Fighting Typhoon: Before, During and After Action Thoughts

[Umeu]

T43 - December 42

God… I just don’t understand how he does it! Three levels deep entrenched army with experience and under general command, and Taifun just blasts it with artillery and a few attacks. And he can then still move in… Grozny has fallen, a big blow to my ambitions to hold fast in the Caucasus. Of course now it is winter… and I can’t counter attack.

I lose a BC, en route to relieve India, to a maritime bomber near the Solomons… not happy about that either. I suspect there are more around. And there are. I kill 1 near Wewak in PNG, I also damage and trap another in Buin. And I know there's at least 1 more in Guadalcanal, maybe even 2. I do finally kill the last straggling remnants of his IJN who were trying to escape.,1 HC and 1 DD. He is down to 9 ships. 3 BBs, I think, 3 CVLs, 2 CVs and 1 DD and 1 HC. Though it might be 4 BBs.

I now need to send the fleet to india to pressure his airforce and cut off reinforcements. Four divisions of SNLF have landed between Bhubaneswar and Calcutta and are trying to take the city, which is defended by only one division of India's best, the Ghurka Rifles. They are surrounded on all sides, with only a narrow corridor through the Ganges marshes connecting them with the rest of India. Sewer rats smuggle in just enough supplies to keep the Ghurkas fed and figting. The SNLF are strong but on a clock, they too must be running out of supplies soon, since no HQs have been sent with them, and no major cities or ports secured. If I can delay him long enough for the USN to arrive and keep his supply throttled, then I have a chance of vanquishing the pride of his armed forces. It’ll be the end of the Japanese imperial ambitions.

That said, India is under insane amounts of pressure. I'm getting mauled on land and in the air, in what has been dubbed the greatest dog fight in history. The Imperial army is extremely experienced and well-led, and supported by perhaps the best bomber force in the world, and the remnants of the IJN carrier force also provide air support. I thoroughly underestimated the power he can still project in the East, and I'm beginning to wonder if I can actually pull through.

december 42 india.png (1.61 MiB) Viewed 782 times

In the west, I simply don’t have enough units to follow up my swarming of the Med, and he kills me really easily where we engage in combat. I’m getting rekt by tanks but at least those tanks are not in Russia. Maybe the best thing I can do is buy time in the Med, while I build up a huge invasion force to take back Spain.

I decide to evacuate most of the Med, and focus on keeping a foothold in Greece. The forts and mountains give me a reasonably defensible position. I just don’t know if I can keep it supplied with reinforcements.

USA gotta send the paras and the Mexican troops to Greece. Also need to make an extra HQ for Greece with USA. Since the brits can't afford to. I will try to stratbomb and then take back Gibraltar. I’ve got 2 corps in UK, might send to Greece as well, though I don’t want to leave the UK too empty. It’s probably best to bring the Canadian HQ and tank as well, both to Greece. I feel like the US just needs to pump troops for a few turns. I’m spending too much on fighting. Strangely though, I’ve got a overall unit lead now, though much of that lead is in the navy.

I have 3 marines in transport, which should be able to take DEI. The other 3 LRATs are going island hopping. Papua NG is empty, perhaps Solomons too except for a bomber.

As I flip through the reports, I realise I can now see italy’s tech. He was developing amphibious warfare. This means he might be doing it on Germany too. I definitely can’t empty UK. I need to make some more garrisons, and also send the Mexican garrison to the UK. A SeaLion right now would be devastating.

[Umeu]

Summary 1942
The Axis high-tide. Will the Allies drown or learn how to swim?

Events:
In Russia, the Germans seemed nigh unstoppable in the south. With massive artillery and air support, Stalingrad was taken while the Red Army suffered massive losses. Zhukov managed to pull off a surgical counter attack, eliminating several panzer corps, but at the cost of losing his entire armored force as well. Plan B was implemented, and the Red Army South retreated to the Urals and the Caucasus. The Germans were in hot pursuit, covering ground rapidly. However, they were mostly taking scorched earth rather than destroying their enemy, and the Red Army survived fully in tact. There was no fighting elsewhere in Russia.

In China, the Lanchow Mountain Fortress was broken and only half of the Chinese army escaped to Urumchi. The other half, covering their retreat, was vanquished. It’s a matter of time before the Japanese reach Urumchi. It seems unlikely that any help will arrive in time.

After a disastrous Burma campaign, India has been invaded through Burma and by amphibious landings from the sea, and the entire US air force is engaged in keeping them in the fight.

The US and UK joint strike force is en route from Hawaii, after having crushed the IJN in a decisive yet costly engagement in the southern Pacific.

In the Atlantic, the UK navy couldn’t put out all fires quickly enough, and the German raiders wreaked havoc on the convoy lines while the Royal Navy was busy escorting a massive landing force that knocked Italy out of the war in one quick jab. Unable to stand against strong German counter attacks, the spread out invasion force regrouped in Greece in hopes of drawing as many units away from Russia as possible.

The Netherlands and Spain surrendered to Germany, while the Allies gobbled up Iraq, Nepal, Portuguese East Africa, Yemen and the rest of North Africa.

Allied War Aims for 1942
- Russia holds the first lines, but falls back to the secondary lines in the Urals or Caucasus to avoid the destruction of the Red Army where necessary. There will be no senseless sacrifice of troops for worthless land. > Successful
- UK and US navies link up to hunt down the IJN, and contain or crush it. > Successful
- Japan must be hamstrung by denying key positions and access to oil. This task will primarily fall to India and ANZAC > inconclusive
- India will also liberate Burma and possibly Thailand with support of UK/US strategic bombers. > disastrous
- US and UK will launch a massive amphibious campaign to knock Italy out of the war in one surgical strike by marines and strategic bomber support. > successful
- China will make their last stand at Urumchi, hoping to survive long enough for the Indians or US Air Force to send support. If this support can't materialize, they must make their demise as costly as possible for Japan. > inconclusive
- Hawaii must be defended or taken back if lost, at all cost. Once the battle for Hawaii has been won, the US must restore dominion of the Pacific and find a backdoor into China in order to diminish the Imperial Japanese threat. > very successful

Allied War Aims for 1943
- Russia will hold fast in the Urals and Caucasus, while trying to push back the Germans elsewhere.
- The US will send paratroopers to Greece and attempt to seize control of Hungary and Romania
- US marines will land in Korea to perform Operation Corridor Cut
- The Joint Naval Strike force will destroy the remnants of the IJN and relieve pressure on India
- India must be saved at all cost.
- China will make their last stand at Urumchi, hoping to survive long enough for the Indians or US Air Force to send support. If this support can't materialize, they must make their demise as costly as possible for Japan.
- the US will create another invasion force to liberate Spain in a swift operation.
- The UK will do the same for Norway and later, Denmark

Intelligence report on Incomes:
USA = 875
UK = 550
USSR = 650 (nearly half of the convoy is lost now, about 100mpp per turn. I might cancel the convoy for a few turns, until the motorboats arrive from the US. Better for the UK to use those MPP than for it to be lost)
IND = 120
CHI = 50
Total = 2250

GER = 950
JAP = 400
Total = 1350

Difference = 900


Allied research breakthroughs 39-40|41|42|43
UK> 11|6|2| = 19 total
US> 14|14|7| = 35 total
USSR> 9|8|3| = 20 total
Subtotal> 34|28|12|
Total Allied = 74

China> 1111|-|-|-
India> 1111|11|1|

[Umeu]

T44 - Early January 43
Situation in India is FUBAR… I lose an army near Calcutta. My air force is taking a battering both when grounded as well as in the sky. I guess that’s what Taifun wants, to drain my MPP and turn India in to a black hole which will bleed me white. Still I must fight, not because I don't want to lose India, but also if I can crush his army here, I win the east. And there's nowhere better for me to be, I can’t face the German tanks right now. The only positive note is that an LRAT is spotted and destroyed in the Bay of Bengal.

