ALLIED 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 scenario the Allied player controls the Middle East, Near East, Greek (eg., for brevity’s sake in the new Scenario’s early draft Allied OB, in addition to the Greek Off-Map Holding Box, the Greece Command includes the on-map Aegean Sea zone, including the Dodecanese), and Malta Commands.  The Allied player does not control the latter Balkan Command until the Assault on Crete Segment begins on the May II 41 turn.  At the start of the scenario he owns the Greece Off-Map Holding Box, the Aden Holding Box, the East Africa Holding Box, and all hexes in Egypt, Malta, Cyprus, on-map Greece, Palestine, Transjordan, Iraq, Kuwait, and all hexes in Libya on or east of hex row 18A:28xx.  He starts with an on-map Eastern Med NTP capability of 10 NTPs.  He cannot use the on-map Western Med NTP capability in this Scenario, but he can use the Gibraltar Convoys proviso found in the Western Desert Campaign section of WW Rule 41B1b.  The weather on the Mar II 41 Axis turn is clear in all weather zones.  Seas are calm.  At the start of the new Scenario, the Axis deploys first.  Then the Allies deploy second.  All Allied forces Transferred to the Greece Off-Map Holding Box in the course of the game per the new Scenario’s Allied OB are required to go there, and are considered part of a strategic High Command Reserve (HCR) for this purpose.  The four at-start Allied ME Command ground units that are Greece Off-Map Holding Box Transfers begin the game at Delta ports and must remain at able-functioning port hexes in Egypt or Palestine until they transport to Greece.
  • Per the new Scenario OBs and the Rules, forces from the stipulated Commands may enter Egypt, Libya, Palestine, Transjordan, Malta, Cyprus, Greece, the Dodecanese, the Vichy French Levant, Trans-Jordan, Iraq, Kuwait, Iran and the off-map holding boxes of Europe, Greece, and Aden.

Initial Conditions:

Rail Capacity: Middle East net 16, Cyrenaica net: 1.

3-Capacity Permanent Airfields: Bengasi (18A:3121), Soluch (18A:3222), Derna (18A:4116), 18A:4818 [El Adem], 18A:5018 [Gambut], Matruh (19A:1218), Alexandria (19A:2416/20A:4930), Cairo (19A:3320), 19A:1418 [Maaten Baggush], 18A:3617 [per WW OB Booklet], 18A:3618 [Maraua], Valletta (18A:0407) [on Malta], and Khania (18A:4403) [on Crete].

1-Capacity Permanent Airfields: El Agheila (187A:2930), Agedabia (18A:3327), Ain el Gazala (18A:4518). Rethymnon (18A:4903) [on Crete]. [On Cyprus]: Limassol (20A:3615) and Famagusta (20A:3411).

Supply Terminals: Alexandria (19A:2416/20A:49304) and Suez (19A:3718).

Steps of Attack Supply: 2 steps at Zaulet Msus (18A:3523), 1 step each at 18A:3223 [El Magrun], Barce (18A:3418), Tobruch (18A:4817).

SMPs: 28

Accumulated ME replacements: 5 Br Inf RPs, 1.5 Arm RPs, 1.5 Aus Inf RPs, 1.5 NZ Inf RPs, 0 Ind Inf RPs, 0 Br ARPs.

Port Status: In the 1941 ME/ER-II/Crete Scenario Bengasi (18A:3121) is a major port with an artificial harbor.  It begins the game with a port damage tally of 14, the maximum (capacity = 0).

Fortifications: The fortress at Tobruch is unimproved. The fortress at Bardiya is unimproved.

Malta:  Malta Status = 10.  Malta Repair Rate:  1 repair point each Allied turn.

Middle East:

British:

Mersa Matruh (19A:1218):
1 x 2-8 Inf X 18 (Aus)

Any cities in the Delta:
1 x 3-8 Inf X 22 G
1 x 3-2-10 Arm X 7
2 x 2-8 Inf X 16, 23
2 x 2-8 Inf X 21, 25 (Aus)
1 x 1-2-10* Mot SG X 7 [AA=1]
1 x 2-1-6 Tnk II 7 RT
1 x 8 Inf XX HQ 7 (Aus)

Any ports in the Delta:
HCR units destined for Greece:
2 x 2-8 Inf X 17, 19 (Aus)
1 x 0-2-6 HV AA X MNBDO  AA=4  1 (RM)
1 x 1-8 Marine Cmdo X Layf

Any cities in Palestine:
1 x 2-1-8 Cav X 4
2 x 1-8 Cav X 5, 6

Any airbases in Egypt or Palestine:
1 x Blen 4  3B3  1-2/23
2 x Glad  3F3  0/8

Any airbase in Palestine, Egypt, or Libya on or east of Hexrow 18A:48XX:
1 x Bombay  1T2  1-2/15

