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After Action Reports => Digital Gaming AARs => Topic started by: Crossroads on December 19, 2015, 12:46:37 PM

Title: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on December 19, 2015, 12:46:37 PM
Update 25 March 2017: With DropBox having made a change any files under Public folder no longer actually are public, but require a separate share, the screenshots no longer work here. I don't know what to do, hopefully there's a quick fix for this or something. Any ideas let me know!  :buck2:  >:(

Update 07 Nov 2017: No easy way out. I do have the 163 screenshots still available, so maybe I'll just add them one turn per time. Edit: I found out I can create then edit shared links that work, so can replace each, one by one. Still utterly peed at you DropBox though!  :tickedoff:

Here's the living update status:  All turns updated now! \m/




Time to batten those hatches again!  :knuppel2:

With 1.01 UPDATE out the door (http://grogheads.com/forums/index.php?topic=15553.msg406399#msg406399), and following up my previous DAR with the Campaign Series: Middle East 1948-1985 - Into Africa! (1973) (http://grogheads.com/forums/index.php?topic=14980.msg391315#msg391315), there's now a lull in the development to actually allow me to play the damn game! How nice is that  :smitten:

CS is quite an easy game to begin with, but one of those that have the depth to continue to challenge for years to come, I will mostly concentrate on playing the game here. So for a little background regarding Campaign Series, have a look at the DAR link above.

This time I am playing two scenarios vs Berto, our lead programmer. Both battles take place during the Six Days War, at West Bank. First scenario will be the aptly named The Crossroads (!), depicting the 5 June 1967 advance of IDF 45th Armored Bde towards Jenin, and the Qabitiya Crossrods. Following up, we'll continue with End Game At Jenin, covering the 6 June 1967 arrival of Jordanian 40th Armored Bde to the area.

First things first. Here's the scenario description for our next clash or arms:

(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/01_xroads.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l6dl12v8i0jivio/01_xroads.png?raw=1)

"The Crossroads" by Jason Petho

5 June, 1967

[Jenin, West Bank, Jordan]: [H2H][HIS][CSL]:

The Israeli assault into the northern West Bank began at 5 pm and was spearheaded by the battalions of the 45th Armoured and 9th Infantry Brigades. The mission was to advance into the West Bank, seize Jenin and advance towards the Damia bridge that spans the Jordan River.

Defending the Jenin sector was the Jordanian 25th Infantry Brigade, supported by heavy artillery and elements of the 12th Independent Tank Battalion The first obstacle facing the Israeli's was the dug in positions that held the city of Jenin, with years to prepare, the positions were well entrenched. While the assault went into the evening of June 5th, the Jordanian 40th Armoured Brigade had travelled through the night to reinforce the beleaguered 25th Infantry Brigade. The ensuing fighting at the Qabitiya Crossroads south of Jenin between the Israeli Shermans and Jordanian Pattons would result in the largest tank battle of the 1967 War.

[ALL][NONE][1.00]


Scenario settings are as follows:

I will discuss them in a bit. What else? For the purposes of this DAR, I will be playing using both the 2D (boardgame and counters) and 3D (miniature models) view to give an idea how they differ from each other.

Also, I am a great fan of Mods, so will have the following mods enabled:


(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/01_jsgme.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/lsbqk8qitiwnaao/01_jsgme.png?raw=1)

Optional Rules:

(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/01_optrules.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/7al5mr5ucb8y3n2/01_optrules.png?raw=1)

Scenario description suggested ALL optional rules ON, but since I am quite a 2D fan, I will have the Armor Facing Effects OFF, as Counters do not display facing, at least not at the moment. A facing pip might be in the books for later. In which case I will need to find another excuse not to use the option. I am just not a fan of it, sorry  8)
Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on December 19, 2015, 12:49:13 PM
So, let us jump right in! Here's the battle map we'll be dueling it out for quite a while. 45 turns, on PBEM, right!

This is a snippet of the 3D Extreme Zoom-Out View, with my task force arriving from the north:

(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/01_map5d.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/3ghrf87b5da9p62/01_map5d.jpg?raw=1)
Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on December 19, 2015, 12:53:34 PM
That's quite some terrain to cover in those 45 turns, so let us bring in the 2D Extreme Zoom-Out View instead, for that battle plan I am sure to regret once the hostilities commence:

(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/01_map1d.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/5gl7yred2is0zyz/01_map1d.png?raw=1)
Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on December 19, 2015, 01:04:29 PM
For the famous Cunning Plan, here's the deal.

Victory Conditions:

(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/01_victory.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/zrcvtievo68xdjf/01_victory.png?raw=1)

Objectives, on the other hand, are:

(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/01_jeninobjectives.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/bvoux7niqhjimnw/01_jeninobjectives.png?raw=1)

... for a total of 550 points, still a Major Loss. So seems what it calls for is a major encirclement and destruction of a Jordanian battle force, rather than holding a certain piece of estate at the area.

Who are the players, then? With the rather strict victory conditions in place, I think I will allow myself a peek at the OoB of this battle. While I still prefer to play my battles blind as a bat, more fun that way, I do at the same time put a lot of role playing into it so I am assuming I'd have Intel on the opposition forces at least at a TO&E level, if not of their exact location in the map.

Opening the OoB Editor:

(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/01_oob.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/76l90e94hi008oc/01_oob.png?raw=1)

... you will note the old cockades have now been replaced with proper flags. I am, of course, giving the upcoming 1.02 UPDATE beta its first whirl here. There's a few other neat little things coming up, will talk about them as they show up.

But back to West Bank! On the friendly side: M51 Super Shermans, facing the Jordanian M47 and M48 Pattons!

This is what the CS Unit Viewer has to say about them:

(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/01_uviewer.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/y5vm6k66du1pe0k/01_uviewer.png?raw=1)

:o 

So while my M51 Shermans and AMX-13s compare slightly favorable at their Hard Target values, look at those Front Armor Strengths: 5 and 9 vs 22 and 38  :buck2:

(for some reasons the CS Unit Viewer fonts seem to be a bit of on some systems, including my W10 64 bit one).

I will be for a quite a ride here. Cunning Plan, eh. Where's those pencils...
Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on December 19, 2015, 01:25:13 PM
I think this calls for a drink. Or three. To be continued!  :))
Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Staggerwing on December 19, 2015, 01:31:19 PM
It looks like getting the first shots in will be damn important!

What's the difference between the pink and blue range values?

Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on December 19, 2015, 01:59:57 PM
Quote from: Staggerwing on December 19, 2015, 01:31:19 PM
It looks like getting the first shots in will be damn important!

What's the difference between the pink and blue range values?

That's right! Will need to use my Recon assets to max! Wish there'd be a few Helos available, having just played a few '82 scenarios I am quite attached to their recon capabilities.

Red vs Hard Targets, Blue vs Soft Targets.
Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on December 20, 2015, 04:02:49 AM
Time for that Cunning Plan, then. Reading the scenario description again, well aware Jason tends to put valuable hints there, ...

Quote from: Crossroads on December 19, 2015, 12:46:37 PM

Here's the scenario description for our next clash or arms:

"The Crossroads" by Jason Petho

5 June, 1967

[Jenin, West Bank, Jordan]: [H2H][HIS][CSL]:

The Israeli assault into the northern West Bank began at 5 pm and was spearheaded by the battalions of the 45th Armoured and 9th Infantry Brigades. The mission was to advance into the West Bank, seize Jenin and advance towards the Damia bridge that spans the Jordan River.

Defending the Jenin sector was the Jordanian 25th Infantry Brigade, supported by heavy artillery and elements of the 12th Independent Tank Battalion The first obstacle facing the Israeli's was the dug in positions that held the city of Jenin, with years to prepare, the positions were well entrenched. While the assault went into the evening of June 5th, the Jordanian 40th Armoured Brigade had travelled through the night to reinforce the beleaguered 25th Infantry Brigade. The ensuing fighting at the Qabitiya Crossroads south of Jenin between the Israeli Shermans and Jordanian Pattons would result in the largest tank battle of the 1967 War.

[ALL][NONE][1.00]


... I find no solace at all. 45 turns of encountering well-dug-in, high quality Jordanian forces is all I see. As a topping, of course, the "largest tank battle of the 1967 War" with my thinly armored albeit heavily armed 'Ronson Lighters' vs Patton M47s.

So be it. Here's the plan, then:

(1) On the right flank, the 53rd Sufa Tank Bn of 45th 'Barak' Arm'd Bde, together with their Mech Inf Bn, shall swing to the very edge of the map, to flank Jenin from Southeast. A move that hopefully will by-pass most of the determined defence.
(2) On the left flank, the 91st Inf Bn (mot), with the support of Mixed Arm'd Recon Coy of 45th Arm'd Bde will then act as the hammer, closing in from the North.
(3) To have my intentions hidden, a forward coy of the 91st Inf Bn shall move in to swing via West, as a diversion attack. Especially in the early turns, I will heavily support them with my artillery, to make as much of racket there that these meager forces can.
(?) Then, with Jenin hopefully encircled and mopped up, I will see what forces I have left.

(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/01_cunningplan.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/npbaij2p2oz6xkv/01_cunningplan.png?raw=1)

Supporting this all, my artillery park at the northern edge of the map have prepared Improved Positions, and will be available to support all task forces.

Checking the Air Support Dialog, I observe I've got 10 flights of Ouragans covering my attack.

(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/01_airsupport.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/s7wynrlekv4dpbk/01_airsupport.png?raw=1)

With an attack strength of 20 vs Hard Targets and 40 vs Soft Targets, I will need to ensure I can hit hostiles in the open for them to have an effect. Too bad all the A-4 Skyhawks are deployed to Sinai it seems, Skyhawks pack a 50 strength vs Hard and 100 strength vs Soft for comparison.
Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on December 20, 2015, 04:54:26 AM
IDF Turn #1 - 3D Zoom-Out View

NOTE: From here on, I'll hide the screenshots in Spoiler tags, for easier reading  :)

And we're off. With the plan in place, now it's all about implementing it!

On the left, you will observe the diversionary little Coy Task Force of the 91st Inf Bn dismounting from their trucks, and moving forward. Modern 1967 OoB already has support elements at Coy level, so what you see there is three rifle platoons, an engineer platoon, 60mm Mortar section, and a RCLR jeep section I generously provided them with. South of them, according to my plan, my Artillery Bn is finding their range for a diversionary salvo I will keep there for the time being.

In the middle, you will see the main force of the 91st dashing to the east of the main RR line, to dismount and advance on the main highway towards Jenin. The Arm'd Recon Coy has moved in to support their advance.

Finally, the 48th Arm'd Bde, fully mechanised, is dashing towards the eastern edge of the large mapboard available to this scenario. If there's room for maneuvering, why not use it!

