1943-1945 campaign

[kentkroeckel]

July 24, 1943.

Weather is perfect everywhere.

Victory points for game were 4 and total is -27.

There were no amphibious losses so far this turn. Mr. Bimmler has decided not to engage with a massive Axis naval challenge and this surprises me. The advantage for Germany will be a stronger Luftwaffe and a naval air reserve for future Italian invasions and of course France. Mr. Bimmler is still keeping a strong axis naval presence around upper Italy and Corsica. Basically, the main areas to deny Allies an easy invasion if one is ambitious.

First picture is of Italian naval protection.

Screenshot 2026-05-28 192402.jpg (200.92 KiB) Viewed 458 times

Second picture shows air activity around Corsica and northern Sardinia.

Screenshot 2026-05-28 192320.jpg (171.03 KiB) Viewed 458 times

This picture shows the Axis air phase. Luftwaffe lost 81 aircraft while Allies lost 49. This again shows that Mr. Bimmler is not exposing German air power to the Allies yet.

Screenshot 2026-05-28 193703.jpg (164.42 KiB) Viewed 458 times

Final picture shows the port city of Messina. Mr. Bimmler has withdrawn the German mechanized units to the mainland. A wise choice because when they are on Sicily they do not count to prevent Italian surrender. This move also protects them from getting isolated if Allies land on the Boot of Italy.

Screenshot 2026-05-28 192606.jpg (58.06 KiB) Viewed 458 times

[kentkroeckel]

July 24, 1943.

First picture is of reconnaissance over Italy. Both strategic and tactical.

Screenshot 2026-05-28 195043.jpg (126.73 KiB) Viewed 457 times

This picture shows strategic reconnaissance missions over France. All have a strategic bombing mission attacked to them. Most strategic bombing and strategic reconnaissance missions are a single hex objective. Not all though.

Screenshot 2026-05-28 195121.jpg (186.37 KiB) Viewed 457 times

This picture shows two (9 hex maximum) boxes that can be used for reconnaissance. I want to know which air bases in France are active.

Screenshot 2026-05-28 195136.jpg (186.5 KiB) Viewed 457 times

Final picture shows naval missions. Since Mr Bimmler is not aggressively attacking, I do not mind displaying them.

Screenshot 2026-05-28 195208.jpg (194.17 KiB) Viewed 457 times

[kentkroeckel]

July 24, 1943.

Mr. Bimmler has dedicated, what I believe, is a very large portion of the Luftwaffe fighter bombers to German defense. It is doing good too! Below is picture of how tight the pattern is for Germany. Basically, coming straight up from their base and attacking bombing missions. Luftwaffe is concentrated on just a few bases. This is what Allied Command believes. Ha.

Screenshot 2026-05-28 201409.jpg (91.41 KiB) Viewed 449 times

The Ruhr area is next and still a very tight pattern.

Screenshot 2026-05-28 201424.jpg (184.34 KiB) Viewed 449 times

The following picture shows how Mr. Bimmler is expanding the reach of the Luftwaffe north or Sicily. Good use of Italian air to keep Italy safe. This only leaves the Boot to invade easily for Allies.

Screenshot 2026-05-28 201510.jpg (69.89 KiB) Viewed 449 times

Final picture show air losses for both sides. Germany lost 302 aircraft while Allies lost 673 for the two air phases. A Luftwaffe advantage of 371. Well done Mr. Bimmler.

Screenshot 2026-05-28 201641.jpg (169.28 KiB) Viewed 449 times

[kentkroeckel]

July 24, 1943.

In this turn many Italian units surrendered though this is expected when they are isolated. To be clear, Mr. Bimmler has used the Italians the way they should be used, as expendable. After all, in just a few weeks they will probibly go away when Italy surrenders.

Screenshot 2026-05-28 212702.jpg (51.3 KiB) Viewed 443 times

Following picture shows units that were destroyed this turn.

Screenshot 2026-05-28 212557.jpg (135.43 KiB) Viewed 443 times

This pictures shows the statistical aftermath of surrenders. Germany lost almost 60,000 soldiers.

Screenshot 2026-05-28 212630.jpg (171.84 KiB) Viewed 443 times

Final picture is a noticeable deviation. A battalion from the 15 Panzer Grenadier Division was forced to surrender on a mountaintop. Nearly 3,600 troops and equipment were lost.

Screenshot 2026-05-28 212804.jpg (144.32 KiB) Viewed 443 times

[kentkroeckel]

July 31, 1943.

Victory points for turn were 8 and game total is -19.

Weather over Europe is good.

Rain in over Italy. Water level is 2.


I did not receive current air loss chart for turn so looked at metric chart. It showed Germany and Allies lost nearly 40 aircraft each. Yet I do have pictures of air naval interdiction and this tells a story.

First picture is of Italian boot. At bottom of it Germany sent resources to prevent an invasion. Picture is of engagements.

Screenshot 2026-05-30 123220.jpg (163.31 KiB) Viewed 400 times

Second picture shows results for this action. Germany did well to get these results under rain conditions.

Screenshot 2026-05-30 123332.jpg (331.89 KiB) Viewed 400 times

Following is picture of Adriatic sea, basically the eastern coastline of Italy. Every turn Germany has kept it secured. Good move by Mr. Bimmler.

Screenshot 2026-05-30 123409.jpg (153.31 KiB) Viewed 400 times

Final picture shows complete protection of western coast of Italy. This includes Corsica as well as northern Sardinia.

Screenshot 2026-05-30 123510.jpg (488.68 KiB) Viewed 400 times

[kentkroeckel]

July 31, 1943.

I wanted to show how victory points are going. There has been significant strategic bombing on U-Boats by American 8 Air Force. Yet now there are diminishing returns so they have moved more over to traditional bombing of Germany. To date there is only 7 points lost so far. I feel that is good considering how many more victory points Allies can collect with traditional bombing.

Screenshot 2026-05-30 141600.jpg (102.93 KiB) Viewed 391 times

Allies have only lost 13 amphibious transport ships. This is because Mr. Bimmler has chosen not to assign the entire Luftwaffe on Allied naval interdiction. We will have to see how this plays out later in the game. For now, Allies are taking advantage of this. of course 13 points from a pool of 250 is something but four points per turn replacement negate the loss.

Screenshot 2026-05-30 142347.jpg (162.09 KiB) Viewed 391 times

Next picture is that of air superiority. Allies have designated hundreds of aircraft for strategic bombing escort but that does not mean Italy is without fighters. The emphasis is to secure Messina, thereby capturing one of the three islands of Italy. This will make it beneficial to attack the mainland on turn six. That is when surrender protocols engage.

Screenshot 2026-05-30 140648.jpg (198.51 KiB) Viewed 391 times

Air ground attack is the final picture. same as above with fighters. Supply is being attacked, including rail and depots. Yet notice how attacks are being concentrated. There is also aircraft assigned to ground support. They engage in direct support of ground unit attacks.

Screenshot 2026-05-30 143632.jpg (191.48 KiB) Viewed 391 times

[kentkroeckel]

July 31, 1943.

Below is the air phase for Allied turn. As I said beforehand, no picture for the German air phase so just add around fifty aircraft to Germany and about 40 to Allies. Rounding a bit, I would say 450 losses for Germany this turn while Allies around 800. An advantage of 350 for Luftwaffe. Allies are still processing aircraft to and on United Kingdom.

Screenshot 2026-05-30 163721.jpg (165.98 KiB) Viewed 376 times

There was only one hex attacked this turn, the main port of Messina. It was not taken but was reduced to a 2.0 fortification. Naval task force was used in the attack along with direct air ground support. It should fall next turn baring no surprises.

Allies did not perform any amphibious invasions this turn; none were ready. That means Italy should be safe for turn six. Moreover, until Messina is taken, Italy will not surrender. First step is to secure Sicily then launch an invasion of mainland. So in essence, no loss that a task force is not ready to launch on turn five.

The Battle Launch Mode (BLM) is working so I am able to show the three attacks on Messina.

Attack One: You can see the fortification be reduced from three to two. You can also see tactical bombers assisting in the assault.

Screenshot 2026-05-30 194412.jpg (162.86 KiB) Viewed 376 times

Attack Two: The attacks are being performed strictly by infantry. Air is still helping.

Screenshot 2026-05-30 200346.jpg (153.3 KiB) Viewed 376 times

Attack Three: In this attack you can see the task force assisting. It did in all three but there were so many items that I would have had to move the cursor down to show it.

Screenshot 2026-05-30 200604.jpg (151.13 KiB) Viewed 376 times

[kentkroeckel]

Correction. I remember reading, I thought in the Living manual; that no path for surrender could happen until Corsica, Sardinia, or Sicily was completely under control of the Allies. And of course one unit was in supply on the mainland. Yet I cannot find this island condition anywhere so I guess technically, Allies do not need to have complete control of an Italian island for Italy to surrender. Yet I do not recall ever playing a challenge where that was not the case. Would love it if anyone had a clear rule on this.

Additional thought: If the above is correct, why not wait until turn six to invade Mainland with all six task forces. This would eliminate any losses for Allies and still force Italian surrender. Essentially, start game on turn six. This is why WitW system should require an Italian island to be controlled by Allies before Italy surrenders.

Historically, I do not think the Italian government would have surrendered if Sicily had not been taken by Allies during the summer of 1943. So keeping, or should I say creating, a condition that one of the islands have to be under Allied control before Italian surrender is a good change.

[kentkroeckel]

There was no turn sent yet but wanted to share a thought of strategy on this challenge. But I first wanted to say how much I am enjoying this Challenge. Unlike with the Allied expanded air mission head quarters, each mission counts. The turns are manageable too, instead of dealing with 250 air missions. I could have had fewer but the point was to maximize system to see if it changed game play. As stated by Metalist and myself; the expansion became more of a hindrance for Allies; diluting air activities. Overall the effectiveness was lost despite having additional targeting.

This present challenge has additional administrative points for Allies. An extra ten per turn. This was to counter the overwhelming German air naval interdiction that the Luftwaffe can apply. To counter this, Allied flak was going to be placed in stacks on every landing site and along good rail.

One note I wanted to bring up is headquarters. I believe it is in the living manual but here it is. A headquarters with unsigned flak can have those battalions activate when enemy aircraft fly overhead or in adjacent hexes. Yet this will not show up on flak report when toggling between city and unit flak amounts. that is by design. But it leaves me wondering if they ever engage. I am skeptical because I have not seen them do this.

The situation is that Mr. Bimmler has not utilized the full force of Axis naval intervention. Instead, he is saving it. I look forward to his strategy because I have never seen An Axis player save as much as he has in the air. Mr. Bimmler has show great care and and excellent resource management to accomplish this. Very impressive! I do believe that the Luftwaffe will be able to challenge the Allies when France is invaded.

Mr. Bimmler is placing many Axis resources in Europe and this has impacted the game for Allies. To counter this Allies are building up resources on United Kingdom. Those extra administrative points along with regular ones are being used to build depots there. So now you know where the extra stuff is being used. From a game play perspective this will not have a substantial adverse effect Germany.

Side note; if Allied flak is rendered useless by Mr. Bimmler's sound strategy, then I probibly will disband most of it.

[kentkroeckel]

Did not receive a turn today from Mr. Bimmler so wanted to explain a point on reconnaissance.

When a strategic reconnaissance box is more than a single target / hex, the priority should be set. Meaning first, second, and then third priority. I did this for my strategic reconnaissance for the area around Paris.

Strategic reconnaissance box of a single hex has all factories and support facilities viewed at same intensity. As of habit, I still set first, second, and third priority but that is not nessecary.

During the upcoming turns I will be expanding strategic reconnaissance missions so that my bombers can switch from target hexes each turn if nessecary.

Mr. Bimmler did not launch any air reconnaissance this turn over Italy. Of course it was raining but still, he is saving everything for later. To counter this Allied air superiority and air ground attack missions are being consolidated.

[kentkroeckel]

August 7, 1943.

Weather is perfect on map.

Victory points for turn were 9 and game total is -10. There were another -2 points lost due to U-Boats so I am going to concentrate more on this; try to get to zero.

First picture is showing activity of Axis air. Engagements show little but there was fighting.

Screenshot 2026-06-01 140921.jpg (215.89 KiB) Viewed 306 times

the following picture shows Mr. Bimmler (Germany) resupplying the port of Messina with air transport. They came in at an altitude of 10,000 feet but I had air superiority at 25,000 feet. They got through with few losses.

Screenshot 2026-06-01 141026.jpg (35.41 KiB) Viewed 306 times

Allies were still able to engage the Luftwaffe and the chart for this is next. Germany lost 118 while Allies lost 42.

Screenshot 2026-06-01 141400.jpg (168.07 KiB) Viewed 306 times

Italy is still well protected from invasion. the only area not under Luftwaffe control is the Boot of Italy. Corsica and northern Sardinia are also under the Axis umbrella of Luftwaffe protection.

Screenshot 2026-06-01 141518.jpg (476.19 KiB) Viewed 306 times

[kentkroeckel]

August 7, 1943.

Air phase went well enough but costly. It will still take several weeks to adjust to Mr. Bimmler's style. More air resources need to be committed to United Kingdom.

Germany lost 422 aircraft while Allies lost 644. results are for both air phases. I did not add ground support but probibly another fifty for Allies. This turn shows an advantage of 222 for Luftwaffe.

Screenshot 2026-06-01 210633.jpg (171.94 KiB) Viewed 294 times

Allies attacked Messina and took it in one round. The three Italian divisions routed. Below is snapshot.

Screenshot 2026-06-01 213843.jpg (173.16 KiB) Viewed 294 times

Units did not have enough movement to cross into empty hexes of mainland Italy so had to come up with an alternative. Allies conducted an air assault on the narrowest part of the Toe of the Boot of Italy. It was successful. This will prevent Axis reinforcements. However, since the British airborne unit is not amphibious nor in main supply, Italy should not be triggered into surrender.

This particular air division has three support elements comprising of the Polish air Brigade. Makes it a tough division to move out of its blocking hex.

Screenshot 2026-06-01 213951.jpg (194.45 KiB) Viewed 294 times

Final picture is of the Ruhr area, showing Axis and Allied engagements during Allied air phase. Look at how tight the pattern is. No wasted millage for Axis air. I am sure all Luftwaffe aircraft were within 10 hexes of intercept.

Screenshot 2026-06-01 215855.jpg (143.09 KiB) Viewed 289 times

[kentkroeckel]

No turn today so I am writing about flak.

I doubt if Allied flak will have a purpose in this challenge due to how Mr. Bimmler is conducting the German air campaign. On turn six there was no Axis reconnaissance or ground attacks; just air transport missions. Previous turns have had similar axis engagements; or lack there of over Allied hexes. Of course this is where Allied flak would be placed. Germany conducted air ground attacks a few turns ago but they were minimal.

This leaves Allied flak with little value, as it relates to Luftwaffe suppression. Of course there is a small intrinsic combat value if flak is one of the three support units to a division but any other support unit is better at such a thing.

Therefore, if Germany lets Allies land or move into Italy without some air ground usage, then I will disband Allied flak. Most of it at least. Allied Light flak and heavy flak is not good at air interdiction numbers but American flak is. A battalion of American auto flak usually produces a 2 so put five of them on a hex and you have a good deterrent. That is, if the Luftwaffe flew over Allied space.

[kentkroeckel]

August 14, 1943.

Victory points for turn were 13 and game total is now positive, at 3.

Europe has rain in the sky with a water level of 2.
Italy has perfect weather.

Germany did no attacks this turn. Just encircled airborne division.

Screenshot 2026-06-04 121634.jpg (99.39 KiB) Viewed 222 times

Germany conducted naval air and lost a total of 75 aircraft while Allies lost 11 for the axis air phase. Below is the protected area of Italy and Corsica.

Screenshot 2026-06-04 121829.jpg (434.31 KiB) Viewed 222 times

Next picture is that of the British tactical bomber, Hurricane II D. The reason I am showing it is due to depletion of air frames. When I set a category to one percent fly, I am able to use every aircraft. No waist.

Screenshot 2026-06-04 125920.jpg (67.4 KiB) Viewed 222 times

Final picture shows British light flak units being disbanded. the system only records up to nineteen so that is all I did.

