Italian Long Campaign
 

60 Battles LC with Italy. Some house rules.

1. Map-Size is 80 x 120, so approx. 4 km frontage, with 6 km total depth
2. Timed Objectives at 3pts
3. Objectives will always be spread out, no cluster allowed
4. Tank Heavy Off

First battle is a meeting engagement in Southern France over the Alps in June 1940.

Here is my orbat.

<a href="https://imgur.com/YlXCJfN"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/YlXCJfN.jpg?1" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

Here's the map.

<a href="https://imgur.com/fhsxfa5"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/fhsxfa5.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

Re: Italian Long Campaign
 

I think it's hard to tell the actual relief on the map itself, so I hope the mini-map on the bottom right provides a better perspective.

Basically, the centre of the map is dominated by very high ground (Yellow Star) There is a road running E-W along near the top edge of the map itself. (Red Star)

Alot of forested areas, of particular interest is the large forested area in the centre nearer to the French side. (Red Star)

Bearing in mind the potential for exploitation of the road to quickly access the rear of the map.

My quick plan is as follows. (Blue lines to show approx. company boundaries)

1 Company to move swiftly down the road, to establish flanking position to potential enemy centre, before moving towards the rear of the enemy.
1 Company to move along the bottom of the map, to establish a firebase overlooking the forest in the centre, before moving to wards the rear of the enemy.
1 Company to move along the centre of the map, with intention to secure the dominant ground and the forest on the French side.

<a href="https://imgur.com/UhDxxB7"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/UhDxxB7.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

Re: Italian Long Campaign
 

The 1st Company is attached with motor transport to enable swift movement down the road.
<a href="https://imgur.com/ShdBvgW"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/ShdBvgW.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

The 2nd Company is attached with a Medium Tank Section to probe towards the centre of the map.
<a href="https://imgur.com/PqvwWWU"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/PqvwWWU.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

The 3rd Company is attached with HMG Section
<a href="https://imgur.com/HwS8ods"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/HwS8ods.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

Re: Italian Long Campaign
 

The pre-planned spot is for the recon airplane, to observe the centre of the map.

<a href="https://imgur.com/8RMVr7B"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/8RMVr7B.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

Re: Italian Long Campaign
 

At Turn 3, 1st Company has established advanced OP position with their Scout Team and AT-Guns. No sign of enemy sighted.

<a href="https://imgur.com/S2p4vRu"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/S2p4vRu.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

2nd and 3rd Company are lagging behind due to the terrain.

Re: Italian Long Campaign
 

At around Turn 10, the EN has not been spotted yet and our 1st Company is already in position on the flank. 1 Platoon will continue to move along the road on foot, while the rest of the company prepares to advance to secure the flank of the high ground.

The Scout Section (on motorcycles) have established an OP on the high ground.

<a href="https://imgur.com/0AOwcB7"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/0AOwcB7.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

At 2nd Company sector, the infantry is moving forward as quickly as possible and expect to reach the top of the objective in the next 5 turns. The tank section has also established an OP on the left flank of the company.

<a href="https://imgur.com/jH06hSo"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/jH06hSo.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

At 3rd Company sector, as they have moved quicker than 2nd Company, I intend to shift their weight towards the forest. 1 Platoon will continue to make their way to the rear of the map along the fringe of the forest.

<a href="https://imgur.com/I8wWp4d"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/I8wWp4d.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

Re: Italian Long Campaign
 

In anticipation that the EN is in force in the forest, I plan to drop the following bombardment plan. Note the 3.1 turns for delay.

<a href="https://imgur.com/RN1AsHA"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/RN1AsHA.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

Re: Italian Long Campaign
 

At Turn 13, the EN infantry is spotted. I expect at least 1 platoon strength each at the 2 points of contact. The Scout OP will be displaced, as I expect my foot infantry to come up in the next 2-3 turns.

As for the tank OP, they will stay and fight. No anti-tank threats spotted from the French at this point in time, so they are safe to fight.

