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.