For the TsAAR! - A veteran Russia-only AAR (Full Version)

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FOARP -> For the TsAAR! - A veteran Russia-only AAR (5/23/2021 9:59:50 AM)

Hello! After a break away from SC I'm doing a new one of my single-country AARs highlighting the flexibility of SC's war game system. You can see here for my previous Serbia-only AAR and here for my Austria-Hungary one.

The rules for a single-country AAR are simple: in as much as is possible, I'll let the AI control the other countries. Diplomacy and convoys are obvious exceptions to this rule, as are situations where allied units come on to my front. The difficulty level is set at "Veteran" which gives the AI quite a big (but not overwhelming) advantage.

In this AAR I'll be playing as Tsarist Russia in the 1914 campaign. My plan is basically the historical one - a mass offensive into Eastern Prussia and Galicia with the goal of drawing away as many Austro-Hungarian and German troops as possible. The difference here is I'm going to try to simply encircle strong-points rather than mass-assaulting them directly.

[image]local://upfiles/43674/0D3ACCA7F88F45CCA54549A7B6201EED.jpg[/image]



FOARP -> RE: For the TsAAR! - A veteran Russia-only AAR (5/23/2021 10:12:58 AM)

8 August 1914, East Prussian Front - The advance goes smoothly, the main point of concentration being the advance on Marienburg with subsidiary attacks aimed at encircling Gumbinnen and Johannisburg. Of course advancing in this fashion, going around strong points without reducing them, makes me vulnerable to a counter-attack, but I'm gambling that the Germans simply don't have the troops for such an effort with their massive offensive in France.

[image]local://upfiles/43674/3FC6877B94ED48C3BBE0713DD8967CA4.jpg[/image]



FOARP -> RE: For the TsAAR! - A veteran Russia-only AAR (5/23/2021 10:18:11 AM)

8 August, 1914, Galician Front - The Russian advance goes well, with Tarnopol and the Galician Oil Fields already in Russian hands. Diversionary attacks are also made near Krakow and Przemysl, whilst a Russian corps has also reach the gates of Lemberg whilst another threatens Kolomea and Stanislaw. This is certainly an attack that the Austrian Emperor cannot ignore!

[image]local://upfiles/43674/D4816665369F4059818A21620504D995.jpg[/image]



FOARP -> RE: For the TsAAR! - A veteran Russia-only AAR (5/23/2021 10:26:21 AM)

22 August, 1914, East Prussian Front - German forces hastily cobbled together a defensive position near Marienburg but a couple of lucky attacks on the German Reserve infantry corps holding the line to the East of the town broke the German position enabling Russian forces to cut off Eastern Prussia from the rest of the Reich. Meanwhile the offensives around Gumbinnen and Johannesburg also continue well.

What can the Germans do if they lose Eastern Prussia? But whilst the forces entrenched within East Prussia remain in place the Russians are highly vulnerable to a counter-attack, so let's not count our chickens before they hatch!



[image]local://upfiles/43674/000D83256E8C4F44835A44874ADFFBB4.jpg[/image]



FOARP -> RE: For the TsAAR! - A veteran Russia-only AAR (5/23/2021 10:33:01 AM)

22 August, 1914, Galician Front - The Russians have now encircled Lemberg, destroying a weak Austrian infantry corps in the process. Russian forces stand along the river Dnestr: I have the option of building a defensive line here or crossing the Dnestr to attack the Carpathian passes. Supplies are likely to be problematic without good infrastructure links across the river but I decide it's worth applying the maximum pressure.

Austrian forces have staged a single-corps counterattack into Poland occupying Radom. This is unfortunate but my forces quickly cut them off and the net result is likely to be an Austrian corps permanently destroyed.

[image]local://upfiles/43674/D0B3196ABCAC4C7BB3228237AD3392A4.jpg[/image]



FOARP -> RE: For the TsAAR! - A veteran Russia-only AAR (5/23/2021 10:39:47 AM)

5 September, 1914, East Prussian Front - This turn has primarily been about consolidation and digging in, though Russian forces destroyed a German HQ unit near Allenstein. No sign yet of the feared German counter-attack.

