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RE: Key Production - 10/7/2018 1:12:06 AM

topeverest

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Good point -

I have too much strength sitting idle. As to that particular location units have been migrating north and south, but there still is too much strength there - and in other locations.

quote:

ORIGINAL: M60A3TTS

You seem to have considerable combat power in the form of rifle corps in the area of the Pripet Marshes. What is their purpose? Are you expecting some major attack that would otherwise prevent you from screening this area with rifle divisions and a few tank brigades.

These infantry corps could stay there, or they could be move north to support your move on Minsk. As it is now, your tank and cav corps north of Mogilev are sitting on the front lines taking attrition and fatigue. There is a time to be clever and unpredictable, and there is another when blunt force trauma is your friend.

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Andy M

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Post #: 661

Turn 170, Sept 14, 1944 - 10/7/2018 1:13:04 AM

topeverest

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3 more turns in summer 44 - its a race to the end of the season

VP 177 - enemy withdraws from Mogiliv
Trucks - 194 / (191) still limping along positive
AP usage - reorganizing armies (5 guard INF corps in guard army... - should have done this long ago)

This was a titanic turn full with many twists, turns, and consequences

1. In Romania, Axis pulls back to the Danube south of the Prut junction after a crossing last turn opened a gap.
Fortunately foe the Reds, the enemy does not extend his line all the way to Bulgaria, and Russian armor reaches Bulgaria
and just crosses the Danube at the Bulgarian border. Constanta is barely still axis, for one more turn
2. Germany executes a punishing armor counterattack on the exposed Russian armor advance south of Vinnitsa.
It delivered about 500 AFV and ruined about 5 armor corps, partially isolating some units.
3. Russia counterattacked, reopened the supply line and reinforced the MLR without advancing it
4. In the area generally west and south of Kiev, steamroller attacks were unusually successful because the enemy armor
mainly moved 50-100 miles south.
5. the advance on Minsk continued to push west in steamroller style getting about three hexes. Artillery was key to this advance

< Message edited by topeverest -- 10/7/2018 1:29:12 AM >

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Andy M

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Romania - 10/7/2018 1:35:45 AM

topeverest

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I choose to believe that the enemy miscalculated the movement capability or supply of my units already across the Danube at its mouth. I also believe that the enemy's stinging armored counterattack south of Vinnitsa came at the cost of shoring up this sector more fully.

I did not believe I could get Buckarest or Ploesti this season, but there is at least a chance. Even if I don't get them, they will be close.

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< Message edited by topeverest -- 10/7/2018 1:36:53 AM >

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Andy M

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Vinnitsa - Kiev Sector - 10/7/2018 1:47:54 AM

topeverest

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Russian counter counterattack against German armor stabilizes line, and Further north, steamroller has good success.

Several battles with armor division to armor corps with no enemy AFV losses despite axis losing the combat. I just smack my head every time this happens

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< Message edited by topeverest -- 10/7/2018 1:48:34 AM >

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Andy M

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Minsk Sector - 10/7/2018 1:53:36 AM

topeverest

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Steady progress lead by artillery support and steamroller tactics

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Post #: 665

Air losses - 10/7/2018 2:03:22 AM

topeverest

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550 of the air losses were flak and operational. I need to rotate squadrons again. I have got out of the habit

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< Message edited by topeverest -- 10/7/2018 2:04:25 AM >

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Andy M

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Ground losses - 10/7/2018 2:08:20 AM

topeverest

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Here I have work to do. As cited above - too many AFV attritional loses because too many armor mech cavalry spend the turn interface on the MLR, as I am trying to move as fast as possible.

This turn with the enemy armored counterattack, losses were astounding. I have to change tactics some, keeping in mind the mud is coming soon

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< Message edited by topeverest -- 10/7/2018 2:09:06 AM >

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Andy M

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Turn 171 Setember 21, 1944 - 10/15/2018 2:05:40 AM

topeverest

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ROMANIA SURRENDERS UNEXPECTEDLY

2 more turns in summer season

VP 162 - Romania falls. Veli Luki assaulted, Vitebsk given up, Vinnitsa assaulted
Trucks 204 / (211) - hopefully just for Romanian add
AP's - still reorganizing armies and now have to do Romanian

I really didn't see that coming before the winter. I expected to have to push all the way to the capital.

