T066: 8.6.43
Sector: Rzhev - OPERATION: GUILLOTINE
The 2nd Guards Army is now split between both pincers, but the 5th Guards Army and 5th Guards Tank are supporting the western attack. The Germans successfully breached through the pocket wall with 2. Panzer Division, but the 2nd Guards Tank and supporting Op Group closed the window for now. The 8th Guards Army is holding the southeastern wall of the outside line, with the 4th Guards Tank helping out. But I’ll need the 4th to displace and support the middle where the Germans are looking to free the two full corps trapped in the Rzhev pocket. The main attack force is now getting very tired with all the counterattacks being lobbed its way. But I’ll pull out another army or two to support. Plus, I’m also beginning to close the pocket from the north, which hopefully reduces the amount of time the Germans have before I march off 100,000 prisoners from the VI., XX., and XXVII. Korps. Time is running short on both sides to either save or destroy the pocket. If I can’t crush the Rzhev pocket, this offensive will be a failure.
Sector: Sicily - OPERATION: HUSKY
I’m extremely confident in the ability to control all of the island by Sept. 1. That’s still a month away (4 turns), but it’s possible now that the 2nd Armored managed to capture Catania and the 5th Division surprisingly punctured a hole in the Italian line south of Mt. Etna. I now have at least four full artillery brigades (not including HQ units) at my disposal, along with a refreshed set of US Navy Squadrons. The Italian navy made a dangerous sortie near Brolo, but I smacked them around a bit. The key here is to connect the rail lines to get that 100-pt supply base at Palermo pumping throughout the entire island. I have two engineer battalions working on it, but progress is a bit slow. The quicker I get supply flowing, the quicker I can take the rest of Sicily.
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Monday, July 30, 2012
TR 42-45 1.5.2 - ALLIED vs Mark - T065: 7.30.43
T065: 7.30.43
Sector: Rzhev - OPERATION: GUILLOTINE
It seems the success of this operation is guaranteed at this point, with the two pincers of the offensive linked by a swath three hexes wide. Supply is flowing through both ends of the breakthrough, while the Germans at Rzhev will have to simply await their fate in captivity or a grave. I’m shipping in six artillery divisions that arrived last turn, for the sole purpose of blasting the Rzhev pocket into dust. Now that the Rzhev pocket is completely cut off from supply and reinforcement, I can concentrate all of the Guards armies on continuing the offensive southward toward Vyazma. I’m not going to push my luck too much here, as I don’t want to risk having much of my veteran elite units destroyed by overextending them just to take Vyazma for a turn or two, only to have a strong German counter offensive crush me. Plus, the shock runs out after this turn, so I won’t have the combat advantages I’ve enjoyed for all of this offensive so far, most significantly, the increased number of combat rounds.
Sector: Sicily - OPERATION: HUSKY
Much of the island will be under Allied control by the end of next turn, including the major ports of Palermo, Syracuse and Catania, the latter of which was captured this past turn by the 2nd Armored Division. I can’t stress this enough, but considering how this operation started, to have not lost a single unit to evaporation is a MAJOR accomplishment at this stage. And with so many replacements ready to go, the US 9th and 34th divisions are nearing full combat strength after losing almost 95 percent of its effective fighting force. Now begins the second stage of operations on Sicily, which is the tough road to Messina. Once the Italians capitulate in a few turns, it will be markedly easier to move on the final Sicilian objective. For now, clearing out the western third of the island is my primary focus, while harassing the Germans and Italians digging into the mountains. In a few turns, I’ll begin planning for the invasion of Sardenia and Corsica, likely led by the two Canadian corps available in Africa.
Sector: Rzhev - OPERATION: GUILLOTINE
It seems the success of this operation is guaranteed at this point, with the two pincers of the offensive linked by a swath three hexes wide. Supply is flowing through both ends of the breakthrough, while the Germans at Rzhev will have to simply await their fate in captivity or a grave. I’m shipping in six artillery divisions that arrived last turn, for the sole purpose of blasting the Rzhev pocket into dust. Now that the Rzhev pocket is completely cut off from supply and reinforcement, I can concentrate all of the Guards armies on continuing the offensive southward toward Vyazma. I’m not going to push my luck too much here, as I don’t want to risk having much of my veteran elite units destroyed by overextending them just to take Vyazma for a turn or two, only to have a strong German counter offensive crush me. Plus, the shock runs out after this turn, so I won’t have the combat advantages I’ve enjoyed for all of this offensive so far, most significantly, the increased number of combat rounds.
Sector: Sicily - OPERATION: HUSKY
Much of the island will be under Allied control by the end of next turn, including the major ports of Palermo, Syracuse and Catania, the latter of which was captured this past turn by the 2nd Armored Division. I can’t stress this enough, but considering how this operation started, to have not lost a single unit to evaporation is a MAJOR accomplishment at this stage. And with so many replacements ready to go, the US 9th and 34th divisions are nearing full combat strength after losing almost 95 percent of its effective fighting force. Now begins the second stage of operations on Sicily, which is the tough road to Messina. Once the Italians capitulate in a few turns, it will be markedly easier to move on the final Sicilian objective. For now, clearing out the western third of the island is my primary focus, while harassing the Germans and Italians digging into the mountains. In a few turns, I’ll begin planning for the invasion of Sardenia and Corsica, likely led by the two Canadian corps available in Africa.
Sunday, July 29, 2012
TR 42-45 1.5.2 - ALLIED vs Mark - T064: 7.23.43
T064: 7.23.43
Sector: Rzhev - OPERATION: GUILLOTINE
The two pincers have made contact south of Rzhev, but it’s more symbolic at this point than it is strategic. I’m nearly sure those lead elements of the 3rd and 5th Guards Tank armies will face a swift and fierce counterattack by the Germans, who are rapidly funneling reinforcements into the area on a daily basis. I will still have the advantage with 110% shock for one more turn after this, so establishing that I am at all able to connect the two attack forces is a nice milestone to reach before the shock runs out. Two more Guards armies have arrived. The 2nd Guards Tank army’s lead elements, along with two fresh artillery divisions, are getting off the trains east of the Vyazma pincer, while the 2nd Guards Army is disembarking just west of Rzhev. As a precaution, I’m going to order at least two more armies, even if they’re just regular infantry armies, to this offensive as a tactical reserve.
Sector: Sicily - OPERATION: HUSKY
For an operation to start off so terrifying, HUSKY is quickly emerging as a resounding success, as the II Corps’ landing at Palermo seems to have been the game changer I was needing here. Not only will the Italians surrender soon, but I’ve officially connected all three major landing beachheads. Right now there are three American corps and one British corps on the island, with two Canadian and one more British corps ready to come ashore if needed. The Germans seems to be forming a defensive line to protect the approach to Messina, anchored by the 7th SS Geb Division and 2. FJ Division. Provided I can quickly get either of the two US armored divisions into the gap behind the German position, there’s a chance I can bag at least one of those two powerful units.
ELSEWHERE
Sector: Batumi
Mark is now digging in like crazy here, causing me to think he’s going to pause all other operations along the eastern front to focus squarely on the Rzhev situation. That’s great news for me, since the Batumi sector was still very fragile. Now that action has ceased there, most of my armies are returning to “green” readiness. And since I still hold the Batumi port hex, an end run landing behind the German positions is not out of the question.
Sector: Crete
I’m contemplating whether or not to even take a stab at Rhodes. There are two very strong German divisions manning the beaches, and the island doesn’t really hold the strategic significance that Crete does. Meanwhile, the XXX Corps continues to sweep Crete of the last defenders.
Sector: Rzhev - OPERATION: GUILLOTINE
The two pincers have made contact south of Rzhev, but it’s more symbolic at this point than it is strategic. I’m nearly sure those lead elements of the 3rd and 5th Guards Tank armies will face a swift and fierce counterattack by the Germans, who are rapidly funneling reinforcements into the area on a daily basis. I will still have the advantage with 110% shock for one more turn after this, so establishing that I am at all able to connect the two attack forces is a nice milestone to reach before the shock runs out. Two more Guards armies have arrived. The 2nd Guards Tank army’s lead elements, along with two fresh artillery divisions, are getting off the trains east of the Vyazma pincer, while the 2nd Guards Army is disembarking just west of Rzhev. As a precaution, I’m going to order at least two more armies, even if they’re just regular infantry armies, to this offensive as a tactical reserve.
Sector: Sicily - OPERATION: HUSKY
For an operation to start off so terrifying, HUSKY is quickly emerging as a resounding success, as the II Corps’ landing at Palermo seems to have been the game changer I was needing here. Not only will the Italians surrender soon, but I’ve officially connected all three major landing beachheads. Right now there are three American corps and one British corps on the island, with two Canadian and one more British corps ready to come ashore if needed. The Germans seems to be forming a defensive line to protect the approach to Messina, anchored by the 7th SS Geb Division and 2. FJ Division. Provided I can quickly get either of the two US armored divisions into the gap behind the German position, there’s a chance I can bag at least one of those two powerful units.
ELSEWHERE
Sector: Batumi
Mark is now digging in like crazy here, causing me to think he’s going to pause all other operations along the eastern front to focus squarely on the Rzhev situation. That’s great news for me, since the Batumi sector was still very fragile. Now that action has ceased there, most of my armies are returning to “green” readiness. And since I still hold the Batumi port hex, an end run landing behind the German positions is not out of the question.
Sector: Crete
I’m contemplating whether or not to even take a stab at Rhodes. There are two very strong German divisions manning the beaches, and the island doesn’t really hold the strategic significance that Crete does. Meanwhile, the XXX Corps continues to sweep Crete of the last defenders.
TR 42-45 1.5.2 - ALLIED vs Mark - T063: 7.16.43
T063: 7.16.43
Sector: Rzhev - OPERATION: GUILLOTINE
The 110% Shock has taken full effect now, as not only have I received added boost to the attacking power of my units, but also extended battle rounds. This has allowed me to really grind into the German salient position south of Rzhev. The big problem, however, is that all three (!) of my airborne divisions were destroyed in the German counterattacks. That’s a huge loss for me, particularly in terms of the operational plans. Now it will be up to the main ground forces to move quickly and with more aggression than if the airborne drop zones were still in Russian control. I’ll need to transfer at least two more armies into this operation now that the airborne element is gone.
Sector: Sicily - OPERATION: HUSKY
After the sheer terror at group HQ last turn, things are turning slightly more positive this turn, as the V Corps is all but two divisions (5th & 29th) ashore, with two British divisions (6th Armour & 46th Infantry) of the V Corps added to the beachhead for support. Since the US V Corps took such a pounding just getting onto the beaches, this will be the first beachhead to receive British reinforcements in the form of a full corps (V Corps) from Tripoli. Following the V Corps will then be the British I Corps, also waiting in Tripoli. At Agrigento, the VI Corps added its recon group and HQ unit, with the remnants of the 82nd Airborne covering the beach hex.
The big development this turn came with the capture of Palermo, after which Mark indicated to me caught him by surprise. The capture of the biggest city in Sicily triggers the capitulation process for Italy. In 4-12 turns, all Italian military forces will lay down their arms. The problem is, however, the 9th and 34th divisions failed to come ashore, leaving them critically vulnerable to attack. Without their support on land, I was forced to use two brigades from the Malta Garrison to help cover the western flank of the beachhead. The Malta units were the smallest available combat units to be transported by the sea transport I had remaining. In the next wave of landings, I’ll have a bunch of support units from the Fifth Army and Fifteenth Army Group, as well as the Canadian I Corps, which will likely land at Palermo. If necessary, the Canadian II Corps will be called up to support any beachhead in danger.
Sector: Rzhev - OPERATION: GUILLOTINE
The 110% Shock has taken full effect now, as not only have I received added boost to the attacking power of my units, but also extended battle rounds. This has allowed me to really grind into the German salient position south of Rzhev. The big problem, however, is that all three (!) of my airborne divisions were destroyed in the German counterattacks. That’s a huge loss for me, particularly in terms of the operational plans. Now it will be up to the main ground forces to move quickly and with more aggression than if the airborne drop zones were still in Russian control. I’ll need to transfer at least two more armies into this operation now that the airborne element is gone.
Sector: Sicily - OPERATION: HUSKY
After the sheer terror at group HQ last turn, things are turning slightly more positive this turn, as the V Corps is all but two divisions (5th & 29th) ashore, with two British divisions (6th Armour & 46th Infantry) of the V Corps added to the beachhead for support. Since the US V Corps took such a pounding just getting onto the beaches, this will be the first beachhead to receive British reinforcements in the form of a full corps (V Corps) from Tripoli. Following the V Corps will then be the British I Corps, also waiting in Tripoli. At Agrigento, the VI Corps added its recon group and HQ unit, with the remnants of the 82nd Airborne covering the beach hex.
The big development this turn came with the capture of Palermo, after which Mark indicated to me caught him by surprise. The capture of the biggest city in Sicily triggers the capitulation process for Italy. In 4-12 turns, all Italian military forces will lay down their arms. The problem is, however, the 9th and 34th divisions failed to come ashore, leaving them critically vulnerable to attack. Without their support on land, I was forced to use two brigades from the Malta Garrison to help cover the western flank of the beachhead. The Malta units were the smallest available combat units to be transported by the sea transport I had remaining. In the next wave of landings, I’ll have a bunch of support units from the Fifth Army and Fifteenth Army Group, as well as the Canadian I Corps, which will likely land at Palermo. If necessary, the Canadian II Corps will be called up to support any beachhead in danger.
TR 42-45 1.5.2 - ALLIED vs Mark - T062: 7.9.43
T062: 7.9.43
Sector: Rzhev - OPERATION: GUILLOTINE
The first wave of attacks got off to a rocky start, but finished the turn having punched holes in both sides of the German salient. Provided the Airborne divisions aren’t swallowed up in the ensuing German counterattack, this operation is off to a great start. On the western slope of the curve, the 5th Guards Tank led the breakthrough, followed up by the remainder of the 5th Guards Army, which detached three divisions for the airborne drop. To the east, the 3rd Guards Tank and 3rd Guards Army are at the tip of the spearhead, with the 4th Guards Army in support. The 8th Guards Army to the north hasn’t even been committed to battle, and will provide valuable reserves for any problems that arise to the south. The Germans have a decent immediate reserve in front of the eastern breakthrough, so I’ll have to watch that section carefully. My objective for the next turn will be to link up the 5th Guards with the Airborne units.
