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

Matrix Games Forums

Forums Register Login Photo Gallery Member List Search Calendars FAQ

My Profile Inbox Address Book My Subscription My Forums Log Out

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

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

Logged in as: Guest

Users viewing this topic: none

Printable Version

All Forums >> [New Releases from Matrix Games] >> The Operational Art of War IV >> After Action Reports >> RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW)

Page: << < prev 13 14 [15] 16 17 next > >>

Message

<< Older Topic Newer Topic >>

RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) - 2/14/2018 7:04:32 AM

warspite1

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

Turn 101 - Axis Turn
3rd September 1941

The second anniversary of the war (although not according to Rafe McCauley).

The Axis too limited themselves to bombardments this turn and its punishing for the poor ******* defending Tobruk - none more so than the Australian 15th Battalion that simply evaporates during its 5th barrage of the turn.

The only non-Tobruk action was in the Halfaya Pass where the Italians decided to try and subdue any thoughts of counter-attack by the British. The bombardment was carried out by the Savona Division's 12th Artillery Regt, but all they got for their trouble and pain, was a rented room in Whalley Range... er sorry that was a line from a Smiths track; I meant to say, all they got for their trouble and pain was a few 75mm guns and other odds and ends decommissioned.

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by warspite1 -- 2/14/2018 7:06:38 AM >

_____________________________

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

(in reply to warspite1)

Post #: 421

RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) - 2/14/2018 7:11:51 AM

warspite1

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

Turn 101
3rd September 1941

As seen above the woe in Tobruk continues. Now that there are no distractions around Tobruk, the Axis can properly concentrate on reducing the fortress - this can be shown from the unpleasant stats below (and this doesn't even include the Australians which of course makes these stats even worse).....

Between turn 97 and turn 99 the Allies lost 33 Rifle Squads, in turn 100 it was 22 but last turn in was 63. And that is the good news...

.... the garrison is almost devoid of AA - 88 pieces at the start of turn 97 and this is now just 19, while anti-tank pieces number just 6.

To add to the fun, the 1st Polish Brigade have decided to reorganise.

Anyone got any good news?

< Message edited by warspite1 -- 2/14/2018 7:18:04 AM >

_____________________________

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

(in reply to warspite1)

Post #: 422

RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) - 2/14/2018 7:57:05 AM

warspite1

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

Turn 101
3rd September 1941

With Tobruk under such intense pressure I order the Royal Navy to sea once again. They are tasked with escorting a convoy carrying a company of the 23rd Australian Battalion to Tobruk. They will take the convoy as far as Sollum and then take up bombardment positions. The convoy will then (hopefully) carry on as far as Tobruk.

The order can only be given because every fighter squadron (except the Beaufighters) is operational.

The plan goes well initially but as before the Axis air forces intercept the task force northwest of Sidi Barrani. 55 Axis fighters escort 16 of the deadly Ju-87. However, 68 CW fighter are flying CAP and catch the enemy. The CW lose 8 fighters (1 destroyed) but the Axis lose 26 (12 destroyed, including 7 Ju-87). HMS Queen Elizabeth is lightly damaged.

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by warspite1 -- 2/14/2018 8:11:30 AM >

_____________________________

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

(in reply to warspite1)

Post #: 423

RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) - 2/14/2018 8:12:37 AM

warspite1

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

Turn 101
3rd September 1941

The task force continues on to its bombardment location, but before it reaches it, the ships come under renewed attack. 31 Italian fighters escort the 4 remaining Ju-87 - but they are again bounced by the CAP - which has been increased to 84 fighters. 4 Allied fighters are disabled, but they succeed in stopping the attack on the RN and in the process dispatch 6 fighters (2 destroyed) and the remainder of the Ju-87. Note: the Loss Report says these were disabled, while the Full Report states they were evaporated?

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by warspite1 -- 2/14/2018 8:20:20 AM >

_____________________________

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

(in reply to warspite1)

Post #: 424

RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) - 2/14/2018 8:21:32 AM

warspite1

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

Turn 101
3rd September 1941

The small Australian contingent arrives in Tobruk. It's not the reinforcements the garrison was hoping for, but as Tesco say, every little helps.

