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Re: Italian Long Campaign
Turn 2
Spotted EN tanks parked at the bottom edge of the map. This is going to be 3rd Company's sector. Even though my tanks are under 1st Company command, I'll probably move them to support 3rd Company later. <a href="https://imgur.com/LudTNxY"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/LudTNxY.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> |
Re: Italian Long Campaign
Turn 6
2nd Company is beginning to engage the EN infantry company in their sector. I deploy the heavy weapons to support the advance. Note the HMGs and 60mm mortars. L platoon will continue to push down the road while N and M platoon will advance directly into the EN company. <a href="https://imgur.com/Dy8KRQ0"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/Dy8KRQ0.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> Turn 8 The EN resistance is swept away. Fighting here is short and sharp. <a href="https://imgur.com/lhk8aAk"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/lhk8aAk.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> |
Re: Italian Long Campaign
Turn 9
1st and 3rd Company are moving along the road and preparing to advance into their respective sectors. I expect more resistance in 3rd Company sector, with the EN tank section spotted in that area. J platoon has found and destroyed an EN ATG. H platoon will seek and destroy the EN mortars. <a href="https://imgur.com/DJu6pF9"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/DJu6pF9.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> Turn 12 3rd Company is ready to advance into their sector. <a href="https://imgur.com/p0U6Hka"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/p0U6Hka.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> Turn 17 The battle in this sector is near over. The EN tank makes a late appearance. <a href="https://imgur.com/Vx0TE1q"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/Vx0TE1q.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> |
Re: Italian Long Campaign
Battle Report
Another breezy Advance battle. The terrain was ideal for an Advance battle. There was alot of open space and E-W roads. The E-W roads allow for speedy movement towards the EN rear. The open space allows for long fields of fire once I spotted the EN force. If I was playing Delay on this map, I don't think I would have done well too. Maybe strongpoint the buildings with a company and ATGs. <a href="https://imgur.com/OfCyKhT"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/OfCyKhT.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> |
Re: Italian Long Campaign
I made some changes to my infantry platoon set-up, basically upgraded my platoon commander to using molotov type of AT weapons. Each platoon has some improved AT capability, though the majority in the platoon still have to rely on using their hand grenades for close assaults.
Next up was a Defend mission. The map looked much improved over the previous battles. As usual, I bought the Heavy ATG emplacements (90mm) and a couple of tanks for mobile AT capability. Guiding principle for defend battles is always plan with depth in mind. The general concept is that you want multiple lines of resistance to slow down and attrite the EN force so that when they finally reach the main line of resistance, they are no longer combat capable to overwhelm. To avoid being destroyed in detail, you must always be ready to pull back over exposed screening forces. My Heavy ATGs are emplaced in a strategic ridgeline near the centre of the map. I also set up some minefields to prevent EN infiltration along the flanks of the map. <a href="https://imgur.com/sMOyWdB"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/sMOyWdB.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> |
Re: Italian Long Campaign
Early EN bombardment, the heavy smoke obscures my HMGs LOS.
<a href="https://imgur.com/klzbHco"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/klzbHco.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> By the time some of the heavy smoke lifted, around turn 5, the EN is fast approaching my screening force. Here is the main EN mobile force in 2nd Company sector. <a href="https://imgur.com/L1kqUMq"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/L1kqUMq.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> |
Re: Italian Long Campaign
The main battle in turns 6 to 15 were largely focused on 2nd Company.
Some of the faster EN armour finds themselves in the minefield. <a href="https://imgur.com/5qQAMvx"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/5qQAMvx.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> Turn 11 My medium tanks are unable to keep up with the EN's advance and are slowly overwhelmed by numbers. <a href="https://imgur.com/YlCzTRd"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/YlCzTRd.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> Turn 14 Approx. 6 EN tanks are left running and fighting. My AT Rifle team takes out 1 tank and sends another 2 routing off the map. <a href="https://imgur.com/8wrRSbA"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/8wrRSbA.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> Turn 22 The EN tank advance has been stopped and I start to concentrate 2nd Company to advance, reclaiming the objective flags. <a href="https://imgur.com/QlNCUMl"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/QlNCUMl.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> |
Re: Italian Long Campaign
Turn 11
1st Company was the secondary sector of the battle. The EN advance was largely infantry led and was stopped by the combination of HMG fires and mortars. <a href="https://imgur.com/LMRzzPJ"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/LMRzzPJ.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> Turn 22 <a href="https://imgur.com/40C1I7T"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/40C1I7T.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> |
Re: Italian Long Campaign
Battle Report
Once the EN force was heavily attrited, they started to break. I moved J platoon to cut off the line of retreat. The battle was largely decided once the EN tank advance exhausted itself. There were a few turns where the EN had penetrated 2nd Company's screening force. My tanks were lost quite early on, while there were at least 6-7 EN tanks still running around. <a href="https://imgur.com/b6U9Dsy"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/b6U9Dsy.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> |
Re: Italian Long Campaign
Next up another Defend battle against UK.
