I wouldn't expect the UK alone to gain the initiative. All that CptEasy can do is to harass the Axis as much as he can and defend as much UK's territory as possible before the inevitable Axis-Comintern clash.
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Well, considering the Axis controls Gibraltar and the IJN is based in Spain, CptEasy did what he needed to do: return the fleet home. While not equal to the RN individually, combined the 3 Axis navies pose a serious threat. One thing he should keep in mind when he recalls the fleets is to watch out for Spain's bases in Africa, which could have an Axis fleet patrolling it, waiting to ambush.
I'll be the first to admit that I failed in Rangoon. With my supply problems, I couldn't really hold on, and as Baltasar commented I should have withdrawn much sooner and return to fight another day. It would have saved thousands of lives. Then again, as Cypvep correctly observes, Japan in in no serious lack of land based troops.
At the time of the Rangoon fight, I actually had a harbour ready to be deployed. I was looking for an opportunity to throw it in, rapidly evacuate som troops and perhaps gaining some supply to the ones still holding the line. But as CptEasy engaged me on every front, the chance never presented itself. Well played mate!
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Subscribed. Awesome play by UK, but the pression is mounting. If USA joins in it will be a whole different picture. Japan will have to pull both troops and ships to the Pacific, allowing UK to prioritize Med and Home Islands. And the Bear is gaining strength too.
On axis perspective, it's a good thing US is still AI controlled, as AI does a pretty poor job of builds. It will also take a while for them to be in shape to intervene. Lashing out at UK before Barbarossa is a sound plan, because 2/3 months into Barbarossa and US/UK will be knocking at the door of Axis powers.
Canada will need to pull it's weight, too. Going to be interesting to know what they have been up to after their last operations in Africa.
On axis perspective, it's a good thing US is still AI controlled, as AI does a pretty poor job of builds. It will also take a while for them to be in shape to intervene. Lashing out at UK before Barbarossa is a sound plan, because 2/3 months into Barbarossa and US/UK will be knocking at the door of Axis powers.
Canada will need to pull it's weight, too. Going to be interesting to know what they have been up to after their last operations in Africa.
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Nail biting stuff. Have you managed to save the Mediterranean fleet before it became trapped?
How far away do you believe a US entry is? And what kind of military power do they possess?
Excellent mop up in burma,another 5 axis divisions eliminated,but japanese don't lack those.
Anyway i think its a great decision to withdraw the fleet as there is not much u can accomplish there with the med falling.u took terrible naval losses with eagle sunk though.
Now just to get the med fleet out and then concentrate all 4 fleets around the mainland to meet any axis attempt with ground interceptor and tac bomber support.
The KM probe was definitely worrying,i'm sure a larger force is coming with air support.They just gauged ur strength.
Ur battlefleet under cunninghum,did u split it up under pound,coz cunninghum's fleet looked way more powerful than pound's with 4-5 battleships that really did well in earlier naval engagements.Also with 2 carriers gone,ur taskforces which basically follow 1 carrier and battleships design are losing that ranged support,any carriers in the pipeline?I see u still have argus and courageous.
Anyway i think its a great decision to withdraw the fleet as there is not much u can accomplish there with the med falling.u took terrible naval losses with eagle sunk though.
Now just to get the med fleet out and then concentrate all 4 fleets around the mainland to meet any axis attempt with ground interceptor and tac bomber support.
The KM probe was definitely worrying,i'm sure a larger force is coming with air support.They just gauged ur strength.
Ur battlefleet under cunninghum,did u split it up under pound,coz cunninghum's fleet looked way more powerful than pound's with 4-5 battleships that really did well in earlier naval engagements.Also with 2 carriers gone,ur taskforces which basically follow 1 carrier and battleships design are losing that ranged support,any carriers in the pipeline?I see u still have argus and courageous.
admiral pound isn't he like skill 2 superior commander+ old guard, if that's the case in HoI3 then cpteasy shouldn't simply be using him and rather promote the highest skill admirals coz there's no skill penalty. Unless he's cunningly training his good admirals on submarines... 
Your stalling game as UK, basically alone, against the combined German, Italian and Japanese threat continues to be amazing. Under those circumstances, I'd be so demoralized, I'd probably be turtling on the Home Isles and not much else. Shows how little I know of being a good player. To instead go out there and methodically defeat yet another Japanese push, taking another 5 divisions off the map, is simply breathtaking.
The psychological blow to your opponents must have been huge. The Royal Navy might be slowly overwhelmed by fighting three big nations at once, but hey, you certainly win the war of psychology - three human players are by now focussing on you and still its you who dictates the battles, easily shuffling your troops around to where they are needed as if there was no opposition.
I think your defeat in the Med, while a tactical loss, was actually a sign that you are winning the war for the Allies right then and there. Japan doesn't believe that it can defeat you independetly anymore. Instead, the player had to resort to setting up an elaborate, risky trap (which will only work once) AND needed the help of Italy. And the Axis hasn't even tackled its two biggest opponents yet. Oh, boy.
