Collecchio

 The Battle at Collecchio

The Brazilians in Italy April 26 - 27, 1945 

Brazilian shoulder patch

This is updated version of something I wrote way back in 2004

The Brazilian Expeditionary Force (Forca Expedicionaria Brasileira) – FEB commanded by General Mascarenhas de Moraes arrived in Italy in july 1944 and were assigned to the US 5th Army under General Mark Clark. They served with 5th Army until the end of the war (over 8 months and 239 days in continuous contact with the enemy). See my article on the FEB which appeared in MW254, July 2004 for the complete history of this unit during the Italian Campaign, the only South American unit to fight in Europe during World War II.

Collecchio

On the morning of April 26th, whilst strengthening the defences around Parma (captured by the US 34th Division under Gen. Charles Bolte on April 25th); news came of German units fleeing north towards the city along highway 62. General Mascarenhas immediately ordered his recon squadron to move down the Taro River Valley to scout for the enemy. By early afternoon they had encountered the lead enemy units at Collecchio. The initial encounter was with armoured cars from 90th Panzergrenadier Division`s Recon Battalion, but soon infantry from the 281st Regiment (148th Division) were also discovered so the recon squadron called for help.

This help came in the form of the Division Commander himself along with the commander or II Battalion, 11th infantry - Major Ramagen and his 5^th company along with the medium machine gun platoon from 8th company (also II/11th Infantry) all carried in a mixed convoy of trucks and jeeps which they borrowed from the Divisions Artillery Regiment! 

Once contact had been established with the recon squadron Major Remagen sent the transport back to ferry further II Battalion elements to the town. Also the commander of 6th Infantry upon hearing of the Advancing enemy sent his 9th company (III Battalion/6th Infantry) under Captain Lemos to Collecchio too. By 1830 on April 26th all elements were in position and under the direct gaze of their division commander prepared for action against the enemy.

Major Remagen was given overall command and so ordered 5/II to advance into the town, whilst 6/II and 9th company (III/6th infantry) and the recon squadron supported by the machine guns of 8/II dug in to prevent the enemy moving north along highway 62. The attack commenced at 1930 hours and 5th company met intense fire from infantry defending the town outskirts; the Germans also had mortars and some artillery. At 2100 hours extra troops arrived in the form of 2nd company (I Battalion/6th Infantry) their 1st platoon riding into battle on American tanks. Still the Germans resisted and put in several attacks in an attempt to breakout northward. By 0200 hours (27th April) Brazilian troops and US tanks were fighting within the town. Just before dawn the Germans with artillery support made one final all out effort to smash through the Brazilians, this was unsuccessful and with this last effort ended the German resistance. By noon the Brazilians were in full control of the town and by late afternoon II Battalion/11th Infantry and US tanks were already pressing the enemy south towards Fornovo.

Initially the Germans have just light recon elements (the recon commander Capt. Pitaluga mentions German armoured cars with 20mm cannon). Then infantry elements of the 281st Infantry Regiment who defended the town (I would estimate about one weak battalion) supported by machine guns and mortars (they had at least one `88 too as it nearly decapitated Pitaluga in the Town Square!). The counter attacks should be short and sharp (platoon sized) until the last attack at dawn on April 27th when I would estimated the enemy strength to be about a battalion with artillery support. This last attack should be directed at 6^th and 9th companies dug in across the valley. It was this battle and the following couple of day's patrol activity that convinced the German commander General Otto Fretter Pico that continued fighting was useless. This led to his unconditional surrender of all the forces under his command.

General Otto Fretter Pico surrendering to the Brazilians

 The Game

Now if you are using Rapid Fire! or another battalion level game you could run the entire battle in one go. Because we play at a lower level I decided to run it as two games - the battle for the town & the final German attempted breakout.

 The terrain was very close due to the numerous heavy wooded areas that were spread unevenly around the hilly valley surrounding the town. I decided on a close town with lots of buildings and narrow streets with walled gardens. There was a cobbled square with a fountain in the centre with streets leading off from all sides.

Brazilian attack

I decided to concentrate on the evening attack by 5^th company (II/11th infantry) and 2nd company (I/6th infantry) supported by the US tanks. The Brazilians had none of their organic artillery present due to a tactical decision where the artillery transport had been utilised as infantry transport to assist the divisions speed and movement during this pursuit phase. I allowed Lt. mortars from the dug in companies to be used in support of the initial advance into the town.