Screenshot 2026-06-04 153832.jpg (154.78 KiB) Viewed 222 times

[kentkroeckel]

August 14, 1943.

Air phase went okay. For turn Germany lost 349 while Allies lost 493. This is a Luftwaffe advantage of 144. Acceptable for Allies.

Screenshot 2026-06-04 161614.jpg (169.51 KiB) Viewed 217 times

Next picture shows the spreading of Allied air superiority missions.

Screenshot 2026-06-04 154814.jpg (173.8 KiB) Viewed 217 times

This picture shows how I split up the British airborne division so that it would isolate the tip of Italy. No fighting was necessary.

Screenshot 2026-06-04 161227.jpg (124.84 KiB) Viewed 217 times

Final picture shows the taking of Reggio city port. Used task forces as ferries so that I could get four British infantry divisions attacking. It was successful. Airborne unit isolating Peninsula made all the difference.

I then tried a couple attacks for the adjacent hex. Those were not successful so units routed off task forces. Not much in losses though.

In the picture you will see two amphibious invasions to help secure area and get the third way for a possible Italian surrender.

Screenshot 2026-06-04 162441.jpg (78.6 KiB) Viewed 217 times

[Seminole]

I don't have WITW yet, but I was wondering how Allied control of Corsica and Sardinia works in the game. Do they "go Allied" when Italy surrenders or do the Allies have to invade and conquer them?

Corsica and Sardinia will flip to Allied control at the Italian surrender, unless there are Germans on the islands.

I've found it very useful as the German player to send forces to occupy these islands and compel an Allied invasion to liberate them. The Allies want them for basing aircraft for amphib operations in central/northern Italy and southern France.

Para and security units (to overlap the Italian units on the islands and prevent the Allies getting any 'free' help) are great for this as they can be airlifted out to escape when things finally turn. Highly entrenched Fallschirmjäger in rough terrain are a tough nut to crack.

The clock is ticking loud for the Allies, so however many weeks you can tie up their forces trying to conquer those islands is good news. If your Allied opponent doesn't suspect these islands are being defended the clock really works against him as he'll have to setup invasions after he finally realizes and divert forces in channels he never intended.

I have a couple of '43 grand campaign AARs on the forum utilizing this strategy.

e.g. against Kent:

https://forums.matrixgames.com/viewtopic.php?t=363149

https://forums.matrixgames.com/viewtopic.php?t=377976

[kentkroeckel]

The comment made Mr Seminole is valid to a certain degree. Both Islands of Corsica and Sardinia can be reinforced with Axis units. In particular, Corsica. The choice of units would be security and German airborne, as stated by Mr. Seminole. These units require little supply and can be airlifted if islands are cut off by Allied naval.

The part I would take issue with is how much resistance these two islands could create if Sicily is under Allied control. When Italy surrenders, the two islands become vulnerable. I would even say, destined to be isolated by Allied air naval. Some Allied resources would be needed to secure the islands but I do not think a sizable amount. And I say this, even as Italy would be under invasion.


Your next point, Mr. Seminole is on resignation over previous game with you. I resigned, due to what I believe on your part to be disrespectful behavior. A challenge should be enjoyable for both players but that was not the case between us.I have moved on from this issue and I think you should too.

[Seminole]

The part I would take issue with is how much resistance these two islands could create if Sicily is under Allied control.

As you learned in the rematch, splitting forces early to try and take Sardinia and Corsica can end up dragging out the capture of Sicily (in that case into October).
In the first match, where you were caught unawares, it was late September before you had landings in Sardinia and you were boxed into two landing zones facing entrenchments of paratroops in rough terrain.
Your troop ship losses placed you at roughly 2/3rds the starting number just a few months into the campaign despite production.

When Italy surrenders, the two islands become vulnerable. I would even say, destined to be isolated by Allied air naval. Some Allied resources would be needed to secure the islands but I do not think a sizable amount. And I say this, even as Italy would be under invasion.


