I'm just the opposite. I personally find unit icons are easier for me to play the game with than nato symbols. I guess it's a good thing that Slitherine gave us a choice between the two.ftgcritt2 wrote:Why do most people use the picture unit icons rather than nato symbols? Sometimes I have trouble distinguishing different planes and ships from each other, but the nato symbols really make everything a lot easier to look at.
AAR2 - Joe (Axis) vs Ronnie (Allied) (The War is Over!)
Moderators: Happycat, rkr1958, Slitherine Core
October 20, 1941. Axis Face two Fronts in the Middle East. Brits Capture Ahwaz Oil Wells. Russians Push Closer to Tehran. RAF fighter unit links up with Russians in north Persia. Allies Make Technology Advances. German U-boat Attacks on Convoys Continue. Royal Navy Patrol in Force. Axis Continue Attack Towards Leningrad. Russians Reach Defensive Position.
The Axis in Palestine advancing towards Kuwait City diverted towards the Russians coming down from the north. I was starting to worry that Joe would continue towards Kuwait City. He was two to three turns away. The fact that he turned to face to defend his flank may be the saving grace for the Brits. They're still not out of the woods yet but there now is hope. In fact, if Joe had continued on towards Kuwait City this turn I was planning to evacuate the UK motorized corps and one infantry corps.
The Axis in Palestine advancing towards Kuwait City diverted towards the Russians coming down from the north. I was starting to worry that Joe would continue towards Kuwait City. He was two to three turns away. The fact that he turned to face to defend his flank may be the saving grace for the Brits. They're still not out of the woods yet but there now is hope. In fact, if Joe had continued on towards Kuwait City this turn I was planning to evacuate the UK motorized corps and one infantry corps.
November 9, 1941. Axis Redeploy in the Middle East to Face Russian Threat. Russia Begins Assault on Tehran. Alexander's 8th Army Push On. Royal Navy Patrols Seas to Protect Convoys. RAF Invests in Research. Leningrad Under Siege. Severe Winter Predicted for Russia. No Winter Yet in Russia.
An encouraging sign in the Middle East was the redeployment of the Axis forces to face the advancing Russians. I do need to be careful and not send the Russian units too far south until Tehran is captured and the entire Russian and UK force can go after them. Their job was to threaten the flank of the Axis and save the British forces there. Also, I'm keeping the British forces as best as I can in the eastern most hex row. Due to a bug in the game, units in these hexes cannot be attacked by air. I know I'm gaming a little bit there but I might as well take advantage of it. If you look at the Malta picture you'll see a track of a transport that just skirted the fighter units spotting range.
Another benefit of my invasion of Persia by Russia is that Joe is diverting corps to the Middle East that would have gone to Russia. Speaking of Russia, Joe has isolated Leningrad. However; that's acceptable given my priority is in the south and in Persia. The loss of the Leningrad and the north is not that big of deal. I will use winter to reinforce the area around Moscow. But my highest priority will be the defense of the south, Caucasus and continued push in the Middle East. Joe has apparently stopped everywhere except in the Leningrad sector in anticipation of winter. In fact, if this is truly the case I wouldn't mind if winter didn't come for a couple of more turns. I will use winter to build up my double defense line from just north of Moscow to the Black Sea. Also, I'm looking forward to the release of the Siberia units when the US enters.
1942 in Russia going to be a tough year. But, I'll cross that bridge when I get there. I need to keep pressure on Joe in the Middle East. Also, I can't decide between a quick Torch to get Free France active and some pressure in the west or focus on Europe.
An encouraging sign in the Middle East was the redeployment of the Axis forces to face the advancing Russians. I do need to be careful and not send the Russian units too far south until Tehran is captured and the entire Russian and UK force can go after them. Their job was to threaten the flank of the Axis and save the British forces there. Also, I'm keeping the British forces as best as I can in the eastern most hex row. Due to a bug in the game, units in these hexes cannot be attacked by air. I know I'm gaming a little bit there but I might as well take advantage of it. If you look at the Malta picture you'll see a track of a transport that just skirted the fighter units spotting range.
Another benefit of my invasion of Persia by Russia is that Joe is diverting corps to the Middle East that would have gone to Russia. Speaking of Russia, Joe has isolated Leningrad. However; that's acceptable given my priority is in the south and in Persia. The loss of the Leningrad and the north is not that big of deal. I will use winter to reinforce the area around Moscow. But my highest priority will be the defense of the south, Caucasus and continued push in the Middle East. Joe has apparently stopped everywhere except in the Leningrad sector in anticipation of winter. In fact, if this is truly the case I wouldn't mind if winter didn't come for a couple of more turns. I will use winter to build up my double defense line from just north of Moscow to the Black Sea. Also, I'm looking forward to the release of the Siberia units when the US enters.
1942 in Russia going to be a tough year. But, I'll cross that bridge when I get there. I need to keep pressure on Joe in the Middle East. Also, I can't decide between a quick Torch to get Free France active and some pressure in the west or focus on Europe.
November 29, 1941. Japan Attacks U.S. Pacific Fleet in Hawaii! Germany Declares War on the U.S.! Russians Push Closer to Taking Tehran. Alexander's 8th Army Captures Sarkin Oil Wells. Axis Forces Engage Russians in the Middle East. Royal Navy Actively Protecting Convoys. Russian Convoys Attacked. UK Deploys New DD and Strategic Bomber Squadrons. Novgorod Falls to Axis. Weather in Russia Still Holds.
