Afrika Korps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 90. Leichte Afrika Division . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

26
Special Rules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Africa Rifle Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
War in the Desert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Africa Rifle Company HQ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
The Fall of Tobruk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Africa Rifle Platoon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Battle of Alam El Halfa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 5cm Tank-hunter Platoon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Battle of Medenine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Sd Kfz 10/4 Light AA Platoon . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Know Your Panzers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Support Units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Tiger Heavy Tank Platoon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Rommel’s Afrika Korps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Marder (7.62cm) Tank-hunter Platoon . . . . . . . 32
Afrika Korps Force . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 8.8cm Heavy AA Platoon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Panzer Regiment 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Sd Kfz 221 & 222 Light Scout Troop . . . . . . . . 33
Panzer III Tank Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Sd Kfz 231 Heavy Scout Troop . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Panzer III Tank Company HQ . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Panzer II OP Observation Post . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Panzer III (Uparmoured) Tank Company HQ . 18 10.5cm Artillery Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Panzer III Tank Platoon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 15cm (Sf ) Lorraine Schlepper Artillery Battery . 35
Panzer III (Uparmoured) Tank Platoon . . . . . . 19 Ju 87 Stuka Dive Bomber Flight . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Panzer III (Mixed) Tank Platoon . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Painting Afrika Korps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Panzer II Light Tank Platoon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Afrika Korps Armour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Panzer Regiment 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Afrika Korps Markings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Panzer IV Tank Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Afrika Korps Infantry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Panzer IV Tank Company HQ . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Aircraft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Panzer IV Tank Platoon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Basing Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

1
 Soldiers! This magnificent success is due to your courage, endurance, and perseverance.
The battle is not yet over. Forward then to the final destruction of the enemy.
— Generalfeldmarschall Erwin Rommel

The North African desert is a harsh and forbidding place. Arid rocky wastes are interspersed with patches of soft sand,
where the only vegetation is scattered clumps of desert thorn bushes. Roads are few and poor. In the vast swathes of
arid, trackless waste, navigation is often no easier than on a ship at sea, far out of the sight of land. All supplies must
be carried to the front by long, straggling supply columns, which are constantly hounded by air attacks. Fuel is always
scarce, and even water is a precious resource. It is a brutal environment where only the toughest and most resourceful
can survive, let alone fight.

The Deutsches Afrika Korps (German Africa Corps), DAK for In the wide-open spaces of the Western Desert, defence
short, is a force of tough, hard-hitting veterans. Victory after against tanks is paramount, so the rifle companies include
victory has given them supreme confidence in their ultimate plenty of anti-tank guns and some light anti-aircraft half-
success. They are willing to make the necessary sacrifices tracks to enable them to take on anything that they face.
to win. Long experience, backed by a doctrine that stresses The Afrika Korps is a fully-mechanised force, and it has
manoeuvre over head-to-head fights, has left them better both self-propelled anti-tank and anti-aircraft guns and
able to exploit tactical opportunities than just about any artillery, as well as more conventional towed weapons. Their
other force in the world. guns are generally of higher calibre and more powerful
The Afrika Korps has two main types of tanks, the lighter than the Allied equivalents, especially the dual-purpose
Panzer III and the heavier Panzer IV. These panzers are well '88', dreaded by every Allied tanker. Known more formally
armoured, well armed, and have good mobility, making them as the 8.8cm  FlaK36, this gun has outstanding range and
superior overall to the multitude of British and American penetration against tanks, and the reach to hit any aircraft.
tanks they face. Speaking of aircraft, the equally famous Ju-87 Stuka dive
The massive Tiger tank arrived too late for the pivotal battles bomber provides the Afrika Korps with heavy fire support
at El Alamein, but joined the Afrika Korps for the defence of wherever it is needed.
Tunisia. Armed with the famous '88', it easily destroys enemy If you want a small elite force with some of the best
tanks at long ranges, while its own thick hide is impervious equipment in the world, this is the army for you. You'll be
to return fire. There aren't many of these monsters, but each outnumbered, but your skill and the quality of your troops
one is a significant force in its own right. will enable you to overcome any obstacle.

2
 The following special rules are characteristic of German Afrika Korps forces,
reflecting their own style of equipment, tactics, and approach to battle.

AFRIKA KORPS PROTECTED AMMO

The Afrika Korps is experienced and confident of success. German tanks stored their ammunition in armoured bins. This
significantly reduced ammunition explosions when tanks were
STORMTROOPERS knocked out. The increased crew survival rate gave tank crews
Stormtrooper tactics learned during the First World War empha- considerable confidence in their tanks.
sised the importance of initiative and decisive action. This Tanks with Protected Ammo have a better Remount rating.
emphasis carried over to training and combat in the Second
World War. TIGER TANKS
A Unit may attempt a second Movement Order after suc- Only the best crews were recruited for the heavy Tiger tanks.
ceeding in its first Movement Order. The second Movement
Order must be different from the first. ESCORT TANKS
When the powerful Tiger tank entered service, there were
THIRD REICH only a handful available, so the Germans assigned each one a
German soldiers have defeated all comers, no matter what the lighter Panzer III tank as an escort to protect it from enemy
odds, and conquered much of the world. They believe in them- tank-hunting parties. Unsurprisingly, the escort tanks were often
selves and are confident of victory, so take heavy casualties in knocked out, leaving the Tiger tanks to carry on alone.
their stride knowing that success is certain.
You may add one Escort tank, either a Panzer III
Troops of the Third Reich have a better Last Stand rating. (Uparmoured) or a Panzer III (7.5cm), for each Tiger tank
in a Heavy Panzer Platoon for the points shown in the unit
PANZERS organisation. Use the characteristics shown on the Panzer III
German tanks, as with all German engineering, are carefully Tank Platoon and Panzer III (uparmoured) Tank Platoon
designed and make good use of technology. cards for these tanks.
Ignore Bailed Out or Destroyed Escort tanks when deter­
HEAT mining if the Unit is In Good Spirits, so if there are no
The German army was the first to experiment with High Bailed Out or Destroyed Tiger tanks, the unit will be In
Explosive Anti-Tank (HEAT) warheads in combat. When a Good Spirits.
HEAT warhead explodes, it forms a jet of metal that can punch A Tiger Heavy Tank Platoon has a Last Stand rating of 2+,
through a tank’s armour. Since it doesn’t rely on velocity, it is whether or not it has Escort tanks.
equally effective at any range.
This enabled them to up-gun the Panzer III from the stand- TIGER ACE
ard 5cm gun to surplus 7.5cm guns from the short-barrelled Tiger crews were hand picked as the best of the best. They had
Panzer IV, giving it a new lease of life. confidence in themselves and their machines, and fought on
A Team’s Armour rating is not increased by +1 if it is more when the odds against them appeared insurmountable.
than 16”/40cm away when hit by HEAT weapons. Tiger Aces have a better Last Stand rating and a significantly
better Remount rating.

3
 S OV I E T
NORWAY
UN I O N
ESTONIA
SWEDEN
LATVIA Moscow

LITHUANIA
North Sea
DENMARK
Minsk
Kursk
G R E AT
POLAND Kharkov
B R I TA I N Berlin Warsaw
NETHERLANDS
London Kiev

Dunkirk
G E R M A N Y
BELGIUM

Paris SLOVAKIA
CRIMEA

F R A N C E HUNGARY Sevastopol
SWITZERLAND ROMANIA
Black Sea

YUGOSLAVIA
VICHY FRANCE
BULGARIA

I TA LY
SPAIN CORSICA Rome ALBANIA
TURKEY

SARDINIA GREECE

SICILY

Algiers Tunis CRETE

Oran
TUNISIA Mediterranean Sea

ALGERIA Kasserine
Pass
MOROCCO
Tripoli Gazala Mersa Alexandria
Tobruk Matruh
0 500 Benghazi El Alamein
Km
500 Beda Fomm
M L I BYA EG Y P T
El Agheila
Western Front Eastern Front North African Theatre Pacific Theatre
1939 1 9 4 0
1 September 6 October 9 April - 10 June 10 May 9 December
Germany Poland Germany invades Germany invades the Operation Compass: British
invades Poland Surrenders Denmark and Norway Nether­lands, Belgium and France push Italians back into Libya

3 September 13 March 27 May - 5 June 13 September

France and Britain Winter War ends. British and French evacuate Italy invades Egypt
declare war on Germany Finland cedes territory over 300,000 troops at Dunkirk
10 July - 31 October
17 September 30 November 28 May The Battle of Britain
Soviet Union Winter War begins. Belgium surrenders
invades Poland Soviet Union invades Finland, 22 June
but is stopped cold France surrenders

4
 On 10 June 1940 the Italian dictator Benito Mussolini, Rommel immediately launched a daring offensive, catching
known as Il Duce, declared war on Great Britain and the weakened British off guard. They were driven back from
France. He had dreams of a new Roman Empire, which he El Agheila in disarray. The German forces swept onward,
would start by kicking the British out of North Africa. In recapturing Benghazi. In just 12 days, Rommel reversed
September, Marshal Rodolfo Graziani led a 250,000-strong the tide of the campaign and drove the British back out of
army out of the Italian colony of Libya into British-held Libya apart from the 9th Australian Division and assorted
Egypt. The Italian Tenth Army, lacking motorised transport, other troops left behind in the port of Tobruk, denying the
advanced slowly at the pace of their marching infantry. Axis a vital Mediterranean supply port. The besieged ‘Rats
The British and Commonwealth defenders, the 30,000- of Tobruk’ steadfastly resisted everything the Germans and
strong Western Desert Force under General Archibald Italians threw at them. They could not break out and escape,
Wavell, were heavily outnumbered and equipped with but the need to keep them contained made it much harder
Rostov
outdated equipment. However, they were well trained and for Rommel to press his advantage.
determined. Wavell conducted a fighting retreat, his tanks The British made two attempts to relieve Tobruk. In May,
continually harassing and delaying the advancing Italians. Operation Brevity recaptured the Halfaya Pass, but the
Graziani stopped to wait for reinforcements and supplies at British were thrown back again later the same day. In June,
Sidi Barrani, less than a quarter of the way to Alexandria, Operation Battleaxe aimed to encircle the Germans, but the
Britain’s general headquarters in Africa. There, the Italians Afrika Korps’ effective use of mobile tank tactics and anti-
dug in, building a series of fortified camps. tank guns—especially the dual-role 88mm gun—repelled
When Wavell launched a counteroffensive on 9 December the attack with heavy losses to the British forces. Having
1940, code-named Operation Compass, its success surprised failed to lift the siege of Tobruk, Wavell was replaced by
both the Italians and the British. Wavell’s more mobile General Sir Claude Auchinleck.
forces were able to pick off the dispersed Italian positions Thanks to information received from the Ultra programme,
one by one. What was planned as a five-day raid turned Auchinleck knew Rommel planned to launch a massive
into a general advance, pushing the Italians right back into attack on Tobruk in November 1941, and made plans to pre-
Libya. The triumphant British captured Bardia and Tobruk empt him with his own attack. Reinforced and re-supplied,
before making an ambitious thrust through the desert that the newly designated Eighth Army now had over 400 tanks,
cut off the retreating Italians at Beda Fomm, wiping out the including the speedy new Crusader and the American-built
Tenth Army. The British suffered fewer than 2000 casualties M3 Stuart (which the British nicknamed the ‘Honey’).
in Operation Compass, while Italy lost over 130,000 men Auchinleck launched Operation Crusader on 18 November,
killed or captured in a campaign lasting two months. taking the Germans by surprise.
The British advance halted at El Agheila, unable to continue The plan was for the 7th Armoured Division to destroy the
further due to vehicle breakdowns, exhaustion and the long Axis panzer force while the infantry pushed through and
supply line from their base in Egypt. Thinking the Italians linked up with the Tobruk defenders. The plan started to
beaten, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill rede- unravel when the British tanks were outfought by the Afrika
ployed several of the best divisions from Africa to Greece, to Korps at Sidi Rezegh. But the British fought grimly on
help defend against the expected German attack there. and eventually, after days of chaotic fighting, Rommel was
Unfortunately for his plans, a new factor was about to enter forced to withdraw. The Tobruk garrison was finally able to
the desert war. After the embarrassing defeat of his Italian break out, joining up with advancing New Zealand troops.
allies, Hitler was reluctantly forced to either send help or Meanwhile, the South Africans re-captured Bardia and
risk facing British domination of the Mediterranean. So, Sollum on the Libyan border.
in February 1941 a brilliant commander, Generalmajor Once again, the Axis front line was pushed back to El
Erwin Rommel, was sent to Africa at the head of the newly Agheila. Operation Crusader proved that the Afrika Korps
formed Deutsches Afrika Korps. With two panzer divisions could be beaten, but the Eighth Army had suffered much
and motorised support, the Afrika Korps was a small, highly- heavier casualties than their foes.
mobile force.

1 9 4 1
7 February 6 - 30 April 19 November - 30 December 2 December
Operation Compass ends Axis invasion of Operation Crusader: British push German troops come within
with the destruction of the Yugoslavia and Greece Germans and Italians back to sight of the Kremlin in Moscow
Italian Army at Beda Fomm El Agheila in Libya.
30 April - 1 May 5 December
12 February Rommel assaults Tobruk 8 Sept German offensive halted
Rommel arrives Siege of Leningrad Soviet counter-offensive
in Libya 4 March begins begins
British and Commonwealth
22 January forces diverted to Greece 22 June 7 December
Australians Operation Barbarossa: Japanese bomb US fleet
take Tobruk 24 March German invasion of
Soviet Union begins
in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii
Rommel attacks in Libya

5
 Having retaken Libya, the British found themselves with Determined, but uncoordinated, British counterattacks
the familiar problem of supply. Taking advantage of his halted his drive and trapped the Afrika Korps and the
shorter supply lines, Rommel re-equipped his battered Italian Ariete armoured division with their backs to the
forces and counterattacked once more. By early February British minefields. Then, while the Germans were at their
1942, Operation Theseus had brought the Afrika Korps, most vulnerable, the British command hesitated. Rommel
the Italian 20 Mobile Corps, and the rest of the new- wasted no time, throwing his full force into forcing a path
ly-formed Panzer Armee Afrika (Africa Tank Army) to the through a brigade of the 50th Northumbrian Division
gates of Tobruk once again. defending the Gazala Line. After determined resistance,
Equally exhausted, both sides dug in and prepared for the defenders were eventually beaten, giving Rommel a
a renewed offensive. Rommel struck first, launching clear line of supply.
Operation Venice on 27 May 1942. Expecting the British Resupplied with fuel and ammunition, Rommel attacked
to be wary of being surrounded and cut off, Rommel again. Keeping the Afrika Korps concentrated, he easily
swung south of the Gazala Line defences to engage the defeated the piecemeal British attacks. On 14 June,
British armoured divisions in a mobile battle while having suffered horrendous casualties, the remaining
sending 90. Leichte Afrika Division, a motorised infantry British armour fell back towards Tobruk. This left the
force, further east to cut the British forces off entirely. infantry holding the Gazala Line to fight their way out of
the encirclement on their own.
DERNA Auchinleck ordered that Tobruk must be defended at
all costs, but was able to do little to halt the German
advance. On 17 June, the Afrika Korps encircled Tobruk
once again. The defenders were in disarray and most of
the mines had been lifted to strengthen the Gazala Line.
Resurrecting the plan of attack from November 1941,
Gazala Rommel launched his assault on Tobruk on 20 June.

