Europa Games and Military History

Category: For Whom The Bell Tolls (Page 1 of 24)

Everything about the game “For Whom The Bell Tolls”

Analysis

I had at one point intended to playthe game out to a final military victory but due to the inevitability of the result next turn this now serves no purpose  – the end is predictable.

This was without a doubt the closest run game in Military terms I have played and it went right down to the wire.  Of course in terms of VPs this is a different story.:

Final Victory Tally

Victory PointsNationalists Republicans
From Jan I 1939248702
Interventionist Losses 4
Air Losses818
Naval Losses80
Terror Bombing 4
Gobernetos Non-Collapse/Late End 220
Game END Terrtory22732
Game End Losses695.553.5
TOTAL JUL I 19391190.51029.5

Result: Republican Major Victory

A word about victory conditions.

It seems this result is a reasonable basis to judge payer victory in an historic game. However this AAR is of an alternate reality version (Variable rebellion). What if in this universe the Nationalists decided on a strategy of Gobernetos last.  The game does nudge players to adopt the historical path such as attacking before the Gobernetos reach peak strength, gaining  port access close to the main front, gaining the factory production etc. all good real reasons and this in itself could be deemed sufficient incentive without the swinging penalties for not attacking the Gobernetos  first.

However would a “Gobernetos last” be viable strategy?

Removing all rewards from the Republic for the Nationalists failing to take the Goberetos produces the following result.

Nationalists 1190.5. Republic 449.5 Ratio = 2.64/1 = Insurgent Marginal Victory.

To me this feels a more realistic result for this alternate reality game.  The Republic is after all utterly crushed, hardly a “Victory” but the war has dragged on for 6 long months extra, the Nationalists still have much heavy industry to rebuild, their fleet is crippled and the air force severely damaged. So marginal is a credible result grounded in reality.

Personally although it does permit a less historic strategy to be adopted. I feel this is a better way to the judge the Variables Start to the Rebellion as an alternative reality game.

(Indeed an argument could be made to remove all artificial constrains and requirements such as the border garrisons and operational restrictions but this is an argument for another day)

FWtBT Post game summary

The tides of War: The game can be divided into 4 phases. Phase one ‘the land grab’ comprised the initial explanation and consolidation by both sides from game start to around September/October ’36.  The Nationalists were initially frustrated by the failure of Seville to declare for the cause but this did not appear to hurt their efforts too much. The early capture of Malaga meant that the Nationalists had a route for the arriving reinforcements and colonial troops and became something of a backwater for the main troop entry to the front. The loss of production did make itself felt in latter turns but production soon returned after capture. The front stabilises in the region of a line, Motril (on the south coast), Gaudix, Aquilegia, Valdepenas, Alcazar de  San Juan, Aranjuez, then along the Cordillera Central north of Madrid to Catalayud and south to Zaragoza still firmly in Nationalists hands. The revolutionaries made an attempt to collapse Asturias but gave up as resistance stiffened and this proved to be a significant error.

Phase two of the game in the spring/summer of 1937 centred around the large battles for the central plain and the towns of Valdepenas, Alcazar de San Juan and Aranjuez characterized by these towns changing hands several times. The breakout to Ceunca by the Nationalists finally broke the Republican resistance and a somewhat precipitous retreat that resulted lead to the sudden collapse of resistance and the rather easy capture of Madrid (it should be recorded that a misinterpretation of the abilities of transport units ability to advance after combat resulted in breakthroughs being a lot more fragile than necessary which prolonged this period of see saw actions.)

Simultaneously and perhaps the decision which the most long term consequences was the persistent failure of the Nationalists to provide enough defensive support on the Zaragoza front which was slowly and inexorably pushed further north with the Republic briefly capturing Catalayud(May ’36) for a time.

This defined the start of the third phase of the game where the Republic held the upper hand. The Nationalists aware that the struggle in the East had resulted in a northern expansion of the Republic so stripped the central front to the minimum and tried to stiffen the defence in the east whilst at the same time trying to reduce the northern gobetnetos.  The Republic still retained the momentum and came within one attack of reaching the Basque lines and taking Pamplona. Simultaneously they were retaking grounding the West and indeed for a moment it looked like a push to Madrid was feasible .

At this time the Nationalists considered conceding and indeed had the Republic linked with the Basques in strength they may well have done so.  However the failure of the Republic link up with the Basques gave the Nationalists fresh hope and the final phase of the game began

This was initiated by a prepared attack south from Catalayud area to Zaragoza. The Republic had pushed their best troops to the far north and the Nationalist breakout threatened to trap apppprox1/3 of the republican forces in the far north. The secondary Albacete front was stripped to reinforce the defence South of Zaragoza to contain the Nationalists while the far northern forces started the long retreat south.

The Republic with the aid of the northern rains did finally contain the breakout and the war from the end of 1938 was characterised by the Nationalists pushing South to Valencia thus cutting the Republic in two Having held back for good weather the Nationalists had been stockpiling supplies and pre-positioning units Thus the good weather saw the unleashing of a massive final offensive south towards Barcelona. As with the 1938 operation ultimately the breakout failed to complete a large encirclement of troops although many were eliminated in the large scale retreat

The final days of the republic saw a lone defiant Murcia in the West and a collapsing Republican rump in the East one hex away from collapse at game end.

Air and sea; the air war was interesting in so far ask each side was ascendant for part of the game although the. Nationalists were dominant overall. The republicans tried to maintain a mixed force but as defenders rarely used the air force effectively. The exception was naval patrol which seems especially effective at eliminating naval assets and netted them quite a few victory points. After the early attrition Naval battles the Nationalist fleet was never strong enough or bold enough to significantly interdict reinforcements. Both sides have considerable engineering assets so any rail destruction can only be of limited effectiveness. This play through suggests that other than a naval patrol wing the Republic would be best served with a pure fighter force deployed in depth to limit Nationalist hits.

The nationalists have a generally longer ranged and effective and balanced force which is able to perform a variety of tasks and did so well particularly the harassment campaign against the retreating forces in late 38 and 39.

The naval war was short. The Republic forced an encounter and lost and thereafter the Nationalist rump dominated the seas but was not strong enough to perform anything other than occasional and ineffective interdiction activities and some transport and NG support.

Triumphs & Tragedies; The Nationalists certainly played the better tactical game, they paid good attention to maximum stacking, armour effects and minimised reliance on air power as “flying artillery” to achieve odds. However they were strategically less successful. The move on Seville was timed correctly and the initial move for territory was well executed with a secure flank south of Zaragoza and a good line in the west. However thereafter the decision to coral the gobernetos and continue the battles in the centre was a strategic error. It is true that this gave them Madrid at little direct cost but this allowed the gobernetos to reach full strength and thereafter it was always to be an uphill struggle. Similarly there was never quite enough defence in the east. The golden rule here is that it is far easier to hold ground than to retake it if given up and even with the final precipitous collapse of the Republicans the Nationalists never quite finished them off before game end due to the start line being way back at Catalayed when they began the final offensive push

By contrast the Republicans played a good strategic game and came within an ace of a Nationalist surrender. They attacked where strongest in the East, north through Zaragoza to the Basques almost taking Pamplona. They created a good spoiling attack in the East out of Albacete which caused the Nationalists pause for thought and deftly swapped from an offensive to defensive posture when needed.

However tactically they were less adept. There was no effective use of armour. The rules make attacking with armour difficult for the Republic but had they thought more about defensive use of their tanks they may have been able to assemble some defensive modifiers mid game. The larger stacks and 2 unit stacking limit  makes any effective use limited in endgame especially as their armour is only 1/2 AECD

Perhaps their worst errors came with the lack of a secondary defensive line which allowed a number of significant Nationalist breakthroughs this should have been avoided for little detrimental effect Too late they developed the better tactic of a thin secondary line overrun proof from most exploitation stacks and a reserve of top line divisions as a “Fire fighting” force for localised counter attacks. This worked well until losses required that these troops join the front line. Had all these tactical developments been employed from the start I feel the Republic could have ended the game in a much stronger position militarily. Ultimately however the whole worked good enough to save the day but it was a close run affair.

'Autorretrat vestit de millicia' c 1938 by Pere Daura I Garcia (1896-1976)

‘Autorretrat vestit de millicia’ c 1938 by Pere Daura I Garcia (1896-1976)

A personal note

FWtBT is my favourite Europa title which is surprising as the East Front is my main area of interest and indeed it was DNO which got me hooked on wargaminig all those years ago.

In particular in FWtBT the force balance nice and the use of supply counters tends to create a more realistic “pulse” of offensives, lulls and counter attacks. I am certainly keen to play this game again and try out different strategies and put into place the lessons learned from the errors of both sides in this game. The AAR reporting and the reference to VPs ( not normally a solitaire concern) provides for tighter more considered play which itself is a different experience to my normal  quick solitaire run through  The game which has taken 9 months real time has become a part of my daily routine and I have gained many insights about the game. In this regard I am grateful to those who have offered help, advice and, in particular, corrections and rules interpretations where I have gone astray.

Regarding the war itself Franco, no doubt mindful of the awful slaughter kept Spain out of the Second World War despite entries from his invaluable ally Hitler. In 1947 he was made head of state for life.  When he died in November 1975, the monarchy was restored when Prince Juan Carlos became head of state, as Franco had decreed. Spain quickly translated itself into a fully functioning modern democracy just as much as other European countries. Ultimately therefore the War now appears a pointless bloodletting marking a moment of madness in Spain’s history.

These last words are penned between Palamos and Tarragona in Catalonia as part of a cruise around the Western Mediterranean and l finish with a photo of a painting seen in the Covent Museum of Ciutadella in Minorca on this same trip. The portrait has the following explanatory note about the artist which is interesting particularly for the American connection.

“The son of a Barcelona family Pere was born in Ciutadella and married an American painter Louise Blair. He subsequently joined the Republican forces and was wounded on the Teruel front. At the outbreak of WWII he and his family were visiting in America and so remained spending his later years at Rockbridge Baths, Virginia where he died in 1976.

