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DAR: Poland
1 Attachment(s)
Germany vs. Poland
Mission: Meeting Engagement, Poland, 9/1939 - scattered objectives. Enemy: Reinforced Battalion - 1-2 Armor Co, 2-3 Infantry Co, 1-2 Cavalry Trps, 4-6 Artillery Btry, plus ATG and AAA. Average force experience, ~65. Terrain: Map = 100x100. Moderately wooded terrain with 50% of the map having trees and the other 50% composed of clear area, fields and tall grass. The wooded terrain is clustered, so there are solid areas of woods and areas of clear ground. There are a few small hills between the deployment zones, mostly to the north of an east-west road roughly centered in the map. That is an additional modest sized hill in my deployment area in the northwest corner of the map. There is one additional road, which runs mainly north-south before turning northeast about 1000m from the north edge. The road is just outside the enemy deployment zone for most of its length until the northeast turn. Visibility = 34. Troops: 1 Armor Co. (5 PzKw IId, 17 PzKw IIIb/d(s)), 2 Infantry Co. (PzGren w/trucks), 4 Artillery Btry (On board, 16 tubes towed w/o transport), 2 ATG sections. (3 37mm TaK 30, 3 37mm PaK 35/36 w/trucks)), plus recon (including 1 spotter plane) and ammo supply. Average force experience, ~75. Time: 35 Turns Analysis Since the new patch has been installed, I figured I would start my campaign over again. Rather than going with an SS force, I've gone with a panzer grenadier force. At the moment, my core isn't complete to what I want to make it a complete force. In the end, it will be a well rounded battalion sized task force. Main elements missing at this point are integrated artillery, AAA and ammo supply. The transports at the moment are trucks instead of half-tracks. I will make due until I get repair points to fill the gaps. This should take a bit longer since I'm running -20% on repair points for my setting. On with the analysis. The Polish force is a capable foe in game terms. Disadvantages they suffered in the war are minimized here. Their experience is less, but in compensation they will get more units. Their armor is pretty much equal of the German armor, so standing toe to toe with them is only asking for trouble. The same can be said of their field guns and ATGs. Even their anti-tank rifles are a threat. One element I'm not worried about are cavalry. They do move quickly, but tend to be lightly armed and no match for armor and infantry. The key to defeating the Polish force is to fight them on my terms and not theirs. Terrain elements look like they give me an edge. There are three hills between the deployment zones and I should be able to get to at least two of them first. From one of the ones I can get to first, I should be able to cover the third and keep the enemy from putting it to good use. The other hill I can get to is just north of the east-west road. I will be able to cover that road effectively and let the Polish force come to me. The northern edge of the map, which will end up being my left flank is relatively open. It should be easy to cover with a few guns. The southern or right flank will be a bit more complicated. There are more woods in this area and it will take more time to position for me to position in those. One other aspect that is helpful is most of the flag locations are north of the east-west road. There are only three south of this road I need to capture. I see the keys to this battle as the three hills between the deployment zones. They are designated Hills 1, 2 and 3 from south to north. Plan The initial phase of the battle will be to capture Hills 1 and 2. One grenadiers company will be tasked with this. The company will be reinforced with one platoon from the other grenadiers company meaning for this battle, one will have four platoons and the other will have two platoons. Each company will be supported by one tank platoon. For clarity sake, each platoon additionally has one ATG section, one scout section and an FOO cross attached. The tank company also has an FOO. Finally, there is one more FOO at battalion level, so I have a total of four. Two platoons of grenadiers each will move to and capture Hills 1 and 2. Once they have the hills, they will deploy to engage advancing enemy forces. The objective is to allow them to defeat the enemy forces by taking a temporary defensive posture on these hills. Once the enemy force is beaten, the two platoons on Hill 2 will advance on Hill 3 and open of the enemy flank while the other two platoons on Hill 1 will advance forward. These moves will be supported by the tank platoon supporting this company. The two remaining tank platoons and headquarters section will remain in reserve until Hill 3 is captured and the flank is open. At that time, they will move around the enemy flank and exploit the opening. Company ATGs will cover the open area on the left flank, repositioning as the force advances. The understrength company will deploy in the woods, designated as the South Woods, south of the east-west road. Their objective will be to prevent any enemy push on the southern half of the map. They will advance forward if the opportunity presents itself and if it can be done without leaving the flank open to exploitation by the enemy. I've attached a map with my basic plan outlined on it. |
Re: DAR: Poland
Nice pic if the AI uses the road once it runs into fire from the hills it may try shifting South of road in my view to run up tree line so the South wood guys might well get some action. A temporary position in woods NE of might prove fruitful nearer to gap in road tree line. FOOs should have a good LOS to start with. I must agree that due to likely strength of infantry close quarters fighting in woods is a no no.
