T7: The Oder must hold! VtB: xhoel (Axis) vs Gunnulf (Soviet)

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All Forums >> [New Releases from Matrix Games] >> Gary Grigsby's War in the East 2 >> After Action Reports >> T7: The Oder must hold! VtB: xhoel (Axis) vs Gunnulf (Soviet)

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T7: The Oder must hold! VtB: xhoel (Axis) vs Gunnulf (S... - 12/21/2021 8:51:14 PM

xhoel

Posts: 3219
Joined: 6/24/2017
From: Germany
Status: offline

T7, February 24th 1945

Three very bad news at the start of this week: The Soviets have taken Koenigsberg and cleared East Prussia; Posen has fallen to a direct Soviet assault and the Fortress of Budapest has fallen. Almost 70.000 men were captured last week.

AGN

The Sitzkrieg in Kurland is over. Two Soviet attacks have disrupted the German defensive line and managed to make gains against Army Group North. For these two attacks the enemy has paid a heavy price however: 11.000 men vs 2.000 German.

The land lost last week has been retaken by 2 IDs in the 18th Army sector, while in the 16th Army sector a strong counterattack against the weak 198th Rifle Division (6.500 men) has sent them reeling with heavy losses. Positions in both sectors have been fortified but soon enough we will have to start giving ground and will have to start retreating towards the ports.

NsGr 3 has been reinforced with 2 other Tactical Bomber groups that should help the fighting in the area. 24th ID has been evacuated to Gdynia and 1 regiment of the 14th Panzer Division has been evacuated to Stettin.

Kurland start of the week:

Battle in 16th Army sector:

Counterattack:

Kurland after German moves:

AGV

Koenigsberg has fallen after a heavy battle. The defenders have been routed and have lost around 9.300 men. The Soviets have cleared East Prussia and now have a strong Front ready to advance on the Vistula.

In total the battle of Koenigsberg (over the 2 weeks) has had these losses for both sides:

German: 14.777 men, 493 guns, 66 AFVs and 162 planes (98 fighters and 64 dive bombers)
Soviet: 32.064 men, 1.412 guns, 86 AFVs and 276 planes (all fighters)

On the Vistula the Soviets have only attacked two positions and brought in more Rifle Corps. Soviet armor now east of the river and will probably be redirected towards Posen. Danzig cut off by land after 8th Mechanized Corps made a dash towards Gdynia. The unit is in an exposed position and we have armored reserves nearby which launch a ferocious counterattack mauling them badly. 4th and 2nd Army ordered to break contact with the enemy and start pulling back West.

Army Group Vistula at the start of the week:

Final Battle of Koenigsberg:

Counterattack against the 8th Mechanized Corps:

Army Group Vistula at the end of the week:

_____________________________

AAR WITW: Gotterdammerung 43-45
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(in reply to xhoel)

Post #: 31

RE: T7: The Oder must hold! VtB: xhoel (Axis) vs Gunnul... - 12/21/2021 9:23:39 PM

xhoel

Posts: 3219
Joined: 6/24/2017
From: Germany
Status: offline

AGC

The Soviets have taken Posen after a very powerful assault. Both divisions defending the city have been routed (battle screen saying surrounded is incorrect) and have taken heavy losses. The enemy has started to make contact with the defensive line set on the woods in front of the Warthe river.

The sector here is being reinforced with fresh forces arriving from the West or as reinforcements. 2 Panzer Corps in assault mode part of the 6th SS Panzer Army (grey) located in the sector and are being held in reserve in order to launch local counterattacks to keep the enemy off balance.

Further to the south Breslau has been surrounded but no attacks have taken place in the sector although the enemy has reached our defensive line. 663 tonnes delivered to the Festung by TG 1 stationed in Berlin. Hopefully the garrison can hold on for 1 more week. The line has been reinforced here by arriving reserves.

2 SS Panzer Divisions that were sent to Berlin and Prague last week for rebuilding have been moved in the Army Group Center area now with high TOEs and a good amount of tanks.

Army Group Center start of the week:

Battle of Posen:

Army Group center end of the week:

Importance of refitting certain units in the NS:

L.A.H SS Panzer Division before (T6) and after (T7):

From 1 AFV left to 82 AFVs.

9th SS Panzer Division before (T6) and after (T7):

148 AFVs and 75% ready TOE.

AGA

In contrast to the Breslau sector which was quiet this week, the Army Group A sector saw very heavy fighting. The weather is helping the Soviets here as snow means no 50% CV loss for the attacker. The strength of the Rifle Corps is showing clearly: 2 divisions with good TOE (one of them was a Panzer division) defending in Fort 1 in light woods were decimated by an attack. A strong Soviet push in the Moravian Gap is logical. Once they achieve a breakthrough here, the open terrain would be perfect country for the Tank Armies.

Soviet pressure in the mountains is increasing too. Heroic defense by the Jueteborg Panzer Division which held back a strong attack but was forced to retreat after second assault taking heavy losses and losing all of its tanks in the process. The whole AGA sector is adapting a defense in depth with weaker front line units to slow the enemy down and stronger units in second echelon. Whatever is left over is moved to the third defensive line. Further pull back from the mountains. Soviet armor in the area really starting to threaten the rear of the 8th Army.

AGA start of the week:

Heavy fighting:

Two divisions pushed back, Holstein Panzer Division decimated.

