RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43

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RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 12/1/2017 7:26:12 AM

warspite1

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Turn 11
15th January 1941

That was a decent set of results. O'Connor surveys the situation with mounting satisfaction and discusses progress with General Wavell. The list of names of the destroyed - or almost destroyed Italian divisions are recounted with grim satisfaction....

Sirte
Cirene
Sabratha
Marmarcia
Catanzaro
1st Libyan
2nd Libyan
4th Libyan
1st CCNN
2nd CCNN
4th CCNN
Plus a Bersaglieri Regiment and a number of tank battalions

Attachment (1)

_____________________________

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

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Post #: 241

RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 12/1/2017 2:09:35 PM

John B.

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Thanks for posting what you could find for the overall losses!

(in reply to warspite1)

Post #: 242

RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 12/1/2017 2:39:46 PM

Curtis Lemay

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quote:

ORIGINAL: warspite1

As for losses, I cannot see an overall loss screen:

The "Lost" column on the Inventory and Replacements screen shows cumulative losses. Thanks for showing it. One item is a bit troubling: You've lost 9 of 51 18 Pounders, or 17% of them. You shouldn't be losing any. Those guns should never be in the front lines. Artillery husbandry is critical to this scenario. Safeguard your own, and decimate the enemy's. If, when Rommel arrives, he finds lots of 10th Army artillery left about, while you've frittered yours away, you will be hard pressed to stop him short of the Pyramids.

I also worry about the screenshots you're posting: They are always in "Movement Remaining" mode. I hope that you do cycle to the Strengths mode regularly, and just aren't posting those views.

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Bob Cross's TOAW Site

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Post #: 243

RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 12/1/2017 7:19:47 PM

warspite1

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Curtis Lemay

quote:

ORIGINAL: warspite1

As for losses, I cannot see an overall loss screen:

The "Lost" column on the Inventory and Replacements screen shows cumulative losses. Thanks for showing it. One item is a bit troubling: You've lost 9 of 51 18 Pounders, or 17% of them. You shouldn't be losing any. Those guns should never be in the front lines. Artillery husbandry is critical to this scenario. Safeguard your own, and decimate the enemy's. If, when Rommel arrives, he finds lots of 10th Army artillery left about, while you've frittered yours away, you will be hard pressed to stop him short of the Pyramids.

I also worry about the screenshots you're posting: They are always in "Movement Remaining" mode. I hope that you do cycle to the Strengths mode regularly, and just aren't posting those views.

warspite1

The losses of artillery may be from 1 (or more) of three sources:

1. Early (mistakes?) in not using artillery as artillery but using them in attacks.
2. Sometimes when I bombard I get losses for the CW as well as the Italians. In which case presumably not a mistake but a function of the game?
3. The Italians love to use their artillery - allegedly one of the better arms of the Italian military in WWII. Presumably there will be loss from this source. But if so then not much I can do other than keep out of range?

Yes the 'Movement Remaining' mode is my weapon of choice. Because of the 10 rounds aspect I find it useful. The strength of a unit I tend to get from the unit box top right.

_____________________________

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

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Post #: 244

RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 12/1/2017 8:18:23 PM

warspite1

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Turn 12
18th January 1941

My loss penalty seems to have gone down by one, although as I can see no definition of this I don't know why....

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by warspite1 -- 12/1/2017 8:19:33 PM >

_____________________________

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

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Post #: 245

RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 12/1/2017 8:21:27 PM

juntoalmar

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quote:

ORIGINAL: warspite1

It's great to be reacquainting myself with the units I first fought with/against in Desert Rats on the old Spectrum back in the day.

I remember this game for the Spectrum!

I loved to play Crete 1941 on my 48K. Is there a Crete scenario in TOAW IV?

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Post #: 246

RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 12/1/2017 8:27:31 PM

warspite1

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quote:

ORIGINAL: juntoalmar

quote:

ORIGINAL: warspite1

It's great to be reacquainting myself with the units I first fought with/against in Desert Rats on the old Spectrum back in the day.

I remember this game for the Spectrum!

I loved to play Crete 1941 on my 48K. Is there a Crete scenario in TOAW IV?

warspite1

There is indeed - and it can be played vs the AI

_____________________________

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

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Post #: 247

RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 12/1/2017 8:35:46 PM

warspite1

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Turn 12
18th January 1941

Further to Curtis Lemay's earlier post I will have a look and see what happens to my artillery during this turn.

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< Message edited by warspite1 -- 12/1/2017 8:36:29 PM >

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

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Post #: 248

RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 12/1/2017 8:40:31 PM

warspite1

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Turn 12
18th January 1941

I am not sure if I am being a bozo or if the Air Assistant keeps overriding. I will need to keep an eye on that as my orders keep changing....

Meanwhile the Italian air force seems to be numerous - striking my units on the move via truck or rail!

