DAR: GE Long campaign - small core

[Brian61]

KG Krafft, 23 January, 1942 - Afrika Korps

Repair and resupply: New tanks arrived and the supply pipeline was restored, at least for now. KG Krafft receives a replacement PzKw IIf and one of the first 5cm long gun panzers to reach Afrika, a PzKw IIIj/1. The armoured truck is replaced by a SdKfz 251/1 and all other units are repaired and brought back up to full strength.

Situation: On the third day of Rommel's counterattack, kampfgruppe Krafft encounters British forces roughly halfway between El Agheila and Benghazi. The area is rolling desert with numerous sand dunes and rocky outcroppings, some windswept areas of packed dirt provide routes through the dunes. [Meeting engagement, visibility 18, length 34, standard victory hexes, map size 100x100]

Orders: Engage and destroy the enemy, possession of the battlefield at the end of the engagement is preferable. A company of motorized panzergrenadiers is attached for this operation. Division artillery is able to provide one 10.5cm battery for fire support and Luftwaffe is providing a Storch observation plane.

Battle plan: Panzer platoons E, F, and G will advance in line towards the center as permitted by terrain followed by the panzergrenadiers. Platoons D, H, I, and O will form the reserve. Upon encountering the enemy, the panzergrenadiers will dismount and advance to lead positions.

Execution: The panzers were no sooner in motion than it was found necessary to deviate from the plan, panzer platoon G and its following infantry had to swing a few hundred meters further to the south than envisoned due to a large sand dune. Similarly, a few minutes later, platoon E found it needed to deviate to the north where a narrowing of a sand dune might permit passage. To compensate, Oberstleutnant Krafft ordered a reduction in average speed to one half. This would not only allow the units to keep more closely to the desired formation but would increase accuracy of fire when the enemy is encountered.

As platoon E maneuvered slowly through the sand dunes, a pair of scout cars were spotted and brought under fire, both cars popped smoke. At near the same time, aerial recon spots a troop of cruiser tanks northeast of center. Given the proximity of the scout cars, the panzergrenadier platoon following platoon E disembark early and the trucks head for cover. Oberstlt Krafft orders the remainder of the force to shift northward to linkup with platoon E.

Aerial recon spots an armoured car troop to the far north, platoon D is released from the reserve and ordered to intercept. Two carriers and two tank are destroyed by platoon E as they advance into view. Recon reports another troop of cruiser tanks just to the south of the wrecks. Oberstlt Krafft orders the panzergrenadiers to disembark and send the trucks to cover.

The armoured car column to the north turns out to be much larger than originally thought and a troop of cruiser tanks is following behind. Platoon H is released from reserve and ordered to support platoon D. In the center, a Crusader II is destroyed as it tops the crest of a small rise a few hundred meters ahead of platoon F.

An airstrike by two Hurricanes destroys three trucks but the second Hurricane is shot down. Four 25pdr howitzers bombard a phantom target, recon spots the smoke from the batteries and a counterbattery mission is ordered to both the sIG Ib's and the 10.5cm battery. Still expecting the enemy main force to appear in the east, Oberstlt Krafft orders the advance to continue.

One PzKw IIf is lost to 2pdr fire from an armored car as the northern enemy force turns south. That southern move however exposes them to fire from platoons D, E, F, and H. Twisted wreckage of armored cars and at least one tank soon make targeting difficult as the British force is shredded by the combined fire. A scout car is spotted to the far south, further recon in that area is ordered but no units are dispatched as yet. The panzers are ordered to halt while the panzergrenadiers continue to advance eastward except for platoon Q which is ordered north.

As the situation develops, the security element is released from the reserve and ordered to support platoon H. Panzergrenadier platoons Q and R are ordered to halt and engage any enemy infantry units approaching from the north. While panzergrenadier platoon S continues its central advance, it together with panzer platoon G form a tenative reserve force pending further developments.

Another airstrike by a single Hurricane results in damage to a truck but the Hurricane leaves trailing smoke after being hit by a few rounds from an SdKfz 10/4 FlaK. Two of the enemy howitzers are still firing so the order is given for the counterbattery mission to continue. Aerial recon still fails to turn up the anticipated enemy main force. At this point all of the vehicles in the northern enemy force seem to have been rendered combat ineffective, the decision comes down to wait another few minutes before sending platoon Q into the smoke.

The decision to wait turned out to be fortuitous as another half dozen cruiser tanks appeared from the north and east. The cruisers are quickly dispatched and platoon Q is ordered to advance north. A disturbing report is recieved from platoon S, they have sighted a new type of allied tank approaching from the east, its profile is reminscent of a French Char 1B terr. Acting on a hunch, Oberstlt Krafft orders platoons D, H, and the security element to disengage and maneuver to a supporting position for panzer platoon G.

Aerial recon finally uncovers the enemy disposition. Masked by the northern force was an approach of at least two troops of cruiser tanks, a troop of Valentine IIIs, and infantry in company strength. From the east, at the same time, a troop of the new Grant I tanks was approaching. Initial reports from platoon G is that the armor of the new tanks was comparable to that of the Valentine IIIs, at least from the forward aspect. Disturbingly, the speed of the new tanks seemed to approach that of our panzer model IIIh.

Cheers went up in a violation of radio discipline as Obrgfrtr Kauffmann's panzer destroyed the lead Grant tank. Oberstlt Krafft was pleased and overlooked the breech of discipline as he ordered the panzergrenadiers accompanying platoon G to pop smoke, allowing the engagement range to shorten in the panzer's favor. He then ordered the sIG Ib's to cancel their current mission and join the command elements in readiness to engage infantry in direct fire. He also passed down the order to his VB, Hptmann Tellner, ordering the battery from division to engage the approaching enemy infantry.

Using the smoke screen as cover, panzer platoon G singled out and attacked another Grant tank. This time, though the enemy behemoth was destroyed, one of the panzers recieved moderate damage. The smoke cleared as the last of the Grants approached giving the veteran gunners of platoon G a clear view as they picked it apart with machinelike precision.

