AO Generalissimus Alberto Bertorelli Adventure

[Tassadar]

AO 1939 - Warsaw

With most of the country already captured, Warsaw was one of the last points of resistance. Capturing it as well would likely lead to the end of the war, as it was unlikely that foreign forces would intervene at this point, the failed French attack near Saarbrucken made this clear. The Germans tasked general Bertorelli with the mission of capturing the city. According to Wagner, their High Command thought of it as a form of punishment for releasing prisoners earlier - this task was supposed to allow them to forget disobeying orders back then. It was also a cold calculation. The Poles were unlikely to give up easily, so Wehrmacht would not risk losses by leaving the assault to others.

Starting Prestige (after purchases and replacements): 2190

New Units Commissioned:

Jalkaväkirykmentti 1 - FI - OS16 - FI Infantry (Opel Blitz)
Pioneeripataljoona 1 - FI - FI Engineers (Opel Blitz)
II. Ilmatorjuntapatteri - FI - OS12 - 40 mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)

Further reports from Finland cam in. Aside from some Bofors anti-aircraft guns, the Finns finally formed some infantry units that could be assigned to general Bertorelli.

Technical note - I renamed the Czechoslovakian infantry in the Units file for this purpose. It has stats identical to other minor Axis powers infantry, so it is going to be balanced.

Starting Army Composition:

Infantry

1. Lövészzászlóalj - HU - OS16 - HU Infantry (Opel Blitz) - * - László Duska
2. Lövészzászlóalj - HU - OS16 - HU HW Inf (Opel Blitz)
1. Műszaki Ezred - HU - HU Engineers (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 Infanterie - RO - OS16 - RO Infantry (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 2 Infanterie - RO - OS16 - RO HW Inf (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 Geniu - RO - RO Engineers (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 2 Geniu - RO - OS17 - RO Bridge Eng (Opel Blitz)
1 Pekhoten Batal’on - BG - OS16 - BG Infantry (Opel Blitz)
1 Konen Batal’on - BG - OS16 - BG Cavalry - Nikola Mutafchiev

Tank

1. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - Panzer 38(t)A - * - Steamroller
2. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 38M Toldi I - *
Batalionul 1 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - R1 - *
Batalionul 2 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - R2 - *
Batalionul 3 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - T-38
1 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - Panzer 38(t)
2 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - Panzer 35(t)

Recon

1. Felderítő Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 39M Csaba - *
Batalionul 1 de Cavalerie Blindat - RO - OS11 - OA vz.30 - *
1 Razuznavatelen Batal’on - BG - OS11 - SdKfz 222 - *

Artillery

1. Tüzérosztály - HU - 150mm Bofors (Opel Blitz) - *
2. Tüzérosztály - HU - 105mm 37M (Opel Blitz) - *
3. Tüzérosztály - HU - OS11 - 80mm 18M (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 Artilerie - RO - 150mm model 1934 (Opel Blitz) - *
Batalionul 2 Artilerie - RO - 105mm model 1913 (Opel Blitz) - *
Batalionul 3 Artilerie - RO - OS11 - 75mm model 1897 (Opel Blitz)
1 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - 12 cm M.1909 (Opel Blitz)
2 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - 10.5 cm M.1935 (Opel Blitz)
3 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - OS11 - 7.5 cm M.1904 (Opel Blitz)

Anti-Aircraft

Batalionul 1 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS12 - 25mm Hotchkiss (Opel Blitz)
2. Légvédelmi Zászlóalj - HU - OS12 - 40mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)
1 Protivovŭzdushna Batal’on - BG - OS12 - 2 cm FlaK 30 (Opel Blitz)

Fighter

1/1. Vadászszázad - HU - OS11 - CR.42 - **
Escadrila 1 Vanatoare - RO - OS11 - PZL P.11f

Tactical Bomber

1/1. Bombázószázad - HU - Ca.135
Escadrila 1 Bombardment - RO - JRS-79 - *

Strategic Bomber

1/1. Bombázószázad - HU - OS12 - Ju 86 - *

Reserve

1º Reggimento Fanteria - IT - OS16 - IT Infantry (Truck) - **
2º Reggimento Fanteria - IT - IT HW Inf (Truck) - Survivor
1º Reggimento di Cavalleria - IT - OS16 - IT Cavalry - *
1º Reggimento Genio Guastatori - IT - IT Engineers (Truck) - * - Survivor
1º Reggimento Genio Pontieri - IT - OS17 - IT Bridge Eng (Truck)
1. Pontonos Hidász Ezred - HU - OS17 - HU Bridge Eng (Opel Blitz)
I Batallón de Infantería - ES - Azul Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - ** - Teodoro Palacios Cueto
II Batallón de Infantería - ES - OS16 - Regulares (Opel Blitz)
I Batallón de Caballería - ES - OS16 - ES Cavalry
Jalkaväkirykmentti 1 - FI - OS16 - FI Infantry (Opel Blitz)
Pioneeripataljoona 1 - FI - FI Engineers (Opel Blitz)
1. pechotný prápor - SK - OS16 - SK Infantry (Opel Blitz)
1. ženijný prápor - SK - SK Engineers (Opel Blitz)
1º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - M11/39 - ** - Steamroller, Luigi Arbib Pascucci
2º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - L3/35 - *
3º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - L3/35 Lf - *
4º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - Somua S35
3. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 35M L3/35
3 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - L3/33
I Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES - OS11 - Trubia - ** - Steamroller
II Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES - OS11 - Verdeja 2 - ** - Steamroller
I Panssaripataljoona - FI - OS11 - T-26 - * - Survivor
II Panssaripataljoona - FI - OS11 - BT-5
1. tankový prápor - SK - OS11 - LT vz.35
1º Battaglione Autoblindo - IT - OS11 - Lancia IZM - *** - Tommaso Lequio di Assaba
I Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES - OS11 - UNL-35 - ***
Ratsuväkiprikaati 1 - FI - OS11 - BA-6
1. mechanizovaný prápor - SK - OS11 - OA vz.30 - *
1º Battaglione Cannoni Controcarro - IT - OS12 - 47/32 M35 (Truck) - *
1. Páncéltörő Zászlóalj - HU - OS12 - 3.7 cm Pak 36 (Opel Blitz)
2. Páncéltörő Zászlóalj - HU - OS12 - 47mm FRC (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 de Tunuri Anticar - RO - OS12 - 37mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 2 de Tunuri Anticar - RO - OS12 - 47mm Schneider (Opel Blitz)
1 Protivotankov Batal’on - BG - OS12 - 37mm 36M (Opel Blitz)
I Batallón de Antitanques - ES - OS12 - 37mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)
1. protitankový prápor - SK - OS12 - 3,7 cm KPÚV vz.37 (Opel Blitz)
1º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - 149mm 149/19 (Lancia 3Ro) - ** - Giuseppe D'Amico
2º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - 105mm 105/28 (Lancia 3Ro) - **
3º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - OS11 - 75/32 M37 (Truck) - ** - Skilled Support
4º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - OS11 - 75mm 75/27 (Truck) - ** - Skilled Support
I Batallón de Artillería de Campaña - ES - 122mm M10/30 (Opel Blitz) - *
II Batallón de Artillería de Campaña - ES - 105mm Vickers M22 (Opel Blitz) - *
1. delostrelecký prápor - SK - 150mm vz.25 (Opel Blitz)
2. delostrelecký prápor - SK - 100mm Škoda vz.14/19 (Opel Blitz)
3. delostrelecký prápor - SK - OS11 - 75mm vz.15 (Opel Blitz)
1º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - 90/53 M41C (Lancia 3Ro)
2º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS12 - Breda 20/65 M35 (Truck)
3º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS11 - 75/46 C.A. M34 (Lancia 3Ro)
1. Légvédelmi Zászlóalj - HU - 88mm 29/38M (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 2 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS11 - 75mm Vickers/Resita (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 3 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS12 - 3.7 cm FlaK 37 (Opel Blitz)
2 Protivovŭzdushna Batal’on - BG - 8.8 cm FlaK 18 (Opel Blitz)
I. Ilmatorjuntapatteri - FI - OS12 - 2 cm FlaK 38 (Opel Blitz)
II. Ilmatorjuntapatteri - FI - OS12 - 40 mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)
1. protilietadlový prápor - SK - OS12 - 20mm VKPL vz.36 (Opel Blitz)
2. protilietadlový prápor - SK - 83.5mm Škoda vz.22 (Opel Blitz)
1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 1 - IT - OS11 - CR.32 - **
1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 2 - IT - G.50 - *
1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 3 - IT - Re.2000 - * - Adriano Visconti
1º Grupo de Caza 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - OS11 - I-16 - ** - Joaquin Garcia Morato
Hävittäjälentolaivue 1 - FI - OS11 - Gladiator Mk. II
Hävittäjälentolaivue 2 - FI - OS11 - Fokker D.XXI
1º Gruppo Bombardamento Veloce Sq 1 - IT - OS11 - Breda Ba.65 - ** - Giuseppe Cenni
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 1 - IT - SM.79 - **
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 2 - IT - Ca.135 - **
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 3 - IT - Fiat BR.20 - *
1º Gruppo Ricognizione Sq 1 - IT - OS12 - IMAM Ro.37 - *
1 Bombardirovŭchen Polk 1 Yato - BG - OS11 - PZL.43 - **
1º Grupo de Apoyo 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - OS11 - Hs 123a
Pommituslentolaivue 1 - FI - OS11 - Fokker C.X
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 4 - IT - CANT Z.1007
1º Grupo de Bombardeo 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - OS11 - He 111H2

Highlights


Romanian forces will approach from northwest...


...Hungarian ones from the east...


...and Bulgarian from the south.


Hungarian tanks in trouble after a Polish armored counterattack supported by bombers. The enemy air force continues to be a relevant threat.


Hungarian forces cut off the Praga district and force a lot of surrenders.


Meanhile Romanian forces move slowly southeast staying within the range of artillery covering fire.


With the help of Bulgarian forces that link up with the Romanians, main airfields and the largest group of defenders is encircled.


Finally all the combined forces move to the last area still defended by the Poles.

Summary:

Final Prestige: 6325 (up 4135)

Overall:

With Warsaw no longer defended and most of the remaining Polish forces surrendered or dispersed, general Bertorelli was recalled back home. The fighting was quite heavy, but artillery proved critical to ensuring that approaching infantry in close combat terrain is able to fight. A lot of equipment got captured, but most of it was going to be repurposed and either scrapped, or assigned to second line duties. Ammo and fuel was more valuable, as similarly to Spain, the campaign proved costly and straining the supply chain.

For now the situation calmed down but tensions on the Finnish border with the Soviet Union were high, so it was likely not the end of operations this year.

[Tassadar]

AO 1939 - Raate Road

Soviet invasion of Finland has begun. While general Bertorelli was not allowed to directly intervene with an official army support, nothing stopped him and his men from a volunteer action, especially since the Finns now has quite a decent force ready at their disposal. They lacked experience, but were very motivated and with the help of some veterans could resist for a long time. After the volunteers reached Finland, their first task was to disrupt Soviet supply lines and help the defenders buy time to organize defensive positions.

Starting Prestige (after purchases and replacements): 4830

New Units Commissioned:

1/2. Bombázószázad - HU - OS12 - Do 17Z
1 Bombardirovŭchen Polk 2 Yato - BG - OS12 - Do 17Z

Germans supplied Hungarian and Bulgarian allies with Do 17 bombers, relatively useful and easy to operate.

New Equipment Provided:

1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 1 - IT - OS11 - CR.42 Falco
1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 3 - IT - MC.200 Saetta

Based on earlier experiences from Spain and now Poland, Italian air force received new fighters. CR.42 Falco while rather obsolete were still a lot better than the old CR.32 and the MC.200 Saetta was noticeable improvement over the Re.2000.

Starting Army Composition:

Infantry

1 Konen Batal’on - BG - OS16 - BG Cavalry - * - Nikola Mutafchiev
I Batallón de Infantería - ES - Azul Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - ** - Teodoro Palacios Cueto
Jalkaväkirykmentti 1 - FI - OS16 - FI Infantry (Opel Blitz)
Pioneeripataljoona 1 - FI - FI Engineers (Opel Blitz)

Tank

1º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - M11/39 - ** - Steamroller, Luigi Arbib Pascucci
1. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - Panzer 38(t)A - * - Steamroller
II Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES - OS11 - Verdeja 2 - ** - Steamroller
I Panssaripataljoona - FI - OS11 - T-26 - * - Survivor
II Panssaripataljoona - FI - OS11 - BT-5

Recon

1. Felderítő Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 39M Csaba - **
Ratsuväkiprikaati 1 - FI - OS11 - BA-6

Artillery

1º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - 149mm 149/19 (Lancia 3Ro) - ** - Giuseppe D'Amico
1. Tüzérosztály - HU - 150mm Bofors (Opel Blitz) - *
Batalionul 1 Artilerie - RO - 150mm model 1934 (Opel Blitz) - *

Anti-Aircraft

Batalionul 1 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS12 - 25mm Hotchkiss (Opel Blitz)
I. Ilmatorjuntapatteri - FI - OS12 - 2 cm FlaK 38 (Opel Blitz)
II. Ilmatorjuntapatteri - FI - OS12 - 40 mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)

Fighter

1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 3 - IT - MC.200 Saetta - * - Adriano Visconti
1º Grupo de Caza 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - OS11 - I-16 - ** - Joaquin Garcia Morato
Hävittäjälentolaivue 1 - FI - OS11 - Gladiator Mk. II
Hävittäjälentolaivue 2 - FI - OS11 - Fokker D.XXI

Tactical Bomber

1º Gruppo Bombardamento Veloce Sq 1 - IT - OS11 - Breda Ba.65 - ** - Giuseppe Cenni
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 1 - IT - SM.79 - **
Pommituslentolaivue 1 - FI - OS11 - Fokker C.X

Reserve

1º Reggimento Fanteria - IT - OS16 - IT Infantry (Truck) - **
2º Reggimento Fanteria - IT - IT HW Inf (Truck) - Survivor
1º Reggimento di Cavalleria - IT - OS16 - IT Cavalry - *
1º Reggimento Genio Guastatori - IT - IT Engineers (Truck) - * - Survivor
1º Reggimento Genio Pontieri - IT - OS17 - IT Bridge Eng (Truck)
1. Lövészzászlóalj - HU - OS16 - HU Infantry (Opel Blitz) - * - László Duska
2. Lövészzászlóalj - HU - OS16 - HU HW Inf (Opel Blitz)
1. Műszaki Ezred - HU - HU Engineers (Opel Blitz)
1. Pontonos Hidász Ezred - HU - OS17 - HU Bridge Eng (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 Infanterie - RO - OS16 - RO Infantry (Opel Blitz) - *
Batalionul 2 Infanterie - RO - OS16 - RO HW Inf (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 Geniu - RO - RO Engineers (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 2 Geniu - RO - OS17 - RO Bridge Eng (Opel Blitz)
1 Pekhoten Batal’on - BG - OS16 - BG Infantry (Opel Blitz)
II Batallón de Infantería - ES - OS16 - Regulares (Opel Blitz)
I Batallón de Caballería - ES - OS16 - ES Cavalry
1. pechotný prápor - SK - OS16 - SK Infantry (Opel Blitz)
1. ženijný prápor - SK - SK Engineers (Opel Blitz)
2º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - L3/35 - *
3º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - L3/35 Lf - *
4º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - Somua S35
2. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 38M Toldi I - ** - Steamroller
3. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 35M L3/35
Batalionul 1 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - R1 - *
Batalionul 2 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - R2 - *
Batalionul 3 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - T-38 - *
1 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - Panzer 38(t) - *
2 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - Panzer 35(t)
3 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - L3/33
I Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES - OS11 - Trubia - ** - Steamroller
1. tankový prápor - SK - OS11 - LT vz.35
1º Battaglione Autoblindo - IT - OS11 - Lancia IZM - *** - Tommaso Lequio di Assaba
Batalionul 1 de Cavalerie Blindat - RO - OS11 - OA vz.30 - **
1 Razuznavatelen Batal’on - BG - OS11 - SdKfz 222 - **
I Batallón de Automóviles Blindados - ES - OS11 - UNL-35 - ***
1. mechanizovaný prápor - SK - OS11 - OA vz.30 - *
1º Battaglione Cannoni Controcarro - IT - OS12 - 47/32 M35 (Truck) - *
1. Páncéltörő Zászlóalj - HU - OS12 - 3.7 cm Pak 36 (Opel Blitz)
2. Páncéltörő Zászlóalj - HU - OS12 - 47mm FRC (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 de Tunuri Anticar - RO - OS12 - 37mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 2 de Tunuri Anticar - RO - OS12 - 47mm Schneider (Opel Blitz)
1 Protivotankov Batal’on - BG - OS12 - 37mm 36M (Opel Blitz)
I Batallón de Antitanques - ES - OS12 - 37mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)
1. protitankový prápor - SK - OS12 - 3,7 cm KPÚV vz.37 (Opel Blitz)
2º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - 105mm 105/28 (Lancia 3Ro) - **
3º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - OS11 - 75/32 M37 (Truck) - ** - Skilled Support
4º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - OS11 - 75mm 75/27 (Truck) - ** - Skilled Support
2. Tüzérosztály - HU - 105mm 37M (Opel Blitz) - *
3. Tüzérosztály - HU - OS11 - 80mm 18M (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 2 Artilerie - RO - 105mm model 1913 (Opel Blitz) - *
Batalionul 3 Artilerie - RO - OS11 - 75mm model 1897 (Opel Blitz)
1 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - 12 cm M.1909 (Opel Blitz)
2 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - 10.5 cm M.1935 (Opel Blitz) - *
3 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - OS11 - 7.5 cm M.1904 (Opel Blitz)
I Batallón de Artillería de Campaña - ES - 122mm M10/30 (Opel Blitz) - *
II Batallón de Artillería de Campaña - ES - 105mm Vickers M22 (Opel Blitz) - *
1. delostrelecký prápor - SK - 150mm vz.25 (Opel Blitz)
2. delostrelecký prápor - SK - 100mm Škoda vz.14/19 (Opel Blitz)
3. delostrelecký prápor - SK - OS11 - 75mm vz.15 (Opel Blitz)
1º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - 90/53 M41C (Lancia 3Ro)
2º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS12 - Breda 20/65 M35 (Truck)
3º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS11 - 75/46 C.A. M34 (Lancia 3Ro)
1. Légvédelmi Zászlóalj - HU - 88mm 29/38M (Opel Blitz)
2. Légvédelmi Zászlóalj - HU - OS12 - 40mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 2 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS11 - 75mm Vickers/Resita (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 3 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS12 - 3.7 cm FlaK 37 (Opel Blitz)
1 Protivovŭzdushna Batal’on - BG - OS12 - 2 cm FlaK 30 (Opel Blitz)
2 Protivovŭzdushna Batal’on - BG - 8.8 cm FlaK 18 (Opel Blitz)
1. protilietadlový prápor - SK - OS12 - 20mm VKPL vz.36 (Opel Blitz)
2. protilietadlový prápor - SK - 83.5mm Škoda vz.22 (Opel Blitz)
1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 1 - IT - OS11 - CR.42 Falco - **
1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 2 - IT - G.50 - *
1/1. Vadászszázad - HU - OS11 - CR.42 - **
Escadrila 1 Vanatoare - RO - OS11 - PZL P.11f
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 2 - IT - Ca.135 - **
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 3 - IT - Fiat BR.20 - *
1º Gruppo Ricognizione Sq 1 - IT - OS12 - IMAM Ro.37 - *
1/1. Bombázószázad - HU - Ca.135
Escadrila 1 Bombardment - RO - JRS-79 - *
1 Bombardirovŭchen Polk 1 Yato - BG - OS11 - PZL.43 - **
1º Grupo de Apoyo 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - OS11 - Hs 123a
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 4 - IT - CANT Z.1007
1/1. Bombázószázad - HU - OS12 - Ju 86 - *
1/2. Bombázószázad - HU - OS12 - Do 17Z
1 Bombardirovŭchen Polk 2 Yato - BG - OS12 - Do 17Z
1º Grupo de Bombardeo 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - OS11 - He 111H2

Highlights


Finnish forces mostly get to serve a support role, leaving the heavy fighting to veterans.


Those elite forces are ready for a convoy ambush.


Soviets arrive with multiple elite units of their own, but he general has a plan for engaging their columns.


Enemy elite group is split in half - one part is encircled and the other cut off and forced to try and approach over river crossings.


The Finns now are ready to assist and attack the weakened Soviets.


Last tanks are dealt with and the supply line the enemy used is totally overrun.

Summary:

Final Prestige: 4825 (down 5)

Overall:

The raid on Soviet convoys was a success. Not even elite guards could prevent this, as they were isolated and slowly fell to attrition. None of the Soviet equipment was too impressive, so proper tactics and positioning made the otherwise challenging encounter much more manageable. Their fighters could not stop bombers assisting the raid, so even the most dangerous ground units were easy prey.

