Historical Background: The 1st Italian Motorized Group was created on the 27th of September 1943 and at the disposal of Allied troops by the Italian "Comando Supremo" to participate to the fight against the Germans. With the size of a brigade, this group was composed of the 67th Infantry Regiment "Legnano", the 51st Bersaglieri Battalion and the 11th Artillery Regiment and some other units, all equipped with Italian armaments and equipments. While Operation Raincoat was developing on the left flank in order to capture Monte Cammino, the 1st Italian Motorized Group was ordered to capture Monte Lungo always defended by a battalion of the 15.PanzerGrenadier Regiment. The first Italian assault on the 08th of December was a setback because of the fog which was clearing suddenly revealing the Italian infantrymen advancing in open ground. A second attack was organized on the 16th of December and gave the victory to the Italian troops by the final capture of Monte Lungo. German troops withdraw to a new defensive line called Gustav Line and which the pivot was Monte Cassino. The stage is set, the battle lines are drawn, and you are in command. The rest is history.
Briefing: Allied player [Italy/United States] : 6 command cards, you move first. Axis player [Germany] : 5 command cards.
Conditions of Victory: 6 medals. The Monte Lungo is a temporary medal-objective for the Allied player.
Special Rules: - Use "Royal Italian Army" rules (Nations 6) to all Allied units with Italian badge. - Use "Specialized Units" rules (Troops 2) to the Bersaglieri Italian unit, to the US Rangers unit and to the four Axis infantry units with "elite" badge. - Use "Night Attack " rules (Actions 19).
Scenario Bibliography: - Militaria Magazine hors-série n°43 - Premiers pas en Italie. - "La seconde Guerre mondiale au jour le jour - 08 décembre 1943.
Remember, see the memorial and the Italian wargraves of Monte Lungo (Sacrario militare) and the memorial of San Pietro Infine.
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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