Taifun (Axis) v EarlyDoors (Allies)

[Taifun]

Gibraltar and Lisboa were captured this turn. Admiral Yamamoto now controlled a mixed Axis Task Force numbering 7 CVs, 7 BBs and 3 CAs.

Gibraltar.png (1.72 MiB) Viewed 1596 times

Our new U-Boote type IV were at last ready and Admiral Doenitz ordered them to start moving west towards the enemy convoy lanes.

World.png (2.12 MiB) Viewed 1596 times

[EarlyDoors]

January 1943

The Japanese conquest of Portugal was a surprise as was the amount of units they had in theatre. Now they control the European Atlantic coastline including the outlier island of the Azores. Maybe they have an invasion fleet heading for the UK?
The Destroyer USS Wainwright is attacked and sunk. Remaining naval forces withdraw to the Rockall - Shannon - Sole seazones.

Kreigsmarine forces are spotted and targeted around Willhelshaven. 21st Flotilla MTB is sunk in the Kiel canal. Maybe a pincer invasion is in the offing?

1943-01-01-us-maritime-bombers-damage-shipping-about-kiel.png (1.88 MiB) Viewed 1566 times

Although u-505 is sunk, HMS Prince of Wales and the Heavy Cruiser Hotspur go down with all hands in the North Sea. Germany can navigate the Norwegian coastline and is able to transport a Romanian corps into Trondheim trapping the Royal Marines. Backs to the wall lads.

1943-01-01-prince-of-wales-sunk-by-u-boats-rm-trapped.png (1.4 MiB) Viewed 1566 times

USSR loses a corps, a cavalry corps and an armoured train. Axis forces are at the gates of Perm.

1943-01-01-at-the-gates-of-perm.png (1.35 MiB) Viewed 1566 times

[EarlyDoors]

January 1942 - Asia

Chinese forces at Chungking are forced back across the river.

1943-01-01-chinese-fall-back-across-the-river.png (856.36 KiB) Viewed 1565 times

In the Coral Sea Japanese Maritime Bombers battle US carriers for control of the island chains.
The escort carrier Shoho is sunk.

1943-01-01-maritime-bombers-battle-us-carriers-for-the-coral-sea.png (876.44 KiB) Viewed 1565 times

The US now have Heavy Bombers level 2 and swing Turkey a further 8% toward them.

[EarlyDoors]

The War in Numbers

The Axis have numerical unit superiority

1943-01-01-units.png (863.36 KiB) Viewed 1564 times

And have hardly lost any units.

1943-01-01-detailed-losses.png (933.09 KiB) Viewed 1564 times

Research / Diplomacy
==================
UK RD 600 Diplo 450
USA RD 4925 Diplo 400
USSR RD 1375 Diplo 0
GER RD 3375 Diplo 300
ITA RD 1775 Diplo 300
JAP RD 2125 Diplo 150

National Morale
=============
UK 45
USA 84
USSR 52
CHINA 69
IND 61
GER 116
ITA 76
JAP 112


MPP circa
========
UK 360
USA 880
USSR 590
CHINA 170
IND 55
GER 880
ITA 230
JAP 430

[Taifun]

Our Forces in Guadalcanal won’t be dislodged easily. The invading US forces will need additional reinforcements to capture the island. Rear Admiral Mikawa was reinforced with an additional BB and CA.

Solomons.png (1.57 MiB) Viewed 1547 times

Yamamoto sailed northwest towards the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. The Regia Marina was covering the north flank acting as scout force while U-Boote type IV were already hammering the UK convoys…

Jan World.png (1.67 MiB) Viewed 1547 times

[EarlyDoors]

Late January 1943

Chinese II Corps are destroyed as the Japanese push to breakout from Sian.

