Matrix Games Forums

Forums  Register  Login  Photo Gallery  Member List  Search  Calendars  FAQ 

My Profile  Inbox  Address Book  My Subscription  My Forums  Log Out

TR 1942

 
View related threads: (in this forum | in all forums)

Logged in as: Guest
Users viewing this topic: none
  Printable Version
All Forums >> [Current Games From Matrix.] >> [World War II] >> Norm Koger's The Operational Art Of War III >> After Action Reports >> TR 1942 Page: [1]
Login
Message << Older Topic   Newer Topic >>
TR 1942 - 3/8/2014 12:03:12 PM   
Edwire

 

Posts: 146
Joined: 1/12/2012
Status: offline
Hi all,

I've been playing Third Reich 1942 v1.9 for sometime now. In real time we are in T27. The first mud was just finished and action are flaring up everywhere from Northern Arctic to North Africa. I will post some AAR (propaganda ) here, hope you enjoy it.

T1

Ok, the scenario start with ceasefire on T1 for troops redeployment. I shift some troops and aircraft around, but nothing major except the ITALIAN CSIR is withdrawn from the East Front to Italy, then they will be shipped to North Africa. I have choose "Early Case Anton" which withdraw the entire Vichy Forces in exchange for 1 French corp and freedom of movement in Vichy territory.

T2

Finnish front :
Other than the Kriegsmarine tries to annoy the Murmansk garrison, all is quiet in this front. Intelligence report no Soviet reinforcement are being sent here, and limited method of sending reinforcements here means the Axis will stay quiet on this front.

Army Group North :
Fortify position and keep Leningrad besieged. The 2nd Shock Army is not spotted moving anywhere means STAVKA might attempt to open the Leningrad siege early.

Army Group Center – Yelets / Voronezh
Intelligence reports very small Soviet movement – Soviet armies stays at the gate at Kharkov but does not attack at all. What could they be planning? I got the feeling that Stavka was actually trying to get the VP bonus by capturing Kharkov by T6, but made no attempt this turn. Nevertheless, AGC strike first by smashing 13th Army, 40th Army, and 48th Army, opening a highway to Voronezh. The objective is Voronezh, but the main objective here is to assist Army Group Caucassus to destroy as many Soviet troops as possible before they are able to retreat across Don River. This area will be the main spark in the early turns.





Attachment (1)
Post #: 1
RE: TR 1942 - 3/8/2014 12:05:15 PM   
Edwire

 

Posts: 146
Joined: 1/12/2012
Status: offline
Army Group Caucassus – Voroshilovgard

Similar to the troops in Kharkov, the Soviet troops here does not move at all, in fact, they are reinforcing the front line. Here the III Pz Korps launch limited action to strike at 37th Army and 12th Army and luftwaffe destroy bridge in Svaboda, Kalach, and Rostov to intredict Soviet supplies in this sector. Wheter the Army Group will dash to Caucassus is actually not decided yet. It wil depend on other fronts condition and Soviet reaction.





Attachment (1)

(in reply to Edwire)
Post #: 2
RE: TR 1942 - 3/8/2014 12:11:29 PM   
Edwire

 

Posts: 146
Joined: 1/12/2012
Status: offline
North Africa
I took the “Early Case Anton” TO, this gives the Axis 1 “French Legion” corp in exchange of early Vichy France withdrawal. Reinforcements are immediately sent to reinforce Tunis and Algiers. Meanwhile, the British took the bait of the “DAK deception group” by sending 3 tank Brigades and 1 French company to the far south. DAK German troops march along the Gazala road while the Italian secure the southern flank and tries to encircle tobruk. I took the decision to ignore the British troops in the south, this will turn out to be grave mistake and come back to bit the DAK later on.





Attachment (1)

(in reply to Edwire)
Post #: 3
RE: TR 1942 - 3/8/2014 3:44:53 PM   
Telumar


Posts: 2236
Joined: 1/3/2006
From: niflheim
Status: offline
Yes, keep it going. This is a really interesting scenario, i played that myself once. Pity my opponent dropped out after 20 or such turns.

I too took the Early Case Anton TO. It's quite a powerful option. However i lost early in the eastern part of the African theatre (the classic DAK campaign) and found myself too early on a painful retreat into Lybia. You already indicated that it didn't go well in your game. I'm curious to see how you did/do.

