My air losses are similar to what your opponent is losing, except I am managing to keep the bombing vp's below 10 points per turn, and lately below 5. From my experience you can get 6-7 points just from the Ruhr.
Let's see...I only move the free RR-Flak since I am using the admin points for other tasks..so it's probably not because of excess flak in the target hexes.
I do put all the damage on priority repair which is more or less a one time expense in admin points. It's an extra 20% of the damage repaired (so 70 damage would repair an extra 14) on top of the construction units repair. (typically 9). I also put all construction units in OKW for greater freedom of movement (within 200 or 250 hexes).
None of them reach southern Italy.
Given that the bombing campaigns are fairly predictable, and you don't seem to be doing anything too risky, I can only conclude that your opponent does not know about priority repair.
1943-1945 Campaign
Moderator: MOD_WarintheWest
Re: 1943-1945 Campaign
“My logisticians are a humorless lot … they know if my campaign fails, they are the first ones I will slay.” – Alexander the Great
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kentkroeckel
- Posts: 586
- Joined: Mon Jun 26, 2017 6:32 pm
- Location: USA Colorado
Strategic Bombing
No turn today so wanted to talk about strategic Bombing. Specifically, vengeance weapons.
For the month of December 1943, Allies are in a bit of situation. Keep bombing submarine facilities or start with vengeance weapons? By the way, December is the earliest Allies can bomb vengeance weapons.
Axis have been averaging two points per turn for November and December of 1943, as it relates to submarine victory points. This is very typical due to weather and other constraints but earlier it was one and two. This last turn was three and that extra point can be directly attributed to the change of strategic priority bombing. I figure Germany will gain up to ten extra victory points during this transition.
To balance out the extra victory points is the following:
Not conducting vengeance weapon bombing until the last week of December 1943 will result in several points being awarded to Germany until a reasonable amount of vengeance weapon resources are bombed. Let us say it takes the Allies all of January, under best of conditions. It could take longer if several turns are bad weather. Additionally, many more sites need to be attacked, when compared to submarines. Vengeance weapon points are nearly double (VWL + VW) when compared to submarines.
I believe accepting the ten submarine victory point penalty is worth it when transitioning. Meaning, waiting until the last week of December would cost more than ten submarine victory points from extra vengeance weapon points. I think it could be twenty points.
I copied the vengeance weapon charts that I use to track damage. The first is vengeance weapons launch sites. VWL
Next chart is vengeance weapon factories. VW
For the month of December 1943, Allies are in a bit of situation. Keep bombing submarine facilities or start with vengeance weapons? By the way, December is the earliest Allies can bomb vengeance weapons.
Axis have been averaging two points per turn for November and December of 1943, as it relates to submarine victory points. This is very typical due to weather and other constraints but earlier it was one and two. This last turn was three and that extra point can be directly attributed to the change of strategic priority bombing. I figure Germany will gain up to ten extra victory points during this transition.
To balance out the extra victory points is the following:
Not conducting vengeance weapon bombing until the last week of December 1943 will result in several points being awarded to Germany until a reasonable amount of vengeance weapon resources are bombed. Let us say it takes the Allies all of January, under best of conditions. It could take longer if several turns are bad weather. Additionally, many more sites need to be attacked, when compared to submarines. Vengeance weapon points are nearly double (VWL + VW) when compared to submarines.
I believe accepting the ten submarine victory point penalty is worth it when transitioning. Meaning, waiting until the last week of December would cost more than ten submarine victory points from extra vengeance weapon points. I think it could be twenty points.
I copied the vengeance weapon charts that I use to track damage. The first is vengeance weapons launch sites. VWL
- Screenshot 2026-07-25 130211.jpg (48.63 KiB) Viewed 730 times
Next chart is vengeance weapon factories. VW
- Screenshot 2026-07-25 130236.jpg (77.08 KiB) Viewed 730 times
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kentkroeckel
- Posts: 586
- Joined: Mon Jun 26, 2017 6:32 pm
- Location: USA Colorado
Liquid Sky Response
Greeting again Mr. Liquid Sky; so nice to hear from you. I was typing my post when you posted so I had to go back and make sure I did not miss anything. Post went from page six to seven.
Mr. Liquid Sky comment:
My air losses are similar to what your opponent is losing, except I am managing to keep the bombing vp's below 10 points per turn, and lately below 5. From my experience you can get 6-7 points just from the Ruhr.
Kent Response:
With regard to the Allied victory points, I do not know how to respond. If those are from June 6, 1944 onward, that is fine. If those are from 1943, could be a problem for Allied player. I am talking about getting below five. I do believe if we were playing you would be inflicting many more Allied air losses due to intense air engagements. I try to modify my play to the style of opponent. But to be clear, I would still loose to you Mr. Liquid Sky. But it would be fun. If you could post a couple pictures, that would exciting to see.
As it is now in my challenge, I have dedicated all level bombers to strategic bombing, with a few distractions on tactical bombing on Italy. I have also concentrated much on submarines and now vengeance weapons. Going for points this game.
Mr. Liquid Sky comment:
Let's see...I only move the free RR-Flak since I am using the admin points for other tasks..so it's probably not because of excess flak in the target hexes.
Kent Response:
I love RR flak when playing Germany. Free movement.
I think every submarine and then vengeance weapon site should be near maxed with flak. Mr. Metalist did well with this in my last match playing with expanded Allied air headquarters. This forces Allied bombers to fly through a wall of shrapnel. I believe flak accounts for the majority of Allied losses.
Mr. Liquid Sky comment:
I do put all the damage on priority repair which is more or less a one time expense in admin points. It's an extra 20% of the damage repaired (so 70 damage would repair an extra 14) on top of the construction units repair. (typically 9). I also put all construction units in OKW for greater freedom of movement (within 200 or 250 hexes).
None of them reach southern Italy.
Given that the bombing campaigns are fairly predictable, and you don't seem to be doing anything too risky, I can only conclude that your opponent does not know about priority repair.
Kent Response:
I am not aware of the specific number for formula repair. That is, until I read your comment. Impressive! But what I do, knowing that I want to keep a construction unit on a important hex, is to assign it there. So for example, I take the top ten hexes for Vengeance weapons and assign a construction unit for it. I do the same for the Ruhr. Six there. There is still a pool left for regular use but I am also making sure that most strategic bombing is on a designated repair hex.
Right now I have all construction engineers assigned to to UK home forces and AFHQ. Railroad repair and task force are also assigned there.
Mr. Liquid Sky comment:
My air losses are similar to what your opponent is losing, except I am managing to keep the bombing vp's below 10 points per turn, and lately below 5. From my experience you can get 6-7 points just from the Ruhr.
Kent Response:
With regard to the Allied victory points, I do not know how to respond. If those are from June 6, 1944 onward, that is fine. If those are from 1943, could be a problem for Allied player. I am talking about getting below five. I do believe if we were playing you would be inflicting many more Allied air losses due to intense air engagements. I try to modify my play to the style of opponent. But to be clear, I would still loose to you Mr. Liquid Sky. But it would be fun. If you could post a couple pictures, that would exciting to see.
As it is now in my challenge, I have dedicated all level bombers to strategic bombing, with a few distractions on tactical bombing on Italy. I have also concentrated much on submarines and now vengeance weapons. Going for points this game.
Mr. Liquid Sky comment:
Let's see...I only move the free RR-Flak since I am using the admin points for other tasks..so it's probably not because of excess flak in the target hexes.
Kent Response:
I love RR flak when playing Germany. Free movement.
I think every submarine and then vengeance weapon site should be near maxed with flak. Mr. Metalist did well with this in my last match playing with expanded Allied air headquarters. This forces Allied bombers to fly through a wall of shrapnel. I believe flak accounts for the majority of Allied losses.
Mr. Liquid Sky comment:
I do put all the damage on priority repair which is more or less a one time expense in admin points. It's an extra 20% of the damage repaired (so 70 damage would repair an extra 14) on top of the construction units repair. (typically 9). I also put all construction units in OKW for greater freedom of movement (within 200 or 250 hexes).
None of them reach southern Italy.
Given that the bombing campaigns are fairly predictable, and you don't seem to be doing anything too risky, I can only conclude that your opponent does not know about priority repair.
Kent Response:
I am not aware of the specific number for formula repair. That is, until I read your comment. Impressive! But what I do, knowing that I want to keep a construction unit on a important hex, is to assign it there. So for example, I take the top ten hexes for Vengeance weapons and assign a construction unit for it. I do the same for the Ruhr. Six there. There is still a pool left for regular use but I am also making sure that most strategic bombing is on a designated repair hex.
Right now I have all construction engineers assigned to to UK home forces and AFHQ. Railroad repair and task force are also assigned there.
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kentkroeckel
- Posts: 586
- Joined: Mon Jun 26, 2017 6:32 pm
- Location: USA Colorado
Turn 25 Axis phase
December 18, 1943.
Going to start with amphibious troop transports. Lost three last turn, for a game total of 95. Challenge is in turn 25 so that would be 100 replacement points, minus four for first turn. None for that. means 96 have come into the game while 95 have gone out. Below is the chart for this.
Next I want to show the German air phase. Only transports flying this turn. Two spots. By the way, heavy rain in Italy. Mud everywhere.
Air losses reflect all of this. Below is chart and not much to speak of.
Despite the weather, Germany did one attack. Of course on same hex and it was successful. Below are the results. It is in red and green shows contact line.
Going to start with amphibious troop transports. Lost three last turn, for a game total of 95. Challenge is in turn 25 so that would be 100 replacement points, minus four for first turn. None for that. means 96 have come into the game while 95 have gone out. Below is the chart for this.
- Screenshot 2026-07-27 123041.jpg (168.86 KiB) Viewed 668 times
Next I want to show the German air phase. Only transports flying this turn. Two spots. By the way, heavy rain in Italy. Mud everywhere.
