CfNA 40-43 (GeneralJCL [DAK] v Hellen [CW])

[Hellen_slith]

@CW turn 159:

couple things going on here,
CW recaptured El Alamein (which reactivated Fleet)

Germans then retook El Alamein (I think this is the third time, they took it way earlier,
then took it again, now is third time they've gotten it.
But Fleet remains activated now, should be re-garrisoned, I think.
I'll move them to port, at least.

Also, looks to me like Germans should have at least a marginal victory
but maybe my math is wrong. News / situation says still a draw ...

at any rate, Germans are definitely winning now!
Hope I get some more beef from Cairo,
CW is on the ropes!

[John B.]

Hang in there. It looks like you have some powerful units at Cairo and you must be back in good resupply range.

[Hellen_slith]

CW turn 160:

Indeed, did get some reinforcements, Indians (the kind with dots on the heads) ride to the rescue.
They are green on tan units (or sometimes black on red); they wear different colored hats.

The Fleet did to back into garrison mode, for the El Alamein re-re-re-capture, so that game mechanic is working.
This one is really heating up!

[Hellen_slith]

One of my favorite cartoons from WWII, applicable here!

[John B.]

You can just hear the British captains "Right lads, Jerry is in El Alimein. Into garrison you go." "Roust out ya Blimey Bastards, Jerry's not in El Alemein anymore. We sail at dawn!" "Belay that last Order lads, Jerry's back in El Alamein. It's back to garrison for you."

[Curtis Lemay]

ORIGINAL: John B.

You can just hear the British captains "Right lads, Jerry is in El Alimein. Into garrison you go." "Roust out ya Blimey Bastards, Jerry's not in El Alemein anymore. We sail at dawn!" "Belay that last Order lads, Jerry's back in El Alamein. It's back to garrison for you."

My tools were limited. In reality, the fleet would have sailed past the canal. But, in game turns, that would have required withdrawing them from the game. TOAW has no way to return withdrawn units, so that would have been permanent. "Garrison" allows them to "return". Note that if Alexandria falls, they are permanently withdrawn.

[Hellen_slith]

LoL yes it is a bit dicey, but I like the mechanic Bob used. The Fleet is only effective for pretty limited range along the coast, I've only been able to use it for bombardment here and there ... Axis air can get to it. At the least, that last go when it reactivated for one turn, I was able to sail it up to the NE corner of the map, hopefully hiding it from Axis air. It would have been sitting ducks otherwise, I think. Not sure, I really haven't used the Fleet much, except parking it for defensive bombard where I could. Sometimes airfield bombardment where I could.

The way it is (to me) gives added incentive for CW to keep / hold / retake El Alamein.

[Hellen_slith]

@CW turn 161 (March 1, 1942)

Let's get this party started!

As you can see, DAK has made much progress.

But, Brit air is chomping at the bit to get some Air-to-Ground combat on.

Let's see what I can do.
Time to give DAK a bloody nose from the air (I hope)
We shall see!

[Hellen_slith]

Desperate measures in effect ... the bombing campaign continues ...

Cairo girds loins

[Hellen_slith]

I think that that Alexandria hex has just about all you can get from a hex:

from the 350%AT etc, all the various attributes from it.

Axis is not going to take that hex.

Not in my lifetime. That is right out.

me: <digs more entrenchments around Alexandria>

Not happening, General. Try Cairo

[Hellen_slith]

@CW turn 163 (April 8, 1942)

Rommel spotted!
A 10 million Pound Sterling reward is offered for his hide.

CW fights like mad, inflicting huge losses.
Italian Sabratha unit spotted by lookouts on Hill 1027: Italians approaching Cairo.

I think it is a decoy, but 5th Indian is tasked w/ Cairo defense.

[Hellen_slith]

Monty:

"All right then, Chaps. We soon embark upon the sixth Battle of El - Alamein.
Check your ammo. Fill your pipes. Don't forget your rucks.
Good luck! Kill every Jerry you see. No Quarter. Good luck!"

meanwhile, in the Italian trenches:

Another fine day in the desert.

[John B.]

@Curtis. I was kidding, I know that the Brits would have kept the fleet in safety rather than risk it getting trapped and the mechanic makes a lot of sense.

As for the battle of Alexandria, the Germans take a lot of casualties, but it is tough to dig those buggers out of their trenches!

[Hellen_slith]

@CW T164: April 11, 1942

CW prepares for the sixth battle for El Alamein.

Situation briefing says, "CW shock = 96%, Axis shock = 104%" ...

Germans are winning, but not for long!!

CW air briefing says, CW AS value currently rated at 13:14 .....

Time to take out Axis air. Wheels UP!!!

[Hellen_slith]

@turn CW 164 (April 11, 1942) round 2:

Assemble the Punjab! Prepare for hand-to-hand combat!
Draw knives!

[Hellen_slith]

w/re/to: Italians encroaching on Cairo--neutralized.

Holding air @ Alexandria. Prepare for sixth assault --> El Alamein.

God Speed, Gentlemen!

[Hellen_slith]

@CW 164 (round 5 of combat)

1st South African lookouts report: HEAVY PANZERS APPROACHING ALEXANDRIA! REQUEST REINFORCE!!!

Monty: Acknowledge! HANG ON!!!

[Hellen_slith]

PI are R, squared.

Situation critical for CW @ end of turn 164.

[Hellen_slith]

@ next CW move:

Situation, dire.

These are the hard times. Churchill addresses the troops.

Gentlemen: Remember, Never Surrender.

Hold your positions. We shall prevail.

Private Wag pipes up, "Hey there, General, you gonna have supper with us tonight??"

The General: "GO TO BLAZES, SOLDIER!"

LoL maybe that was that was from Red Badge of Courage, but applies here.

The General is making far too much for my liking these past weeks of game time. Report follows.

[Hellen_slith]

@CW turn 169 (April 29, 1942)

at the movies: Abbott & Costello in the smash hit, "Rio Rita"
In North America: the only news about North Africa
is broadcast via short wave from Sydney station VLQ4 on 7.22

Report: situation critical in Alexandria and worsening