ITLSU - A Hill in Palestine 1918

[Martin1914]

(Pic19) Quite frankly, the Cape Boys didn't feel they needed the help. Their blood was up, but they remained under the control of their officers. They had been told to attack and attack they would. One company turned down the communication trench to close on the Turk MG. The other kept pushing through the main trench line.
Having been compelled to move his HQ again, Morkum Bey was unable to exert any command and control over his men. At least his 2nd Battalion was trying to reorganise on its own initiative in the western end of the trench line.
(Pic20) There was no stopping the Cape Boys. They were literally on a roll. They took out the MG and continued to clear the main trench line without further loss to themselves. Morkum Bey failed to re-establish his HQ.
To be continued....

[Leman]

Superb looking game.

[Womble67]

Looks really good

Take care

Andy

[Martin1914]

(Pic21) Pilkington-Smythe could hear but was unable to see much of the fight in the trenches. His gut feeling was that he must still support his South Africans. He finally got the order through to the Indians to carry the attack through the Cape Corps and clear the remainder of the enemy position.
The Indians filed into the trench line and their leading company took the fight to the weakening Turks, forcing some out into the open. Despite their dwindling numbers the Turks weren't finished. Their 1st Battalion was still on attack orders since Morkum Bey's attempt to counter-attack and under the influence of their remaining officers, they wouldn't run. Indeed, a weakened company launched what seemed a futile assault back up the communication trench against the odds. It had the sweet revenge of defeating a Cape company and making it retreat out of the trenches. Had the South Africans finally shot their bolt?
(Pic22) No. They were having none of it! Rallied by their officers, they weren't going to let the Indians finish what they had started. They charged back into the trenches, barged the Indians out of the way and attacked back down the communication trench, expelling their previous opponents.
Morkum Bey started to lose heart. His men were doing their duty and dying. The enemy were appearing in increasing numbers which he couldn't counter. He desperately wanted to save his men by ordering them to retire and playing his last card of calling in his remaining artillery fire mission onto the hilltop. But under constant enemy pressure he had to move his HQ and he was unable to send the orders.
It was time to concede defeat and surrender. Morkum Bey and his surviving men would head into captivity in Egypt.
Pilkington-Smythe had the grim satisfaction of seeing his brigade take its objective in just over an hour (13 game turns; 6 hours playing time), inflicting 56% losses on the Turks and forcing their surrender. The day belonged to the Cape Corps and he would approve numerous citations for gallantry. But it came at a cost for this battalion lost 59% casualties. The Indian battalion remained relatively unscathed.
The End.

[sunjester]

Well done old chap! A superb report and an absolutely spiffing game.   

[paulr]

Seconded 

[Westmarcher]

Not had the time to follow the narrative as yet but the layout looks really effective. Thumbs up! 

[Duke Speedy of Leighton]

Superb report, really detailed and atmospheric

[lowlylowlycook]

I really like the look of these battles.

[Womble67]

Excellent battle report

Take care

Andy

[Martin1914]

Thanks everyone. Glad you enjoyed the report.

Paulr, Pierre - I know you are into AWI at the moment but should you return to the Mid East as you say you are planning, keep sending your reports. I've always enjoyed following your games and I'm envious of the number of figures!

Regards to all
Mart