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Turn 12 – Regio Esercito Part 2





Koritsa Attacks 14 thru 19

139th Rgt. Attacks from the previous turn have exposed the second line of Greek artillery supporting their defense. The Italian commander knew artillery was present, but know he knows the strength and disposition of the units.
The 139th HQ has been used to block movement of the Greek HQ with a weak assault made to chase the HQ away. The situation appears to be under control.

3rd Alpini Div. The encircled Greek unit is destroyed by RBC. With the rear area secure, the division’s full strength is available for the drive on Vovousa.
Previous actions in the area of the Pindus Detachment forced the Greeks to withdraw and revealed a continuous line of resistance blocking the road to Vovousa. The 3rd Div will need to concentrate its forces to break through to the objective.

47th Bari Div. Attacks made by the 47th have revealed additional enemy units is the gap between the enemy 8th Div and Cavalry Brigade. There are only a few companies but it shows that the Greeks have formed a continuous defensive line.

32nd Rgt. The regiment’s slow march has finally brought it to the Albania/Greece border. The Italian commander needs to plan on the formation deployment.




Kalpaki Attacks 14 thru 19

51st Siena and 23rd Ferrara Divs. The 23rd has managed to turn the Greek 10th Rgt flank and isolate a Greek infantry unit. Attack #16 causes heavy Greek losses but fails to roll up the flank. Hopefully the Greek commander will feel that Kalpaki is threatened and divert units from the Koritsa front to Kalpaki.

Turn 12 – Royal Hellenic





35th Rgt. The HQ unit appears to have finished its probe and makes no aggressive move toward the enemy. The rest of the regiment performs artillery attacks against the Italian positions, causing little damage or casualties.

Pindus Detachment. The detachment is joined by at least two full battalions. Attacks #2 and #28 fail to inflict significant casualties and are followed up with artillery bombardments which are equally ineffective. Even with the unsuccessful ground assaults the Greeks are able to build a solid defensive line.

Cavalry Brigade. The brigade has grown to regimental strength and is firmly planted, blocking the southern mountain road to Vovousa. The units spend time entrenching and conduct no ground actions.

The 8th Div, supported by units from the 42nd Rgt, trade fire with the Italian 47th Div’s CCNN units. Casualties are about even. Arrival of 8th Div troops has made this front significantly stronger.




Greek 10th Rgt and elements of the 42nd mass four battalions of infantry against the Italian 51st. Assaults #6,, #33 and #39 cost the Greeks in casualties and fail to move the Italians from their prepared positions. On this front the Italians are winning the war of attrition. Artillery attacks supporting the ground forces are equally ineffective.

3rd Cav attacks #5 and #12 on the 131st inflict equal casualties on both sides, but the Italians hold their position. Final attack #34 hits the Italians with heavy casualties and drives back both infantry and armor units. The Italian commander is quickly coming to the realization that attacking Kalpaki from the South will not be possible.

Turn 13 – Regio Esercito





Koritsa/Kalpaki Attacks 1 thru 5

3rd Alpini Div. Assault #4 is focused on removing the roadblock. Concentrated infantry and artillery units inflicted heavy losses on the remains of the Pindus Detachment, forcing the defenders to retreat. The Greeks have deployed several battalions of reinforcements just to the South of the detachment. These units dig in for support and are seen to be rapidly taking over the defensive tasks.
The 32nd Rgt has finally arrived and is poised to join the 3rd Division. These fresh troops will be instrumental in advancing to the Vovousa objective.

47th Bari Div. The division is facing a full regiment of the Greek Cavalry Brigade which is entrenched along the mountain road. Artillery and infantry perform frontal assault #5 and succeed in driving back half of the defender’s units. Total casualties and about even, however, the Italians fail to gain any ground.

23rd Div. The division has totally enveloped an isolated rifle/grenade unit and launched attack #3. Greek casualties are very heavy; however, the Greeks are resilient and hold on to their positions. With the Italian commander concentrating on eliminating the trapped unit, troops are not available to attempt assaults rolling up the Greek flank.




Koritsa/Kalpaki Attacks 6 thru 9

3rd Alpini Div. The division attacks to clear its northern flank for admitting free flow of supplies and troops along the mountain road. Attack #8 results in moderate Greek casualties and the Italians occupy the position. The road is now open and will enable the 32nd Rgt to move into the front line.