Sector: Crete - OPERATION: CARRIAGEWAY
This operation was so successful, I’m going to alter my HUSKY plans to include some of the British Corps that weren’t used in CARRIAGEWAY. All but two brigades of the XXX Corps are landed on Crete, now sweeping the island for remaining defenders. Once this is done, the South African division will become the garrison force here, with the rest of the XXX Corps moving to other actions. The capture of Crete will be critical for any invasion of mainland Europe, not excluding landings in the Balkans or the boot of Italy.
Sector: Sicily - OPERATION: HUSKY
Crap. Crap crap crap. Did I say “crap”? The ENTIRE V Corps has failed to get onto the beaches. This is disastrous on many levels, not only for the seaborne units off the coast of Syracuse. The airborne operation was designed to work directly with the beach landings. Now, with no support from the infantry, the British 1st Airborne--was added at the last minute to cover the northern flank of the landings--is a sitting duck for German counterattacks. I’m dreading what Mark is going to do to the seaborne units and Naval support squadrons. This next update could be the ugliest of the scenario. To the west, however, the VI Corps landed without a hiccup, and the 82nd Airborne has cut off the western rail line. The problem I now face here is that the 82nd was scattered on the drop, and could be eaten up piecemeal. If that happens, the unit will no longer be capable of airborne operations for the rest of the scenario. That is one TOAW rule I’d like to see changed.
Sector: Batumi - Black Sea Coast
Not much action again this turn. Just some local attacks/counterattacks. The Armies I pulled off the line earlier (44th, 45th, 46th, 53rd) are nearly ready for battle. That’s a huge help to my cause here.
Sector: Rzhev - OPERATION: GUILLOTINE
The first wave of attacks got off to a rocky start, but finished the turn having punched holes in both sides of the German salient. Provided the Airborne divisions aren’t swallowed up in the ensuing German counterattack, this operation is off to a great start. On the western slope of the curve, the 5th Guards Tank led the breakthrough, followed up by the remainder of the 5th Guards Army, which detached three divisions for the airborne drop. To the east, the 3rd Guards Tank and 3rd Guards Army are at the tip of the spearhead, with the 4th Guards Army in support. The 8th Guards Army to the north hasn’t even been committed to battle, and will provide valuable reserves for any problems that arise to the south. The Germans have a decent immediate reserve in front of the eastern breakthrough, so I’ll have to watch that section carefully. My objective for the next turn will be to link up the 5th Guards with the Airborne units.
Sector: Crete - OPERATION: CARRIAGEWAY
This operation was so successful, I’m going to alter my HUSKY plans to include some of the British Corps that weren’t used in CARRIAGEWAY. All but two brigades of the XXX Corps are landed on Crete, now sweeping the island for remaining defenders. Once this is done, the South African division will become the garrison force here, with the rest of the XXX Corps moving to other actions. The capture of Crete will be critical for any invasion of mainland Europe, not excluding landings in the Balkans or the boot of Italy.
Sector: Sicily - OPERATION: HUSKY
Crap. Crap crap crap. Did I say “crap”? The ENTIRE V Corps has failed to get onto the beaches. This is disastrous on many levels, not only for the seaborne units off the coast of Syracuse. The airborne operation was designed to work directly with the beach landings. Now, with no support from the infantry, the British 1st Airborne--was added at the last minute to cover the northern flank of the landings--is a sitting duck for German counterattacks. I’m dreading what Mark is going to do to the seaborne units and Naval support squadrons. This next update could be the ugliest of the scenario. To the west, however, the VI Corps landed without a hiccup, and the 82nd Airborne has cut off the western rail line. The problem I now face here is that the 82nd was scattered on the drop, and could be eaten up piecemeal. If that happens, the unit will no longer be capable of airborne operations for the rest of the scenario. That is one TOAW rule I’d like to see changed.
Sector: Batumi - Black Sea Coast
Not much action again this turn. Just some local attacks/counterattacks. The Armies I pulled off the line earlier (44th, 45th, 46th, 53rd) are nearly ready for battle. That’s a huge help to my cause here.
TR 42-45 1.5.2 - ALLIED vs Mark - T061: 7.2.43
T061: 7.2.43
Disbands:
+10 Shock @ 4 Turns
Air Trans 4k @ 1 Turns
Sea Trans (Husky) 45k @ 2 Turns
Strategic Bomb -4 @ 4 Turns
Sector: Rzhev - OPERATION: GUILLOTINE
Now that all of my artillery is in place, Mark has assumed something is coming this way, transferring at least two Panzer divisions by rail from the south, with a few other infantry divisions on the way as well. Fortunately the blown bridges south of Vyazma helped keep the reinforcements out of the salient. But rail crews are on the scene, so those bridges will be back up in no time. I’ve also used all of my rail transport (which is very difficult to do, figuring there is 54k Rail available to the Allied side) to get five Guards armies in place for the assault.
Sector: Crete/Rhodes - OPERATION: CARRIAGEWAY
As with most military operations, plans change. I’ve decided to not wait and land two divisions directly into Iraklion, with two more landing on the eastern tip of the island, and skipping the Rhodes section of the offensive all together. The former surprisingly worked flawlessly, while the latter surprisingly didn’t. The 4th and 51st divisions came ashore at Iraklion, capturing the port and the supply point. The 2nd New Zealand and 9th Australian divisions attempted to land on the eastern port hex, but were turned back by a single static defensive unit. The risk here now is that they could be targeted by the roving Italian Navy, last seen near Athens. Over the next two turns, I’ll land the rest of the XXX Corps at Iraklion, and the X Corps if needed. But now that the supply point on Crete has been taken first, much of this operation is moot. I’ll just need to secure the island, which will require significantly less manpower and material.
Sector: Sicily - OPERATION HUSKY
I’m hoping Mark doesn’t see through my HUSKY plans as easily as the GUILLOTINE plans. The 82nd Airborne is staging for the initial drop, while the line divisions of the II and V Corps have entered the port of Tunis for boarding onto the transports. The VI Corps is doing the same out at Angiers. The other two operations are and will be risky, but HUSKY has the chance to be the most disastrous, should it fail.
Sector: Batumi - Black Sea Coast
Not much movement since the last turn. The Germans launched a minor counterattack that pushed back the progress of the 1st Guards Tank. But my gains were quickly restored by another attack this turn. With all the divisions being pumped into this sector recently by Mark, I’m actually shocked my positions have held this long.
Disbands:
+10 Shock @ 4 Turns
Air Trans 4k @ 1 Turns
Sea Trans (Husky) 45k @ 2 Turns
Strategic Bomb -4 @ 4 Turns
Sector: Rzhev - OPERATION: GUILLOTINE
Now that all of my artillery is in place, Mark has assumed something is coming this way, transferring at least two Panzer divisions by rail from the south, with a few other infantry divisions on the way as well. Fortunately the blown bridges south of Vyazma helped keep the reinforcements out of the salient. But rail crews are on the scene, so those bridges will be back up in no time. I’ve also used all of my rail transport (which is very difficult to do, figuring there is 54k Rail available to the Allied side) to get five Guards armies in place for the assault.
Sector: Crete/Rhodes - OPERATION: CARRIAGEWAY
As with most military operations, plans change. I’ve decided to not wait and land two divisions directly into Iraklion, with two more landing on the eastern tip of the island, and skipping the Rhodes section of the offensive all together. The former surprisingly worked flawlessly, while the latter surprisingly didn’t. The 4th and 51st divisions came ashore at Iraklion, capturing the port and the supply point. The 2nd New Zealand and 9th Australian divisions attempted to land on the eastern port hex, but were turned back by a single static defensive unit. The risk here now is that they could be targeted by the roving Italian Navy, last seen near Athens. Over the next two turns, I’ll land the rest of the XXX Corps at Iraklion, and the X Corps if needed. But now that the supply point on Crete has been taken first, much of this operation is moot. I’ll just need to secure the island, which will require significantly less manpower and material.
Sector: Sicily - OPERATION HUSKY
I’m hoping Mark doesn’t see through my HUSKY plans as easily as the GUILLOTINE plans. The 82nd Airborne is staging for the initial drop, while the line divisions of the II and V Corps have entered the port of Tunis for boarding onto the transports. The VI Corps is doing the same out at Angiers. The other two operations are and will be risky, but HUSKY has the chance to be the most disastrous, should it fail.
Sector: Batumi - Black Sea Coast
Not much movement since the last turn. The Germans launched a minor counterattack that pushed back the progress of the 1st Guards Tank. But my gains were quickly restored by another attack this turn. With all the divisions being pumped into this sector recently by Mark, I’m actually shocked my positions have held this long.
TR 42-45 1.5.2 - ALLIED vs Mark - T060: 06.25.43
T060: 6.25.43
Disbands:
+20 Recon @ 4 Turns
Sector: Batumi - Black Sea Coast
Suddenly this situation isn’t quite so dire, thanks to the 1st Guards Tank Army’s attack on the German right flank north of Batumi. The 6. Panzer and 265. Infantry divisions were thrown back along the coast road, with the 8th Guards Tank Corps in pursuit. The loss of the position means the 20. Panzer is now in a precarious spot, facing Russian guns on all but one side. I will be curious to see how Mark handles this. Will he simply counterattack on the 20. Panzer’s flanks to relieve the unit? Or will he try to pull the division out of the pocket, risking evaporation or reorganization?
Theaterwide Offensive Plans - Summer 1943
The more I consider how this will work, the more I realize all of these offensives will need the Shock boost at the same time. I can’t disband more than one shock unit, as it would be a waste. So I’m going to VERY CAREFULLY coordinate three different massive operations at the same time--GUILLOTINE in Russia, HUSKY in Sicily, and CARRIAGEWAY in Crete and Rhodes. Two of the operations need sea transport. All three need air transport. It’s not impossible, but it is very risky to attempt such a plan that requires such precision. Right now I can’t even make turn-by-turn plans yet until I know for sure which units will be available and at what time. The other considerations will be the Theater Recon disband and what it discovers for the Allied side. I expect to have turn-by-turn plans available in the next three turns.
Disbands:
+20 Recon @ 4 Turns
Sector: Batumi - Black Sea Coast
Suddenly this situation isn’t quite so dire, thanks to the 1st Guards Tank Army’s attack on the German right flank north of Batumi. The 6. Panzer and 265. Infantry divisions were thrown back along the coast road, with the 8th Guards Tank Corps in pursuit. The loss of the position means the 20. Panzer is now in a precarious spot, facing Russian guns on all but one side. I will be curious to see how Mark handles this. Will he simply counterattack on the 20. Panzer’s flanks to relieve the unit? Or will he try to pull the division out of the pocket, risking evaporation or reorganization?
Theaterwide Offensive Plans - Summer 1943
The more I consider how this will work, the more I realize all of these offensives will need the Shock boost at the same time. I can’t disband more than one shock unit, as it would be a waste. So I’m going to VERY CAREFULLY coordinate three different massive operations at the same time--GUILLOTINE in Russia, HUSKY in Sicily, and CARRIAGEWAY in Crete and Rhodes. Two of the operations need sea transport. All three need air transport. It’s not impossible, but it is very risky to attempt such a plan that requires such precision. Right now I can’t even make turn-by-turn plans yet until I know for sure which units will be available and at what time. The other considerations will be the Theater Recon disband and what it discovers for the Allied side. I expect to have turn-by-turn plans available in the next three turns.
TR 42-45 1.5.2 - ALLIED vs Mark - T059: 06.18.43
T059: 6.18.43
Sector: Batumi - Black Sea Coast
Mark pulled back on some of his advanced Panzer divisions on the outskirts of Batumi. However, he was unable to shuffle in some fresh units, leaving me some prime real estate to advance the 53rd Army and regroup with the Guards Armies on its right flank. The 1st Guards Tank Army was building a strongly fortified line north of Baku, to act as a last-resort stop line should the Germans try to make a run on Baku. Now that those fortifications are complete, the 1st is available to bolster the defenses west of T’Bilisi. The 1st is a very powerful formation, one that might be able to lead a decent counter offensive in the region.
Sector: Rzhev - OPERATION: GUILLOTINE
I’m trying my best to keep the buildup of forces quiet by transferring formations in pieces to areas just outside the Rzhev salient. The one thing that might somewhat blow my cover would be the artillery buildup along the front lines. However, I’m not concentrating the guns at any specific point.
Sector: Sicily - OPERATION: HUSKY - PLANS
The plans for invading Sicily will be altered from the historical American-British joint effort. This time, I’m going to use a plan more similar to what George Patton proposed, assaulting both ends of the island simultaneously. The key here will be to land as much firepower on the beaches as quickly as possible. But that’s much easier said than done, since I know that Sicily has a very good number of Axis defenders. The first wave of landings will come ashore between Pachino and Syracuse, hopefully drawing reinforcements away from the western portion of the island. Even if one division is diverted away from the other beaches, this move will be worth it. Next will be the landings at Agrigento and airborne assault at the rail junction between Palermo and Agrigento. It will be up to the VI Corps to hold its right flank while pressing west to link up with the 82nd Airborne. The final assault will be right into the gut of Palermo, where I’m hoping to gain immediate benefit of capturing the port city. Once that beachhead has been established, the II Corps will move south to clear out and link up with the other side of the 82nd. This operation is designed to land as much as possible as quickly as possible. There is no other way for this to work.
Sector: Crete - OPERATION: CARRIAGEWAY - PLANS
My most recent addition to the threatre-wide offensive is the invasion of Crete and Rhodes. The Allies historically ignored these two places, instead concentrating on Italy and France. But in my quest to keep Mark guessing, the capture of these islands will be critical to any plans for an invasion of the Balkans. Rhodes will be the first assault, carried out by the XIII Corps. This will allow the RAF to move fighter squadrons to within range of Crete, as they are currently out of range in Africa. Following will be the airborne drop on the road and airfield west of Iraklion coinciding with the landing at the port itself by the heavily armored X Corps. The last beaches will be optional, with the XXX Corps tentatively scheduled to land on the eastern tip of the island. From there, if they are given the “go” for this part of the operation, the XXX Corps will work west to link up with the X Corps.
