World at War AAR-MrPlow vs. jjdenver (No jjdenver allowed)
Moderators: Happycat, rkr1958, Slitherine Core
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MrPlow
- Administrative Corporal - SdKfz 251/1
- Posts: 141
- Joined: Mon Mar 10, 2008 12:24 am
- Location: Vancouver, BC
November 29, 1941
"We are at the end of our resources in both personnel and materiel. We are about to be confronted with the dangers of deep winter."
Invasion of the Soviet Union
Our glorious Red Army strengthens the Dnieper Defence Line as the Fascist dogs advance into the Motherland. Unfortunately a German shell destroyed our frontline mobile cartography unit so this update will be by words only. Reinforcements continue to arrive from the east and are immediately put to use defending the frontline. Soviet High command has high hopes for the defence and eagerly awaits the Winter cold. Our units are prepared with suitable winter clothing and our equipment has been thoroughly winterized to avoid breakdowns and repairs. There is much doubt in the air whether the Wehrmacht is employing similar procedures for the winter. These Fascist pigs probably thought we would be an easy conquer and that they would be sipping champaign in Moscow! These Fascists don't know what pain, both from us and Winter, that they have coming to them. Glory to the Motherland!
For the Motherland!
Western Allies
Preparations are underway for a significant force being sent to Egypt including air and motorized forces. Currently a scouting infantry corps with a destroyer escort are in the Atlantic enroute to Egypt. This minor force will act as a stop-gap measure to buy time for the larger force which will arrive later. The Egyptian front looks highly threatened as the Germans are near Alexandria but High Command is hopeful that Allied forces can arrive in time to save this theatre from Nazi conquest.
"We are at the end of our resources in both personnel and materiel. We are about to be confronted with the dangers of deep winter."
Invasion of the Soviet Union
Our glorious Red Army strengthens the Dnieper Defence Line as the Fascist dogs advance into the Motherland. Unfortunately a German shell destroyed our frontline mobile cartography unit so this update will be by words only. Reinforcements continue to arrive from the east and are immediately put to use defending the frontline. Soviet High command has high hopes for the defence and eagerly awaits the Winter cold. Our units are prepared with suitable winter clothing and our equipment has been thoroughly winterized to avoid breakdowns and repairs. There is much doubt in the air whether the Wehrmacht is employing similar procedures for the winter. These Fascist pigs probably thought we would be an easy conquer and that they would be sipping champaign in Moscow! These Fascists don't know what pain, both from us and Winter, that they have coming to them. Glory to the Motherland!
For the Motherland!
Western Allies
Preparations are underway for a significant force being sent to Egypt including air and motorized forces. Currently a scouting infantry corps with a destroyer escort are in the Atlantic enroute to Egypt. This minor force will act as a stop-gap measure to buy time for the larger force which will arrive later. The Egyptian front looks highly threatened as the Germans are near Alexandria but High Command is hopeful that Allied forces can arrive in time to save this theatre from Nazi conquest.
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MrPlow
- Administrative Corporal - SdKfz 251/1
- Posts: 141
- Joined: Mon Mar 10, 2008 12:24 am
- Location: Vancouver, BC
December 19, 1941
"As a result of the cold, the machine-guns were no longer able to fire...the result of all this was a panic...The battle worthiness of our infantry is at an end"
Winter throughout the Eastern Front
Winter arrives and the Fascist pigs are totally unprepared! As the enemy forces arrive at our Defence lines, the glorious Red Army finds them exhausted, cold and low on supply. There is talk of a counter-attack due to the enemy weakness, but for know, that's all it is. In the North, the Leningrad Front advances into Finland, completely destroying an enemy infantry division in the process. Along the whole eastern front, Winter has granted us a reprieve from Nazi attacks. As a result, our armies will rest, repair, and upgrade to ultimately prepare for the Spring and Germany's next great (expected) offensive.
Current Frontline
North Africa
The scout convoy is enroute to Egypt as Alexandria is close to falling. Also, Construction programs continue in both Canada and the United States in order to counter any Nazi threat. On the diplomatic front, the US still vows their neutrality and currently is in the midst of intense diplomatic talks with Japan over an oil embargo. After the talks are settled, we hope the United States joins the Allied Cause, but it will take something big to make that happen...
"As a result of the cold, the machine-guns were no longer able to fire...the result of all this was a panic...The battle worthiness of our infantry is at an end"
Winter throughout the Eastern Front
Winter arrives and the Fascist pigs are totally unprepared! As the enemy forces arrive at our Defence lines, the glorious Red Army finds them exhausted, cold and low on supply. There is talk of a counter-attack due to the enemy weakness, but for know, that's all it is. In the North, the Leningrad Front advances into Finland, completely destroying an enemy infantry division in the process. Along the whole eastern front, Winter has granted us a reprieve from Nazi attacks. As a result, our armies will rest, repair, and upgrade to ultimately prepare for the Spring and Germany's next great (expected) offensive.