To instead go out there and methodically defeat yet another Japanese push, taking another 5 divisions off the map, is simply breathtaking.The psychological blow to your opponents must have been huge. The Royal Navy might be slowly overwhelmed by fighting three big nations at once, but hey, you certainly win the war of psychology - three human players are by now focussing on you and still its you who dictates the battles, easily shuffling your troops around to where they are needed as if there was no opposition.
I think your defeat in the Med, while a tactical loss, was actually a sign that you are winning the war for the Allies right then and there. Japan doesn't believe that it can defeat you independetly anymore. Instead, the player had to resort to setting up an elaborate, risky trap (which will only work once) AND needed the help of Italy. And the Axis hasn't even tackled its two biggest opponents yet. Oh, boy.
Your stalling game as UK, basically alone, against the combined German, Italian and Japanese threat continues to be amazing. Under those circumstances, I'd be so demoralized, I'd probably be turtling on the Home Isles and not much else. Shows how little I know of being a good player.
The psychological blow to your opponents must have been huge. The Royal Navy might be slowly overwhelmed by fighting three big nations at once, but hey, you certainly win the war of psychology - three human players are by now focussing on you and still its you who dictates the battles, easily shuffling your troops around to where they are needed as if there was no opposition.
Yea, stay strong UK
If things start going wrong on land however, the last option is to turtle on Great Britain and northern Ireland I think. This is your power base, main industries and leadership. India I suspect can be taken back with US help once the time is right, re-taking Britain from, best case scenario, Greenland is much more of a daunting task I think. I honestly don't think the Japanese can afford to make India into an impregnable fortress meanwhile defending the other important fronts and attack Russia for example, to the same extent that Germany would be able to defend Britain against counter attack, since the distance for main axis support would be just across the channel anyways.
No, from a tactical point of view, I knew the losses wasn't significant. But psychologically I think it disturbed Maxyboy enough, to be kicked out twice with losses, to try it soon again. But yes, it was more or less a must for him to make a shot at it - and the attacks served the purpose of tying down my attention.
We'll see what I can do. With both Japs and Italians in the Med it will be difficult. And also - my fleets in the Indian Oceans need repairs first, so it will take some time...
I agree. I am thin enough as it is.
Hadn't though about that. Anyways, I will go to the Med first, so it will be sometime before any fleet do that long trip. But I have many harbors there to - if I need a quick retreat.
Hi Reis, and welcome onboard. Yes, the crappy build up by US was something that started to disturb me. I figured it is one more, unlogic this time, reason to do whatever you can, as Axis, to keep US out. More about that later... As you might have seen, Canada suported me with some units in Burma. As it turned out, I knocked the Japnese forces out so quick that it was more or less a wasted effort to bring the Canadians there. Some are in North Africa and the Burma corps are now inbound for North Africa too... but it will take some time too. Canada have, after the attack by RM, hardly any ships left to escort the tansports, so all sea movements are extremely risky.
Trapped? Nothing is trapped. Not yet atleast
The one who lives will see...Hey Frozen. I think its quite far away - at least as long as Axis don't attack USSR. So no aid is to expect from that side anytime soon during current circumstances. That is also the reason why we didn't what USSR to attack Axis... as that would have meant that it would be UK, CAN and USSR against Axis for several years more. I don't like the odds of that...
I did not split it up... but I honostly don't recall exactly. I think it was a fairly even fight with IJN having quite a lot of better positioning - and then it was some bad luck that they managed to sink so many ships and not just trash them a litte...
I get the feeling the effect of the positioning bonus are quite random at times... or what do you think? I know what causes it but am not entirely sure how it effects my fleet...admiral pound isn't he like skill 2 superior commander+ old guard, if that's the case in HoI3 then cpteasy shouldn't simply be using him and rather promote the highest skill admirals coz there's no skill penalty. Unless he's cunningly training his good admirals on submarines...
You are absolutely right. I think both me and Maxyboy (JAP), being new to the Semper Fi naval combat system, made some errors due to both lack of knowledge and lack of time. One of his biggest naval losses was just because of that error. I made the same misstake here. I don't think I used Pound again....
Your stalling game as UK, basically alone, against the combined German, Italian and Japanese threat continues to be amazing. Under those circumstances, I'd be so demoralized, I'd probably be turtling on the Home Isles and not much else. Shows how little I know of being a good player.
The psychological blow to your opponents must have been huge. The Royal Navy might be slowly overwhelmed by fighting three big nations at once, but hey, you certainly win the war of psychology - three human players are by now focussing on you and still its you who dictates the battles, easily shuffling your troops around to where they are needed as if there was no opposition.
I think your defeat in the Med, while a tactical loss, was actually a sign that you are winning the war for the Allies right then and there. Japan doesn't believe that it can defeat you independetly anymore. Instead, the player had to resort to setting up an elaborate, risky trap (which will only work once) AND needed the help of Italy. And the Axis hasn't even tackled its two biggest opponents yet. Oh, boy.
