AXIS INITIAL FORCES:

MAR II 41 Axis player turn.

  • This Mar II 41 Axis OB is extracted almost entirely from F. Watson’s classic “Enter Rommel-II” Europa Battle Scenario, published in TEM#71.
  • At the start of the new Scenario the Axis player controls the Med/NA, NE, and on-map SE Commands.  At the start of the new Scenario he owns the Mainland Europe Off-Map Holding Box, all hexes in the Italian Central Mediterranean Islands, the Dodecanese, all hexes in the Italian Central Mediterranean Islands, and all hexes in Libya on or west of hexrow 18A:30xx.  He starts with an on-map Med NTP capability of 3 NTPs.  The weather on the Mar II 41 Axis turn is clear in all weather zones.  Seas are calm.  The Axis deploys first.  The Allies deploy second.  No Axis air units flew Malta bombing missions (Rule 37I2a) in the previous turn.
  • At the start of the game, per the new Scenario OBs and the Rules, forces from the stipulated Commands on the maps may enter Egypt, Libya, Palestine, Transjordan, Malta, Cyprus, Greece, the Dodecanese, the Vichy French Levant, Trans-Jordan, Iraq, Kuwait, and Iran.

Initial Conditions

Med/NA Command:

Fort: Tripoli (18A:0121).

Rail capacity: Tripolitania rail net: 2.

Supply Terminal: Tripoli (18A:0121).

Steps of Attack Supply: 2 at Tripoli (18A:0121), 1 at Sirte (18A:1727), 2 at 18A:2730 [Arco dei Fileni].

Resource points: 1 at Tripoli (18A:0121), 1 at Sirte (18A:1727).

SMPs: 23 [per F. Watson’s ER-II]

Conditional Reinforcements: The Italian Mobilization in Africa reinforcements have been received.

3-Capacity Permanent Airfields: 18A:0122 [Castel Benito], 18A: 2730: [Arco dei Felini]. Also, 5 “anywhere on Sicily;” [in playtest: at Augusta (0701), Syracusa (0702), Licata (0102), and 0603, all on map 18A]. Scarpanto (19A:0701). [On Rodi:] Rodi (20A:2230) and 20A:2331.

1-Capacity Permanent Airfields: Sirte (18A:1727).

1-Capacity Temporary Airfield: Misurata (18A:1022).

Accumulated Med/NA Replacements: German: 2 ARPs. Italian: 3 Inf RPs. Stored at Mainland Europe Off-Map Holding Box.

For Axis breakdowns and assemblies use WW Axis Game Chart 2-Breakdowns/Assemblies.

In the 1941 ME/ER-II/Crete Scenario the Iraqi coup occurs on the Apr I 41 Axis Initial Phase.

[Special Notes related to the Early Draft OBs:  In the new Scenario the Allied-owned port of Bengasi (18A:3121) is considered a major port with a fragile artificial harbor and 14 port damage hits (the maximum permitted, per the WW Port Summary) inflicted on it at the start.  As a corollary, WW Advanced Rule 12C1d-Axis Standard Supply Terminal Restrictions, and WW Optional Rule 12C1e-Standard Supply Terminal Suppression are both strongly recommended in the new Scenario.  Also, in the new Scenario the use of WW Advanced Rule 14A1g-Road Construction is strongly recommended.  Accordingly, the Tobruk Bypass stipulations are used, per the second bullet.   Tentative lists regarding the advisability of which of the WW Advanced and Optional Rules ought to be used and not in the new Scenario have been done in an update & revision of the WW 1941 ME/ER-II/Crete Scenario game reports Prologue, posted at the website.]

Italian:

Libya:
Within two hexes of Sirte (18A:1727):
1 x 3-6 Inf XX 17 Pav
1 x 5-8 Inf XX 102 Trn [In the WW 1941 ME/ER-II/Crete Scenario this Italian inf XX starts assembled; in the original ER-II Europa battle  scenario it starts unassembled in its unsupported components and HQ unit]
1 x 2-3-6 Art III 24 C
1 x 2-3-8 Art III 16 C
2 x 1-8 Mot Art III 2 AC, 3AC

Within one hex of coast road hex 18A:2529:
1 x 5-8 Lt Arm XX 132 Ar [In the WW 1941 ME/ER-II/Crete Scenario this Italian lt arm XX starts assembled; in the original ER-II Europa battle scenario it starts unassembled in its unsupported components and HQ unit]
1 x 3-6 Inf XX 27 Brs
1 x 1-8 Mot Art III 1 AC

Sirte (18A:1727):
1 x 3-6 Inf XX 25 Bol
1 x 0-6 Cons III 5 A
1 x 4 pos flk  AA=1 [Italian]
unfinished fort marker (complete in the Mar II 41 Axis initial phase)

Misurata (18A:1022):
1 x 3-4-6 Art III 5 A
1 x 1-6 Hv AA II  AA=1  29

Garian (18A:0125):
1 x 3-6 Inf XX 55 Sav

Tripoli (18A:0121):
1 x 0 pos flk  AA=3 [Italian]

[WW] Tripolitania Garrison Box: [found on WW Axis Game Chart 1]
4 x 0-1-6* Inf III 280 GaF, 290 GaF, 340 GaF, 350 GaF
1 x 0-2-6* Inf III 330 GaF

Regia Aeronautica:
Place at any airbase in Sicily:
1 x BR20M  3NB4  2-5/24
1 x MC200  3F4  1/8
1 x CR42  3F3  0/9

Place at any friendly airbase in Libya:
1 x G50  3F3  0/6
1x SM79-1  2B3  1-5/22
1 x CR42  3F3  0/9

Place at any friendly airbase in either Sicily or Libya:
1 x Ca 309  2B1  1/L/9

Place in the air units aborted box:
1 x SM79-1  2B3  1-5/22
1 x CR42  3F3  0/9

Place in the air units eliminated box:
1 x SM79-2  2B3  3-2/V/20

Italian Units Available for Assembly:
1 x 8 Arm XX HQ 132 Ar
1 x 2-1-8 Lt Tnk III 32
1 x 2-10 Mot Inf III 8 B
1 x 8 Inf XX HQ 102 Trn
1 x 2-10 Mot Inf III 7 B
2 x 1-8 Inf III 61, 62

German:

Libya:
At sand coast road Hex 18A:2227:
1 x 10* Pz XX HQ 5 Le {optional at-start use}
1 x 5-3-10 Pz III 5
1 x 1-10 Mot Hv AA II 1/33  AA=2  (LW)

At coast road hex 18A:2730 [Arco dei Felini] or Hex 18A:2629:
2 x 1-10 Mot MG II 5 {optional at-start use}
1 x 1-10 Mot AT II 605

Alternate German at-start set-up, beginning with the 9-10 Pz XX 21:

  • If the 9-10 Pz XX 21 is used, then the Axis Command Problems Special Rule in F. Watson’s ER-II Europa Battle Scenario ought to be implemented in the game.  This is for purely technical reasons in order to better recreate the historical Axis attack.  This rules says: “Due to the caution in the Italian command brought on by their recent defeat by the British, Italian ground units may not perform overruns or attacks in the Mar II 41 movement and combat phases.  In the Mar II 41 exploitation phase, one Italian RE may participate in overrun.  Italian units may otherwise move normally.”  If the 8-7-10* Pz XX 7 Le is used, then the Axis Command Problems  Special Rule should not be used.

Hex 18A:2227:
1 x 10 Pz XX HQ 21
5-3-10 Pz III 5
1 x 1-10 Mot Hv AA II  I/33  (LW)

Hex 18A:2730 [Arco dei Felini] or Hex 18A:2629:
1 x 3-10 Mot Inf III 200
1 x 10 Mot AT II 605

[Note:  Beginning the new Scenario with the 9-10 Pz XX 21 in lieu of the 8-7-10* Pz XX 5 Le calls for a slightly different Allied at-start set-up than the one indicated in the new Scenario’s Mar II 41 Allied Turn Allied At-Start Set-Up game report, posted at the website.  That Allied at-start set-up is the one presently used for development analysis with the Axis player using the optional 8-7-10* Pz XX 5 Le unit at the start.  Europa players wanting instead to use the optional 9-10 Pz XX 21 unit should use the Allied at-start set-up found in F. Watson’s “Enter Rommel-II” Europa Battle Scenario, published in TEM#71, at p. 30.  The only difference in the two Allied at-start set-ups involves the placement of the 1-10* Mot SG X 2 and the 3-2-10 Arm X 3 Allied units.]

