Matrix Games Forums

South: The Germans are launching a general offensive along the Mississippi. The 2 ID has a foothold on my side of the river west of Jackson, and Memphis barely held out under a full assault. Most worrying of all is the appearance of the 35 Pz Div and...Das Reich...near Memphis. I have railed in the Canadian 51 ID and part of the US 9 ID, but it isn't enough, not when Das Reich is...the loss of DC, coupled with the Japanese invasion, has massacred morale nationwide. Entire armies - including the fresh Marine division in Kansas City - have descended into chaos and are not receptive to orders, making it very difficult to send reinforcements where they are needed. This is a very critical juncture in the war. If I can hold up reasonably until Turn 20, I will gain the initiative on all fronts. If the goddamned Soviets don't do SOMETHING by the next turn, I'm just going to request massive aid in the form of supplies and troop movements. The Germans, for their part, seem to be suffering from supply issues. The 179 Inf Reg managed to escape from the clutches of the 21 Pz Div, the encircled National Guardsmen along the Appalachian Mts. still exist, and Nashville was not taken this week.


FIGHT 4 - Location: SW of Memphis

Combatants: 28 ID vs 12 Mech Bgd, Tejas Korps

Results: 1 company, 4 MG, 4 AT, 7 guns, 2 mortars, and 1 Priest SPG for 200 men, 9 MG, 6 AT, and 1 tank.

North: Louisville was attacked and the defenders lost two companies.

The capital was fully occupied by the Germans, ending a siege that had lasted more than a hundred days.

A German infantry division has been spotted in northern Vermont. What might be another full division is marching towards Buffalo.

Turn 16 - 8/20/42

News:

• President Kennedy Missing! Nation Fears Worst
• Loss of DC Hurts Supply and Replacements
• Soviets Capture German Advisors Near Don
• Soviet Troops March Across Border! "We will do everything to aid our US brothers" - Zhukov
• Hitler Orders Troops Meant for US East to Russia
• Japanese Divert Troops For US to Manchuria
• Axis Transfer Large Portion of Transport Fleet East

Given my past experience with as the Axis in this scenario, I know that Das Reich should
be withdrawn within 4-6 turns.

Supply: 43
VP: 64/312
LP: 19/11
AS: 49/37

Fronts - Panama: The last of the Cuban infantry in Panama were surrounded and annihilated in another retreat from the Canal.

Two regiments have stayed behind to scare off the Nicaraguans, while the rest reoccupied the Canal with the 309 Inf Reg from New Orleans.

The Japanese battleship has traded fire with American naval forces for the last few days, scoring several fatal hits. The Admirals present cannot agree on a course of action or even an attack plan, with some light ships even sailing away to get out of range of the deadly Japanese 14'' guns. The officer in charge of the 18 USN CVW ordered his bombers to fly south and finish the job.

FIGHT 1 - Location: Costa Rican coastline, S of San Jose

Combatants: 18 USN CVW vs TF1

Results: The bombers were repulsed by heavy AA fire; a few were destroyed in the run.

Mexico: The entire 4th Army is reorganizing.

A Mexican force has been spotted moving north from the capital.

The Zapatistas found a Mexican Army unit camped near the edge of a forest.
 

FIGHT 2 - Location: Yucatan Peninsula, E of Campeche

Combatants: Zapatistas vs 4 Inf Reg, 1st Mex Army

Results: A hundred men for a battalion, 9 MG, 4 AT, and 4 mortars.

Notes: Enemy retreated into our part of the jungle.

West: Mexican cavalry are in the outskirts of Phoenix, Arizona.

The Japanese 56 Inf Reg tried to land on the beaches north of Los Angeles but stopped a few kilometers off the coast when it was ascertained that the beach was covered with makeshift pillboxes and coastal defenses. While the Japanese commander tried to contact his superiors for orders his landing craft were spotted by a patrol returning from the front near San Diego.

FIGHT 3 - Location: Between LA and Catalina Island

Combatants: US bombers vs 56 Inf Reg & Zeroes

Results: The bombers sank over half of the landing craft, but an escort of 69 Zeroes surprised them and destroyed several before hounding them for another 20 minutes over California.

Follow-up: The battleships finished the job.


The cut-off New Mexican National Guardsmen attacked nearby Japanese infantry.

FIGHT 4 - Location: SE of Tijuana

Combatants: New Mexico Guardsmen vs 58 Inf Reg, 8 ID

Results: The Americans fell into a trap and all were killed or captured. The Japanese lost a platoon, 4 MGs, and 2 mortars.


I have decided to limit the screenshots of combat reports to relatively important battles. More tomorrow.

Wow massive scenario enjoying the read.

South: The planned operation north of New Orleans has been delayed yet again by the removal of one of its principal participants, the 309 Inf Reg, to another theater.

The Mexican scouts have gotten awfully deep into Texas, but some Montana Guardsmen are looking to show them the exit.

FIGHT 5 - Location: N of Austin

Combatants: Montana Guardsmen vs 11 Rcn Btn, 1st Mex Army

Results: A platoon, 5 MG, and a mortar for an armored car and 4 jeeps with their passengers.

Notes: Only a patrol was encountered.

Follow-up: A platoon, 1 MG, 2 mortars, and a gun for 2 armored cars, 5 jeeps and their passengers. Another patrol.

A German bridging force is reportedly attempting to create a crossing at the confluence of the Mississippi and Arkansas Rivers. As this would allow tanks from Das Reich and an infantry division access to my rear areas, massive reinforcements have been railed to the area, including the 26 ID. Marines are stationed in Oklahoma City as a strategic reserve.

Memphis was almost taken, but the city has been turned into a fortress, and the Germans will find it difficult to capture with frontal attacks, even with Das Reich.

There are still many coherent combat units behind enemy lines that the Germans seem to be unable or unwilling to eliminate. Nashville was attacked by the 28 Pz Div, which did not succeed in taking the city (despite the presence of no more than a weak fixed garrison). The 179 Inf Reg has been allowed to retire to the Ohio Line unmolested (except for a couple of recon companies holding the crossings).


FIGHT 6 - Location: N of Nashville

Combatants: 179 Inf Reg, 45 ID vs 310 Rcn Btn, 40 Pz Div

Results: A platoon for several dozen men, 1 MG, 2 mortars, 5 armored cars.

FIGHT 7 - Location: W of Knoxville

Combatants: Tennessee Guardsmen vs 201 Rcn Btn, 50 ID

Results: The Germans fled with massive casualties.

North: The entire America Korps is now on the opposite side of the Ohio River.

The German airborne forces are all in Baltimore. This makes me uneasy - I was pretty sure the Germans have no air transport capacity, but that faith is now shaken.

The Niagara Falls were attacked by not just one, but two, German divisions (73 & 80 ID). Reinforcements from Washington (State) are en route.

Trouble is also brewing in Quebec. On top of the division they had already gathered, a bridging unit and what I assume to be Hungarian tanks have also appeared. The Canadian 51 ID was ordered to return to Canada just after it had arrived in Arkansas in case the Germans cross the St. Lawrence River.

So, I'm going to continue with the AAR. Anything I should change/include? I've actually got the next few turns done already, but if there's any way I can make this better I will apply that advice to future turns.

Turn 17 - 8/27/42

Supply: 43
VP: 16/312
LP: 21/15
AS: 49/37

Fronts - Panama: The South American fascists finally beat me. I've lost the Canal and the supply situation in the West will deteriorate somewhat. I'm falling back on the contingency plan, a breakout attempt all the way to friendly territory. Some Nicaraguans are in my way, and without any way to get supplies the Brazilians will surely surround and destroy me before I get far.

The Japanese battleship simply sailed back up the American coastline, with USN ships trailing behind.

FIGHT 1 - Location: W of Panama City

Combatants: Remaining US Cuban and Panamanian units vs 11 Inf Reg & 2 Cav Bgd, Nicaraguan Army

Results: Poor performance. A company, 3 MG, 4 guns, and 10 mortars lost for a few hundred Nicaraguans.

Mexico: The Zapatistas are looking to finish off the Mexican regiment trapped in the jungles.

FIGHT 2 - Location: Yucatan Jungles

Combatants: Zapatistas vs 4 Inf Reg, 1st Mex Army

Results: Moderate casualties on both sides.

The Mexican scouts are penetrating deep into the heartland of America. There's nothing in their way. The 4th Army is trying to surround the 2nd Mexican Army once again.

FIGHT 3 - Location: Northern Mexico

Combatants: 71 Inf Reg, 84 Inf Reg, 121 Inf Reg, and 130 Inf Reg, 4th Army vs 5 Inf Reg and 2nd Btn, 9 Inf Reg, 2nd Mex Army

Results: A company, 11 MG, 6 AT guns, and 3 mortars for 250 men, 19 MG, 2 AT guns, and 7 mortars.

FIGHT 4 - Location: Northern Mexico

Combatants: 278 Rcn Btn, 123 Ind Btn, 6 Amd Bgd, & 131 Inf Reg, 4th Army vs 2nd Mex Army HQ, 4 Cav Bgd, and others

Results: 2 platoons, 8 MG, 2 mortars, and 3 jeeps for a Mexican battalion.

West: Elements of the 4th Army have arrived in Arizona. The capital, Phoenix, is being threatened by Mexican cavalry and Japanese infantry.

The Japanese main army around San Diego forced back the Marines and infantry near the mountains.

FIGHT 5 - Location: NE of San Diego

Combatants: Marines, Nevada Guardsmen, and artillery vs 2 AD

Results: A company and a Jeep for 20 tanks.

The Japanese battleship was caught off the beaches of Tijuana. Several fresh ships had joined it. The battleships in San Francisco participated in the battle.