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by warspite1 -- 2/14/2018 8:22:21 AM >

_____________________________

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

(in reply to warspite1)

Post #: 425

RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) - 2/14/2018 8:28:35 AM

warspite1

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

Turn 101
3rd September 1941

With Recce still at 0% I send scouts out to try and find out what the enemy has southwest of Sollum......

Sadly work calls and I have to continue later...

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by warspite1 -- 2/14/2018 8:29:46 AM >

_____________________________

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

(in reply to warspite1)

Post #: 426

RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) - 2/14/2018 10:28:38 AM

DanNeely

Posts: 489
Joined: 10/18/2005
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: warspite1

Turn 101
3rd September 1941

The task force continues on to its bombardment location, but before it reaches it, the ships come under renewed attack. 31 Italian fighters escort the 4 remaining Ju-87 - but they are again bounced by the CAP - which has been increased to 84 fighters. 4 Allied fighters are disabled, but they succeed in stopping the attack on the RN and in the process dispatch 6 fighters (2 destroyed) and the remainder of the Ju-87. Note: the Loss Report says these were disabled, while the Full Report states they were evaporated?

Evaporated means the unit took so many losses that it was disbanded and any remaining equipment was tagged as damaged and sent back to the replacement inventory.

Likely you damaged between 1 and 3 Ju-87's directly in combat (although all 4 is possible) and then TOAW decided the unit had taken too many losses, evaporated it and added the remaining aircraft to the damaged column as well.

_____________________________

Did you ever see history portrayed as an old man ... weighing all things in the balance of reason?
Is not [it] an eternal, imploring maiden, full of fire, with a burning heart and flaming soul, humanly warm and humanly beautiful?
--Zachris Topelius

(in reply to warspite1)

Post #: 427

RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) - 2/14/2018 8:28:42 PM

warspite1

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

quote:

ORIGINAL: DanNeely

quote:

ORIGINAL: warspite1

Turn 101
3rd September 1941

The task force continues on to its bombardment location, but before it reaches it, the ships come under renewed attack. 31 Italian fighters escort the 4 remaining Ju-87 - but they are again bounced by the CAP - which has been increased to 84 fighters. 4 Allied fighters are disabled, but they succeed in stopping the attack on the RN and in the process dispatch 6 fighters (2 destroyed) and the remainder of the Ju-87. Note: the Loss Report says these were disabled, while the Full Report states they were evaporated?

Evaporated means the unit took so many losses that it was disbanded and any remaining equipment was tagged as damaged and sent back to the replacement inventory.

Likely you damaged between 1 and 3 Ju-87's directly in combat (although all 4 is possible) and then TOAW decided the unit had taken too many losses, evaporated it and added the remaining aircraft to the damaged column as well.

warspite1

Thank-you.

_____________________________

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

(in reply to DanNeely)

Post #: 428

RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) - 2/14/2018 8:34:01 PM

warspite1

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

Turn 101
3rd September 1941

This game is soooo tense!

Not knowing how long a turn I'd have I decided to keep the Royal Navy at sea until my nerves could stand it no longer. I ordered bombardments out of Tobruk, off the coast east of Sollum and from the Halfaya Pass.

Given the absolute pounding being dished out to the defenders of Tobruk it was nice to be able to reciprocate, at least in part.

The only issue was that I've taken Sollum but I'm not sure the forces there are strong enough to hold the town.....(note: the attack does not show on the report below as it was taken pre-combat on Round 7).

Axis losses (I can't be certain on size but these are my educated guesses from what I can see).
Bn. of 16th Regt.
2 x Bns. of 20th Regt.
Bn. of 61st Regt.
Cpy. of Bersaglieri
Cpy. of 27th Bn.
200th Pioneer Bn.
33rd PJ Bn.
102nd AA Regt.
102nd AT Bn.
42nd GaF Art Regt.
RECAM Art Regt.

