Expanded Allied Air HQ

[kentkroeckel]

There were many aircraft switched out this turn. In particular, American level bombers and British fighters. Doing this manually costs 3 morale points instead of 1, when auto set. Worth it though. Air losses were near double for Allies, 727 and Axis 370 for both phases.

Air reconnaissance now shows the secretive Italian armor brigade that took the northern Sardinia port of Olbia.

Screenshot 2025-10-01 230702.jpg (149.02 KiB) Viewed 700 times

Allies still did not secure naval control of East Sardinia due to Luftwaffe intensity. Sicilian naval control is also reduced. Both Task Forces must be removed and repaired.

Screenshot 2025-10-01 230830.jpg (622.43 KiB) Viewed 700 times

Germany has assumed the vacated hexes so there will be intense combat this turn.

Screenshot 2025-10-01 230741.jpg (258.25 KiB) Viewed 700 times

[kentkroeckel]

The battle for the Sardinia port city of Tortoli is over. Allies used the last of their strength to push German 90 mechanized and Italian airborne unit out. German unit did not surrender and instead retreated. However, Allies had no movement left to take the port and Task Force had left. It looked like Axis could move back in but there was a British airborne unit not assigned to a drop. Therefore, it could be used in air transport. (Airbase to Airbase). This hex had 56 air engagements on turn 5.

the Northern port of Olbia was taken back by Allies but since the Italian armor brigade there had been in supply on current turn, it only routed; despite having no viable way off Island. One of the mysteries of game system.

Screenshot 2025-10-01 235035.jpg (194.63 KiB) Viewed 698 times

Next picture shows the success of British X and XIII corp punching hard into German armor defensive line. Costly but necessary, and successful. Both sides paid much for this action, with allies suffering more losses.

Screenshot 2025-10-01 235535.jpg (259.21 KiB) Viewed 698 times

[kentkroeckel]

when withdrawing the Task Force on Sardinia, it suffered additional damage, exceeding 100. 106 to be exact. Yet it made it to Allied port for repair. I do not have an answer for this. The Task Force on Sicily also went over a hundred damage when withdrawn but I do not remember the exact number. A distinction I want to make is that during German phase and Allied air phase Axis did not achieve the threshold of 100 damage points. This only occurred during movement. Maybe somehow that makes a difference instead of air phase bombing. Would like WitW community to answer this.

[Metalist]

Metalist
"In Sicily my depots do not receive freight at all, do you know why? Their priority is all 4. The entire island is supplied from Messina, which should increase truck use".

Kent answer:
All of the Sicilian ports are isolated due to capture or naval control. That is, except Messina, which has direct ferry to mainland Italy. This absolutely prevents isolation and can be confirmed by no Allied sea control number in ferry hexes.

I actually expected a distribution of freight through rail network, from Messina to rest of Sicily. But apparently it is not how it works. Thanks for the other answers, it seems PzG 90 was doomed from the start as the task force just would not let it leave.

Now I got another inquiry. As usual I put on rest my fighters when they reach fatigue above 60. Yet I noticed that after I execute air phase, their fatigue is gone. But shouldn't the recovery happen in logistical phase, meaning that my fighters should stay in rest mode until I get back the turn from you?

Some commentary:

Well I do not know how Sardinia could go differently, considering that Allies just hit all ports at once. Maybe further action could be done by Fallschirmjager, but too risky and may not worth it. However, such commitment may be the reason for the somewhat slower advance in Sicily. That mad tank regiment was a funny action but did not really hurt Allies I suppose

In Sicily, I did not expect Allies to crush my line considering that terrain was greatly advantageous to defender. That just signals it is time to run. I will still attempt to benefit from the terrain as much as possible to delay Allied advance, though.

By the way, air war is over the Reich is nothing like I've seen before. Despite being mostly small, there are just so many engagements, most likely because of expanded allied air hqs, unless you are doing something different from our previous game.

[kentkroeckel]

Germany created more air naval protection around Italy and Corsica. Below is picture of it.

Screenshot 2025-10-02 185956.jpg (532.78 KiB) Viewed 656 times

The following picture is the result of Allied air phase. An emphasis has been placed on Corsica, which is now isolated.

Screenshot 2025-10-02 221433.jpg (398.29 KiB) Viewed 656 times

Victory points were 11 for Allies so the total of game is around -40, in favor of Axis. Amphibious losses are at 28 making pool loss at -8. Air losses for both phases are: Axis 429 and Allies at 769. This is an advantage of 340 in favor of Luftwaffe.

Final picture is closeup of Corsica being isolated, despite have Axis control sea hexes nearby.

