The house is looking amazing. It's all framed and has a roof, and today they put in the stairs to the second floor. Zanne and I and the kids explored the house this evening after the workers left. It's just exactly what I've always wanted (and worked for) in a house. We are so excited about it.
Peter came over and yet again bested me in Combat Commander: Pacific. We played an Iwo Jima scenario, and I had a strong outfit of Marines and supporting weapons. I started out by unleashing a barrage of cannister on the lead defenders who were cowering in a cave far above me. I broke the unit there and then finished them off with massed machinegun fire. Good start.
My main maneuver unit advanced slowly, soaking up casualties along the way, but throughout the fight, I gradually attrited the bad guys. I called in an airstrike that hammered his pesky mortar team, and Sergeant Burke's Marines then finished them off with long-range rifle fire. As the fight went on, Burke was able to maneuver his guys all the way around the enemy's flank to the ridge just below the main objective--a long concrete building. Burke got his veteran Marine squad next to the building, and they let loose with their flamethrower, torching one Japanese squad. Private Hoss, my hero, then charged the broken squad but got ambushed and killed before he could destroy them.
By this point in the battle, the Japs had killed two of my leaders and lots of Marines, but I had a solid reinforced platoon with machineguns and flamethrowers right next to the objective. Just then my command system broke down badly. The Japs reinforced the building and poured fires downhill against Burke and his guys. Before they could recover themselves, Burke got killed, and everything fell apart.
Damn good fight! Very fun, and very close.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Monday, April 27, 2009
Breaking News from Bob Central
Actually, not. Just a routine update. Hey, if Fox News can do it, so can I.
Haven't heard from Sammy Miami for a while, which concerns me, but I suppose that calling Dad is not on the top of any soldier's priority list.
This next month my eldest son Bobby graduates from law school! I take full credit, as I do for my daughter's doctorhood. The Bird graduates from high school with flying colors, which I also attribute primarily to me. She is going to go to WVU and (perhaps) study nursing. Tough field, but rewarding.
The Rose is finishing up her first year at college and doing splendidly. Mr. Joe talks constantly of the Marine Corps, and I have to say I would be proud as punch to have a Marine in the family.
Zanna Suzanna Danna has finished up her latest script, and it is, as we speak, dazzling all the luminaries in Hollywood, I hopes, I hopes. She is an amazing writer, she works way harder than I do, and she's in an industry that is arguably the toughest on earth to break into. I have full confidence in her, but I hate to see her hurting along the way!
The house is progressing nicely. It is just about completely framed. Now it needs a roof. Not looking forward to all the loan-getting crap, and I'm still up in the air as to how much of our owner-financing is going to be repaid to us this summer. Sure would be nice to know where we stand on that.
Going to the Lab tomorrow to collect up some stuff on evolution of strategy project and to talk with Boss about future endeavors.
I'm finished with teaching Revelation at church, which makes me kind of sad. I miss teaching already, but I suppose I need a break, and the students need a break from me.
Pretty soon we're going to have another baby in the family! Robert Elizabeth Duffy! Can't wait!
Been solitairing Panzergruppe Guderian, and it's a nice distraction. Never played it, although I've owned it for years. My war against the French is going well, too. The Iroquois Confederacy has joined the British cause. Life is good.
Haven't heard from Sammy Miami for a while, which concerns me, but I suppose that calling Dad is not on the top of any soldier's priority list.
This next month my eldest son Bobby graduates from law school! I take full credit, as I do for my daughter's doctorhood. The Bird graduates from high school with flying colors, which I also attribute primarily to me. She is going to go to WVU and (perhaps) study nursing. Tough field, but rewarding.
The Rose is finishing up her first year at college and doing splendidly. Mr. Joe talks constantly of the Marine Corps, and I have to say I would be proud as punch to have a Marine in the family.
Zanna Suzanna Danna has finished up her latest script, and it is, as we speak, dazzling all the luminaries in Hollywood, I hopes, I hopes. She is an amazing writer, she works way harder than I do, and she's in an industry that is arguably the toughest on earth to break into. I have full confidence in her, but I hate to see her hurting along the way!
The house is progressing nicely. It is just about completely framed. Now it needs a roof. Not looking forward to all the loan-getting crap, and I'm still up in the air as to how much of our owner-financing is going to be repaid to us this summer. Sure would be nice to know where we stand on that.
Going to the Lab tomorrow to collect up some stuff on evolution of strategy project and to talk with Boss about future endeavors.
I'm finished with teaching Revelation at church, which makes me kind of sad. I miss teaching already, but I suppose I need a break, and the students need a break from me.
Pretty soon we're going to have another baby in the family! Robert Elizabeth Duffy! Can't wait!
Been solitairing Panzergruppe Guderian, and it's a nice distraction. Never played it, although I've owned it for years. My war against the French is going well, too. The Iroquois Confederacy has joined the British cause. Life is good.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Rommel in North Africa
This is a pretty cool AAR on the North Africa campaign I played. I scored a perfect victory (33 points) by taking Cairo by September, 1941. The key to my victory was aggressiveness, a measure of good luck, and a careful logistical calculation on the frontier of Egypt.
March, 1941
15th and 21st Panzer, along with four Italian infantry divisions, attack the British 2nd Armour Division at El Agheila. The British defense is dug-in, with an armored reserve prepared to overrun. The enemy also has good intelligence. I decide to focus on destroying/capturing enemy supplies, and I bring AT guns and tactics to the fight. Finally, I plan on exploiting. The enemy foils my plan to capture supplies, but I do destroy one depot and crush the 2nd Armour without casualties on my side. The 21st Panzer is now a veteran force.
After the battle, I can either move into Tengeder to avoid further fighting, or move north to Benghazi to take on the Guards Division, or move east to El Adem against the 3rd Indian Division. Alternately I could split the 15th and 21st Panzer Divisions and attack both places, but it seems unlikely that I would destroy either if I did that. I decide to hit Benghazi, because if I went instead to El Adem, I could get counterattacked from two directions.
The enemy again has good intelligence and has planned a massive air strike against the attackers. This could be very dangerous. I decide to focus my intelligence operations on disrupting his air attack. Meanwhile, I will rely on tactics and pressing the fight to destroy the Guards. I manage to nullify half of his air and then annihilate the Guards, but the 15th Panzer takes a hit. The 21st Panzer are now elite.
Ariete Division advances to Tengeder, while the rest of the Italian forces lag behind in Libya. Bologna takes a hit from lack of supplies in El Agheila. All in all, not a bad beginning. I bring Deutches Afrika Korps (DAK) into Tripoli and accumulate much-needed supplies.
British forces in the Tobruk region hold in place. The 7th Australian Division advances from Mersa Matruh to Halfaya. British reinforce Alexandria and Cairo but fail to reinforce Tobruk. This will be my big chance to grab the key port.
April-May, 1941
I refit 15th Panzer. I surge my Panzer Divisions, Ariete, and three Italian infantry divisions against Tobruk, where the 9th Australian and Coastal Infantry defend behind fortifications. I also send the depleted Bologna against the 3rd Indian at El Adem to divert British supplies there.
Bologna is destroyed, but they did their job. Allied supplies are dwindling, which will impair their main defense at Tobruk. Since the enemy intends to press the fight, I focus on preparing an armored assault, salvaging supplies, and exploiting after the battle. I annihilate the defenders and capture the port, while losing Brescia Division. Ariete and 15th Panzer become veterans.
Leaving Ariete and an infantry division in Tobruk, I order the Panzers and Pavia Division to attack the 22nd Division at Bardia. We overrun the enemy easily, capturing more supplies, and we then push on to El Adem.
We wipe out 3rd Indian Division, and Pavia is now a veteran. But the Italians are worn out, so the Panzers will have to move on alone to finish up the job at Halfaya. When I destroy the last British there, I will have cleared the Tobruk area of enemy, thus easing my supply situation.
I’m a little more careful this time. I conduct intelligence operations to locate and destroy the enemy’s artillery. Then, I swing my Panzers behind the enemy and dig-in athwart his supply lines, forcing him to attack me. I destroy him easily with no casualties. Ha! I get 13 supply points! DAK moves to El Agheila, and the rest of the Italian forces close into the Tobruk area. I bring 90th Light Division, Trieste, and Bersaglieri into Tobruk and spend the rest on supplies. I’m in great shape.
The enemy tries an amphibious assault against Tobruk. Not smart. They manage to damage two infantry divisions before dying. British reinforcements and supplies surge into Egypt, and units advance piecemeal toward the frontier.
June-Sept., 1941
I now have to contemplate the conquest of Egypt. I flirt with the idea of blitzing all the way to Cairo, which I technically could do with my two premier Panzer Divisions if they could successfully fight through three divisions before getting there! They would then face three more fortified, well-supplied divisions. I’m going to give it a go!
