RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43

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RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 12/28/2017 5:06:24 PM

Zorch

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quote:

ORIGINAL: warspite1

Turn 47
21st May 1941

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.

Is herding Italians like herding cats?

(in reply to warspite1)

Post #: 571

RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 12/28/2017 5:26:01 PM

warspite1

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Zorch

quote:

ORIGINAL: warspite1

Turn 47
21st May 1941

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.

Is herding Italians like herding cats?

warspite1

That rather depends on the Italians one is trying to herd and why

. In this particular case, no. The men had been pounded by artillery, attacked by bayonet-fixed infantry and harried by infantry tanks. At the end of this they were happy to just get the hell off the battlefield and there was only one avenue open to them.

_____________________________

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

(in reply to Zorch)

Post #: 572

RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 12/28/2017 5:39:37 PM

Zorch

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pk7yqlTMvp8 (not affiliated with EDS)

< Message edited by Zorch -- 12/28/2017 5:40:14 PM >

(in reply to warspite1)

Post #: 573

RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 12/28/2017 7:18:35 PM

warspite1

Posts: 41353
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Status: offline

Turn 48
24th May 1941

So can Neame take advantage of the double turn? Well with Italian units south of Bardia seemingly unwilling to move (supply issues?) it should be more than possible to remove the final Axis unit near Sidi Azeiz.

There will be no intention to take any offensive action against those Italians (occupying Fort Maddelena and Sidi Omar) until the 7th Armoured have recovered, let alone making any relief effort toward Tobruk.

Worryingly, the Royal Navy are having Fiji + York withdrawn next turn - but the much better news is the HMS Queen Elizabeth, HMS Ajax and HMS Naiad are now available. In all the excitement I seem to have missed the arrival of the Tiger Convoy.

Perhaps the biggest cause for concern though is the loss, next turn, of the Durham Light Infantry. They are in Tobruk! Another battalion - the 1st Essex - will be disappearing but they are at Buq Buq so that is no problem. Another unit in Tobruk - the 1st Cheshire MG Bn. - is to exit stage left on turn 55 so Morshead really needs some replacements there.

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by warspite1 -- 12/28/2017 8:08:16 PM >

_____________________________

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

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Post #: 574

RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 12/28/2017 7:59:02 PM

Zorch

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quote:

ORIGINAL: warspite1

Turn 48
24th May 1941

Perhaps the biggest cause for concern though is the loss, next turn, of the Durham Light Infantry. They are in Tobruk! Another battalion - the 1st Essex - will be disappearing but they are at Buq Buq so that is no problem. Another unit in Tobruk - the 1st Cheshire MG Bn. - is to exit stage left on turn 55 so Morshead really needs some replacements there.

This is unrealistic; you should be required to substitute a unit of equal or greater strength when the one to be withdrawn is surrounded.

(in reply to warspite1)

Post #: 575

RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 12/28/2017 8:18:07 PM

warspite1

Posts: 41353
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quote:

ORIGINAL: Zorch

quote:

ORIGINAL: warspite1

Turn 48
24th May 1941

Perhaps the biggest cause for concern though is the loss, next turn, of the Durham Light Infantry. They are in Tobruk! Another battalion - the 1st Essex - will be disappearing but they are at Buq Buq so that is no problem. Another unit in Tobruk - the 1st Cheshire MG Bn. - is to exit stage left on turn 55 so Morshead really needs some replacements there.

This is unrealistic; you should be required to substitute a unit of equal or greater strength when the one to be withdrawn is surrounded.

warspite1

There not exactly surrounded - but yes, putting troops into and out of Tobruk would require a bloody good reason. I agree that unless the reason for withdrawal is absolutely critical, then the withdrawal needs to be taken from elsewhere.

_____________________________

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

(in reply to Zorch)

Post #: 576

RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 12/28/2017 8:23:52 PM

warspite1

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Turn 48 - Round 1
24th May 1941

The air situation remains okay. Only six squadrons are being rested - two fighter and four bombers. Meanwhile at sea, a new support force is put together and placed directly north of the port:

Tobruk Support Force
HMS Queen Elizabeth
HMS Ajax
HMS Naiad
HMS Jervis
HMS Ledbury (attached from existing task force)

The turn starts with bombardments against all German/Italian investing forces by all available RN and Army guns.