[Tassadar]

AO 1939 - Taipale

After heavily disrupting Soviet supply lines, general Bertorelli was tasked with temporarily holding the front near Taipale, to buy some time for the main Finnish troops for reorganizing and resupplying. This was a short task, as other duties called based on reports from Wagner and also form the general's superiors in Italy, but this action would allow to secure Finnish involvement in future campaigns.

Operation plan was straightforward. The local rivers was possible to cross only in a few specific points, so those had to be guarded. For extra prestige, Bertorelli could allow his troops to counterattack and push the Soviets back, securing a foothold on the other bank and allowing the defenders to return to a much better position later. The risk of such a bold maneuver was that overwhelming Soviet troops could surround the attackers, so the advance would only take place if the general was absolutely sure of its success.

Starting Prestige (after purchases and replacements): 4065

New Units Commissioned:

1º Reggimento Alpini - IT - OS16 - Alpini
1º Reggimento Bersaglieri - IT - OS16 - Bersaglieri (Opel Blitz)
1º Reggimento Paracadutisti - IT - OS16 - IT Paratroops
Batalionul 1 Vânători de Munte - RO - OS16 - RO Mnt Inf
2º Battaglione Autoblindo - IT - Sahariana
Kenttätykistörykmentti 1 - FI - OS12 - 37mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)
1/2. Vadászszázad - HU - Re.2000
1/3. Vadászszázad - HU - OS11 - CR.42
Escadrila 2 Vanatoare - RO - Bf 109E
Escadrila 3 Vanatoare - RO - OS11 - Bf 110C
1 Iztrebitelen Polk 1 Yato - BG - D.520
Escadrila 2 Bombardment - RO - OS11 - PZL 37B Łoś

The campaign in Poland made the general request specialized infantry from Italy in Romania, needed for specific conditions and situations, be it mountainous terrain or bunker busting. It also showed the need for a more modern air force, so Germany and Italy decided to supply planes to smaller nations to significantly improve their old stock. Fighters were most important at this point, but a few captured bombers after repairs and refit were feasible for line duty. Interestingly, the Bulgarians fielded modern fighters captured during the Saarbrucken offensive. They were not numerous at this point, but very advanced, so a lot of effort was put into making them operational.

New Equipment Provided:

1/1. Vadászszázad - HU - Bf 109E

As a side effect of the new planes arriving in Hungary, the best pilots were able to fly the bast of these new planes, while some older biplane fighters were moved to support roles.

Starting Army Composition:

Infantry

2º Reggimento Fanteria - IT - IT HW Inf (Truck) - Survivor
1. Lövészzászlóalj - HU - OS16 - HU Infantry (Opel Blitz) - * - László Duska
Batalionul 2 Infanterie - RO - OS16 - RO HW Inf (Opel Blitz)
1 Konen Batal’on - BG - OS16 - BG Cavalry - * - Nikola Mutafchiev
I Batallón de Infantería - ES - Azul Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - ** - Teodoro Palacios Cueto
Jalkaväkirykmentti 1 - FI - OS16 - FI Infantry (Opel Blitz)
Pioneeripataljoona 1 - FI - FI Engineers (Opel Blitz)

Tank

1º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - M11/39 - ** - Steamroller, Luigi Arbib Pascucci
1. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - Panzer 38(t)A - * - Steamroller
2 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - Panzer 35(t)
I Panssaripataljoona - FI - OS11 - T-26 - * - Survivor
II Panssaripataljoona - FI - OS11 - BT-5

Recon

1. Felderítő Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 39M Csaba - **
Ratsuväkiprikaati 1 - FI - OS11 - BA-6

Anti-Tank

Kenttätykistörykmentti 1 - FI - OS12 - 37mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)

Artillery

2. Tüzérosztály - HU - 105mm 37M (Opel Blitz) - *
Batalionul 2 Artilerie - RO - 105mm model 1913 (Opel Blitz) - *
1 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - 12 cm M.1909 (Opel Blitz)
I Batallón de Artillería de Campaña - ES - 122mm M10/30 (Opel Blitz) - *
II Batallón de Artillería de Campaña - ES - 105mm Vickers M22 (Opel Blitz) - *

Anti-Aircraft

2. Légvédelmi Zászlóalj - HU - OS12 - 40mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS12 - 25mm Hotchkiss (Opel Blitz)
I. Ilmatorjuntapatteri - FI - OS12 - 2 cm FlaK 38 (Opel Blitz)
II. Ilmatorjuntapatteri - FI - OS12 - 40 mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)

Fighter

1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 3 - IT - MC.200 Saetta - * - Adriano Visconti
1/1. Vadászszázad - HU - Bf 109E - **
1º Grupo de Caza 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - OS11 - I-16 - ** - Joaquin Garcia Morato
Hävittäjälentolaivue 1 - FI - OS11 - Gladiator Mk. II
Hävittäjälentolaivue 2 - FI - OS11 - Fokker D.XXI

Tactical Bomber

1º Gruppo Bombardamento Veloce Sq 1 - IT - OS11 - Breda Ba.65 - ** - Giuseppe Cenni
1º Gruppo Ricognizione Sq 1 - IT - OS12 - IMAM Ro.37 - *
Pommituslentolaivue 1 - FI - OS11 - Fokker C.X

Reserve

1º Reggimento Fanteria - IT - OS16 - IT Infantry (Truck) - **
1º Reggimento di Cavalleria - IT - OS16 - IT Cavalry - *
1º Reggimento Genio Guastatori - IT - IT Engineers (Truck) - * - Survivor
1º Reggimento Genio Pontieri - IT - OS17 - IT Bridge Eng (Truck)
1º Reggimento Alpini - IT - OS16 - Alpini
1º Reggimento Bersaglieri - IT - OS16 - Bersaglieri (Opel Blitz)
1º Reggimento Paracadutisti - IT - OS16 - IT Paratroops
2. Lövészzászlóalj - HU - OS16 - HU HW Inf (Opel Blitz)
1. Műszaki Ezred - HU - HU Engineers (Opel Blitz)
1. Pontonos Hidász Ezred - HU - OS17 - HU Bridge Eng (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 Infanterie - RO - OS16 - RO Infantry (Opel Blitz) - *
Batalionul 1 Geniu - RO - RO Engineers (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 2 Geniu - RO - OS17 - RO Bridge Eng (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 Vânători de Munte - RO - OS16 - RO Mnt Inf
1 Pekhoten Batal’on - BG - OS16 - BG Infantry (Opel Blitz)
II Batallón de Infantería - ES - OS16 - Regulares (Opel Blitz)
I Batallón de Caballería - ES - OS16 - ES Cavalry
1. pechotný prápor - SK - OS16 - SK Infantry (Opel Blitz)
1. ženijný prápor - SK - SK Engineers (Opel Blitz)
2º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - L3/35 - *
3º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - L3/35 Lf - *
4º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - Somua S35
2. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 38M Toldi I - ** - Steamroller
3. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 35M L3/35
Batalionul 1 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - R1 - *
Batalionul 2 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - R2 - *
Batalionul 3 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - T-38 - *
1 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - Panzer 38(t) - *
3 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - L3/33
I Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES - OS11 - Trubia - ** - Steamroller
II Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES - OS11 - Verdeja 2 - ** - Steamroller
1. tankový prápor - SK - OS11 - LT vz.35
1º Battaglione Autoblindo - IT - OS11 - Lancia IZM - *** - Tommaso Lequio di Assaba
2º Battaglione Autoblindo - IT - Sahariana
Batalionul 1 de Cavalerie Blindat - RO - OS11 - OA vz.30 - **
1 Razuznavatelen Batal’on - BG - OS11 - SdKfz 222 - **
I Batallón de Automóviles Blindados - ES - OS11 - UNL-35 - ***
1. mechanizovaný prápor - SK - OS11 - OA vz.30 - *
1º Battaglione Cannoni Controcarro - IT - OS12 - 47/32 M35 (Truck) - *
1. Páncéltörő Zászlóalj - HU - OS12 - 3.7 cm Pak 36 (Opel Blitz)
2. Páncéltörő Zászlóalj - HU - OS12 - 47mm FRC (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 de Tunuri Anticar - RO - OS12 - 37mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 2 de Tunuri Anticar - RO - OS12 - 47mm Schneider (Opel Blitz)
1 Protivotankov Batal’on - BG - OS12 - 37mm 36M (Opel Blitz)
I Batallón de Antitanques - ES - OS12 - 37mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)
1. protitankový prápor - SK - OS12 - 3,7 cm KPÚV vz.37 (Opel Blitz)
1º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - 149mm 149/19 (Lancia 3Ro) - *** - Giuseppe D'Amico
2º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - 105mm 105/28 (Lancia 3Ro) - **
3º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - OS11 - 75/32 M37 (Truck) - ** - Skilled Support
4º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - OS11 - 75mm 75/27 (Truck) - ** - Skilled Support
1. Tüzérosztály - HU - 150mm Bofors (Opel Blitz) - *
3. Tüzérosztály - HU - OS11 - 80mm 18M (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 Artilerie - RO - 150mm model 1934 (Opel Blitz) - *
Batalionul 3 Artilerie - RO - OS11 - 75mm model 1897 (Opel Blitz)
2 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - 10.5 cm M.1935 (Opel Blitz) - *
3 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - OS11 - 7.5 cm M.1904 (Opel Blitz)
1. delostrelecký prápor - SK - 150mm vz.25 (Opel Blitz)
2. delostrelecký prápor - SK - 100mm Škoda vz.14/19 (Opel Blitz)
3. delostrelecký prápor - SK - OS11 - 75mm vz.15 (Opel Blitz)
1º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - 90/53 M41C (Lancia 3Ro)
2º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS12 - Breda 20/65 M35 (Truck)
3º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS11 - 75/46 C.A. M34 (Lancia 3Ro)
1. Légvédelmi Zászlóalj - HU - 88mm 29/38M (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 2 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS11 - 75mm Vickers/Resita (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 3 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS12 - 3.7 cm FlaK 37 (Opel Blitz)
1 Protivovŭzdushna Batal’on - BG - OS12 - 2 cm FlaK 30 (Opel Blitz)
2 Protivovŭzdushna Batal’on - BG - 8.8 cm FlaK 18 (Opel Blitz)
1. protilietadlový prápor - SK - OS12 - 20mm VKPL vz.36 (Opel Blitz)
2. protilietadlový prápor - SK - 83.5mm Škoda vz.22 (Opel Blitz)
1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 1 - IT - OS11 - CR.42 Falco - **
1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 2 - IT - G.50 - *
1/2. Vadászszázad - HU - Re.2000
1/3. Vadászszázad - HU - OS11 - CR.42
Escadrila 1 Vanatoare - RO - OS11 - PZL P.11f
Escadrila 2 Vanatoare - RO - Bf 109E
Escadrila 3 Vanatoare - RO - OS11 - Bf 110C
1 Iztrebitelen Polk 1 Yato - BG - D.520
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 1 - IT - SM.79 - **
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 2 - IT - Ca.135 - **
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 3 - IT - Fiat BR.20 - *
1/1. Bombázószázad - HU - Ca.135
Escadrila 1 Bombardment - RO - JRS-79 - *
1 Bombardirovŭchen Polk 1 Yato - BG - OS11 - PZL.43 - **
1º Grupo de Apoyo 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - OS11 - Hs 123a
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 4 - IT - CANT Z.1007
1/1. Bombázószázad - HU - OS12 - Ju 86 - *
1/2. Bombázószázad - HU - OS12 - Do 17Z
Escadrila 2 Bombardment - RO - OS11 - PZL 37B Łoś
1 Bombardirovŭchen Polk 2 Yato - BG - OS12 - Do 17Z
1º Grupo de Bombardeo 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - OS11 - He 111H2

Highlights


1/1. Vadászszázad learns the hard way that despite the technical superiority of the new Bf 109E planes, numbers can overcome the difference.


Hungarian infantry bravely holds one of the important river crossings.


Tank raid traps some of the troops attacking Taipale. The Soviet need to be defeated quickly in case of reinforcements that could trap the surrounding axis troops in a twist of fate.


Once the attackers in the west are stopped, the general spots an opportunity to push forward...


...but not too far, as new waves of Soviet troops never stop coming.

Summary:

Final Prestige: 7070 (up 3005)

Overall:

The Finns were really grateful for the opportunity to reorganize their army. It was clear they cannot resist forever, but they were now in a position to negotiate peace at much better terms than initially estimated. The war also meant that they would be willing to supply general Bertorelli with some forces moving forward as a token of appreciation for this help and also hoping to regain terrain lost now. However, for the time being it was time to leave Finland and move to another Nordic country, a foothold for further operations by Germany in which the general's troops were supposed to further assist.

[Tassadar]

AO 1939 - Denmark

General Bertorelli was to lead the operation against Denmark. The country only had a small military, so Germans thought their forces could secure on their next plans and leave this to others. The commander also thought this would not be a lengthy conflict and as such allowed most of the veterans to rest, using mostly the reserve troops that only had limited front line service so far. He also ordered a lot of bombers to be prepared, to suppress any troops that were attempting to organize in Denmark, since the flat terrain there made any ground units easy targets.

Starting Prestige (after purchases and replacements): 6726

New Equipment Provided:

1º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - M13/40
Escadrila 1 Vanatoare - RO - OS11 - He 112
Hävittäjälentolaivue 1 - FI - OS11 - G.50

First reports cam in about the test of the new Italian M13/40 tank. It was only a slight upgrade over the predecessor, but the gun being in a turret proved a much better design than having it in the hull. Captured Somua S35 tanks were still better, so Italian tank constructors knew there is room for improvement. In the meantime, Romania and Finland managed to secure some more modern fighters, to replace the obsolete ones used so far.

Starting Army Composition:

Infantry

1º Reggimento Paracadutisti - IT - OS16 - IT Paratroops
1. Műszaki Ezred - HU - HU Engineers (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 2 Infanterie - RO - OS16 - RO HW Inf (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 Geniu - RO - RO Engineers (Opel Blitz)
1 Pekhoten Batal’on - BG - OS16 - BG Infantry (Opel Blitz)
1. pechotný prápor - SK - OS16 - SK Infantry (Opel Blitz)
1. ženijný prápor - SK - SK Engineers (Opel Blitz)

Tank

1. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - Panzer 38(t)A - * - Steamroller
Batalionul 1 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - R1 - *
Batalionul 3 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - T-38 - *
1 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - Panzer 38(t) - *
1. tankový prápor - SK - OS11 - LT vz.35

Recon

Batalionul 1 de Cavalerie Blindat - RO - OS11 - OA vz.30 - **
1 Razuznavatelen Batal’on - BG - OS11 - SdKfz 222 - **
1. mechanizovaný prápor - SK - OS11 - OA vz.30 - *

Artillery

3. Tüzérosztály - HU - OS11 - 80mm 18M (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 2 Artilerie - RO - 105mm model 1913 (Opel Blitz) - *
Batalionul 3 Artilerie - RO - OS11 - 75mm model 1897 (Opel Blitz)
3 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - OS11 - 7.5 cm M.1904 (Opel Blitz)
I Batallón de Artillería de Campaña - ES - 122mm M10/30 (Opel Blitz) - *
1. delostrelecký prápor - SK - 150mm vz.25 (Opel Blitz)
2. delostrelecký prápor - SK - 100mm Škoda vz.14/19 (Opel Blitz)
3. delostrelecký prápor - SK - OS11 - 75mm vz.15 (Opel Blitz)

Fighter

Escadrila 3 Vanatoare - RO - OS11 - Bf 110C

Tactical Bomber

1/1. Bombázószázad - HU - Ca.135

Strategic Bomber

1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 4 - IT - CANT Z.1007
1/1. Bombázószázad - HU - OS12 - Ju 86 - *
1/2. Bombázószázad - HU - OS12 - Do 17Z
1 Bombardirovŭchen Polk 2 Yato - BG - OS12 - Do 17Z
1º Grupo de Bombardeo 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - OS11 - He 111H2

Reserve

1º Reggimento Fanteria - IT - OS16 - IT Infantry (Truck) - **
2º Reggimento Fanteria - IT - IT HW Inf (Truck) - * - Survivor
1º Reggimento di Cavalleria - IT - OS16 - IT Cavalry - *
1º Reggimento Genio Guastatori - IT - IT Engineers (Truck) - * - Survivor
1º Reggimento Genio Pontieri - IT - OS17 - IT Bridge Eng (Truck)
1º Reggimento Alpini - IT - OS16 - Alpini
1º Reggimento Bersaglieri - IT - OS16 - Bersaglieri (Opel Blitz)
1. Lövészzászlóalj - HU - OS16 - HU Infantry (Opel Blitz) - * - László Duska
2. Lövészzászlóalj - HU - OS16 - HU HW Inf (Opel Blitz)
1. Pontonos Hidász Ezred - HU - OS17 - HU Bridge Eng (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 Infanterie - RO - OS16 - RO Infantry (Opel Blitz) - *
Batalionul 2 Geniu - RO - OS17 - RO Bridge Eng (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 Vânători de Munte - RO - OS16 - RO Mnt Inf
1 Konen Batal’on - BG - OS16 - BG Cavalry - * - Nikola Mutafchiev
I Batallón de Infantería - ES - Azul Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - ** - Teodoro Palacios Cueto
II Batallón de Infantería - ES - OS16 - Regulares (Opel Blitz)
I Batallón de Caballería - ES - OS16 - ES Cavalry
Jalkaväkirykmentti 1 - FI - OS16 - FI Infantry (Opel Blitz)
Pioneeripataljoona 1 - FI - FI Engineers (Opel Blitz)
1º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - M13/40 - ** - Steamroller, Luigi Arbib Pascucci
2º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - L3/35 - *
3º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - L3/35 Lf - *
4º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - Somua S35
2. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 38M Toldi I - ** - Steamroller
3. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 35M L3/35
Batalionul 2 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - R2 - *
2 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - Panzer 35(t) - *
3 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - L3/33
I Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES - OS11 - Trubia - ** - Steamroller
II Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES - OS11 - Verdeja 2 - ** - Steamroller
I Panssaripataljoona - FI - OS11 - T-26 - * - Survivor
II Panssaripataljoona - FI - OS11 - BT-5
1º Battaglione Autoblindo - IT - OS11 - Lancia IZM - *** - Tommaso Lequio di Assaba
2º Battaglione Autoblindo - IT - Sahariana
1. Felderítő Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 39M Csaba - ***
I Batallón de Automóviles Blindados - ES - OS11 - UNL-35 - ***
Ratsuväkiprikaati 1 - FI - OS11 - BA-6 - *
1º Battaglione Cannoni Controcarro - IT - OS12 - 47/32 M35 (Truck) - *
1. Páncéltörő Zászlóalj - HU - OS12 - 3.7 cm Pak 36 (Opel Blitz)
2. Páncéltörő Zászlóalj - HU - OS12 - 47mm FRC (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 de Tunuri Anticar - RO - OS12 - 37mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 2 de Tunuri Anticar - RO - OS12 - 47mm Schneider (Opel Blitz)
1 Protivotankov Batal’on - BG - OS12 - 37mm 36M (Opel Blitz)
I Batallón de Antitanques - ES - OS12 - 37mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)
Kenttätykistörykmentti 1 - FI - OS12 - 37mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)
1. protitankový prápor - SK - OS12 - 3,7 cm KPÚV vz.37 (Opel Blitz)
1º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - 149mm 149/19 (Lancia 3Ro) - *** - Giuseppe D'Amico
2º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - 105mm 105/28 (Lancia 3Ro) - **
3º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - OS11 - 75/32 M37 (Truck) - ** - Skilled Support
4º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - OS11 - 75mm 75/27 (Truck) - ** - Skilled Support
1. Tüzérosztály - HU - 150mm Bofors (Opel Blitz) - *
2. Tüzérosztály - HU - 105mm 37M (Opel Blitz) - *
Batalionul 1 Artilerie - RO - 150mm model 1934 (Opel Blitz) - *
1 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - 12 cm M.1909 (Opel Blitz) - *
2 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - 10.5 cm M.1935 (Opel Blitz) - *
II Batallón de Artillería de Campaña - ES - 105mm Vickers M22 (Opel Blitz) - **
1º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - 90/53 M41C (Lancia 3Ro)
2º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS12 - Breda 20/65 M35 (Truck)
3º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS11 - 75/46 C.A. M34 (Lancia 3Ro)
1. Légvédelmi Zászlóalj - HU - 88mm 29/38M (Opel Blitz)
2. Légvédelmi Zászlóalj - HU - OS12 - 40mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS12 - 25mm Hotchkiss (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 2 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS11 - 75mm Vickers/Resita (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 3 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS12 - 3.7 cm FlaK 37 (Opel Blitz)
1 Protivovŭzdushna Batal’on - BG - OS12 - 2 cm FlaK 30 (Opel Blitz)
2 Protivovŭzdushna Batal’on - BG - 8.8 cm FlaK 18 (Opel Blitz)
I. Ilmatorjuntapatteri - FI - OS12 - 2 cm FlaK 38 (Opel Blitz)
II. Ilmatorjuntapatteri - FI - OS12 - 40 mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)
1. protilietadlový prápor - SK - OS12 - 20mm VKPL vz.36 (Opel Blitz)
2. protilietadlový prápor - SK - 83.5mm Škoda vz.22 (Opel Blitz)
1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 1 - IT - OS11 - CR.42 Falco - **
1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 2 - IT - G.50 - *
1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 3 - IT - MC.200 Saetta - * - Adriano Visconti
1/1. Vadászszázad - HU - Bf 109E - **
1/2. Vadászszázad - HU - Re.2000
1/3. Vadászszázad - HU - OS11 - CR.42
Escadrila 1 Vanatoare - RO - OS11 - He 112
Escadrila 2 Vanatoare - RO - Bf 109E
1 Iztrebitelen Polk 1 Yato - BG - D.520
1º Grupo de Caza 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - OS11 - I-16 - ** - Joaquin Garcia Morato
Hävittäjälentolaivue 1 - FI - OS11 - G.50
Hävittäjälentolaivue 2 - FI - OS11 - Fokker D.XXI
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 1 - IT - SM.79 - **
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 2 - IT - Ca.135 - **
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 3 - IT - Fiat BR.20 - *
1º Gruppo Bombardamento Veloce Sq 1 - IT - OS11 - Breda Ba.65 - ** - Giuseppe Cenni
1º Gruppo Ricognizione Sq 1 - IT - OS12 - IMAM Ro.37 - **
Escadrila 1 Bombardment - RO - JRS-79 - *
1 Bombardirovŭchen Polk 1 Yato - BG - OS11 - PZL.43 - **
1º Grupo de Apoyo 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - OS11 - Hs 123a
Pommituslentolaivue 1 - FI - OS11 - Fokker C.X
Escadrila 2 Bombardment - RO - OS11 - PZL 37B Łoś

Highlights


Slovak troops land between Korsor and Gedser with the intent to move north and secure Copenhagen.