A German offensive fails in the Caucasus, but he might gain some ground next turn if there is no snow. Somehow, winter refuses to come to me when I need it most. At least Russian morale is up to 91% due to the war continuing. Normally I would consider the game won at this point, with Russia surviving intact into 1943. But vs Taifun, idk. He’s pushing me relentlessly everywhere. And every combat trade I make is terrible.

In China, his artillery has reached me… so the slow grind will start. I made it to 43 at least. But I doubt I’ll make it to 44. Unless I can crush the Japanese before he gets to Urumchi.

Heavy tanks already show up at Gibraltar… idk how. Maybe forced march? But that dooms my plans there. My marines will have to make a run for it to the nearest ship. Everything I gained in Spain and Vichy is now already lost. I don’t have the numbers or the quality. I need more HQs. I’ve lost too many…

I’m considering a counter attack on the Caucasus group from the Caspian sea, target Stalingrad, maybe I can cut them off or at least expose a soft underbelly. I must send tanks, armored train and 2 armies or corps to Astrakhan, Zhukov volunteered for command. I can move units in February, attack in spring. Lvl 3 tanks will come in at the end of this turn, so I need to upgrade my tanks first.

UK and Russia must hold off Germany. USA will crush Japan in 43 and then come to Europe in 44. UK must prepare for sealion also. Both USA and UK must try to make at least 1 new unit each turn.


T45 - Late January 43
Whomever thought India couldn't get worse, was wrong. I lose a carrier, which I somewhat expected. It was a mistake of me to expose it trying to chase off some subs. What a waste. It didn't rain that turn, so Taifun didn't lose a shit ton of bombers trying to pick it off… but I lose my entire escort carrier in defense. His units are extremely experienced and he probably has a tech lead. It's an uphill battle. Adding injury to insult, I also lose 2 maritime bombers in Central India. That’s quite painful. I need to place them further in land. I keep getting surprised by the ridiculous amount of long range on his units. Probably need to move my strat bombers back into safety.

Many of his units in India are running low on supply though, and the USN is around the corner. I need to hold 2 more turns in India... Not sure if I can.

The mauled British Indian fleet suicides on the remnants of the IJN, I manage to do some damage, but they are poor trades. Next turn, I Will probably lose like 4 cruisers and at least 1 more maritime bomber. Maybe 1-2 strat bombers as well. But after that, Japan should be finished on the seas. And his invasion of India should be done also.

For the first time in the war, things are looking somewhat brighter. The tidal wave swept over me, but I held my breath. I must resist the currents a little while longer. China held the first wave better than I though. In the Caucasus held a wave also, despite snow failing to turn up.

He’s taking back ground in the Med, but no real pressure yet in Greece, yet. There is one tank in the area, another tank around Sicily, maybe 2. Bombers there too. It seems like I will lose the island.

Lvl 5 industrial finally came in for USA. Taifun’s got lvl 4 range on his German fighters. Lvl 4 tanks for Germany can’t be too far off either now.

[Umeu]

T46 - February 43
The first line in China is destroyed. I’m down to 1 army and 1 SF to hold the lines. The rest are corps. This is my last stand… Perhaps I should do the last charge of the Rohirim. I am already in wedge formation.

China Last Stand 43.png (806.11 KiB) Viewed 659 times

Japan makes further advances in northern India, but he seems to be stranded in the south. It seems like I have held. I only lose 1 cruiser, so all in all, last turn went well. Taifun decided to flee with his IJN instead of engaging, I’m kinda surprised he left the shelter of his airforce. Unfortunately for him, I had Australian convoys on route to bolster India or Greece… and they rammed a carrier en route to their destination. Luckily for me, the USN was near DEI. Ironically, if Taifun hadn’t shown me the trick of destroying ports to 0 to make them passable, I would not have been able to destroy most of what's left of his fleet. Still… I lost 2 corps in transport (the Mexican corps on the way to Greece got hit by a sub in the Atlantic) and an army transport soon to go down in the Indian Ocean, as it found itself suddenly surrounded by the last remaining ships of the IJN

The Germans are gearing up for another push in the Caucasus, but I am also preparing for a counter strike, when I suddenly realize… most of my tanks are still in production and I only have 1 ready + 2 mech infantry. I guess with Zhukov and shock armies… it’ll have to do.

Papua NG is liberated by US marines. Peleliu is retaken as well. DEI is next on my list. The JApanese are cut off from supply in India and also parts of DEI. I had to disband a garrison near Calcutta in order to land a corps so I could hit his HQ. I also landed British Marines to cut off his retreat. He should be in 0 supply everywhere.

Plans are made for a suicide mission into France to kick Russia's national morale up to 100%. Hopefully I will be able to get 2 of my special forces out again.

Since India seems resolved, I'm sending 2 strat bombers to Urumchi to hopefully cut the Japanese units there off from supply as well. In the mean time, US marines are taking back control of the Pacific. UK & USA are preparing for a massive invasion of Spain through Portugal. While the UK will also try to conquer Norway.

[Umeu]

T47 - March 43
Japan is on the retreat in India! I did lose the army transport in the Indian ocean… but his fleet is done. The last remaining remnants of IJN have been mopped up. 2 battleships and HC destroyed, +1 german sub.There is nothing of note left. Taifun evuated Sumatra, so I just need to take Jakarta. The landing is an absolute disaster. Two marine corps suffer 40% and 60% casualties… Insanity. But Jakarta is still taken easily. (LRATs are just overpowered. But they form the backbone of my allied strategy, together with strategic bombers, so they must be abused. )

My troops in Sicily are under siege. I lost a fighter there, very annoying… I need to more AA guns I guess. The war in the sky so far has been hopeless. I’m preparing 2 LRATS in the Med to relieve Sicily.

Sicily Med March 43.png (854.69 KiB) Viewed 612 times

Zhukov manages to retake Stalingrad with his counter strike force. I doubt I will be able to keep it long, but it will draw attention away from whatever spring offensive plans he has elsewhere. Though perhaps I can cut him off. It looks like the tides of the war have shifted. Germany can no longer cover all the ground, and Japan is on the run.

stalingrad march 43.png (1.07 MiB) Viewed 612 times

Russia needs to start making artillery and researching arty tech if it wants to go on the offensive. Same for air tech and units. 2 paratrooper divisions in Greece are readied to take out Romania & Yugoslavia if he doesn’t have units in place to protect their capitals.


T48 - April 43
Winter retreats in Russia, and this means a renewed offensive in the Caucasus as well as a drive towards Perm from the south of the Ural towards the top, in an attempt to bypass the most rugged terrain. Two artillery batteries attack in the Caucasus, together they already do 6 strength points of damage. It’s silly. A fortified army on a mountain hex, evaporated… (Artillery is almost as overpowered as LRATS, though it must also be said that Taifun uses them expertly)

My Stalingrad counter attack is quickly shut down and doesn’t achieve much. But it draws a tank, and a few other units.