The first attack by two British regiments causes slight concern (2%) only to the defenders. Two other British units cause more loss against their targets on the right flank of the Axis position (7%). Once again the Polish artillery appears to contain battlefield nuclear weapons! In concert with the British 64th Medium Artillery, they cause 37% losses - the Brescia Division's engineers and an HQ of an Infantry Regiment disappear under a hail of shells. In more bad news for the Axis, HMS Queen Elizabeth announces her arrival with 20% damage to German and Italian infantry. The final attack by the existing naval support force results in another 22% losses for the Axis....

West of Bardia the Italian XXI Corps are destroyed.

Round 3

In another stunning display of incompetence, I forget to move most of the land units before beginning Round 1. Class.....Fortunately there is not too much to move this turn. Phew.

A company of the 12th Australian Battalion is shipped to Tobruk successfully and further units of the 18th Brigade are lined up to join them in subsequent turns.

The barrages at Tobruk are all that is planned for this round in an effort to continue to subdue the forces preparing to storm the fortress.

The first attack in the west, by the 107th RHA, is highly disappointing and results in double the casualties for the Commonwealth as for the Axis (4% vs 2%). Better results are obtained by the Poles once again who succeed in inflicting 14% losses on the German and Italian armour formations in the east. Back to the western sector and a concentrated British artillery barrage inflicts 13% losses. Just to the north of this, the RN's newly arrived task force dish out a devastating barrage - 60% losses are incurred by the Italians for whom the Brescia Division loses an artillery regiment, another infantry regiment HQ and an entire infantry battalion. The RN end the round having dished out 12% losses in the centre.

For the purposes of supply conservation both Neame and Cunningham prepare orders that units are to limit their artillery fire. The turn thus ends and the British commanders - and not least the Australian Morshead in Tobruk - are hopeful that the Axis will be unable to launch an attack on Tobruk in the coming days given the losses suffered.

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by warspite1 -- 12/28/2017 9:24:31 PM >

_____________________________

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

(in reply to warspite1)

Post #: 577

RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 12/28/2017 9:27:55 PM

warspite1

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Turn 48 - Axis Turn
24th May 1941

After some limited movement is detected by the Allied outposts, the inevitable barrage against Tobruk commences. However the first - against the southwestern strongpoint - is a non-event for both sides, as is the second to the south of the port. The third barrage, targeting the southeastern sector produces minimal losses (2%) , while the last attack against the western approaches see the best result yet for the Germans at 6%, but the bombardment comes at a price (4%) for the Germans.

The next attack is directed at the west and the Germans suffer 7% losses for no gain whatsoever. The Allied defenders are sensing that Rommel has perhaps run out of steam. The last attack of the round seems to provide more proof of this (0%).

Three barrages are then launched, with a next result of 8% vs 4%in the CW favour.

But the Germans don't give in easily as we approach the halfway point. In another spread of three barrages 10% damage is dished out for only 4% of their own. A better round for the Axis.

Another spread of three sees 2% vs 4% losses, again the favour of the Germans, and its the southwestern strongpoint that is being hurt.

The Axis obviously believe things should come in 3's and a better result this round - especially against the southeast this time where 10% losses are caused for no loss.

Another three barrages and another 2% vs 4% in favour of the Axis.

The penultimate round sees limited losses for either side - just 1% against the Axis. And in fact that proves to be the final round.

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by warspite1 -- 12/29/2017 5:32:05 AM >

_____________________________

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

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Post #: 578

RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 12/28/2017 9:48:21 PM

warspite1

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Turn 49 - Axis Turn
28th May 1941

The Axis get back the initiative and I detect movement on Crete! I shall look that up when the AI turn stops.

The first round opens with an attack on HMS Valiant's group. HMS Arethusa is damaged and not less than 14 Hurricane fighters are lost. In return the Axis lost just under 50 aircraft.... The Germans panzers then lead an attack against the southwest strongpoint. 41% losses are taken against only 13% inflicted on the Allies.

Heinkels flying from Crete attack the RN with poor results. No damage is inflicted but 10 of the Crete based bombers are lost along with 7 fighters. The British lose 4 Hurricanes. The Germans follow this up with another assault on the southwestern strongpoint. Another 41% losses are taken and only 15% dished out. A battalion from the 90th Light Division is destroyed.