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by warspite1 -- 2/14/2018 8:46:35 PM >

_____________________________

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

(in reply to warspite1)

Post #: 429

RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) - 2/14/2018 10:42:33 PM

DanNeely

Posts: 489
Joined: 10/18/2005
Status: offline

On the subject of bombardment and the Royal Navy getting a bit of payback against the axis Airforce, your battleships should have the range to bombard the enemy air units (use airfield attack) at Sidi Azeiz if they're still there next turn; artillery of any sort against planes on the ground tends to go really badly for the flyboys.

_____________________________

(in reply to warspite1)

Post #: 430

RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) - 2/15/2018 4:43:02 AM

warspite1

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

quote:

ORIGINAL: DanNeely

On the subject of bombardment and the Royal Navy getting a bit of payback against the axis Airforce, your battleships should have the range to bombard the enemy air units (use airfield attack) at Sidi Azeiz if they're still there next turn; artillery of any sort against planes on the ground tends to go really badly for the flyboys.

warspite1

Next turn? Maybe. I don't know how many Ju-87 the enemy has, but regardless of their number, I can't put the RN to sea without adequate air cover. This turn I had 11 fighter squadrons available (and they were close to where the likely action was) and so felt able to risk sailing a task force. Whether I can sail next turn will depend first and foremost on what state my fighter units are in.

As for the airfields, yes its a good point, and I did some airfield bombardment earlier in the game west of Tobruk (very satisfying

) but at the moment I don't have battleships - I have just the one with two repairing. Well actually I have none, depending on whether I wish to sail with minor damage (and Queen Elizabeth was lightly damaged in the last attack).

So in summary, yes I need to utilise the navy - and attacking aircraft is good - but I can't afford to go all guns blazing and risk their destruction at this stage. Given the casualty numbers being seen what is certain is that Tobruk will be captured sooner rather than later - I will need these ships for the defence of the Nile Delta no doubt.....

_____________________________

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

(in reply to DanNeely)

Post #: 431

RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) - 2/15/2018 6:38:31 AM

warspite1

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

Turn 102 - Axis Turn
6th September 1941

Another punishing turn for the defenders of Tobruk.

....and from what I can see devoncop is bringing in more artillery!!

1. Once again one of my recce units (a company from the 4th South African Armoured Car Bn.) that couldn't disengage properly is surrounded, destroyed and the attackers then run back to their lines.

2, 4, 8, 11, 12, 14, 17 - attacks against the southwestern strongpoint. These are all artillery attacks. The Maori battalion went from 50 rifle squads to evaporated in two turns..... I also lost the Kopanski Machine Gun Battalion that I couldn't move last turn because the Polish Brigade were reorganising.....

3, 5, 9, 16 - attacks against the eastern strongpoint. The fifth attack was an air strike by 124 bombers, escorted by 253 fighters. 37 Allied fighters fly to assist the defenders and suffer 12 losses (2 destroyed), while the Axis lose 23 (7 destroyed) and the bombing attack is not pressed home. Axis persistence is rewarded better in the third attack which is carried out by 62 fighters and 19 bombers. For the loss of 18 aircraft (8 destroyed), the Axis dish out 21 losses (8 destroyed) on the Allies - although once again the bombing mission was stopped.

6. - an attack on RAF Dekheila, west of Alexandria by 21 Italian bombers. 15 of the bombers are lost (1 destroyed) and there is no damage to the airfield or the aircraft based there.

7, 10, 13 - three air strikes on RAF Buq Buq. The first wave sees 21 bombers escorted by 106 fighters attack and 23 are lost (4 destroyed) after meeting 60 fighters and 22 Blenheims (which were based there). 16 Allied aircraft are lost (4 destroyed). In the second attack 9 bombers and 36 fighters are employed, losing 10 (3 destroyed) after running up against 59 Allied fighters who lose 5 aircraft.

15 - an artillery barrage against the western strongpoint.

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by warspite1 -- 2/15/2018 7:19:08 AM >

_____________________________

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

(in reply to warspite1)

Post #: 432

RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) - 2/15/2018 7:20:11 AM

warspite1

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

Turn 102
6th September 1941

So what does that all mean for my defenders of Tobruk and the air forces?

