FOW Tobruk Campaign

[Louie N]

Well this is more on an inquiry...

Are there details like when and how it will run.

I volenteer to be a Brit.

[CJSmith]

This is news to me. Where did you hear about this? I would be interested as it would give me a chance to paint up my DAK. I would like details also.

~ Casey

[costampede]

Talk to Rob, he is putting it togehter. I have not decided which side I will fight on. I have both so I will wait and see which side has the least amount a people.

[Heliodorus04]

I'm in for the Germans - I'm really not experienced at all, though.

[Wraith]

Put me down for Germans too. Hopefully I can make this event. Any idea when it will be?

-Josh

[Louie N]

I know it's being worked we just have to wait for the details.

I know Rob is planning some "store" armies for people lile me who play AMericans can still take aprt. Still if you always wanted to be in the DAK now is a good time to plan the forces.

I volunteer to help paint the "Store" Brit or German Army.

[CJSmith]

Ok great news then. I will definetely attend with my DAK Germans, the perfect excuse to get around to finally painting them.

[costampede]

The way things are looking, I might just have to play the Brits, looks like alot of people steping up to the Germans.

As long as I get to kill Tanks, I do not care what side I am on.:)

[Evo]

I would love to get in on this!

[DoomedToRepeatIt]

Depending upon when this is going to be, I'd love to play. Its been a while since I had a chance to throw down my Desert Rats. I have Crusaders and I'm not afraid to use them!

[Wehrmacht]

Count me in as the Germans of course:)

[lamont]

Ok guys-

I have been doing some OB research at Rob's suggestion; the campaign map is clearly a representation of the Gazala battles that ran from late May thru July of 1942. Rob and I think it would be cool to be as historical as possible- you can probably anticipate fluid armor battles, assaults on fortified boxes and across minefields, and even some siegework at Tobruk. Also, it might be cool to operate from historical OBs and materials- this would likely involve some form of attrition over time, so losing Panzers is not likely to insure promotion (unless everyone else has been reported missing...)

here are the historical tank and plane numbers at the start:

The Gazala Battles: May-July, 1942


25-May Starting Point
British: 167 Grants Axis: 223 PzIII
257 Crusaders 19 PzIII (long)
276 "I" tanks 40 PzIV (shorts of course)
149 Stuarts 50 PzII
190 planes 228 Italian tanks
497 planes


now see what 1 month of campaigning can do:

22-Jun Advance to El Alamein
British: air superiority Axis: Afrika Korps: 40 tanks
~160 tanks, mixed 600 men giving chase


of course, I expect the GH DAK to perform with more efficiency than Rommel did-

now all we have to do is somehow simulate the superiority of British command before Monty....

oh yeah- louie volunteered to be Brit! we are set!!


lamont

[lamont]

let's try that again


25-May Starting Point
British: 167 Grants
257 Crusaders
276 "I" tanks
149 Stuarts
190 planes

Axis: 223 PzIII
19 PzIII (long)
40 PzIV (shorts of course)
50 PzII
228 Italian
497 planes






22-Jun Advance to El Alamein
British: air superiority
~160 tanks, mixed



Axis: Afrika Korps: 40 tanks
600 men giving chase

[lamont]

all you germans are thinking about the Tiger reinforcements you can expect...

which I forgot to post- here they are

on July 11, Rommel was able to throw in 8 more PzIII (longs) and 6!! (count 'em) Baby Tigers!!!

(that would be PzIVs (long) for you limeys)


now maybe you start to see the genuis of Rommel?

Bwahahahahahaha!!!

lamont

[Wehrmacht]

Thanks for all the research Lamont:)

[Evo]

Yeah, thanks!

[costampede]

Yeah Wehrmacht, make sure you protect those Tigers. Since you always get them killed you should not be allowed to use any of them.:D

[Louie N]

I think I was insulted. I'll check with S-2 to be sure.

I'll turn the Gazala into a DAK graveyard!!!

and likely a British one too. Oh well time for Tea.