_____________________________


(in reply to Edwire)
Post #: 4
RE: TR 1942 - 3/10/2014 4:37:54 AM   
SMK-at-work

 

Posts: 3396
Joined: 8/28/2000
From: New Zealand
Status: offline
I'll let Edwire write the AAR and just interject occasionally.

This is the first time I've played TR.....and until U read this AAR I had no idea there was a VP bonus for taking Kharkov!! :)

(in reply to Telumar)
Post #: 5
RE: TR 1942 - 3/10/2014 5:56:37 PM   
governato

 

Posts: 1079
Joined: 5/6/2011
From: Seattle, WA
Status: offline
show us the whole map every now and then! It is easy to lose the grand perspective here , because the scenario is so vast.

(in reply to SMK-at-work)
Post #: 6
RE: TR 1942 - 3/11/2014 3:07:01 PM   
Edwire

 

Posts: 146
Joined: 1/12/2012
Status: offline
Thanks for all the comment guys, appreciate it
This week will be quite busy for me, i will spam the AAR on the weekend

quote:

I'll let Edwire write the AAR and just interject occasionally.

This is the first time I've played TR.....and until U read this AAR I had no idea there was a VP bonus for taking Kharkov!! :)


Well it was in one of the briefing document. I believe you mentioned you have read it

Btw, anyone can recommend a good site to upload pictures e.g. photobucket? I can only attach 1 picture per post here. Thanks!

< Message edited by Edwire -- 3/11/2014 4:07:15 PM >

(in reply to governato)
Post #: 7
RE: TR 1942 - 3/14/2014 5:39:33 AM   
SMK-at-work

 

Posts: 3396
Joined: 8/28/2000
From: New Zealand
Status: offline
Reading is not the same as remembering :p

(in reply to Edwire)
Post #: 8
RE: TR 1942 - 4/6/2014 5:34:21 PM   
Edwire

 

Posts: 146
Joined: 1/12/2012
Status: offline
Whew, sorry for the late update. Work caught up with me
I will post the situation on each front instead of by turn..

AGC - Yelets Sector

T3 This sector is the flash point of the opening turns. As the Soviet keep their armies in front of Kharkov, OKH is determined to crush them before they are able to retreat. The Soviets were caught unprepared, resistance was minimal initially - the panzers are only 1 hex away from Yelets and Voronezh. Soviet reach quickly by sending mobile formations and quickly develop into fierce armored clash.



By T5 the battle is over. At the cost of 1 GD regiment, the majority of the soviet armored formations were wiped out, while some retreat to the Voronezh in the East. The panzers however, are immediately dead tired and unable to take advantage of the gap, fearing of more soviet presence. Instead they turn South to complete the original goal: encircle Soviet troops near Kharkov. The Soviets were already retreating, in order to cut off the escape route, Bradenburgers were deployed. A Hungarian mobile division ventured to far ahead and eliminated,but this greatly halt the speed of the Soviet armies trying to escape. AGC also assisted by the AGS advance in the south. One bradenburg regiment was also lost in the process.






On T8, AGC is ordered for a limited advance to the North. Reconnaissance showed more Soviet formations are preparing in the far North. For now, i'm content by keeping the Soviet busy here while the remaining troops besiege Voronezh and keep the pressure on the retreating Soviet armies as several Soviet armored formations managed to breakthrough the encirclement, but by T10 the Soviet armies fate was sealed. I lost count how many Soviet armies were eliminated, but this leave the front line without a single immediate soviet presence.
Thanks to this, AGS managed to reach Don River without trouble.



T10


(in reply to Edwire)
Post #: 9
RE: TR 1942 - 4/6/2014 5:52:21 PM   
Edwire

 

Posts: 146
Joined: 1/12/2012
Status: offline
AGS - Rostov and beyond

As the main Soviet reaction is to contain the AGC offensive in Yelets, AGS only encounter limited Soviet reserve. By T3, the initial soviet defense were teared apart and the Rumanians dashed through. The majority of AGS panzers were ordered north to assist AGC to trap the Soviet armies near Kharkov.



