A challenge for RetLT: Invasion of Spain

[RetLT]

Land at Ibiza. It is the least defended and we only need one airfield. The SeeBees can make more for us later.

The other islands can be bypassed. Air and naval units can suppress their airfields. The Spanish airforce is not that strong anyway.

[Warwick]

No, no, no! Not Ibiza they'll go partying and forget all about the war.
Besides I thought the Brits had already occupied Ibiza.

[wulfir]

No tourists allowed in this what if campaign!

[wulfir]

Ok, jumping off!

Here is a two scenario campaign.

The first scenario is a one turn long "filler", No 14 Commando, reinforced with a tank platoon, embark the transport ships bound for Ibiza.

The second scenario represents the actual invasion.
Your mission is to secure the Ibiza town harbour and the nearby air strip.

Enough landing craft to ensure a resonable freedom of movement have been provided.

You also have some smaller naval craft to close in AA protection as it is possible Spanish air flying from Mallorca might interfere.

You have naval gunfire support on call, including the 15in and 6in guns of HMS Valiant. The Americans will fly Close Air Support with their B-25s (ignore all penalties for overuse of artillery).

The Commandos are high quality troops but weak in manpower, but with naval and air support they are belived able to beat the Spanish garrison.

However, already in Algiers it becomes evident that no surprised can be achieved for OPERATION OXCART.

[RetLT]

Lt. Col. Sparks is pleased to report that the Ibiza airfield was captured in 41 turns along with the Spanish Commander. Losses were 78 men and one landing barge. No squads were lost entirely.

I landed 1/2 my force on the north side of the peninsula and the rest on the main land just below the tip of the peninsula.

Spanish gunboats were dealt with by the Insect class gunboat.

After securing the town all units made their way towards the airfield.

4 aircraft were damaged and all the B-25Hs were held in reserve in case of a counter attack.