[Wehrmacht]

Oh it on Stampede:) Thats what I'm going to do to your tanks as you sip your tea:0 Let the games begin:) Or should I say the carnage:)

PS You have to use my dice:) LOL

[lamont]

Waht do we do with a drunken sailor
Waht do we do with a drunken sailor
Waht do we do with a drunken sailor
earl- lie in the morning

Make 'im a general and gi' im a panzer
Make 'im a general and gi' im a panzer
Make 'im a general and gi' im a panzer
earl- lie in the morning

Where's the front and who'is he after
Where's the front and who'is he after
Where's the front and who'is he after
earl- lie in the morning

Chasing Tommy through the khamsin
Chasing Tommy through the khamsin
Chasing Tommy through the khamsin
earl- lie in the morning

Whoop! there it is- a mean 2 pder
Whoop! there it is- a mean 2 pder
Whoop! there it is- a mean 2 pder
earl- lie in the morning

Save our arse and to h_ll with Rommel
Save our arse and to h_ll with Rommel
Save our arse and to h_ll with Rommel
earl- lie in the morning


"Infantry- more bang for buck and the true Queen of the battlefield in North Africa" -Luis "the Auk" Nunez, April, 1942.

[lamont]

Gentlemen- (yah, right...)

I have been exploring the web for info on material availabilities to both sides so we can mesh history with the campaign as much as possible- I would like to know if anyone can tell me how many 90mm autocannone the Italians had in May of 1942- in fact, autocannone availablity at all levels would be useful-

I am also tinkering with ideas about attrition and application of forces within the campaign structure- here are some ideas- please give feedback- all of the following are just ideas to get the ball rolling-

(1) no point in doing a campaign unless we try to fight under similar limitations experienced by the Fox and the Auk- hence, we need to develop rules for attrition and vehicle recovery-

(a) campaign begins with an historical force composition with regard to tanks, air, and large AT guns (88s, 90s, 6 pders)- we could include arty here, but i have not found much data on it yet; infantry, etc are "free"

(b) random events will, on occasion, augment forces in Africa

(c) each commander in each battle will have to fill out a battle report, the consequences of which will feed back to the material pool- here is a possible set of rules for tank and big gun recovery, administered at end of each battle-


For each tank destroyed, roll d10; on a roll of 3 or less, the vehicle is recovered to the Army Material Pool-

Modifiers: +1 for controlling the battlefield (you "won"); +1 if over 50% of your tanks have been destroyed (spare parts!); +1 if you have a surviving tank recovery vehicle on the battlefield; +2 if Rommel was at the battle; -1 if you were defending in a Fortified Box or Tobruk position.

For each tank that "ran", roll a d10; recover the tank on a roll of 5 or less-

Modifiers: +1 for controlling the battlefield (you "won"); +2 if Rommel was at the battle.

For each Big Gun (88s, 90s, 6 pders) that is destroyed or "runs", roll a d10; on a roll of 2 (destroyed) or 4 ("runs") or less, recover the gun to Army Material Pool

Modifiers: +1 for controlling the battlefield (you "won"); +2 if Rommel was at the battle; -1 if you were defending in a Fortified Box or Tobruk position.

(2) in trying to translate material availability to an FOW campaign, I decided to examine a simple quartering of the historical materials as a possible Material pool for each side- what do you think of these numbers to start?


Axis:
material type Historical Campaign
PzIIIh 223 56
PzIIIj 19 5
PzII 50 13
PzIVF1 40 10
88 mm AT 48 12
M13/40 183 46
Semovente 45 11
Dianas 9 2 (exclusive to 90th Light)
Air Support 497 124 (priority to start)


Brits:
material type Historical Campaign
Grants 167 42
Crusaders 257 64
"I" tanks 276 69
Stuarts 149 37
Air Support 190 48 (sporadic at start)


(3) Rommel- of course we need to give Rommel his due- I picture Rommel and his "Greif" force (at least 5 captured Honeys) showing up anywhere on the battlefield, to be used by a commander at a crucial point; I have incorporated his presence in the armor recovery rules, and we should consider using the Warrior rules frmo FOW as well- any other mods Rommel should bring to the lucky colonel who finds Rommel at his side?- what was the range of forces that Rommel might show up with? Can Rommel roll to recover vehicles that the BBritish do not recover (maybe at a lower value?)

