DAR: Yom Kippor War - Sinai
 

Egypt vs. Israel

Mission: Meeting Engagement, Sinai, 10/1973 - scattered objectives.

Enemy: Battalion - 1-2 Armor Co, 1 Mech Infantry Co, 1-2 Infantry Co, 2-3 Artillery Btry, plus SAM, AAA, etc. Average force experience, ~80.

Terrain: Map = 100x100. Desert terrain with lots of hills. There are a total of 15 peaks on the battle field ranging in heights from 20 to 50. The majority of the map is elevated to one extent or another. Also present is soft sand which will hinder rapid vehicle advances. To a much smaller extent, rough terrain is present providing a few defensive positions on each hill. Hardly worth noting are two clusters of desert palms in the friendly deployment zone. Each cluster is circular with about a 300m radius and moderate tree density. There are no roads and no water formations. Visibility = 34.

Troops: Mech Infantry Battalion w/Armor Co and divisional attachments - 1 Armor Co. (10xT-62), 3 Mech Infantry Co. (BTR-50PK APCs) w/2 Infantry SAM Sections each, 1 Artillery Btry (Off board, 6x122mm M38 tubes), 3 82mm Mortar Sections, 3 SPAA sections, 1 85mm ATG Section w/trucks, 1 100mm ATG Section w/trucks, 1 82mm RR Section, 1 107mm RR Section, 4 ATGM Sections, plus ammo supply assets. Average force experience, ~70.

Time: 19 Turns

Analysis

This is the third battle of this campaign. I got bored with the battle of the "big boys". As a challenge, I took the Egyptian army and my TO&E is based on some documentation I found. In the two previous "meeting engagements", I got decisive victories. The AI is still receiving a 50% force point bonus. Since my core is less expensive (~4600) than the previous battles, the 65 point objective flags are actually worth capturing and I've gotten them all in the previous two battles.

I learned a few things in those two battles. The first is the Israeli air force is a constant nuisance. Despite having infantry SAMs and some 57mm SPAA units, I still get hit. My kill ratio isn't bad with 50% shot down and the other 50% damaged forcing RTBs, but most of that is coming from AAMGs on my APCs.

Israeli tanks are deadly, so I don't fight them toe to toe with my tanks. I'm typically outnumber in tanks anyhow. A nice equalizer are the Egyptian Sagger missiles, which a mech infantry battalion has eight teams. They take a beating from Israeli artillery, but only after they have destroyed a number of tanks.

One other area the Egyptians are weak in is with infantry. A major part of it is due to lower experience, but the Israeli infantry is oriented toward fighting infantry. Instead of having some integrated AT weapon, they have some other sort of small arms. It seems like one Egyptian company has trouble with one Israeli platoon if they don't have help. A team effort is required to stop a whole Israeli infantry company, i.e., infantry, artillery, armor, SPAA units, etc. Israeli armor has to be neutralized by that point or things get very rough.

Enough about force analysis. Time to look at the map, itself. The first thing that stands out is one peak relatively centered, but with the center about 500m from my LD. It dominates a valley to the east. Anything moving in the center 70% of the map will be under any weapons on this hill. The height of this hill is 50.

To the north northeast is another hill with two peaks. Both of these peaks also have a height of 50. They are far enough forward that either side is likely to have to fight to take possession of them. They still can screen movement of my forces to the west. They aren't as useful for screening movement to the east because of the hill mentioned above.

Three lower peaks (30) in the southern half of the map do provide some covered routes of advance, but aren't as promising as possibilities up north. Since the center hill dominates these as well, they are also limited in their usefulness as firing platforms.

One hill in the enemy deployment area is of some concern. It is tucked in the southeast quadrant of the enemy deployment area. From that position, they can also dominate a significant part of the map center due to its height of 50. While they Israeli maneuver elements won't be positioned there, AAA and possibly other towed guns might be located there.

There are five peaks of height 30 or less in my deployment zone. None really are that impressive. The lowest hill has a small wooded patch to the northeast. From that position, some units can be set up to cover my flank. East of the woods is a small valley so fields of fire are clear. Further east are a couple of passes the enemy might try to use. This are will have to be watched.

The last notable terrain feature is soft sand. While it never seems to hinder the AI, I have to be cautious. There is a band just across my LD running from the north edge south about 1500m. There are no safe paths through it. I will have to deploy south of the band or risk passing through it. There is a similar band from the south edge heading north about 2500m. At least this one has a few paths through, but I'm inclined to set up a holding force here. Against a person, it would be a hindrance, but I think I would faint if an AI unit got stuck. There are soft sand bands throughout the map, so routes will have to be carefully selected for my advance.

