Strategy & Tactics #341: Return to Europe – Sicily & Italy, July–November 1943 is a two-player operational wargame recreating the pivotal Allied campaign to reclaim southern Europe during World War II. Acting as a sequel to Desert Fox Deluxe, this game covers the Allied invasion of Sicily and the Italian mainland — a campaign that would become a gruelling battle of attrition fought across rugged terrain, stubborn defenses, and shifting political tides.

• Historical Background: In mid-1943, the Allies launched Operation Husky, the invasion of Sicily, aiming to secure the Mediterranean and force Italy out of the Axis alliance. The operation, intended as a limited strategic move, rapidly expanded as both sides sensed new opportunities. The Germans sought to delay the Allied advance while fortifying positions further north, while the Allies aimed to drive toward Rome and knock Italy out of the war entirely. What began as a summer offensive turned into months of relentless combat marked by amphibious landings, mountainous defenses, and the collapse of Mussolini’s regime.
• Gameplay & Objectives: One player commands the Allied forces—a coalition of British, American, and Commonwealth troops—tasked with advancing up the Italian peninsula and capturing key objectives. The opposing player commands the Axis forces—German and Italian formations—striving to hold territory and delay the Allied advance for as long as possible. Each game turn represents one month of operations, broken into six impulses per side, allowing for a dynamic, alternating sequence of action and counteraction.
• Game System & Scale: The system builds upon the proven mechanics of Desert Fox Deluxe, refined for the European theatre’s complex terrain and operational tempo. Each hex represents 6.7 miles (10 kilometres) of ground, with combat units ranging from companies to regiments and brigades. Each turn’s impulses represent phases of maneuver, reinforcement, combat, and recovery. The system’s balance of logistics, command limits, and combat attrition offers a deep yet approachable operational simulation.
• Scenarios: The game includes two full campaign scenarios—one covering the invasion of Sicily and another spanning the advance into southern Italy. Players may play either scenario independently or combine them for an extended campaign game tracing the entire Allied drive from the beaches of Sicily to the mountainous defenses beyond Naples.
• Strategic Challenges:
  • As the Allied commander, plan amphibious assaults, manage overstretched logistics, and coordinate multinational forces through rugged terrain.
  • As the Axis commander, delay and counterattack with limited but elite forces, while adapting to Italy’s political collapse and changing frontlines.
  • Weather, terrain, and command cohesion are constant challenges for both sides.

Game Components:

• 1 x 22” x 34” full-colour game map of Sicily and southern Italy
• 280 die-cut ½-inch counters representing Allied and Axis combat units
• Comprehensive rulebook with full campaign and scenario setups
• Charts and tables for combat, logistics, and reinforcements

Scale:
Players: 2
Level: Operational
Turn: 1 Month (up to 6 impulses)
Hex: 6.7 Miles (10 Kilometres)
Units: Companies to Brigades

Gameplay Focus: Return to Europe – Sicily & Italy 1943 captures the tension of a campaign that was both a stepping stone to victory and a test of endurance. With its balanced system and historically grounded scenarios, the game offers deep replayability and a clear sense of strategic challenge for both Allied and Axis players.

Strategy & Tactics #341: Return to Europe – Sicily & Italy, July–November 1943 is essential for fans of World War II operational wargames, Mediterranean campaigns, and historical simulations.

Available now from Milsims Games — Australia’s trusted retailer for historical and strategic wargames for over 50 years. Price-match guarantee and fast local shipping from Mont Albert, VIC.

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