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/01_firstmove.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/9ep80i67e0qd1fv/01_firstmove.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]


For the visuals, as a reminder, I am playing with MausMan's 3D Terrain Mod and Alternate 3D Bases Mod (no insignia in them) in place.
Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on December 20, 2015, 05:06:24 AM
IDF Turn #1 - 2D Zoom-In View

One more big screenie, before moving to smaller, more tactical views of tactical platoon combat the game engine so well captures.

For the visuals, I've got the Arab-Israeli Wars Counter Submod activated, for that classic boardgame feel.

Stats in the counter are, from Top left to Bottom right: Strength, Morale, Assault, Defense. I am playing with Extreme Fog-of-War in use, so any hostile counters I will meet will at best just display their Strength to me.

What we have here is the 2D Zoom-In View, my favorite, with both the Hex Grid ON and Elevation Contours ON for the additional clarity. Thermometers ON too, displaying Available Action Points for each unit.

As you will observe, most of the terrain is covered with Scrub, which does not provide any Terrain Effect Modifier (TEM, from now) for combat resolvement. It does provide a small Concealment value, which is appreciated. The Orchard does offer some TEM advantage as well, while Hammada does not. Rough patches however provide a 0.8 TEM advantage, while prevent vehicles from entering, so if I'd be on defence I'd be sure to have them used for defensive cover. Villages and Towns (0.7) and Cities (0.6) provide handy hamlets to stop the IDF advance, so they especially need to be approached with caution. More of the terrain effects a bit later.

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/01_firstmove_2d.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/480qhsnw4di99no/01_firstmove_2d.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

The 2D boardgame view is designed to be as informative as possible, as the cardboardgame maps tend to be. The idea is that you'd easily recognize the terrain in each of the hexes, while hopefully everything would blend in nicely together, for that classic feel.

The game is very easy to mod (http://www.matrixgames.com/forums/tm.asp?m=3981701), so hopefully we'll see some 2D mods in place soon as well in addition to MausMan's most excellent 3D mod!

And that's it. Turn sent to Berto. I am traveling to my brothers for the Christmas, so I may or may not have time for just one move before the holiday seasons. But all good things are worth a little wait right  :)
Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on December 20, 2015, 05:32:18 AM
Quote from: Crossroads on December 20, 2015, 05:06:24 AM

What we have here is the 2D Zoom-In View, my favorite, with Hex Grid OFF, but Elevation Contours ON for the additional clarity. As you will observe, most of the terrain is covered with Scrub, which does not provide any Terrain Effect Modifier (TEM, from now) for combat resolvement. It does provide a small Concealment value, which is appreciated. The Orchard does offer some TEM advantage as well, while Hammada does not. Rough patches however provide a 0.8 TEM advantage, while prevent vehicles from entering, so if I'd be on defence I'd be sure to have them used for defensive cover. Villages and Towns (0.7) and Cities (0.6) provide handy hamlets to stop the IDF advance, so they especially need to be approached with caution.

Here's a quick guide to Terrain in this mapboard:

(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/desterraintypes.JPG)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/pqkvbu5zb0zfplr/desterraintypes.JPG?raw=1)

On Left:

Center;

On Right:

To compare, Clear terrain values are TEM 1.0; Concealment 0; and Morale -1. Morale has an effect in various situations, most importantly when calculating Assault results with Extreme Assault in place, and when calculating whether a unit recovers from Disruption.

Certain Hex Side terrains have an effect as well, more of that later, when I encounter them. For instance Low Stone Walls are quite typical here, and they provide a TEM effect of 0.8 and a +2 Concealment modifier.
Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on December 20, 2015, 07:14:28 AM
To compare the 2D and 3D views then, here's the approach to Jenin in both views:

3D, for that pleasant aerial look of the city:

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/01_jeninobjectives.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/bvoux7niqhjimnw/01_jeninobjectives.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

2D, for a detailed look at each hex and what advantages and disadvantages they may contain. This time, Hex Grid ON, Elevation Contours OFF:

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/01_jeninobjectives_2D.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/ntcf8288pcohdvz/01_jeninobjectives_2D.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

Why choose, when you can have both!  O0
Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on December 30, 2015, 01:08:27 PM
IDF Turn #2 - 3D Zoom-Out View

Christmas happily behind us, I receive Berto's move.

Having sorted out the game plan as above, this turn quickly zooms by. The plan, of course was

Quote
(1) On the right flank, the 53rd Sufa Tank Bn of 45th 'Barak' Arm'd Bde, together with their Mech Inf Bn, shall swing to the very edge of the map, to flank Jenin from Southeast. A move that hopefully will by-pass most of the determined defence.
(2) On the left flank, the 91st Inf Bn (mot), with the support of Mixed Arm'd Recon Coy of 45th Arm'd Bde will then act as the hammer, closing in from the North.
(3) To have my intentions hidden, a forward coy of the 91st Inf Bn shall move in to swing via West, as a diversion attack. Especially in the early turns, I will heavily support them with my artillery, to make as much of racket there that these meager forces can.
(?) Then, with Jenin hopefully encircled and mopped up, I will see what forces I have left.

Not much to report for now. My forward units close in on Jenin, meeting no resistance or Opportunity Fire from the Jordanian Armed Forces. The single decision I have to make, now that the 91st Infantry Bn (mot) has swung in from left flank to center, is whether to already disembark them now and have them continue on foot towards the main highway to Jenin?

An opportunistic artillery barrage could wreak havoc here. I know that's what I would do as well, with Indirect Fire By Map Optional Rule ON, to plot them on the main advance routes in hope for quick kills. Having said that, I leave them embarked, so that during the next turn they could advance as far as south as possible with their Action Points Saved for Unloading, disembarking closer to Jenin at the end of Turn #3.

On the right flank, the elements of the  of mechanized 45th 'Barak' Arm'd Bde have reached the map edge, and are swinging south. I will lead with my cheap Jeep recon assets, and mass my M51's so that they can blast off any single resistance they meet. Massing without getting stuck in traffic jams is often an issue, but not here as the map allows for relatively easy tracked advantage through Scrubs, mostly.

On the left flank, my little diversionary force continues their advance towards Kafr Dan, just outside the visible map here. Hope there's a welcoming party there, not much of a diversion if they're alone there is it!

Finally, decided to plot my Artillery assets at Jenin itself. In hope for those easy kills of units in soft transports.

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/02_closingin.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/7pxzzg6vc2ygtyj/02_closingin.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

Over to Berto!
Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on December 31, 2015, 10:03:20 AM
IDF Turn #3 - 2D Zoom-Out View

An uneventful turn; no sign of Jordanian forces anywhere in the map. I switched back to 2D boardgame view to observe the terrain elements better. Lots of Scrub around with slight hills for most part, resulting in restricted LOS all around.

I hope I can keep the elements of the 48th Bde hidden for a couple of more turns at least. The tracked task group is quite mobile in this type of terrain, I hope I can have them arrive in force, unexpected.

Meanwhile, the 91st Bn has now disembarked from their trucks and will close in at Jenin on foot, while their diversion has not met anyone as of yet. Next turn I will close in at Kafr Dan, I hope it is garrisoned so the Jordanian side would first observe my troops at a completely different location as where my main push is.

I have two batteries available, one loading their tubes. I plot more indirect, unobserved artillery fire at Karf Dan and at Jenin, in hope one of the shells would meet a target there. Who knows?

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/03_closingin.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/0m5q0d61zgmzut7/03_closingin.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]


I will revise the overall plan it as the first shots get fired, and I get a better idea as what's going on.

For now, the 48th Armd Bde led by their 53rd Tank Bn will move down, with the just arrived 74th Tank Bn to join them in the flanking move. Their third Tank Bn, 71st, is not due to arrive for a few turns, so when it does I will likely just have them driving flat out down the highway, to support the 91st Inf Bn in their assault to Jenin directly from North.

This is it. Over to Berto
Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on January 01, 2016, 05:36:21 AM
IDF Turn #4 - 2D Extreme Zoom-Out View

My turn #4 continues to see my MPs mostly busy, controlling traffic into their destinated routes of advance. For now I'll switch to reporting on Bde level until the tactical battles start to hit on.

During the enemy replay, the first shells begin to randomly hit the main highway I am advancing upon. A hex with two full platoons from 9th Inf Bde is hit, but as I've not stacked over the 12 Strength Point level anywhere for a unit density penalty my luck holds. No casualties. My blind artillery barrages cause no hostile casualties either.

Contact! My diversion in the form of Company Task Force A (TFA) towards Kafr Dan finds the town indeed garrisoned. There's a HMG platoon in an improved position I bump into. Good news, this will keep my opponent guessing. I plot artillery towards the unit.

The 9th Inf Bde and its forward elements now have a visual on Jenin. There's trenches, bunkers and a pillbox spotted, albeit no sighting of any Jordanian units yet. I will start my next turn with LOS continuing to the city, and this will no doubt reveal the first hostiles there.

Time to quickly check the overall map one more time. This scenario does not play for 45 turns without a reason. Jenin is just the first obstacle to conquer, with other objectives deep in Jordanian area.

I will have a long left flank to protect, so with the map helping I decide to designate another Company Task Force (TFB) to recon another road towards south.

A third Company Task Force will stay in the vicinity of my HQ and Artillery positions as a reserve (TFR), just in case. These will be designated from the last elements of 9th Inf Bde to arrive as reinforcements, during the next two turns.

The 45th Arm'd Bde continues their flanking move, hugging the right most edge of the map. I wonder how long can they remain unseen. I am not too optimistic, but then again by now I have all the Sherman M51s in the front, so I should have quite a firepower to blast the route open there. Speed is the key to encircle Jenin and to hit the Jordanian soft (?) underbelly from south.

Need to be careful the keep the formations together, to not receive a Command & Control penalty with units straying too far from their organic HQs.

For the 9th Inf Bde, I've got the forementioned 91st Bn leading the advance, with 92nd now behind them, traveling south via the north-south railroad line. 93rd, arriving next, will designate the two new taskforces, TFB and TFR, and with their remaining company, take over the task of TFA of 91st in the flank. This would have the 91st and 92nd at the front, and 93rd at the long flank.

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/04_overview.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/m2uv29hgyui8q89/04_overview.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

That's it, back to Berto!
Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on January 03, 2016, 04:58:40 AM
IDF Turn #5

Another turn mostly about maneuvering the formations to their designates routes of advance.

At the left flank, Kafr Dan is indeed garrisoned, by a full Jordanian Coy it seems, with another Coy couple of clicks south of them, in the hills overseeing the valley with the North-South railroad line. After a brief firefight, the Jordanian HMG team is wiped out, with my leading platoon disrupted. I plot artillery there to assist my single Coy in the area to secure the area.

