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RE: GD1938 Game 25 old VC - 10/14/2016 1:52:11 AM

cpdeyoung

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The situation in Finland is not going to change. No western power will try and influence if you want to gain Finland by diplomacy, but Germany might.

Normally the Germans let the Soviets obtain the Baltic States by diplomacy, but Germany may oppose you as it is fast starting. In most games you would have much more time! Going to war is more dangerous than diplomacy.

Declaring war on the West over the Baltic states will have consequences. I would advise against it. Germany will almost certainly attack you at some point. Best to not antagonize the whole world. Build your forces up, improve their quality (25 PP per turn), build your economy, and build annexes in your cities. Use diplomacy to gain points.

If you show your good intentions towards the west (accept alliances) the French and British may give areas of eastern Europe, and eastern European troops to you. This will make the German quickly realize he must either hold off in the East, or risk war with you. I cannot believe he is ready to take us all on at this time ... but ... this is a very aggressive German.

Chuck

(in reply to tortugapower)

Post #: 31

RE: GD1938 Game 25 old VC - 10/14/2016 7:13:01 AM

tortugapower

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quote:

ORIGINAL: cpdeyoung

The situation in Finland is not going to change. No western power will try and influence if you want to gain Finland by diplomacy, but Germany might.

Okay, I will use in-game diplomacy points for this. What's the best way to achieve this goal, is it to smear the U.S. or is it to promote myself?

Keep in mind, I've never played GD1938 before. My "out of character" comments are coming from a technical/game rules standpoint. It seems fitting for the Allied player to caution against war with the Baltic states from a role-playing perspective... but my question is more about the mechanics: what does it mean for the game?

If I were to ally with France, I assume that would draw me into war with Germany. And, would it make it impossible for me to declare war on a Baltic state, since that would put me at war with an ally? Or does the game just drop the alliance in that case and put me at war with the ally?

Thanks.

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RE: GD1938 Game 25 old VC - 10/14/2016 9:04:57 AM

cpdeyoung

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To get Finland try discord and influence, they are both cheap. Remember Rufus may try and throw a wrench in your plans.

I was not speaking as a western nation when I cautioned you about attacking the west. You may have noticed some discussion of peace making after war between powers. The gist of all this is that if the USSR attacks GB-FR-CH (all allied now) there is a strong feeling, a "house rule", that the war should not be a "phoney war". The USSR and the West would be expected to go at it hammer and tongs. How long - well, who knows? It is a problem caused by having an attacked minor "disappear" into a Major power. You attack a minor, and the MFN, always a Major, takes the country as native soil and must fight you. He is not "playing" the minor, the minor no longer exists, there is no more Finland, and never can be. It is France now, and you are at war with France, and her Allies. It is a goofy system caused by Ernie not being able to give a minor AI status. This is a technical issue.

If Vic could allow an AI to take over at the point of the attack it would relieve this pressure (I think, perhaps Ernie can confirm or deny this). Diplomacy and issues of war and peace are very complicated, and get in the way of a "real" simulation of the Winter War, for example. In Game 25 we are trying to simulate the actual course of WW2 a bit more than often happens. However we are playing GD1938, and wonderful as this creation is, it is a "mod" of a game where diplomacy is not modeled as it might be. The name ATG does have "Tactics" in it after all. The game certainly can simulate operational warfare, but strategic and diplomatic conflict is a stretch.

You could ally with France, or all the western alliance, but if Germany, or Japan, or Italy attack any minor whose MFN was a western power then you would be drawn in. At some point we expect the USSR to fight the Germans anyway, but perhaps not because of an attack on a minor.

No nation can attack a minor who has an allied power as MFN.

Chuck

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Post #: 33

RE: GD1938 Game 25 old VC - 10/15/2016 8:42:07 AM

tortugapower

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Thanks, Chuck. Things are becoming more clear now. I understand how the minor nation takeover happens. In my opinion, in situations like Finland and the Baltic states, I think the major who takes over should defend them 100% tooth and nail, but I don't necessarily think the actual major power needs to turn hostile. I don't support phoney wars, and I would always want the minor-controller to fight hard; however, do you think that the response of the Allies should be measured by the minor nation that is being taken?