However on T5 suddenly 3rd Gd Tank Army launch surprise counter attack from across the River, eliminating 1 Rumanian infantry division and trap 13. Pz Div. Thankfully, XLIX. Geb Korps is in the area and quickly counter attack, resulting the destruction of all but 1 Heavy Tank regiment of the 3rd Gd Tank Army. Rostov itself is heavily fortified, the Axis troops need some rest before the attack can begin.

T5 Start :


T5 end



Again, thanks to Soviet attention were drawn to the Yelets sector, on T10 AGS found an undefended river crossing and the panzers immediately dashed south and encircle Rostov completely. Assisted by bradenburg, they even caught and eliminate Krimski Front HQ.


(in reply to Edwire)
Post #: 10
RE: TR 1942 - 4/6/2014 6:03:17 PM   
Edwire

 

Posts: 146
Joined: 1/12/2012
Status: offline
AGC/AGN - Rzhev Sector

While the majority of AGC effort is to push in the Yelets sector, the Rzhev salient must be expanded as well. If not, this area will be very vulnerable against soviet attacks later in the game and it took considerable axis infantry divisions to cover the length of the front line here. At first, AGC (and later joined by AGN) only launch limited attack to push the front line bit by bit. But the lack of Soviet response means eventually the Soviet defenders were encircled. This finallyhappens on T5 where the german panzers once again prove their superiority by breaking through and caught an unidentified front line HQ which eventually got destroyed.



The goal was to make straight line from Staraya Russa to Rzhev. However by now Soviet has thrown anything they can to halt the Axis advance, and the terrain prove to be disadvantageous for the panzers. AGN request OKH to make panzer-buldozer to deforest the area.... Even by T10, the front line only pushed few hexes from 5 turns ago but breakthrough seems imminent...



< Message edited by Edwire -- 4/6/2014 7:04:17 PM >

(in reply to Edwire)
Post #: 11
RE: TR 1942 - 4/6/2014 6:20:13 PM   
Edwire

 

Posts: 146
Joined: 1/12/2012
Status: offline
Tobruk

Ah, Tobruk. The deadly stretch of desert where the Western Allies is struggling against the famous Desert Fox. But this time it is completely the opposite.

At first, on T3, it seems victory is imminent with the rail line cut (although only the "Deception" regiment). Some tank brigades and Frech companies were trapped. Some tank brigades managed to escape though.



However by T5 the british counter attacks and re-establish the rail line, although damaged. Meanwhile, the DAK were thrown against solid rock of Tobruk fortification. By now Tobruk is fortified to the teeth that the only way is to attack from all direction. The Italians need to do their job by attacking from the east. Not likely. They are being pushed west instead. The British did an excellent job in pin-pointing counter attacks that wear out the Axis troops bit by bit here.



By T6, the Indians arrive and it become perfectly clear that Erwin Rommel will never be promoted as "Field Marshall".



By T8 the DAK are in full retreat. Don't worry, all DAK troops are accounted for, other than the deception brigades. Wait, where are the italians? Apparently they are being turned into plumbers by the british....
I don't need to continue to T10 for this theater right??


(in reply to Edwire)
Post #: 12
RE: TR 1942 - 4/6/2014 6:34:52 PM   
Edwire

 

Posts: 146
Joined: 1/12/2012
Status: offline
T1-T10 overview

I can say the first T10 works very well for the Axis in the eastern front. The Yelets operation severely deplete the Soviet arsenal early in the game and this area is wide open. Unfortunately there are no strategic advantage on pushing east. OKH weight the options, either strike north to Moscow or south to Stalingrad, or actually keep pushing east all the way to Saratov?

In the north, AGN/AGC joint operation is in the brink of breakthrough near Rzhev. In time, this will relieve some infantry divisions for somewhere else. Leningrad siege was briefly relieved but the local panzers managed to counter attack and seal the gap once more. Leningrad is still besieged.

In the south, AGS just started its operation against Rostov. The elimination of Soviet Front HQ should help Axis in the long run when the tide is turned. Don River is reached without much trouble. Sevastopool still stand strong though.

In the Balkans, the local Croat/Hungarian/Bulgarian/German/Italians tries to surround and eliminate Partisans strong point one by one. Nothing interesting to report yet so far. Yet. Did i mentioned "yet"?

In North Africa, err.... above post already mentioned everything.

In Finland, action only just begun in Kandalaksha. Early on, the Axis push forward but the Soviet released the Archangelsk group and after some counter attacks by the Soviet, it become stalemate.



