Tag: For Whom the Bell Tolls (Page 3 of 19)

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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 35^th 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 35^th 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 35^th along with the cream of the Republic was ordered south amidst rumours of a Nationalist break out from Zaragoza. The 35^th bravely held the corridor open for escaping units then moved south with the remaining stragglers. It took 3 long months of hardship for the 35^th 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 35^th 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 13^thNationalist Division was expected. A clash of giants. However it was an unequal fight. Eric’s 35^th 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 2^nd 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 13^th 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 1^st 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 15^th 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.

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

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 83^rd 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

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,

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.

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

Narrative

The Republic is not only fighting a military war but an economic one too.  The growing financial crisis and the low morale it produced was a great concert to the Negrin government.  The Republican  Zone has hyper inflation the cost of living more than tripling since the start of the war. The loss of the  factories in Northern Spain was a blow which the factories in the south struggled to replace. Indeed it was a feat of some magnitude that the metallurgical factories in Barcelona converted to a war footing where the expertise was so lacking. The Republic therefore was now as dependant as ever on foreign aid but the means to pay for these was quickly diminishing.  Payment was of course demanded in gold and when rumours circulated that the Republic had transferred their reserves to France and the Soviet Union a fever gripped European dealers who saw the potential of a quick profit at little risk.  Right from the start the Naivety of the Republic was evident as their obvious desperation created a seller’s market in Europe and north America.  Unscrupulous dealers and officials took large “commissions” and arms paid for in advance arrived as inferior substitutes.   Only 50% actually arrived after avoiding fraud, “shrinkage” and torpedoes.

The profiteering was widespread and although not known at the time even Herman Goering Minister President of Prussia and commander-in-chief of the Luftwaffe was selling weapons while his own men were fighting for Franco.

Nationalists Turn

Weather;  The cold spell is over, the roads turn to mud in the north but sunny clear skies and hardening ground mark the start of what is hoped to be the final year of the war. . D=M. E=C , A= R, M= C
Supply:. Extreme left flank hex of Nationalist in North Aragon valley become U2..  Almeria pocket is eliminated bur the garrison survives to fight on.
Goberneto Collapse: Asturia.
Pacification; Hellin
Movement: 1 Res pt spent to temporarily increase Rail Cap to 24.75 REs
3-4-5* XX 18 moves into Almeria overunnuing Garrison.
Replacements; 2 SRPs recovered.  2-8 mtn rebuilt,  1A2 mxd, repaired.

Air Activity; Sortie 1: 1A2 Mxd , Ro 37 escorted by Cr.32 fly GS to 4314 (Aguilas – see below) Intercepted by I-16/t5. Which engages the CR.32 for no effect?

Sortie 2. Me 109E flies airfield bombing to Alicante.. I-5/t25 escapes to Valencia. ME109E avoids light flack (1pt) and Hits airfield.

Sortie3: CR.32bis (CTV), Me 109B/D escort SM.81 to Murcia to bomb airfield. I-16/t5, I-152  intercept and engages  the CR32.Bis  and Me 109B/D. The I-16/t5 is aborted.  SM.81 survives heavy flack (3 pts) but miss’s target

Sorties 4,5,6  against rail lines fail.

Naval Activity; Surface and Sub Task forces move to blockade Barcelona.

Attack 1: 4314clear (Aguilas) Unsupplied 3-4-5* inf XXS 40, 79, 1-6 inf 5, 1-6 inf 5MH (Col) and 4-6 inf XX 117, 3-4-5* inf XXS 14, 72, 1-6 inf 31, 1-2-6 arts 43, 46, 1-6 art 16L, 1-6 inf 1MT (Col) with 2 factors GS (see above) Attack 1-5 infs Fan, 19Jul, Conf, 0-1-6 art CNT @ 3:1 = HX. Lose5, 31.  Advance 14,72,117 XXs, 43, 46, 16L arts

Attack2: 3806 rough (NW of Alzera) Unsupplied (over river) 7-6 inf XX 13, 6-6 inf XX 3 and  Supplied

