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Great AAR!
Things looking dicey for the Axis but I know they have some fight yet? What's the Pacific front looking like?
Things looking dicey for the Axis but I know they have some fight yet? What's the Pacific front looking like?
As always, more magnificent than a castle made of golden diamonds designed by a Bavarian nutter!
Carnage al Dente
First - thanks for all kind words. It warmths my heart.
Chapter XXX - Manouvering
Players - Players: USA, UK, CAN, SOV, GER, JAP, ITA(spec)
Our rookie player have switched from Greece to Canada while von Rosen (Axis) could not take part. Even though we originally have a House Rule against more then 2 exp forces we realized we either changed that or could not play due to massive burden on GER player (Daphne). Allied team agreed Italy (me) could take over the German East Front (but not the west). This means you will get som more East Front action in this and coming chapter.
Recap: Germany managed to retake Paris and drive the Allies out of France - at the price of losing Archangelsk and Moscow back to the Soviets. The Allies, and especially the Brits, did not need much time to lick their wounds. Instead, they quickly launched an attack on Italy and took the southern parts, including some Italian divisions. No side has any distinct opportunity for a fast victory.
September 29th, 1942
The Eastern Front. Archangelsk and Moscow is lost. What will happen now?
.......................
Late September – October, 1942
The Allies continued their oppression of Central- and South America. In the early war, Axis might have appeared to be the “evil force”. Now, after Allies had attacked neutral countries like Greece, Saudi Arabia, Vichy France and a variety of nations in America, it was clear they were just the same old colonizing lot as before. They were not the freedom fighters of the world.
October 15th, 1942
The Italian leadership had spotted the hated British battle ship task force in the Ligurian Sea and was eager to hit it with naval bombers and then follow up with a full on attack by the Regia Marina. After previous disasters (the Brits lost 6 light cruisers to naval bombing here a couple of months back) they were apparently on their guard and the task force was protected by land based fighters. The Italians hit then with everything they had available. Both sides lost plenty of planes and good pilots and the Lingurian Sea’s reputation as a maritime grave yard grew worse.
When the Italians swapped fighter groups and sent in fresh fighters, the RAF started to buckle. They just could not guarantee the air space anymore. Now, the naval bombers were sent out again, and the Regia Marina left port….
October 16th, 1942
The enemies were superior in firepower and positioning, but they had already received a bombing raid, and the naval bombers came in once again. The HMS Anson was hit badly by a torpedo and later by a lighter bomb which ignited a fire. Never the less, the five British battle ships packed an awful lot of fire power and Da Zara realized he could not linger too long in this duel.
October 17th, 1942
The Regia Marina snuck away, losing a few destroyers in the rear guard. Unfortunately, no British ships had been sunk. They had called in reinforcements however. It was obviously some sort of a trap which the Italian had avoided with slim margins. The Brits now had nine (!) battle ships in the Ligurian Sea. The Naval Bombers went for yet another run, trying to sink the HMS Anson. Several light cruisers were burning like floating pyres and might have been easy targets if it was not for the massive anti-aircraft fire. HMS Anson was hit again but managed to limp away. Never the less, the battle ship and several of the screening ships would not be operational in quite some time.
RM Il Duce had been hit during the engagement and the Brits sent in naval bombers to attack the port. Though the port had quite good protection by forts and AA weaponry, they managed a few hits before fighters were sent to intercept them. The bombers did not manage any significant damage, but in any case, the battle ship Il Duce needed some repairs after reminding the Brits of the presence of the Regia Marina.
October 19-20th, 1942
Perhaps spurred by the Italian attack in the Ligurian Sea, the Allied invaders in Italy mounted a new push. The hammer strike fell on the mountains in Beneveto. The defenders were well dug in and consisted of, among others, a fearsome panzer division with mechanized infantry. The eastern side was held by the Italian heroes of the 5th Mountain Division who so glorious had saved the Guderian and his troops in the sack opening of St Aubin. The Allied attack massed a superior amount of troops but the attack was badly organized and they fell left, right and center. 5 Allied soldiers died for every Axis, and after some 35 hours of terrors on the mountainside, the Allies pulled back.
November 7th, 1942
The Germans had retaken some of the lands in France and Vichy, but the Americans are still lingering in the south west of Vichy – ready to strike again.
