What

[FM_Von_Manstein]

Edit: Sorry, major screw up. I Didn't finish writing the title =/ If a mod could fix it...It's suppose to be, "What's Next General?"


Some of you have probably heard of Armchair General Magazine. I have done here what they do in their magazines. Read the information carefully, study the map and try and formulate a plan. Being knowledgeable in WW2 Military hardware is helpful. Going to Wikipedia and reading up on German and British equipment would benefit you greatly.

I made up this scenario last year. Its set in 1942, North Africa, its set in the Halfaya Pass-Capuzzo area. This is my favorite war gaming scenario, it took me and my friends and family 3 weeks, a lot of chalk, beer, pens and paper, to war game it. We reviewed Rommel's, Neuman Silkow's, and Ravenstein's tactics, and the tactics of all the British commanders ranging from Brigade-Army. We finally settled on the most effective solution to counter the British attack. Lets see what you all think. Here is the situation.

You are Field Marshall Erwin Rommel, Commander of PGA(Panzer Gruppe Afrika), your command consists of the 21st Panzer Division(100 Tanks), the 15th Panzer Division(100 Tanks), the 90th Light Division(Mechanized Infantry, they are fully mobile, have AT guns, artillery and a Panzer Battalion(50 tanks) in support.), and several Italian units, however in this battle you only have Ariete, however it has been reinforced and has a great deal of equipment, some of it is German too(They have about 100 tanks, half are obselete, the other half are of some use, non are German).

In total you have 350 tanks, but only 300 of are any real use, and 250 are German, you also have hundreds of AT guns, 37mm, 50mm, 75mm, 88mm and you also have 105mm artillery guns. Your tanks also have better guns than the British tank, and thicker armor for the most part.
PLEASE NOTE THAT PLANES ARE NOT INVOLVED IN THIS SCENARIO, AS CALCULATING THEIR EFFECT IS VERY DIFFICULT

Now the enemy force, consists of 5 Divisions under the command of Sir Allen Cunningham. These 5 Divisions are:
The 4th Indian, which has about 50 Matildas in support.
The 1st SA(South African), which also has about 50 Matildas in support.
The 2nd NZ(New Zealanders, who are excellent troops but are understrength and battle fatigued.) The NZers have about 20 M3 Lee/Grants in support.
The 150th Infantry(British), they have about 30 Misc Cruisers in support.
The 7th Armored Division(The Desert Rats, who are excellent troops but are a bit understrength in terms of tanks, they have 250, normally they would have around 300, organized into 3 brigades).

In total the British have 400 Tanks, but they are lacking AT guns, and very few of them are the new 6 pounders(57mm), so they mainly have 2 pounders(40mm), they also have 25 pounders(88mm) but these are technically artillery, and are very difficult to transport and lack good optical sights.

Now, the attack. As indicated in the map. If you save the map then you can open it up in a larger size using paint.



he British are planning an attack, and your Intelligence officer has found out where and with what they plan to attack. Pay close attention, and you'll be able to see that all your divisions, with the exception of the 21st, are being directly attacked by 1.5 enemy divisions. So while you are out numbered, you do have the 21st in reserve.
Please make note that the arrows indicate the plan, not the actual enemy movements, this is what they plan on doing.

As you can see they plan to encircle the 90th Light Division, do not let this happen, the 90th contains veteran troops, for some reason this unit is simply excels in combat, when ever there is a challenge this unit will get it done. Don't under estimate its opponent though, the 2nd NZ is it's long time rival. Also you can see the 1st and 4th Divisions are attacking the Halfaya-Sollum-Qualala area, this sector is defended by the Italians. And the strongest enemy unit, the 7th Armored, is attacking your 15t Panzer in the Capuzzo-Musaid area.

Keep in mind classic Rommel tactics, make use of AT guns, all of your Divisions have them.

Its a Saturday, and its 4:00AM you know the British plan on attacking at 8:00AM, you have 4 hours to radio your divisions and give them their orders.

So, Whats Next General?

[Twan]

Surrender, because Germany loses the war anyway. There's no point in fighting

[insolent1]

Originally Posted by Twan

Surrender, because Germany loses the war anyway. There's no point in fighting

I agree, north africa was such a waste of resources for axis and any goals where completely unrealistic. If it wasn't for greece the british would have had it wrapped up and axis would have been in a stronger position in russia. Rommel got carried away with himself and wasted vast resources on sand grabs which eventually ended in Tunisia where a large army had no retreat and had to surrender.

[FM_Von_Manstein]

Actually controlling Africa was far more important than invading Russia. Germany had so little oil, they needed more, that's undeniable. Controlling Africa and the Middle east would be serious trouble for Britain and the USSR, and at the same time would provide Germany with an endless supply of oil. Not to mention that control of the Suez Canal would destroy lateral communication between England and the Far East. Also it would mean that Germany would not have to fight a 3rd front in Italy. The German troops required to win in Africa and push into the middle east would not have exceeded 5 Divisions. 1/5 of the troops stationed in Italy from 1943-1945 for the most part.

But this is not the point of the thread. It's clear neither of you know anything about MMW, otherwise you would have come up with a solution.