Europa Games and Military History

Month: July 2017 (Page 1 of 2)

JUN II 1938

Nationalists Turn

Weather; Clear and Calm across the Iberian Peninsular
Replacements; 1.5 SRPs recovered. 2-6 Eng AM replaced.
Pacification: Laredo (1502)

Movement: 1 RES Pt spent to increase Rail Cap to 20.25 Res

Attack 1:  3511 clear/fort. (NW of Albacete) Supplied 5-6 inf XXs53, 81, 105, 3-2-6 inf 1LE, 2LE, inf cardre 71, 1-10 li=t tk Dro (KL) , unsupplied 1-8 mech 5and 5-6 inf XX 84, 1-8 cavs 6, 9, 1-6 arts 13L, 16L 1-6 inf 4MG (COL), 2-6 inf 5Alh (Col) , supplied 6-6 inf XX F (Mxd) attack 2-3-5* XXs 9, 73  @ 6:1 (-1) = DR. Advance 53, 105 XXs, 6, 9 cav, 13L art, 5Alh (Col. Fort destroyed.

Attack2: 1802 Rough/fort (E of Bilbao) Unsupplied 3-2-6 inf 3LE, 1-6 inf 33, 2-5 inf AGN (Fal), and 2-1-8 arts E, O, 7-6 inf XX 13, 3-4-5* inf XX 23, 2-1-8 cavs 1E, 2O (Col). supplied 2-10 AA 88 (KL) and 2-1-8 Bab (CTV), 1-8 mg Ard (CTV), unsupplied 4-6 inf XX 85, 1-6 mg E, 2-6 inf Tdi (Col) and  6-6 inf XX 3, 5-6 inf XXs 54,82, 1-6 art 9L, 2-8 inf 1Tet (Col)  attack 2-3-4* inf XX (San) @ 9:1 (-2) = DE.  Advance 85 XX, E, Tdi (Col). Fort destroyed.

Air Activity: Sortie 1: CR.32bis X2, (CTV), CR.32, Me 109B (KL) fly airfield bombing at Albacete. I-16/t10 scrambles and escapes to Murcia.  3pts AA misses all targets. Fighter pair up to bomb and 1 hit inflicted.

Sorties 2, 3, 4: Rail hits @ 3207, 3703 and 3709.

Sortie 5: SM-79-I, SM.81 avoid AA fire and inflict 1 Terror hit on Valencia (N +2 VPs)

For Whom the Bell Tolls: Jun II 1938

Jun II 1938: Basques sally forth to link with Republican thrust north (c) Ken Newall, 2017

Republican Turn

VPs: Lack of Goberneto collapse (+10 VPs)
French border; Open
Replacements; I-16/t5 Repaired
Supply “Santander pocket” (immediately SE of the fallen city) becomes U2/Isolated.

Attack 1: 3201 Clear (North of Albacete) Supplied4-6 inf XX6, 3-6* inf XX4, 2-6* inf 1V, 3-4-5* inf XX16, 1-6 art14L and unsupplied 2-3-5* inf XXs29, 54, 63 attack 3-4-5* inf XX16 @ 4:1 = DR. Advance 4, XX, 18XX, 54XX

Attack 2: 3511 clear (NW Albacete) Supplied 2-6* inf 14Mar (Int) and 2-1-8 tx2, 2-6* inf 13Dom (Int), 4-6 inf XX 47, unsupplied 4-6 in f 65, 1-0-8 lt tk AAC, 1-2-6 art, 4, 19 attack 4-6 inf XX107 @ 3:1 (+1) = DR Advance 2tc,AAC, 47xx, 65xx, 19art, 14Mar (Int).

Attack 3; 2133 (NE Pamplona) Supplied 3-4-4* inf XX 4, (Bas), 2-3-4 inf XXs 1, 5 (Bas) 2-4 inf 13 (Bas) and over mtn 2-3-4* inf XX 2 attack 3-8 inf XX 23 Mar (CTV) @ 3:1(-1) = EX. Lose 1 XX, 13. Advance 4xx. (R +2 VP)

Attack 4: 2233 rough (immediately W of Pamplona) Supplied 6-6 inf XX 35 (Int), 5-5 inf XX15 (Int), 5-6 inf XX11Ch, 2-1-8 tk 3,P, 2-1-8 cav 3, 2-6 art 2P, 1-6 art 7L and 5-6 inf XX 46Ch, 4-6 inf XX 34, 6-6 inf XX 45 (Int), 2-1-8 vac3,4, 2-6 nvl 151, 1-2-6 art 20, 1-8 mtn art 1 attack 3-4-5* inf XXs 14, 73, 74 @ 4:1 (-1) = AS!

JUN I 1938

Narrative

Pamplona, one of the hotbeds of the revolution, is under threat from Republican forces moving north, and is to be defended at all costs. General Emilio Mola, the myopic and meticulous commander who infuriated fellow commanders with his caution dispatched his Reservada No 1 from here on 25th May 1936, oragnizes the defence. The Republic generals, despite evidence to the contrary, dismissed Mola’s preparation in Pamplona for the uprising stating that “Mola is loyal to the Republic” Not much later a strong detachment of 1400 Carlist Requites sent by Mola from his Pamplona base arrived to support the uprising in Saragossa, with others sent to Madrid and along the coast to Asturas. Yet now this cradle of the revolution is under threat. The Nationalist have 3 divisions plus supporting arms in place, reinforcements are rushing south to reinforce the enclave. The next few weeks could be decisive. Long live the Revolution!

