Expanded Allied Air HQ

[kentkroeckel]

One point I wish to bring up is that Germany, (Metalist) is in control of most of the contact line. Meaning, it is usually Axis who is dictating which hexes will be withdrawn from rather than by combat. Of course there are exceptions but so far, Metalist has been in control of German withdraw. It has been methodical, and limiting to Allies. As the Allied player, I feel risks must now be taken to achieve even a close historical movement on ground. The last few turns I have been attempting this. Obviously with mixed results. Ha. Metalist just does not give many opportunities for Allies to exploit. And he is brutal when Allied resources are limited; striking as if the Panzers are like a metal snake. He will appreciate this comment.

A most difficult yet satisfying challenge!

[kentkroeckel]

March 18, 1944

European air weather: Rain. Workable. Translates into (fair weather) operations.
UK ground: Heavy mud. Water level 7. This matters for strategic bombers.

Mediterranean air weather: Rain. How many months?
Italian ground: Light mud. Water level 4. Top (North) of Rome beachhead is heavy mud.

Victory points: Turn is -25 and game is 363. Below is chart.

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Amphibious pool: 131 Below is chart.

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Axis air losses: Axis lost 160 while Allies lost 99. Below is chart.

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Final picture is of air engagements over Italy.

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[kentkroeckel]

This will be two parts since there were five attacks and I want to show it from start to finish. The complete situation can be viewed this way.

Following is the German attack on a battalion of polish armor. That is a third of the division. It was isolated, ironically on Cassino. Allies figured that was the best place to make a final stand. Still got destroyed though. But it did take five attacks, and that is why this is a two part report. First picture shows hex and results of first attack.

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Next picture is of attack two. Look at the air losses for Allies.

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Attack three.

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Attack four.

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[kentkroeckel]

This will be short. Final (number five) attack on Cassino.

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A brutal cost for Allies. Hope the Axis resources used will be sufficient for Allies to come up from the Boot of Italy with minimal interference.

Air loss total for this one hex is: 19 Lufwaffe and 36 Allies.

[kentkroeckel]

Much I want to show in this phase. To start with, a snapshot of air phase in action. Day seven and almost done. 95%.

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Final tally: 390 for Axis losses and 705 for Allies. Luftwaffe advantage of 315. Sorties, rounded are; 8,700 for Axis and 27,000 for Allies. Many Allied planes flew with low morale. Sometimes it has to be done that way. Last turn a unit leaving the Boot was neutralized by air. This turn an armor division was neutralized by air. Below is picture.

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I wanted to show damage from these relentless ground attacks but first will show frequency of attacks. Below is picture of that.

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Following is number of losses from some of the units; going from bottom to top five and then side.

Personnel: Guns: Armor:
476: 3: 0:
264: 5: 2:
473: 2: 0:
127: 2: 0:
195: 1: 0:
266: 2: 0:

I am probibly off on numbers a little but the point is they are suffering measurable losses.

Final picture shows interdiction of area. Numbers range from 0-9. This too takes a toll on Axis units in these hexes, moving through, and retreating in them.

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[kentkroeckel]

This is quick report because I am tired and need to sleep. Dream of breaking through German line. Ha. There were many attacks and most failed in taking the hex. This is exactly what happened on Rome beach. But they are tying up a good many German units. Allies hope this will allow for other opportunities along Boot of Italy. First picture shows the result of many Allied ground attacks on weakened Axis units. At least five have been routed. Many have had to move two times in that condition which inflicts even more damage. Area is just below Naples.

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Next picture shows Boot contact line and what is left of German units. Five battalions have been isolated. They waited one week too long and are now isolated. Allies want revenge! Whether they stay that way is yet to be determined. Metalist might launch a rescue mission or find a way for them to slither between Allied units. He is good at that. German units might simply position themselves on mountain tops near them. That is what I did with isolated Polish armor battalion. Still did not end well.

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[Metalist]

I think the game engine failed somewhat here. It does not appear that any of those routed units lost anything significant. The most valuable formation, the 15th PzG, lost roughly 1,000 men, and its morale dropped only one point, from 82 to 81. Overall German losses are 9,000, the same as the Allies. Also consider that all those units were able to move 2–3 hexes, hence the long and arduous retreat around the boot, whereas upon routing they respawned near Naples.

Taking these factors into account, I believe a more optimal Allied move would have been to wait one turn, isolate the German units, and then force their surrender. I think losing one turn would have been worth it. When units are destroyed, not only is the manpower lost, but reconstituted formations also return with substantially reduced morale, and therefore lower combat efficiency. Refitting routed units does cause some morale loss, but it is nowhere near as severe as a full reconstruction.

[kentkroeckel]

Metalist is absolutely correct about comparing a unit that has routed versus a unit that has surrendered. That being said, I would like to add a perspective to the above Allied move.

From the Allied perspective it seemed that the Axis line was going to be able to withdraw back to Naples. Therefore, the objective was to engage, and if possible group German units in several small pockets that could be isolated. However, several units routed instead. Even getting the connection to west coast of Italy was no sure thing. But once that was achieved, isolating units, then no further attacks were made. Meaning, no Axis units were attacked while isolated. Yet some units did need to be attacked to create the pocket of isolation.

Five battalions is not all of the units but it does represent some at least. And I think they are securely isolated which is an important detail.

The armor division that Metalist referenced was depleted, (0 combat value) during air phase so once an Allied unit moved next to it, automatically routed to Naples. Nothing Allies can do to stop it.

Conclusion: Allies could have completely ignored bottom of Axis units but I felt they would have been able to withdraw to Naples. Still though, five isolated battalions is better than none. This could be just the start too.

[kentkroeckel]

I think this is a good place to talk about logistics of WitW. Specifically, logistical strategy.

Axis Goals: Naval supply from ports can be important to Germany until Italian islands fall and Italy capitulates. When all of this occurs, naval cargo capacity is minimal.

Air transport is important to both sides and should be utilized by both sides whenever possible.

Axis conclusion: Ports in beginning of game are good but once Italy surrenders not so much. Supply through them becomes limited. Air transport supply, always important. Depots are important for Germany and should be placed near front. They do impact German ability to keep supplied. Rail too is important but Axis do not have specific RR units, as how Allies do. What Axis have is an incredible ability to make fortifications and that is how Germany wins the game.


Allies goal is to take ports. After that is to fix rail. then comes placement of depots. Game says a few but I say many.
Air transport when possible.

Allies conclusion: The Allies need momentum but weather, terrain and fortifications blunt this. First item Allies cannot do anything about. terrain can be bypassed by air drops and naval landings. Combat engineers can help to break down the endless Axis fortifications. Every unit should have one or more. Logistics is important to Allies so need ports, rail, and depots.

[kentkroeckel]

March 25, 1944.

Victory points: Turn was -7 and game total is 356.

European air weather: Rain
Ground: Heavy mud. Water level 6.

Mediterranean air Weather: Rain
Ground: Light mud. Water level 3-5.

Axis air phase: 103 losses for Germany and 44 for Allies. First chart of this.

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Next picture is of air engagement over Italy.

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Third picture is of Axis preparation for European D-Day. Air transport supply to Abbelville and Lille air basses / cities. I am sure metalist has placed depots on these two locations.

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I counted 28 contact hexes in Italy now. That is a substantial line for both sides to maintain. And of our previous conversation on how hard it is to get and keep Axis units isolated; case and point. Three of the five German battalions have disappeared and I have no idea how this happened. Bad weather, bad terrain, zones of control, and out of supply. Maybe they surrendered during logistics phase but have not shown up in lost column. There is an air base though to transport them out. Picture is of where they should be. I will need to ask Metalist what happened.

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[kentkroeckel]

total losses were: 290 for Axis and 524 for Allies. 234 advantage for Luftwaffe.

