Historical Background: 1st squadron of Spahis under the command of captain Jourdier was one of the first Free French units. This French cavalry unit was integrated in the 5th Indian Division during the Eritrean Campaign. On the 2nd of January 1941, during a patrol on the Umbrega plateau, this cavalry unit discovered a bivouac of Italian Askaris (Italian colonial troops). Using surprise, two platoons charged with swords drawn the enemy while another platoon, unseated, gave support fire. Hidden by thorny bushes, the Spahis routed the Askaris. This fighting was one of the last charge of the French Cavalry. The stage is set, the battle lines are drawn, and you are in command. The rest is history.
Briefing: Allied player [Free French] : 6 command cards, you move first. Axis player [Italy] : Because of the attack by surprise, the Axis player begins to play with only two cards, he draws two cards after turns 1 and 2. He willl then have a hand of 4 command cards for the rest of the battle.
Conditions of Victory: 5 medals.
Special Rules: - Use "Royal Italian Army" rules (Nations 6) to all Axis units, badges are not required. The Italian High-Command rule is not used in this scenario. - Use "French Army" rules (Nations 7). - Use "Cavalry" rules (Troops 8) to the four Allied units with badge. - "Barrage" card is not used in this scenario. Discard it and take another in the deck.
Scenario Bibliography: - 39/45 Magazine - Forces Françaises Libres - Combats de l'espoir. - Magazine Ligne de Front hors-série n°9 - FFL - les heures de gloire.
Official scenario of FFM44. Played during the tournament in Cergy Pontoise on the 30th of June 2012.
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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