Little_Black_Devil

My Grandfather (Dad's side) was a Bird Gunner with the Royal Canadian Artillery. I'd have to double check, but I belive he served with the 3rd Canadian Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment, which was part of the 2nd Canadian Division. I just recently recieved a copy of his file from our Archives in Ottawa. He enlisted in August 1940, and was discharged in May 1946 I think. Because of his trade at the time (Anti-Aircraft Artilleryman), he didn't partake in the Dieppe raid - but from what I gather, he did lose a good many friends there. After D-Day, He was later re-rolled as part of an Infantry unit, but how and in what capacity I'm not sure - still checking on that. Because he had a few weeks experience before the war, working as a bakers assistant for the Hudson's Bay Company, he was permitted to undertake "formal" military training as a cook. He did so, and also (for some unknown reason) turned down a promotion from Gunner (Private) to Bombardier (Corporal). In any event, What sticks with me the most, is a story he told me, and that my Dad recounts about one of my Grandfather's more memorable moments; Functioning in the capacity of a cook - Grampa was somewhere in Northwestern Europe making spegetti. Of course - as he was cooking for an entire unit there was a lot of spegetti. Anyhow - he was in the back of the kitchen truck doing his thing, when somebody hollered that "88"s were firing on them, and to take cover. Grampa jumped out of the kitchen truck, and no sooner had he done so, than the truck took a direct hit. When the smoke settled, there was spegetti hanging from the trees for a couple hundred meters in all directions. As I recall, he was later berated for this - as if it were his fault. Sounds typical of the Army. He also liked to recount a story, where in Holland somehere (I think), where he and a bunch of his buddies happened upon a celler full of wine. They "liberated" the spirits and proceeded to give their own morale a boost, only to find out shortly afterwards that the retreating Germans had poisoned some of the wine. A few of his buddies apparently died because of this. The rest were confined to beds "pi$$ing out both ends" as he put it. The only other "trouble" he seems to have gotten himself into, according to his medical records was a case of VD, treated a few months before his discharge. I also have a great Uncle, who fought with the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, and know that he fought in Italy - but thats all I currently know about his service. Anyhow, thats about the extent of my family's ties to WWII.

My Grandfather (Dad's side) was a Bird Gunner with the Royal Canadian Artillery. I'd have to double check, but I belive he served with the 3rd Canadian Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment, which was part of the 2nd Canadian Division. I just recently recieved a copy of his file from our Archives in Ottawa. He enlisted in August 1940, and was discharged in May 1946 I think. Because of his trade at the time (Anti-Aircraft Artilleryman), he didn't partake in the Dieppe raid - but from what I gather, he did lose a good many friends there. After D-Day, He was later re-rolled as part of an Infantry unit, but how and in what capacity I'm not sure - still checking on that. Because he had a few weeks experience before the war, working as a bakers assistant for the Hudson's Bay Company, he was permitted to undertake "formal" military training as a cook. He did so, and also (for some unknown reason) turned down a promotion from Gunner (Private) to Bombardier (Corporal). In any event, What sticks with me the most, is a story he told me, and that my Dad recounts about one of my Grandfather's more memorable moments; Functioning in the capacity of a cook - Grampa was somewhere in Northwestern Europe making spegetti. Of course - as he was cooking for an entire unit there was a lot of spegetti. Anyhow - he was in the back of the kitchen truck doing his thing, when somebody hollered that "88"s were firing on them, and to take cover. Grampa jumped out of the kitchen truck, and no sooner had he done so, than the truck took a direct hit. When the smoke settled, there was spegetti hanging from the trees for a couple hundred meters in all directions. As I recall, he was later berated for this - as if it were his fault. Sounds typical of the Army. He also liked to recount a story, where in Holland somehere (I think), where he and a bunch of his buddies happened upon a celler full of wine. They "liberated" the spirits and proceeded to give their own morale a boost, only to find out shortly afterwards that the retreating Germans had poisoned some of the wine. A few of his buddies apparently died because of this. The rest were confined to beds "pi$$ing out both ends" as he put it. The only other "trouble" he seems to have gotten himself into, according to his medical records was a case of VD, treated a few months before his discharge. I also have a great Uncle, who fought with the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, and know that he fought in Italy - but thats all I currently know about his service. Anyhow, thats about the extent of my family's ties to WWII.

