DAW - Der andere Weg - The other way

[Sonja89_1]

The “Paris” mission marks the end of the battle in France. It is mainly a siege battle against a strong defensive opponent who only has a few planes left. To make matters worse for the attacker, the battle takes place in November in rainy weather. Of the 29 rounds played, 10 were in rainy weather and 10 were on muddy ground. This means that your own troops are hindered accordingly. In addition, the bad weather leads to disruptive sickness absences. You can achieve a DV here if you completely destroy the 7 enemy fortresses in addition to conquering the primary objectives.

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In the first picture you get an overview of the enemy defense in the inner ring. This overview is achieved without risk by deploying my air force over Paris in a rainy turn followed by a turn with clear weather. You can see 4 fortresses (1) at the corners, which give the French a good all-round view. A hidden approach is therefore not feasible. There are also three heavy fortresses, one of which is particularly strong and dangerous (2). As always, I am particularly interested in the enemy anti-aircraft guns. There are a total of 6 units (4 anti-aircraft, 2 air defense) in the defense ring (3).

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The second picture shows the situation at the beginning of turn 21. With the support of long-range artillery (4) and my two Stuka groups, I was able to eliminate most of the enemy flak. The skies over Paris are mine and my bombers and fighters can hunt down the French artillery (5). My own artillery continues to soften up the enemy. From the northeast, my aux troops storm against the weakened French line (6). My core troops come from the south. The player has the option of undermining the southern edge of the siege ring. In exchange for some prestige, mines are detonated on 10 B-squares, which greatly weaken the enemy units and reduce their entrenchment to zero (7). This makes it much easier to break into the enemy position. The enemy defense collapses within a few turns.

Strategic map: From Amiens and Laon in the north, the player has many Aux troops available to launch a powerful attack on Paris (8). On the other side, the core troops start from the south in the direction of Orleans (9). You can see the outer and inner defense ring of Paris. After the outer ring has been overcome, the final assault is coordinated from the north (10) and south (11).

The year 1940 ends with this scenario and the troops take a break. I will also be taking a Christmas break over the next two weeks. The next report will be in about 3 weeks in the new year - Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

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[rubyjuno]

Good work and fascinating as always, Sonja. Enjoy your break and the festive season.

[Sonja89_1]

Good work and fascinating as always, Sonja. Enjoy your break and the festive season.

Nice to read something from you in the forum again after a long time. Merry Christmas to you and your family.

[rubyjuno]

Nice to read something from you in the forum again after a long time. Merry Christmas to you and your family.

Unfortunately, I had an accident in July and haven't been on my computer much since then. I was seriously injured (my first ride in an ambulance but I don't remember it!) and I'm still recovering. Using the computer is still quite difficult for me but eventually I was able to use the iPad so I have been playing Panzer Corps on there. No mods on the iPad sadly!

Thanks for the good wishes, and the same to you.

[Sonja89_1]

Nice to read something from you in the forum again after a long time. Merry Christmas to you and your family.

Unfortunately, I had an accident in July and haven't been on my computer much since then. I was seriously injured (my first ride in an ambulance but I don't remember it!) and I'm still recovering. Using the computer is still quite difficult for me but eventually I was able to use the iPad so I have been playing Panzer Corps on there. No mods on the iPad sadly!

Thanks for the good wishes, and the same to you.

Oh, man. I hope you get back to full health soon. In a situation like this, you fully realize what a crucial value health has above all other things. All the best to you and have a healthy 2025.

[Sonja89_1]

The very extensive scenario ‘Sicily’ (Sizilien) is the conclusion of the battle in Europe within the second campaign. Many naval units on both sides are also deployed here. It is a multi-layered air, ground and naval battle. For an MV, all primary objectives must be captured and at least 9000 prestige points must be retained. As there was plenty of prestige after the ‘Paris’ scenario, the last point is not a problem. For a DV, capture all flag hexes and prevent the Italian Comando Supremo from escaping.

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At the start of the third turn, the first own troops have already landed and are fighting their way towards Messina (1) supported by further attacks on the flanks (2). To support the sea landings, extensive airborne troops are ready, which have already been placed over the open mountainous region north of Taormina (3). At the end of the second round, however, there was a fierce Italian counterattack with several fighter groups and bombers (4). Although all transport aircraft were covered by own fighters, the deterrence of a new, still inexperienced fighter group was not sufficient. The AI attacked despite the cover and sent more attackers, which then almost destroyed a cargo glider with mountain troops (remaining strength 1) and the Polish paratroopers from the core force completely (5). I will reactivate this unit for the next mission, but the 360 experience points are lost. There are miscalculations that can have a bad effect. Once the mines on the coast and on the beach have been cleared, the landing of the core troops between Taormina and Messina can begin (6).

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10 turns later, the ground forces have established an extensive bridgehead between Acireale and the north coast, from which they can now advance towards the south-west (7) and Catania (8). Ships and planes support the attack. At the same time, there was an extensive counter-attack by French air groups (9), which were sent from Tunisia to support the Italians. Fortunately, there were no serious losses of our own. With the help of my strong anti-aircraft divisions (10), the most dangerous French fighter groups are shot down and the rest destroyed by my fighters.

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In turn 17, my ground troops are in front of Syracuse (11). In the meantime, the Italian navy had advanced to the coast of the city with cruisers and battleships and I was able to fight them off one by one (12). I was then able to push the slower enemy submarines (13) to the coast with my own submarines (14). My strong Stuka group was already able to sink one of the 5 submarines (15). The remaining opponents fared no better in the following turns. The way to the west was then clear.

[Sonja89_1]

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In turn 26 I advanced along the north coast with my ships beyond Palermo (16). The enemy ships were almost completely destroyed. The Comando Supremo sets off for Africa on board one of the last destroyers (17). But it will never get there. In the Palermo area there are 3 enemy units to pay special attention to (18 - an overpowered artillery, an anti-aircraft defence and the army HQ). After my naval artillery has weakened the air defence, my Stuka group (19) is deployed. With no more flak protecting the sky, the enemy artillery and HQ have no chance of holding out any longer. Finally, the ground attack can begin from Termini (20).

Strategic map: Two groups north and south of Reggio start the attack (21). Gradually, enemy ships from the French (22) and Italians (23) must be expected. After the ground troops have gone ashore between Messina and Taormina, the attack begins southwards towards Catania (24) and along the north coast towards Palermo (25). One by one, the resistance zones on the island were overcome until the final attack on Marsala (26). The last two Italian bases on the Aegadian Islands and on Pantelleria (27) are conquered by paratroopers. The springboard for the next operation to Tunis in North Africa is prepared.

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[Sonja89_1]

As in the previous scenario, a significant number of air, naval and ground units must be successfully deployed for the landing in Tunisia. The landing zones are located at Biserta and Cape Bon, allowing Tunis to be captured. In addition to capturing the primary objectives (MV), 4 reconnaissance units must be positioned on defined hexes to the west and east of Tebessa (DV).

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The first picture shows the start of the third round. It had rained during the first two laps, which on the one hand caused a disruptive delay. On the other hand, however, it also allows a safer approach, especially for the airborne forces. A large number of landing ships are positioned on the coast of Cape Bon, ready to unload the troops (1) after the mines have already been cleared. Paratroopers are getting ready to jump behind the enemy defence line (2). My reconnaissance aircraft and fighters were spread out over a wide area in the previous round to make as much as possible visible in clear weather (3). I had positioned my bombers in places where I recognised or suspected good targets (4). After all, I already have a Stuka unit over the air defence at El Haouaria. After a few hits from my naval artillery, the Stuka will be able to destroy the air defence.

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Some time later, the attack has developed well. My Aux units advance from Biserta towards Tunis (5). At the same time, my experienced veterans are punching their way through the positions east of Tunis and drilling into the French defence (6). They are constantly supported by my own air force (7), which massively weakens enemy attacks time and again. My navy has advanced into the Bay of Tunis and is concentrating its fire on the air defence in Tunis (8), which is not visible in the picture. East of Beja there is a French counterattack with an overpowered Char-B1 unit (9), which has just beaten one of my reconnaissance units down to one strength point. At least this unit survives the mission at the end with this one strength point and even helps to fulfil the DV condition.

