Start of turn 1.
A new campaign of 1943-1945 has been started. Kent will be playing the Allies and Mr. Bimmler will be playing Germany.
East Front Control (EFC) is off.
Parameters are normal with the exception of administrative points. Allies are at two hundred percent or represented another way; receiving 20 points per turn instead of 10. As is normal, Germany is receiving half of its administrative points until a garrison region is invaded. This means for now, Axis is receiving five points but that will increase to ten when France is invaded.
Allies will use the additional administrative points to move flak. I believe this will help counteract the Luftwaffe air naval advantage; which I feel is not historically accurate. This additional challenge for the Axis player should also present an exciting challenge. Additional pressure for Germany but also an opportunity to destroy landing sites, and with that many battalions of flak.
This is an open letter to you Mr. Bimmler; since I have not contacted you directly. Thank you for accepting this challenge! You can post anything you wish here and if you need to contact me directly please feel free to leave a (private message) on WitW system. I will also give you my private e-mail there too if you prefer.
If there is any way I can assist you on our challenge just let me know. I certainly do not know everything but I will do my best. I do not keep secrets about a game in progress so just ask and I will respond.
1943-1945 campaign
Moderator: MOD_WarintheWest
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kentkroeckel
- Posts: 465
- Joined: Mon Jun 26, 2017 6:32 pm
- Location: USA Colorado
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kentkroeckel
- Posts: 465
- Joined: Mon Jun 26, 2017 6:32 pm
- Location: USA Colorado
Turn 1 air setup
Start.
There is no Axis turn one so Allies start it. Coming off of an expanded air HQ one would think the air portion of a normal game should be simple. Not the case though. So many items need to be set up; takes hours.
I wanted to show some of the air missions being set. many of these do not have aircraft yet but it helps to get things organized for following turns.
picture one is of naval missions. Both naval headquarters will be making missions around Italy. Total commitment. RAF Naval command and Coastal Air Force. Escorts are also flying with the naval missions.
Next is air superiority. Malta is assigned for this. However, others are helping in this assignment too. RAF Fighter Command is a big part of that too.
Ground attack is the next item. This will be taken care of by Tactical Air Force along with 2 Tactical air Force. 9 US Air Force will also help with this for now.
Final picture is of reconnaissance. Not glamorous. Ha. However, each hex that is being hit with strategic bombing has a reconnaissance (strategic) filming. This is being accomplished by RAF Transport, IX US Troop Carrier, and XII US Troop Carrier.
There is no Axis turn one so Allies start it. Coming off of an expanded air HQ one would think the air portion of a normal game should be simple. Not the case though. So many items need to be set up; takes hours.
I wanted to show some of the air missions being set. many of these do not have aircraft yet but it helps to get things organized for following turns.
picture one is of naval missions. Both naval headquarters will be making missions around Italy. Total commitment. RAF Naval command and Coastal Air Force. Escorts are also flying with the naval missions.
- Screenshot 2026-05-23 002558.jpg (228.94 KiB) Viewed 149 times
Next is air superiority. Malta is assigned for this. However, others are helping in this assignment too. RAF Fighter Command is a big part of that too.
- Screenshot 2026-05-23 002616.jpg (100.44 KiB) Viewed 149 times
Ground attack is the next item. This will be taken care of by Tactical Air Force along with 2 Tactical air Force. 9 US Air Force will also help with this for now.
- Screenshot 2026-05-23 002654.jpg (289.06 KiB) Viewed 149 times
Final picture is of reconnaissance. Not glamorous. Ha. However, each hex that is being hit with strategic bombing has a reconnaissance (strategic) filming. This is being accomplished by RAF Transport, IX US Troop Carrier, and XII US Troop Carrier.
- Screenshot 2026-05-23 011806.jpg (151.3 KiB) Viewed 149 times
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kentkroeckel
- Posts: 465
- Joined: Mon Jun 26, 2017 6:32 pm
- Location: USA Colorado
Turn 1 air setup Strategic
Start.