1. Most of Romania is in Soviet hands, but I have to connect the rail, which will take into the mud season. Romanian armies will take several turns to reorganize, and by then it will be mud season. Wont see them in action till winter.
2. Kiev steamroller makes little progress on heavy resistance
3. Minsk attacks thwarted, little progress made there
4. 6 of the armor armies and a mech army have been pulled back to refit. That should give me the trucks I need to pursue the final 2 turns

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Post #: 668

Turn 173 End of Summer 1944 - 10/28/2018 2:38:12 PM

topeverest

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VP 161
Trucks 195 / (187) Still barely hanging on
AP usage - finished organizing the Romanian armies. Continuing to rebuild guard armies so that all are at maximum CP

The summer 44 season was successful by any measure, as the Ruskies advanced further that I could have hoped. There remains hope of getting to Berlin by the end of the game. Some of the ideas and tactics provided in this forum helped a great deal.

1. We decided that since all 27 Romanian Russian units came in the turn of the swap, that they would not move aggressively for the remainder of the combat season, which was three turns. We struggle with the idea that 3 entire Romanian armies would be fully equipped that fast. While history suggests a few units arrived quickly, not that quickly.
2. The Germans have moved to guard the Romanian mountain passes to Hungary and not be exposed to the full might of the Russian steamroller
3. Russians pulled two of their three panzer balls back for refit several turns early, one was in Romania and affected by out house rule, and the other had been badly mauled by the counterattack in the Kiev sector that ironically ensured a quick end to Romania
4. Russians fall just short of taking Proscurov and Minsk, their final objectives for the season
5. Germans abandon Leningrad to the Fins and occupy the 3 lakes line west of Leningrad

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Andy M

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Post #: 669

Campaign Map - 10/28/2018 2:39:03 PM

topeverest

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Here is a view of the summer campaign

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< Message edited by topeverest -- 10/28/2018 3:02:27 PM >

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Mud Season Priorities - 10/28/2018 3:06:00 PM

topeverest

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Following mud season priorities

1. rest armor and mech and cavalry and refit
2. finish reorganization so that all guard armies have all guard units and at limit 5 inf corps or 4 armor / mech
3. reorganize shock armies too, pull out army HQs no longer needed / disband
4. shore up the rail supply line where it is needed
5. take advantage of any clear turns where feasible

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Post #: 671

Winter 44 Plans / Options - 10/28/2018 3:07:34 PM

topeverest

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Obviously the winter season needs to see Russian troops at least as far west as about Warsaw to have a chance at Berlin in the final summer season. here are the options being considered

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RE: Winter 44 Plans / Options - 10/28/2018 3:23:59 PM

topeverest

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Here is a pictogram of the ideas in my head.

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< Message edited by topeverest -- 10/28/2018 3:24:36 PM >

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RE: Winter 44 Plans / Options - 10/30/2018 11:46:20 PM

John B.

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This is such an interesting AAR. Thanks for all of the effort you have put into it!

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Post #: 674

RE: Winter 44 Plans / Options - 11/1/2018 5:26:37 PM

M60A3TTS

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What is shown in the north indicates you aren't setting yourself up for success here. If you haven't done this a few times that is understandable.

First off, to take Leningrad, you will need three armies in the immediate area, one of which is a full, 20-21 CP army of guards rifle corps maxxed in SUs with sappers. The Finns won't be moved with less. You also need artillery divisions and supporting air. The Luftwaffe should have disappeared here by now, so you can bomb at will with the max # of IL-2s. Having 3-4 tank or cav corps to exploit into an enemy hex you might not otherwise get to is a good idea. Once the Finns defense is cracked open, they can't stop you.

As the assault on the Finns is underway, you have to understand what is happening elsewhere. What should be happening is your opponent is having AGN fall back, not to the west, but to the southwest so as to not get cut off. What you must do is not worry about going west, except for about 3-4 cavalry divisions. Everything should slide southwest along the ground you already control so as to max out your movement. Do not concentrate along that dashed arrow towards Riga, because you won't bag anything of significance here. Your direction of focus is Koenigsberg,and he will give up ground just about everywhere in the Baltic states. What you want to do with the 3-4 cav divisions is head for every uncaptured port. Once you reach them, large chunks of territory will flip to your control. This also means you will not have to deal with the logistical issue of moving entire fronts into what is essentially empty space.

