Blunting the Sword. - Campaign Series: Middle East 1948 -1985

[Bir Lahfan, Sinai Peninsula]: [H2H][HIS][CSL]: Bir Lahfan is located at the crossroads of the El Arish - Abu Ageilia and El Arish - Bir Hasana Highways. Egyptian defensive tactics for the Sinai were based around Sword and Shield tactics, with the idea that two infantry divisions would bear the brunt of an Israeli assault acting as the shield, while highly mobile forces would strike as the Sword. The Sword forces were positioned at strategically located areas in the rear and would utilize the upgraded road network that Egyptians had been working on after the 1956 war. The Egyptian 3rd Infantry Division was a highly mobile force, reinforced with the 14th Independent Armour Brigade that was to act as a Sword for the 7th and 2nd Infantry divisions located along the border in the event of an Israeli invasion. With the battle raging around Rafah, elements of the 14th Independent Brigade headed north from Bir Hasana on the way to El Arish to reinforce the 7th Infantry Division. Unbeknownst to the Egyptians, elements of the Israeli 200th Armour Brigade had advanced along Wadi el Hareidin in an effort to secure the strategic crossroads. The two forces came in contact at dusk and continued to duel during the night. [ALL: NOVV][NONE][1.00]