Category: For Whom The Bell Tolls (Page 3 of 24)

Narrative

The fall of Bilbao (see below) was in the end swift, falling at the first attack. Bolstered by engineers and artillery the Nationalist took the city with little resistance.  The Basques decided to evacuate the civilians from the city only in September, blowing most of the bridges but not the steelworks and war Industries which horrified the leaders in Alicante.  The coast road to the west was soon packed with refugees under constant bombardment from the Nationalist Ships in the bay.  A junta defence under Leizaola, the minister for justice, stayed behind to defend the city while other officials fled as best they may. Some by small ships although larger vessels were impounded by the Nationalist capital ships anchored offshore.

The Basque defence curved around the bend of the river Nervion with an outpost at Guernica.  Nationalist 5^th columnist’s shooting in the streets were summarily dealt with by an  anarchist squad who burned the church of the Nationalist sympathising priest.  But with the imminent arrival of the Nationalist army aided by an unblown bridge from a withdrawing Italian communist brigade the agent provocateurs once again thronged the streets awaiting the arrival of the army troops. In a final dramatic twist a Basque tank appeared in the main square, fired a few rounds and withdrew.  At 5 p.m. The Nationalist 62^nd division entered the city.  The cheers from the local populace sounded hollow in the empty streets.

Only Guernica remained defiant………..

Nationalists Turn

Weather; Clear across land and sea
Supply: All  Peoples Army units move back into supply, other than the 2 isolated pockets near Pamplona and Zaragoza.
Replacements 2.5 SRPs recovered. CR.32bis repaired.
Air Activity: Sortie 1: Me 109D transfers to Zaragoza and is intercepted by I-16/t10, I-16/t5. I-16/t10 is returned and the I-16/t5 eliminated. (n +2VPs) The Me 109D lands at Saragossa.

Sorties 2 & 3; CR.32bis, CR32.bis (CTV)  transfers to Zaragoza without interference.

Sortie  4: SM.81 (CTV), SM 79-1 (CTV) , Mxd B  fly a Strategic Factory bombing Mission to Murcia. Limited AA fire is ineffective. Each squadron makes its run  but only the SM-79-1 scores a Hit.

Attack1:  1735 rough/dot/fort (Bilbao)  (Mindful of the shortening days and predictions of Rain the Nationalists risk a low odds attack to clear the city before the autumn.) Supplied 5-6 inf XX 62, 2-6* cadres 3, 54, 3-6 * cadre 13, 2-1-8 art 3, 4-6 art 2RG, 1-6 eng ZMO, 2-6 eng AM and 5-6 inf XX 71, 2-6 inf 1Tet(Col), 2-5 inf AGM  (Fal), 1-2-6 art 49, 4-6 arts 1RG, 3RG, 1-6 eng ZME and

Supplied 5-6 inf XX 62, 4-6 inf XX 122, 1-8 mtn 7 and 1-6 eng GG, 1-6 art 9L, 1-8 mg Ard (CTV), 2-1-8 art O, Plus 2pts NGS Attack 3-4-4* inf XX3, 2-3-4* XXs1,6, 1-2-4 infs 1,2,11, 1-6 art14, 0-1-6 art17 (all Bas) , 1pt Garrison @ 3:1 (+1 -2) = HX  Lose 1Tet (Col), AGM (Fal), ZME, ZMO, GG, AM (all eng). Bilba0 falls but at the expense of the entire combat engineer corps.!   Advance 62, 71, 122 XX, 1RG, 3RG, 49 arts, 7 mtn. Fort destroyed, Garrison dispersed, Vast stocks of ASPs, Res pts destroyed,  0.5 art and 3.5 Arm RPs captured. Remainder destroyed , 0.5 REs Railcap captured.  Factory captured almost intact. Production scheduled for Dec I 1938.

