Background
The Battle of Fondouk was another of a number of additional rearguard actions fought by the retreating Axis troops.
The Allies now had an opportunity. If a British Corps under Lieutenant-General John Crocker could make a breakthrough at Fondouk, then they could cut off the Axis line of retreat. General Ryder and the American 34th Infantry was given the task of taking the pass at Fondouk.
The Game
The game pitches two American Infantry Regiments of two battalions each,plus supporting Regimental Artillery, plus an Armored Battalion of Lee tanks against a mixed Italian and German force of similar numbers.
As ever Phil has created an innovative set of rules to drive the game and judging by the interest generated after the first week of the game, the challenge for the Americans will be on how they can close with the dug n enemy along the ridge lines in front of them.
What Really Happened
Ryder, ever the tactician, believed that the best way to take Fondouk would be through encirclement. Crocker disagreed and overruled Ryder, ordering him to make a frontal assault.
The result was a bloody failure. The 34th Infantry suffered heavy casualties carrying out Crocker’s assault on Fondouk, yet were unable to take the pass. Crocker blamed Ryder and his men for not completing his plan, and ordered them withdrawn from the front lines for retraining.
Dedicated Website with Video Material can be found <here>
