RE: Nirosi vs Boldairade(NO Nirosi for now...)

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RE: Nirosi vs Boldairade(NO Nirosi for now...) - 11/8/2021 9:53:38 AM

boldairade

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Discretion should be taking the better part of valor. And for the most part it is. WDF armor is railed to the southern French coast, for redeployment to Egpyt. VIII Armor ships out to England. Some UK infantry is also shipped out.

N of Paris, however, one last counter attack is launched, shattering one more German corps. I'm not sure how much difference shattering formations make now, as they'll be back, and Germany has plenty of infantry. But I find it very hard to not counter. It may be a very big mistake however, as the UK Midland corps is now in danger of being encircled. What remains of French units are arrayed to try and prevent this.

I still can't figure out exactly what Germany needs to take to end this. Likely I will find out this turn.

In England, the lone German corps in Liverpool is hit, and hit hard. 6 Battleships, carrier aircraft, and tac bombers hammer away along with UK infantry, Canadian infantry, and mech units. The Germans are forced inland under the withering naval bombardment, almost certainly sealing their fate.

Overall, I'm very happy France survived into September after the utterly disastrous opening phases of the German invasion. Germany's options for additional conquest in 1940 are far less than I feared they would be.

As the conflict winds down, we will take a look at possible German new theaters, as well as the Soviet build up, and a very unconventional US strategy I am trying to work out.

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RE: Nirosi vs Boldairade(NO Nirosi for now...) - 11/8/2021 3:38:55 PM

Harrybanana

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quote:

ORIGINAL: boldairade

I still can't figure out exactly what Germany needs to take to end this. Likely I will find out this turn.

If you click on the War Panel Icon (the "Flag" icon 4th from the left) it will show you how close France is to surrendering. It starts the game at 91/41 meaning the Axis need to capture 50 French production point Cities. In most games these 50 points are scored from Lille (25), Rouen (5) and Paris (20). If I am reading your map correctly, in your game the Germans have captured Lille and Metz for a total of 35. So if you click on the War Panel icon France should show as 91/76. If so, the Axis need to capture 15 more for France to offer a Vichy surrender.

You are going to win this game by the way.

< Message edited by Harrybanana -- 11/8/2021 3:40:46 PM >

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RE: Nirosi vs Boldairade(NO Nirosi for now...) - 11/8/2021 5:15:41 PM

boldairade

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Harrybanana

quote:

ORIGINAL: boldairade

I still can't figure out exactly what Germany needs to take to end this. Likely I will find out this turn.

If you click on the War Panel Icon (the "Flag" icon 4th from the left) it will show you how close France is to surrendering. It starts the game at 91/41 meaning the Axis need to capture 50 French production point Cities. In most games these 50 points are scored from Lille (25), Rouen (5) and Paris (20). If I am reading your map correctly, in your game the Germans have captured Lille and Metz for a total of 35. So if you click on the War Panel icon France should show as 91/76. If so, the Axis need to capture 15 more for France to offer a Vichy surrender.

You are going to win this game by the way.

I get the idea. But during the whole conflice, it hasn't made sense.

this is the current surrender point data

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< Message edited by boldairade -- 11/8/2021 5:17:23 PM >

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RE: Nirosi vs Boldairade(NO Nirosi for now...) - 11/9/2021 11:25:06 AM

boldairade

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Sept 27, 1940

England's mass exodus from France continues. The remaining BEF forces have made the ports, and the last skeleton formations of the French army are covering their retreat.

German infantry formations are encircling Rouen and Paris, while German armor races into the south of France. Small formations are moved to the French ports on the Med.

In England, the German landing forces are overrun inland. The formations used for this operation will now have to be either dedicated to home defense or retasked with their previous duties or perhaps something else.

Campaign season is coming to and end, and none too soon.

In the East, Russian formations continue to roll off the assembly lines. But armed with the lessons of history, it is hard to be excited about their likely effectiveness. Building Russia's 'House of cards' defense, though, is really pretty fun. Next turn, we will take a better look at the plans for defending Mother Russia.

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RE: Nirosi vs Boldairade(NO Nirosi for now...) - 11/10/2021 9:52:09 PM

boldairade

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Oct 11, 1940

All units save one corps have been successfully extracted from France, the last unit awaits naval transport.

