Joerock22 (Allies) v. Ftgcritt2 (Axis) - The War is Over

joerock22 · Post by **joerock22** » Tue Dec 08, 2009 6:32 pm

Joe here again, with my first AAR on GS. This time my opponent is Frank (Ftgcritt2), and I am playing as the Allies. It's October 1939, and Poland and Denmark have surrendered. Right now I am just going through the typical early game Allies moves: bringing the naval units into the Atlantic, moving the Canadian units to Britain, etc. I can't tell you much about my long-term plans because I haven't settled on any at this point. Here are some major objectives though:

1. Make France hold as long as possible, with no aid from Great Britain. Keep all British units in England for home defense.
2. Prevent Sealion without sacrificing the RN, if possible.
3. Research, research, research.
4. Deal with the submarine menace.
5. Launch a major invasion somewhere in Continental Europe in 1942.

Here are my plans for research labs for each country:

UK
1. General (Industry) {purchased}
2. Naval (ASW) {purchased}
3. Air
4. General
5. Naval
6. Air
7. Infantry
8. Infantry
**This order is not set in stone, but my goal is to have 2 labs in each area except armour by 1941. I will let the Americans supply the tanks since they have both the resources to build them and a leg up in tech.

USA
1. General (Industry)
2. Naval (ASW)
3. Armour
4. Infantry
**The eventual goal is to get 2-3 labs in each category. If I neglect anything, it will be Air, since the British will have plenty of air units by the time they enter the war and maybe even better tech.

USSR
1. General (Industry)
2. Air (Dog Fight)
3. Armour
4. Infantry
**I like to get a head start on air research with the Soviets, otherwise it will take too long to catch up to the Luftwaffe. The infantry and armour don’t really have to fight until 1942, so I have some extra time to get them upgrades.

Ok, so that’s all for now. I will start posting screenshots when the action gets more interesting.

joerock22 · Post by **joerock22** » Wed Dec 09, 2009 2:38 am

October 31, 1939

The Germans are moving very quickly, having conquered Holland before November. But I think Frank is being a little too cavalier with his surface naval units. I had a French BB in the channel off Copenhagen, and I guess he didn't see it because he moved his DD right next to it. I attacked it this turn and achieved 3:2 losses. Also, Frank moved the HSF into the little channel by Hague to bombard the city. I placed the British sub in position to block the exit and ambush the HSF. The goal is to keep the HSF in place long enough for my second French BB to come into play. I moved it into the English Channel this turn. Unfortunately, the RN is off in the Atlantic escorting the Royal Canadian Air Force across to England, otherwise I could really have some fun!

This is all minor stuff, but he will have to repair his surface naval units if he wants to do Sealion. I am worried about the rapid pace the Germans are keeping. If they get clear weather in November (25% probability), then Belgium and France could be in deep trouble. Of course, my opponent may choose to use the Sitzkreig strategy and wait until March or April to invade. My instincts tell me he will mount a winter invasion, so that's what I will prepare for.

joerock22 · Post by **joerock22** » Wed Dec 09, 2009 4:00 pm

November 20, 1939

Here we go. The Germans invaded Belgium in the mud, so I was left with a decision of whether to come to the Belgian's aid. The deciding factor was that Frank was only able to occupy 2 hexes adjacent to Brussels. So I decided to send the French forwards, establishing a double defensive line all across the front with garrisons in front. This is mostly just a delaying action. I will lose a few garrisons but my corps will live to fight another day. I think Belgium can last a few more turns because December and January are guaranteed winter weather.

In other interesting news, the French Navy now has the HSF trapped. BB losses were 1:2, but there will be no escape now. The entire RN is closing in, ready to finish off the Germans next turn. I hope that Frank sorties out of Wilhelmshaven with his DD fleet as well. Then I can destroy both of them in one fell swoop! My sub lost 5 steps to Luftwaffe bombers last turn, but it will be well worth it if I can eliminate the German surface fleet. The only way he can escape this is if the German u-boats are in range. But I will deal with that eventuality if I have to. For now, I will assume the German subs are out in the Atlantic hunting convoys, while still being careful not to leave any British ships too exposed.

