governato
Posts: 1079
Joined: 5/6/2011
From: Seattle, WA
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Just a quick post about a great scenario of Desert War as I wait for its 'sequel' Stalingrad. This scenario is a two days engagement between two armored formations: the Italian Ariete division against strong elements of the Commonwealth 7th armored division. About 150 tanks per side, but the Italian tanks are light ones, the UK are pretty decent Crusaders. The two forces have equal experience and proficiency. Ariete was a well trained unit with good morale and C&C.
Here is the description of the battle on Wikipedia.
The scenario is fun with not many units, a small map and a simple set up, almost a bit reminiscent of Napoleonic battles! I decided (as the Ariete being armed of light tanks (and good hindsight!) to follow the historical approach: defend and wait for the Commonwealth forces to attack, knowing that my tanks were no match, but hoping for an opportunity to counterattack.
That opportunity presented early in the game, in the form of two exposed enemy HQs spotted by recon! I sent a tank regiment after them and managed to destroy both before the enemy attacked in force my main line. The loss of two HQs severely weakened the enemy forces and I was able to bring my tanks back right in time!
After that lucky raid I organized a slow retreat. The Enemy (...actually my graceful opponent!) attacked skillfully and took control of the battle ground and the VP hex (Bir el Gubi), but that being just flat sand it did not amount to much (the historical plan was to push Ariete aside and strike the German lines from behind).
Result Minor Italian Victory
Losses: 800 men per side. 30 tanks for the Commonwealth and about 100 tanks for the Ariete. Small losses in guns and aircraft for both sides.
Comments:
Really fun. Ideal scenario to learn the game but also to use some creative thinking. Unit cooperation and communication lines were very important.
Infantry losses seemed VERY heavy for a two days desert engagement. Tank losses were about reversed historically with the UK tanks suffering only 30 vs 80-100 casualties in RL. I understand game losses are NOT destroyed tanks, but rather disabled ones and the Commonwealth ended owning the field..but 100 italian tanks lost seemed a lot...
UK tanks seemed overpowered, there was never any point in attacking them even if they were tired and often unsupported by infantry. I do not think I 'd have won if I had not taken such a risky gamble (with a retreat under night cover!)instead of fully following the historical strategy of a careful defense. Napoleon would be proud.
Both sides had plenty of fuel, but not enough ammo...
Opponents were equally matched in skills I think! :)
No bugs or glitches to report!
Note Image is for turn 5 not as in the graphics.
P.S I hope DW gets an update when Stalingrad comes out. It's such a fun game.
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< Message edited by governato -- 12/30/2021 4:50:26 PM >
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Rats vs The Ram: Battle of Bir el Gubi Governato vs Z... - 
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