Here is a visual of what things should look like.

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Post #: 675

RE: Winter 44 Plans / Options - 11/21/2018 8:28:51 PM

topeverest

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Good advice - thanks

This is my first game past turn 30 -- and I continue to learn by doing things wrong, despite the effort to do it right!

quote:

ORIGINAL: M60A3TTS

What is shown in the north indicates you aren't setting yourself up for success here. If you haven't done this a few times that is understandable.

First off, to take Leningrad, you will need three armies in the immediate area, one of which is a full, 20-21 CP army of guards rifle corps maxxed in SUs with sappers. The Finns won't be moved with less. You also need artillery divisions and supporting air. The Luftwaffe should have disappeared here by now, so you can bomb at will with the max # of IL-2s. Having 3-4 tank or cav corps to exploit into an enemy hex you might not otherwise get to is a good idea. Once the Finns defense is cracked open, they can't stop you.

As the assault on the Finns is underway, you have to understand what is happening elsewhere. What should be happening is your opponent is having AGN fall back, not to the west, but to the southwest so as to not get cut off. What you must do is not worry about going west, except for about 3-4 cavalry divisions. Everything should slide southwest along the ground you already control so as to max out your movement. Do not concentrate along that dashed arrow towards Riga, because you won't bag anything of significance here. Your direction of focus is Koenigsberg,and he will give up ground just about everywhere in the Baltic states. What you want to do with the 3-4 cav divisions is head for every uncaptured port. Once you reach them, large chunks of territory will flip to your control. This also means you will not have to deal with the logistical issue of moving entire fronts into what is essentially empty space.

Here is a visual of what things should look like.

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Andy M

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Post #: 676

RE: Winter 44 Plans / Options - 11/21/2018 8:29:12 PM

topeverest

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Thanks Sir

quote:

ORIGINAL: John B.

This is such an interesting AAR. Thanks for all of the effort you have put into it!

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Post #: 677

Turn 177 end of mud season Winter 44-45 - 11/21/2018 8:39:42 PM

topeverest

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VP - 161
Trucks 165 / (158)
AP Usage During mud season - reorganized all armies - see below.

1. I totally reorganized my guard armor armies to ensure that each guard army had 5 guard corps. I also restructured the front so that all guard armies refit this mud season and could attack against primary objectives for this season which is the Warsaw area. All armies are 16+ points and not over CP
2. As noted before I had too many army HQ units for the # of combat units I had. I repurposed or am repurposing 9 armies. I grouped my artillery into 5 armies. I created 4 rail engineer armies. These armies are only equipped with about 6 rail engineers each, and I have taken to moving the HQ to the rail head I want to expand - and let it do its thing. Then I disband rail units that go errant and reposition each turn. This is WILDLY successful in expanding my supply capabilities. I really should have done this in 41. But lesson learned.

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Relative Strengths - 11/21/2018 8:44:47 PM

topeverest

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this looks good - all I have to do it play the reds like I know what I am doing...

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< Message edited by topeverest -- 11/21/2018 8:46:06 PM >

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Revised Objectives for Season - 11/21/2018 8:51:18 PM

topeverest

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Armed with valuable Beta I have amended my objectives for the season

1. Reach Warsaw line from either side of the Pripyat ---- hexrow 40. This is 30 hexes from Moscow and doable in one summer season. Do not drive for Riga.
2. Threaten and knock Hungary out of the war if possible
3. Attack up towards Varna / Finland. If progress is too slow, abandon once have Leningrad

It is worth stating that by agreement with my esteemed opponent, I needed to get to Berlin by week 2 May to achieve a historical victory.
Of course I wont do that, but I want a Pyric victory, which I define as taking Berlin by end of game.

< Message edited by topeverest -- 11/21/2018 8:54:31 PM >

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progress - 11/21/2018 8:56:54 PM

topeverest

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The first turn of the winter season is finished, but I post one turn in arrears. when I get the next turn, I will post results of the first combat turn, which I hope to be within 12 hours

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Guard army composition - 11/21/2018 9:04:55 PM

topeverest

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Here is a look at representative Guard tank and guard armies

They all look pretty similar

PROBLEM - I feel now that I should have built

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< Message edited by topeverest -- 11/21/2018 9:19:40 PM >

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RE: Guard army composition - 11/22/2018 1:41:32 AM

M60A3TTS

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Please tell us that Maks Reiter of 1st Guards Tank Army no longer has a mech rating of 3.

