RE: State of the German IDs.

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RE: State of the German IDs. - 5/4/2019 4:28:58 PM

xhoel

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That would make sense and it is a good point. Will keep it in mind from now on. Thanks Tele!

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Post #: 391

RE: State of the German IDs. - 5/4/2019 5:09:14 PM

John B.

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Glad to see that this game is ongoing. I've been wondering what has been going on.

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Post #: 392

RE: State of the German IDs. - 5/7/2019 8:05:11 PM

xhoel

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quote:

ORIGINAL: John B.

Glad to see that this game is ongoing. I've been wondering what has been going on.

We just finished the mud turns so there hasn't been much going on. A big update is coming soon though as I am wrapping up the first week of May (clear weather finally) so expect regular updates once T47 gets posted :D

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Post #: 393

Technical Update. - 5/7/2019 10:35:15 PM

xhoel

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Just a quick update:

I have re-uploaded the images for turns 4-8 because I wanted to remove the watermark that Photobucket puts on the pictures that it hosts. The new pictures have no watermarks and are of higher quality. I will update turns 9-16 soon thus making sure that all screenshots are of high quality and easy to read/interpret.

Thanks!

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Post #: 394

T47 - 5/9/2019 3:11:26 PM

xhoel

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T47, 7th of May-14th of May 1942
AGN

The front in the north remained static during the mud turns. Units in the Vaidai sector were pulled back for R&R and were substituted by fresh formations. We do not expect a lot of action in this area any time soon.
The 9th Army has been transferred to Army Group North and will remain under their command permanently. The main objective of the 9th Army will be the crossing of the Lama river which will enable us to flank Soviet defenses in front of Moscow. The 18th Army has taken positions in front of Moscow and will act as a holding force.

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Post #: 395

RE: T47 - 5/9/2019 3:31:58 PM

xhoel

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AGC

The pocket that was created at the end of March was not broken by the Soviets. Instead the enemy chose to reatreat along the front in order to shorten their lines. We pulled back our armored formations in order for them to rest and replenish their losses. There was quite a lot of fighting this week in the Center as we destroyed the trapped enemy forces after heavy fighting. Sporadic attacks pushed back the weakened Soviet defenders in front of Voronezh. The city will be the main objective for the spring offensive.

Start of mud:

Positions at the start of the week:

Positions after Axis moves:

General overview of Voronezh:

Pocket Losses:

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by xhoel -- 5/9/2019 3:32:09 PM >

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RE: T47 - 5/9/2019 4:04:43 PM

xhoel

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AGS

In the south the enemy has pulled back and is digging in. They abandoned Voroshilovgrad to shorten their lines and to prevent an encirclement. We have attacked where the enemy was weak but have not ordered our armored formations forward yet. We have secured a bridgehead over the Derkul river. Our goal in the south is to cut the rail line that is supplying the Soviet forces located between the Donets and the Don and to flank them so that they retreat therefore abandoning their well prepared defensive positions.

Positions at the start of the week:

Positions after Axis moves:

Plan:

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Post #: 397

RE: T47 - 5/9/2019 4:35:49 PM

xhoel

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Crimea

The heaviest fighting of the week however took place in the Crimea. The 11th Army and the XXIV Panzer Corps broke through the Soviet defenses at Kerch and managed to cut off 4 divisions and 2 Rifle Brigades. The operation is being supported by the V Fliegerkorps which has performed splendidly so far, destroying 202 airframes and losing only 26 aircraft in the process. The pocket should hold and we should be able to destroy the trapped Soviet forces as well as take Kerch by next week.

This offensive is part of the larger operation which aims to capture Sevastopol. The fall of the fortress would allow us to redeploy the 11th Army elsewhere but it will not be a easy operation considering how well fortified the fortress is.

Attachment (1)

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Post #: 398

RE: T47 - 5/9/2019 5:16:48 PM

xhoel

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Casualties

The Soviet took heavy losses this week, losing around 80.000 men and 810 guns while Axis losses were normal at 9.300 men. In the air, the LW displayed that it still has control of the skies, the enemy lost around 600 airframes while we lost 73. Both ground and air losses will surely mount as we restart offensive operations.

Soviet OOB has reached 5.1 million men while the German OOB sits at 3.7 million.