Any airbase in Egypt or Libya:
1 x Hurri 1  5F5  1/8

Any port hex on Cyprus (on map 20A):
1 x 0-8 Marine Cmdo II ME
1 gsp, generated on the Mar I 41 Allied turn.  [new Scenario addition]
Note: The marine cmdo II on Cyprus begins at black U-1  [new scenario addition]

Hex 18A:3618:[Maraua]:
1 x Blen 4  3B3  1-2/23

If the Axis player begins with the 8-7-10* Pz XX 5 Le [Leichte; see Optional Rule 38F5]:
El Agheila (18A:2930):
1 x 1-10* Mot SG X 2 [AA=1]
1 x 3-2-10 Arm X 3

If the Axis player begins 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:2829 [Mersa Brega]:
1 x 1-10* Mot SG 2 [AA=1]
Within two hexes of 18A:3228:
1 x 3-2-10 Arm X 3

Bengasi (18A:3121):
1 x 2-8 Inf X 20 (Aus)
1 x 1-8 MG II 1 RNF
1 x 8 Inf XX HQ 9 (Aus)

Barce (18A:3418):
1 x 2-8 Inf X 26 (Aus)
1 x 3-8 Art X 13

Hex 18A:4818 [El Adem, w/ a 3-cap permanent airfield]:
1 X 1-10* Mot Inf X 3 (Ind)

Tobruch (18A:4817):
1 x 2-8 Inf X 24 (Aus)
1 x 1-8 AT II 65
1 x 0-1-8 Hv AA II  AA=2  51
1 x 0-1-4 Cons X 66 RPC (Col)

French:

Zaulet Msus (18A:3523):
1 x 1-10 Mot Inf II 1 M (FF)

Other Allies:

Any city in Egypt or Palestine:
1 x 1-8 Inf II 11 (CS)
1x 3-8* Mtn X Karp (Pol)

Mediterranean:

Anti-Shipping Holding Box:
1 x Sunder 1  3B4  2-1/SF/30

Royal Navy Available Box:
1 x 4 pt TF (RN)
1 x 2 pt TF Force T (RN)
1 x CG-1 (RN)
1 x CG-2 (RN)
The task force and carrier groups have not been activated.

Available for Assembly:

1 x 7-10 Arm XX 7
1 x 7-6-10* Arm XX 2
1 x 8-8 Inf XX 2 (NZ)
3 x Inf XX 6, 7, 9 (all Aus)

ME Replacement Pool:

1 x 3-2-10 Arm X 4

Malta:

Initial Conditions:

3-Capacity Airfield: Valletta (18A:0407):
Malta Status: 10
Malta Repair Rate: 1 repair point each game turn
Intrinsic Flack: 7 at the Valletta hex 0407, 4 at 0306 & 0307.

Anywhere on Malta or Gozo (18A:0307,0407,& 0306):
1 x 3-6 Inf* X 1 M
1 x 2-6 Inf* X 2 M
1 x 1-8 MG II 1 Ch
1 x 0-1-8 Hv AA II  AA=2  10
1 x 0-4 Cons X MC
Note: All units are Allied phase U-2.
6 gsp’s; 2 were generated at Gibraltar on the Mar I 41 Allied I. Phase and 4 were generated at Suez on the March I 41 Allied I. Phase.

Greece Off-Map Holding Box:

1 x 4-3-10* Arm X 1 [this unit comes from the BF Refit Kit]
1 x 3-8 Inf X 5 (NZ)
1 x 2-8 Inf X 16 (Aus)
2 x 2-8 Inf X 4, 6 (NZ)
1 x 2-8 Inf X 14
1 x 8 Inf XX HQ 2 (NZ)
1 x 8 Inf XX HQ 6 (Aus)
1 x 3-2-8 Art X W
1 x 0-8 Lt AA II  AA=1  57
1 x 0-1-4 Cons X 43 RPC (Col)
1 x 5 pos flk (AA=1)
1 x Blen 1  2B3  1-2/16
1 x Hurri 1  5F5  1/8
1 x Well 1C  3NB4  1-6/28 [this Allied air unit begins the new Scenario here]

Near East:

Initial conditions:

3-Capacity Permanent Airfields: In Iraq, Habbaniya (22A:2828) and Shaibah (22A:4314).

No British Supply Terminals exist in the Persian Gulf on map 22A.

Iraq is pro-Allied neutral on the Mar II 41 Axis At Start Turn.