In the last battle, I found my tanks were not as effective, as the EN's heavy bombardment isolated their position and they got overrun by the EN's fast moving tanks. In this new defend battle, I decided to buy a pair of 75mm ATGs instead. Here's my set-up. I decided to strong point 2 positions. 1 with a trio of 90mm ATG emplacements and the other with a pair of 75mm ATGs. I also bought some 20mm AAs to help cover the flanks of the strongpoints. 3rd Coy takes the centre, with 1st Coy in the south and 2nd Coy in the north. Minefields are laid to cover most expected approaches. I expect the early battle to be fought by my HMGs, and as the EN tanks approach to within 1.2km, to be engaged by my 90mm ATGs. My 75mm ATGs will engage closer to 600m. The difference in range engagement is due to the PEN of the primary weapons. 90mm ATGs have a PEN of 14, 75mm have a PEN of 9. I usually try not to defend every objective, especially when I know the EN still has running tanks. <a href="https://imgur.com/DLZKL9L"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/DLZKL9L.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> |
Re: Italian Long Campaign
Turn 5
After the initial EN bombardment lifted, our scouts spotted a company sized force of EN tanks moving towards our positions. There were at least 12-15 heavy infantry tanks, of the Valentine and Matilda variety. These have good front and side armour. Probably only my 90mm ATGs will be able to destroy them. The EN tanks were coming towards 3rd Company, while the lighter EN armour is speeding towards 1st Company. 2nd Company is likely to be a quiet sector. <a href="https://imgur.com/vY1NKmL"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/vY1NKmL.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> |
Re: Italian Long Campaign
Turn 8
Our 90mm ATGs start to engage the EN tanks. We try to score hits on their flanks as they come. Our 75mm ATGs remain silent as they need the tanks to close to within 500metres or so for a likely penetrating hit. Also note that the EN artillery has torn up lots of ground <a href="https://imgur.com/AtJQNop"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/AtJQNop.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> Turn 12 The 90mm ATGs are doing very well. Alot of the EN tanks have been wrecked and now our scouts spotted the accompanying EN infantry. There's easily 3 companies worth. Also worth noting that our trio of 90mm ATGs only have about 30 AP rounds each, with each scoring every 3rd round or so, we can probably only engage 30 EN tanks before we run out of AP ammo. We plot some of our own artillery bombardments to slow down the EN infantry advance. <a href="https://imgur.com/lfObFZt"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/lfObFZt.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> Turn 22 In around Turn 19 or so, we spotted fresh EN Valentine tanks reinforcements. My 90mm ATGs have just run out of AP ammo and my 75mm would only be able to penetrate from 500m or so. The EN infantry renew their advance. <a href="https://imgur.com/sPG899m"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/sPG899m.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> |
Re: Italian Long Campaign
Turn 34
Once our 75mm ATGs fall silent to the EN infantry, our only hope of destroying the EN tanks is with our own infantry. To do this effectively, we need to isolate their tanks from their accompanying infantry. Here, 1 of the Valentines is immobilised by our mines. We bring up our remaining heavy weapons to disrupt the EN infantry. <a href="https://imgur.com/h8eRaFW"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/h8eRaFW.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> Turn 40 A combination of heavy weapons and mortars impede the EN infantry and probably not more than a half platoon is supporting the EN tanks. <a href="https://imgur.com/HZBod4l"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/HZBod4l.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> Turn 43 The EN tanks split their force, with 1 lone tank heading north into 2nd Company and the other pair heading into 3rd Company. We lay some smoke, and expect imminent close assault with the EN tanks. <a href="https://imgur.com/dQsU6BA"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/dQsU6BA.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> |
Re: Italian Long Campaign
Turn 49
Shortly after destroying the EN tanks, our infantry are able to advance confidently. We plaster the immobilised EN tanks with our artillery and push forward with our reserve infantry. Most of 1st Company, which were hidden by a small ridgeline along the EN flank sprung to life and pushed fast into the EN line of retreat. <a href="https://imgur.com/wJmy3wT"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/wJmy3wT.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> |
Re: Italian Long Campaign
Battle Report at Turn 54
