In my experience, the AI will spam France with unescorted transports throughout '42. If you can close the western approach to the channel with three subs, it will ram the transports into those subs and you can kill them quite easily. A STRAT or TAC in Brest helps.
Then the AI will switch to France's Atlantic coast. There is no plan behind what it's doing. Another pack of 3 or so subs can wipe them out before they land. I typically leave two corps and one tank in France to deal with partisans. They are also enough to kill off any Americans who actually make it ashore.
After a while the AI gives up on France and just builds like crazy in the US. In my last game I got to Omsk in '43 then launched Sealion in early '44 with massively upgraded forces. Taking the UK was a breeze. Then I got cocky and crossed the Atlantic. Walked right into a ginormous American army and was slaughtered on the beaches.
Axis versus AI Tutorial AAR (War is Over, Grade Me)
Moderators: Happycat, rkr1958, Slitherine Core
Turn 49. April 18, 1942 Axis.
Move transports arrive off the coast of France (C188). The 7th u-boat flotilla build was deployed last turn and the 8th this one. These two flotillas will be assigned to Wolfpack North, and for now, the French command headed by General Reichenau. The two German fighters and one Italian fighter moved from North Africa last turn were upgraded. They will be railed to France next turn to join the other German fighter already there. This should put a dent in the allied bombing of France!
Wolfpack center was able to ambush the fleeing UK CV and finished it off (C189). That's 3 UK CV's sent to the bottom!
The AI sent the Russia strategic bomber to a partisan controlled hex left vacant after it was destroyed. Apparent it's going to link up with a newly spawned Polish partisan. Two German corps were deployed next to these commandos to deal with them harshly.
The weather in Russia was still mud and rain. However; the forecast is for fair weather for May!
C188. France
C189. Wolfpack Center
C190. Russian Commando Raid into Poland
Move transports arrive off the coast of France (C188). The 7th u-boat flotilla build was deployed last turn and the 8th this one. These two flotillas will be assigned to Wolfpack North, and for now, the French command headed by General Reichenau. The two German fighters and one Italian fighter moved from North Africa last turn were upgraded. They will be railed to France next turn to join the other German fighter already there. This should put a dent in the allied bombing of France!
Wolfpack center was able to ambush the fleeing UK CV and finished it off (C189). That's 3 UK CV's sent to the bottom!
The AI sent the Russia strategic bomber to a partisan controlled hex left vacant after it was destroyed. Apparent it's going to link up with a newly spawned Polish partisan. Two German corps were deployed next to these commandos to deal with them harshly.
The weather in Russia was still mud and rain. However; the forecast is for fair weather for May!
C188. France
C189. Wolfpack Center
C190. Russian Commando Raid into Poland
Last edited by rkr1958 on Mon Jul 05, 2010 2:59 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Thanks. Corrected. I did mean strategic.Plaid wrote:Thats not tactical russian bomber, thats strategic one.
By the way, thanks for following my AAR. The fact that you picked up this mistake means that you're reading it in detail. Thanks again to you and to all others that are following commenting on it.
Turn 50. May 8, 1942.
The weather cleared in Russian and the axis launched the much awaited 1942 Spring Offensive. The majority of the tough fighting was in the north (C191) by Army Group North supported by elements of Army Group Center. The start of this offensive resulted in the destruction of two Russian tank corps and 1 mechanized corps. The Red Air Force was also badly mauled and two Russian infantry corps and 1 garrison were pocketed (C192). No a bad start; but don't expect such good results against an experienced human player.
Reichenau rushed to the front lines in France to assume command of his new army in France (C193). Three German fighters are in place and are on alert. Allied air has a nasty surprise in store for them next turn. Because of the rail capacity the Italian fighter will have to wait until next turn to make it to France until next turn.
Wolfpack center, which was headed to port for repair, was order back to sea to attack an unescorted US troop transport. The 5-step flotilla is set up to ambush and stop the transport. This is a bit of a gamble in the sense that if the transport moves in another direct and the 5-step hidden sub is hit by a DD then it may be lost (at worst) or significant depleted (at best).
The Germans built another fighter this turn and plan to build another tactical bomber next turn. Also, I plan to build another Italian leader to lead the Italian troops in France.
