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

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

All Forums >> [New Releases from Matrix Games] >> The Operational Art of War IV >> After Action Reports

Message

warspite1 -> RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) (1/28/2018 8:59:03 AM)
Turn 63 23rd September 1941 Round 9 The bombardments at Tobruk finally yielded results. I counted about 5 or 6 Italian units evaporated. Meanwhile the action continues northwest of Sofafi. Further German units are destroyed as the Axis are forced back once again. I can't take a picture as its the last round, but will catch up next round instead. This is a picture taken after the Axis turn but pretty much shows the position at the time except the Coldstream Guards have now retreated back to Sofafi. [image]local://upfiles/28156/3A905ED890184862982FC3469A1163A8.jpg[/image]

warspite1 -> RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) (1/28/2018 11:32:09 AM)
Turn 64 - Axis Turn 26th September 1941 Another grim day for the medics and surgeons.... The Axis turn starts with an attack on the Coldstream Guards southeast of Sofafi. Support is provided by the Royal Horse Artillery in Sofafi and, despite the massive number of attacking units (plus aircraft) the Guardsmen hold. They cannot hold off a second attack however, but at least manage to retreat into Sofafi. Massed enemy formations destroy the rear-guard AA unit on the coast road and Buq Buq is now open to attack. The defenders of Tobruk receive more gruelling punishment..... [image]local://upfiles/28156/FF6652317FD24BE8A26531DB5E62CBE9.jpg[/image]

warspite1 -> RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) (1/28/2018 12:36:06 PM)
Turn 64 26th September 1941 Not sure how but my brand-spanking new, full strength Tomahawk squadron gets itself evaporated. I can only see one battle involving the unit - and by then it was down to 3 aircraft? No idea how the other 21 were lost. Maybe it was during my turn and I missed it?? Either way, I am down to 7 squadrons - if one can count the Free French. These units are almost at full strength and so again I have little choice but to keep them flying. The 10th Australian Battalion shows up in the Nile Delta. I despatch two Australian 9th Division units by sea to Tobruk. Round 1 The turn starts with bombardments at Tobruk and of the Axis front line. Round 3 More of the same Round 5 The bombardments continue but this time they are supplemented by attacks on the Axis units east of Sofafi. Round 7 The Allies continue their push southwest to try and get at Sofafi. Anything that moves is ordered to fire shot and shell into the surrounding Axis forces. Round 9 The British make their move to relieve Sofafi. Similar to the artillery, the troops are told if you can pick up a rifle then do so and CHARGE! The Axis units are thrown back once again and for the moment, the road to Sofafi is in British hands. [image]local://upfiles/28156/3E4D5743A2F0429F8F2AE483AFD9B7EC.jpg[/image]

warspite1 -> RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) (1/28/2018 3:46:53 PM)
Turn 65 - Axis Turn and Commonwealth Turn 30th April 1941 The Axis force the British back - thus surrounding the units in Sofafi once more. Nothing seems to have happened on the coast road, but the Australians continue to suffer.... ... the efforts to save the Sofafi garrison continues. I got so wrapped up in that I forgot to make any notes of the rounds. Essentially the rounds took similar format. I put some more units on the coast road, and then concentrated on trying to save Tobruk and relieve Sofafi. The efforts re the latter went well and the Commonwealth forces retook the road - opening up supply once more. The Axis forces appeared to take a lot of casualties in so doing. At Tobruk I decided that if I just sit there I'm going to be destroyed anyway so..... ... I put my heart in my mouth and attacked along the coast from the Western Strong Point. The Italian infantry was forced to retreat and took some losses. Whether this was a good move or just venting frustration, only time will tell. Tobruk end of Turn 7 (left) and end of turn situation at Sofafi (right) [image]local://upfiles/28156/C0DF60A709004D9987215B54D5558B4F.jpg[/image]

warspite1 -> RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) (1/28/2018 6:40:56 PM)
Turn 66 - Axis Turn 3rd May 1941 The Axis undertake two attacks, bombarding the Southwestern Strong Point twice and destroying another Hurricane unit.... [image]local://upfiles/28156/67CC1697050D4D93AEB97E716896C58E.jpg[/image]

warspite1 -> RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) (1/28/2018 6:49:03 PM)
Turn 66 3rd May 1941 A strange turn. All aircraft placed to rest and it was a case of trying to mop up units the Axis left behind - without getting all out shape for the expected counter attack.

