"What If" Axis Invasion of Malta Wargame

Today on Little Wars TV we're exploring one the great "what if" moments of World War 2--what if Hitler hadn't pulled the plug on Operation Herkules, the Axis invasion of Malta? In the summer of 1942, after extensive preparations and aerial bombardment, it seemed all but certain that Britain's tiny island foothold in the central Mediterranean would fall. But at the last moment, Hitler cancelled German support for Herkules, sparing Malta from invasion. Fellow wargamer Bruce Weigle spent a year unearthing and studying the details of the Axis plans. Today, we put those plans to the ultimate tabletop test. Can Germany and Italy seize control of Malta? It's a game--and a custom tabletop--you'll have to see to believe!
To play today's game, we're using Bruce's "Gained By Battle" World War 2 rules, a system he continues to playtest and refine for future publication. The incredible, scale replica of Malta you see in the video was also made by Bruce and we want to thank him again for the opportunity to come down and playtest the Operation Herkules with him. If you want to see this table in action, come to Historicon 2022 in downtown Lancaster, Pennsylvania!
You can stay up to date with Bruce's game development on his official website: grandtacticalrules.com/gbb-rules/
If you like the look of the 3mm PicoArmor models you see in the game, PicoArmor is offering a 10% discount to all online orders until September 2022! Just checkout with the code littlewarstv10!
picoarmor.com/

[@teun558]

Great wargame, I just find it hard to believe that 2 divisions would be pulled out of the operation on its fourth day. Also, even if those orders arrived, they wouldn't just abandon their lines and leave a huge gap in the frontline. They would wait to be relieved in their positions.

[@eriknpf1]

I do agree that the two airborne division probably would not have been pulled or at the very least, could have delayed that move for 48 hours due to being “engaged”.

[@davepumphouse1378]

Well said!

[@LittleWarsTV]

Agreed, and this was very impactful in the game. But...that said...there is ample historical evidence that Hitler was most reluctant to send German troops for this operation. And given how well the Axis were doing at the time, it's not out of bounds to consider that Hitler would have seen this as an ideal time to rotate the Germans out and rotate some fresh Italians into the line. North Africa has to be considered here as well--Rommel at this time was pushing into Egypt and always clamoring for more, more, more!

[@ozzie273]

@@LittleWarsTV It's the least realistic element of the game. Bordering on the incredible. The panic over the impending arrival of the RN, on the other hand, feels much more realistic (even if it does rather overestimate the air power of Force H), which would have been outclassed by the Axis land-based aircraft (as Operation Pedestal graphically demonstrated)

[@eriknpf1]

@@LittleWarsTV That is a good point and something to consider. I do think a delay of 1 turn should occur from time of notification to allow for the rotation of the unit out of the line and to conduct passage of lines operations.

[@randallreed9048]

Nice terrain map. I developed Air Assault on Crete and the bonus game Invasion of Malta for the designer, Vance von Borries, when I was VP for R&D for the Avalon Hill Game Company a thousand years ago. I always thought that Malta--and the entire Mediterranean Campaign in general--has been largely ignored by wargame designers. Wonderful effort!

[@976darkboy]

Being a Maltese historian and geologist, there are some points I would like to raise. 1 the south coast of Malta is next to impossible to land troops at. Other than 2 well defended deep valleys which meet the coast in the roughest of fashions, there is no way one can land troops, let alone equipment. 2 the Maltese are historically stubborn. They themselves wont surrender their towns and villages without a fight, which will atleast slow down the advance. 3 there was an entire airfield in the southwest of the island at siggiewi during ww2 which you missed to mention and consider. 4. There was an amphibious airplane base at the marsaxlokk bay. Thank you for showing interest in this "what could have been" battle regarding my country.

[@michaelfinger6303]

1. Yes as long as you dont land in the fishing villages 2. I life in Malta and they would have surrendered very quickly as the stomach full and the english boot out of the neck would have been enough...3. Yep could be suppressed with the Luftwaffe and the Regia Aeronautica 4. Would not have made a difference - The biggest difference would have been the Valetta Fortification and how quick the royal navy can provide shore bombardement, if the Airforce was supressed it would have been "happy days" for the He-111 and Ju88´s

[@alexripard]

@@michaelfinger6303 There are no fishing villages along that part of the coast, the Dingli cliffs. The Maltese probably wouldn't have fought the axis front on, but the air raids had made them come to hate the Germans and Italians, so I'm pretty sure they would have at least disrupted supplies and communication for the Axis as much as they could.

