RE: Third Reich 42 - 45: Mark (Axis) vs Mike (Allies) (Full Version)

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USXpat -> RE: Third Reich 42 - 45: Mark (Axis) vs Mike (Allies) (6/20/2012 5:48:59 AM)

T024 - October 16 1942
General Overview

No screenshot for this post. With Fall setting in, I gambled on a major offensive (105% shock @ 2 Turns) was planned for October 2nd, mainly for the Grozny Operation. October 9th, mud season hit and that carries over a few turns. A major offensive undermined by weather... that's how it goes sometimes. Very funny for obvious reasons.

The Luftwaffe - (to include Axis-friendly air forces) total losses are at 2,640 aircraft. Mike's been hammering Axis air bases at every opportunity, mostly in Russia and blowing bridges in Europe, so it has been a very active, but not all-out air war. Historically, from July to December, about 2,500 German aircraft were lost in combat. The numbers appear to be fairly realistic. At best, the Axis air forces can claim air parity, superiority has been lost.

France - The full original garrison forces remain in France minus 1 infantry korps and two panzer divisions. Over a dozen reserve divisions have taken their place, however - mostly coastal defense duty. Available AA units have taken up positions on the major bridges which have been hammered repeatedly. How effective they are is difficult to assess, they don't appear to be much of a deterrent, though the Luftwaffe is in good order throughout northern Germany and France, so I suspect Allied air forces are taking significant losses one way or the other.

Norway - Original garrison forces remain excepting the RR Engineer Brigade, the 25th Panzer Division and one Infantry Division, which have redeployed to assist in Finland.

Finland - From Lake Onega to the town of Kem, along the Isthmus and along the Svir, the situation remains silent and static. Kandalaksha is in Finnish hands; Murmansk is under siege by land but capable of being reinforced by Sea. The Kriegsmarine Admiral Scheer group will be available if/when reinforcements arrive to press the final assault on Murmansk. Both Kandalaksha and Murmansk are Lend Lease destinations, holding both will decrease LL by about 50-55%. (A simplified routine).

Army Group North - reinforced by Manstein's 11th Armee, the Assault on Leningrad is well underway. The outermost defensive ring broke placing Axis forces 30 km away from the city center. Tough fighting is still expected, casualties have been high. Otherwise, the whole length from Kirovsk to Vitebsk is quiet.

Army Group Center - The entirety of AGC is static and very quiet excepting periodic exchanges near the Voronezh - Yeletz line.

Army Group South - Upper Don to Stalingrad - Quiet.

Army Group South - Northern Caucasus - The advance on Grozny has gone much slower than expected. While an offensive was planned to start October 2nd, mud season resulted in it being called off. There will be not even the slightest element of surprise.

Besides the shoulder of the offensive, W and SW of Astrakahn is still woefully shy of units. Aside from expendable Russian units probing my defenses, however, there has been no offensive; just ongoing reports of a build-up in the Astrakahn vicinity.

Along the Black Sea, the mixed German-Italian force continues to make slow progress, having just taken Sochi.

The Balkans - The widest mix of nationalities - Italians, Germans, Croatians, Hungarians and Bulgarians have been successful in eliminating the majority of partisan groups in the area. Not all though. The remaining partisan units are very strong and likely beyond the offensive capabilities of the units in the area.

Italy/Sicily - Sicily's defenses have been bolstered by three German Reserve Divisions, a Reserve Panzer Division, and an SS Mountain Infantry Division.

Western Libya - I've been able to muster 7 divisions near Tripoli as a contingency force in the event of Vichy capitulation.

Eastern Libya - English brigades have been baiting Rommel to advance ever since taking Sidi Barrani. The situation here is precarious as the English build-up in Egypt is known to be very significant, potentially even... massive.

Honestly, I really don't see any favorable options. I fear taking a defensive footing and giving Mike the decision of when/where to strike that the Italian divisions will mostly melt under pressure. At the same time, charging headlong into fortified positions, outnumbered and somewhat beyond the reach of the bulk of Luftwaffe FW-190's, would be suicidal.

The best option is to try to get the English to advance beyond their fortification network and "inflict as much damage as possible". Even then, I don't think the Afrika Korps has much of a chance, but this offers at least some chance, small as it may be. Extra bombers have been flown into Crete from the Balkans.

Germany: The only available reserves consist of three reserve panzer divisions and a dozen or so replacement divisions, aside from flak units, reserve center and forts.