Any airbase in Sicily:
1 x He 111H4  4B4  2-7/S/22 (LW)
2 x Ju 88A1  3B5  3-5/26 (LW)
1 x Ju 87B  2D3  4-1/8 (LW)
1 x Ju 87R  2D3  4-1/13 (LW)

Any friendly airbase in Libya:
2 x Ju 87B  2D3  4-1/8 (LW)
1 x Me 110D  5HF5  4-2/12 (LW)

German Units Available for Assembly:
1 x 8-7-10* Pz XX 5 Le {optional at-start use}
or
1 x 9-10 Pz XX 21 {optional at-start use}
1 x 2-10 Mot Hv AA III 135  AA=4  (LW)

Med/NA Replacement Pool

1 x 2-6 Inf XX 60 Sbr
1 x 2-10 Mot Inf III 10 B
1 x 2-1-8 Lt Tnk III 3
2 x 1-8 Lt Tnk X 1,2
5 x 1-6 Tnk II 1, 3, 5, 6, 21
1 x Para Inf III Tonini
3 x 0-1-6* Inf III 300 GaF, 310 GaF, 320 GaF
1 x 3-4-6 Art III 24 dM
3 x 2-3-6 Art III 10 C, 20 C, 21 C
1 x 1-6 Art III 23 C
1 x 0-6 Cons III 10 A
4 x 0 pos flk unit AA=1 [Italian]

ME/ER-II Scenario: Mar II 41 At-Start dispositions; Libya, Malta, and Sicily

Mar II 41 At-Start dispositions; Libya, Malta, and Sicily

Mar II 41 Axis turn at-start set-up

Mar II 41 Axis turn at-start set-up

AXIS CONDITIONAL REINFORCEMENTS:

Return of Luftwaffe Air Units from the Balkans.

On the turn that the Axis ceases operations in the Balkans (WW Rule 3E5):

German:
Med/NA:
Available in Europe:
1 x He 111H4   4B4   2-7/S/22 (LW)
3 x Ju 88A4   4B5   3-7/26 (LW)
1 x Me 109F1   6F6   1/8(LW)

Return:
1 x Me 110D   5HF5   4-2/12 (LW)

Note:  These Conditional Reinforcements always arrive entirely, converted, and available, regardless of any eliminations or aborts incurred while operating in the SE Command (eg., in the Assault on Crete Segment of the new Scenario).  Nor are any Med/NA ARP costs incurred on their account upon their arrival, regardless of eliminations or aborts incurred while operating in the SE Command in the Assault on Crete Segment.

 

Optional Axis Near East Forces.

Axis Intervention in Iraq:

  • In the WW 1941 ME/ER-II/Crete Scenario, an Axis Intervention in Iraq may be declared by the Axis player in the April II 41 Axis turn I. Phase (only), at step 5, immediately prior to Axis Pressure to grant Axis Privileges in the Levant.  See below.
  • The new Scenario OB below is based on the Optional Axis Near East Forces OB found in the WW OB Booklet, at pp. 27-28.

German:
SE [or in some cases Med/NA]:

Coup Turn 3, or in the new Scenario, May I 41:
Available at Rodi (20A:2230):
1 x Mxd  2A3  1-1/16  (LW)

Coup Turn 4, or in the new Scenario, May II 41:   
Available at Rodi (20A:2230):
1 x Ju 52  1T2  0/20  (LW)

  • Note: If the Axis player has not ceased operations in the Balkans this turn, use an available Ju 52  LW air unit from the Axis Assault on Crete Axis OB. Keep the same Ju 52 LW air unit in play as the designated Optional Axis Near East Force at the  instant that the Axis ceases operations in the Balkans.

1 gsp at the port hex of Rodi (20A:2230), if prior to the Axis cessation of operations in the Balkans.  This reinforcement is not indicated in the WW Optional Axis Near East Forces OB.

  • Note:  Beginning this turn, if prior to the Axis cessation of operations in the Balkans, 1 gsp Reinforcement is placed at the port of Rodi, at step 14.  This single gsp reinforcement is available this turn, and on the Jun I 41 Axis turn, and then on the Jun II 41 Axis turn, if prior to the Axis cessation of operations in the Balkans.  This reinforcement is not indicated in the WW Optional Axis Near East Forces OB.

Coup Turn 5, or in the new Scenario, Jun I 41:

Available At Rodi (20A:2230): 
1 gsp at the port hex of Rodi (20A:2230), if prior to the Axis cessation of operations in the Balkans.  This reinforcement is not indicated in the WW Optional Axis Near East Forces OB.

Coup Turn 6, or in the new Scenario, Jun II 41:
Available at Rodi (20A:2230):
1 gsp at the port hex of Rodi (20A:2230), if prior to the Axis cessation of operations in the Balkans.  This reinforcement is not indicated in the WW Optional Axis Near East Forces OB.

Convert, at Rodi (20A:2230): 1 x Mxd A  2A3  1-1/16  (LW) to:
1 x Me 110C  5HF5  1/12  (LW)

  • Note: The conversion takes place at Rodi (20A:2230).  The conversion evidently cannot be done either in the Vichy French Levant or Iraq because, per Rule 25D [Air Unit] Conversions, the air base where the converted air unit is based at cannot be isolated, which it would evidently be the case at either mentioned location, per Rule 3F-Isolation and Lines of Communication.  However, in the new Scenario the Mxd A LW air unit (only) can do its Conversion at Rodi (20A:2230) prior to the Axis cessation of operations in the Balkans (WW Rule 3E5), essentially via a new Scenario enhancement of WW (new) Optional Rule 23J, found in the Wavell’s War Errata-28 October 2005.

At the option of the Axis player:
Place at Rodi (20A:2230):
1 x 2-6 Inf III                                    SV 288 (GA)

  • There may be OB changes done later regarding this unit in the new Scenario.

Coup Turn 7, or in the new Scenario, Jul I 41:  
Available in the Dodecanese:
1 x He 111H4  4B4  2-7/22  (LW)

August II 41:
Withdraw:
1 x Ju 52  1T2  0/20 (LW)
1 x He 111H4  4B4  2-7/22 (LW)

  • Note:  Neither of these withdrawals are indicated in the WW Optional Axis Near East Forces OB, but I have included them here, thinking that they are ultimately accounted for in the 1941 German Scorched Earth OB.  I will admit that the Aug II 41 Withdrawal date is arbitrary, and have tentatively picked that date because it is the end turn of the WW Balkan Campaign (see Rule 41C1-Balkan Campaign).  The withdrawal requirement is deliberately withheld from affecting the Me 110C LW air unit.  If either of the Withdrawn LW air units are in either the NE Command Aborted or Eliminated air units boxes, then the Axis player must forfeit the appropriate ARPs from his Med/NA Command.

[Oct I 41:

  • The German motorized Conversion of the 2-6 Inf III SV 288, per the WW Optional Axis Near East Forces Conditional Reinforcement OB, is presently omitted from the early draft of the Axis OB, pending further new Scenario analysis & development.  See below.]