Go figure why German would declare war on the US after Japan attacked them. But, they did and this means that I am now free to transfer and employ the Siberian reserves. They will be deployed to the south and to Persia. I will continue infantry builds to bolster the defense around of Moscow. The north is lost but that's a small price to pay to keep the Brits alive in the Middle East and have a chance to retake the Iraqi oil wells. The Brits captured the second Persian oil facility so that oil is no longer in available to the Axis. The objective now in Persia is to captured Tehran and then push back the Axis retaking the oil fields.
By the way I have decided on Torch as soon as can. From the US I will have 1 mechanized corps, 1 tank corps, i infantry corps and 1 fighter. Also, I will deploy a US strategic bomber to the Azores to provide coverage against u-boats and Axis surface units. From the UK I can deploy two fighters and two infantry corps. One fighter will base at Gibraltar to provide ground support for the attack on Casablanca. My initial landings will only target Casablanca and Oran. Once the Allies invade Vichy controlled French North Africa the Free French will provide 3 infantry, 1 mechanized and 1 tank corps. I will need to leave 1 French infantry corps in Dakar for defense against possible invasion. The US and Royal Navies will also be able to provide air attack from 4 CVs. I will need to provide defense of the Russian convoy so I may deploy 2 of these 4 along with a number of DD flotillas for this operation after the landings have taken place. If things go well on the journey over I may even initial land next to Algeria. This will require another infantry corps probably from the US.
Go figure why German would declare war on the US after Japan attacked them. But, they did and this means that I am now free to transfer and employ the Siberian reserves. They will be deployed to the south and to Persia. I will continue infantry builds to bolster the defense around of Moscow. The north is lost but that's a small price to pay to keep the Brits alive in the Middle East and have a chance to retake the Iraqi oil wells. The Brits captured the second Persian oil facility so that oil is no longer in available to the Axis. The objective now in Persia is to captured Tehran and then push back the Axis retaking the oil fields.
By the way I have decided on Torch as soon as can. From the US I will have 1 mechanized corps, 1 tank corps, i infantry corps and 1 fighter. Also, I will deploy a US strategic bomber to the Azores to provide coverage against u-boats and Axis surface units. From the UK I can deploy two fighters and two infantry corps. One fighter will base at Gibraltar to provide ground support for the attack on Casablanca. My initial landings will only target Casablanca and Oran. Once the Allies invade Vichy controlled French North Africa the Free French will provide 3 infantry, 1 mechanized and 1 tank corps. I will need to leave 1 French infantry corps in Dakar for defense against possible invasion. The US and Royal Navies will also be able to provide air attack from 4 CVs. I will need to provide defense of the Russian convoy so I may deploy 2 of these 4 along with a number of DD flotillas for this operation after the landings have taken place. If things go well on the journey over I may even initial land next to Algeria. This will require another infantry corps probably from the US.
December 19, 1941. Persia Surrenders! Operation Mountain Thunder Saves Alexander's 8th Army! Russia Sends Strong Reinforcements to the Middle East. US & UK Preparing for Torch. Weather in Russia Still Clear. Frustration Among Top Axis Leaders and Commanders. Leningrad in Peril. Russia Build Up Defenses All Across the Front. Partisans Operating Behind German Lines
British intelligence intercepted and decoded the following message between top Axis leaders and military commanders.
The US and UK are preparing for Torch. The Brits will get an ASW advance next turn and the USA will get an air. Both will upgrade their units and shove off the turn after that. Barring any major engagement with Axis naval forces I should be able to begin Torch landings on the April 18, 1942 turn.
The RN and US Navies consist of (or will after next turn): 6 DDs, 8 BBs and 4 CVs. I will likely employ the majority of this force for escort. But once the landing take place and Oran, Tunis and Casablanca are captured I will divert the 2 BBs, 4 DDs and 2 CVs for ASW duties. Speaking of ASW duties, two RAF strategic bombers have taken up station in Greenland and Iceland to protect the Russian convoy. A US strategic bomber will be deployed to the Azores to provide coverage of the central Atlantic. Getting back to torch the US (non-naval) forces will consist of: 2 infantry corps, 1 mechanized corps, 1 armor corps and 1 fighter. The British forces will consist of: 2 infantry corps, 1 mechanized corps and 2 fighters. After the invasion the French French will add 3 infantry corps, 1 mechanized corps and 1 tank corps.
British intelligence intercepted and decoded the following message between top Axis leaders and military commanders.
In an attempt to fuel their frustration even further British intelligence and top military commanders sent the following to top government officials using a code that they allowed to be leak to a German double agent.Joe's Email wrote:Damn! Still no winter! I don't think I've ever seen it come this late in 1941 (actually, it will be1942!!!) before. Leningrad will fall next turn though, and Persia will as well it seems. I didn't bother to waste resources with futile reinforcements. Well, the Russians have succeeded in saving the Brits in Kuwait, but Iraq will be a tough nut to crack. That I can promise you.
The Russians will retreat some. They should get an armor technology advance next turn. As it is their armor is at 4; but technology is at 5.. The DAK is at 10. After next turn's technology advance that will allow them to be upgraded to 6.ronnie's email wrote:An early US entry and a very late first Russian winter! I also see you had a partisan pop up in Persia at the end of last turn and which has gone to no effect because Persian fell this turn. It pays to be lucky! I guess the old saying it pays to be lucky than good applies to me. I'm not complaining ... I'll take it.
