Introduction
CEaW v 1.12 w/BJR Mod + Tweaks(6.1.2009) (see viewtopic.php?t=10807 ). This game is one of four that I'm currently playing as part of the play testing of the BJR mod tweaks. I'm playing two as the Axis and two as the Allies. Since the strategy I plan to employ in this game against Joe will be similar to that against Randy I've requested that Randy also stay out of this AAR until my game with him is over.
Hopefully, we'll play this, and the other games underway with the tweaks, to completion and find an even better balanced BJR mod. I encourage all feedback and discussion on the game, the BJR mod and the proposed tweaks that we're playing this game under.
I plan to post a lot of pictures and headlines.
AAR2 - Joe (Axis) vs Ronnie (Allied) (The War is Over!)
Moderators: Happycat, rkr1958, Slitherine Core
AAR2 - Joe (Axis) vs Ronnie (Allied) (The War is Over!)
Last edited by rkr1958 on Mon Oct 05, 2009 6:46 am, edited 4 times in total.
September 1, 1939. Headlines. War! Poland Invaded! Poland Counterattacks! Canada Mobilizes.
Poland's counterattack inflicted additional losses of 5-steps of armor (spread across two corps). This translates into an additional 24 PPs that the German's must pay to repair (i.e., replace) these losses.
The Canadian fighter will be sent to the UK and the 1st and 2nd Canadian infantry and motorized corps will be sent to North Africa. Hopefully I will perform better in North Africa this game.
A French BB and UK sub are headed at full speed to try to engage the German BB or DD fleets in the Skagerrak straits or in transient to Wihelmshaven. We'll see how that turns out.
I opted to build the 25 PP French leader so I can build a French infantry corps next turn. Also, I built a 55 PP UK leader so I could build the UK's first research lab, which was UK.Lab(1).Navy(1).ASW.
p1. Poland at the End of Germany's Turn
p2. Poland at the End of the Allies Turn
p3. Canadian Fighter Headed to UK and Ground Corps to North Africa
p4. French BB & UK Sub Race to Interdict German Navy
p5. UK & French Leader Builds & UK Research
Poland's counterattack inflicted additional losses of 5-steps of armor (spread across two corps). This translates into an additional 24 PPs that the German's must pay to repair (i.e., replace) these losses.
The Canadian fighter will be sent to the UK and the 1st and 2nd Canadian infantry and motorized corps will be sent to North Africa. Hopefully I will perform better in North Africa this game.
A French BB and UK sub are headed at full speed to try to engage the German BB or DD fleets in the Skagerrak straits or in transient to Wihelmshaven. We'll see how that turns out.
I opted to build the 25 PP French leader so I can build a French infantry corps next turn. Also, I built a 55 PP UK leader so I could build the UK's first research lab, which was UK.Lab(1).Navy(1).ASW.
p1. Poland at the End of Germany's Turn
p2. Poland at the End of the Allies Turn
p3. Canadian Fighter Headed to UK and Ground Corps to North Africa
p4. French BB & UK Sub Race to Interdict German Navy
p5. UK & French Leader Builds & UK Research
September 21, 1939. Headlines. Poland Surrenders! Germany Invades Denmark! UK Provides Assistance to Denmark. France Mobilizes. UK Increases Their Investment in War Research.
Poland fell this turn. Two turns is becoming the norm in most games that I play. I'd say it falls in two turns ~60% of the time and in three turns the other 40%.
Germany also invaded Denmark but it held. The garrison was reduced to 3-steps but I reinforced it back up to 6-steps in the hopes that Joe will have to use one or both of his tactical bombers to finish it off. My intention is to try to delay him for one more turn before he takes on the west (i.e., Holland, Belgium and then France). The French BB took up position in Skagerrak straits in the hope of blocking u-boat flotilla three and / or the German DD after the fall of Denmark. The UK sub isn't far behind. We'll see what kind of havoc (if any) those two fleet units can cause.
I built a French infantry corps this turn, which will be ready for deployment next turn. After this I will only build garrison and repair ground units for the French. I try to keep the French air out of the initial battles with the Germans because air is so expensive to repair that I choose not too in favor of building more French ground units.
The UK purchased their second lab, which was UK.Lab(2).Air.DF(1).
p6. Poland
p7. Denmark
p8. France
p9. UK Research
Poland fell this turn. Two turns is becoming the norm in most games that I play. I'd say it falls in two turns ~60% of the time and in three turns the other 40%.
