That's no chair, that's a torturer's tool! Are you sure you didn't switch to EU, and you're now fighting the Spanish Inquisition? (nobody expects it, etc.)
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long time lurkaar, first time poster
Congratulations on winning the AARland Choice Awards for best Narrative Hoi3 AAR!! Well deserved indeed!
Congratulations on winning the AARland Choice Awards for best Narrative Hoi3 AAR!! Well deserved indeed!
I believe the Germans got rid of that large "Balkenkreuz" already after the Poland campaign, because they thought it would be too forthcoming to give their enemies to give something that obvious to aim at.
Excellent update. I found the account of the invasion from Heinz's viewpoint in the turret of his Pzkpfw II to be really absorbing (and well written too). An excellent selection of photos brings the whole thing to life. Top stuff, Uriah!
And a well -deserved "grats" on the award.
The white cross was indeed used in the Polish camapign in our time line, but rapidly replaced, initially in yellow. I believe that local mud/earth was also often applied directly as a field expedient to reduce visibility to enemy anti-tank gunners.
Anyway, looking forward to the next installment - perhaps we'll hear more fo Helga's submariner husband?
And a well -deserved "grats" on the award
.The white cross was indeed used in the Polish camapign in our time line, but rapidly replaced, initially in yellow. I believe that local mud/earth was also often applied directly as a field expedient to reduce visibility to enemy anti-tank gunners.
Anyway, looking forward to the next installment - perhaps we'll hear more fo Helga's submariner husband?
Once again, a great update. The details seen through the eyes of a front line commander along with the over all narrative style of the writting, lead the reader into the story to a depth that sets this AAR apart.
Good update, Uriah. I am confident the Spanish will be defeated, although it might take some time. But keep pushing for it!
Greetz B.
Greetz B.
Haven't commented in the past....weeks I think.
The last two updates were excellent. Though I did skim through some of the latter parts of the first update, the bulk of it (from what I can gather) has been a excellent campaign for the Germans in the Balkans and with those veteran moving towards the Rumanian border in a bid to control the oil, i'd predict a 3-7 week campaign in Romania. However, I'd think that such an invasion would only thin the Whermacht across the large border with the Soviet Union and the (possible) Operation Barbarossa.
Also, the German's in the Spanish Campaign are beginning to gain the experience that was gain by those in the Balkan campaign. River crossings do suck.
And congratulations on winning the ACA in the Best HoI3 Narrative section and believe me when I say that I couldn't think of anyone better to win that award than your AAR. And know that my vote for this AAR is (90%) secure.
The last two updates were excellent. Though I did skim through some of the latter parts of the first update, the bulk of it (from what I can gather) has been a excellent campaign for the Germans in the Balkans and with those veteran moving towards the Rumanian border in a bid to control the oil, i'd predict a 3-7 week campaign in Romania. However, I'd think that such an invasion would only thin the Whermacht across the large border with the Soviet Union and the (possible) Operation Barbarossa.
Also, the German's in the Spanish Campaign are beginning to gain the experience that was gain by those in the Balkan campaign. River crossings do suck.
And congratulations on winning the ACA in the Best HoI3 Narrative section and believe me when I say that I couldn't think of anyone better to win that award than your AAR. And know that my vote for this AAR is (90%) secure.
just spent the last few hours reading everything and there is only one word for it. Amazing! keep it up
keep it up
Sorry for the break in transmission: I have put a lot of time and effort into this AAR (a lot more than I originally intended!) and I found I needed a break from playing and writing every day. A week or so just playing AOD and LOTRO to recharge the batteries.
I should have another update early next week.
It is true that nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition (copyright Monty Python) but the Bauhaus school of furniture apparently thought that it wasmeant to looked at, not sat in or used.
Thank you, and thanks to everyone who voted for me. Looking at the high standards in all the AAR areas makes me a bit embarrassed to win: I think some of the others are much better.
A virtual shelf.
I looked into it, and it was used in Poland and yes, it was felt that it was too helpful to enemy gunners. Whether it was or not is immaterial I suppose: the crews believed so. Personally, if the ATG could hit the tank I would be concerned, and if they were so accurate that they could chose the centre of the cross then we were done for.
Thanks for the compliments. See above re cross: I think you are right. And I will cross to our underwater correspondent one day, but I need to get a little more ahead in the story. Maybe when (if???) the Royal Navy ever finds a sub flottille.
