Desperate
Counter-attack
Larrabetzu,
June 13
1937
Been very hot out here and I`ve been struggling with drive to actually do anything hobby wise, finally got off my arse
This
is the second
game in a linked mini-campaign representing the desperate fighting
south of Bilbao in June 1937. I highly recommend readers first read
my historic background:
https://baberonwargames.blogspot.com/2026/06/breaking-iron-belt-spain-june-1937.html
And
the first game scenario and AAR:
https://baberonwargames.blogspot.com/2026/06/pateando-la-puerta-scw-june-1937.html
For
a more complete understanding of what is and has happened.
This is another semi-fictional
battle using what I have available to try and create an interesting
game.
History
During
the days leading up to the main offensive on Bilbao, the Rebels
captured several key pieces of high ground. Using these they were
able to call down overwhelming artillery and direct air support
against Basque artillery and defensive positions and against
counter-attacks. This use of the high ground plus over 140 guns and
numerous aircraft would eventually be the telling factor which broke
Basque resistance of the “Iron Belt” south of Bilbao and sealed
the fate of the city!
The
game
Yesterday
the enemy smashed into Larrabetzu and despite brave resistance by
it`s heroic defenders captured most
of the
town! You command
a company of regulars,
part of a general counter-attack, you are
ordered to take command
of
what is left of the militia battalion and drive the enemy out of
Larrabetzu
and
restore the line.
Your orders are to attack and re-take the town at all costs, the line
must be restored! The fate of Bilbao could well rest in the hands of
your battalion – go with God, Viva la Republica!
Republican
Situation
The
remnants of the militia battalion hold
the northern edge of the town, they have managed to halt the
Francoist drive only with the greatest sacrifice. They now await the
coming dawn and the end; but high command has ordered a
counter-attack and reinforcements have arrived in the form of a
company of Basque regulars, some Assault Guards, a company of old
French (actually Polish) Ft17s and a battery of `75mm guns.
Francoist
Situation
After
a tough fight yesterday the combined force of Carlists and Italians
managed to capture most of the town, but some fanatical defence
combined with sunset which reduced the effectiveness of the
supporting artillery and aircraft prevented a total victory.
During
the early hours the Carlist bandera was withdrawn to regroup with
their brigade to join the next phase of the general attack! The Italian command complained but were ignored; this left just the Italians, and some Civil Guards who`s job was mainly to
police the town once completely captured. The Italians have received
some reinforcements during the night to assist the final clearing of
the town.
Basque/Republican
forces
Militia
HQ and support weapons
2
composite militia companies
Regular
company
75mm
Artillery battery
Ft17
company
Assault
Guard platoon
Francoist
forces
Italian
HQ plus FOO team
3
composite infantry companies
Support
weapons
2
platoons of Civil Guard
The Table
This
scenario uses the same table as game 1, but I have replaced all the
buildings with damaged/destroyed ones (or removed rooves), I`ve also
scattered shell craters around the place.
Now
this basically a meeting engagement with both sides launching attacks
at the same time across the half destroyed town.
Turns
1-2 both sides move to the attack, the only firing is artillery and
mortars, at this point the Italians are unaware of the Republic
counter-attack!
The Italian left
With Civil Guards in support
Italian center
Italian right (again with Civil Guards in support)
Republican
armour on the road
Republican
`75s wipe out the Italian Breda AA gun
Turns
3-4 both sides continue to advance, the Italians are still unaware of
the Republics counter-attack until a DH82 spotter plane arrives over
the table and spots them on turn 4
The
Italians on the right find themselves opposed by a well dug in
platoon of milicianas, they take casualties, but the off table Skoda
battery lands a salvo smack onto the girls position causing
considerable casualties and they require a morale check!
Turn
5 The milicianas fail their morale check and have to withdraw, but
they are struck again by a salvo of 100MM fire and this combined with
Italian small arms wipes the entire platoon out!
