Apr I 37

Insurgent Player Turn.

Spring rains continue to make the ground to muddy to launch any attacks in the north, while the delay in attacking along the rails west of Madrid has allowed Loyalist reinforcement to strengthen their position to such an extent that the Insurgents decline to attack them.

Loyalist Player Turn.

The French close their border again. Intelligence reports indicate that they will keep it closed for a long while this time. Otherwise, still waiting….

Apr II 37

Insurgent Player Turn.

The weather in the north finally clears, allowing operation to pick up in the north. Most of the Insurgents’ best troops, including the CVT and Kondor Legion ground troops, are committed to a massive attack SW of Santander (hex 1604). Loyalist control of the air over the battlefield allow the to recieve DAS but the attack is so strong the Insurgents aren’t to worried about being unable to call in GS. The attack results in the Insurgents ending up in control of the battleground but they fail to inflict much losses on the PA & Ast. units involved (5:1 -2 = DR). Commitment of so much strength to this one attack, and continued supply concern, prevent any other attacks at this time.

Loyalist Player Turn.

A revolt against the Republican government breaks out in Barcelona. The PA command had been warned of this and has made sure that plenty of good, loyal PA units are available in Cataluna to suppress the revolt. It also moves quickly to disarm POUM units.

The drive on Burgos gets off to an inauspicious beginning. The Insurgent attack on the Santanderos has disrupted the planned attack from that direction, the troops at Soria are not quite ready to attack, and some forces from Miranda de Ebro are sent to Santander to shore up the defense in that area. In the end, only one attack is launched, a preparatory attack on the 3 Lit Div and supporting CTV units in the upper Ebro Valley (hex 2103). The Italians are shattered with some losses to their attackers (3:1 -1 = EX).

Meanwhile, an attempt to bomb the airfield at Burgos goes badly as an escorting I-15 is aborted and the target escapes damage.