WORLD IN FLAMES GAME REPORT

THOUSAND  YEARS  FATHERLAND !

Introduction Options used House Rules Game terms and Abreviations Set-up Time Line S / O 1939 N / D 1939 J / F 1940 M / A 1940 M / J 1940 J / A 1940 S / O 1940 N / D 1940 J / F 1941 M / A 1941 M / J 1941 J / A 1941 S / O 1941

N / D 1941 J / F 1942 M / A 1942 M / J 1942 J / A 1942 S / O 1942 N / D 1942 J / F 1943 M / A 1943 M / J 1943

J / A 1943 S / O 1943 N / D 1943 J / F 1944 M / A 1944 M / J 1944 J / A 1944 S / O 1944 N / D 1944 J / F 1945

M / A 1945 M / J 1945 J / A 1945 S / O 1945 N / D 1945 J / F 1946 M / A 1946 M / J 1946 J / A 1946 Conclusion

INTRODUCTION:

This is a game report, from a game held in Paris, from November 2000 to september 2001.

The GR is between an accurate report and a Story, as sometimes we took notes and sometimes we didn’t or nearly didn’t... Il will be as detailed as possible, but of course, is written for the Fun of all readers.

Forewords:

We intended to play the game as far as possible, but at least to Jul/Aug 1945. In Fact, we had in mind to reach an AiF situation scenario.

In one of our games, a German player managed to conquer the UK in late 1941 – beginning of 1942. Then he turned east in 1943 and still managed to mall the Red Army.

During that time, the US manages to retake Ireland in 1943, liberate the UK in 1944 and debark in Spain who was aligned to Italy. By the end of 1945, the Euro axis were on a draw position with the USSR and were still holding at the French – Spanish border, with Italy unconquered.

So we asked him to do better. We asked him to win the War with no contest possible. Just to see the effect, to see what could have been the way to the AiF scenario at start position.

For that we gave the German player several at start advantages you’ll see in the House Rules

RAW and optional in use

We played RAW 6.01.  The game is a WIFFE game + PiF, SiF, MiF, Asa/Afa, and PoliF from LOC

We don’t play the following options:

SiF Option 20 § 21 Task Force

SiF Option  11  Los

AsA MiF option 2 Blitz 2^nd hex advance

Option 4 (asa/afa option 1) ZOC on pacific scale map

Option 19 In the presence of the enemy

Option 17 HQ Mouvements

Option 22 Bounce combat

Option 45 Variable reorg cost

Option 50 USSR – Japan peace settlement

Option 57 Range and CV components (we play SiF)

Option 62 Intelligence

Option 64 Japanese command conflict

Option 67 2d10 table

House RULES:

· Add of counters from Bob Andriola, Dave LeLacheur and Ulver Nielsen

· Liberating the Ukraine

If in the conquest phase, Germany controls Kiev, and spend 5 bp, she can liberate the Ukraine, receiving 1 cav and 1 Inf unit in the following turn, and can build the Ukrainian force pool.

· Liberating Spain – Similar rule to the Millennium annual.

· A-bomb

The USA may produce a-bomb from jan/feb 1945.

Germany may produce a-bomb from jan/feb 1947.

The URSS may produce a-bomb from jan/feb 1948.

Producing the bomb and Gearing limits:

In the first year the a-bomb is available for a country, he can produce one a-bomb per turn,

in the second year one or two a-bombs per turn, in the third year one, two or three a-bombs per turn,

subject to gearing limits.

A-bomb can be dropped buy 9 strategic factor bombers in 1945, 7 strategic factor bombers in 1946, 5 strategic factor bombers and V3 in 1947.

A-bomb can be dropped from any in supply bomber flying a STR mission. You don’t have to declare which bomber is flying the a-bomb mission, just specify on which map (secretly write it down on a piece of paper and show it to your opponent just before resolving the bombing result – this is because it is not written on the nose of a bomber “I am carrying an a-bomb” and for surprise effect)

· V-weapons

Germany may build V1 and V2 from 1944 and V3 from 1946.

She can build 1 of each type of V weapon a turn in 1944, 2 a turn in 1945, 3 a turn in 1946, etc.

So:

In 1944 Germany can produce 1xV2 and 2xV1 per turn (as there are 2 types of V1 weapons)

In 1945 Germany can produce 2xV2 and 4xV1

In 1946 Germany can produce 3xV3, 3xV2 and 6xV1

All subject to gearing limits

In the First impulse of a turn:

Those weapons can be launch from any ports or cities if the sites (ports or cities) are in the German Home country, or from 4 hexes from such sites for V2.

From the second impulse of a turn

Those weapons can be launch from any ports or cities, which are German controlled (V1, V2 and V3), or from 4 hexes from such sites for V2.

(This represents the time to supply the launch sites for non-mobile units as V1 and V3, and the movement ability of the V2 on Chariots)

· German advantages:

- The German PM for 1940 is 1.00

- Add to set-up 2 BB hulls arriving in Jul / Aug 1940 (planned just before the war and cancelled in September or October 1939

- No PM bonus for Russian controlled cities in 1942 or 1943 (Kiev, Minsk, Leningrad, Moscow, Stalingrad) if there is no enemy unit in USSR.

Game terms and ABREVIATIONS:

One PiF counter equals (from Harry Rowland) :

250 planes (1939 & 1940),

300 planes (1941 & 1942),

400 planes (1943),

500 planes (1944+) planes.

1 CV Class Factor = 20 planes (For ex the SiF Hornet is a 4 class Factor CV = 80 planes)

1 CP = 150 000 tons of merchant shipping (average).

1 SUB: 30 first line submarines (plus many more obsolete).

Inf = Infantry                  Mot = Motorized            Mech = Mechanized                  Div = Division

Mtn = Mountain             Art = Artillery                AA = Anti Air                            AT = Anti Tank

Arm = Armored             IJA / IJN = Imperial Japanese Army / Navy

Ftr = Fighters                Tac = Tactical               Str = Strategic                          Nav = Naval      

Atr = Air transport

CV = Carrier                 BB = Battleship            BC = Battle Cruiser CA = Armored Cruiser

Trs = Transport ship      Sub = Submarine

Set-UP:

USA:                Nothing remarkable.

USSR:              In Europe, the Red Army is scattered, except for a small strike force near Odessa

In Asia, the Russian troops are grouped around Vladivostock.

Italy:                 Mussolini’s set-up is very conservative and defensive, garrisoning everything he can.

He doesn’t want to upset anybody.

China:              CC in the north, NC in the south, occupying every hex they can afford.

CW:                 As usual, the CW is spread thin, all over the globe. Gibraltar is strongly held with 2 Inf corps, an Inf div is in Malta, and everything else he could is in UK, to help the French.

Japan:              Every spare unit is set-up in the Manchuria – Occupied china area in addition to the normal stuff.

France:             2 Gar / Inf and the Mountain corps are keeping the Italians honest. The rest of the French Army is set up against Germany

Germany:         A very classic set-up, with 1/3 of the Wehrmacht against the French, a fast corps is at the Danish border, and everything else against Poland.

Time line Of the WAR:

The Year 1939

S/O 1939: Fall Weiss: Poland!

N/D 1939: Germany turns west.

The Year 1940

J/F 1940:  Netherlands: The Right of Small States

M/A 1940:  Belgium blown.

M/J 1940:  Japan unleashed - Germany’s Fall Gelb

J/A 1940:  France Vichyfied – China crushed

S/O 1940:  Quite before the Storm

N/D 1940:  Axis Storm spread over the Med

The Year 1941

J/F 1941:  The White Stallion

M/A 1941:  Axis’s lake

M/J 1941:  Africa or Middle East?

J/A 1941: Africa and Middle East!

S/O 1941: China’s fate celled

N/D 1941: Fall of the Kuo Min Tang

The Year 1942                                                             The Year 1943

J/F 1942: The Waking Giant                                          J/F 1943: Sinking the waves

M/A 1942: Total War                                                    M/A 1943: Fall Blau

M/J 1942:  Great Asia formed                                        M/J 1943: D Day

J/A 1942:  Everlasting Oil                                              J/A 1943: Operation Typhoon

S/O 1942: South West Asia                                          S/O 1943: German counter strike in Spain

N/D 1942: USSR isolated                                              N/D 1943: Swallow Spanish Pride

The Year 1944                                                             The Year 1945

J/F 1944: Gibraltar isolated                                           J/F 1945: Naval Warfare regain

M/A 1944: Rock … and roll                                           M/A 1945: Lebensraum secured  

M/J 1944: The fall of Spain                                            M/J 1945: US Navy rules the Pacific

J/A 1944: Italy and Vichy invaded                                  J/A 1945: Allied Armies rule the Pacific

S/O 1944: Rabaul isolated                                            S/O 1945: Sea Lion

N/D 1944: Suez canal closed to Axis forces                   N/D 1945: Nuclear edge.

The Year 1946

J/F 1946: Sea Lion abandoned

M/A 1946: Peace in Europe

M/J 1946: Decline…

J/A 1946: …and fall of Japan

The Main COURSE:

After the Czechoslovakian crisis and its resolution by the Munich Agreement in 1938, the European Democracies thought that peace was saved and the world will be quiet for a while.

In March 1939, Germany occupied the Czech rump state, showing the Democracies what was worth Germany’s word. Then Germany turns east, looking at the Dantzig corridor, claiming it was its last demand in Europe (once again). UK and France were not blind this time and guarantied Poland’s border.

On August 28, 1939 Germany stun the world, putting apart its anti communism feelings and signing a non aggression pact with Russia. Germany had a free hand in the East.

On September the 1^st, 1939 Germany declared war on Poland. At that time, nobody knows that World War 2 has definitely begun.

· September / October 1939 – Fall Weiss: Poland

Axis initiative – Fine Weather

Europe :

1^st  impulse

In the first week of the war German troops swept there way trough the polish army, supported by a large air cover, taking Dantzig and Warsaw at the first shot. The aggression is so unjustified and the besieged cities were so furiously assaulted that even US newspaper mentioned the savagery of the aggression.

2^nd impulse

UK and France had no choice but to declare war on Germany respecting their words to Poland. After lot of political pressure, Belgium open its border (may enter level) to the French army, which launched an offensive into Germany, taking the old capital of the Holy German Empire, Aachen, and destroying a German Inf corps in the process. US newspapers relayed Germany’s arguments against the French and British, acting as imperialist powers. In the mean time, the USSR enter eastern Poland, claiming as there is no more news of the polish government, the USSR will assure security in that part of central Europe. But who cares about eastern Poland (no US entry hit).

3^rd impulse

Germany Dow Denmark, taking quickly and sweetly Copenhagen. An assault on Lodz is successful and Poland is conquered. German troops start railing to the west front.

4^th impulse

French troops start withdrawing from Germany for a safer position. Offensive for Poland is stopped.

Asia:

Japan open negotiations with the Netherlands in order to form a co prosperity sphere / shell.

In the last days of October, the IJA launched several offensives, seeing 1 Ch Inf and Gar corps destroyed. As the US are concerned, they decide to send technical advisors to increase Chinese AC production

· November / December 1939 – Germany turns West

Axis initiative – Allies play first – Mainly horrible weather

As ruins of Poland are still burning, quiet came back all over the world. German troops are railing toward the French border, as, in the mean time, French colonial troops are landing in mainland France. Italy, thinking about the Universal Exposition tries to come down the belligerents.

· January / February 1940 – Netherlands, the right of small states

Axis initiative – Allies play first – Mainly horrible weather

More and more German troops are taking position at the French border, as also an army group in front of the Netherlands border.

Japan, with the help of German diplomats, convinced the Netherlands government to open its border to a small German army group, as it is necessary to demonstrate her good will to the Axis Forces in a near future, to avoid any displeasing treatment.

· March / April 1940 – Belgium blown

Axis initiative – Mainly Fine weather

Asia:

1^st impulse

Japan convinced the Netherlands to enter the war against China on her side. For the following 2 months, Japan moved troops and AC to northern China and Manchuria, and start to store a large amount of oil, coming from the NEI.

Europe:

1^st impulse

Allowed to enter the Netherlands, Germany takes her shot on the West Front and Dow Belgium.

A well-prepared offensive, using all available and necessary supply (OC) see the fall of Liege and Bruxelles within a few days, smashing Belgian and French troops. Unfortunately, some US journalist noted the aggression.

2^nd impulse

The allies reform their lines behind the French border, only leaving some troops in the Anwers area to delay the next offensive. Seizing the opportunity with the Wehrmacht campaigning in the West, USSR claims Bessarabia. Germany tells her Romanian allies to accept and wait for revenge, granting at the same time Transylvania to Hungary and south Dobroujna to Bulgaria.  

3^rd impulse

Germany launches an assault on Anwers and take the city.

4^th impulse

UK and France are waiting for the incoming onslaught, moving troops and AC. But with the coming of the spring, comes the end of operations, as it seems that the sleeping Giant has nightmare.

Opening an eye, the Giant sent several transports and war ships to, at last, occupy Iceland and Greenland.

With the massive Japanese build up in Manchuria, USSR and Japan come to an agreement on a non aggression pact.

· May / Jun 1940 – Japan unleashed § German’s Fall Gelb

Allies initiative – weather?

Asia:

On May 1^st 1940, and after 8 months of preparation, deterring any aggressive move from Russia, Japan decides to launch a large-scale offensive in northern and center China. After all, this is their work holyday; it would be a shame not to celebrate. The Chinese are caught unprepared, celebrating this wonderful holyday, and loose several armies and fighter wings in the process. Russia is upset, but was afraid the land preparation was for her and after all, she is relief.

This large offensive could not be hide from the international press, and the US government starts talks with the CW and French governments to sent resources to China.

Europe : Fall Gelb

1^st impulse

France send more troops on the front, and UK, as German sub are coming on line, sent out several task forces to cover her convoy lines.

2^nd impulse

On May 10^th 1940, Fall Gelb is decided by the OKH. All the commanding officers have their orders, and large amount of ammunitions and materials are allocated to the elite troops on the front (OC).

Breaking the French lines in a panzer’s dream countryside, Fortress Lille is the next to fall.

