Iron Duke

ScoutPL...is this still happening? I haven't heard anything tangible in a couple of weeks it seems. Do we know what positions/units each of us has?

I understand that the Second round has taken place...any news/AAR's from that yet? **Bump**

**Bump** Back to business as usuall guys... Any news to report?

Any news from the second battle?? Did it happen?

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>A fine tactic. Unless, of course, Duke picked that very location as the arrival point for Texas's reinforcements. Boy, that would suck<HR></BLOCKQUOTE> ROFL! THAT would suck badly! hehe What say you Toast...seal'n it up?

First engagement update: After Action Report Hauptman Guerrero "Iron Duke" 9 September 2001 Herr Colonel, After receiving your Warning Order that Hauptman Alderdyce had fallen deathly ill, I immediately rushed to his Area of Operations (C-4) and took command of his forces there. After studying the ground, I decided to create two platoon strong points covering the wings of my defense. The southern platoon strong point, "Ulrich", consisted of: 1 Rifle Platoon 1 7.5cm Pak 2 Panzershreks 1 81mm FO 1 Truck Lt. Ulrich was in command and his orders where to cover a large open area that contained a small victory marker. The Northern platoon strong point, "Sattler", consisted of: 1 Rifle Platoon 1 2cm Flak 1 Panzershrek 1 105mm FO Lt. Sattler was in command and his orders where to lie in wait in a reverse slope position covering another open area with a small victory marker. My middle was left intentionally "open" as I had blocked the road with some felled trees and reinforced this with two anti-tank minefields. Covering these obstacles, positioned on the central hill and large victory marker, I had: 1 7.5cm Pak 1 2cm Flak I had gotten word that a platoon of assault guns where to join me so I counted on them to plug the middle if needed. To the right and left of Sattler I emplaced several anti-personnel mine fields to cover his wings. Covering these mines and the northern small victory marker, I emplaced 2 target reference points as I hoped the American commander would attempt to push through at this point, and I would be able to smash his forces and then counter-attack with Sattler. As the battle began, the Amis probed my defenses all along my front with those little, but very dangerous M3A1 scout cars supplemented with a half-squads of riflemen. At first, the Amis concentrated on the southern portion of the map and Ulrich reported dismounts near the southern victory marker. Fortunately, the assault gun platoon arrived right on time and I immediately dispatched 1 StugIIIG to bolster Ulrich’s defenses. I positioned it about 400 meters east of Ulrich and gave it orders to stop any vehicles that may push through Ulrich or through my “open” middle. To the central hill I dispatched my only StuH42 as I had spotted several Ami dismounts making their way through the pines to the flank of my positions there. My last StugIIIG I did not dare move until the American commander had committed to his advance. This commitment arrived within 9 minutes of spotting his first forces. Fortunately, he had committed to the Northern victory marker where Sattler awaited him. I spotted at least two platoons of "infantry?" moving into the wooded area that the Americans would use as their "jump off point" and base of fire. I knew success hinged on destroying his initial advance with surprise and violence of action. For this task, I called upon my two Forward Observers, my StuH42, Sattler’s strong point, and my remaining StugIIIG. The TRP I had positioned in the very woods where the Americans now committed came into it’s own for the remainder of the battle. With the combined fires from both Forward observers I was able to cause the majority of the casualties the Amis suffered in the engagement. His forward momentum was utterly stopped and was thrown back where he did manage to penetrate my MLR. The Americans showed great tenacity in attempting to advance under my murderous fire and my heart goes out to them. Twice did they bear down on Sattler’s positions only to be thrown back by my armor and riflemen...thrown back into the hell that was the northern target reference point. To this attack the American’s added several M8 Greyhound armored cars and M5 Stuarts. Sattler’s 2cm Flak cannon was able to make quick work of the Greyhounds and held the Stuarts at bay while his men fought off the valiant American infantry. After this, I ordered Sattler to counter attack the northern victory location and capture it. He did so within 2 minutes. Ulrich was ordered to advance on the southern victory marker and capture it. (His team had not seen any more action in the battle since the American’s committed to the northern flag). As typical of American flexibility, the Ami commander then moved his advance to my weak middle and with his lightning quick Stuarts, he was able to advance deep into the flank of my central position. Seeing that his armor was speeding away from the northern strong point, I immediately ordered my StugIIIG to move with all haste to a position where he would be able to cut off any attempt to exit off the map to my rear. In this he performed adroitly and managed to completely seal the middle. Careful placement of the 2 anti-tank minefields paid off in the last moments of the battle as those 2 fields managed to immobilize 1 Stuart and destroy 2 others. With that the battle ended and it is my great pleasure to inform you that the enemy has been met and destroyed. The American’s suffered: 98 casualties, 20 of them "KIA" 2 Mortars destroyed 8 vehicles knocked out He had 96 various men left and 1 operational Stuart. (We will need to find out how many of these we captured) My losses where: 17 casualties, 4 of them "KIA" (Notification to the families needs to be made) 1 7.5cm Pak knocked out by American 105mm artillery. The final score was: 83 to 7 resulting in an Axis Total Victory. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Lessons Learned Commitment of forces must only be made after enemy intentions are well known. Once committed, all forces must attack in unison to achieve a "shock" effect and violence of action. Armored forces must be kept mobile and flexible in their placement. Quick movements to other sectors are fundamental to success. One good, combined barrage is greater in effect than several attrition based barrages when artillery supply is low or "fixed". Direct and indirect fire weapons must always cover mines. Economy of Force must always be utilized. If the battle can be won with 1 platoon (as in this battle) do not send 2 platoons. I hope to hear that Hauptman Alderdyce recovers from his ailment and returns to us soon. I have relinquished command to Alderdyce’s XO and await further orders. Sincerely, ---Guerrero [ 09-25-2001: Message edited by: Iron Duke ]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>*grumble*<HR></BLOCKQUOTE> LoL...I'll take that as a yes.

