COTA AAR: Gamble and Scramble

Raptor1 · 05-31-09, 09:41 AM

Day 2

As the second day dawns on the Ellason front, Allied staff frantically runs around the Division HQ trying to adjust plans for an unforeseen adversary, mud. The division woke up to find that the rains of the last day have turned the area into a sticky bog where tanks and men dig into the ground with every step.

Luckily, the first ones to suffer from this are the Germans, who, in their rout from Timavos, got themselves bogged in the city and the plains to the north.

The Allies prepare to launch their final offensive against Ellason. Intel reports suggest that a German Fallschirmjäger regiment is approaching the town from the north (The same one that forced the relocation of the Greek cavalry) while a Whermacht force blocks the road from the south, where 1Bde is located.

The Allies spot the incoming Paratrooper regiment and order a general bombardment from the artillery positioned on the hills to the west, the regiment is caught on the road and forced to a crawl as the muddy conditions and artillery restrict their movements.

Meanwhile, Allied infantry begins advancing on the town. Revised plans call for an encirclement of the Paratrooper regiment in the hills northwest of the town, where they will be annihilated.

By 1300, much of the German resistance around Timavos has surrendered, seeing no way to escape in the mud and under heavy fire.

The main assault force on Ellason reaches the target in late-noon, having been slowed down severely by the mud. Nevertheless, the tactical envelopment of the German force is successfully completed, though much later then expected.

Day 3

Combat settles down as night falls, with visibility so low due to the darkness and rain that no serious combat occurs.

As day rises once more, the Germans fight on for Timavos. But by now thoroughly trapped, they begin retreating out of the city.

But soon after those good news, the Division HQ is flooded by calls from the southern forces for reinforcements. A force of German infantry has appeared directly south of Timavos while a large force, estimated as at least 2 regiments, is under way from the east.

The Germans complete their withdrawl from the city and flee northwest to the hills (Exactly as planned), Australian troops raised their flag over Ellason marking it's capture.

The German force to the south, now estimated at an oversized brigade, advances and HQ decides to reinforce Timavos with forces held in reserve and another brigade from the north. The British armoured brigade will remain in the center of the road, ready to act as operational reserve.

While the Allied defense reorganized, another German force appears to the northeast.

End of Day 3

With Axis reinforcements now in sight, things are looking to be much tougher from now on. But so far Allied losses have been minimal, especially in vehicles and guns, and all of the objectives have been secured.

Four days to go...

HunterICX · 05-31-09, 10:49 AM

Give'm hell!

Nice day reports

HunterICX

Raptor1 · 06-04-09, 03:29 PM

Day 4

That night brought an end to the constant rain and the lifting of some of the fog, whether that will help or disrupt the Axis remains to be seen.

Last minute orders before the day rises, the 3rd Royal Tank Rgt is ordered to attack the Axis spearhead north of Timavos.

But as the dawn arrives, the lack of falling raindrops is quickly replaced by the thunder of artillery shells, the Axis counterattack has begun.

Alarm! German units are sighted trying to disrupt the all-important supply line to 6Div, but luckily an infantry regiment has been kept in reserve just for such an event.

In the south, the Germans run into determined defense by the mixed Australian/British force, their first attack is repulsed.

The much smaller force in the North advances (Likely to rescue the still-trapped Paratrooper regiment), sweeping 2 Greek companies out of the way before falling under fire from 16Bde.

The Germans attack again in the south, but once more they are bloodily repulsed.

The Greek Cav. Rgt in the north is ordered to attack the northern German force, thus trapping them in a crossfire from the north and south.

The trapped Paratrooper regiments attempts to attack Ellason in support of the rest of their northern force, but they are quickly beaten back.

1Bde moves south to reinforce it's regiment in retaking the road.

The Greek Rgt finally moves to attack the Germans in the north.

The reinforcing 17Bde is making painfully slow progress to the south. Meanwhile, Axis troops are sighted trying to outflank the defenses in the south, a regiment is detached should they try to come near.

Despite the Greek cavalry's apparent...overcaution...German forces in the north are now trapped in a deadly crossfire and come to a complete halt.

The German troops who tried to cut off the supply lines now find themselves surrounded by Allied infantry and take cover in the town.

The trapped Paratrooper regiment attempts to continue it's attack, only to come under massed artillery fire, the entire regiment is soon broken and routing back to the hills.

In the meantime, the Germans continuosly try to attack in the south throughout the day, only to get beaten back again and again.

End of Day 4

Not allowed to celebrate yet, cheers are still heard among Allied troops, the German attack has been decisively stalled. While Allied losses are higher than all 3 previous days combined, German losses are much higher, coupled with the fact that the Germans failed in capturing any ground. Though the ultimate fate of the offensive remains uncertain, victory looks to be in the Allies' grap.

The massacre will continue...

