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Re: Italian Long Campaign
Turn 10
2nd Company Sector EN infantry were spotted and within the next couple of turns, we observed at least a company sized force approaching us. Our HMGs dismounted from their pack mules and we readied the company for the fight. Our leading tanks had to divert north as the EN A13s were fast approaching the centre I kept my K2 AT rifle team upfront as a spotting scout. <a href="https://imgur.com/q5eyNBY"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/q5eyNBY.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> Turn 14, The EN infantry was breaking. I led with N Platoon in the centre and fixed the EN with my HMGs while the rest of the company moved forward along the sides. With steady suppressive fire from the HMGs, the EN line gradually fell backwards and ultimately broke once my infantry pushed harder. <a href="https://imgur.com/dkX9yBX"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/dkX9yBX.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> |
Re: Italian Long Campaign
Turn 12
3rd Company sector This was truly the centre of the battle itself. 3rd Company hesitated in crossing the stream, and only Q platoon crossed. The rest of the company decided to stick it out on the near bank. My tanks attempted to take the A13s in the flank but they fired smoke and we had to redeploy. <a href="https://imgur.com/fHcwCFu"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/fHcwCFu.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> Turn 14 The 1st A13 was destroyed as it peered above the gully. Now we also observed infantry moving together with the A13s. This means that we need to suppress the infantry before we can engage the EN tanks decisively.A bombardment was planned to achieve this. <a href="https://imgur.com/C3nJfF8"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/C3nJfF8.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> Turn 20 The A13s are done, but the Matildas are coming into the scene. I have only 1 tank left due to return fire. EN infantry is also running due to my artillery bombardment and my HMGs firing from the near bank. I have shifted my ATGs towards the Matildas and another platoon from 1st Company is nearby for a close assault. <a href="https://imgur.com/G1b6Emw"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/G1b6Emw.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> |
Re: Italian Long Campaign
Turn 23,
1 of the Matildas fell prey to my assaulting infantry, the vehicle was immobolised and the crew fled on foot. The remaining Matilda (Red diamond) pressed home its attack towards 3rd Company but got overwhelmed by my assaulting infantry as well. Here the destroyed EN tanks are shown as Yellow Diamonds and my single lost tank as Green Diamond. My tanks accounted for 2 of the total 8 tanks. Most of the EN tanks were destroyed by my assaulting infantry. <a href="https://imgur.com/gI3KO6A"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/gI3KO6A.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> |
Re: Italian Long Campaign
Battle Report at Turn 30 or something
After the last EN Matilda was destroyed, it was pretty much pursuit and moving to capture all objective flags. Again, I only managed a Marginal Victory here due to the difficulties in moving across the rough terrain. Timed Objectives really make a difference. <a href="https://imgur.com/eIHhlqV"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/eIHhlqV.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> |
Re: Italian Long Campaign
Delay at Sidi Barrani, Egypt
Having destroyed the EN Matildas with my infantry, I was probably over confident in their capabilities. In this battle, my wrong assumptions probably caused me to take more unnecessary casualties. <a href="https://imgur.com/YQnhqts"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/YQnhqts.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> Studying the terrain, I decided on 2 EN possibilities. The main was Poss A where the EN will attack down the road, with all their forces concentrated in the attack. Poss B was a 2 prong attack, where the EN armour will advance in the centre, while their infantry advance down the road. To counter both Possibilities, I purchased a Heavy AT Gun Section (primarily to combat the Matilda II) and a Light AT Gun Section. I deployed the Light AT Guns in the centre with the Heavy AT Guns nearer to the main road to cover EN Armour advance. Again, my assumption was to let the EN armour advance unimpeded through my infantry screen and then let the ATGs engage them at close range (probably <600m for the Light ATGs and <800m for the Heavy ATGs). My HMGs sections were deployed to cover both flanks and my Scout section set up OPs in the centre for better observation. The infantry coys were deployed in a 2-up formation. I also purchased an ammo dump to support my artillery park. |
Re: Italian Long Campaign
Turn 3,
Right from the 1st turn, a heavy EN bombardment fell onto 2nd Company sector. At Turn 3, we spotted armoured vehicles racing towards our units in the South. <a href="https://imgur.com/J3E7sZH"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/J3E7sZH.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> There were also tanks spotted in the North in 1st Company sector. Comparatively, none of the EN artillery was dropping in this sector, which suggested that the Southern attack was the main effort. <a href="https://imgur.com/fWQBo5V"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/fWQBo5V.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> |
