Allied Corps AAR: Sidi Barrani

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okiemcguire
Master Sergeant - Bf 109E
Master Sergeant - Bf 109E
Posts: 484
Joined: Sun Oct 14, 2012 10:44 pm

Allied Corps AAR: Sidi Barrani

Post by okiemcguire »

Sidi Barrani

This scenario is after the Italian Offensive and/or Taranto Raid (if you had a Triumph in the Italian Offensive). You will be attacking fortified and entrenched positions behind minefield defenses. There is sufficient time to take all objectives, including a prestige rewarding objective at Sofafi (marked with a $ sign).

Here are the Mission Orders and Victory Conditions:

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Before starting the Turn 1 you will be notified about new equipment availability. We will be taking advantage of some of those.

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Before we start, I need to make some upgrades and purchases.

First, I want to upgrade my artillery. My current artillery, QF 25 Pounders, only have a Soft Attack of 8, Hard Attack of 5,and a Range of 2. Soft Attack reflect's a Unit’s attack strength against “soft” (i.e. un-armoured) targets, such as infantry, trucks and towed guns. Hard Attack reflects a Unit’s attack strength against “hard” (i.e. armoured) targets, such as tanks and armoured recon cars. Range is the Unit’s shooting range (in hexes). Whereas, the new BL 6 inch 26 cwt has a Soft Attack of 12 , Hard Attack of 8, and a Range of 3. Therefore, we will upgrade both our current artilleries to the new BL 6 inch.

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Next, I want to purchase a Tactical Bomber. In reviewing the choices, I selected the Bristol Beaufighter Mk.IF. Tactical bombers deliver precise blows at enemy units from the air. They are especially effective against vehicles with poor protection, like trucks and guns, but also useful against armoured vehicles like tanks and recon units. However,
they are much less effective against infantry. Hence, the Soft Attack of 4 but Hard Attack of 5.

The Bueafighter has an Air Attack strength of 14. Which means I can also use it as a fighter. But, it is recommended to only use this type of tactical bomber as a fighter against other fighters, in a mass assualt with other friendly fighter(s) or to destroy an already weakened enemy fighter.

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Lastly, I want to purchase a Strategic Bomber. I selected the Short Sterling Mk.I. Strategic bombers perform bombing raids from great heights and so are much less precise than tactical bombers. Their attacks rarely result in direct kills of enemy strength, but give a lot of other benefits: they cause heavy suppression of enemy troops and destroy their fuel and ammo reserves, thus making them easy targets for other units. Strategic bombers are useful against any ground targets and are usually much less vulnerable to ground anti-air systems (although they still must fear enemy fighters). They are also effective against enemy ships. When used against enemy cities or airfields, strategic bombers can destroy their capacity to supply enemy units and produce new ones.

The Soft Attack is 12 and the Hard Attack is 7. My purpose for this bomber is to use it mainly on enemy fortified or entrenched positions and those assets that present themselves as good targets. The Air Attack strength of the Sterling is (8). This means it can only fire when it is fired upon by other air assets. It only has an air defence value of 14. Therefore, until I am assured that there are no enemy fighters left, I will escort (be in an adjacent hex) the bomber with my fighter. If an enemy fighter attempts to attack the bomber, it will first be hit by my fighter. Escorting a bomber usually keeps the enemy fighters away.

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Ok, here is my deployment and plan. I will have 2 forces, North Force (NF) and the South Force (SF), made up of mixed assets (my preferred force makeup). NF will consist of British Infantry, Cruiser I, Rolls Royce Recon, BL 6 inch artillery, and an auxillary engineer. The SF force will initially consist of Cruiser I, Cruiser IV, Rolls Royce Recon, BL 6 inch artillery, and a auxillary engineer. Our air forces will consist of the Hurricane I fighter, Beaufighter IF tactical bomber, and the strategic bomber Stirling I.