<a href="https://imgur.com/uRKzznI"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/uRKzznI.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

<a href="https://imgur.com/Ka5gYnv"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/Ka5gYnv.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

Re: Italian Long Campaign
 

A side-by-side comparison of the infantry units. Our platoons are a mix of both Heavy and Light, 2 squads each. The Light ones have only rifles and grenades. The Heavy ones have some additional support weapons.

The French units spotted are the Chass Alpins (Mountain Infantry) and are probably of higher EXP and MOR compared to my regular infantry.

<a href="https://imgur.com/pcrReFZ"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/pcrReFZ.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

Re: Italian Long Campaign
 

Situation at Turn 15

Along the way, more EN infantry were spotted, and I roughly gauge the EN size.

To the north, between the 1st and 2nd Company, the EN infantry is around 2 platoon size. Preferring a closer fight, I resist shooting off at range. My units move closer before squaring off at 300m. The EN infantry lacks cohesion in their movement, and are rather strung out.

Near my tanks OP, the reinforced EN company is also accompanied by tanks. The first real threat to my own units. In the initial firefight, the French tank was destroyed.

As for their infantry, they are unable to make much headway against my tanks. My artillery has also started dropping near their assembly area.

The EN has also began bombarding my tanks with some 75mm guns. Though a nuisance, they may immobilise my tanks. And so I move them away from the impact area.

The EN has also brought a couple of attack aircraft. Again, nothing more than a nuisance, unless they attack my artillery park. I lack AA weapons.

<a href="https://imgur.com/G8S7qnX"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/G8S7qnX.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

Re: Italian Long Campaign
 

A side by side comparison of our armour units.

Basically, the H-35 poses very little threat to our M-13/40.

<a href="https://imgur.com/HpR7kOY"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/HpR7kOY.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

Re: Italian Long Campaign
 

Some situation maps of Turns 17 and 19.

2nd Company has reached the objective and is clearing the EN infantry along with 1st Company on the EN flank. The EN infantry doesn't take long before breaking.

<a href="https://imgur.com/qackrHe"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/qackrHe.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

As for reinforced EN infantry, my HMG firebase on dominant ground has excellent field of fire and together with my artillery, quickly suppresses their movement. My tanks charge in to wreak more close-in destruction. I intend to move M platoon from 2nd Company towards the rear of the EN so as to cut off their line of retreat. 1 platoon from 3rd Company has also joined in the firefight south of the EN.

<a href="https://imgur.com/OQZ5Euj"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/OQZ5Euj.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

Re: Italian Long Campaign
 

Turn 25

While my 2nd and 3rd Company pursue the EN to destruction, we shift our attention to 1st Company. Earlier, I had moved J Platoon to the rear, using the road. As they sweep the rear area from N to S, they encounter the EN heavy weapons. We found at least 3 MMG sections and 1 light mortar section. With our MMG on dominant ground, we attack the EN support weapons and overcome them after a brief firefight. Most of our losses were taken in this fight as we had to move over open ground to close with the EN MMGs.

<a href="https://imgur.com/MqAwN0b"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/MqAwN0b.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

Re: Italian Long Campaign
 

Battle Report at Turn 31

Most influential unit were my tank section. With the help of my artillery and HMGs, they held off an entire company, and on pursuit, forced many to surrender.

Most useless unit were my ATG with motor transport. No fault of their own, as the EN didn't move any armour along the road. Nonetheless, their motor transport was useful at moving 1st Company quickly to the front

<a href="https://imgur.com/Hjl6Bek"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/Hjl6Bek.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

Approx. Company boundaries

My units moved and fought largely according to plan. The EN were found to have wasted too many turns in their start line. Usually, infantry contacts should have occurred by Turn 8-10. In this one, we first spotted them on Turn 13.

As for the EN most influential unit, probably their MMGs at their rear. This killed 1 of my Scout teams, riding their motorcycles. Probably avoidable if I took more care.

The EN most useless unit was probably their 3 tanks. Without a weapon that can kill my tanks, they were destroyed within 2 turns of contact.

