Tough Scenario

[MarkShot]

Wow! That washed out look ... like an old map is something. Can you put some weathering or wrinkles into it? Do you plan to write your AAR auf Deustch or just use some Germenglich?

[06 Maestro]

RedDevil
 
That is sharp!  I will eventually get around to learning Gimp-I have it, but in a corner.
I'm looking forward to your AAR-best of luck in the fight.

[06 Maestro]

This is the result of the inland valley approach. The results are fairly similar to previous attempts-a little closer, but not close enough. The plan was easy enough; feint left on day one, move the armor back to the right for a major attack on day 2, day 3 breakthroughs to the south side of the pass, and day four just cruse right on out of the 2 exit points.
It started off well, but as usual it stalled. I made to within 5 km of an exit point, but the units started to slow down-even though they still had decent supply.
So, thinking I’m missing something here I took another look at the manual. Within a short time the command delays do to distance caught my attention. It seems that the non motorized division HQ has an optimal command range of 9 km-12 km plus = heavy penalty. Well, in this screen shot (end of game), which is 28 km north to south, my division HQ is not to be seen-because it’s a few km to the north.
I think I’ve got the AI on the run-one more try should do it. To be on the safe side, I’m going to cut Allied supply availability.

[06 Maestro]

[font="times new roman"]Although I have not managed a victory as the Germans in this scenario, I’m content.  In the actual event the Allies could claim the victory as they were not cut off (at that location).  That had no choice but to withdraw.  The decision to evacuate Greece had already been made.  Of course, the Germans knew that the British were going to evacuate and wanted to prevent that from happening.  They (the Germans) were largely unsuccessful in that effort and the fighting around Thermopylae and Molos were part of that failure.  [/font]
[font="times new roman"][/font] 
[font="times new roman"]So, as it turns out, this scenario plays as it should.  If the German side can achieve a victory here, he is very, very good.[/font]
[font="times new roman"][/font] 
[font="times new roman"]I want to thank Golf33 for the historical link again.  By the time I settled down to read (completely) about this battle, I had become quite familiar with the terrain, units and problems. Reading the first hand accounts (from both sides) was almost surreal.[/font]
[font="times new roman"]This is a good scenario to learn a few do’s and don’ts, but there will be no victory celebration unless you play as the Allied side.  Actually, the Germans did issue a unit citation for the capture of Molos.[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Seems like a lot of trouble to learn a little bit of history, but I enjoyed it-and I will never forget this little bit of history.[/font]

[RedDevil]

Hi Maestro,

Unfortunately I did not have time to create the AAR, but I had at least the time to get a marginal victory [:D]

Here's the AAR screenie. Don't be frustrated though... my victory is very much down to luck.

Cheers,

RedDevil

[RedDevil]

Quick summary of the VPs.

I could have reached 100 easily, but I was too cautious towards the end and anyway it would not have changed the fact that the Allied have scored 72 (!!!) points so the victory would be marginal anyway.

Cheers,

Red Devil

[RedDevil]

And here's the fastest AAR in history. Just one very cluttered map... I hope people can make out something from it.

Tips (from the second attempt):
I strongly recommend to build two bridges, one on the road to the west (where the 91HQ is at the end of Day 1, the other where the 112 HQ is. The first is useful to send troops South quickly, the other to avoid delays when the II/3 Pz arrive and to get to Molos quickly. In the first attempt I tried to use the railway line but the troops refused to travel on it.
- I used the paths over the hill to get the most of the 141 and 143 in the valley south of the railroad tunnel and did not find opposition rather than the road where I sent the I/141 for diversionary purposes. The III/143 was instead sent straight to the railroad tunnel. The idea was to prevent the allied forces to block the road from the south, but it did not quite work.
- the 55 Krad is really a pain. Very good but not so sure how to best use them. Sent them on the road South hoping to catch some arty. They certainly attracted a lot of fire on them (and the allied arty is really lethal in this scenario). Unfortunately they were almost completely destroyed by the end of day 2.
- The 3 and I/3 stayed around the Thermopylae and were relentlessly barraged by the Allied. The only reason why they escaped was because they are excellent units so don't be afraid to send them straigth into the enemy's strongholds.
- most of the movements were set for quickest, column formation, aggro low, losses high. I wanted them to get going at all costs. Setting the aggro to medium the units stop and fight too much.
... I am leaving for holidays tomorrow but I should be able to connect to the internet and check the forum in case you want some more info.

Cheers,

Red Devil

[06 Maestro]

[font="times new roman"]That’s a beautiful job, RedDevil- I salute you. [/font]
[font="times new roman"] My last efforts came very close to reaching an eastern exit, but not close enough.  I also considered having the last mobile reinforcements just drive straight to the exit in spite of losses, but I already had them engaged-it was too late.   I had one other last minute revelation; the Pz regimental HQ is really substandard compared to the infantry regiments. [&:]   It really was too bad my critical day 4 operation was in the hands of that particular HQ.  I also tried to build a bridge at the second location several times, but could not due to Allied arty.  [/font]
[font="times new roman"]I am humbled before your operational skill.[&o]  It takes more than luck to win in this scenario.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]