The portrait is entitled.  ‘Autorretrat vestit de millicia’ c 1938 by Pere Daura I Garcia (1896-1976)

(Translated from Catalan it reads “Self-portrait in Militia uniform”)

To me it captures the weariness and futility of this war perfectly and is, I feel, a fitting bookend to end this AAR.

JUL II 1939

Nationalists Turn

Weather; Clear skies across land and sea. D=C. E=C, A= C, M= C
Supply: 12 REs of the defenders in Murcia city draw and expend the last supply from GSPs.
Do 17E replaced. G.50 (CTV), CR.32bis (CTV) repaired
Airfield At 3333 augmented to 6 capacity
Movement: 1 Res pt spent to temporarily increase Rail Cap to 27 REs

Air Activity: Sortie 1: Me109E (KL), HE 51, He 111B, Do 17E, 2B3 deliver 5 GSPs to 3328 unoposed.Sortie2: 3624 (Eastern Barcelona) Unescorted SM.81 SM.79-1 on airfield bombing mission intercepted by I-16/t5 who engages the SM.79-I.  No result. Bombs miss target.

Sortie 3:  SM.79-I, SM.79-I (CTV), HE 111E (KL) fly Terror bombing to Barcelona. The He 111E (KL) is aborted by the intercepting I-16/t5. The remaining bombers score 2 Hits (N +4 VPs)

Attack 1:  3028 mtn (n of Lerida)  Unsupplied 1-8 mtns 7,8,  1-8 mtn art 2 and 3-4-5* inf XXs, 24, 75, 1-6 inf 22, 1-6 inf I-S (Col), 2-1-8 art O and  3-4-5* inf XXs 12, 74, 1-6 inf 27,  1-6 art 12L, 1-8 cav VMS (Fal) Attack 1-2-5 inf 1 (CAT) @ 6:1 (-2) = DH. Advance 24, 75 XXs.

Attack 2:  3531 rough/fort/over river (Tortosa) Unsupplied 6-8 lt 150, 5-6 inf XXs 51, 71, 3-2-6 inf 1LE, 2-6 inf 10BT (Col), 2-1-6 cav 2O (Col), 2-6 art 1P, 2-1-8 art E and 7-8 inf XX 13, 5-6 inf XXs 61, 82, 2-6 infs 5Alh, Tdi (Col), 2-6 art 4P and 6-6 inf XX 52, 102, 2-6 inf 2Mel ~(Col), 2-3-6 art 62, 1-6 arts 10L. 11L and 5-6 inf XX 11, 4-6 inf XX 85, 2-6 infs 8Rif, 6Xau, 4Lar (Col), 2-1-8 cav1E (Col). 1-2-6 art 48 Attack 3-4-5* inf XX 27CM @ 6@1 (-2) = DR. Eliminated as no retreat path. Advance 13, 52, 102 XXs, 6Xau, 8Rif, 4La (Col), 4P, 62 art.  Fort destroyed.

Attack 4: 3229 clear (Lerida). Supplied 2-8 mtn Guad, 5-6 inf XX 53, 4-8 cav 1, 3-2-6 inf 2LE, Unsupplied 2-6 eng AM, 4-6 inf XX 83, 1-2-6 art 49, 1-6 art 2 and (over river)  4-5-5 inf XX 50, 4-6 inf XX 154, 2-6* inf cadre 54, 2-6 infs 3Ceu, 7Lam(Col),, supplied 4-6 XX FV (Mxd), 1-8 mot art L (CTV), 1-8 art Ter (CTV) and  (over river) 3-1-2 sge art Man (CTV),  4-6 art 3RG, 3-2-6 inf 3LE, unsupplied 6-6 inf XXs 3, 4, 152, 2-1-8 lt tks 2,3 and 2 pts GS from 1A2 Mxd. Attack 3-4-5* inf XXs 77, 30(Cat), 1-2-6 18, o.5 Garrison (unsupported) @ 4:1 = DE.  Advance 53 XX, 2LE, Guad mtn, 2, 49 art, AM cons. Fort destroyed 2X AS destroyed, Garrison dispersed.

Attack 5: clear (SE Lerdia).  $ Points AA form 88 (KL) fires at DAS 2X SB-2 Returning one.

Supplied6-6 inf XXs 5, 63, 108, 4-6 arts 1RG, 2RG (Transported), 3-2-8 lt tk N, 2-1-8 lt tk Bab (CTV), 2-10 aa 88 (KL) attack 3-4-5* inf XX 74 (Cat), 1-8 lt tk 1, 2-6 nvl 95, 1-6 inf 16, 1-6 eng 4, 1-6 mg 3, 1-2-6 art 2, 1pt DAS @ 2:1 (+1) = DH!.  Lose 95 nvl, 1 lt tk

4 eng ,16  inf 16, 3 mg. Advance 63, 108.

Jul II 1939 - Lerida and Tortosa fall

Jul II 1939 – Lerida and Tortosa fall

Republican Turn

VPs : Goberneto none collapse (R+5 VPs) None Surrender( R+10 VPs)
Guerrillas;Hit the rail junction at Aranjuez.
Supply:  Western Zone: 12 REs @ Murcia Cty U4 all GSPs and Ass exhausted so roll for elimination:  2-6 nvl is unafect4ed, all 3 divisions eliminated*  2 tk, 15 art are eliminated.
Interesting rules point are attected divisions completly eliminated or reduced to cadre?  Rule 9E Cadres specifies “in combat”, Rule 13 Overuns specifically states they are not formed yet Rule 12 Supply is moot on the point. I rule that they are NOT formed on the bais that this is not combat and combat staying power does not make you any less lilely to starve.)

Eastern Zone:  Isolated 3-6* at 3534 U2.
Replacements;   3.5 SRP, 1 SRP (Cat)  recovered.   R-Z  Rebuilt..
Air Activity:  sortie 1: R-Z, SB-2bis fly DAS to 3427
Sortie2:  R-Z flies DAS to 3428
Sortie 3: The last Sortie of the war 2x SB-2 fly DAS to 3327
Moves: The mighty fortress of Murcia is reduced to a ptiful rump which can be overrun.

The Republic’s northern flank is constrained by The Nationalist drive due East and can only move one hexand is thus unable to aid the more critical defenders south of the penetration.

The Republic thin the main line still further to get an overrun proof second line.

The line is thinner than last turn and the Nationalists will inevitably take another hex towards Barcelona and force the Catalans to collapse and thus end the game.

BUT the Nationalists , of course,  have no more turns left to do this.

The Republic has survived by one hex and one turn.

Jul II 1939: Murcia garrison reduced by famine

Jul II 1939: Murcia garrison reduced by famine

JUL I 1939

Narrative:

A growing problem for the Nationalists administration was the containment and management of prisoners of war. Camps were set up across the country and although the worst of the winter was past still posed a vast problem of logistics.  In all there are now 190 plus prisoner of war and transit camps holding between them 367,000 to 500,000 inmates. During the final offensives 60,000 have been taken in the Western Zone, and 45,000 in the East. Some were now put into employment, some given provisional liberty and escapee’s suicides and execution squads also helped reduce numbers

The internments continued after the war for many. One such place put into service I discovered on a recent trip was part of the former Roman Circus at Tarragona, known as Pilatus prison. It is a tribute to the indomitable spirit of the ordinary soldier that one inmate penned the following.   ”People of all ages experienced the same sense of oppression when they were put in solitary in that dungeon Of course our generation had grown so accustomed to suffering that even without noticing we had adapted to any possible situation, however difficult, dangerous, uncomfortable. Some hours after living in such terrible conditions, badly eating, sleeping on the floor, enshrouded by darkness, covered in lice and bedbugs and fearful of a court martial that could condemn us to the maximum sentences, we felt veterans of that home and could offer comfort and advice to those who arrived every day”.

Jul I 1939: The end in the West; Murca beseiged

Jul I 1939: The end in the West; Murca beseiged

Nationalists Turn

Weather; Clear skies across land and sea. D=C. E=C, A= C, M= C
Supply: 12 REs of the defenders in Murcia city draw supply from GSPs (2 REs @ U3) and expend their last ASP for 12 more GSPs.
Replacements: 4.5 SRPs received.   1-6 eng ZME replaced. Me 109B/D, HE111B (KL)
Movement: 1 Res pt spent to temporarily increase Rail Cap to 27 REs
1 REs pt spent to build airfield at 3333.

Air Activity:  Sortie 1: Large mixed fighter/bombing force flies an airfield bombing mission to Lerida. The I-16/t5 on the runway scrambles to Barcelona; 1 Hit achieved.

Sortie 2: G.50 (CTV), C2.23 escorts 2B3 Mxd, SM.81, SM.79-1 to bomb Taragonna airfield. An I-16/t5 aborts the G, 50 and an I-16/t10 and the CR.32 The G.50 is aborted and the CR.32 eliminate each other.  The mission force scores a Hit and knocks out the base, (N+2VPs, (R+2 VPs)

Sortie 3: Taking advantage of the cleared skies a He 111E (KL) flies GS to3430

Attack1: 3329 clear (S of Lerida) Supplied 6-6 inf XXs 5, 63, 108, 2-1-8 lt tk Bab (CTV), 3-2-8 lt tk N, 4-6 arts 1RG, 2RG Attack 4-6 inf XX 47, 2-3-5* inf XX 21, 2-6 nvl 95, 3-4-5* inf XX (Cat), 1-2-6 art 12 v(Cat) @ 2:1 (+1) = DR (Excitement at a roll of 5 turns to disappointment  as it is the only none lethal defender result – if only those tanks had broken down!). Advance 5, 108 XX, N lt tk

Attack2: 3430 clear (Bend of the Ebro nth of Tortosa), 4 points AA fires at the DAS SB-2bis and misses.  Supplied 6-6 inf XXs 3, 4, 152, 3-2-6 inf 3LE, 2-6 inf 10BT (Col), 4-6 art 3RG, 3-1-2 sg art Man (CTV), 2-10 AA 88 (KL) and 5-6 inf XX 54, 3-2-6 infs 1LE, 2LE, 2-1-8 art O, unsupplied 2-6 art 1P, 2-6 inf 7Lam (Col) and 2 pts GS attack 6-6 inf XX 35 (Int), 3-6* inf XX 1, 2-6 infs152C, 222C, 2-6 nvl 56 and 1 pt DAS @ 3:1 = HX. Lose XX54 to cadre, O art. Advance 3, 4, 152 XXS, 3RG art, sge art Man (CTV)

Attack 3: 3631 canal intensive (Coast adj Torosa) Unsupplied 6-6 infs XX 52,102, 2-6 inf 2Mel (Col), 2-3-6 art 62 Attack 1-6 eng 2, 0-1-5 cons 3 @ 8:1 (-1) = DE. Advance All.

