Group Andrews (ANZAC Long Campaign AAR)

[vahauser]

May 1941

After the fight at Agedabia, Group Andrews fell back to Benghazi with Rommel close behind, only to be ordered out of the town almost as soon as they arrived. The group was ordered to move due east towards the port-town of Tobruk, along a baked-sand path well away from the coast road, through the village crossroads of a tiny place called Mechili.

Still officially attached to the British 2nd Armored Division, the Group acted as the Division’s vanguard and made rapid progress through the desert sand. Upon reaching the crossroads village of Mechili, more just a spot on a map really, the Group assembled and began their move toward Tobruk.

However, events were turning out badly for the 2nd Armored Division strung out behind the Group. Radio messages started to reach the Group concerning reports of enemy activity all around the Division. The Division radioed that it was attempting to form up and offer as much resistance as it could until aid arrived.

But there was no aid to be had in the area, except for the Group. HQ ordered the Group to turn about and see if it could re-establish communications with 2nd Armored Division. Meanwhile, the wind had increased and a kind of hot sandy haze descended over the region as the Group turned around and went looking for the beleaguered 2nd Armored Division. . .


Battle #4: 22 May 1941
Meeting Engagement Group Andrews vs. Germany near Mechili, Libya
Time = 1000 hours (late morning)
Weather = Hazy
Visibility = 7
Game Length = 38 turns

DAR to follow within the next few days. . .

[FlashfyreSP]

I'm afraid the changes you made aren't going to have much effect on the AI's purchase choices; I just ran a few 'test buys' using the Ratings you chose and the AI still buys mostly obsolete tanks in its Panzer platoons. In 4 4000-pt test battle setups, the AI consistently bought its Panzer Companies with:
2 PzKpfw III Hs (command section)
5 PzKpfw II Cs (lt panzer platoon)
5 PzKpfw 38(t)Es (panzer platoon)
5 PzKpfw 38(t)Es (panzer platoon)
4 PzKpfw IV Cs (support panzer platoon)

There were 2 Coys bought for each setup; only 1 out of 8 had a single platoon of PzKpfw III Hs.

The AI is still going to buy the cheapest available unit for the period; giving it more points just means you'll see more cheap units, not better ones.

[vahauser]

FlashFyre,

I appreciate you running some "test buys" with the Germans. The results you posted are very interesting.

I've just started Battle #4 using the new preference settings, and so I'm locked in for that battle.

I believe that the new preference settings still help the Axis and hurt Group Andrews even if the German AI won't buy more modern equipment. Using the new preference settings will mean that the Axis will still sight better and hit better and rally better. And even if their equipment is still old, they will have 25% more of it with which to put more stress on Group Andrews (since it will be harder to break force morale as well as more mass with which the computer can charge into battle using its brute force tactics).

Now that I think more about your test, it occurs to me that changing the AI purchase algorithm might not be a great idea just yet. So, I am not advocating changing anything to do with AI purchasing for now. This Enhanced PBEM/Long Campaign Mod is still new and I need to fight more battles before I would feel comfortable suggesting any changes to the AI purchasing algorithm.

In the meantime, thanks again for sharing your test results.

[vahauser]

Battle #4, 22 May 1941, Meeting Engagement near Mechili
Situation at the end of ANZAC Turn 1.

SUPPORT FORCES
In its search for the British 2nd Armored Division, the Group stumbled upon a handful of Matilda tanks lumbering around lost in the haze. Col. Andrews immediately attached them to the Group for the duration of this operation.
3x Matilda II tanks
1x Matilda III-CS tank

Col. Andrews figures that the Group is outnumbered, outclassed, and outgunned by the Germans. The 170 units of the Group are likely to be hit by at least twice that number of German units, and the German units will almost certainly be stronger as well. The Germans hold all the advantages in this battle, except one. If the Group can lure the Germans into piling their force into a small, carefully selected fire zone, then the Group might have a chance to win this battle. The low visibility hurts the Group since their AA guns cannot stand off at long range and provide fire support like they did at Agedabia. Col. Andrews has staked everything on luring the Germans into a fight for the northern victory cluster. The plan is to draw the Germans into committing all their forces into that fight by using the Matilda tanks as bait. The Matildas are the only units strong enough to hope to withstand the German attack. After the Germans are totally committed to the fight for the northern victory cluster, the hope and prayer is that the remainder of the Group can carefully maneuver to encircle the Germans. That is the plan. Wellington won at Waterloo with an estimated 10% chance of victory. Col. Andrews hopes that the Group can achieve a similar result here in the hot desert haze at Mechili. There is no margin for error. Any mistakes might prove disastrous.

