RE: Crossroads: Axis Perspective

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RE: Crossroads: Axis Perspective - 3/22/2009 7:56:31 PM

Chocolino

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June 1st 1941,

The Germans approach Aberdeen and Churchill is reported to have left with one of the last barges headed for Cairo. What will he be up to next? The siege of Tripolis continues and the Italian defenders manage so far to stay alive.

The Irish have taken sides with the British earlier after strong British diplomatic urging. Dublin is taken by an airborne attack directly onto the city after it has been emptied of the defending Irish home guard by naval and air attack.

The Italians move into northern Greece.

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RE: Crossroads: Axis Perspective - 3/23/2009 12:59:13 AM

Chocolino

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June 9th, 1941

The campaign for the British isles is coming slowly to a close, a few mop up operations remain in northern Ireland. In Africa we hope to hold on to Tripolis for a few more turns and occupy the British units used in its siege.

In Greece the question is if the British commit to its defense. If not it should be very doable, otherwise it will be a struggle against the higher tech. units from British-Egypt.

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RE: Crossroads: Axis Perspective - 3/23/2009 2:00:32 AM

Chocolino

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June 16th, 1941

Emergency

While Chocolino was vacationing in a Scottish fishing resort, disaster struck closer to home. Fully unexpected the British invaded Naples. We almost overlooked this attack since the Naplese military spotters were on their usual June strike. But we were wondering why a British armored unit broke off from the siege of Tripolis and moved away. We found out soon enough where it was likely heading. The German mobile striking force needs to move in now and try to contain the attack on southern Italy.

The Italian naval department was unfortunately not available for comments. Apparently all officials authorized to give statements have been dismissed or have unknown whereabouts in southern Italy. We wonder why. But it is rumored that a portion of the Italian fleet was caught in harbor and did not depart to meet the invasion because of the semi-annual harbor worker strike.

In anger and depressed about his foolishness, Chocolino departed for southern Italy to make the best of the situation. Instead of bathing in vainglory at Scottish press conferences, he should have supervised the defense of Italy. Will the Italians be booted from the boot? We hope not yet.

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RE: Crossroads: Axis Perspective - 3/24/2009 5:24:45 AM

Chocolino

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To be continued on THU 3/26/09 since the German general staff, despite being quite occupied already with the defense of Italy, is pursuing another side-occupation for mere monetary gains in real life until then.

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RE: Crossroads: Axis Perspective - 3/26/2009 10:46:44 PM

Chocolino

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June24th, 1941

We rush to contain the landing in Italy. Some progress is made in Greece and the Germans are proceeding with mop up operations in northern Ireland. Tripolis sees more defensive action.

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RE: Crossroads: Axis Perspective - 3/27/2009 12:19:07 AM

Chocolino

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July 1st, 1941

The same laxity that allowed the Naples invasion in the first place resulted now in loss of graphic evidence as to the status of action in southern Italy. However, local commanders tell us the Italian intruders are well contained and we expect them to leave in the same fashion as they came to avoid further losses. They are holding the only available port in the nearby region after all and are masters of the Mediterranean seas.

After we had to ship new troops into Tripolis last turn already (the defenders were eradicated by a previous British attack but the British were so exhausted that nobody found the strength and mobility to actually enter the port) the new troops turned out to be much less tenacious. Tripolis is now lost and with it the last remaining Axis outpost in the African continent.

In Greece we find the British engaged in the defense of Athens, albeit with two division strength units only. We are surprised that the British find the resources to attack/defend at multiple locations at the same time while their PP income dwindles. The Axis planners wonder whether American lend lease can go through to the British despite the Gibraltar narrow in German hands.

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RE: Crossroads: Axis Perspective - 3/27/2009 12:52:46 AM

Chocolino

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July 9st, 1941

Surprisingly to the Axis, the British violators of Italy did not flee via sea transport but decided to stay, distracting German attention further. Two units could be destroyed but the tank corps in Naples will be hard to dislodge since realistically an attack can only be mounted from 4 sides after removing on the infantry unit south-east of Naples. The one west of Naples is untouchable until the city falls.

