As the Italians, our limited objective was to take 2 of the 3 hills on the map whilst limiting our casualties. The Indian defenders had largely split their forces between the two southernmost hills, whilst I had determined to attack the south western objective, but bypass the south eastern hill and head straight towards the northernmost hill where there was a very light defence.

However, early into the attack a sandstorm hit the area. It was brief, lasting only 15 minutes, but the effects after it cleared were to slow any movement down to a crawl but allowing the defenders the ability to see us coming from afar. Given the likely heavy casualties from attacking both southern hills, I determined to try and carry out the original plan, hoping to at least capture one of the objectives before the 1445 deadline.

The attack on the south western hill soon hit trouble. The Italians tried to skirt the western edge and approach from the north, bypassing the machine gun nest that was guarding the southern approaches. A diversionary force was directed to keep the MG group 'honest'. Some success by the Bande was short-lived as they got bogged down in a protracted assault. Most of the Fans were shot up and the attack stalled. The only thing giving these troops a chance was that the other flank troops were on their way north and holding the Indian defenders on the other hill from reinforcing the other hill. The advance there was so slow that, by the time the Indians released most of their troops, it was too late to have an effect over on the other hill.

But slow it was, and the eastern flank force only reached the north eastern hill with about 3-4 turns to go. Some sterling defending from the infantry and the 2-pdr there held them off long enough to hold the objective. Over to the south west, the attackers had pulled back to reorganise and go on the attack again, but the defence was too strong and they began to retreat in earnest. The sandstorm had made this attack all but impossible.

I think this scenario would be quite well balanced and would go to the wire, had it not been for the sandstorm from the random events table. Such are the fortunes of war!