Probing Layforce

Babali Hani, Crete, May 28, 1941: First Norway, then France; then Greece and now Crete. Once again 
British forces had suffered defeat and were in retreat, streaming towards the beaches at Sfalia and 
evacuation by the Royal Navy. But the pursuing German mountain troops were pressing hard, and had to
be checked. Already lead elements of the German 5th Mountain Division had overrun the weakened 2/8th 
Austrlian Battalion. The commandos of Layforce were ordered to stop and act as rearguard, even though 
too lightly equipped to operate as regular infantry. Lt. Colonel Young of D Battalion, Layforce, decided 
to make his stand where the only road over the White Mountains dividing Crete into north and south passed 
through a narrow valley thickly covered with olive groves. And he had even promised armor support. But the 
enemy arrived first.

Game Length: 11 turns

For the Germans to win they must capture the valley road through the White Mountains
For the British to win they must defend the valley road against the Germans

Germans: Squads, HMG, MMG, LMG's MTR's, ATR's, Radio
British: Squads, MMG, LMG's, AFV

Boards: #2, #9, #15

Aftermath: Despite the limitations of their equipment, the commandos put up a stiff resistance. Under heavy 
mortar fire, the British - and remnants of the 2/8th Australian co-opted by Young to guard his rear - withstood 
several German probing attacks. Meanwhile, Lt. J.F.G. Terry in his surviving Matilda (the others having been 
destroyed as they were abandoned en route to Hani) arrived in the valley and positioned himself on the road. 
"Firing at everything that moved" on the slopes above. Towards evening, The Germans, frustrated at the delay, 
at last mounted an encircling swing on the left. The Australians, in the falling light, managed to hold off this 
thrust long enough for the commandos to withdraw, then they too fell back in the darkness, passing through defensive 
lines established by the 4th New Zealand Brigade. Although cassualties among the Gebirgsjager had been heavy, the 
commandos had lost but 15 men. The respite was only temporary, however, the next day, the weary Commonwealth troops 
continued their retreat.

Source: ASL Scenario A43, Probing Layforce