I'm not very familiar with the Russian annexation of the Baltic states, but historically it seems like the Allies made nary a protest about it. If Russia were to DoW Brazil or Argentina, or even Sweden, I can see more being made about it. This is me talking objectively, although it also aligns with "in-character" Stalin's position that I don't want the Allies to attack based on my would-be invasion of Estonia. Such a response, in fact, seems incredible.

-- A note to Rufus. Kindly pretend you don't see my intentions here. I only reveal them to discuss game balance

--

I really enjoy a fair fight, so I'm not trying to even bend the rules or push anything. I'm actually quite happy to have things go historically... all the way to 1945

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Post #: 34

RE: GD1938 Game 25 old VC - 10/15/2016 3:14:13 PM

RufusTFirefly

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As far as I see there are two options for Sovjets.

Germany, GB and France might play the discord card to help to lower the US influence. To play a fair game I think we should do so. Of course this will bring Germany in first position in Finland. But a DoW of Sovjets against Finland and a an automatic DoW against Germany as well might be handled. I would fight hard against SU, but Germany and SU might have a cease fire. After Finland is defeated SU and Germany might sign peace. Later we are free to start another war.

Second option would be that SU does not try to take Finland but attack Estonia and Latvia instead. Two cities, production capacity of 3000 points and 6000 points are in sum more than Helsinky with a capacity of 6000 points. In this case SU has to fight France as protector of these minors. But it should be a short fight in any case, as the armies of these minors are weak. (But in case of an alliance of GB and France with USA might cause a war against USA as well, and would be no option. Dont have in mind whether GB, France and USA are allied at the moment.)

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Post #: 35

RE: GD1938 Game 25 old VC - 10/15/2016 3:58:23 PM

cpdeyoung

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The USA cannot be allied at this time - isolationism!

If you don't mind Rufus, this does make the Baltic suggestion do-able. The USA did not influence Finland, but shedding her MFN status will take awhile. After you take the Baltic territory the FR-GB-(CH) will make peace with you. I will give you a fight Tortugapower, but this is not normal. You cannot expect this to happen in other instances of GD1938 games.

It might be better "training" for you if you hold off and use diplomacy during the early game. Grab what you can with diplomacy. Present a credible threat in the east, which keeps Rufus "honest" about garrisons. Sit back and watch the show in the west. During this period you can surprise Rufus with a pre-emptive attack if the occasion arises. Be aware that you are weaker than you look. The purges have been modeled and your forces do not fight well. You can use time to "improve quality" and buy "better training" and "superior doctrines".

Chuck

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Post #: 36

RE: GD1938 Game 25 old VC - 10/18/2016 7:47:42 AM

tortugapower

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March, 1938.

The Russians stand by and watch as the Germans gobble up Poland, bit by bit. It is with some interest that we also watch matters between France and Germany in the west, especially with Poland's protectorate forces being lead by the French (a strange sight, to be sure).

And while Stalin has withheld any aggression in order to seize the Polish lands which are properly ours, it appears Latvia wishes no part in the slaughter taking place to her south. She has surrendered peacefully to the USSR, hoping that our might shall shelter her.

-- out-of-character notes --

Latvia surrendered to me without resistance. I read about this in the briefing, but I'm far from understanding the mechanics. I would like to duplicate this if at all possible with Estonia, because this avoided a war between me and France, which would have been especially awkward considering their control of Poland. What are the game mechanics controlling this, just number of occupied border hexes?

I also forgot (doh!) to influence Finland, but I will start doing that. It may be a really late Winter War in the end, but that's okay. We're just going to skip the part where we lose and jump right to the Continuation War (preferably the end of it).

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RE: GD1938 Game 25 old VC - 10/18/2016 6:38:13 PM

RufusTFirefly

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quote:

ORIGINAL: tortugapower

Latvia surrendered to me without resistance. I read about this in the briefing, but I'm far from understanding the mechanics. I would like to duplicate this if at all possible with Estonia, because this avoided a war between me and France, which would have been especially awkward considering their control of Poland. What are the game mechanics controlling this, just number of occupied border hexes?

