RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW)

RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) (Full Version)

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warspite1 -> RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) (3/30/2018 1:01:04 PM)
Turn 167 22nd April 1942 My turn is almost a mirror of the previous one. I decide not to withdraw further to see what happens. I have to keep Alexandria from falling - and before that I need to ensure my airfields to the southwest are not only intact but away from enemy bombardment range. I keep my aircraft out of range and resting and my only action is to attack the Oasis battalion that replaced the Italian unit south of Quattara. Sadly I did not manage to evaporate the German but I still forced him back.

warspite1 -> RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) (3/30/2018 3:40:47 PM)
Turn 168 - Axis Turn (in real time) 25th April 1942 The turn starts with a lot of invisible moves and moves I have no detail on. The after 740-odd moves my commando unit that I tried to sneak behind enemy lines is obviously spotted as its surrounded. The on the southern part of the western front an AA unit is forced to retreat. The Axis forces move up to the front line all the way along the front. The bombardments commence - and then a number of artillery pieces move to the centre of the line - the Axis are obviously looking to put pressure on all over the place More reinforcements and invisible moves and then its back to the bombardment of my forces An attack on the coast road see an infantry battalion retreat and an AA unit evaporate To the south the same thing happens - although the AA retreats - panzers moving into the gap More intense bombardments - 17 in total and the % are colossal. This proves what I've said previously. As soon as the Allies try and make any stand the enemy artillery simply destroys them where they stand. It would appear from this that there were no land attacks, so the two retreats were purely the result of bombardment???? Something weird going on with the results. It must have left off the attacks because those units did not retreat as a result of bombardment. The numbers below are there likely to be much less than actual losses. [image]local://upfiles/28156/FD9369201E9247109EA559A647D77CB0.jpg[/image]

warspite1 -> RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) (3/30/2018 5:12:47 PM)
Turn 168 25th April 1942 I intend to employ the same tactic in a bid to stall the retreat rate.... This gets off to a rubbish start as a South African AA unit evaporates on the coast.... as does a second, British unit. I then try some hit and run tactics - using my artillery and then falling back. I get 16 bombardments in - although the units in the south did not run and so now may get hit.... as could the units that ran in the north if devoncop employs his air units....

warspite1 -> RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) (3/31/2018 1:12:40 AM)
Turn 169 - Axis Turn (in real time) 29th April 1942 The turn begins with a lot of reinforcement movement in the Bardia area and then switches to the western front and a lot of Axis manoeuvrings in the centre of the line, where my AA units in front of the main line are sent packing. Enemy forces now spread out all along the north and central area - and then devoncop does the same in the south. I had hoped that his extending of his front would lessen the effect of the artillery - but there is so much of it, that hasn't really made any difference. More aircraft now appear in the Bardia area heading east Then the bombardments begin. These take place all over the line A South African battalion and its supporting AA retreats south of the coast road. The enemy move straight in like before so this is obviously an attack - I hope the combat table reports this this time.... Lots of Axis movement in the mountains now More bombardments - along the line and the rear area too, presumably aircraft Another South African unit - this time to the north - retreats and massed artillery follow-up behind The bombardments come in thick and fast now - an LAA unit evaporates along with a South African infantry battalion.

warspite1 -> RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) (3/31/2018 1:27:24 AM)
Turn 169 - Axis Turn 29th April 1942 20 attack/bombardments carried out. Time to look at the damage. Another bad turn for the infantry with losses outstripping replacements. The one anomaly was bombardment 6 where the Axis bombardment failed completely and counter-battery fire was pretty good! Shame there aren't more like that [:)] devoncop made a comment his artillery is getting 'tired'. Let's hope so, and there were certainly a few bombardments that registered no loss.... [image]local://upfiles/28156/D7506CD9766A4165A9C4037CF1FE1645.jpg[/image]

warspite1 -> RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) (3/31/2018 2:51:13 AM)
Turn 169 29th April 1942 So as the Commonwealth enter another turn, I see the South Africans have reorganised again (can't say I blame the poor lads).... But before we look at that, lets look at the big picture. Turns remaining: 74 Enemy held objectives value: 249; Enemy loss penalty* 87 = 162 Friendly held objectives value 201; Friendly loss penalty* 47 = 154 = -3 + the Net victory point award: -25 (this was for capturing Tobruk and is permanent) Our victory level is -33 of 450. This is currently a draw (this is a 5 point swing to the Axis in the last 6 turns). Victory Levels are as follows: Margin of Victory less than 90 = Draw Margin of Victory between 90 and 179 = Marginal Margin of Victory between 180 and 269 = Substantial Margin of Victory 270 or greater = Overwhelming * The objectives are listed in the documentation and relate to placed on the map to be taken. I've done a word search but can't see what the definition of the Loss Penalty is though.