Thanks Puddinator: I like writing those, but they take a long time - you would be amazed at how long it takes to check facts in those things. And then I have to search for photos that fit the story line. And they have to be accurate and chronological: my eagle-eyed readers spot every anachronistic vehicle/weapon!
I too am confident of beating the Spanish, but time is of the essence. I worry about getting bogged down waiting for fuel.
Thanks soulking. I realise that a long border is going to stretch my troops, but it will also stretch the USSR. The AI has improved a fair bit and it now strips none combat fronts to reinforce the enemy zones. I don't want to face double and triple lines when I attack. And I need to get that oil before I really start to burn it in 1941. I am building lots more vehicles and troops, but so are the Russians.
Pudd1nator: All is well - just a much needed break. I have been writing an update at least every three days (usually more) for about 9 months now and I felt I had to do something different for a short while.
Thanks vitcash. Hope I can keep you hooked: though I am impressed at you reading 100+ updates!
I should have another update early next week.
It is true that nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition (copyright Monty Python) but the Bauhaus school of furniture apparently thought that it wasmeant to looked at, not sat in or used.
Congratulations on winning the AARland Choice Awards for best Narrative Hoi3 AAR!! Well deserved indeed!
Thank you, and thanks to everyone who voted for me. Looking at the high standards in all the AAR areas makes me a bit embarrassed to win: I think some of the others are much better.
A virtual shelf.
I looked into it, and it was used in Poland and yes, it was felt that it was too helpful to enemy gunners. Whether it was or not is immaterial I suppose: the crews believed so. Personally, if the ATG could hit the tank I would be concerned, and if they were so accurate that they could chose the centre of the cross then we were done for.
Excellent update. I found the account of the invasion from Heinz's viewpoint in the turret of his Pzkpfw II to be really absorbing (and well written too). An excellent selection of photos brings the whole thing to life. Top stuff, Uriah!
And a well -deserved "grats" on the award
The white cross was indeed used in the Polish camapign in our time line, but rapidly replaced, initially in yellow. I believe that local mud/earth was also often applied directly as a field expedient to reduce visibility to enemy anti-tank gunners.
Anyway, looking forward to the next installment - perhaps we'll hear more fo Helga's submariner husband?
Thanks for the compliments. See above re cross: I think you are right. And I will cross to our underwater correspondent one day, but I need to get a little more ahead in the story. Maybe when (if???) the Royal Navy ever finds a sub flottille.
Thanks Puddinator: I like writing those, but they take a long time - you would be amazed at how long it takes to check facts in those things. And then I have to search for photos that fit the story line. And they have to be accurate and chronological: my eagle-eyed readers spot every anachronistic vehicle/weapon!
I too am confident of beating the Spanish, but time is of the essence. I worry about getting bogged down waiting for fuel.
Haven't commented in the past....weeks I think.
The last two updates were excellent. Though I did skim through some of the latter parts of the first update, the bulk of it (from what I can gather) has been a excellent campaign for the Germans in the Balkans and with those veteran moving towards the Rumanian border in a bid to control the oil, i'd predict a 3-7 week campaign in Romania. However, I'd think that such an invasion would only thin the Whermacht across the large border with the Soviet Union and the (possible) Operation Barbarossa.
Also, the German's in the Spanish Campaign are beginning to gain the experience that was gain by those in the Balkan campaign. River crossings do suck.
And congratulations on winning the ACA in the Best HoI3 Narrative section and believe me when I say that I couldn't think of anyone better to win that award than your AAR. And know that my vote for this AAR is (90%) secure.
Thanks soulking. I realise that a long border is going to stretch my troops, but it will also stretch the USSR. The AI has improved a fair bit and it now strips none combat fronts to reinforce the enemy zones. I don't want to face double and triple lines when I attack. And I need to get that oil before I really start to burn it in 1941. I am building lots more vehicles and troops, but so are the Russians.
Dear Uriah. Hope all is well. We miss you. Please write soon.
Pudd1nator: All is well - just a much needed break. I have been writing an update at least every three days (usually more) for about 9 months now and I felt I had to do something different for a short while.
just spent the last few hours reading everything and there is only one word for it. Amazing!
Thanks vitcash. Hope I can keep you hooked: though I am impressed at you reading 100+ updates!
Would you mid posting some screenshots of the Russian-German borders? I'd like to see them and maybe give some insight on possible battle strategies.