Current Frontline
North Africa
The scout convoy is enroute to Egypt as Alexandria is close to falling. Also, Construction programs continue in both Canada and the United States in order to counter any Nazi threat. On the diplomatic front, the US still vows their neutrality and currently is in the midst of intense diplomatic talks with Japan over an oil embargo. After the talks are settled, we hope the United States joins the Allied Cause, but it will take something big to make that happen...
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Peter Stauffenberg
- General - Carrier
- Posts: 4745
- Joined: Sun Jul 08, 2007 4:13 pm
- Location: Oslo, Norway
I think the Russians should go all out against the Germans here. It's winter and the Axis units will recover soon if they're left unharmed. The Germans are much weaker in Russia in this game than in the usual games so you can afford to take the risk. E. g. there are many Russian garrisons behind the line that the Germans haven't killed yet. The German front line is not strong at all (lacks a contiguous double defense line). If this line is attacked many places then there will be German losses. It's not easy for the Germans to counter attack because the Luftwaffe is also suffering from the winter giving worse results from bombardments.
The main goal for the Allies should be to make sure the Germans burn as much oil as possible each turn. That means they will run out of it maybe as early as some time 1942. Then it will be good-bye Germany because the air and armor units won't be able to do anything at all. The Allies get complete air superiority and the Germans can just defend.
If the Russians attack and attack Axis units then the war of attrition will mean the German manpower level will drop fast. Germany can only afford to build some units each turn and if you can keep killing 3-4 units per turn then the Germans have no chance at all. Germany has only 4 armor units in the east and some are in the front line. They will be no match against the power of the Russian armor supported by air.
This game shows the major weakness about Sealion. The German played spent too much time to finish off the British. He was lucky so he could bag a big British force in Libya. But attacking into Russia with so weak forces was probably not so smart. I would probably have been better to make an all out assault towards Iraq using Crete and Cyprus as airbases. Then you get the critical oil to keep you alive for the rest of the game.
The Germans could maybe strike at the Russians just before October to kill the front line units and then advance into Russia, but not into mother Russia territory. Then they wouldn't have been affected by the winter efficiency drop.
Many Axis players make the mistake of attacking every turn in Russia until the winter hits. Then they become very vulnerable to counter attacks. I usually move to a contiguous front line 2 hexes away from the main Russian line. This means there is no contact between the Russians and Germans when winter strikes. Due to winter movement penalty and ZOC from 2 units into each hex then the Russians can't move adjacent to the German line on the first winter turn.
If you stop along this line a few turns before the winter then you will rest and recover some efficiency before the winter. You lose efficiency each turn you move and even more efficiency if you attack. But if you rest then you dig-in and you increase your efficiency. I also try to keep the Axis minors in the second line because they will get down to red efficiency levels and can easily be killed.
So the Germans must be patient and not too greedy in 1941. You can easily engage the Russian line in the spring of 1942 when you've recovered from the winter effects. So you don't have to capture every hex you can in 1941.
I think the Russians will win the game for the Allies unless the MrPlow makes a huge mistake and loses Iraq or loses many units in Russia in 1942 due to encirclements.
The main goal for the Allies should be to make sure the Germans burn as much oil as possible each turn. That means they will run out of it maybe as early as some time 1942. Then it will be good-bye Germany because the air and armor units won't be able to do anything at all. The Allies get complete air superiority and the Germans can just defend.
If the Russians attack and attack Axis units then the war of attrition will mean the German manpower level will drop fast. Germany can only afford to build some units each turn and if you can keep killing 3-4 units per turn then the Germans have no chance at all. Germany has only 4 armor units in the east and some are in the front line. They will be no match against the power of the Russian armor supported by air.
This game shows the major weakness about Sealion. The German played spent too much time to finish off the British. He was lucky so he could bag a big British force in Libya. But attacking into Russia with so weak forces was probably not so smart. I would probably have been better to make an all out assault towards Iraq using Crete and Cyprus as airbases. Then you get the critical oil to keep you alive for the rest of the game.
The Germans could maybe strike at the Russians just before October to kill the front line units and then advance into Russia, but not into mother Russia territory. Then they wouldn't have been affected by the winter efficiency drop.
Many Axis players make the mistake of attacking every turn in Russia until the winter hits. Then they become very vulnerable to counter attacks. I usually move to a contiguous front line 2 hexes away from the main Russian line. This means there is no contact between the Russians and Germans when winter strikes. Due to winter movement penalty and ZOC from 2 units into each hex then the Russians can't move adjacent to the German line on the first winter turn.
