Tag: Spain (Page 4 of 6)

Initial Phase: The units in 2412 are out of supply and become U-1.

Franco and his government are now in immediate danger. In order to avoid capture, they leave what is left of Madrid and relocate to Sevilla. Spanish Army units experience widespread confusion amongst their troops as the news filters through. All their combat strengths are halved for the remainder of the turn.

5 British fighters have been uncrated and become operational at Sevilla. 5 British ARPs are also received, giving a total of 6. The British also call Force H into Operation. 1 Task force and a Carrier group appear at Gibraltar. Spain finally receives 3 ARPs. 1 is used to bring back an I-16/t10 at Cordoba. In other production, a resource point appears at Sevilla.

Spain also receives 3 Inf RPs in mainland Spain, plus 0.5 in the Canaries (making 1) and 0.5 Colonial Inf RPs in Spanish Morocco (total now 1). Valencia is isolated and therefore produces no RPs this turn. 4 RPs are used (4.5 remain) to replace 3 Heavy AA regiments and the 41st Artillery regiment. The artillery comes on at Malaga, while the AA regiments appear in Cordoba.

All the German long range bombers go on Naval Patrol duty. 3 German fighters in the newly captured 2710 hex of Madrid fly CAP over Madrid 2711. Also, 3 Me110Cs from Zaragoza fly CAP over Valencia. Spanish partisans target rail lines in hexes 33:3632, 33:3522 and 23A:3503. Again, 2 out of 3 attacks succeed, although the one in 3503 is disrupted by German patrols.

Movement Phase: 2 Spanish Naval transports from Cadiz and one from Malaga relocate to Gibraltar, under the protection of the significant AA stationed there. Portuguese units do not move, but nervously eye the border.

3 British fighters attempt to transfer into Valencia from Sevilla. They are confronted by 3 German ME110s flying CAP over the city, which convert to patrol attack. However, the German air units are unable to impede the missions and all fighters land safely.

The 21st and 41Exp Infantry divisions that have been cut off in the mountain pass at 2412 try to extricate themselves by heading southwest to 2515. Due to the difficult terrain in the area, this is as far as they can move this turn. Next to Madrid, the remnants of the 13th and 23rd divisions cross the Jarama river into 2811. This will make at least one German stack attack Madrid over the river from 2810.

In Ceuta, the Colonial Tdl Infantry regiment and the I/Tdl and IV/Tdl Infantry battalions assemble to form a 3-6* Colonial Infantry regiment. Also, in 3622 the 2O and 1E Colonial Cavalry regiment form into the Mar Cavalry brigade. (Both conversions permitted as per published errata).

In Spanish Morocco, the ZMO Engineer regiment constructs a temporary airfield in Tetuan. From Jerez de la Frontera, the 1st and 4th Construction regiments head south via admin movement to Gibraltar, across the Straits ferries, and into Tangier.

Combat Phase: No combat

Exploitation Phase: The Spanish combat fleet joins up with Force H and they all sail to 3903. They then spend 90MPs preparing for Naval Gunfire support in defense of the city. The movement triggers reaction attempts by Axis units on Naval Patrol. 3 bombers from Valladolid catch a glimpse of smoke on the horizon but they are unable to spot the Allied fleet.

End of Turn Summary

One hex of Madrid fell but the second one is still a challenge for the Germans. The arrival of Force H has thrown the plans of a quick attack on Valencia into disarray. Unless the weather turns bad the Germans will have to fly most of their air force down there to deal with the Allied Fleet. With defensive NGS the city will be very tough to crack, so some damage must be done to the Task Forces. 5 British fighters will not make the task any easier either. Present planning will not see Valencia fall until the end of August. In the north, the final capture of Madrid will free up significant forces to move towards the Gibraltar perimeter.

Losses

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

Initial Phase: All units are in supply. All German bomber units switch to Naval Patrol. Partisan units launch coordinated attacks against rail targets in Lerida, Tarragona and Reuss in Cataluna. Faulty explosives mean that the attempt in Lerida fails but the other 2 attacks are successful.

Madrid and Sevilla generate 3 GSPs each. Valencia also generates 3 GSPs. The Spanish government relocates from Madrid hex 2710 to 2711. A Cr32bis is regrouped from the aborted pool, appearing in Madrid, which means another enters the eliminated box.

British and Spanish Engineers spend a resource point to build a fort in Jaen, behind the Guadalquivir river. In other construction activity, the permanent airfield in Ceuta is completed. Portugal completes its final turn of mobilisation (a bit later than scheduled, but there is no net effect on the game).

Movement Phase: British transports bring 6 points of position AA to Ceuta, escorted by Spanish capital ships. The naval group ends its movement in the North African port. Spanish transports 1 and 5 bring the Colonial IV/Tdl Infantry regiment to Cadiz, while the Can Coastal battalion unloads at Malaga. The transports end movement in their destination hexes and refuel. From Sidi Ifni, the Colonial Tdl Infantry regiment is delivered to Cadiz, to join the rest of the Tdl elements in the port.

Portuguese forces remain on alert. The 13th Infantry regiment joins the 2nd Infantry division in 1317. Meanwhile the town of Combra is reinforced by the 5th Cavalry regiment and 3rd MG battalion. The I Light Infantry regiment and 6th Cavalry regiment move from Braga to Porto.

The british 8th Artillery brigade moves from its position in Cordoba to reinforce the British armour in 3518. The 12GC regiment and 42nd Artillery regiment leave Madrid hex 2711 and rail southwards to Cartagena.

The joint Spanish and British Command staff decide that a reserve is required behind the Gibraltar outer perimeter. The 101st Infantry division forms the core, and it moves to Puente-Genil. It is joined there by the 2LE Infantry regiment from 3618 (which is mounted on a transport counter). Also forming the reserve is the 39th Infantry regiment and 2nd Bicycle battalion from Huelva, 8th Guardia Civil regiment from Jerez de la Frontera, and finally the 33rd Light Infantry regiment from Cadiz.

In the Cordillera Iberica, the units in 3402 have been cut off by the German 4th Panzer division. They decide to make a run for it, but due to mountainous terrain and a German ZOC, they can only move one hex to 3404.