In the middle, the vanguard of 9th Inf Bde has Jenin in their sights. Having read the Scenario Description, it is indeed fully fortified, with trench systems, bunkers and pillboxes galore. Quite a tough nut to crack, with Strength 2 Minefields layed out in front of them. I am not confident my troops have spotted all minefieds yet, there must be more.

Talking about minefields, the 45th Arm'd Bde has just found out the whole eastern most area is indeed thoroughly and heavily mined too. With Strength 3 minefield belts all around, entering any of them would be a suicide. Luckily, it seems Jordanian engineers have been taking it easy, leaving the Rough patches unmined, knowing that no vehicles can enter through them. No vehciles on wheels that is. My fully track Bde then has no options but to try to infiltrate south with the two openings in the minefield. This will slow down them tremendously though. They've also spotted a trench system in the line of their advance. If that trench is manned, then my push is revealed to hostiles. With the spotting rules in place, the fact I can't see anyone there doesn't mean it would not be full of Jordanians armed to their teeth.

I have made a mess with having only one Engineering Coy with me, and allocating one engineering team to Kafr Dan, and two with 9th to middle. One Engineer team is about to hop to halftracks to join the 45th, but it will be several turns before they're there, and then, with one turn for dealing with one Minefield Strength Point each, it will be further three turns before there's an opening there in a solid ground. Oversight in my part. Can't be helped now.

2D Zoom-In View:

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/05_overview.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/jbvt22nc9uodue6/05_overview.png?raw=1)
[/spoiler]

3D Zoom-Out View:

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/05_overview3d.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/s8mxmngfo4p2er3/05_overview3d.png?raw=1)
[/spoiler]

And that's it. Back to Berto!
Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on January 06, 2016, 03:12:26 AM
IDF Turn #6

First shots fired, all plans aborted. Situation Normal, All F... etc. Well maybe not quite that bad overall, but the initial plan is not working out nearly as smoothly as I was hoping for.

At the western flank, battle for Kafr Dan is on. The Jordanian Coy is receiving reinforcements, but I guess that is a good thing, those forces are not on their way to Jenin at least. Planning their charge, the fire support team on the right flank is to open on the hostiles there, hopefully calling their Op Fire at a distance. On the left flank, the third platoon there will do the same. Then, the two platoons in the middle will charge the Improved Positions at their front, where the Jordanian troopers have pulled out from due to indirect fire doing its job.

Here we go, LOS hexes highlighted:

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/06_kafrdan_before.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/1o0g3m5obn3c32j/06_kafrdan_before.png?raw=1)
[/spoiler]

At the end of the day, decided to add the 2nd Platoon to oppressive fire mission as well, leading with just the 1st Platoon. 1:3 odds, exactly as they taught in the Officer School! Or was it the other way around? Where's that dang Field Manual... Regardless, Mortars plotted for the next turn:

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/06_kafrdan_after.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/ba9wysiax12v8rm/06_kafrdan_after.png?raw=1)
[/spoiler]

In the middle, the vanguard of 9th Inf Bde exchanges some long distance shots against the Jordanian troops at their positions. I am not nearly ready to assault there yet, so need to gather the forces around for a few more turns...

Meanwhile, the 45th Arm'd Bde has now found out there's no navigating around the strong minefields there. A major bummer to my plans indeed  >:(

The first Jordanian Pattons show their distinctive profile at a distance. They managed to knock off three of my Sherman M-51s off during the enemy turn, while my Op Fire knocked two of them out. Recall I made a note in my previous post of having my armor at place in a massed manner. It is paying off now. During my turn, I knock the other SP3 (as counting the wrecks after my turn) off, so the tally is 3 M51s vs 5 of their Pattons:

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/06_jenin_before.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/o7tek5shadef6re/06_jenin_before.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on January 06, 2016, 03:18:35 AM
IDF Turn #6 Completed

So here's the revised plan for the next turn then:

45th Arm'd Bde spreads their tanks as a cover while waiting for two Engineer teams enter the area.
9th Inf Bde deploys towards Jenin. Most of the troops are still on transit.

I have now all my units on the map. There was no 93rd Bn/9th Bde, just the two battalions arriving first; 91st and 92nd that is. So no troops available for getting too clever with all types of task forces. Sending a few recon teams on Jeeps to keep an eye on my overall right flank instead.

It will be a good two three turns before I can deploy my engineers to eastern most map edge to open a route through the mine fields there. Quite a lot of time for the Jordanians to deploy their plan of defence. Can't be helped...

I've got 11 air missions available, not gonna use any of them at this stage. I will use them against isolated Pattons later in the game instead.

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/06_turn_completed.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/9e4h6u9xs5ya0lu/06_turn_completed.png?raw=1)
[/spoiler]

Plotting the artilllery missions, then over to Berto.
Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on January 09, 2016, 04:18:26 AM
IDF Turn #7 - Kafr Dan

With turn #7, the action starts to build up. Let us see how some of the tactical action went this turn.

At Kafr Dan, the little IDF task force is doing a good job in luring any and all Jordanian units into area it seems. They need to stay alive though, and are obviously in a need of reinforcements so I sent some motorized backup their way in a form of Jeep sections with recoilless rifles together with a M3 meatchopper section.

Here's how it's turning out in the area:

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/07_kafrdan.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/d7ct6bk8bafkx5v/07_kafrdan.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on January 09, 2016, 04:20:22 AM
IDF Turn #7 - Jenin

At Jenin, the elements of the 9th Infantry Brigade start to spread around the Jordanian defences. I still have like one third of the forces closing in, so need a couple of more turns to have the town surrounded from north. In the meanwhile, need to move about to keep of the Jordanian artillery crosshairs!

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/07_jenin.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/y6wpts3hhef7xc9/07_jenin.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

I moved one M51 Coy into open to be spotted by Jordanian forces. I hope this little diversion forces them to not concentrate their tanks on one position, but hopefully as not yet knowing of my intentions they'd split to two equal forces for instance. The less forces facing my 45th the quicker their breakthrough! See next post for some good news on that section.

Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on January 09, 2016, 04:24:29 AM
IDF Turn #7 - 45th Bde flanking move

With two of the three Engineering teams about to arrive into area, my leading M51s spot a mine-free area behind one of the rough patches in the area. It will be slow getting through, but here goes!

I am very vulnerable at the moment, with no Action points for countering fire should the Jordanian Pattons show in force. Let us hope not...

I did send one M51 coy to west of Jenin to show up there in front of the Jordanians, so I am hoping at least some of the Pattons are on their way there.

Here's the view using 2D boardgame view, often practical for studying the terrain:

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/07_45th.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/zcetepcd6g7lrgg/07_45th.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

And here's the same location with Units OFF, to show the spot I am navigating through their minefields:

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/07_45th_unitsoff.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/bk53xgkwp11n9f2/07_45th_unitsoff.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

This is getting interesting! Plotted some artillery, then over to Berto.
Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on January 09, 2016, 11:47:31 AM
IDF Turn #7 - AIW Counters Mod

Had a few minutes and added the unit information to counter profiles, for that genuine boardgame view...

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/07_aiw.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/9s2rx477gqsh9rw/07_aiw.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on January 13, 2016, 01:22:05 PM
IDF Turn #8 - Disaster strikes! Or so they tell...

Bling, said the mailbox. At the office of course. Berto's turn:

QuoteRather disastrous for you, turn 7.  Fortune favors Jordan for a change.

Remember the rather risky move from last turn:

Quote from: Crossroads on January 09, 2016, 04:24:29 AM

With two of the three Engineering teams about to arrive into area, my leading M51s spot a mine-free area behind one of the rough patches in the area. It will be slow getting through, but here goes!

I am very vulnerable at the moment, with no Action points for countering fire should the Jordanian Pattons show in force. Let us hope not...

Well not quite! Jordanian forces do repel my 9th Inf Bde push to Jenin, causing some losses on the way. Still, so many trench systems unmanned. I just need to get into them, staying in the murder will be murder:

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/08_jenin.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/lha0p53vspm25er/08_jenin.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on January 13, 2016, 01:25:25 PM
Turn #8 - Kafr Dan

Again I considered pulling out from Kafr Dan, again I decided to put up a fight there. It is a diversion after all. Here's hoping it continues to distract Jordanians for a little longer? Also, any and all artillery plotted here is away from the Jenin front.

Plan for the next turn is to take the other Improved Position the Jordanians are holding on to. I still have just the one Coy I sent there, but with the jeep mounted RCLR battery and the one M3 Meatchopper platoon I can perhaps keep them occupied there.

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/08_kafrdan.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/4tiw85wouvbwisq/08_kafrdan.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on January 13, 2016, 01:27:59 PM
IDF Turn #8 - The Great Flanking Move

Switching back to 2D view to observe the terrain, I am now through the minefields in force, and this time with all M51 troops with enough Action Points for Op Fire against any hostiles coming their way.

Importantly, the two Engineer teams have now arrived next to mine field. Disembarking will cost them 50 AP, hopefully they can enter the minefield over the gully hex side the same turn as well. Then, two turns to clear the Strength 3 minefield, as each team will clear one strength point per turn.

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/08_45th.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/sn1fky2e9ptfnnp/08_45th.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on January 17, 2016, 06:10:54 AM
IDF Turn #9 - Things Heat Up!

And we go again. Settling into my next turn, I'll start with Kafr Dan action. Turns out the Field Manual said I should have a 3:1 advantage when attacking, not 1:3. Regardless, I managed to even up the score with the RCLR sections, and seems the Jordanians are about to pull out.

Turn #9 sees Kafr Danm secured, with my artillery and fire support teams effectively clearing out the town.

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/09_kafrdan.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/j6p7xlxvnjabawv/09_kafrdan.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

At the end of the turn, the diversion has ended, with area cleared of hostiles.

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/09_kafrdan3D.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/nrq1b6kryxzgwne/09_kafrdan3D.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on January 17, 2016, 06:15:05 AM
IDF Turn #9 - Things Heat Up!

I have no luck clearing out the forward trenches of Jenin though. Despite the artillery barrage and tanks and mortar teams in close support, the Jordanian forces refuse to blink. This will get tough, with the 9th Bde arriving into Jenin on a piecemeal fashion. The 92nd Bn is still a couple of clicks from Jenin, once they're in I can perhaps maneuver into assault positions.

So here's the interim situation then:

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/09_45th_nextmoves.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/2zhf34wzl5f3god/09_45th_nextmoves.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

The big question remains what to do with the 45th Arm'd Bde, with most of the tanks now south of Jordanian mine fields? Despite no hostiles spotted, it is highly likely my movement has been observed, and they are reinforcing the area.

