July 17, 1940
The Luftwaffe bombs the two garrisons south of London, but no naval movement yet. If Frank is planning on doing Sealion, this strategy makes sense, but he is running out of time before winter. If he is not doing Sealion, then bombing the garrisons makes no sense to me at all. He is wasting oil on doing damage that will cost me practically nothing to repair (only 7 PPs this past turn). If he is not doing Sealion, he should focus on bombing London strategically, since his Strats will be ineffective in bad weather.
In the Med, my sub spots German and Italian forces moving in for an amphibious invasion of Greece. I can't do anything about it; the RN only consists of 3 ships and a sub. If France can hold until July or late June, then I would probably have sent 2 BBs from the Atlantic to reinforce the Med fleet, but I couldn't do that this game because Frank conquered France in May. So I will let the Axis have their fun in Greece, and focus my attention on Egypt. If it doesn't appear that Frank is going to be aggressive there, I will invade Syria as soon as possible.
Joerock22 (Allies) v. Ftgcritt2 (Axis) - The War is Over
Moderators: rkr1958, Happycat, Slitherine Core
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joerock22
- Captain - Heavy Cruiser
- Posts: 928
- Joined: Fri Oct 03, 2008 12:38 am
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August 6, 1940
The Greeks counterattack the Axis invasion, resulting in a 1 step loss to a German mech. Athens is repaired up to 8 steps. With the danger of Sealion all but passed, the British spend their stockpile of resources on a strategic bomber and repairing the Malta fighter. The bomber may be placed in Canada, depending on u-boat activity. So far Frank is just patrolling the Central Atlantic, out of bomber range. Egypt and Iraq joined the Allies at the end of my turn.
The Greeks counterattack the Axis invasion, resulting in a 1 step loss to a German mech. Athens is repaired up to 8 steps. With the danger of Sealion all but passed, the British spend their stockpile of resources on a strategic bomber and repairing the Malta fighter. The bomber may be placed in Canada, depending on u-boat activity. So far Frank is just patrolling the Central Atlantic, out of bomber range. Egypt and Iraq joined the Allies at the end of my turn.
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joerock22
- Captain - Heavy Cruiser
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August 26, 1940
Greece surrenders, despite British calls for their soldiers to continue to hold out in the mountains. I guess they preferred to return to their families and live under the Nazi yoke.
British forces from Iraq and Egypt begin moving into position to invade Syria. I should be able to attack Damascus in 2 turns with 1 fighter, 1 CV, and 3 corps. With the 30 point surprise effectiveness drop, the garrison doesn't stand a chance. The British are saving their resources to purchase a commander for the Med theatre, probably Alexander. I don't see Frank getting aggressive in the Med. I don't recall seeing him move many units to Libya, though I suppose I should have kept better track.
Either way, the Syrian campaign should be over and done with before Frank moves on Egypt, and if not I can just rail the troops to where they need to be. That's the beauty of the Libyan/Egyptian border; it gives the defending side advance warning of any ground invasion.
Greece surrenders, despite British calls for their soldiers to continue to hold out in the mountains. I guess they preferred to return to their families and live under the Nazi yoke.
British forces from Iraq and Egypt begin moving into position to invade Syria. I should be able to attack Damascus in 2 turns with 1 fighter, 1 CV, and 3 corps. With the 30 point surprise effectiveness drop, the garrison doesn't stand a chance. The British are saving their resources to purchase a commander for the Med theatre, probably Alexander. I don't see Frank getting aggressive in the Med. I don't recall seeing him move many units to Libya, though I suppose I should have kept better track.
Either way, the Syrian campaign should be over and done with before Frank moves on Egypt, and if not I can just rail the troops to where they need to be. That's the beauty of the Libyan/Egyptian border; it gives the defending side advance warning of any ground invasion.-
joerock22
- Captain - Heavy Cruiser
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September 15, 1940
Still nothing on the Libyan/Egyptian border, but I do see some German transports docking in Libya. The invasion of Syria will be launched next turn. I probably won't risk using the CV since the RN is still undersized even with the addition of the new BB from the Persian Gulf. One fighter and three corps will probably get the job done, and if not it's no big deal. Alexander was recruited and is en route to his new command center in Egypt. His task: hold Egypt against Axis incursions and go on the offensive when ready. Keep the Axis out of Iraq at all costs.