Hey, nice words there
I feel I get a little more cred than deserved. I actually think it was my own psychology which was breaking down more than theirs... And I think the ITA/JAP trap in the Med was being nicely set by them and quite hurting for me... and I truely HOPE that it was the last time I sailed into that trap... but honestly, it is hard to guard yourself against if they have more taske forces in an area than you do. But I'll do what I can to live up to your praise Yea, stay strong UK
If things start going wrong on land however, the last option is to turtle on Great Britain and northern Ireland I think. This is your power base, main industries and leadership. India I suspect can be taken back with US help once the time is right, re-taking Britain from, best case scenario, Greenland is much more of a daunting task I think. I honestly don't think the Japanese can afford to make India into an impregnable fortress meanwhile defending the other important fronts and attack Russia for example, to the same extent that Germany would be able to defend Britain against counter attack, since the distance for main axis support would be just across the channel anyways.
Well... we'll see... I have a mental disorder than prevents me to retreat in time...
...
Time to post a new chapter....
Years of Jolly Carnage – a multiplayer AAR
Part XXIII - Traps!
Authors note: Players are UK, CAN, SU, GER/ITA*, JAP
FRA/IRL player acting USSR for a while as that player had difficulties to comply with our gaming dates
* ITA player (Zid) played both ITA and GER on two computers as GER-player (Sir Henry) was in a lot warmer country...
In the last chapter, UK kicked Japan out of Burma. Alas, not without losses - and the losses was at sea. UK will now leave the Indian Ocean and focus on the Med where Axis pressence have been more and more disturbing.
November 14th, 1940
If United Kingdom had hoped to minimize naval casualties, they were gravely disappointed. The annoying Italian fleet, who had been beaten so many times the latest year, now continued to bother the Royal Navy. This time, it dared go so far north as the Breton Coast where it attacked a sub-hunter group and sunk most of it. After this, Britain pulled back all sub-hunter groups from the oceans around the British Isles. They hadn’t managed to sink any enemy submarine in quite some time, so there was no use of having them out there. Instead, they were used as screens when a new battle group was formed around a few newly built Battle ships (only from the original 38-startup build list).
November 20th, 1940
The Brits felt reluctant to pull forces to Banghazi. They were stretched already and as the Mediterranean was lost for the moment, Benghazi lacked strategic value. Not compared to Alexandria and the Suez canal, anyway. Italy could not reach the area with fighters though, so RAF’s bomber command could harass the Italians continuously as they moved forwards, chasing the Iraqis in front of them. Newall’s mission, as usually, was destroying roads and supply storages.
::Back in North Africa. Joe learnt that Malta had fallen. He didn’t like the place but he had spent quite some time there since the war had started and knew a lot of people who was now dead or in Italien captivity. Bastards! Why couldn’t they just give up? Now he was based in Tobruk – the city he had bombed to pieces roughly a year before. Wasn’t that humor? It was kind of a cool place and it was a good brake from the bloody jungles of Burma. A few of his mates had malaria and the dry desert weather was good to them. Fighter Command held the sky free of enemy fighters and none of the desolate desert provinces had any anti air defense so the missions were easy. As it should be. Soon, the damn Italians will have to feed on themselves in order to stay alive. That was an appealing thought for Joe. If they could stay a while in Tobruk he just might be able to hook up with some beautiful dark eye Arabic princess. That was even more appealing. ::
November 29th, 1940
A Japanese navy in the Norwegian Trench! Admiral Sommerville could hardly believe his ears as the news reached him on his flagship. They were prepared for Kriegsmarine coming up from the Baltic Sea – but not a Japanese force coming from the Atlantic. He was deeply shaken and quickly lost a few destroyers before he really did anything. Then he tried to retreat. He needed to get away to reorganize and try to get a grip of this new reality.
They manage to sink a Japanese heavy cruiser but many ship in his task force took hits as they went and the light cruiser HMS Curlew was sunk as well.
November 30th, 1940
It was all a bad dream for Admiral Summerville. It was a trap. The Regia Marina was waiting for him as he retreated from the Japanese. If he just had a full force he would have shown them, but his battle group was in a bad shape and could badly respond to the powerful Italian battleships. Two more light cruisers went down with a couple of destroyers. At least it was not all for nothing as da Zara lost his only two destroyer flotillas.
Sommerville, fearful of more traps tried to retreat in a less expected direction, hoping to pull free from the enemy fleets chasing him. As Summerville’s torn battle groups sailed southwards, three naval bomber squadrons left Britain to attack the Italians. Also, Admiral Ramsey left Britain with a Battle Group that actually contained some of the newest ships in the British fleet.
December 1st, 1940
Trying to help Admiral Summerville, Bowhill attacked the Italian fleet with his Swordfish planes and scored several lesser hits. The night and the bad weather made it hard for them to do the damage that otherwise would have been possible. The Regia Marina got away without losing any ships.
December 1st, 1940
During the night, Admiral Ramsey found the Japanese fleet which was lying where they thought Summerville would have fled. Summerville southwards turn had saved him. Ramsey sent Summerville the message that the Japansese seemed to be heading south so Summerville avoided this and turned east – the only way he didn’t want – but he hoped to fool the axis this way.