The NF group will assualt and take Maktila after 1) the engineer has cleared a path, 2) the supporting artillery destroyed or suppressed, and 3) the AT gun in Maktila has had it's entrenchment reduced to 0 and suppressed for the taking. The Beaufighter wiil be used to hopefully destroy the artillery and the light cruiser will provide off shore bombardment of the artillery or Maktila as required. After Maktila has been taken, NF will move SW and take the fortified position of Toummar. Then North to assualt and take Sidi Barrani. Lastly, NF will move SW down the coast to assualt and take Buq Buq. The Cruiser will follow along off shore to provide additional bombardment capabilties.

Before taking the last main flagged VH at Buq Buq, we want to make sure that SF has captured Sofafi in the SW corner and has received the prestige reward for doing so. If we take Buq Buq first, we will not receive the reward.

The SF group will assualt and take Nibewia after 1) the engineer has cleared a path, 2) the supporting artillery destroyed or suppressed, and 3) the infantry in Maktila has had it's entrenchment reduced to 0 and suppressed for the taking. The Sterling and fighter will be used to assist in the destruction of the supporting artillery and to lower entrenchment and suppress the infantry in Nibewia. Once, Nibewia has been secured, the Cruiser I will join the NF on it's campaign. The remaining forces will rush SW down to Sofafi.

There is additional prestige that can be received when you capture the '$' marked position on Sofafi. Only, if you can get it before the last flagged VH of Buq Buq has been captured. So I will try to keep this in mind when I progress in the battle.

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Turn 1

In the north, the Beaufighter and Light Cruiser were able to damage the supporting artillery. NF was moved closer and was able to clear the minefield in front of Maktila. The artillery, now in range, was able to lower the entrenchment of the AT gun within.

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In the south, the Hurricane fighter and Sterling bomber attack the supporting artillery and tank at Nibewia. SF moves forward and was able to clear the minefields for the approach and the artillery, now in range, was able to lower the entrenchment of the infantry at Nibewia.

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I will followup with additional info shortly.
okiemcguire
Master Sergeant - Bf 109E
Master Sergeant - Bf 109E
Posts: 484
Joined: Sun Oct 14, 2012 10:44 pm

Re: Allied Corps AAR: Sidi Barrani

Post by okiemcguire »

Turn 2

The NF and SF continue their bombardment of supporting artillery and entrenched units.

Turn 3

The tank decides to attack the SF group. Very foolish.. it is quickly destroyed. The SF group moves up and also destroys the supporting artillery. We move our air assets to prep for next turns bombardment of Nibewia.

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The NF group has destroyed the supporting artillery and can now focus it's full force on Maktila.

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Turn 4

The Italians begin to fight back.. First, they brought up a light cruiser to attack ours in the north. And in the south, a fighter appears.

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The Beaufighter and our cruiser damages the Italian light cruiser. SF group destroys the AT gun, takes Maktila, and weakens a supporting infantry. They form a defensive position in case of counter attack.

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In the south, the Hurricane heavily damages the attacking fighter. The SF captures Nibewia. They form a defensive position in case of counter attack.

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Turn 5

The Italian light cruiser moves up to bombard our artillery causing very little damage. We respond with the Beaufighter and our cruiser and inflict heavy damage on the cruiser. Now, that NF has taken Maktila, it moves toward it's next objective of Toummar. They infantry blocking our way was first defeated and then I did a very stupid thing. I moved up the Cruiser I and right into an artillery backed armored Recon position. This resulted in an ambush by the Italians and I lost two strength points on the Cruiser. :evil:

The purpose of Recons are to spot what is out in front of your position. I should have moved the Recon so that I would have spotted the enemy formation and would not have been ambushed. :oops:

I move up the remaining NF group into a defensive position. The Stirling and fighter begin bombing Toummar and strafing the artillery. My Hurricane and Beaufighter are both low on either ammo or fuel and will need to be returned to the airfield for resupply next turn. I will send the Bomber back as well since I do not want to leave it out there by itself with no fighter protection. It is still unknown at this time if there are any more enemy fighters.

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According to my plans for the SF group, I leave the Cruiser I near Nibewia so that it may join the NF in their campaign. I took this turn to resupply it. The remaining force will speed SW toward the '$' tagged hex of Sofafi. I want to begin the bombardment on that position.

