1943-1945 Campaign

Post descriptions of your brilliant victories and unfortunate defeats here.

Moderator: MOD_WarintheWest

kentkroeckel
Posts: 667
Joined: Mon Jun 26, 2017 6:32 pm
Location: USA Colorado

Turn 42 Allied Phase

Post by kentkroeckel »

April 15, 1944.

The air phase was good for both sides. So far Germany lost 343 planes for both phases while Allies have lost 562. A Luftwaffe advantage of 219. Not bad considering Allies flew missions every day; and many of those were tactical.
Screenshot 2026-10-03 220013.jpg
Screenshot 2026-10-03 220013.jpg (163.53 KiB) Viewed 1251 times

Below is tactical reconnaissance of Italy. It was about time to get it, so thank you Mr. TM1 for requesting it. I do not have it for Europe yet but will get it during the month of May. A few times in that month actually.
Screenshot 2026-10-03 220830.jpg
Screenshot 2026-10-03 220830.jpg (307.5 KiB) Viewed 1251 times

Now I would like to show the effect of intense tactical bombing and interdiction. I can actually only show interdiction but the Axis units had many elements disrupted and destroyed due to physical loss of soldiers and equipment. In yellow is 2-9 interdiction. Allies will concentrate on those hexes to gain advantage. Most are on path of advance. That was the plan at least.
Screenshot 2026-10-03 221807.jpg
Screenshot 2026-10-03 221807.jpg (237.64 KiB) Viewed 1246 times

Last picture is of the Allied attacking results. Much carnage along with interdiction created weakness in many Axis units. The green line represents static hexes for week. Circled green are hexes not claimed by either side. Red circled hexes have been taken by Allies this week. Circled in yellow are Axis routed units. There are many this week.
Screenshot 2026-10-03 230229.jpg
Screenshot 2026-10-03 230229.jpg (263.6 KiB) Viewed 1238 times
kentkroeckel
Posts: 667
Joined: Mon Jun 26, 2017 6:32 pm
Location: USA Colorado

Turn 42 Allied Phase

Post by kentkroeckel »

April 15, 1944.

First hex shown was taken in one attack.
Screenshot 2026-10-03 230738.jpg
Screenshot 2026-10-03 230738.jpg (263.45 KiB) Viewed 1235 times

Next hex was taken after three attacks. It is also located on top of mountain hex and was occupied.
Screenshot 2026-10-03 230815.jpg
Screenshot 2026-10-03 230815.jpg (302.03 KiB) Viewed 1235 times

Second attempt:
Screenshot 2026-10-03 230851.jpg
Screenshot 2026-10-03 230851.jpg (224.34 KiB) Viewed 1235 times

Success on third attack. Both Axis units routed.
Screenshot 2026-10-03 230914.jpg
Screenshot 2026-10-03 230914.jpg (232.91 KiB) Viewed 1235 times
kentkroeckel
Posts: 667
Joined: Mon Jun 26, 2017 6:32 pm
Location: USA Colorado

Turn 42 Allied Phase

Post by kentkroeckel »

April 15, 1944.

Another hex taken in one attack. In this attack odds were good.
Screenshot 2026-10-03 231336.jpg
Screenshot 2026-10-03 231336.jpg (243.91 KiB) Viewed 1234 times

The following hex took three attacks to win. Odds are not good but much artillery, engineers, and infantry.
Screenshot 2026-10-03 231402.jpg
Screenshot 2026-10-03 231402.jpg (247.87 KiB) Viewed 1234 times

Second attack:
Screenshot 2026-10-03 231425.jpg
Screenshot 2026-10-03 231425.jpg (252.56 KiB) Viewed 1234 times

Third attack and Axis unit routed.
Screenshot 2026-10-03 231450.jpg
Screenshot 2026-10-03 231450.jpg (205.49 KiB) Viewed 1234 times
kentkroeckel
Posts: 667
Joined: Mon Jun 26, 2017 6:32 pm
Location: USA Colorado

Turn 42 Allied Phase

Post by kentkroeckel »

April 15, 1944.

