Slitherine

WalterTFD wrote: ↑

Mon Sep 28, 2020 3:23 am

You are crushing it! I had the same feeling like you did here, this mission gave maybe a few more turns than it needed to.

A challenge, I'd be honestly impressed if you can take the Ebro mission on without using that envelopment hero and get the bonus objective. I failed at that in my playthrough, the only way I could get the bonus was with an auto-routing guy.

Hah, too late for that. I'll upload the newest addition in a moment, but I did keep that guy active in Ebro. Interestingly, his role was quite minor. A few small captures and some extra support, but it was both AT guns that did the hardest work.

AO Spanish Civil War - Battle of the Ebro


An obvious yes to this idea. A talented fighter pilot will become the leader of I./JG 61 and in fact the entire JG 61. With all the bonuses provided it should be much easier to deal with "swarms of Ratas" that the briefing hints about.



Starting Prestige (after purchases and replacements): 15154

Big investment in CTV troops should pay off by reducing losses and making the fight a lot more manageable.

Hero:



As if really wanting to help take down aircraft in this scenario, Werner Klein appears and joins FlaK Abt 271, making its 8.8 cm AA guns a force to be reckoned with.

New Units Commissioned:

None, but significant CTV presence is requested to reduce losses in the long run.

Starting Army Composition:

Tank

PzAbt 401 - Panzer IB - ** - Steamroller, Survivor
PzAbt 402 - Panzer IB - ** - Steamroller
PzAbt 501 - Panzer IB - ** - Steamroller
PzAbt 502 - Verdeja 2 - ** - Steamroller, Survivor
PzAbt 411 - Panzer IIA

Recon

AufkAbt 11 - SdKfz 221 - ** - Envelopment

Anti-Tank

Panzerjäger Abt 201 - Panzer I Breda - * - Field Repairs
Panzerjäger Abt 202 - Panzer I Breda - * - No Retaliation
Panzerjäger Abt 211 - 3.7 cm Pak 36 (Horse Transport)

Anti-Aircraft

FlaK Abt 271 - 8.8 cm FlaK 18 (SdKfz 7) - * - Fast Learner, Lethal Attack
FlaK Abt 272 - SdKfz 10/4 - *
FlaK Abt 273 - SdKfz 10/4

Artillery

Artillerie Abt 601 - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (Horse Transport) - *
Artillerie Abt 602 - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (Horse Transport) - *
Artillerie Abt 701 - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (Horse Transport) - ** - Counter Battery Fire
Artillerie Abt 702 - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (Horse Transport) - *
Artillerie Abt 611 - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (Horse Transport)

Fighter

I./JG 61 - Bf 109B - * - Fast Rebase - Adolf Galland
II./JG 61 - Bf 109B - * - Leadership
III./JG 61 - Bf 109B - *
IV./JG 61 - Bf 109B

Tactical Bomber

I./SG 7 - Ju 87A - ** - Double Move
II./SG 7 - Ju 87A - **
III./SG 7 - Hs123a - *

Corpo Truppe Volontarie

11º Reggimento fanteria - CTV Infantry (Truck)
12º Reggimento fanteria - CTV Infantry (Truck)
13º Reggimento fanteria - CTV Infantry (Truck)
14º Reggimento fanteria - CTV Infantry (Truck)
222º Sezione sanità - 47/32 M35 (Truck)
11º Reggimento artiglieria terrestre - 105mm 105/28 (Horse Transport)
1 Gruppo 1 Sq - G.50
1 Gruppo 2 Sq - G.50

Reserve

Recons while useful in crossing the river, would then likely take huge losses. Strategic bomber only suppress and here we need sheer kills instead. I would also struggle to escort them all when fighters need to take down swarms of Republican planes.

AufkAbt 12 - SdKfz 221 - ** - Field Repairs
AufkAbt 21 - SdKfz 231 6Rad - **
AufkAbt 22 - SdKfz 231 6Rad - *
Panzerjäger Abt 212 - 3.7 cm Pak 36 (Horse Transport)
I./AG 9 - He 70 Rayo - * - Prudent
I./KG 43 - Ju 86 - *
II./KG 43 - Ju 86 - *
III./KG 43 - Ju 86

Highlights


Army immediately crosses the river near Asco, to take out artillery occupying advantageous positions on hills.


While hunting down tanks, Panzerjäger Abt 202 runs into multiple infantry units and is attacked, but to little effect.


Positions around Benifallet seem quite easy to defend. Without artillery to soften up my forces, even T-26 tanks are just going to be destroyed easily on the bridges.


PzAbt 502 fights so many infantry units that the soldiers get to know the little things that make a difference in combat situations.


Hills south of Flix are now cleared, making defense of the city much easier, even against large forces. The situation should be under control moving forward.


At the same time terrain east of Benisanet is swarming with Republican forces. Defenders require some quick aid!


Panzerjäger Abt 202 is distinguished again, this time thanks to its success against enemy tanks. No Retaliation is really proving to be a top tier ability.


Benisanet falls and attackers move north, but they encounter the Legion Condor relief force.


Sudden rain gives the air force much needed time to replace losses and resupply.


Miravet is the next key point. While safe for now, with so many heavy guns on the other side of Ebro I cannot just allow them to shell my forces forever.


With Ju 87A targeting mostly tanks, III./SG 7 specializes in infantry and other soft targets.


Another wave of attackers reaches Flix, catching some of the defenders off guard.


With so much combat going on, it is not a surprise that yet another medal is given this day.


Fighter aces of I./JG 61 are becoming a true force to be reckoned with.


Just as the battle is about to end, my forces manage to encircle the Republicans near Miravet and clear them out.

Summary:

Final Prestige: 17174 (up 2020)
CP gained: 1 (up to 2, 10 spent)

Equipment captured in scenario:

T-26 - 2 (up to 45)
20mm M33 - 6 (up to 47)
105mm Vickers M22 - 9 (up to 31)
75mm Schneider M06 - 4 (up to 16)
70mm Schneider M08 - 4 (up to 21)
122mm M10/30 - 15 (up to 25)
152mm M10/30 - 8 (up to 12)

Other equipment gained:

None

Overall:

What used to be a hellish experience wet a lot easier this time. I even managed to gain prestige in the later turns as the situations started to stabilize. Once artillery on east bank of Ebro goes silent, the prestige bleeding stops and the relatively generous amount per turn (at least on Generl level) starts to add up. For sure the reduced number of attackers introduced in the patch is important, but I feel that also knowing how to position the army and where to strike the second time were critical. In the first campaign, my attacks were less concentrated and forces not as optimally spread. Now, knowing which crossings are easier to breach and which are not possible to force my way through, I was able to apply concentrated forces and encirclement, making things much easier. I also took full advantage of CTV forces and their presence allows to make attacks otherwise impossible or block key passages, while previously I employed maybe half of the slots, not knowing what I'm getting into. Even if up to this point I relied on CTV aerial support exclusively, here their assistance on the ground really made a difference. There is something deeply satisfying about beating this scenario now with significantly improved results, but maybe, just maybe, it became too timid after the updates.

AO Spanish Civil War - Catalonia

Starting Prestige (after purchases and replacements): 18172

Hero:



Victor Braun joins PzAbt 411. This battalion is to specialize in anti-infantry combat, so the ability should help assaulting targets in close terrain, while also providing some overall benefits in other situations as well.

New Equipment Provided:

AufkAbt 11 - SdKfz 222
AufkAbt 12 - SdKfz 222

Noticeable upgrade to light recon cars offering increased firepower and superior armor. I'm looking forward to this improvement, as it will help very experienced units perform even better and stand up to many early war tanks.