<a href="https://imgur.com/6esTdjZ"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/6esTdjZ.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

Re: Italian Long Campaign
 

Next battle map coming up.

Another meeter on the alps. Note the presence of the 2 roads running E-W and 1 running N-S on my side.

However, the high ground is on the French side.

Am thinking of moving 2 companies as fighting columns along the 2 E-W roads and 1 company in reserve with motor transport, waiting to reinforce, along the N-S road.

Comments?

<a href="https://imgur.com/OkFGhgV"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/OkFGhgV.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

Re: Italian Long Campaign
 

This is my orbat. I tend to leave the units as they are if they only need 1 pt to fix in between battles. So it looks like 1st Company will play reserve, while 2nd and 3rd Companies work their way down the roads.

Support units are as follows
S0- Recon Aircraft
T0- Medium Tank Section
U0- Motorcycle Section (for my F0 scout section)
V0- AT Guns with Motor Transport
W0- Motor Transport Platoon

<a href="https://imgur.com/vHg7wi6"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/vHg7wi6.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

Having deployed my units on the startline, I estimate that the Black Line is where my units will de-bus from their transports, around Turn 3. There will be a ferry service of sorts for the Motor Transports to bring the rest of the respective Companies up to the black line.

If contacted early, the point platoons are not to stand and fight, but fight delay until at least the Company commander is up with another platoon.

The tank section is intended to primarily find and fight the EN tanks where possible, before returning to the company fight.

1st Company itself is dispersed to capture the flag objectives, and will subsequently assemble along the road as a mobile reserve. The motor transports will be released to them once 2nd and 3rd companies have finished forming up near the Black Line.

There will be recon aircraft flying overhead to provide additional eyes and ears. Likely of more use to 3rd Company due to proximity.

<a href="https://imgur.com/SkALBL0"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/SkALBL0.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

Re: Italian Long Campaign
 

Situation at Turn 6

EN infantry was spotted probing near both roads. EN tank was spotted near the bottom of the map, moving upwards towards the high ground.

This is at 3rd Company sector. This particular infantry unit type doesn't have section LMGs.

My tanks will veer off the road and head south to intercept the EN tanks. The EN tanks are of low threat to my tanks (main gun having PEN of 3 only) but potentially challenging to my rifle infantry.

<a href="https://imgur.com/wVXv3k5"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/wVXv3k5.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

<a href="https://imgur.com/rZnOZw3"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/rZnOZw3.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

Re: Italian Long Campaign
 

Turn 6

L platoon of 2nd Company isn't fully up, having only loaded 3 sections out of 4 onto the ATG motor transports. The EN infantry is of the Chass Alpins variety and is coming forward very steadily under fire. L platoon will have to slow them down for at least 2 more turns before the 2nd platoon reaches.

The AT Gun section has 3 guns and 3 transports. Their transports have a total lift capacity of 18, of which each AT Gun takes up 6. My infantry units take up 11, so I could fit only 3 infantry sections along with the AT Gun section. The ATGs are of limited use here as well, EN armour has not been spotted nearby and very likely none will come up this road at all.

<a href="https://imgur.com/PwdulMe"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/PwdulMe.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

Re: Italian Long Campaign
 

Turn 9

The rest of 3rd Company is still moving up towards the fight. I've managed to drop my HMGs but they are unable to find a good field of fire. They have to make do with suppressive Z-fire into the rear of the EN units.

The EN is a mix of both Mountain and regular rifle infantry. I think it's at probably slightly more than a company size.

The Company AT-Rifle Team was riding with the tank section and found a EN platoon trying to infiltrate behind my lines. The tank section had to deal with this nuisance before going back to their primary task, to find and destroy the EN tanks.

<a href="https://imgur.com/isnqExD"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/isnqExD.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

Re: Italian Long Campaign
 

Turn 10 2nd Company

Situation for L platoon has deteriorated. The EN artillery strike (Red Star) found its mark and routed the Platoon commander.

The Company Commander is up but the other platoons are at least 2-5 turns away, it'll be difficult to slow them from the objective flag.

