Author: Ralph Sunley (Page 2 of 4)

Sep II 41 – Allied Turn

October 9, 2007 / Ralph Sunley / 0 Comments

Initial Phase: The British 1st Tank brigade and attached Spanish artillery are cut off and become U-1. All German He111s and Ju88s are assigned to Naval patrol. The Special RPs generated during the Axis player turn are used to reconstitute 4 machinegun regiments. The 90th and 88th regiments appear in Huelva, while the 81st and 82nd regiments are activated in Cadiz. The Spanish are then fined 0.5 Infantry RP as they rebuilt an extra artillery unit last turn, exceeding the limit of 1 per month. There are no more Spanish RPs left in the pool.

Britain has suffered its first casualties of the scenario. The 1st Canadian Infantry division is brought back at Gibraltar, along with the 8th Artillery brigade. This uses 12 out of the 17 available Inf RPs, so 5 remain, along with 5 armour RPs. Spain has no ARPs remaining. Britain has 2 left, and they are used to resurrect aborted Hurricanes and Spitfires. They come on in Malaga. 3 more GSPs are generated at Sevilla. Guerrilla actions are launched against rail hexes in Valladolid, Leon and Tortosa. The first does not succeed but the subsequent attacks yield hits on the targeted rail lines.

Movement Phase: The Allied fleet stays tied up in Gibraltar. The danger of German invasion seems to have passed for now, but the Portuguese remain vigilant.

The Spanish 2nd Construction and 2nd Combat Engineer regiments carry their resource point to La Linea de La Concepcion, just outside Gibraltar. They are accompanied by the 138th and 239C Infantry regiments.

From Gibraltar, the 20th Guards Brigade is sent to the wooded rough hex of 3727. It is joined there by the Spanish 102nd Infantry division from 3726. Lastly, the reformed 8th British Artillery brigade is sent to 3726 to take over from the 102nd Infantry and provide supporting arms for the units stationed in the fort.

The Allied units in the east of the Gibraltar sector have had their line broken and are in danger of being surrounded. Therefore a retreat is called. The 23rd and 92nd Infantry divisions, plus accompanying engineers, move west to 3723, screening Malaga. The 31st Infantry division, 4Car border regiment and 16th Guardia Civil regiment pull back from their mountain pass positions to more mountains in 3921. In order to delay the German advance, the 93rd Infantry division is ordered to defend Granada, but in truth it could not have moved far this turn anyway due to German ZOCs.

The British 1st Tank brigade and its artillery are U-1 and isolated, so they can only move 1 hex this phase. They pull back to 3521. As a reinforcement, the 71st AA regiment is sent to assist from Malaga. The rest of the Allied armour in 3619 is in supply but hampered by ZOCs and terrain. Nonetheless they are able to get back to 3620.

Combat Phase: No combat

Exploitation Phase: The British 1st Tank brigade makes its escape to 3623, and it is joined there by the British 1st Armoured and the Spanish Light armoured regiments. The artillery and AA is left behind in 3521 as a roadblock (which is not able to be overrun next turn).

End of Turn Summary

The Allies are in retreat towards Gibraltar, with the German conquest almost complete. Technically this is the end of the scenario according the RAW, but since this is Hypothetical World War 2, I have decided to allow play to continue until the weather in the E zone turns to mud, making operations next to impossible. It is unlikely in a GE game that the Axis would stop attacking during good weather. Its worth noting that if the game ended now the Allied would have an overwhelming Decisive Victory according to VPs.

Losses

Spanish Unisolated – 0
Spanish Isolated – 0
Spanish Air 0

German Unisolated – 0
German Isolated – 0
German Air – 0

British Unisolated – 0
British Isolated – 0
British Air 0

The battle of Martos — British forces have sallied from Gibraltar to support the spanish defenders in the battle of Martos in this picture taken from the "Fall Blau" sccenario replay from "For Whom The Bell Tolls".

Sep I 41 – German Turn

September 22, 2007 / Ralph Sunley / 0 Comments

Initial Phase: The Weather remains clear in Zones D and E, however the Sea is rough in the Atlantic and Mediterranean. All units are in supply, except for the Spanish 21st cadre in 23A:2315. It remains at U-2. Spain generates 3 GSPs in Sevilla.

A new air cycle has begun; the Germans receive 10 ARPs but have no aircraft to bring back this turn. Germany also receives 6 Infantry RPs (total 13) and 3 more Arm RPs (total 14). They bring back the only two units in the replacement pool, the 402nd Bicycle battalion and the 616th Motorised AT battalion (1.5 Inf RPs/0.5 Arm RPs spent). The two-wheelers appear at Caceres while the AT unit is formed in Leon. 3 Me109Es fly CAP over Jaen from 3213.

Movement Phase: Near Valencia in 3705, the 263rd Infantry division breaks down into its supported components in order to garrison captured Mediterranean ports. In order to assault the Allied line, forward airbases are required for the German fighters and dive bombers.

The 674th Combat engineer starts the ball rolling by combining with the 7th Construction engineer to build a temporary field in 3212. It then moves to 3313, and is joined there by the 667th Combat engineer which uses rail and ground movement to reach the hex. Together these two units construct a second temporary airfield. Another airfield is built in 3312 by the 604th Combat engineer regiment which rails in before beginning construction. Finally, a temporary airfield is set up next at Alcazar de San Juan by the joint efforts of the 519th Combat Engineers and the 16th Construction Engineers, which both use rail movement to reach the target.

Three engineer units are further back from the front. The 71st Construction regiment moves to capture Alicante, which will allow one of the regiments of the 263rd division to admin move to the city. The 71st then heads one hex west to Elche. The 512th Combat Engineer regiment uses admin movement all the way up to Ciudad Real. Last but not least, the 108th Construction regiment administratively moves from Valencia to 3410.

The regiments of the 263rd Infantry disperse. One moves to Alicante, a second takes over duty in Cartagena, while the third heads back east towards Tarragona, although it can only reach as far as Reuss in 3529. In the relatively quiet Galicia province, the Germans have dispatched elite mountain troops to break through the Spanish defenses. The 15th Corps moves from 1509 to 1012, while the 616th Motorised AT battalion moves up to 1113 to join elements of the 11th Infantry division there.

Near Madrid, the final 4 points of position AA sent to protect the city facilities arrive via ground movement, 2 points going into each hex. Close by, the 608th Motorised Artillery regiment leaves Toledo and heads south to Valdapenas.

In the west, the 402nd Bicycle battalion moves from Caceres to Badajoz, where it gazes over te border at the Portuguese 1st Cavalry brigade. Rail regauging is conducted by the 4th RR Engineer regiment, which advances the southern railhead to 3529 before moving to 3530. The northern railhead is left alone by the 1st RR Engineers, they instead move to 2412. From Cartagena, the GD Motorised division heads down the coast to 4416, and prepares to seize the lightly defended port of Almeira.

