The Diary of Herr Wüstenfuchs

[Horseman]

14:00 (14)
More troops arrive


15th Panzers 2nd artillery battalion equipped with StuG IIIB


The infantry facing 21st Panzer, caught in the open and with nowhere to retreat are forced to surrender. Allowing our Panzer IIIs to finish the light tanks. More Crusaders are seen moving up supported by Dingo armoured cars


15th Panzer take the two remaining supply dumps and push forward capturing an undefended Sofafi


Forced to retreat behind our lines by my Panzers and attacked by the guns of my StuGs the sallying British infantry prove easy pickings for the 101st squadron


The commander of Tobruk must be insane! He has sent his Polish infantry out to try and force the west perimeter. They have limited success against my Panzers but fail to destroy them and are now left in the open

[Horseman]

08:00 November 28th 1941 (15)
21st Panzer break through the Crusaders and force the Dingos back with heavy loses


15th Panzer advance on Rabia and see a battalion of British Para's blocking their advance


Shelled by artillery, attacked by air then by my Panzers the Polish troops fall back in disarray


More infantry are seen sallying from eastern Tobruk and unexpectedly an RAF Hurricane squadron strafes our artillery

[Horseman]

14:00 (16)
The 21st finish the Dingo's and advance on bug bug


The British Para's prove incapable of achieving more than a simple delaying action and are quickly overrun


Artillery begin shelling the British attacking east out of Tobruk while the 181st are seen en-route to help against the newly arrived RAF squadron


El Duda is once again occupied by the British but in the west the Polish infantry continue to regroup

08:00 November 29th 1941 (17)
Bug Bug is captured as is an unprotected Nibeiwa. The 15th and 21st advance on Sidi Barrari


The RAF Hurricane squadron should not have hung around, lead by the 181st squadron the Luftwaffe quickly dispatch them for minimal loses.
Under this aerial battle infantry of Brescia division force the British from their positions


In a heroic if not suicidal move the British reoccupy El Duda. The Polish infantry not to be outdone launch and attack on the StuG battalion but have little success


14:00 (18)
The last known hostile force in the east is eliminated and Sidi Barrari is captured


The allied infantry is eliminated and the Tobruk perimeter once more secured






My greatest enemy this campaign is supply. Still I expect to receive news soon of my cousins successful campaign against the Russians, once he has forced their surrender I expect a larger share of supplies and material.

Many formations have earned campaign honours


And I am pleased to receive reports from my unit commanders of men who have truly excelled. Special mention must be made of the 101st and 181st squadrons who against superior numbers and impossible odds achieved total air superiority

[Horseman]

Well that wasn't as tough as I thought it would be...though it was far from easy. One thing I learnt from the DLC was always have a peek here and there because you never know when you might find something useful...destroying the 4 hangers gave me 3 new units (2 of which are SE!) and capturing an out of the way town got me a captured Crusader tank. I'm tempted to “sell” this one like the Matilda I found but I think I'll keep it for now.....its not so far behind in stats compared to my German tanks and its always nice to have a bit of variety. Likewise the StuG artillery...I have never purchased one of these as don't really see the point of range 1 artillery but I might well keep it around for now – Both of these units will ultimately (like the Pz IIs at the beginning) cost me prestige when I upgrade them to something useful but sometimes its fun not to have the best of everything! Of course the 2 SE units will stay!

Well next up is a fighting withdrawal....I wont get to use my full core (only 17 units + SE) so will have to decide what to leave behind but on the plus side I wont have to repair everyone which is important because I only have 1121 prestige! Definitely no new units!

Oh another lesson shown in Dash to the wire was just how useful recon units are...15th Panzers advance was very slow due to not being able to do proper reconnaissance. In the past I've dismissed the humble recon because they only get 1 extra range of spotting when compared to tanks but that is not what makes them useful, its the recon move ability that shines through and without the usual huge airforce I normally try and run with recon is important!

