The Soviets consider a low odds attack (2:1) on Leningrad but decide the risk isn't worth it as a failure could leave the forces exposed to being put OOS as well as disorganised. No other Land Combats are considered.
No air re-bases or reorganisation.
The turn continues on a roll of 3.
Decline and Fall The Long Way Round
Moderator: Shannon V. OKeets
RE: Decline and Fall The Long Way Round
J/A 1944 Axis 8
No DoW
Japan Land, Germany and Italy Combined.
No port-strikes or naval air.
The Germans send their flotilla of 5 cruisers from Brest into Biscay's 3-box. The Italians put a CP in the Italian coast.
The Italians initiate combat in the West Med and add 2 Nav and a Ftr to the units already there. The CW subs decide to sit this one out on the bottom but it doesn't matter as neither side can find each other.
In Biscay the Germans send a Ftr to the 0-box. The CW a Sunderland to the 3-box. Both sides find each other on a 1.
No DoW
Japan Land, Germany and Italy Combined.
No port-strikes or naval air.
The Germans send their flotilla of 5 cruisers from Brest into Biscay's 3-box. The Italians put a CP in the Italian coast.
The Italians initiate combat in the West Med and add 2 Nav and a Ftr to the units already there. The CW subs decide to sit this one out on the bottom but it doesn't matter as neither side can find each other.
In Biscay the Germans send a Ftr to the 0-box. The CW a Sunderland to the 3-box. Both sides find each other on a 1.
RE: Decline and Fall The Long Way Round
J/A 1944 Axis 8: Naval Combat, Biscay.
With both sides finding each other, the CW finds itself heavily out-numbered. On the plus side, for the CW, the CP's will escape for at least the first engagement.
Both sides have a decision to make. First up is whether the CW wish to open the innings with the Sunderlands or wait to see whether the Germans opt to avoid combat, by choosing sub combat, or go for guns. Going against a ME-109 could well be a one-way journey for the Sunderland but it is quicker and less costly to replace than the anticipated losses from a surface combat. Reluctantly, the Sunderlands are sent in to bat.
With both sides finding each other, the CW finds itself heavily out-numbered. On the plus side, for the CW, the CP's will escape for at least the first engagement.
Both sides have a decision to make. First up is whether the CW wish to open the innings with the Sunderlands or wait to see whether the Germans opt to avoid combat, by choosing sub combat, or go for guns. Going against a ME-109 could well be a one-way journey for the Sunderland but it is quicker and less costly to replace than the anticipated losses from a surface combat. Reluctantly, the Sunderlands are sent in to bat.
- Attachments
-
- 1.jpg (328.66 KiB) Viewed 238 times
RE: Decline and Fall The Long Way Round
The Me-109s dive into their first pass but the Sunderlands see them coming and escape into some cloud cover (Allies 12 DC, Axis 9 NE).
Job done and vowing to make several donations to all known gods, the Sunderland crews return to base. Both sides elect to continue the fight. No additional air support is flown in and the Germans commit their subs. Neither side can relocate each other and the combat ends. The CW breathes a sigh of relief and an immediate mention is despatches is given to the Sunderlands.
No strategic or carpet bombing.
The Germans send Stukas on Ground-strikes at either end of the Russian line; Rokossovsky and 16th Inf by Leningrad and 1st and 51st Inf's north or Rostov. Both are in preparation for possible attacks. No grand or fancy plan; simply to cause the Soviets to spend BP's replacing combat losses and slowing their army's expansion.
The Stukas strike with deadly accuracy and all four soviet units targeted are disorganised (rolls of 1, 2, 1, 2).
The Germans move to put Rokossovsky OOS and bring up an Inf Div to get a 7:2 attack. They also declare attacks on Madrid and North of Rostov.
The Japanese move an OOS Inf, disorganising it in the process but by doing so manage to re-establish supply to their Chinese army. All units that are not baby-sitting Air units pull back to surround and attack the ChiComm unit NE of Tsinin. They also announce an attack the errant Nationalist Cav Div in Manchuria.
