DAR: GE Long campaign - small core

[Roman]

Ok Brian. Thank you. Inquire into that page.
I have some books of the second war and only talk about number of tanks in general. In the sites I found talking about number of tanks per division or regiment. So far it seems very wise choice as Guderian received the new tanks III and IV. Only I doubt the number of Panzer IV as I seemed to have heard that there was something like 6 per regiment.
Regards

[Brian61]

According to Dr. Niehorster's data, 3rd panzer division had 18 PzIV's on 1 September, 1939. It had 4 'heavy' tank companies, which gives either 4 each with a section reserved or 3 of the 'heavy' tank companies had 6 each and one had none. This was the common case for all the panzer divisions except for 1st panzer which had 56!!

PzIII's were in much shorter supply, 3rd division only had 6 of them, although I wonder if a few ended up categorized as Bef-Pz and used as command tanks. There were slightly fewer 38t's fielded than PzIII's, but almost as many 35t's as PzIV's. Of course, the numbers for all the heavier tank models combined is dwarfed by the numbers of PzI's and PzII's.

The thing about german TOE's in WWII, even early on, is that it is so varied as to defy any attempt to describe a 'common' formation. After about 1941 the data gets sketchy, much of what appeared on official documents was wishful thinking.

[Brian61]

KG Krafft, 29 September, 1941 - Afrika Korps

Refit and resupply: the older vehicles were sent to maintenance for overhaul, this included the last of the PzIIc models, the antiquated PzIIIe-3.7cm tanks, and the JPz I's. All light tanks are now PzIIf models and the mediums are a mix of g and h models. The JPz I's were replaced by a trio of SdKfz 10/5 PaK 5 soft skin vehicles but with the L60 variant gun featuring much improved performance against the British heavy tanks. The recon element's motorcycles were replaced by a pair of newly arrived SdKfz 250/1 scout halftracks.

Situation: Luftwaffe airstrikes have destroyed a supply column before it could reach a British armored unit operating in the forward areas. That unit, lacking sufficient fuel to return to the allied lines, has dug in awaiting resupply. Area is largely flat and clear with numerous grassy strips and a few prominent hills in the southeast section. [Assault mission, visiblity 62, length 42, scattered victory hexes, map size 80x80]

Orders: Destroy the British force before it can be resupplied and capture as much of its vehicles and equipment as possible. Although the area is beyond the range of friendly artillery, a division 10.5cm battery will accompany KG Krafft to the area to provide local fire support. Division is also providing a pioneer platoon and a pair of heavy mortars from the engineering battalion to support the attack. Luftwaffe support is available but limited to four Bf109 aircraft.

Battle plan: The recon units of KG Krafft, supported by the light panzer platoon, and accompanied by the battery's observer, will, with the aid of the Luftwaffe, determine the deployment of the enemy's forward edge of battle. The panzergrenadiers will lead the assault in the south, with the panzers providing close support. The kampfgruppe's heavy weapons will be brought forward under smoke and deployed into firing positions. The reserve will consist of one platoon of PzIIIs, the security element, and the pioneer platoon.

Execution: As KG Krafft arrives (deployment on western map edge), Luftwaffe pilots make their first pass. They report armor dug in east of the hills and AAA positions in the north. One Bf109 is damaged as it strafes an AAA position, another pilot reports blowing up a tank east of the hills. In the far north, another pilot spots a troop of Valentine III heavy tanks. KG Krafft's sIG Ib section quickly deploys and begins firing on suspected AAA positions in the northeast.

The advancing recon units stir up a cloud of dust, obscuring the infantry and armor advancing to their west. Another pass by the Luftwaffe results in the destruction of one AAA position but a Bf109 is shot down. British 25pdr batteries and 3in mortars attempt interdiction fire but KG Krafft's troop movements are hidden in a duststorm of false trails laid by recon vehicles and empty trucks. The local 10.5cm battery knocks out one of the British mortars and the sIG Ib section continues to pound the AAA positions.

One hour after the first Luftwaffe airstrikes, the advance in the south begins in earnest as a smokescreen is laid by artillery in front of suspected enemy positions. Smoke rounds are replaced by HE as artillery fire shifts to the east in advance of the infantry and tanks. Enemy artillery finally finds the spot and heavily damages the kampfgruppe's primary FO vehicle, the crew bails out and evacuates the area with the aid of a nearby scout vehicle.