Plan

I've broken my plan up into three sectors of operation with one infantry company and supporting antitank assets being the primary forces involved.

In the north sector, the infantry will seize and hold Hills 2 and 3. Antitank assets supporting are four recoilless rifles. Two will deploy on each flank of the infantry, but set back some from the main infantry line. From this position, the infantry will push forward and capture four objects to their east.

In the center sector, the infantry will advance into the gap between Hill 1 and 2. They will take positions in the eastern entrance of the gap and also on the eastern slope of Hill 1. Antitank assets, Sagger missile teams will take up positions on Hill 1. From there, they should be able to cover the valley to their east, the eastern approaches of Hill 2 to the northeast and the passes to the southeast and south. Four teams will set up and four will be held in reserve, relocating if needed to other area or to relieve the other teams as resupply is necessary. The infantry will push forward capturing four objectives to their east and southeast.

In the southern sector, infantry will hold their position from 5-10 turns. Their antitank assets are guns and not as readily mobile or affective as the recoilless rifles or ATGMs. The delay is to ensure enemy forces do not advance through the passes to the east catching the infantry without support. Additionally, an ambush is being set up with the expectation that enemy forces will attempt to approach through the passes. The AT guns positioned west of the passes, ATGMs positioned on Hill 1 to the north and the armor reserve nearby will engage any enemy forces exiting the western entrances to the passes. After the delay, the infantry will move southeast and then east through the southern most pass, capturing objectives along the way.

The armor company will be held in reserve west of Hill 1 where they can easily move northeast, east or southeast to support the infantry in any sector.

Primary artillery support is planned for the infantry in the north sector as their initial positions are further east than in the other sectors. It is expected these units will be engaged with the enemy before they are fully deployed.

I've attached a map with my basic plan outlined on it.

Re: DAR: Yom Kippor War - Sinai
 

Turn 0 (Prep Fire)

No prep fire.

Casualties

Friendly: Zero.

Enemy: Zero.

Re: DAR: Yom Kippor War - Sinai
 

Turn 1

Infantry and AT assets advancing in north and center sectors. No enemy sighted.

Two AT guns moved into position in the south sector. No enemy sighted.

Casualties

Friendly: Zero.

Enemy: Zero.

Re: DAR: Yom Kippor War - Sinai
 

Turn 2

North Sector
Two enemy scout jeeps spotted 750m east of Hill 2. Friendly forces still moving toward their positions, but south flank RR teams have unloaded.

Center Sector
Clear of enemy forces. Friendly infantry still moving forward. Four Sagger teams unloaded on Hill 1. They had seen the enemy scout jeeps up north, but no longer have sight of them.

South Sector
Enemy half track seen approaching east entrance of passes. Friendly infantry still holding position.

Casualties

Friendly: Zero.

Enemy: Zero.

Re: DAR: Yom Kippor War - Sinai
 

Turn 3

North Sector
Two enemy scout jeeps spotted coming around the north side of Hill 3. Friendly RR units unloaded and engaged one with small arms fire inflicting a few casualties. Both should be destroyed this turn as a friendly infantry platoon is within a few hundred meters of the location and still loaded.

Center Sector
Two enemy scout jeeps also came around the south side of Hill 2. One was destroyed by center sector troops taking up positions between Hills 1 and 2. An enemy bazooka team, carried by the destroyed jeep, was also engaged, suffering some casualties.


South Sector
Five enemy half tracks and two scout jeeps are heading into the north and south passes. Artillery has been called in, but all forces west of the passes are waiting for the enemy to get closer. Since I know the enemy is going to push some units through the passes, I moved one platoon of the armor into position to cover the passes as well.

Casualties

Friendly: Zero.

Enemy: One scout jeep destroyed, estimated 5 casualties.

Re: DAR: Yom Kippor War - Sinai
 

Turn 4

North Sector
Destroyed one of the scout jeeps northwest of Hill 3. Engaged the other one doing some damage, but it's still there. Infantry still moving into position.

Center Sector
Destroyed second enemy scout jeep and the bazooka team. No more enemy sighted in the sector, but mortar rounds started to fall inflicting a few casualties. The Israeli mortars respond fast! I thought about engaging some of the enemy half tracks to the south with ATGMs, but I don't think they are worth wasting missiles on.


