RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43

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RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 12/31/2017 10:58:43 PM

warspite1

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quote:

ORIGINAL: DanNeely

quote:

ORIGINAL: warspite1
With the clearance of the north, an unexpected bonus for Wavell has been the release of the Australian 9th Division. The question now is how best to exploit this situation? The first thing Wavell does is to check the Expected Reinforcements schedule. This tells him that late in July he will lose the use of the 150th Infantry Brigade and the few battalions of the 5th Indian Division. Some of the latter are only just arriving and so, like with the 70th Division battalion a while back, he won't even bother moving them to the front.

I disagree here. You should send them forward and slam them into the teeth of the axis somewhere until they're withdrawn. IF you can make room in Tobruk, put them on the front line to eat German shells for a few turns. If not use them as shock troops in your attack towards the port.

warspite1

Please see the change of mind in the very next post

_____________________________

England expects that every man will do his duty. Horatio Nelson October 1805

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RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 1/1/2018 7:51:49 AM

warspite1

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Turn 58
28th June 1941

Round 3

The divisional commanders order their units into position for attack, but without artillery support, Wavell is not keen on sending them into battle against fortified positions. Instead, just one attack is ordered - the 1st RTR are tasked with leading an attack (supported by elements of the 6th New Zealand Brigade) against the Sabratha Division HQ at Bir el Sheferzen.

The attack is 100% successful, with the HQ and the engineer unit with it being entirely overwhelmed by the attack that hit them from two sides. The hope now is that without an HQ unit, the Sabratha elements in the pocket will become even more unable to function.

Round 4

This victory allows the 1st RTR and the 3rd Hussars to push on directly south, with the 11th Hussars providing cover for their right flank. A battalion of the 86th Infantry Regiment, Sabratha Division will be the focus of this next attack.

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by warspite1 -- 1/1/2018 8:02:14 AM >

_____________________________

England expects that every man will do his duty. Horatio Nelson October 1805

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Post #: 662

RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 1/1/2018 8:13:08 AM

warspite1

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Turn 58
28th June 1941

The attack succeeds in pushing the Italians northeast into the existing pocket - which is now closed.

Round 6

Despite the aforementioned lack of artillery support, the British armour at Sidi Omar has been given the light to try and assault the Italian units there. In addition the Australian 9th Division will attempt to wrest control of Gabr Saleh from the Ariete motorised infantry battalion there, while to the north, mixed British / Australian troops will try and finish off the last two Italian units east of the Tobruk perimeter.

These attacks prove tough in all cases, with the Italians putting up brave and stubborn resistance despite the odds. Only one of the objectives is taken (in the most northerly attack), but the losses incurred mean that all Italian units will not last much longer. The stubbornness of the defenders also means that the Commonwealth run out of rounds...

The Allies only put in two barrages at Tobruk too...

Italian troops, low on ammunition, low on food, low on fuel, and totally out of luck - but they are prepared to die in the defence of Italian soil

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< Message edited by warspite1 -- 1/1/2018 8:41:19 AM >

_____________________________

England expects that every man will do his duty. Horatio Nelson October 1805

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Post #: 663

RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 1/1/2018 8:37:13 AM

warspite1

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Turn 58 - Axis Turn
28th June 1941

The usual bombardments of Tobruk gets underway - with limited results - and another attack on the RN proves ludicrously costly for the Axis air forces.

The Italians on the Egyptian border fight back! Despite being out of supply, a mix of Sabratha and Bologna infantry (with artillery support) launch an attack against the 1st RTR. The British tanks retreat north.

The Italians lose another 17 bombers against the RN, and the artillery fire against the strong points continue with limited results. Meanwhile, the Italians, desperate to break out of the trap, launch a follow-up attack against the 3rd Hussars. This time the tanks hold and the infantry are repulsed with heavy loss.

The Italian gunners in the pocket target the 11th Hussars next, inflicting some minor damage. Attention switches back to Tobruk - 9% damage across three hexes.

