My Historical Global War AAR

[rkr1958]

This AAR documents my attempt to play a Global War scenario along historical lines. This doesn't mean that I will follow the historical flow exactly; but will use it as an outline to "conduct" my own war. I admit that I have a much greater understanding of the history of WW2 in Europe and North Africa than I do in Asia and the Pacific. So please forgive, and feel free to correct me, when I deviate too far from the historical. Though, if my play leaves opportunities with great benefit for either side that deviates from history, I won't hesitate to exploit them.

Germany: They want payback from the harsh conditions and humiliation imposed on them by the Treaty of Versailles. But most of all they want Lebensraum, or room to spread out, which they look to the East. Their strategic plan is for the conquest of Poland and Denmark in 1939. Holland, Belgium, France, Yugoslavia and Greece in 1940. Then it's on to the Soviet Union in 1941 to gain as much space as they can and, in the process, damage the Soviet army so that they're no longer a threat to them.

Italy: They plan on letting Germany do the heavy lifting against the allies. They want to expand their empire by grabbing whatever they can in North Africa and the Middle East.

Japan: Japan wants to grow their empire as much as possible through conquest in China and the Pacific. Their desire is to be left alone to do this; but realize the US won't sit on the sidelines forever.

The Commonwealth: Survive at first and then later join with the US to retake Western Europe and North Africa back from the Axis.

France: Survive as long as possible.

USA: Win the war in the Pacific and work with the CW to retake Western Europe and North Africa.

USSR: Survive 1941 and 1942 and then start rolling west until the German army is no more and all of Eastern Europe is under their control. In Asia, their plan is to let the USA and CW fight the Japanese and stay out of that one until both the destruction of the Germany and Japanese armies are assured. Then, they plan on entering the war against Japan and grab what they can before the war ends.

[rkr1958]

I first starting learning the rules of and how to play WMiF (WiF) almost 6 months ago. Prior to the purchase of MWiF, I had zero experience with WiF, though I did read and follow posts on this forum, including AARs, off and on since joining over five years ago. If one were to rate experience and strength of play from: (1) novice, (2) beginner, (3) fair, (4) good, and (5) expert; I would rate myself as a "solid" beginner. I do feel I have put in the time to move from a novice to beginner, but I feel I still have a long way to go before I can classify myself as a fair player. Honestly, with solitary play only, I don't think (expect) to achieve anything higher than fair. And that's ok with me; because my objective is play and enjoy the game on my own time and my own terms. Though I do admit that the thought of playing against the AIO that Steve has envisioned does thrill me. I do hope that he does get the chance to build such an AIO, not so much for my sake, but for his as this, as I understand it, has been a long term goal for him.

The optional rules that I decided on was an iterative process that I discussed in: tm.asp?m=3527647&mpage=3&key= (post 74 and prior).

I wanted to play with oil, the 1D10 land CRT and factional odds. I have "played" some with the 2D10 land CRT, but for me personally I just like the way the game plays with the 1D10 land CRT.

[rkr1958]

Here's a rollup of all the units I scrapped during setup. Maybe I was too conservative in scrapping units?

[rkr1958]

Lend lease pool just after setup.

[rkr1958]

September 1, 1939. Case White - The Invasion of Poland.

With the exception of two garrisons, the entire Germany army and Luftwaffe are set up in the East for the attack on Poland. The German objective is for a swift conquest. The two garrisons in the West will be joined by the German reserves, which will be called out on this first impulse. Warsaw defenders include two 5-3 Polish infantry corps and the 1-4 infantry division.

The Soviets will move into and claim Eastern Poland and the Baltic States on their first impulse. After that, they plan to claim Bessarabia. They have it on reliable sources that the Germans won't deny their claim. However; they have no such designs on the Finnish borderlands.

[rkr1958]

End of Sep/Oct 1939. European Theater of Operations (ETO)
The Germans were able to fully conquer Poland on their second impulse, which was the the third impulse of the Sep/Oct 1939 turn. They then began moving their forces West for the planned 1940 attacks on Holland, Belgium and France (i.e., Case Yellow). The next victim, however, is Denmark, which will be invaded and conquered next turn

[rkr1958]

September 1, 1939. China. Japan is poised to continue their war of aggression against China and Asia.

[rkr1958]

End of Sep/Oct 1939 Turn. Asia. The Japanese army group led by Umezu, and bolstered by significant reinforcements from Japan, makes good gains in southern China against the Nationalist.

In the north, an army led by Tevauchi moving for Korea advances on the Communist.

[rkr1958]

Nov/Dec 1939. Western Front.

The objective for the German High Command (OKW) was to begin the transfer of German forces from the East (Poland) to the West for the planned 1940 attack on the Low Countries and France (i.e., Case White). Case White will be lauched as soon as the weather permits. Also, the Germans used the end of 1939 to invade and conquer Poland. This invasion was conducted in poor weather and by happenstance on the last axis impulse of this turn. German forces were able to capture Copenhagen and Aarhus on this surprise impulse but weren't able to reach Frederikshak. As you'll see in the next post this has implications on Danish ships getting away and joining up with the CW.