1943-01-29-breakout-from-sian.png (735.42 KiB) Viewed 1507 times

The Indian 3rd Garrison that ventured south towards Bombay is destroyed by a Japanese Corps. Even though the enemy are in low supply they still pack a punch. Further north, Japan concentrates its supply headquarters about Allahabad and the front line troops attempt to swarm the remaing Indian positions.

1943-01-29-india-allahabad-supply.png (1.18 MiB) Viewed 1507 times

The US Pacific Fleet in the Coral Sea target the 22nd naval flotilla maritime bombers and remove them ahead of a landing by Marine Corps tanks. Rabaul and its port are liberated. General McArthur's HQ is taking hits.

1943-01-29-japanese-maritime-bombers-knocked-out-of-rabaul.png (1.13 MiB) Viewed 1507 times

The Atlantic Fleet lost the destroyers Somers and Leary to Axis attack and respond with the destruction of the Italian Heavy Crusier Pola. I fear this has done little more than reveal their position.

Perhaps the invasion fleet is heading for Ireland. UK Air Assets relocate in anticipation.

1943-01-29-combined-axis-task-force-steams-towards-ireland.png (1.94 MiB) Viewed 1507 times

[EarlyDoors]

Late January 1943 - Elsewhere

The Soviets lose the 1st Red banner Army as Perm prepares for its last stand. I think this month was the only occasion since the previous March that the luftwaffe were grounded by weather. :shakesFist

1943-01-29-perm-the-last-stand.png (1.41 MiB) Viewed 1503 times

Also the convoys are attacked for the first time in a while. MPP flow had been strong. Now there are some losses to the Canada route.

1943-01-29-convoys-attacked.png (763.52 KiB) Viewed 1503 times

[Taifun]

The Soviets are defeated. Perm, the last capital, was captured this turn but Stalin was nowhere to be found… Gorky (northeast of Moscow) was surrounded and Baku in the Caucasus at last fell in our hands. The OKW started the transfer of unit towards the French coast, operation SEALION was to be launched next summer.

USSR.png (2.93 MiB) Viewed 1486 times

Admiral Yamamoto begun searching for the Allied Task Force that, operating in the Atlantic, sunk the Italian CA Pola. The weather was clear, and that spell doom for the Allied ships. Soon the Allied mixed fleet was spotted: 2 CVLs, 3 BBs, 1 CA, 1 CL and 1 DD.

Allied TASK FORCE.png (1.19 MiB) Viewed 1486 times

The Allied Task Force was obliterated, not a single ship escaped destruction. A big Death Star Task Force was formed by Admiral Yamamoto.

Death Star.png (751.67 KiB) Viewed 1486 times

49706996182_7d2c89bf98_b.jpg (126.41 KiB) Viewed 1486 times

[Taifun]

After the fall of Rabaul Rear Admiral Mikawa retreated further west along the north coast of New Guinea. He was reinforced with a BB and a CL, with an additional CVL in transit near the Banda Sea. General McArthur was captured wounded in Guadalcanal.

Mikawa.png (2.23 MiB) Viewed 1484 times

German troops entered Persia from the Caucasus. Japanese forces continued to advance in China and India…

World.png (1.83 MiB) Viewed 1484 times

[redrum68]

Wow just absolutely brutal turn for the Allies. I think you might need a mercy rule at this point!

[EarlyDoors]

February 1943

Wow just absolutely brutal turn for the Allies. I think you might need a mercy rule at this point!

The US Atlantic fleet lost Heavy Cruiser Astoria, the Escort Carriers Belleau Wood and Bataan, the Battleships Arkansas, New York, and Texas, the Light Cruiser Brooklyn along with the Canadian destroyer Annapolis. I've had to write a lot of letters home.
Maybe those Japanese Amphibious Transports are targeting the Atlantic seaboard now?

1943-02-26-us-atlantic-fleet-destroyed-invasion-imminent.png (552.36 KiB) Viewed 1425 times

In Norway the Royal Marines seek sanctuary in Lillehammer.

