Well, that's it. I have no more saved turns. The game continued for a couple more turns, but I was also playing the Japanese player. I was also in two other games, and in one of those I inherited a messed up Germany. I had to rationalise, so I reached a truce in this game to give me a chance to complete the others.

I hope my few readers enjoyed the journey and will give the game a go and try out their own ideas.

Here are my closing thoughts

It is just a game

While it is one of the best efforts at a PBEM WW2 game I have ever played, it does have limitations in the simulation. The obvious one is that while historically everyone (except Churchill) thought World War 2 would be over very quickly, the players know it will not be, hence they play ahistorically. For example, I focussed on factories early so I would have huge production in 1942, and in so doing sacrified some potential early successes. I also did not bother with a Battle of Britain because I knew the British would not be cowed. Also, I prioritised holding Gibraltar over a friendly Spain because I knew that was a vital flank.

On the flip side, because it is a game, you should play to be fun. You do not need to fight until the fall of Berlin or London - just until the mahority of players have had enough. Also, you do not need to stress about making the perfect play. For example, in earlier games, I followed other players in having lots of small units to give me more flexibility in attacks. However, I found that made turns too long and I became stressed towards the end when I found lots of units that had not moved in odd locations. My soluton was to create massive units that did not need to stack and I could see wheer everyone was and complete a turn in about 40 minutes, which suited my lifestyle.

If you are not having fun, change something.

Humans are far more fun that AI

Most of the games I play against Ai are fun while I learn the game, but by the time I have learned the rules, I have also learned the limitatios of the AI, so the games always pan out the same way and there is nothing more to learn. Human's surprise! Sometimes you do not know what they have done is a mistake or a stroke of genius. You have to question, plan, have fallback plans, test and evaluate. The British invasion of Cherbourg early in the last game was such an experience. Much of my coastal play is governed by bad experiences with Chuck earlier.

One of the treats for me is two of the game designers are often playing with me so I can pick their brains on their design decisions and work out how to turn them to my advantage.

it is all about the economy

Like most World War 2 games, you must have a solid economy. I spent more time planning that than planning offensives. It is a bit finicky turning production to make sure you have the units you want, but once the balance is there, the game is easy to play; good things just appear every turn.

You must do an economic improvement every turn, or you will lose this game. Every turn!

Do not research every technology

The game is ahistorical that way. Tune your forces to the problem at hand. Researching a technology later than it is due is also cheaper. For example, as Germany I did not research heavy fighters as I did ont face a strategic bombing campaign.I did not research winter training until I was at war with the Soviets and it was Autumn. Even as USA, you would not research everything. Plan the units you want and research accordingly.

I don't think this is cheating, but when new research is available, save the game, do the differnt researches,compare the impact of each new unit, then restore to the saved game and research just the stuff that gives you the biggst bang.

Experiment

As I wrote this blog, I kept thinking, "I am not doing it this way again"! Personally I love experimenting. In one game as Japan, I mounted AT guns on horses and captured Vladivostok off Soviet Chuck! That was a highpoint in my gaming. Mix, test, shake, try again. Your mix will be different against different players too.

Don't play too many games at once

When you start in this game, it is hard not to put your hand up for every game going. This really confuses me, particularly when I am playing the same power in different time periods. Less is more. Blog if you are pining for a turn.

Contribute

Ideas are always welcome. This is a community spun game and when you play, you are a part of the community.

If you have read this far, and never played, give it a go!

It is April 1942, and I seem to have won the airwar:


Airwar won by David Bowman, on Flickr

My only air losess come from one of Chuck's amphibious invasions! I am about to get Finland in the war. (Once the diplomatic rating gets over 800, there is an increase chance every turn of the minor joining the alliance.)


Finnland is close by David Bowman, on Flickr

The East

In the North I am continuing to flank and am pushing towards Novgorod. The arrival of the Finns will give me the chance to finish this front quickly.


Closing on Novgorod by David Bowman, on Flickr

Not much is happening in the centre. I am doing just enough to keep the Soviets in place, but not attacking fortifications unless I have clear superiority; it is just not worth the manpower cost. Bltizkrieg is about around, not through.


Moving around Moscow by David Bowman, on Flickr

I managed to cross the river into Voronez and can soon disconnext the south of the Soviet Union from Moscow. This will hugely complicate the Soviet supply situation, and give me interior lines in attacks to the north, east and south. Notice my infantry was important in getting over. I also have engineers just behind the front for repairing bridges - vital for my own supply


Voronez falls by David Bowman, on Flickr

South of Voronez, I have reached Stalingrad. It is not a part of my war goals, so I am going to go around it. In the next image, you will see me near Astrakan, so I am very close to that goal.


Over to Voronez by David Bowman, on Flickr

To the south, the river continues to annoy me, but I have enough forces now to take Grozney. My forces from Sevastopol have appeared on the western flank so I should get over the river.


Grozney next turn by David Bowman, on Flickr

Turkey

I am in a position to take Instabul this turn, with my newly arrived Panzers. The defenders will not stop them.


On to Instabul by David Bowman, on Flickr

Notice that Sevastopol has fallen to the north. It is not a significant objective in this game, but keeps my supply simple, and lets me have a flanking attack on the oilfields.

France

Cherbourg did not fall last turn, but I expect it to be very close. I simulated (that is, played the attack now, rather than an original screen shot), or what a full blooded air strike on Cherbourg would look like. You can see it delivered massive damage, so perhaps I took it this turn. (I remember that by the end of the game, I had retaken it.)


Simulated air attack on Cherbourg by David Bowman, on Flickr

North Africa

The British have pulled back towards Alexandria to consolidate their lines. I am OK with that, but the Italians are not up to frontal assaults, so I will try to flank to the south.


North African advances by David Bowman, on Flickr

Spain

The Americans have arrived in force in Lisbon and Oporto. Chuck is the master of the amphibious invasion; whenever I try this in other games, all my marines die! I am dealing well with the British in Bilboa, so think I can close that down soon. I will need two new armies in Spain to deal with the new threat.


Americans liberate Lisbon by David Bowman, on Flickr

I have a ready reserve of forces in training. (They are all stationed in berlin now to reduce oil costs for moving them.) I will strategically deploy most of these forces into Spain to form a front, but still give them a couple of turns to complete their training before I counterattack. I expect to have air superiority, and submarines interdicting the Atlantic, so I am confident of throwing the Americans back.