Starting Army Composition:

Tank

PzAbt 401 - Panzer IB - ** - Steamroller, Survivor
PzAbt 402 - Panzer IB - ** - Steamroller
PzAbt 501 - Panzer IB - ** - Steamroller
PzAbt 502 - Verdeja 2 - ** - Steamroller, Survivor
PzAbt 411 - Panzer IIA - * - First Strike

Recon

AufkAbt 11 - SdKfz 222 - ** - Envelopment
AufkAbt 12 - SdKfz 222 - ** - Field Repairs
AufkAbt 21 - SdKfz 231 6Rad - **
AufkAbt 22 - SdKfz 231 6Rad - *

Anti-Tank

Panzerjäger Abt 201 - Panzer I Breda - * - Field Repairs
Panzerjäger Abt 202 - Panzer I Breda - * - No Retaliation, Survivor
Panzerjäger Abt 211 - 3.7 cm Pak 36 (Horse Transport)
Panzerjäger Abt 212 - 3.7 cm Pak 36 (Horse Transport)

Artillery

Artillerie Abt 601 - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (Horse Transport) - **
Artillerie Abt 602 - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (Horse Transport) - *
Artillerie Abt 701 - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (Horse Transport) - ** - Counter Battery Fire
Artillerie Abt 702 - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (Horse Transport) - **
Artillerie Abt 611 - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (Horse Transport) - *

Anti-Aircraft

FlaK Abt 271 - 8.8 cm FlaK 18 (SdKfz 7) - * - Fast Learner, Lethal Attack
FlaK Abt 272 - SdKfz 10/4 - *
FlaK Abt 273 - SdKfz 10/4

Fighter

I./JG 61 - Bf 109B - ** - Fast Rebase - Adolf Galland
II./JG 61 - Bf 109B - * - Leadership
IV./JG 61 - Bf 109B

Tactical Bomber

I./AG 9 - He 70 Rayo - * - Prudent

Strategic Bomber

I./KG 43 - Ju 86 - *
II./KG 43 - Ju 86 - *
III./KG 43 - Ju 86

Reserve

Since the briefing mentioned bad weather I could get some new deep reserve units to deploy, but ultimately I decide to try and bet on at least tome air force thinking that it can't possibly be snowing all the time. I also do not require as deep reserves as I could assign and deploy. Even if they were used in this scenario, it would be ages since they could become useful again.

III./JG 61 - Bf 109B - *
I./SG 7 - Ju 87A - ** - Double Move
II./SG 7 - Ju 87A - **
III./SG 7 - Hs123a - **

Highlights


Fast ground troop quickly dispose of encountered transports and initial escorting units.


Despite the forecast the weather is good, which allows to provide support and take care of the transports even faster.


Heavy snowfall finally grounds planes on the airfield near Vic. Hopefully no enemies will sneak in and take it!


While I was hoping to move towards Girona, the amount of convoys is so large, that the army is already too busy on the way there.


Final strikes at defenseless convoys as the scenario comes to an end.

Summary:

Final Prestige: 18604 (up 432)
CP gained: 1 (up to 3)

Equipment captured in scenario:

None

Other equipment gained:

None

Overall:

Quick and easy scenario that works as a welcome change of pace after Ebro. It also proved to be the source of a quite useful hero. Some reserve units picked up more experience as well, so this expedition was well worth the effort.

Why deploy aircraft to Catalonia and take the risk? Many Republican forces patrol all over the map, could have lost your entire air force to an open airfield on a snowy turn.

Oh well, some lessons just have to be learned the hard way. When the snow (or rain) starts to fall, it's time to start reserving aircraft. And for those few that are left never, ever leave an airfield unprotected in bad weather.

Kerensky wrote: ↑

Tue Sep 29, 2020 6:50 pm

Why deploy aircraft to Catalonia and take the risk? Many Republican forces patrol all over the map, could have lost your entire air force to an open airfield on a snowy turn.

Oh well, some lessons just have to be learned the hard way. When the snow (or rain) starts to fall, it's time to start reserving aircraft. And for those few that are left never, ever leave an airfield unprotected in bad weather.

Truth be told, I... entirely forgot that mechanic existed somehow until it started snowing and an infantry unit sneaked up on my artillery on hills and attacked it out of the blue. In the end nothing bad happened to the airfield and I pulled a recon back quickly, but that was too close for comfort. It was indeed a silly mistake and I'm sure harsh Russian winters in future AO will not be as forgiving in terms of aircraft deployment and leaving their bases unguarded. I got greedy and wanted to have my air force gain some easy experience, but I guess it's myself who got the most experience from this instead.

Aircraft airfield mechanic is just part of the game. It's just hyper dangerous, and never practically comes into consideration in a campaign. It's just too game ending to lose up to 7 veteran air units instantly.

It is neat to use against the AI though, advancing during bad weather and wrecking their air force indirectly.

Catalonia is a nice breather after the brutal struggle on the Ebro.

Madrid awaits! Get your city fight on.

AO Spanish Civil War - Madrid 1939

Starting Prestige (after purchases and replacements): 21240


I agree this time. I will have no use for the commendation left and some extra equipment, while probably will not see any action, can at least boost morale and supply a few museums.

Hero:



Wolfgang Hoffmann is a very universal hero. I had trouble deciding where to assign him, as firing support fire twice is something that can be useful on basically any unit. Ultimately I went for Artillerie Abt 702, creating an artillery battalion that will be able to almost entirely nullify an attack by opposing infantry.

Starting Army Composition:

Tank

PzAbt 401 - Panzer IB - ** - Steamroller, Survivor
PzAbt 402 - Panzer IB - ** - Steamroller
PzAbt 501 - Panzer IB - ** - Steamroller
PzAbt 502 - Verdeja 2 - ** - Steamroller, Survivor
PzAbt 411 - Panzer IIA - * - First Strike

Recon

AufkAbt 11 - SdKfz 222 - ** - Envelopment
AufkAbt 12 - SdKfz 222 - ** - Field Repairs
AufkAbt 22 - SdKfz 231 6Rad - *

Anti-Tank

Panzerjäger Abt 201 - Panzer I Breda - * - Field Repairs
Panzerjäger Abt 202 - Panzer I Breda - * - No Retaliation, Survivor


Artillery

Artillerie Abt 601 - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (Horse Transport) - **
Artillerie Abt 602 - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (Horse Transport) - *
Artillerie Abt 701 - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (Horse Transport) - ** - Counter Battery Fire
Artillerie Abt 702 - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (Horse Transport) - ** - Double Support
Artillerie Abt 611 - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (Horse Transport) - *

Fighter

I./JG 61 - Bf 109B - ** - Fast Rebase - Adolf Galland
II./JG 61 - Bf 109B - * - Leadership
III./JG 61 - Bf 109B - *
IV./JG 61 - Bf 109B

Tactical Bomber

I./SG 7 - Ju 87A - ** - Double Move
II./SG 7 - Ju 87A - **
III./SG 7 - Hs123a - **
I./AG 9 - He 70 Rayo - * - Prudent

Strategic Bomber

I./KG 43 - Ju 86 - *
II./KG 43 - Ju 86 - *
III./KG 43 - Ju 86

Reserve

With air dominance and extra CTV auxiliary air forces there is no reason to use AA guns, especially since in city combat their role is limited further. Light AT guns are also not really needed on a city map.

AufkAbt 21 - SdKfz 231 6Rad - **
Panzerjäger Abt 211 - 3.7 cm Pak 36 (Horse Transport)
Panzerjäger Abt 212 - 3.7 cm Pak 36 (Horse Transport)
FlaK Abt 271 - 8.8 cm FlaK 18 (SdKfz 7) - * - Fast Learner, Lethal Attack
FlaK Abt 272 - SdKfz 10/4 - *
FlaK Abt 273 - SdKfz 10/4

Highlights


Wrecks of tanks on the outskirts of Madrid show the war is lost for both for Communists and Republicans.


Armored cards in city terrain are getting obliterated by infantry, but at this point the opponent cares not for any losses at all and continues to push forward.


Tanks also seem to easily find themselves in difficult positions. I apply some artillery suppression form afar to make them even more tempting targets.


I have my army approach slowly and try to keep away from the city center, allowing Republicans and Communists to bleed out in combat against each other first.


Soon enough, the majority of communist forces are trapped between my army to the east and Republican positions to the west.


Some Rebublicans get encirceled as well, making this a nightmare to Wagner who tries to keep the map readable and up to date.


Quite a few tanks are remaining on the other side of the river. They will be tricky to take out, unless I can lure them into close terrain.


With the final encirclement complete, last Republican units have no choice but to surrender.

Summary:

Final Prestige: 21837 (up 567)
CP gained: 0 (3 used up)

Equipment captured in scenario:

BT-5 - 1 (up to 39)
T-26 - 3 (up to 78)
UNL-35 - 6 (up to 58)
AAC-1937 - 2 (up to 13)
20mm M33 - 1 (up to 48)
76.2mm M31 - 4 (up to 8 )
152mm M10/30 - 1 (up to 13)

Other equipment gained:

T-26 - 30
Trubia - 30
UNL-35 - 30
I-16 - 30

Overall:

Two factions fighting each other make for an interesting scenario and I understand why we get direct control over infantry this time - they would likely interfere with using the situation to the best advantage. Slowly waiting for the infantry to take out most dangerous tanks and artillery, bombarding them and putting under artillery fire to direct attacks almost as it was done with Nationalist allies is something unique and memorable. I'm almost curious how long would it take to see only one side to emerge victorious (this would have to be Communist forces due their superior equipment). The only issue I had was that my plays were sloppy, possibly since this was the very last scenario and with so many supplies to spare I was not as focused to take optimal decisions, easily sending infantry on risky attacks. This could have been much more profitable otherwise.

