AAR v1.04 Italian Campaign Axis/Allies AI

[Rasputitsa]

Scenario - 'Main Front', 89 turns, Handicap-Neutral, start date 26th August 1943.

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Main Front : Italy. An alternative long campaign which assumes the invasion of southern France doesn’t happen and the forces and resources are instead kept in and/or diverted to the Italian campaign.

The campaign up until the spring of 1944 is pretty much historical. After that, there are a number of differences from other scenarios. The withdrawals of units from the Allied army no longer take place and the reduction in resources is cancelled.

As a trade-off for the advantages gained by the Allies, they are expected to reach the Po Valley by December of 1944 or the campaign is considered to be a failure.

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Playing Axis Solitaire against AI Allies, with the AI having the advantages provided to the Allies by the 'Main Front' scenario.

4 days turn Summer, 6 days turn Winter - Map scale 7.5 mls - 12kms/hex

I am using the CHEMKID map and counter mods in all screen shots, which certainly greatly improves the look of the game.

In this campaign the Allies need 130 victory points to gain a marginal victory and 240 victory points for a decisive victory. Also, for a decisive victory, every city in the following list needs to be captured.

FLORENCE, ROME, BOLOGNA, MANTUA, VENICE, NAPLES, FOGGIA

For the Germans, less than 129 victory points is a marginal victory and less than 80 is a decisive victory.

There are also VPs for casualties inflicted on each side.

Playing as the Allies in PFE is fairly safe, although resources (fuel and supply) can be difficult, you have plenty of units and overwhelming airpower.

There is a temptation to want to play the historical winner, the Allies, in PFE, or the French in 'Campaigns on the Danube' (Frank Hunter's other WEGO Campaign game), but playing the opposition can be interesting with different situations arising.

So this time playing as Axis against the Allied AI, to see what happens.

In the previous PFE AAR, playing as Allies, the Axis AI needed some help, so I used house rules for more balance and now its the Allied AI needing help, as it tends to leave beach-head hexes undefended, as the AI controlled units head inland. Playing as Axis, it is too easy to move in behind the advancing AI Allies and seize the undefended beach-heads. Game over.

Using this house rule :

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Naval Gunfire

After Dieppe 1942 no significant Allied beach-head was lost to enemy action. At 'Omaha', Normandy 1944 and Salerno 1943, the Allied commanders considered abandoning the beach-heads, but that did not happen and naval gunfire was decisive. Naval fire support can reach all parts of a PFE hex (7.5 miles across) and break up concentrations of enemy forces, meaning that landing forces can be pinned into the beach-head, but not eliminated.

The beach-head contains 1000's support troops and equipment, even if no actual unit counter is in beach-head hex.

Therefore, in reality, a beach-head hex is never empty and has massive gunfire support.

House Rule : No axis attack can be made on a hex containing a beach-head symbol.

Note: the beach-head symbol represents off-shore naval gun fire support.

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Giving just a brief description of selected early turns, as this is mostly manoeuvring before the sides properly come to grips. However the most startling effect in the first turns is the quick and almost total destruction of Axis airpower.

I know that historically the Allies had air superiority and this is needed to achieve any of the amphibious landings which took place in the actual campaign, but the Axis did retain some airpower during the historical campaign, even if it only had a nuisance value. Not a game-breaker, but I created an Axis bomber counter for the game and it seems there is not much opportunity to use it, Drat.

The game really starts to get more interesting in Turn 23 - 27th November 1943, which is not to say that the early turns are not important, because they are. The moves and decisions you make in these early tuns has a big impact of the rest of the game, but I will cover this early period with selected turns.

The Allies start in MESSINA, Sicily, and have to cross the straits into mainland Italy and/or launch some airborne and amphibious landings onto the beach hexes.

The Axis player cannot defend everywhere and must decide where to make a stand, I decided on a line from SAPRI to BARI, which may turn out to be a mountain too far.

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Turn 09, 27th September 1943 – Weather Clear- air operations possible

The Allies appear !

The first Allied units appear on the coast road South of SAPRI, whilst I have been trying to establish some sort of defence line across the peninsular from SAPRI to BARI and GER 65th INF Div. is covering the beaches further North at SALERNO. This is a balance of supplying fuel to move these units into place, against giving combat supply so that they can fight when they get there.

How far South will you hold, how much fuel to get there ?

You can expend some of your resources on fortification and I have fortified the beach positions at SAPRI and SALERNO, although the build speed of fortifications, one turn, seems unrealistically fast and the effect on combat is more like digging-in, than full scale fortifications. So I am looking on this as digging-in, but that is a personal opinion.

The triangle, in the bottom right of the unit's counter, shows Combat Supply level and I managed to get these up to yellow and green (level 2 and 3 supply) for the defending Axis units.

Trying to cover the possible beach-heads at SAPRI, BARI and SALERNO, but there aren't enough units to cover every actual beach hex, just able to be there if an invasion takes place nearby.

There is no clear line to defend, rivers, or mountains, but so far so good. I have already used one of the units, when heading South on the coast road towards BARLETTA, to place a fortification on the River Ofanto, which might become a fall-back position for later.





This is a WEGO game and, unlike fully turn-based games, although you select actions and movement for units, nothing actually happens until you select 'Next Phase' from the top screen menu and the computer starts to enact your move, whilst the opponent's units move simultaneously.

All actions are reversible until you hit 'Next Phase', with the only exception being allocation of replacements (once done cannot be changed). Your input is more like a planning phase, until you end the turn and all these operations are enacted.

When you have selected actions for units, a red bar appears across the top of the unit counter and , if you cancel the action, the unit returns to its original spot and the red bar disappears.

When clicking to move units, or order attacks, the unit counters will be placed where you have selected, but when you hit 'Next Phase' all counters return to their original places and then start to enact the move. The opponent is moving at the same time, although timing is influenced by unit quality. Unit quality is shown by a triangle in the top right of the unit counter and expressed in terms of efficiency (selected unit, GER 29th MOT Div. shows Efficiency 7 in its info panel). A Green triangle means 'Elite', Yellow means 'High Quality'(e.g.29th MOT), Red means 'Average' and a Black symbol means 'Low Quality'.

A 'High Quality' unit is likely to move before a 'Low Quality' unit and if you are attempting to 'Withdraw' a 'Low Quality' unit, which is adjacent to an enemy unit (Withdraw, or Attack, are the only movement options you have when adjacent to enemy units), if the enemy unit is higher quality, it is likely to move first and attack before your unit can withdraw.

Something to consider before committing low quality units too deeply and many of the Axis units in this Campaign are low quality.

You don't get to specify a route, but each unit will try and carry out your orders by the best route, as maybe the direct route is blocked by the movement of enemy units.

So it's a different 'feel' and needs more forethought and anticipation of what might happen, which is more realistic than just click/drag units over the map with God like powers, which the historical commanders did not have.

[Rasputitsa]

Turn 14, 17th October 1943 – Weather Clear- air operations possible

More Allied units have closed up and the defence line, SAPRI to BARI, is coming under heavy attack, with the Axis units showing the effects. The image shows the levels of unit Combat Supply - Black level 0, Red level 1, Yellow level 2 and Green level 3 - with more units showing red after using combat supply in battle. The level of combat supply that a unit has will dictate how well it can fight, with level 0 leaving it almost helpless, unable to attack, but with level 3 allowing it to fight this turn and still able to be at level 2 to fight again next turn (one consumed each turn of battle).

However, you can only do one action each turn, provide supply, attack, or move, so balancing the strategy for each unit is the challenge, but also having combat supply available to allocate and the fuel necessary to move units when needed.

The Allies have the port at TARANTO, which is shown by the beach-head symbol. When they provide enough workers and they will, the port will develop to its full capacity. TARANTO is a high capacity port, so the Allies will initially have access to good levels of supply.

So the thought occurs, that am I trying to hold too far South, with the Allies in good supply, but me suffering over-reach. We shall see !

The map image shows that my units are suffering some 'disruption' from combat results (the red line in the bottom of the unit counter), whilst the highlighted is GER 16th PZ Div., with the unit info panel (open top right) showing disruption (9). The panel options for this unit are, to give Combat Supply, which will cost (3) points, I have total Supply (8) total, as shown in the bottom screen info bar. I also have options to Attack, or Withdraw, I can add Replacements, with (9) available, or allocate air support priority, but there is little of that available. The important point is that the unit is at Combat Supply level (1), Red triangle, and needs combat supply if it is to stay and fight, but so do several other units on the map in the same situation.

I have of Fuel (393), which is good enough. Just now I need Combat Supply more than Fuel, so I haven't got the balance I need, but then it also depends not just on your choice of balance between Combat Supply and Fuel, but how much of either is actually available to come into the theatre which is beyond your control. You begin to understand the difficulties of the historical commanders in attempting to have a workable strategy, whilst balancing the needs of scarce resources.

GER Herman Goering MOT Div. is in the fortifications (dug-in for me) at SAPRI, having moved back after suffering losses (11 remaining out of 19), some disruption and now has no combat supply (at level 0). It has previously been forced to retreat and so cannot now exert a ZOC, indicated by the small red triangle top left on the unit counter, so this unit cannot be exposed to combat until it has been restored.

ZOCs are important, as units cannot move through an enemy ZOC, but have to stop on entering, so ZOCs are vital in restricting enemy movement. HG MOT is a liability until put back into better shape, but waiting at the end of a queue of units in the front line screaming for combat supply.