Well its been another punishing turn and the numbers of aircraft available this turn - 8 out of 20 squadrons are available.... There will be no RN activity.

The Tobruk situation continues to deteriorate with only 73% of T+OE for the rifle squads and almost all heavy weapons destroyed.

< Message edited by warspite1 -- 2/15/2018 7:35:34 PM >

_____________________________

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

(in reply to warspite1)

Post #: 433

RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) - 2/15/2018 10:28:24 AM

DanNeely

Posts: 489
Joined: 10/18/2005
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: warspite1

quote:

ORIGINAL: DanNeely

On the subject of bombardment and the Royal Navy getting a bit of payback against the axis Airforce, your battleships should have the range to bombard the enemy air units (use airfield attack) at Sidi Azeiz if they're still there next turn; artillery of any sort against planes on the ground tends to go really badly for the flyboys.

warspite1

Next turn? Maybe. I don't know how many Ju-87 the enemy has, but regardless of their number, I can't put the RN to sea without adequate air cover. This turn I had 11 fighter squadrons available (and they were close to where the likely action was) and so felt able to risk sailing a task force. Whether I can sail next turn will depend first and foremost on what state my fighter units are in.

As for the airfields, yes its a good point, and I did some airfield bombardment earlier in the game west of Tobruk (very satisfying ) but at the moment I don't have battleships - I have just the one with two repairing. Well actually I have none, depending on whether I wish to sail with minor damage (and Queen Elizabeth was lightly damaged in the last attack).

So in summary, yes I need to utilise the navy - and attacking aircraft is good - but I can't afford to go all guns blazing and risk their destruction at this stage. Given the casualty numbers being seen what is certain is that Tobruk will be captured sooner rather than later - I will need these ships for the defence of the Nile Delta no doubt.....

Do you have any heavy cruisers? I think they've got the range as well even if your lighter ships don't - unless the enemy are using air fields even closer to shore.

_____________________________

(in reply to warspite1)

Post #: 434

RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) - 2/15/2018 7:05:10 PM

warspite1

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

quote:

ORIGINAL: DanNeely

quote:

ORIGINAL: warspite1

quote:

ORIGINAL: DanNeely

On the subject of bombardment and the Royal Navy getting a bit of payback against the axis Airforce, your battleships should have the range to bombard the enemy air units (use airfield attack) at Sidi Azeiz if they're still there next turn; artillery of any sort against planes on the ground tends to go really badly for the flyboys.

warspite1

Next turn? Maybe. I don't know how many Ju-87 the enemy has, but regardless of their number, I can't put the RN to sea without adequate air cover. This turn I had 11 fighter squadrons available (and they were close to where the likely action was) and so felt able to risk sailing a task force. Whether I can sail next turn will depend first and foremost on what state my fighter units are in.

As for the airfields, yes its a good point, and I did some airfield bombardment earlier in the game west of Tobruk (very satisfying ) but at the moment I don't have battleships - I have just the one with two repairing. Well actually I have none, depending on whether I wish to sail with minor damage (and Queen Elizabeth was lightly damaged in the last attack).

So in summary, yes I need to utilise the navy - and attacking aircraft is good - but I can't afford to go all guns blazing and risk their destruction at this stage. Given the casualty numbers being seen what is certain is that Tobruk will be captured sooner rather than later - I will need these ships for the defence of the Nile Delta no doubt.....

Do you have any heavy cruisers? I think they've got the range as well even if your lighter ships don't - unless the enemy are using air fields even closer to shore.

warspite1

No, the RN only has HMS York in this game (and were a rarity in the Med for the RN) and she's been withdrawn. Given what happened to my lighter ship previously, there is no way they are going to sea alone.

_____________________________

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

(in reply to DanNeely)

Post #: 435

RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) - 2/15/2018 7:39:04 PM

warspite1

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

Turn 102
6th September 1941

The turn was something of a downer for the CW. Only two rounds were possible before a proficiency check was failed....

The only good news is the the HQ of the Cirene Division was destroyed west of Sollum. Sadly that is where the good news begins and ends...

