Battle of Chinese Farm 1973

Referee's Notes

by Tom Harris

There are a number of items that the referee will have consider in running this game. First of all, there are no Israeli reinforcements arriving during the game, either on the east or south board edges. The planned concentric attack by the 163rd Armored Division on the Chinese Farm position never developed as intended, with the result that the 460th Armored Brigade ended up on its own. The misinformation in the orders is deliberate.

On the Egyptian side, the same problems are evident. The 16th Infantry Brigade has been ordered to hold Chinese Farm above all else, while the 14th Armored Brigade has been told that the 16th will join in its attack. Again, that was done deliberately as part of the game.

The key point in the game is the need to keep track of ammunition usage for both sides. As the Israeli's know the existence of the bunkers and entrenchments, Recon by HE is an acceptable Israeli tactic, though they should not be told the results of their fire, only whether or not they score any direct hits on their intended targets. Tanks like the M-48 which use this tactic will find themselves quickly low on ammunition, usually at the wrong time. On the Egyptian side, watch the usage of the RPG-7 by the Infantry Stands. They are a very nasty weapon, especially in the area of Chinese Farm itself.

The arrival of the 14th Armored Brigade may or may not be noticed by the Israeli's, though the dust raised by their approach will be seen. If the Israeli's have troops in a position where they can spot the 14th when it arrives, have the 14th on the board from the start. If on the other hand, there are no Israeli units in a position to spot the 14th's arrival, allow it hidden movement (except for the report of dust) at the start of the game.

Victory is determined by control of the two roads, "Tirtur", and "Akavish". If no Egyptian units are in position to carry out direct fire on the road, then it is considered in Israeli hands at the end of the game. If Egyptian units are in position to carry out direct fire, then they control the road. An Egyptian victory requires the control of both roads, and an Israeli victory requires the control of both roads. Any other result is considered a draw. Units may continue fighting as long as they have the needed morale. Units which retire off the board due to a failure of their morale may not return to the fray.

More Battle of Chinese Farm 1973

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