Matrix Games Forums

Game notes and comments from Mike(German) and Kerry(Russian)

Negotiations of House Rules ... from Mike -> Kerry Sept 9, 2002
Not certain what is meant by finish attack limitations. Ok, ground troops do not attack. What about air attack from the finish HQ? With more German air units? Are Finish starting air units permitted to move to German HQ? Clarifications are better than uncertainty.
I have to admit i am impressed with your Finnish attacks. ok, Oct 1, 41 is start of Finish attacks.(see above for clarification of air)
The two saves for the russians would be after the second week of August I am happy for it to be at the end of the turn."
I think i meant for it to start on Aug 10, 41. ...i believe Aug 41 runs Aug 3, 10, 17, 24, 31. This is NOT after the second week.
I have not yet read the post of the Germans in blizzard. I remember reading something about 2 months ago which may have been your post. Do you remember the date of posting?
I am thinking that for Dec 41, air interdiction @ 8 and 2 would allow chance to capture Moscow/Leningrad....assuming our double supply saves for Russians is effective. As you probably know, I am torn between wanting a good long game and giving the Russians too much of what we dont know the impact of. I suspect you have similar uncertainties.
Air units out of range of Kazan etc. Can i request that you maintain at least one ftr on Cap at such HQs for one of every 2 turns. This could not be tested but so much else is honour bound. This was the nature of my previous request.
I had been busy this weekend preparing a German turn one.
Twisted memory is that someone had mentioned that multiple saves would lead to American hvy bombers arriving in strength in 43 as opposed to 45. I am uncertain if the German double saves or Russian double saves (or just one...such as Russian double saves) leads to this. Can i retain some option to declare that for every 2 Russian double saves, the game ends one week early for deciding 1945 victory?
8 and 2 after blizzards starts when. This undefined moment could lead to annoyance between us. Let us set a date...say 3rd week of April?
A final email with final agreements should be issued.

Negotiations ... Mike -> Kerry Sept 10, 2002
The following rules i think remain(red means outstanding) I did not check the YAHOO email this morn to verify if you had made any reply. Work frowns on connection to Yahoo during working hours.
1/ No Finish land units will attack prior to Oct 1, 41. 1a/ Finish Air units could be one or combination of following : Finish HQ can send bombers/ftrs in support of an attack by German units from June 22, 41. Finish HQ Air can initiate attack against Russian air bases from June 22, 41 Finish HQ Air can transfer out of Finland to be used elsewhere by German HQ Additional German Air can be transferred into Finish HQ from which air attacks on Russian land/HQ can start from Jun2241.
2/ No German units will make air attacks on Russian HQ east of KAzan and line north - south of Kazan. until earliest Apr 2x, 42. A hex in doubt is treated as not attackable. Should German land units be within 5 hexes inclusive of their own hex and Kazan line where Russian HQ exists, then limit is removed even though before Apr 2x, 42. Russians will maintain at least once every 3 turns a fighter squadron on Cap assignment for each and all such HQ.
3/ Russians are allowed to take double saves starting Aug 10, 41 through to Dec 31, 41. The save will be done immediately prior to running the combat and saving for emailing. No command, supply or other actions are allowed between 1st save and combat run. They can do so again for the time period Aug 1x, 42 through Sept 3x, 42. Every 2 turns where Russians do double save, results in game ending one week earlier than expected.
4/ German Air interdictions will be limited to 5 interdiction attacks with no more than 1 attack per target in a turn. This will occur from June 22, 41 through the latest Nov 30 41 turn. Dec 1, 41 through Dec 31, 41 will allow Germans to attack with 8 interdiction attacks and no more than 2 attacks per target in a turn. Jan 1, 42 : German air attacks will then again be limited to a maximum of 5 interdictions and 1 attack per target in a turn. Should Russians initiate attack between Feb 1,42 and Apr 2x, 42; then Germans can retaliate with a max of 8 interdictions and 2 attacks on any targets that appear to have participated in the attack. This response to Russian initiation of attack lasts only for the immediate following German turn. Commencing earliest Apr 2x, 42; Germans can make 8 interdictions and 2 attacks per target through to Aug 31, 42. Afterwhich, there are no limitations upon German Air. You referenced something about "not need save for Germans during the blizzards as if you do not supply the Germans over 60-65% they will not shatter " I am uncertain what this exactly says.
I have not yet read your post about German blizzards. not need to save Germans a 2nd time in turn if Germans are over 60-65%[to be expected from existing supplies] then Germans should not shatter(as a result of initiating combat, as a result of responding to Russian initiative of combat, without combat but due to weather] ...which one? or several? What if existing supplies fail to get German units to 60-65% ? I vaguely remember something in rules(version 1.0?) about German armour east of Warsaw having exceptional difficulties. Comments?
I cannot remember other house rules but think there were some. The above demonstrates that I am far from clear as to what we have agreed to. I do sense that we are coming to agreement...but that we both need to communicate our agreement.
My apology if i have not caught your latest email which may have clarified some of the above. You are welcome to make changes/clarifications to above. I hope to update review of my email tonight.


