Operation Mercur - Widell vs mtvaill

[Widell]

OK, this will be my first AT PBEM, and it will be the Operation Mercur scenario designed by mtvaill. I will command the Commonwealth, while mtvaill himself will command the German forces.

The German attack is launched at dawn, May 20, 1941, with both level and dive bomber attacks against Maleme Airfield immediately followed by a paradrop with close to 50% German losses in the first wave, but an unopposed second wave to the west of the first. Finally a second round of air strikes, but this time the flak managed to score a few kills.

Given the comparatively poor readiness of the German paratroopers at the Maleme Airfield, it is decided to launch an immediate counter attack to attempt to deny the Germans the crucial airfield.

The 22nd NZ Bat. is ordered to attack the airfield from Hill 107 and coordinate with elements from the 5th NZ Inf. Brig including the 19th Army Troops Coy, the 7th NZ Field Coy and the 1st Greek Regiment. The attack is repulsed by the Germans and both sides suffer severe losses. The first attack is followed by a second by the 20th, 21st and 23rd NZ Inf Btn's. Also this attack is unsuccessful in driving the Germans from the airfield, but both sides again suffer appalling losses.

Along the coastline of Crete, all Commonwealth units are now on alert and awaiting the next wave of German attacks. Where will they hit next?

(Screens on the way, but need some editing before posting)

[Widell]

OK, here's a screen to show the initial German landings that was preceded by Stuka's and Ju-88's attacking.

[Widell]

And here is the results from the first counter attack:

[Widell]

And the second counter attack:

[bwheatley]

Ouch are your soldiers suffering poor readiness or supply? They sure are not fighting like they have overwhelming numbers.

[Widell]

Seems like a combination of things to me, on the other hand, it's kind of nice to see results so far are at least somewhat historical. The Germans have suffered terrbile losses to their paratroopers (more than 50% for the units at the airfield), but they hold on to it, and I assume to see more supply and troops landing on the next turn. I was thinking of throwing more units into the counter attack, but with no air support and extremely limited armour and artillery available, I need to make sure I can establish some kind of defensive perimeter and slow down the advance from the airfield. I guess he's going for a port/harbor in order to ship more troops and supply in, but since I haven't been "sneak peaking" at the scenario before playing it, it'll be interesting to see where the Schweerpunkt will be.

[bwheatley]

Yea its good not to sneak peek so its a suprise

[Widell]

[:)] One other thing, mtvaill did a good job on the scenario, so the equipment (SF Types if you prefer) differ between the Germans and the Commonwealth, and I assume these paratroopers are better equipped compared to my Greeks and New Zealanders. Next turn coming up as soon as I get the mail and turn it around....

[bwheatley]

how do you get nato counters on for your units??

[IRONCROM]

ORIGINAL: bwheatley

how do you get nato counters on for your units??

Check the Mod forum. You'll probably have go back a few pages.

I believe there are a few different Nato unit mods.
tt.asp?forumid=495

[Widell]

Yes, I downloaded one of the mods and it works like a charm, I guess you can also add your own icons if you make your own scenario.

[Widell]

Turn 2 - Night turn, and no real action. Moving some more units closer to the airfields, and receiving some German artillery rounds from from west of the Maleme Airfield. The Regia Marina is also active, so the British naval units are closing a little more to see if there is good hunting grounds. Don't want to get caught by the Luftwaffe in daylight, so have to watch where the ships are going. More to come as the next turn is daytime and there will be more action.

[bwheatley]

SO for the night time turns does the fog of war kick up a lot or does recon range just drop?

[Widell]

I think the only difference is that the air units will not fly, but this is from reading the release notes that come with the scenario download. There can be additional penalties, but I haven't looked for them yet.