rabidveggie
King
- Joined
- Apr 4, 2007
- Messages
- 697
Wow, one year. It was pretty much this AAR that convinced me to buy the game in the first place, and thats no small feat.
The Sound of Drums - A British Hearts of Iron II AAR
- Thread starter Kan' Sharuminar
- Start date
Perfection
The Great Head.
Do they at least transform?If I could have given you a Giant Death Robot, I would
Kan' Sharuminar
Fluffy
Getting people into HoI with my AAR's is always a joy
Yes! When combined with active grenades/tank shells or plane bombs they transform to a wonderful scrap metal alternate.
Maniacal
the green Napoleon
Getting people into HoI with my AAR's is always a joy
Yes! When combined with active grenades/tank shells or plane bombs they transform to a wonderful scrap metal alternate.
Same, I installed Armageddon yesterday and started playing as Sweden in a new campaign before trying France today in 1936.
And :rofl:
Joe Harker
1st in the Premiership!
Same here, bought HOI back in September, mostly based on this AAR, best game i have bought all year. 
This an impressive AAR
This an impressive AAR
e350tb
Stupendously Illogical Englishman
I was inspired by this, as well as Written by the Victors by...Kan, it would appear.
Now, onto a speech because I'm in a creative mood.
Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors and Citizens of the British Empire,
Do not believe this is the end! The Germans have merely conquered seven weak and unprepared nations. We, the British, are neither weak nor unprepared! We have tanks, inferior perhaps, but I'd trust one of our tankman to match more then twenty Germans, and one hundred Italians! Our planes are more then a match for the Messerschmitts in the sky! And let's not forget, Britons, our unmatched naval strength!
In the production lines, despite the threat of bombers with no regard for the safety of civilians, men and women, yes women, are building weapons of war day and night. Our four railway companies have put aside thier differences and are now transporting goods round the clock, despite bad maintaince, the drivers and fireman as much warwinners as the troops on the frontline.
My airmen, I understand that you may be disgruntled at the government! Don't be so. Prime Minister Sharuminar is a brilliant leader, and I myself intend to go up into the skies with you, should Jerry send fighters and bombers on the attack!
We will win this war, never forget it. We will march under the Brandenburg Gate! We will have lunch in the shadow of the colloseum! If Japan jumps in, we'll grind the Emporer to dust with Naval Guns! We, the British people, will emerge from this war, tired but triumphant, frim but fair, strong yet benovelent, as the world's first SUPERPOWER!
Now, onto a speech because I'm in a creative mood.
Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors and Citizens of the British Empire,
Do not believe this is the end! The Germans have merely conquered seven weak and unprepared nations. We, the British, are neither weak nor unprepared! We have tanks, inferior perhaps, but I'd trust one of our tankman to match more then twenty Germans, and one hundred Italians! Our planes are more then a match for the Messerschmitts in the sky! And let's not forget, Britons, our unmatched naval strength!
In the production lines, despite the threat of bombers with no regard for the safety of civilians, men and women, yes women, are building weapons of war day and night. Our four railway companies have put aside thier differences and are now transporting goods round the clock, despite bad maintaince, the drivers and fireman as much warwinners as the troops on the frontline.
My airmen, I understand that you may be disgruntled at the government! Don't be so. Prime Minister Sharuminar is a brilliant leader, and I myself intend to go up into the skies with you, should Jerry send fighters and bombers on the attack!
We will win this war, never forget it. We will march under the Brandenburg Gate! We will have lunch in the shadow of the colloseum! If Japan jumps in, we'll grind the Emporer to dust with Naval Guns! We, the British people, will emerge from this war, tired but triumphant, frim but fair, strong yet benovelent, as the world's first SUPERPOWER!
Captain Carnage
King
for medal.
Perfection
The Great Head.
THAT'S STUPIT.
aronnax
Let your spirit be free
It seems no one has mentioned about East Italian Africa...
PM Kan, what is the situation?
PM Kan, what is the situation?
IronMan2055
Korra 2011
Local British led militias are marching across the country side. There are no Italians left. Upon the completion of their job they will disband and be re-trained as infantry men and the like.
So far as the last report.
So far as the last report.
Maniacal
the green Napoleon
So, I shoud be sitting in Tobruk on top of a pile of Italian dead by now right?
