Area 15 · Act 3 · Crossing the Nullarbor
The Melbourne Approaches
The western and northern fringe of Melbourne — Werribee market gardens, the Maribyrnong munitions district, and the Essendon aerodrome paddocks, with the city skyline as a painted backdrop.
DAY 163: THE ENEMY IS SIGHTED FROM THE TRAM
The history behind it
Melbourne housed the actual 1930s defence establishment (Victoria Barracks ran the real Emu War from here). The brass that ordered Meredith into the field now finds the war arriving at its own doorstep. The Argus runs the headline 'SURELY NOT HERE'; it is here.
Outposts (4)
Take all of them and the area is yours. Retreat halfway through and the ones you already hold stay held.
Werribee Market Garden Line
Homestead garrison · Defence tier 3
Cabbage rows laced with Barbed Wire funnelling into two Rifleman Lines. High food from the vegetable beds, but the wire steers you straight down the rifle sights.
Maribyrnong Ordnance Depot
Supply depot · Defence tier 5
The army's own supply yard: an Armoured Car circles the perimeter while a Sandbag Officer speeds reloads for twin Lewis Gun Posts. Lure the car into the river-flat mud, then overwhelm. Enormous Scrap drop.
Essendon Aerodrome
Airfield · Defence tier 4
A Biplane sorties from here on strafing runs across the whole area until captured. Field Artillery guards the hangar apron; rush the crew at melee. Capturing grounds the plane permanently.
Victoria Barracks Forward Post
Country pub · Defence tier 5
Sandbagged command post with a Searchlight Tower, a Sandbag Officer, and Meredith's staff car parked outside. Optional comedy objective: steal the pennant off the staff car.