This post shows four attacks on four hexes. One hex and one attack. A retreat and route of Axis units.
Screenshot 2026-10-03 232229.jpg
Screenshot 2026-10-03 232229.jpg (263.16 KiB) Viewed 1232 times

One hex and one attack. Two Axis units routed.
Screenshot 2026-10-03 232257.jpg
Screenshot 2026-10-03 232257.jpg (267.71 KiB) Viewed 1232 times

One hex and one attack. Two Axis units that are divisions routed.
Screenshot 2026-10-03 232656.jpg
Screenshot 2026-10-03 232656.jpg (320.14 KiB) Viewed 1231 times

This final hex taken in a single hex was the deadliest. Over a thousand losses. Nearly 1,500 for Germany. But look at the armor, almost a hundred vehicles lost as they retreated.
Screenshot 2026-10-03 232841.jpg
Screenshot 2026-10-03 232841.jpg (261.57 KiB) Viewed 1231 times
kentkroeckel
Posts: 667
Joined: Mon Jun 26, 2017 6:32 pm
Location: USA Colorado

Turn 42 Allied Phase

Post by kentkroeckel »

April 15, 1944.

Next hex took two attacks to win. Both German units routed. But also look at how much armor is lost during those two attack. Nearly 25 armored vehicles. Allies did loose more soldiers in the attacks though.

Attack One:
Screenshot 2026-10-03 233338.jpg
Screenshot 2026-10-03 233338.jpg (318.21 KiB) Viewed 1229 times

Attack Two: Axis units routed. A division and brigade.
Screenshot 2026-10-03 233408.jpg
Screenshot 2026-10-03 233408.jpg (307.72 KiB) Viewed 1229 times

Next hex took two attacks to win. Costly to both sides but attrition is wearing down some Axis units. That along with difficult logistics in Italian mounts.
Screenshot 2026-10-03 233826.jpg
Screenshot 2026-10-03 233826.jpg (300.62 KiB) Viewed 1228 times

Second attack. A forced retreat.
Screenshot 2026-10-03 233854.jpg
Screenshot 2026-10-03 233854.jpg (343.52 KiB) Viewed 1228 times
kentkroeckel
Posts: 667
Joined: Mon Jun 26, 2017 6:32 pm
Location: USA Colorado

Turn 42 Allied Phase

Post by kentkroeckel »

April 15, 1944.

One hex and one attack. A retreat.
Screenshot 2026-10-03 234236.jpg
Screenshot 2026-10-03 234236.jpg (347.34 KiB) Viewed 1226 times

Next hex, which is the last, took eleven attacks. I will show first middle and last.
Screenshot 2026-10-03 234623.jpg
Screenshot 2026-10-03 234623.jpg (296.04 KiB) Viewed 1226 times

Next picture is middle of fighting. Most attacks were small but this one was large so wanted to show it.
Screenshot 2026-10-03 234745.jpg
Screenshot 2026-10-03 234745.jpg (324.74 KiB) Viewed 1226 times

Final attack forced units to retreat at a bit of a cost.
Screenshot 2026-10-03 234813.jpg
Screenshot 2026-10-03 234813.jpg (323.75 KiB) Viewed 1226 times

Point of this detail is to show how grueling a turn in just a small section can be. Hope you enjoy it.
kentkroeckel
Posts: 667
Joined: Mon Jun 26, 2017 6:32 pm
Location: USA Colorado

Turn 43

Post by kentkroeckel »

April 22, 1944.

Victory points for turn were -8 and game total is 232. How did we get here:

(US losses) created -5 and Allied (other losses) created -13. A nessecary price to advance in Italy. But there is a new factor in this turn; and it shows how well Mr. Bimmler is using Axis forces in Europe. -4 victory points from partisan and garrison category. It means areas in Europe are over garrisoned. Effective for Germany. But it also means that Mr. Bimmler is ready for the final garrison requirements in Europe for May of 1944.
Screenshot 2026-10-07 120048.jpg
Screenshot 2026-10-07 120048.jpg (98.94 KiB) Viewed 1079 times

Next picture shows contact line in Italy. More correctly, no contact line. Mr. Bimmler has withdrawn north of southern Italy. This gives the Allied player (Kent) options. To pursue or consolidate? I choose to wait so that rail and logistics catch up. Additionally, crossing the line would give Germany ten administrative points per turn instead of five. This though will change when D-Day happens. But Germany would be able to move the northern Italian garrison around and that would cause a problem. So for now Allies just observe.
Screenshot 2026-10-07 120001.jpg
Screenshot 2026-10-07 120001.jpg (317.96 KiB) Viewed 1076 times

Air Phase:
There is heavy rain over Europe so no Allied air campaign. But I am inclined to conduct no air campaign over Italy either. No Axis units are next to Allied units so nothing would be gained in interdicting hexes, then advancing.