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Turn 6

It is well that I decided to return the bomber back with my other air assets for refuel/resupply. The Italian fighter returns escorting a bomber. I will get them both next turn. In the meantime, NF moved up and destroyed the armored Recon and artillery unit blocking our way to Toummar. Our light cruiser sinks the enemy cruiser.

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The SF clears the mindfield in front of Sofafi and moves into the breach in a defensive posture.

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Turn 7

As promised, my air corps returns to take care of the Italian air force. Please note my positioning of the aircraft. The Beaufighter has more than enough firepower to bring down the Italian 3 strength fighter. But, to be sure I placed the fighter so that 1) It could be computed into the mass attack for the Beaufighter against the fighter, 2) After the resolution of the fighter combat, it could attack the Italian bomber, and 3) It is placed adjacent to the Sterling bombing Toummar so as to provide protective cover in case of a fighter counter attack.

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The results of the air combat is partially what I expected. The fighter was destroyed, but the enemy bomber was only heavily damaged rather than destroyed. The Sterling weakened the infantry within Toummar. The NF group takes this time to resupply.

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The SF opens a larger path through the minefields that allows our forces to move toward Sofafi. The supporting artillery is heavily damaged and will be destroyed next turn.

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Turn 8

The Italians moved up the AT gun at Toummar and attacks the Cruiser I, reducing it's strength by two.

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The NF group responds by destroying the AT gun and continues bombardment of Toummar. The engineers clear away more of the minefield allowing our infantry to move up to partake in the final assualt of Toummar.

The enemy bomber is spotted at Sidi Barrani's airfield with no AA support. We send the fighter to destroy it. Trusting that our bomber will be ok for one turn. While taking out the bomber, we spot an artillery behind Sidi Barrani. We attack with the Beaufighter, Cruiser I, and the light cruiser at sea, heavily damaging the artillery and retreating to a volatile position.

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The SF group destroys the artillery and takes this time to resupply before beginning the bombardment.

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It looks like we are proceeding as planned. The NF group is about ready to assualt Toummar and Sidi Barrani is ready to be bombarded. The SF is geating ready to bombard Sofafi before proceeding with the assualt. SF is hoping that the Stirling Bomber will be able to assist in the assualt. Stay tuned for the next reports..
okiemcguire
Master Sergeant - Bf 109E
Master Sergeant - Bf 109E
Posts: 484
Joined: Sun Oct 14, 2012 10:44 pm

Re: Allied Corps AAR: Sidi Barrani

Post by okiemcguire »

Turn 9

The Italians had another fighter after all. It attacks our tank at Sofafi. But, no fear, our fighter flys to the rescue and destroys it. The SF group continues to bombard the heavily entrenched infantry. This will take several turns before it is safe to assualt.

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An Italian tank had attacked our Cruiser on the west side of Sidi Barrani causing heavy damage. With air power and bombardment we were able to reduce it enough to be destroyed by the Cruiser. Withdrew the Cruiser away from combat so it can safely reinforce and resupply. Toummar is weakened to the state that we should be able to take it next turn.

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Turn 10

As predicted, we were able to take Toummar this turn. We will now focus all our northern resources on bombarding Sidi Barrani into submission.

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From now until Turn 13, the SF group will continue to bombard Sofafi.

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Turn 11

The NF group 1) destroys the supporting artillery, 2) causes enough damage to the AT gun that it has retreated from it's airfield position, and 3) reduced entrenchment of the infantry occupying Sidi Barrani.

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Turn 12

Sidi Barrani is in our hands. Our troops there will reinforce and resupply before starting for Buq Buq.

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Turn 13

The NF group is on the move... Per our plan, they will now move to assualt and take the final VH. In preparation, the air corp has gone ahead to bomb and strafe the armor that is waiting for us.

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A little action from the SF group. Our Cruiser IV moved forward and attacked the Italian tank. It is heavily damaged and forced to retreat. We continue to bombard the infantry in Sofafi and it looks like it is about time to assualt.

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Turn 14

The Sterling bomber is able to assist and bomb Sofafi, suppressing the infantry. We then hit them with artillery and then the engineers, reducing the defenders strength. Sofafi should be ours in the next turn.

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The NF group breaks the armor fronting Buq Buq. They will bombard and move into assualt position.

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Turn 15

The SF group defeats the enemy in Sofafi and we take control. We receive a message of being rewarded prestige for it's capture.

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The NF destroys the last tank defending Buq Buq and we are now in position to assualt. We will bombard the position with air, navy, and artillery. It should fall next turn.

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Turn 16

We have wiped all defenders from the map and have taken all objectives... Triumph should be rewarded.

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And it is...

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HQ send a message on our victory.."Bravo! A superb outcome."
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Cromm10k
Lance Corporal - Panzer IA
Lance Corporal - Panzer IA
Posts: 13
Joined: Thu Mar 28, 2013 12:13 pm

Re: Allied Corps AAR: Sidi Barrani

Post by Cromm10k »

"Bravo! A superb AAR."

Do you plan any more AAR for Allied Corps?

How differnt is the approach playing it from PC/AK? Less blitzing I guess ...
hs1611
Staff Sergeant - Kavallerie
Staff Sergeant - Kavallerie
Posts: 310
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Location: Portugal

Re: Allied Corps AAR: Sidi Barrani

Post by hs1611 »

Very nice.
I enjoyed the format. Keep them coming.
okiemcguire
Master Sergeant - Bf 109E
Master Sergeant - Bf 109E
Posts: 484
Joined: Sun Oct 14, 2012 10:44 pm

Re: Allied Corps AAR: Sidi Barrani

Post by okiemcguire »

Cromm10k wrote:"Bravo! A superb AAR."

Do you plan any more AAR for Allied Corps?

How differnt is the approach playing it from PC/AK? Less blitzing I guess ...
Thank you Cromm10k and hs1611... I have to find another source for my saved images that does not cost and is easy to cut/paste.

The approach is not that different. I basically always work with small mixed forces backed up by artillery and air support. I enjoy the whole line of PC games and the many mods that are available..
Cromm10k
Lance Corporal - Panzer IA
Lance Corporal - Panzer IA
Posts: 13
Joined: Thu Mar 28, 2013 12:13 pm

Re: Allied Corps AAR: Sidi Barrani

Post by Cromm10k »

So AC is more about different tools (units).
okiemcguire
Master Sergeant - Bf 109E
Master Sergeant - Bf 109E
Posts: 484
Joined: Sun Oct 14, 2012 10:44 pm

Re: Allied Corps AAR: Sidi Barrani

Post by okiemcguire »

Yes, different units and how best to use them against some formidable axis units. But again, use of good units, backed by artillery, and terrain usage helps.
Cromm10k
Lance Corporal - Panzer IA
Lance Corporal - Panzer IA
Posts: 13
Joined: Thu Mar 28, 2013 12:13 pm

Re: Allied Corps AAR: Sidi Barrani

Post by Cromm10k »

Ok, that is the base line of the game concept, so no earthshattering changes. And I bet the german units of the Afrika Korps are a different beast than the italians ... ;)
bengt15
Private First Class - Wehrmacht Inf
Private First Class - Wehrmacht Inf
Posts: 7
Joined: Sun Aug 24, 2014 11:39 am

Re: Allied Corps AAR: Sidi Barrani

Post by bengt15 »

Great AAR!!!
okiemcguire
Master Sergeant - Bf 109E
Master Sergeant - Bf 109E
Posts: 484
Joined: Sun Oct 14, 2012 10:44 pm

Re: Allied Corps AAR: Sidi Barrani

Post by okiemcguire »

bengt15 wrote:Great AAR!!!
Thanks bengt15! I hope it helps..
bengt15
Private First Class - Wehrmacht Inf
Private First Class - Wehrmacht Inf
Posts: 7
Joined: Sun Aug 24, 2014 11:39 am

Re: Allied Corps AAR: Sidi Barrani

Post by bengt15 »

Yes it helps. When i played this senario for the first time i bought fighterplanes and no bombers. To make a long story short i did not win.
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