Germany also invaded Denmark but it held. The garrison was reduced to 3-steps but I reinforced it back up to 6-steps in the hopes that Joe will have to use one or both of his tactical bombers to finish it off. My intention is to try to delay him for one more turn before he takes on the west (i.e., Holland, Belgium and then France). The French BB took up position in Skagerrak straits in the hope of blocking u-boat flotilla three and / or the German DD after the fall of Denmark. The UK sub isn't far behind. We'll see what kind of havoc (if any) those two fleet units can cause.
I built a French infantry corps this turn, which will be ready for deployment next turn. After this I will only build garrison and repair ground units for the French. I try to keep the French air out of the initial battles with the Germans because air is so expensive to repair that I choose not too in favor of building more French ground units.
The UK purchased their second lab, which was UK.Lab(2).Air.DF(1).
p6. Poland
p7. Denmark
p8. France
p9. UK Research
October 11, 1939. Headlines. Denmark Falls. Allied Navies Blockade Skagerrak Straights. Oh Canada! Viva La France!
As expected Denmark fell this turn and I'm sure that the German u-boat flotilla 3 got through the Skagerrak straights before I could complete the blockade of it with the French BB and UK sub. The UK sub is exposed; however, if the German DD runs into it hopefully the French BB will get a good whack at it. We'll see how the strategy of the blockade works out.
The RN arrived off the coast of Canada and began escorting the Canadian fighter to the UK. It ended this turn also escorting a 26 PP convoy headed to England. However; because of the movement differences between a transport (17 MPs) and a convoy (12 MPs) the convoy will have to be left behind next turn as time is critical. This fleet needs to get the Canadian fighter to the UK, get back to Canada, escort the 1st and 2nd Canadian land corps to the African transport loop and get back to the UK before the Fall of France. The French Med BB fleet will not join the RN back to Canada. It will enter the channel and cause what damage it can against any German forces.
I continue to build up the French defenses. All builds from now on will be garrisons.
p10. Denmark and the Skagerrak Straits
p11. Canada and Transport/Convoy Escort.
p12. French Mobilization (Oct 11, 1939)
As expected Denmark fell this turn and I'm sure that the German u-boat flotilla 3 got through the Skagerrak straights before I could complete the blockade of it with the French BB and UK sub. The UK sub is exposed; however, if the German DD runs into it hopefully the French BB will get a good whack at it. We'll see how the strategy of the blockade works out.
The RN arrived off the coast of Canada and began escorting the Canadian fighter to the UK. It ended this turn also escorting a 26 PP convoy headed to England. However; because of the movement differences between a transport (17 MPs) and a convoy (12 MPs) the convoy will have to be left behind next turn as time is critical. This fleet needs to get the Canadian fighter to the UK, get back to Canada, escort the 1st and 2nd Canadian land corps to the African transport loop and get back to the UK before the Fall of France. The French Med BB fleet will not join the RN back to Canada. It will enter the channel and cause what damage it can against any German forces.
I continue to build up the French defenses. All builds from now on will be garrisons.
p10. Denmark and the Skagerrak Straits
p11. Canada and Transport/Convoy Escort.
p12. French Mobilization (Oct 11, 1939)
October 31, 1939. Headlines. UK Submarines Discovered. French Blockade Kattegat Bay. Royal Navy and French Fleet Protect Vital Shipping.
U-boat flotilla 3 had not exited the Skagerrak Straights before the UK sub closed the blockade. Joe expected the UK sub to be where it was and used UF-3 to uncover it. The UK sub lost 2-steps to 0 lost for UF-3. Also, since this was sub to sub discovery UF-3 was immune from attack during my turn. I retreated the UK sub back to the channel and moved the French BB to a position that blocked the exit from Kattegat Bay. As you can see this "uncovered" the German BB fleet southeast of Copenhagen. Whatever damage and / or delay this fleet can cause is a bonus.
The 26 PP convoy moved in such a manner that it stayed close enough that both the fighter transport and it could be escorted. The fighter transport is exactly 17 hexes away for the port at Cardiff and should enter that port provided no German u-boats are blocking its way. Of course one or two escorts will have to lead the way to ensure that no u-boats are lurking in the way, and if they are, reveal them so that they can be attacked by the RAF strategic bomber. This bomber was rebased this turn to cover the last leg of this journey.