Retreating units can simply go around interdicted hexes so little to gain in impeding withdrawing Axis units. Yes, Allies could hinder a little, particularity hexes with Axis units but effect would be minimal. However, cost to aircraft along with morale would take a large hit since last turn they few every day. Better to rest them and see where Germany decides to make a contact line. I will still fly reconnaissance since withdraw needs to be followed.

Finished with air phase and reconnaissance revealed much. Along the eastern coastline of Italy there is an opening. However, on the west coast it looks like German units have not finished retreating. So If Allies attacked now the opportunity of advancing into the western coastline uncontested would be lost. Allies will wait for at least one more turn.
Screenshot 2026-10-07 130246.jpg
Screenshot 2026-10-07 130246.jpg (349.26 KiB) Viewed 1066 times

Final picture shows the advance of the Allies. Not much because there was no crossing of region. Another point I forgot to mention is that it was raining over northern Italy. And just five hexes above line the rain became heavy. Meaning, movement would have been hindered greatly. Clear weather is predicted for Italy next turn. Normal rain will be over Europe.
Screenshot 2026-10-07 133012.jpg
Screenshot 2026-10-07 133012.jpg (334.39 KiB) Viewed 1060 times
kentkroeckel
Posts: 667
Joined: Mon Jun 26, 2017 6:32 pm
Location: USA Colorado

Turn 44

Post by kentkroeckel »

April 29, 1944.

Much is happening on this turn / week. Germany did no attacks and minimal air missions. Only nine aircraft lost by the Luftwaffe.
Screenshot 2026-10-09 120018.jpg
Screenshot 2026-10-09 120018.jpg (140.98 KiB) Viewed 895 times

Victory points were good for the Allies. Six for the turn and game total is 238. However, I want to point out that Allies did very little in the way of attacks. Furthermore, vengeance weapon points will double when Allies land on Europe. An Allied player can expect to loose ten victory points per turn after D-Day.
Screenshot 2026-10-09 115929.jpg
Screenshot 2026-10-09 115929.jpg (97.05 KiB) Viewed 895 times

Amphibious transports are satisfactory, as the pool should be close to when starting the game. That was around 255 and the amount now is 229, with every week adding 4 per turn. I suppose an Allied player can increase the pool beyond the starting size but in a competitive game I do not think that is obtainable. Yet the main point is that any level above two hundred will allow the Allied player to conduct a comprehensive European invasion.
Screenshot 2026-10-09 120445.jpg
Screenshot 2026-10-09 120445.jpg (217.92 KiB) Viewed 895 times

Final picture is of the British Channel Islands. They will be invaded at the end of this turn. Mr. Bimmler has decided to leave the German infantry division on them, which does complicate the Allied invasion plan. Weather is rain over Europe this turn and next. Ground is and will be light mud. Allied naval air will isolate the British Channel Islands this turn. Air ground attacks will reduce these units along with creating ground interdiction. Air has also been assigned to directly helping, (Ground support) for the invasion. Finally, HQ will accompany invasion force for artillery support from transports.
Screenshot 2026-10-09 121713.jpg
Screenshot 2026-10-09 121713.jpg (106.23 KiB) Viewed 895 times
kentkroeckel
Posts: 667
Joined: Mon Jun 26, 2017 6:32 pm
Location: USA Colorado

Turn 44 Allied Phase

Post by kentkroeckel »

April 29, 1944.

Due to rain being this turn and next over Europe, Allies will conduct full air missions for each day.

Italy will be done the same way but this will include strategic bombing since Germany withdrew. No good tactical targets for two engine level bombers to attack. By the way, all two engine level bombers have been transferred to the Italian campaign. I like to keep four engine level bombers on England (UK) due to the abundant number of two and three size air bases.

the goal is to occupy the Luftwaffe in both areas so that it will not be easy for Mr. Bimmler to move air assets around on the map.

