Are STRAT Bombers Worthless?

[unmerged(56137)]

I would recommend you leave the US to deal with japan on its own, ofcourse defend india but don't send any air forces over there. This would go against your "maximum force" air doctorine which you have been using so far. The germans will be recovering in this halt of operations so you will need to redo alot of pre-winter work.

This is incorrect my friend. I was halfway through Egypt in a MP game when the American player gang-banged my Sicilian Defense Force and caused the Italian Surrender event to fire. Naturally, I chose to fight on but the 10 point dissent hit hurt the build queues for awhile.

But isn't that contrary to what the event states ?

###########################################
# Italy Surrenders (Italy, England, USA)
###########################################

event = {
	id = 36
	random = no
	country = ITA

	name = EVT_36_NAME
	desc = EVT_36_DESC
	style = 0
	picture = "Ita_Surrender"

	trigger = {
		alliance = { country = ITA  country = GER }
		war = { country = ITA country = ENG }
		OR = {
			headofgovernment = 3002 # Mussolini (FA)
			headofgovernment = 3043 # Mussolini (NS)
			headofgovernment = 3044 # Borghese  (NS)
			}
		random = 40
		# Africa NOT in Italy hands
		NOT = {
			AND = {
				control = { province = 932 data = ITA } #Tripoli NOT controlled by Italy
				control = { province = 919 data = ITA } #Tobruk NOT controlled by Italy
				control = { province = 924 data = ITA } #Benghazi NOT controlled by Italy
				control = { province = 1046 data = ITA } #Addis Abeba NOT controlled by Italy
				control = { province = 939 data = ITA } #Tunis NOT controlled by Italy
				}
			}

		# South Italy invaded
		OR = {
			NOT = { control = { province = 515 data = ITA } }#Roma NOT controlled by Italy
			NOT = {	control = { province = 523 data = ITA } }#Taranto NOT controlled by Italy
			NOT = {	control = { province = 525 data = ITA } }#Siracusa NOT controlled by Italy
			NOT = {	control = { province = 526 data = ITA } }#Messina NOT controlled by Italy
			NOT = {	control = { province = 522 data = ITA } }#Cosenza NOT controlled by Italy
			NOT = {	control = { province = 521 data = ITA } }#Napoli NOT controlled by Italy
			}

		# North Italy in italian hands
		AND = {
			control = { province = 531 data = ITA } #Turin controlled by Italy
			control = { province = 368 data = ITA } #Genoa controlled by Italy
			control = { province = 370 data = ITA } #Milan controlled by Italy
			control = { province = 371 data = ITA } #Trento controlled by Italy
			control = { province = 378 data = ITA } #Venice controlled by Italy
			control = { province = 379 data = ITA } #Ferrara controlled by Italy
			control = { province = 512 data = ITA } #Bologna controlled by Italy
			control = { province = 369 data = ITA } #La Spezia controlled by Italy
			control = { province = 513 data = ITA } #Florence controlled by Italy
			}
		# South Italy captured
		#NOT = {
		#	AND = {
		#		control = { province = 523 data = ITA } #Taranto NOT controlled by Italy
		#		control = { province = 525 data = ITA } #Siracusa NOT controlled by Italy
		#		control = { province = 526 data = ITA } #Messina NOT controlled by Italy
		#		control = { province = 522 data = ITA } #Cosenza NOT controlled by Italy
		#		}
		#	}
			minister = 1 # Hitler in Germany
		}

 

[unmerged(11202)]

Status April 1st 1942:

By early December all bombing operations were cancelled and all aircraft grounded to replenish planes and crews. about 150 IC/day was initially needed to fully repair 48 wings with 24 escorts. 20 fighter wings needed replenishments to varying degrees as well. The results in damage inflicted upon the Germans is considered to have been quite substantial. A loss of over 100 effective IC for several months resulted in a 24% reduction in German capacity.

The German offensive in Soviet Russia appeared to have run out of steam. MI6 believes that supply problems, bad weather and Soviet counter attacks have halted the advance of the Wehrmacht. The bombing campaign is thought to have been succesfull in regards to undermining the German war effort. The german transport system seems unable to carry load of the entire German armed forces and most of its allies who fight as expeditionary forces under the German flag. Combat reports from clashes between allied and Axis forces indicate a German lack of supplies as well.

The campaign in Africa was finished off with annexation of Vichy. Cut off from France and out of supplies the remnants of the Vichy overseas forces surrendered to the DeGaulles's Free French. In January of '42 the United States of America had finally enough. Seeing that a German victory over the Soviets would make them to powerfull they declared war upon Germany. They joined the United Kingdom and Commonwealth nations in the struggle for the liberation of Europe. The remainder of the winter saw the steady arrival of American divisions in North Africa and the Baleares. The Allies have agreed to launch an offensive on Europe itself in the coming Spring to releave pressure on the Soviets.

