We have started a rematch with identical settings as our first game but switched sides - i.e. I will be the Axis this time.
Just as a reminder on the settings: V1.01 (no mods), Germany, UK, USA, USSR on hard.
I am really interested to see how Gary will handle this side and learn what I may have overlooked in our last game.
Fall Gelb - rematch - the Axis
Moderator: doomtrader
RE: Fall Gelb - rematch - the Axis
May 24th, 1940
Hostilities have started 2 weeks ago. The Netherlands has been overrun quickly but the Belgians are a just a touch sturdier and will require some more work.
France did bravely sally from the Maginot line into Baden and the Pfalz. We have only a weak defense there but the German units are well protected with Lvl 6 forts in many places.
Hostilities have started 2 weeks ago. The Netherlands has been overrun quickly but the Belgians are a just a touch sturdier and will require some more work.
France did bravely sally from the Maginot line into Baden and the Pfalz. We have only a weak defense there but the German units are well protected with Lvl 6 forts in many places.
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RE: Fall Gelb - rematch - the Axis
June 24th, 1940
The Low Countries have by now all surrendered and the attack on France can begin. Since the Ardennes area was very well protected by the French we aimed our main attack at the area east of Lille. It will require to dispatch a good number of the Lvl 2 French Corps before we can tear a hole into the French line.
The Low Countries have by now all surrendered and the attack on France can begin. Since the Ardennes area was very well protected by the French we aimed our main attack at the area east of Lille. It will require to dispatch a good number of the Lvl 2 French Corps before we can tear a hole into the French line.
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RE: Fall Gelb - rematch - the Axis
Ah well I have to say I am really interested in this as well. My feeling was that Axis is basically unbeatable in the version of the game released. I'm not sure about patch 1.02 though. Anyway I think this is same patch as your last game and is not 1.02 right? So it should be interested to see what GW, who I assume is probably the most experienced player around, has in store for you in this one. Maybe I will learn that Axis can be trounced if you know the right tricks. Thanks very much for doing the AAR Choco, and GW if he also does one.
RE: Fall Gelb - rematch - the Axis
Yes, this is still V1.01.
That is what I want to learn, too. If anybody knows some secret weapons for the Allies, it will be Gary.
By the way - sorry for the lack of progress over the last 2 weeks but Gary did spend some time testing V1.02 and I had some other unrelated distractions. But we are back at it again.
That is what I want to learn, too. If anybody knows some secret weapons for the Allies, it will be Gary.
By the way - sorry for the lack of progress over the last 2 weeks but Gary did spend some time testing V1.02 and I had some other unrelated distractions. But we are back at it again.
RE: Fall Gelb - rematch - the Axis
July 9th, 1940
The Germans could break through the French lines in some places and some northern French cities are under attack. The sub war in the Atlantic sees losses on both sides. (This is actually a huge game improvement in my eyes over previous installments i.e. ToW. Subs make sense now. May need some balancing, though)
The Germans could break through the French lines in some places and some northern French cities are under attack. The sub war in the Atlantic sees losses on both sides. (This is actually a huge game improvement in my eyes over previous installments i.e. ToW. Subs make sense now. May need some balancing, though)
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RE: Fall Gelb - rematch - the Axis
August 1st, 1940
Lille, Reims and Metz have surrendered to German sieges. This has encouraged the Italians to join the war. But we expect the Italians to act defensively at the European border to France. The naval supply situation will decide on activities in North Africa.
Since the BEF has not been seen in action on the continent so far, it is fair to assume that they have left for home ... or one of their Mediterranean holdings.
Lille, Reims and Metz have surrendered to German sieges. This has encouraged the Italians to join the war. But we expect the Italians to act defensively at the European border to France. The naval supply situation will decide on activities in North Africa.
Since the BEF has not been seen in action on the continent so far, it is fair to assume that they have left for home ... or one of their Mediterranean holdings.
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RE: Fall Gelb - rematch - the Axis
August 16th, 1940
Paris did fall last turn and Orleans during this. But the interesting developments are unfolding in N.Africa. Here an initial French offensive of weak units was thrown back by the Italians near Tripoli. But now our recon has detected British land units in Tunesia supporting the French Legion.
Furthermore, a strong assembly of Allied aircraft is deployed around Tunis and has engaged our shipping as well as our airports on Sicily. This will make it hard to finish off the French.
Paris did fall last turn and Orleans during this. But the interesting developments are unfolding in N.Africa. Here an initial French offensive of weak units was thrown back by the Italians near Tripoli. But now our recon has detected British land units in Tunesia supporting the French Legion.
Furthermore, a strong assembly of Allied aircraft is deployed around Tunis and has engaged our shipping as well as our airports on Sicily. This will make it hard to finish off the French.
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RE: Fall Gelb - rematch - the Axis
September 24th, 1940
France has become a mop-up operation for the Germans. Some southern cities are still in French hands at this point. First German units are redeployed to new operational theaters.
The Italians have never crossed the border to France in Europe but focused on Africa where they also could not manage to penetrate French territory. It is defended by strong and mobile British units. Allied aircraft are massed in the area around Tunis. Italian subs in the Med are being harassed from here.
A British amphibious landing force was detected and sunk by aircraft from Sicily at the coast of Tunis. It is fair to assume that is was intended for Tripoli. If successful, this would have been a disaster for the Italians.
France has become a mop-up operation for the Germans. Some southern cities are still in French hands at this point. First German units are redeployed to new operational theaters.
The Italians have never crossed the border to France in Europe but focused on Africa where they also could not manage to penetrate French territory. It is defended by strong and mobile British units. Allied aircraft are massed in the area around Tunis. Italian subs in the Med are being harassed from here.
A British amphibious landing force was detected and sunk by aircraft from Sicily at the coast of Tunis. It is fair to assume that is was intended for Tripoli. If successful, this would have been a disaster for the Italians.
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RE: Fall Gelb - rematch - the Axis
November 24th, 1940
The British launched a very strong attack from Tunisia on Tripoli and it looked for some time as if they would succeed to take the city. But Italian reinforcements were able to turn the tide. The British were also operating with a very long supply line.
The Yugoslavians have little hope to stop a strong German attack, but my opponent played this very innovative with forward units that sacrificed themselves for railroad damage and campaign delays.
Around El-Alamain, the Italians suffered some losses when they proceeded to far towards Egypt. The same can happen to the British if they overextend supply westward. The result is a quasi stalemate in the eastern desert.
The British launched a very strong attack from Tunisia on Tripoli and it looked for some time as if they would succeed to take the city. But Italian reinforcements were able to turn the tide. The British were also operating with a very long supply line.
The Yugoslavians have little hope to stop a strong German attack, but my opponent played this very innovative with forward units that sacrificed themselves for railroad damage and campaign delays.
Around El-Alamain, the Italians suffered some losses when they proceeded to far towards Egypt. The same can happen to the British if they overextend supply westward. The result is a quasi stalemate in the eastern desert.
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RE: Fall Gelb - rematch - the Axis
January 24th, 1941
The British air force is still very successful in hunting down Italian subs. They have withdrawn from Tunis but still control the western Med. As a matter of fact the Italian submarine losses are so high that we cannot suppress supply sufficiently from England to Egypt. So far there is a stalemate at the Egyptian border.
Over the last 3 month, Germany did have to go through hard economic times. The German people were frustrated with the long war effort (event). Instead of drawing this out, the Germans decided to bite the bullet and pay up now. But if I add up the one time cost (400PP) and the slow recovery from 20% social unrest, then this has jeopardized the required unit strength for a successful '41 summer campaign - in Russia or elsewhere. This event is really a tough trade-off. At least things are getting back to normal now.
The British air force is still very successful in hunting down Italian subs. They have withdrawn from Tunis but still control the western Med. As a matter of fact the Italian submarine losses are so high that we cannot suppress supply sufficiently from England to Egypt. So far there is a stalemate at the Egyptian border.
Over the last 3 month, Germany did have to go through hard economic times. The German people were frustrated with the long war effort (event). Instead of drawing this out, the Germans decided to bite the bullet and pay up now. But if I add up the one time cost (400PP) and the slow recovery from 20% social unrest, then this has jeopardized the required unit strength for a successful '41 summer campaign - in Russia or elsewhere. This event is really a tough trade-off. At least things are getting back to normal now.
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RE: Fall Gelb - rematch - the Axis
March 16th, 1941
Greece has surrendered. But the British control still too many airfields around the Mediterranean and threaten our subs. The Italians are tasked to clear the Tunisian and Algerian coast which seems to be the easier job since the region appears undefended.
The Germans have their eye on Crete and its well developed airfields. Italian subs are currently out in small numbers only to avoid severe losses. The German sub fleet has been virtually wiped out in a few successful British ASW moves. A slow build-up of new subs has begun.
Greece has surrendered. But the British control still too many airfields around the Mediterranean and threaten our subs. The Italians are tasked to clear the Tunisian and Algerian coast which seems to be the easier job since the region appears undefended.
The Germans have their eye on Crete and its well developed airfields. Italian subs are currently out in small numbers only to avoid severe losses. The German sub fleet has been virtually wiped out in a few successful British ASW moves. A slow build-up of new subs has begun.
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RE: Fall Gelb - rematch - the Axis
April 16th, 1941
The only active area up to this date is the Mediterranean. Further north we make slow preparations for Axis campaigns at the East Front. We should have all in place by June '41.
The only active area up to this date is the Mediterranean. Further north we make slow preparations for Axis campaigns at the East Front. We should have all in place by June '41.
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RE: Fall Gelb - rematch - the Axis
April 24th, 1941
It looks that the Russians wanted to finish off Finland quickly before a potential German invasion in summer '41. But the attack on Finland triggered (via event) war with the Axis.
