WAW6T- Axis GrumpyMel and Lunaticus

[rjh1971]

GrumpyMel, could you post a screenshot of your actual production chart.
What % of it goes to the west to build defenses?

Lunaticus, I'd also be interested in knowing what is the production scheme for Japan.

Thanks, bty excellent AAR!!!

[Tufkal2]

China November 41 China front:
This is the Situation in China: We have taken Sian and Kunming. However the war ties down a lot of our infantry and the Chinese partisans are growing to a dangerous level. Also our supply situation is dire as the troops betwen Yangtze and Wei rivers are barely supplied.
We will probably need to reinforce and wait for summer before we can take Chungking.

[GrumpyMel]

Nov. 21 1941,

Fall ends with a bloody series of attacks on the enemies turn. Fortunately we were able to do much damage to the enemy attackers, hopefuly muting the effects of our first Winter in Russia somewhat, as we suffer a 75% combat penalty as the snows fall this turn (ouch).

In France the first partisans appear, unfortunately cutting off the garrison in Brest, not much I can do about that as my main forces are commited to defend further south and I don't want to pull out any of my reserve panzers out to deal with partisans, I'd prefer to leave the allies uncertain as to my strength in France. Good news is that the Allied bombers trying to knock out the bridge I rebuilt again last turn ran smack dab into my main fighter cover and got decimated for thier trouble, with the bridge holding fast. In France we are mostly holding now. With America active we'll see what happens, but I think it'll take the West some time to build up enough forces to try a breakout attempt and with my Japanese Ally doing so well in China, there will be much incentive for him to try to concentrate resources toward the Pacific Front.

In the Med., most of the rest of Italian sea power is sent to the bottom by concentrated attacks of what appear to be several Allied fleets. We did some damage before going down and managed to salvage a handfull of ships, but the Med is now largely a British lake. I won't be surprised if they attempt a campaign in Africa now.... although honestly I'm just pleased that they haven't tried anything there up until this point...as I've commited zero forces beyond what was there origionaly at what Triploi could build to that Theatre and didn't even expect to hold this long.

In Russia, the Soviets tried a seriest of counter-attacks during thier turn which ended very bloodly for them. The timing of that could not have been more fortuitious as had they held off until this turn with my Winter combat penalty they could have done significantly more damage. As it is, hopefully, they blunted some of thier potential for a counter-offensive for a few turns. Only in the South near the Caucuses did they do some harm... not with an attack, but simply cutting off access to the oil-fields, which will be too risky for me to restore until Spring and I am able to bring some more reinforcements into the area. Soviet air power is also beginning to be somewhat problematic, as I can't keep CAP up everywhere over my far flung forces. I'm building up some flak to help provide some air defence.

My plan for the Winter is to mostly try to hold the territory I currently occupy and hope for a short Winter. I think Soviet forces are largely worn out and not in a good position to counter-attack...so if I can get through the Winter in reasonable shape...I should be ok for a renewed offensive in the Spring....although, unfortunately it will give the Russians some breathing room to strengthen thier defences. I only conducted one attack this turn, near Yarslavl to straighten my lines a little. Spring of '42 will be the critical point of the entire war...The Russians are wounded but not finnished yet...in the Spring/Summer I'll need to push them over the edge....If I can't, America's production will start to weigh against me in the West. I just need to get through the next few months with most of my forces in Russia intact.

Pictured below is the situation in Northen/Central Russia at the beginning of the turn.

[Tufkal2]

Japanese turn November 41 Commonwealth front:
The British have dug an excellent fortification network to protect India but we have no real interest to attack in that direction anyway. Our Japanese Marines (headquartered in Saigon) march South towards Port Swettenham and Singapore. Our joint Western fleet pre-empts them and after a heavy naval bombardment successfully invades and takes Singapore. Also we take the undefended ports of Cebu, Davao, Palo and Puerta Princesa.
The Japanese are wondering where the Western defences are and are very anxious of a trap.

[Tufkal2]

Japanese turn November 41 US front:
We hunt down the US carriers in San Francisco and take them all out together with a large part of the US Naval air assets. We hope this effectively delays the US war entry for some turns. Mr. Roosevelt you should have listened to us when we said you need to continue to trade us some oil.

Since there was the question of production here is the production view. Our philosophy is that the Japanese production is mainly needed to replace any losses and to roughly maintain the force level. We produce a lot of supply, some smaller ships to enhance our fleet, some engineers to bridge the Wei river, some troop replacements for our army in China and some transports to keep our fleet operational.

[rjh1971]

ORIGINAL: Lunaticus
...

