Spanish and Portuguese Military History,
Wargaming, and other stuff
France had a bad start in World War II with the 1940 Blitzkrieg and the occupation of the homeland. But the French proved themselves in other theatres. I’ve a particular affection for the French Expeditionary Corps (FEC) who served with distinction in the Italian Campaign.
Jamie and Adam played my Moroccan Knives scenario for Crossfire . However, rather than being set in the Spanish Civil War I transposed it to 1944 and the Italian Campaign. Really it was an excuse to get the Goumiers of my Moroccan Tabor on table.
Summary: Good tense game. Adam’s Goumier attacked strongly up both flanks using cover and the limited smoke available. They also probed in the centre to fix the Turcomen defenders. But the flank attacks stalled and Jamie took the victory.
I discovered Moroccan auxiliary troops through my interest in Rif War and the Spanish Civil War. I already have the 2nd Tabor of Regulares of Tetuán, from the SCW. Now I’ve got another Moroccan unit. This time they are Goumiers, irregular Moroccan auxiliaries fighting for France in Italy during World War 2. This lot are for Crossfire.
In my mountain of unpainted lead are some goumier. Irregular Moroccan auxiliaries fighting for France in Italy during World War 2. Cool. I wondered what they would look like under Crossfire.
This is what I know of the order of battle for the French Expeditionary Corps (FEC).
Annotated bibliography for the French Expeditionary Corps (FEC).
Some bits and bobs about the Corps Expéditionnaire Français en Italie (CEF or CEFI) or to their English speaking allies the French Expeditionary Corps (FEC). These are the chaps that breached the Cassino line in 1944. From my perspective they were the best of the French in WW2.
This is how I’d field the French Expeditionary Corps (FEC) with Arty Conliffe’s Crossfire. Use the French organisation in Crossfire except …
Peter Pig, Essex and Battle Front can all contribute figures for the French Expeditionary Corps (FEC). The packs of heads from Peter Pig will be particularly useful.
In 2000 I was staying with friends at a place called Houx on the River Meuse. Houx has quite a distinctive weir across the river. At one point we ventured into the nearby town of Dinant. All of this was terribly familiar somehow but I couldn’t for the life of me remember why. I took some photos on the off chance and sent them to my friend Chris Harrod who I knew was interested in the Meuse Crossings.