My second AAR (again)

[yvesp]

While the weather clears, the now famous Hampden squadron accompanied by its no less famous Hurricane squadron sets of to stop the German advance in Spain. These heroes succeed in disorganizing one of the two units while at the same time resisting the defense of the latest FW190 fighter model.

[yvesp]

Meanwhile, bombers succeed at attacking Barcelona and the Canadian militia is disorganized.

[yvesp]

While the Japanese lick their wounds, making the best use of the good weather, the German and Italians launch a massive attack on Barcelona.

This is not a small fight, as it already involved two of the best German land bomber, followed by an Italian paradrop ; the attack is supported by most of the Italian fleet and Manstein provides everything he has.

The result is, let us say, below the worst expectations.

Barcelona holds fast!

In that configuration, the axis avoids the worst: once more, the turn ends and the Italian fleet will not have to face the allied fleet!

[yvesp]

The US terrific draws continues!
They choose to refute naval war zones, but roll a 10 (a 9 was sufficient to move a chit!)
Then they arm merchantmen, and Hurray, roll a three... to transfer a 1 chit to the tension pool!
Next impulse they will be able to pass the war appropriation bill! But that was close!

[yvesp]

The losses for the turn.
Mostly, China and Italy stagnate.

[yvesp]

And the next production...

[yvesp]

In South China, the situation is not yet stable.
The threat caused by Russia in Mandchuria immobilizes two Japanese corps : it is clear that they have been missing to fully succeed in South China!

[yvesp]

And although the Pyreneans are now behind the German army, Spain is far from being conquered...

[yvesp]

The axis is facing suddenly many problems that require immediate decisions.

* First of all, It is clear the the US will gear up this turn, and that it is at a high enough level to attempt a war declaration the following turn. That may be difficult to preempt, given the axis courrent -1 position on the initiative track. So, if Jaoan declares war, it has to be this turn or probably never! Or should one gamble on a failed declaration ? After all, the chances that it would succeed will likely not exceed 60%, possibly as low as 40%... In the case of a war declaration, the fleet must move immediately for a preemptive strike on Pearl Harbor...

* Germany also faces it lot of troubles : the border with Russia is shaky. It is unclear how long war can be avoided! In any case, sending reinforcements is extremely important. But... most of them will have to move by rail? Still, the Russians won't be able to declare war on the first impulse, an likely not this turn. But with 4 land units and an air unit coming the next turn, they might well tip the balance...

* And now the fun part is that if war with Russia is not avoidable, then the war with the USA will likely be postponed. It is even possible that the USA might not be able to gear up this turn...

* the conclusion is that a preventive war declaration by Japan this turn may end up with the axis being at war with both Russia and the USA on the next turn, but that not attacking the USA could end up with either Russia losing a window of opportunity to let the USA enter the war, or with Russia declaring war and the USA slowed by possibly as much as two turns...

Oh my...
I have an headache....

[yvesp]

The Japanese finally made up their mind.

Sinking possibly two aircraft carriers was a good deal. War between Germany and Russia would likely free some corps in Mandchuria for other duties in China, and in any case, it was far from certain ; war with the USA was sure coming fast!

A large fleet sailed north of Hawaï.

Only 6 of the 12 available carriers were sent: the 6 other carriers were still training their pilots. Some of them would probably not be operationnal before at least one year.

[yvesp]

In Spain, the fight for Barcelona still rages.

An Italian Gabbiano tries to cut the supplies by the allies.

[yvesp]

But it is shot down by the latest South African Spitfire II, which just arrived in Gibraltar the previous turn...

[yvesp]

Germnay bombs with some of its best Stukas.
The old Hurricane squadron, piloted by war veterans with many a German plane shot down do not hear it that way...

[yvesp]

The Stukas do a passable job.
It's too bad that the Italians failed in their own task! The Canadian militia would then have been almost unablle to fight...

[yvesp]

The fight continues to rage in the air as the german troops close on the city.

[yvesp]

And for once, the German Flak is not that precise.

[yvesp]

At long last, Barcelona falls!
This is an expesive loss for the Commonwealth ; 9BP are destroyed, including the Hurricane. But The Germna army will have to pause after that difficult assault.

Still, the door to Spain is now opened!

[yvesp]

The battle for Changsa proceeds smothly for the Japanese.

[yvesp]

In Cyprus, the Italian Marines, supported by some old battleship, go astray.
Their landing ships hit hidden reefs and the expedition is lost.
This might well be the last time this unit is seen in the war, because the Italians might now have other priorities than building units that costly!

(reading the combat table, losing was a 25% chance outcome... oh well... something tells me the axis has the disfavor of the gods in this game!)

[yvesp]

The allied turn is uneventfull, as the Commonwealth reposition fleets around, but fails to intercept the Italian expeditionary force in the East med.

However, it prepares itself for a strike on the German fleets in France, using the opportunity opened by the large air commitment over barcelona, which leaves the west coast vulnerable.

In Hawaï, the US navy command decides that it is time to start manoeuvers with the two carriers, somewhere near the Mexican Coast. These manoevers should last about two months, after which the carriers will of course return in Hawaï...

In Russia, the combined movements of the Wehrmacht and the Red Army leads to a standoff. Neither is yet able to declare war on the other, but Germany seems to have a slight advantage. However, two Russian armored corps are heading to the border, and some other troops and aircrafts may yet be available...

In Spain, Gort landed in Bilbao. Considering his past in Belgium and France, does that foretell the doom of Spain ?