Expanded Allied Air HQ

[kentkroeckel]

System made duplicate when switched to page ten but I cannot delete it so best I can do is remove text and picture. For some reason the delete button is not showing on this glitch.

[kentkroeckel]

Last turn there was a mountain top in Rome beach that was won but not occupied. Same thing at at this place this turn. It is due east of Polish armor division at bottom of picture.

First two pictures are of successful attacks but no occupation. Can it still be considered success then? At least no fortifications can be created by Axis this way.

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Yes, this is the same mountain top from previous week. Weather made it impossible to place unit on top. Tally of lost soldiers for both sides is significant. Second attack.

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Next picture is of Naples' contact line. A fortification was taken after two attacks. It is located in lower right corner of picture. Tally of lost soldiers is profound over two battles. Italy has become an attrition war for Allies and Germany.

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Second attack of fortification 6. Look at how many Axis units were lost.

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[kentkroeckel]

Fortification 8. The town of Avellino is located along Naples line but it is hard to see, being covered with three Allied units. Below is picture of single attack.

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Next picture is of hex next to above attack. It took two attacks. Hex is located at bottom right of picture.

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Hex adjacent to Avellino was also taken, in one attack. Below is picture

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Final picture is without any units so that a clear picture can be seen of progress. I believe Naples will now be withdrawn from by Axis.

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[kentkroeckel]

April 15, 1944

Victory Points: -5 for turn and game total is 350.

European air weather. Heavy rain. All grounded.
UK Ground: Heavy mud. Water level 7.

Mediterranean air weather. Clear. Freaky!
Italian ground: Clear. Water level 0-2. Mostly free of water.

Amphibious pool: 138. This is difficult for allies.

No German ground attack this turn.

First picture is of existing condition before reconnaissance. It does look like Germany is withdrawing behind Naples but plans to defend it.

Germany has placed A mechanized armor division on mountaintop that both sides have been fighting over in Rome beach landing.

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Next picture is close up of Axis engagement. Notice reconnaissance and air supply transport. Allied air naval is also showing up there but very little German air naval.

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Axis air losses for phase: Germany lost 103 and Allies 36. Total losses after this turn will be near; 13,000 for Axis and 22,000 for Allies. This is a 9,000 advantage for Luftwaffe. Chart shows this along with anticipated losses for current turn.

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Two points to bring up here: Allies have been moving many aircraft resources around these last few weeks for preparation, European D-Day, and since weather is bad.


Final picture is of ground interdiction before Allies' turn. Axis have none but Allies do have some residual.

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[kentkroeckel]

Total air losses: 254 for Axis and 266 for Allies. Luftwaffe advantage of 12. Allies would be happy with that all year long. However, no strategic bomber action so not a complete result.

I have been trying to find a way to explain this progressing turn and have decided to write as if it were a picture. why is this important, because this turn is similar to the early turns of the Challenge. So many WitW system elements are being used, along with good Mediterranean weather.

I will start overview of air phase: First picture is of air engagement above / north of Rome. Look at how many hexes along Rome beach are 10-20 engagements. Most results did not kill soldiers but it does build up disruption.

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Next picture is below / south of Rome. Many hexes here were engaged 20-30 times. This did result is substantial interdiction.

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Following picture shows interdiction levels of contact lines; Rome and Naples. Rome goes from 0-2 with one 5. Naples goes 2-9; mostly on the higher side.

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[RedBunny]

Thank you Kent for the continuing great AAR, and congrats to both players!

The Germans seem pretty heavily commited in Italy -- do you think that will be an issue for him with an invasion of France coming presumably in a couple months? Or perhaps you're weakened with your transport loses so that won't be so much of an issue for him in the near future? Or perhaps this is Top Secret info!

[kentkroeckel]

Thank you for your kind words Mr. Red Bunny. You are correct in the assumption that Germany is heavily committed in Italy. That being said, Metalist uses Axis forces to a knifes edge. Meaning, no error is possible in garrison level or there will be a hefty penalty. Myself, I always leave a few extra combat points per region for oops. Surprise combat value reductions for whatever reason.

