1940 Battle of Pindus AAR

rhinobones · Post by **rhinobones** » Tue Dec 05, 2023 12:29 am

While playing a game of 1940 Battle of Pindus v04 against the PO thought it would be fun to write an AAR. Haven’t made an AAR in a while and feel like it’s time to get back in the writing mode.

Introduction
The scenario is based in the Italian invasion of Greece beginning 28 October 1940. Italy’s historical objective was the town of Metsovo. Capture of the objective would have cut the Greek supply line south to their forces along the Adriatic and enabled an Italian advance along the coast. Italy’s Regio Esercito command vastly overestimated the ability of their alpine division, underestimated th Greek Royal Hellenic army and the Italians were repulsed far short of the objective.

: Credit Wikipedia for the Greco-Italian map; Wikipedia 1940 Italian Invasion.JPG (99.11 KiB) Viewed 1403 times

The scenario is designed to be played from the Italian side against a PO commanded Greek force. Based on both hypothetical and historical events, a random primary and secondary objective will be assigned. There are three possible primary objectives and four secondary objectives which yields 12 combinations of objectives. A draw is possible, a significant victory is difficult to achieve.

: Credit Niehorster Org for the TO&E; Alpini Division.jpg (86.9 KiB) Viewed 1403 times

Italian divisions are deployed using the battalion as the basic unit with company as supporting units when required by the TO&E. Greek divisions/brigades are deployed with the company as the basic maneuver unit. Companies will not divide. For both forces additional regimental formations may deploy per randomized probabilities.

Initial Deployment.

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The Regia Esercito deploys three infantry divisions (47th, 23rd, 51st), one mountain division (3rd) and an armored division (131st). The 3rd Alpini and two infantry divisions will cross the mountains and converge on secondary objective Vovousa. Blocking forces will deploy to protect the flanks and central supply source. Since mechanized units are not expected to perform well in mountainous terrain, the armored division will be deployed on the southern flank where a bit of open ground is available.

With the objectives set and a plan in place, the invasion begins.

altipueri · Post by **altipueri** » Tue Dec 05, 2023 11:54 am

Hi, what's the name of the game file - I couldn't find one called Pindus - but only a Greece 1940-41 one.

allegedlycaleb · Post by **allegedlycaleb** » Tue Dec 05, 2023 5:47 pm

Looking forward to more!

rhinobones · Post by **rhinobones** » Tue Dec 05, 2023 8:38 pm

altipueri wrote: Tue Dec 05, 2023 11:54 am Hi, what's the name of the game file - I couldn't find one called Pindus - but only a Greece 1940-41 one.

The scenario is available here:

rhinobones · Post by **rhinobones** » Tue Dec 05, 2023 8:45 pm

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: T01 Itl Koritsa.jpg (463.05 KiB) Viewed 1344 times

139th Rgt. Advances about 15 Km toward their assigned blocking position. They have about 20 Km of mountains, hills forest and river to cross until they reach the road leading from Arrenes/Eptachori.

3rd Alpini Div. Moves into contact with Greek defenders but runs out of daylight before an assault can be conducted. 9th Rgt is on the left and the 8th Rgt directly in front of Koritsa. The opposition appears to be a reinforced infantry battalion.

47th Bari Div. Moves in behind the 3rd ready to join the assault. The 47th Infantry Rgt and 14th Artillery Rgt are road marching in from the west to join the 47th Div HQ.

23rd Ferrara Div. This division elects to support the assault on Koritsa by crossing the mountains. This move requires navigation of 25 Km of rough terrain so their arrival is expected to be delayed. Note that the 82nd CCNN Rgt is attached to the 23rd.

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131st Centauro Div. This division stays in their start position. The decision on where to deploy armored troops will depend on enemy resistance and terrain.