TOBRUK
Knightsbridge
The Cauldron El Adem
BARDIA
Bir Hacheim
Sidi Barrani
Sollum

Mersa Matruh

L I B Y A
Minqar Qaim

KEY
German
Movement

British
Defences

0 20 40 60 80 100 Roads
Km
20 40 60 80 100
M National
Border

North African Theatre

1 9 4 2
4 February 26 May 13 June 15 June 17 June
German advance The Battle of Gazala begins ‘Black Saturday’: British suffer Germans capture Germans surround
halted at Gazala major losses. Germans capture Point 650 Tobruk. British retreat
27 May - 10 June Knightsbridge to Mersa Matruh
21 January Italians besiege Free 16 June
Operation Theseus: Germans French at Bir Hakeim 14 June Germans attack 20 June
advance from El Agheila Auchinleck authorises Acroma, and German assault
29 May - 5 June Eighth Army to El Adem on Tobruk begins
29 January Germans trapped in the withdraw to El Adem
Axis forces Cauldron, British attacks fail
recapture Benghazi

6
 This time he succeeded, with Tobruk surrendering the The New Zealand Division, defending Minqar Qaim
next morning. south of Mersa Matruh, launched a bayonet charge at
Rommel captured 35,000 soldiers and a vast amount 0200 hours on 28 June, cutting their way through 21.
of fuel, rations, transport and equipment—5000 tons Panzer Division. Unfortunately, the 50th Northumbrian
of food, 2000 serviceable vehicles, and 1400 tons of Division (now stranded for the second time in six weeks)
much-needed petrol. With this bounty, he was able to and the 10th Indian Divisions did not receive the order
continue his advance, not needing to wait for supplies to break out until the next day. Their breakout attempts
from Tripoli (1250 km or 775 miles away) and Benghazi on the night of 28 June were costly as the German and
(370 km or 230 miles away). With his customary haste, Italian forces were ready and waiting. 90. Leichte Afrika
the newly-promoted Generalfeldmarschall Rommel Division assaulted the next morning capturing the port
began the pursuit of the retreating British army. and 6000 prisoners.
Auchinleck hoped to delay the German advance at Mersa The next defensive position was to be at Fuka, but
Matruh, 380 km (240 miles) to the rear where defences 21.  Panzer Division, pressing on from Mersa Matruh,
had been built against earlier Italian and German advanc- arrived there mixed in with the retreating British troops,
es. The plan was the same as at Gazala. Three infantry capturing a further 1600 prisoners with little fighting. In
divisions would form a line strung out into the desert just over a week Panzer Armee Afrika had smashed every
with the remaining British armour behind, ready to attempt by the Eighth Army to stop them, advancing
counterattack any penetration. This time though, they another 560km (350 miles). The British headquarters
wouldn’t have extensive minefields to protect them. were in a total panic, burning confidential papers in huge
bonfires and preparing to evacuate Egypt.
The British, Indian, and New Zealand divisions were
still occupying their defensive positions when the first Auchinleck’s last stand was to be at El Alamein. The
German troops from 15. Panzer Division arrived on battered survivors of Gazala and Mersa Matruh formed
26 June, clashing with the British armour. The next day another line, and once again the British armour formed
the rest of the Afrika Korps and the Italian 20 Mobile the reserve. The exhausted Axis forces prepared for one
Corps attacked in earnest. By the end of the day the last effort, launching their attack on 1 July. Three days
British armour had been driven off and all three of the of heavy fighting failed to break the British line. Then
defending infantry divisions were surrounded. Once on 5 July, the British counterattacked, halting Rommel’s
again it would be up to the infantry to fight their way advance just 100 km (60 miles) from Alexandria.
clear without assistance from their tanks.

PORT SAID

ALEXANDRIA

Fuka

Tel El Eisa El Alamein

Ruweisat Ridge
Alam El Halfa

a D e p r e s s i o n
a r
t t
a CAIRO
Q
E G Y P T

21 June 26 June 27-28 June 1 July

Tobruk garrison surrenders German assault on Mersa NZ Division breaks out at First Battle of El Alamein begins
Matruh begins Minqar Qaim German attacks defeated
22 June
Rommel promoted to General­feldmarschall. 27th June 28-29 June 1 July
Auchinleck offers to resign 7 Armoured Division driven Mersa Matruh garrison Ash Wednesday
off. Mersa Matruh surrounded break out with heavy losses GHQ burns confidential
papers in Cairo
27 June 29 June
Mersa Matruh garrison Germans capture
ordered to break out Fuka by surprise

7
 The First Battle of El Alamein continued for most of July Attacks by Italian and German infantry against the main
1942 as the British and Commonwealth forces struggled to British defences attempted to distract the British from
gain control of the high ground of Ruweisat Ridge and Tel the main attack to the south. Meanwhile, with 15. Panzer
El Eisa. By the end of the month, both sides were exhausted Division leading and 21. Panzer Division following,
and the lines had solidified into belts of minefields stretch- Rommel swung northwards, seeking the British armour.
ing from the coast at El Alamein to the impassable Qattara Towards dusk the Germans found the British tanks massed
Depression. along the Alam El Halfa ridge, supported by massed artillery
With the Royal Navy interdicting most of his supplies, and anti-tank guns. For the first time the Afrika Korps were
Rommel now found himself at the end of an overstretched served their own medicine as they attacked tanks backed by
supply line, facing a British force that was getting steadi- guns. By nightfall they had lost 30 tanks for just 21 British
ly stronger. Despite his supply problems, by the middle tanks destroyed.
of August the two panzer divisions of the Afrika Korps Overnight bombing and raids on his supply lines caused
had received nearly 100 new tanks, mostly up-armoured more damage, so much so that the next day, 1 September,
Panzer III tanks. Along with those repaired from the previous 21. Panzer Division was immobilised. With just 15. Panzer
battles, he now had over 200 tanks ready for combat, half Division operational (the Italians were covering his left
of them the deadly new long-barrelled models. Supporting flank), Rommel attempted the Alam El Halfa ridge again.
these were 240 Italian light tanks in 20 Mobile Corps. The Germans were working their way around the British
Unfortunately, the British were gaining strength faster. They flank when a second heavy armoured brigade entered the
now had twice as many armoured divisions as at Gazala, fray. Unable to entice the British into their usual futile
although two were still training for desert operations in the charges and finding no weakness in the British defences, the
rear. In the front line they had four armoured brigades. The Germans once again pulled back at nightfall.
two heavy armoured brigades had 150 Grant heavy tanks Realising that he wasn’t going to bounce the British out
and 100 Crusader and Honey tanks, the light armoured of position and lacking the supplies for a sustained fight,
brigade was mostly equipped with light Honeys, and the Rommel ordered the Axis forces to withdraw on the morn-
infantry-support brigade had more than 100 Valentine ing of 2 September. The day was mostly quiet as both sides
infantry tanks. prepared for the next phase of the battle, although another
Outnumbered and knowing it would only get worse, raid by the 4th Light Armoured Brigade destroyed 57 fuel
Rommel had to win soon or lose a battle of attrition. Rommel trucks making Rommel’s task that much harder.
decided to attempt a repeat of the Battle of Gazala, striking Realising that Rommel was withdrawing, Montgomery
around the southern end of the British line, throwing them ordered the New Zealand Division, reinforced with a British
into confusion and panic, and chasing them out of Africa. brigade, to attack southwards and cut the German line of
Unfortunately for this plan, the British had just changed withdrawal on the night of 3 September. The attack ran into
their leadership. Lieutenant General Bernard Montgomery a stiff defence by German and Italian paratroopers and failed
had taken over and was determined to change how the to reach its objectives, allowing the remaining Axis units to
British fought. Gone were operations at less than divisional pass back through the minefields early on 4 September.
strength and the uncoordinated attacks of the past. For the With the Axis forces back where they started, the battle
first time, the British would fight as an army rather than a was over. While many officers suggested that Montgomery
collection of independent brigades. should send his own armoured divisions after the defeated
Rommel launched his attack on the full moon of the night of Panzer Armee Afrika, Montgomery declined to do so. The
30 August, forcing his way through the minefields south of German and Italian forces were still largely intact, and while
the British line. Progress was slow as he was constantly harassed the British armour had beaten them fighting a careful-
by 4 Light Armoured Brigade and RAF bombers. Instead of ly-planned defensive battle, he had doubts about their ability
dawn as planned, it took until midday on 31 August to clear to do so in a swirling mobile battle.
the minefields. Worse than the delay was the unplanned fuel Instead, Montgomery continued with his own preparations,
expenditure. With just days of fuel available, the pressure getting ready for the Second Battle of Alamein, one he con-
was on to win as soon as possible. To make matters worse, fidently expected to be a decisive victory. All Rommel could
the expected British armoured counterattacks had not do now was rebuild his battered forces and prepare for the
materialised. Instead of throwing themselves on his guns, he coming blow.
would have to hunt the British armoured forces down.

North African Theatre

1 9 4 2
10 - 12 July 13 August 31 August 1 September
Battle for Tel el Eisa Montgomery takes command Italian and German attack 21. Panzer Division unable
of the Eighth Army on Ruweisat Ridge fails to move due to lack of fuel
14 - 17 July
Battle for Ruweisat Ridge: 30-31 August 31 August 1 September
British attack defeated Battle of Alam El Halfa begins First German attack Second German attack
Germans pass through minefields on Alam El Halfa fails on Alam El Halfa fails
21 - 26 July heavily bombed by RAF
Battle for Ruin Ridge
First Battle of El Alamein ends

8
 TRIESTE
DIVISION
Tel el Eisa
Tel el Makh Khad KEY
GERMAN German
M 9TH AUSTRALIAN UNIT Movement
it DIVISION
ei ITALIAN Italian
ry EL ALAMEIN UNIT Movement
a
R
id BRITISH British
Movement
ge UNIT

BOLOGNA British
DIVISION Defences

1ST SOUTH Train

AFRICAN DIVISION Tracks
Deir el Abyad
Deir el Shein Roads
164. LEICHTE
AFRIKA DIVISION

PAVIA
DIVISION 5TH INDIAN
DIVISION

Ruweisat Ridge
ge
El Mreir Rid
lfa
23 ARMOURED Ha
el
BRIGADE 44TH (HOME COUNTIES)
Brescia DIVISION
DIVISION m
la
2ND NEW ZEALAND
DIVISION
A
8 ARMOURED
BRIGADE

Bab el Qattara 22 ARMOURED

BRIGADE
FOLGORE
yil
DIVISION m Na
Ala
90. LEICHTE
AFRIKA DIVISION Deir el Muhafid

15. PANZER
20 MOBILE DIVISION
CORPS Deir el Munassib
21. PANZER
DIVISION
21. PANZER
DIVISION Jebel Kalakh
15. PANZER Ra
DIVISION gil
Depr
ession
AFRIKA KORPS
RECONNAISSANCE GROUP

Naq Abu Dweis

E G Y P T
4 LIGHT ARMOURED
Qarat el Himeimat BRIGADE

Qat
tara
Depression 0 10
Km
10
M

2 September 3-5 September 23 October 1 November

Rommel orders withdrawal Operation Beresford: NZ Operation Lightfoot: Operation Supercharge:
from Alam El Halfa salient Division and British brigade Second Battle of British break through Axis defences
attack Axis supply lines El Alamein begins
4 November
2 September 5 September 26 October Italian rearguard defeated
British tank raid destroys Battle of Alam El Halfa German and Italian
57 fuel trucks ends: Axis forces counterattack defeated 5 November
return to start line German and Italian forces retreat from Egypt

9
 In the Second Battle of El Alamein, Montgomery reversed difficult going of the Wadi Zem Zem. Once again Rommel
conventional wisdom and attacked with his infantry rather retreated, abandoning the port of Tripoli, and took up
than his armour. Having broken through the minefields and positions along the Mareth Line, the old French fortifications
taken the German and Italian front lines, he forced them along the Tunisian border. Following up, Montgomery halted
to counterattack against his tanks and artillery. A week-long and regrouped, bringing up supplies for the next stage.
battle bled the Panzer Armee, destroying half of their tanks Rommel, ever the opportunist, took advantage of the pause
and chewing up their infantry and supplies. A second attack to turn westwards and attack the American forces threatening
finished the job, forcing Rommel to retreat. This left the his rear. The parallel Operations Morning Breeze and Spring
Italian armoured divisions as a rearguard and abandoned the Wind smashed the American defences and pushed through
immobile Italian infantry to their fate. the Kasserine Pass before being halted short of Tébessa, their
Following the pattern of the previous two years, the pursuit objective, by a combined British and US defence.
quickly pushed Rommel out of Egypt and retook Tobruk. Having failed to defeat the US forces in southern Tunisia,
Halting at El Agheila, Rommel received new Panzer III tanks Rommel turned back east launching Operation Capri, an
equipped with short 7.5cm guns and more long-barrelled attack on Montgomery’s forces at Medenine. Forewarned
Panzer IV tanks, but Allied landings in Morocco and Algeria by intelligence sources, the British were ready and waiting,
drew away most of the planned replacements to Tunisia. smashing the offensive in a single afternoon.
Rather than pursuing Rommel all the way to El Agheila, Two weeks later Montgomery was ready for his own offensive.
Montgomery halted his forces at Tobruk and spent a month The initial attacks on the Mareth Line were halted by the
preparing another offensive. This time there would be no Iª  Armata Italiana (First Italian Army) as Panzer Armee
return for Rommel and the Panzer Armee Afrika. When the Afrika became known once Rommel took overall command
attack came, it combined a frontal holding attack by infantry of the Axis forces in Tunisia after Kasserine Pass. However,
while another force crawled its way through virtually Montgomery’s left hook through virtually impassable terrain
impassable terrain south of the El Agheila position, nearly once again outflanked the defences forcing the Axis troops
taking Rommel by surprise and surrounding the Axis force. to withdraw to the Wadi Akarit. When a frontal assault on
Evading the trap, Rommel broke away, retiring to another the new defensive position broke through, linking up with
defensive position astride the Wadi Zem Zem at Buerat. the Americans approaching from the rear after their victory
Despite a lengthy supply line, Montgomery’s preparations at El Guettar, the Axis defence of southern Tunisia collapsed,
paid off and Buerat fell to another ‘left hook’ through the opening the way for the final defeat of the Axis forces in Tunisia.