(4) Commands: what if we allow players to select three divisional commands that they will usually fight under, prioritized by gamer preference- here is a list of divisional (or brigade) commands in the theatre:

Axis:
90th Light
15th Panzer
21st Panzer
Ariete
Trieste
Pavia
Brescia
Trento
Sabratha
Generic German
Generic Italian

Brits:
1st SA
2nd SA
50th Inf
1st Tank Bde
32nd Tank Bde
9th Indian
1st Armoured
7th Armoured
1st Free French
7th Motorized
3rd Indian
29th Indian
Generic Brit

Each gamer can list 3 commands; when it comes time to battle, if two or more players are listed as same command, either:

(a) they all fight on a bigger table against a bigger force if the strategic map warrants; or

(b) they dice off for the honor of their first choice of command; loser than will run his second choice-

this allows gamers to build a variety of forces, and if necessary, they may fight a generic force to fill in somewhere along the line.




these are just some ideas flitting through my head-- please help make this a group endeavor-- let's build it all together, and maybe we can kick of the battle in May to coincide with the start fo the Gazala campaign-- now I must go work on my WWI naval program- I am planning a scenario I think I will call Titan's of Jutland, where the battlecruiser squadrons meet with the backup of the 5th Battle squadron and the Konig squadron in support, along with some light cruisers and destroyers- I have ordered the ships i need for the battle- look for it soon at your neighborhood grocer

lamont

[Louie N]

I will hit you up on the club on Saturday.

1. Question one. will there be a strategic map with counters that units will move on. And what does each of those counters represent.

[Wehrmacht]

Lamont what you have so far sounds good to me. If I can think of anything I'll post it.

juergen

[CJSmith]

So whats the news on this? Are we still planning on running the campaign or something similar? I need to know so I know to set aside some time to paint up my DAK.

~ Casey

[DoomedToRepeatIt]

If it does run, I won't be able to participate. Sorry, guys.

[Wraith]

So, any idea when this campaign will start and if forces are still needed?? I have a platoon of PzIV shorts and some PzIIIs I can paint up real quick if they are needed.

-Josh

[Zhukov]

I will be playing Italians so I will just be there to take up space.

[lamont]

Hi Guys-

Strategic map is printed; movement counters are made- all magnetized so we can post the big map on the wall at GH- Rob and I have been kicking around ideas about the setup and are near completion- you can see the map and counters at GH now- prep all the grants, stuarts, vals, matildas, IIIH, M13/40 you want-

plus any infantry-- we are trying to hew to some historic availability of units in the campaign; therefore probably only one FJ co will be allowed- Rob and I are soon converging on the force construction rules, but there will be a lot of flexibility, with some real limits (example- there were only 2 Stug IIID vehicles in this campaign, and they were in 90th Lt- soon as 2 Stug IIID are lost, they cannot be part of a force anymore- )

hope to have general start up rules out in next few days

lamont (and rob)

[Wraith]

When will the actual playing start?? I'm curious becuase I'll be gone at Fairchild AFB, WA for three weeks starting next weekend but I would still love to be in the campaign.

-Josh

[CJSmith]

Ok, looks like I will be able to attend after thinking I can't. However in July from the 16th till about a week or so I wont be able to make it up there just as a heads up notice. I will be bringing Germans unless we will need other figures, which I can supply for British and Italians also, just the figures wont be painted and actually most of my Germans will have to be unpainted also as I am painting Josh's Americans currently, and a few other commissions, along with trying to get my LW SS started up. I will see about getting as much DAK painted as I can though.

I will be able to bring 3 full Panzergrenadier platoons, 1 heavy platoon, 1 pioneer platoon, 2 88s, about 2 panzer platoons (I have various panzers, 6 IIIJs, 3 IIIMs, 2 IIINs, and about 4 or 5 IVF2s), 3 SdKfz 10/5 (aa halftracks) and I can also bring 5 Italian tanks and 4 semoventes and I have some recon vehichles as well. I also have 4 lorraine scheplers but I dont think they were available that early (I just know they were lost at El Alamein).

Let me know if there are any other figures that will be needed and I will see what I can come up with (I can order some online if need be so just let me know, its not a problem).

[DoomedToRepeatIt]

I can contribute 4x Crusader IIs, 6x Crusader IIIs, and 4x Grants, plus plenty of infantry and a 25 pdr battery. I have some 6 pdrs but I think those and the Mark IIIs are a little out of period.

[Rob]

we shall be starting the Frist Sunday In August. So I hope to see all of you there.

[Wehrmacht]

Rob, dont forget to save me the stuff for the campaign. I still on vacation back east and wont be back until Aug 3:) See ya slackers...

[lamont]

check out this link

http://www.geocities.com/firefly1002000/dakindx.html


lamont

[Wehrmacht]

Lamont nice link:) Love it...

[Wraith]

How did the first day of the campaign go yesterday??