Sector: Batumi - Black Sea Coast
Mark pulled back on some of his advanced Panzer divisions on the outskirts of Batumi. However, he was unable to shuffle in some fresh units, leaving me some prime real estate to advance the 53rd Army and regroup with the Guards Armies on its right flank. The 1st Guards Tank Army was building a strongly fortified line north of Baku, to act as a last-resort stop line should the Germans try to make a run on Baku. Now that those fortifications are complete, the 1st is available to bolster the defenses west of T’Bilisi. The 1st is a very powerful formation, one that might be able to lead a decent counter offensive in the region.
Sector: Rzhev - OPERATION: GUILLOTINE
I’m trying my best to keep the buildup of forces quiet by transferring formations in pieces to areas just outside the Rzhev salient. The one thing that might somewhat blow my cover would be the artillery buildup along the front lines. However, I’m not concentrating the guns at any specific point.
Sector: Sicily - OPERATION: HUSKY - PLANS
The plans for invading Sicily will be altered from the historical American-British joint effort. This time, I’m going to use a plan more similar to what George Patton proposed, assaulting both ends of the island simultaneously. The key here will be to land as much firepower on the beaches as quickly as possible. But that’s much easier said than done, since I know that Sicily has a very good number of Axis defenders. The first wave of landings will come ashore between Pachino and Syracuse, hopefully drawing reinforcements away from the western portion of the island. Even if one division is diverted away from the other beaches, this move will be worth it. Next will be the landings at Agrigento and airborne assault at the rail junction between Palermo and Agrigento. It will be up to the VI Corps to hold its right flank while pressing west to link up with the 82nd Airborne. The final assault will be right into the gut of Palermo, where I’m hoping to gain immediate benefit of capturing the port city. Once that beachhead has been established, the II Corps will move south to clear out and link up with the other side of the 82nd. This operation is designed to land as much as possible as quickly as possible. There is no other way for this to work.
Sector: Crete - OPERATION: CARRIAGEWAY - PLANS
My most recent addition to the threatre-wide offensive is the invasion of Crete and Rhodes. The Allies historically ignored these two places, instead concentrating on Italy and France. But in my quest to keep Mark guessing, the capture of these islands will be critical to any plans for an invasion of the Balkans. Rhodes will be the first assault, carried out by the XIII Corps. This will allow the RAF to move fighter squadrons to within range of Crete, as they are currently out of range in Africa. Following will be the airborne drop on the road and airfield west of Iraklion coinciding with the landing at the port itself by the heavily armored X Corps. The last beaches will be optional, with the XXX Corps tentatively scheduled to land on the eastern tip of the island. From there, if they are given the “go” for this part of the operation, the XXX Corps will work west to link up with the X Corps.
Saturday, July 28, 2012
TR 42-45 1.5.2 - ALLIED vs Mark - T058: 06.11.43
T058: 06.11.43
Sector: Batumi - Black Sea Coast
For the moment, I’ve halted the German push on Batumi. The 53rd Army was rushed around my left flank to secure the city, while the 4th and 6th Guards Armies regrouped and launched a counterattack, nearly capturing a hex. The heavy Panzer battalion took quite a licking in the defense, but held nonetheless.
The rest of the war in Europe is silent. I’m still deciding what to do with the Americans and British forces in Africa.
Sector: Batumi - Black Sea Coast
For the moment, I’ve halted the German push on Batumi. The 53rd Army was rushed around my left flank to secure the city, while the 4th and 6th Guards Armies regrouped and launched a counterattack, nearly capturing a hex. The heavy Panzer battalion took quite a licking in the defense, but held nonetheless.
The rest of the war in Europe is silent. I’m still deciding what to do with the Americans and British forces in Africa.
TR 42-45 1.5.2 - ALLIED vs Mark - T057: 06.04.43
T057: 06.04.43
Sector: Black Sea Coast
The Germans and Slovakian unit have punched right through the Guards army tasked with defending the approach to Batumi. If the city falls, the Black Sea Fleet will be scuttled, marking the virtual end of sea power in that area for the Russians. The 53rd Army is staging and ready to go just south of Kutaisi. Originally, I wanted the 53rd to relieve the remaining line armies on the northern wing of my defenses, but now it will have to rush to defend Batumi.
No other significant updates.
Sector: Black Sea Coast
The Germans and Slovakian unit have punched right through the Guards army tasked with defending the approach to Batumi. If the city falls, the Black Sea Fleet will be scuttled, marking the virtual end of sea power in that area for the Russians. The 53rd Army is staging and ready to go just south of Kutaisi. Originally, I wanted the 53rd to relieve the remaining line armies on the northern wing of my defenses, but now it will have to rush to defend Batumi.
No other significant updates.
Thursday, July 19, 2012
TR 42-45 1.5.2 - ALLIED vs Mark - T056: 5.28.43
T056: 05.28.43
Sector: Black Sea Coast
The 6th Guards couldn’t get here fast enough, as the main lines are faltering in the center and right flank. The previous turn, I pulled the 44th and 46th Armies from the line to rest along the supply route to T’Bilisi, leaving three armies and the 4th Guards to hold back the Axis. Most troublesome at this point is the 6th SS Division opposite the Guards. Mark has set a precedent that wherever the SS Divisions show up, the attack will be most fierce. The relentless offensive along the Black Sea Coast has caused every army facing it to become worn down without the chance to rest. If the 4th and 6th Guards can give the regular infantry armies time to rest, I can hold much of what’s left in this region.
Sector: Rzhev Salient - PLANS FOR OPERATION: GUILLOTINE
I’m in desperate need of some positive news on the Eastern Front, and I think I’ve found the place for some. OPERATION: GUILLOTINE is designed to lop off the Rzhev salient from the rest of the bulge in the German lines west of Moscow. I’ve been building up forces slowly for about two weeks, with the 5th Guards Army--including its three Airborne divisions--staging to the north. The ground element of the 5th Guards will move down to the front lines immediately before the offensive begins. I’m also currently in the process of moving the 8th Guards Army to the western task force. In all, I plan to build an assault force of nine armies, half of which will be Guards. South of Rzhev the main objective will be to cut off the main rail line--also the main supply line--to Rzhev. If the converging task forces can successfully meet up here, the Rzhev defenders will be surrounded and without supply. It should be an easy kill from there. The problem is that I’ve seen some rail guns moving into the eastern portion of the bulge, so I’m not sure if Mark is planning something at the same time in this area.
Sector: Black Sea Coast
The 6th Guards couldn’t get here fast enough, as the main lines are faltering in the center and right flank. The previous turn, I pulled the 44th and 46th Armies from the line to rest along the supply route to T’Bilisi, leaving three armies and the 4th Guards to hold back the Axis. Most troublesome at this point is the 6th SS Division opposite the Guards. Mark has set a precedent that wherever the SS Divisions show up, the attack will be most fierce. The relentless offensive along the Black Sea Coast has caused every army facing it to become worn down without the chance to rest. If the 4th and 6th Guards can give the regular infantry armies time to rest, I can hold much of what’s left in this region.
Sector: Rzhev Salient - PLANS FOR OPERATION: GUILLOTINE
I’m in desperate need of some positive news on the Eastern Front, and I think I’ve found the place for some. OPERATION: GUILLOTINE is designed to lop off the Rzhev salient from the rest of the bulge in the German lines west of Moscow. I’ve been building up forces slowly for about two weeks, with the 5th Guards Army--including its three Airborne divisions--staging to the north. The ground element of the 5th Guards will move down to the front lines immediately before the offensive begins. I’m also currently in the process of moving the 8th Guards Army to the western task force. In all, I plan to build an assault force of nine armies, half of which will be Guards. South of Rzhev the main objective will be to cut off the main rail line--also the main supply line--to Rzhev. If the converging task forces can successfully meet up here, the Rzhev defenders will be surrounded and without supply. It should be an easy kill from there. The problem is that I’ve seen some rail guns moving into the eastern portion of the bulge, so I’m not sure if Mark is planning something at the same time in this area.
TR 42-45 1.5.2 - ALLIED vs Mark - T055: 5.21.43
T055: 05.21.43
Sector: Yelets
Looks like OPERATION: MEGAPHONE II isn’t completely out of the picture. It will all depend on how many of Mark’s reserve units he keeps in the sector. Both sides are basically sitting in the corners, waiting for the bell to ring for the next round. But when will that be?
Sector: Black Sea Coast
The 40th Army and 4th Guards Army are holding the southern wing of the line, but the northern half is really struggling. Many are on red in the readiness meter. The 6th Guards Army is staging at Baku, ready to ship by rail to T’Bilisi. If push comes to shove, it’ll be up to the 4th Guards and 40th Army to hold until the 6th can arrive.
Sector: Western North Africa
The 1st Free French Army is arriving, comprised of about four Free French divisions. One more arrived a few turns ago in Egypt, but hasn’t been ordered to any combat action. The US II & V Corps are resting and receiving much needed replacements, while the British First Army units are assembling at Algiers. From England, the British 6th Airborne has landed at Algiers, joining the 1st Airborne, which ended the campaign without seeing combat. Both of these units will join the US 82nd Airborne (also at Algiers) in the eventual invasion of mainland Europe.
Sector: Yelets
Looks like OPERATION: MEGAPHONE II isn’t completely out of the picture. It will all depend on how many of Mark’s reserve units he keeps in the sector. Both sides are basically sitting in the corners, waiting for the bell to ring for the next round. But when will that be?
Sector: Black Sea Coast
The 40th Army and 4th Guards Army are holding the southern wing of the line, but the northern half is really struggling. Many are on red in the readiness meter. The 6th Guards Army is staging at Baku, ready to ship by rail to T’Bilisi. If push comes to shove, it’ll be up to the 4th Guards and 40th Army to hold until the 6th can arrive.
Sector: Western North Africa
The 1st Free French Army is arriving, comprised of about four Free French divisions. One more arrived a few turns ago in Egypt, but hasn’t been ordered to any combat action. The US II & V Corps are resting and receiving much needed replacements, while the British First Army units are assembling at Algiers. From England, the British 6th Airborne has landed at Algiers, joining the 1st Airborne, which ended the campaign without seeing combat. Both of these units will join the US 82nd Airborne (also at Algiers) in the eventual invasion of mainland Europe.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
TR 42-45 1.5.2 - ALLIED vs Mark - T054: 5.14.43
T054: 05.14.43
Sector: Yelets
As is the case nearly everywhere, this area has been quiet... well, as quiet as the Eastern Front can get. Just a few line adjustments here and there, including two minor attacks on the southern portion of the Yelets curve. I’ve pulled back the bulk of my Guards Armies in the center and northern portions of the curve, including the remnants of the 2nd Guards Army, and the 3rd Guards Tank, 5th Guards Tank, and 3rd Guards Army. Those armies will stay in the Yelets Sector, but stay back as a local reserve until their losses and readiness are recouped. The massed artillery will still continue to pound the German and Hungarian positions, while the 68th and 69th Armies are fully committed to the lines where those displaced Guards Armies once stood.
Sector: Black Sea Coast
The 6th Guards Army has arrived on the Eastern Front, but is only at Mumra south of Astrakhan, staging for sea transport to Baku. From there, like the 4th Guards and 40th Army before them, the 6th Guards will board trains to the Black Sea Coast sector to help relieve the 44th thru 47th Armies. The problem for this sector is that the 8th Guards Army is the next big army to arrive as reinforcement, but they won’t show up until T056. I’m not sure the Black Sea Coast defenses can hold that long, as the 8th wouldn’t arrive on the line until T059 at the earliest. I’ve decided to pull the 53rd Army from the northernmost stretch of the Astrakhan sector (along the Volga River) and begin transporting them to this sector. It should help get fresh bodies on the line more quickly.
Sector: Yelets
As is the case nearly everywhere, this area has been quiet... well, as quiet as the Eastern Front can get. Just a few line adjustments here and there, including two minor attacks on the southern portion of the Yelets curve. I’ve pulled back the bulk of my Guards Armies in the center and northern portions of the curve, including the remnants of the 2nd Guards Army, and the 3rd Guards Tank, 5th Guards Tank, and 3rd Guards Army. Those armies will stay in the Yelets Sector, but stay back as a local reserve until their losses and readiness are recouped. The massed artillery will still continue to pound the German and Hungarian positions, while the 68th and 69th Armies are fully committed to the lines where those displaced Guards Armies once stood.
Sector: Black Sea Coast
The 6th Guards Army has arrived on the Eastern Front, but is only at Mumra south of Astrakhan, staging for sea transport to Baku. From there, like the 4th Guards and 40th Army before them, the 6th Guards will board trains to the Black Sea Coast sector to help relieve the 44th thru 47th Armies. The problem for this sector is that the 8th Guards Army is the next big army to arrive as reinforcement, but they won’t show up until T056. I’m not sure the Black Sea Coast defenses can hold that long, as the 8th wouldn’t arrive on the line until T059 at the earliest. I’ve decided to pull the 53rd Army from the northernmost stretch of the Astrakhan sector (along the Volga River) and begin transporting them to this sector. It should help get fresh bodies on the line more quickly.
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
TR 42-45 1.5.2 - ALLIED vs Mark - T053: 5.7.43
T053: 05.07.43
Sector: Finland-Karelia
The 6th SS Geb Nord was forced to withdraw to the rear after losing almost 80 percent of its effective combat strength. This is a fantastic development. Without that division, the point of the spear has been dulled. Likely, this sector is secure for a while, after what looked like a very big flashpoint for an Axis offensive.
Sector: Yelets
Think of two boxers slugging away at each other, but neither going down or giving ground in any way. That’s pretty much what the Yelets sector has deteriorated into. It’s also forced me to cancel, or at least postpone, OPERATION: MEGAPHONE II. After surrounding but not destroying the 24th Panzer Division, the 2nd Guards Army was blown up by German reinforcements, wiping out at least 300 T-34s in the process. That loss hurts badly, but my lines are still in tact. Oddly enough, once I was able to launch a counterattack of my own, the 24th Panzer evaporated anyway. The losses for both sides at Yelets have been staggering, especially once you consider the lines have moved all of about two hexes since my initial offensive.