Negotiations ... Mike -> Kerry Sept 13, 2002
I still think you need double saves for some time. Then again, i do not know whether or how much an op supply of 50+ has on strength in a battle.
I wonder how much my Russian Shatters were due to having 99% supply on most of my Russian troops last game. Interesting game balancer if such is the case.
I doubt you get reply till sometime my sat afternoon. or early(if i happen to wake up) Sat morn.

G Turn 1 : Jun 22 41 Mike -> Kerry turn Sept 9, 2002
I know we have not defined the "House Rules".
I dont think any of the proposed 1st turn breaks what we are oriented toward.
2nd turn may be a different manner. ie. We need to define the game rules prior to continuation of German actions by Mike.

G Turn 2 : Jun 29 41 Mike -> Kerry turn Sept 14, 2002
I had started preparing the final Russian reply last week. Leningrad is a hopeless cause and Moscow is very close behind. Too many units shattered. In most cases, the Russians were at 99% readiness and entrenchment of 4.
I will be interested to see your Russian 1st and 2nd lines. It is possible i should have stayed to slug it out around Mogiliev Livetsk. Just attacking me might have delayed you enough for the rain weather.

G Turn 5 : Jul 20 41 from Mike -> Kerry turn Sept 21 2002
This must be the most peaceful turn yet. except for those 2 pesky patriots who disrupted my rail net. I decided to take a breather and get my supply to the troops prior to making any major attacks

G Turn 6 : Jul 27 41 from Mike -> Kerry turn Sept 22 2002
It appears that it will be a long game.
Kiev retains itself in Russian hands.
Substantial German tank losses! just what you wanted to hear.
Beware that full supply has arrived...even though the massive rail buildup is drawing to an end.

G Turn 6 : Jul 27 from Mike -> Kerry comment Sept 23 2002
its ok, in practise preparation rounds, not only did that northern Inf retreat, so did one of the Shock troops behind it. The spys must have been captured and shot prior to the full commitment of troops though.
I cannot remember if i captured one of those HQ east of Mogilev or not. It had been considered in the operational orders.

G Turn 7 : Aug 3 41 from Mike -> Kerry turn Sept 25 2002
My great expectations have been dashed. Tankers are cursing the supply officers over fuel supplies. Battle of Kiev continues without end.
If my Kiev had held out as yours has....it would definitely have been a different game.
...and i think i had more in Kiev to defend it. Cursed that incompetent leader i left in charge.
I believe we agreed that the Russians would start double supply on Aug 10.
<not this turn>
It took 2 diskettes...before Yahoo would do the attachment. I hope the files "i"
are readable to you.
Stats at end of T7 :
German Losses :
Sqd 1918 some 600 this turn
tank 596 some 200 this turn
Guns 201 some 50 this turn
Air 364 some 130 this turn
Russian Losses
Sqd 15755 some 1300 this turn
Tank 4241 some 250 this turn
Guns 5798 some 1000 this turn
Air 2608 ....Calling all cars....where are you?
I have one more turn to salvage the situation.