China is holding quite strong, to my surprise. The arrival of the first US Air Force bombers and fighters greatly boosts morale. The soldiers look east, and for the first time in many long years, they are able to see the light of dawn rising.

The Combined Navy Taskforce is striking at Myanmar, killing 1 maritime bomber, damaging another. Hopefully I won’t take too much damage in counter attacks. But I think he might run instead of trade here. Japan is continuing their retreat from India and DEI.

I manage to damage the tank at Sicily a little, but I’m taking a lot of damage myself. Limited counter attacks near Greece and in China. Mostly uneventful turn. Battle for India is winding down, and battle for Russia is just gearing up, so we are in somewhat of a lull. I’m using it to tech up, and finally got to make an UK HQ. I need to make 1 more with USA as well. And probably Russia too.

[Umeu]

T49 - May 43
My god man, his artillery is tearing me apart in the Caucasus... And what they can't deal with, is being mopped up by bombers, despite lvl 3 anti-air cover. I’m losing to the combo artillery + tank & army attacks. He barely takes losses…But at least his progress is slow. Only 1 hex per turn. My only problem is, the Caucasus is cut off by rail, and my only way to get reinforcements in, is to ferry them in from across the Caspian Sea.

Zhukov and part of his task force are cut off, that’s bad. His counter attack was faster and more fierce than I anticipated. I can get some of the units out, but Zhukov is likely dead. I have to start a counter attack from Leningrad, open a new front for him to cover, to pull him back in the other direction, I must pull him in every direction. And I must start using the same combined arms warfare he does, or I have no chance to win. So I must send 2 artillery to Leningrad, and 1 tank + infantry.

He made a German strat bomber. Was wondering when he’d do that. This will prove troublesome...

His retreat from India is still quite orderly, I thought I had cut him off from supply, but apparently not. He must have high level logistics. Not a full rout, sadly. I can’t really damage his units =_=

Another line in China falls. But my own strat bombers have started to take down his supply. Hopefully that will slow him down until help can arrive from India.

In Sicily, Taifun is bringing almost his entire airforce down on me… I can't hold or get the units out, since he has bombed my ports to ruins. Greece will probably follow soon, I must evacuate those units to NA and then bring fighters etc to defend vs his airforce, but I'm fighting vs a force of superior tech, experience and command. I'm taking heavy losses.

I’m going to focus on knocking out Japan because I can’t face Germany on land yet. I must make sure he can’t land in UK or NA though. I’m going to have to cut the Korean Corridor. Then, roll up Burma, Thailand, Vietnam and Malaysia.

I have to send the Anzacs to NA or to SEA and make them useful. Corps to NA, SF to SEA is probably best.

Need to bring units from East coast US to NA. Bring Canadian HQ as well. Royal Navy can defend UK.

Might try to take Zagreb with US marines.

Germany is making 1000+ mpp now. Japan down to 300ish though. So my MPP lead keeps increasing but I’m losing so much in battle.

Ugh suddenly this turn things look hopeless for me again, how does he do it? Good news at least is that Taifun is not spending on tech.

 
T50 - June 43
I'm losing my mind. Taifun constantly scores monster hits on entrenched and fortified armies, as if the fortifications aren’t even there. He inflicts maximum losses on me while barely taking any himself. I’m losing a hex per turn in the Caucasus, he’s 2 hexes away from Baku, though he is unable to punch through the Caucasus itself, he beats a narrow path by the coast. I manage a little success with a counter attack with heavy tank on paras.

Sicily is lost. My marines on a suicide mission in France destroyed by tanks. Russian morale is at 100 now though. Yet I still can't put up a fight. Zhukov is being hunted down. I probably should just let him die because it costs less to just replace him than the units to save him.

Paratroopers liberate Hungary in a daring operation. That’s a big pick up. I wanted Romania as well, but there was a fighter squadron protecting the skies, and the drop was aborted.

I can’t really stop the leftovers of the Indian strikeforce from escaping through Burma into China, but it’ll be a long road home at least.

I’m losing too many frigging HQs… Brits need to build 2 HQs now. US at least 1 more. India needs 1. USSR needs to rebuild Zhukov + probably 1 more.

UK also needs to tech up. Logistics, production, more amphib. Artillery. C&C. He must have lvl 4 fighters by now, but somehow not lvl 4 tanks yet. Russia needs to start Anti Tank lvl 4.

Gotta send Indian units to Med maybe. Since Spain is still an issue. Might try to seize spain with Paras, though after Hungary, chances will be slim I’ll get another capital that way.

Next turn if he doesn't relocate his bombers out of Italy, I gotta start the evac of Greece. Make use of railroads. Also bring 2nd US maritime bomber to NA to deal with his subs.


The year is halfway done, and things do look brighter than they did in January. High command updates the goals for the year of 43. Soldiers have been ordered to:
Retake Manilla
Retake Malaysia
Retake Burma
Retake Thailand (need a strat bomber for that, which are in high demand and low supply, might have to wait until 44)
Evacuation of Greece
Protect shores of NA & UK

state of mid 43.png (8.99 MiB) Viewed 561 times

[DavidDailey]

Fascinating game. But since Taifun is not contributing any new reports we are not getting the Axis perspective on the campaign. Unfortunate. Hard to tell who is winning.

[petedalby]

I'd love to be wrong but having been here myself on several occasions I think the Axis may struggle now. Really enjoying the insights from the AAR. Thanks for doing it.

[Umeu]

@Daviddaley & PeteDalby, thanks for reading. I think even Taifun and I didn't know at this point who was winning. I do remember that both of us thought it was the other, so that means it's a very close game I think!

T51 - July 43
Zhukov is dead as expected. The counter attack at Stalingrad really went very poorly for me. Lost 2 units out of supply, and took a lot of damage for only killing a garrison. And it didn’t even slow him down… The pressure in the Caucasus is relentless. An anti tank holds in the mountains, seems to be holding better than armies vs the German onslaught… weird. Several corps are lost as the big offensive for Perm starts from the south of the mountains.

Massacre in Sicily continues.

I lose a battleship to subs and maritime of the coast of Spain.

Romanian tanks show up near Greece. Time to ecavuate I think. But maybe his bombers have gone to Russia now. In which case I can hold a while longer. I don't want to evacuate if I can avoid it.

Despite losing Hungary and all their units, Taifun's overall numbers hardly dip. Just 2 down, so he made like 3-4 units last turn. Nuts. Constant production, teching and fighting. Just nuts!

At the end of Taifun's turn, Kunming was liberated by Chinese Partisans. I’m getting Stilwell by event, which is a nice bonus. Sending him to USA, so USA has got 4 HQs now. Don’t need more I think, for now. UK is building Monty. But I need 1 more. 1 for NA airforce. 1 for UK and when I invade Europe? I lost Zhukov at a pivotal moment…

Partisans have spawned in Russia also, he can’t cover all his bases it seems.


