This is a very detailed, very well made and very very good AAR. Thank you for sharing it with us
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Fall Blau
("Case Blue" or "the Attack on Stalingrad")
("Case Blue" or "the Attack on Stalingrad")
1942-09-28
Our next big operation "Fall Blau" is about to start in a few days on the 2nd of October. We have fallen almost a month behind schedule but my generals insisted on assembling enough forces to not only reach Stalingrad with one decisive push, but also to have enough troops to cover our flanks and to advance into the oil-rich Caucasus. The prolonged fighting in Finland and the need to reorganize the rest of the front caused some delays before we could transfer enough troops to the south. But now, at the end of September, we have stationed four armies between Kharkov and Rostov under the command of Army Group South, ready to deliver the finishing blow against the Soviets. The enemy numbers are unknown at the moment, but with a total of 22 Panzer Divisions we have stationed the majority of our tank forces in this sector, which should ensure the success of the operation.
The 6th Army of General Paulus and the 5th Army of General Jodel will advance with their tanks into the Don-Basin, while the 7th and 9th Armies secure the northern and southern flanks. In the second stage of the operation the 6th Army, supported by the 5th Army, will advance to the Volga river and Stalingrad, while the 9th Army will swing south into the Caucasus. General Grasser, supported by our elite mountain infantry troops, is expected to reach the black sea east of the Majkop oil fields, encircling the Soviet troops in the Kuban region.
The third stage will be to eliminate the Kuban pocket and to advance into the Caucasus as far as possible before the winter starts. But if everything goes as planed we expect the Soviet union to collapse some time after we've captured Stalingrad, which should make our following advances significantly easier. They've already moved their capital two times, it is highly unlikely that the Politburo will survive a third evacuation intact.
General von Manstein, one of our major planners of Fall Blau, inspecting a battalion of Tiger Tanks.
1942-10-06
Fall Blau started four days ago and just as we've expected we've broken through the enemy lines on a broad front, racing eastwards over the Russian steppe.
Our mechanized troops are exploiting the breakthrough.
Our main focus might have shifted back to the eastern front but nevertheless our offensive in Northern Africa is continuing. Today General Rommel reached Benghazi and the fleeing British fleet, that was stationed in the port, has been intercepted by Admiral Böhm's task force and the proud KMS Tirpitz.
The British vanguard has been overrun and destroyed by our advancing tanks.
1942-10-16
With our troops getting ever closer to Algiers in north-west Africa, we've started to occupy the last remaining enemy held islands in that region. The invasion fleet was protected by a task force consisting of the KMS Bismark, the carrier KMS Graf Zeppelin and various smaller escort vessels, commanded by Grand Admiral Raeder himself. Just after successfully occupying Ibiza, the last of the three Balearic Islands, our fleet was attacked by a smaller British task force, lead by their flagship, the mighty HMS Hood. What an immense propaganda opportunity: Our pride of the fleet in direct combat with theirs.
The Bismarck firing at the Hood.
The naval battle lasted for intense three hours, during which an increasing number of OKW staff assembled in the communications room of my headquarters, listening to every new status update that came over the ticker. At around 16:00 I decided to get back to my office as it seemed that the British fleet had escaped to Algiers unharmed. But after a few steps I heard a sudden outcry of exultation behind me. I went back immediately to find out that the Hood had just been sunk by the Bismarck.
Britannia no longer rules the waves.
PS: Thanks for all the kind comments, I'm glad that you like my AAR. One more reason to continue playing & writing.
great update! just a question btw:
why are you mixing capital ships and carriers in the same fleet?
why are you mixing capital ships and carriers in the same fleet?
I usually find pure carrier fleets too inefficient. It is true that they seldom get into the enemies firing range but relying only on your CAGs to sink enemy skips is a little bit too tedious for my taste: After one or two engagements my CAGs in a pure carrier-fleet (two CVs, 4 CAGs) are usually without organization and they have to be replaced. I like to use them more as a means of softening up the enemy and sinking his ships with my big guns, up close and personal (and I don't mind the lower speed). I don't know if this is the best strategy but I tend to use fleets of 12 vessels: 1 Carrier, 1 Battleship, 1 Battle-Cruiser, 2 Heavy Cruisers, 2 Light Cruisers and 5 Destroyers. One of these groups has a positioning penalty of 26% and if the going gets tough I put two of these groups together. With a capable Admiral they are quite deadly. Maybe I'll switch to another tactic once I have to fight the US Navy in the Atlantic...
The more efficient way, in terms of spending your leadership, would probably be to concentrate on only two or three classes of ships. But for me it is also a matter of taste to build a mixed fleet with Heavy Cruisers and Battleships. And I Believe it is what the Kriegsmarine would have done, if they had the resources.
The plan is to invade England in 43. And maybe in 44 we can take a shot at crossing the Atlantic...