3^rd impulse

The BEF manages to hold around Calais and Boulogne, keeping an access to the sea and their supply lines. On May 25^th, after unformal talks with Mussolini, the French High Command decides to relieve troops from the Italian border and the Maginot line to fill the gaps.

4^th impulse

On June 5th, the Panzer armies are leading toward Paris after a bloody battle for Reims (hexes 1231§1331) were the French Army and Air Force put a strong defense over and on the battle field. The French armies were still bombed, but it cost around 500 Fighters and 250 bombers to the Luftwaffe. Still, the first elements of the Wehrmacht are reaching PARIS. In the Mean time, and despite the RAF, the BEF is learning a lesson, giving Calais and Boulogne, loosing 2 corps in the process and withdrawing into Fortress Le Havre and Rouen.

5^th impulse

Feverish Head staff talks between Downing Street and Matignon come to a logical conclusion. The Wehrmacht is about to break the French lines and will cut the East Army Group from the rest of France. With the coming of the summer, the hard decision is at last taken and the orders are sent on June 21^st. The French armies start to evacuate eastern France behind the Maginot screen and move toward Paris and the Seine River to reinforce the main front and reestablish a coherent and solid line. The Army is partly saved.

6^th impulse

Well prepared to modern warfare and Blitzkrieg mechanics, several Panzer Armies achieve to push southeast, nearly encircling Paris and Rouen but don’t manage to cross the Seine River. Such an achievement exhausts the Wehrmacht and shows the end of operations.

Most of the industrial heart of France has fallen and the bones of the French Army are broken, still she has maintained a coherent front. Now the OKH have to plan the 3^rd part of the Battle of France: to take PARIS cross the Seine, break the remains of the French Army and spread in mainland France as fast as possible. On June 30^th the plan is granted.

· Jul / Aug 1940 – France Vichyfied and China crushed

Allies initiative – Weather?

Europe:

1^st impulse

France has formed a defense line behind the Seine and rebases several air wings, waiting for the next German push. CW is thinking to take out the BEF, but will try to stay in Le Havre and Rouen anyway, guarding the French flank.

As all the attention is focus on the west front, USSR claims the Finnish borderlands. Again, Germany tells her friends that the time to fight will come, but not right now.

2^nd impulse

On the 4^th of July, the US ambassador is asked to leave PARIS as the Wehrmacht has launched her offensive. Fortress Rouen falls to German hands after a bloody battle and, despite the Royal Navy protecting the port facilities of Le Havre with her 356 mm shells, the BEF is all destroyed but the HQ, loosing 1other corps and a AA brigade. The German air cover was too strong.

A violent air battle occurred over PARIS where all the French air reserves are launched and raged for over a week but see the entire French Air force decimated. With no more air cover, the Army fight bravely, but at last, July 14^th is a black day for France has her capital, PARIS, falls into German’s hands after the loss of her last 2 elite armies and an AA brigade.

Rest of the turn

The rest of the French Army try to escape the onslaught, running south to the “Massif Central”, hiding in the mountains, protecting the “Royal” and hoping to embark to North Africa. Several units reached Cherbourg and Nantes, trying to slow down the German advance. After all, about a dozen army corps has reached the south east quarter of France, they still have a small air force and the Fleet is intact.

With CW help, this is 500.000 to 800.000 men and 1000 AC that could be transport to Alger, Oran, Tunis…

But no, the leading German elements have reached Brest, Nantes, Bordeaux and are approaching Lyon and transporting such an amount of soldier is impossible. As the French still have a military weigh to enforce negotiation, the French government sent feelers to the Germans.

After many debates, an armistice is signed and Vichy government installed. Some military elements of the French Army and Navy still doesn’t accept the conditions of the enemy and found support in East and West Africa and America. Otherwise all others French colonies remain loyal to Vichy.

Asia:

In the first days of July, the IJA launch her expected summer offensive, which is an overwhelming success, destroying several Chinese armies. The Chinese losses are so important that they have no choice but to give ground to a Si-An / Kumning front line.

With the first sorties of German subs in the Atlantic, the possibility for the U-Boat to operate from Atlantic French ports, and the Japanese onslaught in China, the US government decide to escort merchant navy in the US east coast and freeze Japanese assets.

· Sept / Oct 1940 – Quite before the storm

Allies initiative – Fine weather

Europe:

As the battle of France is over and calm is spreading again all over Europe, the Wehrmacht is massing on the Spanish border, obviously waiting for something. In south Germany (Austria) a small army group is waiting his time, breathing the healthy air of the Alpes Mountains.

The CW sent reinforcements to the Rock and Egypt.

Asia:

In China, the IJA is gathering her forces for the next offensive, as the Chinese Army is taking her breath and entrench her forces.

Seeing more U-Boat coming on line and several naval units lay down too, the US navy decided to give several old destroyers to the Royal Navy.

· Nov / Dec 1940 Axis storm spread over the Med

Allies initiative – Bad weather in Europe / Fine in China

Europe:

The RN sorties several TF to cover her convoy and supply lines with the help of the Free French Navy.

On November 11^th 1940, the WWI armistice holiday, seeing an opportunity to achieve her old dream of Roman Empire, Italy Dow the CW and Free France. From the beginning of the conflict, she hasn’t been quiet. Sending feelers to Franco, she obtains a path right for a reasonable German army group, promising the Rock, Morocco and substantial economical and military help.

Spain entered the war to Italy’s side, spreading partly her Army in West Africa, capturing Senegal, Mauritania and French Sudan, with her navy in Atlantic and African coasts. In co-operation with the Regia Marina, they manage to sunk 900 000 t of convoy within a week. In North Africa, The Italian Army crossed the Egyptian border

At the same time, the German forces in France crossed the Spanish border toward Madrid, as several corps and artillery brigades are railed to southern Spain.  In Italy, several German corps crossed the Brenner and moved toward Trieste and Venice. After a few days, they landed in Libya near Bardia and Tobruk, as several planes rebased there too. Decision is taken to extend the rail line in Morocco toward Dakar via Cisneros and St Louis! Hitler meets with Petain in Montoire, forcing the Vichy French government to authorized rail movements, aircrafts re base and supply to pass through North Africa administration group.

As several CW ships were damage on escort convoy duty, the US offered their docks to repair those ships.

Asia:

Great full for a fine weather, the IJA launch a new offensive in southern China and ask to the Vichy government the use of several bases in Indochina. In a horrible and violent assault, the IJA enters Kumning, cutting the Burma Road. US engineer who were working on the road reported the never ending flow of civilian and the massacres. The US government noted for both the road and the Rape of the town, putting an embargo on strategic materials as a warning to Japan.

· Jan / Feb 1941 – The White Stallion

Allies initiative – Horrible weather all over the world

Europe:

The allies organized their convoy duties as more and more U-Boats are coming on line.

In Spain, the German army group is ready, at last, to launch his first assault on the Rock.

A great air battle ensues and saw over 300 German and CW fighters down. Under the German bombs and the 380 mm shells of the Reggia Marina, the Rock is assaulted. CW losses are heavy as half of the garrison is killed (1 inf corps).

In North Africa, Alexandria falls to Italian hands. Mussolini, under the air umbrella of the Reggia aeronautica and the Luftwaffe, makes the trip to Egypt and enters the city on a White Stallion.

Asia: The IJA and the Chinese Army are breathing, reorganizing their lines.

The sleeping Giant is pulled out of his bed once again. Understanding that the CW is in deep trouble in the Mediterranean theatre, a major expenditure is granted for the US military (Gear-up)

· Mar / Apr 1941 – Axis Lake

Axis initiative – Fine weather

1^st impulse

With the early spring coming all over Europe, comes the renew of Axis offensives.

Italian and Spanish navies are chasing the CW and Free French naval units in the Atlantic, destroying again 900 000 t of merchant shipping and managing to isolate Gibraltar.

Seizing the opportunity he was waiting for, Von Manstein, in coordination with the Luftwaffe and the Reggia Marina launched his 4 months prepared assault on the oos and demoralized British garrison.

A deluge of bombs, artillery and navy shells, soon followed by a land, sea and air born assault, see the Rock falling into Axis hands in the first days of March. Franco is so impressed by the ops, that he decides to take the train to Roma to visit Mussolini and join the Italo-German Steel Pact with an everlasting love.

Strangely, CW High Command minimizes the loss of the Rock as US military advisors too (no us entry hit).

2^nd impulse

The Allies are stunned and don’t react except with convoy duty operations and a joint dow on Vichy.

Parts of the WDF retreat to Syria

3^rd impulse

In order to definitely secure the Mediterranean lake, the North Africa Combined Axis Command launch his final offensive in Egypt. Within a week the battle for the canal is ended and the Victorious Axis forces enter SUEZ on March 20^th 1941. Egyptian spring is a wonderful thing. As for Gibraltar, US advisors didn’t care much about the port nor the canal. A genius master plan is growing in the combined Axis HQ, and the rail lines will be expanded toward Dakar and Addis Ababa until further noticed.

The last of the CW and FF land and navy forces run or sail to Syria as the leading elements of the EANAA (Euro Axis North African Army) are going to reach Amman and Jerusalem. At last Cairo is also in Axis hands and the work on rail line can start (1 hex from Egypt to Sudan and 2 hex from Sudan to Ethiopia).

Understanding at last what was underway and the possible threat, the USSR Dow Persia, take Tabriz, reached Teheran but failed to enter the city.

During that time, the AOI army starts visiting its African neighbor and conquered Kenya.

Then the US finally decided to extend their convoy escort duties as 300 000 t of allied shipping were sunk at the limit of the US zone of escort.

· May / Jun 1941 - Africa or Middle East?

Allies initiative – Weather?

Between the first days of May and the end of Jun, the CW and FF forces are mauled on all fronts.

With the fall of Damascus, the last elements of the 8^th Army are destroyed. To add insults to infamy, the Italian Army manages to seize 1 CV, 1 BB and 2 CA in Beirut and Cyprus and reached Uganda.

In West Africa, several Spanish elements try to spread the war in the FF and CW colonies.

The Last CW stronghold in the Mediterranean theatre, Malta, is taken in a joint airborne and amphibious assault as at the same time, the DAK enters Riyadh and seize the oil field intact.

Decision is taken by the German and Italian high command to expand the rail lines toward the Iraqi border and Saudi Arabia (from Medina to Riyadh and then to Aden). The OKH planned also that the rail lines from Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast and Bamako would be linked. The all cost of the Middle East and African net would be around 50-60 bp (a 1-2 years plan).

The Aramco oil company complains to the US government that their interests are threatened. This time the US Giant open up both eyes and pulled himself out of his bed. Seeing that oil fields were falling one after an other in Axis hands, the US government declares an all out oil embargo on Japan. The giant is now seated on the bed.

· Jul / Aug 1941 – Africa and Middle East!

Axis initiative – Weather mostly fine.

Asia:

As summer is spreading all around the world, the Axis renew with their offensives all over the globe.

The IJA launch several attacks in China and, at last, in a bloody assault, takes Sin-An. But as the communications lines are down, nobody noticed the fall of the city. China is more and more isolated.

Europe

In the Middle East, Italy Dow Yemen and after sailing its main battle line into the Red Sea, land several divisions in the Aden area. The DAK, which was leading the assault on Riyadh, is turning straight south. By the end of August, after a first unsuccessful assault, Aden falls to the Axis.

In Persia, the Red Army storms Teheran, conquering the country. Then she turns southwest, en route for the Iraqi border.

Seeing that Germany and Italy are about to link with Japan, the Panic button is pressed in Washington, and the White House introduced the War Bill appropriation to the Congress.

The Giant is standing on his feet.

· Sept / Oct 1941 – China’s fate celled!

Allies initiative – Weather?

In Asia, the Empire of Japan received pretty well the US message: A war with the USA may occur in the next 6 month. Understanding the threat, the IJA launched a major offensive in China with Chung King as a clear and claimed goal. By the end of September, the Chinese lines are broken. The road to Chung king is open, and despite a strong resistance, the City falls into Japanese hands by the end of October.

In the Middle East, the DAK is clearing the remains of the Arabian Peninsula, taking Oman, the Trucial states and the Kuwait, one after the other. Next stop would be Baghdad.

The Red Army high Command, understanding that conquering Iraq and defending there would be a real nightmare, decides to stay in the Persian mountains, under the Red Air force cover.

In Africa, the Spanish-German Army is spreading as fast as possible, with any means at her disposal.

Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast and Upper Volta are now under Axis control. The building of rail lines is a new game for the Axis…

At seas, German and Italian subs manage to disorganize about 450 000 t of merchant shipping (Aborted)

· Nov / Dec 1941 – Fall of the Kuo Min Tang

Axis initiative – Weather?

In Asia the IJA decides to finish off the Chinese and manages to take Cheng Tu but at the cost of several divisions loss. At the same time, the IJN takes position for a preemptive strike against the US and CW possessions.  Aircrafts and IJA units were already deployed earlier in the year, garrisoning the vital perimeter for Japan.

 In Africa, a lone Spanish Division took out Belgian Congo.

As horrible weather spreads all over the world, all local HQs decide the end of operations for the moment. The US reduces the personnel required to the minimum in his entire Embassy in Asia and Europe. Feverish talks in the White House and the Senate came to the inevitable conclusion: War is in front of the US’s door.

· Jan / Feb 1942 – The Waking Giant

Axis initiative / Allies go first - Weather – Fine in Europe / bad in China

In Asia, Japan reinforces his positions against the USSR and the USA. The last ships, aircrafts and troops are taking their assignments to counter any moves and to conquer quickly the Pacific.

In China, the Kwantang Army is setting up for the final assault.

In Africa and Middle East, the axis continues to expand the rail net. Approaching the Iraqi and Turkish borders, Italy and Germany exert pressures on the respective Governments of those countries who decided to join the Axis crusade.

At last, the US Government came to reason and introduced a bill to the Congress to declare war on all Axis Forces. But the Congress failed to agree on the bill and it is rejected.