Sector: Black Sea Coast
The 40th Army was pushed back a hex by the advancing Panzer Korps--XIV & XLI--but held when it mattered most. The patchwork assembly of the 44th, 45th, 46th and 47th Armies is doing a very poor job of defending the northern wing of my position. But those four armies have been battered and beaten into a bloody pulp over the last two months. I’ll need to get a few fresh armies down here to relieve them.
Sector: Tripoli
The British have finally taken Tripoli. I’ll now begin shuttling the I Corps and V Corps back to Egypt for refitting.
Sector: Tunis
Rommel’s headquarters has been captured with several other remaining Afrika Korps and Italian units. North Africa is now under complete Allied control.
Sector: Finland-Karelia
The 6th SS Geb Nord was forced to withdraw to the rear after losing almost 80 percent of its effective combat strength. This is a fantastic development. Without that division, the point of the spear has been dulled. Likely, this sector is secure for a while, after what looked like a very big flashpoint for an Axis offensive.
Sector: Yelets
Think of two boxers slugging away at each other, but neither going down or giving ground in any way. That’s pretty much what the Yelets sector has deteriorated into. It’s also forced me to cancel, or at least postpone, OPERATION: MEGAPHONE II. After surrounding but not destroying the 24th Panzer Division, the 2nd Guards Army was blown up by German reinforcements, wiping out at least 300 T-34s in the process. That loss hurts badly, but my lines are still in tact. Oddly enough, once I was able to launch a counterattack of my own, the 24th Panzer evaporated anyway. The losses for both sides at Yelets have been staggering, especially once you consider the lines have moved all of about two hexes since my initial offensive.
Sector: Black Sea Coast
The 40th Army was pushed back a hex by the advancing Panzer Korps--XIV & XLI--but held when it mattered most. The patchwork assembly of the 44th, 45th, 46th and 47th Armies is doing a very poor job of defending the northern wing of my position. But those four armies have been battered and beaten into a bloody pulp over the last two months. I’ll need to get a few fresh armies down here to relieve them.
Sector: Tripoli
The British have finally taken Tripoli. I’ll now begin shuttling the I Corps and V Corps back to Egypt for refitting.
Sector: Tunis
Rommel’s headquarters has been captured with several other remaining Afrika Korps and Italian units. North Africa is now under complete Allied control.
TR 42-45 1.5.2 - ALLIED vs Mark - T052: 4.30.43
T052: 04.30.43
The Mud has dried up, and action begins once again.
Sector: Finland-Karelia
North - Attacks by the 4th Guards Tank Army against the 6th SS Geb Nord division are intended to simply keep that crack German unit tired and in constant battle. Mark has used the SS divisions perfectly in this scenario, spearheading any major offensive with these elite units.
South - I had expected a complementary offensive from the Finns to the south, but nothing has materialized, yet.
Sector: Yelets
This was a very successful turn for the Russians, cutting off the entire 24th Panzer Division north of Yelets, while completely destroying an entire infantry division south of Yelets. The opportunity for the envelopment of the 24th came upon me by accident, as the 2nd Guards Tank Army was able to punch through the line south of the now stranded division. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to destroy the division, or follow up on successes in the south. This turn will set up my next offensive here, OPERATION: MEGAPHONE II, which will feature the newly arrived Guards Airborne Divisions. They will land behind the German lines, while the ground forces continue the assault. It’s basically a beefed up version of MEGAPHONE I.
Sector: Black Sea Coast
The 4th Guards Army has positioned itself in front of Batumi, digging in with the 40th Army on its right flank. As I’ve stated repeatedly, more reinforcements will be needed here to really secure the region, but this will serve as (hopefully) a decent barrier until the help arrives.
Sector: Tunis
The naval combat off the Tunis coast has been surprisingly sharp, as I’ve lose a few heavy and light cruisers, at least one battleship, and a few destroyers. The Italian Navy hasn’t fared better, as they’ve been nearly decimated by the ship-to-ship fire, and my carrier based air attacks from the Ranger Squadron south near Mareth. The V Corps and Canadian I Corp have successfully pushed the Axis into a tighter pocket, but weren’t able to crush them. It’s likely a few important German units will escape to Italy.
Sector: Tripoli
The British I Corps and V Corps are slowly moving on the defenses, using sustained but light attacks to wear down the defenders. The city should fall next turn.
The Mud has dried up, and action begins once again.
Sector: Finland-Karelia
North - Attacks by the 4th Guards Tank Army against the 6th SS Geb Nord division are intended to simply keep that crack German unit tired and in constant battle. Mark has used the SS divisions perfectly in this scenario, spearheading any major offensive with these elite units.
South - I had expected a complementary offensive from the Finns to the south, but nothing has materialized, yet.
Sector: Yelets
This was a very successful turn for the Russians, cutting off the entire 24th Panzer Division north of Yelets, while completely destroying an entire infantry division south of Yelets. The opportunity for the envelopment of the 24th came upon me by accident, as the 2nd Guards Tank Army was able to punch through the line south of the now stranded division. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to destroy the division, or follow up on successes in the south. This turn will set up my next offensive here, OPERATION: MEGAPHONE II, which will feature the newly arrived Guards Airborne Divisions. They will land behind the German lines, while the ground forces continue the assault. It’s basically a beefed up version of MEGAPHONE I.
Sector: Black Sea Coast
The 4th Guards Army has positioned itself in front of Batumi, digging in with the 40th Army on its right flank. As I’ve stated repeatedly, more reinforcements will be needed here to really secure the region, but this will serve as (hopefully) a decent barrier until the help arrives.
Sector: Tunis
The naval combat off the Tunis coast has been surprisingly sharp, as I’ve lose a few heavy and light cruisers, at least one battleship, and a few destroyers. The Italian Navy hasn’t fared better, as they’ve been nearly decimated by the ship-to-ship fire, and my carrier based air attacks from the Ranger Squadron south near Mareth. The V Corps and Canadian I Corp have successfully pushed the Axis into a tighter pocket, but weren’t able to crush them. It’s likely a few important German units will escape to Italy.
Sector: Tripoli
The British I Corps and V Corps are slowly moving on the defenses, using sustained but light attacks to wear down the defenders. The city should fall next turn.
TR 42-45 1.5.2 - ALLIED vs Mark - T051: 4.23.43
T051: 04.23.43
Mud continues, bogging down all major action.
Sector: Yelets
Just one minor counterattack by the Germans nets one hex. But otherwise no movement. I’ve added more units to the immediate reserve, and the rest of the 68th Army commits to battle.
Sector: Black Sea Coast
The 40th Army is now at Kutaisi, disembarking from the trains. It will immediately move to support the main defensive line west of the city. The 4th Guards Army is now just east of Batumi, and will disembark and move to defend the main city from attacks from the north. This should buy enough time to get at least one more army into this sector by May.
Sector: Tunis
Looks like the Axis are going to try to evacuate the remaining German units, including Rommel’s Afrika Korps HQ. But I’m hopeful I can grab them before they get onto the boats. The recent naval battle off the coast here broke my blockade of Tunis, so now if the Germans want to get their stragglers back to Italy, all they need is time and the transport.
Mud continues, bogging down all major action.
Sector: Yelets
Just one minor counterattack by the Germans nets one hex. But otherwise no movement. I’ve added more units to the immediate reserve, and the rest of the 68th Army commits to battle.
Sector: Black Sea Coast
The 40th Army is now at Kutaisi, disembarking from the trains. It will immediately move to support the main defensive line west of the city. The 4th Guards Army is now just east of Batumi, and will disembark and move to defend the main city from attacks from the north. This should buy enough time to get at least one more army into this sector by May.
Sector: Tunis
Looks like the Axis are going to try to evacuate the remaining German units, including Rommel’s Afrika Korps HQ. But I’m hopeful I can grab them before they get onto the boats. The recent naval battle off the coast here broke my blockade of Tunis, so now if the Germans want to get their stragglers back to Italy, all they need is time and the transport.
TR 42-45 1.5.2 - ALLIED vs Mark - T050: 4.16.43
T050: 04.16.43
The mud season has begun, with Shock falling to 50 percent for both sides. This will hamper my ability to stage any counterattacks in the trouble zones. However, I was in no position to do any sort of offensive actions, so this reprieve comes at the perfect time.
Sector: Yelets
Active assaults have ceased, but I’ve committed the 68th Army into battle along the right flank of the salient. This is to shore up the gains made in that section, where a hex sat empty between the lines. With the arrival of the 5th Guards Army at the airfields and rail junctions east of Yelets, I can now begin the plans for OPERATION: MEGAPHONE II, which will incorporate a much larger paradrop and ground offensive. This operation will have to be more carefully planned than the failed MEGAPHONE I, particularly with the buildup of German reinforcements in the area. However, I believe it can work if the timing is right and all the forces are in place.
Sector: Black Sea Coast
The 40th Army and 10th Guards Op Group are now hastily forming a defensive line, using the muddy ground as a buffer between them and any potential German attack. I can still hopefully hold Batumi, but with a lowered supply flow there since losing the rail connection to the city. The 4th Guards Army is now ashore at Baku, staging on the rail line for transport west. It will take more than just that one army, so whatever reinforcements I receive in the next few turns will pretty much all be transported down to the Caucasus. I’m not going to get funneled into a siege at Baku. If that happens, I won’t be able to hold the city, just as I wasn’t able to hold Leningrad.
Sector: Tunis
The Canadians and Americans have finally broken through and captured the main Tunis hex. Gaining control of the city is both symbolically and strategically important, as it gives me the critical supply point (100!) that has been missing for the entire campaign for western North Africa, and also should help now push out the remaining Germans and Italians defending the port hex. That hex is necessary for any invasion of the “soft underbelly” of Europe. In the Mediterranean Sea just off the port hex, the Italian Trieste and Andrea Dorea squadrons have engaged the Gibraltar Squadron of the Royal Navy, as well as the Texas Battleship Squadron of the US Navy.
The mud season has begun, with Shock falling to 50 percent for both sides. This will hamper my ability to stage any counterattacks in the trouble zones. However, I was in no position to do any sort of offensive actions, so this reprieve comes at the perfect time.
Sector: Yelets
Active assaults have ceased, but I’ve committed the 68th Army into battle along the right flank of the salient. This is to shore up the gains made in that section, where a hex sat empty between the lines. With the arrival of the 5th Guards Army at the airfields and rail junctions east of Yelets, I can now begin the plans for OPERATION: MEGAPHONE II, which will incorporate a much larger paradrop and ground offensive. This operation will have to be more carefully planned than the failed MEGAPHONE I, particularly with the buildup of German reinforcements in the area. However, I believe it can work if the timing is right and all the forces are in place.
Sector: Black Sea Coast
The 40th Army and 10th Guards Op Group are now hastily forming a defensive line, using the muddy ground as a buffer between them and any potential German attack. I can still hopefully hold Batumi, but with a lowered supply flow there since losing the rail connection to the city. The 4th Guards Army is now ashore at Baku, staging on the rail line for transport west. It will take more than just that one army, so whatever reinforcements I receive in the next few turns will pretty much all be transported down to the Caucasus. I’m not going to get funneled into a siege at Baku. If that happens, I won’t be able to hold the city, just as I wasn’t able to hold Leningrad.
Sector: Tunis
The Canadians and Americans have finally broken through and captured the main Tunis hex. Gaining control of the city is both symbolically and strategically important, as it gives me the critical supply point (100!) that has been missing for the entire campaign for western North Africa, and also should help now push out the remaining Germans and Italians defending the port hex. That hex is necessary for any invasion of the “soft underbelly” of Europe. In the Mediterranean Sea just off the port hex, the Italian Trieste and Andrea Dorea squadrons have engaged the Gibraltar Squadron of the Royal Navy, as well as the Texas Battleship Squadron of the US Navy.
Monday, July 16, 2012
TR 42-45 1.5.2 - ALLIED vs Mark - T049: 4.9.43
T049: 04.09.43
Sector: Yelets - OPERATION: MEGAPHONE
I’m closing down OPERATION: MEGAPHONE. The offensive isn’t going anywhere fast, and the main objective at Kursk is not going to happen any time soon. But the fighting will continue. I’ve ordered the recently arrived 5th Guards Tank forward into the battle, as the main force of five Guards armies pushed the Germans back a full hex across the battle front. However, with reinforcements arriving, the Germans counterattacked and pushed me back, negating most of the gains from the previous push.
Sector: Black Sea Coast
This area continues to be the thorn in my side. Line after line falls to the German advance. Now that Poti has fallen, and the rail line cut off to Batumi, I’d need at least two full mechanized armies to thwart any more progress by the Axis. And with the concentration on the Yelets offensive, I can’t spare all that much. The 10th Guards Op Group tried to bolster my most recent line in front of Kutaisi, but to no avail. The 40th Army is staging at Baku, and should be able to board trains next turn for this sector. I also have the 4th Guards Army staging at the port hex of Mumra, south of Astrakhan, ready to sail to Baku. Once at Baku, the 4th will come to the aid of the Black Sea Coast defenders... if any of them are left by then.
Sector: Yelets - OPERATION: MEGAPHONE
I’m closing down OPERATION: MEGAPHONE. The offensive isn’t going anywhere fast, and the main objective at Kursk is not going to happen any time soon. But the fighting will continue. I’ve ordered the recently arrived 5th Guards Tank forward into the battle, as the main force of five Guards armies pushed the Germans back a full hex across the battle front. However, with reinforcements arriving, the Germans counterattacked and pushed me back, negating most of the gains from the previous push.
Sector: Black Sea Coast
This area continues to be the thorn in my side. Line after line falls to the German advance. Now that Poti has fallen, and the rail line cut off to Batumi, I’d need at least two full mechanized armies to thwart any more progress by the Axis. And with the concentration on the Yelets offensive, I can’t spare all that much. The 10th Guards Op Group tried to bolster my most recent line in front of Kutaisi, but to no avail. The 40th Army is staging at Baku, and should be able to board trains next turn for this sector. I also have the 4th Guards Army staging at the port hex of Mumra, south of Astrakhan, ready to sail to Baku. Once at Baku, the 4th will come to the aid of the Black Sea Coast defenders... if any of them are left by then.