1942-10-25
The past two weeks we've been advancing with high speed towards Stalingrad. On the 19th of October the 9th Army began their advance south into the Caucasus and today General Edelsheim reached the Black Sea, cutting off roughly 35 Soviet and Chinese divisions. And yesterday our first troops already crossed the Don river, the last natural barrier between them and the Soviet interim capital.
A few times during our advance our troops ran into trouble with overextended supply lines, but thanks to our new FW 200 transport planes, we were able to create an airlift from Berlin directly to the front line (with a short stopover in Kiev).
Stalingrad is now in range of the Luftwaffe.
1942-10-29
Today units of the 4th and 11th Armies finally met in Algiers, linking our eastern and western fronts in Northern Africa. With the west secured and General Rommel already en route to the old Italian fortress-city of Tobruk, Operation Carthage was successful. Rommel's new orders are to take Tobruk and then to advance into Egypt where he will try to seize the Suez Canal.
Only a few British stragglers are remaining in the desert.
On the eastern front our troops are getting closer and closer to Stalingrad: The city is already in sight.
Only another 13 kilometers to go.
1942-11-01
Today the vanguard of the SS Panzer Division "Feldherrnhalle" reached the Volga a few kilometers north of Stalingrad. We will wait with the attack until enough infantry units have caught up with the spearhead to storm the city. Hopefully the worst fighting will be over before the winter engulfs the eastern front again.
"Entering of Stalingrad at the risk of one's life"
In the meantime General Rommel has reached the city of Tobruk in Northern Africa and is preparing his troops for the attack as well.
The harbor of Tobruk is already in flames after being heavily bombed by the Luftwaffe.
1942-11-05
To support the upcoming assault on Stalingrad we've transfered our heavy siege artillery "Dora" to an emplacement 15 kilometers from the city center. While we are waiting for our infantry this awesome weapon is being prepared to fire its first rounds.
1942-11-08
The attack on Stalingrad began early this morning. Units of the 1st Waffen SS Infantry Corps, supported by two elite Waffen SS Panzer Divisions, are attacking the city while the temperatures are already getting dangerously close to the freezing point in the nights. If we can believe what the Soviet propaganda is telling their troops on the front line, then "Comrade Stalin" has not abandoned the city that is carrying his name. Undoubtedly a boost to the moral of the defenders.
The Soviets are determined to make their last stand in Stalingrad.
Almost simultaneously to the assault on Stalingrad, General Rommel has begun to attack and encircle Tobruk: Maneuver warfare at its best.
Will Tobruk be the downfall of the British Africa Army?
The past two weeks we've been advancing with high speed towards Stalingrad. On the 19th of October the 9th Army began their advance south into the Caucasus and today General Edelsheim reached the Black Sea, cutting off roughly 35 Soviet and Chinese divisions. And yesterday our first troops already crossed the Don river, the last natural barrier between them and the Soviet interim capital.
A few times during our advance our troops ran into trouble with overextended supply lines, but thanks to our new FW 200 transport planes, we were able to create an airlift from Berlin directly to the front line (with a short stopover in Kiev).
Stalingrad is now in range of the Luftwaffe.
1942-10-29
Today units of the 4th and 11th Armies finally met in Algiers, linking our eastern and western fronts in Northern Africa. With the west secured and General Rommel already en route to the old Italian fortress-city of Tobruk, Operation Carthage was successful. Rommel's new orders are to take Tobruk and then to advance into Egypt where he will try to seize the Suez Canal.
Only a few British stragglers are remaining in the desert.
On the eastern front our troops are getting closer and closer to Stalingrad: The city is already in sight.
Only another 13 kilometers to go.
1942-11-01
Today the vanguard of the SS Panzer Division "Feldherrnhalle" reached the Volga a few kilometers north of Stalingrad. We will wait with the attack until enough infantry units have caught up with the spearhead to storm the city. Hopefully the worst fighting will be over before the winter engulfs the eastern front again.
"Entering of Stalingrad at the risk of one's life"
In the meantime General Rommel has reached the city of Tobruk in Northern Africa and is preparing his troops for the attack as well.
The harbor of Tobruk is already in flames after being heavily bombed by the Luftwaffe.
1942-11-05
To support the upcoming assault on Stalingrad we've transfered our heavy siege artillery "Dora" to an emplacement 15 kilometers from the city center. While we are waiting for our infantry this awesome weapon is being prepared to fire its first rounds.
1942-11-08
The attack on Stalingrad began early this morning. Units of the 1st Waffen SS Infantry Corps, supported by two elite Waffen SS Panzer Divisions, are attacking the city while the temperatures are already getting dangerously close to the freezing point in the nights. If we can believe what the Soviet propaganda is telling their troops on the front line, then "Comrade Stalin" has not abandoned the city that is carrying his name. Undoubtedly a boost to the moral of the defenders.
