Synopsis - AOI #4 - El Wak Job

The attack on 16-12-1940 by the Commonwealth started at 0630 and lasted only until 1000. However, it was more difficult than expected. The first eight turns saw a slow go by the Allies as tbe 103rd Gruppo Bande Coloniali Dubai held fast and shot straight from their secure bunkers.

The scenario is divided into two geographical sectors, British and South African. The mission for the attackers is to capture Italian entrenchments strung along an E-W road. This certainly appears doable as the Italians are forccd to defend each board to gain VPs. They look understrength for the task. But this proved deceptive. But it is not easy to capture an entrenchment. To make matters worse, the South Africans have low morale at 7/6.

The Italians proved especially difficult for the South Africans, who were overconfident in their approach towards their enemy. As they advanced within machine gun range of the Italians, they were met with surprisingly accurate fire. The Italians had a reputation for poor marksmanship, but this was a different game. The Italians had their backs against the wall; no where to run in this fight. They were safe in their entrenchments and impervious even to repeated Assaults. The South Africans slowly conquered each entrenchment in their sector, but lost a leader and three valuable steps, more than they could afford.

In the British sector, the watchword was a slow, methodical attack. But it was more effective than losing troops. It was a grind; not exciting but better than the South African effort. In the end, the Italians were crushed by the sheer weight of the Commonnwealth attack. Their surprising resistance was still no match for the firepower of the South Africans and British.