3rd Indian Motor Brigade

What Ifs and Options

by Greg Novak

There are two variations included in this section. The first scenario postulates the situation, if good staff work had allowed the 3rd Motor Brigade to settle in position in plenty of time, as well as be reinforced by its promised support. Had this happened, it is more likely that Ariete would have made a planned attack using the assets that were moving in its support.

Scenario One

The 3rd Motor Brigade Digs In

ALLIED FORCES

3rd INDIAN MOTOR BRIGADE
Troop Quality: Veteran
Morale 9
Make the following changes:
1. Use. the complete organization as shown under item C.
2. Add the following.

    8th TANK REGIMENT, with:
    2 COMPANIES, each with:
      1 Command Valentine II
      2 Valentine II

3. All 2lb AT guns may start the scenario in weapons pits. The 25lb field guns may start the scenario unlimbered. Up to 24" of actual minefields may be laid.

AXIS FORCES

On Board at Start:

132nd ITALIAN ARMORED REGIMENT
Troop Quality: Experienced
Morale 8
1. Use the above organization, but add to it the following:

REGIMENTAL HEADQUARTERS, with:
1 Staff Radio Truck
3rd/8th AUTOPORTO BATTALION, with:

BATTALION HEADQUARTERS, with:
1 Command Stand
1 Car
1 Recon Motorcycle Stand

2 INFANTRY COMPANIES, each with:
3 Infantry Stands
1 MMG Stand
2 Medium Trucks

1 GUN COMPANY, with:
2 47L32 guns
2 gun crew stands
2 light trucks

Vth SEMOVENTE BATTALION, with:
1 Command Carro Commando
2 Semovente M-40
2. The 1st/5th Panzer Regiment still arrives on turn 1 (0600)

Scenario Two

The Yeomanry Rides to the Rescue!

This scenario represents a considerable increase in the scope and complexity of the situation. It is definitely not a solo scenario. The assumption is that the 22nd Armored Brigade, resting some 10 miles to the north had reacted much more quickly to the discovery of the Afrika Korps, and had in true cavalry spirit come riding to the sound of the guns. Had this been the case, it is only reasonable to add to the 21st Para the forces that accompanied the tank battalions. Purists should note that the forces added in this section have been considerably reduced from the historical. In the real Gazala battle, the 22nd Armored Brigade was attacked by both battalions of the 5th Panzer. To avoid adding the second German unit, 22nd Armored is shown as a composite regiment with some 40% of the brigade assets.

ALLIED FORCES

3rd COUNTRY OF LONDON YEOMANRY "THE SHARPSHOOTERS"
Troop Quality: Experienced
Morale 9

HEADQUARTERS, with: 1 command A 15 Crusader Mk II

1 SQUADRON, with: 1 command M3 Grant and 1 Grant

2 SQUADRONS, with: 1 command A 15 Crusader Mk II and 2 A15 Crusader Mk II

1 SQUADRON, with: 1 command A15 Crusader Mk II and 3 A15 Crusader Mk II

1 MOTOR COMPANY, with:

    1 Command Infantry Stand
    1 Infantry Stand
    1 MMG stand
    2 Recon universal carriers
    1 6lbr AT gun
    1 gun crew stand
    4 light trucks

1 ANTITANK BATTERY, with:

    3 6lbr AT guns
    3 gun crew stands
    3 light trucks

1 ARTTLLERY BATTERY, with:

    2 25lbr field guns
    2 gun crew stands
    2 quads

1 ARMORED CAR SQUADRON, with: 1 command Humber Mk II and 1 Humber Mk II

NOTES
1. The force enters at 0630 at the northeast corner of the table.
2. All command infantry and infantry stands have integral Boys antitank rifles.

AXIS FORCES

Arrives at 0600 with 1st/5th Panzer:

1st/104th SCHUTZEN REGIMENT

BATTALION HEADQUARTERS, with: 1 Command Stand and 1 Kubelwagon

3 COMPANIES, each with: 1 Command MMG Stand, 3 Infantry Stands, and 2 Medium Trucks

1 MACHINE GUN COMPANY, with: 2 MMG Stands, 1 8cm mortar stand (ds), and 2 Medium Trucks

1 HEAVY COMPANY, with:

    1 gun crew stand
    1 gun crew stand (ds)
    1 50L60 AT gun
    1 75L12 Infantry Gun
    1 light truck
    1 medium truck

1st/155th ARTILLERY REGIMENT, with:

    1 Command Stand
    1 FO
    2 kubelwagens
    3 105L28 howitzers
    3 gun crew stands (DS)
    3 light tractors

65th PANZERJEAGER BATTALION

1 COMPANY, with:

    2 gun crew stands
    2 50L60 AT guns
    2 light trucks

3rd RECON BATTALION, with:

    1 Recon SdKfz 2318 rad
    1 Recon SdKfz 222
    1 Recon infantry Motorcycle Stand

NOTES
1. All command, infantry, command MMG, and motorcycle stands have integral antitank weapons.

More 3rd Indian Motor Brigade

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© Copyright 1992 by Greg Novak.

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