[@randomgamer7799]

@@michaelfinger6303 I mean my grandparents lived through WW2 in Malta, and they share the sentiment that Mel brought up. The Maltese would have fought back to some degree - perhaps even on the level seen during the Great Siege of Malta. Granted, it likely would not have made any decisive differences since it would be civilian militias at best, but it would likely have slowed the advance and maybe even opened to door to sabotague, spying and maybe even spreading rumours to demoralise the enemy.

[@michaelfinger6303]

@@randomgamer7799 If any militia would have been mounted and arms would be available to be spared, we are talking here about a 5 day operation and within 5 days nothing would have happened, afterwards as long as food arrived business would be as usual...

[@vulpixat2400]

Whatever Maltese militia that was raised on the island would've stood no chance against actually trained fully equipped German and Italian diviaions.

[@epicman746]

More what ifs please!!! Love this! Love to sea a sea-lion what if!

[@LittleWarsTV]

Oh yes, that would be a fun one to play!

[@simoncampbell-smith6745]

@@LittleWarsTV I would love that too. I come from the South Coast of England. Trust me the fighting would have been fanatical.

[@andymoore9977]

@@simoncampbell-smith6745 'They don't like it up em'!

[@simoncampbell-smith6745]

@@andymoore9977 No they don't. In fact most of the Home Guard was made up of middle-aged WW1 veterans. Not people who were bumbling battle incompetents. Still, a P14 rifle and bayonet can get your average Nazi paratrooper out of your privy in the garden, even when he is dressed as a nun!

[@andymoore9977]

@@simoncampbell-smith6745 One thing I only found out recently was that a lot of anti aircraft batteries were manned (personed) by the Home Guard. Working as civilians all day then on duty ail night. Amazing commitment. Another footnote is that female mainstream army gunners were paid much less than their male counterparts.

[@nickh4280]

As a born Maltese I am not only shocked but proud about this map, very impressed and as I am still learning all about this new hobby, I love how detailed it can get ❤️🇲🇹

[@AFGuidesHD]

What effect do you think Axis conquest of Malta would have on the war ? Churchill said it would have had "the most grave consequences" but then again I've heard him say that about a lot of events and alternate scenarios.

[@dongilleo9743]

In the alternate history book "Hitler Triumphant, by Peter Tsouras, there's a chapter about Malta. "For Want of an Island" by John D. Butt explores the fall of Malta, and it's effect. In his scenario, instead of invasion, Malta is forced to surrender for lack of food, after one supply convoy after another meant for Malta is sunk or driven off by the Axis air forces. The Axis forces in North Africa are still defeated, but it takes longer and is more costly. Political and military events cascade from there, eventually making the Americans push for a 1943 cross channel attack on France, which ultimately flounders and fails.

[@PMMagro]

North Africa was a side show. 1942 the Axis timer was already dangerously low/desperate. Malta whould noy hjave been enough to turn the rising tide.

[@dongilleo9743]

Perhaps "the most grave consequence" Churchill might have been thinking of was in terms of his own political career. He came to be Prime Minister with a lot of political baggage. He was not well liked or trusted by at least some of the elite British political class. 1942 was a tough year for the British military, with a string of significant defeats. Losing Malta might have been the proverbial straw that broke the camel's back, that could lead to a "vote of no confidence" in Parliament and his removal and replacement.

[@AFGuidesHD]

@@PMMagro Eh, I mean it was in our timeline, but the Germans themselves could have not made catastrophic mistakes that sped up their defeat i.e. the splitting of Army Group South. Had they not done so, Soviet defeat at Stalingrad is practically guaranteed. I come to such conclusion after watching TIK's highly detailed videos about the battle and how the Germans struggled to capture 95% of the city without any reserves, had they had reserves then they would have captured Stalingrad much earlier and have been prepared for Operation Uranus. Since Panzer armies were hundreds of miles south in the Caucuses, they had no answer to the Soviet November offensive.