Attack2: 3133 clear/airfield  (S of Zaragoza) Supplied 2-1-8 lt tk 2, 2-1-8 lt tk Bab (CTV), 2-10 AA 88 (KL), 1-8 mc B (CTV), 2-3-6 art 62, 2-6 art  4#P attack 3-6*infs  XX 5,  72, 1-2-6* inf 25,  2-6 engZM, 1-6 eng 7 @ 1:1 (+3) = AS Republic breath sigh of relief that the line held.

Attack3: 2932 rough (East Saragossa) Supplied 5-8 inf XX LA (CTV), 4-6 inf XXFM (Mxd) and 6-6 inf XXs52, 63, 152, 2-6* inf cadre 102, 3-2-6 infs 2LE, 3LE, 3-1-2 sge art Man (CTV) attack 2-3-5* inf XXs44, 62 (Cat), 2-1-8 cavs 2,3,4 @ 5:1 (-1) = DH. Lose 62 (cat) 2,3 cavs.  Advance 52,63 XX, 102 cadre, 2LE, 3LE.

Attack 4; 2934 clear – All adjacent all unsupplied except KL, CTV and Mxd troops.  Attack “Zaragoza pocket comprising 3-6* XX 10, 2-3-5* inf XX 48, 2-6* inf 11^Th (Int), 1-6 mg 1m 1-6 inf 29 @ 4:1 = DR. All eliminated no retreat path.  (N +2 VPs) Advance Dro (KL), 51, 108 XXs, 1 cadre, 1LE, 11L art, 7Lam (Col)

OCT I 38: Republicans contain the Zaragoza breakout

Republican Turn

VPs : Lack of Goberneto collapse (+10 VPs)
French border; Closed
Guerrillas; Break Rail Line at 2911 (Aranjuez)
Supply;     Basque XX 4  U4 2934 Trapped Republicans in 2133 (adj French Border SE of San Sebastian) U3
Replacements: 0.5 SRPs, 0.5 SRPs (Cat),  3.5 SRPs (Bas) Received
Factory Production;  All Murcia Production Received. All hits repaired.

Air Activity: Nationalists achieve 2  x 4 Harassment Hits at 2602 and 2702. . I-16/t10 attempts to intercept over 2702 and is eliminated by the M£ 109D escort (N +2 VP)

Moves: 2-6 Nvl 151, 1-8 tk 1, voluntarily move to Internment in France (Nowhere stated but I assume these never return to play but are not counted as eliminated for VP purposes)

No Attacks.

Narrative

The planes appeared as specs on the horizon. Almost as it appeared to late did they peel off from their formation and bear down on Antonio of the 2^nd Armour regiment. He immediately shouted “el avion!” and dropped down into his 9.5 ton T26 from the cupola where he was enjoying the autumn sun.  For a week now they had been harried and pursued by enemy planes, strafing their formations,  bombing bridges, churning up roads and villages. The bottleneck going south was making progress but it was slow. It had taken Antonio and his column of T26s a fortnight to travel what should have taken a few days, The roads were clogged not only by military formations but multitudes of fleeing civilians all moving south down the Aragon valley to sanctuary in Catalonia. The troops were a mixed bunch, comrades and socialists from Spain, some from his home town, Internationalists from France, Russia and England, even some Poles.  He saw Catalans and  a number of Basque stragglers who had escaped the burning of San Sebastian. All now were moving in  slow columns south harried from the air and by occasional  shellfire exploding among them from the Nationalist formations to the east over the Aragon. There was little escape as their passage was confined to the narrow valley between  the Aragon to their right and the  foothills of the Pyrenees to their left.

At least Antonio had some protection with a few centimetres of steel between him and the bullets  unlike the poor unfortunates sheltering beside his small machine.   There were rumours of a counterattack being planned. He had received orders to move to an assembly point a few miles north of  Lerida.  However he still had many miles to go. Rations were low, fuel just about getting through but the air was chilling and damp and he knew that with the autumn rains the road such as there were would become quagmires.

His reverie was shattered by deafening thuds and ringing against the thin armour. Real rain would be preferable to the rain of lead pouring down on him now.