Hi there, I haven't had the time to read in a while. Congratulations on the last updates, the letter was brilliant and I also loved the "traditional" ones.
I like the fairly aggressive stance you're taking (Spain now, soon Romania and Norway) I think it's quite necessary to aim high in order to defeat both the Allies+USSR.
What are your plans regarding the RAF ? And England in general ? Do you plan on grinding down the RAF and the Royal Navy and then invade at some point ? Or starve them into submission ?
If you're fast enough, maybe you can close the Med soon enough for the Italians to gain the upper hand and save their campaign in Lybia. Or maybe you can fly some supplies there with your new TRA ? (BTW, can you air supply allied hexes or only your own ??).
I like the fairly aggressive stance you're taking (Spain now, soon Romania and Norway) I think it's quite necessary to aim high in order to defeat both the Allies+USSR.
What are your plans regarding the RAF ? And England in general ? Do you plan on grinding down the RAF and the Royal Navy and then invade at some point ? Or starve them into submission ?
If you're fast enough, maybe you can close the Med soon enough for the Italians to gain the upper hand and save their campaign in Lybia. Or maybe you can fly some supplies there with your new TRA ? (BTW, can you air supply allied hexes or only your own ??).
Rank and File
A Clerk’s War
A Clerk’s War
7th April to 11th April 1940
After reading my brother’s letter I slept like a log. The several bottles of good beer consumed during the process may have helped. Still, Saturday is a working day in the Reichskanzlei, and while a bit late, I was hard at work the next morning.
Most of the discussion in the Kanzlei was about a series of air battles over the English Channel. The Royal Air Force is testing our fighter strength, and the wiser heads in the corridors believe that the Luftwaffe has been found wanting. Not in skill or in equipment, but simply in numbers. It is generally accepted that the experience and training of our pilots is the equal of the British, and our Messerschmitts are just as good technically as the Spitfires and Hurricanes with which they must compete, but the Luftwaffe is stretched over the whole continent, while the RAF can concentrate. We are simply being overwhelmed.
Air Battle of Cherbourg: midnight 7th April. The appearance of four RAF fighter squadrons over Cherbourg airbase forces Major-General Klepke and 1st Jagdfliegerkorps to the air: the RAF cannot be allowed free access to our airspace.
Much thought has apparently been given to this problem, and I have seen several memos and discussion papers addressed to Minister Göring. As far as I can determine, there is no one solution.
Air Battle of Dover: 4AM 7th April. “Geri” and “Freki” geschwaders chase the RAF back to England, to be met by another four enemy squadrons. Although outnumbered from the start, we have shot down 11 British fighters: but 13 of our own aircraft have been lost.
The more “global” commentators believe that the crippling submarine blockade of the British Isles will slowly affect the ability of the RAF to replace, repair and expand their fighter squadrons, and that lack of fuel could perhaps restrict their activity. Unfortunately our entire spy network in England has been arrested, tried and presumably shot. We have no information on the state of the British economy: all our information on the state of the British stockpiles is pure speculation, based on the number of ships we have sunk.
Air Battle of Cherbourg: 8AM 7th April. Having returned to refuel and re-arm, Klepke’s pilots are once again attacked at their home base by the RAF. At this point we have lost 31 planes and have destroyed 29.
Traditional Luftwaffe thinking (including I assume the Generalfeldmarschall) calls for a huge increase in size of our fighter arm. Some of the figures mentioned are pure fantasy, but the more sober estimate is that we need to double the number of interceptors and seriously increase our fighter-escort units. Coming war with the USSR is hinted at, and gloomy predictions of the size of the VVS are used to bolster the argument. An expansion this big would require a substantial proportion of our industrial base to be dedicated to aircraft production, and has already stirred up opposition from the “boots on the ground” school of military thinking.
Air Battle of Dover: 1st Jagdfliegerkorps chases off the intruders again, to be met by English patrols over Dover. Both sides commit everything, and when our two geschwaders head home for Cherbourg, they have only 152 serviceable aircraft left of the original complement of 200. Our debriefings and after action reports indicate that the RAF lost 46 aircraft. Although strictly speaking a defeat for the Luftwaffe, to nearly hold our own against odds of nearly four to one is a testament to our pilots and their machines.