The Soviets are determined to make their last stand in Stalingrad.
Almost simultaneously to the assault on Stalingrad, General Rommel has begun to attack and encircle Tobruk: Maneuver warfare at its best.
Will Tobruk be the downfall of the British Africa Army?
Stalingrad and Tobruk both falling, but i doubt that the British are done in Africa yet, they still have alot of ports and other stuff to make use off 
But the Russians are on the back foot, even though they've gotten some Chinese reinforcements!
But the Russians are on the back foot, even though they've gotten some Chinese reinforcements!
Give the Russkies the knockout blow. Seal off the Med. I'd all of Your armor in the south? None anywhere else? Kinda dangerous me thinks. But it seems to be working so what do I know?
Would you release a book of it, Sir, that I would buy it! And with an autograph s'il vous plaît. Was very surprised by your late Fall Blau, I would assume that hat it been launched it a similar schedule in 1942... Well, thanks God this is a game. Why no take on China after the fall of Russia? How many points does Russia have before surrender? Your map looks gorgeous.
As always, it is a pleasure to read your updates and see your operational plans unfold.
I have one question:
Did you face any supply-trouble on your advance towards Stalingrad? Or are your supply-techs so advanced that you're suffering almost zero penalties?
I have one question:
Did you face any supply-trouble on your advance towards Stalingrad? Or are your supply-techs so advanced that you're suffering almost zero penalties?
No, its most of the tanks from the eastern front. There are another five divisions further north and then there are of course the two tank corps in Africa. But if the allies would decide to stage an surprise invasion right now, I would only have infantry divisions in the west to face them.
The long pause between the operations in the northern part of the front and the start of Fall Blau meant that the supply system had enough time to reorganize. But you are correct, once the tanks started rolling I ran into trouble and several units ran our of supplies. But luckily I did anticipate this and built three quad engine transport planes (see post from 1942-10-25). With these babies I was able to airdrop supplies on the front line troops, flow in directly from Berlin (with a stopover in Kiev), which eliminates all supply penalties. These planes are not implemented in vanilla HOI, I ported them from DiDay's I.C.E. mod. But of course this tactic only works for a limited amount of troops and only if you have air superiority.
1942-11-11
The battle of Tobruk ended yesterday, but the majority of the British troops managed to escape before we could encircle the city. Maybe once we reach Alexandria we can stage an amphibious landing to capture the Suez Canal and then trap the British in Egypt.
1942-11-12
Grand Admiral Raeder hat less pleasant news today: While pursuing the retreating fleet that was stationed in Tobruk, one of our fleets made contact with an superior British fleet. In the ensuing battle our heavy cruiser KMS Blücher was lost with all hands. Despite being out-gunned, our fleet only retreated after they sent the British battleship that was responsible for the loss of the Blücher, the HMS Resolution, to the bottom of the sea.
1942-11-18
The fighting was hard but today elements of the 19th Waffen-SS Division managed to capture the last Soviet-held positions east of the Volga in Stalingrad. The reports are still inconclusive but from the disorganized radio chatter we've intercepted so far it seems that Stalin and the majority of the Politburo did stay in the city and are now presumed to be dead. Should this turn out to be true we will see the collapse of the Soviet Union shortly.
Stalingrad is now in German hands.
1942-11-23
Almost all of our available tanks took part in the advance towards Stalingrad, which left the encirclement and destruction of the Soviet forces in the Kuban region to the infantry divisions of the 9th Army. The Soviets and Chinese in this region are fighting with the determination of a man with nothing to loose. And the fact that they have stationed a few of their last remaining tank divisions in this sector makes them even more dangerous. But despite the stiff opposition, the lack of heavy weapons and the onset of winter, our troops are fighting valiantly and I have decided to sponsor a new award for all enlisted men who served on this front for at least 30 days or who were wounded in the operation: The Kuban Shield.
The bravery of our soldiers should not go unrewarded.
1942-11-28
The days after the fall of Tobruk were rather uneventful in Africa. The British retreated faster than we could advance but now they have reached a prepared line of defenses at a narrow pass at the gates of Egypt, east of El Alamein. General Rommel has halted his advance to allow our troops a short breather before he attacks again.
The roads east of Tobruk were as empty as the desert itself.
1942-12-01
Over the last few days the temperature dropped significantly below zero degrees and today we had the first heavy snowfall on the eastern front. Our second Russian Winter has begun. Thanks to the rather dry weather conditions north of the Caucasus, we did not have to suffer through the mud-season that precedes a typical winter in Russia. But two meters of fresh snow have brought our armies to a standstill.
So far the Soviets have made no attempts to counterattack.
