1943-1945 Campaign

[LiquidSky]

The channel islands are not part of any garrison zone. As such the German player has probably evacuated the islands to free it or another division to go to Italy.

I seem to recall invading Netherlands in October 1943 instead of Italy. War over by Xmas.

[kentkroeckel]

Thank you very much for your comment Mr. Liquid Sky. I have been following your posts on Mr. Matchwood's research on flak and interceptors. Informative from both of you.


Mr. Liquid Sky comment: "The channel islands are not part of any garrison zone. As such the German player has probably evacuated the islands to free it or another division to go to Italy."


Kent Response: Completely correct Mr. Liquid Sky. The British Channel Islands are not designated part of a garrison region. To be specific, North Western France. But my primary concern was triggering an increase of administrative points for Germany. Going from five administrative points to the full Axis compliment of ten. Minor details in WitW programing can sometimes overlook these nuances; especially with new versions.

Example one: In the Allied expanded headquarters version there are no British static garrison divisions but in 1943-1945 campaign there are around a dozen. Never really counted the exact number.

Example two: A few of those British static infantry divisions are located on main ports. They cannot be moved but yet they can. If an invasion is started from the same hex the static division may land at the invasion site. This should not happen though.

My perception of some WitW rule contradictions are why I am hesitant about absolutes in the game. Things have changed over the modified versions and I am no expert on all the changes. The living manual has much in its text. Ha.

Kent Response: Back to the wonderful comments from Mr. Liquid Sky. Often a German player will fail to move the German division (separated into three brigades among the the two Channel Islands) to the mainland, where they will be counted for garrison requirements.


Mr. Liquid Sky comment: "I seem to recall invading Netherlands in October 1943 instead of Italy. War over by Xmas."


Kent Response: I do not know if that was an early version but I assume so. Additionally, if I remember correctly, once the Allies take ten hexes of Europe, the condition for Italy is satisfied too. Of course that would rarely happen in such order. But back to the comment. This accomplishment is rare, in any version, for such an early Allied victory. Great skill on your part Mr. Liquid Sky.


Conclusion: I would love to hear your thoughts on game balance, given the current version. I believe in one of your comments Mr. Liquid Sky, you said most challenges end on Italy in 1943. I have heard a similar comment on 1944 D-Day games ending at first of the year 1945. The constant seems to be game imbalance, in favor of Germany.

[kentkroeckel]

October 30, 1943.

Victory points for turn were 14 and game total is 145.

Screenshot 2026-07-04 102300.jpg (105.77 KiB) Viewed 769 times

I only have metrics chart for air because Axis phase is not separating with Allied phase from previous turn. Germany lost 31 aircraft while Allies lost 72.

Screenshot 2026-07-04 123230.jpg (137.75 KiB) Viewed 769 times

Weather is rain over map. Light mud over ground and water level is 2-6.

Germany did no attacks and appears to have withdrawn again. Several hexes, to my surprise. It would seem Mr. Bimmler is going for the mountain ranges of Italy. Yet that gives a substantial land region to the Allies. In particular, Naples. This port city is a critical component for Allied supply heading north on Italy.

Screenshot 2026-07-04 123859.jpg (214.11 KiB) Viewed 766 times

Oops! Bad intelligence. Allied High Command is embarrassed again. Ha. And by that I mean me (Kent). Forget about my previous comment. After the Air phase I see that Germany (Mr. Bimmler) has not withdrawn from Naples or any more of Italy; which makes sense.

I could have deleted previous comments but where is the fun in that. People often try to make themselves look like a military prodigy but my above blunder had debunked any notion of that. Ha. Below is new map with with contact line in green.

Screenshot 2026-07-04 131903.jpg (203.27 KiB) Viewed 759 times

[kentkroeckel]

October 30, 1943.

Air phase losses during Allied part is as follows:
Germany lost 259 while Allies lost 319. That is a sixty advantage for Luftwaffe. Not bad for Allies either with that ratio since almost all air raids happened. Good strategic damage despite rain and ground attacks were good too. 47 Luftwaffe aircraft were destroyed on ground, mostly air transport.

