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Maybe surviving until the end of 1943 should result in a Stalemate, while surviving until mid-1944 would give the Axis a Minor Victory?
It is worth exploring that idea. Surviving up to 1944 would be a fantastic accomplishment.
USA AAR
10th INNING
NEW POST MAY 5th
NORTH AMERICA MP GAME #2
http://forum.paradoxplaza.com/forum/showthread.php?584260-North-America-Series-2-FTM
This report covers session #11 & #12. There might be a session 13th, but it probably won’t happen as Adolf Hitler committed suicide in his bunker on June 30th 1942, leaving Emperor Hirohito and Il Duce as sole defenders of the Axis ideology. Germany did surrender to Komintern on July 1st 1942.
SURF IN USA
Chicago Herald Tribune
February 1942
“High Command and myself are proud of what American soldiers did to defend our National Soil as during the Californian Campaign against a fierce invader, namely the Empire of Japan. This act of defiance will only fuel our determination to establish order and peace in the Pacific. I prey with those who lost sons, brothers or fathers since this conflict started and I want to reassure them that we, The United States of America, will prevail in this conflict between Good and Evil”, extract from President Roosevelt address to the Nation on February 17th 1942.
These words were part of the address the President made after the announce that Japanese invader had been repelled to the sea South of San Francisco. During what would now be known as the Californian Campaign, the ARM UNIT earned a well deserve recognition of its talent, courage and strength.
Let’s recap this campaign:
The failed Japanese Invasion
https://skydrive.live.com/?cid=e6af355183388b4a#cid=E6AF355183388B4A&id=E6AF355183388B4A%21197
(1) Click to enlarge the picture
________________________________
NDLR: Invited to land on the American Soil, Japanese did come, as the well educated guests they were. This move prove to be a major mistake for Japan, as the consequences was an overexposure of its main transport fleet which was, as reported in our previous AAR, sunk by UK CTF and US Navy (where the Lexington was lost). This initiative deprived them of two main advantages: initiative and mobility. As a result, the IJN stayed in its main ports for the whole duration of session #11, except once.
________________________________
HAWAIAN PUNCH
Chicago Herald Tribune
March 1942
On February 265th 1st & 3rd Marines Corps were given the order to retake Pearl Harbor. The plan was rather simple: 8 divisions are to attack the harbour, in two waves of 16 brigades each. They will be supported by the SAG I Fleet, who will provide shore bombardment and by the Fighter Squadron I & II who will attack on a steady basis the Japanese Zeros based in Pearl Harbor. The USSAF squadrons are going to attack from a emergency airfield located South-East of Pearl. American engineers spent 3 days razing trees on the Hana (South-East of Honolulu) in order for the fighters to be able to operate nearby.
The battle was a fierce one, as the Japanese, well entrenched in their nice All American Bunkers [NDLR: We had doubts when we built those forts… because we thought they would make it harder for us to retake Pearl in case we lose it] offered a stiff resistance. Nonetheless, the Marines prevailed. Two waves were needed to get through the defences, since the 1st invasion Fleet had to be removed from the area after taking too much damage because of submarines and air attacks (2 cargos were lost… and 1 full division).
Thankfully, CTF III & V provided coverage against the subs and the limited range of Japanese aircrafts allowed for a safe retreat of the battered invasion fleet.
On March 1st, Pearl was back under US control.
Pearl Harbour Take II: US Revenge
https://skydrive.live.com/?cid=e6af355183388b4a#cid=E6AF355183388B4A&id=E6AF355183388B4A%21196
(1) Click to enlarge the picture
BEACH BOYS
Chicago Herald Tribune
Spring 1942
As young Charles of US Marines Corps and many others were hoping, US High Command ordered a massive counter offensive in the Caroline, Marshall, Mariana and Philippines Islands in Spring 1942. The objective: destroy all remaining IJN operational bases and airfields and prepare for the invasion of Japan.
So, by the end of Spring 1942, Johnston, Midway, Marcus, Palau, Saipan, Guam and Wake Islands were all conquered, with quite some ease as Japanese garrisons were either weak of non existent.
In late April 1942, IJN main CTF made a “sortie” against the Allies but encountered the UK main CTF and was defeated. Damaged, the IJN retreated and could not be found by quickly dispatched CTF III & IX whom were ordered to finish off the IJN.
Securing the Pacific South
https://skydrive.live.com/?cid=e6af355183388b4a#cid=E6AF355183388B4A&id=E6AF355183388B4A%21195
(1) Click to enlarge the picture
CHINA SEA CAMPAIGN
Chicago Herald Tribune
Spring 1942
As the main effort was given to secure all islands out of the Netherlands Indies, the latter were viewed by US High Command as a giant pocket full of Japanese but of no immediate strategic interest. So the operations in the China Sea-Burma region were basically defensive ones.
In April, CTF III & IX were ordered to seek and destroy any IJN vessels in the region, either at sea or anchored. At the same time, all submarines still operational were given new orders to secure the area and make sure the re would be no more Japanese convoys operating in the region.
The Convoy Warfare proved to be a complete success as there were no more convoys sinking reporting in the region in April… because there were no more targets to kill. The campaign was deemed a complete success.
In late April, both US CTF raided Port Kushing (Indonesia), sinking in the harbour and at sea (when the small fleet tried to escape) a total of 4 IJN vessels (DD and maybe a CA). There were no other report of any IJN movement in the area for many weeks, as ASW OPS from IJN ceased and no more contact were made with any vessels in that region.
In Burma, after an aggressive assault by Japanese on the border, things went back to normal, both sides looking at each others from their starting positions. Some minors land grab were made by the Allies on the Siamese Northern border. During the assault, All Americans 101st Airborne units offered a valiant resistance and helped repel the attack.
