Set up: Quick
Game time: Quick
Historical Background:
Operation Crusader, the third and ultimately successful British attempt to try and break Rommel’s stranglehold on Tobruk, began in a horrendous rainstorm on November 18, 1941. While one British corps was taking up position near Halfaya Pass, the others began moving across the desert in three columns. The central one headed for Tobruk to link up with a planned breakout of the besieged garrison troops. Racing forward, the 7th Armoured Brigade and 7th Support Group took the airfield at Sidi Rezegh, almost coming within sight of Tobruk. Wedged between the city’s garrison and the advancing British armour, and realizing the precariousness of his situation, Rommel reacted quickly. The airfield was soon back in German hands, with Major Kummel’s 15th Panzer Division laying in wait. The British 7th Armoured Division advanced along the Trigh Capuzzo Road to take the airfield back. Upon reaching the 175 Gap in the escarpment, the British tankers began to move through. But Kummel’s tanks waited in ambush, striking fast and hard. Cautiously, the British fell back rather than sending more of their tanks through the narrow gap. The Germans seized the initiative, moving through another gap a little further west and dealing the Desert Rats a resounding defeat!
Briefing:
Axis 5 Command cards. Allied 4 Command cards; move first.
Conditions of Victory:
5 Medals. Airfield is Temporary Medal for both sides; Sidi Rezegh is a Temporary Medal for the Allied forces.
Special Rules:
North African Desert Rules (Actions 9).
Allied Armour units may only move 2 hexes and battle.
British Commonwealth Forces command rules.
Air rules are not in effect. The Air Sortie cards are set aside and are not used in this mission.
Report
Solo play
Another one from my old notes, so no photos. Played twice.
First time it looked like a German victory due to poor Allied dice. But then an Armour Assault through the centre destroyed 3 Axis units to win 5-4.
Second game saw bad dice for the Axis lead to a 5-1 defeat.
If you want a quick, simple tank battle then this is highly recommended.
A great scenario for solo play.