Matrix Games Forums

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.

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.

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.

ORIGINAL: Golf33

The airhead is expanding: