Roger Keating from SSG and myself (Robjess from Run5) will be posting an AAR of the Main Invasion Campaign from SSG's forthcoming Battles in Normandy. This AAR will be a cross post from the Run5 Site (http://run5.wargamer.com), so you may follow it either here or at Run5 - although if you have not yet visited Run5 it is recommended that you do so, as there is quite alot of information available on BiN over there in our Discussion Forums. In addition to that Run5 will be issuing Free custom scenarios for Bin after it is released.. infact there are quite a few being worked on now by Bin and Run5 testers.
For the purposes of this AAR, I will be posting both the Allied and Axis turns. I will be playing the Axis, and Roger will be playing the Allies. Whilst Roger's Allied turns will appear under my name in these forums, they will indeed by played out and written up by him. I am going to post them here on this forum so that he can spend more time on putting the final coats of paint to the game..
If you have any questions about the AAR - remember to check the forums at Run5 also - as your question may have already been asked and answered there. Notwithstanding, feel free to post and provide comments here..
(ps: Could a moderator please sticky or announce this..)
Battle in Normandy AAR
Moderator: alexs
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Rob Gjessing
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Battle in Normandy AAR
Isn't that bizarre?
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Rob Gjessing
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Allied Turn 1 (Roger)
After a couple of weeks break Rob and I are once again going to venture onto the French coast and fight for control of the beaches. (edit: The original AAR that Roger refers to in this post can be found on Run5 here: http://www.robjess.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=690
This time I am the invader and Rob the Defender. The initial bombardments cleared a good number of entrenchments and the landings went without any Kia's. A number of low step units have been left at sea till turn two so they can land without taking the risks of landing under fire.
The Allied air interdiction is the only thing that really stops the Axis player from throwing the forces back into the English Channel so it is liberally spread along the beaches.
In a change to the first AAR, the Allied air interdiction is guaranteed for the first two turns, and then goes to the random generator. The editor now allows a country to get fixed interdiction up till a specified turn.
The british beaches are thus
The beach CRT's are lethal so that everything on the first turn is directed at keeping the Axis player from reaching the beaches. On turn 2 the forces will be off the beaches and, at least, that danger will be over.
The air landings went without a lot of problem but this is only the beginning. The Axis forces have yet to awaken...
This time I am the invader and Rob the Defender. The initial bombardments cleared a good number of entrenchments and the landings went without any Kia's. A number of low step units have been left at sea till turn two so they can land without taking the risks of landing under fire.
The Allied air interdiction is the only thing that really stops the Axis player from throwing the forces back into the English Channel so it is liberally spread along the beaches.
In a change to the first AAR, the Allied air interdiction is guaranteed for the first two turns, and then goes to the random generator. The editor now allows a country to get fixed interdiction up till a specified turn.
The british beaches are thus
The beach CRT's are lethal so that everything on the first turn is directed at keeping the Axis player from reaching the beaches. On turn 2 the forces will be off the beaches and, at least, that danger will be over.
The air landings went without a lot of problem but this is only the beginning. The Axis forces have yet to awaken...
Isn't that bizarre?
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Rob Gjessing
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RE: Axis Turn 1 (Robjess)
Another beautiful day in France. The birds are singing, the sun is shining. Rommel is away to visit his wife.. nothing is going to happen in this sector.
Gold Juno and Sword:
The German soldiers were woken early this morning - with the sound of shells firing overhead rattling them from their bunks. British Paratroopers have been spotted to the north east of Caen.. and are immediately engaged - with one Para unit being destroyed outright.
Panzer units move into secure Caen and hold all bridges.
Omaha:
German forces were better prepared for the allied units landing at Omaha beach and rushed to the beach to contain the waterlogged Allies. Though they were unable to muster a initial counter attack - they are preparing to sweep the US forces back into the sea in the next few hours.
Utah:
American parachute units were spotted dropping to flooded wetlands in the early hours of the morning.. this was followed by the landing of additional american units on the beaches of Utah. Orders have been given to defend Carentan until German reinforcements arrive.
Overall - my German forces have been taken by surprise.. we didnt expect an invasion in this part of France. Leadership and orders coming from above are disorganised.. and there is confusion as to whether this is the main Allied invasion force or not? Eitherway, send reinforcements urgently!
We await more specific orders from Rommel.
[note that the quality of images have been reduced for the purposes of this AAR to make it easier for those on dial up.]