It is not the number of hexes you control but the relation between your forces at the border and the forces of the country you want to attack. In case your forces are superior there is a certain chance that the minor will surrender. It is not a simple equation but a role of dice. Sometimes they will surrender, sometimes not. Luxemburg did not surrender when I attacked. And I had far more forces at the borders than the small Luxemburg.

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RE: GD1938 Game 25 old VC - 10/19/2016 6:00:02 AM

cpdeyoung

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7 March 1938

The situation in Poland.

Attachment (1)

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RE: GD1938 Game 25 old VC - 10/21/2016 5:27:45 AM

tortugapower

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March, 1938.

The Russian forces achieved major victories this month, for the Motherland! The seeds of glorious communism are spreading into Poland, as Russia has jumped to claim the lands that she is entitled to before the fascist forces can gobble it all up for themselves.

Behind the pro-Communist & pro-Motherland propaganda, there is a real feeling of relief in the Russian command, despite the fact that tensions with the Germans will be elevated by this move. Stalin felt that giving the Germans all of Poland would put them too close to Kiev, Minsk, Moscow, and other major Russian cities. There are rumors that major industrial bases could be moved further east in case of an invasion, but without this buffer zone, Russia would hardly have time to react.

Having created this buffer, Stalin now pleads with his fellow rulers, especially those in the League of Nations, to bring hostilities to an end. There should be... "peace in our time".

-----

Okay, a very strange turn. I checked my diplomatic options, and France is the buddy of Estonia, who only had a 33% to capitulate. So I planned to use that war with France to take the Polish lands. I planned to take Estonia and any Polish lands I wanted in one turn (the two minor cities in the east -- Lvov and Vilnius).

Weirdly, Estonia surrendered. Very unfortunate (though a 1/3 chance isn't that shocking). After a long period of thought, in which I dangerously left my game running overnight, although no crashes thank goodness, I decided to declare war on France to achieve the conquest of Polish lands. I hope this is taken for what it is -- an attack on Poland, not the Allies -- but I'm interested in seeing how things develop from here.

I'm willing to discuss my actions from a game-balance standpoint. I have put out a peace request to the Allies after taking the Polish lands I wanted as a buffer. Germany may be disappointed about this as I think they wanted all of Poland, but I don't feel too bad about playing along more or less with what I think Stalin would have done -- and in fact, did

-- but if Germany decides to launch an early attack on Russia, well I'll have to live with that as a consequence.

One final note: Chuck, please check your private messages. I made a mistake on the Chinese border once we went to war -- it may need your attention.

Lots of fun so far!

< Message edited by tortugapower -- 10/21/2016 5:30:29 AM >

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RE: GD1938 Game 25 old VC - 10/22/2016 3:02:19 AM

cpdeyoung

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4 April 1938

Developments in the west :

Attachment (1)

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RE: GD1938 Game 25 old VC - 10/22/2016 3:29:05 AM

cpdeyoung

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4 April 1938

Developments in the east :

Attachment (1)

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RE: GD1938 Game 25 old VC - 10/22/2016 3:55:05 AM

cpdeyoung

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4 April 1938

Developments in the Mediterranean :

The Royal Navy was on high alert, expecting an Italian declaration of war at any time when a submarine patrol sighted Italian troop ships sailing in force. The unescorted vessels were equipped for an amphibious landing and it was feared Malta was the target. The Admiralty decided the risk to Malta was too great and asked the government for a quick declaration of war. The government had been preparing for rapid action and notified the Italian diplomats that a state of war was in force. The amphibious force was dispatched and the Mediterranean and Middle East commands began to wage war on the Italian forces,

Benghazi was bombarded by sea and air. Mobile units of the British Army entered Libya, and a patrol line was established.

There was a period of rising tension in this theater and forces of the Italian Army and Air Force were massing on their borders.

Great Britain will enter into peace negotiations, but the Regia Marina must sail to a British port, Alexandria, and allow itself to be interned for the remainder of the negotiations. The perfidy of the Italians was confirmed when maps of Malta and Gozo were found floating in the wreckage of the stealthy freighters.

