The Crusades

Hello and welcome back to another update of our progress in developing Forgotten Hope 2. First up this week we have a new map by Lili Marlene to show: Sidi Rezegh. First, some historical background on this battle.

"The British "Crusader" offensive began on November 18th with one British corps taking up positions covering Halfaya Pass. The other corps moved across the desert in three columns, with the central one heading for Tobruk to link up with a planned breakout of the garrison troops. This part of the attack went well and reached within ten miles of the port, and took the Sidi Rezegh airfield. Although caught by surprise, Rommel soon realized that the British plan was to reach the Tobruk garrison. On November 22nd he sent his two Afrika Korps armored divisions to recapture Sidi Rezegh, supported by the Italian XXI Corps. The battle over this airfield saw tanks on both sides go up in smoke, but it finally ended up in German hands again."

A special mention is worth making of this gargantuan building -- the Sidi Rezegh HQ -- which dominates the Sidi Rezegh airfield. It was modelled and textured by Duke of Holland and features a full underground bunker complex, with dozens and dozens of rooms over three floors. A great place for close quarters combat!

Toddel created the Opel Blitz Kfz385 Fuel Truck, using some parts from the original Opel Blitz by Mange and Jimbob.

Next up, we have a trio of new artillery and anti-tank guns. First, the 37mm PaK 35/36. This gun was already outdated when it saw action in the North Africa theatre in 1940, and became known colloquilly as the "Door Knocker" due to its inability to penetrate armour of that era. This gun was modelled and skinned by K96.

Secondly, we have the 105mm leFH 18 german light howitzer. This was used throughout the war from 1939 to 1945. This gun was also modelled and skinned by K96.

Last but certainly not least, we have the Ordnance QF 25 pounder field gun/howitzer. With the wheels resting on its circular firing platform, it provided direct anti-tank fire. With the platform attached to the carriage, it could be used in traditional indirect fire support role, with ranges of up to 12km possible with specially designed rounds. This gun was modelled by Toddel and overState2007, and skinned by Toddel. Wheels were provided by Rad.

Finally, we'd like to say a big thanks to the following supporters:

-- WOLFServers.com who are providing us with our US-based test server.

-- apraxas from xg1.de who is providing us with our EU-based test server.

-- Flüstertüte from warumdarum.de, who has provided us with test servers, teamspeak servers, internal FTP servers and much of his time for many, many years.

Without this support, Forgotten Hope simply would not be possible!

That's all for today, but be sure to come back for another Forgotten Hope update. And don't forget to join us on IRC. Feel free to visit our public forums to discuss this update or other news.