Tentative new Scenario Rules text Defining WW Optional Rule 38J6’s Axis force operational restrictions for the Optional Axis Near East Forces:

The wording of the third paragraph of Optional Rule 38J6-Axis Intervention in Iraq, has been changed and expanded with explanatory bullets.  Except for one rare amended instance [see below], the voluntary withdrawal of individual Axis Intervention in Iraq LW air units can always be done, if allowable per the stipulations of the fourth paragraph of Optional Rule 38J6.  However, in the new Scenario the German 2-6 Inf III SV 288 unit is added to the list of Axis Intervention in Iraq forces that may voluntarily withdraw.  It can do this voluntarily withdrawal if it is in general supply via an unrestricted full supply source, per WW Rule 12C2a.  In the South Aegean Islands this occurs after the Axis ceases operations in the Balkans, per Rule 12C2a.  The Axis declaration of an Axis Intervention in Iraq kicks in the proviso in the last paragraph of Rule 38V3 (and amended by official WW Errata) whereby “the Allied player loses one victory point at the end of each game turn that the Axis has privileges in the Levant and the Levant has not surrendered to the Allies.”  In the new Scenario’s draft Rules the third paragraph revision would be as follows:

“In the WW 1941 ME/ER-II/Crete Scenario, an Axis Intervention into an existing Iraqi Coup (only) may be declared by the Axis player in the April II 41 Axis turn (only) I. Phase, at step 5, immediately prior to any Axis Pressure to grant Axis Privileges in the Levant and after the step 4 Variable Iraqi Coup Collapse dice roll.  ‘Axis Intervention in Iraq’ forces are received to support the Iraqi Coup and any use of these forces prior to the Iraqi Coup collapse contrary to that intent is prohibited.  In game terms, this means that intervention forces must move to Iraq as expeditiously as possible; until such time as these forces do enter Iraq they may only move by air transfer and air transport.  The Optional Axis Near East forces may transit (in this case, air transfer or air transport missions) over the Vichy French Levant, even if there has been no Axis privilege given per Rule 38V3; but in this case they may only use airbases in the Levant for air transfer leg series that are outside the patrol zones of Allied fighters.  They may not end their turn at Levant airbases.  Regarding the activated Axis Intervention in Iraq Conditional Reinforcements, the following stipulations apply:

  • The Mxd A LW air unit must immediately transit to Coup Iraq the turn it is received (the Coup Turn 3 May I 41 turn), if the Iraqi Coup has not collapsed.  After that, if the Iraqi Coup has not collapsed, it must stay in Iraq until the Jun II 41 Allied Turn, when, if possible, it should do a non-phasing air transfer from Iraq back to Rodi (20A:2230) to do its Conversion on the following Jun II 41 Axis turn.  On the turn of the Conversion, the converted Me 110C LW air unit must return to Iraq if the Iraqi Coup has not collapsed.  If the Iraqi Coup collapses while the Mxd A LW air unit is in Iraq, it may remain in Iraq and conduct air missions there, or else do a one-way transit back to Rodi (20A:2230).  If the Mxd A LW air unit is in Iraq after the Coup collapse and the Axis player has obtained Air or Full privileges per Rule 38V3, it may conduct air missions in both Iraq and the Levant.  In any event, if the Mxd A LW air unit is based at Rodi (20A:2230) after the Iraqi Coup collapse, it must remain there inoperative until its conversion on the Jun II 41 turn.
  • The Ju 52 LW air unit must immediately transit (eg., air transfer or air transport)  to Coup Iraq the turn it is received (the Coup Turn 4 May II 41 turn), if the Iraqi Coup has not collapsed.  After that, as long as the Iraqi Coup has not collapsed and no Axis privileges have been given per Rule 38V3, it may transit back and forth across the Vichy French Levant between Iraq and the Dodecanese, and continue to do air missions in Iraq.  If the Ju 52 LW air unit is in either Iraq or the Dodecanese and the Iraqi Coup collapses, it may transit back and forth between the Dodecanese and Iraq, and do air missions in Iraq.  Prior to both the Iraqi Coup collapse and the gaining of any Axis privileges in the Levant per Rule 38V3, the Ju 52 LW air unit may carry as cargo the gsp’s listed in the Optional Axis Near East Forces OB, or gsp’s generated at South Aegean Island port hexes per Rule 12C2a, after the Axis ceases operations in the Balkans.  The Ju 52 LW air unit may also carry Med/NA-specific cargo and the Conditional Reinforcement German 2-6 Inf III SV 288 unit across the Vichy French Levant if the Axis player has obtained Air or Full privileges, per Rule 38V3, and also if the Axis player has obtained Axis Transit privileges as stipulated in the amended Rule 38V3 Transit bullet for the new Scenario [see below].  These Ju 52 LW air unit air transports may be done in tandem with eligible Axis bombers being used as transports, per [new Scenario recommended] Optional Rule 23E3-Bombers as Transports.  If the Ju 52 LW air unit is in either Iraq or the Dodecanese after the Coup collapse, and the Axis player has obtained Air or Full privileges per Rule 38V3, it may conduct air missions in both Iraq and the Levant, and it may base in either the Vichy French Levant, or the Dodecanese, or Iraq, if possible.  While based in the Dodecanese after the Iraqi Coup collapse, the Ju 52 LW air unit may do air transfers within the Dodecanese and do air transport air missions to Crete, excluding air-dropping para/glider units, as long as it bases in the Dodecanese.  It may also do air transport missions between the Dodecanese and Athenai (15B:0911) as long as it bases in the Dodecanese.
  • The He 111H4 LW air unit must immediately transit (eg., air transfer or air transport, per Optional Rule 23E3) to Coup Iraq the turn it is received (the Coup Turn 7 July I 41 turn), if the Iraqi Coup has not collapsed.  Prior to the Iraqi Coup collapse, it may operate in Coup Iraq and/or transit between Coup Iraq and the Dodecanese. If the Iraqi coup collapses, the He 111H4 LW air unit may operate in Iraq and/or transit back and forth to the Dodecanese.  If the He 111 H4 LW air unit is in Iraq or the Dodecanese after the Iraqi Coup collapse, and the Axis player has obtained Air or Full privileges per Rule 38V3, it may do air missions in both Iraq and the Levant, and may base in either the Dodecanese, the Vichy French Levant, or Iraq, if possible.  Excepting the instances above regarding Iraq and the Vichy French Levant, the only air missions the He 111H4 LW air unit may do while based in the Dodecanese are air transfers within the Dodecanese or air transport missions in the Aegean per the last two sentences of the above bullet for the Ju 42 LW air unit.
  • The Me 110C LW air unit must immediately air transit to Iraq the turn it is received (the Coup Turn 7 July I 41 turn) if the Iraqi Coup has not collapsed.  Prior to the Iraqi Coup collapse, it may operate in Coup Iraq and/or transit between Coup Iraq and the Dodecanese.  If the Iraqi coup collapses, the Me 110C LW air unit may operate in Iraq and/or transit back and forth to the Dodecanese.  If the Me 110C LW air unit is in Iraq or the Dodecanese after the Iraqi Coup collapse, and the Axis player has obtained Air or Full privileges per Rule 38V3, it may do air missions in both Iraq and the Levant, and may base in either the Dodecanese, the Vichy French Levant, or Iraq, if possible.  Excepting the instances above regarding Iraq and the Vichy French Levant, the only air missions the Me 110C air unit may do while based in the Dodecanese are interception air missions if its base is the enemy target hex, or scramble air missions and/or air transfers within the Dodecanese, or escort air missions with the Conditional Reinforcement Ju 52 LW air unit doing air transport missions to Crete or Athenai (15B:0911).
  • Alternately, if on the same Axis turn of the Iraqi Coup collapse, the Me 110C LW air unit may air transfer from Iraq or Rodi (20A:2230) to an airfield in Iran, there to operate in Iran (only) until eliminated or aborted, or Iranian surrender, per Rule 38I4.  In the alternative case of air transferring to Iran, it is subsequently prohibited from any voluntary withdrawal, per the stipulations of the fourth paragraph of Optional Rule 38J6, while in Iran until after Iranian surrender.  If it survives in Iran after the Iranian surrender, it is on its own until it is aborted or eliminated, and presumably may attempt to make its way back to Axis airbases in Iraq, the Vichy French Levant, or the Dodecanese, only.  Only after the Iranian surrender may the Me 110C LW air unit voluntarily withdraw per the stipulations of the fourth paragraph of Optional Rule 38J6, if that is possible.  If it is eliminated or aborted in Iran, it is placed in the NE Command Replacement Pool and will remain there until the end of the new Scenario, and will then be counted as an Axis loss for VPs.
  •  If the Iraqi Coup has collapsed and the Vichy French Levant has surrendered to the Allied player per Optional Rule 38V3f, and the Ju 52 and He 111H LW air units have withdrawn, either voluntarily or on the Aug II 41 turn per the new Scenario Axis OB, and there are no Axis forces (excluding Fawzi) in Iraq or the Vichy French Levant or Iran, and there are no remaining Axis-controlled airbases in Iraq or the Vichy French Levant, the Me 110C LW air unit must voluntarily withdraw per the stipulations of the fourth paragraph of Optional Rule 38J6, if possible, unless it is on-map in Iran prior to the Iranian surrender.  If all the above conditions exist and the Iranians have surrendered to the Allies and the Me 110C LW air unit is still on-map, it must voluntarily withdraw as soon as possible per the stipulations of the fourth paragraph of Optional Rule 38J6.  Regardless of the location of any Optional Axis Near East Forces losses [excepting for now the German 2-6 Inf III SV 288 unit, pending further new Scenario development], the units are always placed in the Axis Near East Command Replacement Pool.”