The 33rd Corps thrusts around the main defensive line between Cordoba and 3418 to cross the river and reach 3419. The 53 Corps moves up in front of the Spanish positions to 3318, while the pincer is completed by the 25th Corps which brings its tanks up to 3417. The other end of the Allied line is also to be attacked. The 34th Corps pushes its armour into the mountains at 3717, the 66th Corps moves to its start line at Ubada, while the 64th Corps heads to Linares. To bolster the attack, the 603rd and 609th Artillery regiments are detached from the 62nd Corps and sent to the 66th. Similarly, the 783rd Artillery regiment in the 65th Corps is ordered to join the 62nd for the attack.

A follow-up echelon consisting of the 62nd and 65th Corps is sent forward behind the main assault. The 65th Corps uses admin movement to enter the wooded rough of 3118, and the 62nd is sent to 3416.

Combat Phase: There are no German fighters in interception range of 3418, so 2 Whitleys and a Blen 4 fly unescorted DS to the hex. The Blenheims are assigned to targets heavily protected by the flak guns of the 25th and 33rd Corps, and they are aborted. The Whitleys avoid the flak and deliver 1 effective point of DS.

To the south, 3 German Messerschmitts are flying CAP over 3617 (Jaen). A Spitfire, a Hurricane, and a Spanish Me109 stage through Granada in order to fly escort for a GS mission made up of SM79s, British A-22s and Blen 4s. The Germans switch to interception and one unit tries to bypass the screen. It is taken on by the Hurricanes, which roll up an abort. The other two Me109s attack the Allied escorts, managing to shoot down the Spanish Me109s and abort the Spitfires, while suffering only one R result themselves. The AA guns of the German 34th Corps go into action and bring down a lot of low flying A-22s, aborting them. The other two bombers get through unscathed, to deliver 1 point of effective DS.

The Germans fly a GS mission against both Jaen and 3418. Since the British have cleverly kept fighters in reserve in Cordoba, the Germans must escort each mission with only 3 fighters. All short range aircraft stage through the various airbases that have been built in front of the Allied positions. Against Jaen, a Me110C, a Me109E and a Me109F escort 2 He111s and 2 Ju88As. Hex 3418 is subjected to a larger attack, with 5 Ju87Bs and 2 He111s zeroing in on the defenders escorted by 2 Me110Cs and a Me109F.

The Allied fighters intercept the northern mission over 3418. A Hurricane and a Spitfire attempt to bypass the screen, while Spanish I-16/t10s engage the escorting fighters. The I-16s are allocated against Me110C4s, but both aircraft miss each other. A Me109F returns the Hurricanes but the Spitfires get past German Me110C1s, and manage to shoot down a He111, at no loss. There is no Spanish AA, so 22 points still make it to the target zone. Since there is also no AA in Jaen, all the bombers drop their munitions there unhindered. 10 points of GS will be added to the attack.

Jaen is under attack from 3 sides. The German 64th and 66th Corps are pumped up with artillery since they are attacking over the river. However, the 34th Corps which has ploughed through mountainous terrain is at full strength. Due to the rough terrain and fort in the hex there is a -2 on the roll. Together the 3 German Corps are worth 66, plus 10 GS for a total of 76. The defenders, mainly composed of the 23rd and 92nd Infantry divisions, have a printed strength of 13, plus one point of DS for a 14 total. This equates to 5:1 -2. 4 comes up, modified to a 2 for a DR. The Allied units retreat in good order to Martos, and the 66th Corps advances over the river.

3418 is held by the Spanish 101st Infantry division, backed up by numerous good quality infantry and artillery units. With 1 point of support from the Whitleys overheads, the defensive total is 17. Ranged against them are the German 33rd, 53rd and 25th Corps. The 33rd Corps is at the rear, compromising the defenders. Numerous German armoured assets are taking part in the operation, and despite the 3 Infantry divisions of the 53rd Corps there is still enough AECA for a +2 on the roll. The river reduces the effectiveness of the 53rd and 35th Corps, such that the attackers have a total of 52. However, Stukas and a few Heinkels pour from the sky in a never ending stream, adding 22 for a total of 74. This gives a 4:1 +2 ratio. Another 4 comes up, modified to a 6 for a DE. Due to ZOCs, all the Spanish are eliminated (but were not isolated). The 53rd Corps advances over the river.

Near Madrid, the shattered remnants of the 21st division are attacked by the 22nd Air Landing and 5th Infantry divisions. Since the Spanish are at U-2, they are halved, and only worth one. The mountains mean that the Germans are also halved but the attack is still 8:1 -2. 6 comes up, still a DE after the modification to 4. The Spanish are eliminated, and the Germans do not advance. On the Mediterranean coast, the GS Motorised regiment attacks the port of ALmeria, which is held by the 3Car Border regiment. The border guards are unsupported, and only worth 0.5, while the Germans are supported and are worth 4. Rough terrain provides a -1 to the 8:1 attack. Although a 2 is rolled, its still good enough for a DH, and the Germans take the town.

The final attack is in Galicia, with the German 15th Mountain Corps attacking 1013, backed up by 2 regiments of the 11th Infantry division. The Spanish are worth 5 while the Germans can muster a total of 20, giving a 4:1 -2 assault. The die shows 5, modified to 3 for a DR. The Spanish retreat to 1014, and the 15th Mountain Corps advances. The pass through the mountains has now been secured.

All the German short range aircraft land at their forward airbases, while the long range units land in Murcia and Madrid. Allied air units return to base in Sevilla, Cordoba and Malaga.

Exploitation Phase: The 34th Corps continues to work through the mountains and moves into 3718. Behind it, the GD Motorised regiment and 608th Artillery regiment take up a position in 3816, where they will screen the southern flank of the German advance. The 33rd Corps tightens the noose on the Allies, moving from 3419 to 3519.

Losses

Spanish Unisolated – 16+2 (3.5 Special RPs received)
Spanish Isolated – 0
Spanish Air 1K
German Unisolated – 0
German Isolated – 0
German Air – 1A/1K

British Unisolated – 0
British Isolated – 0
British Air 3A

Defending Andalucia — The map shows turn fice of the "Fall Blau"-scenario from "For Whom The Bell Tolls", depicting a german invasion of Spain in the making, The Germans have overrun most of Spain, while the followers of Franco prepare their last line of defence in Andalucia.

Sep I 41 – Allied Turn

September 8, 2007 / Ralph Sunley / 0 Comments

Initial Phase: The Allied armour and infantry that was holding the Guadalquivir river has been outflanked and nearly surrounded. Units in 3518 and 3618 are U-1. All German He111s and Ju88s are assigned to Naval patrol.