[Tarrak]

Do not underestimate the StuG. Embrace the little tough StuG and love it instead. I didn't see the point in them until i tried them and i just adore them now. The StuGs early in the war have defense value on pair with your top tanks. They can easily lead an assault in the first line and plug the gaps in your defense lines while still providing defensive fire to all adjacent units. They are quite cheap so replacements are easy to get as well and due to the additional damage they inflict with defensive fire they get experience at a high rate. Additionally even with only a range of 1 when they attack enemy units it counts as artillery attack so they don't get shot back. For all means early in the war you can consider them as tanks which can attack enemies without being shot at and are able to provide defensive fire and causing long term suppression. It can hardly get better. Sadly as time progress the little guys falls a bit behind the tanks in attack and more important defensive values to they become a bit less useful but still they remain nice to have.

[Horseman]

Do not underestimate the StuG. Embrace the little tough StuG and love it instead. I didn't see the point in them until i tried them and i just adore them now. The StuGs early in the war have defense value on pair with your top tanks. They can easily lead an assault in the first line and plug the gaps in your defense lines while still providing defensive fire to all adjacent units. They are quite cheap so replacements are easy to get as well and due to the additional damage they inflict with defensive fire they get experience at a high rate. Additionally even with only a range of 1 when they attack enemy units it counts as artillery attack so they don't get shot back. For all means early in the war you can consider them as tanks which can attack enemies without being shot at and are able to provide defensive fire and causing long term suppression. It can hardly get better. Sadly as time progress the little guys falls a bit behind the tanks in attack and more important defensive values to they become a bit less useful but still they remain nice to have.

Well I'm hoping you're right about those StuGs cause I'm going to be keeping them

[Horseman]

December 4th 1941
Many of the Italian divisions have already been withdrawn west and still more have already been surrounded and given up as lost. It falls to my Afrikakorps to serve as an effective rearguard covering the retreating Axis forces. Amongst this gloom a ray of hope shines. I received a message directly from my cousin asking me to toast to his victory as even now he drinks Russian Vodka in Moscow itself! This is great news as with the successful completion of the Russian campaign I should now receive the men and materials I require to halt this shameful retreat.

December 7th 1941
I received terrible news. Far from the expected surrender in the east the Russians have instead launched a counter attack. I am told that our forces are giving ground at a terrific rate and I hope my cousin is ok.

December 15th 1941
I am bolstered by word from my cousin, he is alive and well resting in Germany. It would appear that scant hours after his forces were pulled back from the front the Russians attacked, he is understandably upset that his hard earned gains are being lost so rapidly though his Korps is being refitted ready for a new summer offensive. I on the other hand will receive no rest as even as I write this a new British offensive is under way and with the Russians pressing hard I can expect no reinforcements.

December 20th 1941
I was summoned to Berlin to brief the Fuher in person on the situation in Africa. He was not impressed with the retreat and has told me I must give no ground. In private I will admit that these orders do not sit well with me, if there is no way to halt the British I will not throw my men away on pointless last stands. I spoke directly to high command asking (almost begging) for reinforcements but am told the situation in the east is critical and no men can be spared.

Second offensive

06:00 December 22nd 1941
I land in Africa to a briefing from Johannes


This is intolerable! At this rate we'll be back to where we started when I first arrived in Africa!

A quick look at the scenario shows me I have 17 unit slots (plus my 4 SE units) however a study of the map


Shows me that I only have 15 ground deployment slots (and 4 air) meaning I will only get to deploy 19 units total....I may get to place another 2 after deployment on my 1st turn but the question is will I want to? I'll leave all my truck transported units (Italians) out as well as my anti-tank guns, this is because it looks like I'll have a fair distance to travel and the briefing mentions the British are trying to cut me off so I don't really want to be travelling in easily destroyed trucks! Also my level bombers are going to stay in reserve because they're the only air unit that cant help with a bit of air superiority!