C191. Army Group North
C192. The Russian Front
C193. Reichenau's New French Command Stood Up
C194. Wolfpack Center
The weather cleared in Russian and the axis launched the much awaited 1942 Spring Offensive. The majority of the tough fighting was in the north (C191) by Army Group North supported by elements of Army Group Center. The start of this offensive resulted in the destruction of two Russian tank corps and 1 mechanized corps. The Red Air Force was also badly mauled and two Russian infantry corps and 1 garrison were pocketed (C192). No a bad start; but don't expect such good results against an experienced human player.
Reichenau rushed to the front lines in France to assume command of his new army in France (C193). Three German fighters are in place and are on alert. Allied air has a nasty surprise in store for them next turn. Because of the rail capacity the Italian fighter will have to wait until next turn to make it to France until next turn.
Wolfpack center, which was headed to port for repair, was order back to sea to attack an unescorted US troop transport. The 5-step flotilla is set up to ambush and stop the transport. This is a bit of a gamble in the sense that if the transport moves in another direct and the 5-step hidden sub is hit by a DD then it may be lost (at worst) or significant depleted (at best).
The Germans built another fighter this turn and plan to build another tactical bomber next turn. Also, I plan to build another Italian leader to lead the Italian troops in France.
C191. Army Group North
C192. The Russian Front
C193. Reichenau's New French Command Stood Up
C194. Wolfpack Center
Turn 51. May 28, 1942 Axis.
The US transport gets away because an Allied BB ran into the ambushing sub (C194). The good news was that the 5-step sub only lost 1 additional step and quickly moved to port for repair.
In the Russia, the heaviest fighting continues in the north (C195). In the center and south the axis push on at great speed, meeting little resistance and surrounding more units (C196).
The French command is standing firm against the allies trying to prematurely invaded France (C197). A US transport off the coast of Normandy was sunk by a combination of u-boats and air.
Another 40+ PP Murmansk convoy appeared and the two strategic bombers hit it reducing it (C198). Wolfpack north and the Kreigsmarine is ready to help finish it off. The tactical bomber that was part of this command is being transferred to the Russian front. It appears that the allied AI is content to let this force keep destroying the Murmansk convoy without resistance; and there the tactical bomber is needed more in Russia.
In the build queue are a German fighter and tactical bomber (built this turn).
C194. US Transport Gets Away
C195. Army Group North
C196. Russian Front
C197. French Command
C198. Norway Command
The US transport gets away because an Allied BB ran into the ambushing sub (C194). The good news was that the 5-step sub only lost 1 additional step and quickly moved to port for repair.
In the Russia, the heaviest fighting continues in the north (C195). In the center and south the axis push on at great speed, meeting little resistance and surrounding more units (C196).
The French command is standing firm against the allies trying to prematurely invaded France (C197). A US transport off the coast of Normandy was sunk by a combination of u-boats and air.
Another 40+ PP Murmansk convoy appeared and the two strategic bombers hit it reducing it (C198). Wolfpack north and the Kreigsmarine is ready to help finish it off. The tactical bomber that was part of this command is being transferred to the Russian front. It appears that the allied AI is content to let this force keep destroying the Murmansk convoy without resistance; and there the tactical bomber is needed more in Russia.
In the build queue are a German fighter and tactical bomber (built this turn).
C194. US Transport Gets Away
C195. Army Group North
C196. Russian Front
C197. French Command
C198. Norway Command
Turn 52. June 17, 1942 Axis.
I'm getting a ton of PPs per turn and it's becoming abundantly clear, for now, that I have enough ground units in place. I need more fighter, bombers and submarines (C199). I will build another fighter and u-boat next turn.
The axis continue to push slowly but steadily in the north, which is where the majority of the Russian resistance is, and fairly quickly in the south (C201 and C201). My push in Russia, while some may think is too cautious against the AI, would be prudent (in my opinion) against a human player. I could definitely exploit the AI and push directly for Moscow and Omsk and taken Russia out in 1942. However; to do so would be to advance without a coherent front and to exploit the fact that the AI won't counterattack properly against such an advance.
The purpose of this tutorial is show how I would advance against a human player in such circumstances. Again, I invite all comments and criticisms of my play in order to help me, others following this tutorial and players that would read the finial document (which is currently 160+ pages) better players.