- Screenshot 2026-07-27 122756.jpg (146.41 KiB) Viewed 664 times
Air losses reflect all of this. Below is chart and not much to speak of.
- Screenshot 2026-07-27 122841.jpg (169.59 KiB) Viewed 664 times
Despite the weather, Germany did one attack. Of course on same hex and it was successful. Below are the results. It is in red and green shows contact line.
- Screenshot 2026-07-27 122701.jpg (270 KiB) Viewed 663 times
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kentkroeckel
- Posts: 586
- Joined: Mon Jun 26, 2017 6:32 pm
- Location: USA Colorado
Turn 25 Allied phase
December 18, 1943.
Weather over Europe is snow.
Ground is light mud. Water and snow level is 4-7.
Weather over Italy is heavy rain.
Ground is a mix of light and heavy mud. Water level is 4-7.
To start with, air missions are separated in three main categories for flying conditions.
A: First category is "fine to fly in". Definition in manual. Under this heading, clear, cold, and rain. there are of course some small differences in each specific aspect but all are fine to fly in.
B: In this category the manual uses the word "bad to fly in". Under this heading there is snowfall.
C: This is the final and worst category. The manual calls this "very bad to fly in". Under this heading is heavy rain and blizzard. I do not think an explanation is required for this category.
with the above information, Allied air missions in Italy will not be conducted.
In Europe, it is still optional. But now specific aspects need to be evaluated. Conducting strategic bombing during snowfall limits results. Reconnaissance will also be limited. Though some vengeance weapon damage will be gained. So under normal snowfall conditions, I would bomb with Allies. However, I have a problem. Most Allied level bombers have poor morale. I am doubtful any meaningful results could be achieved so no air missions in Europe. This will also postpone the posting of vengeance weapons bombing results.
Victory Points: For turn there were 8. Game total is 289. Minus three were given for submarine action, which is really good for Allies. It is in blue. Bombing is in yellow. Twenty-one for Allies. But since no bombing this turn, points will go down next turn.
I checked weather for next week, (December 25, 1943) and looks to be the same. One thing Allies can do is set one air mission loaded with fighters and use it as bait to have German interceptors engage it. Yet I have chosen not to do this. Maybe next week but for this week I wanted every pilot to rest.
I decided to activate Allied air transports to supply attacking units In Italy.
First attack is the Axis attack, which I already showed. Allies attacked the same spot twice. Victory. Below are results.
Attack One:
Attack Two:
Final picture is of current contact line, reflecting "Bloody Hex" being under Allied control for this phase. Official name of hex.
Weather over Europe is snow.
Ground is light mud. Water and snow level is 4-7.
Weather over Italy is heavy rain.
Ground is a mix of light and heavy mud. Water level is 4-7.
To start with, air missions are separated in three main categories for flying conditions.
A: First category is "fine to fly in". Definition in manual. Under this heading, clear, cold, and rain. there are of course some small differences in each specific aspect but all are fine to fly in.
B: In this category the manual uses the word "bad to fly in". Under this heading there is snowfall.
C: This is the final and worst category. The manual calls this "very bad to fly in". Under this heading is heavy rain and blizzard. I do not think an explanation is required for this category.
with the above information, Allied air missions in Italy will not be conducted.
In Europe, it is still optional. But now specific aspects need to be evaluated. Conducting strategic bombing during snowfall limits results. Reconnaissance will also be limited. Though some vengeance weapon damage will be gained. So under normal snowfall conditions, I would bomb with Allies. However, I have a problem. Most Allied level bombers have poor morale. I am doubtful any meaningful results could be achieved so no air missions in Europe. This will also postpone the posting of vengeance weapons bombing results.
Victory Points: For turn there were 8. Game total is 289. Minus three were given for submarine action, which is really good for Allies. It is in blue. Bombing is in yellow. Twenty-one for Allies. But since no bombing this turn, points will go down next turn.
- Screenshot 2026-07-27 131633.jpg (97.55 KiB) Viewed 655 times
I checked weather for next week, (December 25, 1943) and looks to be the same. One thing Allies can do is set one air mission loaded with fighters and use it as bait to have German interceptors engage it. Yet I have chosen not to do this. Maybe next week but for this week I wanted every pilot to rest.
I decided to activate Allied air transports to supply attacking units In Italy.
First attack is the Axis attack, which I already showed. Allies attacked the same spot twice. Victory. Below are results.
Attack One:
- Screenshot 2026-07-27 133857.jpg (267.3 KiB) Viewed 649 times
Attack Two:
- Screenshot 2026-07-27 133934.jpg (295.49 KiB) Viewed 649 times
Final picture is of current contact line, reflecting "Bloody Hex" being under Allied control for this phase. Official name of hex.
- Screenshot 2026-07-27 134456.jpg (114.16 KiB) Viewed 648 times
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kentkroeckel
- Posts: 586
- Joined: Mon Jun 26, 2017 6:32 pm
- Location: USA Colorado
Turn 26
December 25, 1943.