The CW contemplates sending Seafires from Illustrious on CAP but, with a superior FW-190 available to the Axis, decide not to risk losing their best naval fighter. If the turn continues there are still those potent Italian Nav's in the West Med.
The Germans send a He-111 to support the attack near Rostov. The Italians send two bombers to support the Madrid attack.
After ground support is added, the attacks look thus
Job done and vowing to make several donations to all known gods, the Sunderland crews return to base. Both sides elect to continue the fight. No additional air support is flown in and the Germans commit their subs. Neither side can relocate each other and the combat ends. The CW breathes a sigh of relief and an immediate mention is despatches is given to the Sunderlands.
No strategic or carpet bombing.
The Germans send Stukas on Ground-strikes at either end of the Russian line; Rokossovsky and 16th Inf by Leningrad and 1st and 51st Inf's north or Rostov. Both are in preparation for possible attacks. No grand or fancy plan; simply to cause the Soviets to spend BP's replacing combat losses and slowing their army's expansion.
The Stukas strike with deadly accuracy and all four soviet units targeted are disorganised (rolls of 1, 2, 1, 2).
The Germans move to put Rokossovsky OOS and bring up an Inf Div to get a 7:2 attack. They also declare attacks on Madrid and North of Rostov.
The Japanese move an OOS Inf, disorganising it in the process but by doing so manage to re-establish supply to their Chinese army. All units that are not baby-sitting Air units pull back to surround and attack the ChiComm unit NE of Tsinin. They also announce an attack the errant Nationalist Cav Div in Manchuria.
The CW contemplates sending Seafires from Illustrious on CAP but, with a superior FW-190 available to the Axis, decide not to risk losing their best naval fighter. If the turn continues there are still those potent Italian Nav's in the West Med.
The Germans send a He-111 to support the attack near Rostov. The Italians send two bombers to support the Madrid attack.
After ground support is added, the attacks look thus
- Attachments
-
- 1.jpg (299.08 KiB) Viewed 238 times
RE: Decline and Fall The Long Way Round
J/A 1944 Axis 8: Land Combats
The attack on Madrid starts well enough (fractional made) but the Seville Militia are made of tough stuff. They fight to the last man in defence of their capital and destroy the German XVIII Mech. They can't, however, prevent the city from being taken (die roll of 8 at +14).
Rokossovsky is shattered by the assault on him, which also destroys the 16th Inf. A German Inf Div is disorganised (die roll 12 at +9). The Germans elect to convert the shatter to retreat to keep the General available for another go should the turn continue long enough (die roll 12 at +9).
The Germans blitz the attack north of Rostov, shattering the two defenders at the cost of 2 disorganised Inf (7 at +20).
The Japanese blitz through the ChiComm Inf NE of Tsinan for no loss (11 at +11). The plight of the Japanese central China army looks somewhat improved.
The Japanese then get a shock when they realise the attack in Manchuria is only 2:1, rather than the 4:1 they had been expecting. A rash commander ordered the attack without checking the terrain first, resulting in a river crossing under fire. This could go badly!
Well, it could have been worse. Both sides lose one unit (12 at +5). The Japanese take theirs as the Manchurian Terr.
The Germans rebase a Ftr closer to the front-line in Southern Russia and a Stuka and 2 Ftr's closer in Spain. The Italians do likewisewith one of their Ftr's.
With it getting late in the turn, the 3 German HQ's reorganise a number of air units for defensive purposes, should the turn continue.
The two organised Japanese HQ's in China reorganise the best bomber and the C-47.
The turn continues on a 5.
The attack on Madrid starts well enough (fractional made) but the Seville Militia are made of tough stuff. They fight to the last man in defence of their capital and destroy the German XVIII Mech. They can't, however, prevent the city from being taken (die roll of 8 at +14).
Rokossovsky is shattered by the assault on him, which also destroys the 16th Inf. A German Inf Div is disorganised (die roll 12 at +9). The Germans elect to convert the shatter to retreat to keep the General available for another go should the turn continue long enough (die roll 12 at +9).
