Iraq 1941 - Scenario 2

NIGHT PATROL AT RAF HABBANIYA - 4 MAY 1941

Scenario

This scenario represents one of many night patrol actions that led to the defenders dominating the ground around the airfield.  It is suited to a skirmish level action.

 

Introduction

The flat ground between the station and the plateau was under observation from the Iraqi positions.  During daylight the Iraqis are confined to their positions by air attack.  However the main threat to the air base comes from a dawn attack bu troops that have moved into position during the night in order to launch a surprise attack. 

 

Ground 

The north edge of the table is the airstrip itself.  This is picketed by RAF armoured cars and Iraqi Levy positions to enable night flying.  The south side of the table is the forward edge of the plateau.  Between these lies the main east – west road with flat ground split by ditches, fields and low irrigation bunds.  There are the four unoccupied low building with some trees and fields around their irrigation ditches. 

 

 General Outline

 Both forces wish to dominate no man’s land.  To this end they are sending out fighting patrols and Listening Posts (LP) to deny the other any advantage.  The fighting patrols are of platoon strength and the Listening Posts a couple of men.  The object of the listening post is to alert the defences of any enemy activity and they have a field telephone for communications.  The fighting patrols are to defeat enemy patrols and take prisoners for interrogation. 

British Force Briefing

Mission:  To establish LPs in each of the farms and patrol aggressively beyond the LPs in order to deny the ground to the enemy. 

Execution:  Your Company is Patrol Company for tonight.  It is composed:

Company HQ:  Officer, CSM, Radio Operator, 1 x SMG, 1 x 2" Mortar, 1 x Rifleman

3 x Listening Posts each 1 x Rifleman with a field telephone

3 x Platoons (Fighting Patrols) 1 x Officer, 1 x SMG, 1 x LMG, 6 x Rifles

You are to escort the LPs, establish them and then carry the battle to the enemy with your fighting patrols.  You are use ambush tactics where possible to minimise casualties and you are take prisoners for interrogation. 

You have the battalion 3” mortars on priority call for illuminating targets (no HE).

 

Iraqi Force Briefing

 

Mission:  To establish Listening Posts (LP) in each of the farms and patrol aggressively beyond the LPs in order to deny the ground to the enemy. 

 

Execution:  Your Company is Patrol Company for tonight.  It is composed:

Coy HQ: Officer, CSM, Radio Operator, 2 x LMG, 2 x Rifles

3 x LP each 1 x rifleman with a field telephone

3 x paltoons (Fighting Patrols) each 1 x Officer, 9 x Rifles

You are to escort the LPs, establish them and then carry the battle to the enemy with your fighting patrols.  You are use ambush tactics where possible to minimise casualties and you are take prisoners for interrogation. 

You have a battery of 3.7” Howitzers on priority call for illuminating targets (no HE).

 

Playing the Game

 

Lay out the terrain with the farms roughly equidistant from the opposing start lines (not necessarily their front lines). 

 

Both commanders write their patrol orders detailing the approximate patrol and/or ambush areas.

 

Both sides start out at the same time.

 

Winning the Game

 

The British win if they prevent the Iraqis from establishing any LPs.  They may claim a victory if they take more Iraqis prisoner than the Iraqis take British prisoners.

 

The Iraqis win if they prevent the British from establishing any LPs.  .  They may claim a victory if they take more British prisoner than the British take Iraqis prisoners.

 

If either side forces the other to withdraw then that side wins outright. 

 

Any other result is a draw.

 

Notes

 

Both sides are evenly matched and so the result will depend largely on the opposing plans and initial deployments.

 

The night is dark and there is scope for concealed movement.  The use of random artillery flares is always present and so a die is rolled each turn and on a 6 an illuminating round drops above a randomly determined point in no-man’s-land.  Those caught in its glare (say 12” diameter) may improve their chance of remaining concealed by halting.  If they move they can be spotted more easily. 

 

Gun flashes may only be seen by those directly in front of them.  And the flashes only give direction not range.  I used black card with yellow/orange flashes painted on them.

 

Alternative Actions

 

If this is played several times then the British may have a platoon or two of Assyrian Levies instead of British ones.  These are Officer, LMG, 7 rifles. They have good morale and average shots.

 

The Iraqi player may have a militia platoon of an Officer, LMG (Lewis), 8 rifles.   They have poor morale and average shots.  They do not have bayonets.

 

Historical Action

 

Similar actions took place every night and the British and Assyrian Levies totally dominated the ground.

 

Iraq Scenario Intro Page

The Escape of the Regent

Night Patrol at Habbaniyah

Battle at Sinn el Dibban

Clearing the Port of Ashar

British Assault on Fallujah

Iraqi Counter Attack at Fallujah

The Raid Across the Jezireh

River Crossing at Habib Shawi and Qrmat Ali

The Battle at Kadhimain

The Fort at Khan Nuqta

What If the Arab Legion and Legion Freies Arabien Met?

Mercol in Action

The History

Building Your Forces

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