AO Generalissimus Alberto Bertorelli Adventure

[Tassadar]

AO Spanish Civil War - Zaragoza

Gerneral Bertorelli and his army finally reached Zaragoza. This was probably the quickest redeployment in the entire campaign, but it was also extremely important, as large amount of Republican forces were gathering in several places, ready to attack anytime. While crossing the rivers might prove difficult from them, there was nothing to stop tanks from advancing once such crossing succeeds. All the reinforcements near Zaragoza had to quickly secure several key locations and if possible, save commander Vasquez, whose units were defending Belchite. This small town just north of Aquasvivas river was one of the few decently fortified locations in the area.

There was not that much time to change to army composition. The same forces that fought near Brunete had to partake in this operation as well, not having much time to rest. At the same time, local authorities asked the general to share some of the supplies to assist the civilian population. This was quite the difficult decision. Why the situation improved greatly compared to the critical point at the start of the attack on Malaga, the reserves were still minor. That said, even if there was little to share, the impact of helping the locals would greatly improve the support for the Nationalist efforts and be a great asset in the long run. As such, Bertorelli decided to make this investment for the sake of future support. Who knows, this might be a step that will help convince the Spanish to join his force permanently once this whole war is over, as there were already rumors in High Command about an even greater conflict brewing in the political sphere.

Starting Prestige (after purchases and replacements): 2308

Starting Army Composition:

Infantry

I Batallón de Infantería - ES - OS16 - Regulares - * - Teodoro Palacios Cueto

Tank

1º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - M11/39 - * - Steamroller
2º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - L3/35
I Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES - OS11 - Trubia - * - Steamroller
II Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES - OS11 - Verdeja 2 - * - Steamroller
I Panssaripataljoona - FI - OS11 - T-26

Recon

1º Battaglione Autoblindo - IT - OS11 - Lancia IZM - **
I Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES - OS11 - UNL-35 - **

Anti-Tank

1º Battaglione Cannoni Controcarro - IT - OS12 - 47/32 M35 (Truck) - *

Artillery

1º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - 105mm 105/28 (Wagon) - ** - Giuseppe D'Amico
2º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - 100mm 100/17 (Wagon) - *
3º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - OS11 - 75/32 M37 (Truck) - *
4º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - OS11 - 75mm 75/27 (Truck) - *
I Batallón de Artillería de Campaña - ES - 122mm M10/30 (Wagon)

Fighter

1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 1 - IT - OS11 - CR.32 - *
1/1. Vadászszázad - HU - OS11 - CR.32 - *
1º Grupo de Caza 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - OS11 - I-16 - *

Tactical Bomber

1º Gruppo Bombardamento Veloce Sq 1 - IT - OS11 - Breda Ba.65 - * - Giuseppe Cenni
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 1 - IT - SM.79 - *
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 2 - IT - OS11 - SM.81 - *
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 3 - IT - Fiat BR.20
1 Bombardirovŭchen Polk 1 Yato - BG - OS12 - He 45 - *

Strategic Bomber

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

Corpo Truppe Volontarie

101º Reggimento Fanteria - IT - CTV Infantry (Truck)
102º Reggimento Fanteria - IT - CTV Infantry (Truck)
101º Gruppo Caccia Sq 1 - IT - OS11 - CR.32
102º Gruppo Caccia Sq 1 - IT - OS11 - CR.32
103º Gruppo Caccia Sq 1 - IT - OS11 - CR.32

Reserve

1º Reggimento Fanteria - IT - OS16 - IT Infantry (Truck) - *
1º Reggimento Genio Guastatori - IT - IT Engineers (Truck)
1º Reggimento di Cavalleria - IT - OS16 - IT Cavalry - *
1º Reggimento Genio Pontieri - IT - OS17 - IT Bridge Eng (Truck)

Highlights


Armored units go straight towards Belchite, ignoring Mediana entirely and only securing a remote airfield. The infantry and some assisting units will help defend the flank. Speed is of the essence, so some risks must be taken.


Republican forces focus on Quinto, as it is very poorly defended and general Bertorelli for now cannot spare any reinforcements to help the Spanish.


Zaragoza is attacked, but artillery and bombers make short work of any advancing Republican troops. Defenders have little trouble holding the town.


Quinto is finally retaken and some of the formerly besieging forces get surrounded instead.


Brave Spanish infantry southeast of Belchite holds the ground against tanks and artillery literally forever.


A grand counterattack aimed ad Azuara. Fortunately the general is ready for such a turn of events and has his army already in formation.

Summary:

Final Prestige: 2048 (down 260)

Overall:

All of the attacks on Nationalist positions were repelled successfully. By the end no Republican group remained on the western side of the rivers system and Zaragoza was safe. Further intelligence suggested that the enemy will require at least a few months to gather enough troops to try and attack again, this time they not enough reserves to attempt further major operations quickly, but frankly speaking, the general's army was also in dire need of rest and resupplying. Surely the upcoming year would be decisive for the entire war. Bertorelli's Italian superiors already informed him about further reinforcements being available. A few other countries who sent some troops earlier were also willing to participate in a more significant way and possibly even send some ground troops. The civil war was about to enter an unprecedented scale, as both sides were desperate to finish it as soon as possible.

[Tassadar]

AO Spanish Civil War - Teruel

Spanish winters proved to be cold at times, but the weather did not stop the Republican forces from yet another city siege attempt. This time the defenders of Teruel were in a desperate situation and needed assistance. A medical transport with many wounded soldiers required immediate evacuation, as the city was in risk of getting fully surrounded. If by any chance the Nationalists manage to hold their ground, the general planned to break the siege with the help of allied cavalry. Huge amounts of cavalrymen were ready to charge given the order, but they required clearing up some of the fortifications prepared by the enemy. Once the initial fortified positions were dealt with there should be nothing stopping this massive force from quickly breaking through to the city.

A piece of positive news was the fact that heavy snow forecast in Wagner's intelligence reports should prevent Republican air force from interfering with the charge and also prevent it from being detected prematurely. The main advance could therefore be conducted safely on the road towards first Caude and then Concud. General Bertorelli just needed to remember about securing flanks.

Starting Prestige (after purchases and replacements): 969

New Units Commissioned:

1. Lövészzászlóalj - HU - OS16 - HU Infantry (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 Infanterie - RO - OS16 - RO Infantry (Opel Blitz)
1 Pekhoten Batal’on - BG - OS16 - BG Infantry (Opel Blitz)
1. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 35M L3/35
II Batallón de Artillería de Campaña - ES - 105mm Vickers M22 (Wagon)
1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 2 - IT - G.50
1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 3 - IT - Re.2000

Romanian, Hungarian and Bulgarian forces finally organized some infantry battalions that could assist the general's army. There was a lot of political pressure to increase the involvement in the conflict and it finally yielded noticeable results. The Hungarians even agreed to provide crews for some tankettes, that in turn would be handed to the Royal Hungarian Army to help form some basic tank forces. Nationalists also did not waste this winter time. They restored a lot of Vickers 105mm artillery, enough to from another towed artillery unit. The best news however was the arrival of two fighter squadrons and their new G.50 and Re.2000 fighters. Those new machines were greatly superior to the ageing CR.32 biplanes and an important part in regaining air superiority over the Spanish skies.

Also, only temporarily for the battle, Wagner arranged with his German friends some field tests of Panzer IIA tanks - these had to be returned to Germany immediately afterwards, but gave a good chance to test and compare against Italian and Spanish counterparts.

New Equipment Provided:

1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 2 - IT - Ca.135

Aside from brand new troops assigned to the army, Italian air force also provided Ca.135 bombers for 1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 2. They were meant to replace the old SM.81 planes, that would in turn be used as transports, similarly to the German Ju 52.

Starting Army Composition:

Infantry

1º Reggimento Fanteria - IT - OS16 - IT Infantry (Truck) - *
1º Reggimento Genio Guastatori - IT - IT Engineers (Truck)
1º Reggimento di Cavalleria - IT - OS16 - IT Cavalry - *
1º Reggimento Genio Pontieri - IT - OS17 - IT Bridge Eng (Truck)
1. Lövészzászlóalj - HU - OS16 - HU Infantry (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 Infanterie - RO - OS16 - RO Infantry (Opel Blitz)
1 Pekhoten Batal’on - BG - OS16 - BG Infantry (Opel Blitz)
I Batallón de Infantería - ES - OS16 - Regulares - * - Teodoro Palacios Cueto

Tank

1º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - M11/39 - * - Steamroller
2º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - L3/35
1. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 35M L3/35
I Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES - OS11 - Trubia - * - Steamroller
II Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES - OS11 - Verdeja 2 - * - Steamroller
I Panssaripataljoona - FI - OS11 - T-26

Recon

1º Battaglione Autoblindo - IT - OS11 - Lancia IZM - **
I Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES - OS11 - UNL-35 - **

Anti-Tank

1º Battaglione Cannoni Controcarro - IT - OS12 - 47/32 M35 (Truck) - *

Artillery

1º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - 105mm 105/28 (Wagon) - ** - Giuseppe D'Amico
2º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - 100mm 100/17 (Wagon) - *
3º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - OS11 - 75/32 M37 (Truck) - *
4º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - OS11 - 75mm 75/27 (Truck) - *
I Batallón de Artillería de Campaña - ES - 122mm M10/30 (Wagon)
II Batallón de Artillería de Campaña - ES - 105mm Vickers M22 (Wagon)

Fighter

1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 2 - IT - G.50

Reserve

1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 1 - IT - OS11 - CR.32 - *
1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 3 - IT - Re.2000
1/1. Vadászszázad - HU - OS11 - CR.32 - *
1º Grupo de Caza 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - OS11 - I-16 - *
1º Gruppo Bombardamento Veloce Sq 1 - IT - OS11 - Breda Ba.65 - * - Giuseppe Cenni
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 1 - IT - SM.79 - *
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 2 - IT - Ca.135 - *
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 3 - IT - Fiat BR.20
1 Bombardirovŭchen Polk 1 Yato - BG - OS12 - He 45 - *
1/1. Bombázószázad - HU - OS12 - Ju 86

Highlights


The front line formation is tasked with breaking entrenched enemy position, so that the Nationalist cavalry can advance effortlessly.


The bounty for undamaged T-26 tanks remains valid, so the troops go out of their way to secure some for the extra money.


Some tanks try to cross the Guadalaviar river, but 75/32 M37 guns in anti-tank mode are very efficient against them.


In fact, the general pulls some other troops back, to help secure the river crossing and potentially get more undamaged machines.


Help is almost at the outskirts of Teruel. The medical transport was long evacuated with the help of the snowstorm. Now it is time to save as many defenders as possible.


Support arrives just in time, as large waves of enemy infantry and tanks arrive, even temporarily capturing some districts.


Ultimately this attack is repelled, but at quite a high cost. There are a lot of wounded units and damaged equipment despite the victory.

Summary:

Final Prestige: 2867 (up 1898)

Overall:

One could say that the Teruel rescue mission ended like many previous ones this war. It was a success in terms of achieving all the objectives - both the defenders and the medical transport were saved, but once again casualties were at an alarmingly high level. The same weather that shielded the cavalry form Republican planes made the advance slower and more difficult, favoring the enemy forces.

It was time to counterattack in force and High Command already informed general Bertorelli about a huge upcoming offensive meant to secure positions west of the Ebro river. After fighting a slow, mostly defensive conflict, the fresh reinforcements and improved supply situation had to be used to try and turn the tide for good.

[Stormchaser]

Oddly enough, it only just struck me that your forces have actual Core Infantry in this playthrough of SCW.
Must make things quite interesting.

[Tassadar]

AO Spanish Civil War - Aragon Offensive

Everything was ready for the major offensive by then Nationalist forces. With Republicans still reorganizing after the winter it was the perfect opportunity to strike. While nothing new arrived as reinforcements, the existing army was enough for the job. General Bertorelli inspected the improved composition of his force already and selected the best troops. This meant leaving the infantry behind, as the terrain here greatly favored vehicles. Their superiors speed was needed for encircling maneuvers and the armor was necessary to avoid small arms fire in the open, where columns traveling down the roads would be greatly exposed.

The intended strategy was to split the army into two parts. One, much smaller and lightly armed, was supposed to besiege the city of Morella. If successful, the troops should follow the mountain pass towards Vinaroz, but not attack the town immediately, but rather wait for further support. The larger and better equipped part was tasked with attacking Tortosa and Amposta, first going around the hills full of Republican troops and encircling them, then moving back to the intended direction.

Starting Prestige (after purchases and replacements): 2384

Starting Army Composition:

Tank

1º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - M11/39 - * - Steamroller
2º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - L3/35
1. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 35M L3/35
I Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES - OS11 - Trubia - ** - Steamroller
II Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES - OS11 - Verdeja 2 - * - Steamroller
I Panssaripataljoona - FI - OS11 - T-26

Recon

1º Battaglione Autoblindo - IT - OS11 - Lancia IZM - **
I Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES - OS11 - UNL-35 - **

Artillery

1º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - 105mm 105/28 (Wagon) - ** - Giuseppe D'Amico
2º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - 100mm 100/17 (Wagon) - *
I Batallón de Artillería de Campaña - ES - 122mm M10/30 (Wagon)
II Batallón de Artillería de Campaña - ES - 105mm Vickers M22 (Wagon)

Fighter

1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 1 - IT - OS11 - CR.32 - *
1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 2 - IT - G.50
1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 3 - IT - Re.2000
1/1. Vadászszázad - HU - OS11 - CR.32 - *
1º Grupo de Caza 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - OS11 - I-16 - *

Tactical Bomber

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

Strategic Bomber

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

Corpo Truppe Volontarie

101º Gruppo Caccia Sq 1 - IT - G.50

Reserve

1º Reggimento Fanteria - IT - OS16 - IT Infantry (Truck) - *
1º Reggimento Genio Guastatori - IT - IT Engineers (Truck)
1º Reggimento di Cavalleria - IT - OS16 - IT Cavalry - *
1º Reggimento Genio Pontieri - IT - OS17 - IT Bridge Eng (Truck)
1. Lövészzászlóalj - HU - OS16 - HU Infantry (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 Infanterie - RO - OS16 - RO Infantry (Opel Blitz)
1 Pekhoten Batal’on - BG - OS16 - BG Infantry (Opel Blitz)
I Batallón de Infantería - ES - OS16 - Regulares - * - Teodoro Palacios Cueto
1º Battaglione Cannoni Controcarro - IT - OS12 - 47/32 M35 (Truck) - *
3º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - OS11 - 75/32 M37 (Truck) - *
4º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - OS11 - 75mm 75/27 (Truck) - *
1 Bombardirovŭchen Polk 1 Yato - BG - OS12 - He 45 - *

Highlights


First combat use reports of the new G.50 and Re.2000 fighters arrive. The results are very promising, with pilots praising new machines and achieving much better results than on biplanes.