Heroic defense by Jueteborg Panzer Division:

Heavy price to pay:

T6, Jueteborg Panzer Division. At 63% ready TOE and with 61 AFVs this is considered a good division:

T7 Jueteborg Panzer Division completely decimated, 3 morale points lost, left with 0 AFVs and only 11% ready TOE. Sent to refit in Vienna:

AGA sector after:

_____________________________

(in reply to xhoel)

Post #: 32

RE: T7: The Oder must hold! VtB: xhoel (Axis) vs Gunnul... - 12/21/2021 9:33:10 PM

xhoel

Posts: 3219
Joined: 6/24/2017
From: Germany
Status: offline

AGS

The Soviets only launched 2 attacks in the 8th Army sector this week, one of which was repulsed with heavy casualties. The Siege of Budapest is finally over. The IX SS Mountain Corps fought to their last bullet before surrendering to the enemy and managed to hold their ground for 6 weeks, an impressive feat. 3 Panzer Divisions, 2 Infantry Divisions, 2 Cavalry Divisions, 2 Corps HQs and 1 Infantry Regiment lost in the battle along with numerous other Support Units.

Casualties from the Siege of Budapest over a three-week intense fighting period:

*Axis: 68.334 men, 859 guns and 283 AFVs
Soviet: 42.285 men, 1.700 guns and 170 AFVs

*Axis casualties do not include losses due to attrition in the period before the Soviets assaults began. In the span of the x weeks prior the garrison strength declined substantially.

Air recon in the Budapest area shows a massive concentration of Soviet forces around the Hungarian capital. Taking the city allows the enemy to free up a whole Front but intelligence indicates that the formations will need to rebuild before they can be ready to mount a large scale offensive towards Vienna. Best case scenario, the Soviet offensive starts in 2 weeks. Both the 6th and 8th Armies ordered to hold their positions and prepare for heavy fighting that is sure to come. Many depleted units on refit in Bratislava and Vienna. At least 6 depleted or severely understrength divisions trying to rebuild their strength here along with some decimated regiments. The manpower is not nearly enough for everyone...

Army Group South start of the week:

8th Army holds:

Siege of Budapest concluded:

Army Group South after Axis moves:

Losses

Very heavy losses this week, 90.000 irrecoverable for the Axis and 48.500 for the Soviets. Gun and AFV losses similar for both sides.

Light losses in the air this week as the LW was on rest. I am doing my best to conserve the LW strength as much as possible even with the pilot issues: https://www.matrixgames.com/forums/tm.asp?m=5117823

Nevertheless, certain formations have been assigned GS duties for the coming week and will need to do their fair share of fighting in helping the ground forces.

Weather next week expected to be cold so General Mud is taking a leave of absence.

Soviets have gotten 61 VPs this week alone, moving to 797.

Garrison shortage in Italy continues and an infantry division currently rebuilding in the Reserve will be sent to the TB to alleviate the issue. All other TBs are well stocked.

Leader changes: Graeser had just taken command of the XXXXVI Panzer Corps and was a great commander. Guderian sacked.

< Message edited by xhoel -- 12/21/2021 10:14:42 PM >

_____________________________

(in reply to xhoel)

Post #: 33

T8: The Oder must hold! VtB: xhoel (Axis) vs Gunnulf (S... - 12/28/2021 10:13:27 PM

xhoel

Posts: 3219
Joined: 6/24/2017
From: Germany
Status: offline

T8, 3rd of March 1945

AGN

A strong attack in Kurland pushes back two German divisions in the sector of the 18th Army. In the 16th Army sector the Soviets have moved Rifle Corps forward in preparation for more attacks. The line is shortened in some areas and troops are slowly giving ground. The goal here is to draw some Soviet blood before moving to a shorter defensive line around the ports. Two Infantry Divisions evacuated to mainland Germany.

AGN start of the week:

AGN after:

AGV

Helped by the good weather in West Prussia (light snow and clear) the Soviets have launched extensive attacks against the 4th and 2nd Army and have won all of them (11 battles) really beating up our units in the sector. Even with the good defensive terrain in the area, the positions are no longer tenable especially with the unfavorable weather. Both Armies have been ordered to fall back to the Pomeranian Wall defensive line.

Multiple depleted divisions have been sent to the reserve to build up. Due to these events, the gaps that have appeared in our lines and the strength of Soviet units in the sector the OKH has abandoned the plan to declare Danzig and Gdynia Festungen. Only Fortress divisions remain in the two port cities, the other forces have been transferred to the 4th Army and moved west.
Setting the Danzig Fort Division on static mode saves around 250 trucks that would have otherwise either been captured by the Soviets or destroyed since the Division is basically lost.

AGV before:

Best defensive battle in the sector:

Standard battle result:

Effect on the involved unit:

AGV after:

Units in dark red belong to the 3rd Panzer Army, whose main force is now being deployed in front of Berlin.

_____________________________

(in reply to xhoel)

Post #: 34

RE: T8: The Oder must hold! VtB: xhoel (Axis) vs Gunnul... - 12/28/2021 10:29:46 PM

EwaldvonKleist

Posts: 2038
Joined: 4/14/2016
From: Berlin, Germany
Status: offline

Quality AAR. Do you use the Festungs-concept for historical roleplay or ingame advantage?

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(in reply to xhoel)

Post #: 35

RE: T8: The Oder must hold! VtB: xhoel (Axis) vs Gunnul... - 12/28/2021 10:32:54 PM

xhoel

Posts: 3219
Joined: 6/24/2017
From: Germany
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: EwaldvonKleist

Quality AAR. Do you use the Festungs-concept for historical roleplay or ingame advantage?