-Josh

[lamont]

Rommel decided to send the DAK panzers against entrenched British Infantry behind minefields; meanwhile, the Italian Corps is jogging south on an end run. Bir Hachiem looks to be a crucial battle.

Three Battles for first day- to be fought sometime this week:

Hex A : 2000 pt DAK Armor vs 1000 pt Brit Infantry
Hex B : 2000 pt DAK Armor vs 1000 pt Brit Infantry
Hex C: 1000 pt DAK Armor + 1000 pt DAK Infantry vs 1000 pt Brit Inf + 800 pt Armor

two Italian Infantry forces are in Hex D

I made a JPG of the map with with first turn moves; it might get posted on the GH web site soon-

will post battle results as they are sent to me-

lamont

[Wraith]

Sweet. Thanks Lamont. Go DAK!!!:D

-Josh

[DoomedToRepeatIt]

To His Majesty the King and the Right Honorable Mr. Churchill,

I am pleased to report that in the defence of the town of Bir Hachiem, south of Gazala, the stalwart infantry of Your Majesty's Royal Black Watch and the brave tankmen of the 4th County of London Yeomanry beat back a combined armoured and infantry assault. Of particular note is the crews of the 4CLY's Crusader units; despite heavy losses and the general inferiority of our equipment, these galant soldiers pressed home their attack, stalling Rommel's armour and allowing our entrenched infantry to hold off the enemy indefinitely. Further reports shall follow as the situation progresses.

Leftenant Colonel A. R. McCullough, 7th Armoured Division

British Losses:
2x HMG teams destroyed
1x Grant destroyed
2x Crusader II destroyed
2x Grant withdrawn
1x Crusader withdrawn

German Losses:
1x Grenadier Platoon destroyed
1x Grenadier Platoon withdrawn
1x HMG Platoon withdrawn
3x Panzer III J (early) destroyed
Unknown number of Pioneer teams destroyed

I think that's the proper German tally. But a victory to the Brits. Huzzah! Take that, Huns!

[Wehrmacht]

Mein Herr, please do not listen to the British propaganda. Yes our DAK troops did not take the days objectives but we caused more casualties on them then they on us. Obviously Montgomery or whoever the brits have in charge do not the difference between a Probe and a Full Scale Attack.

The General in charge of that Probe did not use the PzIIIM's as directed. That mistake will not happen again.
So inconclusion Gentlemen, Brits had more losses and our PzIIIM's were lost in the desert. The battle was a draw.

OKW out

[DoomedToRepeatIt]

Because M-models weren't available. You don't even have L's, and very limited supplies of long-barrelled J's. Why on God's green earth would you have M's?

[Wraith]

I'm so confused:confused: J,L,M!!! What is going on?!?!

-Josh

[DoomedToRepeatIt]

Its simple, my young padawan. Wehrmacht built an army list for Ernie, the axis player I played against, but it was built entirely using the Panzer IIIM. The M-model, however, didn't appear in Africa until Tunisia. We are fighting Gazala battles, meaning the autumn of 1942. The only tanks available to the Germans at the beginning of the campaign are short-50mm PzIIIJs and a few long-50mm PzIIIJs. The "L" model of the PzIII appeared in time for Alam Halfa and Alamein.

Now, if he really wants to play *that* game, I'd be more than happy to roll deep with Shermans and Churchills.

[ColGreeley]

Someone is in denial!

[ColGreeley]

By the way, this was directed towards Jurgen.... :D

[DoomedToRepeatIt]

One would hope.

[Wehrmacht]

Troy you know we won the war:) Its the Matrix baby:) You are in it...He Hee
And why on Gods green earth can we have PzIIM? Because its Gods green earth of course:)

[Wehrmacht]

Playing *that* kind of game would be a waste of my time.

[DoomedToRepeatIt]

Precisely my point. No one wants to waste time, especially me, when I have so little of it.

[Wehrmacht]

I guess you could say it was a misunderstanding on how far back we can go with the equipment. How much of the Tobruk camp. are we playing??? The intial battle when the Axis camptured it or further when Axis lost it? Its all good:) I sent Lamont an email with more questions..