Seizing the opportunity, Stalin ordered Molotov to contact Von Ribbentrop by any means, to offer the renew of the pact to Germany. The Axis will need oil to wary with the Western Allies, and also a secured peace in the East. In the Chancellery, a second rank secretary tells Molotov he is able to take his proposal and will try to reach Von Ribbentrop. By the morning around 08h15, at last, Molotov obtain a communication with Ribbentrop and is stunned as the conversation is going on, and as Ribbentrop agreed on “another” appointment.

“What other appointment, when was the first?” asked Molotov.

“You were not at this morning rendezvous?” said Ribbentrop. “To settle such a important discussion, we send you about 4 million diplomats at 03h45 this morning. They must be near Minsk and Kiev at that time! Didn’t you know???”

· Mar / Apr 1942 – Total War

Axis initiative – Weather fine nearly all over the world and the turn.

For the Axis, the message can’t be more obvious; this is the awaited time to go to war with the USA.

Time has come to launch the main strategic move that will lead the Axis to World Supremacy.

Germany and Her allies, are about to launch the largest land offensive ever, that will cell the fate of the Axis. In the mean time, the Empire of Japan will occupy most of the pacific, to draw a part of the Western Allies military potential.

On March 3^rd 1942, the Empire of Japan, Germany, Italy and her allies declared war on the United States of America, the Common Wealth and the USSR.

Asia: Tora, Tora, Tora.

Spending strategic reserves (o-chit), the Empire of Japan spread his forces all over the Pacific.

In a few weeks, they take control of Rabaul, Guam, New Caledonia and Espiritu Santo.

Europe: Barbarossa

Assuming the main threat is the USSR, Germany launched the greatest and largest land war in history. For the OKH, things are pretty clear; the war will be won in the East and nowhere else.

The Red Army was not unprepared, knowing that the pact was not an everlasting proof of Germany’s false love. Nevertheless, USSR was surprised, her air force and land forces disorganized and mauled on all fronts. All her neighbors joined Germany in her crusade against communism. Romania was the first to join in, followed by Finland, Hungary and Sweden.

In European Russia, the Wehrmacht took all the Baltic States, as Minsk, Smolensk, Vitebsk, Kiev, Odessa, Nikolayev and Sebastopol (in a brilliant combined air born and amphibious assault, helped by the Reggia Marina). Russia starts an incredible industry transfer to the Urals, railing the Kharkov factory.

In the Middle East and Caucasus, with Turkish help and large amount of ammunitions supply (OC), Germany reaches Tiflis and the oil fields of Maïkop, as Batum and Stravapol refused to fall. At that time, Italy has achieved her breakthrough in Persia, seizing the oil fields in the south and Tabriz in the north.

In Western Europe, Italy and Spain were also very active as seas were not quiet.

Naval losses were very high for the Allies, as their losses are 2 700 000 t of merchant shipping and the US Navy suffered the loss of the CVs Yorktown and Ranger, the BB Nevada, Pennsylvania and New York, as 2 CA and 2 others BB were also damaged.

· May / Jun 1942 – Great Asia formed

Axis initiative – Weather fine

In Asia, the IJA launched her final offensive in China on May 1^st, 1942. Within a few weeks, the last economic stronghold of the Chinese Army, Lan Chow, is taken, conquering for good the Republic of China. In Jun, an assault on Vladivostok area is launched, and by the end of the spring, the city falls to the Japanese. Several corps are released to turn northwestward and enter deep Siberia.

Short of troops, the IJN secure the navy roads in the pacific, protecting convoy and blocking a small CW TF of 6 CA, hiding in Australia

In Europe, Germany pushed east, taking Kursk, Bryansk, Gomel, Pskov and Novgorod. Russia railed out one factory from Stalino. Italian and German subs extended their operative zone, sinking 450 000 t of merchant shipping. In Persia, Italy seized Teheran and start to build another rail line leading to the USSR deserts, pushing south and reaching Ashquabad. Impressed by the Italian success in Middle East, and seeing her last allies (USSR) on his knees, Yugoslavia decides to join Italy in her world crusade.

· Jul / Aug 1942 – Everlasting Oil

Axis initiative – Weather fine

In Asia, with the end of the Chinese Campaign, several armies are off duty and are transferred to the Pacific theatre. With reinforcements coming on line, the Japanese spread again in the south east pacific, taking Port Moresby and Guadalcanal.

On the continent, the IJA moved northward to push deeper in Siberia, taking Chita.

In the Caucasus, Baku falls to the joint Turkish army and DAK, but the oil wells are in flames. In Persia, the Italian jump the step and enter the Russian deserts, taking Ashquabad in the last days of this hot summer. Russia rails out one of the Leningrad factory.

The U-Boat fleets are on there way but their success is very small as 150 000 t of shipping are sunk… In fact most of the attention is spot on the east front

· Sept / Oct 1942 – South West Asia

Axis initiative – Mainly mud weather

In Asia, after a strong push in the south east pacific in the Solomon islands more particularly, the IJN put is attention on south west Asia, landing 2 Inf corps and a HO in Malaysia. The campaign for the Peninsula is slow but methodical. Within a few weeks Kuala Lumpur falls and the IJA reach the suburbs of Singapore. In Siberia, the leading elements of the IJA are approaching Irkutsk.

In Europe, the Wehrmacht start a turning move, north of Moscow, taking Kalinin and approaching Vologda. In Central Asia, Italy assaults Samarkand and takes the city from the Red Army. First elements of the Italian Army reach the north of the Aral Sea (near Kazalinsk). Supplying those troops is hell, as it must come from Baku via the Caspian Sea. But the rail line will be soon operational. Speaking of rail, another Leningrad factory is railed out.

The fast British fleet (Force H) is relocated to Sth Africa. The Finest of the Royal Navy is ready to eradicate Italian and Spanish presence at sea in the area (5 CVs, 5 BB King George V class, and 5 CA).

· Nov / Dec 1942 – USSR isolated

Axis initiative – Weather mostly bad?

Asia:

As several partisans movements are uprising in Indochina, near Hanoi, and quickly crushed, the IJA launch her assault on Fortress Singapore. The Indian contingent fights bravely, but is so buried under the bombs and the shells of the IJN, that at last it is forced to surrender. Singapore is in Japanese hands. In Papua, a Japanese Marine corps manage to cross the sea and get ashore in Australia. A HQ and an Inf corps quickly reinforce it. Seeing the main forces of the IJN are on duty elsewhere, the Indian High Command decides to reopen the supply lines with Africa and Europe, sailing out some convoy with several task force to escort.

The IJN react immediately, sending her last fast CA on an intercept course and manage to catch all the CW groups unprepared. This is the first real engagement at sea in this part of the globe, but a bloody one. Surprising the Royal Navy, the IJN manage to sunk all the escorting forces, 6 CA, along the several engagements. But the price is paid for this infamy. Saving the honor of the Empire, 2 Japanese CA are sunk too as 2 others are damaged.

The convoy war is not going well for the CW, as it loose 1 500 000 t of merchant shipping all over the globe in those 2 months

In Siberia, the IJA has regrouped 600 Bombers, 300 Fighters, 5 corps and a HQ near Irkutsk. The assault is ordered and the city falls into Japanese hands.

Africa:

Decided to stop the Axis forces in Belgium Congo and recapture all Africa, the CW and US armies, supported by the Force H, launched an assault on Brazzaville, destroying a motorized corps and liberating Belgium Congo. After this first renew with success, the Force H is reorganized, set course to the Indian Ocean and rebased in Australia.

USSR:

In northern Europe, and after sneaky Finnish moves, Murmansk is isolated. After much debate at the Reich Chancellery, the Kriegsmarine is ordered to sweep through the British blockade and set course to the White Sea to provide support for a decisive operation. Taking advantage of the bad weather, the German fast fleet (3CV, 2 BB and 4 CA), sails trough the Norwegian coasts (hiding in the Norwegian territorial waters) run riot the Allies convoy. The first part of the ops is done and the task force is closing the Murmansk area.

A combined German – Finnish assault is launched on Murmansk, supported by the bombs of the Luftwaffe and the 280 mm shells of the Kriegsmarine. Christmas won’t be celebrated in Moscow, as the Finnish and German troops enter the city on December 24^th 1942. The only ice free port in winter is in Axis hand. No more winter lend-lease. One of the Moscow factories is railed out.

On the Baltic shores, this is another matter. The Wehrmacht, helped by the Swedish Army, assault the old capital of the Tsars: Leningrad. The combats are violent and losses are tremendous as the Red army lost an artillery brigade and a garrison. But the city still holds. The Wehrmacht HQs reorganize their troops as the Swedish commanders. Some Russian army trapped nearby, managed to reach Leningrad, reinforcing the city defenders.

A second assault is launched on Leningrad. A deluge of artillery shells and bombs is dropped on the disorganized defenders. The two defending Inf corps are sent to oblivion at the cost of the pioneer elements, which were leading the attack.  The everlasting capital of all “Russias” falls to the enemy.

In the south, on the Black Sea shores, another operation is under way. The AGS (Army Group South), in cooperation with the AGT (Army Group Turkey) launch an assault on Rostov. The fight is hard and the result seems to be unclear, but at the last minute an air born assault is decided and the port fall to the paratroopers. Several elements of the Turkish army are reorganized and start moving to garrison the Caucasus oil fields and the Middle East for anti partisan duties. Then the AGS tried to push toward Stalingrad and Astrakhan.

Check Point : End of 1942

The Empire of Japan:

Japan controls from Dutch Harbor to the Marshall Islands, from the Marshall to the News Hebrides,

next from Papua to all the NEI. Then from Rangoon to Urumchi to Irkutsk and to Vladivostok.

The Netherlands and Siam are aligned to Japan, and Chili seems to be sensitive to Japanese Diplomats.

Germany and Italy:

They control from Murmansk to the Belgian Congo, from Tangayika to the Indo Persian border, then to Samarkhand to the Aral Sea and to the north of the Caspian Sea. Next from Astrakhan to Rostov, Voronhez, Tula, Moscow, Vologda and Murmansk.

Italian aligned minors are: Spain, Iraq

Germany’s ones are: Sweden, Finland, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, and Turkey

Comments:

The Wehrmacht seems undefeated and invincible that far, taking all the necessary risks to achieve extraordinary operations. But necessary risks are not fool risks. From the beginning of the war, the OKH is planning 1 or 2 years ahead for detailed strategic decisions and 6 to 12 months for tactical operations. Every single ops, even the smallest, is methodical. The OKW is the best at this game for the moment.  Italy follows the path of the Master as Japan too.

Their goal is to win the war, and the common objective was very clear, crystal clear: RUSSIA.

The war will be won or lost in the USSR and nowhere else.

For an incomprehensible reason, USSR believed herself unbeatable. She decided to be just enough aggressive to secure a minimum herself, but not much, not to hurt the US entry. So she didn’t manage to frighten Germany or Japan at anytime. More than that, URSS believed in a 1941 Barbarossa, but  when Germany start to build some naval units after the fall of France, USSR believed than the Western Allies were the targets, not Russia, and believed it till mid to late 1941. Even after, USSR thought that the Euro Axis move was a bluff to force Russia to offer a second Pact, because attacking Russia in 1942 is clearly opening a second front as the US will be already in the war at that time.

The Allies were not so passives, but:

-          1^st:  their efforts were distract on secondary theatres, mainly in Africa

-          2^nd: they were incredibly unlucky on die rolls (they over rolled all their save on damaged or destroyed ships)

-          3^rd: they decide too late if they were going for a Japan first or Germany first

-          4^th: the CW strat bomber production is very low.

US Aligned Minors are: Mexico, Central America, Brazil

CW Aligned Minors are: Venezuela, Denmark, Poland- FF Aligned Minors are: Belgium

· Jan / Feb 1943 – Sinking the waves

Allied initiative – Very bad weather in Europe, normal in Asia.

As storm and blizzard are raging all over the globe, the ops are down in Europe and Middle East.

In Africa, Franco and a Spanish armor corps are destroyed and an Italian Tac bomber overrun.

In the Pacific, this is another story. Japan is short of land troops and the Inter allied high command decides to fight the Japanese in Australia. A few US corps had just arrived for New Year’s Day and an offensive is decided. The Allies are going to fight Japan were she’s not, as they don’t have any air cover in Australia.

The US and Royal Navy sail out in the Coral Sea to isolate the elements of the IJA in Australia, sinking a Japanese CA which was trying to keep open the supply lanes.

The out of supply IJA corps are disorganized by the RAAF. Then the US and Australian Army supported by their Navies pushed back the 4 Japanese corps to the sea.

Jumping on the opportunity, the IJN sorties from Rabaul, trying to catch and defeat the CW and US Navies. Land Base Aircrafts (LBA) patrolling the sea finds out the Allied fleet on her way backs home to the safety of the Brisbane harbor. First large naval battle in the Pacific is on her way…

The first round of the fight is bloody:

The US navy loose 3 carrier air wings (around 240 planes) in the air battle.

The CVs Lexington and Saratoga and the CA Louisville are sunk, the CV Enterprise is damaged, and the BB California, the BB Idaho and the CA Houston are aborted.

But the Royal Navy TF is intact.

This, of course, has a cost to the IJN:

A wing of 400 LB Fighters is destroyed as a carrier air wing (80 planes).

The CVs Hyryu and Soryu are damage as the CVL Ryunjo.

The US and Royal Navies decide to avoid combat and try to run to the safety of harbors but the IJN starts a pursuit course. Splitting in several TF the Western allies fleet still have to face the pursuing IJA units, as they are faster. In the Royal Navy Task Force, the CA Effingham is sunk, as for the US navy, the CV Hornet and the BB Tennessee are damage, and a carrier air wing destroyed (80 ac).

The Western allies fleets are splitting and splitting again, but still they are found. The RN is mauled, CV Ark Royal is sunk, the CVs Furious and Courageous are damaged and the Victorious is aborted. The US Navy is luckier, as the BB Arizona and New Mexico are aborted.

The losses for the Allies are tremendous and their hope to start driving back the Japanese this year is doomed in this single battle. The total losses for the Allies in this exchange are too heavy.