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Re: DAR: Poland
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Re: DAR: Poland
Turn 0 (Prep Fire)
No prep fire by either side. Casualties Friendly: Zero. Enemy: Zero. |
Re: DAR: Poland
Turn 1
Units moving out to assigned objectives on Hills 1 and 2 and the South Woods. No enemy sighted. Casualties Friendly: Zero Enemy: Zero. |
Re: DAR: Poland
Turn 2
Continuing to advance on objective locations. No enemy sighted. Casualties Friendly: Zero Enemy: Zero. |
Re: DAR: Poland
Turn 3
Lead elements on western foot of Hills 1 and 2. Lead elements moving into South Woods. Two ATGs have taken up position north of the woods and one to the south of the woods. No enemy sighted. I should see something next turn. Casualties Friendly: Zero Enemy: Zero. |
Re: DAR: Poland
Turn 4
Units taking up position on Hills 1 and 2. Three enemy armored cars heading towards gap between hills. They are about 750m east of the gap. Three enemy tankettes heading west down the east-west road. Lead unit is on southern edge of Hill 1. Units taking up positions in South Woods. No enemy in this area. Casualties Friendly: Zero Enemy: Zero. |
Re: DAR: Poland
Turn 5
Units still moving into position Hill 1 and 2. I'm moving them slowly so they don't get spotted by the advancing enemy units. Enemy armored cars heading towards gap now joined with one cavalry troop. Scouts assaulted one with no effect. Lead tankette engaged and destroyed by ATG north of South Woods. Several more showed up and there are a total of four where the first one was destroyed on the south edge of Hill 1. South Woods force still moving forward. Two tankettes spotted by scouts about 700m east of woods. Casualties Friendly: Zero Enemy: One TK-3 destroyed. |
Re: DAR: Poland
Turn 6
Enemy cavalry seen advancing around north side of Hill 3 and down western slope. Strength at this time is two troops. Since the flank is only protected by three 37mm ATGs, I'm going to have to get them some help. Artillery has been plotted well in advance of the cavalry. Units from Hills 1 and 2 engaged cavalry heading towards gap. Two units took casualties and are running. Armored cars have spread out and are advancing slowly. My support armor platoon is moving forward to ambush the enemy armored cars if they enter the gap. Tankettes on road have held position, but two infantry units seen 100m behind them on the road. My ATG destroyed one more. Artillery has been plotted near the cavalry position. Enemy artillery dropped smoke in front of the gap, while HE fell west of Hill 2. No damage. There are now six tankettes and one tank heading towards the South Woods. Casualties Friendly: Zero Enemy: One TK-3 destroyed and estimated 5 casualties. |
Re: DAR: Poland
Turn 7
Roughly one squadron of enemy cavalry north, south and west of Hill 3. Infantry on the hill engaged some of the cavalry and inflicted some casualties. One platoon of reserve tanks are heading to this flank to help out. The lead cavalry elements are nearing the area where my artillery is plotted, so I'm going to open up with my 37mm ATGs and try to pin them there. No new enemy forces heading toward gap between Hills 1 and 2. The three armored cars are still poking around, but the cavalry advance has stalled where my artillery is plotted. Things on the east-west road will heat up soon. Enemy infantry is moving down this road in company strength. My one gold spot is on this road and the enemy is right on it. I'm going to drop artillery shortly. One more tankette was destroyed near Hill 1. Enemy artillery is continuing to fall in the woods west of Hill 2. Enemy force advancing on South Woods is now five tankettes, five tanks and one infantry squad. There had been a sixth tankette, but it was destroyed by another ATG north of the woods. Casualties Friendly: Zero Enemy: Two TK-3 destroyed and estimated 10 casualties. |
Re: DAR: Poland
Turn 8
Engaged enemy cavalry squadron with ATGs and infantry from Hill 2. My artillery started coming in, also but was a bit off the mark. Their advancing force here is already beginning to waver some. I'm going to have to go after the armored cars east of the Hills 1 and 2 gap. They are still sitting there. I've got a scout right in the middle of them, but they don't seem to see it. Artillery hit the supporting cavalry here. I suspect they will run for cover shortly. Enemy on the road is acting very timidly. I haven't done anymore than fire one 37mm ATG at tankettes there, but they just aren't moving past the first one destroyed. My artillery will hit next turn and should rain havoc on them. Enemy artillery is still hitting the woods. Nothing close to on target at the moment, but my tank platoon heading to the north flank will have to swing a little wide to avoid the impact zone. More enemy infantry spotted east of South Woods. Estimated strength now is platoon. Tanks and tankettes still advancing. One more tankette was destroyed and another one shot up. Casualties Friendly: Zero Enemy: One TK-3 destroyed and estimated 15 casualties. |