This was a real long battle. I was very surprised by the number of infantry tanks. Usually, our 90mm ATGs would have taken out all of them by turn 15-18 and it will just be an attritional exercise with their infantry before sending our infantry at the right moment. In this one, the EN tanks just kept coming and once our heavy ATGs are out of ammo, we could only take them out via close assaults, which are harder to plan for because the EN infantry tanks move so slowly. Perhaps I need to rethink the use of my own tanks. I didn't buy them this time round and opted for the 75mm ATGs. But once again, I feel that the 75mm ATGs have been a waste of points. They are too large, so were easily spotted and their PEN is unable to engage Valentines or Matildas. Up till Turn 43, I wasn't sure I had this battle in the bag. Was probably counting on timed objective points to score me a marginal victory. <a href="https://imgur.com/vR1AoU5"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/vR1AoU5.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> |
Re: Italian Long Campaign
Next battle was a rare Assault mission on UK.
Unfortunately, I forgot to take more screenshots in the initial phase and so I wasn't able to show the map as a whole. The main thing to note was that it was a low-light fight at around 6 hexes. Low visibility often cedes the advantage to the attacker, especially since the AI doesn't really deploy with the assumption that it will be fighting at 6 hexes away. I brought along 2 platoons of Engineers, 2 platoon of motor transports and 1 section of Armoured Cars. We went in with 1st Coy along a road axis, supported by 1 platoon of Engineers and the Armoured Cars. 2nd Coy was behind 1st Coy and after the initial fight to the first objective, 2nd Coy was expected to passage of line through 1st Coy and fight to their objective located around 500-600 metres after 1st Coy's objectives. 3rd Coy had no road axis, but they were also supported by the Engineers and motor transports. I like to move fast, so my Engineers will be mounted on the transports. I fire smoke in the 1st turn to obscure EN observation and dismount my Engineers near where I expect to breach EN minefields. |
Re: Italian Long Campaign
Turn 3
This was 3rd Company sector. I dismount my Engineers in the smoke, just before the road running N-S. The motor transports will do a ferry service of sorts and move the rest of the company to support the Engineers. The Engineers are intended to detect any minefields, and breach them, so they will lead the company. If we push through say 10-15 hexes of EN held land without coming to mines, my Engineers no longer need to lead the company. <a href="https://imgur.com/QFQazdE"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/QFQazdE.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> |
Re: Italian Long Campaign
Turn 5
1st Company sector. The engineers found and breached through the mine fields along the road. As they continued to push along the road, they came under fire from EN dug-in infantry. My HMGs z-fired to suppress the EN, and I moved my armoured cars to lay down more suppressive fire before my Engineers pressed on for point blank assault. <a href="https://imgur.com/vLH3U2Q"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/vLH3U2Q.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> |
Re: Italian Long Campaign
Turn 10
3rd Company sector. There wasn't any minefields in this sector but there were more EN infantry. We dropped some mortars and with heavy z-fire from my HMGs, suppressed the EN before maneuvering my infantry closer to force the EN out. <a href="https://imgur.com/loT2LxR"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/loT2LxR.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> Turn 15 We're approaching 3rd Company's objectives, in relative good order. Based on the EN's dispositions, we can expect an EN counter attack coming from the south later. P platoon will establish a block, while the rest of the coy continue their advance. <a href="https://imgur.com/iWmWQFm"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/iWmWQFm.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> |
Re: Italian Long Campaign
Turn 10
1st Company sector. After the initial contact, it was pretty uneventful for the rest of the advance. 1st Company is now positioned to advance towards their objectives. Engineers are leading once again, with Armoured Cars and an infantry platoon in close support. <a href="https://imgur.com/qRv4tJo"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/qRv4tJo.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> Turn 15 We've secured 1st company's objective and spread the guys out in all round security. 2nd Company starts their passage of line through 1st company towards their objectives. The Engineers continue to advance with the armoured cars in support. <a href="https://imgur.com/TucuDra"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/TucuDra.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> |