On checking the fate of the collapsing units the Republicans find to their horror a Santandero XX under a fort in Eskudi, a” Forgotten Legion”.  (A technical rules breach as only 2Res are allowed outside the aspiring republic) In a bizarre twist of fate it survives the collapse as a Fragile division fighting on for the cause. Had it failed the roll the Nationalist would have a clear run at Bilbao – a lucky escape for the careless Republicans. At this point I considered a penalty for the rules breach but the fact that it was not available as part of the Santander defence force seems sufficient in itself to compensate for this.

Replacements:  5 SRP, 0.5 SRP (CTV) recovered.: Me109B (KL) Repaired, 54, 62, 13 XX rebuilt from cadres

Movement: 3-6 inf X 1DLV (CTV), 4-8 inf XX Lit (CTV) 1-8 mg Ard (CTV) overrun 0-1-6 art 14 (Bas) @ 12:1 in 1435

Air Activity: Mxd B (F) breaks line at 4210 (E of Murcia)

Attack 1: 2802 Rough (S of Catalayud). Supplied 6-6 inf XXs  1, 5, 108, 4-6 arts 1RG, 3RG, 2-6 infs 9Arc (Col), 10BT (Col), 7Lam (Col) and 6-6inf XX102, 6-8 lt XX 150, 6-6inf XX F )Mxd), 1-10 lt tk Dro (KL), 3-1-3 sge art Man (CTV), 2-6 inf 3Ceu (Col), 2-6 eng AM, 4-6 art 2RG with GS Ro37, 2X  Mxd A, HE51,  Mxd T,  HE 45 (KL), HE 111B (KL) attack 2-5* inf XX 23, 1-2-6 art 1, 1-2-6s Sec 12GA, 5GA,  1-2-6* inf 21m 19, 1-6 eng 3 @ 5:1 (-1) = EX. Lose  AM, 5, 102 XXs cadred. Advance 150 ltXX, 108XX , 2RG, 9Arc, 3Ceu, 7Lam (Col)

Attack2: 1635 rough (Adj Bibao) Supplied 2-10 AA 88 (KL(, 2-1-8 lt tk Bab (CTV), Unsupplied 2-3-6 art 62, 1-6 art 9L, 2-1-8 lt tk 2, 6-6 inf XX 5, 5-6 inf XX 82, 4-6 inf XX 122 attack 2-4 inf 15, 1-2-4 inf 1, 1-4 inf 12, 0-1-4 cons 1,2 (all Bas) plus 2 pts NGS from BBTF-1, CATF @ 4:1 (-1 +1) =  DR. Advance 3,82 XXs, 9L.

Attack3: 1702 wooded rough/fort (E of Bilbao). Supplied 7-6 inf XX13, 2-1-8 arts E, O, 2-1-8 cav 1E (Col), Unsupplied 5-6 inf XXs 54, 62, 2-1-8 cav 2O (Col), 2-6 inf 1Tet (Col) @ 6:1 (-3) = DR (eliminated – no retreat path) Advance 54, 62 XXs, 1Tet (Col). Fort Destroyed.

For Whom the Bell Tolls: Jun I 1938

Jun I 1938: Republican spoiling attack out of Albacete gains pace., (c) Ken Newall, 2017

Nationalists Turn

Weather; Clear and Calm across the Iberian Peninsular
Santander collapses: Generating 0.5 Republican SRPs.

Republican Turn

VPs : Lack of Goberneto collapse (+10 VPs)
French border; Closed
Replacements; 4 SRPs recovered,  Rebuilt 1 -6 eng 2 (Bas)
Supply “Santander pocket” (immediately SE of the fallen city) becomes U1/Isolated

The Republic continues the attack north to link up with the Basques.

Attack 1: 2333 wooded rough (SE Pamplona) Unsupplied 1-6 art 7L, 2-1-8 tk P 6-6 inf XX 35 (int), 5-6 inf XX 15 (Int), 2-1-8 cav 2, 2-1-8 tk 3, 2-6 art 2P 5-6 inf XX 11ch and (over river) 4-6 inf XX 34, 6-6 inf XX 45 (Int), 5-6 inf XX 45ch, 2-1-8 cavs 3,4 2-6 nvl 151, 1-8 mtn art 1 and (over river) 1-5 mech 2, 1-8 bike 1, 1-8 tks 6,  4-7 mtn XX 43 (Cat) and 1-8 mtns 2,3, 3-4-58 inf XX 56 (Cat), 2-3-58 inf XX

(Cat), 1-2-5 infs 1, 4 (Cat), 1-2-6 art 10 (Cat) attack 3-4-5 * inf XX @ 6:1 (-2) = DH. Eliminated. Advance XX 45 (Int XX 45ch, cavs 3,4, nvl 151, mtn art 1

Basques sally forth to try and link up with Republicans driving north.

