A fine performance in the Med, you might not have got the battleships but the Italian fleet is now vulnerable without enough escorts, and I don't imagine the Italians have the IC to replace them. Great writing too, and a thoroughly enjoyable read.
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How could I miss this? Glad you started another AAR.
The British failure in Germany must have been a good victory for the Axis.. good think for a weak Kriegsmarine and strong Royal Navy. Keeping up the war in North Africa is good, and distracts the Italians but You need to keep to put more pressure on Germany somehow.
Any inteligence on an actual Soviet intervention in Poland, even with the Winter war?
Intrresting to see how Pacific war goes... how is your army in Singapore and Burma, or French Indochina for the French player.
Anyway, I like the writing style. Good combination of a narrative and game play.
Lets hope the Axis does not get Romania into their alliance as you invade western Germany...
Good Job-DesertFox1871
The British failure in Germany must have been a good victory for the Axis.. good think for a weak Kriegsmarine and strong Royal Navy. Keeping up the war in North Africa is good, and distracts the Italians but You need to keep to put more pressure on Germany somehow.
Any inteligence on an actual Soviet intervention in Poland, even with the Winter war?
Intrresting to see how Pacific war goes... how is your army in Singapore and Burma, or French Indochina for the French player.
Anyway, I like the writing style. Good combination of a narrative and game play.
Lets hope the Axis does not get Romania into their alliance as you invade western Germany...
Good Job-DesertFox1871
Greetings. This is the Japanese player from this game. Once again CptEasy is doing a superb job in recaping this game as well as adding a thrilling storyline. Well done!
The delayed war entry for Japan had two major reasons. The first one is that Japan is still chewing through the last if Chinas allies - Xibei San Ma. Although I'd willingly admit that I was in no hurry to get out of war, I did initially allocate too few troops to conquer their capital and last Victory Point. Meaning I had to travese the enless mountains twice.
The second one was that my plan is to enter war with both Britan AND Netherlands. I feared that if Netherland entered the war AFTER I declared Britan, it wouldn't mean an automatic war with them. But I don't want to war declarations, assumingly increasing my threat. Therefore at this stage I'm actually waiting for Germany to declare war on Netherlands bofore entering.
Also a short comment on the Japanese supplies during the china war. The supply situation was substancially better than expected, but I wasn't just pure luck as I knew the supply might be a problem. I took som precausions. The most important one was that I didn't over allocate troops to my front. By evenly distributing them I did get a lot more supply through tham I if had had over committed. At times I did experience pretty bad lyck of supply, my action would then be to move troops out of that section, leaving the rest in force and supplied. Another major reason was that I early on aquired a strategic effect, increasing my supply throughput.
The delayed war entry for Japan had two major reasons. The first one is that Japan is still chewing through the last if Chinas allies - Xibei San Ma. Although I'd willingly admit that I was in no hurry to get out of war, I did initially allocate too few troops to conquer their capital and last Victory Point. Meaning I had to travese the enless mountains twice.
The second one was that my plan is to enter war with both Britan AND Netherlands. I feared that if Netherland entered the war AFTER I declared Britan, it wouldn't mean an automatic war with them. But I don't want to war declarations, assumingly increasing my threat. Therefore at this stage I'm actually waiting for Germany to declare war on Netherlands bofore entering.
Also a short comment on the Japanese supplies during the china war. The supply situation was substancially better than expected, but I wasn't just pure luck as I knew the supply might be a problem. I took som precausions. The most important one was that I didn't over allocate troops to my front. By evenly distributing them I did get a lot more supply through tham I if had had over committed. At times I did experience pretty bad lyck of supply, my action would then be to move troops out of that section, leaving the rest in force and supplied. Another major reason was that I early on aquired a strategic effect, increasing my supply throughput.
But britain hardly has any land forces in india,surely this is the time to strike,if britain sends troops to india it'll weaken its land capability in europe and u can alos get soem cahnces to maul the british navy.just answer the call for arms vs britain when netherlands is attacked do the same.
Hey Cybvep. Nice to see you're in again
I don't agree with you fully there. Surely, the German player had plenty to do during Trident but with the superior individual force of his troops it wasn't to hard to dispatch the allies. Just as you say, I also think he handled it pretty well. It was probably a good tactic to make sure he held the line against France and to beat back the Brits fairly swift - even if that meant a longer campaign in Poland. Don't forget that it was costly for France and Britain too - and a big risk for Britain to lose entire divisions. But as I was extra careful with that I came out without problems.Thanks. Good to hear my time on this AAR is not wasted for nothing
Well, easier to replace a screen than the battleships... but you are right... after these defeats Italy's era as a fairly great naval power is over. Still, as long as the battleships are there he can always come back and be a nuisance. Let's just say we havn't seen the last of the Regia Marina...How could I miss this? Glad you started another AAR.
The British failure in Germany must have been a good victory for the Axis.. good thing for a weak Kriegsmarine and strong Royal Navy. Keeping up the war in North Africa is good, and distracts the Italians but You need to keep to put more pressure on Germany somehow.
Any inteligence on an actual Soviet intervention in Poland, even with the Winter war?
Intrresting to see how Pacific war goes... how is your army in Singapore and Burma, or French Indochina for the French player.
Anyway, I like the writing style. Good combination of a narrative and game play.
Lets hope the Axis does not get Romania into their alliance as you invade western Germany...
Good Job-DesertFox1871
Hey, Des. I was just wondering where you were at
The British failure in Germany? Harsh words I don't really see it as a failure. The goal was not to conquer Germany but to distract. Right now I will have all focus on Italy, but I guess France will need a little help too. We'll see about that. Even if France is run by human - so is Germany - and thus it will be hard when Fritz is coming with full force. Both Poland and Soviet is human played at the moment. You'll get more intel on Asia in a while, but honestly, I'm not too strong there at the moment. So, I'm very happy Japan is still not in the war. But it's bad for Italy. Both Axis and Soviet spend DI on Romania at the moment. Stalemate in other words. Hope u stick with the story, Des U basterd
It was of course a major blow to our plans that you would stomp through China so quickly. Well played.....