Strategic map: The landings take place at two locations at Cape Bon (10) and near Biserta (11). In addition, a larger contingent landed by air east of Tabarka (12). However, this task force had to contend with considerable French counterattacks and was only just able to hold its ground. During the initial phase, the Italian navy launched a very dangerous attack from Linosa on our important supply base on Pantelleria (13). This must not be lost under any circumstances, as otherwise our own air forces would no longer have a place to land outside Sicily. In addition, there are repeated attacks by Italian air units (14) and also by French and Italian ground units (15). In the mid-game I occasionally have doubts as to whether I will reach all the primary objectives in time, but in the end I manage to do so.

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[Sonja89_1]

The ‘Gabes’ scenario takes place in the central and southern part of Tunisia. It describes the separation of the French and Italian allies, who each continue to fight for themselves after this battle. In order to achieve a DV, all primary objectives must be conquered, for an MV the possession of 6 primary objectives is sufficient.

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The first picture shows the advance of our own troops on the Kasserine Pass south of Tebessa (1). The difficult terrain is slowing down the pace considerably. At the same time, there is still considerable offensive pressure from the French, who are also attacking with very strong units (2). By the time the overpowered French armoured unit reaches the German Panzer IV unit to the west, there is not much left of it. At the same time, I build up pressure north of Kasserine to flank the enemy from the east (3).

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On the Mediterranean coast, the advance proceeds more quickly. After taking Sfax, my units advance further towards Skirra (4). They are supported by a few ships that provide valuable fire support (5). Here they are wearing down 2 Italian anti-aircraft units, one of which is completely destroyed by a subsequent Stuka attack (6), while the other is left with only a single strength point. In the same turn, I surround Skirra to the west with my armoured force, using the strongest unit to smash an overstrength Italian armoured division, which is thrown back onto the wadi (7).

Strategic map: The first half of the scenario is characterised by massive French attacks on Tebessa (8) and Italian attacks on Sousse (9). The attacks on Tebessa are hindered by the narrow Kasserine Pass. However, this bottleneck also hindered the subsequent counterattack, which was correspondingly time-consuming (10). However, as soon as the strong French troop build-up at Kasserine was smashed, the advance to Gafsa, Toseur and Kebeli progressed rapidly. On the Mediterranean coast, the counter-offensive via Sfax, Skirra and Gabes (11) is easier and comes to an end on the island of Dscherba. However, even the coastal region is no walk in the park and my submarine, which I added to my core troops in the ‘Sicily’ scenario, was almost completely sunk by an Italian bomber. With one last strength point, I had to get it to safety quickly. ‘Gabes’ is one of the heaviest material battles in the 4 DAW campaigns and the heaviest so far in this run.

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[Sonja89_1]

After 6 difficult and very extensive scenarios (from Toulon to Gabes), ‘Algiers’ is a more ‘normal’ mission. For the conquest of all primary objectives and the possession of 10,000 prestige points, there is an MV. If you take control of all flag fields, you will receive a DV. A special feature is the danger of heat failure in the vicinity of desert fields.

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The first picture shows the situation in the southern area after the first breakthrough through the enemy position. Coming from Constantine, a small battle group advances southwards through a mountain pass towards Biskra (1). This southern group is supported by 3 air units (1 x Bf109, 1 x Bf110, 1 x Ju87). The French spot the Ju-87 through a scout car and attack from the north-west with two strong fighter groups (Morane-Saulnier 411). They encounter the Bf110 and trigger the Bf109's fighter cover (2). This decimates the overpowered MS411 and causes only minor damage to the Bf110. However, the second attack hits the Bf110 harder and decimates it down to 2 strength points. This destroyer group is therefore out of action for the rest of the scenario, as repairs would be too expensive. However, the two strong French fighter groups do not survive the following turn after anti-aircraft fire and counter-attack. The way is then clear for the ground attack on Biskra (3).

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By the 16th turn, I have approached the main objective of this mission - Algiers. After preparation and reconnaissance, 2 armoured units and a StuG move directly in front of the enemy front (4). This is also to prevent the overstrength French armoured unit (5), which has already been decimated a little, from taking the space for a counterattack. My artillery (6) takes the enemy flak under fire and my cruiser (7) the more distant air defence (8). My bombers then launch attacks to neutralise the enemy air defences. Unfortunately, the nearest own airfield is relatively far away. My fighter groups can hardly give the bombers any fighter cover. This can be very problematic. Here you can see an MS-406 attacking my Stuka on the outskirts of Algiers, but fortunately it doesn't do much damage. After the French anti-aircraft guns have been knocked out and my air force can then pounce on the enemy artillery, the time comes for my own ground attack (9).

