The Twin Peaks Massacre, preset game for Capt.Pixel and Buzzard45

[Buzzard45]

Thanks for the set-up Lars. You picked pretty much what I would have so it made it easy to play. The only extras would be an ammo wagon or two and maybe some AA guns for defence.

Capt Pixel, You are far too modest. The only place that you let me advance was on your right (north). I was stymied other in the south and centre (okay I was trying for a defensive stance there but still). You certainly set-up great ambushes. I am using the techniques in other games. I especially like the MG and ATG pairing with a little infantry to stop the run up and kill with mech. I lost a lot of those Lorraines. Your arty was also more effective. There was no time for scouting and recon in this game, so that was no weakness. It was all hit and hit again. well maybe hit and RUN_AWAY.

Thanks for the kind words though. I don't feel as though I deserve them. I'll PM my password as I may want to use it again.

We should play again with a more level playing field. Or better a mirror game. Nothing levels a field like having to play both sides. If you win both sides you deserve the win.

[Lars]

Hi Guys,

I really enjoyed following your progress in these DAR’s. I hope you enjoyed playing it as much as I did reading it.

It was a difficult pick of nations you choose and I had a fear of the Poles being too week when I set it up. They did not have a lot of equipment to choose from and I maybe should have given them at least a 10% advantage.
I had some hope for the 40mm AA though, to be able to inflict some casualties on the more heavy French tanks. But since the mobility of the French units were better, I probably should have set the starting lines closer too the centre for the Poles.

Another way to balance the game could have been, not to allow any reinforcement for the French player. Or to allow the Polish player to pick Soviet equipment for it’s reinforcement…

To Buzz:
When I set up games for others to play, I rarely put ammo-transport in the force. I like to force the players to be careful with their ammo and not over-use their artillery.

/Lars

[Capt. Pixel]

Yes, thanks much Lars.

I enjoyed seeing how another player would select a force. It gave me some interesting insights.

The Poles are lacking in available selection in 1940. I knew that, but was willing to give it a try. I, too, had greater hopes for the 40mm AA AND the 47mm ATGs. Unfortunately, they just didn't seem to have the punch. Hitting the French wasn't the problem. Penetrating the armor was nigh-on impossible.

The major fault on my side was that I had virtually NO defense north of the road. it was all wide open except for a couple of scout vehicles. Artillery and possible armored reinforcements were to handle that contigency.

My plan was to watch, and possibly reinforce, the North, Hold the Center and punch through on the south road. Much to my distress, the North is where Buzzard pushed his armor assault. A superb French defense kept my southern forces at bay.

Reinforcements for the Poles consisted mostly of armor with one ammo truck. The armor speeded towards the French armor in the north and did actually slow them for a couple of turns. Eventually French armor superiority overwhelmed their fall-back and ambush tactics.

The ammo truck got to the mortars and howitzers just in time to join the scramble to relocate artillery further south. That was quite a circus what with wagons and citroens all running south with whatever they could drag along. :rolleyes:

Once I lost overwatch along the northern road (~ turn 10), it was all over. I couldn't contain the salient that Buzzard had forced.

Infiltrators were probably my Most Valuable Unit. I'm sure they were causing consternation among the French rear area troops. At least I know I had fun trotting them around and stirring up trouble. When they took out an immobilized Char B1, I thought I might have a chance of being a real pain-in-the-a$$.

The second MVU would have to be the artillery. 81mm mortars and 75mm howitzers were coming in regularly and dealing a great amount of suppression almost every turn. (But you'd expect nothing less from Capt. Pixel. )

Buzzard used excellent approach tactics. He drew what Opfire he could at range with large, impervious tanks and then flung his Mech Inf and cruiser tanks forward to dispatch MGs and ATGs waiting in ambush. Even though these Poles might have had a chance to drive the Mechs away, we just couldn't hit anything. (Well, once again, we could hit, but we couldn't damage the French armor) Buzzard successfully kept his forces together and came forward in force. No piece-mealing here. drat!

Judging from what I could see on my side, I kept the Buzzard wondering enough to slow his advance to half or less. Had he known what was actually in front of him, I'd have been writing this AAR three or four turns ago.

Thanks again Lars for setting this up for us. And thank you, Buzzard45, for joining me in this 'Massacre'. But the only 'Twin Peaks' I saw were the retreating arses of my poor, pathetic Poles.

I already have a good idea of where you are with what, but if you'd care to look, my password was 'Krakow'. Original, huh?

Good game, thanks again guys.

Buzzard45, we shall meet again. Next time you shall not be so fortunate. Muahahahahahahahaha :cough: :cough: :cough:

[Capt. Pixel]

Buzzard45 sent me his password so I could get a look at his units.

I've gotta say we both put quite a hurt on each other. I'd estimate his non-reinforced casualties at ~75%. Mine, on the other hand were closer to 90% (including reinforcements, oy!)

The shotgun VHs were equally covered (1150 vs 1150), but Buzzard had the map and the momentum.

His reinforcements were just stepping up to the plate and Eight(!!) ammo trucks were making their way to his artillery. (I had one ammo truck desperately trying to keep up with 4 mortars and 4 howtizers pumping rounds)

Had either one of us been real commanders, we'd have both been retreating much earlier than this. Casualties of this magnitude would have gotten both of us court-martialed. :rolleyes: