Category: For Whom The Bell Tolls (Page 6 of 24)

Everything about the game “For Whom The Bell Tolls”

FWtBT No 4 - JUL I 37. Picture (c) 2017 by Ken Newall

JUL I 1937

April 11, 2017 / Ken Newall / 0 Comments

Narrative: The War to Date

Front Line (Loyalist): Since January the Loyalists mainly with Anarchist units has pushed West into Andalucía and now controls Motril and surrounds Grenada on 4 sides. The line then follows north and west along the mountain chains to 3712 (30 miles West of Albecete). The line then turns north through Alcazar de San Juan which the Loyalists still hold to the Tajea River then straight west to include the mountain redoubt at 2616.The line then curves back east with the Loyalists occupying the Cordilla Cental. At around 45 miles short of Catalayud the line south and around a 2 hex intrusion of Nationalists at the head of the Jiloca River turning east to the outskirts of Zaragoza which is now contacted on 3 hexes. From Zaragoza the line runs east then north hooking over the road to the French town of Pau.

[table id=4 /]

The Asturians control just 2 hexes, Gijon and immediately east. Santander and Euzkadi are as yet free of Nationalist troops..

Nationalist View of the war since January. Disappointment at the lack of progress from Jean. The initial attacks went well with some breakthroughs and yet the Loyalists still control the key town of Alcazar de San Juan. Progress has been made North and Toledo captured but without Alcazar any further move will be unsupplied even in summer. Zaragoza still holds but the Republic is still a real and present danger and their attack towards Cataluyad has twice succeeded in cutting supplies to the Left flank and been beaten back only with the use of precious Attack Supply Points.

The need to contain this has meant that the attack on Euzkadi already far too late had been further delayed and the Loyalists are now amassing VPs for the loss of collapse of all 3 of the gobernetos (This is a result of solitaire play where VPs usually are not at the forefront of thinking. I should have abandoned the attack from Juan when it became tough and used the troops from the Fall of Seville to start attacking the gobernetos)

Plans for the rest of 1937 – Central Front to capture Aranjuez to eliminate Madrid as a source of supply and clear the railroad south to Alcazar de San Juan to maintain supplies to the troops around Toledo ready for winter.

To force the collapse of Euzkadi and Santander.

To use Navy more aggressively to starve Loyalists of supplies.

Loyalist View of the War since January– Very pleased with the stiffening resistance and blunting of the main Nationalist Attack from Jean and of the progress of the attack to Catalayud and on the secondary front at Grenada. Allowing the loss of Toledo was a mistake but the breakthrough has been contained and force levels are building. All Gobernetos are at full strength except for the shortage of art points which is preventing the Equipping of Divisions

Plans for the rest of 1937. Defensive posture to be maintained on the Central front with Madrid protected at all costs. Local counterattacks authorised at full supply to stabilise the front at its current position. No pasarán!

The capture of Catalayud remains the primary attack focus. Secondary front in Andalucía to continue. Aim is to encircle Grenada and besiege unless direct assault becomes necessary.

The accrual of Gobernetos VPs is to be continued as long as possible.

Nationalists Turn

Weather: Clear/Clear, Clear/Rough in Atlantic.

Supply; All units in full general supply.

Reinforcements: All divisions arrive Equipped. Delayed conversions; Bab.

Replacements: ½ SRP recovered. 1-8 cav 5, 1-6 sec 10GC replaced.

Pacification; Toledo

Naval Activity: NT-5 transports 2-6 inf 9Arc (Col) to Malaga

BBTF-1, CATF sail for 1832 (A 101 out of Cartagena fails to Contact) with the intent to prepare for NGS. Reaction move by BBTF-3, LtTF-1 (Bas) succeeds initiating the first Naval Combat of the war. Both sides allocate ships to main body.

Bay of Biscay is Rough so strengths are halved ; BBTF, CATF (Nat) 1.5, BBTF-1 (PA) 1, LtTF (Bas) 0.5

Round 1. Nationalist Fleet makes one 3pt attack on BBTF-1 and misses. Loyalists make one 1pt attack on BBTF-1 and miss. Nationalists attempt to disengage and fail.

Round2; Nationalists make two 1pt attacks against BBTF and one 1pt attack against LtTF-1 (Bas) and score 1 HIT on each!. Sinking LtTF-1 (Bas).( +8 VPs). Loyalists make one 1 point attack on BBTF-1 and fail.

Both sides elect to disengage. Loyalist TF sails to Bilbao.

Nationalist TF sails to mission hex and prepares for NGS.

Air Activity: Sortie 1; Mxd B hits rail line @ 4214

Sortie 1; He 51 (KL) flies to 1735 (Bibao) and bombs crippled BBTF-1 in Port. Survives AA fire and Hits TF which sinks. (+4 VPs)

Sortie 2; CR.32, CR 32bis (CTV) fly to 2710 (Madrid) on airfield bombing mission. Intercepted by Mxd F which engages Cr.32bis (CTV) and is Aborted.

Attack 1: 1832 rough/fort. Supplied 5-6 inf XX 4 (Req), 4-6 inf XX 3 (Req), 5-6 inf XX 71, 3-2-6 infs iLE,3LE, plus 3 pts NGS Attack 1-2-4 inf 1 (Bas), 1-6 eng 1 (Bas), 2-3-4* inf XX61 (Bas) @ 5:1 (-2) = EX

Lose 1LE,2LE. Advance 3 (Req) 4(Req)

Attack 2; 2911 clear, (Alanjuez) Supplied 6-6 inf XX 52, 2-6 inf 3Ceu (Col) , 2-1-8 cav O (Col) , 2-3-6 art 61, unsupplied 2-1-8 art O and Supplied 2-1-8 lt tk Bab (CTV), 1-8 mb B (CTV), 1-10 lt tk Dro (KL), 4-3-6 art Leg (CTV) ( Transported) , 3-1-2 sg art Man (CTV) , 4-3-6 art Leg (CTV), 3-6 inf cadre 13 Attack 6-6 inf XX 45 (Int), 4-5* inf 17 @ 3:1 (+1) = DH. Cadre 45 (Int). Advance 52 XX, O, Bab, B, Leg (CTV) Dro (KL)

Exploitation: BBTF-1, CATF move to Mediterranean replenishing en-route and join with submarines (CTV) to continue naval blockade of Loyalist Ports.

Republican Turn:

Victory Points: None collapse of Gobernetos (+15 VPs))

Supply; Madrid – no longer connected. North West section of Loyalist Front U1.

Ideological Purification; Completed for all point and reference cities in Catalonia

Reinforcements; 2 Delayed Art RPs attempt to land at Barcelona 0.5 are returned. 1 Delayed ASP attempts to land at Barcelona 1 is turned back. 4 art RPs attempt to land at Barcelona 1.5 are tuned back . 4 ASPs attempt to land at Barcelona 1 is turned back. 1 Res Pt attempts to land at Tarragona and succeeds.

All divisions appear equipped. Delayed Upgrade; 1-8 Cav 4 to 2-1-8 cav 1

Replacements: ½ SRP (PA), ½ SRP (ASt), 1 SRP (Bas) recovered.

1-6 mg 4, 1-6 inf 13, 1-6 bdrs 4Car, 10Car, 1-6 art 3L replaced and form 5-6 inf XX46Ch.

2-3-4* inf XX 6 replaced and equipped with 0.5 art at Bilbao. Mxd F repaired

1-2-5 infs 1,2 (Cat) form Inf XX 30 (Cat) which is equipped with 0.5 art RP to 3-4-5* inf XX 30 (Cat)

Fort Construction: 3211 (Alcazar De San Juan.

Air Activity; Naval Patrols fail to make contact.

1-16/t5, 1-15/t22 Hit Zaragoza airfield which is now 0 capacity.

Attack1: 3011 clear (SW Aranjuez) Supplied 2-6* inf cadre 45 (Int), 1-8 tnks 6,10 and

4-6 inf XX 6, 5-6 inf 46ch Unsupplied, 2-3-5* inf XX 4 and Supplied 2-1-8 tnks 1,2, 2-6 inf 15AL (Int), 2-6* inf 12Gar (Int), , Unsupplied 3-6* inf XX70, 4-6 inf XX65, 1-2-6 art Attack , 2-18 cav20 (col), 2-6 inf 3Ceu (Col), 2-3-6 art61 @ 3:1 (+!) = DH lose cav 20, 3Ceu. Advance 6, 41, 70, 15AL (Int)

Attack 2: rough ( Catalayud) Supplied 5-6 inf 15 (Int), 3-6* inf XX 24, 1-2-6* infs 21,24, 2-6 art 2P and 4-6 inf XX 47, 3-6* inf 1, 2-6* inf 5Car, 2-6 nvl 151, 1-8 mtn art 1 Attack 5-6 inf XX 51, 1-8 lt 6 @ 4:1 (-1) = DR Advance 3-6* inf XX 24, 1-2-6* infs 21,24, 4-6 inf XX 47, 2-6* inf 5Car, 2-6 nvl 151.

