A Second Civil War v5.1

[smiley69]

Developments, Sector 6 (Bay City) 19 July 1946:

0804 hours:
Enemy attacks continue in this sector led by armor and motorized infantry components of the 1 GA Armored Division. Intelligence reports additional enemy movement on the Confederate side of the Ohio River to staging areas NW of Paducah, KN, however no additional movement across the river northward has been confirmed. A large amount of enemy armor and infantry continue to move slowly across pontoon bridges to the SE of Glendale to prepared positions S of the city.
Two CSA armored companies launched an attack 3 km SW of Glendale engaging the 37 Border Infantry causing heavy losses, forcing the battalion to fragment and then retreat to the N and SW. M5 Stuart light tanks and M8 Greyhounds immediately moved in from the N and filled the gap before enemy motorized infantry were able to exploit the break in the defensive line. This action effectively surrounded the two enemy armored companies and provided an opportunity for a counterattack.
SHQ ordered a combined attack by M3A5 Lee Tanks from 5 AD and Bishop Assault Guns from 76th Mechanized Cavalry (39 ID) to commence from the NW into the enemy armor positions. No infantry was immediately available for support, however significant artillery assets in the area provided indirect fire missions.

1239 hours:
Overall performance of the attack led by Company B, 69 Tank Battalion was poor. Enemy forces comprised late model German made Panzer III and IV’s, and were situated in defilade positions in anticipation of a counterattack. Friendly coordination was hindered by lack of infantry support and the ineffectiveness of the M2 75mm gun against enemy frontal armor at ranges beyond 500m. Conversely, enemy guns were able to penetrate frontal armor of the M3A5’s in excessive of 1000m. Initial reports confirm the loss of 9 M3A5 tanks and at least 1 Assault Gun to direct enemy fire.

[smiley69]

Armored Profile, USA:

M3A5 Lee
Crew: 6
Length: 18.5 ft
Width: 8.92 ft
Height: 10.24 ft
Range: 193km
Engine: Twin General Motors 6-71 diesels
Armor, front: 50.8mm
Armor, side and rear: 38mm
Armament: 1x75mm M2
1x37mm M5
2x.30M1919A4 Machine Guns

[smiley69]

Developments, Sector 5 (Eureka/Leavenworth) 20 July 1946:

1300 hours:

CSA forces continue a strong NW advance into Sector 5 across the Ohio River between the towns of Eureka and Tell City, IN. Enemy infantry attacks, bolstered by assault guns, forced 24 Infantry Battalion, IL NG to retreat N after heavy fighting causing extensive casualties. NW of Eureka, engineering and border infantry units were surrounded and destroyed after a two pronged assault from CSA 117 AR Inf, resulting in over 200 MIA and presumed killed or captured, as well as the loss of 15 Sherman flame tanks and other engineering vehicles. Intelligence reports CSA engineers completed the construction of a semi-permanent bridge capable of supporting armor and artillery adjacent to Eureka. This new supply route, coupled with temporary bridging units already in place near the town, will allow for a large amount of supplies and reinforcements to continue flowing N and NW from Owensboro. This development considerably raises the likelihood of a sustained major enemy offensive effort in this area. 4 ID SHQ continues to fortify static positions SE of Boonville in anticipation of more enemy attacks.
Enemy intentions around the Leavenworth/Battletown Bridge remains unknown. Intelligence confirms at least a battalion-level presence in the Battletown area, however no direct attacks have been observed E of Tell City. 4 ID remains on high alert for the initiation of another Ohio River crossing in the Leavenworth area, and all units in this sector are ordered to remain static.

[smiley69]

Developments, Sector 5 (Eureka/Leavenworth) 21 July 1946:

1100 hours:

4 ID SHQ reports heavy activity within this sector focusing around the NW portion of the Eureka salient. Repeated Confederate attacks supported by massive artillery barrages have dislodged dug in infantry units all along the line in a NE direction from Boonville, forcing many to retreat. There is grave concern an enemy breach in this area will open a NW path towards St Louis on terrain favorable to armor and mechanized units. A successful Confederate breakthrough in this sector will seriously compromise the integrity of the Ohio River Defensive Line.

SHQ ordered the initiation of several local counterattacks in the NW and NE of the salient in an attempt to keep enemy units off balance. These attacks were successful in pushing back armor and anti-tank units, although the likelihood of friendly forces being able to hold territory gained is unlikely. IX Corps ordered the dispatch of the 36 UK Infantry Division to bolster defense, along with heavy tank and assault gun units from 5 AD.

