What’s happening right now?
Work on the Soviet and Allied campaigns is currently in full swing. Patch 0.9.2 is already bringing you the first playable Soviet mission: The Luga Line. The rest of the campaign will follow very soon.
For now, we’re going to tell you about the battles you’ll take part in if you choose the Allied side.
1. The Libyan Operation
In September 1940, Italian forces under the command of Rodolfo Graziani invaded British-controlled Egypt. However, after advancing only a few dozen kilometres into the country, the Italians stopped their offensive and set up camp.
Despite being clearly outnumbered—36,000 Allied troops against 150,000 on the Italian side—the British commander Archibald Wavell decided to strike with full force at the enemy forces.
Your objective is to capture the Italian HQ, thereby changing the course of the war.
2. The Battle of Crete. Operation Mercury
In order to establish complete strategic control over the Mediterranean Basin and definitively drive Allied forces out from it, the German command decided to occupy Crete.
However, it proved unassailable: the British navy was in full control of the coastal waters, while a garrison of 42,000 Allied troops had been stationed on the island itself. To break through the defences, the Germans decided to conduct a large-scale airborne operation.
Despite heavy losses, Hitler’s army succeeded in its plan. Chances to save the civilians, as well as some of the troops, are extremely small.
You will be tasked with evacuating staff officers and AA gunners from an airport that has been captured by the Germans. Remember that a fierce battle is being fought all around you, so you must act with extreme caution! Your intervention is the only chance to preserve the lives of at least some of the troops on the island.
3. The Relief of Tobruk. Operation Crusader
In March 1941, German troops under the command of Erwin Rommel routed the British and drove them out of Libya. The British garrison in Tobruk found itself under siege.
The first attempt at relieving the siege was unsuccessful. After meticulous preparations, British forces conducted another offensive on the 18th of November, but failed to achieve victory again. On the 21st of November, Rommel counterattacked and tried to seize the initiative.
You will be tasked with conducting a difficult but important operation. In order to break the string of defeats, German forces must be cut off from their reserves—or the Allied armies will be reduced to mere handfuls of soldiers. The Germans are persistently attacking the 4th Indian Division, and chances of victory are diminishing by the day. If you manage to deny fuel to the enemy, the Allied forces will be able to continue their attack and liberate the besieged Tobruk.
4. El Alamein. Operation Lightfoot
In the summer of 1942, Erwin Rommel pushed the British forces back into Egypt and captured Tobruk. However, subsequent action at El Alamein came to a positional dead end. Neither the Germans nor the British were able to breach each other’s defences.
In October 1942, the Allies began their second offensive. They were unsuccessful despite extremely heavy fighting, while Rommel was forced to abandon his positions and retreat, having lost his vehicles and run out of fuel and ammunition.
Although on the retreat, the German forces continue to pose an enormous threat. In order to ensure the safety of the Allied forces, you must strike at the airfield used by the enemy airforce. Your courageous actions on the battlefield will help consolidate the position at El Alamein. The only path towards the airfield lies through the Qattara Depression, considered impassable. In the course of the operation, you will face superior German numbers, and only the careful, well considered selection of tactics will help you achieve your objective.
5. The Battle of Anzio
Unable to breach the Gustav Line, the Allies were stalled at Monte Cassino. The determination was made that the defences could only be breached by attacking from the sea.
The Allied army must land at Anzio and make a risky attempt to overpower the German forces. However, this order cannot be executed without help from you.
The enemy’s attention must be distracted from the landing, or the operation will fail. Several Allied units will assist you in creating a diversion. Once the bulk of the army lands successfully, you will have to evacuate the remaining troops under your command from the battle zone.
6. The Normandy Landings. Operation Overlord
In the summer of 1944, the Allies began the largest amphibious operation in history, opening the Second Front in Europe.
Among the first to arrive at the scene of the action —the Atlantic Wall—are your troops. You will be in charge of ensuring a successful start to the operation.
The German coastal battery is a serious threat to Allied troops. You must not only capture it, but also hold it while the enemy does all they can to breach your defences, which are blocking the way towards a strategically important point.
7. The Siege of Bastogne
In 1944, the German command made its last attempt to turn the tide of the war. For this purpose, they struck at Ardennes, where aircraft had been grounded due to prolonged bad weather. The Allied front wasn’t prepared for the attack. The Germans advanced 70 kilometres, winning victory after victory.
The Allied armies are on the verge of panic. The situation is difficult indeed. It’s urgent to restore the soldiers’ morale!
With support from heavy vehicles, you will have to prevent German acts of sabotage and contact the American paratroopers holding the town. Help the Allied forces stop the German offensive.
See you on the battlefield!