Nationalist infantry is ordered to hold ground initially as to avoid rushing into open ground before tanks can secure a flanking attack.


Armored units moving east encounter some decent resitance, but ultimately it is all dealt with quite efficiently.


Fighting around Morella is long and bloody, but finally with support form planes and artillery the attacking forces triumph.


Amposta and Tortosa are also about to fall, but the general has a plan to cross the Ebro and raid those annoying artillery batteries on the other side of the river.

Summary:

Final Prestige: 3295 (up 911)

Overall:

Finally an offensive operation that went well and resulted in significant territorial gains. Republican forces west of the Ebro rover were driven away and this allowed to secure a safe position and multiple bridges. A lot of valuable equipment was captured as well which allowed to reinforce existing formations. The new planes also did well, finally allowing the general to feel less concerned with the opposing bombers. This success allowed High Command to think of even bolder plans, but there was another matter that needed to be taken care of first, and quite the headache truth be told...

According to Wagner's intelligence network, these recent developments made the Republicans feel cornered and desperate. There were first rumors of an absolutely massive push towards the Ebro river on all of its length. As such general Bertorelli got immediately tasked with defending this front. There would be some Nationalist help available, but a majority of their troops were supposed to cooperate with Legion Condor elsewhere to keep the momentum of the previous attack.

Oddly enough, it only just struck me that your forces have actual Core Infantry in this playthrough of SCW.
Must make things quite interesting.

Interesting for sure! It quickly becomes obvious that the campaign was not designed and balanced with having core infantry in mind, as it is the largest and most dreadful prestige sink I am facing (at least not that I have air superiority and can defend my artillery from getting tons of chip damage). Having access to it gives some level of tactical advantage in some missions (like the bridge engineers in Merida), however otherwise is mostly a pain. With CTV infantry available for auxiliary forces it is not as bad since they always get green replacements, but having to use elite replacements for subpar infantry at this stage hurts.

[Panzer73]

It looks like having more armor and better planes helped with the prestige.

[Tassadar]

AO Spanish Civil War - Battle of the Ebro

The atmosphere in the command bunker was quite tense. Recon planes spotted so many enemies on the eastern side of the Ebro river that some officers thought of these reports to be false, or artificially inflated by some clever trick pulled off by the Republican forces. The general believed the reports, as all other signs form spies confirmed them. This was about tho be the largest battle of the entire war and required all the bravery, resources and strategy skills possible.

While it seemed safer to wait for the enemy on the western side and only defend crossings, the river at this side was not that wide, so heavy artillery bombardment from the hills was a real threat. As such, the general planned to defend these passes with only just enough troops to hold them reliably, while mounting a counterattack at one point that would raid the artillery batteries. This would have to be the best armored force available, as it would operate deep inside enemy territory, risking getting cut off and encircled. It had to withstand attack and be able to retreat quickly if things get out of control. Fortunately, there were some valuable additions to the army for this exact occasion.

Starting Prestige (after purchases and replacements): 2104

Hero:


The general had a meeting with the renowned Spanish pilot earlier today. The fact he joined this force meant that Nationalist allies felt more inclined to provide resources and other support and Morato himself could share some useful contacts. Not only that, he was a formidable fighter ace, able to always get the first attack on enemy formations by using the clouds, sun or terrain to cover his approach. By just having him around other squadrons could easily follow up these surprise attack. If the war were to end successfully, his superiors allowed to assign him to the general's force permanently.

New Units Commissioned:

2. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 38M Toldi I
1º Gruppo Ricognizione Sq 1 - IT - OS12 - IMAM Ro.37
Escadrila 1 Bombardment - RO - JRS-79

Recon planes that flew over the Ebro to check on enemy movement were assigned to a specialized squadron. During the battle it was not going to deploy due to large number of fighters expected, but it would certainly prove a valuable addition. What proved more interesting, were first new Hungarian tanks, much better than tankettes they used so far. There were not many of them due to production limits, but this pre-production series offered quality similar to previously tested Panzer II vehicles and filled a spot in the force so far lacking. The Romanian air force provided their first group of license built SM-79 bomber, that differed by a few cosmetic details, but otherwise were as reliable as their Italian originals.

Starting Army Composition:

Infantry

I Batallón de Infantería - ES - OS16 - Regulares - * - Teodoro Palacios Cueto

Tank

1º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - M11/39 - ** - Steamroller
2º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - L3/35 - *
1. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 35M L3/35
2. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 38M Toldi I
I Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES - OS11 - Trubia - ** - Steamroller
II Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES - OS11 - Verdeja 2 - * - Steamroller
I Panssaripataljoona - FI - OS11 - T-26 - *

Recon

1º Battaglione Autoblindo - IT - OS11 - Lancia IZM - **
I Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES - OS11 - UNL-35 - **

Anti-Tank

1º Battaglione Cannoni Controcarro - IT - OS12 - 47/32 M35 (Truck) - *

Artillery

1º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - 105mm 105/28 (Wagon) - ** - Giuseppe D'Amico
2º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - 100mm 100/17 (Wagon) - *
3º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - OS11 - 75/32 M37 (Truck) - *
4º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - OS11 - 75mm 75/27 (Truck) - *
I Batallón de Artillería de Campaña - ES - 122mm M10/30 (Wagon)
II Batallón de Artillería de Campaña - ES - 105mm Vickers M22 (Wagon)

Fighter

1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 1 - IT - OS11 - CR.32 - *
1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 2 - IT - G.50
1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 3 - IT - Re.2000
1/1. Vadászszázad - HU - OS11 - CR.32 - *
1º Grupo de Caza 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - OS11 - I-16 - * - Joaquin Garcia Morato

Tactical Bomber

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

Corpo Truppe Volontarie

101º Reggimento Fanteria - IT - CTV Infantry (Truck)
102º Reggimento Fanteria - IT - CTV Infantry (Truck)
101º Gruppo Caccia Sq 1 - IT - G.50
102º Gruppo Caccia Sq 1 - IT - G.50
103º Gruppo Caccia Sq 1 - IT - G.50
104º Gruppo Caccia Sq 1 - IT - G.50
105º Gruppo Caccia Sq 1 - IT - G.50
106º Gruppo Caccia Sq 1 - IT - G.50

General Bertorelli had to call in a few favors, but he managed to get every single G.50 fighter in running condition temporarily to Spain for this battle. Even Wagner was impressed by this given how few Bf 109 planes Legion Condor was able to field so far.

Reserve

1º Reggimento Fanteria - IT - OS16 - IT Infantry (Truck) - *
1º Reggimento Genio Guastatori - IT - IT Engineers (Truck)
1º Reggimento di Cavalleria - IT - OS16 - IT Cavalry - *
1º Reggimento Genio Pontieri - IT - OS17 - IT Bridge Eng (Truck)
1. Lövészzászlóalj - HU - OS16 - HU Infantry (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 Infanterie - RO - OS16 - RO Infantry (Opel Blitz)
1 Pekhoten Batal’on - BG - OS16 - BG Infantry (Opel Blitz)
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 3 - IT - Fiat BR.20
1º Gruppo Ricognizione Sq 1 - IT - OS12 - IMAM Ro.37
1 Bombardirovŭchen Polk 1 Yato - BG - OS12 - He 45 - *
1/1. Bombázószázad - HU - OS12 - Ju 86 - *

Highlights


G.50 fighters are busy immediately due to large numbers of bombers appearing on the horizon. Many of the pilots are fresh out of the academy however, so the results are not yet impressive and the amount of Republican planes shot down is lower than expected.


Mobile combat armored group attacks artillery around Flix, but encounters a similar enemy formation. Some of the weaker vehicles are in trouble.


I Batallón de Infantería secures Miravet and Teodoro Palacios Cueto makes the defenses there literally impregnable even without artillery support.


Situation around Flix becomes serious. One enemy wave was dealt with, but almost immediately the Republican forces provided large reinforcements.


Some recon cars sneak past Ribaroja and force I Batallón de Carros de Combate to circle back and defend and retake an airfield.


Finally, Flix is mostly secure with the enemy reinforcements temporarily exhausted in the area.


Another crisis around Ribaroja. The town gets temporarily taken by tanks and a counterattack is desperately needed.


75/32 M37 are great anti-tank weapons, especially in ambushes. If only Italian tanks were armed with such efficient guns. Too bad High Command does not share the general's opinion on tank combat.


Another breach, this time in Benisanet. General Bertorelli has to react to multiple crisis situations one after another and it does not help the fuel situations. Tanks and armored cars forced to switch directions of attack so often are running short on supplies.


After days of heavy air combat, air dominance is finally established. Fighters can now move to assisting ground forces and harass artillery positions.


A few Republican tank units near Benifallet were not that eager to join the fighting and surrender rather easily hearing about the failure of the whole operation.

Summary:

Final Prestige: 3310 (up 1206)

Overall:

The Republican offensive was shattered. Not only was the enemy repelled and unable to take any key potions, but they lost unimaginable amounts of people and resources in doing so. What would have been a glorious victory turned out to be a disaster and while the upcoming winter gave some time to rebuild and replenish the losses sustained here, there was not doubt that the Nationalist forces now had the upper hand. Full victory now seemed closer than anytime before. Not even the race to Madrid in 1936 seemed as good of an opportunity to end the fighting as the current circumstances did. To maintain the initiative a lot of new operations were planned and General Bertorelli was to join one of them in light of his success here.

[WalterTFD]

Man, remember when the Ebro was a dreaded mission? You've got it completely down at this point.

[Stormchaser]

Man, remember when the Ebro was a dreaded mission? You've got it completely down at this point.

The unfortunate nature of strategy games like PC2 is that, even with various Difficulty setting changes and the somewhat randomized reinforcement waves, the underlying parameters of the Scenario is always going to be essentially the same.

The map layout, the equipment you have access to, the equipment your enemy uses...
Play it enough times and you'll have a general understanding of which tactics works and which ones don't.

Not to say that that is a bad thing. Even if you have a good grasp of the Scenario, difficulty settings and personal challenges like this one and the Restrograde, Panzermon, and Wunderwaffe runs Tassadar also plays can and will still throw enough curveballs at you to keep things fun and interesting.

[Tassadar]

AO Spanish Civil War - Catalonia

After the Republicans exhausted their supplies on the banks of the Ebro river the upcoming winter could give them valuable time to reinforce and get supplies to continue fighting in the spring. General Bertorelli moved his army towards Barcelona and the border with France, to intercept land transports trying to bring in machines, ammo, fuel and other forms of aid. It was of course impossible to catch every single convoy and prevent them from reaching their destination, but every destroyed transport brought the Nationalist forces one step closer to victory. Besides the mere presence of ground troops in the area meant that truck columns and trains had to move more carefully, which reduced the efficiency of the resupply efforts.

Starting Prestige (after purchases and replacements): 358

New Units Commissioned:

2º Reggimento Fanteria - IT - IT HW Inf (Truck)
3º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - L3/35 Lf
Batalionul 1 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - R1
Batalionul 2 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - R2
1 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - L3/33
1. Páncéltörő Zászlóalj - HU - OS12 - 3.7 cm Pak 36 (Opel Blitz)
1 Protivotankov Batal’on - BG - OS12 - 37mm 36M (Opel Blitz)
1º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - 90/53 M41C (Lancia 3Ro)
2º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS12 - Breda 20/65 M35 (Truck)
Escadrila 1 Vanatoare - RO - OS11 - PZL P.11f
1/1. Bombázószázad - HU - Ca.135

With the war strongly favoring the Nationalist side, it was possible to persuade multiple countries to increase their military presence. Aside from reinforcements from Italy, Romanian, Hungary and Bulgaria also contributed with new tanks, planes and artillery. Not all of these forces had modern tools, but they gave the army much needed flexibility and adaptability. The Ebro battle also proved the importance of anti-aircraft artillery, so there was not a rush to get more of it assigned as soon as possible.

New Equipment Provided:

1º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - 149mm 149/19 (Lancia 3Ro)
2º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - 105mm 105/28 (Lancia 3Ro)
1/1. Vadászszázad - HU - OS11 - CR.42 - *
1 Bombardirovŭchen Polk 1 Yato - BG - OS11 - PZL.43

New 149mm artillery was shipped to Spain based on experiences with Soviet made 152mm guns and the need to match them in firepower. Hungarians improved their biplane fighter force, ironically earlier then Italian themselves, but G.50 and Re.2000 fighters were superior anyway. Also, Bulgaria was able to ship first sets of bombers to replace obsolete He 45 planes.