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

Iraq:

British and Other Allied:

Habbaniya (22A:2828):
1 x 0-1-4 Static II 1 As (Col)
1 x Audax  1A1  1/8

Shaibah (22A:4314):
1 X 0-1-4 Static II 2 As (Col)

ME/ER-II Scenrio: Mar II 41 At-Start dispositions; Libya and Egypt

Mar II 41 At-Start dispositions; Libya and Egypt

Mar II 41 Axis turn at-start set-up

Mar II 41 Axis turn at-start set-up

CONDITIONAL REINFORCEMENTS

British:

Axis Reaches the Suez Canal.

Middle East:

If the Axis Reaches the Suez Canal: In all Scenarios, use the Axis Reaches the Suez Canal Allied conditional reinforcement found in the WitD Allied OB, p. 5, per the instructions found there.

Iraqi Coup Reaction Forces.

Near East:

Iraqi Coup Reaction Forces:
Use the Iraqi Coup Reaction Forces found in the WitD Allied OB, p. 5. But in the new Scenario the Iraqi coup automatically occurs on the April I 41 Axis Initial Phase.  Using the Apr I 41 Axis turn as the date of the Iraqi coup, then the WitD Allied OB’s Iraqi Coup Reaction Forces Conditional Reinforcements begin to appear on the Apr II 41 Allied turn (Coup Turn 2).  Proceeding then, May I 41 = Coup Turn 3, which includes the 2-1-10* Mot Inf X Hab Conversion (along with a new Allied unit tentatively introduced in the new Scenario, the Trans-Jordanian 1-10 mot Cav III AL [Arab Legion]) and also that turn’s NE Command Arrivals, via the Persian Gulf to the Iraqi port of Basra; Jun I 41 = Coup Turn 5; Jun II 41 = Coup Turn 6; and Jul I 41 = Coup Turn 7.  For the specific turn-by-turn composition details of the Iraqi Coup Reaction Forces OB, see below in the Allied Reinforcement OB.

Free French:

Forces From the Levant

Middle East:

Free French Forces from the Levant:
In all Scenarios, if the Allies conquer the Vichy Levant, use the Free French (FF) conditional forces found in the WitD Allied OB, p.6.

REINFORCEMENTS AND REPLACEMENTS

APR I 41

Middle East:

British:

Arrive:
1 x 2-1-6 Tank II 4 RT
1 x 2-8 Eng X 1 (Aus)
2 steps of attack supply

Transfer to Greece Off-Map Holding Box:
2 x 2-8 Inf X 17, 19 (Aus)
1 step of attack supply

Greece Off-Map Holding Box:
Arrive from Middle East:
2 x 2-8 Inf X 17, 19 (Aus)
1 step of attack supply

ME Replacements: 2 Br inf, .5 Br arm, .5 Aus inf, .5 NZ inf.

ME/ER-II Scenario: Apr I 41 Allied EOT dispositions; Eastern Libya and Western Egypt

Apr I 41 Allied EOT dispositions; Eastern Libya and Western Egypt

 

APR II 41

  • Reduce the Allied Eastern Med naval transport ability by 9 REs (but not below 0 REs) this turn.

Middle East:

British:

Arrive [from East Africa]:
1 x 8 Inf XX HQ 4 (Ind)
3 x 2-8 Inf X 5, 7, 11 (Ind)
1 transport counter (1 RE).

Near East:

Conditional Reinforcements:

Arrive [Coup Turn 2]:
1 x 8* Inf XX HQ 10 (Ind)
1 x 1-8 Inf X 20 (Ind)

Available for Assembly:
1 x 7-8 Inf XX 4 (Ind)
1 x 6-8* Inf XX 10 (Ind)

Apr II 41 Allied EOT dispositions: Western Desert

Apr II 41 Allied EOT dispositions: Western Desert

MAY I 41

Middle East:

British:

1 x 8* Inf XX HQ 6

  • This is a Unit Identification Change, per the Middle East Order of Battle Options section found in the WW OB booklet.  The Option provides for the temporary renumbering of the British 70th Inf XX to the 6th Inf* XX, until its conversion on the Oct I 41 turn.  This coincides better with the historical references to the British 6th Inf XX in the Middle East during the time frame of the new Scenario, thereby hopefully increasing its realism and authenticity.