3 GSPs are railed from Sevilla to Madrid. In Spanish Morocco, the ZMO Engineer unit moves into Tetuan. At Valencia, the 52Exp Infantry division moves out of the city to guard the flank at 3704. This will buy at least another turn for the defenders in the area. The CR32bis and He111E in Madrid 2710 rebase to 2711.

Now that the Spanish capital is in Madrid 2711, extra reinforcement is required. The 1st and 4th Construction regiments leave the city via rail to Jerez de La Frontera. In their place comes the 91st Infantry division, a powerful Spanish colonial unit from 3617.

Combat Phase: No combat

Exploitation Phase: No movement

End of Turn Summary

Madrid and Valencia are now directly under threat, and their fall will permit the Germans access to the Spanish rail net for tracing supply. In the air, a moral victory was had by the Spanish in aborting 2 aircraft for the loss of 1, but the new air cycle is about to begin. More important is the arrival of 5 British fighters which will be available next turn.

Losses

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

The Weather is clear in Zones D and E, Sea is calm in Atlantic and Mediterranean. All units are in supply.

Spain generates 3 GSPs in Madrid and 3 in Sevilla. With 19.5 Inf RPs available, the Germans rebuild the 11th and 12th Infantry divisions to full strength (5 RPs each). They also recreate the 308th Motorised Artillery (1 Arm RP, 2 Inf RPs), the 512th Engineers (2 Inf RPs) and the 616th motorised AT battalion (0.5 Arm RP/0.5 Inf RP). They still have 5 Arm RPs and 5 Inf RPs left in their pool.

The rebuilt AT and artillery units come on in the major hex of Barcelona, while the Engineers appear is Perpignan.

Movement Phase: The 15th Mountain Corps heads southwards from Zaragoza to confront the Spanish 32nd division that occupies the mountains in 33:3533. The Corps ends movement in 3433. Nearby the 25th Corps manoeuvres its armoured units into the canals at 3631.

The 62nd and 65th Corps advance from Barcelona down the coast. The 62nd reaches as far as 3529 while the 65th can make it one hex further to 3530. Both Corps detach faster moving artillery to a further position at 3532. It is joined there by the AT, Engineers and artillery that arrived in Barcelona as reinforcements. The Artillery in the 65th is replaced by the 783rd regiment that was stationed to the east of Barcelona.

With the newly captured Iberian rail capacity from Barcelona, the 4 RR Siege Artillery units from near Bayonne are able to move down into Spain up to Totosa in 33:3531, putting them in range of both Spanish divisions that are blocking the coast route.

The 4th RR Engineers regauge 2 more rail hexes and move further into 3623. Behind them, the 512th Engineer regiment moves out of Perpignan, repairs the rail hex in 3521 and then moves to 3523. The citizens of Barcelona start to get a bit restless and the conditions under occupation. The Pol SS division is sent there from 3224 to restore order.

In the Pyrenees, the 674th Engineer moves over the high mountain pass at 2826/2926 and down the mountain road to end movement in 3128. The 63rd Corps (which has been stripped down to 2 divisions), moves from 3325 to Manresa and then northwest along the rail line as far as Lerida, which it captures unopposed. Behind it, the 66th Corps also exits the Pyrenees and uses admin movement to leapfrog the 63rd to stop in 3128.

Along the Biscay Coast, the 607th Light motorised AA battalion moves to Santander to relieve the 11th Infantry division. The division advances to 1107, joining the 7th Panzer division in front of Gijon. Joining them is the TK SS Motorised Infantry which arrives in Oveido after moving up from Leon. Lastly, the Luftwaffe 151st motorised AA heads up the coast road to join the tanks and infantry in 1107.

In Bayonne, the 7th Parachute division breaks down into its supported components. The 3rd regiment uses admin movement to enter Spain and take up a garrison position in Bilbao. The 1st regiment acts likewise except that it is tasked to occupy San Sebastian against any potential seaborne attacks. The 2nd Parachute regiment uses rail movement to reach Santander, utilising captured Iberian rail capacity.

Further north in France, the 601st Motorised Light AA battalion in La Rochelle uses rail movement to reach 3624, the partial hex of Barcelona. Also from St Nazaire and Nantes, the 605th and 604th Light AA battalions hop onto trains and move down to the European gauge railhead at 33:2033. They then use admin movement to head down the road as far as 23A:2501

In central Spain, the 1st RR Engineer converts two more hexes to European gauge, extending it as far as Vitoria. Further west at 2107, the 604th Combat engineer regiment constructs a temporary airfield which is in fighter range of Madrid. 2 Me109Es from 33:1930 and a Me109F from 2028 stage there and escort a terror bombing mission at 2710 which is flown by the two Ju88A4s. The Spanish decide to conserve their fighters fro the ground battle so no interception occurs. There are 5 points of AA in the hex, but it is not able to significantly divert the bombers away. 1 hit is achieved, earning the Axis a VP. The fighters return to 2107, one of the Ju88s goes to Barcelona and the other lands at Bilbao.

This allows the 7th Construction regiment to abandon the airfield in 1930. Another airfield is abandoned by the 71st Construction regiment in 1626 next to Bayonne. The two Construction units use rail movement as fair as the railhead, and then admin movement to 2006. A final airfield is abandoned by the 108th Construction regiment in 2625. It uses a combination of rail and admin movement to reach 33:3626.

The 64th Corps shifts forward to 2802, tying down the Spanish units in 3403. However, it dispatches the 263rd Infantry division north to take control of the rail line leading to Burgos. It moves as far as 2304. The 22nd Air Landing division completes the takeover by moving to 2016 and thence back to its original hex in 2107. The two isolated Iberian rail nets are thereby joined into one. The nearby armoured 34th Corps also inches forward to 2706, but it is close to the limit of its supply line.

From its base in Valladolid, the 53rd Corps moves southwards towards the Cordillera Central, ending movement in the village of Segovia in 2409. In other transfer missions, a Me109E relocates to Valladolid from 33:2625, a Ju87 also moves there from Vitoria, and another Ju87 flies in from 2029. All these units are in range of Madrid. A Me110C transfers south from Santander to Zaragoza, and a second Me110C transfers to Zaragoza from Barcelona.