I TA LY
SARDINIA G R E ECE TU R K E Y

SICILY CYPRUS
Bizerte
TUNIS
Mediterranean Sea CRETE

Tébessa Sousse MALTA

Kasserine
Pass
Gafsa Sfax
Wadi Akarit
Mareth ALEXANDRIA
Medenine
Tobruk Mersa
T U N ISIA TRIPOLI Benghazi El Alamein
Matruh
s sion CAIRO
pre
De
AL

r a
Buerat t ta
a
GE

El Agheila
RI

LI BYA EG Y PT
A

North African Theatre

1 9 4 2 1 9 4 3
8 November 13 November 12 December 15 January 4 February
Operation Torch: Allied British recapture Tobruk Battle of El Agheila: Axis Battle of Wadi Zem Zem: Eighth Army reaches
First Army lands in forces are pushed out of Libya British capture Buerat Tunisian border
Morocco and Algeria 20 November
British recapture 25 December 23 January 19 - 25 February
11 November Benghazi British capture Sirte British capture Battle of Kasserine Pass: Allied
British enter Libya Tripoli forces halt German offensive

10
 Sbeitla

Kasserine Pass

Faïd
Sidi Bou Zid Djebel Telil

SFAX

Chebket en Nouiges
Maknassy
2
CORPS

Sened ual
GAFSA et e n No La Skhirra
ebkr
10. PANZER
DIVISION 21. PANZER S 15. PANZER
DIVISION
El Guettar DIVISION

CENTAURO
DIVISION

20
21 CORPS
CORPS
iA karit
Wad

30
CORPS
GABÈS
KEY
15. PANZER
GERMAN German DIVISION
UNIT Movement
20
10 CORPS
ne

ITALIAN Italian CORPS

UNIT
Li

Movement
eth

British Tebaga 21
ar

BRITISH CORPS Mareth

UNIT Movement
M

AMERICAN American
Movement
UNIT
30
CORPS
Train NZ
Tracks CORPS AFRIKA
KORPS

Roads 4TH INDIAN Medenine

DIVISION

0 50
Km
50
M

6 March 23 March - 7 April 29 March 7 April

Operation Capri: Axis fail to halt Battles of El Guettar: US Army halts Axis forces withdraw British and US Armies link up
Eighth Army at Medenine Axis offensive and counterattacks to Wadi Akarit
22 April - 6 May
19-22 March 26-27 March 6-7 April Operation Strike: Allied forces
Operation Pugilist: British assault Operation Supercharge II: NZ Corps British break through capture Bizerte and Tunis
on the Mareth Line fails outflanks Mareth Line through Tebaga Gap Axis defences at Wadi Akarit
13 May
Axis forces surrender in Tunisia

11
 PANZER III (SHORT 5cm)
Until the First Battle of El Alamein, the vast majority of German tanks were Crew (5): Commander, gunner,
the short-barrelled Panzer III. This tank outclassed every British tank until the loader, driver, radio op
arrival of the American-built Grant tank. Weight: 21.50 tonnes
Length: 5.52m (18’ 1")
Width: 2.95m (9' 8")
Height: 2.50m (8' 2")
Weapons: 5cm KwK L/42 gun
2x MG34 7.92mm MG
Armour: 30 - 50mm
Speed: 40 km/h (25 mph)
Engine: Maybach HL 120 TRM
220 kW (300 hp)

PANZER III (LONG 5CM)

The handful of long-barrelled 5cm gun-armed Panzer III tanks available at Crew (5): Commander, gunner,
Gazala and the First Battle of El Alamein were a match for any British tank, loader, driver, radio op
even the new Grant heavy tank. Weight: 21.50 tonnes
Length: 6.28m (20' 7")
Width: 2.95m (9' 8")
Height: 2.50m (8' 2")
Weapons: 5cm KwK39 L/60 gun
2x MG34 7.92mm MG
Armour: 30 - 50mm
Speed: 40 km/h (25 mph)
Engine: Maybach HL 120 TRM
220 kW (300 hp)

PANZER III (UPARMOURED)

By Alam El Halfa, nearly half of the Panzer III tanks available were the latest Crew (5): Commander, gunner,
model combining the long 5cm gun with thicker armour, equal to anything loader, driver, radio op
they faced. Weight: 22.70 tonnes
Length: 6.28m (20' 7")
Width: 2.95m (9' 8")
Height: 2.50m (8' 2")
Weapons: 5cm KwK39 L/60 gun
2x MG34 7.92mm MG
Armour: 30 - 50 +20mm
Speed: 40 km/h (25 mph)
Engine: Maybach HL 120 TRM
220 kW (300 hp)

PANZER III (7.5cm)

At El Agheila, Rommel received the final model of the Panzer III. Armed Crew (5): Commander, gunner,
with a short-barrelled 7.5cm gun and new HEAT ammunition, it matched or loader, driver, radio op
exceeded the armour penetration of the long 5cm. Weight: 23.00 tonnes
Length: 5.52m (18’ 1")
The bigger gun limited the amount of extra Width: 2.95m (9' 8")
armour that could be added. Height: 2.50m (8' 2")
Weapons: 7.5cm KwK37 L/24 gun
2x MG34 7.92mm MG
Armour: 30 - 50mm
(+20mm on driver's plate)
Speed: 40 km/h (25 mph)
Engine: Maybach HL 120 TRM
220 kW (300 hp)

12
 TIGER
The massive Tiger tank was planned to be in service for the Battle of El Crew (5): Commander, gunner,
loader, driver, radio op
Alamein. Technical problems delayed its arrival in North Africa until later
Weight: 57.00 tonnes
in the year when they were shipped to Tunisia to fight there. They fought Length: 8.45m (27' 9")
alongside the Afrika Korps in the Battle of Kasserine Pass. Width: 3.70m (12' 2")
Height: 2.93m (9' 7")
Weapons: 8.8cm KwK36 L/56 gun
2x MG34 7.92mm MG
Armour: 80 - 100mm
Speed: 38 km/h (23 mph)
Engine: Maybach HL 210 P45
480 kW (650 hp)

PANZER II
The Panzer II was designed as a training tank, but war overtook Germany's Crew (3): Commander/gunner,
plans and they used it as a light tank. Each battalion and regiment had a light driver, radio op
platoon for scouting and flank security. Weight: 9.50 tonnes
Length: 4.81m (15’ 9")
Width: 2.28m (7' 6")
Height: 2.15m (7' 1")
Weapons: 2cm KwK30 L/55 gun
MG34 7.92mm MG
Armour: 15 - 35mm
Speed: 40 km/h (25 mph)
Engine: Maybach HL 62 TR
104 kW (140 hp)

PANZER IV (SHORT 7.5cm)

The short-barrelled Panzer IV was designed as an artillery support tank to Crew (5): commander, gunner,
back up the lighter Panzer III. Its heavy loader, driver, radio op
7.5cm gun made it particularly useful Weight: 22.30 tonnes
against anti-tank guns. Length: 5.92m (19’ 5")
Width: 2.84m (9' 4")
Height: 2.68m (8' 10")
Weapons: 7.5cm KwK37 L/24 gun
2x MG34 7.92mm MG
Armour: 30 - 50mm
Speed: 40 km/h (25 mph)
Engine: Maybach HL 120 TRM
220 kW (300 hp)

PANZER IV (LONG 7.5cm)

As the desert war went on, increasing numbers of Panzer IV were armed with Crew (5): Ccommander, gunner,
the long-barrelled 7.5cm KwK40, switching from an artillery support role to a loader, driver, radio op
heavy anti-tank support role. Weight: 23.00 tonnes
Length: 6.62m (21' 9")
Width: 2.84m (9' 4")
Height: 2.68m (8' 10")
Weapons: 7.5cm KwK40 L/43 gun
2x MG34 7.92mm MG
Armour: 30 - 50mm
Speed: 40 km/h (25 mph)
Engine: Maybach HL 120 TRM
220 kW (300 hp)

13
 There exists a real danger that our friend Rommel is becoming a kind of magical or bogey-man to our troops, who are
talking far too much about him. He is by no means a superman, although he is undoubtedly very energetic and able.
— British General Claude Auchinleck on Generalfeldmarschall Erwin Rommel

Under the leadership of Generalfeldmarschall Erwin of the Afrika Korps had faith that Rommel would reverse the
Rommel, the Deutsches Afrika Korps (or DAK) trounced the situation and lead them to victory once again.
British Eighth Army time and time again. The ‘Desert Fox’, Despite being made up of whatever bits and pieces Rommel
as he became known, gained an almost mythical status as a could wrangle from a High Command focussed on the much
military genius to both friend and foe alike. bigger battles of the Eastern Front, the Afrika Korps grew
Rommel owed his success to a combination of his own to be a powerful combat force. Starting with just 5. Leichte
experience and hard-driving nature, and the superb troops Division (5th Light Division), Rommel built the Afrika Korps
he commanded. Serving as a Leutnant in the First World up to include 15. Panzer Division, 21.Panzer Division (a much
War, Rommel showed an aggressive style that led to strengthened 5. Leichte Division), and 90. Leichte Afrika
spectacular victories over forces much stronger than his own. Division (90th Light Africa Division, a motorised infantry
This style served him well in North Africa over twenty years division). Panzer Armee Afrika also included 164.  Leichte
later, when he commanded Panzer Armee Afrika (Africa Tank Afrika Division, the Ramcke Parachute Brigade, two Italian
Army) against the numerically superior Eighth Army. armoured divisions, and six Italian infantry divisions.
By the time of the Battle of Gazala in mid-1942, the Afrika Each panzer division fielded a regiment of Panzer III and
Korps, the German armoured component of Panzer Armee Panzer IV tanks and a regiment of infantry reorganised with
Afrika, had been fighting in the desert for over a year and fewer men and extra anti-tank guns for the fighting in Africa.
was made up of battle-hardened veterans who had won The light Africa divisions had three infantry regiments, but
almost every battle and expected to win more. Even after no tanks. All had a wide variety of powerful support from
their defeat in the Second Battle of El Alamein, the soldiers self-propelled guns, artillery, reconnaissance, and aircraft.

DEUTSCHES AFRIKA KORPS

General der Panzertruppe Walter Nehring (up to First Alamein)
General der Panzertruppe Wilhelm Ritter von Thoma (from Second El Alamein)
General der Panzertruppe Gustav Fehn (from El Agheila)
General der Panzertruppe Hans Cramer (from Kasserine Pass)

15. PANZER DIVISION 21. PANZER DIVISION 90. LEICHTE AFRIKA DIVISION

PANZER REGIMENT 8 PANZER REGIMENT 5 LEICHTE INFANTERIE RGT 155

8th Tank Regiment (p. 16) 5th Tank Regiment (p. 22) 155th Light Infantry Regiment

SCHÜTZEN REGIMENT 115 SCHÜTZEN REGIMENT 104 LEICHTE INFANTERIE RGT 200
115th Rifle Regiment 104th Rifle Regiment 200th Light Infantry Regiment (p. 26)

AUFKLÄRUNGS ABTEILUNG 33 AUFKLÄRUNGS ABTEILUNG 3 LEICHTE INFANTERIE RGT 361

33rd Reconnaissance Battalion 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion 361st Light Infantry Regiment

ARTILLERIE REGIMENT 33 ARTILLERIE REGIMENT 155 AUFKLÄRUNGS ABTEILUNG 580

33rd Artillery Regiment 155th Artillery Regiment 580th Reconnaissance Battalion

I/FLAK REGIMENT 43 FLA-BATAILLON 617 ARTILLERIE REGIMENT 190

1st Btn, 43rd Anti-Aircraft Regiment 617th Anti-Aircraft Battalion 190th Artillery Regiment

1. SCHWERE PANZER ABT 504 FLA-BATAILLON 606

1st Coy, 504th Heavy Tank Battalion 606th Anti-Aircraft Battalion
(attached in Tunisia)

The commanders of the Deutsche Afrika Korps led from the front and were frequently wounded, or captured.
Nehring was wounded in an air raid, von Thoma was captured, Fehn was wounded, and Cramer surrendered his command.

14
 AFRIKA KORPS FORCE
Your Force must contain at least one Formation, and
may contain as many Formations as you like.

MEDIUM TANK LIGHT TANK INFANTRY

FORMATIONS FORMATIONS FORMATIONS

PANZER IV PANZER III AFRICA

TANK COMPANY TANK COMPANY RIFLE COMPANY
MG108 MG101 OR MG102 MG109

AFRIKA KORPS SUPPORT UNITS

You may field one Support Unit from each box.

