Grand Campaign (Running AAR)
Moderators: Arjuna, Panther Paul
RE: Grand AAR
Wow! I see a major improvements in your HQ's situation map. [:)] How did you manage that?
RE: Grand AAR
ORIGINAL: vsadek
Wow! I see a major improvements in your HQ's situation map. [:)] How did you manage that?
The divisional HQ just upgraded from Open Office 3.2 to Windows Office 2010 [:)]
(Btw if I had more time it could look like this.)
What I really would want though is some drawing tools in the game itself. That would be a feature that definitely would improve any wargame. It would really increase the playability to be able to draw out your own plans and make notes directly in the user interface. IRL everything is done with overlays on maps and I have never understood why no computer wargame developer yet have realised what such a feature would add to a game.
RE: Grand AAR
ORIGINAL: Pergite!
(Btw if I had more time it could look like this.)
What I really would want though is some drawing tools in the game itself. That would be a feature that definitely would improve any wargame. It would really increase the playability to be able to draw out your own plans and make notes directly in the user interface. IRL everything is done with overlays on maps and I have never understood why no computer wargame developer yet have realised what such a feature would add to a game.
Man, I am very impressed with your skills for graphic presentation. Great work.
RE: Grand AAR
Thanks - this series of AAR's promises to be rivetting
RE: Grand AAR
D1 1000hrs
This is a large scenario and I will not be able to cover the whole battle in this thread. I will however post glimpses of the battle and the general progress from time to time.
The battle has commenced and my units have already gained ground up to 2km behind the first defensive line posed by the US 99 Inf Div. Our forces have not suffered any real losses and the enemy artillery has not yet been effective. Down in the souther part of the OA two of my bn´s already have LOSHEIMSGRABEN within reach and have started to call down artillery on defensive positions.
The slide below shows the northern breakthrough area. The I Bn 989 Grenadier Regt have been ordered to infiltrate the enemy line toward the JANSBACH stream. They have low aggro on their setting and have together with some micro management with an artillery bn managed to cover good ground inside the dense woods. The defensive units bypassed will eventually be mopped up by the follow up forces.
My goal with the infiltration is to reach further west and secure vital road junctions on the main roads, in the process effectively cutting of the defensive line. The breakthrough is made and the US forces bypassed are made irrelevant because I will not have a need to engage them to achieve my objectives.
This is a large scenario and I will not be able to cover the whole battle in this thread. I will however post glimpses of the battle and the general progress from time to time.
The battle has commenced and my units have already gained ground up to 2km behind the first defensive line posed by the US 99 Inf Div. Our forces have not suffered any real losses and the enemy artillery has not yet been effective. Down in the souther part of the OA two of my bn´s already have LOSHEIMSGRABEN within reach and have started to call down artillery on defensive positions.
The slide below shows the northern breakthrough area. The I Bn 989 Grenadier Regt have been ordered to infiltrate the enemy line toward the JANSBACH stream. They have low aggro on their setting and have together with some micro management with an artillery bn managed to cover good ground inside the dense woods. The defensive units bypassed will eventually be mopped up by the follow up forces.
My goal with the infiltration is to reach further west and secure vital road junctions on the main roads, in the process effectively cutting of the defensive line. The breakthrough is made and the US forces bypassed are made irrelevant because I will not have a need to engage them to achieve my objectives.
- Attachments
-
- Assault.jpg (145.66 KiB) Viewed 285 times
RE: Grand AAR
I love this scenario and I can't tell you how many times I've played it so far. Trying to get HJ over Elsenborn Ridge is both exciting and usually heartbreaking. And getting Peiper to exit takes some special finesse; not the least of which is making sure you are rested and organized before breaking out of the woods near Honsfeld. Looking forward to this...
simovitch
RE: Grand AAR
D1 1130hrs
Another advantage with the infiltration tactic is that you quite rapidly can reach the enemies rear areas. This means that you can get a good opportunity to disrupt or even destroy HQ and Supply units. Fast movement through covered terrain will also do this with total surprise to add to the confusion and devastation. In this example two grenadier companies working in close proximity have started to assault the entrenched HQ for the US 3 Bn HQ 939 Inf Regt, the unit that commands the defence of this part of the front.
I have one company grenadiers even further west, close to my objective for the day. In the northern breakthrough things are going great so far. My artillery units are starting to get restocked, so any enemy counter-attack will be able to get a warm greeting along the narrow tracks through the woods.