The Germans blitz the attack north of Rostov, shattering the two defenders at the cost of 2 disorganised Inf (7 at +20).
The Japanese blitz through the ChiComm Inf NE of Tsinan for no loss (11 at +11). The plight of the Japanese central China army looks somewhat improved.
The Japanese then get a shock when they realise the attack in Manchuria is only 2:1, rather than the 4:1 they had been expecting. A rash commander ordered the attack without checking the terrain first, resulting in a river crossing under fire. This could go badly!
Well, it could have been worse. Both sides lose one unit (12 at +5). The Japanese take theirs as the Manchurian Terr.
The Germans rebase a Ftr closer to the front-line in Southern Russia and a Stuka and 2 Ftr's closer in Spain. The Italians do likewisewith one of their Ftr's.
With it getting late in the turn, the 3 German HQ's reorganise a number of air units for defensive purposes, should the turn continue.
The two organised Japanese HQ's in China reorganise the best bomber and the C-47.
The turn continues on a 5.
RE: Decline and Fall The Long Way Round
J/A 1944 Allied 9
The storms in Nth Monsoon finally abate a bit to rain. Elsewhere remains fine (roll of 3).
US, Combined. Chinese and Russians, Land. CW, Air.
The improvement in the weather in Nth Monsoon region opens the US CV flight decks. Four CV air groups are sent to port-strike Eniwetok. The move catches the Japanese somewhat by surprise (rolls of 8 vs 2). The island is OOS so the Japanese Ftr remains grounded through lack of fuel. The strike goes in unopposed. The results are less impressive than anticipated due to some good Japanese damage control but the main target, the Amph, is sunk.
The storms in Nth Monsoon finally abate a bit to rain. Elsewhere remains fine (roll of 3).
US, Combined. Chinese and Russians, Land. CW, Air.
The improvement in the weather in Nth Monsoon region opens the US CV flight decks. Four CV air groups are sent to port-strike Eniwetok. The move catches the Japanese somewhat by surprise (rolls of 8 vs 2). The island is OOS so the Japanese Ftr remains grounded through lack of fuel. The strike goes in unopposed. The results are less impressive than anticipated due to some good Japanese damage control but the main target, the Amph, is sunk.
- Attachments
-
- 1.jpg (293.52 KiB) Viewed 238 times
RE: Decline and Fall The Long Way Round
No naval movement. The US attempts to initiate combat in the Coral Sea. They add a P-38 to the 2-box for some additional support.
The Japanese decide against sending their Nav into the fray.
It proves a wise decision as the allies find the Japanese on a 4 but the Japanese blunder about unaware of what is transpiring until it appears out of the sun on top of them (10 rolled). The Jap CP stands no chance and is summarily sent to the bottom.
The CW declines combat in Biscay.
No strategic or carpet bombing.
The US sends a P-51 and P-47 to ground-strike the German Arm in Madrid. The Germans send 2 Fw-190's to intercept.
The leading Fw-190 sweeps into the US P-47's. The resulting dog-fight spirals around until, both sides low on fuel and ammo, they break off and return to base (2 rolls of abort front units). The second wave of Fw-190's blast the P-51's out of the sky (18 rolled) for the minor inconvenience of being forced back to base. The US plan to try and disorganise the OOS Arm in Madrid for an easy attack comes to a premature end.
In the east, the Soviets can do little more than seal the breach in the lines.
The Japanese decide against sending their Nav into the fray.
It proves a wise decision as the allies find the Japanese on a 4 but the Japanese blunder about unaware of what is transpiring until it appears out of the sun on top of them (10 rolled). The Jap CP stands no chance and is summarily sent to the bottom.
The CW declines combat in Biscay.
No strategic or carpet bombing.
The US sends a P-51 and P-47 to ground-strike the German Arm in Madrid. The Germans send 2 Fw-190's to intercept.
The leading Fw-190 sweeps into the US P-47's. The resulting dog-fight spirals around until, both sides low on fuel and ammo, they break off and return to base (2 rolls of abort front units). The second wave of Fw-190's blast the P-51's out of the sky (18 rolled) for the minor inconvenience of being forced back to base. The US plan to try and disorganise the OOS Arm in Madrid for an easy attack comes to a premature end.