JAPAN SEA BATTLE
Chicago Herald Tribune
May 1942
In May 1942, Japan tried to bring home its troops still on the continent. A fleet of 20 cargos set sail toward Vladivostock, heavily escorted. This decision by IJN High Command led to the fiercest naval battles fought of the whole war. No less than 8 naval battles took place in less than 10 days in the Japan sea area. Those battles, who can’t be properly summarize and accounted for as there were no war correspondent to report on them [NDLR: In fact, it was so intense that none had time to either take pictures or save the game for later. We only managed to hit the save button once].
During those battles, the air was filled with so many airplanes, a ratio of 2-1 in favor of Japan, that the skies were clouded by them. Nonetheless, USA prevailed, at a hefty cost. Within those 10 days, US/UK Navy lost almost 20 ships, including USS Enterprise and USS Yorktown, while IJN lost more than 40 vessels, of which 4 CVs (Taiho, Unryu, Hiryu & Hiyo), 14 cargos, nearly 20 escorts ships and more than 5 capital ships. There were CVs against CVs fights (about 5 of them), gun to gun battles, one of which had like 15 US ships fighting 30+ IJN ones and even a very heroic assault by 4 US submarines against a very weakened IJN cargos fleet on its way back to Japan on the last day of battle.
The Death of the IJN
https://skydrive.live.com/?cid=e6af355183388b4a#cid=E6AF355183388B4A&id=E6AF355183388B4A%21193
(1) Click to enlarge the picture
ITALIAN FRONT
Chicago Herald Tribune
May 1942
During the whole Spring, both sides tried to find the weak spot of their opponent, Allies making some progress along the Adriatic Sea, while Germans and Italians forces did make an assault South-East of Roma, to break the incoming encirclement. While they first encountered some success, against regulars Canadian forces, the swift counter attack provided by the 2 ARM divisions, “Hell on Wheels” and “Old Ironsides” helped break the Axis threat.
While the front was more a less in a stalemate status, Canadian 1st Marines Corps made a quick invading operation in Greece (Athens), to liberate the country from Axis oppression.
Then, in late May 1942, as US hands were full with multiple naval battles to manage in Japan Sea, Italian High Command ordered a massive assault on the Allies lines, on the Fabriano – Foligno – Macerata axis. The fast Italian armor divisions broke through the US lines, reaching Macerata in 3 days. Again, only a swift manoeuver by the US Army helped turn the tide. First, the 2 US ARM divisions were called in, to hit and break the Italian light armor unit. There was a massive tank battle in the Macerata plains, as M4 Sherman met Italian L6/40 and some Semovente DA 75/18. Second, 3 infantry divisions were landed right on the rear of the Italians, while they were attempting to squeeze Canadian 1st Marines Corps encircled in Ancona – The 1st Corps was called in 5 days earlier, to strengthen the US lines on the Adriatic. This move proved crucial in allowing the US front to stand against a rather solid Italian assault.
By June, the Italian assault had been repelled. Soon after, USA tried and failed to encircle Roma, with a surprise landing in the port of Civitaveccia. Italian troops quickly pushed back the USA corps who almost failed its pull back to sea, as 1 unit tried to retreat North, before being pull back again by the Italians and then push back to the sea… where the Canadian Fleet managed to catch it just in time to save it from an awful fate.
On June 27th, Italians pull back from the front, to turn against the Soviet Bear, who was already in Venice… Italian Emissary asked for an informal truce, which the local Allies commander accepted.
3 days later, Germany, crumbling under both UK and USSR attacks, surrendered. Hitler was found dead in his bunker. Axis lost their faction leader.
Fabriano Breach
https://skydrive.live.com/?cid=e6af355183388b4a#cid=E6AF355183388B4A&id=E6AF355183388B4A%21194
(1) Click to enlarge the picture
USA/UK SUBMARINES WARFARE AGAINST JAPAN
Chicago Herald Tribune
Winter 1942
Weekly losses inflicted to IJN dropped to bottom level during Spring of 1942. Basically, there were no convoys to sink. Either because there are none left, or because Japan suspended all operations in the Netherlands East Indies-China Sea sector. The amount sunk by the Allies raised a little once US submarines reached the Sea of Japan, raising the toll on Japan freighters. But basically, there ain’t much left to sink.
ATTRITION WAR
Chicago Herald Tribune
Spring 1942
According to the ships log, as of April 30th 1942, there were few new losses, as only a few battles did occur (a mere 8 ships had been lost for both sides, 2 US and 6 IJN). From May 12th to May 25th, the totals changed dramatically as total losses of IJN soared to 48 for the whole period, while the US/UK losses reach 19 vessels.
As of July 1st 1942, IJN is down to 29 ships, all anchored in Hiroshima bay, while US Navy along is still above the 80+ vessels, and counting more than 15 CVs in operation near Japan.
Country (New losses / Total)
USA/UK (+19 / 94)*
- CV : + 2 / 4 (Lexington, Yorktown, Enterprise & HMS Glorious)
- BB : --- / 5
- BC : --- / 2
- CA : +2 / 9
- CL : +8 / 28
- DD : +1 / 14
- Cargos: +2 / 15
- Subs: +4 / 17
* Including losses by UK (11) and Netherlands (2)
JAPAN (+48 / 117)*
- CV : +4 / 9 (Kaga, Akagi, Ryujo, Soryu, Amagi, Taiho, Unryu, Hiryu & Hiyo)
- BB : +2 / 3
- BC : --- / 3
- CA : +5 / 12
- CL : +10 / 31
- DD : +12 / 21
- Cargos: +14 / 32
- Subs: +1 / 6
* Including losses inflicted by UK
10th INNING
NEW POST MAY 5th
NORTH AMERICA MP GAME #2
http://forum.paradoxplaza.com/forum/showthread.php?584260-North-America-Series-2-FTM
This report covers session #11 & #12. There might be a session 13th, but it probably won’t happen as Adolf Hitler committed suicide in his bunker on June 30th 1942, leaving Emperor Hirohito and Il Duce as sole defenders of the Axis ideology. Germany did surrender to Komintern on July 1st 1942.