Your next observation is also correct. Axis have decimated Allied amphibious ships. There were fifty that simply vanished and that really made an impact. 200 pool is what I was hoping for but Metalist also knows this number well too. That is why he has committed so much Luftwaffe resources to impacting amphibious and Task Force resources. I think Allies will be at 150 when European D-Day happens. I have already informed Metalist that this has forced a two week invasion.

Your final comment on Top Secret is not a good one for me. I just cannot keep quiet about the game. Ha. I do love this real time AAR while we play. Allies are so out of control that Metalist has continually offered to skip reading reports that have sensitive information. "No" I tell him. Read on. This is the fun of the game. There are players that want to win at all costs, and that is fine. Tournament level I mean. However, that is not the type of challenge Metalist and myself have. We enjoy learning something new and talking about what we attempted. Engaging correspondence is very satisfying to both of us.

PS: The pain of real time AAR. Just realized I had put Turn 41 instead of 42 for this last turn. It is now corrected.

[kentkroeckel]

I have discovered a new tool on the pictures so am trying it out. Not artistically inclined either. Moreover, my snapshot has not developed a computer virus though it might look like it. Ha. Especially blue and red.

Key: Green line indicates what Allies believe will be the new contact line once Germany withdraws. Still lengthy though, 22 hexes.

Blue crossed hexes represent blocked naval hexes.

Red crossed hexes represent captured hexes.

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There were near 20 hexes that were attacked and many of these were engaged several times. The capture of Rome took 7 times and is in the snapshot below. The point is that you do not want to look at 100 pictures. Therefore, I am displaying them in a pattern so you can see what the goal is and if it was achieved. But to be clear, thousands of soldiers died this week all along the contact line.

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This next picture demonstrates the story. Several hexes were attacked, with disregard for losses. The value of victory was for a plan that would trap Axis units. this is why much was dedicated next to Naples.

Two armor brigades were merged with armored divisions to make room for advancement. Yet the sacrifices were lining up well.

Air transports helped with supply but not so much as to exclude airborne operations.

Naval air had sealed Naples port along with the other just north of it.

Yet for success, the town of Caserta would need to be taken. And before that, airborne needed to be dropped north of it. Otherwise, a retreat would allow Axis units to relocate onto a drop zone and crush the whole operation.

A British and American airborne division dropped well and took the hexes. All was set for complete encirclement.

Below is the one attack and result. Look at how close it was. 39 to 68. Hex is circled in green.

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So close, but in conflict that usually does not count. Yet one more detail I should mention; two airports in Naples region that are under Axis control, are damaged and there is air superiority. It should cost Luftwaffe if evacuation by air is ordered by Metalist. Naval should be costly too if it is ordered.

Final picture is of contact line with no units on it. A clear picture of what was taken and the predicament for some Axis units. A follow up on that; Allied Command does not feel airborne units are in jeopardy during this next week.

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[kentkroeckel]

A point I wanted to bring up was fortifications becasue they are important to German defense.

Allies start the game with 10 administrative points per turn and this continues throughout. So fortifications are affordable being 4 administrative points. Yet they are not very practical for the side which is continually moving forward.

Allied units fortify on their own but at a much slower pace than Axis units do. This is why combat engineers need to be attached to Allied units. Just like the manual says. For if a German unit is stationary for two turns they will be fortified.

At start of scenario Germany gets 5 administrative points per turn but this changes when a garrison region is violated. (Fun word usage from Axis perceptive). When the condition is met Germany receives 10 administrative points too. This remains throughout war.

since fortifications coast 4 administrative points for Germany too, not many are built before European invasion.Yet there is an exception. On Italy only, a fortification costs 1 administrative point. This is for Germany only. One additional condition is that it cannot be placed on coastline or it will cost normal amount. This allows Axis to make rows of them if player wants too. I like to do this to prevent breakout or airborne drops. Just think what a field of forty make. this also frees up Axis units protecting special or vulnerable hexes behind lines.

Overall point is that German units fortify on their own at a much faster pace than Allies do. I would say three times faster. What I am referring to is the natural ability for units fortifying when stationary. This method accounts for most fortified hexes. Terrain, population center, and weather affect pace and ultimate level that can be created. 1-5 is the range.

