AO Generalissimus Alberto Bertorelli Adventure

[Tassadar]

Guderian? You mean Manstein, or is this a rewrite for your own adventure?

I bought a new edition copy of "Achtung – Panzer!" recently, that's probably why.

Corrected with thanks!

[Tassadar]

AO 1945 - Operation Feuerkartoffel

Ironically nicknamed Feuerkartoffel, the new operation by the Axis forces was a plan to use the acquired atomic bomb against the Soviets to cause as much confusion as possible, disrupting the operations of the Red Army and sowing distrust between the Allied states, utilizing the fact that ever since 1944, their relationship was already strained. The decision was caused by the lack of viable targets that would make logical sense and could make a major difference with just one bomb captured. Even aiming for Moscow would likely only strengthen enemy resistance. More subtle means were thought to be a better choice, yet the word did not seem right for such a deadly invention.

Selected target was just around the outskirts of Smolensk. Not the direct city center, to leave more survivors to tell the tale and spread wider panic among the populace. The payload was going to be delivered by by one of the captured British bombers, the biggest planes Germany had available, flying in a group of similar ones, all painted to look just like American B-29's. Since traveling the distance directly from current Axis occupied territory would be risky, the plan also involved a diversionary attack towards Minsk. While it would seem taking the city was going to be the main objective, the true target were airfields just north of it, that could be used as a striking base for the bombing run. Of course, if Bertorelli could actually capture Minsk, it would be a welcome victory in the eyes of his German allies.

Starting Prestige (after purchases and replacements): 44827

Starting Army Composition:

Infantry

1º Reggimento Genio Guastatori - IT - IT Engineers 43 (Truck) - ** - Survivor
1. Lövészzászlóalj - HU - HU Infantry 43 (Opel Blitz) - ***** - László Duska
Batalionul 1 Infanterie - RO - RO Infantry 43 (Opel Blitz) - ***** - Gheorghe Răscănescu
Batalionul 1 Geniu - RO - RO Engineers (Opel Blitz) - **
1 Konen Batal’on - BG - OS16 - BG Cavalry - *** - Survivor, Nikola Mutafchiev
I Batallón de Infantería - ES - Azul Infanterie 43 (Opel Blitz) - ***** - Teodoro Palacios Cueto
Jalkaväkirykmentti 1 - FI - OS16 - FI Infantry (Opel Blitz) - ***** - Lauri Törni
1. ženijný prápor - SK - SK Engineers (Opel Blitz) - * - Ján Veselý

Tank

1º Battaglione Carri - IT - P26/40 - ***** - Steamroller, Luigi Arbib Pascucci
2º Battaglione Carri - IT - Panzer IVJ - **** - Steamroller, Survivor, Pietro Bruno
5º Battaglione Carri - IT - Panther D - **** - Steamroller
1. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - Panzer IVH - ***** - Steamroller, Survivor, Erwin Tarczay
2. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - Panther A - ***** - Steamroller
3. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - Tiger I - **** - Steamroller, Zoltán Zsedényi
Batalionul 1 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - T-3 - **** - Steamroller, Ion S. Dumitru
Batalionul 3 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - T-4 - **** - Steamroller, Arcadie Duceac
1 Tankov Batal’on - BG - Panzer IVH - *** - Steamroller, Survivor, Marin Dikov
I Panssaripataljoona - FI - Panzer IVJ - **** - Steamroller, Survivor, Reino Lehväslaiho
II Panssaripataljoona - FI - T-34/43 - * - Steamroller

Recon

Ratsuväkiprikaati 1 - FI - OS11 - BA-10 - ****
1. mechanizovaný prápor - SK - OS11 - OA vz.30 - ****

Anti-Tank

1. Rohamtüzér Osztály - HU - Hetzer - ***** - Skilled Support, János Törcsváry
2. Rohamtüzér Osztály - HU - 43M Zirnyi II - * - Skilled Support, Josef Gundel
Batalionul 1 de Tunuri de Asalt - RO - Mareșal - * - Alexandru Velican
I Rynnäkkötykkipataljoona - FI - StuG IIIG - *** - Erkki Halonen
II Rynnäkkötykkipataljoona - FI - SU-152 - *
1. protitankový prápor - SK - Hetzer - ** - Rudolf Pilfousek

Artillery

1º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - 149mm 149/19 (SdKfz 10) - ***** - Skilled Support, Lorenzo Matiotti
2º Battaglione Artiglieria Semovente - IT - M43 da 105/25 - **** - Skilled Support
5º Battaglione Artiglieria Semovente - IT - M42 da 149/40 - ***** - Skilled Support, Survivor, Giuseppe D'Amico
1. Tüzérosztály - HU - 150mm Bofors (Opel Blitz) - ***** - Skilled Support, István Csöndes
Batalionul 1 Artilerie - RO - 150mm model 1934 (SdKfz 7) - **** - Skilled Support
1 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - 15 cm sFH 18 (SdKfz 7) - *** - Skilled Support
2 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - Hummel - *** - Skilled Support
Kenttätykistörykmentti 1 - FI - ISU-152 - **** - Skilled Support
Kenttätykistörykmentti 2 - FI - 152mm M1938 (Opel Blitz) - ** - Paavo Palletvuori
1. delostrelecký prápor - SK - 150mm vz.25 (Opel Blitz) - *** - Skilled Support

Anti-Aircraft

4º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS11 - 20/70 quadruplo - **** - Skilled Support
5º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS12 - CMP Ford 15A - **** - Skilled Support
1. Légvédelmi Zászlóalj - HU - 88mm 29/38M (Opel Blitz) - ** - Skilled Support
2. Légvédelmi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 40M Nimrod - ** - Skilled Support
Batalionul 1 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS12 - 25mm Hotchkiss (SdKfz 10) - ** - Skilled Support
Batalionul 2 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS11 - 75mm Vickers/Resita (SdKfz 7) - ** - Skilled Support
1 Protivovŭzdushna Batal’on - BG - OS12 - 2 cm FlaK 30 (Opel Blitz) - *
I. Ilmatorjuntapatteri - FI - OS12 - 2 cm FlaK 38 (Opel Blitz) - *
1. protilietadlový prápor - SK - OS12 - 20mm VKPL vz.36 (Opel Blitz)

Fighter

1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 3 - IT - Bf 109K - **** - Survivor, Mario Visintini
1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 4 - IT - OS20 - Me 163B - *** - Giuseppe Robetto
2º Gruppo Caccia Sq 1 - IT - Me 262A - **
1/1. Vadászszázad - HU - Bf 109K - **** - Dezső Szentgyörgyi
Escadrila 1 Vanatoare - RO - Fw 190D-9 - ***** - Survivor, Constantin Cantacuzino
Escadrila 2 Vanatoare - RO - Bf 109K - *** - Survivor, Ion Milu
1º Grupo de Caza 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - Bf 109K - ***** - Joaquin Garcia Morato
Hävittäjälentolaivue 1 - FI - Bf 109K - ***** - Ilmari Juutilainen

Tactical Bomber

1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 1 - IT - SM.79 - ***** - Survivor, Carlo Emanuele Buscaglia
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 3 - IT - Hs 129 - *** - Survivor
1º Gruppo Bombardamento a Tuffo Sq 1 - IT - Ju 87D - ***** - Giuseppe Cenni
1/2. Gyorsbombázó Század - HU - Fw 190F - **
1/1. Zuhanóbombázó Század - HU - Ju 87D - **** - Survivor
Escadrila 1 Asalt - RO - Ju 87D - **** - Survivor
Escadrila 2 Asalt - RO - Hs 129B2 - **** - Survivor

Strategic Bomber

1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 4 - IT - Piaggio P.108 - **** - Survivor, Gori Castellani

Reserve

1º Reggimento Fanteria - IT - IT Infantry 43 (Truck) - ****
2º Reggimento Fanteria - IT - IT HW Inf 43 (SdKfz 251/1) - *** - Survivor
1º Reggimento Genio Pontieri - IT - OS17 - IT Bridge Eng (Truck)
1º Reggimento di Cavalleria - IT - OS16 - IT Cavalry - ***
1º Reggimento Alpini - IT - OS16 - Alpini - **** - Survivor, Mario D'Adda
1º Reggimento Bersaglieri - IT - OS16 - Bersaglieri (Truck) - ****
1º Reggimento Paracadutisti - IT - OS16 - IT Paratroops - *** - Edorado Sala
2. Lövészzászlóalj - HU - HU HW Inf (SdKfz 251/1) - ***
1. Műszaki Ezred - HU - HU Engineers (Opel Blitz) - **
1. Pontonos Hidász Ezred - HU - OS17 - HU Bridge Eng (Opel Blitz)
1. Lovassági Zászlóalj - HU - OS16 - HU Cavalry - * - Survivor
Batalionul 2 Infanterie - RO - RO HW Inf (SdKfz 250/1) - ***
Batalionul 2 Geniu - RO - OS17 - RO Bridge Eng (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 Roşiori - RO - OS16 - RO Cavalry - *
Batalionul 1 Vânători de Munte - RO - OS16 - RO Mnt Inf - ****
1 Pekhoten Batal’on - BG - OS16 - BG Infantry (Opel Blitz) - **
II Batallón de Infantería - ES - OS16 - Regulares (Opel Blitz) - ** - Armando Muñoz Calero
I Batallón de Caballería - ES - OS16 - ES Cavalry - *
Pioneeripataljoona 1 - FI - FI Engineers (Opel Blitz) - ****
1. pechotný prápor - SK - SK Infantry 43 (Opel Blitz) - *
3º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - Panzer IIIN - **** - Steamroller, Survivor
4º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - Somua S35 - **** - Steamroller
4. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 42M Toldi IIa
5. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 41M Turan II
Batalionul 2 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - Vânătorul de Care R35 - *** - Steamroller, Survivor
Batalionul 4 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - T-38
2 Tankov Batal’on - BG - Panther D - ** - Steamroller
3 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - Panzer 38(t)
4 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - Panzer 35(t)
I Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES - Panzer IVH - *** - Steamroller
II Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES - OS11 - Verdeja 2 - **** - Steamroller, Survivor
1. tankový prápor - SK - OS11 - Panzer IVJ - ** - Steamroller
2. tankový prápor - SK - OS11 - Panzer IIIN - **** - Steamroller
3. tankový prápor - SK - OS11 - Panzer IIC
1º Battaglione Autoblindo - IT - OS11 - AB 43 - ***** - Tommaso Lequio di Assaba
2º Battaglione Autoblindo - IT - Sahariana - ****
1. Felderítő Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 39M Csaba - *****
2. Felderítő Zászlóalj - HU - Panzer IIF - *
Batalionul 1 de Cavalerie Blindat - RO - OS11 - AB 41 - ***** - Steamroller, Survivor, Hercule Fortunescu
Batalionul 2 de Cavalerie Blindat - RO - OS11 - SdKfz 222 - **
1 Razuznavatelen Batal’on - BG - OS11 - SdKfz 222 - *****
I Batallón de Automóviles Blindados - ES - OS11 - UNL-35 - ****
1º Battaglione Cannoni Controcarro - IT - OS11 - 7.5 cm Pak 40 (Lancia Ro) - *
2º Battaglione Cannoni Controcarro - IT - Autocannone 90/53 - ** - Skilled Support
1º Battaglione Artiglieria Semovente - IT - OS11 - M42 da 75/34 - *** - Skilled Support
3º Battaglione Artiglieria Semovente - IT - M41M da 90/53 - ***
1. Páncéltörő Zászlóalj - HU - 8.8 cm cm Pak 43 (SdKfz 11)
2. Páncéltörő Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 7.5 cm Pak 43 (SdKfz 11)
3. Rohamtüzér Osztály - HU - StuG IIIG
Batalionul 1 de Tunuri Anticar - RO - OS11 - 7.5 cm Pak 40 (SdKfz 11)
Batalionul 2 de Tunuri de Asalt - RO - TACAM R-2
Batalionul 3 de Tunuri de Asalt - RO - TACAM T-60
1 Protivotankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - 7.5 cm Pak 40 (Opel Blitz)
2 Protivotankov Batal’on - BG - StuG IV - **
3 Protivotankov Batal’on - BG - JagdPz IV/70
I Batallón de Antitanques - ES - OS11 - 7.5 cm Pak 40 (Opel Blitz)
Panssarintorjuntakomppania 1 - FI - OS11 - 7.5 cm Pak 40 (Opel Blitz)
2º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - OS11 - 105mm 105/28 (Lancia 3Ro) - *** - Skilled Support
3º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - OS11 - 75/32 M37 (Truck) - *** - Skilled Support
4º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - OS11 - 75mm 75/18
4º Battaglione Artiglieria Semovente - IT - Brummbär - ***
6º Battaglione Artiglieria Semovente - IT - M40 da 75/18
2. Tüzérosztály - HU - 105mm 37M (SdKfz 11) - *** - Skilled Support
3. Tüzérosztály - HU - OS11 - 80mm 18M (Opel Blitz) - ** - Skilled Support
1. Rakétaezred - HU - 15cm Nebelwerfer 41 (SdKfz 11) - ***
Batalionul 2 Artilerie - RO - 105mm model 1913 (SdKfz 11) - *** - Skilled Support
Batalionul 3 Artilerie - RO - 122mm M1938 (SdKfz 11) - *** - Skilled Support
3 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - StuH 42 - **
I Batallón de Artillería de Campaña - ES - 122mm M10/30 (Opel Blitz) - *** - Skilled Support
II Batallón de Artillería de Campaña - ES - 15 cm sFH 18 (Opel Blitz) - *** - Skilled Support
Kenttätykistörykmentti 3 - FI - SU-76
2. delostrelecký prápor - SK - 100mm Škoda vz.14/19 (Opel Blitz) - **
3. delostrelecký prápor - SK - OS11 - 75mm vz.15 (Opel Blitz) - *
1º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - 90/53 M41C (SdKfz 7) - *** - Skilled Support
2º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS12 - Breda 20/65 M35 (Truck)
3º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS11 - 75/46 C.A. M34 (Lancia 3Ro)
Batalionul 3 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS12 - 3.7 cm FlaK 37 (SdKfz 11) - * - Skilled Support
2 Protivovŭzdushna Batal’on - BG - 8.8 cm FlaK 18 (SdKfz 7)
I Batallón de Artillería Antiaérea - ES - 8.8 cm FlaK 36 (Opel Blitz)
II. Ilmatorjuntapatteri - FI - OS12 - 8.8 cm FlaK 36 (Opel Blitz)
2. protilietadlový prápor - SK - 83.5mm Škoda vz.22 (Opel Blitz)
1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 1 - IT - G.55 Centauro - ****
1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 2 - IT - MC.205 Veltro - **** - Survivor, Skilled Support, Adriano Visconti
Escadrila 3 Vanatoare - RO - OS11 - Bf 110C - **** - Survivor
Escadrila 4 Vanatoare - RO - IAR-80
1/2. Vadászszázad - HU - Re.2000 - **
1/1. Gyorsbombázó Század - HU - Me 210C - ***
1 Iztrebitelen Polk 1 Yato - BG - D.520 - **
1 Iztrebitelen Polk 2 Yato - BG - Bf 109K - *** - Stoyan Stoyanov
Hävittäjälentolaivue 2 - FI - Hurricane Mk.IIC - **
Hävittäjälentolaivue 3 - FI - M.S.406 - **
1. stíhačka letka - SK - Bf 109K - *** - Ján Režňák
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 2 - IT - Ca.135 - *** - Survivor
1º Gruppo Ricognizione Sq 1 - IT - OS12 - IMAM Ro.37 - ***
1/1. Távolfelderítő Század - HU - OS12 - Fw 189
1 Bombardirovŭchen Polk 1 Yato - BG - Ju 87D - ***
1 Bombardirovŭchen Polk 3 Yato - BG - OS11 - Tupolev SB - *** - Survivor
1 Razuznavatelen Aviopolk 1 Yato - BG - OS12 - Fw 189
1º Grupo de Asalto 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - OS11 - Hs 123a - *
1º Grupo de Apoyo 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - Ju 87D - **
Pommituslentolaivue 1 - FI - OS11 - Blenheim Mk.I - * - Survivor
2º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 1 - IT - OS11 - Do 217E - ***
1/1. Bombázószázad - HU - OS11 - He 111H - ***
1/2. Bombázószázad - HU - OS12 - Ju 88A - ** - Survivor
Escadrila 1 Bombardment - RO - OS11 - Ju 88A - ***
Escadrila 2 Bombardment - RO - OS11 - He 111H - **
1 Bombardirovŭchen Polk 2 Yato - BG - OS12 - Do 217E - **
Pommituslentolaivue 2 - FI - OS11 - Ju 88A - **
1º Grupo de Bombardeo 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - OS11 - He 111H2 - **