The British infantry was brought to a halt by a combination of machinegun, 5cm, 10.5cm, and 15cm direct and indirect fire. KG Krafft's recon element found the southern objective area empty and devoid of any threat so promptly took possession and declared that area secured. An hour and a half into the battle, the only piece missing for victory to be assured is the trio of Valentine IIIs.

The Valentines promptly made their appearance, one was immobilized almost immediately, another was greated by a barrage of fire, including direct fire from the sIG Ib's, at which point the crew decided to find a more cautious approach. Within minutes the two mobile Valentine IIIs were destroyed though not before getting some revenge on one of the sIG Ib's, leaving it heavily damaged. An unexpected fourth Valentine III appeared but was quickly dispatched by the PzKfw IIIj/1 which had also landed the killing shot on one of the earlier Valentines. The L60 gun proved itself a welcome improvement to the panzer III in the opinion of KG Krafft's personnel.

Less than two hours into the battle found KG Krafft in possession of all the important areas of the battlefield, all known British vehicles rendered combat inoperative, and the British infantry turned into a disorganized mob.

Decisive victory, KG Krafft.

Last turn file attached, thanks for reading

[Brian61]

KG Krafft, 3 February, 1942 - Afrika Korps

Repair, resupply, and reorganization: Each panzer platoon now has one PzKw IIIj/1. All previous attachments (except for PzBefWg VB) have been stripped from the core. A new ad-hoc support company has been attached, it consists of a motorized PzGren SMG Grp (command), a kradschutzen platoon, a towed ATG platoon with three 4.7cm PaK 36(t) guns, and an AAA section of two SdKfz 10/4 FlaK units.

Situation: the counterattack continues and Timimi is the target. Expect a mix of static and mobile British units in the area. The terrain is rolling desert with numerous sand dunes, rocky outcroppings, and windswept areas of packed earth. A dirt road runs east/west near the northern edge of the area and there is an intersecting north/south dirt road about three quarters of a kilometer west of center. There are a few buildings, mostly scattered along the east/west road, but there is one group of four buildings in the east, just north of center. [Advance mission, visibility 44, length 33, scattered victory hexes, map size 80x100]

Orders: Breakthrough the enemy lines, destroy as many enemy units as possible and sieze control of the area. Time is of the essence here as follow on forces will assault defenses at Timimi itself. One company of motorized panzergrenadiers will be attached for this operation along with two troops of armored cars from division recon. Division artillery will provide support from one 10.5cm battery and Luftwaffe has promised support from four Bf109E-7's.

Battle plan: The map and time allowed present a difficult problem, there exists a diagonal strip of unbroken sand dunes running nw to se from the intersection to the south edge of the map. While tracked vehicles can obtain passage at various narrow spots, albiet at slow speeds, it poses a practically impassable barrier to wheeled vehicles. Roughly 500 pts worth of victory hexes lay on the west side of the line, the remainder all lay to the east. The obvious path is the east/west road, then turning south off the road using the packed earth areas and other gaps in sand dunes to reach the southern objectives. That, however, is precisely the problem, it is very obvious.

Oberstlt Krafft orders a slight reorganization on the fly, assigning two of platoon D's PzKw IIfs to act as escorts for the command group (reassigned hq to platoon B). The kradschutzen platoon is also split up, though not as a reassignment. The leg infantry squads of the platoon will ride with the ATGs while their transport will act as second echelon scouts for the three major attack groups.

The three major attack groups are comprised of one scout vehicle element (SdKfz 222's for attack groups 1 and 2, the shortened platoon D for attack group 3), one motorcycle scout squad drawn from the kradschutzen platoon, one platoon of PzKw IIIs, and one platoon of motorized panzergrenadiers. The command group will consist of platoon/section A, B, C, and N. Any elements not mentioned previously are assigned to the support group. Attack group 3 will be held in reserve.

KG Krafft will approach initially from the south. Upon reaching the north/south road, the groups will procede north to the intersection at best possible speed and then turn east, penetrating the British lines and finally turning south. Attack group 1 will lead and once penetration is achieved, will become the eastern column of the southern attack. The support group has a special mission, it will not procede north on the road, instead it will slowly maneuver eastward in the south obtaining a position to be within striking distance of the southeastern objectives once the major attack groups have reached a covering position.

Game Notes: This is far more complex than the simple plans I normally prefer, but given the map and time limits, I can't see any way around using the road without seriously fragmenting the force. Hopefully the AI will be decieved by the initial deployments in the south and neglect to heavily defend the road approach.

Execution: The blind fire mission for the 10.5cm battery was lucky enough to fall upon at least part of the northern AAA battery, allowing the first pass of the Luftwaffe attack planes to procede without much interference. The reports from the pilots weren't very encouraging however. A troop of Grant tanks sits on the road just over one and a half kilometers east of the intersection. One pilot thought he spotted a group of ATGs east of the tanks but couldn't be certain. Also spotted was an infantry squad south of the road about one kilometer from the intersection and three Bishop SPAs just south of the road near the eastern edge of the battle area. Another troop of Grant tanks was spotted a few hundred meters south of the small village just north of center in the eastern half of the area. Finally one 40mm Bofors of the AAA battery was spotted a few hundred meters southeast of the Grants on the road.

A call goes in to division artillery to shift fire onto the spotted AAA position and fire for effect. Another airstrike request on positions along the road is called in to the Luftwaffe pilots. Confidence in the battle plan takes another blow as a 40mm Bofors AA-gun located only a kilometer east of the north/south road fires on the armored cars of Attack Group 1. The armored cars return fire, suppressing the AAA position but a stray puff of smoke blocks vision and they are unable to finish the job. Fortunately the following panzers are able to land a few shots on the position as are the armored cars of Attack Group 2.

The safety of the north/south road was further called into question when it was noted that at least one of the Grant tanks south of the village could fire on certain portions of the road. Steering clear of those areas, the attack groups continued northward. Further bombardment and airstrikes claimed another AA-gun of the northern battery along with damaging a Grant tank on the road and strafing infantry south of the road.
More fire missions along the same lines were immediately issued.