51st Siena Div. The division moves forward and plans to establish blocking positions in front of Kalpaki. Separately the 32nd Rgt is detached and assigned blocking positions further south.

rhinobones · Post by **rhinobones** » Tue Dec 05, 2023 8:51 pm

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: T01 Gk Kalpaki.jpg (440.69 KiB) Viewed 1343 times

Units are observed moving into and through Greek held Kalpaki. Strength and composition is hidden, however it can be expected that this is part of the planned defense of Kalpaki.
Greek infantry try a series of assaults on an Italian heavy infantry battalion and succeed in driving the Italians back. Italian casualties a bit heavier than the Greek’s.

: Credit Niehorster Org for the TO&E; T01 Gk Infantry Division.jpg (87.86 KiB) Viewed 1343 times

Pictured is a typical Greek infantry division of the period. Note that infantry and artillery are mountain formations and reconnaissance is provided by horse cavalry. Cavalry would seem to be ideal for scouting along mountain paths so long as fodder and water is available.

rhinobones · Post by **rhinobones** » Thu Dec 07, 2023 3:56 am

Turn 2 – Regio Ejercito Overview

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139th Rgt. The regiment makes 10 Km across mountains and hills toward their objective. They still need to cross a minor river before establishing an Arrenes/Eptachori roadblock. About another 10 to 15 Km to go.

32nd Rgt. The regiment marches into the southern foothills intent on building a blocking position in the mountain pass. Some enemy activity is observed to the east with movement headed toward Kalpaki.

131st Centauro Div. This division is ordered to move south to the area occupied by the 32nd Rgt. East of the mountain pass the terrain appears to be friendlier for conducting mechanized operations. A flanking attack on Kalpaki may be possible siphoning off units which would otherwise defend the approaches to Vovousa.

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T02 Itl Koritsa Attacks 1 thru 5

3rd Alpini Div. Assaults are conducted on both flanks of the Koritsa defenders. Casualties are heavier for the Greeks, but they are able to hold their positions.

47th Bari Div. HQ and HQ support units are stationed behind the 3rd while the 47th Infantry Rgt and 14th Artillery Rgt road march in from the west. The 140th Infantry Rgt is newly activated and joins the march. It will take about two days for the 47th to be fully formed.

23rd Ferrara Div. New orders are issued. The 23rd is now directed to move south in support of the 51st. This is a much easier deployment than crossing mountains for an assault on Koritsa. The 82nd CCNN Rgt is detached from the 23rd and ordered to continue to Koritsa where it will join the 47th.

51st Siena Div. Approximately two Greek battalions have moved to positions opposite the 51st. Both ends of the Greek line are attacked with good results. Greek reinforcements appear to be moving up from Kalpaki.

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T02 Itl Koritsa Attacks 6 thru 9

3rd Alpini Div. A second round of attacks is made with moderate results. A Greek cavalry unit on their right flank is pushed back, otherwise the Greeks hold.

51st Siena Div. A second attack is made on the north end inflicting moderate enemy casualties. A more serious effort will be made upon arrival of the 23rd.

rhinobones · Post by **rhinobones** » Thu Dec 07, 2023 4:05 am

Turn 2 – Royal Hellenic

T02 Gk Overview

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: T02 Gk Koritsa.jpg (440.78 KiB) Viewed 1313 times

T02 Gk Koritsa

Pindus Detachment, 51st Rgt is composed of five infantry companies, one cavalry company, artillery company and a HQ. Although outnumbered the units are still coherent and positioned to defend. Counterattacks and bombardments inflict little damage on the Italians.

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T02 Gk Kalpaki

Greeks have moved 11 infantry and three mortar/artillery companies in position to face the 51st Division. They conducted a series of assaults against the Italian line, inflicting moderate casualties and driving back the Greek southern (right) flank. The volume and intensity of attacks came as a surprise.

rhinobones · Post by **rhinobones** » Sat Dec 09, 2023 4:53 pm

Turn 3 – Regio Esercito

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Overview

139th Rgt. The regiment pushes a battalion across the Sarantaporos River and establishes a blocking position. The follow-on task is to open the supply line from Koritsa. They need for the 3rd Alpini Division to quickly eliminate the Greek Pindus Detachment opening the road through Koritsa.