Screenshot 2026-07-04 131722.jpg (171.99 KiB) Viewed 758 times

Wanted to show air engagements over Italy. First is most southern.

Screenshot 2026-07-04 140953.jpg (447.13 KiB) Viewed 753 times

Next is the northern area of Italy.

Screenshot 2026-07-04 141043.jpg (284.01 KiB) Viewed 753 times

Final picture I wanted to show is how Mr. Bimmler has prepared well the contact line. Many hexes are at three fortification.

Screenshot 2026-07-04 143109.jpg (255.97 KiB) Viewed 747 times

[kentkroeckel]

November 6, 1943.

Mr. Bimmler informed me that he had recently finished War in the Pacific; and when compared to WitW, it was predictable in what could happen. Specifically, repelling the recent Italian invasion. Mr. Bimmler explained how options are limited. I told him that I will do my best to spice things up. If I am able to pressure the Axis Mr. Bimmler will find our challenge more challenging and thus satisfying, I think. Allies will be bold with the next invasion.

Victory points for turn were 18 and game total is 163. A good gain for a turn I think.

Screenshot 2026-07-05 155605.jpg (101.49 KiB) Viewed 713 times

Weather over Europe and most of Italy is rain. Light mud over all with water level 2-5.

Amphibious pool is at 250 so not much of a drop from 270.

Germany conducted no ground attacks. But Axis contact line on Italy has strengthened considerably. Allied goal will now be to secure Naples.

Screenshot 2026-07-05 185302.jpg (162.61 KiB) Viewed 697 times

I wanted to show tactical reconnaissance missions over Italy. Even in rain they do some good.

Screenshot 2026-07-05 185332.jpg (411.35 KiB) Viewed 697 times

Final picture shows tactical attacks over Italy.

Screenshot 2026-07-05 185641.jpg (408.58 KiB) Viewed 697 times

[kentkroeckel]

November 6, 1943.

Allied air phase. Germany lost 254 while Allies lost 357. A Luftwaffe advantage of 103.

Screenshot 2026-07-05 192021.jpg (169.98 KiB) Viewed 694 times

Next three pictures are of the hex next to Naples. Thought it could be taken but no success. It was attacked five times but I can only show three of them unless I want to open another post. I do not.

First Attack: Fortification went from two to one.

Screenshot 2026-07-05 195550.jpg (215.18 KiB) Viewed 693 times

Second Attack: Fortification went from one to less.

Screenshot 2026-07-05 195610.jpg (224.39 KiB) Viewed 693 times

Third Attack: With no fortification I felt Axis units would retreat. Nope.

Screenshot 2026-07-05 195707.jpg (210.62 KiB) Viewed 693 times

[kentkroeckel]

No turn today.

I need to make a correction about an earlier post. May and June 1944 campaign games still only have 10 administrative points for Allies. I forgot I had the 200% on for the current challenge with Mr. Bimmler and failed to set it back. Then, when looking at invading options for Europe I noticed the increase without remembering the change. My bad. Lesson learned; do not conduct turns early in the morning. Fatigue can be your worst enemy. Ha.

[Seminole]

Greetings Mr. Seminole: Open Letter.

I wanted to hear your thoughts on Allies receiving additional administrative points. Ten more or said another way, two hundred percent. The minimum amount I felt needed to counter excessive Luftwaffe air naval. Many factors went into this amount for my final decision but that is not import.

You may feel no change is necessary on this matter Mr. Seminole. No imbalance in other words. The other end of the issue would be to add even more administrative points to Allied side. However, given your previous comments, I do not think this likely.

Never messed with shifting flak around, so no practical experience upon which to judge the difference.

But regardless, your opinion on this matter (imbalance of game play due to excessive Axis air naval power) I would like to read Mr. Seminole. Just facts though, through observation please. No need to name individuals or perceived inferior styles.