Thank you EvK! Mostly for historical roleplay and to let readers understand that Festung cities are places that I am really determined to hold and where I am assigning extra units to the defense. In the case of the two ports mentioned above: Them being declared Festung would have meant that they would be reinforced with other divisions.

Since I cant spare any units right now, that is off the table.

_____________________________

(in reply to EwaldvonKleist)

Post #: 36

RE: T8: The Oder must hold! VtB: xhoel (Axis) vs Gunnul... - 12/28/2021 10:43:35 PM

xhoel

Posts: 3219
Joined: 6/24/2017
From: Germany
Status: offline

AGC

The going in front of Berlin is better for us. The Soviets have launched successful attacks but are paying a heavy price for it. The units in the sector are relatively strong and fighting in favorable terrain with heavy air cover from II Fliegerkorps. One hold achieved by a Panzer Division going head to head with a Soviet Tank Corps. One ID has been cut off but the Soviet forces guarding the perimeter are in open terrain and tired so it can be saved.

Circled in yellow is the hold shown below

Soviet armor stopped by a Panzer Division:

Heavy fighting in the sector:

Two counterattacks by the XXXIX Panzer Corps decimate the 2nd Guards Cavalry Corps and the 11th Tank Corps, freeing the trapped infantry division, which has been assigned additional trucks by direct orders from the OKH itself and pulled back to join the German defensive positions.

In front of Berlin, we have opted for a strong point defensive line, with key locations reinforced that prevent enemy movement. The key locations have been marked in the map below. Defensive belts of 20-30 miles have been set up all along the front. 5th Panzer Division and the Kurmark Panzergrenadier Division have been moved to Berlin for R&R. Both divisions are at around 30% TOE.

The Festung of Breslau has fallen to a strong Soviet attack. Now the Soviets have two major railyards that they can use to supply their drive on Berlin. The going is only going to get tougher from now on. The 9th Army defending the sector has been pushed out of the hilly and fortified terrain and now finds itself on open ground which does not bode well. The units have been ordered to give ground and fall back. Liegnitz abandoned.

Breslau sector start of the week:

Battle for the city:

Breslau after:

An infantry recon discovered 2 hidden Tank Corps in the area waiting to strike. Defenses have been beefed up to account for this.

< Message edited by xhoel -- 12/28/2021 11:15:52 PM >

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(in reply to xhoel)

Post #: 37

RE: T8: The Oder must hold! VtB: xhoel (Axis) vs Gunnul... - 12/28/2021 11:54:23 PM

xhoel

Posts: 3219
Joined: 6/24/2017
From: Germany
Status: offline

AGA and AGS

The major Soviet breakthrough has finally happened in the AGA sector. The enemy has penetrated 60 miles deep and is pushing towards Vienna and Bratislava. Attacks have been launched on an 180 miles line and have pushed back our units with heavy losses. Multiple divisions have been rendered combat incapable and others have been depleted. Out of 19 attacks, only one (but on a very important location) was held back by our forces. The enemy also threatens large oil fields at Zistersdorf.

AGA sector start of the week:

Marked in yellow is the hold shown below. In Red the biggest oil field left in German hands, Zistersdorf.

Hold:

Zistersdorf oil fields:

The town accounts for 29% of German oil production.

Two regiments of the 20th Panzer Divisions that had been rebuild in Vienna over the last two weeks and which only arrived to the front last week have been completely annihilated in the fighting, paying the ultimate price while delaying the enemy advance. The isolated Hungarian Division has surrendered.

20th Panzer Division decimated:

The Soviet breakthrough puts them in an ideal position as the terrain is open and the enemy has enough armor to exploit this (9 Mech/Armored Corps). The spearheads can go in three directions:

-If they veer west they threaten to roll the flank of the 4th Panzer Army and might push towards Prague in force.
-If they press south they threaten Vienna and Bratislava and the whole AGS.
-If they veer east, they threaten trapping and destroying the 17th and 8th Army.

The 8th Army holds back a weak enemy attack causing very heavy losses to the Soviet attackers. No other major attacks launched in the AGS sector as the Soviets seem to be building their strength before they hit the army group in force.

AGS start of the week:

8th Army holds:

4th Panzer Army has been ordered to pull back and give ground. Olomouc abandoned. Mountain positions in Slovakia abandoned as well as reserves are being moved in front of Vienna and Bratislava. Armor has been pulled from the 6th and 8th Army and attached to the 1st Panzer Army which is now tasked with holding the 2 key cities. This weakening of Army Group South will probably prompt the Soviets to start their offensive in the sector next week but not much can be done about it. Heavy fighting is expected next week. A weak Soviet Rifle Corps pushed back with heavy losses.

The defensive line set up intends to slow the Soviets down as much as possible and to prevent a further breakthrough to the rear of Army Groups South. If the Soviets start their Hungarian offensive next week our positions here might need to be abandoned and together with them the last major oil reserves and fuel refineries.

AGA after:

The open terrain makes a proper defense here very difficult. Most of the armor moved in front of Vienna. 20th Panzergrenadier Division tasked with holding Zistersdorf.

Rifle Corps routed:

AGS after:

You can see the weakened positions here. A possible Soviet thrust might be launched north of lake Balaton.

South Overview:

The resource war

The 5 locations shown below contain 55% of what is left of the Axis oil production (50 out of 91) and the area also holds 20% of the fuel refineries left in Axis hands. With the oil pool only at 67k tonnes and needs that far exceed that (147k), the loss of these locations would basically cut down oil production by more than half and since we need 500 tonnes of oil to produce 250 tonnes of fuel, this reduction would further decrease fuel production from refineries, from the current 45.500 tonnes a week to 20.500 tonnes, further putting a strain on resources.