32nd Rgt. The regiment moves off the front line and into a reserve position. Their next orders will be determined by the developing operation.

131st Centauro Div. This division has been assigned the task of securing the southern flank and exploring the possibility of enveloping Kalpaki. Only light enemy resistances has been detected.

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Koritsa Attacks 1 thru 8

3rd Alpini Div. Attack #1 drives back a light cavalry unit with moderate casualties. Attacks #2 and #8 inflict heavy casualties and advance into the enemy position. Other attacks cause moderate losses and gain no ground.

47th Bari Div. The division is almost fully formed and ready to join the assault. While the 139th Rgt is assigned independently the division is composed of the 47th and 140th Infantry Regiments and 14th Artillery Regiment. The 82nd CCNN Regiment is enroute to join the 47th.

23rd Ferrara Div. The division engages the northern flank of the Greek Kalpaki defenders. They attack with good results and push the Greeks out of their prepared positions.

51st Siena Div. The 51st concentrates assaults on two Greek positions. Greeks are dug in and the attack results are disappointing. Casualties are about even and no ground is gained.

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Koritsa Attacks 9 thru 13

3rd Alpini Div. Attack #9 is launched from three sides but fails to destroy the enemy. Although the Greeks fall back they manage to inflict heavy losses on the Italians. Other attacks trade casualties and gain a bit of ground.

23rd Ferrara Div. In attack #11 battalions from the 51st supports the 23rd. Casualties are moderate but the Greeks hold.

51st Siena Div. Attack #13 causes heavy Greek casualties but fails to dislodge the defenders.

: Credit Niehorster Org for the TO&E; T03 Itl Motorized Division .jpg (110.26 KiB) Viewed 1267 times

Italian Motorized Division

The graphic illustrates a typical Italian motorized division of this period. This scenario does not have motorized divisions in the Order of Battle but the 131st Centauro Division does have motorized battalions which are modeled similarly to the division shown.

rhinobones · Post by **rhinobones** » Sun Dec 10, 2023 3:47 pm

Turn 3 – Royal Hellenic

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Overview

Greek reinforcements are observed moving toward Koritsa from the east and south. Additional reinforcements are seen moving from the Ioannina area to Kalpaki. Few of the reinforcements have reached the front lines but are expected to deploy in the next couple of days.

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Koritsa

Pindus Detachment weakly counterattacks on land and instead relies on artillery attacks. Bombardments cause minimal Italian casualties.

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Kalpaki

Greeks conduct multiple bombardments and a minor attack on the southern flank. Casualties are minimal. Mostly the Greek commander is concentrating on building battalion size defensive positions.

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T03 Gk 139th Rgt

Italian 139th Rgt

Close up of the Italian 139th Rgt blocking position designed to prevent the Greeks from reinforcing Koritsa. The Italians are carrying adequate supplies for a static deployment but are at the end of the logistics train. If forced into combat, the supply will quickly fall to subsistence levels with little available to match consumption.

rhinobones · Post by **rhinobones** » Tue Dec 12, 2023 7:12 pm

Turn 4 – Regio Esercito

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Overview

The main thrust is being made by the 3rd Alpini toward Koritsa with elements of the 139th Rgt moving down from the north; attempting to out flank the Koritsa defenders. The 139th is still ordered to guard against Greek reinforcements but opening the supply route is a priority.

The 23rd and 51st are facing more resistance than anticipated but are still able to establish a strong defensive line. This front is shaping up to be a fight of attrition which may be a good tactic for the Italians. Hopefully this will engage Greek manpower which would otherwise be used against the Italian drive toward Vovousa/Grevena.

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Koritsa Attacks 1 through 6

139th Rgt. While two battalions set up the Arrenes/Eptachori roadblock two battalions and supporting companies move south along the road to Koritsa. The objective is to engage the Greek forces in Koritsa and assist opening the supply route to the regiment.

3rd Alpini Div. Assault #6 is composed of seven battalions, supported with artillery, concentrated on several Greek companies guarding Koritsa. Moderate casualties are inflicted on the Greeks and they are forced to retreat but remain a viable defensive force.