Nationalists Turn

Weather; Clear across land and sea
Supply:  Pamplona Pocket , U4 Isolated rolls elimination.. lose 4-5-5 to cadre,  3-4-5*, 2-6 inf (Col), 1-6 mg, 0-5 cons, 1-8 mtn ;
Many Republicans move back into supply.
Replacements: 1 SRP, ½ SRP (Col) ½ SRP (KL). Replace Mtn, Eng, cav (Col)

Naval Activity: Transports bring replacement from Ceuta to Malaga and return.

Attack 1:  2133 Rough (Outskirts Pamplona –  relief attempt.  Unsupplied 4-6 arts 1RG, 3RG, 3-4-5* inf XX (Over Mtnside) and 6-6 inf XX 3, 5-6 inf XX 82, 4-6 inf XX 85, 4-6 art 2RG, 3-6 inf cadre 13, 2-6 inf cadre 54, 2-1-8 cav 2O (Col) , 2-1-8 art E  and 3-4-5* inf XX 22, 2-6 inf 1Tet (Col), 1-6 mg 3, 1-8 mtn 4 Attack 5-6 inf XXs 4Ch, 11Ch, (U3) @ 4:1 (-1) = EX. Defenders eliminated – no retreat. Lose 2mg, 4mtn, OE cav (Col), 6-6 inf div to cadre. Advance 85 XX.

Attack 2; 2535 clear (Rail line south of  Logrono)  supplied  5-6 inf XX 51, 1-6 inf 33, 1-6 bdr 8Car, 1-6 mg E and 1-8 mtns 5,8, 1-6 inf 18, 1-8 inf VMS (Req), 1-2-6 art 48 and  3-4-5* inf XX 19 and 3-4-5* inf XX 33, 1-6 art 11L, 1-6 sec 21Gc, 2-6 inf Tdi (Col), 1-6 inf 1-S (Col)  Attack 2-3-5* 32 (Cat) @ $:1 = DR. Eliminated – no retreat. Advance 33, 18, 5, 8, mtns, E Mg, 6Car bdr 48 art

Attack 3: 2834 rough (W of Zaragoza). Unsupplied 6-6 inf XX 108m 2-6 inf cadre 1 and 6-8 lt XX 150, 3-2-6 inf 1LE, Supplied 2-10 AA 88 (KL) 1-10 lt tk(Dro) and 4-6 inf XX FA, FV (Mxd), Unsupplied 5-6 inf XX 51,  2-6 infs 7Lam, 9Arc (Col) Attack 2-3-5* inf XX 38 @ 8:1 (-1) = DE. Advance 150 lt XX.

Attack 4: 2832 clear/fort. E of Saragossa) Supplied (over river)2-6 inf 3LE, 6-6 inf XX 152, 5-8 inf XX LA (CTV), 3-1-2 sg art  Man (CTV),  4-6 inf XX FM (Mxd) and 3-2-6 inf XX2LE, 6-6 inf XXs 52, 63, 2-6* inf cadre 102, 2-6 inf 3 Ceu (Col), 2-6 art 4P Attack 2-3-5* inf XX 60 (Cat), 2-6* inf 4Ch, 1-6 inf 8 @ 6:1 (-1) = DH Lose 4Ch, 8.  Advance 152 XX, 3LE, 102 cadre, FM (Mxd). Fort destroyed

Attack 5: 3034 clear (SW Zaragoza) Unsupplied 6-6 inf XXs 4,5 2-1-8 lt tk 2, 1-8 mech S, 2-3-6 art 62, 2-1-8 lt tk Bab (CTV), 1-8 mc B (CTV) Attack 1-6 eng 2, 2-6 inf 129Eu (Int) @ 6:1=DR Advance  lt tk 2, Bab (CTV), mc B (CTV), mech S, 5XX

Exploitation : 2-1-8 lt tk 2, 1-8 mech S, 2-3-6 art 62 (Transported) , 2-1-8 lt tk Bab (CTV), 1-8 mc B (CTV)  to 3033