Meanwhile the remaining armies move on the mainland, through the fortified bunker lines.


Danish motorbike troops prove quite effective against light tanks! Hungarian crews are unpleasantly surprised.


Italian paratroopers are used in combat for the very first time with a decent effect.

Summary:

Final Prestige: 9237 (up 2511)

Overall:

Securing Denmark went swiftly, there was very little resistance aside from a few concentrated groups of Danish troops. Still, without any major air and artillery support, relying mostly on infantry and motorbikes, they could not operate efficiently enough to stop the invasion, especially because of the flat terrain that the country was known for. Invasion ended exceptionally quickly and now the general could shift his focus to the plans Wagner informed him about. Germany was apparently ready to secure Norway and then attack France, a challenging task that required all the extra support they could get.

AO 1939 - Summary

Starting Prestige: 233
Final Prestige: 9237 (up 9004)

Final Army Composition:

Infantry

1º Reggimento Fanteria - IT - OS16 - IT Infantry (Truck) - **
2º Reggimento Fanteria - IT - IT HW Inf (Truck) - * - Survivor
1º Reggimento di Cavalleria - IT - OS16 - IT Cavalry - *
1º Reggimento Genio Guastatori - IT - IT Engineers (Truck) - * - Survivor
1º Reggimento Genio Pontieri - IT - OS17 - IT Bridge Eng (Truck)
1º Reggimento Paracadutisti - IT - OS16 - IT Paratroops
1º Reggimento Alpini - IT - OS16 - Alpini
1º Reggimento Bersaglieri - IT - OS16 - Bersaglieri (Opel Blitz)
1. Lövészzászlóalj - HU - OS16 - HU Infantry (Opel Blitz) - * - László Duska
2. Lövészzászlóalj - HU - OS16 - HU HW Inf (Opel Blitz)
1. Műszaki Ezred - HU - HU Engineers (Opel Blitz)
1. Pontonos Hidász Ezred - HU - OS17 - HU Bridge Eng (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 Infanterie - RO - OS16 - RO Infantry (Opel Blitz) - *
Batalionul 2 Infanterie - RO - OS16 - RO HW Inf (Opel Blitz) - *
Batalionul 1 Geniu - RO - RO Engineers (Opel Blitz) - *
Batalionul 2 Geniu - RO - OS17 - RO Bridge Eng (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 Vânători de Munte - RO - OS16 - RO Mnt Inf
1 Pekhoten Batal’on - BG - OS16 - BG Infantry (Opel Blitz) - *
1 Konen Batal’on - BG - OS16 - BG Cavalry - * - Nikola Mutafchiev
I Batallón de Infantería - ES - Azul Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - ** - Teodoro Palacios Cueto
II Batallón de Infantería - ES - OS16 - Regulares (Opel Blitz)
I Batallón de Caballería - ES - OS16 - ES Cavalry
Jalkaväkirykmentti 1 - FI - OS16 - FI Infantry (Opel Blitz)
Pioneeripataljoona 1 - FI - FI Engineers (Opel Blitz)
1. pechotný prápor - SK - OS16 - SK Infantry (Opel Blitz)
1. ženijný prápor - SK - SK Engineers (Opel Blitz)

Tank

1º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - M13/40 - ** - Steamroller, Luigi Arbib Pascucci
2º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - L3/35 - *
3º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - L3/35 Lf - *
4º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - Somua S35
1. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - Panzer 38(t)A - ** - Steamroller
2. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 38M Toldi I - ** - Steamroller
3. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 35M L3/35
Batalionul 1 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - R1 - *
Batalionul 2 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - R2 - *
Batalionul 3 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - T-38 - *
1 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - Panzer 38(t) - *
2 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - Panzer 35(t) - *
3 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - L3/33
I Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES - OS11 - Trubia - ** - Steamroller
II Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES - OS11 - Verdeja 2 - ** - Steamroller
I Panssaripataljoona - FI - OS11 - T-26 - * - Survivor
II Panssaripataljoona - FI - OS11 - BT-5
1. tankový prápor - SK - OS11 - LT vz.35

Recon

1º Battaglione Autoblindo - IT - OS11 - Lancia IZM - *** - Tommaso Lequio di Assaba
2º Battaglione Autoblindo - IT - Sahariana
1. Felderítő Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 39M Csaba - ***
Batalionul 1 de Cavalerie Blindat - RO - OS11 - OA vz.30 - **
1 Razuznavatelen Batal’on - BG - OS11 - SdKfz 222 - **
I Batallón de Automóviles Blindados - ES - OS11 - UNL-35 - ***
Ratsuväkiprikaati 1 - FI - OS11 - BA-6 - *
1. mechanizovaný prápor - SK - OS11 - OA vz.30 - *

Anti-Tank

1º Battaglione Cannoni Controcarro - IT - OS12 - 47/32 M35 (Truck) - *
1. Páncéltörő Zászlóalj - HU - OS12 - 3.7 cm Pak 36 (Opel Blitz)
2. Páncéltörő Zászlóalj - HU - OS12 - 47mm FRC (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 de Tunuri Anticar - RO - OS12 - 37mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 2 de Tunuri Anticar - RO - OS12 - 47mm Schneider (Opel Blitz)
1 Protivotankov Batal’on - BG - OS12 - 37mm 36M (Opel Blitz)
I Batallón de Antitanques - ES - OS12 - 37mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)
Kenttätykistörykmentti 1 - FI - OS12 - 37mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)
1. protitankový prápor - SK - OS12 - 3,7 cm KPÚV vz.37 (Opel Blitz)

Artillery

1º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - 149mm 149/19 (Lancia 3Ro) - *** - Giuseppe D'Amico
2º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - 105mm 105/28 (Lancia 3Ro) - **
3º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - OS11 - 75/32 M37 (Truck) - ** - Skilled Support
4º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - OS11 - 75mm 75/27 (Truck) - ** - Skilled Support
1. Tüzérosztály - HU - 150mm Bofors (Opel Blitz) - *
2. Tüzérosztály - HU - 105mm 37M (Opel Blitz) - *
3. Tüzérosztály - HU - OS11 - 80mm 18M (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 Artilerie - RO - 150mm model 1934 (Opel Blitz) - *
Batalionul 2 Artilerie - RO - 105mm model 1913 (Opel Blitz) - *
Batalionul 3 Artilerie - RO - OS11 - 75mm model 1897 (Opel Blitz) - *
1 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - 12 cm M.1909 (Opel Blitz) - *
2 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - 10.5 cm M.1935 (Opel Blitz) - *
3 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - OS11 - 7.5 cm M.1904 (Opel Blitz)
I Batallón de Artillería de Campaña - ES - 122mm M10/30 (Opel Blitz) - *
II Batallón de Artillería de Campaña - ES - 105mm Vickers M22 (Opel Blitz) - **
1. delostrelecký prápor - SK - 150mm vz.25 (Opel Blitz)
2. delostrelecký prápor - SK - 100mm Škoda vz.14/19 (Opel Blitz)
3. delostrelecký prápor - SK - OS11 - 75mm vz.15 (Opel Blitz)

Anti-Aircraft

1º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - 90/53 M41C (Lancia 3Ro)
2º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS12 - Breda 20/65 M35 (Truck)
3º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS11 - 75/46 C.A. M34 (Lancia 3Ro)
1. Légvédelmi Zászlóalj - HU - 88mm 29/38M (Opel Blitz)
2. Légvédelmi Zászlóalj - HU - OS12 - 40mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS12 - 25mm Hotchkiss (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 2 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS11 - 75mm Vickers/Resita (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 3 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS12 - 3.7 cm FlaK 37 (Opel Blitz)
1 Protivovŭzdushna Batal’on - BG - OS12 - 2 cm FlaK 30 (Opel Blitz)
2 Protivovŭzdushna Batal’on - BG - 8.8 cm FlaK 18 (Opel Blitz)
I. Ilmatorjuntapatteri - FI - OS12 - 2 cm FlaK 38 (Opel Blitz)
II. Ilmatorjuntapatteri - FI - OS12 - 40 mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)
1. protilietadlový prápor - SK - OS12 - 20mm VKPL vz.36 (Opel Blitz)
2. protilietadlový prápor - SK - 83.5mm Škoda vz.22 (Opel Blitz)

Fighter

1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 1 - IT - OS11 - CR.42 Falco - **
1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 2 - IT - G.50 - *
1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 3 - IT - MC.200 Saetta - * - Adriano Visconti
1/1. Vadászszázad - HU - Bf 109E - **
1/2. Vadászszázad - HU - Re.2000
1/3. Vadászszázad - HU - OS11 - CR.42
Escadrila 1 Vanatoare - RO - OS11 - He 112
Escadrila 2 Vanatoare - RO - Bf 109E
Escadrila 3 Vanatoare - RO - OS11 - Bf 110C
1 Iztrebitelen Polk 1 Yato - BG - D.520
1º Grupo de Caza 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - OS11 - I-16 - ** - Joaquin Garcia Morato
Hävittäjälentolaivue 1 - FI - OS11 - G.50
Hävittäjälentolaivue 2 - FI - OS11 - Fokker D.XXI

Tactical Bomber

1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 1 - IT - SM.79 - **
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 2 - IT - Ca.135 - **
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 3 - IT - Fiat BR.20 - *
1º Gruppo Bombardamento Veloce Sq 1 - IT - OS11 - Breda Ba.65 - ** - Giuseppe Cenni
1º Gruppo Ricognizione Sq 1 - IT - OS12 - IMAM Ro.37 - **
1/1. Bombázószázad - HU - Ca.135 - *
Escadrila 1 Bombardment - RO - JRS-79 - *
1 Bombardirovŭchen Polk 1 Yato - BG - OS11 - PZL.43 - **
1º Grupo de Apoyo 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - OS11 - Hs 123a
Pommituslentolaivue 1 - FI - OS11 - Fokker C.X

Strategic Bomber

1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 4 - IT - CANT Z.1007 - *
1/1. Bombázószázad - HU - OS12 - Ju 86 - *
1/2. Bombázószázad - HU - OS12 - Do 17Z
Escadrila 2 Bombardment - RO - OS11 - PZL 37B Łoś
1 Bombardirovŭchen Polk 2 Yato - BG - OS12 - Do 17Z
1º Grupo de Bombardeo 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - OS11 - He 111H2

Thoughts:

As clearly visible, the core grew greatly in 1939. My force now has a decent amount of units for each nation and while some have a more viable options than others, it is right now enough to use all reliably and to continue the option to swp the roster in specific missions. In 1940 I will continue to use specific nations for many scenarios, only combining them for major operations, training, or specific missions with unusual objectives (Dunkirk for example). This will further put focus on the fact that experience units are hard to come by, so training scenarios need to be efficiently used. AO 1939 also brought a lot of needed equipment upgrades and once again the roster shines in a few areas, but is far behind German versions in others and it all depends on the nation as well. The French will not be an easy enemy, especially with de Gaulle and the British and their Spitfires and Matildas are bound to give me some headaches as well. I wonder how prestige will look like, as 1939 was not too bad, as the enemies get better, the damage to my troops will also grow by a lot.

[Tassadar]

AO 1940 - Fornebu

It first seemed that the invasion of Norway by the Germans will go quickly and not require general Bertorelli's attention. While overall the view on the attack did not change since the beginning, the commander was asked to intervene after things went wrong near Oslo. Germans trying to secure the capital ran into multiple obstacles. One of their capital ships was burning and possibly impossible to save, while paratroopers got surrounded without any heavy support. As such, part of the forces used to take over Denmark and some veterans were rushed to help in this area. Ideally saving both the damaged ship and the paratroopers was something the general could aim for, but ultimately if all else fails, he was to just establish a foothold for further German reinforcements. His army was not supposed to move further due to a much larger operation planned for later.

Starting Prestige (after purchases and replacements): 8546

Hero:


Edorado Sala was assigned as the officer in charge of the paratrooper unit. Contrary to the Germans, general Bertorelli did not have a large airborne force at his disposal, but a small elite unit equipped with precision weapons and capable of marching through all terrain with ease gave some valuable tactical flexibility.


Reino Lehväslaiho was one of the first experienced tank commanders from Finland. He became known in the Winter War for how efficient he was at fighting Soviet tanks with captured equipment and as such was about to take command of I Panssaripataljoona and continue serving on T-26 tanks.


Mario Visintini was the last newly appointed officer, a biplane fighter ace whose skills allowed him to extend the life cycle of the CR.42 fighters. He was also known for being able to take off faster than any other pilot, a skill quite useful on the front line in case of unexpected enemy raids.

Starting Army Composition:

Infantry

1º Reggimento di Cavalleria - IT - OS16 - IT Cavalry - *
1º Reggimento Paracadutisti - IT - OS16 - IT Paratroops - Edorado Sala
1. Lövészzászlóalj - HU - OS16 - HU Infantry (Opel Blitz) - * - László Duska
1. Műszaki Ezred - HU - HU Engineers (Opel Blitz)
1 Konen Batal’on - BG - OS16 - BG Cavalry - * - Nikola Mutafchiev
1. pechotný prápor - SK - OS16 - SK Infantry (Opel Blitz)
1. ženijný prápor - SK - SK Engineers (Opel Blitz)

Tank

3º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - L3/35 Lf - *
Batalionul 1 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - R1 - *
Batalionul 3 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - T-38 - *
II Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES - OS11 - Verdeja 2 - ** - Steamroller
1. tankový prápor - SK - OS11 - LT vz.35

Recon

Batalionul 1 de Cavalerie Blindat - RO - OS11 - OA vz.30 - **
1. mechanizovaný prápor - SK - OS11 - OA vz.30 - *

Anti-Tank

1. protitankový prápor - SK - OS12 - 3,7 cm KPÚV vz.37 (Opel Blitz)

Artillery

1. Tüzérosztály - HU - 150mm Bofors (Opel Blitz) - *
1 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - 12 cm M.1909 (Opel Blitz) - *
I Batallón de Artillería de Campaña - ES - 122mm M10/30 (Opel Blitz) - *
1. delostrelecký prápor - SK - 150mm vz.25 (Opel Blitz)
2. delostrelecký prápor - SK - 100mm Škoda vz.14/19 (Opel Blitz)
3. delostrelecký prápor - SK - OS11 - 75mm vz.15 (Opel Blitz)

Anti-Aircraft

1. protilietadlový prápor - SK - OS12 - 20mm VKPL vz.36 (Opel Blitz)

Fighter

1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 1 - IT - OS11 - CR.42 Falco - ** - Mario Visintini
Escadrila 3 Vanatoare - RO - OS11 - Bf 110C
1º Grupo de Caza 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - OS11 - I-16 - ** - Joaquin Garcia Morato

Tactical Bomber

1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 1 - IT - SM.79 - **
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 2 - IT - Ca.135 - **
1º Gruppo Bombardamento Veloce Sq 1 - IT - OS11 - Breda Ba.65 - ** - Giuseppe Cenni
Escadrila 1 Bombardment - RO - JRS-79 - *

Strategic Bomber

1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 4 - IT - CANT Z.1007 - *

Reserve

1º Reggimento Fanteria - IT - OS16 - IT Infantry (Truck) - **
2º Reggimento Fanteria - IT - IT HW Inf (Truck) - * - Survivor
1º Reggimento Genio Guastatori - IT - IT Engineers (Truck) - * - Survivor
1º Reggimento Genio Pontieri - IT - OS17 - IT Bridge Eng (Truck)
1º Reggimento Alpini - IT - OS16 - Alpini
1º Reggimento Bersaglieri - IT - OS16 - Bersaglieri (Opel Blitz)
2. Lövészzászlóalj - HU - OS16 - HU HW Inf (Opel Blitz)
1. Pontonos Hidász Ezred - HU - OS17 - HU Bridge Eng (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 Infanterie - RO - OS16 - RO Infantry (Opel Blitz) - *
Batalionul 2 Infanterie - RO - OS16 - RO HW Inf (Opel Blitz) - *
Batalionul 1 Geniu - RO - RO Engineers (Opel Blitz) - *
Batalionul 2 Geniu - RO - OS17 - RO Bridge Eng (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 Vânători de Munte - RO - OS16 - RO Mnt Inf
1 Pekhoten Batal’on - BG - OS16 - BG Infantry (Opel Blitz) - *
I Batallón de Infantería - ES - Azul Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - ** - Teodoro Palacios Cueto
II Batallón de Infantería - ES - OS16 - Regulares (Opel Blitz)
I Batallón de Caballería - ES - OS16 - ES Cavalry
Jalkaväkirykmentti 1 - FI - OS16 - FI Infantry (Opel Blitz)
Pioneeripataljoona 1 - FI - FI Engineers (Opel Blitz)
1º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - M13/40 - ** - Steamroller, Luigi Arbib Pascucci
2º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - L3/35 - *
4º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - Somua S35
1. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - Panzer 38(t)A - ** - Steamroller
2. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 38M Toldi I - ** - Steamroller
3. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 35M L3/35
Batalionul 2 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - R2 - *
1 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - Panzer 38(t) - *
2 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - Panzer 35(t) - *
3 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - L3/33
I Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES - OS11 - Trubia - ** - Steamroller
I Panssaripataljoona - FI - OS11 - T-26 - * - Survivor, Reino Lehväslaiho
II Panssaripataljoona - FI - OS11 - BT-5
1º Battaglione Autoblindo - IT - OS11 - Lancia IZM - *** - Tommaso Lequio di Assaba
2º Battaglione Autoblindo - IT - Sahariana
1. Felderítő Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 39M Csaba - ***
1 Razuznavatelen Batal’on - BG - OS11 - SdKfz 222 - **
I Batallón de Automóviles Blindados - ES - OS11 - UNL-35 - ***
Ratsuväkiprikaati 1 - FI - OS11 - BA-6 - *
1º Battaglione Cannoni Controcarro - IT - OS12 - 47/32 M35 (Truck) - *
1. Páncéltörő Zászlóalj - HU - OS12 - 3.7 cm Pak 36 (Opel Blitz)
2. Páncéltörő Zászlóalj - HU - OS12 - 47mm FRC (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 de Tunuri Anticar - RO - OS12 - 37mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 2 de Tunuri Anticar - RO - OS12 - 47mm Schneider (Opel Blitz)
1 Protivotankov Batal’on - BG - OS12 - 37mm 36M (Opel Blitz)
I Batallón de Antitanques - ES - OS12 - 37mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)
Kenttätykistörykmentti 1 - FI - OS12 - 37mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)
1º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - 149mm 149/19 (Lancia 3Ro) - *** - Giuseppe D'Amico
2º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - 105mm 105/28 (Lancia 3Ro) - **
3º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - OS11 - 75/32 M37 (Truck) - ** - Skilled Support
4º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - OS11 - 75mm 75/27 (Truck) - ** - Skilled Support
2. Tüzérosztály - HU - 105mm 37M (Opel Blitz) - *
3. Tüzérosztály - HU - OS11 - 80mm 18M (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 Artilerie - RO - 150mm model 1934 (Opel Blitz) - *
Batalionul 2 Artilerie - RO - 105mm model 1913 (Opel Blitz) - *
Batalionul 3 Artilerie - RO - OS11 - 75mm model 1897 (Opel Blitz) - *
2 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - 10.5 cm M.1935 (Opel Blitz) - *
3 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - OS11 - 7.5 cm M.1904 (Opel Blitz)
II Batallón de Artillería de Campaña - ES - 105mm Vickers M22 (Opel Blitz) - **
1º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - 90/53 M41C (Lancia 3Ro)
2º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS12 - Breda 20/65 M35 (Truck)
3º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS11 - 75/46 C.A. M34 (Lancia 3Ro)
1. Légvédelmi Zászlóalj - HU - 88mm 29/38M (Opel Blitz)
2. Légvédelmi Zászlóalj - HU - OS12 - 40mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS12 - 25mm Hotchkiss (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 2 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS11 - 75mm Vickers/Resita (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 3 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS12 - 3.7 cm FlaK 37 (Opel Blitz)
1 Protivovŭzdushna Batal’on - BG - OS12 - 2 cm FlaK 30 (Opel Blitz)
2 Protivovŭzdushna Batal’on - BG - 8.8 cm FlaK 18 (Opel Blitz)
I. Ilmatorjuntapatteri - FI - OS12 - 2 cm FlaK 38 (Opel Blitz)
II. Ilmatorjuntapatteri - FI - OS12 - 40 mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)
2. protilietadlový prápor - SK - 83.5mm Škoda vz.22 (Opel Blitz)
1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 2 - IT - G.50 - *
1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 3 - IT - MC.200 Saetta - * - Adriano Visconti
1/1. Vadászszázad - HU - Bf 109E - **
1/2. Vadászszázad - HU - Re.2000
1/3. Vadászszázad - HU - OS11 - CR.42
Escadrila 1 Vanatoare - RO - OS11 - He 112
Escadrila 2 Vanatoare - RO - Bf 109E
1 Iztrebitelen Polk 1 Yato - BG - D.520
Hävittäjälentolaivue 1 - FI - OS11 - G.50
Hävittäjälentolaivue 2 - FI - OS11 - Fokker D.XXI
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 3 - IT - Fiat BR.20 - *
1º Gruppo Ricognizione Sq 1 - IT - OS12 - IMAM Ro.37 - **
1/1. Bombázószázad - HU - Ca.135 - *
1 Bombardirovŭchen Polk 1 Yato - BG - OS11 - PZL.43 - **
1º Grupo de Apoyo 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - OS11 - Hs 123a
Pommituslentolaivue 1 - FI - OS11 - Fokker C.X
1/1. Bombázószázad - HU - OS12 - Ju 86 - *
1/2. Bombázószázad - HU - OS12 - Do 17Z
Escadrila 2 Bombardment - RO - OS11 - PZL 37B Łoś
1 Bombardirovŭchen Polk 2 Yato - BG - OS12 - Do 17Z
1º Grupo de Bombardeo 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - OS11 - He 111H2