Kan' Sharuminar
Fluffy
Essentially as our Intelligence Minister reported above. There's little reason to give a report on the liberation of Abyssinia when there's little happening bar our militia marching through the country unrestricted. I shall give a full report on it in time, assuming there is no changes in the situation there.
I'm having the simultaneous problems of internet issues, staff shortages at work, the Lord of the Rings Online expansion being released and the fact I cannot seem to write an update based on a single battle that well. I have Tuesday and Wednesday off, you shall have your report on Italian dead then
Kan' Sharuminar
Fluffy
The Sound of Drums - A British Hearts of Iron AAR
Part Thirty-Eight
Part Thirty-Eight
20th - 22nd June 1940
The Battle of Tobruk
With Tobruk surrounded, PrinceScamp had the option to simply siege the town and continue his offensive. With British forces dominating the air and sea zones nearby, there was little chance the Italians would be able to achieve a breakout, even with the ten divisions now trapped in Tobruk.
There was no telling how long the Italians could last, however. Tobruk was essentially a fortress town, and giving the Italians any time to reorganise themselves there would help them in the short term. It also contained the first major airfield and harbour west of Alexandria, a fact the British Air Marshals and Admirals continued to impress upon PrinceScamp.
Map of Tobruk, showing main defence lines and fortifications
Aerial reconnaissance seemed promising. The Italian retreat to Tobruk, combined with constant bombardment, meant that PrinceScamp was assured that enemy morale and organisation was low. Attacking now would catch the Italians before they were able to regroup and reposition themselves in an effective manner, probably capturing the town within days. The main problem would come from the massive amounts of Italian troops trapped within the Tobruk pocket - at least 150’000 personnel in all. Deciding it far better to risk a delay at Tobruk than initiating a long-term siege, PrinceScamp ordered an attack.
British forces going into the battle numbered 165’000 soldiers, 350 tanks and 60 artillery guns - effectively the entire British army in Africa. They were supported by various engineer, anti-tank and anti-air brigades, most of which were to be used against the Italian fortifications rather than for their designed purpose. The Italian defenders had very little in the way of armoured vehicles or guns, with the exception of a few armoured cars and artillery cannons within their fortifications.
The Battle for Tobruk began early on the 20th June as RAF squadrons began a bombardment of Italian troop positions at Tobruk. The Italians managed to scramble a few of their own fighters to meet the threat, but were quickly forced to flee to the nearest airfield at Benghazi. By the time British troops and armour began their assault, PrinceScamp had complete mastery over the skies of Tobruk.
Initial resistance from the Italians was formidable, with the British making very few gains. As expected, it was the sheer number of defenders that made life difficult for PrinceScamp - taking any fortified point fell into a battle more reminiscent of trench warfare in the Great War. By the late afternoon the British guns and armour were finally contributing to the battle, breaching several points in the outer perimeter for the infantry to seize before night fell. When it did, PrinceScamp ordered a halt to the offensive in order to consolidate what little gains he had made.
British forces in the last attack of the day
Fearing that the Italian defence would be even more stubborn the next day, PrinceScamp demanded that all bomber squadrons and artillery cannons be used in a six-hour barrage of Tobruk until morning. A general assault was to be avoided, British forces were to simply surround the main Italian forts and move on, essentially creating a smaller version of his Libyan campaign so far. The main target was Tobruk.
First into the attack was the Crusader tanks of the 1st Armoured Division. Their successes of the previous day meant that they were ordered to launch an attack the minute dawn broke. They hit a broken Italian defence, shattered by the constant bombardments of the previous night and unable to repulse the British tanks. By 11am, as the infantry moved in to claim the armoured gains, it was clear that the Italians were incapable of continuing the fight. Nearly 100’000 Italians were now forced back into the town itself, the rest captured, dead or still trapped in the forts outside the settlement.
Tobruk would be a logistical nightmare to capture. The only options for PrinceScamp were to launch a direct assault, which would no doubt cost many British lives and cause several weeks delay to his Libyan campaign, or to simply reduce the town - Italians and all - to rubble with a constant artillery and air bombardment. But to do that would render the entire battle meaningless.
