On 9th December 1940 whilst Op Compass got underway in attacks on the Italian camps, 11th Hussars discovered the Italian 64th Catanazaro Division, under General Armico, well dug into the dunes west of Buq-Buq. This was potentially a strong position, behind the salt flats, with thirty-five guns of all types covering the east and another twenty-five guns of all types covering the south.
A hastily assembled force of 3rd Hussars, a squadron of 2nd RTR, cruisers from the 8th Hussars, along with 'B' & 'C' Squadrons of the 11th Hussars, plus a battery of 4 RHA, all under the command of Lt-Colonel John Combe (11th Hussars) attacked the Italian force.
8th Hussars in 1939
I have some disagreement with the IABSM Op Compass Supplement, although I`m not following it directly. From my reading 8th Hussars were almost certainly using Vickers MkVI light tanks, upgrading from these to the Honey in 1941, but 3rd Hussars may well have been in cruiser tanks, probably a mixture of A9, A10, before upgrading to the Crusader.
Editor’s Note: Although for this scenario I chose to give 3rd Hussars their light tanks, I don't think we actually disagree on the composition of 3rd Hussars as on page 83 I do say: "the British had a habit of moving squadrons from one unit to another to ensure that each force had the right mix of light and cruiser tanks, so I am merely following suit! Note that this is why many histories that mention specific units are contradictory e.g. 3rd Hussars were a light tank regiment, but were bolstered by cruiser tanks either through attachment or through a squadron exchanging tanks with a squadron of cruisers from another unit." Scenario writing would be so much easier if people in real life stuck to their on-paper OBs!
In action at Sidi Barani
"Combe-Force" met strong opposition from the Italian artillery, which stopped the advance of 'C' Squadron, 3rd Hussars, and knocked out many of the tanks of 'A' Squadron. The Italians were finally overwhelmed by a flank attack by 8th Hussars, along the western seaward side.
In my IABSM game "Barker Force" are tasked to cause as much damage and chaos as possible to Italian communications and supply lines around Buqbuq. The Italians dug into the dunes are well equipped with field guns, infantry and light tanks. Should be an interesting fight.
The Forces
"Barker" Force
11th Hussars C Squadron
Major The Hon. Ronald Barker VC
Sergeant-Major Ronnie Corbett
2 x Rolls Royce Armoured cars
Attached from C Battery, 4th Royal Horse Artillery
Lt Milligan
2 x 18/25-pounder Field Gun (5 crew each)
2 x Quad
Attached From Rifle Brigade
1 platoon 3 sections Lt Thomas Trinder
1 MMG Northumberland Fusiliers
Lieutenant "Bumfluff" Farthingdale 11H
Attached Armour from 3 Hussars:
2 x MkIV Light tank
Attached 2RTR Cruisers:
Lt Max Miller
4 tanks mixed A9 & A10.
The Maletti Raggruppamento
Raggruppamento HQ
Colonele Lorenzo D’Gelato
Staff Caravanette filled with "luxuries"
1st Platoon, IX Light Tank Battalion
3 x L3 tankette
2nd Platoon, IX Light Tank Battalion
3 x L3 tankette
Elements of 17th Battery, Libyan Artillery
4 x 77/28 guns (5 crew each)
4 x Lorry
Elements of 24th Battery, Libyan Artillery
4 x 77/28 guns (5 crew each)
4 x Lorry
Position HQ
Capitano Vermicelli
1 x Rifle Section (8 men)
1 x MMG (3 crew)
1st Platoon
4 x Rifle Section (8 men each)
2nd Platoon
2 x Rifle Section (8 men each)
Artillery from 250th & 204th Artillery Regiment
1 x 65/17 Field Gun (4 crew)
1 x 75/27 Field Gun (5 crew)
1 x 105/28 Field Gun (6 crew)
The Game
Il Duce has had a bad day. Perhaps the "fortress" at Bardia can hold?
A Wargamer in Cyprus