Re: DAR: Poland
Turn 9
My raw troops on Hill 2 are starting to waver some after taking a few casualties. The gave better than the got, but there is a lot of enemy cavalry in the area. I've got two squads running right now and a mass of cavalry are approaching from the northeast. Two armored cars are been destroyed. If they were going to wait there for me to come after them, it was bound to happen. All but one cavalry unit have disappeared into the woods. Artillery has started falling on the road so their infantry approaching here is starting to get hit. None of the units are moving past that burning tankette still. There are three more there, plus a lot of infantry. I'm not sure why they aren't moving forward. My artillery will hit them harder next turn. Three more tanks showed up east of the South Woods. There isn't anything I can't handle, but they did bounce a few shots off of my tanks. Three more tankettes were destroyed. Enemy infantry is now to the east in company strength. My spotter plane ventured out a little too far and was shot down by AAA unit in the enemy rear. Casualties Friendly: One spotter plane destroyed and estimated 5 casualties. Enemy: Three TKS tankettes and two Wz.34 II armored cars destroyed and estimated 15 casualties. |
Re: DAR: Poland
Turn 10
Took a few more casualties on Hill 2 and two squads are still running. I've got two more squads shifting to assist, the reserve tank platoon is almost around the hill to help and the support tank platoon is forgetting about the last armored car for now and going to help. The enemy cavalry is still coming, but slowing down due to fire from the ATGs, one tank and a couple of squads. More artillery plotted to on the northeastern slope of the hill. Artillery continuing to hit road south and southeast of Hill 1. Enemy took some hard hits. An MG-34 team on the north side of the hill also engaged some enemy infantry. One more tankette was destroyed leaving two remaining. My tanks pulled back into the South Woods to wait for a better shot at the approaching enemy tanks. The one that had two rounds bounced off of it the previous turn just got lucky and there wasn't any reason to tempt fate. Casualties Friendly: Estimated 2 casualties. Enemy: One TK-3 tankette destroyed and estimated 15 casualties. |
Re: DAR: Poland
Turn 11
More casualties on Hill 2 and another squad running. Tanks from support platoon and reserve platoon engaging enemy cavalry now. Just when I thought they would make the difference and break the attack, an enemy tank and one squad showed up on Hill 3. More than likely, there are more behind them. They turned the flag on the east side of the hill, but artillery should hit there next turn. Enemy artillery is coming down all over Hill 2 now. One enemy squad showed up east of the gap between Hills 1 and 2. They could be signs of another company coming up or be part of the unit the squad on Hill 3 is with. Only time will tell. Enemy cavalry and the last armored car returned to the area as well. I am trying to move my infantry in to take care of the armored car, but they don't have much for anti-tank weapons. I think it's time to commit my remaining reserve in this area. That way they can either turn north and deal with the cavalry attack or turn south and hit the enemy infantry on the road. I guess my plan for a flanking move might go out the window. At least my ATG destroyed the last seen tankette on the road. I believe there is one more around somewhere. Artillery is continuing to pound the road. I've lost track of most of the enemy tanks east of the South Woods. One of my ATGs did destroy another tankette and one tank. My infantry also engaged some advancing enemy infantry. Casualties Friendly: Estimated 5 casualties. Enemy: One TK-3 and one TKS.m tankettes and one FT-18 tank destroyed and estimated 20 casualties. |
Re: DAR: Poland
Turn 12
Tank support on and around Hill 2 is stabilizing the situation. Three friendly squads are still out of control, but the enemy cavalry is taking a beating now. Shots were traded between friendly and enemy tanks. Since there was only one enemy tank at the time, it lost. Another has showed up. Tanks also fired at the one infantry squad seen on Hill 3 as well. It turned and ran. Artillery hit the cavalry force as well, while incoming mail is still hitting Hill 2. Enemy infantry on the road are heading more or less northwest into the fields east of Hill 1, but they seem to be disorganized. They have been hit by artillery and machinegun fire. The armored car is still alive, but was being engaged by one tank from Hill 2. Infantry also assaulted, also. Reserve tanks have started moving down the road instead of towards the hill gap. Since the situations around Hill 2 seems to be more under control, the road seemed to be a better and faster option. East of the South Woods, another enemy tank was destroyed by an ATG. There are still a few infantry squads visible, so tanks manuevered and took a few shots resulting in one squad running. Other tanks are moving north in the woods to catch the flank of any enemy tanks heading northwest. In general, tanks and tankettes that have been destroyed were heading in that direction from this sector. Enemy counter battery fire hit a couple of my batteries and crews are running. Casualties Friendly: Estimated 5 casualties. Enemy: One FT-17 tank destroyed and estimated 20 casualties. |
Re: DAR: Poland
Turn 13
Enemy cavalry near Hill 2 has been destroyed. No more are visible, but infantry is coming out of the woods east of the hill. At this point, two platoons are advancing west. The tank on the hill has also been destroyed. A platoon of infantry is heading west towards the gap, but they have a long way to go. Enemy cavalry has been destroyed, but that last armored car is annoying. Two support tanks are coming from Hill 2 to deal with it. Until then, a platoon of infantry will keep it entertained. On the south edge of Hill 1, one tankette was found. An infantry assault immobilized it. Enemy infantry also moved onto the hit, but was ambushed by my infantry and is now running. Enemy in the fields are still disorganized. Three friendly armored cars from the reserve force have reached the area. They will swing around onto the top of the hill and start engaging enemy while the rest of the reserve force comes up. Activity near the South Woods is still difficult to evaluate. I know there are more tanks around, but I only see one. It has been taking fire from an ATG and it has been hit several times. My infantry is engaging enemy infantry in the open east of the woods. Counter battery fire seems to have stopped. Casualties Friendly: Estimated 5 casualties. Enemy: One 7TP tank destroyed and estimated 20 casualties. |
Re: DAR: Poland
Turn 14
Tanks around Hill 2 are engaging enemy infantry. The infantry advance has stalled and they are pulling back into the woods. Most of my infantry has rallied and are moving back into position. The three ATGs are moving forward to bring them online with forces on Hill 2. Two support tanks are engaging enemy infantry heading to the gap and the armored car. I have a platoon of infantry in the area and they are moving slowly forward since the enemy forces are wavering. There is a company of enemy infantry in the field east of Hill 1. Artillery is giving them a hard time They are receiving some small arms fire from the hill, plus some machine gun fire. Tanks are moving into position. Enemy tanks that were heading northwest from a position east of the South Woods have reached the road. There are five in the area and will link up with their infantry in a turn or two. My reserve force is still moving up. The immobilized tankette was destroyed after the crew abandoned it. The enemy infantry east of the South Woods have been left behind by their armor support. They are in company strength and heading to the northwest; the same direction as their tanks, so it's reasonable to conclude they are heading that way. Support tanks are moving out to engage the infantry. They destroyed one tank that got left behind and an ATG got another. Counter battery fire is not hitting my other artillery park. Those crews run at the first round :mad: I've got counter battery plotted on an enemy battery of 75mm guns and will see that in a few turns. Casualties Friendly: Estimated 5 casualties. Enemy: Two FT-18 tanks and one TKS.m destroyed and estimated 25 casualties. |
Re: DAR: Poland
Turn 15
Enemy infantry east of Hill 2 have been confirmed to be in company strength. I had been thinking that the infantry here and east of the gap had been elements of one company, but now I believe they are two separate companies. Total enemy infantry force now estimated at four companies. Anyhow, my tanks and infantry are moving forward and engaging enemy infantry in this area. Enemy artillery is hitting on Hill 2 and the eastern slope, but are not inflicting any casualties. Six enemy squads and one cavalry squad are east of the gap and trying to push forward without success. My small force here are holding them in check. Enemy armored car finally destroyed. It was a pain. Hill 1 force engaging enemy infantry in the field. One squad took a few casualties, but the enemy took more from small arms fire and artillery. Reserve armored cars on hill and engaging enemy also and one platoon is moving that way. The tank company HQ section is holding on the road with infantry support in case the enemy tanks near the road head west. Still inflicting casualties on enemy infantry east of South Woods. Tanks were moving forward when another enemy tank fire, knocking out the coax machine gun on one. The tanks pulled back into an ambush position, but the tank moved a different way and was engaged by an ATG instead. Another ATG engaged the enemy tanks near the road, with no effect. Tanks and infantry hit the enemy infantry east of the wood and several squads are running. My remaining infantry are moving forward. Enemy counter battery has disruptted two of my batteries right now. The fire landed behind the guns, but close enough to rout the crews. They ran into the impact zone and took more of a beating this time. I'm not sure if my counter battery fire will come in or not. One of those two batteries may have been tasked with that job. Casualties Friendly: Estimated 5 casualties. Enemy: Two FT-18 tanks and one TKS.m destroyed and estimated 25 casualties. |
Re: DAR: Poland
Turn 16
Tanks and infantry are still pushing forward to Hill 3, engaging enemy infantry along the way. They are still putting up resistence, but aren't able to advance. Additional infantry are in the woods south of the hill. They pop out, get engaged and run back in. Enemy infantry seem to increasing in strength east of the gap. The are coming out of the woods in piecemeal, so there aren't enough active at any time to push my forces out of the way. My tanks are now in position on Hill 1. They are engaging enemy infantry and destroyed one enemy tank moving off the road. All of them seem to be still heading northwest. Now that I have looked at the map, they are trying to get to the flags on and around Hill 2. Moving in the open in front of Hill 1 isn't going to get them there. Three more enemy tanks have showed up east of the South Woods, heading northwest, like everything else the enemy has. One was destroyed by my tanks in the area. The tank that punched a hole in one of mine was destroyed by an ATG. Enemy infantry is still taking a beating and pulling back. Enemy counter battery fire has shifted back to the other artillery park, but only two rounds dropped near by. If their counter battery picks up, my artillery will be combat ineffective. Four crews have decided to call it a day early and left the map, last seen heading for Berlin. Casualties Friendly: Estimated 5 casualties. Enemy: Two 7TP and one FT-17 tanks and estimated 15 casualties. |
Re: DAR: Poland
Very interesting like your format and initial briefing map. Keep'em coming! :up:
Bob out:D |
Re: DAR: Poland
Totally agree with PanzerBob`s post - keep them coming!
Like you when the new patch came out started my long campaign again. I have found that through trial and error (experience!) I have adopted most of the advice you have gave to me. |
Re: DAR: Poland
Turn 17
Got a little careless up near Hill 3 and drove a tank into an ambush of an ATR. :mad: Infantry is working it's way forward for support against situations like that. Enemy infantry is running in this area. I'll need infantry to pick through the woods to avoid losing any more tanks. Enemy artillery is hitting Hill 2 and life for one squad covering a flag has been better. I'm going to move it forward if I can so it will cover the flag from a safer distance. I'm still seeing more enemy infantry approaching the gap between Hill 1 and 2. My defending force is thin here, but I'm sure they can hold the enemy off. I took a few casualties, but the enemy took more. I'm not sure, but I think the enemy is down to only four tanks left. At least that is all I can see. Three are at the eastern edge of Hill 1 and a fourth is farther out. I hope to thin those out some. In the meantime, my tanks and infantry on Hill 1 have been raking fire all over the enemy in the field to our front. My limited remaining artillery managed to have a couple of guns hit the infantry in the field. For the most part, the enemy infantry is pulling back. The tank reserve HQ section is pulling around to the rear of these troops with the intention of hitting them from behind. The squad on the road that was with them is moving forward. One trailing enemy tank was destroyed by an ATG. The last tank near the South Woods was destroyed by my tanks. Infantry and tanks are moving east now, pushing the enemy as we advance. Too bad this isn't up north where there are more flags to capture. Enemy counter battery fire has stopped, so I should be able to get a total of eight guns back into action shortly. Several still need ammo. As for the other guns, as I mentioned earlier, four crews left and four more look like they aren't going to recover. Casualties Friendly: One PzKw IIIb/d (s) tank destroyed and estimated 5 casualties. Enemy: Two FT-18 tanks and estimated 25 casualties. |
Re: DAR: Poland
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Re: DAR: Poland
Turn 18
Infrantry is advancing on Hill 3 while tanks are holding position and engaging enemy. Most enemy infantry is on the run in this area now. They did drop some artillery on a couple of tanks which will take this as a sign to move. No casualties in this area, but the enemy took a beating. Gap force is still holding ground, but a few infantry units from in front of Hill 1 are moving into the area. One of my scouts was sent running, but otherwise, we are holding our positions well. Three of the four enemy tanks in front of Hill 1 were destroyed. That leave once, which shouldn't survive the turn. Their infantry is pulling back for the most part. Some 500m away in the tree line are maintaining order, but the ones in the field are retreating. My forces are starting to slowly push forward. Enemy infantry east of South Woods is generally running. A few popped off a shot or two, but paid for their bravery. My forces continue to move east in this sector. Casualties Friendly: Estimated 5 casualties. Enemy: Three 7TP tanks destroyed and estimated 30 casualties. |
Re: DAR: Poland
Turn 19
One enemy infantry squad moved forward drawing a lot of fire from my units. The remaining enemy are retreating. Lead elements of my force are on the western slope of Hill 3 at the moment, while some infantry is moving in the woods south of the hill. The only real enemy resistance is still in front of the gap between Hills 1 and 2, probably because I don't have enough here to break them. I have only two tanks and three squads in this area. For the most part, things are static on both sides here. Infantry and tanks moving slowly forward from Hill 1. Enemy resistance is light. There is about one company of enemy here, but most are running. The last tank in this sector have been destroyed. Two more tanks seen in east of South Woods, but aren't really a threat since they are older models. The amount of enemy infantry visible has reduced in half as most are running. No artillery fired on either side. Casualties Friendly: Estimated 2 casualties. Enemy: One FT-18 tank destroyed and estimated 20 casualties. |
Re: DAR: Poland
Turn 20
Moving onto Hill 3. Enemy resistance is breaking down in this area and they are running. Some enemy artillery hit to the rear of my troops, but no casualties. Enemy holding position east of the gap, but they aren't advancing. Incoming mail dropped on some of my troops, but they are holding. My forces are holding as well. Moved half way across the field east of Hill 1. Enemy infantry is running. Some incoming mail on the hill, but no damage. One of the enemy tanks destroyed east of South Woods. There is one remaining. Ran into the Polish version of Rambo with an ATR. It punched a hole in two of my tanks before it was eliminated. Most of their infantry has retreated into their deployment zone in this sectory. Casualties Friendly: Estimated 2 casualties. Enemy: One FT-17 tank destroyed and estimated 20 casualties. |
Re: DAR: Poland
Turn 21
Units on the top of Hill 3. Infantry continuing to push into the woods. Artillery still dropping behind my position. Most enemy infantry units east of the gap have vanished. One or two squads are left, but aren't very solid. Some enemy artillery still falling in the gap. Most enemy infantry east of Hill 1 have vanished into the woods. Two tanks spotted on the road. One was destroyed. Enemy hitting Hill 1, but not much there. Enemy dropped some smoke in the area. Last enemy tank seen east of South Woods destroyed. Another enemy ATR team was seen and destroyed as well. One enemy squad showed a bit of spunk, but it didn't last long. I've plotted one battery to hit an enemy battery near the back edge flag figuring I will have to make a run after that one. The Polish 75mm howitzers are capable of killing any of my armor. Casualties Friendly: Estimated 2 casualties. Enemy: Two FT-18 tanks destroyed and estimated 20 casualties. |
Re: DAR: Poland
Turn 22
Enemy forces being pushed back in all sectors. Elements east of the South Woods have pushed into their deployment zone. One enemy take seen on the road, but it is an FT-17 with just a 7.5mm machine gun. There had been two other tanks on the road, but both were destroyed. One thing I'm finding very annoying is the enemy seems to smell when I plot counter battery because they are hitting my guns again. :mad: Casualties Friendly: Zero. Enemy: One FT-18 and FT-17 tanks destroyed and estimated 15 casualties. |
Re: DAR: Poland
Turn 23
In general, the rout seems to be on. A few enemy units are putting up resistance here and there, but most are running. Two enemy tanks showed up, but one was destroyed and another immobilized. I'm guessing those were reinforcements that came in. One flag was turned this turn. Looks like I have eight to go. Enemy counter battery stopped again and for a change, mine had a chance to hit. I'm going to try to take out their on board stuff before I get to their back flag. Casualties Friendly: Zero. Enemy: One FT-17 tank destroyed and estimated 10 casualties. |
Re: DAR: Poland
Turn 24
Still a few spry enemy units left, but not many. One enemy squad ended up with one of my tanks. They traded shots, leaving the enemy unit routed. No enemy artillery this turn, but my counter battery is having is effective on the battery I targeted. One more enemy tank showed up and the immobilized tankd from last turn was destroyed. Casualties Friendly: Zero. Enemy: One FT-18 tank destroyed and estimated 20 casualties. |
Re: DAR: Poland
Turn 25
A few of my squads advancing through the woods stumbled into ambushes, but that was expected. I'm going to get out of the woods except in areas where it the shortest distance to a flag. I tore into other running enemy infantry units and destroyed another tank as well. They should be out of tanks, but I saw one Taczanka at the road intersection and took a few shots. I'll finish it next turn. One enemy infantry squad was bypassed and took a few shots at me from behind. That's a good way to die. I turned one more flag. Seven left. Casualties Friendly: Estimated 5 casualties. Enemy: One FT-17 tank destroyed and estimated 30 casualties. |
Re: DAR: Poland
Turn 26
No ambushes this turn. A few die hards putting up resistance, but I'm pushing forward in all sectors. One spot where the enemy refugees are concerntated is on the east-west road just west of the interection. I'm moving tanks and infantry up and cutting them to pieces. The two infantry units that ambushed me last turn were hit back this turn. One I managed to manuever a tank to get some shots at. The other moved forward into another infantry squad I had the area, so the ambush was reverse. Two Taczankas were destroyed by tank machine gun fire. The enemy artillery came back to life, but is shelling places where I've been and not where I'm at. Casualties Friendly: Estimated 2 casualties. Enemy: Two Taczanka SPAA units destroyed and estimated 20 casualties. |
Re: DAR: Poland
Turn 27
Lost one of my small tanks to an ambush in the woods. Without half tracks, I'm forced to send my infantry on foot through the woods and I don't have enough to clear them completely. I'm trying to keep my armor in supporting range, but obviously I missed one infantry unit. Two of my squads are lagging behind and they would actually have been the ones that would have cleared this area. Time is becoming a factor, so I have to be a bit more rash. I've got it won, but I want to get the decisive victory. Casualties Friendly: One PzKw IId tank destroyed and estimated 5 casualties. Enemy: Estimated 20 casualties. |
Re: DAR: Poland
Turn 28
Found the infantry unit in the woods that destroyed my tank and clobbered it. My forces are pushing hard right now. I turned one more flag and am close to four more. There is only one left near the back edge of the map. I'm not sure I will get to that one. All my units south of the east-west road are heading northeast to towards the road, except one platoon which is set up to block any enemy trying to push west. I want to try to cut off the enemy retreating down the road. It seams like it's loaded with troops. One tank section left the infantry behind and is dashing for the road. If I can clear the road, my armored cars may still make it to that back flag. Casualties Friendly: Zero Enemy: Estimated 20 casualties. |
Re: DAR: Poland
Turn 29
Turned two more flags, so I've got three to go. I might have forgot to mention I turned one last turn. Close to two of the ones left. My tanks got to the road, which engaged some enemy there. Hit one enemy mortar with some "counter battery". Nothing like a tank at point blank range :D Once I finish with the mortar, I'm going to move those tanks after the back flag, because they are the closest to it. Encountered the enemy HQ unit and sent it running as well. A routed army needs a leader. Casualties Friendly: Zero Enemy: Estimated 20 casualties. |
Re: DAR: Poland
Turn 30
My tank section on the road is still working on that mortar. It's running, but not dead. The enemy is swarming all over the road. It's good they are all routed. There are a couple of infantry AA machine guns running with them. A unit or two farther north have a little life left in them, but not enough to stop me. A marksman showed up near a flag I'm covering with a scout unit. I'm going to send back one armored car to support the scout. Artillery has been plotted on two known locations of Polish 75mm howitzers. Casualties Friendly: Estimated 2 casualties. Enemy: Estimated 15 casualties. |
Re: DAR: Poland
Turn 31
My point tank section lost one tank to a hidden Bofors. At least the crew survived. I don't have time to be delicate about getting to the last flag, so I guess I have to let that one go. I got one of the others and am 100m from one more. Enemy units on the road got chewed up pretty well. Not many left. The mortar was abandoned. Enemy off board artillery started to counter my on board batteries, so they will be running soon. Casualties Friendly: One PzKw IIIb/d (s) tank destroyed. Enemy: Estimated 30 casualties. |
Re: DAR: Poland
Turn 32
I've got 20 out of 21 flags and have to be happy with that. The last one isn't worth the risk if trying to get to knowing there are Bofors out there I haven't even located yet. A few enemy infantry units are moving to flags I just recently captured, but they are covered so I'll hold them. Casualties Friendly: Zero. Enemy: Estimated 20 casualties. |
Re: DAR: Poland
Turn 33
Picked off a few more isolated enemy units, but for the most part am holding my position. Enemy artillery is pounding the cross roads, but I left there a while ago. Casualties Friendly: Zero. Enemy: Estimated 20 casualties. |
Re: DAR: Poland
Turn 34
Looks like the enemy got one of my artillery pieces a while ago. No matter, I guess. Still holding position. Casualties Friendly: Zero. Enemy: Estimated 10 casualties. |
Re: DAR: Poland
1 Attachment(s)
Decisive Victory!!!!
Turn 35 My scouts spotted two Bofors, took out one and shot up the other. At that point, I brought to bear everything I had close. After several squads, five tanks and two armored car fired at it, I finally got it. My forces also engaged a few other enemy units seen as well. Casualties Friendly: Zero. Enemy: Two 40mm Bofors destoryed and estimated 30 casualties. Total Casualties German Men: 76 Artillery: 1 Soft Vehicles: 0 APCs: 0 AFVs: 3 Air Transports/Helos: 1 (one spotter plane) Aircraft: 0 Poland Men: 1277 Artillery: 18 Soft Vehicles: 0 APCs: 0 AFVs: 40 Air Transports/Helos: 0 Aircraft: 0 Score Germany: 5363 GB: 491 Final Comments I got the decisive victory out of this battle but I wasn't really happy the way it turned out. Most of the plan went as designed. I captured Hill 3, elements from Hill 1 were able to push forward as were the elements in the South Woods. The flanking maneuver around the North side of Hill 3 didn't happen, because I had to commit my reserves elsewhere. One has to be willing to just throw the plan away as soon as it becomes clear the AI won't cooperate. There are three factors that come into play for the struggle during this battle. The first is the overall experience of my core. I started over because of the latest patch and my core was at national average experience. My units ran when under fire more readily than they did with a more experienced core. This applies to my artillery crews as well. The second again was related to me starting over. I'm use to a rapid force capable of assault style tactics using infantry and half-tracks. My force has trucks right now and not half tracks. All I could do is run forward and drop my force off. The speed of the trucks still helped. It was better to be fighting from the tops of the hills than fighting to get up them. Starting my fighting 250m farther back could have resulted in me getting a marginal victory. It will still take time for me to upgrade my trucks to half-tracks, so I have to get use to it. The final factor was getting use to the artillery changes. For sake of realism, my core has four FOOs. One is assigned to each company and one at battalion level. I wanted to make the most of them to minimize the impact of the artillery changes. It's difficult to say I really had a chance to adapt to the artillery changes because the AI hit my artillery with counter battery fire much earlier than it usually does. Fire adjustments may be more delayed, but not nearly as much as waiting for crews to return to their guns, if they come back at all. Overall, I guess I shouldn't be unhappy with roughly a 15 to 1 destroy rate of enemy assets, except aircraft. Looks like the next battle will be another meeting engagement. I've added six truck mobile 81mm mortar units, eight SPAA units and two ammo trucks. Also, I upgraded five PzKw IId tanks to PzKw IVb units. Overall, getting 20% fewer repair points didn't seem to hurt. I've attached the save just before I ended my last turn. Enjoy! |
Re: DAR: Poland
Hmmm, very similar to my first Polish campaign battle, which was a meeting engagement. Visibility about 25 I think.
Losses: Germany - men=65, and AFV's=3 Poland - men=1489, artillery=10, AFV's=40. Score: Germany 4853, Poland 243 I will emphasize what is perhaps one key differences in our battles, and this being a meeting engagement it may not matter, and that is that you are playing with shotgun objectives. Mine is with clustered ones. One of the mods said some time ago that the AI is not programmed to defend shotgun objectives, but only clustered ones. That is why I do not play shotgun, though I liked it more, anymore. I can say in playing the Poles, I haven't really seen any difference, but it's been quite while that I've done the shotgun too. I am also playing with the -20% repair points. It's overly generous if your battles are coming out way ahead. |
Re: DAR: Poland
I think you are correct and that the objectives being scattered doesn't matter as much since it was a meeting engagement. It did seem to have a single minded fixation on capturing the forward most flags first. This resulted on large numbers of AI troops passing laterally in front of a position I had on one hill. They would return fire, but not stop and engage my position.
It makes sense that the AI defends grouped objectives better. I suspect that goes back to the original code years ago where all the objects were grouped. To be honest, I've never paid much attention to which battles seem easier, scattered or grouped objectives. Grouped are easier to plan for and attack, but scattered are more difficult to cover once you have them. The odd isolated AI units can come and pick one off easier. |
Re: DAR: Poland
Yes, it's pretty funny, that it seems no matter what you do, if you flip the patty over, the other side is cooling off. Take for example the discussion we had about my very high maps. The AI did get compensated somewhat by my not attacking in the absolute best way I could, but otherwise it was obvious while my defense was tougher with that sort of map, so was his. Then again, I'm not so sure I have played a total offensive action since the grapeshot patterns were allowed. I must had played some, but the memory isn't sufficient for that far back. All I know is that I get about the same sort of defense consistently in meeting engagements.
So the same thing with your grapeshot objectives. Your attack could suffer more, at least in terms of gathering objectives, as I do recall when I played that way it seemed to be, but I don't think it's because the defense was geared for it at all, but only because I thought it was. You have a more difficult total nab of the objectives, whereas the same thing goes for the AI when attacking you. I didn't bother to look at the enemy forces after the battle, if it would had let me, but it sure looks like you and I both destroyed the entireity of two Polish armored companies. |
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