I do not believe I will receive a turn today but wanted to pose a question to those following this AAR.
As the Allied player, last turn (33) I felt invading near Rome was too costly. However, this last turn, (34) I do not feel this. Of course turn 35 may change my feelings on this yet again. But at this point it looks like German resources are failing along the beach. Add to that, Axis resources were stripped along the main Italian contact line so that now Allies are advancing, which spells a crisis for Germany. Or more precisely, Allies look like they will be able to link up beach landing to main contact line. And at this point that is all the Allied command wants because resources need to be transferred to Europe for D-Day invasion.
As the Allied player, would you have invaded Rome beach?
Maybe something closer to contact line?
Maybe not at all?
As the German player, would you have defended the Rome beach with all available units?
Would you continue to do so?
I hope you answer but also please explain why. There is no wrong answer so do not worry about negative comments.
Best wishes, Kent.
1943-1945 Campaign
Moderator: MOD_WarintheWest
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kentkroeckel
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Re: 1943-1945 Campaign
Hi @ Kentkroeckel
Heavy fighting on both fronts with The Axis counterattacking several times and taking back territory as the battle swings back and forth, though I think you might be gaining the upper hand around Rome your opponent seems to running low on replacement tanks at this time.
While still not a easy fight down south I was surprised you were able to take a big chunk of The Monte Casino Line, the Mountain range is ideal for defence and your opponent had deployed the famous Green Devils but you were able to push them back.
Things are building up, looking forward to seeing how you deal with Rommel in France.
Good luck to both of you
Heavy fighting on both fronts with The Axis counterattacking several times and taking back territory as the battle swings back and forth, though I think you might be gaining the upper hand around Rome your opponent seems to running low on replacement tanks at this time.
While still not a easy fight down south I was surprised you were able to take a big chunk of The Monte Casino Line, the Mountain range is ideal for defence and your opponent had deployed the famous Green Devils but you were able to push them back.
Things are building up, looking forward to seeing how you deal with Rommel in France.
Good luck to both of you
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kentkroeckel
- Posts: 621
- Joined: Mon Jun 26, 2017 6:32 pm
- Location: USA Colorado
Response to Tm1
Thank you very much for responding Mr. Tm1. Mr. Bimmler too, I am sure is appreciative in your wishing us good fortunes on our challenge.
Tm1 Comment:
Heavy fighting on both fronts with The Axis counterattacking several times and taking back territory as the battle swings back and forth, though I think you might be gaining the upper hand around Rome your opponent seems to running low on replacement tanks at this time.
While still not a easy fight down south I was surprised you were able to take a big chunk of The Monte Casino Line, the Mountain range is ideal for defence and your opponent had deployed the famous Green Devils but you were able to push them back.
Things are building up, looking forward to seeing how you deal with Rommel in France.
Good luck to both of you
Kent Response:
The posts I have been showing are long but I am trying to show all hexes that have changed hands due to combat. What I have not shown is combat over hexes that were failed attacks. Germany does not have many. In fact, I think it has been several months since there has been a failed German attack. Mr. Bimmler is good about that. If he has Germany attack, it will be a positive outcome for the Axis. Allies, not so much. Ha. If you look at the pictures, you can see several hexes along the contact line that were not successful. This represents many losses for the Allies Mr. Tm1. But overall, I agree with your thought about Germany consuming many combat resources in Italy. I would like to think this will make the Axis resistance on D-Day limited.
One additional aspect I have not talked about is the loss of amphibious ships. The number has spiked due to the Rome Landing. Allies have lost around fifty more than game replacement, which is a bad trend. If the pool of ship points goes under 200, then D-Day will be limited. And right now it will take till June to get back to two hundred if no more are lost.
Once again, thank you for your comment Mr. Tm1.
Sincerely, Kent.
Tm1 Comment:
Heavy fighting on both fronts with The Axis counterattacking several times and taking back territory as the battle swings back and forth, though I think you might be gaining the upper hand around Rome your opponent seems to running low on replacement tanks at this time.
While still not a easy fight down south I was surprised you were able to take a big chunk of The Monte Casino Line, the Mountain range is ideal for defence and your opponent had deployed the famous Green Devils but you were able to push them back.
Things are building up, looking forward to seeing how you deal with Rommel in France.