The halfway point is reached and another 9% loss is recorded against the port itself, although the Germans suffer 3% loss in counter-battery fire. The western strong point then receives 5% loss. In the pocket the Italian will to resist remains as fierce as ever, as the infantry force the 3rd Hussars into retreat - although suffer more casualties in so doing.

The Italians next vent their fury against the Central Indian Horse, inflicting 4% loss, before Tobruk is bombarded twice more but without any effect.

In the southernmost pocket, the Bologna divisional artillery tries to break the Rajputana Riflemen and inflict 4% losses on the Indian soldiers. Only one attack on Tobruk with no effect.

More focus on Tobruk this time, but still only 8% across the three attacks.

The 4th New Zealand Brigade are the next targets for Italian artillery, before the turn closes with two more desultory barrages against Tobruk.

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by warspite1 -- 1/1/2018 9:10:41 AM >

_____________________________

England expects that every man will do his duty. Horatio Nelson October 1805

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Post #: 664

RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 1/1/2018 9:11:16 AM

warspite1

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Turn 59
2nd July 1941

The 8th Army has been formed - a bit early but what's a couple of months between friends?

Round 1

As a prelude to any movement, Wavell orders as intensive a bombardment as ammo supplies will allow. The barrages begin north of Menastir where the Italian engineer battalion take 5% loss courtesy of the Australian 12th Field Artillery Regiment.

The 31st Field Artillery from the 4th Indian Division suffer a reverse northeast of Fort Madellena - 2% loss is more than offset by 6% received from the Bologna Divisions own guns. In the Fort itself the 18th Field Artillery - brought up from XXX Corps reserve - causes 5% loss to the two infantry battalions defending there.

The shells from two New Zealand field artillery regiments - the 4th and 5th smash into the defenders of Bir el Sheferzen and inflicts another 12% loss.

At Sidi Omar the 1st Field Artillery end the resistance of the 85th Infantry. The ring of Italian troops trapped gets smaller......

At Tobruk 21% loss is caused.

Round 3

The original plan for Battleaxe envisaged the British armour sweeping south from Halfaya Pass, and that - despite the false start - is exactly what has happened.

To assist the 9th Australian Division at Gabr Saleh, the Guards Brigade lend the 149th Anti-tank Regiment, whilst in the main pocket, the Kings Royal Rifle Corps smash into a battalion of the Sabratha Division and force it back south of Bir el Sheferzen. The British battalion continues on pushing back a battalion of Bologna men. Tanks of the 4th and 42nd RTR then stream into the gaps created by the infantrymen.

The position pre-Round 3 attacks

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by warspite1 -- 1/1/2018 12:12:24 PM >

_____________________________

England expects that every man will do his duty. Horatio Nelson October 1805

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Post #: 665

RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 1/1/2018 10:06:01 AM

warspite1

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Turn 59
2nd July 1941

Round 3 (cont)

Before looking at Battleaxe, lets look at the two attacks in the north; the Savona battalion is easily disposed of, as is the Italian engineer unit holding out north of Menastir.

And so to Battleaxe. The northern most pocket is easily wiped out in a text book attack by British armour (1st RTR), Kiwi infantry (6th Brigade) and Indian infantry (3rd Motor Brigade).

The next pocket south lasts little longer thanks to a pincer move by British tanks of the 4th and 42nd RTR and New Zealand infantry from the 4th Brigade.

The pocket furthest east looks like being a tough one to crack. Artillery fire causes 4% loss - but 5% is received. The decision not to assault this area at present looks like a sensible one.

Gabr Saleh is easily secured by the Australians.

Fort Maddelena is secured by the infantrymen of the Kiwi 4th Brigade and Indian 7th Brigades.