Victory points: For turn they were 16 and game total is 305. At this point an Allied minor victory but this amount will soon reduce. U-Boat points for turn was -4, and that is for the last turn of it. This turned out well, switching strategic bombing during December. Half the month was bad weather anyway. Below is chart. Submarine is outlined in blue. Strategic bombing is still maintaining at twenty plus points.
In Italy it is heavy rain. Ground is heavy mud with water at 7-8.
Mr. Bimmler did no ground attacks this turn. The Luftwaffe did no air missions either. Allies will reciprocate. No Allied air missions over Italy. Though maybe air supply.
Following is contact line and at this point all green since no movement.
Over Brittan it is cold, which means air missions. Over most of France it is snow, which is not good for flying. But back to England, the ground is snow, with water and snow at 2-6 level. Operational losses do occur often under these conditions.
Main takeaway is that all of the vengeance weapon launch sites are under cold. Allies have to conduct strategic bombing under these conditions.
Below is air results. Eleven losses for Luftwaffe while Allies lost 80.
I need to explain what I did for air phase. I put three days on each for America and British. I also decided to bomb the Ruhr area along with France. Escort was concentrated on Germany missions and not the vengeance weapon launch sites. I do not think much mattered on escort but some damage was inflicted. Next week is all snow so no missions I think for Europe. Just have to see.
Did an attack but heavy mud made it useless so stopped after two tries. Allies just have to wait for better weather.
Main takeaway for this turn is what the effect of vengeance weapons for the start of 1944. Are we looking at fifteen victory points for the first week of January or under five? The result will dictate how extreme the Allies have to be over strategic bombing during difficult weather.
Victory points: For turn they were 16 and game total is 305. At this point an Allied minor victory but this amount will soon reduce. U-Boat points for turn was -4, and that is for the last turn of it. This turned out well, switching strategic bombing during December. Half the month was bad weather anyway. Below is chart. Submarine is outlined in blue. Strategic bombing is still maintaining at twenty plus points.
- Screenshot 2026-07-30 092546.jpg (103.02 KiB) Viewed 573 times
In Italy it is heavy rain. Ground is heavy mud with water at 7-8.
Mr. Bimmler did no ground attacks this turn. The Luftwaffe did no air missions either. Allies will reciprocate. No Allied air missions over Italy. Though maybe air supply.
Following is contact line and at this point all green since no movement.
- Screenshot 2026-07-30 092715.jpg (164.39 KiB) Viewed 573 times
Over Brittan it is cold, which means air missions. Over most of France it is snow, which is not good for flying. But back to England, the ground is snow, with water and snow at 2-6 level. Operational losses do occur often under these conditions.
Main takeaway is that all of the vengeance weapon launch sites are under cold. Allies have to conduct strategic bombing under these conditions.
Below is air results. Eleven losses for Luftwaffe while Allies lost 80.
- Screenshot 2026-07-30 212021.jpg (161.87 KiB) Viewed 555 times
I need to explain what I did for air phase. I put three days on each for America and British. I also decided to bomb the Ruhr area along with France. Escort was concentrated on Germany missions and not the vengeance weapon launch sites. I do not think much mattered on escort but some damage was inflicted. Next week is all snow so no missions I think for Europe. Just have to see.
Did an attack but heavy mud made it useless so stopped after two tries. Allies just have to wait for better weather.
Main takeaway for this turn is what the effect of vengeance weapons for the start of 1944. Are we looking at fifteen victory points for the first week of January or under five? The result will dictate how extreme the Allies have to be over strategic bombing during difficult weather.
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kentkroeckel
- Posts: 586
- Joined: Mon Jun 26, 2017 6:32 pm
- Location: USA Colorado
Turn 27
January 1, 1944.
This is exciting, a new year. Germany did no ground attacks or air missions.
Weather over Europe is difficult, snow.
Ground is light mud and snow. Water and snow level is 2-7.
Italian Allied side is rain overhead. German side is mostly snow.
Ground is heavy mud. Water level is 7+.
Now for the results of vengeance weapons. Only one point lost for this first week. Allied strategic bombing is at 6 points. Overall, a good situation. Below is chart, with vengeance weapon category in blue and bombing in yellow.
Victory points: For turn they were 7 and game total is 312.
I am going to take a risk this turn with air missions. I have lowered some over Europe; the ones that are not receiving any interceptors. They are at 1,000 feet, as long as they do not pass over ports, which have barrage balloons. They inflict extra losses on missions below 4,000 feet.
Italy is doing the same with missions. I am hoping Mr. Bimmler has put the Luftwaffe on rest. This will leave air bases on Italy loaded with bombers and transports. all of this will take place in snow but I am optimistic that Allies will destroy many aircraft on the ground in Italy.
Air phase was not successful. Germany lost nine while Allies lost 159. Pretty much in operational and flak. Minimal effect too. The one thing fruitful is that the hex to be attacked is under 4 interdiction so that could make the difference.
I have concluded with attacks and one hex was captured. And yes, it was the one pounded from the sky.
Attack One: SS unit lost many armored vehicles this attack.
Attack Two: SS unit routed.