1943-02-26-royal-marines-seek-sanctuary-in-lillehammer.png (850.01 KiB) Viewed 1425 times

On the eastern front Baku and Perm have fallen but the Soviets fight on for now.
USSR 18th and 1st Guards Army are destroyed.

1943-02-26-perm-has-fallen.png (1.57 MiB) Viewed 1425 times

The Victors of Moscow, the Italian Arriete tanks push onwards only to have the door closed behind them at Gorky.

1943-02-26-ariete-tanks-cutoff-at-gorky.png (1.01 MiB) Viewed 1425 times

[EarlyDoors]

February 1943 - Asia

UK AASF Tactical Bombers about Jodhpur are destroyed by a Japanese Corps along with the 1st Indian Garrison defending Lucknow. Brighter news reaches Delhi as a South African and French relief force made it through to the port of Karachi. They should arrive by rail to the Capital next month.

1943-02-26-french-and-south-african-relief-force-land-at-karachi.png (1.47 MiB) Viewed 1423 times

On the Soloman Islands MacArthur's HQ is destroyed and rain hampers the Battle of the Bismarck Archipelago.
Americal Corps are now out of supply.

1943-02-26-macarthur-destroyed-bad-weather-hampers-battle-of-the-bismarck-archipelago.png (1.57 MiB) Viewed 1423 times

[Taifun]

Light US Naval forces were already scouting north of the Bismarck Archipelago and threatened Lorengau and Wewak. Rear Admiral Mikawa retreated to the Palau Islands where he expected to engage the American CVs. The US carrier forces in the South Pacific were little by little becoming weaker after engaging in several small attrition combats.

Mikawa.png (1.87 MiB) Viewed 1415 times

General Goering translated his HQ to Versailles and started concentrating all available planes in western Europe. The Low Countries were invaded to open the skies of eastern England to our bombers. The Luftwaffe and partner Air Forces already had 6 fighter wings, 4 bombers wings and 2 naval bombers in the area. The old Spitfires level 1 were no match for our new FW190s level 3.
During the following months we will gain air superiority and destroy the Allied naval bombers based in southern England in anticipation to SEALION.

Europe.png (1.69 MiB) Viewed 1415 times

General Yamamoto sailed northwest. As he approached Newfoundland and Nova Scotia he surprised and sunk 3 new US CVLs and destroyed or damaged several other ships. Halifax port was sieged, and Japanese SF landed to take control of an operating port in the area.

World.png (1.69 MiB) Viewed 1415 times

[EarlyDoors]

March 1943

Chinese CXV Corps destroyed as Japanese forces surge over the river west of Chungking.

1943-03-26-china.png (1 MiB) Viewed 1371 times

Axis sail westward across the Atlantic and Japanese Special Forces land on Newfoundland and Nova Scotia.
The Escort Carriers Core, Bogue, and Card are all sunk along with the Canadian destroyer Assinboine.

1943-03-26-japan-invades-newfoundland.png (852.47 KiB) Viewed 1371 times

Across the South Coast of England, the luftwaffe step up attacks on shipping. The sub Salmon is lost.
On the continent, Germany attacks neutral Holland destroying the bulk of their forces and marches into Luxembourg whose citizens reject unification in a plebiscite.

1943-03-26-luftwaffe-attacks-uk-shipping.png (1.46 MiB) Viewed 1371 times

Allied forces strengthen their defences at Delhi and more units disembark at Karachi.

1943-03-26-india.png (1.55 MiB) Viewed 1371 times

[EarlyDoors]

March 1943 - The World is Enslaved

1943-03-26-slavery.png (741.05 KiB) Viewed 1369 times

[petedalby]

Another excellent AAR. Thanks very much guys. And congratulations on an awesome victory Taifun. Commiserations Jon.

[Taifun]

Mr FDR and Mr Churchill reading the surrender documents.

