Friday, June 29, 2012

TR 42-45 1.5.2 - ALLIED vs Mark - T032: 12.11.42

T032 12.11.42

Sectors: The Caucasus
Very little action in this region. It’s a far cry from just a few turns ago. But there seems to be a recovery period happening on both sides right now. OPERATION: WATERFALL was far from successful, but it did draw units away from Grozny, and forced Mark to rethink his strategy in the entire Caucasus region. I wouldn’t go down without a fight. My force south of Astrakhan is still very formidable, and has the power to renew the offensive, should the opportunity present itself. The problem actually comes from hundreds of miles north, in Finland. With the fall of Leningrad, the Axis are now going to concentrate on capturing Murmansk, my critical Lend Lease port. I’m being forced in a way to keep pumping troops into the Karelian region, with the idea to keep the Axis from leaving an open path to Viipuri. I could sure use these troops in the Caucasus. If they were available, I’d probably renew the offensive and push on to relieve Grozny. Come to think of it, that might not be a bad risk to take at this stage. However, as usual, the clock is ticking.

Sector: Egypt-Libya Border
The Axis have been pushed back far enough where a general withdrawal has apparently been ordered. With Tobruk as the only escape route back to mainland Europe, I’m likely going to set up a blockade of that port with the Royal Navy’s two Mediterranean squadrons and the Royal Navy Aircraft Carrier group, all currently stationed in Alexandria. The DAK has pulled back toward Sidi Barrani, concentrating its power on the XXX Corps, which has pushed deep into the flank along the coast. Now that the XIII Corps has arrived to continue to push west, it’s now a matter of speed. I’m trying my best to get the I, V, VIII and X Corps moving west, but key Italian strongholds are slowing things to a painful level. I can’t attack into dunes or badlands with certain units, meaning a few of these Italian divisions are in places I can’t get to. Victory is at hand, but not yet complete.

Thursday, June 28, 2012

TR 42-45 1.5.2 - ALLIED vs Mark - T031: 12.04.42

T031 12.04.42

Sector: Astrakhan
The lines have been restored, albeit with the loss of the 4th Shock units in the pocket. The 7th Gds Army has been comitted to battle against the LXXXVIII Korps, not pushing back the Germans, but helping stymie their advance. No other major movement this turn in this sector. Stabilizing the lines were priority #1, and I’m expecting to renew pressure on the Axis next turn.

Sectors: Grozny-Black Sea Coast
For the second straight turn, no real action in either sector. Mark indicated that this was due to air power being reallocated to the Astrakhan sector. I’ll take it.

Sector: Egypt-Libya
The 2nd New Zealand broke through to relieve the 7th Armour. It’s a critical victory for the British in North Africa. Not only does it keep a valuable mechanized unit in tact, but holds the wedge in place along the coast road. To the south, the I/X Corps is holding its ground while the V and XIII Corps press the Axis.

Sector: Algeria
The quick progress in Algeria has slowed, but hasn’t stopped. The Italian division in Phillipeville could be a tough nut to crack. With the 2nd Armored and rest of the V Corps arriving, it shouldn’t take more than a turn or two to dislodge the defenders and press on into Tunisia. The II Corps continues its slow march east from Algiers, as the British 52nd Division arrives to sweep the Italaians from the mountains.

Sector: Tunis
The Italians tried to break my blockade of Tunis, but the Royal Navy battleship and carrier groups, and the US Ranger and New York groups blew the enemy from the water. Now there is an Italian division caught at sea, which should be no problem to destroy.

Thursday, June 21, 2012

TR 42-45 1.5.2 - ALLIED vs Mark - T030: 11.27.42

T030 11.27.42

RUSSIA

Sector: Finland-Karelia
I’m slowly building up strength north of the Karelian Peninsula. Now the 70th Army, 2nd Gds Army, 5th Shock Army, and the lead elements of the 3rd Gds Army. There is no plan for this sector. But I’m not leaving anything to chance. Now that Leningrad is almost gone, I have to be prepared for an offensive by the Axis from Finland. Either that, or I have to be ready to strike from here into Finland, should an opportunity present itself. I’ve learned some lessons from previous exploits into Finland, so it would hopefully be more successful than the last time out.

Sector: Leningrad
The Leningrad perimeter is now a withering pocket. This might be the final update for this sector.

Sector: Astrakhan
The Germans have lead a counter attack right into the gut of the Russian Guards. In the process, a small pocket of the 4th Shock Army has been bitten off, and will likely be forced to surrender. Beyond the pocket, the Germans were only able to push back my front line a hex on average. The 7th Guards are staging just north of the German spearhead. Should the 3rd & 5th Gds Tank, and 4th Shock need help, this will be a valuable reserve to punch back. That counter punch might come sooner than later, as the Germans are extremely tired, with their readiness levels shot and in the red. While the bulk of their force is made from the XI and LXXXVIII Korps to the north and south, with the XLVII Panzer in the middle, the Germans have a patchwork assembly of units from all along the Russian Front.