The Brits and the Japs fought hard in Silverpit and for once, the Brits got a fairly good position. Unfortunately, there are no reports from this battle
Authors note: I was too damn stressed…
What was more unfortunate was that Axis somehow got news of Summervilles movement and the Italians, careless about the bombing the received, sailed to intercept them…
December 1st, 1940
Summerville’s fleet was in no shape of conducting combat. When the Italian battleship reached them, it was pure duck hunting. It was the first loss of a battle ship in this war… the worst loss in the war. The Axis naval trap had really paid off.
After the disaster in Helgoland Bight, Ramsey managed to link up with the remnants of Summerville’s fleet and merge with it. United, they sailed for Britain, knowing that enemies still prowled the Atlantic.
December 2nd, 1940
After fighting the Japanese and Italian fleets, Summerville now had to fight the German fleet – all in three days. One Axis nation each day. Some world record. Summerville did not look at it that way at the time. He tried to flee as quickly as possible. He actually succeeded without losing any more ships.
Author's note: What I did not realize at the time (but later when looking at the screenies) was two things. One was that the rumored battle ships, Bismarck and Tirpitz, was not part of Kriegsmarine. Were they even built? Also… there were transport ships in the German task force… (Drumwhirl!)
December 3rd, 1940
From the two task forces of 12 ships each, only 15 returned. Summerville’s initial task force had suffered a majority of those losses. Even though some of the ships from Ramsey’s task force had suffered relatively little damage, many ships needed thorough repairs and the crews needed rest. The Battleship HMS Duke of York needed to tugs to dock properly, having very little steering capacity. It was a straight up sorry sight and Admiral Summerville needed extra cognac in his toddy this evening.
This also meant that no ship what so ever patrolled the sea between Germany and Great Britain. The island was wide open for an attack. The ground forces, however, were prepared.
...
Chapter continues below (windows is acting strange)
Part XXIII - Traps!
Authors note: Players are UK, CAN, SU, GER/ITA*, JAP
FRA/IRL player acting USSR for a while as that player had difficulties to comply with our gaming dates
* ITA player (Zid) played both ITA and GER on two computers as GER-player (Sir Henry) was in a lot warmer country...
In the last chapter, UK kicked Japan out of Burma. Alas, not without losses - and the losses was at sea. UK will now leave the Indian Ocean and focus on the Med where Axis pressence have been more and more disturbing.
November 14th, 1940
If United Kingdom had hoped to minimize naval casualties, they were gravely disappointed. The annoying Italian fleet, who had been beaten so many times the latest year, now continued to bother the Royal Navy. This time, it dared go so far north as the Breton Coast where it attacked a sub-hunter group and sunk most of it. After this, Britain pulled back all sub-hunter groups from the oceans around the British Isles. They hadn’t managed to sink any enemy submarine in quite some time, so there was no use of having them out there. Instead, they were used as screens when a new battle group was formed around a few newly built Battle ships (only from the original 38-startup build list).
November 20th, 1940
The Brits felt reluctant to pull forces to Banghazi. They were stretched already and as the Mediterranean was lost for the moment, Benghazi lacked strategic value. Not compared to Alexandria and the Suez canal, anyway. Italy could not reach the area with fighters though, so RAF’s bomber command could harass the Italians continuously as they moved forwards, chasing the Iraqis in front of them. Newall’s mission, as usually, was destroying roads and supply storages.
::Back in North Africa. Joe learnt that Malta had fallen. He didn’t like the place but he had spent quite some time there since the war had started and knew a lot of people who was now dead or in Italien captivity. Bastards! Why couldn’t they just give up? Now he was based in Tobruk – the city he had bombed to pieces roughly a year before. Wasn’t that humor? It was kind of a cool place and it was a good brake from the bloody jungles of Burma. A few of his mates had malaria and the dry desert weather was good to them. Fighter Command held the sky free of enemy fighters and none of the desolate desert provinces had any anti air defense so the missions were easy. As it should be. Soon, the damn Italians will have to feed on themselves in order to stay alive. That was an appealing thought for Joe. If they could stay a while in Tobruk he just might be able to hook up with some beautiful dark eye Arabic princess. That was even more appealing. ::
November 29th, 1940
A Japanese navy in the Norwegian Trench! Admiral Sommerville could hardly believe his ears as the news reached him on his flagship. They were prepared for Kriegsmarine coming up from the Baltic Sea – but not a Japanese force coming from the Atlantic. He was deeply shaken and quickly lost a few destroyers before he really did anything. Then he tried to retreat. He needed to get away to reorganize and try to get a grip of this new reality.
They manage to sink a Japanese heavy cruiser but many ship in his task force took hits as they went and the light cruiser HMS Curlew was sunk as well.
November 30th, 1940
It was all a bad dream for Admiral Summerville. It was a trap. The Regia Marina was waiting for him as he retreated from the Japanese. If he just had a full force he would have shown them, but his battle group was in a bad shape and could badly respond to the powerful Italian battleships. Two more light cruisers went down with a couple of destroyers. At least it was not all for nothing as da Zara lost his only two destroyer flotillas.
