Nirosi vs Boldairade(Nirosi welcome)

[boldairade]

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German grenadier of LXXVI Pz looks at a destroyed T-60 from 5th Tank. The panzer's counter attack was successful, but short lived.

[boldairade]

December 31, 1943

BOA-Deployment of air assets has driven the uboats further off. Some flotilla have moved deeper into the arctic lanes to the east, some have moved into the S Atlantic off the coast of Spain(perhaps headed for the African coast). Overall, it is not a bad turn for the Allies. 5 MM go down, but we score 5 sub hits. For the first time in several months, the Allies have a reasonable surplus of MM-not that that will last long.

Norway-No movement. Winter is wearing away at the formations dug in in the mountains.

US Bomber Command-There is no real point in launching raids with our worn down bombers, but we fear fresh Jagdkorps might be transferred east. We launch two raids just to engage them. Predictably we get the worst of it, losing 11 steps while only destroying 6 German steps. Still, it is deemed worth it. Anything the US can do to occupy Germany should be done.

Africa-Hard choices here. We need to take one more hex-the hills hex pictured. Nirosi knows this and rotates his most powerful armor formation into it IV Pz Corps. We can hit it from three directions, but even with supply trucks our formations are worn down. While we really want to maintain momentum, this seems like a counter productive attack. We dump supply trucks into 8 formations and ship in a fresh UK fighter sqn. We will try to attack next turn. Supply here remains abysmal.

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Greece-No real developments. An Italian sub group tries to take advantage of poor weather to attack our surface fleet off of Athens. It does no damage, but takes two step hits. Our second naval 'victory' of the war!

[boldairade]

January 14, 1944

BOA-One convoy attack, deep in arctic waters, sinks 4 MM, but 3 step losses are taken by uboats. All other sub fleets are back in port, as are our ASW surface ships. MM numbers in allied hands remain adequet, with more construction under way. Bombers remain on station in Scapa Flow and Reykjavik.

Norway-No activity. A defensive doctrine to hold the port of Bergen, utilizing strong defensive terrain and the rotation of fresh formations from the UK in the spring is being considered.

US Bomber Command-Bomber and escort formations use this turn to recover. Raids are planned, weather permitting, next turn. 4 Luftwaffe jagdkorps are stationed to intercept. In the Med, we move back to hitting Naples and Taranto.

Africa-Best odds achievable here are 1-2-very bad. This is with a 3 hex frontage. We pour supply trucks into 6 formations, but honestly, our supply is so bad, the idea of continuing a campaign based on attrition is no longer viable. We may make one more effort here. But it is very possible we cannot effectively attrit the Axis any longer on this front.

Greece-No action. Plans continue for ZEUS/CHARIOT. The more we look at it, the more we realize the whole op is extraordinarily fraught with possible logistical disasters.

[boldairade]

January 14, 1944

EAST FRONT

North-No activity. There are second thoughts about force withdrawal here. There is a blizzard brewing to the north. If it hits next turn, we may attempt a human wave attack.

Center-The German counter this time hits a slightly less worn down formation(28th Mech-non winter). The Luftwaffe preps the attack with one strike, which costs them 2 steps with Soviets air forces also losing 2 steps. The ensuing attack pits 28th Mech vs 7th Pz Grenadiers, LII Corps, along with 1st and 6th Pz Grenadiers. The opening attack is, for the first time, not a route. German forces lose 5 land steps and 2 air. 28th Mech loses 4 steps. The second attack displaces the Russians and inflicts 8 ground step losses, suffering only 1 air and 4 land losses. Still, it is becoming less easy for the Wehrmacht. 6th Pz Grenadiers occupies the hex.

The Red Army counters, with multiple prepping ground strikes by 4th Air Army. The ensuing ground assault utilizes 15th Tank, 1st Siberian Army 14th Air Army and 16th Air Army. Three attacks produce Russian losses of 1 air step, 8 ground, while inflicting 1 air step loss and 10 ground steps. We had hoped to shatter the German formation on our last attack(8-1) but they slip away.

Stavka now directs an attack by WINTER STORM to the south vs 1st Pz Grenadiers. Again, there are heavy ground strikes by the Red Air Force utilizing multiple air armies followed by a ground attack led by 6th Guards Tank, 5th Guards Tank and the 1st Siberian army. Again, it takes three attacks to displace the Germans, with the Russian losing 10 ground steps and inflicting 1 air step loss and 15 ground steps. Again, we hope to overrun the Germans, but fail to do so.

The status of WINTER STORM looks like this(the red line is the offensive's start line):

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The powerful fresh German Pz formation NW of Smolensk is XIX Panzer. We believe it has been redeployed from the Greek front. Another instance of the Allies failing to pull their weight along side the Russian efforts. This must change.

Overall, this is a decent turn for WINTER STORM, but I can't help but feel an opportunity has eluded us in some way.

South--Still no activity here. Along with the other fronts, there are some areas, with blizzard weather and frozen rivers we would like to test the Germans. But that weather simply refuses to arrive.

