SCENARIO 10
THE FORT AT KHAN NUQTA
Scenario
This scenario represents a quick attack and breakthrough by the southern column
on the road from Falluja to Baghdad.
Introduction
The British column crossed the Euphrates on the night of 27/28 May and drove
along the flooded road towards Baghdad.
The RAF armoured cars led the way and ran into Iraqi defences both sides
of the road at the fortified police station at Khan Nuqta.
Ground
The
ground is flat with the usual bunds and ditches cutting the low lying ground.
To the north the road the ground has been flooded.
There are sand dunes along the edge of the desert.
The fort is near the road and is connected by telephone to Baghdad.
The fort is a low construction surrounded by a low walled enclosure.
The main building is in the centre and there is a low tower by the gate
near the road. Along the inside of
the walls are lean-to constructions to provide shade for cooking and stores.
The walls have a decorative battlements and a firing step.
The whole structure can accommodate about 12 figures
The Iraqi
defensive positions in the sand hills at the depth position are trenches.
The battalion HQ at the white buildings is connected to Baghdad by
telephone.
Execution: The column will attack from column of march.
Order of March
No2 Armoured Car Coy RAF
Sqn Household Cavalry
Tp 2pdr ATk guns with
escort
Bde HQ
237 Fd Bty RA
Bde Services
A & D Coys 1/Essex
Iraqi Force Briefing
Mission: To stop the British advance on Baghdad
Execution: The British are to be
held in the Khan Nuqta area.
Forces:
Fort Garrison (poor morale)
Platoon Iraqi Police
Main Defence line (average morale)
Coy Infantry (depleted)
MG platoon (1 x MMG)
Depth Position (poor morale)
Bn HQ
Coy Infantry
Mortar platoon (1 x model 3” mortar & MFC)
MG platoon (1 x MMG)
Artillery Battery (1 x 18pdr, limber & FOO)
Playing the Game
Historically, the Brigadier was in the front line urging on the bayonet charge.
His effect may have been inspiring and so a bonus should be given should
be given to the attackers if the British player chooses to risk his commander.
The ditches each side of the road are very difficult for wheeled vehicles to
cross.
The flooded areas of the road are passable with care.
Any vehicle traversing them rolls a d6 a score of 1 means that it has
stalled and will need towed out by another vehicle of the same or heavier type.
The towing vehicle will stall on a roll of 1 or 2.
Historical Action
The armoured cars ran into the defences and engaged them with MG fire.
Then the Household Cavalry rapidly debussed and launched a bayonet charge
supported by the 25pdrs and the armoured cars.
The Iraqi front lines put up a token resistance and surrendered. And the
depth position shelled the main column until an assault by a troop drove them
back. They may already have been
retreating when attacked.
Sources of Figures and Models
The fort is really a small police station that has a fortified look and is proof only against small arms fire. The police there had little or no effect on the action.
Iraqi Counter Attack at Fallujah
River Crossing at Habib Shawi and Qrmat Ali