Good luck to both of you
Kent Response:
The posts I have been showing are long but I am trying to show all hexes that have changed hands due to combat. What I have not shown is combat over hexes that were failed attacks. Germany does not have many. In fact, I think it has been several months since there has been a failed German attack. Mr. Bimmler is good about that. If he has Germany attack, it will be a positive outcome for the Axis. Allies, not so much. Ha. If you look at the pictures, you can see several hexes along the contact line that were not successful. This represents many losses for the Allies Mr. Tm1. But overall, I agree with your thought about Germany consuming many combat resources in Italy. I would like to think this will make the Axis resistance on D-Day limited.
One additional aspect I have not talked about is the loss of amphibious ships. The number has spiked due to the Rome Landing. Allies have lost around fifty more than game replacement, which is a bad trend. If the pool of ship points goes under 200, then D-Day will be limited. And right now it will take till June to get back to two hundred if no more are lost.
Once again, thank you for your comment Mr. Tm1.
Sincerely, Kent.
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kentkroeckel
- Posts: 621
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- Location: USA Colorado
Turn 35 German phase
February 26, 1944.
I just received a turn so it is perfect after comment from Mr. Tm1. I have only looked at the map and how it follows our conversation. Germany took back three hexes on Rome landing and they were costly to both sides. Really costly.
First hex: The Canadians were defeated and fell back. Almost two divisions there but still loss. Around two thousand soldiers on each side taken out. Incredible amount of armor too. The Luftwaffe lost 24 aircraft. All of this in one round.
Second hex took two attacks: This hex was defended by brigades of the Allied minor countries but inflicted reasonable carnage on Germany, while also be mauled in the process.
Second attack in second hex: One Allied unit routed while one retreated. Losses are still large on both sides. Luftwaffe is still loosing aircraft too. 39 aircraft so far in these three attacks.
Third hex was taken in one attack: Hex was costly but moreover, I am seeing a defensive line forming by Axis units. That is what it looks like to me.
I just received a turn so it is perfect after comment from Mr. Tm1. I have only looked at the map and how it follows our conversation. Germany took back three hexes on Rome landing and they were costly to both sides. Really costly.
First hex: The Canadians were defeated and fell back. Almost two divisions there but still loss. Around two thousand soldiers on each side taken out. Incredible amount of armor too. The Luftwaffe lost 24 aircraft. All of this in one round.
- Screenshot 2026-08-28 121406.jpg (264.59 KiB) Viewed 61 times
Second hex took two attacks: This hex was defended by brigades of the Allied minor countries but inflicted reasonable carnage on Germany, while also be mauled in the process.
- Screenshot 2026-08-28 121526.jpg (249.83 KiB) Viewed 61 times
Second attack in second hex: One Allied unit routed while one retreated. Losses are still large on both sides. Luftwaffe is still loosing aircraft too. 39 aircraft so far in these three attacks.
- Screenshot 2026-08-28 121603.jpg (262.62 KiB) Viewed 61 times
Third hex was taken in one attack: Hex was costly but moreover, I am seeing a defensive line forming by Axis units. That is what it looks like to me.
- Screenshot 2026-08-28 121643.jpg (255.86 KiB) Viewed 61 times
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kentkroeckel
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Turn 35 Facts
February 26, 1944.
I can only use the metrics for the German air phase. It says 21 but there were at least 39 aircraft lost due to ground attack so I will stop reporting on this part. It will show up after Allied air phase.
Victory Points: Germany is wining the game with numerous attacks. Turn was a negative 19 and game total is 258. I wanted to show where the points are coming from. Twenty eight negative points from US and Allied losses. Garrison and partisan gave the German three more points. So if Germany can keep this up in Italy, then Mr. Bimmler will take control of this game, by victory points. Well done Mr. Bimmler. Chart is highlighted in blue.
Weather in Italy is rain. Ground is light mud with water level of 2-5.
Weather over Europe is cold. Ground is snow with water and snow level 2-6.
I wanted to show the Rome landing without any symbols on it for a clear view. Germany is still holding firm to it.
On main Italian contact line Axis forces are pulling back. Yet at this point it does not appear to be affecting forces on the Rome landing contact line. But it would seem the two are going to be next to each other. Will have to wait and see if Mr. Bimmler pulls the southern portion of Rome landing away.
Here is whole picture of Italian combat zone.
I can only use the metrics for the German air phase. It says 21 but there were at least 39 aircraft lost due to ground attack so I will stop reporting on this part. It will show up after Allied air phase.
Victory Points: Germany is wining the game with numerous attacks. Turn was a negative 19 and game total is 258. I wanted to show where the points are coming from. Twenty eight negative points from US and Allied losses. Garrison and partisan gave the German three more points. So if Germany can keep this up in Italy, then Mr. Bimmler will take control of this game, by victory points. Well done Mr. Bimmler. Chart is highlighted in blue.