[Wehrmacht]

Hey Troy! Did you get your g@# paratrooper done yet, so I can kill them with real paratrooper:) Thats Fallschirmjagers baby:)

[lamont]

i can only imagine the thrill of a ringside seat when next they meet- the DAK, minus their time-machine of course, and the pouty (stiff?) upper lip of the Brits-

Grants are king of this campaign I expect, but artillery is queen, and 88s are the jack of all trades- if you can get 'em unlimbered in time

i am having fun- i am interpreting that everyone else is as well (especially troy)

lamont

[DoomedToRepeatIt]

Lamont, there's nothing pouty about three Crusaders getting slammed by eight 50mm rounds and not suffering a single casualty. Not even a bail on the first turn.

How's that for dice rolling!

[ColGreeley]

I have a bunch of Grants. They are my favorite tank in the Desert Campaigns. A tank that ugly you can't help but love.

Plus I have to pick on Jurgen every chance I get when it comes to Flame of War.

[Wraith]

Looks like the conflict is heating up. Man, I really wish I could be there!!! Darn you free military education;)

-Josh

[Wehrmacht]

Bring your ugly tanks:0 Thats just more stuff for me to kill:)

[lamont]

Slamming his dusty goggles to the ground, Rommel exploded in voice.

"Vas ist los? Gott schicken mir einen General, bitte!!!" The POW, Mauser in his back and cup of tea in his hand, thought it unusual that the German commander would be calling General Gott a chicken after the drubbing his South African grunts had just served the DAK panzer army- but the German staff knew different.


I relay here a battle report from General Scholz, who has also dispatched a crack FJ unit on a mission to bring Goering to task for the absence of air support in this most important battle near Gazala. He is also probably thinking Rommel a bit mad for sending his beautiful panzers right at Tommy lines. Wishing his name ended with an "-i" right now he is.

Here is the Battle Report for the battle in Hex A.


Commonwealth:

General Commanding: Tony Armstrong

Forces Involved: 1000pt Infantry CO

Victor or Loser: VICTOR

Destroyed Infantry Units: 7 infantry stands

Destroyed Vehicles and Equipment Stands:
1 20mm Breda AA gun
2 6 lb AT guns

Loses Due to Pursuit: None.


Axis:

General Commanding: Robert Scholtz

Forces Involved: 2000 pt Panzer CO

Victor or Loser: LOSER

Destroyed Infantry Units: 9 pioneer stands

Destroyed Vehicles and Equipment Stands:
2 PZ III J tanks
6 PZ IV F1 tanks

Loses Due to Pursuit: 50 pts

We did not determine the permanent losses incurred by each side as we were not sure how to do the calculation. We decided to let you determine the permanent losses for us.

Tony did an excellent job using his forces to thwart my attack. He positioned his two AT platoons on the highest ground behind his minefield and barbwire fortifications giving them a clear field of fire for supporting his infantry platoons who were dug in right behind his fortification. This gave his guns the ability to fire down on my attacking platoons without them be threatened.

Another factor was the total lack of Axis air and artillery support during the game. In only one turn was I able to actually attempt to fire upon the units my planes attacked. All the remaining turns, Tony either was able to roll a "6" to prevent my attack, or his AA guns shot well enough to shoot down my attacking planes. My artillery also failed to play any real role in my attack. My artillery failed to destroy any British stands for the entire game. The dice gods were definitely on Tony sides tonight!


DAK Force A retreats from Hex A with 1440 pts remaining

(50 pts lost in pursuit [note: if the Brits had no armor or recon, there was no pursuit possible- check on that please] and permanent loses of 510 pts (point value of all KIA stands/vehicles on the cost chart, divided by 2)

CW Infantry Force J still holds the approach to Gazala with 865 points.


lamont

[Wraith]

Well, it looks like things aren't going so hot for the DAK. Maybe it's a good thing I am not getting involved or I would be bery frustrated.

-Josh

[DoomedToRepeatIt]

Niiiiiice!

[Wraith]

NOOOO, that is not nice!! It is evil beyond all compare!!

-Josh

[DoomedToRepeatIt]

Then go to sick-call, pull a day's worth of quarters, and come fight this Sunday.

[Wehrmacht]

Have no fear Mein Herr. The next battle will be a Wehrmacht and DAK success. Kampf Gruppe Jurgen is preparing for battle.:) ( With Tigers:0) I wish:)

OKW reports that several tanks were lost due to a severe sand storm. DAK Panzers ran into British AT guns. Berlin reports that secret weapons are in the making and its just a matter of time before all fronts receive them.
OKW out.

[ColGreeley]

[QUOTE=Wehrmacht]Have no fear Mein Herr. The next battle will be a Wehrmacht and DAK success.