[@robland3253]

@@dongilleo9743 if I remember right in that scenario the soviets still do pretty well, the allies just get a MUCH smaller free Europe

[@andrewdad10]

When lindybiege was in Malta, showcasing the ww2 defenses, I thought that it would make a really cool what if? This is perfect.

[@alienworm1999]

I feel like I say this every episode, but this has to have been the highest production quality yet. While the battle wasn't necessarily the largest or the most intense that this channel has done, the overall polish has grown by leaps and bounds over the past few years. I love it!

[@LittleWarsTV]

Thanks! We are always trying to improve upon our rudimentary production skills here!

[@diehardlivehardMW3]

Totally agreed, but would love to see some more of the board. It's a beautiful map recreation and I think it would be awesome to get a more comprehensive look at the gameboard. The battle lines are so fun to look at and although I love your history cuts and explanations I'd really like to see more of the war game! Just a suggestion! But I'm just one idiot on the internet!

[@markhenderson6389]

@@LittleWarsTV You are far too modest! Beyond the absolutely stellar table, you manage to present a 6-hour wargame in under 25 minutes - showcasing some tough tactical decisions, rule highlights, and tense fog-of-war elements - while also overviewing the historical situation. One of your best!!

[@junkjack1015]

I was just having a crappy week. COVID, cancelling events and meetings, etc... then I saw this video got uploaded. I'm just gonna say all of the bad stuff was last week...

[@LittleWarsTV]

Happy to hear the game could bring some joy to the week!

[@simoncampbell-smith6745]

Fantastic game. One of the things that is little recorded is the stubborn resistance at the airfields in Crete by RAF ground crew. They inflicted casualties on the paratroopers and allowed RAF aircraft to withdraw. An ad hoc Squadron (company) at each airfield of the plucky RAF boys would make for a bit of flavour on Malta.

[@andymoore9977]

The RAF Regiment was a very scary prospect for any would be airfield attackers. The RAF Regiment defending an air field against paratroops would make a great skirmish wargame.

[@charlesrowntree3346]

Brilliant game! Fabulous table! Outstanding episode once gain. Thanks chaps!

[@dancingpotplant]

If you are the same Charles R who makes the fabulous wargaming tables such as Arnhem then you are up there as another brilliant battlefield maker!

[@keithflint7243]

And the British have jets! (20.15). Don't pay any attention to me guys. Putting together these large game reports is a fine achievement, and I enjoyed the whole thing. Very well done.

[@RexBrynen]

Beautiful table and game! In addition to the "would two divisions really have been precipitously withdrawn from the fight?" question highlighted by others, I wonder if the rules were also overly generous about what could be landed and sustained on those particular (generally very rocky) beaches. The landing craft losses could have been horrendous, even without much immediate local resistance.

[@malcolmrose3361]

Indeed - and if you've ever been to Malta you'll know that pretty much the entire countryside of the island is made up of small rocky fields surrounded by drystone walls. There'd have been a horrendous number of minor and major injuries amongst the parachutists before anyone even started shooting at them.

[@eol6632]

Yeah hauling supplies over that end of the island would be a nightmare

[@alexripard]

The landings wouldn't have been as easy as you make it out to be. Where the Italians selected for their landings there are almost continuous cliffs, with no small docks or ports or beaches for supplies. They would have fought only with the weapons they could climb a cliff with till they took a port or airfield, leaving them severely outgunned by the British, who would have had rifles and LMGs, compared to the Germans and Italians with Pistols and SMGs.

[@RubberToeYT]

I love how well this was researched and planned, looks incredible to play

[@dandepalma9305]

The board was truly glorious though the miniatures seemed a bit lost on the huge play area. The rules seem quick and playable. I thought the end of the game was anti-climatic, the Axis was done in by the game design not any decision they made. Removing the best Axis troops from the center while engaged with the enemy seemed a forced decision to balance the game for the undermanned British.

