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RE: FitE1 (GeneralJCL [Axis] v. Hellen [Soviets])

Posted: Sun Apr 26, 2020 9:28 pm
by Hellen_slith
@Soviet turn 116 (July 29, 1942)

22nd / 29th Armies and 12th Tank Corps open a HUGE gash in NW sector of AGC. Soviet Recon enters Lithuania to lead the way.
Daugavpils liberated! Babushka Division reinforces Leningrad!

American B-26 Marauders destroy a German troop train that was enroute to Daugavpils ... bodies everywhere!

Tanks are rushing forward, seeking open ground in Lithuania before the September rains.

Meanwhile, in AGS: Rostov threatened. Axis takes D and Z towns, appears to be driving on Stalingrad!
Sevastapol threatened, minors and Germans enter peninsula there, Soviets are weak there.

The fighting is crazy vicious, but many storms; Axis air finally steps up and begins a strategic bombing campaign.
But Soviet AA / AS is overwhelming ... 150:10 air superiority for Soviets.


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RE: FitE1 (GeneralJCL [Axis] v. Hellen [Soviets])

Posted: Wed Apr 29, 2020 6:32 pm
by Hellen_slith
News from the front,
@Soviet turn 119:


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RE: FitE1 (GeneralJCL [Axis] v. Hellen [Soviets])

Posted: Fri May 01, 2020 2:28 pm
by Hellen_slith
@Soviet turn 119 (August 9, 1942)

Continuing the press w/ 22d & 29th & Third Tank, trying to push through the gap between Pskov and Vitebsk.

Germans and Finns press the 58th Babushka, defending eastern most LoD of Leningrad (red line)

AGS continues push toward Kharkov / Stalino / Stalingrad,

Axis minors (mostly Rumanian) push toward Sevastapol (looks lost, that might trigger Bulgarians? not good the farther South you go)

Pushback in Iran / Turkey, Soviets retreat from that area,
but they got the British air in the game now from that.

Airpower: still Soviet overwhelming, supported by American and British lending.
Germans continue their strategic bombing, but seems to have little effect ...
Babushka of the Siberia continues railing into the fray, reinforcing Leningrad



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RE: FitE1 (GeneralJCL [Axis] v. Hellen [Soviets])

Posted: Fri May 01, 2020 4:55 pm
by Hellen_slith
Ah, there we go ... seems to be some glitch in uploads of map images ... but no matter.
Soviets beginning their push+2, into Vitebsk etc....(soviet turn is now, in hand...)
last move, OMSCON attempted relief of Partisans to push into Pskov,
but Axis forces denied that attempt ... more mud is soon, then another General Winter.

Many factors on part of STAVKA at this point of August 1942, SouthWest Front is struggling, but Northwest Front is pushing.
At this point, is very hinky for STAVKA, b/c w/ 12000 rail points, that is just enough to rail an entire Soviet Army into position...to Vitebsk? or to Stalino / Stalingrad area?

Question is, who will rail, and where?? This is a very fun scene. Props to my opp GenJCL for his fortitude.
Still working how to take most advantage of Soviet air. In central, we seem to be locked into trench warfare.
Hoping to break that by 1943. Berlin by '44 (I hope)
Great game!!

RE: FitE1 (GeneralJCL [Axis] v. Hellen [Soviets])

Posted: Thu May 21, 2020 2:23 pm
by Hellen_slith
I see that it has been a while (almost a month!) since I last updated this game.

We abide. GenJCL has the move ATM, we are now into September 1942.

SOVIET AS on my last move reported a ratio of over 200:12 Soviet AS (!!!)
so before the rains and mud hit, I ran some vicious bombing runs.

The Battle of Bryansk has commenced. In the North, Soviets approach Pskov.
If I can cut off Pskov, then most of AGN will be seriously en prise.

In the South, Sevastapol will fall. It is practically an "open city" even now.
But, elsewhere, the Italians and the southern AGS seems to be running out of steam. And that's ok, b/c four or five Tank Armies and several Shock Armies are forming there during their respite, and come Spring '43, will be another major Soviet push in S around the Sea of Azov.