My own artillery is probably dropping too far behind the EN lines. I'll have to shift them quickly.

<a href="https://imgur.com/OAb2Ufs"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/OAb2Ufs.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

Re: Italian Long Campaign
 

Turn 13

3rd Company Sector.
The front has somewhat stabilised. That can only mean that EN bombardment will fall in the next few turns. The quick attack plan is to move R platoon down the road quickly, and then come up north into the EN flank.

<a href="https://imgur.com/wcQM3MJ"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/wcQM3MJ.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

Elsewhere, our tanks have finally faced off against the EN tanks.

You will always want to point your front into the EN side or rear.

<a href="https://imgur.com/4MiwFWP"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/4MiwFWP.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

2nd Company Sector

My artillery is finally finding its mark and I'm planning to envelop the EN with my fresh platoons.

<a href="https://imgur.com/6sLUZnr"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/6sLUZnr.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

Re: Italian Long Campaign
 

Thanks for this AAR, and good luck, probably no one harder to fight a long campaign with than the Italians ;)

Steves308

Re: Italian Long Campaign
 

Thanks Steves308.

I've already taken some liberties with regards to my orbat. Historically, the weapons company in the regular infantry battalion had some tiny 45mm assault mortars, which could only be used in direct fire. I decided to disperse them in the rifle companies and buy some 65mm howitzers and 81mm mortars instead, somewhat simulating permanent higher HQ attachments.

Overaching plan subsequently is to fight in N. Africa till the Eastern Front opens up and play up against the Russians. I think I'll probably dump my LC at some point after frustration with the Russians. Imagine the lack of AT weapons against KV mammoths.

Re: Italian Long Campaign
 

Getting back to the battle, it is quite clear by now that the stalemate in 2nd Company sector is due to the parity in relative combat power (a company apiece slugging it out). I will thus mobilise my reserve 1st Company to support them and push RCP in my favour. On motor transports, 1st Company will move 2 platoons and should reach 2nd Company in 3 turns.

At the same time, my tanks, having destroyed the EN armour, will make its way up to lead the charge into 3rd Company's sector. This will again tilt the RCP in my favour.

Re: Italian Long Campaign
 

Turn 16, about 3 turns after executing my quick attack

2nd Company sector, EN arty began falling south of the road, hitting my D1 HMG. My own arty was falling in and around the EN concentration, pinning them down as my units closed in. Some of my arty dropped slightly shorter, but it was a small risk to take. I generally like to keep around 200M (4 hexes) for safety distance, but when I start to close in, I'll reduce it to 150M or so.

1st Company has also began arriving along the road. I made a gamble and guessed that there isn't much of an EN presence along the road, otherwise that platoon on trucks will melt away very fast. The lone EN infantry section managed to destroy the truck but was quickly routed by the dismounting infantry.

EN infantry began to rout in the general direction of the yellow arrow, which began taking them closer to my 1st Company positions.

<a href="https://imgur.com/ypmG7nv"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/ypmG7nv.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

By Turn 19

Most EN units have been sweeped up by 1st Company along the flank and 2nd Company pressing from the centre.

<a href="https://imgur.com/4Wpq1i5"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/4Wpq1i5.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

Re: Italian Long Campaign
 

Turn 16, 3rd Company sector

A similar story to 2nd Company sector. Once R platoon started feeling up the EN flank, the EN infantry began to budge and run. I had expected to use my tanks to force the decision but generally, it was over before they reached the lines.

<a href="https://imgur.com/CEjEsrJ"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/CEjEsrJ.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

After the EN broke, I sent my tanks along the road, aiming to capture the furthest EN objective flag near their edge of the map. The rest of the company spread out to clear the forested area to ensure no more EN stay behind forces.

<a href="https://imgur.com/odbjLag"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/odbjLag.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

Re: Italian Long Campaign
 

Battle Report at Turn 26

Most influential unit was probably P platoon of 3rd Company. They contacted the EN since Turn 6 and fought till the EN crumbled. 1 of the sections ended up with 0 ammo.

