Slitherine

Good to see that the lack of paratroopers didn't prevent you from achieving victory!

I was also happy to see that Fornebu is doable after all, I was concerned about it and the ability to save my grounded planes, but it looks like my own planes scared the attackers away. Paznermon will not have that luxury, so that will be a bigger challenge. Eben-Emael is not something I would like to repeat without paratroopers however. Which is makes me even more glad that in order to get the Fokker fighters I need to go the Valkenburg route.

Brutal struggle without those paratroopers! Nice job on pressing on despite those difficulties.

AO 1940 - Hannut

Starting Prestige (after purchases and replacements): 62932

Hero:



Now that's a timely hero. With my panzers still mostly in the I and II variant I appreciate the extra air support to help fight the expected French tanks swarms.

New Units Commissioned

II./ZG 1 - Bf 110C
III./SG 1 - Ju 87B

I add more aircraft since the only tanks I would be allowed to buy are still Panzer I, not helping in the current state of warfare.

New Equipment Provided

FlaK Abt 5 - 2 cm FlaK 30 (SdKfz 7) - transport upgraded to half-track

Starting Army Composition:

Infantry

Infanterie Reg 4 (span.) - Azul Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - ** - Flag Killer, Unyielding
Infanterie Reg 3 - Wehr Infanterie - * - Oleh Dir

Tank

PzAbt 1 - Panzer IB - *** - Superior Maneuver, Steamroller, Survivor
PzAbt 2 - Panzer 38(t)A - *** - Steamroller, Survivor, Albert Kerscher
PzAbt 3 - Panzer 35(t) - ** - Steamroller, Ignores ZOC
PzAbt 4 - Panzer IIA - ** - Ignores ZOC, Tenacious Defender, Steamroller
PzAbt 5 - Panzer IIC - ** - Artillery Support, Butcher, Steamroller, Survivor

Recon

AufkAbt 2 - SdKfz 231 6Rad - ** - Leadership
AufkAbt 4 - SdKfz 222 - **

Anti-Tank

Panzerjäger Abt 1 - 3.7 cm PaK 36 (Horse Transport) - * - Ferocious Defense
Panzerjäger Abt 2 - Panzer I Breda - ** - Survivor
Panzerjäger Abt 3 - 3.7 cm PaK 36 (Horse Transport)
Panzerjäger Abt 4 - 3.7 cm PaK 36 (Horse Transport)

Artillery

Artillerie Abt 1 - 21 cm Mrs (SdKfz 7) - *** - Double Attack, Elsa Kloss
Artillerie Abt 2 - 15 cm sFH 16 (SdKfz 7) - *** - Legendary, Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 4 - 15 cm sFH 16 (SdKfz 7) - *** - Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 5 - 15 cm sFH 16 (SdKfz 7) - *** - Skilled Support

Anti-Aircraft

FlaK Abt 1 - 8.8 cm Flak 36 (SdKfz 7) - **

Fighter

I./JG 1 - Bf 109E - *** - Fast Rebase, Adolf Galland
II./JG 1 - Bf 109E - ** - Fast Rebase
III./JG 1 - Bf 109E - * - Fast Rebase
IV./JG 1 - Bf 109E - *

Tactical Bomber

I./ZG 1 - Bf 110C - **
II./ZG 1 - Bf 110C
I./SG 1 - Ju 87B - *** - Tank Killer
II./SG 1 - Ju 87B - ** - Entrenchment Killer 4x
III./SG 1 - Ju 87B

Reserve

Pionier Brücken Bataillon 1 - Brückenpioniere (Opel Blitz) - River Assault, No Surrender
Grenadier Reg 1 - Grenadier (Opel Blitz) - ** - Flag Killer
Kavallerie Reg 1 - Kavallerie - *
Pionier Bataillon 1 - Pioniere (Opel Blitz) - ** - River Assault, First Aid
Infanterie Reg 1 - Wehr Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - *
Infanterie Reg 2 - Wehr Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - * - Survivor
AufkAbt 1 - SdKfz 222 - *** - Overwhelming Attack, Envelopment
AufkAbt 3 - SdKfz 231 6Rad - **
Artillerie Abt 3 - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (Opel Blitz) - *** - Double Attack, Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 6 - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (Opel Blitz) - ** - Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 7 - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (Horse Transport) - **
Panzer Artillerie Abt 1 - Sturmpanzer I - * - Field Repairs
FlaK Abt 2 - SdKfz 10/4 - * - Fast Learner
FlaK Abt 4 - 3.7 cm FlaK 18 (Opel Blitz)
FlaK Abt 3 - 2 cm FlaK 30 (SdKfz 7) - *
FlaK Abt 5 - 2 cm FlaK 30 (SdKfz 7)
I./AG 1 - He 70 Rayo - *** - Resilient
II./AG 1 - Fi 156 Storch - * - Sixth Sense
I./KG 1 - Do 17Z - **
II./KG 1 - Do 17Z - *
III./KG 1 - He 111H2 - *
Panzerzug Bismarck - Armored Train - *

Summary:


Despite setting up support fire my tanks and recons are no match for the French army in the open. Luckily, I can call for air support and turn things around.

Final Prestige: 66494 (up 3562)

Overall:

The prestige gain might not show it, but my forces were seriously damaged by the end of Hannut. The lack of tank firepower really showed and while my dive bombers managed to help quite a lot, the number of French forces with a lot of experience and better tanks had an impact on my forces. Even with AT fire I could not reduce losses too much. A 3.7 cm PaK 36 hit does 1 or 2 points of damage to the enemy machines, 3 if I'm absurdly lucky, but it does not prevent them from dealing more damage to the target afterwards. The 8.8 cm Flak 36 is much better, but cannot be everywhere. Thus fighting was very intense at least until the initial French push was softened up and divided into smaller, more manageable separated groups. I hope for some tank upgrades soon, as buying a Panzer IA right now it's not really too useful - it could start gaining valuable experience, but there are very few targets which it can engage safely.

AO 1940 - Sedan

Starting Prestige (after purchases and replacements): 68169

Hero:



I'm not in a problematic prestige situation, so the new hero is of minor impact and is assigned to Panzerjäger Abt 3.

New Equipment Provided

Artillerie Abt 7 - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (Opel Blitz) - transport upgraded to truck

Starting Army Composition:

Infantry

Infanterie Reg 4 (span.) - Azul Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - ** - Flag Killer, Unyielding
Pionier Brücken Bataillon 1 - Brückenpioniere (Opel Blitz) - River Assault, No Surrender
Grenadier Reg 1 - Grenadier (Opel Blitz) - ** - Flag Killer
Kavallerie Reg 1 - Kavallerie - *
Pionier Bataillon 1 - Pioniere (Opel Blitz) - ** - River Assault, First Aid
Infanterie Reg 1 - Wehr Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - *
Infanterie Reg 2 - Wehr Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - * - Survivor
Infanterie Reg 3 - Wehr Infanterie - ** - Oleh Dir

Tank

PzAbt 3 - Panzer 35(t) - ** - Steamroller, Ignores ZOC

Recon

AufkAbt 3 - SdKfz 231 6Rad - **
AufkAbt 4 - SdKfz 222 - **

Artillery

Artillerie Abt 1 - 21 cm Mrs (SdKfz 7) - *** - Double Attack, Elsa Kloss
Artillerie Abt 2 - 15 cm sFH 16 (SdKfz 7) - *** - Legendary, Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 3 - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (Opel Blitz) - *** - Double Attack, Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 4 - 15 cm sFH 16 (SdKfz 7) - *** - Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 5 - 15 cm sFH 16 (SdKfz 7) - *** - Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 6 - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (Opel Blitz) - ** - Skilled Support

Fighter

I./JG 1 - Bf 109E - *** - Fast Rebase, Adolf Galland
II./JG 1 - Bf 109E - ** - Fast Rebase
III./JG 1 - Bf 109E - * - Fast Rebase
IV./JG 1 - Bf 109E - *

Tactical Bomber

I./AG 1 - He 70 Rayo - *** - Resilient
I./SG 1 - Ju 87B - *** - Tank Killer
II./SG 1 - Ju 87B - ** - Entrenchment Killer 4x

Strategic Bomber

III./KG 1 - He 111H2 - *

Reserve

PzAbt 1 - Panzer IB - *** - Superior Maneuver, Steamroller, Survivor
PzAbt 2 - Panzer 38(t)A - *** - Steamroller, Survivor, Albert Kerscher
PzAbt 4 - Panzer IIA - ** - Ignores ZOC, Tenacious Defender, Steamroller
PzAbt 5 - Panzer IIC - ** - Artillery Support, Butcher, Steamroller, Survivor
AufkAbt 1 - SdKfz 222 - *** - Overwhelming Attack, Envelopment
AufkAbt 2 - SdKfz 231 6Rad - *** - Leadership
Panzerjäger Abt 1 - 3.7 cm PaK 36 (Horse Transport) - * - Ferocious Defense
Panzerjäger Abt 2 - Panzer I Breda - ** - Survivor
Panzerjäger Abt 3 - 3.7 cm PaK 36 (Horse Transport) - Legendary
Panzerjäger Abt 4 - 3.7 cm PaK 36 (Horse Transport)
Artillerie Abt 7 - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (Opel Blitz) - **
Panzer Artillerie Abt 1 - Sturmpanzer I - * - Field Repairs
FlaK Abt 1 - 8.8 cm Flak 36 (SdKfz 7) - **
FlaK Abt 2 - SdKfz 10/4 - * - Fast Learner
FlaK Abt 4 - 3.7 cm FlaK 18 (Opel Blitz)
FlaK Abt 3 - 2 cm FlaK 30 (SdKfz 7) - *
FlaK Abt 5 - 2 cm FlaK 30 (SdKfz 7)
I./ZG 1 - Bf 110C - **
II./ZG 1 - Bf 110C
II./AG 1 - Fi 156 Storch - * - Sixth Sense
III./SG 1 - Ju 87B
I./KG 1 - Do 17Z - **
II./KG 1 - Do 17Z - *
Panzerzug Bismarck - Armored Train - *

Summary:


Before we made contact with the 7th Panzer Division I take some time to let my troops gather experience fighting the French army.

Final Prestige: 70413 (up 2244)

Overall:

Knowing what to expect this time I focused my forces almost exclusively on artillery and infantry plus planes. I also did not have to blindly check all potential crossings, so it saved time and unit deployment - a small downside of playing a mission the second time. On the other hand, fighting around Sedan was as dynamic as last time and not a matter that could be resolved effortlessly. Since allied AI troops can make various decision and get different results, they add much variance to the events unfolding. This time for example they broke through the bunker and towards Signy-L'Abbaye which did not happen at all previously due to larger losses they took before I found them. This mechanic still has much useful potential for later years and future DLC.

AO 1940 - Battle of Arras

Starting Prestige (after purchases and replacements): 36632

I decide to take the CP offer - not that I need the points, but I don't feel like fighting extra units.

Hero:



Onto Panzerjäger Abt 4 then. At least my Anti-tank guns are better this way in light of the fact I cannot use many self-propelled ones...

New Equipment Provided

FlaK Abt 4 - 3.7 cm FlaK 18 (SdKfz 11) - transport upgraded to half-track

Starting Army Composition:

Infantry

Infanterie Reg 4 (span.) - Azul Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - ** - Flag Killer, Unyielding
Infanterie Reg 3 - Wehr Infanterie - ** - Oleh Dir

Tank

PzAbt 1 - Panzer IB - *** - Superior Maneuver, Steamroller, Survivor
PzAbt 2 - Panzer 38(t)A - *** - Steamroller, Survivor, Albert Kerscher
PzAbt 3 - Panzer 35(t) - ** - Steamroller, Ignores ZOC
PzAbt 4 - Panzer IIA - ** - Ignores ZOC, Tenacious Defender, Steamroller
PzAbt 5 - Panzer IIC - ** - Artillery Support, Butcher, Steamroller, Survivor

Recon

AufkAbt 2 - SdKfz 231 6Rad - *** - Leadership
AufkAbt 3 - SdKfz 231 6Rad - **

Anti-Tank

Panzerjäger Abt 1 - 3.7 cm PaK 36 (Horse Transport) - * - Ferocious Defense
Panzerjäger Abt 2 - Panzer I Breda - ** - Survivor
Panzerjäger Abt 3 - 3.7 cm PaK 36 (Horse Transport) - Legendary
Panzerjäger Abt 4 - 3.7 cm PaK 36 (Horse Transport) - Ferocious Defense

Artillery

Artillerie Abt 1 - 21 cm Mrs (SdKfz 7) - *** - Double Attack, Elsa Kloss
Artillerie Abt 2 - 15 cm sFH 16 (SdKfz 7) - *** - Legendary, Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 4 - 15 cm sFH 16 (SdKfz 7) - *** - Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 5 - 15 cm sFH 16 (SdKfz 7) - *** - Skilled Support

Anti-Aircraft

FlaK Abt 2 - SdKfz 10/4 - * - Fast Learner
FlaK Abt 3 - 2 cm FlaK 30 (SdKfz 10) - *
FlaK Abt 4 - 3.7 cm FlaK 18 (SdKfz 11)
FlaK Abt 5 - 2 cm FlaK 30 (SdKfz 10)

Fighter

I./JG 1 - Bf 109E - *** - Fast Rebase, Adolf Galland
II./JG 1 - Bf 109E - ** - Fast Rebase
III./JG 1 - Bf 109E - * - Fast Rebase
IV./JG 1 - Bf 109E - *

Tactical Bomber

I./ZG 1 - Bf 110C - **
II./ZG 1 - Bf 110C
I./SG 1 - Ju 87B - *** - Tank Killer
II./SG 1 - Ju 87B - ** - Entrenchment Killer 4x
III./SG 1 - Ju 87B

Armored Train

Panzerzug Bismarck - Armored Train - *

Reserve

Pionier Brücken Bataillon 1 - Brückenpioniere (Opel Blitz) - River Assault, No Surrender
Grenadier Reg 1 - Grenadier (Opel Blitz) - ** - Flag Killer
Kavallerie Reg 1 - Kavallerie - *
Pionier Bataillon 1 - Pioniere (Opel Blitz) - ** - River Assault, First Aid
Infanterie Reg 1 - Wehr Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - *
Infanterie Reg 2 - Wehr Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - * - Survivor
AufkAbt 1 - SdKfz 222 - *** - Overwhelming Attack, Envelopment
AufkAbt 4 - SdKfz 222 - ***
Artillerie Abt 3 - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (Opel Blitz) - *** - Double Attack, Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 6 - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (Opel Blitz) - ** - Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 7 - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (Opel Blitz) - **
Panzer Artillerie Abt 1 - Sturmpanzer I - * - Field Repairs
FlaK Abt 1 - 8.8 cm Flak 36 (SdKfz 7) - **
I./AG 1 - He 70 Rayo - *** - Resilient
II./AG 1 - Fi 156 Storch - * - Sixth Sense
I./KG 1 - Do 17Z - **
II./KG 1 - Do 17Z - *
III./KG 1 - He 111H2 - **

Summary:


Panzerjäger Abt 1 takes revenge on their comrades that operated 3.7 cm PaK 36 guns that get overrun at the beginning of the mission.

Final Prestige: 43192 (up 6560)

Overall:

Arras remains to be a valid prestige haul and a potential source of captured equipment. While my own Panzers had to move a lot more cautiously, Luftwaffe stepped in and did the most critical work in regards to breaking up the British charge. Enemy planes are not yet those experienced overstrengthened swarms that appear over the isles later, so the dive bomber groups could operate rather safely and take out key targets. 7th Pazner Division also did a lot of work by securing my left flank as expected and allowing me to focus on attacking the city. It also helped that units around Gavrelle remained passive for a lot of the scenario. I've put Artillerie Abt 1 in a position it could shell anything tat left the fortification line with Double Attack and thus sealed quite a large force around the town, unwilling to mount an attack to help their allies on the western flank.

The Very Slow Retrograde marches on! You mentioned the air war...are you planning on going to Britain with this handicap? Might need to deploy a second 88 when you run into De Gaulle and his ultimate weapon at Neft.

I'm sure to follow the British route - since it does not break continuity for possible 1941 DLC and is just a independent option my only real doubt about this is now cleared.

As for the second 8.8 cm AA, that's a constant temptation and at one point I will have to give in to it due to increasing allied air presence.

Stay-at-home New Year = more time for Panzer Corps 2.

AO 1940 - Siege of Lille

Starting Prestige (after purchases and replacements): 46353

Hero:



If my tanks cannot stand and fight French or British tanks fairly, they at least can focus on anti-infantry combat. New hero is assigned to PzAbt 1 to prolong usefulness of Panzer IB which with Rapid Fire is quite dangerous now against any infantry units.