A third attack goes in and, worryingly, this time the losses are starting to even out - 26% v 23% - although still in the Allies favour. A panzer battalion is lost.

A fourth assault is made as Rommel becomes ever more impatient for results. The Brescia Machine Gun Battalion is destroyed as losses are 17% vs 12% in the Allies favour. Although these attacks have been massively costly, the small number of defenders in this southwestern sector have also been hit hard.

A fifth attack goes in and for the first time the Axis actually achieve more losses dished out than they have to take 10% vs 13%.

Round 8 and another attack goes in and the pressure is becoming intolerable. The 65th Anti-Tank Regiment is completely overrun and the strongpoint falls! 14% losses for the Germans and 86% for the Allies. It looks at the moment like only the Polish Brigade survived in any way shape or form.

Worse follows. The approaches to the port are also taken and the defenders of the western strongpoint are cut-off, while those in the southeastern strongpoint are now isolated.

The turns ends with Tobruk about to fall!!!

The Axis were reduced to just 10 attacks/bombardments this turn - but these were concentrated and did the job. Neame can only hope the Axis losses have been too great in capturing Tobruk to allow Rommel to push on to Cairo....

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by warspite1 -- 12/29/2017 5:27:00 AM >

_____________________________

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

(in reply to warspite1)

Post #: 579

RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 12/28/2017 9:50:31 PM

DanNeely

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quote:

ORIGINAL: warspite1

Turn 48
24th May 1941

So can Neame take advantage of the double turn? Well with Italian units south of Bardia seemingly unwilling to move (supply issues?) it should be more than possible to remove the final Axis unit near Sidi Azeiz.

There will be no intention to take any offensive action against those Italians (occupying Fort Maddelena and Sidi Omar) until the 7th Armoured have recovered, let alone making any relief effort toward Tobruk.

Worryingly, the Royal Navy are having Fiji + York withdrawn next turn - but the much better news is the HMS Queen Elizabeth, HMS Ajax and HMS Naiad are now available. In all the excitement I seem to have missed the arrival of the Tiger Convoy.

Perhaps the biggest cause for concern though is the loss, next turn, of the Durham Light Infantry. They are in Tobruk! Another battalion - the 1st Essex - will be disappearing but they are at Buq Buq so that is no problem. Another unit in Tobruk - the 1st Cheshire MG Bn. - is to exit stage left on turn 55 so Morshead really needs some replacements there.

You are missing something. The rate of '1' is for normal replacements being added to the onhand pool. You'll get 1/turn added (in addition to any damaged tanks being added to the pool after combat). How they are transferred them to your deployed units is complicated, IIRC (unit?) supply and (formation?) proficiency are involved; but over the next few turns you should see the stockpile go down rapidly assuming you've got open slots in your armored units to take them.

PS you haven't posted a map since T46 and it's not entirely clear what's going on outside of Tobruk as a result.

_____________________________

Did you ever see history portrayed as an old man ... weighing all things in the balance of reason?
Is not [it] an eternal, imploring maiden, full of fire, with a burning heart and flaming soul, humanly warm and humanly beautiful?
--Zachris Topelius

(in reply to warspite1)

Post #: 580

RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 12/28/2017 9:54:57 PM

warspite1

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

quote:

ORIGINAL: DanNeely

quote:

ORIGINAL: warspite1

Turn 48
24th May 1941

So can Neame take advantage of the double turn? Well with Italian units south of Bardia seemingly unwilling to move (supply issues?) it should be more than possible to remove the final Axis unit near Sidi Azeiz.

There will be no intention to take any offensive action against those Italians (occupying Fort Maddelena and Sidi Omar) until the 7th Armoured have recovered, let alone making any relief effort toward Tobruk.

Worryingly, the Royal Navy are having Fiji + York withdrawn next turn - but the much better news is the HMS Queen Elizabeth, HMS Ajax and HMS Naiad are now available. In all the excitement I seem to have missed the arrival of the Tiger Convoy.