Here is the screenshot.

rkr1958 · Post by **rkr1958** » Wed Dec 09, 2009 5:30 pm

The use and entrapment of the German BB fleet is a gift! Especially being able to use the French BB to help finish it off. This seriously under minds the ability of Frank to make a credible Sea Lion threat. I guess there's still a threat but the loss of the German BB makes life in that regard easier for you.

joerock22 · Post by **joerock22** » Thu Dec 10, 2009 10:41 pm

December 10, 1939

French sub and BB attacks reduce the HSF to 2 steps, and the entire French Navy is on the scene. Frank did not sally forth with his DD fleet as I had hoped; he seems willing to cut his losses on the BB fleet. A smart move. He showed me the position of all three of his subs in attacking a convoy well off the western coast of Ireland. Because I don't have to worry about the u-boats rescuing the HSF, I saw no reason to sail the RN out of the English Channel. The French have a 7-step BB trapping the HSF, so the only way to save it is by hitting by 2 bomber attacks and then sacrificing the DD. Like I said, I don't think Frank will do that. Just in case, I placed the damaged UK sub in position to probably block any attempt, though out of Luftaffe range.

In ground action, the Germans took Antwerp and reduced the French garrison southeast of Brussels to 1 step. I repaired it but I know Frank will capture that hex next turn, giving him 3 hexes adjacent to Brussels. Even so, I believe the Belgians can hold out well into January 1940 and possibly February. I put my fighers on sentry until the Canadian fighter can arrive. It just landed, so that should be next turn. Then I will confront the Germans will the full strengh of my air force, including the British carrier.

joerock22 · Post by **joerock22** » Fri Dec 11, 2009 5:37 pm

December 30, 1939

Well, it seems I have overestimated the Belgians. Two air and three tank attacks captured Brussels and forced a surrender. The French pulled back to a new line of defense behind the river, except for two damaged garrisons that were repaired and should serve as roadblocks and give the rest of my troops a free turn to dig in. As you can see from the screenshot, the Allies now have the full might of their air force on the scene. It will be tough sledding for the Germans until springtime.

In more encouraging news, the German High Seas Fleet is sunk off Hague. It is the finest victory in French Naval history, a history that we all know is full of such victories.

joerock22 · Post by **joerock22** » Sat Dec 12, 2009 9:41 pm

January 19, 1940

The Germans took out 2 of my "roadblock" garrisons last turn but didn't try to breach the river. French ground forces dug in. I'm just producing garrisons now, as I need more units to create my double defensive line. The goal is to make Frank destroy a particular unit to get across the river, not just push it back.

In the Atlantic, one of my BBs ran into a German u-boat, resulting in 2:1 losses in the sub's favor. Then my strategtic bomber knocked 2 more steps off the sub. Fortunately, it was the first ship I moved, so I was able to bring in some protection. The flotilla was heading out to escort the Canadian ground units to England.

Also, Britain purchased two more labs this turn. Here's what I have so far.

UK
Air - 1
Naval - 2 (ASW)
General - 2 (Industry)

US
General - 1 (Industry)

USSR
General - 1 (Industry)

joerock22 · Post by **joerock22** » Mon Dec 14, 2009 6:00 pm

February 8, 1940

Argh! A turn of fair weather in February allows Frank to bust through my river line in the east. I hadn't expected this, and therefore hadn't begun withdrawing Maginot Line garrisons. I fear now they may be cut off. Next turn had better be mud, or I don't think France will last until June. That would be truly rotten luck, but such are the fortunes of war at times.

joerock22 · Post by **joerock22** » Wed Dec 16, 2009 6:38 pm

February 28, 1940

I did get mud this turn, much to my relief. The French now have a single line along the river, with only the armour in reserve. I hope to last until June, but Frank could overwhelm me before that with good weather and a very strong, well-executed offensive.