The tactical bomber being transferred to the Russian front from the Norway command was diverted mid journey and reassigned to the French Command (C202). The badly deleted 4-step u-boat of Wolfpack Center was repaired back to 9-steps; however, the other two depleted ones and the two full strength ones newly added were send out and sunk a US armor transport.
The allied AI sends unescorted transport into harms way without regard to loss. What a waste!
By the way, my oil level is at 536 points, which isn't bad. I've learned from Joe and follow the strategy he wrote in the strategy and tactics section of the GS users manual. Simply put, I don't move oil consuming units unless there's a real and distinct purpose. Where possible, I rail them to move.
C199. Axis Build Queue
C200. Russian Front (North)
C201. Russian Front (South)
C202. France and Wolfpack Center
I'm getting a ton of PPs per turn and it's becoming abundantly clear, for now, that I have enough ground units in place. I need more fighter, bombers and submarines (C199). I will build another fighter and u-boat next turn.
The axis continue to push slowly but steadily in the north, which is where the majority of the Russian resistance is, and fairly quickly in the south (C201 and C201). My push in Russia, while some may think is too cautious against the AI, would be prudent (in my opinion) against a human player. I could definitely exploit the AI and push directly for Moscow and Omsk and taken Russia out in 1942. However; to do so would be to advance without a coherent front and to exploit the fact that the AI won't counterattack properly against such an advance.
The purpose of this tutorial is show how I would advance against a human player in such circumstances. Again, I invite all comments and criticisms of my play in order to help me, others following this tutorial and players that would read the finial document (which is currently 160+ pages) better players.
The tactical bomber being transferred to the Russian front from the Norway command was diverted mid journey and reassigned to the French Command (C202). The badly deleted 4-step u-boat of Wolfpack Center was repaired back to 9-steps; however, the other two depleted ones and the two full strength ones newly added were send out and sunk a US armor transport.
The allied AI sends unescorted transport into harms way without regard to loss. What a waste!
By the way, my oil level is at 536 points, which isn't bad. I've learned from Joe and follow the strategy he wrote in the strategy and tactics section of the GS users manual. Simply put, I don't move oil consuming units unless there's a real and distinct purpose. Where possible, I rail them to move.
C199. Axis Build Queue
C200. Russian Front (North)
C201. Russian Front (South)
C202. France and Wolfpack Center
I am not sure it's possible to get to Omsk in '42. Perhaps with very, very lucky weather.
Another issue which you would see is that while, yes, the AI is not great at exploiting holes in your front lines in the first year or so, as it builds corps it gets better. Also, if you try to go straight for Moscow and then Omsk, in a huge salient, it WILL exploit that with attacks on your flanks. So you either need very strong flanks or else you need to take ancillary cities to drain its PPs, and prevent railing and unit placement close to your lines.
Oh, and the partisans will soon begin to get out of hand. I would make it a policy to leave a GAR in every single captured Russian city and resource if I were you.
Another issue which you would see is that while, yes, the AI is not great at exploiting holes in your front lines in the first year or so, as it builds corps it gets better. Also, if you try to go straight for Moscow and then Omsk, in a huge salient, it WILL exploit that with attacks on your flanks. So you either need very strong flanks or else you need to take ancillary cities to drain its PPs, and prevent railing and unit placement close to your lines.
Oh, and the partisans will soon begin to get out of hand. I would make it a policy to leave a GAR in every single captured Russian city and resource if I were you.
My goal is 1943. For 1942, my goal is to cripple the Soviet Union in order to finish it off in '43.patton wrote:I am not sure it's possible to get to Omsk in '42. Perhaps with very, very lucky weather.
I plan on a disciplined advance that maintains strong flanks to prevent this from happening. They same way I would advance if I were playing a human opponent.patton wrote:Another issue which you would see is that while, yes, the AI is not great at exploiting holes in your front lines in the first year or so, as it builds corps it gets better. Also, if you try to go straight for Moscow and then Omsk, in a huge salient, it WILL exploit that with attacks on your flanks. So you either need very strong flanks or else you need to take ancillary cities to drain its PPs, and prevent railing and unit placement close to your lines.