Apologies - mention of 5th Brigade below should refer instead to the 4th

Subedar Richpal Ram actually won his Victoria Cross on 12 February 1941 in the East African campaign. Please see below for details:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richhpal_Ram

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< Message edited by warspite1 -- 1/1/2018 12:12:03 PM >

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England expects that every man will do his duty. Horatio Nelson October 1805

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RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 1/1/2018 11:18:11 AM

warspite1

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Turn 59
2nd July 1941

The objective for the 9th Australian Division is to secure the coastal road and the Trigh Capuzzo and to stop incursion by Axis forces toward Bardia. For this the airfields at Gambut and Bir el Gubi will need to be secured. It is felt that this will spread the Australians too thin and so Australian responsibility will extend no further south than Trigh Capuzzo, and Bir el Gubi will be looked after by the 2nd New Zealand Division.

Having formed a secure defensive line the plan will be to build a solid base from which operations to relieve Tobruk - tenatively code-named Crusader at this stage - can be launched.

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< Message edited by warspite1 -- 1/1/2018 12:11:48 PM >

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England expects that every man will do his duty. Horatio Nelson October 1805

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RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 1/1/2018 11:52:27 AM

warspite1

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Turn 59
2nd July 1941

Round 5

The various formations begin to deploy to their new assignments, leaving the Indians and the 1st Army Tank Brigade to deal with the final Italian pocket. However, this pocket needs artillery support - which at the moment is not available.

The offensive action is therefore limited to the Royal Navy's usual barrage to keep the German armour down (24%).

Round 7

The next bombardment at Tobruk yields a 19% loss.....

Round 9

The last bombardment causes 15% loss.

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by warspite1 -- 1/1/2018 12:11:31 PM >

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England expects that every man will do his duty. Horatio Nelson October 1805

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RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 1/1/2018 12:08:33 PM

Zorch

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Just in case...are you building forts further back?

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RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 1/1/2018 12:10:29 PM

warspite1

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Zorch

Just in case...are you building forts further back?

warspite1

No, I didn't know one could build forts. Thanks for the tip I will have a look at that.

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Post #: 670

RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 1/1/2018 12:11:14 PM

warspite1

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Turn 59 - Axis Turn
2nd July 1941

The Italians in the last pocket continue the fight, causing 2% loss with a bombardment targeting the Maoris and the Rajputana Rifles. At Tobruk the Axis make three barrages - dishing out 6% of losses and taking 3% in return. An attack on the fleet ends predictably for the Axis airforce.

Perhaps significantly there appears to be a lot more light grey around Tobruk now.... 5% losses in two attacks, while the Bologna artillery dish out 4% from the pocket.

Well that may be a significant development. The 15th Panzer Division's artillery attacks Tobruk, not only causing 20% loss but evaporating one of the two minefield effects..... This is followed up by 11% against the other two strong points.... The Bologna artillery is lethal - another 10% loss for the Indians - this time the 3rd Motor Brigade.

Well that's irritating. I've lost the results I was posting as I was kicked out of the thread

But a recap is that basically the Bologna artillery are deadly. Despite being out of supply they have dished out double figure percentage losses each round to the Indians troops surrounding them, while the Tobruk attacks remain a mixed bag - but are proving pretty expensive for the defenders.

The turn fizzles out in Tobruk and for the first time the Bologna artillery are only moderately successful (1%).

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by warspite1 -- 1/1/2018 1:07:26 PM >

_____________________________

England expects that every man will do his duty. Horatio Nelson October 1805

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RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 1/1/2018 12:33:46 PM

warspite1

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Turn 60
5th July 1941

And the Axis get a double move!

They kick things off against Tobruk as usual and its more worrying news for the Allies. The second minefield effect evaporates as 16% loss is dished out to the port by the artillery from the 90th Light Division. The Axis then waste their time sending about 150 aircraft to attack the Royal Navy. They destroy 6 Hurricanes and lose 20 aircraft of their own. The Italians are making a real fist of things in the last pocket. They attack the 18th KEO Cavalry, forcing it to retreat. But in attacking the Bologna's 39th Infantry Regiment is destroyed.