ANTI-TANK ARMOUR RECONNAISSANCE RECONNAISSANCE

MARDER (7.62CM) TIGER SD KFZ 221 & 222 SD KFZ 221 & 222
TANK HUNTER PLATOON HEAVY TANK PLATOON LIGHT SCOUT TROOP LIGHT SCOUT TROOP
MG118 MG111 MG116 MG116

SD KFZ 231 SD KFZ 231

HEAVY SCOUT TROOP HEAVY SCOUT TROOP
MG117 MG117

ARTILLERY ARTILLERY ANTI-AIRCRAFT ANTI-AIRCRAFT

10.5CM 10.5CM 8.8CM SD KFZ 10/4

ARTILLERY BATTERY ARTILLERY BATTERY HEAVY AA PLATOON LIGHT AA PLATOON
MG120 MG120 MG122 MG115

15CM (SF) LORRAINE

SCHLEPPER AIRCRAFT
ARTILLERY BATTERY
MG119

OBSERVER

JU 87 STUKA
DIVE BOMBER FLIGHT
MG123

PANZER II OP
OBSERVATION POST
MG121

FORMATION SUPPORT ALLIED SUPPORT WILDCARD

?
You may field compulsory You may field one
Combat Units (with a compulsory Unit from
black box) from the a Italian Formation as
above Formations as Support and one Italian
Support Units. Formation as an Allied
Formation.

15
 Panzer Regiment 8, the 8th Tank Regiment, fought as part of The regiment's official organisation remained the same
10. Panzer Division in the campaigns in Poland and France in for the entire campaign, with two battalions, each of four
1939 and 1940. When the panzer divisions were split in two companies of tanks. The first three companies in each
in early 1941, Panzer Regiment 8 was used to form the new battalion were equipped with the excellent Panzer III tank,
15. Panzer Division. The new division was rushed to Libya supported by the fourth company with its heavier Panzer IV
as the core of Rommel's new Afrika Korps to stop the British tanks. The light Panzer II tank was used for secondary duties
from clearing the Italians from North Africa. Rommel, with like guarding the flanks and route reconnaissance.
his characteristic audacity, attacked the British instead. The Afrika Korps usually fought as a single powerful entity,
Panzer Regiment 8 fought in all of Rommel's battles in North so the history of Panzer Regiment 8 is very much the history
Africa, and continued to fight in Tunisia after Rommel was of the Afrika Korps as a whole.
invalided home.

PANZER REGIMENT 8
15. PANZER DIVISION, AFRIKA KORPS, MAY 1942

R R R
REGIMENT HQ LIGHT PLATOON LIGHT PLATOON
3 Panzer III tanks 5 Panzer II tanks 5 Panzer II tanks

REGIMENTAL HQ

I BATAILLON II BATAILLON

I I II II
BATTALION HQ LIGHT PLATOON BATTALION HQ LIGHT PLATOON
3 Panzer III tanks 5 Panzer II tanks 3 Panzer III tanks 5 Panzer II tanks
BATAILLON HQ BATAILLON HQ

1 2 5 6
1. (LIGHT) COMPANY 2. (LIGHT) COMPANY 5. (LIGHT) COMPANY 6. (LIGHT) COMPANY
22 Panzer III tanks 22 Panzer III tanks 17 Panzer III tanks 17 Panzer III tanks

3 4 4 7 8 8
3. (LIGHT) COMPANY 4. (MEDIUM) COMPANY 7. (LIGHT) COMPANY 8. (MEDIUM) COMPANY
22 Panzer III tanks 10 Panzer IV tanks 17 Panzer III tanks 10 Panzer IV tanks
5 Panzer II tanks 5 Panzer II tanks

16
 PANZER III TANK COMPANY LIGHT TANK FORMATION

You must field the Formation HQ and one Combat Unit from each black box.
You may also field one Combat Unit from each grey box.

HEADQUARTERS

PANZER III
TANK COMPANY HQ
MG101 OR MG102

ARMOUR ARMOUR ARMOUR ARMOUR

PANZER III PANZER III PANZER III PANZER III

TANK PLATOON TANK PLATOON TANK PLATOON TANK PLATOON
MG104, MG105, OR MG107 MG104, MG105, OR MG107 MG104, MG105, OR MG107 MG104, MG105, OR MG107

PANZER IV
TANK PLATOON ARMOUR
MG109

PANZER II
LIGHT TANK PLATOON
MG110

You may field a Combat Unit from a black box as a Support Unit for another Formation.

Feldwebel Dietz snapped awake as his loader shook him. Head swiveling as he tried to reorient himself, he
realized that he’d dozed off again. It was the heat, the heat, the sand that seemed to go forever, and the lack of
sleep. His mind drifted again. Maybe a couple of hours sleep a night since this cursed battle began, he figured.
He must have only slept a few seconds, as nothing seemed to have changed, they were still moving slowly across
the desert towards a rise shimmering in the distance.
Black dots wavering on the horizon resolved themselves into rapidly approaching British Crusader tanks,
banishing all drowsiness in an instant. ‘Target, tanks, 1200m,’ he called to Gerber, his gunner. The turret was
already swinging to bear. At least someone’s awake, the thought passed through his mind.
Gerber's first shot left the lead Crusader a burning wreck. Two others followed in quick succession as the rest of
his platoon fired, yet the British kept coming. The firing was at a fever pitch with both sides trading shots, the
Crusaders closing the range alarmingly fast. So far the light British guns had been bouncing of the thick armour
of his panzers, but if they got much closer, or worse onto his flanks, that would quickly change.
Accurate shots tore into the British unit, leaving hulks of burning tanks everywhere and the few remaining
Crusaders vanishing into their own dust clouds as they made a hasty retreat. Dietz was able to muster a smile
at his gunner, but both men knew
the British would be back,
and back in force.

17
 PANZER III TANK COMPANY HQ OPTIONS
You can field either a Panzer III Tank Company HQ with the choice of a short 5cm, long 5cm, or 7.5cm gun, or a
Panzer III (Uparmoured) Tank Company HQ with increased armour and a long 5cm gun as your Formation HQ unit.

PANZER III TANK COMPANY HQ

PANZER III TANK COMPANY HQ

MOTIVATION • TANK FORMATION       STORMTROOPERS • IS HIT ON

CONFIDENT 4+ CAREFUL 4+
Third Reich
Last Stand 3+ ARMOUR

2x Panzer III (7.5cm) 16 POINTS 3+ 5

Protected Ammo
Remount FRONT
1x Panzer III (7.5cm) 8 POINTS
VETERAN
SKILL

3+
SIDE &
REAR 3
2x Panzer III (short 5cm) 10 POINTS TOP 1
1x Panzer III (short 5cm) 5 POINTS
TACTICAL TERRAIN DASH CROSS COUNTRY DASH ROAD DASH CROSS

10”/25CM 12”/30CM 18”/45CM 20”/50CM 3+

OPTIONS
ROF ANTI- FIRE-
• Replace any or all Panzer III (short 5cm) WEAPON RANGE HALTED MOVING TANK POWER NOTES

with Panzer III (long 5cm) for +2 points Panzer III (7.5cm) 24”/60CM 2 1 9 3+ HEAT

each. Panzer III (short 5cm) 24”/60CM 2 1 8 4+

Panzer III (long 5cm) 28”/70CM 2 1 9 4+
Panzer III (MGs) 16”/40CM 4 4 2 6

PANZER III (UPARMOURED) TANK

PANZER COMPANY) HQ
III (UPARMOURED TANK COMPANY HQ

MOTIVATION • TANK FORMATION • STORMTROOPERS • IS HIT ON

CONFIDENT 4+ CAREFUL 4+
Third Reich
Last Stand 3+ ARMOUR

2x Panzer III (uparmoured) 16 POINTS 3+ 6

Protected Ammo
Remount FRONT
1x Panzer III (uparmoured) 8 POINTS
VETERAN
SKILL

3+
SIDE &
REAR 3
The Panzer III is Germany's standard tank, TOP 1
making up over two-thirds of their tank TACTICAL TERRAIN DASH CROSS COUNTRY DASH ROAD DASH CROSS
strength. It has good mobility, is well armoured, 10”/25CM 12”/30CM 18”/45CM 20”/50CM 3+
and is armed with an effective 5cm (2-inch) gun. RANGE ROF ANTI- FIRE- NOTES
WEAPON HALTED MOVING TANK POWER
Manned by veteran crews that are confident in
Panzer III (long 5cm) 28”/70CM 2 1 9 4+
their abilities and Germany's eventual victory,
Panzer III (MGs) 16”/40CM 4 4 2 6
they are capable of defeating just about any tank
in the world.

PANZER IIIs: ON THE TABLE

There are four diferent models of Panzer III tanks.
The key diferences are highlighted below to help you pick the right tank for the job.

PANZER III (SHORT 5cm) PANZER III (LONG 5cm)

Front Armour: 5 Front Armour: 5
Weapon Range: 24"/60cm Weapon Range: 28"/70cm
Anti-tank: 8 Anti-tank: 9
Firepower: 4+ Firepower: 4+

18
 PANZER III TANK PLATOON OPTIONS
You can field either a Panzer III Tank Platoon with the choice of a short 5cm, long 5cm, or 7.5cm gun, a Panzer III
(Uparmoured) Tank Platoon with increased armour and a long 5cm gun, or a Panzer III (Mixed) Tank Platoon with a
mixture of types of Panzer III tanks.

PANZER III TANK PLATOON

PANZER III TANK PLATOON

MOTIVATION • TANK UNIT • STORMTROOPERS • IS HIT ON

CONFIDENT 4+ CAREFUL 4+
Third Reich
Last Stand 3+ ARMOUR
5x Panzer III (7.5cm) 40 POINTS 3+ 5
Protected Ammo
Remount FRONT
4x Panzer III (7.5cm) 32 POINTS
3x Panzer III (7.5cm) 24 POINTS VETERAN
SKILL

3+
SIDE &
REAR 3
25 POINTS
TOP 1
5x Panzer III (short 5cm)
4x Panzer III (short 5cm) 20 POINTS TACTICAL TERRAIN DASH CROSS COUNTRY DASH ROAD DASH CROSS

10”/25CM 12”/30CM 18”/45CM 20”/50CM 3+

3x Panzer III (short 5cm) 15 POINTS
WEAPON RANGE ROF ANTI- FIRE- NOTES
HALTED MOVING TANK POWER

OPTIONS Panzer III (7.5cm) 24”/60CM 2 1 9 3+ HEAT

• Replace any or all Panzer III (short 5cm) Panzer III (short 5cm) 24”/60CM 2 1 8 4+
with Panzer III (long 5cm) for +2 points Panzer III (long 5cm) 28”/70CM 2 1 9 4+
each. Panzer III (MGs) 16”/40CM 4 4 2 6

PANZERTANK
PANZER III (UPARMOURED) PLATOON
III (UPARMOURED) TANK PLATOON

MOTIVATION • TANK UNIT • STORMTROOPERS • IS HIT ON

CONFIDENT 4+ CAREFUL 4+
Third Reich
Last Stand 3+ ARMOUR
5x Panzer III (uparmoured) 40 POINTS 3+ 6
Protected Ammo
Remount FRONT
4x Panzer III (uparmoured) 32 POINTS
3x Panzer III (uparmoured) 24 POINTS VETERAN
SKILL

3+
SIDE &
REAR 3
TOP 1
As the Allies built bigger and better tanks with TACTICAL TERRAIN DASH CROSS COUNTRY DASH ROAD DASH CROSS
more powerful guns, the Panzer III began to lose 10”/25CM 12”/30CM 18”/45CM 20”/50CM 3+
its advantage. The Germans responded by fitting WEAPON RANGE ROF ANTI- FIRE- NOTES
HALTED MOVING TANK POWER
an additional 20mm plate in front of the driver's
Panzer III (long 5cm) 28”/70CM 2 1 9 4+
plate and on the gun mantlet. This restored its
Panzer III (MGs) 16”/40CM 4 4 2 6
effectiveness, but pushed the tank's weight up,
almost to the limits of the chassis.

PANZER III (UPARMOURED) PANZER III (7.5cm)

Front Armour: 6 Front Armour: 5
Weapon Range: 28"/70cm Weapon Range: 24"/60cm
Anti-tank: 9 Anti-tank: 9
Firepower: 4+ Firepower: 3+
Other: HEAT
(Target Armour is not
  increased for range
  over 16”/40cm)

19
 PANZER III (MIXED) TANK
PANZERPLATOON
III (MIXED) TANK PLATOON

MOTIVATION • TANK UNIT • STORMTROOPERS • IS HIT ON

CONFIDENT 4+ CAREFUL 4+
Third Reich
Last Stand 3+ ARMOUR

5x Panzer III (short 5cm) 25 POINTS Protected Ammo

Remount 3+ FRONT 5
4x Panzer III (short 5cm) 20 POINTS SKILL
UPARMOURED 6
3x Panzer III (short 5cm) 15 POINTS VETERAN 3+ SIDE 3
Panzer III (short 5cm)
TOP 1
LONG 5CM OPTION TACTICAL TERRAIN DASH CROSS COUNTRY DASH ROAD DASH CROSS

• Replace any or all Panzer III (short 5cm) 10”/25CM 12”/30CM 18”/45CM 20”/50CM 3+
with Panzer III (long 5cm) for +2 points WEAPON RANGE ROF ANTI- FIRE- NOTES
HALTED MOVING TANK POWER
each. Panzer III (short 5cm) 24”/60CM 2 1 8 4+
ARMOUR OPTION Panzer III (long 5cm) 28”/70CM 2 1 9 4+
• Uparmour any or all Panzer III Panzer III (7.5cm) 24”/60CM 2 1 9 3+ HEAT
(long 5cm) to Front 6 for +1 point each. Panzer III (MGs) 16”/40CM 4 4 2 6
7.5CM OPTION
• Replace any or all short 5cm with 7.5cm The veteran panzer regiments of the Afrika Korps received new tanks to
for +3 points each. replace those lost in battle. Over time this lead to units having a mix of
tried and true old warhorses and the latest and greatest.

PANZER III
FEATURES SPECIAL RULES
WELL ARMED: All models of the Panzer III are well HEAT: The latest model of the Panzer III uses the newly-
armed, particularly the later ones. This allows them perfected HEAT (High-Explosive Anti-Tank) ammunition
to go head-to-head with enemy tanks, although using in its short 7.5cm gun. This gives it the penetrative power
cover and careful manoeuvre is still recommended when of a much longer weapon. As HEAT relies on explosive
outnumbered. energy rather than brute force to penetrate armour, its
effectiveness does not reduce with range.
WELL PROTECTED: The Panzer III has a good level
of armour protection for a combat tank. Its front armour PROTECTED AMMO: The Panzer III has armoured
is thick enough to defeat most enemy guns (particularly ammunition stowage bins, making it much less likely to
smaller weapons like the 2 pdr and 37mm). burn when hit. This gives its crew greater confidence,
making them less likely to abandon a tank before it is
destroyed.

