New FH2 map idea - Free French armor vs.Germans in Tunisia 1943

[jumjum]

Originally Posted by ANZACSAS

on a other note was there a tiny little clash between the U.S and Russia somewere in Africa?

WHAT?! Do tell.

[-|DKS|- deathBOB]

Slow tanks? Please don't make the map big.

[Pachy]

There were actually two independant French forces in Tunisia: Leclerc's Free French column was operating on the south east with the British, and former Vichy forces were operating in the west with Americans. Some sources say they had M10s but I am now thinking they got the wrong model of tank destroyers and they were in fact M3s. M10s were certainly used by French forces from late 1943 on in Italy and until the end of the war, however.

The SOMUAs had been sent to West Africa (Senegal) by the Vichy govt. for two purposes actually:

1) prevent another British/Free French coup in the strategic harbour of Dakar after their attempt of late September 1940

2) preserve some armoured units, which France was prohibited to have and develop as per Armistice terms, from being captured by the Germans or Italians

After the brief but deadly fratricidal combat in "Torch", the S35s were sent to French North Africa so that they could be used in Tunisia versus the Germans and Italians. There were actually other French tanks in North Africa, but they were completely obsolete models suchs as D1s. No B1s AFAIK. Other 1940-era equipment was used, in fact the Allied assets during the battle of Kasserine pass included four venerable 75 mm mle 1897 horse-towed field guns. LeO.451s did fly bombing missions versus Axis targets in Tunisia and were also used as transports.

Some other allied equipment was hurrily pressed into French service, including Valentine tanks, and of course the P-40Fs of GC II/5 (which included the heir of the "escadrille La Fayette" of WWI vintage). Another fighter squadron was re-equipped with Spitfires in early '43 but I'm not definetely sure they did see action before the end of the campaign.

[Anlushac11]

I have not been able to verify any other mention of the Char B1. That first pic is a Char B1 but I cant even verify if it is Africa.

It may not be 100% Accurate but I would probably include a Char B1 because it was rumoured to be there and it would give the French a pretty good tank. I would also give the Free French some Valentines because they were there and because I like Valentines.

Axis armor would probably be PzIIIM's, one or two PzIV F2's, and some M13/40's and Semovente 75/18's.