South Sector
Tanks and a nearby SPAA section engaged and destroyed two half tracks in the passes. I'm fine with the tanks, but didn't expect my SPAA units to engage. It might be a good idea to move them.

Casualties

Friendly: Estimated 3 casualties.

Enemy: Two scout jeeps and two M3 half-tracks destroyed, estimated 15 casualties.

Re: DAR: Yom Kippor War - Sinai
 

Turn 5

North Sector
Destroyed second scout jeep. No more enemy units seen in area. Infantry continuing to move into position as are the RR teams.

Center Sector
Cleared the impact zone of the enemy mortar, so rounds coming in are just stirring up dust. The Israeli air force showed up. No surprise there. Two A-4N Skyhawk IIs came in from the east. Both were shot down by infantry SAMs, but one succeeded in bombing some BTRs, with no effect. The SAM hit percentages were much better than previous battles. Either their experience is making a difference or I did better with placement. Anyhow, I need to move them and check on their ammo supply.

South Sector
Destroyed three more half-tracks and one scout jeep with tanks and SPAA units. Both the tanks and the SPAA units started relocating. Enemy mortar rounds started to fall where one of the SPAA vehicles had been located. One enemy scout jeep succeeded in turning a flag, but it won't survive this turn. Two enemy Sh'ot Kal tanks going over hilltop south of southern pass. They are too far south to be engaged from Hill 1 (can't be seen), so my AT guns will hold fire until they get closer.

Casualties

Friendly: Zero.

Enemy: One scout jeep, three M3 half-tracks and two A-4N Skyhawk IIs destroyed, estimated 20 casualties.

Re: DAR: Yom Kippor War - Sinai
 

Turn 6

North Sector
No enemy in the area, but was hit by 155mm artillery. One RR team took some casualties. Infantry on both Hills 2 and 3.

Center Sector
Round 2 for the Israeli air force. This time, I only damaged both aircraft coming in. They destroyed one RR team and two BTRs. Mortar rounds started dropping on my infantry SAM teams also. I am going to have to move them around some.

South Sector
A third Sh'ot Kal tank spotted. I'm waiting until they move more into the kill zone of the ambush. In the meantime, the four reserve Sagger teams are relocating to engage the enemy tanks should they get through. My tanks pounded on one mech infantry squad. There are three half-tracks still in the area, but the only units that can see them are the AT guns and I'm saving them for the tanks.

Casualties

Friendly: Two BTR-50PK APCs and one B11 RR destroyed, estimated 10 casualties.

Enemy: Estimated 5 casualties.

Re: DAR: Yom Kippor War - Sinai
 

Turn 7

North Sector
Enemy infantry spotted 300m east of Hill 2 peak. Artillery continued to hit, but caused no casualties. Plotted some counter battery against an enemy 155mm SPA near the east edge of the map.

Center Sector
Aside from artillery in this sector, no activity. Troops still moving into position.

South Sector
OK, the three Sh'ot Kal tanks that were moving west now are heading northeast. I guess I'm going to have to take my shots at them. It doesn't seem like they are going to enter the kill zone. I wonder why they changed direction. Took some tank shots at one half-track, but missed. Also fired at the mech infantry unit again. It took a few casualties.

Casualties

Friendly: Zero.

Enemy: Estimated 3 casualties.

Re: DAR: Yom Kippor War - Sinai
 

Turn 8

North Sector
Enemy infantry in platoon strength east of Hill 2. I brought up my BTRs to help the infantry engage. Two Sh'ot Kal tanks seen well east of Hill 3. They aren't moving at this point. I wonder if they will wait for me to get some Sagger teams over there.

Center Sector
Relocated one of my mortar sections that was drawing mortar fire. It hasn't fired yet, but it might have been spotted during the air strikes.

South Sector
Since the three enemy tanks gave me a nice view of their rear and side, I opened up with my two 100mm ATGs. Two Sh'ot Kal tanks destroyed. The other one has turned back to the east. I'm not sure what it's up to, but it's alone now. Destroyed two more half-tracks with my 85mm ATGs. Also, hit some enemy mech units left walking when their rides bought it. Infantry company on the move now that the enemy forces have been pretty much destroyed. One tank platoon is tagging along for support.

Casualties

Friendly: Zero.

