By Manny Granillo 2008-2013 Hoplite Research, LLC

The Abyssinian War October 1935

Il Duces War: Abyssinia! Scenario: Abyssinia November 1935: You are the Force Commander of the Southern Attack column consisting of the 29th Division (Peloritana), a Libyan Division, and several other forces including the 28th October Black Shirt Division and the 5th (Cosseria) Division being brought in later as reinforcements. After celebrating last nights arrival of Ladies from Rome and have recovered enough, your orders call for your force to advance and finish the job of taking Abyssinia. Your key Objectives are to take and hold the following earnestly!: Marda Pass (starting point), Harar, Dlredawa, Warieu Pass, Awash, Hera, Aselle, Wondo and Addis Ababa. Intelligence: This is a major effort for Commando Supremo Africa Orientale. Large concentrations of natives and Abyssinians appear to have been seen by aerial reconnaissance to the north. Several officers who have recently escaped from an ambush indicate that some appear to have limited artillery. Expect full support from the Regia Aeronautica. The enemy has spies everywhere and know your every move. (No Initiative Clock bonus at any time). Time to complete the mission: Each Battle represents 5 days (1 battles is a week) (The following is from the Campaign system and represents your objectives) If you are able to capture your key objectives within the time allotted: 5 Weeks: The Stuff of Legend! You are ordered to Rome to be decorated by Il Duce himself and given choice of command! 8 Weeks: Victory! You have been given a healthy bonus and a villa on Capri. 11 Weeks: Sloppy Campaign, but you will not be court martialed. 15 Weeks: Disgrace to the Uniform! Transferred to Albania. 20 Weeks: Dont come back as you have been sacked! You will be shot on sight! Supply Conditions: Fully Supplied. 1 Caproni Squadron 133 is available to drop supplies by air. Roll before the battle and see if it available. 1-3 on a d6. Normal Air Supply rules apply otherwise. Must remain in control of the Italian entry point on the battle map so as to count as fully in supply for the next battle day. Failing that, the Force is considered out of supply until the lines are restored. Initiative Clock: 0 Weather Conditions: Clear. Start at the 6am Day Segment. The battles will take place in dry conditions. Dry conditions cause all European formations not in shade/buildings to take 1 DM per turn after 8am unless 15 inches from a non-poisoned Well/Oasis/River. Replacements: 25 DM's per 3 Days if supplied/ 8 DMs if out of supply. Initial Forces to start: 29th Division, Libyan Division, 6th CCNN and all forces from the Reserve support group. The 4th Corps under Ezio Babbini becomes available after the 10th week. No other replacements are available.

Battle of marda pass November 1935

Battle of Marda PassInitial mapTribal player places terrain as is shown on the initial map. All subsequent battle maps will be generated using the Battlezone Builder in The PANZER KORPS CAMPAIGN system . Unless determined by the scenario or the Game Master, if applicable, the force with the initiative will always enter on one side of the map with the other force defending on the map. Placement of Tribal forces will be determined by spotting and rolling to spot as described in the scenario when playing solo. Units that have been spotted are assumed to be behind light cover/rocks unless they have moved and selected randomly. Abyssinians defended a vast and desolate territory marked by trails, mountains and isolated settlements. This Campaign assumes that the regional forces have been assembled to meet the Italian threat. The Ras Kebbede (F) Force is available after Dlredawa. The Ras Seyoum (H) Force becomes available on a 5 -6 on a d6 before each battle or after Awash. These two forces are the same as the Ras Mulugeta Force as the start. Once joined, the additional forces stay in the Army. Before battle and after Italian deployment, roll a d10 per formation: 9-10 and the formation leaves the field/has been bought off. Imperial Guard: Consists of 4 Infantry Battalions with a MMG Co. attached and appear only when Selassi is on the field. Abyssinian player chooses if and when Selassi is on the field. Loosing a battle with Selassi on the field will add +4 to the ODQ. Effect on troops is a +1 column shift right additional in Close Combat. Italian Transports: The Italians have 9 Cos of Truck Transports. When used in groups of 3, these trucks can carry one infantry battalion or tow a gun battalion. They function independently, but do otherwise function like a normal formation. Abyssinian Morale: All formations are Recruits; Tribal Safaris are Militia and the Imperial Guard Regulars. All are Fanatics. Map Size 9 ft. x 6 ft.

Map Notes: Hills cost -1 inches for infantry and wheeled vehicles are allowed only on the road. Tracked vehicles will check for breakdowns as per the rules. Abyssinians do not pay for moving in rough terrain. Rough terrain disrupts and no trucks can enter. The game starts with the 6am-8am Day segment. Italians have initiative for first day segment. When Italians have the initiative, because they were working with old unreliable English maps, they will automatically add a 2 to all number of turn determination rolls for day segments. The Abyssinians use map deployment for hidden movement and they receive 2 phony markers that are deployed before the game starts. Each Spawn point is a hidden unit selected at random. Units will continue to appear at a point unless a 1 is rolled on a d6 after placement of a unit. Then no others are there.