Well, no screenshot right now, but here is Soviet marching songs for inspiration, Comrades!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFxLqT-PLEE

RE: FitE1 (GeneralJCL [Axis] v. Hellen [Soviets])

Posted: Fri May 22, 2020 6:41 pm
by Hellen_slith
I know that there is a move awaiting my attention.

But, after studying all the prior AARs (esp. the last one)

before I open that move, I need to think on the higher, strategical end of operations.

E.g., winter soon. Lay back now, and focus on gathering a push in '43?
Continue pressing AGN?
AGS also a conundrum. Vitebsk in Spring, or try to push in now?

Very testy situation for the Soviets right now. They are at the cusp of breaking it wide open,
but I think maybe they should wait until Spring '43, and THEN really lay it down.

I need to examine those reinforcements. They have been waiting a long time back there.
I need to start railing those guys into position.

RE: FitE1 (GeneralJCL [Axis] v. Hellen [Soviets])

Posted: Fri May 22, 2020 7:17 pm
by Hellen_slith
You asked for it ... you got it!!

Herewith, my play-by-play "procedural" of how I handle Soviet forces in this most excellent scene.

Of course, in every turn, in every scene, I check to make sure that ALL "entrained" units are DEtrained,
and made ready for action. I do that using the "." key repeatedly. WHILE I am "detraining", I also examine
the environs of each "de training" unit, and even go so far as to plan some preliminary battles at any weak points in the German line.

Anyway, at start of Soviets turn 130 in this one (game time Sept. 16, 1942) I begin w/ locating STAVKA
and then I start "de training" after recall of my prior thoughts as to strategy.

Let us begin. This is where I put on Soviet marching music, or some Tchaikovsky. or Shostakovitch. Whatever floats your boats!


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RE: FitE1 (GeneralJCL [Axis] v. Hellen [Soviets])

Posted: Fri May 22, 2020 7:25 pm
by Hellen_slith
Going thru my "." routine,
I find the 21st disembarking near Voronezh, a key Soviet Supply / Production point.
Note the Germans encroaching toward Voronezh.
Must defend Voronezh (mentally noted, not battles yet.)
Move on to next disembark, using "." key.


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RE: FitE1 (GeneralJCL [Axis] v. Hellen [Soviets])

Posted: Fri May 22, 2020 7:32 pm
by Hellen_slith
Okay, disembarkations: COMPLETE. Noted, Voronezh. Time spent: 5 minutes.

The next thing I do, is: ENGINEERING CHECK!!
I covered this sequence in another thread, I think.
Will time myself on this. Just a quick check on all engineers, if any, repair bridge easy,
or move to a bridge to repair, or look at rivers to cross.

I expect this phase to take me 10 minutes, tops, although I know at Luga River ssw of Leningrad, much engineering is needed to press AGN.
At same time I do this, I still look at environs, note any "oddities", plan attacks of opportunity, or note disorganized or obvious "entrenchment" actions needed.

RE: FitE1 (GeneralJCL [Axis] v. Hellen [Soviets])

Posted: Fri May 22, 2020 7:59 pm
by Hellen_slith
Okay, maybe I will just pretend I did the Engineering check.
I am too eager to move on to AIR ACTION phase, b/c the Soviets right now are absolutely overwhelming.
The Soviet air will, I think, eventually "turn the tide" against Hitler in this one.

Remember: at this stage of my move, I *STILL* have not moved one single chit.
Have a look at this map:
Air / Weather Map for Airfield Attack Planning [TOP SECRET!!! EYES ONLY!!!!]


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RE: FitE1 (GeneralJCL [Axis] v. Hellen [Soviets])

Posted: Fri May 22, 2020 8:04 pm
by Hellen_slith
edit: sorry for the double post, I got side tracked there.

Carry on! Thanks for reading!

RE: FitE1 (GeneralJCL [Axis] v. Hellen [Soviets])

Posted: Fri May 22, 2020 8:14 pm
by Hellen_slith
The German airfields -- which are ripe as "targets of opportunity" ... are noted in previous,
by the red circles. I have assigned various (closest) air assets to BOMB THE CRAP out of those airfields,
including American Marauders, British Fighter-Bombers, and as many YAKs as I can find w/ in range.

