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RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW)

 
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RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) - 1/24/2018 7:47:48 PM   
warspite1


Posts: 41353
Joined: 2/2/2008
From: England
Status: offline 		Turn 58 - Axis Turn
5th April 1941

There were 7 attacks/bombardments/air strikes by the Axis. I'll have a look at each one in detail.




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< Message edited by warspite1 -- 1/24/2018 8:01:51 PM >

_____________________________

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



(in reply to warspite1)
Post #: 211
RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) - 1/24/2018 8:12:15 PM   
warspite1


Posts: 41353
Joined: 2/2/2008
From: England
Status: offline 		Turn 58 - Axis Turn (cont)
5th April 1941

Axis airfield attack against Sidi Barani

27 Hurricanes engaged - 4 disabled (2 squadrons - a + b)
40 Italian fighters engaged - 7 disabled and 2 destroyed

Second attack on Sidi Barrani

23 Hurricanes engaged - 9 disabled (2 squadrons - a + b)
19 German fighters engaged - 2 disabled and 1 destroyed
28 Italian bombers engaged - 3 disabled and 1 destroyed

Third attack on Sidi Barrani

32 Hurricanes engaged - 1 disabled (all 3 Hurricane squadrons engaged)
15 German fighters engaged - 1 disabled and 1 destroyed
9 Italian bombers engaged - 2 disabled and 2 destroyed

Fourth attack on Sidi Barrani

22 Hurricanes engaged - 1 disabled (2 squadrons - a + c engaged)
19 German bombers engaged - 2 disabled and 2 destroyed


Looks like a lot of those disabled were in fact losses (if I've got that right) as the Aussie fighter squadrons are significantly down on numbers. I am keen to rest these but with the dire situation facing the 7th Armoured that is just not an option.



Attachment (1)

< Message edited by warspite1 -- 1/24/2018 8:32:07 PM >

_____________________________

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



(in reply to warspite1)
Post #: 212
RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) - 1/24/2018 8:19:14 PM   
warspite1


Posts: 41353
Joined: 2/2/2008
From: England
Status: offline 		Turn 58 - Axis Turn (cont)
5th April 1941

There is one land combat - the Italians are ordered to destroy the lone Royal Horse Artillery regiment but they have plenty of support on hand to repulse the attentions of the Italian attackers.

Later an air strike is designed to take out the British armour to the south, but is repulsed with heavy loss - but no RAAF involvement.




Attachment (1)

< Message edited by warspite1 -- 1/24/2018 8:22:05 PM >

_____________________________

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



(in reply to warspite1)
Post #: 213
RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) - 1/24/2018 8:42:07 PM   
warspite1


Posts: 41353
Joined: 2/2/2008
From: England
Status: offline 		Turn 58
5th April 1941

I really wanted to get an attack in this turn around Bardia but the British units have suddenly got their supply back. As a result I try and play it less desperately.

I bombard the enemy and in the middle of the barrage I start to move the units south, passing through each other toward (hopefully) the Halfaya Pass. Once again the men of the Royal Horse Artillery are left on their own however.

Two Axis units were evaporated in the bombardments but I can't target all enemy positions. The German and Italian armour east of Fort Capuzzo therefore gets the bulk of the attention.




Attachment (1)

< Message edited by warspite1 -- 1/24/2018 9:26:06 PM >

_____________________________

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



(in reply to warspite1)
Post #: 214
RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) - 1/25/2018 6:08:35 AM   
warspite1


Posts: 41353
Joined: 2/2/2008
From: England
Status: offline 		Turn 59 - Axis Turn
9th April 1941

Wow! Over 2,000 Axis moves and I saw elements of just a fraction of those. There must be a change in my ability to spot (I'll have a look in a minute). In the meantime the Axis made two attacks:

1st Attack - the poor old 104th Royal Horse Artillery (or tail end charlie / the forlorn hope as its now known) is assaulted by a combined Italian/German force supported by the Regia Aeronautica. The British artillery are supported by the Royal Navy, the RAF/RAAF as well as the artillery of the 4th RHA and 8th Mediterranean artillery regiments nearby. The artillerymen hold their positions at a cost of 9 of their 22 25-pounder guns (6 destroyed, 3 disabled). 1 squadron of Hurricanes was called upon and suffered 3 disabled and 1 destroyed. Axis losses came mostly from the infantrymen, although there was some modest loss of aircraft and even a German tankette!