Sectors: Grozny-Black Sea Coast
No movement in either of these sectors, which leads me to believe the Germans are simply too tired to make a decent push. It’s a nice reprieve for my troops here, though once the Germans are ready, I’m afraid Grozny is a goner.

AFRICA

Sectors: El Alamein-Tobruk
I’m seeing decent progress on the flanks, but the center isn’t moving as quickly. That’s partly due to my concentration on collapsing the Axis flanks, so it’s not necessarily a bad thing. The I&X Corps strike force is extremely beat up at this point in the offensive, and might soon have to retire to the rear to recoup. The V and XIII Corps are moving forward and will soon be in a good position to relieve the I&X Corps. To the north along the coast, the 7th Armour had been cut off, but not eliminating the 7th Armour looks like a big blow to the Axis cause here, while giving a boost to my own. Now it’s all about knocking out the Axis forces in Egypt-Libya quickly enough to regroup and recapture Tobruk. Then it’s on to Tripoli and Tunisia.

Sector: Algiers
With such minor resistance after the Vichy surrender, progress in western Africa has been flawless. The US V Corps is approaching Bougie. The II Corps just received the 9th and 34th Divisions from England, nearly doubling the corps’ combat strength. It’s finishing off the two Italian divisions left in the mountains. Once the British II Corps moves up from southwest of Algiers, it will take over clean-up operations along the coast and keep the supply line open.

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

TR 42-45 1.5.2 - ALLIED vs Mark - T029: 11.20.42

T029 11.20.42

RUSSIA 

Sector: Leningrad
We're officially in mop-up duty here. Unfortunately, I'm the one being mopped up. The Fins are holding at the northern stop line, while the Germans squeeze from the south. There was a 95 shock level following the fall of the city, but that only lasted one turn. It wasn't too bad.

Sector: Astrakhan - OPERATION WATERFALL
German reinforcements arrived quickly by rail, taking advantage of my blunder of not blowing the bridges along the Don River. Had I done that, those reinforcements--including several panzer divisions--would have been delayed at least another turn or two. Now, as you can see in the slide, they have swept around a large chunk of the 4th Shock and 1st Gds Tank, cutting them off from the rest of my force. The only safety valve here is the reserve of the 7th Guards and 5th Gds Tank. They should be able to counter the German move, but it's not a guarantee. The Germans are well-rested from not having to travel very far off-rail before entering combat. Mark said here that I have a shot to break out. I'm not so sure. Some of his units from the Grozny sector have pulled out of there to reinforce his line to the south of Astrakhan. So now OPERATION: WATERFALL looks to become a minor failure. Depending on whether or not I can rescue the pocket, it could very well become an outright victory for the Axis.


Sector: Grozny
The 2 SS Panzer Division took the reigns and pushed back the 67th Army even farther, capturing the first of two airfields west of the city. The right wing of my defenses, manned by the 8th Army, is holding firm against little pressure. it will be up to the 67th to hold back the Germans. The 54th and 60th Armies might have to withdraw into the mountain pass to T'Bilisi.


AFRICA

Sector: El Alamein - OPERATION TURNPIKE
My over-extended offensive was caught with its pants down, and the 1st and 10th Armour have been destroyed by the hard charging 15. and 21. Panzer Divisions. Before that, however, the 10. Panzer was enveloped and forced to surrender. While the British losses this turn were severe, the Axis are less able to absorb that kind of hit. The V Corps and O'Connor's newly arrived VIII Corps will move to support the
exposed I & X Corps north of El Qattara. To the north, the XXX Corps rushed out of its trenches, capturing handfuls of Italians in the process. I'm expecting Rommel's force to try to batter my I/X Corps as
much as possible, while pulling back to the west. It's not worth it for them to stay and fight my five corps.


Sector: Algeria - OPERATION TORCH
The V Corps forced the surrender of the Italian unit guarding the coast road and rail line, opening up the critical path to Tunisia. The II Corps will hold back and finish off the Italians, while its 9th and 34th Divisions are boarding transports back in southern England. The British First Army units are forging a supply route from Casablanca to Algeria. However, due to the mountains/distance, supply will be at low levels by the time it reaches the Americans pushing on Tunisia.