Gold Juno and Sword:
The German soldiers were woken early this morning - with the sound of shells firing overhead rattling them from their bunks. British Paratroopers have been spotted to the north east of Caen.. and are immediately engaged - with one Para unit being destroyed outright.
Panzer units move into secure Caen and hold all bridges.
Omaha:
German forces were better prepared for the allied units landing at Omaha beach and rushed to the beach to contain the waterlogged Allies. Though they were unable to muster a initial counter attack - they are preparing to sweep the US forces back into the sea in the next few hours.
Utah:
American parachute units were spotted dropping to flooded wetlands in the early hours of the morning.. this was followed by the landing of additional american units on the beaches of Utah. Orders have been given to defend Carentan until German reinforcements arrive.
Overall - my German forces have been taken by surprise.. we didnt expect an invasion in this part of France. Leadership and orders coming from above are disorganised.. and there is confusion as to whether this is the main Allied invasion force or not? Eitherway, send reinforcements urgently!
We await more specific orders from Rommel.
[note that the quality of images have been reduced for the purposes of this AAR to make it easier for those on dial up.]
Isn't that bizarre?
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Rob Gjessing
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Allied Turn 2 (Roger)
The news on DDay+1 is very mixed.
The British Paras landed a bit to far East.
Two of their number are now Kia's and the others are desparately heading for the beaches with little hope that they will make it.
Sword beach is looking secure but that is a lot of clear country and Axis forces are reported heading to the area.
Gold and Juno are fine but units from Gold are heading to Omaha to secure the landing. A number of units are holding out to sea as it is just to dangerous on the beaches at the moment.
Utah forces are moving inland and are attempting a quick capture of Carentan due to the feeling that all units have been directed to Omaha. Can the US Paras pull of a quick victory or are the Axis units just out of sight.
More to follow...
The British Paras landed a bit to far East.
Two of their number are now Kia's and the others are desparately heading for the beaches with little hope that they will make it.
Sword beach is looking secure but that is a lot of clear country and Axis forces are reported heading to the area.
Gold and Juno are fine but units from Gold are heading to Omaha to secure the landing. A number of units are holding out to sea as it is just to dangerous on the beaches at the moment.
Utah forces are moving inland and are attempting a quick capture of Carentan due to the feeling that all units have been directed to Omaha. Can the US Paras pull of a quick victory or are the Axis units just out of sight.
More to follow...
Isn't that bizarre?
RE: Allied Turn 2 (Roger)
I suggest everyone on this forum to check out this AAR.
The last one by them over at Run5 was excellent and made me want this game more than ever.
The last one by them over at Run5 was excellent and made me want this game more than ever.
RE: Allied Turn 2 (Roger)
I suggest everyone on this forum to check out this AAR.
The last one by them over at Run5 was excellent and made me want this game more than ever.
Don't worry man, after KP and AtD, I'm sure ALOT of people will be following this one.
Can't wait to play this one, looks brilliant [:)]
It's better to follow your intuition than a truck, except in Belgium while wanna go to England
RE: Allied Turn 2 (Roger)
This game is looking amazing!
I love the system, so this one is waaayy on the top of my list.
I love the system, so this one is waaayy on the top of my list.
"Fear is a darkroom where the devil develops his negatives" Gary Busey
RE: Allied Turn 2 (Roger)
ORIGINAL: Rob Gjessing
The Allied air interdiction is the only thing that really stops the Axis player from throwing the forces back into the English Channel ...........
How does it stop them?
ORIGINAL: Rob Gjessing
The beach CRT's are lethal
How lethal?
The Germans seem a long way from the beach – why the delay in landing?
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Rob Gjessing
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RE: Allied Turn 2 (Roger)
The interdiction slows my movement down.. so by interdicting just in front of his Allied units, Roger is able to slow and halt any rush forward from my units to attack him on the beaches.
Yes the Beach CRTs are lethal! You dont wanna have a firefight stuck on the beaches.. and yes.. the Germans look to be along way from the beach.. thats because Roger interdicted close to the beaches and stop me rushing him.
Although if you look at the images from around Omaha.. I have closed right up and I am adjacent to him on his beachhead.
Yes the Beach CRTs are lethal! You dont wanna have a firefight stuck on the beaches.. and yes.. the Germans look to be along way from the beach.. thats because Roger interdicted close to the beaches and stop me rushing him.