Re: Italian Long Campaign
Turn 9
I allowed the EN tanks to race past my infantry screen before stopping them with my AT Rifle team near the objective flag. From there on, my infantry swarmed the tanks and close assaulted them. <a href="https://imgur.com/8vFWCjg"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/8vFWCjg.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> |
Re: Italian Long Campaign
Turn 12
My HMG section was badly pinned down by the EN bombardment and were unable to extricate themselves. I had also assumed that the EN armoured vehicles to push swiftly to the rear. Instead, they have taken a tactical halt, and in short time, found my infantry hiding. Again we were unable to extricate most of the platoon. The first EN infantry spotted were seen approaching the scout OP. I plotted my 1st artillery bombardment, timed at 2.3 turns. <a href="https://imgur.com/QtiTmPF"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/QtiTmPF.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> Turn 16, the armour leading the centre thrust moved farther ahead of the accompanying infantry and were destroyed by my infantry. My mortars began dropping steadily into the mass of the EN infantry. This will slow them down for at least 2-3 turns. I have moved up 1 of the Light ATGs to better position itself against the EN armour. Unfortunately, after a short firefight, they were down by 4 men, having only successfully destroyed 1 EN tank. 1 of my platoons have already been overrrun and there is a possibility that 2 more will be in danger soon. <a href="https://imgur.com/1DCVVAr"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/1DCVVAr.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> |
Re: Italian Long Campaign
Turn 25
The situation has somewhat stabilised. Since the EN infantry is coming from 2nd Company sector, my 1st Company could be released from their current position in the north and swing down to support the rest of the Battalion. J platoon was to come down on the right flank of 3rd Company and to prevent any more EN infantry from stretching 3rd Company's lines. The remaining HMG section that was attached to 1st Company also made its way towards the sound of the battle and we found a suitable firebase on the flank of the EN. 3rd Company also began compacting its lines and the main idea was to protect the remaining AT assets with the infantry. I have shifted my Scouts towards the rear of the EN, hoping to get a better view of their entire size force. <a href="https://imgur.com/8zEYc2p"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/8zEYc2p.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> Here in 2nd company sector, the remaining platoon (N Platoon) prepares to fight the EN armour. <a href="https://imgur.com/RV8zXov"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/RV8zXov.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> |
Re: Italian Long Campaign
Turn 30
N platoon only managed to disable and destroy 1 EN tank before getting roughly handled. For the moment, the EN tanks continue their foray into the rear of my positions. I was hoping they will make their way up North, where my Heavy ATGs are sited to cover the rear of the map. The remainder of 1st Company is finally coming up to the line and my scouts have reported very confidently that our artillery bombardment is shaking the EN infantry pretty badly. With that report, I decided to shift 1st Company into battleline and get them in as quickly as possible, to strike at the EN line of retreat. That should occur in the next 5 turns onwards. <a href="https://imgur.com/BNbVCuT"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/BNbVCuT.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> |
Re: Italian Long Campaign
Turn 33
Fortune smiles. The last marauding tank is destroyed by the Heavy ATGs. In all, my AT guns accounted for 6 of the EN armoured vehicles. <a href="https://imgur.com/OWW0Kpj"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/OWW0Kpj.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> Turn 36 Our battle line is advancing steadily. My scouts have even joined in the frenzy as the EN is making a shattered rout. <a href="https://imgur.com/U8QJ6QO"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/U8QJ6QO.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> Battle Report The main casualties were in 2nd Company. Unfortunately for them, they were the speed bump facing the EN main effort. 1st Company was relatively unscathed as they only had to engage 3 EN tanks. And by the time they started their attack towards the EN flank, the EN line was crumbling. 3rd Company fought very well when it was required to hold the line. My artillery park was also getting suppressed by counter battery fire, and their fire slackened considerably towards the end. On hindsight, I may have done better by site-ing my ATGs more forward. As the EN armour tends to outrun the infantry, this will allow the ATGs to engage the armour before my infantry has to do the dirty work. A couple of tanks or mobile AT weapons may have been more useful at stemming the tide as well. In this battle, I had to be very reactive and hope that the EN armour would react in a certain manner. They did, but after taking out close to 2 platoons of infantry. Also, I need to divvy up my artillery park. Putting them together increases all the risk with the only benefit being they shared the same ammo dump. <a href="https://imgur.com/1x0Nnt2"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/1x0Nnt2.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> |
