Strategic Analysis - Results of 1942
West
Despite several breakthroughs of submarines on the way of convoys to the Atlantic, it should be recognized that the protection of the routes of convoys from the Allies is very effective.
And we have big losses among submariners. The submarine use strategy should be reviewed.
Although we were able to bring Tirpitz to Trondheim with almost no losses, the annoying raid of an American bomber showed how helpless we are agains air attacks.
And we should strengthen the defense. Although we do not have any resources for this.
The Mediterranean
Although we were able to take Tobruk, we did not have enough strength for further progress.
And the Allies managed to keep their fleet. Which they now freely use against us in Operation Torch.
Strongly interfering with the transportation of our troops to North Africa.
As for North Africa, we are determined to win here.
Despite the overwhelming superiority of the Allies in the navy, we decided to concentrate large aviation forces in the Mediterranean.
Especially strategic bombers that can be used to fight the enemy fleet. Our strategy was to use air superiority in a few turns (3-5) to inflict heavy losses on the enemy in the fleet.
Thus, it will neutralize the threat to our fleet and transports.
But because of the weather, it was not possible yet.
As for Tobruk, he was needed as a base for the further offensive in Egypt.
But because of the delay in Russia, the troops for this have not yet been freed and have not arrived.
East
This year, we generally achieved the campaign goals.
Captured Leningrad, Stalingrad and the Caucasus.
At this point, I thought that without these cities the Soviets would lose their reinforcements.
But they could not capture secondary targets - Arkhangelsk in the north and Kuibyshev. Also a big delay occurred in the city of Gorky.
In general, moving East is very slow and delayed.
By this time, a third or more of the troops, according to the original plan, were to be free and begin to transfer to North Africa and Tobruk.
But this did not happen.
So the strategic plan for 1943 will have to be changed.
Also, there is a huge amount of Soviet aviation with which our small fighter aircraft cannot cope.
Considering that the operation in Russia is close to completion, the Expeditionary Corps was also sent to Iraq in accordance with the original plan.
Economy
Despite receiving a boost of prestige due to the seizure of Leningrad, the Caucasus, Stalingrad.
We have a big lack of prestige. The resulting prestige was immediately spent on replenishing losses. But it was not possible to make up for the losses significantly.
Also in 1943, a heavy air campaign is expected in the West with Allied aircraft, which are expected to attempt to destroy our industrial potential further reducing prestige.
Also, an operation in North Africa will require a lot of prestige.
Without additional sources in the form of oil of the Middle East will be very difficult.
But if we manage to quickly finish with the Soviets.
Transfer troops to the West or the Mediterranean.
Get oil from the Middle East.
Perhaps we would be able to compensate for the great losses in units especially in the tanks and to resist the Allies in the West.
--
Table of contents