The panzergrenadiers earn their money, taking out a FOO team and suppressing a 2pdr ATG as well as routing three British squads nearby. While maneuvering in an attempt to bring an infantry position under fire, a panzer is fired upon by a pillbox located a couple hundred meters east of the northern hill. This confirmed Oberstlt Krafft's suspicion that the British had not picked this spot entirely accidently, it looked to be the site of an old French fort.

The three pillboxes that the British had converted didn't hold up to heavy fire though and all three soon succumbed to a combination of mortar and direct 5cm fire. In a short but sharp exchange, a dugin A13 Mk I was destroyed by panzer fire and its partner forced to pop smoke, but then a hidden 2pdr ATG opened up and destroyed one of the attacking panzers. Still, the panzergrenadiers with support from panzers and artillery press on and the British positions in the south are overcome one by one. One panzer loses a track to a mine, and the reserves are called forward on the southern flank with the pioneer platoon being committed to mine clearance duties there.

Evidently the British commander had the last of the unit's fuel supplies transferred to the Valentine IIIs in the north as about two hours into the battle, they began to move west towards the feint attack of empty trucks. The trucks withdraw south, careful to stay out of range, hoping to draw the heavy tanks within effective range of three SdKfz 10/5 PaK 5's who await in ambush.

From east of the southern hills, the British mount an infantry counterattack. Unfortunately the artillery batteries are in the process of relocating and resupply. Still, the counterattack amounts to little as it runs straight into the teeth of the awaiting panzers. In the north, a motorcycle scout nearly runs into a ditch as he amazedly watches a troop of Valentine IIIs run full speed into their own minefield. British 25pdr batteries continue to bombard phantom targets admidst the dust trails in the western areas.

Oberstlt Krafft recieves a radio message from korps HQ, a British relief column has been spotted moving to rescue the trapped armored column, ETA 1 hour. If the operation has not been concluded by then, KG Krafft will need to withdraw from the area. Unfortunately Oberstlt Krafft finds the breakthrough elements delayed by minefields in the south and frontline panzergrenadier units are running low on ammo.

Finally the pioneers breach the minefield in a gap between two hills and the breakthrough groups rush for the gap. Artillery comes back online at about the same time and begins bombarding enemy positions east of the hills. British 25pdr batteries opened up on the positions of a panzer platoon that was providing covering fire for the breakthrough force but it was too late.

As lead elements of KG Krafft pour through the gap British forces are thrown into disarray and many units are in full rout. One Valentine III made an effort to turn south and intercept the breakthrough forces but was immobilized by flanking fire from the SdKfz 10/5 PaK 5 platoon. Still, enough British forces remained in the north, including a pair of 2pdr ATGs, that complete destruction of British forces in the area proved impossible before it was time for KG Krafft to withdraw.

Result: Marginal Victory

Game Notes: I spent too much time on recon early, and didn't commit my pioneers soon enough. In the end this meant running out of time a few victory hexes shy of a decisive victory.

Last turn attached, thanks for reading

[Brian61]

KG Krafft, 23 October, 1941 - Afrika Korps

Refit and resupply: KG Krafft is brought back up to full strength but no major changes to equipment are made. Oberstlt Krafft expresses concerns that the h model panzers lack smoke dischargers but to no avail.

Situation: British armor is advancing against Italian positions near Bardia. The Italian forces are in the midst of redeployment, the infantry defending the area have been largely withdrawn and only advance recon elements of the Ariete Armoured Division have arrived to replace them. KG Krafft is ordered into the breech to hold the positions until relieved by the main body of the Ariete division. The area is largely flat and open hardpack with a few grassy strips and scattered minor hills and rocky outcroppings. [Delay mission, visibility 37, length 46, scattered victory hexes, map size 100x100]

Orders: Hold this vital position until relieved. Italian infantry has been largely withdrawn but one MG company remains along with a pair of improvised ATGs of dubious quality. Advance elements of Ariete division are limited to a section of motorcyclists, a section of armored cars and a section of self propelled AAA. The only artillery support available is a 75mm battery from the infantry division that was fortunately late in redeploying. No Luftwaffe assets are available.