My Grandfather (Dad's side) was a Bird Gunner with the Royal Canadian Artillery. I'd have to double check, but I belive he served with the 3rd Canadian Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment, which was part of the 2nd Canadian Division. I just recently recieved a copy of his file from our Archives in Ottawa. He enlisted in August 1940, and was discharged in May 1946 I think. Because of his trade at the time (Anti-Aircraft Artilleryman), he didn't partake in the Dieppe raid - but from what I gather, he did lose a good many friends there. After D-Day, He was later re-rolled as part of an Infantry unit, but how and in what capacity I'm not sure - still checking on that. Because he had a few weeks experience before the war, working as a bakers assistant for the Hudson's Bay Company, he was permitted to undertake "formal" military training as a cook. He did so, and also (for some unknown reason) turned down a promotion from Gunner (Private) to Bombardier (Corporal). In any event, What sticks with me the most, is a story he told me, and that my Dad recounts about one of my Grandfather's more memorable moments; Functioning in the capacity of a cook - Grampa was somewhere in Northwestern Europe making spegetti. Of course - as he was cooking for an entire unit there was a lot of spegetti. Anyhow - he was in the back of the kitchen truck doing his thing, when somebody hollered that "88"s were firing on them, and to take cover. Grampa jumped out of the kitchen truck, and no sooner had he done so, than the truck took a direct hit. When the smoke settled, there was spegetti hanging from the trees for a couple hundred meters in all directions. As I recall, he was later berated for this - as if it were his fault. Sounds typical of the Army. He also liked to recount a story, where in Holland somehere (I think), where he and a bunch of his buddies happened upon a celler full of wine. They "liberated" the spirits and proceeded to give their own morale a boost, only to find out shortly afterwards that the retreating Germans had poisoned some of the wine. A few of his buddies apparently died because of this. The rest were confined to beds "pi$$ing out both ends" as he put it. The only other "trouble" he seems to have gotten himself into, according to his medical records was a case of VD, treated a few months before his discharge. I also have a great Uncle, who fought with the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, and know that he fought in Italy - but thats all I currently know about his service. Anyhow, thats about the extent of my family's ties to WWII.

Just to clarify on one small point; I was only ever getting that packet loss at my new and temporary location. (Same Computer - nothing, other than location and lack of a router to connect through has changed). Web-pages, and any other internet related applications, including other games - were suffering noticeably under the packet loss. I could "tell" by these other applications and games - that everything was performing noticeably slower - and seemingly, had no reason to. In any event - with that fixed, as Slewfoot pointed out, we were able to get a few (CMAK) games going without issue, which does indeed lead us to believe there is an issue with my router. Thanks again for your help Schrullenhaft.

You mean.....there won't be any Australian M-13's? sniff...sniff....

Well...to complicate matters, last night we conducted more testing - and it appears that what we thought was working, i.e. - leaving Slewfoot's computer in a DMZ no longer worked, and there have been no additional changes on my end. So...it seems we may be back to square one. We do suspect however, that CMBB/CMAK requires more ports than 7022, 7023 and 7024 to be open, in order for the game to work properly (in TCP/IP Multi-play). Any other suggestions or points? Thanks

There seems to be no logic in determining who gets it, and how fast. :confused: I mean - you'd think that, despite being an apparent hotbed for Terrorists, that we few here in Winnipeg would get our copies within a few days of each other. (Of course - everyone really knows, that its just too cold here for Terrorists, and that suicide bombing a grain elevator just lacks a certain degree of glamour) A buddy of mine out in High River Alberta got his copy the same day I got mine...yet I know there are guys out in Calgary who still haven't recived theirs yet. Just no logic... I guess in order to increase the longevity of CMAK on their computers, Canada Post and Canada Customs need to pinch a few more copies for just a bit longer... Does anyone know why BTS doesn't offer different (and faster) delivery methods?