1000 planes, in the sky, General :)

The American and British Lend-Lease is starting to take effect.
Berlin by July 1, 1944 :)

Okay, now is time to start artillery fireworks on Jerry.
In coordination w/ the airfield strikes, I will now CHOW GROUND!!!
BEFORE THE RAINS FALL! HAMMER THEM!!!!! How do you say, "YEEEEEE HAW!!" in Russian?

These will not be "ant hill attacks" ... we're talking, CZAR BOMBA: INCOMING!!!!!

Stalin: RELEASE THE SCHEMATOMONKS!!!!!


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RE: FitE1 (GeneralJCL [Axis] v. Hellen [Soviets])

Posted: Fri May 22, 2020 8:47 pm
by Hellen_slith
Okay, I have set airfield bombardments for "airfield attack" on those pineapples.

Next, I examine close the map, for the BEST attack .... and I find Pskov
is very very ripe, if I can get those Armies in there,
You see, THREE Soviet Heavy HQs there....

What I do now, is ENSURE that EVERY tank, machine gun, AA unit, etc., that is attached to those three HQs,
is ON LINE and READY TO ROCK. Time to rail any stragglers up, and throw them into the line, no matter WHAT
their supply situation is ... we worry about that LATER. Right now, fighting fascists.

FOR THE MOTHERLAND!!!!! PSKOV, AT ONCE!!!!!


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RE: FitE1 (GeneralJCL [Axis] v. Hellen [Soviets])

Posted: Fri May 22, 2020 9:14 pm
by Hellen_slith
Okay, well that went a bit sideways,
I thought I had done all my round 1 attack planning,
pressed "cycle attacks"
and I failed force check.

No matter, just means that many many of my guys should now
benefit from "asset sharing" (more supply!! MORE VODKA!!!!)
and that is really what I need for .... the BIG PUSH
in meantime, all Babushkas are busy cooking BORSCHT and VODKA!!!!
Back to the General!!!!!

RE: FitE1 (GeneralJCL [Axis] v. Hellen [Soviets])

Posted: Fri May 29, 2020 3:07 pm
by Hellen_slith
All righty then, the General has cycled his move, and it awaits my attention.

Step 1: Strategic Review (thoughts before beginning this Soviet move 132 or so)

Press AGN and Pskov before the snow falls.
Last move, I used all my RR points to ferry two Armies of NKVD (and an army full of anti-tanker)
to shore up AGS.

Mud and Winter soon. I just need to get into position now, to bring on Spring '43 offensive
(and in the process, will continue on to Pskov and Vitebsk)
Vitebsk should fall this turn, pressuring that, while Pskov advances.

Am opening a HUGE gap there b/w AGN and AGC.
I need to press forward as much as I can before the winter "cease fire" that is coming.
Not sure when that will start, but I've got a good 10 turns I think to press forward.

Will try to show more combat round planning procedures that I use on this turn.
LoL, will try to get more than ONE combat round this time!!!

За Родину!


RE: FitE1 (GeneralJCL [Axis] v. Hellen [Soviets])

Posted: Fri May 29, 2020 9:12 pm
by MikeJ19
Good luck!

RE: FitE1 (GeneralJCL [Axis] v. Hellen [Soviets])

Posted: Sat May 30, 2020 11:19 am
by Hellen_slith
Soviet turn 134 (Sept. 30, 1942)

The German Air Force is virtually destroyed (Soviet AS is estimated at 180:9),
and the airfields I can find are obliterated w/ just one sortie inflicting anywhere
from 100% to 50% damage (rarely less than 35%)

But, on the ground, very hard to make significant progress ...
usually, just a hex or two per turn.

Hoping to break through that gap,
so as to get Tanks pouring through soon.

Kharkov and Stalino look like they are in trouble, but heavy
NKVD infantries and anti-tankers together are very strong,
they are moving up and will be there to reinforce this next turn.

Sorry I forgot to grab some procedures,
I even got 10 full rounds of combat this turn.
But, even with that, progress is slow.



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RE: FitE1 (GeneralJCL [Axis] v. Hellen [Soviets])

Posted: Thu Jun 18, 2020 5:16 pm
by Hellen_slith
Our weather has been ... stultifying these last few turns.

Just received a new turn, it is Soviet time again!

