RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 (Full Version)

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warspite1 -> RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 (12/3/2017 6:58:38 PM)

Turn 22 - Axis Turn
22nd February 1941

The Axis are limited to attacking the RN at great cost to them in aircraft - although it does not seem to have any effect.

[image]local://upfiles/28156/1F934C9DB26945D68453D10A2F7E1AA8.jpg[/image]



warspite1 -> RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 (12/3/2017 7:08:32 PM)

Turn 23
26th February 1941

Not sure how this concept works. Okay, it saves the Italians from defeat but.....

[image]local://upfiles/28156/8339BD50E07D4CC3BCCE2E079E4F30B9.jpg[/image]



warspite1 -> RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 (12/4/2017 6:24:02 AM)

Turn 23
26th February 1941

In a reversal from history, O'Connor orders the 2nd Armoured to continue on to Benghazi across the Jebel Akhdar, while the Australian infantry head across the desert.

The 70th Infantry and Guards remain south of the 2nd Armoured and are ordered to take the airfields at El Abiar and Benina to the south and east of Benghazi.

Meanwhile XIII Corps reach their next objective in the depths of the Sahara.

Finally, 7th Armoured are finally showing some green dots on their units.....

Reinforcements are able to use ship from Alexandria to Tobruk which is helpful.

The RAF/RAAF position is now as follows:

Mechili
RAAF Hurricanes (16)
RAAF Blenheims (23)

Tobruk
RAAF Hurricanes (20)
RAF Blenheims (24)

Sidi Azeiz
RAF Blenheims (24)

[image]local://upfiles/28156/02DE868D848E40DFB919AB1652097F9B.jpg[/image]



warspite1 -> RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 (12/4/2017 7:21:04 AM)

Turn 23
26th February 1941

O'Connor has given his divisional commanders their orders, they know what is expected.

But XIII Corps meet an unexpected problem. Having moved all these units south, they find the location of the Giarabub Garrison was well chosen. The terrain is impassable to tracked and motorised units....[:@]

The Corps artillery pulverise the defenders and force them to quit the airfield - but the enemy have retreated into impassable terrain...

[image]local://upfiles/28156/F5A0727569C540328AEE1707A6381B2E.jpg[/image]



warspite1 -> RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 (12/4/2017 7:43:36 AM)

Turn 23 - Axis Turn
26th February 1941

The Germans arrive!

[image]local://upfiles/28156/19183DFD2B404F898D8C26B64DC1748E.jpg[/image]



larryfulkerson -> RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 (12/4/2017 7:51:44 AM)

Those German stacks along the coast.....what's in those stacks besides armor? Is
this the Afrika Corps?



warspite1 -> RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 (12/4/2017 7:59:56 AM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: larryfulkerson

Those German stacks along the coast.....what's in those stacks besides armor? Is
this the Afrika Corps?
warspite1

This is the start of what became the Afrika Korps. I will need to refresh my memory but in real life Rommel arrived with the 5th Light Division - which became the 21st Panzer Division, and this was soon followed by the 15th Panzer Division. I will need to check my facts, but initially there may have been only one panzer regiment to the division.

These two divisions were effectively the Afrika Korps - although there were, I think, ultimately 4 German divisions in Afrika by 1942.



warspite1 -> RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 (12/4/2017 8:16:23 AM)

Turn 23 - Axis Turn
26th February 1941

I will have to wait and see what the AI does, now that they have the Germans to bolster the Sabratha and Brescia Divisions.

In response to the XIII Corp attack, the Saharan Detachment heads west to assist their colleagues of the Giarabub Garrison.

Meantime the Italian airforce launches one air strike - against an RAF airfield. That is good - that means I might be able to get into an action with them rather than they just hide where I can't get to them..