Highlights


Sala's paratroopers and a large bomber force assault the Oscarbor fortress in an attempt to save the Blücher.


Mario Visintini and his 1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 1 make use of the ace's ability to quickly rebase and assist the paratroopers stranded in the north near Fornebu, trying to repel opposing fighters and providing ground support.


That was too close for comfort! The Blücher is still burning and barely able to move, but it should stay afloat and later should be possible to repair.


After dealing with Oscarborg, all the planes fly north to help deal with armored forces that endanger the paratroopers who lacked any weapons suitable to penetrate the armor of even the lighter vehicles.


With defenders near Fornebu defeated, the road to Oslo is open with no major resistance encountered on the way.

Summary:

Final Prestige: 9501 (up 955)

Overall:

Since Norwegian forces lacked larger amounts of heavy artillery, modern planes and tanks, the main difficulty of the operation was limited time. General Bertorelli was able to prioritize the tasks for his force accordingly and this allowed him to both prevent the Blücher from sinking, as well as saving the paratroopers and grounded planes near Fornebu. With this his time in Norway came to an end. Preparations for the invasion of France were in progress and the general was forced to split his army into two groups. Before that however, Wagner organized a special training operation in former Czechosovakia, that would allow the combined force to gain valuable experience in conduction airborne operations.

[Tassadar]

AO 1940 - Undisclosed Location CZ

Paratrooper training in former Czechoslovakia has begun. Italian special forces and allied air force units were aiming to coordinate action for the upcoming German plan to attack France

Starting Prestige (after purchases and replacements): 9091

New Units Commissioned:

1º Battaglione Artiglieria Semovente - IT - OS11 - L 40 da 47/32

Based on reports from Saarbrucken it became obvious that French tanks are superior. New design started, but it was progressing painfully slowly. Luckily, thanks to the efforts in saving the Blücher, general Bertorelli was able to make Wagner pulls some strings and have Germans persuade Italian High Command to share some prototype and pre-production anti-tank vehicles. They had a decent gun on a modern chassis and could serve as a temporary measure until better solutions are developed.

Starting Army Composition:

Infantry

1º Reggimento Paracadutisti - IT - OS16 - IT Paratroops - Edorado Sala

Fighter

1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 3 - IT - MC.200 Saetta - * - Adriano Visconti
1/2. Vadászszázad - HU - Re.2000
Escadrila 2 Vanatoare - RO - Bf 109E
Escadrila 3 Vanatoare - RO - OS11 - Bf 110C
1 Iztrebitelen Polk 1 Yato - BG - D.520
Hävittäjälentolaivue 2 - FI - OS11 - Fokker D.XXI

Tactical Bomber

1º Gruppo Bombardamento Veloce Sq 1 - IT - OS11 - Breda Ba.65 - ** - Giuseppe Cenni

Reserve

1º Reggimento Fanteria - IT - OS16 - IT Infantry (Truck) - **
2º Reggimento Fanteria - IT - IT HW Inf (Truck) - * - Survivor
1º Reggimento Genio Guastatori - IT - IT Engineers (Truck) - * - Survivor
1º Reggimento Genio Pontieri - IT - OS17 - IT Bridge Eng (Truck)
1º Reggimento di Cavalleria - IT - OS16 - IT Cavalry - *
1º Reggimento Alpini - IT - OS16 - Alpini
1º Reggimento Bersaglieri - IT - OS16 - Bersaglieri (Opel Blitz)
1. Lövészzászlóalj - HU - OS16 - HU Infantry (Opel Blitz) - * - László Duska
2. Lövészzászlóalj - HU - OS16 - HU HW Inf (Opel Blitz)
1. Műszaki Ezred - HU - HU Engineers (Opel Blitz)
1. Pontonos Hidász Ezred - HU - OS17 - HU Bridge Eng (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 Infanterie - RO - OS16 - RO Infantry (Opel Blitz) - *
Batalionul 2 Infanterie - RO - OS16 - RO HW Inf (Opel Blitz) - *
Batalionul 1 Geniu - RO - RO Engineers (Opel Blitz) - *
Batalionul 2 Geniu - RO - OS17 - RO Bridge Eng (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 Vânători de Munte - RO - OS16 - RO Mnt Inf
1 Pekhoten Batal’on - BG - OS16 - BG Infantry (Opel Blitz) - *
1 Konen Batal’on - BG - OS16 - BG Cavalry - * - Nikola Mutafchiev
I Batallón de Infantería - ES - Azul Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - ** - Teodoro Palacios Cueto
II Batallón de Infantería - ES - OS16 - Regulares (Opel Blitz)
I Batallón de Caballería - ES - OS16 - ES Cavalry
Jalkaväkirykmentti 1 - FI - OS16 - FI Infantry (Opel Blitz)
Pioneeripataljoona 1 - FI - FI Engineers (Opel Blitz)
1. pechotný prápor - SK - OS16 - SK Infantry (Opel Blitz)
1. ženijný prápor - SK - SK Engineers (Opel Blitz)
1º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - M13/40 - ** - Steamroller, Luigi Arbib Pascucci
2º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - L3/35 - *
3º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - L3/35 Lf - *
4º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - Somua S35
1. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - Panzer 38(t)A - ** - Steamroller
2. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 38M Toldi I - ** - Steamroller
3. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 35M L3/35
Batalionul 1 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - R1 - * - Steamroller
Batalionul 2 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - R2 - *
Batalionul 3 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - T-38 - *
1 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - Panzer 38(t) - *
2 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - Panzer 35(t) - *
3 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - L3/33
I Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES - OS11 - Trubia - ** - Steamroller
II Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES - OS11 - Verdeja 2 - ** - Steamroller
I Panssaripataljoona - FI - OS11 - T-26 - * - Survivor, Reino Lehväslaiho
II Panssaripataljoona - FI - OS11 - BT-5
1. tankový prápor - SK - OS11 - LT vz.35
1º Battaglione Autoblindo - IT - OS11 - Lancia IZM - *** - Tommaso Lequio di Assaba
2º Battaglione Autoblindo - IT - Sahariana
1. Felderítő Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 39M Csaba - ***
Batalionul 1 de Cavalerie Blindat - RO - OS11 - OA vz.30 - **
1 Razuznavatelen Batal’on - BG - OS11 - SdKfz 222 - **
I Batallón de Automóviles Blindados - ES - OS11 - UNL-35 - ***
Ratsuväkiprikaati 1 - FI - OS11 - BA-6 - *
1. mechanizovaný prápor - SK - OS11 - OA vz.30 - *
1º Battaglione Artiglieria Semovente - IT - OS11 - L 40 da 47/32
1º Battaglione Cannoni Controcarro - IT - OS12 - 47/32 M35 (Truck) - *
1. Páncéltörő Zászlóalj - HU - OS12 - 3.7 cm Pak 36 (Opel Blitz)
2. Páncéltörő Zászlóalj - HU - OS12 - 47mm FRC (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 de Tunuri Anticar - RO - OS12 - 37mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 2 de Tunuri Anticar - RO - OS12 - 47mm Schneider (Opel Blitz)
1 Protivotankov Batal’on - BG - OS12 - 37mm 36M (Opel Blitz)
I Batallón de Antitanques - ES - OS12 - 37mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)
Kenttätykistörykmentti 1 - FI - OS12 - 37mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)
1. protitankový prápor - SK - OS12 - 3,7 cm KPÚV vz.37 (Opel Blitz)
1º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - 149mm 149/19 (Lancia 3Ro) - *** - Giuseppe D'Amico
2º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - 105mm 105/28 (Lancia 3Ro) - ** - Lorenzo Matiotti
3º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - OS11 - 75/32 M37 (Truck) - ** - Skilled Support
4º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - OS11 - 75mm 75/27 (Truck) - ** - Skilled Support
1. Tüzérosztály - HU - 150mm Bofors (Opel Blitz) - *
2. Tüzérosztály - HU - 105mm 37M (Opel Blitz) - *
3. Tüzérosztály - HU - OS11 - 80mm 18M (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 Artilerie - RO - 150mm model 1934 (Opel Blitz) - *
Batalionul 2 Artilerie - RO - 105mm model 1913 (Opel Blitz) - *
Batalionul 3 Artilerie - RO - OS11 - 75mm model 1897 (Opel Blitz) - *
1 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - 12 cm M.1909 (Opel Blitz) - *
2 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - 10.5 cm M.1935 (Opel Blitz) - *
3 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - OS11 - 7.5 cm M.1904 (Opel Blitz)
I Batallón de Artillería de Campaña - ES - 122mm M10/30 (Opel Blitz) - *
II Batallón de Artillería de Campaña - ES - 105mm Vickers M22 (Opel Blitz) - **
1. delostrelecký prápor - SK - 150mm vz.25 (Opel Blitz)
2. delostrelecký prápor - SK - 100mm Škoda vz.14/19 (Opel Blitz)
3. delostrelecký prápor - SK - OS11 - 75mm vz.15 (Opel Blitz)
1º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - 90/53 M41C (Lancia 3Ro)
2º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS12 - Breda 20/65 M35 (Truck)
3º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS11 - 75/46 C.A. M34 (Lancia 3Ro)
1. Légvédelmi Zászlóalj - HU - 88mm 29/38M (Opel Blitz)
2. Légvédelmi Zászlóalj - HU - OS12 - 40mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS12 - 25mm Hotchkiss (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 2 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS11 - 75mm Vickers/Resita (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 3 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS12 - 3.7 cm FlaK 37 (Opel Blitz)
1 Protivovŭzdushna Batal’on - BG - OS12 - 2 cm FlaK 30 (Opel Blitz)
2 Protivovŭzdushna Batal’on - BG - 8.8 cm FlaK 18 (Opel Blitz)
I. Ilmatorjuntapatteri - FI - OS12 - 2 cm FlaK 38 (Opel Blitz)
II. Ilmatorjuntapatteri - FI - OS12 - 40 mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)
1. protilietadlový prápor - SK - OS12 - 20mm VKPL vz.36 (Opel Blitz)
2. protilietadlový prápor - SK - 83.5mm Škoda vz.22 (Opel Blitz)
1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 1 - IT - OS11 - CR.42 Falco - ** - Mario Visintini
1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 2 - IT - G.50 - *
1/1. Vadászszázad - HU - Bf 109E - **
1/3. Vadászszázad - HU - OS11 - CR.42
Escadrila 1 Vanatoare - RO - OS11 - He 112
1º Grupo de Caza 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - OS11 - I-16 - ** - Joaquin Garcia Morato
Hävittäjälentolaivue 1 - FI - OS11 - G.50
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 1 - IT - SM.79 - **
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 2 - IT - Ca.135 - **
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 3 - IT - Fiat BR.20 - *
1º Gruppo Ricognizione Sq 1 - IT - OS12 - IMAM Ro.37 - **
1/1. Bombázószázad - HU - Ca.135 - *
Escadrila 1 Bombardment - RO - JRS-79 - *
1 Bombardirovŭchen Polk 1 Yato - BG - OS11 - PZL.43 - **
1º Grupo de Apoyo 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - OS11 - Hs 123a
Pommituslentolaivue 1 - FI - OS11 - Fokker C.X
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 4 - IT - CANT Z.1007 - *
1/2. Bombázószázad - HU - OS12 - Ju 86 - *
1/3. Bombázószázad - HU - OS12 - Do 17Z
Escadrila 2 Bombardment - RO - OS11 - PZL 37B Łoś
1 Bombardirovŭchen Polk 2 Yato - BG - OS12 - Do 17Z
1º Grupo de Bombardeo 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - OS11 - He 111H2

Highlights


German vehicles on the test grounds spark the interest of all their allies and make them painfully aware that the time of Panzer 38(t) might be over sooner than expected...


Officer Lorenzo Matiotti was assigned to 2º Reggimento Artiglieria as a specialist in countering enemy artillery. While he was going to operate lower caliber guns than it was the standard for such units, he allowed these lighter guns to deploy faster, shoot more precisely even at long ranges and be quite efficient when it comes to ammo spending.


Aside from paratroopers, a lot of fighter pilots benefit from the training exercise, by learning from their more experienced colleagues.

Summary:

Final Prestige: 9241 (up 150)

Overall:

With the training completed it was time to move to the French border. It was decided that Italian and Spanish forces will move through the Netherlands while the rest of the army will follow directly into France if this push is successful. This should give the Italians time to reorganize and prepare for one more secret operation the Axis had in store...

[Stormchaser]

So by that last paragraph, I take it that the Italians and Spanish are going to be handling Sealion?

[Tassadar]

So by that last paragraph, I take it that the Italians and Spanish are going to be handling Sealion?

The tentative plan is to have Sealion be handled by the best of the best from all 7 nations - the veterans will lead and the reserves can then move into Greece. I was considering this switch you suggested and just having Italians and Spanish forces in England, but that would leave me with serious issues when it comes to unit class distribution (not enough fighters for example in a case when 303 squadron can almost one-shot most German fighters even on General...), which might make some scenarios even more ridiculous then they will probably be. Unless I somehow steamroll though France then can reconsider, but given the power of French units I somehow doubt it. I'm trying to keep this diversified in terms of what I use in each mission, but to the point that still makes the objectives achievable - at least main ones.

Main narrative reasoning behind putting Italians and Spanish in reserve after Grebbeberg is that they will be busy making the preparations for landing craft and escorts (with the exception of some extra appearance of their air force in Dunkirk). Lack of these was one of the many important reasons this never took place, so it even makes some logical sense. Once these forces prepare the crafts, the rest of the nations form France can join in.

[Panzer73]

Good luck, Sealion is going to be very hard!

[Tassadar]

AO 1940 - Valkenburg Raid

General Bertorelli took one look at the German plans for the attack on Amsterdam and threw them in the bin. While ambitious, such large scale of paratrooper operation not only exceeded the capability of his forces, but also was dangerously optimistic, assuming that resistance encountered would be very limited. He preferred a more conventional approach, with the heaviest tanks and artillery as well as engineers capable of dealing with fortifications. The idea was to break through the bunkers and trenches, moving as fast as possible and bypassing any non essential objectives. The air force could in the meantime raid grounded planes before the Dutch knew what was going on and paratroopers would serve a limited role in securing some remote objectives.

Starting Prestige (after purchases and replacements): 9686

New Equipment Provided:

2º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - L6/40

New L6/40 light tanks could finally replace obsolete tankettes. They were a decent enough, comparable to counterparts in other nations and while not suited for combat against better vehicles, they performed well in support and scouting roles.

