Bish Bash Boche - A 41 GC JB (A) & Veterin (S)

[HardLuckYetAgain]

T16 Axis AGS cont

Meanwhile to the south of Stalino, something to embarrass any Soviet


t16 AGS Roms are cool, how embarassing.png

Why doesn’t this level of loss result in shattered units anymore?

I feel like something has changed with units persisting with double or single digit number of men.
Feels relatively recent.

You do occasionally see shatters. I recently did in a Sov Cv with a motorised regiment. The Cv has already been routed, it was enclosed and shattered with a hasty attack.

I agree that it is odd that you can kill all the troops in a unit and that it still does not shatter.

Like this example? I think we all would like to know.

2nd Cav.png (1.35 MiB) Viewed 968 times

[jasonbroomer]

Why doesn’t this level of loss result in shattered units anymore?

I feel like something has changed with units persisting with double or single digit number of men.
Feels relatively recent.

You do occasionally see shatters. I recently did in a Sov Cv with a motorised regiment. The Cv has already been routed, it was enclosed and shattered with a hasty attack.

I agree that it is odd that you can kill all the troops in a unit and that it still does not shatter.

Like this example? I think we all would like to know.


2nd Cav.png

I'm seeing things like this on numerous occasions. I killed everything in an airborne brigade earlier in the game and Vet confirmed that indeed it had not shattered and just the shell of the unit remained. Is this WAD?

[HardLuckYetAgain]

You do occasionally see shatters. I recently did in a Sov Cv with a motorised regiment. The Cv has already been routed, it was enclosed and shattered with a hasty attack.

I agree that it is odd that you can kill all the troops in a unit and that it still does not shatter.

Like this example? I think we all would like to know.


2nd Cav.png

I'm seeing things like this on numerous occasions. I killed everything in an airborne brigade earlier in the game and Vet confirmed that indeed it had not shattered and just the shell of the unit remained. Is this WAD?

/shrug I don't know. Can always ask in Tech support if it is WAD. I am fine with it even though the counter is saved but will be a few turns before coming back online. Per the manual in chapter 23 we have a list of items the game checks for shattering. We can start another thread on it to not clutter up your AAR any further if you like too.

shatter.png (194.01 KiB) Viewed 952 times

[jasonbroomer]

T18-20 Axis

These turns were largely heavy mud turns which preventing much action from occurring.

In the north, the clearing of the Leningrad isthmus freed up 16 infantry divisions, coupled with the 7-8 divisions coming to the front from the Crimea provides a much needed strengthening in the front lines, which in certain places is nothing more than tissue paper thickness. I know that I over committed to Leningrad, but the lousy weather combined with the fact that if I fail to take the city before winter would kill me, I felt I just had to do it. Now I can build a strong defensive line in the region, which is served by an excellent railroad system. The level 9 rail at Leningrad, seems to take an age to repair though. A further benefit of taking Leningrad is that it is a major Soviet manpower centre, some 4m. However, I have missed other major centres such as Kharkov (1m) which will offset a lot of the damage this does to the Soviet economy.

We also begin the process of shipping beaten up 2 panzer divisions from the north to France, thereby to allowing the release even more infantry divisions. These 2 or 3 divisions, will be not shipped to the front immediately but stationed around Berlin building up supply and CPP. The wholesome panzer division from AGN is shipped to the Smolensk region in the hope that it will get at least one attack in before winter arrives to use up its CPP.

T19 AGS.png (2.99 MiB) Viewed 905 times

We take advantage of some milder mud in the south to prepare for the Stalino assault once the frosts start.

On turn 20 there were some huge battles fighting over the swamps east of Smolensk. Note that the Viking SS division had just been transferred from AGN. These hexes will be crucial to hold over winter if we wish to hold the city in case winter proves to be severe.

T20 AGC big battles over favourable terrain.png (3.74 MiB) Viewed 905 times

[jasonbroomer]

T20 Axis Overview


Trucks are a problem for the Axis, the northern and southern pushes are truck expensive, few of my ID units seem to MP above 11 and motorised units are all in the low 30s. My supply situation probably isn't helping these figures either.

T20 Production.png (370.71 KiB) Viewed 898 times

VP update

T20 VPs.png (2 MiB) Viewed 898 times

[Jango32]

You posted a turn 30 screenshot with Wiking around Smolensk.

[Veterin]

T18 - Soviet Perspective

1

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Little to report on this turn. Due to the weather, only 2 Axis attacks were made this turn just south of Stalino. There is only 1 more hex that needs to be taken before Stalino is encircled which is clearly an objective of JB likely as soon as the heavy mud turns to snow. There is heavy rain across most of AGN/AGC fronts and it is forecasting heavy rain across the entire map next turn which is always great to see! There was another rifle division guard conversion this turn and hopefully a few more over the next few turns as I really want to have 2 rifle guard corps when I am able to in Dec 1941.