Highlights


Hungarian armor started by immediately securing the flanks of the current deployment positions.


Finnish forces moved along the southern road, aiming to approach Minsk from that direction. The immediate idea Bertorelli had in mind was to encircle the defenders and choke out any resistance.


Bulgarians and Romanians, with some additional air support, moved towards Valazinas, one of the key fortified positions on the way to Minsk. It had to be cleared quickly, to maintain the speed of the advance.


In the meantime, Finnish, Slovak and Hungarian units captured Stolbtsy, acquiring a valuable airfield for dive bomber support on the open plains further east.


Once all these lines of defense have been breached, Bertorelli's men begun to take positions close to Minsk and move to surround the defenders. They had to deal with some counterattacks, but none of them were too aggressive.


While all of this happned, Italian ground troops marched north, to secure the true objective of taking the main airfield, capturing a few other points along the way and planning to join the siege if time allows.


Some more Soviet troops had to be disposed of before the city could be entirely cut off, but not all of these obstacles were dangerous.


First battalions started to make their way around the static entrenched defenses from the north.


Meanwhile, in the south a serious threat to the operation appeared in the form of a huge Soviet army counterattacking and trying to prevent Bertorelli's plan for succeeding. Luckily, by this time the Axis had air superiority, and could send in planes to deal with this threat.


Once the counterattack was mostly dealt with, the city was finally ready to be besieged. General Bertorelli pulled in all the artillery and bombers he had in the area to soften up the fortified defenses.


It did not take long for the initially makeshift encirclement to tighten, leaving less space for the Soviets, who now found themselves in critical danger.


First Axis troops entered one of the town's districts and while there was very little time left before the bomber with the atomic payload would start its run towards Smolensk, it looked that this secondary target can be still captured by then.


Success in Minsk caused the Germans to send congratulations, alongside a promise to deliver more Panzer IVJ tanks, as well as a batch of Panther G vehicles aimed to standardize the few units that did use the earlier production versions.


Finally the last Soviet regular forces surrendered and Minsk was once again under Axis control. General Bertorelli order a detailed inspection of captured equipment, prioritizing T-34-85 tanks, as well as ISU-152 and SU-76 self-propelled artillery.


The battle also resulted in a promotion for Horváth Sándor, a formed fighter pilot, now a member of Hungarian 1/2. Gyorsbombázó Század flying Fw 190F planes and showing very quick progress, both in his air combat capabilities, as well as prowess in battle against tanks targets.

Summary:

Final Prestige: 49478 (up 4651)

Overall:

Operation Feuerkartoffel resulted in a chance for the breakthrough the Axis needed so desperately. It achieved its secondary objective, as holding Minsk meant large territorial gains and an excellent position to continue the campaign in the East. What is more important however, the bombing run against Smolensk succeeded. According to the reports, the bomb reached its destination and detonated, wiping out a significant potion of the target city, as well as the area around it. Initially, there was little reaction to this event from the Soviet side. No intercepted messages aside from local radio chaos by civilians and military personnel alike as well as various speculation by captured soldiers. This led the military command to doubt the effectiveness of the mission's main goal, but the perspective changed a after a few days. Soviet military leaders not only announced that Stalin was killed in the attack, being in the area by pure chance, but that given this betrayal by the Western Allies, Soviet Union would be willing to negotiate an armistice with the Axis. Everything happened as Mannstein, Rommel, Galland and the rest of the military branch hoped. They doubted that Stalin's demise was indeed such a pure chance accident and there was probably some other means involved like political assassination, but it did not matter in the end. The importance of the truce, even if a temporary one, was something invaluable in these circumstances. Germany entered a position to negotiate and focus the efforts on the British and most importantly Americans. While the details were yet to be seen the threat of more atomic bombs was real, so before it could materialize, some drastic measures had to be taken. With the Kriegsmarine decimated over the course of the war, invading the British Isles and especially the United States, was simply impossible, leaving only one option to for continuing the fight. The road to India via the Caucasus.

[Tassadar]

AO 1945 - Reichstag

General Bertorelli went on a visit to Berlin after Operation Feuerkartoffel. A ceasfire between the Axis and Soviets was just one of many steps to allow facing the USA head on. Political stability was equally important as military affairs and it came to that point now, when showing solid new leadership would decide the fate of the ongoing war effort.

Starting Prestige (after purchases and replacements): 49018

New Equipment Provided:

5º Battaglione Carri - IT - Panther G
1. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - Panzer IVJ
2. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - Panther G
1 Tankov Batal’on - BG - Panzer IVJ
2 Tankov Batal’on - BG - Panther G
I Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES - Panzer IVJ
II Panssaripataljoona - FI - T-34-85

Most new equipment involved standardization of tanks. With new German models introduced, the earlier ones could be easily transferred to other Axis nations. Large stockpiles of captured Soviet tanks would also not be left unused.

Starting Army Composition:

Tank

3. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - Tiger I - **** - Steamroller, Zoltán Zsedényi

Artillery

2º Battaglione Artiglieria Semovente - IT - M43 da 105/25 - **** - Skilled Support

