Italian columns vs British column. Roughly 500 points a side. Having 2 players controlling each sides forces.

I supplied the figures and was allowed to play with 1 infantry company. The British actually were a mix of Greeks, British, Sikhs and West Africans. The Italians 2 militia infantry groups (Bersaglieri and normal infantry).

The question is did I want to lose?

First blood went to the British who spotted the Italian column heading the opposite direction.

The two 25pdrs aimed at the italian guns, the 2 portees opened up and the 2 British cruisers and infantry rushed forward. The first kill was on the Bersaglieri HQ. The Italians responded fairly ineffectually.

A British company took out a portee alone with other elements firing at it.

The Bersaglieri came round overrunning two British companies while a third company was lost to a Cv33 tankette flamethrower. The result was that the British were pinned breaking on the next roll.

Garth fired the guns ineffectually leaving them shot up by Italian infantry at medium range. Poor dice rolls from the Italians allowed the allies to hold the field and force a moral effect on the Italians. The regulars were pinned for a round like the British infantry.

The Besaglieri were only finally taken out by the 25pdrs firing at close range at the Italian infantry as it continued to go for the next 2-3 rounds. A pretty desperate fight by gunners, portes and the Jock Column HQ.

Both M13/40s were lost to the two portees and the remaining A13.

The most important thing we got out of the game was.

WE discovered how hampered the British were by lack of HE and it was only the 25pdrs firing over open sights at the Brits that just about gave the game to the allies.

An odd effect 16 Bersaglieri overunning a infantry company reduced to 4 men.

Would they surrender? Should there be a seperate company test at this point?

Morale: the 25pdrs forced the moral roll, they are artillery firing direct. Should infantry test as if under artillery fire?

The Italians were left with HQ and 2 100mm guns, the Allies 1/2 25 pdrs surpressed (4 gunners 2 spotters), 2 portees and an A13.