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RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 12/26/2017 11:21:46 AM

warspite1

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Turn 44
10th May 1941

The initial moves are done. The few Australian battalions that were sent to Tobruk have been ordered to take their place in the front line. Although low on supply, Polish and British artillery take up the bombardment duty, along with the Royal Navy.

An Italian AA unit, on the track from Tobruk to Fort Capuzzo is to be attacked by a mixed force of Scottish infantry and men of the Royal Tank Regiment with 46 Matilda II's. This is no contest and the tanks destroy the Italian unit - though at a cost of 4 precious tanks.

To the east, the Commonwealth armies dig-in in and around Sidi Azeiz, Fort Capuzzo, Bardia and Sollum. With much of the Indian Division reorganising, the reinforcements from the Australian 9th Division spread out along the coast road, from the Halfaya Pass to Sidi Barani. The British and Australian artillery hold their fire given their supply position - as do the RN.

The trapped armour and infantry, in ever smaller numbers, head southeast, still trying to find a route back. Most units are in the red on supply and will not be able to offer much, if anything, should they be attacked.

The air force are given no specific commands.

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by warspite1 -- 12/26/2017 5:56:33 PM >

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England expects that every man will do his duty. Horatio Nelson October 1805

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Post #: 541

RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 12/26/2017 6:06:59 PM

warspite1

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Turn 44 - Round 1
10th May 1941

At Tobruk, in the eastern sector, the Polish artillery launches a violent barrage against the Axis armour. Units of the 15th and 21st Panzer Divisions (including the 5th Panzer Regiment), the Trento motorised infantry and the Pavia machine gun battalion are hit and 15% damage is caused - including one precious Panzer III.

British artillery prove wasteful in their attack on the Axis forces in the centre of the line.

HMS Valiant's shells are targeted against Italian infantry to the west and the bombardment proves successful (16%), but HMS Arethusa is less successful against largely Italian forces in the western sector.

The remaining ships - targeting the eastern sector - cause moderate losses (9%). Once again it is hoped that these bombardments will seriously disrupt Axis plans to assault Tobruk's outer defences.

Round 3

The bombardments at Tobruk are limited to HMS Valiant and the Polish artillery. After the success of the first attempt, the Axis units in the extreme east of the line are singled out for attention once more.

The only planned attack will be against the last remaining unit of the Savona Division. The battalion from the 16th Regiment has its back to the sea, and will be assaulted by the Royal Lancers and the 9th Australian Cavalry. Air support is also called down. The Italians refuse to consider surrendering a grimly, and determinedly, await whatever fate throws at them.

The attack at Tobruk results in another 20% losses, while the Savona battalion is saved by retreating into 'Badlands' that the British motorised and Australian cavalry units cannot enter....

Round 7

The guns fall silent at Tobruk for want of supply. All that is left this turn is for Collishaw to order his Blenheim's into the sky and to try and end the Italian will to resist north of Bardia.

Round 9

The attack proves a damp squib in all respects and so the bombers are ordered into the sky once more. The second attack proves as ineffective as the first, but this time the Italians send their fighters in to help the defence. 9 CR.42's are lost in exchange for 1 Blenheim and 1 Tomahawk.

The Savona Division live on!

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by warspite1 -- 12/26/2017 6:41:28 PM >

_____________________________

England expects that every man will do his duty. Horatio Nelson October 1805

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Post #: 542

RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 12/26/2017 6:25:01 PM

Zorch

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quote:

ORIGINAL: warspite1

Turn 44 - Round 1
10th May 1941

At Tobruk, in the eastern sector, the Polish artillery launches a violent barrage against the Axis armour. Units of the 15th and 21st Panzer Divisions (including the 5th Panzer Regiment), the Trento motorised infantry and the Pavia machine gun battalion are hit and 15% damage is caused - including one precious Panzer III.

British artillery prove wasteful in their attack on the Axis forces in the centre of the line.

HMS Valiant's shells are targeted against Italian infantry to the west and the bombardment proves successful (16%), but HMS Arethusa is less successful against largely Italian forces in the western sector.

The remaining ships - targeting the eastern sector - cause moderate losses (9%). Once again it is hoped that these bombardments will seriously disrupt Axis plans to assault Tobruk's outer defences.