Britain purchased its second air lab, making 2 each on Air, ASW, and Industry. I currently have 41 pp stockpiled. I may purchase a general for Egypt, but that could probably wait until the danger of Sealion has passed. I need to start cranking out infantry units to defend the homeland. I don't want to lose England on an AAR game!!!

joerock22 · Post by **joerock22** » Thu Dec 17, 2009 5:55 pm

March 19, 1940

The Germans bust through the center of the French line and close on Paris. I withdraw my remaining forces and prepare a final defense of the city. Even so, it looks like Paris will fall on April 28, May 18 at the latest. I have learned that when the Germans invade Belgium during the winter, it is probably better to sit back and maintain a river defense line. Let them come to you, rather than you going to them. Plus, Frank waged a good campaign and took full advantage of a clear weather turn in February, cutting off my Maginot Line garrisons. Here is the screenshot.

Britain produced a corps this turn, and now will focus its production exclusively on infantry units for home defense. I should be able to produce another one next turn, though it will suffer from the manpower penalty. Protecting England is much more important than not producing units with slightly decreased quality.

Peter Stauffenberg · Post by **Peter Stauffenberg** » Thu Dec 17, 2009 7:39 pm

Can't you just delay building the next corps just a turns so you get past 75% efficiency. It's not like the Germans will have transports at the English coast line within 2 turns.

I think it's better to save the PP's until after Paris fell and then build several of the corps units. You can the turn after place then in or adjacent to coastal cities. Germany will usually need 1-2 turns to get the units to the French coastal cities (partly because of repairs). Then they need 1 turn to get aboard a transport and land adjacent to the British shore line. So I think the Germans won't land in Britain until 3 turns after the fall of Paris.

So you can wait with corps units. if you want to build mech, armor or air units then you better do it now.

joerock22 · Post by **joerock22** » Thu Dec 17, 2009 7:43 pm

Stauffenberg wrote:Can't you just delay building the next corps just a turns so you get past 75% efficiency. It's not like the Germans will have transports at the English coast line within 2 turns.

I think it's better to save the PP's until after Paris fell and then build several of the corps units. You can the turn after place then in or adjacent to coastal cities. Germany will usually need 1-2 turns to get the units to the French coastal cities (partly because of repairs). Then they need 1 turn to get aboard a transport and land adjacent to the British shore line. So I think the Germans won't land in Britain until 3 turns after the fall of Paris.

So you can wait with corps units. if you want to build mech, armor or air units then you better do it now.

True. I probably will wait. The downside is that the corps don't have as much time to sit and raise effectiveness. I'll probably wait on the next one, but the units after that will definitely be in the manpower penalty so I won't worry about it. I really think Frank will attempt Sealion this game, and I'm getting a little nervous about it.

joerock22 · Post by **joerock22** » Fri Dec 18, 2009 4:18 pm

April 8, 1940

My opponent continues to show considerable skill in cutting off the French garrisons and driving through the center of the French line. One of the garrisons knocks one step off a German fighter. I believe Paris will hold out for one more turn, however. Just in case, the RAF has rebased to the cities of Bordeaux, Brest, and Nantes to keep them in British hands for a couple turns when the French surrender. The only other action occurred in the Atlantic, where one of the escort BBs for the Canadian corps ran into Frank's 7-step sub. Losses were 2:1 in the BB's favor, and I was able to provide escorts for both the damaged BB and the Canadian corps.

Top secret communication intercepted from German commander: "Ahhh...I can smell the crepes cooking in Paris."

The French government immediately orders the burning of all the crepes and recipes in Paris. We will not give the German swine the satisfaction!

supermax · Post by **supermax** » Fri Dec 18, 2009 4:28 pm

No need to be nervous Joe

Just cover all beach hexes with troops and he wont stand a chance. Quite simple really!

England is defensible because the germa cannot land on top of units already on beaches. So produce ground stuff as fast as you can!!!

joerock22 · Post by **joerock22** » Fri Dec 18, 2009 8:27 pm

supermax wrote:No need to be nervous Joe

Just cover all beach hexes with troops and he wont stand a chance. Quite simple really!