20
 PANZER II LIGHT TANKPANZER
PLATOON
II LIGHT TANK PLATOON

MOTIVATION • TANK UNIT • SPEARHEAD • STORMTROOPERS • IS HIT ON

CONFIDENT 4+ CAREFUL 4+
Third Reich
Last Stand 3+ ARMOUR

5x Panzer II (2cm) 10 POINTS SKILL FRONT 3

4x Panzer II (2cm) 8 POINTS VETERAN 3+ SIDE &
REAR 1
3x Panzer II (2cm) 6 POINTS
TOP 1
The Panzer II is small and light, limiting its TACTICAL TERRAIN DASH CROSS COUNTRY DASH ROAD DASH CROSS

ability to handle enemy tanks in open battle. 10”/25CM 12”/30CM 18”/45CM 20”/50CM 3+
Because its 2cm (¾-inch) gun is effective against WEAPON RANGE ROF
HALTED MOVING
ANTI- FIRE-
TANK POWER NOTES
armoured cars and light tanks, but has no effect Panzer II (2cm) 20”/50CM 2 1 5 5+
on heavy tanks, it is used to scout out routes of Panzer II (MG) 16”/40CM 3 3 2 6
advance and to chase off enemy reconnaissance.

PANZER II
FEATURES SPECIAL RULES
SMALL: The Panzer II is a small tank that is cheap and easy SPEARHEAD: The Panzer II tanks of the light platoon
to produce. While it is outclassed by most combat tanks, spearhead the advance, finding the best routes forward and
it is very effective as a flank screen against armoured cars. driving off enemy scouts.
SKILFUL: German tank crews are well trained and expe-
rienced. They fight smart using clever tactics and know
how to avoid getting hit.

21
 When news of the loss of the Italian Tenth Army in Libya The two battalions of Panzer Regiment 5 were strong and well
reached Germany, they quickly formed 5. Leichte Division equipped on 25 May 1942, at the start of Operation Venezia,
(5th Light Division) as a blocking force to stop the British the attack on the Gazala line. Each had around 67 Panzer III
from conquering all of Italian North Africa. The new division and 10 Panzer  IV tanks, supported by 15 light Panzer II
was drawn from 3. Panzer Division, and based around Panzer tanks. This made them nearly twice as strong as the opposing
Regiment 5 (5th Tank Regiment) with the addition of two British armoured battalions, and unlike the British, all of
machine-gun battalions, two anti-tank battalions, two their combat tanks were well armed and armoured.
anti-aircraft battalions, a reconnaissance battalion, and an The Battle of Gazala, the Battle of Mersa Matruh, and the
artillery battalion. First battle of El Alamein cost the division heavily. By 20 July,
Although conceived as a defensive force, Rommel promptly the regiment was down to 22 Panzer III, 3 Panzer II and one
led 5. Leichte Division and 15. Panzer Division in an command tank. Fortunately, repairs and new replacements
offensive that threw the British out of Libya and surrounded significantly boosted the regiment's strength for the Battle
Tobruk. Wanting to continue his attack into Egypt, Rommel of Alam El Halfa where for the first time it had almost as
requested reinforcements to convert 5. Leichte Division into many of the new long-barrelled uparmoured Panzer III as
a fully-fledged armoured division, 21. Panzer Division, the older short-barrelled ones, and most of its Panzer IV
but with the invasion of Russia underway, his request was were also of the long-barrelled type. Around this time the
denied. In his usual fashion, Rommel pushed ahead anyway, light Panzer II platoons began to disappear, being replaced
using units from 15. Panzer Division to equalise the strength by a third platoon of Panzer IV tanks.
of the two divisions and using the excess, along with corps
troops, to form 90. Leichte Afrika Division (90th Light Africa
Division). 21. Panzer Division soon became the most famous
German division in Africa, taking part in every battle
alongside the rest of the Afrika Korps.

I. BATTALION,
PANZER REGIMENT 5
21. PANZER DIVISION, AFRIKA KORPS, MAY 1942

I0 I1 I2

BATTALION HQ
3 Panzer III tanks

I3 I4
100 101 400 401

1. COMPANY HQ 4. COMPANY HQ I5 I6 I7

LIGHT PLATOON
111 121 411 421 5 Panzer II tanks

112 113 122 123 412 413 422 423

I8 I9
114 115 124 125 414 424

1. PLATOON 2. PLATOON 1. PLATOON 2. PLATOON I 10 I 11 I 12

LIGHT PLATOON
131 141 431 5 Panzer II tanks
2. PLATOON

132 133 142 143 432 433

2. PLATOON
134 135 144 145 434 435

3. PLATOON
3. PLATOON 4. PLATOON

1. (LIGHT) COMPANY 4. (MEDIUM) COMPANY

22 Panzer III tanks 10 Panzer IV and 5 Panzer II tanks
4. PLATOON

2. (LIGHT) COMPANY
22 Panzer III tanks
4. PLATOON

3. (LIGHT) COMPANY
22 Panzer III tanks

22
 PANZER IV TANK COMPANY MEDIUM TANK FORMATION

You must field the Formation HQ and one Combat Unit from each black box.
You may also field one Combat Unit from each grey box.

HEADQUARTERS

PANZER IV
TANK COMPANY HQ
MG108

ARMOUR ARMOUR ARMOUR ARMOUR

PANZER IV PANZER IV PANZER IV PANZER II

TANK PLATOON TANK PLATOON TANK PLATOON LIGHT TANK PLATOON
MG109 MG109 MG109 MG110

You may field a Combat Unit from a black box as a Support Unit for another Formation.

The British Guards were tough, but today they were on the losing end of the fight. They'd been abandoned
by their tanks, left to rely on their artillery to protect them. That might have worked against their own tanks,
thought Oberleutnant Fischer, but not against his panzers. Surveying the ridge, he could see the British gun
positions, squat ugly guns waiting for the panzers to advance into range.
'Feuer!', he signalled, dropping his raised arm.
The stubby guns of his Panzer IV support tanks barked in answer, sending their shells arcing through the air
towards the waiting guns. As the first shells threw spouts of stone and dust into the air, the tanks fired a second
volley, and a third.
He almost felt sorry for the British as he watched the regiment's Panzer III tanks advance into the attack. The
gunners were under fire and could do nothing in return but wait until the tanks came within range. Then of
course, their suffering would intensify as the Panzer III tanks added their fire to the maelstrom. Still, the sooner
this fight was over, the sooner they would win this war and go home.

PANZER IVs: ON THE TABLE

There are two diferent models of Panzer IV tanks.
The key diferences are highlighted below to help you pick the right tank for the job.

PANZER IV (SHORT 7.5cm) PANZER IV (LONG 7.5cm)

Front Armour: 5 Front Armour: 5
Weapon Range: 24"/60cm Weapon Range: 32"/80cm
Anti-tank: 7 Anti-tank: 10
Firepower: 3+ Firepower: 3+
Other: Artillery
Bombardment
Smoke

23
 PANZER IV TANK COMPANY
PANZER IVHQ TANK COMPANY HQ

MOTIVATION • TANK FORMATION        STORMTROOPERS • IS HIT ON

CONFIDENT 4+ CAREFUL 4+
Third Reich
Last Stand 3+ ARMOUR

2x Panzer IV (short 7.5cm) 12 POINTS Protected Ammo

Remount 3+ FRONT 5
1x Panzer IV (short 7.5cm) 6 POINTS
VETERAN
SKILL

3+
SIDE &
REAR 3
OPTIONS TOP 1
• Replace any or all Panzer IV TACTICAL TERRAIN DASH CROSS COUNTRY DASH ROAD DASH CROSS
(short 7.5cm) with Panzer IV 10”/25CM 14”/35CM 18”/45CM 20”/50CM 3+
(long 7.5cm) for +4 points each. ROF ANTI- FIRE-
WEAPON RANGE HALTED MOVING TANK POWER NOTES

Panzer IV (short 7.5cm) 48”/120CM ARTILLERY 2 4+

The Panzer IV equips one company in each tank 2 1 7 3+
or Direct Fire 24”/60CM Smoke
battalion. Its role is to provide heavy fire support Panzer IV (long 7.5cm) 32”/80CM 2 1 10 3+
for the lighter Panzer III tanks of the other com- Panzer IV (MGs) 16”/40CM 4 4 2 6
panies. Initially the companies had two platoons
of short-barrelled Panzer IV tanks as artillery After the Battle of El Alamein, the proportion of Panzer IV tanks
support. As the Battle of Gazala progressed, increased, so the fourth company's third platoon was sometimes equipped
long-barrelled versions arrived, replacing the with Panzer IV tanks as well.
artillery support role with a heavy anti-tank
capability.

PANZER IV
SHORT 7.5CM FEATURES SPECIAL RULES
FIRE SUPPORT: The short-barrelled 7.5cm KwK37 is ARTILLERY: The short-barrelled Panzer IV has the
designed to support the smaller Panzer III with long-range capability to fire bombardments at a range of several kilo-
artillery fire to neutralise anti-tank guns. If that doesn't metres, annoying the British whose tanks can not respond.
work, its close-range firepower is even more formidable. This is particularly useful for engaging anti-tank guns from
outside their effective range.
WELL PROTECTED: Like its smaller brother, the Panzer
IV has a good level of armour protection, enabling it to PROTECTED AMMO: The Panzer IV has armoured
take on enemy tanks on equal terms. ammunition stowage bins, making it much less likely to
burn when hit. This gives its crew greater confidence,
LONG 7.5CM FEATURES making them less likely to abandon a tank before it is
destroyed.
LONG RANGE: The 7.5cm KwK40 mounted on the
SMOKE: The short-barrelled Panzer IV carries smoke
Panzer IV is over 3.2 metres (10' 6") long giving it a high
rounds for blinding anti-tank guns while the rest of the
muzzle velocity and considerable long-range accuracy.
force manoeuvres for the kill.
GOOD PENETRATION: The long-barrelled 7.5cm
KwK40 gun can punch through any medium tank at long
range, and even heavy tanks at short range.

24
 PANZER IV TANK PLATOON
PANZER IV TANK PLATOON

MOTIVATION • TANK UNIT • STORMTROOPERS • IS HIT ON

CONFIDENT 4+ CAREFUL 4+
Third Reich
Last Stand 3+ ARMOUR

4x Panzer IV (short 7.5cm) 24 POINTS Protected Ammo

Remount 3+ FRONT 5
3x Panzer IV (short 7.5cm) 18 POINTS
VETERAN
SKILL

3+
SIDE &
REAR 3
2x Panzer IV (short 7.5cm) 12 POINTS
TOP 1
OPTIONS TACTICAL TERRAIN DASH CROSS COUNTRY DASH ROAD DASH CROSS
• Replace any or all Panzer IV 10”/25CM 14”/35CM 18”/45CM 20”/50CM 3+
(short 7.5cm) with Panzer IV WEAPON RANGE ROF ANTI- FIRE- NOTES
HALTED MOVING TANK POWER
(long 7.5cm) for +4 points each.
Panzer IV (short 7.5cm) 48”/120CM ARTILLERY 2 4+
or Direct Fire 24”/60CM 2 1 7 3+ Smoke
As the war progressed, the biggest problem the Panzer IV (long 7.5cm) 32”/80CM 2 1 10 3+
panzer troops faced changed from being hidden Panzer IV (MGs) 16”/40CM 4 4 2 6
anti-tank guns, for which the short-barrelled
Panzer IV was the answer, to increasingly heavily At the start of the Battle of Gazala, the growing numbers of these powerful
armoured enemy tanks. Fitting the Panzer IV tanks started making their presence known as they started knocking out
with a long-barrelled anti-tank gun was the British tanks at long range.
answer to this new problem.

Feldwebel Baumer scanned the ridge through his binoculars. He studied the British anti-tank guns dug in along
the top before returning to the imposingly tall tanks, much closer, positioned in a depression along its base.
Swaying as his tank dipped into a hollow, he lowered his field glasses to watch the Panzer III tanks out front
cautiously advancing towards the enemy.
'Panzers Halt!', the order crackled over the radio, followed by 'Feuer Frei!'
Baumer had already picked out his target, the one on the left of the closest group.
The new Amerikaner panzers, the 'Grants', looked tiny at this distance. Hopefully
the new gun would penetrate them—it was supposed to, even at this range. Only
one way to find out.
'Target, tank, left end of the group. Range 1800 metres. Armour piercing. Fire!'
The round hit the ground well short of the target. They must be even bigger than
they looked!
'Range 2100 metres. Fire!' Watching through his binoculars, he saw that the shot was
on for range, but slightly off to the right. The Grants were starting to fire back, engaging
the closer Panzers. An adjustment and his gunner fired again. This time there was no
error. The crew started boiling out of the big British tank as it started smoking.
Good shooting, he thought, especially at this range. And, the new gun seems to be
doing the job, he added as he noticed several more British
tanks billowing black smoke along the line.
I like it, he smiled.