Oil Fields:

Oil production and pool:

Everything being produced is being used. Needs still not met. Pool at 67k.

Fuel:

The Axis Fuel Store is high because of the way the campaign has unfolded. Holding the synthetic fuel plants mentioned in other posts has paid off.

Notice the effect of strategic bombing on Fuel and Synthetic Fuel Production.

< Message edited by xhoel -- 12/28/2021 11:58:20 PM >

_____________________________

(in reply to xhoel)

Post #: 38

RE: T8: The Oder must hold! VtB: xhoel (Axis) vs Gunnul... - 12/29/2021 12:34:09 AM

xhoel

Posts: 3219
Joined: 6/24/2017
From: Germany
Status: offline

Ground Losses have been heavy this week, 50.000 irrecoverable losses for the Axis vs 62.000 for the Soviets and AFV losses are quite high as well

The 20.000 men that the Axis get as replacements in a week plus wounded men returning to duty (around 5k) cant cover these losses and it shows. Here is the status of 7 divisions send to the Axis reserve for rebuilding:

7 divisions with a total of 28.000 men.

The air combat was very heavy this week and the LW is starting to deteriorate fast. There is one main reason for this:

As we established elsewhere (https://www.matrixgames.com/forums/tm.asp?m=5117823) the current WitE 2 system always assigns trained pilots to TBs first and since combat and losses in the west are very high this means that all of the trained pilots that the Germans receive in a week (116) are sent west. This has been going on for all these turns and in the last two months the Eastern Front has received 0 trained pilots while at the same time pilot losses have surpassed the 1k mark. I think this needs to change and at least some percentages need to be set in place to prevent TBs from siphoning off all trained pilots, which is simply not realistic.

So far I have done my best to refrain from assigning untrained pilots to the formations to keep their quality up, but the heavy losses are forcing my hand and for the first time I have switched 2 air groups to normal replacements. As an example of how heavy combat was take a look at JG 6 at the end of T7 and at the start of T8. The AOG has basically stopped existing and is barely half a group. They have achieved 162 kills but lost 91 pilots in the process. The have been assigned untrained pilots to bring them back to strength.

JG 6 T7:

JG 6 T8:

Since weather next turn is going to be heavy rain over most of the front, the LW has been put to rest to recover from its wounds.

The Italian TB continues to be understrength in the ground requirement so an infantry division has been transferred from the Reserve to reinforce them. Surprisingly this turn the Naval presence had dropped from 101% to 80% so a naval air group is being transferred to the reserve before joining the TB.

I personally really dislike the air group transfer process and wish it resembled the ground process more. Currently, for me to send an air group to Italy I have to send the air group to the reserve this turn (T8), see them arrive on T9 but they are locked as "just arrived" so I cant assign transfer orders, wait for T10, when I tell them to go to the Italian TB and then finally see them arrive on T11.

Why cant we just have a system where you can transfer an air group from the Map to a TB and just wait x turns like with ground units? It not only cuts down on click but also on time.

OOB:

_____________________________

(in reply to xhoel)

Post #: 39

T9: The Oder must hold! VtB: xhoel (Axis) vs Gunnulf (S... - 1/4/2022 6:39:07 PM

xhoel

Posts: 3219
Joined: 6/24/2017
From: Germany
Status: offline

T9, 10th of March 1945

Heavy mud along most of the front means that the attack intensity has dropped considerably as the Soviets seem to be saving their strength for when the weather clears. The only exceptions are in Kurland and in the south where snow allows more attacks to happen. Next week the weather will be cold so all the mud is gone and the Soviets will be able to launch some heavy attacks.

AGN

In Kurland the Soviets continued with their concentrated strong attacks both of which have succeeded in taking ground and pushing our forces back. The 12th Panzer Division has lost half of its tanks and is now only a Kampfgruppe with 25 AFVs. The line is shortened and positions are fortified. 3 more infantry divisions evacuated.

The experienced JG 54 has been transferred to the Berlin sector to help the fighting there, while what is left of JG 6 has been sent to Kurland. The airgroup has been filled up with raw recruits that only know the most basic procedures and it shows.

AGN before and after:

Air Groups:

JG 54 is the most experienced AOG in the LW, while JG is the worst. The horrendous drop in pilot quality means I wont be using normal replacements for any other group. Pilots with 25 exp are just target practice for the VVS.

AGV and AGC

Army Group Vistula has been spared of any attacks this week and the whole front has been quiet as the Soviets are catching up with our line. Gdynia and Danzig have been cut off by land and are now only being supplied by sea. Both divisions set to static to save trucks. There is no doubt that both port cities will fall next week but hopefully they can tie up a few Soviet units and draw some blood.

4th Army has been ordered to fall back to the Pomeranian line and some positions have been reinforced. The Gro�deutschland Panzergrenadier Divisions and the 4th Panzer Division have been sent to Berlin for R&R.

The sector in front of Berlin has been quiet too as the Soviets launched only two attacks here. The situation in front of Prague is a lot more tense however. Here the Soviets have launched a number of good attacks and have completely depleted a number of formations. There are barely and reserves in the area.

AGV and AGC (Berlin) sector after moves:

Prague sector before and after:

Holds circled in yellow.

The Sudeten mountains line is the only sector where there is only a thin line of defense as I have no free reserves to spare.