Attachment (1)

< Message edited by warspite1 -- 1/25/2018 6:34:27 AM >

_____________________________

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



(in reply to warspite1)
Post #: 215
RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) - 1/25/2018 6:35:29 AM   
warspite1


Posts: 41353
Joined: 2/2/2008
From: England
Status: offline 		Turn 59 - Axis Turn (Cont)
9th April 1941

Sadly the Royal Horse Artillery could only realistically be expected to hold on for so long.....

A second attack is ordered using tanks of the Ariete as well as continued air support. Not only are the artillerymen wiped out - along with their precious 25-pounders, but the RAAF lose 10 Hurricanes (8 disabled and 2 destroyed). Worse however is that the RN are reorganising!

Italian losses were modest - just 2 tanks destroyed, although 20 aircraft were downed (of which only 6 were reported as destroyed).


I've checked the Situation Briefing and this shows reconnaissance capability of 0%....




Attachment (1)

< Message edited by warspite1 -- 1/25/2018 6:52:09 AM >

_____________________________

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



(in reply to warspite1)
Post #: 216
RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) - 1/25/2018 6:52:59 AM   
warspite1


Posts: 41353
Joined: 2/2/2008
From: England
Status: offline 		Turn 59
9th April 1941

Well there is even more bad news....

All Australian Hurricanes are reorganising. I receive a new RAF squadron in the Nile Delta....and it is reorganising. So for air support this turn I have precisely 2 Blenheim and 1 Gladiator squadrons. At least the Blenheims are at full strength - although won't be at the end of this turn without fighter cover - but I can't afford to stand them down.

But the bad news does not stop there. Its ALL RN ships reorganising...

... and the hits keep on coming. I can't continue my withdrawal fully because... yes you've guessed it, half a dozen units around Sollum are reorganising.

Edit: I thought I'd check on Tobruk for some good news and..... majority of units are reorganising....

And most units behind the lines are.....[three guesses]

Who'd be a theatre commander eh?

The only movements made are to ensure that the units at Sollum and those guarding the Halfaya Pass have anti-tank regiments (there is nothing I can do about the poor b*****s in the north).

So that just leaves a very limited bombardment by a few artillery regiments... The results are as to be expected given the limited shells I am able to range against the enemy.




Attachment (1)

< Message edited by warspite1 -- 1/25/2018 7:23:57 AM >

_____________________________

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



(in reply to warspite1)
Post #: 217
RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) - 1/25/2018 6:42:57 PM   
warspite1


Posts: 41353
Joined: 2/2/2008
From: England
Status: offline 		Turn 60 - Axis Turn
12th April 1941

The Axis turn their attention back to Tobruk and the same old hex - the southwest strong point. 15 Hurricanes are lost (11 disabled and 4 destroyed) while the Italians have 12 bombers destroyed.

There appears to have been no attempt on Sollum - but my lack of intelligence makes me very nervous about what is moving where.....




Attachment (1)

< Message edited by warspite1 -- 1/25/2018 6:50:29 PM >

_____________________________

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



(in reply to warspite1)
Post #: 218
RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) - 1/25/2018 6:50:58 PM   
warspite1


Posts: 41353
Joined: 2/2/2008
From: England
Status: offline 		Turn 60
12th April 1941

The Royal Navy are still reorganising. That is a big blow.

The air forces now number 9 squadrons.

4 x Hurricane sqns - all four operational - 83 aircraft with 30 reserves.
3 x Blenheim sqns - 72 aircraft (1 sqn with 24 aircraft operational) with 21 reserves.
1 x Gladiator sqn - 18 aircraft (not operational) no reserves.
1 x Morane-Saulnier (literally) - 1 aircraft (not operational) no reserves and no more replacements

Time to have a look in a bit more detail at what is happening at Tobruk. I should have done this from the outset but to be honest I thought it would have fallen by now.