Update later today
Years of Jolly Carnage – a multiplayer AAR
Part VIII – Desert Battles
Authors note: Players are UK, FRA, POL, SU, GER, ITA, JAP
In the last part of the story, the British forces managed to halt the Italian advance in El Alamein and also take Sardinia. By doing so they forced the Italian fleet to disadvantaged naval battles which resulted in costly defeats for them. As Germany is still stuck in Poland, Great Britain has free hands in the Med. Now, it’s their time to go offensive.
August 27th, 1939
After reinforcements, new divisions from Tunis and after getting some time for reorganization, the Brits launched an assault out of El Alamein. It was hot like hell with winds whipping up the dry dust in blinding clouds. It did not matter. The target was set and with decent, if not total, air superiority the Italians were pounded relentlessly.
August 29th, 1939
The victories came one after one and the Italians tumbled backwards trying to find some kind of defensive line. Nothing seemed to stop the fast British machinery of warfare. The Iraqis followed the advance and covered the back of the motorized spear head.
Late August, 1939
While savage battles was fought in the open desert in the eastern part of North Africa, the recovered lads in Newall’s heavy bomber squadrons took up their missions again. First target was to return and finish the job in Benghazi. It was only half repaired since last time and could not defend itself. Infrastructures, truck yards, portside storehouses and oil tanks were obliterated.
After that, the bombing of Torbuk commenced. It was a long route from Malta and they could not attack very often due to this. The AA-fire was quite heavy and they realized it would take some time to have the same success here as in Banghazi. Moreover, Italy had fighters here who could respond to the threat at any time.
August 31st, 1939
Three month into the attack on Poland, the fight goes on. Alas, major Polish cities, including Warszawa, are cut off. The Poles desperately cling on to the last cities, refusing to surrender. This gallant act will not last for long, however, and France and UK have to familiarize themselves with the thought of facing the up to the Germans on their own side of the court.
September 4th, 1939
Piece by piece, the Italians give ground to the British advance. They barely manage to avoid being blitzed through. Now, the Brits are ready to throw in some extra coins in the pot…
September 5th, 1939
The 3rd Infantry Division, veterans from Germany and Tunis, landed in the middle of the Italian retreat. The desert of Khalij as Sallum was undefended as they waded ashore and took positions, but as soon as the Italians realized what was going on, they attacked the 3rd from all sides. The 3rd only consisted of two brigades as they lost the third, the renegades, who ventured deep into Germany and fortified themselves in a city they had taken control over.
The 3rd, however, was not left alone. They were backed up by naval artillery and also by continuous attacks from the British ground and air forces from the east. The question was, would the 3rd be able to hold their ground until the main force broke the neck of the Italians?
Either way – the British leadership had a greater price in sight. Tobruk. To win the heavily fortified city quickly, the needed to crush some of the Italian forces outside its walls and moreover, those that did reach Tobruk needed to be in as bad shape as possible. In the game of this price, the 3rd was expendable.
September 5th, 1939
At the same time, the Brits had pressed the Italians back in their western domain in Africa. After the losses outside Tunis, they only had HQs to stop the Brits. In Tarabulus, however, they had several well dug in militia divisions.
September 5th, 1939
Ethiopia is so far getting the best out of the British colonies. In the end of the summer, however, the Brits woke up and started to press back, resulting in a few land gains. A few minor battles were fought, but as the Brits in most cases only had single brigades they actually had problems with the Ethiopian militia and was forced to back down. In the North, a full motorized infantry division had arrived and as Italy seemed to have no regular forces around, it was foreseen that it would be more wins than losses in the future.
September 5th, 1939
The giant of Japan is taking its good time to conquer Xibei San Ma. Though they are not at war with the Allies, they constitute a great threat. The Allied leadership knew they will break the peace eventually. The only question is when.
September 5th, 1939
After all the heavy fighting outside Tunis, Forbes task force was reshaped as several damaged ship went to wharfs around in the Mediterranean. The new, 11 ship strong task force were placed to guard the Italian fleet in Palermo which was said to be in a very bad shape after all the battles.
::Captain Mark Monaghan needed the rest. It had been a few great battles. He was a tested man, now, a man that passed the test with a high scoring. Admiral Forbes had personally congratulated him for his maneuvers. That meant a lot. Now he tried to take care of his crew. Two had died and several had taken wounds during the battle. Most of it happened when a grenade from an Italian destroyer hit HMS Coventry on the port side. It wasn’t too bad, but Mark would have hoped for some time in port to repair it and get reinforcements. Even with a few men gone, the shifts became longer for those still on the deck, and during battle, then it would be felt even more. Still, it was calm in the Eastern Tyrrhenian Sea and the early September-weather was great.::
September 7th, 1939
After more than a week of rest and repairs, Newall’s heavy bombers were on duty again and continued to hit Tobruk. The city was already a ruin and the roads totally jammed with debris from raised houses and burned out wrecks of trucks. Still, reports from aerial photos proved they had loads of supplies hidden in basements, houses and under cammo nettings. It would take time to eradicate all that.
At the same time, the port was under siege with several submarine patrols sinking all incoming convoys. The ground troops were fighting hard in the hot desert and gaining ground steady but slowly. The pressure had already gone down on the surrounded troops in Khalij as Sallum. They would make it out of there with a good story to tell. That much was certain.
September 11th, 1939
After the victory in Sidi Barrani, a supply route was opened up to Khalij as Sallum. At the same time, the Italian retreat was held up as they had to retreat through El Dab’a. From Khalij as Sallum a division, Dobbie’s boys, tried to rush to Ad Diffah to cut the Italians off.
As British Hurricanes did not have the reach to support the bombers, the airspace now belonged to the Italians most of the time. The Brits still made a few bombing runs but often met Italian fighters. The losses were not too bad, but the intercepted missions ineffective.