Because aerial pathing falls under naval interdiction I tend to arrange my efforts to cut off Allied landing zones by encirclement, and not by trying to exert naval interdiction against the TF itself (whereas I mentioned previously, the TF exercises its own inherent counter and reduces the interdiction values achieved).

I don't think a bunch of flak units stacked in the landing zone would have much impact, because I'd try to operate more than a hex distant from the TF anyway.

As the Axis player trying to maintain LOC to the islands of Corsica and Sardinia I ensure that my naval patrol routes are stacked overlap to maximize their effect. In this event I'm trying to avoid Allied sea control, so any TF damage is just bonus.

I think people would like to know if you have observed (Under the newest version of WitW) an effective way for Allies to counter the perceived imbalance of Axis air naval dominance. Also Mr. Seminole, could you include your thoughts on why an increase of Allied administrative points will not work. As I assume you will conclude.

As the Allied player I likewise stack my ingress and egress paths to the TF I'm trying to cover to try and ensure a safe route.
As the Allies I've found I have the strength to break through Axis naval interdiction by maintaining focus. Several naval patrols overlapping to the same TF landing area are superior to spreading yourself thin trying to protect multiple, non-mutually supporting landings. The latter allows the Axis to decide where to put their focus, and thereby overwhelm a portion of the Allied effort.

PS: I have communicated this post on AAR and on your private server mail Mr. Seminole. Either way is fine to respond. But if you only respond on private server mail then I will do the same and not place your response on public AAR.

Either is fine (I wondered why there was a deleted message).

[kentkroeckel]

Thank You very much for your response Mr. Seminole. They are always filled with knowledgeable game mechanics that few can match. I am certainly not one.

I like your comment on the flak stacks and agree that given your style they would have little effect, as long as Germany keeps distance. In my experience I have never seen this used, nor do I think there would be enough administrative points to conduct this. At 200% Allied administrative points there is but the strategy Mr. Bimmler is using will not allow for this. And to be clear, I am not upset by this; but the issue will remain unknown until I have a chance to test this.

Clarification: I had written you a private letter too, saying the same thing as in the open letter Mr. Seminole but after a week I assumed you were not interested in comment so removed it. I am very happy that you did write back and do cherish your comments. I also think keeping your comments in the public realm helps players with the game.

You made a comment about the islands of Corsica and Sardinia, in how you defend them rather than let them capitulate. Few Axis players do so, or are even capable to do so; but you do it well. You utilize the air supply to maximize logistics Mr. Seminole, while making sure all units are air transport possible.

A point of disagreement I do have with you is over Allied naval usage. I feel it is appropriate for the Allied player to place all naval air resources in Mediterranean theater. Likewise, the German player will often place all Luftwaffe air naval in the Mediterranean theater. My thought is that the Allied player must negate as much as possible the overwhelming Axis air naval presence.

Best wishes, Kent

[kentkroeckel]

November 13, 1943.

There is a story in victory points this turn. Allies gained 44 and game total is 207. Thirty three came from garrisons and I think I know what happened. Turn twenty had German withdraws to eastern front. Unless you have a few extra combat points in France, things can get tough to fix. I highlighted it in yellow.

Screenshot 2026-07-07 153043.jpg (105.58 KiB) Viewed 606 times

Looks like Germany has withdrawn from Naples.

Screenshot 2026-07-07 160646.jpg (125.69 KiB) Viewed 606 times

Weather for Europe and North Italy is rain with light mud everywhere. Water level is 2-6.

Wanted to show how the amphibious ship pool is going. Lost 4 for the turn and total losses is 82. Since Allies get 4 points per turn, the losses for game equal replacement essentially. It is in yellow.

Screenshot 2026-07-07 161833.jpg (177.69 KiB) Viewed 601 times

Air results are in. Germany lost 160 while Allies lost 349. A Luftwaffe advantage of 189. This does not include the Axis air phase which I assume was a twenty plane advantage for Allies.