The objective I HAVE to hold in the south west has no troops starting anywhere near it so I'll use my Italian tanks along with 15th Panzer to take this and then conditions allowing they'll turn back around and drive the British back!
21st Panzer will take and hold Benghazi (thus fulfilling the minor victory conditions) and again if conditions are right take part in the counter offensive.

Prestige spending:
Elite reinforcements (every unit bought up to 10 strength) – 226p
Over strength (all deployed units OS as much as possible) – 883p
Leaves me with 12 prestige! Lets hope for light loses

07:00
As I arrive at my command post I receive a message from Italian command


I resolve to once again turn this British attack back. A glance at my forces disposition leads me in a rage, we are spread out and vulnerable. Further more the Italians have left no additional forces covering my rear!


15th Panzer along with Ariete division will regroup then drive south west and secure El Agheia while 21st Panzer secure Benghazi and form a defensive perimeter. When the time is right we will launch a counter offensive, if we fail 21st Panzer will be totally cut off and they will need to try and fight their way to safety but if we succeed we will drive the British back to Egypt once more.

[LandMarine47]

Looks like this will be one of the most critical hours in the North African Campaign! The British continue to underestimate your Italians!

[Horseman]

08:00
Two British 25pdr battalions drive into Benghazi and its adjoining airfield unopposed and prepare to set up defensive positions


Further along the coast road some British infantry come out of the mountains and attack our artillery while some Dingos and more infantry are seen coming down the road.
An Italian infantry regiment further east has been lost


15th Panzer 2nd artillery battalion come under attack from armour and infantry. I hastily dispatch orders for them to withdraw and link up with the rest of their division but their commander, one Major Tarrak informs me that I should not worry, his StuGs are resilient and will have no trouble.
The 3rd battalion is not so well equipped for direct combat and its SiGs take significant loses from the RAF and some British infantry. Just to the north we have located a Crusader battalion forming up ready to attack


The 31st and 181st squadrons swoop in on the RAF Hurricanes and on the ground artillery crews are seen cheering as the British are blasted out of the sky


21st Panzer easily clear the enemy out of Benghazi before they even have a chance to deploy properly. The airfield is retaken.
Down the coast road the infantry emerging from the mountains are quickly dispatched and a defensive position occupied


15th Panzer manage to tighten up their formation and Major Tarrak's confidence seems well founded as his StuGs (with support from some armour) manage to blast their way through the enemy tanks and fall back in good order. 19th independent Panzer battalion prove the worth of their captured machines and destroy their opposite number while the infantry attacking our artillery is taken out.
Tempesto squadron, previously thought to be unavailable has arrived on the scene ready for action


Ariete division drives south west toward El Agheia and are bolstered by the arrival of 3rd recon battalion previously though lost in the desert

[Horseman]

December 23rd 1941 (2)
21st Panzer dig in while 15th Panzer with Ariete division in the lead drive south-west.
Msus and Agedabia are both secured en-route


Air reconnaissance has located several British battalions attempting to cut us off near Mersa Brega

[Tarrak]

Wow i got my own StuG unit and i am part of the excellent AAR now. I feel honored and i am waiting now even more eagerly for the continuation. Go Go little StuG!

[Horseman]

December 24th 1941 (3)
Heavy cloud cover will suppress my air support

British forces advance to the outskirts of Barce while the RAF provide close air support.


In the south-west the British occupy Mersa Brega and we lose sight of the remaining forces


The 181st and Stormo squadrons intercept the RAF over Barce and shoot down many planes


With an aerial battle tacking place over head my forces holding Barce sally forward and destroy the foolish British who thought we were running with our tails tucked firmly between our legs


3rd recon battalion locate the British armour backed up by some artillery


Ariete go into action proving once more the exception to the rule “Italians can not be expected to fight” A battalion of Stuart light tanks are destroyed for little loss.
I do note however that Tempesto squadron has been left without fighter support and now present a nice easy target for any marauding RAF fighters! I have sent word to 35th squadron that this is not acceptable, 101st are capable of taking care of themselves for a limited time, Tempesto are not

[Horseman]

Wow i got my own StuG unit and i am part of the excellent AAR now. I feel honored and i am waiting now even more eagerly for the continuation. Go Go little StuG!