Over towards BARI, in the East, the defence line looks broken, but it is the interlocking ZOCs which are stopping the Allies, although the line is obviously weak, with all units needing combat supply and I do not have enough.

The game has two levels of supply, firstly overall general supply (food, general stores, etc.) and secondly specific Combat Supply (munitions etc.). Each hex controlled by you has a general supply level, depending on distance from supply sources, roads, terrain and weather conditions. When the hex supply level falls below 25% then bad things start happening, units cannot receive Replacements, or Combat Supply and Disruption levels start to increase. The worst effects are in mountain terrain, during winter weather (rain and snow), such that disruption levels will rise until units have to be moved to better supplied hexes, or become useless.

Combat Supply provides the ability for units to fight and is allocated directly by the player, from the pool, which is refreshed each turn depending on your choices of priority between Supply and Fuel, set by a game slider.

Sounds complicated, by easy to use, reproduces the supply decisions of the Italian Campaign and mostly happens automatically, subject to your choices, which is the clever part, what do you choose. ?

GER 2nd FsJ Div. is in a good position in mountain terrain near SALERNO, well supplied at level (3), Green triangle, and in little danger from GBR 46th INF Div. which is confronting it.





This situation encapsulates the problem for the Axis in Italy, not enough of anything and where to hold, too far South and you are overstretched, too far North and you have given up ports and eventually the airfields at FOGGIA, which with open up the whole of Italy to Allied air superiority.

Wars are not won by retreats, but retreat you must in this situation, the problem is how you do it and when.

Certainly is a different experience from playing as the Allies.

[Rasputitsa]

Turn 17, 29th October 1943 – Weather Clear- air operations possible

I have had to give up the BARI line and trying to extricate the units on that front, losing some in the process, as can be seen in the map image, with the GER 26th PZ Div. stack of two units almost surrounded.

New units entering the theatre from the North are attempting to establish another line on the River Ofanto North of BARLETTA, digging-in to provide a defence for the withdrawing units further South. Fortification points need supply capacity to purchase, which is competing with the need for fuel and combat supply, decisions, decisions !

Units arrive in theatre at cities in the North of Italy with low combat supply level (1), so there is the conflicting need for combat supply to make them combat ready and fuel to move them South. Getting the balance in setting the theatre % priority slider, between fuel and supply, in the 'Supply and Fuel Status' panel is difficult to get right, because you are trying to anticipate future needs and that can depend on the AI opponent's action.

Will you have to move, or fight and, of course, it's likely to be both.

I don't think my priority is right at this stage, as I have sufficient fuel, but not enough combat supply, however the amounts of both coming into the theatre in later turns means that although fuel looks good now, it won't stay that way.

It's not looking good in the East, but the Western part of the front around SAPRI looks a lot better. The mountain terrain is helping the defence, but I still need to keep these units combat supplied if they are to hold. GER 29th MOT Div. has had to retreat from combat and is showing losses and disruption, it also is unable to generate a ZOC.

GER 2nd FsJ Div. is a powerful unit holding a good position in the mountains South of POTENZA, but is about to be withdrawn from the theatre, as shown by the unit I/D on the counter turning red (OKW just doesn't understand my problems in this campaign).

Meanwhile US 82nd ABN Div. is working into the flank and GER 16th PZ Div. has been driven back with heavy loss, no combat supply and no ZOC, so this cannot stop anything.

Good position, or not, this line cannot be held much longer.

US 82nd ABN Div. shows a special capability, the blue (P) label – air drop capable, which the game counters had originally shown in the top left of the unit counter. This conflicts with the no-ZOC triangle shown in the same place, so in my copy of the CHEMKID counter mod I have moved this symbol.

[Rasputitsa]

Turn 18, 2nd November 1943 – Weather Clear- air operations possible

Slowly withdrawing on both fronts, back toward the river in the East, but all units on low combat supply, as only one action allowed per turn, so if you chose to move, there can be no supply.

Building up fortification points, now have (5)in the pool, so that I can allocate these for units to fortify (dig-in) a hex when reaching the new defence line, based on the river in the East and the mountains around SALERNO in the West. Spending supply on fortification is costing resources, which could have provided more combat supply, but you cannot have everything.

Blocked the advance of US 82nd ABN and also GBR 23rd ARM Bde. with GBR 56 INF Div., all trying to break through in the centre, by moving in GER 29th MOT and 16th PZ Divs., both units suffering badly from previous combat, but I need to hold here long enough for the units around SAPRI to withdraw. Those units have mainly broken contact, which will make withdrawal easier, except for GER 2nd FsJ, who continue to hold out in the mountains, but they will be leaving the theatre very soon.

GER 3rd MOT Div. highlighted with the cursor, is doomed, no longer able to exert a ZOC, cannot stop the Allied units passing by and, in low supply, sealed in by the Allied ZOC, stopping re-supply. The cost of not being able to move fast enough and being over-run by the Allied advance.

The decision is when is the time to accept that a position is lost and to start the withdrawal, when in WEGO, the enemy might be able to strike first and you cannot just walk away, as there can be costs in withdrawal from contact, if the enemy attacks first.

GER 3rd MOT is one of the three units I lost in these early stages of the scenario, attempting to delay the Allied advance.

[Rasputitsa]

Turn 20, 12th November 1943 – Weather Clear- air operations possible

The defence line on the River Ofanto line North of BARLETTA is forming, partially with units arriving from Northern Italy and partially from units retreating from the South. The units from the North need combat supply if they are to be effective, whilst the units from the South need to repair damage which could not be done while moving, again only one action each turn (except adding replacements, if there are any to be had).

GER 15th MOT Div. has been caught on the coast road, near BARLETTA, and will not escape, becoming another loss, but it is buying time.

In the West the Allies are not pressing so hard, GER 2nd FsJ Div. has left the theatre as expected, whilst the other units are moving back to occupy positions in the mountains and on the coast road near SALERNO.

Conscious of the need to watch the potential beach-heads, as an Allied amphibious landing at SALERNO, or further North, would be very inconvenient just now.

I have set up GER 1st FsJ Div. in a good position on the mountains above SALERNO, but it has suffered heavy loss (3 strength points remaining from 15) and has no combat supply. I can provide the supply, but FsJ replacements are not available yet. Each unit type (and nationality for the Allies) has its own replacements pool, so there are plenty of infantry replacements, but less armoured and motorised and even less paratroops and commandos. These elite units are very effective and useful, but once broken are very difficult to fix.

The AI seems to have decided that there is more progress to be made in the East, where the terrain is more favourable, in which case I am too heavy in the West.

On the map image the airfields at FOGGIA are just coming into view, is this what the AI is aiming at ?

[Rasputitsa]

Turn 22, 22nd November 1943 – Weather Clear- air operations possible

Well, my attempt to set up a defence line North of BARLETTA in the East is in jeopardy already, as the US 36th INF Div. stack bounced SS 1st Sturmbrigade, which was driven back with heavy loss, as the Allies seized a bridgehead over the river.

The line broken even before it could be fully formed.

In the West from SALERNO, I have units established on the river line and used fortification points to dig-in, whilst GER 1st FsJ Div. is in a supporting mountain position and I have been able to allocate some paratroop replacements as they become available. It is still on low combat supply as I have not allocated any of this precious supply, because this unit is not under direct threat, just yet.

I have 29th MOT and 16th PZ Divs. dug-in in the centre as a link with the East front, both units need replacements, but no armoured/motorised replacements are available right now. There is no guide to the availability of types of replacements, it is just a matter of checking the unit info panels, to see when the 'Add Replacements' button appears.

I am happy with the situation in the West, but the AI doesn't seem interested and hasn't followed up on that front, but seems to be concentrating on the more vulnerable East. I held a party and nobody came.

Getting units across to the BARLETTA front will be difficult and time consuming, with the only available road at AVELLINO and FOGGIA, any movement of forces will consume a lot of fuel that I don't have, because if I were to prioritise on fuel, it would have to be at the expense of combat supply

In the East GER 305th INF Div. is still South of the River Ofanto, to delay the Allies approach and I have prepared fortifications on the river behind, to retreat into when needed.

Meanwhile more reinforcing units are appearing in Northern Italy and have to be marched South to the front line, at some cost in fuel. However, the situation is not good on this East coast front as reinforcing units are still some way back and the Allies are already over the river.

The map Status panel (open on the right) shows the unit losses that I have suffered so far and these three units have been the cost of a forward defence, however, I have been able to pin the Allies back to a slower than historical campaign advance, which is good as long as it does not cost me later in the scenario, with a weaker defence further North. We shall see.

The AI is also taking losses, as US 82nd ABN Div. shows, there is not a lot of information due to FOW, but I can see the strength at (7), which is a lot less than it should be, probably half strength, or less, assuming I can believe the figures. The screen shot in the next post will show that battles info panels are where you get most information on enemy units. However, the AI must be having the same difficulties in getting replacements for elite units, such as paratroops.

[Rasputitsa]

The above posts are selected turns to show how the scenario developed, but now we are getting down to the serious business of the Italian Campaign and I'll move into a turn by turn presentation, but it will take a little time to write up.

[Rasputitsa]

This map shows the historical progress of the Main Campaign in Southern Italy and the lines acheived by the Allies during the time period reached in the posted AAR.