Rommel mutters to himself, "Darn British! Employing the 'Hope Defense' again. I'll fix them by going straight to Alexandria".

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Post #: 543

RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 12/26/2017 6:31:52 PM

warspite1

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Zorch

quote:

ORIGINAL: warspite1

Turn 44 - Round 1
10th May 1941

At Tobruk, in the eastern sector, the Polish artillery launches a violent barrage against the Axis armour. Units of the 15th and 21st Panzer Divisions (including the 5th Panzer Regiment), the Trento motorised infantry and the Pavia machine gun battalion are hit and 15% damage is caused - including one precious Panzer III.

British artillery prove wasteful in their attack on the Axis forces in the centre of the line.

HMS Valiant's shells are targeted against Italian infantry to the west and the bombardment proves successful (16%), but HMS Arethusa is less successful against largely Italian forces in the western sector.

The remaining ships - targeting the eastern sector - cause moderate losses (9%). Once again it is hoped that these bombardments will seriously disrupt Axis plans to assault Tobruk's outer defences.

Rommel mutters to himself, "Darn British! Employing the 'Hope Defense' again. I'll fix them by going straight to Alexandria".

warspite1

And that is why (hopefully) this game is realistic i.e. the importance of Tobruk cannot be stressed too much. Without Tobruk, he cannot march on Cairo.

_____________________________

England expects that every man will do his duty. Horatio Nelson October 1805

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Post #: 544

RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 12/26/2017 6:45:28 PM

warspite1

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Turn 44
10th May 1941

And with that brief air action the turn is brought to a close.

Attachment (1)

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England expects that every man will do his duty. Horatio Nelson October 1805

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Post #: 545

RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 12/26/2017 6:46:10 PM

warspite1

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Turn 44 - Axis Turn
10th May 1941

Uh-oh, British intelligence indicates another Panzer Regiment in play - the 8th.

The action gets off to an unwelcome beginning. Cunningham was only thinking to himself the other day "Why do the Axis not attempt to sink the bombardment forces?".

Well they've just tried for the first time in ages. 9 of 21 Tomahawk fighters are lost in coming to the aid of the flotilla, but HM Ships Valiant, Arethusa and Partridge are all damaged. The raid is expensive however, 22 aircraft - including 10 bombers - are lost.

Interesting. The Axis 'weakly' attack the southwestern strongpoint. The attack was carried out purely by Italian infantry of the Pavia, Brescia and Trento Divisions - with support from German and Italian artillery. The butcher's bill is 38% vs 3% in the favour of the CW forces.

Next, the Axis go back to bombardments, and the Allied units immediately to the southwest of the port. Minor damage is inflicted here, with equally minor damage in the southwestern sector. The heaviest barrage is conducted in the southeast, but losses remain relatively light (4%).

The focus remains on Tobruk alone. All four strongpoints south of the port are bombarded. The first does not trouble the scorers of either side, the second to the southwest of the port is more concerning (8%) - as is the fourth which targets the south eastern sector (6%). These two damaging attacks sandwich a second ineffective attack on the western approaches.

As we reach the halfway point in the turn, there is no let up of the relentless pressure being applied to Tobruk. Rommel knows its significance and orders efforts to be doubled and re-doubled. Another attack in the rear area causes another 7% losses, although the southwestern and southeastern strongpoints are not affected.

Minor damage (2%) is caused in a bombardment of the southwestern stongpoint before attention finally turns elsewhere. South of Fort Maddelena the Bologna Division assaults the British armour and Australian infantry attempting to flee east. The assault is costly (19%) as RAF bombers help the troops and the attack is beaten off - although not before the 1st RTR and the 1st Rangers retreat (6%). The Australian infantry hold alongside the 7th Support Group HQ. Inevitably attention returns to Tobruk and a bombardment of the southeastern strongpoint, causing 2% damage.

The southeast is the target again - 2% losses this time around and this is followed up in the southwest and another 5%. A barrage against the western approaches incurs more loss on the attacking artillery 6% vs 2%.

As the turn enters its final quarter, the Italians make another attempt south of Fort Maddelena, but an infantry bombardment achieves little except leaving shells in the sand.... Two more attacks against the southern strongpoints at Tobruk sees another 3% losses.

