June 2002 - Spanish Civil War

Padilla de Hita, 1937 

On 22 June 2002 we played a 20mm scenario refighting the historical Battle of Padilla de Hita from the Spanish Civil War. This battle was part of the larger Battle of Guadalajara in March 1937. We used the Command Decision 3rd Edition rule set with dark green order chits from 2nd Edition.

I don't remember the details, but I'm guessing that this game played out the counter-offensive by Republican 12th Division against Nationalist Spanish and Italian troops.

John Gee researched and created the scenario and order of battle. Unfortunately I don't have a copy of it to include here. Most figures used were metal castings supplied by Pat Condray at Historical Products Company, based in Florida. 

I don't recall how the battle ended, but I think it was a clear Republican victory that roughly matched the historical result.

View from Republican starting point, looking towards Padilla de Hita and nearby hills.

Republican 12th Division in full flood. This is only the right flank of the attack.

Republican SB-2 light bomber softens up enemy positions held by Carlist Militia (aka Requetés).

The Republican left flank is supported by a platoon of armoured cars, plus two platoons of T-26 tanks.

 

Two excellent friends and gamers: Jon Caudill (left) and Mark Hauck. RIP, both of you.

Blue-clad Nationalist Phalanx Militia (aka Falangé) fire from their hillside trenches into the enemy mass. Note the Republican armoured car battalion in the process of flanking the hill.

 

Republicans headed for the village of Padilla de Hita.