32nd Battle of the Isonzo - map and air recce photos

 Strictly speaking this post should have come before the previous post but {insert feeble excuse here}....

Above -  the view from Hill 43.   Below - the view from point B.

Above is the map -  a fine example of the art of cartography and well down to the standard of the actual terrain.  The playing area was about 5 feet from N-S and 6 feet from E-W.  I mentioned the Italian forces in the previous post - the KUK mustered two companies of mountain troops, 2 MGs in bunkers and a reserve Stormtroop platoon.

The intrepid aviators of both sides returned safely and soon staff were studying their photography. The first three are Italian photos. The aviators reported trenches , communication routes and clear evidence of Austrian defences and Italian preparations.

The next three are Austrian  

32nd Battle of the Isonzo - opening positions

 

Here is the view from the Italian front line, looking up the mountain towards the Austro-Hungarian lines. The flag is a bit of a clue. The finely crafted terrain may have the look of a sheet flung over some boxes - a suspicion which may be reinforced by the mountain’s name - Berg Archivbox. 

The right of the Italian line, with a machine gun company and of course the minestrone pot. 

Looking down from the Austrian positions towards what the flag clearly indicates is Italy. 

On the Italian left - but not necessarily politically - Alpini prepare to leave their trenches. 

The Italian players were Pete, John and Simon, the Austrians Martin, Tim C and Tom. 

The Italian battle plan. A battalion of Alpini on the left, infantry on the right and Arditi assault troops in the centre. They also had two support elements - a MG company and a mountain gun battery but shortly before the battle a message arrived with the news that due to a mule shortage only one of  the support units was available. Brigade commander Pete opted for the MGs. In the earlier game I’d gone with the mountain guns. 

The Italian pre-battle bombardment plan. Coming next - the bombardment phase. 

Austro-Hungarian preparations for the 32nd Battle of the Isonzo - part 2

It’s always interesting to compare national priorities. While the Italians closely guard the Minestrone pot this Austrian sentry has been assigned to secure the officers’ latrine. 

Rumours abound of the luxuries therein - neatly cut squares of the Arbeiter Zeitung, a mahogany seat - even a cocktail cabinet!

The chap guarding the cludgie* came in a set of WW2 Russians bought some years ago in a Belgian supermarket. He ‘volunteered’ for the KUK last month. 

    * for the benefit of foreign readers, this is a Scottish expression.  Who says you don't learn stuff here?

Austro-Hungarian preparations for the 32nd Battle of the Isonzo

Not to be outdone the Austrians prepare their own artillery. Both guns are very old (pre-WW2?) tinplate models with rather rusty spring mechanisms. And both are far too fragile to fire!