Encircled by Enemies (PBEM gwgardner vs Chocolino)

[Chocolino]

So what you end up facing in 42 is just a larger version of what you see now.

Since I don't like what I see now that is not a very appealing prospect.....

[Chocolino]

8-29-41

The British defenders are split into 2 distinct groups and the eastern one is out of supply now. The Canadian unit up north is their HQ.

[Chocolino]

8-29-41

The first army sized Russian units appear at the front. The Russians contain any adventurous German spearheads but we are now one hex beside Smolensk. The Russians also managed to restore their front in the Ukraine as expected.

[Michael T]

I am not certain going in to Russia half cocked is a good idea. It may yet work out for you. But going in with only half an army (or less) initially means you activate all the reserves and the economy but don't really have a good shot at them till 42. It's similar to going at them in 1940. I am curious to see how this plays out. It might back-fire, but it might also succeed.

[Chocolino]

ORIGINAL: Michael T

I am not certain going in to Russia half cocked is a good idea. It may yet work out for you. But going in with only half an army (or less) initially means you activate all the reserves and the economy but don't really have a good shot at them till 42. It's similar to going at them in 1940. I am curious to see how this plays out. It might back-fire, but it might also succeed.

If you look at whether and how well Barbarossa succeeds then you are of course right.
I have hoped that I can wear them down by attrition in year one. But I could not destroy enough.

But if you look at it from a VP perspective: If I get 3 VPOs in Russia (need only Kiev in addition to what I have now) then I have 7 total out of England / Russia. You have to do very well against Russia alone to get that many (it has only 6 VPOs). And in a '41 campaign you (hopefully) hold those one year longer. These VPs for 26 turns add up.

But it does not look as pretty - I agree.

[Flaviusx]

The VP point is a good one.

Offsetting that is I think you may have a rough time of it in the winter with only half the Wehrmacht committed.

Those minors in the south in particular are going to be chewy toys for the Red Army in the winter.

[tyronec]

My guess is it was a good move to invade, but we shall see.
Without needing so much to defend in the West should make more infantry available to replace the Allies.
Can you naval transfer direct from UK to Russia ?

[Chocolino]

Can you naval transfer direct from UK to Russia ?

Never thought about it - good idea. But not sure it will save much time unless they are disembarking in Riga or very close to the front. Otherwise they have to rail the 3rd turn in any case. Have to check the distance - if it can be done in one (double) sea move. The Russian navy lurks near Leningrad - that may be another interception threat. But I will check it out.

[Chocolino]

ORIGINAL: Flaviusx

The VP point is a good one.

Offsetting that is I think you may have a rough time of it in the winter with only half the Wehrmacht committed.

Those minors in the south in particular are going to be chewy toys for the Red Army in the winter.

Yes - winter is my big concern as well. Will see what the Russians can bring to the front. So far there is no powerful USSR tank force in sight. But that can change quickly.

Currently all German land units are upgrading to the next tech level. Consumes much of the German production. Hopefully that will make at least the Wehrmacht more sturdy. The Allies will remain weak.

[Chocolino]

9-12-41

Shockingly its September and the summer campaigning season is already coming to a close.

Germans try for the Dnieper as a good winter defensive line. The open land to the southern flank / Odessa may be still a problem.

[Chocolino]

9-12-41

Glasgow falls, the eastern pocket is eliminated and we try to cut the remaining British off supply and escape routes. There is a British fleet in wait to provide munitions and food to the trapped British. A Canadian HQ is still holding out in the north - perhaps they have Scottish ancestry and feel at home.

[Chocolino]

9-26-41

Just in time before the fall weather sets in - Kiev is in German hands. But the tanks are spent. Hopefully the Russians can't take it right back.

England has become a mopping-up operation and I won't show it as often any more unless something of interest happens there.

[Chocolino]

10-10-41

The Germans keep Kiev - the Russians just withdrew their units west of the Dnieper. There are no other major activities.

10-26-41

The weather holds for now and the Germans make one last attempt to push in the center between Vitebsk and Smolensk.

Every turn the Russians wage a very active air war on German mobile units that do take a toll on German effectiveness and occasionally also unit losses but in return causes high losses in the USSR air force. But they are able to overwhelm our fighter defense so that only the first attacks are intercepted.

[Chocolino]

10-26-41

Hungarian forces backed by German armor break through in the Ukraine and make a run for the industrial center of Krivoi Rog. The Axis does not have enough units to actually threaten to create an Odessa pocket and also falls short a few miles of the actual factories. But the Russians have something to think about.

[Chocolino]

11-7-41

Germany occupies Northern Ireland for good measure. We don't want that to be an easily accessible airfield for a possible US counterattack on England. The Canadian HQ is still hanging out in Scotland.

[Chocolino]

11-7-41

We also take Smolensk in light snow. While it is a bit exposed it has a city defense bonus and most Russian attackers must ford the Dnieper. So we hope it to be a good jumping off board for spring (if we still hold it then).

Around this time some treacherous partisans overrun two German airfields in the back. Our rear area security is still not what it should be but a few security divisions will soon be available.

[Chocolino]

11-7-41

In the Ukraine the weather still holds and we have a beautiful fall day. The Russians pull back their line closer to the Black sea and also protect Krivoi Rog with a strong rifle army. Given the late season the Axis also pulls back one hex from their most exposed position to consolidate their line. Rumanians work themselves one hex closer to Odessa.

[Chocolino]

11-21-41

The Russians make their first land attack (that I remember) and teach a Hungarian corps that it has no business at the front. It has been swapped out of the line and is assigned to garrison duty henceforth.

Otherwise the front is quiet.The Axis is restocking oil and manpower.

[Chocolino]

12-5-41

The most noteworthy item this week is that an American fleet has been spotted. It is still far out on the Atlantic and it is unclear where it is heading.

The US is currently at peace with all nations - so it must be friendly maneuvers they have in mind I am sure....

[Chocolino]

12-19-41

The Americans appear to head for the Med. They can still change their course - who knows what plans their commander has in mind. But it looks as if the sailors will spend Christmas on board their vessels.

US is still at peace.

German HQ is hecticely crafting contingency plans for all kinds of scenarios.