First things first, there has been no change to the composition of the defence (except the RN has gone away) - see below.

But what is the actual strength of these forces?

Western strong point
1 x cavalry regiment
7th Aus - Missing a few armoured cars but otherwise fully up to strength

4 x infantry battalions
13th Aus - Full Strength
15th Aus - Full strength
17th Aus - Full strength
43rd Aus - Full strength

1 x machine-gun battalion
1st Aus - Full strength

1 x anti-tank regiment
1st Aus - Only 19/32 2-Pounder AT Guns (these are replaced - across the entire army - at only 2 per turn and there are just four in reserve)

Southwestern strong point
6 x infantry battalions
9th Aus - 40/45 Rifle Squads, 0/4 2-Pounder AT guns, 10/13 Mortars, 21/24 machine guns
10th Aus - 41/45 Rifle Squads, 1/4 2-Pounder AT guns, 11/13 Mortars, 20/24 machine guns
12th Aus - 43/45 Rifle Squads, 1/4 2-Pounder AT guns, 12/13 Mortars, 23/24 machine guns
23rd Aus - 41/45 Rifle Squads, 12/13 Mortars, 21/24 machine guns
24th Aus - 38/45 Rifle Squads, 12/13 Mortars, 22/24 machine guns
48th Aus - 41/45 Rifle Squads, 12/13 Mortars, 22/24 machine guns

1 x machine gun battalion
1st Cheshire - 9/10 Rifle Squads, 4/5 mortars, 53/56 machine guns

1 x anti-tank regiment
3rd Aus - 2/32 2-Pounder AT guns

Southeastern strong point
4 x infantry battalions
1st Polish - Full strength except only 2/3 2-Pounder AT Gun
2nd Polish - Full strength except only 1/3 2-Pounder AT Gun
3rd Polish - Full strength except only 1/3 2-Pounder AT Gun
28th Aus - Full strength

1 x machine gun battalion
Kopanski - Full Strength

1 x anti-tank regiment
65th - only 20/32 2-Pounder AT guns

1 x anti-tank battery
1st polish - only 3/8 2-Pounder AT guns

Eastern strong point
1 x tank battalion
7th RTR - Full strength

5 x artillery regiments
1st Polish - 11/16 18-Pounder guns + 25/25 25-Pounder guns
3rd Aus - Full strength
1st RHA - Full strength
64th Meditteranean - 12/24 4.5-inch guns
51st Field - Full strength

2 x anti-aircraft regiments
2nd HAA - Full strength
57th LAA - 23/24 2-Pounder AA guns




Attachment (1)

< Message edited by warspite1 -- 1/25/2018 8:48:41 PM >

_____________________________

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



(in reply to warspite1)
Post #: 219
RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) - 1/25/2018 8:35:38 PM   
warspite1


Posts: 41353
Joined: 2/2/2008
From: England
Status: offline 		Turn 60
12th April 1941

Its difficult to know what to do. The only thing I do know is that if the Axis makes a breakthrough south of Sollum then that is a lot of units in the bag. I can't afford to let that happen and so have to yield Sollum by continuing to withdraw forces to the Halfaya Pass.

This means only two rounds of bombardment - but pleasingly a unit from 21st Panzer (don't know what it contains) is evaporated.




Attachment (1)

_____________________________

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



(in reply to warspite1)
Post #: 220
RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) - 1/26/2018 4:23:03 PM   
warspite1


Posts: 41353
Joined: 2/2/2008
From: England
Status: offline 		Turn 61 - Axis Turn
16th April 1941

The Axis turn their attention to Tobruk once again. Ouch! I will need to review the damage. No attack is made against the Halfaya Pass, but Italian units are spotted heading south down the track toward Sofafi.

Reconnaissance remains at 0% so I've no idea where either a) the artillery attacking Tobruk is, or b) where the German forces previously around Bardia have gone.




Attachment (1)

< Message edited by warspite1 -- 1/26/2018 4:37:50 PM >

_____________________________

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



(in reply to warspite1)
Post #: 221
RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) - 1/26/2018 4:49:14 PM   
warspite1


Posts: 41353
Joined: 2/2/2008
From: England
Status: offline 		Turn 61
16th April 1941

The air forces now number 10 squadrons.