US Navy

CV sunk: Lexington and Saratoga  –      CVs damaged: Enterprise and Hornet

BB damaged: California, Idaho, Tennessee  - BB aborted: Arizona, New Mexico

CA sunk: Louisville   - CA aborted: Houston

Carrier wings destroyed: 4 (320 ac)

Royal Navy

CV sunk:  Ark Royal  - CV damaged: Furious, Courageous  - CV aborted Victorious

CA sunk: Effingham

Carrier wing destroyed: 1 (60 ac)

With the losses of 2 CVs and 3 BB nearly one year ago when the US entered the war, those pacific losses are too much for the US Navy command. Pacific strategy has to be changed.

With that great Japanese success comes the end of operation for the moment.

Another Moscow factory is railed out.

· Mar / Apr 1943 – Fall Blau

Axis initiative – Weather?

After several months of negotiation, Norway accepts to join Germany in her world crusade. An Inf corps and a SS Mtn div are sent to Oslo to reinforce the defenders against potential CW threat.

DAK elements in Uganda are withdrawing as the CW and US forces are moving northward in strength.

In West Africa, the CW forces start their long run from the Belgian Congo area to Dakar

In European Russia the Wehrmacht prepares her summer offensive between Voronetz and Stalingrad. Russia has managed so far to preserve her Army, which is still large by Russian standards in those hard days. But her air force is ludicrous and the Red Army prepares to a hard and desperate fight and retreats behind the Don River. Stalingrad factory is railed out.

Trying to give the “coup de grace”, a couple of Italian corps is running toward Magnitogorsk.

In the Pacific, the allies are licking their wounds and reinforce their position with long range Ftr and Nav. Japan is seeking about her next tricky hit.

· May / Jun 1943 – D Day

Allies initiative

1^st impulse

In the first days of May, Stalin orders a counter strike in Siberia to stop the Japanese threat. In a brilliant  « coup de main » the Red Army destroys the IJA HQ in this sector, leaving 4 Inf corps, a Mech corps, 800 bombers and 800 fighters out of supply. 2 Russian Armies die in the process, but this front is secure for the moment. The Saratov factory is railed out.

At the same time, the Western allies decide it is time for action. The CW and the USA declare war on Portugal who was about to open negotiations with Germany. Storming ashore, the allies forces take Lisbon and an Arm corps even reach the suburbs of Madrid. D-day is on its way.

In the pacific, 30 US subs manage to sink 450 000 t of Japanese merchant shipping.

2^nd impulse

Reacting to the threat, Germany and Italy start railing to Spain everything they can afford. At that time, there are only 6 Spanish corps, Franco, 2 German corps and their air cover (800 Ftr, 400 Land bombers and 400 Nav bombers). After all what is the benefice of crushing Russia if you must have Allied corps in Berlin next year.

In Asia, Japan sails out most of her South Asia fleet and the IJA debark in India near Calcutta.

3^rd impulse

Allies decide to push their advantage in Spain, debarking more troops and rebasing several aircrafts.

In India, two defense lines are organized near Calcutta and the Burma Road.

4^th impulse

The IJA launch an all-offensive front. An assault on Calcutta see the city hanging on but losses are heavy as 1 corps and Japanese div are killed and 1 corps and 1 Indian territorial are killed too, leaving the city only defended by a lonely Inf div. On the Burma line Rangoon and Mandalay fall to Japanese hands, but the IJA loose an Inf corps in the process and the all Indian Japanese Army is disorganized.

Nevertheless Yamamoto manages to reorganize some armies to prevent any aggressive move from the CW. The ops in India stops for the rest of the following 2 months.

The Japanese high command decides to rail a HQ from the Indian front to Siberia to re supply their troops. Taking advantage of the flipped Russian armies, the IJA launch an assault on Krasnoyarsk and take it from the Russians. But they are so exhausted that this shows the end of the ops in this theatre till the end of Jun

In Spain, the Italians and Spaniards are redeploying as the German corps are taking their assignment to garrison the Rock. Gibraltar won’t be an easy target.

In Eastern Russia, Italian troops are pushing toward Tashkent.

In European Russia, the Wehrmacht launch her summer offensive taking Vologda and Yaroslav in the north and expending several supply stocks in the south (OC) manage to cross the Don River, taking Voronez and Stalingrad. As 7 Russians Armies are destroyed in the process during this week of violent battles, the Wehrmacht smells the odor of blood and is going for the onslaught.

5^th impulse

The Red Army has no choice but to retreat toward Gorki and Saratov if she wants to save her remaining forces.

In Spain, the CW and the US Army assault Madrid. Failing to take the city, they manage to destroy a Spanish corps among the defenders.

6^th impulse

Italian high command reinforces Madrid as the first German troops are railed from the eastern front to the west. On Jun 6^th 1943, the 1^st SS Arm and a SS Mot corps enter Bayonne.

Japanese high command is quiet.

7^th impulse

Another assault on Madrid by the allies forces fail, killing an Italian Mtn div and a Spanish Inf corps.

8^th impulse

The Italian Army assault Tashkent and takes the town to the Red Army after heavy air bombardments.

In European Russian, the Wehrmacht is gathering her forces, regrouping and reorganizing all the Army Groups.  Impressed by the Spanish and Italian defense of Madrid, and the further Italian success in Russia, Greece join in Italy, just one year after Yugoslavia.

· Jul / Aug 1943 – Operation Typhoon

Allies initiative

CW forces in Spain decide to turn southward, going for the Rock, killing 3 Spanish corps on their way to Gibraltar (1 Mech, 1 Mot and 1 Inf). In center Spain, US forces try to spread northward through the Axis positions.  After a few days, CW forces enter Seville and reach Gibraltar.

In Siberia, the Red Army retakes Krasnoyarsk and lost it by the end of the month. But good news never comes alone.

In European Russia, the German Army takes MOSCOW to the Russian Armies who were acting as speed bumpers. Then Gorki falls to the Wehrmacht as the first German corps enters the Ural area.

And as bad news never come alone too, the last days of the hot Russian summer see Saratov and Astrakhan in Germany’s hands.

· Sep / Oct 1943 – German counter strike in Spain

Axis initiative

In Spain, Gibraltar is isolated except from The Riff. The CW forces push toward Valencia as the US Army launches an attack on Madrid. But the Spaniards manage to hold their capital.

Taking advantage of the disorganized Allies armies, the Germans launch a counter blow, which manage to disengage Madrid, but run out of steam and stop as they are short of air cover.

In the last days of October, the European US navy composed of the modern Washington class BB are sent back to the US West coast, as the old Pacific BB are taking position in the UK.

In Africa, the remaining of the DAK and AOI Army are retreating to Aswan in Egypt. The pursuing CW and US forces reach Addis Ababa and destroy the last Italian corps in Ethiopia.

In Russia, all the Axis Armies are reorganizing their front lines, preparing their forces to definitely kill Russia next Year. Still, a small offensive is launch on Kazan and by the end of October before the coming of the winter the city falls to the Wehrmacht.

In the Pacific, Espiritu Santo falls to the US Army, smashing a lone IJA marine div. As the US Navy is now closing the vital defense perimeter of Japan, and more and more land base aircraft wings, Essex class CVs (8) and Iowa class BB (4) are coming on line, the IJN decide to rebase from Rabaul to Truk her main battle line composed of the fast CVs and BB. In Siberia, Kuznets falls to the IJA.

In India the IJA assaults Dacca, storming into the city and destroying 1 Indian Inf and Terr corps, and next reaching Calcutta.

· Nov / Dec 1943 – Swallow Spanish Pride

Allies initiative

In Spain, the weather is still fine and the US Army decides to launch another assault on Madrid. The 8^th Air Force who was switch from England to Spain previously, cover the sky with 2400 Flying Fortress and carpet bomb the Madrid area (1 div loss) in the first days of November. The raid is quickly followed by several tactical missions (2 corps flipped) and by November 15^th, the Spanish defenders are overrun (-/2S*) and their Capital is in US hands. During that time, the CW manages to advance along the Mediterranean coast northward.

In Africa, the first elements of the CW forces enter Aswan.

In India, the IJA manage to break the Indian lines entering Nepal.

In USSR, the Wehrmacht breaks the Red Army lines, encircles Kubishev and approaches Perm.  As the Germans need this important rail network junction to continue their advance, a part of AGN and AGC stops to reduce the Kubishev stronghold. The assault is violent and all the attackers are disorganized, but losses are heavy for the city defenders (1 AA brigade and 1 Inf corps). Nevertheless, the Wehrmacht won’t celebrate Christmas in Kubishev as the city holds on.

The Red Army has no choice but to retreat into the Urals.

· Jan / Feb 1944 – Gibraltar isolated

Axis initiative

1^st impulse:

The New Year heats up from the start as Germany assault Ufa. All the attackers are disorganized as the result is not brilliant (1 Inf corps loss for both sides) but the HQs reorganize the troops.

As less troops are needed in Russia, The OKH order to rail a heavy Inf corps to Suez.

Japan is not left behind, attacking Calcutta. Strong air forces of 1500 bombers, covered by 500 fighters try to interdict the Indian forces in the city area. The RIAF can only fly 500 old fighters to cover Calcutta and by January 7^th, the IJA enters Calcutta with no losses and keeping her cohesion.

In North Africa, the Italian Army reinforces Tangier with an Infantry corps. Now they are two.

2^nd impulse:

Between the 10^th and 14^th of January 1944, the US Army lands in Morocco, taking Rabat and Casablanca. US troops from Africa enter Bombay (1HQ, 1 Arm, 1 Inf).

3^rd impulse:

The AGN launches another violent assault on Ufa and take it from the Russkies entering the city on January 20^th.

4^th impulse:

As the US Army reaches Tangier, the main US battle line in Europe sails out in the Cape St Vincent. Under a rain of 406 mm shells, the Italian garrison of Tangier is assaulted and dies gloriously (2 corps loss) as the city falls to the disorganized US troops (1 corps loss) in the last days of January.

In India, 500 fighters and 500 Bombers, arriving from Africa, support the US expeditionary corps.

5^th impulse:

The Italians launch an attack near Alma Ata but are disrupted. Nevertheless they manage to retreat the Russians, destroying a corps in the process.

6^th impulse:

In the Pacific, the US storm ashore, taking a port in the Marshall Islands. In India they rebase their air cover near Delhi. In Egypt / Sudan, the CW are massing a large army (7 corps / Terr, 1 HQ, 1500 Fighters and 1000 Bombers) to retake Suez and Cairo. In West Africa, the CW forces reach Upper Volta. On every theatre, the Allies reorganize their troops.

7^th impulse:

German and Italian High Commands move several corps and planes, unifying their front lines.

In India, the IJA manage to retreat CW forces near Delhi.

8^th impulse: 

After a long thought, the CW and US forces launch an assault on Gibraltar, leaded by an engineer unit. The 8^th Air Force is once again used in ground strike and support missions. A tremendous air battle ensues over the Rock as the 1000 Fighters of Luftwaffe manage to repeal some of the 2000 allied bombers but the allied air cover is very strong as they commit 1500 unexpected long range Fighters. In the following 2 days, the attack on the Rock is unclear and the Allies launch ground support missions. The 500 remaining Axis Fighters interdict another 1500 bombers raid covered by 1000 Fighters. Killing a German corps and an AA brigade, the Allies lose their engineer unit.

From now on, Germany decides to lend lease 8 bp a turn to Italy.

· Mar / Apr 1944 – Rock … and roll

Allies initiative

1^st impulse:

Seeing an opportunity to reopen the Med, the Allies launch an other assault on the Rock against the lone German corps garrisoning the Fortress. Long ranges aircrafts are sent to the western Mediterranean Sea, stopping any supply transport. As the out of supply defenders have no more air cover, they are disorganized by the Allies naval air forces and quickly destroyed.

Gibraltar is British again. In North Africa, US forces are entering Algeria.

2^nd impulse:

Italian Oriental Army launches a well prepared (and lucky) assault in Russia and takes Alma Ata brilliantly, destroying 2 Russian armies in the process. Again in Russia, the Axis air cover was determinant.

In the Reich Chancellery, feverish talks between Admiral Raeder, FeldMarschall Keitel and the Fuhrer are going on. The high sea fleet is an asset we must preserve for a future Sea Lowe operation tells Keitel to the Fuhrer. Raeder says he agrees, this is an asset, so we must use it, to enforce the CW to fix her Navy in Europe. At last the Fuhrer orders the Kriegsmarine to sortie and Havoc British merchant shipping. 5 fast CVs 4 fast BB and BC and 4 CA sails out from Kiel and breakthrough to the Faeroes Gap catching the Royal Navy unprepared and killing 300 000 t of convoy, aborting 3 CA and shooting down 1000 Naval bombers which were patrolling the sea area. Then the Kriegsmarine Task Force is ordered to return to the safety of the Kiel harbor.

3^rd Impulse:

In North Africa, the US Army enters Alger. In Spain, the US assault Bilbao, killing a German corps.

4^th impulse:

Axis commanders reorganize their forces and supply lines all over the world, withdrawing slowly in the Spanish mountains.

5^th impulse:

The US Army in Spain launches another assault on Bilbao. A large air battle sees 1000 axis fighters and 500 bombers opposed to 1500 allied fighters and 2000 bombers in Bilbao sky during the following days. At last, the US enters Bilbao having killed 2 German corps defending the city. Supply is nearly cut for the German Army group Spain.

· May / Jun 1944 – The Fall of Spain

Allied initiative

1^st impulse:

In Siberia, a Russian counter strike retakes Kuznets, killing a Japanese corps in the process

In the Magnitogorsk area, 1 Italian Mech and Mot corps are destroyed as they were acting at their supply limits. The all Red Army is withdrawing behind the Irtysh River, leaving speed bumpers in Cheylabinsk, Sverdlovsk and Magnitogorsk.

In Europe, Force H, composed of 6 CVs, 8 BB and 9 CA, enters western Med Sea, cutting the sea supply lines. CW Marines and US debark in Sardinia unopposed, as the Force H provides naval support to the Valencia assault. On May 8^th, the city falls into CW hands after blasting to oblivion the out of supply German defenders.