2

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This is my defence after I have moved my units. Axis have enough forces in the area to storm Stalino but I know JB is going for an encirclement which I’m trying to stop. I have triple stacked key hexes and put a number of units in the second row on reserve, hoping to cause a few failed attacks. From a VP perspective, if I hold Stalino for 3 more turns there won’t be any bonus AP for Axis and I really need to keep an eye on VP due to the loss of Leningrad. Further south near Mariupol I noticed the absence of an Axis line so I send a few cavalry units to go exploring. This will hopefully pull some units away from Stalino to stop any further breakthrough next turn. I have sent most of my reinforcements this turn towards Rostov as they will be needed shortly on this front.

3

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In the Crimean front, Kerch was not attacked this turn and Axis forces have fallen back to a chokepoint, likely to fortify up over winter. To be honest, if Axis attacked again in the light mud, I think they could have taken Kerch this turn. With the Axis pullback, fortifications are back up to lvl 3 this turn so defences are feeling safe again.

[Veterin]

T18 - Soviet Perspective Cont...

4

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With weather halting the offensive, it’s nice to see a low manpower loss turn after the losses incurred in Leningrad. Manpower losses for the turn was only 22k which brings Soviet on-map forces back to 3.95m

5

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In transfer AFVs for Axis has increased over the last 2 turns so I assume it’s panzer armies around Leningrad being sent to the TB to rest and recovery over the winter offensive. Panzer numbers are in reasonably good shape as JB has been conservative in their use over the last few turns.

The rest of the turn involved rotating units on/off the line of contact so I could build CPP across my forces. I was also able to repair the rails to Kharkov which will help push supply further south given the city is a massive level 9 railyard.

[Veterin]

T19 - Soviet Perspective

1

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2 shortages in the Soviet TBs vs 1 in the Axis TBs so Axis comes out ahead.

2

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3

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Heavy rain covers the map this turn with snowfall expected across most of the map next turn and cold weather around AGN. Heavy mud is still expected over the next 2 turns however this will convert to snow shortly after allowing increased mobility for the Axis forces for any last attacks they want to make before the onset of the harsh winter.

4

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No attacks made across the map with little changes north of Kharkov. I’ve shifted some armies around Kharkov further south and continued to reinforce the Stalino front as all hell will break lose there in a few turns. Whilst Axis forces took a few hexes south of Stalino, I’ve moved some units to directly block their path even if I am seriously outgunned in this section. I’ve made sure that all hexes that I can be attacked next turn are heavy mud hexes so that will make it a lot easier to hold, even with weaker units.

Lastly, I’ve started deploying some rifle brigades to the map which I will allocate directly to key units. Even a full-strength rifle brigade at this stage is only 80% TOE as it’s missing Infantry AT guns which cannot be produced until Dec 1941.

[Veterin]

T20 - Soviet Perspective

1

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With light snow covering the map this turn, the heavy mud penalties covering the map have been removed. Offensive CV values have increased across the map and there is increased mobility so this will be a bloody turn for both sides. I lost 21k manpower during last turn and I think that’s the last time I’ll see such low losses for a while!

2

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With the start of Nov 41, I now have access to build my first Ski units – the 41 Ski Battalion. I haven’t used these before but given they’re not going to take up much manpower and I can build 102 of them without any AP cost, I decide to build all of them this turn. With 451 manpower per unit, that’s only 46k manpower cost. The TOE of this unit does not require anything that has a capped supply as all components are “need” for production so I’m not limiting my potential elsewhere. Ski units have their CV doubled in snow hexes and tripped in heavy snow so despite their small size, they’re probably an efficient use of resources (I’ll soon find out!)

3

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AGN is going to be a challenging area to attack over winter with well-fortified infantry divisions across the line. Opportunities can still be found though with this axis infantry divisions on a clear hex (even with a lvl 3 fort). I had several rifle divisions on reserve hoping to join this battle without any luck but 2 guard rifle divisions + another rifle division and a whole bunch of VSS bombers were able to pull out a victory.

4

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I often use cavalry to flip hexes/scout the enemies line each turn before retreating back to safety. West of Vyzama I saw that there was a relatively weak spot with 1 light wooded hex holding 2 rifle regiments and the hex next to it only a fortification unit which was prepping defences for winter. This was a great opportunity to have a rare favourable kill/death ratio for the Soviets!

[Veterin]

T20 - Soviet Perspective Cont...

5

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As there are a lot of Axis forces pushing to capture Stalino, I needed to put some pressure on the flanks to peel away Axis units from the main attack. In between German infantry I saw that the gaps were held by Romanian/Hungarian units. I attacked with the 10th army (burgundy colour) before pulling back. My units aren’t in good defensive terrain but if JB chooses to counter on these units this turn, I have fresh high CV units in the vicinity for the turn after. The 3 spoiling attacks destroy 2 forts and retreat 2 mountain brigades and 1 cavalry brigade.