I built two more French garrisons this turn. Also, I was 1 PP short of being able to build England's 3rd research lab, which costs 35 PPs.
p13. Denmark. UK Subs Discovered.
p14. French Fleet Blockade of Kattegat Bay.
p15. Escorts of Canadian Fighter Transport and Convoy
p16. France.
U-boat flotilla 3 had not exited the Skagerrak Straights before the UK sub closed the blockade. Joe expected the UK sub to be where it was and used UF-3 to uncover it. The UK sub lost 2-steps to 0 lost for UF-3. Also, since this was sub to sub discovery UF-3 was immune from attack during my turn. I retreated the UK sub back to the channel and moved the French BB to a position that blocked the exit from Kattegat Bay. As you can see this "uncovered" the German BB fleet southeast of Copenhagen. Whatever damage and / or delay this fleet can cause is a bonus.
The 26 PP convoy moved in such a manner that it stayed close enough that both the fighter transport and it could be escorted. The fighter transport is exactly 17 hexes away for the port at Cardiff and should enter that port provided no German u-boats are blocking its way. Of course one or two escorts will have to lead the way to ensure that no u-boats are lurking in the way, and if they are, reveal them so that they can be attacked by the RAF strategic bomber. This bomber was rebased this turn to cover the last leg of this journey.
I built two more French garrisons this turn. Also, I was 1 PP short of being able to build England's 3rd research lab, which costs 35 PPs.
p13. Denmark. UK Subs Discovered.
p14. French Fleet Blockade of Kattegat Bay.
p15. Escorts of Canadian Fighter Transport and Convoy
p16. France.
November 20, 1939. Headlines. Germany Invades Holland! Holland Surrenders! Is Neutral Belgium Next? France Prepares to Come to Belgium's Aid. Canadian Fighter Unit Arrives in England. England War Department Invests in Infantry Research. Canadian Ground Troops Train for War. Admiral Raeder Frustrated?
UK built their third lab (UK.Lab(3).Inf(1)). The RN head back to Canada to escort the two ground corps to Egypt. I plan to build two more UK infantry corps to defend against Sea Lion. But based on Joe's past history of going strong in Egypt I want to make sure that I reinforce there. The UK BB fleet at Gibraltar sailed to join up with the bulk of the RN near the east coast of North America. Also, the UK BB that ensure the path was clear for the fighter transport, that's now adjacent to Cardiff will also head back to sea but will travel due south and hooked up the RN Atlantic fleet somewhere near the Azores.
The UK strategic bomber and fighter were redeployed to northern Ireland to cover the two convoys north of Ireland against German u-boat attacks.
UK manpower is 70 (or 71%). Whatever losses they take, or have taken (i.e., sub), will not be repaired until it reaches 75% or higher to avoid the -1 quality hit.
Also, a super secret device called Ultra was used to decode the following intercepted German naval message.
p17. Holland, Belgium and France.
p18. Canadian Fighter and Convoys
p19. UK Research.
p20. 1st & 2nd Canadian Corps
UK built their third lab (UK.Lab(3).Inf(1)). The RN head back to Canada to escort the two ground corps to Egypt. I plan to build two more UK infantry corps to defend against Sea Lion. But based on Joe's past history of going strong in Egypt I want to make sure that I reinforce there. The UK BB fleet at Gibraltar sailed to join up with the bulk of the RN near the east coast of North America. Also, the UK BB that ensure the path was clear for the fighter transport, that's now adjacent to Cardiff will also head back to sea but will travel due south and hooked up the RN Atlantic fleet somewhere near the Azores.
The UK strategic bomber and fighter were redeployed to northern Ireland to cover the two convoys north of Ireland against German u-boat attacks.
UK manpower is 70 (or 71%). Whatever losses they take, or have taken (i.e., sub), will not be repaired until it reaches 75% or higher to avoid the -1 quality hit.
Also, a super secret device called Ultra was used to decode the following intercepted German naval message.