Screenshot 2026-07-07 213227.jpg (169.05 KiB) Viewed 581 times

[LiquidSky]

I try to send all the divisions that withdraw from Europe to Italy to avoid 'surprises'. As well, I move all the big support units to OKW to bolster any garrison zone that might need help. It also helps free up ground units to move to Italy.

The best way to deal with Axis naval interdiction is with fighters. It also means that you really can't invade somewhere that doesn't have fighter cover, which should come as no surprise to anybody who knows history. Bombers are not replaced quickly (and patrol/torpedo not at all).

[kentkroeckel]

Thank you for commenting Mr. Liquid Sky. Your action with German garrisons is what I do to. Tells me I am doing it right since you do this. Ha. I make a point of sending Axis units down to southern Italy so when they withdraw it is not difficult to keep garrison levels good. I also fill secondary cities with appropriate combat value so that when an invasion happens all is good. I also keep a division on each port. I also concentrate on making a fortification too. Finally, I set a few combat points right where the four French garrisons converge. Easy to deal with a surprise. I also set a couple extra combat points in Netherlands. They can fix issue along coastal garrisons.

Your comment about using fighters to chew up Axis naval assets is what I try to do too. A balance between bomber protection and amphibious protection is the challenge. I seem to prioritize invasions since that is the area most vulnerable.

In a previous post of yours, Mr. Liquid Sky, you commented about invading beyond substantial Allied air cover. This is of particular interest to me. Challenging enough to get ashore against a proficient Axis player. Now do it with minimal air cover, and the Allies will consume task forces as well as the amphibious pool.

Mr. Seminole made a comment about having the Allies land initially on the Heel of the Boot of Italy. In other words, the furthest east and south possible. I challenge this because I do not think the Allies would have sufficient air resources to endure a full response from a competent German player. Now of course I do not know for sure but this is my thought on it. Have you used this site as an invasion or had it used against you? And to be clear, this is no rebuttal of Mr. Seminole. If anyone could succeed it would be him.

Thank you Mr. Liquid Sky.
Best wishes, Kent.

[kentkroeckel]

November 13, 1943.

Wanted to show progress of rail repair. There are presently three railroad headquarter / division repair units but more do come as the war goes on. Two British ones are fixing Italy.

Screenshot 2026-07-07 222914.jpg (257.71 KiB) Viewed 573 times

The American one is fixing Sardinia and soon to be Corsica.

Screenshot 2026-07-07 222938.jpg (125.58 KiB) Viewed 573 times

This next comment is for Mr. Liquid Sky. Reconnaissance has indicated that the British Channel Islands have not been vacated. Maybe Mr. Bimmler will do it after the first of the year but I am thinking not. In any case, Allies will take them back at beginning of 1944.

Screenshot 2026-07-07 223013.jpg (42.51 KiB) Viewed 573 times

Final picture is of the Italian contact line. Mr. Bimmler has withdrawn from Naples. This is a large relief for Allies. Only attacked one hex and it was not successful. Green is contact line while red shows area taken.

Screenshot 2026-07-07 224109.jpg (314.56 KiB) Viewed 572 times

[Seminole]

You made a comment about the islands of Corsica and Sardinia, in how you defend them rather than let them capitulate. Few Axis players do so, or are even capable to do so; but you do it well. You utilize the air supply to maximize logistics Mr. Seminole, while making sure all units are air transport possible.

Clarification. I don't really make use of air supply, but I do use 'light' units like security and paratroops in the endeavor because they can be more readily evacuated by air when the noose finally tightens.

A point of disagreement I do have with you is over Allied naval usage. I feel it is appropriate for the Allied player to place all naval air resources in Mediterranean theater. Likewise, the German player will often place all Luftwaffe air naval in the Mediterranean theater. My thought is that the Allied player must negate as much as possible the overwhelming Axis air naval presence.

