Dust up in the Desert

This week our indefatigable reporter stayed in desert attire, but moved from the Syrian desert in the 3rd century AD to Libya in June 1941. On day three of Operation Battleaxe Rommel ordered the 5th Light Panzer Division to counter-attack the weakened British 7th and 4th Armoured Brigades. Phil and Rob took the British, with Dave, Tony and Chris the Afrika Korps.

The British moved onto the board occupying advanced positions in the village.

The Germans moved cautiously, with the bulk of their armour moving North...

with Dave’s solitary MkIII held the South. 

The German short 50mm cannon soon began to fire but were largely ineffectual against the Valentines. Chris’ MkIII conducted complex manoeuvres in the centre seemingly oblivious to the aim of their operation. Ultimately the German tank crews did strike home causing damage to both Valentines.

With time marching on Phil distracted Dave with a well-judged attack by his “dummy”. However the Germans launched an attack with all their armour in the North outflanking the British. Phil’s lightly armoured Cruiser “brewed up” as eventually did one of the Valentines.

With the Germans outnumbering the damaged British tanks and outflanking them, the umpire declared them the winners. The game had been a close-run-thing and the British gunnery chit-pulling not of the highest order.

Once again WAT had provided a fine evening’s entertainment.

Thursday sees a return to the Syrian desert where we will reprise the game of two weeks ago with the Sassanids once again taking on the 3rd century AD Romans. Can Ahura Mazda get the better of Sol Invictus this time?

Simon