2 ARPS
Arrive:
1 x 0-8 hv AA II  AA=1  2 (Aus)
2 steps of attack supply
2 ARPs

Arrive [from East Africa]:
1 x 2-8 Inf X 5 (SA)
1 x A-22  3A3  2-1/19
1 x Hurri 1  5F5  1/8 (SAAF)

Arrive [from South Africa]:
1 x P-40C  5F5  1/13 (SAAF)

Conditional Conversion [Coup Turn 3]:

Convert:
1 x 2-1-8 Cav X 4 and 1 x transport counter (1 RE) to:
1 x 2-1-10* Mot Inf X Hab

Special:

Middle East:

Trans-Jordan:

In the same Trans-Jordanian hex (only) of the 2-1-10* Mot Inf X Hab Conversion, place:
1 x 1-10 Mot Cav III AL (T-J) [Trans-Jordan; Arab Legion]

  • This is a provisional new Allied ground unit introduced in the new Scenario.  It is placed in the same hex that the Br 2-1-10* Mot Inf X Hab conversion takes place. It may enter Iraq with the Hab mot inf X unit if they both enter Iraq stacked together.  Its initial operational area is Trans-Jordan and Iraq. It may also operate in the Vichy Levant when the Allies invade it. It may move (regular or admin, or by rail) through Palestine, but may not end its move there at the Allied turn’s end. If forced to retreat there due to combat in the Axis turn, it must move out of Palestine by the next Allied turn’s end, if possible. It may not serve as part of any WW Allied garrisons in the Scenario. It has an AGZOC (See WW Rule 39B2).  It draws general and attack supply from the Amman reference city hex (19A:4807), in Trans-Jordan. It may also draw general supply from the Allied standard supply sources or gsp’s.  It may also draw attack supply from Allied steps of attack supply. It is a fragile unit and cannot be replaced in the new Scenario, nor can special Allied RP’s be derived from it, if eliminated.

Transfer to Greece Off-Map Holding Box:

  • From the new Scenario’s start these two Allied ground units are considered part of an Allied High Command Reserve (HCR) destined for use in Greece.  Accordingly, from the game’s start, these two units are required to end their turns at an operative port in Egypt or Palestine, and are required to transfer to Greece this turn.  Per the WitD Allied OB booklet, both units Transfer to the Greece Off-Map Holding Box this turn.
    1 x 1-8 Marine Cmdo X Layf
    1 x 0-2-6 HV AA X MNBDO X  AA=4  1 (RM)
    1 ARP

Available for Assembly:

7-8* Inf XX 6

  • This is a Unit Identification Change, per the Middle East Order of Battle Options section found in the WW OB booklet.  The Option provides for the temporary renumbering of the British 70th Inf XX to the 6th Inf XX, until its conversion on the Oct I 41 turn.  This coincides better with the historical references to the British 6th Inf XX in the Middle East during the time frame of the new Scenario, thereby hopefully increasing its realism and authenticity.  Note however, the important self-supporting designation on the British 6th Inf XX, as opposed to the 70th Inf XX.  This reduced status disappears on the Oct I 41 Allied turn, when the Inf XX Converts fully to the 70th Inf XX.

French:

Middle East:
Arrive [from East Africa]:
1 x 2-1-8 Inf X Orient (FF)

ME Replacements: 2 Br inf, .5 Br arm, .5 Aus inf, .5 NZ inf

Greece Off-Map Holding Box:

Arrive from Middle East:
1 x 1-8 Marine Cmdo X Layf
1 x 0-2-6 Hv AA X MNBDO X  AA=4  1 (RM)
1 ARP

In the Greece Off-Map Holding Box: Convert: 1 x Blen 1 to:
1 x Blen 4  3B3  1-2/23

Malta:

Arrive:
1 x Hurri 2  5F5  1/9

Near East:

  • Per F. Watson’s “Iraq” Europa Battle Scenario, published in TEM#81, no E Med NTP use is allowed this turn in the Persian Gulf.  The Conditional Reinforcements arrive using reinforcement NTPs and are not affected by this restriction.

Conditional Reinforcements:

Arrive [Coup Turn 3]:
1 x 2-8 Inf X 21 (Ind)
2 steps of attack supply
5 SMPs

May I 41 Allied EOT dispositions: Western Desert

May I 41 Allied EOT dispositions: Western Desert

MAY II 41

French:
Middle East:

Convert: 1 x 2-1-8 Inf X Orient (FF) and 1 x 1-10 mot Inf II 1 M (FF) to:
1 x 3-8* Inf X 1 FL (FF)

Special Assault on Crete Segment Allied OB:

  • Below, the Assault on Crete Segment is sometimes referred to as “the Crete Segment.”
  • The new Scenario Allied at-start OB for the Assault on Crete Segment is based on the WW Assault on Crete Scenario Allied OB, found in the WW OB booklet.
  • 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.  [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.]
  • 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.

Allied Balkan Command.

Initial Conditions.