German units take Athens and Greece will fall, so does Belfast.

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RE: Crossroads: Axis Perspective - 3/27/2009 1:11:13 AM

Chocolino

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Some notes on the Campaign on the British Isles and Ireland.

I have only undertaken this attack since the general situation really called for it. It was either now or never with the British engaged in the Med and the US not in play yet. And there was of course the attraction of trying something new. Overall, I am still not convinced that this is a good course of action in most games and if it is worth it if the attack is more costly as it has been here. But there are also some long term considerations:

- By taking the isles, the Axis is vulnerable at even more spots to a later US counterattack
- The islands need to be supplied by sea. Germany cannot just sit and await a landing but has to remain active.
- Much of the UK income is denied to her (which is good in itself of course) but Germany cannot receive much of it since the cities are occupied but not annexed.
- Ireland was taken, too not because of the income but to make transfer of US aircraft to Europe even harder since they rely on Irish or British airports.

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RE: Crossroads: Axis Perspective - 3/27/2009 2:06:32 AM

Chocolino

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July 16th, 1941

We are busy fighting the remaining units near Naples and prepare for a final assault on the city. Greece surrenders to the Axis advance.

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RE: Crossroads: Axis Perspective - 3/27/2009 2:40:21 AM

Chocolino

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July 24th, 1941 - rest, repair and prepare

August 1st, 1941

Southern Italy is the remaining theater of war at the moment. With considerable losses we take Naples and destroy the British tank corps. The infantry unit protected by it is lost now too.

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RE: Crossroads: Axis Perspective - 3/27/2009 3:21:05 AM

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Hmmm, maybe, instead of attacking Soviet Union, you might take down Turkey, and go south to finish Brits (right now they probably have only few divisions left)? Meantime preparing defenses on eastern border, and maybe taking Iceland, which might be used by US.

Also, is there penalty for attacking Switzerland? It should be easy target and good source of PP for Axis - I didn't see attack on that country in any AARs

Thank You for ARR, I enjoy it a lot!

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RE: Crossroads: Axis Perspective - 3/27/2009 3:33:07 AM

gwgardner

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Attacking Switzerland is difficult due to the mountains. Has to be planned very well. I tried it once with rather poor planning, and failed.

_____________________________

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RE: Crossroads: Axis Perspective - 3/27/2009 10:23:24 PM

Chocolino

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quote:

ORIGINAL: IS

Hmmm, maybe, instead of attacking Soviet Union, you might take down Turkey, and go south to finish Brits (right now they probably have only few divisions left)?� Meantime preparing defenses on eastern border, and maybe taking Iceland, which might be used by US.

Also, is there penalty for attacking Switzerland? It should be easy target and good source of PP for Axis - I didn't see attack on that country in any AARs

Thank You for ARR, I enjoy it a lot!

Thank you IS, it is always good to know that somebody is following the action.

The actual game is much further progressed than shown in the AAR ( in order to keep a moment of suspense and surprise for my opponent), so I happen to know what is going to happen in the month to come. At this point I reveal only so much: I heeded some of your very good advice in advance and some not (the latter probably to my disadvantage). You will find out a few posts down the AAR in the near future.

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RE: Crossroads: Axis Perspective - 3/27/2009 10:58:14 PM

Chocolino

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August, September 1941

Rest, Repair, Plan. The piece loving German nation is honoring the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact to the letter. Relations to our friend Stalin are better than ever and we fully trust in his well wishes - still we have a few light border defense troops garrisoned in Western Poland.

We also fully trust in Roosevelt's recent campaign promises never to bring the USA into a war against Europe. If it weren't for the thorn in our side located in Egypt and northern Africa, things would look very promising indeed.

Since there are no active campaigns, there are no pictures for the last three turns.

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RE: Crossroads: Axis Perspective - 3/28/2009 12:42:31 AM

Chocolino

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October 1st, 1941

In a special awards ceremony, selected German paratroopers received the Knights Cross to the Iron Cross. Until very recently this was the highest honor available to German soldiers for bravery in the battlefield. The award recognized the third successful airborne operation, the occupation of Malta, after taking already Plymouth and Dublin. Observers are curious if this signifies an immediate return of Axis forces to the African continent.