There are only three air headquarters in normal game that can launch strategic bombing missions. They are, RAF Bomber Command, 8 US Air Force, and 15 US Air Force. ( Name change from Strategic Air Force.)
First picture is of Ruhr area of Germany. RAF Bomber Command have this since they possess night bombing advantage. And yes, all of their missions are set for night. They are coming in at 9,000 feet. This way no flak attack from adjacent hexes or units. All missions have escorts.
Next picture is of 8 US Air Force. It is bombing the U-Boat facilitates. The altitude is at 25,000 feet because any higher and extra fatigue on crews. All missions will have escorts once aircraft are changed out.
Half of the Strategic air Force is attacking the oil fields of Romania's Ploesti. No escort for them. Too far. However, reconnaissance can reach it.
The final part for Strategic Air Force is attacking the normal industrial spots of Italy.
There are only three air headquarters in normal game that can launch strategic bombing missions. They are, RAF Bomber Command, 8 US Air Force, and 15 US Air Force. ( Name change from Strategic Air Force.)
First picture is of Ruhr area of Germany. RAF Bomber Command have this since they possess night bombing advantage. And yes, all of their missions are set for night. They are coming in at 9,000 feet. This way no flak attack from adjacent hexes or units. All missions have escorts.
- Screenshot 2026-05-23 002428.jpg (140.84 KiB) Viewed 144 times
Next picture is of 8 US Air Force. It is bombing the U-Boat facilitates. The altitude is at 25,000 feet because any higher and extra fatigue on crews. All missions will have escorts once aircraft are changed out.
- Screenshot 2026-05-23 002452.jpg (253.11 KiB) Viewed 144 times
Half of the Strategic air Force is attacking the oil fields of Romania's Ploesti. No escort for them. Too far. However, reconnaissance can reach it.
- Screenshot 2026-05-23 002512.jpg (62.95 KiB) Viewed 144 times
The final part for Strategic Air Force is attacking the normal industrial spots of Italy.
- Screenshot 2026-05-23 002529.jpg (149.64 KiB) Viewed 144 times
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kentkroeckel
- Posts: 465
- Joined: Mon Jun 26, 2017 6:32 pm
- Location: USA Colorado
Turn 1 Allied Air
July 3, 1943.
Weather is perfect.
Germany lost 201 aircraft while Allies lost 441. This lost ratio is a bit disappointing and was set up only by computer for Axis. Still many more Allied aircraft will join the assault on Sicily.
Invasion of Sicily is being done by securing the two initial ports. Each one has a beach near it to ensure they do not get destroyed. This leaves two Task Forces for different landings.
Next picture shows naval interdiction. Though the air portion was costly the result was good. Sicily is first.
Sardinia is below.
I do not know if this is going to be the first and last post of game since Mr. Bimmler has posted another challenge. I have not heard from him either. I will send turn now.
Weather is perfect.
Germany lost 201 aircraft while Allies lost 441. This lost ratio is a bit disappointing and was set up only by computer for Axis. Still many more Allied aircraft will join the assault on Sicily.
- Screenshot 2026-05-23 091406.jpg (159.31 KiB) Viewed 121 times
Invasion of Sicily is being done by securing the two initial ports. Each one has a beach near it to ensure they do not get destroyed. This leaves two Task Forces for different landings.
- Screenshot 2026-05-23 091236.jpg (71.97 KiB) Viewed 121 times
Next picture shows naval interdiction. Though the air portion was costly the result was good. Sicily is first.
- Screenshot 2026-05-23 092055.jpg (366.28 KiB) Viewed 121 times
Sardinia is below.
- Screenshot 2026-05-23 092227.jpg (248.5 KiB) Viewed 121 times
I do not know if this is going to be the first and last post of game since Mr. Bimmler has posted another challenge. I have not heard from him either. I will send turn now.
Re: 1943-1945 campaign
Kent, I'm so glad to see you're back at it with an AAR. I really enjoyed your last one.
One question I've had about WITW. Is the only purpose of the Allied Naval Superiority mission to prevent Axis sea transport?