November 7th, 1942
After several skirmishes and smaller battles, the Japs had given up throwing the Brits out of Persia. Instead, they had retreated to better and safer defensive grounds.
November 7th, 1942
The Imperial Japanese Navy had once again clashed with the Allied fleets on a few occasions. It is believed the Allied fleets had shifted focus from Pacific to the Red Sea and the Western Indian Ocean, maybe with the objective of landing troops in the back of the Japanese troops in Persia. The IJN managed to intercept them and during a naval battle and later with port strikes, seven American transports were sunk. It is unknown if any troops were on them. Then, the British massive carrier fleet showed up but was beaten by the IJN with some losses and had to retreat to the same port as the Americans. Once again, the Japs hit the port from the air. In short, the Allied navies were in a tight spot. They then managed to hit the Japanese CAGs with land based fighters and that finally took the gusto out of the Japs who had to pull back after heroic battle.
The Japs later took Midway Island without battle.
Authors note: Hopefully the Allies can shed some light on this.
Authors note (new): The Americans lost several divisions on these transports
November 7th, 1942
During late October, the German forces in the southern part of the East Front, led by joint Italian and German leadership, attacked the Red Army after having slowly retreated on the entire front. The Soviets were shocked and stumbled back. Three infantry divisions were caught in a rather big pocked, but being worn down from earlier battles, it was not believed the Red Army would be able to save the trapped divisions. Losing them, and being out of balance as they were, the Red Army would have great difficulties to stop this German push anytime soon.
November 7th, 1942
As winter once again came creeping in the Far East, it was very timely that the last Soviet production center for superior winter clothing had fallen in Japanese hands. It appears, although information is scares, that a few Red Army had perished here and fallen into Japanese captivity. This will also play a role for the German east front as well.
OOC: What is included in winter effects? Battle modifications, yes, but also supply and movement?
November 9th-10th, 1942
At least 3 Red Army units were destroyed in Bilovodsk. Two were infantry and the third might have been a HQ although it is somewhat unclear. Never the less, this will weaken the already weak Soviet line. Many enemy formations are already battle-weary and the Wehrmacht has the initiative.
Authors note: All units are German, but some under Italian command.
November 18th, 1942
Another week of fierce battles in the freezing rain and an open sack has been formed. The German forces on the eastern side of it is still too weak to be able to seal it efficiently but as large formations of Soviet units are on full retreat with little fighting spirit left, the potential for an encirclement is still there. The problem is that the mud is making all kinds of rapid movements impossible, thus “surprise” is not a factor on any side.
November 22nd, 1942
Rostov is under attack again. This city has been fought for so many times during the war it is more ruin than city. Most sane or able civilians have fled, those that has not already perished, and left is just the old, the weak, the poor, the desperate, deserters, criminals and underground movements with various agendas. Consequently – it is not a nice place to be in.
...............
Finishing words:
Even though Italy finally got its fair share of the Allied wrath, the autumn was somewhat of a victory for the Axis. Italy has lost about a dozen units, although some were HQs, some 2 brg divisions and at least two were lone militia brigade. Japan lost a division in Persia. Soviet, however, lost some 10-12 divisions of infantry which include the loss of Murmansk (which was not covered by the AAR as I personally missed it completely). As Germany did not lose a single unit, the commies and Axis balanced up their losses quite well.
When Allies were driven out of France, it is estimated that UK and Us lost some three divisions each, with a question mark on 2-3 US divisions in Marseille. Greece lost about 6 divisions and Spain 2-3. When it comes to naval battles, Italy lost a destroyer and Japan lost a light cruiser and two subs. UK lost 1-2 CVs and the US 7 transports with several divisions on. When counting losses, Axis was the clear winner.
Strategically, a few things are interesting to see. When shifting from France to Italy, the frontline shrunk significantly and Axis ended up in perfect defensive terrain. As long as the Allies are stuck there, their harm is limited. On the naval side, the US loss of 7 transports will in the short term hurt their flexibility to move troops over the world. That might hurt the Allies possibility to attack hard and quick. Also, as UK lost a few more CVs, the Imperial Japanese Navy (which I believed was doomed after the loss of KM and RM) is growing in its relative size – especially considering the terrible losses the US navy has been inflicted. Japan will not be threatened very soon.