Re: Italian Long Campaign
New Battle is a Advance in Sidi Barrani, Egypt
Studying the terrain, I had in mind going 3 -up with each company going after a specific sector of the map. The yellow stars (with purple arc of fire) depict possible firebase locations as I move my rifle coys up towards the objectives. 3rd Coy itself will be attached with a pair of M-13/40s and move along the road. I also brought some Air Recon, blue hexagons, depicting their area of observation. Some cavalry mounts were also purchased to give the HMG sections some additional mobility, so that they can get up to the firebase locations quickly. <a href="https://imgur.com/dMblDPO"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/dMblDPO.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> |
Re: Italian Long Campaign
Turn 3
Air recon spotted EN infantry in 1st Company's sector and EN armor in 2nd Company's sector. <a href="https://imgur.com/xJc41SA"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/xJc41SA.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> Turn 13 Situation developing by turn 13. 3rd Company has secured most objectives along the main road. Our armour is coming up on the EN flank to engage their armour. The EN is of approx. 1 company strength, dispersed over 2nd Company sector. The HMG firebases have overwatch over the EN positions. Relatively easy for the rest of the infantry to push ahead. <a href="https://imgur.com/bdlUCkP"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/bdlUCkP.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> |
Re: Italian Long Campaign
Turn 13 1st Company
There's also a company sized force in 1st Company sector. Again, our HMG firebases have good overwatch positions. <a href="https://imgur.com/amrHb6u"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/amrHb6u.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> |
Re: Italian Long Campaign
Battle Report (at turn 20++)
Basically, our advancing infantry was very well-supported by the HMG firebases and progress was rather uneventful. When the EN returned fire, the HMGs will suppress them before our infantry manuevured to engage them at closer ranges. Negligible losses overall. <a href="https://imgur.com/LU7OlXl"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/LU7OlXl.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> |
Re: Italian Long Campaign
After we easily advanced, we were given a special battle to delay.
We purchased 1 pair of M-13/40s, a platoon of TL-37 (mounted with 20mm autocannons), a pair of AT guns and a pair of AA guns. We identified 3 possible lines of resistance. The Black line is the 1st line, and this is characterised by the presence of my HMG sections and ATG section for Long Range fires. Scout section in the centre for maximum field of observation. Maroon Line is where both 1st and 2nd Companies would have engaged with the majority of their rifle platoons. Green Line is the reserve line, and is predominantly 3rd Company in the centre. The M-13/40s will take up reserve slope positions and engage EN armour as they cross the ridgeline. The TL-37s will engage any light armour, such as armoured cars or Bren carriers. Ammo carriers were also purchased in anticipation of a long drawn affair. The AA guns covered the approach to our artillery. <a href="https://imgur.com/aS6B9RV"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/aS6B9RV.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> |
Re: Italian Long Campaign
Turn 2
EN lorries are spotted travelling very fast down the road in the North towards 1st Company. Early EN artillery bombardment is fortunately only driving up sand to obscure the lines of observation. <a href="https://imgur.com/fWaApKX"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/fWaApKX.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> In 2nd Company sector EN armour and lorries can be spotted approaching very rapidly. It seems fortunate that our M-13/40s are in this sector to take up position. Our HMGs engage the EN lorries once they are around 1,200 metres away. <a href="https://imgur.com/0leVxb2"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/0leVxb2.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> |
Re: Italian Long Campaign
Turn 9
It is quite clear by now that the EN main effort is in the south, in 2nd Company's sector. They have committed almost their entire armour force, approx. 1 company strength. Their armour advanced swiftly past our screening force. Our tanks are engaging them in the flank and rear as they come. <a href="https://imgur.com/hO8LTRi"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/hO8LTRi.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> As for 1st Company, the situation is slightly less serious as the main EN advance was led by lorries which were destroyed by our HMG section. Their Armoured Cars have taken up a position to block off the withdrawal of our HMGs. Their artillery fire is finding its mark on our guys. We will probably be forced to give up on Black Line soon. <a href="https://imgur.com/vSy09Cr"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/vSy09Cr.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> |