I always do. I either leave a garrison or an axis minor in every captured Russian city. There may be an occasion when 1 or 2 cities or left unoccupied but not for long if I can help it. I guess this is a hold over from the BJR mod and the old house rule that required this.patton wrote:Oh, and the partisans will soon begin to get out of hand. I would make it a policy to leave a GAR in every single captured Russian city and resource if I were you.
Turn 53. July 7, 1942 Axis.
I made a bad strategic decision this turn on the Russian front because I was impatient. Because the AI had attacked with the Leningrad defenders and left them vulnerable I decide to go for Leningrad but fell short by 3-steps (C203). Why this was an impatient mistake was because I used two tactical bombers, which could have been used elsewhere to destroy Russian units, for the attack BEFORE I have cleared all the Russians south of Leningrad. I tried to clear them and get a unit adjacent to it in the south to hopefully save the situation but that failed. As a result I wasted a good offensive turn. I should have waited until a couple of turns until I had cleared all units south of Leningrad and where I could bring four corps to attack. A bad and impatient choice on my part. Oh well ... it's done and I'll have to move on and make up for it.
There were still successes in Russia this turn (C204). Bryansk fell and Kharkov, which is defended by a garrison, was isolated. Next turn I will (or should) capture Kursk and may Orel in the next turn or two.
Wolfpack center sunk another US transport and depleted a second (C205).
C203. Army Group North and the Finnish Front
C204. Eastern Front
C205. Wolfpack Center
I made a bad strategic decision this turn on the Russian front because I was impatient. Because the AI had attacked with the Leningrad defenders and left them vulnerable I decide to go for Leningrad but fell short by 3-steps (C203). Why this was an impatient mistake was because I used two tactical bombers, which could have been used elsewhere to destroy Russian units, for the attack BEFORE I have cleared all the Russians south of Leningrad. I tried to clear them and get a unit adjacent to it in the south to hopefully save the situation but that failed. As a result I wasted a good offensive turn. I should have waited until a couple of turns until I had cleared all units south of Leningrad and where I could bring four corps to attack. A bad and impatient choice on my part. Oh well ... it's done and I'll have to move on and make up for it.
There were still successes in Russia this turn (C204). Bryansk fell and Kharkov, which is defended by a garrison, was isolated. Next turn I will (or should) capture Kursk and may Orel in the next turn or two.
Wolfpack center sunk another US transport and depleted a second (C205).
C203. Army Group North and the Finnish Front
C204. Eastern Front
C205. Wolfpack Center
Turn 53. July 7, 1942 Axis.
I made a bad strategic decision this turn on the Russian front because I was impatient. Because the AI had attacked with the Leningrad defenders and left them vulnerable I decide to go for Leningrad but fell short by 3-steps (C203). Why this was an impatient mistake was because I used two tactical bombers, which could have been used elsewhere to destroy Russian units, for the attack BEFORE I have cleared all the Russians south of Leningrad. I tried to clear them and get a unit adjacent to it in the south to hopefully save the situation but that failed. As a result I wasted a good offensive turn. I should have waited until a couple of turns until I had cleared all units south of Leningrad and where I could bring four corps to attack. A bad and impatient choice on my part. Oh well ... it's done and I'll have to move on and make up for it.
There were still successes in Russia this turn (C204). Bryansk fell and Kharkov, which is defended by a garrison, was isolated. Next turn I will (or should) capture Kursk and may Orel in the next turn or two.
Wolfpack center sunk another US transport and depleted a second (C205). Another transport off the coast of France was sunk by air (C206) and one other was depleted. It's becoming obvious that either the western allies or Russians have sufficient fighters to fight for control of the skies. As, such I opted to build another fighter this turn as opposed a u-boat. The axis are close to gaining total control of the skies over Russia and not too far from that in Europe. Once that happens then the allies and Russians will be totally on the defensive or lose units trying to attack. As in the actual war, parity in the skies is a must if one wants to be successful on the offensive. Control of the skies is even better.