< Message edited by xhoel -- 1/4/2022 8:19:51 PM >

_____________________________

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Post #: 40

RE: T9: The Oder must hold! VtB: xhoel (Axis) vs Gunnul... - 1/4/2022 7:32:03 PM

xhoel

Posts: 3219
Joined: 6/24/2017
From: Germany
Status: offline

AGA and AGS

The heaviest fighting of the week is taking place in the 1st Panzer Army sector in the south. Here, helped by the snow, the enemy has expanded their bridgehead and are now 30 miles from Vienna and 20 miles from Bratislava. Multiple regiments have been depleted. In an act of unprecedented courage, the Landser of the 20th Panzergrenadier Division managed to hold back a strong Soviet attack that was trying to take the oil fields at Zistersdorf. The division has taken heavy losses in the fighting but the oil fields are still in our hands. In another similar battle, the 2nd Hungarian Reserve Division was completely annihilated.

The Soviets have also launched attacks from Hungary but all except for one have failed with heavy losses. We have the bad weather to thank for that and the tenacity of our defenders. The fuel refineries at Almasfuzito have been abandoned as the Wiking SS Panzer Division has been ordered to fall back to another defensive position. A number of units are being pulled from AGS to help shore up the defenses near Vienna. Luftflotte 4 has been ordered to fly GS missions in support of the 1st Panzer Army next week as heavy fighting is expected in this sector.

Vienna sector before:

Holds marked in yellow, battle of Zistersdorf shown below.

Battle for the oil fields:

Fresh Hungarian division destroyed in heavy combat:

AGS start of the week:

Two of the battle holds:

The low CVs of Soviet units show that they were not ready for a proper attack. They paid a heavy price for it.

And the lost battle:

Frightening artillery superiority of the enemy here. Outgunned 16:1

Positions after Axis moves:

_____________________________

(in reply to xhoel)

Post #: 41

RE: T9: The Oder must hold! VtB: xhoel (Axis) vs Gunnul... - 1/4/2022 8:18:51 PM

xhoel

Posts: 3219
Joined: 6/24/2017
From: Germany
Status: offline

Ground Losses

The ground losses for this week have been light, only 25.000 men KIA or MIA and 175 AFVs lost. In the last 9 weeks, the Axis have lost a staggering 500.000 men as irrecoverable losses and 165.000 wounded. So far, in total Germany has only raised 150.000 replacements and Hungary only 2.700 and we only get around 25.000 replacements a week (20k from recruitment and 5k from recovery). As can be seen, weekly production cant even keep up with losses in a "quiet" week, let alone when the fighting intensifies.

Except for the 3 Infantry Divisions released from the OKH reserves, there are 7 depleted infantry divisions in the AR that need to get rebuild and will be deployed as part of the 12th Army under General Wenck, probably in front of Prague to relieve elements of the 6th SS Panzer Army.

Air Losses

Air losses this week were low but seeing how much the experience of JG 6 dropped when assigned untrained pilots, reorganizations have been made. Since no trained pilots will be coming East, a few air groups have been disbanded and the experienced pilots have been assigned to air groups in key sectors. The LW is basically only going to get smaller with every week that passes but we hope to maintain some fighter presence to assist GS missions.

OOB:

Front overview:

_____________________________

(in reply to xhoel)

Post #: 42

RE: T9: The Oder must hold! VtB: xhoel (Axis) vs Gunnul... - 1/5/2022 7:40:42 PM

EwaldvonKleist

Posts: 2038
Joined: 4/14/2016
From: Berlin, Germany
Status: offline

Good in-detail AAR, I enjoy it. Scenario seems well balanced so far.

1) You occasionally left units in "Festungen" to be encircled. Are you satisfied with the payoff?
2) Is it possible to disband units in the Kurland? In the WitE1 version of the scenario, there was a dilemma: Insufficient shipping meant slow evacuation, so disbanding units seemed prudent. But the Kurland divisions were of the highest quality (morale) of all infantry divisions, so it hurt to disband them-I suppose wite2 is the same in this regard?

50 national morale is tough. And you are 90 miles away from being spammed with downfall parodies.

< Message edited by EwaldvonKleist -- 1/5/2022 7:50:06 PM >

_____________________________

The Library of Gary Grigsby's War in the East resources.
Do you want total war? Guide for WitE players

(in reply to xhoel)

Post #: 43

RE: T9: The Oder must hold! VtB: xhoel (Axis) vs Gunnul... - 1/5/2022 8:15:04 PM

xhoel

Posts: 3219
Joined: 6/24/2017
From: Germany
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: EwaldvonKleist

Good in-detail AAR, I enjoy it. Scenario seems well balanced so far.

Thank you, it is always nice to see someone comment! The scenario is generally balanced but can do with some small changes. I will leave my comments for the end of the game.

quote:

ORIGINAL: EwaldvonKleist
1) You occasionally left units in "Festungen" to be encircled. Are you satisfied with the payoff?

I'm guessing you are referring to Poznan, Breslau, Gdynia and Danzig. The answer is a mix honestly. I didnt expect either Poznan or Breslau to fall as fast as they did. They do however force the Soviets to hold units back, attack, take losses, lose CPP and so on so the trade off is there. I wouldnt have pulled out of those key locations. Even delaying the main thrust for a week is worth it in this scenario.

quote:

ORIGINAL: EwaldvonKleist
2) Is it possible to disband units in the Kurland? In the WitE1 version of the scenario, there was a dilemma: Insufficient shipping meant slow evacuation, so disbanding units seemed prudent. But the Kurland divisions were of the highest quality (morale) of all infantry divisions, so it hurt to disband them-I suppose wite2 is the same in this regard?

