Expanded Allied Air HQ

[kentkroeckel]

September 23, 1944.

Yes, this is the third attempt for Allies to invade France. Embarrassing! German panzer divisions are just too strong but that is the way WitW is designed. Below is picture of Brest France.

Screenshot 2026-01-20 144653.jpg (179.28 KiB) Viewed 491 times

There are four invasion sites, circled in blue. there are two airborne invasion hexes, circled in pink. Since Allies have hexes within 8, the first airborne division is conducted in regular turn. Since that hex was taken and is considered in supply for first turn, second airborne hex next to Brest is also taken in regular turn. Weird use of rules but Allies need to do all they can at this point.

Next picture shows lower (south) of Brest. Important to note, these two invasion hexes and adjacent ones are still in the region of North Western France. Meaning, small Axis garrisons are still in effect for other regions. Every little bit helps Allies counteract the massive amount of German units. Two invasion hexes are in blue.

Screenshot 2026-01-20 144805.jpg (77.51 KiB) Viewed 491 times

Next picture shows how naval interdiction went. Should be good enough to keep Germany from control and that is all Allies want for turn 66. Rain will also help with this.

Screenshot 2026-01-20 145021.jpg (292.11 KiB) Viewed 491 times

Final picture shows both invasion sites and the overall challenges facing the Allies.

Screenshot 2026-01-20 144905.jpg (153.79 KiB) Viewed 491 times

[kentkroeckel]

September 23, 1944.

Only one hex was taken by Allies on D-Day invasion site I. It is the same hex that Germany took on her ground phase. I think about 5,000 soldiers were lost on each side for Allied phase for this one hex. Below is picture. It shows twelve battles but first one is from German phase.

Screenshot 2026-01-20 152340.jpg (316.89 KiB) Viewed 486 times

Three hexes were taken by Allies in Italy due to combat. First is below.

Screenshot 2026-01-20 153645.jpg (215.95 KiB) Viewed 486 times

Second hex is shown of Italian combat.

Screenshot 2026-01-20 153725.jpg (247.77 KiB) Viewed 486 times

I will show you the third one but BLM is not showing it. I hope it is not breaking again, but looks to be so.

Screenshot 2026-01-20 155234.jpg (158.72 KiB) Viewed 483 times

[kentkroeckel]

September 30, 1944.

Germany did one attack this turn. BLM is still not working for Allies so thankfully Metalist sent me a copy of Attack.

Screenshot 2026-01-22 191018.jpg (87.83 KiB) Viewed 441 times

It just so happens that Germany let this hex open too so I am sure Metalist wants Allies to occupy it so that Axis can route more Allied units. Germany has 9 ground interdiction on this one and only hex too. Allies will oblige Germany and occupy the hex on ground phase because a hex gained is still a hex gained. the hex being discussed is the one with 37 air attacks so far.

Screenshot 2026-01-21 151558.jpg (130.77 KiB) Viewed 441 times

Victory Points: For turn, -20. Game total is -35.

Raine in the skies for Europe.
Ground is water level 1-3.

Southern Italy is clear overhead but northern Italy is rainy.
Ground is clear along contact line.

Amphibious pool is at 146. Germany did not engage Allied landings (French D-Day-3) with air attack yet. This seems odd but maybe Metalist is building for a massive attack next turn. Next two pictures show landing site.

Screenshot 2026-01-21 151613.jpg (196.89 KiB) Viewed 437 times

Second picture of landing site (French-3)

Screenshot 2026-01-21 151643.jpg (130.6 KiB) Viewed 437 times

[kentkroeckel]

September 30, 1944.

Germany inflicted around 12,000 casualties on Allies so far this turn.

Screenshot 2026-01-21 152311.jpg (156.57 KiB) Viewed 435 times

On this turn Allies also lost a couple armor battalions.

Screenshot 2026-01-21 152430.jpg (211.86 KiB) Viewed 435 times

German Air phase was light. Axis lost 94 while Allies lost 55.

[kentkroeckel]

September 30, 1944.

Germany lost a little over 12,000 soldiers in air phase.

Screenshot 2026-01-22 200635.jpg (163.26 KiB) Viewed 432 times

Total so far for air losses: Germany 403 and Allies 732. This is an advantage of 329 for Luftwaffe. However, many more air missions are left in ground support. In fact all four Allied Army Groups are assigned support.

Screenshot 2026-01-22 200805.jpg (175.25 KiB) Viewed 432 times

Allied interdiction is okay in areas that are needed as well as naval control. First picture of this is of French-1.