Enemy: Two Sh'ot Kal tanks and two M3 half-tracks destroyed, estimated 25 casualties.

Re: DAR: Yom Kippor War - Sinai
 

Turn 9

North Sector
Brought up more BTRs to support the infantry, but blundered into the LOS of the enemy Sh'ot Kal tanks. Four BTRs were destroyed. Enemy infantry took some casualties, however. Plotted mortars on the enemy, but it will be two turns before it comes in. I expected problems in the area, but they are between the registration points here. Sending four tanks as support and Sagger teams are also on their way. Artillery starting to hit enemy M-109 SPAA units. No effect.

Center Sector
Infantry pushing forward in this area. No enemy around except the infantry in the north sector.

South Sector
Destroyed the last enemy Sh'ot Kal tank. Time to relocate the AT guns. Artillery dropped near my mounted infantry, but no damage. The one tank platoon that had been assisting with the ambush will drop back into reserve.

Casualties

Friendly: Four BTR-50PK APCs destroyed, estimated 10 casualties..

Enemy: One Sh'ot Kal tank destroyed, estimated 10 casualties.

Re: DAR: Yom Kippor War - Sinai
 

Turn 10

North Sector
Looks like there is a second enemy platoon east of Hill 2. So far, my infantry and three surviving BTRs are holding them off. I've got four tanks and eight more BTRs coming up to support. Mortar rounds should start hitting them next turn. More artillery hitting the enemy M-109s, but still no effect. They keep dropping 155mm rounds all over the place.

Center Sector
Swinging one platoon around to help the forces on Hill 2. The remaining two platoons are pushing toward their objectives.

South Sector
Continuing to move toward the objectives. One flag turned. There is one know enemy mech infantry squad around, but it's beat up pretty well.

Casualties

Friendly: Estimated 10 casualties.

Enemy: Estimated 10 casualties.

Re: DAR: Yom Kippor War - Sinai
 

Turn 11

North Sector
Enemy infantry pulling back some. Was able to bring up one more BTR to engage them, one more squad and the mortar rounds started falling. I suspect they are here in company strength, so they will be back. Counter battery destroyed one enemy M-109.

Center Sector
Encountered one enemy squad in the center sector while moving on objectives. I'm sure it's not alone.

South Sector
That enemy mech infantry squad or at least what's left of it is still pretty spry. It took some shots at my mounted infantry as it was moving by. The support tanks managed to quiet it down some.

Casualties

Friendly: Estimated 5 casualties.

Enemy: One M-109 Rohev destroyed, estimated 10 casualties.

Re: DAR: Yom Kippor War - Sinai
 

Turn 12

North Sector
Looks like the enemy has another platoon coming up east of Hill 2. My infantry is pushing forward slowly, but are being engaged by enemy AAA and tanks from their deployment zone. So far, no assigned objective flags have been turned. Three enemy Sh'ot Kal tanks seen in the rear. No effect by the counter battery this turn. Tanks, ATGMs and four SPAA units still moving to support.

Center Sector
That enemy squad is taking on one of mine and winning. My squad is pulling back. It doesn't hurt that it's being helped by AAA, tanks and an FO jeep. Six enemy Sh'ot Kal tanks seen in the rear. Three are stationary and three are moving southwest. One of four objective flags captured.

South Sector
Enemy mech infantry squad is retreating. Forces still moving forward. Two SPAA units moving up also. Those ZSU-57-2s aren't much for antiair support, but do well against ground troops. Three of four objective flags captured. AT guns are moving forward to deal with the enemy tanks approaching from the center. Enemy artillery hitting one infantry SAM in the rear. I need to get it out of there.

Casualties

Friendly: Estimated 5 casualties.

Enemy: Estimated 10 casualties.

Re: DAR: Yom Kippor War - Sinai
 

Turn 13

North Sector
My tanks are in position to move around the north side of Hill 3, but not with three Israeli tanks out there. The Sagger teams are still moving up. Two SPAA units are about to move into the gap between Hills 1 and 2 to engage two enemy infantry platoons southeast of Hill 2. My infantry is very slowly moving forward in this area, but this is also where the greatest resistence is. Counter battery still hitting enemy M-109s. Three of those have been spotted.

Center Sector
Three Tiran 5Sh tanks spotted in enemy rear area. There are also nine Sh'ot Kal tanks, but only one is moving. I'm not sure if the three that were heading southwest are in that number. All of these tanks are facing west. Two enemy half-tracks also spotted heading west. More mech infantry? Lone enemy squad is taking fire from an number of friendly squads not and is retreating.