TR 42-45 1.5.2 - ALLIED vs Mark - T048: 4.2.43
T048: 04.02.43
Sector: Finland-Karelia
North & South - The 4th Guards Tank counterattacked viciously against the German breakthrough, throwing back the enemy to their original lines. After that, very liittle movement. The Axis push back a few of my scouting units advanced beyond my main lines. But my position is holding for now.
Sector: Yelets - OPERATION: MEGAPHONE
Every time I think I’ve gained a decent push, the Germans push right back. This is by far the bloodiest sector in the scenario thus far, and that takes Grozny and Leningrad into consideration, too. OPERATION: MEGAPHONE is now a shell of what it was supposed to be. But I might have an encore up my sleeve in the coming turns. Could there be an OPERATION: MEGAPHONE II?
Sector: The Caucasus
Grozny - I’m basically surrendering this area to the Germans. I gain no advantage holding the territory east of Grozny. My new line will be halfway down the Caspian Sea Coast toward Baku.
T’Bilisi - The arrival of the 40th Army won’t be enough to stop this rising tide of German might. Poti has now fallen, and the northern pass through the mountains is hanging on by a thread. If I can’t hold the rail line to Batumi, then I might as well cede that to the Axis now and cut my losses while I can. The Caucasus is a major objective for the Axis player in this game. I underestimated the challenge of defending it. My assumption was that the Russian troops would be halfway competent enough to stand firm in good defensive terrain with good supply. That was a poor assumption to make. Now I’m scrambling to find reinforcements just to prevent Baku from falling... the city that even Mark thought was out of reach. If things continue on this path, Panzers will be in Babylonia before I know it!
Tunis: Attacks continue on the Axis stronghold. Losses are mounting for the defenders, but they are refusing to budge. Even the Italian tank brigades are causing headaches for my British tank outfits along the eastern coast.
NW Europe: The strategic bombing campaign has caused enough damage to cause Axis theatre recon to drop. The increased pressure on the German war machine is working.
Sector: Finland-Karelia
North & South - The 4th Guards Tank counterattacked viciously against the German breakthrough, throwing back the enemy to their original lines. After that, very liittle movement. The Axis push back a few of my scouting units advanced beyond my main lines. But my position is holding for now.
Sector: Yelets - OPERATION: MEGAPHONE
Every time I think I’ve gained a decent push, the Germans push right back. This is by far the bloodiest sector in the scenario thus far, and that takes Grozny and Leningrad into consideration, too. OPERATION: MEGAPHONE is now a shell of what it was supposed to be. But I might have an encore up my sleeve in the coming turns. Could there be an OPERATION: MEGAPHONE II?
Sector: The Caucasus
Grozny - I’m basically surrendering this area to the Germans. I gain no advantage holding the territory east of Grozny. My new line will be halfway down the Caspian Sea Coast toward Baku.
T’Bilisi - The arrival of the 40th Army won’t be enough to stop this rising tide of German might. Poti has now fallen, and the northern pass through the mountains is hanging on by a thread. If I can’t hold the rail line to Batumi, then I might as well cede that to the Axis now and cut my losses while I can. The Caucasus is a major objective for the Axis player in this game. I underestimated the challenge of defending it. My assumption was that the Russian troops would be halfway competent enough to stand firm in good defensive terrain with good supply. That was a poor assumption to make. Now I’m scrambling to find reinforcements just to prevent Baku from falling... the city that even Mark thought was out of reach. If things continue on this path, Panzers will be in Babylonia before I know it!
Tunis: Attacks continue on the Axis stronghold. Losses are mounting for the defenders, but they are refusing to budge. Even the Italian tank brigades are causing headaches for my British tank outfits along the eastern coast.
NW Europe: The strategic bombing campaign has caused enough damage to cause Axis theatre recon to drop. The increased pressure on the German war machine is working.
Friday, July 13, 2012
TR 42-45 1.5.2 - ALLIED vs Mark - T047: 3.26.43
T047: 03.26.43
Sector: Finland-Karelia
North - The German offensive here has reached my main line. Like clockwork, they had little trouble punching a hole in my position, one hex inland from the coast. While I had to expect some sort of breakthrough at some point, it would have been nice if my line held for at least one hex before cracking. The 4th Guards Tank should be able to restore the line, as I brought them up here as a reserve for this very situation.
South - At first, the situation here was bad, with the Finns marching right around my left flank along the coast. But the swift arrival of reinforcements, combined with the gallant stand by the __ Division, held the Axis in check. Now the 5th Shock Army and 55th Army have arrived. Once they are off the trains and in position, I’m hopeful this sector will move from “dangerous” to “monitored.”
Sector: Yelets-Kursk - OPERATION: MEGAPHONE
All this fighting has netted my offensive about five hexes. Not exactly a wild success. But the Axis here are being worn down significantly, including the loss of an entire German division just west of Yelets. Some reinforcements have arrived, with the biggest chunk in the form of the IV Luftwaffe Field Division from Germany. I’m guessing the rest of any reinforcements have stayed back and began digging into a defensive line west and south of where my offensive is concentrating. The lack of speedy progress by my forces have allowed Mark ample time to plan his defense and likely major counterattack.
Sector: The Caucasus
This area took a turn for the worse in two spots. The four-army force along the coast can barely hold up against the lightest attacks, and will have to fall back to the last inches of the mountains. After that, it’s a clear shot to T’Bilisi for the Axis. The other, more dangerous spot is in the mountain pass, where a divisions from the 51st Op Group has broken and fallen back. This was a huge stopper in the drain, but now the Germans have an open back door into this area. Reinforcements are on the way, but now with the situation becoming dire, I’m afraid it won’t be enough. Baku is still safe, but the loss of T’Bilisi would be up there with the loss of Grozny.
AFRICA
Sector: Tunis
This could be one of the strongest positions the Axis occupy, as all of the units are fortified and in urban hexes. I’ve tried to dislodge them with naval and artillery bombardment, but nothing seems to work. Once I work the V Corps around the southern flank, I hope the attacks from two sides will help wear them down more quickly.
ELSEWHERE
NW Europe: The Germans have increased their supply and earned minus-15 (that’s good for them, bad for me) EEV Points. So I’ll have to step up the strategic bombing campaign if I want to have any sort of effect on the German war effort supporting its troops in the field.
Libya: The I and V Corps are on the outskirts of Tripoli, where a lone Italian garrison occupies the city. That unit is fortified and has good supply, but with a few good punches, should fall.
Sector: Finland-Karelia
North - The German offensive here has reached my main line. Like clockwork, they had little trouble punching a hole in my position, one hex inland from the coast. While I had to expect some sort of breakthrough at some point, it would have been nice if my line held for at least one hex before cracking. The 4th Guards Tank should be able to restore the line, as I brought them up here as a reserve for this very situation.
South - At first, the situation here was bad, with the Finns marching right around my left flank along the coast. But the swift arrival of reinforcements, combined with the gallant stand by the __ Division, held the Axis in check. Now the 5th Shock Army and 55th Army have arrived. Once they are off the trains and in position, I’m hopeful this sector will move from “dangerous” to “monitored.”
Sector: Yelets-Kursk - OPERATION: MEGAPHONE
All this fighting has netted my offensive about five hexes. Not exactly a wild success. But the Axis here are being worn down significantly, including the loss of an entire German division just west of Yelets. Some reinforcements have arrived, with the biggest chunk in the form of the IV Luftwaffe Field Division from Germany. I’m guessing the rest of any reinforcements have stayed back and began digging into a defensive line west and south of where my offensive is concentrating. The lack of speedy progress by my forces have allowed Mark ample time to plan his defense and likely major counterattack.
Sector: The Caucasus
This area took a turn for the worse in two spots. The four-army force along the coast can barely hold up against the lightest attacks, and will have to fall back to the last inches of the mountains. After that, it’s a clear shot to T’Bilisi for the Axis. The other, more dangerous spot is in the mountain pass, where a divisions from the 51st Op Group has broken and fallen back. This was a huge stopper in the drain, but now the Germans have an open back door into this area. Reinforcements are on the way, but now with the situation becoming dire, I’m afraid it won’t be enough. Baku is still safe, but the loss of T’Bilisi would be up there with the loss of Grozny.
AFRICA
Sector: Tunis
This could be one of the strongest positions the Axis occupy, as all of the units are fortified and in urban hexes. I’ve tried to dislodge them with naval and artillery bombardment, but nothing seems to work. Once I work the V Corps around the southern flank, I hope the attacks from two sides will help wear them down more quickly.
ELSEWHERE
NW Europe: The Germans have increased their supply and earned minus-15 (that’s good for them, bad for me) EEV Points. So I’ll have to step up the strategic bombing campaign if I want to have any sort of effect on the German war effort supporting its troops in the field.
Libya: The I and V Corps are on the outskirts of Tripoli, where a lone Italian garrison occupies the city. That unit is fortified and has good supply, but with a few good punches, should fall.
TR 42-45 1.5.2 - ALLIED vs Mark - T046: 3.19.43
T046: 03.19.43
Sector: Finland-Karelia
I anticipated this move by Mark, launching an offensive from north to south into the Karelia region of the Russia-Finland border. The 4th Guards Tank Army is already here, ready to support the 70th and 26th armies defending the northern front against the Germans. The advance units in front of my lines have helped slow the enemy advance, forcing them to fight their way to my main defensive positions.
To the south, things aren’t so easy, as two Finnish divisions have surrounded a division of the 32nd Army, and have a clear shot at my interior lines. Reinforcements will be absolutely necessary in this sector to avoid disaster, especially since the reconstituted units from the 5th Shock won't’ be enough to mount a serious counter attack. Units from the Svir River sector are available and ready for action. They are also resting on a rail line for quick departure.
Sector: Yelets-Kursk - OPERATION: MEGAPHONE
The Germans have attacked swiftly and with fire, as the VII Korps has led the way, with support of other random divisions and some Hungarian units. It’s amazing to me how tired, bloody Axis units can throw back my Guards divisions as if they were full of ditchdiggers. But I’ll have to simply overwhelm this area with force, as was the plan from the start. Two more armies are set to arrive from Astrakhan, both Guards armies. This operation is incredibly frustrating and slow, but success is not lost.
Sector: The Caucasus
The Grozny defenders have crumbled like a mortarless brick wall. My right flank was turned quickly, trapping the bulk of the three Russian armies against the mountains, and cutting off the escape route to the coast. There are reinforcements available to send here, mainly in the form of a Guards tank army from the Astrakhan sector. That sector will likely be stripped dry in the coming turns, with the situation in Finland also growing troublesome. Also troublesome is the situation along the Black Sea Coast, but that’s pretty much been par for the course there. I just can’t seem to get a decent defensive stand. There’s been about five or six lines formed, and all have been broken by the Axis. Now within a dozen hexes or so to T’Bilisi, things are becoming desperate.
Sector: Finland-Karelia
I anticipated this move by Mark, launching an offensive from north to south into the Karelia region of the Russia-Finland border. The 4th Guards Tank Army is already here, ready to support the 70th and 26th armies defending the northern front against the Germans. The advance units in front of my lines have helped slow the enemy advance, forcing them to fight their way to my main defensive positions.
To the south, things aren’t so easy, as two Finnish divisions have surrounded a division of the 32nd Army, and have a clear shot at my interior lines. Reinforcements will be absolutely necessary in this sector to avoid disaster, especially since the reconstituted units from the 5th Shock won't’ be enough to mount a serious counter attack. Units from the Svir River sector are available and ready for action. They are also resting on a rail line for quick departure.
Sector: Yelets-Kursk - OPERATION: MEGAPHONE
The Germans have attacked swiftly and with fire, as the VII Korps has led the way, with support of other random divisions and some Hungarian units. It’s amazing to me how tired, bloody Axis units can throw back my Guards divisions as if they were full of ditchdiggers. But I’ll have to simply overwhelm this area with force, as was the plan from the start. Two more armies are set to arrive from Astrakhan, both Guards armies. This operation is incredibly frustrating and slow, but success is not lost.
Sector: The Caucasus
The Grozny defenders have crumbled like a mortarless brick wall. My right flank was turned quickly, trapping the bulk of the three Russian armies against the mountains, and cutting off the escape route to the coast. There are reinforcements available to send here, mainly in the form of a Guards tank army from the Astrakhan sector. That sector will likely be stripped dry in the coming turns, with the situation in Finland also growing troublesome. Also troublesome is the situation along the Black Sea Coast, but that’s pretty much been par for the course there. I just can’t seem to get a decent defensive stand. There’s been about five or six lines formed, and all have been broken by the Axis. Now within a dozen hexes or so to T’Bilisi, things are becoming desperate.
Thursday, July 12, 2012
TR 42-45 1.5.2 - ALLIED vs Mark - T045: 3.12.43
T045: 03.12.43
Sector: Yelets-Kursk - OPERATION: MEGAPHONE
As the Germans bring up reinforcements, the Guards have made steady progress, capturing about three net hexes in this most recent assault. The advance isn’t nearly as quick as expected here. The plan was to capture at least three net hexes per turn once the main German line was punctured. The bridge and rail bombing has worked well, but isn’t enough to win this battle. The only thing that will do it is more success on the ground. I’m preparing to rail up two Guards armies from the Astrakhan sector, hopefully in time to exploit any more gains in the next two turns or so. This is a critical stage of the battle, and the entire operation could hinge on maintaining forward momentum.
Sector: Yelets-Kursk - OPERATION: MEGAPHONE
As the Germans bring up reinforcements, the Guards have made steady progress, capturing about three net hexes in this most recent assault. The advance isn’t nearly as quick as expected here. The plan was to capture at least three net hexes per turn once the main German line was punctured. The bridge and rail bombing has worked well, but isn’t enough to win this battle. The only thing that will do it is more success on the ground. I’m preparing to rail up two Guards armies from the Astrakhan sector, hopefully in time to exploit any more gains in the next two turns or so. This is a critical stage of the battle, and the entire operation could hinge on maintaining forward momentum.