Just rapped up the air phase and it was costly for both sides. Allies lost 485 to operational losses; just in that category. Will not be able to keep up (seven days a week) attacks for many turns. Losses for Germany, including their phase, is 502. Allies lost 727. A difference of 250. Still an acceptable level for Allies.
Screenshot 2026-10-09 125828.jpg
Screenshot 2026-10-09 125828.jpg (164.81 KiB) Viewed 883 times

I forgot to mention that I am again disbanding flak units. Last turn and this turn nine each time were disbanded. It will continue until there are none. It will take several months. Mr. Bimmler it not going to use the Luftwaffe in attacking the Allied directly so no need for flak.

Mr. Bimmler has created a tempting target in Northern Italy. And in fact I am going to spring on it and take the bait. This of course will give Germany ten administrative points instead of five for the rest of the game but this would have happened in just a month when D-Day happened so no great loss. However, there would have still been a small garrison requirement for each non invaded region if only north western France was invaded. Yet since North Italy is now going to be invaded, this Axis limitation will be removed permanently when D-Day is launched. Chanel Islands to not count as a garrison region.

Below is Northern Italy. Yellow area is what can be taken without issue. It goes up to border area. Green line shows where German contact line is. Red lines show what Allies plan to do following vectors.
Screenshot 2026-10-09 131345.jpg
Screenshot 2026-10-09 131345.jpg (315.11 KiB) Viewed 878 times

Picture is of Allied advance. Most hexes taken in withdraw section but still a few that were not reachable. I have made a green contact line of what I think it will be next turn. A few minor adjustments by Mr. Bimmler probability.
Screenshot 2026-10-09 135757.jpg
Screenshot 2026-10-09 135757.jpg (312.8 KiB) Viewed 873 times

Final picture is of interdiction levels. In red, from 2-9 level. I think it will be effective since this was the first week so specific concentrations can be made on key hexes.
Screenshot 2026-10-09 140306.jpg
Screenshot 2026-10-09 140306.jpg (181.78 KiB) Viewed 873 times

One thing I do want to mention is that now Germany does not have a garrison requirement for northern Italy. Units can be dispersed onto Europe. Yet I think many will stay in northern Italy to protect the region. Time will tell.

Results for the British Channel Islands was good for Allies. Naval isolation was achieved despite rain. Even ground interdiction was outstanding. 8 and 9 level achieved, so invasion should go well.
kentkroeckel
Posts: 667
Joined: Mon Jun 26, 2017 6:32 pm
Location: USA Colorado

Turn 45

Post by kentkroeckel »

May 6, 1944.

Rain over Europe and most of northern Italy. Light mud on northern Italy too. 5-6 water level

victory points were zero this turn but that is good for Allies because of conducting the Channel Island attacks last turn. Below is picture of them.
Screenshot 2026-10-10 102257.jpg
Screenshot 2026-10-10 102257.jpg (37.47 KiB) Viewed 645 times

Both were liberated but 15 amphibious ship points were lost. More than I would have expected. Current pool has decreased to 218. Need to build that up to 250 for a perfect invasion.
Screenshot 2026-10-11 173450.jpg
Screenshot 2026-10-11 173450.jpg (184.82 KiB) Viewed 645 times

Below is contact line before Allied phase.
Screenshot 2026-10-10 102523.jpg
Screenshot 2026-10-10 102523.jpg (207.6 KiB) Viewed 645 times

Germany lost 23 aircraft while Allies lost 13 during Axis air phase. I wanted to pressure the Luftwaffe so kept missions on seven days. Did not expect so much in losses. Particularly, in operational losses; 758 in this category. For both air phases, Germany lost 372 while Allies lost 1,110. A Luftwaffe victory of 738. Allies cannot do this again so I will reduce strategic missions to four days a week and maybe even rest for next week.
Screenshot 2026-10-10 233348.jpg
Screenshot 2026-10-10 233348.jpg (171.68 KiB) Viewed 645 times
kentkroeckel
Posts: 667
Joined: Mon Jun 26, 2017 6:32 pm
Location: USA Colorado

Turn 45 Allied combat

Post by kentkroeckel »

May 6, 1944.