Although if you look at the images from around Omaha.. I have closed right up and I am adjacent to him on his beachhead.
Isn't that bizarre?
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Rob Gjessing
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Axis Turn 2 (robjess)
The biggest problem for the Germans early on is that they dont have enough units to go around. The first 2 things the Germans need to do is respond to the Allied landings by securing both Carentan and Caen. Sounds easy.. the Allied are miles away. The Allies are most vulnerable whilst they are on the beaches - so there is the temptation to hit them when it hurts the most.
The problem is that its hard to attack on the beaches whilst securing those two vital towns. I positioned my troops to try and do it all. And its caused me some headaches - not that I dont have enough problems as it is..
I advanced to Omaha where there were reports that the Allies were having a hard time of it.. but Allied interdiction has now convinced me that I should retire even before I was able to get an attack in..
Blowing bridges as I retreat one unit couldnt cope with the pressure and has gone into the red. This will be an opportunity for Roger. As these images show (giving too much away!) there is alot of ground for Roger to advance into as I try and get units back into position.
Looking towards Carentan.. (again trying to crop my picture so Roger cant get too much intel from it
)
I am under quite a bit of pressure here. If Roger can get some good assaults together he may manage to get some retreat results and capture the town! So I am rushing units to this area.. the problem is there isnt much to rush.. and what there is to rush is a good few turns away..
Over in the east at Caen..
I was able to conduct some attacks on those British Gliders. I did manage to bag at least one of them and cause dreadful losses to some more.. but I didnt manage to clear them out completely. In the process I conducted the rescue of a Pnz Gren unit. What I am left with though is some allies on my side of the river still holding the bridge open to reinforcements! And this troubles me. I really needed to be more successful here this turn.
What Roger doesnt know is where Panzer Lehr has been positioned.
German reinforcements are entering the battlefield from the map edges and are making their way towards the critical sectors. Here is an image of recently arrived units from the far south west:
To assist with their deployment, Battles in Normandy introduces a new movement mode - Rail Transport. Trains can be allocated to a unit the same way that trucks could be allocated in Korsun Pocket and TAO.
Once a train has been assigned to the unit it is then able to travel longer distances along the rail network to get to where it is going to (the front!)
The problem is that its hard to attack on the beaches whilst securing those two vital towns. I positioned my troops to try and do it all. And its caused me some headaches - not that I dont have enough problems as it is..
I advanced to Omaha where there were reports that the Allies were having a hard time of it.. but Allied interdiction has now convinced me that I should retire even before I was able to get an attack in..
Blowing bridges as I retreat one unit couldnt cope with the pressure and has gone into the red. This will be an opportunity for Roger. As these images show (giving too much away!) there is alot of ground for Roger to advance into as I try and get units back into position.
Looking towards Carentan.. (again trying to crop my picture so Roger cant get too much intel from it
)I am under quite a bit of pressure here. If Roger can get some good assaults together he may manage to get some retreat results and capture the town! So I am rushing units to this area.. the problem is there isnt much to rush.. and what there is to rush is a good few turns away..
Over in the east at Caen..
I was able to conduct some attacks on those British Gliders. I did manage to bag at least one of them and cause dreadful losses to some more.. but I didnt manage to clear them out completely. In the process I conducted the rescue of a Pnz Gren unit. What I am left with though is some allies on my side of the river still holding the bridge open to reinforcements! And this troubles me. I really needed to be more successful here this turn.
What Roger doesnt know is where Panzer Lehr has been positioned.
German reinforcements are entering the battlefield from the map edges and are making their way towards the critical sectors. Here is an image of recently arrived units from the far south west:
To assist with their deployment, Battles in Normandy introduces a new movement mode - Rail Transport. Trains can be allocated to a unit the same way that trucks could be allocated in Korsun Pocket and TAO.
Once a train has been assigned to the unit it is then able to travel longer distances along the rail network to get to where it is going to (the front!)
Isn't that bizarre?
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Rob Gjessing
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Allied Turn 3 (Roger)
The advantage the Allied player has is to close down the Axis supply network in any place he desires.
In this case it was Omaha. The US units had a bad feeling that the Axis forces would stay there but I believe that Rob made the right decision in pulling them back. If they stay there then the US forces can't land without taking bad attrition.
If they had stayed then the British would have arrived and they would have been forced back. The supply problems of the German's cannot be overstated. On the other hand the Allied supply is a bit pathetic.