British bombardment of the road caught the trailing panzer of the reserve and caused minor damage, meanwhile another round of airstrikes destroyed two Grant tanks. Heroic measures by armored cars of attack group 1 distract the Grants on the road long enough for the platoon leader's panzer to advance and pop smoke. Nearby infantry posed another problem, some casualties occurred during dismount of AG1's panzergrenadiers. One of the armored cars became stuck in soft sand during evasive maneuvers. It looks like AG3 will have to replace AG1 once this first set of obstacles is dealt with. One armored car is caught in the sights of a Grant tank and destroyed, another takes direct fire from a 3in mortar but a nearby panzer destroys the mortar. Another set of airstrikes strafe the Grants on the road but cause no observable damage.

Platoon E dispatches the remaining two Grants on the road in a lethal game of cat and mouse. The Luftwaffe strikes again, dispatching the last Grant tank of the center troop and damaging an AA-gun southwest of there. A brave trio of motorcyclists verify that the Luftwaffe pilot's suspicions were correct, there are ATGs northeast of the road just past the wreckage of the Grants. Attack Group 2 heads south as AG1 continues east. AG3 advances eastward, preparing to take AG1's place in the southerly advance. Phase one of the battle plan is nearly complete, and two thirds of the time allowed remain.

AG1's infantry takes out the only ATG left by the artillery, AG1 and AG2 panzers destroy three of four Bishops, the fourth was last seen heading east at a high rate of speed. AG3 assisted by the command group and portions of AG2 continue the drive south, reaching the small village by the halfway point. An armored car is lost to an ATG hidden in the depression south of the village and advancing infantry takes light casualties from a Vickers HMG near the southcentral AAA positions. Nearly half of the objectives east of the diagonal line of sand dunes have been secured and the support group is in position to secure the ones west of the dunes.

AG1 resumes its role in heading up the eastward route south. AG2's tanks relieve AG3's at the village and AG3 goes back to reserve status. The command group supports AG2 on the westward route south. The Luftwaffe bids KG Krafft good luck and heads back to base as they are out of ammo. AG1 has a panzer severely damaged by ATG fire from a previously unspotted position in the south. The ATG is in turn destroyed by a panzer from platoon F while in route to the reserve area, with assistance from the panzer company commander, Major Rittenhaus.

The motorcyclists attached to AG1 practically run over the British HQ, losing one motorcycle in the process. As AG1 attacks the British HQ, another ATG makes its presence known but fortunately does no damage to its target. Platoon E panzers return fire and destroy the ATG and AG1 resumes its southward drive. The British attempt a counterattack southwest of the village, but without the threat of flanking fire from ATGs, the panzers of AG2 advance to the rim of the depression and inflict heavy casualties on the infantry advancing in the open.

Two-thirds of the alloted time has passed. AG1 has rounded the corner and is heading for the southeastern objectives, the support group's infantry is within a few meters of the southwestern objectives, and AG2 is poised to take the few remaining south central objectives once the British counterattack is mopped up. AG3 is being held in reserve in a depression northeast of the central village ready to support either AG1 or AG2 as necessary. The command group is actively engaged in supporting AG2 in its defense of the village against the counterattack.

The British counterattack had drawn away the defenders from AG1's objectives and with forty minutes left to spare, AG1 finds itself two kilometers east of where it started, although it had traveled six kilometers or more to get there. All objectives are secured and Oberstlt Krafft radios in the 'area secure' message.

Decisive victory, KG Krafft.

Last turn file attached, thanks for reading

[Brian61]

KG Krafft, 15 March, 1942 - Afrika Korps

Repair and resupply: The growing numbers of Grant tanks in the enemy force called for a change in equipment and tactics for the 'fire brigade' of the 15th Panzer Division. The support company has been strengthened with the addition of a section of 8.8cm FlaK 36's and SdKfz 7 transports.

Situation: The British have invested Gazala and Afrika Korps has halted at Timimi, both sides conduct reconnaisence operations in the no man's land between. One such recon operation from 15th Panzer Division runs into more than it can handle, a British armored unit conducting counter-recon operations. The terrain is rolling desert with many sand dunes, rocky outcroppings, and windswept strips of packed earth. A dirt road runs east/west near the northern edge of the battle area. It is intersected about 2 kilometers from the eastern edge of the area by a road running nw/se. About a kilometer southwest of the intersection is a group of three buildings on a small plateau area just east of one of the objective areas. [Meeting engagement, visibility 41, length 31, standard victory hexes, map size 80x100]

Orders: A division recon detachment is in need of assistance, KG Krafft is the closest unit available. The recon detachment consists of a SdKfz 222 (commander), one section of two SdKfz 231(8) heavy armored cars, two groups of three SdKfz 222 armored cars, a platoon of kradschutzen, a pair of SdKfz 250/7 GrWs, a section of SdKfz 10/4 FlaK vehicles and a section of JPz I's. KG Krafft will procede to the area with all possible haste and eliminate the opposing British armored force. Posession of the battlefield at the end of the engagement is highly desireable so that vehicles can be recovered and supplies captured. Luftwaffe support is limited to a pair of Bf 109F's. The battlefield is beyond the range of any friendly artillery units.

Battle Plan: KG Krafft will obtain and maintain control of the east/west road and the intersection. To this end, the panzer company will deploy in the north with platoon D north of the road, platoon E astride the road, platoon F south of the road, and platoon G held in reserve. The 8.8cm FlaK 36 guns will provide cover for the armor to advance. The 4.7cm PaK 36(t)'s will accompany platoon F and, supported by the support company's kradschutzen platoon, will attempt to deploy in the depression west of the group of three buildings.

The recon detachment will operate in the south, making contact with the enemy but remaining at extreme range. The SPMs, SPATGs, and kradschutzen platon of the recon detachment will be held in reserve in hopes of setting up an ambush situation for any enemy flanking maneuvers.

Execution: Shortly after arrival, fifteen enemy armored cars are spotted moving west on the road, platoon D maneuvers to intercept as platoons E and F move into supporting positions. In the far south, a pair of scout cars is observed moving west. A pair of bren carriers and a Lee tank are spotted far to the south east. Platoon D engages the lead armored cars in the north but they pop smoke. In the south, as the heavy armored cars move to engage the lead scout vehicles, they spot a followon force of armored cars and a troop of Grant tanks. The northern group of 222's spots an additional bren carrier in the south central group.

