Under pressure from British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, General Wavell launched two attacks against the Germans in 1941. They were Operation Brevity and Operation Battleaxe.

Operation Brevity 15-16 May 1941

After some initial success, Commonwealth forces were counter-attacked by the Germans and were forced to pull back. At the end of the brief campaign, Commonwealth forces succeeded in capturing and holding onto Halfaya Pass.

Operation Skorpion 26 May 1941

The Germans attack Halfaya Pass and succeed in recapturing it.

Operation Battleaxe

Operation Battleaxe was launched on 15 June 1941. General Wavell’s goal was to push the Germans back and advance to liberate Tobruk. 4th Indian Division and 4th Armoured Brigade (equipped with Matilda IIs) were ordered to engage enemy forces in the vicinity of Halfaya. The cruiser equipped 7th Armoured Division was to move in a wide sweep toward Hafid Ridge.

Brevity to Battleaxe Battle Groups

The next few posts provide Battle Groups for Commonwealth Cruisers and German Panzers for use with Armour Battles and Combat HQ.

The Itinerant Hobbyist has posted his playtest of Armour Battles. It’s a tense game in which the Germans roll a total Command Failure on the first turn, but then go on to win by one Morale Point!

You can read all about it here: Itinerant Hobbyist

Rescue

The Attacker has cut-off the neck of a salient and has surrounded half of the enemy battle group. The Defender has sent a relief force to rescue the cut-off units.

Attacker Briefing

You have half of the enemy force surrounded. You must eradicate them and deal with the enemy reinforcements.

Initial Units: You deploy 75% of your battle group.

Reserves: The remaining 25% enters the table from Turn 3 along your Friendly Table Edge.

Deployment: You deploy second. Units may be deployed as Blinds or Hidden Units. You can deploy into the Attacker Deployment Zone and both Flank Zones.

Artillery Missions: Single and continuous barrages.

Initial Barrage Rounds: 1.

Defender Briefing

Part of your force has been cut-off by the enemy who are intent on eradicating it. The cut-off force must hold out until the relief forces can rescue it.

Initial Units: 50% of your battle group starts deployed in the Cut-Off Units Deployment Zone.

*Reserves: 50% of your battle group is available as Reserves. 25% may enter the table on Turn 2 along your Friendly Table Edge. The remaining 25% enters the table only after a unit from your first Reserve Force has moved within 6” of any cut-off unit.

Deployment: You deploy first. Defending units are deployed as Blinds or Hidden Units.

Artillery Missions: Single and continuous barrages.

Defences and Fortifications: You have 12” of trenches available and may dig in machine guns, mortars and anti-tank guns. You may place revetments for six (or less) vehicles in your deployment zone.

Starting the Battle

The Attacker has the first turn.

Ending the Battle

The mission ends when one side suffers a Morale Collapse or the agreed time is reached.

Counter-Attack

The Defender is struggling to hold his position. An additional Support Group is sent to help the Defender turn the tables on the Attacker.

Attacker Briefing

You must break through the enemy lines and Disperse as many units as possible before his reinforcements arrive.

Initial Units: You deploy 50% of your battle group.

Reserves: 50% of your force can enter the table as Reserves from Turn 2. The Reserves enter along your Friendly Table Edge.

Deployment: You deploy after the Defender has deployed. You may deploy using Blinds.

Artillery Missions: Single and continuous barrages.

Initial Barrage Rounds: D3.

Defender Briefing

The enemy is trying to break through your position. You must not let him! An additional support unit of your choice has been sent to reinforce you. The support group is available from Turn 3. When it arrives you gain an additional three Morale Points and one Command Dice.

In a campaign game, these units are withdrawn at the end of the battle and are not added to your campaign roster.

Initial Units: You deploy 50% of your battle group.

Reserves: 25% of your battle group can enter the table from Turn 2. The other 25% enters from Turn 3. Reserves enter along the Friendly Table Edge.

Reinforcements: Your reinforcements are available from Turn 3 and enter along the Friendly Table Edge.

Deployment: You deploy first. Defending units are deployed as Blinds or Hidden Units.

Artillery Missions: Single and continuous barrages. Each artillery battery may plot two pre-registered barrages.

Defences and Fortifications: You have 12” of trenches available and may dig in machine guns, mortars and anti-tank guns. You may place revetments for six (or less) vehicles in your deployment zone.

Starting the Battle

The Attacker has the first turn.

Ending the Battle

The mission ends when one side suffers a Morale Collapse or the agreed time is reached.