Starting Army Composition:

Infantry

1º Reggimento Fanteria - IT - OS16 - IT Infantry (Truck) - **
1º Reggimento Genio Guastatori - IT - IT Engineers (Truck) - * - Survivor
1º Reggimento di Cavalleria - IT - OS16 - IT Cavalry - *
1º Reggimento Paracadutisti - IT - OS16 - IT Paratroops - ** - Edorado Sala
I Batallón de Infantería - ES - Azul Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - ** - Teodoro Palacios Cueto

Tank

1º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - M13/40 - ** - Steamroller, Luigi Arbib Pascucci
2º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - L6/40 - *
3º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - L3/35 Lf - *
I Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES - OS11 - Trubia - ** - Steamroller
II Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES - OS11 - Verdeja 2 - ** - Steamroller

Recon

1º Battaglione Autoblindo - IT - OS11 - Lancia IZM - *** - Tommaso Lequio di Assaba
I Batallón de Automóviles Blindados - ES - OS11 - UNL-35 - ***

Artillery

1º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - 149mm 149/19 (Lancia 3Ro) - *** - Giuseppe D'Amico
2º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - 105mm 105/28 (Lancia 3Ro) - ** - Lorenzo Matiotti
I Batallón de Artillería de Campaña - ES - 122mm M10/30 (Opel Blitz) - *
II Batallón de Artillería de Campaña - ES - 105mm Vickers M22 (Opel Blitz) - **

Fighter

1º Grupo de Caza 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - OS11 - I-16 - ** - Joaquin Garcia Morato

Tactical Bomber

1º Gruppo Bombardamento Veloce Sq 1 - IT - OS11 - Breda Ba.65 - *** - Giuseppe Cenni
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 1 - IT - SM.79 - **
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 2 - IT - Ca.135 - **

Reserve

2º Reggimento Fanteria - IT - IT HW Inf (Truck) - * - Survivor
1º Reggimento Genio Pontieri - IT - OS17 - IT Bridge Eng (Truck)
1º Reggimento Alpini - IT - OS16 - Alpini
1º Reggimento Bersaglieri - IT - OS16 - Bersaglieri (Opel Blitz)
1. Lövészzászlóalj - HU - OS16 - HU Infantry (Opel Blitz) - * - László Duska
2. Lövészzászlóalj - HU - OS16 - HU HW Inf (Opel Blitz)
1. Műszaki Ezred - HU - HU Engineers (Opel Blitz)
1. Pontonos Hidász Ezred - HU - OS17 - HU Bridge Eng (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 Infanterie - RO - OS16 - RO Infantry (Opel Blitz) - *
Batalionul 2 Infanterie - RO - OS16 - RO HW Inf (Opel Blitz) - *
Batalionul 1 Geniu - RO - RO Engineers (Opel Blitz) - *
Batalionul 2 Geniu - RO - OS17 - RO Bridge Eng (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 Vânători de Munte - RO - OS16 - RO Mnt Inf
1 Pekhoten Batal’on - BG - OS16 - BG Infantry (Opel Blitz) - *
1 Konen Batal’on - BG - OS16 - BG Cavalry - * - Nikola Mutafchiev
II Batallón de Infantería - ES - OS16 - Regulares (Opel Blitz)
I Batallón de Caballería - ES - OS16 - ES Cavalry
Jalkaväkirykmentti 1 - FI - OS16 - FI Infantry (Opel Blitz)
Pioneeripataljoona 1 - FI - FI Engineers (Opel Blitz)
1. pechotný prápor - SK - OS16 - SK Infantry (Opel Blitz)
1. ženijný prápor - SK - SK Engineers (Opel Blitz)
4º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - Somua S35
1. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - Panzer 38(t)A - ** - Steamroller
2. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 38M Toldi I - ** - Steamroller
3. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 35M L3/35
Batalionul 1 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - R1 - * - Steamroller
Batalionul 2 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - R2 - *
Batalionul 3 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - T-38 - *
1 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - Panzer 38(t) - *
2 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - Panzer 35(t) - *
3 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - L3/33
I Panssaripataljoona - FI - OS11 - T-26 - * - Survivor, Reino Lehväslaiho
II Panssaripataljoona - FI - OS11 - BT-5
1. tankový prápor - SK - OS11 - LT vz.35
2º Battaglione Autoblindo - IT - Sahariana
1. Felderítő Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 39M Csaba - ***
Batalionul 1 de Cavalerie Blindat - RO - OS11 - OA vz.30 - **
1 Razuznavatelen Batal’on - BG - OS11 - SdKfz 222 - **
Ratsuväkiprikaati 1 - FI - OS11 - BA-6 - *
1. mechanizovaný prápor - SK - OS11 - OA vz.30 - *
1º Battaglione Artiglieria Semovente - IT - OS11 - L 40 da 47/32
1º Battaglione Cannoni Controcarro - IT - OS12 - 47/32 M35 (Truck) - *
1. Páncéltörő Zászlóalj - HU - OS12 - 3.7 cm Pak 36 (Opel Blitz)
2. Páncéltörő Zászlóalj - HU - OS12 - 47mm FRC (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 de Tunuri Anticar - RO - OS12 - 37mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 2 de Tunuri Anticar - RO - OS12 - 47mm Schneider (Opel Blitz)
1 Protivotankov Batal’on - BG - OS12 - 37mm 36M (Opel Blitz)
I Batallón de Antitanques - ES - OS12 - 37mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)
Kenttätykistörykmentti 1 - FI - OS12 - 37mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)
1. protitankový prápor - SK - OS12 - 3,7 cm KPÚV vz.37 (Opel Blitz)
3º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - OS11 - 75/32 M37 (Truck) - ** - Skilled Support
4º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - OS11 - 75mm 75/27 (Truck) - ** - Skilled Support
1. Tüzérosztály - HU - 150mm Bofors (Opel Blitz) - *
2. Tüzérosztály - HU - 105mm 37M (Opel Blitz) - *
3. Tüzérosztály - HU - OS11 - 80mm 18M (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 Artilerie - RO - 150mm model 1934 (Opel Blitz) - *
Batalionul 2 Artilerie - RO - 105mm model 1913 (Opel Blitz) - *
Batalionul 3 Artilerie - RO - OS11 - 75mm model 1897 (Opel Blitz) - *
1 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - 12 cm M.1909 (Opel Blitz) - *
2 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - 10.5 cm M.1935 (Opel Blitz) - *
3 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - OS11 - 7.5 cm M.1904 (Opel Blitz)
1. delostrelecký prápor - SK - 150mm vz.25 (Opel Blitz)
2. delostrelecký prápor - SK - 100mm Škoda vz.14/19 (Opel Blitz)
3. delostrelecký prápor - SK - OS11 - 75mm vz.15 (Opel Blitz)
1º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - 90/53 M41C (Lancia 3Ro)
2º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS12 - Breda 20/65 M35 (Truck)
3º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS11 - 75/46 C.A. M34 (Lancia 3Ro)
1. Légvédelmi Zászlóalj - HU - 88mm 29/38M (Opel Blitz)
2. Légvédelmi Zászlóalj - HU - OS12 - 40mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS12 - 25mm Hotchkiss (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 2 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS11 - 75mm Vickers/Resita (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 3 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS12 - 3.7 cm FlaK 37 (Opel Blitz)
1 Protivovŭzdushna Batal’on - BG - OS12 - 2 cm FlaK 30 (Opel Blitz)
2 Protivovŭzdushna Batal’on - BG - 8.8 cm FlaK 18 (Opel Blitz)
I. Ilmatorjuntapatteri - FI - OS12 - 2 cm FlaK 38 (Opel Blitz)
II. Ilmatorjuntapatteri - FI - OS12 - 40 mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)
1. protilietadlový prápor - SK - OS12 - 20mm VKPL vz.36 (Opel Blitz)
2. protilietadlový prápor - SK - 83.5mm Škoda vz.22 (Opel Blitz)
1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 1 - IT - OS11 - CR.42 Falco - ** - Mario Visintini
1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 2 - IT - G.50 - *
1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 3 - IT - MC.200 Saetta - * - Adriano Visconti
1/1. Vadászszázad - HU - Bf 109E - **
1/2. Vadászszázad - HU - Re.2000 - *
1/3. Vadászszázad - HU - OS11 - CR.42
Escadrila 1 Vanatoare - RO - OS11 - He 112
Escadrila 2 Vanatoare - RO - Bf 109E - *
Escadrila 3 Vanatoare - RO - OS11 - Bf 110C - *
1 Iztrebitelen Polk 1 Yato - BG - D.520 - *
Hävittäjälentolaivue 1 - FI - OS11 - G.50
Hävittäjälentolaivue 2 - FI - OS11 - Fokker D.XXI - *
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 3 - IT - Fiat BR.20 - *
1º Gruppo Ricognizione Sq 1 - IT - OS12 - IMAM Ro.37 - **
1/1. Bombázószázad - HU - Ca.135 - *
Escadrila 1 Bombardment - RO - JRS-79 - *
1 Bombardirovŭchen Polk 1 Yato - BG - OS11 - PZL.43 - **
1º Grupo de Apoyo 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - OS11 - Hs 123a
Pommituslentolaivue 1 - FI - OS11 - Fokker C.X
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 4 - IT - CANT Z.1007 - *
1/2. Bombázószázad - HU - OS12 - Ju 86 - *
1/3. Bombázószázad - HU - OS12 - Do 17Z
Escadrila 2 Bombardment - RO - OS11 - PZL 37B Łoś
1 Bombardirovŭchen Polk 2 Yato - BG - OS12 - Do 17Z
1º Grupo de Bombardeo 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - OS11 - He 111H2

Highlights


As the general hoped, Italian troops force their way through the first line of defenses. Tanks, infantry and artillery perform well in their assigned roles...


...although it quickly becomes obvious that the L6/40 cannot operate in the open without proper support, even against enemy infantry forces that lack heavier weapons.


The Spanish up north perform equally well. Moving though swampy terrain takes them some time initially, but once they are able to reach better roads they quickly move towards De Kooy.


Ultimately Amsterdam is surrounded, but the general does not have enough time to spare and try to seize it directly. The secondary airfields are more important.

Summary:

Final Prestige: 11167 (up 1481)

Overall:

While going against German suggestions general Bertorelli remained successful. Ironically, his allies who tried more of an airborne operations elsewhere met heavy resistance and now required his support. Apparently in large parts of the Netherlands, Dutch soldiers put up quite a fight and were able to resist better trained and equipped German units. To help speed the invasion up and ensure the momentum is not lost, he was ordered to attack Utrecht next. Seeing how his more conventional tactics paid off, he planned to continue using them and only rely on paratroopers for limited specialized landings that support the main force by creating encirclements, reaching vulnerable targets or far away supply bases.

[Tassadar]

AO 1940 - Battle of the Grebbeberg

Dense forests in the Amersfort and Utrecht region reminder general Bertorelli of the Warndt forest a year ago. There was even a location on top of hills beyond a river that was almost surely full of Dutch artillery and securing both key bridges in the region. While using mostly infantry seemed like the logical choice, the initial push had to be done by tanks, since the area around Barneveld and Rhenen was mostly open terrain. The attacking forces were once again divided between Spanish in the north and Italians down south, with heavy reliance on artillery and bombers to soften enemy defenses and allow the push through fortified positions to continue.

Starting Prestige (after purchases and replacements): 11117

Starting Army Composition:

Infantry

1º Reggimento Fanteria - IT - OS16 - IT Infantry (Truck) - **
2º Reggimento Fanteria - IT - IT HW Inf (Truck) - * - Survivor
1º Reggimento Genio Guastatori - IT - IT Engineers (Truck) - * - Survivor
1º Reggimento Paracadutisti - IT - OS16 - IT Paratroops - ** - Edorado Sala
I Batallón de Infantería - ES - Azul Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - ** - Teodoro Palacios Cueto
II Batallón de Infantería - ES - OS16 - Regulares (Opel Blitz)

Tank

1º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - M13/40 - ** - Steamroller, Luigi Arbib Pascucci
2º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - L6/40 - * - Steamroller, Survivor
3º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - L3/35 Lf - *
I Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES - OS11 - Trubia - ** - Steamroller
II Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES - OS11 - Verdeja 2 - ** - Steamroller

Recon

1º Battaglione Autoblindo - IT - OS11 - Lancia IZM - *** - Tommaso Lequio di Assaba
I Batallón de Automóviles Blindados - ES - OS11 - UNL-35 - ***

Artillery

1º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - 149mm 149/19 (Lancia 3Ro) - *** - Giuseppe D'Amico
2º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - 105mm 105/28 (Lancia 3Ro) - ** - Lorenzo Matiotti
3º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - OS11 - 75/32 M37 (Truck) - ** - Skilled Support
4º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - OS11 - 75mm 75/27 (Truck) - ** - Skilled Support
I Batallón de Artillería de Campaña - ES - 122mm M10/30 (Opel Blitz) - **
II Batallón de Artillería de Campaña - ES - 105mm Vickers M22 (Opel Blitz) - **

Fighter

1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 3 - IT - MC.200 Saetta - * - Adriano Visconti
1º Grupo de Caza 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - OS11 - I-16 - *** - Joaquin Garcia Morato

Tactical Bomber

1º Gruppo Bombardamento Veloce Sq 1 - IT - OS11 - Breda Ba.65 - *** - Giuseppe Cenni
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 1 - IT - SM.79 - **
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 2 - IT - Ca.135 - **
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 3 - IT - Fiat BR.20 - *

Strategic Bomber

1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 4 - IT - CANT Z.1007 - *
1º Grupo de Bombardeo 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - OS11 - He 111H2

Reserve

1º Reggimento Genio Pontieri - IT - OS17 - IT Bridge Eng (Truck)
1º Reggimento di Cavalleria - IT - OS16 - IT Cavalry - *
1º Reggimento Alpini - IT - OS16 - Alpini
1º Reggimento Bersaglieri - IT - OS16 - Bersaglieri (Opel Blitz)
1. Lövészzászlóalj - HU - OS16 - HU Infantry (Opel Blitz) - * - László Duska
2. Lövészzászlóalj - HU - OS16 - HU HW Inf (Opel Blitz)
1. Műszaki Ezred - HU - HU Engineers (Opel Blitz)
1. Pontonos Hidász Ezred - HU - OS17 - HU Bridge Eng (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 Infanterie - RO - OS16 - RO Infantry (Opel Blitz) - *
Batalionul 2 Infanterie - RO - OS16 - RO HW Inf (Opel Blitz) - *
Batalionul 1 Geniu - RO - RO Engineers (Opel Blitz) - *
Batalionul 2 Geniu - RO - OS17 - RO Bridge Eng (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 Vânători de Munte - RO - OS16 - RO Mnt Inf
1 Pekhoten Batal’on - BG - OS16 - BG Infantry (Opel Blitz) - *
1 Konen Batal’on - BG - OS16 - BG Cavalry - * - Nikola Mutafchiev
I Batallón de Caballería - ES - OS16 - ES Cavalry
Jalkaväkirykmentti 1 - FI - OS16 - FI Infantry (Opel Blitz)
Pioneeripataljoona 1 - FI - FI Engineers (Opel Blitz)
1. pechotný prápor - SK - OS16 - SK Infantry (Opel Blitz)
1. ženijný prápor - SK - SK Engineers (Opel Blitz)
4º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - Somua S35
1. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - Panzer 38(t)A - ** - Steamroller
2. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 38M Toldi I - ** - Steamroller
3. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 35M L3/35
Batalionul 1 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - R1 - * - Steamroller
Batalionul 2 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - R2 - *
Batalionul 3 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - T-38 - *
1 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - Panzer 38(t) - *
2 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - Panzer 35(t) - *
3 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - L3/33
I Panssaripataljoona - FI - OS11 - T-26 - * - Survivor, Reino Lehväslaiho
II Panssaripataljoona - FI - OS11 - BT-5
1. tankový prápor - SK - OS11 - LT vz.35
2º Battaglione Autoblindo - IT - Sahariana
1. Felderítő Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 39M Csaba - ***
Batalionul 1 de Cavalerie Blindat - RO - OS11 - OA vz.30 - **
1 Razuznavatelen Batal’on - BG - OS11 - SdKfz 222 - **
Ratsuväkiprikaati 1 - FI - OS11 - BA-6 - *
1. mechanizovaný prápor - SK - OS11 - OA vz.30 - *
1º Battaglione Artiglieria Semovente - IT - OS11 - L 40 da 47/32
1º Battaglione Cannoni Controcarro - IT - OS12 - 47/32 M35 (Truck) - *
1. Páncéltörő Zászlóalj - HU - OS12 - 3.7 cm Pak 36 (Opel Blitz)
2. Páncéltörő Zászlóalj - HU - OS12 - 47mm FRC (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 de Tunuri Anticar - RO - OS12 - 37mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 2 de Tunuri Anticar - RO - OS12 - 47mm Schneider (Opel Blitz)
1 Protivotankov Batal’on - BG - OS12 - 37mm 36M (Opel Blitz)
I Batallón de Antitanques - ES - OS12 - 37mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)
Kenttätykistörykmentti 1 - FI - OS12 - 37mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)
1. protitankový prápor - SK - OS12 - 3,7 cm KPÚV vz.37 (Opel Blitz)
1. Tüzérosztály - HU - 150mm Bofors (Opel Blitz) - *
2. Tüzérosztály - HU - 105mm 37M (Opel Blitz) - *
3. Tüzérosztály - HU - OS11 - 80mm 18M (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 Artilerie - RO - 150mm model 1934 (Opel Blitz) - *
Batalionul 2 Artilerie - RO - 105mm model 1913 (Opel Blitz) - *
Batalionul 3 Artilerie - RO - OS11 - 75mm model 1897 (Opel Blitz) - *
1 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - 12 cm M.1909 (Opel Blitz) - *
2 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - 10.5 cm M.1935 (Opel Blitz) - *
3 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - OS11 - 7.5 cm M.1904 (Opel Blitz)
1. delostrelecký prápor - SK - 150mm vz.25 (Opel Blitz)
2. delostrelecký prápor - SK - 100mm Škoda vz.14/19 (Opel Blitz)
3. delostrelecký prápor - SK - OS11 - 75mm vz.15 (Opel Blitz)
1º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - 90/53 M41C (Lancia 3Ro)
2º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS12 - Breda 20/65 M35 (Truck)
3º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS11 - 75/46 C.A. M34 (Lancia 3Ro)
1. Légvédelmi Zászlóalj - HU - 88mm 29/38M (Opel Blitz)
2. Légvédelmi Zászlóalj - HU - OS12 - 40mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS12 - 25mm Hotchkiss (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 2 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS11 - 75mm Vickers/Resita (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 3 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS12 - 3.7 cm FlaK 37 (Opel Blitz)
1 Protivovŭzdushna Batal’on - BG - OS12 - 2 cm FlaK 30 (Opel Blitz)
2 Protivovŭzdushna Batal’on - BG - 8.8 cm FlaK 18 (Opel Blitz)
I. Ilmatorjuntapatteri - FI - OS12 - 2 cm FlaK 38 (Opel Blitz)
II. Ilmatorjuntapatteri - FI - OS12 - 40 mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)
1. protilietadlový prápor - SK - OS12 - 20mm VKPL vz.36 (Opel Blitz)
2. protilietadlový prápor - SK - 83.5mm Škoda vz.22 (Opel Blitz)
1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 1 - IT - OS11 - CR.42 Falco - ** - Mario Visintini
1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 2 - IT - G.50 - *
1/1. Vadászszázad - HU - Bf 109E - **
1/2. Vadászszázad - HU - Re.2000 - *
1/3. Vadászszázad - HU - OS11 - CR.42
Escadrila 1 Vanatoare - RO - OS11 - He 112
Escadrila 2 Vanatoare - RO - Bf 109E - *
Escadrila 3 Vanatoare - RO - OS11 - Bf 110C - *
1 Iztrebitelen Polk 1 Yato - BG - D.520 - *
Hävittäjälentolaivue 1 - FI - OS11 - G.50
Hävittäjälentolaivue 2 - FI - OS11 - Fokker D.XXI - *
1º Gruppo Ricognizione Sq 1 - IT - OS12 - IMAM Ro.37 - **
1/1. Bombázószázad - HU - Ca.135 - *
Escadrila 1 Bombardment - RO - JRS-79 - *
1 Bombardirovŭchen Polk 1 Yato - BG - OS11 - PZL.43 - **
1º Grupo de Apoyo 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - OS11 - Hs 123a
Pommituslentolaivue 1 - FI - OS11 - Fokker C.X
1/2. Bombázószázad - HU - OS12 - Ju 86 - *
1/3. Bombázószázad - HU - OS12 - Do 17Z
Escadrila 2 Bombardment - RO - OS11 - PZL 37B Łoś
1 Bombardirovŭchen Polk 2 Yato - BG - OS12 - Do 17Z

Highlights


Defenses near Rhenen are surprisingly weak, so the Italians have no trouble taking over the town and preparing to advance further.


Amersfort is much better defended, and the hills behind the Eem river are full of artillery, as the general suggested, making the approach much more tricky.

Summary:

Final Prestige: 12764 (up 1647)

Overall:

While the Dutch army was well positioned, the battle came down to the difference is equipment quality, especially the lack of heavier armor and more planes on the defending side. This allowed general Bertorelli to operate freely against static defenses, and have his units seek out weak points in the Dutch formations. Even the best defense was no good if it remained so passive. Hopefully the French commanders would not learn from this and prefer the same static defense approach further down the campaign as this was the next target. Italian and Spanish forces were now supposed to hold back on the advance and prepare sea transports for a special operation planned by the Germans. A lot of ships were already moving down the Rhine in utmost secrecy and these forces were supposed to provide cover for them, while other armies advance deeper into France.

[Tassadar]

AO 1940 - Sedan

With Italian and Spanish forces preparing for the secret German plan, General Bertorelli was now left to continuing the campaign against France with his remaining army. He decided that the initial attack towards Sedan will be conducted by Hungarians and Romanians, while Finns, Slovaks and Bulgarians will secure the flanks and defend supply lines. This should give the flexibility needed in case something goes wrong and also ensure that the initial push will be done by the best equipped part of the available formations. While the terrain here was full of forests, it was also with a extensive and well maintained road network, so tanks could serve their support roles well. Solid air support should be able to fight off Armée de l'Air on equal ground, while most of the actual work is done by infantry and artillery. Only French armored vehicles could potentially cause trouble, but as the previous year showed, they were not used by the French optimally.