Platoon D is practically run over by the British armored cars and is forced to withdraw a bit to get clear of the smoke and wreckage. One PzKw IIf is forced to withdraw after suffering turret damage from ATR hits from an armored car but six of the enemy vehicles are destroyed. In the south the recon detachment knocks out three of four scout cars and a bren carrier. More British light armor vehicles are destroyed both by platoon D's panzers and the armored cars of the recon detachment, however a company of Grant tanks is spotted moving west in the center and the recon detachment is forced to begin withdrawal.

As a precautionary measure, Oberstlt Krafft orders platoon G to move south and prepare to support platoon F should it become necessary. Hptmann Tellner radios in an airstrike on the enemy armor concentration. In the north and south the enemy light armor units are eliminated but the german light units are forced to withdraw as the British Grant tanks approach. The JPz Is of the recon detachment prepare an ambush for the Grant troop in the far south.

Oberstlt Krafft has some harsh words for the Luftwaffe as they strafe a Grant tank in the middle of the enemy column but fly away without releasing their bombs. Platoon F, in what amounts to a reverse slope position, destroys two of the Grant tanks but are in serious need of backup. While platoon E maneuvers onto the plateau to the north and platoon G heads east at top speed, the 88's are not in position to offer support and the 4.7cm PaK 36(t)'s are not in a good position either.

British 5.5in guns and at two troops of 25pdrs shell the former positions of the recon detachment's armored cars as the SPMs of the recon detachment are requested to be ready to drop smoke in front of platoon F's position. Three more Grants explode as they come face to face with the panzers of platoon F at less than 200 meter range. In the north platoon D engages enemy infantry at long range. At least a platoon of infantry was moving west along the road trailing the armored cars.

Eight Grant tanks lay smoking wrecks in front of platoon F, although a few are still approaching their position, the majority of the remainder seem to have turned southwest. In the far south, the JPz I's of the recon detachment lay in wait hoping for flanking shots on the southernmost troop of Grant tanks. The Luftwaffe makes another pass, this time the second plane actually drops bombs but no damage is observed. Two more Grants are immobilized as they try to outflank platoon F to the south, one of those is destroyed by followup fire.

Platoons E and G together with the 4.7cm ATGs engage the leading Grants and Lees with a fusillade of long range fire, which while doing little, if any, real damage, distracted most of them while the panzers of platoon F closed using smoke and wreckage for cover, Two more Grant tanks were destroyed by platoon F with only one panzer suffering minor damage. The panzer f/1 of company E scored two long range kills, one Lee and one Grant. Another Grant was destroyed by platoon F as it carefully worked its way through the smoke.

The JPz I's in the south sprung their trap with a bit of long range fire from platoon E, destroying one Grant tank and damaging another. Platoon F wreaked havoc with enemy infantry that had been riding the Grants along with destroying a Valentine III and a Lee tank. Platoon G continued to lay down covering fire as it advanced.

The JPz I's found themselves on their own though when an enemy infantry company was spotted moving towards the northern objective area from the east. Platoons D and E, together with the command group, devoted their full efforts to repelling that attack. With a bit of spotting help from the recon detachment's kradschutzen platoon, the JPz I's managed to take out the trailing Grant tank of the southern troop. The northern one continued north only to come face to face with platoon G as it was moving up to reinforce platoon F. In the resulting exchange of fire, the Grant took damage and the lead panzer of platoon G popped smoke preventing the Grant from returning accurate fire.

Another Valentine III was destroyed from behind by a pair of panzers of platoon F as it tried to maneuver into position to fire upon platoon E. Enemy artillery became a bit of a problem as 5.5in guns fired near the SPM's firing positions and a mix of 5.5in and 25pdr shells began landing around platoon E's position as well as near the ATGs deployed to their west.

The last Grant of the southern troop was destroyed by a well placed shot from behind as the JPz Is caught up to it. This allowed platoon G to move to relieve platoon F, which in turn moved north to support platoon E, allowing platoon E to move east out of the beaten zone of the incoming artillery. At this point in the battle, it looked as if the British had been soundly thumped.

Indeed they were, an hour and a half into the battle, the remaining British left the battlefield.

Decisive victory, KG Krafft.

Game notes: I never seem to be able to get ATGs where I really need them, especially the 88's! This time was no exception, only the reverse slope position of platoon F allowed a win.

Last turn file attached, thanks for reading

[Brian61]

KG Krafft, 25 March, 1942 - Afrika Korps

Repair and resupply: damaged vehicles are repaired and the PzKw IIf destroyed by 2pdr ATG fire near the end of the previous engagement is replaced. Korps issues an advisory that supplies are running low and replacements for losses may not be available over the short term.

Situation: Operating in the no mans land between Gazala and Timimi, KG Krafft is to conduct counter recon operations. Radio intercepts indicate an enemy reconnaisence in force is underway in the area. The terrain is rolling desert with large depressions and quite a few plateaus, the area contains numerous sand dunes, rocky outcroppings, and stretches of packed dirt. A road runs east/west through the southern portion of the map about one kilometer north of the southern edge. There is a small cluster of three buildings about one kilometer north of the road near the center of the area. Intel estimates the enemy force to be reinforced battalion strength composed of at least a company each of armored cars, tanks (presumably including Grant/Lee models), and infantry. The enemy is expected to be well supported by artillery and possibly some aircraft. [Meeting engagement, visiblity 76, length 35, scattered victory hexes, map size 100x100]

Orders: KG Krafft, accompanied by a short panzergrenadier company (down one infantry platoon but has two MG34s, two tubes of 8cm mortars, a platoon of 3.7cm ATGs, a section of motorized 2cm FlaK, a section of infantry AAMG, and two kraftradmelder sections attached), will intercept and destroy the British recon force operating in the area. Be advised that no artillery or Luftwaffe support is available and enemy air activity is probable. While possession of the battlefield at the end of the engagement is preferable, it is a higher priority to avoid any unnecessary losses of men and material.