More Spanish replacements are received. They now have 2 Inf RPs in the Canaries and 2 Colonial Inf RPs. 1 regular Inf RP is received at Sevilla plus 3.5 Special RPs, for a total of 5. The 38th and 39th Infantry regiments are reformed, along with the 42nd and 62nd Artillery regiments (All 5 Inf RPs are spent). The Artillery comes on in Cordoba while the Infantry appears in Malaga. Britain also receives replacements, although they have yet to use any. Their pool is 5 Arm and 15 Inf RPs. Spanish factories generate a Resource point in Sevilla. New ARPs are received in accordance with the new air cycle. Spain uses its 2 to bring back the eliminated Me109Es. Britain spends 3 to bring back aborted Spitfires, Blenheims and A-22s. Both fighters are reactivated at Sevilla, and the bombers return to duty at Gibraltar. 3 more GSPs are generated at Sevilla.

Spanish partisans still roam occupied Spain. This turn their targets are 23A:4211, 23A4212 and Tarragona. However, it seems that the Germans are infiltrating the resistance. Raids on homes of suspected guerrillas disrupt all the operations before they are conducted.

Movement Phase: The Allied fleet stays tied up in Gibraltar. The appearance of German forces at the border causes the Portuguese High Command to send reinforcements to the area. The 4th Infantry division advances to 2323.

The units in Galicia hex 1014 move around to 0914, again blocking the path of the Germans, although they are now without the defensive benefit of the mountains.

In the Guadalquivir pocket, the Spanish infantry in 3618 can only move one hex due to ZOCs, so it goes to the wooded rough in 3719. Meanwhile, the Allied armour is short of fuel and has only half its movement allowance, so it too is limited to single hex movement. There is only one way out, and that is to the recently vacated Martos in 3618. Both stacks have now made their way back to an unisolated state.

An attempt is made to reform the Allied line. The 31st Infantry division pulls back from the Mediterranean coast and goes to the mountains in 3917. This allows the 93rd Infantry division to take up a position on 3818, blocking the path of the German 34th Corps. The line is extended to 3520 by a collection of non divisional units, headed by the Mar Colonial Cavalry brigade, 13th Cavalry regiment, and the rest of the area reserves from 3622. Filling the final gap in 3420 is the 1st British Tank brigade and 7th Artillery brigade from Cordoba and the Spanish 61st Artillery from Sevilla. The Cordoba garrison is replenished by the Tdl Colonial Infantry brigade, which administratively moves up from Cadiz.

The 2nd Construction regiment carries a Resource point out of Sevilla and takes it to 3725 with admin movement. It is joined in the hex by the 2nd Combat Engineer regiment from Cadiz. From Malaga, the 239C and 138th Infantry regiment leave and head to 3725 to join the engineers. Their place in Malaga is taken over by the 74th Heavy AA regiment, which stops to wreck the rail line in 3623 on the way.

Combat Phase: No combat

Exploitation Phase: The Allied armour works its way back to 3619, completing the Allied line. Unfortuntely the 8th British Artillery brigade is non-motorised and cannot move. It is ordered to spike its guns and is left to the mercy of the Germans in 3618.

End of Turn Summary

The Allies made a mistake in forming their first line by not plugging the gap between Cordoba and the left flank of the river line. This allowed the German armour to waltz through and get behind the defenders. Only by a stroke of luck was the Allied armour saved, with the DR at Martos allowing the Spanish infantry to keep a retreat route open. A solid line has now been hastily formed, but it is wafer thin and will not last long. Behind this line is very little.

Losses

Spanish Unisolated – 0
Spanish Isolated – 0
Spanish Air 0

German Unisolated – 0
German Isolated – 0
German Air – 0

British Unisolated – 0
British Isolated – 0
British Air 0

Aug II 41 – German Turn

September 3, 2007 / Ralph Sunley / 0 Comments

Initial Phase: The Weather is clear in Zones D and E, Sea is calm in Atlantic and Mediterranean. All units are in supply, except for the Spanish 21st cadre in 23A:2315. It remains at U-1. Spain generates 3 GSPs in Sevilla. The last German ARP is spent bringing back an aborted Me110C4. This unit appears in Toledo. Also in Toledo, the263rd Infantry division is rebuilt from cadre to full strength (7 Inf RPs remain).

Movement Phase: The Germans surrounding Valencia were so intent on watching the Luftwaffe pound the Allied capital ships that they failed to notice transports sneaking in and evacuating Spanish troops. A morning recon mission reports back that the city is now undefended.
The 251st Infantry division that was under control of the 65th Corps separates and takes up positions around the city as a garrison.

In repair activity, the 512th Combat engineer moves to 23A:3703 and fixes a rail break. Just before it does this, its place in 33:3633 is taken by the 16th Construction regiment, so that the temporary airfield there is still maintained. Another rail break is fixed in 3529 by the 4th RR Engineers. In the north, the 1st RR Engineer advances the railhead by two more hexes to 1909, and the engineers advance to Valladolid.

South of Valencia, the 25th Corps abandons preparations to enter the city and instead crosses to Jucar river into Alzira (except for the 608th Motorised Artillery regiment). It then heads along the road to 3907 where is takes a left turn south-eastwards to reach the outskirts of Cartagena, in 4310. Close by, the 34th Corps also menaces Cartagena by taking up a position in 4311. Behind them, the rail guns advance down newly captured track to Malaga, in range of Cartagena.

The 15th Mountain Corps is ordered to head north to finish off the defenders in Galicia. Firstly it detaches the 133rd Motorised Heavy AA battalion, which remains in the hex for now. The mountaineers administratively move north to 3103, and then hop on the train which takes them as far as 1509. The 608th Motorised Artillery regiment is now on its own, and it heads up the road to Albacete, fully gaining ownership of the transportation line for the Germans. This allows the 62nd and 65th Corps to use administrative movement towards the Gibraltar sector. The 62nd moves as far as Tomelloso, while the 65th is a short step behind them in 3311.

Position Antiaircraft units move into Madrid from the north. 4 points go into 2711 while 2 points enter 2710. 4 other points use admin movement to move through Valladolid to 2312. The 22nd Air Landing Division continues its pursuit of the remnants of the Spanish 21st division. It moves around to the woods in 2415, between the unit and its supply lines. In order to make sure the Spanish are finished off next turn, the 5th Infantry division is sent from Toledo to join the glider troops in the same hex.

From the Madrid area, the 33rd Corps reforms. The SS TK Motorised division and 7th Panzer division move south to 3313. They are joined there by the 563rd Motorised AT battalion, and the 110th and 613th Motorised Artillery regiments which are reassigned from the 66th Corps. The 133rd Motorised Heavy AA regiment is also ordered to join the 33rd, but can only reach as far as 3311 in this phase. Also in the Madrid sector, the 66th Corps is reinforced and ordered forward. The Corps advances through Valdapenas to take up a position in 3414. Along the way it absorbs the 57th Infantry division and the 782nd & 610th Artillery regiments that were left behind in 2613. The artillery uses admin movement to reach the destination hex. The forward units of the 53rd Corps head westwards from Tomelloso to 3216, where they are in range of several Allied positions next turn.