warspite1 -> RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) (1/29/2018 6:01:38 AM)
Turn 67 - Axis Turn 7th May 1941 The Axis restrict themselves to three bombardments of their favourite strong point. The only thing I console myself with is that I am a least making some nominal hits against my enemy too. I still have zero reconnaissance capability which is incredibly frustrating - but really adds to the tension. I can see devoncop is moving loads of units as the counter at the bottom of the screen rises - but what he is moving and where to remain largely a mystery. [image]local://upfiles/28156/AE851C015A894AA2AE244626D545E31A.jpg[/image]

warspite1 -> RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) (1/29/2018 6:51:24 AM)
Turn 67 7th May 1941 This turn is very much one of consolidation. After all the excitement of the last few turns, I need to: a) sort out what units ended up where (they can all get mixed up in the fighting) b) what reinforcements and, perhaps more importantly, what withdrawals, I have coming up c) based on the above, what needs to go where. d) all aircraft squadrons are either reorganising (2) or resting (5) e) I've been able to reinforce Tobruk with a battalion of Australian infantry (the missing 10th from a few turns back). f) I send out a couple of scouts to try and find some clue as to where the enemy are - this is dangerous and can be costly as the 11th Hussars of the 7th Armoured Division almost found when stumbling across a couple of Italian units northwest of El Hamra. g) in the absence of any real idea as to what is going on, I have little choice but to hold fire and allow my units to R+R. h) I maintain patrols at key junctions and maintain forces on the coast road around Buq Buq and at Sofafi. [image]local://upfiles/28156/7435BE5A4B1D4A93BDA8524040F409E1.jpg[/image]

warspite1 -> RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) (1/29/2018 7:05:07 AM)
Turn 67 7th May 1941 At Tobruk, devoncop's tactics are almost as if he wants me to attack. The units directly adjacent to my defenders are pretty weak. That could be that he wants to protect his artillery (which I am unable to spot) or it could be he wants me to make another attack - after which he can counter with whatever he has behind. It is tempting to try another attack but for the moment I daren't. I limit myself with bombardments. A couple of engineer units and at least two infantry units evaporate. [image]local://upfiles/28156/2941B9F68CB8408EB6C0099CB8625EFA.jpg[/image]

warspite1 -> RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) (1/29/2018 7:03:28 PM)
Turn 68 - Axis Turn 10th May 1941 The Luftwaffe have found their Ju-87's at last.... HMS Valiant is damaged (6) - I'll need to look up what that means but sounds serious. 6 bombers were shot down and 11 disabled. My reconnaissance is non-existent but there is nothing wrong with the Italians, who surround and destroy the Long Range Desert Group... There are also two attacks on the Southwestern Strong Point [image]local://upfiles/28156/BD4EB6999BFA485095290C646C5B3DCF.jpg[/image]

warspite1 -> RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) (1/29/2018 7:19:25 PM)
Turn 68 - Axis Turn 10th May 1941 Not too much damage at this stage - but something to keep a check on as repair at sea is slow if indeed even possible. I've compared to Barham to show the effect the 6% damage has on operations. [image]local://upfiles/28156/6A9D898F24C6425EBC843B73045AAD64.jpg[/image]