Naval Activity; NT-3 Transports 1 art pt from Gijon to Bibao, returns and transports second to Bilbao harbour side.

Exploitation phase; NT-3 offloads art RP at Bilbao and returns to Gijon.

FWtBT No 4 - JUN II 37. Picture (c) 2017 by Ken Newall

JUN II 1937

April 7, 2017 / Ken Newall / 0 Comments

Narrative

It is said that an army marches on its stomach. Certainly a civilian population needs food to survive and support a cause. The Food Committees had their deficiencies but their disbanding by Joan Comorera the Communist Governor did not improve the situation with hoarding and profiteering rife. The communist groups blamed the agricultural collectives and food riots and unrest outside Barcelonan shops were increasingly commonplace often queues started at 4 o’clock in the morning. Increasingly violent methods were desperately used to maintain control with the Assault Guard often charging mounted into crowds and rifle butting hungry, desperate housewives. The communists then demanded that the Catalonian forces be disarmed and fully integrated into regular units. The POUM realised that they may be next and even believed in some circles that the People’s Front was hatching a secret plot to join with the Nationalist against them. Andreu Nin leader of the POUM was perversely pleased that pressure was building hoping that the Anarchists would join him in an attack “on the counter –revolution”. The battle lines of the so called “events of June” were being drawn.

Nationalist Turn

Weather: Clear/Clear, Clear/Rough in Atlantic

VPs; Republicans Gain 15 VPs for loss of Goberneto Collapse

Supply: No change

Replacements: 1-8 mtn 8

Air Activity: Mxd B cuts rail in 4015. Ju52 4ge Hits Lerida airfield aborting R-5. Cr 32 Bis (CTV) and Cr 32 Hit Albecete airfield.

Po.540 on Naval Patrol contacts SS-2 (CTV) but misses. SB-2 on Naval Patrol Contacts SS-3 (CTV) and Hits sinking a sub (+4 VPs)

Naval Activity; Nationalist Combat ships and subs (CTV) reposition further out at sea to minimise Naval Patrol interception.

Moves: Nationalists considered very carefully whether to pull out of the salient @ 2835 (South of Catalayud) or counterattack 2802 or 2834. In the event they decided to pursue the long overdue attack on the Basques and left an overrun proof delaying force in 2805.

Attack 1: 1932 rough/dot city (San Sebastian) Supplied 5-6 inf XX 4 (Req), 4-6 inf XX 3 (Req), , 1-8 lt inf 1, Unsupplied 1-6 art 12L and Supplied 5-6 inf XX 71, 1-8 lt tk LE, 3-2-6 infs iLE,3LE, Unsupplied 1-5 mech 1 Attack 3-4-4* inf XX 4 (Bas), 2-3-4* inf XX 1 (Bas) and 1pt unsupported garrison @ 3:1 (-1) = AR.

Attack 2: 2913 rough (“Toledo Pocket”) All adjacent Units Unsupplied Attack Isolated U1 2-3-5* inf 23 @ 5:1 (-1) = DR Eliminated as surrounded. Advance 1-6 infs 28, 29, 1-8 lt 5, 2-3-6 art 61

Republican Turn

Supply; All in supply

Barcelona Revolts!. ½ SRP recovered from POUM disarmament.

Reinforcements; 4 Delayed Art RPs attempt to land at Barcelona 2 are returned. 4 Delayed ASPs attempt to land at Barcelona 1 is turned back.

4 Replacements: 2-3-5 inf XX 23 replaced. Mxd F Repaired.

Air Activity; Po540, SB-2, A-101, R-Z on Naval Patrol. I-16/t5 hits Zaragoza airfield (2 hits currently)

Naval Activity; NT-3 transports 1 Res Pt from Gijon to Bilbao.

Moves: All rolling stock is commandeered to move People’s Army troops to suppress the revolt in Catalonia.

1-6 inf 1Exp (Ast) , 4Exp (Ast) eliminated for over-stacking

Attack 1: 2835 rough (W of Zaragoza) Unsupplied 3-6* inf XXs 1,19, 2-6* inf 5Car and 3-6* inf 5, 1-6 mg 4, 1-6 sec 5GC, 1-8 mtn 6, 1-6 inf 13, 1-8 mtn art 1 and , (over mtn hexside) 4-6 inf XX 47, 5-6 inf XX 15 (Int) and (over mtn hexside) 2-6 art 2P, 1-2-6* infs 21,24, 3-6* inf XX 24 Attack 1-6 infs 19, 30 , 1-8 cav 5 @ 4:1 (-1) = HX. Lose mg4, 13. Advance 15 (Int), 6 mtn .

FWtBT No 4 - JUN I 37. Picture (c) 2017 by Ken Newall

JUN I 1937

April 2, 2017 / Ken Newall / 0 Comments

Narrative:

Alfonso Rossi aboard the submarine Iride of the Regia Marina was glad of the action. They had been patrolling the Western Mediterranean for months running on the surface and submerging if ever an enemy aircraft showed itself, although this was a rare spot of excitement in an otherwise eventless mission. They were protecting troop convoys from Morocco to the mainland and ensuring the Republican navy did not put in an appearance to interrupt their supplies but a sighting of a Republican combat vessel was even rarer than an aircraft sighting.

But last week the orders had changed and they had sailed to loiter off the coast of Spain in the region of Barcelona. Their mission was to deter and sink if possible Republican supply ships avoiding neutral non-combatants.

Alfonso’s first encounter came at dawn on the 4^th June. As lookout his eyes were straining to the East where Russian merchantmen were on route. They employed a number of disguises to mask their true purpose such as sporting dummy funnels and the Soviet crews were even seen on deck in sunglasses and casual jackets strolling around the decks as if on holiday.

Their first torpedo crossed the bow of the cargo ship intentionally missing by just 100 yards – it was enough. The large vessel turned to starboard and made speed back on its previous route. A number more followed suite as the Iride surfaced in plain sight of the unarmed merchantmen.

Assured their work was done they submerged once more and sped back into their patrol pattern their position hidden against enemy aircraft patrols which Alfonso knew would soon be dispatched.

Next time perhaps they would be the prey.

Nationalists Turn

Weather: Clear

VPs; Republicans Gain 15 VPs for loss of Goberneto Collapse

Supply; The whole left wing of the Nationalist force from Zaragoza to the San Sebastion outskirts are U1

Reinforcements: All Divisions appear Supported

Replacements: 2 SRP (Nat), ½ SRP (Col) recovered.

3-2-6 infs 1LE, 3LE, 2-1-8 cavs 1E, 2O (col) 1-6 sec 18GC , He51 (KL) Replaced

Spend 1 Res Pt to increase capacity (Temp) by 5 REs

Air Activity; He51, Ju52g4e, SM.81 assemble for AS over Calatayud, intercepted by I-16/t5 who engages Ju 52 g4e both Returned.

CR32 bombs Albacete and aborts R-Z, Ro 37 breaks rail junction at 3709 (S of Albacete)

Naval Activity: NT-2, 4, 5 transport ASP to Cadiz. NT-2 Joins NT-1 at Ceuta and transports 2-1-8 cav 1E to Malaga. Returns to Ceuta in Exploitation phase. NTs 2,4 transport 2-1-8 cav 1E from Ceuta to Malaga disembarking in Exploitation phase and move to Ceuta.

BBTF-1, CATF move to 4511 (off shore @ Cartagena), SS-1 moves to 4306 (offshore Alicante), SS-2 moves to 3903 (off shore @ Valencia), SS-3 moves to 3725 (off shore Barcelona)

Attack 1; 2813 clear (outside Toledo) Unsupplied 3-6 inf XX 3PN, 2FN (CTV) , 3-8 inf 3Lit (CTV), and 1-8 lt 5, 1-6 inf 29, 2-1-8 art o, 1-8 ast G (CTV), 1-8 hvy AA Vian (CTV), 1-6 inf 28, 1-6 art 61 attack 3-6* inf 40 @ 3:1 = DH. Advance 3PN, 2FN, Vian,.

Attack2; 2912 clear (outside Toledo) Supplied 6-6 inf XX 52, 3-6 inf cadre 13, 3-2-6 inf 3LE, 3-1-2 sge art Man (CTV),Transported 4-3-6 art Leg (CTV), 1-8 lt tk Bab (CTV), 1-10 lt tk Dro (KL), 1-8 mb B (CTV) and 5-6 inf XX 11 Attack 1-5 mech 2, 6-6 inf XX35 (Int), 2-6 eng ZM @ 3:1 = DR Advance 11, 13 cdre, Dro, Bab, B, Leg

Attack 3: 2032 rough (outside San Sebastian) Unsupplied 5-6 inf XX 4 (Req), 4-6 inf XX3 (Req), 5-6inf XX 71, 1-6 mg 2 and 1-5mech 1, 1-8 lt tk LE, 1-6 art 12L, 1-6 inf 23 attack 1-6 infs 21, 1-6 bdr 10 Car, 1-6 sec 12GC @ 6:1 (-1) = DE. Advance 4^thxx.