Sommerville, fearful of more traps tried to retreat in a less expected direction, hoping to pull free from the enemy fleets chasing him. As Summerville’s torn battle groups sailed southwards, three naval bomber squadrons left Britain to attack the Italians. Also, Admiral Ramsey left Britain with a Battle Group that actually contained some of the newest ships in the British fleet.
December 1st, 1940
Trying to help Admiral Summerville, Bowhill attacked the Italian fleet with his Swordfish planes and scored several lesser hits. The night and the bad weather made it hard for them to do the damage that otherwise would have been possible. The Regia Marina got away without losing any ships.
December 1st, 1940
During the night, Admiral Ramsey found the Japanese fleet which was lying where they thought Summerville would have fled. Summerville southwards turn had saved him. Ramsey sent Summerville the message that the Japansese seemed to be heading south so Summerville avoided this and turned east – the only way he didn’t want – but he hoped to fool the axis this way.
The Brits and the Japs fought hard in Silverpit and for once, the Brits got a fairly good position. Unfortunately, there are no reports from this battle
Authors note: I was too damn stressed…
What was more unfortunate was that Axis somehow got news of Summervilles movement and the Italians, careless about the bombing the received, sailed to intercept them…
December 1st, 1940
Summerville’s fleet was in no shape of conducting combat. When the Italian battleship reached them, it was pure duck hunting. It was the first loss of a battle ship in this war… the worst loss in the war. The Axis naval trap had really paid off.
After the disaster in Helgoland Bight, Ramsey managed to link up with the remnants of Summerville’s fleet and merge with it. United, they sailed for Britain, knowing that enemies still prowled the Atlantic.
December 2nd, 1940
After fighting the Japanese and Italian fleets, Summerville now had to fight the German fleet – all in three days. One Axis nation each day. Some world record. Summerville did not look at it that way at the time. He tried to flee as quickly as possible. He actually succeeded without losing any more ships.
Author's note: What I did not realize at the time (but later when looking at the screenies) was two things. One was that the rumored battle ships, Bismarck and Tirpitz, was not part of Kriegsmarine. Were they even built? Also… there were transport ships in the German task force… (Drumwhirl!)
December 3rd, 1940
From the two task forces of 12 ships each, only 15 returned. Summerville’s initial task force had suffered a majority of those losses. Even though some of the ships from Ramsey’s task force had suffered relatively little damage, many ships needed thorough repairs and the crews needed rest. The Battleship HMS Duke of York needed to tugs to dock properly, having very little steering capacity. It was a straight up sorry sight and Admiral Summerville needed extra cognac in his toddy this evening.
This also meant that no ship what so ever patrolled the sea between Germany and Great Britain. The island was wide open for an attack. The ground forces, however, were prepared.
...
Chapter continues below (windows is acting strange)
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Part XXIIIb
December 9th, 1940
The new Italian front in North Africa had crept all the way to Benghazi. Both Canada and Britain felt reluctant to pull too many forces here as a loss of Benghazi in present situation meant little. While the Canadians pulled back towards Tobruk, Britain still kept some forces to stall the Italian push.
As the Allies almost had total air superiority Bomber Command made life hard for the Italians and while Newall’s heavy bombers stroke against roads and supply hubs, the tactical bombers targeted the troops. So, when the Italians finally charged Benghazi it was a weak attack with soldiers suffering from lack of food and ammunition. The Spanish cavalry had little problem to keep the Italians at bay.
December 13th, 1940
As British scouts realized that the Italians tried to cut off the Spanish cavalry in Benghazi, the horse-men was ordered to leave the port even though they easily could have held it. As they rode north east they could take good defensive position and ambush the Italians that planned to cut them off. It turned out to be a dreadful battle for the Italians who hardly could advance as RAFs strategic bombers had destroyed anything that resembled a decent road. The Spanish horse-men could be proud of themselves in the way they made the Italians bleed on the desolate desert rocks.
December 19th, 1940
A week later and the Spaniards are still holding firm, even though the Italians got supply from Benghazi. More Italians arrived, however, and once again threatened to cut off the cavalry up front. The Iraqis did not stand a chance against the Italians and was quickly dispatched. Their weakness made it hard for the British leadership to plan the defense. Still, as the Italians charged eastwards the British leadership saw a chance to cut them off and while Becks light armor division hurried to reinforce the defense, Dobbie waited with his motorized infantry in the center for a march-order…
December 21st, 1940
The Italians rushed for the coast at Ra’s at Tin but stumbled into Beck’s armor and was chanceless there. Dobbie’s motorized infantry no rushed for the center to cut the easternmost Italians off (Authors Note: but a realized a little late that the province of Sabkhat al Qunayyin (the one being logistically bombed) had automatically turned Italian which took the edge out of my “surrounding” maneuver).