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

TR 42-45 1.5.2 - ALLIED vs Mark - T028: 11.13.42

T028 11.13.42

Sector: Leningrad
In a catastrophic mishap, the centre of Leningrad was left defended by a single tank brigade! Naturally, after the tactical reserves were swept aside, the heart of Leningrad is now in the hands of Hitler's horde. The city has capitulated, which will likely send shock waves through the entire Allied world. The remnants of the 42nd and 55th Armies in Leningrad, and the 23rd north of the city, will now die a slow, painful death. It was my mistake early on not to try to reach the city for a breakout. Now it's cost me dearly.

Sector: Astrakhan - OPERATION WATERFALL
As the Germans arrive in force to my northwest flank, I will have to commit more of my reserves to counter that threat. The German XI Korps has arrived with decent readiness for battle, while other units from almost everywhere else on the Russian front are throwing together a defensive line to the south and west of my advance. The LXXXVIII Korps has been shipped in from France, and even a division from the VII Korps from Voronezh has been spotted. The Romanian IV Corps is now cut off by the 4th Shock Army, whle the II Corps is being pressed strongly by the 10th Guards Army. I'm tempted to make another strong push south with the reserve 7th Guards Army and the 5th Gds Tank. However, with the pressure coming on my flank, compounded by the impending loss of Grozny to the south, I'm much better off securing my gains here and sending a few more Nazis to their maker. Ghoulish, I know. The 40th and 56th Armies are advancing westward from their defensive positions, while the 39th Army is joining not far behind. This should blunt the Germans, and even push them back a bit.

Sector: Grozny
Even though I still control the city with a strong force there, the surrounding defenses are falling apart quickly, especially to the west of Grozny, where the 54th and 60th Armies are being pushed back into the foothills. My only hope is that the contraction of my lines will mean a tougher resistance against the Germans. Mark now has more supporting units, such as the mobile supply point and some light artillery, which will serve him well in the coming struggle for the city. I'm not confident about this situation, but I'm not losing hope just yet, either.

Sector: Black Sea Coast
The 46th Army is being pushed back toward Sokhumi, where the reformed 45th Army waits digging in.

Sector: El Alamein-El Qattara
The I/X Corps strike force has run out of steam pretty quickly, as the harsh desert conditions have knocked out a good number of the tanks, and supply is down to nothing. The 90. Leichte that tried to block my assault was swallowed up with barely a fight. I still can't figure that one out. An entire DAK division basically surrendering outright. Still, the 10. Panzer blocks my V Corps from reinforcing the I/X Corps force, which is now growingly vulnerable to counter attack. This is a critical juncture of the battle for North Africa.

Sector: Morocco-Algeria
The United States Army now has four full divisions on African soil, with both task forces arriving in Algeria moments after the Vichy surrender. Algiers is secured, but the key will be to move quickly enough eastward to push out the Italians before they can dig into the mountain passes of Tunisia.

Monday, June 18, 2012

TR 42-45 1.5.2 - ALLIED vs Mark - T027: 11.06.42

T027 11.06.42

*This turn's AAR is less detailed than originally composed, as I accidentally erased the first edition of it. Sorry. 

RUSSIA 

Sector: Leningrad
I anticipated that any day now the Leningrad perimeter would buckle. Now it's happening, with a central hex falling to repeated German attacks.

Sector: Black Sea Coast
The German panzers have pushed aside my left flank that was anchored along the beach. Now they control the road, forcing another withdrawal. The 46th Army is now at Sokhumi, ready to disembark and form yet another defensive line with the sea on one side, and the mountains on the other.

Sector: Astrakhan - OPERATION WATERFALL
The first wave of attacks southward have run into three Romanian infantry corps, supported by one panzer division and one mechanized infantry division. The 10th Guards have pushed back the centre element of the II Corps, crossing the river after one try. To their right, the 4th Shock is battling with the Romanian IV Corps, which is holding better than the II Corps. As the 4th Shock occupies the IV Corps, the 1st Gds Tank storms into a gap in the Axis line, crushing the mechanized infantry division trying to hold its ground. Once reaching the canal, the Romanian V Corps is discovered digging in on the opposite bank. To the north, Germans are massing for what looks to be a counter strike at my flank. The 3rd Gds Tank, with help from an Op Group, is screening that section, until I know better what kind of threat this could develop into. The 7th Guards are being held in reserve north of the rail bridge crossing, behind the 10th Guards. The 5th Gds Tank has arrived by rail, and will stage for at least one turn/week before being committed to battle. If needed, the 40th and 56th Armies are read to move out of their entrenchments to blunt the Germans attacking from the northwest.