[boldairade]

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As ground changes hands multiple time in WINTER STORM, wrecked AFVs and bodies of both sides make for a confusing mélange of casualties.

[boldairade]

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Sub machine guns and winter camouflage are standard in WINTER STORM

[John B.]

I'm sure there is a LOT of loud harrumphing from the Soviets directed towards the Western Allies.

[boldairade]

I'm sure there is a LOT of loud harrumphing from the Soviets directed towards the Western Allies.

As well they should. Despite some decent efforts the Allies haven’t managed much.

There are, however, some grand plans in the mix.

[boldairade]

January 28m, 1944

BOA-German subs have headed back to their pens. But the German surface fleet heads into the Arctic Supply route, sinking 2 MM. They are in a rain squall, but since our fleet is well supplied and not occupied, we give chase. In an absolute miracle, we locate them! We can't hit the Bismarck, but we score 2 hits on their CA group.

Norway-No activity

US Bomber Command-Heavy activity here. In the Med, we launch raids leveling Taranto and Naples, and even hit Rome(though the AA guns there score 2 hits). Over Europe, we use supply trucks to ready our escorts and bomber groups, seeing the heavy concentration of Luftwaffe interceptors. Nine raids are launched, managing to smash Cologne, Stuttgart and Nuremburg. The butcher's bill is high on both sides, however, with the US losing 19 steps to interceptors/AA. German interceptors, meanwhile, lose 22 steps.

Africa-Despite the reckless use of supply trucks, we cannot achieve even decent odds here. The decision is made to adopt a passive front in Africa. This decision is made easier due to the Allies plans for new amphibious operations in the Med.




B17s over Germany push through flak

[boldairade]

EAST FRONT

North-With the German surface fleet far away, we would like to raid the Baltic. We cannot however, as the fleet is frozen in port(which is exactly why Nirosi deployed HIS fleet).

The blizzard we saw over Finland last turn finally hits. Stavka attempts to try to take advantage of this by ordering human wave attacks vs the German XVII Corps west of Leningrad. Two attacks are launched at poor odds(1-1). We didn't expect good results, but our losses are 14 steps while only inflicting 3 hits. The attack must be called off.

Center-The blizzard is also raging here. The long awaited assault on Smolensk, taking advantage of the frozen Dnieper River, is launched. Even with the river frozen, four angles of attack, and the advantage of winter weather, it is a difficult attack. The German XII Corps is dug in and refuses to budge. The opening assault, by 25th Tank, 6th Guards Tank, 2nd Siberian Army and 16th Army suffers losses(4) while inflicting only two step hits. The battle continues to rage, and it takes 6 total assaults and the addition of 7th Tank and 2nd Mech Corps to the mix to ultimately displace the German formation. Overall, the Red Army suffers 16 step hits. The stubborn XII Corps, however, is ultimately overrun on the 6th assault. The horrific weather limits what units can reach the city to occupy it-we wanted to move a fresh infantry formation in, but none can reach it. Instead, 1st Guards Tank is moved in.

Looking to broaden the front and take advantage of the weather, Stavka selects the German position west of Rzhev for assault-looking to weaken the German position on the shoulder of the WINTER STORM bulge. To this end, 2nd Ukr Army, 42nd Army and 15th Tank slam into LXIII Corps. 5 assaults ultimately cost the Red Army 15 steps(and 2nd Tank must also be brought into action) while inflicting only 9 hits. But finally the German formation is displaced. Unfortunately, with the severity of both the battle and the storm, no Russian units can reach the vacated hex to occupy it.




The costs are very high(look at poor 15th Tank, reduced to 1 strength!), but we are pushing the Germans back. The taking of Smolensk is a primary goal. We need the poor weather to continue to possibly cause some real difficulties for the Germans. Next turn, we will get a fresh Tank formation and we have saved enough points to upgrade it to winter specialist-but should we do that? Winter is running out...

[boldairade]

South-The blizzard reaches the Kiev area, and multiple attempts are made to cross the river north and south of the city. Two attacks are launched vs the German garrison unit north of the city, with the Russian forces taking 6 step hits but inflicting only 2 hits.

A more serious effort is organized vs the Hungarian I Corps(the favorite target of Broler). Five straight attacks are launched by 3rd Siberian, 1st Guards Army and 40th Army at ruinous cost. The Hungarian formation is reduced to 1 strength, but we cannot displace it to achieve a foothold across the river.
(As a side note, I am sure we are all sending our best wishes to the REAL defenders of Kiev)

[boldairade]

Soviet flame thrower team assaults a German position in the street fighting in Smolensk.

[John B.]

Congrats on the liberation of Smolensk! It sounds like there is a lot of pressure being placed on the Axis with the American bombing and the Soviet attacks. But, I think there was a misprint in your report. You said you actually found the German surface raiders with your fleet. That can't be right. Or, do you think there is some sort of but that allowed that to happen?

