3rd Indian Motor Brigade

Part D: Battle of Point 171:
May 28, 1942

by Greg Novak

ALLIED TROOPS

3RD INDIAN MOTOR BRIGADE
Troop Quality: Veteran
Morale 8

Use the above organization from part C, except that each antitank squadron and the antitank battery will each have the following units removed: 2 2lb AT Guns, 2 gun crews, and 2 universal carriers. Deploy first within the area marked on Map 2 on page 19. No units may be entrenched and all weapons start the game towed.

ALLIED TROOPS
On Board at Start:

132nd ITALIAN ARMORED REGIMENT
Troop Quality: Experienced
Morale 8

REGIMENTAL HEADQUARTERS, with

    1 Command M14/41
    1 Recon M14/41

3 TANK BATTALIONS, each with

    BATTALION HEADQUARTERS, with: 1 Command M15/42

    1 COMPANY, with: 3 M15/42

    2 COMPANIES, each with: 3 M14/41

ARTILLERY BATTALION, with:

    1 Command Stand
    1 FO
    2 Cars
    3 75L27 field guns
    3 gun crew stands (DS)
    3 tractors

Deploy second in the area shown. All guns start the scenario towed.
Enters from south edge on Turn 1 (0600)

1/5th PANZER BATTALION
Troop Quality: Veteran
Morale 10

BATTALION HEADQUARTERS, with:

    1 Command Pz III H
    2 Recon Pz II F

2 COMPANIES, each with:

    1 Command Pz III J
    2 Pz III H
    1 PzIVE

1 COMPANY, with:

    1 Command Pz III H
    3 Pz III H

REFEREES NOTES AND INFORMATION:
1. The scenario starts with the 0600 turn, Visibility is excellent
2. No terrain features exist-4he entire area is considered clear.

3. There is no attempt to assign Victory Points. This scenario is even more suitable for solo play. In effect, the only judgement needed is the speed at which the Axis will breakthrough the 3rd Motor Brigade and head north. Historically, the 3rd Motor Brigade was overrun by 0730, having caused the loss of some 50 actual Italian tanks. The initial attack was launched by Ariete, who as a result suffered most of the actual losses, as the 1st/5th Parizer was only involved in the last half hour of the battle. The only real decision for the player is to decide whether or not to commit the Germans into action, or whether to let Ariete carry the load. Failure to reinforce will increase the Italian casualties, and allow the 3rd Motor Brigade to delay the advance of the Axis forces.

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© Copyright 1992 by Greg Novak.

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