The caption shows 3 RAF aircraft destroyed. This number is supported by a quick check on the unit report which confirms the RAF at Sidi Azeiz is now reduced to 21 aircraft.
[image]local://upfiles/28156/40D655F8DF8D46878E6F5E9ADD2FC796.jpg[/image]



warspite1 -> RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 (12/4/2017 8:30:16 AM)

Turn 24
1st March 1941

The arrival of the Germans is something of a game changer. I still have to take Benghazi of course, but if I do, I am not going to venture as far as El Agheila (I believe this was where the British stopped) unless Rommel shows no signs of moving - there is an airbase there that would be good to destroy though.

[image]local://upfiles/28156/DDA8F6A43A074894AF87AD65D2ACF289.jpg[/image]



warspite1 -> RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 (12/4/2017 6:12:42 PM)

Turn 24 - Rounds 1 -10
1st March 1941

The Benghazi garrison has only one infantry battalion and so the 2nd Armoured hope to make short work of that. The 70th Infantry and Australian infantry press on to their next (airfield) objectives, while XIII Corps engage the Saharan Detachment.

In the desert an artillery barrage opens proceedings followed by four dozen Royal Tank Regiment Matildas and an Australian cavalry regiment. Blenheim bombers provide additional support.

The attack on Soluch airfield, south of Benghazi is entirely an infantry affair led by a battalion of the Essex Regiment.

Finally, for the attack on Benghazi practically the whole of the 2nd Armoured get involved.... time is of the essence.

The airfield falls easily to the British infantry, while the Saharan Detachment are forced back. However the Italians, bolstered by the news that reinforcement are arriving soon, grimly hold on in Benghazi.

Benghazi falls at the second time of asking. Just in time as the rounds run out...


The 7th RTR engages the Saharan Detachment...
[image]local://upfiles/28156/2D7547A7A93A4E369DDA7CCFBB90BAAA.jpg[/image]



Zorch -> RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 (12/4/2017 6:32:20 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: warspite1

Turn 23
26th February 1941

In a reversal from history, O'Connor orders the 2nd Armoured to continue on to Benghazi across the Jebel Akhdar, while the Australian infantry head across the desert.



Winston Churchill has a fit, fires Alan Brooke, sends them to Greece. [:D]



warspite1 -> RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 (12/4/2017 7:20:37 PM)

Turn 24 - Axis Turn
1st March 1941

Well that was the quietest Axis turn yet. No aircraft attacks - just the Saharan Detachment seeking to retreat....

[image]local://upfiles/28156/EEBC638E7C464727A4150C28C1B4E924.jpg[/image]



warspite1 -> RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 (12/4/2017 7:25:11 PM)

Turn 25
5th March 1941

So the Axis have lost some of their disadvantages. I've no idea what the convoy stuff means i.e. whether or not I can use the navy/air force to try and interdict, but I will look that up.

Okay so these supply levels for the Axis look to be fixed and nothing I can do to affect them.

The Axis convoy level for the next 10 months is as follows:
9/40: B = 16x2 = 32/2 = 16
3/41: E = 25x2 = 50/2 = 25
4/41: F = 28x2 = 56/2 = 28
5/41: E = 25x2 = 50/2 = 25
6/41: D = 23x2 = 46/2 = 23
7/41: G = 54x2 = 108 – 48 = 60/2 = 30
8/41: C = 19x2 = 38 + 22 = 60/2 = 30
9/41: E = 25x2 = 50 + 10 = 60/2 = 30
10/41: C = 19x2 = 38 + 16 = 54/2 = 27
11/41: D = 23x2 = 46/2 = 23
12/41: E = 25x2 = 50/2 = 25

This information is in the scenario documentation

[image]local://upfiles/28156/34ACA0180E494383A02D297F14373CFD.jpg[/image]



warspite1 -> RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 (12/4/2017 7:28:54 PM)

Turn 25
5th March 1941

Probably sensible to have a look at Reinforcements and Withdrawals for the next 10 turns...

Not too many withdrawals which is good (the 1st Welsh is out of the way near Bardia so that presents no problem). Still no mention of the Australians which I find a little disconcerting.....