47th Bari Div. Performs a second assault on the Cavalry Brigade. Attack #9 causes light enemy losses but again the Italians fail to advance. Italian units dig in for the expected counterattack.

23rd Div. The surrounding units conduct a second round of assaults but the Greeks still maintain their position. Attack #7 causes heavy casualties but fails to eliminate the Greeks.




Continuous combat operations have degraded the combat strength of most front-line units. The 3rd Division’s 8th Rgt/I Battalion is an example of the losses incurred. About half of the infantry squads and 20% of the Light Machine Gun Teams have been lost due to ground assault, artillery bombardment and freezing weather. Going into the campaign the Italian replacement pool was limited with the troop/equipment replacement pool consisting primarily of resources being returned to combat.

Turn 13 – Royal Hellenic





North of the Italian 139th Rgt a new Greek formation has been spotted in the area of Arrenes/Eptachori. Greek units were known to be in the area but until now their strength and disposition was undetermined. If this regiment should receive orders to move toward Koritsa they will represent a significant threat to the Italian northern flank. The regimental number is unknown, but there are at least six infantry and two artillery companies.




35th Rgt. Attack #7 produces minimal results. Primarily the assault is made to harass the Italians.

Pindus Detachment and 4th Rgt. The detachment has a pair of infantry units in jeopardy of being encircled and destroyed. Attempts to withdraw the units fails and an assault by the newly arrived 4th Rgt is made too far away to open an escape route. Attack #7 is the 4th Rgt’s first action and the result is an even trade in casualties.

Cavalry Brigade. The brigade reforms from prior attacks and launches a pair of attacks (#19 and #26) against the Italian 47th and gets disappointing results. Both assaults are easily repulsed causing moderate Greek casualties and practically no Italian losses. However, the brigade does maintain blocking positions and is able to entrench.

The 8th Div. Attack #9 against the Italian CCNN regiments results in light Greek casualties and no ground gained. The 8th ceases ground attacks and instead resorts to artillery bombardments to soften up the CCNN positions.




Greek 10th Rgt and elements of the 42nd conduct attacks #6, #10 and #50 against Italian entrenchments. Mostly the attacks are weak, cause few losses and fail to move the Italians from their prepared positions. Artillery attacks follow up the ground assaults and are also ineffective. The Greeks are not doing well in the battle of attrition.

24th Rgt and 3rd Cavalry attacks #5, #13 and #25 result in a pyrrhic victory for the Greeks. Greek casualties are high but they succeed in forcing disorganized retreats of both Italian 131st armored battalions with the III Battalion split into its component companies. Overall Greek losses are moderate but the rifle/grenade teams prove their value as anti-tank units. Greek assessment of the Italian 131st Armored Division is that it is no threat to turn the Greek’s southern flank.

Turn 14 – Regio Esercito



T14 Itl Koritsa Attacks



Koritsa Front

3rd Alpini Div. Assault #6 is designed to drive stragglers from the Greek 51st Rgt into a single pocket, ready to be destroyed in the follow up attack. Fate intervenes on the Greek side and hands the Italians a Failed Proficiency Check. Elimination of the Greek units will have to wait until the next turn. The failed check also means that the division will be tied up clearing the backfield and delayed using its full strength against the Vovousa roadblock. Time is starting to get short for meeting the Italian invasion schedule. Assaults and bombardment #1, #3 and #9 fail to dislodge the defenders or inflict significant Greek casualties.
The 32nd Rgt is finally attached to the 3rd Div and ready for action.

47th Bari Div. The division conducts another attack against the reformed Greek Cavalry Brigade and has disappointing results. Greek casualties are a bit higher, but the road remains blocked.


T14 Itl Kalpaki Attacks



Kalpaki Front

23rd and 51st Divs. The encircled Greek rifle/grenade unit finally succumbs and is eliminated by RBC. Attacks #2, #4 and #8 inflict a few Greek casualties but barley make the attrition attacks worthwhile. Attack #2 has the added importance in that the Greek infantry is blocked from working to a position behind the Italian front line. Surveillance will be maintained by the 51st to ensure additional Greek units are not infiltrating.

131st Div. Attack #5 is conducted in the hope that the defensive line can be straightened. The Italian commander’s intent is to drive the Greeks from their mountain position so that the 131st Div’s defensive line can fully occupy high ground. However, the Greeks are entrenched and able to hold their position. The division’s two armored battalions are still in re-organization and unable to support the assault.