If you stop along this line a few turns before the winter then you will rest and recover some efficiency before the winter. You lose efficiency each turn you move and even more efficiency if you attack. But if you rest then you dig-in and you increase your efficiency. I also try to keep the Axis minors in the second line because they will get down to red efficiency levels and can easily be killed.
So the Germans must be patient and not too greedy in 1941. You can easily engage the Russian line in the spring of 1942 when you've recovered from the winter effects. So you don't have to capture every hex you can in 1941.
I think the Russians will win the game for the Allies unless the MrPlow makes a huge mistake and loses Iraq or loses many units in Russia in 1942 due to encirclements.
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MrPlow
- Administrative Corporal - SdKfz 251/1
- Posts: 141
- Joined: Mon Mar 10, 2008 12:24 am
- Location: Vancouver, BC
Superb analysis as usual Stauffenberg! So given this weak German position, are you suggesting that the glorious Red Army leaves it's defensive positions and attacks the Wehrmacht head on?Stauffenberg wrote:I think the Russians should go all out against the Germans here. It's winter and the Axis units will recover soon if they're left unharmed. The Germans are much weaker in Russia in this game than in the usual games so you can afford to take the risk. E. g. there are many Russian garrisons behind the line that the Germans haven't killed yet. The German front line is not strong at all (lacks a contiguous double defense line). If this line is attacked many places then there will be German losses. It's not easy for the Germans to counter attack because the Luftwaffe is also suffering from the winter giving worse results from bombardments.
The main goal for the Allies should be to make sure the Germans burn as much oil as possible each turn. That means they will run out of it maybe as early as some time 1942. Then it will be good-bye Germany because the air and armor units won't be able to do anything at all. The Allies get complete air superiority and the Germans can just defend.
If the Russians attack and attack Axis units then the war of attrition will mean the German manpower level will drop fast. Germany can only afford to build some units each turn and if you can keep killing 3-4 units per turn then the Germans have no chance at all. Germany has only 4 armor units in the east and some are in the front line. They will be no match against the power of the Russian armor supported by air.
This game shows the major weakness about Sealion. The German played spent too much time to finish off the British. He was lucky so he could bag a big British force in Libya. But attacking into Russia with so weak forces was probably not so smart. I would probably have been better to make an all out assault towards Iraq using Crete and Cyprus as airbases. Then you get the critical oil to keep you alive for the rest of the game.
The Germans could maybe strike at the Russians just before October to kill the front line units and then advance into Russia, but not into mother Russia territory. Then they wouldn't have been affected by the winter efficiency drop.
Many Axis players make the mistake of attacking every turn in Russia until the winter hits. Then they become very vulnerable to counter attacks. I usually move to a contiguous front line 2 hexes away from the main Russian line. This means there is no contact between the Russians and Germans when winter strikes. Due to winter movement penalty and ZOC from 2 units into each hex then the Russians can't move adjacent to the German line on the first winter turn.
If you stop along this line a few turns before the winter then you will rest and recover some efficiency before the winter. You lose efficiency each turn you move and even more efficiency if you attack. But if you rest then you dig-in and you increase your efficiency. I also try to keep the Axis minors in the second line because they will get down to red efficiency levels and can easily be killed.
So the Germans must be patient and not too greedy in 1941. You can easily engage the Russian line in the spring of 1942 when you've recovered from the winter effects. So you don't have to capture every hex you can in 1941.
I think the Russians will win the game for the Allies unless the MrPlow makes a huge mistake and loses Iraq or loses many units in Russia in 1942 due to encirclements.
*EDIT* After looking back at what I said, it may have sounded a little sarcastic, but I certainly did not mean to be. The Red army needs some strategic advice, do you (everyone who reads this AAR) think a winter attack could work and significantly aid the Soviet Union?
Thanks for the help!
MrPlow
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MrPlow
- Administrative Corporal - SdKfz 251/1
- Posts: 141
- Joined: Mon Mar 10, 2008 12:24 am
- Location: Vancouver, BC
January 8, 1942
Yesterday, January 4th, 1942—a date which will live in infamy—the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan...
United States Enters the War
A cowardly attack by Japan on Pearl Harbour triggers a global war as the United States declares war on Japan. In defence of its ally, Nazi Germany declares war on America 4 days later on January 8, marking the beginning of a war that will plunge the world into a shroud of death and despair. This is now a global war, a war the Allies will ultimately win, in order to free subjugated peoples and ultimately further the cause of peace and democracy around the world.
Western Front
A significant force containing tanks, motorized infantry, infantry, and air support departs for Egypt escorted by a potent surface force. In addition, a large army remains in North America that will soon depart to reclaim England from the Fascist occupiers, though this operation may be postponed depending on the strategic situation.