To brace myself, I review some Soviet newsreels:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TxSylkdHnG0

RE: FitE1 (GeneralJCL [Axis] v. Hellen [Soviets])

Posted: Fri Jun 19, 2020 2:59 am
by StuccoFresco
Damn, Kharkov is encircled, how many Soviet units are there? Reinforcements seems still too far.

How is the situation east of Leningrad? I see some forward isolated axis unit, are they trying to cut railways to Leningrad?

Will you consider a massive swing NorthWest from Pskov to the Baltic, with the objective of trapping AGN? You'll have to sacrifice the southern swing, but for a bigger prize.

RE: FitE1 (GeneralJCL [Axis] v. Hellen [Soviets])

Posted: Fri Jun 26, 2020 12:01 pm
by Hellen_slith
@Soviets turn 146 (November 11, 1942)

Yes, Kharkov has fallen, sacrificed for the beef up in this area of advance in the north.

You really can't see the outcomes of my turn; this screen is from playback prior to my move.

I had originally planned to make a lot of screenshots, showing some of the time-saving techniques I use,
charting the time it takes, e.g. 1. Watching playback = 10 minutes.

But then I got caught up in the moment, trying to do all that I could to "maximize" my move ...
and, after three hours and a few ciggy breaks, hit "resolve battles" ... and failed force check LoL!!!

Anyway, I try to answer your questions (and thanks for asking! helps me think on things I sometimes overlook)

>>>"Kharkov is encircled, how many Soviet units are there? Reinforcements seems still too far."

Yes, Kharkov (now in German hands) is problem area, as is Stalino.
Reinforcements East of Moscow continue to queue up for their turn at a train.
One of the fun things about Soviets in this FitE1 is,
that there is just enough rail points (12000) per turn,
to maneuver and position an entire Army sized with a few left over.

So, the question each turn is: Which Army is ready to rail, and where should they go?
This turn I've moved a lot into that gap, toward the Bridges over the River Dvina.
Managed to get most of two Armies across that (it is only half frozen right now LoL)
and next turn will derail those other two Armies waiting their turn to cross,
aiming to establish a foothold on the west side of the Dvina.

Kharkov and Stalino will get an Army railed to them on my next turn.
There are enough NKVD (internal support) + Anti tank (free support) + Air to Ground firepower there to
hold the Germans at a roughly Kharkov to Stalino line. A good two to three Armies down there waiting.
the 9th September, the Coastal, the NKVD, and shock Armies will hold the South.

>>>>"How is the situation east of Leningrad?
>>>>I see some forward isolated axis unit, are they trying to cut railways to Leningrad?"

Yes, the early loss of Murmansk, subsequent loss of Archangelsk, etc. allowed
German / Finns to get across the map, but were at last stymied in the forests north of Gorki.
Then more swung back west back to east of Leningrad, but I was able to get the 58th Babushkas (Armored)
and a Shock + a Guards army back up there before he could cut the rail b/w Leningrad / Moscow / Gorki
(and just in the nick of time, too!)

>>>>"Will you consider a massive swing NorthWest from Pskov to the Baltic, with the objective of trapping AGN"
Well, Pskov and Narva are really heavily reinforced, it is very costly trying to break through those points.
Concentrating now on breaking through the Dvina area there, and then either
swing that NW toward Riga, if that fails, will shift to a breakthrough around Vitebsk.
Germans seem to have a pretty good terrain for defense.

Of course, a southern offensive is pretty much off the table for now, only defense there.
In short: if not Riga, then Vitebsk. If not Vitebsk, then west from Smolensk.
Everything south of Smolensk is pretty much defense now. Until the ground dries in May 1943! LoL!

A very fun game! I only managed to get this screenshot of some of playback...
so, step 1 of each turn = watch playback! Drag the little box thing off to the side,
sos it not obscure your view. Also, you know, you can pause playback etc.
and jot notes while your watch. Helps to save time, Next I will show how, at the end of the playback,
you put the little Battle Flags on the map, to show where he attacked and the results of his attacks. Also, since the General seems have French language up, I am now starting to learn more French!! Will try to learn more French in next few days, so I can read better the reports :)

I just the other day I realized you can do that .... DOH!!! Really Really helps with planning etc.


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