[@LittleWarsTV]

Bruce designed the scenario and I agree that it seems he was trying to use the random events table as a way to represent some realities that were out of control of the Axis players BUT also as a scenario balancing tool. The British are hopelessly outmatched on paper. Their only chance was (1) help from the Royal Navy; (2) Hitler interfering with poor micromanagement; (3) Italian disaster in scaling the cliffs along Famagusta. So Bruce made charts to represent all three of those variables. He's run a couple additional playtests since our game and adjusted the charts to be less punitive for the Axis.

[@andymoore9977]

@@LittleWarsTV All about balance. A forgone conclusion game is rarely worth testing. "What if's" are fascinating. If Hitler had invaded Spain (perhaps called a 'special operation') the 'what if' Malta would never have been on the table. With Gibraltar Hitler would have owned the 'Med'.

[@twilightgamedesigns4887]

@@LittleWarsTV This makes total sense from a gaming perspective but does it historically represent the what if?? For example, if on paper the British stood little chance than the historical conclusion and message to draw might be that yes it most likely would have worked and change the events of the North African War, even though it would not be a very enjoyable game to play??? Also the victory conditions can always be changed to represent the realities of the battle. For example, I watched a wonderful battle of the Alamo at a convention. The Texans won the game by simple holding out X amount of turns, NOT winning the actual battle as there was no end to Mexican troops coming on each turn. That said I agree with others, great looking game, very interesting and well done!!!

[@taylorshorey4411]

I get super excited when I see a new upload from you guys. Keep up the good work we appreciate y’all!!!

[@princeofmoskova]

Thank you for this excellent report! What a fantastic table and I LOVE your add-on Game Room Bruce and the decorations!

[@EnRandomSten]

I've missed your longer form battle repports like this so this is great :D

[@rikwilliams6352]

Nice, learned something today which is always a bonus. Fantastic map & a good play through, well done Gents.

[@tomvaleri2642]

I’ve been fortunate enough to play in Bruce’s games a couple times at Historicon. They are always beautiful and Bruce himself is a true gentleman that really makes the games enjoyable. I’m jealous that I won’t make it out this year for the show.

[@LittleWarsTV]

We'll have a full show report. Bruce's games are always a highlight. A couple years ago he ran a Kasserine Pass scenario using the same rules and it was also stunning.

[@zachnar0125]

Love the Red Dawn shirt! Game looks unbelievably awesome!!!!

[@alans3023]

Great presentation. ‘What if’ scenarios are always interesting and this is one of the best, aided by that amazing table. Thank you.

[@jordancrump7518]

Fantastic video! That table is absolutely gorgeous. Also loved seeing the fine collection of GMT games and other boxed goodies that someone has!

[@colink563]

That table is insane! Amazing work looks absolutely stunning and immeadiately pulls you in helps immerse you

[@MadMonk_]

Fantastic work by Bruce, that has to be one of the best wargaming tables I’ve ever seen. Plus the in depth research of the operation lead to a brilliant “what if” battle. I was in Malta in June and the terrain is spot on.

[@PatGilliland]

Superb table and game. However, careful reading of the history would suggest that the FJ and Folgore were not withdrawn to Africa as claimed but were in fact cut up in their trenches by Maltese housewives in search of parachute silk - a fact the Fuhrer and Il Duce well wanted to conceal. Surprisingly this is only a moderate exaggeration. Silk was indeed highly sought after on the island as very little non essential supplies like cloth was getting through and there are several cases where Axis pilots had to be rescued by British AA gunners before the local women did them in with kitchen implements. My in laws were from Malta and were newly married when the worst of the bombing began. What the Maltese people went through is nearly unfathomable and their bravery and endurance was truly heroic. Thank you Bruce and the Little Wars crew. Pastizzi and Kinnie all around!

[@adavis5926]

That was a lot of fun to watch. Great video!

[@mrhype1616]

Yessss! More content! Love to see when ur notification pops up! Thank you for your hard work.

[@LittleWarsTV]

More to come!

[@ChalkInTheLand]

I love stumbling across channels like this. Sometimes KZbin recommends some weird channels, but then it goes and recommends channels like this and it makes me appreciate KZbins crazy, nonsensical algorithm

[@mintymoore6054]

The future of gaming? 3mm amazing. All played on an incredible gaming table. Fantasitic video yet again thank you from across the pond

[@lyndamccaffrey4957]

Great Game, thanks to Bruce and the Little Wars boys

[@AHersheyHere]

What a beautiful setup by the host, a wonderful game room.