Turn 14 – Royal Hellenic





35th Rgt. The regiment’s artillery fires on the Italians with little effect. No ground action occurs.

Pindus Detachment and 4th Rgt. The two 51st Rgt infantry companies isolated by the 3rd attempt to breakout with attack #17. The Greeks suffer heavy casualties and fail to escape.
4th Rgt aggressively assaults with four attacks: #3, #11, #24 and #32. The Italians eventually fall back but the Greek losses are more sever than the Italian. The Greeks seem to be comfortable with trading casualties for a delay in the Italian advance. The ground assaults are followed up with multiple artillery bombardments.

Cavalry Brigade. The brigade makes a single spoiling attack and a minor bombardment against the 47th Div. No other actions are documented.

The 8th Div. The divisional actions are limited to attack #5 and bombardments. Few casualties are inflicted.




Greek 10th Rgt and elements of the 42nd. Attack #4 concentrates on an exposed Italian position and pushes the Italian battalion from the ridge line however, Greek units do not occupy the position. Instead, extensive artillery barrages are fired along the 23rd and 51st line. Few Italian casualties are inflicted.

24th Rgt. Attacks #1, #18 and #25 are centered on the far left of the 131st defensive line. The Italians are able to hold, but it becomes evident that the Greeks are attempting to turn the flank and attack Italian supply line. Total casualties are light on both sides, the Italian commander is concerned.

3rd Cavalry attack #6 is focused on a lone bicycle infantry battalion. Italian losses are heavy and the battalion forced to withdraw. The Greeks advance into the vacated territory and create a hole in the Italian line. This also concerns the Italian commander.

Turn 15 – Regio Esercito





Koritsa Attacks 1 thru 10

3rd Alpini Div. The division fully encircles the isolated Greek companies, attacks #6 and eliminates the last of the Greek 51st Rgt units. This frees up eight infantry battalions and two support companies to join the advance on Vovousa. Attacks #3 and #9 are directed toward the Greek roadblocks and have moderate success. The Greeks suffer the heavier losses but remain in their entrenched positions.

47th Bari Div. The division masses a regiment of infantry, artillery and supporting companies for a concentrated assault on the Cavalry Brigade. Attack #10 only causes moderate casualties, but it does drive five of the nine defending units out of the position. Reducing the number of Greek defenders for a follow up attack makes this attack a success.
With little success, the division’s CCNN regiments continue to engage the Greek 8th Div and a few stragglers from the 42nd. Attack #7 is weak and inflicts minimal losses on the Greeks.




Kalpaki Attacks 1 thru 10

23rd and 51st Divs. Attack #1 produces no result and bombardment #5 is notable because it caused few, but measurable, enemy casualties. Attacks #2 and #8 are the main events. Both assaults inflict fairly heavy Greek losses thereby winning the battle of attrition. These attacks are not designed to capture territory, only to inflict enemy fatalities.

131st Armor Div. The division is able to reorganize the armored battalions and resume military operations. The primary task is to ensure the defense perimeter is dug-in and prevents enemy intrusions. On the South side one minor attack #4 is conducted with the intention of driving a Greek unit away from the supply line. The attack does moderate damage to an enemy company that manages to hold its position.

Turn 15 – Regio Esercito Part 2




While performing supply checks between combat rounds, the Italian commander notices an abnormally low supply level in the area between the 47th Div and the 47th Div CCNN Regiments. Along the road system there is always 100 supply. 33 supply is only possible when the logistics system is compromised by the enemy severing the force supply line. The commander immediately initiates reconnaissance and tasks available forces to seal the breech. The fear is that Greek infiltrators will move deep into the rear areas and cut supply lines for the entire Koritsa front. The Italians have committed all forces to the front line assault and have no combat reserves to deal with this situation.




Koritsa/Kalpaki Attacks 11 thru 17

3rd Alpini Div. The division goes for a second round of assaults on the Greek Pindus Detachment and 4th Rgt. Attack #15 strikes the Pindus Detachment hard but even with heavy casualties, the units manage to hold their position. Attacks #14 and #16 are against the 4th Rgt and total losses are about even. These Greek units also hold their positions and continue to block the mountain road. Two Greek battalions are detected further toward Vovousa which makes achieving the objective less pragmatic. Note that Vovousa is the secondary objective, not the primary.