One question I've had about WITW. Is the only purpose of the Allied Naval Superiority mission to prevent Axis sea transport?
Last edited by RedBunny on Sun May 24, 2026 5:30 am, edited 1 time in total.
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kentkroeckel
- Posts: 465
- Joined: Mon Jun 26, 2017 6:32 pm
- Location: USA Colorado
Response to Mr. Red Bunny
Thank you for your question Mr. Red Bunny. I Assume you are talking about WitW, since I have not played WitE or the newer WitE2.
The purpose of air naval interdiction is to stop the opponent from receiving supply and troops. Additionally, Axis are trying to prevent invasions. High naval interdiction numbers do create damage on ships moving through them even if the hex is not controlled. A plus 2 gets control but a hex at 9 by Allies and 9 by Axis is still going to be costly for anyone traversing it.
The purpose of air naval interdiction is to stop the opponent from receiving supply and troops. Additionally, Axis are trying to prevent invasions. High naval interdiction numbers do create damage on ships moving through them even if the hex is not controlled. A plus 2 gets control but a hex at 9 by Allies and 9 by Axis is still going to be costly for anyone traversing it.
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kentkroeckel
- Posts: 465
- Joined: Mon Jun 26, 2017 6:32 pm
- Location: USA Colorado
Turn 2 Axis
July 10, 1943.
Weather is perfect.
First picture I wanted to show is of Sardinia. Or rather the area above / north, next to Corsica. This is where Germany had substantial air naval interdiction. Below is picture of specific hex action.
Second picture shows the results of this Axis presence. Mr. Bimmler did well in securing the region, thus preventing an invasion of southern France, Corsica, and finally the northern part of Sardinia. Red line shows control for the Luftwaffe while the area below green line shows control for Allies. It is my belief that Germany is not able to stop the Allies in all areas, especially on Germany's first air naval move so this presence is well done by Mr. Bimmler. ports are circled in blue.
Next area of interest is Sicily. Again, the whole island is difficult for Germany to control so picking a single area to prevent isolation is good planning by Mr. Bimmler. He has put emphasis on the closest section of Sicily to mainland Italy. It is also the escape path for any Germany units. Wise to keep it secure.
As before, the red line is the area controlled by the Luftwaffe while the area behind the green line is Allies. A bit of area is now neutral since neither side has a plus two for control. However, Allies will still loose much if the naval interdiction numbers remain during troop movement. As of now the Allies have only lost two transport amphibious ships but receive four per turn. Thirty one cargo ships have been lost but submarine activity does impact 1943. Also, as Allies I have not put much protection for UK. The first priority is securing Sicily.
Weather is perfect.
First picture I wanted to show is of Sardinia. Or rather the area above / north, next to Corsica. This is where Germany had substantial air naval interdiction. Below is picture of specific hex action.
- Screenshot 2026-05-23 174328.jpg (142.22 KiB) Viewed 83 times
Second picture shows the results of this Axis presence. Mr. Bimmler did well in securing the region, thus preventing an invasion of southern France, Corsica, and finally the northern part of Sardinia. Red line shows control for the Luftwaffe while the area below green line shows control for Allies. It is my belief that Germany is not able to stop the Allies in all areas, especially on Germany's first air naval move so this presence is well done by Mr. Bimmler. ports are circled in blue.
- Screenshot 2026-05-23 174752.jpg (230.99 KiB) Viewed 83 times
Next area of interest is Sicily. Again, the whole island is difficult for Germany to control so picking a single area to prevent isolation is good planning by Mr. Bimmler. He has put emphasis on the closest section of Sicily to mainland Italy. It is also the escape path for any Germany units. Wise to keep it secure.
- Screenshot 2026-05-23 174407.jpg (168.02 KiB) Viewed 83 times
As before, the red line is the area controlled by the Luftwaffe while the area behind the green line is Allies. A bit of area is now neutral since neither side has a plus two for control. However, Allies will still loose much if the naval interdiction numbers remain during troop movement. As of now the Allies have only lost two transport amphibious ships but receive four per turn. Thirty one cargo ships have been lost but submarine activity does impact 1943. Also, as Allies I have not put much protection for UK. The first priority is securing Sicily.
