INSURGENT AUG I TURN

The battle in Murcia Province intensified as the Nationalist encountered stiffer resistance. Their thrust has narrowed and now follows the Albacete-Alicante axis south of the Jucar river. Ground was gained in heavy fighting and forward elements are within sight of Yekla. Losses on both sides were light (one HX at expense of 6 ASP). In the Requena and Cieza sectors to the north and south, the Nationalists contented themselves with following up the Loyalist tactical withdrawal. All other front remained static except for some reshuffling in preparation for reorganization and upgrading.

While the Republican airforce concentrated on ground support in Murcia province, the Insurgents took to the skies to hit the Valencia airbase with all aircraft within range. This time, however, despite lack of fighter cover the Republicans gave better than they took: Deadly accurate anti-aircraft fire (2 aborts on 2col) brought down twice as many planes as were destroyed on the ground.

Naval transport from Morocco proceeded unhindered.

LOYALIST AUG I TURN

New recruits and ample imports of materiel enabled the Loyalists to shore up their Murcia front (now 11CF per hex). As in recent times, the Fleet remained idle and the Airforce contented themselves with renewed attacks on Madrid’s rail yards with Po-540 bombers, this time with better success.

Although rumblings started again in the French parliament, the border remained closed so far.

COMMENTARY

With a relatively short front and few attacks per turn possible–Nationalist for shortage of attack supply, Loyalist for need to avoid losses–both sides are now stacked to the limit on almost every hex all along the line.

So far, Loyalist reinforcements, replacements, and imports have been able to offset attrition. However, this has been the last turn on which the Loyalists receive both infantry replacements from cities and factory production. Leaner times loom, and the only saving grace is the Insurgent shortage of attack supply (down to 4 ASP now, plus one on Mallorca).