[@treposey4107]

Love the sound of this man's rule set, and using Pico with these sprawling battlefields is incredible.

[@geoffreymowbray6789]

Historically on 10th August 1942 the Pedestal Convoy passaged the Straits of Gibraltar. The convoy and assorted escorts totaled 1 fast tanker; 13 fast freighters with escort including 4 aircraft carriers, 2 battleships (16-inch guns), 7 light cruisers, 36 destroyers, 2 ocean tugs, 4 corvettes....

[@VirgoShelter]

Wasn't one of the Aircraft Carriers an American CV?, USS Wasp

[@christopherwebber3804]

But despite all that, nearly every ship in the convoy was sunk or turned back, and the one that did arrive was so severely damaged that it had to be held up by two destroyers, and sank shortly afterwards. The Italian navy fought many actions with the Royal Navy and won several of them. They were committed to a "Fleet in being" strategy but the prize of Malta was worth risking their fleet and I don't see the Italians running away because the RN showed up. Having said all that, look what happened in Operation Citadel - the German commanders thought they were winning despite Prokorhovka etc when the Allies landed in Sicily and Hitler decided to pull out the spearhead divisions, even though there was no chance of them arriving in Sicily in time. I don't see Hitler being unwilling to commit his paratroopers once they were on the ground, after all there were many parachute divisions used in ground operations after this time. The Germans had a special unit of Russian tanks - KV-1's and T-34's - which they planned to use for this operation.

[@geoffreymowbray6789]

@@VirgoShelter USS Wasp carried out two aircraft ferry missions to fly off fighters to Malta. The April mission USS Wasp launched 47 spitfire fighters and the May mission USS Wasp launched 47 Spitfire fighters,

[@sailordude2094]

That's cool stuff, glad I discovered your channel! My older brother would play Avalon Hill board games in the 1970s, I have not seen it done much since. Memories, thanks for the war game!

[@gregsaldi1292]

Cool stuff. Not sure I like the dice in the little containers but everyone seems to have had fun and it looks like an easy system.

[@kartchner7]

What an incredible scenario and game! The board is absolutely amazing. A Herculean effort by your host to make that possible! Thanks for showing the stuff gaming dreams are made of.

[@LittleWarsTV]

Credit to Bruce for doing all the work while we just got to play and have fun!

[@jacobspiteri3687]

Awesome table and game! As a Maltese man and history enthusiast, I really appreciate the effort. We have similar models in our multiple war museums on the island, you should definetly visit! 😃

[@markmulcahey5172]

Brilliant video and a fascinating what if. I have been playing Malta Besieged by Worthington Games, a solo board game about the same conflict. Thank you

[@JasonHanLZ]

great work！keep making this amazing videos

[@StormofSteelWargaming]

Great show, really enjoyed this one and loved that map. Brilliant work!

[@StormofSteelWargaming]

PS, Tony, I was only teasing in the other comment, just a follow on from the funny video we made whilst at Joy of Six. No offense was intended.

[@jaydenbyrne4948]

I am maltese. I always wondered if some had ever made such a table. Stunning 💪

[@CBs_Bill_from_Montana]

I can’t believe how well this was done. You folks are incredible. I’d love to play that game.

[@LittleWarsTV]

All credit to Bruce for doing the hard work! He did the research, scenario design, table build, and miniatures. We just got to show up and roll dice!

[@mauriciomorais7818]

The table looks amazing. But that in-game rule of rolling to check if the axis player removes two divisions is ridiculously unrealistic, it baffles the mind with how ilogical it is. Especially since the Fuhrer was such a diehard hold-the-front-at-all-costs type of strategist.

[@GarkKahn]

Even if he put them out they shouldn't had left the island immediately by art of magic, they needed to move hence giving time for a rotation with italian reinforcements

[@antonschollum3128]

Sick bois, love your production and background info. SUBBED👍

[@Warhoon]

Great episode! I like the actual play videos much more than the travelogue/history reviews. I'm sure they're much more labor intensive, but I love them! Amazing table. Just one note: maybe it's just my system but the narration audio levels are all over the place. I was constantly chasing the volume button.