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RE: GD1938 Game 25 old VC - 10/22/2016 4:17:45 AM

cpdeyoung

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4 April 1938

Developments in China :

The Imperial Japanese Navy is very active in Chinese waters. Naval bombardments are doing harm, but we know the invaders are using a lot of oil in these maneuvers. China has lost 469 conscript units, a sad loss indeed, but the Japanese are not coming off unscathed. China intends to wage war so as to cause the maximum damage to the enemy. We intend to develop armor as soon as we can, and will be forming more advanced ground units. We want the Japanese to know that they have made an enemy for the long term.

To the Soviets : We look forward to the day when our peoples can aid one another against the aggressor states. We understand that you must not wage war on our enemies, but there is much we might do that does not involve open warfare. We are already flying your quality fighter aircraft against the Japanese!

As to little border incidents, do not worry about them, comrades.

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RE: GD1938 Game 25 old VC - 10/22/2016 9:08:36 AM

tortugapower

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quote:

ORIGINAL: cpdeyoung
The Royal Navy was on high alert, expecting an Italian declaration of war at any time when a submarine patrol sighted Italian troop ships sailing in force. The unescorted vessels were equipped for an amphibious landing and it was feared Malta was the target. The Admiralty decided the risk to Malta was too great and asked the government for a quick declaration of war.

From the looks of things, I think you would make a fine German player. This was a really aggressive move, declaring war on a neutral and completely uninvolved nation. In fact, I didn't know that the Allied nations even possessed the power to declare war arbitrarily like this. Good to know for the future.

Especially seeing how Germany is currently contained, I'm not sure the actions here are justified. Movement of troops to/fro overseas is a common occurrence, and it would be a highly scrutinized incident were the British to sink neutral troop ships.

Especially, dear God, they were unescorted! That's a big pill to swallow, that an admiral would open start a war against unarmed targets.

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RE: GD1938 Game 25 old VC - 10/22/2016 3:26:41 PM

cpdeyoung

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Italy is a great power, aligned with Great Britain's enemy, and with a massive military presence on France's border. Great Britain has chosen to declare war on Italy, as is her right under the protocols of war and peace. The Kremlin has made it a policy to intimidate or attack her neighbors to gain military advantage. Her actions against smaller nations should make the USSR hesitate to comment on a war initiated by Great Britain against a power fully capable of defending herself. As Mussolini extended his naval forces from the Italian coast to the Spanish coast he knew that he would draw the interest of British planners.

The cargo ships sighted by our submarines were not simply moving troops from one place to another. They were loaded in a way to enable amphibious assault. The crucial strategic asset of Malta is protected by the Royal Navy interdicting any enemy vessels carrying assault forces. The military axiom counsels leaders to judge capabilities not intentions. Any nation positioning amphibious forces within range of Malta must be aware that the RN take such actions very seriously.

The Royal Navy is not paid to be nice. (see : Altmark incident, and the action at Mers-el-K�bir). For questions as to why troop carrying vessels are sailing unescorted please ask the Regia Marina. There is no excuse we can think of. Escorted or not, no vessels capable of assaulting Malta are given safe passage to sail into the Grand Harbour at Valetta and begin unloading troops.

Royal Navy destroyers picked up many survivors from the troop ships. These were armed soldiers of the Italian Fascist state, sworn to execute the orders of the Italian government, and its Duce. There were no tourists, or civilian passengers aboard. These troops knew as they loaded their howitzers into the hold what the risks were. States maintain armed forces to fight, and the Fascists and our troops will now have their innings. Italy was not "neutral and completely uninvolved", and war would have come soon enough in the form of an attack on Great Britain or France.

quote:

Germany is currently contained

Germany is "challenged". Germany is "opposed". Germany is hardly contained. The brutal attack by the USSR on eastern Poland has weakened that brave people's resistance and the large forces Germany has deployed there are capable of taking Poland eventually. We hope it takes the Wehrmacht a year to defeat Poland, but realistically it will take much less time. The center section of the Maginot Line has beed reduced to rubble by Luftwaffe bombing and artillery bombardment. If Italy attacks France the battle in the west will be brutal.