This is exciting, a new year. Germany did no ground attacks or air missions.
Weather over Europe is difficult, snow.
Ground is light mud and snow. Water and snow level is 2-7.
Italian Allied side is rain overhead. German side is mostly snow.
Ground is heavy mud. Water level is 7+.
Now for the results of vengeance weapons. Only one point lost for this first week. Allied strategic bombing is at 6 points. Overall, a good situation. Below is chart, with vengeance weapon category in blue and bombing in yellow.
- Screenshot 2026-07-31 113217.jpg (100.44 KiB) Viewed 543 times
Victory points: For turn they were 7 and game total is 312.
I am going to take a risk this turn with air missions. I have lowered some over Europe; the ones that are not receiving any interceptors. They are at 1,000 feet, as long as they do not pass over ports, which have barrage balloons. They inflict extra losses on missions below 4,000 feet.
Italy is doing the same with missions. I am hoping Mr. Bimmler has put the Luftwaffe on rest. This will leave air bases on Italy loaded with bombers and transports. all of this will take place in snow but I am optimistic that Allies will destroy many aircraft on the ground in Italy.
Air phase was not successful. Germany lost nine while Allies lost 159. Pretty much in operational and flak. Minimal effect too. The one thing fruitful is that the hex to be attacked is under 4 interdiction so that could make the difference.
- Screenshot 2026-07-31 130927.jpg (167.54 KiB) Viewed 532 times
I have concluded with attacks and one hex was captured. And yes, it was the one pounded from the sky.
Attack One: SS unit lost many armored vehicles this attack.
- Screenshot 2026-07-31 132408.jpg (281.96 KiB) Viewed 529 times
Attack Two: SS unit routed.
- Screenshot 2026-07-31 132813.jpg (269.08 KiB) Viewed 529 times
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kentkroeckel
- Posts: 586
- Joined: Mon Jun 26, 2017 6:32 pm
- Location: USA Colorado
Turn 28
January 8, 1944. Almost typed 1943. Ha.
Much has happened this turn and so I will start with victory points.
Germany had an issue with garrison requirements, leading to 34 victory points for the Allies. But eliminating that rare bump, points per turn were normal. Vengeance weapons gained two for Mr. Bimmler while Allied bombing gained six. And the vengeance weapon points for Germany will grow as the bonus enlarges. All said, the future turns will be about five victory points for Allies when no fighting is occurring. So I think Zero is going to be the common result. That is, until the European invasion. Then I think turns will become negative, from 5-10 victory points.
Italy had shift on the ground. All of those costly Allied attacks did force Germany to withdraw to the next defensive line. A gain of two rows. A hex closer to Rome. Ha. Green is established line and red is expanded line.
Weather in Italy over contact line is mixed. Air is cold. Ground is clear in some, light mud in others. Water level is 1-6. Snow seems to be near two when present. However, I am not inclined to send any air missions this turn. Maybe just to bomb one hex but not airbases because they are under snowfall. Europe is too so no missions there. The 15 Air Force could do bombing of a ground hex but morale is low so they rest too. Ground attacks will be on two hexes, conducted by fighter bombers and tactical bombers.
Did the air phase. Allies lost around twenty aircraft. For some reason chart is not showing. Looked at metrics and it shows Germany loosing 3 aircraft while Allies lost 36. Next chart shows results of tactical bombing. Both hexes are under three interdiction.
Showing attack of one of the hexes. It was taken in one attack.
Much has happened this turn and so I will start with victory points.
Germany had an issue with garrison requirements, leading to 34 victory points for the Allies. But eliminating that rare bump, points per turn were normal. Vengeance weapons gained two for Mr. Bimmler while Allied bombing gained six. And the vengeance weapon points for Germany will grow as the bonus enlarges. All said, the future turns will be about five victory points for Allies when no fighting is occurring. So I think Zero is going to be the common result. That is, until the European invasion. Then I think turns will become negative, from 5-10 victory points.
- Screenshot 2026-08-01 103200.jpg (102.46 KiB) Viewed 501 times
Italy had shift on the ground. All of those costly Allied attacks did force Germany to withdraw to the next defensive line. A gain of two rows. A hex closer to Rome. Ha. Green is established line and red is expanded line.
- Screenshot 2026-08-01 113645.jpg (120.28 KiB) Viewed 497 times
Weather in Italy over contact line is mixed. Air is cold. Ground is clear in some, light mud in others. Water level is 1-6. Snow seems to be near two when present. However, I am not inclined to send any air missions this turn. Maybe just to bomb one hex but not airbases because they are under snowfall. Europe is too so no missions there. The 15 Air Force could do bombing of a ground hex but morale is low so they rest too. Ground attacks will be on two hexes, conducted by fighter bombers and tactical bombers.
Did the air phase. Allies lost around twenty aircraft. For some reason chart is not showing. Looked at metrics and it shows Germany loosing 3 aircraft while Allies lost 36. Next chart shows results of tactical bombing. Both hexes are under three interdiction.