4 (4 Operational) x Hurricane sqns - 88/96 aircraft with 30 reserves (6 per turn).
3 (2 Operational) x Blenheim sqns - 66/72 aircraft with 29 reserves (3 per turn).
1 (1 Operational) x Tomahawk sqn - 20/24 aircraft with 2 reserves (2 per turn).
1 (1 Operational) x Gladiator sqn - 18/24 aircraft no reserves (0 per turn).
1 (0 Operational) x Morane-Saulnier - 1/2 aircraft no reserves and no more replacements

Overall not too bad a situation I think as there is still a reasonable reserve of aircraft.

The Royal Navy are back to organised. The dilemma now is where are they to operate? Off Halfaya Pass or Tobruk or split?

Finally I take a look at the units defending the southwestern strong point that received such a pounding.

Southwestern strong point - Rifle Squad losses last turn
6 x infantry battalions
9th Aus - 7
10th Aus - 9
12th Aus - 5
23rd Aus - 10
24th Aus - 8
48th Aus - 10

1 x machine gun battalion
1st Cheshire - 1 and 11 machine guns

1 x anti-tank regiment
3rd Aus - 0 further losses of 2-Pounder AT guns

< Message edited by warspite1 -- 1/26/2018 5:16:04 PM >

_____________________________

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



(in reply to warspite1)
Post #: 222
RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) - 1/26/2018 5:41:30 PM   
warspite1


Posts: 41353
Joined: 2/2/2008
From: England
Status: offline 		Turn 61 (cont)
16th April 1941

This was a turn of bombardments only - still lots of units reorganising.

I'm pleased to see its not just the Allies that get furballs - an Italian fighter and German bomber squadron evaporate - and 92 aircraft 'lost' apparently (have to treat that figure with caution). Lots of German ground striking though sadly....




Attachment (1)

_____________________________

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



(in reply to warspite1)
Post #: 223
RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) - 1/27/2018 4:33:47 PM   
warspite1


Posts: 41353
Joined: 2/2/2008
From: England
Status: offline 		Turn 62 - Axis Turn
19th April 1941

Well that is something of a blow. The Axis forces have descended in force on Sofafi, destroying a battalion of infantry and surrounding my main defending force there. An attack is also made on Tobruk which results in the loss of a third of all rifle squads!

That was a distinctly bad turn. Its interesting that Curtis Lemay said, against a human player, Tobruk can't be held. That being the case I wonder if I've put too much into its defence rather than saving those precious infantry units for the Egyptian border where I have nothing.....




Attachment (1)

< Message edited by warspite1 -- 1/27/2018 4:42:17 PM >

_____________________________

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



(in reply to warspite1)
Post #: 224
RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) - 1/27/2018 4:59:41 PM   
warspite1


Posts: 41353
Joined: 2/2/2008
From: England
Status: offline 		Turn 62
19th April 1941

Huge losses in the air that turn, leaving me with the following:

3 (1 Operational) x Hurricane sqns - 60/72 aircraft with 31 reserves (6 per turn).

That is a reduction of 28 aircraft and one Australian squadron has disappeared. Not sure why as it was only involved in one combat and total losses for that squadron could not have taken out the squadron. This aspect of the air war remains something of a mystery. 1 operational squadron this turn.

3 (0 Operational) x Blenheim sqns - 69/72 aircraft with 27 reserves (3 per turn).

This is very disappointing. All three squadrons - almost all at full strength - are reorganising just as the Axis breakthrough, but I can't see that the Blenheims took any part in the last Axis turn.

1 (1 Operational) x Tomahawk sqn - 22/24 aircraft with 2 reserves (2 per turn).

I can't see that this squadron got involved last turn. It has increased its strength by the 2 reserves and is operational

1 (1 Operational) x Gladiator sqn - 18/24 aircraft no reserves (0 per turn).

This is my only bomber unit available.....

1 (1 Operational) x Morane-Saulnier - 1/2 aircraft no reserves and no more replacements


What to do this turn?

I could fight it out with 7th Armoured but get them trapped as the Axis take the coast road.