[image]local://upfiles/43674/0B5FF6B658044889B67A4155946E9C14.jpg[/image]



FOARP -> RE: For the TsAAR! - A veteran Russia-only AAR (5/23/2021 10:45:18 AM)

5 September, 1914, Galician Front - A Russian attack on Tarnow is beaten off with heavy losses, Radom remains in Austrian hands but probably not for much longer. The crossing of the Dnestr has been carried out and my forces are now dug in on the east bank with the river behind them.

[image]local://upfiles/43674/83D09DD0AD7647B79301769A051D2D06.jpg[/image]



Platoonist -> RE: For the TsAAR! - A veteran Russia-only AAR (5/23/2021 10:45:25 AM)

Having solely played the Russians many times in War in Europe I will be following this thread with interest. Hopefully your AI Allies won't let you down on the Western Front.

Udachi! [8D]



FOARP -> RE: For the TsAAR! - A veteran Russia-only AAR (5/23/2021 12:46:36 PM)

19 September, 1914, East Prussian Front - The Russians have captured Marienburg and have begun reducing the isolated garrisons of Allenstein, Johannesburg, and Gumbinnen. A strong line has now been built up along the Vistula delta opposite Danzig that should hold against anything but the most determined German attack. Next turn should see the fall of at least two German garrisons.

[image]local://upfiles/43674/5C2B0CCC9F484E6D827346F5C6FB8503.jpg[/image]



FOARP -> RE: For the TsAAR! - A veteran Russia-only AAR (5/23/2021 12:57:00 PM)

19 September, 1914, Galician Front - The Austrian corps encircled at Radom has been destroyed. On the other side of the balance-sheet Russia forces have been pushed back from Tarnow and Krakow, and a German advance threatens Lodz. Resistance seems to be stiffening in this sector, and the advent of substantial German forces cannot be far away.

[image]local://upfiles/43674/06117CDC56604DCCA674D1D8FEF32D1D.jpg[/image]



FOARP -> RE: For the TsAAR! - A veteran Russia-only AAR (5/23/2021 1:01:26 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: Platoonist

Having solely played the Russians many times in War in Europe I will be following this thread with interest. Hopefully your AI Allies won't let you down on the Western Front.

Udachi! [8D]


Spaseba! Nancy has already fallen and Verdun may also fall, but at least Belgrade remains Serb. I've got to think that taking East Prussia away from Germany should slow them down a bit.



FOARP -> RE: For the TsAAR! - A veteran Russia-only AAR (5/23/2021 1:58:48 PM)

10 October, 1914, East Prussian Front - Allenstein and Johannesburg have fallen, Gumbinnen is close to falling, and Tilsit and Memel are now isolated. Along the Vistula Russian forces have been beaten back near Thorn but the main line still holds, though significant German reinforcements are now arriving on this front. The game is still a race between capturing the German fortresses of the area and a German counter-attack that can only be a matter of weeks away.

[image]local://upfiles/43674/27BE76804C9F427D8BB6274981C88C8A.jpg[/image]



FOARP -> RE: For the TsAAR! - A veteran Russia-only AAR (5/23/2021 2:05:54 PM)

10 October, 1914, Galician Front - Tarnow has fallen! But on the other hand two Russian infantry corps have been destroyed in counter-attacks in the Dnestr bend and Russian forces have been driven back again near Krakow. I am considering a withdrawal from the western bank of the Dnestr to have the advantage of the river-line, though in the end this means a longer defensive line. German forces are now present in significant numbers of the Austrian front and further counter-attacks can be expected.

I have diverted the three mountain corps of the Russian army to the Caucasus. Turkish war entry may be expected any moment now and they will likely be needed there.

In terms of technology, I have added one chit on trench warfare, one on infantry weapons. As of yet I have no artillery or artillery research, both of which are desperately needed for next year.