The Italians fail to record any further success against the Anglo Australian force south of Maddelena, but the turn cannot end without more pain for Tobruk. A bombardment in the southeast sees another 3% damage, before an assault is made against the southwest strongpoint. This is a big attack, and obviously what Rommel was building up to.

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by warspite1 -- 12/26/2017 7:49:10 PM >

_____________________________

England expects that every man will do his duty. Horatio Nelson October 1805

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Post #: 546

RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 12/26/2017 7:51:52 PM

warspite1

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Turn 45
14th May 1941

The victory status states an 'Overwhelming Victory' once again. No doubt Axis losses are the reason for this change.

Rommel really stepped up the bombardment of Tobruk, but the two attacks launched were costly failures.

The only other land combat was the poorly executed attack by the Italians against the Anglo-Australian force south of Fort Maddelena and that too, was more costly for the Axis than the Commonwealth.

Overall its pleasing to see the number of battles/bombardments being reduced again - 24 against 27 the previous turn.

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< Message edited by warspite1 -- 12/26/2017 9:30:42 PM >

_____________________________

England expects that every man will do his duty. Horatio Nelson October 1805

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RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 12/26/2017 8:25:09 PM

Zorch

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quote:

ORIGINAL: warspite1

quote:

ORIGINAL: Zorch

quote:

ORIGINAL: warspite1

Turn 44 - Round 1
10th May 1941

At Tobruk, in the eastern sector, the Polish artillery launches a violent barrage against the Axis armour. Units of the 15th and 21st Panzer Divisions (including the 5th Panzer Regiment), the Trento motorised infantry and the Pavia machine gun battalion are hit and 15% damage is caused - including one precious Panzer III.

British artillery prove wasteful in their attack on the Axis forces in the centre of the line.

HMS Valiant's shells are targeted against Italian infantry to the west and the bombardment proves successful (16%), but HMS Arethusa is less successful against largely Italian forces in the western sector.

The remaining ships - targeting the eastern sector - cause moderate losses (9%). Once again it is hoped that these bombardments will seriously disrupt Axis plans to assault Tobruk's outer defences.

Rommel mutters to himself, "Darn British! Employing the 'Hope Defense' again. I'll fix them by going straight to Alexandria".

warspite1

And that is why (hopefully) this game is realistic i.e. the importance of Tobruk cannot be stressed too much. Without Tobruk, he cannot march on Cairo.

Rommel should not march on Cairo without taking Tobruk - but he didn't read the book.
Can you tell enemy supply state? The Axis units at Tobruk and eastwards must be low by now.

Perhaps the AI should have destroyed your cutoff units before tacking Tobruk.
Is there an option for the Axis player to invade Malta?

< Message edited by Zorch -- 12/26/2017 8:26:33 PM >

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Post #: 548

RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 12/26/2017 9:34:10 PM

warspite1

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Zorch

quote:

ORIGINAL: warspite1

quote:

ORIGINAL: Zorch

quote:

ORIGINAL: warspite1

Turn 44 - Round 1
10th May 1941

At Tobruk, in the eastern sector, the Polish artillery launches a violent barrage against the Axis armour. Units of the 15th and 21st Panzer Divisions (including the 5th Panzer Regiment), the Trento motorised infantry and the Pavia machine gun battalion are hit and 15% damage is caused - including one precious Panzer III.

British artillery prove wasteful in their attack on the Axis forces in the centre of the line.

HMS Valiant's shells are targeted against Italian infantry to the west and the bombardment proves successful (16%), but HMS Arethusa is less successful against largely Italian forces in the western sector.

The remaining ships - targeting the eastern sector - cause moderate losses (9%). Once again it is hoped that these bombardments will seriously disrupt Axis plans to assault Tobruk's outer defences.

Rommel mutters to himself, "Darn British! Employing the 'Hope Defense' again. I'll fix them by going straight to Alexandria".

warspite1

And that is why (hopefully) this game is realistic i.e. the importance of Tobruk cannot be stressed too much. Without Tobruk, he cannot march on Cairo.

Rommel should not march on Cairo without taking Tobruk - but he didn't read the book.
Can you tell enemy supply state? The Axis units at Tobruk and eastwards must be low by now.