Looking good for the AAR situation and the game line being 'held' on 22nd Nov. 1943, when historically the Allies were well past FOGGIA by October.

BUT, it's no good holding a position if you destroy your army doing it and there are 67 more turns to be fought before this scenario is over.

The winter weather will help a lot for a while, but I have to build up enough strength to hold the Allies through summer 1944 and there is not much reinforcement to come, pending the D-Day invasion and this becomes a 'forgotten front'.

On the positive side, the best defensive terrain, in the mountains at CASSINO and beyond, is still to come and the game terrain stacking limits (stack 5 in mountain terrain) will make it difficult for the AI to turn the full strength of the Allied units against my defence. At least that is the hope.

So no sweeping manoeuvres with massive armoured forces, few open flanks to exploit, but a brain teasing game which keeps you thinking.

[Rasputitsa]

Turn 23, 27rd November 1943 – Weather Rain, air operations grounded

Combat supply 12 pnts – Fuel 208 pnts

This is getting interesting and so moving into turn by turn posts, the early manoeuvring is over and we are now into the essence of the Italian campaign. Terrain, Supply, Time and Distance.

Changed the tint of the CHEMKID map mod to provide a bad weather map for the winter turns, but you need to check the top information bar, because this map indicates all weather situations other than clear, but rain stops air operations and snow does not, even though they use the same map.

Look at the 'Overall Map' to see the scale of the reinforcement task, in bringing units from Northern Italy to the front line near SALERNO, as at the moment the Allies have the advantage of shorter supply lines and the ability to take a short-cut, with a direct landing anywhere along the coast South of Rome and anywhere North of Rome if they take the airfields at FOGGIA.







The Allies have the ports at TARANTO, SAPRI and BARI

Rain and Mud stopped GER 94th INF Div. reaching its objective in the BARLETTA sector stopping me from reinforcing that sector, also slowed reinforcements from the North, closest unit is GER 278th INF Div. which can only reach RAVENNA this turn, also these reinforcements are mainly poor quality units.

Have initially set all unit 'Air Priority ' selections to (0) for re-assessment later, when and if I get any airpower back.

The Allies have two bridgeheads over the River Ofanto line on the BARLETTA front, so this defence line is lost. The choice is to apply combat supply to fight on, or withdraw now, but FOGGIA and probably NAPLES will be quickly lost.

GER 16th PZ Div., was driven back with high disruption (12) and can no longer exert a ZOC (unit icon - triangle top left), strength 5 out of 14 pnts, but no PZ replacements. Having no 'combat supply' has reduced movement points to (5), so do I add 'combat supply' to move further away next turn, or keep moving slowly this turn and conserve the combat supply.

Issued Combat Supply (2) for GER 1st FsJ at SALERNO, which has strength 5/15, but no replacements for them either. Herman Goering MOT Div. has strength 11/19, but again no replacements

Interestingly GER 65th INF Div. is shown as unit Stack Value (2), whereas all similar GER INF Divs. are Stack Value (3), but this could be to my advantage, as it may squeeze into restricted stack value terrain, where larger units cannot fit in a stack.

I am strong in the West and could probably hold, but weak in the East and should probably withdraw, but rain makes quick escape unlikely. The rain will slow the Allies, but it also slows me.

If I retreat to shorten the lines of communication, I will be doing the Allies work for them, by giving up Italy too soon.

The Victory screen shows the Allies only hold one VP (TARANTO) and have more casualties, although I think I have lost more units than I should have by this stage, which is going to hurt later.

The Allies are not threatening the Western sector, but I don't have the strength to launch a counter attack from this unopposed front and anyway, the US 3rd INF Div. is acting as a flank guard to the Allied units advancing in the East. The AI Allied deployment looks frustratingly good.

GER 334th INF and 305th INF Divs. need to withdraw, but both are low quality units (black triangle top right unit counter) and initially with low combat supply (red triangle lower left unit counter) and units in contact with the enemy may not be able to move, without being attacked.

I am suffering from giving too much priority to fuel earlier and now in the position of not being able to fight and unable to withdraw quickly enough.

26th PZ Div. is now very weak strength (3 out off 14) and really needs to withdraw, or face elimination. The Allied infantry divisions have suffered significant losses, but are strong enough, when combined in a stack, to cause more damage. Looking at the stats for the two battles this turn, the Allied GBR/CDN/US units have the same efficiency rating as the two GER PZ Divs which were engaged, so it does not look good for the less efficient GER INF Divs. which are next in line, when their turn comes.

Battle Report stats are a good source of information on the strength, efficiency, combat supply and air support available to the enemy units and is the way to see through the FOW. It would be good to have an archive of battle reports to look over, but failing that I am taking screen shots of the Battle Reports, shown during turn resolution, so I have a record.

At first I decided to withdraw everything back towards FOGGIA, because the efficiency of the opposing units is similar, or better, and it will be problematic whether my units can get away before the next attack. Nerve has failed and I set the move.

Then re-thought, to make the AI fight for it, nerve restored, so I cancelled the previous orders and reset (nothing is fixed until you hit 'Next Phase'). Still going to withdrew GER 26th PZ Div., it's just too weak and there are no PZ replacements, it has to move before the Allies move forward and the unit becomes pinned, but I am holding with GER 334th and 305th INF Divs. On the River OFANTO line.

I have infantry replacements so these divisions can be kept up to strength and giving some combat supply to 334th and 305th, so now unit combat supply shows yellow (level 2). I am reluctant to give up too much ground, too soon, and the Allies cannot move and supply at the same time, so they will also be getting lower on unit combat supply, if they chose to move, or attack.

It is the function of the game that you have to chose whether to supply, move, or attack, but cannot do it all, so reflecting the difficulties of the actual Italian Campaign.

I used the last of this turn's 'Combat Supply' pool (4) to partially restore GER 16 PZ Div. and buy some fortification capacity for the following turns.

The availability of replacements influenced my decision, as there are infantry replacements to support the fighting infantry divisions, whilst the PZ and MOT units need to be protected, but the Allies have broken through the proposed defence line, with extensive bridgeheads over the River Ofanto, before I could get the defence properly established.

Only have Ground Support air strength (1) and selected to 334th INF, all other units set to (0), but this is just house-keeping, as no air will fly this turn, due to the weather (rain).

The Allies might try and outflank GER 65th and 94th INF Divs., but 16th PZ will stop them going too far, whilst the two INF Divs. on what remains of the River Line should be able to stand up to attack. The game system means that the Allies cannot continue to attack without a break to re-supply.

SS 1st Sturmbrigade has been moved back towards FOGGIA, as it is very weak (1 left from 6) and I have no replacements for this unit, but I can use it to create fortifications further back.

So a lot to think about.

[Rasputitsa]

Turn 24, 3rd December 1943 – Weather Rain, air operations grounded


PZ/MOT replacements available (2) – no much, but better than nothing.
FsJ replacements (1) – same as above.
INF/MTN replacements (36) – looks like the 'poor bloody infantry' will have take the load.

I think that the Mountain divisions should have their own replacement pool, as specialist troops.

GER 26th PZ Div. under greatest threat, given replacements (2)
GER 1st FsJ Div. holding SALERNO, given replacement (1)
GER 334th INF Div. BARLETTA sector, given replacement (1)
GER 65th INF Div. BARLETTA sector, given replacements (3)

GER 305th INF Div. had been set to 'reinforce adjacent' 334th INF, so after this turn's battle they are now in the same hex, but successfully beat off attacks.

SS 1st Sturmbrigade moving slowly back to start defences on the River Fortore and when in position I will fortify.

Changed my mind again on GER 26th PZ Div., by leaving it as a backstop and giving it all the PZ replacements I have available, which brings the division up to the equivalent of brigade strength, which may be just enough to slow an Allied advance with its ZOC. This division has been in several earlier battles, once being cut down to 1 strength point, on the edge of elimination, but is a survivor and still in action.

The game normally has only one action per turn (move, supply, fortification), but adding replacements is the exception, which still allows another action during a turn.

Fuel points – 228 last turn / 211 this turn, diminishing slowly, but not damaging yet
Fortification points available (4)
Combat Supply points (7), pitiful !!

The Allies tried three attacks to enlarge their bridgeheads over the River Ofanto front and all failed, so my change of mind in not withdrawing has paid off and I have bought more time.

GER 305th INF and 334th INF Div. now stacked together on the river line, but both units of low quality and can they react in time if ordered to withdraw, as they are facing possibly a triple attack.

The choice is to issue the 'withdraw' order and they still may be attacked before they can move, or give combat supply to get them back up to level (2) and fight on where they are.
However, the Allied units are showing significant losses and should not be at full strength, if the unit counter unit strength readings are to be believed through the FOW.

Combat Supply (2) is left to allocate, should I give it to the exposed GER 29 MOT Div., or to 65th /94th stack holding the centrer of the line ?

I decide to 'Withdraw' 29 MOT Div. and supply 65th INF, which is a stack value (2) unit, as there is not enough for 94th INF, a stack value (3) unit, so the decision is made for me.

Might have to look for a defence line further North, if I cannot hold around FOGGIA for very long. Initially I wasn't very confident and panicked, but I can see that the Allied units are suffering as well and they may have to take a break, so decided to try and hold longer on the existing line.