By evening the Germans had established themselves within the town and had set up defensive positions facing northeast up highway N62. Their artillery (what there was of it) was positioned in the south of the town in the groves and orchards. They have no tanks, but a few armoured cars from 90th PG, the `88 was positioned off the town square deployed without tow.

Brazilian units

5th Company, II Battalion, 11th Infantry

Coy HQ – CO, RTO, NCO, 3 runners

3 – 10 man platoons (1 BAR)

Support platoon - .30cal, Bazooka, 60mm mortar (10 men)

 2nd Company, I Battalion, 6th Infantry

As 5th Company above

Elements US 751st Tank Battalion

4 – M4 Sherman (75)

Support

Only available until lead units get 12 inches into the town (at which point the mortar observers are out of line of sight)

2 x 60mm mortar 

German forces

Recon Elements 90th Panzergrenadier Div.

Sdkfz222 armoured car

Sdkfz232/1 armoured car

Elements – 281st Infantry Regiment (148th Div.)

HQ – CO, 2IC, FOO, 2 X RTO, NCO, 4 runners, sniper

6 - weak 8 man platoons 

Support – 3 - LMG, 1 MMG, 3 Panzerfaust, 1 panzershreck team (2 rockets), 1 Pak97/38

 1 - 88mm Flak + some soft skinned transport

Off table

3 turns of 105mm artillery (2 guns)

5 turns of 81mm mortar (2 tubes

Brazilian Recce half-track clearly showing the Southern Cross marking

 German Breakout Attack

One last desperate throw of the dice and break through to Highway 62 and the way north. The Germans moved units around Collecchio through the thickly wooded areas, then launched an attack against the dug in Brazilians above the town. The victory conditions are simple – the Germans must break through and open the highway for their comrades bottled up south of the town. The Brazilians must hold the line preventing any German units escaping the valley.

German force

Elements of 148th Infantry Division

Composite Battalion HQ:

CO, 2IC, 3 officers, 2 RTO, FOO, NCO, 4 runners,

8 man security platoon (LMG)

12 – Weak platoons with:

9 men each (weapons to be divided among

platoons – 7 LMG, 1 Panzershreck [1D3 rockets], 3

Panzerfaust, 1 Flamethrower [3 bursts], sniper rifle,

1 grenade rifle)

Support

2 – MMG

2 – 81mm mortars (1D6  turns of ammo)

75mm IG (1D6 rds)

Off table

3 turns of 105mm fire (2 guns)

Brazilian Forces

Composite HQ

CO, 2IC, 3 officers, 2 RTO, FOO, 4 runners, 10

man security platoon (BAR)

6th Company, II Battalion, 11th Infantry

Coy HQ – CO, RTO, NCO, 3 runners

3 – 10 man platoons (1 BAR)

Support platoon - .30cal, Bazooka, 60mm mortar (10

men)

9th Company, III Battalion, 6th Infantry

As 6th Company above

Elements of 8th Company, II Battalion, 11th Infantry

4 x MMGs

Recon Squadron

M8 armoured car

M3 half-track with 8 man platoon (BAR)

Off table

2 batteries 81mm mortars (8 tubes)

Figures and rules

We use Charles Grant`s old “Battle” rules, with modifications derived over years of play. This battle could easily be fought using Arc of Fire or Crossfire (or any other company/battalion level set). We used 20mm figures and kit from my collection from various manufacturers. For the Brazilians any US figures can be used as the FEB was totally equipped by the Americans - standard US Uniforms (M-41 Jacket, HBT Coveralls, OD wool shirts and trousers, service shoes, dismounted leggings, M-36 suspenders, the M42 double-breasted waterproof greatcoat was popular), I`ve also seen photos of Brazilians in the white snow camouflage suit too, but obviously not in April `45! In combat they wore the M-1 US standard helmet, but beanie caps and side-caps were also worn. It should be noted if you are going to paint up a unit specifically as Brazilians that there was a racial mix, unknown within the US Army of this period with coloured, Hispanic, white and even Asians present. 

The Brazilian vehicles had a unique marking of the Southern Cross constellation within a circle in white.

