Libya, February 6th 1941
Italian forces under Generals Piana and Bergonzoli attempt to
break through the British encirclement at Beda Fomm
Scenario from http://www.fireandfury.com/
Overview
During the Battle of Beda Fomm ( 5-7 FEB 1941) the 10th Italian Army (Xa Armata
Italiana) tried to avoid encirclement and destruction by retreating along the Via
Balbia (Balbia Road) to Agedabia. Unfortunately for the Italians, the British created
an ad hoc motorized group called Combeforce (named for its commander Lt-Col
John Combe) which managed to outmaneuver the Italian Army and establish a
blocking position on the Italian line of retreat near Sidi Gibrin.
At Km 52 of Via Balbia there were a series of small hills known as Rus Ben Hagen.
The most prominent terrain features of this area were a stretched out but rounded
relief renamed by the British “The Pimple”, and nearby, a hummock with a white
grave, Sidi Ahmed Bu Lteif, called “The Mosque” by the British.
The Pimple provided a good observation point along the Via Balbia. For this reasons
the possession of the Rus Ben Hagen was critical for both the Italians and the British.
The first Italian attempt to break through on 5FEB by the 10th Bersaglieri Regiment
was a disaster with almost the whole regiment annihilated.
The Italians tried again in the morning of the 6th of February; at 08.45 Generale
“Barba Elettrica” Bergonzoli (General Annibale Bergonzoli nicknamed by his men
“Electric Beard”) collected his and General Piana’s forces and renewed the attack.
He was well aware that he had no choice; it was a “Do or Die” situation; the taking
of Rus Ben Hagen means the salvation of most of the 10th Italian Army, while failure
to do so will mean their capture.
DO OR DIE
Italian Briefing
Forces
Italian Setup and Victory Conditions
Setup
• The Italians move first and enter the table from North side (right side of the
map). They may use rapid advance on their first move. All Italian units enter
on the first turn, but must plot their entry in before the game begins as
outlined below.
• Before the British deploy, the Italian player must preplan the entry points and
order of entry for the Bersaglieri and Artillery ME that enter on the road. Also,
entry points for the 3 Armored ME must be specified, although units that are
part of an armored ME may enter anywhere within an armored command
radius of its entry point.
• The Bersaglieri and Artillery MEs must enter on Turn 1 on the Balbia road
according to the order specified in the pregame plan. From the second turn
onward turn they are free to move without restriction.
• Increase the transport capacity of the trucks to 3 infantry stands (instead of
normal 2)
• Scenario length: 15 turns
Italian Objective
Control both the Pimple and the whole hill north of the Balbia road. Casualties are
not a factor in determining victory.
Control of a hill is determined by either occupying or being the last to occupy a hill
with no enemy units in good order on that hill. Enemy units which are suppressed or
disordered do not contest control. The British are considered to control both the
hills at the beginning of the game. If neither side controls both hills at the end of the
game, the game is considered a draw. Historically, it would be a marginal British
victory because the Italians could not use the Via Balbia to continue their retreat,
but for game purposes it is a draw.
DO OR DIE
British Briefing
Forces
British Setup and Victory Conditions
Setup
• British troops deploy first on the 2 hills and/or South of the hills.
• 1 Infantry Company may start the game in Improved Positions if positioned on
the Pimple/Mosque hill.
• The 106th Horse Artillery AT Battery can start the game already Hull Down
and emplaced.
• Scenario length: 15 turns
Objective: Control both hills (the one with The Pimple and Mosque and the one
West of the Via Balbia) at the end of the scenario. Casualties are not a factor in
determining victory.
Control of a hill is determined by either occupying or being the last to occupy a hill
with no enemy units in good order on that hill. Enemy units which are suppressed or
disordered do not contest control. The British are considered to control both the
hills at the beginning of the game. If neither side controls both hills at the end of the
game, the game is considered a draw. Historically, it would be a marginal British
victory because the Italians could not use the Via Balbia to continue their retreat,
but for game purposes it is a draw.
• Soft Sand: as Terrain Chart
• Scrub: as Bush
• Rough: as Terrain Chart
• Via Balbia is paved.
• Village: 3 stone buildings. Each building may contain 1 infantry stand.
Historical outcome
On 6FEB the Italians launched several attacks to conquer both hills but only a few
vehicles succeded in breaking through.
On the morning of the 7th, General Bergonzoli gathered his last forces:
-His HQ
- a thin motorcycles platoon
- two 20mm sections
- 7 Tankettes, remnants of the LX Battaglione
- 30 M13 medium Tanks
At 08.00 he ordered the assault. The M 13, careless of the losses, went for the 2nd
Battalion of the Rifle Brigade; 5 tanks smashed through the British line and almost
overan the HQ . A single valiant but very lucky 2pdr AT gun stopped all the tanks.
The battle was over. At 09.00 General O’Connor transmitted in clear to General
Wavell: "Fox killed in the open".
The battle of Beda Fomm annihilated the remnants of the 10th Italian Army, only
7.000 Italian soldiers and 1.300 Lybians reached Tripolitania.
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