- Screenshot 2026-05-23 174641.jpg (391.04 KiB) Viewed 83 times
Last edited by kentkroeckel on Sun May 24, 2026 10:27 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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kentkroeckel
- Posts: 465
- Joined: Mon Jun 26, 2017 6:32 pm
- Location: USA Colorado
Turn 2 Axis
July 10, 1943.
Victory points for turn are normal, at -30 due to invasion but the good news is that only one victory point was lost due to Axis submarine warfare. Below is breakdown.
Next chart is misleading because it combines actions from first turn as well. So the losses are more like 117 for the Luftwaffe during Axis phase while Allies lost 27. This chart is combining two turns since it is start of game.
The final two pictures I wanted to show how Mr. Bimmler protected Italy from invasion. Both coastlines are safe.
Number two.
Victory points for turn are normal, at -30 due to invasion but the good news is that only one victory point was lost due to Axis submarine warfare. Below is breakdown.
- Screenshot 2026-05-23 175240.jpg (108.58 KiB) Viewed 74 times
Next chart is misleading because it combines actions from first turn as well. So the losses are more like 117 for the Luftwaffe during Axis phase while Allies lost 27. This chart is combining two turns since it is start of game.
- Screenshot 2026-05-23 174921.jpg (164.83 KiB) Viewed 74 times
The final two pictures I wanted to show how Mr. Bimmler protected Italy from invasion. Both coastlines are safe.
- Screenshot 2026-05-23 175912.jpg (301.88 KiB) Viewed 74 times
Number two.
- Screenshot 2026-05-23 175933.jpg (142.45 KiB) Viewed 74 times
Last edited by kentkroeckel on Sun May 24, 2026 10:28 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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kentkroeckel
- Posts: 465
- Joined: Mon Jun 26, 2017 6:32 pm
- Location: USA Colorado
Turn 2 Allies
July 10, 1943.
Just about ready to run air phase but did want to make a comment about Sicily. It appears that Mr. Bimmler has withdrawn from a coastal fight. This may be due to each port being protected by a beach force. I did not expect this withdraw but assumed fierce fighting.
An important reason for the beaches is that a captured port is often limited in capacity. Additionally, the ports of Gela and Siracusa are small so supply is never substantial.
Just finished air phase and it went well for Germany. Axis lost 304 while Allies lost 559. This is a Luftwaffe advantage of 255. But on German phase Axis lost about 80 planes more.
Ground phase has been peculiar on Sicily. I do not know where the Italians are. Mr. Bimmler has moved them well so it leaves the Allies guessing. As I said earlier on this post, Allies are committing all to taking Sicily. All Task Forces. In the picture below you can see on the western tip of Sicily the port of Trapani is being invaded.
The hex near the east point, Messina is also being invaded. Airborne was used to help isolate Sicily from Messina. The air landing was successful. Naval invasion is going through Axis controlled hexes but the reward for Allies make this worth it. Blue is invasions and pink is airborne drop hexes. The reason the airborne drop happened this turn instead of when the naval invasion happens next turn is that the hex is within 8 hexes of line so is treated as normal drop.
In the middle of Sicily the town of Termini was assaulted by air. This might lead to Sicily being cut in half for supply. As it is, I believe the western portion of the Island will be isolated due to naval interdiction.
Final picture is of battle since the Battle Locator Mode (BLM) is working. An Italian unit was attacked by British and forced to retreated. It was then attacked again by American forces. This forced a surrender.
Just about ready to run air phase but did want to make a comment about Sicily. It appears that Mr. Bimmler has withdrawn from a coastal fight. This may be due to each port being protected by a beach force. I did not expect this withdraw but assumed fierce fighting.
An important reason for the beaches is that a captured port is often limited in capacity. Additionally, the ports of Gela and Siracusa are small so supply is never substantial.