PACIFIC IN FLAMES
SURF IN USA
Chicago Herald Tribune
February 1942
“High Command and myself are proud of what American soldiers did to defend our National Soil as during the Californian Campaign against a fierce invader, namely the Empire of Japan. This act of defiance will only fuel our determination to establish order and peace in the Pacific. I prey with those who lost sons, brothers or fathers since this conflict started and I want to reassure them that we, The United States of America, will prevail in this conflict between Good and Evil”, extract from President Roosevelt address to the Nation on February 17th 1942.
These words were part of the address the President made after the announce that Japanese invader had been repelled to the sea South of San Francisco. During what would now be known as the Californian Campaign, the ARM UNIT earned a well deserve recognition of its talent, courage and strength.
Let’s recap this campaign:
January 21st 1942
Japanese invasion forces land. About 7 divisions touched ground, while 2-3 others were sunk before reaching American Soil.
January 22nd
Alert is given to the ARM UNIT which starts to move North of L.A. to counter the invasion. Mobilisation of all ground forces is underway, as both the MOUNTAIN ? & ? prepare for a land attack on San Francisco. MAR ? & ? are called in to reinforce the city, coming from CITY. All air units available, namely ?? & ??? are given orders to slow down the enemy with bombing and strafing attacks.
February 4th
Skirmishes are reported around CITY. Japanese are defeated but main invasion force keeps its main course, e.g. San Francisco.
February 6th
Japanese attack on San Francisco is launched. At the same time, the Japanese rear guard is attack by ARM UNIT, while MAR ? & ? attack the Japanese main force from CITY.
February 7th
The Japanese rear guard is routed, while the ARM UNIT comes in contact with the main Japanese forces whose attack on San Francisco is not progressing. Reinforcements were dispatched earlier to San Francisco, as the INF ?? disembarked in a hurry.
February 16th
Broken Japanese forces are forced to surrender. About 70 000 soldiers of the Emperor abandon the fight.
Japanese invasion forces land. About 7 divisions touched ground, while 2-3 others were sunk before reaching American Soil.
January 22nd
Alert is given to the ARM UNIT which starts to move North of L.A. to counter the invasion. Mobilisation of all ground forces is underway, as both the MOUNTAIN ? & ? prepare for a land attack on San Francisco. MAR ? & ? are called in to reinforce the city, coming from CITY. All air units available, namely ?? & ??? are given orders to slow down the enemy with bombing and strafing attacks.
February 4th
Skirmishes are reported around CITY. Japanese are defeated but main invasion force keeps its main course, e.g. San Francisco.
February 6th
Japanese attack on San Francisco is launched. At the same time, the Japanese rear guard is attack by ARM UNIT, while MAR ? & ? attack the Japanese main force from CITY.
February 7th
The Japanese rear guard is routed, while the ARM UNIT comes in contact with the main Japanese forces whose attack on San Francisco is not progressing. Reinforcements were dispatched earlier to San Francisco, as the INF ?? disembarked in a hurry.
February 16th
Broken Japanese forces are forced to surrender. About 70 000 soldiers of the Emperor abandon the fight.
The failed Japanese Invasion
https://skydrive.live.com/?cid=e6af355183388b4a#cid=E6AF355183388B4A&id=E6AF355183388B4A%21197
(1) Click to enlarge the picture
________________________________
NDLR: Invited to land on the American Soil, Japanese did come, as the well educated guests they were. This move prove to be a major mistake for Japan, as the consequences was an overexposure of its main transport fleet which was, as reported in our previous AAR, sunk by UK CTF and US Navy (where the Lexington was lost). This initiative deprived them of two main advantages: initiative and mobility. As a result, the IJN stayed in its main ports for the whole duration of session #11, except once.
________________________________
HAWAIAN PUNCH
Chicago Herald Tribune
March 1942
On February 265th 1st & 3rd Marines Corps were given the order to retake Pearl Harbor. The plan was rather simple: 8 divisions are to attack the harbour, in two waves of 16 brigades each. They will be supported by the SAG I Fleet, who will provide shore bombardment and by the Fighter Squadron I & II who will attack on a steady basis the Japanese Zeros based in Pearl Harbor. The USSAF squadrons are going to attack from a emergency airfield located South-East of Pearl. American engineers spent 3 days razing trees on the Hana (South-East of Honolulu) in order for the fighters to be able to operate nearby.
The battle was a fierce one, as the Japanese, well entrenched in their nice All American Bunkers [NDLR: We had doubts when we built those forts… because we thought they would make it harder for us to retake Pearl in case we lose it] offered a stiff resistance. Nonetheless, the Marines prevailed. Two waves were needed to get through the defences, since the 1st invasion Fleet had to be removed from the area after taking too much damage because of submarines and air attacks (2 cargos were lost… and 1 full division).
Thankfully, CTF III & V provided coverage against the subs and the limited range of Japanese aircrafts allowed for a safe retreat of the battered invasion fleet.
On March 1st, Pearl was back under US control.