Reserve

1º Reggimento Fanteria - IT - IT Infantry 43 (Truck) - ****
2º Reggimento Fanteria - IT - IT HW Inf 43 (SdKfz 251/1) - *** - Survivor
1º Reggimento Genio Guastatori - IT - IT Engineers 43 (Truck) - ** - Survivor
1º Reggimento Genio Pontieri - IT - OS17 - IT Bridge Eng (Truck)
1º Reggimento di Cavalleria - IT - OS16 - IT Cavalry - ***
1º Reggimento Alpini - IT - OS16 - Alpini - **** - Survivor, Mario D'Adda
1º Reggimento Bersaglieri - IT - OS16 - Bersaglieri (Truck) - ****
1º Reggimento Paracadutisti - IT - OS16 - IT Paratroops - *** - Edorado Sala
1. Lövészzászlóalj - HU - HU Infantry 43 (Opel Blitz) - ***** - László Duska
2. Lövészzászlóalj - HU - HU HW Inf (SdKfz 251/1) - ***
1. Műszaki Ezred - HU - HU Engineers (Opel Blitz) - **
1. Pontonos Hidász Ezred - HU - OS17 - HU Bridge Eng (Opel Blitz)
1. Lovassági Zászlóalj - HU - OS16 - HU Cavalry - * - Survivor
Batalionul 1 Infanterie - RO - RO Infantry 43 (Opel Blitz) - ***** - Gheorghe Răscănescu
Batalionul 2 Infanterie - RO - RO HW Inf (SdKfz 250/1) - ***
Batalionul 1 Geniu - RO - RO Engineers (Opel Blitz) - ***
Batalionul 2 Geniu - RO - OS17 - RO Bridge Eng (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 Roşiori - RO - OS16 - RO Cavalry - *
Batalionul 1 Vânători de Munte - RO - OS16 - RO Mnt Inf - ****
1 Pekhoten Batal’on - BG - OS16 - BG Infantry (Opel Blitz) - **
1 Konen Batal’on - BG - OS16 - BG Cavalry - *** - Survivor, Nikola Mutafchiev
I Batallón de Infantería - ES - Azul Infanterie 43 (Opel Blitz) - ***** - Teodoro Palacios Cueto
II Batallón de Infantería - ES - OS16 - Regulares (Opel Blitz) - ** - Armando Muñoz Calero
I Batallón de Caballería - ES - OS16 - ES Cavalry - *
Jalkaväkirykmentti 1 - FI - OS16 - FI Infantry (Opel Blitz) - ***** - Lauri Törni
Pioneeripataljoona 1 - FI - FI Engineers (Opel Blitz) - ****
1. pechotný prápor - SK - SK Infantry 43 (Opel Blitz) - *
1. ženijný prápor - SK - SK Engineers (Opel Blitz) - ** - Ján Veselý
1º Battaglione Carri - IT - P26/40 - ***** - Steamroller, Luigi Arbib Pascucci
2º Battaglione Carri - IT - Panzer IVJ - **** - Steamroller, Survivor, Pietro Bruno
3º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - Panzer IIIN - **** - Steamroller, Survivor
4º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - Somua S35 - **** - Steamroller
5º Battaglione Carri - IT - Panther G - ***** - Steamroller
1. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - Panzer IVJ - ***** - Steamroller, Survivor, Erwin Tarczay
2. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - Panther G - ***** - Steamroller
4. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 42M Toldi IIa
5. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 41M Turan II
Batalionul 1 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - T-3 - **** - Steamroller, Ion S. Dumitru
Batalionul 2 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - Vânătorul de Care R35 - *** - Steamroller, Survivor
Batalionul 3 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - T-4 - **** - Steamroller, Arcadie Duceac
Batalionul 4 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - T-38
1 Tankov Batal’on - BG - Panzer IVJ - *** - Steamroller, Survivor, Marin Dikov
2 Tankov Batal’on - BG - Panther G - ** - Steamroller
3 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - Panzer 38(t)
4 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - Panzer 35(t)
I Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES - Panzer IVJ - *** - Steamroller
II Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES - OS11 - Verdeja 2 - **** - Steamroller, Survivor
I Panssaripataljoona - FI - Panzer IVJ - **** - Steamroller, Survivor, Reino Lehväslaiho
II Panssaripataljoona - FI - T-34-85 - * - Steamroller
1. tankový prápor - SK - OS11 - Panzer IVJ - ** - Steamroller
2. tankový prápor - SK - OS11 - Panzer IIIN - **** - Steamroller
3. tankový prápor - SK - OS11 - Panzer IIC
1º Battaglione Autoblindo - IT - OS11 - AB 43 - ***** - Tommaso Lequio di Assaba
2º Battaglione Autoblindo - IT - Sahariana - ****
1. Felderítő Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 39M Csaba - *****
2. Felderítő Zászlóalj - HU - Panzer IIF - *
Batalionul 1 de Cavalerie Blindat - RO - OS11 - AB 41 - ***** - Steamroller, Survivor, Hercule Fortunescu
Batalionul 2 de Cavalerie Blindat - RO - OS11 - SdKfz 222 - **
1 Razuznavatelen Batal’on - BG - OS11 - SdKfz 222 - *****
I Batallón de Automóviles Blindados - ES - OS11 - UNL-35 - ****
Ratsuväkiprikaati 1 - FI - OS11 - BA-10 - ****
1. mechanizovaný prápor - SK - OS11 - OA vz.30 - ****
1º Battaglione Cannoni Controcarro - IT - OS11 - 7.5 cm Pak 40 (Lancia Ro) - *
2º Battaglione Cannoni Controcarro - IT - Autocannone 90/53 - ** - Skilled Support
1º Battaglione Artiglieria Semovente - IT - OS11 - M42 da 75/34 - *** - Skilled Support
3º Battaglione Artiglieria Semovente - IT - M41M da 90/53 - ***
1. Páncéltörő Zászlóalj - HU - 8.8 cm cm Pak 43 (SdKfz 11)
2. Páncéltörő Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 7.5 cm Pak 43 (SdKfz 11)
1. Rohamtüzér Osztály - HU - Hetzer - ***** - Skilled Support, János Törcsváry
2. Rohamtüzér Osztály - HU - 43M Zirnyi II - * - Skilled Support, Josef Gundel
3. Rohamtüzér Osztály - HU - StuG IIIG
Batalionul 1 de Tunuri Anticar - RO - OS11 - 7.5 cm Pak 40 (SdKfz 11)
Batalionul 1 de Tunuri de Asalt - RO - Mareșal - * - Alexandru Velican
Batalionul 2 de Tunuri de Asalt - RO - TACAM R-2
Batalionul 3 de Tunuri de Asalt - RO - TACAM T-60
1 Protivotankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - 7.5 cm Pak 40 (Opel Blitz)
2 Protivotankov Batal’on - BG - StuG IV - **
3 Protivotankov Batal’on - BG - JagdPz IV/70
I Batallón de Antitanques - ES - OS11 - 7.5 cm Pak 40 (Opel Blitz)
Panssarintorjuntakomppania 1 - FI - OS11 - 7.5 cm Pak 40 (Opel Blitz)
I Rynnäkkötykkipataljoona - FI - StuG IIIG - *** - Erkki Halonen
II Rynnäkkötykkipataljoona - FI - SU-152 - *
1. protitankový prápor - SK - Hetzer - ** - Rudolf Pilfousek
1º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - 149mm 149/19 (SdKfz 10) - ***** - Skilled Support, Lorenzo Matiotti
2º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - OS11 - 105mm 105/28 (Lancia 3Ro) - *** - Skilled Support
3º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - OS11 - 75/32 M37 (Truck) - *** - Skilled Support
4º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - OS11 - 75mm 75/18
4º Battaglione Artiglieria Semovente - IT - Brummbär - ***
5º Battaglione Artiglieria Semovente - IT - M42 da 149/40 - ***** - Skilled Support, Survivor, Giuseppe D'Amico
6º Battaglione Artiglieria Semovente - IT - M40 da 75/18
1. Tüzérosztály - HU - 150mm Bofors (Opel Blitz) - ***** - Skilled Support, István Csöndes
2. Tüzérosztály - HU - 105mm 37M (SdKfz 11) - *** - Skilled Support
3. Tüzérosztály - HU - OS11 - 80mm 18M (Opel Blitz) - ** - Skilled Support
1. Rakétaezred - HU - 15cm Nebelwerfer 41 (SdKfz 11) - ***
Batalionul 1 Artilerie - RO - 150mm model 1934 (SdKfz 7) - ***** - Skilled Support
Batalionul 2 Artilerie - RO - 105mm model 1913 (SdKfz 11) - *** - Skilled Support
Batalionul 3 Artilerie - RO - 122mm M1938 (SdKfz 11) - *** - Skilled Support
1 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - 15 cm sFH 18 (SdKfz 7) - *** - Skilled Support
2 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - Hummel - *** - Skilled Support
3 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - StuH 42 - **
I Batallón de Artillería de Campaña - ES - 122mm M10/30 (Opel Blitz) - *** - Skilled Support
II Batallón de Artillería de Campaña - ES - 15 cm sFH 18 (Opel Blitz) - *** - Skilled Support
Kenttätykistörykmentti 1 - FI - ISU-152 - **** - Skilled Support
Kenttätykistörykmentti 2 - FI - 152mm M1938 (Opel Blitz) - ** - Paavo Palletvuori
Kenttätykistörykmentti 3 - FI - SU-76
1. delostrelecký prápor - SK - 150mm vz.25 (Opel Blitz) - *** - Skilled Support
2. delostrelecký prápor - SK - 100mm Škoda vz.14/19 (Opel Blitz) - **
3. delostrelecký prápor - SK - OS11 - 75mm vz.15 (Opel Blitz) - *
1º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - 90/53 M41C (SdKfz 7) - *** - Skilled Support
2º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS12 - Breda 20/65 M35 (Truck)
3º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS11 - 75/46 C.A. M34 (Lancia 3Ro)
4º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS11 - 20/70 quadruplo - **** - Skilled Support
5º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS12 - CMP Ford 15A - **** - Skilled Support
1. Légvédelmi Zászlóalj - HU - 88mm 29/38M (Opel Blitz) - ** - Skilled Support
2. Légvédelmi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 40M Nimrod - ** - Skilled Support
Batalionul 1 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS12 - 25mm Hotchkiss (SdKfz 10) - ** - Skilled Support
Batalionul 2 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS11 - 75mm Vickers/Resita (SdKfz 7) - ** - Skilled Support
Batalionul 3 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS12 - 3.7 cm FlaK 37 (SdKfz 11) - * - Skilled Support
1 Protivovŭzdushna Batal’on - BG - OS12 - 2 cm FlaK 30 (Opel Blitz) - *
2 Protivovŭzdushna Batal’on - BG - 8.8 cm FlaK 18 (SdKfz 7)
I Batallón de Artillería Antiaérea - ES - 8.8 cm FlaK 36 (Opel Blitz)
I. Ilmatorjuntapatteri - FI - OS12 - 2 cm FlaK 38 (Opel Blitz) - *
II. Ilmatorjuntapatteri - FI - OS12 - 8.8 cm FlaK 36 (Opel Blitz)
1. protilietadlový prápor - SK - OS12 - 20mm VKPL vz.36 (Opel Blitz)
2. protilietadlový prápor - SK - 83.5mm Škoda vz.22 (Opel Blitz)
1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 1 - IT - G.55 Centauro - ****
1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 2 - IT - MC.205 Veltro - **** - Survivor, Skilled Support, Adriano Visconti
1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 3 - IT - Bf 109K - **** - Survivor, Mario Visintini
1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 4 - IT - OS20 - Me 163B - *** - Giuseppe Robetto
2º Gruppo Caccia Sq 1 - IT - Me 262A - **
1/1. Vadászszázad - HU - Bf 109K - ***** - Dezső Szentgyörgyi
1/2. Vadászszázad - HU - Re.2000 - **
1/1. Gyorsbombázó Század - HU - Me 210C - ***
Escadrila 1 Vanatoare - RO - Fw 190D-9 - ***** - Survivor, Constantin Cantacuzino
Escadrila 2 Vanatoare - RO - Bf 109K - *** - Survivor, Ion Milu
Escadrila 3 Vanatoare - RO - OS11 - Bf 110C - **** - Survivor
Escadrila 4 Vanatoare - RO - IAR-80
1 Iztrebitelen Polk 1 Yato - BG - D.520 - **
1 Iztrebitelen Polk 2 Yato - BG - Bf 109K - *** - Stoyan Stoyanov
1º Grupo de Caza 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - Bf 109K - ***** - Joaquin Garcia Morato
Hävittäjälentolaivue 1 - FI - Bf 109K - ***** - Ilmari Juutilainen
Hävittäjälentolaivue 2 - FI - Hurricane Mk.IIC - **
Hävittäjälentolaivue 3 - FI - M.S.406 - **
1. stíhačka letka - SK - Bf 109K - *** - Ján Režňák
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 1 - IT - SM.79 - ***** - Survivor, Carlo Emanuele Buscaglia
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 2 - IT - Ca.135 - *** - Survivor
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 3 - IT - Hs 129 - *** - Survivor
1º Gruppo Bombardamento a Tuffo Sq 1 - IT - Ju 87D - ***** - Giuseppe Cenni
1º Gruppo Ricognizione Sq 1 - IT - OS12 - IMAM Ro.37 - ***
1/2. Gyorsbombázó Század - HU - Fw 190F - ** - Horváth Sándor
1/1. Zuhanóbombázó Század - HU - Ju 87D - **** - Survivor
1/1. Távolfelderítő Század - HU - OS12 - Fw 189
Escadrila 1 Asalt - RO - Ju 87D - **** - Survivor
Escadrila 2 Asalt - RO - Hs 129B2 - **** - Survivor
1 Bombardirovŭchen Polk 1 Yato - BG - Ju 87D - ***
1 Bombardirovŭchen Polk 3 Yato - BG - OS11 - Tupolev SB - *** - Survivor
1 Razuznavatelen Aviopolk 1 Yato - BG - OS12 - Fw 189
1º Grupo de Asalto 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - OS11 - Hs 123a - *
1º Grupo de Apoyo 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - Ju 87D - **
Pommituslentolaivue 1 - FI - OS11 - Blenheim Mk.I - * - Survivor
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 4 - IT - Piaggio P.108 - **** - Survivor, Gori Castellani
2º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 1 - IT - OS11 - Do 217E - ***
1/1. Bombázószázad - HU - OS11 - He 111H - ***
1/2. Bombázószázad - HU - OS12 - Ju 88A - ** - Survivor
Escadrila 1 Bombardment - RO - OS11 - Ju 88A - ***
Escadrila 2 Bombardment - RO - OS11 - He 111H - **
1 Bombardirovŭchen Polk 2 Yato - BG - OS12 - Do 217E - **
Pommituslentolaivue 2 - FI - OS11 - Ju 88A - **
1º Grupo de Bombardeo 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - OS11 - He 111H2 - **

Highlights


Veterans served as best escorts. They would present the value of Axis support in this war.

Summary:

Final Prestige: 49018 (no change)

Overall:

The visit went better than expected for Bertorelli and his German allies. It was easy to convince the German public that the victories were all thanks to Rommel, who remained in hiding, not due to the help of some Italian general, however titled he may have been. This lead to all political opponents of Rommel be forced to back down and allowed for a continuation of peace talks with the Soviets. Bertorelli was ordered to rest up and prepare for a transfer to the Caucasus, the route towards India...

[Panzer73]

AO 1945 - Reichstag
Overall:

The visit went better than expected for Bertorelli and his German allies. It was easy to convince the German public that the victories were all thanks to Rommel, who remained in hiding, not due to the help of some Italian general, however titled he may have been..

One wonders why the Axis nations are putting up with the haughty Germans when they are winning all the important victories?

[Tassadar]

AO 1945 - Zahidan

General Bertorelli arrived in the Middle East quite quickly, not having the time to take part in the peace talks with the Soviets that ended up with an armistice. He was busy preparing for the advance towards India, that was the only logical line of attack against the British and Americans, seeing that the Axis fleet was in a sorry state, not allowing for massive amphibious operations anytime soon. There were some plans that apparently Rommel had for this campaign, but so far, he remained strangely silent. For now, Bertorelli and his armies were going to be the first to test out British defenses in Persia. German armies were still in route, but the same could be said about most of the general's veterans. Heavy fighting earlier meant that aside from a few exceptions, it was up to the troops kept mostly in reserve for now to prove their worth. The elite forces would be needed later. As for the army composition, all the Axis nations were involved. Even the Finns, who formally backed out of the war and also made peace with the Soviets, remained as a voluntary unit, hoping that further triumphs of the Axis force would push Finland out of the Soviet sphere of influence and be a decisive guarantee of their safety.

Starting Prestige (after purchases and replacements): 49118

Starting Army Composition:

Infantry

1º Reggimento Genio Guastatori - IT - IT Engineers 43 (Truck) - ** - Survivor
1º Reggimento Alpini - IT - OS16 - Alpini - **** - Survivor, Mario D'Adda
1º Reggimento Bersaglieri - IT - OS16 - Bersaglieri (Truck) - ****
1º Reggimento Paracadutisti - IT - OS16 - IT Paratroops - *** - Edorado Sala
1 Konen Batal’on - BG - OS16 - BG Cavalry - *** - Survivor, Nikola Mutafchiev
1. pechotný prápor - SK - SK Infantry 43 (Opel Blitz) - *
1. ženijný prápor - SK - SK Engineers (Opel Blitz) - ** - Ján Veselý

Tank

2º Battaglione Carri - IT - Panzer IVJ - **** - Steamroller, Survivor, Pietro Bruno
3. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - Tiger I - **** - Steamroller, Zoltán Zsedényi
Batalionul 1 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - T-3 - **** - Steamroller, Ion S. Dumitru
Batalionul 3 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - T-4 - **** - Steamroller, Arcadie Duceac
1 Tankov Batal’on - BG - Panzer IVJ - *** - Steamroller, Survivor, Marin Dikov
2 Tankov Batal’on - BG - Panther G - ** - Steamroller
I Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES - Panzer IVJ - *** - Steamroller
I Panssaripataljoona - FI - Panzer IVJ - **** - Steamroller, Survivor, Reino Lehväslaiho
II Panssaripataljoona - FI - T-34-85 - * - Steamroller

Recon

2º Battaglione Autoblindo - IT - Sahariana - ****
2. Felderítő Zászlóalj - HU - Panzer IIF - *

Anti-Tank

2º Battaglione Cannoni Controcarro - IT - Autocannone 90/53 - ** - Skilled Support
2. Rohamtüzér Osztály - HU - 43M Zirnyi II - * - Skilled Support, Josef Gundel
Batalionul 1 de Tunuri de Asalt - RO - Mareșal - * - Alexandru Velican
I Rynnäkkötykkipataljoona - FI - StuG IIIG - *** - Erkki Halonen
II Rynnäkkötykkipataljoona - FI - SU-152 - *
1. protitankový prápor - SK - Hetzer - ** - Rudolf Pilfousek

Artillery

2º Battaglione Artiglieria Semovente - IT - M43 da 105/25 - **** - Skilled Support
1 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - 15 cm sFH 18 (SdKfz 7) - *** - Skilled Support
2 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - Hummel - *** - Skilled Support
II Batallón de Artillería de Campaña - ES - 15 cm sFH 18 (Opel Blitz) - *** - Skilled Support
Kenttätykistörykmentti 1 - FI - ISU-152 - **** - Skilled Support
Kenttätykistörykmentti 2 - FI - 152mm M1938 (Opel Blitz) - ** - Paavo Palletvuori
1. delostrelecký prápor - SK - 150mm vz.25 (Opel Blitz) - *** - Skilled Support

Anti-Aircraft

2º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS12 - Breda 20/65 M35 (Truck)
4º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS11 - 20/70 quadruplo - **** - Skilled Support
5º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS12 - CMP Ford 15A - **** - Skilled Support
1. Légvédelmi Zászlóalj - HU - 88mm 29/38M (Opel Blitz) - ** - Skilled Support
2. Légvédelmi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 40M Nimrod - ** - Skilled Support
1. protilietadlový prápor - SK - OS12 - 20mm VKPL vz.36 (Opel Blitz)

Fighter

1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 1 - IT - G.55 Centauro - ****
1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 3 - IT - Bf 109K - **** - Survivor, Mario Visintini
1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 4 - IT - OS20 - Me 163B - *** - Giuseppe Robetto
2º Gruppo Caccia Sq 1 - IT - Me 262A - **
1/1. Gyorsbombázó Század - HU - Me 210C - ***
Escadrila 2 Vanatoare - RO - Bf 109K - *** - Survivor, Ion Milu
1 Iztrebitelen Polk 2 Yato - BG - Bf 109K - *** - Stoyan Stoyanov
1. stíhačka letka - SK - Bf 109K - *** - Ján Režňák