Attachment (1)

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Post #: 399

T48: Crimea - 5/12/2019 9:53:24 PM

xhoel

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T48, 14th of May-21st of May 1942.

Finnish Front

Mud in all zones except for the Crimea. The Soviets begin a powerful air offensive in the north causing heavy losses to the Finnish fighter groups. The units have been pulled back for R&R. Luftflotte 1 may deploy German fighter groups in order to take the Soviets by surprise soon.

Crimea

The main focus remains the Crimea. The Soviets launched 2 brilliant naval landings in our rear cutting rail lines leading to the Crimea. Coupled together with the mud, this meant that the 11th Army as well as the independent Corps operating in the sector were denied proper resupply and found themselves in a difficult situation. The 11th Panzer Division was isolated.

However the shock of the Soviet offensive didn't last long. The OKH ordered the 4th Panzer Division (which was R&R in Nikolaev) to move to the Crimea and clear the western passage. The 1st SS Mot. Brigade and the 2nd Rum. ID also took part in the operation. By the end of the week, 2 Naval Infantry Brigades were destroyed and the path was cleared. The operation in the eastern part was not as successful however. We managed to push 1 Naval Infantry Brigade back but the final assault failed and the Soviets still hold their positions. They will have to be taken care of next week.

Battle that was circled in black shown above.

In the Kerch peninsula, the Soviet 51st Army met its doom as its trapped forces were destroyed after heavy fighting. The port of Kerch was taken after a strong assault. 46.000 men were captured during this operation.

Our troops will now redeploy to Sevastopol with the goal of taking the fortress. The capture of the city would deny the Soviets the opportunity to launch such naval invasions and would make the securing of rear areas much easier.

Opinion: I have been thinking all these turns that it is a shame that not many players use the amphibious capabilities that the Soviets have (at least I have never seen it done in an AAR so far) but Bitburgerdraft absolutely surprised me with his move and I was impressed by his conduct (and I said so). It definitely makes the game much more fun and realistic.

Attachment (1)

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RE: T47 - 5/12/2019 10:49:26 PM

HardLuckYetAgain

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quote:

Opinion: I have been thinking all these turns that it is a shame that not many players use the amphibious capabilities that the Soviets have (at least I have never seen it done in an AAR so far) but Bitburgerdraft absolutely surprised me with his move and I was impressed by his conduct (and I said so). It definitely makes the game much more fun and realistic.

I know I have seen Amphib invasions in other AARs(TimmyB had one in his to name one) Not to mention that there are restrictions normally placed on Soviets of no amphib unti such and such date. Third, majority of AARs are from German POV. But they are done.

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RE: T48: Crimea - 5/12/2019 10:56:45 PM

HardLuckYetAgain

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quote:

ORIGINAL: xhoel

T48, 14th of May-21st of May 1942.

Finnish Front

Mud in all zones except for the Crimea. The Soviets begin a powerful air offensive in the north causing heavy losses to the Finnish fighter groups. The units have been pulled back for R&R. Luftflotte 1 may deploy German fighter groups in order to take the Soviets by surprise soon.

I dont think I would bomb Finnish units at all if I were the Soviets here. But that is just me. Loses to Germans >> than having them on the Finns. But maybe I am missing something like easy targets. I will watch this to see how this pans out.

< Message edited by HardLuckYetAgain -- 5/12/2019 10:57:22 PM >

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RE: T47 - 5/12/2019 11:08:18 PM

xhoel

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quote:

ORIGINAL: HardLuckYetAgain

quote:

Opinion: I have been thinking all these turns that it is a shame that not many players use the amphibious capabilities that the Soviets have (at least I have never seen it done in an AAR so far) but Bitburgerdraft absolutely surprised me with his move and I was impressed by his conduct (and I said so). It definitely makes the game much more fun and realistic.

I know I have seen Amphib invasions in other AARs(TimmyB had one in his to name one) Not to mention that there are restrictions normally placed on Soviets of no amphib unti such and such date. Third, majority of AARs are from German POV. But they are done.