Pearl Harbour Take II: US Revenge
https://skydrive.live.com/?cid=e6af355183388b4a#cid=E6AF355183388B4A&id=E6AF355183388B4A%21196
(1) Click to enlarge the picture
BEACH BOYS
Chicago Herald Tribune
Spring 1942
As young Charles of US Marines Corps and many others were hoping, US High Command ordered a massive counter offensive in the Caroline, Marshall, Mariana and Philippines Islands in Spring 1942. The objective: destroy all remaining IJN operational bases and airfields and prepare for the invasion of Japan.
So, by the end of Spring 1942, Johnston, Midway, Marcus, Palau, Saipan, Guam and Wake Islands were all conquered, with quite some ease as Japanese garrisons were either weak of non existent.
In late April 1942, IJN main CTF made a “sortie” against the Allies but encountered the UK main CTF and was defeated. Damaged, the IJN retreated and could not be found by quickly dispatched CTF III & IX whom were ordered to finish off the IJN.
Securing the Pacific South
https://skydrive.live.com/?cid=e6af355183388b4a#cid=E6AF355183388B4A&id=E6AF355183388B4A%21195
(1) Click to enlarge the picture
CHINA SEA CAMPAIGN
Chicago Herald Tribune
Spring 1942
As the main effort was given to secure all islands out of the Netherlands Indies, the latter were viewed by US High Command as a giant pocket full of Japanese but of no immediate strategic interest. So the operations in the China Sea-Burma region were basically defensive ones.
In April, CTF III & IX were ordered to seek and destroy any IJN vessels in the region, either at sea or anchored. At the same time, all submarines still operational were given new orders to secure the area and make sure the re would be no more Japanese convoys operating in the region.
The Convoy Warfare proved to be a complete success as there were no more convoys sinking reporting in the region in April… because there were no more targets to kill. The campaign was deemed a complete success.
In late April, both US CTF raided Port Kushing (Indonesia), sinking in the harbour and at sea (when the small fleet tried to escape) a total of 4 IJN vessels (DD and maybe a CA). There were no other report of any IJN movement in the area for many weeks, as ASW OPS from IJN ceased and no more contact were made with any vessels in that region.
In Burma, after an aggressive assault by Japanese on the border, things went back to normal, both sides looking at each others from their starting positions. Some minors land grab were made by the Allies on the Siamese Northern border. During the assault, All Americans 101st Airborne units offered a valiant resistance and helped repel the attack.
JAPAN SEA BATTLE
Chicago Herald Tribune
May 1942
In May 1942, Japan tried to bring home its troops still on the continent. A fleet of 20 cargos set sail toward Vladivostock, heavily escorted. This decision by IJN High Command led to the fiercest naval battles fought of the whole war. No less than 8 naval battles took place in less than 10 days in the Japan sea area. Those battles, who can’t be properly summarize and accounted for as there were no war correspondent to report on them [NDLR: In fact, it was so intense that none had time to either take pictures or save the game for later. We only managed to hit the save button once].
During those battles, the air was filled with so many airplanes, a ratio of 2-1 in favor of Japan, that the skies were clouded by them. Nonetheless, USA prevailed, at a hefty cost. Within those 10 days, US/UK Navy lost almost 20 ships, including USS Enterprise and USS Yorktown, while IJN lost more than 40 vessels, of which 4 CVs (Taiho, Unryu, Hiryu & Hiyo), 14 cargos, nearly 20 escorts ships and more than 5 capital ships. There were CVs against CVs fights (about 5 of them), gun to gun battles, one of which had like 15 US ships fighting 30+ IJN ones and even a very heroic assault by 4 US submarines against a very weakened IJN cargos fleet on its way back to Japan on the last day of battle.
The Death of the IJN
https://skydrive.live.com/?cid=e6af355183388b4a#cid=E6AF355183388B4A&id=E6AF355183388B4A%21193
(1) Click to enlarge the picture
EUROPA IN FLAMES
ITALIAN FRONT
Chicago Herald Tribune
May 1942
During the whole Spring, both sides tried to find the weak spot of their opponent, Allies making some progress along the Adriatic Sea, while Germans and Italians forces did make an assault South-East of Roma, to break the incoming encirclement. While they first encountered some success, against regulars Canadian forces, the swift counter attack provided by the 2 ARM divisions, “Hell on Wheels” and “Old Ironsides” helped break the Axis threat.
While the front was more a less in a stalemate status, Canadian 1st Marines Corps made a quick invading operation in Greece (Athens), to liberate the country from Axis oppression.
Then, in late May 1942, as US hands were full with multiple naval battles to manage in Japan Sea, Italian High Command ordered a massive assault on the Allies lines, on the Fabriano – Foligno – Macerata axis. The fast Italian armor divisions broke through the US lines, reaching Macerata in 3 days. Again, only a swift manoeuver by the US Army helped turn the tide. First, the 2 US ARM divisions were called in, to hit and break the Italian light armor unit. There was a massive tank battle in the Macerata plains, as M4 Sherman met Italian L6/40 and some Semovente DA 75/18. Second, 3 infantry divisions were landed right on the rear of the Italians, while they were attempting to squeeze Canadian 1st Marines Corps encircled in Ancona – The 1st Corps was called in 5 days earlier, to strengthen the US lines on the Adriatic. This move proved crucial in allowing the US front to stand against a rather solid Italian assault.
By June, the Italian assault had been repelled. Soon after, USA tried and failed to encircle Roma, with a surprise landing in the port of Civitaveccia. Italian troops quickly pushed back the USA corps who almost failed its pull back to sea, as 1 unit tried to retreat North, before being pull back again by the Italians and then push back to the sea… where the Canadian Fleet managed to catch it just in time to save it from an awful fate.