All units arrive with little or no reserves, which means no extended movement, and no possibility of manouver if they get into trouble. It is a good idea to leave units, such as the 2 Armor to refuel and rearm as soon as they get ashore, as they are just so much more effective, but then you really need them immediately. It will be interesting to see how players use this system.
I thought that Carentan might fall easily but it is going to be a hard nut to crack. If Rob had stayed at Omaha then it would have been easy but as he is pulling back the opportunity is drifting away. I'll try though.
Caen is settling down after some inital fighting and the main effort seems to be around the Omaha/Carentan area. When the German tanks roll up, of course, this could all change.
In this case it was Omaha. The US units had a bad feeling that the Axis forces would stay there but I believe that Rob made the right decision in pulling them back. If they stay there then the US forces can't land without taking bad attrition.
If they had stayed then the British would have arrived and they would have been forced back. The supply problems of the German's cannot be overstated. On the other hand the Allied supply is a bit pathetic.
All units arrive with little or no reserves, which means no extended movement, and no possibility of manouver if they get into trouble. It is a good idea to leave units, such as the 2 Armor to refuel and rearm as soon as they get ashore, as they are just so much more effective, but then you really need them immediately. It will be interesting to see how players use this system.
I thought that Carentan might fall easily but it is going to be a hard nut to crack. If Rob had stayed at Omaha then it would have been easy but as he is pulling back the opportunity is drifting away. I'll try though.
Caen is settling down after some inital fighting and the main effort seems to be around the Omaha/Carentan area. When the German tanks roll up, of course, this could all change.
Isn't that bizarre?
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Rob Gjessing
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German Turn 3 (robjess)
Sorry guys - work has keep me off the battlefield. But here we are with the German Turn 3.
I had forgotten how shite things were looking for me. And whilst I know Roger has his own problems in the Allied camp - it doesnt give me any less of a headache in trying to work out what to do this turn! I think its pretty obvious though - its still a case of getting units into position and trying to hold the flood of Allies back.
I know I have mentioned this in the two previous AAR's we have done on BiN/TAO4 - but the new movement routines are very cool indeed - as you have your turn enemy units appear and disappear and watching your opponents PBEM replay now is quite exciting!
Ok, lets have a look at Caen:
Those Brit Glider doods have now scurried back over the river where they belong - taking with them some battered and bruised men. I have taken this screen shot with the Combat Advisor (CA) on - so that those who are unfamiliar with the series can see how helpful this feature is. As you can see, at the end of my turn, I was still able to get some good attacks in - even up to 9-1 odds. Whilst it may look tempting.. I think I will prefer to stay sheltered in the buildings of Caen rather then venture into the clear terrain infront on the Allies.
Now that I have captured Pegasus (?) bridge back from the Allies - the only real way into Caen by Roger with me to outflank it.. sounds quite historical to me... of course Im sure the Patton side of Roger's brain is trying to push him for a frontal assault - whilst the Monty side is quite happy with his units sitting back soaking up the sun.
Mind you, there is one weakness in the German defense of Caen .. if he looks he may see it.. but it will put him in very vulnerable position and subject to strong counter attacks from me.
Me thinks the "battle" for Caen this time around will be very different to the battle we saw in the first BiN AAR.
Moving west, lets have a look at the situation around Omaha.
Whilst this is a public AAR - I reluctantly display the following image - which shows just how weak I am here! It also confirms where I have sent Panzer Lehr (which is the first thing the German player will need to make a major decision about).. I could say that I have problems in this sector, but its not unique.. the Germans have problems everywhere.. as do the Allies.. - just different ones. This game is a challange for both players regardless of what side you are playing.
Also in this image above, you can see a "blue" skull and cross bones on the map. This is a Mine that I have dropped. In BIN you are allocated Mines and Strongpoints from time to time the same way that Replacements and Interdiction is allocated to players during their turns. This turn I got a strongpoint and a mine to place - you can see where I have placed the mine. The Strongpoint was allocated to one of the urban hexes in Caen.
Further west - at Carentan..
You can see I have problems here also! Enough said really. I have units unsupplied and the enemy is everywhere.. I am trying to get reinforcements into position as best I can.. but they are taking too long.. far too long!
And lets not even mention that poor German unit stuck behind lines in the middle of the Allied flyboys!
Over to you Roger.. do your worst mate
I had forgotten how shite things were looking for me. And whilst I know Roger has his own problems in the Allied camp - it doesnt give me any less of a headache in trying to work out what to do this turn! I think its pretty obvious though - its still a case of getting units into position and trying to hold the flood of Allies back.
I know I have mentioned this in the two previous AAR's we have done on BiN/TAO4 - but the new movement routines are very cool indeed - as you have your turn enemy units appear and disappear and watching your opponents PBEM replay now is quite exciting!
Ok, lets have a look at Caen:
Those Brit Glider doods have now scurried back over the river where they belong - taking with them some battered and bruised men. I have taken this screen shot with the Combat Advisor (CA) on - so that those who are unfamiliar with the series can see how helpful this feature is. As you can see, at the end of my turn, I was still able to get some good attacks in - even up to 9-1 odds. Whilst it may look tempting.. I think I will prefer to stay sheltered in the buildings of Caen rather then venture into the clear terrain infront on the Allies.
Now that I have captured Pegasus (?) bridge back from the Allies - the only real way into Caen by Roger with me to outflank it.. sounds quite historical to me... of course Im sure the Patton side of Roger's brain is trying to push him for a frontal assault - whilst the Monty side is quite happy with his units sitting back soaking up the sun.
Mind you, there is one weakness in the German defense of Caen .. if he looks he may see it.. but it will put him in very vulnerable position and subject to strong counter attacks from me.
Me thinks the "battle" for Caen this time around will be very different to the battle we saw in the first BiN AAR.
Moving west, lets have a look at the situation around Omaha.
Whilst this is a public AAR - I reluctantly display the following image - which shows just how weak I am here! It also confirms where I have sent Panzer Lehr (which is the first thing the German player will need to make a major decision about).. I could say that I have problems in this sector, but its not unique.. the Germans have problems everywhere.. as do the Allies.. - just different ones. This game is a challange for both players regardless of what side you are playing.
Also in this image above, you can see a "blue" skull and cross bones on the map. This is a Mine that I have dropped. In BIN you are allocated Mines and Strongpoints from time to time the same way that Replacements and Interdiction is allocated to players during their turns. This turn I got a strongpoint and a mine to place - you can see where I have placed the mine. The Strongpoint was allocated to one of the urban hexes in Caen.
Further west - at Carentan..
You can see I have problems here also! Enough said really. I have units unsupplied and the enemy is everywhere.. I am trying to get reinforcements into position as best I can.. but they are taking too long.. far too long!
And lets not even mention that poor German unit stuck behind lines in the middle of the Allied flyboys!
Over to you Roger.. do your worst mate
Isn't that bizarre?
RE: German Turn 3 (robjess)
What side would you suggest to play against the AI as your first venture into BiN?
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Rob Gjessing
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Allied Turn 4 (Roger)
One of the additional features that anyone wanting to master the BIN system has to address is the fuel issue. 2nd Armor has landed at Omaha or Utah but comes ashore completely without reserves.
They can be rushed to the front, or can be left near the beaches to refuel before being rushed into the action. An armored unit in the front line without reserves has very little ability to cope with an out of supply situation and does not have any ability to penentrate any breaches that are made in enemy lines. It is frustrating to just have them sit around and not do anything but, than again, when they hit that enemy line with full force....
Caen is a very different battlefield to the first AAR. Montygomery is firmly in control and the British defensive lines are looking formidable. The two surviving Para units are being rested and are relaying their stories to the other chaps.
The rest of the front is not so quiet. The Germans lost a regiment trapped near the beaches, as well as the surrounded one next to Carentan, and an AA gun next to Carentan. Forces are advancing on all fronts but it has been noted that strong German forces are holding defensive lines in the bocage. Lots of bridges seem to be going down so the rebuilding effort is already under way.One airbourne unit has made it next to Carentan but reports strong resistance.
They can be rushed to the front, or can be left near the beaches to refuel before being rushed into the action. An armored unit in the front line without reserves has very little ability to cope with an out of supply situation and does not have any ability to penentrate any breaches that are made in enemy lines. It is frustrating to just have them sit around and not do anything but, than again, when they hit that enemy line with full force....
Caen is a very different battlefield to the first AAR. Montygomery is firmly in control and the British defensive lines are looking formidable. The two surviving Para units are being rested and are relaying their stories to the other chaps.