Perhaps the AI should have destroyed your cutoff units before tacking Tobruk.
Is there an option for the Axis player to invade Malta?

warspite1

No, I know very little about the enemy and their supply status, although do have some high level intelligence (see below and the various markers - Green, Amber and Red. We have seen previously that when out of supply the marker turn to an orange and black circle.

Yes, I think that the number 1 goal for the AI would be Tobruk (in the hope it hasn't properly been defended). If it is clear that it won't fall quickly then all effort should be made to destroy any CW units that have got themselves caught out in the open. The fact is the AI is not making life easy here, but one gets the feeling that more could have been done to destroy the armour and the Australian infantry.

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< Message edited by warspite1 -- 12/26/2017 11:47:55 PM >

_____________________________

England expects that every man will do his duty. Horatio Nelson October 1805

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RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 12/26/2017 10:15:58 PM

warspite1

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Turn 45 - Air Force
14th May 1941

Good news! Four more squadrons arrived today, including the first of the South African squadrons and also introducing one of the most gorgeous aircraft of WWII.... The Bristol Beaufighter (swoon).

Attachment (1)

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England expects that every man will do his duty. Horatio Nelson October 1805

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RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 12/27/2017 1:39:23 AM

goodwoodrw

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I love beaufighters, use them as often as I can in Panzer Corps. good all round flying machine

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RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 12/27/2017 6:44:30 AM

warspite1

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Turn 45 - air force (cont)
14th May 1941

The increase in squadrons allows Longmore to give 'Rest' orders to all those not 'dark green'.

Attachment (1)

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England expects that every man will do his duty. Horatio Nelson October 1805

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RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 12/27/2017 6:50:53 AM

warspite1

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Turn 45 - Tobruk
14th May 1941

The state of some of the troops in and around the fortress gives concern - but there are simply no troops to swap them with. In desperation the Bardia Support Force is brought to Tobruk to provide whatever they can and the 64th Medium Artillery Regiment is shipped into the port.

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by warspite1 -- 12/27/2017 6:53:20 AM >

_____________________________

England expects that every man will do his duty. Horatio Nelson October 1805

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RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 12/27/2017 7:30:13 AM

warspite1

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Turn 45 - Bardia
14th May 1941

In order to try and create a diversion for the armoured/infantry units trying to get back to safety, there is to be a limited offensive in the Bardia area. There is a battalion of tanks from the Ariete probing toward the Halfaya Pass, and also the AI has left two exposed HQ west of Fort Capuzzo. The plan will be for limited attack to divert the attentions of the Italian forces around Sidi Omar to the north.

Attachment (1)

_____________________________

England expects that every man will do his duty. Horatio Nelson October 1805

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Post #: 554

RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 12/27/2017 7:46:31 AM

warspite1

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Turn 45 - Round 1
14th May 1941

While the bulk of the armour and infantry continue to head southeast, the first elements of the 2nd and 7th Armoured Divisions make it to safety.

Meanwhile the 14th May begins with artillery, air and naval barrages at Tobruk and Bardia.

The value of the 15-inch guns of HMS Valiant is all too clearly evident (combat 5) while 7 aircraft (4 bombers and 3 fighters) were lost in the attack on the Ariete battalion.

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by warspite1 -- 12/27/2017 7:57:56 AM >

_____________________________

England expects that every man will do his duty. Horatio Nelson October 1805

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RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 12/27/2017 8:04:21 AM

warspite1

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Turn 45 - Round 3
14th May 1941

What the hell just happened??

The desperate supply state at Tobruk meant that there were only three bombardments ordered. The first two were, as expected, limited in value - but the third???

I've looked in the Scenario Briefing and the documentation but all I can see is this:

The Crusader AA used for the Tobruk Strongpoints have been renamed �Tobruk Strongpoint�, and made �fixed�, with a different graphic. Similarly, the 104mm Guns used for the �Tobruk Minefield Effect� have been so renamed and made fixed.

I feel there is a large chunk of the relevant rule missing here

Why is a minefield bombarding? Why did it choose then to do so? Can anyone assist please?

