Saturday 27 August 2022

WW1 Palestine Campaign - Turn 3 - Game 2

This is the second game of campaign turn 3. It follows on from the Egyptian Expeditionary Force's (EEF) first campaign setback where they failed to achieve their objectives. This game is based on One-Hour Wargames scenario #21 "Twin Objective" which has the EEF in February 1917 trying to breach Turkish defences somewhere between Gaza and Beersheba line. 

The Plans...

Turkish plans are to simply defend and hold the hilltop and town. They have dug some trenches next to the town and plan to use their available aircraft sorties to disrupt attacks on the hill.

The EEF plan is to start with a bombardment on the hilltop and attack this with an infantry unit and supporting machine gun. All other units are to assault the town along with any available aircraft sorties. Both the town and hill objectives need to be captured for victory within 15 turns for a successful breakthrough.

Egyptian Expeditionary Force planned advances on the town and hill objectives.

The Battle...

The opening bombardment by the EEF turned out to be limited due to supply issues and only the hill was bombarded. This misfortune was soon compounded by a Turkish aircraft sortie as their infantry began their advance towards their objectives.

An early bombardment of the hilltop position.

A Turkish aircraft disrupts the advancing EEF infantry.

The attack on the town began with a bold cavalry charge on the trenches. While the cavalry were being repulsed the infantry took up their positions to begin their assault. They were supported by aerial attacks and while the Turks put up a good defence the town eventually fell to the EEF (on turn 12).

The assault on the town begins with a cavalry charge.

Infantry move into position and the cavalry retire after being repulsed.

An aircraft supports the attack.

The town is taken by EEF forces.

The attack on the hilltop did not progress well. Multiple Turkish aircraft sorties caused the attack to stall. Support did eventually come from the depleted cavalry who dismounted to join the attack. Other units from those assaulting the town were also redirected, but arrived too late to make a difference and the Turkish defenders held on for their second victory.

Dismounted cavalry join the attack on the hilltop.

Additional EEF infantry join the attack but time runs out to take the hill.

After this Turkish victory campaign turn 3 will now progress to a third game. 

17 comments:

  1. I certainly like the look of what you have done on the table Peter- marvelous...it has everything- just perfect! Cheers. KEV.

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    1. Thanks KEV. Most of the terrain was made over a short period of time which helped to create a consistent look and feel.

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  2. The Turks are having much success in the campaign. I enjoyed seeing the Turkish air command playing a vital, disrupting role in a combined arms defense. Good stuff!

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    1. The last couple of games have certainly helped turn the campaign momentum in favour of the Turks. I too like seeing the aircraft appear on the tabletop.

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  3. So close! A tough task for the EEF. As I recall it took three attempts and Allenby in command to breach the Beersheba Lines.

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    1. Yes, breaking through the Gaza defences did take three attempts and saw the arrival of Allenby who planned the third offensive which proved to be successful.

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  4. The set-up (previous post) looked great and it was another marvellous game in this campaign.
    Things did not go well from the beginning for the EEF. It might have been prudent to call off the attack until a but, true to the era (and perhaps warfare in general), they pressed on regardless and ultimately failed. They are stalling at this mid-point of the campaign, but I wager that they'll succeed soon (per history).
    Such great stuff Peter. I look forward to the next instalment.
    Regards, James

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  5. Hopefully history will repeat itself. The question for the EEF is whether to use an additional month to gain another event (eg Tanks, armoured cars) to support any attack.

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  6. Excellent looking game Peter! A very difficult one for the EEF but they got closer than I thought they would. Great report as well.
    The campaign and OHW (and your adjustments) are very inspiring. Thanks for posting all these reports.

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    1. Thank you. It was a challenging scenario for the EEF.

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  7. I’m starting to feel sorry for the EEF. do the Turks have an option for a counter attack? Might be a good opportunity before the EEF get more stuff. 😀

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    1. The EEF started well with two victories, but the Gaza defensive is doing its job with two Turkish victories. Alas, no options for a counterattack in this campaign.

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  8. Seems to be following history to date.
    Neil

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    1. Those defensive lines get you every time. It will be interesting to see how the campaign progresses.

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