Most useless unit was probably the AT guns with motor transport. Again due to lack of opportunities. Their organic motor transport was still useful in trooplift ferrying.

<a href="https://imgur.com/wt9u4Fe"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/wt9u4Fe.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

As for the EN most influential unit, this was probably their 60mm mortars. They were fast in delivery and made it difficult in the first 3-5 turns after contact for L Platoon, 2nd Company.

The EN most useless unit, probably their tanks again. They turned up, barely fired a single shot and got destroyed by my tanks. They were slightly better than the ones in the 1st battle, at least they distracted my tanks from the main fight.

Re: Italian Long Campaign
 

Well well, the Eastern (Africa) Front has opened up in July 1940.

Meeting Engagement against GB in East Africa, probably Kenya or Somaliland.

Main features of the map are as follows

Road running E-W along the north of the map.

Stream running E-W along the south of the map.

Medium forested and some cultivated clearings.

Looks to be more of an infantry fight as little opportunities for armour to roam.

Battle plan is as follows with company boundaries.

1st Coy to advance swiftly down the road with Scout Team and ATG on Motor Transport leading. To dismount near the 1st unclaimed objective flag and then proceed on foot with infantry leading. ATG and HMG section to set-up firebase on high ground.

2nd Coy to advance 2-up with our tanks leading the way. As usual, the tanks will try to find and where possible, destroy the EN tanks.

3rd Coy to advance 3-up, and when the terrain constricts, to reduce frontage to 2-up. The boundary between 2nd and 3rd Coy is the stream itself. A rather convenient boundary.

Air recon will provide eyes and ears over the centre of the map and hopefully spot EN tank movement.

<a href="https://imgur.com/GFcCj3E"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/GFcCj3E.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

Re: Italian Long Campaign
 

Turn 3
Air recon always pays off. EN tanks were spotted near the stream and seem to be headed directly towards us. These are A13 MIVA. They are very well matched against my M-13/40. They are obviously better since they move so much faster, and have more accurate main guns.

At the speed with which both sides are closing, it may be another 6 turns before we bump into each other.

<a href="https://imgur.com/H6eR6Va"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/H6eR6Va.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

<a href="https://imgur.com/56envxx"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/56envxx.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

Re: Italian Long Campaign
 

Turn 5

EN 3 inch mortars are laying a smoke screen. This provides us another useful information on the likely firing positions. The 3 inch mortars tend to be very short range (1.5km- 30 hexes) so its very unlikely they'll try to counter battery us once our artillery starts firing.

<a href="https://imgur.com/Yy4ddEa"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/Yy4ddEa.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

<a href="https://imgur.com/KIc45Xu"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/KIc45Xu.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

Re: Italian Long Campaign
 

Turn 6

Both sides are closing fast.

Once the EN tanks have taken the objective flag, they will either continue to head West (Arrow A) or head North (Arrow B).

If Arrow A, I will move my troops into position to set up a possible ambush. My HMGs are already well sited to cover their expected route of advance. I will move a platoon each from the 2nd and 3rd companies towards the stream as a block force and my tanks will take a slight swing and approach from the EN flank and perhaps rear.

<a href="https://imgur.com/COlVnOW"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/COlVnOW.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

Re: Italian Long Campaign
 

Turn 6

If the EN tanks move north instead, Arrow B, they will likely move into 1st Company sector.

Currently, my ATGs are covering the road. I will be moving them to take up ambush positions near the forest so that as the EN tanks move into the clearing, our ATGs will have good fields of fire. I will also be moving 1 platoon to stiffen this line. Currently, H platoon is already moving quite ahead of everyone else.

<a href="https://imgur.com/Fx3KlJD"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/Fx3KlJD.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

Re: Italian Long Campaign
 

Turn 9

The EN tanks move much faster than my own tanks and are fast approaching the objective flag. My HMGs are in good position to keep them buttoned up.