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by warspite1 -- 12/27/2017 8:23:48 AM >

_____________________________

England expects that every man will do his duty. Horatio Nelson October 1805

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Post #: 556

RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 12/27/2017 8:40:33 AM

warspite1

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Turn 45 - Round 5
14th May 1941

Trying to learn the lessons previously of attacking the Italians too early and with insufficient force, the attacks proposed are very limited in scope.

There will be no attack on the Italian tanks at the Halfaya Pass. There is an anti-tank regiment from the 1st Army Tank Brigade dug-in and ready should the Italians attack.

Instead the XXI Corps and supporting artillery will be taken on by the 26th New Zealand Bn., the 3rd Australian Machine Gun Bn. and 48 Matilda II's of the 7th Royal Tank Regiment. To the north east the 43 Matildas of the 4th RTR and the 25th New Zealand Battalion provide the firepower against the Savona HQ and its MG battalion. However, when the odds of success were realised, the troops were recalled...

There will be no round 5. The turn ends.....

< Message edited by warspite1 -- 12/27/2017 8:41:04 AM >

_____________________________

England expects that every man will do his duty. Horatio Nelson October 1805

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Post #: 557

RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 12/27/2017 8:52:45 AM

warspite1

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Turn 45 - Axis Turn
14th May 1941

There can be no prizes for guessing where the axe falls to kick start the Axis turn. Tobruk comes under attack once more with attacks on all strongpoints with damage of between 0% and 7% recorded. Then the Luftwaffe decide to hit the Royal Navy again.

More damage is inflicted on HMS Valiant and no less than 19 Hurricanes providing cover are shot down. The good news for Admiral Cunningham is that the Axis aircraft losses are grim. Amongst the 63(!) aircraft downed are 17 Ju-88 and 35 SM.79....

There is then another attack by Italian and German forces against the southwestern strongpoint. The losses once again are serious for the Axis (43%) although the heaviest losses in a land attack are inflicted on the defenders this time around (13%) - this feels like Verdun....

Briefly no doubt, the action switches to Bardia and an artillery assault against the Australian MG Bn. northeast of Sidi Azeiz which causes some moderate casualties amongst the Australian infantrymen.

Then its back to Tobruk and two airstrikes against the strongpoints behind the front line. These cause light damage only.

The Axis bombardments appear to be getting weaker. Three attacks on Tobruk yield 2% losses for the Germans only.

At Sidi Aziez the Italians continue to bombard Allied forces and cause 10% losses to the mixed defenders just northeast of the airfield.

As move over the halfway mark in the turn, three more bombardments against Tobruk net the Germans absolutely nothing. This is very encouraging.

Three more bombardments are then executed but only the last, against the western approaches, cause any significant loss (8%).

Another 3 bombardments follow with 4% losses in total.

And another 3 - but only 1% loss is inflicted this time around. And that sees the end of the turn.

25 battles/bombardments this time (1 more than previously).

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by warspite1 -- 12/27/2017 9:16:44 AM >

_____________________________

England expects that every man will do his duty. Horatio Nelson October 1805

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RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 12/27/2017 9:26:11 AM

warspite1

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Turn 45 - Axis Turn
14th May 1941

Alfred Sephton actually won his posthumous award while serving aboard HMS Coventry off Crete. Please see below link for details.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alfred_Edward_Sephton

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by warspite1 -- 12/27/2017 10:38:39 AM >

_____________________________

England expects that every man will do his duty. Horatio Nelson October 1805

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Post #: 559

RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 12/27/2017 10:39:40 AM

warspite1

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Turn 46
17th May 1941

Here are the units tasked with holding Tobruk. Without promise of reinforcements anytime soon they have stuck to their task with grim determination.

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by warspite1 -- 12/27/2017 11:00:28 AM >

_____________________________

England expects that every man will do his duty. Horatio Nelson October 1805

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RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 12/27/2017 11:01:53 AM

warspite1

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Turn 46
17th May 1941

To give an indication of how much they are suffering under the sheer weight of shell being rained down on them, we look a little closer at the two frontline strongpoints and can then use this to see how the shelling affects them over the coming turns (assuming they continue to hold):

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by warspite1 -- 12/27/2017 11:34:13 AM >

_____________________________

England expects that every man will do his duty. Horatio Nelson October 1805

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RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 12/27/2017 11:45:18 AM

warspite1

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Turn 46
17th May 1941

Pre the rounds starting the order is given to clear out the Savona battalion from north of Bardia. The New Zealand 26th Bn. is ordered to complete this task and receives little in the way of opposition.