Screenshot 2025-10-02 223101.jpg (259.48 KiB) Viewed 649 times

[kentkroeckel]

I am glad to report that Sardinia has been completely secured by Allies. picture is below.

Screenshot 2025-10-02 223019.jpg (55.14 KiB) Viewed 645 times

Next picture is a closeup of Sicily before movement. The new German line is obvious, forming towards the connecting port city of Messina.

Screenshot 2025-10-02 222855.jpg (253.96 KiB) Viewed 645 times

The rest of Sicily will probibly be defended by Italians. Not much else you can do with them except slow down Allies for a couple or three weeks. At least this prevents most of Sicily flipping to Allies immediately. though a lingering question for Allies is if Corsica garrisons have been bolstered.

next picture is of Allies' expansion over Sicily. British XIII is challenging German Messina line while X corp has cut Sicily in half, thus isolating it due to naval interdiction. now the process of overwhelming defenders is left.

Screenshot 2025-10-02 231003.jpg (237.23 KiB) Viewed 645 times

Allies did an air assault on the Sicilian port of Sciacca. The American attempt failed. Fatal hex drop. Allied intelligence believed it to be lightly protected but it had a substantial garrison. Another oops by Allied Command. (Kent).

[kentkroeckel]

An earlier post Metalist asked me and the WitW community about air crew fatigue and how it works. He delved into the subject and found an interesting aspect to it. Traditionally, one sets air HQs on rest to help recover from fatigue along with morale. That is as far as I ever took it. However, since it is a two stage process, meaning recovery during logistic phase and then after air phase, more can be done. For air HQ assigned to just friendly air phase missions, place them on rest after air phase. the HQ will get an extra bump in fatigue reduction along with probibly morale increase. All credit on subject goes to metalist.

Metalist asked why there seems to be more strategic bombing this game than last year. I told him it was his fault because of his excellent strategy on moving aircraft to a new base and then conducting air missions. This neutralized Allied ground bombing since reconnaissance would be inaccurate. Brilliant!

To overcome this, Allies are dedicating all level bombers that are capable of strategic bombing to do so. There are a few that are naval only designated. I have also dedicated several escorts, (FF, NF, FB) on the missions too. I keep them nationality sensitive too. Meaning, a Polish level bomber is escorted by a Polish air wing. Of course none of that is required but should be. [My thoughts on it.] I am finding this to be effective but now Metalist has added an extra layer of complexity. Ha. I will have to place all air HQ to rest after conducting missions of strategic bombing, reconnaissance, and any other single friendly phase mission.

I am conducting all ground attacks at the current time with tactical and fighter bombers. The last being trained as such. My goal is to keep hammering air base within 15 hexes. Any further out will limit repeat missions by an air wing millage. For example, I try to get my air wing conducting ground attacks within five hexes and set the mission number to 25. I have had some accomplish this if they are 1 or 2 hexes away from target. Germany fighter aircraft generally have short range so to get good use out of them Axis have to bring Luftwaffe close to front line. Long range Axis bombers Allies are only engaging with air superiority.

Allies have also changed strategic missions to day. More losses but better results. Missions are still set at highest altitude possible. This seems to be the most powerful protector of aircraft yet still providing good results. Weekly bombing pattern is set at: 1,2,4,5,6, with 3,7 for off. A five day bombing pattern. More intelligence for Axis.

There are two charts Metalist wanted me to add for air fatigue. Below is what he sent for insertion to help with topic. It clarifies air recovery for squadrons / wings.

Screenshot 2025-10-03 195636.jpg (399.35 KiB) Viewed 605 times

Second one with German air morale statistics.

Screenshot 2025-10-03 195714.jpg (440.73 KiB) Viewed 605 times

[kentkroeckel]

Axis did well in executing naval control over key areas of Mediterranean. Below is overall picture before Allied air phase.

Screenshot 2025-10-03 134845.jpg (483.5 KiB) Viewed 615 times

Next is closeup of Sicily. Notice how Allies have lost naval control, thus allowing Italian units to receive logistics.

Screenshot 2025-10-03 134704.jpg (647.11 KiB) Viewed 615 times

Next is Corsica. It too has been freed from naval isolation.

Screenshot 2025-10-03 134814.jpg (422.68 KiB) Viewed 615 times

For turn 7 victory points were 12, resulting in game total of -29. Amphibious losses are at -29, acceptable for Allies. Axis air phase was 113 losses for Luftwaffe and 72 for Allies.

[kentkroeckel]

This was a week of change in the air for Allies. several squadron / wings were low on Morale, in the range of 19-24. At that level they often accomplish little so I put them to rest. Like the Borg in Star Trek when the hive gets the command to sleep. Ha. Weather was clear too, so a painful decision for Allies but want to achieve bombing results for many losses.