Perhaps the biggest cause for concern though is the loss, next turn, of the Durham Light Infantry. They are in Tobruk! Another battalion - the 1st Essex - will be disappearing but they are at Buq Buq so that is no problem. Another unit in Tobruk - the 1st Cheshire MG Bn. - is to exit stage left on turn 55 so Morshead really needs some replacements there.

You are missing something. The rate of '1' is for normal replacements being added to the onhand pool. You'll get 1/turn added (in addition to any damaged tanks being added to the pool after combat). How they are transferred them to your deployed units is complicated, IIRC (unit?) supply and (formation?) proficiency are involved; but over the next few turns you should see the stockpile go down rapidly assuming you've got open slots in your armored units to take them.

PS you haven't posted a map since T46 and it's not entirely clear what's going on outside of Tobruk as a result.

warspite1

Okay thanks.

I will post a shot when the AI turn ends. Essentially nothing much is happening though - and I assume this is because of supply concerns. But after the loss of the Savona Division there has been no attempt to take Bardia back.

_____________________________

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

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Post #: 581

RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 12/28/2017 10:16:40 PM

Zorch

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The AI doesn't know when to stop attacking, that's for sure. A human would also concentrate attacks better.
You will probably kick them back to Gazala or El Agheila ahead of the historical timeframe.

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Post #: 582

RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 12/28/2017 10:18:03 PM

warspite1

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Turn 49
28th May 1941

A full appraisal to come but here is the overview with Tobruk about to fall to Rommel. Conserving the Italians for the advance into Egypt makes sense now that Tobruk has fallen.... There is but one infantry battalion in Tobruk itself....

Note: Crete is now active (as the Royal Navy just found out).

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by warspite1 -- 12/28/2017 10:19:10 PM >

_____________________________

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

(in reply to warspite1)

Post #: 583

RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 12/28/2017 10:30:39 PM

warspite1

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Zorch

The AI doesn't know when to stop attacking, that's for sure. A human would also concentrate attacks better.
You will probably kick them back to Gazala or El Agheila ahead of the historical timeframe.

warspite1

You might want to read post 579.....

Anyway, I need some sleep so I can look at this impending disaster afresh tomorrow....

_____________________________

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

(in reply to Zorch)

Post #: 584

RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 12/29/2017 12:34:51 AM

DanNeely

Posts: 489
Joined: 10/18/2005
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quote:

ORIGINAL: warspite1

Turn 49 - Axis Turn
28th May 1941

The Axis get back the initiative and I detect movement on Crete! I shall look that up when the AI turn stops.

The first round opens with an attack on HMS Valiant's group. HMS Arethusa is damaged and not less than 14 Hurricane fighters are lost. In return the Axis lost just under 50 aircraft.... The Germans panzers then lead an attack against the southwest strongpoint. 41% losses are taken against only 13% inflicted on the Allies.

Heinkels flying from Crete attack the RN with poor results. No damage is inflicted but 10 of the Crete based bombers are lost along with 7 fighters. The British lose 4 Hurricanes. The Germans follow this up with another assault on the southwestern strongpoint. Another 41% losses are taken and only 15% dished out. A battalion from the 90th Light Division is destroyed.

A third attack goes in and, worryingly, this time the losses are starting to even out - 26% v 23% - although still in the Allies favour. A panzer battalion is lost.

A fourth assault is made as Rommel becomes ever more impatient for results. The Brescia Machine Gun Battalion is destroyed as losses are 17% vs 12% in the Allies favour. Although these attacks have been massively costly, the small number of defenders in this southwestern sector have also been hit hard.

A fifth attack goes in and for the first time the Axis actually achieve more losses dished out than they have to take 10% vs 13%.

Round 8 and another attack goes in and the pressure is becoming intolerable. The 65th Anti-Tank Regiment is completely overrun and the strongpoint falls! 14% losses for the Germans and 86% for the Allies. It looks at the moment like only the Polish Brigade survived in any way shape or form.

Worse follows. The approaches to the port are also taken and the defenders of the western strongpoint are cut-off, while those in the southeastern strongpoint are now isolated.

The turns ends with Tobruk about to fall!!!

While not going to be of much help now, looking back at screenshots from a few turns ago I noticed that a large portion of your garrison were mobile and set to minimize/limit losses.

