Strategic Bombing

[jboldt007]

Hi all - not a question but an observation . In my first GW i had the western allies load up long distance bombers on the coast of England for raids on the factories in western Germany. This can be effective but to really hit the axis they need to get at the axis oil supply it seems. This means, with Soviet assistance with their good long range bombers, focusing on Ploesti and the oil supply which will end up northern Italy and eastern Germany, and cuttIng off any oil coming in from the Middle East. The CW or US can raid and capture the oil in Libya but otherwise it means strategic bombing into Eastern Germany and Italy. Having bombers likely shipped to Tunisia (if taken), Malta, or Middle East then until bombers can be based in France. Does this make sense?

[paulderynck]

Most players go after the low hanging fruit and are satisfied with the Germans losing BPs, especially from Lille and other western factories. Long range raids on Ploesti are expensive and (like in the real war) don't occur often.

[Centuur]

If Germany puts their oil reserves in the east, there isn't a lot that the Wallies can bomb. And the Soviets should not build long range bombers, but infantry, lots of infantry.

And how to protect your expensive bombers? Don't forget: you've paid 5 to 6 BP for a bomber and it's pilot and if Germany has FTR's in range of the oil reserves, than you can lose a lot of build points each turn.

[jboldt007]

Thanks. Right: it does seem like marshalling long range bombers for maximum effect and protection is paramount to justify their cost- particularly if playing without carpet bombing too. Haven’t played enough to go beyond the “low hanging fruit” option.
Ive noticed there seems to be a bit of a window when the mosquitoes show up as night fighters but this window closes once Germany starts bullding its good night fighters which have enough range to cover the Germany industries.

[jboldt007]

... and beaufighters I should add...