The "Flying Column" - The Matrix Games version of West Front

Leonforte, 40km SW of Mount Etna, Sicily: [Best played as Allied] A week into the invasion of Sicily, it became apparent that Montgomery's initial plan to capture the island needed alteration. Stiff German resistance on the Plain of Catania had forced Monty to call upon the Canadian Army to perform a "left hook" to unhinge the German line. Up to this point in the campaign the resistance facing the Canadians had consisted of a series of sharp and often costly delaying actions. However, near Leonforte, the German strategy began to change. Through the night of 21 July the Loyal Edmonton Regiment, supported by a heavy artillery barrage, stormed across a ravine to form a bridgehead into the town. Once into the built-up area, the "Loyal Eddies" became separated into small groups, and were faced with heavy counterattacks. Communications failed, cutting off the artillery support that was so desperately needed. Under cover of darkness, and while under fire, elements of the Royal Canadian Engineers constructed the first ever "Bailey Bridge". In the morning, the situation in the bridgehead was becoming rather grave, and a hastily assembled "flying column", consisting of infantry riding tanks supported with AT guns, rushed into the town in hopes of saving the hard-pressed defenders.