In the east, the Soviets can do little more than seal the breach in the lines.
- Attachments
-
- 1.jpg (821.6 KiB) Viewed 238 times
RE: Decline and Fall The Long Way Round
The ChiComms disorganise an OOS 1st Inf by moving it through Peking and into the port of Tientsin, cutting the Japanese northern supply route.
The Nationalist re-capture Chengchow and when 1st Cav moves to just east of Tsingtao, the Japs are again OOS. Their nightmare continues.
The Nationalist re-capture Chengchow and when 1st Cav moves to just east of Tsingtao, the Japs are again OOS. Their nightmare continues.
- Attachments
-
- 1.jpg (593.42 KiB) Viewed 238 times
RE: Decline and Fall The Long Way Round
The US moves II Arm to the outskirts of Madrid. Do they dare risk a low odds attack by making a para drop? Just to complicate matters, the Italians put an Re.2001 over Madrid as CAP. The only Allied escorts would be the Seafires but the RN can't risk losing them, as before. The idea is consigned to the bin.
Monty reorganises 3 bombers, though whether the turn will last long enough for them to fly again remains to be seen.
Zhukov reorganises 2 tac bombers and 53rd Inf.
The turn continues on a 10.
Monty reorganises 3 bombers, though whether the turn will last long enough for them to fly again remains to be seen.
Zhukov reorganises 2 tac bombers and 53rd Inf.
The turn continues on a 10.
RE: Decline and Fall The Long Way Round
J/A 1944 Axis 10.
No DoW.
The Italians don't have much they need to move on land, other than to link up with Madrid, so opt for Combined to open up naval possibilities. The Germans and Japanese also opt for Combined.
The Japs fly a Nav to the Marianas 0-box and 2 Navs to the Marshalls 4-box.
The Italians sail their new CV, a BB, 2CA and 3CL to the West Med 4-box. The Germans sail 3BB and 3CA into the Baltic. The Japs sail the Combined Fleet - 5CV, 2CVL, 3BB and 9CA to the Marshalls 1-box. It's a gamble but quite a lot of the US CVP's are disorganised following the port-strike. They also put their last reserve CP in the Marianas.
Five sea areas are eligible for combat.
No DoW.
The Italians don't have much they need to move on land, other than to link up with Madrid, so opt for Combined to open up naval possibilities. The Germans and Japanese also opt for Combined.
The Japs fly a Nav to the Marianas 0-box and 2 Navs to the Marshalls 4-box.
The Italians sail their new CV, a BB, 2CA and 3CL to the West Med 4-box. The Germans sail 3BB and 3CA into the Baltic. The Japs sail the Combined Fleet - 5CV, 2CVL, 3BB and 9CA to the Marshalls 1-box. It's a gamble but quite a lot of the US CVP's are disorganised following the port-strike. They also put their last reserve CP in the Marianas.
Five sea areas are eligible for combat.
- Attachments
-
- 1.jpg (293.46 KiB) Viewed 238 times
RE: Decline and Fall The Long Way Round
The Japanese decline combat in the Marianas and switch attention to the Marshalls. They add an A6M2 and P1Y1 to the 3-box. US add a Nav of their own to the 3-box. If ever a good search roll was needed, now is the moment.
It turns out the moment is indeed now. The full Japanese force locates the US (roll of 1), who remain blissfully unaware of the Japanese until radar picks up the in-bound strikes (roll of 8).
Well, there's some learning! The disorganised CVP's can still fly. Oh well, on with the show. The Japs decide to use their surprise advantage to boost their chances in the air-battle.
It turns out the moment is indeed now. The full Japanese force locates the US (roll of 1), who remain blissfully unaware of the Japanese until radar picks up the in-bound strikes (roll of 8).
Well, there's some learning! The disorganised CVP's can still fly. Oh well, on with the show. The Japs decide to use their surprise advantage to boost their chances in the air-battle.