Combat Phase: The Spanish fly their Mixed attack bombers and SM79s, plus a British Hurricane on strafing duty from Valencia over the 82nd division in 3632. There are no German fighters in range. 4 He111Hs from Barcelona fly against the 32nd Infantry division that defends in the mountains in 33:3533. 2 Ju87s from Santander and a third which stages from 3029 via Santander support the assault on Gijon.

Combat: Gijon is besieged by the SS TK division, the 7th Panzer division, he 11th Infantry division, plus some AA guns, and 3 Ju87s raining precision munitions from the sky. It is held by small formations led by the 87th MG regiment, plus the 47th Artillery regiment, and local security and border forces. The defenders have 7 points, while against them is a total of 43. The Spanish are quickly forced back into the city where they try to regroup, but the mechanised advance is too fast and they are caught against the Bay of Biscay. The Gijon commander surrenders his troops. 6:1 even results in a 2 for a DR, but the city is surrounded by ZOCs. The 11th Infantry division occupies the city, and the 3 Stukas return to base at Santander.

In 3533, the 32nd Infantry division is attacked by the 15th Mountain Corps, backed up by a range of artillery, including rail guns in 3531. 4 He111H4s also join the battle for the high ground overlooking the coast road. In total the attackers have 30.5 against 5, a 6:1 with a -2 modifier. The difficult terrain slows down the German advance, allowing the dug in Spanish to direct withering fire on the advancing units, but in the end overwhelming artillery power wins the day. A 2 is rolled modified to 0 for an EX. The Spanish unit is reduced to cadre and retreats to 3633. The Germans lose the 98th Mountain regiment, 402nd Bicycle regiment and 616th motorised AT battalion. The 15th Corps advances into the hex and the bombers return to Barcelona.

Close by, the 82nd Infantry faces up to the Panzers of the 25th Corps. 28 vs 5 works out to a base 5:1 with +3 for full AECA. The Allied defensive support is fired on by the German AA. Perhaps due to the shock of actually seeing enemy aircraft, the gunners are well wide of the mark. The 1.5 points of DS make a total of 6.5 against 28, bringing the attack down to a 4:1 +3. Unfortunately, the lightly armed bombers are unable to disrupt the German spearheads, and the Spanish are crushed, 4 modified to a 7 for a DE, no retreat possible. The 25th Corps advances. The Allied aircraft return to Valencia.

Exploitation Phase: The SS TK Motorised Infantry division moves south to Valladolid from Gijon. Also in the Gijon area, the 7th Panzer and 151st Motorised Heavy AA regiment head south, just behind the SS troops. They finish movement in 23A:1909.

The airbase at Zaragoza is garrisoned by the 604th and 605th Motorised Light AA battalions that move in from 33:2833. Near Barcelona, the 608th Motorised Artillery moves forward to join the 25th Corps.

On the Biscay coast, the small fishing village of Laredo is garrisoned by the 643rd motorised AT battalion, which moves up from the railhead in 23A:2001. Another garrison is formed in Aviles by the 607th motorised Light AA battalion that advances from Santander.

Losses

• Spanish Unisolated – 5+5 = 10 (2 Special RPs received)
• Spanish Isolated – 7
• Spanish Air – 0
• German Unisolated – 5 (1 Special RP received)
• German Isolated – 0
• German Air – 0

Initial Phase: All units are in supply. It is the 6th turn of Spanish mobilisation, so production of RPs begins. 4 Inf RPs are received in mainland Spain, 0.5 RPs are received in the Canary Islands, and 0.5 Colonial Inf RPs appear in Tetuan.

The 61st Infantry division is rebuilt and appears in Madrid (5 Inf RPs, 2.5 remain). Due to the Germans advancing into Castilla la Nueva, the Andalucia garrison is activated. Units appear in Malaga, Jerez de la Frontera, Sevilla and Almeria. A Resource point is spent via quick construction for a fort in Madrid hex 2711. Also in Madrid, 3 additional GSPs are generated. German aircraft in Barcelona, Santander and Bilbao are placed on Naval Patrol.

Spanish partisans attempt to wreck rail lines in Tarragona, 23A:3521 near the French border, plus 23A:3232. The band in Tarragona is detected by the enemy and unable to carry out its mission, but the other two sabotage attempts are successful.

The 5th Construction regiment begins building a permanent airfield in Ceuta. The Spanish government is very worried by the proximity of German forces to Madrid, but it resolves to remain in the capital for the time being.

Movement Phase: Naval Movement: The transports in the UK load up 5 crated fighters and 2 points of position AA. All of them are delivered to Sevilla, where they will spend the rest of the month being reassembled for action. The naval group then refuels.

Spanish Naval Transports 1 and 5 bring the 21GC security regiment and I/Tdl Colonial Infantry regiment from Las Palmas di Gran Canaria to Cadiz. They then had back to the Canary Islands and dock at Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

A Landing craft ferries the 131st Infantry regiment from island of La Palma to Cadiz, and ends its movement there.

Portuguese forces remain on alert.

The British are happy with their defensive emplacements and do not move.

The 13th Cavalry regiment moves out of Valencia and wrecks the rail hexes in 3702 and 3703 before popping back into the city. The 52Exp Infantry division does likewise, tearing up track in 3602 before returning to its original position.

In front of Valencia, the 3LE Infantry in 23A:3633 damages the rail line in 3734 before returning to its point of origin, and the 34th Light Infantry pulls up the rails in 3633.

Further rail damage is done by the units holding the mountains in 3403. They place breaks in 3403, 3304 (Tereul), and 3202 before returning to their starting hex. The line in 2412 north of Madrid is also broken by the 41 Exp Infantry division, as are 2014 and 2015, these being damaged by the 7th Engineer regiment.

In Spanish Morocco, the 2O Cavalry regiment crosses the Gibraltar Strait and moves to 3621, where local reserves are deployed. Close by, the 101st Infantry division collects a resource point from Algeciras and takes it to Lucena in 3521. It is to be used for a future fort behind the Guadalquivir river.

The 93rd Infantry division in 3918 is joined by the 4Car Border regiment and 16th Guardia Civil security regiment. These units were activated as part of the Andalucia garrison. The 11GC Guardia Civil regiment breaks rail lines in Caceres and hex 23A: 2219 before returning to garrison Caceres.

Combat Phase: No combat

Exploitation Phase: The British transports return to Plymouth. A Spanish Landing Craft rebases to Ceuta, while a Naval transport moves from Algeciras down the African coast to Sidi Ifni. No Land units move.

