Historical Background: The King's African Rifles had failed its attack against Gambela, so the 11th Battalion of the "Force Publique" was ordered to capture the city. Italian troops have prepared defensive positions with a lot of automatic weapons, particularly on the hill called "the Sugar Loaf" by British soldiers. Congolese troops had to advance on an open field, 800m long, under enemy fire, before to reach the first buildings of the city. Advancing through the bush and along the dry river banks, Congolese soldiers entered in the enemy line. A charge with bayonets fixed made by a platoon of the 2nd Company gave the destruction of an Italian defensive position. The battle lasted until the evening, and in the night, the Italian garrison evacuated the place and withdrew towards Saio. Gambela was in the hands of the "Force Publique". The stage is set, the battle lines are drawn, and you are in command. The rest is history.
Briefing: Axis player [Italy] : 5 command cards. Allied player [Belgium] : 6 command cards, you move first.
Conditions of Victory: 6 medals. The capture of the Governor's house and the depot are each a temporary medal objective for the Allied player.
Special Rules: - Use "Italian Royal Army" rules (Nations 6) to all Axis units. Badges are not required. - Special Weapon Asset rules (SWAs1 - Special Weapon Assets) are in effect for all units equipped with Machine Gun (SWAs 7 - Machine Gun). - Use "Depleted Unit" rules (Troops 22) for the Axis armored unit which represents the armored car seen in this battle. - Use "Fords & Fordable Rivers" rules (Terrains 41) for the Baro river.
Scenario Bibliography: - "Bortaï" Campagne d'Abyssinie 1941 - Philippe Brousmiche. - Image Google Earth.
Warning: Please note that this scenario was not approved by Richard Borg or Days of Wonder, so you have to check yourself about playability, potential gaming issues, etc.
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