Libya
July 30th 1940
Generalleutnant Pferdmann found himself in a small cafe in northern France with his senior officers. It had been more than a month since France surrendered but despite the aerial campaign currently being waged over her, Britain had refused to talk peace. 1.Panzer had been slated to be the tip of the spear to finish this stubborn foe. The men themselves had proven themselves more than capable and of course Pferdmann had experience in directing landings against hostile forces. But first the Germans had to defeat the RAF, to not have overwhelming air superiority would be a death sentence to anyone attempting the crossing.
“Do you think they can do it? Can the Luftwaffe beat the RAF?” Pferdmann looked to his old friend Markus but before he could reply Steffen Schwarz, the commander of 1.Panzers dauntless Pioneers spoke up “The Luftwaffe? Hah! Are we even sure they exist? It’s not like we’ve seen them! I’d rather trust in our own men, men we know who can fight, than myths and legends” Pferdmann could not help joining in the laughter around the table, his own complaints regarding airsupport were well known “Now, now Steffen. We saw the planes in Norway. The fact the blundering fools forgot fuel makes me wonder though. I’m not sure I’d trust the Luftwaffe to achieve air superiority against themselves much less the British!”
The new round of laughter was only broken by a nearby officer coughing whilst discreetly gesturing to the door. Pferdmanns heart began racing when he saw the figure of Hermann Göring, face red, standing in the doorway. For what seemed like an eternity he stood there in silence before turning quickly on his heels and marching off.
“I think you may have upset him” Pferdmann turned again to his old friend
“Markus, this is not a laughing matter. He could make life very difficult”
October 1st 1940
The inability of the Luftwaffe to break the RAF coupled with bad weather had seen any plans to invade England this year forgotten.
The Luftwaffe would continue to wage their campaign but the ground forces would be needed elsewhere.
January 11th 1941
Pferdmann read his new orders. 1.Panzer Division had been assigned to the newly created Deutsches Afrikakorps. (D.A.K)
The Italians had gotten themselves into some bother against the British. An entire Italian army had been defeated and the Italians were in full retreat. High command have reasoned that some seasoned German troops could stiffen their allies resolve and halt the rampaging British.
February 1st 1941
Pferdmann was concerned. Earlier today he had handed command of 1.Panzer to his good Friend Markus Fischer. He had himself been recalled to Berlin. Had his unfortunate encounter with the head of the Luftwffe last year finally caught up with him?
February 8th 1941
Karl did not like travelling by sea and was feeling particularly nauseous. His friend whistling a jaunty tune did nothing for his mood “Good god Otto! Why are you so happy?”
“I just can’t wait to arrive, I love the beach!” Karl looked at his friend in disbelief.
“We’re not going to the beach you idiot! It’s a desert, a huge desert!” Otto just shrugged.
“Same difference”
February 11th 1941
Generalleutnant Pferdmann left the meeting still somewhat in shock. He had been fully briefed by high command and knew what was expected of him. Eighteen months ago he had been a Brigade commander hoping to one day be given command of a full division. As of today he was commander of the D.A.K.
Operationally it would only be two divisions strong. He would also nominally be subordinate to the Italians in Africa although high command had heavily hinted that he should feel free to show the initiative that had won him this position and do what is in the best interest of Germany. The long flight to his new command would give him ample time to review the assets he had at his disposal.
February 15th 1941
Pferdmann was glad to see Markus waiting for him when he arrived in Africa. He was a little surprised when his friend came to attention and snapped of a smart salute (being old friends they had little time for such formalities between them) But quickly spotted the Italian officers who were present. Time to make new friends.
Later that evening Pferdmann was reviewing his command..
