Mayhem in the Atlantic-Battle report

afilter · **afilter**

Since it is so slow around the board these days I thought I would post another battle report for your reading pleasure. Admittedly this one is a bit premature as we are re-working the objectives for a bit more balance and have only played ti once. It was a blast though. I like going back to the Atlantic theater for a less air dominated scenario once in awhile. Smile

Again, here are our Large map House rules that we use:

http://aaminis.myfastforum.org/about7382.html

Mayhem in the Atlantic

It is late October 1942 Hitler’s Germany was bracing for a pending American invasion in North Africa tipping the scales in favor of the Allies. Something must be done to support The Dessert Fox and retain the hold in North Africa.

In a secret closed door conference Admiral Erich Reader and Admiral Doenitz a plan is detailed for Hitler himself that if successful could cut off the allies in North Africa and allow Rommel to drive them back into the Sea.

The German surface fleet will make a grand sortie into the Atlantic and Doenitz and his U-boats will support it. After the great failure of the Bismarck the year before Hitler initially strongly protests. Admiral Reader explains to him that this time the surface fleet will have something the Bismarck lacked, Air Cover. The Graf Zeppelin Germany’s first aircraft carrier has secretly been made ready. The men detail an elaborate plan for the Fuehrer that if successful will leave the allies reeling.

Three weeks later on November 14, 1942 the allies are celebrating the successful launch of the combined Anglo-American assault in North Africa lead by LTG Eisenhower as well as the capture of Trobruk by Monty’s Eight Army. Amidst the good tidings Sir Winston Churchill is called into an emergency meeting with the Admiralty. Churchill is alarmed to learn that a number of deceptive events have occurred in the past week without their knowledge.

First. the German Battleship Tirpitz has gone missing. Aerial recon planes had shown it safely moored in harbor, but on closer examination and with confirmation from spies on the ground, what the Admiralty thought was the Tirpitz was in fact an elaborate mock up using a large oiler.

Even more disturbing are the reports that an entire convoy 32 ships in total was due in from Canada last night has gone missing without a trace. Last contact with the convoy was two days ago.

If this was not enough just hours ago a flying boat on patrol spotted the once rumored Graf Zeppelin through a brief break in a squall line just west of France along with several large surface units. Contact was quickly lost due to the storm. It is determined she must have set sailed the previous night and followed the series of storms out to sea slipping past the elaborate alert network. She is now steaming into the Atlantic.

Churchill issues a series of orders and the admirals break from the room. As the entire Home fleet prepares to make steam Churchill contemplates to himself, so the chase is on again.

Two day later the chief of British naval intelligence meets with Churchill to deliver more bad news. The Italian Navy, who has not been active since June is on the move. Last night without warning a British sub spotted a sizeable Italian force comprised of at least one battleship and two or three cruisers sailing out of the straits of Gibraltar into the Atlantic. Churchill slams his desk…”how could we let his happen!” Trying times are ahead for us all…Alert all commanders……” Just then a messenger breaks in “Sir, new report… convoy under attack!......they took cover in a storm…We think it is the Tirpitz”

Churchill sinks back into his chair….”trying times are indeed ahead for us all.”

Objectives:

Work in progress.

Set Up:

Axis:
German Tirpitz Squadron : Tirpitz, Admiral Hipper, Nordmark, and Z 20 Karl Galster
Set up on Axis side in first row.

German Wolf pack: 4x U-510
Set up allied side of board 3 rows from the edge.

German Graf Zeppelin Squadron: Graf Zeppelin, Scharnhorst, Admiral Scheer, 3x Z18 Hans Ludemann, 2x BF 109
Set up Axis end of Board on right edge in first 3 rows Enter turn 3.

Italian Navy: Littorio, Guilio Cesare, Zara, Bolzano, 3 Luca Tarigo destroyers
Set up Axis end of Board right side within two rows of middle on Turn 9

Allies:
Convoy: Exeter, Ajax, HMCS Haida, HMAS Arunta 3x Javelin and 8x transport
Set up in first two rows past the middle of the board on Allied side

Home fleet Force: KGV, Rodney, Ajax, HMS Jamaica, 3x Javelin
Set up allied end of the board first row enter on Turn 4

Fleet Air arm: 2x Swordfish
Set up allied end of board enter turn 5

Med Fleet Force: HMS Warspite, HMS Kent, HMS Ark Royal, Sea hurricane, Javelin
Set up on Allied end of board enter turn 6

USN Detachment: USS Massachusetts, USS San Francisco, 3x Fletcher
Set up Allied side of Board enter Turn 12

As the weather clears the Tirpitz and Admiral Hipper can taste blood in the water as they give pursuit to the almost helpless remnants of the Allied convoy.

The convoy is doing the best it can to outrun the German threat, but speed is not with them.

Unknowingly all along they are being driven into the jaws of the awaiting wolf pack that is ready to pounce.

In a desperate attempt to stave off the pursuers the escorts fight a desperate, but hopeless delaying action against the Tirpitz. But wait, a vital hit on the Tirpitz taking away her extended range and giving the fleeing convoy some extra time

Racing toward the sound of the guns another powerful force is approaching. A momentous occasion is about to occur. Not since the surrender of the High seas fleet has Germany been able to field a sizeable surface force. Now they have a force uniting on the open water that is sizebale enough to give open battle. Additionally, for the first time ever they do not have to give up complete control of the skies as the Graf Zeppelin is there to provide support for the all powerful surface units.