Thankfully the Allied did not bomb German industries (they did tries to bomb the logistics though). The EEV remains at zero.


(in reply to Edwire)
Post #: 13
RE: TR 1942 - 4/7/2014 7:18:37 AM   
Ruppich


Posts: 49
Joined: 11/2/2011
Status: offline
Looks like Tobruk still undoable in this scenario.
Its to easy defendable, just park troops there and dig in. cause tobruk is a supply point, the germans cant do much to take it. Any thoughts?
Did u try any attacks on Tobruk which where beaten back?

The Allid player should loose any of the supply units.
So any supply counter you take of the map is good in long term.

(in reply to Edwire)
Post #: 14
RE: TR 1942 - 4/7/2014 10:05:04 AM   
SMK-at-work

 

Posts: 3396
Joined: 8/28/2000
From: New Zealand
Status: offline
It took me a while to come to grips with the game - I'd just come off playing 5 games of "Eastern front" at an army/Corps level and a lot of different production & unit features - life isn't so easy for the Axis now :)

From the allied POV there are a number of features I think could be improved - probably a lot of the forces in the mid-east should be fixed if Turkey is going to be an option (personally I think there was no chance Turkey joining the war in any meaningful manner for either side....Mark knows this :)) - that would probably give the DAK a fighting chance.

But of course one of the reasons we play these games is to "do better"....and if the British don't screw up the Desert Campaign then the DAK should be in a bit of trouble - to get the same results as Rommel you do need to have a genius on one side, and a bit of an idiot on the other!! :)

But there are a few small features that favour the axis - Turkey possibly entering the war is the main one. Also all ports taken by the Axis get a "free" garrison so they can't be snuck into by the Soviet fleets - but most Soviet forts do not have fixed garrisons so they can be taken by the Bulgarian fleet in the black sea if not garrisoned...cutting supply. Also if the Axis advances through the Caucasus it's trivially easy for the Axis to bridge bomb isolate Astrakhan and the Caspian sea - Baku has a supply point and so should every other major port on the Caspian sea be due to the shipping that crossed it.

And getting a Mulberry Harbour in the Balkans is a bit odd - the partisans captured a port and suddenly had a supply point......perhaps the Mulberry's could be a disband-able unit/option or similar...I'm not sure whether I get any more now or not for ht rest of the game??

Bombing industry is not straight-forward either - if you can't see a unit on he hex then it seems you cannot bomb it - and usually only 1-2 units are visible on industry hexes, so it's not worth wasting the aircraft for no effect! I did a campaign when I took a theatre recon upgrade that go a few points, but not enough to have any effect.

All in all it's been a learning experience....

< Message edited by SMK-at-work -- 4/7/2014 11:10:28 AM >

(in reply to Ruppich)
Post #: 15
RE: TR 1942 - 4/7/2014 12:25:57 PM   
USXpat

 

Posts: 388
Joined: 8/26/2010
Status: offline
Just a few notes --

Tobruk is an issue. Possibly owing to a combination of supply point, level of supply point, possibly too many English/Commonwealth units available, maybe their TO&E is too strong, maybe Axis OOB/TO&E is too weak, or Axis supply insufficient.

I'm taking another look at the pro-Axis Turkey trigger events and %'s. My position on Turkey is different and probably warrants an article or two.

The English were strong advocates for joining the fight in the Balkans. Allies only get one temporary mulberry there. The Balkans were a nightmare for both sides, suffice that adequate supply levels either come from the Allies coming up through Greece or taking Romania/Bulgaria and linking up from the east. Going in through the Adriatic while Italy is still in the game, while possible, has its hazards.

Russia could use more garrison units, but the OOB is maxed out. To create more allied units means eliminating or combining others. That has the potential to throw off the events and I'm extremely reluctant to do that. Rear area security ends up being on the player. Same with bridges - the Soviets have engineers and rail repair units to offset the Axis bombing of critical lines, with Sea Transport from Astrakahn or further east being an emergency back up.