So should I move out now, or come next turn?
Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on January 17, 2016, 06:18:33 AM
IDF Turn #9 - Things Heat Up!

The big question remains what to do with the 45th Arm'd Bde, with most of the tanks now south of Jordanian mine fields? Despite no hostiles spotted, it is highly likely my movement has been observed, and they are reinforcing the area.

So should I move out now, or come next turn?
[/quote]

When in doubt, attack

And there they are, hiding in their well camouflaged positions! Pattons show up too. Since the plan here is not to move in a piecemeal fashion at all, the tanks rev their engines and head towards the Jordanian forces.

After a brief firefight against the RCLR team I encountered earlier, and the Jordanian tanks, the score evens up: Six Pattons in flames, six Shermans too.

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/09_45th_spotted.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/kurrl9pbbm8cmu7/09_45th_spotted.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on January 17, 2016, 06:22:22 AM
IDF End of Turn #9

Here we are. I am well committed now, with the Mech Infantry of the 45th heading towards the opening in the minefields. As it was my two engineers were not able to move into minefieds as they unloaded, and can only do it come next turn. I am paying a price here for not having been prepared with having Engineers in my mobile force.

Can't be helped, I am spreading out, with some of the tanks encountering the Jordanian forces, while the plan is to move out from the area towards south instead of getting bogged down here.

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/09_endofturn.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/nl5o8xpnbrqh6l5/09_endofturn.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

How deep are the Jordanian defences towards south? I guess I am about to find out. Time to plot two air strikes to clear the Patton section and the Engineers from the clear terrain.

Victory conditions are not too bad given I am charging his prepared positions. Need to make headway soon though, can't afford to stay put!
Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on January 24, 2016, 10:33:39 AM
IDF Turn #10

With 10 turns out of 45 played, my push towards and beyond Jenin is slowly, ever so slowly making progress, but with a cost.

Starting with some good news, the battle for Kafr Dan is now effectively over, with my Coy Task Force witnessing the last of the Jordanians running to the hills. I fire some parting shots at them, hitting with some, missing with the others.

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/10_kafrdan3D.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/646vkgz3fgthumn/10_kafrdan3D.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

Kafr Dan secured. What are your orders? Mm. Have to think about that. I am sending their trucks for a rendezvous just in case I want to move them off. 
Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on January 24, 2016, 10:39:02 AM
IDF Turn #10 - 9th Bde's Push Towards Jenin

The 9th spreads out and stubbornly advance towards the well defended city, despite the hail of artillery and direct fire meeting them at every hex. My forward troops bravely secure some front line trenches. The advance is ever so painful given they have to attack up the hill, each elevation level taking its toll on Action Points for movement.

Berto is rotating his troops at the front lines with some fresh replacements not visible to me, from Jenin. Hopefully he's taking Disruptions while at it, so those pulled back cannot advance towards me before they've recovered. I need to start using Smoke to cover my movement, as I am getting shot out there.

I hope the Jordanians are feeling the brunt of the battle as well, with my three 105mm batteries in support, and mortar units in close support as well:

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/10_jenin.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/rdnaoaqf1gqd01u/10_jenin.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

My Disrupted units highlighted. As said, this is proving to be a tough advance on my infantry.
Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on January 24, 2016, 10:43:19 AM
IDF Turn #10 - 45th Arm'd Bde's Flanking Move

One thing I've noticed the Jordanian tanks are not present at Jenin, so I am guessing most of them are arriving as reinforcements. The few he has available are defending the ridge where the 45th is trying to break through. Here too the movement up the slopes is making my progress slower than I wanted to.

My forward tanks are about to break into the higher ground in front them, finally. From there I should have great visibility at the valley in front of them, and towards Jenin. Hopefully plenty of soft targets as well, for my indirect fire and Airstrikes.

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/10_45th.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/upucdluxqwujfz7/10_45th.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

My two Engineer teams are finally working on the Strength 3 minefields. In the beginning of next turn the minefields are down to Strength 1, and on turn 12 I can finally drive south with vengeance. It was a serious oversight not to have them in the vanguard to begin with, but I am trying to recover the best I can.
Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on January 24, 2016, 10:51:35 AM
End of IDF Turn #10

So here's, then, the overall map.

Berto is a sneaky player, so I've spread some recon units on my right flank to spot any fast moving units he's propably in the process of sending towards my rear echelon units. Then again, my flanking move in force is showing here as well. I saw Berto pulling some recon assets of his own to keep an eye on my units, so it will be unlikely I can totally disappear from his sight even should I finally break free from his first line of defence there.

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/10_overall.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/k22v18nubtdrwji/10_overall.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]
The Victory Dialog shows my side in the negative, with the tally ever so slowly sliding even further south. I set my target as a Draw for now. Getting even there will be a tall order, given I've allowed my Arm'd Bde to be bogged down in front of the Minefields for quite a few turns. Some of the momentum is surely lost, but I am still positive once I break out from there, there would be soft targets to claw back the point deficit with my armored forces.

As seen here, I've destroyed more Strength Points than the enemy, but am still at quite some disadvantage here:

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/10_victory.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/dx2i2nhy2d0wzws/10_victory.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

The Strength Dialog shows the story behind the point tally quite well. I've almost knocked out double the amount of infantry for instance, but the Israeli infantry costing twice what the Jordanians, I better keep at it.

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/10_strength.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/dl2v4jiiysgkit3/10_strength.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

This turn I lost three M51s against just one Patton knocked out. With many of my tanks left on his LOS, there's amble opportunity for him to use some shoot-and-scoot tactics. Yet, maybe if he moves to some of the hexes I've got in my gunsights, my Op Fire can make them pay as well.

This is it! Artillery plotted, one Air strike allocated against his Pattons, time to send the turn back to him!

Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: jomni on January 24, 2016, 10:22:01 PM
Objectives should make up for lost points. How close are you on getting them relative to remaining time?
Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on January 25, 2016, 03:49:44 AM
^^ Objectives offer a total of 550 points, so I am assuming what I really need to do is encircle and destroy the Jordanian forces in a piecemeal fashion.

I have a fast mobile taskforce in 45th Armd Bde, but of course made a mess of my flanking move by not having any Engineers with them, so got stuck in front of the Level 3 minefields...

I will soon find out if I still managed to break through in time, when I reach the high ground and have the LOS to what lies beneath. At best I can take some of my troops to keep the Jordanian reinforcements at bay, while mopping up the Jenin pocket from two directions. That was my plan anyways ...  :knuppel2:
Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Seydlitz on January 25, 2016, 03:01:07 PM
Great AAR, really enjoy it. Where can I get all these Mods you use?
Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: jomni on January 26, 2016, 12:02:26 AM
500+ points only? Ok then you gotta score more casualties.
Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on January 26, 2016, 03:24:54 AM
Quote from: Seydlitz on January 25, 2016, 03:01:07 PM
Great AAR, really enjoy it. Where can I get all these Mods you use?

Thank you  :)

Links to the MausMan's excellent "Pseudo 3D" mod and to my "Ode to AIW Map and Counters Mod" can be found at CS Middle East Mods Subforum, HERE (http://www.matrixgames.com/forums/tm.asp?m=3918444&mpage=1&key=&#3918444).
Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Seydlitz on January 26, 2016, 06:21:57 AM
Thx alot. This game is so gorgeous..
Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on January 31, 2016, 04:58:53 AM
IDF Turn #11 - Kafr Dan

Into turn #11, one fourth of the scenario under the belt more or less. So let us begin with my brave Coy at the outskirts of Kafr Dan, engaging the fleeing Jordanians running to the hills. And having said that, I resisted linking the Iron Maiden song here. You're welcome!

We're putting the finishing touches to official 1.02 UPDATE, and one of the things there was just enough time to do was to touch upon all 3D tiles. They'e now washed out a  bit, and while the original hand painted map art still stands the time imho, this took some of the sting out of the original color scheme I believe.

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/11_kafrdan3D.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/mxlnvu5spk86cnz/11_kafrdan3D.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

My plan here: chase the Jordanians, take an SP out here and there, all the points will help me.
Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on January 31, 2016, 05:02:13 AM
IDF Turn #11 - Jenin

Finally, my infantry is able to advance to the outskirts of the fortified town, and to take advantage of the trench systems there. This will prove to be a tough fight for sure. I am bringing my fire support teams closer to blast out each obstacle one at a time, but this will be costly I am sure...

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/11_jenin.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/zur0yyf5eioe4e3/11_jenin.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

That's smoke I've targeted there as well. No worries, I am not firing at my own troops. Yet.
Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on January 31, 2016, 05:07:47 AM
IDF Turn #11 - The 45th Armd Bde

However, my trepidation to cross the protective mine fields at the flank seem to have given Berto time to deploy all his tanks here, it seems. For I am not seeing any of them at Jenin. During the replay, I saw Pattons deploying there, and true enough, as I advance up the hill there I run into one of them. Berto's obviously put its Op Fire to OFF, so they would not reveal themselves. I fire at it by two Sherman troops, but only score a disruption.

As always, I prefer to play without the shadow mesh, so the visible hexes are highlighted in orange instead:

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/11_tothehills1.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/1azrp8nd1uc9amy/11_tothehills1.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

Having manouvered a bit, I spot another Patton troop there, and manage to knock one of the off. I move in well knowing there's the returning fire to come, but no time to be coy about this now. I called two airstrikes at them too, so I do hope I manage to keep a contact to them, and our flying friends will be swift in the arrival!

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/11_tothehills2.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/y8xr7hs20u7xjii/11_tothehills2.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on January 31, 2016, 05:11:36 AM
IDF End of Turn #11

Comparing the notes, we both lost three more tanks this turn, but Berto's turn #11 coming next I am paying the price of advancing towards him in an uphill battle, literally, where I keep spending Action Points in the difficult terrain, and he can - if he has managed to maneuver into proper positions in time - can enjoy a good old field fire practice. By no means I am downbeat here, good fun so far!

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/11_strengthdialog.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/cafuhquw5vj2brs/11_strengthdialog.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]




Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on January 31, 2016, 05:12:09 AM
Quote from: jomni on January 26, 2016, 12:02:26 AM
500+ points only? Ok then you gotta score more casualties.

Yep  :D
Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: JasonPratt on February 01, 2016, 04:18:07 PM
I've always been a big fan of the full-zoom mode in this series. But I appreciate the many different map modes, too.  :smitten:
Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on February 07, 2016, 06:47:04 AM
IDF End of Turn #12

Quote from: JasonPratt on February 01, 2016, 04:18:07 PM
I've always been a big fan of the full-zoom mode in this series. But I appreciate the many different map modes, too.  :smitten:

Thanks Jason! Here's the turn overview, with a one zoom level lower focus of how's things going. Or not:

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/12_overview.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/p2o6usj2ymndmh1/12_overview.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

At Jenin, I am bogged down in the face of difficult terrain, intense Jordanian artillery fire, and well dug-in troops. I take one or two hexes this turn, but at terrible cost. No option but to plough forward, while I believe Jordanian reinforcements are starting to arrive.