Starting Army Composition:

Infantry

1º Reggimento Fanteria - IT - OS16 - IT Infantry (Truck) - *
2º Reggimento Fanteria - IT - IT HW Inf (Truck)
1º Reggimento di Cavalleria - IT - OS16 - IT Cavalry - *
1º Reggimento Genio Guastatori - IT - IT Engineers (Truck)
1º Reggimento Genio Pontieri - IT - OS17 - IT Bridge Eng (Truck)
1. Lövészzászlóalj - HU - OS16 - HU Infantry (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 Infanterie - RO - OS16 - RO Infantry (Opel Blitz)
1 Pekhoten Batal’on - BG - OS16 - BG Infantry (Opel Blitz)
I Batallón de Infantería - ES - OS16 - Regulares - * - Teodoro Palacios Cueto

Tank

1º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - M11/39 - ** - Steamroller
2º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - L3/35 - *
3º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - L3/35 Lf
1. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 35M L3/35 - *
2. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 38M Toldi I
Batalionul 1 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - R1
Batalionul 2 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - R2
1 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - L3/33
I Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES - OS11 - Trubia - ** - Steamroller
II Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES - OS11 - Verdeja 2 - ** - Steamroller
I Panssaripataljoona - FI - OS11 - T-26 - * - Survivor

Recon

1 Razuznavatelen Batal’on - BG - OS11 - SdKfz 222

Anti-Tank

1º Battaglione Cannoni Controcarro - IT - OS12 - 47/32 M35 (Truck) - *
1. Páncéltörő Zászlóalj - HU - OS12 - 3.7 cm Pak 36 (Opel Blitz)
1 Protivotankov Batal’on - BG - OS12 - 37mm 36M (Opel Blitz)

Artillery

2º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - 105mm 105/28 (Lancia 3Ro) - *
3º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - OS11 - 75/32 M37 (Truck) - *
4º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - OS11 - 75mm 75/27 (Truck) - * - Skilled Support
I Batallón de Artillería de Campaña - ES - 122mm M10/30 (Wagon) - *
II Batallón de Artillería de Campaña - ES - 105mm Vickers M22 (Wagon) - *

Fighter

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

Reserve

1º Battaglione Autoblindo - IT - OS11 - Lancia IZM - **
I Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES - OS11 - UNL-35 - **
1º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - 149mm 149/19 (Lancia 3Ro) - ** - Giuseppe D'Amico
1º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - 90/53 M41C (Lancia 3Ro)
2º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS12 - Breda 20/65 M35 (Truck)
1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 1 - IT - OS11 - CR.32 - *
1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 2 - IT - G.50
1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 3 - IT - Re.2000
1/1. Vadászszázad - HU - OS11 - CR.42 - *
Escadrila 1 Vanatoare - RO - OS11 - PZL P.11f
1º Gruppo Bombardamento Veloce Sq 1 - IT - OS11 - Breda Ba.65 - ** - Giuseppe Cenni
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 1 - IT - SM.79 - *
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 2 - IT - Ca.135 - *
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 3 - IT - Fiat BR.20
1º Gruppo Ricognizione Sq 1 - IT - OS12 - IMAM Ro.37
1/1. Bombázószázad - HU - Ca.135
Escadrila 1 Bombardment - RO - JRS-79
1 Bombardirovŭchen Polk 1 Yato - BG - OS11 - PZL.43 - *
1/1. Bombázószázad - HU - OS12 - Ju 86 - *

Highlights


New Romanian tanks face off against Republican T-26 machines, which proves that these new vehicles are at least adequate despite having inexperienced crews.


Snow storms mean that even recon cars can get ambushed if they get unlucky enough.


Bridge engineers, while not too useful in this snowy weather, remain near Vic to prevent any enemies accidentally taking over the town and nearby airfield.


General Bertorelli does not attack Barcelona directly, but some of his forces remain on the outskirts of the city and do a few raids to capture anti-aircraft artillery.

Summary:

Final Prestige: 2732 (up 2374)

Overall:

The area around Barcelona was large making it not easy to track down and destroy the convoys, especially since they were guarded. Still, the sudden increase in the amount of available tanks made a difference. A few tears ago such an operation would have been entirely out of the question. The only limiting factor was providing fuel and ammo to these mobile units - it became clear that despite modernization of the front-line equipment, the logistics were still not adequate enough to catch up to the fast moving forces. The fact that different countries used different standards for weaponry did not help as well, but it was a price the General was willing to pay for when assembling his unique army.

Man, remember when the Ebro was a dreaded mission? You've got it completely down at this point.

The unfortunate nature of strategy games like PC2 is that, even with various Difficulty setting changes and the somewhat randomized reinforcement waves, the underlying parameters of the Scenario is always going to be essentially the same.

The map layout, the equipment you have access to, the equipment your enemy uses...
Play it enough times and you'll have a general understanding of which tactics works and which ones don't.

Not to say that that is a bad thing. Even if you have a good grasp of the Scenario, difficulty settings and personal challenges like this one and the Restrograde, Panzermon, and Wunderwaffe runs Tassadar also plays can and will still throw enough curveballs at you to keep things fun and interesting.

Map knowledge is hugely valuable and that's partially why my initial run is always probing the conditions before I move to more restrictive, challenging runs. The rules make these different attempts interesting enough, but on Generalissimus especially with how restrictive things are (and they will get increasingly more crazy in the next DLC with all of the restrictions), it is almost compulsory. I could have gone for the Arrogant trait as all of the combat predictions I get are consistently terrible.

[Tassadar]

AO Spanish Civil War - Madrid 1939

The war was finally ending. It was clear to everyone that Republican forces did not manage to recover after the disaster near Ebro and could not build their force back up to the previous numbers and quality. Alongside territorial losses elsewhere, this made the road towards the capital as open as never before.

While deploying his forces east of Madrid, general Bertorelli received news that the fighting in the city already started. Surprisingly this was not due to some of his troops starting early, but because of apparent infighting between some of the Republican factions and communist troops. This unexpected turn of events made the attack much easier, as it allowed a slower approach. In theory, one could even wait until both sides settle the score and just go in to deal with whoever comes up on top. While for sure convenient, it meant that the local population would be much more resentful later and it would be an international relations nightmare. The fact that capitana Vega simply stormed out of the command bunker earlier hearing about this whole situation and never came back was proof enough that the civil war really spiraled out of control by the end, so there was not point in making it worse by being passive. At least Wagner was not moved by the whole situation as much and remained to provide professional support.

Starting Prestige (after purchases and replacements): 1141

New Units Commissioned:

II Panssaripataljoona - FI - OS11 - BT-5
Ratsuväkiprikaati 1 - FI - OS11 - BA-6
1. Tüzérosztály - HU - 150mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)
2. Tüzérosztály - HU - 105mm 37M (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 Artilerie - RO - 150mm model 1934 (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 2 Artilerie - RO - 105mm model 1913 (Opel Blitz)
1 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - 12 cm M.1909 (Opel Blitz)
2 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - 10.5 cm M.1935 (Opel Blitz)

New forces constantly arrived in Spain. Hungarian, Romanian and Bulgarian armies provided artillery to support their previously deployed infantry troops while the Finns crewed more tanks and some recon cars, that similarly to T-26 vehicles would later end up back in their country.

Starting Army Composition:

Infantry

I Batallón de Infantería - ES - OS16 - Regulares - * - Teodoro Palacios Cueto

Tank

3º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - L3/35 Lf
2. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 38M Toldi I
Batalionul 1 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - R1
Batalionul 2 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - R2
1 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - L3/33
I Panssaripataljoona - FI - OS11 - T-26 - * - Survivor

Recon

1 Razuznavatelen Batal’on - BG - OS11 - SdKfz 222
Ratsuväkiprikaati 1 - FI - OS11 - BA-6

Artillery

2º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - 105mm 105/28 (Lancia 3Ro) - *
3º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - OS11 - 75/32 M37 (Truck) - *
4º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - OS11 - 75mm 75/27 (Truck) - * - Skilled Support
1. Tüzérosztály - HU - 150mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)
2. Tüzérosztály - HU - 105mm 37M (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 Artilerie - RO - 150mm model 1934 (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 2 Artilerie - RO - 105mm model 1913 (Opel Blitz)
2 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - 10.5 cm M.1935 (Opel Blitz)

Fighter

1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 2 - IT - G.50
1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 3 - IT - Re.2000
1/1. Vadászszázad - HU - OS11 - CR.42 - *
1º Grupo de Caza 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - OS11 - I-16 - * - Joaquin Garcia Morato

Tactical Bomber

1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 1 - IT - SM.79 - *
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 3 - IT - Fiat BR.20
1 Bombardirovŭchen Polk 1 Yato - BG - OS11 - PZL.43 - *

Reserve

1º Reggimento Fanteria - IT - OS16 - IT Infantry (Truck) - *
2º Reggimento Fanteria - IT - IT HW Inf (Truck)
1º Reggimento di Cavalleria - IT - OS16 - IT Cavalry - *
1º Reggimento Genio Guastatori - IT - IT Engineers (Truck)
1º Reggimento Genio Pontieri - IT - OS17 - IT Bridge Eng (Truck)
1. Lövészzászlóalj - HU - OS16 - HU Infantry (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 Infanterie - RO - OS16 - RO Infantry (Opel Blitz)
1 Pekhoten Batal’on - BG - OS16 - BG Infantry (Opel Blitz)
1º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - M11/39 - ** - Steamroller
2º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - L3/35 - *
1. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 35M L3/35 - *
I Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES - OS11 - Trubia - ** - Steamroller
II Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES - OS11 - Verdeja 2 - ** - Steamroller
II Panssaripataljoona - FI - OS11 - BT-5
1º Battaglione Autoblindo - IT - OS11 - Lancia IZM - **
I Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES - OS11 - UNL-35 - **
1º Battaglione Cannoni Controcarro - IT - OS12 - 47/32 M35 (Truck) - *
1. Páncéltörő Zászlóalj - HU - OS12 - 3.7 cm Pak 36 (Opel Blitz)
1 Protivotankov Batal’on - BG - OS12 - 37mm 36M (Opel Blitz)
1º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - 149mm 149/19 (Lancia 3Ro) - ** - Giuseppe D'Amico
1 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - 12 cm M.1909 (Opel Blitz)
I Batallón de Artillería de Campaña - ES - 122mm M10/30 (Wagon) - *
II Batallón de Artillería de Campaña - ES - 105mm Vickers M22 (Wagon) - *
1º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - 90/53 M41C (Lancia 3Ro)
2º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS12 - Breda 20/65 M35 (Truck)
1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 1 - IT - OS11 - CR.32 - *
Escadrila 1 Vanatoare - RO - OS11 - PZL P.11f
1º Gruppo Bombardamento Veloce Sq 1 - IT - OS11 - Breda Ba.65 - ** - Giuseppe Cenni
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 2 - IT - Ca.135 - **
1º Gruppo Ricognizione Sq 1 - IT - OS12 - IMAM Ro.37
1/1. Bombázószázad - HU - Ca.135
Escadrila 1 Bombardment - RO - JRS-79
1/1. Bombázószázad - HU - OS12 - Ju 86 - *

Highlights


Some remotely located Republican troops are caught defenseless, as they stay far from the main front-line.


Joaquin Garcia Morato can easily deal with enemy bombers and grows to be the leading fighter ace of the entire force.


In the northern parts of the city resistance is limited. Some infantry can prove to be a challenge, but any tanks have to very carefully maneuver in this terrain, otherwise they can get into serious trouble.


After long fighting that made the Nationalist troops sustain heavy losses, the reminder of Republican forces is finally surrounded.


Soon enough, the same happens to communist forces and the last bits of resistance are snuffed out.

Summary:

Final Prestige: 6632 (up 5491)

Overall:

Madrid has been captured. It took several years since the very first attempt to take over the capital and it has been a really long time for everyone involved. The victory brought tons of spoils - surrendering troops gave up tanks, guns, trucks and other equipment by the dozens. Some of this was to remain in Spain, but some was to be shipped to those who assisted on the winning side and allow the to build up a more sizable army. This was needed, as general Bertorelli was sure that a much larger conflict was already brewing on the continent and that his unusual legion would soon be called upon to act yet again, this time in an entirely different region and circumstances.

AO Spanish Civil War - Summary

Starting Prestige: 74
Final Prestige: 6632 (up 6558)

Final Army Composition:

Infantry

1º Reggimento Fanteria - IT - OS16 - IT Infantry (Truck) - *
2º Reggimento Fanteria - IT - IT HW Inf (Truck)
1º Reggimento di Cavalleria - IT - OS16 - IT Cavalry - *
1º Reggimento Genio Guastatori - IT - IT Engineers (Truck)
1º Reggimento Genio Pontieri - IT - OS17 - IT Bridge Eng (Truck)
1. Lövészzászlóalj - HU - OS16 - HU Infantry (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 Infanterie - RO - OS16 - RO Infantry (Opel Blitz)
1 Pekhoten Batal’on - BG - OS16 - BG Infantry (Opel Blitz)
I Batallón de Infantería - ES - OS16 - Regulares - * - Teodoro Palacios Cueto

Tank

1º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - M11/39 - ** - Steamroller
2º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - L3/35 - *
3º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - L3/35 Lf
1. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 35M L3/35 - *
2. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 38M Toldi I - *
Batalionul 1 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - R1
Batalionul 2 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - R2
1 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - L3/33
I Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES - OS11 - Trubia - ** - Steamroller
II Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES - OS11 - Verdeja 2 - ** - Steamroller
I Panssaripataljoona - FI - OS11 - T-26 - * - Survivor
II Panssaripataljoona - FI - OS11 - BT-5

Recon

1º Battaglione Autoblindo - IT - OS11 - Lancia IZM - **
1 Razuznavatelen Batal’on - BG - OS11 - SdKfz 222
I Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES - OS11 - UNL-35 - **
Ratsuväkiprikaati 1 - FI - OS11 - BA-6

Anti-Tank

1º Battaglione Cannoni Controcarro - IT - OS12 - 47/32 M35 (Truck) - *
1. Páncéltörő Zászlóalj - HU - OS12 - 3.7 cm Pak 36 (Opel Blitz)
1 Protivotankov Batal’on - BG - OS12 - 37mm 36M (Opel Blitz)

Artillery

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

Anti-Aircraft

1º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - 90/53 M41C (Lancia 3Ro)
2º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS12 - Breda 20/65 M35 (Truck)

Fighter

1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 1 - IT - OS11 - CR.32 - *
1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 2 - IT - G.50
1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 3 - IT - Re.2000
1/1. Vadászszázad - HU - OS11 - CR.42 - *
Escadrila 1 Vanatoare - RO - OS11 - PZL P.11f
1º Grupo de Caza 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - OS11 - I-16 - ** - Joaquin Garcia Morato

Tactical Bomber

1º Gruppo Bombardamento Veloce Sq 1 - IT - OS11 - Breda Ba.65 - ** - Giuseppe Cenni
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 1 - IT - SM.79 - **
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 2 - IT - Ca.135 - **
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 3 - IT - Fiat BR.20 - *
1º Gruppo Ricognizione Sq 1 - IT - OS12 - IMAM Ro.37
1/1. Bombázószázad - HU - Ca.135
Escadrila 1 Bombardment - RO - JRS-79
1 Bombardirovŭchen Polk 1 Yato - BG - OS11 - PZL.43 - *

Strategic Bomber

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

Thoughts:

First step completed and this was the toughest run so far, both due to the increased difficulty and the fact that for a long part of the DLC the available units. Some final scenarios were easier instead due to a sudden quality upgrade, but that's not going to last forever. As seen above the core army is huge, so moving I will be splitting it between fronts and section of the front to add some difficulty, but also to allow for a more varied scenarios. There will be key missions when I will combine all nations' cores, but in most cases this will be somewhat split, especially in the earlier DLC. Once again this shows that Battle Academy would have been an excellent choice, but it might make things too easy, so I'll stick with the current traits. Also, the split of forces means that the few heroes I do have will not always be available, increasing the significance of purely tactical decisions during the missions and not being able to abuse the hero system as much. The same goes for the medals and awards, as it will take time for all my tanks to pick up Steamroller or all my planes to get decent extra air attack for example.