End of Turn Summary

The Germans are now at the limits of their supply lines. Valencia and Madrid are at least 2 turns away from falling, and time is marching on. The Spanish are now fully deployed, including all realistic reinforcements from the island areas. All that remains is to delay the Germans until the weather turns in the autumn.

Losses

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

Initial Phase: The Weather is clear in Zones D and E, Sea is calm in Atlantic and Mediterranean. All units are in supply. Germany spends 1 ARP (8 left) to bring back an aborted He111H4. It appears at Barcelona. Germany spends 5.5 inf RPs (7 remain) and 0.5 Arm RPs (2.5 left) to replace an Artillery regiment, Combat Engineer regiment, and a motorised AT battalion. The engineers appear with the 66th Corps that occupies part of Barcelona. The artillery and AT are brought on at Perpignan in southern France. Pro Axis guerrillas form a band and attack the rail line in 23A:3420. However, due to patrols from nearby British forces they are unable to successfully complete their mission.

Movement Phase; In the Barcelona area, the 4th RR Engineer rails to the French/Spanish border, then walks across into Spain and starts regauging the rail line there. 33:3521 is now part of the Western European rail net. The 25 Corps moves from Sabadell to Manresa. It will use the village as a jumping off point for its assault against the Spanish Cavalry in Tarrasa. Sabadell is in turn occupied by the 65th Corps.

The 65th Corps is then reinforced with the artillery assets of the 63rd Corps which is still in French territory. One siege unit and a regular artillery regiment are detached. In the captured part of Barcelona, the 66th Corps heads north into the mountains, leaving behind its 2 Combat Engineer regiments. The units stop in 3224. The swap is made with the 62nd Corps, which now occupies the city, and absorbs the engineers. It also receives an extra unit, the 78th Infantry division which advances from the French border.

The weakened 63rd Corps is now down to 2 Infantry divisions. It advances through the mountains to 3325. In Perpignan there are two replaced units, the 559th AT battalion and the 783rd Artillery regiment. These units move into Spain and end movemeny in 3623. To the northwest, the city of Zaragoza is under threat from the 34th Corps. Its northern flank is secured by the 64th Corps which moves across the Ebro river into 2734. Meanwhile the 15th Mountain Corps heads into 2531 and then in a straight line to 2832 behind Zaragoza to cut off its retreat, The mountaineers also gain control of the low volume rail line that crosses the Pyrenees.

Near the Biscay coast, the 1st RR Engineer regiment continues reworking the rail line that runs through Vitoria. It regauges 33:2033 and 33:2033 before using its last MP to get to 33:2134. Slightly further northwest, the 11th Infantry division advances from Bilbao, through Laredo to 23A:1503 outside Santander. It is accompanied by the 33rd Corps which moves to surround the city from 1404, minus the TK Motorised XX. This SS unit detaches from the main group and streams west, crossing the Pisguerda river to cut off Valladolid at hex 2010. The pincer is completed by the 53rd Corps moving west through Burgos to 2008.

Back in France, the 604th Engineer Corps abandons its empty airfield in 33:2028 and heads into Spain via admin movement. It advances to 23A:2107, and is escorted there by the 22nd Air Landing division. Another airfield is abandoned in 1725 near Bordeaux. This allows the 108th Construction regiment to rail down to yet another airfield in 33:2625. In turn, the 674th Combat Engineers that were in 2625 are now free to move, and they head down the road through the Pyrenees. They stop in front of the mountain pass at 2826.

Combat Phase: The Spanish fly a He111E from Madrid on defensive support over Valladolid. There are no Axis fighters within intercept range. 1 Ju88A, 2 Ju87s and a Me110C fly against Santander. They are escorted by a Me109E and an Me109F. The Cr32bis fighters in the city are hopelessly outclassed by the Messerschmitts and choose to scramble and flee. They escape to Madrid.

A Ju88A and a Ju87 which stages through Vitoria support the attack against Valladolid. 4 He111Hs escorted by 2 Me110Cs line up the Spanish 1st Cavalry Division and 23rd cadre in 3526. Although outclassed, the I-15s and CR32s from Barcelona decide to intercept. They might at least have a fighting chance against the Me110s, whereas fighting Me109s is close to suicidal. The CR32bis tries to bypass the fighter screen, but is aborted instead. The I-15s and other Me110s fight out a scoreless draw, with neither registering a hit. All the bombers reach the target.

Combat: The 1st Cavalry XX in Tarrasa is hit with an onslaught of German armour in the form of the 25th Corps. With 8 points of GS the odds are 35:6 or 5:1 +3 (full AEC). 2 is rolled, modified to 5 for a DE. Both the Spanish units are eliminated, and the 25th advances, cutting off Barcelona.

The major city hex of Barcelona is attacked by the German 65th and 62nd Corps. These units have sufficient Combat Engineers to nullify the -1 modifier for the Full city hex. They also have enough siege artillery to provide 51.5 AF. Against the 17 points of defenders, this is a 3:1 even attack. Fierce house to house fighting rages for days as the Germans inch through the city despite significant losses. Finally though, the weight of numbers is too much and the Spanish forces are destroyed (along with most of the city). A 2 is rolled for an EX. The Germans lose 3 engineer regiments and a motorised artillery regiment, plus the 12th Infantry division is reduced to cadre. All the Spanish are eliminated since the city is surrounded by ZOCs. The 65th advances into the city. The Spanish I-15s on the ground attempt to escape but due to lack of fuel they are unable to do so and are torched by their crews.

In the Pyrenees, the remnants of the 43rd Mountain division are attacked by the 28th Infantry Division, 63rd and 66th Corps at 9:1 -2. 4 is rolled, modified to 2 for a DE. The 28th advances from Andorra into the hex where it joins the 66th Corps. The SS Pol Infantry division that was a part of the 66th does not advance.

Zaragoza is surrounded by Axis forces to the east, west and northwest. The 51st Infantry division and 4 assorted regiments can muster 9 defensive factors. Ranged against them are the 64th, 34th and 15th Mountain Corps (which attacks over the Aragon river). There is no air support but the attack is still 66:9 or 7:1 even. The city is totally overwhelmed in short order. A 6 is rolled for a DE, and all Spanish units are destroyed. The 15th Mountain Corps enters the city.