However, looking at the CAPUA/River Fortore Line as an alternative defence position, even though it means giving up NAPLES and FOGGIA and I have three reinforcing divisions coming down from the North, even if slowed by the rain, but they will be part of the defence. The first is at RIMINI, several turns away from getting into the battle area and only making 4/5 hexes of movement per turn. Lots of river crossings, but I don't know if that's significant.

Allied units have been attacking across rivers, into fortifications and now in the rain, with units like US 36th INF Div., which is stack value (4) and was strength 16, is now showing only strength 6.

The AI has more units over the River Ofanto and is widening the bridge head, so I am going to have to withdraw eventually, but want to delay as long as possible.

I don't want to waste fortification points now, as I will need them later.

GER 29th MOT Div. withdrawn two hexes to get some breathing space to recover.

GER 16th PZ Div. not exerting a ZOC and movement is severely restricted, possibility due to high disruption, so moving it back.

The image below shows the poor state of GER 16th PZ Div., with a high level of disruption and the additional units that the AI has over the River Ofanto, the defence line that never was.

GER 305th INF Div., stacked with 334th, can be seen still in place on the River Ofanto, as at least I have enough infantry replacements to keep them up to full strength in the stand-off with the Allied units now concentrating on this front.

Still holding out well in the West near SALERNO, but not really under threat and I think the AI intends to by-pass this position.

[Rasputitsa]

Turn 25, 9th December 1943 – Weather Rain, air operations grounded

For the Allies the IND 4th INF Div. is newly arrived at hex 03,60 (MESSINA), this is one of several reinforcement units the AI is receiving. The problem for me is, will these Allied units accumulating in MESSINA take the overland route to the front line, or become an amphibious landing force to arrive behind my units at the front.

This is the 'Main Front' scenario, which means that the 1944 Allied invasion of Southern France (Operation Dragoon) will not happen and by Spring 1944 the Allied AI will not have suffer some of the historical unit withdrawals and will have more resources. I did this this to give the AI the best chance and get a challenging game, but may have gone too far and given away too much.

The AI will need air-superiority to launch an amphibious operation, which it has and there is nothing that I can do to change that, but I think that it is going to need good weather, although I cannot find any reference on the manual.

So I feel safe whilst the winter weather is around, but when it clears …........

I misjudged the ability of the weakened GER 26th PZ Div. to hold and it has been forced back and now allowed GBR 56th INF Div. to interdict road North towards FOGGIA with ZOC, threatening the retreat of GER 305th and 334th INF Divs..





Seen in battle report in the above map image, the AI has launched another no-hope attack, with GBR 2nd Commandos, alone, attacking the GER 305th and 334th INF Divs. stack. A look at the battle report shows that the attack had little chance of succeeding.

4 strength points against 18 in the two Axis infantry divisions, even allowing for the Commandos' superior efficiency 8.0 against 5.0, the attack could not succeed. The strength when modified was still 3 against 16 and because of the rain the massive Allied air superiority could not be used.

Therefore, it looks like the AI sacrificed the Commandos to weaken the two Axis units, not in terms of losses, which is minimal (1), but in burning up their combat supply, by forcing a battle. The AI has lots more units and can afford to take losses, but I cannot afford to use up combat supply at this rate.

So the AI is either being very stupid, or very clever.

Three reinforcement units from the North are at least 5/6 turns away and 4 more INF Divs. are not due to enter the theatre for another 3 / 4 turns. In that time (8 turns away) GER 16th PZ Div. will be withdrawn from the theatre by OKW, but it will take me that amount of time to restore this damaged and disrupted unit, so no point in wasting the resources. I will use it to set fortification in the rear, or as a backstop unit, although it is not yet exerting a ZOC, after being forced to retreat in battle.

I am going to have to give up this position, which I suppose I should have recognised earlier, but I did gain some time and any delay imposed on the Allies will improve my victory status.

I am going to lose the AVELLINO - FOGGIA road, which links the two halves of the front and the next link road is CAPUA – TERMOLI, but I am not sure that I can establish a credible defence there, before the Allies arrive. I have already failed to establish a credible defence line by attempting to set up too close to the Allied advance, having been levered out of the position before it could properly form.

So is it back to CASSINO ? History repeats itself.

There is a big central mountain mass, with only small gaps at CASSINO and ORTONA, so history starts to make a lot of sense.

I should have read the terrain better and not expected to hold the Allies on the open FOGGIA plain.

The orders are given for a general withdrawal, but which way for weakened GER 26th PZ Div., because GBR 56th INF Div. could stop the withdrawal on the Eastern sector, by moving forward and blocking with ZOCs.

SS 1st Sturmbrigade (Italien) is moving slowly back, only managing one hex at a time, to get over the rivers to some sort of defence position.

Rain, plus rivers, is slowing movement for the re-enforcement units from the North, with 15 rivers to cross from MANTUA to the River Folgore, perhaps I should have sent the reinforcements from the North via FLORENCE and ROME on the West side, crossing fewer rivers. Too late for the first two units already committed to the Eastern route, but divert GER 5th MTN Div. to BOLOGNA for the Western route.

Historically, the Allies were past FOGGIA by October 1943, so I am doing better, but it has been as great cost, so the smart move may have been to move back sooner.

[Rasputitsa]

Turn 25 Continued.

Fuel/Combat Supply priority slider set to 30% / 70% to get more fuel for the withdrawal. It had been 10/90, as I was desperate for Combat Supply

GER 26th PZ Div. moved back towards FOGGIA, but might get caught up in the GBR 56th INF Div. ZOC, if that unit moves further forward.

A look at the Supply overlay reveals the the Allies have not cleared the area from SALERNO/SAPRI/POTENZA, so there can be no Allied units there. If only I had the strength, the way seems open for a hooking movement to take POTENZA and cut-off the Allied units attacking towards NAPLES, but I have lost far too many units for that to be possible. Sigh !





It would be like the 'Battle of the Bulge', a good idea doomed by lack of fuel, because if I launched a counter attack towards POTENZA, It would burn up what little fuel I have for no good purpose, unless it frightened the Allies into getting back into their boats, which is highly unlikely.

The Fuehrer is urging 'attack', but I just don't think it will achieve anything.

However, this does show that the supply overlay shows more than just the general supply level in each hex, which is useful, but by indicating hex control it also indicates where the enemy has not reached. So at a time when I have lost airpower and don't get the advantage of the air-recon element of flying 'Interdiction' missions, this supply display gives some information on Allied progress.

[Rasputitsa]

Turn 26, 15th December 1943 – Weather Snow - air operations possible

We are still on the bad weather map, but now it is snow, rather than rain, so Allied air operations can resume, but I have no air power left, which is tough, as historically there was an air war in the Mediterranean Theatre right through until late 1944, although obliviously the Allies had a great advantage.

What I don't know is, can the Allies launch amphibious landings in this weather, I am hoping they can't, but I am in trouble if they do.

Battle at hex 16,44 – GER 65th INF Div., which had been one of my link units between West and Eastern parts of the line, was ordered to 'withdraw', but did not get away in time and suffered severe loss (5 out of 9). It was hit by a triple stack of Allied units in 'Open' terrain, but there was no Allied air involvement, or it would have been worse.

You can see from the battle panel, top left of the map image, the strength of the enemy units which attacked, an average of combat supply, the efficiency and disruption levels that they had, before the battle and losses they suffered. By checking this information as it appears, you can get some idea of state of enemy units turn by turn.

GER 29th MOT and 94th INF Divs. were able to move first and got away.

In the East 305th and 334th INF Divs. also were able to move back in time, from what remained of the River Ofanto line. By moving back and out of contact with Allied units, the cloak of FOW has descended over the battlefield and few of the enemy units are visible. No Axis air power and so no interdiction air recon to help clear the fog.

I was able to break contact in the East, because the Allied units were not simultaneously moving forward.

Replacements available

PZ/MOT replacements (1)
FsJ replacements (0)
INF/MTN replacements (42)

I can't do much for the other units, but I can start restoring the infantry divisions.

GER 5th MTN Div., a reinforcing unit coming down from the North, is now in the mountains which slows movement, so should I keep it on the ROME route, or head back for the East coast via RIMINI. Decide to stay West as I want this Mountain Div. on the CASSINO front. So many strategic decisions.

Fuel is low (93) so adjusting the priority slider again 40% / 60%.

Combat Supply is better at (13), just the opposite of what I need right now, trying to move fast and avoid fighting.

The possibility of a SALERNO landing doesn't matter now, so heading back to defend NAPLES and try and avoid an Anzio landing.

GBR 56th Div. did not interfere with any of the withdrawals, so apart from 65th INF, all withdrawals worked out. This turn, 94th INF and 29th MOT Divs. have to withdraw from a big stack of Allied units, this whilst 94th INF is low efficiency and the infantry may suffer again during withdrawal.

However I have plenty of infantry replacements, even though the system has only allowed me to give (3) replacements per turn to 65th INF Div..

The (1) available PZ/MOT replacement I give to 26th PZ DIV..

Overall I think I need to get back to CAPUA and use the cross peninsular road to reorganise another defence line.

US 3rd INF Div. was in action on 3rd Dec with Combat Supply (3) on that turn (battle report), 9th Dec., no action so presumably it was back to Combat Supply (3), but must be down to Combat Supply (2) after the attack it made last turn, so if it attacks again it should be at Combat Supply (2). Same will apply to IND 8th Div., but US 82nd was likely to be at Combat Supply(2) last turn, so unlikely to attack again, until re-supplied. I am trying to use the battle reports and Allied unit actions to assess the state of enemy units and guess that there is a the good chance that GER 29th MOT Div. and 94th INF Div can hold, so not withdrawing, but giving Combat Supply. Let's see if we can bleed the opposition, especially the irreplaceable Allied paratroops if they try to join the attack.

