Breaching the Trasimene Line - Italy 1944 - Dawn Day Two

Sit Rep Dawn Day Two

The night had been well spent by both sides, with the Axis withdrawing the remnants of the Italian company back over the river to the comparative safety of an orchard, as well as bringing forward their FJ reserves.

The British had been very busy with the CO sending out orders left, right and centre. All of his Battlegroup was now in play and he had also put in requests for air support, both bomber and ground attack, as well as some engineering AFVs to help overcome the Axis defences.

Axis Losses To Date

One platoon of infantry, a 47mm ATG and the L5-30.

British Losses To Date

One platoon from 'A' company and a Humber AC.

Damage & Repairs

The British had been unable to make repairs on the battlefield to their Churchill 6 pdr (keep its 3 hits from Day One), but the Italians had been able to keep their MG unit almost fighting fit (keep 1 hit from the 3 taken on Day One).

Positions At Dawn Day Two

The following photos will give an idea of how both sides have deployed for that start of Day Two.

An overview of the table, with mist along the river, obscuring both sides. It is expected to lift between 8.00 & 9.00am, or thereabouts.

Despite the overnight mist, the British have been able to locate the Axis minefield, just below the bridge and covering both sides of the ford.

The Italian troops in the orchard behind stone walls and covered by the minefield to the front. They are not dug-in.

The British CO has sent the Recce infantry to see if they can find a crossing over the river that is not mined. they appear to have found one but can't be sure until the mist lifts or the cross over to the otherside.

'A' company is covering the mined ford in case of any Axis counter-attacks from this direction.

The reserve tank squadron laagered behind the maize, ready to push on twards the bridge or where ever they are required. 'D' company is in reserve behind the farmhouse, with the FAO and FAC in the roof of the farm.

'B' company has moved into the vineyard, helping to cover the other tank squadron to its left.

The tank squadron has two troops of Churchills to the fore, with the Shermans and Churchill VCS in hull down positions on the hill, ready to provide support. 'C' company is to their left, ready to try and cross the river in support of the tanks.

The Recce Honey has taken up a concealed position at the edge of the orchard, ready to provide eyes and ears to the attack from the left flank.

The British reserves which are yet to arrive in the form of a Sherman flail, Churchill SBG and WASP carrier. Ground attack aircraft and bombers are off table in the wings.

The FJ have moved forward to the fall back trenches to add more depth to their positions.

The FJ mortars in their gun-pits will provide much needed fire support.

The Tiger I and Pak 40 in their gun and AFV pits, with a commanding view down the valley. They will be very hard to shift from these positions. 

A Stug III in its AFV pit, commanding the approaches to the bridge.

The Pz IV is providing mobile flank protection to the units in the orchard by the bridge.

Plans

The British CO is planning on probing the Axis defences in front of his left flank, hoping to they will be able to cross the river quickly and start to unlock the Axis positions. He has some smoke support from the artillery to help mask this manouevre, but not much. He is hoping that his request for air support will be met as he's sure it will be sorely needed in the coming hours.

The Axis plans are to maintain their positions, relying upon their long range firepower from their Tiger I and ATGs, plus the potentially devastating firepower from their mortars, which are as effective as off table artillery, if not more so. The only potential weak point is their right flank which is covered by the Italians. If the British can gain a foothold their, then they may have a real fight on their hands.

So that table is all set for the Day Two action to kick-off, which hopefully will be later today when I finished 'Daddy Day Care'. I'm really looking forward to this and hope it's a good one. Until next time, stay safe and keep healthy.