The US and UK are preparing for Torch. The Brits will get an ASW advance next turn and the USA will get an air. Both will upgrade their units and shove off the turn after that. Barring any major engagement with Axis naval forces I should be able to begin Torch landings on the April 18, 1942 turn.
The RN and US Navies consist of (or will after next turn): 6 DDs, 8 BBs and 4 CVs. I will likely employ the majority of this force for escort. But once the landing take place and Oran, Tunis and Casablanca are captured I will divert the 2 BBs, 4 DDs and 2 CVs for ASW duties. Speaking of ASW duties, two RAF strategic bombers have taken up station in Greenland and Iceland to protect the Russian convoy. A US strategic bomber will be deployed to the Azores to provide coverage of the central Atlantic. Getting back to torch the US (non-naval) forces will consist of: 2 infantry corps, 1 mechanized corps, 1 armor corps and 1 fighter. The British forces will consist of: 2 infantry corps, 1 mechanized corps and 2 fighters. After the invasion the French French will add 3 infantry corps, 1 mechanized corps and 1 tank corps.
January 8, 1942. UK Makes Technological Breakthroughs in Four Areas. Russian and UK Forces Rest and Refit. Russian Tanks Waiting for Upgrades. UK Spys Provide Critical Information on Axis Reinforcements Through Syria. US & UK Convoys Forming Up for Torch. US Strategic Bombers on Patrol in Azores. Leningrad Falls. Russian Winter Hits. Decoy Communications Invoke Strong Axis Promise. Russians Brace for Spring 1942.
1942 is indeed a difficult and dangerous year for the Russians. A player of Joe's caliber can easily destroy 3 to 5 infantry corps per turn. Priorities are: (1) Continue the push Persia after technology upgrades are complete. (2) Build two leaders for Moscow and the South. (3) Upgrade Infantry corps. (4) Build more infantry corps. & (5) 2nd Air and 3rd Infantry Labs.
If you look at my situation is Persia the Russian armor won't be too far behind the DAK in technology when the tank destroyers technology comes through. Russian infantry is currently on par there with the German infantry.
My style is not to let the other side keep hexes behind my lines (see Syria). This has allowed me to see the addition of a German and Italian infantry corps to the Middle East. The further I can pull Joe's forces to the east then the easier time that Torch will/should have. Given the number of u-boats that Joe has it is highly probable that he'll figure out what's going on two or even three turns before I land. We will definitely see the US and/or UK convoys. So I don't expect to get there undetected or even unscathed. When Joe begins his '42 spring offensive in Russia I want to put as much pressure on him in North Africa and the Middle East as I can. I have to get the Iraqi oil fields back. If I can do that then oil will become a problem for him given how aggressive he's been in North Africa.
Well the decoy email worked ... I guess.email from Joe wrote:You won't be feeling so lucky come spring!
1942 is indeed a difficult and dangerous year for the Russians. A player of Joe's caliber can easily destroy 3 to 5 infantry corps per turn. Priorities are: (1) Continue the push Persia after technology upgrades are complete. (2) Build two leaders for Moscow and the South. (3) Upgrade Infantry corps. (4) Build more infantry corps. & (5) 2nd Air and 3rd Infantry Labs.If you look at my situation is Persia the Russian armor won't be too far behind the DAK in technology when the tank destroyers technology comes through. Russian infantry is currently on par there with the German infantry.
My style is not to let the other side keep hexes behind my lines (see Syria). This has allowed me to see the addition of a German and Italian infantry corps to the Middle East. The further I can pull Joe's forces to the east then the easier time that Torch will/should have. Given the number of u-boats that Joe has it is highly probable that he'll figure out what's going on two or even three turns before I land. We will definitely see the US and/or UK convoys. So I don't expect to get there undetected or even unscathed. When Joe begins his '42 spring offensive in Russia I want to put as much pressure on him in North Africa and the Middle East as I can. I have to get the Iraqi oil fields back. If I can do that then oil will become a problem for him given how aggressive he's been in North Africa.
January 28, 1942. 300 U-boats in Action! UK BB Squadron Lost! Russian Convoy Decimated! RAF Strategic Bombers Respond and Sink 20 U-boats. UK and USA Invasion Task Forces Scramble. Is it North Africa?
Joe revealed the position of 6 u-boat flotillas this turn. This cost me a UK BB fleet. I decided to scramble both the USA and UK Torch Invasion Task forces immediately. UK forces are in range of 4 u-boat flotillas and elements are in danger. However; both warship and transport fleets have the speed to outrun them and that will be what they do. The question is will Joe go south towards my warship tracks or north towards the 55 PP convoy tracks. I hope the later but expect the former.
The location of the Kreigsmarines and Italian navies is unknown so I must again assume the worst. I am racing to get what troops ashore I can and open up a third front in west North Africa.
In Persia I will continue to put full pressure on the Axis. The Russians got an armor upgrade, which puts their tanks at 6 compared to German tech 10. Infantry corps are equal. However; he'll probably will get a tech upgrade himself. All Russian air is in Persia so I'm going for broke there.
When spring comes my forces in Russia will feel the hurt. Oh well ... no slowing down or stopping ...
Joe revealed the position of 6 u-boat flotillas this turn. This cost me a UK BB fleet. I decided to scramble both the USA and UK Torch Invasion Task forces immediately. UK forces are in range of 4 u-boat flotillas and elements are in danger. However; both warship and transport fleets have the speed to outrun them and that will be what they do. The question is will Joe go south towards my warship tracks or north towards the 55 PP convoy tracks. I hope the later but expect the former.
