Nirosi (Axis) vs PL1 (Allies) PL1 welcome now

[Nirosi]

In Africa, most British troops surprisingly retreated and were replaced by Canadian troops at the front. OKH is speculating that the British are experiencing serious supply problem. Two Italian corps, including the XIII, were ordered South in an attempt at either flanking the Canadians or forcing them to reposition farther.

[Nirosi]

Axis turn of December 5th, 1941

On the Finish border, Axis troops redeployed massively both to counter Soviet deployment, but also to alleviate supply problems. To OKW dismay, the link between Murmansk and the rest of the country was re-established and this should allow foreign aid to flow through even during the Winter.

Recruitment posters for the Finish army have appeared more prominently on Helsinki’s streets. A radio even programmed a long interview with Simo Häyhä. OKW is wondering if the Fins are not hiding a manpower problem.

[Nirosi]

The best Soviet troops, armored and mechanized corps, are defending the Western approaches of a line going roughly from Moscow to Kursk. A few more mechanized units are found South scattered between Kursk and Stalino. A single armor corps is found North of Kalinin at about the middle point between that city and Kabozha.

Most German mobile units are inside or near the Northern wedge in the front, spearheaded by the XIX and LVII Armored Corps.

[Nirosi]

On December 6th, Stavka informed the Soviet people that the Red Army, with help from the Soviet Black Sea Fleet, is now back in control of Novorossiysk and that all enemy resistance has ceased with the last remans of the Bulgarian 1st division surrendering.

Radio Moscow also announced the arrival of reinforcements from the Far East. OKH is closely monitoring the situation to try to identify where those Siberians troops might be deployed.

[Nirosi]

In Africa, the Canadians retreated a few miles after the previous Axis redeployment. General Rommel wanted to advance toward the border and engage the Canadians, but General Graziani refused to commit the Italians tanks to the operation.

[Nirosi]

Ruins of Novorossiysk after its liberation. The former Bulgarian divisional HQ can be seen in the background.

[Nirosi]

Axis turn of December 19th, 1941

Takin advantage of particularly harsh weather conditions in the North, the Soviets mounted two local offensives that both failed. But the pressure is clearly mounting on exhausted German troops. The first attempt was West of Leningrad on the 11th Division that had to be relieved from its position by the X Corps. A German counterattack in the area also failed. It will take a few weeks before the 11th Division is back to operational status. Another offensive targeted the XIX Panzer Corps South of Kabozha. The attack was brutal and only the determination of the local commanders allowed the XIX Panzer to hold its ground as it was instructed.

It is now believed that the Soviet reinforcements from Siberia are deployed in between Kabozha and Kalinin, facing the right flank of the Northern wedge. Marshal Kesselring asked OKW the permission to withdraw closer to the main supply lines, but the request was denied.

Finnish troops managed once again to cut the rail connection between Murmansk and the rest of the country.

[Nirosi]

Further South, with the loss of Novorossiysk, the arrival of bad weather that will last a few months and the mauling of the Romanian naval squadron protecting the sea supply line, OKW reluctantly took the decision to abandon the foothold in Crimea. The Romanian division that arrived a month ago left first and German paratroopers should follow soon. It is not expected that the Red Army can do much damage before the evacuation is completed.

[Nirosi]

Almost all of what was the Italian expeditionary forces in the USSR under the command of General Messe, has now left this theatre of operation. The process should be finished in less than two weeks with the last remaining corps leaving for Italy proper. Some of the troops that had left last month have now been redeployed in Western Libya.

[Nirosi]

General Messe is seen here preparing his speech to the Italian soldiers leaving the Soviet front back for home after a job well done in supplementing Axis force in Ukraine.

[Nirosi]

Axis turn of January 2nd, 1942

On the Eastern front the situation seems to have reached a stalemate for now. Some small scales attacks were conducted in the North West and South of Novgorod, forcing two German corps to retreat, but the positions were quickly recovered. The most important attack on the German spearhead failed but confirmed OKH suspicions about the whereabouts of the reinforcements from Siberia. A single German attempt at counterattacking near Narva failed.

Elsewhere on the front, OKH has started to issue heavy tanks to most panzer corps. Before spring, most panzer and panzergrenadier corps should field heavier type of Panzer IV while phasing out the Panzer III.

In Crimea, Soviet naval patrols in the Western Black Sea, combined with rainy weather putting a halt to Soviet progression, convinced OKH that the withdrawal of the Fallschirmjëger corps could be postponed for a few weeks.

West of Slonim, a Hungarian division is having a hard time against a well armed and determined partisan band using the temperature to its advantage.

[Nirosi]

In Karelia, Finish and Soviet troops are continuing their cat and mouse dance with the link to Murmansk once again re-established and… cut again.

[Harrybanana]

Just want to let you know that I am reading your interesting AAR as well.

[Nirosi]

Just want to let you know that I am reading your interesting AAR as well.

Thank you!

[Nirosi]

In Africa, the arrival of more Italian units near Tripoli is creating serious supply problems for the Axis. The Italian high command has reassured general Graziani that the problem will be soon solved. General Rommel was hopping that the Allies would not be made aware of the situation, less they take advantage of it.

[Nirosi]

With 1942 starting and the USA joining the war, the forces at play on both sides are impressive. But the mighty German war machine is facing a Soviet mastodon that is getting bigger, but even more important, more able with each passing month.

[Nirosi]

Allied loses have been important, but certainly not decisive. However, Germany still has high hopes for 1942. Its qualitative advantage should still play in its favor in the USSR and, after a very slow start, the 10 U-boat flotillas hunting in the Atlantic have had very good results in the last six months or so.

[stjeand]

As am I...really enjoying it...

I will have to do another when I complete a few games...

When playing 5 or 6 games AARs take up all my time but I like the way you and Harry a limiting them with map areas. That will be my plan.

[Nirosi]

Yea it is fun to write, it is almost like playing the game twice[:)] But yes, it is also time consuming... I couldn't do two at the same time.

[Nirosi]

Axis turn of January 16th, 1942

The Soviets conducted some attacks in the North of the country. Their only notable success was that the XIX Panzer at the very end of the wedge in the front was pushed back. Further West of that battle, the LIII corps and the Spanish Blue division also had to retreat, but they quickly retook their former undefended position. Another attempt at the Eastern flank of the wedge failed. Any success there might have forced OKH to order a general retreat from the wedge.

Germany conducted a counter offensive West Leningrad and managed to push back the 15th Army, allowing for a more consistent front in the area. However, once again, the 50th Rifle Corps in Narva resisted all attempts at takin the town.

In other news, the partisan band that resisted for a few week in the former Eastern Poland was finally defeated by Hungarian troops.