47th Bari Div. The division moves into position for the push on the southern route to Vovousa. Their orders are to attack eastward on a path parallel to the 3rd then converging on Vovousa. The 152nd CCNN Regiment is being attached for the operation. Attachment of the 152nd makes the 47th an infantry heavy division.

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Kalpaki Attacks 1 thru 6

51st Siena and 23rd Ferrara Divs. Infantry and artillery assaults are conducted on both the northern and southern flanks of the front. Attack #3 on the southern end is particularly effective while the other attacks inflict light casualties.

131st Centauro Div. The division engages a single enemy unit and pushes the unit back with sever losses. The 131st intends on pushing past the hilly terrain and into terrain more suitable for mechanized warfare.

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Kalpaki Attacks 7 through 9

23rd Ferrara Div. Conducts a second round of attacks and causes moderate casualties to the defenders. Artillery support was provided by the 51st.

131st Centauro Div. After advancing into the enemy’s vacated position the division is confronted by two additional Greek companies. The division assaults both Greek positions and suffers more casualties than the enemy. The division digs in and regroups.

rhinobones · Post by **rhinobones** » Tue Dec 12, 2023 7:16 pm

Turn 4 – Strategic Planning

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Strategic Planning

It has become evident that the Regio Esercito does not have the forces necessary to make an advance along the northern route to Vovousa. Italian command will concentrate available forces behind the assaults made by the 3rd and 47th divisions. The 139th will continue their mission to secure the northern flank while the 23rd, 51st and 131st secure the south. The original plan to make an advance through the area assigned to the 139th is being abandoned.

rhinobones · Post by **rhinobones** » Wed Dec 13, 2023 7:56 pm

Turn 4 – Royal Hellenic

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Koritsa/Kalpaki

Koritsa. Greek infantry conducted only one minor ground attack which costs them moderate casualties. Multiple artillery attacks are made against Italian positions with little effect. In between attacks Greek reinforcements are observed moving in from the south, from the vicinity of Kalpaki. These reinforcements have not yet reached the Koritsa front.

Kalpaki. The Greek commander is much more interested in attacking Italian positions in front of Kalpaki. In addition to the usual ineffective bombardments, ground assaults are made on the center and south end of the Italian line. For the most part the Greeks take the heavier losses, but their persistence does pay off when a series of four assaults is able to drive back several Italian companies. The Greek units fail to occupy the Italian positions which allows the Italian units to regroup for their own attacks.

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T04 Gk Southern Flank

Southern Flank

The Greeks are only able to oppose the 131st with a force of two infantry and one mortar company. Without immediate Greek reinforcements to oppose them, the 131st should be able to easily complete its mission.

rhinobones · Post by **rhinobones** » Fri Dec 15, 2023 8:39 pm

Turn 5 – Regio Esercito

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Koritsa Attacks 1 through 7

3rd Alpini Div. Two attacks are executed with Assault #1 focused on the town of Koritsa. The attack drives the Greek defenders out; however, the Italian force fails to enter Koritsa and establish ownership. On the left flank multiple units attack the Pindus Detachment with little effect. Opening the supply route to the 139th Regiment requires additional attacks.

47th Bari Div. The division begins the advance along the southern track to Vovousa. A battalion from the Greek 51st Regiment blocks the road and the 47th assaults immediately. The attack inflicts moderate Greek casualties and the Italians advance.

51st Siena and 23rd Ferrara Divs. Divisions conduct a series of attacks which are generally successful and drive the Greeks from their positions. In the process advancing 23rd Div units uncover a Greek battalion that was hidden behind the Greek line. Italian command will need to reposition a battalion to block them from making a flanking maneuver.

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Koritsa Attacks 8 thru 13

3rd Alpini and 47th Bari Divs. Units of the 3rd are unable to move into the vacated positions in Koritsa and expect to make more assaults before the objective is secured. In the meantime, both divisions are low on movement and rely on bombardments. Artillery is ineffective and cause few Greek casualties.