Battle Plan: The Italians had already been deployed when KG Krafft arrived, although they chose the most favorable terrain, the positions were rather obvious ones. After consideration, and in view of the language problems, Oberstlt Krafft decided to leave them as they were and deployed his panzergrenadier company into a wide gap between two hills which at least offered some favorable terrain for its heavy weapons. Platoons D and H, together with the kampfgruppe's recon element will operate in the north presumbably in support of the Italian MG positions there but using the hills as cover to await ambush opportunities against heavy tanks. Platoon G and the KG's security element will be held in reserve while Platoons E and F, together with the motorcycle scouts of the panzergrenadier company, will perform a reconnaisence in strength from their central positions.

Execution: British artillery began the day with a massive barrage from 32 25-pounder guns, which, amazingly enough, had no affect on anyone except for the supply sergeant who began to drool, evidently thinking of all that ammo. What followed though, was no laughing matter, Obrgfrtr Schumacher in the E3 panzer spotted over 100 vehicles in the first wave of the British advance, fully half of which were cruiser tanks. Following standard operating procedure, the panzers opened fire with HE targeting soft vehicles in the column, over a dozen were destroyed or rendered inoperable. In return, Obrltnt Reichmann's panzer took multiple hits from 2pdr ATGs which knocked out the BMG and killed the gunner. Fortunately his panzer is an f model and was able to pop smoke.

When reports of a possible flanking force to the far south come in, Oberstlt Krafft orders the reserve panzer platoon to follow him and the panzer company commander as they head south to cover any possible breakthrough on the panzergrenadier company's south flank. In the center, the smoking ruins of British vehicles lay seemingly everywhere but they keep coming and the panzers keep falling back.

The advance continues, cruiser tanks, armored cars, and carriers explode by the dozens, machinegun fire rakes across the field and trucks burn. Still the British keep coming, finally in range of the ATGs which take their toll, the reserve panzers sweep in to the south and add to the carnage. Even when the light panzers knife into the north flank with 20mm autocannon fire, they keep coming.

An artillery regiment unleashes a rain of 25 pound shells, Hurricanes and Tomahawks strafe and drop bombs, Fldwbl Christmann and crew is forced to abandon their panzer and an Italian infantry squad runs for cover but KG Krafft does not break. The British advance slows to a trickle and then seems to stop, even reverse. A lone Valentine III blunders out of the smoke and wreckage only to be sent running by dozens of 5cm rounds bouncing off its thick hide.

Airstrikes badly damage another panzer but at a high cost with FlaK Vierling fire shooting down one of the planes and badly damaging another. A blinded Valentine III is destroyed by panzergrenadiers as they search through the smoking wreckage for hidden dangers. Small infantry forays by the British are repulsed with heavy losses. Airstrikes continued, claiming one scout vehicle at the cost of another plane shot down. Heavy artillery bombardment forced abandonment of two ATGs, fortunately there is little current need for them.

For the next hour, panzergrenadiers lead panzers through the smoke and wreckage routing out any latecomers and taking possession of numerous abandoned vehicles. British artillery continued ineffectively pounding away but the day was lost to them. At the two and a half hour point, the remaining British forces withdrew.

Decisive Victory, KG Krafft!

Last turn file attached, thanks for reading

[Brian61]

KG Krafft, 23 November, 1941 - Afrika Korps

Reorganization: Another motorized panzergrenadier company has rotated in, replacing the previous one. This one has self-propelled AAA and mortars but only has 37mm ATGs and one kraftradmelder section.

Situation: Sandy desert region near Sidi Rezegh dominated by a low central plateau. Numerous sand dunes and some rocky outcroppings are present. The flank of the British armored thrust in Operation Crusader is exposed. [Advance mission, visibility 17, length 39, scattered victory hexes, map size 100x100]

Orders: In conjunction with elements of the Ariete Division (Tank company plus Bersaglieri company), attack the exposed flank of the British armor force and destroy or capture all enemy units in the area. Possession of the battlefield at the end of three hours is preferable. Oberstlt Krafft will have overall command of the joint force. Support will be provided by an Italian artillery regiment, no Luftwaffe assets are available.

Battle Plan: The Italian force will sieze the northcentral plateau, KG Krafft will swing south around the southern tip of the plateau and drive northward taking the eastern plateau as well as the enemy rear areas.