25
 When Rommel's Afrika Korps landed in Tripoli it was and El Adem, then following the plan of the previous year,
lacking in infantry. The extent of this problem was brought assaulted and captured Tobruk.
home at the start of the siege of Tobruk. Rommel responded Chasing the British back to the El Alamein line, the
by gathering all the miscellaneous infantry units he could division captured Mersa Matruh before being stopped by
(including the somewhat exotic 361st Light Infantry South African and Australian troops defending El Alamein.
Regiment of ex-French Foreign Legionaries) into a division The heavy casualties of the Battle of Gazala, the assault
named Division zbv Afrika (Division for special service, on Tobruk, and the First Battle of El Alamein bled the
Africa). By the beginning of 1942, this division had been exhausted division white, a situation not helped by the
organised into 90. Leichte Afrika Division (90th Light Africa extremely long supply line that led back through 1000km
Division). (600 miles) or more of desert, then across the Mediterranean
With three times as much infantry as the panzer divisions, Sea where convoys had to run the gauntlet of the Royal Navy
the role of 90. Leichte Africa Division was to assault and and Royal Air Force.
capture British defensive boxes that blocked or threatened After a month recovering its strength, 90. Leichte Afrika
the panzers' supply lines. Their first task was supposed to be Division covered the Afrika Korps' left flank in the Battle
the capture of Tobruk, but the British Operation Crusader of Alam El Halfa. There it took part in blocking the New
interrupted that plan. Zealand Division's night attack into the Deir el Munassib,
In the Battle of Gazala, the division swung wide around securing the line of retreat of the entire Afrika Korps. In
the British defences heading for Tobruk. On the way they the Second Battle of El Alamein, the division returned
captured General Frank Messervy, the commander of the to the northern sector of the line, facing off against the
British 7th Armoured Division. However, pretending to be 9th Australian Division again in a week-long and extremely
an officer's servant, he managed to escape! Unable to capture tough fight, before finally being forced to give ground.
the airfield at El Adem on the fly, 90. Light Africa Division 90. Leichte Afrika Division fought stubborn rearguard
rejoined the rest of the Afrika Korps in the 'Cauldron', actions all the way back to Tunisia, where it successfully
fighting its way back westward to link up with the Italians defended the Mareth Line, then when that was outflanked,
opening a supply route through the British defensive line. the Wadi Akarit. When that fell, the division fought again
With the Afrika Korps back in supply after a week trapped in as a rearguard all the way back to Enfidaville. There it
the Cauldron, they went on the offensive. 90. Leichte Afrika surrendered after the capture of Tunis ended Axis resistance
Division took the British defensive boxes at Knightsbridge in North Africa.

SCHÜTZEN REGIMENT 200

90. LEICHTE AFRIKA DIVISION, AFRIKA KORPS, MAY 1942
REGIMENT HQ

I BATAILLON II BATAILLON

3x 5cm Pak38 Guns 3x 5cm Pak38 Guns

BATAILLON HQ BATAILLON HQ

2x SMG34 Machine-guns 2x SMG34 Machine-guns

9-18x MG34 Machine-guns 9-18x MG34 Machine-guns
3x 8cm GW34 Mortars 3x 8cm GW34 Mortars
3x 2.8cm sPzB41 AT Rifles 3x 2.8cm sPzB41 AT Rifles
3-9x 5cm Pak38 Guns 3-9x 5cm Pak38 Guns
1. KOMPANIE 5. KOMPANIE
2. KOMPANIE 6. KOMPANIE
3. KOMPANIE 7. KOMPANIE
4. KOMPANIE 8. KOMPANIE

2x SMG34 Machine-guns 9x 5cm Pak38 Guns 12x Sd Kfz 10/4 2cm SP Guns 6x 15cm SP Guns
9-18x MG34 Machine-guns
3x 8cm GW34 Mortars 2. KOMPANIE 1. KOMPANIE 707. KOMPANIE
3x 2.8cm sPzB41 AT Rifles PANZERJÄGER BATAILLON 190 FLA-BATAILLON 606
3-9x 5cm Pak38 Guns
14. COMPANY

26
 AFRIKA RIFLE COMPANY INFANTRY FORMATION

You must field the Formation HQ and one Combat Unit from each black box.
You may also field one Combat Unit from each grey box.

HEADQUARTERS

AFRICA RIFLE
COMPANY HQ
MG112

INFANTRY INFANTRY INFANTRY

AFRICA AFRICA AFRICA

RIFLE PLATOON RIFLE PLATOON RIFLE PLATOON
MG113 MG113 MG113

ANTI-TANK ANTI-TANK ANTI-TANK

5CM TANK-HUNTER 5CM TANK-HUNTER 5CM TANK-HUNTER

PLATOON PLATOON PLATOON
MG114 MG114 MG114

ANTI-AIRCRAFT

SD KFZ 10/4
LIGHT AA PLATOON
MG115

You may field a Combat Unit from a black box

as a Support Unit for another Formation.

27
 AFRICA RIFLEAFRICA
COMPANY HQ HQ
RIFLE COMPANY
MOTIVATION • INFANTRY FORMATION • STORMTROOPERS • IS HIT ON

CONFIDENT 4+ CAREFUL 4+
Third Reich
3+
2x MP40 SMG team 2 POINTS Last Stand SAVE

VETERAN
SKILL

3+ Infantry
3+
After taking heavy casualties in the siege of
Tobruk, infantry units in Africa were reorgan-
ised to have 'fewer men, more weapons'. Each
company was organised as a self-contained TACTICAL TERRAIN DASH CROSS COUNTRY DASH ROAD DASH CROSS

8”/20CM 8”/20CM 12”/30CM 12”/30CM AUTO

battle­group with its own anti-tank and artillery
capability. This allowed the tanks to operate WEAPON RANGE ROF
HALTED MOVING
ANTI- FIRE-
TANK POWER NOTES

independently from the infantry, giving them MP40 SMG team 4”/10CM 3 3 1 6 Pinned ROF 1
the freedom to manoeuvre against the enemy.

AFRICA RIFLEAFRICA
PLATOON
RIFLE PLATOON
MOTIVATION • INFANTRY UNIT • STORMTROOPERS • IS HIT ON

CONFIDENT 4+ CAREFUL 4+
Third Reich
4x MG34 team Last Stand 3+ SAVE

1x 2.8cm anti-tank rifle 7 POINTS SKILL

3+
VETERAN 3+ Infantry

3x MG34 team
1x 2.8cm anti-tank rifle 6 POINTS
TACTICAL TERRAIN DASH CROSS COUNTRY DASH ROAD DASH CROSS
OPTIONS
8”/20CM 8”/20CM 12”/30CM 12”/30CM AUTO
• Add one sMG34 HMG for +1 point.
WEAPON RANGE ROF ANTI- FIRE- NOTES
TANK POWER
• Add one 8cm mortar for +2 points. HALTED MOVING

MG 34 team 16”/40CM 3 2 2 6
The Unit Leader is one of the MG34 teams, and is 2.8cm anti-tank rifle 20”/50CM 2 1 7 5+ Assault 4+, Heavy Weapon, No HE
mounted on a small base (see page 40). Optional sMG34 HMG 24”/60CM 6 2 2 6 Assault 4+, Heavy Weapon

Optional 8cm mortar 40”/100CM ARTILLERY 1 4+ Assault 4+, Heavy Weapon

Leutnant Werner was always surprised how cold the desert got at night. After a day of sweating in the hot sun,
the cool night air chilled him to the bone. However, tonight he expected things to get much hotter. It'd been
quiet since the slaughter at Alam El Halfa six weeks ago. Now though, there was something in the air. It was the
full moon and the British were up to something, he was convinced of it.
Werner went to his command post to hear the latest news. 'All is still quiet', was all that his platoon commanders
passed back to him. His watch said nearly midnight. Perhaps he'd been wrong to worry.
A huge flash like sheet lightning illuminated the eastern sky from north to south. After a moment's puzzlement,
Werner realising what it must be, hundreds, many hundreds of guns firing, dropped to the bottom of his foxhole.
Seconds later a rolling thunder, almost deafening in its intensity , washed over his position as shells began to
rain down. The world shook as if the gods pounded a huge drum, on and on. Then, after an eternity, it stopped.
Poking his head over the parapet, Werner was surprised to see that the British soldiers were overrunning his
outposts, their bayonet's flashing in the moonlight. They must have come through the minefields hard on the
heels of the bombardment, almost amongst the exploding shells. The quick bursts of fire from his machine-
gunners, tracer arcing out into the desert, told him that his men were fighting back. Thumps from the mortar
position announced out-going bombs. Followed quickly by the booms of their explosions as they laid a barrage
across the front to cut off the attackers.
Werner cocked his MP-40 submachine-gun, took a deep breath, stood up, and yelled, 'Let's go!' His plan was for
the reserve section to counterattack before the enemy could consolidate their gains. He fired from the hip as a
shape loomed out of the darkness, falling as his bullets punched into its torso. A series of loud cracks to his left
told of a grenade fight that ended with a sudden scream.

28
 5CM TANK-HUNTER PLATOON
5CM TANK-HUNTER PLATOON
MOTIVATION • GUN UNIT • GUN SHIELD • IS HIT ON

CONFIDENT 4+ CAREFUL 4+
Third Reich
3+
3x 5cm guns 12 POINTS Last Stand SAVE

2x 5cm guns 8 POINTS

VETERAN
SKILL

3+ Gun
3+
4+
Gun
Assault
The 5cm PaK38 anti-tank gun defends the
rifle company against enemy tanks. Whether
entrenched in a defensive position or being TACTICAL TERRAIN DASH CROSS COUNTRY DASH ROAD DASH CROSS

dragged forward in an attack, the PaK38 is 4”/10CM 4”/10CM 6”/15CM 8”/20CM 3+

useful against any type of threat. WEAPON RANGE ROF

HALTED MOVING
ANTI- FIRE-
TANK POWER NOTES

5cm gun 28”/70CM 2 1 9 4+ Forward Firing

SD KFZ 10/4 LIGHT AASDPLATOON

KFZ 10/4 LIGHT AA PLATOON

MOTIVATION • UNARMOURED TANK UNIT • STORMTROOPERS • IS HIT ON

CONFIDENT 4+ CAREFUL 4+
Third Reich
Last Stand 3+ SAVE

8 POINTS
4x Sd Kfz 10/4 (2cm)
VETERAN
SKILL

3+ Unarmoured Tank
4+
3x Sd Kfz 10/4 (2cm) 6 POINTS
2x Sd Kfz 10/4 (2cm) 4 POINTS

The Sd Kfz 10/4 half-track mounts a 20mm TACTICAL TERRAIN DASH CROSS COUNTRY DASH ROAD DASH CROSS

anti-aircraft gun on a cross-country mount, 10”/25CM 12”/30CM 18”/45CM 32”/80CM 4+

allowing it to operate with both tanks and WEAPON RANGE ROF ANTI- FIRE-
TANK POWER NOTES
HALTED MOVING
infantry. Although the half-track is unarmoured, Sd Kfz 10/4 (2cm) 20”/50CM 3 2 5 5+ Dedicated AA
the gun's shield gives the crew some protection.

AFRICA RIFLE COMPANY WEAPONS

MP 40 SMG: Submachine-guns (SMGs) are excellent sMG34 HMG: The sMG34 is the schwere or heavy
for assaults where their short range was more than version of the MG34. Mounted on a tripod for long-range
compensated for by their high rate of fire. They are much accuracy and with plenty of ammunition, it is an excellent
less effective though, when the user was pinned down. defensive weapon. The company's heavy machine-guns are
MG34: The belt-fed MG34 machine-gun has a high rate allocated to the most exposed platoons.
of fire, sounding like canvas ripping when it fires. Its crew 8cm MORTAR: The 8cm GW34 mortar gives the platoon
of three soldiers keep up a good rate of fire, even when an artillery weapon for bombarding enemy infantry trying
incoming fire has them pinned down. to hide behind cover and for knocking out enemy guns.
2.8cm ANTI-TANK RIFLE: The 2.8cm sPzB41 is a 5cm GUNS: The 5cm PaK38 anti-tank gun has
heavy squeeze-bore anti-tank rifle. Its 2.8cm rounds are outstanding penetration for such a light gun. It is also an
squeezed down to 2cm at the muzzle, giving them a high effective infantry-support weapon, moving forward with
velocity and excellent short-range penetration. However, the infantry to knock out enemy machine-guns at close
the squeeze-bore effect prevents them from firing high range.
explosive (HE) rounds against soft targets. As a crew-served
heavy weapon, it is too cumbersome to be used in assaults.

29
 She was big, and no matter how many times Leutnant Klingemann saw his Tiger tank he was in awe of its size.
Looking down on his escorting Panzer III, he felt immense pride and knew that every tank commander in the
world would give a lot to have such a charger. And to think that as a cadet, he'd thought the Panzer III to be huge!
An officer from the tanks they were supporting yelled up to him that they planned to advance and did he want
his Tiger in front of the column. Klingemann looked down and told the Hauptman that he would engage the
enemy from here. The officer moved off shaking his head, but Klingemann knew that his long-barrelled 8.8 cm
cannon could engage the foe at a distance and wanted to exploit that advantage.
As the Hauptmann's tanks moved ahead, Klingemann saw enemy tanks break cover to engage. The 8.8 cm
cannon barked to life, shaking the 57-ton tank. A British tank disappeared in a ball of flame. Two more followed
in short order. Despite the destruction the Tiger was dealing out, the enemy was too numerous to stop and the
range shortened alarmingly.
Without warning, the crack of the gun firing was drowned out as the tank rang like a gigantic bell. They'd been hit!
'That was right in front of me!' the driver shouted too loudly. 'I can't hear a damned thing!' Moments later, this
pronouncement was followed by a slightly shaky 'Everything seems fine down here, but there's a glowing red
spot on the armour!'
Klingemann thought to himself that he was not only proud, but fortunate to be a Tiger commander.