Allies signs surrender.jpg (355.95 KiB) Viewed 1347 times

Many thanks Earlydoors for this game, it was great to work on this combined AAR. Some comments on strategy:
- I now think that it is an IMPERATIVE for the UK/France attacking the Italian Regia Marina early in the game, before the Luftwaffe arrives to the Med. The UK needs to take control of the Med as Italy will most probably be a future target later in 42-43. In this game the UK lost control of the Med and Italy was left alone, master of the MARE NOSTRUM, upgrading the Regia Marina and becoming an important naval player.
- I think that the Germans took the right decision attacking in Libya/Egypt. The Allies need to hold the Suez Canal to deny the passage of the IJN to the Med and Atlantic. And the Iraqi MMPs were a most welcomed additional reward. Do not overkill the Italians in Abyssinia, the Allies need those Indian troops elsewhere.
- The UK made a good job keeping open the Murmansk convoys. They controlled important areas of Norway, but they paid a heavy price. The UK strategic bombers were missing in North Africa as was some additional infantry. General O’Connor was left with very few MMPs to work with.
- The Axis naval strategy was to destroy the Royal Navy not the convoy MMPs. In a long series of small naval actions, the Royal Navy lost half of its strength. Many times, their ships were not even upgraded to even level 1 technologies.
- Once it was clear that the Germans have broken the Dnepr defense line the Soviets still concentrated many forces in Baltic States and Finland. Stalin should have listened more carefully to General Zhukov…
- The invasion of India was a long and hard struggle, but it worked well for the Axis powers. India was a BLACK HOLE for Allied bombers and fighters. No less than 5 heavy bomber wigs and many fighters were operating in the area at the end of the war, far away from the European theater of operations, not hurting the German economy.
- The Battle of the Atlantic. Germany invested heavily in advance subs and in 1943 they were already building level 4 subs. After losing 5 MTBs and 5 Destroyers the Allies had to invest heavily in anti-sub warfare. The US bought at least 6 CVLs and 5-6 naval bombers, and the UK a few more MTBs and naval bombers. Not many MMPs were left to invest in land Tecnologies or troops.
- The US Navy built more than 8-9 subs, but never upgraded any of them. Why build such a huge sub fleet and no invest in advance subs? Seach for congruency.
- The Allies need many AAs.

[Taifun]

World April.png (3.03 MiB) Viewed 1339 times

[BiteNibbleChomp]

Thanks for posting this AAR, it has been a pleasure to read! And of course congratulations to Taifun on a hard-earned victory

- BNC

[Taifun]

Some notes on research:

Research.png (678.1 KiB) Viewed 1330 times

The UK failed to invest. That was a mayor handicap for the UK fighting forces, and the Axis already detected this in 1940.
The Soviets didn’t invest seriously on tank tech. They were fighting with outdated level 1 tanks with no armored warfare upgrade (only 1 attack). You need level 2 tanks with 2 attack to mount effective counterattacks on German forward tank spearheads. Not a single panzerkorps was lost in the USSR. They failed to invest in command and control and instead went for production and industrial technologies. That was a mayor surprise to me.

The US, Germany and Japan had all level 3 advance fighters. But the UK was still flying the old Spitfires level 1 with big aerial losses.

The US didn't plan for a big land offensive in Europe as they didn't invest in Artillery, command and control, infantry or armored warfare. They instead developed antisub level 3 ...

The US and Japan both had level 2 naval tech and level 2 long range a/c, so the carriers of both nations were operating with the same equipped carriers.
The Chinese did a lot of good investments: level 1 infantry weapons, level 2 command and control, level 2 AA, and most surprisingly level 2 Production Technology!

The US, Italy, Germany and Japan had all level 4 industrial technology but the US invested heavily in production technology (level 4).

Japan was the country with the best logistics, best amphibious warfare, and best AA.

Thanks BiteNibbleChomp, petedalby and all for following! EarlyDoors is a true gentleman and great player and look forward to replay with him soon