Due to the fall of Valencia, a redeployment of air assets is now necessary. All the German He111s and Ju88As rebase to Madrid 2710. The remaining unit stationed in Zaragoza, a Me110, transfers to Albacete. A forward temporary airbase is constructed in 3213 by the 517th Combat Engineer regiment which leaves the 53rd Corps to do so. Once it is completed, 3 Me109Es fly in to take up residence. All the Ju87s also rebase to Madrid, but to 2711. The last series of operations sees a Me110, 1 Me109E and 1 Me109F land at Murcia.

Leaving the Valencia area is the 64th Corps, which is ordered to make a 180 degree turn and head northwest via admin movement. It heads up the road through Cuenca before making a left turn across open country and reaching the new airbase in 3213.

The multiple German engineer and construction units around Valencia are ordered forward (using administrative movement where possible) so that new airbases can be constructed next turn. The 667th Combat Engineer regiment heads to Albacete, the 604th goes to 3709, and the 674th advances to 3212. Lastly the 519th Engineers pack up their shovels and move along the coast then inland to 3808. Most of the Construction regiments also advance, abandoning their temporary airbases in 3303, 3304 and 33:3633. The 16th Construction regiment sorties to 3807 with admin movement, the 7th regiment admin moves to 3703 then hops on the train to Alcazar de San Juan, then a final hex to join the 674th Combat Engineers in 3212. Next the 108th regiment admin moves to Valencia. Finally the 71st Construction regiment moves to 3906.

German garrison forces are also active this turn. The 605th Motorised Light AA battalion is no longer guarding any aircraft in Zaragoza, so it uses admin movement to move up to Madrid 2710. The 263rd Infantry division is assigned to guard duties on the south coast, and it administratively moves down the road from Toledo to 3705. It is scheduled to break down next turn.

Combat Phase: A-22s from Malaga are assigned to assist the defense of Cartagena. They manage to evade the 7 points of AA from German armoured units around the city, and deliver 1 effective point of DS. The only attack is made against Caratgena. The German 34th and 25th Corps attack the city with a huge armoured push, while rail mounted siege artillery pounds the city fortifications from some 16 miles away. Despite the addition of 1 point of DS, the collection of small Spanish units is only worth 9, while the Germans muster 69, making a 7:1 attack with a -1. The die roll nearly comes up with a 1 but at the last second it falls over to reveal a 5, modified to 4 for a DE. All the Spanish are eliminated (and isolated). The GD Motorised regiment from the 34th Corps advances into the city.

Exploitation Phase: The 25th Corps heads north after successfully assisting in the capture of Cartagena. It moves up to Hellin before leaving the road and advancing to the woods in 23A:3512. Also making its way from Cartagena is the 34th Corps which trundles forward via Lorca to the valley at 3916. From the main group of German forces, the 33rd Corps heads west along the road through Ciudad Real and Puertollano, and then off into the wooded rough at 3118, threatening Cordoba. It is joined there by the 133rd Motorised Heavy AA regiment. Finally the 608th Artillery regiment is ordered to take a garrison role in protecting the Me110s in Toledo. It heads there from its position in 3609.

Losses

Spanish Unisolated – 0
Spanish Isolated – 8
Spanish Air 0
German Unisolated – 0
German Isolated – 0
German Air – 0

British Unisolated – 0
British Isolated – 0
British Air 0

Aug II 41 – Allied Turn

August 30, 2007 / Ralph Sunley / 0 Comments

Initial Phase: The cadre of the 21st Infantry division, which is still in the Cordillera Central, is running low on food and ammunition. It is now at U-2 status. Only the German Ju88A4 aircraft go on Naval Patrol duty this turn. Attacks on rail lines are made by Spanish partisans in 23A:4110, 4210 and 33:3531. The line in 4210 is hit but the other two operations fail. The 6MK Infantry regiment is formed from volunteers in the Tangier International Zone, and appears at Tangiers. Due to administrative confusion, the Spanish forgot to call up infantry replacements last turn. However, due to the loss of key cities they only receive 0.5 Colonial Inf RP (1.5 total), 0.5 Inf RP in the Canaries (1.5 total) and 1 in mainland Spain (5.5 total). 5 Inf RPs are used to bring back the 23rd Infantry division in Cordoba. 3 more GSPs are generated at Sevilla.

Movement Phase: Allied Naval forces lick their wounds in Gibraltar. However, since only 2 German air units are on Naval Patrol, and they are in Madrid, the fleet decides to make a run to pick up some troops from the Balearic Islands. The German pilots find nothing except the calm waters of the Mediterranean on their patrols. The 61st Infantry regiment is collected from Ibiza, the 37th boards at Palma in Mallorca, and the 38th is taken from Mahon on Menorca. All units disembark in Gibraltar and move to 3825. The fleet returns to the Gibraltar docks.

Due to the arrival of the Spanish 23rd Infantry division in Cordoba, the british 25th Infantry brigade repositions to Sevilla. Spanish reserves in 3522 advance to the river line at 3418, to protect the flank of the Allied armour.

Cavalry is sent to rip up rail track behind the front line in order to deny it to the Germans should they break through. The 13th Cavalry regiment damages Antequera and 3723 before moving to 3721. Likewise, the Mar Colonial Cavalry brigade damages the line in 3622, 3522 and Lucena. Behind them, the 74th Heavy AA regiment comes out of its fortifications and places hits in 3726, 3725 and Ronda in 3624. Lastly, all the units in the front lines pull up the rail lines in their hexes (3918, 3617, 3518, 3418 and Cordoba).

The 21st cadre slowly ekes its way through the mountains to 2316, where it is only a few miles short of reaching supplies. In Galicia, the 35th Light Infantry regiment is dispatched to the mountain pass at 1013, in an attempt to hold of German mountaineers heading to the area. Cordoba was reinforced by the arrival of the recreated 23rd Infantry division. However it is instead ordered to shore up the front line at Jaen.

Combat Phase: No combat

Exploitation Phase: No activity

End of Turn Summary

The Allies considered launching a counterattack this turn but the rewards were deemed too low to be worth the risk. The Germans are approaching the Gibraltar perimeter from several directions so any advancing forces would have easily been cut off and destroyed. Next turn, hammer blows will be made across the Guadalquivir river.

Losses

Spanish Unisolated – 0
Spanish Isolated – 0
Spanish Air 0

German Unisolated – 0
German Isolated – 0
German Air – 0

British Unisolated – 0
British Isolated – 0
British Air 0

Aug I 41 – German Turn

August 21, 2007 / Ralph Sunley / 0 Comments

Initial Phase: The Weather is clear in Zones D and E, Sea is calm in Atlantic and Mediterranean. All units are in supply. Spain generates 3 GSPs in Sevilla.

Germany spends 2 ARPs to bring back 2 aborted Me109Es. One appears at Tarragone and the other comes on at Lerida.1 ARP is left in the pool. The 667th Combat Engineer regiment is replaced (2 Inf RPs, 11 remain) and also appears at Tarragona.