Since there was the question of production here is the production view. Our philosophy is that the Japanese production is mainly needed to replace any losses and to roughly maintain the force level. We produce a lot of supply, some smaller ships to enhance our fleet, some engineers to bridge the Wei river, some troop replacements for our army in China and some transports to keep our fleet operational.

Thanks Lunaticus.

[GrumpyMel]

Dec 1941,

No screen shots this turn. A relatively quiet turn as we sit and wait out the Winter. We are mostly producing supply to feed our armies....so no point in posting our Production until Winter is over. In France, the West continues it's air campaign. This is mostly ineffectual, as he is running into our Flak net and causing his planes far more damage then my ground forces. More partisans this turn but we are dealing with them. I imagine he'll step things up in France in the Spring or Summer once he's built up some forces from the US. However, he'll need far more then she's shown so far to deal effectively with my Western Army...and he'll really need to do something about getting Air Superiorty. Right now, he's simply wasting his air assets piecemeal in attacks against light garrisons and bridges. He should be concentrating on degrading my air defence network but has so far neglected to do so. To the degree it's interlocked now, he's going to have a real tough time flying offensive missions over Western Europe...and without air support, his armies are going to have a MUCH tougher fight in France when he finaly decides to go over to the offensive.

Not much to report in the Med. His fleets are still active, and generaly running supply interdiction between Italy and Africa. His British forces are on the move in Africa, advancing into Libya. Little does he know that I pretty much don't care about Africa, and have not commited anything to that Theatre other then what started there. Let him play around there as much as he likes. It simply burns time....and is usefull for me in distracting him from interfereing in my more important operations.

In Russia, Etzo has dropped and 82ndTrooper taken over for him. Etzo did a decent job for some-one fairly new to the scenerio but made some critical mistakes....I'm reasonably confident about the situation there...but the change in command has me a little nervous.... as I'll have to adjust to a new opponet...and that my catch me off guard a little. Right now the Russian forces seem lower in readiness and supply then my own. They seem mostly content to sit in thier lines and engage in some air and artillery bombardment, doing minimal damage to my forces. In the South they have a small force that cut off the land route to the Caucassess Oil fields....Although I still have ports open on the Black Sea that let me hold open routes that way. For now I'm doing little beyond my own air and artillery bombardments...as I don't want to fight too many battles while dealing with the Winter combat penalties. I did engage in one ground attack against a very weak Russian force north of Yaslavl. Pushing the unit back and cutting the direct rail link between Moscow and the forces in the North....though they are still connected by the rail route going further East. This is a limited operation on my part..but it puts me in a good position...continuing the pressure the Soviets... The Moscow defensive line is now nearly bent back upon itself. In just a few months, the Russian Winter ends....and then we'll unleash the full weight of our offensive forces against the Russians.

Our armies are largely intact....and I think the Soviets are going to have a very rough time in the Spring/Summer. Of course, by that point our Japanese allies may well be on thier way to a victory of thier own. The West definately is going to feel pressured to do something about that given what has happaned in China... This may mean that fewer forces for him to commit to opening a Second Front in Europe. I think the Allies are going to feel pressured on all sides in '42.

[Tufkal2]

Dec 41:
The Japanese advance of liberation into South Asia continues. Our troop take Port Swettenham and Jakarta. No serious opposition seen so far from the West. Actually our VP target triggered already last round so lets see how far this goes.
In China we barely hold on to our gains. Enemy partisans are a nightmare and the supply situation is very dire. Also a lot of troops are cut off. We need to build roads quickly and reinforce our troops to quell the unrest.
We defeat an enemy air strike in front of San Francisco but now remove our fleet. We need to build a combined fleet in order to meet the West's navy head on once they show up...

[GrumpyMel]

Jan 1942,

The Winter in Russia tries our armies sorely. Readiness is low, despite sufficient supply lines and combat penalties prevent us from attacking even were it not so. Worst yet, the land is crawling with partisans. This month, a major revolt turns over the city of Lenningrad to the enemy despite my garrison. I am surprised by the strength of the revolt and was unable to capture the city back despite my best efforts due to a lack of action points. Though, I think we should be able to retake it next turn. Elsewhere, the partisans are less problematic though still an issue.
They have not cut my supply lines anywhere, but I find myself simply unable to deal with thier numbers thoroughly. Come the Spring when my movement and fighting abilities are restored this will change.

At least the Russians don't seem able to take much advantage of the Winter themselves as thier readiness and supply seem to be in rough state...and I see little evidence of a counter-attack mounting. In but a few short month's I will be able to resume my offensive and we will see how well the Russian defences hold up against it.

[GrumpyMel]

Jan 1942,

Western Front: Little activity in France. No bombing attempts this turn. I think the West has finally realized the futility of such operations while my air defence network is in place. Likely he is waiting for the Spring himself...when he may try to resume with a larger force after he replenishes his losses. I believe he has withdrawn a number of his ground forces from Bordeaux, which I continue to bombard with artillery.
Likely he plans to use these elsewhere...the question is where? Will he stage another landing once the weather clears....or is he withdrawing them from Theatre for use in the Pacific where the Japanese have pressed him hard.

North Africa: The British advance further into Libya, approaching Benghazi and making contact with Graziani's forces. They take advantage of thier control of the Med. by disrupting the flow of supplies to Graziani. I decide to pursue a strategy of manuver and delay against this offensive. The Ariete division along with other forces, engage in a spoiling attack against the lead British unit, hammering it well with an attack from 3 sides. Then Graziani, the Ariete and any other forces capable of movement withdraw westward toward Tunisia...at least we'll have solid supply for a bit, as we are producing this from Tripoli. We leave a blocking force near Benghazi, those units which did not have sufficient movement to withdraw...and we leave strong garrisons in Tobruk and Bardia. This strategy will not win Africa for us... that was never the plan... but it will cause the West to have to burn time, dealing with all these dispirate forces, if he wants control over Africa.... and that is are real goal here. Keep his forces busy...so they aren't free to operate in more important Theatres.

[GrumpyMel]

Feb 13, 1942

France: I think the West has finaly realized the difficulty of his position in Bordeaux. We have had the city under constant bombardment since he landed...and this turn he has finally withdrawn the majority of his air force from there. No doubt he has come to realize the futility of keeping them based under constant bombardment and surrounded by strong air defences. There is little doubt in my mind he will try to use them to support a landing elsewhere...but where is the question.

We prepared a small surprise for the West by moving some Artillery in range of his DD pickets in the Channel. We managed to sink 1 DD, but this is not enough to attempt a break through with our U-boats. Lets see how he responds as we have our guns under good flak cover.

[GrumpyMel]

Africa:

Graziani's forces continue to withdraw as the British swarm our defences. The Italians in Africa will be finnished before the Summer is out, but at least they bought the time I wanted them to buy.


Russia:

Lenningrad is back in our hands, and we are getting control over the Partisan situation elsewhere. The Soviets appear to have withdrawn thier air force and thier Artillery from the Moscow defence line. Clearly they anticipate not being able to hold this line come the Spring.....and I shall not disapoint them. Likely they will attempt to hold Gorki and Kazan instead...but once Moscow falls, these cities shall not be far behind.

[GrumpyMel]

March 13, 1942

Spring arrives not a moment too soon. It's been a long hard Winter, with the Spring we can finally turn back to the task of World Domination.

Western Front: The Allies build a new airfield in France, south of Bordeaux and return thier airfleets to it. Clearly they wanted to avoid my bombardments, but I don't understand the thinking. Did they not anticipate I could simply move my guns forward into range. Had they kept a significant ground force stationed in Bordeaux, I might have avoided such attempts as it would be possible for them to try to overrun my guns...but with only thier HQ...there is little threat from the ground as long as I keep the guns well screened by infantry. The only threat they have left is that of shore bombardment....and if they want to keep a large enough fleet in the Atlantic to make me worry about that....so be it.

Moving my forces into range and bombarding the new airfield, I discover that thier planes though numerous are in horrible readiness. I decide to try a strike with the Luftwaffe...unfortunately my own planes readiness is lower then I would have liked and I am out of range. I take a trick from the Wests playbook and move my engineers across the river to establish a forward air-base. Moving my planes in, the Wests airfield is still out of range....however, Bordeaux is not...and they have a handfull of planes based there as well. A strike with my fighter forces in France kills 3 enemy fighter III's and 2 DB's for the price of 2 fighter II's, not a bad exchange.

If the West seeks to respond, they are going to be flying into a good amount of Flak....we'll see how they fare.

[GrumpyMel]

Russia - North and Center:

Lenningrad once again revolts. I am mystified by this as I had kept a garrison of more then 20 PP's as suggested by the breifing. Nevertheless the city revolted again and spawned many other partisans in the countryside. I crushed the revolt once again, and this time I have placed a garrision in excess of 50 PP's. If it revolts again, there definately is some bug. The spring thaw has allowed me to deal much more effectively with the partisans raised in the countryside however...and they have largely been eliminated this turn.

Spring and the end of my Winter combat penalties have also allowed me to shift over to the offensive once again. Unfortunately, Winter left many of my units at less then full readiness, so the start to the offensive was a little less then I had hoped for, but at least we are advancing again and killing Russians. The Soviet forces seem to have suffered even lower readiness from the Winter then we have in most cases, and this allowed us to stage some good attacks.

In the North, 1st Army is pushing toward Murmansk. The Soviets have been in slow retreat here for the past couple of months...and our attacks were not able to push them back more this turn, but only due to the distance we needed to move and our lack of action points. We did heavy damage to thier front line....and should break through next turn, if they don't reinforce significantly.

Meanwhile 7th Army breached the Moscow line north of Yarslavl again. Not sure if we'll hold that position or not...but next turn should see a much stronger offensive kick off in earnest as I was somewhat limited in my attacks this turn due to limited AP's and the need to get units into position.

On the southern perimeter of Moscow, 2nd Army was largely limited to manuver and bombardments. Next month we'll be able to attack here in earnest.

[GrumpyMel]

Russia - Southern Sector:

A busy time crushing partisans here as well. Our forces in the Crimea and Northern Caucuss Area did not suffer readiness loss due to Winter so were able to get a much better jump off on the Spring Offensive. The Crimean forces crushed the Soviet defenders screening Sebastopol with a strong ground attack preceeded by massive artillery bombardment. Next turn we should be able to capture the city itself.

Meanwhile further East we were finally able to respond decisively to the Soviet probe blocking our route of communication with the oil-fields. We crushed a couple of the Soviet units involved.... although we need a larger concentration of forces to make a proper advance toward Stalingrad itself. Once we've secured the Crimea, this should be possible. For now we are satisified with reopening the lines of communication to the oil fields.

[GrumpyMel]

Finaly here is a picture of our kills and losses for the turn, along with last turns Production Summary. Bare in mind that production was still in Winter mode during that turn....so mostly we were building supplies to feed our forces.

[explorer2]

Lenningrad once again revolts. I am mystified by this as I had kept a garrison of more then 20 PP's as suggested by the breifing.

From the Briefing: "For Moscow, Leningrad, and Stalingrad, this garrison must be 40pp"
You have the 20pp necessary for the other cities, but for the big 3 it has to be 40 pp. Once you do this, you should be in much better shape.
Good luck [:)]

[Tufkal2]

Japanese Empire March 1942:
Our prayers have been heard. Finally spring and the cherry blossom have arrived. This will help to have everybody gain some focus again and restore readiness.
We have set out two main goals for this year: First to finally defeat the Chinese imperialist army for which we have to take and hold Chungking. Then we can also reduce our massive army in China.
Then to derail any counterattack from the West. For this we are massing our fleet into one strike force to defend our periphery. Still need to see if the main attack from the West will come from India or from the US.
The West has started an Air campaign so we are starting to build some flaks to take a toll on the enemy bombers.

[GrumpyMel]

April 1942,


France: Spring comes into full bloom and with it the return of Allied forces to Bordeaux, much like the seasonal return of the swallows to Capistrano, I should think. On his turn, the West attempted an air mission against my guns outside Bordeaux. Because of low readiness only part of my air force intercepted but these few planes along with my Flak gave the Allies who attacked with horrible readiness better then they got, though we lost a couple artillery as a result. The Allies landed ground troops back in Bordeaux possibly preparing for an offensive and brought one of thier fleets up to provide shore bombardment.

I was faced with an important decision this turn, because of the presence of Allied ground forces. Withdraw my guns to protect them, or hold in a forward position and continue shelling the Allied air field. I decided to be bold and hold the forward position. I brought some engineers up and fortified my gun position. This will make a ground attack more costly, given that it will have to come from only one direction and cross a river against fortifications. Upon shelling the field, I noted that the Allied planes based there exhibited horrible readiness and had not been significantly reinforced. I decided to take a risk and attempt to eliminate the Wests bid for air supremacy over France. My planes though not as strong as I would like, all had good readiness and decent experince. We decided to strike the Allied Base with everything we had from the Air.
In a fierce air battle we devastated the badly worn out Allied air crews, killing 10 aircraft for the price of 5.

Aside from destroying yet more French partisans, which are becoming a nagging problem and the repairation of a bridge that had been destroyed. There was little more activity in France. I am sending a few reinforcements to France...as I expected the West will try to build up for an offensive there in the Summer...and frankly, I can spare a few troops from the West. The results of the past 2 air combats will proove to be important, I think...as it will mean if the West does try an offensive in France soon...he will be fighting without air superiority.


Africa: Not much to report, Graziani and isolated Italian garrisons prepare for a last stand against British forces.

[GrumpyMel]

Here are results of the Air Raid against the Allied base south of Bordeaux.