The Axis player holds the islands under no illusion they'll do so indefinitely. They do it to disrupt Allied amphib planning and timetables. Weeks and months spend clearing those islands delay advancement on the peninsula. Weeks and months spent maintaining beachhead supply prevents utilization of amphibs elsewhere, and costs the Allied player's shipping pools.
The Allied player's advantage is to be able to concentrate overwhelmingly force on a point of his choosing. The Axis player should thereby try to spread that advantage so it is less overwhelming anywhere and can thereby be delayed longer.
The clock doesn't tick in the Allied commander's favor.
I haven't had the chance to play it out against an opponent who aggressively defended the islands. But in my observations from the other side in doing so, I think they're ultimately a trap. I think the Allied player might be best served trying to ignore them, concentrate on getting into the heel with landings that bypass the terrible terrain of the toe, and then pincer landings north of Rome with a focus on cutting the rail lines and avoiding a fight on the Gothic line.

[kentkroeckel]

Your comment Mr. Seminole, (paraphrased) 'Allies often loose many Allied amphibious ships when invading the Italian islands' is correct in my opinion. And often the losses impact the rest of the challenge. When WitW updated [1.02.59] in 2023, no action was taken to counter excessive Axis naval interdiction. yet in a previous version air naval interdiction had been increased.

It is my opinion that a simple change could have been torpedo bombers, patrol aircraft, and finally (naval only level bombers) can engage in naval operations. [I am not the original person who came up with this brilliant correction.] all of this would go a long way in fixing game imbalance.

Mr. Metalist recommended German player receive two railroad units. One could only stay in Italy and the other only in Europe. I would add that once the European invasion happened both railroad units could go anywhere.

I would also like to see the amount of rail the Allies can repair be increased; closer to historical. Say each hex is one cost in repair instead of its current cost. These are just some of the ideas that people are floating around.


Your second comment Mr. Seminole I respectfully disagree with. It is below:

"Concentrate on getting into the heel with landings that bypass the terrible terrain of the toe."

To your first part Mr. Seminole, I agree that ignoring Sardinia and Corsica can be done and that is what I have done in this match. And big thank you to Mr. Bimmler for accepting this challenge with increased administrative points for Allied player. the second part of comment I do not agree with.

Given current game system conditions, I do not think an Allied player could keep the heel of mainland Italy continually clear of a determined Axis player willing to commit all Axis air naval resources without having first controlled Sicily. But to be clear, this is speculation on my part because I have never attempted this.

[kentkroeckel]

August 21, 1943.

Victory points for turn were 14 and game total is 17. Allied emphasis is on U-Boat control rather then general strategic bombing. Axis submarine points are being kept at around negative two per turn. (-2).

There has been debate on whether more points can be made by Allied player bombing strategically rather than focusing on U-Boat and then vengeance weapons later. Best point ratio for Allies is during 1943 but I want to keep German points low, which will keep Allied points low as well. Plus, this is part of the game mechanics and completely historical so I am happy to comply.

Italian weather is good.
European weather is rain again. Ground is light mud with a water level of 2.

Air engagement was low this week and first picture shows this.

Screenshot 2026-06-06 121605.jpg (106.38 KiB) Viewed 156 times

Despite low activity, Italy and Corsica are still protected well by the Luftwaffe.

Screenshot 2026-06-06 121748.jpg (551.19 KiB) Viewed 156 times

Was not able to get picture of German air phase but through metrics I have the numbers. Germany lost 63 while Allies lost 32.

This next point I really want to emphasize. Italy did not surrender. Mr. Bimmler did a superb job of utilizing German combat value. All three surrender methods were active for this turn but no results. Some of this can be attributed to random effects but not most. This result was caused by Mr. Bimmler positioning German units in correct placement to get positive results for Germany. well done Mr. Bimmler!

Allies are now concerned about this too. I just assumed Italy would surrender this turn. That is also why I conducted additional attacks from task forces. If I had known Italy would not surrender, I would not have attacked the second hex attacks from task forces.

Screenshot 2026-06-06 121605.jpg (106.38 KiB) Viewed 156 times

Final picture I wanted to show was another turn of disbanding. Chart shows nineteen flak units gone but in reality there were twenty disbanded. System will not show twenty. There was also the Provisional HQ that went away. However, it is set to do this in the game system.

Screenshot 2026-06-06 182454.jpg (165.14 KiB) Viewed 142 times