This is the army meeting the Italians in the first battle. No other forces unless brought in as part of the scenario can be used. Ras Mulugeta Force E Decision Die: Yellow Ras Mulugeta on Horse Supply Column 1 Horse Wagon 26 Tribal Warrior Safaris with Swords/Spears 3 Cavalry Safaris Field Artillery Batt. 65mm Howitzers Horse Drawn Support companies for Ras Mulugeta 12 Camp Followers (attached to any formation) 3 HMG Co. (can only be attached to regulars) Abyssinian Air Support: 1 Squadron Curtis Bi-planes Starts under strength with 4 DMs which can never be replaced. Camp Followers Effects: Each attached Co. absorbs every 3rd DM inflicted on the host unit. Army of Abyssinia: Selassi E in Staff Car Ras Kassa Force F Decision Die: Yellow 13 Decorated Leaders Ras Kassa on Horse 12 Abyssinian Infantry Battalions 4 Cavalry Safaris 19 Tribal Warrior Battalions with Swords/Spears Field Artillery Batt. 65mm Howitzers Horse Drawn Support companies for Ras Kassa 3 HMG Co. (can only be attached to Abyssinians) 6 Camp Followers (attached to any formation) 15 Decorated Leaders

BATTLE ZONE
Playing Area 9 feet x 6 feet 15mm,20mm or 6 feet x 4 feet 1/285

Italian Entry Zone

Abyssinian spawn point

XXVIII October Black Shirt Umberto Somma F 1 Division HQ Command Car 1 Divisional Supply Column (1 Truck) 1 Recon Battalion 3 Lancia Armored Car Cos 1 Motorcycle Battalion 114th Regiment 114th infantry w/ MMG Co. w/ 50mm Mortar Co. 115th infantry w/ 50mm Mortar Co. 116th Regiment 116th infantry w/ MMG Co. w/ 50mm Mortar Co. 125th infantry w/ 50mm Mortar Co. 180th Regiment 174th infantry w/ 50mm Mortar Co. 180th infantry w/ MMG Co. w/ 50mm Mortar Co. Black Shirt Artillery Regiment 1st Artillery Battalion (65mm with 3 Lorries)

D. Die: Blue

14 Decorated

Support Companies: (attach any formation) 2 Military Police Co. 1 Eng Co. 2 20mm Cos 2 AT Rifle Cos. 9 Mule Cos. 2 65mm Cos. 3x45mm AT Co.s 2 Medical Cos.

Libyan Division Guglielmo Nasi F 1 Division HQ Command Car 1 Divisional Supply Column (1 Truck) 1st Libyan Regt 1st infantry w/ MMG Co. w/ 50mm Mortar Co. 2nd infantry w/MMG Co. w/ 50mm Mortar Co. 2nd Libyan Regt 1st infantry w/ MMG Co. w/ 50mm Mortar Co. 2nd infantry w/MMG Co. w/ 50mm Mortar Co. 3rd Libyan Regt 1st infantry w/ MMG Co. w/ 50mm Mortar Co. 2nd infantry w/MMG Co. w/ 50mm Mortar Co. Artillery Regiment 1st Artillery Battalion (65mm with 3 Lorries)

D. Die: Blue

12 Decorated Leaders

Support Companies: (attach any formation) 2 Military Police Co. 1 Eng Co. 4 Mule Cos. 2 65mm Cos. .

6th (Tevere) Black Shirt Division Enrico Boscardi F Leaders 1 Division HQ Command Car 1 Divisional Supply Column (1 Truck) 1 Recon Battalion 3 Lancia Armored Car Cos 1 Motorcycle Battalion 219th Regiment Vittorio Veneto 1st infantry w/ MMG Co. w/ 50mm Mortar Co. 2nd infantry w/MMG Co. w/ 50mm Mortar Co.

D. Die: Blue

15 Decorated

220th Regiment 1st infantry w/ MMG Co. w/ 50mm Mortar Co. Arditi Assault Battalion w/MMG Co. w/ 50mm Mortar Co. Support Companies: (attach any formation) 2 Military Police Co. 221st Regiment Italiani all Estero 1st infantry w/ MMG Co. w/ 50mm Mortar Co. 1 Eng Co. 1 L3 Light Tractor 2nd infantry w/MMG Co. w/ 50mm Mortar Co. 2 20mm Cos 2 AT Rifle Cos. 6 Mule Cos. 2 65mm Cos. 1x45mm AT Co.s 2 Moto Cos Black Shirt Artillery Regiment 1st Artillery Battalion (65mm with 3 Lorries) 2 Medical Cos.