Eastern Front
A lull in fighting begins as deep winter sets upon Mother Russia. The Red army rests, upgrades, reinforces along the Dnieper Defence Line, preparing for the expected Nazi offensive in the Spring. To the North, the Leningrad front continues its advance into Finland. As a result of the recent successes in this front, a strong tactical bomber airgroup has been deployed to aid in the advance. We will succeed, glory to the Motherland!
Frontline
Yesterday, January 4th, 1942—a date which will live in infamy—the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan...
United States Enters the War
A cowardly attack by Japan on Pearl Harbour triggers a global war as the United States declares war on Japan. In defence of its ally, Nazi Germany declares war on America 4 days later on January 8, marking the beginning of a war that will plunge the world into a shroud of death and despair. This is now a global war, a war the Allies will ultimately win, in order to free subjugated peoples and ultimately further the cause of peace and democracy around the world.
Western Front
A significant force containing tanks, motorized infantry, infantry, and air support departs for Egypt escorted by a potent surface force. In addition, a large army remains in North America that will soon depart to reclaim England from the Fascist occupiers, though this operation may be postponed depending on the strategic situation.
Eastern Front
A lull in fighting begins as deep winter sets upon Mother Russia. The Red army rests, upgrades, reinforces along the Dnieper Defence Line, preparing for the expected Nazi offensive in the Spring. To the North, the Leningrad front continues its advance into Finland. As a result of the recent successes in this front, a strong tactical bomber airgroup has been deployed to aid in the advance. We will succeed, glory to the Motherland!
Frontline
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KingHunter3059
- Sergeant First Class - Elite Panzer IIIL
- Posts: 419
- Joined: Thu Jan 15, 2009 5:51 pm
- Location: Hyattsville, Maryland USA
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Peter Stauffenberg
- General - Carrier
- Posts: 4745
- Joined: Sun Jul 08, 2007 4:13 pm
- Location: Oslo, Norway
I would reinforce the area near the lake north of Pskov. The flank is being held by a single corps and no backup units to plug the hole. Germany has several air units in the area and can easily kill this unit. Then there is a hole in the front line and Germany can threaten the armor group of 3 units near Pskov. It's enough to have 1-2 corps units behind the front line units to make sure the Germans won't try anything here.
It's also possible for Russia to place some corps units adjacent to the ports in Sevastopol and Kerch or maybe Batumi. The point is to make an amphibious landing near Constanta or Varna soon after Germany starts his 1942 offensive. It will disrupt his plans and he must send reinforcements to Romania or maybe lose Ploesti and Bucharest. The corps units that invade will probably be annihilated, but they will make sure the Luftwaffe is sent southwards and that means the main offensive will get into problems. It's not so easy to crack the Russian river line so the Germans need a lot of air to do it.
I propose you try to land at least 4 corps units. You will need a few turns to do it and maybe you need some turns to place the units on transports due to few adjacent hexes. It's nice to do it during the winter and then move from the safe location near Batumi to the coast line when the Germans launch their offensive. The invasion will be a real pain in his butt and he must defend against it. You might even have more corps units adjacent to ports so you can quickly reinforce the invasion area if the Germans don't respond quickly. Then it can turn into a major invasion and you can capture Bucharest. Make sure you keep your BB and DD alive so they can give beachhead supply to the invasion area. If you capture Constanta then you will get better supply.
Placing air units on the Crimea could be a good idea. They can support the landing or bombard the Romanian DD. Your strategic bomber on Crimea should rebase there so it gets within range of the Ploesti oilfield. You should bombard this oilfield as often as possible. It's only when German fighters can attack the airbase directly you should withdraw it. This will force Germany to relocate fighters to Romania.
It's also possible for Russia to place some corps units adjacent to the ports in Sevastopol and Kerch or maybe Batumi. The point is to make an amphibious landing near Constanta or Varna soon after Germany starts his 1942 offensive. It will disrupt his plans and he must send reinforcements to Romania or maybe lose Ploesti and Bucharest. The corps units that invade will probably be annihilated, but they will make sure the Luftwaffe is sent southwards and that means the main offensive will get into problems. It's not so easy to crack the Russian river line so the Germans need a lot of air to do it.
I propose you try to land at least 4 corps units. You will need a few turns to do it and maybe you need some turns to place the units on transports due to few adjacent hexes. It's nice to do it during the winter and then move from the safe location near Batumi to the coast line when the Germans launch their offensive. The invasion will be a real pain in his butt and he must defend against it. You might even have more corps units adjacent to ports so you can quickly reinforce the invasion area if the Germans don't respond quickly. Then it can turn into a major invasion and you can capture Bucharest. Make sure you keep your BB and DD alive so they can give beachhead supply to the invasion area. If you capture Constanta then you will get better supply.