South Sector
Lead BTR nearing final objective in this sector. Two enemy bazooka teams were nearby. One to the northeast and one to the southeast. Both have been firing at the lead BTR, but no hits. BTRs to the rear, plus the infantry squad in the lead BTR have been returning fire at the bazooka teams. They are starting to pull back. Enemy artillery still falling near some units, but no casualties.

Casualties

Friendly: Estimated 5 casualties.

Enemy: Estimated 10 casualties.

Re: DAR: Yom Kippor War - Sinai
 

Turn 14

North Sector
Firing every weapon in the gun cabinet at the two enemy infantry platoons. It's starting to have an affect. Unfortunately, I can't really move forward in this area until I deal with the enemy tanks to my front. They are still sitting there. Counter battery still hitting M-109s. Destroyed one and got a good "thunk" on another.

Center Sector
There are still a total of 12 enemy tanks to the front in this sector. I'm moving my Sagger teams forward. Until I deal with the tanks, I'm stuck. The enemy FO jeep is done, however.

South Sector
Company HQ squad was destroyed. Turns out there is an enemy platoon in the area as well as the bazooka teams. I destroyed two, but a third showed up. Unless those enemy tanks that were heading southwest a few turns ago show up, I should be able to deal with what is here.

Casualties

Friendly: Estimated 10 casualties.

Enemy: One M-109 Rohev and FO jeep destroyed, estimated 20 casualties.

Re: DAR: Yom Kippor War - Sinai
 

Turn 15

North Sector
Infantry is still pushing forward, slowly. I'm close to one objective flag in this area. The Sagger teams have been dropped off on Hill 3. They have to move up, but should be in position to fire on turn 17. Enemy infantry is still milling around southeast of Hill 2. I'm still chopping them up, but they just got reinforcements in the form of mech infantry. It would have been nice to pop the half-tracks before they dropped off, but I don't have anything close that can do that. Counter battery still firing. The "thunked" M-109 isn't visible anymore and might have bugged out. Only one left.

Center Sector
Looks like another enemy infantry platoon is moving into the center east of Hill 1. My infantry is holding them off, but not getting too wild with all those enemy tanks to the front. One Sagger team got off two missiles for one hit and no damage. The other three teams are still moving up. That leaves me with 12 tanks and 14 missiles.

South Sector
Seems like I can chop up Israeli infantry good if they don't have AT support. I got two out of three bazooka teams last turn and this turn I was able to destroy all three enemy infantry squads. They were blasted good with BTR and tank fire and then the BTRs unloaded next to them and my infantry laid into them. Worked out well. Captured the last planned objective in this sector. I might be able to get one intended for the center sector as well.

Casualties

Friendly: Estimated 15 casualties.

Enemy: Estimated 40 casualties.

Re: DAR: Yom Kippor War - Sinai
 

Turn 16

North Sector
Sagger teams are in position to engage two of the three Sh'ot Kal tanks in to their front. Infantry is pushing forward and captured one of four objectives assigned to them. Counter battery fire still continuing on M-109 position. I see only one, but was periodically hearing two "tinks" from one shot. Not sure I should hear hits on a unit I can't see. I think it's the one I thought bugged out. Enemy southeast of Hill 2 pushing into center sector.

Center Sector
The enemy has about two platoons of infantry pushing southwest toward two objectives I captured. My infantry is falling back. The enemy moved up three Sh'ot Kal tanks in support. I did destroy two Sh'ot Kal tanks and one Tiran 5Sh tank with Saggers. I also got a half track with one of my SPAAs which are now drawing mortar fire. Two Tiran 5Sh and one Sh'ot Kal have moved forward. One platoon of enemy infantry is moving north to capture an objective I haven't gotten to yet.

South Sector
Captured the fourth objective assigned to my forces in this sector. I'm going to try to move north and support the center sector.

Casualties

Friendly: Estimated 15 casualties.

Enemy: Two Sh'ot Kal, one Tiran 5Sh and one half-track destroyed, Estimated 20 casualties.

Re: DAR: Yom Kippor War - Sinai
 

Turn 17

North Sector
Sagger teams engaged Israeli tanks to their front. Unfortunately, they are well with in range of enemy AAA units. Those fired as soon as my Saggers turned loose and if they managed to suppress or destroy the team first, the missile never hit. They got one team and I got one tank. Two other teams were suppressed and one enemy tank popped smoke. Friendly infantry is pushing forward to try to get some shots at the AAA units. My tanks are also moving forward as well. I need to deal with the AAA.