And 1-10 lt tk Dro (KL), 2-10 AA 88 (KL) to 3034

And 2-6 inf 9Arc (Col) Transported to 2935

For Whom the Bell Tolls Sep II 38 Republic pulls back over the Aragon, (c) Ken Newall, 2017

Republican Turn

VPs : Lack of Goberneto collapse (+10 VPs)
French border; Closed
Guerrillas; Ineffective
Supply; Northernmost Republican spearhead now U4.  Hex 2132 Adj French Border NE Pamplona Isolated U1.
Pamplona relieved and in supply.
Basque XX4 U4
2934 “Zaragoza Pocket” U2 Isolated
Replacements; 4 PA , 0.5 (Int), 0.5 (Cat) SRPs recovered. I-15/t5 repaired. 1-6 Eng 2 replaced

Initial Phase Air Activity; Nationalist Harassment: 1 Hit 2633, 2732, 2 Hits 2632. (Aragon Valley)

Air Activity: Sortie 1; R-Z flies airfield bobbing to 3414 (W of Valdepenas) and is Returned.

Sortie 2:  . 2x SB-2 fly airfield bombing   to W. Madrid.  Intercepted by  2xCR.32Bis The CR.32bis(CTV) Kills one SB-2. The second is Returned by the CR.32bis which suffers an Abort.

Attacks : None

Narrative

Albacete is coming under threat as the Republican spoiling attack north of the town is parried and reversed with great loss of life on the Republican side. Albacete long time base of the International brigade and useful to the republic for its concrete all weather runway is now within range of the Nationalist heavy artillery. The barracks here since e the early days have been the training ground and centre of the International brigades. German communists have long since cleared and prepared it. Previously the centre was in a parlous state, lice ridden with many hygiene problems especially for the many volunteers weakened by unemployment and the malnutrition that is its bedfellow. The rations of beans in oil contributed to the ever present bouts of dysentery suffered by the British, Canadian and American volunteers unaccustomed to “foreign food”. The disparate forces were a mixed bunch with the Germans posting rousing entireties such as “We Exalt Discipline” while the French posted precautions against Venereal disease. But this was in the past and the idealistic and strong forces of the International brigade steeled themselves for a possible Nationalist attack

Nationalists Turn

Weather; Clear across land and sea
Supply:  Pamplona Pocket U1 Isolated. Basque 3-4-5* inf XX 4 U1
Replacements: 2.5  SPR. 0.5 SRP (Col) recovered .
Movement:  1 Res Pt expended to boost Rail cap to 21 REs
Overrun.  2131 rough  (Immediately SE San Sebastian) 2-1 lt tk 2, 4-6 Art 3RG (Transported) overrun 2-4 inf  (Bas) @ 12:1
Naval Activity.: NTs transport replacement (Col) unit to Seville.

Air Activity: Numerous Rail bombing missions result in 1 hit each @ 3735 (Castelion de la Plaina) and 3232 (between Reuss and Zaragoza)

Attacks 1-3 in 1734, 1833, 1933 (North Euzkadi coast)  All high odds guaranteeing elimination without loss to attackers. Mopping up operations against weak Basque units left to cover approaches to Bilbao and San Sebastian and buy 1 turn before max odds can be brought to bear.

Attack 4;  3410 clear  (Immediately NW Albacete.)  Unsupplied 5-6 inf XXs 53, 105,  Supplied 6-6 inf XX F (Mxd) and 3-2-6 infs 1LE, 2LE, 2-6* inf cadre 71, Unsupplied 5-6 inf XX 84, 1-8 mech S and Supplied 4-8 inf Lit (CTV), 3-6 inf XX 1DLV (CTV), 1-10 lt tk Dro (KL) and  6-8 lt XX 150, unsupplied 5-6 inf XX 81, 6-6 inf XX 102, 1-5 1Cord (Fal) attack 4-6 inf XXs47,65, 2-1-8 tk 2, 1-2-6 art 19, 1-0-8 ac AAC, 2-6* inf 14 Mar (Int) @ 3:1 = EX. Lose 102XX to Cadre, 1LE, 2LE, 1cord.  Advance 150XX lt, 84XX