Re: Italian Long Campaign
Turn 15
This was probably the high point of the battle itself as we destroyed the last of the EN armour. Yellow diamonds mark all the destroyed EN tanks. We have also lost 1 tank. Approx. 6 of the EN tanks were lost to my infantry assaults, but at pretty high cost to my infantry as well. The EN infantry is coming along swiftly now, I will move my remaining tank back nearer to the company HQ. <a href="https://imgur.com/pMLHxl1"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/pMLHxl1.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> |
Re: Italian Long Campaign
Turn 20
This is turning into an infantry slugfest. Our reserve platoon (Platoon N) has come up to reinforce the HQ position. M platoon has been badly mauled after destroying the EN tanks. Another platoon is hidden away in dead ground. Our artillery is concentrating on their lead elements. <a href="https://imgur.com/UYKmaoO"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/UYKmaoO.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> Over in 3rd Company sector, I decided to push them forward to relieve the pressure in 2nd Company. 2 platoons will use the terrain to mask their approach on the EN northern flank. The Company HMG section will provide fire from the high ground. <a href="https://imgur.com/SXfK5sR"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/SXfK5sR.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> In 1st Company sector, the EN infantry is running up into my main line. As the EN has already been heavily attrited by my long range HMG fires (they were riding in open top lorries), it doesn't take long for them to start retreating upon significant resistance. My reserve platoon is also moving up to push the line forward again. <a href="https://imgur.com/hOYCYHj"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/hOYCYHj.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> |
Re: Italian Long Campaign
Turn 26
I have re-positioned my remaining tank in the approach of the EN infantry. By this time, they have been taking artillery damage for the past 5-6 turns and their suppression is growing. I sense they are close to crumbling. <a href="https://imgur.com/ARFoN8c"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/ARFoN8c.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> The fight in 1st Company sector is nearly over. The EN infantry has been put to flight, and their Bren carriers are moving forward to stem the retreat. I have also recalled my AT carriers to engage the Bren carriers. <a href="https://imgur.com/xNP8DVs"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/xNP8DVs.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> |
Re: Italian Long Campaign
Battle Report at Turn 32
Summary EN main effort was determined by Turn 3-5. Moved my main AT assets (tanks) to intercept. Engage light skin vehicles with HMGs from turns 5-9. EN vehicles covered the ground very quickly and my HMG outposts were destroyed by turn 12. Tanks vs tanks started fighting from turn 8 and lasted till turn 15. EN infantry started engaging from turn 16 onwards. Firefights lasted till turn 22. Once the EN infantry was sufficiently attrited and unable to push past my line, they were pinned out and began retreating. <a href="https://imgur.com/5Gr5iDP"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/5Gr5iDP.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> |
Re: Italian Long Campaign
Next battle was a similar Delay engagement somewhere in N. Africa.
The main problem has been that the terrain in N. Africa is very open, and for a infantry heavy force, I need to be able to find dead ground to hide my infantry. This was my deployment after considering the open ground. As usual, BLACK LINE is a HMG screen. MAROON Line is where I deploy most of my AT assets. Brought along 2x ATG Sections and 1x M-13/40 Section. GREEN Line is the reserve line. Most of my infantry is hidden in dead ground and can only be spotted at 100-150 metres away. <a href="https://imgur.com/bFk9tOx"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/bFk9tOx.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> In my last battle, I felt quite letdown by the Italian 47mm ATGs. They tend to have poor accuracy and even at ranges of 500m, they tend to miss 2 times out of 3. At 500m, if we don't destroy the EN target in a hurry, you're likely to be hurt in return fire real quick. As a result, I decided to pick some 25mm ATGs, which traded higher accuracy at the expense of lower PEN. <a href="https://imgur.com/HKhIhWb"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/HKhIhWb.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> |
Re: Italian Long Campaign
Shortly after the Fog of War lifted, we spotted a large mobile force speeding towards 2nd Company in the southern sector. Artillery bombardment was plotted to hit the light skin lorries.