Here is a partially formulated Optional Rule 38J6 amendment regarding the Ger 2-6 Inf III SV 288 unit: 

In the new Scenario the Ger 2-6 Inf III SV 288 unit may be brought on-map as an Axis Intervention in Iraq OB Conditional Reinforcement on the Coup Turn 6 Jun II 41 Axis turn (only) at Rodi (20A:2230). Per the WW OB booklet, under the Optional Near East Forces OB, it is brought into play “at the option of the Axis player,” and it is not a required Axis reinforcement. But if it is not brought on-map into play as a Conditional Reinforcement on the Coup Turn 6 Jun II 41 Axis turn, it cannot enter play later as an Axis Intervention in Iraq force. In this case it then enters play on-map as its motorized infantry conversion unit, in the Med/NA Command on the Oct I 41 Axis turn, per the WitD Axis OB booklet.

If it is placed at Rodi on the Jun II 41 Axis I. Phase it must remain on the island of Rodi until it either voluntarily withdraws via its new Scenario addition to the “voluntarily withdrawal” capable units per the fourth paragraph of Optional Rule 38J6, or it does a sea or air transport from Rodi to the Near East (eg., either to the Vichy French Levant or Iraq) prior to the Iraqi Coup Collapse. After the Iraqi Coup Collapse it cannot go from Rodi to the Near East, even in the case of Full Axis privileges in the Levant, per Rule 38V3a. [This is due to its apparent largely European Islamic composition achieved from recruitment in recently Axis conquered Yugoslavia.] If it voluntarily withdraws from Rodi, per the above-mentioned Optional Rule 38J6 amendment, it remains so removed from on-map play until after its motorized conversion on the Oct I 41 German turn (per the Optional Axis Near East Forces OB) when it also becomes Available in Europe as an Oct I 41 Med/NA Regular Reinforcement.

If it is sea or air transported to the Vichy French Levant prior to an Iraqi Coup Collapse, it can only do so if the Axis player has Full privileges per Rule 38V3a. Once in the Vichy French Levant it must move to Iraq as expeditiously as possible, by air or ground movement, as long as the Iraqi Coup has not collapsed. Under no circumstances prior to an Iraqi Coup Collapse may it attack while in the Vichy French Levant, unless it attacks into an Iraqi hex. If the Iraqi Coup collapses while the 2-6 Inf III SV 288 is in the Vichy French Levant, it may operate in the Vichy French Levant along with other Axis units there per the Full privileges of Rule 38V3a. If it arrives in Iraq it must operate in Iraq (only) as long as the Iraqi Coup has not collapsed. If the Iraqi Coup collapses while it is in Iraq, it may continue to operate in Iraq and/or it may only then, in this incidental case, cross the Iraqi border and operate in the Vichy French Levant, if the Axis player has Full privileges per Rule 38V3a. If it is able to return to the Dodecanese after the Iraqi Coup collapse it must voluntarily withdraw from play as an Axis Intervention in Iraq force [per the above]. Alternatively, if it is in Iraq after the Iraqi Coup collapse it may cross the Iraqi border into Iran, where it must remain until eliminated or the Iranian surrender. After the Iranian surrender it is on its own and may attempt to make its way back to the South Aegean Islands, in order to voluntarily withdraw. If, in this situation only, it is able to make its way back from the Near East to North Africa on the WD map group, it may do its motorized conversion there on the Oct I 41 turn or afterwards, if in general supply.

If it is eliminated while isolated [perhaps in Iraq, the Vichy French Levant, Cyprus, or Iran] it is placed in the Near East Replacement Pool.

In the final analysis, the German 2-6 Inf III SV 288 unit should be perhaps either excluded from the Optional Axis Near East Forces or else allowed to be exchanged with the 8-6 Inf XX 164 Lr, which is indicated as a SE Command Regular Reinforcement on the Jun II 41 turn, per the WW Assault on Crete Scenario Axis OB, found in the WW OB booklet, on p. 21.  More on this tentative mulling below, in the Assault on Crete Segment section of the new Scenario’s Axis OB.

Tentative new Scenario draft Rule covering the operational restrictions for Axis forces gaining Transit privileges in the Vichy French Levant, per Rule 38V3:

In the new Scenario, amend the Transit bullet text at WW Rule 38V3-Axis Privileges [in the Levant] to read:  “Transit:  Axis Med/NA-specific air units may use airbases in the Levant that are outside the patrol zones of Allied fighters.  Axis Med/NA-specific air units may use these Levant air bases only if flying transfer air missions.  Axis Med/NA-specific air units may Transit the Levant doing air transfer or air transport missions per [new Scenario recommended] WW Optional Rule 23E3-Bombers as Transports [eg., I see no available T type air units in the Med/NA-specific WitD Axis OB].  They may not end their air operation [eg., air transfer or air transport air missions] at Levant airbases, however, and must continue transferring to airbases outside the Levant.”

In the new Scenario, Axis Med/NA forces transported to the Near East map group via Axis Transit privileges in the Levant per the amended Rule 38V3 indicated above, may operate in either Iraq and Iran.  In the case of Full privileges, per Rule 38V3, Axis Med/NA forces (production items and ground and air units) transported to the Near East map group could operate in the Vichy French Levant, Iraq, and Iran.  In case of Air privileges, Axis Med/NA air units only and not Axis Med/NA ground units or production could operate in the Levant; and air transported Axis Med/NA production and ground units could operate in Iraq and Iran.

Axis ground and air unit supply considerations for activated Optional Rule 38J6 Axis Intervention in Iraq forces in the Near East map group and Med/NA Axis forces in the Vichy French Levant/Near East, via Rule 38V3a:

Per WW Rule 12C1a-Standard Supply Terminals, Iraqi, Vichy French Levant, Iranian, or Turkish (insofar as using WW Rule 38T2) standard supply terminals (as identified per the WitD Neutral Nations OB) are never supply sources for either activated Axis Intervention in Iraq Conditional Reinforcement forces and/or Med/NA-specific Axis forces in the Near East, via Axis Privileges per WW Rule 38V3a.  In the new Scenario, WW Rule 23I-Out-of-Supply Airbases is used.  WW Optional Rule 12E3-Elimination from Lack of General Supply, is strongly recommended.  FYI, WW Optional Rule 12C4c-Special GSP Expenditure and WW Advanced Rule 12D3-Minimal Attack Supply (of interest to the Allied player in the NE map group) are both strongly recommended in the new Scenario.  It is unlikely that in most new Scenario games the Axis player will be able to trace a road & overland element supply line from Axis units in the above named Near East countries and across the Suez Canal to say, the Axis standard supply terminal at Tripoli (18A:0121), in Libya.  Therefore it appears that all Axis forces in the Near East must rely for general supply via an overland element traced to an Axis-specific gsp that has somehow been transported onto the Near East map group.  There is some mulling here that a one or two turn (at the most) special limited supply terminal status (per the meaning of the last paragraph of WW Rule 12C1b-Limited Supply Terminals) might be done at the Mosul hex if 1) the Vichy French Levant has not been invaded by the Allies 2) Jean-Guy Rathe’s Special Vichy French Levant Variant At-Start Set-Up is used, and 3) Rathe’s TFL Article’s BANP Railroad proviso is in use, and none of the BANP Railroad hexes in Iraq were Allied-controlled [or have damage hits].  This would be for 1 RE of Axis ground units, or one Axis air unit, for Rule 23I considerations, at the Mosul hex, for one or at the most two game turns.