Attack 4: 3532 clear (W of Tortosa) Unsupplied 5-6 inf XXs51, 71 and 7-6 inf XX 13, 2-1-8 lt tks 2,3, Supplied 1-8 mot art L (CTV) and Unsupplied over mtn 5-6 inf XXs 61, 82, 3-4-5* inf XX 33, 2-6 art 4P Attack 2-3-5* inf XX49 @ 5:1 = DR. Eliminated as no retreat path. Advance 61, 82XXs, 2, 3 lt tk, L mot art (CTV), 4P art

Attack 5: 3533 Mtn (nth of coast road W of Tortosa)  Unsupplied 2-8 mtn Guad, 2-1-8 art E, 2-6 infs Tdi, 5lah (Col) and 6-8 lt inf 150, 5-6 inf XX 11, 2-6 inf8Rif, 2-1-8 cav1E, 1-2-6 art 48 and Supplied 5-8 inf LA, 4-6 inf XX FA(Mxd)  1-8 mg Ard( CTV), 1-8 mot Ter (CTV) attack  1-6 bdr 8car, 1-6 art 5L @ 6:1 (-2) = DR. Eliminated no retreat path. 150 XX lt.

Jul I 1939: Tortosa encircled

Jul I 1939: Tortosa encircled

Republican turn

VPs: Goberneto none collapse (R+5 VPs) None Surrender(R+10 VPs)
Guerrillas; Ineffective
Supply:  Western Zone: 12 REs @ Murcia City draws of GSPs (Underlying supply condition is now U4) 2 REs roll for elimination 1-8 inf GP sand all 3 succumb and are lost.
Eastern Zone:  Isolated 3-6* at 3534 U1.
Replacements;   4.5 SRP recovered.   SB-2 Repaired. 1-2-6 sec rebuilt.

Air Activity: Sortie 1:  2X SB-2 fly DAS to 3328

Sortie 2:  SB-2Bis, R-Z fly DAS to 3528

Moves:  Fort built at 3239 (E Tortosa)

Republicans abandon the Cinca river line and fall back towards the Sagre river.  Lerida is exposed and will fall but supplies are flowing through the French border so they can fight on in general supply if so.

Attacks: None

JUN II 1939

Narrative

The end is in sight and dismay, betrayal and naïve belief that a settlement could still be negotiated or at least respect gained on a professional basis was still held by some. The commander of the Western Zone; Colonel Segismundo Casado a professional cavalry officer from a peasant background was one of the latter.  He still felt that professional soldiers could negotiate with The Nationalists- professional to professional as it were. He was not one who hoped he could save his life and career by a last minute betrayal but was naïve in his belief that Franco could be swayed. In fact the last thing Franco wanted at this point was to have to share the victory stage with anyone else. Casado made contact through a variety of means including the British but the reply from Franco was unequivocal; Unconditional surrender

“Delay in surrender and a criminal and futile resistance to our advance will carry a grave responsibility, which we will exact on the grounds of the blood spilled uselessly”.

Nationalists Turn

Weather; Clear skies across land and sea. D=C. E=C, A= C, M= C
Supply:  The defenders in Murcia city draw supply from GSPs the outlying posiiotns forage off the land as best they can and are at U2 Alicante defensers now cut off from the rest are U2.
3-6* XX inf 14 (An) comes of GSPs so rolls for elimination as would be U4+ without GSP use. The Republic converts a further ASP to GSPs in Murcia for next turn.
Replacements: 1.5 SRPs received.

Movement: 1 Res pt spent to temporarily increase Rail Cap to 27 REs

Naval Activity: TFs prepare for NGS off coast at Alicante.

3 X NTs transport ASP from San Sebastian to Cartagena then move empty to Malaga.

Air Activity. Severely weakened by the continuous air combat of recent months the Nationalists devote the majority of the sorties this turn to airfield bombing in an attempt to eliminate the Republicans capability in the air.

Sortie 1: He 51 and CR.32Bis fly to Lerida. Intercepted by I-16/t5. The CR.32Bis jettisons payload and forms a screen. The i-16/t5 engages. All is ineffective

Sortie 2: 2X CR32.Bis (CTV) fly to Tarragona; One escorting the other joining a He 111B. Intercepted by I-16/t5 whom engages the escort aborting the CR.32Bis for no loss. The mission force fails to score a hit

Sortie 3: 2B3 Mxd flies to Barcelona. Intercepted by an I-16/t5 air combat, AA fire and bombing all ineffective.

Sortie 4&5 SM.81, SM79-1 (CTV) avoid flack and cause 1 hit Aborting a SB-2Bis on the ground and 2X SM.79-1  also avoid flack but miss.

A disappointing campaign.

Western Zone:

Attack 1:  rough (Alicante) Unsupplied 5-6 inf XX 105, 1-2-8 art 50 and 4-8 cav XX 2, 4-6 inf XX 117, 151, 1-6 mgs E, O and 4-6 inf XX 60, 3-4-5* inf XX 16, 34, 2-5 inf AGM (Fal), 1-6 art 10L  and 5-6 inf XXs 62, 64m 4-5-5 inf XX 55, 1-22-6 art 42 and 2 pts NGS Attack  U”/Isolated 4-6 inf XX 34, 3-6 art 1Man, 1-8 tk10, 0-1-5 cons, 1pt pos AA, 0.5 Garrison @ 5:1 (-1) = EX. Lose 16, 34 XX,  E, O mg, 10L art

Advance 105, XX, 50 art

Attack 2: 2208 clear (Orihuela) Unsupplied 4-6 XX 15 and (over river) 3-4-5* inf XX s 40,72, 73, 1-6 sec 2GC, 1-6 arts 1, 15L, 1-2-6 art 46 and 1A22 pts  GS Attack U2/Isolated3-6* XX3, U1iosolated 0-1-5 cons @ 4:1 = DR. Eliminated no retreat path. Advance2GC sec, 46 art, 15XX

Attack 3: 4109 rough (Adjacent Murcia) Unsupplied 5-6 inf XX 81, 4-6 inf XX 106, 1-6 mg IMPex, 1-6 arts 4L, 13L and 4-6 inf XX 107, 3-4-5* inf XX 32, 1-2-6*inf 32, 2-8 mtn Pir, 1-6 inf30, 1-6 bdr 7Car and 4-6 inf XXs 112, 122, 1-6 infs 1MT, 5MR (Col), 2-6 inf 9Arc, 1-6 art 16L, 1-2-6 art 43 and ME 109 1pt  GS Attack  U4 isolated 3-6* inf XX 14 (An) U2 2-1-8 tk O @ 6:1 (-1) = DE.  Advance 61XX.

Coastal Zone

Attack 4: 3632 clear (Cpast road Valencia/Catalan boarder) Unsupplied 7-6 inf XX 13, 6-6inf XX 52, 102, 3-3-6 inf 3LE, 2-6 infs2Mel, 6Xuan (Col), 2-3-6 art 62, 2-6 art 4P Attack 2-3-5* inf XX 42 @ 5:1 = HX. Lose 3LE. Advance 13XX, 62 art.

Eastern Zone;

Attack 5:  3431 (N of Torosa) Supplied 5-6 inf XXs 51, 54, 71, 3-2-6 inf 1LE, 2-6 infs 7Lam (Col), 10BT (Col), 1-6 art 12~L, 2-1-8 art O Attack 3-4-5* inf XX 27CM, 2-6 inf 211C @ 5:1 (-1) = DR. Advance 51, 54, 71 XXs

Attack 6: 3433.wooded rough  (E of Teruel) Supplied 5-8 inf XX LA (CTV), 4-6 inf XX FA, FM (Mxd) 1-8 mg Ard (CTV) , 1-8 art Ter (CTV) and  Unsupplied4-4-5 inf XX 50, 4-6 inf XX 85, 4-8 Cav XX 1, 2-8 mtn Guad, 1-6 bdr 8Car, 1-6 inf 27, 2-1-8 artE Attack 3-6* inf XX 40 @ 8:1 (-2) = DH. Advance 1 CavXX, 50XX,  Guad mtn, 27, 8car bdr, E art

Attack 7: 3432 rough (NW Torossa) Supplied 2-6 infs Tdi (Col), 3Ceu (Col), 2-6 eng AM. 2-6 art 1P, Unsupplied 5-6 inf XXs 61, 82, 83, 1-2-6 art 49 = 5:1 (-2) m= DR Eliminated no retreat path. Advance 61, 82, 83 XXs, 1P art, TDi (Col).

Attack 8 3330 (S of Lerida) This is the important attack of this turn to breach the river line.

Supplied (Over river) 6-6 inf XXs 5, 63, 108, 2-6 inf 5Alh (Col), 2-10 AA 88 (KL), 1-8 mc B (CTV), Transported 4-6 arts 1RG, 2RG and (over river) 6-6 inf XXs 1, 4, 152, 3-2-8 lt tk N, 2-1-8 lt tk Bab (CTV) 3-2-6 inf2LE, 4-6 art 3RG, 3-1-2 sg art Man (CTV) attack 3-4-5* inf XXs 17, 57, 2-3-5* inf XX 39, 1-2-6 art 20 @ 3:1 = EX! Success and elimination of defenders- but at a cost… Lose 2LE, 3RG, Cadre1XX Advance 5,108 XXs, 1RG

Jun II 1939 Ebro line breached.