Battle Plan: The ATGs of KG Krafft and the attached panzergrenadier company will be deployed reverse slope in the center backed by the 8.8cm heavy ATGs with overwatching MGs and mortars. Panzergrenadiers will deploy in supporting positions of the forward ATGs. Platoon E will operate to the north of the ATGs, platoon G to the south, with support from platoon D further south along the road. Platoon F and the kradschutzen platoon will be held in reserve. The armor will attempt to engage the enemy and draw them into ATG range. One kraftradmelder section will accompany each flanking panzer platoon and scout ahead. (Sword and shield with tanks flanking ATGs)

Execution: The units being deployed forward moved slowly so as to avoid kicking up dust trails. The enemy wasn't being quite so cautious, numerous dust trails were spotted indicating one column moving south of the road, and a second (at least) moving west about a kilometer north of the road. A short time later, a kraftradmelder unit in the south had direct visual on the southernmost portion of the central group spotting a troop of Honey tanks leading a troop of Grant tanks.

This forced Oberstlt Krafft to order early deployment of the ATGs and platoon G in the south took up reverse slope positions near the road in the south to avoid being skylined by the approaching Grants. Further observation spotted a second troop of Honey tanks north of the first. The trucks transporting the lead elements were ordered to withdraw after disembarking their passengers. Though several ATGs had los to the Honey tanks, they held their fire because the range was too long for effective fire. Platoon D in the south and E in the north continued their slow advance.

The Honey tanks continued their advance, a third troop was spotted even further to the north. In the south, platoon D engages the lead armored cars. The lead Morris CS9s pop smoke and platoon D moves closer for more effective engagement. The 4.7cm ATGs open fire on the lead Honey tank at 700 meters range but although some damage is inflicted, fail to destroy it. The effectiveness increases dramatically as the range closes and soon, with some assistance from platoons E and G, the burning wrecks of five Honey tanks are scattered in front of the 4.7cm ATG platoon.

In the far south, five Morris CS9's are destroyed by platoon D, two others maneuver out of sight after one pops smoke. Two more Honey tanks are destroyed by panzer fire from platoons E and G, an 88 has los to a Grant but holds its fire until a better target picture forms. Platoon D continues to run down the last of the armored cars in the south while the crews of the 88s show their nerve by allowing the lead Grants to come closer.

Just as they finish off the last Morris CS9, one of the PzKw IIf panzers comes under extreme range fire of a Grant tank, fortunately there were no direct hits. A troop of Valentine IIIs was spotted trailing the Grants to the northeast, the range was far too long for platoon E to hope for any damaging shots so the lead panzer withdrew to break los. The 3.7cm and 4.7cm ATG crews pushed their guns further east, knowing that long range shots, especially against the front armor, were pointless.

Platoon D intentionally raises a dust cloud, with some help from a kraftradmelder unit, in order to obscure the los of long range Grant tanks. During this maneuver, a Grant tank was spotted south of the road about 500 meters east of the first armored car wreckage. It appeared to be moving northeast at full throttle. British artillery finally makes its presence known, one 25pdr troop opens up on the site of the armored car battle, two more just west of the 4.7cm ATG positions.

The 88's finally open fire, destroying two of three Grant tanks in the lead troop, allowing the smaller ATGs to advance further. In the north, platoon E leaves the plateau for the depression to the south/southeast to avoid a long range gun duel with Valentine IIIs. Platoon D heads for cover, continuing to leave a large dust trail behind it.

Platoon D replaces platoon F as the reserve platoon as platoon F is ordered to advance. The 88s claim one more Grant tank and damage a second. Oberstlt Krafft orders them to prepare to move as British artillery has become quite active, another 25pdr troop has just opened up on the previous site of platoon E in the north. The lighter ATGs continue to advance, as any hope of a kill against the British heavy tanks will require point blank fire.

The 88s claim two more Grant tanks before loading up and moving, Major Sprengler, commander of the support company, pops smoke to cover the movement of the most visible 88. In the south, platoon G maneuvers carefully around the backside of a small plateau to intercept a troop of Grants moving south of the road. Platoon E takes up reverse slope positions in support of the 3.7cm ATGs in the north and platoon F continues to advance in support of the 4.7cm ATGs.

One of the 88s briefly comes under fire at extreme range from a Grant tank, fortunately there were no casualties. More smoke and dust is raised to cover their redeployment. An infantry squad is spotted southeast of the 4.7cm ATG position, the panzergrenadier's heavy weapons are moved forward to cover while the infantry protecting the 4.7cm ATGs move forward and engage what seems to be the lead elements of an infantry platoon.

The 88s destroy a Grant and a Valentine from their new positions while the panzergrenadier company's heavy weapons begin to engage the advancing infantry. The 4.7cm ATGs engage in a duel with the Grants but their guns prove too weak to be effective even at relatively short ranges. The infantry accompanying the southern ATGs, with help from the 8cm mortars, throw up a smoke screen to allow the ATGs to be repositioned while the panzers of platoon F close range. Further to the south, platoon G heads for the road as it continues to carefully stalk a troop of Grants. The kradschutzen of the reserve are ordered forward to join platoon D in readiness for deployment.

After bagging one more Valentine, the 88s prepare to move as enemy artillery is coming too close for comfort. Further south platoon F finds the range is still too long for a favorable engagement with Grants so the 8cm mortars of the panzergrenadier company lay down more smoke to cover their advance. At least one 25pdr battery is falling uncomfortably close to the 4.7cm ATGs and its accompaning infantry.

A Grant comes through the smoke screen and finds itself exposed to a 4.7cm ATG firing from 100 meters at its weak side armor, the ATG platoon claims its first kill of the day. The 88s unlimber once again in hopes of eliminating the last Valentine in the north. In the far south, platoon G recieves an unpleasant surprise when it finds the troop of Grants it was stalking has somehow turned into an entire company. Leutnant Ostendorff, platoon G's plucky commander, orders full speed ahead and drives near recklessly in an attempt to gain the reverse slope position before the Grants come into range.