Jurgen, are you going to have someone play for you? :D

[Wehrmacht]

That hurt:eek:

[DoomedToRepeatIt]

But it was funny.

[Wraith]

Ouch Burn!!!

-Josh

[DoomedToRepeatIt]

You tell him, Third Lieutenant!


Heh. Thought I'd forgotten, didn't ya?

[Wehrmacht]

Lol :)

[Wraith]

Arrrgghhh

-Josh

[Wehrmacht]

OKW report battle at Rotunda Mteifel.
Mein Herr Today Kampf Gruppe Jurgen faced well dug in British infantry. Our Luftwaffe controlled the skys and destroyed two Matiltdas. They continued the attack on the third but our bombs kept failing due to the sand getting into the machines. Note to field personnel: Check and recheck equipment due to the sand. This is not Europe gentlemen!!

A 2pdr AT gun plt ran from the field of battle and several infantry troops were killed as well, as a 6pdr. Good job!!!

We only lost one IV F1 and contact was lost with a pioneer plt trying to assault the lone Matilda. Again reports of equipmet failure was reported. Flame throwers not working due to sand. Keep equipment clean!!!

Pz III commander Hans Bauer reported that 3 tanks were lost due to enemy gunfire. One vehicle had the crew bailed out trying to fix a track. After receiving more gun fire Bauer and the bailed out crew left the field of battle for repairs.

Our 88 did a great job against the RAF by shooting down one plane although the pilot was rescued by SAS. As the sun was setting Pz IV commander Werner started to attack the British line causing many casualties. Although the attack had to be called off due to darkness. Otherwise we would have had a complete victory. (Brish still hold ground although they have heavy losses)

OKW notes to field commanders: Keep equipment clean, this is not Europe. PzIII commanders change the color of tanks to desert not grey. 88 are great in battle against tanks as well as planes. Press the attack before nightfall.
Kampf Gruppe Jurgens gruppe is refitting for the next weeks battle. The probe attacks are doing well, we must get use to the desert warfare so our attacks will go through.
No more excuses Mein Herr.
OKW out
Note: Take care with the Pz IV we only have a limited supply. This is not the Eastern front.

[DoomedToRepeatIt]

TO: All Field Commanders, 8th Army
FROM: GHQ Cairo

Gentlemen;

Over the past week our positions along the Gazala Line have been heavily engaged by mobile elements of the German-Italian Panzer Army, but we have held our ground with great tenacity. My congratulations go out to you and your men for holding your ground despite the weight the enemy has brought against you. The pride of your nation rests upon the wondrous actions you have performed this week. Even as we speak, reinforcements are flowing into Egyptian ports, bringing more guns, tanks, aircraft, and men. Additional formations are being sent to the front as quickly as they can move.

This galant struggle we wage shall determine our fate in this war, for should the Suez Canal fall, then Britain herself may likely starve. This is our ground, gentlemen, and this is our future, and that of our families at home, that we are fighting for. Remember your training, fight with the certainty of the Empire that backs you, and we shall win.

God bless you all, and good luck.

-- LtGen Sir Claude Auchinleck, CINC ME

[Wehrmacht]

OKW report:
Bad news today for DAK, Generaloberst Jurgen was wounded in battle today against an overwelming British forces. The battle ended early due to severe sandstorms. Kampf Gruppe Jurgens units withdrew from the battlefield leaving behind 2 destroyed 88's, 3 Pz IVf1 and 2 PzIII.
Panzer Commander Walter Buch stated that he never seen so many enemy tanks and troops in one area. It looked like a wave crashing against a sandcastle.
Luftwaffe controlled the skys once again although due to an ungodly amount of British AA three planes were lost. Pilots were recoverd before the withdrawl.

British casualties were 4 universal carriers, 1 20mm SP Breda and 1 Matilda.

Rumor has it that the 21st Panzer Div will leave DAK and head towards Russia. Severe supply problems are hampering operations in Africa. The British have way to many forces for us to keep up with and we cannot supply our forces fast enough. There is a major debate going on now at HQ if Africa should be left alone and forces allocated to the Eastern Front. Good luck Mein Herr.

When it comes to pursuit what counts as armor?? Brits have some vehilcles that are listed as armor but ar not tanks. Can you clarify? Ref. pursuit Tony had 1200pts left and I had 700pts.
Thanks,
Juergen

[costampede]

As the British Commander of this last engagment, I felt sorry for the Germans and the onslaught they had to deal with. I believe by withdrawing was the best logical course.

