Attack on Rabbavul Airfield Pt2

Inevitably, holding the stronger suit, the Nipoor assault proceeded successfully against a less than ready Hardican force.

The PAK38 gun on Windward Hill came under fire from the airfield defence but the shells fell short. Soon after, the Hardican gunnery team switched back to attempting to halt the advance without any success having been reduced by half when the PAK38 scored a near miss. Moments later, a shell fell just behind the Hardican 2pdr, taking out the remainder of the team.  The Hardicans cut their losses, hitched the gun and started moving it off the airfield.

Meanwhile, Major Yamada, having reached Windward Hill in his light tank was able to oversee the surge forward by his forces as the light tank guns swiftly knocked out lmgs in the tower and other firing positions, allowing Nipoor forces to flow forwards.

There was a brief attempt to counter the assault as Lieutenant Pryce Parker, the green and over enthusiastic officer led his squad into a firefight they couldn't win but when he went down, Corporal Freddie Haynes ordered the remaining men to retreat, most piling into the command vehicle which fired up engines and rammed a fence to escape the advance.

The retreat of the Hardicans was covered by Mick Sims and his squad but at a heavy loss as the Nipoor attackers took out bren gunners and snipers as they fell back.

The Nipoor attack had been successful and their losses, low. Supported from the Ruins where their machine guns and mortars had been able to carry out a continuous stream of fire on the airfield defences, the Nippor light tanks had spearheaded a swift victory.  With the airfield secured, the Nipoor vice closed on Rabbavul itself.

It was abundantly clear, now that there was no realistic way that the Hardicans could hold onto the islands of South and North Troman.

Receiving the news of the failure to hold the airfield, Captain Jack Rowlands, overall c/o in Troman ran a hand over his head, thoughtfully before advising the governor to pack his bags. The unexpected arrival of a small Memmonian motorised unit under their commanding officer, Richie Stewart gave Rowlands an option. Sending the governor with Stewart, he requested that the Memmonians get the governor to safety, exiting the island at Takena. He would order the Hardican destroyers to that location to pick up the Memmonians and get them away.

Richie Stewart, chewing on some hard gum scoured the map and the few flag markers representing the remaining allied force. He nodded his head, "It makes sense. You might as well put up a little resistance on the edge of Rabbavul and then fall back to join us. I'll try to get our destroyer, Bairnsdale around there, too. We'll leave a ship to wait for you."

Rowlands smiled, sadly; "We're Silverstream Guards, Captain. We don't retreat. I was charged with holding the governor's residence which represents Hardican soil.  We'll give the Nipoor a fight if they want to take it.  My men may have been about to retire but they won't want to end their careers running from a battle.  If we do our duty, maybe I'll see you on the other side of this war.  If not, go out there and win it. I wouldn't like to think the Nipoor flag would fly over these islands forever.   Good luck Captain."   Rowlands offered his hand. Stewart shook, silently and respectfully then saluted the aeging captain; "Good luck to you, Captain Rowlands. I'll see you on a brighter day and buy you a drink."
"Aye, I'd like that."  So saying, the old captain opened the wardrobe and began taking out his bright red dress uniform and black bearskin busby.
"I think we'll go into battle in our regimental colours. That'll put the wind up the Nipoorans."

As the roar of Stewart's motors could be heard as the Memmonian trucks and armoured car pulled away, Rowlands squad stood straight and proud for inspection, brass buttons gleaming on their scarlet jackets;
"Don't worry Captain Rowlands, sir"  said private Dickie Dance, "we'll give 'em hell"