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Tobruk '41 Screen Previews #04-Carrier Hill (22 April 1941) 
Now for one of the smallest Panzer Campaigns Scenarios there are. Click on the picture at the right to view the full scale image in a separate window as you read on Description:Carrier Hill, just outside the southwest sector of the Tobruk perimeter, 22 April 1941: General Morshead, commander of the 9th Division, decreed that the Australians would own no-mans land. In doing so, he unleashed the ingenuity of the Australian soldiers to the task of harassing, and distracting, the Axis command. There are many examples of raids from almost any point around the perimeter, ranging from single Platoon actions, to those of multiple Companies. One favorite was to "lift" mines from axis minefields, and then use these to improve their own defenses. The action near Carrier Hill, named for the burned-out Bren Carrier on its slopes, is offered as just one example. It was directed against an Italian Artillery battery known to be setting up in the area. When it was over, the Australians counted their booty, 368 Italian prisoners, four 20mm anti-aircraft guns, and several gun sights, much needed for the Italian Artillery being used by the defender. Not a bad days haul for an Australian force that numbered no more than 200! [Size: small, Length: 5 turns] Notes:This scenario was designed as a simple diversion from the larger scenarios. The map and forces involved are small and it can be played in a very short time. Most of the Italians start out fixed so it is really only worth playing as the Australians against the computer. #08 - Operation Battleaxe (15-17 June 1941) 
Click on the picture at the right to view the full scale image in a separate window as you read on Description:Libyan/Egyptian Frontier, 15 June 1941: Operation Brevity had taught the Germans several lessons about the construction, and operation, of their frontier strongpoints. During the latter part of May, and the first part of June, improvements were made, including a significant increase in the quantity, and quality, of anti-tank weapons. Provision stockpiles were also increased to the point that the Germans considered their frontier posts impregnable. Nevertheless, the offensive mindset was still strong and panzer reserves were positioned for a quick response. On the British side, Battleaxe was to be a repeat of the Brevity tactics with an increased force level. The 7th Armoured Brigade, the "Desert Rats", had been brought back up to strength with new arrivals. Significantly, the Matilda force, a tank that had proved very hard for the Germans to kill, had been more than doubled. It again turned out, however, that the Germans were learning, and adapting, faster than the British. The 88mm Flak guns employed in the frontier positions for the first time shredded the Matildas and, based on radio intercepts, the Germans were able to concentrate both their Panzer Regiments against the lone British Armoured Brigade. [Size: medium, Length: 30 turns] Notes:On appearance, this scenario looks very similar to Brevity but this is not entirely true. Both sides are stronger but the edge must undoubtedly go to the Germans. British strategy is the same, grab what you can as quickly as you can just be aware that it will be harder and that the German counterattack will come sooner. Again, this scenario is a good one from both sides and for head-to-head play as long as the British difficulties are understood. #07 - Operation Brevity (15-16 May 1941) 
Click on the picture at the right to view the full scale image in a separate window as you read on Description: Libyan/Egyptian Frontier, 15 May 1941: The German Army of 1941 had virtually no experience with defensive warfare, there were ten offensive tactical problems solved at the service schools for each defensive one. So when the Afrika Korps found itself defending along the Libyan/Egyptian frontier, it is not surprising that they chose a combat method that continued to stress their offensive capability. A series of strongpoints were built backed up by a reserve force that was to counterattack at the first opportunity. The British provided the first test of these arrangements when they launched their first attempt to relieve Tobruk. The plan for Operation Brevity was based on a model that would be used time and again, an armored component to defeat the enemy armor, and an infantry component to defeat the frontier strongpoints. In the end, the Germans proved the superiority of their combined arms tactics, specifically the use of anti-tank guns to protect their armor, and the British were driven back across the frontier. [Size: medium, Length: 16 turns] Notes:Welcome to desert warfare! This scenario begins with a scattered German line which the attacking British force can easily overrun or bypass. But don’t get too cocky, the panzers are on the way and the resulting see-saw can be a bit of a culture shock to experienced players. This one is good from both sides and is a great head-to-head contest. Both have there down side… The Germans must wait for their most potent counterattack force till late in the game and there can be a lot of anxiety in not knowing if there will be enough time to gain victory. From the British side, the scenario seems a slam-dunk with more that enough VPs easily taken. But the panzer counterattack is on the way and your only hope is to hold on to the few locations that you have the forces to defend. #29 - Battle of Alam Hamza (15-16 December 1941) 
Click on the picture at the right to view the full scale image in a separate window as you read on This Picture shows 3D Zoom out view at the start of Scn #29 with "No FOW on". In the Unit Window is selected Italian Art. At the top of the map is some rather interesting terrain as well. Description: Gazala, 15 December 1941: The first stop on Rommel’s retreat out of Cyrenaica was the old Italian positions at Gazala. The halt was necessary to allow time for the evacuation of the rear area elements but also for the reorganization the Italians as it seemed that a repeat of December 1940 was in the making. Already, the Italians had started surrendering in droves and in one instance on 12 December, the Maori battalion captured over 1100 Italians at a loss of only 16 of their own. But Rommel still had a large mass of infantry and a potent cadre of panzer troops. Against the Gazala position, the British launched their pursuit forces, significantly limited by their supply services which were still based on depots back near the Egyptian border. The Battle for the Alam Hamza ridge at the southern end of the Gazala defenses started on 13 December with the Indian Division attacking from the south. Point 204 was captured by the 1st Buffs but German counterattacks to the south near Sidi Breghisc threatened to encircle them. Closer to the coast, the 5th New Zealand Brigade advanced straddling