As the second day dawns on the Ellason front, Allied staff frantically runs around the Division HQ trying to adjust plans for an unforeseen adversary,
mud. The division woke up to find that the rains of the last day have turned the area into a sticky bog where tanks and men dig into the ground with every step.
Luckily, the first ones to suffer from this are the Germans, who, in their rout from Timavos, got themselves bogged in the city and the plains to the north.
The Allies prepare to launch their final offensive against Ellason. Intel reports suggest that a German Fallschirmjäger regiment is approaching the town from the north (The same one that forced the relocation of the Greek cavalry) while a Whermacht force blocks the road from the south, where 1Bde is located.
The Allies spot the incoming Paratrooper regiment and order a general bombardment from the artillery positioned on the hills to the west, the regiment is caught on the road and forced to a crawl as the muddy conditions and artillery restrict their movements.
Meanwhile, Allied infantry begins advancing on the town. Revised plans call for an encirclement of the Paratrooper regiment in the hills northwest of the town, where they will be annihilated.
By 1300, much of the German resistance around Timavos has surrendered, seeing no way to escape in the mud and under heavy fire.
The main assault force on Ellason reaches the target in late-noon, having been slowed down severely by the mud. Nevertheless, the tactical envelopment of the German force is successfully completed, though much later then expected.
Day 3
Combat settles down as night falls, with visibility so low due to the darkness and rain that no serious combat occurs.
As day rises once more, the Germans fight on for Timavos. But by now thoroughly trapped, they begin retreating out of the city.
But soon after those good news, the Division HQ is flooded by calls from the southern forces for reinforcements. A force of German infantry has appeared directly south of Timavos while a large force, estimated as at least 2 regiments, is under way from the east.
The Germans complete their withdrawl from the city and flee northwest to the hills (Exactly as planned), Australian troops raised their flag over Ellason marking it's capture.
The German force to the south, now estimated at an oversized brigade, advances and HQ decides to reinforce Timavos with forces held in reserve and another brigade from the north. The British armoured brigade will remain in the center of the road, ready to act as operational reserve.
While the Allied defense reorganized, another German force appears to the northeast.
End of Day 3
With Axis reinforcements now in sight, things are looking to be much tougher from now on. But so far Allied losses have been minimal, especially in vehicles and guns, and all of the objectives have been secured.
Four days to go...