On June 27th, Italians pull back from the front, to turn against the Soviet Bear, who was already in Venice… Italian Emissary asked for an informal truce, which the local Allies commander accepted.
3 days later, Germany, crumbling under both UK and USSR attacks, surrendered. Hitler was found dead in his bunker. Axis lost their faction leader.
Fabriano Breach
https://skydrive.live.com/?cid=e6af355183388b4a#cid=E6AF355183388B4A&id=E6AF355183388B4A%21194
(1) Click to enlarge the picture
US NAVY vs IJN
USA/UK SUBMARINES WARFARE AGAINST JAPAN
Chicago Herald Tribune
Winter 1942
Weekly losses inflicted to IJN dropped to bottom level during Spring of 1942. Basically, there were no convoys to sink. Either because there are none left, or because Japan suspended all operations in the Netherlands East Indies-China Sea sector. The amount sunk by the Allies raised a little once US submarines reached the Sea of Japan, raising the toll on Japan freighters. But basically, there ain’t much left to sink.
ATTRITION WAR
Chicago Herald Tribune
Spring 1942
According to the ships log, as of April 30th 1942, there were few new losses, as only a few battles did occur (a mere 8 ships had been lost for both sides, 2 US and 6 IJN). From May 12th to May 25th, the totals changed dramatically as total losses of IJN soared to 48 for the whole period, while the US/UK losses reach 19 vessels.
As of July 1st 1942, IJN is down to 29 ships, all anchored in Hiroshima bay, while US Navy along is still above the 80+ vessels, and counting more than 15 CVs in operation near Japan.
Country (New losses / Total)
USA/UK (+19 / 94)*
- CV : + 2 / 4 (Lexington, Yorktown, Enterprise & HMS Glorious)
- BB : --- / 5
- BC : --- / 2
- CA : +2 / 9
- CL : +8 / 28
- DD : +1 / 14
- Cargos: +2 / 15
- Subs: +4 / 17
* Including losses by UK (11) and Netherlands (2)
JAPAN (+48 / 117)*
- CV : +4 / 9 (Kaga, Akagi, Ryujo, Soryu, Amagi, Taiho, Unryu, Hiryu & Hiyo)
- BB : +2 / 3
- BC : --- / 3
- CA : +5 / 12
- CL : +10 / 31
- DD : +12 / 21
- Cargos: +14 / 32
- Subs: +1 / 6
* Including losses inflicted by UK
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Great stuff. What a glorious way of going down! It's nice to see the Axis fighting to the end in MP for once. Hopefully new VCs will give them the chance to get a draw/minor victory by surviving long enough (end of 1943/mid-1944) 
.
.
Good stuff! Your Axis players deserve a huge compliment. They are losing in style!
Even better it loooks as if the italian player has chosen a side in what I still hope may be the next chapter: a hot war between Allies and Comintern.
Can you clarify how Germany went down? I presume their surrender means their armies are gone? Shame, they would have been useful if you wanted a balanced fight on land against the Reds. Who grabbed the bulk of their territory? The Reds?
Even better it loooks as if the italian player has chosen a side in what I still hope may be the next chapter: a hot war between Allies and Comintern.
Can you clarify how Germany went down? I presume their surrender means their armies are gone? Shame, they would have been useful if you wanted a balanced fight on land against the Reds. Who grabbed the bulk of their territory? The Reds?
On June 30th 1942, the situation was this one:
https://skydrive.live.com/?cid=e6af355183388b4a#cid=E6AF355183388B4A&id=E6AF355183388B4A%21192
Red borders = Komintern
Blue borders = Allies
Germany surrendered to Komintern on July 1st... through conquest !
____________________________________
About the East-West conflict: we are currently woking on proper victory conditions to allow such a conflict. Since we did not plan it (even though, Allies played with that in mind), it won't happen this time. We expect to play it next game (if Axis are beaten, of course!).
____________________________________
Yes, Axis team played to their last breath. They deserve respect for doing so.
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Both Germany and Italy had chosen that it was better Red than dead, and thus threw their lot in with stifling as much of the allied advances as possible. Because of this, Germany surrendered to the Russians, with the UK only getting Denmark and a few isolated provinces in the west and south of Germany where we had been advancing. At the time of surrender, France was completed liberated, as was the Low Countries, and a good portion of Switzerland. The Russians had occupied all of Poland, all of the Balkans, and I believe that Russian and British troops may have been shaking hands somewhere in Bavaria right before the surrender. Berlin had not fallen, but for some reason, Germany only had ~60 unity, which caused it to surrender before a good portion of actual physical Germany had been occupied.
We are still deciding, but I believe this may be our last session for this game. Italy and Japan would fall in next session without a doubt, and in examining the East/West scenario, we realized that we really needed to flesh some details out before we could engage in it.
I invite you all to check a draft of possible victory conditions. It is a draft. I put it there for discussion.
http://forum.paradoxplaza.com/forum/showthread.php?584260-North-America-Series-2-FTM&p=13790838&viewfull=1#post13790838
I think that you should use VCs as a way to balance Asia. For example, if India is worth much VPs, then it is more likely that we actually see some serious battles there. Same about places like Australia or the Soviet Far East.
You could also include some special VPs, e.g. if the Axis manages to hold Moscow for half a year, then they can get bonus VPs. If the Allies never lose India, then they will get bonus VPs. If the Axis holds Libya for two years, then they will also get bonus VPs. You get the idea.
You could also include some special VPs, e.g. if the Axis manages to hold Moscow for half a year, then they can get bonus VPs. If the Allies never lose India, then they will get bonus VPs. If the Axis holds Libya for two years, then they will also get bonus VPs. You get the idea.