One Italian armor division and one motorized managed to reach Ad Diffah before Dobbie’s boys, but they immediately retreated as the fresh British infantry arrived. Three exhausted Italian infantry divisions got caught in the crossfire as they arrived to Ad Diffah and they surrendered straight away. Things looked bright for the British desert dash.
September 14th, 1939
Cunningham’s 4th Infantry attacked the dog-tired Italian divisions who had been beaten in province after province all the way from El Dab’a. Their morale was all gone and there were no order at all. With the victory in Knightsbridge, all British land was recaptured and the Italians now lost their own colonies. Now the Brits even bordered to the infamous desert fort Tobruk.
September 14th, 1939
At the same time, Montgomery had pushed all the way to the city of Tarabulus. They immediately got attacked by savage militia who stormed out of the city… probably to prove their manhood. They did not stand a chance against Montgomery’s experienced men and the attack was soon cancelled. It was a poor way of getting revenge for the two HQs that was just recently surrendered and crushed outside the city.
September 15th, 1939
Poland as a country is crushed. Yet, it still exists. Surrounded in the landscape around their big cities, they still cling on and fight with epic ferocity. The German forces just do not manage to crush the Poles - and the battle is half into the fourth month.
....
Next part - The battle of Tobruk and Tarabulus... And the Regia Marina is out in the Med again.
Part VIII – Desert Battles
Authors note: Players are UK, FRA, POL, SU, GER, ITA, JAP
In the last part of the story, the British forces managed to halt the Italian advance in El Alamein and also take Sardinia. By doing so they forced the Italian fleet to disadvantaged naval battles which resulted in costly defeats for them. As Germany is still stuck in Poland, Great Britain has free hands in the Med. Now, it’s their time to go offensive.
August 27th, 1939
After reinforcements, new divisions from Tunis and after getting some time for reorganization, the Brits launched an assault out of El Alamein. It was hot like hell with winds whipping up the dry dust in blinding clouds. It did not matter. The target was set and with decent, if not total, air superiority the Italians were pounded relentlessly.
August 29th, 1939
The victories came one after one and the Italians tumbled backwards trying to find some kind of defensive line. Nothing seemed to stop the fast British machinery of warfare. The Iraqis followed the advance and covered the back of the motorized spear head.
Late August, 1939
While savage battles was fought in the open desert in the eastern part of North Africa, the recovered lads in Newall’s heavy bomber squadrons took up their missions again. First target was to return and finish the job in Benghazi. It was only half repaired since last time and could not defend itself. Infrastructures, truck yards, portside storehouses and oil tanks were obliterated.
After that, the bombing of Torbuk commenced. It was a long route from Malta and they could not attack very often due to this. The AA-fire was quite heavy and they realized it would take some time to have the same success here as in Banghazi. Moreover, Italy had fighters here who could respond to the threat at any time.
August 31st, 1939
Three month into the attack on Poland, the fight goes on. Alas, major Polish cities, including Warszawa, are cut off. The Poles desperately cling on to the last cities, refusing to surrender. This gallant act will not last for long, however, and France and UK have to familiarize themselves with the thought of facing the up to the Germans on their own side of the court.
September 4th, 1939
Piece by piece, the Italians give ground to the British advance. They barely manage to avoid being blitzed through. Now, the Brits are ready to throw in some extra coins in the pot…
September 5th, 1939
The 3rd Infantry Division, veterans from Germany and Tunis, landed in the middle of the Italian retreat. The desert of Khalij as Sallum was undefended as they waded ashore and took positions, but as soon as the Italians realized what was going on, they attacked the 3rd from all sides. The 3rd only consisted of two brigades as they lost the third, the renegades, who ventured deep into Germany and fortified themselves in a city they had taken control over.
The 3rd, however, was not left alone. They were backed up by naval artillery and also by continuous attacks from the British ground and air forces from the east. The question was, would the 3rd be able to hold their ground until the main force broke the neck of the Italians?
Either way – the British leadership had a greater price in sight. Tobruk. To win the heavily fortified city quickly, the needed to crush some of the Italian forces outside its walls and moreover, those that did reach Tobruk needed to be in as bad shape as possible. In the game of this price, the 3rd was expendable.
September 5th, 1939
At the same time, the Brits had pressed the Italians back in their western domain in Africa. After the losses outside Tunis, they only had HQs to stop the Brits. In Tarabulus, however, they had several well dug in militia divisions.
September 5th, 1939
Ethiopia is so far getting the best out of the British colonies. In the end of the summer, however, the Brits woke up and started to press back, resulting in a few land gains. A few minor battles were fought, but as the Brits in most cases only had single brigades they actually had problems with the Ethiopian militia and was forced to back down. In the North, a full motorized infantry division had arrived and as Italy seemed to have no regular forces around, it was foreseen that it would be more wins than losses in the future.
September 5th, 1939
The giant of Japan is taking its good time to conquer Xibei San Ma. Though they are not at war with the Allies, they constitute a great threat. The Allied leadership knew they will break the peace eventually. The only question is when.
September 5th, 1939
After all the heavy fighting outside Tunis, Forbes task force was reshaped as several damaged ship went to wharfs around in the Mediterranean. The new, 11 ship strong task force were placed to guard the Italian fleet in Palermo which was said to be in a very bad shape after all the battles.
::Captain Mark Monaghan needed the rest. It had been a few great battles. He was a tested man, now, a man that passed the test with a high scoring. Admiral Forbes had personally congratulated him for his maneuvers. That meant a lot. Now he tried to take care of his crew. Two had died and several had taken wounds during the battle. Most of it happened when a grenade from an Italian destroyer hit HMS Coventry on the port side. It wasn’t too bad, but Mark would have hoped for some time in port to repair it and get reinforcements. Even with a few men gone, the shifts became longer for those still on the deck, and during battle, then it would be felt even more. Still, it was calm in the Eastern Tyrrhenian Sea and the early September-weather was great.::
September 7th, 1939
After more than a week of rest and repairs, Newall’s heavy bombers were on duty again and continued to hit Tobruk. The city was already a ruin and the roads totally jammed with debris from raised houses and burned out wrecks of trucks. Still, reports from aerial photos proved they had loads of supplies hidden in basements, houses and under cammo nettings. It would take time to eradicate all that.