Sector: Grozny
The I SS Division of the I SS Panzer Korp attacked my position in the centre three times, only to be thrown back with devastating losses each time. I wouldn't expect to see them in battle for the rest of the month. However, being pinched on both sides, my line eventually gave way to the regular panzer corps. The 67th Army has moved in from the coast. Though I'm not expecting to oust the Germans from their gains, I can hold Grozny for longer with the fresh reinforcements.



AFRICA


Sector: El Alamein - OPERATION TURNPIKE
The I & X Corps strike force has successfully turned the Axis flank. Wheeling to the north, the X Corps tanks wipe out an Italian infantry unit, then run into the 90. Leichte of DAK. In a surprising move, Mark has allowed Rommel to get ambitious--or suicidal--by attacking my defensive line in front of El Alamein. The 10. Panzer Division is leading the way, right into the gap between my I/X Corps strike force and the advancing V Corps. To the north, the rest of the DAK, supported by the Italians, pressures the XXX Corps. Looks like a general advance is in order for the entire British Eighth Army.


Sector: Morocco-Algeria - OPERATION TORCH
The British have landed with no resistance from the Vichy French, though I've ordered no engagement with the Vichy until negotiations can be complete for their surrender. Next up will be the second wave of British and Americans in Algeria.

Sunday, June 17, 2012

TR 42-45 1.5.2 - ALLIED vs Mark - T026: 10.30.42

T026 10.30.42

Disbands for T026:
Recon +15 @ 2T


RUSSIA 

Sector: Leningrad
The line has somehow held against a half-dozen German assaults. My defenders took severe casualties in the process, losing a tank brigade and two smaller infantry brigades. But the 1 Heavy Tank brigade stormed into battle and would not relent. They literally saved the entire Leningrad perimeter from collapse. I'm not sure they could replicate that kind of gallant stand if the Germans, as expected, renew the attack with the same force. However, the Leningrad defenses have held longer than anticipated. Eventually, there won't be any more rested units to send into battle.



Sector: Astrakhan
I've now assembled (1) five Guards armies and one Shock army south of Astrakhan. It was a gamble to keep them on the trains so close to the enemy positions, but with screening units out front (2), the odds were on my side that the embarked force would remain safe. As expected, Mark is being forced to send German line units to this area to help bolster the Romanian defenders, taking away his strength from Grozny. Even if it's only a small contingent sent north to meet my armies, it places the enemy in a Catch-22. Does he remain focused on Grozny, allowing a large Russian force ready to attack a weakly-defended left flank? Or does he send reinforcements in force to keep my Astrakhan force bottled up and away from the Grozny assaults, in turn weakening his chances to capture Grozny in any reasonable amount of time?



Sector: Grozny
The 60th and 54th Armies held strong against a very formidable German attack. Now with no fewer than three SS Panzer divisions, and two Panzer Korps, supported by regular infantry corps, it's obvious Mark is putting all his eggs in the Grozny basket. Surprisingly, the German attack has been concentrated on my strongest point, just west of the city. At that section, I have good interior lines that allow reserves to shuffle between spots that are buckling, as happened during the first wave of assaults. Even though it's more heavily defended on a single-hex basis, it would probably do well for the Germans to go right at Grozny itself. But who am I to suggest how to defeat my positions?



Sector: Black Sea Coast
The bulk of the 45th Army that was cut off has now surrendered. But the 46th Army is holding its ground, trying to delay or prevent the German advance on Sokhumi. I'm very stretched for units at this point. If I were to reinforce this area, it would have to come all the way from Astrakhan by sea, then by rail from Baku. It would take at least three turns/weeks for help to arrive. So I'm kind of risking my butt here by not calling for reinforcements just yet.



Sector: The Caucasus - OPERATION: WATERFALL

This is a double for theatre update and operational plans. As suggested, the idea behind this offensive is to break through the Romanian defenders (1), screened on the right against counterattack (2), while holding firm at Grozny (3). This should hopefully disengage the Germans that are trying to capture Grozny, forcing an about-face to confront my charging attack force of four Guards armies and one Shock army.



AFRICA


Sector: El Alamein - OPERATION: TURNPIKE
Plans for this operation have been in the works for over a month now, as I've hinted at the strategy you see in this slide. It will be one big wheel maneuver, designed to take advantage of the weaker Italian units screening the southern flank of the Afrika Korps. I do know that there is at least a mechanized DAK division in the southern section, but if it can be surrounded and quickly dispatched, success here is at least likely. The first wave (1) will be the X Corps tanks supported by the I Corps infantry, attacking westward into the Italians. At this point, the V Corps will move west from El Alamein (2) to act as a quick-strike reserve should a counter attack come from the western flank of the I/X Corps. Finally, should this first part work well enough, the assault force will wheel again (3), this time to the north and into the rear of the DAK and Italians along the coast.