[@LittleWarsTV]

Appreciate the feedback, Warhoon.

[@CodenameNovacaine]

I found this super interesting! I love historical battle games and I live in Malta so this was right up my ally. Just FYI some of your pronunciations of locations are off but Maltese is a very difficult language so you're forgiven lol. Loved this thanks guys.

[@DeePsix501]

Love the boardgame shelf Ed!

[@sumerandaccad]

It shows what can be done with micro armour. Just like your D-Day game it was just so well done.

[@philiphughes7481]

I love alternate history scenarios. I would love to see more videos like this.

[@LittleWarsTV]

Thanks for the feedback on this Philip!

[@phasestar7787]

Wow, thanks for sharing this!

[@vincnetjones3037]

I played a large game like this once [with a real mix of experiences amongst the players] - We, the Axis, were allowed to spread our troops more over the Island so it made it much easier to isolate the Island Garrison. Supply for the Axis wasn't a huge factor as we can see the difference in this great game.

[@Tigerheart01]

Amazing table as always!

[@hamsteronthepaintingtable6465]

a very interesting and what if wargame, not forgetting the amazing terrain/table 😄

[@shaunsultana8096]

This was amazing

[@michaelvella9005]

Fantastic table and great game. Agree that the sudden withdrawal of two axis divisions seems to be a bit stretched, but anyway. Just one small geographical point. There is(and never was) no place called ‘Birzebbu Port’. The correct name is Birzebbugia. From a Maltese guy 😊

[@LittleWarsTV]

Thank you! We saw it spelled about four different ways on various maps, some of which didn't even have the port at all!

[@mrgunn2726]

Fantastic, looks like great fun!

[@blitzkrieg2142k]

Super cool. Liked the game play and map.

[@Anvilarm07]

Wow! Very impressive. I loved it.

[@elliotlane3225]

What a great scenario. Good to see a realistic and well thought out WW2 'what if' battle that isnt Operation Sealion. Look forward to some more what ifs. Checknout Harry Turtledove's books for some that will tie in with your clubs love of ACW and WW2. Keep posting. Love the game play videos

[@bmhh123]

I have my own project focusing on the naval and air camping of this hypothetical operation. This inspires me to work on it!

[@crumbum2]

Salivating over the map, would love to see an episode of how he created the table.

[@oliverludwig6148]

Interesting to see your board-wargame collection in the background. I'm quite the GMT fan myself.

[@LittleWarsTV]

Ed's board game collection is second to none!

[@williamlydon2554]

Ah the classic "What If"? wargaming. A favorite vintage of the hobby. I hope we can see more of these hypothetically operations in the future.

[@XcxrpseX]

Thought this would be boring turned out this was some of the most entertaining thing i've watched

[@dannymalone7101]

Really enjoyed this game. The table upon which it is played is truly superb. I have long had an interest in the Malta Campaign and have spent time on the southern coast looking over the designated Axis landing area. I do share the qualms about Hitler pulling troops away from the operation so soon after its opening. I think, despite his misgivings, he would not have done this. Also, the Axis generally had horrendous supply and logistics problems in the Med and in Africa which may have meant that they would have been unable to pull troops off Malta while continuing with the assault. The limitations in logistics was a significant reason why the assault never happened; there simply wasn’t enough transport to supply both Rommel’s offensive in Africa and a Malta invasion. I also think that you have underestimated the quality of the British defenders of Malta. While the infantry battalions were largely untested as you said, and were under-nourished, and had shed some of their best officers to other units fighting in the desert, they were pre-war regular army battalions containing large numbers of professional soldiers. Such units have always fought well in most armies. Subsequently 231st brigade performed very well on Sicily, as did the battalions of 234th brigade despite being badly handled on Kos and Leros. Also, all battalions were very well dug in, with concrete bunkers and a had a high number of automatic weapons. Using the invasions of Crete, Kos and Leros as references, I personally doubt the invasion would have succeeded. Great game though, and full marks for trying it!!

[@dancingpotplant]

Brilliant video as always. Looking forward to getting a copy of those rules though.