Or

I could try and retreat with 7th Armoured - except that some will be unable to and also get 2 fighter squadrons overrun...

Meanwhile I can try and keep Tobruk for as long as possible - but lose all the units within (I don't know which units are not re-constructed as I can't see that the rules actually say - it refers to 'seven other brigades' so may include the Polish???).

OR

Try a phased withdrawal and ship the survivors out. Given the limit to sea lift capability its probably too late for this option.

Not a pretty picture....

< Message edited by warspite1 -- 1/27/2018 5:19:44 PM >

_____________________________

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



(in reply to warspite1)
Post #: 225
RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) - 1/27/2018 5:28:35 PM   
warspite1


Posts: 41353
Joined: 2/2/2008
From: England
Status: offline 		Turn 62
19th April 1941

Not sure that I have any option really. Without any reconnaissance capability the strength of the Axis units around Sofafi could be anything. At Sofafi I can see elements of:

15th Panzer Division
21st Panzer Division
Brescia Division
Pavia Division
Trento Division
Sirte Division
2nd CCNN Division

At Bardia there is the:

Catanzaro
Bologna
4th Libyan

Now I know all units of these divisions can't be at Sofafi because I can identify some of these at Tobruk. Trouble is I don't know how many are where and there is at least the Sabratha and Savona Divisions unaccounted for.....

I have to try and save as many of the trapped units at Sofafi as possible and that will mean trying to withdraw 7th Armoured and sacrificing so many units I successfully saved from the last surrounding!



Attachment (1)

< Message edited by warspite1 -- 1/27/2018 5:49:09 PM >

_____________________________

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



(in reply to warspite1)
Post #: 226
RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) - 1/27/2018 5:32:16 PM   
Zorch

 

Posts: 7087
Joined: 3/7/2010
Status: offline 		Victory status? Defeat status, more likely.

(in reply to warspite1)
Post #: 227
RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) - 1/27/2018 5:51:20 PM   
warspite1


Posts: 41353
Joined: 2/2/2008
From: England
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: Zorch

Victory status? Defeat status, more likely.
warspite1

Winston Churchill [to the House of Commons 19th April 1941]

I must confess I put that 24-carat twat warspite1 in charge. I must take full responsibility for what is about to unfold. Let's face it gentlemen, we is ******


_____________________________

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



(in reply to Zorch)
Post #: 228
RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) - 1/27/2018 7:44:27 PM   
warspite1


Posts: 41353
Joined: 2/2/2008
From: England
Status: offline 		Sorry about that.... just had an FA Cup induced absence from WWII, although frankly being taken to the cleaners by the Axis is preferable to watching Tottenham Hotspur

_____________________________

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



(in reply to warspite1)
Post #: 229
RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) - 1/27/2018 8:06:39 PM   
warspite1


Posts: 41353
Joined: 2/2/2008
From: England
Status: offline 		Turn 62
19th April 1941

I had dreams of catching the Axis forces in a pincer - but the chances of the southern pincer actually working - and also giving the northern arm any chance of success at all (by being sufficiently powerful) I figured is close to zero.

So I've opted to try and put all my eggs in one basket and
- hope there is sufficient firepower to at least halt the offensive
- give the surrounded troops a fighting chance of withdrawal
- hope that I don't suffer a force proficiency test - though accept that this is likely...




Attachment (1)

_____________________________

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



(in reply to warspite1)
Post #: 230
RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) - 1/27/2018 8:11:50 PM   
warspite1


Posts: 41353
Joined: 2/2/2008
From: England
Status: offline 		Turn 62
19th April 1941

The turn gets underway with bombardments of Italians forces west of Tobruk.




Attachment (1)

_____________________________

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



(in reply to warspite1)
Post #: 231
RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) - 1/27/2018 8:21:19 PM   
warspite1


Posts: 41353
Joined: 2/2/2008
From: England
Status: offline 		Turn 62
19th April 1941

Round 3

I repeat the bombardments west of Tobruk and bring in the available artillery northeast of Sofafi to attack the German positions there. The bombardments are reasonably successful.