Sector: Morocco - OPERATION: TORCH

The Yanks are getting into the action next turn/week with this operation. There will be four task forces. The British will be landing in North/South task forces along the Moroccan coast (1). That will be the first wave, landing on Turns 027 and 028. This should force the Vichy French to capitulate within a few turns. The Americans will land in West/East task forces on the Algerian coast (2). Those landings will start on Turns 028, after the British landings. Once ashore, the US forces will move to link up quickly at Algiers. At some point following the Vichy surrender, the British force will move back to the port hexes, recoup supply and readiness, then shuttle around Tangier to support the US force advancing on Tunisia. The British 1st Airborne will remain on an airfield hex at Casablanca, for later use.



Saturday, June 16, 2012

TR 42-45 1.5.2 - ALLIED vs Mark - T025: 10.23.42

T025 10.23.42

Okay, the mud has dried up, and action is ready to explode with renewed fury. This might be the last turn before I launch an offensive operation on three fronts: The Caucasus from Astrakhan; El Alamein; and a new front in Morocco. The initial outline for this offensive is as follows:

T026:
Disband +15 Recon @ 4 Turns
T027:
Disband +5 Shock @ 2 Turns
Disband Operation Torch Sea Transport (30k)
British Land in Morocco
British Attack from El Alamein
Russians Attack from Astrakhan
T028:
Americans Land in Algeria

RUSSIA 

Sector: Leningrad
The perimeter around Leningrad has stiffened against the German onslaught. Contracting inward worked well enough, not that I had a choice here, but the troops on the front lines are getting tired quickly. The Germans are constantly shuffling fresh units in and out of the attack, keeping their readiness much higher than my own troops' levels. At this point, having held against the Germans for more than a month, any more success in defending the city is gravy.


Sector: Yelets-Voronezh
My initial ambitions in this area have been foiled due to the mud season, as it allowed the Germans here to dig in and reach the all-valuable "fortified" entrenchment level. By all estimations, it seems the Germans are focusing all efforts on the Caucasus oil fields anyway, so keeping a ton of men and hardware in this area won't do much good. I've pulled three of four Guards armies from the front line, leaving the 1st Guards Army to cover the vacated section front. The 1st, 3rd, and 7th Guards armies will board trains for the Astrakhan sector. The buildup there will allow me to launch an offensive right into the flank of the German offensive toward Grozny. more on that in the next slides.


Sector: Astrakhan
Funneling this much strength into the Astrakhan sector serves two purposes: 1) protecting a critical supply crossroads; and 2) allow for possible offensive toward the Germans near Grozny or Stalingrad. If Grozny holds--doubtful without help--and Stalingrad is threatened, I can use this staging area to relieve the latter with pressure from the south. But as I expect, an offensive toward the southwest into the German left flank will be the likely course of action here. The Germans are being screened by the Romanians and a few supporting Wehrmacht divisions. If I can assemble a large enough force around Astrakhan, I should be able to handle the Romanians, and push the supporting Germans far enough that it would relieve pressure on Grozny. But time is very sensitive right now. More on that in a moment.


Sector: Grozny
My count is three German corps moving on Grozny, including the II SS Panzer Korps spearheading the assault right into the centre of my defenses. The 60th Army has been moved from the Voronezh sector and is now digging in to support my left flank. The 67th Army has landed from Astrakhan, and after staging for a week, will move to Grozny. Judging by the strength comparison, this force alone cannot withstand such a push by the Germans. But it could come down to how quickly I can organize and launch an offensive from Astrakhan.


Sector: Black Sea Coast
This area has been more difficult to defend than anticipated, as I've had to commit three armies to simply slow down the German advance. Now that that 46th Army has arrived in force, I'm hopeful I can mount a decent defense before the Germans reach Sokhumi.


AFRICA

Sector: El Alamein
I've lost contact with the southern flank of the DAK and Italian, causing some concern that my offensive will run into trouble. The bulk of the DAK panzers and support units remain along the coast road. But the last recon showed at least one mechanized regiment supporting the Italians on the southern flank of the Axis force.

Friday, June 15, 2012

TR 42-45 1.5.2 - ALLIED vs Mark - T022-024: 10.02.42-10.16.42

T022-024 10.02.42 - 10.16.42
*Triple Turn due to mud season bogging everything down*

RUSSIA 

Theatre Update
The mud season has begun, grinding everything to a halt. And I couldn't be happier! Mark used some of his offensive operational disbands, including the all-valuable shock disband. But he was caught with his hand in the cookie jar on this one. So the 50% shock for both sides will negate any significant advantage the Axis side would have with the disbands.

