Taking Leningrad in '42

[GogTheMild]

Thank you to all of those who responded to my query about Malta. The next installment in the 'Educating Gog' series is: what resources do I need to take Leningrad in 1942? Ie as part of a Festung Europa strategy. I have seen passing comment on a 'one turn' capture of Leningrad. How do I do it? Obviously I know what the Russian forces will be for the first turn. But what do I need in Finland? And how do I use it?

Again, a reference to a relevant thread or detailed AAR would be most helpful.

[peterjfrigate]

See the most recent Plaid vs. Morris match-up. Basically, put massive air forces in Finland + 2 paras, and 2 elite mechs. 1st turn hit Leningrad with everything - dropping the paras so as to isolate/reduce entrenchment. Plaid was disappointed because the plan is easily frustrated by dropping a couple of GARs prior to the invasion.

P.6 of this AAR has the details: viewtopic.php?f=78&t=38233&start=100

[GogTheMild]

That's the one. I'd even read it, but it hadn't sunk in. Probably because it didn't come off. Thanks.

[richardsd]

That's the one. I'd even read it, but it hadn't sunk in. Probably because it didn't come off. Thanks.

of course now you know how its done

although I was a little lucky and have a version 2 to improve the odds,

but essentially you need at least 1 CORPS 3 MECHS (at least 1 SS and 1 +1 leader) 4 TAC's and a FTR to have a good chance

so its a big investment, but you need 2 MECH's (SS and leaders) and 2 TAC's to take out Leningrad, and the rest to get you a clear run

[GogTheMild]

Thank you for the lesson Duncan. Both impressive and educational. "I'll be back."

[richardsd]

Thank you for the lesson Duncan. Both impressive and educational. "I'll be back."

your appetite for using the learning's against me is frightening, I may not even be able to beat your Axis anymore

[Peter Stauffenberg]

I usually ensure I isolate Leningrad and use the Axis strategic bomber to drop the supply level to the city.

Then 2 tactical bombers + 4 land attacks every turn means Leningrad will fall within a few turns. You will lose lots of steps initially, but that can't be helped. You need to get the entrenchment level down to 0. With only supply level 1 for Leningrad the defenders if brought down to red (0-1 intrinsic strength remaining) can only repair 1 step per turn.

Sometimes the defender is upgraded to Guards status and that can make the attacks harder. Good Allied players place a +1 defense leader in Leningrad on a mech unit. So be prepared to spend quite some time to get Leningrad.

[GogTheMild]

Some Allied players don't get the chance to do anything with Leningrad .

[Morris]

Actually , It seems not necessary to take Leningrad in 1942 by a Europe fortress strategy .
The above points by Borger to take Leningrad is useful but please do remember that If you want to take Leningrad , concentrate enough power for it , if not , just isolate it without even one attack !

[richardsd]

Actually , It seems not necessary to take Leningrad in 1942 by a Europe fortress strategy .
The above points by Borger to take Leningrad is useful but please do remember that If you want to take Leningrad , concentrate enough power for it , if not , just isolate it without even one attack !

leningrad can be very useful once integrated into the Reich - helps with some interesting railing

[Morris]

Actually , It seems not necessary to take Leningrad in 1942 by a Europe fortress strategy .
The above points by Borger to take Leningrad is useful but please do remember that If you want to take Leningrad , concentrate enough power for it , if not , just isolate it without even one attack !

leningrad can be very useful once integrated into the Reich - helps with some interesting railing

Yes , it is quite useful , but it is too risky for an Europefortress strategy AXis player .

[GogTheMild]

Yes , it is quite useful , but it is too risky for an Europefortress strategy AXis player .

I hope to be able to demonstrate this to Duncan. He seems to be nicely over extending himself.

[richardsd]

Yes , it is quite useful , but it is too risky for an Europefortress strategy AXis player .

I hope to be able to demonstrate this to Duncan. He seems to be nicely over extending himself.

That is true and we are sure to lose this slightly experimental game, but part of that over extension is to New York