Jun II 1939 Ebro line breached.

Republican Turn

VPs: Goberneto none collapse (R+5 VPs) None Surrender(R+10 VPs)
Guerrillas; Ineffective
Supply:  Western Zone: Murcia City draws of GSPs (Underlying supply condition is now U3)
Replacements;   4.5 SRP recovered.   SB-2bis Repaired.
Air Activity; Sorties 1 & 2; Escorted DAS missions. Not intercepted result in a SB-2 over Lerida and a R-Z over 3103 (N of Lerida)
Sortie 3: 3430 (Elbow of the Ebro adjacent Tortosa) SB-2, SB-2b The SB-2 and CR.32bis are Aborted. The SB-2Bis survives to provide DAS
Attacks: None

JUN I 1939

Narrative

The game is now firmly divided into two parts; the Main front facing Barcelona “The Eastern Zone” and the diminishing resistance in Murcia “The Western Zone”.

The Nationalists have ramped up the offensive to fever pitch to try and deal a final death blow to the Republic.  They launch 11 attacks; 8 in the East; 3 in the West; the most ever in a single turn. Most in the East however are against single divisional rear guards designed by the Republic to slow the attack and penetration depth of the fascists while the bulk of the front line retreats behind the Cinca/Ebro river line, as yet unbreached.  So while the Nationalists are making many attacks most are single divisions at risk and the Republic anticipates they will have a very strong river MLR by mid-June.  The Nationalists are not unaware of this tactic and have expended very few supplies this turn in the east and none at all in the Western Zone. This limits the odds which will cause them more exchange losses but they still have a few IRPs in the bank. Many of the Republican rear guards are surrounded so their elimination is assured. Only on the coast road from Valencia is there a chance of complete failure but this is only 1/6 and due to the narrow frontage so this thrust needs to be almost fully supplied, (The Nationalists are only 1 point short of the next odds column but unfortunately so many aircraft are inoperable following the earlier Harassment that there are insufficient machines left to get the one elusive attack factor even after adding in the two available points of NGS.)

The question in the West is whether the Republic will have any survivors by game end which is rapidly approaching. Possibly not.

In the East the Nationalists need to try and trigger the collapse of Catalonia, which will force the Republic to the negotiating table. To do so they must advance to within 45 miles of the city; but time is on the Republics side.

Jun I 1939, Murcia threatened

Jun I 1939, Murcia threatened

Nationalists turn

Weather; Clear skies across Spain both land and sea. D=C. E=C, A=CR, M= C
Supply:  6 RE in Murcia plus adjacent anarchists draw supply from draw from GSPs. Adjacent PA units are U1. Republic expends 1ASP for 12 more GSPs. All Republicans in Eastern Zone back in supply
Replacements: 4.5 SRPs, 0.5 SRPs (Col) received.   1-6 eng replaced.
Reinforcements; 154XX equipped on arrival.
Movement: 1 Res pt. spent to temporarily increase Rail Cap to 27 REs

Naval Activity:  NT-4 Transports 9Arc (Col) from Morocco to Cartagena

Air Activity:  Sortie 1:  SM.79-1 flies night Factory Bombing to Barcelona. Feeble AA misses but so do the bomb aimers.

Western Zone;

Attack 1: 4007 (s of Yecia) Unsupplied 5-6 inf XX 84, 4-5-5 inf XX 55, 3-4-5 inf XX 16, 1-5 mech 1, 1-6 mg IMExp and 3-4-5 inf XXs 34,m 74 and 4-6 inf XXs 15, 106, 117, 1-8 arts 4L, 10L, 13L Attack U1 Isolated 2-3-5* inf XX9, 2-1-8 to 1 @ 5:1 (-1) = DH. All eliminated – no retreat path. Advance 34, 74 XXs

Attack 2: clear  ( N of Alicante) Unsupplied4-6 inf xx 151, 4-8 cav XX 2, 1-6 mgs O, E and 5-6 inf XXs62, 105, 2-5 inf AGM (Fal), 1-2-6 art 42, 1-2-8 art 50 Attack U1 isolated2-3-5* inf XX36 @ 4:1 = DH. Advance XX 62, AGM (Fal), 42 art

Attack 3: : 4310 clear (between Cartagena and Murcia) Unsupplied  4-6 inf XX 107, 1-2-6* inf 32 and  4-6 inf XXs 14, 122, 3-4-5* inf XX 14, 1-6 inf 17, 1-6 bdr 7car, 1-6 inf 1MT (Col), 1-2-6 art 43, 1-6 art 16L and 3-4-5 inf XXs 19,  40 and 3-4-5* inf XX 72, 2-6 inf 9Arc (Col), 1-6 5MR, 2-8 mtn Pir, 1-6 inf 24, 1-6 sec 2GC, 1-2-6 art 46, 1-6 art 1, 15L Attack U1 Isolated 1-5 Muer, Isolated 3-4-5* inf 26 (All An) @ 4:1 = EX. Lose 40XX, 17, 24. Advance 14XX.

Valencia/Barcelona coast road

Attack 4: 3633 rough (on the Valencia/Catalonia boarder coast road)  Supplied 6-6 inf XXs 52, 102, 7-6 inf XX 13, 406 arts 1RG, 3RG, 3-2-6 inf 3LE and  Unsupplied 2-6 infs 6Xau, 2Mar (Col) attack 4-6 inf XX65, 2-6 nvl 56, 1-2-6 art 2  @ 4:1 (-1) = DR. Advance 52, 102 XX,  6Xau, 2Mar (Col).

Attack 5: 3634 Rough. Unsupplied  6-8 lt XX 150, 5-6 inf XXs 11, 52, 2-1-8 lt tks 2, 3, 2-1-8 cav1E (Col), 2-3-6 art 62, 1-2-6 art 46, transport and 3-4-5* inf XX 56, 2-6 infs4Lar, 8Rif (Col), 2-1-8 cav 2O (Col), 2-6 art 4P,  Attack 3-6* inf XX 77 @ 6:1 (-1) = DR. Eliminated,  as no retreat path. Advance 53, 56 XX.

Eastern Zone;

Attack 6:  3334 rough (E of Teruel) Unsupplied 3-4-5* inf XXs 12, 57, 1-68 eng GG, 1-6 bdr 8Car, 2-8 mtn Guaf,And  6-6 inf XX 5, 5-6 inf 54, 4-6 inf XX 85, 1-6 inf 28, 1-6 mg 2, 2-1-8 art E And 4-8 Cav XX 1, 2-6 inf 3Ceu (Col) Attack 2-3-5* inf XX 64 @ 5:1 (-1) = DE. Advance 57XX, 27, 8Car bdr, GG eng, Guad mtn, E art

Attack 7: 3232 clear/fort (S Zaragoza) Unsupplied4-6 inf XX 63, 3-4-5* inf XX 33, 1-6 23, 2-6 infs 7Lam, 5Ahl (Col) and 5-6 inf XX 82, 4-5-5 inf XX 50, 4-6 inf XX 154, 2-6 cadre 105, 1-6 inf I-S (Col), 1-6 art 11L, 12L Attack 2-3-5* inf 60 (Cat) @ 5:1 (-1) = DR eliminated as no retreat. Advance 50, 83 XXs fort destroyed

Attack 8: 3332 Clear (NW Tortosa)   6-6 inf XXs 1, 4, 63, 2-6 inf 10BT (Col), 3-1-2 sge art, Man (CTV),  2-10 AA 88 (KL), 1-8 AA 71m  2-6 art 1P  Attack 3-4-5* inf XX 58 with 1 pt. GS.

AA attacks SB-2 GS with 6 pts. AA and Returns it. Attack is now 7:1 = DH Advance 1, 4 XXs, Man (CTV)

Attack 9: 3030 clear (MW Lerida) 3= Unsupplied 3-4-5* XXs 24, 75 and 3-4-5* inf XXs 19, 22, 58, 1-6 inf 33, 1-6 art 2, 1-8 cav VMS (Fal) Attack 1-2-5 inf4 (Cat) @ 9:1 = DE. Advance 22, 24 XXs

Attack 10: 3031 rough/fort (NW Lerida) Unsupplied 5-6 inf XX 61, Supplied 4-6 inf XX FV (Mxd) and  4-6 inf XXs FA, FM (Mxd), 5-8 inf XX LA (CTV), 1-8 art Ter (CTV), 1-8 mg Ard (CTV), 2-1-8 lt tk Bab (CTV, 1-8 mc B (CTV) Attack 2-3-5 inf XX 31 (Cat) @ 8:1 (-2) = DH. Advance FA, FM XX (Mxd)

Attack 11: 3231 clear (W Lerida) Supplied 6-6 inf XX 152, 4-6 art 2RG, 2-6 eng AM, 2-6 inf Tdi unsupplied 5-6 inf XXs 71, 51, 1-2-6 art 49, 1-8 AA 72 Attack 2-3-5* inf XX 69 1 pt GS. . AA attacks SB-2 Bis GS and misses. Attack @ 5:1 = DH. Advance 51, 71, 152 XXs, 2RG art, AM eng

Exploitation movement; 3-2-8 lt tk N, Transported 2-1-8 art, 2-10 AA 88 (KL) exploit to 3230 (Bend of Ebro immediately W of Lerida)

Jun I 1939: Outskirts of Lerida reached

Jun I 1939: Outskirts of Lerida reached

Republican turn

VPs: Goberneto none collapse (R+5 VPs) None Surrender(R+10 VPs)

Guerrillas; Break the rail junction at Catalayud

Supply:  Western Zone: Republicans feed of 12 GSPs from previous turn. (Underlying supply condition is now U2) The 3 6 and 5 strength XXs are put into supply plus 3 regiments at Murcia. The rest are U1.  Due to the MSP any factory generated ASP will not be able to be used for supply till the Nationalists next turn.