5-6 inf XXS11,62,81, 3-2-6 infs 1LE, 2LE, 3LE, 2-3-6 art 62, 1-2-6 art 48 and   6-8 lt XX 150, 6-6 inf XXs 52, 102, 1-2-6 art 42, 1-2-8 art50 2-6 infs 8Rif , 2Mel, 6Xau (Col) Attack 3-6* inf XX 3, 3-4-5* inf XX 77, 2-8 mot ACGA @ 7:1 (-1) = DH. Lose 77XX. Advance 52, 102 XX, 42art, 2 Mel. 6axu (Cols).

Attack 3: 3705 rough (E of Valencia) Supplied  2-1-8 lt tks 2,3,m Bab (CTV), 2-10 AA 88 (KL), Transported 2-6 art 4P, transported 4-6 art 3HG Attack 3-6* inf XX67, 2-3-5* inf XX 39, 1-6 eng 4, 0-, -5 cons 1 @ 2:1 (+3, -1) = EX. Lose 88 (KL( R+2VPs), 3RG, 3 lt tk. Advance lt tks 2 , Bab(CTV) , art 4P ,1x transport  ( A disappointing result, a DE would have ripped the  Republicans in two and allowed an overrun to Valencia. )

Attack 4: 3506 rough (on Valencia/Madrid rail line) Supplied 3-2-8 lt tk N, 1-8 mc B (CTV), 1-8 mot art L (CTV), unsupplied 1-5 mech 1, 4-8 cav 1, 3-4-5* inf XX 16, 4-5-5 inf XX 55 and 5-6 inf XXs 53, 54, supplied 5-6 inf XX 105, 2-1-8 cavs 1E, 2O (Col)  and unsupplied 4-6 inf XX 151. Attack 2-3-5* inf XX 42 @ 9:1 (-1) = DH. Advance 53, 54 XXs, lt tk N, mech 1, mc B (CTV), mot art L (CTV)

Exploitation lt tk N, mech 1, Mc B (CTV), mot art L (CTV) to 3505

Lt tks 2, Bab (CTV), transported art 4P boldly exploit to 3703 believing that the republic cannot move sufficient forces to block relief or make a counter attack.

Air Activity: Sortie 6:  DAS mission to 3505 Do 17E, He 111B escorted by CR.32Bis, CR.32Bis (CTV). Intercepted by I-16/t10 which engages the CR.32bis for no effect. CR.32Bis (CTV) eliminates one by-passing  I-15/t5. The other eliminates the HE 111B.  (N+2VPs, +2 VPs)

Sortie 7; SM 79-I adds to DAS at 3505 unopposed.

The push to Valencia

Republican Turn

VPs : Goberneto none collapse (R+5 VPs) None Surrender( R+10 VPs)
French border;  Open
Guerrillas; Ineffective
Supply:  Nationalist spearhead pushed to out of supply isolated position at 3703
2 XXs and eng isolated U1 at southern edge of Cordillera Penebetica.
The line of XXs forming the Eastern flak and relying on the Valencia Teruel rail line are U1
Replacements;  3 SRP, 0.5 SRPs (An) recovered.   I-15/t5 repaired.
Replacement Pools (and rail cap split) Reinforcements Of the 2.5 art reps to go to Barcelona 1 is eliminated 0.5 turned back and 1 arrives.

Air Activity: 

Sortie 1: 1A2 with Me 109B/D flies to 39095 (Alzira) to Harris the hex. I-16/t10 , I-16/t5 intercepts.  The t10 mutually aborts with the Messerschmitt. The t/5 misses the bomber and returns.

Sortie 2:   I-16/t5 at Lerida attempts to bomb the airfield at 3133 but is intercepted by CR.32bis. (CTV) Jettisoning his bombs the I-16/t5 dispatches the Italians with ease and returns to base (R+2 VPs)

Movement: The Zaragoza front sends their last reserve divisions to the Valencia defence but maintains a second screen line and fully manned, fortified l defensive line. They position engineers to fortify the river line in front of Lerida but await Res points to begin construction.

