I always go back to the start of the new post. This forum doesn't make that simple, there are forums where it remembers where I was on the thread years later. So I wouldn't discount the possibility that it is just a quirk of the software.

No problem, this is stirring stuff. Somebody needs to get writing Organised Chaos: The Operational History of Operation Mercury.

Thanks for the update - was starting to worry.

Fascinating stuff. I've never seen a German player maneuver like this, its almost like one huge Napoleonic battle. I eagerly await every new turn!

Oof, tough to have Western Front withdraw from all those fortifications. Did you bag the two Panzer Divs that headed for Tula, or did they get rescued?

I think the previous poster is wondering how many units can be shipped across the Azov rather than the Kerch Straits. Its a remarkable situation ...

I wonder what the plan was for the panzer lunge to Orel? Seems a bit premature. Still keeps us all guessing what the Axis strategy is for 1942.

At least it saved Budyonny's magnificent mustache.

Did Zhukov just die, or did you have him slightly executed? Be honest now.

Dramatic stuff, as you say I think the German unit density saved them. But those panzer counter attacks will have burned a lot of trucks, which will be an issue. All in all, the German logistics should be in a state and 1942 ...

Looks very interesting so far, looking forward to following this. Keeping the early pockets sealed is much trickier than it used to be.

Thanks for this, always good to see another campaign. Roll on the winter!

Sad to see this end but thanks to both players, its been quite a journey

That will come with practice. Personally I never bother with the Air, I dont like the system or UI (its inherited from WITW, a very different situation). But I can get the computer to do it and not worry!

But if you play a human, you at least need to control the air game to cut off Riga or Odessa ...

I always tell people WWITE2 is the most complex wargame I've ever played, but also the easiest to learn (among the proper games anyway). As Markshot says, the secret is set the air and supply to AI and just have a go. I recommend the Road to Leningrad as German against the AI, its a great scenario ...

Thanks for the detailed explanations - I get it - I think. Then its a simple matter of putting AGC in the north with its extra Panzer Groups, and AGN (still with Leeb) in the middle as Army Group Swamp?

Enjoying this very much, thanks for the AAR. One request, could you explain your command structure swaps for the army groups? Sounds very interesting but I'm very confused, a bit like STAVKA right now.

Ooof, didnt see that coming. Thanks for teh play-through and better luck next time. What where the casualties at the end?

Congratulations on the inevitable triumph of Marxist-Leninism and the Soviet people. Looking forward to the next one - I think you can turn off automatic victory?

To the German player - be aggressive but watch your flanks!

IMO The Germans taking always Leningrad is historically accurate - in real life AGN made a right mess of the Baltics and still cut Leningrad off by land. An extra corps and Leningrad can't hold without as you say risking Moscow.

Talking of which, the Battle for Moscow is shaping up nicely. If you ...

Keep the cavalry going - they are cheap units and the damage they will do to the rail net is worth more to you.

But as said before, this game is over, its just how much you want the German player to suffer now.

Beautifully presented AAR BTW - looking forward to the next one.

I don't like the airwar. I find it clunky, unintuitive and frustrating.

But I love War in the East 2. Its not just my favourite strategy game, its in my top ten favourite computer games in any genre, in the last 40 years.

The secret is the AI assistance. I disagree with the poster above who says ...

Congratulations on your win, it has been a pleasure to follow this all the way. Thanks for sharing it with us and the work required.