Best-Laid Plans

ELAS had learned that the German 1st Mountain Division was moving from Serbia to Greece, with its route passing through the village of Leskovic high in the mountains along the Greek-Albanian frontier. The commander of ELAS decided to use the village as a base for a surprise attack on …

1943-06-27

A048

ELAS had learned that the German 1st Mountain Division was moving from Serbia to Greece, with its route passing through the village of Leskovic high in the mountains along the Greek-Albanian frontier. The commander of ELAS decided to use the village as a base for a surprise attack on the Germans. Upon arrival there in force, the guerillas removed the civilian population and placed their own men in the buildings along the main street. The plan was to allow the German advance guard to pass through, then ambush the main body at close range as it moved through the town. In the meantime, a second force of partisans would descend from hiding places in the nearby hills to complete the rout. But the officers of the 1st Mountain Division were wise in the way of war. Instead of marching blindly into Leskovic, the Gebirgsjagers enveloped it on both flanks, which caused some of the guerillas to open fire prematurely.

Leskovik, Albania

In Albania, World War II began with its invasion by Italy in April 1939. Fascist Italy set up Albania as its protectorate or puppet state. The resistance was largely carried out by Communist groups against the Italian and then German occupation in Albania. At first independent, the Communist groups united in the beginning of 1942, which ultimately led to the successful liberation of the country in 1944.

German

Partisan

Scenario Type = Standard