Execution: The battle began with a brief artillery exchange which seemed mostly ineffective, four British 25pdr troops and four Italian 100/105 batteries opened up on suspected enemy positions. The Axis forces advanced quickly at first, but it wasn't long until the scout element of KG Krafft made contact with a British infantry platoon in the far south. The scout halftracks, security element halftracks, and the light panzer platoon took the positions under fire as a platoon of panzergrenadiers dismounted from their trucks and began advancing on the position.

In the north, the Italians were a bit too aggressive with their armored trucks and lost one to a 2pdr ATG, the 2pdr was quickly dispatched by the pair of Fiat 6.5mm machineguns the truck had been carrying. The advancing panzergrenadiers in the south spotted a pair of A9 tanks and the 5cm guns of panzer platoon G were employed to eliminate the threat without incident. The British attempted to shell the advancing panzergrenadiers but the bombardment fell long, unfortunately destroying a SdKfz 10/4 that was trailing the advance. Another A9 opened fire at long range and missed, the return fire from panzer platoon F didn't.

Artillery fire preceded the Italian advance and helped in suppressing an infantry platoon to their southeast. Another armored truck was lost, this time due to soft sand and an impatient driver. The Italian advance is held up though by a pair of A9 tanks and a hidden flanking 2pdr ATG. A regimental fire mission is called in on the tanks and infantry maneuvers to find and destroy the ATG.

The end of the first hour of battle was punctuated by a sharp exchange of artillery fire in the north. While British 25pdr shells fell amongst the Italian ATG positions, the Italian heavy artillery destroyed an A9 tank and a 2pdr ATG as well as suppressing two other tanks and a 40mm AA-gun position. In the south, KG Krafft has penetrated the British lines and is poised at the start of its breakthrough phase of operations.

The next half hour finds the Italian force running into stiffening opposition, losing one M-13/40 tank to 40mm AAA fire and another is heavily damaged by 2pdr ATG fire. The Italian force is also encountering infantry in platoon strength to the east and company strength to the southeast. The advance continues but slows. In the south, KG Krafft finds the terrain to be more of an impediment than the enemy although an additional half dozen A13 Mk I tanks are discovered to the east. While maneuvering to find firing positions, the force becomes bunched up and two 25pdr troops land shells in the rear of the traffic jam. One sIG Ib has its gun knocked askew and a track is blown off an ammo schlepper. One squad of the infantry reserve is also caught in that bombardment and suffers heavy casualties.

Scouts report at least one A9 tank on the plateau between the German and Italian forces, Oberstlt Krafft decides to deploy a panzergrenadier platoon and the 3.7cm ATG platoon onto the edge of the plateau to counter this threat. The bombardment in the south increases in intensity as additional troops join in and losses begin to mount. A halftrack and infantry squad of the kampfgruppe's security element vanishes in a hail of shells, the remaining operational sIG Ib loses a track, another SdKfz 10/4 takes a shell to the engine, a panzer from platoon E loses a track, and the entire reserve infantry platoon is pinned down along with the panzergrenadier company's machineguns.

The situation in the north isn't quite so bad although another M-13/40 is damaged by fire from a hidden 2pdr gun. Recon reports at least three A9 tanks on the plateau southeast of the Italian force and north of KG Krafft and the detachment from Ariete is still engaging infantry in company strength north of the reported enemy tank positions. As the situation develops, a second hidden 2pdr gun opens fire and forces the western M-13/40 platoon to withdraw north. Unfortunately one M-13/40 of that platoon was destroyed by ATG fire before it could escape.

Despite the setbacks, KG Krafft completes the initial breakthrough maneuver destroying two more A13 Mk I tanks that had managed to survive due to cover. The 3.7cm ATGs and SdKfz 10/5 PaK5s make short work of the three A9s on the southern portion of the central plateau as they move into positions on the rim with support from a panzergrenadier platoon.

While KG Krafft overcomes adversity in the south, the detachment from Ariete succumbs to it in the north losing one M-13/40 to 40mm AAA fire and another in the same platoon from a rifle grenade. The bersaglieri platoon they were supporting becomes pinned down by a well hidden marksman and supporting recon patrol. Italian artillery begins to even the score though as it catches the British infantry company out in the open.