FIGHT 6 - Location: W of Tijuana

Combatants: Ships and airplanes vs TF1

Results: A battleship and a destroyer lost and a dozen planes were downed, but the Japanese battleship was sunk, along with a heavy cruiser and a destroyer.

South: The German battleships beached themselves at Melbourne, Florida. Troops stationed in Orlando sallied and boarded them, though some equipment and dozens of men were lost in the process. These ships are on their way to Miami, where they will remain until the manpower to crew them becomes available.

Most of the troops cut off behind German lines have been eliminated.

The focal point seems to be Louisville - I might have to evacuate, as the defenders are vulnerable to a flanking penalty.

The Germans have forded the Mississippi. Elements of Das Reich have reach as far as Shreveport. The Marines and much of the 26 ID are rushing to bottle them in, or at least to divert their movements into predictable channels. Most of the units guarding the Mississippi crossing west of Jackson have gone north to surround Das Reich. Only a cavalry brigade remains; I have a feeling that the Germans will make me regret this.

Memphis is holding on well enough.

North: The Amerika Korps has reached the Ohio Line.

The Germans and their allies are attacking everywhere in Canada. East of Hamilton the Gr 73 and 80 ID have made a breach. Between Toronto and Ottawa, the Gr 97 ID, spearheaded by Hungarian tanks and followed by Italian infantry, has broken through. Montreal was assaulted by Italians, Hungarians, and Romanians.

FIGHT 7 - Location: N of St. Lawrence River

Combatants: 51 CA ID and elements of 1 Amd Bgd vs 3 Hn Arm Bgd

Results: 4 platoons, 8 MG, 2 AT guns, 7 mortars, and an armored car for 5 tanks.

Turn 18 - 9/3/42

News:

• Bismarck Sunk! Axis Supply Convoys Are Threatened
• Italian Naval Force Sunk! Mussolini Outraged!
• Panama Canal Captured!
• Loss of Panama Canal Lowers US Supply
• USSR Concerned Over Axis Capture of Panama Canal - + 10 SI
• Germany Recalls 28th Panzer Division

Supply: 44
VP: -14/312
LP: 24/18
AS: 35/35

We've both taken blows to our supply capacity this week. The Soviet Intervention points are worthless now that the USSR has actually declared war. That said, I'm  going to be a little sneaky and activate the Soviet supply aid TO, even though it isn't meant to be used after a Soviet declaration of war. If anyone ever modifies this scenario, they'll need to sort that out. Though our Air Superiority values are equal, the Germans lost up to 4 times as many planes as I did this turn.

Fronts - Panama: All contact has been lost. We fear the worst.

Mexico: The Zapatistas are chasing the few surviving Mexican troops south. They hope to finish them off within the borders of Belize, which might encourage the local French garrison to join the fight against the Latinamerican fascists.


FIGHT 1 - Location: Yucatan Jungles

Combatants: Zapatistas vs

Notes: Two separate battles.

Results: 23 squads and a mortar for 23 squads, 7 MG, 6 mortars, and 4 AT.


Most of the Mexican 2nd Army is surrounded. About half the Mexican 3rd Army is approaching from the south; its arrival is estimated to be within 1-2 weeks.

El Paso was attacked by a Mexican brigade that had been stranded in northwestern Mexico throughout the 4th Army's invasion. The 4th Army's artillery is positioned to shatter any further advances.

Those irksome scouts have reached Dallas.


FIGHT 2 - Location: Northern Mexico

Combatants: 4th Army vs 2nd Mexican Army

Notes: Three separate battles.

Results: Three companies, 19 MG, 14 mortars, and a Jeep for 111 squads, 33 MG, 4 AT, 22 mortars, and an armored car.

Follow-up: Three companies, 15 MG, 2 AT, 8 mortars, 2 Jeeps, 2 armored cars, a Stuart, a Sherman, and 3 B-17s for 227 squads, 62 MG, 7 AT, 34 mortars, 7 guns, and 9 Jeeps.

West: Phoenix has fallen. I will retake it.


FIGHT 3 - Location: Phoenix

Combatants: 8th Amd Bgd & 155 Inf Reg, 4th Army vs 3 Cav Bgd, 2nd Mex Army & 21 Inf Reg, 8 ID

Results: Moderate losses on both sides, Phoenix captured.


A Japanese regiment is heading around the mountains in an attempt to outflank me. Combat engineers from Denver were sent to Las Vegas to counter any moves.

Heavy fighting north of San Diego.

South: Several thousand men of Das Reich have been surrounded east of Shreveport by thousands of Guardsmen and a division of Marines.


FIGHT 4 - A battalion of men was lost, but all of the SS were captured or slain.


Memphis is barely holding out under relentless attacks by Das Reich and the Tejas Korps.

A number of minor Axis units arrived in northern Florida recently. The 70 ID defending the state has been placed on high alert.

Louisville easily repulsed a probe, though Cincinatti was attacked by a lesser force which it only routed with difficulty.

The German paratroopers have been spotted north of Atlanta.