47th Bari Div. The Greek Cavalry Brigade, which is greatly degraded from the earlier assaults, is down to four companies in strength but still puts up a tenacious fight. Even when sustaining 69% casualties from attack #17 and having half the force withdraw, the Greeks are able to hold their position. The Italian commander is mystified as to how the Greeks manage to defend a lonely mountain road while sustaining such losses.
The division’s CCNN Regiment, with help from 47th Div command units, are tasked to deal with closing the gap between the parent division and the attached CCNN Regiments. Two HQs from the North side and a single MG company from the South are all that is immediately available to stuff the hole. The units move into the best positions they can reach and entrench as deeply as possible. They expect Greek assaults to be forthcoming. The strength of the Greek force is known to be at least battalion in strength which should be more than enough to push the HQ units aside. Tomorrow, assuming the HQ units are able to hold on, more 47th Div units will be available to reinforce their positions.


23rd and 51st Divs. Performs a mass artillery attack #13 on a densely occupied Greek position and are able to inflict 3% casualties. This is considered a big win for Italian artillery when typical bombardments cause less than 1%.




Koritsa/Kalpaki Attacks 18 thru 20

47th Bari Div. Italians conduct a third round of attacks on the Greek Cavalry Brigade. Attack #20 hits the Greeks with extremely heavy casualties and once again the Greeks hold their position. The 47th wants to be in a battle of advancement, not stagnant trench warfare.
Attack #18 is an attempt to open the road to Kalpaki. The CCNN Regiment takes a few casualties and makes no discernable gain.


23rd and 51st Divs. The divisions try another concentrated artillery attack but this time the results are as typical immeasurable. The artillery entrenches for the coming counterattack.




Total losses have risen dramatically during the last five days of combat. Counting infantry squads, weapons teams and mounted infantry casualties are 1059 Italians and 1826 Greek. The kill ratio has climbed to 1 to 1.72 in favor of the Italians. Note that the chart has been sorted by the “Assigned” column.

This analysis does not factor in the loss of equipment (trucks, mechanized vehicles, artillery, etc.) or animals.

Turn 15 – Royal Hellenic






35th Rgt. This front is mostly stagnant. The 35th makes a few artillery attacks, but the Italians are entrenched and little damage is done.

Pindus Detachment and 4th Rgt. The Pindus Detachment has been reduced to a couple of units; units which will be integrated into the 4th Rgt. The regiment’s offensive actions are limited to artillery bombardments. Reinforcements have been observed moving in behind the 4th. So far a full battalion is detected enroute to reinforce the 4th.

Cavalry Brigade. In spite of being mauled in the prior battles, the brigade regroups and launches a series of attacks #18, #26 and #35. For their efforts they sustain minor losses and cause no significant losses on the Italians. Afterwards they dig in to defend against the coming Italian assault.

Mixed Battalion and 8th Div. A mixed force of Cavalry Brigade and 15th Rgt units drives into the 47th/CCNN gap and makes attacks #5 and #8. Their attacks push back the Italian perimeter. With the Italians withdrawing after combat, the Greek are able to blend back into the terrain and disguise their true strength. The Italian commander suspects that a force of at least battalion strength made attack #8. If correct, this makes the mixed Greek force about a regiment in total strength.
In support, 8th Div launches attacks #9 and #19 causing moderate Italian casualties. These assaults indicate to the Italian commander that the Greeks have entered a more aggressive posture and have the intention of undercutting the invasion forces.




Greek 10th Rgt and elements of the 42nd conduct attacks #13, #10 and #20 against Italian entrenchments. The assaults are considered successful as total casualties are slightly in the Greek’s favor. These attacks are followed up with artillery bombardments which are mostly ineffective. Attrition warfare continues.

24th Rgt and 3rd Cavalry. Attacks are made across the front with most attention given to the armored components of the 131st. Total casualties are against the Greeks, but they are able to cut one of the armored battalions from its supply line. This front has become a side show while the critical action takes place on the Koritsa front.

Turn 16 – Regio Esercito





Koritsa Attacks 1 thru 11

139th Rgt. The regiment’s gunners drop a few artillery rounds in bombardment #2. The Greeks are deeply entrenched and suffer very few losses. Otherwise, the front is quiet.