New Equipment Provided

Panzerjäger Abt 1 - 3.7 cm PaK 36 (Opel Blitz) - transport upgraded to truck

Starting Army Composition:

Infantry

Infanterie Reg 4 (span.) - Azul Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - ** - Flag Killer, Unyielding
Grenadier Reg 1 - Grenadier (Opel Blitz) - ** - Flag Killer
Pionier Bataillon 1 - Pioniere (Opel Blitz) - ** - River Assault, First Aid
Infanterie Reg 1 - Wehr Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - *
Infanterie Reg 2 - Wehr Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - * - Survivor
Infanterie Reg 3 - Wehr Infanterie - ** - Oleh Dir

Tank

PzAbt 2 - Panzer 38(t)A - *** - Steamroller, Survivor, Albert Kerscher
PzAbt 3 - Panzer 35(t) - ** - Steamroller, Ignores ZOC
PzAbt 5 - Panzer IIC - ** - Artillery Support, Butcher, Steamroller, Survivor

Recon

AufkAbt 3 - SdKfz 231 6Rad - **

Artillery

Artillerie Abt 1 - 21 cm Mrs (SdKfz 7) - *** - Double Attack, Elsa Kloss
Artillerie Abt 2 - 15 cm sFH 16 (SdKfz 7) - *** - Legendary, Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 3 - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (Opel Blitz) - *** - Double Attack, Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 4 - 15 cm sFH 16 (SdKfz 7) - *** - Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 5 - 15 cm sFH 16 (SdKfz 7) - *** - Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 6 - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (Opel Blitz) - ** - Skilled Support

Anti-Aircraft

FlaK Abt 2 - SdKfz 10/4 - * - Fast Learner
FlaK Abt 3 - 2 cm FlaK 30 (SdKfz 10) - *
FlaK Abt 4 - 3.7 cm FlaK 18 (SdKfz 11)
FlaK Abt 5 - 2 cm FlaK 30 (SdKfz 10)

Fighter

I./JG 1 - Bf 109E - *** - Fast Rebase, Adolf Galland
II./JG 1 - Bf 109E - ** - Fast Rebase
III./JG 1 - Bf 109E - ** - Fast Rebase
IV./JG 1 - Bf 109E - *

Tactical Bomber

II./AG 1 - Fi 156 Storch - * - Sixth Sense
I./SG 1 - Ju 87B - *** - Tank Killer
II./SG 1 - Ju 87B - ** - Entrenchment Killer 4x

Strategic Bomber

I./KG 1 - Do 17Z - **
II./KG 1 - Do 17Z - *
III./KG 1 - He 111H2 - **

Armored Train

Panzerzug Bismarck - Armored Train - *

Reserve

Pionier Brücken Bataillon 1 - Brückenpioniere (Opel Blitz) - River Assault, No Surrender
Kavallerie Reg 1 - Kavallerie - *
PzAbt 1 - Panzer IB - *** - Butcher, Superior Maneuver, Steamroller, Survivor
PzAbt 4 - Panzer IIA - ** - Ignores ZOC, Tenacious Defender, Steamroller
AufkAbt 1 - SdKfz 222 - *** - Overwhelming Attack, Envelopment
AufkAbt 2 - SdKfz 231 6Rad - *** - Leadership
AufkAbt 4 - SdKfz 222 - ***
Panzerjäger Abt 1 - 3.7 cm PaK 36 (Opel Blitz) - * - Ferocious Defense
Panzerjäger Abt 2 - Panzer I Breda - ** - Survivor
Panzerjäger Abt 3 - 3.7 cm PaK 36 (Horse Transport) - Legendary
Panzerjäger Abt 4 - 3.7 cm PaK 36 (Horse Transport) - Ferocious Defense
Artillerie Abt 7 - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (Opel Blitz) - **
Panzer Artillerie Abt 1 - Sturmpanzer I - * - Field Repairs
FlaK Abt 1 - 8.8 cm Flak 36 (SdKfz 7) - **
I./ZG 1 - Bf 110C - **
II./ZG 1 - Bf 110C
I./AG 1 - He 70 Rayo - *** - Resilient
III./SG 1 - Ju 87B

Summary:


Artillerie Abt 1 in its newest role - sniping AA gun batteries from a long distance so that bombers can come in and take out other targets.

Final Prestige: 47436 (up 1083)

Overall:

Closing an encirclement around Lille does not require massive firepower, just a mass of land units, so this mission was not hugely impacted by my dated equipment. I only had to focus on taking out French tanks that would gladly like to look for vulnerable targets as the grasp on the city tightened and keep my formation together to ensure support fire as often as possible. 7th Panzer Division managed the task on their own without my involvement, I just kept AufkAbt 3 in their ranks to be up to date on what was happening. As previously, the biggest issue was rough terrain northeast of Roubaix, as attempting to close of the encirclement there can result in counter attacks and since it is all open ground, my weaker units are vulnerable on the approach, even to French heavy infantry.

AO 1940 - Dunkirk

Starting Prestige (after purchases and replacements): 50038

Hero:



Wolfgang Richter will distract enemy fighters as part of IV./JG 1 - this has some interesting potential, but will likely come up rather rarely.

New Units Commissioned:

I./JG 2 - Bf 109E
III./ZG 1 - Bf 110C

Free slots means I need more units. This time I decide to involve more fighters,a s overall my air firepower is weaker than in the first run.

New Equipment Provided

Panzerjäger Abt 1 - 3.7 cm PaK 36 (SdKfz 10) - transport upgraded to half-track

Starting Army Composition:

Fighter

I./JG 1 - Bf 109E - *** - Fast Rebase, Adolf Galland
II./JG 1 - Bf 109E - ** - Fast Rebase, Heinrich Bar
III./JG 1 - Bf 109E - ** - Fast Rebase
IV./JG 1 - Bf 109E - * - Distraction
I./JG 2 - Bf 109E

Tactical Bomber

I./ZG 1 - Bf 110C - **
II./ZG 1 - Bf 110C
III./ZG 1 - Bf 110C
I./AG 1 - He 70 Rayo - *** - Resilient
I./SG 1 - Ju 87B - *** - Tank Killer
II./SG 1 - Ju 87B - ** - Entrenchment Killer 4x
III./SG 1 - Ju 87B

Strategic Bomber

I./KG 1 - Do 17Z - **
II./KG 1 - Do 17Z - **
III./KG 1 - He 111H2 - **

Reserve

Infanterie Reg 4 (span.) - Azul Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - ** - Flag Killer, Unyielding
Pionier Brücken Bataillon 1 - Brückenpioniere (Opel Blitz) - River Assault, No Surrender
Grenadier Reg 1 - Grenadier (Opel Blitz) - ** - Flag Killer
Kavallerie Reg 1 - Kavallerie - *
Pionier Bataillon 1 - Pioniere (Opel Blitz) - ** - River Assault, First Aid
Infanterie Reg 1 - Wehr Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - **
Infanterie Reg 2 - Wehr Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - ** - Survivor
Infanterie Reg 3 - Wehr Infanterie - ** - Oleh Dir
PzAbt 1 - Panzer IB - *** - Butcher, Superior Maneuver, Steamroller, Survivor
PzAbt 2 - Panzer 38(t)A - *** - Steamroller, Survivor, Albert Kerscher
PzAbt 3 - Panzer 35(t) - ** - Steamroller, Ignores ZOC
PzAbt 4 - Panzer IIA - ** - Ignores ZOC, Tenacious Defender, Steamroller
PzAbt 5 - Panzer IIC - ** - Artillery Support, Butcher, Steamroller, Survivor
AufkAbt 1 - SdKfz 222 - *** - Overwhelming Attack, Envelopment
AufkAbt 2 - SdKfz 231 6Rad - *** - Leadership
AufkAbt 3 - SdKfz 231 6Rad - **
AufkAbt 4 - SdKfz 222 - ***
Panzerjäger Abt 1 - 3.7 cm PaK 36 (SdKfz 10) - * - Ferocious Defense
Panzerjäger Abt 2 - Panzer I Breda - ** - Survivor
Panzerjäger Abt 3 - 3.7 cm PaK 36 (Horse Transport) - Legendary
Panzerjäger Abt 4 - 3.7 cm PaK 36 (Horse Transport) - Ferocious Defense
Artillerie Abt 1 - 21 cm Mrs (SdKfz 7) - *** - Double Attack, Elsa Kloss
Artillerie Abt 2 - 15 cm sFH 16 (SdKfz 7) - *** - Legendary, Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 3 - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (Opel Blitz) - *** - Double Attack, Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 4 - 15 cm sFH 16 (SdKfz 7) - *** - Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 5 - 15 cm sFH 16 (SdKfz 7) - *** - Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 6 - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (Opel Blitz) - ** - Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 7 - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (Opel Blitz) - **
Panzer Artillerie Abt 1 - Sturmpanzer I - * - Field Repairs
FlaK Abt 1 - 8.8 cm Flak 36 (SdKfz 7) - **
FlaK Abt 2 - SdKfz 10/4 - * - Fast Learner
FlaK Abt 3 - 2 cm FlaK 30 (SdKfz 10) - *
FlaK Abt 4 - 3.7 cm FlaK 18 (SdKfz 11)
FlaK Abt 5 - 2 cm FlaK 30 (SdKfz 10)
II./AG 1 - Fi 156 Storch - * - Sixth Sense
Panzerzug Bismarck - Armored Train - *

Summary:


While not being able to attack, I./AG 1 does some valuable work in this scenario. It helps spot good targets ahead of time, blocks access to some of my planes that would be otherwise vulnerable to mass attack and draws some AA fire from time to time.

Final Prestige: 51407 (up 1369)

Overall:

Without some of the more costly airplanes in my core, I could assign extra units to this mission. This meant that while I was not as efficient as previously, I also could engage more targets at the same time and therefore meet all the objectives successfully despite having weaker units on average. Interestingly, a lot more of my planes gained the Survivor trait this time, probably since Hurricanes and Spitfires were more eager to attack even if they were damaged, since my units were unable to do as much damage shooting back.

AO 1940 - Battle of Abbeville

Starting Prestige (after purchases and replacements): 53654

Hero:



All JG 1 has Fast Rebase now, resulting in the most mobile air force I ever had and the ability to react to the situation even from remote airfields. While my fighters might be less experienced than in the past, they can now choose their targets much better.

New Units Commissioned:

PzAbt 6 - Panzer IA

I really could use another tank, even if it's going to be a Pazner IA. I'm going to keep it safe and slowly earn some experience. Could have probably chosen a less intense scenario to start doing so, but this will have to do.

New Equipment Provided

Panzerjäger Abt 4 - 3.7 cm PaK 36 (Opel Blitz) - transport upgraded to truck

Starting Army Composition:

Infantry

Infanterie Reg 4 (span.) - Azul Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - ** - Flag Killer, Unyielding
Infanterie Reg 3 - Wehr Infanterie - ** - Oleh Dir

Tank

PzAbt 1 - Panzer IB - *** - Butcher, Superior Maneuver, Steamroller, Survivor
PzAbt 2 - Panzer 38(t)A - *** - Steamroller, Survivor, Albert Kerscher
PzAbt 3 - Panzer 35(t) - ** - Steamroller, Ignores ZOC
PzAbt 4 - Panzer IIA - ** - Ignores ZOC, Tenacious Defender, Steamroller
PzAbt 5 - Panzer IIC - ** - Artillery Support, Butcher, Steamroller, Survivor
PzAbt 6 - Panzer IA

Recon

AufkAbt 2 - SdKfz 231 6Rad - *** - Leadership
AufkAbt 3 - SdKfz 231 6Rad - **

Anti-Tank

Panzerjäger Abt 1 - 3.7 cm PaK 36 (SdKfz 10) - * - Ferocious Defense
Panzerjäger Abt 2 - Panzer I Breda - ** - Survivor
Panzerjäger Abt 3 - 3.7 cm PaK 36 (Horse Transport) - Legendary
Panzerjäger Abt 4 - 3.7 cm PaK 36 (Opel Blitz) - Ferocious Defense

Artillery

Artillerie Abt 1 - 21 cm Mrs (SdKfz 7) - *** - Double Attack, Elsa Kloss
Artillerie Abt 2 - 15 cm sFH 16 (SdKfz 7) - *** - Legendary, Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 3 - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (Opel Blitz) - *** - Double Attack, Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 4 - 15 cm sFH 16 (SdKfz 7) - *** - Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 5 - 15 cm sFH 16 (SdKfz 7) - *** - Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 6 - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (Opel Blitz) - ** - Skilled Support

Anti-Aircraft

FlaK Abt 1 - 8.8 cm Flak 36 (SdKfz 7) - **
FlaK Abt 2 - SdKfz 10/4 - * - Fast Learner
FlaK Abt 3 - 2 cm FlaK 30 (SdKfz 10) - *

Fighter

I./JG 1 - Bf 109E - *** - Fast Rebase, Adolf Galland
II./JG 1 - Bf 109E - ** - Fast Rebase, Heinrich Bar
III./JG 1 - Bf 109E - ** - Fast Rebase, Survivor
IV./JG 1 - Bf 109E - * - Distraction, Fast Rebase

Tactical Bomber

I./ZG 1 - Bf 110C - **
I./SG 1 - Ju 87B - *** - Tank Killer, Survivor
II./SG 1 - Ju 87B - ** - Entrenchment Killer 4x
III./SG 1 - Ju 87B

Reserve

Pionier Brücken Bataillon 1 - Brückenpioniere (Opel Blitz) - River Assault, No Surrender
Grenadier Reg 1 - Grenadier (Opel Blitz) - ** - Flag Killer
Kavallerie Reg 1 - Kavallerie - *
Pionier Bataillon 1 - Pioniere (Opel Blitz) - ** - River Assault, First Aid
Infanterie Reg 1 - Wehr Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - **
Infanterie Reg 2 - Wehr Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - ** - Survivor
AufkAbt 1 - SdKfz 222 - *** - Overwhelming Attack, Envelopment
AufkAbt 4 - SdKfz 222 - ***
Artillerie Abt 7 - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (Opel Blitz) - **
Panzer Artillerie Abt 1 - Sturmpanzer I - * - Field Repairs
FlaK Abt 4 - 3.7 cm FlaK 18 (SdKfz 11)
FlaK Abt 5 - 2 cm FlaK 30 (SdKfz 10)
I./JG 2 - Bf 109E
II./ZG 1 - Bf 110C
III./ZG 1 - Bf 110C
I./AG 1 - He 70 Rayo - *** - Resilient
II./AG 1 - Fi 156 Storch - * - Sixth Sense
I./KG 1 - Do 17Z - **
II./KG 1 - Do 17Z - ** - Survivor
III./KG 1 - He 111H2 - ** - Survivor
Panzerzug Bismarck - Armored Train - *

Summary:


I'm not going to be surprised by the French this time! 7th Panzer Division tries to assist with a few units as well, but this does not end up too well for them.

Final Prestige: 58323 (up 4669)

Overall:

That was rather intense due to the tremendous force of the French tank division. Several of my units got wounded quite a few times, but similarly a lot of surrenders happened on the opposing side. 7th Pazner Division sent a few recons and cars to assist me around Moyenneville and while they got destroyed completely, this bought me some time and allowed to set up some air raids against key units and due to this the attack broke up finally. Liercourt was once again swarmed with French troops emerging from the camp, but since I had my support fire covered, they were rather unwilling to commit to attack apart from some small attempts against infantry. Fast Rebase on my entire fighter force was amazing, since I was not concerned about where the enemy appears and could shift my focus the very same turn to shoot the opposition down. Also, de Gaulle this time fell to FlaK Abt 1 - I came prepared and had my 8.8 cm towed guns waiting.

I love the idea of an 'all fast rebase' air force. Fast Rebase is honestly probably the best Air Hero I know of, behind MAYBE Double Attack. The dif between fighting close to an airbase and far from one is just enormous, and I find that my planes spend maybe a third of the game shuffling airbases around, which the fast rebase heroes mitigate. It's just an immense advantage, I'm always delighted to see one of those pop up.

Heck of a job matching your antique tanks to the French's high quality ones. Expect the Pak's earned their keep this time around.

AO 1940 - Neufchateau

Starting Prestige (after purchases and replacements): 60819

Hero:



It seems my heroes are destined to be assigned to my air force this run. Time to help III./JG 1 this time.

