The Diary of Herr Wüstenfuchs

[Horseman]

January 1st 1942 (11)
A new year and new hopes. I have but one resolution – to drive the British from Africa!

Ariete division have reported an attack from some Dingo armoured cars that was stopped and utterly crushed.

15th Panzer have retaken Msus destroying the two enemy infantry battalions in the area


21st Panzer advance to Appollonia and report no enemy contacts while Ariete continue through the desert unopposed


January 2nd 1942 (12)
21st Panzer secure Appollonia and advance on Derna airfield and Mechili. They report limited enemy presence in the path of their advance and they expect to have little trouble securing their objectives


15th Panzer approach Tengeder and no British forces appear to block the way


Ariete creep slowly closer to Bir Hacheim while 3rd recon battalion has detached to sweep the desert for enemy forces

[Horseman]

January 3rd 1942 (13)
Ariete division ambush yet more Dingo's in the desert and I'm happy to hear that once more the enemy have been scattered to the winds.

21st Panzer destroy the Crusader tanks protecting Derna and secure the airfield for our use


During their strike on Mechili the 35th squadron report sighting some artillery supporting the defenders


We look to outflank the city and catch the artillery in the rear with Panzers while infantry move up ready to assault.
15th Panzer capture Tengeder and advance


Arite division has advanced close to Bir Bacheim but report it is well protected by heavily entrenched Indian heavy infantry, they will need to wait for artillery/infantry support to arrive before attempting any attack

[Horseman]

January 4th 1942 (14)
British armour launch a surprise offensive and surround Ariete!


Mechili is taken and the British forces in the area eliminated


15th Panzer pause for resupply and to allow their artillery and assault guns to catch up


10th Fliegerkorps fly to the rescue of Ariete allowing them to punch out of the pocket and reform their lines

[Horseman]

January 5th - 12th 1942 (15-22)
The British attack is broken and my forces mop up the remnants of several tank and infantry battalions and secure the final towns in the east


High command appears to be very pleased and support my aim to secure the Suez canal


I am pleased to see that several of my formations have received campaign honours


And we recognise some true hero's of the war

Note that I actually achieved a DV on turn 14 by capturing the last objective – a mistake that I hadn't intended so I replayed turn 14 and dragged the scenario out to turn 22 because that was a cool 100 prestige lost (4 flags not captured) and in Rommel difficulty I didn't want to give up on that! I did get a few extra kills as well but if that was all that would have been at stake I'd have carried on regardless. I have 1197p going in to the next scenario following this (so that extra 100p is approximately 10% of my total!!)

[Horseman]

May 1st 1942
The first part of the new year has been quiet in Africa though I am informed that on the eastern front the time has been bitter as we fight to stabilise the lines and regain the initiative. My cousin has written to me with information that he is planning to lead a renewed offensive as soon as the weather improves. I have spent my time preparing my forces for the campaign to finally eject the British from Africa permanently. I am now just waiting for high command to confirm my plans.

New equipment has become available though we are limited to what we receive here in Africa


I have been fortunate to receive new Panzers for my current forces, PzIIIJ/1s have an improved gun for anti-tank work while both my existing Panzer IV battalions have been upgraded to the G model, up-gunned and up-armoured to help combat the fearsome Russian tanks, they should prove more than a match for whatever the British can throw at them.
605th Panzerjager battalion has received new StuG IIIF's to replace the ageing and obsolete Panzerjager Ib's.

10th Fleigerkorps has received new aircraft. Bf109G's replace the fighters of 35th and 181st squadrons while Stormo squadron now flies MC.205 Veltro fighters.

Gazala line
06:00 May 26th 1942
Finally word from high command


They approve my plan


Intelligence tells me that the area in yellow is heavily mined so to this end I have brought 15th Panzers Pioneer battalion (following a successful amphibious assault in Norway they are nicknamed the Land Marines) to the fore in the hope that they can clear me a path through.