Re: Italian Long Campaign
Turn 18
EN has begun their counterattack. As expected in 3rd Company, an EN platoon sized force is coming from the south. P Platoon is well-positioned and I added some artillery into the mix. The EN effort melted away after 2-3 turns. <a href="https://imgur.com/qvTLCT8"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/qvTLCT8.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> Turn 19 1st Company sector. EN counter attack from the north. We positioned our HMGs on some high ground for suppressive fire and had 2 platoons to fight off the EN advance. The EN was unable to make any headway. <a href="https://imgur.com/7UaBVe7"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/7UaBVe7.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> 2nd Company was fast approaching their objectives, where the Engineers founds some defensive bunkers. It's important to approach a bunker from their blind side. Use smoke and terrain to mask your advance. Sometimes, if they are not pointed in the right direction, they can be ignored altogether. <a href="https://imgur.com/MN7UkcY"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/MN7UkcY.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> |
Re: Italian Long Campaign
Battle Report
There wasn't any EN tanks, so their counter attack lack sufficient firepower. Pretty quick one. <a href="https://imgur.com/Ho8xuk9"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/Ho8xuk9.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> |
Re: Italian Long Campaign
Defend Battle against UK.
The ground here looks very good. Basically, I have an entire ridgeline which can dominate any attacked moving over the open ground. The ridgeline is also large enough for me to deploy 2 companies on it. As usual for defensive battles, I brought along the following - 90mm ATG Platoon emplacements (Main AT asset) - 25mm ATG Section (Secondary AT asset) - M-13/40 Section (Mobile AT asset) - 2x 20mm AA Sectons - 2x ammo carriers I also bought 50pts worth of mines. I find that the game prefers to go around high ground, rather than over it. To exploit that, I place mines along these parts. The only area of concern is 1st Company's sector. They have no AT asset and will rely on their infantry to go close to destroy any EN tanks. <a href="https://imgur.com/xIQI6by"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/xIQI6by.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> |
Re: Italian Long Campaign
A closer look at the various companies
1st Company As mentioned earlier, I'm not too comfortable with how 1st Company is spread out. If the EN moves too fast, my screening platoons may just go to ground and wait for opportunities. <a href="https://imgur.com/VWpPo5G"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/VWpPo5G.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> 2nd Company They were occupying the left wing of the ridgeline, and backed up with the 25mm ATGs. I kept them compact, and only expect the 25mm ATGs to engage fast moving lightly armoured vehicles. <a href="https://imgur.com/cQ8pxM2"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/cQ8pxM2.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> 3rd Company This is literally my main battle line. The tanks upfront have license to roam and are intended to engage the EN lighter armoured stuff. The 90mm ATGs in the centre are to engage any Valentines or Matilda type of armour. <a href="https://imgur.com/rKHTyuB"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/rKHTyuB.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> |
Re: Italian Long Campaign
Turns 2-5
Here we spotted the EN armoured cars and light tanks making an approach to 3rd Company. I send my tanks to intercept. I do not want my 90mm ATGs to fire off too early and give away their positions. <a href="https://imgur.com/78w9BTd"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/78w9BTd.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> Elsewhere in 1st Company sector, our HMGs get busy engaging lorries. The EN seems to be making this a sizeable effort. At least 4 lorries spotted, suggesting a platoon of motor infantry. Maybe a full company coming down the road? <a href="https://imgur.com/Lng26JK"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/Lng26JK.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> |
Re: Italian Long Campaign
Turn 5
Early skirmishing between our tanks and EN armoured cars. Not much to worry about so far. Their light tanks do not have a main gun. Once I dealt with them, I sent my tanks hiding again, taking advantage of the terrain. <a href="https://imgur.com/4HZqSU5"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/4HZqSU5.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> |
Re: Italian Long Campaign
Turn 8