The defensive multipliers for being Dug-in/Entrenched (2.5x) or Fortified (5x) are large enough that you generally want to end your turn with all of your units dug in/etc and at ignore losses; because once they're pushed back they're mobile losing the defensive bonus and reduced to minimize losses leaving them wide open to be pushed back repeatedly until out of movement points, forced to reorganize, or even wiped out. This goes double when your unit density is so high that units would be destroyed because they don't have anywhere to retreat to.

_____________________________

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Post #: 585

RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 12/29/2017 1:15:53 AM

Zorch

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Joined: 3/7/2010
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quote:

ORIGINAL: warspite1

quote:

ORIGINAL: Zorch

The AI doesn't know when to stop attacking, that's for sure. A human would also concentrate attacks better.
You will probably kick them back to Gazala or El Agheila ahead of the historical timeframe.

warspite1

You might want to read post 579.....

Anyway, I need some sleep so I can look at this impending disaster afresh tomorrow....

Enemy losses must be very heavy in order for you to have an over whelming victory. Even with Tobruk, how is Rommel going to advance any farther?

(in reply to warspite1)

Post #: 586

RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 12/29/2017 5:01:18 AM

warspite1

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From: England
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quote:

ORIGINAL: Zorch

quote:

ORIGINAL: warspite1

quote:

ORIGINAL: Zorch

The AI doesn't know when to stop attacking, that's for sure. A human would also concentrate attacks better.
You will probably kick them back to Gazala or El Agheila ahead of the historical timeframe.

warspite1

You might want to read post 579.....

Anyway, I need some sleep so I can look at this impending disaster afresh tomorrow....

Enemy losses must be very heavy in order for you to have an over whelming victory. Even with Tobruk, how is Rommel going to advance any farther?

warspite1

Don't forget that Rommel has one important secret weapon..... he is facing me as the commander of the Allied forces

_____________________________

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

(in reply to Zorch)

Post #: 587

RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 12/29/2017 5:04:44 AM

warspite1

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

quote:

ORIGINAL: DanNeely

quote:

ORIGINAL: warspite1

Turn 49 - Axis Turn
28th May 1941

The Axis get back the initiative and I detect movement on Crete! I shall look that up when the AI turn stops.

The first round opens with an attack on HMS Valiant's group. HMS Arethusa is damaged and not less than 14 Hurricane fighters are lost. In return the Axis lost just under 50 aircraft.... The Germans panzers then lead an attack against the southwest strongpoint. 41% losses are taken against only 13% inflicted on the Allies.

Heinkels flying from Crete attack the RN with poor results. No damage is inflicted but 10 of the Crete based bombers are lost along with 7 fighters. The British lose 4 Hurricanes. The Germans follow this up with another assault on the southwestern strongpoint. Another 41% losses are taken and only 15% dished out. A battalion from the 90th Light Division is destroyed.

A third attack goes in and, worryingly, this time the losses are starting to even out - 26% v 23% - although still in the Allies favour. A panzer battalion is lost.

A fourth assault is made as Rommel becomes ever more impatient for results. The Brescia Machine Gun Battalion is destroyed as losses are 17% vs 12% in the Allies favour. Although these attacks have been massively costly, the small number of defenders in this southwestern sector have also been hit hard.

A fifth attack goes in and for the first time the Axis actually achieve more losses dished out than they have to take 10% vs 13%.

Round 8 and another attack goes in and the pressure is becoming intolerable. The 65th Anti-Tank Regiment is completely overrun and the strongpoint falls! 14% losses for the Germans and 86% for the Allies. It looks at the moment like only the Polish Brigade survived in any way shape or form.

Worse follows. The approaches to the port are also taken and the defenders of the western strongpoint are cut-off, while those in the southeastern strongpoint are now isolated.

The turns ends with Tobruk about to fall!!!

While not going to be of much help now, looking back at screenshots from a few turns ago I noticed that a large portion of your garrison were mobile and set to minimize/limit losses.

The defensive multipliers for being Dug-in/Entrenched (2.5x) or Fortified (5x) are large enough that you generally want to end your turn with all of your units dug in/etc and at ignore losses; because once they're pushed back they're mobile losing the defensive bonus and reduced to minimize losses leaving them wide open to be pushed back repeatedly until out of movement points, forced to reorganize, or even wiped out. This goes double when your unit density is so high that units would be destroyed because they don't have anywhere to retreat to.

warspite1

Two things on that. Firstly the loss status. Yes I don't think I looked at that at all - which was pretty dumb.