51st Siena and 23rd Ferrara Divs. Two assaults are performed which yield moderate results. Greek casualties are a bit higher than the Italian’s and they are driven from their positions. This is becoming a battle of attrition which is of no benefit to the Italians.

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131st Centauro Div. Greek forces opposing the 131st are identified as being from the 24th Regiment and appear to be in battalion strength. The 131st attacks twice, driving back two companies and inflicting moderate casualties while suffering very few of their own. The lightly armored 131st should be able to quickly push through the defenders.

rhinobones · Post by **rhinobones** » Sat Dec 16, 2023 2:10 am

Turn 5 – Royal Hellenic

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Greeks lose control of Koritsa but maintain a roadblock on the mountain road needed by the Italian 139th. Since reinforcements have not yet arrived at Koritsa, the best the Greeks can do is mount a few artillery bombardments.
Greek forces facing the Italian 47th are able to deploy reinforcements and block the Italians. Units from the 51st and 42nd regiments take up positions South of Koritsa. They are unable to make land attacks but do use their artillery to harass the Italians.

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To the South Greek forces mount several land attacks and multiple bombardments. Artillery strikes cause few casualties and the land battles end badly for the Greeks. Italians should be content to dig in and play defensively, but the commander wants to be aggressive and attack wherever possible.

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Counting just the infantry types the Italians have lost about 153 squads/teams and the Greeks 239 squads/teams. So far the Italian commander has had an advantage of numbers engaged and that seems to be what the loss numbers indicate. Remains to be seen if the Italians can keep the advantage as Greek reinforcements arrive at the front.

This analysis does not factor in equipment (trucks, mechanized vehicles, artillery, etc.).

rhinobones · Post by **rhinobones** » Sun Dec 17, 2023 7:08 pm

Turn 6 – Regio Esercito

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Koritsa Attacks 1 through 11

3rd Alpini Div. Pushes the attack eastward along the mountain road leading to Vovousa. Assaults #1 and #11 are particularly effective in driving the Greeks off the road. The town of Koritsa is firmly in possession of the Italian forces as is the logistics trail to the 139th Rgt.

47th Bari Div. Attacks are made against the Greek 51st and 42nd Rgts. The division’s primary objective is to eliminate resistance along the southern route leading to Vovousa. Attack #9 against the 51st Rgt inflicts heavy Greek casualties.

The CCNN Rgts become engaged with the Greek 42nd Rgt along the southern flank. Attacks there split the defenders and enables the Italians to partially envelope a Greek MG company.

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Kalpaki Attacks 1 through 11

51st Siena and 23rd Ferrara Divs. The divisions conduct local attacks, cause a few more casualties and suffered and gain little ground. The Greeks are dug in along a mountainous ridge so the Italians focus their attacks on positions where superior force can be assembled.

131st Centauro Div. The mechanized units have allowed themselves to be drawn into hill and mountain regions where their firepower and ability to maneuver is degraded. The plan is to protect the northern flank with infantry type units and release the mechanized battalions so they can continue the push eastward.

32nd Rgt. The regiment has been ordered North to join the 3rd Alpini Div.

rhinobones · Post by **rhinobones** » Mon Dec 18, 2023 12:25 am

Turn 6 – Regio Esercito Part 2

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Koritsa Attacks 12 thru 17

3rd Alpini Div. Continues the assault on the Pindus Detachment with attack #16. The Greeks are pushed further off the mountain road and sustain moderate casualties.

47th Bari Divs. Assaults are conducted against the Greek 42nd and 51st Rgts. Attack #15 against a MG company results in the company retreating. However, instead of falling back to the South where friendly units are deployed, the MG company retreats northward into Italian territory. This sets up a situation where the MG company can be enveloped and destroyed.

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Koritsa Attacks 18 and 19

47th Bari Divs. The division has the Greek MG company surrounded on four sides and elects not to attack until the unit is fully encircled. Attacking now would permit the Greek company to retreat/escape and make a full envelopment more difficult. With moderate success the 47th attacked an infantry company to the South.