Intelligence report on the Axis Armed Forces

German Army (104)
8 tanks (7 Ger, 1 Rom) > lvl 3
3 Heavy Tanks > lvl 3
5 artillery (2 rockets, 2 heavy, 1 field)
2 Paratroopers
6 Anti-Air > lvl 3
3-5 Anti-tank > lvl 2
2-4 Cavalry divisions
1 Engineers
3 Mechanized
2 Special Forces
The rest is garrisons, corps, armies & HQs

German Airforce (12)
1 maritime bomber
1 strategic bomber
5 fighters (3 from start, 1 from DAK, 1 from Romania) > lvl 4
3 Tactical bombers > lvl 3
2 Medium bombers > lvl 3

German Navy (14)
2 BBs
2 DDs (maybe more)
1 CV? (depends on whether he accepted decision or not. Probably not.)
Rest subs?

Japanese Airforce (9)
2 fighters
2-3 maritime bombers (1-2 in queue)
1-2 strategic bombers
2 tactical bombers
1 medium bomber

I have 10 fighters with upgrades, but I’m behind 1 level. And still 7 carriers and 9 support carriers. I should be dominating air, but I’m not. I started fighter tech earlier even with Britain, but somehow he had better breakthroughs. I must gain control of the skies to stand a chance.

T52 - August 43

A carrier is lost off the coast of Vietnam. Taifun's maritime bombers continue to be a thorn in my side, but I'm also getting careless in the Pacific. I will actually need these carriers for air dominance. I'm fuming. And of course it rains now on my turn so I cant counter attack... I must have a good word with the weather gods. It was also a mistake to put the carrier on raiding mode, it's not the first time I did this. At least I can get 1 maritime and 1 escort in retaliation. I need to start repairing some battleships. I need them to dismantle supply on islands. I want to quickly drain Japanese morale below 75%.

His attack near Perm is fierce, with artillery, bombers and 2 out of 3 heavy tanks. But I can start performing Russian counter attacks now near Leningrad and Moscow. I kill 2 tanks near Perm. And 1 army near Leningrad should die also next turn as it’s now cut off in 0 supply. He tried to cut off Baku by Amphib attack, so I he’s got lvl 1 now maybe even 2. Also an army lost in Caucasus as well, 3 lvl entrenched in the mountains. No problem. I want to know what kind of crack these bastards are using!

Last turn, Marines landed in Pyongyang. The Korean Corridor Cut did its work, Japan’s income is down to 225 mpp. Japan seems to be on the retreat everywhere now. His forces abandoned the siege of Urumchi. He’s probably preparing for the incoming US invasions. Burma has already been liberated. Singapore follows next turn, as well as Manila.

The paratroopers in Hungary are under attack, they are doomed, but at least it ties up 1 tank.

Sicily is about to fall, but at least it’s tying up 2 more tanks which aren’t in Russia. But it does mean I can’t take out Romania now. I need 2 paras to do it. I’m going to try and send another one in from USA, though I doubt it’ll arrive in time before he replaces the fighter with something more solid.

There are at least 3 subs near Gibraltar. And also AA guns and a maritime bomber. I Need to be careful with transports.

I’m losing the air war over England, he definitely has lvl 4 fighters and idk how his strat bomber is still alive..

UK and US National Morale is in the gutter though. And there are no good ways to bring it up again. Knocking out Japan is kinda the only one that provides a good boost (8% ish).

[Umeu]

T53 - September 43
The south of the Urals is getting overrun way faster than I had hoped. I’m even losing units out of supply, and his angle also means my retreat into the hinterland is already threatened. Most worryingly, he is evading all the rough terrain…

The presence of 1 heavy tank just shuts down my attempt to cut off supply near Voronezh. Just crazy. I must pull back.

Holy shit… he already has lvl 2 amphibious. That’s way worse than I thought. Luckily he’s using it in the Caspian sea, and I think I’ll be ok. I’ve sent a heavy tank to relieve the garrison in Krasnovodsk. And 2 corps come from the other side to deal damage. Soon he will be in low supply. The tanks must be ferried in and out I guess, since they have only 3 supply. The corps in Aralsk is biding time to wait for him to be far enough along so I can push back into Kandagach.

Russia september 43.png (2.62 MiB) Viewed 483 times

He seems to be pulling back in the Caucasus though. I get a minute to breathe.

Japan continues its globabl retreat. And the south of China is now wide open. I’m preparing to cut him off. After almost 4 years, finally China is going on the offensive.

China september 43.png (1.14 MiB) Viewed 483 times

Sicily falls. He has brought fighters to Greece, and moved his paras away, probably to Romanian capital?

All quiet elsewhere. So I have fully invested in techs with UK and US. Now UK needs an HQ (seems like Montgomery has escaped captivity). Zhukov returned from the hospital as well. And US needs to build units. This turn I can manage only 1 army. Intelligence reports worrying progress by German scientists and engineers, their panzers got lvl 4 last turn. Soon they will be upgraded. Luckily, he won’t be able to make much use of them before winter. The soviets are at 30% to lvl 4. British just begun researching it this turn. USA is still working on lvl 3, now 40% done.

The 2nd paras have almost arrived in Greece. Soon I can start my Romanian gambit. It’ll knock out 2 armies, 1-2 corps, and HQ, fighter and a tank and also threaten to cut off the Balkans from major supply. Russian partisans provide a necessary distraction. The arrival of the Luftwaffe fighters has complicated matters, but I still have enough planes to draw all his intercepts.

Greece september 43.png (1.63 MiB) Viewed 483 times

I’m going to swarm all these small pacific islands with battleships, and cut supply, and then knock them out with lvl 5 amphibs. The invasion of Southern China will start soon too. Japan will disintegrate fast now. They only have 200mpp per turn to work with, and many units are stuck in far away places like Burma and deep in China.

MPP
USA = 975
UK = 625
USSR = 700
IND = 160
CHI = 90
Total = 2550

GER = 1050
JAP = 200
Total = 1250

Difference = 1300

Next turn, I need to repair the UK strat bombers. India and UK will start taking Bangkok, with support of US tanks. India needs to also save up for HQ before bomber switch I guess.



T54 - October 43
Ugh... Taifun finds and sinks my paratroopers, waiting in transport in Tunis port =_= he has several subs and a battleship in the MedSea. I’ll have to bring all my maritimes. Taking Romania was always a pipe dream, but now it’s not even that anymore.

The offensive in the caucasus is renewed with great strength. I lose a heavy tank in the Caucasus, and there's no way for me to bring in more troops until I have relieved Krasnovodsk. He’s trying to land his second SF in Persia. Luckily I already anticipated it. He won’t get much done.

The Germans break my siege of Narva… that unit was 0 supply but didn’t die to like 4 attacks. Crack troops on premium powder! My army, in full supply, died to a only 2 attacks. I need to get what those Germans are smoking.

Another army has been destroyed in the Urals, and one SF almost completely annihilated. The pressure is intense. It’s also October. And no mud yet. No rain. No frost… no snow. Jfc. Stalin demands the heads of all weatherologists in Russia.

UK reaches lvl 4 fighters, finally parity. And US is 1 turn away. I can take the fight to the skies. But the Luftwaffe turned up in huge numbers in Greece. I guess I should evac my fighters to get upgrades and come back.

Strat bomber has turned up to grind Hungary to 0. The surrounded paratroopers will have to surrender soon. Each and everyone one, a gdam hero.

Japan bascically no action, except destroying the Pyonyang port so I can’t bring in reinforcements.