Not much action in terms of battle. But I've shifted some of the armies around. Most notably are the Guards armies that are now coming in more frequently. The 2nd Guards has been moved to the Karelian Region at the Finland border. The 10th Guards has been moved from the Rzhev sector down to the Yelets-Voronezh sectors. And the 5th Guards is now at Stalingrad. More movements include reinforcements beginning to stage for transport to Murmansk. And a the 60th Army sailing down from Astrakhan to the Grozny area.

As the mud season draws to a close, the bulk of the Guards armies near the Yelets-Voronezh are preparing to move south to the Astrakhan and Grozny areas for what is expected to be a mammoth fight for the oil fields. One Guards army and one regular army will be sent north to the Karelian region, bolstering my presence there in case the Axis forces get full of themselves.

The situation down in the south looks to play out immediately following the end of the mud season, as the large Axis offensive force is staging at the end of T024. 

AFRICA

Theatre Update
Like in Russia, the mud has slowed everything. But the DAK and Italians are still vulnerable. This situation in Egypt is so tempting, that I might use some offensive operational disbands and launch my counter offensive as soon as the mud eases up. With such a strong defensive position to work from, and plenty of rest and supply for my British Commonwealth force, I wouldn't have much to lose. The only drawback would be that I should wait until the Torch invasion force is ready to go. But I've had trouble with that operation before where I had to wait longer than the historical invasion date.

Decisions, decisions...

Thursday, June 14, 2012

TR 42-45 1.5.2 - ALLIED vs Mark - T021: 09.25.42

T021 09.25.42
*Don't mind the reorganization markings. The screenshots are from the beginning of ensuing turn following this AAR entry. So the shot here is of the start of Turn 22. The reorg markings are due to a 50% shock level in T022 from the mud season.*

RUSSIA 

Sector: Leningrad
Just one hex pickup for the Germans this turn. The units left on the front line to stall the enemy have done surprisingly well. Other than that, the assault has slowed significantly, as one would expect at this stage of the siege.

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

TR 42-45 1.5.2 - ALLIED vs Mark - T020: 09.18.42

T020 09.18.42

RUSSIA 

Sector: Leningrad
With no chance of reinforcement, it looks like Leningrad's days are numbered. The city doesn't have the strategic significance of others, except that it will allow more freedom for the Fins to operate in an expanded area. I will need to order more troops to the Karelian region, as I now expect a much stronger push coming from the Finland border. Still, Leningrad should be able to hold out for another month. I'm pulling troops back from the front line southwest of the city limits. This should at least give me a better opportunity to rotate units in and out of the battle line. And the concentration of manpower should help keep the Germans at bay for a little while longer.


ELSEWHERE

Nothing else worth reporting.

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

TR 42-45 1.5.2 - ALLIED vs Mark - T019: 09.11.42

T019 09.11.42

RUSSIA 

Sector: Leningrad
Kirovsk has fallen, not a moment later than I anticipated. It took about three attacks for the Germans to finally break the line. To the southwest, another concerted effort, this time including an SS Panzer division, failed after three attempts to break the line. As Mark put it, "that other division deserves a buttload of medals."  But I'm afraid medals won't save Leningrad...


Sectors: Yelets-Voronezh
Unlike Leningrad, the central sectors of Yelets-Voronezh are improving slightly. Of course, bringing such a force of four Guards armies to bear on the enemy will help your chances more often than not. Still, capturing three hexes, one on either side of Yelets and one near Voronezh, will keep the Germans on their toes here. My hope is that I can destabilize the German lines enough to force troops to be siphoned off from other parts of the front. And if I can bag a few Nazi divisions in the process, fantastic.


AFRICA

Sector: El Alamein
The DAK and Italians are sort of falling into my trap, advancing close to the coast, with the bulk of their armor hugging the main rail line. The next two weeks will be critical to the outcome in this theatre.


Monday, June 11, 2012

TR 42-45 1.5.2 - ALLIED vs Mark - T018: 09.04.42

T018 09.04.42

RUSSIA 

Sector: Leningrad
The Germans have thrown another wave at the outer defenses of Leningrad, but with no success in breaking the line. The Russian troops there are falling back and filling the gaps as the battles rage, but I fear it's only a matter of time before the lines contract inward toward the city limits.

Sectors: Yelets-Voronezh
Now that I've massed four Guards armies between Yelets and Voronezh, I'm hoping I can pressure the Axis lines enough to force them back a few miles. Giving these cities a little breathing room will go a long way to solving my problems in the central regions of the Russian Front. And once my large chunk of reinforcements arrive in three weeks, I can use them to relieve the Guards on the front line here. Freeing up the Guards is critical over the next month, as I expect to need them in the south near Stalingrad and the Caucasus.