Leutnant Ostendorff's desparate gamble succeeds although a hair raising moment or two occurred when Grant tanks opened fire on the trailing panzer. Platoon F bags a Grant that ventured too far west without support. Platoon E ventures onto the plateau from the north and puts a stop to an enemy infantry advance there. The 88s open fire on the last Valentine but amazingly miss with all but one shot that seems to do no damage. The southern ATG group and supporting infantry is still having a rough time of it between being under bombardment and in the path of at least a platoon of enemy infantry. The heavy weapons of the panzergrenadier company continue to fire in support and, at least for now, are holding the enemy at bay.

The last Valentine in the north advances to support the accompanying infantry and finds itself the target of five panzers and two 88s, it failed to offer any support as it became a blazing wreck. Platoon G looked to be in a spot of trouble but its veteran gunners evened the odds knocking out four Grants at close range in rapid succession. The center begins to stablize as platoon F throws its weight into the mix along with continuing support from the panzergrenadier company's heavy weapons. Without tank support, the British infantry in the north found itself outgunned and decided retreat was in order.

Platoon G brought the count up to eight Grant tanks destroyed, leaving a troop of the company still maneuvering to the north. The 4.7cm ATG platoon claims its second kill of the day with some long range assistance from Oberstlt Krafft's panzer. Platoon F advanced upon the south flank of the enemy infantry in the center and destroyed an immobilized Grant that was in its path. Platoon E begins moving down from the north to bring pressure on the central enemy infantry from that flank as well.

The enemy infantry in the center breaks as platoon F brings its full weight to bear. Platoon G destroys two more of the last troop of Grants in the south, leaving one more that, despite long range fire from platoon E, shows no signs of damage. British artillery begins shelling the truck park, a sure sign that the battle is nearly won. Oberstlt Krafft orders the reserves into action to clean up any lingering enemy presence and authorizes the kraftradmelder sections to begin recon sweep of the eastern areas.

What was thought to be an infantry platoon following the road behind the now destroyed Grant tank company turns out to be a full fledged infantry company mainly north of the road. Engaged by platoon F from the north, platoon G from the south, and platoon D from the west with support from the kradschutzen platoon; the enemy infantry soon breaks and heads east. Platoon E continues moving down from the north on the plateau, persuading the remnants of the central enemy forces that stopping for tea would be a bad idea.

Two hours into the battle, it was all over but the shouting. Oberstlt Krafft turned the job of mopping up over to the panzergrenadier company, with the assistance of the kradschutzen platoon, so as not to put his nigh irreplaceable armor at further risk. A little over half an hour later, the job was done.

Decisive victory, KG Krafft.

Last turn file attached, thanks for reading

[Brian61]

KG Krafft, 8 April, 1942 - Afrika Korps

Repair, resupply and reorganization: KG Krafft's record of success in assisting recon operations has been noted by higher command. KG Krafft is temporarily detached from 15 Panzer Division and attached to korps recon. In order to better support the new duties, the support company is reorganized, losing the kradschutzen platoon and the 4.7cm ATG platoon; in their place it gains a pioneer platoon (gep), a platoon of sIG 33s, and an additional section of SdKfz 10/4 FlaK.

Situation: An Italian deep reconnacense patrol located a lightly guarded supply dump south of the Gazala defensive positions, evidently left over from Operation Crusader. While the Italian forces were able to overcome the defenders easily enough, radio intercepts indicate a relief column of Commonwealth forces is on the way. The area between the supply dump and the relief column includes a crossroads at a small village. The most likely route for a relief column is the road running east/west through the northern portion of the area through the village. The terrain is open desert with numerous depressions, rocky outcroppings, sand dunes, and windswept areas of packed dirt. [Delay mission, visibility 18, length 39, custom victory hexes, map size 80x80]

Orders: Intercept and delay the relief column long enough for the Italian supply column to arrive and load as much of the captured supplies as possible. Italian engineers will destroy whatever cannot be carried away. No friendly artillery is capable of reaching this far and Luftwaffe assets which would normally be available are tied up providing cover for the supply column. This is a joint operation, a reinforced Italian Ricognitori company (with a Bersagliari platoon attached) will assist KG Krafft in the mission. Oberstlt Krafft has overall command.

Game note: the victory hexes have been altered to include a cluster of six at the crossroads and the remainder scattered in an arc west of the north/south road. The arc represents the ability to bypass the crossroads or at the very least, assert some degree of control over it. The supply dump is assumed to be about ten kilometers west of the crossroads. Also note that the AI point advantage is still at +25% and, for this battle, AI Tank heavy has been turned off as this action is occurring near Commonwealth lines.

Battle Plan: Column C will be composed of Capitano Zampini's Ricognitori company and will operate in the southern area of the map, scouting into the deep desert but not maintaining contact or conducting offensive operations. As the battle develops, the Ricognitori company will fall back and assume the defense of the southern flank. Column A will be composed of platoons D and F of KG Krafft and will advance east along the road until contact is made. Column A will then launch a spoiling attack at their discretion. Column B will be composed of platoon G and the pioneer platoon. Column B will secure the southern flank of Column A, operating between Column A and Column C. Platoon E will be held in reserve. The command group will consist of the remaining elements and will deploy in a defensive posture southeast of the intersection.

Execution: The British announce their arrival in the area with salvoes from three troops of 25 pounders, although some near misses occur, no casualties result. Column A no sooner starts out than runs into a platoon of mechanized infantry, the lead halftrack is destroyed immediately, others are fired upon. Column C runs into an advanced patrol of British armored cars and scout cars, the Autoblinda's open fire on the lead scout car but it pops smoke. The Autoblinda's fire on the other vehicles but the British are quick to pop smoke. The remainder of column C, following orders to the letter, immediately falls back under cover of the Autoblinda's.

Meanwhile, column A destroys four more halftracks and quickly routs the survivors. Column B advances but has yet to spot anything. Shortly though, a number of halftracks and trucks come into view and column B opens fire. Four halftracks and two trucks are destroyed and their surviving occupants sent running within minutes of being sighted. Column A continues to fire upon followup halftracks on the road. Column C however, is running into trouble.