Attack2:  2032 rough (S of San Sebastian) Supplied 2-4 inf 13, 14, 0-1-6 art Ortiz 2-3-4*XX 5 (all Bas) and unsupplied 2-3-4* XX 1 (Bas) and Supplied 2-3-4* inf XX 2 (Bas), and 3-4-4 inf xx 4 (Bas) attack

2-8 mtn Pir, 1-6 inf 5 @ 8:1 (-1) = DH. Lose Pir. 5th eliminated as no retreat path. Advance 4th.

The Republic adds more troops to the diversionary attack out of Albacete.

Attack 3; 3310 clear (N of Albacete) Unsupplied 4-6 XXs47,65, 3-6*inf  XX 3, 2-6* inf 15AL (Int), 1-2-6 sacs 11GA, 6GA, 1-2-6 art19 and 3-4-5* inf XX18, 2-6* inf 12 Dom (Int), 1-2-6* inf 25, 1-6 inf 1, 1-6 bdrs5Car, 6Car, 1-6 art 14L, 1-2-6 art 4 and 4-6 inf xx9, 3-6* inf XX 4, 3-4-5* inf XX 17, 2-6* inf 14Mar (Int) , 2-6* inf 1V attack 4-5-5inf 55 @ 4:1 = DR. Advance17, 18 XXs, 8GA, 11GA, 25, 14L.

The charge of the burning camels

More work done: I’ve enlarged the Academy and created sub-pages for essays and documents. The library now contains links to nearly all available official histories of World War I, while the page about WW 2 is being built. The corpus of links has grown sufficiently I believe to justify converting it into permanent pages.
Also, the title of this post refers – of course, to the victory of the great Timur Tamerlan over the Indian Sultan in 1398.

Official History of Japan in the Second World War

The transcribed name of the official Japanese history of the Second World War is “Senshi Sosho”. Its a monumental work, covering virtually all aspects of the war except the Japanese war crimes. The Senshi Sosho totals 102 volumes that consist of 34 volumes on the Imperial General Headquarters, 37 volumes on the Army, 21 volumes on the Navy, nine volumes on the aerial war the Army and one volume of chronology. Each volume has 600 pages on the average.

Sadly, so far only excerpts and one volume have been translated, for example an excerpt from volumes 14 and 28 found here.

List of Volumes:

