Allenby's Gamble

Allenby's Gamble (# 117-1), covers the start of the Southern Palestinian Offensive of November 1917.

The EEF, having failed taking Gaza twice, replaced their Commander whom brought a new approach to the matter. Allenby's strategical objective was the defeat of the Ottoman army in Southern Palestine, decisive enough to ensure Ottoman reinforcements being diverted to Palestine. The offensive started with a joint attack on Beersheba at the eastern end of the Gaza - Beersheba line.

The following day, the Battle of Tel el Khuweilfe began, with an advance into the Judean foothills. This move up the road from Beersheba towards Jerusalem not only threatened Hebron and Bethlehem but also forced the Ottoman commanders to deploy their reserves, to hold the EEF threat. The Third Battle of Gaza then took place on the Mediterranean coast, starting with the largest barrage during WW1, outside the European theatre. The Battles of Hareira and Sheria was then launched on the centre to bind as many enemy troops as possible.

Allenby’s Gamble simulates the first 10 days of this Campaign.

Rules and mechanics Rules are developed from the Tannenberg 1914 game released in 2010 now forming the Standard Rule System Collision of Empires with chit-pull mechanics.

—description from the publisher