Round 5

There is no real attack available to the units at Sofafi - if they are to be rescued they will need to rely on the troops at Bir Emba. Artillery will be used to attack the units from the 15th and 21st Panzer Divisions guarding the flank of the main column and the Italian Bersaglieri unit west of Oxford Circus. Meanwhile elements of 7th Armoured and anything else I can scratch together will target the main main column and the Italian unit bringing up their rear.




Attachment (1)

< Message edited by warspite1 -- 1/27/2018 8:28:18 PM >

_____________________________

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



(in reply to warspite1)
Post #: 232
RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) - 1/27/2018 8:44:54 PM   
warspite1


Posts: 41353
Joined: 2/2/2008
From: England
Status: offline 		Turn 62
19th April 1941

Round 5 (cont)

The first attack, against the Italian Bersaglieri of the Trento Division to the south of the main column, is a success and the enemy forces are pushed into retreat to the northwest.

The main attack then goes in led by the 2nd Armoured Brigade and with the 2nd Armoured in support. The enemy units retreat - with the exception of the II Battalion of the 5th Panzer Regiment. However further attacks go in, this time with British units from the west joining in and the German tanks too head southwest in retreat. The Germans lose almost half their precious MkIII tanks....




Attachment (1)

< Message edited by warspite1 -- 1/27/2018 8:48:09 PM >

_____________________________

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



(in reply to warspite1)
Post #: 233
RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) - 1/27/2018 9:01:41 PM   
warspite1


Posts: 41353
Joined: 2/2/2008
From: England
Status: offline 		Turn 62
19th April 1941

Round 7

The attacks northwest of Sofafi continue. The 7th Hussars and the 1st South Staffordshire push on on the right flank of the British line and force a German regiment into retreat.

The main concentration of German/Italian armour is too strong to receive a direct attack and so the artillery are ordered to open up. Two companies of the Trento Bersaglieri are destroyed in the maelstrom.

The position at the start of round 9




Attachment (1)

< Message edited by warspite1 -- 1/28/2018 12:10:35 AM >

_____________________________

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



(in reply to warspite1)
Post #: 234
RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) - 1/27/2018 9:16:02 PM   
warspite1


Posts: 41353
Joined: 2/2/2008
From: England
Status: offline 		Turn 62
19th April 1941

Round 9

The last round will see the armour targeted, while the artillery pound the units to the southwest.

The Germans and Italians are once again forced into retreat, but not before the II and III Battalions, the 5th Panzer Regiment are destroyed - along with units from the Trento and Sabratha divisions.




Attachment (1)

< Message edited by warspite1 -- 1/27/2018 9:24:18 PM >

_____________________________

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



(in reply to warspite1)
Post #: 235
RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) - 1/28/2018 6:55:20 AM   
warspite1


Posts: 41353
Joined: 2/2/2008
From: England
Status: offline 		Turn 63
23rd April 1941

The Axis response is to attack the units surrounded at Sofafi but this fails to dislodge the British troops.

Efforts are then made to exploit the capture of the Halfaya Pass and the 13th Light AA Regiment is forced to retreat in the face of Italian tanks.

In the absence of any reconnaissance capability I had previously placed a Special Forces unit at El Hamra, to the southwest of Sofafi. This unit is quickly surrounded and destroyed.

There is then the usual, highly concentrated attacks on the southwestern strong point before the enemy air forces turn their attention to the Royal Navy. The navy are unharmed but 18 Hurricanes out of 25 are lost (11 disabled and 7 destroyed).





< Message edited by warspite1 -- 1/28/2018 7:02:55 AM >

_____________________________

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



(in reply to warspite1)
Post #: 236
RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) - 1/28/2018 7:22:42 AM   
warspite1


Posts: 41353
Joined: 2/2/2008
From: England
Status: offline 		Turn 63
23rd April 1941

A quick check on the aircraft situation shows:

2 (2 Operational) x Hurricane sqns - 44/48 aircraft with 19 reserves (6 per turn).

That is big reversal of fortune - just 2 squadrons remaining and the reserves have been slashed to just 19 aircraft. I can't afford this level of losses but at present have to keep both squadrons in the air (air superiority) despite one squadron on 'light green'.