Replacements;   2.5 SRP, 1.5 SRP (Cat) recovered.  1-2-6 sec replaced.   SB-2 Replaced

Reinforcements: Arrive at Barcelona following Nationalists withdrawal of fleet to Murcia.

Moves: In the Western Zone; The Republicans in Murcia pull back for a last stand at the Factory.

In the Eastern Zone the Republic pull back to make a final stand behind the Ebro/Cinca rivers.  Confined to a narrow frontage they still manage to defend with stacks of 13-14 points (Except at the extreme right flank in the Pyrenees) which is behind a river in all but one hex.

MAY II 1939

Narrative

Spoiler alert . (This reveals the outcome of the turn so skip ahead if you prefer to see the details first)

Pre combat; The Nationalist attack builds in fury as 8 attacks are launched this time right across the front.  3 of these are fully supplied and a further 2 attacks are part supplied for a total expenditure of 10 ASPs. The Nationalists are getting desperate for results and one of the fully supplied attacks carries a 1/6 chance of AS. Furthermore they are using up stocks fast and this “fire and thunder” attack will leave only 11 ASPs in the ammunition dumps. The last Factory Production cycle will give them 7 more plus some foreign aid means that only two more such turn are likely to be possible.

Post combat; After the disappointing results last turn this turn’s attacks offer more hope. The Republic lose 3 front line stacks and a small breakout and exploitation towards Tortosa threatens again to trap the refugee units from Teruel.  Unfortunately the push along the coast road from Valencia to Barcelona only Retreats the defending stack giving a good stack of units the Republic can re-deploy and this will provide some of the fleeing units an escape route along the road to Tortossa.

In the West the fall of Cartegena spells the end of Republican resistance in the Western zone and only a moping up operation remains. This was achieved with very little AS expenditure as all Supplies are needed for the main drive to Barcelona.

At the beginning of the turn it seemed all was lost but perhaps, just,  there is a glimmer of a hope for final Surrender but this is indeed  a hope rather than an expectation.

Nationalists turn

Weather;  Clear skies across Spain but Westerlies move over the Atlantic. D=C. E=C , A= R, M= C
Supply:..  26XX (An) Draws Supply from GSPs at Murcia. Other Anachists draw from GSPs. Republic expends 1 ASP for 12 points GSP.
Replacements: 2.5 SRPs received.   1ME 109E (KL) replaced. SM.81 repaired

Movement: 1 Res pt spent to temporarily increase Rail Cap to 24.75 REs

Air Activity: Sortie 1: CR.32Bis, CR.32Bis (CTV) fly to Lerida on airfield bombing mission. Intercepted by I-16/t5 who aborts the CR.32Bis (CTV).  Bombs Fall wide.

Sortie 2: CR.32, CR.32Bis (CTV) fly to Alicante on airfireld bombing mission. Intercepted by I-16/t5 who aborts the CR.32Bis (CTV).  Bombs Fall wide.

Sorties 3-6:  Unopposed GS to various attacks (See below)

Sortie 7: He 1118, SM.79-1 (CTV) fly Factory bombing to Murcia. Both evade AA and score 1 Hit.

Naval Activity. Nationalist surface and Submarine Groups move from Barcelona to blockade Murcia which is deemed safer due to the minimal Republican air cover in that zone. BBTF-1 and CATF prepare for NGS.

Attack1: clear/dot city (Cartagena)  Supplied  4-6 inf XXs 112, 122 , Unsupplied  3-4-5* inf XX 14, 1-6 bdr 7Car, 1-6 inf 1BT (Col) , 1-2-6art 43, 1-6 arts 15L, 16L and 3-4-5* inf XXs  18, 40, 73 1-6 inf 24, 2-8 mtn Pir,  1-6 inf 5MR, 1-6 art 1. 1-2-6 art 46 and 2 point NGS Attack  3-4-5* inf XX 26, 1-2-5 infs 147, 149, 1-5 inf  Muer (All An) , 1 pt garrison  @ 3:1 = DH. Lose 147, 148, Muer (An).. Advance 18,73 XX.. Garrison dispersed.  1 ASP eliminated,  The R-Z escapes to Murcia. ½ RE Rail Capacity captured.  A significant victory because the Murcia Supply net is now eliminated.

Attack2: 4008 rough (N of Murcia)  Unsupplied4-6 inf XXs 107,117, 3-4-5* inf xx74, 1-2-6* inf 32, 1-6 inf 35, 1-6 art 13L, 1-5 inf 1Cord (Fal)  and 4-6 inf XXs 15, 106, 3-4-5* inf XX 34, 1-6 infs 19, 20, 1-6 arts 10L, 4L and 2 Factors GS = 4:1 (-1) = EX. Lose 19, 20, 35, 1Cord (Fal). Advance 34, 74XXs

Attack3:    4004  (SE Alzera) Unsupplied5-6 inf XXs 62, 105, 1-2-6 art 42, 1-2-8 art 50, 1-5 mech 1, Supplied 5-6 inf XX 11, 2-5 inf AGM (Fal), 1-8 mc B (CTV), And (over river)  2-1-8 lt tk Bab (CTV), 2-10 AA 88 (KL), Unsupplied 2-1-8 lt tks 2,3, 4-6 inf XX  151, 4-8 cacv XX 2, 1-2-6 art 48, transport Attack  4-6 art XX 34 @ 5:1 (-1) = DR. Advance 62XX.

Attack 4: 3734 clear ((E of Castilian de la Plana).   Supplied 7-6 inf XX 13, 6-6 inf XXs 3, 102, 2-1-8 cav 2O (Col), 2-6 infs 6Xau, 2Mel, 4-6 arts 1RG, 3RG and 3 ptss GS Attack 3-6 infX 1, 2-3-5* inf XXs 39, 42 @ 4:1 =  DR. Advance 3, 102 XXs.

Attack 5: 3234 rough/fort  (60 miles south of Zaragoza)  All adjacent uncommitted forces attack unsupplied at  5:1 (-2) = DR. Eliminated as no retreat path.  Advance 50 inf xx, 8Car bdr , 8 mtn, 12LartI-S (Col). Fort destroyed

Attack 6 3333  clear (50 miles north of Tortosa on the Mediterranean coast) Supplied 6-6 inf XXs 1, 4, 108, 3-2-6 infs 1LE, 3LE, 3-2-8 lt tk N, 3-1-2 sge art Man (CTV), 1-8 mot art L (CTV), Transport  and 2 pts GS Attack 3-6 inf XXs2,5,  8, 1-2-6 secs 10GA, 7GA @ 3:1 = HX. Lose 108 to cadre, 1LE. Advance  1XX, 3LE, 108 cadre, N lt tk, Man sg art (CTV), L mot art (CTV)

Attack 7: 3132 clear/fort  (60 miles NW of Lerida)  Supplied5-6 inf XXs 51, 61, 71, 3-2-6 inf 2LE, 2-6 eng AM, 2-6 inf 9Arc (Col), 4-6 art 2RG, 1-2-6 art 49and (over river)  6-6 inf XXs 63, 152, 2-6 infs3Ceu, 5Ahm, Tdi (Col), 2-1-8 art O, Unsupplied 4-6 inf #x’x 60, 1-6 art 11L  Attack 3-4-5* inf xx 74 (Cat), 2-6* inf 13Dom (Int), 1-2-6* inf 20, 1-6 infs 5, 23, 1-5 mech 2 @ 4:1 (-1) = EX. Lose 60 XX, 2LE, O art, 9 Arc (Col) . Advance  63, 71 XXs fort destroyed.

Attack 8: 2931 clear/fort (E of Zaragoza)  Unsupplied3-4-5* inf XXs 19, 75, 1-8 cav VMS (Fal) and 3-4-5* inf XXs 22, 58, 1-6 inf 22, Supplied 4-6 inf XX FV (Mxd) and supplied  5-8 inf XX LA (CTV), 1-8 art Ter (CTV), 1-8 ard (CTV), 4-6 inf XXs FA, FM (Mxd) Attack 2-3-5* imnf XX 44 (Cat) @ 8:1 (-1) = DE, Advance 19, 22 XXs.

Explitation: 3-2-8 lt tk N  1-8 mot art Ter (CTV), transported 3-2-6 inf 3LE move to 3432 overrunning the 2-1-8 tk P. (A mistake by the Republicans to leave such a weak second line unit)

May II 1939: Cartegena falls

May II 1939: Cartegena falls

 

Republican turn

VPs : Goberneto none collapse (R+5 VPs) None Surrender( R+10 VPs)
Guerrillas; Ineffective
Supply:  Western Zone: Following the loss of Cartagena the People’s Army have no supply net in Murcia. They can only therefore rely on ASP conversions to GSPs. They have 12 GSPs already in situ from a previous turn so all Anarchists plus 6 REs of PA units clustered around Murcia are put in supply. The remaining PA are U1.
Eastern Zone: The ZOC exerted by the Nationalist breakout to towards Tortossa interdicts the Valencia/Barcelona road at 3532 so the units fleeing encirclement from Terul are U1.
Replacements;   7 SRP, 1.5  SRP (Cat, 1 SRP (An)  recovered.  1-2-6 sec replaced.   I-152 Replaced
Reinforcements: 2 ASPs,  1 Art RP landed at France the previous turn arrive.

Moves: The Perimeter in Murcia shrinks further

Air Activity: Nationalists mount a massive Harassment operation to  prevent the Republican units pinned at the front from crossing the Chinca river, limit the march of those moving East along the coast road and any troops massing to attack their spearhead.

Nationalist Sortie 1:  3232 (S of Zaragoza) HE 111E (KL) escorted by a CR.32bis (CTV) is intercepted by a  I-152 who bypasses the CR.32bis (CTV) and aborts the HE 111E (KL) but is itself aborted.

Nationalist Sorties 2 & 3 Unopposed place 2 Hits At 3613 (Coast road Valencia/Catalonia border) and 1 Hit at 3332 (S Zaragoza)

Republican Sortie 1:  SB-2 escorted by I-16/t5 flied GS to  3332  Intercepted by CR.32bis whom attempts to bypass the !-16/t5 and is Returned.

