Lynz (Axis) vs Inaki (Allied) No Inaki

[Lynz]

Here goes my first attempt at an AAR. Inaki and I have had one previous game with him playing Axis. He scored an Axis Tactical Victory. In hindsight, as in all things, I could have done better, but all credit to him. We will see if I can repeat his efforts.

An Industry Lab purchased.

Standard opening moves with the exception that I have concurrently invaded Holland. Inaki has moved a French BBS to attack my Stuka that I'd foolishly placed on the coastline. The Royal Navy has attacked my Panzer Division - without result - attacking The Hague.



In the North Sea, a powerful RN force has run into my U-Boats that were heading for the Atlantic. I will attempt to make them pay for this. They were, along with the Bismark, and the Mid-Atlantic Boat,attempting to intercept the Canadian Fighter which must be on its way. I have not so far, ever met with success trying this. Sooner or later I must bang into it.



More units positioned to support the attack on the Tulip Munchers. Some placed ready for Denmark. When this takes place is dependent on continued good weather. My Tacts on the coast are moved away. No point in giving free hits away. A few bombs on London reveal the 1st Fighter group is still in Blighty. I expect Holland to toss in the towel next turn. Other units are refitted.



The Bismark has bolted to the Baltic. This is too valuable a unit to risk with so many British capital ships in range. I attack the British Carrier and knock it down to 4 steps. Inaki must retreat - or lose it. If he attacks with the BBS, I will take the losses and retaliate. Heavy losses to the RN at this stage are worth a U-Boat. No sign of the Canadian Fighter - I suspect it had slipped by.

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[Lynz]

Mucked the screen capture of Europe. Holland fell as expected. Continuing good weather permitted nipping 'o the water to Denmark. But the Danes are holding out. Hopefully for no longer than one turn. Even though they are out of Tact range, I wonder if Inaki thinks it is worth the cost of repairing them. I am worried he will go after the Prinz Eugen with his sub. And there is no sign of the French Boat.

Others units are moving towards the French/Belgium borders. An early attack on Belgium is in the hands of the weather Gods. I am not adverse to engaging in a limited war of attrition. Another Lab purchased.

As I suspected Inaki retreated his Carrier. Inexplicably though, he decided to attack my 9 step U-Boat with his BBS. I counterattacked and now they are enjoying a autumn swim. The losses are well worth it.



South West of Ireland I spotted the track of a ship so sent my mid-Atlantic patrol - which had been skulking in the off chance that the Canadian Fighter might turn up - to investigate. Lo and behold, a Pommy BBS. Now, what is it escorting? Maybe an early Xmas present for Lynz.

While I am prepared to accept losses to the Kreigsmarine while degrading the Royal Navy, I do not want to let the Frogs bleed me.

[Lynz]

Denmark conquered despite the mud. Time to regroup, rest and reposition for Spring. My damaged sub off of Scotland was knocked about by Bomber Command and scuttled off for repairs and R&R.

Mars is smiling on me. Lo and behold, I have lucked onto the Canadian Fighter and given it a good slapping. I will accept the counter blow, and if possible hit it again. The loss, or serious damage, of this unit will really hurt Iñaki come Spring. I have purchased another Lab and now have one in each area. I will concentrate on purchasing Units over Winter rather than upgrading at this stage. Another Leader is on my wish list.

[Plaid]

But the Danes are holding out. Hopefully for no longer than one turn. Even though they are out of Tact range, I wonder if Inaki thinks it is worth the cost of repairing them.

I think its always worthy to repair this garrison, because denmark produce 3 PP , and you pay 3 pp for 3 steps of garrison, while damaging good german units and keeping em busy. Its quite efficient unit, no need to neglect it.
Also why do you want another commander? Rundstedt is enough for european campaigns, because he covers all the units in france.