First picture is of air engagement north of Rome.

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Next picture is of air engagement south of Rome.

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Many hexes have action over them with several having 10-50 engagements.

[kentkroeckel]

First picture I have is of the axis battalions that were surrounded and isolated. they were attacked several times by small units to wear them down. Not much in damage to either side. On the sixth attack they were hit by a full British infantry division. They surrendered but did cause several hundred British casualties. Below is hex and attack six results.

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Next picture is of fortification that surrendered. It was located North of Foggia air base complex by a few hexes. attack picture is small due to secrecy.

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Next picture is of broad front. From this distance not too many details are being revealed. But I did want to show that there are many Axis units around Naples that are routed. this leaves them exposed. I also wanted to show just how long the contact line in Italy has become. I think near 28 hexes. Huge for southern campaign.

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Final picture is of Rome invasion and proceeding south. I think it gives a good perspective at just how large the contact line is. Also, look at how many German divisions are tied up near Rome line and Naples line. Of course Allies too are consumed by this. French, Polish, Canadian, British, and others.

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[kentkroeckel]

April 1, 1944. Time is nearing for European D-Day.

Victory points: Turn 0 and game total is 356. This calm before storm. Once European invasion happens there will be victory points lost.

European air weather: Rain.
Ground: Light mud. Water level 5.

Italian air weather: Rain
Ground: Light mud. Water level 3-4.

No amphibious losses. picture of production pool shows this, in lower right corner.

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German Ground phase: No attacks. I counted how many hexes of engagement in Italy and came up with the following. Rome beach has 16 hexes and Naples line has 13. Grand total of 29. The missing Axis units that were isolated and diapered did show up on this turn of losses. Below is chart for lost units. All five are there along with the fortification.

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German air phase: Axis lost 113 and Allies 40. Below is picture.

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Next picture is of air engagement during Axis phase.

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[kentkroeckel]

Morale is a bit low on level bomber so Allies will be giving them a rest. Weather makes for minimal gains where as in a couple weeks clear skies should prevail. At that time level bombers need to be fresh to help with European D-Day. Night fighters too are on rest since they do main escort.

I wanted to show picture of Italy before reconnaissance. This is what Allies are initially reacting too.

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Next picture is of previous turn interdiction. Ground interdiction is looking good and Allies will build upon it.

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[kentkroeckel]

Since no strategic bombing this turn, wanted to show tactical. First though, turn results.

Air phase: Axis losses 198 and Allies 356. Luftwaffe advantage of 158.

First picture is interdiction results for turn. Despite rain there still is an effect and it is spread out. That is intentional too.

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Next picture shows engagements in air. Pretty much all of Italy.

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Final picture shows what reconnaissance revealed. German units everywhere. Ha.

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[kentkroeckel]

Some hexes are impossible to take during bad weather and Rome is one of them. Below is a picture of the defense factor. One attack was attempted.

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There was a hex taken by combat in Rome beach. Simply put, a mountain. it took two attacks to take it. Both costly and no unit could reach it to keep it.

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Second attack resulting in success.

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Final picture is of a fortification being destroyed / surrender near Naples. Italy is just one hex at a time.

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[Metalist]

Third picture is of Axis preparation for European D-Day. Air transport supply to Abbelville and Lille air basses / cities. I am sure metalist has placed depots on these two locations.

I wish that was the case. The truth is much simpler and a bit lame. Sometimes my units there do not receive enough supply and have their CV decrease. Since I barely meet garrison requirements that causes problems. So I air supply them to get their CV back up and meet the requirements. It surprises me how a unit sitting on a depot full of freight can fail to have its supply requirements fulfilled.

And of our previous conversation on how hard it is to get and keep Axis units isolated; case and point. Three of the five German battalions have disappeared and I have no idea how this happened. Bad weather, bad terrain, zones of control, and out of supply. Maybe they surrendered during logistics phase but have not shown up in lost column. There is and air bases though to transport them out. Picture is of where they should be. I will need to ask Metalist what happened.