Attachment (1)

_____________________________

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

(in reply to warspite1)

Post #: 436

RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) - 2/15/2018 7:40:06 PM

Zorch

Posts: 7087
Joined: 3/7/2010
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: warspite1

quote:

ORIGINAL: DanNeely

quote:

ORIGINAL: warspite1

quote:

ORIGINAL: DanNeely

On the subject of bombardment and the Royal Navy getting a bit of payback against the axis Airforce, your battleships should have the range to bombard the enemy air units (use airfield attack) at Sidi Azeiz if they're still there next turn; artillery of any sort against planes on the ground tends to go really badly for the flyboys.

warspite1

Next turn? Maybe. I don't know how many Ju-87 the enemy has, but regardless of their number, I can't put the RN to sea without adequate air cover. This turn I had 11 fighter squadrons available (and they were close to where the likely action was) and so felt able to risk sailing a task force. Whether I can sail next turn will depend first and foremost on what state my fighter units are in.

As for the airfields, yes its a good point, and I did some airfield bombardment earlier in the game west of Tobruk (very satisfying ) but at the moment I don't have battleships - I have just the one with two repairing. Well actually I have none, depending on whether I wish to sail with minor damage (and Queen Elizabeth was lightly damaged in the last attack).

So in summary, yes I need to utilise the navy - and attacking aircraft is good - but I can't afford to go all guns blazing and risk their destruction at this stage. Given the casualty numbers being seen what is certain is that Tobruk will be captured sooner rather than later - I will need these ships for the defence of the Nile Delta no doubt.....

Do you have any heavy cruisers? I think they've got the range as well even if your lighter ships don't - unless the enemy are using air fields even closer to shore.

warspite1

No, the RN only has HMS York in this game (and were a rarity in the Med for the RN) and she's been withdrawn. Given what happened to my lighter ship previously, there is no way they are going to sea alone.

Um, what was that quote about '3 years to build a ship, 300 to build a tradition'?

(in reply to warspite1)

Post #: 437

RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) - 2/15/2018 7:48:02 PM

warspite1

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

quote:

ORIGINAL: Zorch

quote:

ORIGINAL: warspite1

quote:

ORIGINAL: DanNeely

quote:

ORIGINAL: warspite1

quote:

ORIGINAL: DanNeely

On the subject of bombardment and the Royal Navy getting a bit of payback against the axis Airforce, your battleships should have the range to bombard the enemy air units (use airfield attack) at Sidi Azeiz if they're still there next turn; artillery of any sort against planes on the ground tends to go really badly for the flyboys.

warspite1

Next turn? Maybe. I don't know how many Ju-87 the enemy has, but regardless of their number, I can't put the RN to sea without adequate air cover. This turn I had 11 fighter squadrons available (and they were close to where the likely action was) and so felt able to risk sailing a task force. Whether I can sail next turn will depend first and foremost on what state my fighter units are in.

As for the airfields, yes its a good point, and I did some airfield bombardment earlier in the game west of Tobruk (very satisfying ) but at the moment I don't have battleships - I have just the one with two repairing. Well actually I have none, depending on whether I wish to sail with minor damage (and Queen Elizabeth was lightly damaged in the last attack).

So in summary, yes I need to utilise the navy - and attacking aircraft is good - but I can't afford to go all guns blazing and risk their destruction at this stage. Given the casualty numbers being seen what is certain is that Tobruk will be captured sooner rather than later - I will need these ships for the defence of the Nile Delta no doubt.....

Do you have any heavy cruisers? I think they've got the range as well even if your lighter ships don't - unless the enemy are using air fields even closer to shore.

warspite1

No, the RN only has HMS York in this game (and were a rarity in the Med for the RN) and she's been withdrawn. Given what happened to my lighter ship previously, there is no way they are going to sea alone.

Um, what was that quote about '3 years to build a ship, 300 to build a tradition'?

warspite1

Despite all evidence to the contrary when helping the army after balls up after military balls up, the senior service were not actually a kamikaze outfit

.