The 45th Arm'd Bde is paying a high price of their trepidation at the minefield too. Shermans, with a lack of infantry screening in front of them and identifying the Jordanian units, is being knocked out one by one. The tally is 17 burning Shermans vs 10 Pattons. My infantry is arriving in two turns, but I am slowly losing the initiative there too.

The plan was to move with a strong tight formation and to blow anything raising their head as encountered. I have not been able to stick to that plan. Initiative plays such a key role here. Need to think of something, and soon! Oh, but to have a couple of recon Helos buzzing above my forward units...

Having a good time here regardless. I think the best I can do here is a Draw now, and even that will continue to be an uphill battle. Over to Berto! 
Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on February 16, 2016, 09:28:09 AM
 
IDF Turn #13

Quite a busy week behind, but finally had the time to look at the replay of Berto's turn #12 and the damage done. I was quite concerned about the piecemeal fashion I seem to be advancing, fearing if he'd have the strength he could tear one isolated spearhead apart one at a time.

After having watched the replay, bad it was but not quite so bad as I was afraid of:

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/13_planning.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/99ne0nkdwadhxr8/13_planning.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

Climbing the hills towards Jenin while facing the strong artillery and small unit fire is costing me dear. Meanwhile, seems there's not that many Patton platoons (yet?) hunting on the flank, so maybe I can pull away from the tight space I am forced into as it is. The previous turn saw me dropping down a further 38 points to the red.

Me, worry? No, forward it is. Here's the plan of it, anyway:

Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on February 16, 2016, 09:30:10 AM
IDF Turn #13 - Kafr Dan

At Kafr Dan I am trying to keep up with the retreating Jordanians. I might need to give it up. Given the terrain lush with vegetation, it is stepping from one ambush to another one...

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/13_kafrdan.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/k5t6p2v013cec8k/13_kafrdan.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on February 16, 2016, 09:31:29 AM
IDF Turn # 13 - Jenin

At Jenin it is not going much better. I failed to take one single hex here. I now have my tanks in close support here, so hopefully can make a few determined assaults come the next few turns.

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/13_jenin.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/5jzs9vgyjzh7i3b/13_jenin.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on February 16, 2016, 09:36:25 AM
IDF Turn #13 - 45th Armored

Having disembarked some of the infantry, I now have some recon assets finally in place. Advancing up the hill I am able to destroy the three (I think) Patton troops I encountered there. Minefields finally cleared, my Engineers come forward, but importantly so does my Mech Infantry, finally able to use their speed to advance towards the tankers, desperately in need for infantry in close support.

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/13_45th.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/npzsoghog0za27z/13_45th.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

So here we stand. Counting tank losses, I am now down to 20 knocked out Shermans, but there's 15 burning Pattons here now as well. Not too bad, given how outdated the Shermans were towards their more modern counterparts. Three lost M51s versus five Patton kills this turn.  :knuppel2:

I am paying a terrible price at Jenin, with number of infantry lost. Jordanians are losing men too, so I will need to keep the pressure on.

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/13_strength.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/7wtdst0l3c0j8nn/13_strength.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

And here's the Victory Dialog. Clawed back somewhat, but Jordanian turn 13# is to to follow, let us see how it stands out then.

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/13_victory.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/7p0aflnsv5959n5/13_victory.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

Over to Berto!
Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on February 21, 2016, 05:54:47 AM
IDF Turn #14 - Kafr Dan

In this rather long 45 turn scenario events are steadily picking up phase. Not so at Kafr Dan though, where the Jordanians have pretty much vanished to hills and my Coy Task Force is regrouping to serve as some sort of an emergency rear area reserve, should Berto pull a suprise move to the area with his light mobile assets. Which I am sure he will  ;)

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/14_kafrdan.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/yuu8bkmpvv638rv/14_kafrdan.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

With my 60mm mortar team I am wishing the vanishing Jordanian forces a fast retreat out of the area.
Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on February 21, 2016, 05:58:37 AM
IDF Turn #14 - Jenin

The fierce battle at Jenin continues to heat up. Turn by turn, I manage to push further inside the city, but with a price. Turn 14 sees a key Pillbox next to the objectives fall to my brave infantry. As the Jordanians show no intent to retreating, I am hoping I can completely surround the area and pick up on the victory point deficit by slowly killing or capturing their full force here. There's more bunkers and improved positions than Jordanian defenders here, while my troops continue to jump from one such entrenched area to next one, avoiding the clear hexes for the strong Jordanian small arms and artillery fire.

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/14_jenin.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/fv25hhh6lpb7iki/14_jenin.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

The fat lady has anything but sung here yet, though.
Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on February 21, 2016, 06:01:43 AM
IDF Turn #14 - the 45th

Small pockets of Jordanians continue to pop up here and there among the steep hills where my Mech Bde is attempting to break through. It is looking more positive, but then again the visibility here is such I have no idea of Jordanian troops or even reinforcements in the area. I continue to pay for my slow advance through the minefields, but at least I am slowly being able to maneuver into proper positions here as well.

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/14_45th.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/61ndz93db8h8v8e/14_45th.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

Using the 2D Normal view I can actually see the lower part of the mapboard for the first time without reverting to zoom-out views. Yay for that!
Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on February 21, 2016, 06:04:24 AM
IDF End of Turn #14

Pointswise this continues to be a grim story. The plan continues to be to hope for an encirclement of Jenin in a manner I can catch as many Jordanian units as possible, kicked out from their entrenchments into the open. Early days still, this will certainly continue to be a tough battle for those in the blue here.

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/14_victory.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/32qgyoh9pe5my72/14_victory.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

And over to Berto!
Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on March 02, 2016, 01:05:10 PM
IDF Into Turn #15 (Night)

Having returned from a business travel there it is, the next turn from Berto at my mailbox.

Time to fall back. Jenin is yours for the taking., it reads. Oh oh.

Quote from: Crossroads on February 21, 2016, 06:04:24 AM
Pointswise this continues to be a grim story. The plan continues to be to hope for an encirclement of Jenin in a manner I can catch as many Jordanian units as possible, kicked out from their entrenchments into the open. Early days still, this will certainly continue to be a tough battle for those in the blue here.

So much for the Jordanian forces allowing them to get isolated, instead they're retreating in good order. Dang  :tickedoff:

Turn #15 introduces the switch to night time rules, so what better time for the hostiles to disappear into night than, well, night?

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/15_beginofturn.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/1z8v939m0zz6e0n/15_beginofturn.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

Come night, the terrain tiles switch to darker ones as well, as gunfight continues in the dark.
Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on March 02, 2016, 01:18:09 PM
IDF End of Turn #15

An orderly retreat is always a difficult thing to pull out, so hopefully I can close in at them before they manage to pull back to their next entrenched defensive positions. Playing this blind, and without any air recon assets, I of course have no idea if and where that might exist...

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/15_endofturn.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/hekh8owr510o5qv/15_endofturn.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on March 02, 2016, 01:24:48 PM
IDF Status End of Turn #15

So lesse here then. With the capture of the first 150VP Objective (that has a Bunker in it), I am running with a positive point tally for the first time here. And since they are running away (retreat they say), I am in no rush jumping into open to capture the other 150VP hex, I am sure both of them are plotted for heavy artillery.

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/15_victory.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/2zcl4uzrv3r8cvz/15_victory.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

Strength wise my 9th Inf Bde is paying dearly for their achievements, while the 45th Armd Bde is continuing its flanking move in a slow terrain with less infantry casualties but with 22 Sherman M51s knocked out against 15 Jordanian Pattons brewing up there.

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/15_strength.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/vhefv121y40j54b/15_strength.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

Tough battle, this.
Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on March 29, 2016, 12:13:47 PM
IDF Turn #16 (Night)

Quote from: Crossroads on March 02, 2016, 01:24:48 PM
Tough battle, this.

Had a bit of a struggle with Real Life, hate it when it happens it takes over the more important aspects of life like wargaming  :tickedoff:

Regardless, here we go!

Been a bit of a tough ride to my Israelis so far, which was not helped my two battle groups getting out of sync with each other. As the night turns continue, all the hard work is slowly paying off, as Jordanian forces retreat from Jenin. Quite in an ordered fashion, too. I am happy to march on, and definitively would like to have a couple of turns to rearrange my forces.

Here's how the beginning of turn looks like, after having watched the replay and observed the friendly artillery phase:
[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/16_beginofturn.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/hhc542vwh3vumnb/16_beginofturn.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

There was a couple of Jordanian Patton troops loitering around, the other one stopping still within my LOS. See if I can make a dent to their armor.
Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on March 29, 2016, 12:17:10 PM
IDF Turn #16

Quote from: Crossroads on March 29, 2016, 12:13:47 PM
There was a couple of Jordanian Patton troops loitering around, the other one stopping still within my LOS. See if I can make a dent to their armor.

Here's the situation on my right flank. Having danced around in the dark, I manage to knock out one Patton off the platoon I spotted earlier. I bumped into another two Pattons in the dark as well, and in the midst of the confusion I am not sure if I managed to knock them out, or if they just retreated into the night. will need to check the Strenght Dialog at the end of the play before accepting any bold kill claims from my tankers!

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/16_rightflank.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/8skvz61acqgg4p8/16_rightflank.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

Muzzle flashes mark the areas the tanks fired rounds at each other. That is a new wreck marker too, I believe!
Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on March 29, 2016, 12:19:42 PM
IDF Turn #16 - Kafr Dan

At Kafr Dan I order my troops back to garrison the town. There's a long flank there to keep an eye on for any units Berto no doubt has sent sneaking around there... No hostiles in sight, I order a couple of random fire missions to shoo them off for good! I mean, what's the point of carrying those mortars with you if you're not going to use them?  :knuppel2:

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/16_kafrdan.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/hnfnn1vz5kirdst/16_kafrdan.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on March 29, 2016, 12:24:19 PM
IDF End of Turn #16

Here's the situation at Jenin at this stage. Both Victory Location's have fallen, so that's 300 VPs in the bag. Given the amount of casualties I've taken that's not quite the coup it could have been. Imperative I catch the retreating Jordanians in the open ground! Having said that, they held on remarkably until the night fall before calling it a day there. Well fought!

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/16_endofturn.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/pry5clfi31rkwah/16_endofturn.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

Lots of firefights that took place in the dark. My right flank is slowly turning on the retreating Jordanians. Given the main road there they can retreat in haste, and as the road curves away from my advancing troops there's little chance I can cut them off here.

