BIR EL GUBI*
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United Kingdom Assault*
_______vs.*
Italy Defense*
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Date: November 19, 1941*
Location: North Africa*
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When Operation Crusader began on November 19, 1941, the 22nd Armored Brigade was ordered to advance on the left flank. Finding the Italian Ariete Armored Division in front of them at Bir El Gubi, General Gott felt that the Italians would provide some quick combat experience for the 22nd Armored Brigade, which had just arrived from England. The Italians, however, were not the colonial infantry that the British had routed the year before. Rather, they were well trained regulars equipped with the best that Italy could give them. The battle lasted for several hours and the new Crusader tanks performed well against the entrenched defenders, trading about 2 for 1. The Italian defenses never wavered, though, and the British eventually withdrew before their losses became prohibitive.*
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Number of Turns: 7*
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The British side is suggested for the human player.*
