Slitherine

I must have been lucky in the one or two games where I've taken the UK (though normally I leave one air unit in there to prevent partisans from reaching cities before my occupation forces do).

At the risk of giving away my playing style for future PBEM's, I rarely bother with Operation Sealion anyway. To me, its too much of a distraction ahead of Barbarossa. Since I never play with the "end in 45" option on when playing the AI, I prefer to have a massive Barbarossa roll like a thunderclap through Russia, and then turn on the UK and the US once Russia is done with. Two or three fighter units stationed on the French coast, along with garrison units in cities I've found is enough to prevent the UK from building any forces up, and combined with locking down the Atlantic which prevents US reinforcements coming into play, it forces the AI into uselessly building up forces in North America.

May 13, 1941 - Resistance movement crushed in UK

Research



17 and 2 Korps easily destroy the UK Partizan unit for the loss of only 1 step between them.

All accross the rest of Europe front line Corps continue to deploy to the Russian boarder and also to upgrade equiptment. Operation Barbarossa is due to begin in June.

In the Middle East the lead armoured and air units make repair whilst the infantry units continue to advance in support. 19 Motorised Korps moves next to Baghdad ready for a possible assault next turn.

The 3rd Italian fleet docks at Port Said ready to repair damage and the remainder of the Italian navy enters the tranportation loop.

Germany purchase a submarine. A new Motorised and a new corps unit deploy to Berlin.

Allied
10th Indian in Baghdad attack 19 Motorised Korps knocking off 2 steps for the loss of 4.

Summary:
A quiet turn really. I was going to lauch the offensive against Russia next turn but think I will hold it back 1 more turn and go end of June....this is too allow me to uprgrade the last 2 air units I've transfered accross which due to lack of attention don't even have strategic operations level 1 thus limiting their range far to much...lesson learnt: PAY MORE ATTENTION TO UPGRADES I also started other upgrades rather late....most of my Minors have got an upgrade to get the level 1 organisation and I also at the last minute decided to give my armour tank destroyers level 1 to help against the still superior Russian armour...as upgrading lowers effectiveness I should have done this a long time ago....stupid stupid me, lesson 2: PAY MORE ATTENTION TO UPGRADES!

My build up for Barbarossa:
Want 10 Corp units - Have 9
Want 4 Motorised units - Have 5
Want 4 Armoured Units - Have 4
Want 2 Fighters - Have 4
Want 2 Tac bombers - Have 3
I still have a few more units to add and will of course continue to build other units to support and reinforce/replace as and where needed. I did decide to build a Sub this turn and will probably increase naval assets over the next few months..with the Italian Navy heading for the Atlantic I can really start challenging the RN.

June 2, 1941 - Iraq falls to Axis advance! Resitance in UK continues!

Research


2 and 17 Korps return to Liverpool and London. My Uboat fleet heads for port to upgrade and repair.

A final few units upgrade and move into position in the Russian boarder, operation Barbarossa is due to begin June 22, 1941.
A German armoured unit deploys to Berlin and an Italian motorised corps deploys to Venice.

The Italian 1st and 2nd fleet enter the west African loop and the 3rd fleet enters the Red sea route...the submarinbe flotila is not deployed so I assume only 2 at a time can use the loop from the med to the red sea...hope they turn up next turn!

Iraq

Air power alone knocks 2 steps off of 10th Indian for the loss of 1 step from Luftflotte 2 (tac)
3 Panzer Korps takes out another 3 steps for no loss allowing the Italian armoured corps to take Baghdad also for no loss. 19 Motorised Korps repairs to full strength with the other infantry units moving up...Persia is next!

IRAQ IS CONQUERED

Germany purchases Model to take command inthe west (specifically the UK) whislt Italy saves her PPs hoping for another Lab next turn.

Allied turn
Partzans appear south of Glasgow...another UK garrison unit.

Summary:
Another slow one but upgrades complete and units in position.....Barbarossa begins next turn. I hope to continue building up the German navy at this stage but will need to ensure I have enough PPs to effect repairs!
I discovered something as well...when the Italians took Baghdad I expected the oil wells to remain in German hands but they did not! So I assume I would have had to keep a German unit on the wells for that to happen or is it when you take a Capital all their former cities/resource become the property of the conqerors? If that is the case I have to rethink what I'll do in Russia....I had hoped to spread the wealth a little leaving the oil in German hands (along with a few other resource square) but letting the Italians take a good chunk too......

Next turn report will detail the battle plan and final army strength for the upcoming invasion!!!!

June 22, 1941(part 1) - Axis high command evaluates current situation

Resarch progress

Italy builds her 3rd Infantry lab

Current German lab progress


Current Italian lab progress


Resources

Germany is making plenty of PP's now whilst Italy still strugles...with the relisation that I can not split Russias PP's I'm not sure how to further boost Italy. I will probably let Italy take Iran (persia) as although this gives yet more oil to them if I then let the Germans take Russia then that should be more than enough oil production to see me through. Of course until I take Moscow and Perm I can let the Italians have the odd city to give them a boost in the mean time.

Casulties

Axis casulties seem remarkably light so far..I of course expect to lose far more in the invasion of Russia!

Poilitical situation


UK Garrison

You can see 27 Korps in Glasgow, 2 Korps (1exp) in Liverpool, 17 Korps in London and 9 Korps (1exp) in Dublin.
Also in this picture is the current German fleet. Docked in Glasgow is the Highseas fleet (1exp) and the 3 Uboat flotillas can be seen at sea. Flotilla 2 has 1 exp.

