A Qualified Success Battle Report 3

​My buddy Greg and I have started to play through A Qualified Success, a "Pint Sized Campaign" written for the WWII game Chain of Command. The campaign focuses on Operation Husky, the invasion of Sicily, specifically the Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry pushing north toward Syracuse while the Italian Coastal defenders and Napoli Infantry Regiment try to slow them down.

July 13, 1943

Platoon Sergeant Roy Keane leads a squad on a reconnaissance-in-force, testing the outskirts of the village of Cassibile. Anticipating heavy resistance in the two story buildings, he swings to the left towards a hedgerow and crop fields. Suddenly a machine gun next opens up and additional Italian troops are seen moving through the field.

Keane and his men luckily make it across to the hedge where his men lay down accurate fire on the Italian infantry within the crops. The Bredas can't keep up with the Bren and the Italian riflemen have trouble getting a clear shot past their comrades. 

At the same time a rumbling sound echoes from the road--a Sherman arrives and sends two shells directly into the machine gun nest. Men scream as shrapnel tears through them.

Keane and his squad continue to apply the pressure to the remaining Italian squad. Several men, including Caporale Cino Casaletto are instantly killed, and the remainder crack under the fire. Seeing their right flank collapse, any men who were holding onto the buildings in town retreat as well. 

For his role leading the assault, Platoon Sergeant Keane has earned the respect of his men as well as mentions in the dispatches of his COs. The British continue their push towards Syracuse, but the now-organized Napoli Infantry Regiment might have something to say about that!