Allied Aegean NTP Capacity: 1

Greek Government: The Allied player has evacuated the Greek government.

  • Mainland Greece is Axis controlled at the beginning of the May II 41 game turn.
  • The 1941 ME/ER-II/Crete Scenario follows the WitD Allied OB Jun II 41 Allied turn Other Allies stipulations regarding the placement of the Greek and Yugoslav units in the Forming box of the ME Command holding box.

Standard Supply Terminal: Suda Bay (Hex 18A:4503/15B:2113) See WW Rule 12C1.

Steps of Attack Supply: One step of attack supply at any port on the island of Crete, including Suda Bay.

ALLIED FORCES

British:

Balkan Command:

Place in any hexes on the island of Crete:
1 x 3-8 Inf X                             5 (NZ)
2 x 2-8 Inf X                            4, 6 (NZ)
2 x 2-8 Inf X                            16, 17 (Aus)
1 x 2-8 Inf X                            14 [Br]
1 x 0-1-4 Cons X                     43 RPC (Col)
0-1-8 Lt AA II        AA=1       57 [Br]
1 x 5 pos AA  AA=1  [Br]
1-8 Marine Cmdo X              Layf [Br]

  • The WW Assault on Crete Scenario Allied OB shows this unit as a Jun I 41 reinforcement to Crete, but the WitD Allied OB booklet shows it as a May I 41 Transfer to Greece reinforcement; and the latter is currently intended to be in the new Scenario’s Allied OB.  In any event, I want to be sure that the Allied player doesn’t always conveniently “save” it for use later in the Scenario by never sending it to Crete from the ME Command.  Note too, that in effect this unit is a fragile unit and if eliminated cannot be replaced in the context of the game.

Place in Hex 18A:4503/15B:2113 (Suda Bay):
1 x 0-2-0-Hv AA X  AA=4   MNBDO 1 (RM)
Supply Terminal Marker
Port Upgrade Marker [per the new Scenario]

  • This designates the hex as a major port.  It is removed if the hex becomes Axis-owned

*1 cap temporary airfield [per the new Scenario]

  • * A 1-cap temporary airfield marker may be placed at-start at the Suda Bay hex, at the Allied player’s option, if the 0-1-4 Cons X 43 RPC (Col) is also placed there at the beginning of the May II 41 turn.]

Special:

Per the 1941 ME/ER-II/Crete Scenario draft Allied OB, at step 14 of the I. Phase of the May II 41 Allied turn, these two British air units do a Transfer “from the Greece Off-Map Holding Box to any airbase/airfield on Crete or the Egyptian or Palestinian coastlines”:

1 x Well 1C  3NB4  1-6/28 [Br]

1 x Blen 4  3B3  1-2/23 [Br]

  • Per the new Scenario’s Allied OB, both these British air units begin the game in the Greece Off-Map Holding Box, and remain there until the May II 41 Allied turn, and leave the Box per the stipulated Allied OB Transfer.  They should be operative this turn, unless declared inoperative at step 21 of the I. Phase.

Greece:

Crete:

Place one unit in each standard port:
3 x 1-4 Static X                      Erak, Khania, Reth [Greek; from the BF counters]

Balkan Command (BC) Replacement Pool [at the start of the Crete Segment]:

4-3-10* Arm X                      1 [Br; this unit counter comes from the BF Refit Kit]

  • After the voluntary Axis cessation of operations in the Balkans (WW Rule 3E5b), when the Allied player “moves all non-Greek/Yugoslav Allied forces in the BC  … to the … ME Command” Replacement Pool, this special enhanced and supported arm X conversion unit is removed from play and is replaced by the original pre-conversion 3-2-10 Arm X 1.

3-2-8 Art X                            W [Br]

  • This is a fragile unit in the new Scenario and cannot be replaced once eliminated in Greece.  As such, in the new Scenario it is never moved from the BC to the ME Replacement Pool when the Axis ceases operations in the Balkans.  This coincides, I think, with its Replacement Pool Removal on the Jun I 41 turn, per the WitD Allied OB.