I must have missed that one. But as far as I can tell they are not done very often. What restrictions are you talking about? We are using house rules that allow naval invasions in 1942 and after and that is a common house rule AFAIK. Other than that there are no restrictions put on the Soviets unless I missed something. Regarding your 3rd point, if amphibious landings were done, the Axis player would still show the invasion in their AAR

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RE: T47 - 5/13/2019 12:56:11 AM

HardLuckYetAgain

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quote:

ORIGINAL: xhoel

quote:

ORIGINAL: HardLuckYetAgain

quote:

Opinion: I have been thinking all these turns that it is a shame that not many players use the amphibious capabilities that the Soviets have (at least I have never seen it done in an AAR so far) but Bitburgerdraft absolutely surprised me with his move and I was impressed by his conduct (and I said so). It definitely makes the game much more fun and realistic.

I know I have seen Amphib invasions in other AARs(TimmyB had one in his to name one) Not to mention that there are restrictions normally placed on Soviets of no amphib unti such and such date. Third, majority of AARs are from German POV. But they are done.

I must have missed that one. But as far as I can tell they are not done very often. What restrictions are you talking about? We are using house rules that allow naval invasions in 1942 and after and that is a common house rule AFAIK. Other than that there are no restrictions put on the Soviets unless I missed something. Regarding your 3rd point, if amphibious landings were done, the Axis player would still show the invasion in their AAR

You have to have the right circumstances. Plus still few AARs that go on longer than 42. Of course you could be correct and I am giving Soviets in general too much credit.

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RE: T47 - 5/13/2019 10:56:13 AM

chaos45

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the problem with naval invasions is they are crap basically.....all the soviet player did was throw away units since they are considered isolated unless u can effect a ground link up.

He would have had to take your ports in the crimea to be effective...which most German players usually just make sure some junk Romanian/Italian/Hungarian unit is hanging out in the ports or a german security regiment so the soviets cant isolate you. Since 1 port can supply an entire army group that's all you need to stay fully combat capable....also even if the soviets take the ports they wont function for several turns meaning a ground link is required or any naval units are insta wiped out the next turn...basically what happened here. Its a waste of units unless the German player is extremely careless and the right opportunity presents itself.

You could prolly get more use out of Soviet para units blocked rail lines/retreat paths in conjunction with a major offensive but most house rules don't all soviet para use as in real life it was a pretty big fiasco...dropping some units with no parachutes in the snow hoping they would still be able to fight an such. It served no real operational purpose end result so I can buy the not allowing it.

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RE: T47 - 5/13/2019 11:19:10 AM

xhoel

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quote:

ORIGINAL: chaos45

the problem with naval invasions is they are crap basically.....all the soviet player did was throw away units since they are considered isolated unless u can effect a ground link up.

He would have had to take your ports in the crimea to be effective...which most German players usually just make sure some junk Romanian/Italian/Hungarian unit is hanging out in the ports or a german security regiment so the soviets cant isolate you. Since 1 port can supply an entire army group that's all you need to stay fully combat capable....also even if the soviets take the ports they wont function for several turns meaning a ground link is required or any naval units are insta wiped out the next turn...basically what happened here. Its a waste of units unless the German player is extremely careless and the right opportunity presents itself.

You could prolly get more use out of Soviet para units blocked rail lines/retreat paths in conjunction with a major offensive but most house rules don't all soviet para use as in real life it was a pretty big fiasco...dropping some units with no parachutes in the snow hoping they would still be able to fight an such. It served no real operational purpose end result so I can buy the not allowing it.

Agree to disagree. My troops in the Crimea are not being supplied by a port so your point is null an void. I think that in the right circumstances a naval invasion gives you a lot of benefits. In this case a whole Army plus independent Corps were put in a bad supply situation, 1 panzer division was isolated and I had to pull units off other sectors to deal with the landing. Not to mention that they destroyed rail lines that will need to be repaired (hopefully the AI does its job). In this case the Soviets got unlucky because I had some reserves nearby so I was able to clear the western portion that was cut off.

In this game Paradrops are allowed but only within 3 hexes of supplied units. That means that the Soviets can still use them.

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RE: T47 - 5/13/2019 2:19:56 PM

HardLuckYetAgain

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quote:

ORIGINAL: xhoel

quote:

ORIGINAL: chaos45

the problem with naval invasions is they are crap basically.....all the soviet player did was throw away units since they are considered isolated unless u can effect a ground link up.