Another advantage with the infiltration tactic is that you quite rapidly can reach the enemies rear areas. This means that you can get a good opportunity to disrupt or even destroy HQ and Supply units. Fast movement through covered terrain will also do this with total surprise to add to the confusion and devastation. In this example two grenadier companies working in close proximity have started to assault the entrenched HQ for the US 3 Bn HQ 939 Inf Regt, the unit that commands the defence of this part of the front.
I have one company grenadiers even further west, close to my objective for the day. In the northern breakthrough things are going great so far. My artillery units are starting to get restocked, so any enemy counter-attack will be able to get a warm greeting along the narrow tracks through the woods.
- Attachments
-
- Assault.jpg (28.57 KiB) Viewed 287 times
RE: Grand AAR
D1 1230hrs
The going on the southern part of the front towards LOSHEIMSGRABEN suffered from some kind of frictions in the chain of command. I initially decided to let the experienced regimental commander plan and lead the advance of his three battalions. Everything was going great and the enemy around LOSHEIMSGRABEN had started to be engaged when suddenly someone gave the order to the two lead bn´s to withdraw. I fear that the regimental commander thought that they had moved to far ahead and that he had problems to keep up.
The enemy where disengaged before I caught hold of this problem and took personal control over all bn´s in this area. New orders have been issued and advance is about to begin again. Notice that I advance on four axis onto the objective. My intent is to conduct a single or double envelopment against LOSHEIMSGRABEN (the access to the highway) when the opportunity arises. Support will be given to the units that makes a breakthrough in its advance. Reinforce success, not failure.
Meanwhile in the north the grenadiers of the 989 regiment continue on foot further and further west in the northern area without much opposition.
The going on the southern part of the front towards LOSHEIMSGRABEN suffered from some kind of frictions in the chain of command. I initially decided to let the experienced regimental commander plan and lead the advance of his three battalions. Everything was going great and the enemy around LOSHEIMSGRABEN had started to be engaged when suddenly someone gave the order to the two lead bn´s to withdraw. I fear that the regimental commander thought that they had moved to far ahead and that he had problems to keep up.
The enemy where disengaged before I caught hold of this problem and took personal control over all bn´s in this area. New orders have been issued and advance is about to begin again. Notice that I advance on four axis onto the objective. My intent is to conduct a single or double envelopment against LOSHEIMSGRABEN (the access to the highway) when the opportunity arises. Support will be given to the units that makes a breakthrough in its advance. Reinforce success, not failure.
Meanwhile in the north the grenadiers of the 989 regiment continue on foot further and further west in the northern area without much opposition.
- Attachments
-
- Overlay.jpg (81.18 KiB) Viewed 287 times
RE: Grand AAR
ORIGINAL: simovitch
I love this scenario and I can't tell you how many times I've played it so far. Trying to get HJ over Elsenborn Ridge is both exciting and usually heartbreaking. And getting Peiper to exit takes some special finesse; not the least of which is making sure you are rested and organized before breaking out of the woods near Honsfeld. Looking forward to this...
I am looking forward to it too. Its really about keeping up speed in the advance, not allowing to get bottled up or slowed down. The way to success I believe is summed up quite nicely below:
"Military tactics are like unto water; for water in its natural course runs away from high places and hastens downwards. So in war, the way is to avoid what is strong and to strike at what is weak. Water shapes its course according to the nature of the ground over which it flows; the soldier works out his victory in relation to the foe whom he is facing. Therefore, just as water retains no constant shape, so in warfare there are no constant conditions. - Sun Tzu"
The scenario will however be on hold for a couple of days no, so be patient [:)]
RE: Grand AAR
D1 2330 hrs
Order group held at the 9FJ regt CP just outside of LANZERATH. Spirits are high since they know that they during the night will be the spearhead of the entire offensive.
All was going very well until the massive onslaught of the the allied artillery hit my forces. Indirect fire on its own has nearly destroyed three of my companies. I also made a mistake in not reinforcing my left flank on the force that tried to envelope LOSHEIMSGRABEN. A company surrender when it suddenly found itself trapped by a unexpected enemy counter attack.
The reinforcements has started to arrive and have been sent on their way along the roads that have been opened. Up north its pretty much smooth sailing all the way though the western forest edge. There is still a couple of platoons that manage to cut of the road on occasion but they are bound to run out of supplies soon.
Down south (as pictured on the slide below). The defenders in LOSHEIMSGRABEN has been shelled heavily and kept in contact all night. In the forest just outside of sight, elements of KG Peiper are preparing for an assault that will kick off just before daylight.