Sector: Astrakhan
This wasn't part of my original plan for the defense of Russia, but I'm massing armies in the Astrakhan sector. So far, I have four fully-deployed armies (53, 56, 40, 39) and three more disembarking or staging (48, 62, 47) to be deployed. They are all supported by various Op Groups. Most of the armies in this area now are from the Yelets-Voronezh sectors, since the Guards armies have taken over operations up there. The objective here in the south is to build a large striker contingent based on the enemy's flanks as it splits its force to go north toward Stalingrad, or south toward Grozny. I'm guessing Mark won't leave just a few screening units between the two heads of his offensive, since it would be ripe for the picking with all these Russians just sitting and building up readiness for battle.


AFRICA

Sector: El Alamein
Rommel is inching closer to my defenses at El Alamein. However, it doesn't seem likely (or logical) that the DAK and Italians would launch an all-out attack on my British lines there. I'm going to give this situation a little more time to develop. If the opportunity presents itself, I'll use the "Right Wheel" tactic to engage the DAK's flank, while punching a few Italian units backward in the process. However, if I feel like this is going to bog down into a staring match, it will be in the Allies' best interest to simply leave a large enough contingent in Egypt to guard the roads to Suez, and ship the rest back to England for a planned invasion elsewhere.

Sunday, June 10, 2012

TR 42-45 1.5.2 - ALLIED vs Mark - T017: 08.28.42

T017 08.28.42

RUSSIA 

Sector: Leningrad
The battle for Leningrad begins in earnest, as the rail guns open up with a terrific roar. No less than five German corps, including the XXXIX Panzer, pressure the outer defenses, focusing on Kirovsk and a few miles west. Some of my Russian division are pushed back out of the works, but are covered by reserves that join the battle. The initial battles are already bloody affairs, and I only anticipate it will worsen as the siege rolls onward.

AFRICA

Sector: El Alamein
I've ordered forward a few detachments from the XXX Corps, with the objectives of 1) scouting the strength of the approaching DAK and Italians, and 2) draw the lead elements of the Axis army into early combat. The Axis forces are already weary from a sharp battle for Tobruk. And despite the increased supply gained for a while from capturing the city, staging a fighting advance toward El Alamein is probably not what Rommel wants right now. As for the El Alamein defensive line, I've massed the tanks of the I and X Corps to the south, with the XXX covering northward to the Mediterranean, and the XIII Corps in immediate reserve. There is also the VIII Corps back near Alexandria. If the DAK attempts to strike at the XXX Corps (I expect this, since that is the only decent supply road to keep the German panzers running) I can swing the I and X Corps in a right wheel, slamming into the German right flank. But this is getting a bit ahead of myself. Let's see what Rommel (okay, Mark) does now that he's faced with resistance so far out in front of the British lines.

Saturday, June 9, 2012

TR 42-45 1.5.2 - ALLIED vs Mark - T016: 08.21.42

Things were so quiet this turn, I'm pretty much skipping it. Plus, I forgot to write up the AAR for this turn when it happened, so I'm not going back and doing it with the benefit of hindsight. After all, the point of these AARs is to get a stream of thought through the scenario.

Friday, June 8, 2012

TR 42-45 1.5.2 - ALLIED vs Mark - T015: 08.14.42

T015 08.14.42

RUSSIA 

Theatre Update
German Panzers are rolling along past Maikop. However, my ace in the hole is the narrow passes in the mountain range. The German armor does best in open terrain, as evidenced in the previous weeks' combat to the north. I've shipped by rail three armies from the Yelets-Voronez sectors down to Astrakhan, one of them already transported by sea down to Grozny. I simply cannot afford to lose Grozny this early, if at all. It seems like a long shot, but delaying for at least five more weeks will offer a great reward. That will come in the form of about 10 fresh Russian armies, including at least two Guards armies. That will allow me to change the focus from the Caucasus to the norther sectors.


Very preliminary plans are being made for a large offensive in the Velikie Luki area, just north of where I staged the controlled withdrawal during the first two weeks of this scenario. There are three shock armies there on the front lines now. With the arrival of reinforcements in five to six weeks, I'll have enough to make a decent push, forcing the Germans to pull troops from other sectors.

ELSEWHERE

Africa - The Afrika Korps and Italians are slowly inching toward my lines west of El Alamein.

NW Europe - A strategic bombing campaign by the RAF is beginning to target supply and industry targets.

Thursday, June 7, 2012

TR 42-45 1.5.2 - ALLIED vs Mark - T014: 08.07.42

T014 08.07.42

RUSSIA 

Sectors: Maikop
As my Russian divisions scamper toward Tuapse and the fortified positions in the overlooking mountains, the Germans press on, crushing division after division on their deadly ride to the sea. I wish there were more to report here, but right now, it's a bloodbath.

