Dangerous Crossroads


South of Mateur, Tunisia, November 25th, 1942: Operation Torch had brought war to the Maghreb. Anglo-American
mechanized columns were racing for Tunis, and had crossed the Algeria-Tunisian border with the goal of capturing
the Tunisian capital before the Axis was reinforced. Blade Force, with the 17th/21st Lancers as its core, was one
of many groups advancing eastward despite the bad weather and enemy roadblocks. Germans and Italians were desperately
trying to gain time to concentrate their forces for a counter-attack. A first roadblock, manned by troops of the 
Italian 92nd Infantry Regiment was swept aside during the night of November 24th. Major Witzig , CO in the Mateur
area, sent the rest of 9th Compant to block a crossroads on the roads to Mateur and Tebourba. The next morning, 
British armored cars found the enemy and by 1000 Hrs, C Squadron, 17th/21st Lancers attacked, supported by the only
infantry company in Blade Force.

Game length: 7 Turns

For the British/Americans to win they must take the crossroads by capturing 2 buildings.
For the German/Italian to win they must hold the crossroads.

British/Americans: Squads, LMG's, ATR's, MTR's, AFV's
german/Italians: Squads, MMG's, LMG's, MTR's, ATR's, DC, AFV's

Boards: #11, #16

Aftermath: A few Valentines bogged down in a wadi, but the majority of the squadron reached the crossroads where it 
came under fire from the Semoventes concealed near the farms dominating the road. A Valentine and a Crusader were
damaged but the Italian AFV's were quickly knocked out. The defender's fire stopped the infantry dead in its tracks 
and a Carrier was blown up by a mine. Despite armor support, the attack bogged down, and the reserve infantry section
and the close support Crusaders had to enter the fray to dislodge the German Pioneers and the Italian infantrymen. The
last defenders surrendered at around 1300 Hrs. Their resistance had bought some time for the Axis.


Source: Tactiques Magazine, Scenario ASL TAC55, Dangerous Crossroads

  