A couple of km south west my FJ:s are conducting a surprise night attack on the train station. They have preformed excellent through out the day and this last push is meant to get the rest of KG Peiper closer to the main road to cut of LOSHEIMSGRABEN from the south and secure the highway acces.
Order group held at the 9FJ regt CP just outside of LANZERATH. Spirits are high since they know that they during the night will be the spearhead of the entire offensive.
All was going very well until the massive onslaught of the the allied artillery hit my forces. Indirect fire on its own has nearly destroyed three of my companies. I also made a mistake in not reinforcing my left flank on the force that tried to envelope LOSHEIMSGRABEN. A company surrender when it suddenly found itself trapped by a unexpected enemy counter attack.
The reinforcements has started to arrive and have been sent on their way along the roads that have been opened. Up north its pretty much smooth sailing all the way though the western forest edge. There is still a couple of platoons that manage to cut of the road on occasion but they are bound to run out of supplies soon.
Down south (as pictured on the slide below). The defenders in LOSHEIMSGRABEN has been shelled heavily and kept in contact all night. In the forest just outside of sight, elements of KG Peiper are preparing for an assault that will kick off just before daylight.
A couple of km south west my FJ:s are conducting a surprise night attack on the train station. They have preformed excellent through out the day and this last push is meant to get the rest of KG Peiper closer to the main road to cut of LOSHEIMSGRABEN from the south and secure the highway acces.
- Attachments
-
- Overlay.jpg (174.5 KiB) Viewed 287 times
RE: Grand AAR
D2 1000hrs
Destroyed and damaged vehicles pushed of the narrow road leading to HONSFELD in order to keep the advance from stalling.
The next day brought even more allied artillery. The small narrow forest tracks becomes virtual death-traps once a column stalls and the ordnance starts to rain down on them. The lead element routs, starts to surrender and then reverses effectively denying me my vital freedom of movement. I try to move dismounted troops on the side of the road, protecting the flanks but they can not do much about the indirect fire that my men are suffering by.
Down south the Tigers have however left the woods and gained more tank suitable terrain. Their first encounter was two AT companies that thankfully was on the move towards us. That proved to be a rather uneven duel since the enemy gun crews among burning trucks soon where routing in panic.
In the northern part of the front (seen on the slide below) the going has come to a halt. The enemy has attacked with a reinforced regiment and a tank bn, with ease pushing me back into the woods again. I lack any armour up there since I have massed them in the south (where the roads where more suitable to cross the ridge). The grenadiers in the forest now has to do their best to repel the enemy using their panzerschrecks and artillery rounds.
I do the assessment that the enemy has massed his forces in the north, if this proves right I will be able to make good speed with the armoured columns towards the exit points in the south.
Destroyed and damaged vehicles pushed of the narrow road leading to HONSFELD in order to keep the advance from stalling.
The next day brought even more allied artillery. The small narrow forest tracks becomes virtual death-traps once a column stalls and the ordnance starts to rain down on them. The lead element routs, starts to surrender and then reverses effectively denying me my vital freedom of movement. I try to move dismounted troops on the side of the road, protecting the flanks but they can not do much about the indirect fire that my men are suffering by.
Down south the Tigers have however left the woods and gained more tank suitable terrain. Their first encounter was two AT companies that thankfully was on the move towards us. That proved to be a rather uneven duel since the enemy gun crews among burning trucks soon where routing in panic.
In the northern part of the front (seen on the slide below) the going has come to a halt. The enemy has attacked with a reinforced regiment and a tank bn, with ease pushing me back into the woods again. I lack any armour up there since I have massed them in the south (where the roads where more suitable to cross the ridge). The grenadiers in the forest now has to do their best to repel the enemy using their panzerschrecks and artillery rounds.
I do the assessment that the enemy has massed his forces in the north, if this proves right I will be able to make good speed with the armoured columns towards the exit points in the south.
- Attachments
-
- Overlay.jpg (191.93 KiB) Viewed 341 times
RE: Grand AAR
D2 1230hrs
The advance trots on in a slow but steady pace. My initial hopes of "pouring" through the enemy defences soon came to a stop. The enemy forces where a bit more reactive than I had assessed. They did not stay put in their trenches, instead they went on the offensive and managed to cut my advance in critical stages. This led to a lot of opportunity fires from massed artillery and an occasional airstrike.
A dramatic photo of the recent air attack on KG Pieper along the highway. A P-47 is silhouetted against a exploding Tiger.
One unit that seems to have become a real magnet for air attacks is Peipers column that has started to move along highway. Peiper is just 400m behind his lead element and has just witnessed an devastating enemy airstrike. Four Tiger tanks where knocked out in a ball of fire, and the task at hand is now to clear the road of these burning behemoths. The fog is obviously starting to clear and the chance to dare a dash over the highway now, in face of enemy air superiority now looks like a really risky task. The column better reach cover soon or get even more decimated.
The Tigers getting hit hard along the highway. (The enemy AT units to the west are routing and have been hit hard in earlier fighting. They pose no threat.)
The advance trots on in a slow but steady pace. My initial hopes of "pouring" through the enemy defences soon came to a stop. The enemy forces where a bit more reactive than I had assessed. They did not stay put in their trenches, instead they went on the offensive and managed to cut my advance in critical stages. This led to a lot of opportunity fires from massed artillery and an occasional airstrike.
A dramatic photo of the recent air attack on KG Pieper along the highway. A P-47 is silhouetted against a exploding Tiger.
One unit that seems to have become a real magnet for air attacks is Peipers column that has started to move along highway. Peiper is just 400m behind his lead element and has just witnessed an devastating enemy airstrike. Four Tiger tanks where knocked out in a ball of fire, and the task at hand is now to clear the road of these burning behemoths. The fog is obviously starting to clear and the chance to dare a dash over the highway now, in face of enemy air superiority now looks like a really risky task. The column better reach cover soon or get even more decimated.
The Tigers getting hit hard along the highway. (The enemy AT units to the west are routing and have been hit hard in earlier fighting. They pose no threat.)
- Attachments
-
- Overlay.jpg (107.7 KiB) Viewed 341 times
RE: Grand AAR
Again, Thanks for the AAR. Good stuff here.
I'm doing something similar. Play the scenarios first as the Allies and then switch and play as the Axis.
I'm doing something similar. Play the scenarios first as the Allies and then switch and play as the Axis.
RE: Grand AAR
Keep those tanks rolling. 
RE: Grand AAR
D2 1730hrs
Suddenly someone pulled the plug out of the American defences and Peiper managed to pick up the momentum forward again with his regimental column. The countryside is lit up by burning vehicles, thankfully most of them belonging to the enemy.
Up in the north I assess that the enemy counter attack has run out of steam. Massive rocket and artillery strikes in their rear areas have probably wreaked havoc on their supply and command chain. My forces have however rested a large portion of the day and are ready to do yet again go on the offensive. All reinforcements coming into the area are however rerouted to my southern breakthrough. I honestly do not belive that the norhtern routes will be usable any time soon given the amount of enemy units in that area.
Peipers lead element have roughly 5km to go before reaching the exit points. It is however not a joyride along the highway. The terrain on the screen shot below is one problem area. It is a excellent place for a ambush and a potential death trap. If the AI is doing his job, those Tigers will soon end up knee deep in trouble. If the terrain would have been something other than mud I would have seen to that that area would have been avoided. Another issue is that the tanks is kilometres ahead of supporting infantry. The terrain and the enemy AT unit has understandably been targeted with as much indirect fire that I can spare.
Suddenly someone pulled the plug out of the American defences and Peiper managed to pick up the momentum forward again with his regimental column. The countryside is lit up by burning vehicles, thankfully most of them belonging to the enemy.
Up in the north I assess that the enemy counter attack has run out of steam. Massive rocket and artillery strikes in their rear areas have probably wreaked havoc on their supply and command chain. My forces have however rested a large portion of the day and are ready to do yet again go on the offensive. All reinforcements coming into the area are however rerouted to my southern breakthrough. I honestly do not belive that the norhtern routes will be usable any time soon given the amount of enemy units in that area.
Peipers lead element have roughly 5km to go before reaching the exit points. It is however not a joyride along the highway. The terrain on the screen shot below is one problem area. It is a excellent place for a ambush and a potential death trap. If the AI is doing his job, those Tigers will soon end up knee deep in trouble. If the terrain would have been something other than mud I would have seen to that that area would have been avoided. Another issue is that the tanks is kilometres ahead of supporting infantry. The terrain and the enemy AT unit has understandably been targeted with as much indirect fire that I can spare.