Valladolid, north of Madrid, is also surrounded thanks to the SS TK division that has appeared at its rear. The city is defended by a selection of non-divisional units and 2/3rds of the 71st Infantry division (including its HQ). Along with the defensive support provided by a unit of He111s, the Spanish have a strength of 10. The German 53rd Corps is quite powerful and has 30 AF, plus 4.5 for the SS division and 7 points of AS provided by Stukas and JU88s. The final equation is 41.5:4 for a 4:1 even assault. Without a coherent command structure the Spanish units are in disarray and are swept out of the city and into the Duero river (6 is rolled for a DE). The 53 Corps occupies the city, capturing another ½ RE for the German Iberian rail net.

The last attack is against Santander, which is also isolated by German forces. The 33rd Corps and the 11th Infantry division mount a coordinated assault against the Spanish 11th Infantry division, two Cavalry regiments plus security and border troops. In the air are 2 Ju87s, a Me110 in a ground attack role, plus a JU88A. 38 points vs 9 gives a 4:1 even attack. Again a fierce fight ensues as the Spanish units have to be removed house by house from the city. Finally they are driven into the Bay of Biscay but not before inflicting heavy losses on the German 11th Infantry division. A 1 results in an EX. The Spanish are all eliminated, while the German 11th Infantry is reduced to cadre, and a motorised AT battalion is lost from the 33rd Corps. The cadre occupies what remains of Santander. 3 German short ranged air units land at the Santander airfield, which was captured intact, while the rest land in Bilbao.

Exploitation Phase: A motorised Light AA battalion moves to garrison San Sebastian from the Bordeaux area. The 33rd Corps moves to overrun the Bicycle battalion that has been tearing up the rail line leading to Madrid. It ends movement in that hex, 23A:2705. Leon is occupied by the Totenkopf Motorised Infantry division.

The 33rd Corps breaks up. The 151st motorised Flak battalion heads to Bilbao to guard the air units there against guerrilla attacks, and the 643rd motorised AT battalion is tasked to do the same thing at Vitoria. The backbone of the Corps, the 12th Panzer division, heads further along the coast to take up a position outside Gijon in 23A:1107. Having participated in the attacks near Barcelona, the 25th Corps heads west again down the coastal rail line before heading inland to cross the Ebro river. It penetrates as far as 33:3431, threatening the retreating 32nd Infantry division. It is joined by the 559th motorised AT battalion which moves up from 3623.

Losses

• Spanish Unisolated – 6+17+1 = 24 (4.5 Special RPs received)
• Spanish Isolated – 9+9+9 = 27

Spanish Air – 1A/1K

• German Unisolated – 17+9 = 26 (6.5 Special RPs received)
• German Isolated – 0
• German Air – none

Initial Phase: Due to the appearance of Axis forces in Asturias, the garrison of Galicia is activated.
One border and one security regiment appear in La Coruna. The 21st Infantry division and 62nd Artillery regiment are reformed with manpower drawn from men that have managed to escape Axis attacks (7 Inf RPs spent, 1 left). The Infantry appears in Madrid and the artillery comes on in Valencia.

Ground works and strongpoints are completed outside the suburbs of Madrid in quick time by the 1st Construction regiment with the aid of the residents of the city. (Fort in 2710). Partisan units become active in eastern Spain. Attacks are made against strategic rail hexes in 33:3521, 33:2502 and 33:1933. Only one attack succeeds, against the newly regauged line in 3521.
All the German Ju88s and He111s are assigned to naval patrol.

Movement Phase: The British transports in Plymouth embark the 1st Heavy AA brigade, 2 Artillery brigades and the 25th Infantry brigade. These all sail down to Cadiz where they are offloaded. All the ships then refuel in the port. Two unescorted Spanish transports head out of Mellila north to Plymouth, where they embark 2 resource points and end their movement there. From Cartagena a naval transport and a submarine slip out under cover of darkness to avoid enemy aircraft. The submarines rebase to Gibraltar, while the transport heads to Arrecife on the island of Lanzarote. It embarks the 133rd Infantry regiment and heads back east across the Atlantic, ending movement in sea box SC:G1.

In the Canary Islands, more forces are embarked for transfer to the mainland. The 138th Infantry regiment departs from Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the 239C Infantry regiment sets out from Las Palmas di Gran Canaria, and the 132nd Infantry regiment is dispatched from Puerto de Cabras on Fuerteventura. All 3 units are disembarked in Malaga, and the transports end movement there.

Portugal: Portuguese forces remain on standby for the moment, no movement is performed.

Britain: The 1st Heavy AA brigade that landed at Cadiz travels overland to Gibraltar. The 7th and 8th Artillery brigades, 25th Infantry brigade and 1st Tank regiment administratively move to join the1st Canadian division in Cordoba. From outside Gibraltar the 3rd Engineer brigade moves forward to Jaen, joining the Spanish 3rd Construction regiment.

On Gran Canaria, all units remaining on the island move into Las Palmas Di Gran Canaria. Likewise, all remaining units on Tenerife move into Santa Cruz De Tenerife. In Spanish Morocco, the ZMO Engineer regiment administratively moves up the road from Melilla to Xauen. The 2O Cavalry regiment which was also stationed in Mellila hops on trucks and is taken to Ceuta.

In the Madrid sector, the 21st Infantry division moves north to secure the important mountain pass in 2412. It is joined there by the 1st Engineer regiment and the 41 Exp Infantry division that rails north from 3622. The 1st and 4th Construction regiments move into the secondary Madrid hex, swapping places with the elite 13th Infantry division. The 1st Light Armoured regiment is tasked to leave the city and head south via administrative movement to join the British 1st Tank XX in 3618. The nearby 5th Light Armoured regiment also joins the mobile stack in the hex. The 42nd Artillery regiment is sent from Cordoba by rail to reinforce 2711.

In front of Valencia, the 32nd Infantry division is ordered to form a screen in the mountains in 3533. Along with the 82nd Infantry division it forms a narrow coastal defense line. The last remaining regiment belonging to the 71st Infantry division falls back to 3633, where it makes up a second line that is unable to be overrun. To the north of Valencia is a critical mountain pass that needs to be guarded. The 43rd Artillery regiment is dispatched from Valencia, and it meets up with the 38th Infantry regiment that trails in from Malaga, and the 82nd MG regiment from Jerez de La Frontera.