_____________________________

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

(in reply to Zorch)

Post #: 438

RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) - 2/16/2018 4:24:53 AM

warspite1

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

Turn 103 - Axis Turn
10th September 1941

Axis focus is entirely on Tobruk this turn. Eight bombardments; six against the Southwestern Graveyard and the other two directed against the Western.

Massive losses in the air are sustained by my fighters which is just so annoying. a) at least one squadron defies orders again and flies when on rest, and b) I don't want my remaining aircraft defending this area anyway but it seems I have no control over that. Unless I'm doing something wrong - and apart from pulling my aircraft back to the Delta I can't think what that may be - then this remains a frustrating aspect of the game. 37 fighters take to the air and 30 are lost (6 destroyed) including an entire Hurricane squadron. These units don't stop the bombing and only cost the Axis 21 losses (6 destroyed).

38 fighters then fly to try and stop the next attack and lose 13 (3 destroyed) - although they can't stop the bombing. At least in this instance I cause losses of 36 Axis aircraft (14 destroyed).

The remaining bombardments hurt badly and yet another Kiwi battalion evaporates.

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by warspite1 -- 2/16/2018 4:25:03 AM >

_____________________________

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

(in reply to warspite1)

Post #: 439

RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) - 2/16/2018 4:25:49 AM

warspite1

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

Turn 103
10th September 1941

Decisions, decisions....

The news from the air is not too bad, thanks to a reinforcement I can still field 20 squadrons, of which I can make 16 operational. One squadron is reorganising and three are resting, but all 5 bomber squadrons and 8 fighter squadrons are on call.

The news from Tobruk is tres tres b******s. Another infantry battalion was evaporated, leaving just 423 squads - 63% of T+OE

.

I can only press on and hope for the best.

< Message edited by warspite1 -- 2/16/2018 6:13:17 AM >

_____________________________

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

(in reply to warspite1)

Post #: 440

RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) - 2/16/2018 6:20:57 AM

warspite1

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

Turn 103
10th September 1941

With the return of the air cover, I send out a Royal Navy task force with the same composition as before - 1 battleship, two cruisers and three destroyers. They escort two AA regiments to a point off Sollum, whereupon the reinforcements continue their onward journey to Tobruk. This time there was no interception from the Axis air forces.

I decide there is little mileage in sitting around doing nothing and order the 1st South African Division toward Sidi Sulemein to the west of the western entrance to the Halfaya Pass. 2nd Armoured are in support, with elements of the 4th Indian Division further south.

From the pass, the 1st Army Tank Brigade head west to link up with the South Africans. As ever I pray to the god of Proficiency Checks and begin the turn with a series of bombardments against enemy positions around Fort Capuzzo.

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by warspite1 -- 2/16/2018 6:26:10 AM >

_____________________________

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

(in reply to warspite1)

Post #: 441

RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) - 2/16/2018 6:36:38 AM

warspite1

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

Turn 103
10th September 1941

I try to develop the attack by probing in the south around Fort Maddelenna. This may have been a mistake as the German 90th Light Division has set up here - and is supported by tanks.

Attachment (1)

_____________________________

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

(in reply to warspite1)

Post #: 442

RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) - 2/16/2018 9:06:45 AM

warspite1

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

Turn 103
10th September 1941

I continue with bombardments and then attack out of Sollum with the 22nd Guards Brigade. The expected result is light loss and an excellent attack. Despite all this the attack itself proves to be a disaster and I have not the slightest idea what just happened.

The Brescia Battalion and Pavia company are supported by artillery its true, but they retreat as expected. A battalion of motorised infantry (presumably from one of the panzer divisions joins the attack along with a regiment of Bersaglieri. Pretty much the entire 1st Army Tank Brigade support the infantry however....and yet:

- the Axis losses are 7 rifle squads 4 machine-guns and 1 45mm mortar.
- the British lose 125 rifle squads, 56 machine-guns, 39 mortars, 19 anti-tank guns, 4 AA guns, 289 trucks and 4 tracked carriers

during this "excellent" attack....

In the next round I try and advance out of the Halfaya. Another 'Excellent' attack involving the 1st Army Tank Brigade and two brigades of South African troops sees more pain for the Commonwealth forces.