[kentkroeckel]

The last increase for Axis garrisons is on the first week of May, 1944. After that, no change, up or down, until invasion. Already two garrison cities in three of the four French regions are active. Sometimes northern Italy is invaded by now but this challenge is progressing historically. therefore, Allies will not be invading before this date to make sure Axis forces are spread out. No incentive in this challenge to invade early.

Starting in May, 1944, two Mulberry ports are available. American and British; only created from their own Task Force. They are a size 4 port and are essential for European invasion.

Weather in WitW system seems to be terrible in Europe until May of each year. It will probibly be bad beyond this time too but for sure until May, 1944 it is going to be bad.

German units on ground and in sky are reduced in morale again on the first week of June, 1944. A reason to wait until the first week of June 1944.

Grand campaign, 1943-1945, with expanded Allied air HQ: Two points to bring up that do affect the European D-Day. Weather in this scenario seems set on seasonal rather than weekly. Additionally, British static divisions are not in it. However, they really are not useful and it makes for easier setup at large ports. There is ample ports ranging from 6-8. No need to go smaller than that.

Due to the weather uniqueness of this scenario, airbase improvement on UK has been lengthened. This has noticeably impacted transfers of American air. June would seem to be the most probable for main invasion.

Final thought: Due to Metalist wreaking havoc on amphibious invasion ship pool, European D-Day will take place over 2-3 weeks (turns). Though because of this, it is possible to accomplish some during May, 1944.

[kentkroeckel]

April 22, 1944

Victory points: -8 for turn and 342 game total. Wanted to point out a couple conditions that will worsen for Allies. -12 from other Allied losses. That is going to be there indefinitely. American losses of -4. It too will be continual and they are both connected to the intensity of losses to impending fight during 1944. -2 in partisan activity. This is from Metalist having much in garrison combat value but should diminish when main invasion happens. -4 from vengeance weapons. After invasion it will initially get worse but subside to some degree. However, it will always be worth something since manufacturing of vengeance weapon sites are not physically captured the way launch sites often are. For they are deep in Germany. Below is chart.

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Germany conducted no combat but did remove isolated units. By air or sea is not shown. However, 21 transports were shot down. Axis air losses were 90 while Allies were 26. Below is chart showing breakdown.

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Amphibious pool: 141. Creeping back up.

European air weather: Rain.
UK ground: Light mud. Water level 6.

Mediterranean air weather: Clear.
Italian ground: Clear. Happy time for Allies.

Below is picture of air engagement over Italy. Not that much and it shows how Luftwaffe is disengaging from area.

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Wanted to show what interdiction levels are before Allied air phase. Overall, good sea control along with ground interdiction.

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Final thought: Germany did not withdraw to the extent I was hoping for. This means several important hexes will have to be physically taken. Yet that also opens up potential exploitation opportunities for Allies.

[kentkroeckel]

I found this turn for AAR difficult to explain so what I a going to do is work backwards to make it will clear.

First picture is of battle results without showing which hexes have been taken. Just raw picture of final position of units.

Description: There are two Axis ports depicted in picture. Next to them are the sea hexes which are blocked; depicted in blue web lines. I did not highlight the ports themselves. Axis did not fly any naval interdict this turn either.

There are two ports that Allies took this turn; Naples and Gaeta. They are traced in blue line.

There are two empty hexes along contact line which Allies were not able to occupy. One was created by combat while the other was made available due to combat advancement. They are traced with green line and have an E on them.

Final special hex are those containing routed Axis units. They are traced with red and I counted ten.

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Result from the attacks is that there is one German airborne battalion isolated near Naples. There is an airbase located on hex so it will probibly be removed by air transport. Costly though I hope.


Next picture shows hexes taken this turn. Four hexes were taken as result of German withdraw. 14 hexes were attacked. Six were taken by combat.

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Goal of Allies was to take Naples. This was accomplished.
Goal of Allies was to connect with airborne units. This was accomplished.
Goal of Allies was to connect Rome beach with southern Italy. This was accomplished.
Goal of Allies was to push contact line back three hexes from Rome shore so that ground travel is unimpeded. Failure.

