1943-1945 campaign

[kentkroeckel]

August 21, 1943.

Allied air phase was okay. For both phases, Germany lost 389 while Allies lost 505. That is an advantage of 116 for Luftwaffe. I forgot to mention that I have been running three strategic bombing missions were week. I should say frequency of bombing missions per week. Below is chart for Allied action. Mr. Bimmler is doing well with the air campaign.

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Picture shows surrender of Second Hex. A very difficult place to take yet it was only defended by Italians.

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Next picture shows a hex taken by a battalion of airborne. Nice to have Battle Locator Mode (BLM) working.

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This next picture show a risky amphibious invasion by Allies. There are several Italian units on the beach / town but I went for it anyway. I give it a twenty-five percent chance of victory.

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One last thing I wanted to mention. Mr. Bimmler only used Italians in defending Sicily. And I think this is smart. These units will surrender eventually so good to use them in the islands during a challenge. In this game, it was only Sicily.

So far Mr. Bimmler has only used Italians on the Italian Boot mainland. And I think this too is good usage. Yes, German units are stronger but Allies have the potential of isolating those German units on the Boot.

[Seminole]

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.

If the Allied and Axis player concentrate on the same point the Allied player can bring overwhelming force. It’s when the Allied player is split between two or three points that the Axis can concentrate on one and overwhelm it.

British level bombers laying mines, augmented by B-25s and conventional patrol assets will make the stretch to The Heel for the Allied player. This can be achieved without denuding the British isle of naval patrol assets (something I don’t recommend because I think it exacerbates supply ship losses).

TFs have their own interdiction augmentation now for naval control, and the airbases in The Heel combined with airbases created by landing zones give the Allies something like 10 level 2 airfields in The Heel to equip with fighter bombers and intercept Axis naval interdiction efforts. Combine that with B-26 and B-17s bombing the Foggia area bases if the Axis do try to contend and the Allies can exert their upper hand in short order.

Slogging up The Toe collecting losses and battering against entrenched units in rough terrain is a gift to the Axis. Rough terrain negates your air advantages. Best to try and find ways around it than through it.

[kentkroeckel]

Thank you very much Mr. Seminole for your thought provoking invasion proposal; Italian Boot invasion. It is exciting to explore!



Kent, previous comment on topic:
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.

Mr. Seminole challenge to my comment:
If the Allied and Axis player concentrate on the same point the Allied player can bring overwhelming force. It’s when the Allied player is split between two or three points that the Axis can concentrate on one and overwhelm it.

Kent response to above point of Mr. Seminole.
If three invasion sites are being attempted by Allies, then there is a likelihood Axis air naval resources could overwhelm any number of them; and possibly all of them. Let us say for sake of argument, Germany could defend Sicily and Mainland Italy if Corsica and Sardinia are also being invaded simultaneously. Mr. Seminole's rational, of spitting Allied resources is correct. One reason I kept with one landing site in this challenge.



Mr. Seminole's next point:
(Paraphrased) 'The Allies could land on Mainland Italy as first and only invasion'.

Kent response:
This is where I would take issue. I feel that despite Allies only landing in one site, Germany would still be able to disrupt the area long enough to isolate beach landings. This would take Axis forces several turns to accomplish but I think it is doable. Though I am not saying it would be absolute. A simple mistake of failing to keep air naval pressure up and Allies could develop a sufficient foothold to expand. After all, many clear hexes in the Heel of Italy, along with nice ports.

Mr. Seminole states that Allied task forces have inherent air resources to protect themselves. Yes and no. A task force works from no damage to one hundred damage. (0-100) When It reaches one hundred it is done and gets recycled for 13 weeks. by the way there are many ships represented in a task force. As it is damaged the air defense dwindles along with amphibious capacity and logistical support.



Another point by Mr. Seminole:
British level bombers laying mines, augmented by B-25s and conventional patrol assets will make the stretch to The Heel for the Allied player. This can be achieved without denuding the British isle of naval patrol assets (something I don’t recommend because I think it exacerbates supply ship losses).