Attack 1:  3432 rough (NW Tortossa) Supplied 3-4-5* inf XX 7 ,  6-6 inf XX  inf 35 (Int) , 1-6 eng 7 and (over mtn) 4-6 inf XX 47, 3-6* inf XX 7, 2-6 inf 222C and 2-3-5* inf XXs 39, 42 and 3-4-5* inf XX 27CM, 2-3-5* inf XX 21, 2-6 inf 211C Attack  3-2-8 lt tk N, 1-8 mot art L (CTV), transported 3-2-6 inf 3LE @ 5:1 (-3) = DR. Eliminated as no retreat path. This is a risky attack because it consumes most of the royalists remaining Attack supplies and there is a 1/6 chance of an AS but the gamble paid off and the Nationalist spearhead is eliminated.

MAY I 1939

Narrative

The rump of the Murcian defence stripped of the anarchists who after supply difficulties and minimal help from the Peoples army have desolved their units and gone home. The reduced force left has been pushed back into a small perimeter and one more supply city needs to fall and the remainder are out of supply and Isolated. Their fate is sealed.

However the Nationalisrs realise that the main front is in  Catelonia and here they have made their biggest and best supplied attacks and barely dented the Republican line. Their hopes of multiple eliminations proved ill founded as many attacks resulted in DRs or even the unfortunate AS.  They cannot sustain attacks with this level of AS commitment for more than a few turns and the troops falling back from the west will be more than adequate to fill the gaps in the Republican  line. The failure to trap significant numbers in the Cordilera Iberica and to eliminate many defending stacks in the opening round of “The Great Offensive”has allowed the Republic to consolidate their MBL to the strongest ever, confined as they are to the extream NE corner of the country. , so whilste the Reoublic comprises little more that Catelonea they are resolute and standing firm.

Nationalists turn

Weather;   Clear skies across spain herald the arrival of Summer and the Nationalists final push to Barcelona..  D=C. E=C , A= C, M= C
Supply:. Other than the Anarchists in Murcia both sides are now in full supply.  26XX (An) Draws Supply from GSPs at Murcia. The following Anachists succumb to starvation:  2-3-5* XX, 2-5, 3X 1-2-5, 2X 1-5. Republic expends 1 ASP for 12 points GSP.
Replacements: 106 XX equipped on arrival.   1-6 Eng ZC replaced. SM.79-1 repaired
3 Cap airfield buit at 3808  (SE of Albecete) and 3033 (S of Zaragozza)

Movement: 1 Res pt spent to temporarily increase Rail Cap to 24.75 REs

Air Activity: sortie 1: 2B3 mxd, 1A2 mxd, He 111B escorted by CR.32Bis (CTV), CR.32Bis flying GS to 4110 (W of Murcia) are intercepted by I-15/t25, I-152, GE.23.  The I-5/t25 is Eliminated by the CR.32.Bis (CTV). (N +2 VPs).  The remaining fighters attack the Mision force.  The Ge.23 Returns the 1A2 mxd but is aborted by defensive fire and defensive frire from the He 111B Aborts the I-152.

Sortie 2: Sm.79-1 flies GS unopposed to 3735 (Castllion de la Plana)

Sortie 3: He 111E (KL) flies GS unopposed to 3335 rough (foothills of Iberica 50 miles E of Teruel)

Sortie4: He 51, D0 17E fly GS to 2830 (SE Huesca) Intercepted by I-16/t5 who Eliminates the Do17E for no loss. (R +2 VPs)

Republican aircraft on Naval Patrol 2X SB-2, Sb-2B  Spot the TF group and Attack.  1X SB-2 Aborted by AA fire.. Bombers miss.

Attack1: 4110 clear/behind river  Unsupplied3-4-5* inf XXs 40,72, 73, 2-8 mtn Pir, 1-6 inf35, 1-6 inf 1BT (Col) , 1-6 arts 1, 16L and 4-6 inf XX 117, 3-4-5* inf XX 14, 1-6 inf 24, 1-6 inf 5MR (Col), 1-6 bdr 7Car, 1-2-6 arts 43, 46  and 4-6 inf XX 112, 3-4-5* inf XX 34, 1-6 inf 17, 1-6 arts 4L, 10L, 15L and 2 pts GS (Sortie 1) Attack 2-3-5* inf XX 171 @ 4:1 = DE. Advance 112, 117 XXs, Pir, 43, 10L art

Attack2:  3905 clear/over river  (Alzira) Unsupplied 7-6 inf XX 13, 6-6 inf XXS 3,105, 2-6 inf 4Lar (Col), 1-2-6 art 42, 2-3-6 art 62 and 5-6 inf XXs 53, 62, 4-8 cav XX 2, 2-1-8 cax 1E, 2O (Col), 1-2-8 art 50, 2-6 art 4P Attack 3-4-5* inf XX 18 @ 3:1 = EX. Reduce  XX 53 to Cadre. Advance

Attack 3: 3735 clear (Castllion de la Plana).  Supplied 2-1-8 lt tk Bab, 2-1-8 lt tk3,  6-6 inf XX 52, 102, 6-8 ltXX  150, 4-6 arts 1RG, 3RG, (transported), unsupplied 2-1-8 lt tk 2 and 1Pt GS (Sortie2), Attack 2-3-5* inf XXs 39, 42, 1-2-6 art 20 @ 4:1 (+1) = DR. Advance 52 XX, 150 lt XX. (disappointing the Nationalists who were pinning hopes on another breakout along the Valenci/Barcelona coast road)

Attack 4: 3335 rough (foothills of Iberica 50 miles E of Teruel) Supplied 6-6 inf XX 5, 4-5-5 inf XX 50, Unsupplied 1-6 bdr 8Car, 1-6 inf I-S (Col), 1-6 art 12L and 3-4-5* inf 29, Supplied 2-1-8 art E, 2-8 mtn Guad, 1-8 mtn 8, 5-6 inf XX 54 and 2 pts GS (sortie 3) Attack 3-6* inf XX 1, 1-2-6 sec 7GA @ 5:1 (-1) = DR. Advance 5, 54 XXs, Guad, E art.

Attack 5: 3233 clear/fort (60 miles S of Zarragoza) Supplied 6-6 inf XXs 1, 108, 152, 3-2-6 infs 1LE, 2LE, 2-6 inf 3Ceu (Col) 2-6 art 1P, 2-1-8 art O and 6-6 inf XXs 4, 63, 5-6 inf XX 61, 3-2-6 inf 3LE, 2-6 inf 5Alh (Col) , 3-1-2 sg art Man (CTV) Attack 3-6* inf XX 19, 61, 1-2-6* inf 25, 1-6 inf 10, 1-2-6 art 25 @ 5:1 (-1) = HX, lose 1LE, 2LE. Advance 1,4, 61 XXs. Fort destroyed

Attack 6: 2830 rough/fort (SE Huesca) Unsupplied 3-4-5* inf XXs 19, 75, 4-6 inf XX 122, 1-6 inf 22, 1-8 mtn 7, 1-8 cav VMS (Req), 1-8 mtn art 2, Supplied 1-8 art Ter (CTV)and 5-6 inf XXs 61, 82, , Unsupplied 4-6  inf XX 85, 1-6 inf 28, 2-6 infs 10Bt, 7Lam (Col) 1-6 arts 2, 11L and 1 pt GS (sortie 4) Attack 3-4-5* inf XX 56, 1-5 inf 5, 1-6 art 11 (All Cat) @ 4:1 (-2) = EX. Lose 122 XX, 22,26. Advance 75XX, 2 mtn art, 7 mtn, 1-8 cav (Fal)

Attack 7: 3031 rough/fort (E of Zarragozza) Supplied  5-8 inf XX LA (CTV), 4-6 inf XXs FA, FM (Mxd), 1-6 mg Ard (CTV), 1-8 mb B (CTV), 1-8 mot art L (CTV) and 5-6 inf XX 71, 4-6 inf XX 60, 4-6 inf XX FV (Mxd), 2-6 eng AM, 2-6 inf Tdi, 9Arc (Col), 4-6 art 2RG, 1-2-6 art 49   Attack 3-4-5* inf XX 30, 2-3-5* inf XXs 21, 44 (All Cat) @ 5:1 (-2) = AS!

May I 1939 The Western Zone shrinks further

May I 1939 The Western Zone shrinks further

Republican Turn

VPs : Goberneto none collapse (R+5 VPs) None Surrender( R+10 VPs)
Guerrillas; Ineffective
Supply:  Anarchists; at U4/Isolated draw on GSPs at Murcia.  With 26 XX drawing Limited General supply from  Murcia.
Replacements;   4 SRP, 1 SRP (Cat) recovered.   I-16/t5 repaired
Reinforcements: 2 ASPs 1 Art RP landed at France.

Air Activity R-Z breaks the rail junction at 3917 (Guadix )

Attacks: None

APR II 1939

Narrative

Death of a miner.  For Eric Tennyson Postlthwaite it had been an eventful war. From his arrival at Cartagena in Mach and his baptism of fire at Alcazar he had seen action on all fronts. The proud 35th International division was amongst the best the Republic fielded and was at the forefront of most major assaults.  Following the defensive action at Cuenca they were transferred to Aragon and put into the line at Catalayud; from there the drive North to Pamplona. It was the 35th that lead the massive cross river assault at Villafranca.  Eric had briefly camped with some of the Basques who they had helped escape south, a rather surly lot but comrades for the cause nevertheless.   Then through no fault or lack of fervour or effort on their part the string of victories ended and the 35th along with the cream of the Republic was ordered south amidst rumours of a Nationalist break out from Zaragoza. The 35th bravely held the corridor open for escaping units then moved south with the remaining stragglers. It took 3 long months of hardship for the 35th to move to safety, under a constant bombardment of Nationalist air craft and shelling from over the Aragon River.  Where were the Republican fighters who had served them so well in ‘37?