Rouen and Vichy fall, any further losses will end the conflict.

Two full corps will be held in England to augment the shell of small formations holding the ports. Additional forces will be added over the winter. Three corps, in various states, are shipped to the Med, along with a mech formation.

The WDF lands in Egypt to help secure that theater vs possible Axis aggression.

The RAF is in woeful condition, both fighter wings are down to 7 steps. Their rebuilding is prioritized.

2 more MM go down, no sub hits recorded. Every anti sub ship in the fleet is currently at sea.

For the most part, England is fought out.

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RE: Nirosi vs Boldairade(NO Nirosi for now...) - 11/10/2021 10:05:00 PM

boldairade

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Prior to his assignment to the Sino-Japanese front, a young officer named Zhukov penned a strategy for the defense of Mother Russia vs the mobile formations of her most likely enemy, Nazi Germany.

Historically, this document received little notice. Zhukov would not achieve any real notoriety until his victories in the East.

However, we who play WP have the advantage of hind sight.

Zhukov's strategy showed his understanding of the logistical load that would be incumbent on an offensive force that attempted to carry an attack across the vast distances of the Russian steppe. He called for a defense in depth, allowing for a penetration of the enemy spearheads to set up a situation where they could then be hit with fresh forces, allowing for the defender to have the advantage of better logistics, shorter supply lines, and unscathed formations.

This image shows my attempt to deploy for this Zukov defense. Two concentrations of armor, one near Kiev, the other nestled between the rivers south of Kiev, and both safely behind multiple lines of entrenched infantry taking advantage of rivers. 6-8 heavy armor corps, hopefully fully upgraded, have been allocated for this counter attack, deep in the southern theater.

Also evident is the heavy concentration of soviet tac bombers on the Romanian front. The Red Air Force will likely be no match for the Luftwaffe. As such, as much as possible, it is the plan of Stavka to deploy them vs satellite nations.

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< Message edited by boldairade -- 11/10/2021 10:17:08 PM >

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RE: Nirosi vs Boldairade(NO Nirosi for now...) - 11/10/2021 10:12:35 PM

boldairade

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Of course, the problem with the Zhukov plan to the south is, it leaves far fewer resources for the defense of the Northern theaters.

The Moscow front(through Smolensk) and the Leningrad front will be trying to make do with far, far less in terms of strong formations.

The front lines will do little more than slow the initial German onslaught. Many formations may not be converted to garrison status, as we will hope to be able to redeploy them into the second echelon, which will be composed primarily of newly recruited and slightly more sturdy 1940 AT corps. Some mech units, one heavy armor formation, and a few cavalry will likely round out the defenses of these two theaters.

He who attempts to defend everything defends nothing. As such, the Soviet high command will be willing to sacrifice Leningrad if it comes to that. They key will be trying to make sure the German does not know this.

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RE: Nirosi vs Boldairade(NO Nirosi for now...) - 11/12/2021 12:11:20 AM

boldairade

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Nov 8, 1940

What was expected to be an uneventful turn is an unpleasant surprise.

With France out of the war, Italy enters the fray. In what was clearly a well planned raid, the Regio Aeronautica launches a concentrated strike on Malta.

Malta is defended by AA guns and a nearly fresh English fighter squadron, but the Italian pilots sweep the Hurricanes from the skies. This paves the way for Italian naval bombers to inflict heavy damage on multiple British troop ships, as well as inflicting serious damage on HMS Warspite.

In the BOA, another 6 MM are sent to the bottom of the Atlantic. 2 step hits are recorded on German subs. But it's getting ugly. 30 fresh MM are in the pipeline, but is it enough? England is already below 200 MM.

The last of the BEF is finally pulled from French ports.

Overall, England is fairly well held. The duration of the French conflict likely will force the Germans to consider alternative plans to a conventional Barbarossa. Nothing would regain the initiative faster than a successful invasion of England. As such, an additional infantry corps is ordered, for home defense.

England also needs additional fighter formations. But the pressing need in the BOA may have to take precedence. Not to mention the effort to rebuild English fighter formations at home, and now on Malta as well.

There is no respite.