Time to directly continue onto 1939!

AO Spanish Civil War - Summary

Starting Prestige: 1400
Final Prestige: 21837 (up 20437)

That's more than double my prestige from the first SCW run. Knowing the scenarios was a major advantage, even if I forgot some counter attacks and other traps awaiting along the way and allowed to avoid silly losses. There is for course the factor that after the patch the overall prestige amount was increased, so it's not like my abilities got hugely better.

Final Army Composition:

Tank

PzAbt 401 - Panzer IB - ** - Steamroller, Survivor
PzAbt 402 - Panzer IB - ** - Steamroller
PzAbt 501 - Panzer IB - ** - Steamroller
PzAbt 502 - Verdeja 2 - ** - Steamroller, Survivor
PzAbt 411 - Panzer IIA - * - First Strike

Recon

AufkAbt 11 - SdKfz 222 - ** - Envelopment
AufkAbt 12 - SdKfz 222 - ** - Field Repairs
AufkAbt 21 - SdKfz 231 6Rad - **
AufkAbt 22 - SdKfz 231 6Rad - *

Anti-Tank

Panzerjäger Abt 201 - Panzer I Breda - * - Field Repairs
Panzerjäger Abt 202 - Panzer I Breda - * - No Retaliation, Survivor
Panzerjäger Abt 211 - 3.7 cm Pak 36 (Horse Transport)
Panzerjäger Abt 212 - 3.7 cm Pak 36 (Horse Transport)

Artillery

Artillerie Abt 601 - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (Horse Transport) - **
Artillerie Abt 602 - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (Horse Transport) - **
Artillerie Abt 701 - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (Horse Transport) - ** - Counter Battery Fire
Artillerie Abt 702 - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (Horse Transport) - ** - Double Support
Artillerie Abt 611 - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (Horse Transport) - *

Anti-Aircraft

FlaK Abt 271 - 8.8 cm FlaK 18 (SdKfz 7) - * - Fast Learner, Lethal Attack
FlaK Abt 272 - SdKfz 10/4 - *
FlaK Abt 273 - SdKfz 10/4

Fighter

I./JG 61 - Bf 109B - ** - Fast Rebase - Adolf Galland
II./JG 61 - Bf 109B - ** - Leadership
III./JG 61 - Bf 109B - *
IV./JG 61 - Bf 109B

Tactical Bomber

I./SG 7 - Ju 87A - ** - Double Move
II./SG 7 - Ju 87A - **
III./SG 7 - Hs123a - **
I./AG 9 - He 70 Rayo - * - Prudent

Strategic Bomber

I./KG 43 - Ju 86 - *
II./KG 43 - Ju 86 - *
III./KG 43 - Ju 86 - *

Trophies of War:

Tank:
FT-17 - 27
Vickers Mk.III - 13
BT-5 - 39
T-26 - 78
Trubia - 57

Recon:
Bilbao - 25
UNL-35 - 58
AAC-1937 - 15
BA-6 - 3

Anti-Tank:
37mm M1930 - 12
45mm M1932 - 6

Artillery:
105mm Vickers M22 - 31
70mm Schneider M08 - 21
203mm M1931 - 29
152mm M10/30 - 13
122mm M10/30 - 25
75mm Schneider M06 - 16

Anti-Aircraft:
20mm M33 - 48
75mm Vickers M1931 - 6
76.2mm M31 - 8

Fighter:
I-16 - 30

Thoughts:

As far as heroes go, I feel this was a more leveled run, with overall improved variety and usefulness. Hopefully this trend will continue in 1939 and forward. Current army composition seems solid and balanced, but we shall see how the infantry development will look like. It was still interesting to see how things need to be approached when there is just one tank that can stand up to the opposition and fighter planes are inferior for almost half of the campaign to what the Republicans throw at me. With better and better equipment as the game progresses, this was certainly a feeling that won't get replicated easily in a German campaign situation. It also turned out that without Trophies of War the game does feel skewed in favor of the AI and proper usage of captured stuff, especially tanks, could have made a huge difference. With inferior weapons encirclement is key and Deadly Grasp while quiet and passive as a boost, served me well. Flexible Command did not come into use as often as it probably could, but it did allow to force a few key surrenders as well. Current stockpiles of captured weapons will for now serve museum purposes and as a memory of the time spent here.

AO 1939 - Czechoslovakia

Starting Prestige (after purchases and replacements): 22765
Starting CP: 5

Hero:



AO 1939 starts off with a great roll. Lars Lange is a perfect fit for Artillerie Abt 601, allowing it to be equipped with the biggest, baddest heavy towed gun there is. This will free up a lot of supply and allow to add a few more units in each scenario. Since I have to add infantry to the core now instead of relying on allies, every little bit counts and could save me some difficult dilemmas.

New Units Commissioned:

Pionier Brücken Bataillon 1 - Brückenpioniere (Opel Blitz)
Grenadier Reg 4 - Grenadier (Opel Blitz)
Pionier Bataillon 33 - Pioniere (Opel Blitz)
Pionier Bataillon 34 - Pioniere (Opel Blitz)
Infanterie Reg 57 - Wehr Infanterie (Opel Blitz)
Infanterie Reg 58 - Wehr Infanterie (Opel Blitz)

I decide to go with one bridge engineer (if I ever need two I'll just add them, it's not like their experience matters too much or is gained quickly), one grenadier, two pioneers and two regular infantry units. One of those will later be modified to gebirgsjäger, but for now for flavor and the fact this is less core costly I employ normal units. With my Spanish friends sending some help as well, this should suffice for the majority of this campaign. Funny enough, naming the units took me quite a long while to get things right, but while for vehicles battalion size seems logical, some infantry fits more at regiment level. It's complicated and I hope I got it at least partially right!

New Equipment Provided:

PzAbt 411 - Panzer IIC
Panzerjäger Abt 211 - (SdKfz 10)
Panzerjäger Abt 212 - (SdKfz 10)
Artillerie Abt 601 - (SdKfz 11)
Artillerie Abt 602 - (SdKfz 11)
Artillerie Abt 701 - 15 cm sFH 18 (SdKfz 7)
Artillerie Abt 702 - 15 cm sFH 18 (SdKfz 7)
Former Artillerie Abt 611, now Panzer Artillerie Abt 611 - Sturmpanzer I
I./JG 61 - Bf 109E
II./JG 61 - Bf 109E
III./JG 61 - Bf 109E
IV./JG 61 - Bf 109E
I./SG 7 - Ju 87B
II./SG 7 - Ju 87B
I./KG 43 - He 111H2
II./KG 43 - Do 17Z
III./KG 43 - Do 17Z

That's a lot of valuable upgrades! I equip PzAbt 411 with newer Panzer II's, keeping them around for their Rapid Fire ability and not upgrading Panzer I's yet, as Czechoslovakian equipment will soon be available and those units will stay in reserve this mission anyway. All units part with horse transport and both artillery with heroes receive formidable 15 cm sFH 18 guns. Artillerie Abt 601 for now keeps 10.5 cm leFH 18's, since something far better will be available for them next mission. I also employ first self propelled artillery for use in a more mobile assault group. New fighters and tactical bomber are important as well. As for strategic bombers, I get one He 111H2 for its superior range, but decide to also have two Do 17Z for their reduced slot cost. I will upgrade eventually, but since AO 1939 was as far as I remember quite core slot demanding, there's no point doing that yet.