Metalist brought up a valid point on an earlier post about how it is better to isolate a unit rather than route it. When possible yes but often keeping a unit isolated is not possible or if it is blocking important advancement. However, if a unit has to travel through several zones of control for retreat / route, then it can become brutal. Add to that, if hexes have interdiction, well it can be nearly just as costly. Below is example and this was created with this specific intent in mind. Hex in question with results is traced in red.

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Final picture is of Allied air engagement. By the way, totals for turn were 178 Axis losses and 222 losses for Allies. Some hexes were attacked 67 times. I do want to emphasize that air ground interdiction does have an accumulative effect. Just wait for European D-Day. It is going to be used to an absurd level.

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Final thought: Allies lost many soldier and equipment this turn. For example, the isolated German airborne battalion was attacked 10 times. Over a thousand casualties for the hopes of making it route. Almost but not successful. Many such hexes happened this turn. Need to wrap this up so that I can send turn to Metalist.

[kentkroeckel]

April 29, 1944.

Victory points: Turn was -5 and game total is 337. Vengeance weapons accounted for -4 points so this needs to be addressed by Allies. Simply put, strategic bombing needs to happen this turn. Below is picture of breakdown.

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Amphibious pool is at 144, so a slow buildup. Total losses for game are at 233. Means that for the past few turns losses have been less than the four replacements each turn.

Air Losses: Germany lost 77 while Allies lost 43. Germany is performing a strategic withdraw on most of Italian contact line so that is why fewer losses for Luftwaffe. Below is picture of entanglements. Just German air supply and retrieval of isolated airborne battalion.

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Germany conducted no attacks during turn 44. Third picture shows front movement, as Axis units withdraw to new Italian contact line. Portion of line did not move near Rome.

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Weather for Mediterranean is good / clear.
European air is rain. Ground is light mud with a water level of 4. Strategic bombing will still go on as planned.

[kentkroeckel]

I made some rather substantial mistakes during air phase. This can happen during large reorganizations while still conducting air operations in a different section. That being said, I am not able to share my errors unit next turn due to the sensitively of mistakes. For I have been told that Gestapo (Metalist) frequents this Allied channel. Ha.

Air results: Germany lost 197 while Allies lost 353. Ratio on this turn does not matter due to mistake.

First picture shows reconnaissance results along with the final movement and combat results of Allied forces.

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Next picture shows an attack that should not have resulted in a success. Defense was 175 while attack was only 89. Yet both German units routed. A division and brigade. This was on a mountain hex too. My belief on this is that these Axis units have been mauled so many times by air and ground attack that now they are near depleted despite not showing such. Losses were only 60ish for Axis while Allies were near 30. Small on both sides yet an effective result. Supply I think can be factored into this too. My attempt was to break rail supply so that Germany had to use trucks for majority of supply. Air cannot do it all nor can the few naval resources, now left in Mediterranean. Allies intentionally destroyed much of that so Italian cargo ship pool was rendered useless. After surrender half or more goes away too. Formula in manual.

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On a related subject, metalist has recent posts on vehicle deficiency. Units being weak on movement due to lack of vehicle assignment. Axis units are not getting full movement even when placed on major supply sources. I had shown an earlier picture of the Allied supply network:

Blue line equals ships.
White line equals rail
Red line equals truck usage.

I absolutely have depots in every rail town possible so that just about all supply is accomplished on first two ways. Trucks are used sparingly; even for Allies. I will show another picture of it next turn.


This turn for Allies in Italy was primary movent. Few attacks, with only two hexes being taken by combat. A complete reorganization of units too. Very glad the Rome beach is now part of southern Italian line. In fact next picture outlines this thought with my speculation of where the next contact line will be.

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[kentkroeckel]

this post is of Allied logistics for turn 45, (May 6, 1944).

To refresh: Blue line is naval supply.
White line is rail.
Red line is truck. This last one is the source that needs to be controlled by both sides, accomplished by rail repair and depots everywhere. First picture shows wide view of UK.

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Next is overview of Mediterranean. Look at how Italy is full of red. It will be improved upon by June of 1944.

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Following is closeup of Sardinia. this is the goal of how a land mass should look. Notice how air bases are now size two, along with plentiful depots. Most useful for Allied larger bombers.