Sectors: Murmansk
Murmansk is stabilizing with the arrival (finally) of the 33 Army. If things get sketchy here again, I can ship another army up, but I'd much rather focus on protecting the Caucasus oil fields and the rail hubs at Yelets and Voronezh.
ELSEWHERE


Yelets-Voronezh - Speaking of these sectors, it's just continued fighting with no progress on either side. 

Egypt - No action since the fall of Tobruk. Axis supply is dwindling. It's only a matter of time before I must consider a counter offensive. But I'm not that brave just yet.

NW Europe - Bridge busting missions continue with the RAF. Holland has lost nearly half its bridges, as the attacks shift toward Belgium.

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

TR 42-45 1.5.2 - ALLIED vs Mark - T013: 07.31.42

T013 07.31.42

RUSSIA 

Sectors: Maikop
The German breakthrough is gaining steam with each shot fired. My lines are shattered, and now it's just a great race to the mountain passes and the sea. At first, I counted only three Panzer corps, but now I see that four were waiting to pounce. This, combined with the infantry corps, was too much for even my three armies plus another two to defend against. My hope here is to salvage a few divisions to defend the mountain pass along the Black Sea. Worse yet, the mobile supply points have been caught up in the panic, and are likely going to be destroyed in retreat.



Sectors: Yelets-Voronezh
Though it looks dangerous, the small breakthroughs by the Germans are only more of the same in this part of the Russian Front. I should have little trouble plugging up the two open holes (1 & 2), while still maintaining my reserve force  of the 7 Gds Army. My plans for a counter offensive hinge on the front line divisions holding off the Germans for at least another two weeks. Somewhat surprising is how well my Yelets Sector forces have held against the 2 Panzer Armee, which wasn't able to puncture the defenses. 



Sectors: Murmansk
Last week, I had the 33 Army all ready to sail from Archangelsk, but completely forgot about them. So now the Germans and Finns are pressing on Murmansk. The 33 Army won't arrive until next week. I should be able to hold until then. This would be a major loss for the Allies.




Tuesday, June 5, 2012

TR 42-45 1.5.2 - ALLIED vs Mark - T012: 07.24.42

T012 07.24.42

RUSSIA 

Sectors: Maikop
What was once a stable situation in the south has suddenly turned dangerous. Mark even admitted he wasn't expecting such an easy breakthrough at Krasnodar, but has taken advantage quickly. There are three Panzer corps now pressing across the river, and the Brandenbergers have been deployed to take advantage of my fragile situation. Since the Germans have already crossed two full Panzer divisions, and are pressing in two other spots along the river, I have no choice but to fall back into the mountains. The passes along the Black Sea coast offer a fantastic defensive opportunity for me, but the trick is getting as much of my force out of here as possible.


Sectors: Yelets-Voronezh
A few gains by the Germans in these sectors, but nothing major. The Russians should be able to push back next week.

Monday, June 4, 2012

TR 42-45 1.5.2 - ALLIED vs Mark - T011: 07.17.42

T011 07.17.42

RUSSIA

Sectors: Yelets-Voronezh
Two fresh armies (60, 7 Gds) have arrived, but I've only committed one to battle so far. The 60 Army has bolstered the buckling center, between the 3 Gds Tank Army and the 38 Army. The 7 Gds Army will disembark next turn and build up its readiness. If the front lines can hold long enough, I'm hoping to use the 7 Gds in a counter offensive to drive back some of the most forward German divisions. This should give me more time to gather reinforcements as they arrive, and relieve the exhausted front line armies in this bloody stretch of the Russian Front.


Sector: Maikop
With three armies digging in, I'm confident this positions can hold off a mid-sized offensive for at least a week or two. If I must fall back into the mountains, so be it. The terrain south of this sector is so brutal, I don't imagine the Germans continuing any attack immediately following the eventual capture of Maikop. There are plenty of fresh German corps moving into this area via Rostov. I'm anticipating an impressive offensive southward from the Axis armies. Also to note, the Brandenbergers haven't been used yet. Could this be the first instance? It wouldn't make much sense to me. Capturing Maikop is good, but not like capturing Stalingrad or even Grozny.


Friday, June 1, 2012

TR 42-45 1.5.2 - ALLIED vs Mark - T010: 07.10.42

T010 07.10.42

GLOBAL

Aside from some local skirmishes, this week has been eerily quiet. Nothing to report. Some Russian reinforcements have arrived and are being moved toward the front. The RAF has busted a few bridges in Holland. And the Afrika Korps is still massing after the fall of Tobruk.