Bombing of Axis Industry. Maybe I can flesh out notes further. To get the most out of strategic bombing means hitting Axis industry at every opportunity, even if the results are not immediate. Initially, an avg of 2-3 Axis industry should be spotted per turn. As Allied Theater Recon gradually increases, which can be hastened with the Theater Recon disbands (big boost for a few turns followed by a permanent +2 TR each), an average of 5 targets can be spotted. There are turns where none will be seen, turns where 7, 8 even 9 will be seen. Coupled with the ground war, the results can be catastrophic for the Axis - even with the Axis being able to absorb/repair 2 hits and later 3 hits per turn. That's been tested and verified up to an EEV of 750. There are two significant EEV reduction events that need to be toned down.

Hope that helps for now... I'll do my best to get what may be the last update for the pbem version of the scenario out soon.

(in reply to SMK-at-work)
Post #: 16
RE: TR 1942 - 4/7/2014 12:43:53 PM   
Edwire

 

Posts: 146
Joined: 1/12/2012
Status: offline
Since Mike has posted his bit, I will post mine as well

We are on T45 now with interesting development I would say. As I gradually eliminate the Partisan from the North the South, the Partisans in the South got very strong and overwhelmed some of my coastal garrison, and the British were quick to take the opportunity. At first I can only defend while the Allied slowly creeping to Athens. Suddenly Turkey decided to join the war on Axis side when i capture Grozny. This turns the tide in Balkan although the Allied are still holding fiercely. I'm not sure how this will turn out. But Turkey joining the war also mean instantly opening the third front in the theatre.

Tobruk - i think the issue is the fresh and strong Indian formations in the Middle East that once it is known that the Axis player does not take the Baghdad coup TO, the entire formation can be moved to North Africa. Tobruk itself is a fortified hex, Allied player only need 3 turns to get to fortified status. IMO these two are the main issue that make the capture of Tobruk become near impossible for the Axis.

Bridge bombing is the same for both side. I enjoy bombing Russian bridges early in the game to cripple supply lines but now situation has been turned. It is not seldom my supply in the Caucassus area got severed.

I will try to catch up the AAR.

(in reply to SMK-at-work)
Post #: 17
RE: TR 1942 - 4/8/2014 6:23:30 AM   
Ruppich


Posts: 49
Joined: 11/2/2011
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: Edwire
Bridge bombing is the same for both side.

if i remember correct the russian side does not have any AA units at the beginning or very few.
and they have to be railed

(in reply to Edwire)
Post #: 18
RE: TR 1942 - 4/8/2014 7:29:42 AM   
SMK-at-work

 

Posts: 3396
Joined: 8/28/2000
From: New Zealand
Status: offline
Since I started it it behooves me to give up some other thoughts :)

Regarding Russian garrisons - I think getting rid of the minor navies would be the best answer - the Romanian navy only had 4 destroyers, 6 "torpedo boats" and a couple of submarines, and was only used for convoy escort. Similarly the Russian arctic fleet can probably be done away with to stop the reverse happening up there.

Also as an aside I think the Axis should only be allowed to use its naval movement in the Baltic & Med, or to shift units back to the mainland/home territory if cut off as an honour rule - they really had no ability to do major amphib assaults by this stage of the war.

Bridge bombing is an irritation - I've bumped up the fighters and flak at the 2 in question so we'll see if that helps some! But perhaps the answer is just to win the ground war a bit faster! :)

Edit to dd: The surrender of the Balkan allies is probably a bit arbitrary too - Bulgaria surrendered just because a partisan unit entered it, and Romania almost did so because a couple of Bulgarian units moved towards it - we replayed that turn otherwise it would have been a bit silly.

< Message edited by SMK-at-work -- 4/8/2014 11:00:22 AM >

(in reply to Ruppich)
Post #: 19
RE: TR 1942 - 4/9/2014 6:58:44 AM   
SMK-at-work

 

Posts: 3396
Joined: 8/28/2000
From: New Zealand
Status: offline
Question for USXpat or anyone else - I have received a couple of "early refit" disbands for 2 British Corps.......what effects do these have? The Corps are both fighting hard ATM so I wouldn't want them to disappear for a few moves!!

(in reply to SMK-at-work)
Post #: 20
RE: TR 1942 - 4/9/2014 9:05:39 AM   
USXpat

 

Posts: 388
Joined: 8/26/2010
Status: offline
Those will withdraw the units of the English X and XIII Corps, about 3 turns after activation (disbanding the cadre). The cadres will automatically be disbanded on Turn 72 if NOT disbanded previously. After a few turns, they bring in upgraded units, though some units are lost in the process (were never upgraded/reformed).