TIGER HEAVY TANK PLATOON

TIGER HEAVY TANK PLATOON

MOTIVATION • TANK UNIT • IS HIT ON

• ESCORT TANKS • STORMTROOPERS •
CONFIDENT 4+ CAREFUL 4+
Tiger Ace
Last Stand 2+ ARMOUR

2x Tiger (8.8cm) 58 POINTS 2+ 9

Tiger Ace
Remount FRONT
1x Tiger (8.8cm) 29 POINTS
VETERAN
SKILL

3+
SIDE
& REAR 8
OPTIONS TOP 2
• You may add one escort tank for each TACTICAL TERRAIN DASH CROSS COUNTRY DASH ROAD DASH CROSS
Tiger for +8 points each. 10”/25CM 12”/30CM 16”/40CM 18”/45CM 3+
These may be either: ROF ANTI- FIRE-
WEAPON RANGE HALTED MOVING TANK POWER NOTES
• Panzer III (uparmoured) (MG105) or
Tiger (8.8cm) 40”/100CM 2 1 14 3+
• Panzer III (7.5cm) (MG104) tanks.
Tiger (MGs) 16”/40CM 4 4 2 6

30
 Enfidaville

The Tiger was developed as a breakthrough tank, intended

to smash its way through a fortified enemy line. It was heavily
armoured and well armed with a version of the 8.8cm FlaK36
SOUSSE
anti-aircraft gun. The resulting tank weighed 57 tons, the
heaviest tank in service anywhere. Surprisingly, its massive
650 horsepower Maybach engine, 76cm (30") wide tracks, and
interleaved suspension with 16 large road wheels on each side Kairouan
gives this monster almost as good mobility as a medium tank.
With armour of 100mm (4") on the front and 80mm (3⅛")
on the sides, the Tiger is almost invulnerable to other tanks.
Conversely, its 8.8cm KwK36 gun with its 5m (16' 2")-long
gun penetrates 72mm of armour at 2000m, more than enough
to deal with any other tank.
Production of this monster proved unexpectedly difficult,
with only a few dozen available by the end of 1942 when a
company of Schwere Panzer Abteilung 501 (501st Heavy Tank
Battalion) arrived in Tunisia. Because of the shortage of Tiger
tanks, each platoon was initially assigned two Tiger tanks and
two Panzer III tanks as escorts. The idea was to use the lighter
Panzer III tanks to cover the flanks of the Tiger tanks and pro-
tect them from infantry assaults. As losses amongst the lighter
tanks mounted, this practice was discontinued. Djebel Telil

SFAX

Chebket en Nouiges
2 Maknassy
CORPS

l
Sened Noua
re t en
GAFSA 10. PANZER
DIVISION
21. PANZER Se b k 15. PANZER
La Skhirra
DIVISION
DIVISION

El Guettar
CENTAURO
DIVISION

20
21 CORPS
CORPS
iA karit
Wad

SCHWERE PANZER
ABTEILUNG 504 30
CORPS
The Afrika Korps had to wait until March 1943 for a com- GABÈS
pany of Schwere Panzer Abteilung  504 to join it. The first
combat was at Maknassy on 20-25 March against the US
forces trying to cut off the defenders of the Mareth Line. The
Tiger tanks were ordered to defend the Wadi Akarit posi-
tion in early April, but had only reached the line between
Maknassy and La Skhirra by 7 April, just in time to take part
in a counterattack against British troops who had broken
through the Wadi Akarit position. From there, the Tigers
supported the Afrika Korps as it retreated northwards to the
Enfidaville position.

31
 MARDER (7.62cm) TANK-HUNTER PLATOON
MARDER (7.62CM) TANK-HUNTER PLATOON

MOTIVATION • TANK UNIT • STORMTROOPERS • IS HIT ON

CONFIDENT 4+ CAREFUL 4+
Open SP Gun
Counterattack 6 ARMOUR

4x Marder (7.62cm) 16 POINTS 3+ 2

Third Reich
Last Stand FRONT
3x Marder (7.62cm) 12 POINTS
VETERAN
SKILL

3+
SIDE &
REAR 1
2x Marder (7.62cm) 8 POINTS
Open SP Gun
Assault 5+ TOP 0
Faced with Russian tanks that their own tanks TACTICAL TERRAIN DASH CROSS COUNTRY DASH ROAD DASH CROSS

could not easily penetrate, the Germans hastily 10”/25CM 12”/30CM 18”/45CM 20”/50CM 4+
mounted captured Russian guns on obsolete WEAPON RANGE ROF ANTI- FIRE- NOTES
HALTED MOVING TANK POWER
Panzer 38(t) tank chassis. These effective Marder (7.62cm) 32”/80CM 2 1 12 3+ Forward Firing
tank-hunters quickly found their way to the Marder (MG) 16”/40CM 3 3 2 6 Forward Firing
desert where their ability as long-range tank
killers was appreciated.

8.8CM HEAVY 8.8

AA PLATOON
CM HEAVY AA PLATOON
MOTIVATION • GUN UNIT • GUN SHIELD • LARGE GUN • IS HIT ON

CONFIDENT 4+ CAREFUL 4+
Third Reich
Last Stand 3+ SAVE

4x 8.8cm AA gun 24 POINTS SKILL

4+
3x 8.8cm AA gun 18 POINTS VETERAN 3+ Gun

4+
Gun
2x 8.8cm AA gun 12 POINTS Assault

1x 8.8cm AA gun 6 POINTS

TACTICAL TERRAIN DASH CROSS COUNTRY DASH ROAD DASH CROSS

The German Army appreciated the heavy 8.8cm - 2”/5CM 4”/10CM 4”/10CM 6
FlaK36 anti-aircraft gun as an anti-tank gun. It's WEAPON RANGE ROF
HALTED MOVING
ANTI- FIRE-
TANK POWER NOTES

ability to knock out any tank at long range was 8.8cm AA gun 40”/100CM 2 1 14 3+ Self-defence AA
far more interesting to front-line soldiers than its
ability to protect their supply lines from Allied heavy anti-aircraft batteries operating as anti-tank guns. These units were
bombing raids. As a result, German divisions so effective that Allied tank crews soon started referring to any effective
were often accompanied by Luftwaffe (Air Force) anti-tank gun as an '88'.

8.8CM ANTI-AIRCRAFT GUN

FEATURES SPECIAL RULES
LONG RANGE: The 8.8cm FlaK36 anti-aircraft gun is LARGE GUN: The 8.8cm Flak 36 is designed for anti-air-
accurate out to a range of several kilometres, giving it the craft work, making it as tall as a tank and much harder to
ability to knock out tanks beyond the range at which they manoeuvre. As a result it is not suitable for short-range
can reply. ambushes and cannot be manoeuvred into buildings.
EXCELLENT PENETRATION: High-velocity 8.8cm SELF-DEFENCE AA: As an anti-aircraft gun, the 8.8cm
armour piercing rounds can penetrate any tank in service, FlaK36 gun can shoot at aircraft. However, it is designed
and have no difficulty knocking out just about any tank to shoot down high-altitude bombers, not fast, low-flying
at any range. ground-attack aircraft, so has ROF 1 against aircraft.

32
 SD KFZ 221 & 222 LIGHTSDSCOUT
KFZ 221 &TROOP
222 LIGHT SCOUT TROOP

MOTIVATION • TANK UNIT • SCOUT • IS HIT ON

• SPEARHEAD • STORMTROOPERS •
RELUCTANT 5+ CAREFUL 4+
Wheeled Scout
Counterattack 6 ARMOUR

2x Sd Kfz 222 (2cm) 4+ 1

Determined
Remount FRONT
2x Sd Kfz 221 (MG) 3 POINTS
2x Sd Kfz 222 (2cm) VETERAN
SKILL

3+
SIDE &
REAR 0
1x Sd Kfz 221 (MG) 2 POINTS
Scout
Assault 4+ TOP 0
TACTICAL TERRAIN DASH CROSS COUNTRY DASH ROAD DASH CROSS
OPTIONS 10”/25CM 10”/25CM 16”/40CM 40”/100CM 4+
• Replace any or all Sd Kfz 221 (MG) ROF ANTI- FIRE-
WEAPON RANGE HALTED MOVING TANK POWER NOTES
with Sd Kfz 221 (2.8cm) at no cost.
Sd Kfz 222 (2cm) 20”/50CM 3 2 5 5+ Self-defence AA
Note: The Sd Kfz 221 (2.8cm) does not have an MG.
Sd Kfz 221 & 222 (MG) 16”/40CM 3 3 2 6 Self-defence AA

Sd Kfz 221 (2.8cm) 20”/50CM 1 1 7 5+ Forward Firing, No HE, Slow Firing

SD KFZ 231 HEAVY SCOUT

SD KFZTROOP
231 HEAVY SCOUT TROOP

MOTIVATION • TANK UNIT • SCOUT • IS HIT ON

• SPEARHEAD • STORMTROOPERS •
RELUCTANT 5+ CAREFUL 4+
Wheeled Scout
Counterattack 6 ARMOUR

2x Sd Kfz 231 (2cm) 2 POINTS Determined

Remount 4+ FRONT 3
VETERAN
SKILL

3+
SIDE &
REAR 1
The Afrika Korps used a mix of light and heavy
armoured cars for reconnaissance and to protect
Scout
Assault 4+ TOP 0
themselves from marauding British armoured TACTICAL TERRAIN DASH CROSS COUNTRY DASH ROAD DASH CROSS

cars. The more numerous light four-wheeled 10”/25CM 12”/30CM 18”/45CM 40”/100CM 4+
armoured cars were supported by giant 8-wheel- WEAPON RANGE ROF ANTI- FIRE- NOTES
HALTED MOVING TANK POWER
ers capable of moving cross-country faster than Sd Kfz 231 (2cm) 20”/50CM 3 2 5 5+
most tanks. 3 3 2 6
Sd Kfz 231 (MG) 16”/40CM

SCOUT TROOPS
FEATURES SPECIAL RULES
WELL-ARMED: Most of the German armoured cars are SCOUT: Although difficult in the desert, the German
well-armed with an effective 2cm gun mounted in a roomy armoured cars were masters at using available cover to
turret with space for a commander/gunner and a loader. move stealthily into position.
RECONNAISSANCE: The scout troops press British SPEARHEAD: One of the key roles of the scout troops
armoured cars back with determination, but in the end, is to push back the enemy reconnaissance to allow the
they are aware of their limitations and the foolishness of combat troops to work their way around the flanks of the
attempting to assault infantry with a wheeled vehicle. enemy.

33
 PANZER II OP OBSERVATION
PANZER II POST
OP OBSERVATION POST

MOTIVATION • TANK UNIT • INDEPENDENT • OBSERVER • IS HIT ON

• SCOUT • STORMTROOPERS •
CONFIDENT 4+ CAREFUL 4+
Scout
Last Stand 5+ ARMOUR

1x Panzer II OP 2 POINTS Observer

Counterattack 6 FRONT 3
You must field a 10.5cm Artillery Battery (MG120) or
15cm (Sf) Lorraine Schlepper Artillery Battery (MG119) VETERAN
SKILL

3+
SIDE &
REAR 1
before you can field a Panzer II OP. TOP 1
TACTICAL TERRAIN DASH CROSS COUNTRY DASH ROAD DASH CROSS
Despite being rather cramped, especially when 10”/25CM 12”/30CM 18”/45CM 20”/50CM 3+
filled with an extra radio and piles of maps, ROF ANTI- FIRE-
WEAPON RANGE NOTES
the Panzer II light tank provided a convenient HALTED MOVING TANK POWER

Panzer II (2cm) 20”/50CM 1 1 5 5+

mount to allow the artillery's observers to keep
Panzer II (MG) 16”/40CM 3 3 2 6
up with the tanks in mobile operations.

10.5CM ARTILLERY
10.5CM BATTERY
ARTILLERY BATTERY
MOTIVATION • GUN UNIT • GUN SHIELD • LARGE GUN • IS HIT ON

CONFIDENT 4+ CAREFUL 4+
Third Reich
Last Stand 3+ SAVE

4x 10.5cm howitzer 14 POINTS SKILL

4+
2x 10.5cm howitzer 7 POINTS VETERAN 3+ Gun

4+
Gun
Assault
The 10.5cm leFH18 light field howitzer is the
standard German artillery piece, supporting TACTICAL TERRAIN DASH CROSS COUNTRY DASH ROAD DASH CROSS
their attacks and helping drive off enemy coun- - 2”/5CM 4”/10CM 4”/10CM 6
terattacks. Firing a heavier shell than the British WEAPON RANGE ROF ANTI- FIRE- NOTES
HALTED MOVING TANK POWER
25 pdr gun, it is correspondingly more effective, Forward Firing,
10.5cm leFH18 howitzer 72”/180CM ARTILLERY 3 3+ Smoke Bombardment
although less versatile in the anti-tank role. Brutal, Forward Firing,
or Direct Fire 24”/60CM 1 1 9 2+ Slow Firing, Smoke

10.5cm HOWITZER
FEATURES SPECIAL RULES
LONG-RANGE ARTILLERY: The 10.5cm leFH18 BRUTAL: Against particularly stubborn targets, the how-
howitzer has the range to drop an artillery bombardment itzer can be rolled up to point blank range and use direct
wherever needed on the battlefield. It has the calibre to fire. In this mode its firepower is brutal, forcing infantry
deliver enough explosive to dig infantry and guns out of and guns to re-roll their saves.
their fortifications. SLOW FIRING: While the 10.5cm howitzer is too big
EMERGENCY ANTI-TANK: While its main role is and heavy to fire on the move, it still uses its Moving ROF
firing artillery bombardments, the 10.5cm leFH18 howit- if it is Pinned Down, gaining a +1 penalty To Hit.
zer can defend itself if attacked by roving tanks. SMOKE: The 10.5cm howitzer has an effective smoke
shell which it mainly uses to fire a smoke bombardment,
screening friendly troops from enemy fire as they advance.

34
 15cm (SF) LORRAINE SCHLEPPER
ARTILLERY BATTERY
15CM (SF) LORRAINE SCHLEPPER ARTILLERY BATTERY

MOTIVATION • TANK UNIT • STORMTROOPERS • IS HIT ON

CONFIDENT 4+ CAREFUL 4+
Open SP Gun
Counterattack 6 ARMOUR

3+ 1
Third Reich
4x 15cm (Sf ) Last Stand FRONT
Lorraine Schlepper 12 POINTS
2x 15cm (Sf ) VETERAN
SKILL

3+
SIDE &
REAR 1
Lorraine Schlepper 6 POINTS Open SP Gun
Assault 5+ TOP 0
TACTICAL TERRAIN DASH CROSS COUNTRY DASH ROAD DASH CROSS
The 15cm (Sf ) Lorraine Schlepper is a strange 8”/20CM 10”/25CM 14”/35CM 16”/40CM 3+
marriage of a First World War 15cm sFH13 ROF ANTI- FIRE-
WEAPON RANGE TANK POWER NOTES
howitzer hitched to a captured French Lorraine HALTED MOVING

15cm (Sf) howitzer 64”/160CM ARTILLERY 3 2+ Forward Firing

armoured supply carrier. The result is rather odd
or Direct Fire 16”/40CM 1 - 9 AUTO Brutal, Forward Firing
looking, but is still an effective self-propelled
artillery piece.
15cm (SF) LORRAINE SCHLEPPER
FEATURES SPECIAL RULES
HEAVY ARTILLERY: Firing a huge 15cm shell, the BRUTAL: At point-blank range, the big 15cm gun is
15cm  (Sf ) Lorraine Schlepper is lethal, if short-ranged, brutal, forcing infantry and guns to re-roll their saves.
whether firing bombardments or shooting at point MOVE OR SHOOT: The 15cm (Sf ) Lorraine Schlepper
blank range. isn't designed as an assault gun, and can't fire on the move.
ARMOURED: The armoured chassis of the Lorraine The gun takes too long to move and with the limited trav-
Schlepper protects the gun and crew, allowing them to erse of an older-style artillery piece, the whole tank has to
keep fighting after anything but a direct hit. be pointed at the target for the gunner to see it.

