Der Aufstieg des Dritten Reiches. A Dies Irae: Gotterdammerung AAR.

[Krauter]

It's that time! Thanks to the Steam sale I finally got my hands on Dies Irae Gotterdammerung and Stars and Stripes DLC for HOI3. These DLCs are geared specifically towards the US and German gameplay. Because I've eyed it for so long I figured I'd start DI:G first and share my.. Well let's not sugar coat this, mistakes and downfalls, as the Fuhrer of the German Reich.

I am playing against the AI on normal difficulty (though DI:G supes up it's abilities such as IC, infra, buildtimes, etc).

My house rules (which will probably have additions as I think of them) are at this point:

- No spamming IC.
- No spamming on unit
- Try to be as realistic as possible (i.e.: No Channel Dash of ships at night to invade).
- No abusing laws (DOW some small country to keep the wartime bonuses).

Keep in mind that with this AAR I will not seek to mimic history. If I see fit to invade Britain in 1940 I will do so. If Poland needs to be swatted in 1938 or in 1941 I will do so.

Also, please feel free to leave any comments and suggestions in here! Subsim is a hell of a lot better as a High Command then my generals are probably going to be :D

I will try to go 3-4 months at a time in pre-war years and once wartime erupts I will try to do 1 month at a time (or 1 week if it gets really crazy).

Thank's for reading this and hopefully you all enjoy it.

Der Fuhrer,
Krauter.

[Krauter]

http://i679.photobucket.com/albums/vv151/Krauts08/0GermanyYear1January1.jpg
(:damn:)

In January of 1936, Nazi Germany was a hive of activity. Based on the reports from Admiral Raeder, General Beck and Goering, Hitler set in motion a series of plans that would culminate in the military dominance of the Third Reich over Europe.

Operational Analyses and Proposed Solutions for the German Armed Forces
http://i679.photobucket.com/albums/vv151/Krauts08/2MilitaryOverview-Copy.jpg

In the Winter of 1936, it was found that Germany severely lacked in one major aspect for each of it's armed forces.

http://i679.photobucket.com/albums/vv151/Krauts08/3WehrmachtOverview.jpg

- In the Wehrmacht, it was found that the number of infantry brigades was sufficient for the time being, however they lacked the heavy firepower that an artillery regiment would provide. Thus, for the year of 1936, Hitler deemed it necessary to expand the artillery corps by at least twofold.


Another critical aspect that the Wehrmacht was lacking was also something that it would come to rely upon for victory in the coming year, its mobile forces. In the winter of 1936, Wehrmacht reports indicated that only 3 Panzer divisions, 1. Panzer, 2. Panzer and 3. Panzer Divisions, were combat ready. Also the command and control aspect of the panzers was not yet in place. As such, two divisions (2 & 1 ) were in place in North Western Germany whereas 3. Panzer was in place around Berlin. This separation of forces would not do and was something that needed to be fixed in the coming year.

http://i679.photobucket.com/albums/vv151/Krauts08/4LuftwaffeOverview.jpg

- In the Luftwaffe, despite Goerings blustering attempts to persuade Hitler to the contrary, it was found that they severely lacked the capability to defend the Fatherland. This was of utmost importance and as such received the majority of attention from High Command. At present, the 3 interceptor squadrons available for deployment were hardly enough to protect Germany even from a country as pitiful as Poland, let alone France and Britain.

http://i679.photobucket.com/albums/vv151/Krauts08/5KriegsmarineOverview.jpg

- In the Kriegsmarine, Admiral Rader was content with the launching of the Graf Spee being imminent as well as the designs of a new super battleship being put on the drawing boards. However, a new shift in strategic thinking was taking place and Hitler decided that the focus of the Kriegsmarine would not be to project power but to harass the enemy scout them out to be destroyed by the Luftwaffe's superior bomber forces. As such, the fleet of coastal Type II U-boats was deemed to be ineffective. A new, medium range Type 7 is set to enter the fleet and is hoped to make a difference in the Kriegsmarines operational capabilities. Even now our preparations are finally finishing up in Sweden and in Holland to finish the designs needed for this submarine.

