Madness at Mersa Matruh 1.0.1

MADNESS AT MERSA MATRUH  by Connaugh

SITUATION:
After the defeat at Gazala, the Commonwealth has retreated to defensive strongpoints based on the coastal town of Mersa Matruh with the main goal of delaying the Afrika Korps from advancing on Alamein.

MISSION:
The Afrika Korps is to assault with the intent of capturing the Commonwealth strongpoints and destroy 75 per cent of the Commonwealth force, paving the way for an advance into Egypt.

EXECUTION:
The Etruscan Infantry Brigades- Trento, Brescia, and Pavia will assault the the town of Mersa Matruh. The Afrika Korps Armored units of 15th Panzer, 21st Panzer, 90th Light, and the Etruscan Armored units of Ariete and Trieste will capture Bir El Hukuma, Charing Cross, and Sidi Hamza. Then assist the Etruscan Infantry by capturing Mersa Matruh. Next, the Armored units will swing east to assault Bir Sarahna, Minqar Qaim, and Bir Kalda. The Commonwealth positions will be defended by the 10th Indian, 50th Northumbrian, and 2nd New Zealand infantry units along with the battered remnants of the 1st and 7th Armored. Two weak battle groups,  Leathercol and Gleecol, have been formed to defend the center between Mersa Matruh and Sidi Hamza. A cynical staff officer has described a battle group as a "brigade group that has been twice overrun by tanks".