First of all - thank you very much for the very prompt and detailed response. I'll try and answer your questions as best I can. I'm hoping my buddy will post here later today as he is more networky savy than I'am, so perhaps he can fill in the gaps. Yes Yes DSL Not sure - I'll have to get back to you on that. No, though before I entered specific ports for specific programs such as MSN messenger or even Outlook, they couldn't work properly. Its a version 3 Router, and it came with the latest firmware. I checked on this, and it was already set as high as it could go, before I started running into fragmented packets. I haven't tried a complete reset of my router yet. However, we spent pretty much the entire evening last night tinkering with this, and I think we either "fixed it" or found a work around. For some reason, the game seems to crash my router once the "firing and fighting" begins in any game. It seemed, that so long as my buddy and I didn't expose each others troops to the otherside where firing could begin - the game would continue to run without a problem. However, as soon as the first firing began, uploading the next portion of the turn would always precipitate a crash of my router just as the turn appeared to have finished uploading. However, what we found that was of real interest, was that when we both had our computers listed in each of our routers respective DMZ - no problems at all. This wasn't exactly surprising, but it did help us narrow where the problem was originating from. We then tried a multi-play game with just my friends computer listed within his router's DMZ - and my computer NOT in a DMZ, it still worked without crashing my router. We found it peculiar, that something in my buddy's router SEEMED to be crashing my router (though we're speculating). Anyhow, I'm hoping my buddy will log on here and correct me, or clarify what I've said in techie-networkanese. Perhaps he could also post his pertinent router stats which might be of use to you? Does any of this make any sense? Thanks again

I've been encountering a problem lately, with regards to Combat Mission (both Barbarossa to Berlin AND Afrika Korps) and playing TCP/IP games. I haven't played CMBO lately to see if it too is afflicted by this. A friend of mine and I, have been consistently running into the same problem in both games (CMBB and CMAK). Both of us also have the BFC version of both games. What happens, is we are able to connect, and able to play any given QB, Scenario of Operation for 3-4 turns. On the 3rd or 4th turn, just as I'm downloading the turn and its a sliver away from finishing (according to the graphical "loading-bar") - it crashes the game and my router. Thus - I belive the "problem" is on my end. I'm then forced to re-boot the router in order to recover my connection to the internet. In addition, loading a saved game, also doesn't seem to help - as whatever its loading in this phase of the game, seems to be the obstacle my machine or router can't get past - thus it still crashes. I have ports 7022 and 7023 entered for forwarding within my router, and I have the latest software for my router (which is a Linksys BEFSR41). CM seems to be the only thing on my machine that has issues with my router, as all my other software and games work without a problem. As best I can tell, I've done everything I'm "supposed" to do, and I still get stopped by this problem. My router, is a recent addition to my machine. Before I used it, I was working off of a switch. Before the router, CMBB gave me no problems, except for the occaisionaly rare crash after a couple hours of gameplay (in singleplay and multi-play). It certainly was not a show stopper like what I'm now encountering (well - insofar as multiplay anyways). So - what I'm getting at, is that in general, the game runs fairly stable on my machine in single play and I've never encountered this type of crash in single play, which leads me to suspect that this is defenitely a multi-play issue. The one thing that does have me wondering, is when I think back to the last time I played a PBEM game (CMBO) and, as I recall, the first few turns were small in size, and required little downloading/loading respectively. However, roughly every 3rd or 4th turn - was a "big" turn/file. I'm wondering if there is somethig in this "big turn/file" that is part of the problem as I have noticed, that even in TCP/IP play - the game still loads turns with this "pattern" of seemingly smaller and larger turn/files (a couple of quick loading turns/movies followed by a larger/slower turn/movie). I also have Norton Systemworks 2003 and Norton Internet Security installed. I have tried disabling Internet Security, and Enabling it - both options seem to have no bearing on the problem I'm running into. I do have to admit, that I haven't tried disabling Norton Anti-Virus while attempting to play CM in multiplay yet - though I doubt it would be affecting anything. I'm also running WinXP, and have disabled its built-in Firewall alltogether. So - I was just wondering, if anyone had any suggestions or solutions? (other than reverting back to a switch - which I would really prefer not to do just to play CMBB/CMAK and probably CMBO in TCP/IP) Thanks