OK, lesse what the Strength Dialog and Victory status tell us at this stage...
Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on March 29, 2016, 12:29:26 PM
IDF End of Turn #16

Quote from: Crossroads on March 29, 2016, 12:24:19 PM

OK, lesse what the Strength Dialog and Victory status tell us at this stage...

So here we are then.

Strength report:

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/16_strength.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/tfhz8fj6gvffab4/16_strength.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

That's three Pattons traded to two Shermans. Victory point wise not perhaps much to celebrate, but purely from tank-vs-tank action point of view not too bad! I call it a happy turn all right  :)

Victory status:

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/16_victory.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/69ui0uwx563v55s/16_victory.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

Added another 150VPs to my tally, but having started at +15 I am not at +160, a loss of 5VPs this turn. But who's counting!  :knuppel2:

Over to Berto!
Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on April 23, 2016, 07:28:17 AM
IDF Turn #17 (Night)

Tough one, this!

Quote from: Crossroads on March 29, 2016, 12:29:26 PM
Added another 150VPs to my tally, but having started at +15 I am not at +160, a loss of 5VPs this turn. But who's counting!  :knuppel2:

Over to Berto!

A very much an uphill battle to Israelis, terrain included. Here's a little snippet of the constant pain my brave troops are encountering. Recall the Jordanians left a Patton troop on my LOS. Time to get rid of them, next!  :knuppel2:

During the Jordanian turn, they fired at my tanks, knocking out a Sherman M51 in the process. The muzzle fires indicate they are visible in the night from a distance too.

So first, let us move a supporting M51 troop to cover the area in case they retreat one hex as I fire at them. Would not want them to disappear into night!

I don't like the shadow effect for visible hexes, so instead I have opted to highlight the visible hexes with a highlight color instead:

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/17_tankbattle_1.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/h98sdm3nsct2u26/17_tankbattle_1.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

Next I fire at them, no effect with the first round, but beneath them, they've got another Patton troop covering the first one. It properly Op Fires on my tanks, causing one of my platoons to retreat.

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/17_tankbattle_2.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/cpawjglva62litf/17_tankbattle_2.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

I fire again at them, and manage to knock out one tank. Yes! The remaining tank retreats one hex.

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/17_tankbattle_3.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/e2pqxdabuhrnvhf/17_tankbattle_3.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

And of course there had to be one more Patton troop in the area, it now Op Fires on the hex I fired from (Visibility is 2, but you can fire at enemy gun flashes).

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/17_tankbattle_4.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/lefxakj12i4t99b/17_tankbattle_4.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

Enough of night battle without seeing anything! Or atleast a proper reorg, I am all over the place here...

Bang, another M51 knocked out  :tickedoff:
Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on April 23, 2016, 07:32:33 AM
IDF Turn #17 - And so it goes!

It is the same story in and around Jenin. I tentatively move one infantry platoon towards a visible enemy platoon, having fired at it with my HMG to properly soften them up first. It is the one without gun flashes on it below, and the only one that was visible at the time.

Sure enough, as I move forward there's two accompanying platoons that open up on my forward platoon (the ones fith gun flashes now visible below).

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/17_jenin_1.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/zzlahnxtmgyq2c6/17_jenin_1.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

Ouch!

So it is the same story at Jenin. Time to reorganize and to wait a bit. There is the Jordanian counter attack coming at some stage I am sure (with fresh reinforcements), I better be consent at securing the bunker and pillbox positions here, and to wait for them instead.

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/17_jenin_2.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/68x7efmvj1vua0j/17_jenin_2.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

Jenin, waiting for the next turn, with artillery plotted.
Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on April 23, 2016, 07:34:31 AM
IDF Turn #17 - the 45th Bde Flanking Move

Berto's placed Jeep units all over the lower edge of the map. I am now running into them in the middle of the darkness. Just to keep the situation fluid here, I begin to move my infantry into two columns, for now heading towards the Crossroads. The idea behind being the eventual Jordanian reinforcements hopefully heading this way, instead of making directly towards Jenin.

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/17_flankingmove_1.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/exn09v6kb9kxhxx/17_flankingmove_1.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on April 23, 2016, 07:38:01 AM
IDF End of Turn #17 - Getting Worse Before It Gets Even More Worse

A solid loss of 30VPs this turn. The terrain is a nightmare to attack against a determined delaying action.

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/17_victory.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/9e4punkyowxjlpb/17_victory.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

Having said that, the flanking move is finally ready to start swinging towards west, from their eastern map edge. Too little too late, probably, but here goes!

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/17_overview_1.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/du57x0jsqy296ei/17_overview_1.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

I still should have a good few rounds remaining before the Jordanian reinforcements arrive, better gain as much ground as I can before it is my turn to practice that art of delaying actions. Over to Berto!

Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on May 20, 2016, 10:59:57 AM
IDF End of Turn #18

Hello again, good folks of Grogheads! My apologies, been hit with a couple curve balls by Real Life so haven't quite been able to keep this DAR up. Here goes another turn, finally!  :smitten:

Not much, it is night until turn 25, so plenty of time to move a bit on the flank, and to prepare for the eventual counter attach at Jenin. Which won't come quite yet, I don't believe.

So while not much happening otherwise, here's a screenshot using the latest 1.02 UPDATE Open Beta version, just out the other day. Some tweaks to menubar icons, for instance:

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/18_overview_1.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/0khfwa0vv77gog2/18_overview_1.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

Here's the Strength and Victory Dialogs. Clawed back a whopping +7 Victory Points this turn. Yay!

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/18_strength.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/673ojjaykgkaqwz/18_strength.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/18_victory.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/c0ixq3blhejph2f/18_victory.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on May 20, 2016, 11:01:36 AM
Hmm, I've knocked two Pattons since last time I posted the Strength Dialog, against a loss of three Sherman M51s. Need to claw back a bit there too  :knuppel2:
Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Sir Slash on May 20, 2016, 11:32:00 AM
No problem Crossroads. Enjoying the read.
Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on May 28, 2016, 02:55:53 AM
IDF Turn #19

Quote from: Sir Slash on May 20, 2016, 11:32:00 AM
No problem Crossroads. Enjoying the read.

Thanks! So here goes again.

This very much continues to be an uphill battle (pun intended) for my brave troopers. Often, I can navigate only one hex forward even then risking having enough Action Points to return fire if (when!) encountering hostiles there. I am hoping I could maneuver more safely during the Night turns, with reduced visibility and fire effectiveness. Yet, I manage to lose four Shermans this turn.

Here's a typical night skirmish that is playing out all around the map. I advance, the Jordanian units are there in ambush positions, they fire, they retreat.

With the low visibility it is yet possible to fire at gun flashes. This particular little skirmish saw me losing one tank to an ambushing Patton troop, then my return fire causing them a retreat.

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/19_nightaction_1.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/hyn0avpjd6b5mlf/19_nightaction_1.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

Onward and forward it is, regardless. Next objectives are almost on sight here!

Over to Berto  :)
Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on June 05, 2016, 04:30:44 AM
IDF Turn #20 (of 45)

Getting closer to the half way mark!

All-out action continues without a break in the fighting, as mr Al Rashid's basement falls to my victorious troops!  :D

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/20_jeninnightaction_1.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/r1ryc6iktkrti5e/20_jeninnightaction_1.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

There's two bunkers remaining, I hope I can take them out before the Jordanian reinforcements get here...

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/20_jeninnightaction_2.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/r4j7hjh5go6artz/20_jeninnightaction_2.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

Lots of little skirmishes on my right flank, where the Ambush Valley (see what I did here) continues to be a tough preposition for my advancing forces.

Here's the Strength Report at the end of turn #20:

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/20_endofturnstatus.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/nyaawktvf23r172/20_endofturnstatus.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

That's a loss of five Shermans against two Pattons since last strength report. Finally, the Pattons were taken out by my infantry, which finally is getting deployed into the ground after having spent the whole game in their APCs, negotiating the very difficult terrain I chose for my flanking move.
Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on June 05, 2016, 04:31:16 AM
Too bad this forum doesn't seem to have Spoiler Tags, to hide the screenshots for a faster page load?
Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on June 26, 2016, 08:11:45 AM
IDF Turn #21 (of 45); [Night] - Jenin Proper

And so the struggle continues throughout the night of June 5. Let us look at some details, this time.

The overall feeling I have at this stage is that my strategy has been that of a huge blunder. While the 9th Infantry Bde is performing reasonably well in the bitter streetfighting on the fortified Jenin, the 45th Mech Bde has so far achieved nothing, having ventured into a terrain most unsuited for even their tracked vehicles. That can't be helped anymore, they are too far out there so just need to stay the course and see what's happening.

Before that, let us have a look at the Jenin sector.

My two imminent objectives there remain the two fortified hexes of bunkers, immediately south of the town.

First, the one to the southwest. Again, artillery achieves nothing there, so time to bring the close support fire of my tanks into play there (there's been some reactionary Opportunity Fire taking place during the opponent turn, hence the gun flashes in the area). First the AMX tank platoon:

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/21_jenin1.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/r7ts1e3kcfc6262/21_jenin1.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

Then, the Sherman M-51 Coy I had available to 9th Bde:

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/21_jenin2.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/wxiigng5zrm8yde/21_jenin2.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

As the smoke clears from the barrage, the results are found to be ineffective.  >:(

Yet, the Coy tasked with reducing the opposition fixes their bayonets, prepares the hand granades, and charges on:

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/21_jenin3.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/udp110kl2rj5isd/21_jenin3.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

Inconclusive. It could have ended a disaster for my attacking troops as well, but since it didn't it remains my assumption the bunker is not manned with fresh, strong troops, but with reduced platoons instead.

Next, the bunker in the southeast. Here, I don't have much close support available, but as the artillery left one of the defending platoons disrupted, and as I have Combat Engineers with me, I order another assault. :knuppel2:

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/21_jenin4.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/f22pulvxoyyvbnk/21_jenin4.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

Success!

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/21_jenin5.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/umj3ribgtcs594q/21_jenin5.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

Then, new troops in to man the trenchline left empty by the assaulting troops...

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/21_jenin6.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/osecxnv5sjspb0y/21_jenin6.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

Next, as the Jordanian troops were forced to retreat into open, I fire at them with all available units from a hill nearby. Revenge time!

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/21_jenin7.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/3r6jl3r6o4c6q0r/21_jenin7.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

Kills and retreats. That's more like it!

Overall, very happy about for the turn #21 in Jenin so far!

:)






Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on June 26, 2016, 08:19:39 AM
IDF Turn #21 (of 45); [Night] - Hills outside Jenin

Jordanian forces have had a field day performing an immaculate fighting retreat as my forces have negotiated the difficult terrain while approaching the hostile forces there. I'll put an end to this, at least for a while now.

