Setting up for Salerno

[Gunner98]

Just starting off and learning the game - impressive.

Have played the Husky scenario, and Salerno to Rome against the AI (I know that one is recommended not to play against the AI but I was interested in mechanics of the game), also played the first few turns of the D-Day scenario. I played War in the East a little a couple years back so understand the mechanics of land warfare. Was looking to understand the Amphib bit, the invasion side of things is fairly straight forward - what I don't get is the preparation phase.

A couple of threads here suggest moving the Amphibs to the UK in Jan/Feb to prep for Normandy - OK - but what about Salerno/Anzio? (assuming historical path)

Started the campaign and cleaned out Sicily quick enough (end July) - Italy also surrendered which was a surprise to me - no message or anything? But I think I've buggered up my shot at Salerno in Sep because the Amphibs stayed at the beach for the full month of July. I set up the Amphib HQs in Palermo, Catania and Messenia first turn in Aug to start getting ready but realized that the port damage was an issue. Put those ports on priority repair but still only accumulating 3 prep points a turn. At this rate they will be ready in December!

Bombed the snot out of Calabria and walked across the Straights of Messenia with XXX Corps this turn - no issues, most of his units are further up the toe, will see if the AI braves the bombing to come down and play...

So what are my options?

1. Re-start the campaign and pull a couple of Amphib units back to NAfrica on turn 2 and start preparing for Salerno? (its early enough I don't mind, good learning try anyway)
2. Just fight my way up the boot?
3. Keep my Amphibs in Palermo, Catania and Messenia and do a late invasion up the coast?

Thoughts, advice, comments welcome..

B

[Jajusha]

Options?
1)Prep the invasion with brigades, not divisions, for faster Prep per turn. Downside is that Axis might pummel your beaches if they have some Pz div nearby. Size does matter when prepping invasions.
2)Don't prepare the invasion from Sicily, those Ports will take too long to repair. Prepare from the big Ports in North Africa. All the sea hexes between N.Africa and Mainland Italy should be under your control, so, no extra casualties from crossing the sea.
3)Support your drop with Paras.

[Gunner98]

Thanks

I think a re-start will be needed to do that - no issue.

Couple other questions - can the Inf unit preping for the Amphib be in Refit mode? Static?

Thanks

B

[marion61]

If it's going to be part of the invasion, I keep them in refit till the turn they invade. Before you invade the 2nd time, put support units into the divisions your using before prepping. Main land Italy is a little tougher nut to crack, and the AI may let you land with just regiments, but a human opponent will trounce you. Invasion is all about preparation in advance. Make sure you have air cover for an invasion, cause they can be stopped by just the axis air forces. If the ai gains naval control, you can say good-bye to those troops, so it is imperative to maintain naval control. German air can't be everywhere at once, but it can be concentrated. ALS=Air Land Sea!