While the Soviets observe we fight, and we will take every opportunity to defeat the forces opposing us.

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Post #: 46

RE: GD1938 Game 25 old VC - 10/22/2016 8:36:12 PM

tortugapower

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You're using your in-game voice, but I'm not. (Although I see you enjoy using rhetoric "challenged, opposed" haha. The PR campaigns in these AARs will be fun.)

To put this in historical context: the Munich Agreement has not happened yet, so the last antagonizing action from the Italians is the invasion of Ethiopia (1935) -- the Allies impose sanctions and move on. I don't think Italy demanded territory from France until after the Munich Agreement. Tensions exist, but the "peace in our time" mentality prevailing in Great Britain is, simply put, exactly the opposite of what is happening here.

HOWEVER. I understand it's a game and we can't be entirely shackled by history. My initial comments were negative towards this, but I really ought to wait to see what Rufus says, because in theory a weakened Axis is beneficial to me.

If he's okay with it, game on!

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RE: GD1938 Game 25 old VC - 10/23/2016 6:33:45 AM

ernieschwitz

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I read somewhere that the British actually considered declaring war on Italy before they did it to them. Something about a surprise war in Libya and Ethiopia being beneficial to them. Not sure if it was so, but thats how I remember it.

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RE: GD1938 Game 25 old VC - 10/23/2016 2:56:15 PM

cpdeyoung

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@tortugapower,

This game started with a full scale assault by Germany in January 1938, so I think chronology will be a little strained. The "peace in our time" period ended at that point. Germany did not wait for England and France to declare war on her, rather she declared war on France and England deliberately, beginning what has turned into a successful bombardment of the Maginot on turn one. You did not comment on that piece of unshackling from history so I am surprised by your choice to comment on my perfectly legal DoW on Italy. America is restrained by isolationism, but all the other powers are in a state of realpolitik, and I will bet Rufus never thought Italy was in any way "protected" by his pause in bringing her into the war.

I did think it was necessary to disagree with your choice of "contained" to describe Germany. Rufus took a very bold, very unhistorical step by attacking so soon. Germany has not worked up her strength yet, and it is difficult to gauge the success of her ploy, but Germany is a very dangerous enemy, and if Rufus felt she were contained he would be deeply discouraged.

This is Chuck speaking, but the government of Great Britain would say the same.

Enjoy the flow, it is all good.

Chuck

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RE: GD1938 Game 25 old VC - 10/23/2016 8:52:00 PM

tortugapower

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Thanks, Chuck. I speak only out of curiosity and to preserve the initial game balance. If the Axis never get out of the blocks, it'll be a short game.

I have to bite my tongue, though, as I have simply no idea what the game balance is like in GD 1938. In fact, and what's worse, I'm basing a lot of my game balance intuition on multiplayer series from Hearts of Iron 3, and these are wildly different apples and oranges.

Also, and selfishly, the Soviet Union is usually the biggest victim of a dud Axis power. By that I mean she never gets to become a "victim" of Barbarossa

quote:

ORIGINAL: ernieschwitz
I read somewhere that the British actually considered declaring war on Italy before they did it to them. Something about a surprise war in Libya and Ethiopia being beneficial to them. Not sure if it was so, but thats how I remember it.

Interesting! That sounds like one of those historical tidbits you'd have to pick up from just the right book. I'm not an expert on World War 2, just the usual reading books and watching documentaries, but I've never heard mention of this.

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RE: GD1938 Game 25 old VC - 10/24/2016 9:18:14 PM

RufusTFirefly

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Chuck, I am not sure what game you are playing. First you told you want some game closer to historical situation and were hoping to see some late date of this war.

But how does it fit with giving British troops to Japan, sending US forces to Scapa Flow (can see a green unit symbol, but cannt see what is inside).

Btw, the Italien ships were on the way to Italy, carrying units from Africa. As African corps needs too much supply and I had to keep in mind that Royal Navy can cut off supply lines to N-Africa at any time, I decided to send units back to Italy. Havnt excepted an early DoW of Britain. This is another point where I cannt see that you are interested in a historical setting rather than in winning in any possible way (which in terms of game is completely ok, but not what we had been intended at start).