My HMGs are falling back. The EN lead tanks have cut the road but we should still be able to infiltrate backwards. H platoon is now in a fight against the EN tanks. <a href="https://imgur.com/Js4Qdh6"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/Js4Qdh6.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> Turn 20 H platoon has dealt sufficient damage to the EN advance. They took out 3 tanks and had to pull back as the EN artillery kept falling around them. EN infantry is also beginning to close in on them. J platoon has gone to ground for now. <a href="https://imgur.com/H6HfGnA"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/H6HfGnA.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> Turn 22 H platoon has disengaged pretty cleanly, having to sacrifice 1 section. Company HQ is supporting their movement with HMGs and 60mm mortars in direct fire. <a href="https://imgur.com/l9zxs2A"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/l9zxs2A.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> |
Re: Italian Long Campaign
Turn 10
The rest of the EN armour advanced towards the main ridgeline. My HMGs button them up from range. <a href="https://imgur.com/o1i3k4L"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/o1i3k4L.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> Turn 13 6 EN tanks fall to the minefields. My 90mm ATGs pick them off as they lie immobile. <a href="https://imgur.com/pIRjw5P"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/pIRjw5P.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> Turn 15 More tanks approach from the south. Again, my 90mm ATGs pick them off from range. <a href="https://imgur.com/yAmBRn9"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/yAmBRn9.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> |
Re: Italian Long Campaign
Turn 27
There is 1 Matilda left, and it's roaming in 1st Company sector. I plot arty all around their infantry, hoping that the Matilda will advance without much support. <a href="https://imgur.com/npnKWlN"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/npnKWlN.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> 3rd Company will now move forward and swing towards 1st Company, to support my tanks. <a href="https://imgur.com/8EFkpNs"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/8EFkpNs.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> Turn 30 1st Company has to re-org itself as the Coy HQ was too exposed. As a result, their Matilda makes a dash forward, leaving their infantry support behind. <a href="https://imgur.com/6gVG6vB"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/6gVG6vB.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> |
Re: Italian Long Campaign
Turn 33
My tanks are leading the counter attack into the EN. 3rd Coy isn't too far behind. 2nd Coy is also pushing units up to close with the EN. <a href="https://imgur.com/IhUz67N"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/IhUz67N.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> Turn 34 J platoon, which has remained quiet for most of the battle, comes alive as the EN line starts to crumble. They attack from an uncovered angle. <a href="https://imgur.com/6APHPwi"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/6APHPwi.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> |
Re: Italian Long Campaign
Battle Report
<a href="https://imgur.com/6CINBPD"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/6CINBPD.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> Again, credits to Warcab, I extracted some strategic battle images and compiled them into a gif, to give an overall feel of the ebb and flow. There were 44 turns in total, and I only extracted odd number turns, so as to keep the size smaller. You can see that the main push was entirely against 1st Company. <a href="https://imgur.com/EAJGGQo"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/EAJGGQo.gif" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> |
Re: Italian Long Campaign
Delay Battle against UK.
The ground here is very steep and rough. Infantry will take a long time to traverse, and any armour will probably travel fastest along ridgelines, rather than across it. There is a road running E-W along the northern edge of the map, but I do not think the EN will use it to much advantage. I supplement my core forces with the following - Ammo Carrier (for Infantry Howitzer) - Ammo Carrier (for 81mm Mortars) - Tank Section - 25mm ATG - 47mm ATG - 20mm AA Guns - Air Recon With availability of the Air Recon, I decided on a largely reverse slope deployment. This maximises my survivability as well as improves my ATG's accuracy and effectiveness. Black line is the screening force. Maroon Line is expected to be main resistance and Green Line is my reserve fighting line. <a href="https://imgur.com/1r158pm"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/1r158pm.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> |
Re: Italian Long Campaign
I deployed my Companies from South to North, with 1st Company in the South and 3rd in the North.