First, I am hopeful the Armd infantry next to an exposed Jordanian Patton troop could cause some damage there:

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/21_jenin7.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/3r6jl3r6o4c6q0r/21_jenin7.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

Not so, it turns out, as firing values are reduces during a night turn.

So be it, I call an order for taking one step back, and to form a defensive line in the area:

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/21_jenin8.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/zld9ezzidzunffu/21_jenin8.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

Let them come to me, next  :knuppel2:

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/21_jenin9.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/s2bscg5kaxwhko5/21_jenin9.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on June 26, 2016, 08:26:31 AM
IDF Turn #21 (of 45); [Night] - Hill 361

Hill 361 occupies an area between my forces at Jenin, and those in the vanguard of the hapless 45th Mech Bde, still pretty much occupied in negotiating the terrain there.

Here, with the impetus of advancing on me, the story remains the same: bump into the enemy, take fire, do something to counter if possible (and often it is not, as Action Points were used for movement).

Another Jordanese Patton troop encountered:

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/21_hill361_1.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/ipmxin6dozmy3yq/21_hill361_1.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

With my M51s close by, I fire back, only causing a retreat though  :(

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/21_hill361_2.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/6cw2ys81uy5igt0/21_hill361_2.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

With road clear, time to send the next recon-by-death mission forward, with one of the reduced M3 halftrack platoons available:

True enough, an armored car recon element encountered, and destroyed (next).

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/21_hill361_3.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/53upkuvtuslc8r2/21_hill361_3.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

... with a cost of another Patton troop then firing at them. My brave recon troop leaves their flaming halftracks there, and returns on foot to the friendly lines...

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/21_hill361_4.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/sfywjyhwcusjjjs/21_hill361_4.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

Wreck marks their abandoned vehicles now  :buck2:

Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on June 26, 2016, 08:38:00 AM
IDF Turn #21 (of 45); [Night] - Hill 402

It's been a struggle for sure, with not many rewards for the painstakingly slow advance so far. Let us look at the situation at Hill 402, where the vanguard of my flanking move is hard pressed to move closer to put Qabitiya under threat.

Let us recap, with an overall map from turn #4, depicting the epic journey the 45th was set on.

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/04_overview.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/m2uv29hgyui8q89/04_overview.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

So here we are, at Hill 402 then. I am mostly encountering Jordanian recon units there, no doubt trying to figure out the extent of my forces in the area. Skirmishes with the lightly armed units mostly cause racket, and an occasional retreat. Not much happening here, apart having my men mostly jump of their halftracks, and continue on foot.

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/21_hill402_1.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/51pmf7cf1gfnzp8/21_hill402_1.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

And so it continues, here's the area a few unit moves later:

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/21_hill402_2.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/1wx0e6iocrolt1x/21_hill402_2.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

To finish the turn in this sector, I target the enemy positions with mostly the light 60mm mortars my troops carry with them.

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/21_hill402_arty.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/uz629b4c5op3ts3/21_hill402_arty.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

That's it, for this turn, in this sector.

Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on June 26, 2016, 08:45:32 AM
IDF End of Turn #21 (of 45); [Night]

Plenty of small unit action, come to think of it! Next, the final preparations for the coming next friendly turn.

At Jenin, I set all my heavy artillery to pound the remaining bunker I am to capture. Mortar units to pepper the open hexes in the area  :knuppel2:

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/21_jenin_arty.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/nqy0ym3uh3hhs6c/21_jenin_arty.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

Otherwise, not much to show for my efforts. No Pattons destroyed this turn, albeit, no Shermans knocked out either.

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/21_strength.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/fl9xdmzx7hrglfr/21_strength.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

Strength Points wise, my troops have performed very bravely, but the toll has been heavy. Losses have been at a same level per Strength Point, but for Victory Points the IDF is taking a heavy hit as their units are often considered more valuable than that of their counterparts. The Objective points should balance the score, but as I am only occupying Jenin at the moment, the situation remains grim from that point of view.

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/21_victory.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/xzo757aqa8haqo6/21_victory.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

But that is not the point of view I am taking! The friendly press contacts of mine are printing out huge headlines as how the Jenin has been captured, and how the strong IDF formations are deep into enemy ground. Any questions about losses, or of Military objectives, are met with a wall of silence  O:-)

Indeed, if I can even manage a Minor Loss here, after the disastrous strategy choice, I just might retain my Commander's cap for the next mission  :D
Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on July 14, 2016, 03:11:09 AM
IDF Turn #22 (of 45) [Night]; Jenin

As the dawn approaches, the action is toning down a bit. It is obvious Berto's consolidating his forces and a catching a breath too, while no doubt his reinforcements are entering the area during the nightl. His artillery hit the no-man's land in between our forces in and around Jenin, so he is still expecting me to still push forward. Nope, consolidating my hold of Jenin, that's it.

Speaking of that, his troops give up the remaining bunker without a fight:

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/22_jenin1.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/5mn5aaqo5x5lgsv/22_jenin1.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

That is good news, I move forward to take over, and perform a few firing missions at the retreating Jordans. Turns out the Bunker was well defended, as obvious from the Target Dialog:

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/22_jenin2.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/4x03f1icm2f55hi/22_jenin2.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

One SP kill and a Disruption. Firing at the disrupted unit again, hoping to wipe out more strength points from it:

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/22_jenin3.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/ytedgis1js7pna9/22_jenin3.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

Some skirmishing at the hills next to Jenin, then it is all about plotting the Artillery for the next turn. I am targeting his consolidation area with mortars, while my heavier artillery is all set firing at the remaining bunker in hostiles hands, next to Jenin railway station:

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/22_jenin4.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/62ytppxoquna7qb/22_jenin4.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

All done here!
Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on July 14, 2016, 03:14:02 AM
IDF Turn #22 (of 45) [Night]; Qabitya sector

At the lower right of the map, I am ever so slowly approaching Qabitya. Berto's been screening the area with recon units, armored cars at most. But there's the first infantry platoon there now, as well as two Patton troops in a selected hill with a great firing arc, at the edge of the map.

Not much to do here but to keep advancing in the cover of the night, while raining light mortar shells on his spotted units:

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/22_hill402_1.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/ke5c1hje1ng8bry/22_hill402_1.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on July 14, 2016, 03:19:58 AM
IDF Turn #22 (of 45) [Night]; Butcher's Bill

First, let us look at the overall situation. Here's the tactical map. I am quite worried about my northern flank, as I have only the thinnest of screen there. My artillery, at the top map edge, is very vulnerable even to a small hostile mechanized task force sweeping the area...

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/22_overview.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/evh2fzt1f6pxxu6/22_overview.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

Here's the Zoom-out view of the lower right map quadrant, where all the action is taking place. I still have a few night turns to sneak closer to Qabitya, before the sun rises and visibility improves dramatically.

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/22_overview2.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/wes9cbcxcmcsfmn/22_overview2.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

Right, butcher's bill. Lots of fire fights in the night, scoring hits in them blasted Pattons as well, but retreats only. The tank duel saldo continues to flatter the Jordanians:

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/22_strength.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/jqc3bxkv1kdioae/22_strength.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

As seen from the Victory Dialog, the Strength Point kills are even, but the IDF can't afford any losses due to higher VP values of the units. Kill, and don't be killed. Not doing very well in that aspect, as I have failed to envelope Jenin, allowing the Jordanians to retreat in good order.

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/22_victory.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/znx1t6tcnoj4e9i/22_victory.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

Continues to be a blast though, enjoying this I am! Over to Berto  :)

Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Commander Cody on July 19, 2016, 10:29:37 PM
Great AAR! This looks like a great game. Also, thanks for reminding us to bring engineers along. ;)

Cheers,
CC
Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on July 20, 2016, 08:41:44 AM
Quote from: Commander Cody on July 19, 2016, 10:29:37 PM
Great AAR! This looks like a great game. Also, thanks for reminding us to bring engineers along. ;)

Cheers,
CC

Thanks CC! Never assault without your combat engineers :smitten:  :knuppel2:

Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on August 08, 2016, 06:05:54 AM
IDF Turn #23 (of 45) [Night]; Jenin

Two more night turns to go, as the dawn will break at turn #26!

Turn 23 ends with the main objective at Jenin remains at enemy hands. My lack of heavy artillery means that the battalion of 105mms was not able to even disrupt one of the defenders. I have move tanks closer to the bunker, so hopefully next turn will see the combined arms make mince meat of the hex. We shall see.

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/23_jenin1.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/5oe4aphmnbggpi5/23_jenin1.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

On display is the current Strength Status. The Jordanian reinforcements have arrived in strength, they are consolidating around Hill 402 and knocked plenty of my halftracks out as target practice. I am beyond caring about lost VPs though, so what matters is the Jordanian Patton vs IDF M51 status. I believe we both managed to knock one out from the opponent tally, so no change there either.

It may be he is reinforcing his infantry on a push towards Jenin. The turn replay saw his artillery mostly hitting the no-mans-land between us, so it seems he's still expecting me to push forwards. My artillery scored plenty of hits in his bivouac area though. So there!  :knuppel2:

Plotted the artillery to same area again.
Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on August 08, 2016, 06:13:57 AM
IDF Turn #23 (of 45) [Night]; Qabitya sector

It was this area where Jordanian Patton's made a show of their strength. They're mostly retreated in their scoot-and-shoot tactic out of sight, but there they are. I ordered my brave troopers to dismount and push on, so that is what they did, firing a few flares to display the hostiles a bit better.

My remaining halftracks are removed from the area. No room for soft skinned vehicles there!

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/23_hill402.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/kz1xj3xt5nn9wtw/23_hill402.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

I called an airstrike on the spotted Pattons there. Hopefully they are feeling all invincible after seeing no IDF tanks there, and will remain in my LOS for the next turn...

So this is it for this turn. The point tally is way down, and my opponent actually requested if I want to continue, or ask for a truce to end the battle at the current score.

"Nuts!"

Over to you Berto  ;)
Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on August 18, 2016, 11:45:24 AM
IDF Turn #24 (of 45) [Night]; Qabitya sector

I have now reverted to CS:ME v1.03 alphas (EDIT: CS:ME 2.00 alphas, as the versioning turned out), so what you are seeing is again incomplete work-in-progress. For instance, the 2D graphics are being redone to support a consistant look between all biomes available under the Campaign Series games (Desert, Tropical, Steppes, what not).

So game on, it is. More and more Jordanian Pattons make their appearance, but covered by the night, most of their shots miss their targets. I lost another Sherman though  :tickedoff:

Finally, as I really have not that many Night scenarios under my belt, I remember the vital use of Flares if no Night Vision equipment is not available as is the case for my IDF troopers here. So watch this, illuminated by several flares my brave troopers fired around the hostile tanks, my Sherman crews have a definitive lock on some of the Pattons now.