Placing air units on the Crimea could be a good idea. They can support the landing or bombard the Romanian DD. Your strategic bomber on Crimea should rebase there so it gets within range of the Ploesti oilfield. You should bombard this oilfield as often as possible. It's only when German fighters can attack the airbase directly you should withdraw it. This will force Germany to relocate fighters to Romania.
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MrPlow
- Administrative Corporal - SdKfz 251/1
- Posts: 141
- Joined: Mon Mar 10, 2008 12:24 am
- Location: Vancouver, BC
Thanks everyone for the advice, Allied High Command very much appreciates it! In regards to the seaborne invasion that has been proposed, my black sea BB was destroyed in the opening stages of the war as it attempted to assist evacuations. Would the lack of a BB be grounds for postponing/terminating a seaborne invasion of Romania, or could it still work with only DD support? Also, thank you Stauffenberg for pointing ou the defence deficiency in the North, I will dispatch forces right away to deal with this area's weakness.
Also, I will post a screenshot of the Egypt "situation" in my next update. The Suez may fall soon, but I have a significant force on its way to defend or take back (if it gets to that point) Egypt and then eventually move on and capture Libya. Also, in this mod is it expected that the Allies launch an Operation Torch, or is that not required to begin Italian operations?
Thanks for the help everyone!
MrPlow
Also, I will post a screenshot of the Egypt "situation" in my next update. The Suez may fall soon, but I have a significant force on its way to defend or take back (if it gets to that point) Egypt and then eventually move on and capture Libya. Also, in this mod is it expected that the Allies launch an Operation Torch, or is that not required to begin Italian operations?
Thanks for the help everyone!
MrPlow
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MrPlow
- Administrative Corporal - SdKfz 251/1
- Posts: 141
- Joined: Mon Mar 10, 2008 12:24 am
- Location: Vancouver, BC
January 28, 1942
"Okay, men, now listen. We're going to blow out the water now and see if we can get our rear ends out of the sand. If we make it to the surface, things could still get pretty rough. Traffic's heavy up there. And we have to pray the engines start, so we can get out of this mess. The condition the boat is in, we have got to head straight for La Rochelle. If we make it... it's half a bottle of beer for each! There is one thing on our side; they won't be expecting us. Well men, all set?"
Battle of the Atlantic
The Allied Naval Construction program has so far allowed for success! The Atlantic is now flooded with British, American, and Canadian naval ships of all shapes and sizes, bringing the war to the enemy Uboats! Furthermore, strategic naval bombers have also been sent to the Azores to conduct anti-submarine patrols against the Kriegsmarine. Soon (hopefully) the Atlantic will be under Allied control, allowing convoys to move freely and unmolested to provide men and materiel to the frontlines. An Allied army waits in North America to depart for an invasion of Axis-held England, though Allied High Command was hoping it's trusted advisors could give advise before the invasion sets sail.
Eastern Front
The frontline remains completely static, though the Germans withdraw from Kiev. A Red Army scout force will try and temporarily liberate the city if it still remains vacant of Wehrmacht units in the next 20 days. Also, in the North units are being sent to strengthen the "weak" area of the frontline to the west of Leningrad. To the North of Leningrad, the offensive in Finland continues its success, as a Finish infantry corps is mauled badly by combined sea, air, and land attacks.
Egypt
The Allies are being gradually pushed back from the might of the Afrika Korps. A strong Allied Army is on its way to strengthen the region in addition to the infantry crops that is expected to arrive in the next 20 days.
Situation
"Okay, men, now listen. We're going to blow out the water now and see if we can get our rear ends out of the sand. If we make it to the surface, things could still get pretty rough. Traffic's heavy up there. And we have to pray the engines start, so we can get out of this mess. The condition the boat is in, we have got to head straight for La Rochelle. If we make it... it's half a bottle of beer for each! There is one thing on our side; they won't be expecting us. Well men, all set?"
Battle of the Atlantic
The Allied Naval Construction program has so far allowed for success! The Atlantic is now flooded with British, American, and Canadian naval ships of all shapes and sizes, bringing the war to the enemy Uboats! Furthermore, strategic naval bombers have also been sent to the Azores to conduct anti-submarine patrols against the Kriegsmarine. Soon (hopefully) the Atlantic will be under Allied control, allowing convoys to move freely and unmolested to provide men and materiel to the frontlines. An Allied army waits in North America to depart for an invasion of Axis-held England, though Allied High Command was hoping it's trusted advisors could give advise before the invasion sets sail.
