May I 37

Insurgent Player Turn.

The direct route into Santander along the rail line is deemed too strong to attack directly, so attempts are made on the flanks, with mixed success. In the mountains to the west, 2 XXX’s attack some unsupported Santandero X’s and succeed in destroying them despite the defensible terrain (6:1 -2 = EX). To the east, however, the 15th(Int) XX, with some supporting units and DAS beats back an attack by the CTV and a Spanish XXX (3:1 -1 = AS).

Loyalist Player Turn.

The planned drive from Santander is again delayed as units in that area extend their lines to prevent an Insurgent breakout from the mountains, the troops around Soria are still not ready, but the tempo of operations aroung Miranda de Ebro picks up as 2 attacks are launched in that area. North of the Burgos-Miranda de Ebro rail line (hex 1803), air units flying GS help drive back the Insurgent 4th(Req.) XX and supporting units with heavy losses (3:1 0 = DH), but further south, bad terrain and Insurgent DAS pretty well muck up an attack on the 72nd XX even though the Loyalist in this battle also recieved GS (3:1 -2 = AR).

May I 37

Insurgent Player Turn.

The 52 XX is formed. Attacks continue to focus on the flanks of the line across the Santander rail line. To the south (hex 1703), Loyalist DAS again helps the 15 (Int) XX fend off an attack by the CVT (2:1 -1 = AS). To the north, DAS also plays a role in defending the last line in the mountains (hex 1306) before the narrow coastal plain from an assault by the 3 (Req) and 13 XX’s, with supporting units. The attack, launched by the Nationalists with much hesitation and in some desperation, is a disaster (3:1 -2 = AH). The strong 13 XX is completely wiped out as its cadre is routed while attempting to withdrow (ZOC kill). Most of the supporting units are also eliminated, including 2 LE III’s. (It may have been a mistake to take the losses in this manner; if the Requete XX had been eliminated the cadre of the 13th would have survived, but the Insurgent have plenty of Nationalist replacements but no accumulated Requete replacement.)

This ill-advised attack has compromised the Insurgent position around Burgos. The offensive will have to be called off and only tactical counterattacks made until the situation can be stabilized.

Loyalist Player Turn.

The troops near Soria are finally ready to attack. They begin by reducing a fortified position (hex 2306) held by the Nationalist 12 XX (plus supporting units). Both sides call in air support as the Loyalists carry the fort lines in a bloody exchange (4:1 -2 = EX).

Along the Miranda de Ebro front, 2 attacks are again launched. The 72nd XX is finally expelled from the rugged terrain it had been defending (hex 2004) although the Loyalists, attacking in greater strength and with air support, take some losses (5:1 -2 = HX). Directly west of Miranda de Ebro, the reinforced 52nd XX holds on in yet another battle featuring ground support on both sides (3:1 0 = AS).

On the Santander front, there are still no attacks launched, but the destruction of the 13th XX allows the Loyalist forces to move forward in the nountains.