- Screenshot 2026-08-01 130409.jpg (123.43 KiB) Viewed 490 times
Showing attack of one of the hexes. It was taken in one attack.
- Screenshot 2026-08-01 131010.jpg (242.44 KiB) Viewed 489 times
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kentkroeckel
- Posts: 586
- Joined: Mon Jun 26, 2017 6:32 pm
- Location: USA Colorado
Turn 28
January 8, 1944.
Next hex taken took two attacks.
One: Very costly for Allies.
Two: Forced retreat but still expensive.
There is a third hex that Allies pounded a bit. The hope was to break through and maybe place a mountain unit on Cassino.
First attack: Very costly for Allies.
Second Attack: German units routed but still costly for Allies. Could not place a unit on Monti Cassino either.
These attacks may open up more of the Italian mountain range. It is a long path to get to Rome!
Next hex taken took two attacks.
One: Very costly for Allies.
- Screenshot 2026-08-01 131317.jpg (273.14 KiB) Viewed 486 times
Two: Forced retreat but still expensive.
- Screenshot 2026-08-01 131522.jpg (279.54 KiB) Viewed 486 times
There is a third hex that Allies pounded a bit. The hope was to break through and maybe place a mountain unit on Cassino.
First attack: Very costly for Allies.
- Screenshot 2026-08-01 131635.jpg (282.99 KiB) Viewed 486 times
Second Attack: German units routed but still costly for Allies. Could not place a unit on Monti Cassino either.
- Screenshot 2026-08-01 132735.jpg (269.31 KiB) Viewed 484 times
These attacks may open up more of the Italian mountain range. It is a long path to get to Rome!
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kentkroeckel
- Posts: 586
- Joined: Mon Jun 26, 2017 6:32 pm
- Location: USA Colorado
Turn 29
January 15, 1944.
Germany did no ground attacks.
Germany did no air missions.
Weather over Europe is snowfall.
Ground has high levels of water and snow.
Italy has rain overhead.
Heavy mud is everywhere. Water level is high.
Victory points has a story this turn. For turn it was minus eight. Game total went down to 344.
Vengeance weapon points was only negative one. That is good too, given weather. Strategic bombing was down to five but that is okay because of weather. Partisan and garrison was a negative two, in which Allies have no control over. Good for Mr. Bimmler.
This next part is bad for Allies but did not represent that much of a loss of soldiers either. A concerning point for Allies. American losses reduced victory points by four. Other Allied losses took off eleven more. This caused a negative victory point turn, which has not happened for a while.
Below is chart.
Strategic bombing is in yellow.
Garrison, US losses, and Allied losses are in green.
Vengeance weapons are in blue.
Next picture shows Italian contact line. Mr. Bimmler has reinforced the Axis line considerably.
Allies are going to rest mostly on air phase. Europe is on rest since it is snowing and muddy.
In Italy only one hex is going to be hit. It is under rain but only has a one fortification so hoping to do some damage to SS units. Since there is heavy mud too, air units will only fly three days this week. They are on different days so 1, 2, 3, and 2, 4, 6.
Just finished the air phase and it went okay. Allies lost about 25 aircraft. For some reason Germany lost 4.
Hex was attacked 64 times. I tallied the results: 1947 soldier casualties. 35 artillery pieces destroyed and 23 armored vehicles taken out. Below is hex.
Allies attacked the hex and took it in one effort though the cost was incredibly high. Over six thousand soldiers and over three hundred artillery pieces. Germany lost stuff too but not near those levels. One German unit routed while the other retreated. Germany did have air support and lost 15 additional aircraft.
Germany did no ground attacks.
Germany did no air missions.
Weather over Europe is snowfall.
Ground has high levels of water and snow.
Italy has rain overhead.
Heavy mud is everywhere. Water level is high.
Victory points has a story this turn. For turn it was minus eight. Game total went down to 344.
Vengeance weapon points was only negative one. That is good too, given weather. Strategic bombing was down to five but that is okay because of weather. Partisan and garrison was a negative two, in which Allies have no control over. Good for Mr. Bimmler.
This next part is bad for Allies but did not represent that much of a loss of soldiers either. A concerning point for Allies. American losses reduced victory points by four. Other Allied losses took off eleven more. This caused a negative victory point turn, which has not happened for a while.
Below is chart.
Strategic bombing is in yellow.
Garrison, US losses, and Allied losses are in green.
Vengeance weapons are in blue.
- Screenshot 2026-08-05 131107.jpg (102.88 KiB) Viewed 368 times
Next picture shows Italian contact line. Mr. Bimmler has reinforced the Axis line considerably.
- Screenshot 2026-08-05 131324.jpg (118.47 KiB) Viewed 367 times
Allies are going to rest mostly on air phase. Europe is on rest since it is snowing and muddy.
In Italy only one hex is going to be hit. It is under rain but only has a one fortification so hoping to do some damage to SS units. Since there is heavy mud too, air units will only fly three days this week. They are on different days so 1, 2, 3, and 2, 4, 6.
Just finished the air phase and it went okay. Allies lost about 25 aircraft. For some reason Germany lost 4.