warspite1 -> RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) (1/29/2018 7:27:42 PM)
Turn 68 10th May 1941 The air situation could be better; two Hurricane squadrons and a Tomahawk Squadron available - but one Hurricane unit is in poor shape. I am finding the Axis air forces are roaming seemingly free so I decide to put the two better units in the air and rest the third. Bombers are okay but not much to do at present so stay grounded. The Tiger Convoy will be arriving next turn. Let's see what difference this makes - the tanks are added to the replacement pool. 7th Armoured HQ - 5/5 MkVI Light Tank 4th Arm Bde HQ - 5/5 MkVI Light Tank 7th Arm Bde HQ - 5/5 A-9 Cruiser Tank 6th RTR - 49/50 MkVI Light Tank 7th Hussars - 48/50 MkVI Light Tank 2nd RTR - 49/50 A-13 Cruiser Tank 1st RTR - 41/50 A-9 Cruiser Tank 2nd Armoured HQ - 5/5 MkVI Light Tank 3rd Arm Bde HQ - 1/5 Crusader Mk I Tank 5th RTR - 50/50 A-13 Cruiser Tank 3rd Hussars - 50/50 MkVI Tank 42nd RTR - 50/50 Matilda II Tank 4th RTR - 50/50 Matilda II Tank 7th RTR - 50/50 Matilda II Tank Matilda II = 150 MKVI = 162* A-9 Cruiser = 46 A-13 Cruiser = 99 Crusader Mk I = 1 * I seem to be 2 missing but I can't be bothered to search. [image]local://upfiles/28156/4D6AF24E73DC44A69C22D68A29194029.jpg[/image]

warspite1 -> RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) (1/29/2018 8:46:07 PM)
Turn 68 10th May 1941 I decide to switch tack with the RN. I need to destroy the Ju-87 and so target the German airfields. Sadly the Ju-87 were the last aircraft to be hit.... Even so, the German air losses numbered 70 (presumably some of those will be disabled and not destroyed) still not too bad. [image]local://upfiles/28156/12FCFA67C4F1431884609B2C1FD73A6B.jpg[/image]

warspite1 -> RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) (1/30/2018 4:07:16 PM)
Turn 69 - Axis Turn 14th May 1941 The Axis continue their bombardment of Tobruk, I can't see much else. [image]local://upfiles/28156/DE67BEF62A754885B1AAE1F6AE59EB99.jpg[/image]

warspite1 -> RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) (1/30/2018 4:21:01 PM)
Turn 69 14th May 1941 So lets see what difference the Tiger Convoy has made: 7th Armoured HQ - 5/5 MkVI Light Tank 4th Arm Bde HQ - 5/5 MkVI Light Tank 7th Arm Bde HQ - 5/5 A-9 Cruiser Tank 6th RTR - 49/50 MkVI Light Tank 7th Hussars - 50/50 MkVI Light Tank (+2) 2nd RTR - 49/50 A-13 Cruiser Tank (+1) 1st RTR - 41/50 A-9 Cruiser Tank 2nd Armoured HQ - 5/5 MkVI Light Tank 3rd Arm Bde HQ - 4/5 Crusader Mk I Tank (+3) 5th RTR - 50/50 A-13 Cruiser Tank (plus 8/15 Crusader I Tank) 3rd Hussars - 50/50 MkVI Tank (plus 17/20 Crusader I Tank) 42nd RTR - 50/50 Matilda II Tank 4th RTR - 50/50 Matilda II Tank 7th RTR - 50/50 Matilda II Tank Matilda II = 150 MKVI = 164* A-9 Cruiser = 46 A-13 Cruiser = 100 Crusader Mk I = 29 * I seem to be 2 missing but I can't be bothered to search. A nice reserve of Matilda II built up and the two 2nd Armoured Regiments have shiny new Crusaders to play with. [image]local://upfiles/28156/550B224D46B64F6B9CE6A286449C46E4.jpg[/image]

warspite1 -> RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) (1/30/2018 4:45:06 PM)
Turn 69 14th May 1941 The Western Desert Air Force are up to 10 Squadrons. 3 (2 Operational) x Hurricane sqns - 57/72 aircraft with 43 reserves (6 per turn). 3 (3 Operational) x Blenheim sqns - 72/72 aircraft with 31 reserves (3 per turn). 1 (0 Operational) x Tomahawk sqn - 16/24 aircraft with 12 reserves (2 per turn). 1 (1 Operational) x Gladiator sqn - 18/24 aircraft no reserves (0 per turn). 1 (0 Operational) x Beaufighter sqn - 6/24 aircraft no reserves (1 per turn). 1 (0 Operational) x Morane-Saulnier sqn - 1/2 aircraft no reserves and no more replacements I continue to rest my bombers pending the assault that presumably will come soon. I am aware that the 15th Panzer is around - although of course have absolutely no idea where.... The reserve of Hurricanes is the best its been. [image]local://upfiles/28156/1F7C694A4EB6413F9F6C0F4489A5AEF4.jpg[/image]