1 Advance into Malaya. (1966)
2 Occupation of Philippines. (1966)
3 Occupation of Dutch East Indies. (1967)
4 Ichi-go Operation (pt. 1): Campaign in Honan (China). (1968)
5 Occupation of.Burma. (1967)
6 Army Operations in Central Pacific (pt. 1): Before the Loss of the Mariana Islands. (1967)
7 Tobu Nyuginia homen rikugun koku sakusen: Army Air Operations on the Eastern New Guinea Front. (1967)
8 Conduct of Army Operations by Imperial HQ (pt. 1): To August 1942. (1967)
9 Industrial Mobilization of War Supply Production (1): Program. (1967)
10 Hawai sakusen: Hawaii Operation. (1967)
11 Army Operations in Okinawa Area. (1968)
12 Marianas oki kaisen: Sea Battles off the Marianas. (1968)
13 Army Operations in Central Pacific (pt. 2): Peleliu, Anguar and Iwo-Jima. (1967)
14 Minami Taiheiyo rikugun sakusen: Pooruto Moresubi – Ga shima shoki sakusen (pt. 1): Army Operations in the South Pacific: Port Moresby to the First Phase of Guadalcanal (pt. 1). (1968)
15 Imphal Operation: Defense of Burma. (1968)
16 Ichi-go Operation (pt. 2): Campaign in Hunan (China). (1967)
17 Okinawa homen kaigun sakusen: Okinawa Area Naval Operations. (1968).
18 Hokushi no chiansen (pt.1): The security fights in North China
19 Hondo boku sakusen: Homeland Air Defense Operations. (1969)
20 Conduct of Army Operations by Imperial HQ (pt. 2): To August 1942. (1969)
21 Army Operations in Northern Pacific Area (pt. 1): Loss of Attu. (1968)
22 Seibu Nyugineya homan rikugun koku sakusen: Army Air Force Operations on the Western New Guinea Front. (1969)
23 Army Operations North of Australia. (1969)
24 Philippines-Marei hoomen kaigun shinkoo sakusen: Philippines-Malay Area Naval Attack Operations. (1969)
25 The Irrawaddy Campaign: Collapse of the Defense of Burma. (1969)
26 N.E.I.-Bengaru wan hoomen kaigun shinkoo sakusen: N.E.I.-Bengal Bay Area Naval Attack Operations. (1969)
27 Kwantung Army (pt. 1): Military Disposition Against USSR and Nomonhan Incident. (1969)
28 Minami taiheiyoo rikugun sakusen: Gadarukanaru – Buna sakusen (pt. 2): Army Operations in the South Pacific: Guadalcanal – Buna Operations (pt. 2). (1968)
29 Hokutoo hoomen kaigun sakusen: Northeast Area Naval Operations. (1969)
30 Ichi-go Operation (pt. 3): Campaign in Kwangsi (China)
31 Kaigun Gunsembi (pt. 1): The Navy’s Armaments Program (pt. 1): Up to November 1941. (1969)
32 Defeat on Burma Front and Defense of Indo-China Peninsula. (1969)
33 Industrial Mobilization of War Supply Production (pt. 2): Execution. (1970)
34 The Army Air Force’s Drive to South Pacific Area. (1970)
35 Conduct of Army Operations by Imperial HQ (pt. 3): To August 1942. (1970)
36 Army Air Operations in Okinawa, Formosa and Iwo-Jima. (1970)
37 Kaigun Sho-Go sakusen (pt. 1): Taiwan oki kokusen made: Naval Sho-Go Operations (pt. 1): Up to Air Battle off Taiwan. (1970)
38 Chuubu taiheiyoo hoomen kaigun sakusen (pt. 1): Central Pacific Naval Operations (pt. 1): Before May 1942. (1970)
39 Daihonei kaigunbu – rengoo kantai (pt. 4): Imperial General Headquarters – Combined Fleet (pt. 4). (1970).
40 Minami Taiheiyo rikugun sakusen: Munda Saramoa (pt. 3): Army Operations in the South Pacific: Munda Salamaua (pt. 3). (1970)
41 Shogo rikugun sakusen: Reite kessen (pt. 1): Sho-go Ground Operations: The Decisive Battle of Leyte (1). (1971)
42 Operations by China Expeditionary HQ in 1945 (1): To March 1945. (1971)
43 Midooei kaisen: Midway Sea Battle. (1971)
44 Operations in the Northern Pacific (2): Kuriles, Sakhalin and Hokkaido. (1971)
45 Conduct of Navy Operations by Imperial HQ and Combined Fleet HQ (1): Before Outbreak of Pacific War. (1971)
46 Kaijo boei sen: Surface Defensive Actions. (1971)
Also translated as The Maritime Protection War, and Naval Operations for Convoy Escort.
47 Assault on Hong Kong and Chang Sha (1941). (1971)
48 Sho-go Army Air Operations in Philippines. (1971)
49 Nantoo hoomen kaigun sakusen: Southeast Area Naval Actions Until Guadalcanal Reinforcement. (1971)
50 Hokushi no chiansen (pt.2): The security fights in North China
51 Plan and Preparation for Defense of Japan’s Homeland (1): Defense of Kanto District. (1971)
52 Armament and Employment of Army Air Force (1): To the Initial Phase of 1934. (1971)
53 Army Air Operations in Manchuria. (1972)
54 Nansei homen kaigun sakusen: Dai Ni-Dan sakusen irai: Southwestern Area Naval Operations: From Second Phase Operations Onwards. (1972)
55 Operations by China Expeditionary HQ in 1942 and 1943. (1972)
56 Kaigun Sho-go sakusen Fuirippin oki kaisen (1): SHO-Go Naval Operations: The Naval Battle of the Philippine Sea (1). (1970)
57 Hondo kessen jumbi: Kyushu no boei (2): Preparations for the Decisive Battle of the Homeland: Defense of Kyushu (2). (1972)
58 Minami Taiheiyo rikugun sakusen: Fuinshehaahen-Tsurubu-Tarokina (4): Army Operations in South Pacific: Finschhafen-Tsurubu-Tarokina (4). (1973)
59 Conduct of Army Operations by Imperial HQ (4): To August 1942. (1972)
60 Sho-go rikugun sakusen: Ruson kessen (2): Sho-Go ground operations: The Decisive Battle of Luzon (2). (1972)
61 Offensive of Third Army Air Force in Burma and Dutch East Indies. (1972)
62 Chuubu taiheiyoo hoomen kaigun sakusen (2): Central Pacific Area Naval Operations (2) (after June 1942). 1973)
63 Conduct of Army Operations by Imperial HQ (5): August to December 1942. (1973)
64 Operations by China Expeditionary HQ in 1945 (2): March 1945 to the End of the War. (1973)
65 Army Branch of IGHQ: Circumstances Surrounding the Outbreak of Greater East Asian War (1). (1973)
66 Daihonei rikugunbu (6): Conduct of Army Operations by Imperial Headquarters (6): Before June 1943. (1973)
67 Daihonei rikugunbu (7): Conduct of Army Operations by Imperial Headquarters (7): From December 1943 to July 1944. (1973)
68 Army Branch of IGHQ: Circumstances Surrounding the Outbreak of Greater East Asian War (2). (1973)
69 Army Branch of IGHQ: Circumstances Surrounding the Outbreak of Greater East Asian War (3). (1973)
70 Army Branch of IGHQ: Circumstances Surrounding the Outbreak of Greater East Asian War (4). (1974)
71 Conduct of Navy Operations by Imperial HQ and Combined Fleet HQ (5): Middle Part of Third Phase Operation. (1974)
72 Naval Operations in China Area (1): Before April 1938. (1974)
73 Kwantung Army (2): Prewar Preparation Against USSR and Defense at End of War. (1974)
74 Offensive Operations of Army Air Force in China. (1974)
75 Daihon’ei rikugunbu: Showa 19 nen 7 gatsu made (8): Imperial General HQ: to July 1944 (8). (1974)
76 Army Branch of IGHQ: Circumstances Surrounding the Outbreak of Greater East Asian War (5). (1974)
77 Conduct of Navy Operations by Imperial HQ and Combined Fleet HQ (3): Before February 1943. (1974)
78 Armament and Employment of Army Air Force (2): 1934 to Beginning of 1942. (1974) This volume was co-authored by Masao MATSUDA and Makoto IKUTA – the two volumes give a comprehensive overview of the organizational development of the JAAF, its administrative system, its structure and its relationship to government agencies and schools in both peacetime and wartime. JAAF doctrine, tactics and planning are examined and then related to wartime operations.
79 Naval Operations in China Area (2): After 1938. (1975)
80 Conduct of Navy Operations by Imperial HQ and Combined Fleet HQ (2): Before June 1942, (1975)
81 Conduct of Army Operations by Imperial HQ (9): Before January 1945. (1975)
82 Conduct of Army Operations by Imperial Headquarters (10): Before August 1945. (1975)
83 Nantoo hoomen kaigun sakusen: Southeast Area Naval Operations Until Guadalcanal Evacuation. (1975)
84 Minami Taiheiyo rikugun sakusen: Aitape-Puriaka-Rabaaru (5): Army Operations in the South Pacific: Aitape-Empress Augusta Bay-Rabaul (5). (1973)
85 Hondo homen kaigun sakusen: Homeland Area Naval Operations. (1975)
86 Army Operations in the China Incident (1): Before January 1938. (1975)
87 Development, Production, and Supply of Army Aviation Weapons. (1975)
88 War Preparations of Imperial Navy (2): After Outbreak of Pacific War. (1975)
89 Army Operations in the China Incident (2): Before September 1939. (1976)
90 Army Operations in the China Incident (3): Before December 1941. (1975)
(Note: volume number in question).
91 Conduct of Navy Operations by Imperial HQ and Combined Fleet HQ (6): Final Part of Third Phase Operation. (1975)
92 Army Operations in Southern Theater: Defense of Malaya and Dutch East Indies. (1976)
93 Conduct of Navy Operations by Imperial HQ and Combined Fleet HQ (7): Ending the Pacific War. (1976)
94 Armament and Employment of Army Air Force (3): 1942 Until the End of the War. (1974). This is the second volume co-authored by Masao MATSUDA and Makoto IKUTA – the two volumes give a comprehensive overview of the organizational development of the JAAF, its administrative system, its structure and its relationship to government agencies and schools in both peacetime and wartime. JAAF doctrine, tactics and planning are examined and then related to wartime operations.
95 History of the Naval Aviation Corps. (1976) Authored by Hiroshi TSUNODA, Gentaro MORIYAMA and Hideo MINEMATSU – covers the aircraft, armament, technology, training and operations of the JNAF with special emphasis on its role at the beginning of the Pacific War and the causes behind its subsequent rapid decline.
96 Nanto homen kaigun sakusen (3): Gato Tesshu-Go: Southeastern Area Naval Operations (3): After Withdrawal from Guadalcanal. (1976)
97 Construction and Use of Bases for the Army Air Force’s Operations. (1979) Co-authored by Takeshi KISHI and Shichiro TAKASE – covers the construction of airfields, logistics, maintenance, air transport, intelligence, and communications activities of the JAAF during the Great East Asia War.
98 Sensuikan shi: History of Submarines. (1979)
99 The Army’s Armaments and War Preparations. (1979)
100 Daihonei Kaigumbu: Daitoa Senso Kaisen Keii (1): Imperial General HQ, Naval Section: Circumstances of the Outbreak of the Greater East Asian War (1). (1979)
101 Daihonei Kaigumbu: Daitoa Senso Kaisen Keii (2): Imperial General HQ, Naval Section: Circumstances of the Outbreak of the Greater East Asian War (2). (1979)
102 A Chronological Table of the Army and Navy. (1979)