RE: Decline and Fall The Long Way Round
Post deleted. I have run into a problem whereby the CVP's that started the combat disorganised were unable to return to their CV's afterwards and were destroyed (see my Tech Support post).
In the original battle, the US lost their main fighter fairly early. I, probably foolishly, persisted with the combat despite pretty poor odds against US (+7:-3, which slightly improved to +6:-2 after aborting the front Japanese Ftr). The end result was 1 US Nav aborted, 1 CVP bomber aborted, which then got destroyed due to the bug, 2 bombers cleared through to target and the rest destroyed. The Japs lost 1 CVP shot down and the leading Ftr aborted. Japanese AA destroyed another CVP and reduced the remaining one by 3 pts on a roll of 8 (highest 1 of 1). I can't remember what exactly happened to the US AA fire, so re-running it aborts a Jap Nav and reduces bombs by 3 (highest 1 of 4 was an 8).
I've re-run the air battle so one of the non-disorganised CVP's is aborted instead and is swapped for a disorganised CVP cleared through to target, which then becomes the CVP shot down by the Jap AA. The net result is a slightly better CVP than originally aborts back to its CV.
Picking up the story, the Japanese bombers appear over the US task force and spot the USS Intrepid with the newly returned planes on deck. They pick her as their first target and she is sent to the bottom. Overall, the Japanese strike goes pretty well with the Wasp II damaged and aborted, the Minneapolis damaged and the Lady Lex aborted.
The US strike does as well as could be expected.
In the original battle, the US lost their main fighter fairly early. I, probably foolishly, persisted with the combat despite pretty poor odds against US (+7:-3, which slightly improved to +6:-2 after aborting the front Japanese Ftr). The end result was 1 US Nav aborted, 1 CVP bomber aborted, which then got destroyed due to the bug, 2 bombers cleared through to target and the rest destroyed. The Japs lost 1 CVP shot down and the leading Ftr aborted. Japanese AA destroyed another CVP and reduced the remaining one by 3 pts on a roll of 8 (highest 1 of 1). I can't remember what exactly happened to the US AA fire, so re-running it aborts a Jap Nav and reduces bombs by 3 (highest 1 of 4 was an 8).
I've re-run the air battle so one of the non-disorganised CVP's is aborted instead and is swapped for a disorganised CVP cleared through to target, which then becomes the CVP shot down by the Jap AA. The net result is a slightly better CVP than originally aborts back to its CV.
Picking up the story, the Japanese bombers appear over the US task force and spot the USS Intrepid with the newly returned planes on deck. They pick her as their first target and she is sent to the bottom. Overall, the Japanese strike goes pretty well with the Wasp II damaged and aborted, the Minneapolis damaged and the Lady Lex aborted.
The US strike does as well as could be expected.
- Attachments
-
- 1.jpg (348.74 KiB) Viewed 238 times
RE: Decline and Fall The Long Way Round
As above. A subsequent CW strike in West Med was similarly affected.
I've just upgraded to the latest beta and hot-patch, so lets give it another go.
The German sortie into the Baltic catches the Allies almost completely by surprise (searches 1 vs 9). Before they know what's happening, the CP and 2 of it's 3 CL escorts are sent to the bottom, the remaining one being forced to abort. In return Gneisenau is sent back to port (surprise used to lower Axis damage from D to A and increase Allied damage to 2X, 2D, A). Weakened by the loss of the Gneisenau, the rest of the task force join her back at Stettin.
In Biscay the Germans try for a combined attack on the CP's using both subs and surface vessels. It gets off to a bad start when one of the U-boats is caught on the surface by patrolling Sunderlands and sent to the bottom (searches Allies 3, Axis 7, naval air combat chosen and damage increased to a X). For some unaccountable reason, the Sunderland sighting report doesn't make it's way to the admiralty. The first the Allies know of the U-boats presence is when torpedoes start slamming into the sides of the Merchantmen. Five CP's are sent to the bottom and 2 more aborted. That should put a dent in CW production! The RN escorts sink 2 U-boats in retaliation (searches 1 vs 8, sub combat chosen, surprise used to reduced Axis losses and increase Allied). Both sides stay to continue the fight but are unable to locate each other.