Other Notes: Overall infantry losses have been close to par with the replacement rate. This owes to a) very specific, if limited objectives and b) absence of major Allied ground offensives (as yet). Combat activity for many turns focus on fewer than 10 hexes - foregoing anything that doesn't provide the potential for some kind of advantage - whether VP, rail lines, better defensive terrain. Consequently, with most units at full strength; turn by turn replacements are feeding those units doing most of the fighting. Wherever possible, units are rotated in/out of the front as they recover.

Allied Forces hold 275 VP; Axis hold 985; Axis Victory Level is 713 out of 1260 with 3 coming from eliminating the N. Caucasus Front - making for a Significant Victory (same as at start). Reaching, much less holding, an Overwhelming Victory is not easy - would require taking all of the Caucasus and a few other cities.

At this point, I think Baku is more or less out of my reach. Will push as far as I can, but am only confident about taking Grozny - and not expecting it to be easy, definitely not like Maikop.
If Leningrad falls, then I will go after Murmansk. Otherwise, I expect the rest of the game to be mostly defending everything I can.

Game Issues - Fortunately, no further bugs have been encountered (presently @T45). One German Korps has an excessively low supply proficiency which needs to be fixed. Otherwise,

* Weather Severity (particularly snow) needs to be increased by two notches.
* From Justus' game, Bulgaria needs to capitulate if Sofia is taken (currently keys off Romanian capitulation)
* Review Lend Lease whether some portion should be automatically received via replacements vs disband cadres per deliveries via the Pacific and Iran. Not bad "as is" if seen as an abstract for the "whole war".
* Set up a larger range of variables and options relative to Vichy France; probably with an extra honor rule or two.
* Increase the "difficulty" in the Balkans.



USXpat -> RE: Third Reich 42 - 45: Mark (Axis) vs Mike (Allies) (6/21/2012 1:51:16 AM)

October 30, 1942
Grozny

The situation as Grozny - not much explaining to do. Reinforcements to Grozny will have to travel by sea via the Caspian.

Where the Allies have abundant rail transport, they only have 15k or less sea transport for the most part. This will be divided amongst the Caucasus and Murmansk cut off from rail lines; American reinforcements needing to stage to England and any follow-on transport to North Africa.

[image]local://upfiles/35969/80106A4C566A40F18E9E9902FE2C3F24.jpg[/image]



USXpat -> RE: Third Reich 42 - 45: Mark (Axis) vs Mike (Allies) (6/21/2012 2:14:31 AM)

T026 - October 30, 1942
North Africa

The calm before the storm West of El Alamein.

The only reason Rommel lasted as long as he did in North Africa was because the British kept shifting their forces around to other threatened areas throughout 1941. In 1942, all other areas are more or less contained (Iraq/Syria) or not relevant (England/Greece/Crete), with the Pacific being a wild card. So, the English are free to focus everything they have in Egypt if they choose to - and there's really not too many reasons why they wouldn't.

Once the Allies approach within a 2-3 hex radius of Tunis, the southern exclusion zone is lifted, opening up the entirety of southern Europe to a possible Allied invasion. Most areas are fairly well garrisoned. Italian divisions in the Balkans have been recalled to Italy for beach defense duty. German units have been shifted from Belgrade to Greece to reinforce the remaining Italian contingent there.

[image]local://upfiles/35969/8FBDBF54A3624F6EBDFFDAEA3591F0B4.jpg[/image]



USXpat -> RE: Third Reich 42 - 45: Mark (Axis) vs Mike (Allies) (6/23/2012 9:54:19 PM)

T027 - November 06, 1942
North Africa

Decisions... Decisions... English and American forces have landed in Morocco and Algiers. That puts a whole new spin on the situation in North Africa. Vichy French forces capitulate without a fight. A total of 5 Italian and 2 German Leichte Divisions staged as contingency forces in Tripoli begin deployments to Algeria and Tunisia. Additional forces will need to be scraped together for the defense of Tunisia to amount to much.

The opening of the second front in North Africa spells eventual doom for Rommel. Of more immediate concern is a contingent of at least two armoured and infantry divisions swinging around my right flank - Mike pulled one of Rommel's own tricks out of Montgomery's hat.

With the terrain as it is, the English advance presents an opportunity, a very risky one - try to cut the English off at the base of their advance. All that is needed is to advance toward the Qatarra Depression and hold against any counterattacks... if just for one turn.