<a href="https://imgur.com/uF7zwda"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/uF7zwda.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> Turn 6, In 1st Company Sector, a platoon of EN tanks was also probing forward. The HMG section quickly doused the incoming tanks to remove any tank riders. If these tanks are coming without infantry support, my infantry should be able to handle them. <a href="https://imgur.com/09pCFN9"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/09pCFN9.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> |
Re: Italian Long Campaign
Turn 10
The main battle is ongoing in 3rd Company sector. L Platoon and the HMG Section are unable to pull back due to the speed of the EN attack. My tanks are engaging the EN as they crest the ridgeline, mainly destroying the Armoured Cars. I was hoping to destroy the lighter stuff and leaving the EN tanks for my ATGs. <a href="https://imgur.com/3qajd5E"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/3qajd5E.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> Turn 15 Situation is getting abit bleaker. I've lost 1 tank and my remaining tank has suffered critical damage to its main gun. It's only as good as an armoured car now. L Platoon is still in the fight but at the risk of complete overrun. The HMG section has been swept away. 1 of the ATG has also been destroyed. By turn 15, I decided to concentrate 1st Company towards 3rd Company sector. The HMG section has moved south to position itself just above M Platoon, near my other ATG section. I'm concentrating Long Range HMG fires with my artillery to slow the EN progress. My ATGs are taking long range shots with high accuracy, but not making much of a dent. <a href="https://imgur.com/Y3f6Z0W"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/Y3f6Z0W.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> Turn 19 2nd Company continues to hide from the EN tanks. EN armour force is very much reduced. <a href="https://imgur.com/f86uqQR"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/f86uqQR.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> |
Re: Italian Long Campaign
Turn 23
Situation is improving. There are only a couple of EN armor units left. The EN artillery has gone silent and are firing smoke rounds, a sign that they've depleted their ammo. This means I can start firing my artillery without concern for counter battery. My ATGs in 2nd Company have been destroyed. I estimate at least 3 infantry companies in the EN force. They are being attrited by HMG and mortar fires. Offscreen, 3rd Company is also beginning to concentrate towards 2nd Company. <a href="https://imgur.com/W9OgKxh"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/W9OgKxh.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> Turn 27 A better overview of the support moving towards 2nd Company. The EN is breaking en-mass. <a href="https://imgur.com/Fu8EM2K"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/Fu8EM2K.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> |
Re: Italian Long Campaign
Battle Report at Turn 40
Battle ended once we recaptured all objective flags. The 25mm ATGs were somewhat meh. The good thing is they are effective at ranges of up to 800m against anything with ARM 1. Against ARM 3, we probably have to go closer to around 400m or so. Highly accurate, fast firing, hard to spot, but not packing much of a punch. The EN artillery running out of ammo by mid-battle was also crucial in this victory. I tend to buy ammo carriers so my artillery was able to keep firing throughout. <a href="https://imgur.com/skz85GV"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/skz85GV.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> |
Re: Italian Long Campaign
Sigeena,
I'm curious what the experience and moral of your units is averaging, now that they have some victories behind them. Italian units start off pretty low, almost as bad as the early war Russian units. Steve |
Re: Italian Long Campaign
The Italians start with 60-60 for their Morale and Experience. I don't recall seeing any Green units, so they are definitely better than the Russians.
The only downside is their comparative lack of armour and AT weapons. Credits to WarCab, we are able to have a quick overview of the best and worst in the battalion <a href="https://imgur.com/6NWWsU0"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/6NWWsU0.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> |
Re: Italian Long Campaign
Next battle is a Defend against GB in N. Africa. Timeline is Nov 1940.