[Tassadar]

AO 1939 - Czechoslovakia

General Bertorelli was chosen to secure a surrendered of Czech forces by assisting troops from the freshly formed Slovak Republic. It was deemed that this turn of events would be internationally less negatively seen than having the German army simply go in on their own to occupy the immediately. While France and Great Britain were sure this would appease German ambitions, the general knew it was just a start of a much larger conflict that was about to begin...

Starting Prestige (after purchases and replacements): 233

Hero:


Nikola Mutafchiev was a talented Bulgarian cavalry officer who was assigned to General Bertorelli's force to help with special tasks such as scouting and raids where vehicles could not reach. He specialized in moving his unit through areas controlled by the enemy and choosing paths that allowed to sneak past even the best defended blockades.


Pilot Adriano Visconti was assigned to 1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 3. He flew Ba.65 planes earlier in the academy, but his excellent dogfighting skills made him a perfect candidate for a leader of a fighter squadron.


Anther recommendation general Bertorelli received was that of Tommaso Lequio di Assaba, a reconnaissance specialist who not only knew ho to perfectly asses the situation and guide the allied forces to attack more efficiently, but also was known for placing his vehicles in defensive observation positions which greatly reduced the risk of heavy losses due to enemy fire.

New Units Commissioned:

1. Pontonos Hidász Ezred - HU - OS17 - HU Bridge Eng (Opel Blitz)
1. Műszaki Ezred - HU - HU Engineers (Opel Blitz)
2. Lövészzászlóalj - HU - OS16 - HU HW Inf (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 Geniu - RO - RO Engineers (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 2 Geniu - RO - OS17 - RO Bridge Eng (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 2 Infanterie - RO - OS16 - RO HW Inf (Opel Blitz)
1 Konen Batal’on - BG - OS16 - BG Cavalry
1. pechotný prápor - SK - OS16 - SK Infantry (Opel Blitz)
1. ženijný prápor - SK - SK Engineers (Opel Blitz)
2 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - Panzer 35(t)
1. tankový prápor - SK - OS11 - LT vz.35
1. mechanizovaný prápor - SK - OS11 - OA vz.30
1. protitankový prápor - SK - OS12 - 3,7 cm KPÚV vz.37 (Opel Blitz)
1. delostrelecký prápor - SK - 150mm vz.25 (Opel Blitz)
2. delostrelecký prápor - SK - 100mm Škoda vz.14/19 (Opel Blitz)
1. Légvédelmi Zászlóalj - HU - 88mm 29/38M (Opel Blitz)
2. Légvédelmi Zászlóalj - HU - OS12 - 40mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS12 - 25mm Hotchkiss (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 2 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS11 - 75mm Vickers/Resita (Opel Blitz)
1 Protivovŭzdushna Batal’on - BG - OS12 - 2 cm FlaK 30 (Opel Blitz)
1 Protivovŭzdushna Batal’on - BG - 8.8 cm FlaK 18 (Opel Blitz)
1. protilietadlový prápor - SK - OS12 - 20mm VKPL vz.36 (Opel Blitz)
2. protilietadlový prápor - SK - 83.5mm Škoda vz.22 (Opel Blitz)

Aside from the newly formed Slovak Republic providing a part of their force as support to Bertorelli's army, some further reinforcements, mostly infantry and anti-aircraft artillery were received. This meant the general was in debt to multiple people and his forces had to prove the worth of this investment. In fact the Slovak started to provide first batches of tanks produced in Czechoslovakia earlier - some of them parts of original orders, some freshly captured.

New Equipment Provided:

I Batallón de Infantería - ES - OS16 - Azul Infanterie (Opel Blitz)
I Batallón de Artillería de Campaña - ES - 122mm M10/30 (Opel Blitz) - transport upgraded
II Batallón de Artillería de Campaña - ES - 105mm Vickers M22 (Opel Blitz) - transport upgraded

The Spanish not only provided some better equipment for their infantry, they also received a large amount of trucks and other supplies in exchange for informal support in some of the upcoming operations. So called "Blue Division" was formed and assigned to the commander under whom they fought during the civil war.

Starting Army Composition:

Infantry

1º Reggimento Genio Pontieri - IT - OS17 - IT Bridge Eng (Truck)
1 Konen Batal’on - BG - OS16 - BG Cavalry - Nikola Mutafchiev
I Batallón de Infantería - ES - Azul Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - * - Teodoro Palacios Cueto
1. pechotný prápor - SK - OS16 - SK Infantry (Opel Blitz)
1. ženijný prápor - SK - SK Engineers (Opel Blitz)

Tank

3º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - L3/35 Lf
2. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 38M Toldi I - *
Batalionul 1 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - R1
Batalionul 2 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - R2
II Panssaripataljoona - FI - OS11 - BT-5
1. tankový prápor - SK - OS11 - LT vz.35

Recon

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

Anti-Tank

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

Artillery

3º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - OS11 - 75/32 M37 (Truck) - *
4º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - OS11 - 75mm 75/27 (Truck) - * - Skilled Support
Batalionul 1 Artilerie - RO - 150mm model 1934 (Opel Blitz)
1. delostrelecký prápor - SK - 150mm vz.25 (Opel Blitz)
2. delostrelecký prápor - SK - 100mm Škoda vz.14/19 (Opel Blitz)

Reserve

1º Reggimento Fanteria - IT - OS16 - IT Infantry (Truck) - *
2º Reggimento Fanteria - IT - IT HW Inf (Truck)
1º Reggimento di Cavalleria - IT - OS16 - IT Cavalry - *
1º Reggimento Genio Guastatori - IT - IT Engineers (Truck)
1. Pontonos Hidász Ezred - HU - OS17 - HU Bridge Eng (Opel Blitz)
1. Műszaki Ezred - HU - HU Engineers (Opel Blitz)
1. Lövészzászlóalj - HU - OS16 - HU Infantry (Opel Blitz)
2. Lövészzászlóalj - HU - OS16 - HU HW Inf (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 Geniu - RO - RO Engineers (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 2 Geniu - RO - OS17 - RO Bridge Eng (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 Infanterie - RO - OS16 - RO Infantry (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 2 Infanterie - RO - OS16 - RO HW Inf (Opel Blitz)
1 Pekhoten Batal’on - BG - OS16 - BG Infantry (Opel Blitz)
1º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - M11/39 - ** - Steamroller
2º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - L3/35 - *
1. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 35M L3/35 - *
1 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - L3/33
2 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - Panzer 35(t)
I Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES - OS11 - Trubia - ** - Steamroller
II Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES - OS11 - Verdeja 2 - ** - Steamroller
I Panssaripataljoona - FI - OS11 - T-26 - * - Survivor
1º Battaglione Autoblindo - IT - OS11 - Lancia IZM - ** - Tommaso Lequio di Assaba
I Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES - OS11 - UNL-35 - **
1º Battaglione Cannoni Controcarro - IT - OS12 - 47/32 M35 (Truck) - *
1. Páncéltörő Zászlóalj - HU - OS12 - 3.7 cm Pak 36 (Opel Blitz)
1 Protivotankov Batal’on - BG - OS12 - 37mm 36M (Opel Blitz)
1º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - 149mm 149/19 (Lancia 3Ro) - ** - Giuseppe D'Amico
2º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - 105mm 105/28 (Lancia 3Ro) - **
1. Tüzérosztály - HU - 150mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)
2. Tüzérosztály - HU - 105mm 37M (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 2 Artilerie - RO - 105mm model 1913 (Opel Blitz)
1 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - 12 cm M.1909 (Opel Blitz)
2 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - 10.5 cm M.1935 (Opel Blitz)
I Batallón de Artillería de Campaña - ES - 122mm M10/30 (Opel Blitz) - *
II Batallón de Artillería de Campaña - ES - 105mm Vickers M22 (Opel Blitz) - *
1º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - 90/53 M41C (Lancia 3Ro)
2º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS12 - Breda 20/65 M35 (Truck)
1. Légvédelmi Zászlóalj - HU - 88mm 29/38M (Opel Blitz)
2. Légvédelmi Zászlóalj - HU - OS12 - 40mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS12 - 25mm Hotchkiss (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 2 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS11 - 75mm Vickers/Resita (Opel Blitz)
1 Protivovŭzdushna Batal’on - BG - OS12 - 2 cm FlaK 30 (Opel Blitz)
1 Protivovŭzdushna Batal’on - BG - 8.8 cm FlaK 18 (Opel Blitz)
1. protilietadlový prápor - SK - OS12 - 20mm VKPL vz.36 (Opel Blitz)
2. protilietadlový prápor - SK - 83.5mm Škoda vz.22 (Opel Blitz)
1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 1 - IT - OS11 - CR.32 - *
1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 2 - IT - G.50
1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 3 - IT - Re.2000 - Adriano Visconti
1/1. Vadászszázad - HU - OS11 - CR.42 - *
Escadrila 1 Vanatoare - RO - OS11 - PZL P.11f
1º Grupo de Caza 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - OS11 - I-16 - ** - Joaquin Garcia Morato
1º Gruppo Bombardamento Veloce Sq 1 - IT - OS11 - Breda Ba.65 - ** - Giuseppe Cenni
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 1 - IT - SM.79 - **
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 2 - IT - Ca.135 - **
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 3 - IT - Fiat BR.20 - *
1º Gruppo Ricognizione Sq 1 - IT - OS12 - IMAM Ro.37
1/1. Bombázószázad - HU - Ca.135
Escadrila 1 Bombardment - RO - JRS-79
1 Bombardirovŭchen Polk 1 Yato - BG - OS11 - PZL.43 - *
1/1. Bombázószázad - HU - OS12 - Ju 86 - *

Highlights


Slovak troops with minimal support should be able to handle the situation and secure the surrender of Czech forces.


Once several key points are secure, the entire area north of Plzen is surrounded and any remaining military has its morale drop quickly.

Summary:

Final Prestige: 1483 (up 1250)

Overall:

This operation went on quickly with minimal casualties. Things were about to change in a few months and the general's troops were already being split into two distinctive groups and one exception. Italian and Spanish forces were invited to Germany for "training" in the Saarbrücken city area. This ruse was supposed to help secure the western flank in case the French decided to intervene after declaring war against Poland, given how Germany moved almost all of its forces east. At the same time Hungarian, Romanian, Bulgarian and Slovak troops would follow German forces and while possibly not directly engage in fighting, help secure the rear and flanks, only getting involved in case of major Polish offensive operations. General Bertorelli would join them as soon as the French border was deemed secure enough. The Finnish allies were excluded from participating so far, as there were signs pointing to a local war possible on the border of Finland and Russia, so they were needed there for the time being.

[Tassadar]

AO 1939 - Sarreguemines

Orders for the first operation came in as the French army was apparently mobilizing to attack following the German offensive in Poland. The plan was to deploy minefields around Sarreguemines do delay any French advance, but to do that the mine-layers needed escort and general Bertorelli was tasked with this. He could only arrange for a limited force for this operation, but enemy resistance expected was likely minimal, so the lack of full preparations did not stop the decision to move forward with the plan. The only real threat expected so far was the air force, that was for sure formidable.

Starting Prestige (after purchases and replacements): 598

Hero:


Considering that major resistance from French tanks was expected moving forward, the general enlisted officer Luigi Arbib Pascucci to his forces. this soldier was known for never backing down despite even the dire circumstances. He actually fought better the worse the situation seemed to be.

New Units Commissioned:

II Batallón de Infantería - ES - OS16 - Regulares (Opel Blitz)
1. Felderítő Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 39M Csaba
Batalionul 1 de Cavalerie Blindat - RO - OS11 - OA vz.30
Batalionul 1 de Tunuri Anticar - RO - OS12 - 37mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)
I Batallón de Antitanques - ES - OS12 - 37mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 4 - IT - CANT Z.1007

As part of further preparation, Spain reinforced the Blue Division with some infantry and anti-tank guns and Italy provided much anticipated heavy bombers. On the eastern side of the front, the general received reports that both Hungarians and Romanians finally organized their recon battalions and also had some extra anti-tank artillery ready.