In preparation for a renewal of the bombing campaign on Germany, an invasion of Norway was planned. With Africa now secured, British forces were withdrawn back to the Home Islands in preparation for the Liberation of Norway. Naval scouting found the port of Narvik to be undefended and an expeditionary force was unloaded. The fighting has mostly occured over land and was supported by more naval landings in Southern Norway. The Liberation of Norway is expected to be completed by May. Additional airfields will be constructed to facilitate more escorted raids into the German heartland.

 

[blue emu]

Perhaps I should give a few more details on the situation in the Far East:

Vichy France refused the Japanese demands for Indochina, so the Japanese have neither Airbases nor Naval Bases in Vietnam. Siam did not become a Japanese Puppet nor join the Japanese East-Asian Co-Prosperity Sphere... at least, not so far. That whole area is still neutral.

I have abandoned Hong Kong except for the locked Garrison, and am considering disbanding it to prevent Japanese Convoy Raiding on that supply line. I have built new Airbases on the Northern tip of Borneo, which is my most advanced position other than Hong Kong.

My forces in the Far East currently consist of a dozen Infantry Divisions deployed in Burma and Singapore, plus a few scattered Garrisons.

As stated, I am reluctant to split my forces equally between the two theaters... I would much prefer to make a strong effort in one area while holding the other with minimal forces. The question is: which area should get the bulk of my forces?

Japan has a much more threatening Navy, and is divided by the sea into bite-sized pieces, which can be engaged one at a time by my limited Ground forces... but Germany is the more dangerous opponent in the sense that, left to themselves, they may be able to knock the USSR out of the war, after which an eventual Allied return to the continent of Europe will be far more difficult.

The "Eastern Solution" would be to send the bulk of my Navy and Ground forces, supported by my TAC and CAS squadrons, to the Far East, while my STRATs continue to hammer Germany. A "Western Solution" would involve just sending holding forces to the Far East.

In a couple of days, eight more Factories will finish building, freeing up about 50 more ICs (minus CGs)... any suggestions on what new builds I should start? Transports, perhaps... what else?

 

[walnutr113]

Remember Churchill and FDR: Germany first!

I would transfer the bulk of my Navy to the far east. The Nazi navy is kaput yes? Maybe some Marines. You could look for small tactical campaigns to wage. But I would keep enough forces for a D-Day should the chance arise.....

Have you been able to keep up with your naval doctrines?

 

[blue emu]

I would transfer the bulk of my Navy to the far east. The Nazi navy is kaput yes? Maybe some Marines. You could look for small tactical campaigns to wage. But I would keep enough forces for a D-Day should the chance arise...

Germany still has about 40 U-Boat flotillas (apparently sitting in Port, since I haven't lost a Convoy in several months) plus a BB-IV and some Cruisers. The Japanese Navy is strong enough... and the AI-USA sufficiently undependable... that a Naval campaign against the Japanese would require a substantial Airforce commitment as well as the bulk of the Fleet... plus at least enough Ground Forces to guard the Naval and Air bases against Amphibious Assault.

I would much prefer to wait until the USN engages the IJN, and then add my own Navy to the fight... rather than taking them on alone.

Also... regarding keeping "enough forces for D-Day" in reserve in Britain... I doubt that my entire Army represents "enough forces for D-Day".

Have you been able to keep up with your naval doctrines?

Up to 1941-level, yes... except for the Submarine Doctrines, which I have skipped temporarily... I only own 10 Subs, so it's hardly worthwhile researching Doctrines for them.

 

[unmerged(11202)]

Perhaps I should give a few more details on the situation in the Far East:

Vichy France refused the Japanese demands for Indochina, so the Japanese have neither Airbases nor Naval Bases in Vietnam. Siam did not become a Japanese Puppet nor join the Japanese East-Asian Co-Prosperity Sphere... at least, not so far. That whole area is still neutral.

I have abandoned Hong Kong except for the locked Garrison, and am considering disbanding it to prevent Japanese Convoy Raiding on that supply line. I have built new Airbases on the Northern tip of Borneo, which is my most advanced position other than Hong Kong.

My forces in the Far East currently consist of a dozen Infantry Divisions deployed in Burma and Singapore, plus a few scattered Garrisons.

I disbanded all my fixed garrison divisions right from the start to gain manpower. Personally I am very reluctant to abandon Hong Kong, but if you think it is not worth defending by all means go ahead.