Eastern Front
The frontline remains completely static, though the Germans withdraw from Kiev. A Red Army scout force will try and temporarily liberate the city if it still remains vacant of Wehrmacht units in the next 20 days. Also, in the North units are being sent to strengthen the "weak" area of the frontline to the west of Leningrad. To the North of Leningrad, the offensive in Finland continues its success, as a Finish infantry corps is mauled badly by combined sea, air, and land attacks.
Egypt
The Allies are being gradually pushed back from the might of the Afrika Korps. A strong Allied Army is on its way to strengthen the region in addition to the infantry crops that is expected to arrive in the next 20 days.
Situation
Last edited by MrPlow on Sun Apr 26, 2009 7:13 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Diplomaticus
- Sergeant First Class - Elite Panzer IIIL
- Posts: 447
- Joined: Mon Sep 22, 2008 4:10 pm
I don't know about "trusted," but here's some advice anyway.MrPlow wrote:January 28, 1942
An Allied army waits in North America to depart for an invasion of Axis-held England, though Allied High Command was hoping it's trusted advisors could give advise before the invasion sets sail.
The Allies cannot, cannot recover from a failed amphibious landing on a large scale. The danger of launching a seaborne invasion is that the potential for catastrophe--the complete destruction of the invasion force--is a very real possibility. You must establish massive local superiority of force. Russia's okay right now--you can afford to be patient and do this right. "Measure twice. Cut once." You also need intelligence. Find out what he's got in the target area. Finally, because the defender has some potentially devastating advantages, you need to bring your invasion at a time when the enemy, particularly the Luftwaffe, is tied up elsewhere. Look for a time when the Axis has sent recent reinforcements to the Eastern Front, for example.
While you're building up overwhelming force, here are some things to do: Consider feints, raids in places where you think you can pull it off. Norway's a possibility, and it gives you the nice feature that the defending Germans will draw only '3' supply, so their Effectiveness will be correspondingly less. Establish complete control of the Atlantic--see that every convoy gets through unmolested. And, of course, reinforce North Africa.
I agree 100%. If you can get some air in there pretty soon you may be able to save the canal. However; his fighter and tactical bomber will get a whack at any transports entering the Red Sea from the African transport loop. He will most certainly take a whack at if if it's a high value transport of air. If it's too hot to get in via the canal or you've lost it, you can always use the Sea Lane to Kuwait to get units in to hold the middle eastern oil fields. In that regards I won't risk losing my newly arriving corps unit trying to hold the canal if that's all the reinforcements you have arriving in the next few turns. Retreating east of the canal and keeping the Germans out of your oil fields is much more important than holding the canal. In defending the canal I always ask myself this question. If my defensive force is mauled or destroyed does my opponent have a easy path to these oil fields? Based on the answer I will either stand or retreat. Again, you can reinforce this area via the Sea Lane to Kuwait. Also, once units disembark in or near the port city of Kuwait you can rail them to your defensive line. The way things look in Russia and the fact that the US is now in the war if you can keep Germany out of these oil fields then I believe you will win this game (uh ... I mean war).Diplomaticus wrote:And, of course, reinforce North Africa.MrPlow wrote:January 28, 1942
An Allied army waits in North America to depart for an invasion of Axis-held England, though Allied High Command was hoping it's trusted advisors could give advise before the invasion sets sail.
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Peter Stauffenberg
- General - Carrier
- Posts: 4745
- Joined: Sun Jul 08, 2007 4:13 pm
- Location: Oslo, Norway
Remember that it's possible to use the sea lane from western Africa to the Persian Gulf. You're immune to attacks while you're inside the sea lane and not in the Red Sea hexes. So you just move your transports in the sea lane and end the move just BEFORE you enter the Red Sea. Then you're immune to attacks since you're already within the lane. Next turn you move across the Red Sea and into the other lane leading to the Persian Gulf. You're immune here too.
The only time you can lose steps is if the Axis player has sent subs into the Red Sea to block such moves, but the subs can't enter the sea lane or block the exit or entrance to the lane.
The sea lane simulates that you sail across the Cape of Good Hope and then sail to the Persian Gulf from the Gulf of Aden or the Indian Ocean. You don't have to go to the Red Sea to get to Kuwait.
Once inside the Kuwait area then you can rail your reinforcements to Baghdad, Jerusalem or Beirut and move westwards from there. Air units can fly to their new airports, of course. You can even disembark reinforcements in coastal hexes adjacent to Kuwait. Just remember that Arabia is neutral and you can't land there so look at the country border to find the available hexes.
So I would NOT use the transport loop if the Axis can reach every hex in the Red Sea. The sea lane is safer.
The only time you can lose steps is if the Axis player has sent subs into the Red Sea to block such moves, but the subs can't enter the sea lane or block the exit or entrance to the lane.