REINFORCEMENTS AND REPLACEMENTS

  • This is based on the WitD Axis OB booklet.

MAR II 41

None

ME/ER-II Scenario: Mar II 41 Axis EOT dispositions; grey mkrs cover Malta Status attackers

Mar II 41 Axis EOT dispositions;

APR I 41

  • In the new Scenario, on this turn the Axis may try to gain Axis privileges in the Vichy French Levant for the first time, starting in the I. Phase, at step 5.  This coincides with the bullet text indicated in the WitD Axis OB for the Apr I 41 Axis turn.  The WitD Axis OB is used as a basis for the new Scenario.  Also, per WW Rule 38V3a-Axis Privileges [in the Levant], “The Axis player may receive special privileges in the Levant through the Vichy Levant Table … [i]f the Axis player has not violated the neutrality of any Vichy region [and beginning on] [a]ny turn starting from the turn that Germany intervenes in the Balkans (Apr I 41 if the Southeast Command is not under Axis player control) through the end of 1941.  [Also, the Axis player may roll on the Vichy Levant Table] … [a]ny turn at all if the Allied player has violated the neutrality of the Levant and the Vichy forces in the Levant have not surrendered ….”
  • In the new Scenario, the Iraqi coup automatically occurs in the Axis I. Phase, at step 13.  But per WW Rule 38J4-[Iraqi] Coup, the Axis player may not move the Iraqi forces this turn.

Med/NA:
Available in Europe:
Italian:
1 x 0-6 lt AA II  AA=1  36
2 steps of attack supply
0.5 Ital Inf RP
German:
1 x 10 Pz XX HQ 15
1 x 3-10 mot Inf III 104
1 x Me 109E  7F5  1/7
Available for Assembly:

Apr I 41 Axis EOT dispositions: Lybia

Apr I 41 Axis EOT dispositions: Lybia

APR II 41

  • Beginning at least at the very start of the Apr II 41 Axis turn, the Axis naval status number for the Aegean Sea is 12 (see WW Rule 31D6-Aegean Sea).  This is indirectly implied at WW Optional Rule 38J6, where it says “In scenarios where the Balkans are not in play (Rule 3E5), Athenai (15B:0911) is considered to be Axis-owned during all [presumably game] turns on or after Apr II 41” Implicitly, Thessaloniki (14A:4510) would also now be Axis-owned.  Per WW (new) Optional Rule 23J-Axis Air Operations from Aegean Islands, this Axis naval status number change for the Aegean Sea means the end of the U-4 out-of-supply airbase status for Axis airbases there, such as in the Dodecanese, per Rule 23I (excepting the two Italian Mxd type air units that start BF-specific games in the Dodecanese garrison).
  • Beginning this turn in the WW 1941 ME/ER-II/Crete Scenario, the Allied player may begin to roll for an Iraqi Coup collapse at step 4 of the Apr II 41 Axis I. Phase.  At this early Axis player turn date however, it is likely impossible for the Iraqi Coup collapse to occur per the dice roll results.
  • In the WW 1941 ME/ER-II/Crete Scenario, an Axis Intervention into an existing Iraqi Coup (only) may be declared by the Axis player in the April II 41 Axis turn (only) I. Phase, at step 5.
  • If Axis privileges in the Levant have yet to be received, the Axis player may roll on the Vichy Levant Table to grant Axis privileges in the Levant immediately after an Axis declaration of an Axis Intervention into an existing Iraqi coup.
  • In the Apr II 41 Axis turn the Axis player may move the Iraqi Coup forces.  In the prior Apr II 41 Allied turn, the first Coup turn 2 Allied Iraqi Coup Reaction Forces will certainly have arrived to southern Iraq via the Persian Gulf and taken Basra (22A:4313) and declared it to be an Allied Standard Supply Terminal in their M. Phase.  It is in the Apr II 41 Axis turn C. Phase that the Axis player might conduct a big Habbaniya airfield hex (22A:2828) ground attack.
WW ME/ER-II/Crete Scenario Apr II 41 end of Movement Phase dispositions: Iraq

Apr II 41 end of Movement Phase dispositions: Iraq

Med/NA:
German:
Available in Europe:
1 x 5-3-10 Pz III 8
1 x 3-4-8 Art III 221

Note:  Starting on the May I 41 Allied turn, Axis air units may now operate normally from friendly-owned airbases in the Aegean Sea, such as the Italian-owned Dodecanese, per WW (new) Optional Rule 23J-Axis Air Ops from Aegean Islands.  In the new Scenario “Athenai is considered Axis-owned during all turns on or after Apr II 41,” per WW Optional Rule 38J6.  This should change the Aegean Sea status number to 12, lifting the Axis air unit supply restrictions indicated in WW (new) Optional Rule 23J.

WW ME/ER-II/Crete Scenrio Apr II 41 Axis EOT dispositions: Libya and Sicily

Apr II 41 Axis EOT dispositions: Libya and Sicily

MAY I 41

Med/NA:

Available in Europe:
Italian:
2 supply steps
5 ARPs
0.5 Ital Inf RP
1 x Ju 87B  2D3  4-1/8 [Italian]
Convert from Med/NA Command forces: 1 x SM.79-1 to:
1 x SM.79-2  2B3  3-2/V/20
German:
1 x 3-10 mot Inf III 115
3 ARPs (LW)

Conditional Reinforcements

Optional Axis Intervention in Iraq  

German:
SE Command:
Place at any airbase on the island of Rodi:
1 x Mxd A  2A3  1-1/16

WW ME/ER-II/Crete Scenario

WW ME/ER-II/Crete Scenario

 

MAY II 41 ALLIED TURN

The Assault on Crete Segment May II 41 Allied Turn Axis At-Start OB:

  • The new Scenario Axis at-start OB for the Assault on Crete Segment is based on the WW Assault on Crete Scenario Axis OB, found in the WW OB booklet.
  • At the start of the Crete Segment the Axis player owns the Southeast Command and owns all hexes in Greece and the Dodecanese except for those on Crete, Gavdos, and Anditkytheria.  [At the start of the Crete Segment the Allied player controls the Balkan Command and owns all of the hexes on Crete and the nearby islands of Gavdos and Anditkythera.]
  • After the Axis player has in hand his SE Command Special Operation plan, the Allied player deploys the Crete Segment Allied at-start forces first.  Then the Axis player deploys the Crete Segment Axis at-start forces second.
  • The Axis Aegean Sea naval status number is 12, per WW Rule 31D6. [Evidently it has been so since the Apr II 41 turn.  Presumably the Allied player does not roll on the Naval Table doing sea transport in the Aegean Sea and certainly doesn’t use it in the Eastern Med or Persian Gulf.]

Southeast (SE) Command:
Initial Conditions; at the start of the May II 41 Allied Turn.

 Axis Aegean NTPs: 7.

 3-capacity Permanent Airfields: 15B:0811, Melos (15B:1610), Scarpanto (15B:2503).

 3-capacity Temporary Airfields: Levadia (15B:0612), 15B:0711, 15B:0813, 15B:0914:, and 15B1415.

Note: Axis initial temporary airfields remain in play even if no construction units are present in their hexes.

Italian:
Greece. Place anywhere in Mainland Greece:
1 x Ski II  MC [This is an added unit from the WW M-M Scenario.]
1 x Marine Cmdo II  Gr/SM [This is an added unit from the WW M-M Scenario.]

Place at Athenai (15B:0911):
1 x Z 506B  2B3  2-4/F/22 [This is an added unit from the WW M-M Scenario.]

Place at any airbase in Mainland Greece:
1 x G 50 bis  3F3  0/10 [This is an added unit from the WW M-M Scenario.]
1 x MC 200  3F4  1/8 [This is an added unit from the WW M-M Scenario.]