21st Panzer division (red) will sweep around the southern flank then drive for Tobruk and will eliminate this thorn in my side once and fall all. From there they will help mop up any British forces retreating from the front.
15th Panzer (blue) will with the Pioneers in the lead clear a path through the mines and take the southern objective. They will then head north to catch the British line form the flank.
Ariete Division (green) will support the 21st until they have cleared the flanks then will turn north and envelope the British lines with 15th Panzer. Their infantry with Brescia division artillery in support will reinforce the northern part of my line and if the opportunity presents itself launch limited attacks.

The front line itself is composed of various Italian units. I do not expect them to hold for long if attacked but they should provide adequate to pin the defenders in place.

Brescia division is deployed as a strategic reserve in case of disaster though I did order their artillery to the front. The new self propelled artillery of Ariete has proven unreliable and only one battalions worth are combat ready while 39th Panzerjager battalion remains in Benghazi securing a potential fall back position

Prestige spending:
Elite reinforcements – 140p
Upgrades – 770p
Over strength – 174p
New units (pioneer with half track) – 293p
Disbanded unit - +185
Total spent – 1194p
Leave s me with 3 prestige!!!!

I decided to disband the flak unit I’ve had since the beginning, they've never been used and haven't fired so much as one shot and I desperately needed the prestige! Most units aren't fully over strength and I couldn't afford the one extra fighter I wanted so prestige is still very tight.

I have played this mission once before as a scenario before I started the campaign so I know I need something that can clear mines and I just hope the 1 unit I purchased will be enough!

[Horseman]

08:00
21st Panzer advance with Ariete division close behind and locate the southern perimeter of the minefield, they also report enemy contacts ahead


15th Panzer locate the western minefield perimeter and try to use artillery to clear a section with limited success. The Land Marines come forward ready to clear a path


In the far north 8th Bersaglieri Regiment (of Ariete) advance shielding more Pioneers arriving from Italy. The remaining Italian forces pull back slightly and adopt a defensive posture

[LandMarine47]

It seems the Allies consist of a force of Free French! They are in some well fortified positions!

[Horseman]

May 27th 1942 (2)
3rd recon battalion moves forward to locate enemy forces and discovers the 3rd Indian motor brigade


21st Panzer easily punch through, I am surprised that the British held their open flank with such open weakness and now fear a possible trap. Johannes is told to proceed with caution


The Land Marines clear a narrow path through the minefields allowing 15th Panzer to pour through and bring the defences at Bir Hacheim under siege. The forces there are identified as the 1st French Brigade


In the north my forces cautiously edge forward and locate the defensive perimeter. Mine clearing operations are now under way


An RAF Hurricane squadron engage some of our supporting Italian bombers, I send orders to 10th Fliegerkorps “Intercept and destroy”


In the north a pair of AA batteries open fire causing heavy loses to another supporting Italian bomber squadron

[Horseman]

It seems the Allies consist of a force of Free French! They are in some well fortified positions!

And as you can see your battalion has already cleared a path so 15th Panzer can get at them

[Horseman]

May 28th 1942 (3)
35th and 181st squadrons respond to the call for air support and shoot down the marauding Hurricanes


21st Panzer advance on Retma encountering no resistance.....did the British leave their flank so vulnerable?


I have sent word to 15th Panzer that they have no time for a lengthily siege. With Colonel Tarrak directing deadly accurate artillery fire the French are forced from their defences with heavy loses.
On the other side of the the minefield Ariete division accompanied by the 19th independent Panzer battalion sweep northwards


The minefield in the north has been cleared leaving the path to Gazala open to attack


The RAF have arrived in force in the south. 2nd Panzer battalion 15th division come under attack form a new model of Hurricane optimised for ground attack while close by some P-40s are intercepted by my fighters and forced to turn away form their attack run. A squadron of Hurricane IIC fighters are sighted slightly further north, they are well armed for air combat