I have accumulated 16 supplies, and I have the option of refitting Trieste and Savona in Tobruk, at a cost of 4. This would leave me 12 supplies to conduct the campaign. Assuming that I do not use any supplies to enhance my battle plans, reserving all fuel to support my exploitation, I will need 19 supplies to advance the whole force to El Alamein and Cairo. I could possibly acquire an additional 6 supplies along the way, which still leaves me short. I elect not to refit my infantry divisions and instead reserve all supplies for the campaign.
I cross the frontier into Egypt and prepare to assault the enemy’s front line at Sofafi, defended by the refitted Guards Division. My force is huge: 15th and 21st Panzers (both elite), 90th Light Division, DAK, Ariete (veteran) , Pavia (veteran), Trento, and Bersaglieri. Interestingly, the enemy has elected to focus on supply. He intends to interdict my supplies and try to capture some of my fuel.
My intelligence operations thwart his attempt to disrupt my supply lines. I destroy the Guards easily and capture 2 supplies, destroying one of his. He’s down to 12 supplies. He tries to capture mine but fails, and my force survives unscathed so far. Ariete is now elite.
I spend 8 supplies (10 left) and move the entire force to Bir El Kenaysis. The 1st South African Division defends there. Once again, he focuses on diminishing my supplies and capturing my fuel! Pretty savvy opponent. In a replay of the last fight, my intel advantage keeps him from messing with my supply lines. I overrun him without casualties, capturing 2 more supplies. I now have 12, and I destroy another of his, so he’s down to 9. Time to move on. 90th Light is now veteran.
I expend 8 more supplies (4 left) and advance the entire force to El Alamein. The 4th Indian Division is fortified there, and there are reinforcements en route. The enemy has set ambushes in front of the main line of resistance. My intelligence pinpoints his reinforcements, and I’m able to stop them before they reach the fight. The enemy uses his ambushes and an overrun to draw first blood from my force, damaging Trento. I overrun him, capturing 2 supplies (total: 6). The 90th Light is now elite.
I spend 5 supplies (1 left) and reach Cairo with 15th and 21s Panzers, Ariete, 90th Light, and the DAK. The city is fortified and defended by 41st, 2nd New Zealand, and Coastal Divisions. They are well supplied, and this should be one hell of a fight.
The enemy is very confident. He has plans to press the fight and exploit! He has a good tactical plan, including a massive overrun. I decide to maximize my destructive potential, because I will have exactly 2 battle rounds (thanks to my Limey friends) to finish off these guys. I’m using air, artillery, and an armored assault. It’s a difficult fight. I lose DAK, and 90th Light is damaged, but I take the city and win the game. Woot!
March, 1941
15th and 21st Panzer, along with four Italian infantry divisions, attack the British 2nd Armour Division at El Agheila. The British defense is dug-in, with an armored reserve prepared to overrun. The enemy also has good intelligence. I decide to focus on destroying/capturing enemy supplies, and I bring AT guns and tactics to the fight. Finally, I plan on exploiting. The enemy foils my plan to capture supplies, but I do destroy one depot and crush the 2nd Armour without casualties on my side. The 21st Panzer is now a veteran force.
After the battle, I can either move into Tengeder to avoid further fighting, or move north to Benghazi to take on the Guards Division, or move east to El Adem against the 3rd Indian Division. Alternately I could split the 15th and 21st Panzer Divisions and attack both places, but it seems unlikely that I would destroy either if I did that. I decide to hit Benghazi, because if I went instead to El Adem, I could get counterattacked from two directions.
The enemy again has good intelligence and has planned a massive air strike against the attackers. This could be very dangerous. I decide to focus my intelligence operations on disrupting his air attack. Meanwhile, I will rely on tactics and pressing the fight to destroy the Guards. I manage to nullify half of his air and then annihilate the Guards, but the 15th Panzer takes a hit. The 21st Panzer are now elite.
Ariete Division advances to Tengeder, while the rest of the Italian forces lag behind in Libya. Bologna takes a hit from lack of supplies in El Agheila. All in all, not a bad beginning. I bring Deutches Afrika Korps (DAK) into Tripoli and accumulate much-needed supplies.
British forces in the Tobruk region hold in place. The 7th Australian Division advances from Mersa Matruh to Halfaya. British reinforce Alexandria and Cairo but fail to reinforce Tobruk. This will be my big chance to grab the key port.
April-May, 1941
I refit 15th Panzer. I surge my Panzer Divisions, Ariete, and three Italian infantry divisions against Tobruk, where the 9th Australian and Coastal Infantry defend behind fortifications. I also send the depleted Bologna against the 3rd Indian at El Adem to divert British supplies there.
Bologna is destroyed, but they did their job. Allied supplies are dwindling, which will impair their main defense at Tobruk. Since the enemy intends to press the fight, I focus on preparing an armored assault, salvaging supplies, and exploiting after the battle. I annihilate the defenders and capture the port, while losing Brescia Division. Ariete and 15th Panzer become veterans.
Leaving Ariete and an infantry division in Tobruk, I order the Panzers and Pavia Division to attack the 22nd Division at Bardia. We overrun the enemy easily, capturing more supplies, and we then push on to El Adem.
We wipe out 3rd Indian Division, and Pavia is now a veteran. But the Italians are worn out, so the Panzers will have to move on alone to finish up the job at Halfaya. When I destroy the last British there, I will have cleared the Tobruk area of enemy, thus easing my supply situation.
I’m a little more careful this time. I conduct intelligence operations to locate and destroy the enemy’s artillery. Then, I swing my Panzers behind the enemy and dig-in athwart his supply lines, forcing him to attack me. I destroy him easily with no casualties. Ha! I get 13 supply points! DAK moves to El Agheila, and the rest of the Italian forces close into the Tobruk area. I bring 90th Light Division, Trieste, and Bersaglieri into Tobruk and spend the rest on supplies. I’m in great shape.
The enemy tries an amphibious assault against Tobruk. Not smart. They manage to damage two infantry divisions before dying. British reinforcements and supplies surge into Egypt, and units advance piecemeal toward the frontier.
June-Sept., 1941
I now have to contemplate the conquest of Egypt. I flirt with the idea of blitzing all the way to Cairo, which I technically could do with my two premier Panzer Divisions if they could successfully fight through three divisions before getting there! They would then face three more fortified, well-supplied divisions. I’m going to give it a go!
I have accumulated 16 supplies, and I have the option of refitting Trieste and Savona in Tobruk, at a cost of 4. This would leave me 12 supplies to conduct the campaign. Assuming that I do not use any supplies to enhance my battle plans, reserving all fuel to support my exploitation, I will need 19 supplies to advance the whole force to El Alamein and Cairo. I could possibly acquire an additional 6 supplies along the way, which still leaves me short. I elect not to refit my infantry divisions and instead reserve all supplies for the campaign.
I cross the frontier into Egypt and prepare to assault the enemy’s front line at Sofafi, defended by the refitted Guards Division. My force is huge: 15th and 21st Panzers (both elite), 90th Light Division, DAK, Ariete (veteran) , Pavia (veteran), Trento, and Bersaglieri. Interestingly, the enemy has elected to focus on supply. He intends to interdict my supplies and try to capture some of my fuel.
My intelligence operations thwart his attempt to disrupt my supply lines. I destroy the Guards easily and capture 2 supplies, destroying one of his. He’s down to 12 supplies. He tries to capture mine but fails, and my force survives unscathed so far. Ariete is now elite.
I spend 8 supplies (10 left) and move the entire force to Bir El Kenaysis. The 1st South African Division defends there. Once again, he focuses on diminishing my supplies and capturing my fuel! Pretty savvy opponent. In a replay of the last fight, my intel advantage keeps him from messing with my supply lines. I overrun him without casualties, capturing 2 more supplies. I now have 12, and I destroy another of his, so he’s down to 9. Time to move on. 90th Light is now veteran.
I expend 8 more supplies (4 left) and advance the entire force to El Alamein. The 4th Indian Division is fortified there, and there are reinforcements en route. The enemy has set ambushes in front of the main line of resistance. My intelligence pinpoints his reinforcements, and I’m able to stop them before they reach the fight. The enemy uses his ambushes and an overrun to draw first blood from my force, damaging Trento. I overrun him, capturing 2 supplies (total: 6). The 90th Light is now elite.
I spend 5 supplies (1 left) and reach Cairo with 15th and 21s Panzers, Ariete, 90th Light, and the DAK. The city is fortified and defended by 41st, 2nd New Zealand, and Coastal Divisions. They are well supplied, and this should be one hell of a fight.
The enemy is very confident. He has plans to press the fight and exploit! He has a good tactical plan, including a massive overrun. I decide to maximize my destructive potential, because I will have exactly 2 battle rounds (thanks to my Limey friends) to finish off these guys. I’m using air, artillery, and an armored assault. It’s a difficult fight. I lose DAK, and 90th Light is damaged, but I take the city and win the game. Woot!
Monday, April 20, 2009
The War in North America, 1755
I'm playing a game of Wilderness War with an old friend over the internet. This is one of the best designed wargames I've ever played. It's a very good simulation of the entire French and Indian War in North America. I'm playing the British.
Early season, 1755: The French try to foment a British Ministerial Crisis to disrupt any reinforcements I might be getting, but since none are planned, their machinations have no effect. I decide to recruit my Cherokee allies and bring their war parties to join Braddock's army at Alexandria. My intent is to have Braddock advance over the Laurel Mountains and build a road toward the Ohio Forks. Instead, I'm rewarded with a Cherokee Uprising. The Indians desert, and I have to send two regular regiments and a provincial regiment to South Carolina to put down the rebellion. Ugh. I then intercept a French courier and wind up getting significant reinforcements: four new Royal American regiments, which I put in Albany. The French regulars in Quebec make a move by boat to Naiore Bay on Lake Ontario, with the intention of threatening my fort at Oswego. In preparation for his attack, he has his Indian allies raid my stockade at Oneida Carry East in the Mohawk Valley. I use Francis Bigot to steal another card from him. Ha! He's getting frustrated. I then march my Royal Americans, along with some provincials and my Mohawk allies to repair the damage to Oneida Carry East. The French now know that they can't take Oswego, so they retreat by boat and slip down the Hudson valley to Ticonderoga. Meanwhile, I advance against an Abenaki war party at Naiore Bay and kill them, but they ding one of my provinical regiments, too. I then march back to Albany, leaving provincials to garrison the Mohawk Valley. I also call out the Northern Department militia.
By the end of the early season, I think my situation in the north is stronger than it was. Apart from my strategic miscalculation regarding the Cherokees, I have done pretty well so far.
Early season, 1755: The French try to foment a British Ministerial Crisis to disrupt any reinforcements I might be getting, but since none are planned, their machinations have no effect. I decide to recruit my Cherokee allies and bring their war parties to join Braddock's army at Alexandria. My intent is to have Braddock advance over the Laurel Mountains and build a road toward the Ohio Forks. Instead, I'm rewarded with a Cherokee Uprising. The Indians desert, and I have to send two regular regiments and a provincial regiment to South Carolina to put down the rebellion. Ugh. I then intercept a French courier and wind up getting significant reinforcements: four new Royal American regiments, which I put in Albany. The French regulars in Quebec make a move by boat to Naiore Bay on Lake Ontario, with the intention of threatening my fort at Oswego. In preparation for his attack, he has his Indian allies raid my stockade at Oneida Carry East in the Mohawk Valley. I use Francis Bigot to steal another card from him. Ha! He's getting frustrated. I then march my Royal Americans, along with some provincials and my Mohawk allies to repair the damage to Oneida Carry East. The French now know that they can't take Oswego, so they retreat by boat and slip down the Hudson valley to Ticonderoga. Meanwhile, I advance against an Abenaki war party at Naiore Bay and kill them, but they ding one of my provinical regiments, too. I then march back to Albany, leaving provincials to garrison the Mohawk Valley. I also call out the Northern Department militia.
By the end of the early season, I think my situation in the north is stronger than it was. Apart from my strategic miscalculation regarding the Cherokees, I have done pretty well so far.
France '40
I'm playing Field Commander: Rommel, a solitaire wargame that includes Rommel's campaigns in France (1940), North Africa (1941-3), and France (1944). I'm trying the first scenario, which I've managed to lose repeatedly in previous playings. Either I don't get it, or I'm very unlucky, or the game is flawed, because the Allies always seem to win.
12-19 May, 1940: I decide to commit my whole division against Dinant, where two French regiments are defending. Even though this will over-burden my logistics, I feel it is necessary to really hit the defenders hard and destroy them fast. As I reconnoiter the enemy, I discover they have artillery, and the defenders are dug-in. I decide to assault and overrun the enemy, and I'm also going to exploit if I win. That way, I can knock out the French in Reims, too.
I annihilate the French regiments, taking some damage to my 7th Schutzen Regiment. The 25th Panzer and 78th Artillery become veteran. Leaving the two infantry regiments behind, I race the two motorized regiments to Reims and attack the French 3rd Regiment. My intel is able to detect reinforcements moving toward the defenders, so I send air to interdict them. I then plan to press the fight and use superior tactics to hopefully destroy them. I destroy them, but the 78th Artillery is damaged. The 25th Panzer is now elite.
Because I was able to advance, my supplies are sufficient, despite the initial over-crowding at Dinant. I accumulate a bunch of supply. I had the option instead of bringing in Totenkopf Regiment, but I need the supplies to refit my damaged regiments. Once I take Cambrai, I'll bring in reinforcements.
In response to my lightening advance, the French release the 25th Armor Regiment at Calais. The British 1st Tyneside Regiment counterattacks against Reims. The Belgian Chasseurs move south into Cambrai. The French 25th Armor moves into Brussels. The British attempt an overrun. I respond by digging in and then planning an armored assault. This is very expensive in terms of supply, but it will guarantee success. I destroy the attackers, and the 78th Artillery is now elite.
The Allies brought on three new regiments: an infantry in Paris, another armor regiment in Calais, and a motorized in Caen.
20-27 May, 1940: I refit the 78th Artillery, which is now downgraded to veteran. My plan now is to surge all my forces into Cambrai and destroy the enemy there. It will be a tough fight. The Allied defenses are strong: the Belgian Chasseurs, and two British infantry regiments. The enemy sets up in ambush, and they try to disrupt my supplies and deploy reinforcements to the battle. I will have my work cut out for me. I decide to use intelligence to hopefully interdict the reinforcements or uncover the ambush. I'm also using tactics and an armored assault. My intel gets me past the ambush safely. But the French 37th Armor Regiment joins the battle. In the end, I manage to damage all four enemy regiments without taking any significant losses. But my forces have to retreat back to their starting positions.
The French 37th Armor refits, as do the Belgian Chasseurs. The French 1st Armor arrives in Paris. The Allies counterattack my forces all along the front. Two armored regiments slam into my hapless infantry in Dinant, while another armor regiment and infantry hit my lead forces at Reims. I anticipate losing the infantry at Dinant, so I send air and AT guns in the hope of inflicting maximum damage. The enemy destroys the 7th Schutzen and damages the 6th, but my infantry, AT guns, and air manage to damage both armor regiments and force them to retreat. The attack at Reims was also repulsed, but all units in the fight were damaged.
The Allies bring in more reinforcements to Calais and Caen while also building up their supplies. I really don't see how the Germans are supposed to win this one. My forces are exhausted, my supplies are gone, and I'm outnumbered everywhere.
28 May - 4 June 1940: I attack at Paris, and both sides are wiped out. I give up. I simply don't get this scenario. I see no possible way for the Germans to win.
On the positive side, they delivered the wood to frame our house today.
12-19 May, 1940: I decide to commit my whole division against Dinant, where two French regiments are defending. Even though this will over-burden my logistics, I feel it is necessary to really hit the defenders hard and destroy them fast. As I reconnoiter the enemy, I discover they have artillery, and the defenders are dug-in. I decide to assault and overrun the enemy, and I'm also going to exploit if I win. That way, I can knock out the French in Reims, too.
I annihilate the French regiments, taking some damage to my 7th Schutzen Regiment. The 25th Panzer and 78th Artillery become veteran. Leaving the two infantry regiments behind, I race the two motorized regiments to Reims and attack the French 3rd Regiment. My intel is able to detect reinforcements moving toward the defenders, so I send air to interdict them. I then plan to press the fight and use superior tactics to hopefully destroy them. I destroy them, but the 78th Artillery is damaged. The 25th Panzer is now elite.
Because I was able to advance, my supplies are sufficient, despite the initial over-crowding at Dinant. I accumulate a bunch of supply. I had the option instead of bringing in Totenkopf Regiment, but I need the supplies to refit my damaged regiments. Once I take Cambrai, I'll bring in reinforcements.
In response to my lightening advance, the French release the 25th Armor Regiment at Calais. The British 1st Tyneside Regiment counterattacks against Reims. The Belgian Chasseurs move south into Cambrai. The French 25th Armor moves into Brussels. The British attempt an overrun. I respond by digging in and then planning an armored assault. This is very expensive in terms of supply, but it will guarantee success. I destroy the attackers, and the 78th Artillery is now elite.
The Allies brought on three new regiments: an infantry in Paris, another armor regiment in Calais, and a motorized in Caen.
20-27 May, 1940: I refit the 78th Artillery, which is now downgraded to veteran. My plan now is to surge all my forces into Cambrai and destroy the enemy there. It will be a tough fight. The Allied defenses are strong: the Belgian Chasseurs, and two British infantry regiments. The enemy sets up in ambush, and they try to disrupt my supplies and deploy reinforcements to the battle. I will have my work cut out for me. I decide to use intelligence to hopefully interdict the reinforcements or uncover the ambush. I'm also using tactics and an armored assault. My intel gets me past the ambush safely. But the French 37th Armor Regiment joins the battle. In the end, I manage to damage all four enemy regiments without taking any significant losses. But my forces have to retreat back to their starting positions.
The French 37th Armor refits, as do the Belgian Chasseurs. The French 1st Armor arrives in Paris. The Allies counterattack my forces all along the front. Two armored regiments slam into my hapless infantry in Dinant, while another armor regiment and infantry hit my lead forces at Reims. I anticipate losing the infantry at Dinant, so I send air and AT guns in the hope of inflicting maximum damage. The enemy destroys the 7th Schutzen and damages the 6th, but my infantry, AT guns, and air manage to damage both armor regiments and force them to retreat. The attack at Reims was also repulsed, but all units in the fight were damaged.
The Allies bring in more reinforcements to Calais and Caen while also building up their supplies. I really don't see how the Germans are supposed to win this one. My forces are exhausted, my supplies are gone, and I'm outnumbered everywhere.
28 May - 4 June 1940: I attack at Paris, and both sides are wiped out. I give up. I simply don't get this scenario. I see no possible way for the Germans to win.
On the positive side, they delivered the wood to frame our house today.
Friday, April 17, 2009
I have a slab
Our non-English-speaking builders poured our garage and basement today, and it looks pretty cool. I accidentally managed to tromp in the not-quite-set concrete, leaving a big he-shops-at-Wal-Mart-for-his-running-shoes-;-he-must-not-be-a-serious-runner foot-mark in it. I tried to explain/apologize to our workers, and they nodded back, assuring me that, "Yes, the truck." I'm pretty sure that meant that they would smooth over my faux pas.
My very schmexy wife, whose sudden appearance caused a total work stoppage at the house, has finished her script, and it's awesome. I am quite confident that she is going to sell it soon and get the accolades that she has worked so hard for. Zanne is the joy of my life, and she makes everything light and happy. Plus, she fits in my arms very nicely...kinda like she was made for them.
I'm playing a game of Wilderness War (the French & Indian War) with a very old friend, Don Chapell. It's 1755, and his Frogs are threatening my fort at Oswego on the shores of Lake Ontario. Unfortunately for him, four new regiments of Royal Americans have arrived at Albany, with which I will trounce him if he dares to attack my fort.
My very schmexy wife, whose sudden appearance caused a total work stoppage at the house, has finished her script, and it's awesome. I am quite confident that she is going to sell it soon and get the accolades that she has worked so hard for. Zanne is the joy of my life, and she makes everything light and happy. Plus, she fits in my arms very nicely...kinda like she was made for them.
I'm playing a game of Wilderness War (the French & Indian War) with a very old friend, Don Chapell. It's 1755, and his Frogs are threatening my fort at Oswego on the shores of Lake Ontario. Unfortunately for him, four new regiments of Royal Americans have arrived at Albany, with which I will trounce him if he dares to attack my fort.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Raid on Schweinfurt
Quick record of a solitaire wargame I played in which you have to plan and execute the bombing campaign against Schweinfurt in August-October 1943.
I have 390 B-17s (!) and 62 B-24s available. Very good so far.
I plan on have a diversionary raid with 50 B-24s, and then I'm going to divide the main body into two waves: the first wave will consist of 170 B-17s, and the second wave will have 220 B-17s and 12 B-24s. I order my fighters to focus solely on the main raid.
The weather over England is clear, but it's very poor over the target. I decide to delay the attack for a few days. Ugh. The weather begins to cloud up over England, and it's STILL poor over Schweinfurt. I reluctantly give the go-ahead.
Sixteen B-17s in the first wave abort before takeoff, leaving 154 heading to assembly. Thirty-six bombers aborted in the second wave, leaving 196 heading to assembly. Six bombers from the diversionary raid aborted, leaving 44.
The two waves assemble over the North Sea and rendez-vous with fighter escorts. Meanwhile, the diversionary raid manages to pull some of the Luftwaffe that would otherwise attack the first wave.
Well, it seems the Luftwaffe is fighting very aggressively today. Ugh.
The first wave lost 4 bombers to the Luftwaffe but shot down a total of 24 German planes. Not too bad. The second wave lost 6 bombers and shot down 28 Germans.
As the bombers arrive over Schweinfurt, they encounter a moderate amount of flak. The first wave lost 6 bombers to flak, and the second wave lost 4.
144 bombers arrive over the target in the first wave. In the poor weather, they achieve only 15% damage. The second wave achieves 19% more damage, for a total of 34%, which is not enough for success. The bad weather was the problem.
On the return to England, the Luftwaffe shot down 11 more bombers from the 1st wave, losing 13 German aircraft, and 14 bombers in the second wave, losing 18 Germans. The end result is a loss rate of 13%.
Checking the victory conditions, I find that I was one damage point away from achieving a draw--this in the face of a very aggressive Luftwaffe and terrible weather over the target. In short, I failed, but the odds were certainly stacked against me.
I have 390 B-17s (!) and 62 B-24s available. Very good so far.
I plan on have a diversionary raid with 50 B-24s, and then I'm going to divide the main body into two waves: the first wave will consist of 170 B-17s, and the second wave will have 220 B-17s and 12 B-24s. I order my fighters to focus solely on the main raid.
The weather over England is clear, but it's very poor over the target. I decide to delay the attack for a few days. Ugh. The weather begins to cloud up over England, and it's STILL poor over Schweinfurt. I reluctantly give the go-ahead.
Sixteen B-17s in the first wave abort before takeoff, leaving 154 heading to assembly. Thirty-six bombers aborted in the second wave, leaving 196 heading to assembly. Six bombers from the diversionary raid aborted, leaving 44.
The two waves assemble over the North Sea and rendez-vous with fighter escorts. Meanwhile, the diversionary raid manages to pull some of the Luftwaffe that would otherwise attack the first wave.
Well, it seems the Luftwaffe is fighting very aggressively today. Ugh.
The first wave lost 4 bombers to the Luftwaffe but shot down a total of 24 German planes. Not too bad. The second wave lost 6 bombers and shot down 28 Germans.
As the bombers arrive over Schweinfurt, they encounter a moderate amount of flak. The first wave lost 6 bombers to flak, and the second wave lost 4.
144 bombers arrive over the target in the first wave. In the poor weather, they achieve only 15% damage. The second wave achieves 19% more damage, for a total of 34%, which is not enough for success. The bad weather was the problem.
On the return to England, the Luftwaffe shot down 11 more bombers from the 1st wave, losing 13 German aircraft, and 14 bombers in the second wave, losing 18 Germans. The end result is a loss rate of 13%.
Checking the victory conditions, I find that I was one damage point away from achieving a draw--this in the face of a very aggressive Luftwaffe and terrible weather over the target. In short, I failed, but the odds were certainly stacked against me.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
I hate rain
Rain, rain, go away!
Rain on someone else, I say.
Our house is coming along nicely. Foundation walls are up. Today they backfilled everything and laid gravel in preparation for pouring the slab.
I've been working from home all week, focusing on researching my comparative eschatology project.
Watched "Slumdog Millionaire". Interesting. Kept our attention.
Finished Rossing's book Rapture Exposed. Pretty lame. Another example of a liberal Christian wishing away those parts of the Bible they find offensive.
Started reading God is not great by Hitchens. What a ridiculous excuse for scholarship. These books always reinforce my faith, because they demonstrate the subjectivity and capacity for self-deception that militant agnostics have.
Rain on someone else, I say.
Our house is coming along nicely. Foundation walls are up. Today they backfilled everything and laid gravel in preparation for pouring the slab.
I've been working from home all week, focusing on researching my comparative eschatology project.
Watched "Slumdog Millionaire". Interesting. Kept our attention.
Finished Rossing's book Rapture Exposed. Pretty lame. Another example of a liberal Christian wishing away those parts of the Bible they find offensive.
Started reading God is not great by Hitchens. What a ridiculous excuse for scholarship. These books always reinforce my faith, because they demonstrate the subjectivity and capacity for self-deception that militant agnostics have.
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