**Bump** Just getting is out of the "ether" guys. Just as a side note...is there any interest out there for a third AKoTM? If so, please chime in. And remember...I need 32 souls for this. Out. [ 09-09-2001: Message edited by: Iron Duke ]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Update! I've, uhhh, put my forces on the map and sent it to Texas Toast<HR></BLOCKQUOTE> LOL... That's what I'm talking about!! Don't push your luck pond-dweller lest you incur my wrath. Hehe Out.

ATTENTION: The Championship Match has begun! There isn't really a due date for this one but one thing I expect from you two, at this level, is that you keep everyone informed with some decent AAR's/updates of the fight. And I'm not talking about one update at turn 15 and another when it's all over. Good Hunting to you both...by the purchases...it should be a hellava fight. Out.

Jason, how are you going to deal with players if real life issues come up and they cannot finish their battles in due time? Or have to drop out? Will you allow in "fresh" replacements? Are there going to be "Due Dates" inorder to keep the momentum of the tourney moving forward? At the end of the battle...will the victourious side get to "see" the map and its remaining units? Will the losing side get to see the end map? What happens to the losing sides' remaining troops? Are they all captured or can the losing side get a chance to escape or withdrawl some of his remaining force? One last item...will tactical commanders be allowed to communicate with other tac com's? Thanks Jason...you have a lot of work ahead of you.

Ok guys, the Championship map has gone out with a couple of twists: 1) 750 points must be armor and vehicles. 2) On top of your regular 2000 points...you will also purchase a 1000 point reserve. Of your reserve...at least 400 points must be armor and vehicles. I am going to set BOTH reserves to enter the battle at turn 10 at a 10% chance per turn. Both reserves will enter in a "safe" spot, but neither of you will know where. :cool: Out.

Sounds great...just shot you an email Jason. Hope to hear from you soon.

Pondscum and Texas...I haven't forgotten you! You will have the battle in your hands tonight and as soon as you send me your purchases, I will send the Championship match out. Sorry for the delay. Out.