As KG Krafft's attention turned north, the leading panzers bounced a trio of Honey tanks and quickly turned them into scrap metal. The 3.7cm PaK 35/36s on the plateau rim were pressed into service as infantry guns in support of the panzergrenadier advance against a platoon of British infantry. Evacuation of wounded and crews from disabled vehicles continued apace hoping to complete the rescues before more incoming arrived.

Just as the Italian situation began to look brighter with their artillery wreaking havoc among the British infantry company, another British infantry force launched a counter-attack from the east. This left them no reasonable choice but to engage the exposed ATG position with direct fire from M-13/40's. The only good luck the Italians were having was that the tanks managed to suppress the ATG while only one tank was rendered inoperable due to weapons damage.

The two hour mark comes and goes finding the Italians holding against the British counterattack and breaking even, if not winning, in the artillery duel. KG Krafft's advance through the enemy rear area comes under fire from numerous 40mm AA-gun positions and a panzer model h of F platoon is riddled with AP rounds, none of the crew survive. Fortunately the remainder of the platoon and other followup units were spared when two panzer model g's in lead positions came under fire and popped their smoke dischargers.

The three AA-guns did not survive long, a half dozen panzer h's emerged from the smoke and repaid them in lead and high explosives. Other units from KG Krafft fired upon the rear of the southern British infantry positions, relieving the pressure on the panzergrenadiers holding the south rim of the plateau. The combination of artillery and direct fire from the surviving M-13/40s broke the British in the center and their counterattacking forces to the east. Barring any unforeseen difficulties, another half hour should see the end of the battle.

Indeed half an hour it was, and despite an extra 2pdr ATG and an unspotted patrol or two, the last half hour was unsurprising as the remaining British forces, already mauled, were crushed between the German and Italian forces. Italian artillery even managed a successful counterbattery fire on a 25pdr troop in the closing minutes.

Decisive victory, KG Krafft. Operation Crusader is brought to an unsuccessful end as the Ariete Division and 15th Panzer Division pour through the hole made by KG Krafft and destroy the remaining British armor.

Game notes: a bit of twisted history here, but was quite fun. The Italian forces performed better than expected, especially the M-13/40 tank which fared well for the most part in this battle. It was also a very different experience to have more artillery than the British for once!

Last turn file attached, thanks for reading

[Brian61]

KG Krafft, 24 November, 1941 - Afrika Korps

Resupply: Only ammo and fuel stocks provided, no replacements.

Situation: Sandy desert region near Sidi Rezegh with a large central plateau and three smaller plateaus to the northwest, east, and south respectively. The area has many sand dunes and rocky outcroppings as well as numerous hardpack 'paths'. The rearguard of the remnants of British forces surviving Operation Crusader is gaurding the eastern portion of the area. [Advance special mission, visibility 62, length 41, scattered victory hexes, map size 100x100].

Orders: Rommel, wanting to exploit the halt of Crusader, orders a counterattack into the British rear areas with the intention of exploiting the disorganisation and confusion in the enemy's bases and cutting their supply lines. KG Krafft is to breakthrough the British reargaurd in this area and drive onward to Egypt. Twelve of the panzergrenadier company's trucks are required to haul additional fuel and ammo for the exploitation maneuver, the troops will have to ride atop the panzers. Support is adhoc and extremely limited, the only artillery support available is a captured 25pdr battery and Luftwaffe is only able to provide a single observation plane.

Battle Plan: Basically a carbon copy of the Italian detachment's battle plan from the previous battle; KG Krafft will take possession of the northern half of the central plateau and will then drive south eliminating opposition and securing the area.

Execution: In the first half hour, KG Krafft advanced under cover of smoke from the captured 25pdr battery and the two 81mm SPMs. Scouts spotted two ATR teams just past the rim of the plateau which were quickly eliminated. The first panzers to gain the plateau were fired upon by a pair of 2pdr ATGs at long range from the south. The panzers returned fire with 5cm HE rounds, destroying both ATGs. Aerial recon spotted a Crusader tank hull down on the southeast slope of the central plateau and was fired upon by an Valentine III but could not get a fix on its position.

British artillery, a 25pdr troop and a 3in mortar, fell near the rear of the advancing column knocking the track off one of the 81mm SPMs but otherwise inflicted no damage. The lead panzer III came under long range fire from another 2pdr ATG and a Crusader but suffered no damage. Return fire from the panzers suppressed the ATG but did not destroy it. Scouts spotted another tank, an A9, directly east of KG Krafft's 'bridgehead'.