The rest of the front is not so quiet. The Germans lost a regiment trapped near the beaches, as well as the surrounded one next to Carentan, and an AA gun next to Carentan. Forces are advancing on all fronts but it has been noted that strong German forces are holding defensive lines in the bocage. Lots of bridges seem to be going down so the rebuilding effort is already under way.One airbourne unit has made it next to Carentan but reports strong resistance.
Isn't that bizarre?
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Rob Gjessing
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German Turn 4 (robjess)
If there was one word to describe the my situation it would be - THIN. Because at the moment from my perspective my lines look paper thin. Im sure to Roger they look strong - or at least I hope he thinks they are
Here is an image of the whole eastern part of the battle.. I have tried to extend my line running south west from Caen - behind the river, and have then some units into Villers Bocage. I have two strong divisions arriving in the east next turn.. so that makes me a little bit happier.
The Allied interdiction really is a killer in this game and the new AA features will have the best German player pulling their hair out as they try to find the best placement for those 88's. I can tell you now, whilst you may think you want them in the front line levelled out and pointing at Cromwells and Shermans - you will quickly rethink that situations quick smart.
Utah is interesting. The reason that Carenatan and the area in front of Omaha has been so weak is because I decided to keep a reserve. The reserve was situated in the far west just between St Saveur and Carentan. My plan was to hold these units back and then when Roger had extended his line far enough I would push them into his flank and hopefully drive into his soft centre around Utah.
It hasnt worked that way.. You can see I have committed some units now into that area - its the marsh area to the west of Carentan. The problem for me has been - the pressure has been too much on Carentan and Omaha that I had no choice but to pull some units from the reserve and commit them to defense, plus Roger's interdiction has made it hard for me to attack in that area - and Roger has used the 101st to protect his flank.
I fear that I will shortly lose Carentan now. Roger is going very well and is what I could consider 'ahead of schedule'.
Here is an image of the whole eastern part of the battle.. I have tried to extend my line running south west from Caen - behind the river, and have then some units into Villers Bocage. I have two strong divisions arriving in the east next turn.. so that makes me a little bit happier.
The Allied interdiction really is a killer in this game and the new AA features will have the best German player pulling their hair out as they try to find the best placement for those 88's. I can tell you now, whilst you may think you want them in the front line levelled out and pointing at Cromwells and Shermans - you will quickly rethink that situations quick smart.
Utah is interesting. The reason that Carenatan and the area in front of Omaha has been so weak is because I decided to keep a reserve. The reserve was situated in the far west just between St Saveur and Carentan. My plan was to hold these units back and then when Roger had extended his line far enough I would push them into his flank and hopefully drive into his soft centre around Utah.
It hasnt worked that way.. You can see I have committed some units now into that area - its the marsh area to the west of Carentan. The problem for me has been - the pressure has been too much on Carentan and Omaha that I had no choice but to pull some units from the reserve and commit them to defense, plus Roger's interdiction has made it hard for me to attack in that area - and Roger has used the 101st to protect his flank.
I fear that I will shortly lose Carentan now. Roger is going very well and is what I could consider 'ahead of schedule'.
Isn't that bizarre?
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Rob Gjessing
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Allied Turn 5 (Roger)
The airborne units aroound Carentan would benefit greatly from good reserves but they just have to be used every turn. The infantry can keep going from turn to turn much better than the armor. It is heart breaking when you commit your armor only to see them sitting in the front line unable to get back. Planning....
Around Carentan The infantry forces are still making good progress. They are attempting to keep pressure on the area until I can commit the 2nd Armor and other fresh troops that are currently refueling. Capturing the bridge intact has made me feel happy that the flank will hold and the 101 are doing a good job in this area. The problem with the airborne units is that they have a couple of timed replacements but can't take replacements. Any losses they take are really serious and can take the sting out of any operation. A couple of permanent losses can see them consigned to garrison duty for the duration of the scenario.
Good progress is being made through the bocage and the push has almost reach Villers Bocage. The air interdiction is still being concentrated in the region between Carentan and Villers as this will cause the Germans the most problems. Caen is having a holiday at the moment... I'll flatten it later.
Around Carentan The infantry forces are still making good progress. They are attempting to keep pressure on the area until I can commit the 2nd Armor and other fresh troops that are currently refueling. Capturing the bridge intact has made me feel happy that the flank will hold and the 101 are doing a good job in this area. The problem with the airborne units is that they have a couple of timed replacements but can't take replacements. Any losses they take are really serious and can take the sting out of any operation. A couple of permanent losses can see them consigned to garrison duty for the duration of the scenario.