Attacks: None

Narrative

Has the Republic reached breaking point? This is the questioned to be answered by the Nationalist planners. The answer is almost. The Republic has no IRPs and simply replaces ¼ from losses. There are a very few new units being raised from reinforcements.  It is said that an army never learns from its own mistakes only those of its enemies and so the case here. The Zaragoza front is static and the Republic have not repeated the Nationalist mistake in front of Albacete and thinned this inactive front too much. Indeed they recognise that this is where the main battle will be fought and spies report the vast build-up of troops and material on the Nationalist side,

So here they are strong and could thin further without immediate danger.

However it is another matter in Murcia and here the answer posed by the Nationalists is Yes, The Republic is approaching a critical mass. This is considered reached when the Nationalists can make multiple attacks with second line units at little or no ASP expenditure, The first signs of this are beginning to show against the Anarchists and the PA defenders who are not making up losses and falling back to maintain density. Even here the line is being attacked at multiple places every turn some attacks just requiring one or two ASPs.

Still however the Republic are managing to maintain sufficient density of Defensive factors on the main axis of Nationalist attack requiring them to mass front line troops artillery and full supply to make progress.

The Nationalists are getting massive quantities of foreign aid and factory production now outstrips the republic at a factor of 2:1. Many are being stockpiled in Zaragoza limited as much by rail capacity getting them to the front than quantity available and  the Albacete front is being supplied with sufficient to maintain the thrust to Valencia.

The Republic are now losing around 4-6 divisions a turn and clearly cannot trade space for much longer before they are pushed into the sea.

So the answer is yes and no to the original question; yes on the Albacete front; no on the Barcelona front.

The problem for the Nationalists is that Barcelona is where the final die will be cast both  figuratively and indeed, it seems, literally as well.

Air Activity Pinpoint accuracy precision bombing (3X 6!) results in rail breaks  @m 3532, 3633.

Attack 2: (Valencia/ Barcelona Rail line) and 3304 (Terul)

Attack1: 3810 rough (E of Hellin)  Supplied 6-8 lt inf XX  150, Unsupplied 3-5 inf XX 74, 1-6 inf  and Supplied 5-6 inf XX 84, unsupplied 5-6 infs 54, 105 Attack 2-3-5* inf XX 36 @ 6:1 (-3) = DR. Advance  84, 74 XXs, 20

Attack 2: 3711 (NE Hellin) Unsupplied4-8 XX cav 2, 1-6 art 13L, 3-4-5*inf XX 34,  and U2 1-6 mg O, 5-6 inf XX 53 Attack 1-5 inf Muer (An) @ 6:1 (-4) = DR (eliminate , no retreat path) Advance  34 XX.

Attack 3: 3802 clear  (E of Hellin) Unsupplied 6-6 inf XX 102, 4-6 inf XXS 15, 107, 1-2-8 art 50, 1-2-6 art 42, 2-6 infs 2Mel (Col)  and 6-6 inf XX 52, 5-6 inf XX 62, 2-1-8 lt tk 2, 2-3-6 art 62, 2-6 infs 6Xau, 8Rif (Col) and 5-6 inf XX 61, 3-2-6 inf 2LE, 2-1-8 cav 2O (Col) Attack 2-3-5* inf XX 9 @ 8:1 (-2) = Dh. Advance 14, 107 XXs, 42 art.

Attack 4;  1006 clear/Dot/Fort.  (Gijon) Supplied 5-8 inf XX LA (CTV), 4-6 inf XXS FA, FV (Mxd), 1-8 mg ard (CTV), 1-8 art Ter, 3-1-2 sge art Man (CTV) and Supplied 4-6 inf XX FN (Mxd), 5-6 inf XX 71, 4-6 inf XX 60, 2-8 mtns Pir, Guard4-6 art 1RG, 1=2=6 art 49, 2-6 art 1P  and 1-6 eng ZC, 2-6 eng AM, 6-6 infs XX 1,152  4-6 art 2RG, 2-1-8 arts E, O and 4-6 inf XX 85, 1-6 art 12L, 1-6 art2, 1-6 engs ZME, ZMO, 1-8 eng GG and SM-81 GS, 2 NGS from BBTF-1 , CATF Attack  3-4-4* inf XXs, 2,5, 2-3-4 inf XX 7, 1-2-4 infs 13,14, DI, 1-6 art s16, AD, 1pt Garrison @ 4:1 (-2+1) = HX.  Lose engs ZME, ZMO, ZC, AM, mtns Pir, Guard. Advance; Man Ter, Ard (CTV) FA, FV (Mxd) . fort destroyed,  Garrison dispersed. Factory Captured  2 ART RPs captured but sabotage and the heavy fighting has caused considerable damage and the Factory is out of commission till at least August 1939. 0.5 RE Rail capacity captured. NT-4is Scuttled to prevent capture. NT-3 tries to put to sea but is sunk by the blockading capital ships of the Nationalist Navy. ( N+8 VPs)

The end in Asturias: Gijon falls

Nationalist Turn

Weather;  Plunging temperatures and snow descends on  Northern  Spain. D=S. E=M, A= R, M= C
Supply:. Forward pursuers in the Pemebetica out of supply as are some Nationalist in North Aragon valley.  The Republicans on the Madrid/Valencia rail line are back in supply
Movement: 1 Res pt spent to temporarily increase Rail Cap to 24 REs
Replacements ; 1-6 eng replaced. 2B3 mxd, CR.32bis (CTV)  repaired

Republican Turn

VPs : Goberneto none collapse (R+10 VPs) None Surrender( R+10 VPs)
French border; Open
Guerrillas; Ineffective
Supply:  Almeria defenders U4  isolated dice for elimination 1-2-5 Jou perishes.
The extreme tip of the Nationalist push towards Valencia is back in supply.
Replacements;  0.5 SRPs recovered.   I-15/t25s replaced.

Air Activity:  Naval patrol SB-2, R-Z, GE 23 contacts the submarine group at Almeria but fails to hit any targets.

Attacks: none the Republic have any effective reserves as all troops are needed to man the line.

Narrative

The plans for the reduction of Gijon offer an interesting tactical choice. Gijon is stacked with 18 defence factors including one artillery unit plus the 1 pt garrison for a total of 19 points. It is fortified. The weather is winter/mud so there is a total negative modifier of -2/-3 over the coming weeks.. Adjacent to the city also fortified is a stack of 11 factors supported by a 0-1-6 artillery unit. Consequently due to the coast and the supporting stack there are only 3 hexes of attack to the city and the 3 for the supporting stack,  one of which is mountain.

It would be sensible to attack Gijon directly and then allow the collapse of the Goberneto and subsequent isolation and elimination of the supporting stack an easy task. However there is a problem with this approach due to the limited 3 hex frontage of attack.

The maximum 3 hex attack the Nationalists can mount is 114 made up of 7-6 inf XX, 8 X 6-6 inf XX, 3 X 3-2-6 infs, 3-2-8 lt tk,  5 X 2-6 infs, 3 X 4-6 arts, 3-1-2 sge art (doubled), 2X 2-6 arts for 99 attack factors plus 2 point NGS and every aircraft factors 13  just gets to the 114 necessary. An amazing co-incidence!.  .   This provides for a 6:1 attack to avoid the risk of an AS and the waste of ASPs this would result in.  However this would require pulling the vast majority of front line divisions out of the field, coordinating and moving vast numbers of troops and resources away and stalling the main drive to Valencia and Barcelona so another way needs to be found.

The other factor to consider  is that the elimination of the supporting stack first will allow the republic to rebuild the 0-1-6 artillery so the eventual attack on  Gijon will be against 20 defence factors. (The Republic will not move it before because it is supporting the stack on unsupported divisions and brigades.