Now for the altered air phase due to Metalist morale recovery clarification. After air phase I put to (rest) all air HQ that only have friendly air phase missions. Strategic bombing, reconnaissance, ground attack, and such. Another layer of complication but will be worth it, when playing against a human and having expanded air HQs to work with.

Because of above mentioned actions, air losses were lower and Allied results were also limited, allowing Axis air to have a successful phase in challenging Allies. Losses for both phases were: Axis 309, and Allies 458. One could say this is still respectable.

Below is air results for Corsica:

Screenshot 2025-10-03 222839.jpg (341.69 KiB) Viewed 595 times

Next is of Sicily:

Screenshot 2025-10-03 222934.jpg (716.79 KiB) Viewed 595 times

I believe that Metalist would have tried to make all the Italian islands a fight so this is why I invaded with ground and suppressed with air. He uses them as Allies do, great launching points for air missions.

[kentkroeckel]

It is confirmed, Corsica has been fortified by Axis (Metalist). This is also what would have happened if Sardinia was not immediately invaded by Allies. Below is snapshot of Axis force buildup on Corsica. Ports have been bombed and preliminary results show three at 90% damage. The fourth is negligible. I would assume Axis will supply by air transport. Allied invasion site is also displayed clearly.

Screenshot 2025-10-03 223211.jpg (130.74 KiB) Viewed 592 times

Sicily is going to take a few turns even to secure ports lightly defended by Italians. A second German airborne division has arrived on the Messina line. No value in trying to break it until remaining part of Sicily is taken, along with establishing good logistics. Additionally, with so much German combat value points in Sicily, not an overwhelming amount will be left in Southern Italy to prevent surrender by turn 10.

Screenshot 2025-10-03 223109.jpg (247.33 KiB) Viewed 592 times

I have included a snapshot of accumulated air losses for game to show how intense it is.

Screenshot 2025-10-03 223350.jpg (172.21 KiB) Viewed 592 times

[kentkroeckel]

Axis were active on air phase. 175 Luftwaffe losses while Allies lost 47. Among German losses were 60 level bombers; I am sure mostly Italian. Still, this shows all Italian islands will be contested. first picture shows how Luftwaffe is also challenging on Sicilian ground too.

Screenshot 2025-10-04 131802.jpg (689.62 KiB) Viewed 580 times

Next picture show losses just for Axis air phase:

Screenshot 2025-10-04 131301.jpg (167.33 KiB) Viewed 580 times

Next picture shows how Corsica will be contested all the way. Ground and air:

Screenshot 2025-10-04 131827.jpg (699.12 KiB) Viewed 580 times

Final picture shows Corsica clearly:

Screenshot 2025-10-04 132358.jpg (116.22 KiB) Viewed 580 times

Victory points changed a bit this turn. 19. this puts game at -10 for Germany. Amphibious ship losses are at 32. Sustainable.

[kentkroeckel]

Air losses for both phases are: Axis 507 and Allies 593. Much closer then it has been for several turns. Still, many of those Axis losses should be Italian. Though, better to use them because in a few turns Germany looses them. German Command (Metalist) kept a good air bubble in Mediterranean.

Screenshot 2025-10-04 164818.jpg (399.31 KiB) Viewed 564 times

Corsica is not isolated and in fact, the invading Task Force had to retreat due to damage. A British one has now taken up the cause.

Screenshot 2025-10-04 170646.jpg (444.85 KiB) Viewed 564 times

Side hexes of Corsica invasion site had to be secured in order for additional units to be landed. This is a risk whenever invading a hex that has ground hexes jetting out on either side. This slowed down the beachhead but it still has been secured with reinforcements. A couple attacks were performed against adjoining port town of Ajaccio. An airborne drop was also conducted in southern part of Corsica so that the above mentioned port can be isolated. The drop hex was at an Air Force base hex Serraggia. The advantage to this hex is that a simple airdrop of British (air landing) division or any other unit that is non motorized can be conducted after the initial airborne assult.

Screenshot 2025-10-04 170500.jpg (125.68 KiB) Viewed 564 times

Sicily is going to be a painful problem for the Allies. Another port has fallen and two are left before the main line of Messina can be engaged thoroughly. Supply / logistics is the issue. The (4) port Messina is of course Axis control. The (4) port Catania is also under Axis control. Now the port (5) Palermo is what Allies are trying to get. This will greatly help with supply and logistics. Allied ports now are (3) Siracusa, (1) Gela, (1) Sciacca. The remaining port of (1) Trapani will not improve the situation. (5) Palerno will complete the Allied logistic situation so that serious engagement can be conducted against Messina Axis line.