Screenshot 2026-01-22 201610.jpg (182.22 KiB) Viewed 432 times

Next picture is of French-3.

Screenshot 2026-01-22 201649.jpg (172.91 KiB) Viewed 432 times

[kentkroeckel]

September 30, 1944.

First picture shows updated ground losses. 23,332 for Axis while Allies have lost 17,295.

Screenshot 2026-01-22 230149.jpg (160.62 KiB) Viewed 419 times

Next picture shows updated list of lost units. Four groups of Allied armor were merged with divisions to boost them up quickly.

Screenshot 2026-01-22 230234.jpg (212.98 KiB) Viewed 419 times

Next pictures is just one of several snapshots of combat on French-3. Combat results are for hex in yellow.

Screenshot 2026-01-22 230808.jpg (186.54 KiB) Viewed 419 times

Final picture show overview of area. Five hexes were won by combat and three were vacated by Germany. A contact line seems to be forming now. the port city Brest has been isolated since invasion.

Screenshot 2026-01-22 231243.jpg (136.16 KiB) Viewed 419 times

[kentkroeckel]

September 30, 1944.

Weird thing is that the BLM does not display for Italy. There were seven hexes taken by Allies.

Screenshot 2026-01-22 232448.jpg (248.22 KiB) Viewed 414 times

I thought I would add the lower (southern part) of French-3 in this portion of AAR since the BLM is working only in Europe.
Red outlines the hex that was taken. Above is the result. There was also a second hex taken that was empty. It is in green. There is one more invasion taking place here and it is outlined in blue.

Screenshot 2026-01-22 233015.jpg (231.04 KiB) Viewed 414 times

Final picture shows area clear of indicator.

Screenshot 2026-01-22 233347.jpg (98.71 KiB) Viewed 412 times

[kentkroeckel]

October 6, 1944.

Victory Points: Turn -23 and game total is -58.

Weather for Europe's sky is rain. Light mud on ground with water level between 1-4.

Southern Italian weather is good.

Troop transport ship pool is 146. That is sufficient since most units have been moved to continent.

First picture shows air losses during German phase. Axis lost 150 while Allies lost 89. There were many level bombers lost by Germany since naval supremacy was conducted on southern French site.

Screenshot 2026-01-24 130807.jpg (172.33 KiB) Viewed 303 times

Ground losses during German phase were, Axis 3,491 while Allies lost 9,797. next picture shows this.

Screenshot 2026-01-24 130830.jpg (157.77 KiB) Viewed 303 times

An armor battalion was lost and chart shows this.

Screenshot 2026-01-24 130858.jpg (208.01 KiB) Viewed 303 times

Final picture shows German attack of hex. Two attacks on same hex and it was taken by Axis. Metalist provided this to me since the BLM is not working again.

Screenshot 2026-01-24 143827.jpg (81.34 KiB) Viewed 303 times

[kentkroeckel]

October 6, 1944.

First picture is of main French invasion site. No change.

Screenshot 2026-01-24 131447.jpg (137.46 KiB) Viewed 260 times

Next picture is of new invasion site. Looks to be forming a contact line but Axis units are not divisional strength. This suggests that invasions, existing contact lines, along with small garrison requirements is forcing Germany to choose which area will be lightly contested. Maybe an opportunity for Allies to advance a row or two.

Screenshot 2026-01-24 131503.jpg (136.83 KiB) Viewed 260 times

Below is picture of attacked hex. It is an important one and could destroy the southern French III invasion site. There are two remaining beaches, circled in blue. The lost hex is outlined in brown and is the one shown above with Axis combat.

Screenshot 2026-01-24 194518.jpg (74.96 KiB) Viewed 260 times

Finally, wanted to show the Luftwaffe attempt to gain sea control. Below shows engagements.

Screenshot 2026-01-24 194835.jpg (111.41 KiB) Viewed 260 times

[kentkroeckel]

October 7, 1944.

Allied air phase: Germany lost 376 and Allies lost 654. So far in turn Luftwaffe has lost 526 and Allies have lost 743. This is a German advantage of 217. Below is chart for Allied air phase.

Screenshot 2026-01-24 203937.jpg (169.42 KiB) Viewed 242 times

German lost a little over 12,000 soldiers during Allied air phase. below is chart.

Screenshot 2026-01-24 203856.jpg (166.42 KiB) Viewed 242 times

I forgot to show Italian front. Germany vacated 5 hexes, colored in green.