The distinction is that the Axis have no naval supply to protect in the Channel, nor the Celtic and North seas. Presumably the need to traverse supplies over contested waters will incur higher supply ship loss friction for the Allies, but I think a 'garrison requirement' of some degree of naval patrol would curtail completely unrealistic min/maxxing of air assets to the Med. But I don't view it as 'game breaking', just unrealistic.

It strikes me as a little silly to pretend that 1943 wasn't still at the height of the Battle of the Atlantic, and that COSSAC would entirely denude the British isle of naval air patrols to invade Italy. March '43 was one of the worst months of the war for shipping losses in the Atlantic.

The Allied player can overwhelm Axis air naval interdiction by focusing his efforts.

"Klotzen, nicht Kleckern!"

[kentkroeckel]

Once again, thank you very much for your comment Mr. Seminole. They are always informative.


Mr. Seminole Comment:
Clarification. I don't really make use of air supply, but I do use 'light' units like security and paratroops in the endeavor because they can be more readily evacuated by air when the noose finally tightens.

Kent Response:
First of all, you are the best I have ever seen in defending Corsica. Sardinia, if the Allies invaded initially, will be taken no matter what the German player does. But you, Mr. Seminole, still make a fight for it. Next part, I guess I made a mistake. I thought you used air transports to supply units on the islands when they became isolated due to Allied naval control. My bad.



Quote by Kent on which Mr. Seminole makes comment:
A point of disagreement I do have with you is over Allied naval usage. I feel it is appropriate for the Allied player to place all naval air resources in Mediterranean theater. Likewise, the German player will often place all Luftwaffe air naval in the Mediterranean theater. My thought is that the Allied player must negate as much as possible the overwhelming Axis air naval presence.

Mr. Seminole Response:
The distinction is that the Axis have no naval supply to protect in the Channel, nor the Celtic and North seas. Presumably the need to traverse supplies over contested waters will incur higher supply ship loss friction for the Allies, but I think a 'garrison requirement' of some degree of naval patrol would curtail completely unrealistic min/maxing of air assets to the Med. But I don't view it as 'game breaking', just unrealistic.

Kent response:
I understand your reasoning Mr. Seminole and agree. One could also make the same legitimate claim that Allies need to maintain a ground a garrison for the European invasion. the point I would say is that the Allies need to make use of all ground and air assets to battle the German game play advantage. Historically though, this would never happen, as you correctly point out. But in addition, historically, the Luftwaffe did not have much in the way of air naval assets that could challenge the Allies.



Mr. Seminole comment:
It strikes me as a little silly to pretend that 1943 wasn't still at the height of the Battle of the Atlantic, and that COSSAC would entirely denude the British isle of naval air patrols to invade Italy. March '43 was one of the worst months of the war for shipping losses in the Atlantic.

Kent Response:
This comment reinforces what you stated earlier Mr. Seminole but adds additional factual support. Take this statement to court and you will be victorious. Ha. Need to have a little fun writing. But what you state is historically correct. I would even break up 1943 in to parts. The first six months was when the Allies were loosing many ships and logistics were becoming critical. the second half of 1943 was when Germany lost so many U-Boats and they were pulled back to coastal patrols mostly.



Mr. Seminole comment:
The Allied player can overwhelm Axis air naval interdiction by focusing his efforts.

Kent Response:
Even when the Allies concentrates all naval air to the Mediterranean, a committed German player can challenge logistics and and amphibious invasions. Particularly those at the limit of fighter protection; as offered by you in the Italian Boot heel invasion. I am not saying it cannot be done but seems questionable Mr. Seminole. But if anyone could be successful it would be you. That is a compliment if you are wondering. Ha.


Best wishes, Kent.

[LiquidSky]

You don't have to use all real units in Sardinia/Corsica. You can use fortification units. They only cost 1 admin point if it is not a coastal hex. But I usually don't want the allies invading Corsica (especially) because it creates a free level 2 airbase on a hex that could not have one normally.

The Italian bomber force is very good at laying down naval interdiction, and so will probably be doing most of the work before October since it will be gone anyways. The German Ju-88's are not that good but make up for it in quantity. And will be shot down in quantity.