In broken german Capitano Zampini quickly requests reinforcements as he is being overrun by armored cars. Oberstlt Krafft dispatches platoon E to his assistance as column C goes into full reverse. Columns A and B continue the carnage. Finally the wave of halftracks and trucks comes to a halt, at least one Matilda II tank was spotted trailing them but none of the panzers have los to it. In the south, the Italians, once safely behind platoon E's panzers, turn and begin making various rude remarks and gestures in the direction of the British armored cars.

One Matilda in the north is caught in a crossfire and immobilized, it then pops smoke. A second is spotted but cannot be engaged at this time. Half an hour into the battle it appears to be over, but Oberstlt Krafft is unconvinced, he orders Capitano Zampini to scout the area south of column B now that the armored car threat has been largely dealt with. Three more Matilda IIs are spotted in the north, one is destroyed, another disabled and pops smoke, the third caused the spotting PzKw IIf to beat a hasty retreat. A Honey tank was destroyed in the south, and in the center there seems to be leg infantry appearing from the west.

Another Matilda II is forced to pop smoke, and in the center one is destroyed by a shot from behind by a panzer PzKw IIIj/1. The pioneer's halftracks are withdrawn to a depression northwest of the pioneers in order to avoid incoming artillery. Also because of artillery, the PzKw IIf's of platoon D have closed up behind platoon F in the north. In the south, platoon E dispatches another Honey tank along with a pair of Morris CS9's.

A Matilda lumbers out of the smoke on the road and is dispatched by platoon F, another follows it and is damaged but not destroyed. Enemy infantry in company strength is moving just to the south of platoon G's position and suppresses two squads of the pioneer platoon. In the south, a half dozen more armored cars advance westward only to meet the guns of platoon E.

To rescue the pioneer platoon before it becomes hopelessly trapped, Oberstlt Krafft orders Capitano Zampini to send the Bersaglieri platoon forward to support their extrication and has Hptmann Tellner plot an artillery strike for the sIG 33s. Two more Matilda's are put down in the north and center respectively. The enemy infantry advance just south of center is largely brought to a halt by fire from platoon G and sIG 33 bombardment. In the south, a motorcycle scout spots an unlikely trio of enemy tanks; a Valentine, a Matilda, and a Lee. A few minutes and translations later, platoon E advances into the depression to hopefully set up an ambush for what may well be a company of enemy tanks.

The enemy advance along the road seems to finally be at an end nearly an hour after it began. In the center the action continues, a Matilda II tries to sneak up on platoon G but is hit with close range 5cm fire and forced to pop smoke. 15cm rounds pound into the enemy infantry just south of center and fall all around a supporting Matilda but it suffers no observable damage, the same cannot be said for the enemy infantry. In the south, the Lee tank was the first of the odd trio to be destroyed when it attempted to exchange fire with a PzKw IIIh at short range.

With activity dying down in the far north, Oberstlt Krafft orders platoon D to return to the vicinity of the crossroads and hold as a new reserve force. Platoon F is ordered to travel southwest and support platoon G and the withdrawal of the pioniers. The arrival of the Bersaglerie platoon together with the ongoing 15cm bombardment lessens the pressure on the center. Platoon G attempts to engage two Matilda IIs supporting the southcentral advance but one of them pops smoke and blocks los. A Valentine III and a second Lee tank is destroyed in the south, dashing hopes that the movement was in less than company strength.

Platoon G's luck finally ran out, both the command tank and the gun tank were lost in combat with a Matilda II at short range, a third tank suffered damage including loss of the main gun. The crew of the command tank is uninjured though quite shaken up, however there is only one survivor from the gun tank. Despite artillery fire from six 25 pounder troops, rescue operations are successfully extracting the crews as well as the trapped pionier platoon.

Platoon F rushed down from the north, taking potshots at stray units as it passed them by. In the far south, platoon E continued to knock out tank after tank but there were just too many to get them all especially after they turned northwest bypassing the ambush position. One of platoon E's panzers was heavily damaged and forced to retire. The sIG 33's engaged the enemy in direct fire mode, claiming two tank kills as well as disrupting enemy infantry movements. A lone Italian sniper made a valiant stand, rebuffing attempts by an entire platoon to advance.

Platoon E would not be denied, an alternate route was found back up to the main plateau and the panzers again blocked the British from their goals. As the British attack stalled with panzers from platoon E to their west, the command group and Bersaglieri assisting the remnants of platoon G to their north, and platoon F approaching fast from the east, their infantry routed and tank after tank was turned to wreckage or abandoned. The Italian armored cars stuck with it to the very end pumping cannon and machinegun fire into any available target.

Unexpectedly, not quite two hours into the fray, the British surrendered.

Decisive victory, KG Krafft.

Game notes: despite beginning with the charge of the light brigade, the AI was quite challenging in this one and made some unexpected moves. The late arriving southern armored company had a real chance to break through my lines and I was forced to put my core units at greater risk than I would normally prefer. I'll be a panzer platoon short if there are any more battles this month.

Last turn file attached, thanks for reading

[Brian61]

KG Krafft, 3 May, 1942 - Afrika Korps

Repair and resupply: While General Kesselring's successes in supressing Malta last month has allowed more supplies to reach Afrika Korps, KG Krafft was unable to find replacements for the two panzers and two SdKfz 10/4's destroyed in the previous battle. All other equipment was repaired and units resupplied and brought back up to full strength.

Situation: The British have been scouting the area south of their Gazala fortifications of late, intelligence believes they are in the process of creating another fortified area further south of the existing line. Luftwaffe recon has spotted a British armored column moving towards the suspected site, presumably to act as a security force while construction is underway. The area is somewhat different than the normal open rolling desert, although it has many depressions of various sizes and the usual numbers of rocky outcroppings, sand dunes, and windswept areas of packed dirt, there is an unusually high plateau in the center. It is this central plateau which intel believes to be the intended site of the centerpiece of the new fortifications. [Meeting engagement, visibility 19, length 41, standard victory hexes, map size 100x100]

Orders: KG Krafft is to proceed to the area and neutralize any enemy forces found. Korps recon assets attached to KG Krafft for this operation include two troops of armored cars and two sections of kraftradmelders. While the area is beyond range of friendly artillery, Luftwaffe is providing six Bf 109F's for tactical support and a Fw 189 Uhu for aerial recon. Control of the battlefield at the end of the engagement is vital so that intel may ascertain the extent of British preparations.