2-8 Inf X                               19 (Aus)
8 Inf XX HQ                           2 (NZ)
8 Inf XX HQ                           6 (Aus)

Balkan Command Aborted Air Units Box [at the start of the Segment]:
1 x Hurri 1  5F5  1/8 [Br]

Greece Off-Map Holding Box:

This off-map holding box, which is a corollary of the now defunct Greece Command, in the May II 41 Allied turn’s I. Phase becomes a relic no longer in use by the Allied player.  On the May II 41 Allied turn, per the Crete Segment’s Allied OB, the surviving Allied at-start Crete Segment ground units are removed from the Greece Off-Map Holding Box and are placed on-map at Crete.  At this same time Allied ground units in the Greece Off-Map Holding Box that did not survive the campaign in or the subsequent evacuation of mainland Greece are placed in the BC Replacement Pool.  This reshuffle would include the two earlier WitD Allied OB Apr I 41 Aus Inf Xs 17 & 19 “required HCR” Transfers from the ME Command to the Greece Off-Map Box.  The British Hurri 1 air unit in the Greece Off-Map Holding Box is placed in the Balkan Command Aborted Air Units Box.  At step 14 of the Allied May II 41 turn I. Phase the British Well 1C and Blen 4 air units do a Transfer from the Greece Off-Map Holding Box to any airbase/airfield on Crete or the Egyptian or Palestinian coastlines.  All steps of attack supply in the Greece Off-Map Holding Box are removed from play, except for one placed at Crete (see above), as are all ARPs stored there that were required earlier Allied OB Transfers from the ME Command to the Off-Map Greece Holding Box.  In the new Scenario the Greece Box must be vacant of any additional surplus ARPs by the end of step 14 of the Allied I. Phase, at which point the off-map box is removed from play.  These “additional surplus” ARPs are those that were voluntarily sent to the Greece Off-Map Holding Box in the course of the new Scenario and are in excess of the May I 41 “required HCR” 1 ARP Transfer from the ME Command, per the WitD Allied OB booklet.  The WW 1941 ME/ER-II/Crete Scenario’s at-start contents of the Greece Off-Map Holding Box is slightly different than F. Watson’s in the “Enter Rommel-II” Europa Battle Scenario, published in TEM#71.  And in the new Scenario the two Australian Inf Xs 17 & 19, which on the Apr I 41 turn are “required HCR” Transfers to Greece, are required to begin the game on the Mar II 41 Axis at-start turn at “any port in the Delta.”

Allied 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.
  • 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:4503/15B: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.”
  • 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.”

For additional information regarding the Assault on Crete Segment in relation to the Allied OB, see the Special Considerations Regarding the New Scenario’s Assault on Crete Segment section found in the early draft of the 1941 ME/ER-II/Crete Scenario Axis OB.

WW 1941 ME/ER-II/Crete Scenario May II 41 Allied EOT dispositions: eastern Libya, western Egypt, mainland Greece, Crete, and the Aegean

May II 41 Allied EOT dispositions: eastern Libya, western Egypt, mainland Greece, Crete, and the Aegean

WW ME/ER-II/Crete Scenario May II 41 Allied end of Movement Phase dispositions: eastern Libya, Egypt, Greece, and Palestine

May II 41 Allied end of Movement Phase dispositions: eastern Libya, Egypt, Greece, and Palestine

JUN I 41

Middle East:

British:

Arrive:
1 x 1-8 Art II 1 (Aus)
1 x 0-1-8 Hv AA II 68 [AA=2]
2 steps of attack supply

ME Replacements: 2 Br inf, 0.5 Br arm, .5 Aus inf, .5 NZ inf

Near East:

Conditional Reinforcements:

Arrive [Coup Turn 5]
2 x 2-8 Inf X 24, 25 (Ind)

Jun I 41 Allied M. Phase naval movement step activity in the seas surrounding Crete

Jun I 41 Allied M. Phase naval movement step activity in the seas surrounding Crete

Jun I 41 Allied EOT dispositions: eastern Libya, western Egypt, Crete, mainland Greece, the Aegean Sea region

Jun I 41 Allied EOT dispositions: eastern Libya, western Egypt, Crete, mainland Greece, the Aegean Sea region

 

Jun I 41 Allied EOT dispositions: Palestine, Cyprus, the Vichy French Levant, and Iraq

Jun I 41 Allied EOT dispositions: Palestine, Cyprus, the Vichy French Levant, and Iraq

JUN II 41

British:
Middle East:

Arrive:
1 x 8 Inf XX HQ 50 Nth
6-4-6 Tank X 1 T
2-8 Inf X 150

Arrive [from East Africa]:
1 x 2-8 Inf X 9 (Ind)
1 x 2-8 Inf X 2 (SA)

Available for Assembly:
1 x 7-8 Inf XX 50 Nth

Other Allies:

Middle East:
Forming [per the WitD Allied OB booklet]:
1 x 3-8* Mtn X 1 (Gk)
1 x 0-1-8 Inf II Gd (Yugo)

Near East:

Conditional Reinforcements:

Arrive [Coup Turn 6]:
1 x 1-8 Inf X 17 (Ind)
2 steps of attack supply [per Watson’s “Iraq” Europa Battle Scenario in Europa #81]

  • The two steps of attack supply indicated for the Jun II 41 Allied turn in Watson’s “Iraq” Europa Battle Scenario’s Allied OB evidently did not come from the ME Command, as they aren’t indicated as Transfers to the NE Command in the WitD Allied OB booklet.  But they are included here in the new Scenario as NE Command reinforcement Arrivals and are considered essential in the game.