German Diplomatic Moves

With our strategic aims in mind, our Foreign Minister has finally set in motions plans to secure vital supplies. Principle in these are influencing the diplomatic views of Saudi Arabi and Romania towards us. Chiefly for their oil, but with the Saudis position in the deserts it is hoped that, if and when we make a move on the Suez in the upcoming conflict, that they can provide aid.

Also, we have made moves to get in contact with our socialist brothers in Rome to secure the aid of Il Duce, Mussolini who is, as we speak, pursuing a fruitless campaign in Ethiopia... (:/\\!!). Finally, we have made ventures to get in contact with the Imperial Empire of Japan. Though many of you will think that this is odd, considering they are enemies of our friends the Chinese, and holders of the other half of our Sino-German Trade Agreements, we have deemed that the Japanese, with their superior navy and carrier forces will be better suited to help us fight the Bolsheviks. That it will please Raider, and stop his crying in the corner whilst sipping schnapps about our lack of big gun ships, is incidental. However slight the chance that the Japanese will help us in procuring our own big gun fleet, it is all incidental in our aims of taking down the Red Bear.

Intelligence

Admiral Canaris, the head of the Abwehr has informed us that even now, our spies are infiltrating the governments and apparatus of France, Britain, the Soviet Union and the United States. What fruits these efforts will reap we do not know. Soon we will find out.

[Kremmen]

Gotta love those Romanian oilfields and grabbing Seuz would really give the Brits a headache having to sail round Africa.
Any plans on taking Gibraltar and trapping the British Fleet in the Med ?
Will look forward to more updates :salute:

[Krauter]

Thanks for the post mate. Work is getting a little crazy right now and, with a perceived lack of interest I had this on the back burner. I'll try and get my pictures uploaded and some more gameplay/updates put in tonight though to keep this alive.

As far as my plans go for the Mediterranean go, I want to let Italy do its thing in Africa so as to not detract from my land campaign in Russia. If Italy can secure the Suez then I will send some forces to Africa to come up through Turkey and after a long winded campaign come into Baki. However I haven't fully thought it out yet so I might scrap that.

Gibraltar is a hard nut to crack and rightfully so. I think that the only way I'm going to be able to crack it will be to wait until Spain is in the Axis and pummel it by land sea and air, or starve it out and land elite troops there. In every game I've played as Germany, Gibraltar either makes or breaks my attempts in the Mediterranean.

I'm off to work right now but I will try to have more updates coming along for you.

[Kremmen]

Cool,let's get these panzers rolling :D

[TarJak]

I'd sack Raeder and replace him with Doenitz and that Canaris bloke doesn't know what he's talking about. I'd also get someone to cook up something better than Enigma as it's probably not going to stop anyone looking at your messages.:03:

Nice PAR BTW.:03:

[Krauter]

The Greater German Reich Marches Forward

Throughout 1936, Germany has attempted to broaden her horizons and extend her influences. The events that took place give credence to that.

http://i679.photobucket.com/albums/vv151/Krauts08/7RhinelandOccupation.jpg

First and foremost, the Occupation of the Rhineland, retaking that which is rightfully ours, occurred. Though this infuriated France, Britain made no move to stop us. This only supports our theory that they will aim to contain us between Poland and France. However, we must still play our cards correctly. Strike too soon and France will retake our possessions. Too late and we will be squeezed on all sides.

http://i679.photobucket.com/albums/vv151/Krauts08/6UbotsPrepare.jpg

Secondly, our military has begun its steady march forwards. Though officially they do not exist, our U-boats have begun training and patrolling the Baltic to prepare themselves for whatever threat may arise.

http://i679.photobucket.com/albums/vv151/Krauts08/9RegimentGoering.jpg

Also, Herr Goering has approved the formation of one Regiment named in his own honor. However he has been keeping information about it secret so the Cabinet is interest in hearing about its potential uses.

http://i679.photobucket.com/albums/vv151/Krauts08/10VIIIPartyCongress.jpg

Finally in September, we rallied much of the population to our cause whilst they celebrated the reoccupation of the Rhineland.

All shall fade save the Greater Germany!

(Apologies for the shortness of this report, it's kind of a "boring" year and, sadly my notes were misplaced so 1936 and most of 1937 may have a short report)

Bonus Pic!
http://i679.photobucket.com/albums/vv151/Krauts08/8SummerOlympics.jpg

[Spyguy101]

Seemed very complicated when I tried it but I will enjoy reading about someone who knows what they are doing :D

[Krauter]

:oops: Hah I can't say I'm an expert. Generally with Germany I play up until Barbarossa and get scared away by the scale of how many units I have to control and coordinate. Hopefully this AAR will push me over that hump.

If you've any questions or more importantly suggestions don't hesitate to let me know!

[Krauter]

Operational Analyses and Assessments: 1937

http://i679.photobucket.com/albums/vv151/Krauts08/1ArmyOverview.jpg

Based on our planning in 1936, I would say that our overall Strategic Plans are under way. Albeit slowly in some areas, our forces are managing to muster their strength decisively.

As you can see, the Wehrmacht has been expanded by 86% which on face value is phenomenal. However, bearing in mind that not all of these brigades are fighting brigades we must still work on improving our strength.

Whilst the Kriegsmarines strength has been improved by 80%, we still lack the big guns our navy will need to lock down the North Sea and later on venture into the North Atlantic.

In the Air our numerically weak, albeit technologically advanced Luftwaffe has shown a growth of 61%. Considering our lack of production lines geared towards manufacturing fighters, this number is a good start. It is hoped that, come 1938, our forces can maintain this growth and still not overly threaten the Allies into War.

http://i679.photobucket.com/albums/vv151/Krauts08/1ArmyOverview.jpg

In the Wehrmacht, our goal of improving our indirect fire support brigades has made a mark. an increase of 110% is simply amazing! This will really help us in our attempts at blasting holes in the enemies lines for exploitation.
Also, our Panzerwaffe is finally starting to expand. With the addition of another Panzer Division, two Panzer Corps have been formed, laying the framework for our operational doctrine of fast mobile corps and armies making decisive actions on the front lines.

Finally, the 1st Gebirgsjager z.b.V has been formed. This division, specialized in fighting in rough terrain has been formed to better understand and develop tactics for fighting in extreme conditions.

http://i679.photobucket.com/albums/vv151/Krauts08/3LuftwaffeOverview.jpg

It is with the Luftwaffe that Goering and Hitler are the most pleased with. Along with the introduction of Fallschirmjager Regiment General Goering, the Luftwaffe's fighter corps has been expanded three fold. Now, 5 fighter wings protect Germany's borders from aggression.

http://i679.photobucket.com/albums/vv151/Krauts08/4KriegsmarineOverview.jpg

Meanwhile, it is with the Kriegsmarine that we must make a decision on what to pursue, though the U-boot Waffe has been expanded with two more squadrons, Raider has made grumblings about commissioning two new Battlecruisers and two Battleships of impressive design, which are hoped to give us an edge in the Atlantic battles to come.

(Edit: It is with the Kriegsmarine that I am still torn on. Though I need a navy to secure my shipping lanes to invade Britain, if I can focus more on the Luftwaffe I can bypass the channel by air... I am seriously thinking of decommissioning the Schleswig Holstein Battle-cruisers (which make up the Baltische Flotte based in Koenigsburg) to free up supplies and materials. Any suggestions? Plan Z is currently off the table).

Diplomatic Intentions

We have made gains on the table with Mussolini as well as convincing the ethnic Germans in Austria and the Czech Republic of their heritage. However we lack a sufficient foothold in these countries to make a move yet. Our efforts to gain oil with the Saudis has also bore little fruit. Lack of respect on both sides have thus far hindered talks on building a sustainable form of export/import from that desert nation. Though still considered a dormant Giant, Admiral Canaris has expressed concern over what role the United States will play in the coming years and has thus encouraged the Fuhrer to make diplomatic moves towards them.

Intelligence Reports

As of yet, the Abwehr has focuses mainly on building an efficient intelligence network in the Allied and Communist camp. The Soviet apparatus, as paranoid as it is, has been sufficiently penetrated to get us any information we need. However to show our hand before it is useful would be a waste so we wait until our political goals are better set in stone to put our intelligence assets into action. Across the Atlantic, the American-Bund has given us a large pool of possible agents to recruit from.

[Kremmen]

I like the idea of an airbourne invasion of the UK,a sort of Market Garden type operation,say to secure a line from the mouth of the Thames to the Bristol Channel with the panzers and infantry storming up from the south coast,sry my imagination's running a bit wild here :D
In my current game (I'm still a rookie) I'm going for Uboats over a surface fleet so how that'll work out is anyone's guess.Took about 3 weeks I think to take out Poland so swinging the troops round westward at this point for the dash through the low countries,I say dash but it all could go horribly horribly wrong :har:
I have this mod but haven't tried it yet so interested to see how this AAR developes

subbed :up:

[Krauter]

I like the idea of an airbourne invasion of the UK,a sort of Market Garden type operation,say to secure a line from the mouth of the Thames to the Bristol Channel with the panzers and infantry storming up from the south coast,sry my imagination's running a bit wild here :D
In my current game (I'm still a rookie) I'm going for Uboats over a surface fleet so how that'll work out is anyone's guess.Took about 3 weeks I think to take out Poland so swinging the troops round westward at this point for the dash through the low countries,I say dash but it all could go horribly horribly wrong :har:
I have this mod but haven't tried it yet so interested to see how this AAR developes

subbed :up:

Cheers!

I'm sorry for how slow it's moving. With RL and a some other commitments I'm hard pressed to get a lot of gaming in.

I will say that I enjoy para-dropping intially into England but that I find is sometimes gamey if you use too many para divisions in too small an area.

Once I get to an Operation Sealion-esque point, meaning I have complete, or selective air dominance over Southern (mainly Plymouth and Dover) and Central (East Coast north of London) England, I will start to make my move. Probably the only use for Armor that I will have in the UK is to blast apart strongholds. Once I get up into Scotland the terrain will slow me down so it'll be all infantry and Jagers up there.

If I may offer some advice regarding your Low Lands dash, if it is too close to November I would say hold off. A mistake I often made as a beginner was smashing Poland then sending my units off into Benelux without letting them regain their strength and org. Often times it would be mid-October and by that time the slog through France was made in Winter. Not good. Take your time and capture Denmark if you haven't and secure Oslo as well.

As far as Subs over surface, with Germany you need to decide at the start and follow through. It won't be until 1942 at the earliest that you'll get a credible surface fleet (at least with DI:G in my experience). At this point having a few modern BBs will let you smash the RN. However, do note that convoy raiding with SS will not have the same effects as in RL. Since the British Islands produce all of their IC and resources at home, at best you will strangle their foreign land forces (i.e: India, N. Africa, etc). Not as important as strangling the islands themselves, but can still prove decisive in those campaigns should you have any difficulty.

I will try not to dissapoint and have an update, or at least a preview for you all in the next few days.

Thanks for the support!

[Kremmen]

Thanks for the tip regarding the weather.I have to say it's something I never check before launching an attack,have to remember that in future.
Speaking for myself I would say don't worry about the pace,I think it's understandable that RL and commitments can get in the way of our gaming,especially when committed to an AAR.
I will just look forward to and enjoy the instalments when they come :up:

[Krauter]

Thanks for the tip regarding the weather.I have to say it's something I never check before launching an attack,have to remember that in future.
Speaking for myself I would say don't worry about the pace,I think it's understandable that RL and commitments can get in the way of our gaming,especially when committed to an AAR.
I will just look forward to and enjoy the instalments when they come :up:

Thanks!

When I saw weather I don't mean rainstorms or snow, etc (they actually factor in very little with this game, something I feel should actually make a huge difference). What I mean is that, once you check your weather mapmode and see that Mud is starting to hit, you're going to want to slow down considerably as supplies take a lot longer to get to your frontlines and makes it harder to regain org.

[Safe-Keeper]

Day/night seems to make a huge difference tactically, though. The more HOI3-savvy forumites will hopefully be along soon to tell us how much or little it might have contributed to this "incident" during my last scrap with the Kriegsmarine?

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r292/safe-keeper/Whoops.png
Dinsdaaaaaaale:/\\!!!

[Krauter]

Day/night seems to make a huge difference tactically, though. The more HOI3-savvy forumites will hopefully be along soon to tell us how much or little it might have contributed to this "incident" during my last scrap with the Kriegsmarine?

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r292/safe-keeper/Whoops.png
Dinsdaaaaaaale:/\\!!!

Aaah I think I may have an answer to that. Not sure on which DLC or patch they added it, but if you have way too many ships in a fleet, your hull% goes up (and into the red). The higher your hull percentage is, the more likely your capital ships will mistakenly sink your escorts. This is especially true in night time engagements. Generally for a CAG I will run (with USA or UK at beginning of war) 2CV+4CL (2 escorts to ea. capital). Late war I go to 6xCV+6xCL. Generally I try to stay below the 11% mark.

With SAGs I go 3x BB+2xCA/CB+ 8DDs (or CLs if I can spare them). Just be carefull with how many ships you have per fleet. If you've ever played SOV or GER against the USA late war you'll see these super stacks of doom. However in the engagements you'll be able to see that they often lose a tremendous amount of escorts whereas your reports tell you you've sunk none of them. This is due to their capitals engaging their escorts mistakenly.

[Kremmen]

Thanks!

When I saw weather I don't mean rainstorms or snow, etc (they actually factor in very little with this game, something I feel should actually make a huge difference). What I mean is that, once you check your weather mapmode and see that Mud is starting to hit, you're going to want to slow down considerably as supplies take a lot longer to get to your frontlines and makes it harder to regain org.

Cheers :up:
I really have to make a point of paying more attention to that,stick a post-it note on the monitor methinks :haha:
I think in HOI2 it made a bigger difference than it does in HOI3 but yeah still something to take into account.

[Krauter]

Quick Update!

January 1, 1937 - June 1, 1937

Not much really to go on about.

We've made advances in the equipment that our infantry regiments will make use of. Most notably we've begun development of a new machine pistol which will hopefully give us an edge in combat. Likewise, our Panzerwaffe has a new experimental tank that has made it into production. More information will follow as tests are conducted and results found.

Raider, finally catching Hitlers ear to help him with the Kriegsmarine, has managed to secure funding to develop new anti-aircraft and a new propulsion suite for a new class of battleships.

Most importantly, the Panzerwaffe has finally been organized into its own command structure and all officers re-assigned throughout the Heer. No longer will old blundering fools lead our Panzers into battle! Now we have bright young officers who are constantly thinking of new ways to grind the enemy beneath our treads! The future looks bright for our new Panzerwaffe.

Finally, and oddly at the end of this report, on January 22nd, 1937 the Empire of Japan has committed to sign the Tripartite act and become part of the Axis powers. To commemorate this great step forward the framework for Panzer Korps II, III and IV have been laid down. Now all that is left is to enlist infantry units to help bolster our Panzers advances.

Thanks for being patient with me, sadly screenies kind of crapped out on me so those will be included in the next updates again. I will hopefully be posting more regularly as my time is freed up and actual combat begins!

Also, if anyone has any recommendations on how I should change or keep this AAR please don't hesitate to let me know.

Krauter