I supplemented my force with the following support units S0- 90mm Gun Emplacements (Primarily for AT purposes) T0- Ammo Carrier (For Infantry Gun) U0- Ammo Carrier (For Mortars) V0- 20mm Flak Section W0- M-13/40 Section X0- Fwd Obs I also bought 50pts worth of mines. Looking over the map, there wasn't really a strong position to anchor my defence. The only terrain which I could really hold with confidence was the forest in the north. To this end I decided to set up my Gun Emplacements forward and centrally to influence the early battle with the EN tanks. As with any Defend engagement, I was only really worried about EN artillery. If they are fast and on target, they will destroy my Gun emplacements before they are able to destroy enough EN tanks. <a href="https://imgur.com/UDMmErt"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/UDMmErt.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> |
Re: Italian Long Campaign
Turn 2-5
EN tanks were spotted moving along the southern flank towards 2nd Coy sector. Fortunately, our tanks are in the sector. I move them forward to take a position that allows flanking fire. <a href="https://imgur.com/oFKPAdg"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/oFKPAdg.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> <a href="https://imgur.com/dL458MB"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/dL458MB.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> |
Re: Italian Long Campaign
Turn 10
It was quite obvious that the deployment of the 90mm guns were ideal as their frontage was rapidly littered with wrecks of EN armoured vehicles. <a href="https://imgur.com/a2bGxiQ"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/a2bGxiQ.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> By turn 13, all EN armour was destroyed. <a href="https://imgur.com/mBgAdm4"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/mBgAdm4.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> |
Re: Italian Long Campaign
Turn 19
There was a short lull from Turns 14-19 as the EN infantry was slowly moving forward after the total loss of their armour. Our infantry has largely remained where they are throughout the early turns. Our HMGs have been moving very vigorously towards the EN concentrations. The 90mm guns are also taking long range shots at EN infantry. Once their ammo are depleted, they will abandon their positions. EN artillery is very heavy but very slow in arriving. I think they are mostly the General Support kind. <a href="https://imgur.com/37blkSy"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/37blkSy.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> |
Re: Italian Long Campaign
Turn 27
We note at least 2 EN companies moving towards 2nd Company. The southern sector remains the EN primary objective. We plot artillery fires on the head of the column and let our tanks assail the flank of the other. <a href="https://imgur.com/CMeCiN0"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/CMeCiN0.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> Turn 32 The EN progress is relentless. They are gradually worn away but they keep pushing forward. Their artillery is also finally finding its mark, and my HMGs grow silent to their front. <a href="https://imgur.com/Egqxzxn"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/Egqxzxn.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> Turn 36 I've began concentrating 3rd Company to the aid of 2nd Company and their collective fires are having visible impact on the EN advance. This is probably the furthest the EN got to at this point. <a href="https://imgur.com/2KTYjUo"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/2KTYjUo.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> |
Re: Italian Long Campaign
Battle Report at Turn 39
Once 3rd Company linked up with 2nd Company, the EN forces began to sound retreat. Overall we won, without having to commit at least 1 third of our troops. <a href="https://imgur.com/H8g42LO"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/H8g42LO.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> The 90mm guns were very good. They are alot like the 88mm FlaK guns. The bad thing is I can only get them in defend battles. |
Re: Italian Long Campaign
Seems like the High Command likes to throw my battalion into defensive battles. Next up, another Delay engagement.
The terrain doesn't look too good, as there's very little good ground to anchor on. I supplemented our core with the following support forces S0- M-13/40 Section T0- Ammo Carrier (for Arty Park) U0- Ammo Carrier (for 75mm ATG) V0- Flak Section W0- 25mm ATG section X0- 75mm ATG section The 75mm ATGs have a PEN of 9, and pretty good accuracy. Their only downside is their lack of AP ammo at 10 shots only, which is why I decided to provide them an ammo carrier to ensure they have additional shots. With both ATG sections co-located with 3rd Company, my plan was to strong point the centre. Most of my infantry are in dead ground. The 1st 5 turns will probably consists of the HMGs engaging targets near the edge of the plateau. Once we identify the EN armour thrust, we will adjust with our own tank section. Hopefully they approach near the centre so that our ATGs are best able to influence the battle. <a href="https://imgur.com/HdgOEOs"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/HdgOEOs.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> |
Re: Italian Long Campaign
Lorries were spotted advancing along the south, towards 2nd Coy. My HMGs start to light them up as soon as they come into 1200m range.