In the north, the Spaniards and the Iraqis pulled back orderly as the Italian attackers seemed to multiply. They also received shelling from the Med from hostile warships. It was simply a nasty spot to be in and the latest weeks of fighting started to show on the tough riders. Still, with Beck’s armors guarding the rear, the situation was far from alarming.
December 24th, 1940
Santa Claust was in a particularly bad mood this year. He gave the Allied defenders in North Africa a couple of German panzer divisions behind the lines…
Author's note: Thats what KM had in the transports... Which I had sunk some...
December 28th, 1940
As the British ground forces failed to secure an escape route, the Royal navy tried to throw the enemy fleet away. The Brits had failed to realize that Japan had sent two task forces to Europe and therefore thought that the Jap navy would be somewhat decimated. Also, most of the Japanese carrier planes had taken punishment from the land based Hurricane squadrons. The Brits therefore thought the odds were on their side.
It was wrong. All wrong. Yamamoto tricked them once again and managed to reach the proud carrier HMS Glorious. It was yet another devastating blow to the royal navy which had to retreat to Alexandria.
December 30th, 1940
With the Royal Navy being beaten, the Allied troops in Ra’s at Tin were in a desperate situation. As Calanscio was pure roadless rocks (infrastructure 10) they could not retreat there. It was simply a desperate moment. The Brits fough as best they could, but they had already been in combat for several days and had little to throw against the dreaded Germans panzers.
The Italian fighters were already somewhat battle-weary but better up – the logistical bombings had paid off and they did not get supply enough. The Germans, so far, had their own supply with them and the Brits expected it to last long enough to dispatch Beck and his 7th Armor Division. Worrying indeed.
January 1st, 1941
A New Year. 1941 – and the situation is graver than it ever have been. The trapped allied forces, Brits, Iraqis and Spanish, have been pushed together in Darnah where they prepare to make a final brave stand. The odds look bad on the ground even if the Germans have taken visible casualties – mostly to continuous bombing.
The Italian interceptors have supply problems, being based in Banghazi that is the only supply route for the axis, so the Hurricanes in Tobruk can easily keep the sky clean. It is not enough for the present alarming situation and Walter Model’s panzers keep pushing the battle-weary Allies back. The Spaniards are on the verge of breaking and the 12 000 men strong 7th armor division, which is not even in the battle yet, will not last long when they reach it.
A new British navy is on the way, but still have quite a distance to traverse.
Authors note: I knew that it was a possibility that Italy would try such a maneuver but as I recently sunk a fair amount of their ships (in a losing battle) up north I thought they wouldn’t dare. I knew Japans navy was in the area but very much doubted they brought troops. That Germany would send an Africa Corps… well… it was not something I had thought about. Losing the Spaniards and a HQ is no problem. Losing a motorized division of 9 000 men… well… I can live with it. Losing a 12 000 man armor division… not ok. They are very much needed in Africa and I dare not ship ANYTHING from Britain right now as my fleet can’t stop Germany from going all Seelöwe on me. I will try to reach them with navy and transports, but I doubt they’ll manage. Troublesome. And with winter just started, I can’t expect Barbarossa to start for some time. It will be heavy pressure on UK for at least a few months more.
The plan, discussed mainly with Daphne playing Canada, is to avoid taking too much casualties and rather retreat. Still, retreating to quickly makes me sick…
January 1st, 1941
Good news in all the darkness. The United States of America has in a gesture of their divine goodness become a little friendlier towards us. We would of course need their troops and battle ships, but a pat on the back and comforting words were of course better than nothing.
Authors note: As Soviet threat is higher towards US than Germany, we are not really sure how their threat has been moving. As I quite recently started to build spies in US, I realized that Axis had pushed the Fascist party up to some 13-14%. That was a chocking and we realized that we have made a mistake of not building spies in US earlier. All in all, Axis have been making a massive investment in diplomatic influences and spy activities. This surely will affect their technology output in the long run, but for the moment, UK will have to carry a very tough burden to work against the entire Axis almost by themselves, also when it comes to these less war-like activites. Canada and Soviet will help to some extent.
....
Well... the situation is growing worse and worse. Its just too damn tricky to guard yourself against all possible traps by a superior (and clever) adversary.
December 9th, 1940
The new Italian front in North Africa had crept all the way to Benghazi. Both Canada and Britain felt reluctant to pull too many forces here as a loss of Benghazi in present situation meant little. While the Canadians pulled back towards Tobruk, Britain still kept some forces to stall the Italian push.
As the Allies almost had total air superiority Bomber Command made life hard for the Italians and while Newall’s heavy bombers stroke against roads and supply hubs, the tactical bombers targeted the troops. So, when the Italians finally charged Benghazi it was a weak attack with soldiers suffering from lack of food and ammunition. The Spanish cavalry had little problem to keep the Italians at bay.
December 13th, 1940
As British scouts realized that the Italians tried to cut off the Spanish cavalry in Benghazi, the horse-men was ordered to leave the port even though they easily could have held it. As they rode north east they could take good defensive position and ambush the Italians that planned to cut them off. It turned out to be a dreadful battle for the Italians who hardly could advance as RAFs strategic bombers had destroyed anything that resembled a decent road. The Spanish horse-men could be proud of themselves in the way they made the Italians bleed on the desolate desert rocks.