The research lobby hold that the way to success is by increasing the size of the Luftwaffe gradually, but to accelerate our design and technical development so that each of our aircraft is more than a match for any opposition. There are stories of fighters powered by a new “jet” system that makes them so fast and nimble that they will be able to outrun and out-manoeuvre other planes, of tank-hunting aircraft so heavily armoured that they are virtually impregnable to ground based anti-aircraft fire, and of bombers able to fly so high that enemy interceptors cannot reach them. There is even talk of rockets so large they can be used to destroy factories and production facilities hundreds of kilometres away. It is no secret that the Führer is a firm supporter of breakthrough technology, and I expect that this solution will predominate.
A future fighter? A Heinkel He 178 powered by Hans von Ohain’s new “jet” engine. This is classed at the highest level of security, an indication of the importance placed on these studies.
Coincidentally with the battles that saw so many of our aircraft (and pilots) lost, and the high-level discussions about the possible solutions, a new geschwader of Messerschmitt 109E “Emil” escorts was assigned to 3rd Kampffliegerkorps, currently based in Split on the Adriatic. “Zebra” has just left for its new base, but already we have heard complaints that supplies are not reaching the airbase in anything like the quantities required to support the hundreds of planes and thousands of men now located there. General Dennerlein, commander of the Österreich Army, well known for his skill in logistics, is leading the chorus of displeasure, pointing out that he has many units that are going for days without a truck convoy. While he accepted that in combat situations problems occur, now that Yugoslavia has surrendered these issues should be addressed.
On the subject of Yugoslavia, the Cabinet has issued a decree that we will follow a policy of full occupation. While this may encourage partisan activity, Minister Schacht has convinced his colleagues that we need the resources and factories more than the support of the people of Yugoslavia.
Also on Saturday, a news report revealed to the world that von Nordeck’s II Unterseebootsflotte is again heading to sea. While the newpapers and radio bulletins made a lot of von Nordeck’s success and promised more in the future, personally I think this is a bit risky. Obviously keeping up public morale is important, but everyone knows that II Flotte is comprised of elderly short range U-boats. It would not take a particularly bright enemy agent to report that the English Channel will have some new visitors in the near future, and destroyer flotillas in Portsmouth and Southampton to get up steam in preparation. But I am just a humble filing clerk, not a Kriegsmarine press officer.
Loading the last of the supplies onto a U-boat before it heads to sea
Sunday the 8th April was a day off, but I have developed a habit of doing a few things around my apartment, and if I have no social engagements after lunch, going into the Kanzlei to catch up on work (and, I admit, satisfy my curiosity). This Sunday there were quite a few changes, and I was glad I had popped in. It started slowly, with news that a couple of anti-aircraft brigades had been allocated to 1st Küste and Grenze Army and to Heeresgruppe Sud. With the increase in enemy air activity, nobody begrudges our commanders the additional protection that the 3.7cm guns will give them, though these weapons are now seen to be significantly underpowered for modern warfare.
The next item was far more interesting. We have decided to stop spending and working to affect US opinion. For many years some of our brightest young minds have worked on influencing the US to, if not support us, at least not to be actively against us. It has been an underlying basis of our foreign policy that the USA must remain neutral. Now Foreign Minister von Ribbentrop has reviewed his predecessor’s position, and he believes that the USA has been sufficiently moved away from the British. We no longer need to put in such an effort to keep them out of the war.
The resources freed up have been transferred our research bureaucracy. Großadmiral Raeder was the first to seize the opportunity, and his pet project, developing a Fleet Auxiliary Carrier Doctrine, is now underway.
The last item was also quite interesting in that it revealed another big change in our foreign policy. In the past, we have been content to sit back watch while our allies conduct their military operations. This has lead to the Japanese debacle in China, the disaster in Indo China and the lack of clear objectives by the Italians in North Africa. (The official paper I was reading also referred to the unsuccessful revolt in Spain, but concludes we did all we could there as, at the time, we could not accept the late General Franco as a full ally). Recently there has been a breakthrough in diplomatic protocols, and we are now able to at least indicate to our allies what we believe their objectives should be. Even though we have no real authority over military decisions, we have finally decided to take advantage of new ability (Why it has taken so long is beyond me, but the Foreign Ministry is not recognised for being at the cutting edge of innovation). Our military attachés in Rome and Tokyo have set up meetings with their opposite numbers and put forward our suggestions.