Attack 4: 2702 rough (Catalayud) Supplied 1-8 cav 5, 4-6 inf 2 (Req), and 3-2-6 inf 1LE, 2LE 4-6 inf XX 83 and 3-4-5* inf 12 and 1-8 lt 1, 1-8 mrtn 4, 1-8 mtn art 2, 1-6 inf 30, 3-4-5* inf 72, unsupplied 1-6 inf 19, 1-8 lt 9 and supplied 5-6 inf XX 51 and He 51 (KL), SM.81 (CTV) attack 4-6 inf XX 34, 3-4-5* inf XX 27CM, 1-2-6* inf 23 @ 3:1 (-1) = DR (Nationalists breathe a sigh of relief). No retreat path all Eliminated. Advance 12, 72

Exploitation: Transported 4-3-6 art Leg (CTV), 1-8 lt tk Bab (CTV), 1-10 lt tk Dro (KL), 1-8 mb B (CTV)move to Toledo and overruns Garrison.

Republicans Turn

Supply; Nationalists all supply restored. Republican 2-3-5*inf XX at 2913 Isolated U1, mountain redoubt at 2616 U1

Reinforcements: 4-6 inf XX 47 arrives supported. 2-5^oinf XX 44 (Cat) Unsupported

Naval Interdiction: 6 ½ art points attempt to land at Barcelona 4 are turned back. 6 Supplies attempt to land 4 are Turned back.

Replacements: 5 SRP recovered.

2-6* infs 130Dom, 14Mar (Int), 1-6 bdr 10Car, 1-6 inf 21 replaced and Form 6-6 inf XX

4-6inf XX 34, 3-4-5* inf 27CM XX, 3-6*inf XX 40 1-6 eng 2, 1-6 sec 22GC, R-Z Replaced. 1-2-4 infs 1, 13 (Ast) replaced.

Air Activity; Po540, SB-2, A-101,R-Z on Naval Patrol

Naval Activity: NT-1 with LtTF1, BBTF-2 accompanying Transports 1 Res Pt to San Sebastion and 1 to Bibao from Gijon

Attack 1: 3920 (rough( Outskirts Grenada) Supplied 3-6* inf XX 40(An) (An), 3-4-5* inf XX 26 (An), Unsupplied 2-5 inf Durr (An), 1-2-5 infs 147, TL(An) , 1-5 inf Fan (An) Attack 2-6 inf 8Rif (Col), 1-6 inf 31, 1-8 cav VMS (Fal) , 0-5 cons’ 2,4 @ 3:1 (-1) = DR. Advance 26,TL,Durr

Attack 2; 2834 rough (Outskirts of Zaragoza) 3-6* infs 1,5,19, 2-6*5Car, 1-8 cav 4, 1-6 art 7L, unsupplied 1-6 sec 3GC and unsupplied 1-6 art 6L, 2-6 nvl 151 Attack 3-6* inf 3Sor, 0-1-5 cons 1 (Fal) @ 4:1 (–1) = DR. Advance 3-6* infs 1,19, 1-8 cav 4, 1-6 art 7L, 1-6 sec, 2-6 nvl 151

FWtBT No 4 May II 37. Picture (c) 2017 by Ken Newall

MAY II 1937

March 29, 2017 / Ken Newall / 0 Comments

Narrative:

The failure of the military coup and the equal failure of the Republican government to crush it meant that both sides needed constant arms and equipment to prosecute the war.

The Republic looked to France as a likely sympathetic supplier but France herself was generally reliant on Britain for mutual support against a resurgent Germany under Hitler.

Whilst there were ministers who supported the legitimate Spanish government’s plight street fighting had already taken place in France between left wingers and fascist groups and they did not want a repeat of the Spanish conflict on their own soil. So discretion was key. An aircraft shipment of 20 Potez bombers was assembled in secret until leaked to the press no doubt by Nationalist sympathisers in the Spanish embassy. France now effectively was politically treating the Republican and Nationalist causes as equals – not a good sign for the Republican cause.

As a result the lack of supplies was beginning to bite and in late May the Republican forces were forced to take up a purely defensive stance along the entire front in Castilla la Nueva in order to supply their attack toward Calatayud.

FWtBT No 4 May II 37

Nationalist Turn

Weather: Atlantic Rough Seas, rest Clear.

Supply: Nationalist pocket at 2031 (outside San Sebastian) become U3.

Nationalist pocket at 3011 (N of Alcazar de San Juan) are Isolated but feed off GSPs

3 GSPs generated at Cordoba. 1 GSP is generated at Seville.

Replacements: 1.5 SRPs recovered. 5-6 inf XX 51, 1-8 mtn 5, 1-8 mg Ard (CTV) replaced, Ju52 g4e repaired.

Pacification: Seville

Builds; Permanent 3 cap airbase @ 3414

Air Activity: Mxd T air drops 4 GSPs to Hex 3011.

HE 45 with CR32.bis (CTV), CR.32 stage via 3414, joins with R0.37 and fly escorted GS to 3112. Mxd F out of Toledo intercepts and attempt to bypass the screen CR.32 misses but Cr32.bis (CTV) aborts the Mxd F. Fighters return to 3414. Aslt bombers add 2 points to attack.

Attack 1: 2814 Wooded rough (W of Toledo) Unsupplied 3-6 inf XX 2FN, 3PN, 3-8 inf XX 3Lit (CTV) Attack 1-6 sec 1GC @ 9:1 (-2) = DR. Advance 3PN, 2FN

Attack 2; 2914 Wooded rough (W of Toledo) Unsupplied ), 1-8 lt 5, 1-6 infs 29, 32, 1-8 mg Van (CTV), 1-6 inf 28, 2-3-6 art 61 attack 1-6 bdr 5Car @ 7:1 (-2) = DE Advance All.

Attack 3: 3112 clear (N Alcazar de San Juan) ) Supplied 1-8 mb B (CTV), 1-8 aslt G (CTV), 3-1-2 sge art Man (CTV), 3-2-6 infs 1LE, 3LE, 2-1-8 art o, 5-6 inf XX 11,1-5 inf 2Zar (Fal) and 1-6 art 4L, , 6-6 inf XX 52, 2-1-8 cavs1E, 1E (Col) 2-6 infs Tdi, 3Ceu, 2Mel and Isolated 3-6 inf cadre 13, 1-8 lt tk Bab (CTV) 1-10 lt tk Dro (KV), 4-3-6 art Leg with GS He 45 (KV), Ro.37 Attack 3-6* inf XXs 1,19, 4-6 inf XX 6 @ 4:1 = EX! Lose 1LE, 3LE, 2O (Col), 1E (col). Advance 52 XX, 3ceu (Col), B (CTV).

Attack 4: 2132 (wooded rough) (Outside San Sebastion) Supplied 5-6 inf XX 4 (Req) , 1-8 lt infs 1,6, 2-6 eng AM, 1-6 mg 2, 1-8 mtn 4 and Unsupplied 4-6 inf XX 3 (Req), 1-8 mtn art 2, 1-8 lt tk LE, 1-6 infs 19, 30, 1-5 mech 1, 5-6 inf XX 71 Attack 1-6 inf 21, 2-6 art 3P @ 6:1 (-2) = DH. (Surrounded but U2 pocket at 2031 has no ZOC so inf 21 retreats. Advance 71, 3 (Req), LE, 1st Mech.

Exploitation; 1-8 lt tk LE, 1-5 mech 1 to 2031

Republican Turn

Supply; All pockets relieved all in full supply.

Replacements: 3 SRPs , ½ SRP (Ast) recovered

4-6 inf XX6, 3-6* XX infs 1,10, 1-6 bdr 5Car, 1-6 inf 6 replaced

Naval Activity; NTs 2, 4, 5 transport 1ASP from Vigo to Seville and return.

Attack 1; 2702 rough (Catalayud) Supplied 3-6* inf XX 24, 4-6 inf XX 34, 3-4-5* inf XX 27CH, 1-2-6* infs 23, 24, , 2-6 art 2P, unsupplied 2-6* inf 6ch with SB-2, R-5 as GS attack 3-4-5* inf XX 22 @ 4:1 (-1) = HX. Lose 6ch. Advance 24, 34, 27CM

FWtBT No 4 May I 37. Picture (c) 2017 by Ken Newall

MAY I 1937

March 19, 2017 / Ken Newall / 0 Comments

Narrative

This turn has thrown up some interesting tactical dilemmas for the Nationalist forces so instead of the usual Narrative I thought it may be of interest to examine these. (Spoiler alert – if you want to see this turn’s actions unfold in detail read the Nationalists turn details below first)

The turn starts with a Nationalist force surrounded immediately NE of Alcazar de San Juan (the “Alcazar pocket”). The surrounding force is very strong and cannot be attacked at sufficient odds to guarantee the force can be relieved from the outside due to the narrow frontage of attack (one hex). In the next hex to the south the Republicans are equally strong. it is not possible to break out the surrounded troops this turn.

The first consideration therefore is supply.

The surrounded troops comprise the full strength 7-6 13^th Nationalist infantry division, the 1-8 light tank Bab, the 4-3-8 artillery Leg, a transport counter (CTV) and the KL 1-10 lt tk Dro. Total strength 12 factors with 1/7th AECD from the light tanks. Total 5 REs the Transport counter.

Each Supply centre can provide 3 GSPs but the Mxd Transport plane at Cordoba can deliver 4 GSPs in an Airdrop. Therefore 3 GSPs are generated at Cordoba with a fourth at the nearest alternative, Seville. This GSP then uses SMPs to move to Cordoba (with a Resource point hitching a lift – total 1.25 REs well within the 3RE load capacity). The Alcazr pocket is 3 hexes away from the nearest Republican fighter at Toledo so outside the D371’s Patrol Zone/Intercept range. There is no scatter or chance of loss so all 4 GSPs are delivered to the hex. However because supply judgement is after GSP creation these supplies cannot put the pocket in supply for any attack this turn. However they will be available to defence in the Republicans next player turn and any attack in the Nationalists May II turn should they survive that long.

The southern ring surrounding the pocket is solid. However the Republicans have only been able to screen the North and West sides of the pocket with 2-6* regiments. The Republican MLR is weak to the north west of the pocket where single or at most doubled unsupported regiments hold the line of rough and wooded/rough ground to the west of Toledo.

The Nationalists already plan to hit this weak line with 3 CTV divisions released from the fall of Seville and these are moving down the secondary rail line from Merida but will not be able to cross the hilly ground to the MLR this turn. However the Nationalists opposing the Republican pincer trapping the Alcazar pocket can slide northwest and attack the southernmost part of this weak line.

This they do so ripping a 2 hex hole in the line.

This now gives the Nationalist pocket an interesting dilemma. Do they attack West to move towards their lines or at least towards a better chance of freedom or do they sit tight and await recue.

One consideration is ZOCs. If the infantry division stays intact either by not attacking or being selected for survival it will have a Full ZOC or reduced ZOC depending on the supply options. If it is cadred it will have a reduced ZOC. (It will always be supplied in this case).

If the pocket stands in place it will have the following options by using the 4 REs of GSP Supply:

a) Supply 7-6 inf and 4-3-6 art Leaving 11 Factors 0 AECD. Full ZOC
b) Supply the 4-3-6 art and Tanks leaving 8.5 Factors -1 AECD. Reduced ZOC

Alternatively they can muster a 2:1 (+1) attack (with air support) which gives the following possible outcomes:

c) AS (33%) then either a or b
d) EX (16.7%) Cadre the 13^th inf Div leaving 8 factors -2 AECD. Partial ZOC
e) EX (16.7%) eliminate the artillery leaving 9 factors -1 AECD Full ZOC
f) EX (16.7%) eliminate the tanks leaving 10 factors 0 AECD (-4 VPs) Full ZOC
g) HX (16.7%) d or e above
h) HX (16.7%) eliminate one of the tanks / tank unsupplied 10.5 factors 0 AECD (-2 VPs) Full ZOC
i) HX (16.7%) eliminate one of the tanks / artillery unsupplied 9.5 factors -1 AECD (-2 VPs) Full ZOC
j) HX (16.7%) eliminate one of the tanks / infantry unsupplied 7.5 factors -1 AECD (-2 VPs) . Reduced ZOC
k) DR (16.7%) options a or b with or without an advance
l) DE (16.7%) as k

In the event the roll was a 3 +1 = 4 /Exchange. At first this seemed the worst option but notice that due to the supply restriction of 4 Res the final strength/ AECD range is quite small between the results. The dilemma was between options d) or e) the Full ZOC could be an important factor in reducing the Republican options for defence and attack by making movement around the pocket much more difficult. In the end however I elected for option d) cadreing the infantry division. This has the advantages of doubling the AECD modifier for the loss of only 1 factor and saves 2 VPs (at least this turn). As the total strength is a minimum of 8 factors in all but the foolish option j) each AECD die roll modifier is roughly equivalent to 8 Republican attack factors (or 16 unsupplied) and given the low supply levels at the moment this seemed preferable to a higher factor count despite the loss of the full ZOC.

The stack advances but not the Transport counter because it is needed in the exploitation phase where it picks up the GSPs and moves them to the advanced hex. Note that the rules allow Resource items to be carried by retreating units but there is no such provision that I can find to allow them to be carried by advancing troops.

As an aside Transport counters are an anomaly somewhere between a counter and unit. When initially encountered (one of the Africa games I think) I assumed they effectively fused with the unit being carried thus making it a CM unit which gave advantages of AECD neutrality etc for the unit carried. However closer reading suggests it is simply an aid to movement and “detaches” in the combat phase. However in FWtBT the last line of 14.F states “for combat purposes ….is considered a Zero strength Unit”. Now does that mean that in the combat phases it has ALL the characteristics of a unit? i.e advance capability. It is AECD neutral any way because it has no stacking value but what about the unit it is carrying?. In the past I have assumed that the transport unit confers AECD neutrality to the unit carried but now I am wondering if this is the case in FWtBTso I have assumed that the Transport unit can advance etc with its unit but that it does not confer AECD neutrality to the unit it is carrying. (Of course in this particular instance as art is neutral anyway it is a moot point) Any other thoughts?

Having forced a passage the next consideration was whether to exploit to one or more hexes from either or both the Pocket or the MLR to, for example, eliminate a lone unguarded Res pt but this could be the subject of a separate discussion – suffice to say these options were rejected.

Finally the SM.81 flies DAS to boost the defence factors by 1 more point.

Final result 3-6* inf cadre, 4-3-6 art, 1-8 lt tk, 1-10 lt tk, (all supplied) transport counter, 4GSPs and 1 air factor of DAS in clear hex 3011 for a 9 factor (-2) Defence.

FWtBT No 4 May I 37

Nationalists turn

Weather: All Clear

Supply: Nationalist pocket at 2031 (outside San Sebastion) go U2.

Nationalist pocket at 3111 (NE of Alcazar de San Juan) are U1/Isolated. 3 GSPs generated at Cordoba. 1GSP is generated at Seville.

Reinforcements: Withdrawal of Br.19 ignored as Seville declared for Republic and this unit is in play as Republican A101. 3-4-5* inf 73 arrives supported.

Replacements: ½ SRP , ½ SRP (Col) recovered

1-6 sec 20GC, 1-8 cav 3, 1-6 infs 19,30,31, 1-5 infs 1Gran, 2Gran (Fal) , 2-6 inf 8Rif (col) all replaced.

(I have assumed that following the conversion of Fal replacements to Nat replacements both can be raised at any replacement cities which can raise either type- any dissenters?)

Naval Activity; NT-1 transports 2-6 inf 8Rif (col) from Ceuta to Malaga and returns.

Moves: SMP load of 1Res Pt, 1GSP moves from Seville to Cordoba.

Air Activity: Mxd T air drops 4 GSPs from Cordoba to Hex 3111.

He 51 successfully bombs airbase at Almeria

He 51 (KV) escorts Ju52g4e (KV) to bomb airbase @ 3033. I-15/t22 intercepts, bypasses and Aborts JU52g4e.

Ro.37, Mxd B, He 45 (KV) fly extended GS to 3111. Intercepted by mxd F who engages the He 45. Both miss. (Supporting Attack 3)

Attack 1: 3013 wooded rough (SW of Toledo) Unsupplied 3-8 * inf 3Lit (CTV) and Unsupplied 1-8 mb B (CTV), 1-8 hvy AA Vian (CTV), 1-5 inf 2Zar (Fal) and Unsupplied 2-1-8 cav 20 (Col), Supplied 3-2-6inf 1LE, 2-1-8 art O attack 1-8 cav 10, 1-6 mg 1 @ 9:1 (-2) = DE. Advance all except 3Lit.

Attack 2: 3113 rough (NW of Jerez de san Juan) Supplied 3-2-6 inf 3LE, Unsupplied 1-8 alt G (CTV), 1-8 lt 5, 1-6 inf 28, 1-6 eng ZC, 1-6 art 4L, 5-6 inf XX 11 and Supplied 3-1-2 sge art Man (CTV), 2-3-6 art 61, 6-6 inf XX 52, 2-1-8 cav 1E (Col) 2-6 infs Tdi, 3Ceu, 2Mel attack 1-6 inf 11, 1-2-6 art 3 @ 9:1 (-1) = DE. Advance, 61 art, 28, 2Mel Tdi

Attack 3: 3011 (SE of Toledo) Trapped 7-6 inf XX 13, 1-8 lt tk Bab (CTV) 1-10 lt tk Dro (KV), 4-3-6 art Leg (transported) with Extended AS Ro 37, Mxd B, He 45 attack 2-6* inf 3 Car @ 2:1 (+1) = EX . Loss Cadre 13^th. Advance all except transport counter.

Mech move; Transport counter picks up 4 GSPs and moves to 3011.

Air Activity: SM.81 (CTV) flies DAS to 3011

Republican Turn

Supply; “Alcazar pocket” feeds of GSPs

Reinforcement: All divisions appear equipped. Garrison release2-3-5* inf 5 (bas) equipped from 0.5 art at Bibao

Replacements: 1.5 SRPs recovered.

2-6* infs 14Mar, 130Dom (Int) , 1-6 inf 4 replaced and form 5-6 XX15 (Int)

Replaced: 1-6 inf 12, 1-6 eng 7, 1-8 tk 10, 1-5 infs Aml, Met (An), 1-6 art 5L.

1-4 infs 6,7, 9,12 (ast) replaced and form 2-4 ^oinfs XX 1, 2

Moves: 1-5 inf 5 (ast), 1-6 inf 3Exp (ast) eliminated for over-stacking. (displaced by new Divns)

Air Activity: R-5, SB-2 escorted by I-16/t5, 1-15/t22 bomb Zaragoza airfield. I-16/t5 Aborts He 51 interceptor and is Returned. SB-2 hits, R-5 misses.

Attack 1: 3311 clear (E of Tomelloso) Supplied 2-1-8 tks 1,2, 2-6 inf 15AL (int), 2-6* inf 12Gar (int), unsupplied 1-2-6 art 4 and supplied 1-8 tks 1,10, 5-6 inf XX 15(Int), 2-6* inf 2Ch, 3-4-5* inf XX 18 and unsupplied 2-3-5 inf XX 42 and 2-3-5 inf XX 16, 1-8 cav10, 2-6 inf 152c, 1-6 inf 9m 1=2=6 art 3 attack 5-6 inf XX51, 1-8 mg Ard (CTV) @ 4:1 (+1) = DH . No retreat path. Advance 2ch, 16, 42.

Attack 2: 2802 rough (S of Calatyud) Supplied 3-6* inf XX 24, 4-6 inf XX 34, 3-4-5* inf XX 27CH, 1-2-6* inf 24, 2-6* inf 6ch, 2-6 art 2P attack 2-3-5* inf XX Hue @ 5:1 (-1) = DH. Advance 24,34, 27CM

FWtBT No 4 Apr II 37: The Republic strikes back

APR II 1937

March 12, 2017 / Ken Newall / 0 Comments

Narrative

Eric Tennyson Postlethwaite was born on the 5^th March 1916 on the kitchen table of the two up/two down back to back stone cottage in a small mining village in south Yorkshire. He and his three younger brothers were miners as was their father and his father before him. They had survived the Depression which had put steel in their backs and Socialist fire in their bellies. As might be deduced from Eric’s middle name his father was unusually well read for a man of his station in life and the Socialist Worker was a source of news and much debate around the Postlewaite parlour table. The struggles of their brothers in arms in Spain were a particular source of debate and as the eldest son Eric was determined to “play his part”. Somehow and with the help of friends, family and a donation from the local Trades Union Eric’s father had raised the money for a steerage ticket out of Liverpool and being the first man in his village to take up arms for the Socialist cause Eric was given a hero’s send off.

Some weeks later having entered Spain on a tourist visa he had arrived at Albecete and been drafted into the thirty fifth International division where he and a motley collection of other raw recruits had joined veteran Polish and French comrades. They had been drilled constantly and the more naive recruits “politically indoctrinated”. They were placed into the front line at a place he could barely pronounce somewhere in the middle of Spain.

Three days later at around 8 o’clock in the morning they were pounded by the largest artillery concentration since the Siege of Seville and then by an infantry assault lead by the 13^th Nationalist division supported by colonial cavalry and elite Legionaries. They could not withstand the assault but it was with some pride to Eric that they withdrew under fire in good order to protect the vital Madrid/Valencia rail line.

That was a week ago, since then they had been relieved in the line and redeployed.

Now they were to attack……

Battle for Jan Juan de Alcazar

Insurgents Turn

Weather: all clear

Supply ; Nationalist enclave at 2031 (Nr San Sebastian) goes U1

Reinforcements; Delayed reinforcements appear at Seville 1-5 infs 1Sev, 2Sev (Fal), 1-8 Cav VMS (Fal)

Replacements; 1 SRP recovered.

2x inf (Fal), 3x Inf (Nat) and 1x art RP (Nat) replaced and form 6-6 inf XX 52

1-8 lt 3, 1-8 mtn 7, 1-6 mg 3 and 1-10 lt tk Dro replaced.

Delayed upgrade; 2AV to 5-6 inf XX 71

Naval Activity:

NT-1 Transport 2-6 inf 8Rif (Col) from Cadiz to Motril and returns to Ceuta

NT -2, 4, 5 Transport AS from Virgo to Seville and return to Vigo

Air Activity:

Sortie 1: Mxd T attempts to bomb rail junction at 2911 (Alanjuez) but is Returned by Mxd F

SM.81 (CTV) Terror bombs Madrid (2 VPs)

Sortie 2: Ju 52g4e, He 51 fly to bomb 3332. Intercepted by 1-15/t22 allocated to He 51 and I-16/t5 allocated against Ju52 g4e. I-16/t5 Aborted. 3332 rail line bombed and cut.

Attack1: 3111 clear (NE of Alcazar De San Juan) Supplied 3-2-6 inf 1LE, 7-6inf XX 13, 2-1-8 cav 2O (Col), 2-1-8 cav 1E (Col), 2-6 inf 3Ceu (Col) , 2-3-6 art 61, 2-1-8 art O, 4-3-6 art Lag (CTV) attack 6-6 inf 35 (Int) @ 4:1 = DR Advance 13^th XX

Attack 2; 2606 rough (SW of Soria) Supplied 1-5 mech 1, 1-8 mtns 5, 8, 5-6 inf XX 4 (Req) and 3-4-5* inf XX 32, and 4-6 inf XX 2 (Req), 1-8 Cav 3 attack 3-6* inf XX 1 @ 5:1 (-1) = EX. Lose 5, 8 mtn, 1-8 cav. Advance 32^nd , 1^st mech

Exploitation: 1-8 lt tk Bab (CTV), 1-10 lt tk Dro (KL), 4-3-6 art leg (CTV) with Transport, join the 13^th inf XX in 3111

Republican Turn

Reinforcements: 1-6 sec 17GC converts to 1-2-6 sec 4GA

Replacements: 1 SRP recovered.

3-6 inf XX 1, 1-8 mtn 3, 1-6 sec 17Gc, 1-6 infs 2, 9 , 1-5 inf Mej, Cast, Lar, AgL (An), 0-1-6 art CNT (An),1-2-5 infs 8,10, 11 (Bas) replaced.

Attack1: 4120 rough (Motril) Supplied 3-4-5* inf XX 26 (An), Unsupplied 1-5 inf Fan (An) and Supplied 2-6* inf 4ch, 1-8 bike 1, 1-6 mg 3, 1-2-5 TL (An) attack 2-6 inf 8Rif (Col) @ 6:1 (-2) = DR Eliminated as no retreat path. Advance 4ch, 1,3,TL.

Attack 2: 3714 mtn (Penebetica mountains), 3-6* inf XX 3, and 1-6 sec 15GC, 1-6 inf 14, 1-2-6 art 2 and 1-2-6* inf 20 with A101, R-Z Attack 1-6 mg O @ 5:1 (-2) = AS

Attack 3: 3211 clear (Alcazar De San Juan) Supplied 1-8 tk 6, 1-5 mech 2, 2-6 eng ZM, 1-2-6 art 4, 2-6 inf 15AL (Int), 6-6 inf XX 35 (Int) and 2-1-8 tk 1, 2-1-8 tk 2, 2-6* inf 2Ch, 4-6 inf XX 6, 3-4-5* inf XX 16 and Bre.19 attack 3-2-6 inf 1LE, 2-1-8 cav 1E (col) , 2-1-8 cav 20 (col), 2-6 inf 3Ceu (Col) , 2-3-6 art 61 , 2-1-8 art O @ 3:1 (+1) = DR. Advance 2-1-8 tk 1, 2-1-8 tk 2, 4-6 inf XX 6, 1-2-6 art 4, 2-6 inf 15AL (Int), 3-6* inf 1. Alcazar de San Juan once again flies the Republican flag!

Attack 4: 2430 mtn (French boarder) Unsupplied 1-8 mtn 1, 1-8 mtn 2, 2-7 mtn 130 (cat), 1-6 art 11 (Cat) 1-8 cav Buxo (Cat) attack 1-6 inf 20 @ 5:1 (-2) = DR. Advance 2-7 mtn 130 (cat).

Mech Movement; 1-8 lt tk 1 to 3210

FWtBT No 4 Apr I 37: the Fall of Seville

APR I 1937

March 12, 2017 / Ken Newall / 0 Comments

Narrative

The first Alejandro of the 35^th infantry regiment knew of the fall of Seville were the automobiles with flags flying and horns blaring that raced down the road to Huelva with the news!.

Then came the stream of dejected Republican refugees fleeing to the country and prisoners being escorted for “ideological purification”. Seeing them he wondered if perhaps his “phoney” war was, after all a better experience than the real thing.