[Lynz]

Winter is over and Belgium has fallen before the might of the Panzers. Their resistance lasted longer than planned for. Basically this was because of dithering at headquarters. A lightening campaign against Norway was planned, but due to the Prinz Eugen being attacked by a British submarine as it moved to support the invasion the operation was canceled. Unfortunately, Tactical Elements of the Luffwaffe had been pre-positioned so they were not available for the initial thrust into Belgium. They have been recalled.

In the Atlantic, submarines operations are having some success against convoys. Over the Winter the dockyards have been working around the clock, and boats have been running down the stocks regularly. One sub unfortunately was handled very roughly by the enemy, and returned for repairs. This leaves 6 available for operations by the end of the month, with more to follow.

[massina_nz]

Eek! That lead panzer looks awfully exposed and in range of the RAF, the French ARM and UK MECH. And most of the French units have white status. Did you attack Belgium before Winter ended?

Next turn could be painful for the Germans.

[Lynz]

Took a chance there. No, I attacked on the first fine weather turn. Had the Tacts not been out of position I believe I could have had Belgium in one turn. I wasn't too concerned about counterattacks as there were really only Garrison-sized units opposing me. I think Inaki is contrent to try and bleed me crossing those rivers. His ARM is entrenched so a counterattack is unlikely. That Unit is wasted there. It would be foolish of me to take my Panzers through the forests. I am happy just to pin as many of his forces and try and flank him.

The French left flank has been turned and it my intention to keep within cooee of the coast, pining the interior French Forces and strike for Paris. In addition, I would dearly love to trap and destroy the UK Forces Inaki has moved to France. Next turn, I will make contact with at least one, hopefully both, so he cannot evacuate by rail. The Brit economy is not up too much at this stage.




At sea, my subs are giving a good account of themselves. One has returned to Port for repairs, 5 are either in contact with the enemy or within range. More are on the way. In our last game, Inaki went the Hi-tech route as Axis. I believe he will repeat those tactics. To slow him, it is imperative I interdict his convoys. If I have up to a dozen boats, it should be possible to cripple any real threat from the West for much of the game.

[Lynz]

I have moved my Panzer Korp away from the hex where it can be attacked by 3 BBS's. That was dumb. The flanking movement continues athough it is costly. Tacts have been rested and refitted, and the Eyties, for what they are worth, invited to the party.

The Pommy Infantry have been pined and will feel the full weight of the Luftwaffe next turn. I believe that one at least will be destroyed; and I will delay my advance on Paris to get the other if necessary. It just depends whether Inaki realises the danger and rails it out this turn. Otherwise, it is toast





At sea, one of my boats was attacked by Coastal Command without result; it has dived to safety. The rest of the wolfpack is fanning out searching for prey. Both the Bismark and Prinz Eugen - which has been refitted - are transiting the Kiel Canal to break out into the North Atlantic. Their primary tasking is commerce raiding.

[Lynz]

The Battle of France is taking longer than I had hoped for. Never the less, contact has been made with both Brit Corps as planned. The Infantry one has sustained heavy losses. The Luftwaffe, after repairs, has proved very effective. All three Panzer Armies have been brought back to full strength. Using them effectively however has been problematic as Inaki has got line after line of screening units meaning they have to be destroyed rather than forced to retreat. This lack of white flags is contrary to historic French tactics, and it is hoped will prove to be an aberration.

One empty hex is observed in front of Paris. I expect a reinforcement will fill it by the next turn forcing me to continue a battle of attrition. Also, I see another Brit Mech. Surely, it will not be committed to what is certain destruction? So long as I can finish France before mud arrives, this phase of the Battle can last as long as it wishes and still not effect future plans. I do not want to lose Units so will withdraw and refit them them when required.



At sea, no action. But after pushing the end turn button a small convoy was observed moving towards SW Ireland. 6 boats are on patrol, with one, after repairs, due to leave port. 3 more are due off of the stocks in successive moves. I will build an extra 2 for a total of 12.

The Bismark and Prinz Eugen are off, hopefully for some sun in the South Atlantic.