The military situation in North Africa: the Italians have been told to concentrate on Egypt. From what we gather the Regia Marina can now operate freely in the Mediterranean
For the Italians, the message was short and to the point: El Iskandariya. The Army of Libia must drive east, crushing the British and their Iraqi allies. No halt should be called until the Suez Canal has been captured. Our man in Rome did have one concern: he believes Mussolini is still intent on attacking Greece, despite the problems in the past. Unfortunately there is no way we can prevent Il Duce from this course of action, should he decide to proceed.
The Greek border: tens of thousands of Italian troops are moving through Yugoslavia to Albania
The advice to the Imperial Japanese Army and the Manchukuo Imperial Army was slightly more complex, but not much. The two armies should combine their strategy to aim east, to capture the vital port of Qingdao. Even if this meant that some conquered inland territory could no longer be held, this would be an acceptable price to pay for a fresh supply source on the coast. In addition, the Imperial Japanese Navy should immediately prepare plans for an invasion of Shanghai. Although previous invasions have been defeated, our military analysis is that the creation of a new front is essential to relieve the pressure in the north and in Indo-China. And, as with Qingdao, another port will help with the logistical problems that are crippling the IJA’s attempts to use its motorised infantry and armour to the best effect.
Northern China: the Japanese are moving forward slowly, but they are heavily outnumbered and need to be able to use their advantage in equipment. Logistical problems prevent them from gaining maximum benefit from their equipment.
In Indo-China, the retreat continues, but a recently arrived Japanese marine division should give the armies of the Guangxi Clique reason to slow down: they will be harder to defeat than the garrison troops and Siamese division the Chinese have faced to date.
The start of the week brought reignited my concerns for my brother: 3rd leichte Panzer Division was in action again. Once more Heinz and the rest of “Wunsdorf” were in the thick of the fighting, as General von Manstein ordered “Angriff” to clear the province of Logrono. Opposition was likely to be weak, but although the bulk of the defenders were cavalry, von Manstein was aware of an armoured brigade in the area. Casualties must be expected. There was nothing I could do except hope that Heinz was not too foolhardy and that luck stayed with him. (I should have just concentrated on the luck – there was no chance of Heinz being anything but foolhardy).
Battle of Logrono
The rest of the day I tried to concentrate on work rather than think of what Heinz might be doing,, and I suspect I may been a bit sharp with some of the younger clerks. Talking of the age of clerks, the call-ups are starting to have an impact. Several of my older staff have already left for their units, and some of the young boys are barely able to file alphabetically they are so eagerly awaiting their birthdays. I suppose the next year or so (I hope the war will not last any longer than that) will see me continually training new juniors and relying more and more on my female staff and the few old reliable Great War veterans.
Not much occurred during the day, other than the good news that the Luftwaffe is able to once again dominate the skies above the battlefield. A few attempts by British carrier-based aircraft to interfere in our operations were easily driven off. I went home early, and so missed the news of General Keppler’s attack on Miranda de Ebro. Although I would not have stayed that late anyway – 1st leichte Panzer started its advance just before midnight, hoping to catch the Spanish unawares and get a pontoon bridge across the Ebro in the dark. From what I heard on Tuesday morning, the attempt was not successful. The panzertruppen and their support infantry were locked in a struggle against a crack mountain division, bolstered by the presence of the armoured vehicles of the Autometrallodoras. Keppler’s men were outnumbered and enemy morale was high: the only real hope of success was from Kesselring’s Stukas, which were again called upon to rescue the ground troops.
Battle of Miranda de Ebro
As the fighting continued, we received word from General Rommel’s Sud-Frankreich Army. (Why does OKH continue to use that name? It is not fooling anyone anymore, if it ever did). Rommel has decided to add a further objective for his already stretched army: La Coruna. The main thrust of the drive into Spain will continue to be towards Madrid, but the General wants to secure his right flank from the possibility of a British landing. With Bilbao now firmly held by Ott’s 3.Infanterie (mot), La Coruna is the only Spanish port on the Bay of Biscay capable of supplying an invasion force.
The good feeling generated by these positive reports was completely dissipated by the next news. During the night, General Jodl had been forced to call off the attack on Tafalla. Although he had more than 50,000 men available, for unknown reasons all units were recalled. I suspect a military stuff-up, but no-one will admit to such a thing. According to the report we lost 152 men, while the Spanish lost 1,010, so it seems the battle was going our way. Perhaps I am being too tough: it could be that the Spanish managed to destroy the bridges across the Ebro or hit a vital supply dump.