6

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This might be a bit risky but I’ve shifted my 4th army (dark blue) and my 26th army (light green) on the southern side of the Donets river. The 4th army was holding north of Stalino for counterattacks however the enemy just has too many forces in the area and JB is leaving at least double stacked divisions everywhere (smart!). By shifting 2 armies closer to the attacks I made on the Axis allies, I will be able to make a good push across this section of the front if some German forces don’t pull back from Stalino.

7

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Now that Kerch is no longer under immediate threat with Axis forces falling back last turn, I’ve brought some additional units across the ferry as well as detached a few from the fort. With my attacks on the Axis allies north of Stalin this turn, I’m expecting some units from the Crimea to be pulled back so I plan on doing localised counterattacks in the area. I need to be careful not to overextend though and not lose Kerch or that would be a disaster!

8

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With the loss of Leningrad, i had to fight hard in the south to retain VP points. At one point Kursk, Stalino, Kharkov and to a lesser extent Orel were all at risk and could have very easily fallen (although holding them might have proved more challenging). These are all expected to be held in 1941 now with the exception of Stalino which will fall in the next few turns although without any bonus VPs at least.

[Veterin]

You posted a turn 30 screenshot with Wiking around Smolensk.

The spoilers!

[jasonbroomer]

You posted a turn 30 screenshot with Wiking around Smolensk.

The spoilers!

I'm sure a gentleman wouldn't use this for his own advantage

[Beethoven1]

No particular comment at the moment, but this is a very well put together AAR and the game seems interesting. Hats off to both of you!

[jasonbroomer]

No particular comment at the moment, but this is a very well put together AAR and the game seems interesting. Hats off to both of you!

Thank you, feed back is always appreciated, especially when it' s positive

[jasonbroomer]

T21 Axis

I like to prepare for winter, using techniques such as advancing in regiment form to avoid flipping hexes is useful.

T21 AGS Bringing up regiments to avoid flipping hexes.png (372.73 KiB) Viewed 776 times

This allows level 3 fortifications to be built without the need for FZs, the regiments can be reconverted back into divisions as they still have movement points.

I am still losing my way with FZs. I think in 1941, you really don't need them and have built too many in this game. FZs take up manpower and are vulnerable to raids as Vet has demonstrated. You can build up level 2 fortifications anyway behind the lines, which are probably good enough and less supply intensive to build.

Divisions on assault status can only build lvl 1 fox holes. FZ might be useful to get to lvl 2 (especially when combined with construction unit SUs) but they cost 4 AP to build and 1AP to remove. I think the Axis have better use for APs frankly, and prefer to switch out the divisions into a non assault status HQ.

AGN

Some battles jostling for control of decent defensive terrain for the winter, Ideally I'd like to use Lake Ilman to shortern my front line but I doubt that I have sufficient time before winter sets in.

T21 AGN fighting over terrain.png (3.82 MiB) Viewed 776 times

Sadly we didn't get the rout despite the resources deployed but a quick check of the battle report reveals that the defenders weren't far off, so we follow up with a hasty

T21 AGN followed up with a hasty to cause rout.png (3.34 MiB) Viewed 776 times

a further 5k for the pot.

Note that I make liberal use of the powerful flampanzers at this stage of the game. They dissolve on T28 and any remaining tanks just sit in the warehouse as far as I can work out.

[jasonbroomer]

T21 Axis AGCS

Around the Kursk area we take out some targets of opportunity

T21 AGCS targets of opportunity.png (3.23 MiB) Viewed 772 times

Even the Hungarians get in on the action! I do like it when I can find a useful role for my junior allies.

T21 AGCS even the Hungarians get in on the act.png (3.17 MiB) Viewed 772 times

[jasonbroomer]

Axis T21 AGS


Frustrated my the LfW's refusal to fly defensive interceptions, I try a ground supremacy in the area this turn. Net loss of 40 fighters to AA and Ops losses


We start with some nice attacks but the dufus in charge forgot to turn on air support, my stukas should have massacred those tanks in the open (or is this just wishful thinking?)

T21 AGS Forget to tur on air support.png (3.19 MiB) Viewed 771 times

Then there is a the small problem of a Soviet Cv division which is being pesky, even by the standards of typical Soviet CV division. It managed to hold 3 battles thanks to reserve activation. Vet has played activations very well - I rarely can get them to work, even with superior leaders. Perhaps its just a numbers game.

Anyway, in a bout of frustration, some panzers are called up to deal with the cavalry, which inflicts a whole 500 casualties despite 30:1 odds with mobile formations

T21 AGS Pesky cavalry gets three sets of activations before we rout it.png (2.57 MiB) Viewed 771 times

[Jango32]

The immortal Soviet cavalry division strikes again. I opened a thread about it but apparently everything is okay.

[jasonbroomer]

To be fair, a lot f the time I strip the troops out of a Cv division and leave just a shell. I dare say this one was feeling quite chippy after 3 victories