Italian Long Campaign

[sigeena]

Seems like the High Command likes to throw my battalion into defensive battles. Next up, another Delay engagement.

The terrain doesn't look too good, as there's very little good ground to anchor on. I supplemented our core with the following support forces

S0- M-13/40 Section
T0- Ammo Carrier (for Arty Park)
U0- Ammo Carrier (for 75mm ATG)
V0- Flak Section
W0- 25mm ATG section
X0- 75mm ATG section

The 75mm ATGs have a PEN of 9, and pretty good accuracy. Their only downside is their lack of AP ammo at 10 shots only, which is why I decided to provide them an ammo carrier to ensure they have additional shots.

With both ATG sections co-located with 3rd Company, my plan was to strong point the centre. Most of my infantry are in dead ground. The 1st 5 turns will probably consists of the HMGs engaging targets near the edge of the plateau.

Once we identify the EN armour thrust, we will adjust with our own tank section. Hopefully they approach near the centre so that our ATGs are best able to influence the battle.

[sigeena]

Lorries were spotted advancing along the south, towards 2nd Coy. My HMGs start to light them up as soon as they come into 1200m range.



Matildas are spotted coming along the centre. Due to the speed disparity, I can expect to encounter the A13s first and then the Matildas with their infantry. Matildas (Front ARM 8, Rear ARM 6) are going to be problematic to deal with. The only AT asset capable of destroying them are the 75mm ATGs (PEN 9)

[anlubue]

Thanks for your AAR! I've learned a lot and it's nice to be able to watch over your shoulder during the game. (I also learned that reading your AAR too late, is not smart if you have to get up early the next day, but that's not your fault.)

[sigeena]

Turn 7

The EN came very fast. And they were knocked out equally fast. A closer look at the 3rd Coy's strong point. The ATGs remain hidden while the light armoured stuff are being taken care off by my tanks. I position my tanks just behind some dead ground, in case they need to take cover fast.

Of my infantry, I leave my commanders aboveground to keep a lookout for EN infiltrators. If there are, my HMGs will engage them. All my infantry units, less the HMGs are ordered to keep their fire till the EN is 100m away.



By turn 12, most of the EN tanks are destroyed, leaving behind the Matildas. 2 of them are coming towards 3rd Coy while a platoon of 3 are moving towards 1st Coy.



H Platoon of 1st Coy lies in wait for the approaching Matildas. I Platoon will screen for any EN infantry on their flank.

[sigeena]

Turn 18

EN infantry are beginning to bear their weight on 2nd Company. Counted about 1 and half company strength. The half company was probably attrited by my HMGs earlier.



Elsewhere in 3rd Coy sector, the Matildas-CS are getting closer to my ATGs. Unfortunately, my 75mm gun crews are cowering from the EN artillery. Hopefully, they recover in time to man their guns.



H Platoon have managed to immobilise 1 of the Matildas. The platoon fall back to take up positions against the remaining 2.

[sigeena]

Turn 23

3rd Company, 1 of the Heavy ATGs have been destroyed, after critically damaging 1 of the Matildas. The remaining Matilda has also run out of AP rounds. It's a fight to the finish, and I rush my M-13/40s to the rear of the Matilda, hoping for a lucky shot. My M-13/40s have PEN 6, vs the Matilda Rear ARM 6. In one of those Benny Hill skits, there was alot of sound and fury, but we could only immobilise the EN Matilda. Good enough.



H Platoon and I platoon have teamed up to immobilise the remaining Matildas. As you can see, it required alot of smoke.



Over at 2nd Company, we have begun advancing against the EN infantry. With effective artillery bombardment, the EN started to crumble.

[sigeena]

Battle Report

Unlike the earlier battles, we didn't destroy all of the EN tanks but their advance was effectively stopped once all their infantry routed.

The 75mm ATGs were size 3, and were discovered much too easily. Once spotted by the EN, they became the biggest target, and were not recovered easily. Lost the Heavy ATG section before end of battle.

As for the 25mm ATGs, they were largely quiet and were only shooting at Bren carriers.

Reviewing the battle, I think I've better management of my HMGs in this one, which allowed me to dominate over the EN infantry advance.

[sigeena]

Next engagement was an Advance against UK. It's still 1st year of the war, I think December 1940. Operation Compass, I guess

1 company will go along the road, with my tanks and quickly exploit the EN rear.

The other 2 companies will move along the lower ground and hopefully their approach march is likely to be concealed. My HMGs will follow these 2 companies, on cavalry transports.

Since it's an Advance, we'll likely meet not more than 2 infantry companies, a tank section or 2 and some medium mortars. The UK 3 inch mortars have very poor range, so if they reveal their positions early, I can always plaster them with return fire.

Unfortunately, no air recon to help spot targets.

[sigeena]

Turn 5

1st Company's lead scouts receive EN infantry fire. Our Company HMG move off the road to provide suppressive fire, while our tanks move forward to engage the infantry. The lead platoon (J) prepare to peel off to clear the elevated ground. I Platoon move forward to take lead position along the road.



Turn 9

EN tanks are spotted along the road, some 1.2km away. These are the MkIVs, their main gun is only a 0.5 Cal HMG. So they don't pose a threat to my tanks. The EN's front platoon is on the run, I expect to see more resistance concealed on the higher ground.

[sigeena]

Turn 9

2nd Company has reached its Form Up Point without much resistance. The EN has probably not spotted them yet and are fully concentrated on 1st Company. Our HMGs are deployed. The first EN artillery are some 3 inch mortars, which we have spotted some puffs of smoke.



Turn 12

Once 2nd Company crested the ridgeline, we were met with sporadic EN infantry fire. This was probably around a platoon size, which was overwhelmed pretty quickly.