Kent response:
I completely disagree with this, and here is my reasoning. In my present challenge Allies were not under serious pressure when landing on Sicily. True, only facing Italian units but also limited Axis air naval. Most of those resources were set up protecting Italian mainland and Corsica. And a very sound strategy to by Mr. Bimmler. Again, there is no right or wrong strategy as each player tries to adapt to their opponent.

All of this being said, I was expecting an intense Axis air naval attack. Hence, the additional administrative points in game to place stacks of Allied flak on beach landings. However, this was not the strategy Mr. Bimmler used. But to be clear, his use of German resources have been well utilized. Yet I did not know this at the time so I have all Allied naval only aircraft in the Mediterranean. Additionally, I have limited moving units between Mediterranean and the United Kingdom too. Yet I have not detected an increase in cargo supply ship losses so far. Additionally, only sixteen amphibious ship points have been lost. Of course playing against a naval committed Axis player would surely increase these losses.



Conclusion: My dilemma still remains. Will increased Allied administrative points for the purpose of placing stacks of flak on landing sites be enough to keep a full Axis air naval commitment at bay?

[kentkroeckel]

August 29, 1943.

Victory points were 14 for turn and total is 31.

Weather is perfect for Europe and Italy.

No Axis attacks so I decided to disband sixteen flak battalions. System has not recorded the twentieth a couple times so the correct amount is 55. Below is chart.

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Minimal Axis air activity. Some though, from Sardinia to Sicily. Picture is of engagements.

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Mr. Bimmler is still protecting the mainland of Italy, both coasts, to include Corsica.

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Germany lost 73 aircraft on its air phase while Allies lost 32.

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[kentkroeckel]

August 29, 1943.

Mr. Bimmler did it again. (Luck / chance) and skill. Italy did not surrender. Luck could account for the first week of success but a few more weeks of this shows Mr. Bimmler is using chance to his benefit, along with good skill. Well done. to counter this I have amphibious invasions this week that should make contact with German units. Unless the entire Italian Boot is void of them. An interesting thought.

One more point of the picture below is that the amphibious invasion which was questionable did succeed.

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Germany lost 198 during Allied air phase while Allies lost 369. Totals for turn are 271 for Axis while Allies lost 401. This is an advantage of 130 for the Luftwaffe.

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This picture shows the progress of Allies up the Italian Boot. There have been two more amphibious invasions (Blue) along with an an airborne invasion (Pink) which was successful. These actions should secure this portion of the Boot.

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Last picture is of surrender. There were two and this is the largest. However, nearly twenty thousand Italians are out of the fight for this turn. But again, only Italians so no impact on German defense. This compels me to say that Mr. Bimmler is utilizing the Italians perfectly. No German soldiers were harmed during this filming. Ha. Or in this case, turn.

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[kentkroeckel]

I wanted to discuss this turn a bit and hopefully get some feedback.

There has been very little ground resistance from German units so far. Only a couple of retreats but no involvement of line resistance. I would think some German units would be at the top of where the Allies have now almost isolated. Because after this bottleneck the whole of Italy comes into play.

At this point Allies have not invested any resources in taking Corsica or Sardinia, to include preparation. I felt it a distraction since my goal has only been to capture Sicily. Get established on Mainland. Find a path north to the Boot of Italy. I do have other amphibious operations being prepared to attack the Boot.

I positioned Allies in a supportive role in advancing. This meant leap frogging from spot to spot, coordinated with ground units moving up. Airborne assisting without being too far away. The point was, no action to stand on its own. This would help from getting isolated during an invasion or ground advance. However, this also moves at a slower place than if invasions were being attempted anywhere along the Italian coast.

There are 18 strategic air mission each turn. 6+6+6 for RAF Bomber Command, 8 US Air Force, and Strategic Air Force. Each mission is three times a week. they also have a reconnaissance mission set for their hex or area. Those run every day.