The location of the Kreigsmarines and Italian navies is unknown so I must again assume the worst. I am racing to get what troops ashore I can and open up a third front in west North Africa.
In Persia I will continue to put full pressure on the Axis. The Russians got an armor upgrade, which puts their tanks at 6 compared to German tech 10. Infantry corps are equal. However; he'll probably will get a tech upgrade himself. All Russian air is in Persia so I'm going for broke there.
When spring comes my forces in Russia will feel the hurt. Oh well ... no slowing down or stopping ...
February 17, 1942. Troop Transports Sunk (Mechanized). US and UK Invasion Task Forces Push On. Allied Strategic Bombers Hit Germany U-Boats. Russia Launches Major Offensive into Palestine. Russian Infantry Technology Advances.
Joe's wolfpack went for the lone mechanized corps transport. The 55 PP convoy got home and the lagging BB squadron return to England. It could have been worse. Barring any encounter with the Axis surface fleets or Italian u-boat(s) Torch landing will begin in two turn. Also, Allied strategic bombers are starting to make an impact in ASW. Last turn they knocked off 4-steps from a u-boat and this turn they knocked off 3. I need a couple more strategic bombers and two or three more DD squadrons.
The Russians attacked Axis ground forces in Palestine. They reduced two Italian corps and a German corps. The Italian fighter was reduced to 3-steps. The Russian strategic bomber has reduced Kirkuk to 2 from 4. Mosul is at 2 (full strength). In effect, the Russian strategic bomber has denied the Axis 1/3 of the captured Palestine Oil.
Joe's wolfpack went for the lone mechanized corps transport. The 55 PP convoy got home and the lagging BB squadron return to England. It could have been worse. Barring any encounter with the Axis surface fleets or Italian u-boat(s) Torch landing will begin in two turn. Also, Allied strategic bombers are starting to make an impact in ASW. Last turn they knocked off 4-steps from a u-boat and this turn they knocked off 3. I need a couple more strategic bombers and two or three more DD squadrons.
The Russians attacked Axis ground forces in Palestine. They reduced two Italian corps and a German corps. The Italian fighter was reduced to 3-steps. The Russian strategic bomber has reduced Kirkuk to 2 from 4. Mosul is at 2 (full strength). In effect, the Russian strategic bomber has denied the Axis 1/3 of the captured Palestine Oil.
Last edited by rkr1958 on Fri Aug 14, 2009 1:56 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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MrPlow
- Administrative Corporal - SdKfz 251/1
- Posts: 141
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Great AAR! This game has allowed you to showcase some alternate strategies and tactics (for CEAW), as seen with your Soviet invasion of Persia! Awesome! Also, just want to thank you again for your contribution to the BJR mod. It has kept me interested in CEAW while fixing many flaws and enhancing the game play immensely! Great job!
Cheers,
MrPlow
Cheers,
MrPlow
Thank you. I'm glad you're enjoying it.MrPlow wrote:Great AAR! This game has allowed you to showcase some alternate strategies and tactics (for CEAW), as seen with your Soviet invasion of Persia! Awesome! Also, just want to thank you again for your contribution to the BJR mod. It has kept me interested in CEAW while fixing many flaws and enhancing the game play immensely! Great job!
Cheers,
MrPlow
It's a calculated risk. I don't have the Russian forces to support offensive operations in Persia and build a double defense line from the Baltic to the Black sea so I've ceded the north. The risk is that he'll focus his offensive firepower there and try to outflank me and go after Russian's second capital. I can tolerate the lost of Moscow but if he pushes towards their second capital I'll have to react. But, I should have plenty of warning to address that situation (thus the risk). After Leningrad there's no much in the north to defend except frozen tundra. My intention is to pivot the Russian defense line north of Moscow east when Joe attacks in the spring. However; I don't want to do it now and let him have the forest hexes for free. I want to make him earn them.ftgcritt2 wrote:Why are you leaving your right flank in Russia wide open like that?
My best chance of winning it to make oil an issue and to force the Axis to fight on multiple fronts to take pressure off the Russians on the Russian fronts. To make oil an issue I need to recapture the Iraqi oil fields and the only way I can do that is to continue to push with the Russians there, which means less resources for the defense of Russia itself. To help the Russians I'm hoping that my early Torch will divert Axis forces away from Persia and the Russia front. This both takes pressure of the Russians and forces Joe to burn more oil. Air losses (especially Italian) will drain PPs and could start having an impact on Joe's ability to repair, upgrade and build new units.
For better or worse these are my plans and this is my strategy to try to win.
March 9, 1942. Axis Launch Counteroffensive in Persia. Russia and UK launch joint offensive in Persia. Italian Desert Commander Messe Wounded in Action (WIA). Combine Allied Joint Task Force off the Coast of North Africa.
Joe counterattacked this turn and took out a Russian infantry corps and damage a Russian tank corps. I decide to go after the Italians and knocked out the Italian motorized corps and badly damaged an Italian infantry corps. I also continued the strategic bombing of Kirkuk. In the process of all these operations the Italian fighter was knocked down to 3-steps and the German fighter down to 6. I did hit the Italian fighter's airbase directly with a Russian fighter. I also reinforced the Russians in Persia with another tank and infantry corps. I have stripped the Russia front more than I like and will feel the pain very soon come spring. However; I've got to retake the middle eastern oil fields and keep up the pressure on Joe there.
