December 30, 1940. Today’s action (although I use the term lightly) takes us to the Battle of Bardia. Although the battle began on 8 December, the 2nd Australian Imperial Force (AIF) first got involved on December 30th.

The time is 1645, and D Company of the 2/6th Inf Battalion of the 6th Australian Division had taken up a forward observer position.

Elements of the Italian 158th Inf Regiment of the “Cirene” Division were trying to break through…

The Italians must advance and the Australians must stop them.

Only a small corridor of the map is used

Italians make a feint to the South and the Australians move to intercept

Italian push to the south meets Australian fire and get demoralized. Meanwhile the Capitano moves to the north drawing fire.

Australian Lieutenant moves toward the Tenente to cut him off drawing heavy fire. Capitano makes a break around the north!

Australian mortar fire has no effect and the Capitano makes a run for the goal-line, but is finally disrupted by combined rifle and HMG fire. While occupied, the Tenente makes for a dash down the centre gauntlet!

Australian Lieutenant blocks the gauntlet. The Capitano orders his infantry for the 600m dash to the observer post. 200m… draw lots of fire but unfazed. 400m… HMG disrupts! 200m short! With the gauntlet blocked, the Tenente moves back dangerously to the south

Unable to combat move, the Capitano races to catch up with his infantry who are just short of the goal. The Tenente in the south orders his infantry for the 600m dash. 200m… Australian Rifle fire misses, but the HMG disrupts the Tenente. 400m… Australians miss the tackle! 600m… GOAL!

With only 30 minutes left on the timer, the Italians are successful.

Aftermath

This is really a quick introductory scenario to teach/learn the PG system. I would suggest PG veterans to skip it altogether. The number of units (and consequently bloodlessness) reminded me of Panzer Grenadier: Airborne (Introductory Edition).