Still training by David Bowman, on Flicker

Japan

At this point the Japanese player had resigned and I took it over. I was unable to retake the island; there was just not enough defenders or airpower present to move the Americans.


Japan almost gone by David Bowman, on Flickr

It is the second March turn (remember turns are 4 weeks in length and there are 13 x 4 weeks in a year, just like a deck of cards) and Europe is on fire!


Very bloody by David Bowman, on Flickr

I notice that I am losing supply too. This is from Soviet supply interdiction, so I will have to handle that this turn. I am no longer getting fuel warnings at the start of the turn though, so every unit can play a part in this turn.

The Eastern Front

I have stalled in the East. I am destroying lots of Soviets each turn, but not advancing. To be fair, there is nothing I want to advance to right now. I am just looking for good attacks that maximise casualties.


Stalling in the North by David Bowman, on Flickr

In front of Moscow, I am looking busy. Notice the Partisan unit in my rear. The German player needs light, mobile forces to deal with these before they disrupt supply. The allied cavalry will do a great job of that. You can see the red dots with numbers - that is Soviet air interdiction. I respond to that by moving up fighters.


Performing in front of Moscow by David Bowman, on Flickr

South of Moscow, I am nearly in Voronez. I feel that will split the Soviets in two, so I press on there with energy. I think I'll shoot for Tula to, but more to distract.


Rolling forwards south of Moscow by David Bowman, on Flickr

My advance on the oilfields has been momentarily checked by a river and it is annoying me. I will need some light infantry, I suspect. You can see me building a new Panzer army though. That is because I have a surplus of tanks in Berlin right now, so they will be more useful here than there.


Annoying river by David Bowman, on Flickr

Turkey

I am building the 21st army plus an Italian army to take out Turkey. My allied forces have started the job and their artillery will be important. I expect the meet the British there, but it is a long way around Africa, so they will struggle to replace losses, and I intend that there be a lot of them!


Pushing into Turkey by David Bowman, on Flickr

You can see Soviet sea interdiction north of Turkey. The game must have decided to do some supply through the Black Sea. I will stop that with supply blocks as discussed at the bottom of this post: https://thewargamingclub.on...

North Africa

In the East, Tobruk has fallen, mostly to the Italians, who are now quite a decent force.


Tobruk has fallen by David Bowman, on Flickr

I have brigades of light armour coupled with tank destroyers to give them bite, but they are otherwise an infantry force. In the west, the Americans have arrived in Casablanca, and for the first time I get to fight Chuck in the game.


Americans is Casablanca by David Bowman, on Flickr

I still have a lot of bombers there, and you can see me experimenting with a fighter-bomber, so I will start with a massive airstrike and then attack with my armoured units. Could be fun! I will also move German and Italian Uboats around Africa to hunt down American supply ships!

Spain

The British are keen to reproduce their Cherbourg salient in Spain and have landed there. It is an excellent play as I will need to train in forces to contain, probably more than are there, and then more to defeat. On the other hand, those forces will not have the fighter cover that Cherbourg enjoys, so I can bomb them with impunity. My defenders have no ability to recon so see who is there, so I am picking volunteers for a glorious attack to fine out. Perhaps I should have some recon planes!


Britans in Spain by David Bowman, on Flickr

France

There are partisans in France as well. Cherbourg has not fallen yet, but I am winning all the engagements, so it serves me well. Notice I have built a couple of factories near by. While brave, the reason for that is that factories provide some airfields, so I can have more fighters covering the skies.


Partisans in France by David Bowman, on Flickr

The factories are producing fighters and heavy infantry guns. I am close to building no more factories; my production is huge.

Japan

It looks like Japan will fall in a couple of turns. Pity. I want them to distract the Americans for another year. Chuck is the master of amphibious invasions.


Japan about to fall by David Bowman, on Flickr

The Final Effort

In summary, the fronts are doing well or holding sufficiently around the Reich. However, as you can see from the images above, I have reached the end of my manpower pool (at the top of the screen, right of middle). I think I have this game, so it is time to conscript every healthy male!


Time for full conscription by David Bowman, on Flickr

It is March 1942 and the picture is a bit grim everywhere except in the Caucasus. My losses are high - in excess of my production except for armour.


heavy losses by David Bowman, on Flickr

In the diplomatic front, I have lost the race for Turkey, which annoys me, mostly because of the lost investment of political points.


Turkey goes the wrong way by David Bowman, on Flickr

Also USA decides to get involved in the west. Unlike Hitler historically, I did not waste my PPs bringing USA in - they can pay the cost of 20 PPs!


USA joins by David Bowman, on Flickr

The East

My offensive stalls in the north as the Soviets rebuild the front. I am not too keen about attacking Leningrad's fortifications, so I am looking to flank. I will need some engineers to build roads I can supply through the forests.


North stalls by David Bowman, on Flickr

In the centre, I have reached the beginning of the Moscow forifications. The Soviet player has built extra layers of foritications to defend Moscow. (In the next version of the game, this will be much harder to do.) I am not interested in smashing through those fortifications, but neither do I want the defenders of Moscow to become reinforcements on other fronts, so I am going to do some "demonstration" attacks. If I can, I would like to encircle Moscow.


Moscow fortifications by David Bowman, on Flickr

Just to the south, Kursk has fallen, so I may be able to move through to the next river line this turn. The Soviets opposite look very weak.


Kursk falls by David Bowman, on Flickr

Near the oilfields, I have broken though the Soviet defenses, and have only mud to content with. I am still focussed here with most of my armoured attacks and some supporting airstrikes. My mechanised infantry have been doing great exploitation moves.


Breakout in the South by David Bowman, on Flickr

Supply

I have reached the limit of my supply networks in southern Russia. The solution is to create a supply hub in Kiev (the limit appears to be Rostov, but I am leaving a margin). The southern army HQs now are assigned to Army Group South, which has some trains and cargo trucks. This slows down reinforcements which is a bit irksome. Perhaps a game limitation, but I do not mind the challenge.