The next pass of the Storch overhead spotted the Valentine III south of the plateau and a Honey tank just off the plateau southwest of the Crusaders, also another ATG was spotted near the three others. Scouts spotted two more A9's east of KG Krafft's position, an SdKfz 10/5 was able to get a long range firing position on one and destroyed it. The panzers destroyed one Crusader and another ATG, leaving one ATG suppressed. Infantry engaged a British infantry squad and a FOO team just southeast of the panzers, routing the FOO team and suppressing the infantry squad.

The 2pdr ATG crew recovered enough to fire upon and destroy a Pz II but did not survive long as 5cm HE shells finally struck home. Enemy infantry in platoon strength was spotted and engaged southeast of KG Krafft's position while a 3.7cm PaK and SdKfz 10/5 tag teamed an A9 tank until the smoke poured out. At this point, roughly 45 minutes into the battle, KG Krafft is attempting to expand its foothold on the plateau before enemy artillery becomes a factor.

A previously unspotted 2pdr ATG opened up at long range and when the Storch circled the area in an attempt to find it, AAMG fire from a Honey tank shot down the Storch. The smoke finally clears enough that a 3.7cm PaK is able to fire upon and destroy the last A9 in the northern troop. A 2pdr ATG and nearby 40mm AAA position brought temporary panic to panzer platoon F on the northern flank of KG Krafft but 3.7cm PaKs and SdKfz 10/5's used their HE ammo to suppress the ATG and destroy the AAA. On the south flank, panzers and panzergrenadiers combined fire to rout the enemy infantry and make a rapid advance. The relaxing of the foothold position came just in time as the first 25pdr shells began falling on an area that minutes ago was packed with troops and equipment.

Despite another hidden pair of ATGs and four Vickers HMGs, the end of the first hour of battle finds KG Krafft in good position, well on its way to securing the northern portion of the central plateau. In the north another 40mm AAA is spotted after it opens fire on a Pz II, and while one ATG in the south is spotted and destroyed, another remains unspotted. While the 3in mortar is knocked out by direct fire, the British 25pdr troop continues to blindly bombard what was earlier the center of KG Krafft's plateau foothold. It is evident that without scouts and FOO the battery doesn't know where the soft vehicles went to ground.

The hunt continues for the hidden ATG in the south, while an unspotted Crusader in the southeast fires upon and damages a panzer of platoon F, forcing it to retire to a safer position. An advancing panzergrenadier squad comes under heavy fire from a previously hidden British platoon on the eastern portion of the central plateau. The panzers of platoon G, firing in support of the panzergrenadiers, quickly routs the enemy infantry with some assistance from the panzergrenadier company's MG34s.

Indirect fire from the captured 25pdr troop and the panzergrenadier company's SPMs continue to fire upon possible enemy positions in the path of KG Krafft's advance although no immediate affect is observed. The hidden ATG and Crusader are both spotted as they catch a panzer of platoon G in a crossfire that stops just short of being deadly. Still the targeted panzer is badly damaged and rendered combat ineffective.

Long range MG fire from platoon E destroys the ATG and together with platoon G, catch the Crusader in their own crossfire, quickly dispatching it. Additional previously unspotted enemy infantry squads open fire in the south and southeast, revising estimates upwards to company strength for the southeast force. Although advance panzergrenadier units suffer some casualties, supporting fire from the panzers soon rout the enemy units.

One and a half hours into the battle finds KG Krafft in effective control of the central plateau with the last serious obstacle in the far north, an ATG, destroyed almost as soon as it opened fire on a light panzer of platoon D. Attention now turns to the two undisturbed tank troops in the south, a troop of Valentine IIIs to the southwest and a troop of Honey's to the southeast. At least one Crusader remains just off the edge of the plateau to the northeast of the Honey troop.

Before KG Krafft could launch its attack in the south, the British launched a full scale counterattack including two troops of previously unspotted cruiser tanks along with infantry that evidently been stationed just off the southern rim of the plateau. The first tanks to reach the plateau recieved harsh treatment from the awaiting panzers, three Honey tanks and a Crusader went up in smoke within minutes of cresting the rim.

