Afrika

Sept 40


Being a sucker for new shiny games, and a double sucker for new shiny games about the desert war, I'm afraid TP:S lost out to the newly arrived SCS Afrika (2nd edition) from MMP. I'm moderately familiar with the SCS system through Stalingrad Pocket II, and I'm enamoured of the speed and ease it brings to the table, even if it's not exactly detailed (but, hey, that's what we have OCS for, right?)

Afrika covers the war in Libya and Egypt, from the Italian invasion in September 1940 through to December 1942. Turns are monthly affairs, so 28 in total; units range from panzer battalions up to Italian infantry divisions. Supply plays a big part in Afrika; both sides must ship it in, and drive it in their limited trucks to where it's needed. Almost all units eat off the map, and penalties for not being near sufficient supply are severe; a reduction in all factors and an immediate step loss.


I started with the first scenario; the Italian invasion. The Italians have it tough; in this edition they must push a sizable force across the Italian border and either maintain it there or lose it. But there's precious little supply, and their slow infantry divisions must stay close to what there is. The British, of course, have little to oppose it, other than the 7th Armoured Division.
In this picture, you see the position at the end of the turn; the Italians have pushed about halfway to Mersa Matruh. A screening force from 7th Armoured opposes them while the LRDG lurk to the south; the two armoured units of 7th Armoured both start at reduced strength, and are awaiting reinforcement near Mersa Matruh. No combat has happened as yet.