abulbulian (Axis) vs bwheatley (Sov) GC v1.05 (no bwheatley)

abulbulian (Axis) vs bwheatley (Sov) GC v1.05 (no bwheatley) (Full Version)

All Forums >> [New Releases from Matrix Games] >> Gary Grigsby's War in the East Series >> After Action Reports

Message

abulbulian -> abulbulian (Axis) vs bwheatley (Sov) GC v1.05 (no bwheatley) (9/23/2011 4:50:35 AM)
Well I've finally got around to starting my first WitE AAR. I don't predict it will be as spectacular as some of the WitE AARs I've been following over the past year, kudos to some of you out there. However, I do hope it is informative and fun for the whole family. Although I can't promises to keep the rating of this AAR below PG-13. First a little history of my opponent Bill Wheatley. I first encountered Bill walking on the road, shivering in the cold; when I learned he intended to spend the night huddled outside the school gym, I offered him a place to sleep at my house. Ummmm, errr, sorry that was The Blind Side. Actually Bill and I have never official met, but we have been friend for many years now and it start when we found each other as opponents in Advance Tactics. Great game, but I digress. I have the utmost respect for Bill as an individual and fellow war-gamer. He's quite and accomplish mod maker himself when he has the time. As a proud new papa, Bill hasn't had the time to game much lately. We're both going to give it a go again. The first game we played (out of the box) end in late 43 when the Soviets landed in Romania and the Romanians switched sides and 4 German armies disappeared from the OOB, so we called it quits. Bill had a good edge on me even before that occurred, so it was still looking like a Soviet decisive victory. I hope to do better this game against Bill. Of course many changes have taken place since we last played, IMO much needed changes to help balance the game more. It seemed to be heavily favoring the Soviets back at the release point. Bill seems to usually get the best of me, but I'll do my best to trap/beat that slippery fox as much as possible this game. Here's a recent picture of my opponent, Bill, to share with you. [image]local://upfiles/16003/B2415712F48242339D9FE96D49A95282.jpg[/image] Oops, sorry that's Ernest Borgnine when he was playing the role of 'Dominic' on Air Wolf. Can't seem to find my picture of Bill, but when I do I'll post it. Just getting my snaps ready and I'll be updating the AAR the rest of the evening. oh one house rule: No HQ Build-Ups for either side for entire game.

abulbulian -> RE: abulbulian (Axis) vs bwheatley (Sov) GC v1.05 (9/29/2011 3:53:31 AM)
Here we go... T #1: AGN Nothing fancy here, just pushing hard and taking Riga. I did manage to get a few mobile units of Pz Grp #4 across the major river. That's going to help next turn. Important to get that axis control hex corridor for my infantry to roll across next turn. A theme that will be repeated throughout 41. Also, I air lifted some supplies to one of the Pz HQ. [image]local://upfiles/16003/8A6A7FA0425B49F58813FCCBB957AB8D.jpg[/image]

abulbulian -> RE: abulbulian (Axis) vs bwheatley (Sov) GC v1.05 (9/29/2011 4:05:26 AM)
T1: AGC I figure with the changes in v1.05 and the premium the Soviet player will be placing on armaments, I need to hit south hard. Although not crazy about it at first, Guderian finally bought in to sending more than half his elite mobile units south to help with the Lvov pocket. [image]local://upfiles/16003/A07BF7DF6AEE41DB9A0D950AAF101BD8.jpg[/image]

abulbulian -> RE: abulbulian (Axis) vs bwheatley (Sov) GC v1.05 (9/29/2011 4:13:23 AM)
A little luck on the way to Minsk, which I had not planned on attacking T1. One of the defending Rifle Div (100th) decided to help the 26th Tank Div in a battle just NW of Minsk. The 19th Pz Div made short work of both Sov units with routes to the defenders. Thus, Minsk was left with only a single Rifle Div for defense. Needless to say we couldn't resist this opportunity and proceeded to capture Minsk. [image]local://upfiles/16003/6F61BBFDFE1840118D24CA0B25FF3480.jpg[/image]

abulbulian -> RE: abulbulian (Axis) vs bwheatley (Sov) GC v1.05 (9/29/2011 4:22:58 AM)
T1: AGS I like to go big on the Lvov 'gambit', which is why half the mobile units of Pz Grp #2 are needed to accomplish this enlarged pocket. "Go big or go home", I like to say. [:'(] Normally I don't recommend breaking down mobile units, however, it can be ok in the first few turns if you give them some good defensive terrain. You'll notice that all my single defending regiments are either behind are river or in forest (or both). The SS regiments in open are two units. These breakdowns were needed to make sure the pocket can be held. Bill has burnt me a few times in previous games by breaking into my pockets. [image]local://upfiles/16003/BE4C3434387547BDB87D41604FFF35DC.jpg[/image]