The first troop of cruiser tanks, A9's, never made it off the southern plateau as long range 5cm fire from the panzers penetrated their thin armor even at that distance. The second group, A13 Mk IIs, approached using the valley between the southern and southeastern plateaus but still lost one tank to long range panzer fire. The infantry counterattack was repulsed across the rim, suffering heavy casualties from awaiting panzergrenadiers. Artillery compounded the problem for the infantry counterattack as it fell upon their approach routes.

A creshendo of 5cm shells turned the first Valentine III to crest the rim into a blazing wreck in short order. The second Valentine took a full volley from all the panzers of platoon E but finally it also brewed up. The remaining to A13 Mk IIs were destroyed by panzer fire from platoon G before they could complete their crossing of the valley. A third Valentine III survived a full volley from platoon E but had a track shot off. SdKfz 10/5 PaK5's maneuvered into positions for long range flanking shots on a fourth Valentine III but no effect was observed from their opening shots.

An ill-timed barrage of 25pdr shells fell around the 3.7cm ATG positions just as their transport arrived to move them. Fortunately the trucks were undamaged and even the gun that took a direct hit was able to be moved out of the danger zone. The immobilized Valentine III survived multiple hits athough it did take some additional damage. An adjoining Valentine III exploded when a lucky shot from Obrltnt Reichmann's Pz IIIg penetrated the turret and set off the ammo.

To the east, the security platoon and recon halftracks arrived in time to assist the panzergrenadiers there in repulsing a weak but still dangerous infantry attack. The MG34's of the panzergrenadier company's heavy weapons section continued to seriously impede any progress for the infantry accompanying the Valentine IIIs. Between artillery fire and continuous hits by 5cm guns, the crew of the immobilized Valentine III decided they had enough for one day and abandoned the vehicle.

Panzer platoon G, while skirting the edge of the plateau just over the rim, came under fire from one or more hidden ATGs. The trailing panzer of platoon G began to retreat onto the plateau when the ATG fired again and this time the lead panzer spotted it. Platoon G opened up with machinegun fire and suppressed the ATG negating the need for a withdrawal. Elsewhere on the plateau, a lone ATR team destroys a damaged SdKfz 10/5 from extreme range before being eliminated.

Two and a half hours after the start of the battle KG Krafft is poised to take the final southern objectives and British forces have been largely eliminated, what few remain are in rout and fleeing the area. Less than twenty minutes later, the area is declared secure.

Decisive victory, KG Krafft. Onward to Egypt!

Last turn file attached, thanks for reading

[Brian61]

KG Krafft, 5 December, 1941 - Afrika Korps

Reorganization, repair, and resupply: Rommel's cupboard was bare, indeed some said he had overextended his resources. KG Krafft shared in the shortages despite being an elite unit. There were no available panzers available to replace losses. While damaged vehicles were repaired for the most part, replacements were sometimes not of the same type, instead of receiving a replacement SdKfz 251/1, an armoured truck was substituted. The panzergrenadier company that had been accompanying KG Krafft was reassigned to prepare defenses near Gazala.

Situation: While the British had seemed to withdraw at first after the failure of Crusader and Rommel's initial counterattack, for some reason they reversed and not only made a stand but in some cases seemed to be mounting a renewed offensive. Radio intercepts place a British armor unit advancing towards Gazala. The area is generally clear, flat, and open terrain with numerous, sometimes impassably rocky, depressions. [Meeting engagement, visibility 47, length 47, scattered victory hexes, map size 100x100]

Orders: Intercept and destroy the British force before they reach Gazala. Support consists of an adhoc company with a kraftrad commander, a 4.7cm PaK 36(t) platoon, a MG34 MMG section, a transport platoon of four captured bren carriers, a kradshutzen platoon, a 7.5cm leIG 18 section towed by schlepper UEs, a towed 2cm FlaK 30 section, a Kuebelwagen VB, and an (off-board) 8.76cm battery (captured 25pdr).

Battle Plan: Platoon F and the security element (platoons I and O) will be held in reserve. The support company will advance in the center together with platoons D, H, K, and the command vehicles. This group will deploy into the central and adjacent depressions. Platoons E and G will advance ahead on the flanks, engage the lead enemy units, and then fall back until under cover of the support group.