Strategic map: From Bone and Tebessa, 2 attack groups move against the French defence (10). At the same time, my naval units advance westwards along the coast and take enemy positions under fire (11). After capturing Philippville and Constantine, the main advance is quickly made towards Algiers (12). At the same time, a smaller group was sent south (13) to occupy the French bases on the edge of the desert zone. After good preparation, the decisive attack on the well-armoured Algiers took place (14). The long distance to the nearest airfield near Constantine was problematic.

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[Sonja89_1]

Casablanca’ is the last scenario of the 2nd campaign. This also marks the end of the battle in North Africa against the French and Italians. In this mission, you earn an MV by capturing all primary objectives and a DV by saving the POW figure from disintegration. This is not easy, as the prison camp is very far away from your own front line. It becomes necessary to carry out an action with paratroopers, who can only be given limited cover due to their lack of range.

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The first picture shows this prison camp at the beginning of the 12th turn. In the meantime, 13 of 20 strength points have already been removed (1). They are transported to Guyana. There are still 7 remaining. 4 of my units have landed to the east (2). They are now ready to clear a minefield (3) so that the prisoners can escape eastwards into the desert with the help of lorries.

The next picture shows the situation in turn 23 before the attack on Fes. In the previous turn I was able to paralyse the enemy air defence with my artillery and then carry out a concentrated attack with all my air forces (4). In a direct counterattack, a strong French fighter group, which also did not bother with my fighter cover, inflicted heavy losses on a Bf-110 unit (5). My strong infantry launched a frontal attack on Fes (6), while particularly fast units moved around to the north, created a crossing over the Sebou and caught the enemy in the rear from the west (7). However, I did not take this bypass into account during the approach to Fes, which means I lose time unnecessarily by regrouping. I now only have 11 turns left, it's getting tight.

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Another 6 turns later, I am in the final phase of the mission. Off the Moroccan coast, my naval units are firing in support of the attack on Rabat (8). Enemy submarines have got a sighting and attack me together with a cruiser and a battleship (9). As I don't want to get involved in a time-consuming battle with the submarines, I take wide evasive action with my ships and move off the coast of Casablanca while my submarine blocks the French submarines. However, one of my destroyers is lost in the process. At Rabat, the air defence is disabled, which gives my air forces free rein (10). My ground forces attack the weak points of the enemy position on the move (11). At the same time, I prepare to advance south past the remaining defences of Rabat towards Casablanca (12). There are only 5 turns left and the opponent still has some combat units at his disposal, it's getting very tight.

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[Sonja89_1]

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Strategic map: This map clearly shows the long distance that the airborne troops have to cover to free the prisoners (13). There is also a mobile field airfield to support them, providing fighter cover most of the time. The ground battle moves from Orleansville in the east (14) to Casablanca on the Atlantic in a relatively narrow area. First Oran and Udschda (15), then Fes (16) must be conquered. At the same time, maritime aux units must be brought together with the core naval units (17). The final attack on Rabat and Casablanca (18) should be launched in good time to avoid running out of time, as happened to me. In the last turn I managed to conquer Casablanca, also thanks to an excellent troop.

To round off the 2nd campaign, here is a list of the core troops still available at the end with their respective values. In the meantime, I have been able to form a very powerful, multi-layered force. The good values of the anti-aircraft units show that you can achieve a lot with a strong air defence. To be continued...

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[rubyjuno]

Hi Sonja,

Thanks for keeping us up to date with your adventures, and for providing the detailed information on your units. Fascinating!

[Sonja89_1]

Hi Sonja,

Thanks for keeping us up to date with your adventures, and for providing the detailed information on your units. Fascinating!

It's great that you're not losing the joy of it. You and your family stay healthy.

The third campaign deals with the duel between the German Reich and the Soviet Union. In this alternative history, the conflict begins in Greece in July 1941. In the first scenario, ‘Athens’, Yugoslavia and Bulgaria attack their southern neighbour Greece under the influence of the USSR. As Great Britain is already preparing for a conflict with Japan and concentrating its resources in South-East Asia, the Greeks turn to the German Reich, which has just completed the fight against the authoritarian regimes of France and Italy. However, the German ground forces are still on their way back to Europe from North Africa. Therefore, only the air force and paratroopers can be deployed in the first two scenarios. In the ‘Athens’ mission, the aim is to bring at least 20 Greek ground units into the evacuation zone west of Patras, thereby achieving a DV. The player achieves an MV if he still holds 4 primary objectives at the end.

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The first picture shows the Greek region north-west of Athens between the Gulf of Corinth (bottom left) and the large island of Euboea (top right). The main Greek defence line at the Sperchios River has already fallen in turn 6 and Yugoslav (1) and Bulgarian (2) ground troops are advancing south. The battered Greek troops retreat piece by piece as long as a meaningful defence is still possible (3). Greek units that were too badly hit were already transported by rail via Lewadia for evacuation. Now, however, a massive Soviet airborne attack (4) near Thebes threatens the rear of the defence line, which can no longer be held. Even the counterattacks by my air core troops (5) can only mitigate this, but no longer prevent it. The front collapses.

Strategic map: The Greek defence line at the Sperchios River is breached by Yugoslav troops to the west (6) and Bulgarian troops (7) to the east. This is immediately followed by Soviet attacks by air forces and airborne troops in the Thebes area (8). From the beginning, I move Greek ground troops mostly by rail transport via Athens and Corinth to the evacuation zone west of Patras (9). My air core troops (10) weaken the enemy and airborne troops near Athens (11) successfully cover the retreat.

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[eskuche]

Hello! Happy new year.
How is your storage of units doing? Do you have a nice stockpile to sell?

[Sonja89_1]

Hello! Happy new year.
How is your storage of units doing? Do you have a nice stockpile to sell?

Thank you, ditto. I don't have any surplus units yet. But from the 3rd scenario of this 3rd campaign onwards, I will certainly accumulate some units, which I will then sell immediately or alternatively keep throughout and also use continuously for support.

The ‘Ionian Islands’ scenario is the direct follow-up mission to ‘Athens’. It deals with the evacuation of Greek ground troops from the mainland to the Ionian Islands to the west. Here too, the deployment of the core troops is limited to the air force and paratroopers. The player must hold 6 primary objectives to achieve an MV and scores a DV if 20 hexes on the islands are occupied by Greek ground troops.

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The first picture shows the situation at the beginning of turn 3 in the Prewesa area. The place is being used for evacuation and is widely shielded by Greek units (1). Yugoslav ground troops are advancing from the north and east (2). The air forces with the core troops are putting up a massive fight (3) and are preparing to deploy airborne troops in the harbour of Prewesa. At the same time, the evacuation of Greek troops to the offshore islands is underway (4). Greek air forces are also helping with the defence (5). However, their limited experience makes their deployment risky. A short time later, Soviet air forces and paratroopers also attack Prewesa (6), but are completely repulsed.

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In the northern section, the battle mainly centred on Corfu. The small island of Othonoi has been occupied by Yugoslavs (7) and must be recaptured by Greek troops. East of Corfu, 2 enemy submarines are moving southwards (8). They have already been hit hard by my planes. Yugoslav units reach the island via the ferry connection, fight off the Greek garrison and are even able to capture the airport (9). But my paratroopers have landed on Corfu and, together with my strong air force, will repel the enemy (10). The Yugoslav artillery positioned on the mainland, however, claims casualties in our own ranks and their effective flak prevents a relieving attack by my air forces in the area east of Corfu.

Strategic map: The Ionian Islands to the west of the Greek mainland are clearly visible in the general view. The Italian coast on the Gulf of Taranto is visible in the north-west. The Greek evacuation is mainly from Patras (11). At the same time, Yugoslav troops (12) and Soviet air forces (13) attack Corfu and the bridgehead at Prewesa from a north-easterly direction. German aircraft formed a flank defence against these enemy advances (14). In the end, a successful retreat to the Ionian Islands was achieved.

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[Sonja89_1]

The ‘Carpatho-Ukraine’ mission sees the first fierce battles between our core troops and Soviet units attacking the far east of what was then Czechoslovakia. The main objective is to successfully evacuate as many CSR units as possible before the Soviets can destroy them. 20 evacuated CSR ground units together with a prestige score of at least 11000 points earns an MV, 30 evacuated CSR ground units together with the destruction of a Soviet supply depot earns a DV. Given the now high level of difficulty (equivalent to "Rommel“ + ”Field Marshal“ + 3/5 ”Guderian“ + 2/5 ”Manstein"), this is no easy task.

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The Soviet attack comes from the north-east and moves mainly along the pass roads through the Carpathian Mountains (1). The player should begin the withdrawal of CSR troops to the west as early as possible (2). The fact that Uzhgorod falls to the Soviets early on poses a particular threat, making it difficult for the units to the east to escape to the west. Two destroyed bridges over the Tisza (Theiss) west of Huszt represented a further obstacle, which slowed the advance (3).

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In the 9th turn, Ushgorod (4) has fallen and significant Soviet forces are building up along the Bodrog River. Among them are some very strong enemy units with overstrength and hero bonus, which are not easy to fend off (5). One such special anti-aircraft unit with 15 strength points decimated two of my flying units one after the other, which is why I evacuated them from the map. When this dangerous unit was pushed forward, I covered it with 2 powerful artillery strikes and sent a Stuka group after it, which together with a second Flak in transport mode and another Stuka group led to its destruction (6). An 88mm in PAK mode, which I placed at the river crossing (7), is subsequently also put under pressure and reduced to 3 strength points. I also have to withdraw this troop. The Soviet mountain force (8) causes the loss of over 40 strength points for several of my units alone. So this opponent is definitely not to be trifled with.

Strategic map: The Soviet attack on the CSR troops begins just north-east of the Carpathian line (9). Partly still via Uzhgorod, partly south of the Tisza, all mobile CSR units are led westwards (10). I place my core units along the Carpathian exits and along the Bodrog River (11). As soon as the Soviet onslaught has been repelled, I go on the offensive (12). I also succeed in destroying the enemy supply depot near Tarnopol (13). In the end I can evacuate 28 CSR ground units. I was still 2 units short of a DV. All in all, it had been the scenario with the most losses so far, although no core units were among them. Nevertheless, if you get involved with this opponent, high numbers in the casualty statistics of both sides are guaranteed.

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[Sonja89_1]

The ‘Slovakia’ scenario follows on directly from the previous mission and is a continuation of it. The aim is to stop the massive Soviet attacks and stabilise the front. As a new hotspot emerges in Poznan to the north, the mass of core units must be gradually removed from the map during the mission so that they can be deployed there later. A DV is achieved if all primary objectives are held and no more than 5 core units remain on the map at the end. For an MV, it is sufficient to hold 4 primary objectives.

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The first picture shows the situation in turn 5 in the Ostrava area between the upper reaches of the Oder and Vistula rivers. The entrenched CSR units (1) repel the massive Soviet attacks, some of which cross the Vistula (2). Only a few core troops are positioned on this section of the front. The tricky terrain made it very difficult for the enemy to get into good attack positions. Again and again, heavy Soviet tanks advanced into wooded, mountainous terrain, causing them considerable losses (3).

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During the 12th turn, powerful enemy attacks along the Dunajec River are underway further east. My core troops are positioned at a favourable bottleneck and await the enemy (4). Despite the Soviets building up enormous pressure (5), the heavy armour in the Carpathians fails to make a breakthrough. After the enemy's anti-aircraft guns had been completely destroyed, our own air force in particular repeatedly provided important relief (6). The hardest attacks take place on this section of the front, which is why it is difficult to withdraw core units early. It is a difficult balancing act for the player.

Strategic map: The front line extends from Ostrava (7) along the Carpathian Mountains to the Bodrog River (8). Overall, this is a terrain that favours the player's defence. The Soviet attacks are mainly against Ostrava (9) and the Carpathian Pass east of the Dunajec River (10). This is where the fighting is toughest. The objective task involves a timely withdrawal of the core units from the front and their transport by rail, lorry and transport aircraft to the exit area north of Ostrava (11). In the end, I manage to clear almost all the necessary units in time - almost, but not quite. Two units would have needed another turn (12), so I just miss a DV.