Place in Samos (15B:1400):
1 x 4-6 Inf XXX 6 Cno

Place in Scarpanto (15B:2503):
1 x 0-1-6 Lt AA II AA=1 Scar [Rhodes garrison]

Place at Rodi (20A:2230):
1 x 1-0-6 Lt Tnk II 312 [Rhodes garrison]
1 x 1-6 Hv AA II AA=2 Rodi [Rhodes garrison]
1 x 0-6 Lt AA II AA=1 Rodi [Rhodes garrison]
1 x 3-4-6 Inf XX 50 Reg [Rhodes garrison]
2 x 1-2-5 Art X 35, 36 [Rhodes garrison]
one step of attack supply [per the WW Operation Marita Scenario Axis OB, in the Axis Initial Forces section.]

Place at any airbase on the island of Rodi:
1 x Mxd B 1B2 1-2/21 [Rhodes garrison]
1 x Mxd F 2F2 0/9 [Rhodes garrison]

  • Note: The Rhodes garrison is released, per WW Rule 37D5.

German:
Greece. Place anywhere in Mainland Greece:
1 x 7-6 Para XX 7 (LW)
2 x 7-8 Mtn XX 5, 6
1 x 2-5 Para III 2 St (LW)
1 x 1-5 Glider II I/1St (LW)
2 x Eng III [any WW M-M German OB]
10 x 5 pos AA AA=1 (LW)

Place at the airbases at Melos (15B:1610) or Scarpanto (15B:2503), or at any airbase in Mainland Greece:
1 x DFS 230  0GT-1   -/T (LW)
3 x Do 17Z  3B4  2-7/S/22 (LW)
1 x He 111H  4B4  2-7/S/22 (LW)
11 x Ju 52  1T2  0/20 (LW)
2 x Ju 87B  2D3  4-1/8 (LW)
1 x Ju 87R  2D3  4-1/13 (LW)
3 x Ju 88A1  3B5  3-5/26 (LW)
2 x Me 109E  7F5  1/7 (LW)
1 x Me 110C  5HF5  1/12 (LW)
1 x Me 110D  5HF5  4-2/12 (LW)

WW ME/ER-II/Crete Scenario May II 41 Allied end of step 21 of the Initial Phase dispositions: easten Libya, western Egypt, mainland Greece, Crete, Melos, and the Dodecanese

May II 41 Allied end of step 21 of the Initial Phase dispositions: easten Libya, western Egypt, mainland Greece, Crete, Melos, and the Dodecanese

Special Considerations Regarding the New Scenario’s Assault on Crete Segment.

  • On the May II 41 Allied turn there could be additional Allied ground and air units on Crete other than just those stipulated in the Assault on Crete at-start Allied OB.  Those additional Allied ground and air units would be those which were voluntarily moved on-map to Crete from the ME Command prior to the May II 41 Allied turn and after the new Scenario’s start on the Mar II 41 Axis turn.  Prior to the May II 41 Allied turn, all additional surplus ME Command ARPs sent to Greece must be sent to the Off-Map Holding Box, and not directly to Crete.  Prior to the May II 41 Allied turn Crete Segment, no additional surplus steps of attack supply, replacement points (RPs), or resource points may be sent to the Greece Off-Map Holding Box in the new Scenario, as the eventual evacuation of these additional surplus items from mainland Greece to Crete would be problematic.  Additional surplus steps of attack supply and resource points from the ME Command may be sent directly to Crete from the ME Command prior to the May II 41 Allied turn.  Prior to the establishment of Suda Bay as a Standard Supply Terminal, inf RPs from the ME Command may only be air transported to Crete.  If available in the Greece Off-Map Holding Box at the beginning of the Crete Segment, one additional surplus ARP may be expended in the May II 41 I. Phase to repair the Hurri 1 air unit in the Balkan Command’s Aborted Air Units Box and then be placed on-map at Crete.  At the start of the Crete Segment, any additional surplus ARPs in the Greece Off-Map Holding Box are stored at the Standard Supply Terminal at Suda Bay as Balkan Command ARPs.  Per WW Rule 31C3-Replacement Points, no RPs are allowed to be sea transferred directly to Crete prior to the May II 41 Allied turn.  When the Crete Segment starts, Allied ME Command RPs can be sea transported only to the Suda Bay standard supply terminal.
  • At the beginning of the May II 41 Allied turn, in conjunction with the beginning of the Crete Segment, the Axis player may formally have in hand a SE Command Special Operation (airborne and/or amphibious) “planned in advance,” per WW Rule 33-Special Operations.  Although technically the Axis player is supposed to have done this planning at step 8 in the prior Axis I. Phase of the May I 41 turn, in the new Scenario it is necessarily better done at the start of the Crete Segment on the May II 41 Allied turn.
  • Per both the new Scenario’s Axis OB and the WW Assault on Crete Axis OB, there are no available initial accumulated German or Italian SE Command ARPs or replacement points.  But note that at as early as the May II 41 Axis I. Phase, at step 14, the Axis player can transfer Med/NA Command ARPs stored at the Mainland Europe Off-Map Holding Box to the SE Command, per WW Rule 25C14-ARP Transfer, and expend them in the same turn.  Per a new Scenario amendment to WW Rule 37C2a-Mainland Europe, in the new Scenario:  Corresponding on-map Axis force returns to the Mainland Europe Off-Map Holding Box are allowed in the Axis I. Phase, at the end of step 14, from Sicily, or from the South Aegean Islands, after the Axis has ceased operations in the Balkans.  In conjunction with the Assault on Crete Segment, [see below] the Axis player may begin to do the following:  “During any Axis I. Phase (after reinforcements are received), Med/NA Command forces (excluding Axis arm replacement points) in the Mainland Europe Holding Box may be placed on-map [in the SE Command] at Athenai (15B:0911). Conversely, any Axis Med/NA Command forces at Athenai during the Assault on Crete Segment may be returned to the Mainland Europe Holding Box at the end of step 14 of the Axis I. Phase.  Additionally, if the the German 2-6 Inf III SV 288 unit is at Athenai in the Assault on Crete Segment, it may be may be returned to the Mainland Europe Holding Box at the end of step 14 of the Axis I. Phase, for the purpose of voluntarily withdrawal only.”  Steps of attack supply have been added to the Crete Segment’s SE Command Axis Regular Reinforcements [see below].  At the end of the Crete Segment, after the Axis player has ceased operations in the Balkans per WW Rule 3E5b, any Med/NA-specific items (only) remaining on-map on 15B (only) in mainland Greece or the Greek Islands revert back to the Mainland Europe Holding Box.
  • Here are the current new Scenario’s OB/Rules requirements for the Crete Segment’s at-start positioning and operational use of the three at-start Greek static Xs: “Each of the three Greek static X units must be placed at a standard port [hex] on the island of Crete. They cannot be stacked together.  The three Greek static Xs must remain in their three Crete standard port hexes throughout the May II 41 Allied turn, and are always in these same three different Crete standard port hexes at the beginning of the May II 41 Axis turn.  The three Greek static Xs must remain in their respective Crete standard port hexes until either a particular Greek static X moves out of its standard port hex due to an Enemy Reaction movement (WW Rule 33B) or if a particular Greek static X is moved out of its standard port hex due to movement after Combat in a C. Phase.  Thereafter the affected Greek static X may move freely on Crete.”  The three Greek static Xs may not be evacuated from Crete, as Greece is their operational area.
  • The 0-2-0 Hv AA X NMBDO 1 (RM) must remain in the Suda Bay hex 18A/450315B:2113, as it cannot move or be sea transported.  If eliminated, it is placed in the BC Replacement Pool on its original 0-2-6 side.  It may be disbanded in an Allied Initial Phase, but this gains the Axis VPs, per the WW Common Victory Chart.
  • At step 13 of the current Allied I. Phase the Allied player will likely declare the existence of a South Aegean Naval [Tight] Interdiction Zone, per WW Rule 31D7.  This tight naval interdiction zone “is [then] in effect until the start of his next initial phase.”
  • In the new Scenario, the SE Command Axis Assault on Crete Segment Axis air units’ operational area definitely includes the Greek and Dodecanese hexes of map 15B, including the associated Aegean Sea hexes, and the Mediterranean Sea hexes on maps 18A, 19A, and 20A that are in range of Axis Naval Patrol air missions, including other directly related air missions, ie., escort of these SE Command Naval Patrol air missions and possible related Axis SE Command interception air missions.  In this case all Crete Segment SE Command Axis air units surviving their air missions must always return to base in the SE Command, in our case meaning to Axis bases in mainland Greece, Melos (15B:1610), Crete, or the Dodecanese.  Also, the Crete Segment SE Command Axis air units probably ought to be allowed to do air missions at target hexes in Cyprus, Libya, Egypt, Palestine, and the Vichy French Levant, if the surviving Axis air units always return to base in the Crete Segment’s SE Command.  All losses of Crete Segment Axis SE Command-specific air or ground units would always go into the SE Command Replacement Pool and never to either the Med/NA or NE Replacement Pools, regardless of where they were lost at.
  • Per a likely new Scenario rule, “if there are no British forces (per WW Rule 3B2) on Crete in an Axis Initial Phase, then any remaining Greek static Xs automatically surrender at the very beginning of step 4, thereby enabling the Axis to then cease operations in the Balkans, per WW Rule 3E5b, if he chooses to.”
  • At step 19 of the I. Phase of the second Axis turn after the implementation of Rule 3E5b-Voluntary Cessation of Operations in the Balkans, which is necessarily used in the 1941 ME/ER-II/Crete Scenario, 3-cap permanent airfields (w/out hits) appear at Khania (18A:4403) and Erakleion (18A:4903).  If there are any temporary Axis airfields at either Khania or Erakleion at the time of the voluntary cessation of operations in the Balkans, these temporary airfields remain on-map without an accompanying Axis cons/eng unit until the said 3-cap permanent airfields (w/out hits) appear per the above, at which time the temporary airfields are removed.  This appears to coincide with the WitD Allied OB booklet for the WW WD Scenario situation.
  • Per WW Optional Rule 38J6 as it is written, the Jun II 41 Axis Intervention in Iraq Conditional Reinforcement German 2-6 Inf III SV 288 unit appears to be in play indefinitely from that turn onwards, perhaps lingering in the South Aegean Islands, or forlorn, forsaken, & isolated somewhere in the Near East map group, or maybe somewhere else on the WD map group (including Cyprus on map 20A), assuming it ultimately got to one of these places from Rodi.  Or perhaps in the new scenario it could be “voluntarily withdrawn” from play if in regular general supply (eg., still in the South Aegean Islands), via its likely addition to the “voluntarily withdrawal” of German LW air units stipulated in the fourth paragraph of Optional Rule 38J6. If it has been “voluntarily withdrawn” it could certainly do off-map its important Oct I 41 motorized Conversion, per the WW Optional Axis Near East Forces OB, at p. 28, and then be readily Available in Europe on the Oct I 41 as a Converted 3-10 Mot Inf III SV 288 Regular Reinforcement, per the WitD Axis OB booklet.  Otherwise, if the German 2-6 Inf III SV 288 unit was on-map and unisolated, it could certainly do its Oct I 41 motorized Conversion and be readily Available in the Med/NA Command for service in the Western Desert
  • All Crete Segment Axis SE Command forces (only) are removed from the game at the end of the Crete Segment, which is done via WW Rule 3E5b-[Axis] Voluntary Cessation of Operations in the Balkans.  Strictly in the context of the new Scenario’s development, a possible exception to this Rule 3E5b SE Command withdrawal stipulation might be the WW Assault on Crete Scenario Axis OB Jun II 41 SE Command’s German reinforcement 8-6 Inf XX 164 Lr unit, which per the WitD Axis OB booklet comes into play later in the Med/NA Command as a Mainland Europe Holding Box reinforcement, in the July and August 1942 turns.  However, per the WitD Axis OB the 164 Lr Inf XX unit comes in as a 7-8 inf XX, which increases the technical problems to be addressed.  In such a new Scenario revision, the German 8-6 Inf XX 164 Lr could remain in the new Scenario indefinitely, once Available in Mainland Greece on the Jun II 41 turn as a Crete Segment SE Command reinforcement.  In this alternate optional situation, it might then Transfer to the Med/NA Command the same Axis player turn the Axis ceases operations in the Balkans per Rule 3E5b.  This Transfer would of course include any 164 Lr divisional breakdown losses in the SE Command Replacement Pool.  If this option involving the German 8-6 Inf XX 164 Lr unit was chosen, then the Conditional Reinforcement German 2-6 Inf III SV 288 unit might ought to be required to voluntarily withdraw on the turn the Axis ceases operations in the Balkans, assuming it was still in the Dodecanese and not isolated somewhere in the remote NE map group.  And additionally, if this Axis OB change is included in the new Scenario, it might suggest that the WitD Axis OB Sep I 41 Italian reinforcement 5-8 Mot Inf XX 101 Trs unit be correspondingly delayed quid pro quo, presumably doing the assumed garrison work in the Balkans the German 8-6 Inf XX 164 Lr unit did until the Jul I 42 turn. But the Italian XX 101 Trs might not necessarily retain its given motorized Arrival status, which could be included as a stand-alone Sep I 41 reinforcement Arrival in Libya, specifically for the motorization of the already in play Italian 5-8 Inf XX 102 Trn XX unit.  In this example, on the Jul I 42 turn, the 101 Trs XX would then come in as an Italian 5-8 Inf XX.