Starting Army Composition:

Infantry

1º Reggimento Fanteria - IT - OS16 - IT Infantry (Truck) - *
1º Reggimento Genio Guastatori - IT - IT Engineers (Truck)
1º Reggimento Genio Pontieri - IT - OS17 - IT Bridge Eng (Truck)
I Batallón de Infantería - ES - Azul Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - * - Teodoro Palacios Cueto
II Batallón de Infantería - ES - OS16 - Regulares (Opel Blitz)

Tank

1º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - M11/39 - ** - Steamroller, Luigi Arbib Pascucci
2º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - L3/35 - *
3º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - L3/35 Lf
II Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES - OS11 - Verdeja 2 - ** - Steamroller

Recon

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

Artillery

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

Fighter

1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 1 - IT - OS11 - CR.32 - *
1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 2 - IT - G.50
1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 3 - IT - Re.2000 - Adriano Visconti
1º Grupo de Caza 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - OS11 - I-16 - ** - Joaquin Garcia Morato

Tactical Bomber

1º Gruppo Bombardamento Veloce Sq 1 - IT - OS11 - Breda Ba.65 - ** - Giuseppe Cenni
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 1 - IT - SM.79 - **
1º Gruppo Ricognizione Sq 1 - IT - OS12 - IMAM Ro.37

Strategic Bomber

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

Reserve

2º Reggimento Fanteria - IT - IT HW Inf (Truck)
1º Reggimento di Cavalleria - IT - OS16 - IT Cavalry - *
1. Pontonos Hidász Ezred - HU - OS17 - HU Bridge Eng (Opel Blitz)
1. Műszaki Ezred - HU - HU Engineers (Opel Blitz)
1. Lövészzászlóalj - HU - OS16 - HU Infantry (Opel Blitz)
2. Lövészzászlóalj - HU - OS16 - HU HW Inf (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 Geniu - RO - RO Engineers (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 2 Geniu - RO - OS17 - RO Bridge Eng (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 Infanterie - RO - OS16 - RO Infantry (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 2 Infanterie - RO - OS16 - RO HW Inf (Opel Blitz)
1 Pekhoten Batal’on - BG - OS16 - BG Infantry (Opel Blitz)
1 Konen Batal’on - BG - OS16 - BG Cavalry - Nikola Mutafchiev
1. pechotný prápor - SK - OS16 - SK Infantry (Opel Blitz)
1. ženijný prápor - SK - SK Engineers (Opel Blitz)
1. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 35M L3/35 - *
2. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 38M Toldi I - *
Batalionul 1 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - R1
Batalionul 2 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - R2
1 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - L3/33
2 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - Panzer 35(t)
I Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES - OS11 - Trubia - ** - Steamroller
I Panssaripataljoona - FI - OS11 - T-26 - * - Survivor
II Panssaripataljoona - FI - OS11 - BT-5
1. tankový prápor - SK - OS11 - LT vz.35
1. Felderítő Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 39M Csaba
Batalionul 1 de Cavalerie Blindat - RO - OS11 - OA vz.30
1 Razuznavatelen Batal’on - BG - OS11 - SdKfz 222
Ratsuväkiprikaati 1 - FI - OS11 - BA-6
1. mechanizovaný prápor - SK - OS11 - OA vz.30
1º Battaglione Cannoni Controcarro - IT - OS12 - 47/32 M35 (Truck) - *
1. Páncéltörő Zászlóalj - HU - OS12 - 3.7 cm Pak 36 (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 de Tunuri Anticar - RO - OS12 - 37mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)
1 Protivotankov Batal’on - BG - OS12 - 37mm 36M (Opel Blitz)
I Batallón de Antitanques - ES - OS12 - 37mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)
1. protitankový prápor - SK - OS12 - 3,7 cm KPÚV vz.37 (Opel Blitz)
2º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - 105mm 105/28 (Lancia 3Ro) - **
1. Tüzérosztály - HU - 150mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)
2. Tüzérosztály - HU - 105mm 37M (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 Artilerie - RO - 150mm model 1934 (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 2 Artilerie - RO - 105mm model 1913 (Opel Blitz)
1 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - 12 cm M.1909 (Opel Blitz)
2 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - 10.5 cm M.1935 (Opel Blitz)
1. delostrelecký prápor - SK - 150mm vz.25 (Opel Blitz)
2. delostrelecký prápor - SK - 100mm Škoda vz.14/19 (Opel Blitz)
1º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - 90/53 M41C (Lancia 3Ro)
2º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS12 - Breda 20/65 M35 (Truck)
1. Légvédelmi Zászlóalj - HU - 88mm 29/38M (Opel Blitz)
2. Légvédelmi Zászlóalj - HU - OS12 - 40mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS12 - 25mm Hotchkiss (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 2 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS11 - 75mm Vickers/Resita (Opel Blitz)
1 Protivovŭzdushna Batal’on - BG - OS12 - 2 cm FlaK 30 (Opel Blitz)
1 Protivovŭzdushna Batal’on - BG - 8.8 cm FlaK 18 (Opel Blitz)
1. protilietadlový prápor - SK - OS12 - 20mm VKPL vz.36 (Opel Blitz)
2. protilietadlový prápor - SK - 83.5mm Škoda vz.22 (Opel Blitz)
1/1. Vadászszázad - HU - OS11 - CR.42 - *
Escadrila 1 Vanatoare - RO - OS11 - PZL P.11f
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 2 - IT - Ca.135 - **
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 3 - IT - Fiat BR.20 - *
1/1. Bombázószázad - HU - Ca.135
Escadrila 1 Bombardment - RO - JRS-79
1 Bombardirovŭchen Polk 1 Yato - BG - OS11 - PZL.43 - *
1/1. Bombázószázad - HU - OS12 - Ju 86 - *

Highlights


Small Spanish forces deploy to move south towards Ippling, as the terrain there is not vast and resistance should not be significant.


Meanwhile the Italian units will go straight towards Sarreguemines and move slightly east to Bliesbruck.


French planes prove to be far more formidable than the ones encountered during the Spanish Civil War. Despite having access to newer fighters, Regia Aeronautica is not performing as impressively as the general hoped for.


1º Battaglione Autoblindo catches a columns of French artillery in transit by surprise and breaks it up completely.


Whenever possible, the general's troops attempt to force the enemy to surrender and capture their equipment. Even if it will not end up being used on the filed, it is a valuable source of intelligence, engineering data and supplies.


Near Sarreinsming, French fortifications force the army to stop. There is no point pushing further, to avoid provoking the French into a larger scale operation.

Summary:

Final Prestige: 3739 (up 3141)

Overall:

The minefields were deployed and the general quickly move his forces elsewhere to deal with another threat. Initial encounter with the French army proved that the general has the means to combat it efficiently, but it will not be an easy task due to technical advantage slightly favoring the opposition. At least there were news of the Germans providing some support for assistance in this operation. Bertorelli was told that the Spanish air force is to receive some ex-Legion Condor Hs 123a biplanes and the Finns, who were getting ready for a war of their own, were granted access to some 2 cm FlaK guns. It was clear that While the Wehrmacht was not able to directly assist, it was at least willing to occasionally share some supplies, even if not all of them were modern machines.

[Stormchaser]

I initially thought you will soon be getting some useful French equipment, but then I realized that A) I'm not sure if you are including Vichy France since they kinda stayed out of most of the fighting and B) Vichy France won't be a thing till halfway through 1940 so...

[Tassadar]

I initially thought you will soon be getting some useful French equipment, but then I realized that A) I'm not sure if you are including Vichy France since they kinda stayed out of most of the fighting and B) Vichy France won't be a thing till halfway through 1940 so...

I thought about adding Vichy France in the initial plannings, but ultimately I've skipped it, since the core estimate was getting crazy anyway. This is proved by this point with how many units I already have and I won't have the opportunities to use that many of them, even if I really flexibly rotate in and out between scenarios. Cores for 7 separate countries are enough of a headache to distribute. Plus ultimately a lot of that French equipment will end up being assigned to existing units (some have it even in base Units.csv file, but I'll probably struggle to justify R35 tanks unless I'm quite desperate), so it would not add that much variety overall. That said, if there was a purely African campaign that would be tempting to switch one day.

As for keeping out of the war - I had this dilemma with Bulgaria, as it was never really significantly involved in an active way during WW2, but they have a unique enough roster of units that I ended up keeping them.

[Tassadar]

AO 1939 - Warndt Forest

Second phase of the operation to prevent French forces from going deep into Germany was now in progress. With mine fields successfully placed near Sarreguemines there was a route via the Warndt Forest that potentially could be used to sneak forces through. This was precisely what the French were trying to do now, so general Bertorelli needed to meet them had on and stop their advance. Raiding St. Avold could also serve as a distraction and cause some chaos in their forces, so that was a secondary objective from High Command. The biggest challenge was that dense forests and river systems made the fighting difficult to plan and potentially chaotic. Tanks were of little use here, but at least a few were needed to counter enemy armor.

Starting Prestige (after purchases and replacements): 3359

Starting Army Composition:

Infantry

1º Reggimento Fanteria - IT - OS16 - IT Infantry (Truck) - *
2º Reggimento Fanteria - IT - IT HW Inf (Truck)
1º Reggimento di Cavalleria - IT - OS16 - IT Cavalry - *
1º Reggimento Genio Guastatori - IT - IT Engineers (Truck)
1º Reggimento Genio Pontieri - IT - OS17 - IT Bridge Eng (Truck)
I Batallón de Infantería - ES - Azul Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - * - Teodoro Palacios Cueto
II Batallón de Infantería - ES - OS16 - Regulares (Opel Blitz)

Tank

1º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - M11/39 - ** - Steamroller, Luigi Arbib Pascucci
3º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - L3/35 Lf
II Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES - OS11 - Verdeja 2 - ** - Steamroller

Artillery

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

Fighter

1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 1 - IT - OS11 - CR.32 - *
1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 2 - IT - G.50
1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 3 - IT - Re.2000 - Adriano Visconti
1º Grupo de Caza 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - OS11 - I-16 - ** - Joaquin Garcia Morato

Tactical Bomber

1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 1 - IT - SM.79 - **
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 3 - IT - Fiat BR.20 - *
1º Gruppo Ricognizione Sq 1 - IT - OS12 - IMAM Ro.37

Strategic Bomber

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

Reserve

1. Pontonos Hidász Ezred - HU - OS17 - HU Bridge Eng (Opel Blitz)
1. Műszaki Ezred - HU - HU Engineers (Opel Blitz)
1. Lövészzászlóalj - HU - OS16 - HU Infantry (Opel Blitz)
2. Lövészzászlóalj - HU - OS16 - HU HW Inf (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 Geniu - RO - RO Engineers (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 2 Geniu - RO - OS17 - RO Bridge Eng (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 Infanterie - RO - OS16 - RO Infantry (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 2 Infanterie - RO - OS16 - RO HW Inf (Opel Blitz)
1 Pekhoten Batal’on - BG - OS16 - BG Infantry (Opel Blitz)
1 Konen Batal’on - BG - OS16 - BG Cavalry - Nikola Mutafchiev
1. pechotný prápor - SK - OS16 - SK Infantry (Opel Blitz)
1. ženijný prápor - SK - SK Engineers (Opel Blitz)
2º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - L3/35 - *
1. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 35M L3/35 - *
2. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 38M Toldi I - *
Batalionul 1 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - R1
Batalionul 2 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - R2
1 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - L3/33
2 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - Panzer 35(t)
I Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES - OS11 - Trubia - ** - Steamroller
I Panssaripataljoona - FI - OS11 - T-26 - * - Survivor
II Panssaripataljoona - FI - OS11 - BT-5
1. tankový prápor - SK - OS11 - LT vz.35
1º Battaglione Autoblindo - IT - OS11 - Lancia IZM - ** - Tommaso Lequio di Assaba
1. Felderítő Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 39M Csaba
Batalionul 1 de Cavalerie Blindat - RO - OS11 - OA vz.30
1 Razuznavatelen Batal’on - BG - OS11 - SdKfz 222
I Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES - OS11 - UNL-35 - **
Ratsuväkiprikaati 1 - FI - OS11 - BA-6
1. mechanizovaný prápor - SK - OS11 - OA vz.30
1º Battaglione Cannoni Controcarro - IT - OS12 - 47/32 M35 (Truck) - *
1. Páncéltörő Zászlóalj - HU - OS12 - 3.7 cm Pak 36 (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 de Tunuri Anticar - RO - OS12 - 37mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)
1 Protivotankov Batal’on - BG - OS12 - 37mm 36M (Opel Blitz)
I Batallón de Antitanques - ES - OS12 - 37mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)
1. protitankový prápor - SK - OS12 - 3,7 cm KPÚV vz.37 (Opel Blitz)
1. Tüzérosztály - HU - 150mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)
2. Tüzérosztály - HU - 105mm 37M (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 Artilerie - RO - 150mm model 1934 (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 2 Artilerie - RO - 105mm model 1913 (Opel Blitz)
1 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - 12 cm M.1909 (Opel Blitz)
2 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - 10.5 cm M.1935 (Opel Blitz)
1. delostrelecký prápor - SK - 150mm vz.25 (Opel Blitz)
2. delostrelecký prápor - SK - 100mm Škoda vz.14/19 (Opel Blitz)
1º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - 90/53 M41C (Lancia 3Ro)
2º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS12 - Breda 20/65 M35 (Truck)
1. Légvédelmi Zászlóalj - HU - 88mm 29/38M (Opel Blitz)
2. Légvédelmi Zászlóalj - HU - OS12 - 40mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS12 - 25mm Hotchkiss (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 2 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS11 - 75mm Vickers/Resita (Opel Blitz)
1 Protivovŭzdushna Batal’on - BG - OS12 - 2 cm FlaK 30 (Opel Blitz)
1 Protivovŭzdushna Batal’on - BG - 8.8 cm FlaK 18 (Opel Blitz)
1. protilietadlový prápor - SK - OS12 - 20mm VKPL vz.36 (Opel Blitz)
2. protilietadlový prápor - SK - 83.5mm Škoda vz.22 (Opel Blitz)
1/1. Vadászszázad - HU - OS11 - CR.42 - *
Escadrila 1 Vanatoare - RO - OS11 - PZL P.11f
1º Gruppo Bombardamento Veloce Sq 1 - IT - OS11 - Breda Ba.65 - ** - Giuseppe Cenni
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 2 - IT - Ca.135 - **
1/1. Bombázószázad - HU - Ca.135
Escadrila 1 Bombardment - RO - JRS-79
1 Bombardirovŭchen Polk 1 Yato - BG - OS11 - PZL.43 - *
1/1. Bombázószázad - HU - OS12 - Ju 86 - *

Highlights


Almost immediately the terrain proves difficult for vehicles. General's tanks try to keep to open ground while infantry does what it can to ambush French tanks and armored cars in close range encounters.