Brazilian M8

Sources

AFV News (Sept-Dec 1997, Volume 32, No3)

Armes Militaria Magazine (No171)

Micro-mark list BZ1 (Mark Bevis)

Brazilian Expeditionary Force Italy 1944-`45 (an orbat

published in Command Post Quarterly No6 by Greg

Novak)

The Brazilian Expeditionary Force by its Commander -

Marshal J.B.Mascarenhas de Moraes (US Government

Printing Office 1965)

E A Cobra Fumo! (Richard Baber – Miniature wargames

254, July 2004)

The Brazilian Expeditionary Force in World War II by C.C. Maximiano & R. Bonalume N. (Osprey Men-at-Arms 465)

Rural Finca

Rural Finca

Another 1€ bootfair find. 

It started out like this, I`m not sure if it was a kiddies toy, but it was on a table full of Belen (Nativity scene) bits.

I unbased it and re-mounted it on hardboard, which I then textured and after drying undercoated everything. A quick repaint, I added shutters to the "window" hole cut into the rear wall to disguise the damage, then added some flock.

Photo with some SCW Requetes for scale

Photos with some walling

Fishing Boat

Fishing Boat

Another 1€ bootfair find, a bit beaten up, but useable

Started off looking like this:

After a bit of work with my trusty tenet saw turns her into a waterline model

A bit to tidying up and a quick basic repaint - job done

A few civilians for scale

Bootfair find

Bootfair find

bought this for 1€ at a bootfair, it is a stylized souvenir model made of resin of the La Puerta de Alcala in Madrid. 

I thought it might make a good entrance to a government building courtyard OR as a monument in a park

A quick paint job and done

With a few Mexicans for scale

Mexican Scatter Terrain

Mexican Scatter Terrain

I bought the Imex set - Southwestern Alamo Accessories, frankly disapointing - you don`t get much for your money  😒

But I based it all, added bark, painted and inked it, then sanded the base and added some tufts and here we are:

A few shots with figures for scale

Veracruz (redux)

 VeraCruz (version 2)

April 21, 1914

 After setting up  and running my original game, I discovered among my notes a much better map of the port. So I have decided to re-set the table and try again, I`ve also added a few changes to the organisations based of a couple of new accounts of the action which I`ve come across since writing the original scenario.

Background

In a direct response to the arrest of nine American sailors by the Mexican authorities in Tampico on April 9th, President Woodrow Wilson ordered the US Navy to blockade the port of Veracruz. But when it became know a German merchantman SS Ypiranga was due to arrive at the port with a cargo of weapons on or around 21^st April, Wilson ordered Rear Admiral Fletcher to land troops (marines and naval personnel) to seize the waterfront and prevent those weapons (sales of which were banned) to Huerta`s troops.

The weapons had actually been sourced by John Wesley De Kay, an American financier and businessman with large investments in Mexico, and a Russian arms dealer from Puebla called Leon Rasst and not the German government, as newspapers reported at the time.

Part of the arms shipment to Mexico originated from the Remington Arms Company in the United States. The arms and ammunition were to be shipped to Mexico via Odessa and Hamburg to skirt the American arms embargo. In Hamburg, De Kay added to the shipment. The landing of the arms was blocked at Veracruz, but they were unloaded a few weeks later in Puerto Mexico, a port controlled by Huerta at the time.

So on the morning of April 21st, 502 marines of 2^nd Advanced Base Regiment (ABMR from here on) and 285 sailors plus marine detachments from the battleships Florida and Utah under the command of Marine Lt. Col. Wendell C. Neville, landed by whaleboat at the quay side and moved to secure the port.

As planned earlier, American consul William W. Canada notified General Gustavo Maass that Americans were occupying the port and warned him to "cooperate with the naval forces in maintaining order." Maass, however, was not permitted by Mexico City to surrender the port. Maass ordered the Eighteenth Regiment, under the command of General Luis B. Becerril, to distribute rifles to the populace and to the prisoners in "La Galera" military prison, and then all to proceed to the dock area. Maass also ordered the Nineteenth Regiment, under the command of General Francisco A. Figueroa, to take up positions on Pier Number Four. Maass then radioed a dispatch to General Aurelio Blanquet, Minister of War in Mexico City, of the American invasion. Blanquet ordered Maass to not resist, but to retreat to Tejería, six miles inland.