G Turn 8 : Aug 10 41 from Mike -> Kerry turn Sept 29, 2002
Results of German Aug 10, 41 turn :
Lots of tanks killed on both sides.
Some progress by Germans. Numerous river crossings succeeded.
Aug 10, 41 is start of double supply move by Ruskies....till rains arrive.

G Turn 9: Aug 17 41 from Mike -> Kerry turnOct 1, 2002
3 defeats of Germans this turn. I don't consider them critical to the current objectives.
No Russian HQ captured this turn.

G Turn 9 : Aug 17 41 from Mike -> Kerry comment Oct 3, 2002
I can see what you are trying to do to the east of Leningrad, unfortunately even if you reach the coast to the east I will still be in supply from the rail to the North.
Will try to process by 9pm my time tonight.
I am uncertain what you mean about rail to the north of Leningrad. The Finns have plans for that route in early Sept. no? if not, thanks for the heads up.

G Turn 9 : Aug 17 41 from Mike -> Kerry comment Oct 3, 2002
The following rules i think remain(red means outstanding) I
did not check the YAHOO email this morn to verify if you had made any
reply. Work frowns on connection to Yahoo during working hours.

1/ No Finish land units will attack prior to Oct 1, 41.

ok, so it is in fact Oct 1 before Leningrad can fall.

G Turn 10 : Aug 24 41 from Mike -< Kerry turn Oct 3, 2002
Aug 24, 41 has now ended for the Germans and I feel that i have not done well with the German Blitzkrieg. No, lets be honest and admit that it has gone bad...especially in the last 3 turns. I will forever believe that you won the first game due to the immediate fall of Kiev.
Perhaps it was somewhat what i wanted and i unconsciously put preservation of my tanks ahead of the needs of the war effort. At least, we can be reassured that this game will continue into 42.
My review of Turn 10 game stats reveals the following :
Mike Russian Kerry Russian
German losses
sqd 2,551 4,735
AFV 930 1,295
Guns 444 205
Air 850 691
Russian Losses
sqd 32,157 23,174
AFV 7,619 4,836
Guns 12,715 8,033
Air 6,502 2,657
In this game, the German losses are perhaps equal(sqd and tank less while guns and air are more)....but the Russian losses are SUBSTANTIALLY lower! I am still reviewing the German air losses. I hope to send you a file of air unit history for stats benefit. The HQ where the units are located will be excluded.
Incidently, I will have to go back and discover which battle generated some Russian air losses this turn. I do not recall Russian air being involved. I just recalled that we never said anything about Russian interdictions being limited. What is your orientation on the Russian air interdiction limits(if any). I can see unlimited number but restriction of # of air strike at one target being same as German.
As to the game in progress with you. There could be some interesting tactical stuff for your Russians to do this turn.
As expected, the south holds firm .
The center appears to have a momentary split...which i am sure you can easily correct by yet pulling back again. potential operational benefit for me and minor strategic loss for you?
The north appears to be in my favour. Good luck with your supply chain. My testing of a 42 campaign led me to believe that sitting on both rail lines east of Leningrad....led to very poor supply(read non-existant) into Leningrad. Hopefully the above dreaded stats will soon reflect all those Leningrad defence troops as so much dog meat. If so, so much for my depression. (i hope)
Your last note about rules for sharp objects in the Kremlin may lead to a soft padded room for the senior hierarchy(make that individual private rooms). An intercom system should NOT be established in order that choking on food intake does not come as a surprise. It will also give insight to the leadership to experience the battle environment of their Russian combat troops(fighting without radios). Perhaps they can be released in time for the battle of Moscow.
As you can surmise, the last 2 paragraphs were fun to write. Thanks for listening.

R Turn 10 ... Kerry -> Mike comment Oct 6, 2002
I will get back to you on some of the developments in the game next turn
I am still too depressed at the moment after seeing the amount of equipment trapped around Leningrad.