As stated, I am reluctant to split my forces equally between the two theaters... I would much prefer to make a strong effort in one area while holding the other with minimal forces. The question is: which area should get the bulk of my forces?

Japan has a much more threatening Navy, and is divided by the sea into bite-sized pieces, which can be engaged one at a time by my limited Ground forces... but Germany is the more dangerous opponent in the sense that, left to themselves, they may be able to knock the USSR out of the war, after which an eventual Allied return to the continent of Europe will be far more difficult.

The "Eastern Solution" would be to send the bulk of my Navy and Ground forces, supported by my TAC and CAS squadrons, to the Far East, while my STRATs continue to hammer Germany. A "Western Solution" would involve just sending holding forces to the Far East.

I think you answered your own question, the bulk of ground forces is needed in Europe, but it completely depends on how soon you can expect to send them into battle. If you need more than a year to even launch a seaborne invasion on Fortress Europe than by all means try to take out the Japanese in the Far East first. Keep up the strategic bombing campaign in Europe to make sure Germany's TC stays overloaded and limit their unit building capacity offcourse.

In a couple of days, eight more Factories will finish building, freeing up about 50 more ICs (minus CGs)... any suggestions on what new builds I should start? Transports, perhaps... what else?

Try to have at least 30 transports. You skipped out on capital ships if I understood it correctly. Now would be a good time to build a carrier fleet to keep the Japanese at bay. If you think current navy can handle the task of fighting both the KM and IJN than groundforces. I saw your strategic bomber figures and they appear to be a lot less than mine. By September '42 the last series will finish bringing numbers up to 64 wings. Maybe a further expansion of the RAF is in order?

A final question for now. Have you or do you intend to build rocket test sites? If so how many? By 1942 the need starts to arise for rocketry research components. An advanced airforce would benefit from a few rocket testing facilities imho.

 

[Gen. Skobelev]

Perhaps I should give a few more details on the situation in the Far East:

Vichy France refused the Japanese demands for Indochina, so the Japanese have neither Airbases nor Naval Bases in Vietnam. Siam did not become a Japanese Puppet nor join the Japanese East-Asian Co-Prosperity Sphere... at least, not so far. That whole area is still neutral.

I have abandoned Hong Kong except for the locked Garrison, and am considering disbanding it to prevent Japanese Convoy Raiding on that supply line. I have built new Airbases on the Northern tip of Borneo, which is my most advanced position other than Hong Kong.

My forces in the Far East currently consist of a dozen Infantry Divisions deployed in Burma and Singapore, plus a few scattered Garrisons.

As stated, I am reluctant to split my forces equally between the two theaters... I would much prefer to make a strong effort in one area while holding the other with minimal forces. The question is: which area should get the bulk of my forces?

Japan has a much more threatening Navy, and is divided by the sea into bite-sized pieces, which can be engaged one at a time by my limited Ground forces... but Germany is the more dangerous opponent in the sense that, left to themselves, they may be able to knock the USSR out of the war, after which an eventual Allied return to the continent of Europe will be far more difficult.

The "Eastern Solution" would be to send the bulk of my Navy and Ground forces, supported by my TAC and CAS squadrons, to the Far East, while my STRATs continue to hammer Germany. A "Western Solution" would involve just sending holding forces to the Far East.

In a couple of days, eight more Factories will finish building, freeing up about 50 more ICs (minus CGs)... any suggestions on what new builds I should start? Transports, perhaps... what else?

Move ground forces to the east to secure all your holdings and possibly do some limited offensive. As Italy has surrendered and Germany doing Barbarossa there's no need to keep many ground units in Europe unless you plan on using them - and that would make the use of strategic bombers kind of null and void, right?

Also move your CAS to the east. They can't help in SAC campaign unlike TAC and there won't be much use for bombing German ground units in Europe for some time. But in the east CAS can pose serious threat to Japanese navy and thus bolster British defences. If you have any extra interceptor/fighter squadrons, they should also be moved to the east to help in defence and also to allow your CAS do their naval strikes unhindered. SAC, TAC and most of fighter units should remain in Europe for air campaigning.

German navy has been mauled badly, hasn't it? That will allow you to move the bulk of Royal Navy to the east to counter the Japanese. With the CAS you can keep Japanese out of Indian ocean by using Singapore as base for massing naval and some air units thus killing all Japanese ships that try to use Malacca strait.

About new builds: how's British TC doing? If it's ok (=no new factories needed to build), perhaps preparing for initial showdown with Japanese navy should be started? I seem to recall that you haven't built capital ships. And of course more air units are always nice to have.