Once again the attack is carried out against an Italian battalion and company that have been through numerous bombardments. Once again they are supported by artillery, as well as additional Italian and German units, including a panzer battalion from the 5th Panzer Regt - but this numbers just two Panzer MkII's....

70 Blenheims support the attack, escorted by 77 Hurricanes. In defence the Italians fly 15 fighters. The result? The Italians lose 5 aircraft (2 destroyed) and the Commonwealth manage to lose 9 (3 destroyed) against such a formidable foe....

But that's the good news. In the land attack the:

- Axis lose 63 rifle squads, 1 machine gun squad, 6 machine guns, 2 mortars and 6 trucks.
- The British/South Africans lose 96 rifle squads, 16 machine gun squads, 101 machine guns, 25 anti-tank guns, 11 field artillery pieces, 21 mortars, 2 AA guns and 10 tanks.

I have air superiority, I have a good mix of artillery, tanks and infantry as well as a large number of bombers, I am attacking from three sides, all units assisting the defenders were subject to barrage previously but the numbers are what they are. I find that difficult to understand to say the least.

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by warspite1 -- 2/16/2018 9:27:14 AM >

_____________________________

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

(in reply to warspite1)

Post #: 443

RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) - 2/16/2018 9:47:43 AM

warspite1

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

Turn 103
10th September 1941

The final attack sees the Axis pushed back northwest of Sidi Sulemein, but once again this is only achieved with losses that outstrip those inflicted. I guess I am doing something very wrong, but given I'm softening up the defenders, I have air superiority and am attacking with good numbers (superiority) of combined arms forces, I can't see what else I can do.

_____________________________

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

(in reply to warspite1)

Post #: 444

RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) - 2/16/2018 5:19:05 PM

warspite1

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

Turn 104 - Axis Turn
13th September 1941

20 attacks/barrages from the Axis this turn. The CW airforce kept creamed again, losing 12 unescorted Blenheims (3 destroyed) for the loss of 19 rifle squads, 12 machine guns and a mortar. The two reconnaissance units behind the lines are destroyed.

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by warspite1 -- 2/16/2018 5:28:49 PM >

_____________________________

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

(in reply to warspite1)

Post #: 445

RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) - 2/16/2018 7:18:22 PM

warspite1

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

Turn 104
13th September 1941

We head toward the end-game in Tobruk, 71 net rifle squad losses, there are no units to rotate any longer.

I attack toward Fort Capuzzo, having first pulverised the stack of units - but the usual results - massive losses for the CW is the outcome

.

< Message edited by warspite1 -- 2/16/2018 7:29:34 PM >

_____________________________

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

(in reply to warspite1)

Post #: 446

RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) - 2/17/2018 6:37:15 AM

warspite1

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

Turn 105 - Axis Turn
17th September 1941

Same drill for the Axis; destroying any recce and other units that couldn't get away then withdrawing, thinning out the defences of Tobruk, and bombarding around Bardia. 22 Hurricanes tried to intercept but 8 were lost (2 destroyed), while the Axis lost 19 (7 destroyed).

2. Was a successful bombing mission with 148 fighters escorting 39 bombers.

5. This was another highly successful bombing mission - south of Sollum - although once again the Allies sought to intervene. 114 Hurricanes flew, losing 26 (6 destroyed). At least they managed to inflict some hurt on the 84 bombers and their 179-strong escort - total losses of 47 (11 destroyed). The bombers caused heavy losses amongst the Commonwealth artillery with 30 artillery pieces being lost.

7. The Axis air forces came back for more with a smaller raid - 24 fighters escorting 19 Italian bombers. No bombers go through, but despite what the caption says, the Commonwealth lost 5 Hurricanes (3 destroyed) for the loss of 7 of their own (5 destroyed).

