Background
Operation Herkules was the German code-name given to a planned but never-executed Italo-German invasion of Malta during World War II (the Italian code-name was Operazione C3). Through combined air and sea landings, the Axis powers hoped to eliminate Malta as a British air and naval base and secure an uninterrupted flow of supplies across the Mediterranean Sea to their forces fighting in Libya and Egypt. Though extensive preparations were made by both German and Italian military forces, the rapidly changing war situation in North Africa resulted in the plan’s cancellation in November 1942.
Given the short distance (90 miles) between Axis airfields on Sicily and the planned drop zones over Malta, it was possible for the motorized transports to make four round-trips per day. They were to drop one Italian and one German airborne division onto the southern side of the island. The paratroopers had two primary objectives: securing the high ground behind the invasion beaches and seizing a nearby airfield so Axis transport aircraft could quickly land an additional division and supplies…
Two days were allowed for the main amphibious assault and landing of the follow-up convoy, though this was heavily dependent on quickly securing Marsaxlokk Bay which would allow heavier artillery pieces and a much higher tonnage of supplies to be brought in.
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Herkules)
The Game
Situation:
It is 19 July 1942; the Combined Axis Invasion Force has begun landings on the strategic Island of Malta in order to deprive the British of their last bastion in the central Mediterranean that has been a thorn in the side of the Axis effort in North Africa. Elements of the German 3rd Regiment of the 7th Fliegerdivision attempt to seize the high ground behind the landing beaches and seize the town of Marsaxlokk. Victory for the Axis is to seize and hold the high ground and seize the coastal town, otherwise it would be a British victory.
Scenario Special Rules:
- The game play is lengthwise with the Germans deploying in the middle and one British infantry company in the town, the other British player will enter the table from the opposite side.
- Only the Fallschirmjager infantry started on the board, HMGs and Medium Mortars land on Turn Two and remaining units land on Turn Three. The Germans also have one free battery of shore bombardment (heavy cruiser) as delayed reserves (single range in attempt per turn thereafter).
- Each German player receives 1500 points to build from Fallschirmjager units (no armored units are allowed).
- All hits are difficult going and bullet proof cover. All other terrain is low and concealment.
- The Marsaxlokk force is a 1200 point fearless trained (Maltese infantry) and must deploy facing the board edge (defending the harbour). The reserve company is 1500 point confident veteran formation and enters from the rear area as reserves. All artillery is fearless veteran.
Forces:
The British consisted of a Maltese Territorial Company (three infantry platoons and an HMG platoon) rated as Fearless Trained with 3.7” AAA section (confident trained), 25 pdr Artillery battery (fearless trained), and two armored cars (confident trained) defending the coast. The infantry was The reserve company consisted of a infantry company with medium mortars, two carrier sections and a 25lb battery in support All reserves were rated as Confident Veteran.
The Germans consisted of a landing force on the right side of the road and another on the left side of the road. Each had three infantry platoons, HMGs, mortars and 37mm ATGs in support. All the German units were rated as Fearless Veterans. The Germans also had Priority Stuka air support with Close Support. Starting on turn three, the Germans received Shore Bombardment Artillery (Cruiser).
Game Narrative:
The game depicted the theoretical Axis airborne landing to secure Masaxlokk and anchor the right flank of the follow on sea borne landings. The German plan was to apply equal pressure against entrenched and reserve British units in the hope of overcoming them using the superior quality of troops and slight points advantage. The Maltese job was to hold on until revealed by the counter attacking reserves.
Turn one: The Germans began their attack by attacking the exposed 25 pdr battery and seizing the high ground. The remained of their forces advanced towards the town. The Germans started attriting the British gun line with heavy Stuka attacks. The first British units arrived taking defensive positions along the main road
On Turn Two, the German reinforcements landed, suffering wide dispersion and a few casualties. However, the Germans were able to ground up the exposed 25 pdr battery. At the same time, the FJs elected to attempt a coup de main against the Maltese platoon holding the flank. Unfortunately, the British firepower, added by the armored car troop, decimated the Fallschirmjager throwing them back. The British raced there carriers forward to engage the FJ’s blocking force causing several casualties in a vicious close battle. The RAF decided to show up and chased away an incoming Stuka attack.
On Turn Three, the remaining German reinforcements arrived with a section of heavy mortars landing off the table, delaying their supporting fire by another turn. The British reserves continued to close with the FJ’s blocking force, losing several Carriers, but forcing the FJ’s to fall back out of their positions. The British reserves also started to come forward against the other FJ company. However, they suffering heavy casualties to Air, Shore Bombardment and Ground fire.
Over the next several turns, the other FJ company swung their attention towards the Maltese positions, bringing fire on to the 3.7” AAA battery and several of the HMG positions on the edge of the town. The reserve British continued to aggressively close with the German Blocking Force, but suffered sufficient loses to force him to go to ground and stay. The FJ’s got their artillery observed got killed early on, forcing them to expose their Company Commander in order to shoot at the Maltese positions.
The game ended with all forces spent, but the Maltese securing holding onto the town. The FJ’s were able to secure the high ground, but could not take the town. The game was decided as a minor British victory.
– Manteuffel