Good progress is being made through the bocage and the push has almost reach Villers Bocage. The air interdiction is still being concentrated in the region between Carentan and Villers as this will cause the Germans the most problems. Caen is having a holiday at the moment... I'll flatten it later.
Isn't that bizarre?
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Rob Gjessing
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German Turn 5 (Robjess)
Well it looks like the battles for Villers bocage and Carentan are heating up.
At Villers Bocage, a newly arrived Panzer Division gets moved into position. There are a lot of Brit units to contend with though. You can also see that I am attempting to get some supply trucks and ART over to Carentan.. I failed to move on that earlier and I am paying the price now.
Carentan things look grim. Its appears that the allies from Omaha will link up with those from Utah - very shortly. Carentan is under a heap or pressure and is now running the risk of being isolated.
I spent a great deal of time and considering over whether I should pull back and give up Carentan this turn. I decided against it.. The hex behind Carentan - for Roger to close the line is a clear hex.. so me may be hesitent entering into it.. I guess we will see..
At Villers Bocage, a newly arrived Panzer Division gets moved into position. There are a lot of Brit units to contend with though. You can also see that I am attempting to get some supply trucks and ART over to Carentan.. I failed to move on that earlier and I am paying the price now.
Carentan things look grim. Its appears that the allies from Omaha will link up with those from Utah - very shortly. Carentan is under a heap or pressure and is now running the risk of being isolated.
I spent a great deal of time and considering over whether I should pull back and give up Carentan this turn. I decided against it.. The hex behind Carentan - for Roger to close the line is a clear hex.. so me may be hesitent entering into it.. I guess we will see..
Isn't that bizarre?
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Rob Gjessing
- Posts: 525
- Joined: Mon Jan 27, 2003 5:09 am
- Location: Sydney Australia
- Contact:
Allied Turn 6 (Roger)
For a couple of turns now the 2nd Armor have been sitting, and resting. Another turn and they should be ready to plunge into the fray. The gold marker indicates what the reserve situation is going to be next turn and the gold indicator means that it is getting accelerated reserves. This means that they could drive on Cherbourg, cutting off the supplies on the peninsula, or drive off Omaha giving the Germans plenty to think about.
One of the early Allied problems is shown by the supply situation.
The yellow indicates that no replacements can be taken on the beachheads yet. On turn 9 the supply situation gets better and Omaha can then get replacements but not at Utah. This is why it is important to link the two beachheads together and why it is necessary to put men in clear hexes to cut the roads.
The bad air condition has lessened the impact of the air interdiction but the Battleships and Cruisers are now helping out by sending in their own interdiction, which effects any hexes, not just the road or rail that the other interdiction affects. Carentan looks particularly vulnerable at the moment but the 82nd have taken losses while the 101st is in good condition. The Omaha forces are going to have to take over the major effort in pushing on Carentan.
The British are still relaxing around Caen, realizing that their time will come soon.
One of the early Allied problems is shown by the supply situation.
The yellow indicates that no replacements can be taken on the beachheads yet. On turn 9 the supply situation gets better and Omaha can then get replacements but not at Utah. This is why it is important to link the two beachheads together and why it is necessary to put men in clear hexes to cut the roads.
The bad air condition has lessened the impact of the air interdiction but the Battleships and Cruisers are now helping out by sending in their own interdiction, which effects any hexes, not just the road or rail that the other interdiction affects. Carentan looks particularly vulnerable at the moment but the 82nd have taken losses while the 101st is in good condition. The Omaha forces are going to have to take over the major effort in pushing on Carentan.
The British are still relaxing around Caen, realizing that their time will come soon.
Isn't that bizarre?
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Rob Gjessing
- Posts: 525
- Joined: Mon Jan 27, 2003 5:09 am
- Location: Sydney Australia
- Contact:
German Turn 6 (Robjess)
Here I am planning my next turn.. looking at Carentan it is clear that I am about to lose it.. I think if I dont try and vacate it now my men will be cut off.. infact I dont even know if they will be able to get out as it is..
Here is a look of the frontline around Carentan just to show you how dire the supply situation is there.. (units have been removed from the map).
You can see that all roads leading into Carentan are in Allied hands, and the one hex corridor to its south west runs through the swamp - thats not good for the Germans sitting in the city as they are about to starve!
Infact there is nowhere I can position a supply truck which is going to help them out.. so I guess I better try and vacate.. now thats going to be easier said then done..