He would have had to take your ports in the crimea to be effective...which most German players usually just make sure some junk Romanian/Italian/Hungarian unit is hanging out in the ports or a german security regiment so the soviets cant isolate you. Since 1 port can supply an entire army group that's all you need to stay fully combat capable....also even if the soviets take the ports they wont function for several turns meaning a ground link is required or any naval units are insta wiped out the next turn...basically what happened here. Its a waste of units unless the German player is extremely careless and the right opportunity presents itself.

You could prolly get more use out of Soviet para units blocked rail lines/retreat paths in conjunction with a major offensive but most house rules don't all soviet para use as in real life it was a pretty big fiasco...dropping some units with no parachutes in the snow hoping they would still be able to fight an such. It served no real operational purpose end result so I can buy the not allowing it.

Agree to disagree. My troops in the Crimea are not being supplied by a port so your point is null an void. I think that in the right circumstances a naval invasion gives you a lot of benefits. In this case a whole Army plus independent Corps were put in a bad supply situation, 1 panzer division was isolated and I had to pull units off other sectors to deal with the landing. Not to mention that they destroyed rail lines that will need to be repaired (hopefully the AI does its job). In this case the Soviets got unlucky because I had some reserves nearby so I was able to clear the western portion that was cut off.

In this game Paradrops are allowed but only within 3 hexes of supplied units. That means that the Soviets can still use them.

Yevpatoriya is a port and Feodosiya is a port. That is why some of your units are in yellow supply and not red supply. Or are you getting supply across the swamp hexes? Should be able to tell pretty quickly where units supply is coming from. But if that swamp hex was cut you should have been able to still draw supply from the ports.

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by HardLuckYetAgain -- 5/13/2019 2:28:19 PM >

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RE: T47 - 5/13/2019 3:15:31 PM

chaos45

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Those ports should count as supply sources unless for some reason they are still heavily damaged. Guessing the panzer division was isolated because it was 4 or so hexes of enemy Zocs to supply it.

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RE: T47 - 5/13/2019 5:12:38 PM

xhoel

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Neither of those ports provide supply as I have shown in another post (see post #307). The supply my units are receiving is coming from the swamp hex. If that had been cut, all my units would have been isolated. Sevastopol projects a naval "control" which prohibits the usage of these ports for resupply or naval transport.

This is explicitly stated in the manual. See 14.2.3.5 Interdiction of Naval Movement.

< Message edited by xhoel -- 5/13/2019 5:24:47 PM >

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RE: T47 - 5/13/2019 8:53:13 PM

chaos45

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ahh neat learn something new all the time about the game.

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RE: T47 - 5/13/2019 9:18:46 PM

xhoel

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I learned it the hard way myself. It is nice to see that the Black Sea Fleet and the fortress of Sevastopol are modeled abstractly in the game and that the Axis need Sevastopol if they wish to use the ports. Makes taking the city even more interesting IMO.

For the readers who are too lazy to go back to post #307, below is what I was talking about. The image shows the naval interdiction that is projected from Sevastopol. No Axis units utilizing naval transport can move in/to the highlighted hexes and supply won't reach the ports located within the zone even if they are at 0 damage. The screenshot is from turn 30.

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by xhoel -- 5/13/2019 9:19:01 PM >

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RE: T47 - 5/14/2019 8:48:44 AM

Telemecus

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quote:

ORIGINAL: xhoel
For the readers who are too lazy to go back to post #307, below is what I was talking about. The image shows the naval interdiction that is projected from Sevastopol. No Axis units utilizing naval transport can move in/to the highlighted hexes and supply won't reach the ports located within the zone even if they are at 0 damage.

In the 8MP game timmyab spent a long time working out all the interdiction paths around Crimea - and with the ranges changing as ports got repaired. One curiosity for example was that Kerch in German hands would not be cut off by Black Sea ports because the Germans could actually trace supply over the Azov sea. In spite of what the manual says.

Historically there were a number of amphibious landings in 1941/2 by the Soviet Union in Crimea, and also next to Odessa. So it was a tactic they utilised. Because of the shape of the seas and supply lines this seems to be the best place to play it. So well worth learning the naval zones of control rules for the game around here.