first picture is of front line across Italy. Green part is static while red area represents advancement through movement and or combat.
Screenshot 2026-10-11 191111.jpg
Screenshot 2026-10-11 191111.jpg (172.82 KiB) Viewed 621 times

Following shows combat in first hex taken with one attack. Almost 1,100 Axis soldiers lost.
Screenshot 2026-10-11 191808.jpg
Screenshot 2026-10-11 191808.jpg (256.98 KiB) Viewed 621 times

Second hex taken in one attack. Germany lost twice as many soldiers, which is often the reverse. Notice how a 3 fortification was reduced to zero.
Screenshot 2026-10-11 191925.jpg
Screenshot 2026-10-11 191925.jpg (298.13 KiB) Viewed 621 times

Third hex taken in one attack. Odds were 59 for Germany and only 19 for Allies. Almost 1 to 3. Yet Allies prevailed against the air division. Axis unit even routed. This is showing what accumulated attrition can do. Along with limited logistics.
Screenshot 2026-10-11 192307.jpg
Screenshot 2026-10-11 192307.jpg (235.63 KiB) Viewed 621 times
kentkroeckel
Posts: 667
Joined: Mon Jun 26, 2017 6:32 pm
Location: USA Colorado

Turn 45 Allied combat

Post by kentkroeckel »

May 6, 1944.

Following hex took two times to take. In first attack losses are even but fortification goes from 3 to 1. That is really good. Look at the amount of artillery, engineers, and finally, infantry points. Armor has been destroyed so now no armored vehicles for Axis units. There was not much to begin with but I think this still can have an impact on calculations.
Screenshot 2026-10-11 192818.jpg
Screenshot 2026-10-11 192818.jpg (278.18 KiB) Viewed 617 times

Second attack on the above hex. Axis losses are much lager than Allied losses for soldiers. One Axis division retreats but it is damaged. The second one is routed.
Screenshot 2026-10-11 193536.jpg
Screenshot 2026-10-11 193536.jpg (212.73 KiB) Viewed 617 times

Next hex took two attacks also. The odds are 1 to 1. The fortification goes from two to one, but at a cost of twice as many lost soldiers for the Allies. 1,000 to 500. Allies lost many more armored vehicles too. What gave Allies this challenging victory was artillery, engineers, and infantry points. They count more when attacking fortifications and on hostile terrain.
Screenshot 2026-10-11 194144.jpg
Screenshot 2026-10-11 194144.jpg (234.08 KiB) Viewed 617 times

Second attack of the above hex. Germany lost most of the soldiers, and both Axis units retreated. They do take damage withdrawing in combat.
Screenshot 2026-10-11 194247.jpg
Screenshot 2026-10-11 194247.jpg (252.41 KiB) Viewed 617 times
kentkroeckel
Posts: 667
Joined: Mon Jun 26, 2017 6:32 pm
Location: USA Colorado

Turn 46

Post by kentkroeckel »

May 13, 1944.

Victory points for turn were 5 and game total is 243.

weather is clear in the sky so will conduct air missions heavily for another turn. Rain is coming next turn so Air will rest that week.

Germany did no ground attacks nor any air missions. One thing to note is that Mr. Bimmler did not allow Germany to retreat, even one hex on Italy. It will be a brutal fight, as many new Axis units have joined the defense of Northern Italy. Below is the new contact line for Italy.
Screenshot 2026-10-14 182332.jpg
Screenshot 2026-10-14 182332.jpg (145.93 KiB) Viewed 253 times

Allied air phase was intense. Germany lost 297 while Allies lost 1,032. A Luftwaffe advantage of 735. There were 634 Allied losses due to operational losses alone. But air missions were disproportional. Germany conducted 2,300 while Allies launched 55,000. A ratio of 24 to 1. Below are results.
Screenshot 2026-10-14 201549.jpg
Screenshot 2026-10-14 201549.jpg (172.2 KiB) Viewed 253 times

I wanted to show how the air naval missions are doing. First is the Mediterranean. I zoomed it out to show most of it.
Screenshot 2026-10-14 195648.jpg
Screenshot 2026-10-14 195648.jpg (447.54 KiB) Viewed 253 times

Next is the waters around England and the French coastline.
Screenshot 2026-10-14 195805.jpg
Screenshot 2026-10-14 195805.jpg (239.12 KiB) Viewed 253 times
kentkroeckel
Posts: 667
Joined: Mon Jun 26, 2017 6:32 pm
Location: USA Colorado

Turn 46

Post by kentkroeckel »

May 13, 1944.