It's often good to spray EN tanks, firstly, if there are any tank riders, it gets them off. Tank riders help the tanks in spotting, so if you find that the EN tank seems to have noticed your infantry, it's usually because they have tank riders with them. The second thing is to keep them buttoned, so that they are more susceptible to close assaults. My infantry lack credible AT weapons, so it's up to close assaults.

My tanks will take another 2 turns or so to get into the EN rear. Hopefully not too late to the show.

<a href="https://imgur.com/4FMwf9C"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/4FMwf9C.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

This is turn 10, where the EN tank has blundered into my infantry. The 1st 2 tanks have been immobilised due to close assaults. The 3rd tank lurking behind is still a very valid threat.

<a href="https://imgur.com/gmA3bg2"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/gmA3bg2.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

Turn 11, it's all over. The EN tanks have been destroyed by Q platoon. Push on! Remember keep the EN tanks buttoned up. Keep your Company Commander close by. Move different infantry sections towards the EN tank. Assault from different directions.

<a href="https://imgur.com/pedJlst"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/pedJlst.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

Re: Italian Long Campaign
 

My air recon reported another platoon of tanks lurking nearby. These turn out to be Matildas, which are not much of a threat at all. Though heavily armoured, they lack main guns and are terrifically slow.

<a href="https://imgur.com/v03GzyR"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/v03GzyR.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

I expect the tank-tank encounter to occur near the blue star. Since they have no AT capability, I will go up to point blank to engage them

<a href="https://imgur.com/1G03Q8M"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/1G03Q8M.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

Re: Italian Long Campaign
 

Turn 14,

My air recon reports spotting EN infantry near the centre of the map, between 1st and 2nd Company boundary. This seems to be a diversion of sorts, as I could only see 1 platoon size at the most. In a meeting engagement such as this one, due to my size force, I expect a minimum of 2 infantry companies. So this can't be the EN main force.

<a href="https://imgur.com/KMfJ9lw"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/KMfJ9lw.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

Re: Italian Long Campaign
 

Turn 16,

Nearer to 3rd Company sector, my foot infantry reports spotting EN infantry in the forest ahead. This is very likely the EN main force. I estimate at least 2 companies moving towards my guys. Since the bulk of their units are still in the forest, I plan my artillery strikes ahead of time.

<a href="https://imgur.com/LxVll4b"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/LxVll4b.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

Turn 20,

My artillery bombardment has fallen squarely into the suspected EN concentration. I will let it fall for another 2 more turns, while maneuvering my infantry closer. I have also double-stacked my infantry so that the likelihood of panic is reduced.

You can also see the destroyed EN tanks.

<a href="https://imgur.com/X743FhY"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/X743FhY.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

Turn 22,

The EN infantry is losing cohesion and breaking. Their mortars are too short range and are unable to influence the fight. My artillery has been delivering on time.

The key thing for artillery is to influence where and when it matters. I could have used them earlier on suspected EN mortar sites, but doing so would reduce their ammo and they may have to end their strikes on the EN infantry prematurely. I had to slow-cook the EN infantry in this one, with steady bombardment strikes for around 3 turns before I was confident to advance my infantry closer.

<a href="https://imgur.com/fOGUAke"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/fOGUAke.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

Re: Italian Long Campaign
 

Battle Report

Once the EN infantry broke, it was pretty much pursuit. Due to the terrain, it took a fair bit of time before all objective flags were taken.

With Timed Objectives, this led to my first marginal victory. Once the EN timed objectives points cross 600, it was kind of expected. I like Timed Objectives because they create an extra layer of suspense.

<a href="https://imgur.com/B9tuXv0"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/B9tuXv0.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

Re: Italian Long Campaign
 

New battle was another meeting engagement against GB in East Africa.

Here's the map.

I would say that the main features are of a relatively high ridge running N-S near the centre of the map, but more on the Italian side. Compared to the GB side which is heavily forested, I have more open terrain to traverse, which means my forces should be up at the high ground before the EN reaches.

Again there is a road running E-W along the top of the map, which allows speedy access to the rear of the map.

