WOw, Ortona is looking much better than the last time I saw it played I hope you guys got the warping issues sorted out that plagued the release of the F/H italy map pack.
On a related note, while your map description is somewhat accurate, I have a few minor quibbles about the estimated strength of the germans and their presumed rest locations.
Advance reconnaissance of the fortifications by the Canadians actually underestimated the German presence (it was believed to be company strength plus support elements) but in the end it turned out to be an almost full strength battalion of Fallschirmjaeger's with Pionier (company sized) and Artillerie support to the tune of 2-120mm mortar and approximately 6-82mm mortar's.
I was a 72 Seaforth highlander for 5 years and many of the men who fought there and their Loyal Eddie counterparts have related many stories of the artillery fire being non-stop and extremely well-sighted as the german's had actually pre-fixed their mortars by preliminary targetting of the civilian population with a focus upon strategic chokepoints that were heavily defended by elevated German MG positions supported by sniper nests.
With respect to the rest and recuperation points, the Germans actually encamped to the north of the town in a series of farms and their intelligent battalion commander saw fit to retreat his forces every evening so that his men were in tip-top fighting condition the following day. The cellars of the Old town being a presumed safe location has become an urban myth as they were crammed full of civilians who for the most part, never saw fit to actually evacuate the town of Ortona when given the likely signs of imminent invasion. (stubborn Italian's)
finally, (I kind of apologize for text-walling), the Allied tanks while prevented from accessing the main roads did actually enjoy a fair degree of movement within the town itself (along side streets) and were actually crucial to the resupply strategy of the Canadian's by being employed as mobile pillboxes, ammo re-supply points and as medical evacuation ambulances. The success of this idea is actually part and parcel to the later development of the Kangaroos and other Heavy armoured APC during the campaign's of 1944 in North-Western Europe.
For the Canadian elements, command and control was at the battalion level for the entire battle but company commanders were given extreme latitude in achieving their objectives which is the reason why many historical accounts attribute leadership to have been exercised at the unit and sub-unit levels.
I wish all competitors in this upcoming fight all the best and this proud Canadian wishes that I could take part but unfortunately Friday Fh battles are held at an hour which is completely incompatible with work and school schedules due to the timezone changes.
Fingers crossed that you guys do another Italy map pack release someday so the FH2 pubbies can enjoy your hard-earned creations. (and perhaps bring you a new whack of recruits)
Caber Feidh gu Brath, love Sheik