warspite1 -> RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) (3/31/2018 2:55:19 AM)
Turn 169 29th April 1942 I've been trying to carefully husband my armour, aircraft and artillery, while withdrawing as little as possible. This of course has meant the infantry has taken a beating but while I've been keeping an eye on losses per taken I haven't been looking at the wider picture. I will now be monitoring infantry (and small arms) on a daily basis. So here are the current nos. These won't mean much in isolation but what I do know is that losses are regularly out-stripping replacement rates and my rifle squads are of big concern.... [image]local://upfiles/28156/9F22D42E6F41498DBD763B2DC059CA0C.jpg[/image]

warspite1 -> RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) (3/31/2018 3:00:48 AM)
Turn 169 29th April 1942 My tanks have increased by 68 (although some of this has come from the reserves which now number barely more than 200). My replacement rate has fallen to just 4 tanks per turn (the Crusader II is no longer available). Despite the word Division, the forces below struggle to be much more than 6 brigades. The next reinforcement here is not until Turn 173 when it looks like I receive two regiments of an armoured brigade (as part of 10th Armoured). [image]local://upfiles/28156/3F083397277D49F7B6228AC75A2E5D56.jpg[/image]

warspite1 -> RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) (3/31/2018 3:13:04 AM)
Turn 169 29th April 1942 The artillery position continues to cause concern and the replacement rates are woeful. At least the 6-pdr has now come on stream which helps. AT guns are up by 16 in the last 6 turns, AA too has risen by 6 - not altogether sure how - maybe new units? But field guns have dropped by 10 in that time. [image]local://upfiles/28156/591105B05D7146ED817462530B7860C3.jpg[/image]

warspite1 -> RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) (3/31/2018 3:18:49 AM)
Turn 169 29th April 1942 And that brings us to aircraft. Despite the best efforts of the program (that cost me two squadrons), I have been carefully keeping these units grounded to try and bring them up to strength (or in the case of the Hurricanes, someone approximating full strength...ish....). I am debating one more turn grounded; I have two fighter squadrons next turn and I need to use the aircraft before the Axis take El Hammam. [image]local://upfiles/28156/4C253047C88D4376A2A6452EEFCEDD39.jpg[/image]

warspite1 -> RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) (3/31/2018 4:15:00 AM)
Turn 169 29th April 1942 I'm hoping that the distance the Axis aircraft have to travel will make a difference to the air war.... [image]local://upfiles/28156/B43E9A5B1D564A47A314D5FAA1DB707F.jpg[/image]

warspite1 -> RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) (3/31/2018 4:23:39 AM)
Turn 169 29th April 1942 I am going to risk one more turn with no air cover..... The 2nd South Africans have gone into reorganisation again - as have the 8th Army assets. That means I can't counter attack the two hex breach in my front line. I wanted to hold position but will need to withdraw one hex (leaving a the 1st South African Police battalion and its 32 rifle squads behind). I use my hit and run tactics with the artillery again. This is so risky as there may be a proficiency failure but..... ..there was no failure so I could've got an extra bombardment in in the north before retreating but that's okay. I am relatively pleased with the amount of damage done - and the tanks were a bonus! [image]local://upfiles/28156/7FD1E0AC50EE46AE86C26AC78CB078D9.jpg[/image]

warspite1 -> RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) (3/31/2018 11:26:11 AM)
Turn 170 - Axis Turn (in real time) 2nd May 1942 The turn starts with more (a lot more) reinforcements - including artillery - heading east The Light AA battery on the coast retreats and German formations move in I'm pretty sure I can see an artillery unit heading west! Maybe in need of some R+R - that's good. Another retreating AA unit in the central sector now Then the bombardments begin The heavy AA just south of the coastal road evaporates but I didn't see what happened to the infantry battalion with it A lot more German units - rather than Italian - in the front line now...ominous The South African battalion left behind retreats - more panzers moving up to the front on the coastal plain The bombardments restart as a prelude to an attack that evaporates another South African infantry battalion and a light AA. Then another battalion retreats as the Axis make inroads into my front line. More bombardments follow and another light AA battery is no more The bombardments are really coming on thick and fast now - so much for needing a rest!