Looking at the overall closed terrain, I would say that 33 turns is abit short to completely take possession of all objective flags. The farthest objective flag is near the bottom right of the map and would be very challenging to take.

<a href="https://imgur.com/iHBFLV2"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/iHBFLV2.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

Re: Italian Long Campaign
 

Again, the broad plan is for 1 Company to move along the road with motor transport and quickly dominate it.

Another 2 companies to secure the ridgeline and dominate the valley below.

Here's the breakdown in the companies.

1st Company attached with
F0- Scout Section
T0- Motorcycle Section
V0- AT Guns with Motor Transport

The AT Guns are riding together with 3 sections from J platoon. The Advance Force comprising of the Scout Section riding on Motorcycles, and the Motor Transport with AT Guns and J Platoon will ride ahead along the road.

<a href="https://imgur.com/piNyYDA"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/piNyYDA.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

By Turn 3, the Advance Force is to dismount and secure the road, as this is the straightest part of the road, it allows us to observe all movement along the road.

Once the rest of the company catches up and if there is no EN movement observed up the road, 1 platoon will then be sent down further the road to the EN rear. Sometimes, this allows us to directly engage the EN artillery park.

The rest of the company will turn south and secure the objective flags.

Also, as a lesson learnt from my previous battles, my AT Guns were very un-used once the EN armor was found to be lurking in a different part of the map. I intend to vary and release my AT Guns to the other companies if EN armour is spotted in their sectors.

<a href="https://imgur.com/H7fsWQI"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/H7fsWQI.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

Re: Italian Long Campaign
 

2nd Company attached with

U0- Tank Section (M-13/40)
E0- HMG Section
W0- Mule Section (To trooplift the HMG Section)

<a href="https://imgur.com/J8e7pwh"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/J8e7pwh.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

3rd Company attached with

D0- HMG Section

I made a small mistake and only bought 1 Mule section.

<a href="https://imgur.com/MFwTTsw"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/MFwTTsw.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

Blue line is the company boundary.
Yellow is the initial movement and Green is the subsequent movement phase.

My armour is allowed to roam if necessary. As before, it's main task to engage the EN armour.

I also have a Air Recon as usual. The pre-planned spot is near 2nd Company's first objective flag.

<a href="https://imgur.com/ekLhQIU"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/ekLhQIU.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

Re: Italian Long Campaign
 

Around Turn 4 or so,

EN artillery started bombarding behind my lines. These turn out to be 25 pounder battery and is located near the bottom right edge of the map. Nasty stuff if it catches my infantry.

<a href="https://imgur.com/EfI70Es"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/EfI70Es.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

Around that time, my Air Recon also reports spotting EN armour in around 2nd and 3rd Company sector.

<a href="https://imgur.com/vlhIeWH"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/vlhIeWH.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

Re: Italian Long Campaign
 

Turn 8,

In 1st Company sector, all was quiet. The entire company had concentrated around the road and it was rather obvious that the main fight would not happen along the road. I began to move the rest of the company to its subsequent positions and released the AT guns towards 2nd and 3rd Company sector

As for 2nd and 3rd Company, EN infantry was spotted in the forest and likely up to a company sized force.

There were also a platoon of Matildas in the bottom right corner. Due to the speed disparity between the A13 and Matildas, my armour could engage them piecemeal.

<a href="https://imgur.com/lQW1BHf"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/lQW1BHf.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

Re: Italian Long Campaign
 

Turn 12,

It was time to set up positions to fight the A13s (red diamonds).

My HMGs are in the high ground dominating the valley to the east. My tanks (blue diamonds) are lying in wait, the purple lines show the field of fire for 1 of them.

I have a small AT rifle team (4 point star) to observe and act as scout.

The idea is to have the HMGs to keep the EN tanks buttoned, and any infantry suppressed before manuevering my tanks to take on the A13s.

<a href="https://imgur.com/GFRMk8d"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/GFRMk8d.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

Re: Italian Long Campaign
 

Turn 18

1st Company sector

The EN was about slightly smaller than a coy sized force. The plan for the counter attack was for artillery to drop on the suspected EN positions.