[image]local://upfiles/43674/10418C6612FD49A686C202D5C39B4B70.jpg[/image]



Platoonist -> RE: For the TsAAR! - A veteran Russia-only AAR (5/23/2021 3:57:01 PM)

Seems like you have good momentum towards "Mitteleuropa" so far.

I know the naval war is something of a sideshow for Mother Russia, but do you have any offensive plans for the Baltic and Black Sea fleets or will you be keeping them close to home?



FOARP -> RE: For the TsAAR! - A veteran Russia-only AAR (5/24/2021 5:15:29 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Platoonist

Seems like you have good momentum towards "Mitteleuropa" so far.

I know the naval war is something of a sideshow for Mother Russia, but do you have any offensive plans for the Baltic and Black Sea fleets or will you be keeping them close to home?


Mitteleuropa was the German proposal, I'd rather have the Tsar's Slavic union!

But I think you may be right - the Germans have momentum on their side despite my victories.

EDIT: regarding the navy - no, my concentration will be entirely on land unless a major target of opportunity presents itself. The naval war just costs too much for too little gain.



FOARP -> RE: For the TsAAR! - A veteran Russia-only AAR (5/24/2021 5:28:38 PM)

7 November, 1914, East Prussian Front - The pace of the war seems to be slowing. The German Corps encircled at Gumbinnen has been destroyed and that entrenched south of Johannesburg is on its last legs. Including the garrison corps at Tilsit the eventual haul of German units destroyed in the this action is likely to be five infantry corps and an HQ. I would be happier about this if it were clear that I will ever be able to afford to re-form any of the Russian corps I have lost so far but at present the combined requirements of research and reinforcement of existing units absorbs all of the my resources.

No sign yet of the feared German counter-attack.

[image]local://upfiles/43674/92C750D589E943F4BA49197AE0C0AD4A.jpg[/image]



FOARP -> RE: For the TsAAR! - A veteran Russia-only AAR (5/24/2021 5:32:19 PM)

7 November, 1914, Galician Front - A significant German counterattack is now forming towards Lodz. My forces are dug in and at least not totally weakened, but it remains to be seen how the Russian infantry man withstands the German attack.

[image]local://upfiles/43674/F8A90C491016461FBAB11FEBDA37947D.jpg[/image]



FOARP -> RE: For the TsAAR! - A veteran Russia-only AAR (5/24/2021 5:39:10 PM)

5 December, 1914, East Prussian Front - Like a thunderbolt the German forces launched a determined attack, destroyed the dug-in corps holding Marienburg, crossed the Vistula and captured the town. I am now sceptical about the ability of the Russian forces to stand up to German attacks - we may have to consider withdrawals to preserve Russian forces whilst they are upgraded and refitted. Tilsit and the fortifications south of Johannesburg remain in German hands.

[image]local://upfiles/43674/D8AF90EA214A4989AF6E2BB4640CF5A7.jpg[/image]



FOARP -> RE: For the TsAAR! - A veteran Russia-only AAR (5/24/2021 5:43:58 PM)

5 December, 1914, Galician Front - Stanislaw has fallen into Russian hands but elsewhere the Germans are appearing in force along the line. I am sure of the Russian forces being a match for the Austrians but less sure that they are a match for the Germans.

[image]local://upfiles/43674/1C8ABD31CFE148309DBC7AADEAB710F6.jpg[/image]



FOARP -> RE: For the TsAAR! - A veteran Russia-only AAR (5/24/2021 5:52:43 PM)

2 January, 1915, East Prussia - A new year has dawned but brings mixed fortunes for the Russian forces. The German advance destroyed another Corps near Marienburg and further withdrawals seem the only viable option. Tilsit and the Johnnesburg fortress remain surrounded but their garrisons still hold out. I intend to do the utmost to prevent the Germans relieving Konigsburg but breaking into the fortress seems impossible without artillery that my forces do not yet have.