Mexican resistance was sporadic, the untrained civilians had problems obtaining the correct ammunition and lacked any sort of organised command or supply. The released prisoners under the command of Lt. Col. Manuel Contreras did put up some kind of opposition, along with some civilians and the cadets of the Naval Academy under Commodore Manuel Azuela which eventually led to the invaders having 4 dead and 20 wounded before shellfire from US naval vessels brought resistance to an end and a ceasefire being called!

My game tries to recreate the fighting between the US Marines/naval landing parties and Mexicans who either failed to get the withdrawal order or refused and attempted to resist those damned Yanky invaders. Unlike the historic incident I decided to allow some Mexicans to resist the initial landings.

American landing forces

Marine HQ

1^st Company, 2^nd ABMR

2^nd Coy, 2ABMR

Auto weapons platoon, 2ABMR

Cannon section 2ABMR

2.75” Vickers-Maxim + crew

Composite Company of Naval volunteers

3 x 10 man platoons plus a HQ & Hotchkiss MMG

Mexican forces

2 platoons 19^th Federal Regiment

Cadets Veracruz Naval Academy

2 x 10 fig groups of armed civilians, plus the odd soldier

Released prisoners plus guards

Scratch platoon and 65mm plus crew from the artillery barracks

Crew of the Sonora

US objectives:

Secure Fiscal Dock/warehouses and Customs House

Naval Academy

Oil storage depot

Special rules

Mexican civilians are treated as poor/militia and suffer -1 on all checks

The cadets are young, enthusiastic and inspired by national pride so gain +1 to morale

The Americans can call for support fire from the USS San Francisco anchored in the harbour (3-inch gun) by heliograph any time

The crew of the Sonora will remain concealed until they get a good chance of surprising the US troops, once fired upon themselves they suffer -1 to morale due to their cowardly nature!. 

The Americans have 20 game turns to capture all three objectives failure to do so is considered a victory for the Mexican defenders (be it a pyric one).

 Game deployment

US forces

Game turn 1

The naval landing company lands at the Fiscal Wharf by ships boat

1^st Marine Company plus force HQ arrives by barge at the beach on the right of the harbour

Game turn 6

2^nd Company plus the cannon section arrive by barge on the same beach

 Mexican deployment

Dock – ½ a platoon from 19^th Regiment plus ½ platoon of militia

Customs House – 1 platoon of 19^th Regiment

Oil Depot – ½ platoon of 19^th Regiment

Naval Academy – Naval cadets

Artillery Barracks – scratch platoon plus 65mm & crew

The Sonora – 5-man crew

Plaza de Constitucion – 1 + 1/2 platoons of militia

Game turn 10 + 1d3 Released prisoners plus guards arrive along the harbour front road from the left.

My table

Pier 4

Fiscal dock, customs warehouse and customs building

Constitucion Plaza

Hotel Mexico (front), New Hotel Diligencias (across the plaza), Old Hotel Diligencias (right), Old Lighthouse (right infront of the Diligencias)

Parochial Church behind the Naval Academy

Artillery Barracks (left), Naval Academy (right)

New lighthouse with oil depot behind

Building under construction

Oil depot

Father Juan and Sister Ascension

Now this new game layout did mean the US force would meet some resistance (be it minimal) upon landing.

Turn 1 the 1^st Marine Company arrives at the beach, whilst the naval landing party arrives at the fiscal dock, the sailors receive some rifle fire from the customs dock buildings.

A general alarm is raised among the Mexican defenders.

Turn 2 The Marines spread out 1^st platoon head towards the oil depot, 2^nd/3^rd platoons towards the Naval Academy. The sailors move along the fiscal dock towards the customs dock and sheds, they continue to receive rifle fire and take some odd casualties.

Turn 3 the Marine advance continues. The sailors take a punishing round of fire from soldiers in the customs dock – 4 dead!!

But they do chase off some dock workers among the customs sheds  

The Naval cadets begin to deploy outside the academy

The Artillery commander organises his men

Turn 4 half the sailors move against the customs dock, whilst the other half start clear the various sheds and out buildings. The USS San Francisco targets the customs dock but misses. The first Mexican cadet platoon engages the marines, a second platoon leaves the academy moving to cover the left flank. The artillery scratch platoon and 65mm leaves the barracks.