Not believing his luck, Eisenhower launches an attack in the Pyrenees and retreat Arm elements of the Army Groups Spain. The entire Army Group Spain, composed of Elite elements of the Wehrmacht, is out of supply…

2^nd impulse:

OKH decides to reinforce the Med and by the end of May, a heavy SS Inf, a regular Inf corps, a MTN corps, 1 Mech and Arm SS Divs are taking their assignments in several key points in northern Italy.

In Russia, the Wehrmacht takes Magnitogorsk. In India, the IJA retreats in order from Delhi to Calcutta.

3^rd impulse:

In northern Spain, all the German corps are disorganized by air bombardments, but 500 poor Italians fighters shut down around 500 brand new tempest. Seeing the situation is critical, Rundstet HQ provides emergency supply, but is the first unit to be destroyed in the pocket, with 3 ARM, 1 MTN and 1 MOT corps. An elite SS MTN is trapped near Zaragosa but till not disorganized.

In North Africa, Tunis is liberated in a 5:1 assault, blasting the Italians there. But the US troops are exhausted and the US HQ has to reorganize their corps.

4^th impulse:

In Asia, Japan invades Ceylon but the imperial marines are repealed.

In Russia Germany takes Sverdlovsk and Cheylabinsk but all the attacking groups are disorganized, putting an end to the ops in the east.

In the Med, Italy goes for a gamble and Mussolini orders the Reggia Marina to regain control of the seas in the western Med. Surprising the Force H, the Italian Admiral takes his shot at the air battle.

The largest naval battle in Europe since the beginning of the war is on her way.

The Force H is large, with 6 CVs, 8 BB, 9 CA and 2 TRS. But the all Reggia Marina has sailed out from Trieste and La Spezia, with 6 CVs, 10 BB, 14 CA, 3 Subs and 1000 land based naval bombers. The Force H aborts after the 1^st wave of Italian bombers, splitting into several escape groups. But one of them is found on his way to Gibraltar.

The final result of the battle is another “Coral sea” for the Allies, as the Royal Navy losses are high:

The CVs Victorious and Indomitable are sunk and their air wings destroyed (all the pilots are rescued at sea by cruisers), the BB Hood is also sunk, as the CA Suffolk, Nigeria, Uganda and Glasgow.

The Reggia Marina losses are light compared to the CW as 2 CA are sunk, 3 CA are damaged and 3 others are aborted.

5^th impulse:

In the Pacific, things heat up as the US Navy launches unexpected sub warfare against the Japanese sea lines. 1 200 000 t of merchant shipping are sunk and 600 000 t disorganized for a mere 30 US subs damaged. In South Pacific, the US and Aussie troops are landing in Papua, near Port Moresby.

In Spain the last German corps is destroyed, opening the road to Barcelona.

In North Africa, the front elements of the US Army reach Tripoli, unopposed.

6^th impulse:

By the end of Jun, the IJN protects her convoy lines, but it is to late.

All over the globe, Germany and Italy reorganize their Armies.

7^th impulse:

In Papua, after a deluge of 406 mm shells from the US Navy on Port Moresby, the Australian Army retakes the city brilliantly.

In North Africa, Tripoli falls to the US Army at the cost of a Mech corps.

In Spain, defending the remains of Spanish pride, an Italian mountain and Spanish infantry corps are massacred in the last Nationalist stronghold. On Jun 30^th 1944 Barcelona falls to the US and Spain is conquered.

· Jul / Aug 1944 – Italy and Vichy invaded.

Allied initiative

1^st impulse:

In the East, the Wehrmacht is pushing the Red Army further east.  In the Pacific, the IJN sails out to cover her convoy lines in a large scale move.

2^nd impulse:

The CW and US has no other choice but to declare war on Vichy France and cross the Pyrenees.

At the same time, an airborne and naval invasion of Sicily is decided and successful.

3^rd Impulse:

In Siberia, as the front line is smaller and smaller, the OKW takes troops on the AGS and 2 more corps are railed to France. Then Germany breaks the Russian lines again and advances toward east.

In the Med, Italian high command wants to cut the supply to the Allies in Sicily. The Reggia Marina is ordered to sortie in Italian coast under the umbrella of the Reggia Aeronotica. Then 3 CA and a BB patrol the Italian coast, supported by an entire air wing of 500 naval bombers, try to find the FF naval force composed of 1 BB, 2 CA and a Trs. 1 FF CA is damage and the Trs is aborted, the remaining forces abort to Tunis and Tripoli. In the West Med, the Reggia Marina sails the lone captured BB “Paris», trying to find the FF CA in patrol.

4^th impulse:

After a couple of days of air battle seeing the loss of 500 German fighters and their pilots and about 500 CW fighters too, the US and CW armies cross the Pyrenees in France, destroying 3 Vichy and 2 German corps in the process.

5^th impulse:

In Siberia, the Wehrmacht launch a well-prepared attack, killing 2 Russian Inf corps. In the mean time, Italian forces approach Semipalatinsk. In France, the OKW decides to retreat behind the Garonne and reorganizes his ground and air forces.

In the Pacific, Japan reinforces her position in Indo-China.

6^th impulse:

In the Pacific, the US navy renew with Convoy attack, sinking 300 000 t of Japanese merchant shipping as one of the escorting CA, but the US sub losses are heavy, as 30 first line high sea subs are sunk and another 60 are damaged.

In Sicily, the Allies take Syracuse, destroying 1 German Inf and 1 Italian marine corps, but the assault is not worthy neither lucky, as 1 FF MTN div and a US Inf corps are destroyed too.

In France, the CW enters Toulouse in a brilliant “coup de main”.

7^th impulse:

In Siberia, Germany is pushing further east, blitzing 3 Red Army corps on her path.

In France, the Wehrmacht manage to establish a coherent line behind the Garonne with all the reinforcements from the East, except from Bordeaux where they still hold on this side of the River.

In the Med, the Reggia Marina sorties her main battle line (5 CVs, 7 BB and 9 CA) in Italian coast to stop the Allies progressing in Sicily. Finding the Royal Navy fleet (5 CVs, 7 BB and 2 CA) a large air battle ensues and is devastating for both sides. Still the CW has the advantage

The CV Aquila, the BB Roma and Vittorio Venetto and 2 CA are damaged, as 2 CA are sunk on Italian side. The CV Illustrious, the BB Repulse and 3 CA are damaged on the CW side.

Both Task Forces stay at sea but no more combat occurs.

8^th impulse:

In the Pacific, and for the first time for almost a year and a half, the main US battle line sails out and enters the Bismarck Sea, sinking a CA on supply duty.

In India, the CW and US launch an offensive against Yamamoto troops. An air battle occurs where 500 Indian fighters were destroyed but allowing 500 land bombers to clear through, bombing the Japanese troops successfully. Fighting their way among the Japanese lines, the Indian CW forces start push the IJA, destroying a MTN corps and blitzing an Inf corps.

· Sept / Oct 1944 – Rabaul isolated.

Axis initiative

1^st impulse:

Between the 1^st and 10^th of September, the Wehrmacht attacks again in Siberia, but fails to take Omsk from the Russians. Guderian reorganizes the troops under his command.

2^nd impulse:

The allies’ fleets sail out in the Pacific, and finish off the Japanese in Papua, liberating the island for good by mid September.

3^rd Impulse:

The Wehrmacht launch another assault on Omsk and failed again miserably.

In England, September 21^st 1944 is a beautiful sunny day full of surprise. By this first autumn noon, an entire building block is blast in a terrible explosion. For the following 6 weeks, Germany’s V2 weapons are raining on London, blasting blocks after blocks. England is the first country to experiment Rocket strategic bombardments (2 pp destroyed).

4^th impulse:

In France, things heats-up as the US Army launches her awaited assault on Bordeaux. The Luftwaffe tries to support the defenders, but the Allies air power is overwhelming, destroying 1500 German fighters and 500 bombers for 500 CW bombers down. Nevertheless, all the German crewmen jumped from their planes over their lines and are recovered safe. But even if the Allies have air superiority, the result of the land battle for Bordeaux is poor, destroying only 1 corps among the German defenders, leaving the town in the Wehrmacht hands thanks to large supply depot there (supply unit).

In the Pacific, RABAUL, the Gibraltar of the Pacific, is isolated after the Japanese Marine corps, which is holding New Ireland is sent to oblivion by US Marines storming ashore.

5^th impulse:

The Axis is gathering its troops, waiting for the next allied move and Reinforce Bordeaux by air.

6^th impulse:

In France, the US Army launches another assault on Bordeaux and failed again, destroying a German corps. A combined US and FF amphibious assault on Nice is successful, as a brilliant CW Para drop operation takes Marseilles from the Vichy garrison. The Jean-Bart II is captured intact with the port facilities and their oil supplies (2 oils). Escaping from the French construction yards, the CVL Commandant Teste and the CA Tunis manage to reach La Spezia in Italy. The brand new and modern Vichy capital ships are scuttled by their own crew or workers: the CV St Cyr, the BB Gascogne and Clemenceau as the BC Dunkerq are reduce to a smoking mass of useless steel.

Still, the hulls of the CVs Joffre and Painlevé, the CA Dupleix, Foch, Maroc and Indochine, 1 TRS and 2 Amphib units are captured in docks by the allies.

(As no ports remain Vichy controlled we all agreed to roll for the remaining Vichy ships in repair or construction pool).

In the Pacific, after a short battle for air supremacy, destroying 500 Japanese fighters and their pilots, the US Marines storm ashore again and liberate New Britain, destroying another Japanese corps. Will the Gibraltar of the Pacific fall soon?

· Nov / Dec 1944 – Suez canal closed to Axis forces

Allies initiative – awful weather all the turn

1^st impulse:

As the CW troops enter Toulon, the US fleet sails to Italian coast and the Army take Palermo with a single division loss, for 2 axis corps destroyed.

2^nd impulse:

The Reggia Marina sorties to Italian coast too, trying to cut supply from US and FF troops and finds the US fleet. Again, the naval battle is bloody as the Italians loose 60 carrier planes and their pilots.  But the losses are much higher for the US task force, as the BB West Virginia is sunk, the BB Maryland is aborted, and worse, 2 transports are sunk. Both side keep control of the sea.

In French ports, the Wolf packs are sailing out in the Cap St Vincent and Bay of Biscay but find no convoy.

3^rd impulse:

In Egypt, after a long run, the CW forces launch their awaited assault on Cairo, taking the city from the Italo German forces their, killing 2 axis Inf corps, but losing a corps and a division too. A Canadian Inf corps enters the city but is standing alone to defend it.

In France, at last, Bordeaux falls to the US Army, killing 2 German corps in the process.

In the Pacific, a US fleet enters the Marshall Sea and supports the boys landing in Kwalajen. The Japanese garrison corps is destroyed at the cost of a US Inf div.

4^th impulse:

In the Atlantic, the U-Boats find their ways to the allied convoy lines. Renewing with success the Wolf pack sink 1 200 000 t of merchant shipping, and damage 2 FF CA on escort duty. But 30 subs are sunk and 60 damaged by the escort.

In Egypt, gathering their forces, Germany and Italy retake Cairo, destroying the Canadian corps, but loosing an Italian corps too. The Axis commanders reorganize their land and air forces.

In the Pacific, the IJA hopes for another decisive naval battle and sails out her fast fleet in the Marshall Sea to catch the US “Washington” class fleet. The US task force is composed of 1 Essex class CV, 6 BB Washington class, 5 CA, 2 amphibious units, 1000 land based fighters and 1000 naval bombers.

The IJN task force is composed of 5 CVs, 2 CVL, 5 BB (2 of them are the Yamato and Musashi), 5 CA and 1000 land-based fighters.

This time the US Navy has clearly the upper hand and this is the first real decisive Victory for the US.

The US losses are someway light with 500 land fighters downed, but the 2 amphibious units are sunk.

The IJN losses are important, with 500 land fighters and 160 carrier planes downed, the CVL Chiyoda and Ryujo sunk, the CVs Shokaku, Zuikaku, Kaga and Akagi damaged and sailing back in flames to Tokyo harbor with the CA Ashigara which is damaged too.

The rest of the IJN task force is running to the Safety of Truk harbor.

5^th impulse:

In a last effort, the Western Desert Force under Alexander command launches another assault on Cairo and finally takes the city from the Axis for good.

In India, the US expeditionary force (3 corps, 1 HQ, 500 fighters and 500 bombers) expands a large amount of supply stores (OC) and breaks the Japanese lines, pushing it back to Calcutta.

For many years now, Christmas and the New Year’s Day are going to be well celebrate in the US and the CW as Allied Victories are rolling.

Check point: End of 1944

Comments:

So far the Axis control much of the Eurasian continent. Following their primary goal, world domination by conquering Russia, they manage to keep focused on that target, despite of Allied interventions.

USSR will no longer have any role to play, as both Axis and Allied command agreed that Russia will be eradicate before the end of 1945, even possible in the following 6 months.

Stalin was not foresight at the strategic level, but manage to preserve his forces despite of the hammer blows of all combined Axis forces. In fact he did pretty well when you realized he only had 4 turn of lend-lease for around 30 bp. Knowing that he won’t have much help, he decides to preserve his Army, launching only a few counter strikes, even in winter. He could have resist longer if he authorized the Red Army to withdraw earlier in the Urals, shorting the front lines, then having more troops to stop and taking back Eastern Siberia to the Japanese or south Siberia to the Italians. Another problem for Russia was the permanent lack of Air Force (quality and quantity).  The only good point for the Russian player is its everlasting good moral, love of the game and Sportsmanship.

The Western Allies made several mistakes but unfortunately, they are common.

They lacked of focus at different levels. In the first years of the war, they didn’t really know if they were going for Japan or Germany. The CW did well on her own from the end of 1940 to the beginning of 1942. But as they were hard pressed, they put aside the Strategic bombers production. Afraid about subs and the Kriegsmarine heavy surface units, they spend a lot of money for the Royal Navy.

The Strategic bombardment campaign her self was short as it started by the end of 1942 and stop in the end of 1943. At that time, the Allies made a mistake using their strat bombers in supporting their ground operations on the front lines. When D-Day came, were Spain and Portugal with their mountains, the most ideal site to get ashore and expand? Of course this allowed to re opened the Med, but they get stuck in Spain for nearly an entire year. Then the Germans easily defended the Pyrenees and southern France.