In the southern reaches of Spain, the Gibraltar defenses take further shape. The 93rd Infantry division moves up to guard the important rail line that runs through the Cordillera Penibetica at 33A:3918. The 92nd and 91st Infantry divisions take up positions at 3617 behind the Guadalquivir river, adjacent to the British armour. This armour is reinforced by another Light Tank regiment, the 2nd which moves from Sevilla. Right in front of the Rock, the 101st Infantry division, 86th and 89th MG regiments, and the 74th AA regiment bunker down in the fortifications that have been constructed in 3726. The 101st Infantry division stays behind in 3825 for the moment.

3 British bombers rebase from the UK to Malaga. 2 Blen 4s and an A-22 arrive on long range transfer.

Combat Phase: No combat

Exploitation Phase;The Spanish transports in the UK bring their embarked Resource Points back to Spain. One is disembarked at Ceuta, and the other is offloaded in Algeciras. The British transports in Cadiz return to Plymouth, along with their Spanish escorts. They prepare to receive crated fighters. 2 Spanish transports and 1 Landing Craft sortie from Malaga to arrive in the Canary Islands. The transports dock at Las Palmas di Gran Canaria while the LC moves on to the port of Santa Cruz de la Palma.

End of Turn Summary

Barcelona fell quicker than anticipated although the EX result at least gave the Germans something to remember it by. The main problem now is going to be supply, as the forward elements of the German Army are close to their supply range limits. Valencia and 1 hex of Madrid are still needed before the Germans can achieve the magic 10 rail capacity on the Iberian rail net. Spanish casualties continue to be high, but the Gibraltar zone is starting to look reasonably well defended.

Losses

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

Initial Phase: The Weather is clear in Zones D and E, Sea is calm in Atlantic and Mediterranean. All units are in supply. 1 ARP is spent (10 left) to bring back a He111H at 33:1725

Movement Phase:The 66th Corps advances to 3623 in preparation for an assault on Barcelona.

In the mountains near Andorra, the 63rd Corps detaches the 78th Infantry division in order to alleviate a stacking oversight. The 78th administratively moves down to Perpignan. The rest of the Corps gets on trains and rails around to 3222 and then by foot to 3223 (using 24 REs of rail capacity). Nearby the 62nd Corps sheds the 28th Infantry division, which is tasked to invade Andorra. This order uses all of its movement allowance.

In the Bilbao area, the 11th Infantry division advances to 1734 to come up behind the defenders. Also, the 1st RR Engineer regiment begins the process of regauging the Iberian rail network by advancing a railhead to San Sebastian and then moving forward to 2032. The 22nd Air Landing division moves up from Bordeaux to provide a (somewhat large) protective force for the railroad workers. The 4th RR Engineer regiment has been stymied in its plan to work through the Pyrenees so it moves by ground to Pau and then rails down to 3021. (Game Note: I have assumed that Axis border and occupation forces prevent Spanish units from entering Vichy France, though I have allowed Spanish ZOCs to extend across the border the turn after Spain has entered the war)

The 34th Corps, which is composed of armoured units, moves to 2601 in order to attack Calatyud. On its eastern flank, the 64th Corps heads south to 33:2632, threatening Zaragoza and the two Spanish units in the nearby mountain pass. The 15th Mountain Corps also moves to flank the Spanish divisions by advancing to 2531. Further north, the 54th Corps uses admin movement through German territory to penetrate just past Miranda de Ebro in 1904. To facilitate staging aircraft, the 674th Combat Engineer moves to 33:2625 and constructs a temporary airfield.

In the air, a Me109F escorts 2 Ju87Bs in an attack on the airfield in Zaragoza. They are intercepted by Soviet supplied I-16/t10s based in the city. The I-16s are aborted for no loss to the Messerschmitts. The Spanish AA is ineffectual, and one hit is achieved, aborting an SM81 unit on the ground.

Combat Phase: One Ju87 is escorted by a Me109F and Me109E to Bilbao. 3 He111Hs from Toulose and 1 from 1725 fly against Barcelona (3624). They are escorted by a Me110C from Perpignan and a second Me110 which stages from near San Sebastian through the newly built field in 2624. A Ju88A4 joins in from 1626. Ground AA fire from the city aborts a He111H A Ju88A4 swaps its torpedoes for bombs as it flies against 3226, escorted by a Me109E which stages from Pau through 2624. Now that the fighters at Zaragoza are out of action, a Ju87 flies unescorted to Calatyud. Lastly, a Ju87 and Me110C pound the positions of the Spanish 82nd Infantry in 2630.

The available Spanish fighters are totally outclassed in the air and decide not to intercept, at least until some Spanish ARPs start to be received. None other of the target hexes have any antiaircraft guns so the rest of the attacking aircraft proceed with their missions unhindered.

Combat: Bilbao’s 6 points of defenders face 37 points of Germans. There is no AEC and -1 for the rough terrain, for a 6:1 -1. 3 modified to 2 for a DR. The Spanish are surrounded by ZOCs so the 72nd infantry division cadres and retreats to 1801. The German 11th Infantry division advances into Bilbao.

In a bold attack, the 15th (Mountain) Corps assaults the well prepared positions of the Spanish 82nd Infantry division in 2630. With GS the odds are 21:5 or 4:1 with a -2 for the mountainous terrain. In an unexpected reverse, a modified -1 is rolled for an AR. The Germans fall back to 2431. Further west at Catalyud, the 33rd Corps can muster 30 AF versus 7 with full AEC. This makes 4:1 with the rough terrain reducing the modifier to +2. 6 on the roll modified to 8 is a DE. The surviving 81st cadre retreats to 2703 and the Axis armour occupies the important rail junction.

Adjacent to the Andorran border, the 43rd Spanish mountain division comes under attack from 2 sides through the mountain valleys. With air support, the Germans muster 26 points against 5, a 5:1 -2. A 3 is modified to 1 for a HX. The cadre retreats to 3325, while the Germans lose a 3-8 Artillery regiment. The 62nd Corps advance into the vacated hex.