Starting Army Composition:

Infantry

Pionier Brücken Bataillon 1 - Brückenpioniere (Opel Blitz)
Grenadier Reg 4 - Grenadier (Opel Blitz)
Pionier Bataillon 33 - Pioniere (Opel Blitz)
Pionier Bataillon 34 - Pioniere (Opel Blitz)
Infanterie Reg 57 - Wehr Infanterie (Opel Blitz)
Infanterie Reg 58 - Wehr Infanterie (Opel Blitz)
Infanterie Reg 99 (span.) - Azul Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - to join during the mission

Tank

PzAbt 411 - Panzer IIC - * - First Strike

Recon

AufkAbt 12 - SdKfz 222 - ** - Field Repairs
AufkAbt 21 - SdKfz 231 6Rad - **
AufkAbt 22 - SdKfz 231 6Rad - *

Anti-Tank

Panzerjäger Abt 201 - Panzer I Breda - * - Field Repairs
Panzerjäger Abt 211 - 3.7 cm Pak 36 (SdKfz 10)

Artillery

Artillerie Abt 601 - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (SdKfz 11) - ** - Zero Slots
Artillerie Abt 602 - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (SdKfz 11) - **
Artillerie Abt 701 - 15 cm sFH 18 (SdKfz 7) - ** - Counter Battery Fire
Artillerie Abt 702 - 15 cm sFH 18 (SdKfz 7) - ** - Double Support
Panzer Artillerie Abt 611 - Sturmpanzer I - *

Reserve

No planes to deploy here and no need to inflict heavy losses, just major suppression. AufkAbt 11 absolutely needs to stay in reserve since Envelopment would always pose a risk of failing bonus objectives upon attack.

PzAbt 401 - Panzer IB - ** - Steamroller, Survivor
PzAbt 402 - Panzer IB - ** - Steamroller
PzAbt 501 - Panzer IB - ** - Steamroller
PzAbt 502 - Verdeja 2 - ** - Steamroller, Survivor
AufkAbt 11 - SdKfz 222 - ** - Envelopment
Panzerjäger Abt 202 - Panzer I Breda - * - No Retaliation, Survivor
Panzerjäger Abt 212 - 3.7 cm Pak 36 (SdKfz 10)
FlaK Abt 271 - 8.8 cm FlaK 18 (SdKfz 7) - * - Fast Learner, Lethal Attack
FlaK Abt 272 - SdKfz 10/4 - *
FlaK Abt 273 - SdKfz 10/4
I./JG 61 - Bf 109E - ** - Fast Rebase - Adolf Galland
II./JG 61 - Bf 109E - * - Leadership
III./JG 61 - Bf 109E - *
IV./JG 61 - Bf 109E
I./SG 7 - Ju 87B - ** - Double Move
II./SG 7 - Ju 87B - **
III./SG 7 - Hs123a - **
I./AG 9 - He 70 Rayo - * - Prudent
I./KG 43 - He 111H2 - *
II./KG 43 - Do 17Z- *
III./KG 43 - Do 17Z - *

Highlights


Part of the army takes Usti nad Labem and moves east...


...while the western team almost effortlessly secures Karlovy Vary.


Spanish volunteers arrive and instantly change into fancy uniforms, perfectly masking them on green terrain.


AufkAbt 21 earns a medal while trying to secure a bridge taken by Czechoslovakian infantry.


Czechoslovakian army waits for chances to retake key objectives...


...and sometimes even actively attempts to retake them. Luckily no suicide charges prevent me from meeting the bonus objectives.


Czechoslovakian army gets fully encircled, allowing my forces to take Plzen with ease.

Summary:

Final Prestige: 24144 (up 1379)
CP gained: 0 (none lost, 5 available)

Equipment captured in scenario:

None

Other equipment gained:

None

Overall:

This is by far one of the most unique ways to start a campaign. Love it or hate it, it will be remembered. It requires slow, but surely calculating every attack and sometimes not performing them at all if the odds are to close to wiping out the enemy. I play on default 50% random, but I imagine on higher, especially 100% things may be almost impossible to manage easily. Field Repairs came in handy this time for blocking bridges and not having to reinforce after each enemy attack. The turn limit is generous, so I could take it slow and complete the encirclement at my leisure. Once that is done, taking the objectives is a breeze. I just wonder if the main objective and alternative one offer any difference in outcome?

Way to finish strong in Spain! I think the last mission in spain was my favorite PC mission so far. City fight vs. 2 factions with an option to do a big encirclement is neat. I envy you that 0 slot hero, I've got 2 50% slots, which as you can imagine isn't nearly as good.

AO 1939 - Sarreguemines

Starting Prestige (after purchases and replacements): 25361


An early unique hero is a great bonus to take, especially that so far I have not been given many heroes I would consider high impact ones for tanks. This boost to panzers will be of huge benefit, since the French army is bound to have some quite dangerous machines. Assigning him to PzAbt 502 is only natural, but it would also be tempting to use a less powerful unit to improve its stats.



Hero:



I swear, this is rigged! That's the third Field Repairs Hero already. I won't complain too much since on average my RNG results are very good, but why is it always that the heroes that get repeated are the less game changing ones? In my initial campaign I had tons of Prudnet heroes, guess now I'm blessed with an abundance of mechanics. In any case, I assign Gerhard Zimmermann to AufkAbt 21.

New Equipment Provided:

PzAbt 401 - Panzer 38(t)A
PzAbt 402 - Panzer 38(t)A
PzAbt 501 - Panzer 38(t)A
Artillerie Abt 601 - 21 cm Mrs 18 (SdKfz 7)
Former III./SG 7, now I./ZG 6 - Bf 110C

Panzer 38(t)A is a serious improvement over Panzer I, but the extra slots mean I will need to juggle around the deployment restrictions more. Artillerie Abt 601 receives 21 cm Mrs 18, since with the Zero Slots hero it is just too good not to do so. Finally, pilots of former III./SG 7 receive new equipment in the form of Zerstörer planes and form I./ZG 6, being able to operate more freely, without that much worry about fighter escort.

Starting Army Composition:

Infantry

Pionier Brücken Bataillon 1 - Brückenpioniere (Opel Blitz)
Grenadier Reg 4 - Grenadier (Opel Blitz)
Pionier Bataillon 33 - Pioniere (Opel Blitz)
Pionier Bataillon 34 - Pioniere (Opel Blitz)
Infanterie Reg 57 - Wehr Infanterie (Opel Blitz)
Infanterie Reg 99 (span.) - Azul Infanterie (Opel Blitz)

Tank

PzAbt 401 - Panzer 38(t)A- ** - Steamroller, Survivor
PzAbt 411 - Panzer IIC - * - First Strike
PzAbt 502 - Verdeja 2 - ** - Steamroller, Survivor - Albert Kerscher

Recon

AufkAbt 11 - SdKfz 222 - ** - Envelopment

Anti-Tank

Panzerjäger Abt 202 - Panzer I Breda - * - No Retaliation, Survivor
Panzerjäger Abt 211 - 3.7 cm Pak 36 (SdKfz 10)

Artillery

Artillerie Abt 601 - 21 cm Mrs 18 (SdKfz 7) - ** - Zero Slots
Artillerie Abt 701 - 15 cm sFH 18 (SdKfz 7) - ** - Counter Battery Fire
Artillerie Abt 702 - 15 cm sFH 18 (SdKfz 7) - ** - Double Support

Fighter

I./JG 61 - Bf 109E - ** - Fast Rebase - Adolf Galland
II./JG 61 - Bf 109E - * - Leadership

Tactical Bomber

I./SG 7 - Ju 87B - ** - Double Move
II./SG 7 - Ju 87B - **
I./ZG 6 - Bf 110C - **

Reserve

There is a limited slot pool with the addition of infantry to the core count. I decide to divide the forces into three main groups. This will require a balanced setup, so quite a few units need to stay in reserve. I cannot just spam best units and hope it will be enough.

Infanterie Reg 58 - Wehr Infanterie (Opel Blitz)
PzAbt 402 - Panzer 38(t)A - ** - Steamroller
PzAbt 501 - Panzer 38(t)A - ** - Steamroller
AufkAbt 12 - SdKfz 222 - ** - Field Repairs
AufkAbt 21 - SdKfz 231 6Rad - ** - Field Repairs
AufkAbt 22 - SdKfz 231 6Rad - *
Panzerjäger Abt 201 - Panzer I Breda - * - Field Repairs
Panzerjäger Abt 212 - 3.7 cm Pak 36 (SdKfz 10)
Artillerie Abt 602 - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (SdKfz 11) - **
Panzer Artillerie Abt 611 - Sturmpanzer I - *
FlaK Abt 271 - 8.8 cm FlaK 18 (SdKfz 7) - * - Fast Learner, Lethal Attack
FlaK Abt 272 - SdKfz 10/4 - *
FlaK Abt 273 - SdKfz 10/4
III./JG 61 - Bf 109E - *
IV./JG 61 - Bf 109E
I./AG 9 - He 70 Rayo - * - Prudent
I./KG 43 - He 111H2 - *
II./KG 43 - Do 17Z- *
III./KG 43 - Do 17Z - *

Highlights


Heavy artillery and infantry head towards Sarreguemines in direct assault.