Finland - so far AI controlled - switched over to human/Axis control. We will see how much we can salvage there. If we can prevent Finland's fall it would be a welcome second front the Russians have to take care of. But there were no German plans for a Nordic Expeditionary Force. This units need to be pulled out from the East Front first where we are just a bit understrength as it is because of the early start.
It looks that the Russians wanted to finish off Finland quickly before a potential German invasion in summer '41. But the attack on Finland triggered (via event) war with the Axis.
Finland - so far AI controlled - switched over to human/Axis control. We will see how much we can salvage there. If we can prevent Finland's fall it would be a welcome second front the Russians have to take care of. But there were no German plans for a Nordic Expeditionary Force. This units need to be pulled out from the East Front first where we are just a bit understrength as it is because of the early start.
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RE: Fall Gelb - rematch - the Axis
April 24th, 1941
The Wehrmacht was not quite ready for a campaign in the East. But most of its intended forces were in place, though many still understrength. Especially the Luftwaffe is still aiding the Italians in the south. We will try to make the best of the situation that the sudden war with Russia has forced upon us.
The Russians suffer from the usual shock effects during the first turns. They seem to have employed an AP-waisting defense with scattered light units deployed in depth that prevent a rapid German advance while not loosing too many of its own troops.
The Wehrmacht was not quite ready for a campaign in the East. But most of its intended forces were in place, though many still understrength. Especially the Luftwaffe is still aiding the Italians in the south. We will try to make the best of the situation that the sudden war with Russia has forced upon us.
The Russians suffer from the usual shock effects during the first turns. They seem to have employed an AP-waisting defense with scattered light units deployed in depth that prevent a rapid German advance while not loosing too many of its own troops.
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RE: Fall Gelb - rematch - the Axis
May 9th, 41
In act of unprecedented violence, the Russians have ignored yet another countries neutrality and attacked Hungary. But the Axis is not entirely unhappy. We now gain a new member without spending the Diplomatic effort. Furthermore, it seems that the Hungarians will be able to deal with the invaders by themselves since they will run out of supply soon. Forward German forces in the Ukraine have almost cut the Russians off.
The Germans also prepare for an intervention in Finland. We will not give it up without a fight. But the Soviets navy threatens our sea route in the Baltic sea. The Luftwaffe is deployed right behind the front line to attack enemy shipping here.
In act of unprecedented violence, the Russians have ignored yet another countries neutrality and attacked Hungary. But the Axis is not entirely unhappy. We now gain a new member without spending the Diplomatic effort. Furthermore, it seems that the Hungarians will be able to deal with the invaders by themselves since they will run out of supply soon. Forward German forces in the Ukraine have almost cut the Russians off.
The Germans also prepare for an intervention in Finland. We will not give it up without a fight. But the Soviets navy threatens our sea route in the Baltic sea. The Luftwaffe is deployed right behind the front line to attack enemy shipping here.
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RE: Fall Gelb - rematch - the Axis
May 9th, 1941 (II)
While the Italians are still clearing Tunesia and Algeria, the British have stirred again near El-Alamain. The Italians are too weak to hold and are driven back.
While the Italians are still clearing Tunesia and Algeria, the British have stirred again near El-Alamain. The Italians are too weak to hold and are driven back.
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RE: Fall Gelb - rematch - the Axis
May 16th, 1941
The Russians tear through Finland faster than expected. First we thought we may be able to hold Helsinki with German aid. But now it looks we have to land the majority of the German units in Turku.
The Red Army invading forces in Hungary are trapped completely now. It is not a big deal for the Soviets to loose these few units but every bit counts for thinly stretched Germany. The additional Axis minor units are also welcome fillers in quite front sections and can be used to aid in sieges.
The Russians tear through Finland faster than expected. First we thought we may be able to hold Helsinki with German aid. But now it looks we have to land the majority of the German units in Turku.
The Red Army invading forces in Hungary are trapped completely now. It is not a big deal for the Soviets to loose these few units but every bit counts for thinly stretched Germany. The additional Axis minor units are also welcome fillers in quite front sections and can be used to aid in sieges.
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RE: Fall Gelb - rematch - the Axis
May 24th, 1941
After a long period of relative calm during spring '41, the world is on fire again.
First units trickle into Finland and the northern German units have reached Riga. The Luftwaffe is still fighting for the supply sea lanes to Turku in Finland.
After a long period of relative calm during spring '41, the world is on fire again.
First units trickle into Finland and the northern German units have reached Riga. The Luftwaffe is still fighting for the supply sea lanes to Turku in Finland.
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RE: Fall Gelb - rematch - the Axis
May 24th, 1941 (II)
In the southern parts of the East Front we have reached Vynnitsia and Zhitomir. But the fight continues also in the Mediterranean where the Italians took finally Malta to end their supply drainage and the Germans invaded Nicosia in Cyprus to use it as an air base for future operations.
In the southern parts of the East Front we have reached Vynnitsia and Zhitomir. But the fight continues also in the Mediterranean where the Italians took finally Malta to end their supply drainage and the Germans invaded Nicosia in Cyprus to use it as an air base for future operations.
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