Engineers can be employed to reduce the odds by one level and this will help but will still require a vast effort but means as well that the NGS and any air will have a higher proportional impact due to the lower force levels.

On the other hand an attack on the supporting stack first can be made with second line divisions and some supporting artillery which can be shuffled from front to front in one move and at a low Rail capacity impact. When eliminated this will allow an additional hex of attack frontage which will reduce by 20% the average stack size for the same ratio of attack.

The next question is the engineer use.  The engineer corps is only just recovered from the  San Sebastian losses and this in itself has delayed the attack. It would be counterproductive to lose them in the supporting attack and therefore they are to be reserved for the attack on Gijon.

Therefore the plan is. Attack the supporting stack without engineers and using the fewest number of front line divisions necessary to accomplish the task. Then employ engineers and a 4 hex frontage to attack Gijon.

Incidentally throughout these 2 attacks all the Italian and Mixed units are to be employed to minimise the use of ASPs which are to be reserved for the attacks on the main front.

Air Activity. Large Strategic air raid designed to knock out the Republic’s Factory at Murcia is initiated.

SM.79-1, SM.81, HE 111B, Mxd 2B3, SM.79-1 (CTV) Escorted by CR.32 and CR.32bis(CTV) are intercepted by I-152, 2X I-16/t5.  One I-16/t5 Bypasses and attacks the Mxd 2B3 while the I-152 and the other I-16/t5 engage the fighter escorts. The CR.32buis (CTV) and Mxd 2B3 are Aborted for no loss to the Republican fighters. The remaining bombers avoid heavy (4 factors) AA fire completely unnerved and score 3 hits on the Murcia Factory.

Republican Fighters on Naval  patrol SB-2, R-Z, GE 23 make contact with the submarine group blockading Almeria (4317) and score a Hit sinking SS-1!! (R+4VPs)

Attack 1: 3807 clear. (N of Yecia) Supplied7-6 inf XX 13, 6-6 inf XXs 3, 102, 3-2-6 infs 1LE, 3LE, Transported 4-6 art 3RG , Unsupplied 1-5 mech 1, 1-2-6 art and 1-2-8 art 50, Supplied 4-8 cav 1 , 4-6 inf XXs 15, 107, 3-2-8 lt tk #n, 2-1-8 cav iE (Col), 2-6 inf 2Mel (Col) Attack 4-6 inf XX34, 1-8 Bike 1, 1-2-5 inf TL (An), 1-5 inf RN (An) @ 6:1 (-2) = DH  Lose 1 Bike, RN (An) , TL (An)  Retreat 54 XX..; Advance 15, 102, 107 XXs, 42, 50 art (1 ASP eliminated)

Attack 2: 3809 rough (Hellin)  Unsupplied 1-6 inf 20, Supplied 3-2-6 2LE, 5-6 inf XXs 54, 105, 6-8 lt inf XX 2-1-8 cav (Col) 150 and 6-6 inf XX52, 5-6 inf XXs 81, 84, 2-3-6 art 62, 2-1-8 art O, 2-1-8 lt tk 2, 2-6 inf 6Xau (Col) with Do17E, He 111E (KL), 1A2 mxd, R0 37 GA Attack 5-6 inf XX 11ch, 2-3-5* inf XX 71 @ 6:1 (-3) = DR. Advance  54, 84, 105 XXs

Attack 3: 4214 rough (W of Lorca)  Unsupplied4-6 inf XX 117, 3-4-5* inf XX 40, 3-5 inf XX 73, 1-6 infs 5, 35, 1-6 inf 5MR, 1-2-6 art 43 Attack 1-2-5 inf Jou (An) @ 7:1 (-3) =  DE. Advance All except XX40.