December 19th, 1940
A week later and the Spaniards are still holding firm, even though the Italians got supply from Benghazi. More Italians arrived, however, and once again threatened to cut off the cavalry up front. The Iraqis did not stand a chance against the Italians and was quickly dispatched. Their weakness made it hard for the British leadership to plan the defense. Still, as the Italians charged eastwards the British leadership saw a chance to cut them off and while Becks light armor division hurried to reinforce the defense, Dobbie waited with his motorized infantry in the center for a march-order…
December 21st, 1940
The Italians rushed for the coast at Ra’s at Tin but stumbled into Beck’s armor and was chanceless there. Dobbie’s motorized infantry no rushed for the center to cut the easternmost Italians off (Authors Note: but a realized a little late that the province of Sabkhat al Qunayyin (the one being logistically bombed) had automatically turned Italian which took the edge out of my “surrounding” maneuver).
In the north, the Spaniards and the Iraqis pulled back orderly as the Italian attackers seemed to multiply. They also received shelling from the Med from hostile warships. It was simply a nasty spot to be in and the latest weeks of fighting started to show on the tough riders. Still, with Beck’s armors guarding the rear, the situation was far from alarming.
December 24th, 1940
Santa Claust was in a particularly bad mood this year. He gave the Allied defenders in North Africa a couple of German panzer divisions behind the lines…
Author's note: Thats what KM had in the transports... Which I had sunk some...
December 28th, 1940
As the British ground forces failed to secure an escape route, the Royal navy tried to throw the enemy fleet away. The Brits had failed to realize that Japan had sent two task forces to Europe and therefore thought that the Jap navy would be somewhat decimated. Also, most of the Japanese carrier planes had taken punishment from the land based Hurricane squadrons. The Brits therefore thought the odds were on their side.
It was wrong. All wrong. Yamamoto tricked them once again and managed to reach the proud carrier HMS Glorious. It was yet another devastating blow to the royal navy which had to retreat to Alexandria.
December 30th, 1940
With the Royal Navy being beaten, the Allied troops in Ra’s at Tin were in a desperate situation. As Calanscio was pure roadless rocks (infrastructure 10) they could not retreat there. It was simply a desperate moment. The Brits fough as best they could, but they had already been in combat for several days and had little to throw against the dreaded Germans panzers.
The Italian fighters were already somewhat battle-weary but better up – the logistical bombings had paid off and they did not get supply enough. The Germans, so far, had their own supply with them and the Brits expected it to last long enough to dispatch Beck and his 7th Armor Division. Worrying indeed.
January 1st, 1941
A New Year. 1941 – and the situation is graver than it ever have been. The trapped allied forces, Brits, Iraqis and Spanish, have been pushed together in Darnah where they prepare to make a final brave stand. The odds look bad on the ground even if the Germans have taken visible casualties – mostly to continuous bombing.
The Italian interceptors have supply problems, being based in Banghazi that is the only supply route for the axis, so the Hurricanes in Tobruk can easily keep the sky clean. It is not enough for the present alarming situation and Walter Model’s panzers keep pushing the battle-weary Allies back. The Spaniards are on the verge of breaking and the 12 000 men strong 7th armor division, which is not even in the battle yet, will not last long when they reach it.
A new British navy is on the way, but still have quite a distance to traverse.
Authors note: I knew that it was a possibility that Italy would try such a maneuver but as I recently sunk a fair amount of their ships (in a losing battle) up north I thought they wouldn’t dare. I knew Japans navy was in the area but very much doubted they brought troops. That Germany would send an Africa Corps… well… it was not something I had thought about. Losing the Spaniards and a HQ is no problem. Losing a motorized division of 9 000 men… well… I can live with it. Losing a 12 000 man armor division… not ok. They are very much needed in Africa and I dare not ship ANYTHING from Britain right now as my fleet can’t stop Germany from going all Seelöwe on me. I will try to reach them with navy and transports, but I doubt they’ll manage. Troublesome. And with winter just started, I can’t expect Barbarossa to start for some time. It will be heavy pressure on UK for at least a few months more.
The plan, discussed mainly with Daphne playing Canada, is to avoid taking too much casualties and rather retreat. Still, retreating to quickly makes me sick…
January 1st, 1941
Good news in all the darkness. The United States of America has in a gesture of their divine goodness become a little friendlier towards us. We would of course need their troops and battle ships, but a pat on the back and comforting words were of course better than nothing.
Authors note: As Soviet threat is higher towards US than Germany, we are not really sure how their threat has been moving. As I quite recently started to build spies in US, I realized that Axis had pushed the Fascist party up to some 13-14%. That was a chocking and we realized that we have made a mistake of not building spies in US earlier. All in all, Axis have been making a massive investment in diplomatic influences and spy activities. This surely will affect their technology output in the long run, but for the moment, UK will have to carry a very tough burden to work against the entire Axis almost by themselves, also when it comes to these less war-like activites. Canada and Soviet will help to some extent.