This was possible while the game was in development. I campaigned hard for this to be changed and the new rules regarding hex distance to be able to send units to reserve or disband prevent such gamey behavior in the current game version and I am very glad they do.

Even if it was possible to disband such units, I wouldnt do it since it is basically using a loophole to make something happen that just wasnt possible. I am confident that I can squeeze at least a few more divisions (5-7) out of Kurland before AGN has to defend with what is left. This all depends on how aggressive Chris pushes in the sector though. So far it is quiet and the line is being held.

quote:

ORIGINAL: EwaldvonKleist
50 national morale is tough. And you are 90 miles away from being spammed with downfall parodies.

The 50 NM is one of the things that I would like to see changed. This comes from the event "Germany Mobilizes" and IMO it isnt needed. 55NM does the job just fine, 50 takes it too far.

Thanks for the comments!

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Post #: 44

RE: T9: The Oder must hold! VtB: xhoel (Axis) vs Gunnul... - 1/5/2022 8:38:47 PM

EwaldvonKleist

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Thank you for your replies and looking forward to read about the next turns!

The disband nerf was indeed an important change. Way too many gamey possibilities under the old rules.

< Message edited by EwaldvonKleist -- 1/5/2022 8:40:27 PM >

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Post #: 45

RE: T9: The Oder must hold! VtB: xhoel (Axis) vs Gunnul... - 1/5/2022 11:21:23 PM

Lovenought

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What is the situation in the West/Italy/Norway? It looks like you are trying to keep them at 100%?

Who do you think is going to get Berlin at this rate?

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Post #: 46

RE: T9: The Oder must hold! VtB: xhoel (Axis) vs Gunnul... - 1/5/2022 11:46:43 PM

HardLuckYetAgain

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Xhoel always writes top of the line AAR's :) I want to grow up to be just like him. Excellent job in the AAR and in the game.

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Post #: 47

RE: T9: The Oder must hold! VtB: xhoel (Axis) vs Gunnul... - 1/6/2022 4:32:15 PM

Iam5not8

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The change of rule on the disband / transfer minimal distance was a good move in beta.
The allocation of pilotes, planes, upgrade planes in TBs could be more transparent, and players should have some control on that, even with some tradeoffs / malus.

On Koenigsberg and Warsaw, I see that Guunulf committed a huge amount of troops, more than 400k.
Warsaw is definitevely needed as that is a rail/supply node.

For Koenisgberg, is it so usefull to take it ?

Very interesting AARs on a scenario that we don't see often.

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Post #: 48

RE: T9: The Oder must hold! VtB: xhoel (Axis) vs Gunnul... - 1/7/2022 1:24:57 AM

xhoel

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Lovenought

What is the situation in the West/Italy/Norway? It looks like you are trying to keep them at 100%?

Who do you think is going to get Berlin at this rate?

I will post an update on the TBs when I update the AAR for T10 which I just finished and sent to Chris. I have tried to keep them at 100% yes but got unlucky with Italy. The scenario doesnt allow the WA to capture Berlin. The game goes on till the first week of June at which point if Berlin is still in German hands, the Axis get a minor victory.

That isnt happening though. Chris will get to Berlin, Im sure of that.

quote:

ORIGINAL: HardLuckYetAgain

Xhoel always writes top of the line AAR's :) I want to grow up to be just like him. Excellent job in the AAR and in the game.

Thank you!

quote:

ORIGINAL: Iam5not8

The change of rule on the disband / transfer minimal distance was a good move in beta.
The allocation of pilotes, planes, upgrade planes in TBs could be more transparent, and players should have some control on that, even with some tradeoffs / malus.

True, the rule change was needed and is a good one. The pilot issue bugs me to no end but the devs dont seem too concerned about it so Ill have to do with what I have. Another issue that I saw this week has to do with rebuild shell units hoarding all available manpower. Will make a separate post about it, but thats an added headache for the Germans.

quote:

ORIGINAL: Lovenought

On Koenigsberg and Warsaw, I see that Guunulf committed a huge amount of troops, more than 400k.
Warsaw is definitevely needed as that is a rail/supply node.

For Koenisgberg, is it so usefull to take it ?

Very interesting AARs on a scenario that we don't see often.

Koenigsberg is a VP location that gives 10 VPs. He captured it way early and got the +6 bonus on top. I would say it is useful since it destroys a considerable German force and nets you 16 VPs on early capture.

Thanks for the kinds words!

@All: I will probably write up the update for T10 tomorrow or the day after. Gunnulf managed a masterful breakthrough right in front of Prague where I was weakest and now I have a Guards Mechanized Corps only 20 miles from the Czech capital! Lot of heavy fighting and counterattacks, stay tuned for more!

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Post #: 49

RE: T9: The Oder must hold! VtB: xhoel (Axis) vs Gunnul... - 1/7/2022 7:54:50 AM

Hardradi

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Appreciate all your efforts putting together the AAR. Some astounding numbers being shown in some of the battle screens. For example, 4.5K artillery pieces in a single battle and over 400k in men in another.

quote:

ORIGINAL: xhoel

I will post an update on the TBs when I update the AAR for T10 which I just finished and sent to Chris. I have tried to keep them at 100% yes but got unlucky with Italy. The scenario doesnt allow the WA to capture Berlin. The game goes on till the first week of June at which point if Berlin is still in German hands, the Axis get a minor victory.

Would also like to see this. On the OOB screen is a Theatre Box breakdown. It would be interesting to seen what remains in Norway, Northern Italy and Western Europe.