Hex was attacked 64 times. I tallied the results: 1947 soldier casualties. 35 artillery pieces destroyed and 23 armored vehicles taken out. Below is hex.
- Screenshot 2026-08-05 163216.jpg (105.3 KiB) Viewed 349 times
Allies attacked the hex and took it in one effort though the cost was incredibly high. Over six thousand soldiers and over three hundred artillery pieces. Germany lost stuff too but not near those levels. One German unit routed while the other retreated. Germany did have air support and lost 15 additional aircraft.
- Screenshot 2026-08-05 164517.jpg (269.74 KiB) Viewed 347 times
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kentkroeckel
- Posts: 586
- Joined: Mon Jun 26, 2017 6:32 pm
- Location: USA Colorado
Turn 30
January 22, 1944.
Germany did no ground attacks.
German air support supplied two hexes on Italian contact line.
Weather in Europe is snow in the air.
On the ground it is snow with water and snow level 2-6.
Over Italy there is a mix. South of contact line it is clear. North of it is rain. Ten hexes and it changes over to snow.
Ground is light mud and heavy mud north of contact line. Water level 2-6.
Victory points for turn were negative four. Game total is 340. "Other Allied losses" accounted for a loss of ten points and Allied strategic bombing has diminished to just five. Below is chart.
Allies will be launching an amphibious invasion this turn near Rome. Picture is of air naval missions.
Following picture is of European strategic bombing. Snowfall did not allow any night missions so all are during the day. British are three times a week and America is four times a week, so that all days are covered. This will increase operational losses for the Luftwaffe. All missions are area rather than specific hex. This allows for hundreds of escorts. Altitude is low, coming in at 5,000 feet. This is above balloon barrage height but low enough to prevent adjacent hexes from attacking. I do hope at this altitude damage will be reasonable despite snowfall.
Final picture shows air preparation for invasion. The 15 US Air Force is interdicting the landing area. they are flying low, at five thousand feet. There are also two additional hexes in contact line that are being attacked. The invasion area has aircraft for direct ground support along with air superiority overhead.
Germany did no ground attacks.
German air support supplied two hexes on Italian contact line.
Weather in Europe is snow in the air.
On the ground it is snow with water and snow level 2-6.
Over Italy there is a mix. South of contact line it is clear. North of it is rain. Ten hexes and it changes over to snow.
Ground is light mud and heavy mud north of contact line. Water level 2-6.
Victory points for turn were negative four. Game total is 340. "Other Allied losses" accounted for a loss of ten points and Allied strategic bombing has diminished to just five. Below is chart.
- Screenshot 2026-08-07 201414.jpg (108.3 KiB) Viewed 221 times
Allies will be launching an amphibious invasion this turn near Rome. Picture is of air naval missions.
- Screenshot 2026-08-08 173103.jpg (191.86 KiB) Viewed 221 times
Following picture is of European strategic bombing. Snowfall did not allow any night missions so all are during the day. British are three times a week and America is four times a week, so that all days are covered. This will increase operational losses for the Luftwaffe. All missions are area rather than specific hex. This allows for hundreds of escorts. Altitude is low, coming in at 5,000 feet. This is above balloon barrage height but low enough to prevent adjacent hexes from attacking. I do hope at this altitude damage will be reasonable despite snowfall.
- Screenshot 2026-08-08 172328.jpg (604.12 KiB) Viewed 221 times
Final picture shows air preparation for invasion. The 15 US Air Force is interdicting the landing area. they are flying low, at five thousand feet. There are also two additional hexes in contact line that are being attacked. The invasion area has aircraft for direct ground support along with air superiority overhead.
- Screenshot 2026-08-08 172251.jpg (228.73 KiB) Viewed 214 times
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kentkroeckel
- Posts: 586
- Joined: Mon Jun 26, 2017 6:32 pm
- Location: USA Colorado
Turn 30
January 22, 1944.
Air results were mixed Germany lost 61 aircraft while Allies lost 431. Most of those losses came from operational and flak. Too costly to do again. Only zero was achieved for interdiction over invasion area. In the contact line much better. five and a three. Additionally, a few hundred Axis soldiers were killed along with equipment. This could make the ground attacks successful.
Following picture is of landing zone. Five of the six hexes look to be empty. They have the blue I in them. The one landing hex that will be contested I have circled in red. Invasion hexes are also in red. Of the four airborne hexes, three were activated. Just not enough air transports. They have the purple A on them. This does represent a sizable invasion force. Offshore there are Canadians and French.
One hex was taken by combat. Both axis units retreated. I believe air attacks helped make this happen. It is in red while static contact line is in green.
Final picture is of the air engagements and actions.
Air results were mixed Germany lost 61 aircraft while Allies lost 431. Most of those losses came from operational and flak. Too costly to do again. Only zero was achieved for interdiction over invasion area. In the contact line much better. five and a three. Additionally, a few hundred Axis soldiers were killed along with equipment. This could make the ground attacks successful.
