If at first... - Combat Mission: Afrika Korps

The preliminary objective in Operation Argus was the capture of the high ground north of the Bois de Morette, as well as the villages of le Bouchet and les Combes. This would open up the way for the armored regiments to exploit to the south and east, outflanking the main German line in the process. To achieve surprise the British 71st Brigade attacked at night, and without a preliminary artillery barrage. Despite the inevitable confusion the majority of the attacks were successful. By first light elements of the 2nd Bn, Highland light infantry were firmly in control of the Bois de Morette, while the 1st Bn, Royal Lincolnshire regiment captured le Bouchet without a shot being fired, the Germans having withdrawn a kilometer south to positions outside of St. Eustache. At les Combes the situation was different. The attack by the 2nd Bn, Hampshire regiment was delayed three hours due to communications problems. Alerted by the fighting near the Bois de Morette, the Germans sensed an assault and promptly called down artillery fire on the battalion's assembly area, causing heavy losses and confusion. The survivors quickly regrouped and advanced on the village, but by now the Germans were fully alert. After two hours of heavy fighting the battalion had still not captured the village, and a smoke barrage was called in to cover the withdrawal. Determined to capture the village before day's end, the brigade commander ordered a second attack…