Well, I have to report that the little green sticker on the package, simply identified the value of the contents as "PC Software, worth $5". So - there was no duty. You were right Fluf - just relax. :cool:

Well...9'er Domestic (the Wife) informs me that it arrived today! She also said it looks like I owe $5 for duty or somefink...I'll have to have a look see when I get home. Normally, they don't deliver it - and expect you to pay, but rather - you pay first, and then Canada Post gives it to you. Weird... If I do indeed owe $5 - where others so far have not - Customs will be getting an absolutely virulent letter from me. Good luck to the rest of you. Don't give up hope - if they can find Winnipeg on their map of Toronto there is hope for everyone else too!

No joy in Winnipeg. I hope customs is just about done with my game. Jealousy of my eastern compatriots is causing me to curse uncontrollably now.

I was following the development of the game back when it was called "WWII RTS", but lost contact with it when it switched websites. It looks interesting, and it appears that the developers are keeping realism and historical accuracy in mind. Though, like any other game it seems to have its limitations. As I recall - and perhaps this has changed - you can only control up to 16 units at a time. I also recall, that the game, while RTS, is centred around micromanaging and seems limited to small actions. Personally, I don't really want to concern myself with giving orders to my individual tank hull machine gunners to engage target "x", but then again, I'm not everyon else. Anyhow - hopefully it won't get watered down in order to appeal to the casual gamer. There aren't a whole lot of companies, let a lone games designed with Grogs in mind these days, but one can always hope this WWII title doesn't get botched like so many others.

No luck in Winnipeg. Evidently Customs is enjoying the game too much to pass it along just yet.

Nothing in Winnipeg...and I didn't get any mail either.

Well...if I see any MAC copies, I can't guarentee their "safety" as my CD Drive might (hopefully) be otherwise occupied.

Well, if I see any stray copies of CMAK laying around on a table out here in Winterpeg I'll give you guys a shout. Of course - until I can find a way to get your copy to you, I'd be more than willing to safeguard it in my CD Drive.

I expect to see mine here in good 'ol Wintertoba in about 2-3 weeks. That seems to have been the trend for both CMBO and CMBB. I expect the reason for the delay, has a lot to do with Customs Officials having to go to all of the trouble of locating Winnipeg Manitoba on a map of Toronto; which then prompts their suspicion regarding the innocent looking package from Vermont. Then they have to install the game on their own computers, in order to check for pornography. The only way to be sure - is to play every battle and operation to completion. Then they hand it over to Canada Post. Canada Post is quick to note the date on the postmark as to when the package was sent. They realize - that if Customs has held on to said package for this long - there MUST be something good inside - maybe even a magic decoder ring! So - the mailman, unable to resist the temptation - just HAS to give it a whirl too. Once all these happy employees of our fine government are done with my copy I should see it in a few weeks. If they don't nail me with duty charges, I guess that means they liked it! I figure, that for the Customs Nazi and the Mailman to both "finish" CMAK within two to three weeks is a rare and outstanding example of efficiency in the face of incredible bureaucracy!! Who says Government employees are slackers? These guys get the job done! .....if they scratch my CD I'm going to dress up in a customs uniform and go postal. [ December 04, 2003, 10:52 PM: Message edited by: Little_Black_Devil ]

Perhaps they have changed this - if indeed this was an issue? I mean - it just seems wrong not to have both Aussie and Brit M-13/40s considering the extensive use they made of the large numbers which they had captured.