Execution: Four British 25pdr troops welcome KG Krafft to the area, some shells falling uncomfortably close to the deployment areas. KG Krafft races ahead, trying to gain as much ground as possible so the heavy weapons can be deployed far enough forward to be effective. At the fifteen minute mark, contact is made. A troop of cruiser tanks is spotted in the far north, another troop preceded by one or more scout cars in the center, and at least two troops in the south. The heavy weapons are moved as close as possible to firing positions and unloaded.

Interdiction fire missions are called in to the 8.76cm battery and the sIG Ib's along the likely route of the central advance. As the picture clarifies, the central advance turns out to be two columns, the northern one having a troop each of armored cars and scout cars as well as two troops of cruiser tanks, the southern one consisting of two troops of cruiser tanks. The far northern movement seems to consist only of one troop of cruisers while the far southern has at least two troops of cruisers. Orders go out to the flank groups to reduce speed to one half and prepare to fire.

About twenty minutes into the battle, KG Krafft draws first blood, knocking out one Crusader tank and one Marrming/Harrington armored car while suffering no damage. In the north, platoon E unloads on the cruiser troop to the far north destroying all three tanks and then begins maneuvering to support the center. In the south, platoon G knocks out the remaining two tanks in the lead troop of the southcentral column and the lead tank of the far southern column. In the center, platoon D destroys one armored car and damages another, the two tanks of platoon D that were deployed north of center race south to join in the fight against the remaining armored cars. Another armored car is destroyed by Oberstlt Krafft's tank taking extreme range potshots against protocol.

Two more armored cars and four more tanks are destroyed as the British continue to advance. Trucks and carriers are spotted in the north and south of center. More armored cars and cruiser tanks fall to the guns of the panzers but British 25pdr troops strike the ATG positions before they even have a chance to fire. Fortunately the ATGs survived largely intact as did the nearby MG34s. Platoons D and G engaged and destroyed so many targets that main gun ammo became a factor, forcing early commitment of platoon F, a total withdraw of platoon D, and a gradual withdraw of platoon G. Platoon E, having traveled down from its northern position at full speed, arrived in the vicinity just as platoon D withdrew.

Artillery, infantry guns, FlaK guns, and machinegun fire as well as HE rounds from panzers destroyed nearly every truck in the British follow-on force, throwing the infantry into dissarray. As the first hour of battle drew to a close, the landscape was littered with dozens of destroyed British vehicles, less than a half dozen British tanks remained operational and a similar number of trucks and carriers. To this point, KG Krafft had suffered no significant damage to any of its vehicles.

The ATG positions took quite a pounding from British 25pdr troops but the shelling slowed some as counterbattery fire knocked out, at least temporarily, one of the troops. Less than an hour after the first shots were exchanged, the last known British armored vehicle, a Crusader tank, was destroyed by the only undamaged ATG. All known infantry units, except for one, were in retreat or rout status. Oberstlt Krafft ordered the commitment of the security element and ordered the kradshutzen platoon to begin preparing to move. The infantry would lead the advance in the final phase of the operation.

Two hours after entering the site of battle, KG Krafft found itself well into the final stage of securing the area. The British HQ had been found and destroyed, along with an FOO team, marksmen, ATR teams, patrols, and scattered infantry squads in various forms of despair and sometimes panic. Still the going was slow, not only because of the terrain but as the forward sweep elements entered the British rear areas they had to be on the lookout for ATG and AAA positions. British artillery continued to periodically bombard the ATG positions, long past the time when they had any influence on the battle. Unfortunately, the bombardment never ceased long enough for the ATGs to be recrewed and towed out of the area.

British reinforcements, a troop of Crusaders carrying an infantry platoon, arrived on the battlefield. If there was ever a quintessential example of 'too little too late' this was it. While the reinforcements weren't much of a factor, the 40mm Bofors AA-guns were. Two panzers from platoon E were so badly damaged they had to withdraw from the field. Oberstlt Krafft was heard to remark, "These British fight harder after their commanders are gone!"

In the north, a Bofors AA-gun was subjected to direct fire from a sIG Ib, three shots and the gun, the crew, and much of the surrounding terrain, vanished. Elsewhere, the last of the reinforcements, a Crusader tank, drove out of a gully into the gunsights of three awaiting panzers. Finally three hours after the first shots rang out, the guns fell silent and the battlefield was declared secure.

Decisive victory, KG Krafft.

Last turn file attached, thanks for reading

[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