R Turn 10 ... Kerry -> Mike turn Oct 6, 2002
That was one of the changes they made to the game that I did not pick up on, The Germans used to have to hold a hex to the north of the Russian Rail to cut of Leningrad due to the Naval supply.
Someone in Matrix games must really hate the Russians as that makes Leningrad totally undefendable
I will wait and see what condition the Rusians are in over the next few moves to decide if it is worth carrying on or not.


G Turn 10 : Mike -> Kerry comment Oct 6, 2002
Naval supply is now only 5 at Leningrad and Sevastopol. I do think they need specific rules for 41.
The same applies to Sevastopol...which depressed me last game. I had thought to establish a strong entrenched position n of the city behind rivers. When supply came to zero...it led to an attempt to escape.
I am uncertain if Leningrad should be expanded to 7 Naval supply or not. There was a historic siege at Leningrad itself.
I was and remain(until i see it) somewhat concerned for that far eastern armour corps. I did make plans to airlift supply to it this turn.
Considering the lack of combat in this game relative to mine, i do anticipate you continueing with Moscow intact through 1942. I dont see myself doing anything similar to Moscow in 41. The south and all those productive cities are just too tempting.

G Turn 11 : Aug 31 41 Mike -> Kerry turn Oct 6, 2002
As anticipated, the approach to Leningrad goes smoother. The rail continues to be cut and many tankers are enthusiastically moving east along the northern railway.
The center had a bit of a snag due to lack of air support. More achievement is expected next week.
The south was a 5050 proposition. Equal losses for little if any gain. I conclude a Russian victory in the south.
Alas, the end of the German Blitzkrieg supply ends. This will likely have some marginal effect along that northern railway. The south could yet turn into a major bloodbath...depending upon how much commitment the Russians put there. It could be that they are needed North of Moscow and German agents are being spotted and sponsored to watch the rail networks travelling north.
Keep heart, Moscow is likely secure for this year. This is a lot better Russian situation than i had ...to my way of thinking.

R Turn 11 : Aug 31 41 Kerry -> Mike turn Oct 7, 2002
Things are getting desperate I am even putting in unescorted bombers to try and wear you down with minimal sucess.
It was very tempting to try and suround and destroy the Panzer Korp down south but I was not sure of the Armies plotting.
I set up a new defensive line instead.
I think the russians start to do as they are told from Sep/Oct onwards.
Even If I do survive till the Winter it will be grim in 1942. with the loss of Leningrad your production will be higher than or similar to mine in Aircraft and Tanks.


G Turn 11 : Aug 31 41 Mike -> Kerry comment Oct 8, 2002
Yes, i had been somewhat nervous about that southern Armour corps. It had made 2 attacks and moved about 3/4 spaces...yet was subject to being surrounded.
I sense that your southern line is very strong or that it may have achieved double entrenchment due to the double saves. Have you had opportunity to investigate double production due to double saves?

G Turn 12 : Sept 6 41 Mike -> Kerry turn Oct 8, 2002
The inexorable slug continues to advance on Leningrad.
The supply situation continues to be bad for Lenorites.
The south holds firm....again.
Some air action which was more ineffective than anything.

R Turn 12 : Kerry -> Mike turn Oct 9, 2002
I still get depressed when I see all the Tanks and Squads you still have surrounded around Leningrad.
By my estimates It is equivalent to the Kiev Pocket the Germans took out.
I may be lucky enough to get some out but it is not looking good.
Unfortunately the double saves are a two edged sword, The supply drops twice as fast for the armies you have surrounded, also the replacements come through quicker which means the divisions don't get a chance to go up in experience much.
On the up side I wouldn't have any squads in the pools now if it wasn't for the double saves I think the Tank replacements are helping but its hard to tell as they go straight to the Tank Divisions and they don't seem to be growing very quickly Many regiments still have 4 T34s In them.
Zhukov has been transfered as we see Leningrad as a lost cause.
Every available squad is being sent down South, If we can't hold you up down there things will be grim.
I am suffering heavy Air casualties to try and wear your Panzer Korps down, I hope it is working at least a little bit even if I am dropping your supply levels.
I have worked on the same house rules as for the germans 5 attacks and 1 per Korps.
Did you fel the frost around Leningrad this week, Stavka has already issued winter clothing ( wishful thinking on my part)
The extra ration of Vodkas seems to be working in the South.