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by warspite1 -- 2/17/2018 6:50:45 AM >

_____________________________

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

(in reply to warspite1)

Post #: 447

RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) - 2/17/2018 7:46:18 AM

warspite1

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

Turn 105
17th September 1941

Tobruk? Stalingrad more like, but with less house to house fighting and snow and more shelling and flies. The number of rifle companies is now less than 50%. The Polish Brigade are reorganising so I can't move them out of the way - not that there are any battalions in much better shape to swap them with.

I am in the "useless mouths" territory. Should I sail HQ out in order to allow a fall back to the 3 rear hexes? Should I simply stick it out for as long as I can? Who knows?

At least I have two more fighter squadrons to play with

The issue here though is that there are only so many airfields - and there is a limit of three squadrons per airfield. Well they said the Desert War was a battle for airfields so.....

As I have 10 operational fighter squadrons, I decide to order the Royal Navy (same task force composition as before (1 BB, 2 x CL, 3 x DD) but this time led by HMS Barham) to take up position off the coast of Sollum. They escort an Australian company, which then makes its way to Tobruk - two Kiwi brigade HQ's are sent the other way and land at Mersa Matruh.

< Message edited by warspite1 -- 2/17/2018 8:31:40 AM >

_____________________________

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

(in reply to warspite1)

Post #: 448

RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) - 2/17/2018 8:31:30 AM

warspite1

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

Turn 105
17th September 1941

Pre-combat, a South African force pushes back an Italian motorised infantry regiment between Fort Capuzzo and Sollum.

I order a barrage to be laid down along the German/Italian front line.

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by warspite1 -- 2/17/2018 8:36:09 AM >

_____________________________

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

(in reply to warspite1)

Post #: 449

RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) - 2/17/2018 8:44:44 AM

warspite1

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

Turn 105
17th September 1941

Three rounds of bombardments are carried out before I decide to launch an attack southeast of Fort Capuzzo. From the look of things this is the biggest attack of the Western Desert Campaign so far. I am now going to work through the stats....

The battle involved the following:

7th Armoured Division
4th Armoured Brigade
2nd Royal Tank Regiment
6th Royal Tank Regiment

3rd Royal Horse Artillery Regt.

1st Army Tank Brigade
4th Royal Tank Regiment
8th Royal Tank Regiment
42nd Royal Tank Regiment
44th Royal Tank Regiment

1st Light AA Regt.
61st Heavy AA Regt.
73rd Anti-Tank Regt.
57th Heavy AA Regt. (attached from 8th Army)
1st Royal Northumberland Fusiliers Bn. (attached from XIII Corps)

1st South African Division
2nd South African Brigade
1st Natal Mounted Rifles Bn.
1st Field Force Bn.

5th South African Brigade
1st South African Irish Bn.
2nd Regiment Botha

2nd South African Division
Middellandse Machine-Gun Bn.
6th South African Armoured Car Regt.
2nd South African Anti-Tank
2nd South African Light AA Regt.

Royal Navy - Bombardment Force
HMS Barham, HMS Arethusa, HMS Ajax, HMS Lance, HMS Mohawk, HMS Ledbury

Royal Air Force, Royal Australian Air Force and South African Air Force
12 fighter squadrons (2 of which were placed on REST for this turn

)
5 Blenheim squadrons
1 Gladiator squadron
1 Albacore squadron

German / Italian formations

Savona Division
15th Regiment
II Bn.
XXI Tank - attached (1 company?)

Bologna Division
40th Regiment HQ 1 Company?

Trento Division
551st Machine Gun Bn.
Gruppo Fabrizi (?)

Pavia Division
17th Machine-Gun Bn.
26th Artillery Regt.
147th Artillery Regt. (attached from X Corps)

15th Panzer Division
8th Panzer Regt. HQ
Gruppe Fisher Artillery Regt?

90th Light Division
361st Regiment
2nd Bn.

Regia Aeronautica
4 fighter squadrons

Luftwaffe
3 fighter squadrons

< Message edited by warspite1 -- 2/17/2018 9:32:43 AM >

_____________________________

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

(in reply to warspite1)

Post #: 450

Page: << < prev 13 14 [15] 16 17 next > >>

All Forums >> [New Releases from Matrix Games] >> The Operational Art of War IV >> After Action Reports >> RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW)