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Oct 11, 1940

The Germans continue to push forward with just 2 British armor corps between us and reaching Alexandria.

Oct 25, 1940

The Germans reach the outskirts of Alexandria and begin to prepare to assault the city.

At this point, Lascar and I agree to adjust the house rules to limit Axis forces in Libya/Egypt to 5 corps instead of 8 as otherwise Egypt was going to fall and we wanted to play on to the Eastern Front.

Nov 8, 1940

With only 5 corps, the Germans don't look to have enough strength to siege down Alexandria so a slow withdraw is ordered. Still a successful though short campaign causing significant British losses for few German losses.

Nov 22, 1940

The German withdraw in Egypt continues but the UK fleet sorties into the Med. They are swarmed by the entire RM and 2 British battleships are sunk for limited Italian losses. For the rest of 1940, there are minimal battles and losses as both sides prepare for the inevitable clash on the Eastern Front.

Jan 31, 1941

After a long siege, Malta finally falls to the Italians who now have a strong hold over the Central Med.

May 23, 1941

The Axis forces have been waiting since early March to begin operation Barbarossa but unfortunately the weather didn't clear until the second half of May. But on May 23, it finally begins...

But first a quick recap of the current situation. Casualties so far which are around 300 ground+air for Germany and the UK each. The BoA has gone well for the Axis with the UK losing 186 MM and 15 escorts:

Forces

Total ground force numbers for the Germans and Soviets are about equal around 1500 but the Germans have much higher experience/quality. I think usually the Soviets are closer to 2000 when Barbarossa starts which means they either build a bunch of armor/mech corps or saved their production to produce armies. The Germans have 9 panzer + 3 mech corps and the Italians have 4 armor + 1 mech corps.

Research

Pretty standard research for the Axis. The Germans just got 1942 Assault infantry but are behind in 1942 Heavy Armor. The Italians have 1942 Heavy Armor but behind in 1942 Assault infantry.

Start of Barbarossa

The Soviets decide not to defend their border regions so limited battles take place. The Axis surround Riga so it can be captured next turn while pushing forward across the entire front. The majority of the panzer/mech forces are concentrated in the south to attempt to pocket Soviet units in front of the Dnepr.