< Message edited by boldairade -- 11/12/2021 9:48:09 PM >

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RE: Nirosi vs Boldairade(NO Nirosi for now...) - 11/12/2021 10:10:53 AM

boldairade

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11-22-1940

A better turn in the BOA, 3 MM sunk, but 3 step hits on the uboats. I still feel like we are hanging on by our finger nails. England orders 10 more MM.

In the Med, I really don't know how to get troops to the middle east/eastern Med.

The subs docked at Malta take a pounding this turn. I could move the troops escorted by heavy capital ships. But I tried that in my only previous game as the allies, and ended up with half the Royal Navy at the bottom of the Med. My carriers seemed unable to defend other ships or even themselves from air attack.

On the other hand, when I last tried to duplicate that feat as the Axis, using 4 German and Italian sqns, including 3 dedicated naval sqns, all i managed to do was minimal damage, while losing immense amounts of air steps.
I have 3 AA guns on the way, but cannot wait that long to deploy.

And so, it would seem to be a problem without an obvious answer. I suppose the answer is, I should have had more AA to begin with, but I just didn't anticipate the Italian air force man handling fresh RAF fighters. Alternatively, maybe I should have gone around Africa?

Still hard to figure Germany's motives. No movement of forces to the Eastern Front yet. In the East, Soviet Rifle Corps continue to be churned out and deployed, mostly in the second echelon. But no amount would seem to be enough.

< Message edited by boldairade -- 11/12/2021 10:37:06 AM >

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RE: Nirosi vs Boldairade(NO Nirosi for now...) - 11/12/2021 9:36:13 PM

boldairade

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German formations move to the East coast of Italy-two corps. Also to Copenhagen.

So likely targets are Greece and maybe Norway?

I haven't seen anyone attempt to take Greece without taking Yugoslavia since AS nerfed things so that Yugo can't really join the Axis. Is that Nirosi's plan? If so, can I be in position to make it difficult? The goal thus far has been to reinforce Egypt and try to be ready for an amphibious invasion of Syria, as those can be huge threats. And it's possible that could still be the plan.

In any case, we make the effort to push more troop ships across the Med. We send carriers and BB with them, reinforce the AA guns with a gun from London, and activate our fighter group. Nirosi is waiting on this though. He bombed the fighter squadron to reduce its effectiveness-a move you don't often see. Still, I used supply trucks last turn to bolster it. So it will be in good shape to meet the initial sorties.

The success of failure of this effort to get additional forces into the eastern Med will determine whether or not the UK takes an offensive posture in Egypt.

7 more MM go down in the BOA. I think we manage two step hits. But I am officially worried. Dec 1941 is a long, long way off.

The bulk of the Wehrmacht remains in France. England's homeland security needs to be legitimate.

In the East, two more AT corps arrive for Russia. The second echelon defense line along the Daugava is starting to take shape.

I realize that my plan with the USA will not leave much time to reinforce the BOA, so the Stars and Stripes begins construction on 3 new ship yards.

< Message edited by boldairade -- 11/12/2021 9:49:54 PM >

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RE: Nirosi vs Boldairade(NO Nirosi for now...) - 11/12/2021 11:47:19 PM

boldairade

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The relief convoy steams into Malta with BBs, 2 Carriers, AA guns, and well prepped fighter squadron as cover.

The Italians are unfazed.

Italy scrambles all 3 of her level bomber squadrons, and they come right at the armada in port.

The initial exchange features fighter cover on both sides, with the Italians again getting the better of the dog fight. The Italian P 108 bombers, however, take flack from AA guns and the fleet below, and sustain heavy losses.

The next two runs are without fighters on either side, and again, the Regia Aeronotica takes heavy casualties for minimal losses in defending naval aircraft.

Undeterred, Italy sends her final formation, it again takes heavy casualties while doing little damage. The battle is a complete victory...until the last run.

One P 108, heedless of the losses suffered by its brothers in arms, gets in under the Super Marine Spitfires and AA flack, lines up on the RN Illustrious, and releases her torp. It runs straight and true and explodes amid ship, very nearly sinking the flat top(4 step hits).

Overall it's a win for the UK, but the Illustrious is out of action for the foreseeable future. She limps to Gibralter under rainy skies.