G Turn 13 : Sept 13 41 Mike -> Terry turn Oct 11, 2002
Take it easy with those airplanes you recently discovered this turn eh?

G Turn 13 : Sept 13 41 Mike -> Kerry comment Oct 11, 2002
It sounds as if my fighters were again lazy about doing their jobs to protect my tanks.

R Turn 13 : Kerry -> Mike turn Oct 12, 2002
you took out over 6,000 squads and 600 tanks that turn.
Thankfully there is not much left around Leningrad to kill.
You CAP is still not coming out in large numbers between 20-50 per group even my big groups of unescorted Bombers are getting through. Unfortunately my casualties are heavy .
You have ripped a 200 mile hole in my front below Moscow which is a worry you shattered two Armies I put in to try and plug the gap.
Stalin has given the OK for a small Tactical realignment of the Front.
Its good to see the vodka is still flowing freely in the South.
I am reading a two volume book about the Russian front in WW11 The Germans didn't take Orel till October so you are much more advanced than was the case historically.
The German Casualties were quite high at this stage as well, they talked about Panzer Divisions being down to 50 tanks and Russian tank Divisions being down to 15-20 tanks (Not to sure how much was held in Reserve Yet)
Bring on the Winter


G Turn 14 : Sept 20 41 Mike -> Kerry turn Oct 12, 2002
The Finns are very appreciative of the clearing of the railway through Leningrad in time for them to rail through to the front near Moscow. German Generals are annoyed that there is some fuddadud about a treaty that the Finns will not advance prior to Oct 1...or maybe mobilization or some such rot.
The center gap southwest of Moscow continues to expand.
The south is still an enigma. Fresh troops from the Leningrad front are expected to resolve this quagmire.
Now, if only we can unsnarl those funny machines that purportedly put together Russian arms in Leningrad and put them to good German use.

R Turn 14 : Mike -> Kerry turn Oct 13, 2002
I can't help but notice the buildup around Moscow, me thinks I may hold of sending some of the rebuilt divisions down South.
Your Cap was much more effective this week, I only managed to get in around Moscow with heavy losses elsewhere.
I am bracing myself for the Shock once Leningrad is cleaned up and the Finns are let loose.
Only one more turn of Double saves before the Mud or snow comes in October.


G Turn 15 : Sept 28 41 Mike -> Kerry turn Oct 13, 2002
The center appears to have held up better. The south is not to be talked about.
The remainder of the Leningrad garrisons are making their way to POW camps. Some are still so deranged, they are wandering in the bush as crazies. We tend to put them out of their misery rather than force march them to camps.
The German air force is now better organized and doing great things for the morale of themselves and fellow troops.
It is hoped that the rail line will be open to the Finns by next week...such that they can rail to jump off points on their way to Moscow.
It appears that the Communist leadership kept their people in the darkness of living. Little is being salvaged from the Leningrad armouries that is deemed worthwhile.

G Turn 15 : Sept 28 41 Mike -> Kerry comment Oct 14, 2002
Moving the Finns to "key" areas is such an annoying leadin....to the coming death marches. I was expecting "mud" for 1st of Oct. This sounds like an even worse winter coming on.
I am entering unknown territory. I have only played into Mar42 like perhaps once. My memory is that Germans could not get anywhere. This was of course using version 1.0 with all the Russian cheats well entrenched. I am thus looking forward to a more "fair?" competition....for Moscow

R turn 15 : Kerry -> Mike comment Oct 15, 2002
I have played this game through to November 42 against a German Player.
Unless I can inflict serious damage and take back alot of ground I will be in Dire straights in the spring of 42.
Looking at the strength of the Germans in the spring 42 Game I have a long way to go as that is after the Reinforcments through all the Mud turns.
The German Army is very strong in 42 so are the Russians but the german training and Panzer Korps make a big difference.
In the other game I kept Leningrad, he gave up only because it looked like he wasn't going to win and i was going to push him back slowly as was Historical.
Losing Leningrad and all the Factories and Ground may Make it impossible for the Russians. So it will be all or nothinhg in the Blizzards .( I will still fight to the bitter end though)
The snow this turn is random , we will get Blizzards all December and January and probably most of february, Remember not to supply your Korps up over about 65% during Blizzard Turns, I think the Finns and Mountain divisions will be alright at 100%.