At the same time, the port was under siege with several submarine patrols sinking all incoming convoys. The ground troops were fighting hard in the hot desert and gaining ground steady but slowly. The pressure had already gone down on the surrounded troops in Khalij as Sallum. They would make it out of there with a good story to tell. That much was certain.
September 11th, 1939
After the victory in Sidi Barrani, a supply route was opened up to Khalij as Sallum. At the same time, the Italian retreat was held up as they had to retreat through El Dab’a. From Khalij as Sallum a division, Dobbie’s boys, tried to rush to Ad Diffah to cut the Italians off.
As British Hurricanes did not have the reach to support the bombers, the airspace now belonged to the Italians most of the time. The Brits still made a few bombing runs but often met Italian fighters. The losses were not too bad, but the intercepted missions ineffective.
One Italian armor division and one motorized managed to reach Ad Diffah before Dobbie’s boys, but they immediately retreated as the fresh British infantry arrived. Three exhausted Italian infantry divisions got caught in the crossfire as they arrived to Ad Diffah and they surrendered straight away. Things looked bright for the British desert dash.
September 14th, 1939
Cunningham’s 4th Infantry attacked the dog-tired Italian divisions who had been beaten in province after province all the way from El Dab’a. Their morale was all gone and there were no order at all. With the victory in Knightsbridge, all British land was recaptured and the Italians now lost their own colonies. Now the Brits even bordered to the infamous desert fort Tobruk.
September 14th, 1939
At the same time, Montgomery had pushed all the way to the city of Tarabulus. They immediately got attacked by savage militia who stormed out of the city… probably to prove their manhood. They did not stand a chance against Montgomery’s experienced men and the attack was soon cancelled. It was a poor way of getting revenge for the two HQs that was just recently surrendered and crushed outside the city.
September 15th, 1939
Poland as a country is crushed. Yet, it still exists. Surrounded in the landscape around their big cities, they still cling on and fight with epic ferocity. The German forces just do not manage to crush the Poles - and the battle is half into the fourth month.
....
Next part - The battle of Tobruk and Tarabulus... And the Regia Marina is out in the Med again.
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Poles are almost done and the Germans will be able to move troops to the west. Therefore, it will be hard for the Allies to conquer Italy early on.
Wouldn't it be better to forget Africa, dig in near Alexandria, crush the Italian navy and go for massive attack on Italian mainland?
Wouldn't it be better to forget Africa, dig in near Alexandria, crush the Italian navy and go for massive attack on Italian mainland?
Expelling the Italians from North Africa opens up the whole of the Med as a potential front. This is a lot more dangerous for Italy as it is for the Allies, plus the Allies conquer all sorts of ports and airfield within range of the Italian mainland.
However, seeing the numbers of British forces in Afica, I somehow feel that they'll not have many units to spare for the French front.
However, seeing the numbers of British forces in Afica, I somehow feel that they'll not have many units to spare for the French front.
Good Update.
With your victories in North Africa you have surely put much pressure on Italy. Operation Husky may perhaps be next?
The Italian player must already be sending troops to Sicily and Sardinia- Or preparing for a strike into France.
Poland holds on, but by now they are just buying time. Will the human player switch countries after?
How is the Soviet Union in Finland? I would imagine they want more then Karelia, perhaps a puppet or annexation.
I like the size of the updates. Good Job- I look Forward to more.
-DesertFox1871
With your victories in North Africa you have surely put much pressure on Italy. Operation Husky may perhaps be next?
The Italian player must already be sending troops to Sicily and Sardinia- Or preparing for a strike into France.
Poland holds on, but by now they are just buying time. Will the human player switch countries after?
How is the Soviet Union in Finland? I would imagine they want more then Karelia, perhaps a puppet or annexation.
I like the size of the updates. Good Job- I look Forward to more.
-DesertFox1871
I love the update sizes, too. BTW it seems that your aircraft is very effective, but you didn't build any "emergency" airfields which could be dropped in conquered provinces .
.
Very masterfully done to corner the italians.
But i feel the italian player is now wasting his forces he should have pulled back land forces in africa after the defat of his navy,now he is just wasting forces therE against superior strength,He should have gathered strength on the italian mainland and wait for another oppurtunity to return to africa like after the german attcak in the west when british divisions would be needed in europe.He could retake africa in a blitz operation in conjunction with a japanese attcak on burma maybe?
ATM he is just throwing away those forces imo.
But i feel the italian player is now wasting his forces he should have pulled back land forces in africa after the defat of his navy,now he is just wasting forces therE against superior strength,He should have gathered strength on the italian mainland and wait for another oppurtunity to return to africa like after the german attcak in the west when british divisions would be needed in europe.He could retake africa in a blitz operation in conjunction with a japanese attcak on burma maybe?
ATM he is just throwing away those forces imo.
POL player here.
We do not allow troops to be disbanded outside of the capital (or on uncontested continents for the UK).
Yes.
We do not allow troops to be disbanded outside of the capital (or on uncontested continents for the UK).
Yes.
Great inputs, guys. Unfortunately, I'm stuck in a meeting-room in Helsinki. Think I can come with a new update tomorrow when I get home or the day after at the latest. I actually ate a dish made of minced lamb with sardines wich is suppost to have been created for the Finish WW2 chief of Army (and later president), Mannerheim, and later became his favorite dish. Very tasty actually. Cheers.
Just great AAr : fine job in Africa, and quite surprising landing in Germany.
I just don't understand the japanese point of view about a further push in India. But we 'l see in the future...
Waiting impatiently for the reports to come
Thanks
I just don't understand the japanese point of view about a further push in India. But we 'l see in the future...
Waiting impatiently for the reports to come
Thanks
Aah. Back in office with a smoking coffee in my hand and frost on the trees outside the window. Now, lets see what you've been writing...