It'll be interesting to see Joe's response in Persia. I'm making a "Patton" like push in the south towards Baghdad and his air units. We'll see if that'll pay off or if it'll cost me.
My Torch landings will begin in two turns. I have six ground corps in total (2 UK infantry, 1 US motorized, 2 US infantry, 1 US armor). This will give me the bare minimum to attack Casablanca, Oran and Algeria with two corps each on the first turn of the invasion. The Free French will provide 3 infantry corps, one mechanized corps and one tank corps when they activate on the turn of invasion. I will keep one infantry corps in Dakar for just in case Joe tries something, which will give me four additional corps. I also moved the US strategic bomber to Gibraltar this turn to provide coverage against Axis naval units. I'll move him back to the Azores and unload a fighter there next turn.
Joe counterattacked this turn and took out a Russian infantry corps and damage a Russian tank corps. I decide to go after the Italians and knocked out the Italian motorized corps and badly damaged an Italian infantry corps. I also continued the strategic bombing of Kirkuk. In the process of all these operations the Italian fighter was knocked down to 3-steps and the German fighter down to 6. I did hit the Italian fighter's airbase directly with a Russian fighter. I also reinforced the Russians in Persia with another tank and infantry corps. I have stripped the Russia front more than I like and will feel the pain very soon come spring. However; I've got to retake the middle eastern oil fields and keep up the pressure on Joe there.
It'll be interesting to see Joe's response in Persia. I'm making a "Patton" like push in the south towards Baghdad and his air units. We'll see if that'll pay off or if it'll cost me.
My Torch landings will begin in two turns. I have six ground corps in total (2 UK infantry, 1 US motorized, 2 US infantry, 1 US armor). This will give me the bare minimum to attack Casablanca, Oran and Algeria with two corps each on the first turn of the invasion. The Free French will provide 3 infantry corps, one mechanized corps and one tank corps when they activate on the turn of invasion. I will keep one infantry corps in Dakar for just in case Joe tries something, which will give me four additional corps. I also moved the US strategic bomber to Gibraltar this turn to provide coverage against Axis naval units. I'll move him back to the Azores and unload a fighter there next turn.
March 29, 1942. Bitter Fighting Continues in the Middle East. Communication Intercepts Show Axis Frustration. Allied Counterintelligence Try to Fuel Axis Frustrations. Russian Winter Continues. Western Allied Forces Poised for Invasion. USA and UK in Secret Talks with the Free French. Western Allies Invest Heavily in War Research.
Joe destroyed a Soviet corps and the 7th Australian corps. In response I kept the pressure on and destroyed an Italian infantry corps and a German infantry corps. Also, the visible German fighter was badly depleted down to 3-steps. Joe shifted the Axis strength to the southeast to protect Baghdad. However; this has allowed me to breakthrough in the north and threaten him from that direction. The Russian strategic bomber reduced Kirkuk down to 1, or down to 25% of its oil production capacity. Joe may go after the Russian and UK forces coming at Baghdad from the east but I don't see how he can ignore the breakthrough in the north. The German mechanized corps defending Kirkuk is now on the front lines and is at risk if he doesn't respond to this threat.
I will launch Torch next turn with amphibious landings of 6 ground units and 2 air units. I haven't pick up any hint that Joe has gotten wind of this operation but I have to believe that he is fully aware of the landing to happen next turn.
Joe destroyed a Soviet corps and the 7th Australian corps. In response I kept the pressure on and destroyed an Italian infantry corps and a German infantry corps. Also, the visible German fighter was badly depleted down to 3-steps. Joe shifted the Axis strength to the southeast to protect Baghdad. However; this has allowed me to breakthrough in the north and threaten him from that direction. The Russian strategic bomber reduced Kirkuk down to 1, or down to 25% of its oil production capacity. Joe may go after the Russian and UK forces coming at Baghdad from the east but I don't see how he can ignore the breakthrough in the north. The German mechanized corps defending Kirkuk is now on the front lines and is at risk if he doesn't respond to this threat.
Excerpt from Joe's email wrote:This is another reason I wanted an early winter; it would have made you think twice about sending so many units to Persia. ... But the balance of power in the Middle East seems to be shifting...
I'm sure I'll feel the full brunt of Joe's frustration on the Russian front come the end of winter. In preparation of that the Russians built two infantry corps in addition to repairing a fighter and tank corps in Persia.Excerpt from my email to Joe wrote:The late winter was a godsend to me. I'm not complaining. It would be nice if I could get an early winter this year.
I will launch Torch next turn with amphibious landings of 6 ground units and 2 air units. I haven't pick up any hint that Joe has gotten wind of this operation but I have to believe that he is fully aware of the landing to happen next turn.
April 18, 1942. Russian Forces Take Kirkuk Oil Fields. Heavy Losses Inflicted on Axis Desert Forces. US and UK Forces Invade North Africa. Free French Forces Corps Ready for Action. German DD Squadron Discovered in the Med. Russian Winter Ends. Partisans Appear. Russians Brace for Axis Offensive
In the Middle East I destroyed a German mechanized corps and Italian infantry corps, depleted the DAK down to 2-steps and recaptured the Kirkuk oil fields. I continued to push very aggressively in hopes that the Axis forces will soon break there.
The Torch landings occurred this turn. I was able to captured Algeris. Oran held out. I had forgotten that Casablanca is undefended in this mod. It's version 2.00 where it's defended. Therefore, I only needed to land 1 corps and will be able to capture it next turn. My Torch land forces are really thin. They will be augmented by four Free French corps. I do need to be careful transporting them I haven't seen any sign of German u-boats for a few turns now and that's gotten me worried. The German DD did wonder into the Malta fighters spotting range. Though it was unable to inflict any losses on it.
The Russians will feel the first blow of the Axis spring offensive next turn. However; two partisans did show up and one at corps strength. I fully expect to lose four to five corps per turn. The Russian focus will now be on building infantry corps and garrisons to replace their losses and hold the line. I do need to be careful in the north and react aggressively if Joe tries to outflank me there.
I wish I knew how the Axis oil stockpiles are. I'm hoping that they're lower than Joe would like especially given that he successfully captured and held the Iraqi oil fields for several turns. We'll see.
In the Middle East I destroyed a German mechanized corps and Italian infantry corps, depleted the DAK down to 2-steps and recaptured the Kirkuk oil fields. I continued to push very aggressively in hopes that the Axis forces will soon break there.
The Torch landings occurred this turn. I was able to captured Algeris. Oran held out. I had forgotten that Casablanca is undefended in this mod. It's version 2.00 where it's defended. Therefore, I only needed to land 1 corps and will be able to capture it next turn. My Torch land forces are really thin. They will be augmented by four Free French corps. I do need to be careful transporting them I haven't seen any sign of German u-boats for a few turns now and that's gotten me worried. The German DD did wonder into the Malta fighters spotting range. Though it was unable to inflict any losses on it.
The Russians will feel the first blow of the Axis spring offensive next turn. However; two partisans did show up and one at corps strength. I fully expect to lose four to five corps per turn. The Russian focus will now be on building infantry corps and garrisons to replace their losses and hold the line. I do need to be careful in the north and react aggressively if Joe tries to outflank me there.
I wish I knew how the Axis oil stockpiles are. I'm hoping that they're lower than Joe would like especially given that he successfully captured and held the Iraqi oil fields for several turns. We'll see.
May 8, 1942. General List Recalled to Berlin. Axis Forces in the Middle East in Full Retreat. Allied Forces Pursue. Torch Continues. Weather Clears in Russia. Russians Brace for German Offensive. Another Russian Partisan Unit Forms.
The start of this turn was the last winter turn in Russia. It was clear on my turn. The Russians will definitely fell the pent of fury of the Axis forces on the Russian front next turn. It was good will it lasted. I deployed three Russian infantry corps this turn and built two additional ones for next turn.
Joe began a general retreat in the Middle East. I decided to pursue the fleeing Axis forces and destroyed two Italian infantry corps and depleted a German infantry corps to 1-step this turn. Also, I finished off the 2-step DAK. However; during Joe's turn this dastardly unit took 2-steps off a 5-step Russian armor unit and this turn it cost 3-steps from a 10-step Russian armor unit to finish it off. Oh well ... the DAK is gone as well as the Italian and German leaders in the Middle East.
Oran continued to hold out at 2-steps. Joe didn't repair the garrison there last turn which was only knocked down to 7-steps. That was a little puzzling but I'm not complaining.
I am still behind in this game. My Torch landings were conducted by a far smaller force than I would have like to have. The US and UK haven't built any tactical bombers but I do have fighters, CVs and strategic bombers. I really do hope that Joe thinks I preparing for an invasion of Italy to divert forces; but the reality is that I'm too weak now to invade Italy. I do believe I strong enough to eventually take North Africa but to invade and take Italy is hard enough with a strong force that includes four or five tactical bombers, six to eight fighter and four to five CVs.
The Italians have to be weaken by the Middle East Campaign. I know the Germans aren't but I do hope that this has put a dent in the Axis oil. Oil will be the key ... but not in 1942 ... the Russians are in for a big hurt.
The start of this turn was the last winter turn in Russia. It was clear on my turn. The Russians will definitely fell the pent of fury of the Axis forces on the Russian front next turn. It was good will it lasted. I deployed three Russian infantry corps this turn and built two additional ones for next turn.
Joe began a general retreat in the Middle East. I decided to pursue the fleeing Axis forces and destroyed two Italian infantry corps and depleted a German infantry corps to 1-step this turn. Also, I finished off the 2-step DAK. However; during Joe's turn this dastardly unit took 2-steps off a 5-step Russian armor unit and this turn it cost 3-steps from a 10-step Russian armor unit to finish it off. Oh well ... the DAK is gone as well as the Italian and German leaders in the Middle East.
Oran continued to hold out at 2-steps. Joe didn't repair the garrison there last turn which was only knocked down to 7-steps. That was a little puzzling but I'm not complaining.
The Middle East campaign hasn't been that costly yet ... but it will be. The Russians will pay a price for committing their air and most of the armor to a theater outside of the Russian front. However; it would have been far more costly it I hadn't. Joe was on the verge of routing the Allies in the Middle East. I was one turn away from evacuating what I could of the remaining UK forces there. If I had lost the Middle East I have no doubt that Joe would have invaded Persia and would have continued to push from the south into the Caucasus and the Russian oil fields there.Part of Joe's email to me wrote:Full-scale retreat in Iraq now. ... At least this campaign has been costly for you. The Vichy French are warmly welcomed to the Axis cause. I see all the CVs you have. Planning an invasion of Italy?