Combat Supply given to 305th and 334th INF Divs., because they are not immediately threatened and don't need to move yet, so can use the turn taking supply.

GER HG MOT Div. moved back slightly and 1st FsJ Div., although only at less than half strength, I am going to order into the mountains above SALERNO, to cover the withdrawal, as I am not so concerned about the beaches now I am pulling back. The FsJ have full combat supply (Green triangle) and with the limitations of stack value in the mountains (5), the Allies will be limited in the size of units which can be sent into the mountains. Elite Paratroops in mountains are a dangerous combination to attack, as long as they have supply.

Finally I purchase another fortification point for use later.

[Rasputitsa]

Turn 27, 21th December 1943 – Weather Snow - air operations possible

POL 3rd Carpathian INF Div. arrives at hex 03,60 (MESSINA), more reinforcement for the Allies and the possibility of an amphibious landing grows. US 82nd ABN is in the line fighting and so are the Allied Commando/Ranger units, but I don't remember seeing the GBR ABN Div. so I suppose there is the possibility of an airborne landing when the weather improves.

I use a fortification points to dig-in SS 1st StR Bde and 26th PZ Div. which have arrived at the River Fortore Line.

As expected, GER 29th MOT and 94th INF Divs. Have held, but losses and disruption were heavier than expected, especially for the infantry and no losses were inflicted on the US 82nd ABN in the Allied stack, which was a major reason for holding the position, hoping to cause irreplaceable Allied airborne losses.

I was easily able to provide infantry replacements (3) to 94th INF and the Allies were attacking with Combat Supply (2) and will now be on at (1) after the battle, if they want to attack again, so they will have to wait a turn for supply, or continue the attack with a considerable supply disadvantage, except that the newly arrived GBR 4th ARM Bde. could now join in an attack. I still do not think that they will attack and I expect to buy another turn's delay by continuing to hold, but I have been wrong before.

GER 29th MOT and 94th INF Divs. together need Combat Supply (4) and I have (5) available, so Combat Supply and infantry replacements allocated (no MOT replacements available) to enable them face another attack, but also Fuel is getting lower !

94th INF given (3) replacements
65th INF given (2) replacements

Allied air Ground Support was 8/8 (meaning, I think, 8 was allocated - 8 attacked, as I have no counter air defence) and explains the losses and disruption, even with the bad weather map showing, but the weather is actually 'snow', another lesson - CHECK the info panels. Last turn was also snow and I did not notice the change, as the CHEMKID map mod does not differentiate rain from snow, so CHECK.

334th and 305th INF Divs. are not seriously threatened, as there is only an Allied Ranger Bde. facing them, so my control of FOGGIA may last a little longer.

GER 16th PZ Div. is still covering NAPLES, but will move to fortify CAPUA when the general withdrawal happens. This division will be leaving the theatre in 6 turns anyway, so I will not issue further Combat Supply.

GER 1st FsJ are holding the mountain flank and are also not seriously threatened, with only the GBR 4th ARM Bde in front of them, which should be at a disadvantage in the mountains.

Feeling better about not ordering a wholesale withdrawal to the Fortore Line and I may be able to hold a little longer in this intermediate position, but the Allied aircraft are in the air and can make a big difference, as I have no air strength left (which is tough and ahistorical). Allied air superiority is (10). Without air power and no Interdiction missions I have no air recon, but the 'Supply Overlay' will show where Allied units might be, by the change of hex ownership and is a useful way of slightly raising the cloak of FOW.

The first reinforcement unit moving from the North is still at least 3 turns away and will need Combat Supply on arrival.

Fuel / Combat Supply left at 40% / 60%

Fortifying 65th INF Div., but not sure on best positioning, in hills, or rough terrain, but I need its LOC in the centre to stop Allies passing through the river gap

I am delaying withdrawal of HG MOT Div. to cover the flank of the units confronting the Allies in the West.

There is a great temptation to attack the US Rangers, confronting 334th and 305th INF Divs. as it is all alone, but the AI may have set 'Reinforce Adjacent Unit' with the other Allied units, GBR 56th INF Div. and GBR Commandos, which will lead me into a bigger battle than I can risk and make a later 'Withdrawal' more difficult.

I let the opportunity drop for another 'Battle of Cisterna', although if I had available an 'attack with no advance' option, within the game, I would have used it and destroyed the Rangers.

By leaving this small Allied unit exposed, is the AI really tempting me, paranoia sets in.

A successful attack on the Rangers would leave my units automatically going forward to occupy the Ranger's hex and with only Combat Supply (1) left after teh battle, my units would be exposed to outflanking, or attack from the other Allied units. This would be a case where an attack without advance would be very useful.

The US Ranger unit is too small to exert an LOC so there should be no problem for 305th and 334th INF to withdraw, or move away. Units in an enemy LOC are pinned and only the 'Withdraw' option available for movemnt, all though it doesn't matter much here, because I only intend going back one hex.

The map image below shows the front near SALERNO anchored in and around the mountains, although confronted by a stack of units, with HG MOT covering the deep flank. In the East, 305th and 334th INF are attemping to delay the capture of the vital FOGGIA airfields for as long as possible. Meanwhile other units are dug-in on the River Fortore, hopefully linking across to CAPUA, whilst reinforcement units are moving from the North to fill the line.

The forward units must hold for as long as possible and if this fails, then it is back to CASSINO to meet the reinforceing units there.

The Allied AI seems to be reluctant to move into the gap in the centre, but seeing how easy it is to have units caught up in LOCs and isolated, I can understand why. There are so few Allied units visible I wonder if there is something going on and is the AI preparing for a landing somewhere, strangely I would feel happier seeing more enemy units.

The map insert, on the left, shows the Axis reinforcement schedule, but all these units will arrive in cities in Northern Italy and must march to the front line, suffering all that the roads and weather can throw at them. The sea belongs to the Allies so the Axis does not have access to sea transport, but at least as the front line gets driven back, then the reinforcement route will shorten.

It may not be as wide ranging as the huge Eastern Front campaigns, but there is a lot to think about in this 'cage fight' in the restricted terrain of the Italian Campaign.

[Rasputitsa]

Turn 28, 27th December 1943 – Weather Snow - air operations possible

The Allies lose GBR 7th ARM, withdrawn from the theatre.

GER 114th and 715th INF Divs. arrive as reinforcements at VERONA

Replacements available (33) for the infantry, but no FsJ, nor PZ/MOT replacements.

Combat Supply available this turn (6), Fuel this turn (80), which is not good with so many units to move, so I may have to delay the withdrawal at the front, to allow fuel for reinforcement units coming from the North.

(12) fuel points were used to move one infantry division 4 hexes, this is not looking good, I can see the fuel gauge swiftly moving toward empty.

Fuel / Combat Supply priority selected at 50% / 50% . What a balancing act !!

The Allied stack attacks again near SALERNO, which I did not expect, as I was thinking that they would need supply first, but they did not wait and attacked despite lower supply.

However, the AI did not risk its paratroops in this attack and US 82nd ABN was not used to fight GER 29th MOT and 94th INF Divs. which lost (3) strength points from the infantry division (PBI suffering again), but I was able to immediately add infantry replacements (3), so the infantry took all the losses, which I can replace, fortuitously 29th PZ did not lose strength. Disruption is low for both units, but again the Allies have airpower (7/7), which did some of the damage.

In the Allied stacks, GBR 10th INF Div. has joined 4th ARM Bde., but surely they will have to wait to re-supply before another major attack ? In the last attack the Allies were at Combat Supply (1.9), so one unit at least had Combat Supply (1), IND 8th INF Div. I guess, looking at the battle report.

Now the CDN 1st INF Div. is approaching the area, so the AI is pushing more units into breaking through at SALERNO. The last battle here was at equal strength, Allies 14 strength points, Axis was also 14, when odds were corrected for unit efficiency, supply status and disruption levels, but you only see this information after the battle, there is no battle odds information shown before (Edit- just found out this is wrong, there is pre-battle info, I'll explain later), only your own assessment of enemy unit status.

I need Combat Supply (4) for 29th/94th to continue to hold in the West, which leaves only (2) to start building up other units, then there are fortifications. Just can't move and fight, it has to be one, or the other, but not both at the same time. Drat ! No air power again. Double Drat !

Soon the Canadians will be in the battle for the mountains above SALERNO, which will greatly add to the Allies power in this sector, so a withdrawal will have to start soon.

Good news, the Allies in the East ( 8th Army front) are not following up and are holding back. Attacking the Rangers might have been a good idea, but FOGGIA is still mine and the Fuehrer will be pleased. Where is the US 36th INF ? This unit has just disappeared, which is why the Allied units near FOGGIA look a little thin, I was expecting more action from them, perhaps the AI is having supply problems, after a lot of combat.

I am doing better than the historical result, the Allies were in FOGGIA by 27th Sep. 1943, but I have lost several units by holding this far forward :

There must be more Allied units somewhere, either coming overland or ….

I am getting reports of more Allied units arriving at MESSINA and the units visible in the front line cannot be all they have, where will the reinforcements appear ?