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Post #: 50

RE: T9: The Oder must hold! VtB: xhoel (Axis) vs Gunnul... - 1/7/2022 12:35:22 PM

xhoel

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Hardradi

Appreciate all your efforts putting together the AAR. Some astounding numbers being shown in some of the battle screens. For example, 4.5K artillery pieces in a single battle and over 400k in men in another.

Thank you! Yes, Chris almost always uses overwhelming force when he attacks. Means his advance is a bit slower but it completely chews up the Wehrmacht in the process. Every turn I have multiple divisions that have become depleted because of such attacks. It shouldnt be underestimated.

quote:

ORIGINAL: Hardradi
Would also like to see this. On the OOB screen is a Theatre Box breakdown. It would be interesting to seen what remains in Norway, Northern Italy and Western Europe.

Dont worry, will post the breakdown, TB losses and TB requirements in the update!

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Post #: 51

RE: T9: The Oder must hold! VtB: xhoel (Axis) vs Gunnul... - 1/7/2022 6:50:32 PM

Joel Billings

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Gary's added code in the next update that will go to testers that tries to reserve 1/3 of the trained pilots for on map units. Warning: Since pilot experience is a factor in the garrison values of off map units, it may mean a weakening over time of air garrison values in the TBs. Also, if you have no on map units (or pilots losses), these reserved pilots will not get used during the turn as on map replacements come after TB replacements.

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Post #: 52

RE: T9: The Oder must hold! VtB: xhoel (Axis) vs Gunnul... - 1/7/2022 7:35:42 PM

xhoel

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Thank you for the reply and for the change. I noticed you replied to the other thread re unit rebuilds and am grateful for the quick reaction time on both issues. Looking forward to the update!

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Post #: 53

T10: The Oder must hold! VtB: xhoel (Axis) vs Gunnulf (... - 1/7/2022 9:53:19 PM

xhoel

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T10, 17th of March 1945

Cold weather all over the front means the ground has frozen making this the perfect time for strong offensives. The enemy has used the opportunity well as will be shown below.

AGN

The main Soviet attack in the north failed with very heavy losses. Air losses due to flak are insanely high but this was before the flak patch so I will withhold my comments for now. The enemy has made contact along the rest of the line but it is clear that the formations here are battered and fatigued as their CVs show. Moreover, the lack of a clear pushing point means that Soviet assets are spread and making weak pressure in two different areas.

2 Corps, 1 Panzer Regiment and 1 ID evacuated this week. Some positions have been reinforced, since we expect more attacks next week.

AGN start of the week:

AGN after German moves:

AG Vistula

The Soviets have skillfully broken through the lines in the sector and battered down multiple German units. The Pomeranian wall defensive line has been broken and the enemy has trapped 2 IDs (one of them a very strong one) and 1 Panzer Regiment that we cannot save. Both Gdynia and Danzig have been captured, one of the Fortress divisions has been shattered while the other one has been depleted.

With Soviet pressure mounting in the north as well, the 4th Army has pulled back and organized a defense in depth around the breakthrough point. The terrain does not favor us. Some regiments ordered to start building fortifications on the Vistula. The isolated units have been ordered to probe the Soviet lines for breakout points and to disrupt enemy movement as much as possible which they have done to the best of their abilities.

AG Vistula start of the week:

Holds circled in yellow. Battle shown below:

Best battle result in the sector:

Goterhafen Fortress Division decimated by a Soviet Artillery Division:

No idea how this was achieved since this unit only had 9 SMG squads.

AG Vistula positions after German moves:

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Post #: 54

RE: T10: The Oder must hold! VtB: xhoel (Axis) vs Gunnu... - 1/7/2022 10:20:51 PM

xhoel

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AG Center

In front of Berlin the going is slower and the fighting a lot tougher. We manage to pull off 2 impressive holds using the strong point tactic. Further to the south 3 Soviet attacks have been successful. Bunzlau has fallen in enemy hands but was retaken this week by our forces. Recon has picked up a strong Soviet build up just south of Poznan but we cannot do much about it except hope that our units will be able to handle whatever the Soviets throw at them.

Berlin sector start of the week:

Holds marked in yellow, hold followed by a retreat after a second attack marked in blue.

Middle yellow hold:

Blue battle:

After German moves:

The most worrying development of the week is happening in front of Prague however. The enemy has struck against the weakest link of the German line and obliterated multiple regiments and divisions in their way, creating a penetration that is 60 miles wide and 80 miles long. Recon indicates a Mechanized Corps a mere 20 miles from Prague. Koenigraetz with the very important factory that produces Pz38(t) chassis that we need for the Hetzers is now on the front line. In front of Olomouc the enemy has seen further successes. Some mobile reserves have been moved from the 11th SS Panzer Army to this area and OKH has released the freshly rebuild 4th Panzer and Grossdeutschland Panzergrenadier Divisions to help the situation.

Prague sector start of the week:

Chassis production:

The Anatomy of a Counterattack

Here I just wanted to show the steps I took to stabilize the situation in the sector. First of all I used two relatively weak panzer regiments to cut off the leading Soviet units, each pushing on one side and meeting in the middle. So worst case scenario at least the leading element are cut off. The move gave me intelligence on the southern unit (11th Guards Tank Corps) and gave me some more intel on the northern one (can see CV on pop up shown at 2.6).

Moved the 12th SS Panzer Division and the 1/9th Panzer Division from the north to get ready for the attack. They had a combined CV of 18 vs the 2.6 of the unit shown. The attack went well and the very weak 11th Tank Corps (only 48 AFVs) was routed as expected.