Movement Phase: Germany embarks on a rapid airfield construction operation around Valencia, in order to provide air support capability for the coming assault on the city. First off the 512th Combat Engineer builds a temporary field in 33:3633. Then the 16th Construction regiment and 519th Combat Engineer regiment move to 3632 and combine their abilities to build a second temporary airfield in the area.

North of Valencia, two more airfields are built in Tereul and 3303 by the 604th and 674th Combat engineer regiments. In addition, the 7th and 71st Construction regiments abandon their airfields north of Madrid and use rail and admin movement to move onto the new airfields, freeing up the Combat Engineers for other duties. The 674th advances 2 spaces to 3502 and the 604th heads back to Tereul. From Madrid, the 108th Construction regiment is ordered to the Valencia sector, and it uses admin and rail movement to reach 33:3331. Nearby, the newly reformed 667th Combat Engineer regiment is sent forward via admin movement to join the RR artillery in 23A:3702.

Continuing rail regauging is the 4th RR Engineer regiment, which repairs a rail break and then regauges the line in Tarragona. The 1st RR Engineer regiment advances the northern railhead to 23A:1907. The 34th Corps moves two more hexes along the rail line to 3406 to complete ownership for the Germans. This allows the 64th Corps (and its siege artillery) to use admin movement to head southeast as far as 3605. The 34th then heads back west to 3510 and proceeds south through Albacete to 3910.

Near Madrid, the remnants of the Spanish defenders are about to be rounded up. The 66th Corps moves to 2912, flanked by the 12th Infantry division which occupies 2913. Any possible retreat is cut off by the 5th Infantry division which takes up a position behind the Tajo river at 2712.

A few miles to the northwest, the SS TK Motorised division sweeps around behind the two Spanish divisions in 2514, and it stops movement in Talavera de la Raina, The 22nd Air Landing division also joins in the operation, moving into the mountains at 2413. Finally the 7th Panzer division is joined by the 610th and 782 Artillery regiments which are detached from the 53rd Corps in Madrid. The rest of the 53rd Corps heads off down the road towards Gibraltar, reaching Tomelloso.

To protect the Madrid city airbases in 2710 against partisan attacks, the 604th Motorised Light AA battalion transfers from garrison duty at Valladolid. German position AA is moved towards Madrid, with 6 points leaving the Bayonne area. 4 points use rail and admin movement to reach 2512 while 2 other points can only reach as far as Avila (2312). 4 other points located deeper in France as railed up as far as the European gauge railhead in 1907.

In the Valencia sector, the 62nd Corps moves back down adjacent to the city at 3704. The present occupant of that hex is the 25th Corps, which shifts across the Jucar river to Alzira. It is joined there by the 4th Panzer division. An exception is the 133rd motorised heavy AA battalion, which only shuffles as far as 3804, where it is joined by the 15th Mountain Corps and the 98th independent Mountain regiment. Also in the area, the 12th Infantry division rejoins the 65th Corps.

In air missions, a major assault is made on the airbase in Valencia. Using newly constructed local airbases as staging posts, nearly every German air unit joins in the attack. The British have 5 fighters in the area, 4 land based and a group of Fulmars on a carrier off the coast. However, they are outnumbered almost 2 to 1 by the Luftwaffe. After an emergency meeting by local commanders in consultation with London, it is decided that the RAF will seek to take as many Germans down with them as possible, however the carrier planes will not take part in order to provide protection for the Allied fleet. Two Hurricanes are allocated against Me110s, a third goes up against a Me109E, while the Spitfires tangle with more Me109Es. Weight of numbers proves decisive. The British lose 2 Hurricanes and a Spitfire aborted, while the other Hurricane is shot down by Me110Cs. The only hit on the Germans is an abort on a Me110C4. The few AA guns that are stationed in the city are too far away from the airport to have any effect on the waves of incoming bombers. Valencia airport is obliterated under a downpour of bombs, with 6 hits reducing its capacity to 0. Many Spanish SM79 bombers and Mixed attack bombers on the ground are also reduced to burning wrecks. The German air units land at the temporary airfield ringing the city, in formations of 2 fighters and one bomber where possible.

Combat Phase: There will be two stacks of Spanish attacked this turn but the available Allied air support is not able to affect the outcome (save for chancing a very risky unescorted mission to 2514), so no DAS missions are flown. Force H in 3903 continues to send heavy barrages of gunfire towards the German assembly zones near Valencia. However the German units are well bunkered down and feel little effect apart from some headaches.

All the available Luftwaffe aircraft bombed Valencia this turn, so no GS missions are undertaken.

The 66th Corps, 57th and 5th Infantry divisions have surrounded the remnants of the Spanish 13th and 23rd divisions in Toledo. The Spanish can only muster 5 points, while the attackers are worth 36, which works out to a 5:1 even assault. 1 is rolled for a HX. The Spanish are destroyed but manage to cadre the 263rd Infantry division, in a Pyrrhic result for the Germans. The cadred division advances into Toledo so it can rebuild next turn. It is joined there by the 5th Infantry division which advances over the Tajo river.

Northwest of Toledo in 2514, the 21st and 41Exp Infantry divisions, augmented by the 1st Combat Engineers, face an armoured pincer movement led by the SS TK division and 7th Panzer division. The isolated defenders are worth 11 but the Germans have 34, including a +2 for AECA. A 4 comes up, modified to 6 for a DH. The engineers and 41Exp division are destroyed, while the 21st is reduced to cadre. This unit retreats into the mountains at 2414.

Exploitation Phase: The 604th Motorised Light AA battalion moves to Madrid 2711 to protect the single remaining air unit from partisan attack. In the south of Spain, the 34th Corps moves to capture Murcia, where it stops. Next to Valencia, the 35th Corps enters the swamps in 3904.

Losses

Spanish Unisolated – 0
Spanish Isolated – 9+5 = 14
Spanish Air – 2A
German Unisolated – 4 (1 Special RP received)
German Isolated – 0
German Air – 0

British Unisolated – 0
British Isolated – 0
British Air – 3A

Aug I 41 – Allied Turn

August 21, 2007 / Ralph Sunley / 0 Comments

All units are in supply except for the cadre of the 21st Infantry division, which is hiding in the Cordillera Central. All the German aircraft, except for a fighter in Madrid and the transports, go on Naval Patrol duty.

Spanish guerrillas employ a change of tactics this turn, targeting airbases instead of the rail network. Attacks are made against Madrid, Albacete and Tarragona (which actually has some Me110s there protected only by RR Engineers). Unfortunately, runways are not as easy to blow up as rail tracks, and none of the operations are successful. The last remaining Spanish ARPs is used to bring back a SM79-1 bomber at Sevilla. Meanwhile, 5 British ARPs (leaving 1 for next cycle) are used to replace all the fighters lost over Valencia last turn. A Hurricane and Spitfire are placed in Cordoba, while two other Hurricanes are brought on in Spanish Morocco at Tetuan. The 2nd Spanish Construction regiment completes defensive fortifications in Sevill

Movement Phase: Force H has been stripped of its air cover that was based in Valencia, and the Luftwaffe now launches multiple sorties in an attempt to locate the Allied ships protecting the Spanish city.