At the same time, taking inspiration from enemy bridge engineer presence, Pionier Brücken Bataillon 1 provides crossing for panzers with the aim of encircling Bliescbruck.


Ippling being in open field is difficult to defend and falls quickly.


Cavalry is weak to air raids - with recon support even fighters can dish out heavy damage.


Bliescbruck is not yet fully encircled, but SG 7 bombers take out any tanks preventing this from happening.


With encirclement complete and defenders suppressed, PzAbt 411 safely assaults the city...


...and even gains a medal for it.


With time to spare, the final minefield objective is surrounded and even a secret French depot ransacked.

Summary:

Final Prestige: 27489 (up 2128)
CP gained: 3 (up to 3, 5 spent)

Equipment captured in scenario:

AMC P16 - 2
Panhard 178 - 2
25mm SA 34 - 1
75mm mle 1897 - 4

Other equipment gained:

Char B1 - 5

Overall:

Fast paced, straightforward scenario. It is yet another case where there's all the time in the world to complete objectives, so rushing things is not at all necessary. Pockets of resistance are isolated and easy to soften up with artillery or planes, allowing to attack when comfortable without taking risks. French air force is still just an inconvenience and not really a major threat. In a similar fashion the tanks encountered here are nothing special and enemy artillery is limited in numbers. The French army is a formidable opponent however, so this feel of easier mode will not last long.

WalterTFD wrote: ↑

Thu Oct 01, 2020 10:03 pm

Way to finish strong in Spain! I think the last mission in spain was my favorite PC mission so far. City fight vs. 2 factions with an option to do a big encirclement is neat. I envy you that 0 slot hero, I've got 2 50% slots, which as you can imagine isn't nearly as good.

With 4 slots tanks and other more expensive machines this will start to even out, but that's a difference noticeable probably only around 1942.

Kerscher returns like a king to his throne. Put him to good use!

AO 1939 - Warndt Forest

Starting Prestige (after purchases and replacements): 28997

Hero:



Torsten Hofmann is a perfect fit for Infanterie Reg 99 (span.). The Spanish volunteers due to their choice of weapons are specialists in close combat, but usually lack the range and have slower initiative. No Retaliation completely nullifies this fact when attacking.

Starting Army Composition:

Infantry

Grenadier Reg 4 - Grenadier (Opel Blitz)
Pionier Bataillon 33 - Pioniere (Opel Blitz)
Pionier Bataillon 34 - Pioniere (Opel Blitz)
Infanterie Reg 57 - Wehr Infanterie (Opel Blitz)
Infanterie Reg 58 - Wehr Infanterie (Opel Blitz)
Infanterie Reg 99 (span.) - Azul Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - No Retaliation

Tank

PzAbt 411 - Panzer IIC - * - First Strike
PzAbt 502 - Verdeja 2 - ** - Steamroller, Survivor - Albert Kerscher

Artillery

Artillerie Abt 601 - 21 cm Mrs 18 (SdKfz 7) - ** - Zero Slots
Artillerie Abt 602 - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (SdKfz 11) - **
Panzer Artillerie Abt 611 - Sturmpanzer I - *
Artillerie Abt 701 - 15 cm sFH 18 (SdKfz 7) - ** - Counter Battery Fire
Artillerie Abt 702 - 15 cm sFH 18 (SdKfz 7) - ** - Double Support

Fighter

I./JG 61 - Bf 109E - ** - Fast Rebase - Adolf Galland
II./JG 61 - Bf 109E - * - Leadership

Tactical Bomber

I./SG 7 - Ju 87B - ** - Double Move
II./SG 7 - Ju 87B - **
I./ZG 6 - Bf 110C - **
I./AG 9 - He 70 Rayo - * - Prudent

Strategic Bomber

I./KG 43 - He 111H2 - *

Reserve

Time to indeed put tanks in reserve, but keeping two so they can help take down vulnerable targets. Recons will be of little use due to terrain and AT guns would not find many occasions to shine (but there are targets later where some could be helpful). I decide against AA guns, since I need fighters for their range and ability to reach targets separated by hills and water. Artillery and air force will need to work hard. The latter has the issue of not being able to ideally reach St. Avold from the central airfield, but there's not much that can be done to compensate.

Pionier Brücken Bataillon 1 - Brückenpioniere (Opel Blitz)
PzAbt 401 - Panzer 38(t)A- ** - Steamroller, Survivor
PzAbt 402 - Panzer 38(t)A - ** - Steamroller
PzAbt 501 - Panzer 38(t)A - ** - Steamroller
AufkAbt 11 - SdKfz 222 - ** - Envelopment
AufkAbt 12 - SdKfz 222 - ** - Field Repairs
AufkAbt 21 - SdKfz 231 6Rad - ** - Field Repairs
AufkAbt 22 - SdKfz 231 6Rad - *
Panzerjäger Abt 201 - Panzer I Breda - * - Field Repairs
Panzerjäger Abt 202 - Panzer I Breda - * - No Retaliation, Survivor
Panzerjäger Abt 211 - 3.7 cm Pak 36 (SdKfz 10)
Panzerjäger Abt 212 - 3.7 cm Pak 36 (SdKfz 10)
FlaK Abt 271 - 8.8 cm FlaK 18 (SdKfz 7) - * - Fast Learner, Lethal Attack
FlaK Abt 272 - SdKfz 10/4 - *
FlaK Abt 273 - SdKfz 10/4
III./JG 61 - Bf 109E - *
IV./JG 61 - Bf 109E
II./KG 43 - Do 17Z- *
III./KG 43 - Do 17Z - *

Highlights


A few units immediately try to sneak though the eastern edge via the forest to try and encircle St. Avold


It's worth risking some damage from AA guns to shoot down a fighter early. I bombard the artillery while it's still in AT mode as well, reducing the potential to damage my planes.


French cavalry occupied the city, but dared not attack my infantry supported by artillery and on high ground.


Overall however, the French do no shy from attacks on moving columns of units, bombarding them from the sky and harassing with flanking maneuvers.


With new Bf 110C planes, I./ZG 6 becomes increasingly more dangerous to all sorts of enemy units, tanks included.


Hills are swarming with Frenchmen, who occupy a solid defensive position, difficult to safely approach.


PzAbt 502 takes out a few weaker tanks, but cannot cross the river onto close terrain without prior infantry assistance.


This counter attack took my by surprise in the previous attempt at the campaign. This time I am much better prepared and assume defensive positions, being careful not to get encircled.


After a long and uneventful standoff, the eastern force with the help of Luftwaffe secures positions near St. Avold. Infanterie Reg 58 even takes out a Char B1 when defending! Truth be told it was severely damaged before, but still, its is a victory.


After long and vicious fighting, western French forces are defeated and all that is left to do is mop up the surviving forces with the help of freshly rebased airplanes.


With only a turn to spare, St. Avold defenders are driven out of the city and defeated.

Summary:

Final Prestige: 28346 (down 651)
CP gained: 3 (up to 6)

Equipment captured in scenario:

None

Other equipment gained:

Char 1B - 5

Overall:

One of the most challenging, yet interesting scenarios in AO 1939 is not that easier the second time as well. I could meet the main objectives rather safely and easily, but the bonus one is not so easy. Now, after lessons learned from the first and second try, I think the idea of sending a force down the eastern path is valid, but it need to be larger than just some infantry and artillery. Next time I would limit the central force, as it will almost surely get bogged down by numerous defenders and try to hit hard from the hills east of St. Avold. This will not only require some more artillery, but also AT support, since Char B1's can appear. AA cover would then be also needed, since it's so close to the French airfield. How tricky this scenario is does not only show by the fact I lost prestige overall, but also by not capturing a single unit. To meet the raid objective there was simply not enough time to set up encirclement and play the suppression game.

AO 1939 - Orenthal

Starting Prestige (after purchases and replacements): 29680

Hero:



Günther Koch grants a rather passive ability, not so easy tu utilize. Considering that I'd like to have my Zerstörer unit operate as independently of fighter cover as possible, he does seem like the perfect fit. With time, enemy fighters will become more and more dangerous, so this will help reduce potential losses from operating independently.