With Italy beeing human-played I think that would be to big a bite at this moment. Germany could, after the fall of Poland, easilly send troops to support Italy and throw Britains invading force out. I would be just another "annoying" attack from the allied side and not something that could be permanent. I thought it better at this point to consolidate Northern Africa and try to make it a safe haven before the fall of France.
Or anybody have a better idea? I'm eager to hear for I was thinking a lot about it at this point.
Yes, that more in the terms I was thinking. No, I guess most of my "free units" are in Africa now. I saw a good opportunity to deliver a swift stroke against the Italians in North Africa and went with a reassuring force... But we still have to see if its enough and how it will affect the rest of the war.
We'll see about Husky Knowing the Italians had plenty of damaged battleships in Palermo made that Operation tempting for that reason. On the other hand, as I wrote to Cybvep, I was quite sure that Husky at this point only would be temporary - but killing the Regia Marina would be quite a sweet price.... Yes, human players can shift countries after they fall (or actually whenever he likes if it is in the beginning of a playing session). To be honest, I didn't have time to follow Soviet-progress in Finland but you'll get reports of the outcome later on. Very nice to get comments on the post-length, from you and Cybvep. I prefer to make them slighly shorter but post about twice a week to keep an even flow. Good that you like it too. I was actually wondering. Hope you like the format too. I fokus more on tactical moves than on strategic build up - but thats how I like it
Uhm... I must admit I haven't concidered that at all... Clever.
I actually thought about that as well (that Italy could have strengthen Africa or retreated) but to his defense (since he havn't answered himself) you have to keep in mind that the Med was swarming with French and British patrols. It would have been a great risk to transport troops for the Italian player. Otherwise, I like the way you think
Nice to have you onboard Carolusmig. As I am a much better offensive player than defensive, my defense is often quite offensive It might cause me to overstrech my capasity but in this case I am satisfied with the result. I stole plenty of German IC,Manpower and Leadership - and attention. And I like to surprise
More coming later today or tomorrow /CptEasy
With Italy beeing human-played I think that would be to big a bite at this moment. Germany could, after the fall of Poland, easilly send troops to support Italy and throw Britains invading force out. I would be just another "annoying" attack from the allied side and not something that could be permanent. I thought it better at this point to consolidate Northern Africa and try to make it a safe haven before the fall of France.
Or anybody have a better idea? I'm eager to hear for I was thinking a lot about it at this point.
Yes, that more in the terms I was thinking. No, I guess most of my "free units" are in Africa now. I saw a good opportunity to deliver a swift stroke against the Italians in North Africa and went with a reassuring force... But we still have to see if its enough and how it will affect the rest of the war.
We'll see about Husky
Knowing the Italians had plenty of damaged battleships in Palermo made that Operation tempting for that reason. On the other hand, as I wrote to Cybvep, I was quite sure that Husky at this point only would be temporary - but killing the Regia Marina would be quite a sweet price.... Yes, human players can shift countries after they fall (or actually whenever he likes if it is in the beginning of a playing session). To be honest, I didn't have time to follow Soviet-progress in Finland but you'll get reports of the outcome later on. Very nice to get comments on the post-length, from you and Cybvep. I prefer to make them slighly shorter but post about twice a week to keep an even flow. Good that you like it too. I was actually wondering. Hope you like the format too. I fokus more on tactical moves than on strategic build up - but thats how I like it I love the update sizes, too. BTW it seems that your aircraft is very effective, but you didn't build any "emergency" airfields which could be dropped in conquered provinces
Uhm... I must admit I haven't concidered that at all... Clever.
I actually thought about that as well (that Italy could have strengthen Africa or retreated) but to his defense (since he havn't answered himself) you have to keep in mind that the Med was swarming with French and British patrols. It would have been a great risk to transport troops for the Italian player. Otherwise, I like the way you think
Nice to have you onboard Carolusmig. As I am a much better offensive player than defensive, my defense is often quite offensive
It might cause me to overstrech my capasity but in this case I am satisfied with the result. I stole plenty of German IC,Manpower and Leadership - and attention. And I like to surprise More coming later today or tomorrow /CptEasy
My major concern was that I wanted to be at a state of war with both Britan and Netherlands. Due to me not fully mastering the threat formulas I didn't want to risk a "call to arms" from Germany as I suspected that might raise their threat even more. And I think Call to Arms will cost 10 diplomatic points as well.
Then again, Germany did take his time in Poland and the war with Netherland seemed far away, and there is definately the matter with putting preassure on Britan on several fronts simultaniously. I'm not saying I did the right call. It is in my nature to be cautious.
Years of Jolly Carnage – a multiplayer AAR
Part IX – The battle of Tobruk and Tarabulus... And the Regia Marina is out in the Med again
Authors note: Players are UK, FRA, POL, SU, GER, ITA, JAP
September 17th, 1939
The Italian Admiral da Zara made a go at trying to liberate the fleet in Palermo. But there was Admiral Forbes with his Mediterranean Fleet. Nobody wanted to back down. The British fleet had better positions as they were basically just waiting for combat. They also had the numbers on their side. However, the Italians had more capital ships. Admiral Forbes did not hesitate. The Italian battleships had a too small screen and even if their guns were terrifying, Forbes saw his chance to bring a few of those giants down.