- Screenshot 2026-08-28 125610.jpg (100.74 KiB) Viewed 56 times
Weather in Italy is rain. Ground is light mud with water level of 2-5.
Weather over Europe is cold. Ground is snow with water and snow level 2-6.
I wanted to show the Rome landing without any symbols on it for a clear view. Germany is still holding firm to it.
- Screenshot 2026-08-28 132116.jpg (134.72 KiB) Viewed 52 times
On main Italian contact line Axis forces are pulling back. Yet at this point it does not appear to be affecting forces on the Rome landing contact line. But it would seem the two are going to be next to each other. Will have to wait and see if Mr. Bimmler pulls the southern portion of Rome landing away.
- Screenshot 2026-08-28 132049.jpg (159.29 KiB) Viewed 52 times
Here is whole picture of Italian combat zone.
- Screenshot 2026-08-28 132644.jpg (319.14 KiB) Viewed 49 times
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kentkroeckel
- Posts: 621
- Joined: Mon Jun 26, 2017 6:32 pm
- Location: USA Colorado
Turn 35 Allied air phase
February 26, 1944.
I wanted to show what I am concentrating on this turn. The Luftwaffe is near Allied air, in such a way that it could be attacked severely. Rain is in the air but air bases are overloaded so hits should increase. Main Italian contact line is withdrawing, so might as well attack aircraft instead of units.
First two targets are in Yugoslavia.
Next target is between fronts.
Fourth target is north of Rome landing. Lots of aircraft too.
Final picture shows a small amount of aircraft near Milan.
There are still some tactical aircraft attacking the Rome landing site contact line. One aspect to the air attack I forgot to mention is that the level bombers will be coming in at 1,000 feet. All paths do not pass over a port so no barrage balloon issue.
Change to plan. I read up again on strategic bombing and how level bombers have increased operational losses flying air missions less than 5,000 feet. There is nothing mentioned that level bombers have more or normal losses on tactical bombing at below 5,000 feet.
So my thought is, level bombers will have increased operational losses on any kind of air mission which is less than 5,000 feet. I will now change my level bombers back to 5,000 feet for Luftwaffe air base bombing. I will also make sure naval missions using level bombers are at 5,000 feet. However, that is the usual altitude that I set my naval patrol at.
I wanted to show what I am concentrating on this turn. The Luftwaffe is near Allied air, in such a way that it could be attacked severely. Rain is in the air but air bases are overloaded so hits should increase. Main Italian contact line is withdrawing, so might as well attack aircraft instead of units.
First two targets are in Yugoslavia.
- Screenshot 2026-08-28 141826.jpg (148.2 KiB) Viewed 42 times
Next target is between fronts.
- Screenshot 2026-08-28 141934.jpg (148.7 KiB) Viewed 42 times
Fourth target is north of Rome landing. Lots of aircraft too.
- Screenshot 2026-08-28 142000.jpg (159.1 KiB) Viewed 42 times
Final picture shows a small amount of aircraft near Milan.
- Screenshot 2026-08-28 142031.jpg (227.36 KiB) Viewed 42 times
There are still some tactical aircraft attacking the Rome landing site contact line. One aspect to the air attack I forgot to mention is that the level bombers will be coming in at 1,000 feet. All paths do not pass over a port so no barrage balloon issue.
Change to plan. I read up again on strategic bombing and how level bombers have increased operational losses flying air missions less than 5,000 feet. There is nothing mentioned that level bombers have more or normal losses on tactical bombing at below 5,000 feet.
So my thought is, level bombers will have increased operational losses on any kind of air mission which is less than 5,000 feet. I will now change my level bombers back to 5,000 feet for Luftwaffe air base bombing. I will also make sure naval missions using level bombers are at 5,000 feet. However, that is the usual altitude that I set my naval patrol at.
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kentkroeckel
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Turn 35 Allied air results
February 26, 1944.
Losses for air phase: Germany lost 224 while Allies lost 458; nearly twice as many. Operational losses were 139, flak losses were 171. Germany lost 172 aircraft on the ground. 72 were transports, which represents 25% of game total in just this week.
I have encircled hexes interdicted between 2-9.
Now for the main Italian contact line. Four hexes were taken by combat. Following picture shows line with the four hexes highlighted by red.
First hex shown opened up the rail line and valley. But Mr. Bimmler recovered well, placing blocking Axis units between mountains. Terrain can also become a wall for a turn or two.