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Kalpaki Attacks 12 thru 17

51st Siena and 23rd Ferrara Divs. The divisions dig in and consolidate their positions.

131st Centauro Div. Units are engaged in the highlands both North and South of the axis of advance. The immediate threat is a Greek infantry unit which has severed the Italian supply line. Attack #14 pushes the Greeks off the road but does not eliminate the threat.

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131st Centauro Div. Another attack drives the Greek infantry eastward into the hills. The 131st supply line is now open but the division is spread across mountains and hills. The Greek 24th Rgt has disrupted the Italian plans and requires that the division regroup and deploy their armored battalions at the point of attack.

rhinobones · Post by **rhinobones** » Mon Dec 18, 2023 10:03 pm

Turn 6 – Royal Hellenic

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: T06 Gk Koritsa.jpg (467 KiB) Viewed 1108 times

42nd Rgt assault #4 attempts to free the MG company isolated behind Italian lines. Italians are pushed back with sever losses, but there is no Greek follow up attack. The MG company remains trapped. All other attacks in this sector are bombardments which cause virtually no Italian casualties.

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Greek 10th Rgt and elements of the 42nd Rgt assault the Italian positions facing Kalpaki. All of the attacks are repulsed with the Greeks enduring the heavier casualties. The attacks are followed by a series of artillery bombardments which are ineffective.

Further South the 24th Rgt consolidates positions and entrenches. Only bombardments are conducted.

rhinobones · Post by **rhinobones** » Thu Dec 21, 2023 1:11 am

Turn 7 – Regio Esercito

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Koritsa Attacks 1 through 8

139th Rgt. The Greeks have moved a reinforced battalion in contact with the 139th. The regiment is in good supply and at full strength; should have no problem defending the northern flank.

3rd Alpini Div. Two assaults, #3 and #7, are conducted to clear the road to Vovousa. The Greeks take heavy casualties with one unit withdrawing into the hills and the other backing up along the road. These enemy units need to be eliminated otherwise they may sever Italian supply routes.

47th Bari Div. The only units available to complete the encirclement of the Greek MG company are a pair of HQ units. Using HQs as blocking units is a gamey tactic, but I’ll do it anyway. The MG company must die.
Before the MG company is destroyed the bulk of the division conducts attacks #4, 5, and 8. The attacks are not particularly effective in causing casualties, but the Italians are able to take some ground. Attack #8 is successful in that it was conducted in conjunction with Attack #7 for the purpose of enveloping a pair of Greek infantry companies.

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Kalpaki Attacks 1 through 8

47th Bari Div. Units that attacked have been able to encircle the Greek infantry companies on five sides. An escape route is still available, but the division should still be able to make the kill.

51st Siena and 23rd Ferrara Divs. This front sees little action. A couple of assaults push the Greeks out of their positions; the Italian infantry is instructed to remain in their prepared positions and not occupy the Greek positions. Attack #6 is supported with three artillery/mortar battalions and inflicts significant losses on the defending infantry.

131st Centauro Div. The division tries to extract the heavy units out of the hills on their North flank and use them to open the road eastward. The Greek units ae not strong enough to cause serious casualties, but they do require that the 131st establish a defensive line. The planned push to attack Kalpaki from the South needs these units to be quickly eliminated.

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Attacks 9 thru 16

47th Bari Div. Completes encirclement of the Greek MG company, attacks #14 and eliminates the unit. With the victory all CCNN battalions and companies are available to push the Greek 42nd Rgt off the battlefield.

23rd Ferrara Divs. Conducts a minor harassment attack inflicting few casualties. Other units perform artillery and land attacks with little to no effect.

Cpl GAC · Post by **Cpl GAC** » Thu Dec 21, 2023 3:27 pm

I believe The Italians are trying to get down this road to Kalpaki and the Greek 42nd is on the hills of both sides - possibly exactly where they clashed in WW2. There is a WW2 monument there;

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