At that time of the War, all the field commanders know that the probability for Germany to win the war in Europe is around 80-90 %. The Allies have a last hope, liberate France and may be conquer Italy before the fall of Russia, then grant a Pat to the Euro Axis and turn on Japan.

Orders of battles (main positions after Jan 1945 reinforcement phase – non exhaustive)

Europe / Africa

On Germany’s side, the OKH is very confident:

There are around 60 Axis corps in USSR (Germany + Italy + Japan + Minors), 6000 land bombers, 500 large strategic land bombers, 2500 fighters and 1000 atrs, facing only 30 Russian corps with 1000 fighters, 2500 land bombers and 1500 large strategic bombers.

Axis Reinforcements are sent in Middle east and Western Europe, with 40 German corps in Western Europe (Ger, Fr/Be/Ne, Italy) 2000 Atrs, 500 large strategic bombers, 1500 naval bombers, 4500 land bombers and 14000 fighters (no, no, you’re not misreading) 150 first line subs, 3 CA, 2 PBB, 5 BB, 1 BC, 2 CVL, 6 CVs.

In Italy there are 12-15 Italian corps, 4000 fighters, 1500 land bombers, 500 naval bombers, 500 large strategic bombers, 8 CA, 9 BB, 5 CVs and 8-9 Axis corps in the Middle East, with 1500 fighters, 1000 naval bombers and 500 land bombers.

On the Allied side, they are not so confident as the forces facing the Axis one’s are the following:

In England, waiting there time for another front or reinforcement duty:

6500 fighters, 2500 strategic bombers, 1000 land bombers, 2000 naval bombers, 12-15 corps,

3 CV, 4 CVL, 8 BB and 9 CA.

In Spain / France: 35 corps, 2000 Atrs, 1500 large strategic bombers, 3000 land bombers, 6500 fighters, 1 CV, 6 CVL, 7 BB, 7 CA.

In north Africa / Italy: 10 corps, 1500 F, 500 land bombers, 500 naval bombers, 3 CVs, 6 BB (fast).

In Egypt: 7-8 corps, 1000 fighters, 500 land bombers, 500 naval bombers.

The Pacific:

Japan: 12-15 corps, 2000 fighters, 1500 naval bombers, 500 land bombers and 500 Atrs, 4 CA, 3 BB, 4 CVs, 3 CVL.

Truk : 2 corps and supply unit, 1000 fighters, 500 land bombers, 4 CA, 5 BB, 1 CV

Rabaul: 2 corps, 1500 fighters

Singapore: 1 corps, 5 CA, 4 BB, 5 CVs, 1 CVL

India: 7 corps, 1000 fighters, 1500 land bombers

Allies:

Hawaii: 2 CV, 1 CVL, 6 BB Washington class, 5 CAs, 90 subs, 3000 fighters, 500 naval bombers, 5 corps.

Australia: 9 CVs Essex class, 6 BB Iowa class, 2 BC Alaska class, 12 CA, 30 subs.

Papua, Marshall’s and island around: 12-15 corps, 1500 land bombers, 1500 naval bombers, 3000 fighters, 3-4 CA.

Axis Minors aligned are:

Germany: Norway, Sweden, Finland, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, and Turkey

Italy: Greece, Yugoslavia, Iraq, Persia (Portugal and Spain were conquered by the Allies)

Japan: Siam and Netherlands / NEI

Allied Minors aligned are:

FF: Belgium

CW: Venezuela, Denmark, Liberia (Poland conquered by axis)

US: Mexico, Central America, Brazil,

Most of the south American Minors are now at a +5/+8 influence level or more toward the Allies, except for Argentina and Uruguay which are wisely at +1 toward the Axis.

· Jan / Feb 1945 – Naval Warfare regain

Axis initiative after re roll

1^st impulse:

The IJN escorts her convoy lines and reinforce several areas. Italian troops are moving around.

At sea, the Kriegsmarine is very active, as 1 650 000 t of allied shipping is sunk, 450 000 t disorganized, and an escorting CA damaged.

2^nd impulse:

Allied commanders dispatch several corps on the front lines.

3^rd impulse:

In Russia, the Wehrmacht launches 2 attacks, destroying 4 Russian corps and at last taking Omsk to the Red Army. Several German and Italian corps are railed to Egypt and France.

4^th impulse:

US retakes Wake Island, as in Europe, the Allied forces reach the suburbs of Lyon and land in main land Italy near Messina.

· Mar / Apr 1945 – Lebensraum secured 

Axis initiative after re roll

1^st impulse:

The Battle of Atlantic is gaining in activity again. German wolves packs are chasing the allied convoy lines, destroying 900 000 t of merchant shipping. Several reinforcements are sent to Italy. The German Army Group Italy is now composed of 3 MTN, 3 INF, 1 SS INF, 1 ARM and 1 HQ corps with their air cover of 1500 fighters and 1000 bombers.

The Reggia Marina sorties to cut and provide supply at the same time to the allied beachhead and axis forces. In a bloody counter strike, the 2 allied corps in Italy are sent to oblivion.

2^nd impulse:

In the Pacific, an out of supply Yap is invaded by the US.

In the Med, the entire allied fleets meet the main Italian battle line as both sides were waiting for the other.  5 Italian carrier air wings (around 250planes) meet 10 US and CW carrier air wings (around 400 planes) only to see the whole entire Italian air force down. Half the Italian pilots are rescued at sea by their navy. Despite an intense AA fire, the CV L.da Vinci, the captured CV Glorious and the BB Lepanto are sunk. The CVs Aquila, Falco, Il Duce and the BB Italia are damaged. The Italian admiral seeing the situation is desperate, order all the fast CA to run to the safety of an Italian port, port that they finally reached. The rest of the fleet will escape as possible. A few hours later, the Aquila is found by several old US BB and are sunk on his way back, but aborting the BB Arizona. The escaping BB line with the Falco is chased too. Despite shooting down 3 allied carrier air wings, the Italian BB line suffers high losses as the Falco is finally sunk with the BB Caio Dulio. The BB C.di Cavour, Guillio Cesare and Andrea Doria are damaged in the engagement but find their way to an Italian port with no more damaged. The modern Italian BB are intercepted again and the Roma, Impero, Littorio and Vittorio Venetto are damaged (the BB Italia is safe) but manage all to return to Trieste.

3^rd impulse:

In Russia, the Wehrmacht and the IJA destroy a few Red Army corps, as in Europe, Germany and Italy move some units to reinforce their positions.

4^th impulse:

In the Pacific, the US assault RABAUL. The USAF disrupts the 2 Japanese corps in Rabaul and 500 fighters as the army destroys one of the Japanese corps.

In India, the US and CW forces launch an assault on Calcutta. After a violent air battles (500 Japanese fighters and 1000 CW fighters down) the city is taken back from Japanese hands, destroying 2 IJA corps.

In France, the CW launches a blitz attack against the Germans, destroying 2 corps in the process.

In Egypt the CW is on the offensive as 500 Italian and CW fighters are down, a CW MOT div, a German Inf and Arm corps are destroyed.

5^th impulse:

In Europe, Italy sends reinforcement to the Balkan, with 1 HQ, 1 MTN corps and 1000 Piaggio entering Greece. In India, the IJA retreats behind the Gange. The OKH decides it is time to speed up things, burning large amounts of supply (O-chit) to reorganize all the local HQs and rail troops to the west front. On March 21^st 1945, for spring tag, a new V2 strategic bombardments campaign is launched on London. This time rockets are more accurate and an entire factory complex is destroyed (4bp loss and 1 factory). Der Führer  is pleased.

6^th impulse:

In the Pacific, a large-scale offensive is on her way as several division and corps are landing in the Marianna islands and at last taking RABAUL, destroying the last defender corps and 1500 out of supply fighters on the ground.

In Europe, the US bomber command wakes up. Realizing that’s nearly 1.5 years there’s no more strategic bombardments over Germany or Italy, a large raid is launched over the northern Italian Industries. Around 15% of the Italian War industries are disrupted (2 pp).

7^th impulse:

In Russia, the Wehrmacht is still pushing east, reducing more and more the Red Army.

As Russia will fall soon (very soon), the OKH reinforces the Middle East in Jordan by railing several corps.

8^th impulse:

In the Pacific, the US reinforces the Marianna Island with troops and planes.

In Europe, several strange moves are on their way in southeast France. CW and US forces seems to be retreating, on foot, by air or by sea, for safer positions behind the Garonne, and in the mountains, in west and east southern France.

9^th impulse:

Germany launches another attack near Novossibirsk, clearing the path to assault the city.

10^th impulse:

CW and US forces continue their withdraw operations in France, shorting their front line.

11^th impulse:

On April 20^th 1945, a report is reaching the Furher’s HQ. FeldMarschall Guderian informs the Fuhrer that he is in front of Novossibirsk and is about to launch the final strike. On April 25^th the final assault is launched on the last Russian Stronghold. By April 29^th the city falls to the Wehrmacht.

On April 30^th 1945, the USSR surrenders for good to the entire Axis forces.

Meeting with Japanese forces, Germany agrees on oil delivery to Japan at 1 million tons of oil per month (2 million per turn so 1 oil resource).

· May / Jun 1945 – US Navy rules the Pacific

Allied initiative after re roll

1^st impulse:

Expanding large amounts of supply (2 x O-chits), the CW and US forces are spreading their forces all over the globe.

In the Pacific, the US subs are operating from closer bases since the fall of Rabaul, and run riot the South China Sea, sinking 1 050 000 t of Japanese merchant shipping with no losses at all.

Guam is taken back.

In Europe the allied forces are re allocated to different theatres. Holding their position in southern France and reducing their front lines, 8 CW corps and 2500 planes are sent to Egypt to achieve the breakthrough in this theatre.

2^nd impulse:

The OKH orders immediately 3 Wehrmacht corps to be railed to Egypt as 1000 bombers are rebased from Siberia to Stalingrad – next stop, Turkey. On all theatres, the OKW orders several corps to reach their garrison assignments to maintain order in the occupied territories.

Admiral Doenitz is proud, as his wolves packs sink the BB Jean-Bart and the CA Primaguet on a lucky run for convoy.

In the Pacific, Japan reinforces the Philippines and Borneo.

3^rd impulse:

In the Pacific, Saipan falls to the US forces

In India, CW and US forces break the Japanese front, forcing several corps to retreat.

In Europe, the 8^th air force continues her strategic bombardment campaign over Italian sky, destroying 25 % of Italian War production (3 or 4 pp)

4^th impulse:

The Wehrmacht and the Italian Army redeploys their troops as several corps are railing from untermensch land to north Germany.

In India, the allied forces destroyed 500 Japanese fighters as well as a MOT corps.

In the Pacific, this is the week of decision. The entire Imperial Japanese Navy sails out to encounter the US Navy. The largest naval battle of the Pacific is about to occur. The forces in presence are huge, in quality and quantity.

IJN: 3 CVL, 11 CV, 7 BB, 11 CA, 1 sub, 1500 land based fighters and 500 land based naval bombers.

USN: 11 CV (most of them are Essex class) 6 BB, 3 BC, 12 CA, 4 TRS, 1000 land based fighters and 1000 land based naval bombers.

After 2 naval air fights, both fleets are disorganized, as chaos is reigning among all those ships in flames. The IJN decides to retreat while she still has ships in order of battle and while she still can. The US Navy keeps control of the sea, but at what cost. Still, this is a US victory as the natures of the losses are different for both sides. The US manage to sink carriers, the Japanese didn’t.

US losses:

5 CA are sunk - 6 CA, 3 BC and the CV Hornet II are damaged – 1 CA, the BB New Jersey and the 2 CVs Yorktown II and Lexington II are aborted to Guam.

Japanese losses:

4 CA, the BB Kongo, the CVL Shoho and Zuiho and the CV Amagi and Kasagi are sunk

2 CA, the 3 BB Musashi, Yamato and Suma, the CV Kaga, Tahio and Unryu and the CVL Chitose are damaged – 3 CA, 2 BB and the CV Soryu abort to Truk harbor.

5^th impulse:

In the Pacific, the US Navy sails out her second main battle line (the Washington class one) in the South China Sea. Searching for the Japanese oil convoy, the US task force finds them and sunk 2 escorting CVL, damaged a CA and abort another CA. The CW forces land in Java and destroyed a Japanese MAR corps on garrison duty.

In North Africa, the CW forces are moving from Libya and south Egypt to reach the Suez Canal front.

6^th impulse:

The Axis reinforces everywhere possible, railing troops and re-basing aircrafts. Germany continues to rail troops from USSR to north Germany. London war production is completely disrupted by V2 bombardments (3pp).

7^th impulse:

The US Navy having kept the control of the seas, the US Marines storm ashore (again) on Palau, killing the Japanese Garrison corps and destroying 500 fighters on the ground.

· Jul / Aug 1945 – Allied Armies rule the Pacific

Allied initiative

1^st impulse:

In the NEI, the CW forces continue their progression in Java, throwing at sea another Japanese Inf corps. In the Meantime, US forces enter north Borneo.

In Italy, the escorting P-51 Mustangs of the 8^th US air force kill 500 German fighters which where trying to interdict the strategic bombings. 20 or 25 % of the Italian war industry are disrupted (3-4 pp).

2^nd impulse:

The Kriegsmarine is in an active phase again, sailing out more than 180 high sea subs around the UK, sinking an escorting Canadian CA on their convoy run.

The Reggia Aeronautica re-bases 1000 fighters and 1000 naval bombers to the North Sea coasts.

Large German forces are now on duty along the Channel: 5000 bombers, 3500 fighters, 2000 naval bombers, 1000 large ATR and 1000 ATR are in range of the UK and 500 000 men are near or in their air transport craft or ships, including Para troops, Marines and Mountains troops.

The inter Allies high command wonders about this re-deployment as the Wehrmacht is still under pressure in southern France and Middle East.

3^rd impulse:

In the NEI, the US destroys a Japanese Para trooper corps and an MTN div in north Borneo. CW forces take an empty Surabaya, scuttling 500 Japanese fighters on the ground.