TR 42-45 1.5.2 - ALLIED vs Mark - T044: 3.5.43
T044: 03.05.43
Sector: Yelets-Kursk - OPERATION: MEGAPHONE
The second airborne division, this one dropped at the Orel rail junction, has been destroyed, but not before it accomplished its mission of destroying the rail line to the west. To the south, near the Kursk drop zone, a rail repair crew has rebuilt the bridge, allowing some reinforcements to come up from the south, including a Luftwaffe Field Division from western Europe. But there was significant success along the front line, as the 1st and 2nd Guards armies advanced two hexes before the counterattacks threw them back to the original positions. That might seem like a loss, but the Germans here are so weakened by the initial assault, I should have no problem renewing the attack and regaining the previously captured hexes, and some. This operation is a bit slow going, but momentum is picking up. Once I can secure a breakthrough, and follow it up with reinforcements, this has the chance to become something very big on the Eastern Front.
Sector: Grozny
The Germans are making a big push now for the coast line. My depleted armies here have little shot to stop them, but should have the chance to slow them down for a while. Baku is still a long ways away. Mark would be somewhat foolish to concentrate all of this power down here, especially since the Yelets sector is becoming more dangerous for the Axis side.
Sector: Tunis
The Canadians are getting off the trains. Finally, a push can be made on Tunis. Once this port is in Allied hands, plans for an invasion of mainland Europe can begin.
Sector: Yelets-Kursk - OPERATION: MEGAPHONE
The second airborne division, this one dropped at the Orel rail junction, has been destroyed, but not before it accomplished its mission of destroying the rail line to the west. To the south, near the Kursk drop zone, a rail repair crew has rebuilt the bridge, allowing some reinforcements to come up from the south, including a Luftwaffe Field Division from western Europe. But there was significant success along the front line, as the 1st and 2nd Guards armies advanced two hexes before the counterattacks threw them back to the original positions. That might seem like a loss, but the Germans here are so weakened by the initial assault, I should have no problem renewing the attack and regaining the previously captured hexes, and some. This operation is a bit slow going, but momentum is picking up. Once I can secure a breakthrough, and follow it up with reinforcements, this has the chance to become something very big on the Eastern Front.
Sector: Grozny
The Germans are making a big push now for the coast line. My depleted armies here have little shot to stop them, but should have the chance to slow them down for a while. Baku is still a long ways away. Mark would be somewhat foolish to concentrate all of this power down here, especially since the Yelets sector is becoming more dangerous for the Axis side.
Sector: Tunis
The Canadians are getting off the trains. Finally, a push can be made on Tunis. Once this port is in Allied hands, plans for an invasion of mainland Europe can begin.
TR 42-45 1.5.2 - ALLIED vs Mark - T043: 2.26.43
T043: 2.26.43
Sector: Finland
For weeks now I’ve been probing the Fins near Lake Onega. As a result, now the Fins have been activated to attack across the Svir River from the isthmus. The Svir is heavily defended by my Russian 7th, 23rd, 42nd and 55th Armies, so I can’t imagine a quick Fin offensive here. It will likely come to the north near Medvzhyegorsk.
Sector: Velikie Luki
Suddenly, the Germans have lurched forward into the gap left by my evacuation of the 4th Shock Army east of Velikie Luki to the Caucasus. Divisions from the LIX Korps have advanced across the open fields and across the river, contacting the 3rd Shock, 41st Army, and Kalinin Front op groups. No attacks have been made upon my positions, but I’d hesitate to assume this move by Mark means nothing.
Sector: Yelets-Kursk - OPERATION: MEGAPHONE
The 1st Airborne Gds dropped onto the rail junction east of Kursk, ripping up the tracks and forcing a few of the local reserve units to react. As expected, the division was destroyed, but the damage was done. It should take at least two turns for the rail to be repaired. Now it will be the 5th Airborne Gds turn to drop onto the rail line east of Orel, with similar objectives of destroying the German supply and reinforcement routes. The minor breakthrough near Yelets was closed up quickly, but now that the airborne operation is underway, I can make a concerted effort to break the German lines at Yelets.
Sector: Astrakhan
German progress has been very slow, but somewhat steady. With a net gain of about one hex per turn, I’m content to let them wear out by fighting for every grain of dirt here. With good tactical reserves and two full armies (1st Gds Tank, 40th Army) in local reserve, this sector remains one to monitor, but also relatively secure.
Sector: Grozny
The eastern portion of my Grozny defenses have fallen apart. It’s time to begin a general withdrawal to the coastline and tighter defensive positions there against the mountains. It was bound to happen sooner or later, but was likely hastened by the German airborne operation that destabilized my position. Though I have enough divisions here to keep the Germans from waltzing down to Baku, reinforcements are a probable solution to the coastal defensive strategy.
North Africa
The British are closing on Tripoli, with some of the corps moving back east toward Tobruk and Alexandria to refit. The Americans are still holding the Axis in Tunis, as the Canadians are approaching on the rail line.
Sector: Finland
For weeks now I’ve been probing the Fins near Lake Onega. As a result, now the Fins have been activated to attack across the Svir River from the isthmus. The Svir is heavily defended by my Russian 7th, 23rd, 42nd and 55th Armies, so I can’t imagine a quick Fin offensive here. It will likely come to the north near Medvzhyegorsk.
Sector: Velikie Luki
Suddenly, the Germans have lurched forward into the gap left by my evacuation of the 4th Shock Army east of Velikie Luki to the Caucasus. Divisions from the LIX Korps have advanced across the open fields and across the river, contacting the 3rd Shock, 41st Army, and Kalinin Front op groups. No attacks have been made upon my positions, but I’d hesitate to assume this move by Mark means nothing.
Sector: Yelets-Kursk - OPERATION: MEGAPHONE
The 1st Airborne Gds dropped onto the rail junction east of Kursk, ripping up the tracks and forcing a few of the local reserve units to react. As expected, the division was destroyed, but the damage was done. It should take at least two turns for the rail to be repaired. Now it will be the 5th Airborne Gds turn to drop onto the rail line east of Orel, with similar objectives of destroying the German supply and reinforcement routes. The minor breakthrough near Yelets was closed up quickly, but now that the airborne operation is underway, I can make a concerted effort to break the German lines at Yelets.
Sector: Astrakhan
German progress has been very slow, but somewhat steady. With a net gain of about one hex per turn, I’m content to let them wear out by fighting for every grain of dirt here. With good tactical reserves and two full armies (1st Gds Tank, 40th Army) in local reserve, this sector remains one to monitor, but also relatively secure.
Sector: Grozny
The eastern portion of my Grozny defenses have fallen apart. It’s time to begin a general withdrawal to the coastline and tighter defensive positions there against the mountains. It was bound to happen sooner or later, but was likely hastened by the German airborne operation that destabilized my position. Though I have enough divisions here to keep the Germans from waltzing down to Baku, reinforcements are a probable solution to the coastal defensive strategy.
North Africa
The British are closing on Tripoli, with some of the corps moving back east toward Tobruk and Alexandria to refit. The Americans are still holding the Axis in Tunis, as the Canadians are approaching on the rail line.
TR 42-45 1.5.2 - ALLIED vs Mark - T042: 2.19.43
T042: 02.19.43
Not much to report. Very little movement in any sector. Local battles continue at Astrakhan, Grozny and the Black Sea Coast.
Not much to report. Very little movement in any sector. Local battles continue at Astrakhan, Grozny and the Black Sea Coast.
TR 42-45 1.5.2 - ALLIED vs Mark - T041: 2.12.43
T041: 02.12.43
RUSSIA
Sector: Murmansk
The city has fallen to the Axis. The leftover 5th Shock, 14th, 19th, and 33rd armies will be enveloped and captured. This is likely the final update from Murmansk.
Sector: Yelets-Voronezh
OPERATION: MEGAPHONE is now active, with plans being laid out for what is to be a multi-faceted attack via air and ground. Two airborne divisions will drop into two zones at rail junctions , both of which hold the approach to the sector for reinforcements. This will not only physically block the rail and road, but destroy the rail lines so that even if the airborne units are destroyed, Axis reinforcements will have to disembark farther away from the point of attack. At the same time, two Guards armies (one tank army), supported by two more large Guards formations, will exploit the already weakened center of the German line opposite Yelets. I’ve been pounding the enemy for several turns now with massed artillery behind Yelets, and three more artillery divisions are arriving by rail this turn. Once all the artillery is in place, I will blast a hole in the German line, then smash through with tanks and infantry, hopefully linking up with the surviving airborne troops. Depending on how far things get early on in the offensive, Kursk might be a viable objective. But that is a stretch at this point.
Sector: Astrakhan
The Germans continue to push east to the sea, but it’s a very slow and arduous process for them. I’ve spotted new divisions that have been called up from the rear, and now count three SS Panzer divisions, an SS Cavalry division, and an SS Panzer HQ (likely the I SS Panzer Korps). The bulk of the Axis force is made up of two infantry corps--the LXXXVIII and XI--and the I SS Panzer Korps. Other divisions from other corps are participating in this battle, but those three formations have been the base for this area. I’m planning a counter strike against the German offensive, but until the 1st Guards Tank Army is up to full readiness, I’ll have to be content with holding my ground.
Sectors: Grozny-Black Sea Coast
Both sectors are not doing well, but not exactly falling apart either. At Grozny, the airborne drop did cause me to eventually shift troops away from the city limits, but there is little chance the Germans will be able to use this situation for anything other than giving themselves breathing room. The Black Sea Coastline defenders are still being hammered by relentless German and Italian pressure. The biggest problem I have now is that, while there are enough bodies in the trenches (and of not terrible quality, either), they simply can’t get a good stop on the Axis attackers.
ELSEWHERE
North Africa - The Tunis defenders are dug in strong, with defensive numbers much better than the tired and ill-supplied Americans. The Canadians are trailing behind the rail repair crews as they advance toward the front. In Libya, the British are still rolling toward Tripoli.
NW Europe - Continued bombing raids on Germany have gained some traction, but nothing significant. The addition of another 8th AF squadron of B-17s will help.
RUSSIA
Sector: Murmansk
The city has fallen to the Axis. The leftover 5th Shock, 14th, 19th, and 33rd armies will be enveloped and captured. This is likely the final update from Murmansk.
Sector: Yelets-Voronezh
OPERATION: MEGAPHONE is now active, with plans being laid out for what is to be a multi-faceted attack via air and ground. Two airborne divisions will drop into two zones at rail junctions , both of which hold the approach to the sector for reinforcements. This will not only physically block the rail and road, but destroy the rail lines so that even if the airborne units are destroyed, Axis reinforcements will have to disembark farther away from the point of attack. At the same time, two Guards armies (one tank army), supported by two more large Guards formations, will exploit the already weakened center of the German line opposite Yelets. I’ve been pounding the enemy for several turns now with massed artillery behind Yelets, and three more artillery divisions are arriving by rail this turn. Once all the artillery is in place, I will blast a hole in the German line, then smash through with tanks and infantry, hopefully linking up with the surviving airborne troops. Depending on how far things get early on in the offensive, Kursk might be a viable objective. But that is a stretch at this point.
Sector: Astrakhan
The Germans continue to push east to the sea, but it’s a very slow and arduous process for them. I’ve spotted new divisions that have been called up from the rear, and now count three SS Panzer divisions, an SS Cavalry division, and an SS Panzer HQ (likely the I SS Panzer Korps). The bulk of the Axis force is made up of two infantry corps--the LXXXVIII and XI--and the I SS Panzer Korps. Other divisions from other corps are participating in this battle, but those three formations have been the base for this area. I’m planning a counter strike against the German offensive, but until the 1st Guards Tank Army is up to full readiness, I’ll have to be content with holding my ground.
Sectors: Grozny-Black Sea Coast
Both sectors are not doing well, but not exactly falling apart either. At Grozny, the airborne drop did cause me to eventually shift troops away from the city limits, but there is little chance the Germans will be able to use this situation for anything other than giving themselves breathing room. The Black Sea Coastline defenders are still being hammered by relentless German and Italian pressure. The biggest problem I have now is that, while there are enough bodies in the trenches (and of not terrible quality, either), they simply can’t get a good stop on the Axis attackers.
ELSEWHERE
North Africa - The Tunis defenders are dug in strong, with defensive numbers much better than the tired and ill-supplied Americans. The Canadians are trailing behind the rail repair crews as they advance toward the front. In Libya, the British are still rolling toward Tripoli.
NW Europe - Continued bombing raids on Germany have gained some traction, but nothing significant. The addition of another 8th AF squadron of B-17s will help.
TR 42-45 1.5.2 - ALLIED vs Mark - T040: 2.5.43
T040: 02.05.43
RUSSIA
Sector: Murmansk
How the city’s defenders held on, I’ll never know. But somehow Murmansk remains in Russian hands. I was prepared to write this off last turn, but looks like things will take a bit longer for the Axis. To the south, the Luftwaffe Field Korps is arriving from western Europe. Its destination is unknown.
Sector: Yelets
The lines have remained still since the brief breakthrough I managed last turn. I’m going to renew the assault this turn. The new phase of the war on the Eastern Front is about to begin, and the Yelets-Voronezh sectors are likely to be the flashpoint. The 68th Army has been formed and transported westward from the Urals. Why is this important? Because the 68th Army has three divisions of airborne troops. These will be the first Russian airborne units available in this scenario. Given a few turns to build up strength, coupled with a bridge-bombing campaign to cut off reinforcements, and we have a nice little offensive operation to blow the German lines wide open.
Sector: Astrakhan
So far, the German offensive has netted them only a hex or two. The battle has been raging now for two turns, with moderate losses on my side, and moderate to high losses on the Axis side. It was a fortunate move for me that the Germans attacked when they did, because I was one turn away from shipping out the 1st Gds Tank and 4th Shock Army to other sectors in the north. But now I’m able to commit them to this battle and counter any gains made by the Axis. With plans in the works for the Yelets-Voronezh offensive, my goal here at Astrakhan is to hold my ground and possibly give the Axis a black eye in the process.