What has opened up a rather unique situation is, rather unexpected, the outcome of the Canadian war against South America. The harbor of the Galapagos Islands, just outside north west of South America, is Axis-friendly. From that harbor, it is believed Japanese transports can reach the sea zone outside Los Angeles and San Diego. These are major American ports. Also, if these to air fields are taken, the Americans have no air port from which ordinary fighters can attack these two cities. Japan could build a fortress here.
The gain? The Americans need to focus on an area on the other side of the world from Europe – thus buying Germany valuable time. Also – it is bound to be a moral-buster for the Allies. That is not all, however. Germany happens to have 2 CVs, a few BCs and random screen. Add to that 4 TPs and three paratroop divisions. A unique situation has opened itself and a marvelous plan has been formed.
First: Japan will attack USA proper, forcing a response.
Secondly: A week after or so, when Germany is ready, the Regia Marina will sail out and engage the probably guarding Brits and probably get a beating – but tugging at their attention and hurting ships.
Thirdly: Germany will attempt Seelöwe and strike right against London – something the Allies hardly can foresee. With planes perhaps rebased to USA and fleet engaged in the Med, Red Sea and Pacific it will be tricky to mass forces quickly to the British Isles - and Kriegsmarine do have 2 CVs.....
First - thanks for all kind words. It warmths my heart.
Chapter XXX - Manouvering
Players - Players: USA, UK, CAN, SOV, GER, JAP, ITA(spec)
Our rookie player have switched from Greece to Canada while von Rosen (Axis) could not take part. Even though we originally have a House Rule against more then 2 exp forces we realized we either changed that or could not play due to massive burden on GER player (Daphne). Allied team agreed Italy (me) could take over the German East Front (but not the west). This means you will get som more East Front action in this and coming chapter.
Recap: Germany managed to retake Paris and drive the Allies out of France - at the price of losing Archangelsk and Moscow back to the Soviets. The Allies, and especially the Brits, did not need much time to lick their wounds. Instead, they quickly launched an attack on Italy and took the southern parts, including some Italian divisions. No side has any distinct opportunity for a fast victory.
September 29th, 1942
The Eastern Front. Archangelsk and Moscow is lost. What will happen now?
.......................
Late September – October, 1942
The Allies continued their oppression of Central- and South America. In the early war, Axis might have appeared to be the “evil force”. Now, after Allies had attacked neutral countries like Greece, Saudi Arabia, Vichy France and a variety of nations in America, it was clear they were just the same old colonizing lot as before. They were not the freedom fighters of the world.
October 15th, 1942
The Italian leadership had spotted the hated British battle ship task force in the Ligurian Sea and was eager to hit it with naval bombers and then follow up with a full on attack by the Regia Marina. After previous disasters (the Brits lost 6 light cruisers to naval bombing here a couple of months back) they were apparently on their guard and the task force was protected by land based fighters. The Italians hit then with everything they had available. Both sides lost plenty of planes and good pilots and the Lingurian Sea’s reputation as a maritime grave yard grew worse.
When the Italians swapped fighter groups and sent in fresh fighters, the RAF started to buckle. They just could not guarantee the air space anymore. Now, the naval bombers were sent out again, and the Regia Marina left port….
October 16th, 1942
The enemies were superior in firepower and positioning, but they had already received a bombing raid, and the naval bombers came in once again. The HMS Anson was hit badly by a torpedo and later by a lighter bomb which ignited a fire. Never the less, the five British battle ships packed an awful lot of fire power and Da Zara realized he could not linger too long in this duel.
October 17th, 1942
The Regia Marina snuck away, losing a few destroyers in the rear guard. Unfortunately, no British ships had been sunk. They had called in reinforcements however. It was obviously some sort of a trap which the Italian had avoided with slim margins. The Brits now had nine (!) battle ships in the Ligurian Sea. The Naval Bombers went for yet another run, trying to sink the HMS Anson. Several light cruisers were burning like floating pyres and might have been easy targets if it was not for the massive anti-aircraft fire. HMS Anson was hit again but managed to limp away. Never the less, the battle ship and several of the screening ships would not be operational in quite some time.