abulbulian -> RE: abulbulian (Axis) vs bwheatley (Sov) GC v1.05 (9/29/2011 4:38:23 AM)
T1: Loses Avoid making any silly attacks, tough enemy units will be bypassed and cut off. Cleaning them up later with my infantry. My goal is to preserve the German army and at times that might be reflected as being somewhat conservative. I do know that running the panzer units around will cause many breakdowns which a quarter of will be total loses. Thus, so far so good. [image]local://upfiles/16003/89530469531F45AB9869CEE8A30BCBEA.jpg[/image]

jzardos -> RE: abulbulian (Axis) vs bwheatley (Sov) GC v1.05 (9/29/2011 10:39:33 PM)
Yes this was decent start. Seen Bill's AAR so I already know the pocket held. I'm a little gun shy to try and push the Lvov pocket to include Rovno. But I like the results. Are you planning to push the entire 2nd Panzer Grp down south once you get around the Pripets. Looking forward to seeing how heavy you push to Leningrad. Many people don't think it's worth it. Personally, I think releasing the Fins is very important. Especially during that first blizzard when they can actually cause some pain for the Soviets. [sm=fighting0056.gif]

Ketza -> RE: abulbulian (Axis) vs bwheatley (Sov) GC v1.05 (9/29/2011 11:06:54 PM)
I have been practicing enlarging the Lvow pocket as well. Its a very delicate manner to increase it as much as you have great job!

kirkgregerson -> RE: abulbulian (Axis) vs bwheatley (Sov) GC v1.05 (9/30/2011 5:10:04 PM)
This is a beautiful start. Send me the save pbem file for t1 complete with password and I'll send it to my next opponent. [;)] Ummm, darn that wouldn't work unless I had the Sov password too. Ummm, darn that still would not work because my opponent gets to choose his own password. [:(] I'm 1/2 on holding a Lvov pocket (never the Mega version) the first turn. The first time was my first Axis game, so I can write that off as being a noob. Look forward to this AAR catching up to Bill's Sov AAR. [:'(]

abulbulian -> RE: abulbulian (Axis) vs bwheatley (Sov) GC v1.05 (10/4/2011 2:53:45 PM)
T2: AGN Pushing hard to Pskov with 4th Panzer Army and not much to stop me. It's very important on T1 to try and avoid routing too many units back east that can be used for defense on T2. Was able to temporarily pocket a few divisions near Pskov. More importantly I've created a land corridor (excuse spelling on map) for my infantry units to move through next turn(s). I'm also transporting some units to Riga that were waiting from T1 including a SEC div. My notes on the map are incorrect, I transported in 2 inf div and a SEC div. [image]local://upfiles/16003/7C511C5C534C48C485BAD9026CC555C5.jpg[/image]

abulbulian -> RE: abulbulian (Axis) vs bwheatley (Sov) GC v1.05 (10/4/2011 3:10:32 PM)
T2: AGC More eliminating of the pocket west of Minsk. While still in decent supply 3rd Pz Grp pushes close to Vitebsk and effectively takes Mogilev, but is unable to occupy it due to lack of fuel. My northern part of 2nd Pz Grp is heading for Gomel and blazing a trail up the Bresk-Litovsk Minsk and Zhlobin highway for 4th Army. Sorry, had combat markers off on below map. [image]local://upfiles/16003/78461246DB6C44649D09661E2A802571.jpg[/image]

abulbulian -> RE: abulbulian (Axis) vs bwheatley (Sov) GC v1.05 (10/4/2011 3:25:45 PM)
T2: AGS The enlarged Lvov pocket held. Woot! May take a few turns to reduce it. I'll just drive a path for my rail construction from Lvov to Tarnopol. Diverting part of 2nd Pz Grp south has paid dividends as I was able to use it to created another pocket west of Zhitomir. This should put AGS in good position for a possible push on Kiev in the next few turns. Not shown are the Romanians making there usual and painfully slow progress in the south. I do have 11th army moving to Odessa with them. Not much to show this turn in that area. I'm continuing to fly in supplies (mostly fuel) to my Pz spearheads. Not sure how long I can keep this up as the toll in damaged planes is creeping up. [image]local://upfiles/16003/514620EECF8243A9888FDB0F4561F503.jpg[/image]

Ketza -> RE: abulbulian (Axis) vs bwheatley (Sov) GC v1.05 (10/4/2011 3:29:01 PM)
I dub thee "pocketmaster".