GENERAL COMMENTS
1. Several rifle squads have been put into Defend Mode (C&C ON, remember) in the rough terrain hexes on the hill overlooking the northern victory cluster to provide direct support for the Matilda tanks. These few men have been informed that the weight of the entire German force might soon be hitting them.
2. If ever there was a time for the Group’s light mortars to perform a miracle, then now is that time. All light mortars and all ammo trucks are in position and are determined to do their very best to support the Group in what will likely be a brutal and bloody battle. All forward observers, platoon leaders, and company commanders are available nearby to provide command orders for the mortars.

The battle has begun.

[Goblin]

Hold fast!! Send them packing!! [:@]
 
 
 
Goblin

[vahauser]

Battle #4, 22 May 1941, Meeting Engagement near Mechili
Situation at the end of ANZAC Turn 6.

As initially planned, the Germans are taking the bait at the northern victory cluster. They seem to have shifted their forces north as hoped for. However, Col. Andrews is starting to receive reports that the Germans must have improved sighting equipment or something. Units that in previous battles could remain hidden are now being spotted and fired upon with ease by the Germans. This is troubling news indeed (since there is no “willy meter” in this new PBEM/Long Campaign Mod and usually the only indication you get when you are spotted is when you are shot at), and this unpleasant development could change the conduct of the entire battle. Col. Andrews directs his small staff to begin working on a Plan B immediately.

GENERAL COMMENT
The light mortars have fired a few rounds and, when used in mass, seem to have been able to at least pin and button several German units. This is a hopeful sign. But will it be enough to offset the increased German sighting?

The battle heats up.

[vahauser]

Battle #4, 22 May 1941, Meeting Engagement near Mechili
Situation at the end of ANZAC Turn 11.

Well, so much for Plan A. The plan to lure the Germans to the northern victory cluster did not turn out very well for Group Andrews. The supporting Matildas were all overrun and wiped out within two turns of fighting. Col. Andrews has now been forced into Plan B. After studying the map, Col. Andrews noticed a curious thing. The path from the northern victory cluster to the southern victory cluster is almost a straight line down a diagonal of hexes that passes directly in front of the Group’s central position of AA guns and mortars. Any German force moving down that diagonal would present perfect flank-shot opportunities as they passed by the AA guns. Col. Andrews ordered Plan B into effect to take advantage of that possibility. Plan B is a risky gamble designed to keep the German force on the move along that diagonal between the northern and southern victory clusters. As soon as the German vanguard reaches one of the two clusters, a diversionary attack is made on the other cluster with the intent of capturing a victory hex or two, thereby causing the Germans to turn about and head back to the other cluster. At which point a diversionary attack is made upon the other cluster causing the Germans to swing back the other way to that cluster. And so on, back and forth, with the idea that the Germans will not be able to bring their whole force to bear at any single point and can be defeated in detail. That is Plan B. Unfortunately, the Group has no supporting forces and all firefights have been with core forces only. The Group has suffered accordingly heavy losses. If Plan B fails, Col. Andrews is feverishly trying to figure out a Plan C. He hopes it doesn’t come to that.