1st Company (Note the presence of my 47mm ATGs, oriented to engage to the rear.) <a href="https://imgur.com/Hc2tWQI"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/Hc2tWQI.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> 2nd Company The screening force takes advantage of the reverse slope to enhance survivability against early EN contacts. <a href="https://imgur.com/TeQfhoM"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/TeQfhoM.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> 3rd Company The HMGs are deployed to watch the road. Sometimes, the EN sends down their lorry-borne infantry along the roads. My pair of tanks wait in the shallow ground for opportunities to snipe from the flanks. <a href="https://imgur.com/C0poIyv"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/C0poIyv.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> |
Re: Italian Long Campaign
Turn 2
Spotted a platoon of EN tanks coming down the road. My HMGs fire off quickly to ensure no riding infantry and proceed to pull back down the road. <a href="https://imgur.com/nCvybEX"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/nCvybEX.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> The EN arty is landing around my tanks, and I have to keep them on the move to avoid getting in the worst of it. It also precipitates their fast moving light armour stuff. My tanks are well positioned in this sector to engage them. <a href="https://imgur.com/lk1y54h"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/lk1y54h.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> A13s are spotted coming on quickly towards 1st and 2nd Company. We also spotted a platoon of Valentines, which are likely to lag farther behind. <a href="https://imgur.com/Em6a7et"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/Em6a7et.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> |
Re: Italian Long Campaign
Turn 5
The early skirmishing is lop-sided as the EN armoured cars do not have any main guns to threaten my tanks. Also note the current position of the EN tanks along the road. If they turn south sharply, they may influence the skirmish. My HMGs continue to pull back and keep the EN tanks buttoned up. <a href="https://imgur.com/h1qsEaq"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/h1qsEaq.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> Turn 10 1 of the EN tanks split off and went around. The other 2 have begun turning south west towards 3rd Company. My tanks have taken up new positions after a successful fight with the EN armoured cars. I expect the lone tank to be destroyed by my infantry with relative ease. The other 2 may need some coaxing to expose themselves. <a href="https://imgur.com/ITYOrKb"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/ITYOrKb.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> |
Re: Italian Long Campaign
Turn 8
2nd and 3rd Company are now planning on how to deal with the fast moving A13 tanks. My 25mm ATGs are in perfect position and the LOS is around 250-400metres. <a href="https://imgur.com/TZgKo2r"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/TZgKo2r.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> Turn 10 Another platoon of A13s approach from a different angle. This approach is similarly covered by the 25mms. <a href="https://imgur.com/hKmqiNM"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/hKmqiNM.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> |
Re: Italian Long Campaign
Turn 14
After the EN cruiser tanks were destroyed, we waited for the inevitable advance of the Valentines. There are 4 of them and my only way of destroying them would rely on my infantry going for close assaults. Here 1 of them is likely to scale directly into H platoon. <a href="https://imgur.com/XtdEJ6O"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/XtdEJ6O.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> |
Re: Italian Long Campaign
Turn 14
3rd Company sector. After the EN tanks were destroyed, we re-orient our tanks towards the advancing EN infantry. I expect my tanks to whittle away at the EN advance, before they hit my main line. We expect at least 2 companies worth of EN infantry. <a href="https://imgur.com/oYrm7aO"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/oYrm7aO.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> Turn 18 Over the next few turns, the EN advance grew larger and larger. Our HMGs and mortars are providing the tanks excellent support. We may be able to stop the EN advance altogether. <a href="https://imgur.com/EYncQ2D"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/EYncQ2D.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> Turn 22 A better overview of 3rd Company's positions. You can also spot the flaming A13 along the road, destroyed by my infantry. The range from my HMGs to the EN infantry is about 850-1,100 metres. <a href="https://imgur.com/x7eYC7K"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/x7eYC7K.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> |
Re: Italian Long Campaign
Turn 20
As the Valentines press forward, I decided to pull back my screening force. Their current position is too far forward and risk being engaged and destroyed in detail. 2nd Company moves back to their main line, leaving 1 platoon in the dead ground to ambush the Valentines. 1st Company has also largely pulled back behind and are hidden from the EN infantry. <a href="https://imgur.com/OUn62zy"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/OUn62zy.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> Turn 22 As usual, my heavy weapons is disrupting the EN infantry from supporting their tanks. L platoon is in an ideal position to close assault the Valentines. <a href="https://imgur.com/65B7g03"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/65B7g03.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> Turn 26 I smoke out the area as the Valentines roll forward. I keep them buttoned up with HMG fires. They seemed to have split their forces abit. 1 is coming towards 1st Coy and the other towards 2nd Coy. The last one is held in reserve. <a href="https://imgur.com/DBqHd21"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/DBqHd21.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> Turn 30 Here the last EN tank is sent forward. L platoon prepares once again for a close assault. <a href="https://imgur.com/wzJnSP7"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/wzJnSP7.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> |
Re: Italian Long Campaign
Battle Report
The EN brought alot of artillery for this one. They shelled our arty park a fair bit but we were able to shift our guns to alternate positions. I was also pretty pleased with the performance of our tanks. They fought throughout the battle and they held off at least 2-3 companies of EN infantry. 3rd Company was quite unscathed. <a href="https://imgur.com/Wz2IPJS"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/Wz2IPJS.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> Here's the cool dynamic map. Our tanks were really lively. <a href="https://imgur.com/k1GWf5m"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/k1GWf5m.gif" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> |
Re: Italian Long Campaign
We had the choice of a special mission for a quick Advance.
The map is still quite similar to our last battle, alot of craggy rocky ground. Fortunately, we have a E-W road running almost in the centre of the map, so this will be very important for us to move across the map speedily. We bought a number of transports. Some heavy and light trucks. Air recon was also available, so that will come in handy. Instead of tanks, I decided to buy some Armoured Cars. These have 20mm Autocannons, which have limited AT capability (PEN 4). Here's the rough plan. The black line is the midpoint of the map, this is as far as the EN can deploy their units. So I usually plan with this line as the edge of my safe area. 2nd and 3rd Coy will advance along the E-W axis, with 2nd Coy leading. 1st Coy will take the rough terrain for the objectives along the north of the map. Blue lines are approx. company boundaries. The boundary between 2nd and 3rd Company is the road itself. <a href="https://imgur.com/ShX0soF"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/ShX0soF.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> |
Re: Italian Long Campaign
1st Company's initial plan
I had bought a platoon of heavy trucks, and managed to fit the entire company into it, less 1 platoon. 1 of my HMG platoons are also mounted on pack mules and they will initially set-up a firebase to overwatch the trucks as they move to their de-bus point. Note the smoke bombardment. This is to aid concealment of my trucks in the initial movement. <a href="https://imgur.com/RNWaQiV"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/RNWaQiV.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> 2nd Company 2nd Company is leading the Bn. The point elements are 1 platoon riding on light trucks, 1 scout team riding on motorcycles and a pair of armoured cars. As before, I drop smoke to obscure the initial movement phase. With the use of the road, I expect to reach the de-bus point by the end of Turn 2. <a href="https://imgur.com/PfJzDLc"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/PfJzDLc.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> |
Re: Italian Long Campaign
Turn 4
We contacted an EN platoon while moving along the road. - Plotted indirect fires - Established a firebase with HMGs and direct fire mortars - Moved our armoured cars for closer suppression. - Fanned out our scouts (F0-F1) for flank observation - Once our mortar fires hit, we'll push N platoon up closer. <a href="https://imgur.com/uh4LQFz"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/uh4LQFz.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> Turn 5 Our Air recon spotted some light MkIVc tanks. These are of relatively low threat as they only have MGs. Nonetheless we will have to clear them, to ensure follow on forces are not spotted so easily. <a href="https://imgur.com/DSDhL8w"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/DSDhL8w.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> Turn 6 Our direct and indirect fires have routed the EN infantry and we push on with the rest of the Bn. <a href="https://imgur.com/ltE35hx"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/ltE35hx.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> |
Re: Italian Long Campaign
A quick discussion on offensive type of missions.