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RE: Crossroads: Axis Perspective - 3/28/2009 1:33:27 AM

Chocolino

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November, December 1941

Those who thought an imminent return of the Axis to Africa is likely were either disappointed or relieved by the lack of recent activity depending on their affiliation. After a flurry of diplomatic interchanges, Axis diplomats left Vichy France disappointed and unsuccessful. We thought this to be the ideal alliance. Not only would this bolster our small Mediterranean fleet but also provide with Tunis an entry port into Africa within direct transport distance to Italian ports, so avoiding the strong British Naval Presence in the Med.

German planers had to reconsider and shifted forces for an attack on Turkey instead.

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RE: Crossroads: Axis Perspective - 3/28/2009 3:27:12 AM

Chocolino

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January 1st, 42

The new year brings shocking news. The Sovjets have betrayed us and have declared war on Germany. So far only few sightings of new Russian troops have been made. Island was also lead astray by Allied politicians and has decided to join their camp.

However, where German Diplomacy has failed, the Italians succeeded and helped us in bringing Vichy France into the war on our side after all. German and Italian troops took advantage of this and have landed in Tunis already.

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RE: Crossroads: Axis Perspective - 3/28/2009 4:07:04 AM

cpdeyoung

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I would be interested in what sort of navy you found in Vichy ports?

This AAR makes very clear how many different paths this game can take. I have never seen any thing quite like it. This is refreshing!

It will be interesting to see how the Americans can get in the game. It makes one think.

Chuck

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RE: Crossroads: Axis Perspective - 3/28/2009 4:22:22 AM

Chocolino

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Actually it took me a full move to find the Vichy Navy. First I thought it is not there at all since I could not find it in any port - quite disappointing. I thought first the French player destroyed it before the fall of France. But maybe it gets automatically rebuild when Vichy is formed.

The Vichy fleet turned out to be on the high seas already from the very start without my doing and in quite strong numbers, too. I realized this when I got the first casualty reports from a sea battle.

For me, the port of Tunis was the more important benefit and the fleet a nice extra bonus.

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RE: Crossroads: Axis Perspective - 3/28/2009 4:32:23 AM

cpdeyoung

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So the fleet pretty much remains where it was deployed as the French Fleet. That could be quite a shock if it showed up in the North Atlantic, as it very well might. This will change my way of playing a bit. I must admit I never knew the Vichy Fleet existed till someone mentioned it.

Your move into Tunis will make for an interesting campaign. The loss of Malta must have really bothered your opponent because now Cairo is the only VP left the British Empire. This is a jewel of rare price, and the British will be sure to campaign hard to keep it safe. Cairo is a long way from Tunis, as you know, but I remember how Gary made me fight for Egypt and suspect you will be faced with the same. I can't wait to see.

It is funny how much airborne operations have come up lately.

Chuck

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RE: Crossroads: Axis Perspective - 3/28/2009 4:41:00 AM

Chocolino

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February 16th, 1942

The Turkish campaign makes no progress and our troops are still not able to enter Istanbul. It is quite unnerving. After an unsuccessful German wave, the Italians followed up with renewed air and land attacks and got nowhere. A total of 10 sorties were flown on the city and several tank corps tried their luck in vain. We may have to seriously reconsider this plan.

In the desert, the attack forces trickle in and assemble to strike jointly. The first experience of Vichy naval prowess is also a bit disheartening, we lost quite clearly against the superior British forces. We play wait and watch across the USSR border.

Edit: As a minor side note, the USA entered the war shortly after the Russians on February 1st, 41. We are still convinced they don't really mean it. After all they are very distracted with events unfolding in the Pacific right now (Tora, Tora, Tora).