::Commander Monaghan stood at the gun rail with his binoculars. The Italian barrage was mighty indeed. He knew that the Italians probably had a few of the most modern battle ships in the world, but that did not scare him. He would not linger. He went into the bridge and gently gave his orders which were obeyed without hesitation. HMS Coventry steered forwards at high speed to close in on the battle ships. Oh, how he wanted one of those. ::
::An Italian destroyer engaged him and he responded. Coventry’s aft gun deck was hit and destroyed but the revenge came quickly as the forward guns managed a double-hit that blew of the destroyer’s entire bridge. A few more explosions followed and the Italian sailors abandoned the sinking ship. Mark Monaghan didn’t smile. Instead, he gave orders to proceed forwards. However, the mighty battleship Vittorio Veneto had realized the loss in the scattered screen and immediately started to target Coventry.::
::At this moment, Mark knew his duty was primarily to evade and secondary to fire back. Still, as he ordered the maneuvers, he made it so that the front guns always had a free field of fire. There – they scored a hit on the side of the Vittorio! It wasn’t to big, but the Italians would feel the pain of the bee’s sting. Then came a silent flash of light. Mark wondered what it could be. The he heard the thick bridge window break and the sharp shrapnel flew like arrows into the officers. The commander was hit in the face with a power that made blood splash. But he just wouldn’t duck. Then came the blast. He knew it couldn’t be that delayed. It felt like minutes. It pained him, because he knew it was a clean hit. He wouldn’t sink this battleship either. The force of the explosion threw Mark Monaghan like a doll backwards into the steel wall and all went black.::
The Italians were chased away and all their screens were sunk. However, UK almost lost two ships for every Italian. It was not a great victory, especially as all the Italian battleships got away. Still, it was valuable to pick of all their smaller ships. Without screens, they would have problems to operate.
One of the sunken British ships was the light cruiser HMS Coventry.
September 19th, 1939
Slightly less than a week ago, the 18th was under attack from Italian militia. Now, the 5th managed to isolate Tarabulus. Shortly after that, the French motorized initiated the attack, soon followed by the Brits. French tactical bombers also took part and making life hard for the numerous but poorly equipped Italians.
It was hard going for the Allies. For every soldier, the opponent had two, and the rocky mountainous terrain did nothing to easing it up. The roads showed traces of the strategically bombings done here a few month earlier.
September 20th, 1939
On the eastern side of Northern Africa, the situation was similar. The Italians had failed to stop Tobruk from being surrounded. Now, Alexander’s 1st Infantry was leading the attack with other experienced divisions, like Cunningham’s 4th.
::Richard and the other “Dogs” didn’t get to stay in Sardina very long. He didn’t know what to say about that. It was better there than in Tunis. They didn’t tell him shit when they went on board that bloody jar of a transport ship. He hated being locked into that friggin steel stomach. Well, this time they ended up in Alexandria. That wasn’t too bad if they didn’t get the order to march right away. Bloody unfair. They drove through the desert and saw endless traces of hard and deadly combat and merciless bombing. Perhaps the Brits here were real pansies. They at least had funny names like “Wessex”. Who did they think they were..? Bloody Americans? Ha! How could they have been beaten by friggin’ Italians? Anyway, 1st was here now to save the day.::
::They got contact with retreating enemies in Al Adam and sent them of in full panic. Then they took Gazala without combat. After that, they got to initiate the attack on Tobruk itself. It lived up to the rumors. This was hell on earth. It was already bombed to ruins. No street was working. It was just a mess. But that was not all. Amongst these ruins was formidable forts and bunkers hidden, some armed with heavy guns of various sizes. The outer area was packed with mines too. Cowards!::
::Richard and Johnny and the others in Dog Company pushed into the outskirts of the bombed city. There were shooters everywhere, hidden in the ruins. And it looked like impossible odds, especially since their own fighters didn’t have range to protect the bombers. As a result, the Italians ruled they sky for a majority of the time. It was the nastiest battle he’d been through since the beginning of the war. And the going was slow. It would simply take a really long time to flush these enemies out from this devastated place that seemed to be picked straight from one of the terrible stories grandpa used to tell. But Richard wasn’t the one to back down. No way on earth he would back down for one of these garlic lovers.::
September 27th, 1939
::One week in this friggin’ hell hole. But he’d started to cool down. They’d all realized that they faced HQ wimps and barbarian militia. Their shooters were so bad they couldn’t hit a tent from within. The first days he had his nerves as skin, but now they all started to be casual. When they heard shooting they didn’t duck but turned their heads to see what it was.::
::Richard, Johnny and Malachi ran over a piece of open ground, strewed with litter and remnants of a collapsed wall, while a few badly aimed bullets screamed passed their heads. On the other side of the old square, they squatted by a wall full of bullet holes and spied ahead on a huge pile of building material. It was the remnant of a house of some sort but one of theirs scouts have seen militias walk back from battle into a hole in the heap of a ruin. The trio sneaked forwards towards the hole in the ruin and could suddenly see movement in the darkness within. A guard there was smoking a cigarette. Sloppy. Johnny and Malachi fired away at the dark skinned soldier in the shadows while Richard jogged in a low position beside the bulled-marked wall that led up to the ruin. Johnny shouted to him. "Dick! He’s down. Smoke them!" Richard reached the ragged opening and tossed in two grenades, and them he threw himself to ground. He heard a few shouts on some African tongue and then came two loud explosions that silenced everything, including two machine guns that pointed out towards Dog Companies position on the other side of the heap of ruin. Johnny and Malachi came and helped Richard up. Malachi grinned broadly. "Aye, that tought them desert lads not to be so cocky next time." Richard grunted, having knocked a knee into a stone. "Those buggers are dead. Next buggers will do the same mistake. Not guard their friggin’ backs. Stupid pricks." Johnny tested a few steps into the smoking bunker with the barrel of his Lee-Enfield pointing into the dark. "Let’s see if they stored some goodies here…"::
October 2nd, 1939
After two weeks of battle, the African militia defending Tarabulus was at their knees. Surrounded, attacked from all directions, bombed from the air and under a constant naval barrage – they were without hope. They surrendered within a day. The west of Italian North Africa is broken.
October 7th, 1939
After almost 20 days of battle in the ruined desert fort, the Italian militia finally gave up. Cunningham’s 4th infantry had taken extensive losses, but not due to the fighting in the city but the continuous Italian bombing. Except one armor division and one motorized division, Italy had lost the entire army with which they attacked British North Africa, including HQs and the vanguard militia. The same had happened in the western parts. Now, the Italian only held one port in North Africa, and it was in the mountainous Benghazi, which already was bombed to oblivion by Newall’s strategic bombers.
