Malta

[Fallschirmjager]

I have not seen much on this campaign yet. Are the scenarios written yet?
Are any Americans included? What are the details of the operation?
I have read several differnt ways in which it could of been conducted. I am curious to see which one Panther decided on.
Screenshots would be nice as well [:D]

[Murky71]

if you adjust the forum setting 'Display topics from last .. days' to let's say 365 a couple of threads will show up that contain screenshots as well as info on the scenarios.

[Fallschirmjager]

ORIGINAL: Murky71

if you adjust the forum setting 'Display topics from last .. days' to let's say 365 a couple of threads will show up that contain screenshots as well as info on the scenarios.

Unless im missing it, I see nothing on Malta.

[Murky71]

I was mistaken. I was pretty sure I read some stuff on Malta, but I don't see it either. The only mention I did find was on the Panther Games site.

[Arjuna]

We will be including two hypothetical battles for Malta. One in 41 and another in 42. I think Golf33 has finished these, but need to check with him. If so I'll ask him to post up some pics.

[Golf33]

Malta, 1941, from the German POV as the first glider-borne assault troops land:

[Golf33]

The glider assault on Qrendi Airfield is reinforced by the first paratroopers:

[Golf33]

The airhead is expanding:

[Golf33]

Malta 1941:

After the fall of mainland Greece, the commander of the paratroops, General Student, urged Hitler to conduct a major attack using his Green Devils. The target chosen was Crete, and although the paratroopers succeeded, it was at such cost that they never conducted another major airborne operation. Crete was, however, not the only option available; in May 1941, Malta's garrison was still building up to full strength, while aircraft and submarines based on the island were already becoming a threat to Axis operations in North Africa.

This scenario fights a 'what-if' attack on Malta, using the German forces historically allocated to Crete. The plan of attack is similar to that used on Crete - take an airfield using parachute and glider troops, then fly in mountain infantry and heavy equipment. Because there are not enough aircraft to transport the full force, a shipping group has also been assembled, containing various heavy-weapons and artillery units and three battalions of mountain infantry. These ships will need to run the gauntlet of Royal Navy ships and submarines in order to discharge their cargo on Malta's south coast.

For the Allies on Malta, the future holds only two choices; fight and win, or surrender into captivity. The Axis airforces command the waters around the island and will largely prevent any significant reinforcement or evacuation.

The key points on the island are the airfields, followed by the main harbour at Valetta. The Germans will need to secure a point of entry for their follow-on forces; the British will need to deny them this, and also prevent any advance on the Grand Harbour.

There are alternative reinforcement schedules to increase or decrease the strength and organisation of the Axis drop, and to add some reinforcements to the Allied garrison simulating a convoy running the aerial blockade.

Malta 1942:

This what-if scenario looks at one of the great 'what-ifs' of World War II: what if the Axis had tried to take Malta in mid-1942, instead of focusing on Rommel's attack in North Africa?

The attack pits several specially-created formations - including the Italian Parachute and Assault and Landing Divisions, the San Marco Marines, and a special German tank battalion composed of experimental and captured Russian types - against the four infantry brigades and plentiful anti-aircraft defences of Malta. The Axis have the advantage of control of the sea, although some attrition from the Royal Navy is always a possibility, and command of the air; they also have a significant numerical advantage. Against this, they are operating against an enemy in prepared positions. The Allied defenders also have a secret weapon: with no way off the island, they have no choice but to fight.

There are several key points. Most important is the Grand Harbour at Valetta, the ultimate goal of the invasion, and the only port on the island equipped to handle large cargo and warships. Next in importance are the major airfields at Luqa and Hal Far and the fighter airfield at Ta Kali (which is also the RAF HQ). Finally the smaller dispersal airstrips at Krendi and Safi are also important features.

There are alternative reinforcement schedules available to increase or decrease the strength of the Axis attack.

Please remember the above is all alpha material and subject to change.

Regards
33

[kev_uk]

Very nice looking map.
Hey, if you want another beta-tester...

Kevin

[EricGuitarJames]

ORIGINAL: Golf33

The airhead is expanding:

My God! Are those dastardly Nazi's parachuting in buxom blonde beauties to distract our brave Tommies from their duties?