WW1 Palestine Campaign - Turn 4 Game 1 Report

The Egyptian Expeditionary Force (EEF) are now advancing again having spent 4 months regrouping and preparing for the next stage of the campaign, the advance upon Jerusalem, will see them fighting over some rugged terrain. In this game they are attempting to capture a bridge over a wadi and hold a nearby town. While the Turks have a counter-attack planned using a couple of crossings which the EEF are unaware of.

The game is using Scenario #18 (Counter-Attack) from One-Hour Wargames

In the early morning EEF forces moved into their positions around the town ready for the assault upon the bridge. They were expecting re-enforcements at midday with the arrival of a mounted infantry unit. The assault began as planned with their forces advancing upon the bridge while their 2 artillery units bombarded the Turkish defenders who are entrenched on the opposite side of the wadi.

EEF forces take up position for the assault

Late in the morning just as success seemed to be in hand for the EEF. Turkish reserves arrived to bolster their bridges defences. The EEF pushed on with their assault while their artillery were providing accurate fire. However, at midday Turkish troops appeared on the EEF's flanks.

Turkish reserve units arrive to bolster the bridge defences and cross  to wadi to threaten the EEF flanks

EEF mounted infantry reserve arrive

During the afternoon as the EEF became busy defending their flanks from the Turkish and were unable to effectively support the assault on the bridge. It was not until late afternoon, after the flank threats had been neutralised, that they made a final attempt to dislodge the Turkish defenders. As evening arrived and with water and ammunition supplies running low, the EEF were forced to call off the assault and retire back to their starting position.

The EEF has a toe hold on the bridge, but their flanks are under pressure.

The EEF are able to hold off the flank attacks, but are unable to support the bridge assault.

With the flank attacks neutralised the EEF make a last ditch attempt to take the bridge, but are unable to remove the defenders and the bridge remains contested.

Neither force was able to achieve the victory conditions of the scenario and the game was drawn. The Turkish counter attack while disrupting the bridge assault did not come near taking the town. In scheme of the campaign a draw for Turkish forces is a good as a victory, as the EEF will have to spend valuable time preparing for another battle.

Having purchased a tripod I have given the videoing another go (this time without assistance). The game is condensed down to 1 minute and 7 seconds and can be viewed below.

I am still working on getting some closer shots of the action and will have to practice that next time.