Screenshot 2026-01-24 205613.jpg (204.87 KiB) Viewed 238 times

[kentkroeckel]

October 7, 1944.

Allies took three hexes and the BLM is working. First hex is below.

Screenshot 2026-01-24 211630.jpg (347.29 KiB) Viewed 232 times

Second hex follows, in red. This took four battles to secure. Allies lost over 5,000 soldiers while Germany lost near 2,500.

Screenshot 2026-01-24 211945.jpg (278.11 KiB) Viewed 232 times

Final hex taken in Italy is below. One battle but still many losses. Germany has over a thousand but this typical for Allies too on unsuccessful attacks.

Screenshot 2026-01-24 212520.jpg (264.33 KiB) Viewed 232 times

[kentkroeckel]

October 7, 1944.

Allies did no attacks on Southern France III.

Allies did about 20 attacks on one hex on first D-Day. Hex was finally taken on last attack and is circled in red. BLM is not working on this location.

Screenshot 2026-01-24 220617.jpg (154.68 KiB) Viewed 224 times

BLM is working somewhat on northern French III. Only two hexes to be precise. One was port Saint Brieuc though.

Screenshot 2026-01-24 220515.jpg (290.38 KiB) Viewed 224 times

Hex next to port is also displayed.

Screenshot 2026-01-24 220543.jpg (243.69 KiB) Viewed 224 times

Six hexes in total were won by Allies but not all are occupied. However, the Axis contact line will probability move back a little.

Screenshot 2026-01-24 221530.jpg (140.25 KiB) Viewed 224 times

[kentkroeckel]

October 7, 1944.

Ground losses:

Screenshot 2026-01-24 220412.jpg (160.33 KiB) Viewed 220 times

In France Germany has many strong armor divisions that can shred the Allies. In fact Germany can stop the Allies in any spot they wish. However, I do not think the Axis can stop the Allies in all areas at the same time. yet weather is changing so that in itself could. Heavy rain is coming next turn on most of France. I do hope this will at least reduce Germany as well. Allies are hoping the Brest Peninsula will be barricaded by the Axis rather than contested. It then could easily turn into another attrition wall just like the first French landing has done.

[Seminole]

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.

Is it possibly an issue with command range of the parent HQ(s)?

[kentkroeckel]

October 14, 1944.

Victory Points: Turn were -28 and game total is -86. In this turn six victory points were lost due to Vengeance Weapons not being hit enough. In bad weather it is difficult to keep it under control. I have highlighted VW in yellow.

Screenshot 2026-01-28 121128.jpg (105 KiB) Viewed 90 times

Ship troop transport pool is 146.

Weather is Europe is heavy rain.
Ground is heavy mud with water level around 6+.

Southern Italy is rain.
Ground is light mud with water level 3-5.

German vacated three hexes in Italy. Below is picture.

Screenshot 2026-01-26 125700.jpg (199.3 KiB) Viewed 91 times

Air losses for Axis phase are, 149 for Germany and 95 for Allies. Still a lot of activity for heavy rain.

Screenshot 2026-01-26 130059.jpg (168.33 KiB) Viewed 91 times

[kentkroeckel]

October 14, 1944.

Germany attacked two hexes this phase. One hex was attacked twice and was taken by Axis. It is the same hex under conflict every recent turn in original landing of France. I highlighted it in brown. BLM is still messed up and only showing one of two attacks; the final one.

Screenshot 2026-01-26 122917.jpg (281.01 KiB) Viewed 87 times

Next hex attacked is on southern landing of France. It is highlighted in brown.

Screenshot 2026-01-26 123139.jpg (218.43 KiB) Viewed 87 times

Next chart shows ground losses for this portion of turn phase. Allies 12,766 and Germany at 3,157.

Screenshot 2026-01-26 130010.jpg (158.17 KiB) Viewed 87 times

Wanted to show additional losses from previous turn (67). Two additional German losses.

Screenshot 2026-01-26 130150.jpg (214.62 KiB) Viewed 87 times

Note: WitW air system has frozen Allied air missions to the rest position so after a day of fighting with it I had to redo all Air missions. This has delayed turn and forces Allies to keep missions active even during bad weather. More excitement for Luftwaffe. Ha.

[kentkroeckel]

October 14, 1944.

Due to the WitW glitch, Allies had to redo all air missions. This also means keeping air units active during bad weather. No need to discuss the implications for this but it will add to the demise of Allied air. But I hope to create a weekly hell for the Luftwaffe too.