This appears to be a message from Admiral Raeder. Though the first person reference to being able to bring in the Luftwaffe is confusing as this would imply that the message was for Goering and not Raeder. However; Army intelligence believes this grammatical confusion is the result of the decoding and translation.Joe's email wrote:I was a fool for not anticipating that you would move that French BB into the chokepoint between Denmark and Sweden. Ah, well, for now I shall leave you alone. The way will be cleared when the French surrender, and if necessary I can bring the Luftwaffe into the fray if the RN intervenes. Holland surrendered this turn.
p17. Holland, Belgium and France.
p18. Canadian Fighter and Convoys
p19. UK Research.
p20. 1st & 2nd Canadian Corps
December 10, 1939. Headlines. Germany Invades Neutral Belgium! Belgium Surrenders! French Army Moves into Belgium. French Fleet Shells German Coastal Positions. General List Commander of German Army West. Troop Transports and Escorts Form Near Halifax. UK Invests in Armor Research. Neutral USA and USSR Increase Funding for War Research.
I moved the French into Belgium and next to the German corps and formed a double defense line. All of the first and second line units are garrisons; except for the 9th Armee French corps on the front line near Luxembourg and the French corps in Lillie. I'd preferred all garrisons on the front line; but it wasn't possible so I moved a corp there. Also, I have a reserve consisting of the French armor corps and two infantry corps.
I got good results with the French fleet shelling the German infantry corps on the coast. It knocked off 3-steps. I can't ask for any better than that.
There are at least two thoughts on establishing the initial French defensive line after the Fall of France. One is to keep them in place, which keeps their entrenchment. The other is to move them in contact with the Germans in order to force them to fight to fight harder for Lillie and to cross over into France. I prefer the second.
I left the French corps in Lillie because it's entrenched is at 5 this turn, which will be 6 next turn. It should be at 7 or 8 by the time the Germans mount an attack on Lillie. While I know I can't hold Lillie against a determined German attack I want it to be as painful as I can make it using a passive defense (i.e., not attacking but forcing German to attack).
The French will mount a passive defense unless the there's a chance to bag an Armor corps or until the captured of Paris is near.
Joe decided to build List (5 leadership) instead of building Rundstedt (6 leadership). The cost difference is 55 PPs versus 70 PPs, so Joe saved 15 PPs. An interesting choice. I usually go for Rundstedt.
The UK strategic bomber inflicted only 1-step of loss of UF-2. I was hoping for better but I'll take what I can get. I guess this makes up for the good result the French BB got shelling the German infantry corps.
The UK, USA and USSR built the following labs this turn; UK.Lab(4).Arm(1), USA.Lab(1).Nav.ASW(1) and USSR.Lab(1).Inf(1). I believe it's important as either the Allies or the Axis player to max out research as soon as practical.
p21. French Defense.
p22. General List, Commander German Army West.
p23. West of Ireland.
p24. 1st and 2nd Canadian Corps.
p25. Allied Research.
I moved the French into Belgium and next to the German corps and formed a double defense line. All of the first and second line units are garrisons; except for the 9th Armee French corps on the front line near Luxembourg and the French corps in Lillie. I'd preferred all garrisons on the front line; but it wasn't possible so I moved a corp there. Also, I have a reserve consisting of the French armor corps and two infantry corps.
I got good results with the French fleet shelling the German infantry corps on the coast. It knocked off 3-steps. I can't ask for any better than that.
There are at least two thoughts on establishing the initial French defensive line after the Fall of France. One is to keep them in place, which keeps their entrenchment. The other is to move them in contact with the Germans in order to force them to fight to fight harder for Lillie and to cross over into France. I prefer the second.
I left the French corps in Lillie because it's entrenched is at 5 this turn, which will be 6 next turn. It should be at 7 or 8 by the time the Germans mount an attack on Lillie. While I know I can't hold Lillie against a determined German attack I want it to be as painful as I can make it using a passive defense (i.e., not attacking but forcing German to attack).
The French will mount a passive defense unless the there's a chance to bag an Armor corps or until the captured of Paris is near.
Joe decided to build List (5 leadership) instead of building Rundstedt (6 leadership). The cost difference is 55 PPs versus 70 PPs, so Joe saved 15 PPs. An interesting choice. I usually go for Rundstedt.
The UK strategic bomber inflicted only 1-step of loss of UF-2. I was hoping for better but I'll take what I can get. I guess this makes up for the good result the French BB got shelling the German infantry corps.