In the West Med, RN naval reconnaissance spots the RM ships leaving port (searches RN 1 vs RM 8). An air-strike is sent off. The RM scrambles it's Ju-87 as a fighter in a desperate attempt to protect the fleet. It is easily dealt with by the RN Seafires. RM AA gunners put up an ineffective barrage (surprise lowered it to lowest 1 of 5, which was a 1). The RN strike sinks the Italian CV and damages a BB and CL. More importantly, the CVP's are all able to land back on their carriers [&o]
I've just upgraded to the latest beta and hot-patch, so lets give it another go.
The German sortie into the Baltic catches the Allies almost completely by surprise (searches 1 vs 9). Before they know what's happening, the CP and 2 of it's 3 CL escorts are sent to the bottom, the remaining one being forced to abort. In return Gneisenau is sent back to port (surprise used to lower Axis damage from D to A and increase Allied damage to 2X, 2D, A). Weakened by the loss of the Gneisenau, the rest of the task force join her back at Stettin.
In Biscay the Germans try for a combined attack on the CP's using both subs and surface vessels. It gets off to a bad start when one of the U-boats is caught on the surface by patrolling Sunderlands and sent to the bottom (searches Allies 3, Axis 7, naval air combat chosen and damage increased to a X). For some unaccountable reason, the Sunderland sighting report doesn't make it's way to the admiralty. The first the Allies know of the U-boats presence is when torpedoes start slamming into the sides of the Merchantmen. Five CP's are sent to the bottom and 2 more aborted. That should put a dent in CW production! The RN escorts sink 2 U-boats in retaliation (searches 1 vs 8, sub combat chosen, surprise used to reduced Axis losses and increase Allied). Both sides stay to continue the fight but are unable to locate each other.
In the West Med, RN naval reconnaissance spots the RM ships leaving port (searches RN 1 vs RM 8). An air-strike is sent off. The RM scrambles it's Ju-87 as a fighter in a desperate attempt to protect the fleet. It is easily dealt with by the RN Seafires. RM AA gunners put up an ineffective barrage (surprise lowered it to lowest 1 of 5, which was a 1). The RN strike sinks the Italian CV and damages a BB and CL. More importantly, the CVP's are all able to land back on their carriers [&o]
RE: Decline and Fall The Long Way Round
The RN have a tricky little decision to make. They would like to stay in the sea-area and not surrender it to the Italians on principal. Five well-escorted Nav's would cause some grief, however, if they managed to locate the RN. In the 1-box, there's a 10% chance. The RN decide to risk it. The Italians also elect to fight but then neither side manages to find each other.
No strategic, carpet bombing or ground-strikes. No rail movement.
The Italians move to re-establish supply to the German Arm in Madrid. The Germans move an Inf in preparation for an attack on Rokossovsky. The Japanese re-establish supply and move to engage the Nationalist 1st Cav.
No strategic, carpet bombing or ground-strikes. No rail movement.
The Italians move to re-establish supply to the German Arm in Madrid. The Germans move an Inf in preparation for an attack on Rokossovsky. The Japanese re-establish supply and move to engage the Nationalist 1st Cav.
- Attachments
-
- 1.jpg (562.53 KiB) Viewed 238 times
RE: Decline and Fall The Long Way Round
The Germans declare two land combats, the Japanese one. The Japanese boost theirs by 2 points of naval gunfire support and 3 points of air-support. The Germans realise they have made a mistake in not sending in a ground-strike prior to their attack on a near surrounded stack in southern Russia. The air-factors are used as ground-support instead. The Soviets put a Ftr on CAP and also send in ground-support. A nice little fur-ball of an air battle develops.
- Attachments
-
- 1.jpg (310.51 KiB) Viewed 238 times
RE: Decline and Fall The Long Way Round
The Soviet CAP tangles with the German Me-109 escorts and sends them back to base (roll of 6 at evens). The '109's do nothing in return (13). Seeing the departure of their escorts, the German bombers exit stage left, clearing the Soviet bombers through. This doesn't look quite so rosy for the German attack.