Finally at Barcelona, the Spanish 23rd Infantry regiment leads the resistance along with numerous security and border regiments, for a total of 10. Arrayed against the city are the 25th, 65th and 66th Corps, plus 9 points of GS. This gives a final outcome of 56.5:10 or 5:1. The defense is completely overwhelmed, as a 6 confirms the DE. The only unit to survive is the 23rd cadre which falls back to 3626, as the main city hex is already fully stacked. The German 66th Corps advances into the partial hex city.

During the air return step, the Axis bases 2 long range fighters and 3 He 111H bombers at its newly captured airbase in Barcelona 3624. Torpedo capable Ju88s are also placed at Bilbao in order to get closer to Allied shipping lanes through the Bay of Biscay.

Exploitation Phase: The 33rd overruns the 72nd cadre in 1835 and then heads north into Santander territory to stop in 1604. The 34th Corps overruns the 81st cadre in 2703 and then heads back to the hills above Zaragoza in 33:2834.

Losses

• Spanish Unisolated – 5+4+8+2 = 19 (3.5 Special RPs received)
• Spanish Isolated – 6
• Spanish Air – 2A
• German Unisolated – 3 (0.5 Special RPs received)
• German Isolated – 0
• German Air – 1A

Initial Phase: Spain completes its 4th and final turn of mobilisation. Garrison units are also released for Asturias. Portugal completes turn 2 of mobilisation. Britain does not receive any additional reinforcements apart from 5 ARPs.

The 23rd Infantry division is reconstituted in Madrid from remnants of destroyed formations (5 inf RPs, 3 remain) All the German long range bombers (He111s and Ju88s) switch to Naval Patrol duties. From their new base in Bilbao, German torpedo bombers can now reach as far as the extreme northwest tip of Spain. In the Mediterranean, any naval movement past Alicante will be at risk of detection.

The British 3rd Engineer regiment begins constructing a fort in 23A:3726. These works are the first stage of an outer perimeter around Gibraltar. In Valencia, the 3rd Combat Engineer regiment constructs a fort with the aid of the local civilian population

Movement Phase: The embarked 1st British Armoured division and its Spanish escorts head out of Plymouth, carefully sailing outside the range of Axis naval patrol zones. The tanks disembark at Cadiz and the naval group heads back north towards England. Two Spanish transports pick up an Infantry regiment and a light AA battalion from Las Palmas di Gran Canaria, take them north east through the Straits of Gibraltar, and into Cartagena. They then head back to Spanish Sahara to end movement in Melilla. A third transport brings the 1st Light AA battalion from Santa Cruz di Tenerife to Malaga. The transports then head back towards the Canaries, ending up in Atlantic sea box SC:H2.

From Ceuta, a transport makes a round trip through the far Western Mediterranean. It moves to Melilla, embarking the 50th Artillery regiment. This unit is disembarked in Cartagena (where it will provide valuable supporting arms), and then the transports return to their starting point in Ceuta. Finally, the 1st Spanish Landing Craft rebases from Vigo to Gibraltar.

Portuguese forces remain on standby for the moment, no movement is performed.

Freshly arrived from England, the 1st Tank division races off the docks and heads west to take up a position behind the Guadalquivir river , just to the northwest of Jaen in 23A:3518.

Numerous artillery assets have now been mobilised across Spain. In Galicia, the 48th Artillery regiment that has just mobilised in La Coruna heads down to the mountain pass at 1013. 4 points now guard this important transport line. The defenders of Gijon, who are a motley bunch of leg infantry, welcome the arrival of the heavy guns of the 47th Artillery regiment. This unit boards trains at Medina Del Campo and heads to through Leon before arriving at the Asturias capital.

Further south, the 63rd artillery regiment retreats in the face of the nearby German 53rd Corps. It falls back to the city of Valladolid. Close by, the 41st Artillery regiment administratively moves through the Cordillera Central into the main city hex of Madrid. On the Mediterranean coast, the 50th Artillery regiment gets onto the rail system at Cartagena and heads forward to the units screening Valencia at 33:3633. Last of the artillery units to move is the 64th, which heads by ground from Ciudad Real to Madrid hex 2711.

Over to the Pyrenees, and the 82nd and 32nd Infantry divisions have realised that both their northern and southern flanks have been turned by the Axis invaders. This is despite the repulsion of the attacks of the 15th Mountain Corps. To avoid being surrounded, they head south as quickly as possible through Spanish territory, thus allowing them to administratively move. The 86th XX makes it as far as 33:3632, while the 32nd is not far behind at 33:3532. Consideration was given to bolstering Zaragoza but since close to half of the front line Spanish divisions are already destroyed or battered, conservation seems like a better call. The 82nd is joined by the infantry regiment detached from the broken down 71st division, which was watching the mountain pass at 2926.

At Barcelona, the remnants of the 23rd Infantry move forward to bolster the 1st Cavalry XX that holds the northwestern flank of the city. It has to be said however , that there are overwhelming German forces in the area. In the foothills of the southern Pyrenees, the remains of the 43rd Mountain move into 3225 to try and stop the German 28th Infantry XX from leaving Andorra. Due to terrain it will not be overrunable from that direction, though the adjacent 62nd Corps could probably wipe it out in normal combat if it so chose.

Back to Madrid, and the 1st Bicycle battalion rips up 2 more hexes of the rail line heading towards the city. It completes the turn in 2705. In Spanish Sahara, the considerable forces there make use of the Landing craft that are acting as a ferry across the Straits of Gibraltar. All units in the area make use of administrative movement. The 91st and 92nd Infantry divisions head across from Ceuta as far as Puente-Ganil in 3520. The 93rd Infantry division heads further south in the direction of Granada, to finish in 3721.

A truck pool is used to motorise the 2LE Infantry regiment. This unit heads across the straits accompanied by the 5th Light tank regiment. These two units move towards the British Tank XX and reach as far as Martos. A mixed bag of Engineers, Artillery, Cavalry and Infantry led by the 41Exp division in Tetuan cross the straits and head inland to 3622.

The 101st and 102nd Infantry divisions, along with the 1LE Infantry regiment, join the British Engineers that are constructing fortifications in 3726.In Spanish Sahara, the 4MG Colonial Infantry regiment occupies the International Zone of Tangier, advancing from Xauen. Finally the 86th and 89th MG regiments stationed near Larache head over to the mainland and take positions just outside Gibraltar at 3826. In Valencia, reinforcements have caused the stacking limit to be exceeded. The 3rd Construction regiment therefore rails out of the city westwards to Jaen. A similar situation exists in Barcelona hex 3625, and the 4th Construction regiment rails back into Madrid.

