Introduction

This excellent scenario exhibits all the best qualities of Panzer Grenadier. The action is historical, and forcing an outcome other than the historical one is a substantial undertaking; getting poor quality troops to pass through very high quality troops and reach a specific geographic objective. The Italians were likely probing the Allied lines in an area they presumed weak, while the Australians were "on the line". In such situations, training and leadership predominate, and the Italians had neither.

The Plans

The objective being quite simple, the plans are equally simple. The Australians need to protect the OP, the Italians to overrun it. The sole Italian advantage is one 10-Strength Off-Board Artillery factor. This may be enough, if the Italians draw at least mediocre Leaders, which is not likely. The Australians have two units dug-in, and three rifle platoons to screen the OP, with the signal advantage four leaders.

The Australians

The Australians can screen the OP with their rifle platoons, which are a match for the Italians and much better led and trained. The two heavy weapons may be dug-in in support, and if luck is not wholly against the Australians, the Leader mix will allow them to spare the Sergeant or a Lieutenant to handle the 3-Inch and HMG in covering the OP. The three rifle companies can then manoeuver as need be to stop any Italian movements on the OP.

The Italians

For the Italians, the thing requires them to flush the Australians and rush the OP, hoping one unit survives to enter the hex (regardless of how). Thus they keys are bringing down the OBA and Mortar fire on the Australian units ahead of the Italian infantry advance, and then pushing into the objective hex with everything, punhcing at the Australians with the OBA and Mortar constantly.

The Battle

Luck was, indeed, wholly against the Australians. The Italian OBA was devestating, the Italian infantry platoons led with dash and displaying considerable élan of their own, and the Australians lethargic and prone to panic. What should have been a fairly simple fight degenerated into a stunning Australian rout. The Italians not only entered the Australian OP, they owned it.

Conclusion

One of the reasons I love this scenario---even though I had my ass handed to me (and I have an ample ass)---is that it so clearly shows how Chance can shift the balance of a fight where the margins are within the possible. The forces are actually fairly equal. The Australian advantage in Leadership is balanced against the Italian OBA, and as any veteran of Panzer Grenadier knows, artillery can ruin an infantry company's day in a hurry. There are a couple of almost-average Italian Leaders, and my opponent drew them; there are some lousy Australian Leaders, and I drew them. I could not manage to roll a Morale Check to save my life, while my opponent rolled so well he actually offered to swap dice with me (FYI---they were all my dice, so I declined). This is a great little scenario.