CFNA 1940-43 devoncop (Axis) vs warspite1 (CW) - no devoncop please

[warspite1]

There are few turns to go - I don't have the luxury of taking my artillery out of the line for 3 or 4 turns so they re-supply - I then use them once and they go red again and have to repeat the process.

[warspite1]

Turn 212 - Axis Turn
26th September 1942

Quelle surprise [8|] In the face of such nonsense its best to walk away and count to a billion before posting commentary....

[warspite1]

Turn 212 - Axis Turn
26th September 1942

The victory pointer moves back to the Allies but there are just 31 turns left and we are talking a point here or there.

It's just not happening for the CW sadly. There are still tons of Axis reinforcements piling toward the front - and although their replacement aircraft are biplanes (and other Italian aircraft at the moment) and although I continue to have so-called air superiority - it simply does not to make a difference.

The coastal hex I was about to take last turn is now reinforced with 7 German units but I have no choice but to continue to attack here.

[warspite1]

Turn 212
29th September 1942

The focus for the turn will be on these hexes.

[warspite1]

Turn 212
29th September 1942

Of course [&:] One attack and this happens.... This scenario appears loaded against the CW - I expect there will be some very unwelcome news on the air front too for a change....

[warspite1]

Turn 212
29th September 1942

I feared - from a quick glance - that the air news would be bad, and a closer examination shows my expectations were met [8|] - given the numbers why does this keep happening?? Imagine 18 unescorted Blenheims against 68 enemy fighters - I think the outcome can be confidently predicted.....

The loss of tanks was a problem - but acceptable given the breakthrough made - but once again the CW get no chance to follow up their breakthrough as the turn ends even earlier.

[warspite1]

Turn 213 - Axis Turn
30th September 1942

Two bombardments from the Axis this time - and another CW infantry evaporates and more CW aircraft are destroyed than Axis - hey it's a good job I have air superiority.... 7 vs 2 even after that....

[warspite1]

Turn 213
30th September 1942

The plan has to remain the same. The coastal region will be targeted first and foremost with an attack on the dog-leg a possibility - as is an assault south of Alam Halfa. All that assumes of course that the CW get more than a couple of rounds in.....

This turn went somewhat better as there was no early ending of the turn. This enabled a number of bombardments and 7 attacks to be launched. Ignoring the air battles, the results were generally good with the enemy being pushed back during each attack. Having got to Alam Halfa I do not intend to assault this feature but am seeking to bypass it. To that end my tank forces were able to push along the coast road and the parallel rail line. This enabled me to open up Burg-El-Arab as an airfield for two fresh fighter squadrons.

[warspite1]

Turn 213
30th September 1942

The bill for the gains made. This was a good turn overall - the Axis loss of tanks, infantry, AA guns and field guns being particularly pleasing.

[warspite1]

Turn 214 - Axis Turn
3rd October 1942

Into October and less than 30 turns left.....

In a shock development Axis artillery evaporate another British infantry battalion.... That was the only bombardment last turn from the Axis. My opponent shows no signs of moving back to straighten the line or anything like it. He is holding steadfastly in place [&o]..... damn him [:)]

[warspite1]

Turn 214
3rd October 1942

The Victory points swing further in the CW direction but sadly remain firmly in the minus camp [:(]

[warspite1]

Turn 214
3rd October 1942

I continue my rotational policy with my aircraft and (for all the good its doing me [8|]) I stick to the idea that only if its 'dark green' does it become operational. This gives me - according to the air table - a 12 vs 5 air superiority rating.....

I'll have a look at the aircraft nos. and then look to maximise my forward airbases.

The reserves continue to dwindle in order to keep the squadrons supplied, but the total number is only 10 less than 4 turns previously. On the down side the Hurricane force is shot - just 6 squadrons available (and I don't even want to look at how many aircraft can be mustered in those 6).

[warspite1]

Turn 214
3rd October 1942

Sing along now "Red and Yellow and Pink and Green, Orange and Purple and Blue....."

The air base at Amiriya is now full (as is Burg El Arab to the west). Pilots from Greece, South Africa, Free France, Australia, Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom all proudly displaying their colours.

So I have air superiority of over 2 to 1, I have closer air bases, no units flying are less than max supply......

[warspite1]

Turn 214
3rd October 1942

Having said I won't fight for Alam Halfa, devoncop largely vacates the eastern end of the ridge and the South African 1st Imperial Horse eject the defenders.

There are two hexes I hope to target this turn as I try and push toward El-Alamein in the north and skirt Alam Halfa in the south.

[warspite1]

Turn 214
3rd October 1942

The two objectives were taken (the one in the south is obscured by the Combat Results Table) - and three subsidiary attacks saw the enemy pushed back in each. However the casualties in achieving this look pretty high and I have a feeling that I'm going to need an expletive-ridden post to explain the air battles.....

[warspite1]

Turn 214
3rd October 1942

The air battles weren't as bad as I feared after the initial result which was deeply disappointing given the numbers involved.

A couple of the attacks proved expensive but overall the numbers were reasonable. I lost more tanks but the majority of the enemy tank losses were German which is important. I wasn't able to hit the enemy field artillery and that may come back to bite me on the bum.

But I'm hoping that devoncop decides he needs to withdraw at some point in the south and that may give me a chance to open up the front.... maybe.

[warspite1]

Turn 214
3rd October 1942

The picture at the end of the turn

[MikeJ19]

Warspite,

I continue to really enjoy your AAR. Thanks for sharing.

[Szilard]

ORIGINAL: MikeJ19

Warspite,

I continue to really enjoy your AAR. Thanks for sharing.

Ditto.

Church-bell ringers are putting talc on their palms & checking their ropes ...

[warspite1]

Thanks guys. I've not been able to turn my turn around for a couple of days as I've needed to try and devote some time and thought to STBP - which has been increasingly getting away from me. I hope to do my next turn of this game tomorrow....