Actually turn one kind of proved your point....some SiGs lost 1 sp to enemy fighters then got badly mauled by some infantry, The StuGs got hit by armour and infantry and only lost 2 sps.....

Lets just hope Major Tarrak doesn't lose his unit and get demoted to Latrine duty

[Horseman]

December 25th 1941 (4)
I have received seasons greetings from high command, scant comfort to me and my men who are engaged in a kill or be killed battle that could change the course of the war in Africa!

Matilda heavy tanks are seen advancing on Barce


Near Benghazi Vickers tanks foolishly engage my Panzer IIIs and as always prove no match.
The small garrison left in Msus report sighting enemy armour advancing on their position just before their radio signals go dead


Stuart light tanks attempt to blind my southern force by launching an attack on 3rd recon battalion but fail to achieve their aim


The battered remnants of the RAF flee eastwards, their aim to reach either Derna or Gazala airfields. The 181st give chase but unexpectedly the Hurricanes turn around to engage in an attempt to buy time for the bombers to make good their escape. Stormo squadron lacks the fuel reserves to join the chase and must return for refueling



The Barce defenders adopt a defensive posture and brace themselves for the onslaught


Soluch is secured and the British Vickers destroyed


The British artillery is overrun and my forces begin an encirclement of the infantry battalion entrenched in Mersa Brega
More infantry sighted in the far south

[Horseman]

December 26th 1941 (5)
605th Panzerjager battalion comes under attack form Matilda's and infantry but with artillery in support holds fast.
RAF bombers arrive to spread panic amongst my forces but Stormo squadron intercept and cause them to turn from their task, too late a squadron of Hurricanes arrive in support


Some Stuart light tanks probe the forces acting as rear guard in the south but do not press home any attack


The three fighter squadrons of 10th Fliegerkorps clear the skies of RAF planes


My artillery pieces find good range to the Matilda's and mange to knock some out while the Panzer IVs force the supporting infantry to retreat in disorder


Forces deployed to defend Benghazi advance slightly and catch some British heavy artillery still deploying with the expected result


15th Panzer form a rear guard to shield El Agheia from the north while Ariete clear the area. With Major Tarrak and his StuGs at their heart they destroy the Stuart light tanks and adopt a defensive formation. The 2nd Panzer battalion manage to overrun Mersa Brega.
El Agheia is secured by 3rd recon battalion while Ariete division clean up the British infantry

[Horseman]

December 27th 1941 (6)
A sandstorm has blown up out of the dessert reducing visibility and making air missions impossible.

The Matilda's still press their attack but the sandstorm hampers their co-ordination and my Panzer IVs reap a heavy toll on their numbers forcing them to fall back but blinded and disorientated they move south instead of east and end up in unfavourable terrain.
Just before the sandstorms hit the area some Bishop self propelled artillery was seen moving into the hills behind


A battalion of Crusader tanks blunder into 21st Panzers 1st battalion and are destroyed


The Panzer IVs head into the hills hunting the Bishops and report back that they have destroyed many vehicles. Meanwhile the Grenadiers assault the Matilda's at point blank range and succeed in destroying them


Hiding amongst the wreckage of destroyed Crusader tanks my Panzers surprise and utterly destroy some Cruisers that were moving up in support


15th Panzer and Ariete form up ready to push back across the dessert. I am hoping that the British are expecting only a holding action and will be taken by surprise


Meanwhile 3rd recon report the area around El Agheia is clear

[Horseman]

December 28th 1941 (7)
As quick as it came the sandstorm has gone leaving clear skies.