Sector: Grozny
My positions were bound to fall apart sooner or later. The German airborne assault just hastened the move away from Grozny. I’m still going to have to destroy the German airborne troops, but that will be so I can have a clear withdrawal route to the coast line. Once there, the battle should resemble what’s been going on along the Black Sea Coast, hopefully with better early results.
AFRICA
Sectors: North Africa
The Americans are holding the Axis inside Tunis, while the Canadians have boarded trains for the front. Near Tripoli, the 10th Arm/X Corps has reached the outer defenses. The rest of the British Eighth Army is moving west from Benghazi.
RUSSIA
Sector: Murmansk
How the city’s defenders held on, I’ll never know. But somehow Murmansk remains in Russian hands. I was prepared to write this off last turn, but looks like things will take a bit longer for the Axis. To the south, the Luftwaffe Field Korps is arriving from western Europe. Its destination is unknown.
Sector: Yelets
The lines have remained still since the brief breakthrough I managed last turn. I’m going to renew the assault this turn. The new phase of the war on the Eastern Front is about to begin, and the Yelets-Voronezh sectors are likely to be the flashpoint. The 68th Army has been formed and transported westward from the Urals. Why is this important? Because the 68th Army has three divisions of airborne troops. These will be the first Russian airborne units available in this scenario. Given a few turns to build up strength, coupled with a bridge-bombing campaign to cut off reinforcements, and we have a nice little offensive operation to blow the German lines wide open.
Sector: Astrakhan
So far, the German offensive has netted them only a hex or two. The battle has been raging now for two turns, with moderate losses on my side, and moderate to high losses on the Axis side. It was a fortunate move for me that the Germans attacked when they did, because I was one turn away from shipping out the 1st Gds Tank and 4th Shock Army to other sectors in the north. But now I’m able to commit them to this battle and counter any gains made by the Axis. With plans in the works for the Yelets-Voronezh offensive, my goal here at Astrakhan is to hold my ground and possibly give the Axis a black eye in the process.
Sector: Grozny
My positions were bound to fall apart sooner or later. The German airborne assault just hastened the move away from Grozny. I’m still going to have to destroy the German airborne troops, but that will be so I can have a clear withdrawal route to the coast line. Once there, the battle should resemble what’s been going on along the Black Sea Coast, hopefully with better early results.
AFRICA
Sectors: North Africa
The Americans are holding the Axis inside Tunis, while the Canadians have boarded trains for the front. Near Tripoli, the 10th Arm/X Corps has reached the outer defenses. The rest of the British Eighth Army is moving west from Benghazi.
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
TR 42-45 1.5.2 - ALLIED vs Mark - T039: 1.29.43
T039: 01.29.43
RUSSIA
Sector: Murmansk
Axis troops are now on the verge of capturing Murmansk. The 18. PzG of XXXIX-B Panzer has cut off a chunk of the 33rd, 42nd and 5th Shock Armies, giving the enemy a three-sided attack path to the city. The Adm Sheer squadron of the Kriegsmarine is still blocking the shipping lane, meaning that not only can’t I reinforce the city, but can’t evacuate it, either. The British Royal Navy sent over a battleship squadron to help break the blockade, but that could take up to two turns to destroy the German squadron. Losing Murmansk will be a big blow to the Allied/Russian cause, but not as much of a mental shock as losing Leningrad. Archangelsk is a completely different (and unlikely) target for the Axis, which means the Lend Lease should continue to come in with only minor disruption.
Sector: Yelets
Russian tanks actually penetrated two hexes into the German position immediately adjacent to Yelets. Having massed field artillery here, I feel confident I can replicate that kind of breakthrough in the upcoming turns. And now with the arrival of the 2nd Gds Tank and 3rd Guards Army, I’ll have more to support and follow up on any gains. I’m hoping this area can become a focal point for the front once again, as the northern and southern extremes have seen poor performance by the Russians.
Sector: Astrakhan
The Germans are attempting something here, but I’m not sure the end game. The attack is being led by the XIV Panzer, supported by the XI Korps and other detached panzer and infantry divisions. This is a very hodge-podge offensive, at least in terms of formation cohesion. I noticed some units coming up from a local reserve, some of which looked like SS Panzer Korps divisions. They haven’t entered the battle as of yet, but it’s something to keep in mind here. The XI Korps and XIV Panzer divisions could be used to soften up my front lines (which they have so far) for the SS Panzer divisions to strike the fatal blow. Still, this offensive doesn’t seem to have the juice for a strike all the way to Astrakhan. My assumption right now is that it’s to keep my forces here pinned down and away from Grozny, since the Axis get a big bonus for holding that city for 24 turns after capture.
Sector: Grozny
Speaking of which, this sector just got fun in a hurry, as the LW Airborne dropped a division plus two regiments on to the supply lines leading to Grozny. Mark mentioned this is an attempt to break up what’s quickly becoming a stalemate at Grozny. I’m not sure it will work. Considering how successful the Germans have been in the Caucasus so far, however, there’s no way I can rule out anything here. The 18th Army is stationed a few hundred miles to the south along the road to Baku. I’ll have to call them up to dispose of the LW Airborne units, as I can only dedicate maybe a few units right now from the Grozny sector. It’s about containment until the 18th Army arrives.
Sector: Black Sea Coast
Every time I think I’ve set up a decent defensive line, the Germans (supported by Italian mountain units) break through and force a withdrawal. It was not a big problem at first. But now I’m running out of time and land. If the Axis can get into the open, they will have a clear shot at T’Bilisi, as I don’t have nearly enough in this sector to protect the city or surrounding territories, including the oil fields.
AFRICA
Sector: Tunis
Slow going here, but the Germans were able to sneak the 15. Panzer Division onto transports back to Italy. That was a big opportunity missed by the Americans, as the 15. Pz was running on fumes (on red) and could have been destroyed with a good push. The US V Corps is moving up on the II Corps’ right flank. The Canadians have landed their I Corps, and should be able to rail most of it to the front in the next turn or two. That will be the likely end to the Axis presence in North Africa, since the Canadians will be rested and full-strength from not having to march/drive all the way from Algiers. The Southern Exclusion Zone protecting the “Soft Underbelly” of Europe has been lifted, so capturing Tunis is now the last piece of the pie.
ELSEWHERE
Libya - The British Eighth Army has cleared out all non-static Axis units in Libya, and is rolling quickly toward Tripoli.
NW Europe - The RAF and US 8th AF have increased bombing raids on the German industrial and supply centers along the Ruhr and Rhine. Increasing the EEV points will punish the Axis side.
RUSSIA
Sector: Murmansk
Axis troops are now on the verge of capturing Murmansk. The 18. PzG of XXXIX-B Panzer has cut off a chunk of the 33rd, 42nd and 5th Shock Armies, giving the enemy a three-sided attack path to the city. The Adm Sheer squadron of the Kriegsmarine is still blocking the shipping lane, meaning that not only can’t I reinforce the city, but can’t evacuate it, either. The British Royal Navy sent over a battleship squadron to help break the blockade, but that could take up to two turns to destroy the German squadron. Losing Murmansk will be a big blow to the Allied/Russian cause, but not as much of a mental shock as losing Leningrad. Archangelsk is a completely different (and unlikely) target for the Axis, which means the Lend Lease should continue to come in with only minor disruption.
Sector: Yelets
Russian tanks actually penetrated two hexes into the German position immediately adjacent to Yelets. Having massed field artillery here, I feel confident I can replicate that kind of breakthrough in the upcoming turns. And now with the arrival of the 2nd Gds Tank and 3rd Guards Army, I’ll have more to support and follow up on any gains. I’m hoping this area can become a focal point for the front once again, as the northern and southern extremes have seen poor performance by the Russians.
Sector: Astrakhan
The Germans are attempting something here, but I’m not sure the end game. The attack is being led by the XIV Panzer, supported by the XI Korps and other detached panzer and infantry divisions. This is a very hodge-podge offensive, at least in terms of formation cohesion. I noticed some units coming up from a local reserve, some of which looked like SS Panzer Korps divisions. They haven’t entered the battle as of yet, but it’s something to keep in mind here. The XI Korps and XIV Panzer divisions could be used to soften up my front lines (which they have so far) for the SS Panzer divisions to strike the fatal blow. Still, this offensive doesn’t seem to have the juice for a strike all the way to Astrakhan. My assumption right now is that it’s to keep my forces here pinned down and away from Grozny, since the Axis get a big bonus for holding that city for 24 turns after capture.
Sector: Grozny
Speaking of which, this sector just got fun in a hurry, as the LW Airborne dropped a division plus two regiments on to the supply lines leading to Grozny. Mark mentioned this is an attempt to break up what’s quickly becoming a stalemate at Grozny. I’m not sure it will work. Considering how successful the Germans have been in the Caucasus so far, however, there’s no way I can rule out anything here. The 18th Army is stationed a few hundred miles to the south along the road to Baku. I’ll have to call them up to dispose of the LW Airborne units, as I can only dedicate maybe a few units right now from the Grozny sector. It’s about containment until the 18th Army arrives.
Sector: Black Sea Coast
Every time I think I’ve set up a decent defensive line, the Germans (supported by Italian mountain units) break through and force a withdrawal. It was not a big problem at first. But now I’m running out of time and land. If the Axis can get into the open, they will have a clear shot at T’Bilisi, as I don’t have nearly enough in this sector to protect the city or surrounding territories, including the oil fields.
AFRICA
Sector: Tunis
Slow going here, but the Germans were able to sneak the 15. Panzer Division onto transports back to Italy. That was a big opportunity missed by the Americans, as the 15. Pz was running on fumes (on red) and could have been destroyed with a good push. The US V Corps is moving up on the II Corps’ right flank. The Canadians have landed their I Corps, and should be able to rail most of it to the front in the next turn or two. That will be the likely end to the Axis presence in North Africa, since the Canadians will be rested and full-strength from not having to march/drive all the way from Algiers. The Southern Exclusion Zone protecting the “Soft Underbelly” of Europe has been lifted, so capturing Tunis is now the last piece of the pie.
ELSEWHERE
Libya - The British Eighth Army has cleared out all non-static Axis units in Libya, and is rolling quickly toward Tripoli.
NW Europe - The RAF and US 8th AF have increased bombing raids on the German industrial and supply centers along the Ruhr and Rhine. Increasing the EEV points will punish the Axis side.
Sunday, July 8, 2012
TR 42-45 1.5.2 - ALLIED vs Mark - T038: 1.22.42
T038: 01.22.43
RUSSIA
Sector: Murmansk
This situation has gone from stable to disastrous in a matter of just one turn. Not only have the Axis blown apart my defensive lines, but a German naval squadron (!) is blocking the supply route from the Russian ports to the south. Unless I can break the blockade, while simultaneously transporting the 2nd Guards into the port of Murmansk, the city and valuable supply port will be in Axis hands by next turn. I’m not confident right now. Not at all. I’m not even sure that at this point, a rescue effort it worth the risk. What if the 2nd Guards can’t make it there in time, but get stranded at sea with roving German ships? What if the Guards do arrive, but are trapped and squeezed into surrender before firing a shot? Would the Guards be better used to launch an offensive into Finland, or concentrate elsewhere on the Russian Front?
Sector: Astrakhan
For a few turns now, I’ve built up some strength in the southern arm of the Astrakhan bulge. However, with the loss of Grozny, and the need for help elsewhere on the front, I’m not going to renew the offensive that was started with OPERATION: WATERFALL. The 3rd Guards and 2nd Gds Tank Armies were railed here in case of an attack. Now they are going to be sent to a different sector in the north, where I’m hoping to force the Germans to battle in the open plains.
Sector: Grozny
Was that a glider division I just saw pass overhead? Yes, it seems Mark is getting bold now, sending an airborne operation into the rear area of my Grozny defenses. I’m not sure what he’s expecting to accomplish, but I imagine it won’t last long with little supply and a few decent rear-guard units roaming about. Aside from that little show, the Grozny situation is kind of like cancer. You can slow it down, but it never really goes away. The Germans are slowly eating away at the armies I once had defending the city. Though they are still strong enough to prevent a sweeping breakthrough to Baku, it’s not an improving situation by any means. I’m going to soon have to consider moving some units back to form a new defensive line, before allowing the Germans access to more real estate.
AFRICA
Sector: Tunis
The V Corps is close, but not in battle formation. Much of the II Corps is finally getting some resupply, but they are still very low on the readiness scale. Once the rail line to Algiers is repaired, I can transport the I Canadian Corps by train to the Tunis sector. That will eliminate any attrition that would normally occur by marching/driving that long distance. Fresh, well-rested men and armor should have little trouble bagging the final Axis redoubt in North Africa.
RUSSIA
Sector: Murmansk
This situation has gone from stable to disastrous in a matter of just one turn. Not only have the Axis blown apart my defensive lines, but a German naval squadron (!) is blocking the supply route from the Russian ports to the south. Unless I can break the blockade, while simultaneously transporting the 2nd Guards into the port of Murmansk, the city and valuable supply port will be in Axis hands by next turn. I’m not confident right now. Not at all. I’m not even sure that at this point, a rescue effort it worth the risk. What if the 2nd Guards can’t make it there in time, but get stranded at sea with roving German ships? What if the Guards do arrive, but are trapped and squeezed into surrender before firing a shot? Would the Guards be better used to launch an offensive into Finland, or concentrate elsewhere on the Russian Front?
Sector: Astrakhan
For a few turns now, I’ve built up some strength in the southern arm of the Astrakhan bulge. However, with the loss of Grozny, and the need for help elsewhere on the front, I’m not going to renew the offensive that was started with OPERATION: WATERFALL. The 3rd Guards and 2nd Gds Tank Armies were railed here in case of an attack. Now they are going to be sent to a different sector in the north, where I’m hoping to force the Germans to battle in the open plains.
Sector: Grozny
Was that a glider division I just saw pass overhead? Yes, it seems Mark is getting bold now, sending an airborne operation into the rear area of my Grozny defenses. I’m not sure what he’s expecting to accomplish, but I imagine it won’t last long with little supply and a few decent rear-guard units roaming about. Aside from that little show, the Grozny situation is kind of like cancer. You can slow it down, but it never really goes away. The Germans are slowly eating away at the armies I once had defending the city. Though they are still strong enough to prevent a sweeping breakthrough to Baku, it’s not an improving situation by any means. I’m going to soon have to consider moving some units back to form a new defensive line, before allowing the Germans access to more real estate.