But with determination and camaraderie they had successfully extracted the division more or less intact and been shunted back to Murcia, too late though to help in the defence of the main base at Albacete where Eric had formed some of his friendships with the others who has rallied to the cause. Friendships formed in the training camps and forged for life on the battle fields of Spain.

The 35th was now pulled out of the line again and rushed to Valencia. This was the largest Spanish city Eric had yet seen with its industry, port and commercial centre. They had moved through to take up a position on the North Western approaches where an attack from the Elite 13thNationalist Division was expected. A clash of giants. However it was an unequal fight. Eric’s 35th was supported only by the battered remnants of the Second Asalto division shattered from an earlier engagement falling back from the Wes. Indeed it was the steadfast resolve of Eric’s comrades and commanders that had shamed the 2nd Asalto to turn around and stand fast against the pursuit of the Nationalists who had broken their fortified position with apparent ease.  The defenders also had a levy of local garrison irregulars. Their skills were untested but every rifle was needed.  The 13th Nationalist Division  by contrast was reportedly supported by at least four other divisions, , cavalry, numerous batteries of artillery, the feared colonial troops  and tanks;   plus support from Italian and German fascists.

Diego Fernandez of the 1st Reserva General Artillery Brigade pulled the lanyard on his Cannone da 105/28 M13 Field Gun at 6.00 a.m.  on the morning of 15th April 1939 to announce the opening of the attack on Valencia.  The shell, following its pre-determined parabolic trajectory, landed on the overturned truck forming the perimeter of Eric Tennyson Postlewaite’s position exactly 2 years to the day that Eric had proudly marched out of the Barracks at Albacete for the front and glory.

R.I.P Eric.

Nationalists turn

Weather;   No change.  D=M. E=C , A= c, M= c
Supply:. Other than the Anarchists in Murcia both sides of the split Republic have viable supply nets so only the tongue of units trying to move south to Terul are out of supply.  The Easternmost stack of Mech units is U2/Isolated.
Replacements: 1.5  SRP recovered.
Movement: 1 Res pt spent to temporarily increase Rail Cap to 24.75 REs

Air Activity: sortie 1: 1A2 mxd  flies to Alicante on an airfield bombing mission with CR.32Bis (CTV),  ME 109E (KL), ME109B/10. Intercepted by 1-15/t25, I-16/t5, I-16/t10 who engage. In the swirling dogfight all the Republicans are  aborted  but so is the ME109B/D and the Me 109E is Eliminated. The 1A2 mxd is Returned by AA fire. (R+2 VPs)

Sortie 2:  R0 37 escorted by the CR.32 is intercepted by  I-15/t25 and Ge.23.  The I-15/t25 takes on the Fighter for no losses. The GE.23v eliminat4es the Ro.37 (R+2 VPs)

Sortie 3: Large Raid only inflicts one Hit against the Port of Tarragona

Attacks:  1 -3: (North of Teruel) on 3103, 3203 and 3403 all Unsupplied at  9:1 surrounded eliminate 1-6 inf 1, 1-6 bdr 5Car and 1-2-6* inf 24 without loss.

Attack 4:  rough (north of Lorca) Unsupplied 3-4-5* inf XX 34 and 1-6 inf 17, 1-6 art 4L and 1-6 inf 24, 1-6 art 15L and 1-6 bdr 7Car, 1-6 art 10L and 2-8 mtn Pir, 4-6 inf XX 117, 3-4-5-* inf XX 14, 1-2-6 art 46, 1-6 inf 5MR (Col)  Attack U3 Isolated 2-3-5* inf XX 25, 1-5 Cast, 1-5 Mej (AllAn) @ 5:1 (-1) = DR. Eliminated no retreat path. Advance 24, 7Car, 10L, 15L.

Attack 5: Valencia.  Supplied6-8 lt XX 150, 6-6inf XXs 52,m 102, 2-6 inf 2Mel (Col), 4-6 art 3RG, 1-2-6 art 42, 1-2-8 art 50 and 4-8 cav XX 2, 4-6 inf XX 151, 2-1-8 cavs 1E, 2O (Col), 2-1-8 lt tk 3, 2-10 AA 88 (KL), 4-6 art 1Rg,  1-2-6 art 46 and 7-6 inf XX 13, 6-6 inf XX 3, 5-6 inf XX 53, 2-1-8 lt tk Bab (CTV), 2-1-8 lt tk 2, 2-3-6 art 62, 2-6 art 4(, 2X Transports. Attack  6-6 inf XX 35 (Int), 2-6 inf cadre 2A, 3 pt Garrison @ 4:1 = HX.  35 cadre eliminated, no retreat path.. Advance 150  xx lt, 102XX 2Mel (Col), 42, 50, 3RG arts. 2 pts AA eliminated,  Garrison dispersed, 7 factors AS, 1 Res pt  eliminated,  I-15/t25,  I-16/t10, SB-2 all escape, 1 REs Railcap captured. Valencia Factory captured with 0.5 art RP but not before effective sabotage puts it out of action till late 1939.

Exploitation movement.: Mech units and transported artillery move back into the line East of Valencia.

For Whom the Bell Tolls – APR II 1939

Valencia is in Nationalist hands!

Republican Turn

VPs : Goberneto none collapse (R+5 VPs) None Surrender( R+10 VPs)
French border ;Open
Guerrillas; Ineffective
Supply:  Anarchists move to U and roll for elimination except 26XX (An) which draws on GSPs at Murcia.
The following are lost:  3-6* XX, 2-3-5* xx, 2-5, 2X 1-2-5, 11X 1-5, 0-1-6 art. The loss of these factors will put a severe strain on the Republics ability to hold the perimeter in Murcia.
The Republicans trapped North of Truel become U4 but all are un-isolated and moving towards a full supply state in Catalonia,.
Replacements;   1 SRP, 1.5 SRP (Int) recovered.   I-16/t10 rebuilt. Anarchists spend the last of their accumulated  IRPs to partly rebuild the army.
The delayed 2 steps Supply and Art point are received from France.

Air Activity:  Sortie 1: 2X SB-2m SB02bis on Naval patrol out of Barcelona

Sortie2: GE.23, R-z on DAS at Cartagena (4410)

Attack 1: 3535 mtn (NE Valencia) Supplied4-5 XXs7, 65 and 2-6 inf 222C, 2-6 nvl56, 1-2-6 art2 and 3-6 inf XX 72 and 3-6 inf XX 2, 2-1-8 lt tk P, 1-8 lt tk 2, 1-2-6 sec10GA and U$ inf XX 2-3-5 21, 3-6* inf XX 40 and 2-3-5* inf XX 49,  U3 3-6* inf XX 24 Attack U2 3-2-8 lt tk N, 1-8 mc B (CTV), 1-8 mot art L @ 6:1 (-4) = EX. (R +4 VPs).   Advance  2,P lt tks

APR I 1939

Narrative

The Republic have a tactical choice to make this turn. Do they try to maintain the front as close to Valencia as possible or pull back to form a tight cordon around Barcelona?

The advantage of the former is that a local counter attack against the lone 1-5 mech @ 3502 will require outside help because the half strength divisions trying to escape the trap at Teruel cannot punch out unaided. If successful an attack and advance here has the potential to slow or prevent the Eastward march of the Nationalist infantry/Mech advance from Murcia but will such some of the best remaining divisions West and an offensive south on the Zaragoza front could find them trapped themselves.

On the other hand a retreat back to a strong position at Barcelona centred around Tortosa with its 3 river sides should make this a difficult position to crack even against the full might of a concentrated Nationalist attack.

The Nationalists  eastward move along the Valencia/Barcelona road cannot proceed now anyway until Valencia falls so a pause is inevitable.

As soon as the Terual “bulge” in successfully evacuated and/or clear weather returns to the north the Republic plan to swing  the West flank on the Zaragoza front back to link with the Valencia/Barcelona rail, pivoting on 3232.

After debate in the Junta it is decided to eliminate the !st Nationalist Mech. This will allow some troops to escape south from the Teruel bulge while others transit directly East across the mountains. This will isolate the Nationalist speared at 3501 which cannot be assaulted directly but can be contained. It is hoped the Terule forces when re-supplied can finish this group off.

Nationalists Turn

Weather;   Sea conditions clear although northern Spain still experiences heavy rain.  D=M. E=C , A= c, M= c
Supply:. Other than the Anarchists in Murcia both sides of the split Republic have viable supply nets so only the tongue of units trying to move south to Terul are out of supply.
Movement: 1 Res pt spent to temporarily increase Rail Cap to 24.75 REs
Replacements: 1 SRP recovered.  Mtn replaced.  HE 51 repaired

Air Activity:  Sortie 1: SM.79-1, Mxd 1A2,  He 111B fly GS to 3804 (Immediately W of Valencia) Intercepted by I-15/t25 who aborts the SM-79-1, I-15/t25 who fails to engage the Mxd 1A2

Sortie 2: Ro.37, SM.79-1 (CTV), escorted by CR.32  fly to Muria to bomb the factory. Intercepted by I-152 and GE.23 who attempt to bypass the screen.. CR.32 attacks the I-152 for no effect. And it presses home an attack on the SM.79-1 (CTV) but misses. Meanwhile the GE.23 engages the Ro,37; and also fails to affect the target.  3 points AA Return the SM.79-1 (CTV).  The Ro37s bombs fail to hit the target

Attack1: 4010 rough) (s of Hellin) Unsupplied 3-4-5*inf  XX 34, and  4-6 inf XX 112, 1-6 mg IMExp, 1-5 1 Corf (Fal), 1-6 inf 20 attack 1-5 inf LM (An( U2 @ 9:1 (-1) = DE Advance 34 XX

Attack 2: 4212 clear (Lorca). Unsupplied 3-4-5* inf XXs 40,73,m 1-6 inf 36, 1-6 inf 5MR (Col) and 4-6 inf XX 117, 3-4-5* inf XXS 14, 72, 2-8 mtn Pir, 1-6 arts 1, 16L, 1-2-6 arts 43, 46 Attack 3-4-5* inf XX 26 (An) U2, 0-1-5 cons 7, 0.5 Garrison @ 4:1 = DR. Advance 117, 14 XXs, 1, 16L, 43, 46 arts,. Garrison dispersed

Attack3: 3804 clear/fort  (Immediately W of Valencia) 6-8 lt XX 150, 6-6 inf XXs 52, 102, 3-2-6 inf 2LE, 3LE, 2-6 inf 2Mel (Col), 4-6 art 3RG, 1-2-6 art 42 and 3 pts GS Attack  6-6 inf XX 2A @ 5:1 (-1) = EX. Lose 2LE, 3LE. Advance 52, 102 XXs, 3RG, 42 arts. . fort destroyed,

Attack 4 3704 woods (NW Valencia) Supplied 4-6 inf XX 151, 1-2-8 art 50 and 7-6 inf XX 13, 6-6 inf XX 3, 2-1-8 cav 1E, 2O (Col), Transported 2-3-6 art 62, 1-2-6 art 48, 2-1-8 lt tk 3, 2-10 AA 88 (KL) and 2-1-8 lt tk Bab (CTV),transported 2-6 art 4P, 2-1-8 lt tk 2  Attack3-6 art AIAP, 1-8 lt tk 1 (U2) 2-3-5* inf XX 28 (An),1-2-5 infs Jou, TL (An), 1-5 infs Conf, 19Jul @ 4:1 (+1 -1) = DR. Eliminated, no retreat path.