Thankfully for the General, the Italians had no intention of letting themselves be destroyed in such a manner. At midday the Italian commander, Lieutenant General Caruso, signalled his intention to surrender. PrinceScamp received Caruso just under an hour later, where they agreed that the Italian garrison would stand down and turn themselves over to the British. When asked why a mere Lt General was commanding the defence at Tobruk, Caruso revealed that his three superiors - General Guzzini, Field Marshal Badaglio and Field Marshal Caviglia - had decided to escape by plane early on the 20th during the initial air skirmishes.
Tobruk captured.
Tobruk had been seized at last, at the cost of 3000 British troops dead or wounded. Around 130’000 Italian personnel had been captured, another 20’000 dead or missing. PrinceScamp had gained his first major victory, claiming a major port, airfield and supply depot. East Libya now lay open to his forces, though the Battle of Tobruk had left them exhausted, only that Italy had lost its entire forward army in Africa meant he could afford to rest his troops for a week before resuming the offensive.
At home, the victory at Tobruk could have been the great morale boost the British people needed. It was overlooked. On the same day that Tobruk fell the French surrender was announced in Parliament. PrinceScamp and his troops may have been celebrating wildly in the African desert, but his message notifying the Prime Minister of his victory barely registered when compared to the days other events. Even a victory as great as Tobruk was barely a footnote when Britain had to deal with the loss of her last major European ally…
carmen510
Deity
OOC: Great update!
My suggestion is to strike through the southern deserts in order to flank the Italians, and possibly help to capture Bengazi. The capture of this fort will allow our supply lines to be significantly shorter.
My suggestion is to strike through the southern deserts in order to flank the Italians, and possibly help to capture Bengazi. The capture of this fort will allow our supply lines to be significantly shorter.
Maniacal
the green Napoleon
These Italians are smarter than I thought, they knew they could not have stood against the full force of the British Army in North Africa! Onwards to Tunisia!
Also
What major european ally? I thought France had already surrendered. Also Tobruk is WEST of Alexandria, not east
Also
What major european ally? I thought France had already surrendered. Also Tobruk is WEST of Alexandria, not east
Kan' Sharuminar
Fluffy
The Battle of Tobruk happened at the same time as the French surrender (within twelve hours, actually). It's my lengthy time between updates making you think it happened a long time ago
Also Tobruk is WEST of Alexandria, not east
Fixed! Thankee.
e350tb
Stupendously Illogical Englishman
When's the Battle of Britain going to start? I demand recognition!
excellent news from Africa.
Whatt now of Frances overseas possesions now she has been subjugated by the Germans?
Th french mandate in Syria springs to mind... not to mention her possesions in Indo-China. Any chance we can seize these before Jerry or the Japs can make a move? Likewise, what now of the French mediteranian fleet, are they with us or against us?
Whatt now of Frances overseas possesions now she has been subjugated by the Germans?
Th french mandate in Syria springs to mind... not to mention her possesions in Indo-China. Any chance we can seize these before Jerry or the Japs can make a move? Likewise, what now of the French mediteranian fleet, are they with us or against us?
Kan' Sharuminar
Fluffy
Well our fighters and troops have been redeployed to better protect the British coast. I can't see Germany attempting anything though, what with Cleric's continued victories against the Kriegsmarine and the destruction of their airborne forces in Norway.
At worst, they may attempt a systematic bombardment of our industries, which would be foolish, given the complexity of our air defence. In fact, I hope to have our airforce on the offensive in Europe within the next year.
It was mentioned amongst Update Thirty-Seven, but here it is in short:
The bulk of French colonial possessions remain under Vichy France rule. Charles De Gaulle has rallied French Cameron as the only remnant of France that is fighting Germany.
Madagascar, Syria and Lebanon are now independent, though effectively puppets and allies of Vichy France, who in turn is a close partner of Germany. We must be wary of them all, but I do not think that open war with them at this moment is a good idea.
French Indo-China has been handed over to the Japanese. I would consider that a far greater concern than any potential threat that Vichy poses.
Excellent question. Germany has not demanded the former French fleet for now, and it remains in Vichy hands. As such they can be considered neutral, though if I had the means I would demand they be turned over to us or De Gaulle under threat of war.
OOC: I do not believe that HoI2 has any event or way of recreating the British attack on the French fleet after France fell. If anyone has any ideas of going about it I would be interested in hearing, but for now I'm simply going to have to ignore the situation.
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