First off the rank are 2 Me109Es escorting torpedo laden Ju88s based in 3304. The search modifier is +2 (calm weather, 6 hexes flown). Contact is made with a 3. The Fulmar fighters on board a carrier fly up to intercept, and attempt to bypass both of the escorts. However, a 7 is rolled by the first Me109 and the Fulmars are returned to the decks. The Ju88s begin their attack runs in the face of withering AA fire from destroyers escorting the carriers.6 is rolled, modified to 5, returning the bombers to base, their torpedoes wide of the mark.

The second patrol mission comes from 3303, a carbon copy of the first. Radio transmissions from the previous mission guide the torpedo bombers directly to the target area. This time there are no enemy fighters, but the AA gauntlet must again be run. Learning from the mistakes of their compatriots, the Ju88 pilots literally skim the waves, below the effective angle of fire of the flak which pours in their direction. 10 comes up for a miss. One torpedo slams home, sinking a Spanish destroyer.

Next in line are 2 Stukas from 33:3633. There is a Me109 at the airbase but it does not need to participate due to the lack of interceptors. Due to the proximity of the airbase to the target zone, the search modifier is +3. 5 comes up for another contact. The dive bombers scream down on the fleet out of the sun, blinding the AA gunners (8 and 9 rolled). 3 hits are scored, damaging a carrier, a British cruiser and a Spanish cruiser.

3 more Ju87s from 3632 attempt to keep the assault going, and the smoke emitted by burning ships gives away the position (4 rolled). The shriek of dive bombers is again heard over the sound of engines at flank speed, which are trying propel the ships in evasive manoeuvres. The pitching and rolling of the decks gives the Flak gunners little chance, and again they miss all incoming aircraft (8, 7, 8 rolled). Despite 12 rolls, only 3 more hits are scored, finishing off the burning RN cruiser, sinking a second Spanish destroyer, and a burst through the flight deck causes serious damage to a second carrier. In the ensuing fires, the Fulmar fighters are burned to a crisp, eliminating them.

The next wave consists of 2 He111s from Barcelona. Due to their increased distance, the search modifier is only +1. A navigational error (2 rolled) sees them patrolling further east than intended, and they do not find the enemy.

The final mission is another 2 He111s from Zaragoza, again with a +1 on the search roll. Somewhere over the mountains, the weather closes in and they get lost (3 rolled). While trying to determine their location fuel runs low, forcing them to return to base. For their efforts, the German pilots earn 56 VPs.

The Allied fleet has taken a pounding (7 hits) and now faces a tough decision. If it stays where it is to provide NGS then the Germans will be able to attack Valencia at a guaranteed 3:1, which gives the city only 1 chance in 6 of holding out. In addition the fleet will be subject to another wave of air attacks. Withdrawal will mean the city will be certainly overrun. The decision is made to evacuate the city instead. 6 British Naval transports and 4 Spanish transports head to the city from Gibraltar and Ceuta. There are still a couple of German fighters operative in the area so the Allied capital ships escort the transports from 4104 into the Valencia harbour. There they embark all the Spanish units and head west, along with the fleet acting as escort. The 31st Infantry division is unloaded at Motril in 4120, the 5th Guardia Civil regiment is taken to Cadiz, while the rest of the evacuees land in Malaga. All the transports end movement in the disembarkation ports. The Allied fleet sails on to Gibraltar and ties up at the docks there.

The 31st Infantry division moves off the docks in Motril into the mountains at 4119, protecting the coastal flank of the Gibraltar perimeter. From Malaga, the 62nd Artillery regiment heads north to join one of the reserve stacks in 3522. Also moving north is the 2Car border regiment and 3rd Combat Engineer regiment, which head to 3622. At Cadiz, the ground units holding the city rip up the airbase there, reducing it ot 0 capacity and denying use of it to the invaders. Northwest of Madrid, the 21st cadre retreats further into the mountains at 2315. Since the Spanish rail capacity is now only 3, it remains out of supply.

The Spanish light armour sorties from 3518 on another operation to deny rail lines to the Germans. The 1st and 2nd regiments move to 3917 and break the line in that hex, while the 5th regiment is ordered to do the same in 3916.

Now that the Germans have captured a significant portion of the Spanish rolling stock, they have a useful rail capacity on the Iberian rail net. In an attempt to reduce that capability, the RAF launches a series of night raids against the marshalling yards of Madrid. 2 Whitleys from Gibraltar attack 2711 and 2 Blen 4s from Malaga go in against 2710. There is 1 point of AA in 2711 and none in the other hex. The second raid against 2711 is done during a full moon, and the German gunners are able to clearly see the enemy flying overhead. Accurate fire means that the bombers cannot penetrate the target zone, and they return to base (another snake eyes comes up). The rest of the air units drop their bomb loads but are well wide of the mark, and no damage is done to the rail network.

Combat Phase: No combat

Exploitation Phase: All the Allied transports retreat to the relative safety of Gibraltar. Spanish Light armoured units return to 3518.

End of Turn Summary

The Royal and Spanish Navies could not sustain the pounding they were taking once they had no air cover, therefore it was decided to give up Valencia. In any case it had served its purpose in delaying the Axis advance. It was a surprise at how quickly the Germans were able to concentrate their air power in the area once presented with a high value target. Most of Spain has now been taken, and the front moves inexorably towards the Gibraltar perimeter.

Losses

Spanish Unisolated – 0
Spanish Isolated – 0
Spanish Air 0
German Unisolated – 0
German Isolated – 0
German Air – 0

British Unisolated – 0
British Isolated – 0
British Air 0

Jul II 41 – German Turn

August 20, 2007 / Ralph Sunley / 0 Comments

Initial Phase: The Weather is clear in Zones D and E, Sea is calm in Atlantic and Mediterranean. All units are in supply. Spain generates 3 GSPs in Madrid and 3 in Sevilla.

The Axis uses 6 ARPs to bring back 2 Me109Es (1 from elimination), a Me109F a Ju87B and a He111H. The fighters appear at 2107, the Heinkels come on at Barcelona and the Stukas reappear at Lerida. 3 ARPs remain. 3 Me109s from Madrid 2710 and 3 from 2107 fly CAP over Madrid 2711.

Movement Phase: The final push is made on Madrid 2711. From 2414, the 7th Panzer and SS TK Motorised divisions come up behind the city to 2712. The 34th Corps moves into 2611, and is augmented by the 5th Infantry division from the adjacent 53rd Corps. This means that the 563rd Motorised At battalion must join the units in 2712. 2810 is occupied by the 66th Corps, and finally the last two units in the 63rd Corps split up, with the 52nd Infantry division joining the 53rd Corps, and the 57th division advancing to 3011.