First signs of technical superiority that French vehicles have. The Somua S35 tanks are better than anything the general has at his disposal...


...but fail in the woods all the same to any infantry units.


I Batallón de Infantería sees some fierce combat around one of the villages, as artillery is unable to reliably support the river crossing and their further advance.


A massive French second wave of reinforcements arrive and force general Bertorelli to hastily assemble a defensive formation with the few troops he has available in this region.


St. Avold is besieged and eventually falls, but the French has a lot of artillery on the nearby hills, making the approach difficult and costly.

Summary:

Final Prestige: 4875 (up 1516)

Overall:

It looks like the French were unwilling to move via the Warndt Forest further after the losses they suffered. In fact general Bertorelli managed to push the 3rd Army back several kilometres. Another attack from this direction was now unlikely and the enemy was probably going to look for other options. Determined not to give the French time to reorganize, the general planned a limited offensive of his own next. This was aimed to make the enemy think that the forces defending the area were much larger than the actually were.

In between reading the messages form the front lines, Bertorelli also received a telegram form Finland, stating that his allies were organizing an air force with some Gladiator fighters and Fokker C.X biplanes. Not the most modern machines in the world, but given the storm brewing on the border every plane counted.

[Tassadar]

AO 1939 - Orenthal

Yet another operation was underway to distract their plans. While all reports suggested their army will move towards Bliesbruck, cross the Blies river and then march on Mandelbachtal, general Bertorelli was tasked with taking over Orenthal and a few other key points on the other side. This was all a ruse yet again, as his forces were not supposed to hold these positions. The attack was aimed at forcing the French to divert some of their forces to defend and spread them over a larger area.

Starting Prestige (after purchases and replacements): 4533

New Units Commissioned:

1º Grupo de Apoyo 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - OS11 - Hs 123a

Spanish forces received some used and some new Hs 123a planes that were phased out in Germany, but still could prove useful due to their durable construction and excellent flight characteristics.

Starting Army Composition:

Infantry

1º Reggimento Fanteria - IT - OS16 - IT Infantry (Truck) - *
2º Reggimento Fanteria - IT - IT HW Inf (Truck)
1º Reggimento di Cavalleria - IT - OS16 - IT Cavalry - *
1º Reggimento Genio Guastatori - IT - IT Engineers (Truck) - *
1º Reggimento Genio Pontieri - IT - OS17 - IT Bridge Eng (Truck)
I Batallón de Infantería - ES - Azul Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - * - Teodoro Palacios Cueto
II Batallón de Infantería - ES - OS16 - Regulares (Opel Blitz)

Tank

1º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - M11/39 - ** - Steamroller, Luigi Arbib Pascucci
2º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - L3/35 - *
3º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - L3/35 Lf - *
I Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES - OS11 - Trubia - ** - Steamroller
II Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES - OS11 - Verdeja 2 - ** - Steamroller

Recon

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

Anti-Tank

1º Battaglione Cannoni Controcarro - IT - OS12 - 47/32 M35 (Truck) - *
I Batallón de Antitanques - ES - OS12 - 37mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)

Artillery

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

Fighter

1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 1 - IT - OS11 - CR.32 - *
1º Grupo de Caza 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - OS11 - I-16 - ** - Joaquin Garcia Morato

Tactical Bomber

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

Strategic Bomber

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

Reserve

1. Pontonos Hidász Ezred - HU - OS17 - HU Bridge Eng (Opel Blitz)
1. Műszaki Ezred - HU - HU Engineers (Opel Blitz)
1. Lövészzászlóalj - HU - OS16 - HU Infantry (Opel Blitz)
2. Lövészzászlóalj - HU - OS16 - HU HW Inf (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 Geniu - RO - RO Engineers (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 2 Geniu - RO - OS17 - RO Bridge Eng (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 Infanterie - RO - OS16 - RO Infantry (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 2 Infanterie - RO - OS16 - RO HW Inf (Opel Blitz)
1 Pekhoten Batal’on - BG - OS16 - BG Infantry (Opel Blitz)
1 Konen Batal’on - BG - OS16 - BG Cavalry - Nikola Mutafchiev
1. pechotný prápor - SK - OS16 - SK Infantry (Opel Blitz)
1. ženijný prápor - SK - SK Engineers (Opel Blitz)
1. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 35M L3/35 - *
2. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 38M Toldi I - *
Batalionul 1 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - R1
Batalionul 2 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - R2
1 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - L3/33
2 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - Panzer 35(t)
I Panssaripataljoona - FI - OS11 - T-26 - * - Survivor
II Panssaripataljoona - FI - OS11 - BT-5
1. tankový prápor - SK - OS11 - LT vz.35
1. Felderítő Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 39M Csaba
Batalionul 1 de Cavalerie Blindat - RO - OS11 - OA vz.30
1 Razuznavatelen Batal’on - BG - OS11 - SdKfz 222
Ratsuväkiprikaati 1 - FI - OS11 - BA-6
1. mechanizovaný prápor - SK - OS11 - OA vz.30
1. Páncéltörő Zászlóalj - HU - OS12 - 3.7 cm Pak 36 (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 de Tunuri Anticar - RO - OS12 - 37mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)
1 Protivotankov Batal’on - BG - OS12 - 37mm 36M (Opel Blitz)
1. protitankový prápor - SK - OS12 - 3,7 cm KPÚV vz.37 (Opel Blitz)
1. Tüzérosztály - HU - 150mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)
2. Tüzérosztály - HU - 105mm 37M (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 Artilerie - RO - 150mm model 1934 (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 2 Artilerie - RO - 105mm model 1913 (Opel Blitz)
1 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - 12 cm M.1909 (Opel Blitz)
2 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - 10.5 cm M.1935 (Opel Blitz)
1. delostrelecký prápor - SK - 150mm vz.25 (Opel Blitz)
2. delostrelecký prápor - SK - 100mm Škoda vz.14/19 (Opel Blitz)
1º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - 90/53 M41C (Lancia 3Ro)
2º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS12 - Breda 20/65 M35 (Truck)
1. Légvédelmi Zászlóalj - HU - 88mm 29/38M (Opel Blitz)
2. Légvédelmi Zászlóalj - HU - OS12 - 40mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS12 - 25mm Hotchkiss (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 2 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS11 - 75mm Vickers/Resita (Opel Blitz)
1 Protivovŭzdushna Batal’on - BG - OS12 - 2 cm FlaK 30 (Opel Blitz)
1 Protivovŭzdushna Batal’on - BG - 8.8 cm FlaK 18 (Opel Blitz)
1. protilietadlový prápor - SK - OS12 - 20mm VKPL vz.36 (Opel Blitz)
2. protilietadlový prápor - SK - 83.5mm Škoda vz.22 (Opel Blitz)
1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 2 - IT - G.50
1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 3 - IT - Re.2000 - Adriano Visconti
1/1. Vadászszázad - HU - OS11 - CR.42 - *
Escadrila 1 Vanatoare - RO - OS11 - PZL P.11f
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 2 - IT - Ca.135 - **
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 3 - IT - Fiat BR.20 - *
1º Gruppo Ricognizione Sq 1 - IT - OS12 - IMAM Ro.37 - *
1/1. Bombázószázad - HU - Ca.135
Escadrila 1 Bombardment - RO - JRS-79
1 Bombardirovŭchen Polk 1 Yato - BG - OS11 - PZL.43 - *
1/1. Bombázószázad - HU - OS12 - Ju 86 - *

Highlights


1º Gruppo Bombardamento Veloce Sq 1 is tasked with taking out a heavy fort near Orenthal, as no artillery or ground unit can reliably damage it without serious losses.


1º Battaglione Autoblindo manages to catch some French anti-tank guns off guard, as the French soldiers cannot provide support fire in these conditions.


With the fort weakened and some of the defenders driven off, Italian engineers can finish the job and demolish the structure.


Once Orenthal is encircled, its defenders slowly surrender, but this does take precious time and slows the advance down.


Meanwhile near Bliesbruck, French forces still struggle against fortifications and mine fields.


Once again the general uses every opportunity to get some occasional captures, even if the vehicles obtained this way are not the best quality.

Summary:

Final Prestige: 6942 (up 2409)

Overall:

While nothing could stop the French marching towards Mandelbachtal, general Bertorelli made almost the same journey on the other side of the Blies river, just in the opposite direction. Wagner reported that this unexpected turn of events threw the French army in disarray and there was a good chance that with a a few more events like this, they will not be able to coordinate any major offensive successfully. Still, French forces were massive and not to be underestimated. Saarbrucken was their obvious immediate target and Bertorelli needed to buy some more time to set up defenses there. There was a special plan in motion that was kept under the rug so far, since it violated the rules of warfare, but at the same time could take advantage of the issues in communication the opponents suffered form and further increase the chaos...

[Tassadar]

AO 1939 - Forbach

This operation was not something the general would willingly agree to, but desperate times and High Command orders made things difficult. A selected potion of troops was tasked with manning captured French vehicles and attacking their potions, provoking two armies to start fighting each other...

Starting Prestige (after purchases and replacements): 7092

Starting Army Composition:

Classified.

Highlights


One of the French armies comes ahead out of this unexpected confrontation...

Summary:

Final Prestige: 7692 (up 600)

Overall:

Despite breaking every rule in the book of combat engagements, the operation ended with a success. French forces started shelling each other and in the confusion they were not able to advance as quickly as they otherwise could have. This bought the general precious time to fortify Saarbrucken.

AO 1939 - Saarbrucken

It was time for final defensive action on the banks of river Saar. High Command thought that if the French are stopped here, it will discourage them from advancing further and the war will reach a stalemate, exactly what the Germans were hoping for on this front. Main points of attention were river crossing near Saarbrucken and Gersweiler, both holding valuable bridges that Germans wanted to preserve. At the same time, Halberg was at risk of being overrun due to relatively flat terrain in the area, but to slow things down Wagner suggested a quick raid of French dirt airfields, to reduce the planes' operating range.

Starting Prestige (after purchases and replacements): 6472

Hero:


László Duska was an infantry officer assigned to the second part of the general's forces. While not yet in combet, his ability to quickly learn form any mistakes on the battlefields made him an exceptionally valuable commander, who also excelled at combat against dangerous enemy forces and mostly specialized at attack against exposed artillery positions.

New Units Commissioned:

I Batallón de Caballería - ES - OS16 - ES Cavalry
3º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS11 - 75/46 C.A. M34 (Lancia 3Ro)
I. Ilmatorjuntapatteri - FI - OS12 - 2 cm FlaK 38 (Opel Blitz)
Hävittäjälentolaivue 1 - FI - OS11 - Gladiator Mk. II
Pommituslentolaivue 1 - FI - OS11 - Fokker C.X
1º Grupo de Bombardeo 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - OS11 - He 111H2

Firther reinforcements arrived in a few areas. The Spanish finally agreed to get some of the He 111 bombers transferred to Germany temporarily, while also sending some cavalry. Italy provided extra anti-aircraft guns for the sake of Saarbrucken defense and there were reports from Finland that the local army was quickly growing in numbers and was better equipped with each passing day.