Check the link, I put some ideas like that into my proposal. e.g. giving value to India, lowering that of UK, giving value to Libya, etc. I would like to get any comments I can get. to tweak it in order to make this proposal better. I keep your idea of giving points for holding a particular region. It's worth doing some maths.
Great Update Pags,
I would love to get these victory conditions sorted out for an east/west game, would be tons of fun.
I would love to get these victory conditions sorted out for an east/west game, would be tons of fun.
USA AAR
AFTERMATH
NEW POST MAY 6th
NORTH AMERICA MP GAME #2
http://forum.paradoxplaza.com/forum/showthread.php?584260-North-America-Series-2-FTM
As we are preparing our new game (a 3rd one with the same folks, great fun we have here), here are some thoughts of ours on our latest game. Those lines are in no way a full summarize of our strategy and complete description of our choices. It is more personal thoughts and notes on this game. Before going further, I would like to give a full recognition to my main opponent, Emperor Mycalle, who fought with determination throughout the game. Also, some clapping hands to the Axis players who fought ‘till their last breath, giving this game a great flavor. Thanks guys.
TECH TREE
Chicago Herald Tribune
July 1st 1942
USA has so much leadership that you can lose yourself in the tech tree. Everything can be developed, so you must have a strategy to get the max out of your investment.
During this game, we had basically this approach:
- Never research techs beyond 2 years in advance (exception: radar, attack rate)
- Navy : CV/CL tech & doctrines
- ARM: medium ARM tech
- INF: all 4 infantry tech + defensive GAR tech (early) tech
- Land doctrines: all 1st 2 blocks (tank and ground) + those impacting supply
- Detection: radar, detection, ASW, encryption and decryption max and sometime in advance
- Industry: rare only
- Miscellaneous: agriculture, medical evac, supply, base (lvl 3) and infra repair rate
Ingame, we did not hurry the production of early CV. Those 3 under production were produce at the pace of 1 per year, until we got the 1942 tech level on all 4 tech (hull, etc.) for CVs. Which lead us to send our 1st batch of CV in production. That way, we were sure to have 7 CV by Fall 1941, of which, 3 new ones. We did the same with CL, upgrading all techs to 1942 before building new ones. The strategy allowed us to have CV/CL with extended range and this was extremely useful when we lost Pearl Harbor, as we were still able to strike away from our main bases.
To keep our practical at their highest level, we made sure to always have couple of units of each category under production.
OOB
Chicago Herald Tribune
July 1st 1942
Our main strategy was to go against Japan with all our energy and then, to turn against Germany. Accordingly, we mass built CVs… Given the way our game unfolded, we ended up with 18 CVs and 38 CAGs on the OOB (CV: 15 operational, 3 lost; CAGs: 32 operational, 6 lost).
Given the fact there were still 5 CVs to go on the production queue and nearly 18 CAGS, it is obvious we overproduced in that respect. Fact is, we had never played a game as USA or against Japan, so we had no point of reference. I would say that 18 CVs were quite enough given the fact we could also rely on 4-5 UK CVs in the endgame against Japan. Couple of additional CAGs would have been useful, but quite less than 18 on production queue. We could even had targeted a lesser level of CV production, had we produced more CAGs to ensure a better rotation on our CVs ingame.
This overproduction reduced our ability to have enough land troops at hand for a quick Japan invasion. With 5 ARM/MECH divisions and about 16 MAR divisions, given the way Japanese was entrenched, we could not dispatched more troops to Europe than those we had there (e.g. 3 ARM/MECH). Production queue was full of new MAR/ARM/MECH, but they wouldn’t be available before 3-6 months.
Additional comments:
- Adding LARM to our GAR in Guam and other islands was a very good move as it prolonged the duration of Japanese invasion on those islands and gave USA CTF more time to get in place and strike Japanese CTF. We must thanks Nightraider for this great suggestion.
- We made one shameful error when we lost 6 cargos for almost nothing. Hopefully we were able to land in time the MAR they were transporting. But nonetheless, that loss was expensive and delayed our game. Having extra-cargos back home would have been a good backup strategy. We corrected that by building about 20 new cargos for the late game, so that we would'nt be shy to lose some.
GLOBAL STRATEGY
Chicago Herald Tribune
July 1st 1942
The Singapore Campaign was a complete mess and lessons learnt there will be of some use in the future. E.g. don’t overstretch yourself.
We were right in assessing the war as primarily a naval one. Going after IJN 1st and islands in 2nd proved to be a very effective strategy. We were aggressive when it counted (ex.: Marshall Islands campaign) and we avoided major disaster ingame. Of course, as USA, you can play the attrition war game, which is sometimes boring and lackluster, but so much efficient against Japan. Doing so was another key part of our strategy.
[Edit] It is worth adding that the huge number of CVs allowed us to play in-depth defensive formation in the Pacific. We usually had the following formation when invading an island: a 1st line of DD/CL for recon and to tag IJN CTF, then a 2nd line of 3 CTF (3CV-3CL) in 3 different connected sea areas, then the invasion fleet itself, with some SAG support for shore bombardment. This formation was very fluid and allowed us to "see" the IJN when they tried to hit us, thus allowing for fast interception with our CVs, usually with 1 pack of 6 CV and 1 pack of 3 in reserve, in an adjacent sea areas... oftenly used for pursuit...
A very good cooperation work within the Allies was a key factor in our success, as we were able to rely on others, and the same happen for them (ex.: when one fleet was attacking IJN, the other was able to reorg).