H platoon will be position on the company's left flank and I platoon on the company's right flank.

F Scout section will observe for EN movement and continue to help spot for targets.

<a href="https://imgur.com/gmSwMCT"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/gmSwMCT.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

Turn 22

Once the artillery started falling, my infantry moved more agressively. By turn 22, the EN was breaking. And they rout directly into H platoon.

<a href="https://imgur.com/ozimjEp"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/ozimjEp.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

Re: Italian Long Campaign
 

Turn 18

2nd Company sector

The fight here was pretty one-sided. The EN infantry popped into view intermittently and was met with a hail of fire from the 2nd company on higher ground.

Together with my M-13/40s in the centre, 2nd Company was ordered to move forward into forest. EN 25 Pdrs were beginning to fall on my positions as well, so it was probably safer to move forward, out of the bombardment.

<a href="https://imgur.com/6nu0jfl"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/6nu0jfl.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

Turn 22,

Pretty much over at this point.

<a href="https://imgur.com/1Yz6ZMD"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/1Yz6ZMD.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

Re: Italian Long Campaign
 

Battle Report at Turn 33

We were unable to capture all the objective flags and again we only managed to achieve Marginal Victory.

<a href="https://imgur.com/M4A0Vlf"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/M4A0Vlf.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

Re: Italian Long Campaign
 

Next Mission is still a meeting engagement with battlefield Tug Argan.

32 Turns in all.

Terrain is considered rather open and due to my inadequate AT weapons, I would be very mindful to find depressions and gullies to hide my forces.

<a href="https://imgur.com/y7M67o0"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/y7M67o0.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

Re: Italian Long Campaign
 

Deployment

1st Company was attached with
- F0 Scout Section
- U0 Motorcycle Section
- T0 ATGs with Motor Transport

This company was deployed at the top of the map. The plan was for them to race to the opposite bank of the stream and set up ambush positions, to take the EN in the flank as they cross nearer the centre of the map.

2nd Company was attached with
- E0 HMG Section
- V0 Mule Section
- S0 Medium Tank Section

This company was deployed at the bottom of the map. They were tasked to push forward as a company, and with the tanks leading. If EN tanks were spotted, the Medium Tank Section will go ahead and seek to engage them.

3rd Company was attached with
- D0 HMG Section
- W0 Mule Section

This company was deployed near the centre. They had to cross the stream twice and was expected to move slower compared to the other 2 companies. If the EN was met before they cross the second stream, they will remain on the higher ground and fight stubbornly while the other companies probe along the EN flanks.

Unfortunately, air recon wasn't available.

<a href="https://imgur.com/xa51DDt"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/xa51DDt.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

Re: Italian Long Campaign
 

Within the 1st 4 turns, this battle is likely to be alot more challenging than previous ones. Here were the EN tanks spotted.

A trio of Mk VI Light Tanks prowling near the top of the map, 1st Company sector
<a href="https://imgur.com/s0Rf1Qe"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/s0Rf1Qe.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

Three A13s around the centre of the map, 3rd Company sector
<a href="https://imgur.com/M7lrs6K"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/M7lrs6K.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

A pair of Matilda IIs hanging farther behind.
<a href="https://imgur.com/jtn22wM"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/jtn22wM.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

Re: Italian Long Campaign
 

Turn 4

The Mk VIs were racing along the top of the map towards my 1st Company position. My AT guns quickly dismounted, much earlier than I had preferred.

H platoon was diverted to set up a block, while I platoon was to continue their movement towards the stream.

<a href="https://imgur.com/gmzwDh9"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/gmzwDh9.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

Turn 10

The EN tanks were on top of us but the quick firing AT Guns as well as my infantry close assault destroyed 2 of them. The last Mk VI routed. Without any mobile AT weapons to pursue, I could only wait for the Mk VI to recover and try us again.

<a href="https://imgur.com/ekQXgDf"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/ekQXgDf.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>