Axis Plans Operation Husky Frame 3

[WxMan]

Since daddog and Kool started the precedent, I thought I would continue and post the Axis plans for the last frame.

Axis Plans


After looking at the frame objectives and the number of fields to defend and targets to attack, I thought it would stretch the Axis forces rather thin and it did.

I anticipated more of a seaborne attack at A4 and V5  early in the frame, mainly consisting of SBD's.  The understaffed AK's were instead quickly overwhelmed by 20 or more Seafires and Mossies.

I knew that A114 would be hit hard, but finding C110 was important so initially I decided to split my forces there. This was a poor decision, I should have either consolidated those forces or abandoned the base to the inevitable and used those forces elsewhere. to the Flying Mongrels and JB's for a valiant effort.

The carrier strike forces performed as expected and admirably. to all of you.

The P6 attackers probably had the most diificult task. A small force with a large target. to The Dammed, you performed beyond my expectations.

Finally, the high altitude bomber raids came at A4 and V5 when expected. However by that time the Axis forces were severly reduced and offered only token resistance.  The Allies had a good plan and executed it well. They managed to obtain all of their objectives. Well done ~~Fate~~.

[daddog]

I knew that A114 would be hit hard, but finding C110 was important so initially I decided to split my forces there. This was a poor decision, I should have either consolidated those forces or abandoned the base to the inevitable and used those forces elsewhere. to the Flying Mongrels and JB's for a valiant effort.

Hind sight is 20/20.  Your plan was fine.  Kinda hard to fight against the massive bomb load of the B-24's. The 38's came in at 114 and though we downed most of them most of us were shot down also.  I am guessing there was about a dozen P-38's.  

Some pics of last night. I kept them large incase someone would want them for a background on their desktop.

I was in the 109. The P-38 was over A114. He was later shot down by someone else, but I managed to damage him. Later on I managed to down 2 P38�s over the water. I was hit by a shell in the cockpit and had to land at 114 due to pilot wound.

[Captain Virgil Hilts]

You got me daddog, I got two, saw you near me, but was in a bad position. The J model in your picture with two bombs is Newman. He's the only one who brought two bombs, the rest had one bomb, and one tank. I'm not sure who the G model is, either Zulu, or one of the CAF guys who flies with us in FSO.

Speaking of the CAF, I want to thank them for flying with us for a while. But even better, the CAF has now signed up for FSO, so everyone give them a warm welcome.

I really screwed the pooch on the P-38 mission. When your first 109 flew through us, I had intended to just jettison everything, maintain position, and fight. I let myself be stupid and try to put bombs on target. It was completey stupid of me, and I got almost my entire squad killed. Lesson learned, mistake not to be repeated.

Was a good intense fight though. Congratulations.

[daddog]

I shot you down? What is your ingame call sign?

That was a fun fight over A114.  I remember flying through you all when you were first over the target I felt very alone. All of my guys were in pairs North, East, South, and West. We were all converging on the area because Maddog and forHIM were calling out your positions. I "think" I was the first to engage you guys.  I was the first 109 that flew into you all you mentioned.  When we all wing up prior to flight I always play the odd man out if we don't have even numbers.  Consequently no wingman.

Newman was the first I shot at. Damaged him some but not enough, he was too slippery for me to put away. I then engaged with another squadie several 38’s on the deck. Don’t remember who, but I was too late to save him, but I “think” I got the 38 that killed him. Might have been TCE. Moments later I was on a 2nd 38 and he pulled up directly which gave me a perfect shot. I took off his tail and then after watching the film some cannon rounds hit his cockpit. That caused his 38 to blow. By then I had 3 38’s on my and I ran like a girl. Who ever was on my long six took some short bursts at 400 and 600. One of put some holes in my cockpit and hit me. Pilot wound. He peeled off just short of the base when I blacked out. I came to 200’ over our base near a hill.
Cut the throttle and managed to ditch it, barely.

[Captain Virgil Hilts]

Originally posted by daddog
I shot you down? What is your ingame call sign?

 

SaVaGe

[TracerX]

Always great to read AAR's, especially yours DD, they are always interesting.  Don't be too hard on yourself Savage, DD is a handfull even without bombs.  

Thanks for posting Axis orders WxMan, it is interesting to see how things interacted after the event.  I am not being critical here, but I would like to know for future reference about the following:

Originally posted by WxMan
I knew that A114 would be hit hard, but finding C110 was important so initially I decided to split my forces there. This was a poor decision, I should have either consolidated those forces or abandoned the base to the inevitable and used those forces elsewhere.

I am not sure WxMan means he would have left a target undefended here, but it brings up the question.  When I make orders, I make sure that I have attackers and defenders for each target no matter how small so that everyone on both sides has a better chance of finding an engagement.  Noone likes to fly the whole frame without being engaged.  I wonder if it is still encouraged to assign attackers and defenders for every target as a minimum.  

Related to the above, sometimes there are so many targets that after assigning attackers and defenders, a side might be left with only one or two squads to double up with.  I think Daddog was struggling with this situation in frame 2.  I know I like to have as many options as possible when I have to make the orders, and I worry that some CO's, when stretched thin might omit defenders thinking it is more or less optional.

[WxMan]

First Tracer, let me point out there were two alternatives mentioned. However, let me explain the latter.

The rules do state that a target has to be attacked by T+60. I don�t necessarily agree but I understand the reasoning for this, as it is no fun waiting for an attack that does not come.  However, the converse is not true. By nature the attackers have a task to fulfill, whether the target is defended or not. They are not left waiting.  To my understanding there are no mandatory defense policies, unless it is implied by the attack rule.

I defended A114 because of its point value, not because of any strategic value. Had I left it undefended, the result of its fate would not have changed.  However, those forces defending A114 might have prevented the destruction of A4 and V5 later in the frame had I chose otherwise.

[TracerX]

I understand WxMan, and I know why you would want to leave a target undefended.  I just recall from my fading memory discussions about making sure targets are defended properly.  Remember Squad Ops is not necessarily a point driven exercise.  We try to keep the points in line with how game play should be, but it is not a perfect system.  The primary concern is to generate the experience of Squad level combat.

I would like to know how Ghostdancer feels about this.

[ghostdancer]

When I have some time to breathe I will write on it. Right now have scores to write up for the frame, then overall, and then get up the next FSO coming up so people can choose sides.

But short and sweet.

All designated targets or targets areas must be attacked. This means an attempt is made to hit the target. We all understand that at times the attacking force never actually makes it to the target do to the defenders actions / forces.

The defender does not have to defend a target. Its a gamble he takes if he decides to abandon a target and trust solely to luck and the fortunate of battle. It has been done before.

Part of the excercise of FSO is to confront CiCs with a tough situation to plan for which makes the CiC have to prioritize things and make tough calls.

Go with a strong defense or a strong offensive .. a mix of the two .. defend one base lightly but the other heavily, etc.

Now I will admit on the Axis side they had a tougher time. Simply because there numbers never hit the high side .. in frame 3 they still only had 80+ flyers facing off against 100+ allies. Meaning the allies had a 20 plane advantage plus, their bomber formation.