On the Front Line of Op Compass Major Mick Dundee of 2/2nd Australian Infantry had been in action all of yesterday, but today 4th January 1941, is the day that Bardia falls!
16th Australian Infantry Brigade with Dundee in the lead are within the Italian perimeter and have made some progress against a fairly irresolute defence. The Aussies have followed a wadi and discovered a second line of Italian defences ready for them.
During his attack on Post 41 yesterday Dundee rescued Lt Bumfluff Farthingdale, 11th Hussars, from the Italian command bunker where he was being tortured with Italian wine and Cheeses. Bumfluff has somehow ended up commanding a Matlida II tank attached to Dundee's force.
The Aussies
In front of the Aussies is a low hill that looks as if it will provide some protection from the Italian artillery. Dundee's plan is to advance to the dead ground behind the hill and then work out the best way of taking the guns!
"Right, Cobbers, let’s kick their arses, eh mates?"
Map & Terrain
The terrain is flat, dusty and stony, with the occasional patch of shrub and gentle undulation that might give a prone man some cover.
Initial Deployment
The Aussies enter the table from the north-west table edge behind the major hill there i.e. they enter the table under cover from fire from the Italian position. They enter the table under Blinds, being able to enter up to three available Blinds each time your Australian Blinds card appears. One Blind per platoon available, with no False Blinds.
Objectives & Victory Conditions
The objective is simple: neutralise the Italian position. You win a victory if, at the end of the game, there are no Italian troops on the table offering any kind of resistance.
Special Rules
Your accompanying tank (which has only just turned up: late again!) has no HE ammunition, only solid shot.
Major Dundee’s Company, 2/2nd Australian Infantry Battalion
Company HQ
Major Mick Dundee
2 x 3” Mortar
1st Platoon
Lieutenant Eddie Everage
3 x Rifle Section (6 men each)
2nd Platoon
Lieutenant Kev Blanchett
3 x Rifle Section (6 men each)
3rd Platoon
Sergeant "Little" Wally Little
3 x Rifle Section (6 men each)
Tank from 7th Royal Tank Regiment
1 x Matilda II
The Italians
All troops start the game in their position under on-table Blinds. You have one Blind available per platoon, plus an extra three False Blinds that can be placed anywhere on the table at the start of the game.
Objectives & Victory Conditions
Hold your position at all costs. Failing that, try and remain as some kind of offensive force
Elements of 62nd “Marmarica” Division
Company HQ
Tenente Raymondo Liotta
2 x MMG (3 crew each)
1st Platoon
4 x Rifle Squad (8 men each)
2nd Platoon
4 x Rifle Squad (8 men each)
3rd Platoon
4 x Rifle Squad (8 men each)
Battery from 44th Artillery Regiment
Tenente Paulo Sorvino
3 x 75/27 guns (5 crew each)
The Game
Next up, Mick Dundee slaps on a band aid and joins the siege of Tobruk, whilst Bumfluff's Colonel desperately tries to keep him with 7 RTR rather than see him back with the 11th Hussars. Ever popular that boy.
A Wargamer in Cyprus