New Equipment Provided:

Panzerjäger Abt 4 - 3.7 cm PaK 36 (SdKfz 10) - transport upgraded to half-track

Starting Army Composition:

Infantry

Infanterie Reg 4 (span.) - Azul Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - ** - Flag Killer, Unyielding
Grenadier Reg 1 - Grenadier (Opel Blitz) - ** - Flag Killer
Kavallerie Reg 1 - Kavallerie - *
Pionier Bataillon 1 - Pioniere (Opel Blitz) - ** - River Assault, First Aid
Infanterie Reg 1 - Wehr Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - **
Infanterie Reg 3 - Wehr Infanterie - ** - Oleh Dir

Tank

PzAbt 1 - Panzer IB - *** - Butcher, Superior Maneuver, Steamroller, Survivor
PzAbt 2 - Panzer 38(t)A - *** - Steamroller, Survivor, Albert Kerscher
PzAbt 3 - Panzer 35(t) - ** - Steamroller, Ignores ZOC
PzAbt 5 - Panzer IIC - ** - Artillery Support, Butcher, Steamroller, Survivor

Anti-Tank

Panzerjäger Abt 1 - 3.7 cm PaK 36 (SdKfz 10) - * - Ferocious Defense
Panzerjäger Abt 4 - 3.7 cm PaK 36 (SdKfz 10) - * - Ferocious Defense

Artillery

Artillerie Abt 1 - 21 cm Mrs (SdKfz 7) - *** - Double Attack, Skilled Support, Elsa Kloss
Artillerie Abt 2 - 15 cm sFH 16 (SdKfz 7) - *** - Legendary, Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 3 - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (Opel Blitz) - *** - Double Attack, Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 4 - 15 cm sFH 16 (SdKfz 7) - *** - Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 5 - 15 cm sFH 16 (SdKfz 7) - *** - Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 6 - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (Opel Blitz) - ** - Skilled Support

Anti-Aircraft

FlaK Abt 1 - 8.8 cm Flak 36 (SdKfz 7) - **

Fighter

I./JG 1 - Bf 109E - *** - Fast Rebase, Adolf Galland
II./JG 1 - Bf 109E - ** - Fast Rebase, Heinrich Bar
III./JG 1 - Bf 109E - ** - Fast Rebase, Thorough Preparation, Survivor
IV./JG 1 - Bf 109E - * - Distraction, Fast Rebase

Tactical Bomber

I./ZG 1 - Bf 110C - **
I./SG 1 - Ju 87B - *** - Tank Killer, Survivor
II./SG 1 - Ju 87B - *** - Entrenchment Killer 4x
III./SG 1 - Ju 87B

Armoured Train

Panzerzug Bismarck - Armored Train - *

Reserve

Pionier Brücken Bataillon 1 - Brückenpioniere (Opel Blitz) - River Assault, No Surrender
Infanterie Reg 2 - Wehr Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - ** - Survivor
PzAbt 4 - Panzer IIA - ** - Ignores ZOC, Tenacious Defender, Steamroller
PzAbt 6 - Panzer IA
AufkAbt 1 - SdKfz 222 - *** - Overwhelming Attack, Envelopment
AufkAbt 2 - SdKfz 231 6Rad - *** - Leadership
AufkAbt 3 - SdKfz 231 6Rad - ***
AufkAbt 4 - SdKfz 222 - ***
Panzerjäger Abt 2 - Panzer I Breda - ** - Survivor
Panzerjäger Abt 3 - 3.7 cm PaK 36 (Horse Transport) - Legendary
Artillerie Abt 7 - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (Opel Blitz) - **
Panzer Artillerie Abt 1 - Sturmpanzer I - * - Field Repairs
FlaK Abt 2 - SdKfz 10/4 - ** - Fast Learner
FlaK Abt 3 - 2 cm FlaK 30 (SdKfz 10) - *
FlaK Abt 4 - 3.7 cm FlaK 18 (SdKfz 11)
FlaK Abt 5 - 2 cm FlaK 30 (SdKfz 10)
I./JG 2 - Bf 109E
II./ZG 1 - Bf 110C
III./ZG 1 - Bf 110C
I./AG 1 - He 70 Rayo - *** - Resilient
II./AG 1 - Fi 156 Storch - * - Sixth Sense
I./KG 1 - Do 17Z - **
II./KG 1 - Do 17Z - ** - Survivor
III./KG 1 - He 111H2 - ** - Survivor

Summary:


The army moves slowly, in formation, 1-2 hexes at a time, ready to face the huge French swarm. Enemy tanks strike hard and force a few retreats, but are otherwise unable to break the line. This semi-phalanx strategy seems to work fine, as attempting an encirclement while tempting, would probably not work as well.

Final Prestige: 62758 (up 1939)

Overall:

If there's something' strange in your neighborhood
Who ya gonna call?
(Luftwaffe!)

If it's somethin' weird an' it don't look good
Who ya gonna call?
(Luftwaffe!)

I ain't afraid o' no French
I ain't afraid o' no French

Quite ironically this sums up my encounter with the remaining French forces and the beastly Char 2C. On the ground I can just hope to have all my vulnerable targets covered long enough for the Stuka bombers to do the hard work and allow my units to breach through weakened positions. It was like this in my normal run to some extent, but the Verdeja 2 and Pazner III and IV tanks can stand up to the French ones much better and do not have to absolutely rely on the air support assistance. In the Paznermon run on the other hand my air force will be very limited, so I wonder how to best approach this mission there - probably will have to ask my heavy AA guns to serve a secondary AT role in large numbers, but I'll also have access to the Char B1 or Matilda II to block the very first rows.

AO 1940 - Jersey

Starting Prestige (after purchases and replacements): 64584

Hero:



Wow, my tanks might not be impressive in terms of facing other units in combat, but they sure are going to be mobile! PzAbt 6 gets a hero and after this training mission should be much more useful.

New Units Commissioned:

Fallschirmjäger Reg 1 - Fallschirmjäger

Finally some new units can be added. It's a single paratrooper unit (as per rule that non basic infantry can be one of a kind only unless critically needed by the mission).

New Equipment Provided:

Former Infanterie Reg 3, now Gebirgsjäger Reg 1 - Gebirgsjäger
Panzerjäger Abt 3 - 3.7 cm PaK 36 (Opel Blitz) - transport upgraded to truck

Upgrades continue and finally not only to transports. The mission is noteworthy however anyway, since I finally say goodbye to horse transports, at least for the time being.

Starting Army Composition:

Infantry

Fallschirmjäger Reg 1 - Fallschirmjäger
Grenadier Reg 1 - Grenadier (Opel Blitz) - ** - Flag Killer
Kavallerie Reg 1 - Kavallerie - *
Pionier Bataillon 1 - Pioniere (Opel Blitz) - ** - River Assault, First Aid
Infanterie Reg 1 - Wehr Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - **
Infanterie Reg 2 - Wehr Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - ** - Survivor

Tank

PzAbt 6 - Panzer IA - Ignores ZOC

Reserve

Infanterie Reg 4 (span.) - Azul Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - ** - Flag Killer, Unyielding
Pionier Brücken Bataillon 1 - Brückenpioniere (Opel Blitz) - River Assault, No Surrender
Gebirgsjäger Reg 1 - Gebirgsjäger - ** - Oleh Dir
PzAbt 1 - Panzer IB - *** - Butcher, Superior Maneuver, Steamroller, Survivor
PzAbt 2 - Panzer 38(t)A - *** - Steamroller, Survivor, Albert Kerscher
PzAbt 3 - Panzer 35(t) - *** - Steamroller, Ignores ZOC
PzAbt 4 - Panzer IIA - ** - Ignores ZOC, Tenacious Defender, Steamroller
PzAbt 5 - Panzer IIC - ** - Artillery Support, Butcher, Steamroller, Survivor
AufkAbt 1 - SdKfz 222 - *** - Overwhelming Attack, Envelopment
AufkAbt 2 - SdKfz 231 6Rad - *** - Leadership
AufkAbt 3 - SdKfz 231 6Rad - ***
AufkAbt 4 - SdKfz 222 - ***
Panzerjäger Abt 1 - 3.7 cm PaK 36 (SdKfz 10) - * - Ferocious Defense
Panzerjäger Abt 2 - Panzer I Breda - ** - Survivor
Panzerjäger Abt 3 - 3.7 cm PaK 36 (Opel Blitz) - Legendary
Panzerjäger Abt 4 - 3.7 cm PaK 36 (SdKfz 10) - * - Ferocious Defense
Artillerie Abt 1 - 21 cm Mrs (SdKfz 7) - *** - Double Attack, Skilled Support, Elsa Kloss
Artillerie Abt 2 - 15 cm sFH 16 (SdKfz 7) - *** - Legendary, Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 3 - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (Opel Blitz) - *** - Double Attack, Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 4 - 15 cm sFH 16 (SdKfz 7) - *** - Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 5 - 15 cm sFH 16 (SdKfz 7) - *** - Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 6 - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (Opel Blitz) - ** - Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 7 - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (Opel Blitz) - **
Panzer Artillerie Abt 1 - Sturmpanzer I - * - Field Repairs
FlaK Abt 1 - 8.8 cm Flak 36 (SdKfz 7) - **
FlaK Abt 2 - SdKfz 10/4 - ** - Fast Learner
FlaK Abt 3 - 2 cm FlaK 30 (SdKfz 10) - *
FlaK Abt 4 - 3.7 cm FlaK 18 (SdKfz 11)
FlaK Abt 5 - 2 cm FlaK 30 (SdKfz 10)
I./JG 1 - Bf 109E - *** - Fast Rebase, Adolf Galland
II./JG 1 - Bf 109E - ** - Fast Rebase, Heinrich Bar
III./JG 1 - Bf 109E - ** - Fast Rebase, Thorough Preparation, Survivor
IV./JG 1 - Bf 109E - * - Distraction, Fast Rebase
I./JG 2 - Bf 109E
I./ZG 1 - Bf 110C - **
II./ZG 1 - Bf 110C
III./ZG 1 - Bf 110C
I./AG 1 - He 70 Rayo - *** - Resilient
II./AG 1 - Fi 156 Storch - * - Sixth Sense
I./SG 1 - Ju 87B - *** - Tank Killer, Survivor
II./SG 1 - Ju 87B - *** - Entrenchment Killer 4x
III./SG 1 - Ju 87B - *
I./KG 1 - Do 17Z - **
II./KG 1 - Do 17Z - ** - Survivor
III./KG 1 - He 111H2 - ** - Survivor
Panzerzug Bismarck - Armored Train - **

Summary:


My infantry gains valuable experience needed for the invasion and PzAbt 6 does so as well, making it a better consideration despite still using what was planned to be a training tank.

Final Prestige: 64834 (up 250)

Overall:

I'm really curious how 3 star cavalry will perform - not sure how useful it will be, but it's here to stay. I was really tempted to also bring in Pionier Brücken Bataillon 1 for training, but somehow there's always some better unit to choose...

AO 1940 - Dover

Starting Prestige (after purchases and replacements): 8240

Hero:



III./SG 1 gets an hero and a proven method of softening up fortified targets where not juicy tanks are available to hit.

New Equipment Provided:

I./KG 1 - Ju 88A - **
FlaK Abt 3 - 2 cm Flakvierling 38 (SdKfz 10)
Panzerjäger Abt 3 - 3.7 cm PaK 36 (SdKfz 10) - transport upgraded to half-track

Yet another upgrade ready. This time to a single AA gun, but that's going to be useful over British skies. Also new strategic bombers become available, adding to my options and allowing for increased range.

Starting Army Composition:

Infantry

Infanterie Reg 4 (span.) - Azul Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - ** - Flag Killer, Unyielding
Fallschirmjäger Reg 1 - Fallschirmjäger - **
Gebirgsjäger Reg 1 - Gebirgsjäger - ** - Oleh Dir
Grenadier Reg 1 - Grenadier (Opel Blitz) - *** - Flag Killer
Pionier Bataillon 1 - Pioniere (Opel Blitz) - *** - River Assault, First Aid
Infanterie Reg 1 - Wehr Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - ***
Infanterie Reg 2 - Wehr Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - *** - Survivor

Tank

PzAbt 1 - Panzer IB - *** - Butcher, Superior Maneuver, Steamroller, Survivor
PzAbt 2 - Panzer 38(t)A - *** - Steamroller, Survivor, Albert Kerscher
PzAbt 5 - Panzer IIC - ** - Artillery Support, Butcher, Steamroller, Survivor

Artillery

Artillerie Abt 1 - 21 cm Mrs (SdKfz 7) - *** - Double Attack, Skilled Support, Elsa Kloss
Artillerie Abt 2 - 15 cm sFH 16 (SdKfz 7) - *** - Legendary, Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 3 - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (Opel Blitz) - *** - Double Attack, Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 4 - 15 cm sFH 16 (SdKfz 7) - *** - Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 5 - 15 cm sFH 16 (SdKfz 7) - *** - Skilled Support

Anti-Aircraft

FlaK Abt 3 - 2 cm Flakvierling 38 (SdKfz 10) - *

Fighter

I./JG 1 - Bf 109E - *** - Fast Rebase, Adolf Galland
II./JG 1 - Bf 109E - ** - Fast Rebase, Heinrich Bar
III./JG 1 - Bf 109E - ** - Fast Rebase, Thorough Preparation, Survivor
IV./JG 1 - Bf 109E - * - Distraction, Fast Rebase
I./JG 2 - Bf 109E

Tactical Bomber

I./ZG 1 - Bf 110C - **
II./ZG 1 - Bf 110C
III./ZG 1 - Bf 110C
I./SG 1 - Ju 87B - *** - Tank Killer, Survivor
II./SG 1 - Ju 87B - *** - Entrenchment Killer 4x

Reserve

Pionier Brücken Bataillon 1 - Brückenpioniere (Opel Blitz) - River Assault, No Surrender
Kavallerie Reg 1 - Kavallerie - ***
PzAbt 3 - Panzer 35(t) - *** - Steamroller, Ignores ZOC
PzAbt 4 - Panzer IIA - ** - Ignores ZOC, Tenacious Defender, Steamroller
PzAbt 6 - Panzer IA - *** - Ignores ZOC
AufkAbt 1 - SdKfz 222 - *** - Overwhelming Attack, Envelopment
AufkAbt 2 - SdKfz 231 6Rad - *** - Leadership
AufkAbt 3 - SdKfz 231 6Rad - ***
AufkAbt 4 - SdKfz 222 - ***
Panzerjäger Abt 1 - 3.7 cm PaK 36 (SdKfz 10) - * - Ferocious Defense
Panzerjäger Abt 2 - Panzer I Breda - ** - Survivor
Panzerjäger Abt 3 - 3.7 cm PaK 36 (SdKfz 10) - Legendary
Panzerjäger Abt 4 - 3.7 cm PaK 36 (SdKfz 10) - * - Ferocious Defense
Artillerie Abt 6 - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (Opel Blitz) - ** - Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 7 - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (Opel Blitz) - **
Panzer Artillerie Abt 1 - Sturmpanzer I - * - Field Repairs
FlaK Abt 1 - 8.8 cm Flak 36 (SdKfz 7) - **
FlaK Abt 2 - SdKfz 10/4 - ** - Fast Learner
FlaK Abt 4 - 3.7 cm FlaK 18 (SdKfz 11)
FlaK Abt 5 - 2 cm FlaK 30 (SdKfz 10)
I./AG 1 - He 70 Rayo - *** - Resilient
II./AG 1 - Fi 156 Storch - * - Sixth Sense
III./SG 1 - Ju 87B - * - Entrenchment Killer 4x
I./KG 1 - Ju 88A - **
II./KG 1 - Do 17Z - ** - Survivor
III./KG 1 - He 111H2 - ** - Survivor
Panzerzug Bismarck - Armored Train - **

Summary:


Without Bf 109F variant available yet, the RAF fighters do not go down as easily!


I brought a "few" artillery units to help with this siege.

Final Prestige: 9791 (up 1551)

Overall:

Even without the presence of Royal Navy the landing took a lot more effort that it did previously. Main issue was not being able to shoot down planes as fast as I could before since the Friedrich is much better than Emil variant of my main fighter and that's not going it appear anytime soon. However, I was also able to ignore deployment of strategic bombers and focus on the more useful heavy fighters, which benefited me greatly once the beaches were secured and a proper attack on other positions established.

AO 1940 - Brighton

Starting Prestige (after purchases and replacements): 10991

Hero:



That's going to be the third artillery officer with Double Attack. I'm going to rain down suppression fire like never before.

New Equipment Provided:

Artillerie Abt 3 - 15 cm sFH 16 (SdKfz 7)
FlaK Abt 5 - 2 cm Flakvierling 38 (SdKfz 10)

It took me a while to decide, but with the third double attack hero it made sense for me to get one more 15 cm sFH 16 gun. And if I ever get a fourth Double Attack hero I will for sure continue this trend.

Starting Army Composition:

Infantry

Infanterie Reg 4 (span.) - Azul Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - ** - Flag Killer, Unyielding
Gebirgsjäger Reg 1 - Gebirgsjäger - ** - Oleh Dir
Grenadier Reg 1 - Grenadier (Opel Blitz) - *** - Flag Killer
Pionier Bataillon 1 - Pioniere (Opel Blitz) - *** - River Assault, First Aid
Infanterie Reg 1 - Wehr Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - ***
Infanterie Reg 2 - Wehr Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - *** - Survivor

Tank

PzAbt 1 - Panzer IB - *** - Butcher, Superior Maneuver, Steamroller, Survivor
PzAbt 2 - Panzer 38(t)A - *** - Steamroller, Survivor, Albert Kerscher
PzAbt 3 - Panzer 35(t) - *** - Steamroller, Ignores ZOC
PzAbt 5 - Panzer IIC - *** - Artillery Support, Butcher, Steamroller, Survivor

Recon

AufkAbt 2 - SdKfz 231 6Rad - *** - Leadership

Anti-Tank

Panzerjäger Abt 1 - 3.7 cm PaK 36 (SdKfz 10) - * - Ferocious Defense

Artillery

Artillerie Abt 1 - 21 cm Mrs (SdKfz 7) - *** - Double Attack, Skilled Support, Elsa Kloss
Artillerie Abt 2 - 15 cm sFH 16 (SdKfz 7) - *** - Double Attack, Legendary, Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 3 - 15 cm sFH 16 (SdKfz 7) - *** - Double Attack, Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 4 - 15 cm sFH 16 (SdKfz 7) - *** - Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 5 - 15 cm sFH 16 (SdKfz 7) - *** - Skilled Support

Anti-Aircraft

FlaK Abt 1 - 8.8 cm Flak 36 (SdKfz 7) - **
FlaK Abt 2 - SdKfz 10/4 - ** - Fast Learner
FlaK Abt 3 - 2 cm Flakvierling 38 (SdKfz 10) - *
FlaK Abt 5 - 2 cm Flakvierling 38 (SdKfz 10)

Fighter

I./JG 1 - Bf 109E - *** - Fast Rebase, Adolf Galland
II./JG 1 - Bf 109E - *** - Fast Rebase, Heinrich Bar
III./JG 1 - Bf 109E - ** - Fast Rebase, Thorough Preparation, Survivor
IV./JG 1 - Bf 109E - * - Distraction, Fast Rebase

Tactical Bomber

I./SG 1 - Ju 87B - *** - Tank Killer, Survivor
II./SG 1 - Ju 87B - *** - Entrenchment Killer 4x

Strategic Bomber

I./KG 1 - Ju 88A - **

Reserve

Pionier Brücken Bataillon 1 - Brückenpioniere (Opel Blitz) - River Assault, No Surrender
Fallschirmjäger Reg 1 - Fallschirmjäger - **
Kavallerie Reg 1 - Kavallerie - ***
PzAbt 4 - Panzer IIA - ** - Ignores ZOC, Tenacious Defender, Steamroller
PzAbt 6 - Panzer IA - *** - Ignores ZOC
AufkAbt 1 - SdKfz 222 - *** - Overwhelming Attack, Envelopment
AufkAbt 3 - SdKfz 231 6Rad - ***
AufkAbt 4 - SdKfz 222 - ***
Panzerjäger Abt 2 - Panzer I Breda - ** - Survivor
Panzerjäger Abt 3 - 3.7 cm PaK 36 (SdKfz 10) - Legendary
Panzerjäger Abt 4 - 3.7 cm PaK 36 (SdKfz 10) - * - Ferocious Defense
Artillerie Abt 6 - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (Opel Blitz) - ** - Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 7 - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (Opel Blitz) - **
Panzer Artillerie Abt 1 - Sturmpanzer I - * - Field Repairs
FlaK Abt 4 - 3.7 cm FlaK 18 (SdKfz 11)
I./JG 2 - Bf 109E
I./ZG 1 - Bf 110C - **
II./ZG 1 - Bf 110C
III./ZG 1 - Bf 110C
I./AG 1 - He 70 Rayo - *** - Resilient
II./AG 1 - Fi 156 Storch - * - Sixth Sense
III./SG 1 - Ju 87B - * - Entrenchment Killer 4x
II./KG 1 - Do 17Z - ** - Survivor
III./KG 1 - He 111H2 - ** - Survivor
Panzerzug Bismarck - Armored Train - **

Summary:


It might be raining, but FlaK Abt 1 remains busy in secondary role.