warspite1 -> RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) (3/31/2018 11:41:27 AM)
Turn 170 - Axis Turn 2nd May 1942 That's weird - the victory position has gone back to -30 and yet a look at the summary shows 22 engagements and not a single loss to the Axis. Quite how they can have less victory points after that turn is beyond me. There are some really big % losses there.... ... another pretty hideous turn for the infantry and also the AA. The Germans lost 4 bombers (but 0 destroyed) so I've really got no idea why the victory conditions changed. [image]local://upfiles/28156/354FDC210D5B4FB2BE406CE6BB89114B.jpg[/image]

warspite1 -> RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) (3/31/2018 12:12:47 PM)
Turn 170 2nd May 1942 Time to make the air forces operational once more [image]local://upfiles/28156/4F59305A82D7421787D4FD51C395EA70.jpg[/image]

warspite1 -> RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) (3/31/2018 1:19:50 PM)
Turn 170 2nd May 1942 So the plan will be to try and nip out the salient devoncop has created with his panzers. I fill up the nearby air fields and rely on the fact that my aircraft are all close, are in good supply, good numbers and good readiness. I call up my artillery, anti-tank units and tanks. The 1st Armoured Division lead the attack. There is a subsidiary attack in the centre of the line too. The attack in the north achieves its objective, but the subsidiary attack was ill-judged. Now to check the cost of the operation...... [image]local://upfiles/28156/20181B8AA61C41DC9275BF270681DB72.jpg[/image]

warspite1 -> RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) (3/31/2018 1:25:40 PM)
Turn 170 2nd May 1942 The butchers bill for the northern attack: and once again its just pointless. All that work, all the pain taken to build up my forces, and I lose air superiority at the first go (it was even), I lose more aircraft and have more destroyed - 10 squadrons are now reorganising... The CW had 607 fighters (escorting 192 bombers) and are intercepted by 478 fighters (118 of which are biplanes). Losses: CW 607 fighters - 119 lost (36 destroyed) 192 bombers - 40 lost (8 destroyed) Axis 478 fighters - 134 lost (36 destroyed) I lose more infantry but at least I got more tanks! The second attack is miniscule in comparison and I lose more units - but that's my fault it was a bit of a nothing attack frankly. [image]local://upfiles/28156/27BA577EAB8E4A45B0E69373B507377F.jpg[/image]

warspite1 -> RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) (3/31/2018 2:17:32 PM)
Turn 170 2nd May 1942 There is now a choice to be made. Up to 50% of the turn is left (but of course there may be a proficiency failure. Do I continue to bombard the retreated tanks or withdraw? I decide that with the panzers, aircraft and artillery I will pull back and see what happens. Bombardments are limited to the south of the line.

Zorch -> RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) (3/31/2018 2:26:42 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: warspite1 Turn 170 2nd May 1942 There is now a choice to be made. Up to 50% of the turn is left (but of course there may be a proficiency failure. Do I continue to bombard the retreated tanks or withdraw? What would Monty do?

warspite1 -> RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) (3/31/2018 2:36:40 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: Zorch quote: ORIGINAL: warspite1 Turn 170 2nd May 1942 There is now a choice to be made. Up to 50% of the turn is left (but of course there may be a proficiency failure. Do I continue to bombard the retreated tanks or withdraw? What would Monty do? warspite1 My guess would be set up at El-Alamein, using the Quattara Depression to secure his left flank, the Med to secure his right and wait for reinforcements. But then he had the luxury of not being pounded to hell while doing so....[:)] Oh and of not having lost the El-Alamein position when he became commander.....

warspite1 -> RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) (3/31/2018 2:45:09 PM)
Turn 170 2nd May 1942 After some desultory bombardments (some of the artillery in the south were withdrawn this time) the turn continues. I will have another go. Again the results were as expected - but hopefully the Italians on the receiving end won't like it up 'em and will go into reorganisation...

warspite1 -> RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) (3/31/2018 6:40:04 PM)
Turn 171 - Axis Turn 6th May 1942 Right time to see what the result of that major effort is going to be.... Italian artillery is on the move in the south - no doubt to target my artillery units... More artillery reinforcements heading along the coast road in the Mersa Matruh area. More aircraft - Me-110's moving up too - and Me-109's Soooo many reinforcements heading along the coast road now! And now its bombardment time The Coldstream Guards and accompanying units withdraw on the coast - as does the 1st Transvaal next to them Then its back to bombardments and then more reinforcements. Panzer forces move into the newly created gap in the front line. More retreats on the coastal plain Some units from the south seems to be heading west - presumably these are the units I've been bombarding? Back to the bombardments A Hurricane squadron evaporates (naturally) A South African battalion retreats and the light AA with it evaporates; my whole front line has disappeared More bombardments and more evaporation Incessant bombardment on the coast now Another attack on the coastal road - my third line respond - and then there is a whole series of retreats - this is a complete mess