Secrets in this challenge have been pretty much ignored by both players and our goal now is to to complete the game before this scenario, (Expanded Allied Air Headquarters) option overwhelms the 13 year old platform.

Metalist, do not look at the Allied air missions too long before doing German air phase. Ha. Next week weather should be just rain. But for now, no Allied strategic air missions due to heavy rain. It does not work. Yet ground attacks do not work well in heavy rain either but have to try something. It took me a couple days to get them done but the project is now complete. Results though will probibly be dismal.

First picture is of flak units that Germany has over their active air fields. Metalsit tries to keep them on rail and in town hexes. That way a depot can be placed on them. Allies do this too. Meaning me. Ha. When possible, every active air base should have a depot, meaning on a train track. Flak should be there too. So important to repair and maintain good rail for both sides. I have circled the active German air fields in yellow. Good AA.

Screenshot 2026-01-28 192415.jpg (448.51 KiB) Viewed 58 times

Following picture shows Allied reconnaissance missions over Europe. The emphasis is on tactical and not strategic for now.

Screenshot 2026-01-28 191328.jpg (260.39 KiB) Viewed 58 times

Following picture shows Allied reconnaissance missions over Italy.

Screenshot 2026-01-28 191355.jpg (349.72 KiB) Viewed 58 times

Next picture shows naval missions for all areas. France is the only area of concern for Allies at this point in time.

Screenshot 2026-01-28 191427.jpg (171.56 KiB) Viewed 58 times

[kentkroeckel]

October 14, 1944.

Air superiority for Europe is next.

Screenshot 2026-01-28 191520.jpg (190.17 KiB) Viewed 52 times

Air superiority for Italy is next.

Screenshot 2026-01-28 191543.jpg (221.33 KiB) Viewed 52 times

Ground assault on Europe is following. The list goes the map from top to bottom.

Screenshot 2026-01-28 191704.jpg (351.1 KiB) Viewed 52 times

Final picture shows ground assault on Italy. France you probibly cannot see it but on Italian picture I hope you can see that many paths are avoiding active German air bases and ports.

Screenshot 2026-01-28 191759.jpg (351.79 KiB) Viewed 52 times

[kentkroeckel]

October 14, 1944.

I do not have an answer for what happened on this turn so far. the BLM is working for Allies. I removed all logs for each turn now and there was no strategic bombing this turn so maybe that made the difference.

Below is one hex that Allies attacked four times. I wanted to show what a single hex often looks like. hope you enjoy the carnage for both sides. Triple digit for armored vehicles.

Screenshot 2026-01-28 204844.jpg (257.24 KiB) Viewed 47 times

Second attack:

Screenshot 2026-01-28 204910.jpg (235.09 KiB) Viewed 47 times

third attack:

Screenshot 2026-01-28 204941.jpg (242.79 KiB) Viewed 47 times

Fourth and final attack:

Screenshot 2026-01-28 205012.jpg (259.48 KiB) Viewed 47 times

[kentkroeckel]

October 14, 1944.

Allies achieved seven victories in Italy. they are in red. There were three hexes vacated by Germany and they are in green. One hex that was won but not occupied had an airbase in it. I decided to air transport an airborne division onto it to secure it. This is not an airborne assault but rather a form of air movement. It is circled in airborne pink.

Screenshot 2026-01-28 205711.jpg (274.74 KiB) Viewed 46 times

Allied air results are as follows, Germany 288 while Allies lost 288 aircraft after air phase. yes, that is not a misprint. 149 plus 139. Allies losses are 95 plus 193. Both sides, 288. Not bad action for a heavy rain week.

Screenshot 2026-01-28 200503.jpg (171.53 KiB) Viewed 46 times

Ground losses for Germany resulting from Allied air phase are 8,421. Again, not bad in heavy rain.

Screenshot 2026-01-28 200352.jpg (158.78 KiB) Viewed 46 times

One last point I want to bring up is politics of game. Allies are near the orange line that separates North Italy from southern Italy. Allies are not ready to trigger freedom of Axis units in garrison areas so I need to prevent zone of control from crossing boundary. To do this I broke up the British armor division so it will not trigger anything if Metalist moves units out of hex to cause a trigger. The French battalion in other hex will not trigger either. I have circled hexes in red.

Screenshot 2026-01-28 212107.jpg (129.81 KiB) Viewed 41 times