Starting Army Composition:

Infantry

Pionier Brücken Bataillon 1 - Brückenpioniere (Opel Blitz)
Grenadier Reg 4 - Grenadier (Opel Blitz)
Pionier Bataillon 33 - Pioniere (Opel Blitz)
Pionier Bataillon 34 - Pioniere (Opel Blitz)
Infanterie Reg 57 - Wehr Infanterie (Opel Blitz)
Infanterie Reg 58 - Wehr Infanterie (Opel Blitz)
Infanterie Reg 99 (span.) - Azul Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - * - No Retaliation

Tank

PzAbt 401 - Panzer 38(t)A- ** - Steamroller, Survivor
PzAbt 402 - Panzer 38(t)A - ** - Steamroller
PzAbt 501 - Panzer 38(t)A - ** - Steamroller
PzAbt 502 - Verdeja 2 - ** - Steamroller, Survivor - Albert Kerscher

Recon

AufkAbt 11 - SdKfz 222 - ** - Envelopment

Anti-Tank

Panzerjäger Abt 202 - Panzer I Breda - * - No Retaliation, Survivor

Artillery

Artillerie Abt 601 - 21 cm Mrs 18 (SdKfz 7) - ** - Zero Slots
Artillerie Abt 602 - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (SdKfz 11) - **
Panzer Artillerie Abt 611 - Sturmpanzer I - *
Artillerie Abt 701 - 15 cm sFH 18 (SdKfz 7) - ** - Counter Battery Fire
Artillerie Abt 702 - 15 cm sFH 18 (SdKfz 7) - ** - Double Support

Fighter

I./JG 61 - Bf 109E - ** - Fast Rebase - Adolf Galland
II./JG 61 - Bf 109E - * - Leadership

Tactical Bomber

I./ZG 6 - Bf110C - ** - Readiness

Reserve

This time I focus on artillery and tanks. Recons could be useful, but the siege element of the scenario and the fact that French tanks are quite formidable, make them less useful after all. With the weather supposedly cloudy I focus on ground troops, keeping some fighters for cover and I./ZG 6 for its universal ability to help shoot something down, or weaken a particularly nasty tank depending on the needs.

PzAbt 411 - Panzer IIC - * - First Strike
AufkAbt 12 - SdKfz 222 - ** - Field Repairs
AufkAbt 21 - SdKfz 231 6Rad - ** - Field Repairs
AufkAbt 22 - SdKfz 231 6Rad - *
Panzerjäger Abt 201 - Panzer I Breda - * - Field Repairs
Panzerjäger Abt 211 - 3.7 cm Pak 36 (SdKfz 10)
Panzerjäger Abt 212 - 3.7 cm Pak 36 (SdKfz 10)
FlaK Abt 271 - 8.8 cm FlaK 18 (SdKfz 7) - * - Fast Learner, Lethal Attack
FlaK Abt 272 - SdKfz 10/4 - *
FlaK Abt 273 - SdKfz 10/4
III./JG 61 - Bf 109E - *
IV./JG 61 - Bf 109E
I./SG 7 - Ju 87B - ** - Double Move
II./SG 7 - Ju 87B - **
I./AG 9 - He 70 Rayo - ** - Prudent
I./KG 43 - He 111H2 - *
II./KG 43 - Do 17Z- *
III./KG 43 - Do 17Z - *

Highlights


Artillerie Abt 601 begins shelling the great fort in Orenthal, dealing major damage in the very first hit.


Despite cloudy weather, fighters keep my forces safe. Mutual Leadership bonuses provide quite useful as well!


Heavy infantry hits quite hard, even against tanks in the open.


French recon cars find themselves in a really bad spot.


After assisting the advancing forces, Pionier Brücken Bataillon 1 provides a passage over the river to Infanterie Reg 57 and Artillerie Abt 602, who are to aid the ongoing siege of Orenthal.


A rare sight - infantry forced to surrender by the crew of a fort.


Defenses behind Bliesbruck are breached...


...but at the same time Orenthal is finally encircled after dealing with armored French reinforcements.


Spanish allies hit like a truck!


Artillerie Abt 601 earned its fair share of experience during the Orenthal siege.

Summary:

Final Prestige: 30609 (up 929)
CP gained: 3 (up to 9)

Equipment captured in scenario:

AMC P16 - 3 (up to 5)
Panhard 178 - 2 (up to 4)
25mm SA 34 - 8 (up to 9)
75mm mle 1897 - 5 (up to 9)
155mm C mle 1917 - 8
105mm mle 1913 - 6
37mm mle 30 - 4
75mm mle 39 - 5

Other equipment gained:

Char B1 - 7

Overall:

A fun scenario with quite a lot of going on at the same time. There is the siege of the city, which requires some of the forces left in place and slowly and carefully closing the encirclement due to tanks and tons of infantry hiding in the distance. The force going down south needs to either go quickly and via bridge engineers join the siege, or be limited in numbers and progressing slowly, leaving more units available for Orenthal. Finely there is the uncertainty of how the French will deal with landmines. During my first campaign they pushed with recon cars and got absolutely stuck on the first river crossing. This time things progressed more quickly for them with more infantry to fight bunkers and by the final turns they were well up north already. A lot of equipment was captured this day as well. Nothing too amazing, but this kind of makes up for Warndt where there were no captures at all.

Orenthal felt like a bit of a vacation for me after Warndt Forest, but you handled them both like a champ. Big Battle coming up!

I really like the Warndt forest design personally. That sneaky little eastern forest path looks so inviting, and lures you in with a further false sense of security because it is totally unguarded. And then WHAM, OS elite named heroed Cavalry laughs at your attempt to sneak into St Avold. Vigilance is even more lethal, because it prevents the normal tactic of just throwing a pioneer at it to bypass entrenchment and zap infantry's normally 0 Close Defense. It absolutely required a concentrated effort to deal with, but there are other things going on with other terrain to capture and then randomized reinforcements to dealt with...

It's just a nifty scenario with a lot of neat surprises.

Kerensky wrote: ↑

Sat Oct 03, 2020 9:36 pm

I really like the Warndt forest design personally. That sneaky little eastern forest path looks so inviting, and lures you in with a further false sense of security because it is totally unguarded. And then WHAM, OS elite named heroed Cavalry laughs at your attempt to sneak into St Avold. Vigilance is even more lethal, because it prevents the normal tactic of just throwing a pioneer at it to bypass entrenchment and zap infantry's normally 0 Close Defense. It absolutely required a concentrated effort to deal with, but there are other things going on with other terrain to capture and then randomized reinforcements to dealt with...

It's just a nifty scenario with a lot of neat surprises.

Yeah, it's a good one!

AO 1939 - Forbach

Starting Prestige (after purchases and replacements): 29778

Starting Army Composition:

Volunteers only, no core army is deployed.

Reserve

Pionier Brücken Bataillon 1 - Brückenpioniere (Opel Blitz)
Grenadier Reg 4 - Grenadier (Opel Blitz)
Pionier Bataillon 33 - Pioniere (Opel Blitz)
Pionier Bataillon 34 - Pioniere (Opel Blitz)
Infanterie Reg 57 - Wehr Infanterie (Opel Blitz)
Infanterie Reg 58 - Wehr Infanterie (Opel Blitz)
Infanterie Reg 99 (span.) - Azul Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - * - No Retaliation
PzAbt 401 - Panzer 38(t)A- ** - Steamroller, Survivor
PzAbt 402 - Panzer 38(t)A - ** - Steamroller
PzAbt 411 - Panzer IIC - * - First Strike
PzAbt 501 - Panzer 38(t)A - ** - Steamroller
PzAbt 502 - Verdeja 2 - ** - Steamroller, Survivor - Albert Kerscher
AufkAbt 11 - SdKfz 222 - ** - Envelopment
AufkAbt 12 - SdKfz 222 - ** - Field Repairs
AufkAbt 21 - SdKfz 231 6Rad - ** - Field Repairs
AufkAbt 22 - SdKfz 231 6Rad - *
Panzerjäger Abt 201 - Panzer I Breda - * - Field Repairs
Panzerjäger Abt 202 - Panzer I Breda - ** - No Retaliation, Survivor
Panzerjäger Abt 211 - 3.7 cm Pak 36 (SdKfz 10)
Panzerjäger Abt 212 - 3.7 cm Pak 36 (SdKfz 10)
Artillerie Abt 601 - 21 cm Mrs 18 (SdKfz 7) - ** - Zero Slots
Artillerie Abt 602 - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (SdKfz 11) - **
Panzer Artillerie Abt 611 - Sturmpanzer I - *
Artillerie Abt 701 - 15 cm sFH 18 (SdKfz 7) - ** - Counter Battery Fire
Artillerie Abt 702 - 15 cm sFH 18 (SdKfz 7) - ** - Double Support
FlaK Abt 271 - 8.8 cm FlaK 18 (SdKfz 7) - * - Fast Learner, Lethal Attack
FlaK Abt 272 - SdKfz 10/4 - *
FlaK Abt 273 - SdKfz 10/4
I./JG 61 - Bf 109E - *** - Fast Rebase - Adolf Galland
II./JG 61 - Bf 109E - ** - Leadership
III./JG 61 - Bf 109E - *
IV./JG 61 - Bf 109E
I./SG 7 - Ju 87B - ** - Double Move
II./SG 7 - Ju 87B - **
I./ZG 6 - Bf110C - ** - Readiness
I./AG 9 - He 70 Rayo - ** - Prudent
I./KG 43 - He 111H2 - *
II./KG 43 - Do 17Z- *
III./KG 43 - Do 17Z - *

Highlights


French sentries are quickly eliminated with minimal losses.