Attack 5: 2634 (On rail line N of  Zaragoza). Supplied 6-6 inf XXs 4,5,108, 2-6*inf cadre 1, 1-6 inf IS (Col) and 6-6 inf XXs 52,63,152, 2-6 art 4P, 2-6 infs 10BT (Col), 2-6 inf 9Arc (Col), 2-6 inf 3Ceu (Col), 3-1-2 sge art Man (CTV) Attack 2-3-5* inf XXs 50,52, 1-6 infs9,16 1-6 mg 3, 1-6 art 8L @ 5:1 = DR. Advance 4,5,63 inf XX, 9Arc, 10 BT (Col)

For Whom the Bell Tolls: Aug I 38 Tactical (c) Ken Newall 2017

Republican Turn

VPs : Lack of Goberneto collapse (+10 VPs)
French border; Open
Guerrillas; Ineffective
Pacification: Cuenca.
Supply;  Northernmost Republican spearhead investing Pamplona is U1 following Nationalist severing of the  Zaragoza/Pamplona Railine. (3 Hexes  , 21 REs)

3-4-5* inf XX 4 (Bas) also U1

Replacements:  3 SRPs,  1 SRP (Bas) recovered; 1-0-8 Ac AAC removed from replacement pool (Delayed from Apr 37). R-Z repaired.

Air Activity: Sortie 1: )2x SB-2 bomb airfield at 3414 (W of Valdepenas) 1  Aborted by AA. Bombs  drop wide.

Sortie 2: 2x I-16/t5, I-16/t10 fly to airbase at 2316 (E of Guadix). Intercepted by ME 109B (KL), CR.32. I-16/t5s engage ME 109B and abort it but one I-16/t5 Eliminated.  (N+2 VP) CR.32/I-16/t10 engagement is ineffective.

Attack 1: 2802 Rough (S of Catalayud)  Unsupplied 3-6*XXs 1,24, 1-8 Cav 7, and 1-2-6 sec 9GA, 10GA,1-6 Eng 8, 1=6 art 5L and (over  mtn) 3-6* inf XX 5, 2-3-5* inf XX38, 1-6infs 11,21,40 1-6 bdr 2Car, 1-2-6 art 13 and 1-2-6 sec 2GA, 7Ga, 1-2-6 art 3, Supplied 3-6* inf XX 10, 2-6 inf 87C, 2-6 nvl 94, 2-6* inf 11^Th (Int) attack 3-4-5* inf XX32, 1-6 mg NExp @ 4:1 (-1)  = AS!.

Narrative

This turn presents an interesting dilemma and decision for the Nationalists attempting to re-establish contact with the “Pamplona Pocket”, halt the Republican advance north and capture San Sebastian.

The situation is like this (See Photo) last turn the Republic finally linked up with the Basques. The Republic thus have a substantial stack of 21 Factors in 2733. The Basques moving south have a far weaker force comprising a 3-4-5* XX in 2133 and immediately to the northeast 2x 2-3-5*XXs in 2032.  These two hexes are separated by a mountain Hexside.

(The Basque move south now appears rash but they anticipated a Republic advance a turn previously when the Nationalists were relatively weak and concentrating on Bilbao. The fortunes of war were not in the Basques favour and the Republic rolled a 1 resulting in an AS, thus throwing off the timetable and allowing the Nationalists to muster a counter attack force against the weak Basque sally south).

The Nationalists can amass sufficient factors to attack either force but not both.  So which Hex do they attack?

The Pros and cons are as follows.

Option1 2133.

For:
The stack is weaker.
Any attack will consume less precious AS
An advancing force will sever the tenuous ling with the Basques
An Advance will place a substantial blocking force between the 1 frontage Republican force moving north and the Basques blocking any advance along this axis.

Against:
Ignoring the two divisions further north in 2133 will allow them to escape into San Sebastian and form a strong redoubt which will take a couple of turns to reduce.
This will allow the Republic time to bring additional forces to the fight.
The force sent to the southernmost hex will be unable to join any reduction of San Sebastian.
The mountain Hex 2032/2133 will slow movement and limit the attack capability of this force should the 2-3-4s decide to stand in place.