Only Littorio and 10th Panzer Divisions were in a position to answer the call for this maneuver - to squeeze between the impassible sand dunes and the English defensive line. The German 90th Leichte and the Italian Regina Infantry Division are the only units able to offer immediate resistance to the English I & X Corps. Italian forces including the Centauro Armored, Brescia and Pistoia Motorized Divisions are on hand to (try) to contain any further English advance.

This is a long shot, but North Africa depends upon winning a couple long shots, so a decision might as well be made here. For better or worse.

[image]local://upfiles/35969/8637AF3820E34BEFBB081001200AF674.jpg[/image]



USXpat -> RE: Third Reich 42 - 45: Mark (Axis) vs Mike (Allies) (6/23/2012 10:44:34 PM)

T027 - November 6, 1942
The Astrakahn Bulge

To the south, the Battle for Grozny wages. It's not a fight that will be won fast. It needs reinforced with infantry - but it can maintain the status quo plus make progress with what it has on hand.

Much greater concern has grown over the gradual build-up of Soviet forces near Astrakahn which has finally been unleashed. The Romanian II & IV Infantry Corps bore the brunt of the initial attacks by 10th Guards & 4th Shock Armies, and 36th Motorized Division torn asunder by 1st & 3rd Guards Tank Armies.

Additional relief is close at hand with the arrival of the LXXXVIII Korps from France; 323rd Infantry Division released from VII Korps (near Voronezh), 257th Infantry Division from XLIV Korps (SE of Frolovo) and 294. Infantry Division once it is relieved from Maikop area defense duties by a security division from AGC.

The line needs to be held together for about a month to six weeks before enough reinforcements are available to cement it.


[image]local://upfiles/35969/D215F1B9DBF94B0BADAF3DDB5213C027.jpg[/image]



USXpat -> RE: Third Reich 42 - 45: Mark (Axis) vs Mike (Allies) (6/24/2012 10:14:33 PM)

Turn 028 - November 13, 1942
Leningrad

Where the heaviest concentration of Axis armor is sitting near Grozny, Leningrad boasts the highest concentration of heavy artillery. The assault on Leningrad involves 11th & 18th Armees - XXVI Korps, XXX Korps, L Korps and LIV Korps, SS Polizei Division and 18th Motorized Division from XXXIX Panzer Korps.

The sum total of Axis rail artillery is positioned here - 2x 800mm; 7x 400mm; 5x 305mm; 8x 280mm; 2x 240mm; 2x 194mm and 2x 170mm.

This is supported by the 1st Werfer Brigade amounting to 33x 280mm; 35x 210mm and 96x 150mm Nebelwerfers.

11th Armee adds 2x 420mm, 12x 305mm; 6x 170mm; 45x 150mm and 7x 105mm artillery pieces, plus another 27x 150mm rocket launchers. Finally, 18th Armee adds another 1x 420mm, 6x 305mm, 8x 240mm, 6x 210mm, 11x 170mm and 24x 150-155mm artillery pieces.

Altogether, this includes over 300 pieces of heavy artillery not counting that which is assigned at the Korps and Division level.

Taking Leningrad is an expensive effort. Attacks on Leningrad's defensive perimeter started almost three months ago. The Infantry Division showing "5-2", the 212th ID, is down to a total of 13 Heavy Rifle Squads and 2 Engineer Squads, but most of its heavy equipment remains intact.

Four out of the 16 divisions assigned to Leningrad are dedicated to fighting each week. They cycle out where possible and new units cycle in. With only the Grozny and Black Sea being hotly contested areas; units are quick to regain strength. Replacements are received slightly below the overall casualty rates.

Despite taking the central hex, fighting has been getting tougher, not easier - and a large part of that seems to be the remaining guns of the Russian Baltic Fleet concentrating on defense.

[image]local://upfiles/35969/6AECFEECD8F741E59E9B6136EE1F2DC8.jpg[/image]



USXpat -> RE: Third Reich 42 - 45: Mark (Axis) vs Mike (Allies) (6/24/2012 10:41:40 PM)

T028 - November 13, 1942
North Africa

The English pounced on the Littorio Division forcing it to retreat. Then gave 10th Panzer Division a good working over, sending it into reorganization. Further calamity not shown in the screenshot, 90th Leichte Division, already in reorg, evaporated upon being pressed by the 1st and 10th English Armored Divisions.