Maybe the AI is waiting to take FOGGIA for a landing North of ROME ????

1st FsJ Div. holds mountain terrain with Terrain Stack Value (5), see lower info strip …......, which reduces what can be sent against them. You can only fit units totalling Stack Value (5) points, or less, in the mountain hex, so the Allies can only send units up to Stack Value (5), or less, against me here.

This is the distinction between Strength Points and Stack Value, as for the purpose of stacking, the Stack Value shows the overall size of the unit, whilst the strength points show how much of the unit is ready to fight.

The last of my Combat Supply (2) given to GER 16th PZ Div. covering beaches at NAPLES

Nothing else left to do but hold on, no supply and little fuel.

Should I Fortify FOGGIA, or save fortification points for the river line. Have to buy time so decided to fortify FOGGIA.

I still think this is more like digging-in and will treat it as such. So GER 305th INF Div. ordered to dig-in at FOGGIA. I think that there should be additional turns needed for substantial fortifying, starting from a first turn 'digging-in', through a next turn 'entrenching' and then only after that into full fortification.

The map image includes the inset Supply and Fuel Status panel, on the left, and this is where you can see how much supply and fuel is bing used each turn and how much supply and fuel is entering the theatre. You cannot control the amount of either which is delivered, but you can select the priority between Supply and Fuel, presently set at 50% / 50%.

Also in this panel you can buy fortification points, using supply points, and these fortification points can be allocated to units to allow them to fortify the hex which they occupy.

The supply in this case is going to result in a total 'Combat Supply' (munitions, etc.) allocation for each turn, which can be given to units, of your choice, to allow them to attack, or defend. General supply (food, etc.) is separate (happens automatically) and is shown in the supply map overlay, which shows the supply coverage for each hex, as it is distributed from general supply sources.

'Combat Supply' you manage within the limits of what OKW is providing, whilst General Supply you monitor, watching the effects of the road net, terrain and weather in the hex supply levels, remembering that in hex supply below 25% units will start suffering disruption and cannot receive Combat Supply. It sounds complicated, but simple in operation and realistically replicates the higher command decisions (you make) of who gets the priority on fighting equipment and the lower levels (below your pay grade), who ensure the troops get fed.

On the map, I'm still holding FOGGIA, with its airfields and the units near SALERNO are still holding their positions. The River Fortore line is being prepared, but still sparsely held, waiting for the units coming from the North.

The Axis line looks weak, but as the manual notes, ZOCs are powerful in this game and I have an almost complete line of units and connecting ZOCs, so the AI Allies cannot just push through, they will have to fight to achieve a breakthrough and the Allied units will have to be well supplied for concerted attack. Likewise, if I cannot get the Combat Supply levels up, then the line will fold under that concerted attack.

My units on the River Fortore, SS 1st Sturmbrigade and 26th PZ Div., are both dug-in behind the river and this should be a strong position in winter weather, but both are very weak after previous battles and I don't have the Combat Supply, nor PZ/MOT replacements to restore them, so this line is more bluff than substance. It's going to be a race between the Axis replacements coming from the North and weather improvement helping the Allies forward. Alternatively, if the AI probes the line it will see how weak it is.

The Allied AI seems to be holding back from FOGGIA, perhaps waiting for supply, more units, or to see what happens near SALERNO.

[Rasputitsa]

Turn 29, 2nd January 1944 – Weather Snow - air operations possible

Happy New Year !

Battle in hex 15,44 – a forlorn attempt by IND 8th INF Div., but it has cost me Combat Supply from two units and some disruption (3) points, for (3) Allied strength losses, which they can afford, whilst I cannot afford the Combat Supply lost in repelling a minor attack.

GER 362nd INF Div. new reinforcement has arrived at VENICE, slightly stronger, better experienced unit.
GER 71st INF Div. new reinforcement has arrived in VERONA, weak, poor quality unit.

Fuel (120) - pitiful
Combat Supply (3) – even more pitiful
I also need supply if I am to purchase fortification, some hope !

Air strength (0)
All reinforcing units come into the theatre with air priority (1) which I reduce to (0), so as not to waste air power, if and when I get any air.

Infantry replacements (39), but all INF units at full strength, it Combat supply I don't have.

No PZ/MOT, or FsJ replacements, again !

Expected arrivals 27 PZ strength (4) in 12 turns
28 GR strength (4) in 12 turns
SS WG strength (6) in 16 turns

All these units are only brigade strength, Stack Values (1) and (2), this is to be my armoured reserve, not quite earth shaking. Not much of a New Year gift from OKW, Drat!

So again the balance of moving reinforcing units from the North, but having to save some fuel to withdraw units holding further South, if the line breaks.

Allies are concentrating against the defence in the mountains near SALERNO (1st FsJ, 29 MOT and 94th INF) and whilst I have enough Combat Supply to give to the latter two units (FsJ already on full supply), should I try to withdraw, or let the Allies push me back and take the losses ?

So far, the defence of this position is the rock, which has stopped the Allies from moving forward against the weaker parts of the line.

There may be losses anyway in attempting to withdraw. The FsJ should get away easily (good quality units move first) dropping down into the valley through SALERNO, but the two units lower in the valley will have a harder time getting away. I could use the Combat Supply elsewhere, or fight where we stand.

FOGGIA is not seriously threatened, with just one Allied infantry division and the Rangers there, as the AI seems to have moved its strength to the West. It is difficult to be certain, as there may be more units obscured by FOW and I have no airpower left to fly 'Interdiction' missions, which have an element of air-recon, to see behind the lines.

In the West, the CDN 1st INF Div. has arrived in the stack facing the SALERNO position and this is likely to be a good quality unit, US 3rd INF Div. shows significant losses and will the AI risk the precious US 82nd ABN Div., for which there may be no replacements. It has avoided using the paratroopers since the losses of the earlier battles

GBR Commando Bde. is moving up on the flank, but that is covered by HG MOT holding a deep flanking position. HG could move in with a flanking counter threat, but Combat Supply is too short to get involved in too many battles and the plan right now is just to hold.

The AI's strategy becomes clearer, the IND 8th Div. attack, last turn, merely drew off my Combat Supply in repulsing a weak attack, so this turn is expected to be a much heavier attack. Withdrawing in the face of these massed Allied units will be difficult and likely to be costly.

Moving Fuel / Combat Supply priority slider to 40% / 60% in favour of Supply, but I need to be careful, as I have three PZ/MOT Divs. to move back and they will burn fuel mightily. I need electric tanks !

This is a brain teaser, with a lot to think about, in balancing resources, so it is worth getting to know this game, because the low unit count and simple map are deceiving, there is a lot to do to get it right.

When I lose FOGGIA an Allied landing further North becomes possible, as the AI extends its air cover and I will be severely stretched to cover another front. GER 5th MTN Div. will be at GROSSETO next turn, but the other reinforcement units are still further back in Northern Italy.

The map image shows the IDN 8th INF Div. attack against the SALERNO defence position, doomed to fail, but successful in burning up the Combat Supply of the two key units, GER 29 MOT and 94th INF Divs..

The 'Battle Report', inset left, is full of useful information and only stays on screen during the turn resolution phase, so without a message archive, a screen shot is the only way to save this information. However, the report shows that the only attacking unit was IND 8th attacking at a poor Troop strength ratio (7:14), lower efficiency (5.0:6.3), but had full Combat Supply (3.0), whilst my units have lower Combat Supply (2) and will be left on low supply (1) after this battle. My units have some disruption (1.0) after fighting previous battles, whilst the IND 8th has no disruption, so the final strength ratio is (7:13), which is still not very good for the Allies, but the AI did not expect to win, just weaken the defence.

Allied air Ground Support was (3/3), which is a lot less than they have available, but must have helped with the disruption loss (3) my units suffered. The IND 8th took a heavy loss for a lower powered unit (3 out of 7), with some disruption (1). However, even for a small battle, these battle reports give a lot of information not available otherwise, because of FOW. Some of that information is what didn't happen, like the other Allied units in the stack did not attack, building up Combat Supply ?? US 82nd ABN avoiding casualties ?? Bigger attack coming next turn ??





Turn 29 Continued

Deliberated on this for some time…....

As it turned out, I wasted a lot of resources on fortifying the river line South of SALERNO, when the best defence ended up being in the mountains, as the AI Allies ignored the coastal route.

Even so the Allied concentration against the defence on the SALERNO front is becoming overwhelming, comprising two triple stacks, CDN 1st, GBR 78th Div. and 4th ARM Bde., also US 8th, IND 8th, US 82nd ABN.

In the central position, US 8th at half strength, IND 8th heavy loss and likely to be short of Combat Supply, will AI risk 82nd ABN, whilst CDN 1st, GBR 78th Div., 4th Arm Bde. fresh and probably fully supplied and likely to attack, but which way ?

In the Axis defence I can rebuild the infantry unit if it survives, but I cannot rebuild the MOT Div., as there are no replacements for that unit.

Decided to start withdrawal on the SALERNO front, so GER 29th MOT has low combat supply and ordered to withdraw, but only one hex, 94th INF given combat supply and replacements to delay the Allies hoping to pull back next turn, didn't have Combat Supply for both.

Even though FOGGIA is not being seriously threatened, Fotore line units behind are weak, but dug-in and, if only I can give enough combat supply and PZ/MOT replacements become available, a viable defence could be created..

What to do with HG MOT and 16th MOT, hold a little longer, or start them going back to the new line at CAPUA to dig-in.