I managed to save them through air transport. Two of them were already sitting on an airfield. The third one luckily had still one movement point remaining when arrived at the same airfield. It is enough to have one movement point remaining for air transport. The crucial point is to have transport planes that is not used, even one percent of air miles used eliminates that air group for the job.

[kentkroeckel]

I believe Metalist's explanation says much. First of all, thank you so very much Metalist for taking time to respond. Extremely insightful.

Your first point about having German units on a depot and still needing an air drop logistic supply boast is something I would have never guessed. At this time Allies are not bombing rail nor depots. Granted, weather is bad but both German units sound like they are on depots, which means train tracks. I bet both units are set at refit too. With all the above said, I do not understand how a German unit would have shortcoming with logistics. Complete mystery but one I think should not be. Definitely a game design hiccup.

Your next point / explanation for what happened to three infantry battalions is a great topic to discus. But first, in my quote I misspelled a couple words. I was rushing through and did not clean it up enough. Oops. that being said, few German players use air transport. Shame really because it can be such a wonderful tool. Often Axis infantry units get isolated but odds are there is an airbase nearby.

A point Metalist mentioned that I was unaware of was, 'in order for an air transport to evacuate it must not have been used at all for that turn.' I would have thought that just having enough movement left would have sufficed. Not the case though.

[kentkroeckel]

April 8, 1944. Almost put the year 2025. Very long war indeed. Ha.
I looked at an AAR in previous year and noticed some have more than 4 pictures in a post. I am only allowed four per post. Good too, so that messaging gets to point quickly.

Amphibious pool 134. In (June 6, D-Day) scenario, Allies have 308 so there is a large deficit compared to 'WitW challenge' historical start.

Victory points: -1 for turn and game total is 355. No need for chart on this turn.

European air: Heavy Rain. All grounded.
UK ground: Heavy mud. Water level 7. Ridiculously bad.

Mediterranean air. Rain. Germany has mastered weather control. Ha.
Italian ground: Light mud. Water level 3-5.

Axis air phase losses: 106 for Germany and 53 for Allies.

The one hex that Allies took in Rome beach, (mountain top) was reoccupied by German units. It is hex with Axis airborne regiment; across from Polish armor division. Below is picture.

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Next picture is of Naples contact line. Looks like Naples' general vicinity is being withdrawn from. Reconnaissance will confirm this though.

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Following picture is of Rome beach. Wanted to show how much Axis armor and mechanized divisions are there. Several infantry divisions too.

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Final picture is of night fighters. Metalist asked me in our latest private E-Mail, where are the fighter escorts? Now I am answering with a picture. Ha. Most were able to fit on screen shot.

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I had decided early on in this game that Allies were going to need an extensive ground attack strategy. Therefore, only night fighters have been protecting strategic level bombers. Some missions have them but about half do not. To be clear, night fighters are being used as escorts, day and night missions.

It is okay though since all missions are flying as high as possible. Ceiling limit, which means careful consideration is given to each bomber and escort aircraft to make sure they are operating in parameters. Every time an upgrade is completed an altitude check needs to be done to make sure all participants can function. Tedious but nessecary.

Any British mission that is over night radar goes on night only. This too helps with engagements.

Strategic bombing day / nights have only been 3 times a week. However, I might change things up a bit when European D-Day happens but until then this formula is fine. Reasonable losses with reasonable results. In fact, I feel the strategic results have been equal or better than having a higher frequency of 4, 5, 6, or 7.

[kentkroeckel]

Air totals are, Axis 208 and Allies 268. Luftwaffe advantage of 60. This action is without Europe, due to weather.

Reconnaissance pictures are next.

First picture is north / above Rome beach. Many German units still. Maybe some will head to Europe.

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Next picture is of Rome beach.

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Naples line is next. Axis units have withdrawn from bottom, making contact line now on Naples.

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Final picture is of air engagement over Italy.

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