UK does repairs on strat bombers and upgrades on fighters. Next turn, upgrade more fighters and repairs on them as well, and also strat bomber upgrades. Prepping for 1944. USA will upgrade fighters next turn.

I’m staying mobile with Russia. Just threatening to cut off supply and actually do it where I can, but avoiding fights. I have 71 land units, he has 113, after losing 2 this turn. But I don’t trade well at all, so even though he is scattered and defending empty land, I can’t push him back. And he has lvl 4 tanks now, so idk if I can hold in 44.

Still, my limited aims for second half of 43 have been achieved. Thailand is about to fall, might get it in December or January. Only Greece I did not evacuate because he didn’t pressure it, but I might need to evacuate it next turn, now that an HQ and artillery have rolled up.

[Umeu]

T55 - November 43
Taifun destroys 1 heavy tank in the Urals… it retereated at 1 strength but got sniped by a bomber. I retaliate by taking out an army in the Caucasus. And another weakened one in the Urals. He has somewhat run out of steam, and the seasons has ended also. I need to replenish my ranks. Build tanks and mechanized infantry so I can finally attack. And Artillery as well.

Other than that, the turn is quiet. He brought bombers to Greece. So it’s time to run, before the tanks come now that it is winter in Russia. The order is given and carried out expertly. The Germans have no idea we are sneaking out. Too many units have to get out, and there are not enough boats. Garrisons are ferried in instead, to cover the retreat of these units. They know they are about to die, and they salute the troops on the transports.

I’m using that winter in Russia to try and siege down Kuybyshev quickly. I got it down to 6. Hopefully he can’t counter attack next turn. But we’ll see. I’m 75% to lvl 4 tanks with Russia. So if I can build up a tank force and get lvl 4, I might be able to survive 44.

The paras in Hungary are at 0 supply now because of the strat bomber, they will surrender dead next turn.

China finally starts inf weapons lvl 2.

I’m sending 2 garrisons to clean up on Java and Philippines. China's coast seems quite sparsely guarded. Maybe I should skip the islands and strike in China now asap. Cut off his retreat to Korea. The units on the Pacific islands won’t go anywhere anyway. Then I can bring in fighters and strat bombers to attack Japan.

T56 - December 43

The admiral of the Pacific Joint Task force is relieved from command after losing another carrier off the coast of Japan vs a single lucky maritime bomber. It’s absolutely maddening. I can’t lose more carriers now. These trades are bad for me. It’s ofc raining and storming but I decide to retaliate anyway. I take down 2 maritimes, but with heavy losses due to AA gun presence. Returning fighters spot that Nagasaki is lightly defended, and the city is captured. Boots on the ground! Even if they are only AA gunners. I guess I’m skipping the congquest of China.

I lose my armored train near Kuybyshev. Paratroopers which launched a daring mission on Tallin a few turns back are encircled and forced to surrender. The paratroopers in Hungary befall a similar fate. And a heavy tank in the Caucasus is ground to dust. In Greece I lose a battery of AA guns and several garrisons. But the recon unit makes it out. Taifun's maritime bombers in the Med damage an escort carrier sent to oversea the evacuation.

Thailand falls, the last of my 1943 limited aims. Guam is retaken, previously the garrison held out at 1 strength. With Guam and Nagasaki and a presence in China as well, I am ahead of my plans to take out Japan.

Taifuns strat bombers are working on taking back Pyongyang.

For the Spanish plan, I gotta hit Perpignan and Zaragoza. Then the AA gun trapped in France, a leftover from the Suicide mission for Russian NM, can cut off Bordeaux. This way, reinforcements are delayed by at least 1 more turn. But it seems like my preparations for this are not going to be ready until summer 44. So until then, I will use my US strat bombers against Japan. The Norwegian Take Down is gearing up, Oslo port is deactivated and I’m just waiting for winter to end so I seize the city.


1943 ends with a freezing cold which belies the fact that the world is on fire everywhere!

december 43.png (2.78 MiB) Viewed 444 times

Based on how this game is going, I would say the allies are favored if the game goes to 47. Axis until 45.

[Umeu]

Summary 1943
The year has ended. The pendulum remains in full swing, ever this and then that way. Nobody knows how it'll end.

Events:
The Japanese Empire threw their entire weight behind their invasion of India, in a concerted effort by their Army, Navy, and Air Force. Their might was astounding and frightening, but they were stopped at Calcutta by the brave Ghurka Rifles who held out until the Joint Pacific Naval Taskforce could hunt down the remnants of the IJN and scare off the Air Force. The Japanese army was forced to withdraw from India.

This freed up the US marines and air force to liberate the Paficic and relieve the siege of Urumchi. Jakarta, Rangoon, Singapore, Manila and countless smaller places were liberated in lightning speed by the US marines, supported by the JPNT. Strategic Bombers cut off supplies in northern China, making the siege of Urumchi untenable. The Japanese Empire is in full collapse, sped up by a dagger thrust at the heart of Japense logistics, Pyongyang. Even Nagasaki was seized.

Emboldened by the news of the miraculous survival at Urumchi, partisans seized control of Kunming, cutting off the retreat of a big part of the Japanese army, essentially cutting it in half.

Allied operations in the MedSea were less successful. They were kicked out of Sicily and attempts to (re)establish a foothold in Spain or France failed miserably. The only success was a daring raid which knocked Hungary out of the war as Paratroopers seized control of the capital. The response was delayed but brutal, and the Western allies were forced to withdraw from Greece, their last foothold on the old continent.

This left Mother Russia alone in her struggles against the Nazi War Machine. Conducting a delicate dance of hit and run, they were pushed further and further back in the Urals and the Caucasus, while attempts at relief failed left, right, and center.

In the end, the Germans fought the whole year in the Urals, and took 1 village, and 3 hexes worth of railroad. In the Caucasus, they similarly made only minimal gains in terms of land. This doesn’t tell the whole story though. Losses were horrendous, especially for the Russians, irreplacable. But Germany too lost several tanks, including heavys. Russia lost all 3 heavy tanks. Armies were lost, and corps disintegrated.

Allied War Aims for 1943
- Russia will hold fast in the Urals and Caucasus, while trying to push back the Germans elsewhere. > partial success
- The US will send paratroopers to Greece and attempt to seize control of Hungary and Romania > partial success
- US marines will land in Korea to perform Operation Corridor Cut > extremely successful
- The Joint Naval Strike force will destroy the remnants of the IJN and relieve pressure on India > successful
- India must be saved at all cost. > successful
- China will make their last stand at Urumchi, hoping to survive long enough for the Indians or US Air Force to send support. If this support can't materialize, they must make their demise as costly as possible for Japan. > successful
- the US will create another invasion force to liberate Spain in a swift operation. > postponed until 44
- The UK will do the same for Norway and later, Denmark > postponed until 44


Allied War Aims for 1944
- the US will create another invasion force to liberate Spain in a swift operation and establis ha base for a drive into France.
- The UK will do the same for Norway and later, Denmark, in order to hopefully pull away forces from Spain.
- Liberate China and establish a base from which Japan can be bombed and conquered.
- Russia will reform their armored force once more and keep harassing the German flanks while clinging to the mountains of the Urals and Caucasus for protection.