1942-12-03
Two weeks ago the Soviets lost their interim capital in Stalingrad and with it not only their head of state, but also the majority of their political leadership. We expected that a centralized state like the Soviet union would be plunged into total chaos for the remainder of the war after such a blow, but no such thing has happened. Instead the local bureaucrats of the various Soviet Republics stepped up to the plate today and formed their own governments. The Soviets are clearly better organized that we have expected.
In addition a small strip of land that is still governed by the remaining members of the Politburo, there are now five new independent Soviet states:
It is still a long road to the pacific.
The allegiance of the remaining Red Army units is not clear at the moment, but it appears that they are now under the command of the Soviet Republic in which they were originally created. Maybe we can use the confusion and lack of cooperation between these newly formed Communist States and their armies to start our first major winter offensive of this war.
The battle of Tobruk ended yesterday, but the majority of the British troops managed to escape before we could encircle the city. Maybe once we reach Alexandria we can stage an amphibious landing to capture the Suez Canal and then trap the British in Egypt.
1942-11-12
Grand Admiral Raeder hat less pleasant news today: While pursuing the retreating fleet that was stationed in Tobruk, one of our fleets made contact with an superior British fleet. In the ensuing battle our heavy cruiser KMS Blücher was lost with all hands. Despite being out-gunned, our fleet only retreated after they sent the British battleship that was responsible for the loss of the Blücher, the HMS Resolution, to the bottom of the sea.
1942-11-18
The fighting was hard but today elements of the 19th Waffen-SS Division managed to capture the last Soviet-held positions east of the Volga in Stalingrad. The reports are still inconclusive but from the disorganized radio chatter we've intercepted so far it seems that Stalin and the majority of the Politburo did stay in the city and are now presumed to be dead. Should this turn out to be true we will see the collapse of the Soviet Union shortly.
Stalingrad is now in German hands.
1942-11-23
Almost all of our available tanks took part in the advance towards Stalingrad, which left the encirclement and destruction of the Soviet forces in the Kuban region to the infantry divisions of the 9th Army. The Soviets and Chinese in this region are fighting with the determination of a man with nothing to loose. And the fact that they have stationed a few of their last remaining tank divisions in this sector makes them even more dangerous. But despite the stiff opposition, the lack of heavy weapons and the onset of winter, our troops are fighting valiantly and I have decided to sponsor a new award for all enlisted men who served on this front for at least 30 days or who were wounded in the operation: The Kuban Shield.
The bravery of our soldiers should not go unrewarded.
1942-11-28
The days after the fall of Tobruk were rather uneventful in Africa. The British retreated faster than we could advance but now they have reached a prepared line of defenses at a narrow pass at the gates of Egypt, east of El Alamein. General Rommel has halted his advance to allow our troops a short breather before he attacks again.
The roads east of Tobruk were as empty as the desert itself.
1942-12-01
Over the last few days the temperature dropped significantly below zero degrees and today we had the first heavy snowfall on the eastern front. Our second Russian Winter has begun. Thanks to the rather dry weather conditions north of the Caucasus, we did not have to suffer through the mud-season that precedes a typical winter in Russia. But two meters of fresh snow have brought our armies to a standstill.
So far the Soviets have made no attempts to counterattack.
1942-12-03
Two weeks ago the Soviets lost their interim capital in Stalingrad and with it not only their head of state, but also the majority of their political leadership. We expected that a centralized state like the Soviet union would be plunged into total chaos for the remainder of the war after such a blow, but no such thing has happened. Instead the local bureaucrats of the various Soviet Republics stepped up to the plate today and formed their own governments. The Soviets are clearly better organized that we have expected.
In addition a small strip of land that is still governed by the remaining members of the Politburo, there are now five new independent Soviet states:
It is still a long road to the pacific.
The allegiance of the remaining Red Army units is not clear at the moment, but it appears that they are now under the command of the Soviet Republic in which they were originally created. Maybe we can use the confusion and lack of cooperation between these newly formed Communist States and their armies to start our first major winter offensive of this war.
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Good idea about splitting up the USSR into more states! Will also make it a little easier to take them out if they can't cooperate
Hows the manpower/Ressource situation? Better then last time i'm guessing?
Hows the manpower/Ressource situation? Better then last time i'm guessing?
Whoa, creating a bunch of successor-states was certainly not what I expected to see.
But it is a nice change from the regular bitter-peace-setting. Yet, I can't help but wonder: Are those states at war with each other, fighting to re-unite the once great Soviet Union or will they unite against you, like the various Chinese factions do once Japan attacks?
Still it seems like the air-supply is working out quite well and you didn't have a lot of trouble.
But it is a nice change from the regular bitter-peace-setting. Yet, I can't help but wonder: Are those states at war with each other, fighting to re-unite the once great Soviet Union or will they unite against you, like the various Chinese factions do once Japan attacks?
[MM];14672552 said:
Still it seems like the air-supply is working out quite well and you didn't have a lot of trouble.
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