warspite1 -> RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) (3/31/2018 6:44:29 PM)
Turn 171 - Axis Turn 6th May 1942 The Axis must have a lot of artillery with deadly range - Burg-el Arab was targeted by artillery.... I best to up the butcher's bill - no doubt my Hurricanes have taken a pasting again [sm=nono.gif] Yep. And of course an airfield now in range of enemy artillery has aircraft reorganising. I had all the advantages on that turn and lost almost 100 Hurricanes - 132 aircraft in total. [image]local://upfiles/28156/198BFE0FAC1E4E988CC17B4EFA441C73.jpg[/image]

warspite1 -> RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) (4/1/2018 5:19:15 AM)
Turn 171 6th May 1942 I am at a bit of loss (to say the least) about what to do. In 6 turns the Axis start receiving an air bonus - because they really need that right? But the fact is that I've hardly been voluntarily withdrawing but am simply being pushed back every turn. Its the simple but effective application of overwhelming force. Infantry and panzers backed up by prodigious amounts of artillery simply roll over the front line without any problem every time they attack. And of course the Axis air force that destroys (hurricanes in particular) simply by looking at them in a slightly menacing way - regardless of numbers, regardless of distance to travel. I need to attack but that means heavily stacking hexes and there is the constant thought that a failed proficiency check will then see whole stacks massacred by the enemy artillery and/or reorganising (with the same effect). Just taking a look at my aircraft shows an example problem. After many, many turns carefully bringing them back up to numbers, strength, supply and readiness - after just one turn - one turn - they are completely shot. They are in the Delta - supply simply shouldn't be an issue but it is. Readiness goes through the floor too. My artillery and armour are too scattered this turn to counter, but I need to counter in the next two turns - ideally now - because El Hammam (forward airfield) will fall next turn and Amirya becomes untenable as it comes within artillery range. There is also the fear - constant with the CW - that key units will reorganise just when an important operation needs to be launched. [image]local://upfiles/28156/B7D6CA5C5BAC405F8B473D27530F4034.jpg[/image]

warspite1 -> RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) (4/1/2018 5:51:35 AM)
Turn 171 6th May 1942 Operation Beaver proved not to be a nice beaver https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhyCL-ELRxg So enough of the adolescent humour and time to get all military-like and serious. Time to get my best military minds in on the planning of the most important operation of the war. [Private Fraser]: We're doooomed! [image]local://upfiles/28156/1F831075D7F2467FA30A5B5047F2304A.jpg[/image]

warspite1 -> RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) (4/1/2018 5:57:40 AM)
Turn 171 6th May 1942 I need a suitable name for the operation - one that will strike fear into the enemy.... R4, Menace, Lustre, Matador, Battleaxe...... mmmm

warspite1 -> RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) (4/1/2018 6:11:32 AM)
Turn 171 6th May 1942 If anyone is still reading this, I give you this task. Could someone please come up with an operation name while I'm moving my units into position? I want something appropriate, hard-hitting, punchy, something that - when the Axis intelligence here the name - will strike fear into devoncop. Thank-you. I'll be back with the plan shortly. In the interval here is one of the most extraordinary pieces of music I've ever heard. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJoSNZxLdbU Enjoy! [:)]

warspite1 -> RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) (4/1/2018 7:27:32 AM)
Turn 171 6th May 1942 Okay so Operation Western Desert Offensive to try and halt devoncop before the gates of Cairo is on (aka the snappy, rolls off the tongue - Operation WEDOTTAHDBTGOC). In the north I pull back to a line that runs through El Hammam - and do.... precisely nothing. All will (hopefully (depending on what devoncop does)) be revealed next turn. In the south I set up bombardments against 4 hexes [image]local://upfiles/28156/BB3D188AAEE842DAA93942E2D02CF078.jpg[/image]

Szilard -> RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) (4/1/2018 8:09:31 AM)
Operation Half-A-League? Operation Let's-Be-Beastly?

warspite1 -> RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) (4/1/2018 8:10:15 AM)
Turn 171 6th May 1942 I launch an attack with elements of the 7th Armoured, 1st Army Tank Brigade and 50th Infantry Divisions against a (seemingly) weak hex containing an air base unit and an engineer. The CW advance but take a beating in terms of infantry losses. I then try and widen the breach by attacking either side of the salient - in both cases the enemy is pushed back. [image]local://upfiles/28156/64FFCE7EB3504D47A4C5E7770CEFE41D.jpg[/image]

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