RM Il Duce had been hit during the engagement and the Brits sent in naval bombers to attack the port. Though the port had quite good protection by forts and AA weaponry, they managed a few hits before fighters were sent to intercept them. The bombers did not manage any significant damage, but in any case, the battle ship Il Duce needed some repairs after reminding the Brits of the presence of the Regia Marina.
October 19-20th, 1942
Perhaps spurred by the Italian attack in the Ligurian Sea, the Allied invaders in Italy mounted a new push. The hammer strike fell on the mountains in Beneveto. The defenders were well dug in and consisted of, among others, a fearsome panzer division with mechanized infantry. The eastern side was held by the Italian heroes of the 5th Mountain Division who so glorious had saved the Guderian and his troops in the sack opening of St Aubin. The Allied attack massed a superior amount of troops but the attack was badly organized and they fell left, right and center. 5 Allied soldiers died for every Axis, and after some 35 hours of terrors on the mountainside, the Allies pulled back.
November 7th, 1942
The Germans had retaken some of the lands in France and Vichy, but the Americans are still lingering in the south west of Vichy – ready to strike again.
November 7th, 1942
After several skirmishes and smaller battles, the Japs had given up throwing the Brits out of Persia. Instead, they had retreated to better and safer defensive grounds.
November 7th, 1942
The Imperial Japanese Navy had once again clashed with the Allied fleets on a few occasions. It is believed the Allied fleets had shifted focus from Pacific to the Red Sea and the Western Indian Ocean, maybe with the objective of landing troops in the back of the Japanese troops in Persia. The IJN managed to intercept them and during a naval battle and later with port strikes, seven American transports were sunk. It is unknown if any troops were on them. Then, the British massive carrier fleet showed up but was beaten by the IJN with some losses and had to retreat to the same port as the Americans. Once again, the Japs hit the port from the air. In short, the Allied navies were in a tight spot. They then managed to hit the Japanese CAGs with land based fighters and that finally took the gusto out of the Japs who had to pull back after heroic battle.
The Japs later took Midway Island without battle.
Authors note: Hopefully the Allies can shed some light on this.
Authors note (new): The Americans lost several divisions on these transports
November 7th, 1942
During late October, the German forces in the southern part of the East Front, led by joint Italian and German leadership, attacked the Red Army after having slowly retreated on the entire front. The Soviets were shocked and stumbled back. Three infantry divisions were caught in a rather big pocked, but being worn down from earlier battles, it was not believed the Red Army would be able to save the trapped divisions. Losing them, and being out of balance as they were, the Red Army would have great difficulties to stop this German push anytime soon.
November 7th, 1942
As winter once again came creeping in the Far East, it was very timely that the last Soviet production center for superior winter clothing had fallen in Japanese hands. It appears, although information is scares, that a few Red Army had perished here and fallen into Japanese captivity. This will also play a role for the German east front as well.
OOC: What is included in winter effects? Battle modifications, yes, but also supply and movement?
November 9th-10th, 1942
At least 3 Red Army units were destroyed in Bilovodsk. Two were infantry and the third might have been a HQ although it is somewhat unclear. Never the less, this will weaken the already weak Soviet line. Many enemy formations are already battle-weary and the Wehrmacht has the initiative.
Authors note: All units are German, but some under Italian command.
November 18th, 1942
Another week of fierce battles in the freezing rain and an open sack has been formed. The German forces on the eastern side of it is still too weak to be able to seal it efficiently but as large formations of Soviet units are on full retreat with little fighting spirit left, the potential for an encirclement is still there. The problem is that the mud is making all kinds of rapid movements impossible, thus “surprise” is not a factor on any side.
November 22nd, 1942
Rostov is under attack again. This city has been fought for so many times during the war it is more ruin than city. Most sane or able civilians have fled, those that has not already perished, and left is just the old, the weak, the poor, the desperate, deserters, criminals and underground movements with various agendas. Consequently – it is not a nice place to be in.
...............
Finishing words:
Even though Italy finally got its fair share of the Allied wrath, the autumn was somewhat of a victory for the Axis. Italy has lost about a dozen units, although some were HQs, some 2 brg divisions and at least two were lone militia brigade. Japan lost a division in Persia. Soviet, however, lost some 10-12 divisions of infantry which include the loss of Murmansk (which was not covered by the AAR as I personally missed it completely). As Germany did not lose a single unit, the commies and Axis balanced up their losses quite well.