Option 2: 2032

For;
The 2x 2-3-5* XXs can be eliminated while in the open to prevent them falling back to San Sebastian
The 3-4-5 further south will be prevented from moving north
The force will be marching towards the eventual target of the campaign, San Sebastian
The force will be available for the attack on the city quicker
Any advance will be shielded from counterattack by the mountain Hexside 2032/2133.
The Republicans still be blocked from linking up and will be stretching their attack force too thinly to sustain any further attacks.

Against:
Not occupying 2133 will allow the21 point Republic force a “free move” one hex further north without the need for an expensive high AS attack.
This will allow the Republic the option to attack Pamplona from 4 sides in lieu of any further moves north.

Which will you choose?

Read on to find out the choice taken, the result and future turns for the eventual outcome.

Nationalists Turn

Weather; Clear across land and sea
Supply:  Pamplona Pocket U1 Isolated.
Replacements: 4.5 SPR recovered. 1-8 mtn 4 t, 1-8 Mech S rebuild (No art points to rebuild divisions.

Air Activity. In 6 separate Rail bombing sorties only 2 are successful. 3304, 3702.

Attack 1: 3610 clear (immediately West of Albacete.  Supplied  6-6 inf XX F (Mxd), 3-2-6 infs 1LE,2LE, 5-6 inf XXs 53, 105, 2-6* inf cadre 71, with Mxd (10)  GS attack 1-2-6* inf 23, 2-3-5* inf XX9, 1-6inf14 @ 4:1 = DR. Advance 53XX, 105 xx.

Attack 2: 3209 clear (NW Albacete)Unsupplied 4-6 inf XXs 15, 107, 5-6 inf XX 11 and 6-8 lt xx 150, 1-6 inf 17 and 6-6 inf XX 102 attack 2-3-5* inf XX 54 @ 4:1 = DH. Advance11XX

Attack 3:  1834 wooded rough/fort. (Immediately SE Bilbao.) Supplied 6-6 inf XX 3, 5-6 inf XX 82, 4-8 cav XX 1, 2-5 inf AGM (Req), 2-1-8 cav 1E (Col), 2-6 inf 1Tet (col), Unsupplied 1-2-6 art 49, 1-6 art 9L Attack 0-1-4 cons 2 (Bas), 1-8 pol Ert (Bas), 1-6 art 17 (Bas) @ 7:1 (-3) = DH. Lose Ert, 2.  Advance 1 Cav XX, 3XXm 49 art. Fort destroyed.

Attack 4:  1094 wooded rough/ fort (W of San Sebastian) Supplied 5-6 inf XX 54, 4-6 art 2HRG , 2-3-6 art 62, 2-1-8 lt tk 2, 1-8 mc B (CTV), 2-1-8 lt tk Bab (CTV), 1-8 mg Ard (CTV), 2-10 AA 88 (KL)  attack 1-2-4 inf 5, 0-1-6 art Ortiz @ 6:1 (-3) = EX. Lose 5-6 inf XX to  Cadre. Advance Ard, 62 art, 2RG, 54 cadre. Fort destroyed.

Attack 5: 2032 Rough (Immediately SE San Sebastian) Supplied 7-6 inf XX13, 4-6 inf XX 85, 3-2-6 inf 3LE, 2-1-8 cav 2O (Col), 4-6 arts 1RG, 3RG, 2-1-8 arts O, E. With Do 17E, Ju 52g4e GS Attack 2-3-4* XXs2, 5 (Bas) @ 6:1 (-1) = EX.  Cadre 13 inf XX.  Advance 3LE, 3RG.