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[Sonja89_1]

From Slovakia to Poland. The ‘Poznan’ scenario is about the defence of the city of the same name against a massive Soviet attack. A DV is achieved if the player holds at least 4 primary objectives over all rounds. For an MV, it is sufficient to hold 2 primary objectives at the end, which should be easily achievable even at a higher difficulty level.

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Turn 6: A fortified bridgehead stretches in a wide arc east of Poznan beyond the Warta (1). Ideally, the battle will centre around this area for the entire mission. The Soviet attack leads via Hohensalza, as well as from the east in the direction of Gnesen and Posen (2). At this point, my artillery is equipped with 17cm cannons, which have a long range of 4 hexes (3). In the original game, this piece only has a range of 3 hexes, but Messmann's AMULET settings correctly take into account that this cannon historically had a long firing range. This makes these units so advantageous that they can be used until 1945 without further upgrades. They are particularly useful for suppressing enemy anti-aircraft guns. My air force first encounters the battered enemy Flak, destroys it and then has free rein to throw itself at the most worthwhile targets (4). A few cheeky enemy armoured units bypass the positions and try to penetrate the defence area from the north. Will the Soviet light armoured unit hold out against my 88mm troop (5) for long? Although the battle has not been going on for long, some units are already badly hit. They are taken out of the front line in time and led westwards to the evacuation area (6). This applies equally to core and aux troops.

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A few turns later, the pressure has eased somewhat, but becomes very heavy again towards the end (7). 3 Soviet aircraft units (2 fighters + 1 bomber) with overstrength and heroes crash directly into my formations (8). They attack a Bf 110 that was covered, which costs the enemy some strength points, but the second attack brings my unit down to a remaining 4 strength points. Not much would have been missing and this good core unit would have been lost. I shoot the other enemy fighter down to one strength point with my flak and take the 3 opponents out of the sky with my fighters (9). Until the end, 4 Soviet armoured units with overstrength and heroes (one hidden by my fighter and two not yet in the picture) give me a hard time (10). One of my armoured units (11) is subsequently hit so hard by these tough chunks that it barely escapes with only one last strength point.

Strategic map: The overview shows once again how much the battle was centred on the small area east of Posen (12). The attack was initially carried out by 3 equally strong assault groups (13). At the very end I manage to recapture Hohensalza from the Soviets (14). Overall, this mission is a classic defensive battle in which one should not be lured out too much in order to avoid taking unnecessary losses in the end.

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[Sonja89_1]

After the defensive battle near Poznan, another defensive scenario ‘Schlesien’ now follows. Here, too, the primary objective is to hold the favourable Oder line for as long as possible. A DV is achieved with the defence of at least 2 primary objectives and the successful evacuation of a wagon transport from Breslau to behind Cottbus. For an MV, at least 2 primary objectives must be defended and at least 12000 prestige points must be in your possession.

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The first picture shows the position on the Oder in the 6th turn (1). The Soviets are pushing hard across all crossings of the river (2). East of Breslau, an enemy armoured unit crosses the Oder (3) and tries to form a bridgehead. Given the fierce resistance, however, its chances were slim. Two anti-aircraft units have positioned themselves at the main entrance to Breslau (4). They are within range of my artillery and are subsequently fired on and attacked and destroyed by my Stukas (5), which are already on standby. Even though new enemy flak keeps appearing, the enemy's air defence can gradually be worn down. This subsequently opens up attack options for my remaining air forces. In this way, even the strongest enemy units can be reduced and become less dangerous. South of Breslau, the wagon transport to reach a DV is already under steam (6).

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3 turns later at the southern end of the front line. The enemy has captured the south-eastern objectives and crossed the Oder at Oppeln (7). With my core troops I stand between the Oder and Glatz with its mountain ranges (8). The wooded region in between offers a good defence position. The AI uses the prestige gained to build a large number of reconnaissance units, but these are not very suitable for creating breakthroughs. The Soviets get bogged down and lose their troops.

Strategic map: I manage to take a strong defensive position along the Oder in time (9). The massive attacks in the northern part can be easily repulsed (10). This also makes it easy to fulfil the special mission with the evacuation of a wagon transport (11). At the end of the mission, the recapture of the temporarily fallen towns in Upper Silesia is even possible (12). Overall, despite the already high level of difficulty, the DV was not jeopardised at any point in this scenario with the right troops.

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