As for the Dig-in order, that I did remember but found that for no apparent reason the status on some units changed from time to time and I kept having to amend to 'Dig-in - entire group'.

_____________________________

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

(in reply to DanNeely)

Post #: 588

RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 12/29/2017 5:06:04 AM

warspite1

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Turn 49
28th May 1941

Strangely, in Recent News for 28th May 1941 I am told that Bismarck sinks Hood (which happened on the 24th), but not that Rodney + KGV sinks Bismarck (which happened on the 27th). I'll look to see if the latter is mentioned....

But more pertinent to the game, the Victory Status has now reduced to a Significant Victory once again.

General Wavell sacks Lt-General Neame VC - well let's face it there is not much of Cyrenaica under British control left for Neame to actually command is there?

Wavell assumes direct control of all forces in the Western Desert and tells Winston Churchill that he will hold Tobruk!

Nice reinforcement - but where are my ******* tanks?!?!?

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by warspite1 -- 12/29/2017 5:37:44 AM >

_____________________________

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

(in reply to warspite1)

Post #: 589

RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 12/29/2017 5:58:53 AM

warspite1

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From: England
Status: offline

Turn 49
28th May 1941

Operation Brevity is speedily prepared and is about to be put into operation.

Firstly, every squadron, every plane, every pilot is put on alert, regardless of status - air superiority for fighters and combat support for bombers. (Interestingly many have the orange symbol to suggest they are reorganising but this is not reflected in the Air Unit Report - although I cannot amend their status?).

Secondly, if she floats and has a gun, then she sails for Tobruk. 3/5ths of the old 5th Battle Squadron are now off the port of Tobruk . "Leave nothing in the magazines men - every shell we possess will be fired into the Axis lines today."

Attachment (1)

_____________________________

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

(in reply to warspite1)

Post #: 590

RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 12/29/2017 6:11:40 AM

warspite1

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Turn 49
28th May 1941

The surviving German unit that has penetrated the defences of Tobruk appears to be some kind of HQ from the 15th Panzer Division, but I am not exactly sure what it contains - motorised infantry perhaps, although it has a mechanised symbol?

There are two panzer battalions to the southwest of the southeastern strongpoint - one battalion from each of the 5th and 8th Regiments. The second battalion from the 5th Regt. is to the east and has with it a number of motorised infantry units.

Allied units in the two strongpoints - all out of supply - will attempt to dislodge the Germans from the approaches to Tobruk. The trouble is, even if they do, two of the strongpoints have gone for good....

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by warspite1 -- 12/29/2017 6:43:56 AM >

_____________________________

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

(in reply to warspite1)

Post #: 591

RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 12/29/2017 6:46:31 AM

warspite1

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Turn 49 - Round 1
28th May 1941

The RN open the ball with bombardments against the German armoured formations east and west of the southeastern strongpoint.

The initial bombardment, led by Queen Elizabeth and Barham's 15-inch shells rip into the exposed armoured vehicles and infantry. Under the wall of steel raining down on them the 2nd Battalion of the 8th Panzer Regiment simply ceases to exist. 39 tanks are lost. The Valiant group then account for another 23%, although the German armour appears to have been unscathed this time.

Round 3

Valiant's group continues to focus on the armour to the east, but Queen Elizabeth's group now focus on the German formation threatening Tobruk. Another 20% losses are dished out to the former, while the smaller target is untroubled by the RN's wayward shells.

Round 5

Queen Elizabeth's target remains the same while Valiant's moves to the armour to the south west. Disappointingly, both attacks fail to achieve anything.

Round 7

With the turn running away, the time has come to try and dislodge the Germans from the approaches to Tobruk. At large cost (29% vs 25%) in the Axis favour, the attack succeeds in pushing the Germans out and they retreat to the southwest. The 3rd Polish Bn then try and inflict further damage by pursuing the Germans, but only succeed in advancing into the teeth of the enemy and cannot move any further. There is no infantry manning the western strongpoint and so the Coldstream Guards are moved there, but nothing can mask the lack of infantry available....