Wanted to show results of air missions on terrain hexes. First is Italy. levels of two and above circled.
Screenshot 2026-10-14 195953.jpg
Screenshot 2026-10-14 195953.jpg (287.15 KiB) Viewed 251 times

Following are ground interdiction levels of two and better for France.
Screenshot 2026-10-14 200402.jpg
Screenshot 2026-10-14 200402.jpg (474.87 KiB) Viewed 251 times

Wanted to show a closeup of French coastline and the units that have been observed.
Screenshot 2026-10-14 202607.jpg
Screenshot 2026-10-14 202607.jpg (186.09 KiB) Viewed 251 times

Final picture shows results of Allied attacks on Italian contact line. Green is static while red is advancement through movement and or attack.
Screenshot 2026-10-14 210333.jpg
Screenshot 2026-10-14 210333.jpg (215.17 KiB) Viewed 246 times
kentkroeckel
Posts: 667
Joined: Mon Jun 26, 2017 6:32 pm
Location: USA Colorado

Turn 46 Allied combat

Post by kentkroeckel »

April 13, 1944.

First hex took two attacks to take. In first attack there was 9 artillery points, 30 engineer points which brought down fortification from three to one. There was also 54 infantry points. Still German units remained. Ratio was one to one. Yet 31 Axis armored vehicles were destroyed. Over nine hundred Axis soldiers were also lost.
Screenshot 2026-10-15 101540.jpg
Screenshot 2026-10-15 101540.jpg (319.75 KiB) Viewed 210 times

Second attack of above hex. Three German divisions retreated because a two to one ratio was achieved; just barely.
Screenshot 2026-10-15 101703.jpg
Screenshot 2026-10-15 101703.jpg (324.23 KiB) Viewed 210 times

Next hex was taken in one attack. The two German divisions and brigade routed, which then isolated a German unit in another hex. It is circled in black. This was the goal so was not attacked.
Screenshot 2026-10-15 101900.jpg
Screenshot 2026-10-15 101900.jpg (311 KiB) Viewed 210 times

Another hex taken in one attack, reducing a fortification from three to none. This retreat weakened the Axis division. for the next hex attack.
Screenshot 2026-10-15 102120.jpg
Screenshot 2026-10-15 102120.jpg (311.92 KiB) Viewed 210 times
kentkroeckel
Posts: 667
Joined: Mon Jun 26, 2017 6:32 pm
Location: USA Colorado

Turn 46 Allied combat

Post by kentkroeckel »

May 13, 1944.

Following hex taken is a result of previous attack. The German 71 Infantry Division retreated before to this hex but now it routed.
Screenshot 2026-10-15 102610.jpg
Screenshot 2026-10-15 102610.jpg (310.2 KiB) Viewed 209 times

It took two attacks to take this hex. Allies lost a thousand soldiers on the first attack, while Germany only lost three hundred fifty.
Screenshot 2026-10-15 102653.jpg
Screenshot 2026-10-15 102653.jpg (298.6 KiB) Viewed 209 times

Second attack took the city of Florence. It is an important rail hub. Axis unit retreated.
Screenshot 2026-10-15 103211.jpg
Screenshot 2026-10-15 103211.jpg (332.89 KiB) Viewed 209 times

Final hex taken took 17 attacks to take. First attack was to weaken it but cost more than intended by Allies.
Screenshot 2026-10-15 103537.jpg
Screenshot 2026-10-15 103537.jpg (335.57 KiB) Viewed 207 times
User avatar
tm1
Posts: 2592
Joined: Tue May 14, 2013 10:21 pm
Location: Central Coast NSW Australia

Re: 1943-1945 Campaign

Post by tm1 »

Hi @kentkroeckel

Firstly just want to say the scale of the attacks in Italy are staggering in numbers of AFV's, I have had one or two battles against the AI here and there but your constant push week after week with those kind tank number reaching 1300 hundred breaking through enemy troops in mountain positions is scary :D

You have gained a huge amount of territory since the Anzio invasion captured Rome, on the face of it you could reach Southern Germany before the end of 1944, I thought the Northern Mountain range in Tuscany and Emilia - Romagna would stop you.