I find that as the allies, you need at least a level 2 in the European theater and then a level 2 along the coast of Africa just for transferring units. Otherwise you do lose a lot of transports.

[kentkroeckel]

Thank you Mr. Liquid Sky for taking the time to comment on Italian Island taking. It does help many players see new perspectives. Myself include, as I will explain below.


Mr. Liquid Sky Comment:
You don't have to use all real units in Sardinia/Corsica. You can use fortification units. They only cost 1 admin point if it is not a coastal hex. But I usually don't want the allies invading Corsica (especially) because it creates a free level 2 airbase on a hex that could not have one normally.

Kent Response:
I am embarrassed to say, I never thought of creating fortifications on the two islands, Corsica and Sardinia. When I place fortifications, as the German player, I concentrate them on Europe. But I do place several on Italy. Because, as you said, they only cost one administrative point when not on coastline. Axis player can make a few rows deep really quick, thus preventing an Allied breakout. this is what I like to do but I have never placed any fortifications on Sicily or Sardinia. They usually are compromised quickly so not worth it. But I do like your idea of using them on Corsica if it is not invaded immediately by Allies. Your other comment about a level two base for Allies is particularly effective when invading Corsica. Nice bonus. So if it capitulates without a fight, at least Allies do not get those level two bases.


Mr. Liquid Sky comment:
The Italian bomber force is very good at laying down naval interdiction, and so will probably be doing most of the work before October since it will be gone anyways. The German Ju-88's are not that good but make up for it in quantity. And will be shot down in quantity.

Kent Response:
Yes to all that you have stated Mr. Liquid Sky. And if Germany commits all to this, then it can be overwhelming for Allies during invasions. Especially if they are in more than one location and far from fighter protection. One reason to take Sardinia and Corsica quickly by Allies, to deprive Luftwaffe these locations.


Mr. Liquid Sky Comment:
I find that as the allies, you need at least a level 2 in the European theater and then a level 2 along the coast of Africa just for transferring units. Otherwise you do lose a lot of transports.

Kent Response: I respectfully challenge this conclusion Mr. Liquid Sky. In my current game, Mediterranean has been mostly under Allied naval control. But as you know, weather reduces control. However, Mediterranean is still doable since weather is not so bad all the time. Additionally, Mr. Bimmler did not challenge the Allied naval control. Now if there had been a complete Axis challenge then there would probibly be a different outcome with amphibious losses. As it is now I have lost about the same amount of amphibious points so far. Eighty lost and eighty gained over twenty turns. And yes, no replacements for turn one but I like round numbers. Ha.

Second Part: Around the United Kingdom weather is almost always bad except for summer. This means air naval does not impact for several turns at a time. Plus, there is the inherent naval control from all the ports that the United Kingdom has. My point being, not much of a determent if Allied naval air is not assisting in sea control around United Kingdom. Just my opinion though.


Best wishes, Mr. Liquid Sky.
Kent

[Seminole]

First of all, you are the best I have ever seen in defending Corsica. Sardinia, if the Allies invaded initially, will be taken no matter what the German player does.

The clock is ticking for the Allied commander. Even when the Allied commander knows full well the Axis intent to contest the islands, as you did in our rematch, it's still a brutal slog that burns up precious weeks, and during good weather no less.
The Axis have no realistic hope of holding the islands, just compelling an Allied commitment that deprives them of resources elsewhere.
When it isn't suspected, as in our first match, it was turn 6 (August 7th) before the Italian surrender and your first indication things wouldn't be as straightforward as hoped. You weren't able to muster an invasion of Sardinia before turn 12 (September 18th). And the next week you resigned, so we didn't get to see how it would have played out, but splitting your naval patrols between four distinct landing zones was also an advantage to the Axis.