North of Madrid, the 22nd Air Landing division moves in to the mountain pass in 2412 that has recently been vacated. Not far away, the 71st Construction regiment heads to the temporary airfield at 2207 (abandoning its own in 2006), freeing up the 604th Combat Engineer regiment. The 609th uses admin movement to head south to Tereul, alongside the 65th Corps. It is joined in the hex by the 674th Engineer regiment which is withdrawn from the Madrid sector. Lastly, the 108th Construction regiment moves west to join the 64th Corps in Madrid.

Along the Mediterranean coast, a flurry of construction activity begins. The 4th RR Engineer regauges 3627 and advances to 3628. Due to the rail break there, it cannot regauge the line in that hex. Close by, the 16th Construction regiment administratively moves up to Tortosa. Rail breaks are repaired in 33:3734 (by the 512th Combat Engineer regiment) and 23A:3702 (by the 519th Combat Engineer regiment). This allows the RR guns to move to 3702, in range of Valencia. The 512th Engineers then move to 3632 and the 519th shifts back to 3734.

Since the attack on Valencia will be delayed, the 62nd is detailed to head north to Tereuel. This is in order to destroy the units holed up in the mountains at 3404. As additional reinforcements, the 12th Infantry division is detached from the 65th Corps, and it moves to 3403. Also detached into the same hex is the 3rd Panzer and 133rd Motorised Heavy AA regiment from the 25th Corps. Airbase garrison units are also reorganised. The 604th Motorised Light AA battalion administratively moves to Valladolid, relieving the LW 151st Motorised Heavy AA battalion. This unit heads towards Valencia, stopping in 3203.

Combat Phase: The heroic Spanish air defenders of Madrid fly up in a desperate mission to save the city. A He111E and a British A-22 from Malaga attempt to bomb the assembly zones of the Germans that ring the capital. They are escorted by 2 CR32bis units and a Me109E. Unfortunately for the Allies, the skies are swarming with 6 Messerschmitts on CAP. All The Germans switch to interception. One fighter is allocated to each Spanish air unit, with 2 being sent against the British A-22s. Combat is fierce. The Germans shoot down a Cr32bis and the He111s, and return all other aircraft. However, the Heinkel gunners are on song and abort a Me109E (snake eyes rolled), while the surviving CR32bis aborts another Me109E.

In 23A:3404, 3 Spanish units are surrounded in the mountains. A Mxd attack bomber and a SM79 fly DS from Valencia. They are outside the intercept range of any German fighters. Accurate fire from German heavy AA guns is enough to ensure that the Mxd bombers drop their munitions wide of the mark. Force H in 3903 sends heavy barrages of gunfire towards the German positions around Valencia. No significant losses are taken but the Germans do not attack the city this turn, as they are waiting for more artillery and air support to arrive from the north.

Ground Support: With the skies cleared of Spanish aircraft, the German bombers are free to fly into Madrid unmolested. 5 Ju87s (1 stages from Lerida through 2207), 3 He111Hs and 2 Ju88s fly continuous sorties against the defenders holed up in the suburbs. The AA in the city is running low on ammunition and is unable to divert any of the bombers away from the battle. 16 effective points of GS make it through.

Combat: Madrid 2711 is surrounded on 5 sides by the German 34th, 53rd, 64th and 66th Corps, plus the 7th Panzer and SS TK divisions. With 16 points of GS they are worth a grand total of 95.5. The 91st and 61st Infantry divisions form the core of the defense, which is worth 18 points. Due to the fort in the city, the attack is 5:1 -1. In a crushing and coordinated attack, the German forces overrun the city at minimal loss to themselves. 6 is rolled, modified to 5 for a DE. Due to ZOCs, the 61st and 91st cadres cannot retreat. Two Spanish air units which are inoperative manage to escape but become aborted upon reaching friendly airbases. Due to the positioning of the German 57th division in 3011, all losses are isolated. The 53rd Corps advances into the ruins of the city. The 2 Ju88s rebase to Barcelona in the air return step, while the rest of the aircraft land in Madrids airbases.

Southwards in 3404, 2 regiments of Spanish Infantry and one artillery regiment have been caught by the Germans in the mountains. Italian made SM79s add ½ a point to the defense for a total of 6.5. Arrayed against them is the 62nd and 15th Mountain Corps, plus the 3rd Panzer division, 12th Infantry division and some smaller units as well. The attack total is 43. Although only a few bombers made it through, they are enough to shorten the odds to 6:1 -2. 5 comes up.modified to a 3 for a DR. ZOCs ensure that the Spanish are forced to surrender.

Exploitation Phase: The 7th Panzer and SS TK division move to cut off the 2 Spanish divisions northwest of Madrid by moving to 2613. Near Valencia, the 3rd Panzer returns to the 25th Corps in 2704. It is joined there by the 133rd and 151st Motorised Heavy AA battalions which move down from the road to the north of Valencia. The 34th Corps moves to seize the low volume rail line leading from Aranjuez to Valencia. It advances through Madrid, over the Jarama river, and as far as Cuenca in 3207.

Losses

Spanish Unisolated – 0
Spanish Isolated – 18+3 = 21
Spanish Air 2K/2A
German Unisolated – 0
German Isolated – 0
German Air – 2A

Jul II 41 – Allied Turn

August 19, 2007 / Ralph Sunley / 0 Comments

Initial Phase: The units in 2412 are out of supply and become U-1. Germany now has 10 REs available to it on the Iberian gauge rail net and thus can now use it to trace supply lines. Due to the fall of Madrid, there are currently no Spanish full supply sources, so Spanish units must use Allied full supply sources (major ports).

All the German long range bombers go on Naval Patrol duty. Spanish partisans target rail lines in hexes 33:3530, 33:3008 and 23A:2701. This time the Germans are able to detect the partisan cells and make arrests before most of the attacks can be carried out, only 3530 is hit.

1 Spanish ARP (1 left) is spent to repair an aborted Me109E. It appears at Sevilla. Also in Sevilla, the 2nd Spanish Construction regiment begins building a fort.

Movement Phase: Force H and its Spanish counterparts spend the turn on station in 3903, replenishing their ammunition. Due to extensive air cover, the German torpedo bombers do not try to make contact. Portuguese units do not move, but nervously eye the border. The british 1st Tank brigade is sent from Cordoba to pull up some rail track near Sevilla. It puts a break in 3122 before ending movement in 3021.

The 1st and 4th Construction regiments in Tangier use quick construction to build a temporary airbase in the hex. Close to Madrid, the 13th and 23rd Infantry cadres are technically not isolated but they cannot escape the hordes of enemy units in the area, Instead they decide to break the rail line in 2811 before retreating into Toledo for their last stand.

In the foothills of the Cordillera Central, the 41Exp and 21st Infantry division continue to elude the German invaders. Although at U-1, they head back into the path of the Germans at 2514 to regain contact with their supply line. From 3519, the 1st, 2nd and 5th Light armoured regiments are tasked with rendering the rail line to Madrid unusable. By leapfrogging each other, they are able to put the line in hexes 3517 to 3413 out of action. The 5th moves on to 3313.