R Turn 15 Kerry -> Mike turn Oct 15, 2002
The last of my double save turns, I put a counter attack in down in the South to the West of Kiev But the Russians are still not very organised as the combined attack went in three seperate waves. (AKA Cannon Fodder)
Unfortunately it is Snow this turn which gives you a chance to continue your offensive.
With the fall of Leningrad you can bring the Finns down now as well, you will not be disadvantaged by the Blizzards as much if you put them in key areas.


G Turn 16 Oct 3 2002 Mike -> Kerry Turn Oct 14, 2002
The Winter...yes.
I keep losing a lot of air to Flak. I am uncertain if it is damage or death to my airplanes. I have not done a thorough review of this process.
The German soldiers were excited by the fall of snow. Many snow forts were built along the front. The General Staff looked upon this with disapproval fearing a furious storm from Hitler. No less than army colonels were standing up for their men to explain that they were training for the assault on Moscow in house to house combat.
The snow battles were disrupted in the north upon seeing wave after wave of German air headed south. It was very heartening to see. It was estimated that the occasional geyser of fire being seen must have reached near 50 feet. Entertaining gamblers quickly established a pool as to when the next geyser would be seen. Spotters were paid handsomly for being first to call in the observation. Morale is very high.
There must be something about the air in the south. I am virtually certain that i had the same miscue of orders when attacking n of that central blockage city. What was worse, was that the armour would attack first and the infantry second. It led to a lot of unnecessary tank replacement.
<I fear what i am about to learn>

R Turn 16 Kerry -> Mike turn Oct 15, 2002
I tried the Airforce out this turn with little effect, Most of your casualties were coming from my Flak Guns.
I think the % of Aircraft destroyed to Flak is about the same as combat, approx 1/3 to 1/2.
The russians are still not plotting correctly which resulted in sporadic attacks
Mud this turn,


G Turn 16 Oct 3 41 Mike -> Kerry comment Oct 15, 2002
I anticipate a major overhaul of my HQ linkages this turn. In mud, i doubt that the airforce will be very effective....other than baiting Russian fighters.
While i can foresee a strong German presence next summer, i do not consider it a cake walk to capture a significant part of Russia next summer. The Germans did fail in the real war...and NOT by a small margin to my thinking. I interpret the Germans to be a small rapier technically superior David against an ongoing swash buckling cutlass wheeling Goliath of Russians who continuously grow stronger. While i have noticed my premium tanks getting killed on attacks, i have seldom seen your KV1s and KVii in combat yet. From my perspective, the German line looks as thin if not thinner than the Russians.
Time will tell. I regret removing some of the Rumanian corps. They seem to have disappeared and will not/never return.
R turn 17 Kerry -> Mike Oct 18, 2002
All quiet on the eastern front.
More snow this turn
The russian air force is starting to get sorted out but I don't expect much from them for the next year or so.

R turn 18 Kerry -> Mike turn Oc t 18, 2002
All quiet on the eastern front.
More snow this turn
The russian air force is starting to get sorted out but I don't expect much from them for the next year or so.
G Turn 19 Mike -> Kerry comment Oct 22, 2002
German T 19....Oct 24 1941...done Oct 22 2002 by MTB The war continues with haphazard attacks on Russian defenders.... more in order to bring to battle the Russian Air Force which is doing a reasonable job of KamiKaze.
The German Airforce continues to provide strong morale support to their brethern on the ground.
It was noted that while a German...actually Rumanian Korps was forced to retreat (east of Dnepropsky) last game week, the Russian sargeants refused to move forward. This was disappointing as German reserves were available to make mincemeat for thanksgiving. Rather than Russian horses being served, some German ones made it to the table.