- Attachments
-
- Overlay.jpg (78.86 KiB) Viewed 341 times
RE: Grand AAR
D3 0000hrs
The advance continues in the south without much opposition. In the middle things are a bit harder and up north everything is crap. KG Peiper leads the advance and has just come across a good sign of how well the attack has been going. The US 99 Div HQ, probably on its way back to BULLINGEN has found itself in the wrong place at the wrong time (in the picture below). KG Peiper has before this routed a regimental HQ and its supply base.
My plan now is to dig in, rest up and keep my supply chain secured all the way to the front. I expect a enemy counter-attack early in the morning so the fighiting could get intense.
Based on the opposition already encountered I would be surprised if there are more than a infantry bn between my lead elements and the KG Peiper exit points. The exit points further north will however offer a bit more stiff opposition. When the sun rises the situation will probably get clearer. I am however pleased to be on par with my timetable.
The advance continues in the south without much opposition. In the middle things are a bit harder and up north everything is crap. KG Peiper leads the advance and has just come across a good sign of how well the attack has been going. The US 99 Div HQ, probably on its way back to BULLINGEN has found itself in the wrong place at the wrong time (in the picture below). KG Peiper has before this routed a regimental HQ and its supply base.
My plan now is to dig in, rest up and keep my supply chain secured all the way to the front. I expect a enemy counter-attack early in the morning so the fighiting could get intense.
Based on the opposition already encountered I would be surprised if there are more than a infantry bn between my lead elements and the KG Peiper exit points. The exit points further north will however offer a bit more stiff opposition. When the sun rises the situation will probably get clearer. I am however pleased to be on par with my timetable.
- Attachments
-
- Overlay.jpg (87.32 KiB) Viewed 341 times
-
johndoesecond
- Posts: 964
- Joined: Tue Aug 03, 2010 4:53 pm
RE: Grand AAR
Hey Pergite!
Shouldn't you have exited Peiper's gang by D3 8:00 a.m.?
Shouldn't you have exited Peiper's gang by D3 8:00 a.m.?
RE: Grand AAR
Pergite have you given up on this AAR?
RE: Grand AAR
ORIGINAL: wodin
Pergite have you given up on this AAR?
I have been occupied, as well as far from home for a while.
Now I am however finally united with my trusted laptop and BFTB yet again.
With this interruption I probably would have been totally lost if it wouldn't have been for this AAR. I have read through my posts and are ready to restart and get those panzers moving again.
RE: Grand AAR
D3 0400hrs
Realising too late that KG PEIPER had to exit through their objectives a day before everybody else I acted a bit to quickly. KG PEIPER HQ was stuck on the highway to BÜLLINGEN and is not making any progress. I did then order, what I belived to be subordinates to PEIPER to race ahead, using the covered forest paths and make the exit areas in time.
The first problem with this was that 1.Bn 1.SS Pz Regt got its companies stuck somehow. They are moving according to their status, but have not moved a meter for over two hours. The Bn HQ however raced ahead and swiftly, without opposition made the exit area. I remember reading somewhere here about this being a bug regarding the stuck units.
The second problem dawned on me when the Bn HQ reached the exit objective. It did not belong to KG PEIPER, and where now at the complete wrong place in the wrong time.
The units of KG PEIPER are either to far away from their objectives, or stuck in heavy fighting in BÜLLINGEN to possibly make their objectives. This especially since PEIPER HQ is not responding at all.
To say that it does not look good for the Germans is a mild understatement.
Realising too late that KG PEIPER had to exit through their objectives a day before everybody else I acted a bit to quickly. KG PEIPER HQ was stuck on the highway to BÜLLINGEN and is not making any progress. I did then order, what I belived to be subordinates to PEIPER to race ahead, using the covered forest paths and make the exit areas in time.
The first problem with this was that 1.Bn 1.SS Pz Regt got its companies stuck somehow. They are moving according to their status, but have not moved a meter for over two hours. The Bn HQ however raced ahead and swiftly, without opposition made the exit area. I remember reading somewhere here about this being a bug regarding the stuck units.
The second problem dawned on me when the Bn HQ reached the exit objective. It did not belong to KG PEIPER, and where now at the complete wrong place in the wrong time.
The units of KG PEIPER are either to far away from their objectives, or stuck in heavy fighting in BÜLLINGEN to possibly make their objectives. This especially since PEIPER HQ is not responding at all.
To say that it does not look good for the Germans is a mild understatement.
- Attachments
-
- Situation.jpg (90.71 KiB) Viewed 341 times