[image]local://upfiles/43674/CAE8F0ABD9564967813AF65C30B110E5.jpg[/image]



FOARP -> RE: For the TsAAR! - A veteran Russia-only AAR (5/24/2021 6:23:54 PM)

2 January, 1915, Galician Front - Disaster struck Russian forces in Western Poland as the Germans took Kutno and threatened Lodz. Lodz is a valuable city in terms of manufacturing (9 MPP per turn) but losing a corps or two to hold the city for a turn or two more did not seem worth the cost, so I have withdrawn my forces from Western Poland to more easily-defended lines south of Warsaw. Tarnow has also been re-taken by the Austrians.

In contrast a couple of lucky attacks against the Austrians has taken the fortress of Przemysl. Whilst the cavalry corps that encircled the fortress to the south is almost certain to be destroyed in the Austrian counter-attack I deemed this a price worth paying for the hit to Austrian morale that the fall of the fortress would bring and the obvious usefulness of the fortress in anchoring a defensive position in central Poland.

[image]local://upfiles/43674/4677A6C9AD1A466FAED290939237FD3F.jpg[/image]



FOARP -> RE: For the TsAAR! - A veteran Russia-only AAR (5/24/2021 6:28:55 PM)

2 January, 1915, Caucasian Front - The Turks have thrown their hat in with the hated Teutons and my forces in the Caucasus have begun their attack as a consequence. My basic plan is to turn the Ottoman lines from the south, but how easy that will be in this rough terrain, and whether that will be possible with the slender forces available, are open questions. At best I can draw forces away from the British and give them the opportunity to land a knock-out blow by an advance through Palestine and Mesopotamia.

[image]local://upfiles/43674/281A6BAE49934521801A290424F52253.jpg[/image]



shri -> RE: For the TsAAR! - A veteran Russia-only AAR (5/25/2021 4:24:41 AM)

Haven't played against AI recently, but in earlier patches, AI on high difficulty got more MPP and also some free units. Did those appear?
Also what is NM like? anyone below 75% yet? armies get worse as NM drops.



FOARP -> RE: For the TsAAR! - A veteran Russia-only AAR (5/28/2021 5:37:19 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: shri

Haven't played against AI recently, but in earlier patches, AI on high difficulty got more MPP and also some free units. Did those appear?
Also what is NM like? anyone below 75% yet? armies get worse as NM drops.


From lowest to highest currently in the war -
Austria-Hungary: 78%
Ottomans: 88%
France: 90%
Serbia: 96%
UK: 98%
Germany: 102%
Russia: 103%

The collapse in Austrian morale makes me consider a strategy of simply investing in trenches and trying to hold the line. With Austria's eastern national morale hexes occupied their morale will continue to drop and I will be able to continue destroying their units, perhaps the Germans will become over-stretched trying to cover for them and become more vulnerable?

My present worry is that the German artillery is yet to put in an appearance, and once it does my forces are just going to take a pummelling.



FOARP -> RE: For the TsAAR! - A veteran Russia-only AAR (5/28/2021 5:43:07 PM)

27 February 1915, East Prussia Front - The German garrisons at Tilsit and the fortress south of Johannesburg have finally fallen However the advance of the German forces in the Marienburg area continues to be concerning - they are close to linking up with the Konigsberg garrison and I have no choice if I want to bring about the fall of this fortress to but to mount a stiff defence east of west of Konigsberg whilst my artillery is brought up to strength to assault the city.

[image]local://upfiles/43674/586FFEF54A5447CAABCAAE68D55E9A08.jpg[/image]



FOARP -> RE: For the TsAAR! - A veteran Russia-only AAR (5/28/2021 5:50:34 PM)

27 February, 1915, Galician Front - The Germans pursued my retreating forces to the line before Radom and Warsaw but a swift counterattack against one pursuing corps North-West of Radom resulted in its destruction. South of the Vistula my forces pinched out the Austro-Hungarian salient at Tarnow, capturing the city and destroying two Austro-Hungarian corps. Finally, in the far south of the line the city of Czernowitz was capture and its garrison crops destroyed.