Artillery shells 605th Panzerjager battalion and they are forced to defend themselves against an infantry assault which they barely repulse.
RAF bombers have returned and are quick to target our Panzer IV battalion knocking out several tanks


In the south a Hurricane squadron has appeared and strafed our Panzers


British forces are seen approaching Benghazi but more worryingly a concentration of troops is seen flanking our defensive position and cutting 21st Panzer off from the rest of our forces


The 181st break the back of the RAF bomber formation and report further British forces including a heavy artillery presence


35th and Stormo squadrons knock out the RAF Hurricanes


The Panzer IVs weather the British fire to force the 6” guns back with heavy loses leaving the Bishop's unsupported and easy prey to our artillery and infantry.
101st squadron have engaged some Dingo scout cars


Benghazi defence force fall back to a more easily defended position


15th Panzer advance cautiously destroying some Dingo's on the way

[Horseman]

December 29th 1941 (8)
The heavy 6” artillery regroup while the lighter 25pdr guns move to shield them deployed for direct fire


Crusader tanks push to the Benghazi perimeter but appear to be unsupported, Soluch is lost though


Yet more Crusader tanks attack my StuGs but once more Major Tarrak leads his troops in defiant defence and holds the line. British artillery seen coming south


The 181st follow the RAF bombers back to base and this time finish the job.

Panzers cut of some British infantry and force them to surrender and my Grenadiers punish the 25pdr artillery.
The 101st pick their targets carefully and sow destruction and panic through the British ranks


The defenders of Benghazi advance slightly and destroy the Crusader battalion ahead of them


Distracted by heavy return fire from Major Tarrak's StuGs the Crusaders prove easy pickings for my Panzer IIIs.
15th Panzer advances and destroys the artillery moving down the coast as well as forcing some heavy weapon infantry back in disarray


Ariete division along with 3rd recon battalion will sweep through the desert path through the Dunes to ensure no surprises lay hidden there. They will ultimately drive on Bir Harheim

[Horseman]

December 30th 1941 (9)
British Engineers appear to be moving through the mountains, maybe an attempt to go unnoticed and take Barce once we move on?


After failing to break the Benghazi defences head on it would appear the British commander is attempting to be sneaky and trying to slip an infantry battalion in through the flank


Looks like the British are preparing for an armoured push against 15th Panzer


I received a message that warmed my heart


Italian command has dispatched more troops to aid me including the 2nd and 88th artillery regiments of Ariete division as well as some reserve German Panzers.
I am also told that Blizzard squadron (tac bombers) have been permanently assigned to 10th Fliegerkorps

All 3 core units come with 200xp and a hero! +3 attack on the tac, +1 move on one of the artillery and +5 attack on the other. That's a good haul and rounds out my Italian armoured division off nicely

These reinforcements do not come free however. Italian command expect me to make good use of them to push the British back


In the north we have finished off the last of the British artillery and routed the Engineers


The Benghazi defence force continue to grind forward destroying an infantry battalion in the process


Orders have been sent to 15th Panzer “Unleash hell” and they do not disappoint destroying both armoured battalions as well as the heavy weapon infantry


I fully intended to go on the offensive anyway so my new orders and troops are a welcome boost, directions are passed to my unit commanders.
21st Panzer (Red) are to sweep east either side of the mountains clearing any and all forces ahead of them
15th Panzer (blue) are to sweep east through the desert
Ariete division (yellow) will continue down the desert path through the dunes
The reinforcements (green) will take up garrison duties and cover our rear

Where possible I wont use the auxiliary units to fight and try and keep the xp and kills for my core! They will however be useful in case things go wrong or the British are stronger than I expect!

[Horseman]

December 31st 1941 (10)
More British tanks and some New Zealand infantry approach towards Benghazi


Barce force pauses for resupply while the 101st destroy the Dingo battalion in the area.
The rest of 21st Panzer push forward taking out the Crusaders and some British infantry, Solluch is retaken


15th Panzer advance and run into some British heavy weapon infantry and a battalion of New Zealand infantry


The New Zealand troops are pushed back leaving the Heavy Weapon battalion isolated which in turn allows my forces to destroy them


Still advancing 3rd recon locates some Dingo armoured cars, luckily Ariete division is close behind