My artillery wall seems to be working fine. The British defenders are not able to do anything to stop my march.


This time I try to save the Kriegsmarine, but my ships are found once the weather clears - at least we sink an aircraft carrier!


A few ships, including the Bismarck actually manage to escape, but the Blücher did not avoid fate after all...

Final Prestige: 10877 (down 114)

Overall:

My attempt to save Kriegsmarine backfired in an unexpected fashion. With nothing better to do, the Royal Navy focused their efforts on shelling my ground forces and inflicting heavy losses, hence the final prestige balance is negative. The road to Brighton is also all flat terrain where my panzers are at a great disadvantage and prone to artillery attacks, British tanks appearing and air raids. My own fighters had some difficulties too, as fighter squadrons form both aircraft carriers moved in to attack them fiercely. Overall while I saved a few ships it seems that a much better strategy would be to sacrifice them and take on the Royal Navy, buying time for my ground forces to continue their march without fear of sea bombardment. Besides, trying to sneak past the enemy fleet in rainy weather did not fully work, as once I was found out by destroyers the AI moved in with the entire force anyway.

AO 1940 - Epsom

Starting Prestige (after purchases and replacements): 12717

Hero:



Yet another strong roll! I prefer to assign these heroes to infantry and Azul Infanterie would be the natural choice, but since I've already did something like this in my previous run, I decide to assign the new hero to Grenadier Reg 1 as the heaviest hitting infantry unit. I was thinking of making the hero a cavalry officer, but I figured the age of cavalry will probably soon have to end.

New Equipment Provided:

II./KG 1 - Ju 88A
Grenadier Reg 1 - Grenadier (SdKfz 251/1) - transport upgraded to half-track

So much for new upgrades again. Just a few cosmetic changes appear this time.

Starting Army Composition:

Infantry

Infanterie Reg 4 (span.) - Azul Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - *** - Flag Killer, Unyielding
Fallschirmjäger Reg 1 - Fallschirmjäger - **
Gebirgsjäger Reg 1 - Gebirgsjäger - ** - Survivor, Oleh Dir
Grenadier Reg 1 - Grenadier (SdKfz 251/1) - *** - Flag Killer, No Retaliation
Pionier Bataillon 1 - Pioniere (Opel Blitz) - *** - River Assault, First Aid
Infanterie Reg 1 - Wehr Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - ***
Infanterie Reg 2 - Wehr Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - *** - Survivor

Tank

PzAbt 1 - Panzer IB - *** - Butcher, Superior Maneuver, Steamroller, Survivor
PzAbt 2 - Panzer 38(t)A - *** - Steamroller, Survivor, Albert Kerscher
PzAbt 3 - Panzer 35(t) - *** - Steamroller, Ignores ZOC
PzAbt 4 - Panzer IIA - ** - Ignores ZOC, Tenacious Defender, Steamroller
PzAbt 5 - Panzer IIC - *** - Artillery Support, Butcher, Steamroller, Survivor

Anti-Tank

Panzerjäger Abt 1 - 3.7 cm PaK 36 (SdKfz 10) - * - Ferocious Defense
Panzerjäger Abt 4 - 3.7 cm PaK 36 (SdKfz 10) - * - Ferocious Defense

Artillery

Artillerie Abt 1 - 21 cm Mrs (SdKfz 7) - *** - Double Attack, Skilled Support, Elsa Kloss
Artillerie Abt 2 - 15 cm sFH 16 (SdKfz 7) - *** - Double Attack, Legendary, Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 3 - 15 cm sFH 16 (SdKfz 7) - *** - Double Attack, Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 4 - 15 cm sFH 16 (SdKfz 7) - *** - Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 5 - 15 cm sFH 16 (SdKfz 7) - *** - Skilled Support

Anti-Aircraft

FlaK Abt 1 - 8.8 cm Flak 36 (SdKfz 7) - **
FlaK Abt 2 - SdKfz 10/4 - ** - Fast Learner
FlaK Abt 3 - 2 cm Flakvierling 38 (SdKfz 10) - *
FlaK Abt 5 - 2 cm Flakvierling 38 (SdKfz 10)

Fighter

I./JG 1 - Bf 109E - *** - Fast Rebase, Adolf Galland
II./JG 1 - Bf 109E - *** - Fast Rebase, Heinrich Bar
III./JG 1 - Bf 109E - ** - Fast Rebase, Thorough Preparation, Survivor
IV./JG 1 - Bf 109E - * - Distraction, Fast Rebase

Tactical Bomber

I./SG 1 - Ju 87B - *** - Tank Killer, Survivor
II./SG 1 - Ju 87B - *** - Entrenchment Killer 4x
III./SG 1 - Ju 87B - * - Entrenchment Killer 4x

Reserve

Pionier Brücken Bataillon 1 - Brückenpioniere (Opel Blitz) - River Assault, No Surrender
Kavallerie Reg 1 - Kavallerie - ***
PzAbt 6 - Panzer IA - *** - Ignores ZOC
AufkAbt 1 - SdKfz 222 - *** - Overwhelming Attack, Envelopment
AufkAbt 2 - SdKfz 231 6Rad - *** - Leadership
AufkAbt 3 - SdKfz 231 6Rad - ***
AufkAbt 4 - SdKfz 222 - ***
Panzerjäger Abt 2 - Panzer I Breda - ** - Survivor
Panzerjäger Abt 3 - 3.7 cm PaK 36 (SdKfz 10) - Legendary
Artillerie Abt 6 - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (Opel Blitz) - ** - Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 7 - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (Opel Blitz) - **
Panzer Artillerie Abt 1 - Sturmpanzer I - * - Field Repairs
FlaK Abt 4 - 3.7 cm FlaK 18 (SdKfz 11)
I./JG 2 - Bf 109E
I./ZG 1 - Bf 110C - **
II./ZG 1 - Bf 110C
III./ZG 1 - Bf 110C
I./AG 1 - He 70 Rayo - *** - Resilient
II./AG 1 - Fi 156 Storch - * - Sixth Sense
I./KG 1 - Ju 88A - **
II./KG 1 - Ju 88A - ** - Survivor
III./KG 1 - He 111H2 - ** - Survivor
Panzerzug Bismarck - Armored Train - **

Summary:


Hills end up being a good AA gun position and scare most of RAF away from the central part of the front.


British tanks attempt a counter attack west of Seven Oaks, but fail due to issue with difficult terrain encountering my troops when in transit.


Superior artillery range allows to capture Epsom faster after taking out the main heavy gun stationed there.


I manage to reach London, but the nemesis gets to live, even after bringing in FlaK Abt 1 to assist.

Final Prestige: 16117 (up 3400)

Overall:

This was by far the most intense scenario I played so far. My weaker tanks and fighters compared to the standard run, even with the frankly insane artillery and bomber support, suffered quite the losses, especially early on. It's just not the same favorable combat predictions I got before, so the enemy gets a lot more chances to inflict damage and is in general much more willing to attack at all. While my dive bombers were starts yet again in clearing tanks and artillery blocking my path, they also took a lot of fire, even being escorted by my fighters. Spitfires especially do not fear the Luftwaffe at this point and attack in large groups, such that I never had all of my fighters at full operation strength - replacing losses in one unit and sending it to intercept was quickly followed by having to back down another and send replacements there.

AO 1940 - Portsmouth

Starting Prestige (after purchases and replacements): 16601

Hero:



OK, that's a third powerful result in a row and finally an option to bring in a lot more units after my best artillery is deployed.

New Equipment Provided:

Infanterie Reg 4 (span.) - Azul Infanterie (SdKfz 251/1) - transport upgraded to half-track

Starting Army Composition:

Infantry

Infanterie Reg 4 (span.) - Azul Infanterie (SdKfz 251/1) - *** - Flag Killer, Unyielding
Gebirgsjäger Reg 1 - Gebirgsjäger - ** - Survivor, Oleh Dir
Grenadier Reg 1 - Grenadier (SdKfz 251/1) - *** - Flag Killer, No Retaliation
Kavallerie Reg 1 - Kavallerie - ***
Pionier Bataillon 1 - Pioniere (Opel Blitz) - *** - River Assault, First Aid
Infanterie Reg 1 - Wehr Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - ***
Infanterie Reg 2 - Wehr Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - *** - Survivor

Tank

PzAbt 2 - Panzer 38(t)A - *** - Steamroller, Survivor, Albert Kerscher
PzAbt 3 - Panzer 35(t) - *** - Steamroller, Ignores ZOC
PzAbt 4 - Panzer IIA - ** - Ignores ZOC, Tenacious Defender, Steamroller
PzAbt 5 - Panzer IIC - *** - Artillery Support, Butcher, Steamroller, Survivor

Anti-Tank

Panzerjäger Abt 1 - 3.7 cm PaK 36 (SdKfz 10) - * - Ferocious Defense

Artillery

Artillerie Abt 1 - 21 cm Mrs (SdKfz 7) - *** - Double Attack, Zero Slots, Skilled Support, Elsa Kloss
Artillerie Abt 2 - 15 cm sFH 16 (SdKfz 7) - *** - Double Attack, Legendary, Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 3 - 15 cm sFH 16 (SdKfz 7) - *** - Double Attack, Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 4 - 15 cm sFH 16 (SdKfz 7) - *** - Skilled Support

Anti-Aircraft

FlaK Abt 2 - SdKfz 10/4 - ** - Fast Learner
FlaK Abt 3 - 2 cm Flakvierling 38 (SdKfz 10) - *

Fighter

I./JG 1 - Bf 109E - *** - Fast Rebase, Adolf Galland
II./JG 1 - Bf 109E - *** - Fast Rebase, Heinrich Bar
III./JG 1 - Bf 109E - ** - Fast Rebase, Thorough Preparation, Survivor
IV./JG 1 - Bf 109E - ** - Distraction, Fast Rebase

Tactical Bomber

I./SG 1 - Ju 87B - *** - Tank Killer, Survivor
II./SG 1 - Ju 87B - *** - Entrenchment Killer 4x
III./SG 1 - Ju 87B - * - Entrenchment Killer 4x

Strategic Bomber

I./KG 1 - Ju 88A - **
II./KG 1 - Ju 88A - ** - Survivor
III./KG 1 - He 111H2 - ** - Survivor

Reserve

Pionier Brücken Bataillon 1 - Brückenpioniere (Opel Blitz) - River Assault, No Surrender
Fallschirmjäger Reg 1 - Fallschirmjäger - **
PzAbt 1 - Panzer IB - *** - Butcher, Superior Maneuver, Steamroller, Survivor
PzAbt 6 - Panzer IA - *** - Ignores ZOC
AufkAbt 1 - SdKfz 222 - *** - Overwhelming Attack, Envelopment
AufkAbt 2 - SdKfz 231 6Rad - *** - Leadership
AufkAbt 3 - SdKfz 231 6Rad - ***
AufkAbt 4 - SdKfz 222 - ***
Panzerjäger Abt 2 - Panzer I Breda - ** - Survivor
Panzerjäger Abt 3 - 3.7 cm PaK 36 (SdKfz 10) - Legendary
Panzerjäger Abt 4 - 3.7 cm PaK 36 (SdKfz 10) - * - Ferocious Defense
Artillerie Abt 5 - 15 cm sFH 16 (SdKfz 7) - *** - Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 6 - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (Opel Blitz) - ** - Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 7 - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (Opel Blitz) - **
Panzer Artillerie Abt 1 - Sturmpanzer I - * - Field Repairs
FlaK Abt 1 - 8.8 cm Flak 36 (SdKfz 7) - **
FlaK Abt 4 - 3.7 cm FlaK 18 (SdKfz 11)
FlaK Abt 5 - 2 cm Flakvierling 38 (SdKfz 10)
I./JG 2 - Bf 109E
I./ZG 1 - Bf 110C - **
II./ZG 1 - Bf 110C
III./ZG 1 - Bf 110C
I./AG 1 - He 70 Rayo - *** - Resilient
II./AG 1 - Fi 156 Storch - * - Sixth Sense
Panzerzug Bismarck - Armored Train - **

Summary:


The tanks might swarm, but I came prepared!

Final Prestige: 18934 (up 2333)

Overall:

Once I knew what to expect, the run to the coast was organized, fast and deadly to any British troops that wanted to stand in my way. RAF presence is significantly limited this time, so my planes could operate freely after a while and help secure both Southampton and Portsmouth. Even my usual panzer disadvantage was not as much of an issue once I was able to set up the open field encounter to my advantage. Having three Ju 87B helps here immensely, since each can knock out a Cruiser or Matilda for a turn and force it to stop for replacements, breaking the enemy formation and evening up the chances.

(Insert Hero Envy joke here.)

Looks like you are approaching the end of Retrograde. Which means next up is the really fun one. Panzermon on the British Isles and dealing with the RAF is going to be interesting to say the least.

Way to go Tassadar, Epsom must have been an absolute nightmare with that force. Very impressive that you are bringing it home.

AO 1940 - Battle of Pindus

Starting Prestige (after purchases and replacements): 19815

Hero:



I'm willing to try out Shock Tactics with a strategic bomber next time and assign the new hero to I./KG 1.

New Equipment Provided:

PzAbt 6 - Panzer IVD
AufkAbt 2 - SdKfz 232 8Rad
I./ZG 1 - Bf 110D
Pionier Bataillon 1 - Pioniere (SdKfz 251/1) - transport upgraded to half-track

I finally get a Pazner IV! The issue is that I'm allowed only one unit of this model and I won't be using it in the next two missions, but at least it will come in handy in 1941 a lot more than a Panzer I.

Starting Army Composition:

Infantry

Infanterie Reg 4 (span.) - Azul Infanterie (SdKfz 251/1) - *** - Flag Killer, Unyielding
Fallschirmjäger Reg 1 - Fallschirmjäger - **
Gebirgsjäger Reg 1 - Gebirgsjäger - ** - Survivor, Oleh Dir
Grenadier Reg 1 - Grenadier (SdKfz 251/1) - *** - Flag Killer, No Retaliation
Kavallerie Reg 1 - Kavallerie - ***
Pionier Bataillon 1 - Pioniere (SdKfz 251/1) - *** - River Assault, First Aid
Infanterie Reg 1 - Wehr Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - ***
Infanterie Reg 2 - Wehr Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - *** - Survivor

Artillery

Artillerie Abt 1 - 21 cm Mrs (SdKfz 7) - *** - Double Attack, Zero Slots, Skilled Support, Elsa Kloss
Artillerie Abt 2 - 15 cm sFH 16 (SdKfz 7) - *** - Double Attack, Legendary, Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 3 - 15 cm sFH 16 (SdKfz 7) - *** - Double Attack, Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 4 - 15 cm sFH 16 (SdKfz 7) - *** - Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 5 - 15 cm sFH 16 (SdKfz 7) - *** - Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 6 - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (Opel Blitz) - ** - Skilled Support
Panzer Artillerie Abt 1 - Sturmpanzer I - * - Field Repairs

Reserve

Pionier Brücken Bataillon 1 - Brückenpioniere (Opel Blitz) - River Assault, No Surrender
PzAbt 1 - Panzer IB - *** - Butcher, Superior Maneuver, Steamroller, Survivor
PzAbt 2 - Panzer 38(t)A - *** - Steamroller, Survivor, Albert Kerscher
PzAbt 3 - Panzer 35(t) - *** - Steamroller, Ignores ZOC
PzAbt 4 - Panzer IIA - *** - Ignores ZOC, Tenacious Defender, Steamroller
PzAbt 5 - Panzer IIC - *** - Artillery Support, Butcher, Steamroller, Survivor
PzAbt 6 - Panzer IVD - *** - Ignores ZOC
AufkAbt 1 - SdKfz 222 - *** - Overwhelming Attack, Envelopment
AufkAbt 2 - SdKfz 232 8Rad- *** - Leadership
AufkAbt 3 - SdKfz 231 6Rad - ***
AufkAbt 4 - SdKfz 222 - ***
Panzerjäger Abt 1 - 3.7 cm PaK 36 (SdKfz 10) - * - Ferocious Defense
Panzerjäger Abt 2 - Panzer I Breda - ** - Survivor
Panzerjäger Abt 3 - 3.7 cm PaK 36 (SdKfz 10) - Legendary
Panzerjäger Abt 4 - 3.7 cm PaK 36 (SdKfz 10) - * - Ferocious Defense
Artillerie Abt 7 - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (Opel Blitz) - **
FlaK Abt 1 - 8.8 cm Flak 36 (SdKfz 7) - **
FlaK Abt 2 - SdKfz 10/4 - ** - Fast Learner
FlaK Abt 3 - 2 cm Flakvierling 38 (SdKfz 10) - *
FlaK Abt 4 - 3.7 cm FlaK 18 (SdKfz 11)
FlaK Abt 5 - 2 cm Flakvierling 38 (SdKfz 10)
I./JG 1 - Bf 109E - *** - Fast Rebase, Adolf Galland
II./JG 1 - Bf 109E - *** - Fast Rebase, Heinrich Bar
III./JG 1 - Bf 109E - ** - Fast Rebase, Thorough Preparation, Survivor
IV./JG 1 - Bf 109E - ** - Distraction, Fast Rebase
I./JG 2 - Bf 109E
I./ZG 1 - Bf 110D - **
II./ZG 1 - Bf 110C
III./ZG 1 - Bf 110C
I./AG 1 - He 70 Rayo - *** - Resilient
II./AG 1 - Fi 156 Storch - * - Sixth Sense
I./SG 1 - Ju 87B - *** - Tank Killer, Survivor
II./SG 1 - Ju 87B - *** - Entrenchment Killer 4x
III./SG 1 - Ju 87B - * - Entrenchment Killer 4x
I./KG 1 - Ju 88A - ** - Shock Tactics
II./KG 1 - Ju 88A - ** - Survivor
III./KG 1 - He 111H2 - ** - Survivor
Panzerzug Bismarck - Armored Train - **

Summary:


I begin the evacuation immediately...