The final odds for the attacks work out as below.
The final odds for the attacks work out as below.
- Attachments
-
- 1.jpg (292.59 KiB) Viewed 238 times
RE: Decline and Fall The Long Way Round
The Germans open the show with their attack on Gen Rokossoksky. At these odds (+20) they figure now would be a good time to use up a 2 or 3!. Well, it was below average but a 9 sees the General destroyed.
Next, the attack in southern Russia. As the German armour reaches the start line, forward recon reports the Soviets somewhat more organised than had been envisaged when this attack had first been conceived. Two groups of ground-support aircraft, circling, just waiting to get to grips with the German tanks, are only likely to add to casualties. Too late to cancel, the attack rolls forward. One factor in the German's favour is the defenders are in open terrain. The Germans choose to launch a Blitzkrieg to improve their odds, accepting the likely loss of at least the Mech unit if casualties are taken. The Soviets put up some resistance, disorganising two of the four attackers but are forced to abandon their positions and retreat. With nowhere to go, they are destroyed (Die roll of 12). The Germans breath a sigh of relief. That could have been a lot worse.
Finally, the Japanese attack in China. They bungle their attack orders, sending in an assault, rather than the Blitzkrieg they could have chosen. It doesn't matter. A roll of 12 sees them safely home. The Nationalist 1st Cav is destroyed for the time being. It is certain to make a reapparence
The Germans rebase two Ftrs to improve the cover over their factories.
The turn continues on a 5.
Next, the attack in southern Russia. As the German armour reaches the start line, forward recon reports the Soviets somewhat more organised than had been envisaged when this attack had first been conceived. Two groups of ground-support aircraft, circling, just waiting to get to grips with the German tanks, are only likely to add to casualties. Too late to cancel, the attack rolls forward. One factor in the German's favour is the defenders are in open terrain. The Germans choose to launch a Blitzkrieg to improve their odds, accepting the likely loss of at least the Mech unit if casualties are taken. The Soviets put up some resistance, disorganising two of the four attackers but are forced to abandon their positions and retreat. With nowhere to go, they are destroyed (Die roll of 12). The Germans breath a sigh of relief. That could have been a lot worse.
Finally, the Japanese attack in China. They bungle their attack orders, sending in an assault, rather than the Blitzkrieg they could have chosen. It doesn't matter. A roll of 12 sees them safely home. The Nationalist 1st Cav is destroyed for the time being. It is certain to make a reapparence
The Germans rebase two Ftrs to improve the cover over their factories.
The turn continues on a 5.
RE: Decline and Fall The Long Way Round
J/A 1944 Allies 11
First the weather report. The rain in Nth Monsoon reverts back to Storms. Elsewhere remains fine on an 8.
No DoW
There would be a 70% chance of the turn ending if all pass. The CW need to make good as much of the CP loss in Biscay and want to send Bomber Command out, so opt for Combined. The US have found an organised Trans in Spain and can use this to get another unit across. They also need to do some rebasing of CVP's. They too go for Combined. Russia and China go for Land.
The CW move 5 CPs to Biscay. They also bring 2 CP's up to Cape Verde from Cape Town. The latter two will head for Gibraltar in the return to base phase.
The US moves a transport to the East Coast where it loads Bradley. The Germans in Biscay tried to intercept but failed. 5 CL's complete the journey to San Francisco. 5 old BB's plus 2 CA sail from Pearl into the Marshalls. They can only make the 2-box and its a bit of a gamble but with the storms grounding the CVP's, who knows.
First the weather report. The rain in Nth Monsoon reverts back to Storms. Elsewhere remains fine on an 8.
No DoW
There would be a 70% chance of the turn ending if all pass. The CW need to make good as much of the CP loss in Biscay and want to send Bomber Command out, so opt for Combined. The US have found an organised Trans in Spain and can use this to get another unit across. They also need to do some rebasing of CVP's. They too go for Combined. Russia and China go for Land.
