World At War #25: Keren 1941 – East Africa immerses players in one of the most intense and heroic battles fought in the East African campaign of World War II. The game simulates the historic Battle of Keren, where Italian forces, led by the elite Savoia Grenadiers, mounted a ferocious and disciplined defence against the advancing Commonwealth troops in the rugged terrain of Eritrea. Despite overwhelming odds, the Italians held their positions through multiple assaults and only surrendered when fully surrounded, earning recognition for one of their most valiant stands of the entire war.

• Historical Simulation: Command either the Italian defenders or the attacking Commonwealth forces as you recreate the pivotal engagement for control of the strategic Keren heights in 1941.
• Challenging Terrain & Tactical Depth: The map covers the mountainous region around Dongolaas Gorge and the steep hills south of Keren, where players must balance aggression and caution in brutal close-quarters combat.
• Innovative Supply Mechanics: Infantry units can self-reduce to send supply-runners, reflecting the real logistical struggles both armies faced in maintaining supply lines through the inhospitable terrain.
• Authentic Scale & Detail: Each hex represents roughly 220 yards, giving a fine-grained tactical perspective of the battlefield where every movement and decision counts.

The game’s system highlights the critical role of artillery and air support while also showing the limits of tank warfare in such difficult ground. Players will experience firsthand why the Italians proved so difficult to dislodge from their fortified hilltops, making every assault a hard-fought challenge of endurance, planning, and coordination.

Game Components & Features:

• 1 x 34x22” map of the Keren region of Eritrea
• 1 x counter sheet (228 counters)
• Detailed rules capturing supply, morale, and elevation-based combat
• Playable in one session for two players; suitable for solitaire play

Scale:
Players: 2
Level: Battalion/Regiment
Hex: 220 Yards

Beyond the core simulation, this issue of World At War also includes a collection of insightful historical articles:

• US vs. Japanese Strategy: 1941–45: An analysis of strategic shifts and challenges in the Pacific Theatre.
• German Strategy on the Eastern Front: 1944–45: A study of Germany’s final defensive efforts as the Red Army closed in.
• Juno Beach – Canadian Army on D-Day, June 6, 1944: An exploration of Canada’s critical role in the Normandy landings.

World At War #25: Keren 1941 – East Africa offers players a tactically rich and historically accurate recreation of a fierce and often-overlooked campaign. With its attention to logistics, terrain, and unit morale, it provides an engaging experience for both wargaming veterans and students of military history.

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

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