The UK, USA and USSR built the following labs this turn; UK.Lab(4).Arm(1), USA.Lab(1).Nav.ASW(1) and USSR.Lab(1).Inf(1). I believe it's important as either the Allies or the Axis player to max out research as soon as practical.
p21. French Defense.
p22. General List, Commander German Army West.
p23. West of Ireland.
p24. 1st and 2nd Canadian Corps.
p25. Allied Research.
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OzHawkeye2
- Administrative Corporal - SdKfz 251/1
- Posts: 126
- Joined: Sat Jan 24, 2009 7:39 am
Very keen to watch how your forward defense goes - that nice straight line is a godsend that would have freed up a unit or two for a reserve. I tend to keep the French in place to preserve their entrenchment, so I watch with interest how a "forward defense" strategy unfolds against the German armoured attacks.
Stay tuned. It's not good.OzHawkeye wrote:Very keen to watch how your forward defense goes - that nice straight line is a godsend that would have freed up a unit or two for a reserve. I tend to keep the French in place to preserve their entrenchment, so I watch with interest how a "forward defense" strategy unfolds against the German armoured attacks.
December 30, 1939. Headlines. Disaster! French Lose Over Quarter of Million in Three Weeks. UK "Leases" Airfields at Brest and Bordeaux. Canadians Head to North Africa. General War Research Demanded.
This is a hard one to report. Joe rolled up almost my entire front defensive line in France and destroyed four garrisons and one infantry corps. It's not even 1940 and I'm in deep trouble in France. I did what I could to shore up the French defense. The possibility of Sea Lion just went up significantly in my mind after this turn. Oh well ...
I'm planning to use a tactic that Borger used against me in our game, which is to have the cities of Brest and Bordeaux occupied with UK air units when France Falls. This will result in these two cities being under UK control and not German. This will give the UK a few extra PPs and force the Germans to get these cities the hard way by having to march to them. I jumped the gun though on this. I though I could occupy them at any time prior to the Fall of France for this to work. I tested this theory hotseat and found out that's not the case. These cities must be occupied by UK units on the turn that France falls for control to go to the UK.
The Canadian troop transports finally got underway for Africa. However; I'm now concerned about getting the RN back before the Fall of France. But since I haven't heard from any u-boats in a while I can't afford to send them lightly escorted to the transport loop. That would be a receipt for disaster.
Finally, I got an email questioning my lack of general labs builds for all three Allied countries; especially in light of the mod tweaks. It was recommended that I give priority to a general lab build for all three countries and with balanced research for the USA and USSR and a focus on industry for the UK. I didn't have the PPs for the UK or the labs for the USA and USSR this turn. But, buying these labs will be my top priority.
p26. Disaster!
p27. Shoring Up the French Defense
p28. UK at Brest and Bordeaux
p29. Canadian Troop Transports
This is a hard one to report. Joe rolled up almost my entire front defensive line in France and destroyed four garrisons and one infantry corps. It's not even 1940 and I'm in deep trouble in France. I did what I could to shore up the French defense. The possibility of Sea Lion just went up significantly in my mind after this turn. Oh well ...
I'm planning to use a tactic that Borger used against me in our game, which is to have the cities of Brest and Bordeaux occupied with UK air units when France Falls. This will result in these two cities being under UK control and not German. This will give the UK a few extra PPs and force the Germans to get these cities the hard way by having to march to them. I jumped the gun though on this. I though I could occupy them at any time prior to the Fall of France for this to work. I tested this theory hotseat and found out that's not the case. These cities must be occupied by UK units on the turn that France falls for control to go to the UK.
The Canadian troop transports finally got underway for Africa. However; I'm now concerned about getting the RN back before the Fall of France. But since I haven't heard from any u-boats in a while I can't afford to send them lightly escorted to the transport loop. That would be a receipt for disaster.
Finally, I got an email questioning my lack of general labs builds for all three Allied countries; especially in light of the mod tweaks. It was recommended that I give priority to a general lab build for all three countries and with balanced research for the USA and USSR and a focus on industry for the UK. I didn't have the PPs for the UK or the labs for the USA and USSR this turn. But, buying these labs will be my top priority.
p26. Disaster!
p27. Shoring Up the French Defense
p28. UK at Brest and Bordeaux
p29. Canadian Troop Transports
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Peter Stauffenberg
- General - Carrier
- Posts: 4745
- Joined: Sun Jul 08, 2007 4:13 pm
- Location: Oslo, Norway
Are you sure you have the movement range back to Britain with the fighter in Bordeaux? Remember that the supply level drops from 5 to 3 when Paris falls and that means you lose one movement point in range. I think it's smarter to have the strategic bomber in Bordeaux and fighter in Brest. Then you're sure to get the air units home. The alternative is to transport the unit home, but it costs 8 PP's and makes it vulnerable to subs.