This being the situation at the end of the turn, I am not expecting the 10th Division to survive another week. It looks and feels like a chaotic whirlwind of activity. Mike has the upper hand here. It hurts to lose a panzer division anywhere, but especially in North Africa as without control of Malta, the German Army should only have 6 divisions in North Africa (and up to 6 supporting brigades). This is a full 20% of the Afrika Korps being chopped off.

But, the fight is not over.

[image]local://upfiles/35969/9F6F89A1C97E4071BBB566DAC2CBDF67.jpg[/image]



USXpat -> RE: Third Reich 42 - 45: Mark (Axis) vs Mike (Allies) (6/24/2012 10:51:07 PM)

T028 - November 30, 1942
Black Sea Coast - Sochi

The XLVIII Panzer and XLIX Mountain Korps, with support from the Italian Alpini Corps continue pressing as hard as their strength permits along the Black Sea. At this juncture, it feels like they've gone as far as they can go without additional reinforcements. Further, it looks like the Soviets are poised to be reinforced.

[image]local://upfiles/35969/5156AFA718884EA09441F6A31E1F1E2A.jpg[/image]



USXpat -> RE: Third Reich 42 - 45: Mark (Axis) vs Mike (Allies) (6/24/2012 11:15:55 PM)

T028 - November 13, 1942
Astrakahn Bulge

The situation at the Astrakahn Bulge -- IV Romanian Corps in dire straights. Romanian losses have been fairly light. I'll likely lose the 1st Romanian Cavalry Division for good - none of the cavalry divisions reconstitute. However, there are 295 Romanian Rifle Squads in the replacement pool - 391 squads have been lost thus far. So Romanian 13th Infantry Division should reform along with the IV Corps HQ -- but it will likely be shy on support squads reducing its supply effectiveness.

Mike's hammered the 36th Motorized Division and 11th Panzer Division, too - but reinforcements are gradually reaching the area.

[image]local://upfiles/35969/39DD4F6B68454111974EA1CF19342602.jpg[/image]



USXpat -> RE: Third Reich 42 - 45: Mark (Axis) vs Mike (Allies) (6/24/2012 11:48:20 PM)

T029 - November 20, 1942
West of El Alamein

As 10th Panzer Division marched off into captivity, Littorio Armored Division also got separated from the pack. With the situation escalating, Folgore Airborne Division was dropped right into the thick of it in an attempt to block off any route of retreat for the English 1st and 10th Armored Divisions. Impenetrable dunes blocked off their other route of escape. A tag team effort between 15th and 21st Panzer Divisions forced both English armored divisions to evaporate, however - they were not cut off from supply and most of their equipment likely made it back to the replacement pool. Still, that's two armored divisions to contend with in the immediate.

The English 8th Armored Division find itself in a similar situation, but it is likely to be relieved by supporting infantry.

The known balance of power:

6 German & Italian HQ's (artillery assets)
8 Italian Infantry Divisions plus 1 Infantry Brigade
3 Italian Armored Divisions
2 German Armored Divisions

4 English HQ's (artillery assets)
7 English Infantry Divisions plus 6 Infantry Brigades
3 English Armoured Divisions plus 1 Tank Brigade

I'm certain there's more out there that cannot be seen. The English and American air forces have the advantage this close to Egypt. Plus, there is the English Mediterranean Fleet to contend with, but the Italian Navy has yet to enter the fray on any significant level.

Any numerical advantage held by the Axis that might appear to exist is offset by the quality of the English infantry. Italian unit proficiency ranges from 35 - 60% where the English are consistently 70% +. The English also have better squads and somewhat more heavy equipment, if slightly hampered by their continued reliance upon 2 pounder ATG's. By now, they should have a fair number of 6 pounders.

One other thing is that once the Italian infantry units are destroyed, they are gone for good. The Italian armor will reconstitute subject to what is available in the replacement pool. Conversely, the German 10th and 15th Panzer divisions will not reconstitute. The 21st will, however.

Trying to keep pace with Mike's posts... but will have to skimp here and there with more situation summaries.

[image]local://upfiles/35969/7E711D2E775E479E8512636E45D4ED44.jpg[/image]



USXpat -> RE: Third Reich 42 - 45: Mark (Axis) vs Mike (Allies) (6/27/2012 7:05:15 PM)

T030 - November 27, 1942
North Africa

Chaos continues in North Africa. This turn is likely to make or break the Afrika Korps and its effort to contain what is now a full-fledged English offensive on the Libyan-Egyptian borders.