[smiley69]

36 ID (UK) TOE, July 1946. Sector 5, (Eureka/Leavenworth):

[smiley69]

Aircraft Profile Comparison, USA vs CSA
July 1946

Throughout the early 1940’s the US Army moved slowly in modernizing its aging fighter force. Originally designed and fielded in the late 1930s, the Curtiss P-36C was in the process of being phased out of front line service at the outbreak of hostilities. Despite the fact these aircraft were terribly outclassed and obsolete, 5 squadrons of this model were assigned to the 15th AF as reserve units and were involved in intense combat during the opening months of the war.

In January of 1943, the CSA signed an agreement with Germany to allow the purchase of multiple combat tested fighter designs, including several variants of the Messerschmitt ME 109. In late 1946, Germany authorized the sale of over 300 K models of the deadly fighter to the Confederacy. Crews previously trained on 109 E and F models transitioned easily to the more heavily armed K, and were placed into front line squadrons undergoing intense training in preparation for the July 1946 invasion.



Curtiss P-36C Mohawk

Purpose: Fighter
Engine: 0ne 1,050 h.p. Pratt and Whitney R-1803 Twin Wasp Radial
Span: 37ft 4 in
Max Speed: 300 mph at 10,000 ft
Armament:
2x 0.30 M1919 Browning Machine Gun (wing)
2x 0.50 M2 Browning Machine Gun (propeller mount)


Messerschmitt Bf 109K

Purpose: Fighter-Bomber
Engine: One 1,800 h.p. (with boost) Daimler-Benz DB 605D inline
Span: 32ft 8 in
Max Speed: 428 mph at 24,250 ft
Armament:
1x 30mm MK 108 Cannon (nose)
2x 13mm MG 131 (nose)


profile work courtesy of David E. and David S. Bright, 2015

[Lobster]

Nice AAR, great aircraft art. I do have one thing about the ME. I do think instead of the confederate flag the emblem would have been a white star on a blue background of some fashion.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2F-drj ... 1444830844

[smiley69]

Good point Lobster - I hadn't given the markings much thought beyond the flag. I'll have to do a bit more research. Not sure if the Bonnie Blue would work though given the similarity to the US aircraft markings...

Of course all feedback is appreciated. [:)]

[smiley69]

Developments, Sector 6 (Bay City) 22 July 1946:

1100 hours:

The enemy continues to pour armor and infantry into this salient. 20th Infantry Regiment reports heavy fighting with CSA armored recon units 3km NW of Bay City. Enemy forces pulled back to the east after repeated attacks. Friendly losses were moderate. Near Glendale, CSA motorized infantry and armor continue to advance slowly to the NW. M5 Stuart light tanks along with armored recon companies were ordered to effect a fighting retreat and to absolutely minimize losses. 64 Tank Battalion and 57 Infantry Engineer battalion are arriving to the line and will be dispersed based on terrain for optimal defense. Due to a serious CSA breach in sector 5, British forces slated for arrival in this sector as reinforcements have been diverted to the east. No reinforcements will be available for at least a week.

[smiley69]

Developments, Sector 7 (Missouri Salient) 24 July 1946:

1700 hours:

Recon elements of 60 Infantry Regiment advise of contact with Confederate forces 3km E of Campbell. Reported enemy strength at company and battalion level and is comprised of armored recon, motorized infantry and some militia armored units. SHQ warns this could be an attempt to flank the western side of the salient in order to draw off defensive focus on the Campbell/New Madrid line. Attacks into the Campbell/New Madrid defensive line continue with moderate intensity; however local counterattacks have been productive with heavy assault gun and marine units successful at recapturing objectives. To the south of the salient, several units remain surrounded and out of contact with SHQ.

[smiley69]

SCW Scenario Aircraft profile – Douglas B-18A Bolo

Purpose: Medium Bomber
Engines: Two 1,000 h.p. Wright R-1820-53 Cyclone Radials
Span: 89ft, 6in
Max Speed: 215mph at 10,000ft

Faced with a USAAC requirement of early 1934 for a bomber with virtually double the bomb load and range capability of the Martin B-10, Douglas drew upon engineering experience of the DC-2 commercial transport in its submittal to the US Army’s medium to heavy bomber program. Private venture prototypes to meet requirements were evaluated at Wright Field, Ohio in 1935, to include the Boeing Model 299, Douglas DB-1 and Martin 146. Boeing’s submittal, which went on to become the vaunted B-17 Flying Fortress, was plagued with engine trouble, causing the design to be temporarily overlooked. The Douglas DB-1 won the competition and was ordered into production under the designation B-18.

Initial deliveries of 133 B-18s (930 h.p. Wright R-1820-45) were followed by complaints from crew members of inadequate defensive armament and poor bomb aiming stations. The B-18A adjusted for these defects by a redesigned, longer nose section improving the bomb-aimers position, and incorporating a power-operated nose turret.