Full Canadian and English corps reach the Middle Eastern theater. England immediately invades Vichy Syria, and Damascus falls. The ports there must be secured against any Axis invasion.

Egypt is trickier, as it's hard to believe any offensive could succeed logistically. No major action is launched there.

It's a lighter losses in the BOA, as the wolf packs are resupplying. England simply cannot produce all that is needed between Egypt, Greece, Syria, the hope to revisit a Narvik invasion, the BOA, and the need for additional fighter cover. Canada will be asked to produce MM.

The answer to the German question is evolving. German formations are massing on the Yugoslavian border, as well as in Romania. Yugoslavia will likely be the spring target.

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RE: Nirosi vs Boldairade(NO Nirosi for now...) - 11/12/2021 11:48:14 PM

boldairade

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Super Marine Spitfires inflict heavy damage on Italian bombers over Malta.

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RE: Nirosi vs Boldairade(NO Nirosi for now...) - 11/12/2021 11:50:11 PM

boldairade

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Lumbering P-108s made up the bulk of the strike force over Malta, and took heavy casualties.

But at the end of the day, they draw blood.

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RE: Nirosi vs Boldairade(NO Nirosi for now...) - 11/12/2021 11:51:06 PM

boldairade

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In the East, the Daugava Line is now viable.

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RE: Nirosi vs Boldairade(NO Nirosi for now...) - 11/13/2021 9:06:04 AM

boldairade

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After last turn's blood bath over Malta, I'm not worried about the Italian bomber squadrons. They are in no shape to attack, and even if they do, they won't be able to do any damage.

Wrong. Wrong.

The Italians come in again, hot and heavy. They suffer similar crippling losses, but again score 4 step hits on capital ships, 2 on CV Courageous, 2 on BB Ramilles.

To make matters worse, German air squadrons arrive in Palermo.

All surface ships are finally pulled out of Malta.

Significant PP will have to be allocated to the rebuild of all of these capital ships. It's only through good fortune that some haven't been lost.

It's hard to know why Nirosi keeps pressing this attack. Will he attempt to take Malta? As costly as it is for me, I think he is losing even more.

Russia continues to build her defenses, and continues to focus on Rifle corps production. In two turns we will look at what direction the USA is taking, though her entry remains far away.

If you want to know just how rugged the BOA has gone, take a look at the UK production que:

Don't mind those double HQs. That's what happens when you drink whiskey and play WP at the same time. You forget what you already did...

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< Message edited by boldairade -- 11/13/2021 9:13:41 AM >

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RE: Nirosi vs Boldairade(NO Nirosi for now...) - 11/13/2021 9:14:49 AM

boldairade

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West of Egypt, with Vichy Syria secured, the advance on Tobruk begins.

In the BOA, England finally hits 1941 escort tech. We immediately get 3 uboat hits. Perhaps it's only a coincidence, but it is most welcome.

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< Message edited by boldairade -- 11/13/2021 9:21:04 AM >

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RE: Nirosi vs Boldairade(NO Nirosi for now...) - 11/13/2021 9:25:50 AM

boldairade

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The Matildas of the WDF more than held their own vs the German panzers. Now they will test their mettle vs the Italians.

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RE: Nirosi vs Boldairade(NO Nirosi for now...) - 11/14/2021 9:23:12 AM

boldairade

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1-17-1941

The new year sees, by far, our best turn in the BOA, we score 5 sub hits and only lose 1 MM. Could the tech advancements be making this big of a difference?

In Egypt, the Axis quickly counters our forward deployment west of Egypt by landing two German formations near Tobruk. While initially the thought was to keep pushing, ultimately the decision is made to wait until repairs can be effected on multiple RN capital ships. Control of the ocean and naval gun support will likely be the key to the campaign, particularly with the need for a timely decisive victory due to supply issues. As such, the Desert Army holds at the outskirts of effective supply.

Two more rifle corps are produced, and two more deployed in Mother Russia. The Red Bear is approaching her logistical limit. But that's less of a problem than it seems, because it is very close to time to switch to max upgrades as well as beginning to stockpile supply trucks.

England sends aid to Canada to get those additional MM under construction.

US shipyards are almost online.

