Operation Mercury #1 - Campaign Introduction and Structure (Chain of Command)

Hi All,

As stated in my last post I am hoping to play a Chain of Command campaign with my friend.

Please see below for the campaign structure:

1.0 Overview

This campaign will be played using the Chain of Command Rules produced by Too Fat Lardies.

1.1 Setting

The campaign is set between 20 May 1941 and 1 June 1941. The campaign starts with the German airborne landings and concludes with the allied withdrawal to Egypt.

The campaign abstracts the western part of the Battle of Crete and focuses on engagements between German and Greek forces.

Map of German landings during Operation Mercury (image courtesy of Wikipedia)

1.2 Objective

The Greeks win the campaign if one of the following conditions is met:

• Defeating the Germans twice in a row in Battle I - Decisive Victory
• If the Germans have not defeated the Greeks in Battle V in a total of 9 games - Allied Tactical Victory

The Germans win the campaign if one of the following conditions is met:

• Defeat the Greeks in Battle V in 5 games - Decisive Victory
• Defeat the Greeks in Battle V in 6 games - Strategic Victory (Historical)
• Defeat the Greeks in Battle V in 7 games - Tactical Victory
• Defeat the Greeks in Battle V in 8 games - Minor Victory

1.3 Structure

The campaign will comprise of a 5 rung one sided ladder as seen below:

• Battle I - 20 May 1941 - Chania sector
• Battle II - 21 May 1941 - Maleme Airfield attack
• Battle III - 22 May 1941 - Maleme Airfield counter-attack
• Battle IV - 24 May 1941 - Kandenos, Western Crete
• Battle V - 28 May 1941 - Sfakia, Southwestern Crete

If a battle is forfeited or withdrawn from by one player, the other player wins and proceeds to the next rung on the ladder. A forfeited or withdrawn battle still counts as a game for campaign objective purposes.

For each battle see 'Structure' section to determine what battle must be fought next.

After their landings the Wehrmacht head inland  (image courtesy of ww2incolor.com)

1.4 Restrictions

Both sides of the conflict had relatively few heavy weapons and equipment due to the terrain and geography of Crete so please select support with this in mind. Most engagements should be infantry only with infantry support weapons.

Both the Greek and German players are limited to historical equipment used by both nations in Crete (or could conceivably be used) on or before the date of the battle taking place.

Generally the Greeks are limited to either captured Italian vehicles or British vehicles (Matilda's and Universal Carriers). The Germans are limited to almost no vehicles or heavy weapons due to the majority of light formations taking part but can access Panzer II's in battle V.

No player may take a mortar barrage.

1.5 Replacements

The Greek player has one allocation of replacements. These replacements can be called upon at any time during the campaign.

The German player has two sets of replacements. The first allotment of replacements is available after Battle II. The second set of replacements are available after Battle III (if the Greek player decides not to participate) or after Battle IV.

Greek and ANZAC soldiers share some drinks (image courtesy of neoskosmos.com)