 

Jun II 41 Allied EOT dispositions: the Western Desert region, the Delta zone, Crete, Greece, the Aegean, and Cyprus

Jun II 41 Allied EOT dispositions: the Western Desert region, the Delta zone, Crete, Greece, the Aegean, and Cyprus

Jun II 41 Allied EOT dispositions: Palestine, the Vichy French Levant, western Iraq, and Cyprus

Jun II 41 Allied EOT dispositions: Palestine, the Vichy French Levant, western Iraq, and Cyprus

 JUL I 41

Middle East:

British:

2 ARPs
Arrive:
1 x 2-8 Inf X 151
1 x 1-8 MG II 2 Ch
1 x Hurri 1  5F5  1/8 (RAAF)
1 x Well 1C  3NB4  1-6/28
3 steps of attack supply
3 ARPs

Arrive [from East Africa]:
1 x 8 Inf XX HQ 5 (Ind)
2 x 2-8 Inf X 10, 29 (both Ind)
1 x 2-8 Inf X 1 (SA)
1 x A-22  3A3  2-1/19 (SAAF)

Arrive [from South Africa]:
2 x 2-8 Inf X 3, 6 (all SA)

Convert: 1 x Glad to:
1 x Hurri 1  5F5  1/8

Available for Assembly:
1 x 7-8 Inf XX 5 (Ind)

ME Replacements: 2 Br Inf, 1 Arm, 1 Aus Inf, 1 Ind Inf, .5 NZ Inf.

Malta:

Malta Repair Rate: 2 repair points each I turn and 1 repair point each II turn
Arrive:
1 x 0-1-8 Hv AA II  AA=2  4

Near East:

Regular reinforcement:
Arrive:
1 x 2-1-10* Lt Arm X 252 (Ind)

Jul I 41 Allied EOT dispositions: the Western Desert region, Crete, and the Dodecanese.

Jul I 41 Allied EOT dispositions: the Western Desert region, Crete, and the Dodecanese.

Jul I 41 Allied EOT dispositions: Palestine and the Vichy French Levant.

Jul I 41 Allied EOT dispositions: Palestine and the Vichy French Levant.

JUL II 41

Middle East:

British:

Arrive:
1 x 2-8 Inf X 69

Near East:

Regular reinforcement:
Arrive:
1 x 2-8 Inf X 18 (Ind)

French:
Note: Historically, these are now placed in the ME Forming Box. For the variable placement turn, see WitD Allied OB, p. 6:
1 x 2-8* Inf X 2FL (FF)
1 x 2-6 Inf X 3 FL (FF)]

AUG I 41

British:
Middle East:

Arrive:
1 x 3-8 Art X 10
1 x 5 pos flk  AA=1
3 steps of attack supply

Arrive [from East Africa]:
1 x Inf XX HQ 1 (SA)
1 x 2-8 Inf x 4 (SA)

Arrive [from West Africa]:
1 x 2-8 Inf X 161

WitD Middle East Garrison: Arrive:
1 x 0-1-6 RR Eng X MEF (Emp)

Convert: 1 x Hurri 1 to:
1 x Hurri 1  5NF5  1/8

[Note: In the WitD Allied OB the Ind 5 Inf XX HQ and the Ind 2-8 Inf X 9 both transfer from the Middle East to the Near East.]

ME Replacements: 2 Br Inf, 1 Arm, 1 Aus Inf 1 Ind Inf, .5 NZ Inf

Malta:
Arrive:
2 Br inf RPs
Upgrade: 1 x 1-8 MG II 1Ch (+ the 2 Br inf REs) to:
1 x 3-6* Inf X 3M

Near East:

Regular reinforcements:

Arrive:
1 x 8* Inf XX HQ 8 (Ind)
1 x 2-8 Inf X 19 (Ind)
2 steps of attack supply
5 SMPs

Available for Assembly:
1 x 7-8 Inf XX 1 (SA)
1 x 6-8* Inf XX 8 (Ind)

 

AUG II 41

  • Matruh-Tobruch railroad construction may begin.