How the fortunes of war could change!. A month ago Franco’s war leaders were being harangued by the Generalissimo to explain the lack of progress from Jaen, the loss (again) of Alcazar de San Juan, the constant falling back in Aragon against the Catalans and the imminent fall of Teruel. The capture of Seville and Alcazar de San Juan had put Franco in a better mood however and, boosted by the troops to be released from the Seville operation, the drive from Jaen was expected to be renewed with increased vigour in the weeks to come.

FWtBT No 4 Apr I 37: Battle of San Juan de Alcazar

Battle of San Juan de Alcazar: Elite troops from both Republic and Insurrection test their strength.

Nationalist Turn:

Weather: Clear skies across Spain. Clear/Clear/Clear/Clear.

Supply; U4 Isolation Rolls: Seville 3-6 inf XX4, 1-6 inf 6 eliminated. “Teruel pocket” 1-5 inf Leon (Fal) eliminated.

Reinforcements; 72^nd inf XX equipped to 3-4-5* inf 72

Replacements: 1.5 SRPs recovered 0.5 (Fal) SRPs recovered.

1-6 sec 20GC, 1-6 inf 31, 1-5 infs, 1Gran, 2 Gran (Fal), 1-6 art 10L form 5-6 inf XX 51.

1-5 inf Leon. 1-8 cav 3 replaced. Mxd T replaced.

1 Mine Hit removed from BBTF-1

Naval Activity NT-1 moves 2-6 inf 1Rif (Col) to 3428 (Cadiz) and returns to Ceuta.

Air Activity; Sorte 1. Ju 52g$e breaks rail at 3406 (SE of Cuenca)

All other missions miss targets.

Attack 1; 3224 (SEVILLE) Supplied 3-2-6 inf 3LE, 1-5inf Cadiz (Fal), 1-6 art 16L, 1-6 eng ZMO, 1-8 ast G (CTV), 3-1-2 sge art Man (CTV) and 3-6* infs XX 2FN, 3PN (CTV) and 2-6 infs Tdi, 3Ceu, 2Mel (col ), 1-6 eng ZME, 2-1-8 art O, 5-6 inf XX attack (U4 isolated)3-6 inf XX5, 1-6 sec 17GC, 1-2-6* inf 18, 1-6 art 3L, 1-5 inf Mej (An) , 3pt Garrison @ 4:1 = DR. All eliminated as no retreat. Advance Tdi, 3Ceu, 2Mel (col) , Man, 1-8 ast G (CTV),

SEVILLE FALLS!!

1 art RP captured. 1.5 Rail Capacity increase. Rail totals now stand at Nationalists 10.5. Republicans 12 plus 4 in the northern Gobernetos.

Factory suffers damage and is Out of Production till Aug I 1937. Mxd fighter Escapes to Toledo.

Attack 2; 3310 clear (East of Tomolloso) Supplied 1-10 lt tk Dro (KV) , 1-8 lt tk Bab (CTV), 4-6 inf XX Mov, 2-1-8 cav 20 (col), 2-3-6 art 61 attack 2-3-5* inf 12 @ 3:1 (+1) = DE. Advance Mov, Dro, Bab

Attack 3; 3211 clear (Alcazar De San Juan) Supplied 7-6 inf XX 19, 3-6* inf XX 2Sor and 3-2-6 inf 1LE, 5-6 inf XX 51 Attack 2-6* inf 11^Th, 13Dom (Int), 1-6 eng 2 @ 4:1 = DH. Lose 13Dom (Int), eng 2. Advance 13^th.

Attack 4; 2606 rough/ fort (100 miles East of Madrid) Supplied 1-8 cav2, 1-6 mg 2, , 1-6 inf 30, 1-6 art 13L Attack 1-6 eng 7 @ 8:1 (-2) = DH, Advance 30^th, 2^nd mg (Republicans stripped this line too much to mass for own attack last turn)

Attack 5; 2607 mtn (Eastern end of Cordillera Central) Supplied 1-8 mtns 5 & 8, 2-5 inf AGM (Fal), unsupplied 4-6 inf XX 1 (Req) attack 1-6 eng 1 @ 8:1 (-2) = DH Advance 1^st (Req)

Exploitation: 1-8 ac 1LE exploits to 3408 (SE of Cuenca on rail break)

1-10 lt tk Dro (KL) to 3108 where breaks rail line.

After a heated debate at the highest level Spanish, Italian and German Generals agree not to exploit the wide breach in the Republican lines with all forces but to take up defensive positions to bolster the lead infantry elements. 1LE and Dro however are ordered to exploit and occupy the low volume rail line thus cutting supply to Madrid and the northern part of the Republican MLR. Occupation of rail break hexes should prevent immediate repair.

Republicans turn

Supply: North Western forces and parts of the force opposite Calatyud are U1.

Pacification: Vittoria, Teruel

Reinforcements: All divisions arrive equipped.

Replacements; A massive recruitment drive this turn.

1 SRP, ½ SRP (Int)

1-5 inf Lar, Agl from and equip 2-3-5* inf 25.

2-6* infs 14Mar, 13Dom (Int), 1-6 infs 2, 9 form 6-6 inf XX 35 (Int).

1-5 infs cast, Mej (An) 0-1-6 art CNT (An) replaced and form 2-3-5* inf XX 28 (An)

1-6 eng 1 replaced plus a number of additional regiments.

A101 repaired.

Builds: 1-2-6 eng 11 (Cat) builds 3 cap airfield in 3033.

Air Activity: I-16/t5 and I-15/t22 transfer to new airfield in3033. He 51 Intercepts 1-16/t5 who returns it. Transfer successful.

Bre 19 transfers to Madrid.

Attack 1: 3403 mtn (“Teruel” pocket”). Unsupplied 1-5infs Muer, 19Jul (An), 1-6 bdr 2Car, 1-8 mtn art 1, 1-6 inf 10 and 1-5 inf conf (An) and 1-6 bdr 4Car, and 1-2-6*inf 23, and 1-2-6*infs 21, 22, 3-6 * inf XX 24 attack 1-8 lt 3 (U4) @ 9:1 (-2) = DR. Eliminated as no retreat path. Advance 3-6 inf XX 24, 1-2-6* infs 21, 22, 23

Attack 2: 2530 mtn (Pyrenean pass to France) Unsupplied 1-8 mtns 1, 2, 3 2-7* mtn 130 (Cat) 1-6 art 11 (Cat) attack 1-6 inf 19 @ 5:1 (-2) = HX. Lose 3^rd mtn, advance 1, 2, 130 (cat) 11^th (Cat)

Attack 3: 2803 rough (S of Catalayud) Unsupplied 1-6 engs 4, 8, 4-6 inf XX 34, 3-4-58 inf XX 27CM, 1-2-6* inf 24 and 1-6 inf 13, 2-6 inf 8ch, 1-6 mg 41-6 sec 8GC, 1-2-6 sec 10GA, 2-6 art 2, attack 3-6* inf XX 2Cas @ 3:1 (-1) = DR. Advance 24^th, 34^th

Attack 4: 3406 rough (SE of Cuenca). Supplied 3-6* inf XX4 and 1-8 ac1 attack 1-8 lt tk LE @ 7:1 (-2) = DH. Advance All

Attack 5: 3108 rough) (NE of Curenca) 4-6 inf XX6 and 2-6* inf 2CH attack 1-10 lt tk Dro (KL) @ 6:1 (-3) = DR, Dro eliminated as no retreat path. Advance none (+2 VPs)

Attack 6: 2606 (rough) (100 miles East of Madrid) Supplied 5-6 inf XX 11Ch, and 3-6* inf 7 and unsupplied 2-3-5*inf 37 attack 1-6 inf 30, 1-6 mg 2 @ 9:1 (-1) = DR. Eliminated as no retreat path. Advance 7^th.

Attack 7: 4019 wooded rough (S of Grenada) 3-6* inf XX 14 (An) , 3-4-5* inf XX 26 (An) , 1-2-5 inf T L(An) , 1-5 inf Fan (An) and 2-3-5* inf XX 28 (An), 2-6* inf 4Ch, 1-8 bk 7, 1-6 mg 3 attack 2-6 5 Alh (Col) @ 6:1 (-3) = DR. Advance , 3-4-5* inf XX 26 (An) , 1-2-5 inf TL (An) , 1-5 inf Fan (An) and 2-3-5* inf XX 28 (An)

Attack 8: 2032 wooded rough (approaches to San Sebastian). Supplied 1-6 bdr 10Car, 1-6 sec 22Gc, 1-6 inf 21, 2-6 art 3P attack 1-8 mtn 7 @ 9:1 (-2) = DH Advance , 21, 3P isolating 1-6 inf 23, 1-6 art 12L at 2031.

MAR II 1937

March 6, 2017 / Ken Newall / 0 Comments

Narrative

Clear skies have returned to the south of Spain and fuels renewed activity by both side.

However Nationalist attacks are hampered by limited supplies and a snap attack on Seville burns limited stocks.

