AAR Kinghunter vs AC

[AC67]

The convoy finally enters the Med.

[AC67]

The convoy reaches Tobruk. The Axis close in for the attack. Unfortunately, and unknown to me (should RTFM), a message pops up gently informing me that there are too few escort points in the Atlantic, thus reducing convoy size by 70% (need 10 points but have only 3 = 1 destroyer).
I could send back some ships but decide to hang on; once the convoy reaches Alexandria I will order two or three ships to the Atlantic via Suez. I also build another destroyer in England.

BTW, no sign of Barbarossa.

[AC67]

At the beginning of the turn, the convoy is off Tobruk and reaches the frontline 200 miles west from Alexandria.
The Axis begin to attack my lines and bring my only tank down to four SP. But fortunately, we will gain air superiority quite soon.



U-Boats in the North Channel attack my convoys.

[Schnurri]

I think Kinghunter is too weak again. 3 German Corps with no leader and a bunch of Italians and a small Luftwaffe - you Flaschenhaltestelle should be sufficient by itself. Di

[AC67]

The British counter-offensive in the desert has started. We now have absolute air superiority, with two fighters, two carriers and a tactical bomber. As a result, the German fighter is destroyed, and the Italian mech barely escapes destruction.




To Schnurri: Yes, Kinghunter was too weak, especially in air assets, as will be seen soon.

[AC67]

The Axis' forces in the desert redeploy a bit; the Italian armor is destroyed. The italo-german forces now have only the mauled mech as fast element, which I regrettably did forget to destroy with air power.

[AC67]

Unfortunately, the Italians and Germans still have some fight in themselves. The exposed British infantry has been destroyed. From now on, I will just grind away at the enemy with my airpower and advance only if not exposed.

[AC67]

After heavy air raids, an Italian infantry on the coast is destroyed. The Italian mech, which the enemy had reinforced, is brought down to three steps again.

[Crazygunner1]

It seems that this game is pretty much going your way totally. Good job in NA vs the Italians and Germans, after you have destroyed the last pockets it is wide open to Tobruk and rest of NA. Looks like early pressure on Italy is possible.

Also in 42 you will have US, UK pretty much in fighting capacity and a very strong Russia.

Keep up the good work

[AC67]

It seems that this game is pretty much going your way totally. Good job in NA vs the Italians and Germans, after you have destroyed the last pockets it is wide open to Tobruk and rest of NA. Looks like early pressure on Italy is possible.

Also in 42 you will have US, UK pretty much in fighting capacity and a very strong Russia.

Keep up the good work

Thanks As you will see, North Africa will be mine very soon. But I expecht a massive 1942 Barbarossa ... heck, what else could he do anyway? I already built some infantry, tanks and fighters but don't know if it is better placing them right away (and suffering the morale loss), or waitung for the DoW on Russia (but maybe having some trouble to get a line standing quickly). Any hints?

[AC67]

And another Italian infantry gone. A mech of mine, which has been severely damaged at the beginning of the offensive, is almost back in strenght. I consider using it to conduct a landing behind the enemy lines, in order to bag the whole Italian desert army. Problem is that I do not remember where at least two German infantry corps went; did I destroy them, or have they retreated back to Tobruk? If they're still alive they could counter my landings ...



As topping of the cake my sub blocking the Corinthian channel takes out the trapped Italian battlegroup. That leaves the Regia Marina with only one battlegroup and the two submarines - if nothing else has been build in the meantime, that is.

[AC67]

I destroy another Italian infantry corps. A corps each turn is more than the Italian economy can bear at this early stage of the war. Well, well.

[AC67]

In North Africa, breakthrough is finally achieved. I destroy a German infantry corps with no casualties; between the 8th Army and Tobruk there are now only badly led, equipped and motivated Italian soldiers. One of the two carriers has been sent to Port Said for repairs and upgrades.
In Britain, I draft two new infantry corps; I might try something in Norway once spring time comes.
Convoys are getting through, and allied naval presence in the Atlantic is now over the minimum again, with three destroyer and two battle groups.
The project of a naval landing with the mech behind enemy lines has been dropped as I'm not quite sure if at this time of the war mechs do can perform amphibious landings ...

[AC67]

UK and USA get some new techs:

In the desert, still grinding away at the Italians.



The USA enter the war!

[AC67]

The Italians reassemble a feeble line in the desert, but it is easily broken; another Italian infantry is killed. One of my infantry corps ends the turn somewhat exposed, but the enemy does not really have the strength to counter – at least I hope so.



With the entrance of the U.S., three additional destroyers are now available for convoy duty – two of them have entered service just a turn or so ago. I also have a good strategic bombing force now available, but choose to upgrade them first before sending them to England. The Americans also have two tanks and three mechs with decent techs available; which could be used for an early Torch.



The Soviet Union finally begins to build some troops: 10 infantry and 6 tank corps, along with 3 fighters. The tech level for the tanks is still quite low, but I hope to get another upgrade before the Germans come … The Soviets have still some 700 points left after this spending …
In the central Atlantic German U-Boats attack a convoy … escorts are brought up.

What I’d like to do is interfering with the expected German invasion of Russia by launching two amphibious operations, one against Norway and the other against Morocco, possibly just before or at the same time. This could divert German forces, mainly airpower for Norway, and infantry for garrison duty in southern France. I just don’t know, however, if attacking Vichy France is not also a gift for the Axis, as I imagine they’ll get some additional PPs once the Vichy French will join them. And the Vichy Navy has also to be taken care of.

[AC67]

The Soviets continue their buildup: 5 soviet commanders and another 10 infantry drafted. The first ten infantry corps are placed on the map.



The transfer of the U.S. strategic bombing force begins.



Encounter with a wolfpack in the central Atlantic:



In North Africa the Impero is doomed: Italy looses another two corps and a garrison - only Graziani with his depleted mech is left.





Al look at casualties:

[AC67]

First, a look at research results:



In North Africa, the last Italian mech is destroyed, and Tobruk reached. Air recon from Malta shows that Sicily is being prepared for invasion.





An U.S. invasion fleet sails for Casablanca.



Skirmishes with U-boats in central Atlantic, while USAAF strategic bombers begin their transfer to the UK.

[AC67]

Tobruk is down to 4 steps now, and the Italian sub in port to only 1; the last Italian battleship in Benghazi port is also attacked.



The first stratetig bombers reach the UK, while the invasion fleet for Casablanca is now in range and can strike anytime. Mud weather in central Europe, and we are awaiting Barbaross at the first clear weather turn.

[AC67]

Great news from our scientists:



The U.S. invasion fleet splits up, one part directed to Casablanca, and the other to Algiers.



Tobruk falls, and an Italian sub is sunk.



Strategic bombing of Germany begins.

[AC67]

Scientist work overtime:



Benghazi is reduced to three steps, and the Yankees are ready for Operation Torch.



And than, the hammer: the Soviet Union activates! No German invasion has been launched, and there will be no efficiency loss.





Things begin to look grim for the Germans, I suppose.