Mech Move; 2-1-8 lt tk 2, 1-8 Mc B (CTV) , 2-1-8 lt tk Bab(CTV) , 2-10 AA 88 (KL) to 2032

For Whom the Bell Tolls: Jul II 38 Tactical, (c) Ken Newall 2017

Republican Turn

VPs : Lack of Goberneto collapse (+10 VPs)
French border; Closed
Replacements:  0.5 SRPs, 2 SRPs (Bas) generatedSB-2 repaired.
Supply: 3311 (“Albacete Pocket”) becomes U1.  3-4-4 XX4 at 2133 U1/Isolated.
1 Res Pt expended to raise Rail Cap to 12.75

Air Activity: 2X SB-2 escorted by 2X I-16/5, I-16/t10 fly to 3410 on a GS Mission. Intercepted by CR.32 , Me 109B (KL). Interceptors Attempt to Bypass the screen. 1-16/t10 attacks CR.32 returning it.  First I-16/t5 attacks Me 109B (KL) and Kills It!. (R +2 VPs)Mission force proceeds to provide GS Support (Attack 1)

Attack 1: 3410 clear (NW Albacete).  Supplied 3-6* inf XXs 4, 66, 72, 2-6* inf5Car, 2-6 inf 211C, 2-6 inf 15AL (Int), 1-2-6 art 1 and  3-6*inf XXs 3,70, 3-4-5* inf XX 27CM, 2-6 inf 152c, 2-6 i f 150 (Int), 2-6*13Dom (Int), 1-2-6 art 4 and  U2/Isolated 4-6 inf XXs 47, 65, 2-6* inf 14Mar (Int), 1-2-6 art 19, 2-1-8 Tk 2, 1-0-8 Ac AAC with 2x SB-2 GS Attack 1-10 lt tk Dro (KL),  1-5 mech, 2-6* inf cadre 52, 2-6inf 5AL (Col), 1-6 art 16L @ 5:1 (-1) = DR. All except Dro (KL) eliminated. No retreat path. Advance XXs 47, 65, 14Mar (Int), art 19, Tk 2, AAC

Attack 2: 2132 wooded rough (N of Pamplona) Supplied 5-6 inf XXs11ch, 45ch, 5-6 inf 15 (Int), 2-6 nvl 151, 1-6 art 7L, 1-8 tks 1, 8 Attack 3-4-5* inf XX 14 @ 5:1 (-2) = DR. Eliminated no retreat path.

Advance  !!ch XX, 151 nvl. Once again a tenuous link is established with San Sebastian.Pamplona Isolated 

Except for the vast stocks Isolated at Bilbao and Gijon the Republic have no more Attack supplies left.

Narrative

The Nationalist position is looking grim at the moment. The link up with the Basques if it had occurred would probably have persuaded them to seek terms but there is still a hope that the corridor can be held and the Basques eliminated.  With 3 gobernetos gone (for Asturias collapse is inevitable) the VP loss will be considerably reduced but whether the Nationalists can regain enough territory to claw back any sort of victory is slim. Still they fight on for the moment.

[table id=2 /]

Nationalists Turn

Weather; Rough Atlantic squalls.
Replacements; 0.5 SRPs recovered. (CTV)
Pacification: Santander (1402)
Moves: Nationalist expend 1 Res Pt to increase Rail cap to 21

Attack 1; 1602 rough/fort (“Santander  pocket”)  Supplied 4-8 inf XX lit (CTV), and 3-6 inf XX 1DLV (CTV) and unsupplied 5-6 inf XX 62,and 4-8 cav XX 2 attack( I/U4) 1-2-4 infs 6,7,8,10, 1-6 lt tk CAO (all Bas) @ 6:1 (-2) = DR. Eliminated as no retreat path. (Isolated so no SRPs generated) Advance 62xx.