Decided to move HG one hex along the road towards FOGGIA, just to close off the gap to FOGGIA and hope to deter the Allies from moving into that gap, whilst leaving 16 MOT Div. to cover NAPLES, until the units near SALERNO have a chance to start a withdrawal.

No more Combat Supply to allocate, not much fuel left, in trepidation, select the button for 'Next Turn'.

So I am starting a slow withdrawal, initially to a line CAPUA to the river Fortore, then the best defensive terrain is the mountain mass from CASSINO back towards ROME, so a lot to fight for yet.

[Rasputitsa]

Turn 30, 8th January 1944 – Weather Snow - air operations possible

The AI did not attack ! I guess it must be building up combat supply, which is what I was hoping.

GER 29th MOT was able to withdraw and is now only opposed by GBR Commandos, which is too small a unit to exert a ZOC, so that 29th MOT (a high quality unit) should be able to withdraw again this turn with no hindrance.

GER HG MOT moved into a covering positioning

Combat Supply (4), Fuel (97), they must be having laugh back at OKW, how do they expect me to fight with this level of resources.

They are also taking 16th PZ Div., now covering NAPLES, away in 3 turns and all I get in return is low quality infantry units and no fuel to move them. See Status panel withdrawal list and the 16th PZ unit counter I/D text has gone red.

I am relieved that the AI Allies made no attack this turn, either on the SALERNO position, or at FOGGIA. It would have burned up Combat Supply in defending, which I just do not have.

I did think that the AI would have to take a break after the attacks of the previous turns, but this gives me a short breathing space. However, no PZ/MOT, or FsJ replacements this turn so I cannot start rebuilding these valuable units, although I have plenty of infantry replacements (39), so these units will have to take the pressure.

The Allies have not reinforced in front of FOGGIA, just two GBR infantry divisions and the US Rangers, so that position should hold. Put the 'Supply Status' overlay on, just to make sure nothing is sneaking around the flank, but these hexes still show under my control, so no movement there.

Checked 'Airforce Orders' to look at the air situation, to confirm that I have no airpower, which is the case, but 'Interdiction' is showing 13%, which I guess must be Allied, because I have no planes.

The closest reinforcement unit from the North is GER 278th INF at PESCARA, which I can move to VASTO, costing 15 Fuel points, which at this rate, will burn out what little fuel I have in no time, but I NEED these units.

With the 'Combat Supply' available I can supply 94th INF and 29th MOT Div., if I intend to still hold near SALERNO, but that leaves no combat supply to start restoring any other units and 94th is facing two Allied stacks and I am sure they will attack next turn.

94th INF is a 'average' quality unit and is unlikely to be able to 'withdraw' unscathed, but I cannot hold here any longer. I have managed to pull back the valuable 29th MOT from the stack last turn, so I think I need to pull further back into the mountains and use the combat supply elsewhere. The choice is to move (withdraw), or combat supply and cannot do both for these units.

1st FsJ cannot stack with any other units in the mountain hexes (stack value 5), so these units will have to withdraw in different directions.

GER 44th INF coming down the East coast is slowed by river crossings, but 5th MTN Div., moving on the West Coast and now clear of the mountains and rivers, is moving faster.

GER 715th INF sent via BOLOGNA, whilst more fuel is expended to move 71th INF, which is a larger and more useful unit, although it is low quality, however, 362th INF at VENICE and 114th INF will have to wait, as I need to retain a fuel reserve for emergencies. Next reinforcing unit arrival is in 4 turns, then nothing more until 11 turns.

29th PZ given combat supply.

Allied stack (15,45), two units totalling 14 strength points, can send only stack value (5) into the mountains, so hold or withdraw with the weakened FsJ ?? This 'Elite' unit should be able to 'withdraw' when necessary, so decide to hold.

Given GER 334th INF at FOGGIA the last (3) combat supply.

Another look at the supply overlay shows that I cannot afford to lose NAPLES just yet, half my line is already in the 50% hex supply, or less, due to the weather, but surely no amphibious landing is likely, but I leave 16th PZ Div. there rather than fortify CAPUA, anyway only (1) fortification point left.

NAPLES is a supply centre for me and has a capacity of (20) landing points to the Allies, if they capture that port.

[Rasputitsa]

Turn 31, 14th January 1944 – Weather Snow - air operations possible


Again the AI does not attack, 94th INF Div. is able to disengage and withdraw, the snow must be having some effect and maybe the Allies are suffering too.

Fuel (3) / Combat Supply (72) !!!

GER 29th MOT and 94th INF should be able to withdraw further now and the 1st FsJ should be able to slip away from the mountains and down to the coast, or along the mountain ridge. The FsJ now have (1) replacement available so applied immediately.

I have three German MOT divisions destroyed so far and shown in the 'Reinforcement Status' panel (Destroyed) and if I had enough 'Armour' replacements I could use the 'Rebuild Unit' function, but I have been using the few 'Armour' replacements available to cover losses in surviving units. Here is another decision conundrum, save 'Armour' replacements to get the destroyed MOT units back on the map, or use them to keep surviving units alive. It is the latter choice now, because I cannot afford the lose more units and any rebuilt units will appear in Northern Italy and I don't have the fuel to move them South.

So the 'Rebuild' feature is something to remember for better times, although if I lose infantry units I have a lot of infantry replacements (48) to rebuild them, so the PBI will have to take the hits for now, I must protect the other unit types.

I need a total of (31) 'Armour' replacements to restore the losses suffered by my on-map PZ and MOT divisions, which shows the scale of the losses and I hope the Allies are suffering too.

Worth noting that as GER 16th PZ Div. is about to leave the theatre, the 'disband' option is no longer available, although it normally becomes an option when units are below half strength.

Two US divisions, 3rd INF and 82nd ABN, have suffered heavy loses which have not been replaced, but where are the other US divisions ?

GER 278th INF comes into line, 26th PZ sidesteps inland to continue fortifying, 5th MTN, 44th INF are being moved South, but the rest have to wait. 4 divs I cannot use are at, or beyond, BOLOGNA.

Then second thoughts, cancelled 26th PZ's move inland and saved (12) fuel points, as I will need a reserve when it comes time to withdraw the SALERNO force to the CAPUA line. These orders can be changed until selecting 'Next Phase'.

The overall situation is that my whole position was near to collapse when the AI Allies stopped attacking, but it is still hanging by a thread, due to lack of 'combat supply' and 'fuel'. This is not just a matter of getting the supply/fuel priority slider right, there is just not enough of either coming into the theatre. I guess this is mainly due to the weather since 15th December, that's 6 continuous game turns of snow and moving units in these condition is burning up fuel for both sides.

I can't see many Allied units and I wonder if they are holding back, hiding in FOW, or still in Sicily preparing for landings when the weather improves. When I lose FOGGIA and Allied air cover expands into Northern Italy, any landings could be much further North, so I suppose it is better not to hurry all reinforcing units too far South and keep some back to seal off beachhead sites.

A new Shakespearean Tragedy - 'The Three Divisions of VERONA'

I should also start thinking about the better weather to come, when the AI Allies will be able to launch amphibious and airborne landings and, with the eventual loss of FOGGIA, these could be North of ROME. There are many Allied units not visible on the map and these could be used for landings, so leaving some of my Axis units in the North, forced by lack of fuel, maybe a good idea, to provide a reaction force to any landings. I can see the US Rangers and GBR Commandos in the Allied front line, with also the US 82nd ABN, which accounts for most of the 'elite' Allied units, so hopefully my low quality reinforcement units can cope with whatever lands in the North.

Holding this far South and losing a main supply city like ROME to an Allied landing, would be catastrophic.

GER 16th PZ Div. at NAPLES is leaving the theatre in two turns, so using one of those turns to move back to CAPUA and the last available turn will be used to fortify the hex, as I have (1) fortification point left. The defence of NAPLES will be left to the weather, in the hope that no Allied landing is possible at this time. If I don't do this now it will be too late to make any other use of this unit.

There might be some risk in this, as my retreat from the SALERNO position back to CAPUA is through NAPLES, but surely no landings are possible now !

Given the last Combat Supply (3) to 94th INF in the mountains above SALERNO, whilst continuing the withdrawal of 29th MOT, which cannot be pinned by GBR Commandos, as they are too small to generate a ZOC. The question is, whether to leave the GER 1st FsJ on their exposed mountain top, covering these moves, or bring them back as well.

The Allies can only attack the mountain hex with stack value (5), which could be CDN 1st INF and GBR 4th ARM Bde., for a total of 17 strength points. I don't honk they will succeed, but I cannot afford FsJ losses, for which there are few replacements.

The FsJ cannot withdraw along the mountain hexes because of stack limitations with 94th INF, so it will have to be a retreat down to the coast road. The FsJ are an elite unit and should move first and not be pinned, so if the Allies attack the hex they should find the position empty. The FsJ are ordered to SALERNO so that they can get onto the coast road and make a quicker further withdrawal next turn.

These moves knock my fuel reserve down to (16), with fuel entering the theatre last turn only (41), so we are getting near empty. I could cancel the move of one of the reinforcing units coming from the North, but then I cannot create the next defence line on the river Fortore, so leave things as they are and hope.

Each time I hit the 'next turn' button it is with much apprehension, as the strategy is hanging by a thread.