<a href="https://imgur.com/WNbbHiL"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/WNbbHiL.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> Matildas are spotted coming along the centre. Due to the speed disparity, I can expect to encounter the A13s first and then the Matildas with their infantry. Matildas (Front ARM 8, Rear ARM 6) are going to be problematic to deal with. The only AT asset capable of destroying them are the 75mm ATGs (PEN 9) <a href="https://imgur.com/kXNOSC0"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/kXNOSC0.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> |
Re: Italian Long Campaign
Thanks for your AAR! I've learned a lot and it's nice to be able to watch over your shoulder during the game. (I also learned that reading your AAR too late, is not smart if you have to get up early the next day, but that's not your fault.)
:up: |
Re: Italian Long Campaign
Turn 7
The EN came very fast. And they were knocked out equally fast. A closer look at the 3rd Coy's strong point. The ATGs remain hidden while the light armoured stuff are being taken care off by my tanks. I position my tanks just behind some dead ground, in case they need to take cover fast. Of my infantry, I leave my commanders aboveground to keep a lookout for EN infiltrators. If there are, my HMGs will engage them. All my infantry units, less the HMGs are ordered to keep their fire till the EN is 100m away. <a href="https://imgur.com/fIfJJsE"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/fIfJJsE.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> By turn 12, most of the EN tanks are destroyed, leaving behind the Matildas. 2 of them are coming towards 3rd Coy while a platoon of 3 are moving towards 1st Coy. <a href="https://imgur.com/Ao2iqPO"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/Ao2iqPO.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> H Platoon of 1st Coy lies in wait for the approaching Matildas. I Platoon will screen for any EN infantry on their flank. <a href="https://imgur.com/Up04e8W"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/Up04e8W.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> |
Re: Italian Long Campaign
Turn 18
EN infantry are beginning to bear their weight on 2nd Company. Counted about 1 and half company strength. The half company was probably attrited by my HMGs earlier. <a href="https://imgur.com/tnKJKOs"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/tnKJKOs.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> Elsewhere in 3rd Coy sector, the Matildas-CS are getting closer to my ATGs. Unfortunately, my 75mm gun crews are cowering from the EN artillery. Hopefully, they recover in time to man their guns. <a href="https://imgur.com/Y3e7SEP"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/Y3e7SEP.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> H Platoon have managed to immobilise 1 of the Matildas. The platoon fall back to take up positions against the remaining 2. <a href="https://imgur.com/MKpcDXP"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/MKpcDXP.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> |
Re: Italian Long Campaign
Turn 23
3rd Company, 1 of the Heavy ATGs have been destroyed, after critically damaging 1 of the Matildas. The remaining Matilda has also run out of AP rounds. It's a fight to the finish, and I rush my M-13/40s to the rear of the Matilda, hoping for a lucky shot. My M-13/40s have PEN 6, vs the Matilda Rear ARM 6. In one of those Benny Hill skits, there was alot of sound and fury, but we could only immobilise the EN Matilda. Good enough. <a href="https://imgur.com/1RaKyEh"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/1RaKyEh.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> H Platoon and I platoon have teamed up to immobilise the remaining Matildas. As you can see, it required alot of smoke. <a href="https://imgur.com/PHvXUmH"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/PHvXUmH.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> Over at 2nd Company, we have begun advancing against the EN infantry. With effective artillery bombardment, the EN started to crumble. <a href="https://imgur.com/9yTwEhB"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/9yTwEhB.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> |
Re: Italian Long Campaign
Battle Report
Unlike the earlier battles, we didn't destroy all of the EN tanks but their advance was effectively stopped once all their infantry routed. The 75mm ATGs were size 3, and were discovered much too easily. Once spotted by the EN, they became the biggest target, and were not recovered easily. Lost the Heavy ATG section before end of battle. As for the 25mm ATGs, they were largely quiet and were only shooting at Bren carriers. Reviewing the battle, I think I've better management of my HMGs in this one, which allowed me to dominate over the EN infantry advance. <a href="https://imgur.com/XdsF4WA"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/XdsF4WA.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> |
Re: Italian Long Campaign
Next engagement was an Advance against UK. It's still 1st year of the war, I think December 1940. Operation Compass, I guess