The Germans claim a major victory against the RN off Tobruk; they attack and only lose 5% losses.... The two follow up attacks net 11% losses on the Allies. The Italian Bologna Division will go down in the annals of military history - the launch an attack that forces the Rajputana Rifles and the Maori battalions to withdraw.

The Bologna Division go back to bombardment and inflict 6% losses on the Sikh and Punjab infantry. The barrage against the western strong point inflicts 6% losses, but the Axis take 7% in return.

The Bologna Division follow up the bombardment with an attack that almost succeeds. The Punjab battalion is forced into retreat - but the Rajputanas hold firm. The attack is costly for the Italians - 24% vs 15%. The Tobruk bombardments remain ineffective.

More artillery fire is rained down on the Rajputanas (17%) in order to try and make them break but still they hold. Tobruk's southern strong point loses 8%.

Another 15% losses for the Indian infantrymen - but still they cling on and refuse to yield. Two attacks on Tobruk just creep into double figures.

The continuous bombardments are starting to yield results The Australian 3rd Anti-Tank Regiment evaporates under the sheer weight of shell (13%).
The Bologna infantry continue to throw themselves at the Indians - this time the Sikhs, but the Sikh battalion has not intention of quitting the battlefield and gives better than it gets. A battalion of the 40th regiment ceases to exist as the attack is repulse with 19% losses for the Indians but 55% for the Italians.

Things are now getting serious at Tobruk. The 107th Royal Horse Artillery Regiment is no more. 21% losses are suffered in the barrage and the defenders of the perimeter are gradually being thinned out....

The Axis cannot follow up their success at Tobruk, but the Italians can. The Sikh battalion is destroyed under heavy bombardment.

The Axis dish out 10% losses to the Punjab battalion, but the Tobruk attacks are damp squibs - and so the turn ends.

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by warspite1 -- 1/1/2018 1:11:13 PM >

_____________________________

England expects that every man will do his duty. Horatio Nelson October 1805

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Post #: 672

RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 1/1/2018 1:12:33 PM

warspite1

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Turn 60
5th July 1941

The deployments are almost complete. All that is needed is for the reduction of the final pocket and then Wavell can start to think about assistance for Tobruk.

Not that there have been transfers of artillery, infantry and cavalry to Tobruk this turn to try and replace the losses previously - although the losses came from anti-tank units and these cannot be replaced....

From next turn Wavell has asked Conningham to set about making use of the air bases recently captured.

HMS Queen Elizabeth's Task Force has taken over from HMS Valiant as the Tobruk Support Force.

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by warspite1 -- 1/1/2018 2:00:19 PM >

_____________________________

England expects that every man will do his duty. Horatio Nelson October 1805

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Post #: 673

RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 1/1/2018 2:03:35 PM

warspite1

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Turn 60 - Round 1
5th July 1941

The RN get the ball rolling with a very disappointing 14% loss inflicted on the Axis besiegers.

Every available artillery piece then fires into the Surviving Italians in the pocket. The loss is 28% for the defenders (who dish out 1% loss on their tormentors).

Round 3

The Commonwealth artillery were merely limbering up - another volley puts 18% on the butchers bill.

While at Tobruk the losses increase to 23%

Round 5

The Italian positions are becoming ever more exposed. The latest volley (from a reducing number of pieces) results in 34% loss and the annihilation of the Italian artillery that caused so much pain.

The RN then weigh in with another 19%.

Round 7

The next RN bombardment claims another victim amongst the 24% losses - the 39th Panzer Jager Battalion from the 1st Panzer is destroyed.

All resistance in the pocket finally ends.

Round 9

The 1st Army Tank Brigade begins its move north, while the 4th Indian Division starts to concentrate on Fort Maddelena to re-supply.

One more attack on Tobruk yields 18% of loss.