In France, the British BEF composed of Gort HQ, 7-6 mech corps and 7-4 motorized corps took up their assigned defensive positions on the Anglo-French lines in Calais and Lille. They were transported from England and landed in France last turn (Sep/Oct 1939).

[rkr1958]

The Surrender of Denmark.

The RN is the beneficiary of two Danish heavy cruisers and 4 CPs because of the inability of the Germans to overrun the Danish port of Frederikshaw on the impulse of invasion. This Danish fleet sails to Scapa Flow when Denmark formally capitulates to the Germans at the end of the Nov/Dec 1940 turn.

[rkr1958]

Nov/Dec 1939. China.

In the south, the Japanese army group under the command of Umezu manages to capture the city of Nanning and advance into the mountains of the Kwangsi providence. The open city of Kweillin and a non-oil resource is there for their taking. The nationalist form a defensive line in the mountains of the Kweichow providence on a line running northeast from the Hung river to the Huran providence. Umezu anticipates slow going against the Nationalist next turn given the mountainous terrain, expected weather and supply difficulties.

In the north, the army under the command of Terauchi take up positions on the north bank of the Yellow river opposite the communist controlled city of Chengchow.

In the center, a newly landed army under the command of Admiral Yamanato, which disemarked at Shanghai, move directly west towards the lightly defended Hupen Providence.

Japan is throwing every corps and division they can muster into their attack on China. This will continue as long as the allies leave them alone.

[yvesp]

If you allow me, I'd say that your German setup is not offensive enough in Poland.

You could have three stacks near Königsberg, ready to roll to Varshaw.

With surprise, it is difficult to defend against: if all three stacks can reach the city, then it is likely doomed in one impulse: with suprise, you ignore the river penalty (so basically you're already at 4-1 or better) ; to that you add the full GS that you have (so three units disorganized for a +5) ; thats about a +13 bonus (attacking HQ and HQ support will cancel out city penalties.) You can even throw in a combat Engineer for an additional +1 (unsure that we have it on setup though) : the 23+ result is then a 72% occurence, and an S result is a 90% occurence (using the 2d10 table.)

[yvesp]

ORIGINAL: rkr1958
In the south, the Japanese army group under the command of Umezu manages to capture the city of Nanning and advance into the mountains of the Kwangsi providence. The open city of Kweillin and a non-oil resource is there for their taking.

Note that you won't be able to use it until you bring it to a port by railway.
This involves either taking Vietnam (quite possible after a Vichy France); or Hengiang and all the railway lines to Canton. This is more difficult to achieve, especially as no Chinese ZOC is allowed for the resource to pass...

I'd also say that you Chinese are too scatered, sitting in cities. The Japanese should easily conquer China. Both warlords in central China should have been deployed in advanced positions, to prevent easy Japanese advance (the cities they protect are at no risk yet.)

More generally, the Japanese biggest problem is keeping supply in China ; their troops are vulnerable to being cut off, and the Chinese should be playing a war of movement, always trying to get behind the Japanese lines. For exemple, I'd move the infantry in the city south of Chenchow (that's a bad one because it is too slow, but it gives you an idea), and advance it east, until the Japanese react. If they don't, you threaten to advance into Suchow or, even better, Nanking : taking Nanking renders the Yamamoto army group more or less useless. Worst : your next reinforcements then can appear in the new city, which in the next turn is a supply source for China. Very soon, this can become a nightmare for Japan.

[rkr1958]

ORIGINAL: yvesp

If you allow me, I'd say that your German setup is not offensive enough in Poland.

You could have three stacks near Königsberg, ready to roll to Varshaw.

With surprise, it is difficult to defend against: if all three stacks can reach the city, then it is likely doomed in one impulse: with suprise, you ignore the river penalty (so basically you're already at 4-1 or better) ; to that you add the full GS that you have (so three units disorganized for a +5) ; thats about a +13 bonus (attacking HQ and HQ support will cancel out city penalties.) You can even throw in a combat Engineer for an additional +1 (unsure that we have it on setup though) : the 23+ result is then a 72% occurence, and an S result is a 90% occurence (using the 2d10 table.)

Thanks, good to know!

I'm playing with the 1D10 land CRT and without combat engineers. With my setup I did look at a first turn attack on Warsaw and the odds that I could get were 4:1 +1. I'm playing with fractional odds so that could have shifted to 5:1 +1. At 4:1 +1 on the assault table at 4:1 +1 there's a 40% of not taking Warsaw, and which the (large) attacking force becomes disorganized. Even at 5:1 +1 there's a 20% chance of this happening. Given that I was going with a Sitzkrieg Case Yellow strategy, I decided to not go for Warsaw on the first impulse but clear the way so I could take it on the 3rd (i.e., 2nd axis) impulse, which is what I did. By the way, I did roll a 1 or 2 on a 7:1 assault attack (Poznan I believe), resulting in those attackers becoming disorganized. 2 of 3 of my other first impulse attacks were automatic and I rolled well on the 3rd, which was at 6:1 odds on the assault table.

[rkr1958]

ORIGINAL: yvesp

ORIGINAL: rkr1958
In the south, the Japanese army group under the command of Umezu manages to capture the city of Nanning and advance into the mountains of the Kwangsi providence. The open city of Kweillin and a non-oil resource is there for their taking.

Note that you won't be able to use it until you bring it to a port by railway.
This involves either taking Vietnam (quite possible after a Vichy France); or Hengiang and all the railway lines to Canton. This is more difficult to achieve, especially as no Chinese ZOC is allowed for the resource to pass...

I'd also say that you Chinese are too scatered, sitting in cities. The Japanese should easily conquer China. Both warlords in central China should have been deployed in advanced positions, to prevent easy Japanese advance (the cities they protect are at no risk yet.)

More generally, the Japanese biggest problem is keeping supply in China ; their troops are vulnerable to being cut off, and the Chinese should be playing a war of movement, always trying to get behind the Japanese lines. For exemple, I'd move the infantry in the city south of Chenchow (that's a bad one because it is too slow, but it gives you an idea), and advance it east, until the Japanese react. If they don't, you threaten to advance into Suchow or, even better, Nanking : taking Nanking renders the Yamamoto army group more or less useless. Worst : your next reinforcements then can appear in the new city, which in the next turn is a supply source for China. Very soon, this can become a nightmare for Japan.

Yes to all! Thanks for all the strategy tips. I definitely can use them! The good news is that all sides are being played by an inexperienced player. [;)]

I've actually 3 turns ahead of my posting (i.e., I've complete the Jul/Aug 1940 turn).

[rkr1958]

Mar/Apr 1940. Western Front. Start of Case Yellow.
The Germans get a favorable weather roll and the weather is fine across the globe except for rain in the Arctic. I was surprised given this fine weather that the impulse advance was 2 and not 1, but that was asked and explained in tm.asp?m=3555406&mpage=9&key=# (post 268 - 270).

With the fine weather comes the start of Case Yellow and the invasion and conquest of the Netherlands on the first impulse. Though the chance of fine weather for the next axis impulse (#3) in the North Temperate is only 30%, the Germans get the roll and get fine weather again. They invade and easily conquer Belgium. It's a good start to Case Yellow.

[rkr1958]

The situation in West at the end of the turn. France is next!

[rkr1958]

Mar/Apr 1940. China.

This was not the best of turns for the Japanese in China. In the north, the Communist counterattacked and retook the city of Chengchow, which the Japanese had captured last turn (Jan/Feb 1940). This counterattack destroyed 2 corps. Yamanato's army will pivot north to provide much needed relieve to Umezu's northern army. These two armies will be merged into a single army group under the command of Yamanato. His objective is to counter-counterattack and wipe the Chinese communist off the map.

In the south, Umezu's army group is stopped not by nationalist troops but by the weather and supply difficulties.

[rkr1958]

Mar/Apr 1940. Destroyed Pool.

[yvesp]

ORIGINAL: rkr1958

ORIGINAL: yvesp

If you allow me, I'd say that your German setup is not offensive enough in Poland.

You could have three stacks near Königsberg, ready to roll to Varshaw.

With surprise, it is difficult to defend against: if all three stacks can reach the city, then it is likely doomed in one impulse: with suprise, you ignore the river penalty (so basically you're already at 4-1 or better) ; to that you add the full GS that you have (so three units disorganized for a +5) ; thats about a +13 bonus (attacking HQ and HQ support will cancel out city penalties.) You can even throw in a combat Engineer for an additional +1 (unsure that we have it on setup though) : the 23+ result is then a 72% occurence, and an S result is a 90% occurence (using the 2d10 table.)

Thanks, good to know!

I'm playing with the 1D10 land CRT and without combat engineers. With my setup I did look at a first turn attack on Warsaw and the odds that I could get were 4:1 +1. I'm playing with fractional odds so that could have shifted to 5:1 +1. At 4:1 +1 on the assault table at 4:1 +1 there's a 40% of not taking Warsaw, and which the (large) attacking force becomes disorganized. Even at 5:1 +1 there's a 20% chance of this happening. Given that I was going with a Sitzkrieg Case Yellow strategy, I decided to not go for Warsaw on the first impulse but clear the way so I could take it on the 3rd (i.e., 2nd axis) impulse, which is what I did. By the way, I did roll a 1 or 2 on a 7:1 assault attack (Poznan I believe), resulting in those attackers becoming disorganized. 2 of 3 of my other first impulse attacks were automatic and I rolled well on the 3rd, which was at 6:1 odds on the assault table.

It's even better with the 1d10 CRT.

You could ground support with most of your Lnd. That's a 30+ addition considering the surprise (tactical factors doubled): the hex is captured 90% of the time (assault 7-1) ; you could Ground Strike before with one of the 2 factors Lnd : you'd likely to get and additional +1 for a 100% success.

Alternatively, you could Ground Strike with the 2 best Lnd and Ground Support with the two others. You'd have 80% to disorganize the three units (for a 100% success on the 5-1 attack column), and an additionnal 17% to disorganize two of them (for a 90% chance of success on the 5-1 attack column.)