In our rematch you reset half of the Allied landings and invaded Sardinia on turn 3 (July 17th). This precluded German reinforcement, but mopping up continued until turn 7 (August 14th). Splitting the Allied effort also meant that the battle for Sicily went slowly (historically Op. Husky ended August 17th).
Turn 10 (September 4th) landings in Corsica occurred while the battle continued in Sicily.
Turn 11 (September 11th) four more TFs were committed to Corsica, while Messina was still in Axis hands and the Italians still holding out.
By turn 13 the Allies had committed at least 18 divisions and a further 8 brigade sized units to Corsica, all which would take time in the best circumstances to move out of the small ports available (once repaired).
It was not until turn 14 (October 2nd) that the Axis evacuated Corsica and were finally evicted from Messina.
The Allies didn't make their first landing on the Toe until turn 18 (October 30th), which I consider to be a significant Axis achievement with respect to compelling the Allies to try and force landings in poor weather, and with the reductions in air efficacy that the changing daylight hours bring.
Italians finally surrendered on turn 19 (November 6th), but recon indicated Allied units still trying to embark from Corsica at xmas.
In exchange the Germans lost 1 security rgt & 1 fortress bde (Sardinia), and 3 para rgts (Corsica). A more than fair trade in my eyes for wrecking the Allies time table and progress in Italy.

I understand your reasoning Mr. Seminole and agree. One could also make the same legitimate claim that Allies need to maintain a ground a garrison for the European invasion.

To this end the game does include at least 9 British 'frozen' divisions that the Allied player cannot relocate (some after 61 turns, but most for the entire campaign).
Instead of 'freezing' particular units/squadrons to particular places I think a garrison requirement would serve the purpose, and still provide the player flexibility.

the point I would say is that the Allies need to make use of all ground and air assets to battle the German game play advantage. Historically though, this would never happen, as you correctly point out. But in addition, historically, the Luftwaffe did not have much in the way of air naval assets that could challenge the Allies.

Benefit to the Allies that the Germans didn't put more effort into the Henschel Hs 293 and Fritz X.

Even when the Allies concentrates all naval air to the Mediterranean, a committed German player can challenge logistics and and amphibious invasions. Particularly those at the limit of fighter protection; as offered by you in the Italian Boot heel invasion. I am not saying it cannot be done but seems questionable Mr. Seminole. But if anyone could be successful it would be you. That is a compliment if you are wondering. Ha.

I've only had the pleasure of playing an Allied '43 campaign against the AI. If you're up for the challenge let me know.

[Seminole]

I respectfully challenge this conclusion Mr. Liquid Sky. In my current game, Mediterranean has been mostly under Allied naval control. But as you know, weather reduces control. However, Mediterranean is still doable since weather is not so bad all the time. Additionally, Mr. Bimmler did not challenge the Allied naval control. Now if there had been a complete Axis challenge then there would probibly be a different outcome with amphibious losses. As it is now I have lost about the same amount of amphibious points so far. Eighty lost and eighty gained over twenty turns. And yes, no replacements for turn one but I like round numbers. Ha.

Second Part: Around the United Kingdom weather is almost always bad except for summer. This means air naval does not impact for several turns at a time. Plus, there is the inherent naval control from all the ports that the United Kingdom has. My point being, not much of a determent if Allied naval air is not assisting in sea control around United Kingdom. Just my opinion though.

Like LiquidSky, I station naval patrol assets along the north African coast to ensure that auto patrol maintains Allied control. This should reduce frictional shipping losses across neutral sea lanes, and prevents the extraordinarily annoying loss of transports when transferring land units between theaters.

Denuding the British isle of naval patrol leaves a lot of neutral see hexes that your supplies must transit.

This is from turn 5 in our second contest when you sent everything to Africa:



I'm not saying you shouldn't transfer any air units from Britain to Africa, but I find it advisable to spread the torpedo bombers and shorter range aircraft to auto patrol the home isle and the African coast. I actually like to use some (not all!) of the British LBs that would otherwise bomb the Ruhr for long range naval patrol at the outset.
Once you've secure The Heel and have almost a dozen level 2 airbases for FBs to protect the landing zones the British LBs on loan can be sent back north to eat flak for king and country.