Our main regret was that we were not able to invade Japan in session 11th. We must acknowledge the fact we were quite surprise to see Japan losing ground so quickly during session 10 & 11. This was rather fast. We were expecting a stronger resistance in some key islands, or some counter measures from IJN in session 10. Japan looked impregnable in session 11 but some of those strengths (e.g. air capabilities) could have been use, with proper garrisons, to slow down our progression in sessions 10 & 11. So, expecting a stiff resistance of that kind, we did not rush ground troops production. Had we done so, we would have had more troops at hand at session 11, allowing us to go for the invasion earlier than a never to happen session #12…
AFTERMATH
NEW POST MAY 6th
NORTH AMERICA MP GAME #2
http://forum.paradoxplaza.com/forum/showthread.php?584260-North-America-Series-2-FTM
As we are preparing our new game (a 3rd one with the same folks, great fun we have here), here are some thoughts of ours on our latest game. Those lines are in no way a full summarize of our strategy and complete description of our choices. It is more personal thoughts and notes on this game. Before going further, I would like to give a full recognition to my main opponent, Emperor Mycalle, who fought with determination throughout the game. Also, some clapping hands to the Axis players who fought ‘till their last breath, giving this game a great flavor. Thanks guys.
TECH TREE
Chicago Herald Tribune
July 1st 1942
USA has so much leadership that you can lose yourself in the tech tree. Everything can be developed, so you must have a strategy to get the max out of your investment.
During this game, we had basically this approach:
- Never research techs beyond 2 years in advance (exception: radar, attack rate)
- Navy : CV/CL tech & doctrines
- ARM: medium ARM tech
- INF: all 4 infantry tech + defensive GAR tech (early) tech
- Land doctrines: all 1st 2 blocks (tank and ground) + those impacting supply
- Detection: radar, detection, ASW, encryption and decryption max and sometime in advance
- Industry: rare only
- Miscellaneous: agriculture, medical evac, supply, base (lvl 3) and infra repair rate
Ingame, we did not hurry the production of early CV. Those 3 under production were produce at the pace of 1 per year, until we got the 1942 tech level on all 4 tech (hull, etc.) for CVs. Which lead us to send our 1st batch of CV in production. That way, we were sure to have 7 CV by Fall 1941, of which, 3 new ones. We did the same with CL, upgrading all techs to 1942 before building new ones. The strategy allowed us to have CV/CL with extended range and this was extremely useful when we lost Pearl Harbor, as we were still able to strike away from our main bases.
To keep our practical at their highest level, we made sure to always have couple of units of each category under production.
OOB
Chicago Herald Tribune
July 1st 1942
Our main strategy was to go against Japan with all our energy and then, to turn against Germany. Accordingly, we mass built CVs… Given the way our game unfolded, we ended up with 18 CVs and 38 CAGs on the OOB (CV: 15 operational, 3 lost; CAGs: 32 operational, 6 lost).
Given the fact there were still 5 CVs to go on the production queue and nearly 18 CAGS, it is obvious we overproduced in that respect. Fact is, we had never played a game as USA or against Japan, so we had no point of reference. I would say that 18 CVs were quite enough given the fact we could also rely on 4-5 UK CVs in the endgame against Japan. Couple of additional CAGs would have been useful, but quite less than 18 on production queue. We could even had targeted a lesser level of CV production, had we produced more CAGs to ensure a better rotation on our CVs ingame.
This overproduction reduced our ability to have enough land troops at hand for a quick Japan invasion. With 5 ARM/MECH divisions and about 16 MAR divisions, given the way Japanese was entrenched, we could not dispatched more troops to Europe than those we had there (e.g. 3 ARM/MECH). Production queue was full of new MAR/ARM/MECH, but they wouldn’t be available before 3-6 months.
Additional comments:
- Adding LARM to our GAR in Guam and other islands was a very good move as it prolonged the duration of Japanese invasion on those islands and gave USA CTF more time to get in place and strike Japanese CTF. We must thanks Nightraider for this great suggestion.
- We made one shameful error when we lost 6 cargos for almost nothing. Hopefully we were able to land in time the MAR they were transporting. But nonetheless, that loss was expensive and delayed our game. Having extra-cargos back home would have been a good backup strategy. We corrected that by building about 20 new cargos for the late game, so that we would'nt be shy to lose some.
GLOBAL STRATEGY
Chicago Herald Tribune
July 1st 1942
The Singapore Campaign was a complete mess and lessons learnt there will be of some use in the future. E.g. don’t overstretch yourself.
We were right in assessing the war as primarily a naval one. Going after IJN 1st and islands in 2nd proved to be a very effective strategy. We were aggressive when it counted (ex.: Marshall Islands campaign) and we avoided major disaster ingame. Of course, as USA, you can play the attrition war game, which is sometimes boring and lackluster, but so much efficient against Japan. Doing so was another key part of our strategy.
[Edit] It is worth adding that the huge number of CVs allowed us to play in-depth defensive formation in the Pacific. We usually had the following formation when invading an island: a 1st line of DD/CL for recon and to tag IJN CTF, then a 2nd line of 3 CTF (3CV-3CL) in 3 different connected sea areas, then the invasion fleet itself, with some SAG support for shore bombardment. This formation was very fluid and allowed us to "see" the IJN when they tried to hit us, thus allowing for fast interception with our CVs, usually with 1 pack of 6 CV and 1 pack of 3 in reserve, in an adjacent sea areas... oftenly used for pursuit...
A very good cooperation work within the Allies was a key factor in our success, as we were able to rely on others, and the same happen for them (ex.: when one fleet was attacking IJN, the other was able to reorg).