To the west the Aryll + Sutherland Highlanders severely maul a German supply unit.

The armoured units continues to head for safety - there are very few units still under threat and I can only assume the Axis supply situation won't allow them to intervene.

Round 1

The tanks of the Ariete are untroubled by an artillery barrage but the RN causes 24% losses amongst the Axis besiegers.

Round 3

The Savona MG Battalion decided to take a trip north onto the coastal road. A combined Australian/British/Indian attack forces them into retreat. The RN continue to pound the Axis forces around Tobruk (13% losses) but the number of ships available is reducing as supplies are used up. The artillery is silent for the same reason.

Round 6

The Savona MG Bn. is totally destroyed by the pursing CW forces. The next bombardment by the RN yields more success (27% losses).

Round 8

Another 26% losses dished out by the RN.

This ends the turn.

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by warspite1 -- 12/27/2017 12:08:18 PM >

_____________________________

England expects that every man will do his duty. Horatio Nelson October 1805

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Post #: 562

RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 12/27/2017 12:09:44 PM

warspite1

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Turn 46 - Axis Turn
17th May 1941

There are no surprises for guessing where Rommel orders the first attack to begin - Tobruk. But the first 3 bombardments cause no damage whatsoever, and the 4th results in more losses for the Axis (8%) than the Allies (3%). The Italian XXI Corps artillery bombards the Allied forces northeast of Sidi Azeiz, causing 3% losses. The Axis air forces then target the RN once more. 7 Hurricanes are shot down but again the Axis losses must be causing them problems - 3 bombers (90% of those engaged) and 3 fighters.

The 2nd Battalion of the Leicesters is still alive, seemingly forgotten by everyone - until the German artillery from the 21st Panzer Division find them and cause 12% losses. The Italian artillery is also very effective near Sidi Aziez (13% losses). Attention switches back to Tobruk but two air strikes cause no damage.

Another 6% loss for the defenders near Sidi Aziez, another 15% for the Leicesters, but another two strikes at Tobruk causes 6% losses in total and again is less than the loss inflicted upon the Axis.

Things must be getting desperate for Rommel now surely? Three more attacks on Tobruk and not a single loss - but the Axis suffer 9%. In better news for the Axis the Leicesters are totally destroyed.

The artillery barrage against the defenders of Sidi Azeiz is proving worryingly effective. The Australian MG Bn. to the northeast are hit (14% losses). The Germans at last get some joy at Tobruk, but joy is a relative thing; three bombardments = 2% losses....

Not sure why this is but the German bombardments against the western approaches are consistently costing them more casualties than they inflict. I seem to recall this happening to the CW when attacking with artillery low on supply. However the Italians southeast of Bardia again cause problems - another 8% losses.

Same again for Tobruk - nothing achieved in the west - but 3% losses caused. 3% losses inflicted in the southwest and southwest but this is meagre damage. The CW forces at Sidi Azeiz must surely break after this - yet another 12% losses inflicted.

The turn is almost at an end and another 2% losses at Sidi Azeiz is followed up with 4% at Tobruk - and that cost the Axis 3%.

The turn ends. Whoa! No it doesn't. The turn moves onto 47 but the CW do not get to move!

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< Message edited by warspite1 -- 12/27/2017 4:15:33 PM >

_____________________________

England expects that every man will do his duty. Horatio Nelson October 1805

(in reply to warspite1)

Post #: 563

RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 12/27/2017 12:45:25 PM

warspite1

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Turn 47 - Axis Turn
21st May 1941

I can't get access to the manual or the online help while the turn is in progress so will assume this is not a bug and is a game feature for now...

The turn starts with a massed attack against the RN. No damage is caused but 11 aircraft are lost. Sidi Azeiz - another 2% from the Italian artillery. Another assault against the southwestern strongpoint sees 47% losses for the Axis - but 20% for the Allies too. This early in the turn that is not good.

Sidi Azeiz - another 11%. Presumably one or more of these units will evaporate soon? Back to Tobruk and for the first time Rommel launches a second attack by his infantry and panzers consecutively. The southwestern strongpoint is again the target and 43% losses are incurred by the attackers for only 10% dished out. The strength of the strongpoints seems to remain unchanged since the start.