R turn 19 Kerry - > Mike Oct 24, 2002
You are right, looking at the Soviet Air losses your Air force must be having a field day.
I have pulled them out for a few turns to rebuild.
I have not put any attacks in this turn as the russians are still not plotting correctly I will try again in November.
Mud this turn.

G Turn 20 Oct 12 2002 Mike -> Kerry turn Oct 24, 2002
seems about time to hibernate for the winter.
The battles are becoming more equal with each passing turn...which is NOT to German liking.
Concern for the coming Winter is becoming an issue for the German high command. Hitler pooh poohs any and all concerns.

R turn 20 Kerry -> Mike turn Oct 25, 2002
If the Russians start plotting correctly soon The winter offensive will start.
Remember not to supply anything over 65% in blizzards
I hope the Air force performs better in the blizzards, and the army for that matter.
Tell Hitler to be afraid be very afraid. (not)
Cheers


G Turn 21 Nov 3 2002 Mike -> Kerry turn Oct 26, 2002
I have lost track of the date and forget to look at it when playing the turn.
Please confirm that you have what is necessary to play STARS!
I continue to trade my air for your tanks. This is in an effort to forestall a winter campaign by the Ruskies. Only time will tell if this is a viable strategy.
I am wondering if i should have been doing an all out attack through mud, snow, rain, whatever. My choice was to sit still and build up my own entrenchment levels. Hopefully, it will put a halt to you like your entrenchments in the south put a halt to me. Again, time will tell.

R Turn 21 Kerry -> Mike turn Oct 28, 2002
A few attacks by the russians to check if they are following orders or not, all but one attack went in on time.
Your strategy of digging in seems to be working as i did not manage to push anything back.
You are right about the Air force I didn't even get to see one of your bombers to shoot at, my fighters got butchered.
I am hopeful that the blizzards will be better

G Turn 22 Mike -> Kerry turn Oct 26, 2002
I noticed your air losses jumped tremendously during your turn.
It had been @ 5186 and is now @ 6018...though i only did some 240 damage during my turn.
My detailed stats of air "deaths" equate :
R : 42 + 48 + 20
G : 12 + 25 + 2
I must admit though that keeping front line fighters in good condition is becoming a trying effort.
Also note that artillery in Moscow suffered a "Heavy" hit.
To be honest, i was somewhat surprised you were able to avoid the addiction of STARS! to even look at your email. I equate Stars as one of the best games i have seen in the past 2 decades. Gary Grigsby Battle of Britain(version 1-Apple II), Their Finest Hour(battle of Britain), Civilization I, Warlords I ...come to mind as comparable.
My efforts over past 2 months have been more to stymie a Russian 41 winter offensive. It will likely be Feb 42 before i am convinced of my efforts

R Turn 22 Kerry _> Mike turn Oct 26, 2002
More attacks with little effect, It looks like an early Blizzard turn so remember not to supply anything over 65%

G Turn 23 Mike -> Kerry turn Oct 27, 2002
Your moment to descend from Heaven has arrived.
I went back to play jun 22...just to see if the Russians had 1st turn...ie. G Jun 22, then R Jun 29. No such event. G Jun 22, then R Jun 22. SO, this is your FIRST 41 Blizzard turn. I hope the game is not hopelessly flawed as the web site Matrix Games-WIR suggests.
I am obviously very trepedatious about your coming turn.
If there is a general rout across the whole front, i will claim game error.(i think)
The German Airforce has been revamped.
Troops have mostly been reduced to average of 65% .
Most front line troops have entrenchment of at least 3.
It is expected that most German troops will hold...for at least one continuous combat.
Excuse me...if i take extra time to review you next turn and combat results. I will be reviewing the positions i left my troops in this game week vs what you do to them.
I noticed the air stats were somewhat equal in terms of victory points during your last turn assaults. I can only hope that mine were due to damages...while yours were due to deaths.

Due to the blizzard rule, German units have pulled a major retreat. Turn 29 Jan 4, 42 German move has just been completed Nov 30, 2002 by Mike B. A new thread is anticipated for the time AFTER the blizzard.