 

[unmerged(11202)]

Situational Report May 3rd 1942

Total RAF strength:



The month of April saw a major renewed air offensive against Germany, the first two weeks consisted of Logistical and Installation strikes in the Netherlands, Westphalen, Mecklenburg, Hessen and Hannover. In the following two weeks the strategic bombing began. Germany's IC stood per April 1st at 456/311. Now a month later it stands at 336/230. Losses to AA and Interceptor attacks have been substantial. Unescorted bombers raiding into Westfalen and Hessen were attacked by various kinds of Axis interceptors. Though many conisted of obsolete prewar designs some bomberwings have sustained losses up to 75%. Additionally Germany has expanded its AA capabilities in the German homeland. By the start of May the entire RAF has been grounded for evaluation. Repair request stand at a whopping 177 IC/day.

In other news, the Norwegian campaign has progressed as expected and nearly all of Norway has been liberated. Only a small German force has been holed up in Petsamo stuck in between British and Soviet forces. It appears that the operational range out of southern Norway's airfields is insufficient to allow fighter CAPs over Central Germany. SAC cannot guarantee safe passage beyond Mecklenburg.

The Soviets are heavily pressured by Axis forces and the Germans still stand at the gates of Moscow. Against my expectations the port of Sevastopol still stands and the Germans have made only limited gains along the Soviet front thus far. It is expected that with the improvement of weather conditions now, the Germans will pick up the assault again.

The Americans have decided on a multiple front operation along the mediterranean. Brigdeheads have been established in Southern France, Yugoslavia and Greece. The Yugoslavian operation consisted of a single US armoured division and has been driven back into the sea. The French operation appears to have become stuck in the south east of France along the Italian border. The Greek offensive sofar has been the most succesfull with some gains made, especially thanks to commonwealth forces from Canada and Australia. Additionally the US has reversed the German advance into Spain and prevented their fall.

The question no remains on what to do with the BEF. With Norway secured I have some 36 motorized/HQ formations available for a strike into Europe. There are several scenarios available.

1: Reinforce the Americans in the Med.
I fear that the Americans may be driven into the sea when German reinforcements start to arrive in numbers. With my forces a succesfull offensive becomes a better possibility. The rugged terrain OTOH does not favour my units. Progress will most certainly be slow and difficult. With Americans taking the territories my TC would become less burdened and I would save somewhat on supplies since the Americans would be responsible.

2: Launch my own offensive in the Med.
This would most likely be an invasion of Italy to knock them finally out of the war. I do not expect the Americans to succeed at that anytime soon.

3: Reinforce Spain.
Although the Spanish theatre has seen some allied successes in stopping the German advance it lacks the strength to launch an offensive of its own into France. My reinforcements can turn the tide there. Not acting might mean more Axis forces arriving that can break trough again.

4: Launch D-Day on my own.
Air reconnaissance show little in the form of German defenses except for the coastal provinces. A landing along the West European Coast could achieve a quick breakthrough. This would be the most damaging in terms of IC losses for the Germans and would be most supportive in taking out German IC.

5: No offensive operations at all.
Germany appears to have 350+ divisions and there is a snowball's chance in hell that I can defeat them on my own with my meagre forces. I could switch to building ground units when my last strats are finished and wait until 1943 with starting an assault. I fear however on whether the Soviets will last another winter. There is a good risk of them being pushed back even further by the German juggernaut. The German navy OTOH appears not to be much of a problem, save for some subs raiding convoys I haven't seen them do much at all.

I am still waiting for new Lend-Lease shipments that have been lacking sofar. Besides the first shipment nothing has followed. A look at the event revealed that the SMEP version has an offset of 30 against only 8 in vanilla DD. This propably also explains why did not get anything upon a reload after I quit.

What kind of operation should I start? I also am thinking on carrying out an airborne invasion of an undefended Copenhagen. Though it will take at place in late '42 at the earliest since I need to build the units for such an operation.

My question is thus, what kind of operation should I carry out and what sort of units should I go for?

 

[noobermenschen]

Holy schmokes! Sixty Strats? Did you do parallel builds?

With Norway, you are well placed to land in Denmark or Keil province. Push forward, wrecking German cores, and when the Germans push you back use emu's new trick of wiping out infrastructure when they retake the province. you should be able to hold them off durn near forever. Do you have a 10x99 airbase build going? with fighters and TACs in Denmark and Strats in Norway you could in theory write German industry down to less than 80, wrecking their supply efficiency.

You've got an awesome game going. Can you do a quick recap from the beginning (game version, settings, prewar research and builds)?

I got a little game time in today and am at Jan '37. Found out when you dump Edward VII you get rid of Baldwin in the bargain, a nice suprise. I've got single strings of Strats, CL-4s, Convoys & Escorts and started CVLs & Transports shortly after I killed all the friggin' dissent from the Minister changes and the SCW.