C203. Army Group North and the Finnish Front
C204. Eastern Front
C205. Wolfpack Center
C206. French Command
I made a bad strategic decision this turn on the Russian front because I was impatient. Because the AI had attacked with the Leningrad defenders and left them vulnerable I decide to go for Leningrad but fell short by 3-steps (C203). Why this was an impatient mistake was because I used two tactical bombers, which could have been used elsewhere to destroy Russian units, for the attack BEFORE I have cleared all the Russians south of Leningrad. I tried to clear them and get a unit adjacent to it in the south to hopefully save the situation but that failed. As a result I wasted a good offensive turn. I should have waited until a couple of turns until I had cleared all units south of Leningrad and where I could bring four corps to attack. A bad and impatient choice on my part. Oh well ... it's done and I'll have to move on and make up for it.
There were still successes in Russia this turn (C204). Bryansk fell and Kharkov, which is defended by a garrison, was isolated. Next turn I will (or should) capture Kursk and may Orel in the next turn or two.
Wolfpack center sunk another US transport and depleted a second (C205). Another transport off the coast of France was sunk by air (C206) and one other was depleted. It's becoming obvious that either the western allies or Russians have sufficient fighters to fight for control of the skies. As, such I opted to build another fighter this turn as opposed a u-boat. The axis are close to gaining total control of the skies over Russia and not too far from that in Europe. Once that happens then the allies and Russians will be totally on the defensive or lose units trying to attack. As in the actual war, parity in the skies is a must if one wants to be successful on the offensive. Control of the skies is even better.
C203. Army Group North and the Finnish Front
C204. Eastern Front
C205. Wolfpack Center
C206. French Command
-
massina_nz
- Lieutenant Colonel - Fw 190A
- Posts: 1137
- Joined: Fri Dec 18, 2009 12:12 am
- Location: Wellington, New Zealand
Turn 54. July 27, 1942
Army Group North focused on clearing the hexes south of Leningrad in preparation for isolating and then taking that city (C207). Elsewhere in Russia (C208) the axis made fair progress capturing Kursk, Kharkov and Stalion. Attacks in the south are hampered a bit by the lack of airpower, which is concentrated in the north. The good news is that is where the remnants of the Red Air is concentrated too.
Wolfpack Center (C209) continued its attacks on defenseless troop convoys sinking one and significantly depleting another. Axis in France (C210) also continues to target allied troop transports inflicting serious damage.
With all these activities I keeping an eye on my oil gauge, which was at 464 at the end of this turn. Still very good; but I do need to watch it as all these air, armor and naval attacks consume lots of oil.
C207. Army Group North and the Finnish Front
C208. Russian Front
C209. Wolfpack Center
C201. French Command
Army Group North focused on clearing the hexes south of Leningrad in preparation for isolating and then taking that city (C207). Elsewhere in Russia (C208) the axis made fair progress capturing Kursk, Kharkov and Stalion. Attacks in the south are hampered a bit by the lack of airpower, which is concentrated in the north. The good news is that is where the remnants of the Red Air is concentrated too.
Wolfpack Center (C209) continued its attacks on defenseless troop convoys sinking one and significantly depleting another. Axis in France (C210) also continues to target allied troop transports inflicting serious damage.
With all these activities I keeping an eye on my oil gauge, which was at 464 at the end of this turn. Still very good; but I do need to watch it as all these air, armor and naval attacks consume lots of oil.
C207. Army Group North and the Finnish Front
C208. Russian Front
C209. Wolfpack Center
C201. French Command
Last edited by rkr1958 on Tue Jul 06, 2010 2:10 am, edited 2 times in total.
I agree in principal with that; however, I moved the armor units there in response to two armor corps that the Russian AI had moved there.massina_nz wrote:Only comment I would make about your '42 offensive is that I avoid placing ARM units in non-clear hexes. They are slowed down in those hexes and they suffer offensive and defensive penalties, which means they are far more effective in the wide open steppes rather than the northern forests.
Turn 55. August 16, 1942 Axis.
Well, Well. Movement of the 8th Australian infantry corps to the Libyan-Egyptian border was spotted this turn (C211). Are the Brits going to move into Libya? If necessary, I'll will move two fighters back to stall their attacks. Well know over the next couple of turn their level of commitment to North Africa.
In Russia, heavy fighting continues in the north continues; but Leningrad was isolated this turn (C212 and C213). It appears that the bulk of the Red Army is in the pocket north and west of Moscow. Army Group Center has orders to capture Moscow, though I doubt they'll get there before winter. The axis line in the south is a bit ragged and I will fix that over the next couple of turns. There doesn't seem to be much to worry about in the south but I will advance with a cohesive line.