The sea lane simulates that you sail across the Cape of Good Hope and then sail to the Persian Gulf from the Gulf of Aden or the Indian Ocean. You don't have to go to the Red Sea to get to Kuwait.
Once inside the Kuwait area then you can rail your reinforcements to Baghdad, Jerusalem or Beirut and move westwards from there. Air units can fly to their new airports, of course. You can even disembark reinforcements in coastal hexes adjacent to Kuwait. Just remember that Arabia is neutral and you can't land there so look at the country border to find the available hexes.
So I would NOT use the transport loop if the Axis can reach every hex in the Red Sea. The sea lane is safer.
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MrPlow
- Administrative Corporal - SdKfz 251/1
- Posts: 141
- Joined: Mon Mar 10, 2008 12:24 am
- Location: Vancouver, BC
February 17, 1942
"[War] is long periods of boredom punctuated by moments of sheer terror"
Eastern Front
The Frontline remains static as the Red Army continually upgrades, rests, and repairs. Glorious Soviet troops liberated Kiev from the Fascist oppressors but this success is most likely short lived as a German spring offensive is predicted to begin soon.
Western Front
Large Allied navies have surrounded a pair of wolfpacks (many hexes away from them so within the "Geneva Convention") near the North American Coast in a large cordon in the hope of damaging them significantly when they try to breakout.
North Africa
Nevermind...it seems it was the Allies who misunderstood and not the Germans.
"[War] is long periods of boredom punctuated by moments of sheer terror"
Eastern Front
The Frontline remains static as the Red Army continually upgrades, rests, and repairs. Glorious Soviet troops liberated Kiev from the Fascist oppressors but this success is most likely short lived as a German spring offensive is predicted to begin soon.
Western Front
Large Allied navies have surrounded a pair of wolfpacks (many hexes away from them so within the "Geneva Convention") near the North American Coast in a large cordon in the hope of damaging them significantly when they try to breakout.
North Africa
Nevermind...it seems it was the Allies who misunderstood and not the Germans.
Last edited by MrPlow on Sun Apr 26, 2009 2:09 am, edited 2 times in total.
i don't think germany is in position to start an offensive in '42. Russia outnumbers germany in armor, air and infantry.MrPlow wrote:February 17, 1942
"[War] is long periods of boredom punctuated by moments of sheer terror"
Eastern Front
The Frontline remains static as the Red Army continually upgrades, rests, and repairs. Glorious Soviet troops liberated Kiev from the Fascist oppressors but this success is most likely short lived as a German spring offensive is predicted to begin soon.
Western Front
Large Allied navies have surrounded a pair of wolfpacks (many hexes away from them so within the "Geneva Convention") near the North American Coast in a large cordon in the hope of damaging them significantly when they try to breakout.
North Africa
Our scout infantry corps was attacked along the West Africa route on its way to Iraq. Because this area was deemed "Neutral", the Allies have lodged a complaint with the (practically powerless) League of Nations in Geneva. As a result, a neutral diplomat will meet with the German High Command to discuss this issue.
I think USSR strategy shouldn´t be to wait for a german spring or summer offensive. Axis might be out of oil if USSR attacks with all its strength in all fronts, specially with air and armour units. With all Europe on its pocket, Germany must collect enough production points to counteract russian power. Without doing anything but upgradding and repairing units gives Germany chance to regain from lack of oil.
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MrPlow
- Administrative Corporal - SdKfz 251/1
- Posts: 141
- Joined: Mon Mar 10, 2008 12:24 am
- Location: Vancouver, BC
March 9, 1942
"History knows no greater display of courage than that shown by the people of the Soviet Union..."
Eastern Front
The winter lull continues as the Red army continually upgrades, rests, and refits. Although this has been a normal practice for Soviet units during the last couple of months, the Soviet High Command knows that this "peace" is quickly coming to an end. The frontline remains static, except in the North, where the Red Army's offensive is approaching the outskirts of Helsinki.
North Africa
The Afrika Korps continue the advance into Egypt as Allied reinforcements are enroute to aid in the defence....
"History knows no greater display of courage than that shown by the people of the Soviet Union..."
Eastern Front
The winter lull continues as the Red army continually upgrades, rests, and refits. Although this has been a normal practice for Soviet units during the last couple of months, the Soviet High Command knows that this "peace" is quickly coming to an end. The frontline remains static, except in the North, where the Red Army's offensive is approaching the outskirts of Helsinki.
North Africa
The Afrika Korps continue the advance into Egypt as Allied reinforcements are enroute to aid in the defence....
Last edited by MrPlow on Sun Apr 26, 2009 7:13 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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MrPlow
- Administrative Corporal - SdKfz 251/1
- Posts: 141
- Joined: Mon Mar 10, 2008 12:24 am
- Location: Vancouver, BC
March 29, 1942
"If I do not get the oil of Maikop and Grozny then I must end this war..."
