Operation Compass

[Michael T]

That brings us up to date. I am about to begin my T6. So reports will now be more from my own perspective.

[Michael T]

Turn 6 (20th Dec 1940). This is the situation prior to the allied moves for turn 6. During the Axis turn (5) I brought up my newly released units (2 x Lt Arm regiments, 2 x Med Arm regiments and a Inf Division) to form a new and stronger line running west from Bardia.

[Michael T]

He made one attack on one of my weaker stacks, we were pushed back but his losses were significant.

allied attack T6.png (359.86 KiB) Viewed 2333 times

[Michael T]

The situation at the beginning of my T6.

[Michael T]

Situation after Axis moves. All I did was extend my line a little further west, no withdrawal. Of course I had to thin out some stacks to create an extra one. Hopefully not so much to give him a easy victory some place. I wish to turn the battle in to a grind for him rather than one of flanking and isolation. I do believe his Indian Division has withdrawn now and a fresh bunch of Aussies are approaching the front. I also reinforced Bardia with a division, but it is very battered so probably of negligible value. Still he doesn't know that. Also flew a couple interdiction missions on my open flank to stall any flanking attempt by his recce unit. But it cost me 4 a/c.

[Michael T]

Turn 7 (22th Dec 1940). Ok lots of action this turn. First the Allies push in to our lines in an attempt turn our flank with consecutive attacks against the same units. Pretty much trashing the defenders.

Our brave Italian lads looking battered after the British armor rolled them up.

units attacked.png (88.15 KiB) Viewed 2312 times

[Michael T]

Situation at end of Allied turn.

[Michael T]

Faced with this situation the Italian High Command was initially thinking of withdrawal towards Tobruk and the abandoning of Bardia. But il Duce would hear nothing of it! Ordering an immediate counter attack. So virtually all the armor was mustered for an assault on what we believed to be the 7th Support Group which was left somewhat exposed. The following attacks were launched with surprising success!

Then to really trash the 7th SG a Lt Tank unit swept in from the rear cutting their retreat for the final attack.

Many Tommy POW's were collected, il Duce was elated, the bells rang loud in Rome!

[Michael T]

Then to isolate the left flank of the British line which includes half their Armor, which hopefully is somewhat weakened from their prior assaults. Situation at Axis end of turn. Lets see what the allies come up with now....

[Michael T]

Turn 8 (24th Dec 1940). The Brits respond by taking Bardia, with many losses for the Italian's. But that means no rescue mission for the beleaguered units of WDF. Here is the successful attack on Bardia.

bardia.png (1.01 MiB) Viewed 2288 times

Situation end allied turn.