Later that day, Jodl regained control of the situation, and at 4PM he recommenced the attack, using just 2 divisions from Pamplona. It will be tough for those men, having to move forward over the ground given up only hours before, possibly passing their dead comrades as they go. And there is still the river to cross, and the Spanish in their dug-outs and trenches on the far side.
Second Battle of Tafalla
Wednesday saw a burst of activity early, and then a very quiet afternoon. Overnight 3rd leichte Panzer cleared the last of the Spanish from Logrono. It was a relief to see that only 12 men were reported dead: surely the odds are against one of those being Heinz? The enemy must have been hit hard, with our tally of Spanish losses being 290.
Spain at the end of the 11th April: slow but steady progress. At least it has stopped raining.
A new gun is now available for our medium tanks. The 5cm KwK 38 L/60 should give our tanks a bit more hitting power, which may be needed if rumours of a new and much improved Soviet tank turn out to be true. Although our Panzer generals pushed hard for a continuation of research, to allow the development of a 7.5cm main gun, our experience in France and more importantly, the last few weeks in Spain, meant that the Pionieres will get there their long promised upgrade of bridging equipment. Work was to begin immediately on the Brückenleger II. The reports of hundreds of casualties in failed river crossings were hard to ignore, and any proposal to reduce these losses (and speed our advance) was going to get funding. There are a lot of rivers in Russia.
An early prototype of the Brückenleger II: this was used to persuade OKH to provide funding
Nothing else of interest for Wednesday, or so it seemed. I got a tip off from my friend in the Foreign Ministry to check the day’s trade announcements, and was very surprised at a one line entry in the daily “new deals” summary. We have signed an agreement with the USSR to purchase 2,500 tonnes of oil per day, at a cost of 9.73 million Reichsmarks. This is a diplomatic and economic coup. We are gaining priceless fuel for our armed forces and paying for it with captured gold and currency. And the supplier is our ultimate target! I hope the group of diplomats and businessmen who put this deal together are rewarded well. It is a masterstroke of deception.
The last thing for the day was a supposedly nondescript report of the situation in the East. Nothing about it showed that it was any more than a routine document put together as part of an overall report on the disposition of the Wehrmacht’s forces. Except for two things: its emphasis on units on the other side of the border, and the list of offices which were to receive a copy. The Führer and the Cabinet Ministers are not normally included in such address lists, which indicate it is of more than normal importance. I think that what I am looking at is one of the first planning documents for the biggest battle in the history of the world.
The East: Ostsee to Suwalki
The East: Suwalki to Wlodawa
The East: Wlodawa to Przemysl
The East: the Hungarian Border
The East: the Rumanian Border
Bombing Summary
Luftwaffe
Vittoria: Kesselring with 1st Schlachtfliegerkorps (2 x Ju 87B): 59
Tafalla: Dörstling with 6th Kampffliegerkorps (1 x Bf 109E, 2 x Ju 87B): 26, 198, 222, 142, 111, 242, 255
Vittoria: Kesselring with 1st Kampffliegerkorps and 1st Schlachtfliegerkorps (1 x Bf 109E, 2 x Ju 88, 2 x Ju 87B): 209
Tafella: Kesselring with 1st Kampffliegerkorps and 1st Schlachtfliegerkorps (1 x Bf 109E, 2 x Ju 88, 2 x Ju 87B): 302, 336, 200, 318, 274
Vittoria: Kesselring with 1st Schlachtfliegerkorps (2 x Ju 87B): 97
Longrono: Sperrle with 1st Kampffliegerkorps (1 x Bf 109E, 2 x Ju 88): 193
Miranda de Ebro: Kesselring with 1st Schlachtfliegerkorps (2 x Ju 87B): 59
Miranda de Ebro: Sperrle with 1st Kampffliegerkorps (1 x Bf 109E, 2 x Ju 88): 147, 259, 344
RAF
Estella: 9th Carrier Air Group: 11
Despite many efforts, the British carrier planes only managed to launch one successful attack, and that had little effect. But with no replacement aircraft reaching Bayonne, Westwall 1 is now down to 83 fighters, and Westwall 2 is crippled, with only 65 planes able to fly.