The Brits had a crack AA crew on one of thier 20mm Breda's. Four shots, hit with three and rolled three 6's for firepower to shoot down all three Stuka's. :D

The other key factor other than the points, was the German dice rolls were very bad, and the Brits dice rolls were on fire.

The way things are going the Germans will be hard pressed to breakthrough the Brit lines.

[DoomedToRepeatIt]

I'm surprised that they're not seriously trying to outflank us, myself. They sent Italians to do the deed, then decided to pile in on Bir Hacheim.

[Wehrmacht]

The flank is coming dont worry:)

[Wehrmacht]

But when you have crappy dice it really doesnt matter where you go:(

[Zhukov]

Finally a victory for the Axis.:eek:

[Wraith]

Huh? What?! A victory went right by and I missed it? Crap!!:eek:

-Josh

[Wehrmacht]

OKW report:
Mein Herr Our forces with the help of the Italian Army have won a great victory over a foe that. greatly outnumbered us It must be noted that the Italians can fight like Lions. We are very pleased. The British have faced a defeat that may haunt them for the rest of the war. DAk troops have captured tons weapons and hundreds of British prisoners, also destroying and killing large numbers as well.
Great Job to all commanders on the field of battle. It must be also noted that during the battle a transmission was intercepted from British high command that told their field commanders to withdrawa before the entire army is destroyed.
The time has come for the Bristih army to leave Africa.

Actung Actung.....
Report just came in today as a large DAK armor force ran down a British force again capturing large amounts of equipment and prisoners. The handful of surviors are lost somewhere at Gazala. Another victory for DAK. The tide of battle is turning against the Brits. Field commanders are advising that the British troops at Gazala are not enough to stop the DAK troops from taking the city. Plans for a British surrender are already underway.

Keep up the push gentlemen OKW out.

Heia Safari

[DoomedToRepeatIt]

TO: The Right Honorable Mr. Churchill and His Majesty the King
FROM: CINC Middle East

Gentlemen,

The issue at Gazala, after our heroic victories along the defensive line established thereat, has turned against us. Despite valiant efforts by our troops, the Axis forces under General Rommel have broken our lines in both the north, before Gazala itself, and in the south, at Bir Hacheim. We are now undertaking a general withdrawal to the Tobruk perimeter itself. However, do not lose heart; despite the current predicament, strong forces have survived the assault and plans are being drawn up to catch the Axis spearheads between this hammer and the anvil of Tobruk.

LtGen Auchinlek

[Wraith]

Woohooo!! Panzers Marsch!! GO ROMMEL GO!! (man, I feel like such a spectator):D

-Josh

[Wraith]

Anyone interested in playing a game or two Labor day weekend? I kniw its a three day weekend, but this is the first time I'm off, soo....

-Josh

[Louie N]

After witnessing the last game....

Never in the course of human events have three 75mm guns caused such havoc.

[DoomedToRepeatIt]

No kidding, Louis.

[Wraith]

What are you guys talking about??

-Josh

[Louie N]

In the last battle a small horde of British armor, both Grants and Crusaders, got a beating from three little Italain Semoventes

http://www.wwiivehicles.com/italy/self-propelled-guns/semovente-m41.asp

[Wehrmacht]

Actung! Actung! OKW reports:
Mein Herr, A great disaster occurred at Gazala with the entire British army being destroyed or captured. The British fought a futile battle being over match and over powered by our panzers. The ill equipped British fought well but the end was unavoidable.
Kg Jurgen lost only two PzIII's and one pioneer stand while the British lost everything!! The road to Tobruk is now open!!
The air battle over Gazala was a draw although one RAF plane did get through but caused no damage.
Well done gentlemen! Berlin is celebrating as we speak. Battle Commanders are being awarded the Iron Cross for this great victory.
OKW out.

Heia Safari

Lamont, Tonys force has no points left, everything is gone:)

[lamont]

Juergen-

I need to know:

(1) all KIAs that occurred on the Axis side
(2) what armor/recon stands were left on the Axis side
(3) did you guys do the "Fighting Withdrawal" scenario from the FOW rulebook?
(4) all KIAs that occurred on the British side (FOW rules make it highly unlikely that all of TOny's stands were KIA
(5) vehicle recovery- as victor, you get to recover tanks, etc on d6 = 1 for each vehicle; do not report recoveries in your KIA stats


losses due to KIAs are tracked by their force of origin (Infantry or Armor) and divided by 2 to arrive at permanent losses; this means that the Brits have at least 500 pts retreating before application of Pursuit losses

lamont

[costampede]

As Captain of the Forces at Gazala, I can not stand the incompentance of Monty. His tactical decisions of late have cost many British lives, and I can not support his cause any longer.

