|
 After repulsing the Axis forces in Egypt, we've continued to push halfway across the North African coast. Thanks to our joint venture with the Americans in Torch, the enemy are almost finished here. It is in Tunisia the final squeeze is being applied.  With our veteran units we should have no trouble showing the Americans how it's done. Western Europe (UK): Mareth Line March 6, 1943 13 Turns  As we make our way into Tunisia, we've finally run into some solid defenses. The Mareth Line is a set of forts blocking the coastal route. The only way around is through the tricky narrow passes inland, so we'll have to force it as best we can to make any progress. Minor: (Medenine), (Ksar el Hallouf), Matmata, Mareth, El Hamma, Gabes Major: All objectives by Turn 8  Another map that's not so big. The terrain is not easy to navigate and there are sure to be plenty of Axis units blocking the way. UK OOB pre:Unit Name Unit Type [Transport] Exp [OS] Land units 1.2nd GB Bridge Eng GB Bridge Eng [Bren] 385[13] 2.The Silent 7th GB Inf 39 [Bren] 164 3.3rd GB Inf 39 GB Inf 39 [Bren] 92 4.4th GB Churchill IV GB Churchill IV 410[11] 5.13th GB Sherman GB Sherman 159 6.10th GB Churchill IV GB Churchill IV 313[13] 7.9th GB Daimler SC GB Daimler SC 463[14] 8.22nd GB 6 Pdr ATG GB 6 Pdr ATG [Bren] 58 9.5th GB 6" Gun GB 6" Gun [Bren] 64 10.11th GB 6" Gun GB 6" Gun [Bren] 78 Aux (quantity) 1 GB Inf 43 100 1 GB Bridge Eng [Lorry] 200 1 US Inf 43 200 1 US Inf 43 100 1 US Inf HW 43 [M2] 200 1 US Eng 43 200 1 FPO Para 200 1 US M2A4 200 1 US M4A1 200 1 US M4A1 100 1 US M5 100 1 GB AEC I 200 1 US M10 100 1 GB 6 Pdr ATG [Lorry] 100 1 US M3 GMC 200 1 US 75mm Gun 100 Air Units 1.6th GB Mosq VI GB Mosq VI 490[14] 2.8th GB Spitfire IX GB Spit IX 212[12] Aux (quantity) 1 US P38 Ltng 200 1 US B25B Mitch 200 1 US B17F FF 100 Aux slots : 0 Starting prestige: 2813 (3403 before upgrades) The infantry do not yet see many changes (refits so far are lacking), although the 2nd, who have practically been in the role of Engineers already, gain the full upgrade and will be our elite defense-cracking unit. It is the tanks that see the greater change. We've reshuffled so that the most experienced crews get the best tanks (Churchill IV), while the 13th in their Crusaders switch to a newer-model American tank (Sherman). In the auxiliary we see another nationality for the Allies - the Free Polish, who provide us with a very capable Paratroop unit. That might be useful if the skies are safe. The Americans have an okay mix of tanks and infantry, and their forces include a new anti-tank unit, the M10. I'll talk about it more in the American campaign.  Our core is up against the hardened defenses of the Mareth Line (and we have very little in the British auxiliary). The Americans are coming in from the east and can make a push around it while we engage the Axis head-on. Truth be told, we can't be sure how strong the American units are. Our troops are battle-tested and know how to fight, so it won't be a surprise if we end up shouldering the burden of really winning this battle. The one place the allied cooperation will work quite well is in the air, where our fighters can protect the quality American bombers. Allied Turn: March 6, 1943 Clear (Dry)  As the Americans push up, they take advantage of the excellent spotting capabilities of the P38 to scout for enemy resistance. There are some very strong anti-tank units ahead of them. We also add to the core by purchasing another Spitfire IX (the 20th). A dangerous 88mm flak gun is spotted at Mareth.  In addition to the 88mm ATG, there's the Mardar IIIh. This is the latest in the German line of 'big gun on a weak vehicle' AT units, but it's remarkably cheap for the power it provides.  With a barrage of artillery, bombing raids, and assaults from our best units, the first part of the Mareth Line crumples quickly. Axis Turn: March 6, 1943  The Axis planes make a quick strike at the rear units before they can get out of their trucks.  Our rapid seizure of the defensive structures proves to be invaluable as the Axis tanks attempt to strike back and fail.  The flak guns do their worst. Only to be expected once we moved into range.  The Marder makes a very ill-advised attack on the M10. It's just about the worst thing to do with a unit that otherwise fills its role quite well. Allied Turn: March 8, 1943 Clear (Dry)  None of the enemy planes are tough fighters (the best is the Italian Centauro, southmost) and we quickly thrash them with our planes. The bombers will have to avoid flak, but they have a fairly open area to work in.  With Mareth exposed, we take a chance and hit the 88 flak guns with the Shermans while the crews are still looking skyward. It pays off handsomely.  The American advance has been blocked in the narrow passes, and with Tigers visible they're only in for more trouble. We're more likely to break through before they do.   A speculative attack shows just how big a difference experienced Engineers can make over regular infantry.  The attack with the Engineers goes just as expected, and Mareth is captured in under a week of fighting! For their part, the Americans do rather well in the east as they capitalize on the failed Marder attack. Axis Turn: March 8, 1943  The Tiger is sent to stop the Americans, while the bulk of the enemy forces shift towards us at Mareth. The city holds, although the 3rd infantry there will need to be relieved. Allied Turn: March 10, 1943 Clear (Dry)  With the Axis air force all but out of the battle, we prepare for an airdrop of the Polish. The Spitfires fly escort.  The M4A1 puts in a fine performance against the Germans by destroying a Panzer IVf2. The Tiger is holding the rest of the line up, but at this point the Americans need do little more than keep the Germans occupied.  It lets our heavy tanks get to work vaporizing the weaker tanks on our side of the battle.  Any sort of counter-attack is blasted to bits. The Mareth Line is nearly finished. Axis Turn: March 10, 1943  The attacks continue at Mareth, but our infantry hold their ground in the city. Allied Turn: March 12, 1943 Clear (Dry)  And with one more Engineer attack, the forts are all gone.  The Italian armor is easily handled too. We're just smashing through their units now.  There's not much left behind them either. The plan is for the Polish paratroops to capture the airfield and secure Gabes for our advance.  The Americans are making progress as well. This battle will be wrapped up fairly quickly. Axis Turn: March 12, 1943  In our rush forward we actually did leave Mareth open. It's literally a suicide attack but the Germans recapture it and then try to go after our guns. This is going much better than expected, really.
|
| ← # ? Jul 29, 2013 18:54 |
|