A successful turn on this front. Particularly the collapse in Austro-Hungarian morale appears to have severely weakened their forces and leaves the Central Powers open to a strategy of destorying Austrian units in order to over-stretch the Germans.

[image]local://upfiles/43674/C22DF981FA424B2CA638C824620D529D.jpg[/image]



FOARP -> RE: For the TsAAR! - A veteran Russia-only AAR (5/28/2021 6:00:06 PM)

27 February, 1915, Caucasian Front - Rounding out a successful turn for the forces of the Tsar, a weakened Ottoman cavalry corps was destroyed near Eleskirt and the corps garrisoning the city heavily damaged. It appears the city may fall next turn, which gives the Russia forces the option of either turning south to seize Van or north-west to seize Ezurum. Of the two option the second is obviously better as it opens the possibility of capturing an Ottoman national morale objective and further weakening them, however a Van offensive would offer the possibility of linking up with the British in Mesopotamia.

In total seven Central Powers corps have been destroyed this turn (the two German corps garrisoning the Johannesburg fortress and Tilsit, the German corps destroyed in the counterattack near Radom, the three Austrian corps destroyed at Tarnow and Czernowitz, and the Ottoman cavalry corps).

[image]local://upfiles/43674/165A7BA7CAEC49418C51D97D4EF65E5A.jpg[/image]



FOARP -> RE: For the TsAAR! - A veteran Russia-only AAR (5/28/2021 7:36:32 PM)

10 April, 1915, East Prussian Front - A German attack breaks through the line North-West of Allenstein, destroying a Russian infantry corps in the process. A Russian counter-attack in turn destroys the German corps restoring the line. Near Warsaw a sally from the Russian-held fortress of Novo-Georgievsk destroys a German corps approaching the defence line to the South-West of the fortress.

This is a good result all consider, but the Germans will likely be able to re-form their two lost units and thus far I simply have not had sufficient resources to re-form any of the units lost.

I have, however, been able to reinforce the units investing Konigsberg and bring my sole artillery unit available on this front up to full strength. With the line holding at least for this turn, the possibility of a storming of the Konigsberg fortress is coming into view.

[image]local://upfiles/43674/396FB89730B0431092C4CAD357AC4509.jpg[/image]



FOARP -> RE: For the TsAAR! - A veteran Russia-only AAR (5/28/2021 7:45:44 PM)

10 April, 1915, Galician Front - The advance near Tarnow continues, with the destruction of an Austrian corps north of Gorlice. An Austrian artillery units seems not to have got the message about what is happening on this front as it was ambushed and destroyed debouching through the Dukla pass - a very important move as any CP artillery deployed to this front is going to instantly change the balance of power in favour of the CP given the scarcity of Russian artillery. The fall of Gorlice should be expected next turn.

Further south Kolomea has fallen and its weak K.u.K. garrison brigade was destroyed. advancing through the gap Russian forces now threaten the encirclement and destruction of an A-H infantry corps.

The war seems to be swinging heavily in favour of the Russians on this front, but any collapse elsewhere will obviously have a knock-on effect here.

[image]local://upfiles/43674/F4F510F6772041F8A4E7E8DF2B5595B3.jpg[/image]



FOARP -> RE: For the TsAAR! - A veteran Russia-only AAR (5/28/2021 7:54:00 PM)

10 April, 1915, Caucasian Front - Eleskirt has fallen with its garrison destroyed. The road to the north from Eleskirt towards the defences of Erzurum now lies open from a Russian pincer attack against that important city. Far away on the Black Sea coast Russian forces are repelled from Rize with heavy loses amongst the defending brigade.

The ability of the Ottoman forces to absorb loses of this kind is not clear to me - we will have to see whether they can sustain this rate of units being destroyed.

[image]local://upfiles/43674/CC17CE2D9C4E4183A6C35F14D44045E8.jpg[/image]



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