More of the same in France and from Wolfpack Center (C214). More and more unprotected allied troop transports are sent to the bottom or badly damaged. The Italian fighter in France, unlike the German fighters, did take a beating this turn.
The only thing surprising to me about casualties (C215), so far, is that Russian air losses exceed German. The allied air forces (both in Russia and in Europe) are about to be destroyed. Right now, they're pretty much a non-factor.
The axis oil gauge was at 414. This means they're down by 50 over the end of last turn. Again, not critical but something to watch out for. Also, I would really like to upgrade my armor on the Russian front. They're currently at 9/12, so a 33% technology upgrade is available.
C211. North Africa Command
C212. Russian Front (North)
C213. Russian Front (South)
C213. French Command
C215. Casualties
Well, Well. Movement of the 8th Australian infantry corps to the Libyan-Egyptian border was spotted this turn (C211). Are the Brits going to move into Libya? If necessary, I'll will move two fighters back to stall their attacks. Well know over the next couple of turn their level of commitment to North Africa.
In Russia, heavy fighting continues in the north continues; but Leningrad was isolated this turn (C212 and C213). It appears that the bulk of the Red Army is in the pocket north and west of Moscow. Army Group Center has orders to capture Moscow, though I doubt they'll get there before winter. The axis line in the south is a bit ragged and I will fix that over the next couple of turns. There doesn't seem to be much to worry about in the south but I will advance with a cohesive line.
More of the same in France and from Wolfpack Center (C214). More and more unprotected allied troop transports are sent to the bottom or badly damaged. The Italian fighter in France, unlike the German fighters, did take a beating this turn.
The only thing surprising to me about casualties (C215), so far, is that Russian air losses exceed German. The allied air forces (both in Russia and in Europe) are about to be destroyed. Right now, they're pretty much a non-factor.
The axis oil gauge was at 414. This means they're down by 50 over the end of last turn. Again, not critical but something to watch out for. Also, I would really like to upgrade my armor on the Russian front. They're currently at 9/12, so a 33% technology upgrade is available.
C211. North Africa Command
C212. Russian Front (North)
C213. Russian Front (South)
C213. French Command
C215. Casualties
Last edited by rkr1958 on Tue Jul 06, 2010 2:10 am, edited 1 time in total.
Turn 56. September 5, 1942 Axis.
Well time is running out for my '42 offensive on the Russian front. Next turn will be the first turn of fall and the last turn of guaranteed fair weather. Also, with oil levels dipping to 376 it's time to start shutting the offensive down in preparation for the fall rains and the start of winter weather. I don't think I was able to mortally cripple Russian (C216 & C217) and Moscow and possibly Leningrad will have to wait unit next year.
In the west, I lost count of the number of troop/invasion transports I sent to the bottom (C218). I was either 3 or 4 this turn and I can't recall with the overall tally is. Also, both the western and Red airforces are in shambles. The only question remaining is when, or maybe even if, I can take out Russia.
Not I could have exploited the AI and taken out Russia by going straight for Moscow on Omsk without worrying about maintaining a cohesive front; however, that would have been counter to demonstrating how I would play this against a human opponent.
C216. Eastern Front (North)
C217. Eastern Front (South)
C218. French Command
Well time is running out for my '42 offensive on the Russian front. Next turn will be the first turn of fall and the last turn of guaranteed fair weather. Also, with oil levels dipping to 376 it's time to start shutting the offensive down in preparation for the fall rains and the start of winter weather. I don't think I was able to mortally cripple Russian (C216 & C217) and Moscow and possibly Leningrad will have to wait unit next year.
In the west, I lost count of the number of troop/invasion transports I sent to the bottom (C218). I was either 3 or 4 this turn and I can't recall with the overall tally is. Also, both the western and Red airforces are in shambles. The only question remaining is when, or maybe even if, I can take out Russia.
Not I could have exploited the AI and taken out Russia by going straight for Moscow on Omsk without worrying about maintaining a cohesive front; however, that would have been counter to demonstrating how I would play this against a human opponent.
C216. Eastern Front (North)
C217. Eastern Front (South)
C218. French Command
Turn 57. September 25, 1942 Axis.