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Post #: 683

reiter - 11/23/2018 12:00:06 AM

topeverest

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the game has treated him well...

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< Message edited by topeverest -- 11/23/2018 12:03:31 AM >

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Turn 178 November 9, 1944 - 11/25/2018 12:45:24 AM

topeverest

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FIRST WINTER TURN ----- 20 turns remaining in combat season ----- around 30 hexes of progress needed to reach season goals

VP - 160 (-1) Proskurov falls to assault
Trucks - 158 / (155)
AP usage - reorganized 2nd Baltic front - releasing 2 army HQ - disband support units tied to artillery and rail armies. Minor attachments

The first turn of snow proceeds more or less to plan. Enemy did not pull back this mud season, save about 10-15 hexes around Leningrad. he still sits on the Dnepr at the Pripyat.

1. main attack starts the drive on Tarnopol. makes three hexes, which is good progress. but enemy has pooled about 15 armor and mech units at the Joryn / Zbiuch rivers. he clearly intends to fight there. I brought up 5 armor armies to force the issue
2. in Romania, Russian and Romanian forces begin to attempt to force the three western-most passes, and I sent a couple armies of mountain divisions straight through the mountains in an attempt to gain ground quicker. The real fighting should begin next turn
3. similar to the Tarnopol fight, the Red armor was refitting 10 hexes to the read to gain maximum benefit. Aside - these three armies of armor still have not reached full experience, as they were created in February 1944. In any event, the armor and cavalry in the Minsk attack play no part this turn. They all have reached the vicinity of the battlefield and will be available next turn
4. At Leningrad, Russians have amassed 4 armies, including an all inf guard corps army and a armor / cav army. Additionally, supporting this assault is an army of 8 artillery and rocket divisions. The first turn saw one fortified hex taken with ease, and some grinding on the other 3 hexes in the MLR. I hope to clear Leningrad by December

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Strategic Map - 11/25/2018 12:46:30 AM

topeverest

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This should explain troop deployments and intentions

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< Message edited by topeverest -- 11/25/2018 12:47:03 AM >

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Turn 179 November 16, 1944 - 12/8/2018 1:30:21 PM

topeverest

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VP 156 Minsk and Pskov fall to the Red Menace
Trucks 174 / 195 (BUMMER!)
AP usage - built a few more rail engineers so that my 5 rail armies each have at least 5. Disbanded support units not needed

Russians wield their armor to better effect. Germans finally give up their remaining positions on the Dnepr and begin a westward march

1. ON the Dvina river, which dumps out at Riga, Russian armor was poised for an attack in a SW direction to pry open the way to Brandenburg, but once the enemy line was pierced, I spied an opportunity to get much further by driving west and keeping the river on m left flank as protection from enemy armor in the vicinity. Enemy will have to make a tough decision if to try to stop the break or give up the real estate NE of Riga
2. Grinding attacks take Minsk against heavy resistance, but they do serve to hold the main enemy resistance away from the break frther north
3. Enemy begins the withdrawal of the eastern Pripyat marsh
4. At the main Red effort, Russians release more armor and it attacks north, driving to the Pripyat effectively trapping a large German force to retreat through the marshes. It wont be a factor in the Drive to Lvov. Also in the area, Russian forces Steamroller grind attack due west and reach the Goryn Zhubruch river defenses east of tarnopol. The main German armor presence is there
5. In Romania, Russains continue to grind on the three mountain pass / exits and make small to modest gains. Russian forces are poised to take Brasov next turn in northern Romania

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Romania - 12/8/2018 1:36:25 PM

topeverest

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As expected, Romania is a grind, and I cannot deploy most of the force to attack

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< Message edited by topeverest -- 12/8/2018 1:39:07 PM >

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Tarnopol - 12/8/2018 1:59:11 PM

topeverest

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here is the main effort - Armor pushes north to the Pripyat, forcing enemy to the east to use the marsh to retreat while the main force attacks west and reaches the next river

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Minsk - 12/8/2018 2:20:37 PM

topeverest

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Here is where the armor attack I planned changed objectives during the turn. Initially I planned merely to get around and drive south, but the way u the Dvina was open...