MAY II 41

  • It is likely that on this Axis player turn, at step 4, the Allied player will be able to do the dice roll on the Variable Iraqi Coup Collapse Table (per WW Optional Rule 38J5) using the big +5 Dice Roll Modifier:  “First turn (only) that a supported Allied unit is adjacent to an Iraqi-owned Baghdad.”  This is per the revised wording for the Additional Wavell’s War Chart Errata found in the Wavell’s War Errata-28 October 2005 addendum.  This “supported Allied unit” would probably be the 2-1-10* Mot Inf X Hab.
WW 1941 ME/ER-II/Crete Scenario May II 41 Axis just before step of of the Initial Phase dispositions: just before the Variable Iraqi Coup Collapse dice roll; Fawzi al Qawukji action die roll (at step 2) was a 4: Fawzi does not change mode and moves randomly during the upcoming Movement Phase.

WW 1941 ME/ER-II/Crete Scenario May II 41 Axis Initial Phase dispositions

Med/NA:
Available in Europe:
German:
1 x 1-10 mot hv AA II 1/18  AA=2  (LW)

Special Axis Assault on Crete Segment Axis OB:

SE:
German:

Available at Athenai (15B:0911):
one step of attack supply

  • This is an additional Axis reinforcement available in the new Scenario Axis OB; it is not available in the WW Assault on Crete Scenario Axis OB.  To me right now, this is considered to be one of the steps of attack supply listed as German reinforcements for the Apr I and Apr II 41 Axis turns of the WW Marita Scenario Axis OB.

Conditional Reinforcements

Optional Axis Intervention in Iraq
SE or Med/NA Command:
German:
Place at Rodi (20A:2230):
1 x Ju 52  1T2  0/20
SE Command (only):
Place at Rodi (20A:2230):
1 gsp, generated on the May II 41 Axis initial phase. [received as reinf only if still in the SE Command]

May II 41 Axis end of step 21 of the Initial Phase dispositions

May II 41 Axis end of step 21 of the Initial Phase dispositions

WW 1941 ME/ER-II/Crete Scenario May II 41 Axis early Movement Phase dispositions

May II 41 Axis early Movement Phase dispositions

May II 41 Axis EOT dispositions: the eastern Mediterranean Sea basin

May II 41 Axis EOT dispositions: the eastern Mediterranean Sea basin

JUN I 41

Med/NA:
Italian:
Tripolitania Garrison:
Release:
1 x 0-1-6* Inf III 280 GaF
Med/NA Command:
Available in Europe:
Italian:
1 x 3-4-6 Art III 8A
1 x 1-6 Tank II 4
1 x 1-8 Aslt Eng II 31 G
2 steps of attack supply
0.5 Ital Inf RP
Available in Europe:
German:
1 x 8* Inf XX HQ 90 LA
1 x 2-8 Inf III 155
1 x 5-8 Inf XX 90 La

  • Note:  The WitD Axis OB Regular Reinforcement Luftwaffe air units indicated for the Jun I 41 Axis turn are omitted as Regular Reinforcements in the new Scenario’s Axis draft OB, as they have been designated at Axis Conditional Reinforcements, arriving on the new Scenario’s Axis turn that the Axis ceases operations in the Balkans.

