Bolt Action - Game Report 24

Sectors – Operation Torch Nov 1943

Introduction

On to the final game and this time, and into battle against the Vichy French

Situation

Despite high optimism that the Vichy French would capitulate quickly the allied commanders were taking no chances. Not least because the French were fighting to defend their Algerian colonial possession. Late intelligence reports indicated that there was a strong Vichy French Force, with armoured support, South West of Algiers at the village of EL AFROUN. This had not been factored into the plan and scratch force from 1st Bn Duke of Glendon’s Light Infantry (1 DOG) was thrown together to contain it and destroy it.

Enemy Forces

The intelligence reports were sketchy at best. However, it was known that this force was mostly Infantry with cavalry and armoured support.

Friendly Forces

CO 1 DOG gave the mission to C Company with two weak infantry platoons. The CO used divisional resources to ensure that C Coy was supported by their attached artillery observer, an early mark of Cromwell tank that had been deployed on the Operation to evaluate it under desert conditions, Engineer support from a Wasp flamethrower, an M5 Half track from Division and a Bren carrier from the Battalion Rece Platoon, and a sniper from the Sniper Platoon.

Mission

C Coy is to advance and destroy the Vichy French Forces at EL AFROUN.

Mission Report

The British preparatory bombardment was highly successful, destroying the enemy armour and suppressing the infantry. The sniper team deployed overnight and managed to secure an overwatch position for the Coy in the village.

On the left 1 Platoon advanced to secure the oasis outside the village is a flank protection, and ready to advance as required.

The Vichy French forces advanced bravely to secure and outflank the village. In doing so they put significant fire down on the sniper team to pin them. The artillery officer has successfully called artillery down and caused further disruption to the enemy forces.

To counter the French advance into EL AFROUN 1Pl has thrown forward an infantry section. Meanwhile the Wasp no longer needed on the left is moving to support he right.

2Pl as a mobile reserve arrived as required on the right flank and rapidly brought fire to bear on the French, and successfully won the fire fight.

The carrier section advanced and dismounted on the depth objective and destroyed the enemy fire support.

Outcome

A significant British victory.