I was finally able to start a string of 12 Marines and a double build of ESC Fighters in December, but I'm only going to have five or so new factories built by the time my '38 techs (DDs, TACs and Fighters) are ready to build so the que is going to get a little crowded.

I'm not sure I'm going to do much on the espionage front except kill spies as I'm having trouble getting my guys into Germany. Did get Portugal into the Allies, mostly because it REALLY bugs me that she joins the Axis every time...

 

[BigPoppa1111]

I would recommend you leave the US to deal with japan on its own, ofcourse defend india but don't send any air forces over there. This would go against your "maximum force" air doctorine which you have been using so far. The germans will be recovering in this halt of operations so you will need to redo alot of pre-winter work.

But isn't that contrary to what the event states ?

###########################################
# Italy Surrenders (Italy, England, USA)
###########################################

event = {
	id = 36
	random = no
	country = ITA

	name = EVT_36_NAME
	desc = EVT_36_DESC
	style = 0
	picture = "Ita_Surrender"

	trigger = {
		alliance = { country = ITA  country = GER }
		war = { country = ITA country = ENG }
		OR = {
			headofgovernment = 3002 # Mussolini (FA)
			headofgovernment = 3043 # Mussolini (NS)
			headofgovernment = 3044 # Borghese  (NS)
			}
		random = 40
		# Africa NOT in Italy hands
		NOT = {
			AND = {
				control = { province = 932 data = ITA } #Tripoli NOT controlled by Italy
				control = { province = 919 data = ITA } #Tobruk NOT controlled by Italy
				control = { province = 924 data = ITA } #Benghazi NOT controlled by Italy
				control = { province = 1046 data = ITA } #Addis Abeba NOT controlled by Italy
				control = { province = 939 data = ITA } #Tunis NOT controlled by Italy
				}
			}

		# South Italy invaded
		OR = {
			NOT = { control = { province = 515 data = ITA } }#Roma NOT controlled by Italy
			NOT = {	control = { province = 523 data = ITA } }#Taranto NOT controlled by Italy
			NOT = {	control = { province = 525 data = ITA } }#Siracusa NOT controlled by Italy
			NOT = {	control = { province = 526 data = ITA } }#Messina NOT controlled by Italy
			NOT = {	control = { province = 522 data = ITA } }#Cosenza NOT controlled by Italy
			NOT = {	control = { province = 521 data = ITA } }#Napoli NOT controlled by Italy
			}

		# North Italy in italian hands
		AND = {
			control = { province = 531 data = ITA } #Turin controlled by Italy
			control = { province = 368 data = ITA } #Genoa controlled by Italy
			control = { province = 370 data = ITA } #Milan controlled by Italy
			control = { province = 371 data = ITA } #Trento controlled by Italy
			control = { province = 378 data = ITA } #Venice controlled by Italy
			control = { province = 379 data = ITA } #Ferrara controlled by Italy
			control = { province = 512 data = ITA } #Bologna controlled by Italy
			control = { province = 369 data = ITA } #La Spezia controlled by Italy
			control = { province = 513 data = ITA } #Florence controlled by Italy
			}
		# South Italy captured
		#NOT = {
		#	AND = {
		#		control = { province = 523 data = ITA } #Taranto NOT controlled by Italy
		#		control = { province = 525 data = ITA } #Siracusa NOT controlled by Italy
		#		control = { province = 526 data = ITA } #Messina NOT controlled by Italy
		#		control = { province = 522 data = ITA } #Cosenza NOT controlled by Italy
		#		}
		#	}
			minister = 1 # Hitler in Germany
		}

The guy that did this to me frequents these boards, he could vouch for it.

 

[unmerged(11202)]

Holy schmokes! Sixty Strats? Did you do parallel builds?

I started with one serial build in '36 and later on added more. By mid 1940 I had 4 parallel builds going on. I now have only 2 parallel builds left, which will be finished by August 1940.

With Norway, you are well placed to land in Denmark or Keil province. Push forward, wrecking German cores, and when the Germans push you back use emu's new trick of wiping out infrastructure when they retake the province. you should be able to hold them off durn near forever. Do you have a 10x99 airbase build going? with fighters and TACs in Denmark and Strats in Norway you could in theory write German industry down to less than 80, wrecking their supply efficiency.

Regrettably Copenhagen cannot be directly taken by a seaborne invasion since the ships would need to cross the Sound which is blocked by the German control of Copenhagen. I can however land in Jylland and quickly advance from there. Denmark does provide a reasonable defensive position for my army. Since it can be attacked from only one province, limiting an attack with stacking rules.