 Turn 5 Fighting continues around the customs dock, the San Francisco lands a shell into the building finishing off the Mexican resistance. Elsewhere Sailors are still searching and clearing sheds and warehouses.

The Marines and Cadets exchange fire, both sides take casualties, the second cadet platoon runs into half a marine platoon working its way around that exposed flank – a frantic melee begins!!

 Turn 6 2^nd Marine company arrives at the beach

The sailors move to clear the customs dock, only the Mexican officer escapes

Marine 1^st company is hotly engaged both by the cadets and the defenders of the oil depot, both side continue to take casualties. The result of the melee is pretty much evens (2 casualties each) but the cadets lose their officer and are forced to make a morale check (which they fail badly), they break and flee back towards the academy!

 Turn 7 the crew of the Sonora open fire on the Marines of 2^nd company – a nasty surprise which forces the first platoon to make a morale check and they become pinned!

The sailors are busy securing the customs dock & warehouses.

1^st marine company are also unable to advance against accurate cadet rifle fire now supported by a Maxim gun mounted on the academy stable roof. The marines move their Colt “Digger” into position to engage the Maxim.

Turn 8 The San Francisco fires a shell at the Sonora – miss! But now the Sonora`s crew is engaged by both members of 2^nd Marine company and 1^st marine company who fire upon from the lighthouse.

The sailors occupy the customs dock and warehouses

1^st marines are well pinned, this situation is not improved by the arrival of the Mexican artillery scratch platoon and their 65mm which fires off its first round and kills 1^st company`s commander!

The two machine guns start firing at one another – both ineffective as the range is quite long.

 Turn 9 Marines from 1^st and 2^nd companies storm aboard the Sonora, its crew surrender

The machine gun duel continues again with no results, the San Francisco fires at the Maxim on academy wall but misses.

2nd Marines join what`s left of 1^st company engaging the cadets and artillery, half of one platoon from 1^st company climbs over the fence into the stable in an attempt to outflank the defenders.

Another part of 1^st company storms the oil depot.

Turn 10 The machine gun duel again ends in a null draw (terrible dice rolling on both sides), but the San Francisco is bang on and maxim is smashed.

The half platoon from 1^st marines surprises the Mexican artillery with a couple of grenades, this combined with some accurate rifle and LMG fire the last couple of turns and the lose of their commander causes a morale check – which the fail badly!! The survivors break and flee into the Naval Academy!

Turn 11 starts with the arrival of the former prison inmates and their guards on the left of the table.

The half platoon from 1^st Marines in the stable area moves to block them.

 Outside the Naval Academy a group of cadets and artillerymen find themselves unable to retreat into the academy across a open killing ground covered by two Marine LMG teams, also two marine platoons are advancing upon the academy gate! 

Those cadets who have gotten inside prepare to resist, but the San Francisco has found the range adding to their problems! 

Also the Marine 2.75” gun is setting up to add its fire in support of the assault.

 Over at the customs yard the sailors begin their attack against the Customs House

Turns 12 -14 general fighting right across the width of the table, those cadets outside the academy surrender following a melee on turn 14. The marine Colt MMG kills a few militia snipers off rooves around the Plaza de Constitucion allowing their men to move freely around the academy. The San Francisco and the marine 2.75” gun fire into the academy for a couple of turns,

The former prisoners catch a volley of accurate rifle fire which slows down their advance, some take cover into the Artillery barracks.

 The sailors continue to advance upon the Customs House supported by their Hotchkiss MMG. Both sides take casualties.

 Turn 15 the survivors of the Academy fail their morale and surrender! Marines move into the compound.

One platoon of 2^nd Marines along with both LMG teams moves to block the former prisoners

The prisoners are already being swept by accurate rifle fire, so this causes a morale check!

The sailors have reached the customs house walls, their MMG sweeps across the buildings adding to the Mexican casualties, causing yet another morale check!

  Turn 16 The prisoners make their morale check, but a shell from the 2.75” gun causes more casualties plus a couple from rifle and LMG fire means they now have another!

 Marines storm into the academy and capture the building and survivors

The customs house defenders fail their morale check and surrender

Turn 17 the former prisoners blow their morale check and flee back towards the prison where they came…….

 Game over the Americans are in full control of the dock and customs warehouses and all objectives.