paints up some WWII Soviet aircraft.
The Italians on the right flank made a last desperate assault on the Indian defenders. The Pz III platoon charged ahead of the surviving infantry, which were still pinned down. Hoping to overrun the Indians and force them from the trenches, the tanks plowed into the stalwart defenders. Raking the trenches with machinegun fire, the tanks killed several squads.
However, a courageous NCO leapt from his foxhole and charged the tanks, inspiring his men to conduct a vicious counter-attack. Fire from a blackard bombard cannon and close infantry assaults destroyed two tanks. The lone survivor failed a morale test and fled back down the hill.
The remaining defenders opened fire on the exposed Italians as they rushed up the ridge, inflicting atrocious casualties. The damage was too great, and the stormtroopers broke.
The attacking force had been virtually wiped out. To add insult to injury, the Hurricanes strafed the Stug III and infantry on the left flank, inflicting further casualties.
Conclusion
The initial barrage by my 6lb guns had made an impression on my opponent, who never even threatened my defensive positions on the left flank. Instead, he preferred to try and whittle down the defenders from long-range - which was unsuccessful. I only lost one gun, and a several infantry squads in my foolhardy relief attempt.
The defiant Indian defenders suffered almost 50 percent casualties, but were able to launch a critical counterattack that broke the assault on our right flank.
The desperate defense allowed reinforcements to continue reaching the main battle, which helped stave off defeat.