Guns of August - AAR as Central Powers v Triple Entente AI with bonus

[Energisteron]

Due to mistaken orders perhaps, the German flotilla of 2 DN, 1 PD, and 1 DD intended for the Baltic enters the North Sea and meets with a powerful British Fleet of 4 DD, 2 BC (Battlecruisers), 2 CA and 2 DD. Germany loses 1 DD, and both Dreadnoughts are damaged, while the British lose no ships 3 DN, and 2 DD are damaged. One Kriegsmarine DN makes it back to Wilhelmshaven, while the other, seemingly in an attempt at evasion slips into the North Atlantic, shoots up no less than 4 British DDs, although it sinks none, before being intercepted by a French fleet of 2 DN and 1 CA. The German DN is badly damaged in this encounter although some hits are registered on the French vessels also.

In the midst of this naval mayhem, our merchant ships sail serenely over to New York and may well return with full holds! Maybe it will all work out quite well?

[Energisteron]

Despite the onset of winter, there is vigorous activity on several fronts.

Most notably, in Northern France the French make a strong attack from Rouen which destroys the leading German Corps on the coast and re-establishes the Somme River as the frontline in this sector (see screenshot), and the German bombardment and assault on Dunkirk is too late to prevent most of the BEF from evacuating by sea.

In the East, having replaced Hindenburg, Mackensen advances to the original Silesian frontier and places a Russian Army near Breslau under threat of encirclement. Another Austrian attack between Krakow and Przemysl drives a Russian Corps back to the old frontier. In southern Galicia the Russian winter offensive seems spent as there are no more aggressive moves there.

In Serbia, Austria assaults Nish successfully, although a flanking support attack fails. Surely Serbian resistance must now be limited?

[Energisteron]

March-April 1915 marks the onset of Spring and there will be 2 combat impulses.

The CP research Poison Gas, and try to keep Italy out of the war. Our merchant marine in the Atlantic have brought back a real bounty of extra raw materials and food from the Americas. We will not go hungry just yet!Germany spends fairly evenly again but Austria and Turkey concentrate on trench materials and artillery ammunition.

The few available replacements are incorporated into depleted Corps near the Somme, and Breslau. Offensive stockpiles are distributed to the Serbia, Breslau and Brussels area.

The naval war shows no sign of abating, with Russia intercepting and sinking a German Merchantman in the Baltic, German U-boats creating havoc to British trade in the Atlantic and the German DN Helgoland struggling against overwhelming odds also in the Atlantic as she tries to get home in the face of a combined French and British fleet. Helgoland is leaking like a sieve but she is still afloat! Meanwhile all these distractions mean our Atlantic shipping continues to trade.

During March Germany successfully reinforces its position on the lower Somme, while France makes its first assault across the Somme towards Lille. However this attack is halted at great cost to both sides. In fact Germany loses more than the French. With Air Reconnaissance showing a relatively weak French line at the 'hinge' just north of Verdun, another German attack goes in there. However, this attack is also repulsed almost mirroring the French repulse nearer the coast. All along the West Front both sides are improving their entrenchments all the way to the Swiss frontier.

In Silesia, Mackensen stabilises the position along the old frontier, but the threatened Russian Corps escapes into Upper Silesia. In southern Galicia the Austrians move up to their intended defence line facing occupied Cernowitz. Austria has further success in Serbia driving off another Serbian Corps near Nish. However, Serbia shows no sign of capitulating. It's all quiet on the Turkish frontlines.

In April the French repeat their attack across the Somme. They suffer a heavy repulse. Germany also repeats its attack north of Verdun, this time from Luxembourg, and successfully drive back the French defence (see screenshot). It is all quiet further south.

In the East both Germany and Austria consolidate their position nearer the original frontiers with Russia with the help of fresh Corps from the 'Class of 1915'. Nothing of note occurs elsewhere and no Russian direct attack on Konigsberg has yet been realised.

[Energisteron]

May 1915 dawns with both sides heavily bruised. There are 3 combat impulses during summer months again.

The CP research assault tactics since I am quite satisfied with their new defensive capability to entrench to level 3. Italy is flattered once more and seems unlikely to intervene for a while at least. The USA is barely registering a protest about the war and seemingly is busy supplying both sides. The TE have paid heavily for their failure to enforce the blockade as German merchantmen return home with their holds full of raw materials and food.

However, we do lose one merchantman and worse, a U-boat, but the remaining U-boats continue to severely disrupt TE shipping in the Atlantic. Incredibly both damaged DN get back to Wilhelmshaven but it will be time consuming and costly to repair them. Their absence from the Atlantic has permitted the TE naval units to concentrate on our trade shipping. A fresh flotilla is sent to the Baltic and immediately bumps into a Russian PD (Pre-dreadnought) which is badly damaged, although our DNs are also suffer a few hits. The Ottoman fleet ventures into the Black Sea for the first time and easily defeats the Russian flotilla it encounters.

The available replacements are becoming sparse but where possible Corps in the Somme, and Lemberg sectors are replenished.

Military spending in Germany is evenly spread but both Austria and Turkey can only afford artillery ammunition and entrenching materials.

So, where should the CP strategy lead now? Paris is beyond reach, the Western Front is rapidly reaching stalemate, and the Eastern Front is stabilising. Only in the East can the CP hope for a decisive result. The CP will concentrate on hitting Russia, especially in Poland, and try to give the final push to knock Serbia out of the war while keeping a watchful eye on Italy. Already badly mauled German units are being sent to the Austrian Alps to rest and recuperate.

This is the current status in Serbia.

[Energisteron]

During early May the CP reorganise and dig-in on every front. Only defensive artillery barrages are conducted. However, the TE take the initiative and launch two very successful attacks in Northern France.

The French cross the Somme in great strength, recapture Arras, and wipe-out 2 German Corps. The German units north of Verdun in territory acquired only last month are hammered by French artillery before they can dig-in and then collapse when assaulted. The Germans lose another Corps here. As if that wasn't bad enough, the British Army reappears east of Paris in position to assault the upper Somme.

The Russians launch an offensive from Tarnopol and gain some ground south of Lemberg.

[Energisteron]

As June approaches the Russians launch simultaneous offensives against Krakow and towards the Carpathians from Czernowitz parallel with the Romanian frontier. Both attacks are well prepared with artillery and a great superiority of strength. Both succeed.

Everywhere, all the CP can do is try to hold, reorganise and dig ever deeper. Their only response is artillery counterfire.

At the end of June the CP have some defensive successes at least! A heavy French attack on Luxembourg from the environs of Verdun is repulsed with severe loss, and a Russian attack on Lemberg is dealt with even more severely. However, the TE attacks are bleeding our units dry, and in response Germany transfers 3 Corps from the East to Brussels, and Austria moves 2 Corps from Serbia to cover the Russian advance in south Galicia. The result will be the postponement of any significant CP offensive in the East or Serbia. If Italy does enter the war now then the CP will be very hard pressed.

Here's the Galician Front

[Energisteron]

So we enter the July-August period in bad shape. France has the initiative in the West, with a bridgehead over the Somme and the northern end of our line having been pushed back is not significantly entrenched and thus still vulnerable. Establishing a firm trenchline here must be a priority.

In the East, the Russians also have the initiative, on the Austrian front at least, and must be stopped. The necessity to withdraw units to bolster the Brussels area has left the CP offensive plans in disarray. Likewise, the transfer of units from Serbia makes further progress there unlikely.

Turkey seems incapable of anything but self-defence, but Bulgaria looks likely to join us soon and that will open up a line of communication (LOC) to Germany and facilitate the transfer of Turkey's raw materials to the industrial plants in Germany.

Germany researches trench technology. We badly need level 4! We try to keep Italy happy. The marauding TE presence of raiders in the Atlantic has driven our merchantmen back home and imports suffered last month. Food stocks are fine for now but may not see Germany through next winter. We seem to have to do more but with less! Austria's economy is picking up at last but still represents only half of the German output. Austria purchases defensive military materials, trenches, armaments, ammunition, but has nothing left for her navy. Turkey has a paltry output and reserves its production to stockpile an offensive gradually over the coming months.

Naval activity is confined to repairing the 3 damaged German DN. Thankfully one is insignificantly damaged but the others will take over a year to repair. Thus, only 3 DN are ready for battle immediately. A Russian Cruiser is sunk in the Baltic, and U-boats although coming under increasingly effective attack from TE Destroyers, do continue to disrupt British trade. Germany orders another U-boat, and artillery. The Austrian navy is toothless but the Ottomans do control the Black Sea. At a pinch could they mount an amphibious attack on Sevastopol to distract Russia?

[Energisteron]

Surprisingly, this period is fairly quiet! On the West Front both sides confine themselves to artillery barrages while they improve their entrenchments. The Germans now have grade 3 trenches from Switzerland to the headwaters of the Somme. Thereafter the trenches have reached level 2, and there's a switchline behind through Dunkirk. So the West is beginning to look secure at least.

Austria manages to make a little ground in Serbia expanding their lodgement around Belgrade and Nish. Russia attempts to take both Lemberg and Przemysl after an extensive artillery barrage. Lemberg falls but Russian casualties are high.

In Prussia Germany makes a small snap attack NW of Warsaw, badly mauls a Russian Corps and gains a little ground.

Here's the Galician Front.

[Energisteron]

One year into the war and the CP are obviously losing, not badly, but losing all the same. We must stop the Russians!

Germany continues to research improved trench engineering. Perhaps once we have top grade trenches from Switzerland to the North Sea we can lighten our line in the West and turn on the Russians. Poland is no longer the target. Assistance to Austria in Galicia is imperative. Austria is now short of food and it's still summer! Turkey continues its ponderous preparations to launch an offensive eventually!

At Sea, U-boats score some spectacular successes against British Merchantmen in the Atlantic. Meanwhile the Russian Navy is not finished yet. A PD makes a dash into the Baltic and is promptly badly smashed, but in the Black Sea, the Russian flotilla does get the better of the Turks on this occasion.

In the Air, the Western Powers have snuffed out our eyes in the sky with their gradual superiority in air squadrons. Neither side is destroying many enemy machines.

Early September sees little action except for a failed Russian attack on Przemysl. Both sides lose heavily.

Later in the month, both sides make successful attacks, but by far the most significant victory is the French capture of the German fortress of Metz! French forces enter Germany for the first time! Responding here will surely cripple any attempt to attack in the East?

The Russian attack Przemysl again but suffer a heavy repulse, but further south they gain a further advance across the south Galician plain. Austria is cracking. In desperation an intact Austrian Corps is transferred from the Alps to Lemberg, and it is replaced on the Italian frontier by 2 badly shattered Corps.

The only gleam of light is in Prussia where the earlier advance towards Warsaw is consolidated and expanded by a flanking attack slightly to the west. A Russian counterattack on the lost ground is turned back with heavy loss.

Germany launches an immediate counterattack on Metz which nearly succeeds but the French hold the city and both sides count their dead, the French losing slightly more heavily. Russia continues to make fruitless assaults on Przemysl, while Austria succeeds in forcing the Serbs out of a mountain position near Sarajevo. Serbia still will not give up!

Here's the French victorious advance on the Western Front.

[DonCzirr]

Very nice AAR !

You're making me want to pick this up. [:)]

Perhaps after my current game of Commander The Great War ...

[Energisteron]

Thanks for the comments of those reading this AAR. It's fun for me too, despite what looks like my inevitable demise!

Please see my review also.

[Energisteron]

Germany reaches trench level 4, and researches assault tactics to supplement the shock effect of poison gas which should be ready soon. Diplomatically thinks are not looking so good. Italy seems destined to join the TE soon. We do our best to placate the Italians. Romania, probably inspired by Russian progress across Galicia, looks dangerously close to joining the TE, and we have nothing with which to hammer them as we intended if they entered the war. Meanwhile the Bulgarians are teetering on the verge of war, but not quite ready to commit themselves to the slaughter. The USA seems content to remain neutral.

Germany order more artillery, and Austria scrapes around to fund the training of a fresh Infantry Corp. Turkey has nowhere near enough resources to do the same.

The German economy is flagging, starved of vital raw materials, although food stocks are sufficient at present. Austria has food shortages but can still make plenty of shells. Turkey is stagnant but has raw materials available to send west once Bulgaria opens up its meagre rail network to the CP. Germany sends all available replacements to the west near Metz, and Austria does the same at beleaguered Przemysl.

So, plans? West; prevent further TE penetration into Germany near Metz, and prepare counterattack on Metz itself, while firing every shell available at the defenders of the city.

East; maintain impetus in direction of Warsaw, but even more importantly, stop the Russians in Galicia.

Serbia; keep nibbling at the enemy mountain strongholds.

Turkey; attempt to advance on Alexandria from already conquered Cairo.

[Energisteron]

In line with the above plans, on the Western Front Germany pounds Metz then sends in every available strong Corps into the assault. Further Corps are transferred as a reserve. The city is liberated in time for Christmas! The TE make no aggressive moves in the West.

In the East, Germany reorganises to make an offensive later in the month southwards from Konigsberg. The Russians make another futile attack on our newly acquired territory on the road to Warsaw. Austria successfully reinforces the very reduced garrison of Przemysl in the face of another Russian assault which is easily repulsed. In Serbia, Austria makes a preparatory bombardment of a Serb mountain stronghold.

In Egypt, Turkish Cavalry scout from Cairo towards the Nile delta and discover Alexandria is sparsely defended.

Here's the result at Metz. Three German Corps are concentrating in reserve (not shown here).

[Energisteron]

In December 1915, France fails in a bid to retake Metz. Both sides lose heavily. The Russian hordes attack Przemysl yet again and meet with another repulse.

Austria continues to nibble successfully in the Serbian mountains, and in Prussia a limited offensive by Germany to the south of Konigsberg pushes two Russian Corps back to the old frontier.

In Egypt the Cavalry reconnaissance is followed up by infantry and a new Turkish Corps is added to the Cairo Army.

Unfortunately, Romania throws its hat into the ring with the TE. Bulgaria remains stubbornly neutral.

Here's an update on the Prussian Front.

[Energisteron]

Winter 1916, January -February

Very little change economically. There's no diplomatic dinners either. The CP throw a chit at Tanks.

Neither side seem to be expanding their air squadrons significantly. We have parity in the West and superiority in the East.

At sea there is significant activity. In desperation for raw materials and food, Germany sends out a blockade runner but she runs straight into the British Home Fleet in the North Sea and is sunk rapidly. ET Destroyers are becoming more troublesome too, and so our U-boats are becoming less effective. In the Black Sea a minor confrontation sees the Turks score hits on a Russian PD, but in the Eastern Mediterranean, the Austrian Fleet of 2DN, 1PD and 1 CA score victories over both the French and British Squadrons they encounter. One Austrian DN sustains slight damage while the enemy units are significantly damaged; 2 PD, 1 CA and 1 DD having to limp back to their base. Unfortunately this does not stop the British reinforcing Alexandria. The Turks will have to build-up, and quickly to have any hope of taking this strategic port. In fact until the strength of the British force is better known it may be wise to retreat to the trenchlines around Cairo.

[Energisteron]

Romania's entry into the war is an additional problem which must be addressed quickly. While it is unlikely Romanian Corps can move immediately, once they do they will threaten the flank of Austria's advance into Serbia, and Austria's (strictly Hungary's) southern mountainous border. If the Russians have any Corps in reserve then these could move through Romania to turn the Galician front. It's quite a problem!

I decide to spare as many German Corps as possible, and a couple of Austrian Corps, including a newly raised Corps, to launch an attack as soon as possible from Kronstadt (modern Sibiu) in Transylvania.

[Energisteron]

During these winter months both sides work their artillery hard. France concentrates on Metz, and the Germans fire back at the troop concentrations facing them. The French assault on Metz fails again, but casualties are high for the defenders also.

In the East, the Russians make their now habitual attack on Przemysl, and suffer another reverse, but another attack northwestwards from Warsaw does displace 2 German Corps on the Prussian frontier and regains the ground lost during November.

In Transylvania, Germany with 4 Corps and Artillery, and Austria with 2 Corps, line up against Romania, which with Russian assistance does manage to move 1 Corps towards the south Galicia front and at least 1 Russian Corp is already in Romania.

[Energisteron]

March and April 1916 seem likely to be critical months.

Germany sends every available U-boat into the Atlantic and now their orders are to conduct unrestricted warfare! The TE destroyers intervene but still British trade is severely affected. All hell breaks loose in the Eastern Mediterranean where the Austrian fleet is attacked by 2 British CA, and then by a powerful French fleet of 2 DN with supporting Cruisers. Both sides sustain crippling hits which will be costly and time consuming to repair. It seems likely the Austrian fleet has had its day of glory! There's another scuffle in the Black Sea which doesn't amount to much.

March is witness to a repeat of the TE winter attacks at Metz, and Przemysl. Both offensives fail. Russia also mounts an attack on Konigsberg which is repulsed. Germany stays on the defensive in the West, but launches a successful attack south of Lodz in eastern Poland. The punitive offensive against Romania starts well with advances either side of Kronstadt. A supporting attack by an Austrian Corp to the west is halted but losses are fairly light.

TE forces are quieter during April. Only the French make an attack, on Metz again! They suffer a repulse but only just! Fortunately Germany had just sent a fresh Corp as reserve. The Germans repeat their attack of exactly one year ago and successfully cross the Meuse into the forests north of Verdun (see photo in post#23). However, the main actions are in the Balkans where Austria gains more ground towards the Serbian mountainous coast, and the Austro-German Army in Transylvania makes further advances into Romania.

Here's the Balkan Front at the end of April 1916.

[Energisteron]

May to June 1916

Bulgaria still refuses to fight despite us leaning on them very heavily. Worse, Greece now joins the Entente!

We put a bit more effort into assault doctrine but we have a research dividend at last, we have poison gas, chlorine to be precise. We must decide where to use it carefully. It should have a good shock effect first time at least.

Germany and Austria still have food shortages, and German industry especially could benefit from having more raw materials from Turkey. Bulgaria must come to our side soon. At sea, the CP has some successes; the U-boats have their best period yet, and the Turks sink a Russian Cruiser in the Black Sea, and what remains battle-worthy of the Austrian navy sinks a British Destroyer.

Fighting intensifies during May. France retakes Metz, Germany using poison gas for the first time, immediately counterattacks and retakes the city. A French attack on the German advance north of Verdun fails. But the Russians finally take Przemysl, and recapture Krakow after a brief occupation by a German Corps. The Russians also retake the frontier zone near Thorn west of the German advance towards Warsaw.

The Russians arrive in Romania in strength and counterattack the German advance from Kronstadt with some success, however, again the use of poison gas proves decisive in shifting a Russian Corps on the flank of the Russian advance. Despite the CP advance into Romania, Romanian units enter the Serbian mountains near Nish.

In June the TE gain the upper hand in West and East. Their successes could prove fatal for the CP. The French assault Metz again and wipe out the garrison leaving quite a hole in the German front. The French also recapture the forests north of Verdun with both sides suffering terrible losses. In the East the Russians suddenly seem unstoppable; not content with taking Przemysl, and recapturing Krakow they snuff out the German advance south of Lodz and throw the CP advance in Romania into disarray.

The only good news is that Bulgaria final joins in the fight alongside the CP.

Here's the Balkans at the end of June 1916.

[Energisteron]

High Summer 1916, July-August.

I research improved artillery, almost beg the Italians not to attack Austria, and put in an order for a new German U-boat.

There's no change in the CP naval stance; Germany seeks U-boat targets in the Atlantic, and to secure trade in the Baltic; Austria stays in port and licks its wounds, and Turkey recalls a slightly damaged Cruiser from the Black Sea and replaces it with a Predreadnought. We have insufficient funds to expand our air capability, and food stocks are still a concern. Replacements are used to bring Corps on the Romanian front back up to full strength.

There are a number of situations on several fronts which need a good and rapid response. In the West, the loss of Metz, for the third time, looks irretrievable, and all we can hope for is to form a new line and batter the French defenders with artillery. In the East, the Russians are showing unexpectedly determined resistance along the Prussian frontier and even have the initiative in places! Austria has lost all of Galicia including its 3 frontier fortresses, and the German counterattack from Breslau towards Przemysl has been stopped.

Serbian resistance is unbroken but help from the Bulgarians may tip the balance. The northern Romanian border zone shows both sides so entangled either side could face encirclement, and along its southern border Bulgaria must stand firm or even intervene if possible. Fortunately, there is no sign of any TE forces advancing from Greece, but there's time enough yet!

Here's the Western Front.