GENERAL COMMENTS
1. There are more German Pz IIIHs in this battle than at Agedabia, and they can only be defeated by combined arms of small arms fire + close assaults + flank shots. This is highly dangerous work at best, and nearly suicidal at worst.
2. The Group’s light mortars are trying their best, but they just don’t have enough stopping power. However, one bright spot is that even a modest amount of suppression has served to throw off the aim of the Germans, which means that the Group’s units in the front line get a fighting chance against the superior German forces in local firefights.
3. On the other hand, the German artillery (81mm mortars and 75mm batteries) have hit the Group hard several times. Col. Andrews hopes that they run out of ammo soon. At least the Group has ammo trucks to keep their light mortars re-supplied.
4. So far, of the 24 Type II(s) tanks (roughly equal to a German Pz IIC) the Group started with, 2 have been knocked out and another 8 have been abandonded/damaged. If the battle stays at a high intensity for much longer, this situation could unravel out of control.
5. As bad as the tank losses have been, the losses to the Group’s infantry have been worse. All the reserves have been committed to the battle and almost every squad engaged has taken losses, many squads to the point where even one more casualty will disperse the unit. Not good.

The battle rages on.

[FlashfyreSP]

Just an historical note about some elements in your core force:

The Medium II(s) tanks were obsolete models by 1941 when the Australian armoured corps was formed. A total of 5 of them and 11 Vickers VIA tanks were all that existed in Australia during this period; they were used for training, and did not see service outside the continent.

At this time, British armoured forces were used in support of Commonwealth infantry, so you would have been justified in 'switching' to the British OOB to purchase your squadrons of armour.

This is not a 'knock' on your campaign or your force choice, simply an exercise in history and a 'passing on' of little-known information, which came to light during research into the ANZAC forces for the Enhanced Mod.

We return you to your regularly scheduled battle....

[vahauser]

Battle #4, 22 May 1941, Meeting Engagement near Mechili
Situation at the end of ANZAC Turn 16.

Plan B has left Group Andrews in shambles. Half of the Group’s tanks are damaged or knocked out. Of the Group’s 36 infantry squads, 8 have been wiped out and the surviving 28 squads have suffered 50% casualties on average. On Turn 12, at least 40 German mortars and 2 batteries of 75mm artillery pummeled the area just north of the Group’s own mortars. It took 3 turns for the units in that area to rally and recover, during which time the Group was without over half of its light mortars. If that barrage had landed 3 hexes south of where it did, then the Group’s artillery and ammo and likely Col. Andrews himself would have been destroyed. The Group once again escaped disaster by the narrowest of margins. Then on Turn 15, the Germans pounded the AA guns and ATR teams several hundred yards south of Col. Andrews and the Group’s mortars. You can see some of the smoke signatures of that German barrage in the right center of the screenshot (the rest of the smoke signatures are offscreen to the right). By the end of the Group’s Turn 16, Col. Andrews estimates that all but a handful of the German AFVs have been knocked out or abandoned. Once again, lack of coordination between the computer AI’s infantry and armor has given the Group a fighting chance to survive this battle. The German infantry (fallschirmjagers for the most part) have finally arrived on the scene and are now attacking without armor support.

GENERAL COMMENTS
1. The fallschirmjager recon patrols are deadly. They are hard to spot and they carry antitank mines.
2. The Group has sustained such severe losses that Col. Andrews is hesitant to stray very far from the Group’s current positions for fear of losing more units. No changes of formation objectives (C&C ON) are planned for the immediate future unless there is a lull in the battle that allows Col. Andrews to re-assess the situation. For now all units are to maintain their current positions against further German attacks.
3. Col. Andrews is praying that the Germans have expended all their artillery ammo. The Group might not be able to withstand another barrage that happens to land in a more critical area than the previous barrages.

The intensity of the battle has abated somewhat. Battle reports will be posted at 10 turn intervals hereafter (Turns 26 and 36) unless something dramatic occurs.

NOTE TO FLASHFYRE: I appreciate your historical research. However, the conditions of the FlashFyre Long Campaign Template are specific that only “minor nation” OOBs are allowed. Group Andrews will continue to soldier on in their obsolete (and unhistorical) training tanks until such time as suitable replacement tanks (and the build points to upgrade them) become available in the ANZAC OOB. I was motivated to turn “country training” OFF because making the change in the way that I did absolutely hurt Group Andrews and helped the computer AI. However, using British OOB tanks would help Group Andrews, and so I won’t do that under the conditions that I’m currently playing under. That said, though, if I ever do play another ANZAC Long Campaign, then I would definitely use the fruits of your historical research. Perhaps this campaign will bring to light additional historical ANZAC OOB information that might be put to good use for future campaigns/scenarios. Thanks again for the historical information.