Army Group North and Army Group Center are so close to breaking through and encircling most of the Russian ground forces (C219). However; next turn is October and the weather is a critical factor. Also, the oil gauge has dropped to 338. Not critical but something that I definitely need to watch.
The Russian front in the south looks barren (C220); but again, with the weather not guaranteed it's best to stop, rest, repair and upgrade in preparation for winter.
In France, only a couple of remnants of the huge number of transports that the AI sent into harms way to die are left. As General Patton was famously quoted as saying, "What a damn fine waste of good infantry".
German blitzkrieg is about to reach level 3. By sheer accident I held off upgrading, all but 1, of the German armor corps. This was a mistake I avoided by sheer accident.
C219. Army Group North & Center
C220. The Russian Front
C221. The French Command
C222. German Research
Army Group North and Army Group Center are so close to breaking through and encircling most of the Russian ground forces (C219). However; next turn is October and the weather is a critical factor. Also, the oil gauge has dropped to 338. Not critical but something that I definitely need to watch.
The Russian front in the south looks barren (C220); but again, with the weather not guaranteed it's best to stop, rest, repair and upgrade in preparation for winter.
In France, only a couple of remnants of the huge number of transports that the AI sent into harms way to die are left. As General Patton was famously quoted as saying, "What a damn fine waste of good infantry".
German blitzkrieg is about to reach level 3. By sheer accident I held off upgrading, all but 1, of the German armor corps. This was a mistake I avoided by sheer accident.
C219. Army Group North & Center
C220. The Russian Front
C221. The French Command
C222. German Research
Turn 58. October 15, 1942 Axis.
It was mud on the Eastern Front so no action and all aircraft were ground. That was a good thing as severe winter hit. That's two years in a row that severe winter has hit in October. I went back to check the weather prediction charts and it's a 10% chance. So this game is literally 1 in 100.
It was mud on the Eastern Front so no action and all aircraft were ground. That was a good thing as severe winter hit. That's two years in a row that severe winter has hit in October. I went back to check the weather prediction charts and it's a 10% chance. So this game is literally 1 in 100.
Turn 59. November 4, 1942.
The Russians launch a few limited winter attacks knocking off a few steps but not killing any units. The major action was from a heavily escorted Murmansk convoy that enter the "death zone". A UK DD was sunk through a combined air, naval and sub attack. A flotilla from Wolfpack Center was temporarily transferred to Norway Command. Given that the threat of an allied invasion of France has diminished then the tactical bombers in France may also be "temporarily" transferred to this command also.
C223. Norway Command and Wolfpack North
The Russians launch a few limited winter attacks knocking off a few steps but not killing any units. The major action was from a heavily escorted Murmansk convoy that enter the "death zone". A UK DD was sunk through a combined air, naval and sub attack. A flotilla from Wolfpack Center was temporarily transferred to Norway Command. Given that the threat of an allied invasion of France has diminished then the tactical bombers in France may also be "temporarily" transferred to this command also.
C223. Norway Command and Wolfpack North
Turn 60. November 24, 1942 Axis
A major air and sea battle is taking place between Norway and Scotland over the Murmansk convoy (C224). An allied BB was sunk, two others badly damage to 1-step and a fourth knocked down to 6-steps. Wolfpack Center has sortied and linked up with Wolfpack North in this battle. Also, the Kreigsmarine is involved. The German DD squadron was badly damaged but made it back to port safely. Two tactical bomber units and a fighter unit are being transferred to Norway in support.
However; it looks like this convoy may get through. But the objective now is to destroy what ships can be destroyed without great risk.
The axis oil gauge at the end of the turn is 337.
C224. Major Air and Sea Battle - Norway Command
A major air and sea battle is taking place between Norway and Scotland over the Murmansk convoy (C224). An allied BB was sunk, two others badly damage to 1-step and a fourth knocked down to 6-steps. Wolfpack Center has sortied and linked up with Wolfpack North in this battle. Also, the Kreigsmarine is involved. The German DD squadron was badly damaged but made it back to port safely. Two tactical bomber units and a fighter unit are being transferred to Norway in support.
However; it looks like this convoy may get through. But the objective now is to destroy what ships can be destroyed without great risk.
The axis oil gauge at the end of the turn is 337.
C224. Major Air and Sea Battle - Norway Command