In the north the British AA guns once more find their mark and devastate a squadron of Italian fighters assigned to support me in this campaign. I order all air assets to stay away for Gazala until these guns are silenced

[Horseman]

May 29th 1942 (4)
35th, 101st and 181st squadrons engage the RAF and eliminate two squadrons. Our more manoeuvrable planes coupled with experienced pilots is enough of an advantage to keep this air war very one sided


3rd recon move out ahead and report that the British 7th Motorised brigade now block our advance


21st Panzer succeed in destroying the anti-tank screen and force the artillery back in disorder


Bir Hacheim has been captured and the defending French forces destroyed or captured. The Land Marines clear a path east through the minefield while Ariete division and 19th IP battalion move up


The attempt to force the pass towards Gazala fails even with air support although the anti-tank battalion in our path is badly shot up. The Italian bombers will come under heavy flak bombardment and I pray for their safe return


The remaining Hurricane squadron shies away from the Luftwaffe and performs an attack run against 21st Panzer causing limited damage. The British artillery regroup


The British anti-air fire proves deadly once more and I make note to send recommendation to Italian high command that these pilots should be posthumously awarded the highest military honours

[Horseman]

May 30th 1942 (5)
The 181st and 101st squadrons once more combine their efforts and destroy the RAF Hurricanes


7th Motor brigade is cleared out of Retma and the city secured by 21st Panzer


15th Panzer follow Ariete northwards towards Bir El Harmat leaving the British Minefields mostly in place


The pass near Gazala has been forced open and the city occupied however both British AA battalions are still in place leaving the Bf110 squadron supporting the attack vulnerable


3rd recon battalion repulsed an attack inflicting many casualties. RAF Blenheims are spotted heading south and co-ordinates have been relayed to my fighters


British artillery attempt to make the Gazala pass unusable with a heavy barrage but cause only light damage to the Pioneers moving through. The Bf110 squadron takes only light damage form the British AA guns however the Italian fighters escorting them do not fare so well and none of their planes return to base

[Horseman]

May 31st 1942 (6)
The RAF bombers are dealt with before they are able to complete an attack run.
Bir Beuid is captured by 21st Panzer and a battalion of the British 4th armoured brigade is sighted


Ariete continue to advance hugging close to the minefield and sight the British 22nd armoured brigade (2xbattalions Grants 1xbattalion Crusader II)


Ariete and 15th Panzer engage and knock out the Crusaders but whilst moving up they sight another battalion of 4th armoured brigade


Colonel Tarrak brings up his StuGs and some Panzers to shield the resupplying SiGs


In the north we capture one of the airfields and force one of the anti-air battalions back with heavy loses


4th armoured brigade attempt (and nearly succeed) to blind 21st Panzer


4th armoured brigades 3rd battalion attempt to catch Ariete/15th Panzer in the rear but run into well organised defences.
Italian bombers call for aid, RAF Spitfires have arrived in Africa! 10th Fleigerkorps goes on high alert

[Horseman]

June 1st 1942 (7)
The RAF Spitfire squadron has been engaged but they hold their own for now


Two Grant battalions have been neutralised by 21st Panzer and they now head further east towards Bir el Gubi


15th Panzer destroy another armoured battalion ahead of them and force the third back while to the rear the last of 4th armoured brigade is dealt with. Elements of the British Guard brigade have been sighted to the north


In the far north the second airfield has been occupied and my forces succeed in destroying one of the AA battalions


An RAF Mosquito squadron has appeared and the Land Marines take a beating. This is yet more worrying news as my fighter cover is still spread thin and having trouble dealing with the Spitfires.
The British 2nd armoured brigade has launched a counter attack and Ariete division has taken the brunt of the damage and yet more worrying news as a Matilda II battalion joins the attack

[Victor_K]

Hey where is my daily fix?

Seriously, hope you are back soon.