Round 8

The ability to attack has gone and so the RN resume their bombardments against the units threatening the southeastern strongpoint once more. The first barrage is again ineffective (2%) but the second inflicts another 28% losses and the machine gun battalion of the Pavia Division evaporates. The turn then ends before Morshead can give the order for the troops to dig-in once more....

The Poles are caught in no man's land. The British just have to hope and pray that the Germans have nothing left in the tank....

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by warspite1 -- 12/29/2017 7:17:51 AM >

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RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 12/29/2017 7:19:11 AM

warspite1

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Turn 50
31st May 1941

The Commonwealth get the initiative back! And all is right with the world - the Bismarck being sunk is reported in the News Summary

Meanwhile, chez Tobruk, the Allies are back in supply - but the RN went through a ton of shells....

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< Message edited by warspite1 -- 12/29/2017 7:23:32 AM >

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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 - 12/29/2017 7:44:30 AM

warspite1

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Turn 50
31st May 1941

The ever reliable Australian 9th Division are asked to plug more holes. Two infantry battalions are shipped from Alexandria and they are joined by a third from Bardia - along with an anti-tank regiment. The expected assault from the air via Crete or indeed anywhere is not forthcoming and the units land in Tobruk safely.

The exposed Polish battalion is able to withdraw, although is shot-up in the process. All units are set to Dig-in and Ignore Losses.

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 - 12/29/2017 7:47:49 AM

warspite1

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Turn 50
31st May 1941

The air force remains at 20 squadrons, although the Beaufighters appears to have disappeared and replaced by Wellington bombers. The Beaufighters were not withdrawn and there is nothing in the Inventory and Replacements to suggest they were shot down.... strange.

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< Message edited by warspite1 -- 12/29/2017 8:00:48 AM >

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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 - 12/29/2017 8:02:48 AM

warspite1

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Turn 50 - Round 1
31st May 1941

The realisation that Tobruk could fall anytime means that Wavell really needs to get a grip on the rest of his forces, where they are, what they are doing and what they need to do.

Firstly the good news. There does not appear to be any major withdrawals for a while at least. Furthermore there are reinforcements coming along that should help the situation in Egypt even if Tobruk is lost sooner or later. On the downside, the re-supply of the armoured units appears to be taking forever.

That being the case there is not that much to do. All squadrons are on Combat Support or Air Superiority missions except the newly arrived Wellingtons which are on rest.

The massive expenditure of shells over the last few days means that there is little ordnance available for the RN. However, now is not the time to be mucking about. Once again the targets for the two RN squadrons are those formations to the east and west of the southeastern Strongpoint. The results are excellent; at least two battalions are destroyed during the barrage that costs the Axis 48% losses. Surely there can be no resumption of the attack on Tobruk? The second attack nets only 2% losses.

Round 3

The effectiveness is dwindling rapidly and no losses are recorded against either target. Time to stop wasting further ammunition. Most ships with critical supply are sent back to Egypt. Those that remain won't be taking part in any naval gunfire support for the foreseeable.

Instead, and with a sense of general foreboding, General Wavell brings the turn to a close. Its time to see what the Axis has left.....

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by warspite1 -- 12/29/2017 8:44:38 AM >

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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 - 12/29/2017 8:51:19 AM

warspite1

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Turn 50 - Axis Turn
31st May 1941

The Axis attention switches to the southeastern and western strongpoints. Losses of 1% against the former is soaked up, and once again, in the west, although 3% losses are inflicted, the Germans lose 2% themselves. The attack is then switched to the Royal Navy. The attack fails to hurt the enemy ships but 39 Axis aircraft are lost for only 16 Commonwealth fighters.

And sure enough the attack - when it did come - was directed against the south. Losses were pretty evenly split which Morshead knows from last time, is a worrying development.... In Tobruk's HQ you can cut the tension with a house brick.

The Axis continue to mix it up. Tobruk is the next target and 9% losses are meted out to the defenders for only 1% in return, 2% losses are registered to the south and 4% to the west - although the latter costs the Axis 2% themselves.

A third barrage against the south is unsuccessful, but another 6% loses are recorded in the west. Maybe this will be the object for the next infantry/tank assault?