[kentkroeckel]

How Mr. Bimmler is utilizing Axis air is interesting. Of course Allied observation of it is limited but here are some facts.


Mr. Bimmler's strategy is one of minimal engagements with support air missions. At least up to this week in the game. Italian air has been involved but not directly; such as in air ground missions. There has been a constant air naval presence by Germany and Italy but not one of ground attack. Primarily air naval defense of Italy and Corsica. I think two weeks is all that Axis air engaged in ground attacks and air transport supply. Now not even reconnaissance is taking place, that I am aware of.

Mr. Bimmler has placed an enormous amount of aircraft for strategic bombing mission interceptions. An example is a few hundred aircraft engaging over the Romanian oil fields of Ploiesti. Same holds true for strategic bombing missions over Europe. A couple strategic missions over Naples and Rome have not met much resistance.

Conclusion: Mr. Bimmler is only intercepting where Allied escort is not possible or limited due to range. A wise use of limited Axis air resources. A draw back to this will be the full might of Allied naval transport and logistic capacity. However, saving German capacity for tactical bombing as well as air naval could have a substantial effect that I am underestimating for the European invasion. Another way of saying that the Luftwaffe may be in sufficient numbers to impede D-Day.

Another detail I would like to add is a positive with my observation. German air naval remains intact. German transport air remains intact. Would they help isolated Italian units at this point by much? Probably not. Reconnaissance is intact and why use it now anyway? It is obvious where the Allies are. There is no need to increase targeting results if no ground attacks are being conducted by the Luftwaffe. In summery, Mr. Bimmler will have a complete Axis air force to engage a European invasion. Never seen that in a 1943-1945 campaign game.

All of the above is why I am disbanding an enormous amount of Allied flak. I had anticipated an Italian campaign in which every hex is fought over. Yet interestingly, Allied advancement in this passive conflict is not too advanced from a high intensity 1943-1945 campaign. So at this point there is no downside to Mr. Bimmler's strategy of minimal contact. Of course at some point there will be engagements but when those happen Germany will be solid, and with complete reserves.

Germany can do much with administrative points, helping significantly in strategy. If this game was a heavy fight then I think Allies would also benefit much with flak stacks at all invasion sites. Yet given Mr. Bimmler's strategy, he has minimized the Allied administrative bonus. I also believe this play style is just part of Bimmler rather than an adjustment but I could easily be wrong. After all, the strategy of Mr. Bimmler, Axis minimal engagement, is sound on its own merit so I think this is his natural style of excellence!

So how to utilize the extra administrative points for Allies in a low engagement game? I want to remove flak battalions that are not going to be used. No wasted logistics that way. What is left over I will use for depots and air bases.

[Seminole]

Mr. Seminole's next point:
(Paraphrased) 'The Allies could land on Mainland Italy as first and only invasion'.

Kent response:
This is where I would take issue. I feel that despite Allies only landing in one site, Germany would still be able to disrupt the area long enough to isolate beach landings. This would take Axis forces several turns to accomplish but I think it is doable. Though I am not saying it would be absolute. A simple mistake of failing to keep air naval pressure up and Allies could develop a sufficient foothold to expand. After all, many clear hexes in the Heel of Italy, along with nice ports.

The first turn they're going to hit by surprise, and unlikely to have positioned missions adequate to contend with what the Allies can bring to bear when focused.
Each turn the Axis assets available will be diminished by activity and interception, as well as (if necessary) Allied bombing of the available Axis airfields in the Foggia area.

e.g.
https://forums.matrixgames.com/viewtopi ... 4#p3678564
https://forums.matrixgames.com/viewtopic.php?t=277913

The Heel is far and away the best place to land, as you can ensure your units aren't jammed to the coast. You automatically get depth in order to rotate units, and the flat terrain in the region is a huge Allied advantage for their airpower. This example operation starts the Allies off with 8 level 2 airfields (and 2 more likely to be added) to fill with FB and TACB and bust up Axis naval patrol, and then interdict any Axis units foolish enough to try and block The Heel on flat terrain.