Edited -- If the cadres are not disbanded by Turn 72, they are automatically disbanded on T72.

< Message edited by USXpat -- 4/9/2014 12:20:22 PM >

(in reply to SMK-at-work)
Post #: 21
RE: TR 1942 - 4/9/2014 10:00:47 AM   
SMK-at-work

 

Posts: 3396
Joined: 8/28/2000
From: New Zealand
Status: offline
Thanks - I thought it might be something like that.

(in reply to USXpat)
Post #: 22
RE: TR 1942 - 5/25/2014 4:07:27 PM   
Edwire

 

Posts: 146
Joined: 1/12/2012
Status: offline
Ok, sorry guys, was caught up in work barely had time even to continue the game. Well, in reality as USXpat has posted new version, we stop the game at T48 where Turkey had surrender. Hopefully i can post over next week to catch up. For now i will post up to T20.

Arctic

After resting for several turns, the Axis Arctic forces managed to capture Kandalakska and are on the way to Murmansk. Nothing fancy other than brute force.

T15



T20



Finland/Leningrad

Nothing changes in this sector.

Rzhev

AGN continue to push but the Soviet refuse to give ground. Whenever a break through is achieved, fresh Soviet reinforcement are poured. The panzers are having hard time operating in the forest. Although 4th and 3rd Soviet Shock Armies were wiped out, the offensive ultimately stalled by T20.

T17 :



T20 :




< Message edited by Edwire -- 5/25/2014 5:13:00 PM >

(in reply to SMK-at-work)
Post #: 23
RE: TR 1942 - 5/25/2014 4:27:40 PM   
Edwire

 

Posts: 146
Joined: 1/12/2012
Status: offline
Yelets

This sector proved to be the bloodiest in the war. Axis forces launch numerous offensive with incredible success, encircling and eliminating thousands of Soviet troops. The lack of Soviet reserves can be seen clearly here, with the Axis actually achieve freedom in the far east. However as there are no strategic value, the objective is to simply eliminate as much Soviet troops as possible. This draws significant reserves for the Axis as well and the affect will be shown in the next post.

Attacking Moscow from the South is out of the option as Tula is heavily fortified.

T13 :

No Soviet troops are visible to the East. However the Axis advance cautiously due to lack of supply...



T14 :

... and eliminating Soviet troops along the way



T15 :

... and quickly erupt into massive battle as Soviet Guards Army tried to counter attack. The panzers quickly dashed and formed huge pocket, including the Voronezh front HQ. Realizing the risk of another Soviet counter attack, reserves were drawn from other sector, mainly France and AGS. By this time Sevastopool still held by the Soviet btw.



T17 :

And once again the Axis gain freedom of movement in the East. The panzers are once again recuperating while some infantry divisions tries to find a hole in the Soviet line south of Moscow.



A bit to the South, the Soviets were actually provoking...



T20 :

4th Pz Armee once again prove it's superiority by counter attacking and surrounding another 4 fresh Soviet Armies near Saratov.



Here are the Soviet defensive line near Tula. I capture Ryazan, but no effect in this scenario.



< Message edited by Edwire -- 5/25/2014 5:32:22 PM >

(in reply to Edwire)
Post #: 24
RE: TR 1942 - 5/25/2014 4:39:04 PM   
Edwire

 

Posts: 146
Joined: 1/12/2012
Status: offline
AGS

I did not dare to venture to deep to Caucassus until Rostov fallen, and with reserves sent to the center, this take quite a while. The Rumanians secure the eastern flank and probing to south of Stalingrad.

T15 :


By T20, Maikop is captured. However as the Axis forces here is minimum, it cannot penetrate deeper until reinforcement are allocated.



And alone, the Rumanians were easily beaten back by the Soviets. At this moment they are struggling heavily and reinforcement will be needed as well.


(in reply to Edwire)
Post #: 25
RE: TR 1942 - 5/25/2014 4:51:44 PM   
Edwire

 

Posts: 146
Joined: 1/12/2012
Status: offline
North Africa, Rommel's gamble

Having defeated early, Rommel make a stand near Tripoli. All of his 2 panzer divisions and 2 light divisions and supporting brigades are intact and by now in full health. Plus 2 Italian divisions were sent as reinforcement. It become a waiting game as the Axis aircraft were set on interdiction mission to bleed the Allies along their route (if the Axis aircraft survive that is).