Starting Army Composition:

Infantry

1º Reggimento Fanteria - IT - OS16 - IT Infantry (Truck) - *
2º Reggimento Fanteria - IT - IT HW Inf (Truck) - Survivor
1º Reggimento di Cavalleria - IT - OS16 - IT Cavalry - *
1º Reggimento Genio Guastatori - IT - IT Engineers (Truck) - * - Survivor
1º Reggimento Genio Pontieri - IT - OS17 - IT Bridge Eng (Truck)
I Batallón de Infantería - ES - Azul Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - ** - Teodoro Palacios Cueto
II Batallón de Infantería - ES - OS16 - Regulares (Opel Blitz)
I Batallón de Caballería - ES - OS16 - ES Cavalry

Tank

1º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - M11/39 - ** - Steamroller, Luigi Arbib Pascucci
2º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - L3/35 - *
3º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - L3/35 Lf - *
I Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES - OS11 - Trubia - ** - Steamroller
II Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES - OS11 - Verdeja 2 - ** - Steamroller

Recon

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

Anti-Tank

1º Battaglione Cannoni Controcarro - IT - OS12 - 47/32 M35 (Truck) - *
I Batallón de Antitanques - ES - OS12 - 37mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)

Artillery

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

Anti-Aircraft

1º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - 90/53 M41C (Lancia 3Ro)
2º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS12 - Breda 20/65 M35 (Truck)
3º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS11 - 75/46 C.A. M34 (Lancia 3Ro)

Fighter

1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 1 - IT - OS11 - CR.32 - *
1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 2 - IT - G.50
1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 3 - IT - Re.2000 - Adriano Visconti
1º Grupo de Caza 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - OS11 - I-16 - ** - Joaquin Garcia Morato

Tactical Bomber

1º Gruppo Bombardamento Veloce Sq 1 - IT - OS11 - Breda Ba.65 - ** - Giuseppe Cenni
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 1 - IT - SM.79 - **
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 2 - IT - Ca.135 - **
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 3 - IT - Fiat BR.20 - *
1º Gruppo Ricognizione Sq 1 - IT - OS12 - IMAM Ro.37 - *

Strategic Bomber

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

Reserve

1. Pontonos Hidász Ezred - HU - OS17 - HU Bridge Eng (Opel Blitz)
1. Műszaki Ezred - HU - HU Engineers (Opel Blitz)
1. Lövészzászlóalj - HU - OS16 - HU Infantry (Opel Blitz) - László Duska
2. Lövészzászlóalj - HU - OS16 - HU HW Inf (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 Geniu - RO - RO Engineers (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 2 Geniu - RO - OS17 - RO Bridge Eng (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 Infanterie - RO - OS16 - RO Infantry (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 2 Infanterie - RO - OS16 - RO HW Inf (Opel Blitz)
1 Pekhoten Batal’on - BG - OS16 - BG Infantry (Opel Blitz)
1 Konen Batal’on - BG - OS16 - BG Cavalry - Nikola Mutafchiev
1. pechotný prápor - SK - OS16 - SK Infantry (Opel Blitz)
1. ženijný prápor - SK - SK Engineers (Opel Blitz)
1. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 35M L3/35 - *
2. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 38M Toldi I - *
Batalionul 1 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - R1
Batalionul 2 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - R2
1 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - L3/33
2 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - Panzer 35(t)
I Panssaripataljoona - FI - OS11 - T-26 - * - Survivor
II Panssaripataljoona - FI - OS11 - BT-5
1. tankový prápor - SK - OS11 - LT vz.35
1. Felderítő Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 39M Csaba
Batalionul 1 de Cavalerie Blindat - RO - OS11 - OA vz.30
1 Razuznavatelen Batal’on - BG - OS11 - SdKfz 222
Ratsuväkiprikaati 1 - FI - OS11 - BA-6
1. mechanizovaný prápor - SK - OS11 - OA vz.30
1. Páncéltörő Zászlóalj - HU - OS12 - 3.7 cm Pak 36 (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 de Tunuri Anticar - RO - OS12 - 37mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)
1 Protivotankov Batal’on - BG - OS12 - 37mm 36M (Opel Blitz)
1. protitankový prápor - SK - OS12 - 3,7 cm KPÚV vz.37 (Opel Blitz)
1. Tüzérosztály - HU - 150mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)
2. Tüzérosztály - HU - 105mm 37M (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 Artilerie - RO - 150mm model 1934 (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 2 Artilerie - RO - 105mm model 1913 (Opel Blitz)
1 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - 12 cm M.1909 (Opel Blitz)
2 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - 10.5 cm M.1935 (Opel Blitz)
1. delostrelecký prápor - SK - 150mm vz.25 (Opel Blitz)
2. delostrelecký prápor - SK - 100mm Škoda vz.14/19 (Opel Blitz)
1º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - 90/53 M41C (Lancia 3Ro)
2º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS12 - Breda 20/65 M35 (Truck)
1. Légvédelmi Zászlóalj - HU - 88mm 29/38M (Opel Blitz)
2. Légvédelmi Zászlóalj - HU - OS12 - 40mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS12 - 25mm Hotchkiss (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 2 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS11 - 75mm Vickers/Resita (Opel Blitz)
1 Protivovŭzdushna Batal’on - BG - OS12 - 2 cm FlaK 30 (Opel Blitz)
1 Protivovŭzdushna Batal’on - BG - 8.8 cm FlaK 18 (Opel Blitz)
1. protilietadlový prápor - SK - OS12 - 20mm VKPL vz.36 (Opel Blitz)
2. protilietadlový prápor - SK - 83.5mm Škoda vz.22 (Opel Blitz)
1/1. Vadászszázad - HU - OS11 - CR.42 - *
Escadrila 1 Vanatoare - RO - OS11 - PZL P.11f
Hävittäjälentolaivue 1 - FI - OS11 - Gladiator Mk. II
1/1. Bombázószázad - HU - Ca.135
Escadrila 1 Bombardment - RO - JRS-79
1 Bombardirovŭchen Polk 1 Yato - BG - OS11 - PZL.43 - *
Pommituslentolaivue 1 - FI - OS11 - Fokker C.X
1/1. Bombázószázad - HU - OS12 - Ju 86 - *

Highlights


II Batallón de Carros de Combate attacks an undefended airfield and destroys multiple planes in the process, dealing a significant blow to the French forces.


With anti-aircraft guns and fighters covering most of the valuable targets in the area, French planes focus on bunkers and minefields, effectively not doing much.


Cavalry is perfect to chase bridge engineers trying to establish temporary river crossings.


Once again French firefighters are surprisingly durable. It is best to engage them defensively in the range of friendly anti-aircraft fire, as otherwise they can inflict significant losses.


Halberg is more than secure, a few French raids are easily dealt with considering lack of serious air support in this area.


Most of the serious fighting is happening near Gersweiler, but infantry securing defensive potions with artillery support can hold for a long, long time.

Summary:

Final Prestige: 6713 (up 241)

Overall:

The orders cam in, French forces have stopped! German generals informed Bertorelli that they will be able to hold the defenses in the foreseeable future and that he can join his Hungarian, Romanian, Bulgarian and Slovak forces back in Poland. While the attack was going well there initial resistance near the border was quickly overwhelmed, there were words of the Polish army mounting a major counterattack, so even second line units would likely have to be involved to prevent a breach in the front-line and encirclement of panzer units that moved so fast that their supply lines got stretched to the limit.

[Tassadar]

AO 1939 - Battle of the Bzura

General Bertorelli did not have a chance to perform a proper inspection of the army in Poland when he arrived. The German attack was going well, surprisingly so. The Polish strategy of deploying most of their forces just next to the border did not work out, since German forces with combined warfare managed to push through the defensive lines. Afterwards tanks and other motorized units were able to gain ground quickly, but this fast success came with a risk as well. Supply lines were stretched and a lot of Polish troops remained between the forward German positions. As such, the advancing men were risking getting surrounded and cut of. This could be disastrous despite the apparent advantages German forces had, especially in the air. As such, Bertorelli was asked to take command of Hungarian, Romanian, Bulgarian and Slovak rear guards to the advance and the order came not a moment too soon. Apparently two Polish armies were about to cross the Bzura river and attempt the very same counterattack the Germans feared.

Starting Prestige (after purchases and replacements): 5940

New Units Commissioned:

4º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - Somua S35
Batalionul 3 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - T-38
2. Páncéltörő Zászlóalj - HU - OS12 - 47mm FRC (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 2 de Tunuri Anticar - RO - OS12 - 47mm Schneider (Opel Blitz)

After the clashes in France, a decent number of French tanks were captured. Not all of them were modern machines, but all Somua S35 tanks were considered exceptional and immediately all in working condition assigned to a new Italian tank battalion. There was also a fair number of anti-tank guns acquired, which bolstered the already existing Hungarian and Romanian own stock.

New Equipment Provided:

1. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - Panzer 38(t)A
1 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - Panzer 38(t)

A lot of tanks captured intact in Czechoslovakia were about to get shipped to the German army, but seeing how new Panzer III and IV were about to be mass produced, general Bertorelli managed to convince higher ups to prioritize assigning the captured tanks to Hungarian, Romanian and Bulgarian forces, who so far had limited armored units. A few of these units were able to deploy to Poland already.

Starting Army Composition:

Infantry

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

Tank

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

Recon

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

Anti-Tank

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

Artillery

1. Tüzérosztály - HU - 150mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)
2. Tüzérosztály - HU - 105mm 37M (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 Artilerie - RO - 150mm model 1934 (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 2 Artilerie - RO - 105mm model 1913 (Opel Blitz)
1 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - 12 cm M.1909 (Opel Blitz)
2 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - 10.5 cm M.1935 (Opel Blitz)
1. delostrelecký prápor - SK - 150mm vz.25 (Opel Blitz)

Anti-Aircraft

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

Fighter

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

Tactical Bomber

1/1. Bombázószázad - HU - Ca.135
Escadrila 1 Bombardment - RO - JRS-79
1 Bombardirovŭchen Polk 1 Yato - BG - OS11 - PZL.43 - *

Strategic Bomber

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

Reserve

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

Highlights


Hungarian forces deploy to take over Piątek, hold the crossing and potentially counterattack towards the major rail network in Kutno.


Bulgarian troops are tasked with crossing the Bzura river between Piątek and Łowicz, helping with any potential encirclement.


Romanians are to capture Łowicz and then hold ground. If the opportunity arises they can also turn east to Sochaczew.


Small Slovak group will ensure no Polish military will attack the army from behind.


Piątek is captured and the terrain there makes it rather easy to defend once the hills are taken by artillery supported by enough artillery fire and some planes.


Bulgarians cross the Bzura and while they encounter some resistance, it does not prevent them from moving forward.


Romanian forces near Łowicz are under the biggest pressure, so the general needs to focus his attention on this area.


Ultimately, after a long fight, the Polish counterattack is repelled and Romanian are able to approach Sochaczew from behind.


Meanwhile the Hungarians moving towards Kutno encounter Polish armored reinforcements.


With the help of Slovak troops who secured the rear, Sochaczew is now surrounded and falls after a while.


Kutno is also cut off in the end, but surrounding Hungarian troops need to be wary of possible Polish counterattacks originating in Gąbin.

Summary:

Final Prestige: 8760 (up 2820)

Overall:

This was quite the tough fight for general Bertorelli and his troops for carious reasons. First of all, despite Wagner's reports about the Polish air force being mostly a minor distraction, the fighters deployed by the Romanian and Hungarians were not modern enough to easily ensure air dominance. It became clear that a major improvement was needed in this regard and that anti-aircraft artillery was for the time being a critical piece of the army composition. Secondly, many of the troops were lacking the combat experience their Italian and Spanish allies had. Sure a few talented pilots who took part in the Spanish Civil War stood out, but the rest only now was exposed to actual combat operations. Getting them more experienced required time - a luxury the general never had. Finally, the fighting revealed that even the new shipment of formerly Czechoslovakian tanks and some other equipment brought them only on par with the enemy. What fighting the French proved already was getting more and more obvious in Poland. There was no area where the general's forces had a technical superiority. The Germans stated some will to help, but according to Wagner it would be difficult to get any major deliveries done this year. Only if the campaign in Poland proves to be a success, Bertorelli can hope for more modern vehicles.

[Tassadar]

AO 1939 - Lvov

After repelling the Polish counterattack over the Bzura river, the general Bertorelli was ordered to move south to try and help the German forces deal with the retreating armies. It was clear the Poles will try to focus their defenses on Warsaw, so gaining as much ground as possible and cutting off any other forces form aiding the city was crucial. Bertorelli had to move fast to keep up with the German advance, but be mindful of the recent battle and possible flanking attacks.

Starting Prestige (after purchases and replacements): 6511

New Units Commissioned:

3. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 35M L3/35
3 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - L3/33
3. Tüzérosztály - HU - OS11 - 80mm 18M (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 3 Artilerie - RO - OS11 - 75mm model 1897 (Opel Blitz)
3 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - OS11 - 7.5 cm M.1904 (Opel Blitz)
3. delostrelecký prápor - SK - OS11 - 75mm vz.15 (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 3 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS12 - 3.7 cm FlaK 37 (Opel Blitz)
Hävittäjälentolaivue 2 - FI - OS11 - Fokker D.XXI

Battle near Bzura proved that even lighter field artillery will be required to keep infantry safe when approaching entrenched positions and as such the general assigned some additional artillery battalions that were originally not going to be deployed. He also had tankettes and some extra anti-aircraft guns pulled from deeper reserve to strengthen the options and choice for particular fights. Outside the Polish front, Finns acquired new fighter planes, further arming up for the unavoidable war.