Mr. Seminole states that Allied task forces have inherent air resources to protect themselves. Yes and no. A task force works from no damage to one hundred damage. (0-100) When It reaches one hundred it is done and gets recycled for 13 weeks. by the way there are many ships represented in a task force. As it is damaged the air defense dwindles along with amphibious capacity and logistical support.

It's not that the TFs are invulnerable, but there was a code change after release that allows them to generate their own 'naval superiority mission', which has the effect of reducing Axis efforts to achieve same.
Combined with focused Allied naval patrol the Allies can prevent the beachheads being cut off.

British level bombers laying mines, augmented by B-25s and conventional patrol assets will make the stretch to The Heel for the Allied player. This can be achieved without denuding the British isle of naval patrol assets (something I don’t recommend because I think it exacerbates supply ship losses).

Kent response:
I completely disagree with this, and here is my reasoning. In my present challenge Allies were not under serious pressure when landing on Sicily. True, only facing Italian units but also limited Axis air naval. Most of those resources were set up protecting Italian mainland and Corsica. And a very sound strategy to by Mr. Bimmler. Again, there is no right or wrong strategy as each player tries to adapt to their opponent.

I think playing the game has a way of showing which strategies are right and which are wrong.

All of this being said, I was expecting an intense Axis air naval attack. Hence, the additional administrative points in game to place stacks of Allied flak on beach landings. However, this was not the strategy Mr. Bimmler used. But to be clear, his use of German resources have been well utilized. Yet I did not know this at the time so I have all Allied naval only aircraft in the Mediterranean.

I realize any simulation provides a playground in which people can succumb to the urge to 'min/max' whilst ignoring historical realities. It's why the garrison requirements exist for the German player, to try and keep the game a sim of the realities of occupation in WW2.
Because I'm interested in simulating WW2 I just don't find it palatable to denude the British Isle entirely of naval patrol. It just couldn't and wouldn't have happened in reality. Can you imagine Churchill's response to the request?

Additionally, I have limited moving units between Mediterranean and the United Kingdom too. Yet I have not detected an increase in cargo supply ship losses so far. Additionally, only sixteen amphibious ship points have been lost. Of course playing against a naval committed Axis player would surely increase these losses.

Moving through neutral sea zones (which is what you do to all the supply shipping in and out of Britain if you remove all their naval patrol assets) instead of allied control will result in increased losses.
I prefer to keep control on the Allied coasts (British and African) by strategic placement of naval patrol squadrons and letting them run auto patrols. Designated naval patrol I use only when needed for TF support.

Conclusion: My dilemma still remains. Will increased Allied administrative points for the purpose of placing stacks of flak on landing sites be enough to keep a full Axis air naval commitment at bay?

I'm not sure how much difference the flak would make on the beachheads. As the Axis I prefer to setup my naval patrol 'around' the TF (a hex or two distant) to avoid the TF's organic air support from suppressing my own efforts, so the flak wouldn't even come into play.

[kentkroeckel]

I apologize in advance for my subject title but the best I could come up with in responding to your post Mr. Seminole. I will do my best but likely will forgot a point or two of yours. First aspect I wanted to state clearly is that your graphics are the best I have ever seen on WitW Mr. Seminole. You have the gift of technology masterly but I do not so will only be able to respond with simple written dialogue. Additionally, I am going to shorten my responses and your points, while trying to keep the heart of your concept intact. Meaning, paraphrasing much. Ha.



Mr. Seminole: Allies will most likely not be prepared for Allies landing on Boot of Italy. Allied air could contain Axis air naval.