Special Axis Assault on Crete Segment Axis OB:

SE:

German:

Available in Mainland Greece:
1 x 8-6 Air Lndg XX 22 [per the WW Assault on Crete Scenario Axis OB]
Available at Athenai (15B:0911):
one step of attack supply

  • This is an additional Axis reinforcement available in the new Scenario Axis OB; it is not available in the WW Assault on Crete Scenario Axis OB.

Conditional Reinforcements

Optional Axis Intervention in Iraq
German:
SE Command (only):
Place at Rodi (20A:2230)
1 gsp, generated on the Jun I 41 Axis initial phase. [received as reinf only if still in the SE Command]

Jun I 41 Axis EOT disposition detail.

Jun I 41 Axis EOT disposition detail.

un I 41 Axis EOT dispositions: Palestine, Vichy French Levant

un I 41 Axis EOT dispositions: Palestine, Vichy French Levant

Jun II 41

Med/NA:

None

Special Axis Assault on Crete Segment Axis OB:

SE:
German:
Available in Mainland Greece:
1 x 8-6 Inf XX  164 Lr [per the WW Assault on Crete Scenario Axis OB

  • Note that this German unit arrives in Libya in July & August of 1942, but as a 7-8 inf XX.

Available at Athenai (15B:0911):
one step of attack supply

  • This is an additional Axis reinforcement available in the new Scenario Axis OB; it is not available in the WW Assault on Crete Scenario Axis OB.

Conditional Reinforcements

Optional Axis Intervention in Iraq
SE or Med/NA Command:
German:
SE Command (only):
Place at Rodi (20A:2230)
1 gsp, generated on the Jun II 41 Axis initial phase. [received as reinf only if still in the SE Command]

Convert, at Rodi (20A:2230): 1 x Mxd A  2A3  1-1/16  (LW) to:
1 x Me 110C  5HF5  1/12  (LW)

  • Note: The conversion takes place at Rodi (20A:2230).  The conversion evidently cannot be done either in the Vichy French Levant or Iraq because, per Rule 25D [Air Unit] Conversions, the air base where the converted air unit is based at cannot be isolated, which it would evidently be the case at either mentioned location, per Rule 3F-Isolation and Lines of Communication.  However, in the new Scenario the Mxd A LW air unit (only) can do its Conversion at Rodi (20A:2230) prior to the Axis cessation of operations in the Balkans (WW Rule 3E5), essentially via a new Scenario enhancement of WW (new) Optional Rule 23J, found in the Wavell’s War Errata-28 October 2005.

At the option of the Axis player:
Place at Rodi (20A:2230):
1 x 2-6 Inf III                                    SV 288 (GA)

  • There may be OB changes done later regarding this unit in the new Scenario.
Jun II 41 Axis EOT dispositions: Libya, Sicily, Malta, and Crete

Jun II 41 Axis EOT dispositions: Libya, Sicily, Malta, and Crete

Jun II 41 EOT dispositions: the Vichy French Levant, northern Palestine, and the western half of Iraq

Jun II 41 EOT dispositions: the Vichy French Levant, northern Palestine, and the western half of Iraq

JUL I 41

Med/NA:
Italian:
Available in Europe:
1 x BR20M  3NB4  2-5/24
1 x MC200  3F4  1/8
2 steps of attack supply
Convert: 1 x CR42 to:
1 x CR42AS  3F3  1/9
Withdraw:
1 x SM79-1  2B3  1-5/22
German:
Available in Europe:
1 x 0-8 Cons III Afr
5 ARPs (LW)
Med/NA Replacements: 1 Ital Inf, 1.5 Ital Arm, 2 Ger Inf, 3 Ger Arm

Conditional Reinforcements

Optional Axis Intervention in Iraq
German:
SE or Med/NA Command:
Place at any airbase in the Dodecanese:
1 x He 111H4  4B4  2-7/22

JUL II 41

Med/NA:
Italian:
Available in Europe:
1 x 4-3-6 Tank III 132
Available for Assembly:
1 x 7-6-8 Arm XX 132 Ar

AUG I 41

Med/NA:
Italian:
Available in Europe:
2 steps of attack supply
German:
Note: if beginning the game already using the alternate 9-10 Pz XX 21 unit, then omit this turn’s conversions for the  8-7-10 PZ XX 5 Le. 
Convert: 2 x 1-10 Mot MG II 2, 8 to:
1 x 3-10 Mot Inf III 200
Convert: 1 x 10* Pz XX HQ 5 Le to:
1 x 10 Pz XX HQ 21
Available for Assembly:
1 x 9-10 Pz XX 21
Remove: When 1 x 9-10 Pz XX 21 is assembled for the first time:
1 x 8-7-10* Pz XX 5 Le
Med/NA Replacements: 1 Ital Inf, 1.5 Ital Arm, 2 Ger Inf, 3 Ger Arm

AUG II 41

Med/NA:
German:
Available in Europe:
1 x 2-8 Inf III 361

Conditional Reinforcements

Optional Axis Intervention in Iraq
German:
SE or Med/NA Command:
Withdraw:
1 x Ju 52  1T2  0/20  (LW)
1 x He 111H4  4B4  2-7/22  (LW)

SEP I 41

German:
 German 1941 special operations forces are available starting this turn.
Med/NA:
Available in Europe:
1 x 0-1-10 Mot Lt AA II  AA=1  617
5 ARPs (LW)
Italian:
Available in Europe:
1 x 8 Mot Inf XX HQ 101 Trs
1x 2-10 Mot Inf III 9 B
2 x 1-8 Mot Inf III 65, 66
1 x G50bis  3F3  0/10
1 x MC200  3F4  1/8
2 steps of attack supply
6 ARPs
North Africa:
Special: At any time, demotorize 1 x 8 Mot Inf XX HQ 101 Trs and 2 x 1-8 Mot Inf III 65, 66 and receive:
1 x 8 Inf XX HQ 101 Trs
2 x 1-8 Inf III 65,66
Available for Assembly:
1 x 5-8 Mot Inf XX 101 Trs
Note: If the 101 Trs XX is demotorized per above instructions, remove 1 x 5-8 Mot Inf XX 101 Trs and add :
1 x 5-8 Inf XX 101 Trs
Med/NA Replacements: 1 Ital Inf, 1.5 Ital Arm, 2 Ger Inf, 3 Ger Arm

OCT I 41

Med/NA:
Italian:
Available in Europe:
1 x 1-6 Tnk II 52
2 steps of attack supply
German:
Available in Europe:
*1 x 1-10 Mot Inf III SV 288

  • *This unit’s Availability and motorized Conversion may be affected by what happens if the Axis player chooses to activate the Axis Intervention in Iraq Conditional Reinforcements on the Apr II 41 Axis turn.

Med/NA Replacements: 1 Ital Inf, 1.5 Ital Arm, 2 Ger Inf, 3 Ger Arm

NOV I 41

Med/NA:
Italian:
Available in Europe:
2 x MC202  6F6  1/10
1 x SM84  3B3  3-4/V/20
6 ARPs
2 steps of attack supply
Med/NA:
Withdraw:
1 x BR20M  3NB4  2-5/24
1 x CR42  3F3  0/9
German:
Available in Europe:
1 x Ju 87B  2D3  4-1/8
1 x Me 109F3  6F7  1/8
1 x Me 110F  6NHF6  1/13
5 ARPs
Return:
1 x Ju 87B  2D3  4-1/8
Med/NA:
Convert: 1 x Me 109E to
1 x 109F1  5F6  1/8
Med/NA Replacements: 1 Ital Inf, 1.5 Ital Arm, 2 Ger Inf, 3 Ger Arm

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