Intelligence report on Incomes:
MPP
USA = 1025
UK = 550
USSR = 775
IND = 210
CHI = 90
Total = 2650

GER = 1100
JAP = 200
Total = 1300

Difference = 1350


Intelligence report on Axis Armed Forces
Germany has 115 land units but they can’t defend everywhere. Increased activity by the OOS has resulted in several successful partisan operations.


Allied research breakthroughs 39-40|41|42|43|44
UK> 11|6|2|12| = 31 total
US> 14|14|7|7| = 42 total
USSR> 9|8|3|6| = 26 total
Subtotal> 34|28|12|25
Total Allied = 99

China> 1111|-|-|-|-
India> 1111|11|1|11|


Map Room

Eastern Front 43.png (1.59 MiB) Viewed 400 times

Eastern Front - Moscow & Urals

Leningrad 43.png (1.05 MiB) Viewed 400 times

Eastern Front - Leningrad

caucasus 43.png (1.76 MiB) Viewed 400 times

Eastern Front - Caucasus

[Umeu]

gibraltar-medfront 43.png (1.5 MiB) Viewed 399 times

MedFront - Gibraltar

medfront 43.png (2.3 MiB) Viewed 399 times

MedFront - Egypt

kunming 43.png (2.14 MiB) Viewed 399 times

China - Kungming

china miracle revival.png (1.54 MiB) Viewed 399 times

China - Urumchi

[Umeu]

japan 43.png (1.54 MiB) Viewed 398 times

Pacific - Japan

[Umeu]

T57 - Early January 44
A heavy artillery barrage by several batteries almost destroys a shock army in the marshes south of Leningrad… My troops can’t stay in that spot. They are target practice for his artillery.

I lost a corps in the center, as expected, though sadly it was out of 5 supply. So no cheap buy back. Other than that, nothing happened during Taifun's turn. Japan retreats further in China. And the tries to cut me off from supply in Greece and Korea and Balkans.

In the Caucasus, he's trying to cut off my route of reinforcements, and I'm in quite a dire there situation now, only a few operational forces left. 1 tank, and 1 shock army if I repair it. That's it. I don't think I can hold him any longer. But I must try, if Baku falls into enemy hands, so will its precious oil.

I take Okinawa, which was only lightly guarded by 1 garrison. I retreat my carriers for repairs and upgrades.

I take another city on the Japanese mainland. Strat bombers cut off supply in large parts of southern China. All his HQs are stuck in outskirts, so the center is vulnerable and Japan will be dead soon. Even the main island is only lightly defended. I should draw in all my pieces for a big invasion soon. I think I can do it with 4 marines. Though maybe I need 6. I’ve got 2 Indian ones, and 1 UK. And there are 3 US marines available, I think. Though maybe only 2. The carriers will have to help. And I guess I must land an HQ also.

T58 – Late January 44

Taifun takes back Greece, and he also invades Portugal, which is kinda annoying, as I was planning on doing that and using their ports. Other than that, nothing happened due to global winter.

Taifun's biggest move is actually using a strat bomber to demolish Krasnodovsk, the port which is the lifeline of the Caucasus… 2 lvl 4 tanks are spotted, and at least 2 artillery. So he’s gearing up to take the Caucasus and idk if I can hold out into 45 there now. His focus seems to have shifted away from the Urals, and instead to Leningrad and also the Caucasus and maybe also the Center of Russia. Perhaps Moscow. My lvl 4 tanks is 2-3 turns away… winter still 2 more turns. I might get lucky.

I’m just continuing with my plans, but the Spanish plan might be in jeopardy.

The best way is probably to just knock out all 3 of Japan’s capitals… but I feel like taking China first. If I can kill the battleship in Seoul, I can knock it out with 3-4 amphibs. I’ll bring 2 maritimes to aid in this job.

Germany seems to be building fortifications in the Netherlands. I want to knock out a few countries in Spring I think, to make sure Germany’s first spring offensive is a bit blunted. I think Norway and Denmark are the easiest. But Saudia Arabia is also not too bad because I get 1 oil.

[Umeu]

T59 - February 44
Ugh, Turkey is invaded, and also Denmark. Luckily I do have an amphib ready to take Kopenhagen, as he destroyed the garrison but fell short of taking it. Turkey's invasion is more troublesome, and it spells death for my position in the Caucasus. Now it’s just about how much time I can buy. But it also threatens the entire middle east… I gotta fight there. No longer a chance to avoid him. The command is given to prepare for annexation of Syria to establish a superior position in the mountains. And the Indian Expeditionary Force is tasked with holding any German advances through Iraq. And must use my strat bombers to cut off supply in Turkey. I have to stabilize this region… but it will cost me so much time. It seems I must also delay the Norwegian gambit a few turns so I can take down Denmark and cut off the tank which spearheaded the invasion.

All my plans are delayed or derailed because of his annexations. I’m constantly 1 step behind. It’s 44… and he still has initiative, he never relinquished it. It’s frankly impressive.

A corps is killed in Kubyshev. But it acquitted itself well. There is a withdrawal from the Urals, and increased pressure on the Caucasus.

The Partisans from Kunming might have been the MVP’s in China’s resurrection. Without Kunming, the Japanese army could have escaped unopposed from Burma. This really may have been one of those pivotal moments in history you can only recognize in hindsight. Also getting Stillwell was a really welcome boon.

Zhukov has returned from hospital and is sent to deal with the situation in Krasnodovsk. I need to keep that port open. Though, he will just strat bomber it I guess. With level 4 tanks knocking on the door, I think the Caucasus is doomed. And from there… Persia. It’s just really bad. But, a silver lining, my own lvl 4 tanks is almost finished. Hopefully next turn, definitely the one after that. Just in time to deal with his Spring offensive which most likely will come towards Moscow.

I need to take down all 3 Japan’s capitals quick… that pesky battleship and horrible weather is all that’s standing between me and Seoul… once the weather clears, hopefully I can destroy it. I must be weary of Kamikazes though, he might make some. Luckily his MPP situation is shit. He can afford like 2-3 per turn at most. And he can’t keep up with the losses he’s taking for a few turns already. Though winter gave him some respite.

I don’t really have the navy to deal with his Kriegsmarine in the North Sea at this moment…

All my 44 warplans are up in the air… I’m really annoyed by it. But I don’t have the initiative, and so I must respond. Any chance I have to save the Caucasus and the Middle East, I think I should take? Or maybe I should just fight him where he’s not… I’m playing into his hand I guess by fighting where he is. Every military trade I take is bad. But I can run him ragged.

My only chance is to hope this MPP advantage is enough. But he has 123 land units. I need an extraordinary killing rate to break through his defenses if he decides to just plaster Germany full of units. Most of them are Germans, except for a few Romanians etc, so they won’t even surrender. All he has to do is form a ring outwards around Berlin. I’ll never make it through before the clock runs out...


T60 - March 44
My defenses in the Caucasus are broken, even in the winter. He smashes through several positions. The Kovalev GQ got killed by a tank that moved through the mountains. 2 AA guns killed, while bombers are all around. This means the Caucasus is dead, and Turkey also… I probably will fight to the death now.

A destroyer is killed in Kattegat. Nothing else happened this turn.