...but alas, even that is too late to avoid the trap.


At least my paratroopers managed to benefit from relatively good weather and secure Metsovo.

Final Prestige: 21461 (up 1646)

Overall:

Any attempts to rescue the Italian force aside from a few lucky units seem to be deemed to fail. Aside from this unfortunate turn of events, I enjoyed near perfect weather this time with just two turns of snowstorm. Not only this gave a chance to my paratroopers to operate freely, but also allowed the remaining forces to move much quicker and avoid most of the usual accuracy issues. Just shows how weather can completely turn a scenario around sometimes, either making a it true challenge where the army comes to a halt and is prone to ambushes, or helping greatly like no other factor can.

AO 1940 - Valona

Starting Prestige (after purchases and replacements): 22200

Hero:



Final hero allows to boost my infantry, this time getting assigned to Fallschirmjäger Reg 1 - if I ever get the option to get a No Supply hero this can result in some interesting possibilities.

New Units Commissioned:

Kradschützen Batallion 1 - Kradschützen

New Equipment Provided:

PzAbt 1 - Panzer IIIF
Panzerjäger Abt 2 - Panzerjäger IB
FlaK Abt 5 - SdKfz 7/1
Pionier Brücken Bataillon 1 - Brückenpioniere (SdKfz 251/1) - transport upgraded to half-track

Some more meaningful upgrades again, but sadly not of much use aside from Panzerjäger Abt 2 which gets to appear and test out new equipment against captured Italian tanks.

Starting Army Composition:

Infantry

Infanterie Reg 4 (span.) - Azul Infanterie (SdKfz 251/1) - *** - Flag Killer, Unyielding
Fallschirmjäger Reg 1 - Fallschirmjäger - ** - Unyielding
Gebirgsjäger Reg 1 - Gebirgsjäger - ** - Survivor, Oleh Dir
Grenadier Reg 1 - Grenadier (SdKfz 251/1) - *** - Flag Killer, No Retaliation
Kavallerie Reg 1 - Kavallerie - ***
Pionier Bataillon 1 - Pioniere (SdKfz 251/1) - *** - River Assault, First Aid
Infanterie Reg 1 - Wehr Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - ***
Infanterie Reg 2 - Wehr Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - *** - Survivor

Tank

PzAbt 4 - Panzer IIA - *** - Ignores ZOC, Tenacious Defender, Steamroller

Recon

Kradschützen Batallion 1 - Kradschützen
AufkAbt 4 - SdKfz 222 - ***

Anti-Tank

Panzerjäger Abt 1 - 3.7 cm PaK 36 (SdKfz 10) - * - Ferocious Defense
Panzerjäger Abt 2 - Panzerjäger IB - ** - Survivor
Panzerjäger Abt 3 - 3.7 cm PaK 36 (SdKfz 10) - Legendary

Artillery

Artillerie Abt 1 - 21 cm Mrs (SdKfz 7) - *** - Double Attack, Zero Slots, Skilled Support, Elsa Kloss
Artillerie Abt 2 - 15 cm sFH 16 (SdKfz 7) - *** - Double Attack, Legendary, Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 3 - 15 cm sFH 16 (SdKfz 7) - *** - Double Attack, Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 4 - 15 cm sFH 16 (SdKfz 7) - *** - Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 6 - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (Opel Blitz) - ** - Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 7 - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (Opel Blitz) - **
Panzer Artillerie Abt 1 - Sturmpanzer I - * - Field Repairs

Reserve

Pionier Brücken Bataillon 1 - Brückenpioniere (SdKfz 251/1) - River Assault, No Surrender
PzAbt 1 - Panzer IIIF - *** - Butcher, Superior Maneuver, Steamroller, Survivor
PzAbt 2 - Panzer 38(t)A - *** - Steamroller, Survivor, Albert Kerscher
PzAbt 3 - Panzer 35(t) - *** - Steamroller, Ignores ZOC
PzAbt 5 - Panzer IIC - *** - Artillery Support, Butcher, Steamroller, Survivor
PzAbt 6 - Panzer IVD - *** - Ignores ZOC
AufkAbt 1 - SdKfz 222 - *** - Overwhelming Attack, Envelopment
AufkAbt 2 - SdKfz 232 8Rad- *** - Leadership
AufkAbt 3 - SdKfz 231 6Rad - ***
Panzerjäger Abt 4 - 3.7 cm PaK 36 (SdKfz 10) - * - Ferocious Defense
Artillerie Abt 5 - 15 cm sFH 16 (SdKfz 7) - *** - Skilled Support
FlaK Abt 1 - 8.8 cm Flak 36 (SdKfz 7) - **
FlaK Abt 2 - SdKfz 10/4 - ** - Fast Learner
FlaK Abt 3 - 2 cm Flakvierling 38 (SdKfz 10) - *
FlaK Abt 4 - 3.7 cm FlaK 18 (SdKfz 11)
FlaK Abt 5 - SdKfz 7/1
I./JG 1 - Bf 109E - *** - Fast Rebase, Adolf Galland
II./JG 1 - Bf 109E - *** - Fast Rebase, Heinrich Bar
III./JG 1 - Bf 109E - ** - Fast Rebase, Thorough Preparation, Survivor
IV./JG 1 - Bf 109E - ** - Distraction, Fast Rebase
I./JG 2 - Bf 109E
I./ZG 1 - Bf 110D - **
II./ZG 1 - Bf 110C
III./ZG 1 - Bf 110C
I./AG 1 - He 70 Rayo - *** - Resilient
II./AG 1 - Fi 156 Storch - * - Sixth Sense
I./SG 1 - Ju 87B - *** - Tank Killer, Survivor
II./SG 1 - Ju 87B - *** - Entrenchment Killer 4x
III./SG 1 - Ju 87B - * - Entrenchment Killer 4x
I./KG 1 - Ju 88A - ** - Shock Tactics
II./KG 1 - Ju 88A - ** - Survivor
III./KG 1 - He 111H2 - ** - Survivor
Panzerzug Bismarck - Armored Train - **

Summary:


Paratroopers try and surprise enemy forces from behind, but get seriously hit instead.


Winter is coming! However, contrary to the Night's Watch I've got tanks and artillery.

Final Prestige: 24859 (up 2659)

Overall:

The Pindus and Valona scenarios went much better this time with prestige gain rather than loss and the amount of my experienced Double Attack artillery was the main reason behind this. I finally got my hands on a few important unit upgrades which gives me some hope for 1941 - this year is not as impactful in new design, at least as I recall, so I should have time to catch up on my most important additions to the army and improve it significantly. Some of these new upgrades can allos earn overstrength and I will be sure to apply them (if I don't forget that is!) - for example Panzer IIIF can be upped to 12, same for SdKfz 232 8Rad. I did not do it yet to allow my less experienced units to be deployed in larger numbers in these 2 scenarios, but this will give me a tiny edge in 1941.

AO 1940 - Summary

Starting Prestige: 57178
Final Prestige: 24859 (down 33629)

Final Army Composition:

Infantry

Infanterie Reg 4 (span.) - Azul Infanterie (SdKfz 251/1) - *** - Flag Killer, Unyielding
Pionier Brücken Bataillon 1 - Brückenpioniere (SdKfz 251/1) - River Assault, No Surrender
Fallschirmjäger Reg 1 - Fallschirmjäger - ** - Unyielding
Gebirgsjäger Reg 1 - Gebirgsjäger - *** - Survivor, Oleh Dir
Grenadier Reg 1 - Grenadier (SdKfz 251/1) - *** - Flag Killer, No Retaliation
Kavallerie Reg 1 - Kavallerie - ***
Pionier Bataillon 1 - Pioniere (SdKfz 251/1) - *** - River Assault, First Aid
Infanterie Reg 1 - Wehr Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - ***
Infanterie Reg 2 - Wehr Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - *** - Survivor

Tank

PzAbt 1 - Panzer IIIF - *** - Butcher, Superior Maneuver, Steamroller, Survivor
PzAbt 2 - Panzer 38(t)A - *** - Steamroller, Survivor, Albert Kerscher
PzAbt 3 - Panzer 35(t) - *** - Steamroller, Ignores ZOC
PzAbt 4 - Panzer IIA - *** - Ignores ZOC, Tenacious Defender, Steamroller
PzAbt 5 - Panzer IIC - *** - Artillery Support, Butcher, Steamroller, Survivor
PzAbt 6 - Panzer IVD - *** - Ignores ZOC

Recon

Kradschützen Batallion 1 - Kradschützen
AufkAbt 1 - SdKfz 222 - *** - Overwhelming Attack, Envelopment
AufkAbt 2 - SdKfz 232 8Rad- *** - Leadership
AufkAbt 3 - SdKfz 231 6Rad - ***
AufkAbt 4 - SdKfz 222 - ***

Anti-Tank

Panzerjäger Abt 1 - 3.7 cm PaK 36 (SdKfz 10) - * - Ferocious Defense
Panzerjäger Abt 2 - Panzerjäger IB - ** - Survivor
Panzerjäger Abt 3 - 3.7 cm PaK 36 (SdKfz 10) - * - Legendary
Panzerjäger Abt 4 - 3.7 cm PaK 36 (SdKfz 10) - * - Ferocious Defense

Artillery

Artillerie Abt 1 - 21 cm Mrs (SdKfz 7) - *** - Double Attack, Zero Slots, Skilled Support, Elsa Kloss
Artillerie Abt 2 - 15 cm sFH 16 (SdKfz 7) - *** - Double Attack, Legendary, Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 3 - 15 cm sFH 16 (SdKfz 7) - *** - Double Attack, Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 4 - 15 cm sFH 16 (SdKfz 7) - *** - Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 5 - 15 cm sFH 16 (SdKfz 7) - *** - Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 6 - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (Opel Blitz) - *** - Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 7 - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (Opel Blitz) - ** - Skilled Support
Panzer Artillerie Abt 1 - Sturmpanzer I - * - Field Repairs

Anti-Aircraft

FlaK Abt 1 - 8.8 cm Flak 36 (SdKfz 7) - **
FlaK Abt 2 - SdKfz 10/4 - ** - Fast Learner
FlaK Abt 3 - 2 cm Flakvierling 38 (SdKfz 10) - *
FlaK Abt 4 - 3.7 cm FlaK 18 (SdKfz 11)
FlaK Abt 5 - SdKfz 7/1

Strategic Bomber

I./JG 1 - Bf 109E - *** - Fast Rebase, Adolf Galland
II./JG 1 - Bf 109E - *** - Fast Rebase, Heinrich Bar
III./JG 1 - Bf 109E - ** - Fast Rebase, Thorough Preparation, Survivor
IV./JG 1 - Bf 109E - ** - Distraction, Fast Rebase
I./JG 2 - Bf 109E

Tactical Bomber

I./ZG 1 - Bf 110D - **
II./ZG 1 - Bf 110C
III./ZG 1 - Bf 110C
I./AG 1 - He 70 Rayo - *** - Resilient
II./AG 1 - Fi 156 Storch - * - Sixth Sense
I./SG 1 - Ju 87B - *** - Tank Killer, Survivor
II./SG 1 - Ju 87B - *** - Entrenchment Killer 4x
III./SG 1 - Ju 87B - * - Entrenchment Killer 4x

Strategic Bomber

I./KG 1 - Ju 88A - ** - Shock Tactics
II./KG 1 - Ju 88A - ** - Survivor
III./KG 1 - He 111H2 - ** - Survivor

Armoured Train

Panzerzug Bismarck - Armored Train - **

Thoughts:

After not feeling the impact of Retrograde too much in 1939, at least not as compared to SCW, this now came back with a vengeance. 1940 calls for better equipment and it really wants it soon. This again caused me to shift focus towards artillery and this time tactical bombers as well for the ability to either suppress or downright destroy targets my tanks can't possibly match. I could also probably benefit by using encirclement tactics more, but I'm leaving this for the Paznermon run, which will have tons of new vehicles to capture and use against their former owners. Contrary to past Retrograde DLC I also decided to more actively spend commendation points - I might not end up using captured equipment like in Paznermon basically ever, but it does present some memorable additions to the unit pool just for the sake of remembering previous scenarios. Of things to note there is for sure the fact that my units no longer have to rely on horse transport - even with the upgrade pace restrictions the campaign are long enough that I finally managed to catch up!

Now onward to Panzermon - the only issue I see is that I'm getting more an more interested in Cyberpunk, but since it turns my PC into a 100 degrees microwave even on low settings (and that's despite the fact it runs well even on high, strange...) I can't play it in long sessions until that small issue is finally patched, so I'll for sure still have time for Panzer Corps.

I used those last two missions to train up my weaker units. Pleasant change of pace to try and recover from my losses in England.

AO 1941 - Zagreb


Uptaded and expended units allowed sheet with approximate production numbers. Sometimes it was hard to estimate since for example 5 cm Pak 38(Sf) was just a makeshift field setup, but I'm mostly confident it's correct enough for my needs.

Starting Prestige (after purchases and replacements): 25402

Hero:


Panzerjäger Abt 2 will get Hit and Run to deal with the usual initiative penalty.

New Equipment Provided:

PzAbt 1 - Panzer IIIF
I./JG 1 - Bf 109F
I./SG 1 - Ju 87R

First upgrades after 1940 allow for new tanks, fighters and tactical bombers - all very useful.

Starting Army Composition:

Infantry

Gebirgsjäger Reg 1 - Gebirgsjäger - ** - Survivor, Oleh Dir
Grenadier Reg 1 - Grenadier (SdKfz 251/1) - *** - Flag Killer, No Retaliation
Kavallerie Reg 1 - Kavallerie - ***
Pionier Bataillon 1 - Pioniere (SdKfz 251/1) - *** - River Assault, First Aid

Tank

PzAbt 2 - Panzer 38(t)A - *** - Steamroller, Survivor, Albert Kerscher

Recon

Kradschützen Batallion 1 - Kradschützen
AufkAbt 4 - SdKfz 222 - ***

Artillery

Artillerie Abt 1 - 21 cm Mrs (SdKfz 7) - *** - Double Attack, Zero Slots, Skilled Support, Elsa Kloss
Artillerie Abt 2 - 15 cm sFH 16 (SdKfz 7) - *** - Double Attack, Legendary, Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 3 - 15 cm sFH 16 (SdKfz 7) - *** - Double Attack, Skilled Support

Reserve

Infanterie Reg 4 (span.) - Azul Infanterie (SdKfz 251/1) - *** - Flag Killer, Unyielding
Pionier Brücken Bataillon 1 - Brückenpioniere (Opel Blitz) - River Assault, No Surrender
Fallschirmjäger Reg 1 - Fallschirmjäger - ** - Unyielding
Infanterie Reg 1 - Wehr Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - ***
Infanterie Reg 2 - Wehr Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - *** - Survivor
PzAbt 1 - Panzer IIIF - *** - Butcher, Superior Maneuver, Steamroller, Survivor
PzAbt 3 - Panzer IIIG - *** - Steamroller, Ignores ZOC
PzAbt 4 - Panzer IIA - *** - Ignores ZOC, Tenacious Defender, Steamroller
PzAbt 5 - Panzer IIC - *** - Artillery Support, Butcher, Steamroller, Survivor
PzAbt 6 - Panzer IVD - *** - Ignores ZOC
AufkAbt 1 - SdKfz 222 - *** - Overwhelming Attack, Envelopment
AufkAbt 2 - SdKfz 232 8Rad- *** - Leadership
AufkAbt 3 - SdKfz 231 6Rad - ***
Panzerjäger Abt 1 - 3.7 cm PaK 36 (SdKfz 10) - * - Ferocious Defense
Panzerjäger Abt 2 - Panzerjäger IB - ** - Hit and Run, Survivor
Panzerjäger Abt 3 - 3.7 cm PaK 36 (SdKfz 10) - * - Legendary
Panzerjäger Abt 4 - 3.7 cm PaK 36 (SdKfz 10) - * - Ferocious Defense
Artillerie Abt 4 - 15 cm sFH 16 (SdKfz 7) - *** - Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 5 - 15 cm sFH 16 (SdKfz 7) - *** - Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 6 - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (Opel Blitz) - *** - Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 7 - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (Opel Blitz) - ** - Skilled Support
Panzer Artillerie Abt 1 - Sturmpanzer I - * - Field Repairs
FlaK Abt 1 - 8.8 cm Flak 36 (SdKfz 7) - **
FlaK Abt 2 - SdKfz 10/4 - ** - Fast Learner
FlaK Abt 3 - 2 cm Flakvierling 38 (SdKfz 10) - *
FlaK Abt 4 - 3.7 cm FlaK 18 (SdKfz 11)
FlaK Abt 5 - SdKfz 7/1
I./JG 1 - Bf 109F - *** - Fast Rebase, Adolf Galland
II./JG 1 - Bf 109E - *** - Fast Rebase, Heinrich Bar
III./JG 1 - Bf 109E - ** - Fast Rebase, Thorough Preparation, Survivor
IV./JG 1 - Bf 109E - ** - Distraction, Fast Rebase
I./JG 2 - Bf 109E
I./ZG 1 - Bf 110D - **
II./ZG 1 - Bf 110C
III./ZG 1 - Bf 110C
I./AG 1 - He 70 Rayo - *** - Resilient
II./AG 1 - Fi 156 Storch - * - Sixth Sense
I./SG 1 - Ju 87R - *** - Tank Killer, Survivor
II./SG 1 - Ju 87B - *** - Entrenchment Killer 4x
III./SG 1 - Ju 87B - * - Entrenchment Killer 4x
I./KG 1 - Ju 88A - ** - Shock Tactics
II./KG 1 - Ju 88A - ** - Survivor
III./KG 1 - He 111H2 - ** - Survivor
Panzerzug Bismarck - Armored Train - **

Summary:


Knowing where the enemy is from the past run allows to set up things in the cover of rain...


