Quote:
Originally Posted by wulfir
You have enough sealift for one division in the first wave. If you wish to split the resources up and land roughly half of the South African Division and half of the American Division to establish two different beachheads that is up to you.
At the start of the game only the Gibraltar garrison is located in Gibraltar. You can reinforce it with additional units from your bases in North Africa - this transport will require shipping. If it takes place at the same time as the other landings those other landings must be reduced in size.
You have enough air transport to drop one American parachute and one glider battalion in the first wave.
The 7th Special Air Service Regiment is a parachute capable battalion size formation, although it is smaller than a regular infantry battalion. The troops are trained to operate (in uniform) behind enemy lines to disrupt enemy communications etc. The unit is motorised with MG armed jeeps. The jeeps can also be landed from the air. Most often the idea is to use the force in smaller detachements. If needed the unit can also be used as a (motorised) line infantry formation - though it is less suited to this role. For game purposes you can parachute in this unit on the first day "without extra cost of air transport". It cannot be swapped with other airborne capable units.
In addition to all other operations the No 14 Commando can be landed from the sea without additional "cost of shipping" - this is a unique capability only true for this unit. It cannot be swapped for say the Norwegians or an armoured brigade.
1) Do you want the landings against the Balearic islands to be simultaneous with the other landings, or do you want to occupy them prior to the invasion of the mainland?
2) Divide up the naval escort - what ships are to support each landing.
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Due to the limited air and naval resources I will go with landing the US airborne and ground units at Valencia. The SAS will go in behind the lines and the Commandos will take the islands simultaneously (No need to tip off that the invasion is coming).
After airfields at Valencia are secured the 7th Canadian division will be brought in by air to reinforce the beachhead.
If enemy forces move on Valencia (and it is strong enough to hold) follow up landings can be made near Barcelona to cut of the enemy's supply lines and path of retreat (ala the Anzio operation) . If the enemy response is in force the follow up landings will have to support the initial beachhead.
4 DDs and one CA will cover the landing in the Balearic Islands and the remainder of the naval units will cover the Valencia landings.
After the Balearic islands are secure, the commandos will come ashore and a small garrison will replace them on the islands. The B-25s, Mosquitoes and P-40s will operate from here while the shorter range fighters will operate from Valencia air base.