Congratulations Texas Toast...Once again you have proven yourself an Asskicker and I am glad you are once again in the Championship match. Please see updated bracket for details. Semi-finals. mPisi vs------------Pondscum Pondscum 1) labappel vs------------Texas Toast Texas Toast ==================== Texas and Pondscum, I will attempt to get you the map by tonight but I can't guarantee it as I have been swamped at work lately. If anything, the Championship map will be out by Sunday at the latest, but most probably sooner. Thanks to everyone that participated in the second AKoTM and I look forward to the AAR for the Championship. Out.

:mad: So I take it that with the silence this means there was no battle this weekend? :mad: :mad: :mad: Texas...what's up????????

So Texas and labappel...how did your TCP/IP game go? Please fill us in with great detail and screen shots if you can/have time. 4 days left gents...Do Not miss it. Out.

Hey Gunslinger! Welcome back dude...just so you know...I still use your subdued terrian mods. IMO they are the best. Hope to see more of your work in the future.

Ok Jason, I have made a few changes and am going to shoot you the OP. I have not at this point written up any briefings, as the OP is on version 0.4, but is very playable. As a further twist to add to the gameplay, the OP begins at 0455 hours, (effectively at night) and that should add to the confusion nicely. The operation is 4 battles long each lasting 20 min. I recommend you start with the units set to defualt setup's. Just remember...the first battle is at night so care is needed becasue of LOS issues. I just noticed that your email addy is blocked...could you please email me at: hguerrero@activision.com I assure you that I will not give out your email to anyone. Out. [ 08-24-2001: Message edited by: Iron Duke ]

Jason...I just put together an operation baised on your forces. I have played the first battle and found it quite fun. (I defended as the Amis) With all that Arty, the Germans should be able to wipe out the Amis quite handily. The only thing I added to the American forces was 6 barbed wires. Otherwise the game would be over in 10 mins flat. I can send it to you if you'd like, or to anyone else for that matter. It is not a "final" build yet but is a lot of fun "the first time around". I recommend playing it as the Allies first, even though the Ai isn't all that good in attack, the shear mass is fun to defend against. I have named it Co.-The Bulge. Out. [ 08-24-2001: Message edited by: Iron Duke ]

The news is that labappel did contact me back regarding the email I sent. He ran into some real life issues but is talking with the Toast about a TCP/IP match this weekend. So as far as we know, the match is still on and should be able to finish if they do get a tcp/ip match in. This weekend I am going to work on the Championship match/map...I want to find a way to test all that you've learned without it being a pure infantry fest. (As you know I like Armor) As far as the next AKoTM goes...lol...I'm not even thinking about that right now! My work-load at work just doubled (again) and will remain so through Christmas. (In fact, it will probably double at least twice more :eek: ) Oh well...such is the game industry. :cool: Out.

P.S. Let me know if you need any help...I was a GM in the CPX and I too share your feeling's that there is entirely too much red tape in the CMMC. That's why I did not continue with GMing in it. Late.

ScoutPL...whew! That sound's like a hell of a lot of work. I know...I've run 2 tourney's up to this point and boy oh boy...the hardest thing you will encounter is getting the players to really commit and keep any dates/time lines that you have. Trust me...they won't. Anyway, good luck to you, it sound's like a cool idea...sort of a small meta campaign.

Congratulations murderous Pondscum, you have prevailed over the valient mPisi and move on to the Championship match. Please see updated bracket for details. Semi-finals. mPisi vs------------Pondscum Pondscum 1) labappel vs------------Winner Texas Toast ==================== Texas, I am sending labappel an email for an answer to this. I will cc you in it.

**Bump** You guys suck! I'm bored! Bored, bored, BORED! But seriously...any news? A scrap of information? How about you tell me what you did last night? LoL... Texas...move that game along, by force if you must, but make sure you get your opponent to move out. That is all...