WW2 Western Desert campaign turn 9 - game 2

Hurray! I have finally got around to writing the battle report for game 2 of my WW2 Western Desert campaign turn 9. Axis forces having successfully driven back Allied armoured forces previously were now looking to capitalise on their momentum as the 21st Panzer division launches an attack on the New Zealand infantry division. The 21st Panzer division has been supplied whereas the New Zealand division was not supplied to replace previous losses, but had been able to dig-in and lay a minefield for defence.

Campaign map activity

Both divisions had lost units from the wear and tear of operating in the harsh desert conditions. The orders of battle are:

New Zealand Infantry Division:

• 3 x tank units (Matildas and Valentines)
• 1 x armoured car unit
• 1 x Bren gun carrier unit
• 3 x Infantry units
• 2 x AT units (2 Pounder Portee and towed 6 Pounder)
• 2 x Artillery units (25 Pounder and 5.5 Inch)

21st Panzer:

• 5 x tank units (PzII, PzIII, and PzIV)
• 1 x armoured car unit
• 2 x armoured infantry units
• 1 x mobile artillery (Wespe)
• 2 x AT units (Marder and towed 50mm)
• 1 x 88mm unit

The dice decided the 21st Panzer would be able to undertake a flanking attack as they tried to secure 2 of the 3 possible objectives. Their flanking move would appear on their right as the New Zealanders had setup the minefield on the opposite flank which would limit movement. Additionally, three units were dug-in an attempt to bolster the defensive line.

Opening positions and objectives

Both forces would benefit from air support on two occasions during the game. Their arrival would be determined by event (chance) cards which are drawn each turn. I have been using the cards in games during this campaign turn. In attrition for this game I am testing some rule modifications to distinguish the effectiveness of anti-tank and artillery against armoured and personnel units. Anti-tank being less effective against personnel units and artillery less effective against armour. There will be more on these rule changes in later posts.

Axis forces push forward along their lines of attack. The flanking force is yet to arrive.

An early air attack failed to halt the advance

As Panzer forces pushed froward the Allied defensive line was holding until flanking units started to arrive with air support. As the defensive line began to buckle under the pressure an event card "repairs" was drawn and allowed an Allied frontline workshop repair a tank unit and return it to the battle.

Flanking forces begin to arrive

Air support aids the flank attack

A repaired tank unit returns back into the defensive line

Gaps start to appear in the defensive line

With time running out a last push by the Panzer forces supported by a second air attack was able to secure two of the three objectives and a victory.

A final push attempts to grab the two hill objectives.

Air support helps to seal an Axis victory

This is the second victory for the Axis forces. A third victory this campaign term will mean they will advance two map zones pushing the Allies back to El Alamein. The rule modifications and event cards are working well and will be used again the next game.