Tactical Bomber

1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 3 - IT - Hs 129 - *** - Survivor
1/2. Gyorsbombázó Század - HU - Fw 190F - ** - Horváth Sándor
1/1. Távolfelderítő Század - HU - OS12 - Fw 189
1 Bombardirovŭchen Polk 1 Yato - BG - Ju 87D - ***
1º Grupo de Apoyo 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - Ju 87D - **

Strategic Bomber

Pommituslentolaivue 2 - FI - OS11 - Ju 88A - **

Reserve

1º Reggimento Fanteria - IT - IT Infantry 43 (Truck) - ****
2º Reggimento Fanteria - IT - IT HW Inf 43 (SdKfz 251/1) - *** - Survivor
1º Reggimento Genio Pontieri - IT - OS17 - IT Bridge Eng (Truck)
1º Reggimento di Cavalleria - IT - OS16 - IT Cavalry - ***
1. Lövészzászlóalj - HU - HU Infantry 43 (Opel Blitz) - ***** - László Duska
2. Lövészzászlóalj - HU - HU HW Inf (SdKfz 251/1) - ***
1. Műszaki Ezred - HU - HU Engineers (Opel Blitz) - **
1. Pontonos Hidász Ezred - HU - OS17 - HU Bridge Eng (Opel Blitz)
1. Lovassági Zászlóalj - HU - OS16 - HU Cavalry - * - Survivor
Batalionul 1 Infanterie - RO - RO Infantry 43 (Opel Blitz) - ***** - Gheorghe Răscănescu
Batalionul 2 Infanterie - RO - RO HW Inf (SdKfz 250/1) - ***
Batalionul 1 Geniu - RO - RO Engineers (Opel Blitz) - ***
Batalionul 2 Geniu - RO - OS17 - RO Bridge Eng (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 Roşiori - RO - OS16 - RO Cavalry - *
Batalionul 1 Vânători de Munte - RO - OS16 - RO Mnt Inf - ****
1 Pekhoten Batal’on - BG - OS16 - BG Infantry (Opel Blitz) - **
I Batallón de Infantería - ES - Azul Infanterie 43 (Opel Blitz) - ***** - Teodoro Palacios Cueto
II Batallón de Infantería - ES - OS16 - Regulares (Opel Blitz) - ** - Armando Muñoz Calero
I Batallón de Caballería - ES - OS16 - ES Cavalry - *
Jalkaväkirykmentti 1 - FI - OS16 - FI Infantry (Opel Blitz) - ***** - Lauri Törni
Pioneeripataljoona 1 - FI - FI Engineers (Opel Blitz) - ****
1º Battaglione Carri - IT - P26/40 - ***** - Steamroller, Luigi Arbib Pascucci
3º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - Panzer IIIN - **** - Steamroller, Survivor
4º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - Somua S35 - **** - Steamroller
5º Battaglione Carri - IT - Panther G - ***** - Steamroller
1. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - Panzer IVJ - ***** - Steamroller, Survivor, Erwin Tarczay
2. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - Panther G - ***** - Steamroller
4. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 42M Toldi IIa
5. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 41M Turan II
Batalionul 2 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - Vânătorul de Care R35 - *** - Steamroller, Survivor
Batalionul 4 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - T-38
3 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - Panzer 38(t)
4 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - Panzer 35(t)
II Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES - OS11 - Verdeja 2 - **** - Steamroller, Survivor
1. tankový prápor - SK - OS11 - Panzer IVJ - ** - Steamroller
2. tankový prápor - SK - OS11 - Panzer IIIN - **** - Steamroller
3. tankový prápor - SK - OS11 - Panzer IIC
1º Battaglione Autoblindo - IT - OS11 - AB 43 - ***** - Tommaso Lequio di Assaba
1. Felderítő Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 39M Csaba - *****
Batalionul 1 de Cavalerie Blindat - RO - OS11 - AB 41 - ***** - Steamroller, Survivor, Hercule Fortunescu
Batalionul 2 de Cavalerie Blindat - RO - OS11 - SdKfz 222 - **
1 Razuznavatelen Batal’on - BG - OS11 - SdKfz 222 - *****
I Batallón de Automóviles Blindados - ES - OS11 - UNL-35 - ****
Ratsuväkiprikaati 1 - FI - OS11 - BA-10 - ****
1. mechanizovaný prápor - SK - OS11 - OA vz.30 - ****
1º Battaglione Cannoni Controcarro - IT - OS11 - 7.5 cm Pak 40 (Lancia Ro) - *
1º Battaglione Artiglieria Semovente - IT - OS11 - M42 da 75/34 - *** - Skilled Support
3º Battaglione Artiglieria Semovente - IT - M41M da 90/53 - ***
1. Páncéltörő Zászlóalj - HU - 8.8 cm cm Pak 43 (SdKfz 11)
2. Páncéltörő Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 7.5 cm Pak 43 (SdKfz 11)
1. Rohamtüzér Osztály - HU - Hetzer - ***** - Skilled Support, János Törcsváry
3. Rohamtüzér Osztály - HU - StuG IIIG
Batalionul 1 de Tunuri Anticar - RO - OS11 - 7.5 cm Pak 40 (SdKfz 11)
Batalionul 2 de Tunuri de Asalt - RO - TACAM R-2
Batalionul 3 de Tunuri de Asalt - RO - TACAM T-60
1 Protivotankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - 7.5 cm Pak 40 (Opel Blitz)
2 Protivotankov Batal’on - BG - StuG IV - **
3 Protivotankov Batal’on - BG - JagdPz IV/70
I Batallón de Antitanques - ES - OS11 - 7.5 cm Pak 40 (Opel Blitz)
Panssarintorjuntakomppania 1 - FI - OS11 - 7.5 cm Pak 40 (Opel Blitz)
1º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - 149mm 149/19 (SdKfz 10) - ***** - Skilled Support, Lorenzo Matiotti
2º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - OS11 - 105mm 105/28 (Lancia 3Ro) - *** - Skilled Support
3º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - OS11 - 75/32 M37 (Truck) - *** - Skilled Support
4º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - OS11 - 75mm 75/18
4º Battaglione Artiglieria Semovente - IT - Brummbär - ***
5º Battaglione Artiglieria Semovente - IT - M42 da 149/40 - ***** - Skilled Support, Survivor, Giuseppe D'Amico
6º Battaglione Artiglieria Semovente - IT - M40 da 75/18
1. Tüzérosztály - HU - 150mm Bofors (Opel Blitz) - ***** - Skilled Support, István Csöndes
2. Tüzérosztály - HU - 105mm 37M (SdKfz 11) - *** - Skilled Support
3. Tüzérosztály - HU - OS11 - 80mm 18M (Opel Blitz) - ** - Skilled Support
1. Rakétaezred - HU - 15cm Nebelwerfer 41 (SdKfz 11) - ***
Batalionul 1 Artilerie - RO - 150mm model 1934 (SdKfz 7) - ***** - Skilled Support
Batalionul 2 Artilerie - RO - 105mm model 1913 (SdKfz 11) - *** - Skilled Support
Batalionul 3 Artilerie - RO - 122mm M1938 (SdKfz 11) - *** - Skilled Support
3 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - StuH 42 - **
I Batallón de Artillería de Campaña - ES - 122mm M10/30 (Opel Blitz) - *** - Skilled Support
Kenttätykistörykmentti 3 - FI - SU-76
2. delostrelecký prápor - SK - 100mm Škoda vz.14/19 (Opel Blitz) - **
3. delostrelecký prápor - SK - OS11 - 75mm vz.15 (Opel Blitz) - *
1º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - 90/53 M41C (SdKfz 7) - *** - Skilled Support
3º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS11 - 75/46 C.A. M34 (Lancia 3Ro)
Batalionul 1 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS12 - 25mm Hotchkiss (SdKfz 10) - ** - Skilled Support
Batalionul 2 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS11 - 75mm Vickers/Resita (SdKfz 7) - ** - Skilled Support
Batalionul 3 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS12 - 3.7 cm FlaK 37 (SdKfz 11) - * - Skilled Support
1 Protivovŭzdushna Batal’on - BG - OS12 - 2 cm FlaK 30 (Opel Blitz) - *
2 Protivovŭzdushna Batal’on - BG - 8.8 cm FlaK 18 (SdKfz 7)
I Batallón de Artillería Antiaérea - ES - 8.8 cm FlaK 36 (Opel Blitz)
I. Ilmatorjuntapatteri - FI - OS12 - 2 cm FlaK 38 (Opel Blitz) - *
II. Ilmatorjuntapatteri - FI - OS12 - 8.8 cm FlaK 36 (Opel Blitz)
2. protilietadlový prápor - SK - 83.5mm Škoda vz.22 (Opel Blitz)
1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 2 - IT - MC.205 Veltro - **** - Survivor, Skilled Support, Adriano Visconti
1/1. Vadászszázad - HU - Bf 109K - ***** - Dezső Szentgyörgyi
1/2. Vadászszázad - HU - Re.2000 - **
Escadrila 1 Vanatoare - RO - Fw 190D-9 - ***** - Survivor, Constantin Cantacuzino
Escadrila 3 Vanatoare - RO - OS11 - Bf 110C - **** - Survivor
Escadrila 4 Vanatoare - RO - IAR-80
1 Iztrebitelen Polk 1 Yato - BG - D.520 - **
1º Grupo de Caza 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - Bf 109K - ***** - Joaquin Garcia Morato
Hävittäjälentolaivue 1 - FI - Bf 109K - ***** - Ilmari Juutilainen
Hävittäjälentolaivue 2 - FI - Hurricane Mk.IIC - **
Hävittäjälentolaivue 3 - FI - M.S.406 - **
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 1 - IT - SM.79 - ***** - Survivor, Carlo Emanuele Buscaglia
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 2 - IT - Ca.135 - *** - Survivor
1º Gruppo Bombardamento a Tuffo Sq 1 - IT - Ju 87D - ***** - Giuseppe Cenni
1º Gruppo Ricognizione Sq 1 - IT - OS12 - IMAM Ro.37 - ***
1/1. Zuhanóbombázó Század - HU - Ju 87D - **** - Survivor
Escadrila 1 Asalt - RO - Ju 87D - **** - Survivor
Escadrila 2 Asalt - RO - Hs 129B2 - **** - Survivor
1 Bombardirovŭchen Polk 3 Yato - BG - OS11 - Tupolev SB - *** - Survivor
1 Razuznavatelen Aviopolk 1 Yato - BG - OS12 - Fw 189
1º Grupo de Asalto 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - OS11 - Hs 123a - *
Pommituslentolaivue 1 - FI - OS11 - Blenheim Mk.I - * - Survivor
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 4 - IT - Piaggio P.108 - **** - Survivor, Gori Castellani
2º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 1 - IT - OS11 - Do 217E - ***
1/1. Bombázószázad - HU - OS11 - He 111H - ***
1/2. Bombázószázad - HU - OS12 - Ju 88A - ** - Survivor
Escadrila 1 Bombardment - RO - OS11 - Ju 88A - ***
Escadrila 2 Bombardment - RO - OS11 - He 111H - **
1 Bombardirovŭchen Polk 2 Yato - BG - OS12 - Do 217E - **
1º Grupo de Bombardeo 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - OS11 - He 111H2 - **

Highlights


The army general Bertorelli gathered might not have been the best of the best, but was certainly massive and given the open terrain in the area, could move quickly.


Hungarian Tiger crews from 3. Harckocsi Zászlóalj were one of the more experienced units that were available currently.


Still, the new British Centurion tanks were a nasty surprise, being as dangerous as the best Soviet armor already encountered.


It took massive combined efforts to take out Centurions and one would not like to be caught by them unprepared...


Jet fighters from 2º Gruppo Caccia Sq 1 might have been technologically superior, but the British air presence in the the Middle East was so numerous, they could not keep up alone.


After capturing Zahidan, the Axis forces moved east along the two main roads, making sure to stay in proper formation at all times.


British bombers were a nuisance, but the general brought a lot of AA support along to deal with them.


Edorado Sala's 1º Reggimento Paracadutisti was busy taking British airfields further south, and in doing so, managed to raid one with some intact Hurricane Mk.IIC fighters that could offer spare parts for the Finnish Hävittäjälentolaivue 2.


Once the Axis forces were on open ground, they could move freely. British resistance was significant, but with not solid defensive positions, the enemy could only delay the advance.


Even desperate counterattacks by British tanks could not halt the drive east.


After capturing Khuzdar, majority of ground forces were directed south, towards Karachi.


The city was very heavily defended, but at the same time remote and cut off from support.


After a siege that ended quicker than the general expected, the first phase of the operation was a success. The Germans were so impressed by this quick progress made, which cut a few good weeks from the offensive's timetable, that they gifted some captured Il-2M3 bombers that were gathered after the armistice with the Soviets. The were intended for support to the Bulgarian air force. They also granted some Fw 190G planes for 1/2. Gyorsbombázó Század.

Summary:

Final Prestige: 48849 (down 269)

Overall:

Despite this first attack at British colonies a success, the road to India was still long. While the large amounts of terrain to cover were an obvious obstacle, they also meant that organizing proper defense would be an issue. Local populace was not really that supportive of British rule over the years and garrisons were isolated from one another. Only natural obstacles could affect the advance in a more significant way, so the Indus River was the next major difficulty. All the British forces were count to be concentrated there, trying to prevent the Axis from crossing to the other side.

On a positive note however, license production of Bf 109K fighters, Panzer IVJ tanks and Hetzer tank destroyers was now in full swing in the smaller Axis nations. This would be a useful way to unify the supply situation and improve the overall strength of their armies, essentially not having to worry about spare parts now for these vehicles. In addition, a small number of SdKfz 222 recon cars, 15 cm sFH 18 and Hummel artillery guns, as well as Panther G and Panzer IIIN tanks were acquired from German stocks, allowing to strengthen their reserve pool in case of unavoidable combat losses.

[Tassadar]

AO 1945 - Operation Hydra

The most critical step of the Indian campaign was crossing the Indus River, a major natural obstacle separating the country form Axis controlled territory. General Bertorelli was not going to wait for German reinforcements and give the British time to set up better defenses. He planned to strike fast, so that the enemy forces would have to spread their defenses thin over the whole river, not knowing where the main attack would come from. His own armies were also not that numerous compared to what could have been mustered with German help later, but he had the advantage of selecting the point where to strike, while the British had to keep men everywhere. Some limited presence was just needed to keep the enemy guessing, while the main thrust could be concentrated on one point.

Starting Prestige (after purchases and replacements): 49526

New Equipment Provided:

Batalionul 3 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - Panzer IVJ
I Batallón de Automóviles Blindados - ES - OS11 - SdKfz 222
1. mechanizovaný prápor - SK - OS11 - SdKfz 222
I Rynnäkkötykkipataljoona - FI - Hetzer
1/2. Gyorsbombázó Század - HU - Fw 190G
1 Bombardirovŭchen Polk 3 Yato - BG - Il-2M3

Unification of the Axis equipment became quick with the new transport of freshly produced tanks and other vehicles, as well as some repaired captured gear meant to replace losses and keep the technical level on par with the enemy.

Starting Army Composition:

Infantry

1º Reggimento Genio Guastatori - IT - IT Engineers 43 (Truck) - ** - Survivor
1º Reggimento Bersaglieri - IT - OS16 - Bersaglieri (Truck) - ****
1. Lövészzászlóalj - HU - HU Infantry 43 (Opel Blitz) - ***** - László Duska
1. Műszaki Ezred - HU - HU Engineers (Opel Blitz) - **
Batalionul 1 Infanterie - RO - RO Infantry 43 (Opel Blitz) - ***** - Gheorghe Răscănescu
Batalionul 1 Geniu - RO - RO Engineers (Opel Blitz) - ***
1 Konen Batal’on - BG - OS16 - BG Cavalry - *** - Survivor, Nikola Mutafchiev
I Batallón de Infantería - ES - Azul Infanterie 43 (Opel Blitz) - ***** - Teodoro Palacios Cueto
Jalkaväkirykmentti 1 - FI - OS16 - FI Infantry (Opel Blitz) - ***** - Lauri Törni
Pioneeripataljoona 1 - FI - FI Engineers (Opel Blitz) - ****
1. ženijný prápor - SK - SK Engineers (Opel Blitz) - ** - Ján Veselý

Tank

2º Battaglione Carri - IT - Panzer IVJ - **** - Steamroller, Survivor, Pietro Bruno
5º Battaglione Carri - IT - Panther G - ***** - Steamroller
1. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - Panzer IVJ - ***** - Steamroller, Survivor, Erwin Tarczay
3. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - Tiger I - **** - Steamroller, Zoltán Zsedényi
Batalionul 1 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - T-3 - **** - Steamroller, Ion S. Dumitru
Batalionul 3 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - Panzer IVJ - **** - Steamroller, Arcadie Duceac
1 Tankov Batal’on - BG - Panzer IVJ - *** - Steamroller, Survivor, Marin Dikov
I Panssaripataljoona - FI - Panzer IVJ - **** - Steamroller, Survivor, Reino Lehväslaiho
II Panssaripataljoona - FI - T-34-85 - * - Steamroller

Recon

2º Battaglione Autoblindo - IT - Sahariana - ****
2. Felderítő Zászlóalj - HU - Panzer IIF - *

Anti-Tank

1. Rohamtüzér Osztály - HU - Hetzer - ***** - Skilled Support, János Törcsváry
2. Rohamtüzér Osztály - HU - 43M Zirnyi II - * - Skilled Support, Josef Gundel
Batalionul 1 de Tunuri de Asalt - RO - Mareșal - * - Alexandru Velican
I Rynnäkkötykkipataljoona - FI - Hetzer - **** - Erkki Halonen
II Rynnäkkötykkipataljoona - FI - SU-152 - *
1. protitankový prápor - SK - Hetzer - *** - Rudolf Pilfousek

Artillery

1º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - 149mm 149/19 (SdKfz 10) - ***** - Skilled Support, Lorenzo Matiotti
2º Battaglione Artiglieria Semovente - IT - M43 da 105/25 - **** - Skilled Support
4º Battaglione Artiglieria Semovente - IT - Brummbär - ***
5º Battaglione Artiglieria Semovente - IT - M42 da 149/40 - ***** - Skilled Support, Survivor, Giuseppe D'Amico
1. Tüzérosztály - HU - 150mm Bofors (Opel Blitz) - ***** - Skilled Support, István Csöndes
1. Rakétaezred - HU - 15cm Nebelwerfer 41 (SdKfz 11) - ***
Batalionul 1 Artilerie - RO - 150mm model 1934 (SdKfz 7) - ***** - Skilled Support
1 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - 15 cm sFH 18 (SdKfz 7) - *** - Skilled Support
2 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - Hummel - *** - Skilled Support
Kenttätykistörykmentti 1 - FI - ISU-152 - **** - Skilled Support
Kenttätykistörykmentti 2 - FI - 152mm M1938 (Opel Blitz) - ** - Paavo Palletvuori
1. delostrelecký prápor - SK - 150mm vz.25 (Opel Blitz) - *** - Skilled Support

Anti-Aircraft

2º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS12 - Breda 20/65 M35 (Truck)
4º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS11 - 20/70 quadruplo - **** - Skilled Support
5º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS12 - CMP Ford 15A - **** - Skilled Support
1. Légvédelmi Zászlóalj - HU - 88mm 29/38M (Opel Blitz) - *** - Skilled Support
2. Légvédelmi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 40M Nimrod - *** - Skilled Support
Batalionul 1 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS12 - 25mm Hotchkiss (SdKfz 10) - ** - Skilled Support
Batalionul 2 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS11 - 75mm Vickers/Resita (SdKfz 7) - ** - Skilled Support
1 Protivovŭzdushna Batal’on - BG - OS12 - 2 cm FlaK 30 (Opel Blitz) - *
2 Protivovŭzdushna Batal’on - BG - 8.8 cm FlaK 18 (SdKfz 7)
I. Ilmatorjuntapatteri - FI - OS12 - 2 cm FlaK 38 (Opel Blitz) - *
II. Ilmatorjuntapatteri - FI - OS12 - 8.8 cm FlaK 36 (Opel Blitz)
1. protilietadlový prápor - SK - OS12 - 20mm VKPL vz.36 (Opel Blitz)

Fighter

1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 3 - IT - Bf 109K - **** - Survivor, Mario Visintini
1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 4 - IT - OS20 - Me 163B - *** - Giuseppe Robetto
2º Gruppo Caccia Sq 1 - IT - Me 262A - ** - Survivor
1/1. Vadászszázad - HU - Bf 109K - ***** - Dezső Szentgyörgyi
Escadrila 1 Vanatoare - RO - Fw 190D-9 - ***** - Survivor, Constantin Cantacuzino
Escadrila 2 Vanatoare - RO - Bf 109K - *** - Survivor, Ion Milu
1º Grupo de Caza 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - Bf 109K - ***** - Joaquin Garcia Morato
Hävittäjälentolaivue 1 - FI - Bf 109K - ***** - Ilmari Juutilainen

Tactical Bomber

1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 1 - IT - SM.79 - ***** - Survivor, Carlo Emanuele Buscaglia
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 3 - IT - Hs 129 - *** - Survivor
1º Gruppo Bombardamento a Tuffo Sq 1 - IT - Ju 87D - ***** - Giuseppe Cenni
1/2. Gyorsbombázó Század - HU - Fw 190G - ** - Horváth Sándor
Escadrila 2 Asalt - RO - Hs 129B2 - **** - Survivor

Strategic Bomber

1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 4 - IT - Piaggio P.108 - **** - Survivor, Gori Castellani

Reserve

1º Reggimento Fanteria - IT - IT Infantry 43 (Truck) - ****
2º Reggimento Fanteria - IT - IT HW Inf 43 (SdKfz 251/1) - *** - Survivor
1º Reggimento Genio Pontieri - IT - OS17 - IT Bridge Eng (Truck)
1º Reggimento di Cavalleria - IT - OS16 - IT Cavalry - ***
1º Reggimento Alpini - IT - OS16 - Alpini - **** - Survivor, Mario D'Adda
1º Reggimento Paracadutisti - IT - OS16 - IT Paratroops - **** - Edorado Sala
2. Lövészzászlóalj - HU - HU HW Inf (SdKfz 251/1) - ***
1. Pontonos Hidász Ezred - HU - OS17 - HU Bridge Eng (Opel Blitz)
1. Lovassági Zászlóalj - HU - OS16 - HU Cavalry - * - Survivor
Batalionul 2 Infanterie - RO - RO HW Inf (SdKfz 250/1) - ***
Batalionul 2 Geniu - RO - OS17 - RO Bridge Eng (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 Roşiori - RO - OS16 - RO Cavalry - *
Batalionul 1 Vânători de Munte - RO - OS16 - RO Mnt Inf - ****
1 Pekhoten Batal’on - BG - OS16 - BG Infantry (Opel Blitz) - **
II Batallón de Infantería - ES - OS16 - Regulares (Opel Blitz) - ** - Armando Muñoz Calero
I Batallón de Caballería - ES - OS16 - ES Cavalry - *
1. pechotný prápor - SK - SK Infantry 43 (Opel Blitz) - *
1º Battaglione Carri - IT - P26/40 - ***** - Steamroller, Luigi Arbib Pascucci
3º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - Panzer IIIN - **** - Steamroller, Survivor
4º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - Somua S35 - **** - Steamroller
2. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - Panther G - ***** - Steamroller
4. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 42M Toldi IIa
5. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 41M Turan II
Batalionul 2 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - Vânătorul de Care R35 - *** - Steamroller, Survivor
Batalionul 4 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - T-38
2 Tankov Batal’on - BG - Panther G - ** - Steamroller
3 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - Panzer 38(t)
4 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - Panzer 35(t)
I Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES - Panzer IVJ - *** - Steamroller
II Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES - OS11 - Verdeja 2 - **** - Steamroller, Survivor
1. tankový prápor - SK - OS11 - Panzer IVJ - ** - Steamroller
2. tankový prápor - SK - OS11 - Panzer IIIN - **** - Steamroller
3. tankový prápor - SK - OS11 - Panzer IIC
1º Battaglione Autoblindo - IT - OS11 - AB 43 - ***** - Tommaso Lequio di Assaba
1. Felderítő Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 39M Csaba - *****
Batalionul 1 de Cavalerie Blindat - RO - OS11 - AB 41 - ***** - Steamroller, Survivor, Hercule Fortunescu
Batalionul 2 de Cavalerie Blindat - RO - OS11 - SdKfz 222 - **
1 Razuznavatelen Batal’on - BG - OS11 - SdKfz 222 - *****
I Batallón de Automóviles Blindados - ES - OS11 - SdKfz 222 - ****
Ratsuväkiprikaati 1 - FI - OS11 - BA-10 - ****
1. mechanizovaný prápor - SK - OS11 - SdKfz 222 - ****
1º Battaglione Cannoni Controcarro - IT - OS11 - 7.5 cm Pak 40 (Lancia Ro) - *
2º Battaglione Cannoni Controcarro - IT - Autocannone 90/53 - ** - Skilled Support
1º Battaglione Artiglieria Semovente - IT - OS11 - M42 da 75/34 - *** - Skilled Support
3º Battaglione Artiglieria Semovente - IT - M41M da 90/53 - ***
1. Páncéltörő Zászlóalj - HU - 8.8 cm cm Pak 43 (SdKfz 11)
2. Páncéltörő Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 7.5 cm Pak 43 (SdKfz 11)
3. Rohamtüzér Osztály - HU - StuG IIIG
Batalionul 1 de Tunuri Anticar - RO - OS11 - 7.5 cm Pak 40 (SdKfz 11)
Batalionul 2 de Tunuri de Asalt - RO - TACAM R-2
Batalionul 3 de Tunuri de Asalt - RO - TACAM T-60
1 Protivotankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - 7.5 cm Pak 40 (Opel Blitz)
2 Protivotankov Batal’on - BG - StuG IV - **
3 Protivotankov Batal’on - BG - JagdPz IV/70
I Batallón de Antitanques - ES - OS11 - 7.5 cm Pak 40 (Opel Blitz)
Panssarintorjuntakomppania 1 - FI - OS11 - 7.5 cm Pak 40 (Opel Blitz)
2º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - OS11 - 105mm 105/28 (Lancia 3Ro) - *** - Skilled Support
3º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - OS11 - 75/32 M37 (Truck) - *** - Skilled Support
4º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - OS11 - 75mm 75/18
6º Battaglione Artiglieria Semovente - IT - M40 da 75/18
2. Tüzérosztály - HU - 105mm 37M (SdKfz 11) - *** - Skilled Support
3. Tüzérosztály - HU - OS11 - 80mm 18M (Opel Blitz) - ** - Skilled Support
Batalionul 2 Artilerie - RO - 105mm model 1913 (SdKfz 11) - *** - Skilled Support
Batalionul 3 Artilerie - RO - 122mm M1938 (SdKfz 11) - *** - Skilled Support
3 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - StuH 42 - **
I Batallón de Artillería de Campaña - ES - 122mm M10/30 (Opel Blitz) - *** - Skilled Support
II Batallón de Artillería de Campaña - ES - 15 cm sFH 18 (Opel Blitz) - *** - Skilled Support
Kenttätykistörykmentti 3 - FI - SU-76
2. delostrelecký prápor - SK - 100mm Škoda vz.14/19 (Opel Blitz) - **
3. delostrelecký prápor - SK - OS11 - 75mm vz.15 (Opel Blitz) - *
1º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - 90/53 M41C (SdKfz 7) - *** - Skilled Support
3º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS11 - 75/46 C.A. M34 (Lancia 3Ro)
Batalionul 3 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS12 - 3.7 cm FlaK 37 (SdKfz 11) - * - Skilled Support
I Batallón de Artillería Antiaérea - ES - 8.8 cm FlaK 36 (Opel Blitz)
2. protilietadlový prápor - SK - 83.5mm Škoda vz.22 (Opel Blitz)
1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 1 - IT - G.55 Centauro - ****
1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 2 - IT - MC.205 Veltro - **** - Survivor, Skilled Support, Adriano Visconti
1/2. Vadászszázad - HU - Re.2000 - **
1/1. Gyorsbombázó Század - HU - Me 210C - ***
Escadrila 3 Vanatoare - RO - OS11 - Bf 110C - **** - Survivor
Escadrila 4 Vanatoare - RO - IAR-80
1 Iztrebitelen Polk 1 Yato - BG - D.520 - **
1 Iztrebitelen Polk 2 Yato - BG - Bf 109K - *** - Stoyan Stoyanov
Hävittäjälentolaivue 2 - FI - Hurricane Mk.IIC - **
Hävittäjälentolaivue 3 - FI - M.S.406 - **
1. stíhačka letka - SK - Bf 109K - *** - Ján Režňák
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 2 - IT - Ca.135 - *** - Survivor
1º Gruppo Ricognizione Sq 1 - IT - OS12 - IMAM Ro.37 - ***
1/1. Zuhanóbombázó Század - HU - Ju 87D - **** - Survivor
1/1. Távolfelderítő Század - HU - OS12 - Fw 189 - *
Escadrila 1 Asalt - RO - Ju 87D - **** - Survivor
1 Bombardirovŭchen Polk 1 Yato - BG - Ju 87D - ***
1 Bombardirovŭchen Polk 3 Yato - BG - Il-2M3 - *** - Survivor
1 Razuznavatelen Aviopolk 1 Yato - BG - OS12 - Fw 189
1º Grupo de Asalto 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - OS11 - Hs 123a - *
1º Grupo de Apoyo 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - Ju 87D - **
Pommituslentolaivue 1 - FI - OS11 - Blenheim Mk.I - * - Survivor
2º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 1 - IT - OS11 - Do 217E - ***
1/1. Bombázószázad - HU - OS11 - He 111H - ***
1/2. Bombázószázad - HU - OS12 - Ju 88A - ** - Survivor
Escadrila 1 Bombardment - RO - OS11 - Ju 88A - ***
Escadrila 2 Bombardment - RO - OS11 - He 111H - **
1 Bombardirovŭchen Polk 2 Yato - BG - OS12 - Do 217E - **
1º Grupo de Bombardeo 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - OS11 - He 111H2 - **
Pommituslentolaivue 2 - FI - OS11 - Ju 88A - ***