The question I would like to ask is did you and your opponent agreed to have the activated " No Beachhead Victory Points penalty " activated in this game, though even if you do looking at the recon screenshots of Normandy there does not seem enough Axis troops there to stop you from gaining 10 hexes and incurring the 1000 point penalty !
I mean I know he has units inland due to the Garrison requirements but will it be enough.

regards
kentkroeckel
Posts: 667
Joined: Mon Jun 26, 2017 6:32 pm
Location: USA Colorado

Response to Mr. TM1

Post by kentkroeckel »

Hello and thank you for your question Mr. TM1. The first part of your comment I would like to address now. Italy has indeed become a killing zone for both sides. My hope, (Allies) is to wear down the Axis units by continually retreating, routing and then reconstituting, and finally by being isolated. Odds are not that important now, as they often do not reflect an accurate assessment.

Additionally, Allies are hoping to tie down many Axis units that could otherwise be used for D-Day. Meaning, units from Northern Italy too. This is why I have the United Kingdom military engaging in Italy constantly. They have not sat around during 1944 refitting.

Next part of your comment I think is not accurate; in reference to limited Axis units in France. There are many more than Allied reconnaissance has revealed. Now whether they are inland or along the shore is another matter? From what I see, it is a mix as to what Mr. Bimmler has done with them. Though they do seem concentrated towards the east part of France rather than the western coast of France. This makes sense too since most landings on Europe are traditional. Maybe I will do something different. Not telling yet. Ha.



Next part of your comment dealt with the "Beachhead" penalty. I copied it from the 'Living Manual' so it will be clear. Manual is better than I could ever be. Ha.

V1.00.37 – 7 May 2015
New Game Option - Added No Beachhead VP to the game options screen so these may be set by the players. This allows the player to adjust the victory points lost for failing to have the required beachheads as of February 1944 and July 1944.

Kent Response: In this challenge, and in every challenge I have played, I have had it on normal. Or if you prefer, traditional. That means, Italian penalty of 400 victory points. Now I want to explain what that means and the purpose.

This penalty is applied against the Allies. Or another way to say it; negative, (minus) four hundred victory points. And to refresh, Germany wants negative while Allies want positive. So, if Allies fail to secure ten hexes of Mainland Italy by February, 1944, it happens. It can never be undone either. Those negative points are awarded to Germany and cannot be taken away.

The penalty for D-Day failure works the same for context but at a bigger penalty. Allies need to control 10 hexes of France by July of 1944, or loose 1000 victory points. Just the same as Italian penalty or if you prefer, German bonus. Now the special part. location is important. Just like the hexes in Italy had to be mainland, northern or southern Italy; France has a similar requirement. Northern France. It can be western or eastern France but it needs to be the northern France. Mediterranean is not going to do it.

Note, there is a weird exception. If Allies control the above ten hexes of France before February of 1944, then the Italian penalty is not applied. Meaning, French hex control negates the need to control Italian Mainland hexes.



I have never played with accumulative penalty and do not think it is good but included it below.

V1.00.37 – 7 May 2015
If the cumulative penalty box is checked, then the player can enter VPs lost each turn for each hex less than 10 in the required beachhead. In this case, the penalty becomes the maximum penalty possible for each requirement. The standard penalty is 400 for Feb 44 and 1000 for July 44.



Final thing on this subject is playing a challenge with "Optional Bombing" victory points. Intent of this rule is to force the Allies to fight over Europe instead of taking ten hexes and then stopping. The idea behind this is that an Allied player does not want to loose victory points so only conducts strategic bombing. In this rule the victory points start negative. 1,200 to be exact but are awarded when Allies control main cities or objectives. For example, I think Paris is wort 400. I have never played with it because it changes the victory points too much, in my opinion. If Allies do not control Paris, then they are not going to have many victory points anyway. I see no point to this alternate form for victory points.

Than you for your comment Mr. TM1, and hope I answered your questions over it.

Best wishes, Kent.
Post Reply

Return to “After Action Reports”