[boldairade]

Congrats on the liberation of Smolensk! It sounds like there is a lot of pressure being placed on the Axis with the American bombing and the Soviet attacks. But, I think there was a misprint in your report. You said you actually found the German surface raiders with your fleet. That can't be right. Or, do you think there is some sort of but that allowed that to happen?

I swear it's true! We actually hit an Axis ship!!!

As far as pressure on the Axis, I do not think so. The Air strikes at best are depriving him of 25 PP/turn. Usually less. Germany alone is pulling 600+, and Italy despite the bombings is also comfortable because they are suffering zero military losses.

The losses in the east for Germany are only really a problem because weather is making it hard for the German formation to recover readiness-replacing steps and formations is well within the German budget.

Unless we can open a significant front manned by the UK and the USA where Germany is under a ton of stress, there is likely very little worry in Berlin.

[boldairade]

February 11, 1944

BOA-3 German wolfpacks slide into the S Atlantic and sink 1 MM. We angle escorts to the African coast in case they keep heading south. The German surface fleet, after getting hit last turn, heads for the Baltic. They are replaced by 3 uboats, but to avoid our air assets, they sail directly next to our surface fleet. They sink nothing, but we manage two step hits.

Norway-Our units are badly worn down due to winter and poor supply. The UK dumps supply trucks into a few units. Then we notice something: the German armor is gone. It has been withdrawn and replaced with a garrison formation. This, of course, makes one think that there will be no offensive here. Could the Germans need the armor in the east? On the one hand, this might make attack here possible. However, the terrain and supply are awful-and we have had our fill of that combination in Africa. We believe we have better options. The fact that we may not have to worry about an Axis attack here this spring is actually a relief. But of course, it is again the Russians who must pay the price.

Africa-Withdrawals of formations and the setting of defensive lines continue. The Americans will take over this front unilaterally. English formations are needed elsewhere. Much of the striking power of Allied armor is being withdrawn, though for the time being it is still in range should the Axis get any ideas.

US Bomber Command-All of our formations are worn down, but we know the Luftwaffe too has taken many casualties. A probing raid by our best bomber formation is launched deep into Germany, hitting Stutgart. The German fighters meet us. Picking our best formations, we send in four more raids, mostly to engage the German interceptors. We do minimal damage economically, but do inflict 19 step hits on the German interceptors. We suffer 15 step hits to interceptors and AA. In the Med, we again hit Taranto and Naples, but our formations are wearing down.

TOP SECRET-Operation MATADOR had been sucking up virtually all of Allied resources formations assets and attention. We are hoping to unveil it very soon.

[boldairade]

February 11, 1944

EAST FRONT

North-The Red Banner Fleet is still frozen in port. The blizzard has ceased. Stavka, however, is not satisfied. Another human wave attack is ordered on the German line west of Leningrad. The 70th Army, 46th Army, 3rd Army, 13th Army, 27th Army and 50th Army all take their turns slamming into the German XVII Corps. Losses are outrageous(24 steps). We accomplish nothing. The Germans cannot be pushed back.

Center-The Germans do not occupy the vacant hex west of Rzhev. We do so immediately, then launch another attack west vs the 7th Pz Grenadiers. III Jagdkorps tries to intercept but the Red Air Force makes short work of them, inflicting 6 step hits while suffering only one. Three ground strikes pour in, then the ground attack commences with 2nd Tank, 1st Siberian Army and 5th Guards Tank attacking supported by the 12th and 10th Air armies. It takes 3 bloody assaults, but we are able to shove the grenadiers back. Losses on both sides (we lost 9 ground steps and 2 air, the Germans lose 14 ground steps and 3 air) are high. SW of this victory we attack again, smashing into the German LXV Corps SE of Vitebsk. This battle requires a massive effort from 5th Guards Tank, 3rd Guards Tank, 16th Air Army, 10th Air Army, 26th Air Army, 25th Tank and 7th Tank, along with all our remaining supply trucks. We are approaching air supremacy, and it is vital. Ultimately, despite heavy losses(10 steps and A LOT of readiness) we are able to overrun the German infantry.

Vitebsk is tantalizingly close.



Another op is launched by 4 Armies to the north in an effort to pinch the eastern most German formations, but 5 assaults fail to displace the German LXIII Corps. It is heavily reduced, however.

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Some fresh armor is moving up behind the front line, but battered formations are there as well. There are opportunities for the Germans to successfully counter attack if they choose. We are careful to leave retreat hexes.


South-Rain here means no other offensive actions can be taken across most of the front. Nirosi moves the battered Hungarian I Corps into Kiev proper. We know it is a fool's errand, but send the 3rd Siberian Army across the river to assault the city and are summarily repulsed.

[John B.]

Looks like the Russians are building up a little bit of a head of steam here!

[boldairade]

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Losses are horrific

[redrum68]

Those are great losses for the Allies as I don't think Germany can afford that many. How do the overall force numbers look?

[boldairade]

Those are great losses for the Allies as I don't think Germany can afford that many. How do the overall force numbers look?

i sent my turn in. i'll try to post them next time around.