Screenshot 2025-10-04 170428.jpg (221.82 KiB) Viewed 564 times

[kentkroeckel]

As this challenge progresses, it is apparent German Command (Metalist) will be using the Luftwaffe extensively. Making the skies contested instead of grounding Axis air. I think it the right way to do it because German air strength diminishes anyway later in game. Luftwaffe is, and will also be conducting air attacks along with air assault. Therefore, I am setting support units as the game recommends. Good format in high conflict style, common in our challenge. Non specialized divisions will have antiaircraft assigned to them; along with the recommended, engineering support unit, and anti armor support unit. Brigades will have two anti aircraft assigned since they are often involved in breakouts and invasions. Both often get hammered by Luftwaffe.

British HQ and others are assigned 10 artillery battalions while Americans get 12. At this point I have not added any support units to Task Force HQs.

[kentkroeckel]

Germany kept up pressure in the air. for both phases air losses were: Axis 511 and Allies 526. Nearly half of Axis losses were in air naval. Victory points for turn nine were 19, for a game of +9. Amphibious losses are at 35. first picture is of first phase of losses.

Screenshot 2025-10-05 130244.jpg (164.09 KiB) Viewed 531 times

Allies concentrated air atacks of Corsica on two ports that had aircraft. Around 60 Axis aircraft were destroyed on ground. bombing included B-17 wings. both ports were on east side, Bastia and Porto Veecchio.

Next picture shows unsuccessful attacks despite Corsica being isolated. There was another air drop of British airbonre unit at Air Force base Serraggia.

Screenshot 2025-10-05 203457.jpg (379.13 KiB) Viewed 531 times

Same story on Sicily. All attacks failed despite the port of Trapani and Palermo being isolated.

Screenshot 2025-10-05 203951.jpg (257.13 KiB) Viewed 531 times

[kentkroeckel]

Axis have done well with air naval interdiction. Corsica along with the ports that Allies were attacking on Sicily have been reestablished with supply.

Screenshot 2025-10-06 092004.jpg (414.46 KiB) Viewed 515 times

Screenshot 2025-10-06 091930.jpg (416.38 KiB) Viewed 515 times

This creates a problem for Allies because Corsica needs to be secured quickly along with the remaining ports on Western Sicily. (1) Trapani and especially (5) Palermo. To help facilitate this, two additional invasions will happen on Corsica and one invasion on mainland Italy. The goal is not to secure a foothold on Italy but to force Italy to capitulate. German units on Sicily will not help preventing Italian surrender. One of the negative tradeoffs for defending Sicily with German units.

Victory point for turn ten are 15 so game total is at 24. Amphibious losses are at 41. Below is chart of Axis air phase losses.

Screenshot 2025-10-06 091715.jpg (167.28 KiB) Viewed 515 times

[kentkroeckel]

The attack on the port of Ajaccio in Corsica reduced defenders but was not taken. Almost a 2-1 ratio, despite being isolated. Luftwaffe brought in supplies. The air war for both phases were Axis 420 and Allies 590. This is 170 victory for Axis. Below is naval interdiction of Corsica after Allies. Some hexes reaching 90 engagements.

Screenshot 2025-10-06 195556.jpg (165.35 KiB) Viewed 494 times

next is of Sicily.

Screenshot 2025-10-06 195515.jpg (322.66 KiB) Viewed 494 times

Following is picture of combat along with showing two additional invasion sites.

Screenshot 2025-10-06 202114.jpg (128.32 KiB) Viewed 494 times

Final picture shows Sicilian combat results. The port of (1) Trapani and (5) Palermo have fallen; cleaning up Sicily.

Screenshot 2025-10-06 202615.jpg (296.09 KiB) Viewed 494 times

There is one additional action this turn which should help. An invasion of mainland Italy. All it takes is one of three rolls to be successful for capitulation. Before August no surrender can happen. During August German combat units are not divided by four. Important, starting on September, no special restrictions apply. This means one roll for pre mainland invasion surrender. The continuing roll for surrender due to Sardinia being controlled is the second. The third roll is for when a hex of Mainland Italy is controlled by Allies. Should happen on turn 11. German combat value on Mainland Italy, North and South are totaled. Any units that are not within 10 hexes of Allies are then divided by 4. Sicily is not considered part of mainland. This makes it likely Germany will vacate Corsica and Sicily.