Combat Phase: No combat

Exploitation Phase: The Allied fleet again prepares its guns for shore bombardment in defense of Valencia. The 1st and 2nd Spanish Light tank regiments return to 3518, as does the 5th, but not before it puts an additional rail line break in 3313. The British 1st Tank brigade also puts more hits into the rail system by damaging 3021 before returning to Cordoba.

End of Turn Summary

Madrid has been taken but Valencia still holds out, and it will take at least another couple of turns for the Germans to get it, thanks to Force H & Co. However, rapid advances are now possible for the Axis since they have passed the 10RE threshold of Iberian rail capacity and can use Iberian gauge rail lines for supply. The Spanish also took heavy air losses this turn which cannot be sustained, even though they took a few Germans with them. There is not a lot the Allies can do now except wait for the Germans to come to them, and continue their successful tactic of trading units for time.

Losses

Spanish Unisolated – 0
Spanish Isolated – 0
Spanish Air 0

German Unisolated – 0
German Isolated – 0
German Air – 0

British Unisolated – 0
British Isolated – 0
British Air 0

Jul I 41 – German Turn

August 14, 2007 / Ralph Sunley / 0 Comments

Initial Phase: The Weather is clear in Zones D and E, Sea is calm in Atlantic and Mediterranean. All units are in supply. Spain generates 3 GSPs in Madrid and 3 in Sevilla.

It is the start of a new air cycle, so 10 ARPs are received and one is carried over for a total of 11. A Me109E is brought back at 2206, and a He111H4 reappears in Vitoria, leaving 9 ARPs. The 519th Combat engineer regiment is replaced at Tarragona (2 Inf RPs, 7 remain).

Germany spends 9 Resource points at San Sebastian to permanently increase the capacity on the Spanish rail net by 3 REs. 2 ME109Es and a ME109F from 2207 fly CAP over Madrid 2710. 2 Me110C1s fly CAP over 3704.

Movement Phase: The 512th Combat engineer regiment receives new orders ands heads forward to 3633, where it repairs the rail line break. It uses its last MP to enter 3734. Behind it, the 4 rail mounted Siege artillery units move to 3633. Also, the newly reformed 519th Engineer regiment administratively moves up to 23A:3702.

In other construction activity, the 16th Construction regiment repairs the rail break in 3521 and then moves to 3522. Near Zaragoza, the 108th Construction regiment moves to 23A:2702 and uses quick construction along with the 674th Combat Engineer regiment to repair the rail line damage there. Its last MP is spent using rail transport to get to 2705. The aforementioned 67th moves west to Guadalajara.

Rail regauging continues, the 4th RR Engineer regiment advances the southern railhead to 33:3626, while the 1st RR Engineers regauge as far as 23A:1905. Each unit advances one hex past their railheads. In the Valencia sector, the 4th Panzer Corps pushes through to 3705, surrounding the Spanish 52Exp division. The rest of the 25th Corps manoeuvres to 3603, allowing the 65th Corps (and its siege artillery) to advance to 3703.

Behind them, the 62nd Corps moves up to 3701, protecting the rail line against further Spanish partisan activity. This will allow the rail guns to come in to play next turn. The 15th Mountain Corps is detailed to catch the fleeing Spanish units in 3404. The Corps moves through the high country in the area to 3505, unimpeded by enemy ZOCs. It is followed closely by the 98th Mountain regiment, which advances to 23A:3504 from 33:3533.

In the centre of the country, the 64th Corps moves up to 2709, facing Madrid. Extra forces for the Madrid assault arrive in the form of the 66th Corps which moves to 2809, absorbing the 263rd Infantry division along the way. In the rear, the 63rd Corps administratively moves up towards the front as far as Guadalajara. Looking northwards, the 2 detached regiments of the 11th Infantry division in 1410 move into the Cordillera Cantabrica, and take a position in the mountain pass at 1113.

With no opposition in its sector, but at the limit of supply range, the SS TK division shuffles a bit further forward to 2217. It is joined there by the 7th Panzer division which moves out from 2312.

Combat Phase: A mission is sent up from the Madrid airfields over 2710 consisting of a single He111E escorted by 2 CR32bis fighters and a ME109E. The German Me109s flying CAP over the hex switch to intercept and the Me109F attempts to bypass the screen. The first German Me109E takes on its Spanish twin. It appears that the Spanish pilots have mastered the intricacies of the German machines, and they shoot down the interceptors at no loss to themselves. The second Me109E takes on a CR32bis, and in another poor showing, neither aircraft scores a hit. The second CR32bis shoots at the Me109Fs trying to bypass the screen, and to complete the rout they score an abort. The bombers make it past the German AA and through to the target, in an overwhelming air victory for the Spanish.

Since the Madrid defenders sent all their fighters on escort, German bombers can fly in unmolested. An air armada takes to the skies, 5 Ju87s, 4 He111s, 2 JU88s and 3 ME109s carrying bombs. In the city are 5 points of antiaircraft. Perhaps due to the sheer volume of aircraft in the skies, a Ju87, a He111 and Me109E are aborted, and a Ju88 and a Me109F are returned. 26 points of GS make it through to the target, but are halved to 13 due to the city.

The 52Exp Infantry division is attacked in 3704 by the 4th Panzer division and 25th Corps, who have full AECA and can muster 31 attack factors. The woods terrain brings the attack back to 6:1 +2. 4 rolled results in a 6 for a DE. Due to ZOCs the infantry is eliminated, and the 25th Corps advances into the hex.

The main city hex of Madrid (2710) is attacked by no less than 4 German Corps and 9 air units. The 53rd, 34th, 64th and 66th Corps have a modified attack value of 66, when added to the 13 points of GS this makes 79, as against the 18 points of defenders (including DS). Despite significant air losses, the Germans still have a 4:1 attack, but at -2 due to the city and the fort inside it. Due to the overwhelming barrage from the air and land, the Spanish are forced to retreat out of the city. 5 is rolled modified to a 3 for a DR. Due to ZOCs, only the cadres of the 13th and 23rd division survive, and these retreat to 2810. The German 64th Corps advances into Madrid. 3 German fighters and 3 Ju87s land at the newly captured city airfield.

Exploitation Phase: The 4th Panzer Corps shifts forward to 3804, now Valencia is surrounded on 3 sides. Near Madrid, the 34th Corps heads west to occupy 2512, behind the 2 Spanish divisions in the mountains in 2412. The pincer around the Spanish is completed by the TK Motorised division and the 7th Panzer division, which move down the road and then off into the mountains of 2414. Their ZOC will put the enemy out of supply next turn.

Losses

Spanish Unisolated – 5+12 = 3 Special RPs
Spanish Isolated – 0
Spanish Air 0
German Unisolated – 0
German Isolated – 0
German Air – 4A/1K