Highlights


Slovak and Romanian troops would move in the northern area, but only to keep the enemy busy. They meant to suggest a possible threat from that direction, but not actively cross the Indus river unless the circumstances became favorable.


Finnish troops would move southwest and also provide a distraction initally, but once they managed to stabilize the front, the plan was for them to join the main attack.


Hungarians would move from the center and attack the least defended river crossing. It was supposed to be poorly positioned and not easy to hold, according to intelligence reports.


Bulgarian forces due to their small size would mainly provide additional support to whichever group would end up needing it the most.


Italian forces were responsible for the main thrust, aimed directly at the heavily fortified British positions. This was a daring plan, but hopefully one that the enemy would least expect.


While Axis fighters began to operate from remote dirt airfields hastily constructed in the desert, the ground forces encountered powerful new British tanks. The Tortoise was slow and poorly maneuverable, but was almost immune to regular AT gun fire, which called for some desperate tactics to knock one out.


As suggested by spies, Sehean was indeed not defended well and the Hungarians made managed to secure the first river crossing on the Indus river, opening up an opportunity to exploit a gap in British formations.


Up north, Romanian and Slovak armies also encountered the fearsome new enemy tanks, but the plan here was to only keep the enemy busy. They did not have to move aggressively, which made the fighting easier.


The Finnish mechanized corps captured Sukkur and joined the Hungarians in widening the area under Axis control, securing it to prevent potential encirclement.


The success earlier allowed the general to flank defenders of Hyderabad and capture the city despite its impressive fortifications.


With the first line of defense broken, Axis forces begun to move east quickly, wary of the open terrain that favored British armored counterattacks.


After dealing with even more enemy super heavy tanks and other impressively dangerous units, the Axis forces secured Jaisalmer, opening the route to the heart of the Indian territory.


It was important to check the flanks and secure them to increase the area controlled on the other side of the Indus River. This meant minimizing the risk of losing ground to an unexpected attack from any armies that might have been missed during the battle and who still might have been located in their original deployment zones.


A large Axis force moved up north with the intent of clearing British presence there, but encountered heavy resistance along the way. It was clear that with the mission objectives already secured, there was not point of pushing one's luck further. Waiting for Germans to arrive and strengthen the defenses of newly conquered territory seemed best.


Because of this decision, the garrison around Layyah remained mostly untouched, with only some limited fighting happening on the outskirts of the town.

Summary:

Final Prestige: 38705 (down 10821)

Overall:

Crossing the Indus in Operation Hydra was a great success, albeit a very costly one in terms of resources. The British could not hold all points at the same time with a high number of defenders and thus lost to a much smaller force that could operate freely and concentrate its firepower. As Germans now arrived, they took upon themselves to finish off any remaining enemies and continue the attack east. The resistance now was much weaker already, lacking good defensive positions. The huge territory of India also did not help in defending it, especially since the local population quickly felt that it is a perfect opportunity to try and gain independence. The Axis were not interested in occupation this time, it would be logistically too demanding, borderline impossible, so a deal was possible with the to-be authorities. In fact, while the Germans were now busy covering as much ground in India as quickly as possible, Rommel had a special plan in mind for Bertorelli and his men that involved that very support from the locals. It could lead to securing a great asset for future war effort.

[Panzer73]

I always chuckle when I see Operation Hydra. I wonder if the designers are Marvel Comics/ Agents of Shield fans...

Another great victory for Bertolli and his soldiers!

[Tassadar]

AO 1945 - Case Bruno

General Bertorelli ended a briefing with Rommel, who took the time to personally visit the front line, just like in his military days of old. There was a lot of talk of the future plans for the war and while the German army was focusing on defeating British forces in India, the rest of the Axis forces had a different, but equally important task. Due to various uprisings and revolts across the country a lot of ships were stuck in ports, with crews held hostage. While the British army was hoping to reclaim their fleet, it was up to Bertorelli to prevent that from happening. Capturing the port of Bombay before the situation is dealt with by the enemy, could lead to securing multiple vessels not only there, but in other nearby cities. This could greatly improve the situation of the Kriegsmarine, while weakening the Royal Navy at the same time. It was a bold plan, almost crazy when analyzed on paper, but the earlier gambles with the atomic bomb were equally ambitious, so as long as a slim a chance of success existed, the general would be willing to take it.

Starting Prestige (after purchases and replacements): 37835

Starting Army Composition:

Infantry

1º Reggimento Genio Guastatori - IT - IT Engineers 43 (Truck) - *** - Survivor
1º Reggimento Bersaglieri - IT - OS16 - Bersaglieri (Truck) - ****
1. Lövészzászlóalj - HU - HU Infantry 43 (Opel Blitz) - ***** - László Duska
1. Műszaki Ezred - HU - HU Engineers (Opel Blitz) - **
Batalionul 1 Infanterie - RO - RO Infantry 43 (Opel Blitz) - ***** - Gheorghe Răscănescu
1 Konen Batal’on - BG - OS16 - BG Cavalry - *** - Survivor, Nikola Mutafchiev
I Batallón de Infantería - ES - Azul Infanterie 43 (Opel Blitz) - ***** - Teodoro Palacios Cueto
Jalkaväkirykmentti 1 - FI - OS16 - FI Infantry (Opel Blitz) - ***** - Lauri Törni
1. ženijný prápor - SK - SK Engineers (Opel Blitz) - ** - Ján Veselý

Tank

2º Battaglione Carri - IT - Panzer IVJ - **** - Steamroller, Survivor, Pietro Bruno
1. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - Panzer IVJ - ***** - Steamroller, Survivor, Erwin Tarczay
2. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - Panther G - ***** - Steamroller
3. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - Tiger I - ***** - Steamroller, Zoltán Zsedényi
Batalionul 1 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - T-3 - **** - Steamroller, Ion S. Dumitru
Batalionul 3 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - Panzer IVJ - **** - Steamroller, Arcadie Duceac
1 Tankov Batal’on - BG - Panzer IVJ - *** - Steamroller, Survivor, Marin Dikov
I Panssaripataljoona - FI - Panzer IVJ - **** - Steamroller, Survivor, Reino Lehväslaiho
II Panssaripataljoona - FI - T-34-85 - ** - Steamroller

Recon

2º Battaglione Autoblindo - IT - Sahariana - ****
2. Felderítő Zászlóalj - HU - Panzer IIF - **

Anti-Tank

1. Rohamtüzér Osztály - HU - Hetzer - ***** - Skilled Support, János Törcsváry
2. Rohamtüzér Osztály - HU - 43M Zirnyi II - * - Skilled Support, Josef Gundel
Batalionul 1 de Tunuri de Asalt - RO - Mareșal - * - Alexandru Velican
I Rynnäkkötykkipataljoona - FI - Hetzer - **** - Erkki Halonen
II Rynnäkkötykkipataljoona - FI - SU-152 - *
1. protitankový prápor - SK - Hetzer - *** - Rudolf Pilfousek

Artillery

1º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - 149mm 149/19 (SdKfz 10) - ***** - Skilled Support, Lorenzo Matiotti
2º Battaglione Artiglieria Semovente - IT - M43 da 105/25 - **** - Skilled Support
4º Battaglione Artiglieria Semovente - IT - Brummbär - ***
5º Battaglione Artiglieria Semovente - IT - M42 da 149/40 - ***** - Skilled Support, Survivor, Giuseppe D'Amico
1. Tüzérosztály - HU - 150mm Bofors (Opel Blitz) - ***** - Skilled Support, István Csöndes
1. Rakétaezred - HU - 15cm Nebelwerfer 41 (SdKfz 11) - ***
Batalionul 1 Artilerie - RO - 150mm model 1934 (SdKfz 7) - ***** - Skilled Support
1 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - 15 cm sFH 18 (SdKfz 7) - *** - Skilled Support
2 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - Hummel - *** - Skilled Support
Kenttätykistörykmentti 1 - FI - ISU-152 - **** - Skilled Support
Kenttätykistörykmentti 2 - FI - 152mm M1938 (Opel Blitz) - *** - Skilled Support, Paavo Palletvuori
1. delostrelecký prápor - SK - 150mm vz.25 (Opel Blitz) - *** - Skilled Support

Anti-Aircraft

2º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS12 - Breda 20/65 M35 (Truck)
3º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS11 - 75/46 C.A. M34 (Lancia 3Ro)
4º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS11 - 20/70 quadruplo - ***** - Skilled Support
5º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS12 - CMP Ford 15A - **** - Skilled Support
1. Légvédelmi Zászlóalj - HU - 88mm 29/38M (Opel Blitz) - *** - Skilled Support
2. Légvédelmi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 40M Nimrod - *** - Skilled Support
Batalionul 1 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS12 - 25mm Hotchkiss (SdKfz 10) - ** - Skilled Support
Batalionul 2 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS11 - 75mm Vickers/Resita (SdKfz 7) - ** - Skilled Support
I. Ilmatorjuntapatteri - FI - OS12 - 2 cm FlaK 38 (Opel Blitz) - *
II. Ilmatorjuntapatteri - FI - OS12 - 8.8 cm FlaK 36 (Opel Blitz)
2. protilietadlový prápor - SK - 83.5mm Škoda vz.22 (Opel Blitz)

Fighter

1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 3 - IT - Bf 109K - **** - Survivor, Mario Visintini
1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 4 - IT - OS20 - Me 163B - **** - Giuseppe Robetto
2º Gruppo Caccia Sq 1 - IT - Me 262A - ** - Survivor
1/1. Vadászszázad - HU - Bf 109K - ***** - Dezső Szentgyörgyi
1/1. Gyorsbombázó Század - HU - Me 210C - ***
Escadrila 1 Vanatoare - RO - Fw 190D-9 - ***** - Survivor, Constantin Cantacuzino
Escadrila 2 Vanatoare - RO - Bf 109K - **** - Skilled Support, Survivor, Ion Milu
1º Grupo de Caza 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - Bf 109K - ***** - Joaquin Garcia Morato
Hävittäjälentolaivue 1 - FI - Bf 109K - ***** - Ilmari Juutilainen

Tactical Bomber

1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 1 - IT - SM.79 - ***** - Survivor, Carlo Emanuele Buscaglia
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 3 - IT - Hs 129 - **** - Survivor
1º Gruppo Bombardamento a Tuffo Sq 1 - IT - Ju 87D - ***** - Giuseppe Cenni
1/2. Gyorsbombázó Század - HU - Fw 190G - *** - Horváth Sándor
Escadrila 2 Asalt - RO - Hs 129B2 - **** - Survivor
1 Razuznavatelen Aviopolk 1 Yato - BG - OS12 - Fw 189

Strategic Bomber

1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 4 - IT - Piaggio P.108 - **** - Survivor, Gori Castellani