[kentkroeckel]

Maintaining Allied air is challenging in a normal campaign but with expanded air it is exceedingly difficult, but rewarding. I made a chart on computer to keep track of all air missions. there are 49 air HQ and each can make missions ranging from 4-7 with current leaders. Hundreds of missions need to be monitored and maintained. What I do is consolidate similar missions under a XXXX air command. There are only 11 of these command air HQ. Then under these the remaining 38 XXX air HQ get placed. I am not counting the High command air HQ which do not participate in air missions. Some HQ arrive later in game but when all are in play around 250 missions can be made. of course the purpose of this scenario is to utilize this so I try to maximize it. Missions often involve a single hex, (setting 0). Aircraft missions usually involve a single wing or squadron, perhaps with escort. Manual change out of aircraft is essential. When a series of aircraft gets low I reduce usage to a single squadron so that it can be used up.

I set flying percent from 20% to 1% to maximize aircraft usage. many formations shrink as war goes on so this helps a lot. Right now I am keeping experience at 50, which, is standard. I am also keeping bombing missions at highest possible altitude. naval missions have been set at 5,000 feet while Germany has kept the Luftwaffe at 15,000; which is standard. Fuel has been added for escorts when possible and bomb loads have been standard, with the largest bomb type and load used when feasible. marine attacks have prioritized mines, torpedo, rocket, then many bombs.

bombing pattern is now set at 5 times a week and strictly day attacks. High altitude benefits more than low night attacks while still keeping losses minimal. For Allies, loosing 500 aircraft a week is fine. That is what I have found. Allies have been building many depots, almost exclusively. All ports connected to rail have one. the same holds true for United Kingdom air bases. Mediterranean too. Doing so keeps Allies from running out or logistics or experiencing a catastrophic fuel shortage. Units not on contact line have been placed on refit.

[Metalist]

Maintaining Allied air is challenging in a normal campaign but with expanded air it is exceedingly difficult, but rewarding.

Seems rewarding indeed — strategic bombing VPs are double what they usually are in the standard scenario. It doesn’t necessarily mean that German industry is worse to the same degree, since even 1 percent damage still grants a VP.

It is confirmed, Corsica has been fortified by Axis (Metalist).

Faulty intelligence!!! I never sent any reinforcements to Corsica, recon mistakenly identifies Italian units as German.

[kentkroeckel]

Error on Allied Command (Kent). One of many so far. Reconnaissance had shown additional units on Corsica but gave no details. Just the block image. Could have been routed units or additional Italians. I had assumed security or airborne German regiments. Of course Allied High Command will not take responsibility and blame crews of air reconnaissance; telling them to do a better job of recognizing an Italian uniform from a German one. Ha.

My thought on the victory points being rewarded are due to the year mostly. 1943 is a generous ratio for Allied strategic bombing points. 1944 is less with 1945 being minimal. Could be wrong though compared to a traditional 1943-1945 WitW grand campaign.

The biggest point taken from our correspondence on this game is how much fun we are having, despite system rule oddities. I truly do not care about victory points except to the point that they force each side to dedicate resources. Allies to mandatory strategic bombing and Axis to garrison requirements.

Want to make it clear though, current victory points for strategic bombing is no reflection of stunning skill for Allies. Simply system mechanics. Look at how well Axis have halted Allies in Sicily. Now Germany (Metalist) can skillfully withdraw and fortify the Mainland. Just hope Allied reconnaissance will be able to show me this since they cannot differentiate between an Italian uniform from German. Ha.

Happy Gaming.

[kentkroeckel]

Both phases can be added because it was a simplified turn. German and Allies for the most part repositioning. German air phase losses were only, Axis 6 and Allies 7. During the Allied phase a bit more, 163 for Axis and 426 for Allies. this left the Luftwaffe with the advantage of 264. Good for Axis. Victory points were 19 for turn and game 43. Amphibious at 49 losses but 40 have come into pool so still near 250.

Success in making Italy surrender. Below is picture after Allied air phase.

Screenshot 2025-10-07 204233.jpg (479.77 KiB) Viewed 440 times

Germany held onto one port of Corsica after surrender but I assume units will withdraw. Next picture shows Corsica after combat.

Screenshot 2025-10-07 211921.jpg (94.01 KiB) Viewed 440 times

German line defending Sicily along Messina line has been thinned out but still strong with 2-3 fortifications. It will take Allies a couple weeks to position units along with securing logistics and aircraft. Below is picture of engagement. One hex was taken.

Screenshot 2025-10-07 211947.jpg (268.73 KiB) Viewed 440 times

Next is the air engagement that took place over Sicily. Both sides are arranging air but still much conflict during Allied air phase.

Screenshot 2025-10-07 204414.jpg (323.45 KiB) Viewed 440 times