< Message edited by Telemecus -- 5/14/2019 8:50:33 AM >

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RE: T47 - 5/15/2019 10:46:16 PM

xhoel

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Telemecus

quote:

ORIGINAL: xhoel
For the readers who are too lazy to go back to post #307, below is what I was talking about. The image shows the naval interdiction that is projected from Sevastopol. No Axis units utilizing naval transport can move in/to the highlighted hexes and supply won't reach the ports located within the zone even if they are at 0 damage.

In the 8MP game timmyab spent a long time working out all the interdiction paths around Crimea - and with the ranges changing as ports got repaired. One curiosity for example was that Kerch in German hands would not be cut off by Black Sea ports because the Germans could actually trace supply over the Azov sea. In spite of what the manual says.

Historically there were a number of amphibious landings in 1941/2 by the Soviet Union in Crimea, and also next to Odessa. So it was a tactic they utilised. Because of the shape of the seas and supply lines this seems to be the best place to play it. So well worth learning the naval zones of control rules for the game around here.

Yes that seems to be the case in regards to Kerch from what I am seeing in tests.

Yes I think it mirrors history nicely and it makes the game more interesting.

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T49 - 5/17/2019 8:53:54 PM

xhoel

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T49, 21st of May-28th of May 1942.
Report from the front:

Heavy fighting all along the front this week as the Axis go on the offensive.

-The 9th Army crosses the Lama river after very heavy fighting. The Soviets defend stubbornly and inflict heavy losses.
-Army Group Center encircles Soviet forces defending Voronezh. A massive pocket is created.
-Army Group South goes on the offensive as well and closes a small pocket.
-Soviet Naval forces that have been holding the entrance to the Crimea surrender after German attacks. The 11th Army prepares to begin the offensive on Sevastopol.

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by xhoel -- 5/17/2019 8:54:12 PM >

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RE: T49 - 5/17/2019 9:18:47 PM

xhoel

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AGN

The 9th Army in cooperation with the bulk of the 3rd Panzer Army and with support from the VIII Fliegerkorps launched an offensive that aimed at securing a bridgehead over the Lama river. Good progress was made in the first two battles as our units pushed the Soviets behind the river line. However extremely stubborn Soviet resistance both in the north (29th Army) and in the south (49th Army) prevented us from meeting the set goals. The Soviets held back 4 attacks in the north and another 4 in the south and bled our forces dry. We took heavy casualties in the fighting. Following attacks on the secondary line of defense failed to punch through Soviet defenses and the order came to cease offensive operations. At the end of the week our troops only managed to advance 10 miles and while the objective of securing a bridgehead was met, the heavy cost in material and men means that no further offensives of this kind will be pursued in this direction for the time beings.

Positions at the start of the week, enemy Army boundaries show:

Positions at the end of the week:

2nd Battle northeast of Volokolamsk:

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by xhoel -- 5/17/2019 9:19:03 PM >

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RE: T49 - 5/17/2019 9:48:24 PM

xhoel

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AGC

Army Group Center launched Operation Fuchs, the attempt to flank Voronezh from the north and cross the rivers Vornoezh and smaller Don. The success of the operation presented us with a prime opportunity to increase the scope of the offensive and attempt to encircle Voronezh itself. Thus orders were given and after heavy fighting, the 2nd Panzer Army together with the 4th Panzer Army cut through the Soviet rear and linked up with our forces on the Don. As it stands the pocket contains a total of 23 Rifle Divisions (+4 not yet properly identified), 4 Rifle Brigades as well as 3 AT Artillery Brigades. Some of the units trapped in the pocket are elite formations such as the 21st Rifle Division and the 26th Rifle Division (both have high morale and experience). The pocket is not watertight and there is a chance that the enemy may be able to break it, especially the bigger pocket around Voronezh. However we have done our best to position our forces in such a pattern that the enemy will have a hard time reaching them. Should the pocket hold, we will have delivered a powerful blow to the Soviet OOB and the Voronezh Front. The 37th, 33rd, 46th and 55th Armies have been routed or encircled and will not be combat ready for some time. Intelligence reports indicate that around 250.000-300.000 men are trapped in the pocket.