Wow - what a resource!! Thanks!

Interesting - and thanks. Though - I must say, I'm suprised that neither the Australians or the Brits appear to have any captured M-13/40s, yet I did notice that the Germans have access to captured Matillda II's and a Valentine.

Interesting - and thanks. Though - I must say, I'm suprised that neither the Australians or the Brits appear to have any captured M-13/40s, yet I did notice that the Germans have access to captured Matillda II's and a Valentine.

Interesting - and thanks. Though - I must say, I'm suprised that neither the Australians or the Brits appear to have any captured M-13/40s, yet I did notice that the Germans have access to captured Matillda II's and a Valentine.

Like any defensive asset, site in defilade to produce enfilading fire. For those not familliar with the terms; Defilade - is to arrange defensive assets and or fortifications so as to protect the lines from frontal or enfilading fire and the interior from fire from above or behind Enfilade - is gunfire directed from a flanking position along the length of an enemy battle line. Basically, don't try and cover the whole map with one anti-tank gun. Technically, as in terms of penetration, the gun may be capeable of killing all tanks accross the entire range of the map (terrain permitting). However, the problem, is that if more than one enemy tank appear at a given time - those that you are not firing at, will start shooting at you. Law of probability would seem to indicate that you are more likely to die faster if this occurs. If you select a portion of the map, and ideally, use the terrain to cut yourself off from the rest of the map, you have in effect protected your flanks and limited the field of fire that your gun will engage in. You have also concurrently limited the space in which more numerous enemy tanks can now appear. This also assumes you have additional assets covering other arcs of fire around you - to protect you from any would-bne flanking units OR that terrain makes flanking you unfeasible. Siting in defilade to produice enfilading fire has a tendancy to make multiple targets more manageable, as they are usually fed in less simultaneous numbers - hopefully through cannalizing or "funneling" terrain. It also means, that aside from indirect fire - the only direct fire you need worry about, is going to potentially be coming from the relatively small chunk of ground you are covering with this one gun. Now of course, this can be improved upon further, by additional defensive assets - sited in depth, perhaps augmented by obstacles (and remember - obstacles are only obstacles if they are covered by fire). Ideally all units are able to provide some semblance of interlocking fire; though sometimes this is not always practical depending on the terrain and situation. Using your anti-tank guns in this manner, ensures that they are sited so that they enemy has to come to you, under conditions favourable to you so your one gun, (or otherwise limited assets) can engage the enemy at what is hopefully a "comfortable" rate under good odds. In any event - siting your guns in defilade to produce enfilading fire is probably the surest way to maximize your kill ratio while safeguarding the survival of your gun as best it can be. The only "tough call" you have to make, is siting the gun (or guns) - which likely means you are going to have to pick a limited area to defend - as opposed to defending your entire frontage. However, when you're on the defensive, your objective is anihiliating your enemy and holding the key terrain (flags, prominent features) - you need not worry so much about maintainng coverage of your entire frontage and spreading your limited resources too thin. Hope that made sense and helped.

Arrrggh! This morning, I just started re-reading John Bierman and Colin Smith's "The Battle of Alamein", where there is mention of the "one" song members of both the British 8th Army and the Afrika Korps enjoyed in common. Then, last night I was watching Herman Wouk's "War & Rememberance" series - and in particular, the scene where Alistair Tudsbury is killed in North Africa, and his daughter, Pamela - finishes his next broadcast, romanticly summing up the conflict in North Africa and AGAIN making mention to the "one" song. There just seems to be no escape from 'Lili Marlaine'. Perhaps this is an omen, indicating that Marlene Dietrich should be singing when I boot up my ~retail~ copy of CMAK?