When Allies were driven out of France, it is estimated that UK and Us lost some three divisions each, with a question mark on 2-3 US divisions in Marseille. Greece lost about 6 divisions and Spain 2-3. When it comes to naval battles, Italy lost a destroyer and Japan lost a light cruiser and two subs. UK lost 1-2 CVs and the US 7 transports with several divisions on. When counting losses, Axis was the clear winner.
Strategically, a few things are interesting to see. When shifting from France to Italy, the frontline shrunk significantly and Axis ended up in perfect defensive terrain. As long as the Allies are stuck there, their harm is limited. On the naval side, the US loss of 7 transports will in the short term hurt their flexibility to move troops over the world. That might hurt the Allies possibility to attack hard and quick. Also, as UK lost a few more CVs, the Imperial Japanese Navy (which I believed was doomed after the loss of KM and RM) is growing in its relative size – especially considering the terrible losses the US navy has been inflicted. Japan will not be threatened very soon.
What has opened up a rather unique situation is, rather unexpected, the outcome of the Canadian war against South America. The harbor of the Galapagos Islands, just outside north west of South America, is Axis-friendly. From that harbor, it is believed Japanese transports can reach the sea zone outside Los Angeles and San Diego. These are major American ports. Also, if these to air fields are taken, the Americans have no air port from which ordinary fighters can attack these two cities. Japan could build a fortress here.
The gain? The Americans need to focus on an area on the other side of the world from Europe – thus buying Germany valuable time. Also – it is bound to be a moral-buster for the Allies. That is not all, however. Germany happens to have 2 CVs, a few BCs and random screen. Add to that 4 TPs and three paratroop divisions. A unique situation has opened itself and a marvelous plan has been formed.
First: Japan will attack USA proper, forcing a response.
Secondly: A week after or so, when Germany is ready, the Regia Marina will sail out and engage the probably guarding Brits and probably get a beating – but tugging at their attention and hurting ships.
Thirdly: Germany will attempt Seelöwe and strike right against London – something the Allies hardly can foresee. With planes perhaps rebased to USA and fleet engaged in the Med, Red Sea and Pacific it will be tricky to mass forces quickly to the British Isles - and Kriegsmarine do have 2 CVs.....
The Sea Lion may work, BUT if the UK player has radars, it may be hard to surprise him and do a standard ninja-invasion near London 
.
.
Just caught up on this epic struggle and I cant wait to see the results of the planned invasions.
The Sea Lion may work, BUT if the UK player has radars, it may be hard to surprise him and do a standard ninja-invasion near London
Heh... Keep in mind we did not know about the radars at this point....
?? I thought that they were visible. You cannot check their level, but you know whether province X has radar, even if it's hidden in FOW.
winter effects definitely include attrition, movement and combat. not sure about supplies, though it would be logical to include.
Besides I think the UK player posted a screenshot of his radar coverage in this very thread.
They only post stuff when it has happened a good while back. I assume that the game has been finished already and that the group is already playing the next round, if they have finished arguing over new house rules (ie for cheesy landings).
@Capt, could you post a screen with the Japanese gains against Russia?
@Capt, could you post a screen with the Japanese gains against Russia?
:laugh: I hope it does. That would prolong this wonderful AAR and also be hilarious.
Japan invading the West Coast, and Germany launching an attack on the British Isles while the RM sacrifices itself? Is this really what Il Duce wants? What will Italy get out of this war then?
I'm puzzled about Canada's DoWs on those two countries. They must be after some strategic effect - I'll need to load up a game as Canada / USA to figure it out.
I'm puzzled about Canada's DoWs on those two countries. They must be after some strategic effect - I'll need to load up a game as Canada / USA to figure it out.
Yes, but as they have lvl 2 radar from the begining in Dover it doesn't give you any hint it is suddenly lvl 10. And it makes somewhat of a differents if they can see the fleet in the bordering sea zone or they can see it in the Baltic Sea.... Besides - as Italy I never did any flights over UK. We could of course have made some reconnaisance... but maybe we do
Our game play is always at least 1 year ahead of the AAR, or I would not be able to tell or show you anything. Zid showed us those screens when he though it did not matter too much...
Check the screen in this chapter were Irkutsk is captured. That's about how far Japan has come on that front. The lack of screens is because of lack of significant events.