You've got an awesome game going. Can you do a quick recap from the beginning (game version, settings, prewar research and builds)?

I am using Doomsday version 1.2 using the SMEP mod for extra event and DAIM to improve the AI. Additionally I made a small modification to the espionage file. Each spy gives a 10% spying bonus to mission succes instead of the usual 2.5%. I have only used the steal blueprint and global manipulation missions sofar. Other missions I consider to much of an exploit. Keep in mind that this bonus applies to the AI as well, I have seen a lot more AI countries spying on each other as well.

I am playing at normal/weakling. Pre-war research is as the usual for any major building up for war, though aircraft techs and doctrines took precendence. Industrial techs were researched at least one year ahead of their historic dates. I quickly went for Aircraft Assembly line first which was finished in early 1940. After that Naval, Vehicle and Small Arms respectively.
I haven't engaged in much researching ahead since, except for the airsuperiority aircraft and strats. I also researched CAS thanks to blueprints, but ignored NAVs. I may build some CAS to support ground operations later during the war, but the Campaign is centered on Strats. I am hoping to let my allies and the Soviets fight the war on the ground as much as possible.

As I said earlier on I only started a serial build of strats and factories. I kept building factories until early 1938, after the anschluss of Austria I began expanding a further expansion of the airforce and navy. I build 4 lvl IV BCs, for flavour and after they were finished in '39 switched to 4 SHBBs. Besides that a bunch of series level IV DDs and LCs. Finally I also included on 99 serial build of transports.
Ground forces only consisted of 2 series of 15 motorised each and a series of HQs all equiped with SP-Art. My infantry divisions all got engineers.
I disbanded all level I ships from the start and all the fixed garrison divisions. All the colonial militia divisions were scrapped as well. I expect to need all that manpower later during the war.
Finally I had to produce a lot of CGs to bring dissent down from events, both historical and random. Though you get some events that reduce dissent during the war.

I got a little game time in today and am at Jan '37. Found out when you dump Edward VII you get rid of Baldwin in the bargain, a nice suprise. I've got single strings of Strats, CL-4s, Convoys & Escorts and started CVLs & Transports shortly after I killed all the friggin' dissent from the Minister changes and the SCW.

I also joined the SCW and the Nationalist fell in November '36 thanks to a French offensive. Allthough you can prolong the war by using Military control, I considered it to much of an exploit since it would have made things to difficult for Germany imho. Getting rid of Edward VII is a very good thing and removes a pesky -15% modifier from your ministers -10% autocratic charmer and -5% from a backroom backstabber. I always put the +5% IC spychief in charge.

I was finally able to start a string of 12 Marines and a double build of ESC Fighters in December, but I'm only going to have five or so new factories built by the time my '38 techs (DDs, TACs and Fighters) are ready to build so the que is going to get a little crowded.

I'm not sure I'm going to do much on the espionage front except kill spies as I'm having trouble getting my guys into Germany. Did get Portugal into the Allies, mostly because it REALLY bugs me that she joins the Axis every time...

Portugal joined the Axis in my game, but it was quickly overrun. I delayed their annexation by the Spanish. By taking their African colonies first before taking the last Portuguese VP in Macau.

 

[blue emu]

Update : December 7th, 1941.

One day after Japan's declaration of war, the government of Siam caved in to Japanese pressure and joined the Greater East-Asian Co-Prosperity Sphere as a Japanese puppet... placing them at war with the United Kingdom. This produced an immediate crisis, since the reinforcements dispatched to the Far East have not yet arrived, and both Burma and Singapore are still lightly guarded.

The CAS and TAC Air Squadrons arriving in the Far East have been pressed into service without stopping to reorganize... and have immediately encountered the enemy. The very first flights out of Singapore have located a Japanese Carrier/Battleship Task Force steaming westward through the Malacca Strait.

A small group of American Destroyers are bravely pursuing the Japanese Battlefleet... and if they are very lucky, they will fail to catch them.

The Japanese Fleet heads through Malacca Strait, turning North towards Rangoon... still pursued by the tiny American DD Task Force:

British Carriers, Battleships, Cruisers, Submarines and ASW vessels are all being transferred to the Far East, but will not arrive for several more days... and even then, will require a period of reorganization before they regain their combat-effectiveness. Troop movements are also underway, with the intended goal of first saving Burma and Singapore, then knocking Siam out of the war.

 

[noobermenschen]

The Japanese Fleet heads through Malacca Strait, turning North towards Rangoon... still pursued by the tiny American DD Task Force:

Like Cunningham, Vian or Jervis (Edit: actually Capt. Sherbrooke, a descendant of Adm. Jervis) wouldn't have done the same thing LOL!