Thanks. I had overlooked that too. I need to correct this.Stauffenberg wrote:Are you sure you have the movement range back to Britain with the fighter in Bordeaux? Remember that the supply level drops from 5 to 3 when Paris falls and that means you lose one movement point in range. I think it's smarter to have the strategic bomber in Bordeaux and fighter in Brest. Then you're sure to get the air units home. The alternative is to transport the unit home, but it costs 8 PP's and makes it vulnerable to subs.
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OzHawkeye2
- Administrative Corporal - SdKfz 251/1
- Posts: 126
- Joined: Sat Jan 24, 2009 7:39 am
January 19, 1940. Headlines. Nancy Falls. 150,000 More Frenchmen Lost. UK Air Units Train in France. Canadian Troops Head for Egypt. Will Anyone Come to France's Aid?
The French lost Nancy and two more garrisons in addition to the one lost in Nancy. The Germans are threatening to breakthrough in the north and the south and the French defense is on the verge of collapse. The French only got enough PPs to build one garrisons and reinforce a couple of depleted units. The French have three and at best four turns before they fall. That should give me enough time to get the RN back to England and start preparing for Sea Lion.
The UK was still 2 PP's short of being able to build the general lab. Also, the USA and USSR war efforts are both less than 12% so they're a ways away from getting their second lab.
I rebased the UK air such that both air units will have the movement to fly back to the UK when France falls.
An early fall France will likely lead either to Sea Lion or a spring '41 attack against Russia. Personally I'd prefer Sea Lion if I had to choose between the two.
p30. France After German Attacks.
p31. France After French Moves.
p32. Western France.
p33. Nearing Transport Loop
The French lost Nancy and two more garrisons in addition to the one lost in Nancy. The Germans are threatening to breakthrough in the north and the south and the French defense is on the verge of collapse. The French only got enough PPs to build one garrisons and reinforce a couple of depleted units. The French have three and at best four turns before they fall. That should give me enough time to get the RN back to England and start preparing for Sea Lion.
The UK was still 2 PP's short of being able to build the general lab. Also, the USA and USSR war efforts are both less than 12% so they're a ways away from getting their second lab.
I rebased the UK air such that both air units will have the movement to fly back to the UK when France falls.
An early fall France will likely lead either to Sea Lion or a spring '41 attack against Russia. Personally I'd prefer Sea Lion if I had to choose between the two.
p30. France After German Attacks.
p31. France After French Moves.
p32. Western France.
p33. Nearing Transport Loop
Just in case you haven't noticed this AAR has been abandoned. Joe and I played this game out to the Fall of France, which April 8, 1940. (see viewtopic.php?p=93869#93869 ) I also managed to kill one of his armor units. However; we're stopping this game so we can play test the BJR Mod Version 1.05 (see viewtopic.php?p=93868#93868 ).
Sorry about this. Again!
Sorry about this. Again!
O.K. I see that Joe posted in "his" AAR. By the way, I haven't read his AAR on our two previous games yet even though it was tempting after we stopped both games.
I'll post screenshots with "limited" commentary on our new game.
September 1, 1939. War!
September 21, 1939. Both Poland and Denmark Surrender to Germany! Well done by Joe. The last thing I need is for Joe to get off to a start like that.
This game I didn't wait around to build a general lab for the UK. I built a general lab on turn 1 with a focus in industry. On turn 2 I built the UK's second lab, which was a navy with focus in ASW.
On turn 1 I built Wilson (5), who cost 55 PPs, for the UK and Pretelot (4), who cost 40 PPs, for the French. They were deployed this turn to the starting infantry corps in their respectively capitals.
I'll post screenshots with "limited" commentary on our new game.
September 1, 1939. War!
September 21, 1939. Both Poland and Denmark Surrender to Germany! Well done by Joe. The last thing I need is for Joe to get off to a start like that.