I do not have the men or will to try and stop the Germans, after our engagement there is nothing stopping the Northern German Force from taking Tobruk. I managed to escape capture, but I am done in this futile attempt to stop the Axis Power. I will be making my way back to the Island, I have a family, and Monty's bad decisions are not worth me risking my life.

Cheers


Lamont, in the pursuit I lost 430 pts (Juergen had 14d6 he rolled a 51, and I had 0d6). As for battlefield kills 5 Stuarts, Universal Carrier, 4x 2pd AT guns, 8x Infantry Stands.
Even if there might be around 200 pts alive, If I continued to play, I would not risk any more British lives and would not engage the enemy. I would just keep retreating until they took Tobruk without a Fight.

[lamont]

NEWSFLASH!

British forces are in disarray and retreating from an overwhelming attack upon our fortified lines near Gazala. A valiant stand by outnumbered Tommy tank crews could not hold off the waves of pressing panzers. Incomplete reports indicate that a remnant Infantry battalion is retreating to the port of Gazala. Losses to German forces in this engagement are unknown at this time. The War Cabinet is meeting in a closed session. It is likely they will divert troops and supplies from Greece to the crucial port of Tobruk in preparation for a siege by Rommel.


British result of battle in Hex A: 277 pt Infantry force retreating into Hex E.


lamont

[Wraith]

WHOOOOT!! Go Jurgen go!!

-Josh

[Wehrmacht]

DAK Rocks!!!!!!!!!! London is next:)

[DoomedToRepeatIt]

TO: His Majesty the King and the Right Honorable Mr. Churchill
FROM: GHQ Cairo
RE: Battle of Knightsbridge

Kind sirs,

It is my distinct pleasure to inform you that once again, the stalwart British soldier has stood firm in the face of tireless odds and emerged triumphant. Greatly outnumbered, British forces of the King's Royal Rifle Corps and armour from the Royal Scots Greys have halted the Desert Fox in his tracks. This mighty clash of forces occured near the area known as Knightsbridge. Our valiant soldiers, despite remorseless pressure from both German and Italian armoured battalions, inflicted such greivous losses upon the enemy that they were forced to withdraw. I would especially like to mention Leftenant Andrew Redburn, commander of a 4.2" mortar battery, and Leftenant-Colonel A.R. McCullough, commander of MacForce from the Scots Greys. The actions of these two officers formed the cornerstone of our defence and directly contributed to the loss of over a dozen enemy tanks and armoured vehicles.

Although the line at Gazala is decidedly broken, the casualties inflicted upon us in return were comparatively light. Our main forces, therefore, remain intact and will be able to concentrate and provide an effective defence as we continue our staged withdrawal to the port of Tobruk.

Ever your humble servant,

LtGen Auchinlek

[Wehrmacht]

OKW reports:
Mein Herr, we are very disappointed in the last battle. Reports are coming in that the field commanders did not work together for a common strategy. Field commanders MUST remember that we are one fighting unit with one objective not two seperate ones.
Berlin has advised that if the commanders cannot fight as one unit, then get ready for a cold winter in Russia for we have plenty of commanders that are willing to work as one.

OKW out.

[ColGreeley]

Wow, this is better than a mini-series!

[Wraith]

I love sitting on the edge of my seat waiting to hear the nect update, but I really wish I could be there!!! Darn you USAFA!!!;)

-Josh

[Wehrmacht]

OKW Reports:
Another great day for the Wehrmacht.. DAK forces destroys another British army in Acroma. We can see the walls of Tobruk Mein Herr. Losses were light for the wehrmacht 1 88, 3 PZIII and 1 PZ IV. British losses were hight with many being captured as they fled the battlefield.
British Losses: 1 Inf. Platoon, 3 stands from another infantry platoon, 4 20mm Portee, 4 Vickers HMG, 5 Matildas.

In the persuit DAK rolled 46 and Brits rolled a 3

Heia Safari
OKW out

[Wraith]

Wohooo!! Finally more news from the front!! And good news too:D !!! It sucks sitting at the Academy day after day waiting for the specifics of the German victories we all know will come.

-Josh