 

The Offical Canadian History of the First World War

After the First World War, the Historical Section of the General Staff of the Canadian army began work on  history of the war planned to have eight volumes. However, only one volume of narrative and one volume of annexes and maps edited by Col. A. Fortescue Duguid had been published by the outbreak of the Second World War. After the Second World War, this project was abandoned, but a large, single-volume work entitled Canadian Expeditionary Force, 1914-1919 was published in 1964 by Col. G.W.L. Nicholson of the Canadian Army Historical Branch. This volume covers the Canadian army’s participation in the war from mobilisation to demobilisation.

The following body of works constitutes the Canadian historiography for the First World War:

MAY II 1938

Nationalists Turn

Weather; Clear and Calm across the Iberian Peninsular
Replacements:  1 SRP, ½ SRP (CTV) recovered. Repaired: CR.32Bis (CTV)

Air Activity; Sortie 1: Large Airfield bombing mission to 3033 results in the practical extinction of the Republican air force.   CR.32bis, Me109B (KL), CR.32Bis (CTV) escort SM.81 (CTV), SM; 79-1 (CTV), HE1118 (KL), Mxd T, Ju 52g4e. Intercepted by I-16/t5, I-16/t10, and I-16/t25. All I-16s and Me108B aborted. 1 Hit on airfield aborting SB-2 on the ground.