[@LittleWarsTV]

Bruce has been playtesting them for years! He swears they are near completion!

[@dancingpotplant]

@@LittleWarsTV lol his website makes reference to possible release in August 2021... but based on the fact it also says your visit was 2021 I'm alas thinking it might be a typo lol. How easy were they to pick up? Many pages long?

[@bigsarge2085]

Amazing!

[@brendanhayden837]

this looks fantastic ... i love playing italians .... well done lads,

[@jacktodd5648]

Excellent stuff.

[@kevinsenglishschools3405]

I have always wanted to go there. It looks beautiful now.

[@slslookout]

This quality content is why I back them on Patreon.

[@LittleWarsTV]

And we very, very much appreciate that!

[@StackingLimit]

Excellent Mini-Wargaming evangelism guys. I see my good friend Bill Rutherford joined the British team.

[@sumerandaccad]

I love the camouflage markings in the wartime footage of the Italian fleet

[@GuileMike]

Wrote my thesis on the island and how it won the Battle of the Mediterranean. Good job here!

[@jmaccsarmiesofmiddleearth]

Utterly un real wow. Those dice shakers are a great idea too.

[@LittleWarsTV]

Bruce gave each player a little shaker so that you never had to ask anyone for dice or roll them across the table! It was very slick.

[@historymarshal2704]

This is fantastic! The Axis players got screwed by their rolls, I love it.

[@theodorosgeorgitsis5600]

Guys!!! just visited the homepage. This game looks beautyful!!!!

[@patangman2117]

What an excellent looking tabletop.

[@paulshimkin2713]

Can’t wait to see you guys at historicon!

[@LittleWarsTV]

We'll be there! Can't wait.

[@tabletop.will.phillips]

HOLY CRAP. That table is astonishing!

[@airborneranger-ret]

Overall nicely done :) Nice map

[@noneofyourbusiness9489]

The tables are always so stunning.

[@germanempire4605]

This is a very amazing idea! It’s just sad on how anticlimactic the ending was. So close to perfection.

[@vaberan]

Love the bitva u Hradce Králové poster :D

[@giovannifusco00]

Man... I had hope for 🇮🇹 until the end. You guys could have given us a little satisfaction! Darn it

[@jerrymail]

Woow ! This table is just insane ! 😵

[@militarywargaming7840]

Excellent chaps what we hope to do one day with the team

[@johncantone40]

Wow, that looks awesome

[@BronzeBullBalls]

That map is off the hook! A masterpiece!

[@Jamiethedragon365]

I love that you find folks have done a what if. Would love to see a Korean War game at some point. The forgotten war had some fairly intense actions if I remember my war in Asia module from war studies course.

[@LittleWarsTV]

Korea, you say? Hmmmm.....

[@ryangrider9607]

@@LittleWarsTV would be incredible to see Chosin Reservoir and educational as well.

[@PMMagro]

Awesome!

[@zanzibart3]

In Avalon Hill's 'Air Assault on Crete' game in the 70s, they included this operation as a bonus scenario.

[@niessuhdaniel]

The british navy arrival and the fallschirmjäger withrawal seems too random, but otherwise a most impressive scenario

[@rring44]

I think the British Navy would steam to Malta, but I highly doubt they would pull out engaged troops when they were about to break the British line.

[@GarkKahn]

The navy was ok, but the withdrawal was badly executed, they should had immobilize them or something like that to put them out later and if the axis moved right then they shouldn't at least be left with a huge gap in the middle

[@coffeecocaine8878]

Beautiful battle map of Malta!

[@ktg8030]

That gaming board is sick!

[@kennethtee5493]

Who owns all those (board) wargames in the intro? Great game! GREAT SHOW!

[@LittleWarsTV]

That's Ed's stunning collection.

[@mattvandenschoor1630]

very fun video

[@kevinpaulson2659]

Great game. Thanks.

[@mosesracal6758]

I disagree with the dissent with the pullback of the elite troops. The Maltese invasion coincided with the North African campaign and North Africa would always be prioritized and especially since its together with Rommel's counterattack. It was a good mechanic but the players rolled such badluck since they immediately had to pullback and rolled the worst possible roll with the rumors.