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Caz Collins -> RE: weather (1/30/2010 7:47:29 PM)
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As Larry mentioned, he and I are playing SPzAbt653’s Bulge scenario “Autumn Fog”. Larry is playing the Germans and I am the Allies. This is my first After Action Report, so please bear with me until I get a handle on posting the graphics. Actually, this is also my first PBEM game, and I am playing against Larry, so be prepared for some stunningly superlative game play – on Larry’s part!
The 100-turn “Autumn Fog’ scenario falls into two phases: the explosive German attack, which eventually bogs down, followed by the Allied counterattack pushing the Germans back to or beyond their start line and a crushing Allied victory (I hope!). As Autumn Fog is still in the development phase (I think), and if Larry is willing, I would like to play out the game for as long as it makes sense to do so. That means I need to prevent Larry’s explosive German attack exploding me out of the game before phase two.
As for strategic defensive plans, ideally it would be best to contain the German attack along its’ entire front, then counterattack when it is spent. As Larry is likely to bust through at multiple places I will try to manage where that happens. I plan to try to hold the initial contact lines on the Northern and Southern edges, about 10% of the front each (the “solid shoulders”). I then plan to maintain a solid front in the center of his attack, falling back as he pushes. I want to limit his break through to a point above and below my solid center. That should put the eventually arriving Allied counter-attacking forces near the base of each of his break through. I think my solid center will eventually fall back through Bastogne, making my overall plan somewhat historical in nature.
Tactically I plan to make major use the extensive river system in the battle area. The scenario designer has made many of rivers in this area “super rivers” (in TOAW game type). This prevents most units in the game from crossing them except at bridge sites (or with ferry units). By destroying select bridges I will try to channel Larry’s attacks into the areas between the rivers and disperse his overall attack focus.
I also plan to adopt a flexible defense and not try to hold every inch of ground. I would like to salvage most of the U.S. units on the start line, but holding key choke points as needed.
That’s’ the plan anyway.
Randy Collins
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