Q-Ball -> RE: abulbulian (Axis) vs bwheatley (Sov) GC v1.05 (10/4/2011 3:31:08 PM)
That's an amazing opening in AGS so far

abulbulian -> RE: abulbulian (Axis) vs bwheatley (Sov) GC v1.05 (10/4/2011 3:39:41 PM)
T2: Loses So far my goal of keeping the Axis loses light is on track. Guess this should be everybody's goal too. [8D] Still many trapped Soviet units so enemy loses, thus figures should jump the next few turns. Going to be hard to reach that Soviet 3.5 - 4 million mark in order to have a somewhat peaceful blizzard. A long way away, but always in the back of my mind as the last initial blizzard against Bill was very traumatic. Of course that was with v1.02 [:(] [image]local://upfiles/16003/C699AA7B0DFD44A7A134E0AB9B7A59F6.jpg[/image]

Peltonx -> RE: abulbulian (Axis) vs bwheatley (Sov) GC v1.05 (10/4/2011 3:56:23 PM)
Wow great job in South. How many mech units did you pull to south? Guess I have to figure out how to do this for my next game. T1 was good and T2 was good also. Pelton

abulbulian -> RE: abulbulian (Axis) vs bwheatley (Sov) GC v1.05 (10/4/2011 4:06:19 PM)
T3: AGN All around a decent turn. A few minor pockets in the north and center were broken, but the main pockets held. We continue to drive 4th Pz Grp hard in the direction of Leningrad. Not sure yet if that will be it's final axis of attack over the next several turns. Although my initial T2 pocket with a few Lvov units was broken, I was able to re-pocket a nice stack of Soviet defenders including the 163rd Mot Div. A few more infantry div reinforcements arrive in Riga from OKH. I'm beefing up 16th and 18th Army to max CUP of 24. [image]local://upfiles/16003/A9E2852C256F4983B5C08F54B087D02F.jpg[/image]

abulbulian -> RE: abulbulian (Axis) vs bwheatley (Sov) GC v1.05 (10/4/2011 4:13:05 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: Pelton Wow great job in South. How many mech units did you pull to south? Guess I have to figure out how to do this for my next game. T1 was good and T2 was good also. Pelton I diverted a decent punch of Pz Grp 2 units south: 3rd, 4th, and 10th Pz Divs 10 Mot Div, Das Reich SS Mot Div and GD Mot Rgt

abulbulian -> RE: abulbulian (Axis) vs bwheatley (Sov) GC v1.05 (10/4/2011 4:35:26 PM)
T3: AGC Will take one more turn until the T1 pocket west of Minsk is finally reduced. Drive towards Smolensk continues and the key city of Vitebsk was taken by 7th Pz Div. Had to re-pocket several Soviet units that Bill was able to break supply into, but the units couldn't get away. My Pz Grp units are starting to show signs of depleted fuel stocks. The advance will slow down a bit over the next few turns as the railheads need to catch up. I plan to breach the Dnepr near Gomel in order to link up with AGS and isolate the Pripet marshes. [image]local://upfiles/16003/8CCDA10956D649BB9E8780D99777DBF2.jpg[/image]

abulbulian -> RE: abulbulian (Axis) vs bwheatley (Sov) GC v1.05 (10/4/2011 4:53:13 PM)
T3: AGS In my drive to Kiev I was able to find an undefended river crossing point south of the city. Using some of my mobile units with decent MPs I was able to surround the city. I needed every diverted Pz Grp 2 unit to pull off this encirclement. So far I'm very happy with my choice to split up Pz Grp 2. Using a part of 17th Army to assist in the continued reduction of the initial Lvov pocket. While 6th Army pushes east and squeezes the pocket west of Kiev. I've decide to send 2nd Army south to help in the drive to the Donets Basin. I'll grow it with incoming OKH reserve infantry and T4 LI corps. Prefer to have a robust 2nd Army. Short on APs atm, but plan to transfer some su from 9th Army to 2nd Army. [image]local://upfiles/16003/83900C8DD94D4A71A0F3A1789EE233D2.jpg[/image]

Q-Ball -> RE: abulbulian (Axis) vs bwheatley (Sov) GC v1.05 (10/4/2011 4:57:25 PM)
Looks like you used almost all Mobile units of Pz Gp 2 in the south. That is an insane rate of advance in the South so far. I noticed you have an airbase unit completely surrounded, and "Stranded". If you never ever "bump" it, what happens to it? Anyone know? Will it stay there forever, while it slowly starves and the men die off? If so, I would leave it!

abulbulian -> RE: abulbulian (Axis) vs bwheatley (Sov) GC v1.05 (10/4/2011 5:02:13 PM)
T3: Loses Still more pockets to reduce, so I'm happy with the final numbers here. Looking forward to the Hiwis in 42, will need them. [8D] [image]local://upfiles/16003/964B72F7A5C3495EADE711AB636FA624.jpg[/image]

abulbulian -> RE: abulbulian (Axis) vs bwheatley (Sov) GC v1.05 (10/4/2011 5:03:50 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: Q-Ball Looks like you used almost all Mobile units of Pz Gp 2 in the south. That is an insane rate of advance in the South so far. I noticed you have an airbase unit completely surrounded, and "Stranded". If you never ever "bump" it, what happens to it? Anyone know? Will it stay there forever, while it slowly starves and the men die off? If so, I would leave it! I think it will stay forever, but the Soviet player can always 'displace' it. Not sure if it suffers any attrition.

abulbulian -> RE: abulbulian (Axis) vs bwheatley (Sov) GC v1.05 (10/4/2011 5:51:53 PM)
Start T4: Fins The Fins decide they want a piece of the Soviets too. The Finish Continuation War begins with an opportunity to isolate a Soviet infantry div or two. [image]local://upfiles/16003/9D2F7445207943439A2612F9B66AC035.jpg[/image]

abulbulian -> RE: abulbulian (Axis) vs bwheatley (Sov) GC v1.05 (10/4/2011 5:59:56 PM)
T4: AGN Key city Novgorod was taken by 3rd Motorized Div under the command of Mainstein's LVI Pz Corps. As expect the initial surge of the past few turns starts to diminish. My Pz Grps are in need or rest/refit and my Infantry Armies need to catch up to the front lines. That will be the underlying story for this turn across all sectors. A few turns ago I put our infantry ace Model in charge of 18th Army's I Corps. Bill was able to gain supply into a few pockets that put a dent into any hopes of reducing them this turn. [:(] [image]local://upfiles/16003/CB203562FEAF46279E82BC998072E347.jpg[/image]

abulbulian -> RE: abulbulian (Axis) vs bwheatley (Sov) GC v1.05 (10/4/2011 6:13:58 PM)
T4: AGC Little or no progress here as 9th Army double times it to the positions held by 3rd Pz Grp. Bill had opened supplies to pocket SW of Vitebsk, so I had to re-pocket. I was able to force a crossing of the Dnepr by Gomel. The gallant 1st Cav div was able to evict the defenders, but was too exhausted to occupy the city. Happy with the progress of 4th Army. Those units will be much needed in the upcoming summer/fall battles. Side note: I really love Calvary units, wish the Germans had a few more of these.. just not at the expense of Pz divisions. [:-] [image]local://upfiles/16003/8CDBD2EF4DF7490EA5395D01E930D31B.jpg[/image]

abulbulian -> RE: abulbulian (Axis) vs bwheatley (Sov) GC v1.05 (10/4/2011 9:28:29 PM)
T4: AGS Very disappointed in my staff officers for neglecting a possible Soviet relieve effort coming from the Pripets. Looks like the reduction of the Kiev pocket will have to be delayed a turn. The fuel situation for 1st Pz Grp and part of 2nd Pz is critical. Any significant advance to the east this turn is out of the question. Although after squeezing out every last drop of petrol for a few mobile units, I was able to create a two more lean pockets (yummy) south of Kiev. It's a health net of infantry, motorized, and tank units. [image]local://upfiles/16003/0EB2146795204E0CAD69F44D147C9AC3.jpg[/image]

abulbulian -> RE: abulbulian (Axis) vs bwheatley (Sov) GC v1.05 (10/4/2011 9:36:48 PM)
T4: Romanians Without any mobile forces the Romanians and 11th Army are reduced to a crawl. In this area we gave as many Soviet units a 'black-eye' as we could. I plan to strike for Odessa if he leaves it temptingly open. There was a directional change for 2nd Army to follow the land corridor created by 1st Pz Grp which will increase it's speed to the front. [image]local://upfiles/16003/C30C4E19D0CE45C59D7B3F99759DCCA1.jpg[/image]

abulbulian -> RE: abulbulian (Axis) vs bwheatley (Sov) GC v1.05 (10/4/2011 9:55:34 PM)
T4: Loses A sharp rise in loses for Axis as compared to the first few turns. This is somewhat expected for troops and AFVs as many damaged tanks have been unrepairable and lost. One aspect of the game that I have yet to comment on is captured Soviet factories. Bill has done a good job so far evacuating indusry and I don't see myself doing well in this area. Here's what I've been able to destroy so far. T1 -- Minsk: 4 Arm - 4 Hvy (this is baseline as every axis should get this since no Soviet evac allowed on T1) T2 -- Mogilev: 3 Arm - 4 Hvy T3 -- Kiev: 4 Arm - 4 Hvy (effectively since surrounded) T4 -- Gomel: 2 Hvy * So a grand total of 11 Arm and 14 Hvy industry destroyed so far. [image]local://upfiles/16003/A8AFD94B592F49418CF521D31B05A54E.jpg[/image]

Ketza -> RE: abulbulian (Axis) vs bwheatley (Sov) GC v1.05 (10/4/2011 9:57:32 PM)
Wow your southern advance is amazing. I cannot see any real potential for the Soviet to slow you down.

Page: [1] 2 3 next > >>

Forum Software © ASPPlayground.NET Advanced Edition 2.4.5 ANSI

2.296875