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< Message edited by boldairade -- 11/14/2021 9:29:01 AM >

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RE: Nirosi vs Boldairade(NO Nirosi for now...) - 11/14/2021 9:30:27 AM

boldairade

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HMS Genetian, one of the new Flower Class escorts, scores a hit in the North Atlantic.

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RE: Nirosi vs Boldairade(NO Nirosi for now...) - 11/14/2021 9:48:40 PM

boldairade

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1-31-41

Another good turn in the BOA sees us lose 3 MM but score two step hits vs the subs. It must indeed be the new tech that is allowing us to hold our own.

England considers many things.

The Med is a killing zone for RN ships. A sub group tries to make it across, eschewing Malta and trusting to its own stealth. It takes a beating from Italian naval bombers. Malta, for that matter, is blockaded and reduced. It was in part Malta's peril that prompted the aborted drive on Tobruk, as control of mainland Africa might offer some ability to support the beleaguered island. A division, headed for Syria, is diverted to the Red Sea route due to our inability to protect shipping.

The other side of the coin is, Germany's intentions are becoming clear. The best guess is, simultaneous offensives will be launched vs Yugoslavia and the Netherlands in the spring. It's the only way Germany might have time to pursue other major goals in 1941. This means Germany would be spread thin, with two major ops, N Africa, and possible preparations for Barbarossa or Sea Lion. And that might be an opportunity for England to pull off some ops of her own. As such, troops are moved into positions to possibly assault the Vichy held African Atlantic coast. Also, assets are in place for a second attempt at Narvik.

A spring campaign in the East is not going to happen. As such, Russia suspends production, waiting for advancement in Anti Tank tech to produce the last bit of its logistical limit. Instead, armor corps are targeted for upgrades. Almost all are at 39 tech, and we have recently achieved 41. It's a start. The entire Red Army is of course very underwhelming.

Which brings us the the USA.

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RE: Nirosi vs Boldairade(NO Nirosi for now...) - 11/14/2021 9:55:55 PM

boldairade

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The US supply que:

The plan is pretty obvious. As an aside, I'm aware this isn't the 'correct' way to play the USA. But I've never attempted to strategically bomb anyone, and it will be interesting to try. I'm not a min\maxer.

In any case, we are all in. Four formations will be sent against Germany's interior. And another hasn't been entirely ruled out. USA is also climbing the escort tech ladder. I didn't realize how long shipyards take. I thought they'd be ready now. It's actually a YEAR from now. That's distressing. But it just means we must keep our existing yards as busy as possible.

Torch is also on our minds. The US will be needed in N Africa to try and pry open the Axis choke on the Med. So a minimum of two armor, and probably another Infantry corps will be needed.

Of course, the main goal of the US is to provide as much supply as possible to Russia as soon as the German's head east. So all these goals will have to be weighed against one another.

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RE: Nirosi vs Boldairade(NO Nirosi for now...) - 11/15/2021 11:09:35 AM

boldairade

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2-14-41

Italy's choke hold on Malta is reaching a crisis point. The infantry there is out of supply, and the fighters nearly. Is that why he forced my ships out of port? Would ships in port open supply? I'm not sure.

Does Nirosi know the straights we are in? My guess is yes, since he orchestrated this. That means something nasty is likely headed Malta's way. Next turn we can resume the Tobruk offensive, as the repairs on the surface ships are almost finished at Alexandria. But it's unlikely that is going to offer Malta any aid in a timely manner. The same can be said for the English operation in Western Africa. The chances for success are good. But they'll never get there in time to save Malta. Not even close.

I don't even dare to try to rotate the troops/aircraft there, even though there are forces waiting in Gibralter to do just that. I'm also unable to deploy AA guns there now.

USA is banking PP to purchase Armor. It's going to be a near thing whether or not they are ready to roll late in the year.

Russia begins production on a supply truck reserve. More AT corps are added to the Minsk line running north to the Dagauva. This allows armor and mech formations to be moved to a reserve position.

BOA is still going well. We may make it to March and its new MM without going negative on supply shipping. I worry about the load when Russia's need becomes acute however. I'd like to buy more MM this turn, but UK is just short and there are no formations i want to garrison.

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RE: Nirosi vs Boldairade(NO Nirosi for now...) - 11/15/2021 11:11:18 AM

boldairade

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Why aren't any supplies getting through to the beleaguered defenders of Malta?