Center Sector
Six enemy tanks are pushing forward. Sagger teams got one and also a half-track. The teams were out of AAA range this time since the enemy is moving forward.
Two BTRs got popped by an enemy tank. My infantry is still pulling back from two center flags I captured earlier. I've got three tanks on Hill 1 maneuvering for a safe shot and three more angling in from the southwest. Mortar fire hit the advancing enemy infantry.

South Sector
No enemy activity in the south sector. Forces are moving to support the center.

Casualties

Friendly: Two BTR-50PK destroyed, estimated 15 casualties.

Enemy: One Sh'ot Kal, one Tiran 5Sh and one half-track destroyed, Estimated 20 casualties.

Re: DAR: Yom Kippor War - Sinai
 

Turn 18

North Sector
Lone Sagger team engaged enemy tank and missed. The tank popped smoke and an AAA unit fired at the Sagger team. Since the two enemy tanks were behind a smoke screen, I pulled up my four tanks in the area and destroyed the AAA unit. I also took a few shots at one M-109 I could see. The smoke screen on one of the enemy tanks cleared enough for it to fire at my tanks. The first and only shot missed. My Sagger team fired and destroyed it. Friendly infantry continued to move forward as did my other Sagger teams. More AAA units opened up without affect.

Center Sector
Sagger teams engaged enemy tanks visible, destroying two and the other two were retreating and one couldn't been seen. Tanks on Hill 1 moved forward and destroyed another, while tanks moving up from the southwest got a fourth. Somewhere along the line, they destroyed an enemy half-track also. The problem is my infantry is fighting their infantry pretty much alone and losing! I pulled up some BTRs and one SPAA to help. That last enemy tank popped out and destroyed the SPAA unit. As far as I know there are only four enemy tanks left in this sector alive. Forces from south sector managed to turn one flag, leaving only one to be captured, but I have to still hold the other two I have.

South Sector
Advancing northeast to support center. No enemy activity in the sector short of some incoming mail.

Casualties

Friendly: One ZSU-57-2 destroyed, estimated 15 casualties.

Enemy: Four Sh'ot Kal, one Tiran 5Sh, one half-track and one TCM 20mm AAG destroyed, Estimated 30 casualties.

Re: DAR: Yom Kippor War - Sinai
 

Turn 19

North Sector
Enemy tank still in smoke, so I positioned my Sagger teams and moved several tanks forward. Infantry continuing to move forward as well. Smoke is plotted to block enemy AAA units or at least where I think they are. One Sagger team reached out and popped the enemy Sh'ot Kal in the center. One of my tanks destroyed an enemy SPA vehicle.

Center Sector
I'm trying to regroup here. Enemy is within 150m of one flag I captured, but between tank, BTR, infantry and artillery fire, they are stuck.

South Sector
Still moving northeast, but found out there is at least one enemy tank in the sector. One of my BTRs got popped. The tank might be on that big hill in the enemy deployment zone. I've got infantry moving that way to try to get eyes on it.

Casualties

Friendly: One BTR-50PK destroyed, estimated 10 casualties.

Enemy: One Sh'ot Kal and one M-109 Rohev destroyed, Estimated 15 casualties.

Re: DAR: Yom Kippor War - Sinai
 

Turn 20

North Sector
Saggers got the last enemy tank in the sector so my tanks moved out and are in the open running. The engaged and destroyed one 40mm AA-gun. They are swinging to the southeast to try to get the three flags left assigned to this sector's infantry. One more AA gun has been spotted and will be engaged this turn.

Center Sector
Enemy infantry got one of the flags I turned earlier, but are starting to run out of steam. My problem is I don't have much in the way of functional infantry in the area and I know there are unseen bazooka teams out there. I've seen two flags turned by hidden units. Has to be a size 0 and bazooka teams are a good guess. I've got infantry support coming from the north and south sectors, but there isn't enough time left. Three tanks in this sector are moving forward to try to help, but can't get too aggressive without infantry support.

South Sector
Here, my tanks are held up knowing they have enemy tanks on their right flank somewhere. I don't want to risk them to get to nearby flags. I've got infantry searching for the enemy, but no luck yet. In the meantime, my tanks are pounding the enemy infantry in the center.

