DAK2 continues we are playing the Race to the wire scenario using OCS from the Gamers :
Other posts and live play video can be found here

April 1st is no Fools Day as the German lead combined Axis forces advance rapidly on two fronts. They avoid the coastal trails and bring forces to play threatening all defensive positions of the Allies.

April 5^th Rommel is recalled to Rome

The Brits did not retreat far enough, and a surprise air strike dealt a blow. Commonwealth forces near Zuetina are eliminated entirely! [12/+6 CRT shifts! For Surprise.

Exploit Phase:

Note..not 26:1 but rather 6:1.

The Italians full of success, and pride after defeating the 5^th RTR and 3^rd Hussars advance upon the lone Arty Brigade. Notified they prepare a decent ambush, and manage to inflict severe casualties upon the 7^th Med , so bad in fact they are rendered combat ineffective. The Long barrel boys, quickly pack up and head for Benghazi! The brash Italians having raced ahead paid a terrible price. [surprise roll 2/-6 shifts on CRT….

Image from Australian War Memorial

We take 7^th Armoured and some other units and look to at least threaten the German advance. While the 9^th Australian Division continues to dig in in the hills and mountains NE of Benghazi. He must secure that port and repair it, and he cant do that unless he either starves out the Aussies or defeats them.

My thinking is he may well attempt to do around via the El Chorma, in which case I can stay in place and be a nuisance or retreat at a faster rate than he can advance along the higher speed roads [white roads a 1/3 MP versus standard ½ mp on brown roads[ secondaries] . This is another reason why he wants the area 9^th Aus. is situated in, the higher speed transport of Fuel, bullets and beans along white roads..

April 8^th

Map A = Rainstorm

Map E = Sandstorms

The Germans & Italians along the road to Bhenghazi with Lt tanks from Ariete leading the way while the 5Le advances to and past Atelat. DAK HQ situates itself at Mersa Brega and other forces land to begin the trek East. The Italians prepare to secure Ghemines and the via Balbia with an overwhelming attack.

 

 

April 12th

April 15th

The CW units manage to hold on, forcing a step loss on the Italians. But there is more in store the for CW delaying force.

The German 5LE advance and prepare to attack. Before that attack can be launched stalwart Desert AirForce pilots bomb the stuffing out of the 5LE, forcing a delay in the attack!

 

 

In land the Germans press ahead, forcing the CW back and back. The CW counter attack and fail miserably. they try again and get a slightly better result !