Back to bombardments and 4% losses are inflicted on the Allies in two bombardments, all 4% coming against the southwest.

Sidi Azeiz - another 2% losses before switching back to Tobruk and a third attack on the southwest strongpoint. The losses for the CW are 11% but its another 49% for the Axis and there are wholesale losses of units - a battalion of the Brescia Division, and Engineer unit and even a panzerjaeger unit from the 15th Panzer Division.

Sidi Azeiz - another 16%. The Western approaches at Tobruk sees more loss for the bombarding force (4%) than to the Allies (0%). A bombardment of the southwest see just 1% loss inflicted.

Sidi Azeiz - another 7%, Tobruk another 6% against the southwest. The losses to the Axis have been enormous but it will be interesting to see the effect on the Allied forces in this particular sector. A bombardment of Tobruk sees 57% losses for the attackers (caused by the Minefields). I hope someone can explain what this is all about....

With the turn coming to an end the German artillery receives more damage than it causes - and this is unusual because its not the western strongpoint that has caused this, but the southwestern.

The turn ends. After that unwelcome increase in the number of battles, this turn sees the number fall again - and the losses on three of those attacks are a most welcome read to British intelligence.

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by warspite1 -- 12/27/2017 4:21:43 PM >

_____________________________

England expects that every man will do his duty. Horatio Nelson October 1805

(in reply to warspite1)

Post #: 564

RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 12/27/2017 1:55:43 PM

Olorin

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quote:

ORIGINAL: warspite1

Turn 47 - Axis Turn
21st May 1941

I can't get access to the manual or the online help while the turn is in progress so will assume this is not a bug and is a game feature for now...

It's called initiative. You have to search for it in the manual, because I don't remember exactly how it works.

quote:

ORIGINAL: warspite1
Sidi Azeiz - another 7%, Tobruk another 6% against the southwest. The losses to the Axis have been enormous but it will be interesting to see the effect on the Allied forces in this particular sector. A bombardment of Tobruk sees 57% losses for the attackers (caused by the Minefields). I hope someone can explain what this is all about....

With the turn coming to an end the German artillery receives more damage than it causes - and this is unusual because its not the western strongpoint that has caused this, but the southwestern.

I assume this is counter-battery fire. It happens when artillery bombards enemy artillery.
Maybe Strongpoints are classified as artillery, you have to check in the unit description.
I could be wrong on this one, I don't have the game open.

< Message edited by Olorin -- 12/27/2017 1:59:31 PM >

_____________________________

"Drang nach Osten"
--A TOAWIII AAR--

(in reply to warspite1)

Post #: 565

RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 12/27/2017 4:10:32 PM

warspite1

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Joined: 2/2/2008
From: England
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Olorin

quote:

ORIGINAL: warspite1

Turn 47 - Axis Turn
21st May 1941

I can't get access to the manual or the online help while the turn is in progress so will assume this is not a bug and is a game feature for now...

It's called initiative. You have to search for it in the manual, because I don't remember exactly how it works.

quote:

ORIGINAL: warspite1
Sidi Azeiz - another 7%, Tobruk another 6% against the southwest. The losses to the Axis have been enormous but it will be interesting to see the effect on the Allied forces in this particular sector. A bombardment of Tobruk sees 57% losses for the attackers (caused by the Minefields). I hope someone can explain what this is all about....

With the turn coming to an end the German artillery receives more damage than it causes - and this is unusual because its not the western strongpoint that has caused this, but the southwestern.

I assume this is counter-battery fire. It happens when artillery bombards enemy artillery.
Maybe Strongpoints are classified as artillery, you have to check in the unit description.
I could be wrong on this one, I don't have the game open.

warspite1

Thank-you.

_____________________________

England expects that every man will do his duty. Horatio Nelson October 1805

(in reply to Olorin)

Post #: 566

RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 12/27/2017 4:24:24 PM

warspite1

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Joined: 2/2/2008
From: England
Status: offline

Turn 47
21st May 1941

So initiative has flipped. I now need to understand what damage that double move has done. The obvious place to start is Tobruk and the southwest where the Axis attacks were directed against.