So how did it end up? Well I managed to pull off two attacks (overruns) on some Allied airborne doods that were to the east of Carentan. I they took losses and retreated.. but it didnt really relieve the pressure on Carentan.
Although technically I do hold the road heading into Carentan from the east.. but I dont think supplies will be able to get in.. So I have started to pull my troops out.. not giving it up completely - a garrison has been ordered to stay put and we have told them that we will send reinforcements as soon as we can (if we can at all).
Further to the east I have pulled my line back as the Allied air interdiction punishes me. Infact you can see that one Pnr Lehr Regt has been left stranded! Good grief.. that is not the sort of unit that I want to throw away.. but evidently someone forgot to include them when they handed fuel out!! They will shortly be enjoying the rest of the war in a POW camp!
The battle is really heating up around Villers Bocage..
Reinforcements to the area allowed me to conduct some counter attacks.. I managed to bag 1 brit recon unit and caused another to go scurrying..
You can see that even at the end of my turn I was still able to get some good combat odds - but it would have meant pulling men out of my line to do so.. something which I just dont want to do right now.. my main aim is to halt the allied advance.
You can see that Caen just to the top left of the image.
Here is a look of the frontline around Carentan just to show you how dire the supply situation is there.. (units have been removed from the map).
You can see that all roads leading into Carentan are in Allied hands, and the one hex corridor to its south west runs through the swamp - thats not good for the Germans sitting in the city as they are about to starve!
Infact there is nowhere I can position a supply truck which is going to help them out.. so I guess I better try and vacate.. now thats going to be easier said then done..
So how did it end up? Well I managed to pull off two attacks (overruns) on some Allied airborne doods that were to the east of Carentan. I they took losses and retreated.. but it didnt really relieve the pressure on Carentan.
Although technically I do hold the road heading into Carentan from the east.. but I dont think supplies will be able to get in.. So I have started to pull my troops out.. not giving it up completely - a garrison has been ordered to stay put and we have told them that we will send reinforcements as soon as we can (if we can at all).
Further to the east I have pulled my line back as the Allied air interdiction punishes me. Infact you can see that one Pnr Lehr Regt has been left stranded! Good grief.. that is not the sort of unit that I want to throw away.. but evidently someone forgot to include them when they handed fuel out!! They will shortly be enjoying the rest of the war in a POW camp!
The battle is really heating up around Villers Bocage..
Reinforcements to the area allowed me to conduct some counter attacks.. I managed to bag 1 brit recon unit and caused another to go scurrying..
You can see that even at the end of my turn I was still able to get some good combat odds - but it would have meant pulling men out of my line to do so.. something which I just dont want to do right now.. my main aim is to halt the allied advance.
You can see that Caen just to the top left of the image.
Isn't that bizarre?
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Rob Gjessing
- Posts: 525
- Joined: Mon Jan 27, 2003 5:09 am
- Location: Sydney Australia
- Contact:
Allied Turn 7 (Roger)
First, the good news for the turn... Carentan has fallen and is now in Allied hands. 2nd Armor have now joined the fray from their rest on Omaha.
The front now looks like ...
The german unit that was left behind in the red has been surrounded and dispatched. This is the time that the Allied has to work out what to do next. The ground is about to become mud, which means the supply situation is going to be very bleak for a couple of turns. Also, Axis points for towns like Cherbourg, are going to get very large unless captured. When the weather gets better, and the supply has improved due to the Mulberry's, evolving supply units and additional reinforcing units, attacks will have to get under way. I have no idea which to do first and will look to Rob for guidance. Maybe he can vacate another area...
The sea power is now essentially useless as the Axis line is beyond the range of naval artillery, except for parts of the Cherbourg pennisula.
The front now looks like ...
The german unit that was left behind in the red has been surrounded and dispatched. This is the time that the Allied has to work out what to do next. The ground is about to become mud, which means the supply situation is going to be very bleak for a couple of turns. Also, Axis points for towns like Cherbourg, are going to get very large unless captured. When the weather gets better, and the supply has improved due to the Mulberry's, evolving supply units and additional reinforcing units, attacks will have to get under way. I have no idea which to do first and will look to Rob for guidance. Maybe he can vacate another area...
The sea power is now essentially useless as the Axis line is beyond the range of naval artillery, except for parts of the Cherbourg pennisula.
Isn't that bizarre?