[image]local://upfiles/28156/676BF2166D6C40EEAD422A1890953D8B.jpg[/image]



warspite1 -> RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 (12/4/2017 8:37:49 PM)

Turn 25
5th March 1941

Well the Aussies got to El Aghiela - lets hope they don't regret it.

A battalion of infantry rushes forward to take the last airfield before the protected zone (just after this picture was taken). Let's hope Rommel isn't ready to counter-attack!


[image]local://upfiles/28156/A06781DE77FA40C6899B55D64BB2B4C6.jpg[/image]



warspite1 -> RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 (12/4/2017 8:48:39 PM)

Turn 25 - Axis Turn
5th March 1941

With a big gulp and a sense of nervous anticipation, I end the turn for the Axis to......



warspite1 -> RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 (12/4/2017 8:58:58 PM)

Turn 25 - Axis Turn
5th March 1941

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=itAOGRiYRLI

....nothing.

There were a number of desultory air attacks against the XIII Corps at Giarabub, but otherwise nothing....

[image]local://upfiles/28156/4A716560899F41ECA60DDA0361A32D53.jpg[/image]



warspite1 -> RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 (12/4/2017 9:03:46 PM)

Turn 26
8th March 1941

[X(]

[image]local://upfiles/28156/0193E492EE8643FD82EB58FD81EBEE33.jpg[/image]



warspite1 -> RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 (12/4/2017 9:07:49 PM)

Turn 26
8th March 1941

[X(][X(]

So basically, every single unit is reorganising. I can move nothing.... Not sure if that is the supply 'thingy' or the shock 'wotsit' [&:]

[image]local://upfiles/28156/78CE72F7501344D781A1DC0F4A9EC543.jpg[/image]



warspite1 -> RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 (12/4/2017 9:16:32 PM)

Turn 26
8th March 1941

Mmmmm there may be something to be said for RTFM. From the documentation:

If the CW appproaches closer than 20 hexes to Axis reinforcement hex before turn 29 they suffer a 99% shock penalty that lasts until turn 29.



Curtis Lemay -> RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 (12/4/2017 9:30:22 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: warspite1

Turn 26
8th March 1941

Mmmmm there may be something to be said for RTFM. From the documentation:

If the CW appproaches closer than 20 hexes to Axis reinforcement hex before turn 29 they suffer a 99% shock penalty that lasts until turn 29.

This sure sounds like an event screw up. First, your shot in post #315 seems to show you never got that far (the dashed red boundary line) - although I can't tell for sure since you've turned off ownership again. Second, the whole penalty should have been canceled because the Italians didn't hold Derna or Tobruk long enough.

It's possible some events work different under IV than they did under III. I'll have to do some troubleshooting.

Regardless, it will only last till turn 29 (I hope).



warspite1 -> RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 (12/4/2017 9:31:39 PM)

Turn 26 - Axis Turn
8th March 1941

So not being able to move, XIII Corps has been attacked and I've lost two artillery regiments + the Aussie Cavalry and 7th RTR have been withdrawn.

Turn 27 - Axis Turn
11th March 1941

A number of aistrikes - no report so not sure what the result is. The CW get a furball in their favour (seriously how the hell can this not be defined or mentioned in the manual?????). An SM.79 unit evaporates?

Turn 28 - Axis Turn
15th March 1941

Another furball and another SM.79 evaporates... yeah whatever.



warspite1 -> RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 (12/4/2017 9:33:52 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Curtis Lemay


quote:

ORIGINAL: warspite1

Turn 26
8th March 1941

Mmmmm there may be something to be said for RTFM. From the documentation:

If the CW appproaches closer than 20 hexes to Axis reinforcement hex before turn 29 they suffer a 99% shock penalty that lasts until turn 29.

This sure sounds like an event screw up. First, your shot in post #315 seems to show you never got that far (the dashed red boundary line) - although I can't tell for sure since you've turned off ownership again. Second, the whole penalty should have been canceled because the Italians didn't hold Derna or Tobruk long enough.

It's possible some events work different under IV than they did under III. I'll have to do some troubleshooting.