Attack on the transport is not enough to encourage the blue army to move east. I need to move my recon right next to it.


To lure the armies accordingly one of the recons needs to sacrifice itself.


Once the defenders are busy fighting their allies, my tanks charge into Forbach.


Same on the eastern side. When the two armies meet each other and start fighting, they do not turn back even when my units ransack the bases and burn down supplies.


The battle is intense and I am not sure which side has the upper hand. Blue army seems to have better tanks, but positions them on close terrain.


With the last turn near, there is still no clear "victorious" side.

Summary:

Final Prestige: 30528 (up to 750)
CP gained: 3 (up to 12)

Overall:

Interestingly compared to Catalonia there is now free hero this time, making the scenario profitable for the fun, prestige and extra commendation points. Full map visibility is great since it allows to not only plan better, but also observe the chaos that breaks out. What the briefing suggests, but does not state specifically is that the trucks have a spotting range of 1. Because of that after attacking them if the unit moves away and is not just right next to it, the blue army just stay where it is and ignores any efforts to lure them out. Things got even more difficult since it rained on the first turn, but fortunately that stopped and I was able to somehow get things to work with the sacrifice of a single auxiliary recon. I even took a few of the small towns and villages more towards the center of the map one all the forces collided in the middle and were not able to pull back.

Kerensky wrote: ↑

Sat Oct 03, 2020 9:36 pm

I really like the Warndt forest design personally. That sneaky little eastern forest path looks so inviting, and lures you in with a further false sense of security because it is totally unguarded. And then WHAM, OS elite named heroed Cavalry laughs at your attempt to sneak into St Avold. Vigilance is even more lethal, because it prevents the normal tactic of just throwing a pioneer at it to bypass entrenchment and zap infantry's normally 0 Close Defense. It absolutely required a concentrated effort to deal with, but there are other things going on with other terrain to capture and then randomized reinforcements to dealt with...

It's just a nifty scenario with a lot of neat surprises.

That's exactly what happened in Warndt. I was so happy that I found this little alternative route only to have my troops sit on hills and just lure some infantry towards them with artillery until the almost very end. That force needs to be either much greater, or very specialized to matter.

AO 1939 - Saarbrucken

Starting Prestige (after purchases and replacements): 33328


I will never refuse acquiring skilled soldiers. Oleh is great for any infantry unit he joins (aside from maybe bridge engineers) and Infanterie Reg 58 will be his new unit of choice. I will later adjust it to a gebirgsjäger unit, but for now I keep it as regular infantry for even more mobility.



Hero:



Based on the photo, I will assign Markus Lange to an air unit - III./JG 61. Since I'm swimming in prestige right now this will not change much, but as things progress on more challenging fronts, these extra values might be critical to a more manageable supply situation.

Starting Army Composition:

Infantry

Grenadier Reg 4 - Grenadier (Opel Blitz)
Pionier Bataillon 33 - Pioniere (Opel Blitz)
Pionier Bataillon 34 - Pioniere (Opel Blitz)
Infanterie Reg 57 - Wehr Infanterie (Opel Blitz)
Infanterie Reg 58 - Wehr Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - Oleh Dir
Infanterie Reg 99 (span.) - Azul Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - * - No Retaliation

Tank

PzAbt 401 - Panzer 38(t)A- ** - Steamroller, Survivor
PzAbt 402 - Panzer 38(t)A - ** - Steamroller
PzAbt 411 - Panzer IIC - * - First Strike
PzAbt 412 - Souma S35 - to join during the mission
PzAbt 501 - Panzer 38(t)A - ** - Steamroller
PzAbt 502 - Verdeja 2 - ** - Steamroller, Survivor - Albert Kerscher

Recon

AufkAbt 11 - SdKfz 222 - ** - Envelopment
AufkAbt 12 - SdKfz 222 - ** - Field Repairs

Anti-Tank

Panzerjäger Abt 201 - Panzer I Breda - * - Field Repairs
Panzerjäger Abt 211 - 3.7 cm Pak 36 (SdKfz 10)
Panzerjäger Abt 212 - 3.7 cm Pak 36 (SdKfz 10)

Artillery

Artillerie Abt 601 - 21 cm Mrs 18 (SdKfz 7) - ** - Zero Slots
Artillerie Abt 602 - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (SdKfz 11) - **
Artillerie Abt 701 - 15 cm sFH 18 (SdKfz 7) - ** - Counter Battery Fire
Artillerie Abt 702 - 15 cm sFH 18 (SdKfz 7) - ** - Double Support
Panzer Artillerie Abt 611 - Sturmpanzer I - *

Anti-Aircraft

FlaK Abt 271 - 8.8 cm FlaK 18 (SdKfz 7) - * - Fast Learner, Lethal Attack
FlaK Abt 272 - SdKfz 10/4 - *
FlaK Abt 273 - SdKfz 10/4

Fighter

I./JG 61 - Bf 109E - *** - Fast Rebase - Adolf Galland
II./JG 61 - Bf 109E - ** - Leadership
III./JG 61 - Bf 109E - * - Legendary
IV./JG 61 - Bf 109E

Tactical Bomber

I./SG 7 - Ju 87B - ** - Double Move
II./SG 7 - Ju 87B - **
I./ZG 6 - Bf110C - ** - Readiness

Reserve

Pionier Brücken Bataillon 1 - Brückenpioniere (Opel Blitz)
AufkAbt 21 - SdKfz 231 6Rad - ** - Field Repairs
AufkAbt 22 - SdKfz 231 6Rad - *
Panzerjäger Abt 202 - Panzer I Breda - ** - No Retaliation, Survivor
I./AG 9 - He 70 Rayo - ** - Prudent
I./KG 43 - He 111H2 - *
II./KG 43 - Do 17Z- *
III./KG 43 - Do 17Z - *

Highlights


Intense air warfare begins. Thanks to AA fire and Leadership / Aiming Assistance bonuses my planes are able to overwhelm the French with no losses in this first encounter.


A tempting offer, that I am willing to accept. The Somua S35 will not be a proper gift unit, it will use the pool for captured equipment, boosted by this event. While these are really tough machines, I must remember not to put them in too much danger, else I will have to arm the unit with other tanks due to losses.


Second airfield is captured and enemy planes are now without a base to use, falling down form the sky. This is a huge blow to the French, who up to this point had the significant advantage in numbers.


Multiple bridge engineers try to create additional crossings that would mean encirclement of my forces. I keep mobile tanks and recon cars in the back to react to these attempt and block any temporary bridges.


After taking two French airfields and dealing with the counter attack, forces in Halberg are now quite bored. The enemy is not sending more troops this way.


Meanwhile my forces in Saarbrucken occupy great elevated potions creating a formation that is only vulnerable to possible bridge engineer raids over the river and towards my artillery (which actually happens at one point - good thing bridge engineers are lousy fighters).


Aces of II./JG 61 gain even more hugely valuable experience.


Gersweiler is not fortified as efficiently as Saarbrucken, but the enemy waves still cannot make any progress to the other side, getting destroyed in their attempts to cross. I do have to constantly send replacements to infantry in the first line, as these defensive victories while stunning, are not without their cost.


Infanterie Reg 99 (span.) stationed directly in Gersweiler quickly gets a fair share of combat against French infantry waves.


Artillery in Saarbrucken is equally busy!


The French finally decide to retake the eastern airfields. A large tanks force is incoming and my forces after a long wait can finally be put to use there.


Artillerie Abt 701 is another battalion that fights against so much infantry this day, that it warrants a medal.


With the scenario coming to an end, the French army seems to finally collapse...