The Republicans by contrast are very well supplied. Seville’s factories are isolated and dedicated to keeping the defenders well fed and supplied but all the other factories of Spain (except for Nationalist Oviedo) are pressed into war production. Furthermore up until the middle of this month France has had an open door policy towards the Republic.

Not only that but supplies are pouring in from the Soviet Union by sea fuelled not only by soviet oil but by communist fervour as one young naval recruit penned:

I am a brave sailor from the Red Navy
I am exactly 20 years old
I am sailing out into the vast expanse of the sea,
To bring the Great October to the whole of the world.

Oh, our noise and uproar,
Resound against the bourgeois shores
Our Soviet fleet is a stronghold
All the working people , forward!

Nationalist Turn

Weather: Clear/Mud, Clear/Clear.
Supply: Seville feeds of GSPs. Teruel pocket 1-6 art 11L Isolated/U4, eliminated
Reinforcements: Conversion of 2Av delayed.

Delayed conversions of 2-5 inf 1 (Req) and 2-5 inf 3 (Req) occur and both are equipped to convert to 4-6 inf XX 1 (Req) and 4-6 inf XX 3 (Req).

Replacements: ½ SRP recovered.

1-6 inf 31, 1-6 sec 20GCm 1-10 art 10L form 3-6 inf Cadre 13. The cadre is then built to full strength with IRPs and appears as 7-6 inf XX 13.

3-2-6 inf 1LE, 1-8 cav 5, 1-6 bdr 9 Car, 1-8 mtn 4, 1-6 inf 22 all rebuilt.

Mine Damage; BBTF-1 hits mine. (+8VPs to Loyalists)

Moves: 3-4-5 inf XX 71 moves onto 108 mg art (CV), 2-1-8 art O and combines to overrun 1-6 inf 12 in 3512 (woods) @ 12:1

Air Activity:

First Strategic Attack, first Terror bombing of war reaps rewards!

Sortie 1; SM.81 bombs Seville (3224) for 2VPs.

Sortie 2; He 51, Ju52g4e cut rail line at 3130.

Naval Activity: 4 NTs move to Vigo collect ASP and return it to Cadiz. In Exploitation; move to Vigo and joined by CATF. (Supplies have been landing at Vigo because it is on the rail net but limited rail cap means many are stockpiled at port. With failure of Seville attack NTs returned to load more for next attack on city).

Attack 1 3212 clear (Tomolleso). Unsupplied) 3-6 inf XX 2 Sor and 3-2-6 inf 3LE, 2-3-6 art 61, 7-6 inf XX 13 and 3-6 inf XX 1DLV (CTV), 1-10 lt tk Dro (KL) with Mxd T attack 2-6* inf 14 Mar (Int) @ 5:1 = HX. Lose 3LE. Advance XX 13.

Attack 2: 3511 clear (30 miles SE of Tomolleso) Supplied 4-6inf XX Mov, 2-1-8 cav 20 (Col) 2-1-8 cav 1E (Col) and 1-8 mg Ard (CTV), 1-8 lt tk Bab (CTV, unsupplied 3-4-5 inf XX 21, 2-1-8 art O attack 2-6*inf 2Ch, 1-2-5 inf Jou (An) @ 4:1 = DE. Advance 21^st.

Attack 3 3224 (SEVILLE). Supplied 1-6 eng ZMO, 1-6 inf 24, 1-6 sec 24GC, 1-5 Cadiz (Fal) , 1-8 Aslt G (CTV) , 3-1-2 sg art Man (CTV), 4-3-6 art Leg (CTV)and 3-6 inf XX 2FN (CTV), 3-6 inf XX 3Lit (CTV), 3-6 inf XX 3PN (CTV), and 2-6 inf 3Ceu (Col), 2-6 inf 2Mel (Col), 2-6 inf Tdi (Col) 5-6 inf XX 11, 1-6 eng ZME attack 3-6* inf XX4, 1-4 inf Met (An ), 1-5 inf Mej (An), 1-2-6* inf 18, 1-6 sec 17GC, 1-6 art 2L, 3pt Garrison @ 2:1 (+1) = AS!

Republican Turn

French border: Open

Supply: Seville Feeds off GSPs. No AS left to convert.

Replacements; ½ (PA), ½ 9(Int) SRP recovered.

1-2-5 inf Jou (An), 1-4 infs 3,4 (Bas) replaced. 1-2-6 sec 2GA , 1-6 inf 12 replaced and form 2-3-6^o inf 5 then equipped to 3-6* 7*

At 3916 1-5 infs cast, Lar, AmL (An) and 0-1-6 art CNT(An) form 3-4-5* inf XX 26 (An)

3-6* inf XX 5 is placed at Seville.

1-2-7 mtn 130 (Cat) equipped to 2-7* mtn 130 (Cat)

Inf 5, 1-6 infs 2, 9 , 1-6 art 5L replaced and form 3-6 inf.*

*It occurs to me that the sequencing of this is critical to placement. It is permissible to rebuild and form/equip all in the same initial phase but if I rebuild and form and then place the new division as I have been doing then it can be placed anywhere that the relevant affiliation can be rebuilt BUT if the components are deemed replaced INDIVIDUALY the artillery regimental component would have to be rebuilt at a factory thus when the infantry components are added the division would appear at the factory. This latter seems overly restrictive but I wonder how others play?

Moves: 1-5 inf Met (An) eliminated in Seville for overstacking.

Air Activity:

Sortie 1; R-5, A101 to Zaragoza, Intercepted by He.51. A101 Aborted. Mission to bomb airfield abandoned.

Sortie 2; Po.540, Bre.19, R-Z to bomb Jaen airport, Intercepted by CR32 Bis (CTV) BRe.19 Returned. R-Z, Po.540 bomb airfield and Hit Aborting Mxd T on the ground.

Sortie 3; Mxd F transfers to Seville

Attack1: 4818 mtn (SW of Grenada), Supplied 3-4-5* inf 26 (An), 3-6* 3 and 3-6* inf 14 (An) , 1-2-5 infs Jou, TL (An) , 1-5 inf Fan( An) and Unsupplied 1-8 bike 1, and 2-6* inf 4Ch, 1-6 mg 3 Attack 1-5 infs 1Gran, 2Gran (Fal) @ 6:1 (-3) = DH. (All Elim as no retreat) Advance 14 (An) , TL (An) Fan (An)

Attack2: 3511 clear (NW of Albacete) Supplied 1-8 tk 1, 2-1-8 tk 1, 4-6 inf XX 6, 3-4-5* inf 17, 3-4-5* inf 18, and 2-6 inf 12 Gar (Int), and unsupplied 2-3-5* inf 9 and 2-3-5* inf 16 attack 3-4-5* inf XX 21 @ 4:1 = DR (Elim as no retreat) Advance 16, 17.

Attack 3: 2630 mtn (NE of Huesca) Supplied 2-7* mtn 130 (Cat), 1-8 mtns 1,3, 3-6* inf XX 2, 1-6 art 11(Cat) and Unsupplied 2-3-5* infs 31, 32 (Cat), 1-8 cav (Buxo (Cat), 1-8 cav 4, 1-6 art 8L attack 1-6 inf 20, 1-5 inf 1Zar (Fal) @ 7:1 (-4) = DR. Advance 2-7* mtn 130 (Cat), 1-8 mtns 1,3, 1-6 art 11(Cat)

FWtBT No 4, MAR I 37: Seville under Siege — FWtBT No 4, MAR I : Seville under Siege

MAR I 1937

March 4, 2017 / Ken Newall / 0 Comments

Narrative

The headlines in the Nationalist papers read “Alcazar de San Juan once again in Nationalist hands! “The most fought over town in Spain re-captured by the Condor Legion! “

A premature boast as it turns out but by contrast to the well-publicised exploits of the Condor Legion and the Italian assistance the Soviet Communist party have taken a decidedly less public stance. Scores of “advisors” have been dispatched to “work in divisions and brigades.” These advisors and particularly their co-ordinator Voroshilov back in Moscow are not held in particularly high esteem by their Spanish counterparts many of whom have had far more battle experience than the junior ranking “advisors”. Voroshilov himself being known in Republican military circles, scathingly, as “The Great Strategist” .

The Republican right flank pushes on though the Pyrenean foothills.

Nationalist Turn

Weather Mud/Mud, Rough/Rough

Supply: Teruel force starts rolling for elimination, 1-8 cav 5 and 1-6 sec 20GC eliminated . Seville feeds off GSPs.

Reinforcements: All divisions equipped on arrival.

Replacements: Nationalist recover ½ SRP. Replaced; 1-8 cav 1, 1-5 mech 1, 1-8 ac LE

Delayed Conversion 2-5 inf 2 (Req) to 2-5 inf ^O XX 2 (Req) and is then equipped. Delayed Upgrade 2-5 inf 4 (Req) to 5-6 inf XX 4 (Req).

Naval Activity: 2-6 inf TD1 (Col) transported from the Canaries to Malaga.