Still nothing on the Libyan/Egyptian border, but I do see some German transports docking in Libya. The invasion of Syria will be launched next turn. I probably won't risk using the CV since the RN is still undersized even with the addition of the new BB from the Persian Gulf. One fighter and three corps will probably get the job done, and if not it's no big deal. Alexander was recruited and is en route to his new command center in Egypt. His task: hold Egypt against Axis incursions and go on the offensive when ready. Keep the Axis out of Iraq at all costs.
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joerock22
- Captain - Heavy Cruiser
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October 5, 1940
Syria is now in British hands after a successful invasion, and Alexander takes his command in Egypt. A new strategic bomber is deployed to Halifax, charged with patrolling valuable convoy lanes. Frank continues to focus his subs on the area west of Ireland, just out of bomber range. All British resources for the foreseeable future will go to DD and Strat production.
I purchased armour labs for the USA (#2) and the USSR (#1).
Syria is now in British hands after a successful invasion, and Alexander takes his command in Egypt. A new strategic bomber is deployed to Halifax, charged with patrolling valuable convoy lanes. Frank continues to focus his subs on the area west of Ireland, just out of bomber range. All British resources for the foreseeable future will go to DD and Strat production.
I purchased armour labs for the USA (#2) and the USSR (#1).
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joerock22
- Captain - Heavy Cruiser
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October 25, 1940
It's a good thing I finished off Syria when I did, because the Axis began their invasion of Egypt this turn! The British position themselves to defend the chokepoint, which Alexander will try to hold as long as possible. One more corps is now ready to rail from Syria next turn, in addition to the forces you see in the first screenshot.
Frank seems to be serious about this. The Italian armour is now in port at Benghazi, and I'm sure he brought some German units as well. I'm not sure if I can hold with the forces I have, so I plan to send in reinforcements. Next turn 2 corps, 1 mech, and the Canadian fighter will debark from Cardiff and make a mad dash for the Med, escorted by 2 BBs and 1 DD, which will join the RN already there. That should give me control of the seas and a sizeable boost on the ground and in the air. Judging by where I think his subs are lurking, I should be able to get far enough south on the first turn that only a couple of them will be in range to attack me. And from there, my ships and transports can simply outrun his subs.
I need complete surprise for this to work; it all goes to hell if Frank suspects something and withdraws his subs toward the English Channel. To that end, I didn't move any units that I thought were in his line of sight. He helped with that by attacking with his strategic bomber, showing me that he probably hasn't achieved Strategic Operations Lv. 1 yet. So the Germans hopefully didn't see any activity in England this turn. They will notice when my BBs at Southampton and Plymouth move next turn, but by then it will be too late. The second screenshot shows my units ready to board transport.
The only other item of note is the British purchase of a new DD.
It's a good thing I finished off Syria when I did, because the Axis began their invasion of Egypt this turn! The British position themselves to defend the chokepoint, which Alexander will try to hold as long as possible. One more corps is now ready to rail from Syria next turn, in addition to the forces you see in the first screenshot.
Frank seems to be serious about this. The Italian armour is now in port at Benghazi, and I'm sure he brought some German units as well. I'm not sure if I can hold with the forces I have, so I plan to send in reinforcements. Next turn 2 corps, 1 mech, and the Canadian fighter will debark from Cardiff and make a mad dash for the Med, escorted by 2 BBs and 1 DD, which will join the RN already there. That should give me control of the seas and a sizeable boost on the ground and in the air. Judging by where I think his subs are lurking, I should be able to get far enough south on the first turn that only a couple of them will be in range to attack me. And from there, my ships and transports can simply outrun his subs.
I need complete surprise for this to work; it all goes to hell if Frank suspects something and withdraws his subs toward the English Channel. To that end, I didn't move any units that I thought were in his line of sight. He helped with that by attacking with his strategic bomber, showing me that he probably hasn't achieved Strategic Operations Lv. 1 yet. So the Germans hopefully didn't see any activity in England this turn. They will notice when my BBs at Southampton and Plymouth move next turn, but by then it will be too late. The second screenshot shows my units ready to board transport.
The only other item of note is the British purchase of a new DD.
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Peter Stauffenberg
- General - Carrier
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joerock22
- Captain - Heavy Cruiser
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- Joined: Fri Oct 03, 2008 12:38 am
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I'm aware of that and I'm willing to pay whatever cost. I can't let transport costs dictate my strategy. Now, amphibious invasion costs are another matter, since they are much more expensive. But hopefully I won't have a need to overspend those any time soon.rkr1958 wrote:It's 8 PPs per transport, for the first three transports, if you have non-fair weather in central Europe NO matter what region the transport is in.Stauffenberg wrote:Remember that the British transport capacity might be 3 at this stage so you will pay 4 PP's in overuse per turn
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joerock22
- Captain - Heavy Cruiser
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November 14, 1940
The Axis advance closer in Egypt, and the British form their defense. My mech is the most vulnerable unit, but it has good effectiveness and defensive values so I'm hoping it can survive next turn. British scientists developed Dog Fight Lv. 1, so the Egyptian fighter and CV were upgraded. That should help even the odds with the two Axis fighter units I can see, which are both still at 4 air attack.
Those four units in southern England boarded transport and set sail without incident. The fighter and mech are given as much protection as possible, as I am much more willing to lose a corps than either of them. My strategic bomber came down to provide some air support. Now I get to see if I was right about the location of Frank's subs, and whether my attempt to surprise him was effective, or catastrophically wrong on both accounts!
The Axis advance closer in Egypt, and the British form their defense. My mech is the most vulnerable unit, but it has good effectiveness and defensive values so I'm hoping it can survive next turn. British scientists developed Dog Fight Lv. 1, so the Egyptian fighter and CV were upgraded. That should help even the odds with the two Axis fighter units I can see, which are both still at 4 air attack.
Those four units in southern England boarded transport and set sail without incident. The fighter and mech are given as much protection as possible, as I am much more willing to lose a corps than either of them. My strategic bomber came down to provide some air support. Now I get to see if I was right about the location of Frank's subs, and whether my attempt to surprise him was effective, or catastrophically wrong on both accounts!
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joerock22
- Captain - Heavy Cruiser
- Posts: 928
- Joined: Fri Oct 03, 2008 12:38 am
- Location: Connecticut, USA
December 4, 1940
The Axis took out the UK mech while suffering practically no losses. Last turn showed me that it's a mistake to sit back and let the Axis attack, so I went on the offensive. I damaged both front-line units, including the DAK, so that Frank will have to withdraw them or have his attacks be ineffective next turn. I still need to fight a delaying action until reinforcements can arrive.
And that won't be any time soon. The last of my escort BBs ran into a sub off Portugal, and I immediately cancelled the reinforcement attempt, sending the transports back to England. The only reason for a sub to be way down there was if it was screening for reinforcements. If I invaded Egypt, I would have sent a group of subs to block such an attempt by the British, so I could only assume that Frank had done the same and my units were sailing into a trap. In addition, the central and northern convoys have not been attacked yet, which makes me suspicious. I hope I can get away with only losing 1 naval unit. That way, the balance of naval power in the Med will shift to my favor. It already shifted a little with the damage to the Italian sub, which ambushed my CV trying to move out of port and was then hit by my fighter.
I think I might be better off waiting until the RN in the Atlantic gets stronger before sending reinforcements. Either way, with the effort the Axis are putting into Egypt, the Russians will look to be aggressive come Barbarossa time!
UK develops Strategic Operations Lv. 1 and Close Air Support Lv. 1, and the USA purchases an Air lab.
The Axis took out the UK mech while suffering practically no losses. Last turn showed me that it's a mistake to sit back and let the Axis attack, so I went on the offensive. I damaged both front-line units, including the DAK, so that Frank will have to withdraw them or have his attacks be ineffective next turn. I still need to fight a delaying action until reinforcements can arrive.
And that won't be any time soon. The last of my escort BBs ran into a sub off Portugal, and I immediately cancelled the reinforcement attempt, sending the transports back to England. The only reason for a sub to be way down there was if it was screening for reinforcements. If I invaded Egypt, I would have sent a group of subs to block such an attempt by the British, so I could only assume that Frank had done the same and my units were sailing into a trap. In addition, the central and northern convoys have not been attacked yet, which makes me suspicious. I hope I can get away with only losing 1 naval unit. That way, the balance of naval power in the Med will shift to my favor. It already shifted a little with the damage to the Italian sub, which ambushed my CV trying to move out of port and was then hit by my fighter.
I think I might be better off waiting until the RN in the Atlantic gets stronger before sending reinforcements. Either way, with the effort the Axis are putting into Egypt, the Russians will look to be aggressive come Barbarossa time!
UK develops Strategic Operations Lv. 1 and Close Air Support Lv. 1, and the USA purchases an Air lab.
Joe,
If you lose the Suez Canal that's really no big deal. Losing the middle east oil fields are. You can always reinforce through the Persian Gulf.
Of course in our past AAR I did lose those oil fields to you and almost lost the whole of the middle east. But now Persia is on your side as soon as Russia activates.
It appears that the value of MY AARs is that I keep showing people things NOT to do.
If you lose the Suez Canal that's really no big deal. Losing the middle east oil fields are. You can always reinforce through the Persian Gulf.
Of course in our past AAR I did lose those oil fields to you and almost lost the whole of the middle east. But now Persia is on your side as soon as Russia activates.
It appears that the value of MY AARs is that I keep showing people things NOT to do.
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joerock22
- Captain - Heavy Cruiser
- Posts: 928
- Joined: Fri Oct 03, 2008 12:38 am
- Location: Connecticut, USA
That's true, and I don't intend to defend Egypt to the last man, but I do intend to hold this chokepoint for as long as feasible. Then I'll withdraw my main army behind the river and let the Axis play with the Iraqi garrisons for a little while. If things get really bad I could send some Russian troops through Persia. They would get rail capability once they got out of the mountains, correct? If you aren't sure I'll just playtest.rkr1958 wrote:If you lose the Suez Canal that's really no big deal. Losing the middle east oil fields are. You can always reinforce through the Persian Gulf.
I believe this is correct but I'm not 100% sure. The Russians will get rail capability if in a UK controlled hex that has connectivity to the UK middle east rail network. Connectivity is based on hex to hex and not unit nationality.joerock22 wrote:That's true, and I don't intend to defend Egypt to the last man, but I do intend to hold this chokepoint for as long as feasible. Then I'll withdraw my main army behind the river and let the Axis play with the Iraqi garrisons for a little while. If things get really bad I could send some Russian troops through Persia. They would get rail capability once they got out of the mountains, correct? If you aren't sure I'll just playtest.rkr1958 wrote:If you lose the Suez Canal that's really no big deal. Losing the middle east oil fields are. You can always reinforce through the Persian Gulf.
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joerock22
- Captain - Heavy Cruiser
- Posts: 928
- Joined: Fri Oct 03, 2008 12:38 am
- Location: Connecticut, USA
I playtested with the 1942 scenario, and you are right; the Russians just have to get into the UK middle east rail network to be able to rail. That's good to know. Maybe I'll send a couple Russian tanks down there right away. Conceivably, they could do their thing and then get back to Russia in time for spring 1942. We'll see how the next few months go for the British first.rkr1958 wrote:I believe this is correct but I'm not 100% sure. The Russians will get rail capability if in a UK controlled hex that has connectivity to the UK middle east rail network. Connectivity is based on hex to hex and not unit nationality.
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joerock22
- Captain - Heavy Cruiser
- Posts: 928
- Joined: Fri Oct 03, 2008 12:38 am
- Location: Connecticut, USA
December 24, 1940
I may have been a little too cautious about the subs. Frank apparently only had 3 of them in attack range; he knocked a BB down to 4 steps. That BB will be sunk because of ZoC, but the other BB and the DD sailed safely past Gibraltar. I think I could have gotten at least 3 transports through if I had tried it. Oh, well. Losing Egypt isn't the end of the world, and I have plenty of time to reinforce Iraq if I need to.