Regardless, it will only last till turn 29 (I hope).
warspite1

No screw up - except by this idiot. I said in the post 315 that an Aussie battalion took the airfield (after I posted the picture) - that airfield is the wrong side of the red line so yes there was a screw up but not by the computer.



warspite1 -> RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 (12/4/2017 9:38:39 PM)

Turn 29
19th March 1941

[image]local://upfiles/28156/299C442394A9443196B97B1FA42C69F1.jpg[/image]



Olorin -> RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 (12/4/2017 9:45:59 PM)

The 6th Aus.Div withdraws (one brigade per turn), in spite of the reinforcements tab not showing it.

I learned the hard way, meaning, I suddenly saw a big gap in my line and wondered if the Aussies decided to surrender en mass to Rommel.



warspite1 -> RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 (12/4/2017 9:54:08 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Olorin

The 6th Aus.Div withdraws (one brigade per turn), in spite of the reinforcements tab not showing it.

I learned the hard way, meaning, I suddenly saw a big gap in my line and wondered if the Aussies decided to surrender en mass to Rommel.
warspite1

Thank-you. That's a pretty big omission [:@] Coming on top of the furball nonsense and my own stupid mistake about the protected zone, that just makes my evening. I hope these things will be patched.

Time to retire for the night me thinks....



DanNeely -> RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 (12/4/2017 10:11:45 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: warspite1

Turn 26
8th March 1941

Mmmmm there may be something to be said for RTFM. From the documentation:

If the CW appproaches closer than 20 hexes to Axis reinforcement hex before turn 29 they suffer a 99% shock penalty that lasts until turn 29.


not RTFMing is always dangerous, but IMO there really should've been an on map warning in the form of a placename.



goodwoodrw -> RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 (12/5/2017 12:15:14 AM)

Whats a furball and I did a search of the manual for shock penalty, but no results. Can someone give explanation of both?



Curtis Lemay -> RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 (12/5/2017 12:39:02 AM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: goodwoodrw

Whats a furball and I did a search of the manual for shock penalty, but no results. Can someone give explanation of both?

Furball is apparently Ralph's term for an air battle.

For shock, see 17.9.4, page 135.



warspite1 -> RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 (12/5/2017 5:56:54 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: DanNeely


quote:

ORIGINAL: warspite1

Turn 26
8th March 1941

Mmmmm there may be something to be said for RTFM. From the documentation:

If the CW appproaches closer than 20 hexes to Axis reinforcement hex before turn 29 they suffer a 99% shock penalty that lasts until turn 29.


not RTFMing is always dangerous, but IMO there really should've been an on map warning in the form of a placename.
warspite1

It would be nice to have a warning pop up if a unit is about to breach such a rule - although maybe not so easy to code perhaps? In fairness there was a big red line to the south of the airfield and so I don't think its being too self critical to say that this was MY balls-up.

quote:

Whats a furball


This however is really, really annoying. To have an event in game that is not mentioned in the manual or documentation is pretty unacceptable - particularly as I have had three occurrences of it in 28 turns.

The issue with the Australian withdrawals is potentially game-changing and needs to be addressed in a patch. To base a defence (or even attack) on units that one expects to be in place - only to find they disappear - can really spoil one's day!!

quote:

shock penalty


As Curtis Lemay says, this is in the manual:

This is typically used to model surprise. Shock levels can range from one to 200, but should in most cases be limited to the 50-150 range. The default is 100. Unit strengths are multiplied by the Shock Level (as a percentage). Movement costs for moving near enemy forces may be decreased if the moving Force has a Shock Level greater than the non-moving Force, and costs may be increased if the moving Force has a Shock Level less than the non-moving Force. Time expended in combat may be reduced if the Attacker has a Shock Level above 100 and may be increased if the Attacker has a handicap level below 100. At levels below 100, Formations may arbitrarily reorganise (becoming unavailable for your orders). At Shock Levels below 70%, Air units will not defend their Airbases if attacked.



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