...and add the rain of fire once the normal rain stops.


Wagner's artillery support proves useful as reservists attempt to attack my artillery.

Final Prestige: 27774 (up 2372)

Overall:

Not much to say about the start other than three Double Attack artillery help almost as much as the knowledge of enemy unit placement, in fact they work together quite well. I am happy about my unit upgrades despite not yet being able to use them, as it gives me more room to work with in next scenarios and by the time I invade the Soviet Union my core should be less behind the times.

AO 1941 - Yugoslavia

Starting Prestige (after purchases and replacements): 27813

Hero:


New hero joins Sturmgeschütz Abt 1 immediately, for some good close artillery support of my units. Retrograde or not, I need my daily StuG fix.

New Units Commissioned:

Sturmgeschütz Abt 1 - StuG IIIB

New Equipment Provided:

PzAbt 2 - Panzer IIIG
II./JG 1 - Bf 109F
II./SG 1 - Ju 87R

Continuing the same upgrade trend, all is well for now and no major changes needed.

Starting Army Composition:

Infantry

Infanterie Reg 4 (span.) - Azul Infanterie (SdKfz 251/1) - *** - Flag Killer, Unyielding
Pionier Brücken Bataillon 1 - Brückenpioniere (Opel Blitz) - River Assault, No Surrender
Fallschirmjäger Reg 1 - Fallschirmjäger - ** - Unyielding
Gebirgsjäger Reg 1 - Gebirgsjäger - *** - Survivor, Oleh Dir
Grenadier Reg 1 - Grenadier (SdKfz 251/1) - *** - Flag Killer, No Retaliation
Kavallerie Reg 1 - Kavallerie - ***
Pionier Bataillon 1 - Pioniere (SdKfz 251/1) - *** - River Assault, First Aid
Infanterie Reg 1 - Wehr Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - ***
Infanterie Reg 2 - Wehr Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - *** - Survivor

Tank

PzAbt 1 - Panzer IIIF - *** - Butcher, Superior Maneuver, Steamroller, Survivor
PzAbt 2 - Panzer IIIG - *** - Steamroller, Survivor, Albert Kerscher
PzAbt 3 - Panzer IIIG - *** - Steamroller, Ignores ZOC
PzAbt 5 - Panzer IIC - *** - Artillery Support, Butcher, Steamroller, Survivor
PzAbt 6 - Panzer IVD - *** - Ignores ZOC

Recon

Kradschützen Batallion 1 - Kradschützen - *
AufkAbt 3 - SdKfz 231 6Rad - ***

Artillery

Artillerie Abt 1 - 21 cm Mrs (SdKfz 7) - *** - Double Attack, Zero Slots, Skilled Support, Elsa Kloss
Artillerie Abt 2 - 15 cm sFH 16 (SdKfz 7) - *** - Double Attack, Legendary, Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 3 - 15 cm sFH 16 (SdKfz 7) - *** - Double Attack, Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 4 - 15 cm sFH 16 (SdKfz 7) - *** - Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 6 - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (Opel Blitz) - *** - Skilled Support
Sturmgeschütz Abt 1 - StuG IIIB - Double Support

Fighter

I./JG 1 - Bf 109F - *** - Fast Rebase, Adolf Galland
II./JG 1 - Bf 109F - *** - Fast Rebase, Heinrich Bar

Tactical Bomber

I./ZG 1 - Bf 110D - **
II./AG 1 - Fi 156 Storch - * - Sixth Sense
I./SG 1 - Ju 87R - *** - Tank Killer, Survivor

Strategic Bomber

I./KG 1 - Ju 88A - ** - Shock Tactics
II./KG 1 - Ju 88A - ** - Survivor
III./KG 1 - He 111H2 - ** - Survivor

Armoured Train

Panzerzug Bismarck - Armored Train - **

Reserve

PzAbt 4 - Panzer IIA - *** - Ignores ZOC, Tenacious Defender, Steamroller
AufkAbt 1 - SdKfz 222 - *** - Overwhelming Attack, Envelopment
AufkAbt 2 - SdKfz 232 8Rad- *** - Leadership
AufkAbt 4 - SdKfz 222 - ***
Panzerjäger Abt 1 - 3.7 cm PaK 36 (SdKfz 10) - * - Ferocious Defense
Panzerjäger Abt 2 - Panzerjäger IB - ** - Hit and Run, Survivor
Panzerjäger Abt 3 - 3.7 cm PaK 36 (SdKfz 10) - * - Legendary
Panzerjäger Abt 4 - 3.7 cm PaK 36 (SdKfz 10) - * - Ferocious Defense
Artillerie Abt 5 - 15 cm sFH 16 (SdKfz 7) - *** - Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 7 - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (Opel Blitz) - ** - Skilled Support
Panzer Artillerie Abt 1 - Sturmpanzer I - * - Field Repairs
FlaK Abt 1 - 8.8 cm Flak 36 (SdKfz 7) - **
FlaK Abt 2 - SdKfz 10/4 - ** - Fast Learner
FlaK Abt 3 - 2 cm Flakvierling 38 (SdKfz 10) - *
FlaK Abt 4 - 3.7 cm FlaK 18 (SdKfz 11)
FlaK Abt 5 - SdKfz 7/1
III./JG 1 - Bf 109E - ** - Fast Rebase, Thorough Preparation, Survivor
IV./JG 1 - Bf 109E - ** - Distraction, Fast Rebase
I./JG 2 - Bf 109E
II./ZG 1 - Bf 110C
III./ZG 1 - Bf 110C
I./AG 1 - He 70 Rayo - *** - Resilient
II./SG 1 - Ju 87R - *** - Entrenchment Killer 4x
III./SG 1 - Ju 87B - * - Entrenchment Killer 4x

Summary:


There are times where ignoring ZOC is simply amazing.


Pionier Brücken Bataillon 1 acting as ultimate bait and luring enemy infantry from their entrenched positions. Worked in my first run and works here as well.


Farming support fire on Sturmgeschütz Abt 1 - with Double Support and trading some prestige due to casualties taken I can easily get six support rounds fired per round.

Final Prestige: 31329 (up 3516)

Overall:

So far so good. With retrograde tanks and fighters are usually the scariest enemy types and Yugoslavian army, while having some good planes was not really a panzer power. I was able to advance quite calmly, having my own support fire from artillery always ready. As such the tough terrain presented less of a challenge and rather than having to circle around the enemy positions I could just punch right through them.

AO 1941 - Thessaloniki

Starting Prestige (after purchases and replacements): 32702

Hero:


Perfect hero for Fallschirmjäger Reg 1 - in Operation Mercury this might be critical to my success.

New Equipment Provided:

PzAbt 4 - Panzer IIC
PzAbt 5 - Panzer IVE
III./JG 1 - Bf 109F

So much for upgrading Stukas, I can only have two of the R variant. The Panzer IVE however is quite welcome, that's a lot of valuable stats that go well with the infantry support role of the unit. PzAbt 4 gets the Panzer IIC variant, as I still would like to have that extra Rapid Fire in my core for the suture and potential Falmmpanzer II upgrade later.

Starting Army Composition:

Infantry

Infanterie Reg 4 (span.) - Azul Infanterie (SdKfz 251/1) - *** - Flag Killer, Unyielding
Gebirgsjäger Reg 1 - Gebirgsjäger - *** - Survivor, Oleh Dir
Grenadier Reg 1 - Grenadier (SdKfz 251/1) - *** - Flag Killer, No Retaliation
Pionier Bataillon 1 - Pioniere (SdKfz 251/1) - *** - River Assault, First Aid
Infanterie Reg 1 - Wehr Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - ***
Infanterie Reg 2 - Wehr Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - *** - Survivor

Tank

PzAbt 1 - Panzer IIIF - *** - Butcher, Superior Maneuver, Steamroller, Survivor
PzAbt 2 - Panzer IIIG - *** - Steamroller, Survivor, Albert Kerscher
PzAbt 5 - Panzer IVE - *** - Artillery Support, Butcher, Steamroller, Survivor
PzAbt 6 - Panzer IVD - *** - Ignores ZOC

Recon

Kradschützen Batallion 1 - Kradschützen - *

Anti-Tank

Panzerjäger Abt 2 - Panzerjäger IB - ** - Hit and Run, Survivor

Artillery

Artillerie Abt 1 - 21 cm Mrs (SdKfz 7) - *** - Double Attack, Zero Slots, Skilled Support, Elsa Kloss
Artillerie Abt 2 - 15 cm sFH 16 (SdKfz 7) - *** - Double Attack, Legendary, Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 3 - 15 cm sFH 16 (SdKfz 7) - *** - Double Attack, Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 4 - 15 cm sFH 16 (SdKfz 7) - *** - Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 5 - 15 cm sFH 16 (SdKfz 7) - *** - Skilled Support
Sturmgeschütz Abt 1 - StuG IIIB - Double Support

Anti-Aircraft

FlaK Abt 3 - 2 cm Flakvierling 38 (SdKfz 10) - *
FlaK Abt 4 - 3.7 cm FlaK 18 (SdKfz 11)

Fighter

I./JG 1 - Bf 109F - *** - Fast Rebase, Adolf Galland
II./JG 1 - Bf 109F - *** - Fast Rebase, Heinrich Bar
III./JG 1 - Bf 109E - ** - Fast Rebase, Thorough Preparation, Survivor
IV./JG 1 - Bf 109E - ** - Distraction, Fast Rebase

Tactical Bomber

I./ZG 1 - Bf 110D - **
I./SG 1 - Ju 87R - *** - Tank Killer, Survivor
II./SG 1 - Ju 87R - *** - Entrenchment Killer 4x

Strategic Bomber

I./KG 1 - Ju 88A - ** - Shock Tactics
II./KG 1 - Ju 88A - ** - Survivor
III./KG 1 - He 111H2 - ** - Survivor

Reserve

Pionier Brücken Bataillon 1 - Brückenpioniere (Opel Blitz) - River Assault, No Surrender
Fallschirmjäger Reg 1 - Fallschirmjäger - *** - Flag Killer, Unyielding
Kavallerie Reg 1 - Kavallerie - ***
PzAbt 3 - Panzer IIIG - *** - Steamroller, Ignores ZOC
PzAbt 4 - Panzer IIC - *** - Ignores ZOC, Tenacious Defender, Steamroller
AufkAbt 1 - SdKfz 222 - *** - Overwhelming Attack, Envelopment
AufkAbt 2 - SdKfz 232 8Rad- *** - Leadership
AufkAbt 3 - SdKfz 231 6Rad - ***
AufkAbt 4 - SdKfz 222 - ***
Panzerjäger Abt 1 - 3.7 cm PaK 36 (SdKfz 10) - * - Ferocious Defense
Panzerjäger Abt 3 - 3.7 cm PaK 36 (SdKfz 10) - * - Legendary
Panzerjäger Abt 4 - 3.7 cm PaK 36 (SdKfz 10) - * - Ferocious Defense
Artillerie Abt 6 - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (Opel Blitz) - *** - Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 7 - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (Opel Blitz) - ** - Skilled Support
Panzer Artillerie Abt 1 - Sturmpanzer I - * - Field Repairs
FlaK Abt 1 - 8.8 cm Flak 36 (SdKfz 7) - **
FlaK Abt 2 - SdKfz 10/4 - ** - Fast Learner
FlaK Abt 5 - SdKfz 7/1
I./JG 2 - Bf 109E
II./ZG 1 - Bf 110C
III./ZG 1 - Bf 110C
I./AG 1 - He 70 Rayo - *** - Resilient
II./AG 1 - Fi 156 Storch - * - Sixth Sense
III./SG 1 - Ju 87B - * - Entrenchment Killer 4x
Panzerzug Bismarck - Armored Train - **

Summary:


A few units rush west to complete the easy encirclement and help the Italians. Since just two points need to be cut off and there's not that much resistance there, it can be done after only a few turns.


Bad weather keeps my planes in check for quite a while...


After crossing the river my confidence drops once I see how heavy infantry hits my Panzer IVD unit in the open and take out 50% of its strength. Times like this Retrograde really hurts.

Final Prestige: 35378 (up 2676)

Overall:

Successful cooperation between my forces and Italian plus Bulgarian allies this time. Partially because I knew what I can expect of them and which units will remain passive and which not, but also since the units seemed less suicidal. Tanks did not rush bunkers or stay on close terrain too often and planes actually took down valid targets that helped with the advance. I'd love to know what contributes to these decisions sometimes, but I'll take what I can get and won't complain too much about having an easier time than in my first approach. Overall however I finished the mission later, mostly because my main force advancing at Olympus was lower and less modern, so it had to stop and replace losses a few times. MVP goes to I./KG 1. Shock Tactics on tactical bombers can pin a vulnerable target in place and allow my forces to set up either a surrender or just take it out after I position my ground forces, minimizing the risk of getting hit. Works wonders on tanks, so KV-1's will learn to fear this new tactics.

I feel like # of Shock Tactics and Envelopment heroes is a secret difficulty inherent in the campaign seed, often as or more important than the challenges or general traits that the player selects.

I like the idea of putting it on a strat bomber. I have 2 shock attack heroes in my army by this point, one is on Elsa's doom guns, and the other is on the redoubtable panzerzug, which has helped me get it to 4 stars.

WalterTFD wrote: ↑Mon Apr 05, 2021 5:03 pm I feel like # of Shock Tactics and Envelopment heroes is a secret difficulty inherent in the campaign seed, often as or more important than the challenges or general traits that the player selects.

I like the idea of putting it on a strat bomber. I have 2 shock attack heroes in my army by this point, one is on Elsa's doom guns, and the other is on the redoubtable panzerzug, which has helped me get it to 4 stars.

Strat bombers seemed an interesting choice as they can reach far targets and it really worked. The armored train idea also seems great - it does not have huge attack stats, so it's unlikely to kill too much of the target and will leave more for capturing.

AO 1941 - Thermopylae

Starting Prestige (after purchases and replacements): 36887

Hero:


Looks like I'll have a dedicated fleet of "surrender bombers", Karsten is assigned to II./KG 1.