When moving to contact, the usual problem is weighing off momentum vs dispersal. You want to keep your forces upfront moving, and with support coming along, but at the same time, you'll have to watch against clumping too close together. If the EN had effective artillery or HMGs, the units clustered together will incur alot of casualties. I tend to bring motor transports for this purpose, it allows me to concentrate faster than leg movement. Of course, it would be better to have armoured half-tracks but the Italian HTs have a carry capacity of 9, while my infantry sections are 11men each. |
Re: Italian Long Campaign
Turn 5
1st Company I hadn't expect the trucks to take so long to move to their de-bus point. It seems I probably only saved 2 turns transporting my troops by the We spread the company in 1 up formation, and site our HMGs to support our comb of the area. <a href="https://imgur.com/Bf3lAiR"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/Bf3lAiR.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> |
Re: Italian Long Campaign
Turn 8
Back to 2nd Company. Our point platoon (N Platoon) moves off the road and will comb the left flank, providing cover from the high ground. L platoon takes the lead and will continue to fillet down the road. <a href="https://imgur.com/ri4PxEb"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/ri4PxEb.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> Turn 9 Our Air recon spotted more EN infantry guarding the road, and an ATG with A13 overwatching from a further high point. Excellent vantage points overall. Our next plan will require our arty to switch over to these higher value targets. <a href="https://imgur.com/Q3PHJ3n"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/Q3PHJ3n.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> Turn 12 We spotted the entire platoon of A13s guarding the ground. The MkIVs are almost destroyed by my arty, and I send K3, my company AT rifle team to deal with the remaining MkIV. Our arty is now landing squarely on both EN positions. We hope to knock out both the EN tank and ATG, if possible. Our Armoured Cars wait by the side of the road for now. There's not much they can do, until we clear the EN AT assets. <a href="https://imgur.com/VBgIZkV"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/VBgIZkV.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> |
Re: Italian Long Campaign
Turn 9
3rd Company We send 1 platoon to secure the objectives in this sector. If there are signs of at least 1 EN platoon, we will have to provide additional support to ensure quick success. We only spot 1 section so far, it may be an isolated section, or more likely, it's part of 1 platoon. <a href="https://imgur.com/fwDjCuF"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/fwDjCuF.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> Turn 15 Our advance sections get contacted and it looks to be at least an EN platoon guarding these objectives. We'll move up our company HMGs and mortars to provide better support. A straight-up platoon to platoon fight may take too long, and incur additional casualties. When possible, tilt the combat power with use of direct or indirect fires. As my Bn arty is concentrating on 2nd Company's sector, I only have the Coy support weapons, which should be sufficient. <a href="https://imgur.com/NK9Vr5E"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/NK9Vr5E.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> |
Re: Italian Long Campaign
Turn 13
2nd Company Our arty is suppressing the EN infantry very well. They are routing. I take the opportunity to push the lead platoon forward. Also note N platoon coming up on our left flank, using the rough ground as cover. <a href="https://imgur.com/hvVNsiM"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/hvVNsiM.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> Turn 15 We smoke the area, and pushed forward the entire company. L Platoon will now go off-road and directly towards the EN positions. M platoon will go down the road, to clear the EN, before breaking sharp left and up towards the EN positions. The main idea is for these 2 platoons to distract the EN, while N platoon makes its way forward to close assault the tanks. <a href="https://imgur.com/mnHw5Ef"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/mnHw5Ef.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> Turn 19 N platoon is now in position to assault the EN tanks. EN infantry is routing, so the EN is unable to spot my infantry coming forward <a href="https://imgur.com/3a8mNAx"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/3a8mNAx.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> Turn 22 This is taken after destroying 2 EN tanks. They've been stationary for far too long, which is a well-known weakness of the game. <a href="https://imgur.com/Sf1I1Im"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/Sf1I1Im.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> |
Re: Italian Long Campaign
Turn 15
1st Company We found the EN infantry in position here at the forward slope. It was approx. 2 platoons in size. We can only guess that the remaining platoon is probably deployed on the reverse slop. Our support weapons have already been deployed. It's going to be quite straightforward for us to dislodge them. Most of the EN fire is heading towards H and I platoons. J platoon is probably hidden from direct EN observation. <a href="https://imgur.com/yzmHbLK"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/yzmHbLK.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> Turn 19 The EN is routing, and we pack up our HMGs, to redeploy them forward again to cover the infantry advance. <a href="https://imgur.com/QAkWdf1"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/QAkWdf1.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> Turn 22 As we approach the other side, we found the remaining of the EN infantry deployed nearer to the other cluster of objectives. Our HMGs are too distant to provide support and they will take upwards of 6-8 turns before they'll reach us. I quickly plot for Bn arty, while continuing my movement forward. <a href="https://imgur.com/Knuu3R5"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/Knuu3R5.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> Turn 25 The fight here is over. I platoon will move forward to secure the objectives. <a href="https://imgur.com/DnfbtIf"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/DnfbtIf.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> |
Re: Italian Long Campaign
Turn 22
3rd Company There was a local counterattack by a platoon of MkIVs. They bumped into R platoon of 3rd Company and were destroyed. <a href="https://imgur.com/L31jjh6"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/L31jjh6.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> Here's the battle report. Our losses are minimal, even though this was a special battle. The road was very useful as it allowed speedy access to many of the key terrain in both 2nd and 3rd Company sector. <a href="https://imgur.com/5jPwNLv"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/5jPwNLv.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> Strategic battle <a href="https://imgur.com/kDgPDFr"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/kDgPDFr.gif" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> |
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