On T18, Axis intel report that the lead elements were somehow bottling up against the coast while the remaining British troops are resting in Tripoli or still en route. And here Rommel made his gamble. Before the British can gather their forces and resupply, the DAK set out for an all-out attack, hoping to catch the British unprepared.

T18 Start


The reports were true. The British vanguard which includes the XXX Corps, Anzac Group, and the Alexander HQ itself (!!!) were trapped against the sea. Time is critical now as Rommel must quickly destroy them before the British can launch counter attack and turn the tide.



T19

Sure enough, the British were moving rapidly and actually managed to establish contact with the surrounded divisions. Bleed, Rommel now set only limited objective and tried to eliminate the British vanguard and retreat. Most of the British forces were eliminated, about 3-4 armored and motorized divisions, but Alexander himself survive.



T20

The British counter attack were efficient and powerful. The whole DAK divisions, no less than the precious 2 panzer divisions and 2 light divisions are surrounded. Rommel (and Arnim) themselves managed to escape barely. Additional German and Italian forces were sent but will not achieve anything other than to delay the British advance to Tunis. Rommel's gamble has failed. Both side loses 4-5 divisions but for the DAK they are irreplaceable.



< Message edited by Edwire -- 5/25/2014 5:53:07 PM >

(in reply to Edwire)
Post #: 26
RE: TR 1942 - 5/25/2014 5:06:51 PM   
Edwire

 

Posts: 146
Joined: 1/12/2012
Status: offline
Other front

Algiers

Having taken Early Case Anton, Algiers were heavily fortified with the French Legion, Italian 8th Army, and some German divisions. The defensive line were established in the bottleneck near Oran. Seeing Casablanca undefended, the Americans launch early invasion on T12, far ahead of the actual operation Torch. This will give the Allied advantage as they will have the Torch sea transport option for somewhere else.

It become grinding and by T20, the Axis are pushed back and one of the important port hex near Oran is in the Allied hands.

T12


T20


Balkan

As usual, the chaos continue with the local Axis forces battling the never-ending Partisans. On T15, however, one Partisan group slip and trigger the Bulgarian coup.



On T19 the Bulgarian troops moved to Rumanian border and trigger the Rumanian surrender. I can swallow the Bulgarians switched side, but not the Rumanians. It will instantly collapse the eastern front for the Axis so we replay the turn and set the Bulgarians to stay in their capitol or a bit east, but certainly not west :)

Overall

Well that's all the update until T20. Hope you enjoy reading it.
By now i feel the Russians are bleeding badly. The holes in their front lines suggest the Russians are running out of reserves and are concentrating in critical areas, mainly near Staraya Russa - Rzhev line and Tula. I guess to protect Moscow from North and South. There are no strategic objective in the far east so i stooped the advance or only cautiously, especially supply are heavily interdicted by air (bridges were blown). Stalingrad and Caucassus is my next objective while trying to hold as long as possible in North Africa after the failure of Rommel's operation.

Losses are high for both infantry and tanks, but i feel still acceptable. However significant tank replacement will be required for the DAK to reconstitute.

(in reply to Edwire)
Post #: 27
RE: TR 1942 - 5/26/2014 6:27:10 AM   
Ruppich


Posts: 49
Joined: 11/2/2011
Status: offline
I dont like the "feature" that the partisanes can trigger the bulgarian coup, killed one of my TR games in the past.

Maybe the mechanism should be changed to some hexes in the east of bulgarian so it reflects more the "Russian fear" not switching sides because of some croatian partisans walking in the backyard

(in reply to Edwire)
Post #: 28
Page:   [1]
All Forums >> [Current Games From Matrix.] >> [World War II] >> Norm Koger's The Operational Art Of War III >> After Action Reports >> TR 1942 Page: [1]
Jump to:





New Messages No New Messages
Hot Topic w/ New Messages Hot Topic w/o New Messages
Locked w/ New Messages Locked w/o New Messages
 Post New Thread
 Reply to Message
 Post New Poll
 Submit Vote
 Delete My Own Post
 Delete My Own Thread
 Rate Posts


Forum Software © ASPPlayground.NET Advanced Edition 2.4.5 ANSI

2.719