JU 87 STUKA DIVE BOMBER FLIGHT

MOTIVATION • AIRCRAFT UNIT • IS HIT ON

CONFIDENT 4+ AIRCRAFT 5+
SKILL SAVE

VETERAN 3+
2x Ju 87 Stuka 9 POINTS
Aircraft
3+
Every major attack by the Afrika Korps was
preceded by an intensive dive-bomber bombard-
ment designed to flatten all resistance. Ever since TACTICAL TERRAIN DASH CROSS COUNTRY DASH ROAD DASH CROSS

the fall of France, the scream of a Stuka's dive UNLIMITED AUTO

sirens struck fear into Allied soldiers, heralding a WEAPON RANGE ROF
HALTED MOVING
ANTI- FIRE-
TANK POWER NOTES

deadly-accurate attack from the sky. 500kg bombs 6”/15CM ARTILLERY 4 2+ Bombs

35
 Armour colours

Panzer III
Worn RAL 8020 Braun

Panzer II
Dunkelgrau and Mud
Panzer IV
RAL 8020 Braun

The first German vehicles to enter the African campaign From March 1942 the colour for all vehicles was changed
in February 1941 were still in their unsuitable Dunkelgrau to a light sand brown colour, RAL 8020 Braun (DAK Sand
(Panzer Grey 303) paint scheme. Crews mixed mud to a paste 366). A camouflage pattern was sometimes applied using RAL
and applied it over the vehicle as a camouflage coat, carefully 7027 Grau (Greatcoat Grey 305) when paint was available.
avoiding any markings. Captured stocks of British paint were occasionally also used.
After the initial rush, all vehicles were repainted in Italy using The harsh conditions were tough on paint work, and vehicles
RAL 8000 Gelbbraun (Comrade Khaki 326) before being in desert service quickly took on a worn, chipped appearance.
shipped to Africa.

Afrika Korps Armour

Colour Palette DAK Sand Rommel shade
Large Brush Large Brush

DAK Sand
(366)

Rommel shade
(494)

Dry Dust Basecoat your tank with DAK Sand. Two thin coats Wash the tank with Bradley Shade. Try to achieve an
(364)
are better than one thick coat. For such a light colour, even coverage over the whole tank, letting the wash pool
you may find it easier if you use a white or light grey in the recesses without building up too much on flat
Pale colours like DAK undercoat. surfaces.
Sand, the most common
colour for Afrika Korps DAK Sand Dry Dust
Medium Brush Small Drybrush
tanks, can be challenging
to paint over a dark base
without getting ugly
brush strokes. Consider
using a white or pale grey
primer to make it easier to
get a bright, even finish.
DAK Sand is also
available as a spray can,
the quickest and easiest
way to basecoat your
tanks. Tidy up the wash with DAK Sand using a combination of Drybrush the tank with Dry Dust, concentrating on
drybrushing and layering. edges, raised details, and upper surfaces to add highlights.

36
Tank Tracks
Colour Palette Motherland Earth Bradley Shade Dark Gunmetal
Medium Brush Medium Brush Small Drybrush

Motherland Earth
(383)

Bradley Shade
(490)

Dark Gunmetal Basecoat the tracks with Woodland Wash the tracks with Bradley Shade. Drybrush the tracks Dark Gunmetal.
(480)
Brown or Battlefield Brown. You could substitute Manstein Shade
for a darker result.

Weathered Paint
Colour Palette Dry Dust
Small Brush

Dry Dust
(364)

Panzer Grey
(303)

Bradley Shade Paint your tank following the first three steps for Afrika Paint chips and scratches, concentrating on edges and areas
(490)
Korps Armour on the previous page. of heavy use. Starting with a light colour helps delineate
chipped areas, making them stand out.
Some painters like their
vehicles to look brand new Panzer Grey
and ‘factory fresh’, while Small Brush
others prefer models that
show the weathering effects
of the environment.
A few simple techniques
can help your models look
as though they have seen
tough service in the baking
sun and stinging wind of
the North African desert.

Fill in the centre of the chips and scratches with Panzer Add Decals to the tank, following the guide on the next
Grey, leaving the lighter edges showing. Try to keep chips page. Colours Of War has useful tips for applying decals
small for a realistic effect. effectively on page 32.
Bradley Shade Dry Dust
Small Brush Small Drybrush

Target wash recesses with Bradley Shade around decals, Drybrush the whole tank lightly with Dry Dust, giving
to ensure they are shaded consistently with the rest of the it a dusty appearance. This also helps to give the tank a
vehicle, as well as to simulate built-up dirt and grease. final highlight, emphasising edges and details.

37
 Afrika Korps Markings
Tactical markings are an excellent way of adding visual and historical interest to your TANK NUMBERS
models. Most Afrika Korps tanks feature an identifying number, a black-and-white
German Balkenkreuz cross symbol on the hull sides and the Afrika Korps palm-tree
emblem on the hull front. You can find more detailed information on German
markings in Colours Of War and on the Flames Of War website.
Company Platoon Tank
Number Number Number
The German Army had a three-digit tank numbering system
that denoted where in the formation each tank is from.
This ocasionally varied between units. Some only chose to
display company numbers, while others left the company
numbers off like in the example pictured here.
Afrika Korps Palm
Tank Number

Balkenkreuz

HEADQUARTERS NUMBERS
HQ tanks use slightly diferent
numbers to platoons, having
the Company number and
either 01, or 02

Tank Number

Most unit boxes come with the decal sheet shown here. More decal options
can be found on GE942 Afrika Korps Decal Sheet.

Afrika Korps Infantry

Helmets & Painted Metal
DAK Sand
(366) The Afrika Korps uniform,
Flesh developed by the Tropical Institute
European Skin of Hamburg, was made from
(385) olive-coloured light-weight cotton
fabric, cut in the same style as the
Metal Parts of Weapons European uniform.
Dark Gunmetal
(480) Canvas belts and ‘Y’ strap suspenders
were made to replace the usual
Wooden Stocks leather versions, which were less
Battlefield Brown suited to the desert climate.
(324)
Footwear consisted of knee-length
green canvas boots, with brown
Webbing leather reinforcing. Shorter ankle-
Dry Dust high boots of the same materials
(364)
were also made, and proved more
Uniform popular—some soldiers modified
their high boots by cutting them
Afrika Green down to ankle-length.
(346)

Boots and Ammo Pouches

Motherland Earth
(383)

38
Uniforms and webbing
Colour Palette Afrika Green Dry Dust Motherland Earth
Medium Brush Small Brush Small Brush

Afrika Green
(346)

Dry Dust
(364)

Motherland Earth
(383) Basecoat the uniform with Afrika Paint the canvas webbing gear Dry Paint the leather ammunition
Green, using two thin coats if Dust. pouches and rifle sling Motherland
necessary for an even coverage. Earth. They could also be black.
Bradley Shade
(490) Bradley Shade 75% Afrika Green
Medium Brush 25% Dry Dust
Small Brush

The olive green colour of

the Afrika Korps uniform
faded to a pale dusty
colour in the harsh desert
environment. Veterans Actual Size

could be discerned from

new arrivals by the
faded condition of their
uniforms.
Wash the figure with Bradley Shade Highlight raised areas of the uniform
or Rommel Shade to add shading. using Afrika Green lightened with a
little Dry Dust.

Flesh
European Skin Skin Shade European Skin
Medium Brush Medium Brush Small Brush

European Skin
(385)

Actual Size
Skin Shade
(491)

You can find more

advanced methods for
painting flesh on page 23
of Colours Of War. Basecoat the face and other exposed Wash liberally with Skin Shade to Highlight prominent details such
skin areas with European Skin, in create shading and definition. as fingers, cheeks and nose with
two thin coats. European Skin.

Weapons
Dark Gunmetal Battlefield Brown Skin Shade
Medium Brush Medium Brush Medium Brush

Dark Gunmetal
(480)

Actual Size
Battlefield Brown
(324)

Skin Shade
(491)

Paint barrels and other metal parts Basecoat stocks and other wooden Wash with Skin Shade to add
sparingly with Dark Gunmetal. areas with Battlefield Brown. shading and deepen the wood colour.

39
 Aircraft
Camouflage
Firefly Green
(348)

Stuka

Fuselage
DAK Sand
(366)

Basing Guide
All Flames Of War infantry and guns are supplied with appro-
priate bases. Assemble your infantry teams by gluing the figures
into the holes on a base of the right size. Super glue works
well for this.
There are usually several figures with each type of weapon, so
you can create variety in your teams. It doesn’t matter which mix
of figures you put in each team, as long as the mix of weapons is
right. Visit the product spotlight on the Flames Of War website:
Commanders and Unit Leaders
www.FlamesOfWar.com for a more detailed guide.
Base the Africa Rifle Company HQ teams and the Africa
Rifle Platoon Unit Leader on a small base with an NCO
and rifleman as a runner. The team faces the long edge.

MG34 team sMG34 HMG 8cm mortar

Base the MG34 teams of an Africa Rifle Platoon on a 2.8cm anti-tank rifle (not pictured)
medium base. Teams combine a machine-gunner armed Base these heavy weapons on medium base facing the long edge.
with an MG34 light machine-gun, an NCO, two riflemen These teams have the gunner and his weapon along with two
armed with Kar98k rifles. The team faces the long edge. assistant gunners or loaders.

5cm gun 8.8cm AA gun 10.5cm howitzer

Base the 5cm gun on a medium base facing the short edge. Each gun Base these guns on a large base facing the short edge. Each gun has
has a gunner along with an NCO and two ammunition numbers. a gunner along with an NCO and three ammunition numbers.

40
 For historical wargamers everywhere, a beautifully Colours Of War is an 88 page book that includes:
painted miniature army is a joy to behold. And that is
• Tips and tricks for preparation and assembly.
exponentially more true if you have the satisfaction of
knowing that you painted it yourself. Whatever your • Advice about the theory and practice of painting.
level of experience or ability, the Battlefront studio has • Historical information about the equipment, colours
devised the Colours Of War paint range and painting and markings used by each of the four main combatant
system to be useful to you. nations: German, British, United States and Soviet.
Colours Of War will help you get the most out of your • How to base your miniatures for maximum impact.
Flames Of War models, whether you have been painting
• Step-by-step guides covering everything you need to
wargaming miniatures for years or have just picked up a
get your armies painted and on to the table quickly
paintbrush for the first time.
and effectively.
• Tips and tricks developed by the Battlefront studio
over years of experience.
• Inspirational colour photos.
 Written by: Phil Yates
Editors: Peter Simunovich, John-Paul Brisigotti
Graphic Design: Casey Davies
Assistant Writers: James Brown, Andrew Haught, Nigel Slater, Chris Townley
Assistant Graphic Design: Sean Goodison, Victor Pesch
Miniatures Design: Evan Allen, Tim Adcock, Matt Bickley, Will Jaynes
Miniatures Painting: Aaron Te Hira-Mathie
Internal Art: Warren Mahy
Proof Readers: David Adlam, Eis Anavini, Alexander Costantino, Mark Goddard, Mitch Kemmis, Mitchell Landrum,
Huw Peregrine-Young, Luke Parsonage, Stephen Smith, Duncan Stradling
Playtest Groups: Armia Poznań (Bartosz Smarsz), Battleground Club Rostov-on-Don (Alexander Ilyn),
Cavalieri dell-Esagono (Eis Annavini), Dad’s Army (Gavin Van Rossum), El Tunel (Jose Angel Graña Collazo),
La Brigada de Madrid (Jorge Sancho), Maus Haus (Daniel Wilson), Octopus & Friends (Michal Jozwiak),
Russians (Ilya Semenov), Wargames Association of Reading (Ian Brook)

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means
without the prior written permission of the publisher, nor be otherwise circulated in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is
published and without a similar condition being imposed on the subsequent purchaser.
© Copyright Battlefront Miniatures Ltd., 2017. ISBN: 9780987668998
 the war in the desert
The British tanks retreating in the distance looked oddly beautiful as the setting sun lit them
against the darkening sky. Leutnant Gruber sighed tiredly. The battle was over for the day. Time
to find the supply column, refuel and load up on ammo, then maybe catch a couple of hours of
much-needed sleep. The offensive had been going for a week now, with little sign of a break. If
anything, tomorrow promised even harder fighting.
Gruber’s men had done well so far. Their panzers had stood up to the British tanks, destroying far
more than they’d lost. The new long-barrelled models were especially good, he thought, knocking
out even the new Grants with ease.
The one time they’d been in serious trouble, they were able to retreat back through a line of
infantry and 88s, drawing the British into the big guns’ range. Now that had been spectacular. He
smiled wearily at the memory. It’d be good to have a gun that powerful in a panzer.
‘OK, Hans, tell the company to prepare to move. We’re done for the day,’ Gruber called down to his
radio operator, ‘We’ll be back here at dawn, and it’s going to be a hot day.’

The German Afrika Korps is a hard-fighting force of INSIDE YOU WILL FIND:
tough veteran troops who have won many battles • Background on the German Afrika Korps and its
and expect to win many more. Their Panzer III and
part in the fall of Tobruk, the Battle of Alam el
Panzer IV tanks outclass the British tanks they face,
Halfa, and the Battle of Medenine.
and have been steadily upgraded to maintain their
edge over the opposition. Their infantry are organised • Instructions on how to build a Panzer III Tank
to have ‘few men, many weapons’, so they pack a Company, Panzer IV Tank Company, or Africa
ferocious punch whether facing infantry or tanks. Rifle Company.
These are backed by the famous ‘88’ dual-purpose • A detailed painting guide to help you prepare
anti-tank/anti-aircraft gun and the Stuka dive bomber. your German troops for combat.

A copy of the Flames Of War rulebook is necessary to use the contents of this book.
DESIGNED IN NEW ZEALAND ISBN 9780987668998
PRINTED IN EUROPE
Product Code FW242
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