Sortie2:2x Mxd A, HE45 (KL) (Extended Range), CR.32Ro37, CR.32Bis Bomb/Strafe airfield at Zaragoza. Avoid all AA fire and inflict 2 Hits. Aborting R-5 on the ground.

Attack1:  1403 Dot city/fort (Santander). Supplied 4-8 inf XX Lit (CTV), 3-6 inf XX 1LDV (CTV), 1-8 mg Ard (CTV) and Supplied 3-2-6 inf 1LE, 2LE, 2-6 inf TDi (Col), 2-18 arts E,O,5-6 inf XXs 54, 62 and Supplied 6-6infXX 3, 2-6 inf 1Tet(Col), 2-1-8 cavs 1E,2O (Col), 4-6 arts 1RG, 3RG Unsupplied 4-6 inf XX 85, 4-8 Cav XX 2 and Supplied 7-7 inf XX13, 2-3-6 art 62, 2-1-8 lt tk 2, 2-18AA 88 (KL), 2-1-8 lt tk Bab (CTV), 5-6 inf XX 62, 4-6 inf XX 122, 1-6 art 9L attack 2-3-5* inf XXs 2,3 (San), 1=2=4 infs 8,9,10,14, (San) 0-1-6 art AD (San), 1pt Garrison @ 5:1 (-1) = EX. Lose. 1LE, 2LE, cadre 13, 54, 62 XXs.  Advance 13, 54, 62 cadres and 2nd cav. Fort Destroyed, Garrison dispersed. 0.5 Rail Cap captured

Attack 2: 2703 rough (E Catalayud) Unsupplied 3-4-5* XXs 20,32, 2-6 eng AM and Unsupplied 6-8 lt XX 150, 1-5 mech 1, 1-8 mech 8, supplied 1-10 lt tk Dro (KL), 1-8 mb B (CTV) and unsupplied 1-6 inf 18, 1-6 mg IMExp, 1-8 mtn 5, 6-6 inf XX 102, 5-6 inf XX 51,  1-6 art 11L, Supplied 6-6 inf XX F (Mxd) attack 2-3-5 XX71 @ 8:1 (-1) = DR. Eliminated – No retreat path. Advance 51XX, 150 lt XX, 29.

Attack 3: 2701 clear  (E Catalayud) Unsupplied6-6 inf XXs 5, 108, 152, 4-6 art 2RG, 2-6 infs 3Ceu, 7Lam, 1oBT (Col), supplied 3-1-2 sg art Man (CTV) and unsupplied 2-6 inf cadres 61, 71, 6-6 inf XXs 4,63,1, 1-2-6 art 49, 2-6 art 4P, 2-6 inf 9Arc (Col) attack3-6* inf XX 10, 2-3-5*XX 48, 2-6*5Car, 1-6 inf s10,11, 1-2-6 sec 2GA @ 3:1 = DR. Advance 1, 63, 102 XXs, 3Ceu, 7Lam, 1oBT (Col), 48 art.

Exploitation:  lt tk Bab (CTV) lt tk 2, Transported art 62, AA *88 (KL) move to re-occupy 1636 (Laredo)

May II 1938 Tactical view

May II 1938 Tactical view (c) Ken Newall, 2017

Republican Turn

VPs: Lack of Goberneto collapse (+15 VPs)
French border; Open
Replacements; I-16/t10 repaired.   0.5 SRP, 2 SRP (San) recovered
Supply; Remainder of Santander troops at 1436 is U1 Isolated
Guerrillas; Rail break at 3516 (East of Linares)

Attack 1:  2334 Clear. (SE of Pamplona) Supplied (Over river) 1-6 art 7L, 2-1-8 tk  and (over river) 6-6 inf XXs35,45 (int), 2-1-8 cavs 3,4, 2-1-8 tk 3, 2-6 art 2P and unsupplied 5-6 inf XX 11ch. Attack 3-4-5* XX 14, 1-8 mtn art 2, 2-6 inf 2Mel (Col) @ 1.5 (+1) = DR. Advance tks 3,P, 35 XX (Int), 11ch XX , arts 2P,7L

In a strategic redirection to ease pressure off the Catalayud front the Republic launch a surprise offensive out of Albacete.

Attack 2: 3309 clear (N of Albacete)  Unsupplied 3-6* inf XX 4, 2-3-5* inf XXs 29, 54 and 1-2-6 art 4, 1-6 bdr 6Car, 3-4-5* inf XX 17, supplied 3-4-5* XX 16, 2-6*IV, 2-6* inf 14Mar (Int), 1-2-6* inf 25 with  SB-2 GS @ 3:1 = DR. Advance  18, 29 XX, 25, 6Car, art 4.