[Rasputitsa]

Turn 32, 20th January 1944 – Weather Snow - air operations possible

After being passive for several turns, the two GBR infantry divisions (46th and 56th), with the US Rangers, now attack FOGGIA. They have built up full combat supply (3) and have strong air support (7/7), so although the attack fails, it does cause significant damage, despite the FOGGIA hex fortifications. I have lost (3) more strength points from 334th INF Div. and suffered small disruption. The Allied AI is draining my combat supply pool with these apparently hopeless attacks.

The AI is using these attacks to call down air support, which I have no air power to combat. Making sure that all units are set to air priority (0), so that if air power becomes available I can select where I need it most with a clean sheet.

More Allied strength arriving in MESSINA (GBR 1st INF Div.), shown in an info panel and I watch the turn play out with the new US 45th INF Div. coming into line opposite the SALERNO position, whilst other units move across to the FOGGIA front.

I am notified that GER 16th PZ will be leaving this turn, so I use it to fortify the CAPUA hex before it goes, that's my last fortification point gone and I will have to buy more. GER 5th MTN Div., coming from the North, can only get to ANZIO this turn, so the new line at CAPUA will be unoccupied for a turn, or two. The next reinforcement unit coming down the East coast will reach VASTO next turn and be moving on to join the Fortore line.

Fuel available (58) / Combat Supply (5) – I am going to need all that just for the two divisions holding FOGGIA. GER 334th INF at FOGGIA given (3) and infantry replacements to bring it back up to full strength. Had (48) available this turn, but no PZ/MOT, or FsJ replacements arrived, again.

These two units in FOGGIA showing slight disruption, as are all my units, but not at significant levels.

So the most difficult part of the strategy continues, as I try to make a withdrawal on both coasts, back to a prepared line (well nearly prepared), whilst not giving up ground too soon and not getting caught in damaging battles. The snow is making ground movement and supply difficult, but the Allied air forces can still fly and here is were the danger lies.

Meanwhile, all the units forming up to defend the new line are all in need of 'combat supply' and you cannot hold a line with empty weapons. So I am caught, using up 'combat supply' in a losing battle to slow the Allies, whilst I need this same combat supply to make a defence, you can only fire a bullet once !

What a ride !!






Gave Combat Supply to GER 305th Div. at FOGGIA leaving (2), do I buy fortification points, or equip one of the defending divisions ?

The AI seems to have reversed its priorities, holding back near SALERNO, but massing in front of FOGGIA, but it doesn't seem to have been able to, or want to, replace its losses in the front-line units, at least not in the US units, 36th INF and 82nd ABN, both well below full strength.

Allied AI is cautious to open flanks (no Patton here), which is very historical, as the Germans were not so sensitive.

At SALERNO now the 1st FsJ has reached the coast road they can get almost all the way to CAPUA in one turn, when it becomes necessary. The withdrawal from FOGGIA will not be so easy.

Meanwhile in the mountains near SALERNO, GER 94th INF is well positioned and fully supplied, but the Allies have not closed up on the withdrawing Axis units, with only the newly arrived US 45th INF Div. confronting the 94th. US 45th INF looks at full strength, will probably be fully supplied and there there is the ample Allied air ground support, so it may attack, but I am not ready to withdraw yet as, like the 1st FsJ, the GER 29th MOT is on the road and could get all the way to CAPUA on one turn, when the time comes.

US 82nd ABN and IND 8th INF Divs. have now joined the Allied forces at FOGGIA, but will the AI risk the elite forces (with few replacements) of US Rangers and Airborne in attacking FOGGIA and I don't think the GBR 46th and 56th INF Divs. can do it alone, except as fodder to bring down air power. However the AI has lined up units totalling stack value (10), facing a value (10) hex (FOGGIA) and as I have plenty of infantry replacements for the defending 305th and 334th I would like to have a crack at elite the Rangers and ABN, for which the AI will not have replacements.

Meanwhile Herman Goering MOT is looking very lonely in the centre.

So a lot to consider in what seems to be, at first sight, a simple game.

January 1944 and I am still hanging on to FOGGIA and NAPLES, but that cannot last.

The amount of resources coming into the theatre is not under your command, you can only decided the proportion of Fuel and Combat Supply and how much Combat Supply you want to spend on fortification points, but the overall quantity is beyond your control.

GER 278th moved out into line, still 4 units in Northern Italy that I cannot move.

'Combat Supply' to 26th PZ on the Fortore line, as fortification are useless if the units in them cannot fight.

Fuel down to (7 ), almost nothing !

Moved HG MOT another hex towards FOGGIA to link up ZOCs, now Fuel (4) !!!

[Rasputitsa]

Turn 33, 26th January 1944 – Weather Snow - air operations possible

Another Allied attack on FOGGIA, the defending GER 305th and 334th INF Divs. hold with slight loss, but increase in disruption (5) to 334th INF.

Allies lose (1) strength point to the Rangers and (3) more from GBR 46th INF, a better result for (1) Axis loss, which I can replace.
Allied Ground Support (7/7) again and must have done some of the damage, but not as bad as the last attack.

Gave (1) infantry replacement to 305th at FOGGIA, No PZ/MOT, FsJ replacements again.

GER 4th FsJ Div. will be arriving in one turn, but this will be in Northern Italy, with no fuel to move this valuable and much needed division.

Fuel (46) / Combat Supply (4)

To purchase (2) fortification points will cost all my available Combat Supply for this turn, so it will have to wait.

Time to shift into more combat supply as the reinforcing units are now close to the front line and won't need fuel as much as they will need combat supply. Units entering the theatre, as reinforcements, arrive with low combat supply.

Fuel / Combat Supply reset 30% / 70%, I need combat supply to fight and fortify.

The Wehrmacht is repairing the huge damage wreaked on the Eastern Front, by the damaging 1943 campaign failure, but it is costing me dear, as the supplies from OKW fade to nearly nothing.

Time is near to give up FOGGIA, if I can get away.

The AI is finally starting to manoeuvre, with US 34th moving around the mountain mass towards the coast road to outflank GER 94th INF in the mountains, 1st FsJ are waiting at SALERNO, but I cannot leave them there.

CDN 1st and IND 8th INF Divs. are moving to outflank on the inland route, where waits HG MOT, but again I cannot them there.

On the AVELLINO road 29th MOT is still faced by GBR Commandos, but they cannot exert a LOC, so 29th MOT will not be pinned if I decide on withdrawal, whilst in the mountains, 94th INF is fully supplied and facing two US infantry divisions 36th and 45th, but only one of these stack value (4) units can attack at a time in the mountains (hex stack value 5). I think I could hold the mountain position easily, except for the air ground support that would be called down with any attack, but I cannot risk the units on the flank for which there are no replacements, so the AI will achieve by outflanking manoeuvres what it failed to achieve by direct attack.

All the Allied units are positioned on roads and will be able to follow-up quickly, so it's going to be a race to the line at CAPUA.

Cancelled the move of 44th INF down the East coast through VASTO, as I need the last remaining fuel for the withdrawal movement of the units confronting the Allies.

1st FsJ moved to near CAPUA to avoid being pinned by US 34th INF, apparently headed for SALERNO

GER 94th INF may have trouble withdrawing from the mountains, as it is a 'average' quality unit and might get pinned.

So third thoughts and cancel the 1st FsJ move to cover the eventual escape of 94th.

I decide to hold the line at SALERNO for a little longer, as there can be no immediate attack, as only the weak GBR 2nd Commandos are actually in contact, the other Allied units will have to move forward, before being able to attack. The intention is to pivot back on GER 65th INF (holding the centre), into a new line at CAPUA. I have started fortification, but there is very little 'Combat Supply' to achieve anything more.

I may regret this, as I perhaps should have withdrawn the valuable FsJ and MOT units before they can be pinned and sacrifice the infantry. They have a chance to get clean away, but that leaves 94th INF alone in the mountains.

334th and 305th INF Divs. at FOGGIA are low quality units and will have trouble in both getting away, so I give some precious combat supply to 305th INF, to stay and act as a rearguard, as the disrupted 334th INF attempts to withdraw.

I withdraw HG MOT, in the centre, back to the river near BENEVENTO, to cover the flank of the units near SALERNO, in preparation to moving further back to the CAPUA line.

Restored the move of the 44th through VASTO to join the Fortore line, leaving just (7) Fuel Points and no Combat Supply left.

The lack of Fuel and Combat Supply makes everything critical, as a wrong move now would bring disaster.

So after a turn of doubt and indecision I have plan.





The screen image is of the situation after issuing orders and before selecting 'Next Phase'. The units with a red bar across the top of the unit icons have actions selected and for instance the highlighted GER 334th INF is showing the position that it has been ordered to 'withdraw' to. All orders could now be changed, except the issue of replacements, but when 'Next Phase' is selected the turn ends and 334th INF will return to its actual position at FOGGIA and the game will start to simultaneously enact the player and AI moves. When the turn resolution is complete, we will see if 334th INF was successful in disengaging from FOGGIA and reaches the selected hex.

GER 305th INF has been left in FOGGIA, but has the red bar to show an action, in this case the addition of combat supply, to help it beat off the inevitable attack by the AI to capture FOGGIA. If 334th INF gets clear, it can then start to restore the effects of the disruption it suffered and move further back into the new River Fortore Line, however it is showing low 'combat supply', because only one action is available each turn, so whilst moving no combat supply can be added, assuming I had any to spare.