Tourny Round 4, Forwarn v Kondor

[Forwarn45]

Kondor (as Allies) and I (as Axis) are moving quickly through our fourth round game - so its time for an AAR. This is a delayed AAR - we are in late '43 now but I've been taking screenies for the last year. As you will see, Kondor has been doing well this very bloody game. First, a bit of background.

1939-1940 = France fell a bit early in Winter of '40. At this point, I was actually undecided between an early attack on the Soviets or an attempt to invade Britain. I had built a mix of forces but there was a good component of air in the queue. What decided it was the failure of Yugoslavian coup to happen before mid-40. And though Norway went Allied-leaning and we invaded, the Finnish were not moved to join the Axis camp. So the Germans reinforced Africa and prepared to threaten England.

1940-1941 = Unfortunately for the Axis, the RAF was strong at key times and the Luftwaffe was not. Also - attempts at stealing key Japanese techs come too late and don't achieve much. An attempt to go for Gibraltar met with failure for the Axis. And Kondor's Allies fight a stubborn reteat, moving back only slowly in the Middle East (and at the right times)! The bottom line was that the Germans had little to show for their efforts except for just barely conquering the middle east as '41 drew to a close.

Meanwhile, the Japanese opted to launch an invasion of China that was successful but that pushed Allied war readiness up. Without as much supply built as I would have liked, near the end of '41 - I decided to let the US declare war on me with the hope that the delay in getting increased production would make up for the lost opportunities to attack. The US obliged one turn sooner than I expected, initiating hostilities in Winter of '42.

I believe the invasion of the Soviet Union came in Spring of '42. It quickly bogged down with no gains after the initial conquests of Poland, Kiev, and Belorussia. The Axis settled into stalemate in Europe. Meanwhile, the US moved aggressively against Japan.

As the full AAR begins, Kondor has done quite well and is in a decent position. But my Axis is still hoping to turn things around.

[Forwarn45]

So we begin extensive coverage in Fall of '41. First, damaged units so far. Overall losses have not been enormous other than in the air - where the Luftwaffe has been engaged in heavy battles with both the Western Allied and Red Airforces.

[Forwarn45]

Units for the sides - note I am not hiding production at this poitn given the substantial delay in this AAR.

[Forwarn45]

The world, such as it is (or was). Note the Japanese were able to take the Dutch East Indies despite the US DOW as the Germans delayed attacking Holland until the turn of Japanese attack. So the Western Allies were not able to reinforce before the invasion.

[Forwarn45]

Going back a turn (to Summer) I ran the replay during the German turn to take this screenie. The Japanese had launched a preemptive strike against Allied carrier forces assembling at Pearl harbor. Unfortunately, air losses were heavy (although the loss ratio is better than it appears as a sunk carrier means the loss of its carrier air group as well). This was actually the second carrier battle of the game. I think the earlier battle resulted in an exchange of 1 carrier lost each between Japan and the US, with some additional damage to the US navy. More carrier battles to come! [;)]

[Forwarn45]

Back to Fall, I'll take Japan first. Japanese heavy bombers move against the cocky Yankee intruders, who have decided to move forward after most of the Japanese carrier air was damaged.

[Forwarn45]

And Japanese carrier air hits an Allied heavy fleet.

[Forwarn45]

The Japanese had launched a large attack toward India when the war began. At this point, it is about the high point of Japanese strength in the area. Japan launches heavy air and ground attacks but fails to advance.

[Forwarn45]

Ground attack.

[Forwarn45]

Back to Germany. German superiority over the Reds is quickly waning. An attack against Leningrad has a low chance of success and does not take the Fortress. But losses are expected to be favorable, so the Wehrmact attacks!

[Forwarn45]

Kondor's US smells blood in the water after the Japanese carrier forces are forced to withdraw to safe waters due to the damage to their carrier air groups. He launches a series of bold operations against Japanese shipping throughout the Pacific, which also succeeds in damaging the IJN's surfaces forces. An example of the carnage from one of the many engagements during the US turn: [X(]

[Forwarn45]

During Winter of '43, the Luftwaffe launches a heavy new air offensive against British airfields (and catches some CAG groups in training).

[Forwarn45]

And returning to the Pacific, the weakened Japanese airforces (including a greatly weakened carrier air arm) still have some punch. US naval forces are hit back. The Emperor is pleased (but still a bit concerned). One of several attacks:

[Forwarn45]

The best record of the carnage. The beginning of the turn in Spring of '43 - afte two turns of attacks and couterattacks by forces. Compare losses to the screenie from just 2 turns earlier! Although inflicting heavy blows in return, the IJN struggles to keep the ships going - and transports are in urgent need.

[kondor]

I will just reflect on this. It is a great match for me. I am exchanging blows with one of the best players![&o] In the last match vs Forwarn he defeated me badly (it was AV for the axis) and this is an improvement for me[;)].
At first Germany leaned on WA (as always) and around ´41 I was not shore will it be Sealion or Barbarossa... Then SU spies gave me a look at Japan production and I saw no new CAG-s or transports there... I saw only Arty, Inf, HB-s and one or two tanks. That lead me to think that Forwarn is going for double attack on SU (as he demolished me in our last game).
So I did my best to delay German offensive on SU by making England more alluring target... I sent almost everything to Cairo...
Germany responded by sending lot´s of troops into N. Africa and pushed WA back, step by step... He, as a good player IMO should do, has prepared to lunch Sealion. In Germany suddenly 5 Transports poped up combined with a formidable Luftwaffe... For a few turns there was a touch and go situation in England... I sent everything I could muster to defend England/Scotland... And the Sealion was thwarted, but RAF payed the price[:'(].
That both precious time for SU to build up... And when Germany attacked- the SU more then equal (in numbers-not in tech). And Germans didn´t get very far...
Japan on the other hand didn´t attack SU (it was to strong with delayed Barbarossa). IJA inolated China and went for India. But US woke up and India&Australia where secured+ lack of attack saved me a bunch of transports[:)].
Japan was strong inland, there was a lot of elite HB-s and I decided not to let him consolidate his gains! I rushed in to soon and made a mess of his transport routes... But to that I had to sacrifice a lot of good sailors... (IMO it was worth it). Lots of IJA+ few HB-s, Ft where trapped to far south around Java sea (and still are).
But few turns later I got to bold and IJA had a great victory over the US (which will be shown in Forwarns AAR no doubt, I failed to take any SS). Japan still rules the seas, but is low on transports to go far...[;)]
Goals for the US now is to go from India to China and take Japan resources one by one. Japan is no match for US great production levels now-inferior ground troops, FT-s... And I am hoping for a good result, but the end is not near yet...[:-]

[Forwarn45]

Kondor has been a tough opponent, that's for sure! As we move into 1943, the Soviets attack into Rumania in force but. Fortunately, they are repulsed. Here is the replay:

[Forwarn45]

Forces near the beginning of the German turn. The growing threat of Allied airpower must be addressed!

[Forwarn45]

In Summer of '43, the Allies begin their attempt to breakthrough at Kunming. For now, it holds. Here is the replay:

[Forwarn45]

In Fall, Japanese scouts report much of the American carrier force is operating in the area of Wake Island. Japan launches a massive air offensive (including carrier air) dubbed Operation U-Go (Away). Showing true samurai spirit, the Imperial forces do the Emperor proud!

[Forwarn45]

Returning to Europe, much of '43 has seen a standoff with strong German forces in Rumania facing a growing Russian army. There hasn't been too much in the way of major land battles. In the air, however, it has been a different story. The Luftwaffe has been battling to stay alive against growing power from both the Russians and the west. Here is the replay from an Allied attack on Luftwaffe bases in Summer.