In Egypt, the Axis reduce one of my corps to 2 steps, and I retreat it as far as I can. The only Axis air unit in range is the German fighter, so unless Frank gets really lucky that corps will survive. The British pull back to a new defensive line. The British have 3 hexes and the Axis only have 2, and 2 of the British hexes are protected by a rough zone that gives defensive bonuses. If Frank breaks through I can counterattack with my tank and reestablish the line. I think I can hold here for several turns.
My new plan: the Med RN will rendezvous with the newly arrived ships near Malta and escort the Malta fighter to Egypt. They will take control of the Med and destroy the Italian Navy if it comes out to challenge. Scientists developed ASW Lv. 2 and many units were upgraded, so the Italian sub will no longer pose any sort of threat to me.
The only other action was an Axis invasion of Yugoslavia. I forgot to reinforce the Belgrade defenders, so it will be an easy capture.
I may have been a little too cautious about the subs. Frank apparently only had 3 of them in attack range; he knocked a BB down to 4 steps. That BB will be sunk because of ZoC, but the other BB and the DD sailed safely past Gibraltar. I think I could have gotten at least 3 transports through if I had tried it. Oh, well. Losing Egypt isn't the end of the world, and I have plenty of time to reinforce Iraq if I need to.
In Egypt, the Axis reduce one of my corps to 2 steps, and I retreat it as far as I can. The only Axis air unit in range is the German fighter, so unless Frank gets really lucky that corps will survive. The British pull back to a new defensive line. The British have 3 hexes and the Axis only have 2, and 2 of the British hexes are protected by a rough zone that gives defensive bonuses. If Frank breaks through I can counterattack with my tank and reestablish the line. I think I can hold here for several turns.
My new plan: the Med RN will rendezvous with the newly arrived ships near Malta and escort the Malta fighter to Egypt. They will take control of the Med and destroy the Italian Navy if it comes out to challenge. Scientists developed ASW Lv. 2 and many units were upgraded, so the Italian sub will no longer pose any sort of threat to me.
The only other action was an Axis invasion of Yugoslavia. I forgot to reinforce the Belgrade defenders, so it will be an easy capture.
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joerock22
- Captain - Heavy Cruiser
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- Joined: Fri Oct 03, 2008 12:38 am
- Location: Connecticut, USA
January 13, 1941
The new year brings good news; for reasons I cannot fathom, Frank did not attack my 4-step BB and allowed it to escape! It fled to port at Gibraltar and will remain there until it is fully repaired and upgraded. The rest of the new fleet met up with the Malta DD southwest of Sardinia. Sub and air intelligence showed the Italian Navy retreating to port on the eastern side of the peninsula, so I decided to be a little bold with the Egyptian RN. Frank had destroyed a corps (one of the two protected by the rough strip...he must have gotten great results). I took out the Italian mech and inflicted total losses of 5:3 in air combat. My 2-step corps was repaired up to 6. Also, I brought up a garrison to plug a hole in the front line rather than my armour. The DAK could be back in action next turn, but I hope I don't lose another unit so soon. Either way, I may be retreating next turn. We'll see what happens.
The new year brings good news; for reasons I cannot fathom, Frank did not attack my 4-step BB and allowed it to escape! It fled to port at Gibraltar and will remain there until it is fully repaired and upgraded. The rest of the new fleet met up with the Malta DD southwest of Sardinia. Sub and air intelligence showed the Italian Navy retreating to port on the eastern side of the peninsula, so I decided to be a little bold with the Egyptian RN. Frank had destroyed a corps (one of the two protected by the rough strip...he must have gotten great results). I took out the Italian mech and inflicted total losses of 5:3 in air combat. My 2-step corps was repaired up to 6. Also, I brought up a garrison to plug a hole in the front line rather than my armour. The DAK could be back in action next turn, but I hope I don't lose another unit so soon. Either way, I may be retreating next turn. We'll see what happens.
Yes, you are right on that one. Its easier to achieve with the US!
The thing about the lack of oil for the axis is kinda subbltle in my opinion
Yes, an axis players being careful about is oil will probably never lack any, bu the mere fact that he is cautious on the oil factor make him move or attack less...
The thing about the lack of oil for the axis is kinda subbltle in my opinion
Yes, an axis players being careful about is oil will probably never lack any, bu the mere fact that he is cautious on the oil factor make him move or attack less...