Starting Prestige (after purchases and replacements): 13364

Starting Army Composition:

Infantry

1. Lövészzászlóalj - HU - OS16 - HU Infantry (Opel Blitz) - * - László Duska
2. Lövészzászlóalj - HU - OS16 - HU HW Inf (Opel Blitz)
1. Műszaki Ezred - HU - HU Engineers (Opel Blitz)
1. Pontonos Hidász Ezred - HU - OS17 - HU Bridge Eng (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 Infanterie - RO - OS16 - RO Infantry (Opel Blitz) - *
Batalionul 2 Infanterie - RO - OS16 - RO HW Inf (Opel Blitz) - *
Batalionul 1 Geniu - RO - RO Engineers (Opel Blitz) - *

Tank

1. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - Panzer 38(t)A - ** - Steamroller
2. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 38M Toldi I - ** - Steamroller
Batalionul 1 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - R1 - * - Steamroller
Batalionul 2 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - R2 - *
Batalionul 3 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - T-38 - *

Recon

1. Felderítő Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 39M Csaba - ***
Batalionul 1 de Cavalerie Blindat - RO - OS11 - OA vz.30 - **

Anti-Tank

2. Páncéltörő Zászlóalj - HU - OS12 - 47mm FRC (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 2 de Tunuri Anticar - RO - OS12 - 47mm Schneider (Opel Blitz)

Artillery

1. Tüzérosztály - HU - 150mm Bofors (Opel Blitz) - *
2. Tüzérosztály - HU - 105mm 37M (Opel Blitz) - *
3. Tüzérosztály - HU - OS11 - 80mm 18M (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 Artilerie - RO - 150mm model 1934 (Opel Blitz) - *
Batalionul 2 Artilerie - RO - 105mm model 1913 (Opel Blitz) - *
Batalionul 3 Artilerie - RO - OS11 - 75mm model 1897 (Opel Blitz) - *

Anti-Aircraft

2. Légvédelmi Zászlóalj - HU - OS12 - 40mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 2 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS11 - 75mm Vickers/Resita (Opel Blitz)

Fighter

1/1. Vadászszázad - HU - Bf 109E - **
1/2. Vadászszázad - HU - Re.2000 - *
Escadrila 1 Vanatoare - RO - OS11 - He 112
Escadrila 2 Vanatoare - RO - Bf 109E - *
Escadrila 3 Vanatoare - RO - OS11 - Bf 110C - *

Tactical Bomber

1/1. Bombázószázad - HU - Ca.135 - *
Escadrila 1 Bombardment - RO - JRS-79 - *

Strategic Bomber

1/2. Bombázószázad - HU - OS12 - Ju 86 - *
1/3. Bombázószázad - HU - OS12 - Do 17Z
Escadrila 2 Bombardment - RO - OS11 - PZL 37B Łoś

Reserve

1º Reggimento Fanteria - IT - OS16 - IT Infantry (Truck) - **
2º Reggimento Fanteria - IT - IT HW Inf (Truck) - * - Survivor
1º Reggimento Genio Guastatori - IT - IT Engineers (Truck) - * - Survivor
1º Reggimento Genio Pontieri - IT - OS17 - IT Bridge Eng (Truck)
1º Reggimento di Cavalleria - IT - OS16 - IT Cavalry - *
1º Reggimento Paracadutisti - IT - OS16 - IT Paratroops - ** - Edorado Sala
1º Reggimento Alpini - IT - OS16 - Alpini
1º Reggimento Bersaglieri - IT - OS16 - Bersaglieri (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 2 Geniu - RO - OS17 - RO Bridge Eng (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 Vânători de Munte - RO - OS16 - RO Mnt Inf
1 Pekhoten Batal’on - BG - OS16 - BG Infantry (Opel Blitz) - *
1 Konen Batal’on - BG - OS16 - BG Cavalry - * - Nikola Mutafchiev
I Batallón de Infantería - ES - Azul Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - ** - Teodoro Palacios Cueto
II Batallón de Infantería - ES - OS16 - Regulares (Opel Blitz)
I Batallón de Caballería - ES - OS16 - ES Cavalry
Jalkaväkirykmentti 1 - FI - OS16 - FI Infantry (Opel Blitz)
Pioneeripataljoona 1 - FI - FI Engineers (Opel Blitz)
1. pechotný prápor - SK - OS16 - SK Infantry (Opel Blitz)
1. ženijný prápor - SK - SK Engineers (Opel Blitz)
1º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - M13/40 - ** - Steamroller, Luigi Arbib Pascucci
2º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - L6/40 - * - Steamroller, Survivor
3º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - L3/35 Lf - * - Steamroller
4º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - Somua S35
3. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 35M L3/35
1 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - Panzer 38(t) - *
2 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - Panzer 35(t) - *
3 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - L3/33
I Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES - OS11 - Trubia - ** - Steamroller
II Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES - OS11 - Verdeja 2 - ** - Steamroller
I Panssaripataljoona - FI - OS11 - T-26 - * - Survivor, Reino Lehväslaiho
II Panssaripataljoona - FI - OS11 - BT-5
1. tankový prápor - SK - OS11 - LT vz.35
1º Battaglione Autoblindo - IT - OS11 - Lancia IZM - *** - Tommaso Lequio di Assaba
2º Battaglione Autoblindo - IT - Sahariana
1 Razuznavatelen Batal’on - BG - OS11 - SdKfz 222 - **
I Batallón de Automóviles Blindados - ES - OS11 - UNL-35 - ***
Ratsuväkiprikaati 1 - FI - OS11 - BA-6 - *
1. mechanizovaný prápor - SK - OS11 - OA vz.30 - *
1º Battaglione Artiglieria Semovente - IT - OS11 - L 40 da 47/32
1º Battaglione Cannoni Controcarro - IT - OS12 - 47/32 M35 (Truck) - *
1. Páncéltörő Zászlóalj - HU - OS12 - 3.7 cm Pak 36 (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 de Tunuri Anticar - RO - OS12 - 37mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)
1 Protivotankov Batal’on - BG - OS12 - 37mm 36M (Opel Blitz)
I Batallón de Antitanques - ES - OS12 - 37mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)
Kenttätykistörykmentti 1 - FI - OS12 - 37mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)
1. protitankový prápor - SK - OS12 - 3,7 cm KPÚV vz.37 (Opel Blitz)
1º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - 149mm 149/19 (Lancia 3Ro) - *** - Skilled Support, Giuseppe D'Amico
2º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - 105mm 105/28 (Lancia 3Ro) - ** - Lorenzo Matiotti
3º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - OS11 - 75/32 M37 (Truck) - ** - Skilled Support
4º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - OS11 - 75mm 75/27 (Truck) - ** - Skilled Support
1 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - 12 cm M.1909 (Opel Blitz) - *
2 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - 10.5 cm M.1935 (Opel Blitz) - *
3 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - OS11 - 7.5 cm M.1904 (Opel Blitz)
I Batallón de Artillería de Campaña - ES - 122mm M10/30 (Opel Blitz) - **
II Batallón de Artillería de Campaña - ES - 105mm Vickers M22 (Opel Blitz) - **
1. delostrelecký prápor - SK - 150mm vz.25 (Opel Blitz)
2. delostrelecký prápor - SK - 100mm Škoda vz.14/19 (Opel Blitz)
3. delostrelecký prápor - SK - OS11 - 75mm vz.15 (Opel Blitz)
1º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - 90/53 M41C (Lancia 3Ro)
2º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS12 - Breda 20/65 M35 (Truck)
3º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS11 - 75/46 C.A. M34 (Lancia 3Ro)
1. Légvédelmi Zászlóalj - HU - 88mm 29/38M (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS12 - 25mm Hotchkiss (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 3 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS12 - 3.7 cm FlaK 37 (Opel Blitz)
1 Protivovŭzdushna Batal’on - BG - OS12 - 2 cm FlaK 30 (Opel Blitz)
2 Protivovŭzdushna Batal’on - BG - 8.8 cm FlaK 18 (Opel Blitz)
I. Ilmatorjuntapatteri - FI - OS12 - 2 cm FlaK 38 (Opel Blitz)
II. Ilmatorjuntapatteri - FI - OS12 - 40 mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)
1. protilietadlový prápor - SK - OS12 - 20mm VKPL vz.36 (Opel Blitz)
2. protilietadlový prápor - SK - 83.5mm Škoda vz.22 (Opel Blitz)
1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 1 - IT - OS11 - CR.42 Falco - ** - Mario Visintini
1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 3 - IT - MC.200 Saetta - * - Adriano Visconti
1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 2 - IT - G.50 - *
1/3. Vadászszázad - HU - OS11 - CR.42
1 Iztrebitelen Polk 1 Yato - BG - D.520 - *
1º Grupo de Caza 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - OS11 - I-16 - *** - Joaquin Garcia Morato
Hävittäjälentolaivue 1 - FI - OS11 - G.50
Hävittäjälentolaivue 2 - FI - OS11 - Fokker D.XXI - *
1º Gruppo Bombardamento Veloce Sq 1 - IT - OS11 - Breda Ba.65 - *** - Giuseppe Cenni
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 1 - IT - SM.79 - **
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 2 - IT - Ca.135 - **
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 3 - IT - Fiat BR.20 - *
1º Gruppo Ricognizione Sq 1 - IT - OS12 - IMAM Ro.37 - **
1 Bombardirovŭchen Polk 1 Yato - BG - OS11 - PZL.43 - **
1º Grupo de Apoyo 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - OS11 - Hs 123a
Pommituslentolaivue 1 - FI - OS11 - Fokker C.X
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 4 - IT - CANT Z.1007 - *
1 Bombardirovŭchen Polk 2 Yato - BG - OS12 - Do 17Z
1º Grupo de Bombardeo 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - OS11 - He 111H2

Highlights


Hungarian forces start in Manhay up north...


...while the Romanians deploy in Bastogne, further south.


2. Páncéltörő Zászlóalj manages to ambush some Somua S35 tanks, softening them up and making the encounter easier later.


The air force discovers Germans fighting near Sedan. It is time to assist them in their efforts, as they are evidently losing the battle.


It takes multiple Romanian vehicles to deal with Char B1 tanks and it can only be done reliably by cutting them off from supply.


Once Hungarians also join the battle, defending French forces are quickly surrounded and defeated.


Unexpected encounter near Chimay leads to a meeting with a famous German officer. General Bertorelli decides to join him in further operations, as waiting for orders from High Command could delay the advance.

Summary:

Final Prestige: 14004 (up 640)

Overall:

The initial part of fighting against French forces went relatively well. The losses were rather high in some areas, the tanks especially took a beating, but overall the enemy could only offer limited resistance and never gathered large enough forces to pose a serious threat. Of course cooperating with the German Wehrmacht was a important part of this success as their units took the first hits and allowed the general's troops to approach already weakened defensive positions.

The newly met German commander was an interesting figure. General Bertorelli immediately recognized his tendency to make decisions quickly and based on actual front-line intelligence reports rather then abstract orders from higher ranking officers. He was determined that the advance must be kept at a high pace and Bertorelli agreed with him. Every day the French had to organize, increased the risk of bringing the war down to a Great War style trench conflict and increase attrition of the troops. Only by dealing decisive blows to key French armies and securing important location could a ceasefire or even surrender on favorable terms achieved.

[Tassadar]

AO 1940 - Battle of Arras

Following Rommel was quite the challenge. His forces moved fast, and general Bertorelli barely had the time to organize his men since Sedan. It was clear that in case any unexpected encounters, Hungarians and Romanians will not be able to reliably make a stand. This constant concern proved more than just a distant fear. Near Arras, scouts encountered a large British army deployed to the continent. Despite the best attempts, the recon team was seen and now a massive armored force was about to attack the general's men. Rommel quickly organized some light anti-tank guns, but they could only buy some time and a proper counterattack was needed. Since the forces fighting near Sedan were not yet ready, Bulgarian, Finnish and Slovak troops had to do the job.

Starting Prestige (after purchases and replacements): 6085

New Units Commissioned:

Kenttätykistörykmentti 2 - FI - OS12 - 25mm SA 34 (Opel Blitz)
Hävittäjälentolaivue 3 - FI - M.S.406

Given the situation, Finns quickly manned some captured equipment to increase the firepower required for this encountered. They took some working French fighters and anti-tank guns they could use and manages to organize into two full strength, but rather inexperienced units.

Starting Army Composition:

Infantry

1 Pekhoten Batal’on - BG - OS16 - BG Infantry (Opel Blitz) - *
1 Konen Batal’on - BG - OS16 - BG Cavalry - * - Nikola Mutafchiev
Jalkaväkirykmentti 1 - FI - OS16 - FI Infantry (Opel Blitz)
Pioneeripataljoona 1 - FI - FI Engineers (Opel Blitz)
1. pechotný prápor - SK - OS16 - SK Infantry (Opel Blitz)
1. ženijný prápor - SK - SK Engineers (Opel Blitz)

Tank

1 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - Panzer 38(t) - *
2 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - Panzer 35(t) - *
3 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - L3/33
I Panssaripataljoona - FI - OS11 - T-26 - * - Survivor, Reino Lehväslaiho
II Panssaripataljoona - FI - OS11 - BT-5
1. tankový prápor - SK - OS11 - LT vz.35

Recon

1 Razuznavatelen Batal’on - BG - OS11 - SdKfz 222 - **
Ratsuväkiprikaati 1 - FI - OS11 - BA-6 - *
1. mechanizovaný prápor - SK - OS11 - OA vz.30 - *

Anti-Tank

1 Protivotankov Batal’on - BG - OS12 - 37mm 36M (Opel Blitz)
Kenttätykistörykmentti 1 - FI - OS12 - 37mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)
Kenttätykistörykmentti 2 - FI - OS12 - 25mm SA 34 (Opel Blitz)
1. protitankový prápor - SK - OS12 - 3,7 cm KPÚV vz.37 (Opel Blitz)

Artillery

1 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - 12 cm M.1909 (Opel Blitz) - *
2 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - 10.5 cm M.1935 (Opel Blitz) - *
3 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - OS11 - 7.5 cm M.1904 (Opel Blitz)
1. delostrelecký prápor - SK - 150mm vz.25 (Opel Blitz)
2. delostrelecký prápor - SK - 100mm Škoda vz.14/19 (Opel Blitz)
3. delostrelecký prápor - SK - OS11 - 75mm vz.15 (Opel Blitz)

Anti-Aircraft

1 Protivovŭzdushna Batal’on - BG - OS12 - 2 cm FlaK 30 (Opel Blitz)
2 Protivovŭzdushna Batal’on - BG - 8.8 cm FlaK 18 (Opel Blitz)
I. Ilmatorjuntapatteri - FI - OS12 - 2 cm FlaK 38 (Opel Blitz)
II. Ilmatorjuntapatteri - FI - OS12 - 40 mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)
1. protilietadlový prápor - SK - OS12 - 20mm VKPL vz.36 (Opel Blitz)
2. protilietadlový prápor - SK - 83.5mm Škoda vz.22 (Opel Blitz)

Fighter

1 Iztrebitelen Polk 1 Yato - BG - D.520 - *
Hävittäjälentolaivue 1 - FI - OS11 - G.50
Hävittäjälentolaivue 2 - FI - OS11 - Fokker D.XXI - *
Hävittäjälentolaivue 3 - FI - M.S.406

Tactical Bomber

1 Bombardirovŭchen Polk 1 Yato - BG - OS11 - PZL.43 - **
Pommituslentolaivue 1 - FI - OS11 - Fokker C.X

Strategic Bomber

1 Bombardirovŭchen Polk 2 Yato - BG - OS12 - Do 17Z

Reserve

1º Reggimento Fanteria - IT - OS16 - IT Infantry (Truck) - **
2º Reggimento Fanteria - IT - IT HW Inf (Truck) - * - Survivor
1º Reggimento Genio Guastatori - IT - IT Engineers (Truck) - * - Survivor
1º Reggimento Genio Pontieri - IT - OS17 - IT Bridge Eng (Truck)
1º Reggimento di Cavalleria - IT - OS16 - IT Cavalry - *
1º Reggimento Paracadutisti - IT - OS16 - IT Paratroops - ** - Edorado Sala
1º Reggimento Alpini - IT - OS16 - Alpini
1º Reggimento Bersaglieri - IT - OS16 - Bersaglieri (Opel Blitz)
1. Lövészzászlóalj - HU - OS16 - HU Infantry (Opel Blitz) - * - László Duska
2. Lövészzászlóalj - HU - OS16 - HU HW Inf (Opel Blitz)
1. Műszaki Ezred - HU - HU Engineers (Opel Blitz)
1. Pontonos Hidász Ezred - HU - OS17 - HU Bridge Eng (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 Infanterie - RO - OS16 - RO Infantry (Opel Blitz) - *
Batalionul 2 Infanterie - RO - OS16 - RO HW Inf (Opel Blitz) - *
Batalionul 1 Geniu - RO - RO Engineers (Opel Blitz) - *
Batalionul 2 Geniu - RO - OS17 - RO Bridge Eng (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 Vânători de Munte - RO - OS16 - RO Mnt Inf
I Batallón de Infantería - ES - Azul Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - ** - Teodoro Palacios Cueto
II Batallón de Infantería - ES - OS16 - Regulares (Opel Blitz)
I Batallón de Caballería - ES - OS16 - ES Cavalry
1º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - M13/40 - ** - Steamroller, Luigi Arbib Pascucci
2º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - L6/40 - * - Steamroller, Survivor
3º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - L3/35 Lf - * - Steamroller
4º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - Somua S35
1. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - Panzer 38(t)A - ** - Steamroller
2. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 38M Toldi I - ** - Steamroller
3. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 35M L3/35
Batalionul 1 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - R1 - * - Steamroller
Batalionul 2 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - R2 - * - Steamroller
Batalionul 3 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - T-38 - * - Steamroller
I Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES - OS11 - Trubia - ** - Steamroller
II Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES - OS11 - Verdeja 2 - ** - Steamroller
1º Battaglione Autoblindo - IT - OS11 - Lancia IZM - *** - Tommaso Lequio di Assaba
2º Battaglione Autoblindo - IT - Sahariana
1. Felderítő Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 39M Csaba - ***
Batalionul 1 de Cavalerie Blindat - RO - OS11 - OA vz.30 - *** - Survivor
I Batallón de Automóviles Blindados - ES - OS11 - UNL-35 - ***
1º Battaglione Artiglieria Semovente - IT - OS11 - L 40 da 47/32
1º Battaglione Cannoni Controcarro - IT - OS12 - 47/32 M35 (Truck) - *
1. Páncéltörő Zászlóalj - HU - OS12 - 3.7 cm Pak 36 (Opel Blitz)
2. Páncéltörő Zászlóalj - HU - OS12 - 47mm FRC (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 de Tunuri Anticar - RO - OS12 - 37mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 2 de Tunuri Anticar - RO - OS12 - 47mm Schneider (Opel Blitz)
I Batallón de Antitanques - ES - OS12 - 37mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)
1º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - 149mm 149/19 (Lancia 3Ro) - *** - Skilled Support, Giuseppe D'Amico
2º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - 105mm 105/28 (Lancia 3Ro) - ** - Lorenzo Matiotti
3º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - OS11 - 75/32 M37 (Truck) - ** - Skilled Support
4º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - OS11 - 75mm 75/27 (Truck) - ** - Skilled Support
1. Tüzérosztály - HU - 150mm Bofors (Opel Blitz) - *
2. Tüzérosztály - HU - 105mm 37M (Opel Blitz) - * - Skilled Support
3. Tüzérosztály - HU - OS11 - 80mm 18M (Opel Blitz) - *
Batalionul 1 Artilerie - RO - 150mm model 1934 (Opel Blitz) - *
Batalionul 2 Artilerie - RO - 105mm model 1913 (Opel Blitz) - *
Batalionul 3 Artilerie - RO - OS11 - 75mm model 1897 (Opel Blitz) - *
I Batallón de Artillería de Campaña - ES - 122mm M10/30 (Opel Blitz) - **
II Batallón de Artillería de Campaña - ES - 105mm Vickers M22 (Opel Blitz) - **
1º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - 90/53 M41C (Lancia 3Ro)
2º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS12 - Breda 20/65 M35 (Truck)
3º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS11 - 75/46 C.A. M34 (Lancia 3Ro)
1. Légvédelmi Zászlóalj - HU - 88mm 29/38M (Opel Blitz)
2. Légvédelmi Zászlóalj - HU - OS12 - 40mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS12 - 25mm Hotchkiss (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 2 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS11 - 75mm Vickers/Resita (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 3 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS12 - 3.7 cm FlaK 37 (Opel Blitz)
1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 1 - IT - OS11 - CR.42 Falco - ** - Mario Visintini
1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 3 - IT - MC.200 Saetta - * - Adriano Visconti
1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 2 - IT - G.50 - *
1/1. Vadászszázad - HU - Bf 109E - **
1/2. Vadászszázad - HU - Re.2000 - *
1/3. Vadászszázad - HU - OS11 - CR.42
Escadrila 1 Vanatoare - RO - OS11 - He 112 - *
Escadrila 2 Vanatoare - RO - Bf 109E - *
Escadrila 3 Vanatoare - RO - OS11 - Bf 110C - *
1º Grupo de Caza 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - OS11 - I-16 - *** - Joaquin Garcia Morato
1º Gruppo Bombardamento Veloce Sq 1 - IT - OS11 - Breda Ba.65 - *** - Giuseppe Cenni
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 1 - IT - SM.79 - **
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 2 - IT - Ca.135 - **
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 3 - IT - Fiat BR.20 - *
1º Gruppo Ricognizione Sq 1 - IT - OS12 - IMAM Ro.37 - **
1/1. Bombázószázad - HU - Ca.135 - *
Escadrila 1 Bombardment - RO - JRS-79 - *
1º Grupo de Apoyo 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - OS11 - Hs 123a
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 4 - IT - CANT Z.1007 - *
1/2. Bombázószázad - HU - OS12 - Ju 86 - *
1/3. Bombázószázad - HU - OS12 - Do 17Z
Escadrila 2 Bombardment - RO - OS11 - PZL 37B Łoś
1º Grupo de Bombardeo 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - OS11 - He 111H2

Highlights


Unfortunately the general does not have as many tanks as he would wish for this encounter. At least the artillery should provide enough support to make the battle easier.