Our main regret was that we were not able to invade Japan in session 11th. We must acknowledge the fact we were quite surprise to see Japan losing ground so quickly during session 10 & 11. This was rather fast. We were expecting a stronger resistance in some key islands, or some counter measures from IJN in session 10. Japan looked impregnable in session 11 but some of those strengths (e.g. air capabilities) could have been use, with proper garrisons, to slow down our progression in sessions 10 & 11. So, expecting a stiff resistance of that kind, we did not rush ground troops production. Had we done so, we would have had more troops at hand at session 11, allowing us to go for the invasion earlier than a never to happen session #12…
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Wow. Heavy stuff. The naval setup you describe seem quite multitasking-challenging. Naval combats are so fast and expensive that everything needs to happen at the same time. I tried handling 3-4 different task forces and at the same time work with INT and NAVs but I just could not handel it all in an optimum way... as Italy.
I will follow your next one for sure.
I will follow your next one for sure.
20 DEC 41 - Things still looking good around Koenigsberg.
A British landing around Bordeaux is temporarily checked.
Another landing aims to cut off Wehrmacht troops in Western France. It nearly succeeded.
By spring, German troops in the east were on the run.
Sorry for not having posted in the AAR for a bit. I had some screenshots, but when I fell behind in my posts, the screenshots were no longer current as I was losing my butt.
Item 1. As Germany, my builds and techs were slanted towards INF and ARM. Air took a backseat, and as a result, the Luftwaffe never had control of anything. All told, builds and techs went good, but not great.
Item 2. The attack into Belgium started well, then bogged down. The initial reason was because I started driving into Belgium and intended to immediately hit Namur with MAR and ENG. Unfortunately, I accidentally swung too far west, and by the time I attacked Namur, it had been reinforced. It took another 6 months to crack the line of river defenses, although for about 3 months during the winter I mostly quit trying. I also exchanged some brigades within the divisions, and that seemed to help. Fortunately, I found a soft spot, and was able to drive through it.
Item 3. After France fell, and master1a joined as a co-op, I thought that we could grab Spain before we launched Barbarossa. Spain took about 3 months too long, and it delayed Barbarossa accordingly. We took some casualties there too.
Item 4. For Barbarossa, I took the northern army group, and master1a took the southern army group along with the bulk of the ARM. Things started well, but a counter-offensive in the north had me reeling for a bit. After some retreating, I encircled and destroyed about 15 Russian divisions east of Danzig. At that point, the Russians were retreating, but I wasn't strong enough to cut off any more units. Winter set in, and it was soon after that I took over the units in France.
Item 5. In the west, I was somewhat surprised at the size of the British army. I didn't think that they would have the necessary manpower to challenge me the way that they did. After a few successful amphibious landings, I had to pull out and retreat east. The UK nearly cut me off, but we held at the Angerville pocket, and formed new defensive lines to the east. These new positions lasted until the Russian advances made the line untenable.
Item 6. Once I took over in the west, I didn't keep too much of an eye in the east. All I know is that there were dozens of German divisions suddenly removed from the OOB, and the Russians were driving hard into the hinterland. The rest, as they say, was history.
A British landing around Bordeaux is temporarily checked.
Another landing aims to cut off Wehrmacht troops in Western France. It nearly succeeded.
By spring, German troops in the east were on the run.
Sorry for not having posted in the AAR for a bit. I had some screenshots, but when I fell behind in my posts, the screenshots were no longer current as I was losing my butt.
Item 1. As Germany, my builds and techs were slanted towards INF and ARM. Air took a backseat, and as a result, the Luftwaffe never had control of anything. All told, builds and techs went good, but not great.
Item 2. The attack into Belgium started well, then bogged down. The initial reason was because I started driving into Belgium and intended to immediately hit Namur with MAR and ENG. Unfortunately, I accidentally swung too far west, and by the time I attacked Namur, it had been reinforced. It took another 6 months to crack the line of river defenses, although for about 3 months during the winter I mostly quit trying. I also exchanged some brigades within the divisions, and that seemed to help. Fortunately, I found a soft spot, and was able to drive through it.
Item 3. After France fell, and master1a joined as a co-op, I thought that we could grab Spain before we launched Barbarossa. Spain took about 3 months too long, and it delayed Barbarossa accordingly. We took some casualties there too.
Item 4. For Barbarossa, I took the northern army group, and master1a took the southern army group along with the bulk of the ARM. Things started well, but a counter-offensive in the north had me reeling for a bit. After some retreating, I encircled and destroyed about 15 Russian divisions east of Danzig. At that point, the Russians were retreating, but I wasn't strong enough to cut off any more units. Winter set in, and it was soon after that I took over the units in France.
Item 5. In the west, I was somewhat surprised at the size of the British army. I didn't think that they would have the necessary manpower to challenge me the way that they did. After a few successful amphibious landings, I had to pull out and retreat east. The UK nearly cut me off, but we held at the Angerville pocket, and formed new defensive lines to the east. These new positions lasted until the Russian advances made the line untenable.
Item 6. Once I took over in the west, I didn't keep too much of an eye in the east. All I know is that there were dozens of German divisions suddenly removed from the OOB, and the Russians were driving hard into the hinterland. The rest, as they say, was history.
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Probably my two biggest mistakes of the game were not researching my armor doctrines soon enough, and bad composition of armor divisions. I was just starting to make progress with both of them when the game ended. If I had better foresight, I just might have had armor divisions strong enough to close the many "almost" pockets I had the German western army in. But my armor was just not strong enough to battle the German armor 1v1 and it showed time and time again.
Thanks for a last round of pics Confinement. Fast British landnings can really hurt you.