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RE: Crossroads: Axis Perspective - 3/28/2009 2:08:22 PM

Chocolino

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March 1st, 1942

The recently awarded German airborne troops did it again. Just in time before the second land hex east of Istanbul could be occupied by another Turkish infantry division, paratroopers claimed this sport and aided in the conquest of Istanbul. The losses of the Turkish campaign are staggering nonetheless. In hindsight, the attack should have waited until the airborne troops were ready. But German planners felt pressured by the USSR and didn't want to delay the return of the troops used in Turkey to Poland.

In the desert preparation are in full swing and assault units moved into staging areas.

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RE: Crossroads: Axis Perspective - 3/29/2009 1:56:31 AM

Chocolino

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March 16th, 1942

We started moving on Tripolis. After taking Istanbul we can cover some ground in Turkey fast. Norway has joined the Allies.

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RE: Crossroads: Axis Perspective - 3/29/2009 2:44:08 AM

Chocolino

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April 1st, 1942

We are already happy to have lost a naval engagement by a smaller margin only. The Russian troops get ready and line up along the border down to Slovakia. In Turkey, Ankara is approached. Evidence is missing from the desert this turn but we liberated Tripolis and our troops are marching east.

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RE: Crossroads: Axis Perspective - 3/29/2009 3:08:41 PM

Chocolino

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April 16th, 1941

The Vichy French Navy has redeemed itself in the Atlantic and won the first naval engagement for the Axis. The German nation and those under its benevolent guidance jubilate. Maybe we can hold the USA at bay for some more turns after all.

In the desert, our forward columns have reached and taken Sirt as the next stepping stone. We move at a fast pace since the ominous inactivity at the eastern front will not last for long we are sure.

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RE: Crossroads: Axis Perspective - 3/29/2009 7:12:27 PM

Chocolino

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May 1st, 1942

In an act of unprecedented savagery, Russia declared war on neutral Hungary. The Hungarian Government approached Germany for support and was welcomed into the Axis camp. Initially, Axis diplomats chuckled at not having to make the arduous journey to Budapest themselves in order to pressure them into our camp and hence saving the Axis substantial diplomatic points. However, the mood became soon very somber when military planners pointed out the large gap in our front line that his has caused. We are scrambling to fill this gap and again our railway network is overloaded.

As a negative side effect, Axis units from the conquest of Turkey could not be shipped to Vichy Beirut via rail to open up a second front on British-Egypt. They had to undertake this long journey on track and foot. But then a few centuries earlier, other Europeans also under the sign of the cross have managed this on horseback.

In the desert, leading Axis units reached Al Burayqah unhindered.

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RE: Crossroads: Axis Perspective - 3/29/2009 9:10:01 PM

Chocolino

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May 9th, 1942

German planners have completely lost track of the amount of merchant shipping available for supply. Axis units in the desert run out of ammunition and fuel, slowing them down considerably.

Good news again from the Atlantic where Axis naval units come out ahead. In Hungary, we still hurry to build up an ad-hoc defense. This smart move of our opponent creates a lot of headaches for the Axis. If we just had those units from the desert. In this ligth, the earlier British attack on Naples was very significant in holding us back several turns from striking at Egypt and can be considered a British success.

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RE: Crossroads: Axis Perspective - 3/29/2009 9:59:13 PM

Chocolino

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May 16th, 1942

New merchant ships could be found and supply in the desert is back up to normal. We spot and destroy a British air division deployed for defense. The more powerful air army gets away. Other Axis forces ready themselves for an attack on Jerusalem. We hope that we can overwhelm the British defenses around the Nile quicker this way.

The defense of Hungary turns out to harder than initially thought. It takes a lot of time to move the reserves in.

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RE: Crossroads: Axis Perspective - 3/30/2009 1:57:35 AM

Chocolino

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May 24th, 1941

In a brilliant move, the USSR takes advantage of the virtually defenseless Romania and attacks. We try to help this newest Axis member but don't really know how. All those who warned of neglecting Romania in favor of Spain diplomatically have now a belated justification. The COMINT can gain the resource rich oil fields and even more importantly can roll us up from the South. The good news form the Atlantic and progress in the desert cannot really compensate for this.