A picture is worth 1000 words...

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RE: Nirosi vs Boldairade(NO Nirosi for now...) - 11/15/2021 2:39:09 PM

boldairade

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2-28-41

A massive effort to resupply Malta, utilizing surface ships from both Alexandria and Gibralter, is undertaken. I'm not 100% sure how to do it, but I believe parking the ships in harbor will break the Italian subs blockade.

Due to the large number of ships being used, the Tobruk offensive is again postponed. If you think that 'offensive' is a bit of a joke at this point, I can't blame you.

Germany inflicts heavy MM losses(6) but takes heavy step losses(6). It has become a slugfest in the BOA. Our shipping is really, really dwindling however. Current MM needs are 157, total available are 189, with only 10 more MM coming in the next few months. There is going to be some pain here.

Russia goes all in on supply trucks to build a stockpile. But will have to focus more on reinforcements and upgrades soon. The free pass from Germany is lifted, as Wehrmacht units are now setting up in the East. Germany will still have to wait to conclude her other offensive ops...won't she?

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RE: Nirosi vs Boldairade(NO Nirosi for now...) - 11/15/2021 4:06:32 PM

boldairade

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3-14-1941

Germany rolls over the Netherlands on a cold, clear turn. On the plus side, it seems to trigger an event that adds MM to both the US and UK merchant fleets. This is much needed, and loosens the noose for the time being.

The slugfest in the Atlantic continues, 3 MM and an escort go down. 3 step hits are recorded. It's not great, but at least we are hitting back.

The supply effort to Malta goes unchallenged. Supply is reestablished, the battered fighter group is rotated out, a fresh one moved in. 3 new AA guns are installed, bringing it up to 5 AA guns. Italian Naval bombers instead hit a sub group that was attempting to blockade Tobruk. They score 5 hits in just two sorties and sink it.

The fleet sails out and rendezvous with 2 more ships recently repaired in Alexandria. Their presence allows for the opening attacks of the Tobruk offensive. Even with massive naval support and tac bombers, it fails. Our units lose 11 steps to Germany's 6.

This offensive may not last long.

Bad weather again delays the English landings in Western Africa(Operation Paladin).

US production bumps up enough for them to finally get an armored unit in the que. Next up will probably be an escort fighter.

< Message edited by boldairade -- 11/16/2021 9:29:53 AM >

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RE: Nirosi vs Boldairade(NO Nirosi for now...) - 11/15/2021 5:33:28 PM

AstroBlues

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If I may make a suggestion: Stop going thru the Med. The British in WWII went around the Horn of Africa. At the bottom of the map left of Africa there is two hexes. One says goes to Red Sea and the other to Persian Gulf. Takes two turns to do so and the transports and ships will automatically appear.

Ron

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RE: Nirosi vs Boldairade(NO Nirosi for now...) - 11/16/2021 9:09:16 AM

boldairade

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Not sure how closely you're reading-it's getting long! but earlier i mentioned we've begun doing this.

We shall not concede the Med however!

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RE: Nirosi vs Boldairade(NO Nirosi for now...) - 11/16/2021 9:11:45 AM

boldairade

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3-28-1941

quote:

The Tobruk offensive continues. Pinpointing German armor, we hit them with everything we have, utilizing naval guns. Again, our losses are horrendous. But we manage to displace their armor. Perhaps just as important, the German armor is absolutely throttled, meaning it won't be useful for any counter attack the next few turns.

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< Message edited by boldairade -- 11/16/2021 9:30:38 AM >

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Post #: 58

RE: Nirosi vs Boldairade(NO Nirosi for now...) - 11/16/2021 9:12:59 AM

boldairade

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Paladin is finally launched in Western Africa. Humble beginnings obviously. But we will try to fan these embers into a fire over the next few turns.

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RE: Nirosi vs Boldairade(NO Nirosi for now...) - 11/16/2021 9:35:15 AM

boldairade

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The Afrika Corps extracts a heavy price from the WDF as well as Canadian and English infantry. But ultimately they are forced to withdraw due to overwhelming naval firepower and the sheer numbers of allied attacks. Here, a PzIII leads a column of trucks westward.