Attack 3: 3410 clear (NE Albacete)  Supplied 4-6 inf XX 47, unsupplied 3-6*XX 3, 1-2-6 Sec6GA, 11GA, 1-6 inf 6, 1-6 Bdr 10Car, 1-2-6 art 19 and 2-3-5*inf XXs9, 73, 2-6 inf 15AL (Int), 1=2=6* inf 23 supplied 4-6 inf XX 65 and unsupplied 3-6* inf XX 4, 2-3-5* inf XX 54 Attack 5-6 inf XX 81 @ 3:1 =  EX. 81 cadre retreats.. Lose 3XX, 10Car, 6. Advance 65 XX, 9 XX, 73 XX, 15AL (Int).

MAY I 1938

Narrative

Italian intervention although welcomed by the Nationalists was not without its problems. It soon became clear as the Blackshirts were formed into independent Italian units that Mussolini’s aims were not primarily to aid the Nationalist cause but for his own aggrandisement and prestige. The result was poor co-operation and indeed some Spanish took a secret delight in seeing the strutting Italians getting themselves into trouble. At the battle of Santander in May 1938 for example Italian General Roatta fielded around 20,000 men in two divisions (“The Lords Will and “Littorio”) plus supporting MG regiment.  Although these divisions looked impressive on paper they were comprised of a mixture of Blackshirts, regulars and conscripts including groups of labourers who were under the impression they were going to Africa to appear as extras in the film “Scipio in Africa”. Equipped with his 1:400,000 Michelin map of Santander Roatta planned his attack although many of his troops were motivated to join up purely for the 175 lira a day army pay, a fortune to a poor Sicilian farm labourer.

Some, meeting Italians on the Republican side, surrendered immediately to the Garibaldi fighters. Some no doubt swayed by the loudspeakers spouting Republican propaganda slogans and questions such as “Brothers why have you come to a foreign land to murder workers?” Meanwhile Mussolini was advising his partner Hitler that he was encountering Russians. In terms of material it was true. The 3 ton Italian tanks were no match for the 50 ton Russian built opposition. The biting rain and conditions underfoot also helped to crush morale. Thus the Italian efforts often ended in chaos. It was said that after the battle Franco’s staff drunk a toast to the health of the Republicans who had proved that any Spaniard was a match for an Italian. (The primary source for this turn’s narrative is “The Guinness book of Military Blunders” by Geoffrey Regan.  Chapter 7 “The Battle of Guadalajara”)

Spoiler alert – skip this for now if you want to see the turn unfold step by step.

The return of clear weather in the North sees the largest battle of War to date in terms of units employed on both sides. Surprisingly this is initiated by the Republic on a 5 hex surrounded Nationalist redoubt protruding into the Republican lines towards Zaragoza. (Actually formed by Republican attacks either side in recent months)… The Nationalists had believed a 15 point stack unassailable and indeed this attack took almost the entire stock of Republican Attack Supply points to initiate at a guaranteed 4:1. In terms of ASPs expended this could be seen as a waste and the Republic would have been better to go fully defensive and spread out the attack forces. But there are two reasons why they chose to attack.  Firstly they still harbour some hope of a link-up with the Basques and the captured rail line is an important first step allowing them to attack north without the cross country cartage previously needed.  And secondly –it is more fun to attack!?. While this may seem facile I view this in historic terms as the type of wasteful propaganda attack which did occur as discussed above and to that end the game mirrors reality.  Perhaps “fun” in game terms represents “propaganda/political advantage” in the real world – discuss

Santander invested

May I 38: Santander invested (c) Ken Newall, 2017

Nationalists Turn

Weather; Clear and Calm across the Iberian Peninsular
Supply: clear weather brings supply to all units of both sides.
Replacements:  ½ SRP, ½ SRP (CTV) recovered. Repaired: Me 109B (KL)
1Res pt spent to increase rail cap.

Air Activity; All bombing mission uneventful and ineffective.

Attack 1:1304 clear/cliff/fort  (NE Santander) Supplied 3-6 inf XX 1DLV (CTV), 4-3-6 art  Leg (CTV), 1-8 mg Ard (CTV) with 2pts NGS from BBTF-1, CATF attack 1-4 inf 1 (San), 0-1-4 cons (San), 1-4 inf 11 (Ast), 1-6 eng 6 @ 5:1 (-1) = EX. Lose  Leg (R +2 VP). Advance 1DLV, Ard Fort destroyed

Attack 2: 1603 rough/fort (SE Santander) Supplied 5-6 inf XX 82, 4-6 inf XX 85, 2-3-6 art 62, 2-18 lt tk 2, 2-1-8 lt tk Bab (CTV),  and 7-6 inf XX 13, 4-6 inf XX 122, 2-10 AA 88 (KL), 2-1-8 cav 1E (Col) attack 1-4 infs 5,11,13 (San), 1-6 inf 12M (San), 1-6 art 14 (Bas) @ 6:1 (-2) = DH lose 5,11,13.  Advance  XX 13,82,122  art 62, lt tk 2 lt tk Bab (CTV),  2-10 AA 88 (KL). Fort destroyed