Sector: Tunis
The V Corps is close, but not in battle formation. Much of the II Corps is finally getting some resupply, but they are still very low on the readiness scale. Once the rail line to Algiers is repaired, I can transport the I Canadian Corps by train to the Tunis sector. That will eliminate any attrition that would normally occur by marching/driving that long distance. Fresh, well-rested men and armor should have little trouble bagging the final Axis redoubt in North Africa.
Saturday, July 7, 2012
TR 42-45 1.5.2 - ALLIED vs Mark - T037: 1.15.42
T037: 01.15.43
RUSSIA
Sector: Murmansk
Relief has broken my thin line surrounding the - Division east of Murmansk. But the big problem is the center of the line, which suddenly gave way to strong attacks by the Germans and Fins. It seems the rail artillery weakened my defenses enough that the Russians were no match for the Axis assault. I’ll have to send more reinforcements to Murmansk in the upcoming turns, much earlier than I hoped to need them. The 2nd Guards is ready to move, but haven’t boarded trains yet to Archangelsk’s docks. The only way to Murmansk is via the Arctic Ocean. Can help arrive in time?
AFRICA
Sector: Tobruk
The British 8th Armoured Brigade has rolled into a vacant Tobruk, the last Italians waving goodbye from the transports to Italy. Now it’s on to Tripoli and Tunisia.
Sector: Tunis
The 999. Leichte surprised the 9th Division by hopping out of its trenches and attacking the tired Americans. The “Varsity” boys fell back, and despite the help of the 34th Division, the Germans secured their position southwest of Tunis. With the Canadians boarding ships from England to Algeria, and the rail line from Algiers to the Tunis front lines being repaired, it looks as though the Americans will have to sit tight for the fresh divisions to arrive.
RUSSIA
Sector: Murmansk
Relief has broken my thin line surrounding the - Division east of Murmansk. But the big problem is the center of the line, which suddenly gave way to strong attacks by the Germans and Fins. It seems the rail artillery weakened my defenses enough that the Russians were no match for the Axis assault. I’ll have to send more reinforcements to Murmansk in the upcoming turns, much earlier than I hoped to need them. The 2nd Guards is ready to move, but haven’t boarded trains yet to Archangelsk’s docks. The only way to Murmansk is via the Arctic Ocean. Can help arrive in time?
AFRICA
Sector: Tobruk
The British 8th Armoured Brigade has rolled into a vacant Tobruk, the last Italians waving goodbye from the transports to Italy. Now it’s on to Tripoli and Tunisia.
Sector: Tunis
The 999. Leichte surprised the 9th Division by hopping out of its trenches and attacking the tired Americans. The “Varsity” boys fell back, and despite the help of the 34th Division, the Germans secured their position southwest of Tunis. With the Canadians boarding ships from England to Algeria, and the rail line from Algiers to the Tunis front lines being repaired, it looks as though the Americans will have to sit tight for the fresh divisions to arrive.
Friday, July 6, 2012
TR 42-45 1.5.2 - ALLIED vs Mark - T036: 1.8.42
T036 01.08.43
RUSSIA
Sector: Murmansk
The division east of the city has been a tough nut to crack, even though it’s cut off and surrounded. With all the resources wasted on trying to capture the unit, I’m expecting a counter attack by the rest of the German forces south of this small pocket. For now, however, Murmansk looks to be secure. In the coming turns, I’ll surely need to add more reinforcements here to protect the Lend Lease arrivals.
Sectors: The Caucasus
Minor actions result in little progress. I’m pulling back some units that were jammed up against the mountains south of Grozny, to avoid capture. But my plan remains to bottle up the Germans in Grozny, forcing them to fight their way out of the city if they want to advance on T’Bilisi or Baku. Along the Black Sea Coast, my lines are holding much better now, adding another defensive line just south of the main line.
AFRICA
Sector: Tobruk
The battle for eastern North Africa is winding down, as the Germans and Italians are either evacuated to Tunisia or Italy, or completely destroyed. The Italian Army HQ and DAK HQ have been caught, and should surrender the next turn. The XXX Corps approaches Tobruk, where a lone Italian division stands in the way. I’d expect a sharp, but relatively quick fight to retake the city after long months in Axis hands.
Sector: Tunisia
The US II Corps has reached the outskirts of Tunis, where it’s spotted two mechanized light divisions and a panzer division. It also looks like the mobile supply point for Panzer Armee Afrika is now at Tunis. Some Italian divisions are here to support the main German force.
RUSSIA
Sector: Murmansk
The division east of the city has been a tough nut to crack, even though it’s cut off and surrounded. With all the resources wasted on trying to capture the unit, I’m expecting a counter attack by the rest of the German forces south of this small pocket. For now, however, Murmansk looks to be secure. In the coming turns, I’ll surely need to add more reinforcements here to protect the Lend Lease arrivals.
Sectors: The Caucasus
Minor actions result in little progress. I’m pulling back some units that were jammed up against the mountains south of Grozny, to avoid capture. But my plan remains to bottle up the Germans in Grozny, forcing them to fight their way out of the city if they want to advance on T’Bilisi or Baku. Along the Black Sea Coast, my lines are holding much better now, adding another defensive line just south of the main line.
AFRICA
Sector: Tobruk
The battle for eastern North Africa is winding down, as the Germans and Italians are either evacuated to Tunisia or Italy, or completely destroyed. The Italian Army HQ and DAK HQ have been caught, and should surrender the next turn. The XXX Corps approaches Tobruk, where a lone Italian division stands in the way. I’d expect a sharp, but relatively quick fight to retake the city after long months in Axis hands.
Sector: Tunisia
The US II Corps has reached the outskirts of Tunis, where it’s spotted two mechanized light divisions and a panzer division. It also looks like the mobile supply point for Panzer Armee Afrika is now at Tunis. Some Italian divisions are here to support the main German force.
Thursday, July 5, 2012
TR 42-45 1.5.2 - ALLIED vs Mark - T035: 1.1.42
T035 01.01.43
Sector: Murmansk
I’ve shipped the -th Shock Army up to Murmansk, bolstering the defenses even more. I’d imagine Mark will make a concerted effort to take the port city, as it would really hurt my supply and Lend Lease capabilities. There will likely be the need to send more troops up here, but I’m going to see what the Germans do now that they’re facing an entire additional army.
ELSEWHERE
NW Europe - The strategic bombing campaign is sputtering along. Losses have been high, so success has been minimal.
North Africa - The British are approaching Tobruk just as the Axis are leaving it. Some of the Axis are being shipped to Tunis, where the Americans are on the outskirts of the city.
The Caucasus - Minimal skirmishes, but nothing of consequence.
Sector: Murmansk
I’ve shipped the -th Shock Army up to Murmansk, bolstering the defenses even more. I’d imagine Mark will make a concerted effort to take the port city, as it would really hurt my supply and Lend Lease capabilities. There will likely be the need to send more troops up here, but I’m going to see what the Germans do now that they’re facing an entire additional army.
ELSEWHERE
NW Europe - The strategic bombing campaign is sputtering along. Losses have been high, so success has been minimal.
North Africa - The British are approaching Tobruk just as the Axis are leaving it. Some of the Axis are being shipped to Tunis, where the Americans are on the outskirts of the city.
The Caucasus - Minimal skirmishes, but nothing of consequence.
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
TR 42-45 1.5.2 - ALLIED vs Mark - T034: 12.25.42
T034 12.25.42
Sector: Murmansk
The Germans have renewed their push to capture this vital Lend Lease port, with early success. It won’t be so easy, however, to just waltz into the city. I’m planning on shipping an entire Shock or Guards army up to fortify the defense, in cooperation with a demonstration in the southern portion of Finland.
Sector: Grozny
The city has fallen with a clap of thunder. Mark even said he didn’t expect to capture Grozny in one turn, but that’s what he did, going for broke and attacking directly into the city. The original German plan was to capture the adjacent hexes to cut the defenses in two. But that was tough sledding. Now I’m left to scramble the defenses and plan my next move. The next likely Axis target is T’Bilisi, then Baku. But both are very tough to get to, compared to Grozny, which was in a terrible defensive position. I’m probably going to stay put next to Grozny, in order to keep the Germans guessing and prepared for a counter offensive. Of course, that’s unlikely to happen here, but you never know. Northwest of Grozny, I’ve spotted at least two airborne/airlanding divisions resting on airfield hexes.
Sector: Libya-Tobruk - OPERATION TURNPIKE
The battle is moving west, as Rommel is making a run for it to Tobruk and mainland Europe. The Italians are fighting to cover the withdrawal, aided by the remaining German units. Much of the DAK is trying to get to the port, which I briefly blocked with the Royal Navy and Allied naval squadrons. The Italian Navy sortied into the area, knocking out two battleships and at least a few cruisers. It was a rough loss for the RN, but not one that can’t be absorbed in th end. Now that I know where the Italian squadron is (in Tobruk, protecting the troop transports), I can order a naval air attack on the big boats.
Sector: Algeria-Tunisia
Approaching the border was slower than expected, as the 51st Italian Division held Phillipeville for two full turns before the V Corps overwhelmed the fortified town. The 2nd Armored rolled toward the border, with the V Corps recon screening the southern flank. Farther south, the British II Corps is approaching Tebessa and Kessarine Pass, where at least two Italian divisions, and a mechanized German division are digging in. I’m not concerned with dislodging the Axis units down here. Rather, my goal is to capture Tunis as quickly as possible. The British 1st Airborne Division is resting and ready at the Algiers airfields, and will likely see its first action in the next few turns. OPERATION: TORCH has been a success.
Sector: Murmansk
The Germans have renewed their push to capture this vital Lend Lease port, with early success. It won’t be so easy, however, to just waltz into the city. I’m planning on shipping an entire Shock or Guards army up to fortify the defense, in cooperation with a demonstration in the southern portion of Finland.
Sector: Grozny
The city has fallen with a clap of thunder. Mark even said he didn’t expect to capture Grozny in one turn, but that’s what he did, going for broke and attacking directly into the city. The original German plan was to capture the adjacent hexes to cut the defenses in two. But that was tough sledding. Now I’m left to scramble the defenses and plan my next move. The next likely Axis target is T’Bilisi, then Baku. But both are very tough to get to, compared to Grozny, which was in a terrible defensive position. I’m probably going to stay put next to Grozny, in order to keep the Germans guessing and prepared for a counter offensive. Of course, that’s unlikely to happen here, but you never know. Northwest of Grozny, I’ve spotted at least two airborne/airlanding divisions resting on airfield hexes.
Sector: Libya-Tobruk - OPERATION TURNPIKE
The battle is moving west, as Rommel is making a run for it to Tobruk and mainland Europe. The Italians are fighting to cover the withdrawal, aided by the remaining German units. Much of the DAK is trying to get to the port, which I briefly blocked with the Royal Navy and Allied naval squadrons. The Italian Navy sortied into the area, knocking out two battleships and at least a few cruisers. It was a rough loss for the RN, but not one that can’t be absorbed in th end. Now that I know where the Italian squadron is (in Tobruk, protecting the troop transports), I can order a naval air attack on the big boats.
Sector: Algeria-Tunisia
Approaching the border was slower than expected, as the 51st Italian Division held Phillipeville for two full turns before the V Corps overwhelmed the fortified town. The 2nd Armored rolled toward the border, with the V Corps recon screening the southern flank. Farther south, the British II Corps is approaching Tebessa and Kessarine Pass, where at least two Italian divisions, and a mechanized German division are digging in. I’m not concerned with dislodging the Axis units down here. Rather, my goal is to capture Tunis as quickly as possible. The British 1st Airborne Division is resting and ready at the Algiers airfields, and will likely see its first action in the next few turns. OPERATION: TORCH has been a success.
Monday, July 2, 2012
TR 42-45 1.5.2 - ALLIED vs Mark - T033: 12.18.42
T033 12.18.42
Sectors: The Caucasus
Little combat again. But the Germans are now relieving front line units with fresh ones from the Leningrad sector. This wasn’t unexpected. The battle for Grozny should resume shortly. The Black Sea coast defenders are holding against less pressure than before, and like Grozny, should be seeing renewed attacks soon.
Up in the Astrakhan bulge, no significant attacks from the Axis. But as is the case everywhere in the Caucasus, the Germans are moving in fresh troops to take up the charge.
Sector: Libya
As the battle moves out of Egypt, my objective is to trap as many German units as possible. The key here is eliminating the DAK units because they are the most dangerous. The Italians are withering away as the British advance west.
Sector: Algeria
The US V Corps is held up at Phillipeville, where the Italian 11th Army’s 51 Division is fortified in the town. The II Corps is moving steadily east toward the Tunisian border, while the British II Corps sweeps down south toward Tebessa. At Kessarine Pass, recon has spotted a German mechanized division. I’m not sure yet how to handle that situation, as I do not have the force necessary to simply overwhelm the Germans dug in there. But if I can keep them away from the American column, that’s good enough for now.
Sectors: The Caucasus
Little combat again. But the Germans are now relieving front line units with fresh ones from the Leningrad sector. This wasn’t unexpected. The battle for Grozny should resume shortly. The Black Sea coast defenders are holding against less pressure than before, and like Grozny, should be seeing renewed attacks soon.
Up in the Astrakhan bulge, no significant attacks from the Axis. But as is the case everywhere in the Caucasus, the Germans are moving in fresh troops to take up the charge.
Sector: Libya
As the battle moves out of Egypt, my objective is to trap as many German units as possible. The key here is eliminating the DAK units because they are the most dangerous. The Italians are withering away as the British advance west.
Sector: Algeria
The US V Corps is held up at Phillipeville, where the Italian 11th Army’s 51 Division is fortified in the town. The II Corps is moving steadily east toward the Tunisian border, while the British II Corps sweeps down south toward Tebessa. At Kessarine Pass, recon has spotted a German mechanized division. I’m not sure yet how to handle that situation, as I do not have the force necessary to simply overwhelm the Germans dug in there. But if I can keep them away from the American column, that’s good enough for now.
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