- Screenshot 2026-05-23 224359.jpg (233.48 KiB) Viewed 64 times
Just finished air phase and it went well for Germany. Axis lost 304 while Allies lost 559. This is a Luftwaffe advantage of 255. But on German phase Axis lost about 80 planes more.
- Screenshot 2026-05-23 225311.jpg (169.39 KiB) Viewed 63 times
Ground phase has been peculiar on Sicily. I do not know where the Italians are. Mr. Bimmler has moved them well so it leaves the Allies guessing. As I said earlier on this post, Allies are committing all to taking Sicily. All Task Forces. In the picture below you can see on the western tip of Sicily the port of Trapani is being invaded.
The hex near the east point, Messina is also being invaded. Airborne was used to help isolate Sicily from Messina. The air landing was successful. Naval invasion is going through Axis controlled hexes but the reward for Allies make this worth it. Blue is invasions and pink is airborne drop hexes. The reason the airborne drop happened this turn instead of when the naval invasion happens next turn is that the hex is within 8 hexes of line so is treated as normal drop.
In the middle of Sicily the town of Termini was assaulted by air. This might lead to Sicily being cut in half for supply. As it is, I believe the western portion of the Island will be isolated due to naval interdiction.
- Screenshot 2026-05-23 234751.jpg (230.15 KiB) Viewed 55 times
- Screenshot 2026-05-24 000111.jpg (192.73 KiB) Viewed 55 times
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kentkroeckel
- Posts: 465
- Joined: Mon Jun 26, 2017 6:32 pm
- Location: USA Colorado
Turn 2 Reflection
July 10, 1943.
Did not receive a turn the last couple of days so wanted to write another detail about turn 2. Mr. Bimmler has positioned axis units well in protecting the eastern portion of Sicily. Units are spread out to take advantage of land features such as volcano and mountain hexes. Axis units block the paths between them so all should have been good.
However, those pesky Allies performed an amphibious invasion along with an airborne drop. Assuming the naval is okay, then Axis units are almost out of supply. If the port of Catania is isolated due to naval control, then there is no supply and units will be isolated. Of course Germany may be able to take one hex back, at which point supply is restored. I just wanted to emphasize that Allies had to travel through two Axis control hexes to mount this invasion. Controlled hexes can be traversed but there is a cost.
Calcification. Any Axis naval action cannot happen next to a task force. All is destroyed.
The goal of the Trapani invasion is to help isolate the port of Palerino; located along the northern coast of Sicily. It is a major port and needs to be separated from the rest of Sicily. Then isolated units can be removed. Point is, remove supply sources then concentrate on isolated units.
There has been minimal air combat in Mediterranean so Allies will be moving all tactical level bombers to United Kingdom. Better use there in strategic bombing. Tactical bombing in Italy will be accomplished by tactical bombers.
Did not receive a turn the last couple of days so wanted to write another detail about turn 2. Mr. Bimmler has positioned axis units well in protecting the eastern portion of Sicily. Units are spread out to take advantage of land features such as volcano and mountain hexes. Axis units block the paths between them so all should have been good.
However, those pesky Allies performed an amphibious invasion along with an airborne drop. Assuming the naval is okay, then Axis units are almost out of supply. If the port of Catania is isolated due to naval control, then there is no supply and units will be isolated. Of course Germany may be able to take one hex back, at which point supply is restored. I just wanted to emphasize that Allies had to travel through two Axis control hexes to mount this invasion. Controlled hexes can be traversed but there is a cost.
Calcification. Any Axis naval action cannot happen next to a task force. All is destroyed.
The goal of the Trapani invasion is to help isolate the port of Palerino; located along the northern coast of Sicily. It is a major port and needs to be separated from the rest of Sicily. Then isolated units can be removed. Point is, remove supply sources then concentrate on isolated units.
There has been minimal air combat in Mediterranean so Allies will be moving all tactical level bombers to United Kingdom. Better use there in strategic bombing. Tactical bombing in Italy will be accomplished by tactical bombers.