Casualties

Friendly: Estimated 10 casualties.

Enemy: One 40mm AA-gun destroyed, Estimated 15 casualties.

Re: DAR: Yom Kippor War - Sinai
 

Turn 21

North Sector
My tanks ground to a halt after one got shot at by an Israeli tank. I don't see it, but it's different than what I already see. They have at least a total of five tanks left. Since they come in three tank platoons, it is more than likely nine. Anyhow, my tanks did destroy a few more AA guns. My infantry is still moving forward, however. One platoon is within 50m of an objective and another platoon is about 200m away. I don't think the second platoon will make it unless I'm graced with another turn.

Center Sector
Vehicles are pushing forward in the center. Two BTRs are within 100m of the flag the enemy just turned. One further back got popped by an enemy tank. Two SPAA units are closing in on another flag, but it's in the open. I'll have to test the area with some BTRs first. The enemy infantry is stubbornly pulling back. Tanks and another SPAA unit have been firing at another enemy AA gun.

South Sector
Infantry is still trying to locate the enemy tank(s) in the sector. There is at least one and it should be in the open, but I can't find it. Also, the enemy has another AA gun around that fires at my infantry periodically.

Casualties

Friendly: One BTR-50PK destroyed, estimated 10 casualties.

Enemy: One 40mm AA-gun and one TCM 20mm AAG destroyed, Estimated 15 casualties.

Re: DAR: Yom Kippor War - Sinai
 

Marginal Victory

Turn 22

North Sector
Friendly tanks held their position while infantry moved forward, jumping a couple of enemy mortars and turning one flag. One mortar was immediately destroyed and the other was destroyed running away at the end of the turn. One platoon moved forward toward the flag I knew I needed two turns to get to. They were engaged by eight enemy tanks seen in the center sector and several AA guns. Needless to say, my infantry got stopped cold.

Center Sector
I peppered the enemy infantry visible and then zipped one BTR out to turn one flag and a ZSU-57-2 to turn another. Other than that, I took a few shots at some running infantry because the shots where there. Artillery hit the enemy infantry and one mortar.

South Sector
Poked around looking for the enemy tank and AA gun in the area and the best I got was a general location. My tanks held their position.

Casualties

Friendly: Estimated 5 casualties.

Enemy: Two 81mm Mortar sections destroyed, estimated 15 enemy casualties.

Total Casualties

Egypt

Men: 108
Artillery: 1
Soft Vehicles: 0
APCs: 10
AFVs: 1
Air Transports/Helos: 0
Aircraft: 0

Israel

Men: 411
Artillery: 7
Soft Vehicles: 0
APCs: 18
AFVs: 19
Air Transports/Helos: 0
Aircraft: 2

Score

Egypt: 6744
Israel: 1143

Final Comments

While it was only a marginal victory, it was a strong one and I'm not really disappointed with it. Getting a decisive victory out of this battle would have been very difficult because the Israeli units out class mine across the board. Since the objectives were scattered all over the map, it ensured they would meet me on at least even odds in some places. Even odds mean I'm at a disadvantage because of quality. The AI force gets a 50% point bonus, so I was probably out numbered.

My plan seemed fine, but the enemy didn't cooperate with me. They kept a large number of tanks back in their deployment zone. Out of 30 tanks, 15 remained unmoved during the entire battle. Since some of the objectives were in the Israeli deployment zone, I would have to deal with those before I could capture them. I had expected the AI to dash forward with all their armor, my Sagger missiles destroy them and then I push in with my armor and clean up. When the AI didn't do that, I had to start moving my Saggers to get some shots. There wasn't enough time to move again to get the remaining tanks.

As expected, the Israeli infantry was very tough. Combined arms succeeded in pushing some of them back. That all changed with they got mech infantry and armor reinforcements in the middle. It took a lot of support on my side to stop them and take the flags there. The only two flags my plan called to capture I didn't have to begin with. It would have bothered me more if I had failed to recapture flags I had earlier, because it implies the enemy is taking control. As it is, I chalk failing to capture the two I was after to lack of time.

Being careful to keep my tanks from being destroyed seems like it is resulting in improved experience. They performed much better than the first campaign battle. I still can't get careless since the AI out numbered me 3 to 1 in tanks at the beginning of the battle and the Israeli tanks and crews are very good. None the less, I might be able to get a bit more aggressive with them as their skill improves.

I've attached the save just before I ended my last turn.