4^th impulse:

The Luftwaffe and the Reggia Aeronautica continue their re-base moves to the north coast of France.

In the Pacific, Japan airlift troops from Japan to the Philippines. Now the garrison is 1 HQ, 5 corps and a supply unit.

5^th impulse:

In India the allied forces decide to spend some strategic reserve (OC) and blitz their way, destroying 1 Mech and Inf Japanese corps, breaking again the IJA lines. In Java, the Aussies take Batavia, killing all the Japanese defenders (1 corps and 1 div), scrapping 500 bombers on the ground and scuttling a Netherlander CA. Trying to flee the south China sea, the 2 other Netherlanders CA are caught by the US Navy and sunk.

6^th impulse:

The Japanese retreat from India to Burma, leaving a rear guard in Dacca as speed bumper.

7^th impulse:

Following the IJA in her retreat, allied forces enter Dacca after a brief battle.

In Egypt, a large offensive is under way (OC). The RAF interdicts the axis forces in the sector but many crew are not coming back as 1000 CW bombers are downed over Alexandria and Suez. Despite Italian air support, 1 German Inf and Arm corps are properly destroyed.

8^th impulse:

Japan reorganizes her line and reinforces Burma as she can.

9^th impulse:

The US takes the last oil well in Borneo, destroying the last presence of the IJA in the NEI (1 Inf corps and a HQ. In Burma, the allied are pursuing the fleeing Japanese forces, destroying another corps, but loosing 500 US fighters in air support operations.

In Egypt, the RAF manages to interdict the German troops along the canal (1 Arm and Mech corps).

The following assault forces the Wehrmacht to retreat, loosing the Mech corps in the process.

10^th impulse:

In order to reform her lines in Burma, Japan rails some troops in Mandalay, but is forced to abandon the oil well to achieve a coherent front.

In England, another V2 bombardment campaign is under way, destroying all the war production of the London area again (3 pp)

Peace Negotiations:

For almost 2 Years, the Western Allies are on the offensive, and for nearly 1.5 years, they are taking ground to the Axis. In Europe, Germany and Italy are very strong, but in the Pacific, things have changed and the Allies have clearly the upper hand.

As both sides are tired of this war, they both offered to the other and at the same time peace negotiations via their Embassy in Switzerland.

Germany wants Spain back for her first hour friend Franco and Italy wants back Corsica, Sardinia Sicily, Libya and her Africa Oriental Empire (and why not a hundred bock and a coke add the US ambassador). Keitel tells Badoglio that no German soldiers will die for Africa except for Egypt and the oil wells.

The western allies asked for the Euro Axis to evacuate France, Belgium, Egypt, Jordan, Palestine, Syria, Iraq, Persia and all the Arabian peninsula, giving back Sicily and Sardinia (and a loving candle diner with Chianti add Ciano). The western allies ask Japan to come back to her 1939 borders, except for Siberia, which can be kept, and Pacific islands that will be US controlled. No response from Japan

Nobody comes to an agreement.

· Sept / Oct 1945 – Sea Lion

Axis initiative after re roll – Mainly Muddy weather along the turn

Hull of the Montana is completed

1^st impulse:

For the sixth anniversary of World War 2, the long awaited threat arrives at last. Germany, in is foolish dreams of world conquest, has launched the feared invasion of the UK. See Lowe is under way.

This is the largest operation planned in the war since Barbarossa. The OKH and the Italian high command burn an incredible amount of supply to guarantee the success of the invasion (O-Chit). The Behemoths are unleashed!

In the Mediterranean theatre, the Reggia Aeronautica damaged several naval transport units in a port strike as the Reggia Marina reinforces Crete. Sailing into the Italian coast, the Reggia Marina provide troops to debark in Corsica and shore bombardments to the Wehrmacht, to retake the last squared miles of mainland Italy from the 2 FF corps near Messina, destroying both.

Giving a free hand to Doenitz, the wolves pack sink 1 200 000 t of allied merchant shipping, aborting an escorting BB for a mere 30 submarines damaged.

After a huge air battle over southern UK (net result 500 CW fighters down), the Luftwaffe manages to disrupt 4 areas for the Germans troops to land. Later during the invasion, the Luftwaffe looses 500 land bombers in support operation for 500 RAF fighters. Most of the time, the RAF has no choice but to give up, as Germans Jets are everywhere. The OKH manage to land 5 corps and 2 div in the first wave, loosing 1 Para corps and 4 div for 1 Mot, 1 Inf, and 1 Mil and 1Arm CW corps.

In the Pacific, the Japanese task force of Singapore flees to the safety and air cover of the China Sea, on convoy escort duty. The out of supply task force in Truk escapes too to the China Sea. Japanese subs sail all around, trying to slow down the US fleet.

2^nd impulse:

In the UK, the RAF flights night mission and succeeds in disrupting 1/3 of the German Para troopers.

Launching an assault on the Para north of London, all the attackers are disorganized after a last minute air support of the Luftwaffe. 1 German Para trooper div is pushed to the sea at the cost of 500 CW fighters and their pilots. South of London, a lone Marine Corps is destroyed too, despite of German air support. But they fight bravely as all the attackers are disorganized for such an effort.

In Egypt the CW forces burn stockpiles of supply (O-Chit) and launch a large scale offensive. After a short but violent air battle, loosing 1000 CW fighters and 500 CW bombers for only 500 Italian fighters, the British Army gains ground all along the canal, taking Alexandria with not a single loss, for 1 Italian Inf, 1 German Inf, 1 Turkish Arm and 1 Turkish Mot corps.

3^rd impulse:

All belligerents are focused on England. Germany reinforces her troops in UK and attacks London, both sides loosing 1 div.

4^th impulse

In Egypt, the CW forces take Suez and nearly all Egypt west of the canal is now CW controlled.

In the Italian coast, the combined Royal Navy and US catch the Reggia Marina unprepared.

The admiral ship of the Italian fleet, the CV Il Duce is sunk with 3 CA aborted.

In this short time, all the belligerents were very active, burning an incredible amount of oil reserves:

Germany 22 million tons (11 oil ressources) – Italy 8 million tons (4) – Japan 6 million tons (3) – CW 14 million tons (7) – USA 10 million tons (5)

· Nov /Dec 1945 – The Nuclear edge

Allied initiative after re roll

1^st impulse:

In Europe, the US and CW admiralty are for a bloody go, wanting to force the Kriegsmarine to the decisive fight.  The Royal Navy, leaded by the just completed new class CV Ark Royal II and BB Thunderer, sails out and enters the North Sea first, quickly followed by the US task force.

This is the most formidable and large European fleet ever: 20 CA, 18 BB, 9 CV, 4 CVL, 1500 naval bombers and 1000 fighters. The 2 Finnish CA that were keeping the sea-lanes open are properly sunk.

Even Admiral Rader his impressed, mumbling something like: “ if I could have such a power, even only once…”

The RAF manages to disrupt 2 German corps and the British Army launches the counter strike on the beachhead. Despite ground support from the Luftwaffe, who sees 500 of her He162 new jet fighters down, the beachhead is recaptured and the Germans blitzed to the sea.

For Italy, November 11^th 1945 is a day that will live in infamy. For the 5^th anniversary of her entrance in the War, in spite of celebrating, she is crying her children as Judgment’s day has arrived.

In the Morning, 3 formations of B-29 take off from Barcelona escorted by a heavy fighter commitment.

Clearing through the heavy Italian air cover that looses 1000 fighters in the process (the Abwehr ordered the Reggia aeronotica to intercept the US bombers at all costs – they knew something for sure) the B-29 take their assigned objectives. In an apocalyptic blast, the cities of Milan, Turin and Genoa are wiped out from the surface of the globe. In a few seconds, between 50 and 60 % of Italian war production is broken and more than 35% of her factories (4 factories) are destroyed.

Earth and especially War has entered the Nuclear age.

In the Pacific, the US invade Truk and despite the supply unit, the island falls to the Marines storming ashore, destroying on the ground 500 Japanese Ftrs and bombers.

2^nd impulse:

At sea, the Kriegsmarine sorties “en masse” with an impressive air cover from the Reggia Aeronautica But the weather is bad and both fleets keep patrolling and nothing more. In their convoy run, 30 German subs are sunk, as an escorting FF CA is damaged.

An air battle occurs over London sky, seeing 500 CW Ftrs down and the London troops all disrupted. Burning large amount of ammunitions (O-chit), Kesselring attacks London. Smashing the British troops, the Wehrmacht enters the crowned city on December 7^th 1945.

3^rd impulse:

The Allied Fleet finally finds the Kriegsmarine battle line. The engagement is bloody and the air battle sees 1000 land fighters down, 500 land fighters, 1500 land nav bombers and 4 carrier air wing aborted for the Axis, and 500 land fighters and 2 carrier air wings down, 8 carrier air wings aborted for the Allies. For the Kriegsmarine, the CVs Clauswitz and Barbarossa are sunk, the CVs York and Kleist are damaged as a Polish destroyer and the CV Peter Strasse is aborted. The Royal Navy CVs Ark Royal, Formidable and Illustrious are damaged. The Kriegsmarine flees to the safety of Hambourg.

Then an assault is launched on London but failed to recapture the city, destroying 1 Inf div on each side. Quite is coming back in London for Christmas as the Wehrmacht destroys methodically all the London factories

In the Mediterranean theatre, things heat-up again:

President Truman wants Italy out of the war right now and asked General Eisenhower “ what are you waiting for? Christmas? “ As if her voice was coming from his own tomb, Ike response is a short “yes”

Most people will be at home or at church and not in those factories we are bombing.

In the morning of December 25^th 1945, 2 other formations of B-29 are taking off from Spain and are heading to Naples and Tarento. Forcing their way to the military harbors, they drop their dreadful atomic weapons on the Italian fleets.

The Reggia Marina is severely wounded in her pride, as the CA Trento, Bolzano and Pola , the CVL Pipirstrello, the captured BB Paris and an amphib unit are sunk. The CA Zara and E di Savoia, the BB Littorio, Lepanto and Vittorio Venetto are damaged, as a transport unit

In Egypt, the WDF (western desert force) disband the last 2 Italian corps west of the Suez canal.

Next stop for the British would be Jerusalem!

In Burma, the US Army burns large amount of supply and break the Japanese line again, taking Mandalay back, destroying 1 Japanese Inf corps and 500 tactical bombers.

By the end of the year, strange visits at the Vatican are occurring at night. Rumors about some secret agreement under work are spreading in all the HQs.

· Jan / Feb 1946 – Sea Lion abandoned

Axis initiative

The BB Hizen is fully completed in the Tokyo harbor yards as the BC Bulow for the Kriegsmarine.

1^st impulse:

The OKH orders a complete retreat from the UK. The air transport of the Luftwaffe are doing an incredible amount of rotations to evacuate the Wehrmacht troops, infantries corps on the giant BV 222 and Me 223, as the Ju-52 for the mountain troops. The Marines decide just to cross the Channel.

In the meantime, the Reggia Aeronautica re bases all her fighter and naval bomber wings to Italy.

2^nd impulse:

Spending strategic reserves (O-chit), the entire US war machine goes on.

In the Pacific, the Marines invade Mindanao and land in Malaysia as in the Med Para troopers are dropped on Rhodes and Cyprus, capturing the islands.

In Egypt, after a brief air battle which sees 500 Italian fighters and tactical bombers down, the WDF burn large amount of ammunitions (O-Chit) and cross the Suez canal, destroying a German infantry corps in the process.

3^rd impulse:

OKH and Italian high command order strategic reserves to be railed to Turkey and the re base of several air wings to Syria. The DAK and Italian Africa Army are withdrawing to the Jordan / Syria border.

Japan tries again to badly hurt the US Navy in another decisive battle. Entering the South China Sea, 8 CA, 3 old fast BB, 5 Yamato class BB, 5 Soryu class CV and 5 Kaga class CV plus 2000 land fighters and 2000 naval bombers are searching for the US task force (13 Essex class CV, 6 Iowa class BB, 2 Guam class BC, 5 CA, 2 trs units, 500 land fighters and 500 naval bombers.

Losses are tremendous on both sides but the US is very lucky this time, Japan not:

Japan: 4 carrier wing shot down as 500 land fighters and several land air wings aborted.

The CV Akagi and the BB Yamato and Shinano are aborted, the CV Shokaku, Kaga and Aso are damaged and the CV Zuikaku and Hiryu are sunk.

US Navy: 1 carrier air wing down, 1 CA sunk, 1 CA damaged, 2 Essex class CV damaged, 1 CA aborted as the BB Illinois (this time US navy was lucky on her save die roll) Japan abort.

4^th impulse:

In the Middle East, the WDF force enters Jerusalem after a brief fight with the DAK rear guard and land in Turkey next to Rhodes.

In the Pacific, the US Army takes back Kuala Lumpur at the cost of a US Mtn div, destroying a Japanese Inf corps. At the same time, US forces in Mindanao destroy 1 Japanese Inf corps and Marine div, at the cost of 1 US Marine div.

CW forces enter Rangoon, killing a Japanese Garrison corps.

5^th impulse:

Seeing that the Syrian front is about to collapse, the OKH rails 3 corps and re bases several planes to south Turkey.

· Mar / Apr 1946 – Peace in Europe

Allies initiative – wonderful fine weather all around the globe

1^st impulse:

The US Navy sails out all her first line subs (210 subs) and a small task force to enforce a blockade around Japan. Surprising the Japanese convoy, the US Navy wreak havoc the IJN escort, sinking more than 1 650 000 t of merchant shipping and 2 CV, and damaging 2 BB and 1 CA.

In the meantime, the US Army enters Singapore, destroying on the ground 500 Japanese fighters and an Inf corps.

In the Middle-east, the WDF expands all their stock piles (offensive-chit) and breaks again the Axis front lines, destroying the last Turkish forces in Syria /Jordan (1 HQ, 1 Mech and 1 Inf corps).

2^nd impulse:

Responding to the threat, the OKH reinforce south Turkey and order the last elements of the DAK to retreat to Beirut and Damascus.