warspite1 -> RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) (1/30/2018 5:02:36 PM)
Turn 69 14th May 1941 Until the Axis show their hand I can't move. I continue to bombard with the RN, evaporating two squadrons near the Halfaya Pass. [image]local://upfiles/28156/244D860037674BB9B8507B27F4D50CB8.jpg[/image]

warspite1 -> RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) (1/30/2018 6:48:27 PM)
Turn 70 - Axis Turn 17th May 1941 Once again the southwestern strong point is pounded to kingdom come. I'll have to check out the damage..... [image]local://upfiles/28156/64E7CE52AB7A4A1B9CE740399DEFFDB5.jpg[/image]

warspite1 -> RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) (1/30/2018 7:24:54 PM)
Turn 70 17th May 1941 The game continues in a cat and mouse phase. The RN seek to fight back but the problem is the Commonwealth can't spot the artillery fire.... Historically the CW should be preparing for Operation Battleaxe - but until I know where the panzers are I just cannot take any risks.... [image]local://upfiles/28156/81DD0D2B2A944D37A07349F6D21FB712.jpg[/image]

warspite1 -> RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) (1/30/2018 8:25:57 PM)
Turn 71 - Axis Turn 21st May 1941 The Axis continue to inflict a level of pain and misery on the Australians unknown since Kylie and Jason's Especially for You.... [image]local://upfiles/28156/3C1D0A94088A4465B31E200EF0238A3C.jpg[/image]

Zorch -> RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) (1/30/2018 8:36:53 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: warspite1 Turn 69 14th May 1941 So lets see what difference the Tiger Convoy has made: Matilda II = 150 MKVI = 164* A-9 Cruiser = 46 A-13 Cruiser = 100 Crusader Mk I = 29 * I seem to be 2 missing but I can't be bothered to search. 1 MKVI lost overboard during unload at Alexandria 2 Matilda II accidentally lost during unload at Tobruk 1 A-13 Cruiser lost during R&R at Cairo

warspite1 -> RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) (1/30/2018 8:42:10 PM)
Turn 71 - Axis Turn 21st May 1941 However, there are other developments afoot.... The Axis have moved on the Allied positions at both Buq Buq and Sofafi. [image]local://upfiles/28156/1B3B163BB5ED4A1A9D09F4A284A8AF03.jpg[/image]

warspite1 -> RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) (1/30/2018 8:52:34 PM)
Turn 71 21st May 1941 The order goes out...FIRE!! The Royal Navy has recently received reinforcements and rushes these ships to the coast off Buq Buq to pound the HQ units on the coast. The RN continues to do the same at Tobruk. Meanwhile the artillery available at Sofafi, Buq Buq and Bir Khamsa do the same. After a string of barrages, elements of the 3rd Motor Brigade attack from their positions at Bir Khamsa. They force the Italians to retreat but other units - German and Italian - come to their assistance. However, these units too are forced to retreat. [image]local://upfiles/28156/961C80A3548542FF81E065A445A31D8B.jpg[/image]

warspite1 -> RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) (1/30/2018 9:18:44 PM)
Turn 71 21st May 1941 The turn finishes off with further bombardments. The German/Italian units northwest of the southwestern strong point are devastated by a barrage that wipes out the bulk of the forces there. At Bir Khamsa two of the Italian units that originally retreated from the Indian attack are also destroyed in the follow up barrage. Its now a case of waiting to see what the Germans have lined up for me..... [image]local://upfiles/28156/43E2F6AE4240436FA4F03A70A4C88B94.jpg[/image]