Eastern Front
The Wehrmacht begins localized attacks near Pskov to test our glorious defences in advance of their full Spring Offensive. Our lines hold surprisingly, considering some of the troops were of 3rd rate garrison quality. Soviet High Command is very optimistic that the German offensive can be contained without loss of significant ground. Furthermore, glorious Red Army troops significantly damaged a Wehrmacht infantry corps on the outskirts of Helsinki. Barring any significant defeats or negative occurrences, Soviet troops should be able to "liberate" the Finnish capital by middle to late summer 1942.
Frontline Status
Western Front and North Africa
The Western Allies show complete supremacy of the Atlantic with huge naval forces while the Nazi U-boats cower away, avoiding any fights. The Afrika Corps continue it's advance as significant Allied reinforcements are enroute...
"If I do not get the oil of Maikop and Grozny then I must end this war..."
Eastern Front
The Wehrmacht begins localized attacks near Pskov to test our glorious defences in advance of their full Spring Offensive. Our lines hold surprisingly, considering some of the troops were of 3rd rate garrison quality. Soviet High Command is very optimistic that the German offensive can be contained without loss of significant ground. Furthermore, glorious Red Army troops significantly damaged a Wehrmacht infantry corps on the outskirts of Helsinki. Barring any significant defeats or negative occurrences, Soviet troops should be able to "liberate" the Finnish capital by middle to late summer 1942.
Frontline Status
Western Front and North Africa
The Western Allies show complete supremacy of the Atlantic with huge naval forces while the Nazi U-boats cower away, avoiding any fights. The Afrika Corps continue it's advance as significant Allied reinforcements are enroute...
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MrPlow
- Administrative Corporal - SdKfz 251/1
- Posts: 141
- Joined: Mon Mar 10, 2008 12:24 am
- Location: Vancouver, BC
April 18, 1942
Rumblings of a Summer Offensive...
Eastern Front
The Wehrmacht continues its localized probing attacks along our glorious Dnieper defences. Near Kiev, an enemy infantry corps managed to cross the river but was then heavily counterattacked by air, tank, and infantry units resulting in its complete destruction. The deep south of the Ukraine remains calm as the enemy seems occupied in the central and northern areas of the front. However, there is a strong enemy force in the South so the Soviet High Command is expecting an offensive in this sector eventually, if not soon. The Soviet advance in the Finnish front has stopped momentarily to rest and repair, but will soon begin again to "liberate" Helsinki.
Nazi Attack and Soviet Counterattack
Western Front and Africa
Scouting of England has shown a strong enemy presence which would make any Allied landing a costly affair. As a result, Allied Command has decided to focus on the Mediterranean theatre including the elimination of all Axis presence in North Africa and the Middle East aswell as the eventual invasion of Italy and southern France. In order to achieve this, large Allied land and naval assets are currently enroute to North Africa and the Middle East. A significant force is expected to land in Iraq in 60 days while a large Allied force will soon be passing Gibraltar enroute for an invasion of Libya. Significant air and naval assets will be protecting and aiding the Libyan landing grounds in order to achieve success. The ultimate objective is to pincer the Afrika Corps and Italian army units and ultimately destroy them. After this (hopefully) successful operation, Sicily and the Italian mainland will be the next targets for invasion.
Rumblings of a Summer Offensive...
Eastern Front
The Wehrmacht continues its localized probing attacks along our glorious Dnieper defences. Near Kiev, an enemy infantry corps managed to cross the river but was then heavily counterattacked by air, tank, and infantry units resulting in its complete destruction. The deep south of the Ukraine remains calm as the enemy seems occupied in the central and northern areas of the front. However, there is a strong enemy force in the South so the Soviet High Command is expecting an offensive in this sector eventually, if not soon. The Soviet advance in the Finnish front has stopped momentarily to rest and repair, but will soon begin again to "liberate" Helsinki.
Nazi Attack and Soviet Counterattack
Western Front and Africa
Scouting of England has shown a strong enemy presence which would make any Allied landing a costly affair. As a result, Allied Command has decided to focus on the Mediterranean theatre including the elimination of all Axis presence in North Africa and the Middle East aswell as the eventual invasion of Italy and southern France. In order to achieve this, large Allied land and naval assets are currently enroute to North Africa and the Middle East. A significant force is expected to land in Iraq in 60 days while a large Allied force will soon be passing Gibraltar enroute for an invasion of Libya. Significant air and naval assets will be protecting and aiding the Libyan landing grounds in order to achieve success. The ultimate objective is to pincer the Afrika Corps and Italian army units and ultimately destroy them. After this (hopefully) successful operation, Sicily and the Italian mainland will be the next targets for invasion.