WW2 Western Desert campaign turn 7 game 1

I have finally got around to writing this battle report, the first game of campaign turn 7, a game I played a couple of weeks ago. I have been spending too much screen time with work and all, and have deferred spending the time to write this post.

The map below shows the campaign setup. In this turn I am using the modified rules with mobile reserves to exploit any breakthroughs (see Campaign Rule Modifications post for details). During the first part of this campaign turn both armies diced for supplies and were able to replace their lost equipment. The Allies had sufficient supplies to fortify the South African infantry division with additional defences.

The opening attack was by the 21st Panzer division who advance to find they are up against the South African division in fortified positions.

Campaign map and opening attack

Order of battle:

Elements of South African Infantry Division in a defensive positions...

• 1 x Armoured Car unit
• 1 x Carrier unit
• 2 x Infantry units
• 1 x 6 pounder AT unit
• 1 x 2 pounder AT Portee unit
• 1 x Matilda tank unit
• 1 x Valentine tank unit
• 1 x 25 pounder unit
• 1 x 5.5" artillery unit

Attacking elements of the German 21st Panzer Division...

• 2 x Armoured Car units
• 3 x Armoured infantry units
• 1 x Marder AT unit
• 1 x Pz IV unit
• 3 x Pz III unit
• 1 x 88mm unit
• 1 x Waspe unit

The Allies are well positioned along a series of ridges with infantry in fortified positions in front of the ridge. Most of their AT units are positioned in the centre covering the road. Both sides have a third of their forces off-table in reserve.

Opening moves and planned attacks

The Axis plan is to attack on their right flank with a light armoured force of armoured cars and armoured infantry, while their main armoured thrust will avoid the AT guns and slant across to the fortified infantry positions in front of the ridge and objective.

Opening action favoured the attacking forces

Artillery and tank units positioned on the ridge successfully engaged the attacking panzers. So much so, air support was called in to attack along the ridge destroying one tank unit.

Air support arrives.

Axis air support had limited success and the attack on the main ridge was called off allowing units to reorganise. The right flank attack quickly became disjointed and a lone Allied armoured car unit destroyed double their number, causing the attack to stall.

The flank attack fails to make ground.

Axis forces retire to regroup.

Having had the initial attacks repulsed. Axis forces regrouped and waited for reserves to move up and join for a second assault on the ridge. Their preparations are interrupted by an RAF attack which swiftly destroys a unit of tanks and supporting Wespe artillery units. This further delayed the second assault.

Panzer forces prepare for a second assault on the ridge.

A very successful air support.

A lull in the fighting.

It took a while to recover from the air attack and plan for a second assault. The planned assault when it came was a simple one, charge down the road and attempt to storm the position. The attack took defenders by surprise and the Panzer units successfully breached their position destroying AT and tank units. This was not without loss. Desperate defenders fought back and were gradually able to halt the attack's momentum, eventually forcing an end to the second assault.

Attacking armoured infantry supported by tanks charge down the road.

Panzer units reach the defensive line

After a desperate defence the position is held.

An Allied victory which will mean the next Axis attack will come from one of their Italian Infantry divisions. The Axis offensive may well be coming to an end, offering the opportunity for the Allies to launch a counter offensive.