The CW move 5 CPs to Biscay. They also bring 2 CP's up to Cape Verde from Cape Town. The latter two will head for Gibraltar in the return to base phase.
The US moves a transport to the East Coast where it loads Bradley. The Germans in Biscay tried to intercept but failed. 5 CL's complete the journey to San Francisco. 5 old BB's plus 2 CA sail from Pearl into the Marshalls. They can only make the 2-box and its a bit of a gamble but with the storms grounding the CVP's, who knows.
- Attachments
-
- 1.jpg (401.74 KiB) Viewed 238 times
RE: Decline and Fall The Long Way Round
In The Marshalls, the US almost locate the Japanese with a roll of 2. The Japanese are nowhere near the Americans (5).
The CW declines combat in Biscay and West Med.
The Germans, on the other hand are more than happy to have another go in Biscay. It comes to naught when they are unable to locate the RN (8 rolled). The patrolling Sunderlands find the pursuing U-boats, sinking one and sending 3 others back to port (search roll of 3. Surprise points used to increase damage). The Germans persist and come across the BB Repulse and 3 CL (Axis 1, Allies 3). They choose Naval Air to give their Bf-109 a good chance of getting rid of that Sunderland (+3:-3). It works. The Sunderlands are shot down (17) but not before sending the '109 back to base (15). The German surface vessels remain in contact with Repulse et al, who are joined by 2 Dutch CA and a further CL (searches Axis 5 (3), Allied 1). The RN plays cat and mouse with the Germans, seeking to keep them within range of the 15-inch guns of the Repulse but out of their range. It nearly works. One of the Dutch CA's catches a broadside when it strays in too close and is damaged. Two German CL's are aborted damaged and a further aborted (5 surprise points used to drop RN damage to a D).
The CW declines combat in Biscay and West Med.
The Germans, on the other hand are more than happy to have another go in Biscay. It comes to naught when they are unable to locate the RN (8 rolled). The patrolling Sunderlands find the pursuing U-boats, sinking one and sending 3 others back to port (search roll of 3. Surprise points used to increase damage). The Germans persist and come across the BB Repulse and 3 CL (Axis 1, Allies 3). They choose Naval Air to give their Bf-109 a good chance of getting rid of that Sunderland (+3:-3). It works. The Sunderlands are shot down (17) but not before sending the '109 back to base (15). The German surface vessels remain in contact with Repulse et al, who are joined by 2 Dutch CA and a further CL (searches Axis 5 (3), Allied 1). The RN plays cat and mouse with the Germans, seeking to keep them within range of the 15-inch guns of the Repulse but out of their range. It nearly works. One of the Dutch CA's catches a broadside when it strays in too close and is damaged. Two German CL's are aborted damaged and a further aborted (5 surprise points used to drop RN damage to a D).
- Attachments
-
- 1.jpg (283.61 KiB) Viewed 238 times
RE: Decline and Fall The Long Way Round
Meanwhile, as the surface battle rages, the remaining German U-boat creeps to within range of the convoys. Holding fire until the CP's are almost on top of him, the Captain launches a lethal spread of torpedoes. 2 CP are sunk and 3 aborted. The U-boat pays the ultimate price for its tenacity and is sunk by the escorts (Searches Axis 1, Allied 8. 4 surprise points used to force sub combat otherwise a RN CVP would have meant Naval Air. Remainder used to increase RN losses. The U-boat was always doomed).
Alerted to the convoys' whereabouts, the two remaining Kriegsmarine surface vessels disengage from the Repulse and head for their position (Search rolls Axis 4 (3), Allies 8. 7 surprise points used to force surface combat and select target). Another CP is sent to the bottom and a CL aborted but it comes at a cost.
Alerted to the convoys' whereabouts, the two remaining Kriegsmarine surface vessels disengage from the Repulse and head for their position (Search rolls Axis 4 (3), Allies 8. 7 surprise points used to force surface combat and select target). Another CP is sent to the bottom and a CL aborted but it comes at a cost.
- Attachments
-
- 1.jpg (264.87 KiB) Viewed 238 times