So far, it's been a trade 10th Panzer and Littorio for the English 1st and 10th Armoured Divisions. However, the 7th Armoured Division along the coast advanced past my defensive line (such as it is... or was) and 8th Armoured Division in the south was also slightly overextended.

The Italian Centauro Tank Division had already depleted itself against the 8th Armoured, Brennero Infantry Division at 35% proficiency is far too fragile and lightly armed to have a chance; and 21st Panzer's last gambit threw it into reorg. 8th Armoured was forced to retreat, but it lives on to fight another day.

Ariete Division barely making it through to cut off the 7th and needing to preserve its strength against the 2nd New Zealand and 9th Australian Divisions is only able to get one light attack in. That leaves only 15th Panzer to focus on the 7th Armoured. With its backs to the sea, it fights furiously, stiff-arming and cutting the 15th's Pz III number's in half.

The Afrika Korps has been defeated. It is not yet destroyed.

To the west, a handful of Italian divisions serve as a road bump for the British and English advancing on Tunisia. More divisions have been sent to beef up the defense, but they are not numerous or fast enough to expect more than delaying the Allies a turn or two. Kasserine Pass is defended by the 999. Leichte Division, Phillippeville by the Italian 51st Sienna Motorized Division - not a bad unit by Italian standards, even has a few tanks (sort of). 164 Leichte takes up its defense in Tunis itself, supported by two Italian infantry divisions.

[image]local://upfiles/35969/E2F9DEFB9FA34D7CAEA370912DF210BD.jpg[/image]



USXpat -> RE: Third Reich 42 - 45: Mark (Axis) vs Mike (Allies) (6/27/2012 7:15:55 PM)

T030 - November 27, 1942
Grozny

Gradually, more infantry divisions are making their way to Grozny, freeing up a few panzer divisions for redeployment. As yet, I've not made a direct assault on Grozny. More infantry are inbound. Every effort will be made such that once Grozny is taken, that it can be held against any counterattack the Russians can throw at it.

[image]local://upfiles/35969/8C86209843BD481A8369A6F23E9D869B.jpg[/image]



USXpat -> RE: Third Reich 42 - 45: Mark (Axis) vs Mike (Allies) (6/27/2012 7:21:53 PM)

T030 - November 27, 1942
The Astrakhan Bulge

Where efforts were simply to contain the Soviet offensive against the northern flank of the Grozny operation, the continued build-up of reinforcements allowed for a counterattack. I don't have the capability of sustaining any kind of offensive here. As can be seen, virtually all units involved in the counterattack are depleted. But, a lot of Soviet units are in a similar state and likely to lose a few more divisions. Hopefully, this took some steam out of the offensive to relieve the Northern Caucasus, by land, at least.

[image]local://upfiles/35969/40F4727B71214FED9F344624624F2387.jpg[/image]



USXpat -> RE: Third Reich 42 - 45: Mark (Axis) vs Mike (Allies) (6/27/2012 7:44:01 PM)

T030 - November 27, 1942
Leningrad

An expensive turn concentrating on taking out the naval guns from the Russian Baltic fleet and the rail guns. The Scharnhorst of the Kriegsmarine was able to give some help to this fight. The rest should be fairly easy going relative to the fighting of the past three months.

Everywhere else remains fairly quiet, periodic fighting near Voronezh-Yeletz continues. The first Luftwaffe Field Korps is provided by Goehring making good on his earlier promise. I would really like to disband these units that all their men and equipment will go into better, regular infantry divisions.

The situation in North Africa precludes this. There is a shortage of units for coastal defense duties in southern France and Italy. I'd like to free up more of my regular infantry divisions also assigned to rear area and coastal defense in Russia, too. So, for now, I will keep them and conserve them in the hopes of being able to disband at least some of them later.

At 45% proficiency and set to not reconstitute, their #1 advantage is that they pack 12x 88mm dual-purpose AA. Conversely, they also arrive under-strength - by 2 battalions of Heavy Rifle Squads, a company of motorcycle squads, two companies of mixed ATG's, two companies of engineer squads... and a bit of everything else, which pulls replacements away from first line divisions.

On the other hand, it's a nice feeling to have that many more "replacements in waiting" - along with the reserve and replacement divisions. Every available unit, regardless of quality, is desperately needed.


[image]local://upfiles/35969/648BF945FE1A4004ADD25B4567BD3FE9.jpg[/image]



USXpat -> RE: Third Reich 42 - 45: Mark (Axis) vs Mike (Allies) (6/29/2012 9:14:01 PM)

Turn 032 - December 11, 1942
El Qattara - Sidi Barrani

Jumping ahead 2 turns, the Afrika Korps' collapse begins to accelerate. There's no detracting from Mike playing the English well here. There's the psychological element of a poorly defended second front with the Americans and more English closing in on Algiers/Tunisia.

As of this turn, especially, I was psychologically beaten in North Africa. Had I more faith perhaps in the Italian forces, and there is now some evidence to warrant it, I'd probably have held "as firm as possible". Instead, I started setting the stage to extract what I could of the Afrika Korps.

It's not the casualties that were so terrible, but the supply and readiness that severely undermined my perception of what really was available:

15th Panzer: 15x Pz IIF, 15x Pz IIIH, 22x PzIIIJ, 15x Pz IVF2, 12 more AFV's.
21st Panzer: 15x Pz IIF, 6x Pz IIIH, 65x PzIIIJ, 20x Pz IVF2, 13x Pz IVE
131 Centauro: 227x M14/40-41, 18x mixed Semovente's
132 Ariete: 218x M14/40-41, 12x Semovente 75's
27 Brescia: 89x M14/40-41
101 Trieste: 85x M14/40-41

Nearly 900 AFV's. Easy to second guess things, hindsight is not always so clear as one may think though. They say it is best to go with one's initial gut instincts - so on one hand, I might have drawn this out longer; but at the risk of... 900 AFV's. And truth be told, I didn't look at this situation as "900 AFV's" - but merely as the "15th and 21st Panzer Divisions". Little regard for the Italians, though some appreciation for the Italian armor - knowing that these at least had the potential to reform if destroyed.




[image]local://upfiles/35969/98263AC996AF4D83A29E6B13E54C9AAB.jpg[/image]



USXpat -> RE: Third Reich 42 - 45: Mark (Axis) vs Mike (Allies) (6/29/2012 9:22:42 PM)

T032 - December 11, 1942
Algeria - Tunisia

While Tunis itself is defended by 164. Leichte and 3 Italian Divisions, the screenshot shows the "full muster" of forces available to defend the approaches to it. Two more Italian divisions in the foothills and mountains to the west were bypassed. Now it is up to the 51st Sienna Division with about 90 M14/40-41 tanks to hold up the Americans.



[image]local://upfiles/35969/9AF07CD297ED4F64837FABFC70F7763C.jpg[/image]



USXpat -> RE: Third Reich 42 - 45: Mark (Axis) vs Mike (Allies) (6/29/2012 9:40:55 PM)

T032 - December 11, 1942
General Overview

Leningrad has been completely cleared. This allows for the Finnish Ithmus Army with an additional German korps (or more) to cascade as reinforcements for the final drive on Murmansk. Cut off by land, when needed, the Battlecruiser, Admiral Sheer will implement a naval blockade to cut it off from reinforcements by sea, too.

The entire length of the Eastern Front, aside from periodic fighting near Voronezh-Yeletz, remains quiet. The Astrakhan Bulge is also the scene of periodic fighting, but for the most part, the Soviet forces there have been contained or at least give the impression they are.

Grozny still remains in Soviet hands. Enough infantry is available to begin a serious effort to take the city. LIV Korps, finished with its share of the fighting at Leningrad, is being railed in for further support.

Along the Black Sea Coast, the 44th, 45th, 46th and 47th Soviet Armies are concentrated along a 45 km front to halt the advance at Sokhumi. Time and time again, I've felt the progress here stall beyond capacity to restart. The primary objective of this drive is to reach Batumi - which will force the Soviets to scuttle the Black Sea Fleet. That will also close off the entire Black Sea from any possible Allied Amphibious Operations freeing up a considerable number of 2nd and 3rd rate units should they be needed.

More importantly is that every Soviet unit here is a Soviet unit not somewhere else.



USXpat -> RE: Third Reich 42 - 45: Mark (Axis) vs Mike (Allies) (7/1/2012 8:48:14 AM)

T033 - December 18, 1942
Sidi Barrani

Only screen shot & post for this turn. As can be seen, the English laid into the Italians and tore them up pretty bad. I look at the situation as it is here and maybe my decision to extract what I can of Afrika Korps was the right one. Four more English Infantry Divisions are evident this turn than appeared previously.