ChuckBerger -> RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) (1/30/2018 9:38:22 PM)
Following this with great interest, and considering buying the game. I'd be interested in your views on whether the game "feels right". To my eyes, bombardments appear to be far too frequent, and far too powerful. I can't wrap my head around the idea that mere bombardments are wiping out entire battalions of troops. From what I know, bombardments were effective in disrupting troops prior to an attack - destroying C&C, limiting movement, and shattering unit morale and cohesion, rather than actually destroying units. Neither side had the supply to just bombard at will - the Cth forces had to accumulate ammo for months prior to the huge barrage unleashed at Alamein, and even there it's impact was in disruption and opening up lines of attack, not direct destruction of enemy units. And the RN appears far too powerful in the game - shore bombardments just weren't a major factor in the desert war - there was some bombardment around the siege of Tobruk and a few other spots, but it was more of a nuisance than anything else. Air power also appears too powerful (and from your experience, skewed towards Axis). Neither side had the numbers or ordinance or tactical doctrine to have their small desert air forces exert a decisive impact on ground operations. Air was most useful for recon and disruption/attrition of C&C and supply, not direct attacks on ground troops. Does all that ring true for the players? It just seems like there is far too much deadly air/naval/artillery stuff going on, and not enough actual troops fighting.

warspite1 -> RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) (1/30/2018 10:05:44 PM)
I can only speak for this scenario (as its the only one I've played) and I've not got that far in any of them yet so I am speaking from early days experience. However from what I've seen: - The Royal Navy is waaaaaaaaay to powerful. There was no fleet train and so they should not be allowed to stay on station for ever. They seem to roam the coast at will (although Curtis Lemay indicates that is because the right aircraft have not been used to attack them with - and maybe they are actually more vulnerable than it currently appears). - I am only getting one side of the story at the moment but it looks like the Italian air force is a little too strong - they simply weren't a factor during the early war. - As for battles generally, its probably too early to tell. Yes artillery support appears vital, but then that is no bad thing of course - but whether it is too important I'm not sure at this stage. - Does it feel right? Well I am more of a strategic wargamer so I probably am not the correct person to ask about operational aspects of warfare, but... - One thing that definitely needs to be said. This is such a fun game! Aesthetically it feels damn right. I have finally got to play in the sand with the CW, the Italians and the Germans at battalion level, from 1940 (the war didn't start with the entrance of Rommel [8\|]), with control of my squadrons and with an elegant solution to try and allow the conditions that led to the 'Benghazi handicap'.

DanNeely -> RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) (1/30/2018 11:11:00 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: warspite1 Turn 70 17th May 1941 The game continues in a cat and mouse phase. The RN seek to fight back but the problem is the Commonwealth can't spot the artillery fire.... Historically the CW should be preparing for Operation Battleaxe - but until I know where the panzers are I just cannot take any risks.... [image]local://upfiles/28156/81DD0D2B2A944D37A07349F6D21FB712.jpg[/image] Unfortunately while I don't recall the exact turn/date you're not going to have any theater recon again until the historical tide has turned against the axis; I think it might be timed for when a new British commander arrives. The only way you're going to find out where they're lurking is to send something forward to do recon.

warspite1 -> RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) (1/31/2018 6:31:04 AM)
Turn 72 - Axis Turn 24th May 1941 Well the last turn was not a feint - the Axis are launching a major offensive it seems. I'll need to examine this closely as it looks like Tobruk has taken an absolute hammering. The 3rd Polish Battalion and the 3rd Australian Machine Gun Battalion are wiped out in the maelstrom of shot and shell. Lumme! More Axis units are arriving around Sofafi, while south of Buq Buq the enemy are looking to outflank the Commonwealth to the south. Sadly real life and work calls so will have to pick this up later...

ChuckBerger -> RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) (1/31/2018 10:37:56 AM)
nvm

warspite1 -> RE: CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) (1/31/2018 4:33:27 PM)
Turn 72 24th May 1941 First off a big shout out to the Free French [&o]. Worried about the gap south of Buq Buq, I stationed the marines to guard against an envelopment from the south. They held firm, with air and naval support, against an attack by Italian infantry, and only gave ground when elements of the 15th Panzer Division came to the assistance of the wavering Italians. [image]local://upfiles/28156/FA7CD92A67D546AAA4D1304FD2B23C10.jpg[/image]

Page: << < prev 7 8 [9] 10 11 next > >>

Forum Software © ASPPlayground.NET Advanced Edition 2.4.5 ANSI

0.984375