3rd Alpini Div. The division launches attacks #5, #7 and #9 against a stubborn 4th Greek Rgt. Italians inflict light casualties and advance after each attack but are still a long way from Vovousa. The Greek reinforcement battalion spotted on the previous day are seen reinforcing the 4th.




47th Bari Div. The Greeks have put together a mixed regiment composed of units from the 8th Div, 15th Rgt, Cavalry Bde and 42nd Rgt as a force ordered to strike the Italian supply line. This force has exploited a gap between the 47th Div’s organic regiments and the attached CCNN Regiments. So far the Greeks have not advanced far enough to sever the supply lines but they have forced the Italian commander to react by shifting the division’s focus from assault to defending the logistics tail. This attack highlights the Greek shift from a defensive strategy to a more aggressive attack posture.

Attack #11 against the Greek Cavalry Brigade causes heavy Greek casualties but does not drive the brigade out of their entrenchments. This is another in a series of heavy assaults against the Cavalry Brigade however, after each attach the brigade has been able to regroup. This level of tenacity frustrates the Italian commander.

On the South side of the salient, the CCNN Regiment launches attack #10 against the mixed regiment. The attack causes only light casualties but the Greek advance seems to be checked. The Italian commander expects that he will need to find a few more combat units to block the lead elements of the Greek assault.




Kalpaki Attacks 1 thru 11

23rd and 51st Divs. Attack #8 successfully drives he Greek defenders back while inflicting heavy casualties. This attack is another in a series designed to roll up the Greek flank. His action is meaningless in terms of achieving the campaign’s objectives, but it does help with Italian moral.

131st Armor Div. The division remains in a defensive posture with only one minor attack conducted. The Greek 24th Rgt doesn’t appear to be interested in attacking the rear area supply line so the Italian commander is content with the current situation.

At the conclusion of the first round the dreaded “Failed Proficiency” is declared. With time to complete the campaign running short the Italians needed follow on combat rounds to make the final push to Vovousa. Not only is the Regio Esercito unable to maintain the initiative, but ground and artillery units are left in poor defensive positions.

Turn 16 – Royal Hellenic





35th Rgt. This front is mostly stagnant. The 35th makes a few artillery attacks, but the Italians are entrenched and little damage is done.

4th Rgt. Conducts counterattack #6, takes moderate casualties and fails to push the Italians back. They do, however, maintain control over the mountain road to Vovousa. Recently arrived reinforcements are deployed into the defensive live and artillery attacks are used to soften up Italian positions.

Cavalry Brigade. Due to losses incurred from Italian assaults, the brigade is only able to conduct artillery bombardments. The bombardments are used as a cover to reorganize deployment and dig-in.

Mixed Battalion and 8th Div. The assault force does not make use of the Italian early ending Failed Proficiency and makes only one minor attack. The missed opportunity indicates that the Greek force may not be as aggressive on this front as supposed and content just to exploit an easy opening. A couple of artillery attacks were also made with little effect.




Greek 10th Rgt and elements of the 42nd conduct attacks #7, #13 and #21 against Italian entrenchments. The assaults are considered successful as Italian casualties are moderate compared to the light Greek losses. These attacks are followed up with artillery bombardments which are mostly ineffective.

24th Rgt and 3rd Cavalry. The 3rd Cav makes a single assault on an armored company and drives it from their mountain position. This attack drives a small wedge into the Italian line and disrupts consolidation of Italian companies back to their parent battalion. The 24th retains its position to threaten the Italian logistics train, but it makes no overt move to cut the line. Some shelling is exchanged with no damage done to either side.




This is a diagram of the Greek Cavalry Division Table of Organization as portrayed in the scenario. The horse mounted companies are particularly agile in the mountainous terrain even though they are not trained as mountaineers. For this scenario the units are deployed as individual companies which the player/PO stacks to perform assigned missions. The graphic has been provided courtesy of Niehorster.Org.

Turn 17 – Regio Esercito





Koritsa Attacks 1 thru 10

139th Rgt. The regiment’s attack #4 is a minor affair which costs the Italian a few casualties. Nothing is gained.

3rd Div. The division assaults with attacks 6#, 7# and #9. All attacks are successful, and the Italians occupy the enemy positions. Even with this small victory, the objectives are still out of reach.