In
the center the Italian 2nd company comes under fire and
takes casualties, but their mortar spotter is up to the task and his
tubes silence the Republican machine gun!
On
the Italian left No3 company supported by 2 CV33 and a platoon of
Guardia Civil begin to exchange fire with militia, both sides take
casualties.
Turn
6 the DH82 drops a message to the Italian HQ warning of the enemy
counter-attack!
On
the right the Italian 1st company advances into the
position once held by the milicianas
In
the center No2 company moves into the town proper, they come under
sporadic sniper and mortar fire.
On
the left No3 company is well engaged against the militia, they are
closely supported by the CV33 and a 75/27 field gun. The Basque have
a couple of LMGs and a mortar in direct support plus the `75 battery,
both sides take casualties!
Turn
7 On the left the lead CV33 crosses a barricade in an attempt to
outflank the militia in front of No3 company, it is immediately
knocked out by an anti-tank rifle!
The
Italian FOO calls down his Skoda battery against the now visible
Republican armour – the effect was devastating - two Ft17s
destroyed and half a platoon of militia killed as well requiring a morale check!
Everywhere
else the Italians are advancing virtually unopposed.
Turn
8 on the left the militia in front of No3 company fail their morale
and withdraw, second CV33 surges through the gap, only to be knocked
out by the same anti-tank rifle as his mate!
No3
company is also hit by mortar and machine gun fire plus they now see
the Republican Assault Guards plus militia advancing on them from the
far left.
And
if things couldn`t get any worse the Guardia Civil platoon are caught
by a well aimed salvo from the `75s and lose nearly 1/3 of their
number
In
the center No2 company comes under MMG fire from a concrete bunker
and also finds itself facing the last Ft17.
On
the right 1st company is engaged with another platoon of
milicianas
Turn
9 Another `75 salvo lands around the Civil Guard on the left, they
take more casualties and need a morale check.
A
platoon of the Italian No 3 company is cut to pieces trying to cross
open ground, the survivors break and run. The rest of the company are
now engaged with the Republican counter-attack!
In
the center the Italian FOO calls down his guns against the last FT17
– shots land long actually causing casualties among the Republican
regular company! Both the FT and the bunker MMG fire on the Italian
No2 company causing casualties.
On
the right 1st company continues to exchange fire with the
Milicianas
Turn
10 Another `75 salvo crashes down around the Guardia on the left,
they fail their morale and flee!
A
melee has developed between the Assault Guards/militia and No3
company.
In
the center No2 company is pinned by the FT and bunker MMG, but the
Skoda battery saves the day and lands a salvo across the bunker
(rolling an impressive 12 on 2D6 for effect wiping it out), the salvo
also causes serious damage to the FT killing it also.
On
the right, the Italian 1st company is still engaged with the
milicianas
Turn
11 a Ju-86 “Jumo” flys onto the table
On
the left the Italian No3 company is destroyed in melee and must make
a morale check.
In
the center No2 company is now engaged with the Basque regulars who
are also coming under 75mm and Skoda fire
On
the right the milicianas finally require a morale check due to
casualties from 1st company now with direct support from a
65mm
Turn
12 the Italians of No3 company fail their morale and either flee or
surrender! The Assault Guards and militia begin to receive mortar and
75mm fire!
The
artillery and No2 company (with support from MMGs) cause lots of
casualties among the Basque regulars requiring a morale check!
The
milicianas fail their morale and begin a withdrawal
The
Ju-86 targets and bombs the Republican `75 battery, smashing one gun
and causing enough casualties to require a morale check
Turn
13-15 failed morale checks, or if made further casualties over the
next few turns turn a counter-attack into a rout!
Interesting
game, mostly infantry supported by artillery.
The
Italian dice were the deciding factor I believe, their FOO rolled
consecutive 6s on no less than 3 occasions calling down 100mm salvos
onto the Republicans! Small arms rolls were equally amazing, whilst
the reverse was true for the Basques!