All is not lost for the allies, hope is on the Horizon as units from the Home feet have caught up with its quarry. The HMS KGV and Rodney are no strangers to this type of fight having taken down the mighty Bismarck only 18 months previous.

The U-boats continue to rip into the hapless transports. The escorts fight a valiant defense trying to neutralize the threat along with the help of some brave pilots who have arrived just in time.

These brave flyers are fresh from the Med and vets of Taranto. They have flown on ahead to assist their brethren. Just off in the distance their floating base can be seen steaming along with another veteran the powerful HMS Warspite.

Our brave flyers are not done yet. They are determined to turn the odds dramatically in favor of the Royal Navy. They home in on their target preparing to release their deadly payload.

Wait, what is that! German fighters in the middle of the Atlantic? How can it be?

Our brave flyers have flown their last as they succumb to the fighters and blistering fire from the surface AA that tears thru the canvas of their antiquated Swordfish.

This is going to be a knock down drag out gun fight. Have Germans may have walked into a trap? The convoy is decimated, but at what price? They are now outgunned and taking some serious punishment at range.

Just then a tremendous explosion sends a shock wave across the waters. The Scharnhorst has scored a devastating hit on the HMS KGV reminiscent of the Hood. She sink in minutes with great loss of life as all German and British look on in great horror knowing that could be them.

It is now a new fight and the Kriegsmarine is determined to show their merit to the Fuehrer.

Just then smoke is seen behind them as the silhouette of several larger ships comes into view. Who is it? Could this spell the end for the German foray once and for all?

No, it is our Italian allies coming to help crush the Royal Navy and turn the tide in the Atlantic wresting control of the high seas from the Royal Navy.

The fight is on now and the situation seems even more desperate for the Royal Navy. Just then the HMS Warspite opens up at maximum range with a full broadside. The shells come screaming through the air toward the Scharnhorst who is raking the HMS Rodney along with the Admiral Scheer. The shells crash through the superstructure and deep into the bowels of the Scharnhorst. The ship grumbles and rolls slightly. Then violently leaps from the water and explodes sending burning wreckage everywhere. The British gunners let out a great cheer of excitement and revenge for the KGV.

As the smoke settles the Rodney lands a final blow to the Admiral Scheer sending her to the bottom as well.

The tide has turned again more than evening the odds.
As the bristish units reposition for the fight yet another force is sighted steaming directly at them on the horizon.

It is allied reinforcements. A detachment of the USN rushes in to provide assistance. These ships were detached form other support missions when the word went out of the German Sortie. It includes the powerful battleship USS Massachusetts.

As the Tirpitz slugs it out with the HMS Rodney. The HMS Warspite continues to lob shells at her while maneuvering to get a shot at The Graf Zeppelin. The Italians rush in to the fight in hopes of quickly neutralizing the American threat so they can turn on the British in support of the Tirpitz.

It quickly turns into a down and dirty slug fest. Today though USN torpedoes would prove that they can hit when it counts scoring two devastating blows to the Italians. Unfortunately Italian gunners are not at their best this day they score some vital some hits, but clearly not the knock out punch the hoped to deliver.

Now outmatched in a quick turn of fate the Italian units slip below the waves.

The Tirpitz cannot long withstand the withering firepower of two Battleships. She deals some heavy damage to the HMS Rodney at point blank range along with the Guilio Cesare.

Today would belong to the Warspite though who closes and delivers the final blow to the ill fated Tirpitz.

The Graf Zeppelin is forced t withdraw hoping to make it back to a friendly port or face certain destruction at the hands of the big guns.

Final Victory will go to the Allies today. The few surving units prepare to limp back to friendly ports.

The cost was tremendous. Vital supplies and troops destined to support the North Africa campaign were destroyed, but was it enough to give Rommel another chance. It will be months before the Rodney and Warspite will be sea worthy again. Many a good sailor lost his life this day.
The bulk of the Italian fleet now lies at the bottom of the Atlantic leaving the Med wide open.

The German surface fleet surely will never be allowed to sortie again after this crushing blow. Or will it?

Link to other scenarios:

Brawl in the South Pacific
http://aaminis.myfastforum.org/sutra150602.php#150602

"Catapult" Vengence
http://aaminis.myfastforum.org/sutra153801.php#153801
_________________
Aaron

"Focus on your own character and your reputation will take care of itself"

Greyh Seer · **Greyh Seer**

AMAZING!! I LOVED IT!

Please update when you have fine tuned it and etc so we can play this too! I LOVED your opening story. Makes the scenario fun and believable!

GREAT JOB!
_________________
-Greyh

Trade List: Greyh's WAS Trade List
+13 On AH Trade Boards
+10 On aaminis Trade Boards

Cmdr_Clint · **Cmdr_Clint**

Very nicely done Smile

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Okie · **Okie**

Absolutly love your scenario's afilter, they're recounted so well and get one excited about it!! Excellent job!! Keep it up!! Very Happy

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Greyh Seer · **Greyh Seer**

So, you said that this was a test run and you were re-working the objectives. I would be very interested to see what changes you have made. I would even volenteer to playtest it online with you (though I expect it might be a long game)
_________________
-Greyh

Trade List: Greyh's WAS Trade List
+13 On AH Trade Boards
+10 On aaminis Trade Boards

afilter · **afilter**

Stonedog · **Stonedog**

Wow,

Simply incredible my friend ... words fail me. Can you imagine if it were possible to integrate the ground game outcome into the outcome of the Naval battle, as it really was.

You're knowledge of general Naval tactics and history is very impressive to say the very least !

Above and beyond the call !!!!

SD