Attack 3: 1404 rough/fort (W Santander) Supplied 3-2-6 infs 1LE, 2LE, Unsupplied 4-8 cav XX 2, 2-1-8 art O, 2-1-8 cav 2O (Col) and 5-6 inf XXs 52, 54, 2-6 infs 1Tet, Tdi (Col) and Supplied 4-6 art 1RG,m 3RG, 6-6inf XX 3, 1-8 mtn 8 attack 1-4 infs 2,4,7 1-6 inf 6M, 1-6 art 15 (All San) @ 6:1 (-2) = DR Eliminated no retreat path. Advance 1LE, 2LE, XX54, 62, 1Tet art O (Col), TDi (Col)

Attack 4; 2702 rough/fort (Catalayud) HIGH RISK  Supplied  6-6 XX infs 4,108, 152, 4-6 art 2RG, 1-8 mtn 5, 2-6 art 4P, 1-6 mg IMExp, 2-6 inf 9Arc (Col)  and  6-6 XX infs 1,5,63, 2-6 infs 7Lam, 1oBT, 3Ceu, attack 2-3-5* XX infs 23, 38, 3-6* inf XX 22, 1-2-6* infs 19, 21 @ 4:1 (-2) = DR (PHEW!)  XXs 5, 108, 152, infs 7Lam (Col), 3Ceu (Col) art 4P fort destroyed

Exploitation:  lt tk Bab (CTV) lt tk 2, Transported art 62, AA 88 (KL) move to 1636 (Laredo)

Republicans Turn

VPs: Lack of Goberneto collapse (+15 VPs)
French border; Closed
Replacements;   2 SRP (San) recovered.  I-16/t10 Replaced
Reinforcements: all arriving divisions equipped.
1 RES Pt spent to increase railcap

Air Activity: Sortie 1; 2x SB-2 fly to Valladolid to bomb the airfield. Intercepted by CR.32bis (CTV) which is aborted by defensive fire. Surprises Massive 7 pt AA fire fails to inflict damage but bombers are unsettles and miss the target.

Other Sorties uneventful and ineffective.

Attack1; 2734 clear (NW Zaragoza) See Narrative

Supplied 3-6* inf XX 10, 2-3-5* inf XX 48, 1-6 infs10,11, 1-2-6 sec 2GA, 2-6* inf 5Car and 1-0-R art 1 (Cat), 3-6* inf XXs61, 68, 2-3-5 inf XX 50, 2-6 inf 211c, 1-6 inf 9, 1-6 eng 2, 1-6 art 8L and over river 6-6 inf XX 35 (Int), 5-6 inf XX 15 (Int), 2-1-8 cavs 3,4, 2-1-8 tk 2, 2-6 art 2P and over river 6-6 inf XX 45 (int), 2-3-5* inf XX44 (Cat), 5-6 inf XX 11ch, 1-2-6 art 20 and 5-6 inf XX 48ch, 4-6 inf XX 34, 4-7 mtn XX 43 (Cat), 2-6 inf 150 (Int), 2-6 inf 222c, 2-1-8 cav 2, 1-8 mtn art 1, 1-6 art 11 (Cat) attack 5-6 XXs 61, 71, 3-4-5* inf XX 73, 1-8 cav @ 4:1 = DR. No escape route. 61, 71 retreat and are cadred.  Advance 50, 68, 61 XX’s, 222c, 150 (Int), 11 art (Cat).

Any man who must say “I am the king” is no true king

Yes, its this time of the year again. I’ve rummaged around in the underbelly of this website quite a bit, but the only recognizable changes are an enlarged website footer with two navigations, and some additions to the links to official histories of World War I. I still hope its usefull to have them all in one place.

Ken Newalls game report of FWtBT continues apace after a short break, and even though the republic has been on the defensive for a long time now things do not look good for the Nationalists, who are slowly exhausting the patience of their black-clad sponsors. But see for yourself...

The Official Histories of New Zealand in the First World War

No full official account of New Zealand’s participation in the First World War was ever published. Only four official volumes were published (1919-1923), and they were written by senior officers who had fought in the campaigns (Gallipoli, Sinai/Palestine, Western Front) but who generally had no training as historians. A useful summary on the genesis of the offical history can be found at Wikipedia.

Although providing detailed accounts of the fighting on the battlefields itself, they did not describe New Zealand during the war, its economy, politics or society, and the home-defence and patriotic efforts, New Zealanders in the naval or air war, and those serving with other British or Australian forces are not included. Despite this, the four official histories became accepted sources for New Zealand’s military effort in the Great War, and have never been updated or superseded.

The official history of the New Zealand Forces was written up in four volumes.

 

Additionally, the following volumes can be found at the New Zealand Electronic Text Foundation as official histories, which I presume constitutes some kind of endorsement as “official” works.

The Official Australian History of the Second World War

Not to be outdone by the detailed and sprawling history of New Zealands involvement in the Second World War, the Australian military undertook one of the longest and largest historical endeavours the nation has ever seen. The enterprise began in January 1943 with the appointment of Gavin Long as General Editor. The 22 volumes, written by 14 authors, were published by the Australian War Memorial over a 25-year period between 1952 and 1977.

Series 1 – Army

Series 2 – Navy

Series 3 – Air

Series 4 – Civil

Series 5 – Medical

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