Sid Nsir

Description
bonnell123 has returned with a fixed version of his previously released 4 player map; The developer has also stated that any previous versions of this map will need to be removed before installing this one.

The original story behind this map remains the same: Rommel\'s forces had struck a devastating blow to the inexperienced US 1st Armored Division at Sidi Bou Zid on 14 Feb forcing that force in to a disorderly retreat through the Kasserine Pass. The Commander of the US II Corps, 1st Armored Division did not distinguish himself and was replaced by Major General George S. Patton, Jr. The British V Corps, holding the northern sector of the line took these events so seriously that they sent in all reserves south to support the now rallied US Forces.

[b]The changes made to this version include:[/b]
The respawning mines have been removed and replaced with tank traps.
The pick-ups have refined and limited to the ones that actually work.
The self loading 88\'s were removed.
Added ammo and fuel supply pickups along the way (you have to hunt for them).

Rommel, having inflicted such serious damage, withdrew so expertly on the night of 22 Feb that at first the Allies were unaware that he had gone. German Commander Von Arnim sought opportunity against the weakened British forces, while Rommel redeployed against Montgomery\'s 8th army to the south, he planned an offensive against the weakened British V Corps in the north. This operation was code named \"Oschenkopf\" (Bulls Head).

As it\'s name suggested, it involved 2 major thrusts, one at El Aroussa crossroads and the other through Sidi Nsir and Hunts Gap toward B\'eja. On 26 Feb the British 5th Hampshire\'s found themselves facing an armoured Battlegroup consisting of 14 tigers of the 1st co 501 heavy tank battalion and II/Panzer regiment 7 (10th Panzer Division) with 12 new Pz Kpfw IV\'s (known to the British as the Mark IV Specials), 8 old pz IV\'s and 40 Pz III\'s, panzergreandier regiment 86, recon battalion 190, II/Artillery regiment 22, anti aircraft and engineer detachments under the command of Oberst Rudolph Lang. With 2 scratch formations named after their commanders to the rear and the Luftwaffe consistently showing their air superiority.

This would be many of one desert battles that proved the British 25 pounder as one of the outstanding artillery weapons of the war; as every bit as efficient a tank killer as the dreaded Eighty-eight.

The Hampshire\'s held their ground until re-enforced 48 hours later by the 2/5th Leicestershire regiment, two Churchill tank squadrons of the North Irish Horse, plus light Artillery, with The 8th Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders and the 2/4th Parachute regiments en-route.

By the end of this battle the 1st Company 501 heavy tank BN had lost half it\'s tanks and described the area as the Tiger graveyard. The British initial forces; A few Artillery guns and a handful of riflemen, held their ground and put up a terrific defense. The chance of the Germans reaching B\'eja was lost and Operation \"Bulls-Head\" was over.


Enjoy.