29th Division (Peloritana) Giuseppe Pavone E Decision Die: Red 12 Decorated Leaders 1 Division HQ Command Staff Car 1 Divisional Supply Column (1 Truck) 1 Recon Battalion 3 Carro Armatos w/Motorcycle Co. 3rd Regiment 1st infantry w/ MMG Co. w/ 50mm Mortar Co. 2nd infantry w/MMG Co. w/ 50mm Mortar Co. 3rd infantry w/ MMG Co. w/ 50mm Mortar Co. 4th Regiment 1st infantry w/ MMG Co. w/ 50mm Mortar Co. 2nd infantry w/MMG Co. w/ 50mm Mortar Co. 3rd infantry w/ MMG Co. w/ 50mm Mortar Co Artillery Regiment 1st Artillery Battalion (65mm with 3 Lorries) Support Companies: (attach any formation) 2 Military Police Co. 1 Engineer Cos. 9 Truck Cos 12 Mule Cos. 2 65mm Howitzer 1 45mm AT Co.s

2 Medical Cos.

4th Corps: 5th Division E Decision Die: Red 1 Division HQ Command Staff Car 1 Divisional Supply Column (1 Truck) 41st Regiment Modena 1st infantry w/ MMG Co. w/ 50mm Mortar Co. 2nd infantry w/MMG Co. w/ 50mm Mortar Co. 3rd infantry w/ MMG Co. w/ 50mm Mortar Co. 42nd Regiment Modena 1st infantry w/ MMG Co. w/ 50mm Mortar Co. 2nd infantry w/MMG Co. w/ 50mm Mortar Co. 3rd infantry w/ MMG Co. w/ 50mm Mortar Co Artillery Regiment 1st Artillery Battalion (75mm with 3 Lorries) Support Companies: (attach any formation) 2 Military Police Co. 1 Engineer Cos. 12 Mule Cos. 2 65mm Howitzer 9 Truck Cos

12 Decorated Leaders

1 20mm AA guns 2 Medical Cos.

Support/Reserve Formations: Aosta Lancers Cavalry Regiment 6 Battalions Royal Colonial Troops (ArabSomali Colonial Troops) Camel Mounted Artillery 65mm XIV Battalion indigeni (Eritrean) Motorized Artillery 77mm Battalion 18 Transport Cos (trucks) (Three Cos to move one formation) Motorized Battalion of 20mm AA 2 Medical Cos. 2 Military Police Cos 6 Dubat Band Cos 2 L3 Tank Cos 3 Armored Car Cos Air resources: 2 CR-20 Squadrons 4 Caproni 101 Squadrons 2 Savoia-Marchetti SM-79

Bands (Italian Army irregulars)

A "Banda" (singular) was approximately a company size unit. The larger unit was the battalion size "Gruppo Bande" (infantry) or "Gruppo Squadroni" (cavalry). The "Milizia" a regimental unit appeared briefly during the fascist period in the Balkans. The first of these irregular units employed by the Regio Esercito originated from a mercenary Arab force employed by the Ottoman Empire and called Basci Buzuk, that was created in Eritrea by the Albanian adventurer Sagiak Hassan in the second half of the 19th century. In 1885 the Italian Colonel Tancredi Saletta, commanding officer of the first Italian troops involved in the conquest of Eritrea, enlisted Bashi-bazouks in the service of Italy. As lightly armed irregulars the Bands were able to perform duties for which regular Italian and colonial troops were unsuited and at lower cost. Locally recruited bands were employed in the conquest of Italian Libya from 1911 to the 1930s. Their Somali counterparts played an important role in Italian Somalia during the 1920s. In Somalia the Italians also employed Dubats - levies that were maintained on a permanent basis and were better trained and equipped than the essentially tribal Banda. During the guerrilla war that continued in Ethiopia after the 1936 Italian invasion, groups of irregular Banda were recruited amongst tribal groups collaborating with the Italian regime. One ot the best known of these was the Gruppo Bande irregolari "Uollo Ambassel" in northern Ethiopia. While most Bande were recruited in the various Italian colonies in Africa, many units bearing this designation were also created as auxiliaries during the Second World War in Albania and in the occupied territories of the former Kingdom of Yugoslavia. Not only the Italian Regio Esercito employed Bands but also the other branches of the Italian armed forces and corps. The Banda n 9 "della Marina", formed of Greek Orthodox and local young Italians from Dalmatia, was established in Zara under the control of the Italian Royal Navy. These naval auxiliaries fought side by side with a company from the Reggimento "San Marco" during the period 1941-43. Gruppo Bande Amhara One of the most famous Italian irregular bands was the "Gruppo Bande Amhara". At the beginning of World War II the Italian Viceroy Amedeo the Duke of Aosta gave lieutenant Guillet command of the 2,500 strong Gruppo Bande Amhara, an irregular troops unit made up mainly of recruits from Ethiopia's region of Amhara. This force was primarily a cavalry one, but also included camel mounted troops and some Yemeni infantry led by Eritrean Ascari NCOs. At the end of 1940, the Allied forces faced Guillet on the road to Amba Alagi, and specifically, in the proximity of Cher. He was charged with the task of delaying the allied advance from the North -West and his Eritrean Ascari were successful but suffered many casualties. Guillet's most important battle happened towards the end of January 1941 at Cher when he decided to attack enemy armored units. At dawn the "Gruppo Bande Amhara" charged a column of tanks armed only with swords, guns and hand grenades. They passed unhurt through the British forces who were caught unaware. Guillet then turned to charge again. In the meantime however, the British had organized themselves and fired horizontally with their howitzers. Their shells ripped open the chests of Guillet's horses and soldiers before exploding. This was the last cavalry charge the British faced and the last but one in the history of Italian cavalry.