abukede

Well I look at Spain a bit differently... it's like what the UK pulled in Greece by rushing ground forces from Africa there. Only difference is Al lost more heavily. It was a good try and had he hit me on the Eastern Front at the same time as the Spain landings I think I might have been hard pressed to fight on both fronts. As it happened... I could have attacked on the Eastern Front while I hit Spain... I was and still am prepared to do so. I think and maybe I am wrong that Germany is in a strong position on the East Front at the moment. If Al attacks he should take heavy casualties and a counter thrust by me might swing the initiative back to the Axis. I have a large force in the West ready to repel invasion there thanks to Spain and the units I deployed West to fight in Spain. The units I deployed West have been replaced with new builds on the Eastern Front. It will be very interesting to see what happens in Spring and Summer 43. Turnwise... I finished off the Free French unit in Spain. Campaign over... figure around half a million British POWs. Al sailed units into the Black Sea. One sub got struck by carrier air. German air assets in Spain deployed north along with the HQ to prepare to take Denmark back. I began an assault on the city. It will be interesting to see how Al's navy handles German TAC air with Naval Warfare 2. In Asia I had positioned a German U-Boat and Italian DD along the DEI coast in the event Al decided to abandon the DEI as his position was rapidly becoming untenable. He attempted that and ran smack into both units. The Army transports were sent to the bottom. So he lost another army this turn. Those poor Indians. He elected to leave the Corps in place on the mine. I used airstriked and ground assault to attack it. I also bombarded the port to keep him from leaving. Al moved his fighter in the DEI and I took the Westernmost city. He attempted strategic bombing this past turn of my convoy routes but found a Japanese fighter in the Philapeans. The Solomons fell this turn too. Al had moved a corps there to defend it and after a tough fight it fell. He moved another corp into Truk, which is now under ground assault. Rangoon came under heavy attack again. I have more units headed for the city. Al has also moved in reinforements. So it will get interesting. I am a bit concerned about the US carriers. I do not know where they are. It has me worried. In China I mainly went air attacking the Flying Tigers. I think I came close to destroying them. All in all a fun game so far.

This was the situation at the beginning of the German turn in Spain.

The UK had a tough turn. The UK lost 1 army, 2 Corps, 1 army and 2 more corps mauled. Japan began exploiting the success last turn in the DEI by going after the US fighters Al moved there. Note that Al reinforced the DEI with UK troops. I destroyed 1 fighter with heavy air attack and then reinforced that success by landing additional units. I then pushed into the Indian ocean with Japanese naval assets and look what I ran into! A UK corps. He did not last long. I began the assault on Rangoon in force bringing in paras and additional air assets though the weather did not permit air attack. Elsewhere I continued the assault on the Solomon’s and got the corps there down to strength 1. Weather over China stunk so I dug in and reinforced. Al is bombing my convoy routes with a US bomber in DEI. I expect to address this unit in the next turn or so. Japan is strong with a large army and navy. I have to be careful and I expect Al to surprise me soon. I have to be ready. In Spain Germany nailed Al’s army and corps there. I expect to deal with the Free French unit next turn. Gibraltar is now in Axis control. I believe the UK lost 5 ground units in the last 2 turns. Al also took Denmark last turn. I had neglected to defend the city and it was an expensive mistake. I now have to fix this.  On the Eastern Front… dug in. No action or movement. I still feel I am making a mistake but we will see.

Interesting turn this one. Spain has gotten a bit complicated. Last turn I positioned a Spanish cruiser and Italian BB in the med blocking reinforcements by Al from the med into spain. The Gibralter corps ran smack into it. This turn I finished him off and nailed one of Al's British armies in Spain effectively splitting his command. He's in a tight place with depleted carrier air. Whatever he does it will be expensive to both of us. I also have deployed additional assets including fighter air. This was how things ended. On the Eastern Front I elected to do nothing. I am not sure this is the right decision. I sense that the initiative has shifted... and with the action heating up in Spain I would rather resolve that first and play it safe... building up. Al's units are upgraded. I would rather have Al strike first and then hit him back. I feel I am in a strong position with lots of armor and air. I also hold some of his oil too. I still have designs on Lenningrad and am building up for that operation. (This strategy is probably a mistake...) In Asia... I took the DEI this turn with ground and air assualt. Al also reinforced the DEI with a UK army and 2 US fighters. I hammered 1 of the fighters with carrier based air. In China I built up and repositioned a whole lot of airpower. I took the southern city in the Philipeans to secure my convoys. I also continued the attack on the Solomon islands and made a strong effort to disrupt supply. Not too sure where the US carriers are. Things are soon to get very complicated.

No pictures this turn. I reinforced Spain and pushed a Spanish corps into Portugal. Not much happening on the Eastern Front. I decided to sit tight one more turn for a very specific reason. I did take oil south of Rostov. Beyond that not much else going on on the Eastern Front. Japan... there was some serious fighting in Northern China. Al lost a corp. Singapore fell and the assualt on DEI began. In the Pacific I sunk a US cruiser and began the assualt on Guadacanal supported by carrier air. I also began advancing on Al's southern holdout in the Philapeans.

