Author	treadasaurusrex (United States)
Method	VASSAL
Victor	United States
Participants	Tankodactyl
Play Date	2023-02-02
Language	English
Scenario	CoDa002

This was a 3-session play-through that matches a reinforced German Recon battalion, ably led by the rapidly-improving Tankodactyl, with elements of the 1st Cavalry Division in the mountain wilds of Tunisia. I led the American side in what essentially a west-to-east movement to contact that proceeded by fits & starts to drive the defending Germans off the battle map. We used the FOW, consolidation, excess initiative, strategic movement and smoke/illum optional rules. The German leader draw was middling, while the US drew a fine set of leaders. Surprisingly, there were only 8 FOW-shortened game turns in our play-through.

The US force surged forward in parallel, left (weak side) and right (strong side) flanking columns, mostly sticking to the available hilly terrain on either side of the main road. The Germans also pushed forward from the east to seize crucial positions overlooking the American advance. Mostly, the Americans advanced, nearly-continuously on either flank -- slowing down only long enough to dismount, assault the scattered German positions, and remount. The US automatic weapon strength (CMG) was daunting for the defending Germans throughout. By mid-game, it was very clear that the Americans would simply sweep the remaining Axis troops away with overwhelming direct fire in what was ultimately a decisive US victory. Final step losses were 32 for the Germans & 5 leaders, versus 10 for the Americans, plus 2 leaders.

I give this one a 5 for fun-to-play, training value, lots of maneuver, and the way that this scenario showcases what a true cavalry division might have accomplished if turned loose on the Africa Korps in the desert.