First clash with elite British troops requires carefully closing in on them and surrounding the tanks, since the general's only advantage is the amount of men deployed to a single area.


Firther southwest Matilda II tanks are a real pain to deal with, even when heavy anti-aircraft guns of the Slovaks are used in secondary anti-tank mode.


Even more Matilda tanks arrive on the field, making the complicated situation even more tricky...


...but ultimately the encirclement starts to pay off and despite heavy losses, starts to allow putting these terrifying vehicles out of commission.


Finns and some Bulgarians secure Arras. This proves much easier than fighting tanks in the open.


As the British attack breaks down, a few armored units are trapped hopelessly and forced to surrender, leaving their equipment and supplies.

Summary:

Final Prestige: 8005 (up 1920)

Overall:

The British were successfully repelled, but Rommel did not plan slowing down. Once again, it was all about the element of surprise and momentum. The enemy was clearly not initially expecting to encounter anyone here already, so Rommel had a bold plan to continue towards Lille. To do that he needed the assistance of general Bertorelli and his army. Since after the currently battle Hungarian and Romanian troops were able to organize back into proper fighting order, the rest of the troops could once again be relegated to securing the flanks and supply lines.

[Tassadar]

AO 1940 - Siege of Lille

Rommel did not really change his plans much after the battle of Abbeville. He wanted to push further and further, deep into French territory. The next major target was the city of Lille, where the enemy was gathering large amount of troops. However, they were all unaware of the approaching Axis forces, so a quick encirclement could be a great occasion to defeat the enemy before they have to set up their fortifications and before even more reinforcements arrive. Rommel would attack from the southwest and Bertorelli form the southeast, taking advantage of the fact that the Deule river was a natural obstacle blocking supply to the city and only had limited places it could be crossed. The terrain strongly favored the defenders only if they could secure the bridges on Deule and on Canal d'Aire. The element of surprise, if properly taken advantage of, would ensure they could not defend those key locations.

Starting Prestige (after purchases and replacements): 7498

Starting Army Composition:

Infantry

1. Lövészzászlóalj - HU - OS16 - HU Infantry (Opel Blitz) - * - László Duska
2. Lövészzászlóalj - HU - OS16 - HU HW Inf (Opel Blitz)
1. Műszaki Ezred - HU - HU Engineers (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 Infanterie - RO - OS16 - RO Infantry (Opel Blitz) - *
Batalionul 2 Infanterie - RO - OS16 - RO HW Inf (Opel Blitz) - *
Batalionul 1 Geniu - RO - RO Engineers (Opel Blitz) - *

Tank

1. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - Panzer 38(t)A - ** - Steamroller
2. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 38M Toldi I - ** - Steamroller
3. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 35M L3/35
Batalionul 1 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - R1 - * - Steamroller
Batalionul 2 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - R2 - * - Steamroller
Batalionul 3 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - T-38 - * - Steamroller

Recon

1. Felderítő Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 39M Csaba - ***
Batalionul 1 de Cavalerie Blindat - RO - OS11 - OA vz.30 - *** - Survivor

Anti-Tank

2. Páncéltörő Zászlóalj - HU - OS12 - 47mm FRC (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 2 de Tunuri Anticar - RO - OS12 - 47mm Schneider (Opel Blitz)

Artillery

1. Tüzérosztály - HU - 150mm Bofors (Opel Blitz) - *
2. Tüzérosztály - HU - 105mm 37M (Opel Blitz) - * - Skilled Support
3. Tüzérosztály - HU - OS11 - 80mm 18M (Opel Blitz) - *
Batalionul 1 Artilerie - RO - 150mm model 1934 (Opel Blitz) - *
Batalionul 2 Artilerie - RO - 105mm model 1913 (Opel Blitz) - *
Batalionul 3 Artilerie - RO - OS11 - 75mm model 1897 (Opel Blitz) - *

Anti-Aircraft

2. Légvédelmi Zászlóalj - HU - OS12 - 40mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS12 - 25mm Hotchkiss (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 2 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS11 - 75mm Vickers/Resita (Opel Blitz)

Fighter

1/1. Vadászszázad - HU - Bf 109E - **
1/2. Vadászszázad - HU - Re.2000 - *
1/3. Vadászszázad - HU - OS11 - CR.42
Escadrila 1 Vanatoare - RO - OS11 - He 112 - *
Escadrila 2 Vanatoare - RO - Bf 109E - *
Escadrila 3 Vanatoare - RO - OS11 - Bf 110C - *

Tactical Bomber

1/1. Bombázószázad - HU - Ca.135 - *
Escadrila 1 Bombardment - RO - JRS-79 - *

Strategic Bomber

1/2. Bombázószázad - HU - OS12 - Ju 86 - *
1/3. Bombázószázad - HU - OS12 - Do 17Z
Escadrila 2 Bombardment - RO - OS11 - PZL 37B Łoś

Reserve

1º Reggimento Fanteria - IT - OS16 - IT Infantry (Truck) - **
2º Reggimento Fanteria - IT - IT HW Inf (Truck) - * - Survivor
1º Reggimento Genio Guastatori - IT - IT Engineers (Truck) - * - Survivor
1º Reggimento Genio Pontieri - IT - OS17 - IT Bridge Eng (Truck)
1º Reggimento di Cavalleria - IT - OS16 - IT Cavalry - *
1º Reggimento Paracadutisti - IT - OS16 - IT Paratroops - ** - Edorado Sala
1º Reggimento Alpini - IT - OS16 - Alpini
1º Reggimento Bersaglieri - IT - OS16 - Bersaglieri (Opel Blitz)
1. Pontonos Hidász Ezred - HU - OS17 - HU Bridge Eng (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 2 Geniu - RO - OS17 - RO Bridge Eng (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 Vânători de Munte - RO - OS16 - RO Mnt Inf
1 Pekhoten Batal’on - BG - OS16 - BG Infantry (Opel Blitz) - *
1 Konen Batal’on - BG - OS16 - BG Cavalry - * - Nikola Mutafchiev
I Batallón de Infantería - ES - Azul Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - ** - Teodoro Palacios Cueto
II Batallón de Infantería - ES - OS16 - Regulares (Opel Blitz)
I Batallón de Caballería - ES - OS16 - ES Cavalry
Jalkaväkirykmentti 1 - FI - OS16 - FI Infantry (Opel Blitz)
Pioneeripataljoona 1 - FI - FI Engineers (Opel Blitz)
1. pechotný prápor - SK - OS16 - SK Infantry (Opel Blitz)
1. ženijný prápor - SK - SK Engineers (Opel Blitz)
1º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - M13/40 - ** - Steamroller, Luigi Arbib Pascucci
2º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - L6/40 - * - Steamroller, Survivor
3º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - L3/35 Lf - * - Steamroller
4º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - Somua S35
1 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - Panzer 38(t) - *
2 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - Panzer 35(t) - *
3 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - L3/33
I Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES - OS11 - Trubia - ** - Steamroller
II Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES - OS11 - Verdeja 2 - ** - Steamroller
I Panssaripataljoona - FI - OS11 - T-26 - * - Survivor, Reino Lehväslaiho
II Panssaripataljoona - FI - OS11 - BT-5
1. tankový prápor - SK - OS11 - LT vz.35
1º Battaglione Autoblindo - IT - OS11 - Lancia IZM - *** - Tommaso Lequio di Assaba
2º Battaglione Autoblindo - IT - Sahariana
1 Razuznavatelen Batal’on - BG - OS11 - SdKfz 222 - ***
I Batallón de Automóviles Blindados - ES - OS11 - UNL-35 - ***
Ratsuväkiprikaati 1 - FI - OS11 - BA-6 - *
1. mechanizovaný prápor - SK - OS11 - OA vz.30 - **
1º Battaglione Artiglieria Semovente - IT - OS11 - L 40 da 47/32
1º Battaglione Cannoni Controcarro - IT - OS12 - 47/32 M35 (Truck) - *
1. Páncéltörő Zászlóalj - HU - OS12 - 3.7 cm Pak 36 (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 de Tunuri Anticar - RO - OS12 - 37mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)
1 Protivotankov Batal’on - BG - OS12 - 37mm 36M (Opel Blitz)
I Batallón de Antitanques - ES - OS12 - 37mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)
Kenttätykistörykmentti 1 - FI - OS12 - 37mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)
Kenttätykistörykmentti 2 - FI - OS12 - 25mm SA 34 (Opel Blitz)
1. protitankový prápor - SK - OS12 - 3,7 cm KPÚV vz.37 (Opel Blitz)
1º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - 149mm 149/19 (Lancia 3Ro) - *** - Skilled Support, Giuseppe D'Amico
2º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - 105mm 105/28 (Lancia 3Ro) - ** - Lorenzo Matiotti
3º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - OS11 - 75/32 M37 (Truck) - ** - Skilled Support
4º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - OS11 - 75mm 75/27 (Truck) - ** - Skilled Support
1 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - 12 cm M.1909 (Opel Blitz) - *
2 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - 10.5 cm M.1935 (Opel Blitz) - *
3 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - OS11 - 7.5 cm M.1904 (Opel Blitz) - *
I Batallón de Artillería de Campaña - ES - 122mm M10/30 (Opel Blitz) - **
II Batallón de Artillería de Campaña - ES - 105mm Vickers M22 (Opel Blitz) - **
1. delostrelecký prápor - SK - 150mm vz.25 (Opel Blitz) - *
2. delostrelecký prápor - SK - 100mm Škoda vz.14/19 (Opel Blitz)
3. delostrelecký prápor - SK - OS11 - 75mm vz.15 (Opel Blitz)
1º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - 90/53 M41C (Lancia 3Ro)
2º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS12 - Breda 20/65 M35 (Truck)
3º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS11 - 75/46 C.A. M34 (Lancia 3Ro)
1. Légvédelmi Zászlóalj - HU - 88mm 29/38M (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 3 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS12 - 3.7 cm FlaK 37 (Opel Blitz)
1 Protivovŭzdushna Batal’on - BG - OS12 - 2 cm FlaK 30 (Opel Blitz)
2 Protivovŭzdushna Batal’on - BG - 8.8 cm FlaK 18 (Opel Blitz)
I. Ilmatorjuntapatteri - FI - OS12 - 2 cm FlaK 38 (Opel Blitz)
II. Ilmatorjuntapatteri - FI - OS12 - 40 mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)
1. protilietadlový prápor - SK - OS12 - 20mm VKPL vz.36 (Opel Blitz)
2. protilietadlový prápor - SK - 83.5mm Škoda vz.22 (Opel Blitz)
1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 1 - IT - OS11 - CR.42 Falco - ** - Mario Visintini
1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 3 - IT - MC.200 Saetta - * - Adriano Visconti
1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 2 - IT - G.50 - *
1 Iztrebitelen Polk 1 Yato - BG - D.520 - *
1º Grupo de Caza 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - OS11 - I-16 - *** - Joaquin Garcia Morato
Hävittäjälentolaivue 1 - FI - OS11 - G.50
Hävittäjälentolaivue 2 - FI - OS11 - Fokker D.XXI - *
Hävittäjälentolaivue 3 - FI - M.S.406
1º Gruppo Bombardamento Veloce Sq 1 - IT - OS11 - Breda Ba.65 - *** - Giuseppe Cenni
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 1 - IT - SM.79 - **
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 2 - IT - Ca.135 - **
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 3 - IT - Fiat BR.20 - *
1º Gruppo Ricognizione Sq 1 - IT - OS12 - IMAM Ro.37 - **
1 Bombardirovŭchen Polk 1 Yato - BG - OS11 - PZL.43 - **
1º Grupo de Apoyo 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - OS11 - Hs 123a
Pommituslentolaivue 1 - FI - OS11 - Fokker C.X
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 4 - IT - CANT Z.1007 - *
1 Bombardirovŭchen Polk 2 Yato - BG - OS12 - Do 17Z
1º Grupo de Bombardeo 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - OS11 - He 111H2

Highlights


Mixed Romanian and Hungarian forces were deployed southeast of Lille...


...while a small part of the army was to assist Rommel and report on his operations, so that the siege could be coordinated.


Tactical maps showed that both sides were advancing well and according to plan, the French were dug in deep, but had few mobile forces able to react to the attempted encirclement.


By the time more French tanks reached Kortrijk, it was already too late for them to reach Lille as well. General Bertorelli already secured the only viable river crossing on this side.


Once the grasp was firm on the town, it was only a matter of time before defenders were forces to lay down their weapons and surrender entirely.

Summary:

Final Prestige: 8253 (up 755)

Overall:

Ultimately everything when just as Rommel planned and his cooperation with Bertorelli was stellar. That said, this time the French forces put up quite the fight and even when caught off guard. In a straightforward battle the results might have not been as good for the Axis. It became clear that if the French get as much as a moment to catch heir breath, the results could be devastating. As both commanders were discussing this, Wagner came in with an urgent message. Great amount of British troops were gathering near Dunkirk, apparently about to be evacuated home in light of the failure their expedition has proven to be. While this was the perfect opportunity to strike and advance towards the port, High Command forbade them from doing so. Apparently the Germans were so sure that only the air force would be enough to subdue the British. Rommel and Bertorelli immediately realized this was a terrible idea and made Wagner contact their superior officers immediately, but both had a feeling that they were not going to be listened to...

[WalterTFD]

This is quite the project! Can't wait to see if Mr. Bertorelli can catch up before 1943 DLC drops.

[Tassadar]

AO 1940 - Dunkirk

For the operation over Dunkirk, general Bertorelli recalled the best forces he had at his disposal, including some of the Italian and Spanish pilots, given that planes had the advantage over tanks in being able to be re-based quickly. Luftwaffe already attempted several raids, but conditions were not easy and it was decided that their presence is needed more elsewhere. It was up to the remaining nations to finish the job and ideally prevent the British evacuation, although at this point not even the Germans seemed to believe it was possible. Their initial plan clearly was not working and best they could do is to save face. Bertorelli felt he was assigned as a convenient scapegoat - not expected to succeed, but also not punished too harshly, just enough to allow all sides forget this embarrassing excuse in place of a proper attack via land.

Starting Prestige (after purchases and replacements): 7946

Hero:


Ilmari Juutilainen who joined Hävittäjälentolaivue 1 was a very promising fighter pilot, who even in his training days showed exceptional pace of learning and quickly became a local legend, being able to utilize even slightly obsolete fighter way beyond their potential.

New Equipment Provided:

1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 2 - IT - D.520

1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 2 began rearming to captured D.520 fighters which proved very effective during the campaign so far. Germany agreed to ship any captured ones to both Italy and Bulgaria and to further deliver them if factories and documentation are captured.

Starting Army Composition:

Fighter

1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 1 - IT - OS11 - CR.42 Falco - ** - Mario Visintini
1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 3 - IT - MC.200 Saetta - * - Adriano Visconti
1/1. Vadászszázad - HU - Bf 109E - **
Escadrila 2 Vanatoare - RO - Bf 109E - *
Escadrila 3 Vanatoare - RO - OS11 - Bf 110C - *
1 Iztrebitelen Polk 1 Yato - BG - D.520 - *
1º Grupo de Caza 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - OS11 - I-16 - *** - Joaquin Garcia Morato
Hävittäjälentolaivue 1 - FI - OS11 - G.50 - Ilmari Juutilainen

Tactical Bomber

1º Gruppo Bombardamento Veloce Sq 1 - IT - OS11 - Breda Ba.65 - *** - Giuseppe Cenni
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 1 - IT - SM.79 - **
Escadrila 1 Bombardment - RO - JRS-79 - *

Strategic Bomber

1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 4 - IT - CANT Z.1007 - *
1/2. Bombázószázad - HU - OS12 - Ju 86 - **
1/3. Bombázószázad - HU - OS12 - Do 17Z
1 Bombardirovŭchen Polk 2 Yato - BG - OS12 - Do 17Z

Reserve

1º Reggimento Fanteria - IT - OS16 - IT Infantry (Truck) - **
2º Reggimento Fanteria - IT - IT HW Inf (Truck) - * - Survivor
1º Reggimento Genio Guastatori - IT - IT Engineers (Truck) - * - Survivor
1º Reggimento Genio Pontieri - IT - OS17 - IT Bridge Eng (Truck)
1º Reggimento di Cavalleria - IT - OS16 - IT Cavalry - *
1º Reggimento Paracadutisti - IT - OS16 - IT Paratroops - ** - Edorado Sala
1º Reggimento Alpini - IT - OS16 - Alpini
1º Reggimento Bersaglieri - IT - OS16 - Bersaglieri (Opel Blitz)
1. Lövészzászlóalj - HU - OS16 - HU Infantry (Opel Blitz) - ** - László Duska
2. Lövészzászlóalj - HU - OS16 - HU HW Inf (Opel Blitz)
1. Műszaki Ezred - HU - HU Engineers (Opel Blitz)
1. Pontonos Hidász Ezred - HU - OS17 - HU Bridge Eng (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 Infanterie - RO - OS16 - RO Infantry (Opel Blitz) - *
Batalionul 2 Infanterie - RO - OS16 - RO HW Inf (Opel Blitz) - *
Batalionul 1 Geniu - RO - RO Engineers (Opel Blitz) - *
Batalionul 2 Geniu - RO - OS17 - RO Bridge Eng (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 Vânători de Munte - RO - OS16 - RO Mnt Inf
1 Pekhoten Batal’on - BG - OS16 - BG Infantry (Opel Blitz) - *
1 Konen Batal’on - BG - OS16 - BG Cavalry - * - Nikola Mutafchiev
I Batallón de Infantería - ES - Azul Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - ** - Teodoro Palacios Cueto
II Batallón de Infantería - ES - OS16 - Regulares (Opel Blitz)
I Batallón de Caballería - ES - OS16 - ES Cavalry
Jalkaväkirykmentti 1 - FI - OS16 - FI Infantry (Opel Blitz)
Pioneeripataljoona 1 - FI - FI Engineers (Opel Blitz)
1. pechotný prápor - SK - OS16 - SK Infantry (Opel Blitz)
1. ženijný prápor - SK - SK Engineers (Opel Blitz)
1º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - M13/40 - ** - Steamroller, Luigi Arbib Pascucci
2º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - L6/40 - * - Steamroller, Survivor
3º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - L3/35 Lf - * - Steamroller
4º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - Somua S35
1. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - Panzer 38(t)A - ** - Steamroller
2. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 38M Toldi I - ** - Steamroller
3. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 35M L3/35
Batalionul 1 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - R1 - * - Steamroller
Batalionul 2 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - R2 - * - Steamroller, Survivor
Batalionul 3 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - T-38 - * - Steamroller
1 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - Panzer 38(t) - *
2 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - Panzer 35(t) - *
3 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - L3/33
I Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES - OS11 - Trubia - ** - Steamroller
II Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES - OS11 - Verdeja 2 - ** - Steamroller
I Panssaripataljoona - FI - OS11 - T-26 - * - Survivor, Reino Lehväslaiho
II Panssaripataljoona - FI - OS11 - BT-5
1. tankový prápor - SK - OS11 - LT vz.35
1º Battaglione Autoblindo - IT - OS11 - Lancia IZM - *** - Tommaso Lequio di Assaba
2º Battaglione Autoblindo - IT - Sahariana
1. Felderítő Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 39M Csaba - ***
Batalionul 1 de Cavalerie Blindat - RO - OS11 - OA vz.30 - *** - Survivor
1 Razuznavatelen Batal’on - BG - OS11 - SdKfz 222 - ***
I Batallón de Automóviles Blindados - ES - OS11 - UNL-35 - ***
Ratsuväkiprikaati 1 - FI - OS11 - BA-6 - *
1. mechanizovaný prápor - SK - OS11 - OA vz.30 - **
1º Battaglione Artiglieria Semovente - IT - OS11 - L 40 da 47/32
1º Battaglione Cannoni Controcarro - IT - OS12 - 47/32 M35 (Truck) - *
1. Páncéltörő Zászlóalj - HU - OS12 - 3.7 cm Pak 36 (Opel Blitz)
2. Páncéltörő Zászlóalj - HU - OS12 - 47mm FRC (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 de Tunuri Anticar - RO - OS12 - 37mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 2 de Tunuri Anticar - RO - OS12 - 47mm Schneider (Opel Blitz)
1 Protivotankov Batal’on - BG - OS12 - 37mm 36M (Opel Blitz)
I Batallón de Antitanques - ES - OS12 - 37mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)
Kenttätykistörykmentti 1 - FI - OS12 - 37mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)
Kenttätykistörykmentti 2 - FI - OS12 - 25mm SA 34 (Opel Blitz)
1. protitankový prápor - SK - OS12 - 3,7 cm KPÚV vz.37 (Opel Blitz)
1º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - 149mm 149/19 (Lancia 3Ro) - *** - Skilled Support, Giuseppe D'Amico
2º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - 105mm 105/28 (Lancia 3Ro) - ** - Lorenzo Matiotti
3º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - OS11 - 75/32 M37 (Truck) - ** - Skilled Support
4º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - OS11 - 75mm 75/27 (Truck) - ** - Skilled Support
1. Tüzérosztály - HU - 150mm Bofors (Opel Blitz) - *
2. Tüzérosztály - HU - 105mm 37M (Opel Blitz) - * - Skilled Support
3. Tüzérosztály - HU - OS11 - 80mm 18M (Opel Blitz) - *
Batalionul 1 Artilerie - RO - 150mm model 1934 (Opel Blitz) - *
Batalionul 2 Artilerie - RO - 105mm model 1913 (Opel Blitz) - *
Batalionul 3 Artilerie - RO - OS11 - 75mm model 1897 (Opel Blitz) - *
1 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - 12 cm M.1909 (Opel Blitz) - *
2 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - 10.5 cm M.1935 (Opel Blitz) - *
3 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - OS11 - 7.5 cm M.1904 (Opel Blitz) - *
I Batallón de Artillería de Campaña - ES - 122mm M10/30 (Opel Blitz) - **
II Batallón de Artillería de Campaña - ES - 105mm Vickers M22 (Opel Blitz) - **
1. delostrelecký prápor - SK - 150mm vz.25 (Opel Blitz) - *
2. delostrelecký prápor - SK - 100mm Škoda vz.14/19 (Opel Blitz)
3. delostrelecký prápor - SK - OS11 - 75mm vz.15 (Opel Blitz)
1º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - 90/53 M41C (Lancia 3Ro)
2º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS12 - Breda 20/65 M35 (Truck)
3º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS11 - 75/46 C.A. M34 (Lancia 3Ro)
1. Légvédelmi Zászlóalj - HU - 88mm 29/38M (Opel Blitz)
2. Légvédelmi Zászlóalj - HU - OS12 - 40mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS12 - 25mm Hotchkiss (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 2 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS11 - 75mm Vickers/Resita (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 3 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS12 - 3.7 cm FlaK 37 (Opel Blitz)
1 Protivovŭzdushna Batal’on - BG - OS12 - 2 cm FlaK 30 (Opel Blitz)
2 Protivovŭzdushna Batal’on - BG - 8.8 cm FlaK 18 (Opel Blitz)
I. Ilmatorjuntapatteri - FI - OS12 - 2 cm FlaK 38 (Opel Blitz)
II. Ilmatorjuntapatteri - FI - OS12 - 40 mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)
1. protilietadlový prápor - SK - OS12 - 20mm VKPL vz.36 (Opel Blitz)
2. protilietadlový prápor - SK - 83.5mm Škoda vz.22 (Opel Blitz)
1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 2 - IT - D.520 - *
1/2. Vadászszázad - HU - Re.2000 - *
1/3. Vadászszázad - HU - OS11 - CR.42
Escadrila 1 Vanatoare - RO - OS11 - He 112 - *
Hävittäjälentolaivue 2 - FI - OS11 - Fokker D.XXI - *
Hävittäjälentolaivue 3 - FI - M.S.406
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 2 - IT - Ca.135 - **
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 3 - IT - Fiat BR.20 - *
1º Gruppo Ricognizione Sq 1 - IT - OS12 - IMAM Ro.37 - **
1/1. Bombázószázad - HU - Ca.135 - *
1 Bombardirovŭchen Polk 1 Yato - BG - OS11 - PZL.43 - **
1º Grupo de Apoyo 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - OS11 - Hs 123a
Pommituslentolaivue 1 - FI - OS11 - Fokker C.X
Escadrila 2 Bombardment - RO - OS11 - PZL 37B Łoś
1º Grupo de Bombardeo 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - OS11 - He 111H2