Losses for air phase: Germany lost 224 while Allies lost 458; nearly twice as many. Operational losses were 139, flak losses were 171. Germany lost 172 aircraft on the ground. 72 were transports, which represents 25% of game total in just this week.
- Screenshot 2026-08-28 200618.jpg (171.37 KiB) Viewed 26 times
I have encircled hexes interdicted between 2-9.
- Screenshot 2026-08-28 201134.jpg (147.29 KiB) Viewed 25 times
Now for the main Italian contact line. Four hexes were taken by combat. Following picture shows line with the four hexes highlighted by red.
- Screenshot 2026-08-28 204918.jpg (152.39 KiB) Viewed 18 times
First hex shown opened up the rail line and valley. But Mr. Bimmler recovered well, placing blocking Axis units between mountains. Terrain can also become a wall for a turn or two.
- Screenshot 2026-08-28 205906.jpg (304.79 KiB) Viewed 18 times
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kentkroeckel
- Posts: 621
- Joined: Mon Jun 26, 2017 6:32 pm
- Location: USA Colorado
Turn 35 Italian contact line
February 26, 1944.
Second hex taken by combat: It took three attacks but import to take this hex. It sort of breaks the mountain line. Of course Germany does have a solid line of units across main Italian contact line.
Attack one:
Attack two:
Attack three: Axis unit did route so there most surely is additional equipment loss. Even for a mountain unit.
The fourth hex was defended by a fortification. It is not able to retreat so surrendered in one attack. I have circled the two ports that are close by. Both are important to the Allies; as are all of them are. Lifeline for the Allies. I jumped to last hex becasue it was done in one attack and I have only one spot left in this post. The third hex took two so will be in next post.
Second hex taken by combat: It took three attacks but import to take this hex. It sort of breaks the mountain line. Of course Germany does have a solid line of units across main Italian contact line.
Attack one:
- Screenshot 2026-08-28 211051.jpg (279.06 KiB) Viewed 15 times
Attack two:
- Screenshot 2026-08-28 211125.jpg (277.48 KiB) Viewed 15 times
Attack three: Axis unit did route so there most surely is additional equipment loss. Even for a mountain unit.
- Screenshot 2026-08-28 211211.jpg (278.81 KiB) Viewed 15 times
The fourth hex was defended by a fortification. It is not able to retreat so surrendered in one attack. I have circled the two ports that are close by. Both are important to the Allies; as are all of them are. Lifeline for the Allies. I jumped to last hex becasue it was done in one attack and I have only one spot left in this post. The third hex took two so will be in next post.
- Screenshot 2026-08-28 211933.jpg (286.06 KiB) Viewed 13 times
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kentkroeckel
- Posts: 621
- Joined: Mon Jun 26, 2017 6:32 pm
- Location: USA Colorado
Turn 35 Italian contact line
February 26, 1944.
Third hex is an interesting one. taking it opened up the middle of Italy. The rail and valley expose Axis units on either side trying to make a defensive line. I feel that if another row of hexes is taken, then Mr. Bimmler will be forced to have Axis units withdraw north of Rome. My thought as least for this turn so far. I will have to see how the Rome landing site goes.
Attack one:
Attack two: Sizable losses on both sides.
There was another hex that was taken with a reserve unit. It took three attacks but really opens up the Axis line.
Attack one:
Attack two:
Third hex is an interesting one. taking it opened up the middle of Italy. The rail and valley expose Axis units on either side trying to make a defensive line. I feel that if another row of hexes is taken, then Mr. Bimmler will be forced to have Axis units withdraw north of Rome. My thought as least for this turn so far. I will have to see how the Rome landing site goes.
Attack one:
- Screenshot 2026-08-28 212942.jpg (275.63 KiB) Viewed 10 times
Attack two: Sizable losses on both sides.
- Screenshot 2026-08-28 212914.jpg (295.09 KiB) Viewed 10 times
There was another hex that was taken with a reserve unit. It took three attacks but really opens up the Axis line.
Attack one:
- Screenshot 2026-08-28 214820.jpg (293.9 KiB) Viewed 8 times
Attack two:
- Screenshot 2026-08-28 214842.jpg (284.35 KiB) Viewed 8 times
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kentkroeckel
- Posts: 621
- Joined: Mon Jun 26, 2017 6:32 pm
- Location: USA Colorado
Turn 35 Italian contact line
February 26, 1944.
Third attack for reserve unit. Axis mountain unit routed.
Third attack for reserve unit. Axis mountain unit routed.
- Screenshot 2026-08-28 214902.jpg (289.06 KiB) Viewed 7 times