Alkar, you must have made some good use out of getting rid of that peacetime penalty in Spain for a while. Other players have posted Germany gets her dander up when UK gets involved in any war in Europe. Not only did I not get involved, I declined to support the Anarchist Rabble because

1) I didn't consider the cost worth it for a couple of Interventionist slider moves I will be getting back anyway from GoI's and

2) I am trying to play close to historically and would prefer for that reason to see the Nationalists win. In fact I sold several level 1 ships to Rep Spain to hobble them a bit, plus they were giving me the best deals for them. Looks like the Republicans have the upper hand in my game, but it could take a while.

Also for historical reasons I am probably not going to make a play to get Belgium and Holland in the Allies, though it would help out any bombing campaign immensely. Belgium actually WAS in the Allies until Germany occupied the Rhineland, only to go neutral when she saw how indecisive Britain & france were when facing German agression.
.

 

[blue emu]

You may remember that I bought the CV Bearn from the French in 1937.

I've just noticed that my French allies once again have an Aircraft Carrier called the Bearn. It's been re-Bearn! Bearn again?

... but that's enough sillyness! The situation is very serious.

After launching a Port Strike on Rangoon, the Japanese Carrier Task Force disappeared Southward into the Bay of Bengal. They did not leave by the Malacca Strait. As far as I know, they are still at sea somewhere within my perimeter. The British CV Task Force has arrived, and is searching the Western Bay of Bengal, while the British Mediterranean Fleet (a BB Task Force) searches the Eastern Bay of Bengal and Aircraft patrol the Northern end of the Bay and the Malacca Strait.

Perfidious Siam has occupied the Northern part of the Kra Isthmus and one province of Burma... and then their advance ground to a halt under a hail of bombs from my CAS and TAC Bombers. Three of their scarce Divisions have already been pounded into dust, and local Empire forces are moving to counter-attack. Rather than simply retake the lost ground, a move is being prepared to split Siam in two and capture the provinces needed for annexation. This will be a slow-motion battle, due to the shortage of Infrastructure and abundance of Mountains and Jungle.

 

[noobermenschen]

You may remember that I bought the CV Bearn from the French in 1937.

I've just noticed that my French allies once again have an Aircraft Carrier called the Bearn. It's been re-Bearn! Bearn again?

Now don't get carrier'd away nyuk nyuk nyuk dang you charlieart66 I'll get you for starting this!!!

I could have used a bit less silliness in my purchases - I never got the units! The 3 INT and 2 CA-2s I traded to France for a TAC squadron? I never got the squadron, it never left French inventory. Same with the Yemeni CAV division they agreed to trade for ONE blueprint and some magic beans!

Since I had no real plans to develop Interceptors, am up to my ears in old cruisers and have no idea where to find a save file, much less edit it, I have simply turned the matter over to a collection agency and they are now harrassing President Lebrun with late night phone calls. And I stopped trying to buy divisions.

 

[unmerged(11202)]

Like Cunningham, Vian or Jervis (Edit: actually Capt. Sherbrooke, a descendant of Adm. Jervis) wouldn't have done the same thing LOL!

Alkar, you must have made some good use out of getting rid of that peacetime penalty in Spain for a while. Other players have posted Germany gets her dander up when UK gets involved in any war in Europe. Not only did I not get involved, I declined to support the Anarchist Rabble because

1) I didn't consider the cost worth it for a couple of Interventionist slider moves I will be getting back anyway from GoI's and

2) I am trying to play close to historically and would prefer for that reason to see the Nationalists win. In fact I sold several level 1 ships to Rep Spain to hobble them a bit, plus they were giving me the best deals for them. Looks like the Republicans have the upper hand in my game, but it could take a while.

Also for historical reasons I am probably not going to make a play to get Belgium and Holland in the Allies, though it would help out any bombing campaign immensely. Belgium actually WAS in the Allies until Germany occupied the Rhineland, only to go neutral when she saw how indecisive Britain & france were when facing German agression.
.

The wartime consumer goods plus lack of peacetime penalty was used to build more factories, but it only lasted for a few months. I don't know about the German reaction to an allied intervention into the SCW. I had not noticed any effects. It is indeed ahistorital. Btw. I did not ally with the low countries, they only entered the alliance when Germany DoWed them in May 1940.

 

[unmerged(11202)]

Situational Report July 10th 1942
The bombing offensive started in April has continued throughout May and June. Germany's IC stands at 298/206. This is the result of a reduction of over 1/3 after 2 months of heavy air assault.