Another tip for Allied players if you're doing a lot of rebasing. They tried to fix the issue with air support manpower, so long as you have some in your pools they'll immediately transfer when aircraft relocate. You can use alternate nationalities squadrons to 'sweep' unneeded air support manpower back into the pools.

e.g. You move all your British aircraft out of a base, but the manpower sits there. You want them in your new bases, but moving all your squadrons around has drained the pool, and lacking air support manpower will ground air frames next turn.

If you move in an American recon squadron the British air support will go to the pool and small American air support manpower contingent will occupy the base. Now you can hop a British recon group to the underserved bases and upon landing they'll draw on the manpower/support pool to ensure your airmen are where they need to be.
It's annoyingly tedious at the outset (especially if you shuffle your AC around to satisfy your OCD), but resolves a slightly broken game mechanic where the air support doesn't immediately follow the squadron to their new base.

[kentkroeckel]

Kent Response to Mr. Seminole posts:
Too much to respond to so what I will do is condense parts of your post Mr. Seminole, that can be applied to current challenge with Mr. Bimmler. I do not archive previous matches and only keep the four pictures for the current turn. Then I purge them. No clutter that way. Of course I could go over previous posts in my AAR but do not feel that is nessecary. I am impressed though, on how you keep records of each of your matches. As I said before Mr. Seminole, you have the best graphics I have ever seen on WitW posts.

Mr. Seminole feels a good Axis defense could be made of the Italian Islands. Depending on how the Allied player invades,then yes. I also like the idea from Mr. Liquid Sky of using fortifications. Tempting idea if the Islands are not invaded firstly. Mr. Bimmler decided to go with a more condensed defense and it worked out well for him.

Mr. Seminole explains how the Allies lost more units taking Corsica than the Axis in a challenge that we had. I am not able to recall specific details but it seems they have been recorded as to which type, week of loss, and all other combat details one could possibly want. Yet some German players decide not to invest resources to protect one or more of the Italian islands. that is okay too; just as Mr. Bimmler has done.

you have only played the Allied player in the 1943-1945 campaign against the AI Mr. Seminole. So what I recommend is that you contact Mr. Liquid Sky and see if he would welcome a match with you in a 1943-1945 campaign. I am sure that would be an exciting match for you. Settings would probibly be normal since you feel game balance is fine. For a really crazy challenge you could let Mr. Liquid Sky have control of the Eastern Front. I am sure that would spice things up! Just a thought Mr. Seminole. I do appreciate your offer at a match again but I am in one with Mr. Bimmler. If all goes well it will take us until the end of 2026. I prefer to only have one game at a time.

Allied air naval control is the next topic brought up by Mr. Seminole. I will show a pictures of this for next turn. But as present, Mediterranean is fine. meaning, controlled by Allies. Europe is not contested; which is usually the case, especially during bad weather. Now if this changed, I could dedicate fighters to protect the United Kingdom along with redirecting some of the level bombers stationed there. I do not recall the picture shown by Mr. Seminole but the action would be the same, as it is would be for Mr. Bimmler. Dedicate fighters and level bombers from strategic bombing.

Next point brought up by Mr. Seminole and Mr. Liquid Sky is Allied losses of amphibious transports. This is a unique challenge between Myself and Mr. Bimmler. Few amphibious transport losses. Therefore, Allies have been able to move units around with only minor losses. Though the last major Italian invasion was repulsed by Germany while inflicting significant losses. I (Allied Command) had assumed Axis forces were going to stay defensive. Not the case, so many transports were destroyed. I had not given sufficient air resources for the invasion. Lesson learned. The next invasion will be heavily protected.

Final point I will deal with is how to move air units. Mr. Seminole explains in detail, in how to extract the maximum support for air units. Another way is to activate a base a couple turns before planned use. Its in the manual, and allows build up of facilities at a base. Both ways are fine.

Thank You to Mr. Seminole and Mr. Liquid Sky for comments.
Sincerely, Kent.