New Equipment Provided:

PzAbt 1 - Panzer IIIH
IV./JG 1 - Bf 109F

Starting Army Composition:

Infantry

Infanterie Reg 4 (span.) - Azul Infanterie (SdKfz 251/1) - *** - Flag Killer, Unyielding
Fallschirmjäger Reg 1 - Fallschirmjäger - *** - Flag Killer, Unyielding
Gebirgsjäger Reg 1 - Gebirgsjäger - *** - Survivor, Oleh Dir
Grenadier Reg 1 - Grenadier (SdKfz 251/1) - *** - Flag Killer, No Retaliation
Kavallerie Reg 1 - Kavallerie - ***
Pionier Bataillon 1 - Pioniere (SdKfz 251/1) - *** - River Assault, First Aid
Infanterie Reg 1 - Wehr Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - ***
Infanterie Reg 2 - Wehr Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - *** - Survivor

Recon

Kradschützen Batallion 1 - Kradschützen - *
AufkAbt 2 - SdKfz 232 8Rad- *** - Leadership
AufkAbt 3 - SdKfz 231 6Rad - ***
AufkAbt 4 - SdKfz 222 - ***

Anti-Tank

Panzerjäger Abt 2 - Panzerjäger IB - ** - Hit and Run, Survivor

Artillery

Artillerie Abt 1 - 21 cm Mrs (SdKfz 7) - *** - Double Attack, Zero Slots, Skilled Support, Elsa Kloss
Artillerie Abt 2 - 15 cm sFH 16 (SdKfz 7) - *** - Double Attack, Legendary, Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 3 - 15 cm sFH 16 (SdKfz 7) - *** - Double Attack, Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 4 - 15 cm sFH 16 (SdKfz 7) - *** - Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 5 - 15 cm sFH 16 (SdKfz 7) - *** - Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 6 - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (Opel Blitz) - *** - Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 7 - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (Opel Blitz) - ** - Skilled Support
Sturmgeschütz Abt 1 - StuG IIIB - Double Support

Tactical Bomber

I./ZG 1 - Bf 110D - **
II./ZG 1 - Bf 110C
III./ZG 1 - Bf 110C
I./SG 1 - Ju 87R - *** - Tank Killer, Survivor
II./SG 1 - Ju 87R - *** - Entrenchment Killer 4x
III./SG 1 - Ju 87B - * - Entrenchment Killer 4x

Strategic Bomber

I./KG 1 - Ju 88A - ** - Shock Tactics
II./KG 1 - Ju 88A - ** - Shock Tactics, Survivor
III./KG 1 - He 111H2 - ** - Survivor

Reserve

Pionier Brücken Bataillon 1 - Brückenpioniere (Opel Blitz) - River Assault, No Surrender
PzAbt 1 - Panzer IIIH - *** - Butcher, Superior Maneuver, Steamroller, Survivor
PzAbt 2 - Panzer IIIG - *** - Steamroller, Survivor, Albert Kerscher
PzAbt 3 - Panzer IIIG - *** - Steamroller, Ignores ZOC
PzAbt 4 - Panzer IIC - *** - Ignores ZOC, Tenacious Defender, Steamroller
PzAbt 5 - Panzer IVE - *** - Artillery Support, Butcher, Steamroller, Survivor
PzAbt 6 - Panzer IVD - *** - Ignores ZOC
AufkAbt 1 - SdKfz 222 - *** - Overwhelming Attack, Envelopment
Panzerjäger Abt 1 - 3.7 cm PaK 36 (SdKfz 10) - * - Ferocious Defense
Panzerjäger Abt 3 - 3.7 cm PaK 36 (SdKfz 10) - * - Legendary
Panzerjäger Abt 4 - 3.7 cm PaK 36 (SdKfz 10) - * - Ferocious Defense
Panzer Artillerie Abt 1 - Sturmpanzer I - * - Field Repairs
FlaK Abt 1 - 8.8 cm Flak 36 (SdKfz 7) - **
FlaK Abt 2 - SdKfz 10/4 - ** - Fast Learner
FlaK Abt 3 - 2 cm Flakvierling 38 (SdKfz 10) - *
FlaK Abt 4 - 3.7 cm FlaK 18 (SdKfz 11) - *
FlaK Abt 5 - SdKfz 7/1
I./JG 1 - Bf 109F - *** - Fast Rebase, Adolf Galland
II./JG 1 - Bf 109F - *** - Fast Rebase, Heinrich Bar
III./JG 1 - Bf 109E - ** - Fast Rebase, Thorough Preparation, Survivor
IV./JG 1 - Bf 109F - ** - Distraction, Fast Rebase
I./JG 2 - Bf 109E
I./AG 1 - He 70 Rayo - *** - Resilient
II./AG 1 - Fi 156 Storch - * - Sixth Sense
Panzerzug Bismarck - Armored Train - **

Summary:


Time to take out the most deadly enemy AA gun in AO DLC so far!


Some overconfident unit placement almost costs me Infanterie Reg 1.

Final Prestige: 39357 (up 2470)

Overall:

With the amount of superior artillery in this mission pushing through narrow passes was not a difficult task. So much so, that it almost backfired when I used my units too aggressively and was close to using that experienced infantry. There are a lot of enemy heroes that greatly increase their offensive capabilities, so even the best of my own forces can get into trouble and pay dearly if I am not too careful. I'm constantly reminding this to myself, but it's just impossible to always keep this in mind and not position some units poorly by pure accident.

AO 1941 - Operation Mercury

Starting Prestige (after purchases and replacements): 39576

Hero:


Not a hero I really need, but might as well assign him to FlaK Abt 4 to justify the unit usage sometimes.

New Units Commissioned:

Infanterie Reg 3 - Wehr Infanterie
Infanterie Reg 5 - Wehr Infanterie
Infanterie Reg 6 - Wehr Infanterie
Artillerie Abt 8 - 7.5 cm FK 16 nA

Since I only can use one Fallschirmjäger if I am to stick to the original rules as much possible, the plan is to quickly capture one airfield and land the remaining forces, but for that I need fresh recruits.

New Equipment Provided:

I./JG 2 - Bf 109F

Starting Army Composition:

Infantry

Fallschirmjäger Reg 1 - Fallschirmjäger - *** - Flag Killer, Unyielding
Gebirgsjäger Reg 1 - Gebirgsjäger - *** - Survivor, Oleh Dir
Infanterie Reg 3 - Wehr Infanterie
Infanterie Reg 5 - Wehr Infanterie
Infanterie Reg 6 - Wehr Infanterie

Artillery

Artillerie Abt 8 - 7.5 cm FK 16 nA

Fighter

I./JG 1 - Bf 109F - *** - Fast Rebase, Adolf Galland
II./JG 1 - Bf 109F - *** - Fast Rebase, Heinrich Bar
III./JG 1 - Bf 109E - ** - Fast Rebase, Thorough Preparation, Survivor
IV./JG 1 - Bf 109F - ** - Distraction, Fast Rebase
I./JG 2 - Bf 109F

Tactical Bomber

I./ZG 1 - Bf 110D - **
II./ZG 1 - Bf 110C
III./ZG 1 - Bf 110C
I./AG 1 - He 70 Rayo - *** - Resilient
II./AG 1 - Fi 156 Storch - * - Sixth Sense
I./SG 1 - Ju 87R - *** - Tank Killer, Survivor
II./SG 1 - Ju 87R - *** - Entrenchment Killer 4x
III./SG 1 - Ju 87B - * - Entrenchment Killer 4x

Strategic Bomber

I./KG 1 - Ju 88A - ** - Shock Tactics
II./KG 1 - Ju 88A - ** - Shock Tactics, Survivor
III./KG 1 - He 111H2 - ** - Survivor

Reserve

Infanterie Reg 4 (span.) - Azul Infanterie (SdKfz 251/1) - *** - Flag Killer, Unyielding
Pionier Brücken Bataillon 1 - Brückenpioniere (Opel Blitz) - OS16, River Assault, No Surrender
Grenadier Reg 1 - Grenadier (SdKfz 251/1) - *** - Flag Killer, No Retaliation
Kavallerie Reg 1 - Kavallerie - ***
Pionier Bataillon 1 - Pioniere (SdKfz 251/1) - *** - River Assault, First Aid
Infanterie Reg 1 - Wehr Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - ***
Infanterie Reg 2 - Wehr Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - *** - Survivor
PzAbt 1 - Panzer IIIH - *** - Butcher, Superior Maneuver, Steamroller, Survivor
PzAbt 2 - Panzer IIIG - *** - Steamroller, Survivor, Albert Kerscher
PzAbt 3 - Panzer IIIG - *** - Steamroller, Ignores ZOC
PzAbt 4 - Panzer IIC - *** - Ignores ZOC, Tenacious Defender, Steamroller
PzAbt 5 - Panzer IVE - *** - Artillery Support, Butcher, Steamroller, Survivor
PzAbt 6 - Panzer IVD - *** - Ignores ZOC
Kradschützen Batallion 1 - Kradschützen - *
AufkAbt 1 - SdKfz 222 - *** - Overwhelming Attack, Envelopment
AufkAbt 2 - SdKfz 232 8Rad - *** - OS12, Leadership
AufkAbt 3 - SdKfz 231 6Rad - ***
AufkAbt 4 - SdKfz 222 - ***
Panzerjäger Abt 1 - 3.7 cm PaK 36 (SdKfz 10) - * - Ferocious Defense
Panzerjäger Abt 2 - Panzerjäger IB - ** - Hit and Run, Survivor
Panzerjäger Abt 3 - 3.7 cm PaK 36 (SdKfz 10) - * - Legendary
Panzerjäger Abt 4 - 3.7 cm PaK 36 (SdKfz 10) - * - Ferocious Defense
Artillerie Abt 1 - 21 cm Mrs (SdKfz 7) - *** - Double Attack, Zero Slots, Skilled Support, Elsa Kloss
Artillerie Abt 2 - 15 cm sFH 16 (SdKfz 7) - *** - Double Attack, Legendary, Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 3 - 15 cm sFH 16 (SdKfz 7) - *** - Double Attack, Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 4 - 15 cm sFH 16 (SdKfz 7) - *** - Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 5 - 15 cm sFH 16 (SdKfz 7) - *** - Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 6 - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (Opel Blitz) - *** - Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 7 - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (Opel Blitz) - ** - Skilled Support
Sturmgeschütz Abt 1 - StuG IIIB - Double Support
Panzer Artillerie Abt 1 - Sturmpanzer I - * - Field Repairs
FlaK Abt 1 - 8.8 cm Flak 36 (SdKfz 7) - **
FlaK Abt 2 - SdKfz 10/4 - ** - Fast Learner
FlaK Abt 3 - 2 cm Flakvierling 38 (SdKfz 10) - *
FlaK Abt 4 - 3.7 cm FlaK 18 (SdKfz 11) - * - Famous
FlaK Abt 5 - SdKfz 7/1
Panzerzug Bismarck - Armored Train - **

Summary:


Transports incoming, but it's all up to Fallschirmjäger Reg 1 initially.


Italian fleet does its best, but even with air support cannot stand up to Royal Navy.


The airfield taken and forces landed. Starting from here things should be much more manageable, that was the most difficult part.

Final Prestige: 42311 (up 2735)

Overall:

That was quite a difficult mission with my stubborn intent to try it with just one Fallschirmjäger. I eventually succeeded this unique attempt on my third try, since taking the airfield and not getting pushed back by defenders immediately requires some good positioning and planning. Royal Navy bombardment does not help as well, but then I recalled that I can use strategic bombers with Shock Tactics to block the biggest enemy battleships in place and prevent them from moving. With this problem solved and the airfiled getting taken, the remaining part of the mission was not too bad, despite my Wehr Infanterie lacking experience a bit and also the AI controlled troops struggling more than last time. I also chose to let Galland go to be promoted this time feeling like this is the more "historical" run when it comes to equipment and thus it would only make sense to do the same with heroes.

AO 1941 - Undisclosed Location PO

Starting Prestige (after purchases and replacements): 42048

Hero:


I would normally be quite happy with this hero, but with no use for captured equipment it's mostly a useful way to deal with overly tough enemies while lacking modern tanks. Thus assigned to Panzerjäger Abt 2. This does make me think the game is mocking me a bit in this run however - I'd really like to get these heroes on the Paznermon AAR and not here.

Starting Army Composition:

Anti-Tank

Panzerjäger Abt 1 - 3.7 cm PaK 36 (SdKfz 10) - * - Ferocious Defense
Panzerjäger Abt 2 - Panzerjäger IB - ** - Envelopment, Hit and Run, Survivor
Panzerjäger Abt 3 - 3.7 cm PaK 36 (SdKfz 10) - * - Legendary
Panzerjäger Abt 4 - 3.7 cm PaK 36 (SdKfz 10) - * - Ferocious Defense

Artillery

Panzer Artillerie Abt 1 - Sturmpanzer I - * - Field Repairs

Anti-Aircraft

FlaK Abt 3 - 2 cm Flakvierling 38 (SdKfz 10) - *
FlaK Abt 4 - 3.7 cm FlaK 18 (SdKfz 11) - * - Famous
FlaK Abt 5 - SdKfz 7/1

Reserve

Infanterie Reg 4 (span.) - Azul Infanterie (SdKfz 251/1) - *** - Flag Killer, Unyielding
Fallschirmjäger Reg 1 - Fallschirmjäger - *** - Flag Killer, Unyielding
Gebirgsjäger Reg 1 - Gebirgsjäger - *** - Survivor, Oleh Dir
Pionier Brücken Bataillon 1 - Brückenpioniere (Opel Blitz) - OS16, River Assault, No Surrender
Grenadier Reg 1 - Grenadier (SdKfz 251/1) - *** - Flag Killer, No Retaliation
Kavallerie Reg 1 - Kavallerie - ***
Pionier Bataillon 1 - Pioniere (SdKfz 251/1) - *** - River Assault, First Aid
Infanterie Reg 1 - Wehr Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - ***
Infanterie Reg 2 - Wehr Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - *** - Survivor
Infanterie Reg 3 - Wehr Infanterie
Infanterie Reg 5 - Wehr Infanterie
Infanterie Reg 6 - Wehr Infanterie
PzAbt 1 - Panzer IIIH - *** - Butcher, Superior Maneuver, Steamroller, Survivor
PzAbt 2 - Panzer IIIG - *** - Steamroller, Survivor, Albert Kerscher
PzAbt 3 - Panzer IIIG - *** - Steamroller, Ignores ZOC
PzAbt 4 - Panzer IIC - *** - Ignores ZOC, Tenacious Defender, Steamroller
PzAbt 5 - Panzer IVE - *** - Artillery Support, Butcher, Steamroller, Survivor
PzAbt 6 - Panzer IVD - *** - Ignores ZOC
Kradschützen Batallion 1 - Kradschützen - *
AufkAbt 1 - SdKfz 222 - *** - Overwhelming Attack, Envelopment
AufkAbt 2 - SdKfz 232 8Rad - *** - OS12, Leadership
AufkAbt 3 - SdKfz 231 6Rad - ***
AufkAbt 4 - SdKfz 222 - ***
Artillerie Abt 1 - 21 cm Mrs (SdKfz 7) - *** - Double Attack, Zero Slots, Skilled Support, Elsa Kloss
Artillerie Abt 2 - 15 cm sFH 16 (SdKfz 7) - *** - Double Attack, Legendary, Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 3 - 15 cm sFH 16 (SdKfz 7) - *** - Double Attack, Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 4 - 15 cm sFH 16 (SdKfz 7) - *** - Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 5 - 15 cm sFH 16 (SdKfz 7) - *** - Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 6 - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (Opel Blitz) - *** - Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 7 - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (Opel Blitz) - ** - Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 8 - 7.5 cm FK 16 nA
Sturmgeschütz Abt 1 - StuG IIIB - Double Support
FlaK Abt 1 - 8.8 cm Flak 36 (SdKfz 7) - **
FlaK Abt 2 - SdKfz 10/4 - ** - Fast Learner
I./JG 1 - Bf 109F - **** - Fast Rebase
II./JG 1 - Bf 109F - *** - Fast Rebase, Heinrich Bar
III./JG 1 - Bf 109E - ** - Fast Rebase, Thorough Preparation, Survivor
IV./JG 1 - Bf 109F - ** - Distraction, Fast Rebase
I./JG 2 - Bf 109F
I./ZG 1 - Bf 110D - **
II./ZG 1 - Bf 110C
III./ZG 1 - Bf 110C
I./AG 1 - He 70 Rayo - *** - Resilient
II./AG 1 - Fi 156 Storch - * - Sixth Sense
I./SG 1 - Ju 87R - *** - Tank Killer, Survivor
II./SG 1 - Ju 87R - *** - Entrenchment Killer 4x
III./SG 1 - Ju 87B - * - Entrenchment Killer 4x
I./KG 1 - Ju 88A - ** - Shock Tactics
II./KG 1 - Ju 88A - ** - Shock Tactics, Survivor
III./KG 1 - He 111H2 - ** - Survivor
Panzerzug Bismarck - Armored Train - **

Summary:


As usual, time to train some less often used units.


Small change to Rudel's setup this time, less focused on anti-tank combat.

Final Prestige: 42538 (up 490)

Overall:

Retrograde run has this obvious issue of being forced to turn down many rewards, but also I appreciate the fact that it makes me rely on other units more. Thus despite the lost opportunity I'm not too concerned about not using the prototypes offered this mission. Of course I'll still turn in the Meteor schematics, as who knows, it might lead to interesting options in the future that even this run can make use of.

I know what you mean about the game seeming to have a 'sixth sense' for what heroes you can least use. I've got 2 runs, the first, as they came out, I have Liberator and Trophies of war. So I'm *swimming* in prestige. It's gotten 2 shock attack heroes and at least 3 famous ones.

The second, which I'm doing presently, has Panzer General and Infantry General, and is on a higher difficulty, so I'm having acute prestige troubles. No famous, no shock attack or envelopment. Nothing to help with prestige whatsoever.

Good to see that the Retrograde one is able to cope well enough with the newest levels. Bralos, as always, is a bag of hate. I took that level on with Clash of Heroes and ultimately had to give up on that bonus objective.

AO 1941 - Raseiniai

Starting Prestige (after purchases and replacements): 22004

Hero:


New hero assigned to Panzer Artillerie Abt 1. A few more slots are welcome as artillery consumes a lot of those and my force is an artillery focused one.