P.S. Hereafter, I am going to adopt the term PO (programmed opponent) instead of “computer AI” in my future reports. PO is the term used by the TOAW-III forum, and I think it more accurately describes games involving human vs. computer (since there is no such thing as artificial intelligence anywhere in the world today). So PO it is from now on in these reports.

[vahauser]

Battle #4, 22 May 1941, Meeting Engagement near Mechili
Situation at the end of ANZAC Turn 26.

The German artillery appears to have run out of ammo on around Turn 20. The Group’s forces fighting over the southern victory cluster finally secured the area on around Turn 23 and slowly began creeping their way towards the center victory cluster. Capturing that center victory cluster will probably mean the difference between a Decisive and Marginal Victory. The Group’s forces fighting around the northern victory cluster hope to secure that cluster within the next 5 or 6 turns. To Col. Andrews it feels like the Group’s losses in this one battle have been as heavy as the Group’s losses in all three previous battles combined. All Col. Andrews wants is for this battle to be over as soon as possible with no further losses to the Group.

The battle has exhausted itself into isolated firefights at this point. The next report will be on Turn 36 unless something dramatic occurs.

[vahauser]

Battle #4, 22 May 1941, Meeting Engagement near Mechili
Situation at the end of ANZAC Turn 36.

At this point in the battle, various mop-up units are wandering around shooting German mortar squads that have run out of ammo. The rest of the Group remains behind, licking their wounds. There was not enough time left to capture the rear German victory cluster, and Col. Andrews did not want to risk further losses against possible rear-area German defenses in any event.

GENERAL COMMENTS
1. Once again, a large number of German AFVs were abandoned and not destroyed. Col. Andrews is now convinced that this is due to the Group’s light weapons. Reports from his units indicate that even when they do penetrate the German armor, frequently multiple shots are needed (using up precious ammo) to knock out the vehicle. He notes that the German 50mm and 75mm weapons destroy the Group’s AFVs much more effectively by comparison.
2. Col. Andrews was also dismayed by the ease with which the Germans wiped out his supporting Matildas. Surveying the wreckage, he found evidence of a kind of high-density penetrating ammo. When he radioed HQ, HQ confirmed that the Germans have an ammo type known as APCR in small quantities. HQ stated that this kind of ammo is under development by The Ministry of Armaments and could be made available in small amounts sometime “soon”. Col. Andrews is not holding his breath in anticipation.

The battle finally ended on Turn 38.

[vahauser]

Battle #4, 22 May 1941, Meeting Engagement near Mechili
End of Battle Report.

As with the fight at Agedabia, the Battle Score posted below is not telling the whole truth. The Group suffered very high casualties (over 50% losses in the infantry squads alone). The Group failed to capture all the victory hexes. The Group failed to establish contact with 2nd Armored Division, and that entire Division surrendered soon after. Whatever “victory” was won by the Group on this forsaken patch of bloody sand, it was more than offset by its failure to achieve the larger objectives. As a result, the Western Desert Force is falling back once again, with Rommel again in pursuit. Tobruk is now isolated and besieged.

POST-BATTLE COMMENTS
1. The Group’s light mortars performed well in some respects, not very well in others. On a few occasions large stacks of German units were attacked with massed light mortars, which was then followed up by the Group’s armor and infantry. This proved very effective in eliminating several dozen German units during the battle. On the other hand, the rifle squads in the line suffered because their platoon HQs were back with the mortars providing them with orders and contact with Col. Andrews. Col. Andrews is now convinced that this state of affairs was unacceptable. The platoon HQs now have standing orders to remain with their infantry. Further, Col. Andrews has made upgrading those light mortars his highest priority.
2. Col. Andrews has finally discovered some use for the Group’s LMG teams. Several times during the battle, by using a nearby LMG team to “Z Fire” into a hex occupied by some of the Group’s retreating/routing units, those units had their status changed to pinned/buttoned. This proved of value on more than one occasion. Therefore, the Group’s ATR teams will be turned into truck drivers before the LMG teams, when build points become available.
3. Of the Group’s 36 infantry squads, 6 of them suffered more casualties than the threshold needed for the unit to disperse (one unit lost 8 men out of a 9-man squad). However, due to their high morale, those units did not disperse and remained in the fight. Col. Andrews believes that the value of high morale is crucial to battlefield success.
4. Following the battle, the Group had over 1100 build points. Unit repairs cost over 300 points. The Group upgraded all 9 of the light mortars attached to the rifle platoons to Matilda III-CS mortar tanks. This cost over 600 build points, which left the Group with under 200 build points. Col. Andrews decided to save those points for the future.

REMINDER: Unless somebody specifically requests to see the post-battle screenshots of my core, then I would rather not post the 6 screenshots it takes to show my core after every battle. Let me know if you want to see post-battle screenshots of my core.

[Riun T]

I post mine and the enemies cores once in a while to show all of u what the opponent and myself had for compareable #'s,, sort of lets u guys see what i have to contend with,,, also the best way to count how many off board assets they wealded,and whether or not the AI called for reinforcements.
I have not yet had a battle where the comp could buy 80+ tanks with its initial battle purchase??,, especially since APCR availablity would theoretically increase the base price of your better enemies tanks,wouldn't it???[&:]

[vahauser]

Rather than post screenshots of the German units for Battle #4, I added them all up instead.

321 total German units in 100 formations, with a purchase cost of 9979 points.

1x Battalion HQ
2x 75mm off-map artillery batteries
2x FlakPz 20mm AA
2x FlakPz 37mm AA
4x StuG B
24x Recon Teams
34x 81mm mortars
19x Pz IIIH
5x Pz IIIG
38x Pz IVC
65x Fallschirmjager squads
15x Fallschirmjager recon patrols
21x ATR teams
10x 75mm AT-RR guns
10x Pz IIC
5x Pz 35t
10x Pz IIIE
14x Company/Platoon HQs
24x Rifle squads
4x MG34
6x 50mm mortars

Group Andrews + support = 171 units (167 +4)
Initial Core Points = 3000 (now probably worth between 4000 and 5000, including support)

1x Colonel Andrews HQ
5x LRDG
9x 50mm mortars
6x 50mm mortar carriers
8x 20mm AA
8x 40mm Bofors Portee AA
24x Type II(s) tanks
27x Rifle squads
9x Engineer squads
12x Bren carriers
12x LMG teams
6x ATR teams
18x trucks
13x Company/Platoon HQs
5x Forward Observers
3x Matilda II (support)
1x Matilda III-CS (support)

[Riun T]

I don't think I'm going to make the enemies rear VH group either in my bouganville fight but at least they were dumb enough to send their overall HQ to the front line, where we found and smashed them!! I'll post the enemies core for this one because I'm interested in the differance in the experience/morale/leadership comparison, so far the enemies experience is averaging 12-18 points more than any of my similar units, and we don't have to talk about how badly we're out numbered,as much as "did u get their HQ ??? and could u have held them off if the battle would have continued?and maybe figure out what or how many of the german units had the APCR rounds that took your Matildas,?? I don't believe they had "Armour pierceing composite ridgid" shells for anything but the 50mm or 75mm to start,,,,and even with rarity off they couldn't possibly equip ALL those calibred units with their maximum number of stored rounds of that special a type!!??

[Goblin]

vahauser,
 
With all of that abandoned enemy armor laying about, would not the ANZACs capture and use the occasional salvagable enemy tank?
 
 
 
Goblin

[Riun T]

Think that goes against what he's tryin to show gobby, if he took those captured tanks it would be an advantage to use against the retarded PO{player opponent}AI[:D]
I think he should have his troops send back some examples of those APCR shells to england for potential study!!

[Riun T]

just adding a "nondenominational holiday" greeting to all present and foruming this dec.26th,,,and all being DORKS like myself probably would'nt admitt what excuses u've used to allow yourselves to be in the SPWAW forums and not draged out for family functions!![:'(] I'm gonna jump out and convert the screens to show u guys where the HQ died for the japs at bouganville,and come back to replies so don't go away,,, 

[vahauser]

June 1941
After the 2nd Armored Division surrendered, Group Andrews fell back to the Egyptian border.  There they were given a brief period to rest and refit. After absorbing new replacements and receiving some new Matilda close-support mortars for their infantry, the Group was once again put on combat alert and moved back to the front.
 
General Wavell was determined to break through to the besieged garrison at Tobruk.  He developed a plan which he called Operation Battleaxe.  By now, the Group was gaining a reputation as tough desert fighters, and General Wavell ordered the Group to operate independently as part of the Battleaxe plan.  The Group was redeployed to the flank of the Allied battle line and was to attempt to turn the flank of the Axis.  To assist the Group, some newly arrived British formations were attached.
 
Operation Battleaxe commenced early on 24 June 1941 and the Group (reinforced) made rapid progress across the Libyan desert against no opposition.  Late on 25 June (after 36 hours on the march in the scorching heat), Col. Andrews was informed by HQ that aerial reconnaissance had located an Italian force holding a position near the village of Bir Hacheim, directly in front of the Group (reinforced), at the far end of the Axis line.  Col. Andrews informed his troops, and the Group (reinforced) prepared itself for battle.


Battle #5: 26 June 1941
Group Andrews Advance vs. Italy Delay near Bir Hacheim, Libya
Time = 0900 hours (mid morning)
Weather = Clear
Visibility = 26
Game Length = 33 turns

DAR to follow within the next few days. . .

[vahauser]

Battle #5, 26 June 1941, Group Andrews Advance vs. Italy Delay near Bir Hacheim
Situation at the end of ANZAC Turn 1.

SUPPORT FORCES
The Group was allowed to purchase 1248 points worth of support units for this battle. I believe that the computer determines the support points allowed based on what the computer values the core. For an Advance Mission I believe that the computer allows 25% of what it values the core to be. This means that the computer values Group Andrews at 4992 points at the start of this battle (4 x 1248 = 4992). This means that after 4 battles the computer values the core as worth 1992 points more than when the campaign began (3000 point core to start the campaign).
The 1248 points of support forces allowed were spent as follows (all British).
14x medium trucks (154 pts)
6x 4.5” off-map howitzer troops (366 pts)
6x Matilda II tanks (366 pts)
6x Cruiser III-CS tanks (138 pts)
4x motor scout platoons (216 pts)
1x command truck (6 pts)
Total support points spent is 1246 out of 1248 allowed


The Italians have chosen ground much more favorable for them to fight on than they did 7 months ago at Bardia (the last time the Group fought an Advance Mission against them). However, for the very first time in this campaign, the Group has artillery support (6 troops of off-map howitzers). Col. Andrews believes that this artillery support will give the Group an enormous advantage in this battle even though the Italians have chosen more defensible terrain to fight on. Col. Andrews believes that the first 6 or 7 turns of this battle will be decisive, and that the off-map artillery has enough ammo for around 7 turns of sustained bombardment. Therefore, he has ordered the howitzers to bombard as much as they can as fast as they can until they run out of HE ammo. Then they are to switch to smoke ammo to conceal the Group from Italian retaliation as much as possible. As at Bardia 7 months ago, Col. Andrews has created two task forces. TF-Main, in the north, has over 90% of the Group’s strength and has been ordered to capture all victory hexes except those on the southern map edge. TF-2, in the south, is a small diversionary force whose only mission is to take and hold the southern victory hexes. Due to the clear weather, Col. Andrews has put the Group on alert for possible enemy air attacks. The Group’s 20mm AA guns have been stationed on the central hill accordingly. The Bofors Portee 40mm AA guns are moving in close support of TF-Main.

GENERAL COMMENTS
1. The forward victory hexes are each 15 points per turn. The rear victory hexes are each 100 at the end of the battle. Group Andrews must therefore conduct its operations with significant initial (until the forward VHs are captured) time pressure.
2. Due to changes in the campaign format that were introduced following Battle #3, Col. Andrews expects much tougher opposition from the Italians this time. However, as stated previously, Col. Andrews believes that the off-map artillery support will prove to be a decisive advantage for the Group no matter what the Italians do. Col. Andrews believes that only the appearance of enemy airpower has a chance to defeat the Group this battle.

The battle is joined.

TF-Main in the screenshot below.