The main goal is to extract Rommel, Bayerlein's HQ, 15th and 21st Panzer and at least one of the Italian tank divisions.

Conte di Savour naval group has reached Tobruk.

Allied Naval units were spotted along the coast of Tunisia by the Andrea Dora task force which managed to escape with 1 light cruiser and 7 destroyers. The New York naval group was hit by 39 Sturmo which has some of the navy-killing SM.79 III's; STG 2 - north of Sicily can pack an even nastier naval punch with 120 Ju-87's.

[image]local://upfiles/35969/40AA86657A134929A2F435E4A08755CB.jpg[/image]



USXpat -> RE: Third Reich 42 - 45: Mark (Axis) vs Mike (Allies) (7/1/2012 9:02:05 AM)

T034 - December 25, 1942
Grozny

Finally, Grozny falls into German hands. Given the amount of artillery and air power thrown into this fight, any remaining oil in Grozny, above ground... or even far below it, was likely blown the hell up. Assaults continued against the area defenses so as to make more difficult for the Soviets to launch a successful counterattack to take the city back. If Grozny can be held for 24 turns, it will cap out a total possible +5 Supply. Intention is to "create some space" around Grozny, at least to the Caspian Sea coastline.

(Grozny will likely be reduced to a total of +4 Supply (+1/+1/+2) over 48 turns)

[image]local://upfiles/35969/8F3A2FD52F284DEBB34DDF9EA1F10B81.jpg[/image]



USXpat -> RE: Third Reich 42 - 45: Mark (Axis) vs Mike (Allies) (7/1/2012 9:16:11 AM)

T034 - December 25, 1942
Sidi Barrani

Santa's been making his rounds on both sides. Bayerlein's HQ and Centuaro Tank Division, along with the balance of the Italian forces are cut off beyond hope of escape or rescue.

Rommel, 15th and 21st Panzer Divisions, plus Ariete Division have reached (or are close to) Tobruk. 120 Ju-87's of STG 3, in Crete, managed to evaporate a Mediterranean Naval Squadron, with the remnants of the Greek and Polish navy also took a few hits. In preparation for evacuation, I use of the Axis Sea Transport "theater option boosts".

To the West, the 51st Sienna Division at Phillipville in Algeria collapsed after putting up a reasonable defense against an entire American Corps.

And... far to the North, the assault on the Murmansk defenses has begun.

[image]local://upfiles/35969/8C5E13D9CEB345538C2F963D099532E2.jpg[/image]



sapper32 -> RE: Third Reich 42 - 45: Mark (Axis) vs Mike (Allies) (7/1/2012 11:09:07 AM)

Nice AAR im enjoying the action in the desert keep it up i like the look of this scenario i will have to give it a go.

Ian



Josh -> RE: Third Reich 42 - 45: Mark (Axis) vs Mike (Allies) (7/1/2012 11:51:31 AM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: sapper32

Nice AAR im enjoying the action in the desert keep it up i like the look of this scenario i will have to give it a go.

Ian


+1 Great AAR, sorry to see the DAK evaporate though.



USXpat -> RE: Third Reich 42 - 45: Mark (Axis) vs Mike (Allies) (7/1/2012 7:22:57 PM)

Thank you, Gentlemen. It's been fun, and now past Turn 60, it is only getting more interesting.

A new 1.6 version is in the works - hopefully have it complete by next weekend. Some adjustments to the super rivers plus colder weather zones are the biggest changes. The rest is fine tuning.

Then, I'll likely be looking for a game as Allies, and possibly have room for another - maybe a Soviet FITE. See how it goes, this year has been anything but "stable"... heh...



Josh -> RE: Third Reich 42 - 45: Mark (Axis) vs Mike (Allies) (7/3/2012 3:01:52 PM)

Oh wow, a Soviet FitE [&o] not for the fainthearted, only for the brave. The amount of time it takes just for the first turn...



USXpat -> RE: Third Reich 42 - 45: Mark (Axis) vs Mike (Allies) (7/3/2012 8:28:39 PM)

Actually, time per turn for both sides averages well under an hour. Could take longer, but I do remember DNO/FITE/D21 turns taking 4-5 hours, especially as Axis in the beginning.



USXpat -> RE: Third Reich 42 - 45: Mark (Axis) vs Mike (Allies) (7/4/2012 4:06:27 AM)

Turn 035 - January 1, 1943
Overview

No screenshots. Largely a quiet turn everywhere, highlighted only by a minor naval engagement in the Mediterranean.