Kent response: I contend that Axis could be able to react in time to control area from an Allied beach landing there. I also contend that the most recent changes to Axis air naval has made them strong enough to contain Allied air if Allies have no other area under control. The first example you show is from a game in 2015 with a Mr. Livipajo. The second example you show is also from a game in 2015 with a Mr. Vorsteher. These were conducted on previous versions that did not have the expanded Axis air naval. They also both appear to have ended around turn 11.

Note: the detail and overall visual presentation of (Operation Jackpot) is the best I have ever seen. you are truly gifted Mr. Seminole.



Mr. Seminole: Task forces have inherent fighters so rarely get isolated.

Kent response: If enough Axis naval air is placed on a task force it will succumb to this.



Mr. Seminole: "I think playing has a way of showing which strategy is right and which is wrong."

Kent response: I can always learn from someone I am playing. More dialog the better! Winning or loosing is not a priority to me. I think that is why some ask me to play a training game with them. And even then, I am often able to learn something, try a new technique. I am fortunate to have most challenges go to completion.



Mr. Seminole: Removing all Allied naval aircraft from United Kingdom is unrealistic and gets away from what WitW designers intended. It would be as if the German player ignored garrison levels. (Very shortened and paraphrased).

Kent response: Moving all Allied air naval is what this challenge is about. Extra administrative points. I had anticipated a brutal air campaign and this is why all Allied air naval is in the Mediterranean.



Mr. Seminole: Flak on beaches would not help if Axis air naval is set up to intercept two hexes away from Beach task force.

Kent response: Yes to the facts you stated above Mr. Seminole. But your action would also preserve the task force and that was the point of the flak stacks on the beaches.


I missed a comment by you Mr. Seminole so am adding this last response after I posted. You stated that you let most naval assets perform auto naval intercepts. I too like to do that. I too usually only use naval air missions when conducting landings or need specific lanes of the ocean secured. Otherwise, auto naval is fine. I make sure all headquarters are assigned to (yes) so that any unused aircraft will conduct auto naval missions.

[kentkroeckel]

September 4, 1943.

Weather is good in Europe and Italy.

Victory points for turn were 15 and game total is 46.

Air chart for this turn did not show so had to use metrics. Germany lost 51 while Allies lost 8.

***** Big news. ***** Italy surrenders to Allies. They will now be my headache.


First picture is of Corsica.

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Next picture is of Sardinia.

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This picture is of the fifteen flak battalions I disbanded. Total is now 70.

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Final picture show Axis air engagements. Notice that air supply transports were used.

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[kentkroeckel]

September 4, 1943.

Mr. Bimmler has activated the Germans. They did one attack and took a beachhead. Now the carnage starts!

A British armor brigade was routed. Probably surprised when the Italians passed, but then got destroyed by a German panzer division. When I look at what is left the brigade is more destroyed than routed. This action removed a supply source near front. Good job Mr. Bimmler.

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Big picture of the ground situation, with closeup.

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Had two picture slots left so wanted to show air superiority. First one is of Europe, over coast and Ruhr.

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Final air superiority picture is of Italian region. Notice how a few are covering naval area north of Sicily. The rest along western coast of Italian mainland.

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[kentkroeckel]

September 4, 1943.

Axis air phase: 51 lost for Germany while Allies lost 8.
Allied phase: 166 lost for Germany while Allies lost 353.
Totals: Germany lost 217 while Allies lost 361. A Luftwaffe advantage of 144.

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Wanted to show Axis activity near Corsica.

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Below is air activity above Sicily.

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This all indicates Mr. Bimmler is wanting to secure France and Northern Italy from a surprise invasion.

Final picture shows one more amphibious invasion at tip of Italian heel. I also circled a port that was taken by partitions. Placed a few reinforcements there too.

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Allies only had one ground attack this turn. Mainly a turn of movement. This includes air assets as well. I concentrated in spreading out Allied naval air this turn. They are along Mediterranean coast as well as Sardinia and Corsica. This gives Allies options in the future while securing sea area from Germany.