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RE: GD1938 Game 25 old VC - 10/25/2016 12:17:52 AM

cpdeyoung

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Rufus,

You began the game with a declaration of war on Great Britain and France 21 months before the historical pattern. In the "real" war the British and French declared war on Germany nearly two years after your "reverse" declaration. You explained that you wanted to do this not to be "closer to historical situation" but rather for game winning purposes.

I assume you meant China when you wrote "Japan". The British have given the Chinese 4F1, a unit of fighters, much like the very historical "Flying Tigers". Somehow I suspect this perfectly legal gift is not going to change the game, but I will, reluctantly, have the Chinese give them back if you request it. In no way is this something you should be asking for; it is legal and common enough in GD1938.

The United States is fully neutral and there cannot be a US unit on British territory. There may be a sub in European waters - so what. Subs can be on any sea hex the USN wants. There are no "boundaries" at sea, and I will sail this sub, or another to waters near Hamburg if I wish. Expect to see them soon.

I ship troops to and from Africa by Strategic Movement, or Transfer. I do not do it with an amphibious load. Why would you have cargo ships loaded with troops in easy range of my territory, and not expect me to be worried? Strategic Movement and Transfer work great and involve none of the risk that got your troops killed.

Great Britain and France are battling Germany and Italy. Japan is battling China. Four months after France is attacked Italy is also at war. The USSR has taken Poland, very historical, but not in your scheme of things. Except for the fact that we are almost two years ahead of schedule how is this different than the actual World War Two?

I am "not sure what game you are playing"? I am playing a pretty plain vanilla Allied defense against a rather common Axis pattern. Except for my Frenchmen smashing through your lines. This glorious achievement is what nearly everyone thinks the French should have tried in the "phony war" period. What is the problem?

Chuck

PS: Lets get back to fighting the war on the map, and not in the forums. Why would you expect my play to be different?

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Post #: 52

RE: GD1938 Game 25 old VC - 10/25/2016 7:59:41 PM

RufusTFirefly

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Chuck,
sounds like you feel offended. If it is like this I apologize. It was not my intention. Maybe I have chosen the wrong words (I am not a native speaker).

You like to play a game where we can move on to late war and see some late war technologies. I like that idea. So I thought you would follow some strategy that would be like the historical appeacement politics.

The main problem I see in this scenario is that it has become unbalanced. No need to say it is difficult to find a good balancing. I know that this is very difficult to achieve and at the same time to provide enough flexibility in gameplay to make any new game a bit different from previous ones. This scenario had been very good in the beginning. Some changes even made it better; it had been an exellent game after some updates. But too often players had claimed Axis would be too strong. Now minors have been increase in strength and it is no longer possible for Axis to overrun them. But, as I pointed out sometimes before, a quick success for Axis is essentiell in my eyes. If it takes too long for Axis to take most of western Europe, the Western Allies get too strong. An early war entry of USA even might spoil the game, as Axis will be in a defensive position quite early and the game will end soon.

Anyway, we have an early war not only in mid Europe but in southern part and in N-Africa as well. Lets play it out.

With regards to the support of Britain for the Chinese you are absolutely right. I forgot about the Flying Tigers, but of course I know about them. No need to remove them in our game. It is not only a challenge but it is even a historical path we are moving on here.

And you are right that strategic transfer of Italien units would have been better. I had not made up my mind where to unload and wanted to avoid first transfer by ship and then by rail.

As you already said, lets fight on the map and not at forum.

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RE: GD1938 Game 25 old VC - 10/26/2016 12:59:35 AM

cpdeyoung

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Rufus,

I certainly know what you mean about the difficulty of the Axis and the newly strengthened minors. I also feel it is too hard to achieve what the Germans did with facility.

Your English is excellent and I have never felt any concern about communicating with you. I am like you in wanting this to be a fun game for all three of us.

The tiny unit of four FI fighters will fly under Chinese colors. I am sure these brave pilots will die soon enough. The British will maintain a small unit of aircraft in China, replenishing it as necessary.