Highlights


First encounter with the RAF over the sea proves to be very challenging even for the experienced pilots. This does put into question some of the intended later plans...


Due to miscalculation of opposing fighter forces range and their presence in the area, Escadrila 1 Bombardment is hit quite heavily when on a bombing run against local anti-aircraft defenses.


Fierce fighting continues to the very end, with both sides exchanging blows on a rather equal footing and mostly the experienced aces making a difference in favor of the Axis.

Summary:

Final Prestige: 8231 (up 285)

Overall:

The Dunkirk air raids proven to be much more effective than the general initially thought. He was concerned this would end up in a terrible failure, but ultimately it was just a disappointment. While majority of the British forces evacuated to fight later, they lost almost all of their equipment. There were of course still reserves back on the island, but this was a significant loss they were not going to immediately replenish, as all that construction work on new machines takes time. As such, while Bertorelli dis get stern warnings following the mission, High Command was relatively pleased in all Axis powers, already planning how to capitalize on the opportunity with their new operations for the future. In the meantime, land forces under the general's command were supposed to cooperate with Rommel in preparation for the second stage of the invasion in France.

This is quite the project! Can't wait to see if Mr. Bertorelli can catch up before 1943 DLC drops.

I'm also quite curious about it, but also quite concerned if some 1941 and 1942 missions will be doable at all (well maybe main objectives not rally that bad, but bonus ones - oh dear...). So far things are not presenting impossible challenges yet, but T-34 vs. Panzer 38(t)A will not be a battle where I bet on my own troops...

[Tassadar]

AO 1940 - Battle of Abbeville

Preparations for Fall Rot were underway, but as the armies were organizing east of the Somme river, Rommel arrived with disturbing news. Apparently the French were not going to continue resisting passively and defensively, and have amassed a huge tanks army to try and regain lost ground. Scouts already reported these forces were on their way and with the state most of the Wehrmacht was in, preparing for offensive action as well, they were in no position to reliably resist this push. As such, both Rommel and Bertorelli were asked to intercept these new reinforcements, hold them off as long as possible and perhaps even push back, establishing a bridgehead on the west of Somme river.

Starting Prestige (after purchases and replacements): 8798

Starting Army Composition:

Infantry

1. Lövészzászlóalj - HU - OS16 - HU Infantry (Opel Blitz) - ** - László Duska
2. Lövészzászlóalj - HU - OS16 - HU HW Inf (Opel Blitz)
1. Műszaki Ezred - HU - HU Engineers (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 Infanterie - RO - OS16 - RO Infantry (Opel Blitz) - *
Batalionul 2 Infanterie - RO - OS16 - RO HW Inf (Opel Blitz) - *
Batalionul 1 Geniu - RO - RO Engineers (Opel Blitz) - *

Tank

1. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - Panzer 38(t)A - ** - Steamroller
2. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 38M Toldi I - ** - Steamroller
3. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 35M L3/35
Batalionul 1 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - R1 - * - Steamroller
Batalionul 2 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - R2 - * - Steamroller, Survivor
Batalionul 3 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - T-38 - * - Steamroller

Recon

1. Felderítő Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 39M Csaba - ***
Batalionul 1 de Cavalerie Blindat - RO - OS11 - OA vz.30 - *** - Survivor

Anit-Tank

1. Páncéltörő Zászlóalj - HU - OS12 - 3.7 cm Pak 36 (Opel Blitz)
2. Páncéltörő Zászlóalj - HU - OS12 - 47mm FRC (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 de Tunuri Anticar - RO - OS12 - 37mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 2 de Tunuri Anticar - RO - OS12 - 47mm Schneider (Opel Blitz)

Artillery

1. Tüzérosztály - HU - 150mm Bofors (Opel Blitz) - *
2. Tüzérosztály - HU - 105mm 37M (Opel Blitz) - * - Skilled Support
3. Tüzérosztály - HU - OS11 - 80mm 18M (Opel Blitz) - *
Batalionul 1 Artilerie - RO - 150mm model 1934 (Opel Blitz) - *
Batalionul 2 Artilerie - RO - 105mm model 1913 (Opel Blitz) - *
Batalionul 3 Artilerie - RO - OS11 - 75mm model 1897 (Opel Blitz) - *

Anti-Aircraft

1. Légvédelmi Zászlóalj - HU - 88mm 29/38M (Opel Blitz)
2. Légvédelmi Zászlóalj - HU - OS12 - 40mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS12 - 25mm Hotchkiss (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 2 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS11 - 75mm Vickers/Resita (Opel Blitz)

Fighter

1/1. Vadászszázad - HU - Bf 109E - **
1/2. Vadászszázad - HU - Re.2000 - *
1/3. Vadászszázad - HU - OS11 - CR.42
Escadrila 1 Vanatoare - RO - OS11 - He 112 - *
Escadrila 2 Vanatoare - RO - Bf 109E - *
Escadrila 3 Vanatoare - RO - OS11 - Bf 110C - *

Tactical Bomber

1/1. Bombázószázad - HU - Ca.135 - *
Escadrila 1 Bombardment - RO - JRS-79 - *

Strategic Bomber

1/2. Bombázószázad - HU - OS12 - Ju 86 - **
1/3. Bombázószázad - HU - OS12 - Do 17Z - Survivor
Escadrila 2 Bombardment - RO - OS11 - PZL 37B Łoś

Reserve

1º Reggimento Fanteria - IT - OS16 - IT Infantry (Truck) - **
2º Reggimento Fanteria - IT - IT HW Inf (Truck) - * - Survivor
1º Reggimento Genio Guastatori - IT - IT Engineers (Truck) - * - Survivor
1º Reggimento Genio Pontieri - IT - OS17 - IT Bridge Eng (Truck)
1º Reggimento di Cavalleria - IT - OS16 - IT Cavalry - *
1º Reggimento Paracadutisti - IT - OS16 - IT Paratroops - ** - Edorado Sala
1º Reggimento Alpini - IT - OS16 - Alpini
1º Reggimento Bersaglieri - IT - OS16 - Bersaglieri (Opel Blitz)
1. Pontonos Hidász Ezred - HU - OS17 - HU Bridge Eng (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 2 Geniu - RO - OS17 - RO Bridge Eng (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 Vânători de Munte - RO - OS16 - RO Mnt Inf
1 Pekhoten Batal’on - BG - OS16 - BG Infantry (Opel Blitz) - *
1 Konen Batal’on - BG - OS16 - BG Cavalry - * - Nikola Mutafchiev
I Batallón de Infantería - ES - Azul Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - ** - Teodoro Palacios Cueto
II Batallón de Infantería - ES - OS16 - Regulares (Opel Blitz)
I Batallón de Caballería - ES - OS16 - ES Cavalry
Jalkaväkirykmentti 1 - FI - OS16 - FI Infantry (Opel Blitz)
Pioneeripataljoona 1 - FI - FI Engineers (Opel Blitz)
1. pechotný prápor - SK - OS16 - SK Infantry (Opel Blitz)
1. ženijný prápor - SK - SK Engineers (Opel Blitz)
1º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - M13/40 - ** - Steamroller, Luigi Arbib Pascucci
2º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - L6/40 - * - Steamroller, Survivor
3º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - L3/35 Lf - * - Steamroller
4º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - Somua S35
1 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - Panzer 38(t) - *
2 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - Panzer 35(t) - *
3 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - L3/33
I Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES - OS11 - Trubia - ** - Steamroller
II Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES - OS11 - Verdeja 2 - ** - Steamroller
I Panssaripataljoona - FI - OS11 - T-26 - * - Survivor, Reino Lehväslaiho
II Panssaripataljoona - FI - OS11 - BT-5
1. tankový prápor - SK - OS11 - LT vz.35
1º Battaglione Autoblindo - IT - OS11 - Lancia IZM - *** - Tommaso Lequio di Assaba
2º Battaglione Autoblindo - IT - Sahariana
1 Razuznavatelen Batal’on - BG - OS11 - SdKfz 222 - ***
I Batallón de Automóviles Blindados - ES - OS11 - UNL-35 - ***
Ratsuväkiprikaati 1 - FI - OS11 - BA-6 - *
1. mechanizovaný prápor - SK - OS11 - OA vz.30 - **
1º Battaglione Artiglieria Semovente - IT - OS11 - L 40 da 47/32
1º Battaglione Cannoni Controcarro - IT - OS12 - 47/32 M35 (Truck) - *
1 Protivotankov Batal’on - BG - OS12 - 37mm 36M (Opel Blitz)
I Batallón de Antitanques - ES - OS12 - 37mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)
Kenttätykistörykmentti 1 - FI - OS12 - 37mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)
Kenttätykistörykmentti 2 - FI - OS12 - 25mm SA 34 (Opel Blitz)
1. protitankový prápor - SK - OS12 - 3,7 cm KPÚV vz.37 (Opel Blitz)
1º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - 149mm 149/19 (Lancia 3Ro) - *** - Skilled Support, Giuseppe D'Amico
2º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - 105mm 105/28 (Lancia 3Ro) - ** - Lorenzo Matiotti
3º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - OS11 - 75/32 M37 (Truck) - ** - Skilled Support
4º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - OS11 - 75mm 75/27 (Truck) - ** - Skilled Support
1 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - 12 cm M.1909 (Opel Blitz) - *
2 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - 10.5 cm M.1935 (Opel Blitz) - *
3 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - OS11 - 7.5 cm M.1904 (Opel Blitz) - *
I Batallón de Artillería de Campaña - ES - 122mm M10/30 (Opel Blitz) - **
II Batallón de Artillería de Campaña - ES - 105mm Vickers M22 (Opel Blitz) - **
1. delostrelecký prápor - SK - 150mm vz.25 (Opel Blitz) - *
2. delostrelecký prápor - SK - 100mm Škoda vz.14/19 (Opel Blitz)
3. delostrelecký prápor - SK - OS11 - 75mm vz.15 (Opel Blitz)
1º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - 90/53 M41C (Lancia 3Ro)
2º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS12 - Breda 20/65 M35 (Truck)
3º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS11 - 75/46 C.A. M34 (Lancia 3Ro)
Batalionul 3 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS12 - 3.7 cm FlaK 37 (Opel Blitz)
1 Protivovŭzdushna Batal’on - BG - OS12 - 2 cm FlaK 30 (Opel Blitz)
2 Protivovŭzdushna Batal’on - BG - 8.8 cm FlaK 18 (Opel Blitz)
I. Ilmatorjuntapatteri - FI - OS12 - 2 cm FlaK 38 (Opel Blitz)
II. Ilmatorjuntapatteri - FI - OS12 - 40 mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)
1. protilietadlový prápor - SK - OS12 - 20mm VKPL vz.36 (Opel Blitz)
2. protilietadlový prápor - SK - 83.5mm Škoda vz.22 (Opel Blitz)
1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 1 - IT - OS11 - CR.42 Falco - ** - Mario Visintini
1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 2 - IT - D.520 - *
1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 3 - IT - MC.200 Saetta - * - Adriano Visconti
1 Iztrebitelen Polk 1 Yato - BG - D.520 - *
1º Grupo de Caza 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - OS11 - I-16 - *** - Joaquin Garcia Morato
Hävittäjälentolaivue 1 - FI - OS11 - G.50 - Ilmari Juutilainen
Hävittäjälentolaivue 2 - FI - OS11 - Fokker D.XXI - *
Hävittäjälentolaivue 3 - FI - M.S.406
1º Gruppo Bombardamento Veloce Sq 1 - IT - OS11 - Breda Ba.65 - *** - Giuseppe Cenni
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 1 - IT - SM.79 - **
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 2 - IT - Ca.135 - **
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 3 - IT - Fiat BR.20 - *
1º Gruppo Ricognizione Sq 1 - IT - OS12 - IMAM Ro.37 - **
1 Bombardirovŭchen Polk 1 Yato - BG - OS11 - PZL.43 - **
1º Grupo de Apoyo 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - OS11 - Hs 123a
Pommituslentolaivue 1 - FI - OS11 - Fokker C.X
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 4 - IT - CANT Z.1007 - * - Survivor
1 Bombardirovŭchen Polk 2 Yato - BG - OS12 - Do 17Z
1º Grupo de Bombardeo 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - OS11 - He 111H2

Highlights


The army prepares to cross the Somme river and meet the French head on in the open.


Enemy planes appear, but heavy anti-aircraft fire prevents serious losses from happening. Bombers are forced to scatter and become a lot less effective.


Rommel encounters enemies further north, but so far his forces do a decent job holding them off.


Tons of elite French tanks formations lead by de Gaulle appear on the battlefield. General Bertorelli orders all heavy anti-aircraft guns to be put in anti-tank mode instead and has his fighters deal with any planes. However even with this extra support fire losses are inevitable. The line just has to hold.


Some remainign British troops join up from the south, making the situation even more difficult. At least Rommel's troops are providing some useful distraction around Cambron and pull some of the enemies towards them.


Hungarian and Romanian tanks are no match for the French modern ones. The general orders hist troops to stand ground, baiting the enemy into attacking and utilize the heavy anti-aircraft artillery against advancing armour.


Rommel continues to provide assistance, distracting de Gaulle's mean and slowing down their push, which allows to repair some damaged vehicles and reorganize the front line formations.


After a series of long, difficult clashes, most of the French and British tanks are finally either destroyed or retreat. The few remaining units are easily overwhelmed and forced to surrender.


After moving further west, the enemy counterattacks again with a fresh wave of reinforcements and some of the forces from earlier, that managed to repair the damaged tanks and put them back in action.


While all this is happening, a much smaller force holds Mareuil-Caubreat and is about to take Leircourt once reinforcements arrive from the west. The French have multiple tanks here, but they are not necessarily achieving much in rugged and foresty terrain, so the only major obstacle to capturing the town is infantry garrisoned in it. Since air superiority was finally achieved, the bombers can now safely move in to deal as much damage as possible before the attack.

Summary:

Final Prestige: 9513 (up 715)

Overall:

Repelling the French attack was successful, but very costly. In the end, almost every Hungarian and Romanian unit was significantly damaged, with losses in mean and equipment requiring urgent replenishing. Even with the 8.8 and 7.5 cm anti-aircraft guns dealing great damage to French armored units, the whole encounter was very defensive in nature, as the tanks general Bertorelli had at his disposal were noticeably less efficient than their counterparts on the other side. This could be mitigated somewhat by artillery and bomber support, but still resented a serious challenge when trying to organize quick attacks on large, open fields. De Gaulle's elite units itself proved to be extremely difficult to stop, roaming freely on the battlefield uncontested for quite the long time unit it was finally made to retreat once supporting units were defeated. The supply situation was about to get much worse than it seemed on paper. At the same time, the failure of the enemy to push through the Somme river meant that Fall Rot could begin in full and it seemed that the French were not going to be able to resit as easily anymore. They still had massive reserves, but issues with logistics and coordination made it more and more difficult for them to stop the Axis plans. With this battle, the cooperation between Rommel and Bertorelli also came to an end for now, as the Italian general was not being ordered to move to a different area.

[Stormchaser]

Russia is going to be a nightmare if Char B1s and Somua S35s are already causing trouble for you.
I don't think the Axis Allies start getting Panzer III and IV models till 43, maybe late 42.
The T-34s and KV-1s are going to be a nightmare to deal with using the tank lineup you'll like have until then.

On the plus side, if you want Finland has a track record of using captured Soviet equipment, so if you can get enough captured stock that is one avenue to try and solve that issue.

[Tassadar]

Russia is going to be a nightmare if Char B1s and Somua S35s are already causing trouble for you.
I don't think the Axis Allies start getting Panzer III and IV models till 43, maybe late 42.
The T-34s and KV-1s are going to be a nightmare to deal with using the tank lineup you'll like have until then.

On the plus side, if you want Finland has a track record of using captured Soviet equipment, so if you can get enough captured stock that is one avenue to try and solve that issue.

Panzer IV starts to appear late 1942 for Hungarians (as evident by the Voroshilovgrad SDO mission), but yea, that's about it before 1943 when it comes to noticeable upgrades and just the Italians can get some slightly better tanks by then... I will need to rely on bombers, artillery, heavy Flak and especially Semovente. The extra spicy part is that aside from the signature battles not all nations will as usual take part in specific scenarios, so each nation will have to find its own ways to deal with the issue.

As for Finns, I will probably allow them the T-34 (I'm a bit on the fence since they only used 10 ever, but should be fair enough), but if so, no sooner than 1943 to not overly rely on them.

Also, to avoid cheesing the hero system, any Overwhelming Attack/Envelopment heroes will only ever be assigned to light vehicles that cannot penetrate heavy tank armor. Similarly for Shock Tactics, however here I have idea for a bomber hero which might give me that tiny edge sometimes.

[WalterTFD]

It's funny that you basically had the opposite experience of the usual game, where we are all laughing at Rommel's troops and babysitting them. They were actually better equipped than your guys. I'm really liking these recaps, fingers crossed for the success of Herr Bertorelli.