[kentkroeckel]

No turn today so wanted to take a deeper dive into a point Mr. Seminole made in previous post.

Mr. Seminole felt it inappropriate to move all naval aircraft to Mediterranean and I am puzzled by this. 'This is not historical so should not be performed by Allied player.'

Mr. Seminole often moves nearly the entire Axis armor stationed in western front to Italy, in an effort to fend off the Allied invasion of Sicily and Italy. Mr. Seminole does the same with all Axis air naval aircraft. This is not historical but I think players feel this appropriate actions by an Axis player. Designers would have barred movement of certain units from European theater to Italian theater if this was an issue. Moreover, designers would have not allowed support units to be given to any parent unit regardless of nationality. WitW allows flexibility in game play. Otherwise, you are not really playing a game but just reenacting a historical situation.

[kentkroeckel]

September 11, 1943.

Victory points have changed just a bit this turn. U-boats only took one point this turn instead of the normal two. The tide has changed for the Allies. Ha. (Navy humor) But seriously, in 1944-1945 submarine warfare losses for Allied shipping reduced significantly. I think the u-boat pace in our challenge (Mr. Bimmler and Kent) is following the historical pattern.

For turn Allies received 13 victory point and game total is 59.

Weather is good for whole map.

Germany did one attack, on another British armor brigade. Same result as last week. Routed but more like destroyed. Another; well done, Mr. Bimmler. Do this next week and you will have established a devastating pattern on the Allies.

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There is an additional bonus for this Axis attack. Allied Command ( Kent / Me) assumed German units were in retreat around this area so sailed a brigade into port but still on ships. Oops! Because of that, when the port was captured, three amphibious points were destroyed. Learning lesson for Allies. However, I did not assume everything would go well so there is a landing site at end of Italian mainland. It will now be heavily utilized.

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Next picture shows much more use of aircraft by Axis. Support roles mainly. I have circled the air transport hexes.

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The air display combined from last turn so once again had to use metrics system to get numbers. Germany lost 30 while Allies lost 12 aircraft.

Just completed Allied air phase and it was intense. combined losses for Axis were 243 while Allies lost 447. Luftwaffe win of 204. Sizable victory for Mr. Bimmler.

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[kentkroeckel]

September 11, 1943.

I was wrong about weather being perfect over map. Romana oil fields did have rain in sky but not much of a deal.

Wanted to show the result of naval air placement. This was accomplished with only one air naval mission at heel of Italian Boot. Auto missions do well and that is why I make sure all air headquarters have selected "yes" for auto naval missions. By the way, United Kingdom is doing well with its organic naval protection from ports. And there are a lot of ports around the Island.

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The following picture is one of the three main ports on heel of Italian Boot. Point I want to show is that one port is isolated. I air transported an air battalion next to it rather than doing an air assault. This is an effective method when you need to place a unit on a friendly hex and there is an air base on it. This helped isolate the port instead of having German mechanized unit move through empty hexes unopposed.

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The following picture shows air engagements over central Italy. Notice how the Luftwaffe is not contesting ocean hexes anymore.

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Last picture is of southern Italy. Many engagements overlapping between Axis and Allies.

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[kentkroeckel]

No turn today so wanted to write about this topic. In the living manual flak under a headquarters is utilized as a normal unit would. Meaning, any enemy air flying overhead will be engaged.

Flak: 17.2.2

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So what does this mean? There should be four flak assigned to every active Allied headquarters if an aggressive Axis air campaign is being conducted. The Axis player should consider this too if they are experiencing excessive air activity near their headquarters.

In the current challenge between Mr. Bimmler and myself, this has not materialized. Right now I am only talking from the Allied perspective. There has not been enough action to justify this. Reconnaissance missions over Allied units has little impact unless they are also attacked by Axis aircraft. Yet there could be a need in the future so I will assign four American flak battalions to each headquarters in theater. I position the headquarters close to each other, nearly making a line behind the combat line. Additionally, each headquarters will have fewer units but each headquarters will be involved in combat.

