Attacking across straight of Messina

[Rekm41]

Assuming you go with the historical landings on Sicily, how do you attack across the straights to mainland Italy. I know you need 2 Amphib units in the straights then stack a couple units on each but everytime I attack by units get routed.

Any advice?

[marion61]

Invade behind them on the toe of Italy. Direct assault over the ferry would be my last choice. Also make sure to bomb the area and have naval control.

[Rekm41]

So after the initial invasion get my Amphib HQ's planning an attack to the toe then? That is what I thought I would do. But takes a while for the prep time.

[Jajusha]

The area near west of Taranto looks very, very tempting. Good long plains, close to the tip of the boot and a couple of nice ports...

[marion61]

Actually I'm saying to re-target your amphib hq's turn one. You only lose one prep pt and on turn two you have more than 50 prep pts. If you can't get naval interdiction, don't try it, but once you manually control your air forces you won't have problems getting naval control around an invasion.

Jajusha if you decide to invade that area, make sure you get naval control. It looks tempting, but without air support the axis can throw you back into the sea.

[ByTheNumbers]

I have not had that much issue attacking across the straights, myself. I might get a couple units routed, but as long as I keep units in reserve behind those attacking from the ferry, I seem to have success to bust through into Italy. Of course, one of the beauties of the game is being able to re-target your amphibious invasion on turn one and makes things interesting.

[Baelfiin]

Bring lots of bombs when you have to force your way across. And make sure you have rested troops. And make sure you have troops to move into the newly cleared hex. Also make sure to fly freight into your new airfield at Regio cal.