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warspite1 -> RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) (1/8/2018 7:56:54 PM)
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To those actually bothering to read my drivel and wondering just what in the name of Bonaparte's Balls is going on in the last few turns well here's my attempt at a summary that a grown-up who understands the game can correct so its accurate: [:D]
Historical:
The Italians ‘invaded’ Egypt in September 1940. Although under-equipped, under-strength and with supply issues, Mussolini ordered Field Marshal Graziani to invade or be sacked.
Graziani’s 10th Army marched just 60 miles into Egypt when he stopped awaiting supplies and reinforcements.
The British, despite being heavily out-numbered, decided to counter attack in December 1940. In less than two months they swept the Italian army out of Egypt and out of the eastern portion of Libya (Cyrenaica) taking between 100,000-150,000 men prisoner for the loss of 500 dead.
Try war gaming that! The Italians would never invade Egypt but sit back and hope Rommel arrives in time.
Game:
So this game tries to re-create what happened whilst not straight-jacketing a player.
In order not to lose the game, the Italians must gain three objectives in Egypt no later than turns 3 (El Hamra), 4 (Sofafi) and 5 (Sidi Barani). If they fail its game over so they have to go for it with all they can. But once that third objective is held a ceasefire comes into effect. Their 11 forward most Formations are frozen in place until one turn after the British launch their own offensive on Turn 25. The ceasefire is in place between turns 5 and 25 – mirroring Graziani waiting for supplies and reinforcements and the British preparing for their own counter-attack. This stops the Italians simply retreating back to better prepared positions. This is what is happening now, the lack of action is because the ceasefire is active.
However, this is not a simulation and there was an alternative route that the Italian player could have pursued. The Italian player, if he thinks he can do better than real life, could have chosen to cancel the ceasefire option on turn one. However, if this is cancelled and the British take back Sidi Barani (+ one of the other two objectives) before the British counter attack is due to begin, then again, the Italians lose the game.
The British have the option of launching the raid earlier than December. From Turn 9 the British can launch their counter-attack (the 11 Italian Formations previously frozen are unfrozen on the turn following the attack). This has potential consequences for the British. By doing this the Italians no longer risk an early end to the game (the Italians can retreat and do not have to hold the three objectives). The Italian rear-area forces are also released as a result of this action.
So as things stand we are in ceasefire mode, shuffling our forces around until the earlier of my attacking the Italians early or waiting until turn 25....
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