To get ready for the second attack I moved units around the 11th Guards Tank Corps to guarantee that they would rout due to not having any hexes left to retreat on. I used armored units from the south which had build up CPP and were in good shape together with some regiments coming from the north. They received additional SU and the attack was launched with the assistance of the LW. It succeeded even though we lost almost half of our AFVs in the process. The 11th Gds Tank Corps was routed losing almost all of its tanks.

After that I brought in regiments to create a buffer zone for the Soviets to go through, before committing my strongest forces around the last trapped unit, the 8th Gds Mechanized Corps which had a staggering CV of 31! No doubt the Soviets will be able to save the unit but at least this delays them in their push for Prague. The rest of the units south of Prague were ordered to pull back 20-50 miles and reform their line in the light woods. Koenniggraetz and Paradubitz were reinforced with the hope of holding them at least one more turn. Brunn had to be abandoned.

Reinforcements are on the way from the reserve.

Prague sector after:

The circled HQs are empty ones waiting for formations to arrive from the reserve before they can be moved to the front to stabilize the Prague sector.

< Message edited by xhoel -- 1/7/2022 10:24:16 PM >

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Post #: 55

RE: T10: The Oder must hold! VtB: xhoel (Axis) vs Gunnu... - 1/7/2022 10:44:05 PM

EwaldvonKleist

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Is this your battle of Bautzen?

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Bautzen_(1945)

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Post #: 56

RE: T10: The Oder must hold! VtB: xhoel (Axis) vs Gunnu... - 1/7/2022 10:59:54 PM

xhoel

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AGA

The Vienna sector saw very heavy fighting as well as the enemy has widened their bridgehead and is pushing west with their armor. Soviet spearheads now 10 miles away from Vienna and 20 miles away from Bratislava. Extremely strong attacks launched all along the front have depleted multiple German Infantry Divisions and Regiments. Luftflotte 4 has been decimated and has stopped being a proper fighting force.

1st Panzer Army has been reinforced with units released from AGS. Our strongest units have pulled behind the Danube and established defenses in depth both here and around Bratislava. Wiking SS Panzer Division has entered Vienna and ordered to defend the city. Some depleted regiments have been disbanded while the 2 regiments of the 20th PzD have been merged to bring our armored units up to strength.

Vienna sector start of the week:

Marked in blue the only hold, followed by a retreat after a second attack.

Examples of heavy fighting:

In front of Vienna:

Jueterborg Panzer Division decimated and left without tanks. The unit has been sent to Prague for refit.

17th Panzer decimated just outside of Vienna:

In front of Bratislava:

One division depleted, the other left with only 11% ready TOE.

Blue battle shown above:

Tatra "Panzer" Division left with only 2 tanks has been sent to Prague for refit!

Vienna sector after:

AG South

With the weather clearing, the Soviets have begun their proper offensive against AGS as well, pushing all along the line here. Our battered units now find themselves in open terrain without fortifications and we are well aware that no defense can be mounted here. The Hungarians especially have taken a beating. Orders are given for a pull back behind the rivers. We give ground to the enemy hoping the coming rain and mud will slow them down. Reserves are needed both here and in the Vienna sector.

Budapest sector before:

Heavy fighting:

Hungarians decimated in battle:

Budapest sector after:

Overview South:

< Message edited by xhoel -- 1/7/2022 11:01:16 PM >

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Post #: 57

RE: T10: The Oder must hold! VtB: xhoel (Axis) vs Gunnu... - 1/7/2022 11:02:09 PM

xhoel

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quote:

ORIGINAL: EwaldvonKleist

Is this your battle of Bautzen?

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Bautzen_(1945)

If only these were Polish forces

Honestly though, the game does a pretty good job of recreating a lot of the historical situations and I am happy about that.

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Post #: 58

RE: T10: The Oder must hold! VtB: xhoel (Axis) vs Gunnu... - 1/7/2022 11:39:26 PM

xhoel

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Theater Box Update

As requested here is more information on the Theater Boxes: The Axis at this point in the war have 4 active TBs in order of importance: West, Italy, Norwary and Balkans. Here is the general OOB showing the numbers in TBs as well as on map and in the reserve:

The biggest German effort is in the West and that is were most casualties are taken. Currently the combat intensity is at very high for both ground and air and as a result we are shedding CVs in this TB as losses are mounting up. We have taken a few armored divisions away from the TB but almost all infantry has not been moved. I tried to hold them at more than 100% of requirements but am currently failing.

Defensive Ground % and AFV numbers over the 10 weeks:

A big reason for the sharp drop has to do with transfers East but another reason is the heavy combat taking place in the west.

Ground Losses West:

Air Losses and total manpower losses West:

Latest development from the West happened this week and saw the WA taking Pfalz and securing Cologne, basically reaching the Rhine all along the front and putting them within striking distance of Frankfurt.

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Post #: 59

RE: T10: The Oder must hold! VtB: xhoel (Axis) vs Gunnu... - 1/7/2022 11:39:46 PM

Rosencrantus

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quote:

ORIGINAL: xhoel

quote:

ORIGINAL: EwaldvonKleist

Is this your battle of Bautzen?

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Bautzen_(1945)

If only these were Polish forces Honestly though, the game does a pretty good job of recreating a lot of the historical situations and I am happy about that.

I agree, when two experienced players get a game together the scenarios that result are normally quite historically plausible. Especially the chaos that ensues when both sides launch counter attacks on counter attacks

.

< Message edited by Rosencrantus -- 1/7/2022 11:40:25 PM >

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