Advance 151 XX, 50 art.

Attack 5: 3236 mtn (NE Teruel)  Unsupplied 4-5-5 inf XX 50, 3-4-5* inf XX 20, 1-6 inf 18, 1-6 inf I-S (Col) and  6-6 inf X 63, Supplied 2-8 mtn Guad, 2-1-8 art E, 3-2-6 inf 1LE, 6-6 inf XX 5 attack U2 3-6* inf XX 8 @ 7:1 (-4) = DR. Advance 50XX.

Attack 6: 3203 rough/fort (N of Teruel) Unsupplied 3-4-5* inf 83 XXs and 4-6 inf XX 21 attack 1-8 cav 7 @ 7:1 (-4) (1/6 chance of HX)  = DR Eliminated, no retreat path. Advance 83rd XX. Fort destroyed.

Exploitation movement: Bab (CTV), lt tk 2, Transported art 4p to 3702

Lt tk 3, 88 (KL), transported art 62 to 3602

lt tk N, mc B (CTV), mot art L (CTV) to 3535

For Whom the Bell Tolls – APR I 1939

Valencia invested

Republican Turn

VPs : Goberneto none collapse (R+5 VPs) None Surrender( R+10 VPs)
French border ;Open
Guerrillas; Ineffective
Supply:  Anarchists move to U3. 3GSPs generated at Murcia 26XX (An) draws on these.
The Republicans trapped North of Truel become U3. Anarchist expend all half of their accumulated RPs to rebuild the army and help stem the tide in Murcia.  The Easternmost stack of Nationalist Mech unit is U1
Replacements;   1SRP, recovered.   I-16/t10 rebuilt.

The delayed 0.5 point of Art RP is received from France. 2 steps Supply and a further Art point are diverted to  France.

Air Activity:  SB-2, R-Z fly DAS to 3904  swamp adjacent Valencia )

Attack: 3501 mtn (S of Teruel), U£ 2-3-5 inf XX21, 3-6* inf XX40, and U2 3-6* inf XX24, U3 2-3-5* inf XX 49 and Unsupplied 4-6 inf XXs47, 65 Attack 1-5 mech  @ 6:1 (-4) = DR. Eliminated, no retreat path. Advance 21, 40 XXs,

MAR II 1939

Narrative

After the collapse in Aragon the Republic have been shoring up the defences in front of Barcelona north of the Ebro. They have the Segre and Elbro to fall back on and some are counselling that they should do so now well ahead of a new Nationalist offensive. This would allow them to build up strong doubled positions far more secure than the flimsy fortifications and defences on the current front line. Furthermore it will prevent any flanking attack from the West via the Valencia/Barcelona road to trap units  in such a forward position. The counter argument is that the Nationalists will always be able to force a passage and a voluntary withdrawal giving them some 50 miles of territory is a price too high. The Republic have some 18000 tons of supplies arriving via France for the defences and time to build up due to Franco’s ill-judged diversion of momentum  from this front to Valencia. Conscription is extended and three fresh divisions are raised and preparing to take the field ranging from 16 year olds which the veterans call quintadel biberon (the babies bottle) to middle-aged fathers, Nationalist prisons of war and technicians were added to help in the factories, however due to the lack of rifles, not enough to go around, such measures were more effective as weapons of propaganda than substance The newly arriving material was more suited to aviation, special arms and machine gun manufacture the small arms doing no more than replacing those lost in the long retreat from the north and on the Mercian front.

Nationalist Turn

Weather;   Unchanged except for light squalls in the Med. (Rough). D=M. E=C , A= R, M= R
Supply:. Once again the Anarchist find their position at the far end of the line from their supply source to be a bad decision as they are cut off from their primary supply source and all become U1 because Barcelona is blockaded preventing the Naval supply element. .
Pacification; Gijon, Almeria
Movement: 1 Res pt spent to temporarily increase Rail Cap to 24.75 REs
Replacements: 1.5 SRPs, 0.5 (KL) SRPs recovered
CR.32Bis, HE111B replaced, 2-6 eng,  replaced.

Air Activity: Sortie 1. SM.81, 2B3 mxd fly to 3705 to provide GS. Intercepted by the I-15/t25 which eliminates the SM.81  (R+2 VPs)

Sortie 2 Do 17E flies airfield bombing to Murcia but is Returned by AA fire

R0 37, 1A2 mxd, escorted  CR32.Bis fly airfield bombing to Lorca. Intercepted by I-16/t5, I-152, GE,23. After swirling mêlée  I-152 in aborted and 1A2 mxd eliminated (R +2 VPs) . Bombs fall wide.

Naval Activity:  NTs shuttle 2 ASPs to San Sebastian from Bilbao.

Attack1: 3504 mtn (N of Valencia) Supplied 5-6 XXs 53, 54  , 1-8 mb B (CTV), 1-8 mot art L, 1-5 mech 1, 3-2-8 lt tk N with ! factor GS from SM.79-1, SM-79-1 (CTV).  Attack 1-6 eng 2 with 1 factor GS from R-Z @ 6:1 (-2) = DE. Advance all

Attack2:3603 rough (n of Valencia) Isolated U1 2-1-8 lt tk 2, 2-1-8 lt tk Bab (CTV), transported 2-6 art 4P with 3 points GS from HE111B,  HE111E (KL) attack 2-8 mot ACGA @ 4:1 (+2) = DE. No advance

Attack 3: 3604 rough (N W of Valencia) Supplied  4-6 inf XX 151 and 7-6 inf XX13, 6-6 inf XX 3, 5-6 inf XX 105, 1-2-6 art 48, 2-3-6 art 62 transport, 1-6 sec 20GC, 2-1-8 cavs 2O, 1E (Col) Attack 3-4-5* inf XX 17, 1-2-6 * inf 37 @ 5:1 (-1) = DE. Advance All except 20GC, 105XX.

Attack 4: 3705 rough (W of Valencia) Supplied 6-6 inf XX 52, 102, 6-8 lt inf 150, 3-2-6 infs 1LE, 2LE, 3LE, 1-2-6 art 42, 1-2-8 art 50 with 1 factor GS from 2B3 mxd Attack 3-6*inf XX22, 2-3-5* inf XX 16 @ 5:1 (-1) = EX. Lose 1LE, 2LE. Advance  3LE, 150 XX lt, 102XX, 42, 50 arts

Attack 5: 3910 clear (S of Hellin).  Supplied 5-6 infs 11,81, Unsupplied 5-6 inf 62, 1-6 mg O, 1-6 art 13l, 2-6 infs6Xau, 8Riff (Col) and 4-6 inf XX 112, 4-8 cav XX 2, 1-6 mg E, IMEXp,5-6 inf XX 84, 2-6 inf 4Lar (Col) Attack 1-5 infs AgL, Fan (AN) , 0-1-6 art CNT (AN), 2-6 nvl 1EO, 1-6 art 8L @ 4:1 = DH Lose  Fan, Agl, CNT. Advance 11,84 XX

The Nationalists resist the temptation to attack on the Zaragoza affront and continue to stock pile supplies and move attack formations into position ready for a massive offensive when the weather clears.

Mech Moves: Transported 62 art, AAA 88 (KL), lt tk 3. To 3603

Lt tk N, Mb B (CTV) mot art L (CTV), 1 mech to 3503

Advanced guard in 3703 holds.

For Whom the Bell Tolls – MAR II 1939

Valencia-Barcelona rail line cut by Nationalist lead elements

Republican Turn

VPs : Goberneto none collapse (R+5 VPs) None Surrender( R+10 VPs)
French border;  Open
Guerrillas; Ineffective
Supply:  Nationalist spearhead back in supply.
Anarchist U2. The Republicans trapped North of Truel become U2.
Replacements;  3 SRP, recovered.   I-152 repaired.,
The delayed 0.5 point of Art RP is landed in France.

Air Activity. Nationalist Harassment mission to 3905 (Alzera)  He 111E (KL),  mxd B, mxd 1A2, Do 17E escorted by ME 109E, Cr,32bis are intercepted by I-16/t10, 2X I-15/t25s which bypass the screen to engage the bombing force. The Me 109E Kills the I-16/t10. The rest of the engagement is without incident and 2 Harassment Hits are made  (N+2 VPs)

Sortie1: SB-2Bis out of Barcelona on Naval Patrol.

Sortie 2: R-Z hits rail line @ 3011.

Movement. Sensing the end is near in Murcia republic forces move towards Valencia to mass for a link up with forces moving from Barcelona. The government is Alicante slips out by night to set up  the government in  Barcelona (3624)

In the Zaragoza front the Republic initiate a ordered withdrawal from the northernmost positions south down the line of the Pyrenees

Attacks; None

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