I need to reform Kovalev, also send Russians to Persia. Luckily Zhukov is already there. He needs to form a new defensive line in the mountains there. Which can be supported by US airforce. The Anti-tank units should probably be saved for a defense in Persia. With strat bombers hampering his supply in the Caucasus, he’ll do a lot less damage.

Still rain over Korea… unfucking believable. Japan gets to live another turn.

The situation in Denmark seems manageable. Strat bombers cut Hamburg off from supply, Bremen is plastered as well. The airforce is trading well now. I kill some of his navy, and also one maritime bomber goes down. The next turn, I can kick him out of Denmark, as they should be out of supply.

I must send some US fighters to Iraq with an HQ to fight the luftwaffe.

His units in Turkey are still in decent supply. I’m not sure how… I guess he has high level logistics. But the US HQ has lvl 4 and still it only projects 6 out of a 4 strength settlement. It might just be coming from Bulgaria idk. I invade Syria to take up position in the mountains. Syria will give me a rail connection into Iraq.

A huge invasion force is assembled off Japan’s coast. But to get to the capitals in Japan, I can’t rely on the amphib assaults. I need to land first. And that’s difficult. I might take Hiroshima first? Though it feels like wasting. I could cut off Osaka from Supply with strat bombers and landings. And then take Tokyo with Marines only.

Lvl 4 Russian tanks finally coming in. And lvl 3 for USA as well. Russia also reaches lvl 5 industrial, which is really needed since I will soon lose the Caucasus. It adds 60 mpp to my tally. Loss of Caucasus will be like 100 down.

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[Umeu]

T61 - April 44
The Caucasus is doomed. Taifun used an amphibious to cut me off and attack my flanks. I couldn't stop it despite being aware of the transports. The road to Persia is blocked now. I should’ve retreated last turn... with Baku lost or cut off, Persia no longer has good supply. Maybe I should hold at the Southern Russina border instead. Also mountain hexes, and it can be more easily reinforced. It’s not immediately important land, but it threatens the German flank at least.

The US Persian convoy is lost. Together with 2 oil wells, that’s -140 supply, and then some of the cities, it’s like -175. Leaving Russia at about 600 mpp per turn. US probably needs to divert more resources to UK now.

The Middle east is the only really active front right now, all other fronts are dormant or light action only. It will be really hard to defend vs the tanks in Syria. I am not dug in yet. I must use Amphibs to cut him off. And also, use strat bombers to lower their supply and morale. I need to bring my tac bombers online from the UK as well, to weaken what I can. Churchill, still mad about how he got the boot for the disaster at Gallipoli in the first world war, now orders a second Gallipoli campaign. Preparations are made.

middle east 44.png (2.37 MiB) Viewed 258 times

Partisans are popping up all over. He can’t cover his lines. He’s still on the offensive though. Maybe I should let him over stretch, and then cut him off with infinite waves of Amphibs.

I don’t understand the supply situation in Denmark. I destroyed Hamburg and Bremen, but his most forward unit are still in 8 and 9 supply. But at least Taifun seems to not press the issue in Denmark. Maybe I can still execute the Norwegian Plan. And then the Spanish Job.

Lmao… still bad weather of Seoul port. I guess I’ll have to wait… should move my amphibs closer in range I guess. I’ve got an invasion force of 14. I think I will just swarm Korea, China, and Manchuria. Knock Japans Morale and MPP down, and then contain until atom bombs and focus on Germany.

japan 44.png (1.97 MiB) Viewed 258 times

I need another Indian HQ. I need a lot of HQs for good supply in the Middle East. Bringing the South African one and Maybe the Canadians, although this one might need to go to Spain also.

The Chinese advance has stalled due to Taifuns rearguard action.


Finally I remembered to check new score card feature:
Morale especially looking bad for me. Not sure about the calculation though. UK 70%, India something similar, China 38%, USA 74%, USSR 92%. So maybe it’s counting France & Poland. 3 to 1 kills is only destroyed units, when taking into account actual strength points lost, it’s more like 5 to 1.

scorecard 44.png (444.51 KiB) Viewed 258 times

T62 - May 44
The Caucasus unravels further. My sneak amphibious transport in the Black Sea is discovered and destroyed. But the tanks don’t probe Erzurum. And they also retreat from Syria after a quick probe. Still, the situation looks dire. Turkey will soon surrender.

Japanese bombers go to town in China, almost kill a Indian tank.

A small probe is sent towards Penza. I’m tempted to send my level 4 tanks in to crack some skulls… but I feel like I must draw in more units first.

Taifun retreats from Denmark. Scared of Montgomery no doubt!

Nothing much happened elsewhere this turn.

Seoul is taken, and Shanghai too. Japan is almost done. Next turn, I’m going to load up my armada on the west coast, to take on the Iberian Peninsula. I will need 3 strat bombers. So the strat bomber in the Pacific must move soon.

Mountbatten is finally cleared to assume command. India needs him!

Zhukov organizes his defenses near Ashkabad.

UK paratroopers arrive. The full strength of the Allied Forces begins to manifest itself. Axis now have only 41% of the global forces.

world may 44.png (2.63 MiB) Viewed 258 times

And the MPP gap is widening in my favor.
USA = 1100
UK = 575
USSR = 675
IND = 225
CHI = 150
Total = 2725

GER = 1100
JAP = 200
Total = 1300

Difference = 1425

[Umeu]

T63 - June 44
Taifun is attacking through the center of Russia now, upwards towards Kirov, in an attempt to cut my army in two. Artillery arrives near Leningrad as well. Pressure on all Russian fronts, including towards Persia. Turkey has maybe 1 more turn before it falls. The army in Penza is destroyed. I wonder if this is my counter attack turn already. Maybe I should send Zhukov if so. In the end, I decided to wait still a little bit longer. I need him to lead with his tanks. Right now, my counter attack would destroy only infantry and then I would not have any punch left.

Indian tanks are lost to bombers in China. And the Partisans were sent running. Not much else happened elsewhere. Korea is liberated as good weather finally materializes, north as well as south. Nanjing was freed also.

Oslo has been taken by the Brits and Norway is officially liberated, despite most of the country still being under NAzi occupation.

armada june 44.png (520.28 KiB) Viewed 225 times

The pendulum is swinging. Spain will be attacked in 2 turns as these amphibious units arrive at the coast. In August, as planned. Norway has fallen on schedule. Perhaps I should send those 2 marines at Oslo to cut off supplies in the Baltic. Taifun needs to be forced on the defensive. Or maybe not? If he actually does pull back all his units and defends Germany, do I have enough time to destroy 130 units?! I don't think so. Luckily for me, it doesn't seem like he's thinking about defending any time soon.

A 6-7 strong amphibious armada is getting ready to unleash havoc on Turkey as well, Churchill getting his wish for revenge at Gallipoli. But Istanbul is well guarded by submarines and AA guns. So I need to find a way to break his defenses there or find another angle of attack. Edirne seems vulnerable if I can send his sub flying. Maritimes are present to achieve this. I should send 1 more maritime next turn to make sure.
 
T64 - July 44
The offensive from the center to the north and Moscow is in full swing. Ulyanosk is taken by Taifun, and he spots my tanks at lvl 4. He hope he's scared! The die has been cast, he says. I am not sure if this is my counter turn. He hasn’t lead with his panzers. And I cannot trade mine for infantry I think. And he knows that, so he keeps leading with infantry. I need to defend the front line with mine. Keep my tanks back as a mobile task force. Zhukov definitely needs to be recalled to Moscow.