47th Div. The division pounds away at the Cavalry Brigade but this time the brigade stands tall and troop losses are about even. Most of the Greek units withdraw from the positions leaving less than a battalion to absorb the next round of assaults.

In the salient units have been deployed and entrenched. Several HQ units are involved in the defense which appears to be adequate since the Greeks are not pressing the attack. The CCNN attack the flank of the bulge is ineffective and causes more Italian casualties than Greek.




Kalpaki Attacks 1 thru 10

23rd and 51st Divs. The divisions launch a pair of attacks which gain ground and exact heavy casualties. Artillery bombardment #3 is aimed at a high-density Greek position and causes 4% casualties. 4% is large for a purely artillery engagement. Attack #8 is on the Greek flank and results in heavy Greek casualties and their retreat. The attacks are productive; however, they are of no help in gaining the invasion objectives.

131st Armor Div. The division is engaged in a small skirmish with Greek motorized cavalry. Casualties are few and the Greeks retain their positions.




Attacks 11 thru 14

3rd Alpini Div. Two assaults ae conducted causing moderate to heavy Greek losses but gaining little ground. Attack #13 along the direct route to Vovousa causes moderate losses but fails to move the Greeks off the road. Attack #11 inflicts more casualties and also fails to move the enemy.

47th Div. Once again, the division assaults the Cavalry Brigade with the Greeks taking heavy losses. The Greek defenders withdraw and join up with their comrades further down the road. The Italian commander is amazed that the Cavalry Brigade has taken very heavy casualties but still manages to function as a coherent formation.

Turn 17 – Royal Hellenic





35th Rgt. The regiment trades a few shots with the Italian 139th Rgt. Casualties are light and the Greeks do not press the assault.

4th Rgt. Greeks mass two battalions for attack #6. Greek casualties are light and the Italian defenders are forced to pull back; this action potentially exposes the Italian supply line to disruption from Greek advances. Fortunate for the Italians the Greeks do not occupy the vacated position or pose an immediate threat to supply distribution. On the rest of the regiment’s front artillery attacks are used to soften up the enemy. These bombardments are mostly ineffective.

Cavalry Brigade. The brigade attacks twice (attack #8 and #27), take the heavier casualties but are unable to push the 47th Rgt off the road. The attacks do stall the enemy from advancing and drains the leading Italian units of supply.

Mixed Battalion and 8th Div. The assault force goes back into the aggressive mode with assaults against the Italian HQ bocking units and 47th Rgt CCNN units covering the salient flank. Italian HQ units Retreat Before Combat and attacks #5 and #28 help to push the Italians aside. Casualties are about even but tactically the Greeks have opened a significant gap in the Italian defense.




Greek 10th Rgt and elements of the 42nd conduct ground attacks #4, #10 and #22 with support from multiple artillery bombardments. Attack #4 is disastrous with very heavy losses while attacks #10 and #22 incur moderate Greek casualties. Assaults on this front are a complete waste of Greek infantry.

24th Rgt and 3rd Cavalry. The Greeks are on the wrong side of attacks #7 and #17 against armored units of the Italian 131st. Even though Greek units are attacking from three sides they are unable to penetrate the defense and in turn suffer moderate losses. The Greek regiments have been unable to exploit their flanking position and work toward the rear echelon of the Italians.

Turn 18 – Regio Esercito





Koritsa Attacks

3rd Div. The division assaults with attacks #4, #5 and #6. The attacks gains a couple of positions but this is not enough to declare victory.

47th Div. The division attacks both flanks of the salient and inflicts heavy Greek casualties. However, the bulge remains intact and the Italian commander does not have units available to block the Greek spearhead. HQ units rallied to the blocking task have proven to have inadequate defensive capabilities.

To add to the agony of defeat, the Italians receive a Failed Proficiency penalty. This failure brings an end to all Regio Esercito combat operations.




Italian G2 has identified four Greek formations contributing to the 8th Division Mixed force. Units from the Greek 8th Rgt, 15th Rgt, 42nd Rgt and Cavalry Brigade are all present. Italians count 15 combat units which equates to about 5 battalions. This force is more than enough to force the issue and cut Italian supply. The Italian commander has failed to anticipate Greek strategy and will not be getting his usual dinner of vino and escargot parmesan.