Air Activity: All raids ineffective.

Moves: Teruel pocket , breaks rail lines and forms last stand @ 3403 mtn (1-8 lt 3, 1-5 inf leon (Fal), 1-6 art 11L)

Attack 1: 3212 clear (NW of Tomolleso) Supplied 3-6 inf* XX 2Sor, 1-6 inf 28, 1-6 art 4L and 3-2-6 inf 3LE, 3-2-6 inf 1LE, 2-3-6 art 61, 2-10 AA 88 (KL) attack 2-6* inf 12 Gar (Int) , 1-2-6 sec 2GA @ 5:1 (-2) = HX. Lose 1LE. Advance 2Sor, 88

Attack 2: 3612 rough (30 miles SE of Valdepenas) Supplied 3-6 inf XX 1DLV (CTV), 1-8 mg Ard (CTV), 2-1-8 art O and unsupplied 1-6 inf 22, 1-6 sec 122 GC attack 1-2-6*inf 22 (U4) @ 7:1 (-2) = HX. Lose 22. Advance 1DLV

Motorised Movement: 2-10 AA 88 (KL) exploits to Alczar de San Juan destroying a massive ammo dump of 2AS and 3Res Pts foolishly left unguarded. Then moves NE to 3111.

Republican Turn

French Border: Closed

Supply: Seville Feeds Of GSPs.

Reinforcements: All divisions equipped, ½ art pt to San Sebastian,.3-* inf XX 4 to Seville. Replacements: 1-2-6* inf 22, 2-6* inf 12Gar (Int), 1-5 inf Fan (An)1-2-4 inf 8 (Bas) , 1-6 art 1 replaced and form 2-3-4* inf XX 5 and 1-2-4 inf 10 (Bas) , 1-6 art 14 (Bas) replaced and form 2-3-4* inf XX 1 (Bas). 1-6 inf 2, 1-6 inf 9, 1-6 art 6L replaced and form 3-6* inf XX4,

Replacements: ½ SRP( PA) and ½ SRP (Int) recovered.

Huesca Pacified

Moves Loyalist line pulls out of salients on Tommelloso front leaving delaying forces only.

1-5 inf Agl (An) eliminated as overstacked.

Air Activity: Sortie 1; 3517 (Linares) Cr.32bis (CTV) intercepts Po.540, Bre.19 and engages Po.540. CR 32bis (CVT) Returned. Bombs drop wide.

Sortie 2; 2833 ( Zaragoza) He 51 (KV) intercepts A-101, R-5 and fails to engage R-5. Bombs miss target.

Attack1: 3111 clear (NE of Alczar de San Juan), 3-4-5 inf XX 18 and 2-1-8 tk 1, 1-2-6 art 4 and 1-6 eng 2, 2-6 * inf 13Dom (Int), 2-6* inf 11^th (Int) attack 1-10 AA 88 (KL) @ 5:1 = DR 88 eliminated – no retreat. Advance 18^th (2 VPs awarded)

Attack 2; 2604 rough (West of Calatayud) Supplied 1-0-8 lt Tk AAC, 1-6 inf 8, 1-6 cav 7, 5-6 inf XX 11Ch and unsupplied 2-1-R art TB, 3-6*inf1 XX, 1-8 tk 6, and 1-6 sec 16GC, 1-6 art 14L attack 1-8 cav 2, 1-6 art 13L @ 6:1 (–3) = DR Advance 1,7, 8.

Attack3; 2629 mtn (pass to France in Pyrenees) Unsupplied 1-8 mtn3, 1-8 mtn 1, 3-6* inf XX 2, 1-6 art b11 (Cat), 2-3-5* inf XX 32 (Cat) attacks 1-6 inf 19 (U2) @ 5:1 (-4) = AS

FWtBT No 4 - FEB II 37: Republican forces pull out of bulges on the West front leaving token defenders.

FEB II 1937

March 3, 2017 / Ken Newall / 0 Comments

Narrative

Alejandro Gonzalez of the 35^th regiment was bored. His had been an easy war. After the bloodless “capture” of Huleva he and his regiment had marched the 50 miles to Seville and encamped just over the Guadalqive River to the Northwest of the city. From there they had simply watched, patrolled, and intimidated the local population, and watched, patrolled and intimidated the population. No matter how many times they repeated this daily routine the locals still managed to smuggle food in to the city which showed no signs of surrendering. Something though was about to change. For days troops from fellow fascists in Italy had been arriving and with them heavy howitzers and specialist demolition troops. Alejandro knew his war would soon be getting very much more interesting.

Elsewhere in the Nationalist Zone the “White Terror” continued. Those who knew how to die well cried “Viva La Republica!” although others might accuse former comrades in an attempt to save themselves. Many died alone but In Navarre a priest gave the last rights to a group of captured Asturians as the volley rang out and they fell into a trench which became their grave.

The Teruel pocket contracts for last stand.

Nationalist Turn

Weather: No Change, Winter/Mud, Storms/Calm

Supply: Seville feeds of GSPs

Reinforcements: All units are engaged so no upgrade/conversions possible but delayed upgrade 3-6* inf XX Van to 5-6 inf XX 11 executed.

½ SRP reclaimed. Replacements: 3-2-6 inf 3LE, 2-3-5 inf XX Pos, 1-6 sec 6GC, 1-8 cav 1

Moves: Nationalists in the Teruel pocket contract to stack with the single art unit there for support because no help from the outside is forthcoming.

Air Activity; All raids ineffectual

Attack 1; 3612 woods (25 miles south of Tomelloso) Unsupplied 4-6 inf XX Mov, 1-8 lt tk Bab (CTV), 2-1-8 cav 30 (Col) , 2-1-8 cav 1E (Col) and 2-3-5*inf Ov and 3-2-6 inf 1LE, 3-2-6 inf 3LE, 2-1-8 art O, 2-3-6 art 61, 2-10 AA 88 (KV), 1-10 lt tk Dro (KL), 1-8 mg Ard (CVT) attack 2-6* inf 2Ch, 1-6 inf 12 @ 5:1 (-3) = AS.

Exploitation; (CTV) and (KL) motorized units re-deploy to bolster defence of nearby units.

Republican Turn

Supply; Seville draws of GSPs. Seville Expends AS for 12 GSPs

Reinforcements: 1-6 sec 11GC upgraded to 1-2-6 sec 3GA.

Replacements; 1-6 infs 2,9 and 1-6 art5L replaced and form 3-6* inf 3

1-4 infs 3 & 4 (Bas )form 2-4 inf XX ^o 4 (Bas) which is equipped and deploys as 2-3-4* inf XX 4 (Bas)

Moves: NT3 (with BTF-1, LtTF-1 (Bas) loads 1 art RP at Gijon and transports to Santander; returns to Gijon and loads remaining 0.5 art RP and offloads at Santander .

All Reaction attempts by Nationalist Combat Task Force at El Ferrol fail.

Air Activity: Po.540 and Bre.19 attempt to bomb rail at 3517 (Linares). Intercepted by CR.32bis (CTV). Bre.19 Turned back and raid aborted.

Attack 1; 2630 mtn (Low vol rail line NE of Huesca) Supplied, 1-8 mtn 1, 2-3-5* inf XX 32 (Cat), 1-2-7 mtn 130 (Cat), 3-6* inf XX 2, 1-6 art 11 (Cat) Attack 1-5 inf 1Zar (Fal) 1-6 inf 20 @ 5:1 (-3) = AS.

Attack 2; 3303 rough (east of Teruel) Unsupplied U2 1-8 mtn art 1, Unsupplied 1-6 inf 16 (over mtn hexside) and 1-6 bdr 2Car, and 1-5 inf Fan (An) and 1-6 inf 10 attack 1-8 cav 3 (U2) @ 5:1 (-3) = EX loose Fal, advance 2 car.

Attack3: 2704 rough/Fort h (30 miles West of Calatayud). Supplied 1-8tk 6, 1-0-8 lt tk AAC, 1-8 cav 7, 2-1-R art TB, 1-6 inf 8, 5-6 inf XX 11Ch, 3-6* inf XX 1 Attack 1-5 mech 1, 1-6 art 10L @ 7:1 (-3) = DE. Advance 11Ch, 7 cav, 8 inf

Attack 4: 2001 Rough (Vitoria) Unsupplied 2-3-4* inf 2 (Bas) attacks 0.5 Garrison @ 8:1 (-2) = DR. Garrison dispersed. Advance 2-3-4* XX 2 (Bas)

(A foolih error by the Nationalists pulled back 2-5 inf 3 (Req) for Upgrade.)

Attack 5: 2034 rough (East of Vitoria). Supplied 1-2-4 inf 1 (Bas), 1-2-4 inf 2 (Bas) and 2-4 inf 13 (Bas), 2-4 inf 14 (Bas), 2-4 inf 15 (Bas), and (over mtn hexside) 1-2-4 inf 5 (Bas), 1-2-4 inf 5 (Bas) attack 1-8 cav 1 @ 9:1 (-2) = DE. Advance 5, 9.