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by warspite1 -- 1/1/2018 2:26:23 PM >

_____________________________

England expects that every man will do his duty. Horatio Nelson October 1805

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RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 1/1/2018 7:38:45 PM

warspite1

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Turn 61
9th July 1941

The Commonwealth get the initiative. The flippin' South Africans are still too busy checking out the flesh pots of

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSqIqXvVOHc

to be bothered with this war malarchy.

The Indians take up position in the extreme south, allowing the 4th New Zealand Brigade to get closer to its sister brigades and lessen the frontage the division has to cover.

The reconstituted Polish 1st Battalion is now back at Tobruk and has been ordered to take up position in the southern strong point.

Air Force

It looks like there are three new air units: an Albacore, a South African Blenheim and a second RAF Hurricane. I've no idea why an Albacore would find its way into the game - does this mean the Regia Marina will be making an appearance per chance?

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by warspite1 -- 1/1/2018 8:17:42 PM >

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England expects that every man will do his duty. Horatio Nelson October 1805

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RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 1/1/2018 8:07:59 PM

Zorch

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quote:

ORIGINAL: warspite1

Turn 61
9th July 1941

Air Force

It looks like there are three new air units: an Albacore, a South African Blenheim and a second RAF Hurricane. I've no idea why an Albacore would find its way into the game - does this mean the Regia Marina will be making an appearance per chance?

Perhaps the Albacore flew off a damaged carrier?

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Post #: 676

RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 1/1/2018 8:20:54 PM

warspite1

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Zorch

quote:

ORIGINAL: warspite1

Turn 61
9th July 1941

Air Force

It looks like there are three new air units: an Albacore, a South African Blenheim and a second RAF Hurricane. I've no idea why an Albacore would find its way into the game - does this mean the Regia Marina will be making an appearance per chance?

Perhaps the Albacore flew off a damaged carrier?

warspite1

No there were FAA land-based squadrons - the torpedoing of Vittorio Veneto prior to Matapan was from one such - I was querying its use in the game (if no RM) not its historical accuracy.

_____________________________

England expects that every man will do his duty. Horatio Nelson October 1805

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RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 1/1/2018 8:58:15 PM

warspite1

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Turn 61
9th July 1941

The other four new squadrons:

Attachment (1)

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England expects that every man will do his duty. Horatio Nelson October 1805

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RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 1/1/2018 9:02:18 PM

warspite1

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Turn 61
9th July 1941

There are a healthy 24 Squadrons on map at present, although two of these are Albacores....

Only a need for two to be on rest too which is good.

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by warspite1 -- 1/1/2018 9:05:50 PM >

_____________________________

England expects that every man will do his duty. Horatio Nelson October 1805

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RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 1/1/2018 9:10:49 PM

warspite1

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Turn 61 - Round 1
9th July 1941

At Tobruk the RN salvoes smash into the German mobile formations wiping out a battalion as part of the 31% losses.

Meanwhile the Kiwi 6th Brigade set about defeating an Italian HQ that got caught in the open. 7% losses are inflicted in an artillery barrage, although the barrage is weak as the Kiwi artillery resupplies.

Round 3

The CW go for the same approach, inflicting 8% losses on the Italian HQ and 14% losses on the largely Italian units east of the southern strong point.

Round 5

Another 15% loss at Tobruk for the Axis, and a 19% loss for the Italian HQ. The RN will go into supply conservation mode and the Italians, buoyed by the artillery fire damage, will seek to attack with air support.

Round 7

The heavily reinforced 6th Brigade launch an attack for which they are able to call up 6 squadrons of Blenheim bombers. The Italians manage to retreat but the New Zealand cavalry pursue and bring the surviving unit to its destruction.

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by warspite1 -- 1/2/2018 7:03:30 AM >

_____________________________

England expects that every man will do his duty. Horatio Nelson October 1805

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RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 1/2/2018 7:05:53 AM

warspite1

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Turn 61
9th July 1941

That brings the CW turn to an end. All practicable routes to Egypt (marked in red) are covered. Wavell's attention is now drawn to the matter of trying to relieve the garrison at Tobruk......