Battle plan: Panzer platoon G is not combat ready, the three operational tanks of that platoon will be split among the command group and platoons E and F. Platoon D and the pionier platoon will be held in reserve and the KG command group will provide rear area security for the support elements. Platoons E and F will advance to the edge of the central plateau and there deploy into reverse slope positions, panzer company command section C will support them. Two recon groups will be formed, recon A and recon B, each consisting of a troop of 222's and a section of kraftradmelders. Recon A will advance on the north flank and recon B will advance on the south flank. The first phase of the battle will rely heavily on Luftwaffe recon to ascertain the enemy's disposition and on Luftwaffe airstrikes to encourage the enemy to maneuver into positions favorable to our forces.

Execution: Roughly ten minutes after deployment, recon B spots a pair of Morris CS9 armored cars advancing in the far south. Oberstlt Krafft orders platoon D to prepare for a southern movement in support of recon B should that prove advisable. Recon A spots a platoon of halftracks advancing in the north, taking them under fire, one is destroyed. Recon B engages the lead armored car in the south but it pops smoke before sustaining any damage. Platoon D is ordered to continue moving southeast to be in position for reinforcement of recon B. The pionier platoon is ordered to head northeast and position itself in preparation for reinforcement of recon A.

The picture develops further as a Grant tank is spotted trailing the southern armored car group by a kilometer, the halftrack movement in the north develops into a full fledged attack by a mechanized infantry company, and aerial recon spots a group of armored cars just northeast of center moving west. Recon A is ordered to fall back, maintaining contact if possible. The pionier and panzer platoons of the reserve are assigned new orders, sending the panzers north and the pioniers south.

Recon A continues to fire long range at the mechanized infantry force, destroying a few more halftracks and generally impeding their advance while awaiting the arrival of platoon D. The central armored car movement ran into a wall of 5cm shells once they came within los of platoon E and were promptly destroyed. After finishing off the armored cars in the south, recon B withdrew out of los of the advancing Grant tanks, and waited for the arrival of the pionier platoon to exploit ambush possibilities. Aerial recon continues as Oberstlt Krafft seeks for the main enemy force.

Recon A was caught flatfooted when a troop of Grants appeared unexpectedly from the east and open fire within a few hundred meters. The armored cars were close enough to the edge of the plateau that they managed to escape undamaged. The central group is ordered north to engage the Grants. Aerial recon spots two troops of Valentines along with additional infantry about a kilometer to the east and slightly north of the Grants. It seems Oberstlt Krafft has found the main line of enemy advance. Airstrikes are called in on the followup forces and sIG 33 fire in the path of the Grants. In the south, a massive bombardment by five 5.5in troops falls upon the former positions of recon B.

Two of the three Grants advancing in the north were destroyed by short range 5cm fire from the panzers of platoon E which lay in wait along their flank. Incoming sIG 33 fire was largely accurate and caused additional casualties among the riders and damage to the remaining tank. The airstrike inflicted casualties among the infantry accompaning the Valentines but seemed to do no damage to the tanks.

Acting on reports from aerial recon, the armored cars of recon B race northeast, intercepting and destroying a British FOO team. The kraftradmelders of recon B assist the pionier platoon in attempting to reach close assault range against the southern troop of Grant tanks. The 15cm bombardment deafened and disoriented the crew of the remaining Grant of the lead troop in the north allowing them to be easily dispatched by flanking fire from platoon E. This freed up the armored cars of recon A along with the light panzers of platoon D to engage the mechanized infantry to their north/northeast.

Another airstrike is called in on the northern force while the pioniers in the south request, and are granted, a fire mission from the sIG 33's to assist them in engaging the Grant troop there. The mechanized infantry force in the north was put to rout with most of its vehicles destroyed. Recon B's armored cars continued to engage small units in the vicinity of the central objective area. Platoon E together with section C, advanced north while platoon F ascended the central plateau and slowly advanced northeast.

The airstrike in the north distracts the lead Valentine enough that a panzer from platoon F is able to destroy it with a couple flank shots. In the south, the pioniers destroy a MG left behind by the Grants and advance undercover of their own smoke. The pionier platoon leader calls in a request for smoke from the sIG 33's, the request is acceptable to Oberstlt Krafft who calls in the mission and sends back the message 'on the way!'. Hptmann Tellner continues calling in airstrikes on the northern Valentines.

In the north, platoons E and F continue to pick away at the Valentines while platoon D and the armored cars of recon A snipe at infantry with long range machinegun and 2cm HE fire. Airstrikes shift south and disable a lone Grant making its way from the southern objective area to the central objective area. In the south, the pionier platoon lures two Grant tanks too close to the smoke obscured southern objective area and set them afire with flamethrowers destroying both tanks.

Recon B was forced to withdraw from the central objective area by the, now immobilized, Grant tank and a Valentine to the west. In the north, the last of the Valentines is destroyed and the infantry is routed. Oberstlt Krafft orders platoon F to secure the central objective area, airstrikes and 15cm artillery support will be supplied.

A horrific bombardment of six 5.5in troops fell on the tail end of platoon F as it reversed course, one panzer was badly damaged, its main gun knocked out, the platoon went to full throttle and vacated the area. Another airstrike, this one on the Valentine east of the central objective area, unfortunately the Luftwaffe pilots prefered shooting at a kraftradmelder some distance to the north. The badly shaken kraftradmelder survived.

The Valentine bravely charged over the crest of the plateau and came face to face with platoon F at a range of 250 meters. The Valentine promptly exploded. The Luftwaffe used the lone Grant, immobilized south of the central objective as live ammo target practice. They didn't kill it but they did manage to hit it a few times. At the two hour mark, the British force has been soundly beaten and there is no sign of any last minute counterattack.

Decisive victory, KG Krafft. Next up, the Battle of Gazala!

Last turn attached, thanks for reading