Starting Army Composition:

Infantry

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

Tank

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

Recon

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

Anti-Tank

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

Artillery

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

Anti-Aircraft

Batalionul 1 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS12 - 25mm Hotchkiss (Opel Blitz)

Fighter

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

Tactical Bomber

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

Strategic Bomber

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

Reserve

1º Reggimento Fanteria - IT - OS16 - IT Infantry (Truck) - **
2º Reggimento Fanteria - IT - IT HW Inf (Truck) - Survivor
1º Reggimento di Cavalleria - IT - OS16 - IT Cavalry - *
1º Reggimento Genio Guastatori - IT - IT Engineers (Truck) - * - Survivor
1º Reggimento Genio Pontieri - IT - OS17 - IT Bridge Eng (Truck)
1. Pontonos Hidász Ezred - HU - OS17 - HU Bridge Eng (Opel Blitz)
I Batallón de Infantería - ES - Azul Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - ** - Teodoro Palacios Cueto
II Batallón de Infantería - ES - OS16 - Regulares (Opel Blitz)
I Batallón de Caballería - ES - OS16 - ES Cavalry
Batalionul 2 Geniu - RO - OS17 - RO Bridge Eng (Opel Blitz)
1 Pekhoten Batal’on - BG - OS16 - BG Infantry (Opel Blitz)
1 Konen Batal’on - BG - OS16 - BG Cavalry - Nikola Mutafchiev
1. pechotný prápor - SK - OS16 - SK Infantry (Opel Blitz)
1. ženijný prápor - SK - SK Engineers (Opel Blitz)
1º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - M11/39 - ** - Steamroller, Luigi Arbib Pascucci
2º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - L3/35 - *
3º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - L3/35 Lf - *
4º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - Somua S35
1 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - Panzer 38(t)
2 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - Panzer 35(t)
3 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - L3/33
I Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES - OS11 - Trubia - ** - Steamroller
II Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES - OS11 - Verdeja 2 - ** - Steamroller
I Panssaripataljoona - FI - OS11 - T-26 - * - Survivor
II Panssaripataljoona - FI - OS11 - BT-5
1. tankový prápor - SK - OS11 - LT vz.35
1º Battaglione Autoblindo - IT - OS11 - Lancia IZM - *** - Tommaso Lequio di Assaba
1 Razuznavatelen Batal’on - BG - OS11 - SdKfz 222 - *
I Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES - OS11 - UNL-35 - ***
Ratsuväkiprikaati 1 - FI - OS11 - BA-6
1. mechanizovaný prápor - SK - OS11 - OA vz.30 - *
1º Battaglione Cannoni Controcarro - IT - OS12 - 47/32 M35 (Truck) - *
1. Páncéltörő Zászlóalj - HU - OS12 - 3.7 cm Pak 36 (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 de Tunuri Anticar - RO - OS12 - 37mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)
1 Protivotankov Batal’on - BG - OS12 - 37mm 36M (Opel Blitz)
I Batallón de Antitanques - ES - OS12 - 37mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)
1. protitankový prápor - SK - OS12 - 3,7 cm KPÚV vz.37 (Opel Blitz)
1º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - 149mm 149/19 (Lancia 3Ro) - ** - Giuseppe D'Amico
2º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - 105mm 105/28 (Lancia 3Ro) - **
3º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - OS11 - 75/32 M37 (Truck) - ** - Skilled Support
4º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - OS11 - 75mm 75/27 (Truck) - ** - Skilled Support
1 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - 12 cm M.1909 (Opel Blitz)
2 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - 10.5 cm M.1935 (Opel Blitz)
3 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - OS11 - 7.5 cm M.1904 (Opel Blitz)
I Batallón de Artillería de Campaña - ES - 122mm M10/30 (Opel Blitz) - *
II Batallón de Artillería de Campaña - ES - 105mm Vickers M22 (Opel Blitz) - *
1. delostrelecký prápor - SK - 150mm vz.25 (Opel Blitz)
2. delostrelecký prápor - SK - 100mm Škoda vz.14/19 (Opel Blitz)
3. delostrelecký prápor - SK - OS11 - 75mm vz.15 (Opel Blitz)
1º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - 90/53 M41C (Lancia 3Ro)
2º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS12 - Breda 20/65 M35 (Truck)
3º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS11 - 75/46 C.A. M34 (Lancia 3Ro)
1. Légvédelmi Zászlóalj - HU - 88mm 29/38M (Opel Blitz)
2. Légvédelmi Zászlóalj - HU - OS12 - 40mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 2 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS11 - 75mm Vickers/Resita (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 3 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS12 - 3.7 cm FlaK 37 (Opel Blitz)
1 Protivovŭzdushna Batal’on - BG - OS12 - 2 cm FlaK 30 (Opel Blitz)
2 Protivovŭzdushna Batal’on - BG - 8.8 cm FlaK 18 (Opel Blitz)
I. Ilmatorjuntapatteri - 2 cm FlaK 38 (Opel Blitz)
1. protilietadlový prápor - SK - OS12 - 20mm VKPL vz.36 (Opel Blitz)
2. protilietadlový prápor - SK - 83.5mm Škoda vz.22 (Opel Blitz)
1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 1 - IT - OS11 - CR.32 - **
1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 2 - IT - G.50 - *
1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 3 - IT - Re.2000 - * - Adriano Visconti
1º Grupo de Caza 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - OS11 - I-16 - ** - Joaquin Garcia Morato
Hävittäjälentolaivue 1 - FI - OS11 - Gladiator Mk. II
Hävittäjälentolaivue 2 - FI - OS11 - Fokker D.XXI
1º Gruppo Bombardamento Veloce Sq 1 - IT - OS11 - Breda Ba.65 - ** - Giuseppe Cenni
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 1 - IT - SM.79 - **
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 2 - IT - Ca.135 - **
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 3 - IT - Fiat BR.20 - *
1º Gruppo Ricognizione Sq 1 - IT - OS12 - IMAM Ro.37 - *
1 Bombardirovŭchen Polk 1 Yato - BG - OS11 - PZL.43 - **
1º Grupo de Apoyo 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - OS11 - Hs 123a
Pommituslentolaivue 1 - FI - OS11 - Fokker C.X
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 4 - IT - CANT Z.1007
1º Grupo de Bombardeo 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - OS11 - He 111H2

Highlights


Romanian and Hungarian troops deploy to move towards two angles of attack over the San river.


Polish armored train encountered on the way is trapped and cannot retreat using the nearby bridge. Meanwhile fighter planes harass the general's infantry...


...and also catch some bombers off guard without escorts. It becomes obvious the Polish air force is far from defeated.


Armored cars and cavalry desperately resit. Even the old FT-17 tanks are not to be underestimated.


Ultimately the Polish army is not able to retreat and fight at the same time, get surrounded and defeated in the area, but similarly to the encounter near Bzura river, this was a difficult fight.

Summary:

Final Prestige: 8401 (up 1890)

Overall:

Due to the Polish forces attempting resistance while retreating at the same time, the overall encounter did not cause the same level of problems as Bzura battle did. Still selected Polish units fought fiercely and their fighters caused quite a bit of damage before being taken out. The same conclusion came to mind in terms of viability of the Hungarian and Romanian troops. They needed better and more aircraft, some extra tanks and also combat experience overall. It also became clear that even against the Polish army operating without proper support fire at all times was extremely risky. The general was constantly trying to balance the need to quicken the advance and keep his force in proper combat formation.

On a separate note, a lot of the fleeing Polish columns turned out to be civilian transports. While the Germans demanded all of the prisoners to be handed to them, Bertorelli was not about to do that. His experience from Spain made him understand what would happen to the prisoners and interestingly even Wagner agreed with his judgement and silently defied his superiors. As such, one cloudy night the guards were instructed to take a break, "accidentally" releasing quite a large group of captives. This made the Germans angry and impacted their willingness to supply the army with ammo and fuel, but at the same time greatly increased morale due to keeping to the rules of warfare and not giving in to ideological zeal.

[Tassadar]

AO 1939 - Wlodawa

Freeing the prisoners of war a few days earlier had a significant cost in terms of available supplies. General Bertorelli, so far in held in high regard was refused significant supplies by the Germans and even Wagner's support did not change this situation. It became clear that earning the trust again will take much time. At least the mean had high morale due to this decision, even considering the direct impact on the resources available. The logistic issues meant that the army needed to rely on other channels and the higher up already had new orders. To continue preparations for surrounding Warsaw, the general's force was to move north along the Bug river securing the border to which the Soviet troops were supposed to move. Of course probing the strength of the Soviet army was not entirely out of the question.

Starting Prestige (after purchases and replacements): 1391

Starting Army Composition:

Infantry

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

Tank

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

Recon

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

Anti-Tank

Batalionul 2 de Tunuri Anticar - RO - OS12 - 47mm Schneider (Opel Blitz)

Artillery

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

Anti-Aircraft

2. Légvédelmi Zászlóalj - HU - OS12 - 40mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)

Fighter

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

Tactical Bomber

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

Strategic Bomber

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

Reserve

1º Reggimento Fanteria - IT - OS16 - IT Infantry (Truck) - **
2º Reggimento Fanteria - IT - IT HW Inf (Truck) - Survivor
1º Reggimento di Cavalleria - IT - OS16 - IT Cavalry - *
1º Reggimento Genio Guastatori - IT - IT Engineers (Truck) - * - Survivor
1º Reggimento Genio Pontieri - IT - OS17 - IT Bridge Eng (Truck)
I Batallón de Infantería - ES - Azul Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - ** - Teodoro Palacios Cueto
II Batallón de Infantería - ES - OS16 - Regulares (Opel Blitz)
I Batallón de Caballería - ES - OS16 - ES Cavalry
Batalionul 2 Geniu - RO - OS17 - RO Bridge Eng (Opel Blitz)
1 Pekhoten Batal’on - BG - OS16 - BG Infantry (Opel Blitz)
1 Konen Batal’on - BG - OS16 - BG Cavalry - Nikola Mutafchiev
1. pechotný prápor - SK - OS16 - SK Infantry (Opel Blitz)
1. ženijný prápor - SK - SK Engineers (Opel Blitz)
1º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - M11/39 - ** - Steamroller, Luigi Arbib Pascucci
2º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - L3/35 - *
3º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - L3/35 Lf - *
4º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - Somua S35
1 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - Panzer 38(t)
2 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - Panzer 35(t)
3 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - L3/33
I Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES - OS11 - Trubia - ** - Steamroller
II Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES - OS11 - Verdeja 2 - ** - Steamroller
I Panssaripataljoona - FI - OS11 - T-26 - * - Survivor
II Panssaripataljoona - FI - OS11 - BT-5
1. tankový prápor - SK - OS11 - LT vz.35
1º Battaglione Autoblindo - IT - OS11 - Lancia IZM - *** - Tommaso Lequio di Assaba
1 Razuznavatelen Batal’on - BG - OS11 - SdKfz 222 - *
I Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES - OS11 - UNL-35 - ***
Ratsuväkiprikaati 1 - FI - OS11 - BA-6
1. mechanizovaný prápor - SK - OS11 - OA vz.30 - *
1º Battaglione Cannoni Controcarro - IT - OS12 - 47/32 M35 (Truck) - *
1. Páncéltörő Zászlóalj - HU - OS12 - 3.7 cm Pak 36 (Opel Blitz)
2. Páncéltörő Zászlóalj - HU - OS12 - 47mm FRC (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 de Tunuri Anticar - RO - OS12 - 37mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)
1 Protivotankov Batal’on - BG - OS12 - 37mm 36M (Opel Blitz)
I Batallón de Antitanques - ES - OS12 - 37mm Bofors (Opel Blitz)
1. protitankový prápor - SK - OS12 - 3,7 cm KPÚV vz.37 (Opel Blitz)
1º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - 149mm 149/19 (Lancia 3Ro) - ** - Giuseppe D'Amico
2º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - 105mm 105/28 (Lancia 3Ro) - **
3º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - OS11 - 75/32 M37 (Truck) - ** - Skilled Support
4º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - OS11 - 75mm 75/27 (Truck) - ** - Skilled Support
1 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - 12 cm M.1909 (Opel Blitz)
2 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - 10.5 cm M.1935 (Opel Blitz)
3 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - OS11 - 7.5 cm M.1904 (Opel Blitz)
I Batallón de Artillería de Campaña - ES - 122mm M10/30 (Opel Blitz) - *
II Batallón de Artillería de Campaña - ES - 105mm Vickers M22 (Opel Blitz) - *
1. delostrelecký prápor - SK - 150mm vz.25 (Opel Blitz)
2. delostrelecký prápor - SK - 100mm Škoda vz.14/19 (Opel Blitz)
3. delostrelecký prápor - SK - OS11 - 75mm vz.15 (Opel Blitz)
1º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - 90/53 M41C (Lancia 3Ro)
2º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS12 - Breda 20/65 M35 (Truck)
3º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS11 - 75/46 C.A. M34 (Lancia 3Ro)
1. Légvédelmi Zászlóalj - HU - 88mm 29/38M (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS12 - 25mm Hotchkiss (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 2 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS11 - 75mm Vickers/Resita (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 3 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS12 - 3.7 cm FlaK 37 (Opel Blitz)
1 Protivovŭzdushna Batal’on - BG - OS12 - 2 cm FlaK 30 (Opel Blitz)
2 Protivovŭzdushna Batal’on - BG - 8.8 cm FlaK 18 (Opel Blitz)
I. Ilmatorjuntapatteri - 2 cm FlaK 38 (Opel Blitz)
1. protilietadlový prápor - SK - OS12 - 20mm VKPL vz.36 (Opel Blitz)
2. protilietadlový prápor - SK - 83.5mm Škoda vz.22 (Opel Blitz)
1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 1 - IT - OS11 - CR.32 - **
1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 2 - IT - G.50 - *
1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 3 - IT - Re.2000 - * - Adriano Visconti
1º Grupo de Caza 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - OS11 - I-16 - ** - Joaquin Garcia Morato
Hävittäjälentolaivue 1 - FI - OS11 - Gladiator Mk. II
Hävittäjälentolaivue 2 - FI - OS11 - Fokker D.XXI
1º Gruppo Bombardamento Veloce Sq 1 - IT - OS11 - Breda Ba.65 - ** - Giuseppe Cenni
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 1 - IT - SM.79 - **
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 2 - IT - Ca.135 - **
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 3 - IT - Fiat BR.20 - *
1º Gruppo Ricognizione Sq 1 - IT - OS12 - IMAM Ro.37 - *
1 Bombardirovŭchen Polk 1 Yato - BG - OS11 - PZL.43 - **
1º Grupo de Apoyo 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - OS11 - Hs 123a
Pommituslentolaivue 1 - FI - OS11 - Fokker C.X
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 4 - IT - CANT Z.1007
1º Grupo de Bombardeo 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - OS11 - He 111H2

Highlights


General Bertorelli decided that the main army will move north directly, while a small group with the help of bridge engineers will scout Soviet movements.


Hungarian engineers deal with fortifications when necessary, clearing the way for other Hungarian units moving northeast.


Meanwhile Romanians travel northwest towards Zamość first.


Lightly armored units that crossed the river not only end up as reconnaissance, but also engage some of the Soviets to probe their strength for future campaigns. This can be easily explained later as miscommunication.


Trapped between two armies, Włodawa is forced to surrender, but its defenders deal significant damage to approaching infantry.

Summary:

Final Prestige: 3709 (up 2318)

Overall:

The path to Włodawa was weakly defended and small pockets of Polish resistance could not hold for long. The city itself however was fortified well and approaching it resulted in heavy losses. General Bertorelli needed to rethink his approach and formations in close terrain combat since his infantry was not as well equipped as the German counterpart. This meant the defenders were in a much better situation by default and concentrated artillery and bomber support was required to break through entrenched areas.