British:
Middle East:

Arrive from South Africa:
1 x 8 Inf XX HQ 2 (SA)
1x 2-8 Inf X 4 (SA)

Available for Assembly:
1 x 7-8 Inf XX 2 (SA)

 

SEP I 41

British:
Middle East:

1 x 0-1-4 Cons X 61 RPC (Col)
2 ARPs

Arrive:
1 x 0-8 Lt AA II  AA=1  27
1 x P-40C  5F5  1/13
5 ARPs

Convert: 1 x 3-2-10 Arm X 3 and 2 x 2-1-6 Tnk II 4 RT and 7 RT to:
1 x 6-4-6 Tnk X 32 T
1 x 1-10 Recon II 1 DG

Withdraw:
1 x MNBDO  AA=4  1 (RM)

[Note: In the WitD Allied OB the Ind 2-8 Inf X 10 transfers from the Middle East to the Near East.]

ME Replacements: 2 Br Inf, 1 Arm, 1 Aus Inf 1 Ind Inf, .5 NZ Inf

Near East

Regular reinforcement:
Arrive:
1 x 1-pt river flotilla PAIC (RN) [AA=1]

OCT I 41

British:

Middle East:
Arrive:
1 x 3-2-10 Arm X 22
1 x 1-2-8 Eng X 8
1 x 5 pos flk  AA=1
3 steps of attack supply

Arrive [from East Africa]:
10 SMPs

Arrive [from South Africa]:
1 x Recon II 4 (SA)

Convert 1 x 8* Inf XX HQ 6 to:
1 x 8 Inf XX HQ 70

  • This is a Unit Identification Change, per the Middle East Order of Battle Options section found in the WW OB booklet.  The Option provides for the temporary renumbering of the British 70th Inf XX to the 6th Inf XX, beginning on the May I 41 Allied turn, until its unit ID Conversion (and upgrade status) this turn.  This coincides better with the historical references to the British 6th Inf XX in the Middle East during the time frame of the new Scenario, thereby hopefully increasing its realism and authenticity.  Note however, the important self-supporting designation on the British 6th Inf XX, as opposed to the upgraded status of the 70th Inf XX upon its Conversion this turn.

Available for Assembly:
7-8 Inf XX 70
Remove:  When the 1 x 7-8 Inf XX is assembled for the first time:
1 x 7-8* Inf XX 6

ME Replacements: 2 Br Inf, 1 Arm, 1 Aus Inf 1 Ind Inf, .5 NZ Inf

Near East:

Regular reinforcement:
Arrive:
1 x 0-8 Lt AA II  AA=1  1

[Note: In the WitD Allied OB the Ind 2-1-10* Lt Arm X 9 and the Ind 2-8 Inf X 9 both transfer from the Near East to the Middle East.]

NOV I 41

British:

Middle East:
2 ARPs
Special:  Appears in any Allied-owned unisolated city:
1 x 1-8 Inf X 38 (Ind)

Arrive:
1 x 3-8 Art X 30
1 x Bftr 1C  6HF5  1/S/21
1 x Huri 2C  5F5  2/9
1 x Well 2  4NB4  1-6/36
3 steps of attack supply

Arrive [from East Africa]:
1 x transport counter (1 RE)

WitD Middle East Garrison: Arrive:
1 x 1-6 Trng X MEF (NZ)

Special: Convert: 1 x 2-1-10* Lt Arm X 9 to: ME Forming Box:
1 x 4-3-8 Arm X 9
Note: 3 Arm RPs must be spent to activate this unit at full strength.

Convert: 1 x 0-1-8 Hv AA II  AA=2  51 to:
1 x 0-2-8 Hv AA X  AA=4  12

Convert: 1 x Hurri 1 (SAAF) to:
1 x Hurri 2  5F5  1/9 (SAAF)

Withdraw:
1 x Blen 4  3B3  1-2/23

Special: Withdraw 1 x 0-8 Marine Cmdo II ME and receive the WitD/WW Allied raiding ability. If 1 x 0-8 Marine Cmdo II ME is in the Replacement Pool, remove it from the Pool and receive the Allied raiding ability on Mar I 42.

ME Replacements: 2 Br Inf, 1 Arm, 1 Aus Inf 1 Ind Inf, .5 NZ Inf

Mediterranean:

Anti-Shipping: Arrive:
1 x Blen 4  3B3  1-2/S/23

Near East:

Regular reinforcements:
Arrive:
1 x 8* Inf XX HQ 6 (Ind)
1 x 2-8 Inf X 27 (Ind)
1 x 1-8 Inf X 26 (Ind)
1 x 1-6 Inf X Indr (ISF)

Available for Assembly:
1 x 6-8* Inf XX 6 (Ind)

[Note: In the WitD Allied OB the Ind 8 Inf XX HQ 5 and the Ind 2-8 Inf X 10 both transfer from the Near East to the Middle East.]