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by warspite1 -- 1/2/2018 7:22:42 AM >

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England expects that every man will do his duty. Horatio Nelson October 1805

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RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 1/2/2018 7:44:47 AM

warspite1

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Turn 61 - Axis Turn
9th July 1941

Right so the attack on Tobruk, despite making gains, does not seem to be working. The Italian screen for the advance on Egypt has been destroyed. What does the AI do now?

Well, so far its more of the same. Three weak attacks on Tobruk netting 5% loss vs 3% in the Axis favour, followed up with an attack on the RN that achieves nothing but the loss of 21 aircraft.

Round 2 is better - 12% losses on the strong points - but 31 aircraft loss attacking the RN - and only 3 Hurricanes lost in return.

Only two attacks this time, but better results still - 18% vs 3% and no attacks on the RN to waste aircraft.

Better still - 22% over three attacks and 12% losses to the western strong point. A bit of pressure being applied now.

As we reach halfway its two attacks and 14%.

Not so good 7% vs 4% in the Axis favour. Counter-battery fire proving effective the the Allies here.

Interesting that my barrages always take 2 rounds and the Axis only 1

12% vs 1% over 2 attacks. The attacks continue to be liberally spread out and no single concentration.

Three more attacks yield 13% for no loss.

The last round yields 10%.

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by warspite1 -- 1/2/2018 8:26:12 AM >

_____________________________

England expects that every man will do his duty. Horatio Nelson October 1805

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RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 1/2/2018 8:08:07 AM

warspite1

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Turn 62 - Axis Turn
12th July 1941

The Axis get a double turn.

Standard German opening attack, three on Tobruk and one on the RN - with entirely predictable results for both the RN (no damage) and the RA/Luftwaffe (almost 40 aircraft destroyed).

Mmm I don't think the AI has been appraised of the new reality. An HQ on its own presents itself in front of an entire Australian Division - as does a tank battalion.....

Back to Tobruk and the western strong point gets a beating again. A company of the 1st Australian Machine Gun Battalion is destroyed as part of 16% losses.

Halfway is reached and another double figure haul over two attacks.

12% over two attacks

The pressure cranks up. The 1st Polish Anti-Tank Battalion is destroyed in the southern strong point. Its even worse to the west; 18% losses and the 8th Field Artillery is wiped out. Surely the German armour must attack?!?!

But no, the effort seems to have sapped the Axis strength and the three bombardments provide 1% loss to the CW but 3% to the Axis....

A final low-key bombardment brings the turn to a close. Painful for the Allies, but no follow up.

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< Message edited by warspite1 -- 1/2/2018 8:29:24 AM >

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England expects that every man will do his duty. Horatio Nelson October 1805

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RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 1/2/2018 8:47:11 AM

warspite1

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Turn 62
12th July 1941

I think its time for a house rule or two.

1. I think the RN needs limiting because a) its so powerful in offence and b) its diverting Axis aircraft for no reason whatsoever. There appears little chance of causing any damage to the ships and the numbers aircraft lost is faintly ridiculous. Since the start of the game I have been ensuring that the RN ships go back to Egypt to re-supply and I will continue that. But I will also limit the number of vessels that can be off Tobruk. I will also use up smaller ships on 'escort' duty for any reinforcements to Tobruk. These ships cannot then take part in bombardment.

Admiral Cunningham informs General Wavell that due to the deadly accuracy of the Luftwaffe, he will not risk his battleships off Tobruk any longer.

2. I have tried not attacking HQ when the AI leaves them vulnerable to attack. I will continue with this policy and only break it when I need to attack because the unit is in the way.

< Message edited by warspite1 -- 1/2/2018 9:27:23 AM >

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England expects that every man will do his duty. Horatio Nelson October 1805

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RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 1/2/2018 10:09:20 AM

Szilard

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quote:

ORIGINAL: warspite1

Turn 62
12th July 1941

I think its time for a house rule or two.