Starting Army Composition:

Infantry

Infanterie Reg 4 (span.) - Azul Infanterie (SdKfz 251/1) - *** - Flag Killer, Unyielding
Gebirgsjäger Reg 1 - Gebirgsjäger - *** - Survivor, Oleh Dir
Grenadier Reg 1 - Grenadier (SdKfz 251/1) - *** - Flag Killer, No Retaliation
Kavallerie Reg 1 - Kavallerie - ***
Pionier Bataillon 1 - Pioniere (SdKfz 251/1) - *** - River Assault, First Aid

Tank

PzAbt 1 - Panzer IIIH - *** - Butcher, Superior Maneuver, Steamroller, Survivor
PzAbt 2 - Panzer IIIG - *** - Steamroller, Survivor, Albert Kerscher
PzAbt 3 - Panzer IIIG - *** - Steamroller, Ignores ZOC
PzAbt 4 - Panzer IIC - *** - Ignores ZOC, Tenacious Defender, Steamroller
PzAbt 5 - Panzer IVE - *** - Artillery Support, Butcher, Steamroller, Survivor
PzAbt 6 - Panzer IVD - *** - Ignores ZOC

Recon

Kradschützen Batallion 1 - Kradschützen - *
AufkAbt 1 - SdKfz 222 - *** - Overwhelming Attack, Envelopment
AufkAbt 2 - SdKfz 232 8Rad - *** - OS12, Leadership
AufkAbt 3 - SdKfz 231 6Rad - ***
AufkAbt 4 - SdKfz 222 - ***

Anti-Tank

Panzerjäger Abt 2 - Panzerjäger IB - *** - Envelopment, Hit and Run, Survivor

Artillery

Artillerie Abt 1 - 21 cm Mrs (SdKfz 7) - *** - Double Attack, Zero Slots, Skilled Support, Elsa Kloss
Artillerie Abt 2 - 15 cm sFH 16 (SdKfz 7) - *** - Double Attack, Legendary, Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 3 - 15 cm sFH 16 (SdKfz 7) - *** - Double Attack, Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 7 - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (Opel Blitz) - ** - Skilled Support
Sturmgeschütz Abt 1 - StuG IIIB - Double Support
Panzer Artillerie Abt 1 - Sturmpanzer I - *** - Field Repairs, Reduced Slots

Fighter

II./JG 1 - Bf 109F - *** - Fast Rebase, Heinrich Bar
III./JG 1 - Bf 109E - ** - Fast Rebase, Thorough Preparation, Survivor
IV./JG 1 - Bf 109F - ** - Distraction, Fast Rebase

Tactical Bomber

I./ZG 1 - Bf 110D - **
II./ZG 1 - Bf 110C
I./SG 1 - Ju 87R - *** - Tank Killer, Survivor, Hans-Ulrich Rudel
II./SG 1 - Ju 87R - *** - Entrenchment Killer 4x

Strategic Bomber

I./KG 1 - Ju 88A - ** - Shock Tactics
II./KG 1 - Ju 88A - ** - Shock Tactics, Survivor

Reserve

Fallschirmjäger Reg 1 - Fallschirmjäger - *** - Flag Killer, Unyielding
Pionier Brücken Bataillon 1 - Brückenpioniere (Opel Blitz) - OS16, River Assault, No Surrender
Infanterie Reg 1 - Wehr Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - ***
Infanterie Reg 2 - Wehr Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - *** - Survivor
Infanterie Reg 3 - Wehr Infanterie
Infanterie Reg 5 - Wehr Infanterie
Infanterie Reg 6 - Wehr Infanterie
Panzerjäger Abt 1 - 3.7 cm PaK 36 (SdKfz 10) - ** - Ferocious Defense
Panzerjäger Abt 3 - 3.7 cm PaK 36 (SdKfz 10) - ** - Legendary
Panzerjäger Abt 4 - 3.7 cm PaK 36 (SdKfz 10) - ** - Ferocious Defense
Artillerie Abt 4 - 15 cm sFH 16 (SdKfz 7) - *** - Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 5 - 15 cm sFH 16 (SdKfz 7) - *** - Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 6 - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (Opel Blitz) - *** - Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 8 - 7.5 cm FK 16 nA
FlaK Abt 1 - 8.8 cm Flak 36 (SdKfz 7) - **
FlaK Abt 3 - 2 cm Flakvierling 38 (SdKfz 10) - ***
FlaK Abt 4 - 3.7 cm FlaK 18 (SdKfz 11) - ** - Famous
FlaK Abt 5 - SdKfz 7/1 - ***
FlaK Abt 2 - SdKfz 10/4 - ** - Fast Learner
I./JG 1 - Bf 109F - **** - Fast Rebase
I./JG 2 - Bf 109F
III./ZG 1 - Bf 110C
I./AG 1 - He 70 Rayo - *** - Resilient
II./AG 1 - Fi 156 Storch - * - Sixth Sense
III./SG 1 - Ju 87B - * - Entrenchment Killer 4x
III./KG 1 - He 111H2 - ** - Survivor
Panzerzug Bismarck - Armored Train - **

Summary:


With so many Ignores ZOC heroes, getting behind enemy units is often much easier than it would normally be.


Time to start grinding KV-1 captures once more.

Final Prestige: 27689 (up 5685)

Overall:

With how this scenario quickly snowballs and the force moves at a fast pace, I do not yet feel any issue with potentially older equipment. Soviet resistance was spread towards a wide front, so concentrated attacks were able to deal with it well. By the time KV-1 tanks appeared, I had my artillery in position and was able to either force the to surrender or just destroy with amassed firepower. I./KG 1 and II./KG 1 are becoming all stars in my core - while they do not have to be used to help force surrenders, they essentially allow me to disable key enemy units and deal with them later, at a more convenient time and circumstances. If I ever get a third Shock Tactics hero this game I'll be sure to assign him to III./KG 1.

AO 1941 - Stalin Line

Starting Prestige (after purchases and replacements): 28233

Hero:


Since I am allowed to only have one StuG this run for now, I'll assign this new hero to FlaK Abt 3. Despite having AA veteran AA guns were not needed so far, but starting 1942 things should become more and more challenging when it comes to airforce, so I might as well prepare early.

New Units Commissioned:

Panzerzug Hindenburg - Armoured Train

New Equipment Provided:

Infanterie Reg 7 (span.) - Azul Infanterie (SdKfz 251/1) - transport upgraded

Starting Army Composition:

Infantry

Infanterie Reg 4 (span.) - Azul Infanterie (SdKfz 251/1) - *** - Flag Killer, Unyielding
Infanterie Reg 7 (span.) - Azul Infanterie (SdKfz 251/1) - *
Pionier Brücken Bataillon 1 - Brückenpioniere (SdKfz 251/1) - OS16, River Assault, No Surrender
Gebirgsjäger Reg 1 - Gebirgsjäger - *** - Survivor, Oleh Dir
Grenadier Reg 1 - Grenadier (SdKfz 251/1) - *** - Flag Killer, No Retaliation
Kavallerie Reg 1 - Kavallerie - ***
Pionier Bataillon 1 - Pioniere (SdKfz 251/1) - *** - River Assault, First Aid
Infanterie Reg 1 - Wehr Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - ***
Infanterie Reg 2 - Wehr Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - *** - Survivor

Tank

PzAbt 2 - Panzer IIIG - *** - Steamroller, Survivor, Albert Kerscher
PzAbt 5 - Panzer IVE - *** - Artillery Support, Butcher, Steamroller, Survivor

Recon

AufkAbt 1 - SdKfz 222 - *** - Overwhelming Attack, Envelopment
AufkAbt 3 - SdKfz 231 6Rad - ***
AufkAbt 4 - SdKfz 222 - ***

Artillery

Artillerie Abt 1 - 21 cm Mrs (SdKfz 7) - *** - Double Attack, Zero Slots, Skilled Support, Elsa Kloss
Artillerie Abt 2 - 15 cm sFH 16 (SdKfz 7) - *** - Double Attack, Legendary, Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 3 - 15 cm sFH 16 (SdKfz 7) - *** - Double Attack, Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 4 - 15 cm sFH 16 (SdKfz 7) - *** - Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 5 - 15 cm sFH 16 (SdKfz 7) - *** - Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 6 - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (Opel Blitz) - *** - Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 7 - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (Opel Blitz) - ** - Skilled Support
Sturmgeschütz Abt 1 - StuG IIIB - * - Double Support
Panzer Artillerie Abt 1 - Sturmpanzer I - *** - Field Repairs, Reduced Slots

Fighter

II./JG 1 - Bf 109F - *** - Fast Rebase, Heinrich Bar
III./JG 1 - Bf 109E - ** - Fast Rebase, Thorough Preparation, Survivor

Tactical Bomber

I./ZG 1 - Bf 110D - **
I./SG 1 - Ju 87R - *** - Tank Killer, Survivor, Hans-Ulrich Rudel

Strategic Bomber

I./KG 1 - Ju 88A - ** - Shock Tactics
II./KG 1 - Ju 88A - ** - Shock Tactics, Survivor

Armored Train

Panzerzug Bismarck - Armoured Train - **
Panzerzug Hindenburg - Armoured Train

Reserve

Fallschirmjäger Reg 1 - Fallschirmjäger - *** - Flag Killer, Unyielding
Infanterie Reg 3 - Wehr Infanterie
Infanterie Reg 5 - Wehr Infanterie
Infanterie Reg 6 - Wehr Infanterie
PzAbt 1 - Panzer IIIH - *** - Butcher, Superior Maneuver, Steamroller, Survivor
PzAbt 3 - Panzer IIIG - *** - Steamroller, Ignores ZOC
PzAbt 4 - Panzer IIC - *** - Ignores ZOC, Tenacious Defender, Steamroller
PzAbt 6 - Panzer IVD - *** - Ignores ZOC, Steamroller
Kradschützen Batallion 1 - Kradschützen - *
AufkAbt 2 - SdKfz 232 8Rad - **** - OS12, Leadership
Panzerjäger Abt 1 - 3.7 cm PaK 36 (SdKfz 10) - ** - Ferocious Defense
Panzerjäger Abt 2 - Panzerjäger IB - *** - Envelopment, Hit and Run, Survivor
Panzerjäger Abt 3 - 3.7 cm PaK 36 (SdKfz 10) - ** - Legendary
Panzerjäger Abt 4 - 3.7 cm PaK 36 (SdKfz 10) - ** - Ferocious Defense
Artillerie Abt 8 - 7.5 cm FK 16 nA
FlaK Abt 1 - 8.8 cm Flak 36 (SdKfz 7) - **
FlaK Abt 2 - SdKfz 10/4 - ** - Fast Learner
FlaK Abt 3 - 2 cm Flakvierling 38 (SdKfz 10) - *** - Double Support
FlaK Abt 4 - 3.7 cm FlaK 18 (SdKfz 11) - ** - Famous
FlaK Abt 5 - SdKfz 7/1 - ***
I./JG 1 - Bf 109F - **** - Fast Rebase
IV./JG 1 - Bf 109F - ** - Distraction, Fast Rebase
I./JG 2 - Bf 109F
II./ZG 1 - Bf 110C - *
III./ZG 1 - Bf 110C
I./AG 1 - He 70 Rayo - *** - Resilient
II./AG 1 - Fi 156 Storch - * - Sixth Sense
II./SG 1 - Ju 87R - *** - Entrenchment Killer 4x
III./SG 1 - Ju 87B - * - Entrenchment Killer 4x
III./KG 1 - He 111H2 - ** - Survivor

Summary:


Stay here please, someone will be right with you to make you surrender.


One eternity later half of PzAbt 2 arrives to force that surrender being in progress for so long. I need to remember to take more tanks even if the briefing suggests otherwise. Or some AT guns to actually deal the surrendering blow.


Don't mind me, I'll just deal with whoever ends up winning.

Final Prestige: 33432 (up 5199)

Overall:

First scenario on the branch I did not follow earlier is not too bad. I for sure got slightly too trusting of the mission briefing and took too few units capable of dealing with hard targets, but otherwise all objectives were met as expected. Soviets were able to sneak only a few units past my forces and thus most of their troops were defeated in the open without having to deal with entrenched positions. If I knew the mission beforehand, I'd for sure distribute my force in an entirely different way and fully focus on cutting off the retreating army, as only a minimal force can deal with the entrenched positions on the western side. They are well defended, but do not pressure the advancing force in any way, to there's all the time in the world to deal with the forces.

AO 1941 - Talinn

Starting Prestige (after purchases and replacements): 34212

Hero:


Viktor will join Kavallerie Reg 1, since as the war progresses, cavalry will become more and more vulnerable.

New Equipment Provided:

III./KG 1 - Do 217E

Starting Army Composition:

Infantry

Infanterie Reg 4 (span.) - Azul Infanterie (SdKfz 251/1) - *** - Flag Killer, Unyielding
Infanterie Reg 7 (span.) - Azul Infanterie (SdKfz 251/1) - *
Fallschirmjäger Reg 1 - Fallschirmjäger - *** - Flag Killer, Unyielding
Gebirgsjäger Reg 1 - Gebirgsjäger - *** - Survivor, Oleh Dir
Grenadier Reg 1 - Grenadier (SdKfz 251/1) - *** - Flag Killer, No Retaliation
Kavallerie Reg 1 - Kavallerie - *** - Prudent
Pionier Bataillon 1 - Pioniere (SdKfz 251/1) - *** - River Assault, First Aid
Infanterie Reg 1 - Wehr Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - ***
Infanterie Reg 2 - Wehr Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - *** - Survivor

Tank

PzAbt 4 - Panzer IIC - *** - Ignores ZOC, Tenacious Defender, Steamroller

Anti-Tank

Panzerjäger Abt 1 - 3.7 cm PaK 36 (SdKfz 10) - ** - Ferocious Defense
Panzerjäger Abt 3 - 3.7 cm PaK 36 (SdKfz 10) - ** - Legendary
Panzerjäger Abt 4 - 3.7 cm PaK 36 (SdKfz 10) - ** - Ferocious Defense

Artillery

Artillerie Abt 1 - 21 cm Mrs (SdKfz 7) - **** - Double Attack, Zero Slots, Skilled Support, Elsa Kloss
Artillerie Abt 2 - 15 cm sFH 16 (SdKfz 7) - *** - Double Attack, Legendary, Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 3 - 15 cm sFH 16 (SdKfz 7) - *** - Double Attack, Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 4 - 15 cm sFH 16 (SdKfz 7) - *** - Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 5 - 15 cm sFH 16 (SdKfz 7) - *** - Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 6 - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (Opel Blitz) - *** - Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 7 - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (Opel Blitz) - ** - Skilled Support
Sturmgeschütz Abt 1 - StuG IIIB - * - Double Support
Panzer Artillerie Abt 1 - Sturmpanzer I - *** - Field Repairs, Reduced Slots

Tactical Bomber

I./ZG 1 - Bf 110D - **
II./ZG 1 - Bf 110C - *
III./ZG 1 - Bf 110C
I./AG 1 - He 70 Rayo - *** - Resilient
II./AG 1 - Fi 156 Storch - * - Sixth Sense
I./SG 1 - Ju 87R - *** - Tank Killer, Survivor, Hans-Ulrich Rudel
II./SG 1 - Ju 87R - *** - Entrenchment Killer 4x
III./SG 1 - Ju 87B - * - Entrenchment Killer 4x

Strategic Bomber

I./KG 1 - Ju 88A - *** - Shock Tactics
II./KG 1 - Ju 88A - ** - Shock Tactics, Survivor
III./KG 1 - Do 217E - ** - OS13, Survivor

Reserve

Pionier Brücken Bataillon 1 - Brückenpioniere (SdKfz 251/1) - OS16, River Assault, No Surrender
Infanterie Reg 3 - Wehr Infanterie
Infanterie Reg 5 - Wehr Infanterie
Infanterie Reg 6 - Wehr Infanterie
PzAbt 1 - Panzer IIIH - *** - Butcher, Superior Maneuver, Steamroller, Survivor
PzAbt 2 - Panzer IIIG - *** - Steamroller, Survivor, Albert Kerscher
PzAbt 3 - Panzer IIIG - *** - Steamroller, Ignores ZOC
PzAbt 5 - Panzer IVE - *** - Artillery Support, Butcher, Steamroller, Survivor
PzAbt 6 - Panzer IVD - *** - Ignores ZOC, Steamroller
Kradschützen Batallion 1 - Kradschützen - **
AufkAbt 1 - SdKfz 222 - *** - Overwhelming Attack, Envelopment
AufkAbt 2 - SdKfz 232 8Rad - **** - OS12, Leadership
AufkAbt 3 - SdKfz 231 6Rad - ***
AufkAbt 4 - SdKfz 222 - ***
Panzerjäger Abt 2 - Panzerjäger IB - *** - Envelopment, Hit and Run, Survivor
Artillerie Abt 8 - 7.5 cm FK 16 nA
FlaK Abt 1 - 8.8 cm Flak 36 (SdKfz 7) - **
FlaK Abt 2 - SdKfz 10/4 - ** - Fast Learner
FlaK Abt 3 - 2 cm Flakvierling 38 (SdKfz 10) - *** - Double Support
FlaK Abt 4 - 3.7 cm FlaK 18 (SdKfz 11) - ** - Famous
FlaK Abt 5 - SdKfz 7/1 - ***
I./JG 1 - Bf 109F - **** - Fast Rebase
II./JG 1 - Bf 109F - *** - Fast Rebase, Heinrich Bar
III./JG 1 - Bf 109E - *** - Fast Rebase, Thorough Preparation, Survivor
IV./JG 1 - Bf 109F - ** - Distraction, Fast Rebase
I./JG 2 - Bf 109F
Panzerzug Bismarck - Armoured Train - **
Panzerzug Hindenburg - Armoured Train

Summary:


I did not expect these units to move and attack since usually in such situations they stick to their defensive positions.


As I close the grasp on Talinn, Soviet navy continues to be annoying.

Final Prestige: 37093 (up 2881)

Overall:

I think I had a much better approach to this mission then last time due to taking towed AT guns and combining them with movement blocking strategic bombers. This allowed me to take care of any mobile and dangerous units, while slowly and steadily bringing my artillery in position and advancing with infantry closer to the entrenched lines, dealing with them one by one. Capital ships were surprisingly annoying, since due to weather issues and the fact that my bombers were busy keeping tanks in check, I had to delay the operation to sink any navy units aside from transports themselves until later into the scenario.