Attack2: 1801 wooded rough/fort (W of Bilbao). Supplied 6-6 inf xx3, 2-6 inf 1Tet (Col) , unsupplied 5-6 inf XX 82, 1-6 art 9L and supplied 4-6 art 2RG, 1-8 mg Ard (CTV), unsupplied  5-6 inf XX 54, and 4-6 inf XX 85, 1-6 mg E, supplied 4-6 arts 1RG, 3RG, 2-1-8 lt tk 2, 2-6inf Tdi (Col), 1-8 m cycle B (CTV) and 2-5 AGM (Fal), 2-1-8cavs 1E, 2O (Col), unsupplied 1-8 mtn 8, 1-6 bdr 8Car, 1-6 inf 33, 1-2-6 art 49 attack 1-2-4 inf 2 (San), 2-4 inf 15 (Bas), 1-4 infs 12, 16 (Bas) 1-6 art 14 (Bas) @ 6:1 (-3) = DR. Eliminated as no retreat path.. Advance 2RG, Ard (CTV), 54 XX. Fort destroyed

Attack 3: 2033 rough/fort (E of Vitoria). Supplied 2-10 AA 88 (KL), 2-1-8 lt tk Bab (CTV) 7-6 inf XX 13, 3-2-6 inf 3LE, 2-1-1 arts E, O, unsupplied 3-4-5* inf XXs 23, 75. Attack 2-3-4* inf XX 5 (Bas) @ 7:1 (-2) = DH.  Advance (all except 23XX.

Attack 4; 3410 (NW Albacete) Supplied 6-6  inf XX F (Mxd), 1-6 art 16L, 3-2-6 infs 1LE, 2LE, 2-6* inf Cadre 71 and 5-6 inf XXs 53, 105, 1-8cav 9, 2-6 inf 5Ath (Col) attack 3-6* inf XX 3, 2-6* inf 13Dom (Int), 1-2-6 art 4 @ 4:1 = DR. 53 XX, 16L, F (Mxd)

Attack 5; 3310 clear (NW Albacete) 6-6 inf XXs 102, 52, 6-8 lt XX 150, 1-5 Mech S, 1-5 mech 1, 1-10 lt tk Dro (KL) with 2X Mxd A, Mxd B, Do17E, Ro.37, Ju 52g4e GS attack 4-6 inf XX 6, 2-6* inf 1V, 1-6 art 14L @ 4:1 = EX.  52XX cadred, lose 1-8 mech. Advance 102XX, Dro, 52 cadre.

For Whom the Bell Tolls: Jul I 38 Tactical, (c) Ken Newall 2017

Republican Turn

VPs : Lack of Goberneto collapse (+10 VPs)
French border; Open
Replacements:  1.5 SRPs, 3 SRPs (Bas) generated,   I-16/t5 repaired.
1 Res Pt expended to raise Rail Cap to 12.75
Guerrilla attacks.  Are more extensive but fail to produce any results.

Attack 1: 3207 clear (Cuenca) Unsupplied 3-6* inf XXs 3,70, 3-4-5 inf XX 27CM, 1-6 bdr 6Car, 1-6 inf 1, 2-6 inf 15AL (Ins), 1-2-6 art and 3-4-5* inf XX 17, 2-3-6* inf XXs 51, 69, 2-6 inf 5Car, 1-6 bdr 5Car, 1-2-6 art 1 and 2-3-5* inf XXs 16, 42, 1-2-6* inf  16 Attack 4-6 inf XX @ 4:1 = DR Advance 51, 16, 17, 69 XXs.  Cunca Recaptured!

Attack 2: 2733 rough  (Immediately West of Pamplona) Supplied 2-1-8 tks 3,(, 2-6 nvl 151, 6-6 inf XXs 35, 45 (Int), 5-6 inf XX 11ch, 1-2-6 art 20, 2-6 art 2P and 1-8 tks 1,6, 2-1-8 cav 4, 5-6 inf XX 46Ch, 5-6 inf XX 15 (Int), 1-6 art 7L, 1-8 mtn art 1 attack 3-4-5* inf XXs 21, 73, 74, 1-8 mtn 4, 1-6 inf 17,  1-5 1Cord (Fal) @ 3:1 (-1 +1) = DH  All Eliminated – no  retreat path. Advance 15 xx (Int), 11ch, 46 ch XXs, 151 nvl, 1, 6 tk, 7L, 20 art. Link up Republican forces link up with Basques!

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)

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!

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 25^th 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.

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.

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 2^nd 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 (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).