Opportunities for air missions are limited for the Allies. The SM79s in Zaragoza rebase southwards to Valencia.

Combat Phase: No combat

Exploitation Phase: The British transport contingent at sea on 0321 head back to Plymouth, where they refuel and embark the 1st Tank brigade. The transports and escorts remain at the Plymouth wharves until the end of the turn. Spanish NT-1 heads back to Las Palmas di Gran Canaria from Ceuta. LC-2 departs Larache in Spanish Morocco for Santa Cruz de Tenerife. NT-5 completes its Atlantic journey to arrive at Puerto de Cabras on the island of Fuerteventura.

End of Turn Summary

The Germans are beginning to penetrate into Spain further, but it is going to be a slog along the coast to Valencia. At least the Pyrenees are now cleared out. Spanish losses are quite high, with 7 divisions lost and 2 cadres so far. The forces from Spanish Sahara should be able to construct a decent perimeter for Gibraltar, along with the British units that are still arriving. Naval transport may soon become problematic as the Axis gains more forward airbases for their torpedo bombers.

Losses

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

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

Movement Phase: Germany declares war on Spain and invades. The 62 Corps advances to the Spanish/Andorran border at 3124, along with 63 Corps, which uses administrative movement to reach 3024. A Me110C1 transfers from 1626 to Perpignan, and a Me109F1 transfers from near Bordeaux to 2029.

25 Corps crosses the border into Spain and moves forward to the outskirts of Barcelona at 3623. It is joined alongside by 65 Corps which uses rail to get to the Spanish border, then uses normal movement into Gerona . This triggers activation of the Spanish garrison in Cataluna, Two security regiments and a border regiment appear in Barcelona (3624).

66 Corps administratively moves along the roadsystem to 3221, in order to prepare for an assault through the Pyrenees next turn. In the Pyrenees, the 15th Corps, which is mainly composed of mountain troops, heads around end of the high ridge into 2430. A Spanish security regiment activates at Zaragoza.

64 Corps moves into the mountains at 2231, sandwiching the Spanish 22nd Infantry division. Further north, 34 Corps advances into 2031. The Navarra garrison consisting of the 9 Car Border regiment appears in Pamplona. The 11th Infantry Corps advances to the border at 1931, temporarily joining 33 Corps. In order to alleviate stacking, the 1st RR Engineer moves back to 1930. Finally, the 674th Combat Engineer regiment moves from 2028 down to foot of the valley at 2626.

Combat Phase: DS – The Spanish airforce decides to conserve its sparse resources. No missions.

GS – Ju88s from La Rochelle and St Nazaire fly to San Sebastian, accompanied by a Me110C1. Two Me109Es perform escort. 1 Ju87 flies to 2034, escorted by 2 Me109Es. 1 frontline Ju87 and a He111H4 from Nantes fly unescorted against 2132. 3 Ju87s from 1930 and a Me110C4 from Bordeaux fly unescorted against the defenders in the mountains of 2331. 3 unescorted He111H4s go in against 3524. This mission is intercepted by the CR32bis and I15/t25 stationed in Barcelona. The I-15s abort one of the Heinkels, while the CR32bis returns another. The other Heinkel reaches the target but is insufficient to modify the attack.

Attacks: 2032: The 34th Corps, backed up by a group of Ju87s, launches its assault against the Spanish 61st Infantry division. 30 vs 5 gives 6:1 +2. 3 is modified to 5 for a DE. The surviving cadre retreats to 2033, and the 34th Corps advances.

San Sebastian: The 33rd Corps, the 11th Infantry division and 4 railroad siege batteries attack the Spanish 12th Infantry division which is supported by two small regiments. 7 points of GS make the attack 48:7, 6:1 -1. 5 is rolled, modified to 4 for a DE. The 12th XX has a cadre but it is eliminated on retreat due to the ZOC of the 34th Corps. All the units from 1931 advance into the city. . The entry of German troops triggers the release of the Euzkadi garrison. This consists of the 13GC Security regiment which appears in Bilbao.

2132: 53 Corps is backed up by 6 points worth of GS for an offensive total of 36. Defensively the 62 Infantry division and 4th Light armoured regiment total 6, for a 6:1 -2 battle. 3 modifies to 1 for a DR. The light armour is lost, while the Infantry division cadres and retreats to Pamplona. 53 Corps advances.

2331: The 64th Infantry and 15th Mountain Corps have the Spanish 22nd Infantry division surrounded and attack it from 2231 and 2430. With 3 Stukas plus a Me110 aloft adding 7.5 points to the attack (halved for mountains), there is an offensive total of 40.5 against 5, 8:1 -2. 3 modifies to 1 for a DH, and the 22nd division cadre cannot retreat due to ZOCs.

3524: Armored units of the 25th Corps plus the 65th Corps assault the mountainous terrain defended by the Spanish 42nd Infantry division. Due to the loss of aircraft to Spanish fighters, the GS that arrives brings the attacker to 29.5, just short of a 6:1. 5:1 -2. 3 modified to 1 for a HX. The Spanish cadre retreats to 3525, while the Germans lose a Combat Engineer regiment and an Antitank battalion. The 65th Corps advances.

Exploitation Phase The 34th Corps overruns the Spanish 61st Infantry cadre in 2033 at 12:1 , and then proceeds to overrun the Spanish 62nd cadre and border regiment in Pamplona at 10:1. After that it thunders down the rail line to end movement in 2051. This activates the Spanish garrison in Castilla de Vieja, 2 security regiments that appear in Valladolid.

33 Corps heads along the rail line from San Sebastian,, through Vitoria and ends movement in 23A:1702. Further South, 25 Corps wheels around the outskirts of Barcelona to overrun the Spanish 42nd cadre in Sabadell (3525). A Me109F transfers from 1725 to Bayonne.

Losses

• Spanish Unisolated – 3+7+4+3+2+3+2 = 24 (4.5 Special RPs received)
• Spanish Isolated – 5
• Spanish Air – none
• German Unisolated – 3 (0.5 Special RPs received)
• German Isolated – 0
• German Air – 1A