I am still behind in this game. My Torch landings were conducted by a far smaller force than I would have like to have. The US and UK haven't built any tactical bombers but I do have fighters, CVs and strategic bombers. I really do hope that Joe thinks I preparing for an invasion of Italy to divert forces; but the reality is that I'm too weak now to invade Italy. I do believe I strong enough to eventually take North Africa but to invade and take Italy is hard enough with a strong force that includes four or five tactical bombers, six to eight fighter and four to five CVs.
The Italians have to be weaken by the Middle East Campaign. I know the Germans aren't but I do hope that this has put a dent in the Axis oil. Oil will be the key ... but not in 1942 ... the Russians are in for a big hurt.
May 28, 1942. Disaster on the Russia Front! 12 Russian Corps Annihilated in 20-days! Russians Still Stand Firm. Axis Still in Retreat in the Middle East. Three Corps Destroyed and a Fourth Badly Damaged. US and UK Forces Push on In Western North Africa. Oran Falls to the Allies.
That was some hurt Joe put on my Russians. I expected to lose 5 or maybe 6 corps but not 12 ... I've never lost 12 Russian corps in a single turn before. For what I can see Joe has 10 armor corps, 4 German and 2 Axis Minors Mechanized corps, 4 fighters, 4 tactical bombers and 1 strategic bomber. Looking for the silver lining in this Hurricane Joe had to have used a lot of oil. A force like his doesn't run on water. The question is will the Russians run out of units before Joe runs out of oil?
The Russians and Brits continued to chip away at the retreating Axis in the Middle East. They destroyed two Italian infantry corps, finished off the 1-step German infantry corps and reduced another German infantry corps down to 2-steps. Also, they began their assault on Baghdad and reduced the Italian defenders there to 4-steps.
Torch continued. Oran fell and the Free French have mobilized four corps (2 infantry, mechanized and armor) to join up with the 6 US/UK corps.
Joe's Email wrote:The Germans waste no time in mounting a massive spring offensive. No less than 12 Russian corps and 2 garrisons are destroyed. The partisans are also partially dealt with. I suffered some losses, but they are spread out over many units.
That was some hurt Joe put on my Russians. I expected to lose 5 or maybe 6 corps but not 12 ... I've never lost 12 Russian corps in a single turn before. For what I can see Joe has 10 armor corps, 4 German and 2 Axis Minors Mechanized corps, 4 fighters, 4 tactical bombers and 1 strategic bomber. Looking for the silver lining in this Hurricane Joe had to have used a lot of oil. A force like his doesn't run on water. The question is will the Russians run out of units before Joe runs out of oil?
The Russians and Brits continued to chip away at the retreating Axis in the Middle East. They destroyed two Italian infantry corps, finished off the 1-step German infantry corps and reduced another German infantry corps down to 2-steps. Also, they began their assault on Baghdad and reduced the Italian defenders there to 4-steps.
Torch continued. Oran fell and the Free French have mobilized four corps (2 infantry, mechanized and armor) to join up with the 6 US/UK corps.
June 17, 1942. Russian Forces Shattered in the South. Axis Push Closer to Moscow. Great Successes Elsewhere. They Won't Matter if Russia Falls!
The hurting continues! I may have the dubious honor of being the only player under the BJR Mod to lose Russia TWICE. I'm not aware of anyone else every losing Russia under our mod. The Russians have lost 21 to 22 corps in the last two turns. That's 735 to 770 PPs! I've been only able to replace 5 of those corps lost.
Joe's email (excerpt) wrote:More brutal fighting sees heavy losses on both sides, and 9-10 Russian corps are destroyed with a handful more heavily damaged. Axis forces break through the Soviet line in the south.
The hurting continues! I may have the dubious honor of being the only player under the BJR Mod to lose Russia TWICE. I'm not aware of anyone else every losing Russia under our mod. The Russians have lost 21 to 22 corps in the last two turns. That's 735 to 770 PPs! I've been only able to replace 5 of those corps lost.
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Peter Stauffenberg
- General - Carrier
- Posts: 4745
- Joined: Sun Jul 08, 2007 4:13 pm
- Location: Oslo, Norway
You're far from lost yet. You WILL lose if you remain in the south and let the Germans gobble up your units, but if you retreat and build a new defense line much further east then the Germans will spend some turns just moving. His huge armor and airforce will burn a lot of oil and without the Iraqi oilfields he will have to be conservative about the oil use soon.
What are the Allies doing with strategic bombing of German cities? If you want to bring the Germans down to their knees you need to hurt their economy and you need to make sure the Allies inflict losses upon German units regularly. This way a part of the Germans PP's will be used in the west.
I think Joe knows the only way he can win is by crushing USSR. If his offensive stalls then he will eventually lose due to the losses in Iraq / Egypt and a strong upcoming Allied presence in the Med. He has some time before he MUST defend in France / Italy etc. and that time is spent to kill Russian units. But what happens if the Russians just retreat and gives away land. The Germans can pursue, but will not kill many units. Oil is burnt every turn and suddenly the new winter arrives.
When the Germans move a bit east of Moscow the supply level drops to 3 meaning -1 movement and no possiblity to rail out from the area.
Germany is still a LONG way from Omsk (Siberia) so everything is not lost. But if he can kill lots of Russians and encircle the Moscow pocket then there will be no resistance between the German forces and Omsk. THEN you will lose. So your goal now should be to prevent encirclements and give land to buy time.
What do you intend to do with the Russian units in Iraq? I guess they're outside the rail range so you might have to push even further into Egypt. But maybe the armor units can try to sprint back to the hexes they can be railed home. With your offensive force out of action in Russia it means it's so much easier for Joe to attack as he does now. The Russian air force can quickly get home.