Reserve

1º Reggimento Fanteria - IT - IT Infantry 43 (Truck) - ****
2º Reggimento Fanteria - IT - IT HW Inf 43 (SdKfz 251/1) - *** - Survivor
1º Reggimento Genio Pontieri - IT - OS17 - IT Bridge Eng (Truck)
1º Reggimento di Cavalleria - IT - OS16 - IT Cavalry - ***
1º Reggimento Alpini - IT - OS16 - Alpini - **** - Survivor, Mario D'Adda
1º Reggimento Paracadutisti - IT - OS16 - IT Paratroops - **** - Edorado Sala
2. Lövészzászlóalj - HU - HU HW Inf (SdKfz 251/1) - ***
1. Pontonos Hidász Ezred - HU - OS17 - HU Bridge Eng (Opel Blitz)
1. Lovassági Zászlóalj - HU - OS16 - HU Cavalry - * - Survivor
Batalionul 2 Infanterie - RO - RO HW Inf (SdKfz 250/1) - ***
Batalionul 1 Geniu - RO - RO Engineers (Opel Blitz) - ***
Batalionul 2 Geniu - RO - OS17 - RO Bridge Eng (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 Roşiori - RO - OS16 - RO Cavalry - *
Batalionul 1 Vânători de Munte - RO - OS16 - RO Mnt Inf - ****
1 Pekhoten Batal’on - BG - OS16 - BG Infantry (Opel Blitz) - **
II Batallón de Infantería - ES - OS16 - Regulares (Opel Blitz) - ** - Armando Muñoz Calero
I Batallón de Caballería - ES - OS16 - ES Cavalry - *
Pioneeripataljoona 1 - FI - FI Engineers (Opel Blitz) - ****
1. pechotný prápor - SK - SK Infantry 43 (Opel Blitz) - *
1º Battaglione Carri - IT - P26/40 - ***** - Steamroller, Luigi Arbib Pascucci
3º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - Panzer IIIN - **** - Steamroller, Survivor
4º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - Somua S35 - **** - Steamroller
5º Battaglione Carri - IT - Panther G - ***** - Steamroller
4. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 42M Toldi IIa
5. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 41M Turan II
Batalionul 2 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - Vânătorul de Care R35 - *** - Steamroller, Survivor
Batalionul 4 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - T-38
2 Tankov Batal’on - BG - Panther G - ** - Steamroller
3 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - Panzer 38(t)
4 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - Panzer 35(t)
I Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES - Panzer IVJ - *** - Steamroller
II Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES - OS11 - Verdeja 2 - **** - Steamroller, Survivor
1. tankový prápor - SK - OS11 - Panzer IVJ - ** - Steamroller
2. tankový prápor - SK - OS11 - Panzer IIIN - **** - Steamroller
3. tankový prápor - SK - OS11 - Panzer IIC
1º Battaglione Autoblindo - IT - OS11 - AB 43 - ***** - Tommaso Lequio di Assaba
1. Felderítő Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 39M Csaba - *****
Batalionul 1 de Cavalerie Blindat - RO - OS11 - AB 41 - ***** - Steamroller, Survivor, Hercule Fortunescu
Batalionul 2 de Cavalerie Blindat - RO - OS11 - SdKfz 222 - **
1 Razuznavatelen Batal’on - BG - OS11 - SdKfz 222 - *****
I Batallón de Automóviles Blindados - ES - OS11 - SdKfz 222 - ****
Ratsuväkiprikaati 1 - FI - OS11 - BA-10 - ****
1. mechanizovaný prápor - SK - OS11 - SdKfz 222 - ****
1º Battaglione Cannoni Controcarro - IT - OS11 - 7.5 cm Pak 40 (Lancia Ro) - *
2º Battaglione Cannoni Controcarro - IT - Autocannone 90/53 - ** - Skilled Support
1º Battaglione Artiglieria Semovente - IT - OS11 - M42 da 75/34 - *** - Skilled Support
3º Battaglione Artiglieria Semovente - IT - M41M da 90/53 - ***
1. Páncéltörő Zászlóalj - HU - 8.8 cm cm Pak 43 (SdKfz 11)
2. Páncéltörő Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 7.5 cm Pak 43 (SdKfz 11)
3. Rohamtüzér Osztály - HU - StuG IIIG
Batalionul 1 de Tunuri Anticar - RO - OS11 - 7.5 cm Pak 40 (SdKfz 11)
Batalionul 2 de Tunuri de Asalt - RO - TACAM R-2
Batalionul 3 de Tunuri de Asalt - RO - TACAM T-60
1 Protivotankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - 7.5 cm Pak 40 (Opel Blitz)
2 Protivotankov Batal’on - BG - StuG IV - **
3 Protivotankov Batal’on - BG - JagdPz IV/70
I Batallón de Antitanques - ES - OS11 - 7.5 cm Pak 40 (Opel Blitz)
Panssarintorjuntakomppania 1 - FI - OS11 - 7.5 cm Pak 40 (Opel Blitz)
2º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - OS11 - 105mm 105/28 (Lancia 3Ro) - *** - Skilled Support
3º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - OS11 - 75/32 M37 (Truck) - *** - Skilled Support
4º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - OS11 - 75mm 75/18
6º Battaglione Artiglieria Semovente - IT - M40 da 75/18
2. Tüzérosztály - HU - 105mm 37M (SdKfz 11) - *** - Skilled Support
3. Tüzérosztály - HU - OS11 - 80mm 18M (Opel Blitz) - ** - Skilled Support
Batalionul 2 Artilerie - RO - 105mm model 1913 (SdKfz 11) - *** - Skilled Support
Batalionul 3 Artilerie - RO - 122mm M1938 (SdKfz 11) - *** - Skilled Support
3 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - StuH 42 - **
I Batallón de Artillería de Campaña - ES - 122mm M10/30 (Opel Blitz) - *** - Skilled Support
II Batallón de Artillería de Campaña - ES - 15 cm sFH 18 (Opel Blitz) - *** - Skilled Support
Kenttätykistörykmentti 3 - FI - SU-76
2. delostrelecký prápor - SK - 100mm Škoda vz.14/19 (Opel Blitz) - **
3. delostrelecký prápor - SK - OS11 - 75mm vz.15 (Opel Blitz) - *
1º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - 90/53 M41C (SdKfz 7) - *** - Skilled Support
Batalionul 3 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS12 - 3.7 cm FlaK 37 (SdKfz 11) - * - Skilled Support
1 Protivovŭzdushna Batal’on - BG - OS12 - 2 cm FlaK 30 (Opel Blitz) - *
2 Protivovŭzdushna Batal’on - BG - 8.8 cm FlaK 18 (SdKfz 7) - *
I Batallón de Artillería Antiaérea - ES - 8.8 cm FlaK 36 (Opel Blitz)
1. protilietadlový prápor - SK - OS12 - 20mm VKPL vz.36 (Opel Blitz) - *
1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 1 - IT - G.55 Centauro - ****
1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 2 - IT - MC.205 Veltro - **** - Survivor, Skilled Support, Adriano Visconti
1/2. Vadászszázad - HU - Re.2000 - **
Escadrila 3 Vanatoare - RO - OS11 - Bf 110C - **** - Survivor
Escadrila 4 Vanatoare - RO - IAR-80
1 Iztrebitelen Polk 1 Yato - BG - D.520 - **
1 Iztrebitelen Polk 2 Yato - BG - Bf 109K - *** - Stoyan Stoyanov
Hävittäjälentolaivue 2 - FI - Hurricane Mk.IIC - **
Hävittäjälentolaivue 3 - FI - M.S.406 - **
1. stíhačka letka - SK - Bf 109K - *** - Ján Režňák
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 2 - IT - Ca.135 - *** - Survivor
1º Gruppo Ricognizione Sq 1 - IT - OS12 - IMAM Ro.37 - ***
1/1. Zuhanóbombázó Század - HU - Ju 87D - **** - Survivor
1/1. Távolfelderítő Század - HU - OS12 - Fw 189 - *
Escadrila 1 Asalt - RO - Ju 87D - **** - Survivor
1 Bombardirovŭchen Polk 1 Yato - BG - Ju 87D - ***
1 Bombardirovŭchen Polk 3 Yato - BG - Il-2M3 - *** - Survivor
1º Grupo de Asalto 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - OS11 - Hs 123a - *
1º Grupo de Apoyo 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - Ju 87D - **
Pommituslentolaivue 1 - FI - OS11 - Blenheim Mk.I - * - Survivor
2º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 1 - IT - OS11 - Do 217E - ***
1/1. Bombázószázad - HU - OS11 - He 111H - ***
1/2. Bombázószázad - HU - OS12 - Ju 88A - ** - Survivor
Escadrila 1 Bombardment - RO - OS11 - Ju 88A - ***
Escadrila 2 Bombardment - RO - OS11 - He 111H - **
1 Bombardirovŭchen Polk 2 Yato - BG - OS12 - Do 217E - **
1º Grupo de Bombardeo 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - OS11 - He 111H2 - **
Pommituslentolaivue 2 - FI - OS11 - Ju 88A - ***

Highlights


The general spared no elite troops for this battle. To triumph, he needed mobility, experience and reliability of his forces.


Italians moved along the coast and captured Surat. So far British presence in the area was weak, but intelligence reports suggested that Bombay had a small garrison. The main enemy presence was still far form the city and that is why the British were unable to recapture their ships.


Finnish forces secured Vadodara and were expected to secure the Italian flank.


Hungarian, Slovak and Spanish troops rushed to meet the expected armored counterattack in the east. These Axis units were best suited to fight large amounts of tanks in open terrain.


As the Italians approached Bombay, enemy air presence increased, but luckily these were all relatively light aircraft, incapable of sinking the immobilized ships.


First encounter with British tanks was difficult, but ended in Axis victory. Upon moving south however, it turned out that this was just the very first wave of incoming reinforcements.


While a part of Bertorelli's army attacked the tanks directly, some other units moved further east in an attempt to find and exploit any gaps in the British lines.


After some more time, Bombay got cut off from the supposed relief force and the siege begun in full.


Fort by fort, district by district, enemy defenses fell to artillery fire, intense air bombardment and infantry assaults.

Summary:

Final Prestige: 40196 (up 2361)

Overall:

While the objectives of the mission might have seem too ambitious to be possible, the Axis forces managed to pull them off. They secured Bombay with dozens of vessels, including battleships, carriers and what is most important, many merchant ships. In addition to this, Rommel struck a deal with the newly forming Indian independent government, that further increased the amount of such spoils and guaranteed neutrality. Once all of these invaluable vessels get repaired from the light damage taken and crewed by German sailors, the Kriegsmarine would be back in action, allowing for much more ambitious plans. In fact, the British fate in India was now already sealed and this created a chance to establish land link with the Japanese, who were still fighting in the Pacific. It seemed that there was one deciding campaign to risk in 1946, one that would be the final attempt at winning the war at last.

AO 1945 - Summary

Starting Prestige: 24846
Final Prestige: 40196 (up 15350)

Final Army Composition:

Infantry

1º Reggimento Fanteria - IT - IT Infantry 43 (Truck) - ****
2º Reggimento Fanteria - IT - IT HW Inf 43 (SdKfz 251/1) - *** - Survivor
1º Reggimento Genio Guastatori - IT - IT Engineers 43 (Truck) - *** - Survivor
1º Reggimento Genio Pontieri - IT - OS17 - IT Bridge Eng (Truck)
1º Reggimento di Cavalleria - IT - OS16 - IT Cavalry - ***
1º Reggimento Alpini - IT - OS16 - Alpini - **** - Survivor, Mario D'Adda
1º Reggimento Bersaglieri - IT - OS16 - Bersaglieri (Truck) - **** - Survivor
1º Reggimento Paracadutisti - IT - OS16 - IT Paratroops - **** - Edorado Sala
1. Lövészzászlóalj - HU - HU Infantry 43 (Opel Blitz) - ***** - László Duska
2. Lövészzászlóalj - HU - HU HW Inf (SdKfz 251/1) - ***
1. Műszaki Ezred - HU - HU Engineers (Opel Blitz) - **
1. Pontonos Hidász Ezred - HU - OS17 - HU Bridge Eng (Opel Blitz)
1. Lovassági Zászlóalj - HU - OS16 - HU Cavalry - * - Survivor
Batalionul 1 Infanterie - RO - RO Infantry 43 (Opel Blitz) - ***** - Gheorghe Răscănescu
Batalionul 2 Infanterie - RO - RO HW Inf (SdKfz 250/1) - ***
Batalionul 1 Geniu - RO - RO Engineers (Opel Blitz) - ***
Batalionul 2 Geniu - RO - OS17 - RO Bridge Eng (Opel Blitz)
Batalionul 1 Roşiori - RO - OS16 - RO Cavalry - *
Batalionul 1 Vânători de Munte - RO - OS16 - RO Mnt Inf - ****
1 Pekhoten Batal’on - BG - OS16 - BG Infantry (Opel Blitz) - **
1 Konen Batal’on - BG - OS16 - BG Cavalry - **** - Survivor, Nikola Mutafchiev
I Batallón de Infantería - ES - Azul Infanterie 43 (Opel Blitz) - ***** - Teodoro Palacios Cueto
II Batallón de Infantería - ES - OS16 - Regulares (Opel Blitz) - ** - Armando Muñoz Calero
I Batallón de Caballería - ES - OS16 - ES Cavalry - *
Jalkaväkirykmentti 1 - FI - OS16 - FI Infantry (Opel Blitz) - ***** - Lauri Törni
Pioneeripataljoona 1 - FI - FI Engineers (Opel Blitz) - ****
1. pechotný prápor - SK - SK Infantry 43 (Opel Blitz) - *
1. ženijný prápor - SK - SK Engineers (Opel Blitz) - ** - Ján Veselý

Tank

1º Battaglione Carri - IT - P26/40 - ***** - Steamroller, Luigi Arbib Pascucci
2º Battaglione Carri - IT - Panzer IVJ - **** - Steamroller, Survivor, Pietro Bruno
3º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - Panzer IIIN - **** - Steamroller, Survivor
4º Battaglione Carri - IT - OS11 - Somua S35 - **** - Steamroller
5º Battaglione Carri - IT - Panther G - ***** - Steamroller
1. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - Panzer IVJ - ***** - Steamroller, Survivor, Erwin Tarczay
2. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - Panther G - ***** - Steamroller
3. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - Tiger I - ***** - Steamroller, Zoltán Zsedényi
4. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 42M Toldi IIa
5. Harckocsi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 41M Turan II
Batalionul 1 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - T-3 - **** - Steamroller, Ion S. Dumitru
Batalionul 2 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - Vânătorul de Care R35 - *** - Steamroller, Survivor
Batalionul 3 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - Panzer IVJ - **** - Steamroller, Arcadie Duceac
Batalionul 4 de Tancuri - RO - OS11 - T-38
1 Tankov Batal’on - BG - Panzer IVJ - *** - Steamroller, Survivor, Marin Dikov
2 Tankov Batal’on - BG - Panther G - ** - Steamroller
3 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - Panzer 38(t)
4 Tankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - Panzer 35(t)
I Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES - Panzer IVJ - *** - Steamroller
II Batallón de Carros de Combate - ES - OS11 - Verdeja 2 - **** - Steamroller, Survivor
I Panssaripataljoona - FI - Panzer IVJ - **** - Steamroller, Survivor, Reino Lehväslaiho
II Panssaripataljoona - FI - T-34-85 - ** - Steamroller
1. tankový prápor - SK - OS11 - Panzer IVJ - ** - Steamroller
2. tankový prápor - SK - OS11 - Panzer IIIN - **** - Steamroller
3. tankový prápor - SK - OS11 - Panzer IIC