Turn 18 – Royal Hellenic Conclusion





The battle ends in total victory for the Greeks as the Italians were prevented from achieving any of the campaign objectives. Historically, at this point of the war, the Royal Hellenic army went on the offensive and quickly drove the Italian army out of Greece. Germany eventually came to the aid of Italy and we know how that turned out.




Since the last casualty report following turn 10 total casualties have ramped up considerably. Counting just the infantry types the Italians have lost about 1290 squads/teams (up from 545) and the Greeks 2296 squads/teams (up from 834). The Greeks appeared to become much more aggressive during the last 5 turns which probably helped raise the Italian-to-Greek Kill Ratio to 1 to 1.78 . After Turn 10 the Italian Kill Ratio was 1 to 1.53 .

This analysis does not factor in the loss of equipment (trucks, mechanized vehicles, artillery, etc.) or animals.

Commentary

There are 12 possible combinations of secondary/primary objectives, 4 of which are aligned in a single route through which a concentrated force can move straight from the secondary to primary objective. This scenario is one of the 4 “easy” scenarios. In other scenarios the objectives are offset and require at least two trajectories of attack. In a scenario where one objective is high and the other is low, the player who is able to get a draw should feel quite satisfied with the result.

The Greek PO is also randomized as to the forces deployed and assigned objective track. In this scenario the PO seemed to be using the track which concentrates assaults in the middle toward the Italian Corps HQ and supply point. Other randomly selected objective tracks attempt to envelop from the South, envelop from the North, double envelopment or deploy in a completely defensive posture. Add in regiments which may, or may not, deploy and the composition of the defense becomes an issue the Italian commander must resolve. Note that a Greek formation which randomly deploys does not necessarily engage with the Italians. Deployment has a chance of happening in an area which the Italian commander does not intend on assaulting.




The Final Deployment screen was taken with the Computer Player turned off so units from both sides are visible. Four observations can be made:

1. The Greek force facing the 3rd Alpini Division was not deployed in depth. A more aggressive 3rd Div should have been able to break through and at a minimum take secondary objective Vovousa.

2. The Greek Cavalry Brigade blocking the 47th Division did not have a reserve force and might have been broken by a more aggressive assault.

3. If the scenario had continued the breakthrough by the Greek 8th Division Mixed Force was going to go critical. The force was larger than reconnaissance’s estimate and there was no Italian defense to protect the supply line.

4. Had the Greek 24th Rgt been ordered to attack the Italian 51st Division flank, the line of advance was open. This area was supposed to be defended by a blocking force; however, the blocking force was ordered to make a frivolous advance toward the South and moved itself out of position.

The following are some notes from the concluded scenario. Notes are in no particular order.

1. The 32nd Regiment was wasted. After the decision was made to attach the regiment to the 3rd Alpini the march North took most of the allotted time. The formation would have been better used to stay with its parent division as a blocking unit along the southern flank. Other, closer units were available to reinforce the 3rd Alpini.

2. The 3rd and 47th divisions spent a lot of time and manpower chasing down Greek units off road and in the mountains. Might have been better to split up a couple of battalions to do the chasing and allow the bulk of the division to continue the drive toward the objective.

3. The original plan was for the 51st to establish a defensive line on the far southern flank. Should not have deviated from the plan and send the 131st on a useless assault. Kalpaki never was an objective.

4. Failed to maintain a rear area reserve to handle situations such as the gap between the 47th Div and the 47th Div’s CCNN regiments. If the Greeks had exploited the gap earlier in the game, there could have been real trouble patching up the supply line.

5. Black Shirt or “Camice Nere” are the infantry making up CCNN Regiments. Since these units were more political than professional military, actual combat value was questionable. Their inability to serve as front line units was obvious as they were rudely pushed around by the Greek force. They would have been better used as the rear area reserve.

6. If I were to play again, I don’t think I would be as concerned about flank protection. Instead, I would punch ahead with a reinforced division and use a follow up division (or the CCNN) to clean up Greek stragglers. I’d probably bust up the armored division and use the armor battalions to spearhead assault divisions.

7. Because this battle takes place in predominately mountainous terrain, where off-road supply drops quickly, Italian battalions were never divided or moved far into the mountains for flanking maneuvers. Attacks were made primarily from the roads. This strategy needs to be rethought.


La fine. Spero che ti sia piaciuto.
Regards, RhinoBones