In the Bay of Biscay, in an unsuspected move, Admiral Doenitz orders the wolves pack to sortie. Surprising the escort on their convoy run, they manage to sink 600 000 t of allied shipping as 1 FF CA and BB.

3^rd impulse:

Pursuing their advance, the US forces enter Luzon in the Philippines, destroying a Japanese Inf corps, and land next to Saigon. Following the retreating IJA, CW forces attack in China from Burma and retreat a Japanese corps.

In Jordan, the WDF properly kills 1 German Mech and Mot corps which where isolated in Amman and enters the city. 

4^th impulse:

In the Pacific, Japan retreats on all fronts and re establish coherent front lines everywhere.

In Syria, FeldMarshall Erwin Rommel who has arrived a few weeks ago, launch a counter strike against the British forces. With the transfer of several Luftwaffe groups on this theatre, Syrian sky is German again, with 500 RAF fighters down in a few days for no Luftwaffe losses. With air supremacy, Rommel doesn’t fear to expand large stocks of ammunition (o-chit) and destroys the spearhead of the WDF (1 Arm and Mot corps killed).

In Italy, the German expeditionary force under Kesselring’s command launches an assault on the Messina strait. After an air battle where 500 Italian fighters were down, the Wehrmacht crosses the strait and enters Sicily, retreating 2 FF armies, but loosing a Mech div.

5^th impulse:

In Burma, the Indian CW forces retreats a Japanese corps, entering China.

In south Asia, the US Army enters Saigon and Bangkok with no real fight and links with the CW.

In the Philippines, US troops reach the suburbs of Manillia, after killing a Japanese Marine corps.

In the Middle East, the WDF gathers and reorganizes her forces and doesn’t dare to enter deeper Syria as the DAK has just demonstrated he is still a powerful foe. Nevertheless, 4 CW and US Para corps are drooped on Aleppo and its suburbs, take the city despite axis air support, destroying 500 Italian atrs on the ground, and cut supply to several axis corps! At the same time, Sth African troops withdraw from Turkey to the Rhodes Island.

6^th impulse:

The IJA is hard pressed now and decides to definitely go on the defensive reorganizing her troops in China and the Philippines.

In “Europe”, the combined Axis high command, strongly pushed by the OKH, agreed on a last strong push to settle good front lines and enforced peace negotiations, as Italy is telling more and more she wants to stop the war. The OKW rails 2 heavy Inf corps to Turkey, as 4 or 5 German corps are running through Turkey toward the Syrian border with 500 Ftrs re basing there at the same time. At the same time, the Wehrmacht launches an assault on Aleppo destroying the 2 CW Para corps that are holding the city, but at the cost of 2 German Inf corps. Nevertheless the operation is a success, re opening the supply path to the remaining DAK elements. 

In Sicily, the SS launch another assault, loosing an Arm div, but retreating the Free French troops, which are now cut from their HQ and supply unit. The local HQ reorganizes all SS.

7^th impulse:

Seeing an opportunity, the CW re energizes all her local HQs by providing large amount of supply and ammunition (O-chit) and takes Beirut and Damascus in Syria before the Wehrmacht can reinforce her position.

The “Royal” evacuates 3 FF corps and HQ from Sicily to North Africa and Malta, which is fully, garrisoned with 1 Free French elite Gar and Inf corps now.

In the Pacific, the US Army attacks Manilla. Trading a Japanese Art brigade for a US Para div, the Philippines capital holds as the Japanese high command has a large supply depot there. US Admirals reorganize the Navy for future operations.

8^th impulse:

The OKH decides this is the time to demonstrate Germany’s ability to recover from hell. The Wehrmacht has been mauled in the Middle East, the Kriegsmarine is licking her wounds in the safety of her harbors, and still this is a large-scale offensive that is going on.

Burning large amount of oil, supply and ammunition (o-chit), all the armed forces are on their way to teach a lesson to the Allies (super combined).

With no warning, the Kriegsmarine sorties in the Atlantic, and with her brand new admiral ship, the CV Von Richtofen, that’s 6 CV, 2 CVL, 8 BB/BC and 8 CA/PBB with 300 first line subs, which are on convoy run. Splitting into 2 task force, the German navy enters the Faeroe Gaps and North Atlantic. This is with a big (but short) surprise by a sunny morning, that Royal Navy officers on escort duty see several silhouettes of large high sea warships coming forward. (Note for later, if later there is: never trust the secret service when they told you the German high sea fleet is “hors de combat”). Surprising the escorts, the Kriegsmarine run havoc the north Atlantic and the Faeroe Gap, sinking a total of 1500 000 t of merchant shipping, 2 CA and a BC, and returning to base peacefully. In Central Atlantic and US west coast, the wolves pack are not in debt with 1 200 000 t of convoy properly sunk.

The OKW gives a free hand to all local commanders, unleashing the Wehrmacht beast!

In Sicily, German troops take back Syracuse and Palermo, both in a storming and devastating assault.

In the Middle East, Army Group Turkey and the last elements of the DAK are withdrawing behind the rivers and in the mountains, forming a strong 10-12 corps Army at the Turkish / Syrian border, as the Luftwaffe, strong of 2000 Ftrs and 1500 bombers, is disrupting all allied forces in the sector.

In France, several air missions are successful and a strong attack blitz 2 CW corps.

But the war has reached another turning point. On April 20^th, the Fuhrer tag, great news arrives from Peenemunde: V3 weapons are operational. Der Fuhrer orders the bombardment of the American East coast. The newly built V3 launch site in Brest (on the plans of the V2 launch site of the Wizerne and Eperlecq bunkers in Northern France) is on war footing. April 24^th 1946 is a wonderful sunny and peaceful spring day in Boston. In an apocalyptic blast, all the facilities of the city are destroyed (1 factory destroyed) with thousands of civilian casualties.

9^th impulse:

In the Pacific, the US Marines storm ashore in Formosa and Hainan as in the meantime, the US Army finally enters Manilla. On the Indochina front, all the Western Allies forces are pushing east the Japanese lines with some very larges losses for the IJA and the Japanese Air force.

In the Middle East, not wasting her time on the German/Turkish line (behind rivers, in mountains), the British Army finally reaches Baghdad thanks to the Axis rail net, and takes the city from the Italians.

A lousy Mot corps recaptures the Arabian Peninsula, which was on a run to Aden.

Still, Aden is in Italian hands.

In the western Med, the CW and French Marines take back Corsica and Sardinia to the Italians while US Para troopers capture Crete with an awesome naval and air support, scuttling an Italian transport.

In Washington, political and war advisors are analyzing the situation in Europe.

By the last days of April, Il Duce informs Der Fuhrer that Italy will no longer be in the war at Germany’s side against the Western Allies, having come to an agreement with them.

Germany, seeing that this war can last forever, orders all her embassy not to repeal any allied proposal.

Euro-Axis Peace Negotiations:

With the Reggia Marina deeply hurt in her very pride, her war industry nearly half destroyed and her Armies withdrawing nearly everywhere, reduced to garrison duty, Italy came to a secret but written agreement with the Western Allies by the end of December 1945:

-          Italy will be out of the war at the end of April 1946 at the latest and return to neutrality with all her remaining aligned countries (Yugoslavia and Greece)

-          She will give control of Persia, Iraq and Aden to the CW

-          She will pay 5 bp a turn to France for the 5 following years.

-          She will stop any kind of trade with Germany and her allies.

-          She will convoy her fleet to Malta under CW control.

-          The Western Allies will keep any territory under their control at the time Italy withdraws from the war, except for Sardinia, which will be send back to Italy in by the end of February 1947.

-          A non-aggression pact is in effect from May 1^st 1946

Italy accepts, except for the Fleet article, which could be interpreted by Germany as an act of war from Italy against her. The CW agreed.

The Western Allies propose Germany to evacuate France and Belgium with no other restriction. Germany refuses, arguing that it won’t be long for the 3^rd Reich to reach Atomic capacity, but proposes the following agreement:

-          A state of war will remain between Germany and the Western Allies, but no attack of any type are allowed between the belligerents till the end of 1946.

-          The Wehrmacht immediately withdraw from her actual position to a Nantes – Lyon armistice line (Vichy level 2 line)

-          On January 1^st 1947, the Wehrmacht will have withdraw to a Le Havre – Lyon armistice line (Vichy level 1 front line)

-          On August 31^st 1947, a Peace Treaty between all the Western Allies and Germany will be signed and Germany must have evacuate the rest of France and Belgium by the end of 1947 except for Alsace and Lorraine (Ost March).

-          No US or CW troops will stay in mainland Europe after 1947

-          The Western Allies will give up on the Italian repairs.

The Allies add a last point:

-          Germany and her allies won’t accept any further economical or military agreement with the Empire of Japan.

On May 1^st 1946, guns are mute and quit comes back all over Europe. Fatherland is safe.

· May/Jun 1946 – Decline…

Allied initiative – Mainly fine weather all over the globe

Europe:

Noises of aircraft engines and trucks are heard all over southern France, as the Luftwaffe and the Wehrmacht are withdrawing from their front line position.

Allies are following up in France, and occupy all the Italian possessions granted by the peace treaty.

Mediterranean Allied Fleets re-base to Singapore and Manillia with several naval transports and amphibious units for an average 6 corps that are transferred to the PTO (Pacific Theatre of Operations)

Asia:

The US high command decides for an all out offensive (super combined with o-chit) against the Japanese positions. Sailing out, the US Navy escorts two invasion forces to the South China Sea and the Mariana’s sea. Storming ashore, the Marines manages to cross the sea near Formosa into Mainland China, as the US Army breaks the Japanese lines near Hainan and Hanoi.

Still, Canton and Hong-Kong are holding.

The US Marines also start a hard, slow and long run from Formosa toward Okinawa.

At last, all the islands around Iwo Jima are conquered in joint airborne and amphibious assaults, but at the cost of large air and land US casualties. But the US reserves are close now and stronger than the Japanese.

Burning large amount of supply (o-chit) the CW Army in Burma/China breaks the IJA line in China, forcing the Japanese to retreat to the Kummning area. But CW troops are exhausted and can’t exploit their primary success, not to mention the air and land losses.

Japan regroups her forces around several key points like Shangaï, Port Arthur, Chung-King, Vladivostok, etc, dispatching supply units and HQs in order to make strong resistance places.

As Allies are closing to Japan, Japanese resistance is stronger and deadly accurate.

Still, Japan is loosing ground on all fronts.

Several air wings of fighters and strategic bombers are re-basing closer to Japan.

· July/August 1946 - … and fall of Japan

Allied initiative - Mainly fine weather all over the globe

Surprising the Japanese forces in a double move, all the US forces are unleashed at the same time (o-chit). Breaking the IJA lines around Nanning, the US Army cuts supply to the Kumning Japanese group. Trapped in the mountains, 4 corps are destroyed by the Indian and Australian forces.

After several fights, the US Army progresses inland toward the mountain on a Chung-King / Shangai line. But the IJA has concentrated enough troops and air force to make it risky to assault.

The US Army decides to stop there and wait for the USAF and the CW air and land forces.

Closer to Japan, operation Olympic is in preparation.

The awesome combined European and Pacific US fleets sails in the China Sea for the final battle.

25 CA, 23 BB/BC, 18 CV, 6 CVL, 2000 land based fighters and 2500 land based naval bombers enter the China Sea. Supported by a deluge of 406 mm shell from the US Navy, the Marines finally crush the Japanese resistance in Okinawa and take the island and the port facilities intact.

The Royal Navy task force is kept in reserve for any further needs (5 CV, 6 BB and 10 CA)

The IJN reacts immediately sailing out 8 CA, 8 BB, 8 CV, 3000 land based fighters and 3000 land based naval bombers. But Japanese intelligence is not reliable, and the IJN doesn’t manage to intercept the US invasion fleet. This short period is useful for the UASF and the Marines, which are approaching and re-basing air wings closer to Japan.

Finding the US fleet and playing a desperate struggle for life and victory, the Japanese high command orders several “Divine Wind” waves to be launch on the US invasion fleet. For an entire day, wing after wing, Kamikaze are diving on US ships, running havoc Nimitz’s fleet.

Nearly all the Japanese naval and air forces are destroyed in the process, except for a mere 3 CA, 5 BB and 3 CV and several land fighter wings.

The US Navy is not in debt with half a dozen cruiser sunk or damaged, 3 or 4 BB damaged, 2 CVL sunk and the last but not the least, a great shame, the pride of the US Navy, the Old lady “Essex” send to oblivion in the Japanese water.

In the beginning of august, a major decision is taken and is about to dramatically change the course of the war against Japan. With 1.5 million of soldiers under her Flag in her Home Island and a large air force, the invasion can be disastrous for the US.

In the Morning of August 6^th 1946, the strategic bomber B-29 Enola gay drops her dreadful cargo on Hiroshima. In single a lethal blast, thousands of civilians are killed and 50% of the industrial complexes are sent to rubble. On August 9^th 1946, a second Atomic Bomb is dropped on Osaka destroying 70 % of the war facilities, not to mention the civilian casualties. The Japanese government is so shocked that no comments come from any of their Embassy.

Then, following his plan for the PTO, the US launches Operation Olympic:

Sailing its amphibious and naval transport unit, the US Army land in southern Japan in the Ryuku Island with heavy fleet and air support.

Leaving his mute attitude, the Emperor of Japan asks his children to forgive him and be courageous as they must accept than the Empire of Japan is facing a much more cruel foe, ready to use any means at his disposal to achieve victory. There will be no more useless pain, as the war cannot be win.

That is why the Empire of Japan offers peace.

Japan will evacuate China, Manchuria, Korea and the Kamchatka Peninsula, but will keep control of the Home island and Siberia (Truman’s advisors were already thinking as Japan for a possible ally against Germany).

On September 1^st 1946, the Peace treaty is signed in the Bay of Tokyo, on the new arrived BB Montana. World War 2 is over.

CONCLUSION :

I guess it is the first and last time I write such a detailed game report. Next one will be shorter and more synthetic. So it will take lesser time to write.

I apologize for my poor and boring English, and hope you’ll have fun with this game report.

This was a very strange and unexpected game, and I will be happy to answer questions if you have some. Mailto:tordson@yahoo.fr

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