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by warspite1 -- 12/1/2017 8:47:56 PM >

_____________________________

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

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Post #: 249

RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 12/1/2017 9:15:35 PM

warspite1

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Turn 12
18th January 1941

The 2nd New Zealand Division is ordered to Menastir. As one of the least mobile units, this division will attempt to take the coast road to Tobruk.

Meanwhile the Australians and Polish seal the pocket around the Italians at Sidi Azeiz.

To the south, more pockets are sealed and an artillery barrage prepared against the Sabratha Division.

Attachment (1)

_____________________________

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

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Post #: 250

RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 12/1/2017 9:22:09 PM

warspite1

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Turn 12 - Round 1
18th January 1941

The following units bombard the Italians:

XIII Corps
104th Royal Horse Artillery (RHA) � 18 25-pdrs
1st RHA � 20 25-pdrs
51st Field Artillery � 18 25-pdrs

2nd Armoured Division
2nd RHA � 19 25-pdrs

NoteL all units are slightly under establishment (each regiment should have 24 25-pounders).

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by warspite1 -- 12/1/2017 9:23:00 PM >

_____________________________

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

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Post #: 251

RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 12/1/2017 9:24:50 PM

warspite1

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Turn 12 - Rounds 1&2
18th January 1941

There are no losses to the British artillery as they whittle away at the enemy formations.

Attachment (1)

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

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Post #: 252

RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 12/1/2017 9:35:32 PM

warspite1

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Turn 12 - Round 3
18th January 1941

O'Connor has promised Wavell that the coup de grace will be delivered in the next few days... Four attacks are ordered to try and eliminate the remaining pockets once and for all.

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by warspite1 -- 12/1/2017 9:51:23 PM >

_____________________________

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

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Post #: 253

RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 12/1/2017 10:09:36 PM

DanNeely

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quote:

ORIGINAL: warspite1

Turn 12
18th January 1941

My loss penalty seems to have gone down by one, although as I can see no definition of this I don't know why....

I believe loss penalty is adjusted downward as replacements fill damaged units back up.

_____________________________

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

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Post #: 254

RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 12/2/2017 5:01:31 AM

warspite1

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quote:

ORIGINAL: DanNeely

quote:

ORIGINAL: warspite1

Turn 12
18th January 1941

My loss penalty seems to have gone down by one, although as I can see no definition of this I don't know why....

I believe loss penalty is adjusted downward as replacements fill damaged units back up.

warspite1

Thanks. Do you know where that is explained?

_____________________________

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

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Post #: 255

RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 12/2/2017 5:03:13 AM

warspite1

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Turn 12 - Axis Turn
18th January 1941

That is hugely annoying. I thought I had saved the Italian combat results for Turn 12. However I can't see them

< Message edited by warspite1 -- 12/2/2017 5:10:53 AM >

_____________________________

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

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Post #: 256

RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 12/2/2017 5:24:42 AM

warspite1

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Turn 13
22nd January 1941

There is little happening this turn. The New Zealanders have been tasked with taking out the remaining 10th Army units on the coast road, while the Australians and Poles head to Gambut and Sidi Rezegh on the approaches to Tobruk. The British armour is stationary, hoping to recover some strength for the push to Tobruk.

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by warspite1 -- 12/2/2017 5:26:39 AM >

_____________________________

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

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Post #: 257

RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 12/2/2017 5:38:07 AM

warspite1

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Turn 13 - Axis Turn
22nd January 1941

The Regia Aeronautica continues to attack at will. The RAF Gladiators are put out of their misery - all 11 destroyed or damaged this turn....

Attachment (1)

_____________________________

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

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Post #: 258

RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 12/2/2017 5:55:55 AM

warspite1

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Turn 14
25th January 1941

Again, a limited turn from the Commonwealth forces. I am pretty sure this is not the right tactic but supply for some units is desperate and needs to recover. Operations are limited to:

2nd New Zealand Division attacking the 10th Army HQ

6th and 9th Australian Divisions attacking retreating artillery to the west of the HQ and an infantry battalion blocking the coast road.

The Polish Brigade attacking the airfield at El Adem southwest of Tobruk

The 3rd Royal Tank Regiment from the 2nd Armoured Division racing to Bir el Gubi to capture the airfield.

As ever, the attacks start with a bombardment that helps reduce the defenders in body and spirit for no loss.

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by warspite1 -- 12/2/2017 6:20:56 AM >

_____________________________

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

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Post #: 259

RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 12/2/2017 6:10:03 AM

warspite1

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Turn 14 - Rounds 1-10
22nd January 1941

The attacks are largely successful - particularly that by the Polish Brigade. The airfield is taken and the aircraft and support units destroyed. The majority of the brigade take up position at the airfield, with three battalions posted to the north and east to block any Italian advance south.

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by warspite1 -- 12/2/2017 6:18:40 AM >

_____________________________

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

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Post #: 260

RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 12/2/2017 6:29:19 AM

warspite1

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Turn 14 - Axis Turn
25th January 1941

The Italian air superiority is a real issue. O'Connor is just hoping that destruction of the airfield at El Adem helps somewhat. But for now the Free French fighters have been destroyed on the ground.