1.Panzer had changed little (except for upgraded Panzers filing her ranks)
1.Panzer Division
……..1.Panzer Regiment
……..……..1.Abt (PzIIIH)
……..……..2.Abt (PzIVE)
……..2.Panzer Regiment
……..……..1.Abt (PzIIC)
……..……..2.Abt (PzIIIH)
……..1.Schützen Regiment
……..……..1.Abt (Mot.Wehr)
……..……..2.Abt (Mot.Wehr)
……..73.Artillerie Regiment
……..……..1.Abt (15cm sFH 18)
……..……..2.Abt (15cm sFH 18)
……..……..3.Abt (15cm sFH 18)
……..37.Pioneer Abt (Half tracks)
……..4.Aufklärungs Abt (SdKfz 232 8 Rad)
……..37.Panzerjäger Abt (Panzerjäger 1 AusfB)
But his other “division” was somewhat unique. Built from various formations taken from other divisions 5.Light division would need to be moulded together if they were to perform well.
He was somewhat glad to realise that elements of 5.Infanterie division that had supported him through France had been used to fill the infantry ranks (and assigned trucks) He knew the worth of those men. A regiment of Panzers taken from 3.Panzer division made up the armoured elements although their 2nd battalion was still in transit to Africa.
5.Light Division
……..5.Panzer Regiment
……..……..1.Abt (PzIIIH)
……..14.Infanterie Regiment
……..……..1.Abt (Mot.Wehr)
……..……..2.Abt (Mot.Wehr)
……..75.Artillerie Regiment
……..……..1.Abt (21cm Mrs 18)
……..……..2.Abt (15cm sFH 18)
……..……..3.Abt (15cm sFH 18)
……..5.Pioneer Abt (Half tracks)
……..3.Aufklärungs Abt (SdKfz 232 8 Rad)
……..39.Panzerjäger Abt (5cm Pak38)
His Flak battalions would remain under Korps level and he was again glad to see the battalions previously assigned to him had transferred..
12.Flak Abt (Sdkfz 7/1)
15.Flak Abt (Sdkfz 7/1)
13.Flak Abt (8.8cm Flak 37)
16.Flak Abt (8.8cm Flak 37)
And finally three Italian battalions had been assigned directly to the D.A.K temporarily.
February 25th 1941
Pferdmann was not well. But he did not like doctors! Even so the man who tended to him seemed quite likeable. After he’d left Pferdmann turned to Walter “What was his name again?” Walter poured the General a cup of water as he replied
“Oberarzt Bernd Fischer. He actually serves with 5.Pioneer Abt. but he’s by far the best in Africa at what he does. That’s why I called for him”
Pferdmann smiled to himself. He had many good men worth remembering under his command.
Generalmajor Markus Fischer - Commander 1.Panzer Div. (attached 1.Abt/1PzRgt.) (Rapid firex2)
Major Hans Krüger - 1.Abt/1.PzRgt/1.Pz Div (Famous)
Major Stefan Wolf - 2.Abt/1/PzRgt/1.Pz Div (Vigilant)
Major Udo Weiss - 1 Abt/2.PzRgt/1.Pz Div (Envelopment)
Obersleutnant Werner Meier - 37.Panzerjäger Abt/1.Pz Div (Camouflage)
Hauptmann Christian Klein - 37.Panzerjäger Abt/1.Pz Div (First strike)
Obersleutnant Steffen Schwarz - 37.Pioneers Abt/1.Pz Div (Fast dismount)
Oberarzt Bernd Fischer - 5.Pioneer Abt/5.Light Division (First aid)
Major Wolfgang Krüger - 1.Abt/75.Art Rgt/5.Light Div (Zero slots)
So using the units I had that were not part of 1.Panzer and adding 1 tank, 1 recon and an AT gun I have a usable (and close to accurate) light division. Pferdmann gets a promotion!
Upgrades:
2x PzIIIF to IIIH
1x PzIVD to IVE
1x10.5cm art to 15cm
2xWehr inf given trucks
New purchases:
1x PzIIIH
1x Sdkfz 232 8Rad
1x 5cm Pak 38
This left me with 3488 prestige. Ouch (Replacements alone cost me 800....)
I'm going to have to try an play the next 4 scenarios smart to minimise casualties and get some surrenders for extra prestige!
I did (honestly I did) upgrade my 4 Wehr infantry to Grenadiers as in the dessert they'd move as quickly. By time I realised I hadn't I'd taken all the screen shots and couldn't be bothered to go back and redo it. Ah well. Real commanders don't always get exactly what they wanted!