So my advise to you is to make sure the Allies engage the Germans as soon as possible. E. g. you need to quickly get Tunis and then land in Sardinia, Sicily and mainland Italy. Mainland Italy can be skipped if you instead land in southern France, but then you need to have a lot of land units who can be landed and push towards Paris.
I think Joe has the initiative now and with clever play he can turn to defense and hold out till May 1945. So you need to do something like you did in Iraq that will disrupt his plans and make him send many units towards Italy and France. But I don't see how you do it.
If you had to neglect strategic bombing of Germany then you're paying the price now. I think the single most important way to attack Germany early is to bombard his production. This is a winner every time. If Germany sends fighters to protect his factories then you can use your own fighters to engage the Germans and inflict losses. Some bombers will be hurt and others will get through. Both sides lose many PP's to losses and Germany loses production losses as well. This means the German player gets fewer PP's for new units, repairs etc. THAT can save Russia in the critical time (1942-1943).
Without strategic bombardment Germany will have 150+ production now. That production has to be brought down below 100.
I think one reason there are so few strategic bombers is because you lost a lot of naval units in the North Sea 1940 and later in the Mediterranean. You had to replace the losses at the expense of new bombers. So I think the reason the avalance happens now in Russia is because the Royal Navy was lost in 1940. This shows that mistakes made so early in the war can come back and bite you hard in the future.
You experience shows that it's not worth defending Britain fiercely as the Allies if they lose their navy doing so. Then it's better to let the Germans land and fight their way towards Glasgow and Edinburgh. Losing Britain means that lots of German units are tied up in Britain and the Germans can't at the same time strike towards Iraq. If Britain can evacuate the fighters and the Royal Navy and maybe a corps or two then they can come back later. If they instead save Britain, but lose their best units then the Germans will attack elsewhere like Iraq. It's very tempting to defend London as a lion and one thinks the worst is over when the Germans abandon Sealion, but your game has proven that this is not the case because the price to hold Britain was too high.
Joe still has a lot of work to do before he can take victory for granted. You can still turn this.
What are the Allies doing with strategic bombing of German cities? If you want to bring the Germans down to their knees you need to hurt their economy and you need to make sure the Allies inflict losses upon German units regularly. This way a part of the Germans PP's will be used in the west.
I think Joe knows the only way he can win is by crushing USSR. If his offensive stalls then he will eventually lose due to the losses in Iraq / Egypt and a strong upcoming Allied presence in the Med. He has some time before he MUST defend in France / Italy etc. and that time is spent to kill Russian units. But what happens if the Russians just retreat and gives away land. The Germans can pursue, but will not kill many units. Oil is burnt every turn and suddenly the new winter arrives.
When the Germans move a bit east of Moscow the supply level drops to 3 meaning -1 movement and no possiblity to rail out from the area.
Germany is still a LONG way from Omsk (Siberia) so everything is not lost. But if he can kill lots of Russians and encircle the Moscow pocket then there will be no resistance between the German forces and Omsk. THEN you will lose. So your goal now should be to prevent encirclements and give land to buy time.
What do you intend to do with the Russian units in Iraq? I guess they're outside the rail range so you might have to push even further into Egypt. But maybe the armor units can try to sprint back to the hexes they can be railed home. With your offensive force out of action in Russia it means it's so much easier for Joe to attack as he does now. The Russian air force can quickly get home.
So my advise to you is to make sure the Allies engage the Germans as soon as possible. E. g. you need to quickly get Tunis and then land in Sardinia, Sicily and mainland Italy. Mainland Italy can be skipped if you instead land in southern France, but then you need to have a lot of land units who can be landed and push towards Paris.
I think Joe has the initiative now and with clever play he can turn to defense and hold out till May 1945. So you need to do something like you did in Iraq that will disrupt his plans and make him send many units towards Italy and France. But I don't see how you do it.
If you had to neglect strategic bombing of Germany then you're paying the price now. I think the single most important way to attack Germany early is to bombard his production. This is a winner every time. If Germany sends fighters to protect his factories then you can use your own fighters to engage the Germans and inflict losses. Some bombers will be hurt and others will get through. Both sides lose many PP's to losses and Germany loses production losses as well. This means the German player gets fewer PP's for new units, repairs etc. THAT can save Russia in the critical time (1942-1943).
Without strategic bombardment Germany will have 150+ production now. That production has to be brought down below 100.
I think one reason there are so few strategic bombers is because you lost a lot of naval units in the North Sea 1940 and later in the Mediterranean. You had to replace the losses at the expense of new bombers. So I think the reason the avalance happens now in Russia is because the Royal Navy was lost in 1940. This shows that mistakes made so early in the war can come back and bite you hard in the future.
You experience shows that it's not worth defending Britain fiercely as the Allies if they lose their navy doing so. Then it's better to let the Germans land and fight their way towards Glasgow and Edinburgh. Losing Britain means that lots of German units are tied up in Britain and the Germans can't at the same time strike towards Iraq. If Britain can evacuate the fighters and the Royal Navy and maybe a corps or two then they can come back later. If they instead save Britain, but lose their best units then the Germans will attack elsewhere like Iraq. It's very tempting to defend London as a lion and one thinks the worst is over when the Germans abandon Sealion, but your game has proven that this is not the case because the price to hold Britain was too high.
Joe still has a lot of work to do before he can take victory for granted. You can still turn this.