- Screenshot 2026-08-08 191639.jpg (326.8 KiB) Viewed 206 times
Following picture is of landing zone. Five of the six hexes look to be empty. They have the blue I in them. The one landing hex that will be contested I have circled in red. Invasion hexes are also in red. Of the four airborne hexes, three were activated. Just not enough air transports. They have the purple A on them. This does represent a sizable invasion force. Offshore there are Canadians and French.
- Screenshot 2026-08-08 194058.jpg (143.69 KiB) Viewed 195 times
One hex was taken by combat. Both axis units retreated. I believe air attacks helped make this happen. It is in red while static contact line is in green.
- Screenshot 2026-08-08 195908.jpg (269.17 KiB) Viewed 193 times
Final picture is of the air engagements and actions.
- Screenshot 2026-08-08 200248.jpg (329.16 KiB) Viewed 192 times
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kentkroeckel
- Posts: 586
- Joined: Mon Jun 26, 2017 6:32 pm
- Location: USA Colorado
Invasion Reasoning
Did not receive a turn today so wanted to clarify a point that I failed to mention on previous post.
The weather is changing for next week. At least it should.
The clear band of weather should be just above Rome. Hard to say exactly but predictions show it clear just over landing site. Really, that near, within a couple hexes. That is why I decided to do it this week. Well, at least launch this week. At time of landing sky should be clear. Maybe light mud on ground but no worse. Water level should be no more than 4. And the most pressing aspect is that five of the six invasion hexes appear to be empty. Three airborne hexes appear to be clear too.
The amount of units landing are as follows: Six infantry divisions. Additionally, each hex has a company or regiment of armor or infantry. There are three airborne divisions dropping and most of them have airborne support units attached to them. This makes a formidable force for the invasion week. Not likely to be pushed into the sea. Of course being surrounded is probable. But with such a large invasion area, Mr. Bimmler will find it hard to isolate the whole area with division strength units continuously. The first two weeks will be the most likely for Allies to break out, if that happens at all.
Now Germany may withdraw just north of Rome and make a new line. No great loss in this strategy. But, if Mr. Bimmler decides to do a fanatical stand around Rome, then that will be interesting. Supply will be limited for Allies, especially if the Luftwaffe decides to commit to a complete air naval interdiction. Yet doing so will impact an Axis attempt to suppress the European invasion by Allies coming up in a few months. The Allies (Kent) want to ultimately link the invasion area with the existing contact line. I would even say Allies would move south instead of North to secure a corridor. Supply is more important than a couple more hexes north in Italy.
The weather is changing for next week. At least it should.
The clear band of weather should be just above Rome. Hard to say exactly but predictions show it clear just over landing site. Really, that near, within a couple hexes. That is why I decided to do it this week. Well, at least launch this week. At time of landing sky should be clear. Maybe light mud on ground but no worse. Water level should be no more than 4. And the most pressing aspect is that five of the six invasion hexes appear to be empty. Three airborne hexes appear to be clear too.
The amount of units landing are as follows: Six infantry divisions. Additionally, each hex has a company or regiment of armor or infantry. There are three airborne divisions dropping and most of them have airborne support units attached to them. This makes a formidable force for the invasion week. Not likely to be pushed into the sea. Of course being surrounded is probable. But with such a large invasion area, Mr. Bimmler will find it hard to isolate the whole area with division strength units continuously. The first two weeks will be the most likely for Allies to break out, if that happens at all.
Now Germany may withdraw just north of Rome and make a new line. No great loss in this strategy. But, if Mr. Bimmler decides to do a fanatical stand around Rome, then that will be interesting. Supply will be limited for Allies, especially if the Luftwaffe decides to commit to a complete air naval interdiction. Yet doing so will impact an Axis attempt to suppress the European invasion by Allies coming up in a few months. The Allies (Kent) want to ultimately link the invasion area with the existing contact line. I would even say Allies would move south instead of North to secure a corridor. Supply is more important than a couple more hexes north in Italy.
Re: 1943-1945 Campaign
Hi @ Kentkroeckel
Enjoying the AAR, lot of great detail in the Turns one thing that stood out in one of your posts I think I read it in this AAR was your opponent moving his Flak from unnecessary sites and moving them to more productive places, I'm paying for this now ( even against the AI ) as I used a lot AP changing leaders and only now realising as The Soviets move through Poland and Eastern Germany there destroying my Flak stationed there, I'm scrambling to withdraw as many as I can or disband them but I will lose a lot, oh well an important lesson learned for next time.
Good luck to both of you
Kind Regards
Enjoying the AAR, lot of great detail in the Turns one thing that stood out in one of your posts I think I read it in this AAR was your opponent moving his Flak from unnecessary sites and moving them to more productive places, I'm paying for this now ( even against the AI ) as I used a lot AP changing leaders and only now realising as The Soviets move through Poland and Eastern Germany there destroying my Flak stationed there, I'm scrambling to withdraw as many as I can or disband them but I will lose a lot, oh well an important lesson learned for next time.
Good luck to both of you
Kind Regards