explores a new house and finds an old friend.
Action in the Levant: Damour, Syria July 6, 1941
Due to concerns of Axis forces using the Levant as a staging area for further attacks against Egypt and/or Iraq, and the important oil fields, Churchill (with an urge from De Gaulle) decided that the area had to be neutralized. General Wavell was at a loss as to what forces the war cabinet thought he had available for such an operation, but the political pressure was too much, and Wavell scratched together a hodge-podge group of forces for what was to be known as 'Operation Exporter'.
The force was built around the 7th Australian Division. Two Indian and two Free French brigades, as well as an odd assortment of independent battalions was built. Unfortunately, little armor or air support would be initially available. De Gaulle thought that the Vichy forces in the Levant would fire a few shots for 'honor' and easily come over to his side. Reality was to prove him very wrong.
Commonwealth forces invaded on June 8th, along three axis of advance. Vichy forces had been expecting the attack and over the next month, Commonwealth forces suffered severe casualties and even a number of reversals, especially since the Vichy French had two battalions of R35 tanks at their disposal. Time and reinforcements, however, were not on the Vichy French side, and by July, they had been pushed back on every avenue, as well as seeing additional Commonwealth forces committed to the campaign. On July 5th, the 7th Australian Division launched its assault on the dug-in Vichy French forces at the town of Damour. The town and the wadi of the same name were the last natural defensive positions protecting Beirut. Marshaling all available forces, both sides committed all they had, as this battle, largest of the campaign, would prove decisive.
It's time to pull out those French Foreign Legionnaires for this one! A challenging engagement for both sides in a very little-known part of the war. We have provided a complete scenario in the Free Scenarios folder on the PANZERKORPHQ Yahoo! Group for all to try.
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