The German losses however came at a great cost to our own. Despite a continuous allocation of +30 IC/day towards reinforcements, replenishments amount require 226 IC/day and 27.11 MP with most airwings grounded. AA appears to have been the biggest drain of our strenght. Enemy fighter and interceptor activity has been rather limited throughout the last 2 months. Intelligence reports reveal that the Luftwaffe's fighter/interceptor strength is very close to depleted. At least a dozen Axis airwings of varying degrees were completely destroyed by our figher CAPs.

In response to the need of furthering Germany's defeat by means of continued air assaults, an amphibious assault on the Danish peninsula north of Kolding was launched. Our motorised forces quickly breached through the German defences at Kiel after the establishment of a beachhead. From Kiel the advance was continued east towards Lübeck from where an assault on Copenhagen supported from Odense was launched. With Copenhagen now secure and its airfield under repair a foothold has been established enabling to strike deeper into Germany with fighter cover.

The entire campaign thusfar has left the Netherlands, Westfalen, Hannover, Mecklenburg and Brandenburg, thanks to the liberation of Denmark completely devasted. (Rail)roads, AA and factories have been almost completely devastated. It will take the Germans several months before they can bring their factories online, when all bombing has been halted.

The Germans have seen only limited, but important gains into Russia. Moscow and Leningrad have fallen, but sofar there has been little advancement into other areas. Partisan activity has forced a great deal of the Wehrmacht to be deployed into rear areas and the front is dangerously exposed to Soviet counter attacks.

The American forces in Southeastern France have been defeated and driven into the sea. Only in Greece some progress was made. Athens has fallen to the Americans and Greece has been annexed. American and commonwealth forces have advanced into Albania, but are now stalled along the Yugoslavian and Bulgarian border.

I am rather desperate for more Lend-Lease shipment as my supplies continue to dwindle and I need a lot of IC to restore Bomber Command to full strength.
In additional news, the USA has declared an oil embargo against the Empire of Japan. Operations by MI6 have put the Japese government into an increasingly internationally bad light. The nature of the Japanese government's (Leftwing Radical) policies were given as an official excuse. More likely the US perceives Japan's weakness as good opportunity to turn the Pacific into an American lake.

I have only a few wings left that can operate at full strength and I am in doubt on what to do next. Just pressing on from Denmark into Berlin would be to easy imho to trigger a premature end of the war. I am not exactly certain what triggers Germany's surrender in the SMEP for DD. Putting the airforce to rest for an extended period allows me to replenish losses, but so can the Germans. I have a few wings left that can deal out some damage, but I am in doubt on were to strike. My preference goes out to keep bombarding the already devastated areas to prevent a rebuilding of their infrastructure and AA. Factories are less of a concern right now. I would really hate it to spend all of those resources again reducing those vast AA batteries.

 

[unmerged(58898)]

Now don't get carrier'd away nyuk nyuk nyuk dang you charlieart66 I'll get you for starting this!!!

I could have used a bit less silliness in my purchases - I never got the units! The 3 INT and 2 CA-2s I traded to France for a TAC squadron? I never got the squadron, it never left French inventory. Same with the Yemeni CAV division they agreed to trade for ONE blueprint and some magic beans!

you mean you traded all this and got JACK all?

viva the revolution

 

[noobermenschen]

you mean you traded all this and got JACK all?

Not so much as a bottle of wine or a basket of dates. I hope France at least makes good use of those interceptors.

Got a little game time in last night while my wife was watching "her show" (don't know if it's EVER been said on this forum, but thank God for Gilmour Girls...) and am at August '37. Republicans won in Spain a couple of months before and of course Marco Polo kicked things off in China. The Anti-Comintern pact may have fallen through, I wasn't watching closely and will have to go back to the history to check it out.

Down to fewer than 20 spies in UK and up to 5 in Germany after many attempts. Started single strings of TACs, FTRs, arty and a double string of DDs once the '38 techs were ready but now I've only got a couple of factories going at any one time. Noob question, do Gearing for War events increase your resource production as well? I had to do some fancy trading once Edward VII abdicated, but that event did increase my IC by about 40%.

I should be wrapped up with the '38 techs except Hospitals (France is researching) well before the end of the year, but have counted nineteen '39 techs I plan to research, ten of them air doctrines (France has started '39 INF, bless them). This is a concern as I want to start on Defensive Planning (a 1940 Land Doctrine) by early '39 so France will have the blueprint researched by April '40, and I want to get all four 1940 aircraft techs (no NAV, INT, CAS or Transport) before the war so the RAF can upgrade.

 

[CSJ]

It should increase resource output, given that it lowers the penalty on industrial efficiency and that controls your resources.