUS

A US Destroyer Captain chances upon a soviet submarine operating inside the territorial waters of Greenland and intends to surface the sub by any means possible,both vessels are armed with nuclear weapons… and the question is, who will fire first!

THE BIGHT OF BENIN [Harpoon 3.6]
DTG – 10 JUNE 1969
LOCATION – THE BIGHT OF BIAFRA
DURATION – 21 DAYS
SIDES – FRANCE , NIGERIA
NUKES OPTION – OFF
AUTHOR – RANDOMIZER

The Nigerian Civil War has become a huge human tragedy as Federal forces enforce an almost air tight blockade against the break away state of Biafra. Every night on Western TV people are witnesses to the starvation and misery of the population but little is done about it in the UN or in any national capitol.
Unlike Vietnam, Angola, Rhodesia or some of the other conflicts raging in this era, the war in Nigeria is not one of proxies. America is busy in Southeast Asia and has no interests in the former British colony. British oil companies have staked their claims with the Federal Nigerian government and London gives aid and support to them as well. The Soviets also assist the Lagos regime and have supplied large quantities of military equipment and technical advisors. Mercenaries from Europe and the Soviet Block have flocked to Nigeria to sell their skills to both sides, but particularly to the Federal government who can pay with hard currency although few actually see action. Embattled Biafra fights essentially alone, recognized only by a handful of minor African states and the Republic of Haiti. The are some Western relief agencies trying to maintain a minimal airlift into Biafra in a futile attempt to mitigate the suffering. These groups are chartering old piston engined airliners that fly the dangerous route from the island of Fernando Po to isolated and primative airfields in Biafran held territory. Although gun runners are operating in the same airspace forcing the Federal Air Force to intercept and attempt to shoot down all planes over or near Biafran held territory, the relief flights can carry only minute quantities of food and medical supplies. However, since Biafra has virtually nothing, every bag of powdered milk, rice or medicine helps. In May 1969, a Federal airstrike destroyed several of these planes on the ground and earlier this month a DC-6B over-loaded with foodstuffs was intercepted and shot down by a Nigerian MiG, killing all aboard.
Although France has not formally recognized the Republic of Biafra, the Navy has had a frigate stationed in the Bight of Biafra for some time to look after French interests and hunt pirates. After the May attack on the relief flight, Paris has sent the Foch carrier battle group with new orders.

OPERATION BROKEN ARROW [Harpoon 3.6]
DTG – 211200Z JUL 61
LOCATION – ICELAND
DURATION – 3 DAYS
SIDES – NATO
NUKE OPTION – ON
AUTHOR – SIRIUS

On the 4th July the Soviet Union launched a massive strike across all fronts in Europe,NATO forces are pinned against the wall and backs to the sea, most of W. Germany has fallen,Norway has conducted a withdrawl and is holding the line..just at Trondheim. The cause of the Soviet Strikes is stemmed from the problems caused in Cuba diverting the USAs attention from Europe, Iceland was a great catch by the Soviet Union using special forces landed by Submarine and paratroopers from the air, the initial strike on Iceland was done by long range bombers catching most of the US aircraft on the ground. Soviet Engineers have now repaired the Facilities at Keflivik and have established a strong presence there, forces include long range Yak fighters tanked in from the Motherland and Badger bombers. A ring of steel now protects Iceland including a large number of submarines, Elements of the the 2nd Fleet and other NATO forces are now on-route to re-take Iceland.