Now for the bad news. I have not seen flak from a headquarters engage yet. I hope too in this challenge but I have not seen it activated.

[kentkroeckel]

I have been reading what the rules say about air missions set above 25,000 feet and am concerned. the rules mention fatigue, which can translate into increased operational losses.

Flight distance becomes reduced due to higher fuel consumption.

Additional flak can attack from adjacent hexes. City is 15,000 feet and flak assigned to a unit is 10,000 feet. Meaning, a mission at 9,000 feet does not experience flak from adjacent hexes.


Is there an increase of flak effect at 9,000 feet instead of 35,000 feet? Many flak are only good at one end of the spectrum so are not able to utilize the full spread. Then, there is the question of how much more accurate is bombing at 9,000 feet verses 35,000 feet?


Another main variable is interceptors. Do they do better at lower altitude or the same? One aspect in the rules is, at higher altitude level bombers are penalized in avoiding flak and interceptors.

Bad weather I think would factor into this equation too, as rain would make it difficult to hit a target at high altitude. Next week the indicator predicted rain. I will set strategic bombing missions at 4,000 feet. this altitude is enough to avoid barrage balloons which only reach 3,000 feet. (Balloons are only at ports.) the following week I will try 9,000 feet; highest altitude while not allowing flak from adjacent hexes to be utilized.

I am assuming better targeting at 4,000 while minimal increase from flak or interceptors due to rain. so to recap, all strategic bombing missions will be during daytime and at 4,000 feet. frequency will be at four times a week. Following turn will be at 9,000 feet.Just need to receive a turn now. Ha.

[kentkroeckel]

Air ground attacks have been consolidated but still not worth having multiple hexes. Air bases not worth attacks despite having reconnaissance on them. Allies will now have only one hex that will be targeted. criteria will be fortification level, need of hex, and type of unit. I will keep one hundred aircraft still on air ground support. (Direct combat support)

[kentkroeckel]

Greetings Mr. Seminole: Open Letter.

I wanted to hear your thoughts on Allies receiving additional administrative points. Ten more or said another way, two hundred percent. The minimum amount I felt needed to counter excessive Luftwaffe air naval. Many factors went into this amount for my final decision but that is not import.

You may feel no change is necessary on this matter Mr. Seminole. No imbalance in other words. The other end of the issue would be to add even more administrative points to Allied side. However, given your previous comments, I do not think this likely.

But regardless, your opinion on this matter (imbalance of game play due to excessive Axis air naval power) I would like to read Mr. Seminole. Just facts though, through observation please. No need to name individuals or perceived inferior styles.

I think people would like to know if you have observed (Under the newest version of WitW) an effective way for Allies to counter the perceived imbalance of Axis air naval dominance. Also Mr. Seminole, could you include your thoughts on why an increase of Allied administrative points will not work. As I assume you will conclude.


Sincerely, Kent

PS: I have communicated this post on AAR and on your private server mail Mr. Seminole. Either way is fine to respond. But if you only respond on private server mail then I will do the same and not place your response on public AAR.

[kentkroeckel]

September 18, 1943.

Weather for Europe is rain with water level of 2.

Half of Mediterranean is rain with water level of 2. Mainland Italy is still dry.

Victory points were 10 for turn and game total is 69.

There were four ground attacks by Germany.

First: In this one Allies were forced to retreat.

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Second: In this attack a British armor brigade was routed but it came at a cost to Germany.

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Third: This attack was also costly to Germany in armored vehicles and soldiers but did route another British armored brigade.

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Fourth: This attack too caused a British armored brigade to route. It was also costly to both sides.

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One point I wanted to bring up in the previous attacks, is combat point value. Germany had a huge advantage after modifiers. But then when the fight happens losses become disproportional. Same holds true for Allies too. This is an odd system in how losses are determined. It is explained somewhat in the manual but I believe it is still very much a mystery.