Reinforcements for the turn include the 502nd Heavy Panzer Battalion, and... and... an ashtray, this chair, and this paddle game. That's all I need and... I don't need anything else. And this...




USXpat -> RE: Third Reich 42 - 45: Mark (Axis) vs Mike (Allies) (7/4/2012 4:22:46 AM)

T036 - January 8, 1943
Tunisia

Following the narrow escape from Sidi Barrani and the chase to Tobruk, elements of "Panzer Armee Afrika" arrive to support the defense of Tunisia. Alas, this will be a desperate fight to hold the capitol city and port.

The Allies open up the southern exclusion zone merely by approaching Tunis (thus able to invade anywhere in southern Europe). My assessment is that they won't until Africa has been cleared. Tunis is the logical jump off point for any invasion of Sicily or Sardinia - to get every "movement point" possible following landfall and thus expand any bridgeheads before a counterattack can be launched. Historically, the Axis held out until about May 13th of 1943.

Gradually strengthened over the past few turns, and the force at Kasserine Pass reduced to one Italian division; the defense of Tunis amounts to the following units:

Rommel's HQ & Arnim's Mobile Supply Unit
132 Ariete Tank Division and 21st Panzer Division
164 and 999 Leichte Division
184 Nembo Airborne Division
1 Savoi Motorized Cavalry
19, 21 and 32 Italian Infantry Divisions.

15th Panzer was diverted to Sicily.

Orders are to hold out as long as possible - and then attempt to extract such units as possible, starting with the three German divisions.



[image]local://upfiles/35969/E5E2CE03DA6F4C83AD817ED088F240C0.jpg[/image]



USXpat -> RE: Third Reich 42 - 45: Mark (Axis) vs Mike (Allies) (7/4/2012 4:41:23 AM)

T036 - January 8, 1943
Murmansk

Murmansk is likely to be the last hurrah for the Axis. With Kandalaksha in Finnish hands, Soviet Lend Lease shipments are cut by about 25-30% (late fall/early autumn). Murmansk reduces this by about 25-30% more (winter). The rest will make it through to Archangelsk.

Fighting has been and is expected to encounter very stiff resistance, especially now that the 5th Shock Army has reinforced the defense. Every Soviet formation not aimed at my center is a cause for "some" relief.

If cleared, this will allow Finnish and German forces to concentrate forces around the areas east of southern Lake Onega - Belomorsk region. The goal there would be to advance to advance to the main river line, that is an optimistic goal.



Note in the screenshot that there needs to be a whole helluva lot more snow on the ground - so winter severity and climate zones are being increased in the next update.

Lendlease issues are simplified so as to not involve events. Once recaptured, backlogged LL shipments will appear at Murmansk and Kandalaksha.

[image]local://upfiles/35969/1A1849B39A234949BA6EB1CC6C5958A3.jpg[/image]



USXpat -> RE: Third Reich 42 - 45: Mark (Axis) vs Mike (Allies) (7/5/2012 3:22:08 PM)

T037 - January 15, 1943
Tunisia

Skirmishes erupt as the US II Corps advances upon Tunis. After the initial exchanges, the 34th Infantry Division fragmented with the rest of II Corps showing signs of being low on supply. 15th Panzer and Ariete divisions are not in much better condition.

Meanwhile, Italy scrambles to reinforce its islands - Sardinia and Sicily. A mix of Reserve, Replacement and Luftwaffe Field Divisions take up the original Italian coastal defense positions.

[image]local://upfiles/35969/43B6B6D70F4F418BB6950B55C9AD25F7.jpg[/image]



USXpat -> RE: Third Reich 42 - 45: Mark (Axis) vs Mike (Allies) (7/5/2012 3:39:05 PM)

T037 - January 15, 1943
Murmansk

Concentrated offensive activity by Axis forces continues only along the Black Sea Coast and against the defense of Murmansk. This turn sees a 15 km advance across a 30 km front toward Murmansk, plus the relief of 3rd Mountain Division which had been recently cut off by elements of the 33rd Army.

There is little activity elsewhere except to the far south, along the Black Sea Coast. XLVIII Panzer and XLIX Mountain take Sokhumi. That just leaves Poti - 135 km away, and Batumi, 90 km further after that.

[image]local://upfiles/35969/7FC54182693E4361BFAD58CA9AFC583D.jpg[/image]



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