Attack4; 1106 rough cliffs/fort (Adjacent Gijon)  Supplied 5-8 inf XX LA (CTV), 4-6 inf XXs FA, FF (Mxd), 3-1-2 sge art Man (CTV), 1-8 art Ter (CTV), 1-8 mg Ard (CTV) and 4-6 mxd inf XX FN, 2-8 mtns Pir, guard, 2-1-8 art E, 4-6 art 1RG, 2-5 inf AGM (Fal) unsupplied 4-6 inf XX60, 5-6 inf XX 71 and 1-6 mg s, Supplied 6-6 inf XXs 1, 108, 152, 2-6 eng AM, 2-6 art 1P, 1-2-6 art 48, 1-6 inf 22 attack 2-4 infs 1,2,36, 1-6 inf 2Exp, 1-6 eng 1, 1-2-4 inf 1, 1-6 art AD (All Ast)  @ 6:1 (-3) =  DR. All eliminated as no retreat path. Advance inf XX LA (CTV),  XXs FA, FF (Mxd),  sge art Man (CTV), art Ter (CTV), mg Ard (CTV)

(N.B Rules infringement as one stack over stacked in a mountain hex but other troops were available and the attack could have been made with a non div and NGS for same result – so the result has been allowed to stand)

Attack 5; 3134 (clear) SE of Zaragoza) A surprise attack on a quiet front. The Nationalists have been stocking reserves in Zaragoza and over stacking the defence for such a move. It is hoped that a DE or EX will put additional strain on the Republics defenders and thin the line so it is ripe for the Asturian attack force to return in the clear weather and finish off the Republic once and for all.

Supplied 2-6 infs 3Ceu, 9Arc, unsupplied 4-5-5 inf XX 50, 1-6 inf 18, 1-6 art 11L, 1-6 inf I-S (Col), 1-6 bdr 8Car and Supplied  6-6 inf XXs 4, 63, 5-6 XX inf 51, 2-6 infs 10BT,m 5Ah (Col) and 6-6 inf XX 5, 5-6 inf XXs 61, 62, 2-6 infs 7Lam, Tdi attack 3-4-5* XX 27CM, 2-6 eng ZM, 1-2-6 sec8GA, 2-6 inf 211C, 1-2-6 art 4 @ 4:1 (-1) = DR.  Advance XXs 50, 51, inf Lam, Tdi, 3Ceu (Cols).

A large effort for little gain and the element of surprise is lost, however it does increase the attack frontage south.

The Nationalists grind on

Nationalist Turn

Weather; Unchanged . D=W. E=M, A= R, M= C
Pacification: Albacete
Airfield (3 cap) constructed at 3510 (N of Albacete)
Supply:. Forward pursuers in the Penebetica out of supply as are some Nationalist in North Aragon valley.  The Republicans on the Madrid/Valencia rail line are back in supply
Movement: 1 Res pt spent to Temporarily increase Rail Cap to 24 REs
Replacements ; 2 SRPs recovered 2 divisions plus arriving 117 XX equipped. ME 109D replaced., CR.32 repaired
Long delayed Cav 2 XX is formed. (The OB calls for the 6,7, 9 Cav regiments but the 7^th stayed loyal in Seville so I have assumed this formation would take place with what was available and substituted the 3^rd for the 7^th)

Republican Turn

VPs : Lack of Goberneto collapse (R+5 VPs). None Surrender( R+10 VPs)

French border; Closed
Guerrillas; Ineffective
Supply:  Almeria defenders  U3 isolated.
Factory Production: Despite heavy damage the Murcia factory only looses 1ASP from its production quota.
Replacements;  1 SRP (An) , 2 SRPs (Ast) recovered. 2x 1-2-6 art replaced and form AIAP.
2X Aborted I-15/t25s regrouped and one received the other replaced. With ARPs.

Air Activity:  Naval  patrol SB-2, R-Z, GE 23.

Sortie 1: sb-2 escorted by I-16/t5 fly to 3516 (E of Guadix)  He 51 Bypasses the screen but is shot down by the SB-2 (eliminated). The Sb-2 then successfully hits the airfield Aborting the 1A2 Mxd on the ground.

Moves. The Republicans decide to evacuate some more hexes to shorten the line.