Forum adverts like this one are shown to any user who is not logged in. Join us by filling out a tiny 3 field form and you will get your own, free, dakka user account which gives a good range of benefits to you: No adverts like this in the forums anymore. Times and dates in your local timezone. Full tracking of what you have read so you can skip to your first unread post, easily see what has changed since you last logged in, and easily see what is new at a glance. Email notifications for threads you want to watch closely. Being a part of the oldest wargaming community on the net. If you are already a member then feel free to login now.

Yeah, long title I know.

My googlefoo is failing me, and it's really starting to grate. I've sworn blindly to the existance to a highly accurate massive wargame that was persued by the rich gentry and military officers in the early 20th century, ony a huge gametable that stretched over months. One detail I remember is one officer being so distraught at losing his entire command, he left in tears and never went back as he was so ashamed. I genuinely can't find it, and have no idea what to search. If anyone happens to have the article handy, it'd be very helpful!

And to anyone who hasn't read it, assuming it's found, it's well worth a read, as it's a great insight into how awesome wargaming can truly be.

I know exactly which article you are talking about, because I read it as well somewhere on this forum...but unfortunately I can't remember anything other than that. Could it also have had something to do with Gencon by any chance? Or Little Wars?

Apologies I can't help more than that. I tried searching Reds8n's topics(he seems to usually post those kinds of things) in discussions but turned up nothing.

Not sure the specific article, but it is a well documented field of study:

http://www.strategypage.com/articles/default.asp?target=WARGHIS2.htm&reader=long

There are entire books on military simulations and their benefits (or lack of) in terms of training officer corps.

I know at least two out of three of the big US War colleges still maintain traditional sand table wargames, and I assume the third does as well (haven't seen it though, so I can't say for certain).

Sounds like you may be thinking of Norman Bel Geddes and his wargame. Not sure which article in particular you may be after, but Googling it will get you several.

EDIT: found some previous Dakka threads on it:
http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/591507.page#6760324
http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/0/538647.page

It's probably not this, but there will be references to what you're looking for:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_Wars

FWIW, I think the game, or something like it, featured in the film version of Callan (early 70s), starring Edward Woodward, who was a bit of a gamer himself. Callan visits posh chap in big country house, has 20ft Napoleonic or similar game going on.

This one?

http://vintagewargaming.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/wargaming-on-epic-scale-harry-pearson.html

http://www.believermag.com/issues/201205/?read=article_szerlip

Definitely Norman Bel Geddes.

http://www.believermag.com/issues/201205/?read=article_szerlip

It is indeed Norman, thank you all very much, I've bookmarked it to endure I don't lose it again. Anyone who hasn't read it, ita worth a read so you can be jealous that you never have this much fun .

I remember these articles. Thanks for the reminder. Great classic wargaming stuff.