Mmmm another 8% loss is inflicted for each strongpoint - and for only 1% in return. We still haven't reach halfway in the turn....

The halfway point is reached and although there is nothing to report against the south, the defences of the west are again being steadily eroded (7%) for a 2% return.

3% in the south jumps to 13% in the west. Surely an attack must come here imminently - although as far as Morshead can make out, Rommel's main formations are in the east....

A bombardment of the west proves to be more painful for the Axis this time (4% vs 2%) and then a second assault is mounted in the south. Again losses are similar (15% vs 13%) in the Allies favour, but the Germans are clearly building up for the big one.

The round begins with a bombardment in the centre, but this results in 5% losses for the Axis only, and there is little joy in the west where 1% losses are recorded for each. The big one in the south proves to be a false dawn for Rommel. 9% losses are inflicted but these cost 20% to the Axis forces and they break off the attack.

This signals the end of the turn. Wavell breathes a sigh of relief, Morshead quickly changes his pants, and everyone settles back down to life in the hell-hole that is Fortress Tobruk.

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by warspite1 -- 12/29/2017 9:19:56 AM >

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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 - 12/29/2017 9:36:00 AM

warspite1

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Turn 51 - Round 1
4th June 1941

The Australian reinforcements sent to Tobruk the previous turn move up to the frontline i.e. the Western and Southern (previously Southeastern) strong points. This leaves space in Tobruk for further reinforcements in the form of the Australian 18th Brigade; 18th Brigade HQ, 10th Battalion and 1 company of the 12th Battalion.

The New Zealanders, returning from Crete, start arriving in the Nile Delta and as many as possible are railed to Mersa Matruh.

The Royal Navy and one of two functioning artillery regiments attack the Germans to the west of the southern strong point, while the other bombards to the east. Unsurprisingly the latter barrage is a failure, but the other inflicts 16% losses on the Axis motorised and panzer forces.

That ends the turn. Once again, let's see if the Germans can take advantage of that light barrage and make an attack count.

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by warspite1 -- 12/29/2017 9:49:36 AM >

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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 - 12/29/2017 9:51:44 AM

warspite1

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Turn 51 - Axis Turn
4th June 1941

The Germans order the first barrage of this turn against the unfortified centre but fails to trouble the scorers. In the south 3% losses are inflicted and another 2% in the west. Another unsuccessful attempt to damage the Royal Navy then occurs - the Allies lose 17 fighters but the cost to the Axis is 22 bombers, 13 fighters and 3 fighter-bombers.

4% losses in total following three barrages. The Germans suffer no loss.

Two barrages this time, and whilst no loss is recorded in the south, another 7% loss is taken in the west. This appears to be the weakspot but the Axis assault troops and panzers are all to the east....as Depeche Mode once sang "Thank the Lord, for small mercies".

Interesting - men in the forward trenches and aerial reconnaissance detect there is a movement of some troops to to the centre - maybe on their way to the west but out of movement? or maybe an assault in the centre to follow? Another 6% loss to the Western defenders - and no less than 10% in the south....

Halfway and another 5% loss in the west and 3% in the centre.

To attacks this time 4% vs 2% in the Axis favour in the west, but in the south its another 9%. There has to be an attack in the offing in a round or so.

A slightly better round 8% loss - 6% of which is in the west.

Mmmm three barrages. It starts well with no loss in the centre but then another 6% loss in the south is followed by 10% in the west. This is all getting a bit too tense.

Thankfully the turn then starts to fizzle out with only very limited damage caused during the final three barrages. The turn ends without a major assault taking place thank-goodness.

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< Message edited by warspite1 -- 12/29/2017 10:25:08 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 - 12/29/2017 9:57:22 AM

devoncop

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Warspite.

You are a dangerous man (living up to HMS Warspite herself). I had decided OAW IV would not be for me having read the convoluted stuff re timestamps etc and as I am deeply involved with FOG2 ......Now this superb AAR has me reaching for my battered post Christmas wallet.......great job. It is no fun watching an expert play flawlessly....much more fun watching someone learn through the odd "minor error"

How intuitive do you find the air war side?

< Message edited by devoncop -- 12/29/2017 9:58:21 AM >

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RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43