No graphics this turn. Lots of fighting in Asia. I destroyed the Free French corps in Naru and secured the mine. I could not use Carrier air as the weather over Naru was poor. I landed troops in Guadacanal only to discover the island occupied. I will have to deal with this. Japan attacked by air and ground Singapore destroying the Indian corps that Al had shipped in. I should take Singapore next turn. Some heavy fighting in Southern China. I forced one of Al's corps to retreat. In Northern China Al hit me hard last turn. I reinforced. Japan also landed 2 armored divisions in the north and redeployed airpower. I expect to ramp up on China. I have to deal with Davu. Al still holds it and the convoy route for the Philipeans go through there. In the West I took a beating at sea last turn. Al landed a British army in Gibralter forcing me to redeploy a couple German units that were not on the Eastern Front but elsehwere preparing for an operation. On the East Front... mud again. I decided to continue and strengthen with the exception of 2 key areas. I began the assault on Lenningrad using arty, tac air and ground assault. I faired pretty well hammering the defending army down to 4. I should take the city next turn if the weather turns fair. I advance 2 armor south of Rostov but did not attack the oil well. The tension is building.

Germany was very busy this turn also. I upgraded a number of units and staged for the coming summer offensive. I did not jump this turn because I was facing mud in the north. In the South Al had staged a strong force that was in an ideal position to take Rostov and I did. Spain joined the Axis and I began moving Spanish units to besiege Malta. I sense a lot of action to come. It’s good to be back.

I’m back from vacation. Bill has done a bang up job while I was away with the family at Disney. Before I left Bill and I discussed a long term strategy and it seems to be moving along. So much had changed I had to really sit down and think about strategy and study everything closely before making my first moves. I was pleased to see my Italian units in Asia were put to good use. A lot of action this turn. It’s May 42. Japan opened with a strong turn. Bill had staged strong Japanese air units (including carrier air) within range of Singapore and I fully took advantage of that by reducing the city to ashes and destroying the garrison. Ground units are moving in to complete the conquest. Up north I hammered the Chinese advance. Last turn Al destroyed a weak Japanese corps. I hit back with a heavy ground attack. I think I could have destroyed the Chinese unit but I decided that I wanted Al to spend MMPs repairing it. I think I left it 2 or 3 strength. Further south… Japan began bringing pressure on southern China. Japan continued conquest of the islands in the East as my carrier attack force fell back an opportunity developed. I found a French unit defending an island. My carrier was not in range to strike it, however in past games I had hidden a sub in the port to damage an unwary Japanese amphib… I was in range to strike the port and what do I find? A US sub, probably understrength. Scratch 1 US sub.

Bil, I'm pleased you enjoyed it.

I've released the next episode in the show... This show reviews and examines an unusual hanging during the American Revolutionary War. The hanging occurred amid a burned and smoldering city. You can find the show at https://www.2cent history.com or get the RSS feed at: http://centhistory.libsyn.com/rss I hope you enjoy.

Okay... heavy fighting in Africa as the Italians (upgraded infantry) get frisky. More fighting at sea. I lost a sub this turn but took down another UK BB. In China Japan pressed forward again beginning the assault on another production and supply city in the South. I also began Japanese strategic bombing of China with solid results this turn. The Airwar over China has begun in earnest.

Okay... interesting turn. Germany repositioned. Prep for Operation Sealion is going ahead. Perhaps I will launch it... perhaps not. I have plenty of time and 2 FJs plus the entire Germany navy and Luftwaffe to back me up. Germany spent a lot of badly needed cash. Italy... there was a very large naval battle in the med. The UK lost 1 BB, 1 CA to an upgraded Italian Navy. Al's positioning of his ships appeared to be in the manner of a blockade to keep me reinforcing Africa. I'm not sure he was ready for me to sortie. He has 2 carriers in the area but they've been in action last 2 turns... so I am not too sure their airwing strength. With any luck... I've caught him with his pants down. Next turn will see how badly he will hurt me. My move may have been a mistake but I saw an opportunity to strike and I took it. The arrow pointing to an empty space is where his BB was. The Italian navy came through the battle in good shape. Japan... The weather in China was terrible. I brought up reinforcements and strengthened up. I also invaded and took French IndoChina. Readiness boost next turn. Hope the weather is good. All in all... a fun but bloody game so far.

Okay… Al’s been pretty lucky against Germany. I had 2 choices this turn. Work on reducing his armies around Paris and take France next turn or go for broke by hammering Paris with everything I have and taking casualties in the process. I decided to go for it all and hammered Paris with everything. If successful this will allow me the option of invading England and allowing the Italian fleet a fighting chance in the med. On my first round of attacks… I used my fighters, Corps and an airborne unit to reduce entrenchment levels. I saved my Tactical for later. Notice the second airborne unit. I am planning on using it to take Paris. Success! France surrendered at the end of the turn. Japan launched some limited attacks against China. I expect to be able to launch a major offensive next turn. Al has deployed a number of units. It is going to get interesting.

No photos this time around. Germany pushed up to Paris this turn. Al pulled a slick move last turn and destroyed a German army. I told you he's dangerous. If he attacks me again this turn I should take Paris next turn. Got a diplomatic victory with Spain of 12%. Japan advanced further into Southern China and began preparing to take more production away from China. Al has a lot of Navy in the Med at the moment and I'm wondering if he has enough to defend England. He's not seen any of my navy for several turns and I am betting he's wondering where I am.

Yes… we have an AAR going on here. I want to apologize for the delay. It’s been a little hectic for me. Holidays are coming up and I’m working hard to get my next show out before they arrive. Okay… Germany began the offensive in the West this turn. I used my strategic bomber to work on Al’s entrenchments bombing 2 armies before I sent in Ground forces. He has a lot of units piled up for me to chew through so I’ve decided to take it a bit slow and focus on experience. I brought in a couple airborne units. One landing in the South of France. I had hoped to capture the city there… but Al had a corps there that had arrived from Syria. (I guess) so I will settle for blocking that unit heading north to help defend Paris. I nailed 2 of his armies and damaged a corps. I also engaged a British fighter twice during bombing. In Japan I went all out on Foochow in the south. I brought in carrier air… ships to coastal bombard and multiple ground units. It was a very expensive attack but in the end I took the city. I am operating under a very tight timetable. I need to continue my advance in China no matter the cost. This is the second production city I have captured and the 5th Chinese unit destroyed. I am pushing hard… also bringing up units. Now the next phase of my invasion of China can begin.

Okay... the weather was okay in Western Europe so I jumped early... beginning of April 1940 and took Belgium. Al has a wall of French troops waiting. Pictures next turn when I hammer him. (if the weather is good) In China... the weather was poor so I took advantage of the poor weather built up and redeployed troops. It's gonna get interesting quick!

It's not a virus. My anti-virus software regularly wants to attack some of the SC builds... I bitch about it a bit... but it's really the AV software that's making a mistake in assuming the game is dangerous. Play on!

I've begun my offensive on Foochow in the South. I have a plan and so far I am on schedule. The Weather in the West has been terrible... Germany is waiting for fair weather.

Okay... not much happening. Germany is waiting for good weather. Japan took a strategic pause to strengthen up and prepare for the next phase of my offensive in China and spent some MMP. No action to speak of.

My guess would be sooooooon.

No pretty pictures this time. Using carrier air and ground assault I nailed that Chinese army I beat up last turn. So 4 chinese armies in 5 turns, with 1 production city captured. I think Japan is doing all right so far. Not sure what Al is talking about concerning Chinese MMP. It looks about the same as before. Based on the chart he has invest 300 into research and the rest into production. I have a few garrison units coming out shortly so I will be able to redeploy forces from Manchuria to China placing addtional pressure on him. Weather is poor in the west. Waiting for spring 40 and building up.

I was busy conducting interviews for my show and working. So this was the first moment I had to get a turn in. Heavy fighting again in China as the Japanese continue to drive on the Chinese. I again utilized my carriers. I almost nailed a 4th Chinese army in 4 turns. Repairing this one will hopefully keep Al from building a new one. Beyond that… Germany continues to build up.

Okay… Axis turn 3 here game turn 5. Germany is in the process of redeploying troops to the West and generally building up. Not much really to report. On the Chinese front things are hopping. Al got a bit frisky and attacked a Japanese army that was understrength. He dropped it to strength 6 but more importantly his attacking army dropped to 8. His army was entrenched. I had special forces nearby that could de-entrench and I struck back. His unit retreated and I was able to pursue and destroy. Al has lost 3 Chinese armies in 3 turns. This is a great start for Japan as I really need to keep him off balance. If you look in the last picture you will see a Chinese corps behind entrenchments. I have 2 special forces units that can easily de-entrench it. If you notice the strength of the Japanese units nearby are high… morale and readiness are high too. The Japanese have taken very few casualties the last 3 turns… This is critical as it allows me to continue to press him. A lot of Axis players that I play have ignored the war in China, hoping to simply contain the Chinese… instead focusing on the coming war in the Pacific. That is a mistake. Failing to fight the war in China well can easily cost you the game. It’s early and Al has a lot of wiggle room with China. He is very intelligent and dangerous. I have to be on guard. I simply can not afford any mistakes with China.

Japan is on the move. I brought in carriers to hammer Foochow before my ground forces attacked. This required upgrading 2 of them for range the previous turn. My ground forces attacked with overwhelming firepower. With entrenchments gone Foochow fell with little loss presenting Al with a strong front. This will provide additional options for the coming turn meaning I may not have to take a strategic pause to rebuild and allow supply to catch up. Foochow is critical to my plans as it is a supply source. One the German Front… it’s all about mopping up and building experience this turn. Al attacked my German units last turn making the job much easier. Germany now turns her eyes West. On a side note… the strategic war at sea is into the second turn.

I was successful in destroying his army. Note that I also shifted my line around and brought in significant reinforcements. I’ve decided to give Al a hard time in China but not make it my ultimate focus. I will let him wonder what I am up to. I know Al well and if I went for a simple containment strategy he would make China a nightmare. So it's best to keep him off base. Al is the kind of guy who thrives on the challenge of a country like China.