[LandMarine47]

Yes where is Herr Wüstenfuchs?

[Horseman]

Hey where is my daily fix?

Seriously, hope you are back soon.

Yes where is Herr Wüstenfuchs?

I'm still here...Just been a busy man the last few days but normal service shall continue shortly

[Horseman]

June 2nd 1942 (8)
I quickly send forward auxiliary tank crews to operate a battalions worth of British Grant heavy tanks captured by 21st Panzer


The RAF Spitfires have been engaged once more and lose many aircraft


Despite their heavy loses 3rd recon advance ahead of 21st Panzer and locate infantry of the 29th Indian brigade


The Indian infantry sustain heavy loses and are forced to give ground


15th Panzer hold nothing back as they launch themselves at the British. Two Grant and one Matilda battalion have been destroyed. One Ariete regiment as well as the Land Marines pull back from the front and in the south-east the newly formed 99th independent Panzer battalion can be seen moving up


In the north my forces destroy the second AA battalion fully securing Gazala


Low on fuel and ammo the Spitfires have fled though the Mosquito squadron appears undaunted by their lack of fighter support as they make an attack run on 15th Panzers StuG battalion


I am wondering whether StuGs come with a target painted on their hull as 605th Panzerjager battalion come under attack from a newly arrived squadron of P-40s

[Horseman]

June 3rd 1942 (9)
The commander of 10th Fliegerkorps tells me that we have lost contact with the RAF Spitfire squadron, this is unacceptable as if they are given the chance to refuel, rearm and regroup they will come back with a vengeance. I have passed a map highlighting the probable location of the airfield they have fled to


After days of patrolling the northern sector for enemy planes Stormo squadron finally joins the fight and along with the 35th destroy the RAF Mosquito's.
A supporting fighter squadron flies recon over the airfield where the Spitfires probably fled to only to discover no sign of the British fighters


Panic in the south as Machine gun battalion 2 stumble into an entire Indian brigade


Fortunately the rest of 21st Panzer were close to hand and in the engagement that followed destroy the brigades supporting guns and once more force back one of their infantry battalions. Bir el Gubi is also captured


15th Panzer clear their lines of enemy units destroying the Grants as well as a battalion of tough British Guards. Light tanks are all that stand between us and Bir Lefa and I wonder if the British armoured reserves have now been spent?


In the north my forces pause for resupply. I am now undecided whether they should go east to Tobruk or south to engage the main British line.

The RAF P-40s linger in the south attacking our artillery


And I am proven right over my prediction of where to find the remnants of the Spitfire squadron though I am unsure why they chose not to fly directly to base


The British armour is not yet a spent force as a battalion of Matilda's engage Ariete with limited success

[Horseman]

June 4th 1942 (10)
The RAF P-40 squadron is dealt with by Stormo and 35th squadrons and I am told the remnants of the British Spitfires have been destroyed whilst refuelling by a supporting Italian squadron although the airbases AA defences did take a toll (1 step lost)
10th Fleigerkorps commander Victor Klink tells me that for now we have total air supremacy though he gives no guarantees on how long that will last


21st Panzer have routed the Indian brigade facing them and the local airbase is secured by 3rd recon battalion


15th Panzer with Ariete in support destroy the remaining British armour in the area and move up against the Guard battalion.
The Land Marines are ordered to hold position and regroup their ranks filled with reinforcements coming in from the west

It cost 31prestige for normal replacements (elite were far too expensive) but as the only infantry I have in this group I decided that I had to bite the bullet and spend prestige in scenario for the 1st time. Especially as the main British line is well entrenched in fortifications!

From this position I will send 15th Panzer and Ariete westwards to engage the main British line from the rear while my independent Panzer battalions will strike east to secure a forward airbase


My northern forces redeploy ready to strike south and assist in the attack on the British lines


And the Italian units pining the British in place form the front edge forward ready to support my Afrikakorps!