1. I think the RN needs limiting because a) its so powerful in offence and b) its diverting Axis aircraft for no reason whatsoever. There appears little chance of causing any damage to the ships and the numbers aircraft lost is faintly ridiculous. Since the start of the game I have been ensuring that the RN ships go back to Egypt to re-supply and I will continue that. But I will also limit the number of vessels that can be off Tobruk. I will also use up smaller ships on 'escort' duty for any reinforcements to Tobruk. These ships cannot then take part in bombardment.

Admiral Cunningham informs General Wavell that due to the deadly accuracy of the Luftwaffe, he will not risk his battleships off Tobruk any longer.

2. I have tried not attacking HQ when the AI leaves them vulnerable to attack. I will continue with this policy and only break it when I need to attack because the unit is in the way.

I wonder about those A/C losses esp. in shipping attacks. Think you might find that the losses are just estimates, usually inflated.

But anyway, the effectiveness of naval bombardment & the invulnerability of ships don't seem very realistic.

(in reply to warspite1)

Post #: 685

RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 1/3/2018 3:57:16 AM

warspite1

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Turn 62
12th July 1941

Time for a look at the 'big picture' - which looks a lot healthier for Wavell and his command than it did about a month ago!

There is no let up for the defenders of Tobruk - two of the strong points have gone as has the minefield effect in the port itself.

However, the threat to Bardia and Egypt has been, at least temporarily, ended with the annihilation of four Italian divisions - Ariete, Bologna, Sabratha and Savona.

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England expects that every man will do his duty. Horatio Nelson October 1805

(in reply to warspite1)

Post #: 686

RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 1/3/2018 4:06:09 AM

warspite1

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Turn 62
12th July 1941

The previous losses at Tobruk can only be partially addressed. One of the problems is stacking, which means that in order to free up space for reinforcements Morshead has had to put unready units in the front line. The only replacement this time around is the addition of the Australian 7th Cavalry, although more replacements are earmarked and being readied at Bardia for the purpose.

The RN has withdrawn the capital ships and the Tobruk Support Force consists of just four vessels.

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< Message edited by warspite1 -- 1/3/2018 4:42:17 AM >

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England expects that every man will do his duty. Horatio Nelson October 1805

(in reply to warspite1)

Post #: 687

RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 1/3/2018 4:55:19 AM

warspite1

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Joined: 2/2/2008
From: England
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Turn 62
12th July 1941

The number of air units available has now risen to 15 (28 squadrons) although 5 (10) of these are reorganising and a further 5 (10) have been ordered to stand down and take some R+R. This leaves just a third of the units (but just 8 squadrons) operational - 4 RAF Blenheim bomber squadrons, 2 RAF Hurricane squadrons, 1 Greek Hurricane squadron and 1 FAA Albacore Squadron.

Recap: The addition of squadrons is just a bit of immersion on my part and has no effect on the game. Each air unit generally has 24 aircraft (so I've taken that as roughly 2 squadrons per unit). A couple of units; the Free French and FAA have less than 24 aircraft so I've given each one squadron. The Greek unit has 24 aircraft so I should have used a second squadron for that one. I will have a look at this later to see if there was a second historical squadron I can add.

Fairey Albacore....

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< Message edited by warspite1 -- 1/3/2018 5:19:49 AM >

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England expects that every man will do his duty. Horatio Nelson October 1805

(in reply to warspite1)

Post #: 688

RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 1/3/2018 5:22:31 AM

Zorch

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quote:

ORIGINAL: warspite1

Turn 62
12th July 1941

The previous losses at Tobruk can only be partially addressed. One of the problems is stacking, which means that in order to free up space for reinforcements Morshead has had to put unready units in the front line. The only replacement this time around is the addition of the Australian 7th Cavalry, although more replacements are earmarked and being readied at Bardia for the purpose.

The RN has withdrawn the capital ships and the Tobruk Support Force consists of just four vessels.