Positions at the start of the week:

Positions after the German moves:

Circled in black are the elite 21st and 26th Rifle Divisions.

Smaller pocket as part of Operation Luchs:

Bigger pocket, part of Operation Luchs 2:

Battles during Operation Luchs and Luchs 2:

Final overview of the pocket:

Attachment (1)

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RE: T49 - 5/17/2019 10:24:04 PM

xhoel

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AGS

Army Group South went in the offensive as well. Our troops crossed the Derkul river and pushed through Soviet defenses in the bend between the Donets and the Don where the 18th Army, commanded by the skilled General Rokossovsky was located. As a result of this advance, a small pocket containing 4 Rifle Divisions and 1 Rifle Brigade was created. The pocket can be broken if the Soviets commit to it but the general feeling is that they will use the time to pull back and establish new defensive lines south of the Don where they lack fortifications.

Positions at the start of the week:

Positions after Axis moves:

A failed battle in the South:

One of the many failed rolls of this week.

Pocket, closer look:

Another good news is that our offensive on Voronezh has cut off the Soviet rail line that is supplying Soviet forces south of the Don. This means that the enemy formations will have to rely on supply from 2 rail lines coming from Stalingrad (see map below).

Rail Map:

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by xhoel -- 5/17/2019 10:25:54 PM >

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RE: T49 - 5/17/2019 10:31:35 PM

xhoel

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Crimea

Our forces destroyed the 2 Soviet Naval Infantry Brigades that were blocking the eastern entrance to the Crimea. The 11th Army and the XXIV Panzer Corps have been deployed north of Sevastopol and are preparing for the coming siege. No attacks were launched this week save for probing air attacks.

Positions at the end of the week:

Attachment (1)

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RE: T49 - 5/17/2019 10:48:44 PM

xhoel

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Losses

This week saw some of the heaviest casualties so far due to the unsuccessful offensive north of Moscow and due to heavy fighting in the Voronezh sector as well as in the South. The Axis suffered 12.861 KIAs while the Soviets took 26.080 KIAs as well as 10.338 POWs. The losses will increase next week as many men are put out of action due to the heavy fighting that took place this week.

Also of note was the loss of 445 trucks during combat operations. The pool has 137.000 trucks read while 144.000 are required which translates to a 7.000 truck deficit which will only get worse as the mud hits next week.

Losses were heavy in the Air as well as the LW and the VVS clashed hard as the casualties show, Axis forces lost a whopping 190 aircraft while the Soviets lost 746. Disturbing is the fact that Axis forces are taking heavy losses on bombing runs even though they are being escorted en masse.

Lagekarte showing troop dispositions:

Notice the huge gap in the front at Voronezh.

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by xhoel -- 5/17/2019 10:49:05 PM >

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Post #: 419

RE: T49 - 5/18/2019 8:49:44 AM

Telemecus

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Joined: 3/20/2016
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That rail map is one of the clearest depictions of the weaknesses of Soviet rail as you go east - the sort of thing that needs to go in the library of WitE resources?

I am assuming they will push back on the rail block at Svoboda during the Soviet turn, perhaps as part of an attempted break back in to the pockets? If so then it would have to be re-established in a future turn.

Looking east from the Voronezh pockets it is surprising there are not more units there. Presumably as well as the units that could rally there will be a garrison in Tambov. Just by coincidence there might be a couple of units railing past that sector that might have a low detection level as a result. One of your screenshots shows the battles with only about half a dozen recon missions in the area - was that the final amount in the turn? None was between Tambov and your units. I would probably have done more - but I know I am not the person to ask how much recon you should do!

Although you say the Axis air losses are large, they are below production in the single seat fighters and dive bombers that can be a problem. If you produce say 50 German bombers a turn, and when you take out the half of the year with mud and blizzard then you are about on a steady course with them. The Soviet side on the other hand did have large losses, and more FFBs than they produce. I would have guessed large bomber losses were down to flak where fighter escort would not have made much difference. But the total flak losses you have taken for the game are not that high. So would it be right to guess that basically the bombers have become the unfortunate bait for their FFBs to get shot down?

< Message edited by Telemecus -- 5/18/2019 8:51:37 AM >

(in reply to xhoel)

Post #: 420