This game I didn't wait around to build a general lab for the UK. I built a general lab on turn 1 with a focus in industry. On turn 2 I built the UK's second lab, which was a navy with focus in ASW.
On turn 1 I built Wilson (5), who cost 55 PPs, for the UK and Pretelot (4), who cost 40 PPs, for the French. They were deployed this turn to the starting infantry corps in their respectively capitals.
October 11, 1939. All is Quite. France, Britain and Canada Mobilizes.If Joe follows the expected script then Holland will fall next turn (10/31/39) and Belgium the turn after (11/20/1939).
The three pictures below show the tactics I try to use to escort transports and protect CVs. This sequence shows my "proposed" path for escorting the Canadian fighters to the UK. Transports have a range of 17 hexes. The first picture shows this range from the port at Halifax for traveling southeast in a STRAIGHT line of hexes. I've denoted the path that the DD currently in Halifax will take to "sweep" this line of hexes for u-boats. Barring any contact with u-boats the destination hex for the DD is shown. The second picture shows the final outcome of that sweep, which was negative (i.e., no contact with German u-boats). Now its important NOT to load the Canadian fighter on transport until AFTER the route has been swept for two reasons. The first is that you want the fighter transport to travel the same exact route that was swept. The second is that if the UK DD had make contact with German subs within range of the fighter it could have then attacked the discovered u-boats.
The last picture show my proposed route, which if all goes well, will allow the fighter to safely dock in port two turns from now and disembark at Cardiff the turn after. Notice for the fighter transport that I've chosen a straight northeast path all the way to port (actually adjacent to port). Also, my CV is also on this path. This will allow my escorts to directly sweep the paths that the transport and CV will take for u-boats. The UK sub is on patrol in the hex that the fighter transport is planning to move to next turn.
The sweeps for the final leg of the journey will be done by the two French BBs and the UK sub so that the other escorts can head back to Halifax to escort the UK infantry and motorized corps to the West African transport loop. Currently I have two UK BB squadrons, one of which is from Gibraltar, heading to Halifax to take up station there.
There are two benefits of the fighter transport moving southeast initially. The first is that the UK DD from the med can rendezvous with the escort fleet and the second is that the Axis player doesn't know if you're moving the fighter to the UK or North Africa. However; if Joe probably strongly suspects that it's going to the UK.
Now all these plans are great until the first contact with German u-boats. After that you do the best you can. Somethings escorts have to be left behind to fend for themselves while the rest of the fleet moves on. The most important thing to guard against is that transports and CVs are not the ones that have to be left behind. It's better to lose a BB or DD than it is a high value transport (i.e., fighter, armor) or CV.
The three pictures below show the tactics I try to use to escort transports and protect CVs. This sequence shows my "proposed" path for escorting the Canadian fighters to the UK. Transports have a range of 17 hexes. The first picture shows this range from the port at Halifax for traveling southeast in a STRAIGHT line of hexes. I've denoted the path that the DD currently in Halifax will take to "sweep" this line of hexes for u-boats. Barring any contact with u-boats the destination hex for the DD is shown. The second picture shows the final outcome of that sweep, which was negative (i.e., no contact with German u-boats). Now its important NOT to load the Canadian fighter on transport until AFTER the route has been swept for two reasons. The first is that you want the fighter transport to travel the same exact route that was swept. The second is that if the UK DD had make contact with German subs within range of the fighter it could have then attacked the discovered u-boats.
The last picture show my proposed route, which if all goes well, will allow the fighter to safely dock in port two turns from now and disembark at Cardiff the turn after. Notice for the fighter transport that I've chosen a straight northeast path all the way to port (actually adjacent to port). Also, my CV is also on this path. This will allow my escorts to directly sweep the paths that the transport and CV will take for u-boats. The UK sub is on patrol in the hex that the fighter transport is planning to move to next turn.
The sweeps for the final leg of the journey will be done by the two French BBs and the UK sub so that the other escorts can head back to Halifax to escort the UK infantry and motorized corps to the West African transport loop. Currently I have two UK BB squadrons, one of which is from Gibraltar, heading to Halifax to take up station there.
There are two benefits of the fighter transport moving southeast initially. The first is that the UK DD from the med can rendezvous with the escort fleet and the second is that the Axis player doesn't know if you're moving the fighter to the UK or North Africa. However; if Joe probably strongly suspects that it's going to the UK.
Now all these plans are great until the first contact with German u-boats. After that you do the best you can. Somethings escorts have to be left behind to fend for themselves while the rest of the fleet moves on. The most important thing to guard against is that transports and CVs are not the ones that have to be left behind. It's better to lose a BB or DD than it is a high value transport (i.e., fighter, armor) or CV.
Last edited by rkr1958 on Sat Jun 20, 2009 8:07 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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OzHawkeye2
- Administrative Corporal - SdKfz 251/1
- Posts: 126
- Joined: Sat Jan 24, 2009 7:39 am
October 31, 1939. Britain, France and Canada Mobilizes for War. Will Germany Attack the West! The answer to that question is yes. Joe in his email to me said he wanted to wait one more turn to be sure he could take Holland out in one turn. I told him to take his time and there's no need to rush on my part.
The first picture below shows the Canadian fighter transport and its escorts at the end of my turn. I've also draw the sub sweeps to be made by the French BB and UK sub to ensure that the transport will make it Cardiff unmolested by u-boats. The other French BB is headed to the channel to cause whatever mischief it can when Joe starts attacking the west. The second French BB won't be far behind after it finishes its sub sweep duties next turn. Also, the UK sub will move towards taking up a blocking position two hexes south of London in the east channel choke point.
The second picture shows the situation with the two Canadian corps, which will be sent to North Africa. One UK BB docked this turn in Halifax. A second, which is from Gibraltar, is heading there from the south. A southern route was chosen to "minimize" the chance of running into or being spotted by German u-boats.
The third picture shows the status of France's and Britain's mobilizations. Britain was 1 PP short this turn of the 35 PPs needed for their third research lab! Except for the "free" leader and one infantry corps all of Frances builds have been garrisons.
The first picture below shows the Canadian fighter transport and its escorts at the end of my turn. I've also draw the sub sweeps to be made by the French BB and UK sub to ensure that the transport will make it Cardiff unmolested by u-boats. The other French BB is headed to the channel to cause whatever mischief it can when Joe starts attacking the west. The second French BB won't be far behind after it finishes its sub sweep duties next turn. Also, the UK sub will move towards taking up a blocking position two hexes south of London in the east channel choke point.
The second picture shows the situation with the two Canadian corps, which will be sent to North Africa. One UK BB docked this turn in Halifax. A second, which is from Gibraltar, is heading there from the south. A southern route was chosen to "minimize" the chance of running into or being spotted by German u-boats.
The third picture shows the status of France's and Britain's mobilizations. Britain was 1 PP short this turn of the 35 PPs needed for their third research lab! Except for the "free" leader and one infantry corps all of Frances builds have been garrisons.
November 20, 1939. Holland Invaded! Holland Surrenders! Is Belgium Next? British Convoys Devastated by German U-boats.
Holland fell as expected this turn. And Joe leaves no doubt to the fate of Belgium next turn.
The UK sub is headed to take up position in the east channel choke point two hexes south of London.
The positions of the German u-boat flotillas mean that even at top speed UF-1, which is the closest to Halifax, can't get in position next turn to interdict the transport of the motorized corps. This means that the motorized corps can be escorted with only one, or maybe two, escorts.
Holland fell as expected this turn. And Joe leaves no doubt to the fate of Belgium next turn.
All three German u-boat flotillas attacked this turn. While this was bad for my convoys this gave me valuable information on their position and that there was no need to escort the fighter transport in Cardiff. Note that this was turn 5 of the game and even if Joe had built a u-boat on turn 1 it would only be ready for deployment this turn (i.e., 4 turns) and; therefore, no u-boats could be in position to interdict the fighter convoy. This allowed me to move the two French BBs in position to provide some protection for the 20 PPs convoy. Also, the RAF strategic bomber rebased to northern Ireland in the hopes of getting a shot at a flotilla.Joe's email wrote:Holland was overrun. Belgium is next.
The UK sub is headed to take up position in the east channel choke point two hexes south of London.
The positions of the German u-boat flotillas mean that even at top speed UF-1, which is the closest to Halifax, can't get in position next turn to interdict the transport of the motorized corps. This means that the motorized corps can be escorted with only one, or maybe two, escorts.