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Germany is at a 133 land units, Russia at 77. Though only about 66 face the German onslaught. I hold a good concave though, and this is his final attack. After this, he will be forced on the defense. And I will seize initiative for the first time in 5 years.

Turkey surrenders. Partisans spawn in Voronezh.

The bombers in China are wreaking havoc on my Chinese forces near Chongking, but that’s all he can do there.

UK does another tech drive. But after this, tanks must be produced.

[Umeu]

T65 - August 44
Interesting, Taifun decides not to launch his assault in Central Russia just yet. He smashes a corps and almost a SF unit at the base of the Urals, but he is too scared it seems to launch the main thrust. It’s good for me. Because I won’t hesitate to go for spain. I am ready. Portugal is liberated. The railroad to Iberia is severed, though paras fail to take Valencia. Hopefully I can take Burgos and Madrid in the next turn or two.

iberia august 44.png (1.22 MiB) Viewed 204 times

Bombers in China destroy an army… they are a royal pain in the ***.

The loss of an anti-tank unit in Persia is painful. Mostly bomber kill. I’m down to 3 now. And Persia is undefendable. I must evacuate.

Suddenly the situation looks precarious for Axis everywhere. Turkey is about to get overwhelmed. Japan is doomed. And even the Baltics are within reach. It's only the summer of 44, and most of my war aims for the year have been achieved.

High command adds updated aims:
- Cut off the Constantinople Corridor. It won’t really trap his army, as the Caucasus rail is open for him.
- Go on the offensive in Russia.
- Diplomatically convince Sweden to stop supplying Germany.
- Land SF in the Baltics and start forcing Germany to defend.
- Seize Bordeaux to establish a major supply for the advance on Berlin.


T66 - September 44
I lose another destroyer in Kattegat to reformed maritime bomber. Ugh. Meh.

The Paras in Spain that failed to take Valencia are lost too. Spain is overwhelmed with troops though, including many tanks. Maybe I can supply the paras still? Gibraltar is taken back. He sent an HQ and heavy tanks as reinforcements to Spain, but I don’t think it’ll be enough. I think he will give up on it, and evac the corps in Murcia and the two near Bordeaux, though they are dug in in the mountains so they might stay.

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It seems that my pressure has forced him to abandon his push toward Moscow. Persia was lost to Romanian troops though.

The Constantinople Corridor Cut has been executed, giving Churchill a chance to redeem his Gallipoli debacle. However, I've failed to take a port, and Istanbul itself was impregnable. I will start pushing the south of Turkey too now. Probably should have done already, the tank is seen to be on the retreat there.

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Manchukao is liberated. Japan is a shell of their former power. China’s revival continues.

I will start to invest in and reform the Russian airforce soon, including a strat bomber. Usa is expanding the airforce too, tac bombers and then med bombers.

It’s going to be October next month, so the campaign season of 44 is coming to a close. That leaves 2 full campaign seasons. And Germany at 130 land units. I don’t think I can make it. He has caught up with the reality of his situation now, and I think he will move to the defense.

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[Umeu]

T67 - October 44
To my surprise, Taifun is fighting back in Spain… and his tanks just massacre me. I'm at a loss as to what to do... Heavy tanks score an 8-0 shot on my paras that were supposed to guard the northern route and keep Madrid cut off from supply.

He is definitely retreating in Russia, though. So at least Spain will serve as a decoy. I am trying to hold on to my landing ground near Constantinople, but just as 31 years ago, the Gallipoli campaign is probably doomed. UK lost a corps at Constantinople, and Canada lost tanks, all out of supply. Idk if I can replace them. These losses are bad for NM as well…
Churchil has not been seen for a week, and bouts of anger and crying have been reported. I can’t afford more of these failures… every landing must count. And I can’t trade poorly into his tanks…

UK is teched out now, I need to spam tanks and infantry. Hit Germany on the beaches with cheap Amphibs. Use the British AA guns. USA needs to stabilize Spain. I need more bombers and also need more infantry in Spain. Corps maybe, I just need to overwhelm him with numbers, since I can’t on quality. It’s looking bad for me tbh. I just don’t have enough time. And I think he’s beginning to realize it. In 46, Russia needs to get into the fray. I need another HQ with Russia, maybe 2.

China is the only glimmer of light on the horizon...

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T68 - November 44
Jesus christ man… I can't believe what is happening in Spain. My strat bombers have cut all rail connections, and all his units are in shit supply, but Taifun just railedand sailed in a few tanks and even with low morale due to forced march, I can’t fight him. I lost 1 heavy and 1 normal tank. A bloody mechanized infantry division scored 5-1 vs a heavy tank division. In the mean time, my tanks lists 1-0 vs that same unit. Despite having lvl 4 logistics, I’m having supply trouble. I need to fire some of my generals and hire those Germans...

I lose 2 battleships in the Dardanelles to bombers. The situation at Gallipoli is a complete disaster, perhaps the worst in the war. 4 more corps will be lost there. on top of the corp and tank that already have been lost. I don't know how Taifun is able to turn 1 supply into 8 in Turkey, but I have lvl 4 logistcs, and I can’t turn 4 into 8. It only goes to 6, despite several other HQs being present. What am I missing?

I need level 5 logistics and armored units before I can press him… I also need all the bombers in the world. I think my invasion of Spain and Anatolia came a year too early… I shouldn’t be fighting him. This is just good for him. I should make my MPP difference work in my advantage, just out producing him and outteching him for 1 year more. US lost like 1400 MPP last turn, and UK 900, that’s 2300, even if taking out the battleships at 600 mpp, it’s like 1700 mpp, vs Germany losing only 500. There goes my entire MPP advantage this turn. Blown to the wind. Bones and bits of flesh on a tree. Ugh.

I need to drain and destroy his Luftwaffe, he can’t keep up with replacing them if I do. UK will soon have lvl 5 fighters.

I have decided to go for the knock out Japan entirely. I will transfer all 5 strat bombers to Japan, raze his supply through winter, and then land and knock him out early 45. I will snipe his HQs asap with my carriers. In 45, I need to make every available bomber and fighter. And these must knock down Axis HQs. Without his 3 star generals, he will be in trouble. No more gentlemanly warfare. I'm setting my snipers on the top dogs.

High command sees the futility of a grand Crusade through Europe. From Spain or Rome to Berlin... I'll never make it. Every active battlefront has been relegated to diversion. Preparations are made to load up the mother of all invasions from the UK to land in northern Germany. I'm taking the shortest route straight to Berlin. I will bypass his defenses in France, his reversed Maginot line around Paris. If I seize Hamburg and Bremen, I have supply through Denmark. I need anti tanks, tanks, etc, all to land there, including several HQs… And then let's see if he can dislodge me. If he pulls units from other fronts, then I can make advances there. I'm going to draw and quarter him!

But I can’t afford any more mistakes. it suddenly seems so hopeless… the plan to invade Berlin from the North Sea seems like a desperate long shot, but there’s just not enough time to do it any other way. I should’ve prioritized bomber techs earlier, and also started tanks earlier. I should not have fought in Western Europe as much. The invasion of Spain was a mistake. Gallipoli, let's not even talk about it.

And what's up with the Swedes... take the frigging bribe already!!!