As can be seen, there is a general deterioration in readiness, supply and some of the combat factors, but I cannot see anything too alarming here. The position to the east - where there were no land attacks, only bombardments, is better or the same as two turns previously.

There is an absolute mass of artillery investing Tobruk and no doubt that there are more attacks to come. Lt-General Morshead would still feel an awful lot more comfortable if he had some reserve units to being into the line....

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by warspite1 -- 12/28/2017 5:08:28 AM >

_____________________________

England expects that every man will do his duty. Horatio Nelson October 1805

(in reply to warspite1)

Post #: 567

RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 12/28/2017 12:21:13 PM

warspite1

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From: England
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Turn 47
21st May 1941

One battalion of the Australian 9th Division acts as the rear-guard, southwest of El Hamra, once more, while for the rest of the once-trapped units, getting to British lines has been achieved.

7th Armoured Division HQ - recovering near Mersa Matruh

4th Armoured Brigade HQ
7th Hussars Regt.

7th Armoured Brigade HQ
1st Royal Tank Regiment
3rd Hussars Regt.
8th Hussars Regt.

7th Support Group HQ
1st Kings Royal Rifle Corps Bn.
2nd Rifle Brigade Bn.
11th Hussars Regt.
3rd Royal Horse Artillery Regt.
4th Royal Horse Artillery Regt.

2nd Armoured Division - recovering near Sidi Barani (note HQ Eliminated)

3rd Armoured brigade HQ - (Eliminated)
5th Royal Tank Regiment
6th Royal Tank Regiment

2nd Support Group HQ - (Eliminated)
1st Tower Hamlets Rifles Bn.
1st Rangers Bn.
Kings Dragoon Guards
102nd Northumberland AT Regt. (2 Batt.)
2nd Royal Horse Artillery Regt.

Note: the 9th is a mixture of units that were trapped, units that were trapped and lost (and reconstituted) and units that have become available subsequently

9th Australian Division HQ - Note: units recovering near the Halfaya Pass unless otherwise stated

20th Australian Brigade HQ
13th Australian Bn.
15th Australian Bn. - In the Nile Delta on way to front
17th Australian Bn. - Rear-guard on their way back

24th Australian Brigade HQ
28th Australian Bn.
32nd Australian Bn. - Bardia
43rd Australian Bn.

26th Australian Brigade HQ
23rd Australian Bn.
24th Australian Bn. - In the Nile Delta on way to front
48th Australian Bn.

9th Australian Cavalry Regt. - Bardia
3rd Australian AT Regt. - Bardia
3rd Australian MG Bn. - Bardia
7th Australian Field Artillery Regt. - Bardia
8th Australian Field Artillery Regt. - Bardia
12th Australian Field Artillery Regt. - Bardia
1st Australian Engineers Bn. - Bardia
3rd Australian Lt AA Regt. - Bardia

< Message edited by warspite1 -- 12/28/2017 1:01:01 PM >

_____________________________

England expects that every man will do his duty. Horatio Nelson October 1805

(in reply to warspite1)

Post #: 568

RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 12/28/2017 1:05:22 PM

warspite1

Posts: 41353
Joined: 2/2/2008
From: England
Status: offline

Turn 47
21st May 1941

All squadrons not 'Dark Green' are ordered to rest. Of the 20 Squadrons available to Longmore, that gives just six Hurricane and two Tomahawk Squadrons over the next few days.

Round 1

The CW get matters underway with three barrages at Tobruk followed by attack against the Italian artillery that has been tormenting the CW forces at Sidi Azeiz. The only real success was the RN's bombarding of forces ranged against the southwestern strongpoint (23%). As this appears to the Axis focus of attention, Morshead orders reciprocal treatment.

The attack to the west of Sidi Azeiz is weak and losses are split equally.

Round 3

The artillery can provide no more help at Tobruk, and the RN's contribution is quite weak (16%). To the east, the Italians retreat and are herded into one areas to the southwest of the airfield.

Round 7

The RN switch to the southeast, just in case the Germans are planning an assault here, and then the action moves back to the airfield where the Italian artillery evaporates under the weight of the attack - as does the Savona Division HQ. The XXI Corps HQ survives however and the turn ends.