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Final picture is of Italy. You can see upgrades being applied to air bases.

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[kentkroeckel]

European air: Rain
UK & French ground: Light mud. Water level 4-5.

Mediterranean air: Rain
Italian ground: Light mud. Water level 1.

Amphibious pool: 148

Victory Points: Turn was 1 and game total is 338. -5 was vengeance weapon so this still needs to be addressed before invasion or else it will be -10. Below is breakdown.

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German lost 76 aircraft while Allies lost 1. Following is breakdown.

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Next picture shows how Luftwaffe concentrated on air supply for units. Seven hexes were helped this way. Below is picture of this effort.

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Final picture shows what appears to be an emerging contact line by Germany; highlighted in green ink.

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[RedBunny]

Hey Kent, I've noticed the Germans have been able to run a lot of air supply. Is this something you're able to interdict? Is it worth doing so?

Thanks!

[kentkroeckel]

thank you for that question Mr. Red Bunny. It is a great question indeed!

To start with a simple answer, no and yes. Ha. I will now explain. There is no way that I am aware that either side can completely stop any air mission type. This would include air supply and the interdiction of it. However, WitW system allows for constriction of air missions and mounting losses for air missions.

Example: Allies launch a strategic air mission during clear weather on a bombing target with minimal flak. Altitude is high and escorts are present so Luftwaffe does not get much penetration.

A good raid: 75% of bombers arrive on target.

5% of bombers are destroyed by enemy interceptors.
5% of bombers are destroyed due to flak.
5% of bombers are disrupted due to action from interceptors.
5% of bombers are lost due to operational functions.
5% of bombers are damaged beyond practical repair.
5% of bombers are damaged but are able to be repaired and at some point will return to pool.

Each of the above functions in game system are complex and I am sure there are more that I do not know about. However, these are the main ones that seem to impact game play on each air phase. Something as trivial as the amount of daylight hours each month is also factor. an example of how detailed the system gets. Through in Morale, fatigue, and it becomes a trend for air missions rather than exact knowledge of how each air mission will turn out.

After the magical WitW system crunches all the variables, a result is given. The goal of each player is to raise barriers to the opponents air missions while lowering ones on your own air missions. Realizing that, many are not changeable, like proficiency of pilots, weather.

Now for direct answer to your question Mr. Red Bunny. Allies are concentrating much air interdiction to impede the very specific action Metalist is having the Luftwaffe conduct. Take a look on the air loss charts for Germany the last few turns and you will see many air transport aircraft losses. this is due to air supply and Axis unit transport when they have been isolated.

I wish I could give a clear explanation of how losses will be during attacks but WitW is intentionally vague. A general idea, yes; but often that is not accurate either.

[kentkroeckel]

Allies have activated most air activity though still moving many air wings around.

Air losses for May 6, 1945. Rain in Europe and Mediterranean. Axis lost 390 while Allies lost 725. This is an 335 advantage for Luftwaffe. Following weeks will be measured by four digits, (a thousand plus).

Next three pictures show air engagement over Italy; going from south to north. All missions are present.

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Final picture shows air interdiction. It is good for Allies since American participation has been withdrawn from Italy.

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[kentkroeckel]

Much to show on this; the first turn of active engagement for European invasion preparation. First picture shows how the Channel is going to be a disputed piece of waterway. Germany has not abandoned the Channel islands. They do provide Axis with interdiction and can lead to Allies be disrupted a bit on crossing. Also notice how Luftwaffe is flying over channel and UK itself. Allies did create air superiority for such a situation. There is also the possibility of Axis bombing UK major ports. A Task Force on them would be a juicy target. Destroy a landing force before it launches. Area shown in France is Cherbourg port.

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Next picture shows northern France, near port of Brest. All ports along coast are being attacked. Rail yards, which are depots are of concern.

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Next picture is of Belgium and Netherlands. Again, notice all ports are being attacked because of their rail yards. Inland rail yards are also being hit. Basically, all major cities.

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Final picture is showing coast of Germany along with interior cities, heading to Berlin. This is the Allied attempt to disrupt German logistics.

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