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February 16th, 1942

In a smart move, German diplomats ensure Bulgaria's Axis membership before Russia can launch an attack. This way, Bulgaria will be better prepared.

But it also appears that the Polish population is not fond of German occupation policies. Several Partisan units did appear recently on the map that fight under British colors. The British did neglect its leadership role for those partisans until now and with UK guidance they will try to take control of Poznan.

Germany faces unpleasant prospects: Her opponents conduct offensive action in East and West, a possible new front is threatened in the South (Bulgaria) and now also Partisans in the Center while strategic bombers eradicate the last production sources. But they are holding it still together.

February 24th, 1942

The French break through south of Saarbruecken...

March 1st, 1942

Luxemburg is liberated by the Western Allies and with Saarbruecken, the first German city falls.

March 16th, 1942

We make progress against the German lines only because the units attacked were not fully repaired. We have still not the technology to fight full strength German units unless we get serious multiple attacks (which they hardly ever allow).

The Axis has also to set aside some units to actively police Poland as more and more partisan units leave their hiding spots and fight openly. The Axis manages to control most of the partisans using minor Axis units.

April 1st, 1942

Skillful German defense prevents further breakthroughs at the West front. But further Axis retreats will soon be necessary to ensure the integrity of the defense of Germany.

April 9th, 1942

Russian troops can retake Minsk and Kishinev as the German line is forced into a large scale general withdrawal motion ranging from the Baltic states to Romania. Riga should fall into our hands soon, too.

Bulgarian defenders still hold steady in the south but Russian tanks penetrate deep and threaten to cut off Varna.

In the West the French manage another breakthrough northwest of Stuttgart.

It looks as if the German resistance is slowly crumbling. Still, given their means, the defense is conducted excellently.

April 24th, 1942

This update is focusing entirely on the rapid developments at the West Front.

May 1st, 1942

Meanwhile at the East Front ....

May 9th, 1942

In the West, the Germans were retreating deliberately so far. But now the resistance is again stiffening in what appears to be a line from the Ruhr to Dresden. But we don't have full visibility on the defenses yet. It appears that they give up on the south and - understandably - focus on a large defensive ring around Berlin.

May 24th, 1942

At the moment it looks that the Western Allies will arrive in Berlin first even though the Soviets did make reasonable progress. In the end it is the choice of the
German commander where to deploy more defensive resources assuming both Western Allies and Soviets try equally hard to reach Berlin first.

July 1st, 1942

Germany is divided into East and West. French troops cut off Eastern Prussia from Berlin. The Russians are too late to claim Berlin.

In order to not further endanger the civil population we stop all hostilities as of now. The AAR comes to an end.

First of all I would like to thank Gary for the great game.

In summary:
My opponent tried in this game a novel strategy which was risky. He knows of course how to play this differently and stronger for Germany. But this game provides insight in why Germany cannot ignore the conquest of France early on. It needs the French income for upkeep and it cannot afford Western Allied strategic bomber bases just across its borders that can access the majority of German production centers.

And thanks for your patience through all those months when your side was too weak to start an offensive and my side was too weak due to bad strategy. Let no one ever ask again, 'is strategic bombing' useful? This is probably the only instance of the game in which the French become the dominant force on the map.