....
Well... the situation is growing worse and worse. Its just too damn tricky to guard yourself against all possible traps by a superior (and clever) adversary.
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Quite lucky about not losing more ships there, and well played by the Axis. Still, perhaps if they had devoted Land based bombers, they would have sank more...
Advice for UK would be keeping air surveillance around Scapa Flow and Ireland, so you have time to move troops should transports be spotted. Beware decoys, though
Advice for UK would be keeping air surveillance around Scapa Flow and Ireland, so you have time to move troops should transports be spotted. Beware decoys, though
Oh ****. Your situation is worsening fast. You lost both many screens and capital ships, including a battleship and a carrier. The Axis is reaping the benefits of cooperation and lack of activity in Asia. Moreover, you are losing ground in the Med fast and your enemies are dangerously close to Suez, which would cut your Empire in half and improve the coordination between Axis powers even further.
What is the situation of your merchant fleet? With ASW fleets gone, your supply situation in Africa and India may get tricky very soon. I agree with reis91 - your airforce must protect your navy from any attempt of an aerial attack on Scapa Flow. With Axis naval dominance it may be possible for them to bomb your ships there with their CAGs.
It seems that the Axis wants to reduce your naval capability before attempting to perform a Sea Lion. It's a good strategy, because even if they cancel Sea Lion, it will take much time for you to rebuild your navy.
Killing suspense, BTW. Your position is even worse than UK's was IRL and 1940 was very harsh for them. Be strong, pal. Army strong
What is the situation of your merchant fleet? With ASW fleets gone, your supply situation in Africa and India may get tricky very soon. I agree with reis91 - your airforce must protect your navy from any attempt of an aerial attack on Scapa Flow. With Axis naval dominance it may be possible for them to bomb your ships there with their CAGs.
It seems that the Axis wants to reduce your naval capability before attempting to perform a Sea Lion. It's a good strategy, because even if they cancel Sea Lion, it will take much time for you to rebuild your navy.
Killing suspense, BTW. Your position is even worse than UK's was IRL and 1940 was very harsh for them. Be strong, pal. Army strong
Oh ****. Your situation is worsening fast. You lost both many screens and capital ships, including a battleship and a carrier. The Axis is reaping the benefits of cooperation and lack of activity in Asia. Moreover, you are losing ground in the Med fast and your enemies are dangerously close to Suez, which would cut your Empire in half and improve the coordination between Axis powers even further.
What is the situation of your merchant fleet? With ASW fleets gone, your supply situation in Africa and India may get tricky very soon. I agree with reis91 - your airforce must protect your navy from any attempt of an aerial attack on Scapa Flow. With Axis naval dominance it may be possible for them to bomb your ships there with their CAGs.
It seems that the Axis wants to reduce your naval capability before attempting to perform a Sea Lion. It's a good strategy, because even if they cancel Sea Lion, it will take much time for you to rebuild your navy.
Killing suspense, BTW. Your position is even worse than UK's was IRL and 1940 was very harsh for them. Be strong, pal. Army strong
Actually, it's more dangerous if the Axis lands forces nearby, because they can flush out the fleet by taking the territory.
Italy player here. I actually played both Germany and Italy during these events, as SirHenry was on a prolonged trip. Using a laptop to control the Italians and my desktop to control the Germans. Tricky buisness, and I am sure almost as sweaty as Cpt Easy had it. I made a few mistakes, like rebasing the KM to Copenhagen right before their breakout. Sadly, there were no fuel there, and the fleet had to wait up to a week to get it. Me and Maxyboy were also afraid that CptEasy would see the IJN and RM steam through the English Channel at full speed. In reality, they would of course be spotted.
Also, the RA used four naval bomber squadrons to attack the RN during the battles of the north sea.
Also, the RA used four naval bomber squadrons to attack the RN during the battles of the north sea.
Let's just see what happened there:
UK losses: 3 DD, 7 CL, 1 CA, 1 BB, 1 CV
JAP losses: 1 CA
ITA losses: 2 DD
HMS Duke of York was lucky to get back home and HMS York also got lucky not to be lost during the last encounter. Quite a resounding victory for the combined Axis fleets.
On the other hand, the Axis fleets will need some refit, too and the Italians will need to find some new screens. The Japanese will need to wait for their CAGs and cruisers to regain org and repair some damage. (btw, in my games my CAGs don't seem to get repairs, even if I rebase them to regular airfields.... any idea?)
UK losses: 3 DD, 7 CL, 1 CA, 1 BB, 1 CV
JAP losses: 1 CA
ITA losses: 2 DD
HMS Duke of York was lucky to get back home and HMS York also got lucky not to be lost during the last encounter. Quite a resounding victory for the combined Axis fleets.
On the other hand, the Axis fleets will need some refit, too and the Italians will need to find some new screens. The Japanese will need to wait for their CAGs and cruisers to regain org and repair some damage. (btw, in my games my CAGs don't seem to get repairs, even if I rebase them to regular airfields.... any idea?)