HunterICX · 06-05-09, 03:25 AM

Did the guy with the crazy mustache apoint this German General who is foolishly attacking from the south over and over again?!
otherwise it wouldn't make any sense (making sense is overated thought)

HunterICX

Raptor1 · 06-05-09, 03:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HunterICX

Did the guy with the crazy mustache apoint this German General who is foolishly attacking from the south over and over again?!
otherwise it wouldn't make any sense (making sense is overated thought)

HunterICX

Well, considering they just doubled their casualty rate to 27% of their effective force over Day 5 (Coming soon), I would say Herr General isn't the brightest of the bunch... (Note, the AI in the game is excellent, if the German commander acts stupid, it's usually because he is meant to be or for some other reason)

I think the real reason for the Axis casualties in the south is the mud. By the time the Germans realize their attack is lost, decide to tell their commanders to pull back, and then the time it takes for the orders to actually get to their units, they are so thoroughly bogged down in the mud and under artillery and gunfire that risking their heads to pull back becomes a thoroughly bad idea

Raptor1 · 06-05-09, 10:17 AM

Day 5

Victory is not yet certain, but it certainly in sight. The German attacks has severely depleted their infantry force, including elite Fallschrimjäger units, but most importantly, the front-line Panzer formations have been all but wasted in the attacks to the south. Axis artillery has also been subjected to intense counter-battery fire and lost some of it's combat strength.

Close range night-fighting briefly sees the destruction of some of 1Bde's supply columns, but the route is soon cleared.

A part of the German force attempts a thrust at 1Bde, but is quickly repulsed by 1Bde and 17Bde which was still making it's way south.

The Axis thrust to the north has made way in the night, trying desperately to save the Fallschrimjäger Rgt still trapped near Ellason.

The northern force, however, is still caught in the crossfire. Casualties mount as the force cannot extract itself, lacking good roads in the mud.

Axis attacks continue, with similar lack of progress and high casualties.

The combined 2nd/3rd Australian Infantry Bn attacks the demoralized, unsupplied and trapped Fallschrimjager Rgt. Many German troops surrender, but some try to escape to the west.

The Greek Infantry Rgt also moves to close the pocket from the north.

End of Day 5

Though apparently not as action-packed as the last day, Day 5 saw massive casualties on both sides as the deadlock in the south and annihilation battle in the north dragged on.

Dowly · 06-05-09, 10:27 AM

Raptor1, is this somekind of sequel or something to the Highway to Berlin(or whatsamacallit) series? Looks great!

05-31-09, 09:41 AM	#1
Raptor1 Navy Seal Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Stavka Posts: 8,211 Downloads: 13 Uploads: 0	Day 2 As the second day dawns on the Ellason front, Allied staff frantically runs around the Division HQ trying to adjust plans for an unforeseen adversary, mud. The division woke up to find that the rains of the last day have turned the area into a sticky bog where tanks and men dig into the ground with every step. Luckily, the first ones to suffer from this are the Germans, who, in their rout from Timavos, got themselves bogged in the city and the plains to the north. The Allies prepare to launch their final offensive against Ellason. Intel reports suggest that a German Fallschirmjäger regiment is approaching the town from the north (The same one that forced the relocation of the Greek cavalry) while a Whermacht force blocks the road from the south, where 1Bde is located. The Allies spot the incoming Paratrooper regiment and order a general bombardment from the artillery positioned on the hills to the west, the regiment is caught on the road and forced to a crawl as the muddy conditions and artillery restrict their movements. Meanwhile, Allied infantry begins advancing on the town. Revised plans call for an encirclement of the Paratrooper regiment in the hills northwest of the town, where they will be annihilated. By 1300, much of the German resistance around Timavos has surrendered, seeing no way to escape in the mud and under heavy fire. The main assault force on Ellason reaches the target in late-noon, having been slowed down severely by the mud. Nevertheless, the tactical envelopment of the German force is successfully completed, though much later then expected. Day 3 Combat settles down as night falls, with visibility so low due to the darkness and rain that no serious combat occurs. As day rises once more, the Germans fight on for Timavos. But by now thoroughly trapped, they begin retreating out of the city. But soon after those good news, the Division HQ is flooded by calls from the southern forces for reinforcements. A force of German infantry has appeared directly south of Timavos while a large force, estimated as at least 2 regiments, is under way from the east. The Germans complete their withdrawl from the city and flee northwest to the hills (Exactly as planned), Australian troops raised their flag over Ellason marking it's capture. The German force to the south, now estimated at an oversized brigade, advances and HQ decides to reinforce Timavos with forces held in reserve and another brigade from the north. The British armoured brigade will remain in the center of the road, ready to act as operational reserve. While the Allied defense reorganized, another German force appears to the northeast. End of Day 3 With Axis reinforcements now in sight, things are looking to be much tougher from now on. But so far Allied losses have been minimal, especially in vehicles and guns, and all of the objectives have been secured. Four days to go... __________________ Current Eastern Front status: Probable Victory

05-31-09, 10:49 AM	#2
HunterICX Rear Admiral Join Date: May 2006 Location: Malaga, España Posts: 10,750 Downloads: 8 Uploads: 0	Give'm hell! Nice day reports HunterICX __________________

06-04-09, 03:29 PM	#3
Raptor1 Navy Seal Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Stavka Posts: 8,211 Downloads: 13 Uploads: 0	Day 4 That night brought an end to the constant rain and the lifting of some of the fog, whether that will help or disrupt the Axis remains to be seen. Last minute orders before the day rises, the 3rd Royal Tank Rgt is ordered to attack the Axis spearhead north of Timavos. But as the dawn arrives, the lack of falling raindrops is quickly replaced by the thunder of artillery shells, the Axis counterattack has begun. Alarm! German units are sighted trying to disrupt the all-important supply line to 6Div, but luckily an infantry regiment has been kept in reserve just for such an event. In the south, the Germans run into determined defense by the mixed Australian/British force, their first attack is repulsed. The much smaller force in the North advances (Likely to rescue the still-trapped Paratrooper regiment), sweeping 2 Greek companies out of the way before falling under fire from 16Bde. The Germans attack again in the south, but once more they are bloodily repulsed. The Greek Cav. Rgt in the north is ordered to attack the northern German force, thus trapping them in a crossfire from the north and south. The trapped Paratrooper regiments attempts to attack Ellason in support of the rest of their northern force, but they are quickly beaten back. 1Bde moves south to reinforce it's regiment in retaking the road. The Greek Rgt finally moves to attack the Germans in the north. The reinforcing 17Bde is making painfully slow progress to the south. Meanwhile, Axis troops are sighted trying to outflank the defenses in the south, a regiment is detached should they try to come near. Despite the Greek cavalry's apparent...overcaution...German forces in the north are now trapped in a deadly crossfire and come to a complete halt. The German troops who tried to cut off the supply lines now find themselves surrounded by Allied infantry and take cover in the town. The trapped Paratrooper regiment attempts to continue it's attack, only to come under massed artillery fire, the entire regiment is soon broken and routing back to the hills. In the meantime, the Germans continuosly try to attack in the south throughout the day, only to get beaten back again and again. End of Day 4 Not allowed to celebrate yet, cheers are still heard among Allied troops, the German attack has been decisively stalled. While Allied losses are higher than all 3 previous days combined, German losses are much higher, coupled with the fact that the Germans failed in capturing any ground. Though the ultimate fate of the offensive remains uncertain, victory looks to be in the Allies' grap. The massacre will continue... __________________ Current Eastern Front status: Probable Victory Last edited by Raptor1; 06-04-09 at 05:13 PM.

06-05-09, 03:25 AM	#4
HunterICX Rear Admiral Join Date: May 2006 Location: Malaga, España Posts: 10,750 Downloads: 8 Uploads: 0	Did the guy with the crazy mustache apoint this German General who is foolishly attacking from the south over and over again?! otherwise it wouldn't make any sense (making sense is overated thought) HunterICX __________________

06-05-09, 10:17 AM	#6
Raptor1 Navy Seal Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Stavka Posts: 8,211 Downloads: 13 Uploads: 0	Day 5 Victory is not yet certain, but it certainly in sight. The German attacks has severely depleted their infantry force, including elite Fallschrimjäger units, but most importantly, the front-line Panzer formations have been all but wasted in the attacks to the south. Axis artillery has also been subjected to intense counter-battery fire and lost some of it's combat strength. Close range night-fighting briefly sees the destruction of some of 1Bde's supply columns, but the route is soon cleared. A part of the German force attempts a thrust at 1Bde, but is quickly repulsed by 1Bde and 17Bde which was still making it's way south. The Axis thrust to the north has made way in the night, trying desperately to save the Fallschrimjäger Rgt still trapped near Ellason. The northern force, however, is still caught in the crossfire. Casualties mount as the force cannot extract itself, lacking good roads in the mud. Axis attacks continue, with similar lack of progress and high casualties. The combined 2nd/3rd Australian Infantry Bn attacks the demoralized, unsupplied and trapped Fallschrimjager Rgt. Many German troops surrender, but some try to escape to the west. The Greek Infantry Rgt also moves to close the pocket from the north. End of Day 5 Though apparently not as action-packed as the last day, Day 5 saw massive casualties on both sides as the deadlock in the south and annihilation battle in the north dragged on. __________________ Current Eastern Front status: Probable Victory

06-05-09, 10:27 AM	#7
Dowly Lucky Jack Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Finland Posts: 25,056 Downloads: 32 Uploads: 0	Raptor1, is this somekind of sequel or something to the Highway to Berlin(or whatsamacallit) series? Looks great!

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