:: Dog company had pushed all the way through the western part of Tobruk, flushing out strongholds and bunkers with high efficiency. They lost extremely few soldiers. Alexander’s leadership in combination with the troops experience made 1st Infantry a formidable tool of warfare. It took time though, but supply came in constantly and as progress was deliberately kept slow and careful, they had time to rest as well.::
::Richard Monaghan, famous for his bravery when storming bunkers together with his diehards, carefully slipped through a charred ruin, successfully avoiding the debris on the floor. A black man, dressed in a motley desert outfit, lay still and pale on the floor, his skin powdered with dust. Richard nudged him with his boot but knew he was dead. He had seen enough of dead Ethiopian militia the latest day. He continued though the room, nodded towards Johnny to cover the flank and continued alone into the next room with his Italian sub machine gun, a Beretta m38, ready to fire. The m38s were better guns those the British army could muster. The room was deserted but the busted wall opened up to a magnificent view.::
::The port of Tobruk lay before their eyes and beyond that, the wide ocean. The remnants of the militia company they had fought with the last days had fled out to the docks, maybe hoping to find a ship waiting for them. But none was there. The only ships visible were the British blockade out in the ocean. So, as Richard’s diehards took position by the last ruins, followed by the rest of Dog Company, the African fighters gave up and lay down their arms. Richard sighed and sat down on a block of fallen façade and pulled out his crumpled packaged of woodbines. He found a broken cigarette without filter, lighted it and drew a deep puff. Johnny, Malachi and Sid the Knuckle came up to him with grim smiles, dirty and dusty as they were. Richard blew out smoke which drifted away in the wind, smiled and passed the glowing fag to Johnny. “Good work, lads. Tobruk is ours”.::
October 9th, 1939
After the stunning victories in Africa, and with Poland still holding out, the Brits had hoped to have a calm end of the Year. The Allies had completely missed the build up by the boarders of Netherlands as the war against Poland was still on. When the Netherlands desperately turned to the Allies, information started to flow in. It was clear from the start that Germany would conquer the country within a week or so, and Britain did not plan to try and rescue them. It would be suicide.
A few hours after these news, Japan joined in on the Axis side. That was even worse. That meant that British Asia was under direct threat. Busy and bloody times awaited – that much was certain...
.........................
Next part - Japan goes to war
Part IX – The battle of Tobruk and Tarabulus... And the Regia Marina is out in the Med again
Authors note: Players are UK, FRA, POL, SU, GER, ITA, JAP
September 17th, 1939
The Italian Admiral da Zara made a go at trying to liberate the fleet in Palermo. But there was Admiral Forbes with his Mediterranean Fleet. Nobody wanted to back down. The British fleet had better positions as they were basically just waiting for combat. They also had the numbers on their side. However, the Italians had more capital ships. Admiral Forbes did not hesitate. The Italian battleships had a too small screen and even if their guns were terrifying, Forbes saw his chance to bring a few of those giants down.
::Commander Monaghan stood at the gun rail with his binoculars. The Italian barrage was mighty indeed. He knew that the Italians probably had a few of the most modern battle ships in the world, but that did not scare him. He would not linger. He went into the bridge and gently gave his orders which were obeyed without hesitation. HMS Coventry steered forwards at high speed to close in on the battle ships. Oh, how he wanted one of those. ::
::An Italian destroyer engaged him and he responded. Coventry’s aft gun deck was hit and destroyed but the revenge came quickly as the forward guns managed a double-hit that blew of the destroyer’s entire bridge. A few more explosions followed and the Italian sailors abandoned the sinking ship. Mark Monaghan didn’t smile. Instead, he gave orders to proceed forwards. However, the mighty battleship Vittorio Veneto had realized the loss in the scattered screen and immediately started to target Coventry.::
::At this moment, Mark knew his duty was primarily to evade and secondary to fire back. Still, as he ordered the maneuvers, he made it so that the front guns always had a free field of fire. There – they scored a hit on the side of the Vittorio! It wasn’t to big, but the Italians would feel the pain of the bee’s sting. Then came a silent flash of light. Mark wondered what it could be. The he heard the thick bridge window break and the sharp shrapnel flew like arrows into the officers. The commander was hit in the face with a power that made blood splash. But he just wouldn’t duck. Then came the blast. He knew it couldn’t be that delayed. It felt like minutes. It pained him, because he knew it was a clean hit. He wouldn’t sink this battleship either. The force of the explosion threw Mark Monaghan like a doll backwards into the steel wall and all went black.::
The Italians were chased away and all their screens were sunk. However, UK almost lost two ships for every Italian. It was not a great victory, especially as all the Italian battleships got away. Still, it was valuable to pick of all their smaller ships. Without screens, they would have problems to operate.
One of the sunken British ships was the light cruiser HMS Coventry.
September 19th, 1939
Slightly less than a week ago, the 18th was under attack from Italian militia. Now, the 5th managed to isolate Tarabulus. Shortly after that, the French motorized initiated the attack, soon followed by the Brits. French tactical bombers also took part and making life hard for the numerous but poorly equipped Italians.
It was hard going for the Allies. For every soldier, the opponent had two, and the rocky mountainous terrain did nothing to easing it up. The roads showed traces of the strategically bombings done here a few month earlier.
September 20th, 1939
On the eastern side of Northern Africa, the situation was similar. The Italians had failed to stop Tobruk from being surrounded. Now, Alexander’s 1st Infantry was leading the attack with other experienced divisions, like Cunningham’s 4th.
