Matrix Games Forums

Feb 2, 1940

As in our mirror game both Poland and Denmark have been conquered.

So far only 2 UK land units in France, but this could change.

Production. To try and counter the All-In strategy I am building as many armour and mech as possible. I will have 5 armour and 3 mech ready by early May, with a 4th Mech arriving in June. I am going with only 1 para and I am building a lot fewer supply trucks then usual.

Casualties. I tried to copy Hadros and bombed a few French Maginot line units. For my troubles I lost 2 air and only destroyed 2 French land points. Either I am very unlucky compared to Hadros or he knows some trick that I don't. My 19 land and 7 air losses in Poland and Denmark compare unfavourably with Hadros'record in our mirror game.

Tech Advancements. Heavy armour is doing very well. Unfortunately assault is lagging far behind and my infantry will almost definitely not be ready for France.

FEB 16, 1940

Little to report here either. 3 MS sunk and my U-boats head back to port for refueling and repairs. I build 20 German supply trucks.

MAR 1, 1940

Cold Weather. Under the old rules I would be conquering Belgium from the Netherlands. Of course under the old rules I never got cold on the first March turn.

More BEF are appearing in France. But still a "controllable" number.

Lets see if you get the crazy weather...I have seen cold weather from now till May...once as the USSR. That was a bad year.

I don't think you have enough armor to take Belgium down from the East yet. Hopefully some arrives soon incase you get a cold April

By the 2nd April turn I will have 4 armour and 2 mechanized. Is that enough to conquer Belgium in 1 turn? I know it was when I could start with units in Luxembourg.

Yes that is enough...I think just 4 armor can do it...so long as you get the retreats. I have had the Belgians hold for a few attacks before and that wears down the armor.

I almost always take the Netherlands first. But that is me...I have always had bad luck in Belgium with the rivers for some reason.

O yes, 6 armor/mech is for sure even without going by Netherlands (as long as Luxemburg is empty of course and no bad clicks mistakes). I would find it hard however with only 4 armors (no mechs) for "in one turn" (without Netherland). Would have to try it a few times, but seems to me very risky.

MAR 15, 1940

Snow. I gain my first research advancements as German Breakthrough and Close Support advance. Not what I would have chosen, but I'll take them. I pull all research from Breakthrough and switch to large ships.

MAR 29, 1940

Heavy rain. 0 MS Sunk and a I lost a U-Boat! But the real embarrassment is that the Allies only had 5 escorts.

I forgot to report that the Germans have been building 20 supply trucks per turn for the last few turns. About half what I used to before the rule changes. I am not sure if they are worth the cost of 60 production per turn; guess I will find out.

APRIL 12, 1940

Cold Weather; but I can't take advantage of it as I only have 2 armour and a mech. I sink 4 MS, but lose 4 U-Boat points; not a good exchange. I retreat with the two U-Boats I have out and replace them with two 41 teach U-Boats. Maybe they will have better hunting. Heavy Armour and Interceptor techs both advance. Now I am just waiting for Assault.

APRIL 26, 1940

Heavy Rain. 3 MS sunk. Forces and Casualties.

Tech

MAY 10, 1940

Clear Weather. 3 MS Sunk

Belgium is conquered not one but twice. Below is the after map from the 1st time.

And this is the screen I was staring at for about 30 minutes after I tried to save my completed turn. The odd thig is that I got the report that I had connected with the server.

This is the map after my 2nd attempt. Not too much difference; but of course I did worse, particularly in the air battles, then I did on my first try. I now have 5 armour, 3 mechanized, 5 air superiority, 3 ground attack, 4 medium bombers, 5 U-Boats and 50 supply trucks available. I count 8 UK units.

MAY 24, 1940

4 MS Sunk. The Map prior to my moves. Note the several air strikes on my panzer. I use up 24 supply trucks on my panzers and begin my assault on France.

Since my infantry are lagging behind, my armour and mech do all the work. I advance a few hexes into France and, with careful planning, manage to shatter 3 French Corps and maul a few others. But the wear and tear on my mobile forces is already showing.