1 company will go along the road, with my tanks and quickly exploit the EN rear. The other 2 companies will move along the lower ground and hopefully their approach march is likely to be concealed. My HMGs will follow these 2 companies, on cavalry transports. Since it's an Advance, we'll likely meet not more than 2 infantry companies, a tank section or 2 and some medium mortars. The UK 3 inch mortars have very poor range, so if they reveal their positions early, I can always plaster them with return fire. Unfortunately, no air recon to help spot targets. <a href="https://imgur.com/T7vEkt9"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/T7vEkt9.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> |
Re: Italian Long Campaign
Turn 5
1st Company's lead scouts receive EN infantry fire. Our Company HMG move off the road to provide suppressive fire, while our tanks move forward to engage the infantry. The lead platoon (J) prepare to peel off to clear the elevated ground. I Platoon move forward to take lead position along the road. <a href="https://imgur.com/az2u6YG"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/az2u6YG.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> Turn 9 EN tanks are spotted along the road, some 1.2km away. These are the MkIVs, their main gun is only a 0.5 Cal HMG. So they don't pose a threat to my tanks. The EN's front platoon is on the run, I expect to see more resistance concealed on the higher ground. <a href="https://imgur.com/c93G5Rp"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/c93G5Rp.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> |
Re: Italian Long Campaign
Turn 9
2nd Company has reached its Form Up Point without much resistance. The EN has probably not spotted them yet and are fully concentrated on 1st Company. Our HMGs are deployed. The first EN artillery are some 3 inch mortars, which we have spotted some puffs of smoke. <a href="https://imgur.com/FMMGXpG"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/FMMGXpG.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> Turn 12 Once 2nd Company crested the ridgeline, we were met with sporadic EN infantry fire. This was probably around a platoon size, which was overwhelmed pretty quickly. <a href="https://imgur.com/ZIwnlFq"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/ZIwnlFq.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> |
Re: Italian Long Campaign
Turn 11
3rd Company is getting engaged with EN HMG as well. There's probably 1 EN company infantry in strength just above us. <a href="https://imgur.com/1L1vrme"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/1L1vrme.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> Turn 13 3rd Company crested the ridgeline and found themselves in sudden close firefight with the EN infantry. Our HMGs work frantically to keep the EN suppressed. The plan is simple from here. <a href="https://imgur.com/yHgcl3L"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/yHgcl3L.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> |
Re: Italian Long Campaign
Turn 17
This was nearing the end. The EN has broken in 3rd Company's sector and its more of a mop-up operation from hereon. I expect some EN resistance on the plateau but probably not more than a platoon size. <a href="https://imgur.com/HfMghiV"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/HfMghiV.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> Battle Report A rather breezy battle overall. My worst loss was a HMG section that fell prey to the EN HMGs. <a href="https://imgur.com/kWT1xJa"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/kWT1xJa.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> |
Re: Italian Long Campaign
I've played about 3 more battles ahead. Things are rather slow going. It's just January of 1941. It'll be another 7 more months before we hit Eastern Front.
Is the same back and forth with the UK getting abit stale? If yes, I'll update this thread again once we hit a different country or else Soviets. |
Re: Italian Long Campaign
I'd love to see how Italians fare against Soviets :) but that doesn't mean your AARs against other countries are boring or anything like that. It is up to you, as long as you enjoy writing these, I, for one, will be reading them.
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Re: Italian Long Campaign
Advance battle against UK.
I've decided to add a section of 60mm mortars to each of my infantry companies. They can be used in either direct or indirect fire role, most likely the former, since they will be placed near to the company commander. Usually for Advance missions, I'll plot some smoke along the route of advance, so that my leading scouts can move fast through the smoke. In this battle, my force will largely advance along the road, and upon contact, break off to engage them. The air recon provides additional eyes over the immediate front. I don't like my air recon going too deep, in case there's EN AAA. <a href="https://imgur.com/A0oZm6k"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/A0oZm6k.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> |
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