Western Europe Garrison

Here you can see 5 reserve Korps in Brest, 21 reserve Korps in Cherbourg, the Slovak corps in Hague and 15 reserve Korps in Wilhelmshaven.

The west is very lightly held, I'll be relying on my navy to delay any possible invasion until Russia has fallen.

Italy and Balklands Garrison

You can just see the newly deployed Italian 1 corps (mot) near Venice, this will deploy to Russia. 7 Corps defends Rome, 9 Corps (garisson) defends Taranto, 3 Corps (garrison)defends Palermoand 26 Corps (garrison) defends Tirana. The Italian 2 and 6 Corps are still deployed near Athens and at least 1 will join the Russian attack. You can also see the Bulgarian 5th army in Sofia and their 1st army in Bucharest.

North Africa

Fortress Tobruk and 1st Libyan (both Italian garrisons) remain in Tobruk. Italian 10 Corps holds Port Said and 21 Corps Beirut (though I notice when I looked at the pic I've not actually placed them in the city!)
The Italian 3rd fleet (2exp) and 1st submarine flotilla can be seen in the Red sea ready to deploy to the Atlantic.

The "Afrika Korps"

3 Panzer Korps under Rommel, 19 Motorised Korps and the Italian armoured Corps can be seen around Baghdad. 4 Korps. Italian Alpini and 20 (mot) corps under Graziani can be seen advancing. Their air support is made up of Luftflotte 1 (fgt, 3exp) Luftflotte 2 (tac, 3exp) and 1 squadra Aerea (Italian fgt, 1exp)

Not shown is the Italian 1st and 2nd Fleets who have just emerged from the West African loop. 12 Korps defending Oslo and 36 Korps deployed in Finland. There is also the new 29 Panzer Korps at Berlin.

Army group North

Under the command of Kesselring. AGN consists of (north to south respective units) 20 Panzer Korps, 26 and 15 Motorised Korps, 25, 14, 13 and 1 Korps. Air support is from Luftflote 5 (tac, 2exp) and Luftflotte 3 (fgt, 3exp)
I have marked out expected direction of advance (the big red arrow) and marked objectives this army group is expected to take in blue. They are to take Leningrad, Novgorod and Rzhey before the 1941 winter and hold that line through the winter months.

Army group Centre

Under the command of Guderian. AGC consists of 7 (1exp) and 24 Panzer Korps, 11 Motorised Korps, 23, 8, 18, 10 and 28 Korps. Air support is provided by Luftflottes 4 (fgt, 2exp) 9 (tac) and 8 (fgt)
They are to make it to Moscow and Tula before the winter hits.

Army group South

Under the command of Manstein. AGS consists of 16 Panzer Korps (1exp) 22 and 6 (1exp) Motorised Korps. The Hungarian mobile Corps as well as their 2nd, 3rd and 1st armies. The Romanian Cavalry Corps as well as 2,3,1 and 4 corps. The Bulgarian 3rd army holds the southern flank. Air support is provided by Luftflottes 6 (tac) and 7 (fgt) as well as the Romanian FRAR (fgt)
They aim to take Kursk, Kharkov and Rostov before the winter, Sevastopol and the Crimea will be contained but not attacked, I dont want to waste PPs, manpower or time storming a fortress unnessasarily. Whilst the largest of the 3 battle groups it is also the weakest as most of its manpower is made up of Axis minor units, they also have far more ground to take but these guys are really a diversion to distract Russian efforts to defend Moscow and later Perm.

And thats it, my plan in all its glory....are the objectives I've set achievable or am I perhaps being over cautious? Only time will tell. If all goes well I'll be driving for Perm in 1942 with AGN.

A few things I can see there.

1. You've done remarkably well to keep German and Italian casualties that low - extremely well in fact. That bodes well for your Russian campaign (where your casualties WILL go up a lot...hehe).

2. If you can get Leningrad before Winter 41 you'll be doing really well, it's a tough ask though.

3. Army Group South - depending on how your oil goes, you may wish to bend south and grab the oil, alternately pick off Iran (more oil) and head north (keep in mind though, that is is slow due to the terrain which you have to just crawl through virtually one hex at a time.../sigh).

OzHawkeye wrote:A few things I can see there.

1. You've done remarkably well to keep German and Italian casualties that low - extremely well in fact. That bodes well for your Russian campaign (where your casualties WILL go up a lot...hehe).

2. If you can get Leningrad before Winter 41 you'll be doing really well, it's a tough ask though.

3. Army Group South - depending on how your oil goes, you may wish to bend south and grab the oil, alternately pick off Iran (more oil) and head north (keep in mind though, that is is slow due to the terrain which you have to just crawl through virtually one hex at a time.../sigh).

Theres been a lot of luck keeping caulties low....more than 1 attack has gone far better than the odds suggested especially my air attacks

Well fingers crossed for Leningrad...I've not yet attacked a fortress with much success (my 1st game saw me bounce off the things!) but hey I'm feeling confidant!

Army Group South will probably go after the oil in the cuacasus in 1942. Afrika Korps is going after Iran but im not sure what i'll do with them afterwards...am toying with the idea of turkey...more PP for my Italian allies!

Thanks for the on going encouragment and suggestions

June 22, 1941 (part 2) - Russia invaded by Axis forces! Russia siezes Finnish land! Finland responds by declaring for Germany

In the UK the German Highseas fleet shells the area where large groups of Partizans are reported to be reducing them by 2 steps. 27 Korps takes out another 5 losing 2 of their own. Uboat flotilla 2 docks at Dublin and flotillas 1 and 3 will reach ports next turn. 17 Korps in London repairs.

The 3rd Italian fleet and the 1st Submarine flotilla enter the west Africa loop ready to join up with the remiander of the Italian Navy.
The Afrika Korps advances towards the Iranian boarder.

GERMANY DECLARES WAR ON RUSSIA, ITALY AND ALL MINORS FOLLOW SUIT MERE HOURS LATER

Army Group North (AGN) punch through the badly prepared Russian defences and succede in taking Riga! German loses amount to only 3 Motorised infantry steps with the Russians losing a total of 30 steps (totally destroying 3 infantry units) The 2 Russian garrison units to the north are cut of from any supply source.
The newly built 28 Panzer Korps rails to Konigsberg joining this group.
AGN at end of movement


Army Group Centre (AGC) storm Brest-Litovsk and punch through towards Minsk cutting off 3 further Russian units. A total of 20 Russian steps were lost (2 full units) for no German loses! Luftflotte 8 made no attack so will support the south this turn (losing a step in the progress)
AGC at end of movement


Army Group South (AGS) manage to advance beyond the 1st river killing 30 Russian steps (3 full units) losing a step from a German armour and 1 from a motorised Korps.
They dont manage to cut of any Russian units but hopefully combined with AGC will cut off the 6 garrison units between the 2.
AGS at end of movement


The new Italian 1 Corps (mot) upgrades and 6 Corps near Athens rails to Riga joining AGN.
A new German fighter deploys to Berlin and German spends her PPs on a new armour unit, a sub and a Garrison (that deploys to Berlin)

Updated casulties

The Russians took a hell of a pounding in the initial phase for very little Axis loss, thats kind of historical!

Allied turn
Finland joins the Axis after Russia annexes some land.
Russia launches massive counter attack with air and armoured units. Several Axis units badly mauled and Guderian is injured forcing him to spend 20 days out of action.
Russian Baltic fleet leaves port and take position to help supply 2 garrison units cut off in the north.

Summary:
A huge turn. The primary offensive went well and gives me hope that my 1st year objectives can be met. I'm not worried too much about the Russian garrison units I'm leaving behind my lines even in suply with a move of 2 they aren't going anywhere in a hurry...I will knock them out only if forced to. Of course just to be safe I have started to build up garrison units of my own to rail to captured cities as my main forces advance. And I will remmeber to watch my own supply routes!
The Russan counter attack was pretty servere taking quite a few steps off my lead units (as well as taking a leader out of action for a turn) but they did pay the price with some of their air units getting pretty badly chewed up.
The Middle East is now definately a secondry theatre but will hopefully secure the Iranian oil fields as I fear I will be burning through my reserves pretty quickly now. With the Italian fleet assembling at the west Africa loop next turn a couple more Uboats on the way and my existing Uboat fleet almost ready to upgrade it is time to see if I can gain control of the Alantic. Stopping te northern convoys is number 1 priority,sinking the RN number 2.

July 12, 1941 - Axis units continue to advance in Russia! UK uprising ended!

research

Updated Casulties following Russian counter attacks

Over 50,000 infantry were lost from Germany and the minors - about 1/7th of total loses so far "ouch" Almost 400 tanks and 52 planes were also lost. Italy also lost 5000 Infantry from the Corps deployed to AGN.
In reply I took out 280 tanks and 312 planes.
Though the air exchange was in my favour (predictably) the ratio of loses suffered from ground units was horendous. This just fuels my fear of the Russian armour!

In the UK the partizan unit is destroyed for no loss. The Highseas fleet takes to sea while Uboat flotilla 2 repairs its damage. The other 2 Flotillas dock ready for all 3 to upgrade next turn.
The Italian navy gets under way to link up with the German navy to the north.

The Afrika Korps advance to the Persian boarder redy to launch an offensive next turn.

AGN

The most northernly Russian armour unit (actually located south of this group) is detroyed taking quite a few German steps with it. The Russian fighter unit is knocked down to 4 steps by the rapidly advancing 20 Panzer Korps reaching the outskirts of Pskov. The Italian Corps advance son Tallinn suported by German units.
Luftflotte 3 attacks the Baltic fleet each losing 1 step...just a reminder that it may not be safe to hang around though that would probably be more effective against a human opponent!
The new 31 Reserve Korps rails to Konigsberg protecting both the luftwaffe stationed there and the city. The new fighter unit Luftflotte 10 rebases to a forward position
After AGN moves


AGC

The Russian motorised Corps is destroyed. A fighter is revealed next to the Russian tac bomber when it intercepts the Luftwaffe. Loses are light but I do manage to knock the bomber out. The armour unit goes down but once more dealing out damage in its death throes.
After AGC moves


AGS

I manage to again knock out the Russian armour unit but this time loses are light for the Germans. Another Russian garrison unit is killed and lead elements reach Odessa. Theres still 1 fresh Russian armour unit I can see, lets hope it doesn't cause too much damage!
After AGS moves


Italian 2 Corps rails form Athens to Brest-Litovsk joining AGC as their advance stalled a little trying ot kill the 2 Russian units. The Finish army supported by 36 Korps attack the Russian units north of Leningrad with both sides losing a total of 5 steps, this at least will make the AI spend PP's repairing them.

Germany purchases a Carrier and 2 garrison units who both deploy to Berlin. The Italians save their PPs for a lab next turn.

Allied turn
The Russian counter attack is far less destructive this turn. The fresh armour unit in the south loses 3 steps but manages to knock 5 of off a minor corps unit...i'll take that!
The unit in Odessa also attacks out swapping steps which is good for me at this point.

Summary:
AGN is advancing well which is good as ultimately it will be this group that goes after Perm in 1942 so they really need to get to their target position.
AGC stalled a little this turn knocking out the armoured and motorised unit but I did not want these 2 running rampant so feel it was worth it. The addition of the Italian Corps should help get them moving as they so need to leave troops watching those Garrison units I left behind, they need to take Moscow to prevent all those PPs going to the Ruskies!
AGS has broken through nicely and I am confidant they will achieve their objectives.
I am still warry of any further Russian armoured units...those I knocked out cost me alot of steps, not to mention time!
I purchased a carrier to reinforce the Axis navy, I'm not sure if the UK has strengthened theirs at all so thought it wise to overly cautious. It s also needed in preperation for the US entry into the war next year, when that happens I'll need a far stronger naval precence than I had in my 1st game, though this time I do have th benefit of the Italian fleet joining me in the Atlantic (my 1st game I left them in the Med doing nothing!)

August 1, 1941 - Iran attacked! Axis forces continue their advance

Research


Casualties

Italy builds their 4th Infantry lab
The German Uboat fleet undertakes massive upgrading making them far more deadly.
The Italian fleet continues north to reindevous with the Germans.

AXIS POWERS DECLARE WAR ON PERSIA

The Luftwaffe take 2 steps off of Persian 1 corps defending Tehran losing 1 fighter step from Luftflotte 1, the ground forces advance.

AGN

The Russian fighter and ac bomber are destroyed on the ground. Talinn falls to the Italians and the advance force reaches the outskirts of Pskov. Another step is knocked off of the Baltic fleet. The inconclusive fighting on the Finnish boarder continues.
AGN after moves


AGC

Minsk taken. A general advance ensuring supply cut from what was the Russian front line forces.
AGC after moves


AGS
Odessa taken, Russian armoured and fighter units destroyed.
AGS after moves


32 Reserve Korps rails to Riga, Italian 1 Corps (mot) rails to Odessa joining AGS and 33 Reserve Korps rails to Warsaw.

A new Uboat flotilla deploys to Wilhelmshaven.
Guderian is healed but will wait till a Panzer Korps is stationary to deploy.

Germany purchases a strat bomber for the west and 2 more Garrison units whom deploy to Berlin.

Allied turn
No attacking from the Russians this turn, just some manouvering/redeploying

Summary:
The drive continues! Persisa is slow going due to all the rough ground, in future I think taking corps units into this terrain is not so wise (just to slow!
The Russian offensive continues to go well, athough casulties are mounting they are not too punishing yet. I'm a little concerned that AGC is not advancing quick enough and may need to redirect elements of AGN to help them..I will sacrifice not taking Lenningrad to ensure Moscow falls.
My 1 major worry at present is oil....I'm burning through reserves fast what with the major offensive and large scale naval movement, still takign Persia will hopefully aleviate the problem slightly and of course during the winter break my reserves should have a chance to replenish enough for the final drive on Perm. If I do not manae to subdue the Russians I will be in big trouble!

Might want to include your shared German/Italian oil reserves. Unless they're terribly low though, you should be OK. If worst comes to worst, you can deflect Army Group South away from Stalingrad and to the Russian oilfields. Once Iran+Russian Oil are in your hands, Oil should never again be a problem really.

August 21, 1941 - Pskov falls! Guderian returns to the front line

Research

A good turn for my scientists!
The German Navy set sail looking to stop any further northern convoys reaching Russia. The Italian navy continues towards the reindevous.

Iran

Air power knock out 1 step from the Persian Corps defending Tehran losing 1 step each off of Luftflottes 1 and 2. 19 Motorised Corps swaps 2 steps for 2 and 3 Panzer Korps 1 for 1. The Italian armoured corps moves close enough to attack next turn and all remaining forces ead north towards the Russian boarder.
Iran after moves


AGN

Pskov is taken. Remaining ground forces advance east towards Leningrad, Novogorad and Rzhey. The Luftwaffe reduce the Baltic fleet to 4 steps, against a hman opponent I'd expect it to withdraw now.
German and Finnish troops manage to destroy 1 of the garison units and end with 1 unit adjacent to Leningrad.
AGN after moves


AGC

The Russian motorised inf is destroyed. Guderian returns to 7 Panzer Korps. All other units continue advancng towards Smolensk and Byansk.
AGC after moves


AGS

Italian 1 corps takes Knvoy Rog without a fight.
The Romanian cavalry Corps completes the encirclement of 6 Russian units effectively taking hem out of the fight.
Other units continue their advance
AGS after moves


34 reserve Korps rails to Brest-Litovsk and 35 reserve Korps to Odessa.

A new armoured unit deploys to Berlin. Germany purchases a tac bomber and 3 more garrisons whom deploy to Berlin.

Allied turn
Some new Russian units appear ahead of AGC.
The Russian Corps in Leningrad attacks the Finnish units losing a step and taking out 2.

Summary:
Hmmm I just realised I have only 2 turns left before October and may have to take the chance that the Russian winter comes late in order to achieve my objectives. I do not want to leave all those PP's in Russian hands over the winter! AGN is the only group I'm totally confidant will reach their objectives and will almost certainly have to divert to take Moscow. AGC is almost certainly not going to achieve theirs without the aid form AGN, AGS is 50/50
A goodc chunk of the Russian front line garrison units are stranded out of supply behind my lines, I will have to be careful here as there are lots of them!
My oil situation worsens and I'm down to less than 300 oil at the end of the turn!

September 10, 1941 - Axis advance across Russia Stalls! Iran surenders as Tehran occuppied

I start the turn with 336 oil.
Research

Casualties

The German and Italian navies reindevous near the port to Murmansk


In the east Tehran falls with for no Axis loses, other units continue advancing north revealing Russian units guarding the boarder.
Iran after moves


AGN

The Finnish army destroys the last garrison unit north of Leningrad allowing the German 36 Korps to move next to the fortress.
Novgorad taken, other units advance cutting off another Russian corps.
AGN after moves


AGC

All units advance cutting off yet another Russian corps. Have moved into position to hopefully take Smolensk and Bryansk next turn before the winter hits.
AGC after moves


AGS

Kiev taken. Dnepropetrovsk taken. Russian motorised corps destroyed.
Other units move into position to hopefully take final objectives next turn.
AGS after moves


The newly created 37 Panzer Korps rails to Dnepropetrovsk joining AGS and is hopefully in a position to assist the final offensive of this year. 38 reserve Korps rails to Tallinn, 39 reserve to Pskov and 40 reserve to Minsk.
The new Uboat flotilla deploys to Wilhelmshaven.
The Italians purchase a carrier to help in the Alantic war. Germany purchase another Armour unit and 2 more garrisons whom deploy to Berlin.
I have 252 oil left at the end of the turn meaning I burnt up 84 moving and attacking! ouch!

Allied turn
The Russian corps in Leningrad attacks out losing 2 steps and inflicting no loses..helpful.
The Russian 5th Tank corps appears to the NW of Moscow attacking 15 Motorised Korps of AGN losing 2 and kiling 3 steps.
The Corps in Bryansk attacks out with both sides losing 2 steps.

Summary:
Ok time for a rethink on Objectives....
AGN should take all of theirs including Leningrad (with the Finnish armies help!) but are not really in a position to move on Moscow without serios risk of being caught out badly by the Russian winter...especially with an armoured unit appearing on the scene.
AGC can not achieve their objectives....its 2/3 turns of movement just to reach Moscow assuming I dont hit any resistance! They will now take Smolensk and Bryansk but not drive towards Moscow or Tula. A failure!!!! But on the flip side they will be in position to go for Moscow in 1942 whilst AGN go for Perm.
AGS should manage most of their objectives but Rostov will probably be just a step to far...I may risk the winter for 1 turn to secure this target. Kursk is also 50/50 and I may have to choose to leave this 1 too.
The Oil situation is not as bad as I feared, 252 may seem very low but then there is only 1 more turn before the winter, after that oil consumption should drop dramatically for a while allowing my reserves to replenish.
With the full might of the Axis navy assembled I should be able to stop any convoys reaching Russia as well as give the RN a rough handling if they choose to intervene...I may even have a go at stopping the UK convoys if enough of the RN is sunk.

September 30, 1941 - More Russian cities fall! RN suffers loses to Destroyer fleet!

For the first time in quite a while there were no great progress made in any reasearch areas...Axis scientists are punished!

The Axis powers start the turn with oil reserves of 323...a gain of 71.

Casualties


German Uboats locate a 112 strength Russian convoy being escorted by the RN 1st Destroyer flotilla (7 steps strong)
Uboat flotilla 3 and the Italian submarine flotilla take out the Destroyer flotilla for the loss of onlt 1 step from the Uboats.
the Italian surface fleets hold position to increase effectiveness and the Highseas fleet moves forward. The covoy will never reach port!
Final positions


The "Afrika Korps" attacks the Russian corps on the boarder forcing it back with 5 lost steps. The Italian airforce rebases and reveals strong defences on the Russian oil fields


AGN

Prior to the pic 36 Korps had atacked Leningrad losing a step and knocking 2 off of the Russian defenders.
Everything that can reach gets thrown at Leningrad including the Luftwaffe allowing the Italians to finish the last step and take the fortress! This allows 36 Korps and the Finnish army to officially join AGN.
Rchev is also taken.
AGN after moves


AGC

Smolensk and Bryansk taken.
24 Panzer Korps attacks the Russian 5th armoured corps thats threatening AGN resulting in 2 steps lost form both units.
AGC after moves


AGS

Kursk and Kharkov taken. The Italians take the mine. The majority of other units hold position and repair.
Only Rostov remains untaken on AGS objective list and I may just go for it next turn.
AGS after moves


41 Reserve Korps rails to Novgorod.
The new Strategic bomber deploys to Berlin in range of the Russian Baltic fleet, they'll finnish them befoe deploying to the UK.
Germany purchase a new armoured and motorised unit.
At the end of turn I have an oil reserve of 226, an expenditure of 97!

Allied turn
The Royal navies 2nd and 4th battle Squadrons appear to take over escort duties for the convoy.
A Russian counter attack at Bryansk reduces 11 Motorised Korps to 1 step!
A new Russian armour unit apears near Kursk.

Summary:
Well AGN managed to take all of their objectives (albeit just!) so they should be ready for the drive to Perm next year.
AGC (as expected last turn) fell well short of their original objectives but did manage to take their revised ones....still they're looking a little vulnerable now especially following that counter attack.
AGS has fallen just short but with the winter holding off for at least 1 more turn they might just take that last city
Over all I'm pleased with the success but feel I'm vulnerable in several places if the Russians launch any sort of major counter offensive, I should be able to hold in the north and south its just AGC I'm concerned with.
The 2 UK BBs appearing gives me a good opportunity to do some damage (with the whole Axis navy gathered) but I must remember to hit the convoy..I don't want that many PPs getting through to Russia!

October 20, 1941 - The battle of the Atlantic in full swing! German economy strugles to keep up replacing loses!

Research


Casualties


Axis oil reserves at 298 (a 72 increase)
Italy builds a 2nd air lab (more for the cariier than the fighter!)

The Atlantic

German Uboats swarm the RNs 2nd Battle Squadron utterly destroying it for the loss of 4 Uboat steps.
The Highseas fleet engages the 4th Battle squadron with odds of 5:3 and succedes in knocking out 6 steps for no loss! this allows me to finish them losing only 1 step form a Uboat flotilla.
The Italian surface fleet starts taking down the convoy.
After moves


In Iran the armoured units continue to advance towards the boarder, the infantry holds and repairs.

The newly formed Luftflotte 11 (strat bomb) takes 2 steps off the Baltic fleet alllowing the fighters of Luftflotte 10 to finnish them....this leaves 2 more Russian corps out of supply.

AGN mostly holds position and repairs with only a few units redeploying to the front.
AGC does the same with the badly mauled 11 motorised Korps withdrawing to safety, PPs are already very low so its a good job I repaired the majority of AGS last turn!
I decide to not go after Rostov as its not worth many PPs and it'll cost me too much to take it (imo)
42 reserve Korps rails to Kiev.
A new tac bomber deploys to Berlin, Germany and Italy both purchase a Garrison unit who deploy to Berlin and Genoa.
Axis oil reserves are down to 228.
German man power has dropped to 95% following all the loses I've made good this turn. Italys is at 109%

Allied turn
Theres a little bit of movement arounf Russia but not much, most worrying is another armourd unit to the NW of Moscow and I see them deploy a fighter unit there too.
The Russian armour in the south launches a counter attack knocking 3 steps off of 1 of my minor units.
The Uks 1st battle squadron appears in the midst of the Axis navy

Summary:
Just waiting for winter now! Most of my forces are rebuilt to full strength but theres still 1 or 2 that need some more repair (notably 11 Motorised!) the Russian armour in the south is due a good kicking now and being totally unsupported probably wont last too long! The sheer amount of PPs spent to repair my forces shows just how far I pushed my forces, they were well beat up.
Its all about getting into position for the drive on Moscow and Perm now, I'll wait until the end of Winter to upgrade my eqiptment.
Once the 1st battle squadron is gone I'll look at sending some subs out to intercept the UK convoys as well.

November 9, 1941 - British fleet all but destroyed! Northern Convoy takes heavy loses!

Research


The Uks 1st battle squadron sunk for the loss of 3 Uboat steps. Northern convoy reduced to 57
Luftflottes 11 & 12 (strat and tac bomb) redeploy west to cover the UK.

The "Africa Korps" reduces 1 of the Russian garrison units to 2 steps whilst advancing towards the oil.


AGN manages to reduce the new Russian armour unit that appeared to 2 steps and redeploys ready to dig in for the winter.
AGN after moves


AGC manages to reduce the Russian fighter (Luftflotte 8 actually intercepted when I sent the tac bombers form AGN against the Russian armour)
Ground troops repair and dig in!
AGC after moves


AGS destroys the Russian armour that launched the counter attack and take up positions to ride out the winter
AGS after moves


43 Reserve Korps rails to Kharkov and 4 Italian Corps (new build garrison) rails to Dnepropetrovsk.

Italy purchases 2 new garrisons who deploy to Genoa and Milan. Germany saves their PPs as I dont want to deplete their manpower too much.

A new armoured unit deploys to Berlin.

Allied turn
very little happens, just a bit of moving on the Russian front.

Summary:
Still no winter..if this keeps up I'll regret not going after Moscow!
I forgot to record oil levels this turn but i still burnt a fair bit...still moving should be a minimal in the east now so lets hope to build up a little....well at least enough to get me to Moscow/Perm and all that Russian oil!

November 29, 1941 - Russian convoys cry for aid! Russian armour suffers heavy loses

Research


Casualties

Oil reserves at 289
In the Atlantic the northern covoy is reduced to only 8 steps and surronded. 4 Uboat flotillas head south to see what other mischieve they can cause.

The "Afrika" Korps destroys they Russian garrison unit they reduced last turn and reduce the corps unit on the boarder to 6 steps. Lead units reach the mountains.


AGN reduce the Russian fighter unit to 1 step losing a step each off of both fighter Luftflotte. The Russian armour is reduced to 1 step and forced to retreat, I choose not to follow it as i want to increase efectiveness and entrench.


Luftflotte 8 finishes off the Russian armour that AGN damaged. Luftflotte 4 finishes the Russian fighter and Luftflotte 9 knocks a step off of the Russian 5th tank corps that moved onto the front line last turn. The 2 Panzer korps complete the job losing a step in the progress.


Theres very little movement with AGS as they repair and "dig in"


I realise that my drive eastwards has outstripped my rail range from my core cities so theres a bit of juggling. 32 reserve korps rails form Warsaw to Smolensk and is replaced by the Italian 5th corps (garisson) 32 reserve korps rails form Riga to Kursk and is replaced by the Italian 8th corps (garrison)
The newly built 44 Panzer Korps rails to Bryansk joining AGC and 45 Motorised Korps rails to Rzhey joining AGN.

A new armoured unit deploys to Berlin.
Germany purchases a new carrier and another sub - both in anticipation of the USA joining the war...I will keep the Atlantic clear of any allied invasion forces.
Italy purchase a new Corps unit probably to deploy to the west as I do still need to build up some fighting forces in France!
Germany saves 63pp and Italy 27.
Oil Reserves are down to 212 a usuage of 77.

Allied turn
I spot a UK ship sail past Scotland towards Scapa flow? I only caught a gimpse but I think it was a Destroyer....wel the UK must be spending their PPs on something!
In the east Russia moves some corps and a lone motorised unit onto the front line.....sending forces in like this piecemill is probably not a good idea!

Summary:
The fighting has died down as I anticipate the winter hitting, I want effectiveness and entrenchment levels as high as I can get them. The longer the winter holds off the better for me!
I wont bother sending anything towards Scapa flow to see what the UK ship was...theres not really alot it can achieve down there anyway.
Oil is still being burnt quite heavily but this is the 1st turn expentiture does not massively outstrip supply! I burnt up a bit rebasing the 2 Luftflotte in the UK and that wont happen again and I probably wont need to use my fighters for a while as I will launch only very limited counter attacks untill the winter has passed, with the Afrika Korp (they probably need a new name!) so close to all that Oil in the Caucusses I should have no problem over the next year even if I fall short of taking Russia out (which is a worry at the back of my mind...there seems to be alot of ground to cover with AGN!)
The next few turns will probably pass quite quickly as there wont be alot going on

December 19, 1941 - Heavy snow in Russia reduces Axis effeciency! USA declares was on Germany!

Research

Oil reserves at 286.

The Highseas fleet sinks the remainder of the convoy and the Italian navy heads west looking for another target. The German Uboat fleet heads south and spots another Destroyer docked at Halifax.

Army Group Caucusus (formaly Afrika Korps) reduce the Russian corps unit on the boarder to 6 steps and forces them to retreat. Other units prepare for an attack on the Oil fields.


AGN destroys the Russian motorised corps that had moved forward and damages the corps unit currently behind the lines.

AGC hold positions and repair/entrench except for Luftflotte 9 which attacks a corps unit that had moved in next to the 3rd Hungarian army.

AGS throw thier air power and the 3rd Hungarian armour at the same corps unit reducing in to 3 steps, 0 efectiveness and forcing it to retreat.
I also notice a Russian Motorised corps emerging from the Crimea..

46 Panzer Korps rails to Rzhev joining AGN.
The 1st Bulgarian army rails to Dnepropetrovsk to help contain the Russians in the Crimea.

The German carrier group is ready in Wilhelmshaven and an Italian corps unit deploys to Genoa.
Germany and Italy both purchase a Destroyer and a Garrison unit (deployed to Berlin and Milan) Germay also purchase a fighter for the west.

Oil reserves are down to 238, an expenditure of 48.

Allied turn
Snow hampers the Axis forces in Russia

A 94 strong Convoy moves into view heading for Murmansk.
I see a smaller convoy (14?) arrive at Halifax.
The Russian Motorised corps attacks the 1st Bulgarian army forcing it to retreat with the loss of 2 steps. The Russians lose 1.
The Japanese bomb Pearl harbour


Summary:
Well the winter finally hit and ouch! The Axis minor units are well hurt though most of the Germans are still looking ok! the movement penalty is going to be tough but I might be able advance in the North a little to close the distance to Perm.
I totally forgot the US was due to enter now (I was thinking next year!) so will have to reevaluate my plans here, the Uboats will full back as I dont think they'll be strong enough to challenge the US navy alone. I built the Destroyers in anticipation of UK and/or US subs...if they dont appear they'll still be useful against convoys, once my Italian carrier arrives in the Atlantic I might hve a go at the US fleet.

January 8, 1942 - RN answer the Russian convoys request for aid

Research


Casualties

Oil Reserves at 311.

The Russian convoy is reduced to 63. Other Axis naval forces converge on location. The new German 1st Carrier group undergoes an upgrading of its air wings.

Army Group Caucusus (AGCa) reduce a Russian garrison unit to 1 step and force it off the oilfield it was protecting. The Italian armoured corps cuts the 2 Russian units on the boarder off from supply.


AGN upgrades its Luftwaffe units and all others hold position to increase effectiveness.

AGC upgrades its Luftwaffe and Panzer units, all others hold position

AGS upgrades its Panzer units. The Luftwaffe and Romanian FRAR attack the Russian motorised corps that came from the Crimea reducing it by 2 steps, the Bulgarian 1st army repairs its damage and all other units hold

The new Italian 8 Corps (garrsion) rails to Bordeaux and 7 Corps (corps) rails to Paris.
germany purchases Heinrici for his +1 defence and the Italians purchse Messe for France as well as a garrison unit that deploys to Genoa.

At the end of the turn German manpower is at 807 (94%) and Italian manpower is at 462 (105%)

Allied turn
The Uk ship that I saw earlier over by Scotland is seen moving back towards the northern convoy (and the Axis navy)
I'm now fairly certain it was a destroyer. The Destroyer from Halifax has moved up north and is looking vulnerable.
several Russian units advance onto the German front line.

Summary:
I want to get rid of those RN ships but the Northern convoy is still number 1 target priority.
I will let all my units in Russia buld up effectiveness because the movement penalty is far more severe than I remember from my 1st game (though in that 1 when the winter hit I was on the defensive!) AGS is the most severly hit as they have very few German units and lots of Minors.
AGCa is doing well and should over run the oild fields fairly quickly, though 3 of the units are corps not garrisons.
I'm going to spend German PPs on upgrades and to get any other leaders with an attack or defence bonus to allow manpower levels increase. Italy will build up a few more infantry types to deploy in the West incase of American/UK aggression!

January 28, 1942 - USN enters the battle for the Atlantic. Equiptment upgrades reach the Eastern front and UK

Research

Oil reserves at 341

The UKs destroyer flotilla is sunk for the loss of 3 Uboat steps and 1 step from the Highseas fleet.
The Italian Navy attacks the convy reducing it to 39 steps. The German 1st Carrier group takes to sea.
Units deployed in the UK all upgrade.

AGCa - The damaged garrison unit is destoyed and the 1st oil well taken.


AGN - The Luftwaffe and 46 Panzer Korps destroy the Russian corps unit. Infantry and remaining Panzer units upgrade.

AGC - Infantry units upgrade and 44 Panzer forces another Russian corps back.

AGS - The Luftwaffe and FRAR continue to attack the Russian motorised corps allowing the Romanian 4th corps to wipe them out for no loss. The 1st Bulgarian army moves to block any further units from emerging from the Crimean.

47 reserve Korps rails next to Krivoy Rog. 14 Italian corps (garrison) rails to Brussels.
Messe deploys to Paris, Heinrici waits for a suitable unit next turn.
Germany saves her remaining PPs while Italy purchases a Corps unit and a Garrison (deploys to Genoa)
oil reserves end the turn at 255. A usuage of 86.

Allied turn
The Northern convoy escapes out of sight so will need to be found.
USA Destroyer flotilla 3 attacks Uboat flotilla 1 resulting in 3 lost steps to both units.
I see 2 other ships bypass the German navy and heading north...probably BBs

Summary:
I'll use the Italians to keep after the convoy whilst the German navy (aided soon by a carrier) tackles the USN
On the eastern front I will leave units to build up effectiveness until the winter movement penalties end and then commence stage 2 of the attack on Russia. With the exception of the Luftwaffe of AGS all units have now upgraded and as far as I can see I have a massive tech advantage now.

February 17, 1942 - Convoy slips past Italian navy!

Research

Casualties

With industry fully researched Germany switches General focus to organisation in the hope of actually getting level 4. Also build 4th armour lab.

The Italian 1st and 3rd fleets along with their submarine flotilla block of access to the port to Murmansk to stop the northern convoy escaping, from the new positons i can now see the UK destroyer is escorting the convoy.
The Highseas fleet attacks the US Destroyer that attacked last turn sinking 4 steps and losing 1 of their own. Uboat Flotilla 3 sink the remainder for no loss. Flotilla 4 locates the US Battleship Division 5 allowing flotilla 2 to sink 4 steps losing 1 of their own. badly damaged flotilla 1 heads eastwards for port.
The 2nd Italian fleet engages the RN Destroyers taking out 3 steps and losing 1.

AGCA - heavy air bombardment on Baku reduces the 45th army by 3 steps but even so 3 Panzer Korps and 19 Motorised Korps fail to make an impression both losing 1 step and only reducing 45th army by 2.

AGN - luftflotte 10 loses a step and takes 3 of a new build Russian fighter.

AGC - All 3 Luftflotte attack a Russian corps that is trying to move around AGS northern flank. 44 Panzer Korps wipes it out.

AGS - Both Luftflotte and the FRAR upgrade. The 1st Bulgarian army and 4th Romanian Corps move to stop any more Russian units appearing out of the Crimea area.

Heinrici takes command of 28 Panzer Korps in AGN, a new sub unit deploys to Wilhelmshaven, a fighter deploys t Essen ready to rebase to the UK, the Italian carrier deploys to Taranto and a Corps to Milan.
The Italian 9 Corps (garrison) rails to Marseiles.

Italy purchases a Corps unit and a garrison that deploys to Genoa.
Germany purchase a Corps unit and save their remaining PPs

Allied turn
The Northern convoy runs strait into the Italian Subs, loses 4 steps then vanishes!
The Highseas fleet comes under attack from a US Tactical bomber based in Canada and the planes from the UKs 1st Carrier squadron and ends with only 5 steps!

Summary:
Still waiting for the winter to end in the East..ho hum
The Atlantic battle got interesting with the UKs carrier arriving, I had forgoten about them! The Highseas fleet and my Uboats are pretty badly beat up and I'll need to cycle some units out for repair...i could do with more ships to replace them on the line and will probably have to expand my ship building a bit more!
I thought I'd been smart by blocking the port to Murmansk but apparantly convoys still get through...guess it would have been a kind of exploit if you could just block it off! Ah well that was a fair few PPs I've let slip through, next time I'll make sure the convoys are sunk!