...but not without my artillery having to provide some more fire support against attacking infantry hordes...


...and more tanks. But even the mighty Char B1 is easy prey to Stuka bombers while in the open. The armored attack collapses.


Similarly around Gersweiler just last desperate marauders remain, unwilling to retreat despite the poor odds.

Summary:

Final Prestige: 35043 (up 1715)
CP gained: 2 (up to 2, 6 spent)

Equipment captured in scenario:

FT-17 - 8 (up to 35)
AMC 35 - 1
Somua S35 - 5
Renault R35 - 5
AMC P16 - 1 (up to 6)
Panhard 178 - 4 (up to 8 )
75mm mle 1897 - 1 (up to 10)
25mm CA mle 39 - 4

Other equipment gained:

Souma S35 - unit and 25 in stock

Overall:

That was a long one and actually felt longer than it really is. I enjoyed the fact being able to position my units in a way that makes the French disperse like sea waves hitting rocks. Only think in the long run that could have been different would be putting another artillery battalion in place of Panzerjäger Abt 212 near Gersweiler. They were meant as deterrent for tanks attacking Infanterie Reg 99 (span.), but since that whole thing happens over a river, the fortified position is not under that much of a threat from tanks as it is from infantry. My artillery fired more support fire than probably in entire SCW, but since the enemy was not aggressive enough, they were not able to capitalize on moments when my first line infantry had to get more replacements and was therefore suppressed. Artillerie Abt 601 silenced any french artillery near Saarbrucken and FlaK Abt 271 shot down their fair share of planes (with two other AA units having equally as much success). Maybe the situation could be spiced up a bit if the last counter attack at Halberg came a few turns earlier? I felt that by that time I had Saarbrucken and Gersweiler mostly secure, so my planes could almost fully rebase east and make things much easier. Small bonus - capturing 5 extra Somua S35's will help increase the viability of the new unit, since there will be quite a long time unitl I can get a hand of some extra stock.

AO 1939 - Battle of the Bzura

Starting Prestige (after purchases and replacements): 37401

Hero:



I am really getting somewhere with my artillery. On Artillerie Abt 702 Karsten Schmitz will create the ultimate support unit, being able to really discourage anyone form attacking. Ammo will sometimes be a serious problem, but it's an issue I'm more than willing to face.

Starting Army Composition:

Infantry

Pionier Brücken Bataillon 1 - Brückenpioniere (Opel Blitz)
Grenadier Reg 4 - Grenadier (Opel Blitz)
Pionier Bataillon 33 - Pioniere (Opel Blitz)
Pionier Bataillon 34 - Pioniere (Opel Blitz) - *
Infanterie Reg 57 - Wehr Infanterie (Opel Blitz)
Infanterie Reg 58 - Wehr Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - Oleh Dir
Infanterie Reg 99 (span.) - Azul Infanterie (Opel Blitz) - * - No Retaliation

Tank

PzAbt 401 - Panzer 38(t)A- ** - Steamroller, Survivor
PzAbt 402 - Panzer 38(t)A - ** - Steamroller
PzAbt 411 - Panzer IIC - * - First Strike
PzAbt 412 - Souma S35
PzAbt 501 - Panzer 38(t)A - ** - Steamroller
PzAbt 502 - Verdeja 2 - *** - Steamroller, Survivor - Albert Kerscher

Recon

AufkAbt 11 - SdKfz 222 - *** - Envelopment
AufkAbt 21 - SdKfz 231 6Rad - ** - Field Repairs
AufkAbt 22 - SdKfz 231 6Rad - *

Artillery

Artillerie Abt 601 - 21 cm Mrs 18 (SdKfz 7) - ** - Zero Slots
Artillerie Abt 602 - 10.5 cm leFH 18 (SdKfz 11) - **
Artillerie Abt 701 - 15 cm sFH 18 (SdKfz 7) - ** - Counter Battery Fire, Skilled Support
Artillerie Abt 702 - 15 cm sFH 18 (SdKfz 7) - ** - Counter Battery Fire, Double Support
Panzer Artillerie Abt 611 - Sturmpanzer I - *

Fighter

I./JG 61 - Bf 109E - *** - Fast Rebase - Adolf Galland
II./JG 61 - Bf 109E - ** - Leadership
III./JG 61 - Bf 109E - * - Legendary
IV./JG 61 - Bf 109E

Tactical Bomber

I./SG 7 - Ju 87B - ** - Double Move
II./SG 7 - Ju 87B - **
I./ZG 6 - Bf110C - ** - Readiness
I./AG 9 - He 70 Rayo - ** - Prudent

Strategic Bomber

I./KG 43 - He 111H2 - *
II./KG 43 - Do 17Z- *
III./KG 43 - Do 17Z - *

Reserve

This time going for a more offensive core. I don't think I'll need that any AT and AA units, especially since I plan to deploy all fighters, being able to achieve air dominance this way quite fast.

AufkAbt 12 - SdKfz 222 - ** - Field Repairs
Panzerjäger Abt 201 - Panzer I Breda - * - Field Repairs
Panzerjäger Abt 202 - Panzer I Breda - ** - No Retaliation, Survivor
Panzerjäger Abt 211 - 3.7 cm Pak 36 (SdKfz 10)
Panzerjäger Abt 212 - 3.7 cm Pak 36 (SdKfz 10)
FlaK Abt 271 - 8.8 cm FlaK 18 (SdKfz 7) - * - Fast Learner, Lethal Attack
FlaK Abt 272 - SdKfz 10/4 - *
FlaK Abt 273 - SdKfz 10/4 - *

Highlights


The best defense is good offense, so I quickly take Piatek. Huge air and artillery support makes this go without almost any losses, which surprises me quite a lot.


A similar situation occurs near Lowicz where troops not only attack the city, but also use bridge engineers to help create a crossing and take out artillery.


Artillerie Abt 601 provides some serious counter battery fire.


Despite the briefing not making me worry about Polish planes, some bombers still attempt to attack my ground units.


PzAbt 402 becomes even more dependable when fighting infantry. The nature of early conflicts with limited armored opposition.


First dangerous situation. Tank Killer cavalry attacks my Panzer 38(t)A in the open and with recon accuracy support inflicts some major damage. Those towed AT guns Polish cavalry had are no joke!


Things near Sochaczew progress slowly, but well. I don not attempt to encircle the city yet, since I'd be risking an encirclement myself.


Commendation for II./SG 7 for fighting against infantry...


...and long awaited Steamroller award for PzAbt 411.


Polish army sets up multiple layers of defense beyond Bzura, so I approach slowly and cautiously.


There is just no end to awards this day...


...but that only proves how intense the fighting is...


...and not without more losses. Evens suppressed by bombers in the open, Polish infantry still manages to damage my tanks quite significantly, much to my amazement.


An interesting and intriguing message. I am all for opportunities for men to grow, so I am more than willing to deploy recon planes as often as possible.


Being able to split units freely does not come up too often, but when it does, I'm always glad I took the trait to allow for more surrenders.


Pionier Brücken Bataillon 1 actually gets to see a fair share of combat this day - a rare sight.


One of may panzer battalions gets too confident about their abilities and is immediately surrounded. They are rescued successfully, but that was a risky situation!


One of the last smaller towns outside the fortification ring still stands. Set in dense forests, it offers little in terms of good approach for attack, so is best encircled, left alone and slowly suppressed.

Summary:

Final Prestige: 40956 (up 3555)
CP gained: 2 (up to 4)

Equipment captured in scenario:

7TPdw - 4
7TPjw - 11
TKS - 5
SP wz. 29 - 4
37mm wz. 36 - 3
40mm wz. 36 - 10
75mm wz. 36 - 7
105mm wz. 29 - 6

Other equipment gained:

7TPdw - 14
SP wz. 29 - 14

Overall:

A battle that shows how to switch from defense to offense and back again in a relatively safe way due to low power level of units. The best approach is to strike fast and decisively, but it is easy to get too far ahead and put units in dangerous situations, which happened to my tanks twice. It really is a test of patience, proper formations and support, while changing the situation dynamically due to new units appearing from various places. A lot of equipment captured again, but nothing too spectacular in my current position. Tons of prestige gained as well, but that will soon get all offered during the prestige sink event, that I come to greatly appreciate seeing the current numbers, as it will help balance things a bit and avoid coming to 1940 with too much. Hopefully this percentage approach is continued, it really feel like the best choice regardless of ones prestige supply.

Note to self, Wagner's comments on enemy air force are sometimes of questionable reliability.