the escarpment but they could make no headway against the Italians. By 15 December, the British had moved up additional units in the south consisting of all the spare Infantry Tanks while in the north, the New Zealanders were joined by the Polish Brigade. Add to this a wide flanking move by the remainder of the 4th Armoured Brigade and the stage is set for the final chapter in the Crusader Battles. NOTE: the British artillery in this scenario is a mess of cross attachments and, because of the Brigade System, most have no spotters. It is recommended that this scenario be played with the "Indirect Fire and Air Strikes by the Map" optional rule. [Size: medium, Length: 14 turns] Notes: In this scenario, and the two that follow, the British begin the post Crusader clean-up efforts. At Gazala they are attempting to pursue the retreating Axis using what ever troops they could scrape together. For this reason it is an organizational hodge-podge. It is best played from the British side against the AI and can be a little harrowing if too much of the Italians are activated by contact. The key is to capture point 208 while preventing the panzers from taking point 204. This accomplished, the Polish Brigade should then be able to bring victory against the Italian Infantry. #30_Bardia_31Dec 
Click on the picture at the right to view the full scale image in a separate window as you read on This Picture is a 2D Image with no hex Outline, but Alt Label style is on. It shows the end of a game and a smaller map in a 22 Turn Scn to illustrate the size of some Scn and the lower Unit Density which may attract some folks. British Units are seen in the Unit Picture Window. Description: Bardia, 31 December 1941: The Italian defenses at Bardia had been build in the years prior to the war along the same lines as those at Tobruk. They had not, however, been completed to the same degree and had been significantly under maintained. This, and the fact that the garrison was almost exclusively Italian, was the reason that British planners selected Bardia as the first of the Axis frontier garrisons that would be reduced. By late December 1941, the more mobile elements of the British 8th Army were pursuing the Germans and Italians across the desert to Agedabia, leaving the 2nd South African Division to look after the frontier. But a number of other formations were left behind as well, due to the fact that the British supply system could not maintain them forward of Tobruk, and this meant that the Bardia attack would be blessed with an excess of artillery support. The South African attack was planned to minimize casualties and was to be broken into two phases. While the New Zealand Cavalry demonstrated in the north, the 3rd SA Brigade, supported by tanks and artillery would break into the defenses from the south, reaching a line running along the escarpment by dark. The next day, the 4th SA Brigade, supported by additional tanks, would attack through them, driving to the city itself. The operation went much according to plan except that the Germans were able to execute a local counterattack that overran the Headquarters of the Kaffrarian Rifles. But this only delayed the unavoidable and the garrison surrendered early on 2 January. One of the more notable references in the documentation of this battle is the actions of the Polish Artillery. It seems that their hatred of the Axis ran so deep that command elements were unable to force them to practice any type of fire discipline. When ever they received an allocation of ammunition, they fired non-stop till it was gone. NOTE: a large amount of artillery was collected by the British for this attack and, because of the Brigade System, most have no spotters. It is recommended that this scenario be played with the “Indirect Fire and Air Strikes by the Map” optional rule. [Size: medium, Length: 22 turns] Notes: This scenario was designed for play as the British against the AI and at first looks to be a real cake walk, plenty of time, plenty of artillery, and fixed Italian defenders. But the real objective of this scenario is to minimize casualties and a British player that throws his troops in without coordination will be throwing victory away. #36s_Crusader_Full_Campaign 
Click on the picture at the right to view the full scale image in a separate window as you read on A lot of plays love BIG MONSTER Scenarios, and in Tobruk we offer something for everyone. Here is a Screen Capture of part of the Map showing the Tobruk area in the Main Campaign Scenario. Description: Tobruk, 19 November 1941: This campaign covers the entire action of the Crusader Battles and will invariably bear little resemblance to the historic actions. Players are free to chart their own course, avoiding the historic mistakes and undoubtedly experiencing many new ones. . NOTE: This scenario is for use with the optional Explicit Supply rules. [Size: very large, Length: 158 turns] #22_Crusader_24Nov 
Click on the picture at the right to view the full scale image in a separate window as you read on In This Picture, another 2D image, we are showing Divisional Mrking and again ALT Labels. You can see the Overall unit Density is good. The Scn and image also shows the Wire and the penatrated Wire marking which is something new. It shows turn 26 of 26 and the Brits are behind the Axis Lines. we are showing two flavours of Allied and two flavours of Axis units. Description: Sidi Omar, 24 November 1941: German operations on 23 and 24 November stand in stark contrast to each other. On the 23rd, Cruewell’s had executed a calculated, concentrated plan which had destroyed the 5th South African and all but completed the destruction of the armored units of 30th Corps. But Rommel on the 24th would throw it all away with a wild dash to the frontier wire. Believing that 30th Corps could be finished off with a rapid pursuit and that something needed to be done to halt the destruction of the Axis frontier positions Cruwell was ordered to rush to the Sidi Omar area, creating panic as he went. But the Indians were firmly established within the formerly Italian positions at Sidi Omar and most of the New Zealand division was nowhere to be found, two Brigades having been sent towards Tobruk. After several days of futile efforts, Rommel could no longer ignore the new developments back at Sidi Rezegh and the Afrika Korps turned west yet again. During this time 30th Corps had withdrawn south, instead of southeast as Rommel expected, and had been granted a much needed breather to repair and replenish. [Size: medium, Length: 26 turns] Notes: This scenario must be played with a human German as the AI just isn’t up to the task. It can be played head-to-head or against the AI. To win, the Germans MUST wreck as much havoc as possible with an eye to the clock as they must exit almost everything to win. Getting bogged down is a sure way to throw victory away, much as occurred historically. |