England is defensible because the germa cannot land on top of units already on beaches. So produce ground stuff as fast as you can!!!

That's the plan. This is the most nerve-wracking time of the war for the Allies. One mistake, one unoccupied beach hex, and you can lose England and be set back years in the west. In my experience, it is very difficult for the Allies to come back and win if they lose England in 1940. I really want to avoid that.

supermax · Post by **supermax** » Fri Dec 18, 2009 9:52 pm

Well, you are right there, its difficult for the Allies to get bakc in the game.

But then again... you can successefully land back in England and make the germans reienforce it with troops and planes, thus doing the exact job the western alies are supposed to do, that is divert forces from the russian front.

If you can re-land in England and the germans players has posted 10 INF, armor, planes and produced lots of ships to defend the place, you have, already, won a little bit more time for the Russians.

joerock22 · Post by **joerock22** » Mon Dec 21, 2009 2:59 am

April 28, 1940

France held out at 2 steps, which made me happy. I repaired it, but there's no doubt the city will fall next turn. The garrisons right around the capital remain inactive, but suicidal attacks elsewhere do absolutely no damage. Ah, well, May 18 isn't so bad. If is wasn't for the fair weather turn in February I would have lasted until June. I forgot to look at the losses, but I will post them next turn.

The British purchase a corps this turn (full quality), and the Canadian corps is now just south of Ireland, escorted on the south side by the French and on the north side by the British. Frank has been active with his submarines in the central Atlantic; I've run into them twice now. So I faced the French to where I think his subs are probably lurking. I'd rather avoid confrontation altogether and get my transport and naval units safely back to port. At some point I'd like to move two BBs from the Atlantic to the Med, but that can wait until after the danger of Sealion has passed. I will also post a screenshot of the situation in Southern England next turn.

joerock22 · Post by **joerock22** » Wed Dec 23, 2009 6:31 pm

May 18, 1940

France surrendered; no surprise there. Screenshot 1 shows the casualties before I began my turn. Frank captured Paris pretty early, but he paid for it. I am happy with the expensive armour losses especially. For the British side, none of the infantry casualties are actually British, and only 52 of the air losses (I think). Very light.

Screenshot 2 shows the British situation after my moves. A RN BB ran into a sub, resulting in 2:2 losses. Fortunately it was the first ship I moved, so the entire RN was able to come onto the scene. As you can see, I have an ample number of ground units already, and the Canadian corps will land next turn. In addition, another corps was just added to the production queue. I am reasonably confident that I will be able to prevent Frank from landing in England, but these next few months are still going to be quite nervewracking. I hope he's not taking lessons from supermax

joerock22 · Post by **joerock22** » Mon Dec 28, 2009 5:16 pm

June 7, 1940

The entire RN returns safely to port, and the Canadian corps lands. With the corps that got deployed this turn, that makes the following force for the defense of England:

7 garrisons
5 corps
2 mechs
2 fighters
1 strategic bomber

Royal Navy:
4 BBs
1 DD
1 CV
1 sub (damaged)

PPs stored: 61 and increasing

So as you can see, I’m ready!

An interesting development near Bordeaux. Last turn a partisan popped up, and this turn I moved it adjacent to the city. Next turn I will occupy the city and then hopefully repair it before the Germans arrive. I’d like to take advantage of this good fortune and make Bordeaux a real pain for Frank to tackle!

joerock22 · Post by **joerock22** » Tue Dec 29, 2009 6:02 pm

June 27, 1940

The Germans bomb a garrison south of London and a corps northeast of the city. I repair the RAF (on sentry) in case they need to fill in any beach hexes, and the depleted garrison. I also better position my forces to cover the beaches around London, where I think Frank will try Sealion, if he does. I still have 64 pp in reserve, so I can crank out a handful of emergency garrisons if I need to. But I don't think it will come to that; my defenses are pretty well set.

A German armour wipes out the French partisan, so there's no hope of Bordeaux remaining a free city for much longer. I purchased an American Armour (Armour) lab and a Soviet Air (Dog Fight) lab this turn.