Slouch Hats & Eggshells: The Allied Invasion of Syria & Lebanon, 1941

One player commands the Allied forces, including British, Australian, and Free French troops. The other commands the Axis-aligned defence, made up of Vichy French, French Colonial, and German units. The campaign begins with Allied expectations of a fragile defence, but the Vichy-led forces can prove far more tenacious than anticipated.

Both players must manage limited supply and fuel, making timing and preparation important for both attack and defence. Random event chits add historical uncertainty, including Vichy destroyers, German paratroops, Allied submarines, and reinforcements freed by developments in Iraq.

Victory is based on the capture or denial of specified objectives, making the game a contest of operational pressure rather than simple attrition. Players familiar with Rommel’s War can also combine the two games, as they cover the same historical period and use compatible scales and core rules.

Contents include: one 22" x 34" map, 180 0.6" counters, 20 1.2" counters, a 28-page rules book, six charts, and two scenarios.