It will be a while till the Americans can rid themselves of isolationism, and I will not push it. In 20 tries the USA has a about a 90% chance of ending isolationism, in 25 tries about 97%. In order to prevent a lucky break from changing the course of the war I will agree to not enter a war in Europe until January 1940, unless the USA is attacked. If I get out of isolation I will send supplies to Great Britain, and the USSR if they become allies, even if I do hold off entering the war. This will give the Germans and Italians two years from war start without a war with the USA. Two years after war start in the actual war was September 1941 and the Germans were approaching Moscow. You may be in the same position.

Let me mention a condition that will alter the actions of the USA. If any Axis power enters the western hemisphere the USA will go to war as soon as possible. Japan should not look at Mexico. Germany should not look at Argentina. The American people support the Monroe Doctrine and will rise up in fury at encroachments on the Americas.

The French and British will continue to fight alone. The hole you have created in the Maginot is discouraging. So much inter-war effort to be reduced so soon. Your Germans and Italians always have to watch the Soviets hovering in the East. I look forward to seeing how you handle your strategic, and operational issues. I hope to give you a battle.

Chuck

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RE: GD1938 Game 25 old VC - 10/29/2016 1:15:39 AM

cpdeyoung

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2 May 1938

The Soviets stab Poland in the back, again!

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RE: GD1938 Game 25 old VC - 10/29/2016 5:50:06 AM

cpdeyoung

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2 May 1938

The Battle of the Atlantic starts.

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RE: GD1938 Game 25 old VC - 10/29/2016 7:09:30 AM

cpdeyoung

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2 May 1938

Warfare continues in Chinese waters.

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RE: GD1938 Game 25 old VC - 11/2/2016 10:44:09 AM

tortugapower

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Some of Stalin's advisors are nervous to approach to him with the latest news. After reopening the war with Poland, Krakow has been secured and surely this can be used as a bargaining chip for some kind of Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact. But with it, the wretched shape of the Russian air units is exposed. If the Polish fighters have such success against the Russian bombers, surely a modernized air force would brush us aside.

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RE: GD1938 Game 25 old VC - 11/4/2016 7:33:48 PM

cpdeyoung

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30 May 1938

In Europe the Germans have pushed the French out of Strasbourg, and the Battle of France looks to begin. In Poland the brave defenders fight on two fronts as the Soviets and Germans vie to see who will take the most territory. The Polish resistance makes clear how difficult it is to overcome even one of the smaller powers. The French have benefitted from the long battle in Poland.

In North Africa the Italians hold at Tripoli, but the forces which were driven from Benghazi have been destroyed. The Germans and Italians are studying the new British technique of "Lightning War" in which mixed Armor-motorized infantry formations strike in the rear of more static units. The British have long been leaders in tank warfare, and military analysts say the new mode of warfare will be important in this global war.

At sea the Royal Navy does not overextend itself even though the Regia Marina had significant forces in the western Med, near the front lines between Italy and France. When the RN is ready it will strike. In the Atlantic some U-boats are found, but the others prove elusive. Great Britain has no shortage of supplies, with 13 months cached.

President Roosevelt has been successful in convincing the American people to abandon isolationism [ This is very early. However the USA will not become active till January 1940, unless attacked. ] The US has not offered an alliance to Great Britain or France.

In China the Japanese losses mount up. China wonders if a peace offer might be on the way from their enemy. The ample Chinese manpower means replacements are easily keeping up with losses.

------ End of report ----- analysis begins -----

Wow, Isolationism breached so soon. The wait till January 1940 will help somewhat.

With such an early start it is hard to judge Axis progress. The Maginot hole and Italian attack will make the Battle for France much more difficult for the defenders. The European Axis is beginning to get their minors lined up, and the German economy must be beginning to crank. The next six months will be interesting.

Chuck

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Post #: 59

RE: GD1938 Game 25 old VC - 11/5/2016 8:31:24 AM

tortugapower

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What is the effect of end of isolationism for the USA?

edit: also, in case it's unrelated, what is the significance of the Jan 1940 date?

< Message edited by tortugapower -- 11/5/2016 8:34:05 AM >

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