Recon

1º Battaglione Autoblindo - IT - OS11 - AB 43 - ***** - Tommaso Lequio di Assaba
2º Battaglione Autoblindo - IT - Sahariana - *****
1. Felderítő Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 39M Csaba - *****
2. Felderítő Zászlóalj - HU - Panzer IIF - **
Batalionul 1 de Cavalerie Blindat - RO - OS11 - AB 41 - ***** - Steamroller, Survivor, Hercule Fortunescu
Batalionul 2 de Cavalerie Blindat - RO - OS11 - SdKfz 222 - **
1 Razuznavatelen Batal’on - BG - OS11 - SdKfz 222 - *****
I Batallón de Automóviles Blindados - ES - OS11 - SdKfz 222 - ****
Ratsuväkiprikaati 1 - FI - OS11 - BA-10 - ****
1. mechanizovaný prápor - SK - OS11 - SdKfz 222 - ****

Anti-Tank

1º Battaglione Cannoni Controcarro - IT - OS11 - 7.5 cm Pak 40 (Lancia Ro) - *
2º Battaglione Cannoni Controcarro - IT - Autocannone 90/53 - ** - Skilled Support
1º Battaglione Artiglieria Semovente - IT - OS11 - M42 da 75/34 - *** - Skilled Support
3º Battaglione Artiglieria Semovente - IT - M41M da 90/53 - ***
1. Páncéltörő Zászlóalj - HU - 8.8 cm cm Pak 43 (SdKfz 11)
2. Páncéltörő Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 7.5 cm Pak 43 (SdKfz 11
1. Rohamtüzér Osztály - HU - Hetzer - ***** - Expert Support, János Törcsváry
2. Rohamtüzér Osztály - HU - 43M Zirnyi II - * - Skilled Support, Josef Gundel
3. Rohamtüzér Osztály - HU - StuG IIIG
Batalionul 1 de Tunuri Anticar - RO - OS11 - 7.5 cm Pak 40 (SdKfz 11)
Batalionul 1 de Tunuri de Asalt - RO - Mareșal - * - Alexandru Velican
Batalionul 2 de Tunuri de Asalt - RO - TACAM R-2
Batalionul 3 de Tunuri de Asalt - RO - TACAM T-60
1 Protivotankov Batal’on - BG - OS11 - 7.5 cm Pak 40 (Opel Blitz)
2 Protivotankov Batal’on - BG - StuG IV - **
3 Protivotankov Batal’on - BG - JagdPz IV/70
I Batallón de Antitanques - ES - OS11 - 7.5 cm Pak 40 (Opel Blitz)
Panssarintorjuntakomppania 1 - FI - OS11 - 7.5 cm Pak 40 (Opel Blitz)
I Rynnäkkötykkipataljoona - FI - Hetzer - **** - Erkki Halonen
II Rynnäkkötykkipataljoona - FI - SU-152 - **
1. protitankový prápor - SK - Hetzer - *** - Rudolf Pilfousek

Artillery

1º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - 149mm 149/19 (SdKfz 10) - ***** - Skilled Support, Lorenzo Matiotti
2º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - OS11 - 105mm 105/28 (Lancia 3Ro) - *** - Skilled Support
3º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - OS11 - 75/32 M37 (Truck) - *** - Skilled Support
4º Reggimento Artiglieria - IT - OS11 - 75mm 75/18
2º Battaglione Artiglieria Semovente - IT - M43 da 105/25 - **** - Skilled Support
4º Battaglione Artiglieria Semovente - IT - Brummbär - ***
5º Battaglione Artiglieria Semovente - IT - M42 da 149/40 - ***** - Skilled Support, Survivor, Giuseppe D'Amico
6º Battaglione Artiglieria Semovente - IT - M40 da 75/18
1. Tüzérosztály - HU - 150mm Bofors (Opel Blitz) - ***** - Skilled Support, István Csöndes
2. Tüzérosztály - HU - 105mm 37M (SdKfz 11) - *** - Skilled Support
3. Tüzérosztály - HU - OS11 - 80mm 18M (Opel Blitz) - ** - Skilled Support
1. Rakétaezred - HU - 15cm Nebelwerfer 41 (SdKfz 11) - ***
Batalionul 1 Artilerie - RO - 150mm model 1934 (SdKfz 7) - ***** - Skilled Support
Batalionul 2 Artilerie - RO - 105mm model 1913 (SdKfz 11) - *** - Skilled Support
Batalionul 3 Artilerie - RO - 122mm M1938 (SdKfz 11) - *** - Skilled Support
1 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - 15 cm sFH 18 (SdKfz 7) - *** - Skilled Support
2 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - Hummel - *** - Skilled Support
3 Artileriĭski Batal’on - BG - StuH 42 - **
I Batallón de Artillería de Campaña - ES - 122mm M10/30 (Opel Blitz) - *** - Skilled Support
II Batallón de Artillería de Campaña - ES - 15 cm sFH 18 (Opel Blitz) - *** - Skilled Support
Kenttätykistörykmentti 1 - FI - ISU-152 - **** - Skilled Support
Kenttätykistörykmentti 2 - FI - 152mm M1938 (Opel Blitz) - *** - Skilled Support, Paavo Palletvuori
Kenttätykistörykmentti 3 - FI - SU-76
1. delostrelecký prápor - SK - 150mm vz.25 (Opel Blitz) - *** - Skilled Support
2. delostrelecký prápor - SK - 100mm Škoda vz.14/19 (Opel Blitz) - **
3. delostrelecký prápor - SK - OS11 - 75mm vz.15 (Opel Blitz) - *

Anti-Aircraft

1º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - 90/53 M41C (SdKfz 7) - *** - Skilled Support
2º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS12 - Breda 20/65 M35 (Truck)
3º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS11 - 75/46 C.A. M34 (Lancia 3Ro)
4º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS11 - 20/70 quadruplo - ***** - Skilled Support
5º Battaglione Artiglieria Contraerea - IT - OS12 - CMP Ford 15A - **** - Skilled Support
1. Légvédelmi Zászlóalj - HU - 88mm 29/38M (Opel Blitz) - *** - Skilled Support
2. Légvédelmi Zászlóalj - HU - OS11 - 40M Nimrod - *** - Skilled Support
Batalionul 1 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS12 - 25mm Hotchkiss (SdKfz 10) - *** - Skilled Support
Batalionul 2 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS11 - 75mm Vickers/Resita (SdKfz 7) - ** - Skilled Support
Batalionul 3 de Tunuri Antiaeriene - RO - OS12 - 3.7 cm FlaK 37 (SdKfz 11) - * - Skilled Support
1 Protivovŭzdushna Batal’on - BG - OS12 - 2 cm FlaK 30 (Opel Blitz) - *
2 Protivovŭzdushna Batal’on - BG - 8.8 cm FlaK 18 (SdKfz 7) - *
I Batallón de Artillería Antiaérea - ES - 8.8 cm FlaK 36 (Opel Blitz)
I. Ilmatorjuntapatteri - FI - OS12 - 2 cm FlaK 38 (Opel Blitz) - *
II. Ilmatorjuntapatteri - FI - OS12 - 8.8 cm FlaK 36 (Opel Blitz)
1. protilietadlový prápor - SK - OS12 - 20mm VKPL vz.36 (Opel Blitz) - *
2. protilietadlový prápor - SK - 83.5mm Škoda vz.22 (Opel Blitz)

Fighter

1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 1 - IT - G.55 Centauro - ****
1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 2 - IT - MC.205 Veltro - **** - Survivor, Skilled Support, Adriano Visconti
1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 3 - IT - Bf 109K - **** - Survivor, Mario Visintini
1º Gruppo Caccia Sq 4 - IT - OS20 - Me 163B - **** - Giuseppe Robetto
2º Gruppo Caccia Sq 1 - IT - Me 262A - ** - Survivor
1/1. Vadászszázad - HU - Bf 109K - ***** - Dezső Szentgyörgyi
1/2. Vadászszázad - HU - Re.2000 - **
1/1. Gyorsbombázó Század - HU - Me 210C - ***
Escadrila 1 Vanatoare - RO - Fw 190D-9 - ***** - Survivor, Constantin Cantacuzino
Escadrila 2 Vanatoare - RO - Bf 109K - **** - Skilled Support, Survivor, Ion Milu
Escadrila 3 Vanatoare - RO - OS11 - Bf 110C - **** - Survivor
Escadrila 4 Vanatoare - RO - IAR-80
1 Iztrebitelen Polk 1 Yato - BG - D.520 - **
1 Iztrebitelen Polk 2 Yato - BG - Bf 109K - *** - Stoyan Stoyanov
1º Grupo de Caza 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - Bf 109K - ***** - Joaquin Garcia Morato
Hävittäjälentolaivue 1 - FI - Bf 109K - ***** - Ilmari Juutilainen
Hävittäjälentolaivue 2 - FI - Hurricane Mk.IIC - **
Hävittäjälentolaivue 3 - FI - M.S.406 - **
1. stíhačka letka - SK - Bf 109K - *** - Ján Režňák

Tactical Bomber

1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 1 - IT - SM.79 - ***** - Survivor, Carlo Emanuele Buscaglia
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 2 - IT - Ca.135 - *** - Survivor
1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 3 - IT - Hs 129 - **** - Survivor
1º Gruppo Bombardamento a Tuffo Sq 1 - IT - Ju 87D - ***** - Giuseppe Cenni
1º Gruppo Ricognizione Sq 1 - IT - OS12 - IMAM Ro.37 - ***
1/1. Zuhanóbombázó Század - HU - Ju 87D - **** - Survivor
1/2. Gyorsbombázó Század - HU - Fw 190G - *** - Horváth Sándor
1/1. Távolfelderítő Század - HU - OS12 - Fw 189 - *
Escadrila 1 Asalt - RO - Ju 87D - **** - Survivor
Escadrila 2 Asalt - RO - Hs 129B2 - **** - Survivor
1 Bombardirovŭchen Polk 1 Yato - BG - Ju 87D - ***
1 Bombardirovŭchen Polk 3 Yato - BG - Il-2M3 - *** - Survivor
1 Razuznavatelen Aviopolk 1 Yato - BG - OS12 - Fw 189 - *
1º Grupo de Asalto 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - OS11 - Hs 123a - *
1º Grupo de Apoyo 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - Ju 87D - **
Pommituslentolaivue 1 - FI - OS11 - Blenheim Mk.I - * - Survivor

Strategic Bomber

1º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 4 - IT - Piaggio P.108 - **** - Survivor, Gori Castellani
2º Gruppo Bombardiere Sq 1 - IT - OS11 - Do 217E - ***
1/1. Bombázószázad - HU - OS11 - He 111H - ***
1/2. Bombázószázad - HU - OS12 - Ju 88A - ** - Survivor
Escadrila 1 Bombardment - RO - OS11 - Ju 88A - ***
Escadrila 2 Bombardment - RO - OS11 - He 111H - **
1 Bombardirovŭchen Polk 2 Yato - BG - OS12 - Do 217E - **
1º Grupo de Bombardeo 1ª Escuadrilla - ES - OS11 - He 111H2 - **
Pommituslentolaivue 2 - FI - OS11 - Ju 88A - ***

Thoughts:

The DLC went surprisingly well in this configuration, even considering how weak most of my tanks became compared to IS-3 and Centurions, or my planes compared to Meteors. It was doable, with all side objectives, but not necessarily with the entire maps cleared. For sure the battle against the Soviets was much more challenging due to the overall better armored units on the Soviet side, but a few of the hero combinations in the British army were also a pain to deal with. Some level of fictional upgrades to units were needed, but I think I kept them realistic as much as possible. It will be really interesting to see this core in 1946, as I do have at least a dozen of units that could still earn the fifth star of experience and after 1945 are just 50-100 EXP short to do so. If I ever select a run in the future that involves a massive core rotation, I will be sure to take the Battle Academy general trait!

[Kerensky]

Reading your rules there... maybe in 1946 you will consider allowing some Japanese units onto the limited roster rules.

Japanese units are used very interestingly in 1946, and it looks like it might fit your ruleset very uniquely.

[Tassadar]

Reading your rules there... maybe in 1946 you will consider allowing some Japanese units onto the limited roster rules.

Japanese units are used very interestingly in 1946, and it looks like it might fit your ruleset very uniquely.

I was thinking about is as well, since adding the Japanese as an additional nation to the core roster is relatively easy. However, it will depend on a few things - for example if there's some sort of training scenario for these forces to gain at least 2-3 start of experience, as otherwise I'll end up with good units, but green crews, making them relatively weak. Giving Japanese equipment to other nations' cores is probably not the way I'd go with this, as I'm trying to stick to a realistically viable approach of units that were either used (at this point even single-case uses count), or are developed version of such equipment (hence the standardization to Panzer IVJ as the main tank). That said, experience is one thing, the fact my core is already quite crowded is another, but that's why I'll have the regular and Wunderwaffe runs to see how things play out and make the final call. The Wunderwaffe run will for sure be a goldmine of options on the other hand, there are units that can't wait to get some prototypes.

For the 1946 DLC I mostly reached the limit of what I can think I'm allowed to upgrade. Hungarians will probably get a single Tiger II seeing how in this reality, Germans are switching to the E-series, and in later stages I might allow Panther II to replace the G version for the same reason. Romanians will probably get the AB 43 and so on, but small things like that are last few upgrades that still make sense, as I do not want to go to crazy with changes and power up the core too much, not really making it different form a more regular composition. I'll probably keep all the Panzer 38(t)'s and all the obsolete zero star things as they are, since I would not have space to use them all.

[Kerensky]

I don't want to spoil anything, but I'll say two things about experience.

It's a long campaign, 30 scenarios in size. I also tweaked the experience penalty a bit, so even a fresh unit can work it's way up in experience within the campaign if it starts early enough and sees enough action.

Or maybe because the death of 5 star units here happens... a lot, and being able to start fresh is important to not be as slow as it's been before. xD

[DefiantXYX]

Or maybe because the death of 5 star units here happens...

It will respawn with 2500 experience at the end of the scenarios, since old guard for 1 point is a no brainer. As long as you dont want to punish yourself by chosing bad traits
You really should balance the general traits, depending on the year. Not sure if there will be any balancing patches or DLCs in the future, but there is still a lot potential in the game which could motivate a lot of players for reruns.