If there is any comfort, it is perhaps that that was the only Axis attack - hopefully meaning they are struggling to maintain their air force....

_____________________________

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

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RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 12/2/2017 9:15:07 AM

Olorin

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I do think artillery feels a bit overpowered in this scenario, if I'm honest.
30% losses to a unit due to an artillery barrage seems high?

Regarding the Air War:
I'm having similar results against the AI (i.e. the Reggia Aeronautica mops the floor with the RAF). If I was to start again, I'd pull everything back and suffer the resulting interdiction, until I had 80-100 hurricanes in good condition. Then I'd move the RAF forward and attack THEIR airfields.

< Message edited by Olorin -- 12/2/2017 9:25:50 AM >

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Post #: 262

RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 12/2/2017 9:30:09 AM

warspite1

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Olorin

I do think artillery feels a bit overpowered in this scenario, if I'm honest.
30% losses to a unit due to an artillery barrage seems high?

Regarding the Air War:
I'm having similar results against the AI (i.e. the Reggia Aeronautica mops the floor with the RAF). If I was to start again, I'd pull everything back and suffer the resulting interdiction, until I had 80-100 hurricanes in good condition. Then I'd move the RAF forward and attack THEIR airfields.

warspite1

Yes irl the Regia Aeronautica simply wasn't a factor at this stage. I think generally the bombardments have been lower. In this case I am hoping the high numbers reflect the undug-in nature of the units - in open terrain - most are fleeing - and the number of attacking regiments. But you may be right.

_____________________________

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

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Post #: 263

RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 12/2/2017 10:48:34 AM

warspite1

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Turn 15
29th January 1941

So lets have a look at Tobruk.

Attachment (1)

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

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Post #: 264

RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 12/2/2017 10:58:04 AM

warspite1

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Turn 15 - Royal Navy
29th January 1941

Admiral Cunningham sails from Alexandria to provide naval gunfire support to any attack on Tobruk that may develop.

Naval Support Force
Battleship
HMS Barham (Flagship)

Cruisers
HMS Euryalus
HMS Dido
HMS York

Destroyers
HMS Jervis
HMS Airedale

AA and ASW Screen
Destroyers
HMS Partridge
HMS Ledbury
HMS Lance
HMS Bedouin

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by warspite1 -- 12/2/2017 11:03:07 AM >

_____________________________

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

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Post #: 265

RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 12/2/2017 12:05:00 PM

warspite1

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Turn 15 - Round 1
29th January 1941

The turn starts with a massed bombardment ordered. The big guns of the Royal Navy concentrate on the Italian airfield, while the smaller ships target the port which contains the old cruiser San Georgio.

The fortified positions around Tobruk are targeted, along with the 10th Army HQ that is surrounded by the Kiwis.

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by warspite1 -- 12/2/2017 12:08:58 PM >

_____________________________

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

(in reply to warspite1)

Post #: 266

RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 12/2/2017 12:17:26 PM

warspite1

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Turn 15 - Rounds 1-4
29th January 1941

The results against the Italian airfield is disappointing...

The losses are much lower than Olorin pointed out previously - I suspect that being fortified has a influence on the result - which is good.

Attachment (1)

_____________________________

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

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Post #: 267

RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 12/2/2017 12:27:18 PM

warspite1

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Turn 15 - Rounds 5-7
29th January 1941

The Kiwis finish off the 10th Army HQ, but the Italian battalion south of Tobruk, and outside the fortified area, holds on. There is little choice but to order the mixed Australian/British/Polish force to attack again. Meanwhile more bombardments are ordered against the dug-in infantry and the airfield.

Disappointing play on my part

The follow-up attack against the battalion from the Italian 87th Infantry Regiment had an excellent chance of success. But I've run out of rounds...

< Message edited by warspite1 -- 12/2/2017 12:31:42 PM >

_____________________________

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

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Post #: 268

RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 12/2/2017 1:01:46 PM

warspite1

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Turn 15 - Axis Turn
29th January 1941

The naval 15, 8 and 6-inch guns may have had a limited effect against the aircraft on the ground, but the AA guns of the Royal Navy, has hurt the Regia Aeronautica.

To the south of Tobruk, the Italian concentrate their remaining efforts, with two bombardments and an attack. The Allied units hold, but their holding off of the Italian infantry comes at a cost.

Attachment (1)

_____________________________

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

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Post #: 269

RE: Campaign For North Africa 40D-43 - 12/2/2017 1:12:36 PM

warspite1

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Turn 16
1st February 1941

The Italian High Command need better reconnaissance. A Tank battalion is sent to the airfield at Rotunda Segnali southwest of Tobruk. Unbeknown to the tankers, the British 2nd Armoured Division have already taken the place.