Turn 5 started much like the previous turn. The Rip tide and Crises suits moved into optimum firing positions. Then the Tau let their guns blaze. Without the Storm Raven to soak up the fire-power the Assault squad boar the brunt of the Tau’s volley loosing three marines. The tactical squad with a las canon took a lot of fire, but no casualties due to some lucky dice rolls. That was all the Tau managed to dish up in their turn. Surly the Emperor was looking over the Ultramarines.

The Storm Raven came back from reserve and lined up for another strafing run. The Assault and Tactical Squads all advanced towards their quarry, ready to assault and rapid fire respectively.

The Devastators were struggling for range in the shooting turn, but given how effective the frag missiles were proving they were happy to send more volleys towards the Fire warriors. Joined by supporting fire from the tactical squads a complete fire warrior team was removed.  The Storm Raven fired all it’s guns at the Rip tide but only managed to remove one more wound.

In the assault phase the assault squad charged the path finder team lead by Dark Strider. Strider cut down another assault marine with over watch. His squad then promptly ran 3d6 towards the main Tau force (a bone of contention given this move should have been d6).

I was left wondering how I was meant to get in to close combat with the Tau.

End of turn 5 Victory points Tau: 6 Marines: 2

I rolled the dice to see if the game would continue and got a 3. There was still a chance the marines could salvage some honour.

Turn 6