On turn two, the Italians on the right flank continued their direct approach towards the Indians, while the group in front of me beat a hasty retreat. Instead of continuing a frontal assault, the surviving company swung around to the left, trying to minimize their exposure to fire from my 6lb guns. Because of the initial set-back, my opponent also received a reinforced platoon of Pz III tanks.
The Stug on my left flank fired and missed. Because of the long range and concealment bonus, only a result of 6 would score a hit on my infantry. My infantry held their fire to retain their concealment bonus. My 6lb guns rotated 90 degrees to face the new assault on the left flank, and fired. However, only one gun was in range... but it killed an infantry squad.
The artillery once again pounded the Indian defenders, inflicting a few more casualties. The infantry advanced and was able to further reduce the defenders by killing two Vickers MG teams.
Because the Italians were exerting pressure on the extreme flanks, my infantry in the center had little to do. Fed up with watching my Indian allies being pummeled by artillery, I ordered my uncommitted company to rush over at double speed and provide support. This risky maneuver exposed my men to fire and prevented them from taking any other actions this turn. However, I hoped it would relieve some of the pressure on our right flank.
Italian scouts charge up the hill, but soon collapse under withering fire from the defenders.
The L3/35 armored cars climbed the slopes of the ridge and fired at the Indian defenders, with little success. My ally responded with heavy machine guns and mortars, annihilating the reconnaissance unit in a barrage of fire. The survivors again failed a morale check and were routed.
The surviving Indians engaged the approaching Italian shock troops, inflicting some casualties.