3 (3 Operational) x Blenheim sqns - 70/72 aircraft with 29 reserves (3 per turn).

All 3 Blenheim squadrons are back in play. Almost at full strength and with a reasonable reserve (all assigned to combat support).

1 (1 Operational) x Tomahawk sqn - 24/24 aircraft with 2 reserves (2 per turn).

As before, I can't see that this squadron got involved last turn. It has increased its strength by the 2 reserves and so is now at full strength. This squadron is assigned to help the Hurricanes and is given air superiority duty.

1 (1 Operational) x Gladiator sqn - 18/24 aircraft no reserves (0 per turn).

No change to this squadron. With Me-109's about I keep this in combat support mode

1 (1 Operational) x Morane-Saulnier - 1/2 aircraft no reserves and no more replacements

He's still there!




Attachment (1)

_____________________________

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



(in reply to warspite1)
Post #: 237
RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) - 1/28/2018 7:30:26 AM   
warspite1


Posts: 41353
Joined: 2/2/2008
From: England
Status: offline 		Turn 63
23rd April 1941

I can't be too critical given the performance last turn, but once again, at a really crucial juncture, the 7th Armoured go walk about (reorganising). This means that for this round I am going to need to rely on artillery.

I make a mistake. The best thing to do I think is keep Sofafi dug-in. But I get all excited and the 3rd Coldstream Guards attacks a lone Italian company - forcing the Italian to retreat but meaning the guardsmen advance....

There are a number of Italians at Bir Khamsa to the south and I send the Indians to investigate.




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< Message edited by warspite1 -- 1/28/2018 8:07:33 AM >

_____________________________

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



(in reply to warspite1)
Post #: 238
RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) - 1/28/2018 7:44:07 AM   
warspite1


Posts: 41353
Joined: 2/2/2008
From: England
Status: offline 		Turn 63
23rd September 1941

I need to check the situation in Tobruk. The 10th Battalion, 18th Australian Infantry Brigade has disappeared.

I'm not too sure what has happened here. I re-check the withdrawals report and there is no mention. Knowing there is a problem with the two Aussie Divisions I check the documentation but can't see anything. I check the bombardments for the last turn and it looks like the 10th was never engaged.

I'm not too sure of the position but can't see this is the start of further 18th Brigade withdrawals so instead engage in a bit of re-jigging. I move a battalion of Poles to the southwestern strong point and an Australian battalion to aid the Poles (no direct route).

< Message edited by warspite1 -- 1/28/2018 8:03:44 AM >

_____________________________

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



(in reply to warspite1)
Post #: 239
RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) - 1/28/2018 8:13:34 AM   
warspite1


Posts: 41353
Joined: 2/2/2008
From: England
Status: offline 		Turn 63
23rd September 1941

Round 1

It looks like the Axis air forces have been reinforced. I am struck by wave after wave of air strikes....

The first round sees bombardments at Tobruk in addition to those shown in the picture above.

Round 3

The bombardments continue. At Bir Khamsa the Indians have mixed success but what is clear is that the Axis forces are there in strength.... There is no way that the Indians are strong enough to fight through, indeed they need to be careful they don't over-extend themselves.

Round 5

Heeding my own advice I pull back with the Indians - but the 18th KEO Cavalry are attacked in doing so. Bombardments continue as before but this time the most northerly German panzer forces are attacked by the 2nd Armoured and whatever else can be called upon. The Germans retreat and a unit from the 15th Panzer Division is evaporated.

Round 7

At last the bombardments around Tobruk net one evaporated Italian infantry. Meanwhile the Italians southwest of Oxford Circus are forced back in the face of pressure from the 4th Indian Division, supported by tanks of the 42nd RTR. It looks like another panzer unit has been destroyed to the north - although I thought I had already accounted for the 5th Panzer Regiment?


Position at the start of Round 9. The Indians in the south have been pulled back. I stupidly left it too late to try and rescue the Coldstream Guards...



Attachment (1)

< Message edited by warspite1 -- 1/28/2018 8:50:24 AM >

_____________________________

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



(in reply to warspite1)
Post #: 240
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