With the Enemy at Your Back
Translation details
Model:mistral-medium-2604.Translated text
Section titled “Translated text”Game marked with an asterisk in the book: more suitable for older scouts.
The White patrol moves from point B towards A, occupies the bridge over the river (i.e., the point marked by two flags on the road), and observes whether the Reds are approaching A, where they are currently stationed. Upon reaching the bridge, and then regularly every quarter of an hour (or 20–30 minutes), they must send reports to B about what they have observed, and finally, after one hour (or 1½ hours), return.
Meanwhile, the Red patrol, which is secretly positioned at point O (unknown to the Whites) and is heading towards B, learns that the Whites have occupied the bridge and are constantly sending reports to B, to which they will also return. (The Reds should arrive at point B roughly at the same time the Whites reach the bridge). Therefore, they decide to intercept the reports and even set an ambush for the White patrol during its return. In turn, they must send a message to A about what they have learned and what they intend to do. The Red messenger can only go to A via the bridge.
The Whites do not know that they have an enemy behind them and that this enemy is intercepting their messages. Unless their messenger is alert and cautious and manages to escape or at least signal a warning of danger. If the Whites hear a warning signal, since they cannot abandon their post and do not know what it means, they should send the next message by two routes with two people, so that at least one of them reaches the destination. When the entire patrol returns, they should proceed with the utmost caution.
Now, the scouts’ efficiency will be tested—their ability to orient themselves in the situation and make the right decisions. The leader observes the exercise and this will give him a basis for an instructive discussion of the whole. Did a warning signal sound? Did the messenger try to lose or destroy the report? (It may only be carried in a breast pocket). Did a signal for dispersal sound during the attack on the returning patrol? Did the part of the patrol that escaped gather at the designated assembly point (if one was assigned at all)? Did the warned patrol cleverly avoid the ambush and reach B by another route? etc. If the patrol does not keep its wits about it, of course, all messengers in turn and the entire patrol will be captured.
Taking into account the behavior of both sides and the fact that the Reds have an easier task, the leader will award victory to one side. Among the Reds, only one messenger will have a tough nut to crack and room to shine: to sneak into A via a route occupied by the enemy. (It is assumed that the river can be forded 20–30 paces to the left and right of the bridge).
In A and B, reports are received by designated impartial scouts, standing by a planted flag.
Scan source: Polona / National Library of Poland, marked “Public domain”. View scan — PDF pages 208–210.
Metadata
Section titled “Metadata”- Type: game
- Traits: Not stated in the source
- Source: Zygmunt Wyrobek, Harcerz w polu: zabawy i gry terenowe (1946)
- Printed pages: 202–204 / PDF 208–210
- Digital edition: Digital edition · Source record
- Open the edition at the relevant page: p. 202
- Read the source text: hwp-103