Army group south by David Bowman, on Flickr

France

The British have really reinforced Cherbourg, perhaps hoping to offer it as a bridgehead to the Americans.


Cherbourg reinforced by David Bowman, on Flickr

That does not work in ATG - this city will be well over the stacking limit meaning that most of these forces will not defend, only take casualties, and will all suffer readiness drops from my artillery bombardments. I like the arrangement, as do my UBoat commanders, who are interdicting supply to France.

North Africa

the Germans and Italians have stalled in North Africa. My situation still looks good, but the British forces are stubborn in defense


North Africa stalls by David Bowman, on Flickr

A large American force is moving on Casablanca, so I will need to reinforce my Moroccan front

Turkish Front

I have missed a trick here. If I had two small armour divisons on the Turkish border, I might be in Instanbul this turn. As it stands, I will have to move the allied troops into a front line to contain and build a force that can launch an offensive over the next few turns.


Unprepared Turkish Front by David Bowman, on Flickr

USA Joins the Allies in the West

USA has declared war and spent this turn mopping up my submarines. This is the way to do it in ATG - remove all retreats and force the unit to retreat. I have no response to this tactics, these fleets are out of range to my bombers, but the Americans will have aircraft carriers, except to build more Uboats.


USA ASW by David Bowman, on Flickr

In the East, USA now holds three Japanese cities. Japan appears to have no response to this early invasion.

It is February 1942 and the game is hard fought


Ouch by David Bowman, on Flickr

My oil situation is so much better that I might not need the Soviet oil fields, but I push on because I am more interested in simulating than winning.


Fuel so much better by David Bowman, on Flickr

Diplomacy for Finland is getting hot. If they join the war on my side, which I am confident they will, the Soviet northern front will collapse.


Finland now an important flank by David Bowman, on Flickr

Otherwise I am still investing a lot in diplomacy. Arabia alternates between Britain and Italy; that would be a coup!


Diplomacy pretty good by David Bowman, on Flickr

The East

I have made big advances to the north as there were not enough defenders. I am contemplating sending armour into that eastern gap to see if I can cut Leningrad off from Moscow.


North underdefended by David Bowman, on Flickr

I am keeping the centre busy, but not pushing. Generally I am low on oil by the time I get to the centre, so just do enough to keep the Soviets interested. I should take Kursk this turn. I do not need the raw materials, but perhaps the Soviets do. Note that I am still using my (obsolete) PzIICs in this game. They are good against pure infantry formations, but I am not making replacements, so I coallesce damaged units.


Kursk to fall by David Bowman, on Flickr


In the far south, the oil fields are only a few turns away. I have loaded Rostov with armour for a break out, and am otherwise pocketing units rather than fighting on a front


Oilfields in sight by David Bowman, on Flickr

France

Cherbourg continues to annoy me, but it is no longer a treat, and its supply gives my U-boats something to do


Partisans active by David Bowman, on Flickr

Note it is a busy turn for my anti partisan units. I think the allies have been funding the partisans (a card they can play in this game).

North Africa

The Battle for Tobruk is about to start, but without control of sea, the Axis will take it comfortably. The Italians are now beginning to threaten Palestine.


Battle of Tobruk by David Bowman, on Flickr

Manpower

I am reaching the bottom of my manpower pool, so I will need to go to general mobilisation soon.


General mobilisation by David Bowman, on Flickr

To delay this as long as possible (as I do not like the penalties), I am thinning down my infantry units to have less rifle, but leaving the support weapons the same.


thinning infantry by David Bowman, on Flickr

All my armoured units have halftracks, so the infantry is safer there.

The Far East

Oh dear! Japan does not look like it will last long enough for me to rescue.


Japan in real trouble by David Bowman, on Flickr

Ernie, one of the designers of GD1938 says

"The reason people rarely upgrade to BF109G is that you lose range"

It is January 1942 and this game, while loads of fun, is a challenge as there is always some good news and bad news each time the turn rolls.


Hard tussle by David Bowman, on Flickr

While the bad news is that my opponents are still doing a lot of damage with their air superiority, the good news is that I almost have enough oil!


Oil almsot OK by David Bowman, on Flickr

New Research

A lot of the research is predicated on the date in this game: you cannot research technologies until the year clicks over. So each time the year does click over, it is time for some shopping:


1942 by David Bowman, on Flickr

I think is a good approach to keep the game playable. Some games let you go early on research, but if the players find a loophole you get an unrealistic situtation. This year gives me welcome relief with oil production


1942 research by David Bowman, on Flickr

I was intending to get tank destroyer too to help me contain Soviet counterattacks. And of course a new fighter: the Bf109G. Interestingly my players do not take this update, preferring the higher firepower of the Bf109F. I just need lots of interceptors, so will take the better airframe. (The game does not let you build obsolete airplanes.)

Battle for the Atlantic

My submarines have crept into the North Sea and are having a great hunt there:


Battle for the North Sea by David Bowman, on Flickr

The British took Norway early in the game. I did not care as the game does not model the Norwegian metal bottleneck. Notice my air support; The British are using subs to find my U-boats, so when I find their subs, I hit them with the very effective Luftwaffe flying boats (that I had never heard of before playing this game).


Naval patrol by David Bowman, on Flickr

Around the channel, my U-boats are sinking supply into Cherbourg, but the rest of the Atlantic is now being avoided by the Royal Merchant Service.

The Eastern Front

I am very happy with the Eastern Front. In the north, I am turning the southern flank. I am also giving Manstein three new Panzer divisions to exploit the bridgehead.


Flank move in the north by David Bowman, on Flickr

In the centre, I am also turning the southern flank. The Soviets have committed a large force to protect Moscow, so I screened that and I have taken Kharkov and now threaten Kursk.


Flanking in the Centre by David Bowman, on Flickr

Note the partisans in my rear. You need to leave small forces in your rear areas to protect against these from getting out of control. They have not cut my supply yet, but I have only one railway supporting this front now!

In the south, I almost got to Rostov last turn. Clearly I will take it next turn. The oil fields are just beyond. This remains my main focus!


Almost Rostov by David Bowman, on Flickr

Sevastopol is a distraction in this game - it is just a fortified port so is of no value to me. I am mostly masking the Soviet forces there so they do not threaten my flank


Sevastopol is a Nuisance by David Bowman, on Flickr


Good News from the Italians

The Italians, with some German support, have pocketed two British forces. I will have to eliminate these pockets as they impact my supply, but Alexandria is in sight:


North African Pockets by David Bowman, on Flickr

Worrying News from the East

Glancing at the map, I can see the Americans are in China and about to capture Taiwan. Japan is played by a colleague so I don't know the details, but I now know I will need to get some corridor to the Far East to support them:


Worry in tehFar East by David Bowman, on Flickr

It is December 1941, and the war rages on, but I am generally optimistic; however, my wife says I am always optmistic in spite of all evidence of doom! The losses are significant, but remain less than production, so the party can continue


Ongoing fighting by David Bowman, on Flickr

I'll post the warning here again, to continue to shame myself. I have wasted six months of advances by trying to be too cute!


Be ashamed by David Bowman, on Flickr

My supply centres are producing an enormous amount of oil now


Oil production by David Bowman, on Flickr

The supply number under the Supply (Oil) is mostly suply centre production. It produces an equal amout of oil - but this table does not show that. I am probably being gamey here - there is no way historically that german could have supplies all its needs with coal conversion, but once the game is underway, I am just looking for a victory - not a historical recreation. That said, I have set myself the (historical) objective of the Soviet oil fields.

The Eastern Front

My main activity remains in the south. I am over the river and could be in Rostov by the end of this turn. Notice my new experimental mechanised infantry unit


Southern thunder by David Bowman, on Flickr

I am hoping it will give me the ability to infiltrate any holes my armour punches. All those halftracks will use a bit of oil, but the sooner I get to the Soviet oil fields, the sooner I win the game. If I could use all my planes and tanks, I would destroy the Soviet army in a few turns.

In the centre I am grinding on. I am beginning to think of the central front as a diversionary attack for my southern ambitions. The Soviets has concentrated a lot of forces between me and Moscow, so I'll try to keep them all entertained. My heavy artillery units (shown below) are making my infantry attacks very effective.


Centra crunch by David Bowman, on Flickr

In the north, the front is almost completely quiet. I am OK with that; the game will not be won here:


North quiet by David Bowman, on Flickr

North Africa

The Italians are continuing to advance slowly. I have created an experimental brigade with light tanks and tank destroyers to support my infantry. Good in theory, but I have now reached Italian oil limits, so they too are building supply centres:


North Africa by David Bowman, on Flickr

Notice the British have built an industrial zone near Alexandria. They must be rueing that decision - I'll probably capture it.

France

The British are still in Cherbourg. Surely not for much longer. There are no more counter attacks and the airstrikes have been beaten away. One of these turns the Panzers will break the defenses


British are a tough nut to crack by David Bowman, on Flickr

It is November 1941, and I am struggling with high losses.


Heavy losses by David Bowman, on Flickr

The fighter losses in particular worrying: triple my production. Hopefully the enemy air losses are so high I will get a turn or two to recover. Oil refining is still my focus; my position is better but still not good.


Fuel better but still not good by David Bowman, on Flickr

This amount means I can attack across the front with almost every armnoured division, but I will still focus on the south

The Eastern Front

In the North I am creeping towards Leningrad, with only counter battery from the Soviets


Northern progress by David Bowman, on Flickr

In the centre, my advances are muted. I'll focus on taking Smolensk this turn, again mostly with heavy infantry that do not need much fuel.


Centre by David Bowman, on Flickr

In the South I am over the river and ready to advance towards tbe oil fields. I have concentrated my armour here for a blitzkrieg. The mus has arriving so it will be slow, but I intend to be relentless. Notice the partisans in my rear. Germany must have reararea forces.


Southern Front by David Bowman, on Flickr

The Soviets are mostly responding with artillery, but there are a number of airstrikes.


Air defense by David Bowman, on Flickr

This one was a fail but others find gaps in my figher coverage. The air war in GD1938 is often a game of cat and mouse; guessing what is defended. There are recon planes, but I have never used them, and I am not aware of others using them.

France

France is quiet. I am attacking Cherbourg every turn, but the British armour is very hard to move. I have added a heavy infantry unit to use less fuel, but apart from the partisans, this is contained.


France quiet by David Bowman, on Flickr

The Battle for the Atlantic is still fierce, but the United Kindom are attempting to make British self sufficient with their own supply centres. Make sense; I would do that if the Atlantic was filled with subs.

History reveals continuous airstrikes. I can now match the number of escorts, but they are not everywhere, so I am still losing ground forces elsewhere.


Air defense2 by David Bowman, on Flickr

North Africa

With the fuel shortage, the Italians are not getting much support from the Germans.


North African Progress by David Bowman, on Flickr

I am pleased that they are still pushing forwards. Mosstly, they are distracting the British who have to decide where to fight, with the loss of Gibraltar splitting their fronts.

It is October 1941 (again I do not have a file for September), and the game is afoot!


Busy combat by David Bowman, on Flickr

My losses are heavy, but still less than my production. USA joined the war last turn, and is making alliances.


USA is at war by David Bowman, on Flickr

Soon we will be fighting!

France

Cherbourg is encircled now with large armoured forces and aircraft controlling the ground


Cherbourg encurcled by David Bowman, on Flickr

I want this gone though, before the Americans get involved.

The Eastern Front

In the South I have pushed to the river line. I have the fuel to attack with most of my armour this turn, but my planes will remain grounded.


Southern advances by David Bowman, on Flickr

I was over the river at the end of last turn, but a stiff counterattack drove me back


Soviet counterattacks by David Bowman, on Flickr

In the centre, I am past the Prippet marshes, with my heavy infantry leading the attacks.


Central advances by David Bowman, on Flickr

The next version of the game will not have the road through the marshes, so perhaps this will be harder to achieve next game! In the north, I have almost "liberated" the Baltic States, although this is not my most important front.


Northern advances by David Bowman, on Flickr

Italy

It is time to have another look at my ally, Italy. We transform forces between each other to ease supply and to use each other's transport ships to move them around.


allied tactics by David Bowman, on Flickr

But Italy is fighting as well


Italian losses by David Bowman, on Flickr

Most of these losses are part of my strategic naval invasions - Greek volunteers! These will mostly die, but will really irritate the British and their supply lines.


Greek volunteers by David Bowman, on Flickr

Italian production is coming on now. The trick with a small power in this game is to get bang for your production buck. You have no way near enough PPs to research everything, so I am limiting myself to light tanks, tank destroyers and fighters. I have not even researched the latest artillery; I am making do with artillery 1 (which I also do when playing as Japan, France and China).


Italian research by David Bowman, on Flickr

My production is now close to Germany's production at the start of the game:


Italian production by David Bowman, on Flickr

I have liberated Tripoli and am pushing towards Toobruk.

It is August 1941 (I seems to have misplaced my July turn), although my losses are far below my production


busy stats by David Bowman, on Flickr

but...

Disaster!

I have taken my eye off the ball and drained my Reich of fuel. This is the worst thing I did in this game, and it took me months to fix.


disaster by David Bowman, on Flickr

This much fuel means no air attacks, perhaps 10 attacks from tank division, and, if I make an error, no fuel for defence, which weakens my forces dreadfully. The solution is synthetic fuel. Different from ATG, you make fuel in supply centres: these cost 200pp and generate 3000 oil per turn (along with supply). I'll need about 50,000 per turn for a decent turn, and more to launch supporting bombing attacks.


Making fuel by David Bowman, on Flickr

I actually had a plan to kick off massive building of supply centres when Barbarossa began. My reasoning was that I should build industrial complexes first as anything it built would need to be trained before being used. At the last minute, I would build the supply centres, as oil needs no training.  However, I had forgotten this in the excitement of the invasion, and has also (in reprospect) under estimated the number of supply centres I would need to replace Soviet oil and maintain armour across a massive front.

The costs of this error were manifold:

1. I could not exploit the Soviet Union in a state of disarray. (Although the player knew it was coming, my initial two turns were more brutal than he had anticipated.)
2. I was missing out on the summer months before the mud when armour would be at its most useful
3. Each time I overspent, often just balancing my line to cover flanks, my defense suffered across the map
4. My forces had no air support
5. My factories continue producing effectilely useless planes and tanks that I dare not even move, let alone use. This imbalanced my army as I had to use infantry for attacks.

France

The British continue their masterful counterattacks


Effective British attacks by David Bowman, on Flickr

...but overall, France is in control


France continues to annoy by David Bowman, on Flickr

Without fuel, I won't be trying to move the British this turn


The War in the East

In the north, all initial target cities have been taken, so nothing new is close enough to be worth the fuel! (I am such an idiot!)


Army groups north by David Bowman, on Flickr

In the centre, I am planning an infantry campaign to work through the rough terrain with minimum fuel usage:


Army group centre by David Bowman, on Flickr

Notice my experiment to have infantry with an armoured car (beter recon) and very heavy infantry guns. These have done very well against the Soviet infantry formations.

In the south, although not near, the terrain suits my tanks, so I will spend my precious fuel here: (Fool!)


Army group south by David Bowman, on Flickr

The soviets have launched a few rare counterattacks, but they do not trouble me much


Rare soviet counterattack by David Bowman, on Flickr

...beyond the destruction of a useful bridge to Sevastopol. Some of their airstrikes are pointless too...


Not all air attacks annoy by David Bowman, on Flickr

In GD1938, it is rarely worth using obsolete aircraft

North Africa

The North African campaign continues to do well. Tunis has fallen and Tripoli will fall soon, but probably not this turn


Italy presses on by David Bowman, on Flickr

The Americans

The Americans are trying something interesting. I cannot explain what this might do - neutral navies can sail through each other


Odd Americans by David Bowman, on Flickr

Maybe it is to watch my forces along the Atlantic

It is June 1941 and I am going to have a busy turn. I attacked the Soviet Union last turn so have a two front war (although the British front is contained).


Higher losses by David Bowman, on Flickr

My losses are high, but my production is higher, so the party can continue!


Replacements cover loses by David Bowman, on Flickr

I have succeeded in bringing the Greeks into the Iron Pact, which saves me an annoying southern front, and gives me disposable infantry for amphibious assaults.


Better than a southern front by David Bowman, on Flickr

But the Soviets have joined the alliance (as expected) so I am now in a total war mode.


Fighting allies by David Bowman, on Flickr

Europe

The Britain managed another break out...


British break out again by David Bowman, on Flickr

...but failed to retreat, so I can hit this hard!


The Channel by David Bowman, on Flickr

North Africa

The British have been removed from Tangiers so the Western Mediterranean is now German:


Western Med is Mine by David Bowman, on Flickr

The Italians maintain control of the Sea. This is the best way to kill a fleet in ATG - surround it and force it to retreat:


How to win a naval battles by David Bowman, on Flickr

The Italians are launching strategic amphibous invasions along the coast to disupt supply:


Amphibous landings by David Bowman, on Flickr

The British handle it easily, but with Greece on board I can continue to do this until the main forces arrive.


Handled but not stopped by David Bowman, on Flickr

The East

Barbarossa started OK. The Soviets defended in depth, so while I made some ground, I have not broken through anywhere:


OK start to Barbarosa by David Bowman, on Flickr

The Soviets did not counterattack much - you can see my position at the end of last turn is not that different. As in France, I do move forwards into empty space just to force the enemy to have to decide if they retreat or counter attack (and give me a good position for next turn).


Where I left the east by David Bowman, on Flickr

They mostly bombarded me with artillery (reasonable) but did counterattack in one place:


Some soviet counterattacck by David Bowman, on Flickr

I am pleased to see the number of tanks in the counterattack. This will clearly be greater than the stacking limits, so is a pretty inefficient attack. It still damaged my forward division, but by having too many forces in the attack, I now know where the troop concentration is, so have greater freedom in the south.

They Soviets are also launching British type air attacks:


Soviets learned from the British by David Bowman, on Flickr

I have no good answer now to this, but I only one unit is damaged so I can advance on the airfields else where.

The Americans are Watching


The Americans are watching by David Bowman, on Flickr

The Amercans have spotted my subs near Canada, and will no dobut tell the Brits, so I'll move them

It is May 1941, and the west has stablised.


Winning the air war by David Bowman, on Flickr

I hope these losses are unsustainable for Britain. The Soviets have had a strategic success though:


Strategic success for the soviets by David Bowman, on Flickr

France Contained

The British remain contained in their bridgehead.


Britain Contained by David Bowman, on Flickr

I have brought up my artillery to reduce it. The British did not attack out (first time - I am soo happy), and their airstrikes are now costly to them:


contained air strike by David Bowman, on Flickr

My uboat force is battered, but remains effective at sinking British shipping. Meanwhile a partisan unit appeared in the south:


Partisans by David Bowman, on Flickr

My small mechanised units are handling them with ease. The yellow colour shows the troops gaining experience. Chuck has pointed out since I was playing that there should not have been any machineguns in these units - just rifle and mortar. Machineguns are expensive to build, provide little offensive assistance and take casualties quickly.

North Africa

Italy has taken the lead in North Africa, flooding the Mediterranean with submarines, and doing strategic amphibious invasions to force the allies to use sea supply.


Italy doing well by David Bowman, on Flickr

Fuel has become a problem for them, so they have had to build three supply centres around Milan to keep their fleet sailing.

Barbarossa

Everything is in readiness for war with the Soviets. My forces have transferred from Spain and the mud has cleared:


Ready by David Bowman, on Flickr

Key to my strategy in Russia is to have lots of reinforcements. My war economy is going gangbusters!


excellent production by David Bowman, on Flickr

That is four new armoured divisions a turn plus a massive number of planes to keep air superiority

It is April 1941, and I feel my losses are even with the damage they are doing:


Feels even by David Bowman, on Flickr

Battle of the Atlantic

My subs are doing all the right things


Uboats doing their job by David Bowman, on Flickr

The British are finding my subs and destroying them now


Losing subs by David Bowman, on Flickr

but I am producing more than I am losing

French Beachhead

France begins to stablise, as I feel able to form a front around Cherbourg.


British airstrikes continue by David Bowman, on Flickr

The RAF continues to pummel it, and although I have 30 units of Messerschmits in this fight, the bombers still get through


RAF is huge by David Bowman, on Flickr

The RAF is just enormous, and eventually my pilots must rest. But in a first, my front line holds back the British attempt at breaking out


Finally holding by David Bowman, on Flickr

I have quite a mix of units here; I have been experimenting to get the best combination; lots of flak, tanks and infantry guns seems to work.

Still Quiet in the East

I am still waiting for the Russian mud to dry out.


Waiting for the mud to dry by David Bowman, on Flickr

Portugal Falls

I must have decided last turn that I could not lave a British leaning Portugal on my flank, so I Blitzkreig-ed it


Italians join battle for the Atlantic by David Bowman, on Flickr

I will capture it next turn. Notice also that the Italians (also played by me) have joined the Battle for the Atlantic

The North Africa Campaign becomes a Thing

As I am meeting no resistence in North Africa, I have moved over most of the Italian army.


Italians back in North Africa by David Bowman, on Flickr

I am honestly unsure if the Italians are up to this campaign, but it won't hurt to give the British another front. I am supporting them with German amphibious invasions to cut off supply. I am not the master of amphibious invasions that Chuck is (he is playing as (USA), but I can be annoying with them.

The Far East

I am surprised to see Britain getting involved against China


Britain broadens the war by David Bowman, on Flickr

in a clearly planned Diplomatic move:


China joins the allies by David Bowman, on Flickr

but looking at the map, I can see China has been reduced to a small holding in the south west of the country. This happens quite regularly in GD1938; the game is not able to model the Japanese historical inability to hold territory.


China in trouble by David Bowman, on Flickr

I think Britain is right on this one - keeping the Japanese busy until the Americans arrive will stop them getting creative. (Japan and I did not communicate much in this game - but there really is not much we can say other than good luck)

It is the second March 1941, and I am waiting for the snow to melt in Russia. (Remember, there are 13 turns a year in this game - two March turns.)


annoynig casualties by David Bowman, on Flickr

The British continue to be very annoying, but I am still damaging the RAF, so am getting somewhere. The Battle of the Atlantic is going OK; not terrific, but enough to keep British activity in France and Africa muted... maybe.

France

I left France in pretty good shape last turn, with the British pushed back somewhat:


Last border by David Bowman, on Flickr

I did not advance to be next to Cherbourg for fear of counterattacks. The airstrikes continue to annoy, but my Luftwaffe is providing some protection:


British airstrike by David Bowman, on Flickr

I have brought up some artillery (I was waiting to have the forces that would protect them), so I should be able to push the British back to one hex this turn


Slowing pushing the British back by David Bowman, on Flickr

North Africa

I am surpised that the British are not reinforcing North Africa, so I am bring over another corps and more armour.


No oppositing in north africa by David Bowman, on Flickr

I have also landed three Italian armies to see if they can take Lybia back. To reiterate, I won't win the game in North Africa, but I might cause some chaos. If I do well, I will get near Persian Gulf Oil, and that could win me the game.

Eastern Front

My armour is moving to the Soviet border


Moving armour up by David Bowman, on Flickr

One annoyance in this game is that units have to be within 5 hexes of their HQs to get benefits, but when the fighting starts, units drift everywhere and it is hard to bring them back without wasting good attack opportunities. I am spending a bit of time in this turn getting everything nicely arranged with lots of armour and artillery in the front line.

It is March 1941, and while the Eastern Front is quiet again, France is still a supperating sore.


Heavy casualties by David Bowman, on Flickr

My production is up to it


Good production 1 by David Bowman, on Flickr

which is a personal goal


Good production 2 by David Bowman, on Flickr

to always have replacements above losses


Good production 3 by David Bowman, on Flickr

France

It is time to bring in the man who excels at fighting the British:


Bringing in the big man by David Bowman, on Flickr

But this is how I left the front line


history 1 by David Bowman, on Flickr

and the massive airstrikes continue


history2 by David Bowman, on Flickr

leaving my line unable to hold


History3 by David Bowman, on Flickr

although I get some wins


History4 by David Bowman, on Flickr

The Battle for the Atlantic is heating up. The British chased and destroyed six subs points last turn, but I catch one of the hunters in the open


Coastal artillery by David Bowman, on Flickr

Africa

I am now in north Africa in force and am reinforcing from Club Med


Landing in force by David Bowman, on Flickr

My Stukas are keeping the defenders off balance


Overwhelming Stukas by David Bowman, on Flickr

I am beginning to worry that Portugal might flip, so I need to keep some armour in Spain


Portugal looking shakey by David Bowman, on Flickr


Eastern Front

Poland is conquered so I need to prepare for the Soviets


Poland conquered by David Bowman, on Flickr

It is February 1941, and Poland has almost fallen.


Better air cover by David Bowman, on Flickr

I am losing too many soldiers still - mostly in France. Also, worryingly, I am losing supply; I discover later that I made a mistake in Poland. However, I am winning the air war and I am sinking a lot of British supply with my U-boats!

France

The British are contining to cause me headaches in France

Agressive British by David Bowman, on Flickr

although their airstrikes have tailed off, which is good. I am going to need some heavy armour in Normandy to stop this nonsense.

Spain
Although I use ToE (Table of Equipment = HQs auto keep my units up to strength according to a model) extensively, I do have some custom units. In this case, I have combined 5 Heavy artillery units into a huge counterbattery unit.


Counterbattery by David Bowman, on Flickr

It keeps the British nice an quiet:


big by David Bowman, on Flickr

My combined amphibious invasion is struggling to hold the beachhead, but I am not being inhibited from supplying or reinforcing, so am pretty happy with progress.


Invasion going well by David Bowman, on Flickr

It is still my intent that this is a distraction. I was hoping for some more naval units or some  more British forces to arrive for me to monster.

Battle for the Atlantic
My UBoats are doing a great job of degrading British supply


Uboats1 by David Bowman, on Flickr

I am sinking shipping right along the French, Spanish and African coasts!


Uboats2 by David Bowman, on Flickr

Eastern Front
Poland has almost fallen. I should finish it this turn


Air interdiction by David Bowman, on Flickr

Note the red numbers. Because my fighters are in France facing the British, the small Polish airforce is interdicting my supply:


Air interdiction by David Bowman, on Flickr

Note to self - have lots more fighters for when the war with the Soviets starts.

In other news, my southern flank is now solid!


Eastern Front is Ready by David Bowman, on Flickr

It is January 1941 and thw game is getting busy.


Expensive by David Bowman, on Flickr

I am taking air casulaities but giving as good as I get. I still do not like my other losses, but I am playing good players

France

The British are pressing me hard from Cherbourg and the French partisans are supporting them


British pressing by David Bowman, on Flickr

It is time to move in some serious fighting forces to end this incursion.

On a positive note, my U-boats are doing a good job, sinking British shipping


Uboats at work by David Bowman, on Flickr

Earlier on I invested in Close Air Support III, but I think it was not a good decision; the new Stukas are good against ships but easier to shoot down and worse against land forces.


Not worth it by David Bowman, on Flickr

I have built a few in case the Royal Naval politely sails into range, but they never did, so it represents an unfortunate use of Politcal Points (PPs).

Spain

Gibraltar has fallen and my naval forces (supported by the Italians) have landed. The Italian force was counterattacked, but i can rescue them this turn as you can see the next corps is ready to be deployed:


North Africa landing by David Bowman, on Flickr

The British are making a stand in Morocco. I will move artillery into Gibraltar to keep them from getting too feisty. (If enemy artillery bombard your forces, they have few action points the next turn. Deep reserves are the solution to this, but the British defense looks hasty.

To pivot my forces east, I move every unnecessary unit into the nearest HQ and transfer all its components to that HQ. Over the next turn, the game system will move all unneeded components into the supreme HQ (called OKW in GD1938). The next turn, the HQs will be small enough to move strategically, after which I recreate all the subordinate units over the HQ and let the ToE system repopulate them. It is soooo much more efficient and quick than trying to move the full units strategically or by marching.

I leave a small force in Spain to support North Africa and protect against a British amphibious invasion. I set up anti-partisam forces too, although I don't think partisans can happen here (in GD1938).

Poland

I attacked Poland last turn, even though half my army was in Spain and France. The invasion is going like it normally does in GD1938; Poland lasts 3 turns.


Poland attacked by David Bowman, on Flickr

The Soviets also declared war to get their share. The way that works in GD1938 is that the Soviets declare war on France (which is the power supportnig Poland, hance all the Polish forces look French) then then offer peace again once Poland is taken.


Odd diplomacy by David Bowman, on Flickr

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

With January, we get new models.


Toys by David Bowman, on Flickr

Because of my factory strategy, I have 466 PPs to spend, but even so, they will not go far! I'll need the latest Messerschmitt to get the RAF off my back, and there goes 40% of my kitty!


Very expensive by David Bowman, on Flickr

Medium tank is more exhorbitant, so I defer that to one month later.


Even more expensive by David Bowman, on Flickr

I go for staff III as staff improves the fighting ability of all the troops assigned to them:


Necessary by David Bowman, on Flickr

... and armoured car because it is cheap and very good against infantry formations:


Value by David Bowman, on Flickr

Also I have delayed Winter Training until later too; it is also expensive and a winter campaign against Poland will not be too risky.

Sure, sent. Welcome to TWC.

PLease send me an invite to Slack

Art Ozols

atozols@aol.com

Anyone up for a game? I can play as either side.

It is December 1940, and the British and I are tangoing. I am pretty happy with this, although I really want to reduce the infantry losses:


Air parity by David Bowman, on Flickr

However, with production like this, I am going to get air superiority back soon!


Good production numbers by David Bowman, on Flickr

France

The British are trying a WW1 tactic: bite and hold. It reminds me of the Athenian tactics against the Spartans in the Peleponnnesian War. I need more forces here, but I think artillery will neutralise this:


Interesting British appoach by David Bowman, on Flickr

Looking at the history, my planes are giving as good as they are getting, which I am delighted with as the RAF are far more experienced - given all the victories in the past:


Great air defence by David Bowman, on Flickr

I am going to take out supply from Cherbourg with Uboats. They only need to get within 10 hexes of the cargo ships to interdict (the way the game simulatse patrol areas). I eagerly await the British supply losses next turn!


Submarine warfate heats up by David Bowman, on Flickr

Spain

The British are trying something interesting off Corunna.


Something naval afoot by David Bowman, on Flickr

Although it is invisible to be at the start of the turn (my small garrison does not have a recon capabilities), the history makes it clear.


Just a distraction by David Bowman, on Flickr

I think this is just a distraction, so I'll ignore for now. (However, if I were playing Chuck I would be thinking very carefully now!)

In the south, I plan to take Gibraltar with a massive artillery bombardment. Without the RAF buzzing my guns, this should work.


Massive artillery assault by David Bowman, on Flickr

Africa

My Amphibious force is ready to go. They are depending on me maintaining air superiority here, so it will be interested to see how the British respond.


Amphibious force ready by David Bowman, on Flickr

To support the invasion, I have changed Club Med into a transport hub with cargoships. I'll add some cargo trucks later and she should be able to supply all of North Africa.


Club Med builds cargoships by David Bowman, on Flickr

Poland

I am ready to invade Poland now,, but I will probably wait until spring. In a few more turns I'll invest in winter training


Ready for Poland by David Bowman, on Flickr

It is November 1940, and winter is coming. I did well against the RAF this turn, and my small submarine foce contributed.


Air war is better by David Bowman, on Flickr

My production is beginning to look awesome!


Nice production by David Bowman, on Flickr

France

The British are continung their destructive raids: first air strikes and then an armoured column:


touche by David Bowman, on Flickr

I have not lost planes in France this time because I gave my fighers a no-intercept order. I paid for this in ground losses, but all my squadrons are at full strength for next turn. My first coastal artillery are in place


What can my coastal guns do by David Bowman, on Flickr

Let's see what they can do!


Not stunning by David Bowman, on Flickr

Not awesome, but they will improve with experience. Alexandre and I are having a great game!

Spain

The Royal Navy is assembling to support Gibraltar. It will be interesting to see if this is another Cherbourg, but in the latter, the RAF is just over the Channel. Here, they look like a tempting target for my bombers!


Royal Navy involved by David Bowman, on Flickr

I have been assembling bombers and fighters here to ensure the fall of Gibraltar, and support my amphbious invasion if they can.


airforce in place by David Bowman, on Flickr

They surprised a British incursion this turn. The fascinating cat-amd-mouse game between the Luftwaffe and the RAF continues!


Gotcha by David Bowman, on Flickr

The invasion force is ready, and will load this turn.


Amphibious force by David Bowman, on Flickr

Note that my Italian allies have supported this by taking the Baleares.

Partisans

There are more partisan incidents in France.


Partisans by David Bowman, on Flickr

No doubt funded by the British, but my anti-partisan forces will handle them easily

Poland

It is almost time for Poland. I have five new armies forming on the border.


4 new armies by David Bowman, on Flickr

Note how I create stub units and let the ToE system populate them. This saves time and ensures equal sized units along the front.

It is October 1940, and because I had a quiet day of work, I thought I might sneak in another blog.


Unacceptable losses by David Bowman, on Flickr

Losses are unacceptable. I thought I had the British beachhead covered last turn. However the covering force is just not there any more!


Ouch by David Bowman, on Flickr

Britain's School of Hard Knocks
Checking my history, it was a decent covering force last turn:


Thought I had it covered by David Bowman, on Flickr

Britain is very clever. First they launch a massive airstrike that leaves my forces weakened and eliminates the entrenchment:


clever attack by David Bowman, on Flickr

After the massive airstrike, the Matildas and Crusaders roll over the rubble. I am really hurting here!


Clever attack 2 by David Bowman, on Flickr

The real solution is to stop the British air strikes. I have a new factory that should do that in a few turns; just fighters, flak is not up to the job! I will need a more respectful front around Cherbourg in the meantime.


Time for Air Superiority by David Bowman, on Flickr

Spain

There is some positive news. The Northern Spain pocket is closed and in the south we are facing a glorious last stand:


Spains last stand by David Bowman, on Flickr

Of course, you are allowed a little fun while playing. Once I get my landing in Algeria, I will need to supply it from Spain. So I create an HQ here that will be the parent HQ of all HQs over the Mediterranean. Once I have the transports built, Barcelona will build cargo ships to supply the beachhead


Bit of fun by David Bowman, on Flickr

Two can play at amphibious invasions, Britain!

It is September 1940, and the air war rumbles on, mostly to my disadvantage.


airwar rumbles on by David Bowman, on Flickr

Fortress Europe

The British have not exploited their invasion of France, but neither have I assembled the force to hold them. (I remember assembling an emergency force by now. I wonder if I had not spotted it when playing.)


Losing supply by David Bowman, on Flickr

I also see in this picture that the Royal Navy is interdicting my suupply. See below

My longer term strategy is to make inpregnable fortresses in the French cities and force the Royal Navy to stay out of the channel. This guns can bombard adjacent ships and have high defense hit points so I hope they will be invulnerable to naval assault.


Coastal guns by David Bowman, on Flickr

USA will somewhat disprove the latter assertion, but they did express surprise when they did attack one.

Spain and Beyond

All resistence in Spain has stopped. The north will fall this turn


Spanish campaign almost over by David Bowman, on Flickr

I should be adjacent to Gibraltar next turn. No more fany maneuvers now; I attack each enemy formation with intent to destroy so their zone-of-control does not impede followup troops.


Gibraltar soon by David Bowman, on Flickr

After Gibraltar, I would like to get back to North Africa. I do not see it as a key front, but it may annoy the British, who will be forced to reinforce and supply around Africa. I need an amphibious force to get their, so I use the shipyards of Barcelona to start building troop transports. Note my tech is old (Troop Transport III is available), but I suspect Troop Transport I will be enough


Building Amphibious force by David Bowman, on Flickr

The Main Game

Despite Britain still being so annoying, I believe this game can only be won on the Russian steppe, so I am assembling a new armoured force on the Polish border


Building on polish border by David Bowman, on Flickr

Sypply in ATG

The computer manages supply in ATG. It will find the "best" way to send supplies from the Supreme HQ to the individual units via their HQs. For some reason, it has tried to send supplies through the English Channel. I can see evidence of lost supplies in my building report.


Supply interdiction by David Bowman, on Flickr

I cannot workout which units are drawing supply this way, but I can block it by using the supply blocks.


Stop supply route by David Bowman, on Flickr