Finally Beat the Last Western Desert Mission

[SullyAg]

Once I selected the correct force mix, it wasn't even all that difficult.

Initially, I assumed that because I had to move quickly, I should equip with extra tanks. That didn't go very well; I kept coming up short within spitting distance of the third village. Using the two 25-pounders I was able to take out the 88s on the hill and provide critical support against German counterattacks. Flexible firepower more than made up for the missing tanks.

Securing the first village by turn 22, I placed my 25-pounders in the grove of trees just beyond, where they could reach the third village easily. Then I drove directly into the second village with Shermans supported by infantry. Once I had the Germans on the run I pushed forward with my infantry instead of cautiously feeling out the situation with bounding overwatch, which only seemed to allow the enemy time to regroup.

(I left a depleted squad of infanty in the first village as garrision; that came in handy later when a couple of armored cars appeared, snooping around. Artillery made short work of them.)

Advancing aggressively, I was on the outskirts of the third village by turn 15, leaving plenty of time to assault it at a more leisurely pace. It was still a tough fight, but bombarding the Tiger kept it retreating. When reinforcements arrived, a final infantry push captured the flag.

Even though it took several tries, I think I learned a lot from this scenario. That's the mark of a great game!