Chapter #11: Going Swede Hunting
Chapter 11: Nov 39 to Dec 39
Situation: The line with France is stabilizing... sort of. The French test my line constantly. Battles there last weeks with thousands of casualties. However, I am starting to feel a numb sort of confidence in my line there. However, the British are moving up the coast threatening to encircle my troops in the low lands. We are advancing in Russia slowly but steadily, destroying large chunks of troops on the way to Moscow.
In Russia my troops continue to encircle the troops in Latvia, with the support of my navy. The Russians here are not going down without a fight though. This could take longer than I thought. There is a lot of pressure on me now from my allies to finish the war in Russia in short order. They want me to finish off France so that they can get on with their own plans.
Nov 7
Nov 14
Nearly a month into the operation, the Russian troops are putting up the first real resistance we have seen. The just will not surrender. They have even taken Riga, but I am able to hold the encirclement. You can see a Russian tank division to the SE that tried to free his comrades.
Nov 23
In France, things are improving... a bit. We are able to push back the thrust from Amsterdam and contain the British in the Netherlands. No British divisions were destroyed. Sach is a capable player, and I just didn't have the numbers to execute a true encirclement.
Nov 10
As you can see, allied aricraft continuously bomb us. Their bombers were primarily on Logistical runs. This was taking its toll, and many of my divisions on the front line were without supply. I brought in a transport and paired it up with a MR. I used this unit sparingly, at night, to resupply my troops. Despite the fact that it took a little bit of damage on occasion, I was able to keep my troops supplied.
Spoiler: At the end of the game, after a long conversation, Sach admitted that he did not know I was using the Transport and could not understand how I was able to keep supplies going to my troops.
Nov 15
The British are pushing hard, probably getting a lot of 'pressure' from their allies to make progress. My line is holding the French well now, and obviously the Russians are in trouble.
At this point it is becoming obvious to me that the British are very effective when they can be supported by their navy. However, when they try to push inland, I am able to stop them with ease. This is a realization that I will certainly use to my advantage at a later date.
Nov 23
At this point I have to make a confession: When I first learned there was to be a Swedish player I was elated. An Axis Sweden would work very well into my plans of a strong Kregsmarine and a quick end to Russia. However, when I learned that Sweden was to be Allied, I became infuriated. (Something about playing Germany really makes one take on the traits of the Fuhrer) That frustration lasted a long time.
During these months I was not building nearly enough infantry, but I had a couple divisions rolling out, as well as some new armored divisions. My Paratroopers had been kept back in reserve and I still had a decent compliment in Denmark. I decided it was time to make a move to not only end my frustration, but to also spread the allies thin. Enter operation: Hunt The Swedes.
It was suspected by us the Swedish manpower must be low and that any divisions that I could destroy would be permanently lost.
The transports are in place. Got to love owning the Baltic!
Nov 24
Initially the attack is very successful. The experience I have gained from using paratroopers earlier in the war has really paid off. I can now execute these attacks on time.
o The plan is to secure a port relatively quickly and to use my troops in Copenhagen to stall the retreat of the Swedish troops.
Nov 25
Things continue to go well in Sweden. A stack of Swedish troops as well as a number of HQs are surrounded and cut off. The Swedish have sent only one tank division to try to stop us. However, Sach is never to be underestimated. Or is it that he is becoming predictable.
Anyway, much of his force that was in Belgium has already arrived in Sweden. This is not considered a problem by me. However, Sach's ability to bring this force to bear rapidly never ceases to amaze me.
Dec 1
Apparently I am not alone in the Baltic. Oh well, that can be remedied quickly.
Dec 2
The Swedish troops are cornered and surrounded. However the British are pushing hard, threatening my attack force. One of my Paratrooper divisions has been routed. Will the troops from Copenhagen arrive in time to hold the line?
Meanwhile in France, the French are taking advantage of my 'distraction' and have brought around an armored group to help the British push NE. We have fought some long, bloody battles in Belgium and my army is beat up and disorganized. However, you can see there is considerably less British here now.
Dec 12
The lack of British support however, leave the French exposed and out numbered. My troops are pushing them hard here. French with a white flag? The Fuhrer is happy once again.
Dec 16
Finally, after well over a month, the pocket in Latvia is finished off. The lines are reformed. With the exception of a small gap in the middle, my line is certainly looking much beefier than the Russian line at this point. I, Der Fuhrer, have decided that it is now time to start making for Moscow and Leningrad with all haste. Push!
Dec 13
Japanese/Italian front
Dec 13
Things are looking better. The Russians are now certainly much weaker and will at most be a speed bump. The French are being held. The British have a considerable force, and can be a threat anywhere they go, but are tied up in Sweden.
I can now declare to my fellow axis members that the French line has been stabilized.