War in the Desert- Gazala PBEM

[BlackSunshine]

NORTHERNER KEEP OUT!


This will be my first attempt at an AAR for the DB/Battlefront Series of games.

I am playing a PBEM game as the Allies vs Northerner. I have been playing the DB series of games since Korsun Pocket, and feel I have this new and improved Battlefront system down pretty well.

I've played the Gazala scenario twice vs the AI with Overwhelming victories as each side (Axis and Allies). It's a very fluid and fast moving scenario and one of the best I've played from the whole line of DB games. I am also currently playing another game as PBEM vs another opponent this time as Axis.

This AAR will feature my game vs Northerner and hopefully I come out with a victory. If not, well I'll blame it on the AAR then!

Turn 1 for me was an interesting one. The largest decision I had to choose was whether to withdraw the Free French from Bir Hacheim. The VP value for the destroyed units, in combination with the capture of Bir Hacheim, will allow the Axis to win handily. Depending on the other forces destroyed, it is entirely possible for the Axis to achieve an overwhelming victory with this alone.

I cannot let that happen.

One last thing before I proceed. One obvious weakness for the Allied player is the lack of Elite Units. The Germans have lots of them. The ones I have are very few, so they must be protected. They can make the difference between victory and defeat in a critical battle.

After reviewing the first turn by my opponent I had decided on a game plan. All of his forces immediately began assaulting Allied positions. The main force, was obviously centered on Bir Hacheim. 8th Panzer Regiment, an elite german armor unit, advanced toward the 3rd Indian Motor Brigade at Pt. 171.

Numerous Axis forces attacked along the whole front. It appears we have a war on our hands.

My first turn was relatively easy to make. Nearly all units were surprised. Except for the Free French around Bir Hacheim, and the 3rd Indain Motor Brigade at Pt. 171. The latter begin to withdraw from the area, slowed by enemy aircraft interdiction. The Free French, decide to hunker down and hide in their massive fortifications (4 steps!).

[BlackSunshine]

Turn 2 would see the Axis continue their assault across the entire front.

In the northern area, near the town of Ain el Gazala. The 1st SA Infantry are tasked with holding the Axis at bay. Numerous fortifications line their advance, and it should make for an uphill struggle to advance.




At this time, there will be no reinforcments.

[BlackSunshine]

The main assault by the Axis is taking place near Bir Hacheim.





As you can see, they are throwing a lot of firepower toward the objective. My plan is to not only keep the Italians from advancing to the north and east of Bir Hacheim, but also to relieve the assault.

[BlackSunshine]

To the North of Bir Hacheim, 1st and 2nd Armored are quickly moving toward the approaching Italians. I expect to give them a good punch in the mouth.

[BlackSunshine]

To the West of Bir Hacheim, you see the 3rd Indian Motor Brigade withdrawing from Pt. 171 to regroup.

Covering their withdrawal and advancing towards 8th Panzer Regiment, are 7th Armored Division, and additional elements of 4th Armored. The Interdiction is definately slowing not only the withdrawal, but my advance as well.

[BlackSunshine]

A bit farther to the north of Bir Hacheim, weak Italian Forces seem to be exposing themselves to a potential trap. Their objective is unknown. Intentions are hostile.

Quick moving units from the 1st and 32nd Army Tank Brigades quickly respond, and are going to attempt a feint. The goal is to make the Italian units think we are blocking their advance, when in reality, a flank will be attempted. Intel is not very good, but I do not think they have many armored units. A flank should be easy once the minefields are crossed.

[BlackSunshine]

And finally...

A look at the Operational Map with proposed lines of defense, attack and reserve units.

[aysi]

well done that looks great,keep it up so i can pick up some tips

[iaidoka2]

Great AAR. Do you intend to keep some mobile units behind the lines to cope with Axis raids that avoid the main battle lines?

[BlackSunshine]

ORIGINAL: iaidoka2

Great AAR. Do you intend to keep some mobile units behind the lines to cope with Axis raids that avoid the main battle lines?

Yep. I sure do. The majority will soon be centered near Knightsbridge. It's a central location, with an abundance of roads for quick response. Using extended movement, I can be in any location in 2 turns at the most.

Here is a screenshot of Knightsbridge with the proposed garrison.

[BlackSunshine]

Turn 3

The Axis continued their assault except in the north. Things seem to have cooled off. 1st SA should be able to handle any attack. Notice that the Axis have now built prepared defensive positions



We will continue to hide behind our fortifications and mines for the time being.

[BlackSunshine]

Here you see the locations of the units south of Alem Hamza preparing for their flanking maneuver. This is prior to my turn.



Also, you will see the chance to do destory a step from Axis units from indirect fire.

[BlackSunshine]

Here are the positions at the end of the turn. 32nd Army Tank Brigade moves farther to the west, to get deeper behind the enemy. Units of 50th Infantry Division begin to clear land mines. The lighter ones will be removed in 1 turn. The darker will take approximately 3 turns.

1st Army Tank Brigade takes up defensive positons to hold the enemy at bay, so that they may follow up the flanking maneuver. Somewhere near Mteifel el Kebeir, I suspect are enemy HQ and supply units.

[BlackSunshine]

North of Bir Hacheim, things have gone a little different than anticipated. I expected the Italians to move more to the Northeast. If the movement of their recon is any indication, they are moving due east, and expected to envelop Bir Hacheim.

There sure are a lot of Italians. Hopefully 2nd Armor bde, and 1st Armored Div can handle them all.

This shot, is prior to my turn.

[BlackSunshine]

One thing I have really enjoyed about this scenario are my recon units. The Axis recon have a spotting range of 4 hexes, the Allies only 3 hexes. They are critical in a scenario of this size, and they have to be used to their fullest. Not only to recognize enemy units, but to tell whether they are dug in, and to be able to convert control of hexes to cause movement penalties.

This is A squadron of 1st Royal Dragoon armored car regiment at work.

[BlackSunshine]

As long as my units share regimental integrity, I am happy. The positions of my Recon units are good ones (I think) I have them on both corners, and the center of my front. Allowing me to see a lot of the battlefield.

[BlackSunshine]

The rest of 2nd armor bde. and 1st armored div. Follow the recon units and get in their final positions for the day.

Three of my best infantry units, are very close to the action now. Even though I do not want the Italians to attack my exposed center position, if they do, it may allow me to envelop them.

I will have to wait and see what happens.

[BlackSunshine]

And now the situation near Bir Hacheim...

Assaults on the fortifications near the town are not very effective. The Free French may be able to hold out for weeks.

Units of 8th pz. Regiment and 90th light infantry, launch an attack to try to surround 3rd Indian Motorized. They nearly closed the jaws of their trap. But not quite...

Numerous targets of opportunity present themselves for my artillery. Soon I will have much more in place.

[BlackSunshine]

I decide to launch an attack against the 2 recon units of 90th light Infantry.



They quickly retreat from the battle and both are nearly destroyed.

[BlackSunshine]

Here you see my units south and Southeast of Bir Hacheim which have now formed a pretty nice defensive line at the end of the turn.