By the early 1940’s several new designs of medium and heavy bombers were coming to fruition, however the B-18A remained the key component of the USAAF bomber force through the early part of the decade. Some 4000 machines came off the assembly line through 1944, when the last B-18A rolled out of the factory in Michigan in January.

The outbreak of hostilities the USAAC found the B-18A comprising a large portion of the medium bomber force of 15th Air Force, 301st Bomb Group (heavy). Although B-18A missions required a significant fighter escort, the sheer numbers of these bombers allowed the USAAF to cause severe damage to Confederate airfields and staging areas throughout northern Kentucky.

Profile work courtesy of David E. and David S. Bright, 2015

[smiley69]

SitRep, Sector 5/6 24 July 1946:

After 10 days of fighting, the CSA has opened up 3 salients in the line, and is working on a 4th. I am concerned about both bulges depicted in the below map, because if he manages to break through my defensive belt, there is nothing stopping his armor and motorized infantry from tearing through my rear and splintering the map.

As you can see from the below map, the CSA has pushed across the Ohio River in two main places on the east side of the map; the Eureka Salient (Sector 5) and the Bay City Salient (Sector 6). Jo attacked with two divisions at each location, slowly beating back my dug in defenses with artillery, armor and those blasted Stugs. Many of his initial attacks in turns 3 – 5 were only company strength – and they were sending my infantry battalions scampering with their tails between their legs. Granted all of my infantry was green, with proficiency below 40%, but you’d think a battalion of infantry with over 200 men could stand and fight against a company of tanks or assault guns. Frustrating.

Sector 5:

The last few turns I’ve managed several decent counterattacks, especially now since the 36 UK infantry has arrived to bolster up the western edge of the Eureka salient. Last turn saw several pitched infantry battles with the Brits advancing several hexes in to the SE, retaking lost territory. Losses were heavy though, and I am concerned the whole bloody division will be reorganizing next turn!!

Two heavy armored units have moved in from 5 AD; a battalion of KV-1S’s and another of SU-85’s. If the 36 ID manages to exploit a hole in the line, I’ll send those Soviet Lend-Lease bemouths crashing through the line to the northern banks of the Ohio.

The IL National Guard is about worthless also. A battalion of infantry with over 500 men have an attack strength of 8 and a proficiency of only 40%. This was by design however, as the US Army has an advantage in sheer numbers over the CSA in this scenario, but the quality of the troops are poor. Think Soviets vs Germans at the beginning of Barbarossa.

Sector 6:

This area is a tactical mess, as I have hardly any infantry and instead have a ton of light and medium armor, and tank destroyers. They are lousy at defense and not much better at counterattacks. I’ve been rushing armored and motorized engineering units to the line to try to help the armor dig in and bolster the defense. I thought I had enough artillery arranged as a defense in depth to handle any attacks, but Jo is persistent, and those Stugs are bulldozing through the line. He is about 2 hexes short of breaking the defense in the NW portion of the salient – and I’ve rushing down armored reinforcements from St Louis to counterattack. I just hope they get there in time.

[smiley69]

SitRep, Sector 6/7 24 July 1946:

Jo committed at least 2 divisions to attacking into the bootheel of Missouri; 1 armored and 1 infantry. He crossed the Mississippi at two locations, one near Tiptonville, KY, and the other one a little bit south of that near Caruthersville, MO. My forces were completely unprepared for the attack at Caruthersville, and Jo managed to split an entire infantry regiment off from the main defensive line in the first few turns. By turn 6 he had destroyed them, and left a few static and border infantry units surrounded and cut off in the south. I scrambled to assemble a makeshift defensive line from Campbell, MO in the west across to New Madrid, barely getting them put in place before he blasted me with artillery and tanks. My motorized infantry battalions splintered and retreated, with the armored infantry not doing much better. I dug in layers upon layers of artillery for support but that didn’t really seem to matter. The CSA has plenty of motorized and heavy artillery, and Jo spends a good portion of the early turn softening up the lines. I was very concerned that this line would fail up until turn 8 or so, when I got much needed reinforcements from the Marines, 5 AD and IX Corps. I moved the Marines right into the line for defense, and placed the heavy armored units a hex or so back looking for a break. It wasn’t until last turn that I managed to break through with a battalion of SU-85s, but only then managed one hex. All of IX Corps was reorganizing last turn so I didn’t get to use any reserve infantry or cavalry units for counterattacks. Perhaps that was a good thing, as Jo appears to be trying to flank 39 ID on the west side of the salient. His armored recon units are probing the line for weak points. I’ve got to be careful here, because if he manages to break through in the west, I’ll have to shift the whole defensive line back in order to avoid being surrounded.

[smiley69]

SitRep, Entire Map, 24 July 1946:

Sorry for the quality of the map – hope you can make sense of it. This points out the major CSA attack points and associated sectors. Kansas City is the ultimate CSA prize (circled in green).

[smiley69]

SitRep, Sector 7 25 July 1946:

CSA armored recon and some militia units are attempting to flank my Campbell/New Madrid defensive line. I shifted forces around on the line and moved some motorized infantry and motorized engineering units to dig in and counter enemy advances. During this turn I counterattacked in several places along this line trying to weaken one of the most powerful CSA units; 300 MS Armored Infantry Battalion. I attacked from three sides for two consecutive combat turns and did not dislodge them…frustrating! How does armored infantry stand up to a battalion of KV-1S’s and SU-85’s along with over 300 men? I had plenty of artillery support, although I did not try to soften up the enemy battalion with artillery before I attacked…

[smiley69]

SitRep, Sector 7 25 July 1946 (end of turn):

Several combat rounds in this sector changed the landscape a bit. Managed to push back one of the armored recon units west of Campbell with a risky one hex attack. Other attempts at counterattacks failed...however I managed to bloody the enemy’s nose a bit and shored up my defense. The forces south of Campbell look the worse off as enemy forces are strong to the south, and who knows what is lurking in the west…

The hex marked with the black explosion was weakened a bit, but after 2 attack rounds with tanks and infantry those bloody armored cars hung in there.

[smiley69]

SitRep, Sector 5 25 July 1946 (end of turn):

Jo established another crossing point over the Ohio River south of Bristow, moving over armored AT, armored recon and motorized AT units. I was not expecting another crossing there and had to shuffle forces around to stage a defense. Those IL NG Infantry units are not going to fair well, nor are my armored recon companies. I’m moving over Marine AB units from further east, and some heavy armor and AG units I had set up as a mobile reserve north of Leavenworth. I have some artillery dug in to the NW, but evidence would suggest from previous combat these guys won’t do much to help. I’m hoping the terrain, which favors defense, will help defeat any attacks by those armored units without infantry support.

[Lobster]

With the arrival of the Brits it is beginning to look like WW1.

Keep up the great AAR. [;)]

[smiley69]

SCW Scenario Aircraft profile – Curtiss P-40B Tomahawk

Purpose: Fighter and Fighter Bomber
Engine: One 1,040 h.p. Allison V-1710-33 inline
Span: 37ft, 4in
Max Speed: 350 m.p.h. at 16,400 ft
Armament: Four 0.303 Browning machine guns; one 500lb bomb

In May of 1939 the Hawk 81, designated as the XP-40, was flown in competition with other pursuit prototypes and was selected for production as most closely meeting the USAAC requirements for a replacement to the US Army’s main fighter at the time, the Curtiss P-36 Mohawk. A total of 524 P-40’s were ordered into production in April of 1939, representing the largest single order for fighters to originate from the US Army. Within a year, the first P-40’s began to come off the assembly line. By early 1942, modifications were made to the original design to include self-sealing fuel tanks, armor encased cockpit and the addition of two wing-mounted 0.303 in machine guns in the wing roots; it was mass produced as the P-40B.

It was not a brilliant aircraft, and was inferior technically and in performance to many of its contemporaries, yet it acquired a justifiable reputation for ruggedness and dependability and was the subject of extensive development throughout the early to middle 1940s. By July of 1946, over 2,000 P-40’s of various models lined the runways of the USAAC.

The P-40B model depicted in this profile saw extensive combat in the early days of the conflict. The pilot, Lt Kenneth Munson, claimed 5 confirmed kills and became the USAAC’s first ace of the conflict.

Profile work courtesy of David E. and David S. Bright, 2015

[smiley69]

Combat Snippet, Turn 12, July 26th 1946:

A lot of action this turn across all sectors, but more on that in a bit. I hope some folks on the site who are old timers can help explain how 4 battalions of infantry with over 1000 men were not able to dislodge 20 reconnaissance Rifle Teams, 2 120mm Mortars and 12 SdKfz 251/1’s????????? Terrain cannot be THAT much of an advantage. Even from a mathematical standpoint the odds should be overwhelmingly in my favor; and when you add the sheer weight of equipment into play, I should have rolled the enemy back with no issues!

Truthfully even after all these years of playing I still have not wrapped my head completely around the combat resolution model…

Lobster, thanks for the comment...I really do enjoy making these AARs even though I have strayed from the narrative.