Unterseebootsflotte activity report
Eastern Charcot Seamount: 2 transports (Australian): Geraldton – Dover: Fricke with 3rd U-flotte
Cape St Vincent: 1 transport (Spanish): Cádiz – Boston: Wolf with 4th U-flotte
Southern Azores Biscay Rise: 1 transport (UK): Plymouth – Georgetown: Aßmann with 1st U-flotte
East Azores Fracture Zone: 1 transport (UK): Dover – Diego Garcia: Aßmann with 1st U-flotte
Western English Channel: 1 transport (UK): Dover – Nauru: von Nordeck with II U-flotte
Setubal Bay: 1 transport (UK): Singapore – Dover: Aßman with 1st U-flotte
Western Biscay Bay: 1 transport (UK): Dover – Trinconmalee: Fricke with 3rd U-flotte
Cape Oregal: 1 transport (UK): Plymouth – Georgetown: Fricke with 3rd U-flotte
South Eastern Azores Fracture Zone: 1 transport (Spanish): Cádiz – Boston: Wolf with 4th U-flotte
Back in business. And just in time for the patch to 2.03b. (I had some problems with that).
Once again, apologies for the break, but I was getting a bit jaded with writing just about every day.
Done!
Thanks kigrwik.
I think Norway is on the backburner: I don't think I have the assets and time to handle Spain, Rumania and Norway and still be ready for Barbarossa in early 1941.
The April 7-11 updates discusses the problems with the RAF. England longterm: we will invade, but only when Russia is not a threat. I don't want my best units in England if they could be required in Russia. I didn't do a See Lowe for various reasons, but one major reason was that the M-R Pact expires in mid 41 and I wasn't sure how long it might take, given that the RN was virtually intact.
And the aim is to close the Western Med and help the Italians close the East.
Once again, apologies for the break, but I was getting a bit jaded with writing just about every day.
Would you mid posting some screenshots of the Russian-German borders? I'd like to see them and maybe give some insight on possible battle strategies.
Done!
Thanks kigrwik.
I think Norway is on the backburner: I don't think I have the assets and time to handle Spain, Rumania and Norway and still be ready for Barbarossa in early 1941.
The April 7-11 updates discusses the problems with the RAF. England longterm: we will invade, but only when Russia is not a threat. I don't want my best units in England if they could be required in Russia. I didn't do a See Lowe for various reasons, but one major reason was that the M-R Pact expires in mid 41 and I wasn't sure how long it might take, given that the RN was virtually intact.
And the aim is to close the Western Med and help the Italians close the East.
Hello Uriah, glad you are back. Still looks like very tough going in Spain, hope those 'boots' no longer needed in Yugoslavia arrive in time. I have recently upgraded to Semper Fi and find the AI more aggressive, especially in cross channel invasions. (am in the fall of 42 and the minute I pulled my reserve armoured korps out of France to assist in the east, 3 seperate invasions along the channel). Keep up the great work.
The RAF fights with a big bonus in the defensive battle of Dover, if you want to avoid that the intercept range need to be reduced, I think to only neighbouring provinces, that is unless you want to attrition them.
The invasion of Spain seem to be going well, already large openings at the flanks can be exploited and soon the organization will be low in the Spanish formations as you move out of the river and mountain provinces.
The garrison ratio to the Soviets seem low but that might be Me always being nervous of open provinces.
Also adopting the 2.03b version is a major step forward, I'm severely impressed by your effort in all these conversions!
Now that you are in the new country of unit upgrades please upgrade Rommel, Guderian and Manstein's little tanks to real panzers
The invasion of Spain seem to be going well, already large openings at the flanks can be exploited and soon the organization will be low in the Spanish formations as you move out of the river and mountain provinces.
The garrison ratio to the Soviets seem low but that might be Me always being nervous of open provinces.
Also adopting the 2.03b version is a major step forward, I'm severely impressed by your effort in all these conversions!
Now that you are in the new country of unit upgrades please upgrade Rommel, Guderian and Manstein's little tanks to real panzers
I read on HoI3wiki that fighter groups of 5 seem to be the best. Although you need like a skill 4-5 commander to offset the higher penalties, you still get lots of extra firepower and durability so that this will triumph over smaller air fleets, despite their nominally higher combat effectiveness. I gotta test that out today myself, I used 2 unit stacks with fighters in my own games but got more or less trounced by RAF when trying t get air supremacy over Britain! (I still sealioned and eventually bombed all airbases in south to rubble and patrolled with my remaining fighters the channel. )
)
We'll soon see if the new objective feature will help your allies. If only the Italians could take Alexandria, the British would be hard pressed.