::Richard and the other “Dogs” didn’t get to stay in Sardina very long. He didn’t know what to say about that. It was better there than in Tunis. They didn’t tell him shit when they went on board that bloody jar of a transport ship. He hated being locked into that friggin steel stomach. Well, this time they ended up in Alexandria. That wasn’t too bad if they didn’t get the order to march right away. Bloody unfair. They drove through the desert and saw endless traces of hard and deadly combat and merciless bombing. Perhaps the Brits here were real pansies. They at least had funny names like “Wessex”. Who did they think they were..? Bloody Americans? Ha! How could they have been beaten by friggin’ Italians? Anyway, 1st was here now to save the day.::
::They got contact with retreating enemies in Al Adam and sent them of in full panic. Then they took Gazala without combat. After that, they got to initiate the attack on Tobruk itself. It lived up to the rumors. This was hell on earth. It was already bombed to ruins. No street was working. It was just a mess. But that was not all. Amongst these ruins was formidable forts and bunkers hidden, some armed with heavy guns of various sizes. The outer area was packed with mines too. Cowards!::
::Richard and Johnny and the others in Dog Company pushed into the outskirts of the bombed city. There were shooters everywhere, hidden in the ruins. And it looked like impossible odds, especially since their own fighters didn’t have range to protect the bombers. As a result, the Italians ruled they sky for a majority of the time. It was the nastiest battle he’d been through since the beginning of the war. And the going was slow. It would simply take a really long time to flush these enemies out from this devastated place that seemed to be picked straight from one of the terrible stories grandpa used to tell. But Richard wasn’t the one to back down. No way on earth he would back down for one of these garlic lovers.::
September 27th, 1939
::One week in this friggin’ hell hole. But he’d started to cool down. They’d all realized that they faced HQ wimps and barbarian militia. Their shooters were so bad they couldn’t hit a tent from within. The first days he had his nerves as skin, but now they all started to be casual. When they heard shooting they didn’t duck but turned their heads to see what it was.::
::Richard, Johnny and Malachi ran over a piece of open ground, strewed with litter and remnants of a collapsed wall, while a few badly aimed bullets screamed passed their heads. On the other side of the old square, they squatted by a wall full of bullet holes and spied ahead on a huge pile of building material. It was the remnant of a house of some sort but one of theirs scouts have seen militias walk back from battle into a hole in the heap of a ruin. The trio sneaked forwards towards the hole in the ruin and could suddenly see movement in the darkness within. A guard there was smoking a cigarette. Sloppy. Johnny and Malachi fired away at the dark skinned soldier in the shadows while Richard jogged in a low position beside the bulled-marked wall that led up to the ruin. Johnny shouted to him. "Dick! He’s down. Smoke them!" Richard reached the ragged opening and tossed in two grenades, and them he threw himself to ground. He heard a few shouts on some African tongue and then came two loud explosions that silenced everything, including two machine guns that pointed out towards Dog Companies position on the other side of the heap of ruin. Johnny and Malachi came and helped Richard up. Malachi grinned broadly. "Aye, that tought them desert lads not to be so cocky next time." Richard grunted, having knocked a knee into a stone. "Those buggers are dead. Next buggers will do the same mistake. Not guard their friggin’ backs. Stupid pricks." Johnny tested a few steps into the smoking bunker with the barrel of his Lee-Enfield pointing into the dark. "Let’s see if they stored some goodies here…"::
October 2nd, 1939
After two weeks of battle, the African militia defending Tarabulus was at their knees. Surrounded, attacked from all directions, bombed from the air and under a constant naval barrage – they were without hope. They surrendered within a day. The west of Italian North Africa is broken.
October 7th, 1939
After almost 20 days of battle in the ruined desert fort, the Italian militia finally gave up. Cunningham’s 4th infantry had taken extensive losses, but not due to the fighting in the city but the continuous Italian bombing. Except one armor division and one motorized division, Italy had lost the entire army with which they attacked British North Africa, including HQs and the vanguard militia. The same had happened in the western parts. Now, the Italian only held one port in North Africa, and it was in the mountainous Benghazi, which already was bombed to oblivion by Newall’s strategic bombers.
:: Dog company had pushed all the way through the western part of Tobruk, flushing out strongholds and bunkers with high efficiency. They lost extremely few soldiers. Alexander’s leadership in combination with the troops experience made 1st Infantry a formidable tool of warfare. It took time though, but supply came in constantly and as progress was deliberately kept slow and careful, they had time to rest as well.::
::Richard Monaghan, famous for his bravery when storming bunkers together with his diehards, carefully slipped through a charred ruin, successfully avoiding the debris on the floor. A black man, dressed in a motley desert outfit, lay still and pale on the floor, his skin powdered with dust. Richard nudged him with his boot but knew he was dead. He had seen enough of dead Ethiopian militia the latest day. He continued though the room, nodded towards Johnny to cover the flank and continued alone into the next room with his Italian sub machine gun, a Beretta m38, ready to fire. The m38s were better guns those the British army could muster. The room was deserted but the busted wall opened up to a magnificent view.::
::The port of Tobruk lay before their eyes and beyond that, the wide ocean. The remnants of the militia company they had fought with the last days had fled out to the docks, maybe hoping to find a ship waiting for them. But none was there. The only ships visible were the British blockade out in the ocean. So, as Richard’s diehards took position by the last ruins, followed by the rest of Dog Company, the African fighters gave up and lay down their arms. Richard sighed and sat down on a block of fallen façade and pulled out his crumpled packaged of woodbines. He found a broken cigarette without filter, lighted it and drew a deep puff. Johnny, Malachi and Sid the Knuckle came up to him with grim smiles, dirty and dusty as they were. Richard blew out smoke which drifted away in the wind, smiled and passed the glowing fag to Johnny. “Good work, lads. Tobruk is ours”.::
October 9th, 1939
After the stunning victories in Africa, and with Poland still holding out, the Brits had hoped to have a calm end of the Year. The Allies had completely missed the build up by the boarders of Netherlands as the war against Poland was still on. When the Netherlands desperately turned to the Allies, information started to flow in. It was clear from the start that Germany would conquer the country within a week or so, and Britain did not plan to try and rescue them. It would be suicide.
A few hours after these news, Japan joined in on the Axis side. That was even worse. That meant that British Asia was under direct threat. Busy and bloody times awaited – that much was certain...
.........................
Next part - Japan goes to war
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