See this:

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/24_hill402_1.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/kz1xj3xt5nn9wtw/23_hill402.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

I select my single SP3 Sherman troop to fire the first shot, to get the maximum out, at hostile #1: Reduced & retreated! SP3 second shot, hostile #2: Reduced & retreated! Take that!

The remaining single tank troops join in (sheesh I have been badly mauled here) 3xSP1: first shot no effect, second shot: Eliminated!  O0


And this:
[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/24_hill402_2.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/517ly5y2cvk4t8n/24_hill402_2.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

Second screenshot: 2 SP2 Sherman troops take their first shot: Reduced 1 retreated! 2xSP2 second shot: No effect. Oh well, that was fun while it lasted  ;)

To add an injury to these insults, my Engineers manage to disrupt one Patton troop next to them. 

That's six Pattons burning out there, ladies and gentlemen. Payback time!  :knuppel2:


Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on August 18, 2016, 11:51:44 AM
IDF Turn #24 (of 45) [Night]; Jenin sector

Not much going on at Jenin this turn. Since my arty park again failed to make one single Disrupt at the enemy bunker, I call my attack off and set on defensive. The hostiles here do get share of my new improved shooting skills under the illuminated night skies, as several Jordanian infantry squads are taken casualty.

Here's the end game at Jenin come turn 24, with Specials On Top display option toggled on, to display the various defensive structures present in the area.

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/24_jenin1.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/bvtocoox0or0bly/24_jenin1.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

Having given up on my futile attacks on the remaining enemy bunkers around Jenin, I concentrate all my artillery at the bivouacking Jordanians (or so it seems) at the road towards Jenin. Take that! Too! Ha.

It seems my shuffle of commanders by previous end-of-turn is paying dividends, for my troopers are packing a fight with a newly found enthusiasism. Given how badly I goofed up in with my maneuvering into positions, attacking at 1:1 odds at most places, I am again almost at Par with SP losses. Not bad!

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/24_victory.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/p0ky812dsbfpe7t/24_victory.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

Tank kill ratio don't look half bad either, anymore. 34 Shermans vs 30 Pattons. I can almost live with that  O:-)

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/24_strength.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/1k48cf5c2tmf4zg/24_strength.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

This is it. Back to Berto! I believe it is Dawn come next turn, will need to see if it is time to call off this operations, or whether there's sense to carry on...
Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on August 22, 2016, 10:50:08 AM
IDF Turn #25 (of 45) [Night]; Overall View

Into the final night turn! Instead of showing small unit action, I thought I'd show the overall situation at this stage. Here it is, at the end of IDF turn #25.

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/25_overview.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/csswu8nic6w9tqk/25_overview.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

During the replay, I observed his artillery mostly falling in front of his Bunker complex just west of Jenin, so good thing I pulled out, I would have been blown to pieces. At Hill 402, his tankers returned the fire, firing on my muzzle flashes, but again, since he had no close support from infantry, no flares to illuminate the targets, no casualties. A couple of retreats, so a close call! To my satisfaction my OpFire killed one more Jordanian Patton, as they stood there, firing under my friendly flares illuminating the skies. To top the feeling, my light mortars shelling his tank positions managed to disable another Patton, so they are paying dearly now as they need to fight a more static battle!

Also, he seems to be pulling out south of Jemen, to defend the Crossroads from my flanking move no doubt. My artillery barrage seems to hit it quite nicely, despite that I am solely placing my artillery By Map (you need to have the optional rule on to do that). Nice. Go Arty!

Into the friendly phase, I basically rinse and repeat what I did last turn. My troopers close to his tanks again fire flares, and my Sherman crews pay their compliments by knocking out several more Pattons. The overall score everyone is watching (Right? Right!) is now 34-35 to my advantage! Go Shermans! Boo Pattons!

Here's the Strength Report:

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/25_strength.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/u18caw4rr6urxxl/25_strength.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

And, here's the Victory Status.

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/25_victory.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/krar7m366927aun/25_victory.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

These two past turns have certainly been a boost for my morale. I almost took his offer to call this the quits, glad that I didn't. He's lost 12 Pattons during the past turns, that must hurt him. Scrolling down the Strength Dialog, I noticed he's lost a Bde HQ at some stage as well, so some of his units might be in difficulties with recovering from Low Combat Efficiency. An important kill, to my artillery no doubt. So again I plotted down a proper barrage to hit his forces hopefully on their way south from Jenin...

Yet, I am dearly paying in the VP values of my forces vs Jordanians. IDF citizen soldiers are valued highly at 6VP per half-squad, to that of 3VP of Jordanian forces. And they bled dearly taking Jenin in a frontal assault, without the support of the 45th. I am still reeling from that decision...

Looking at the map, this is getting interesting again. If he continues to pull out south of Jenin, worried no doubt about my 45th Mech finally entering the fray, I will then start slowly advancing with the forces from the 9th Infantry.

Enjoying this a lot! Over to Berto  :)






Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on August 28, 2016, 04:07:42 AM
IDF Turn #26 (of 45) [Day]; Jenin

Dawn it is, visibility jumps to 4 now! The map switches back to Day Graphics as well.

I have been playing with the Night Graphics a bit for the eventual 1.03 UPDATE, trying to see how everything would look like through a layer of greenish-blue "nightvision" goggles, but not quite there yet. Here's some new vegetation though, for instance Shrub is now "3D" as well, instead of map symbol shrubs.

But back to the battle...

Quote from: Crossroads on August 22, 2016, 10:50:08 AM
Looking at the map, this is getting interesting again. If he continues to pull out south of Jenin, worried no doubt about my 45th Mech finally entering the fray, I will then start slowly advancing with the forces from the 9th Infantry.

No sign of that, instead seems he's concentrating more forces south of Jenin! His artillery is still on defensive though, blasting the no-mans land around his threatened Bunkers there mostly. My artillery plotting was spot on it seems though, plasting at his stacks of units in the area. He's taking a lot of casualties there.

Here's the view on Jenin before I move about:

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/26_jenin_0.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/izpssuel7ho7azy/26_jenin_0.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

And here's Jenin at the end of IDF turn #26:

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/26_jenin_1.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/xbv5vdk7jop7c7e/26_jenin_1.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

He's got plenty of armor around, seems he is cautiously advancing as well. My turn to set those ambushes in place, see the Visible Hexes there from my positions  :knuppel2: One hex forward, little Pattons, that's all I am asking...  O:-)
Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on August 28, 2016, 04:14:25 AM
IDF Turn #26 (of 45) [Day]; Qabitiya

I am close enough Qabitiya to call this sector just that, right?  :)

Here's the situation before I move about:

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/26_qabitiya_0.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/3dnlxljyb0wstid/26_qabitiya_0.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

Not much going on, maneuvering around trying to avoid contact here. My forces are still badly positioned due to my earlier plan of swinging to the very southern edge of the map before turning east. Now I am slowly positioning a push bypassing his strong defences in Qabitiya, in order to make an effort to Qabitiya Crossroads instead. Perhaps. He's got plenty of tanks in this area as well, so I am carefully moving about, seeing if I can ambush a few of them if he ventures in to a particular dangerous spot where I have visuals on.

I am using my small cal Mortars to shell his tank positions, in case I get lucky and get a Disable, but mostly to unnerve him to move about. Let us see how it goes.

Here's the situation at the end of IDF turn. I have turned the Strength Point losses to my advantage as well, while still having a smallest of edge on tank kills. IDF has been delivered a most bloodied nose here, but you'd never know that listening my propaganda right  ;)

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/26_qabitiya_1.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/0r3h1fyymifek55/26_qabitiya_1.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

Over to Berto!
Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on September 06, 2016, 11:05:47 AM
IDF Turn #27 (of 45) [Day]; Jenin

As the sun rises, the visibility continues to improve. It is now 6 hexes, or about a mile, for LOS purposes. On today's episode of Improved Graphics Berto just pointed to me all the regular NATO military icons are missing their Platoon strength indicator of three dots, while the Coy, Bn, Regt, ... leaders and HQs are properly marked with theirs.

During the Battle Replay, the Jordanian artillery continue to briefly harass the areas in front of his bunker, but my inaction has made him to plot some of my static infantry platoons as well. I need to get moving! His tankers keep firing at my infantry, causing casualties here and there. None of his tankers move forward though. The master of ambush that he is, he refuses to step into any of my traps...

The friendly artillery is a success again. I have kept firing at his tank positions with my mortars, and I am causing yet another two Disables, one in the road towards Jenin, the other south of Hill 402. My heavier artillery, set at the road network just south of Jenin, runs havoc on his massed troops again. Casualties, retreats, it is not a happy place!

Here's the situation around Jenin, after the Battle Replay and friendly artillery:

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/27_jenin_0.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/z5nluuxu4z0dokb/27_jenin_0.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

That's quite a mass of men and vehicles on that road there!

And here's how Qabitiya sector looks like.

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/27_qabitiya_0.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/gkprhel7qse8nxy/27_qabitiya_0.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

It is quite a game of cat and mouse! My two reduced Sherman troops are spotted from three directions, so I have a decision to make. Should I retreat immediately to stay alive, or should I take a shot at one of the Patton troops spotted, no doubt receiving Op Fire from all of them! Sherman M51s lose badly on armor, while their guns are a threat:

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/27_qabitiya_1.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/87hnviw37mxneto/27_qabitiya_1.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

I decide to take a shot at the Strength 3 Patton troop south of Hill 402, but find my shots bouncing off their armor  :tickedoff:  No returning fire though! I will retreat to... oops, not enough Action Points to move to any of the Rough hexes behind them.

I send my Mech Inf Pltn to recon the area a bit, and of course they then bump into more Pattons! What is it with Jordanian armor, don't they ever run out! Of course the unidentified hex marked with "?" fired at them too, that was 5 more Pattons. There's now 34 of them all in all, and that is only the spotted ones  ???

I continue to have 29 runners in my tank strength, so no need to get careless here any time soon...

That's it from today! To be continued tomorrow, or on Friday  :smitten:
Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on September 11, 2016, 12:46:07 PM
IDF End of Turn #27 (of 45) [Day]

So here goes, finally had the time to finish my turn today. Been a super busy weekend with latest alphas being released by Berto. Boy oh boy, is 1.03 going to be something else!  :smitten:

At Jenin, I decided to go forward and take the two IPs kindly providing me with shelter, finished the turn with Combat Engineers laying out a protective smoke screen there. Continuing to direct all my indirect fire there. Not a happy place!

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/27_jenin_end.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/c9vighp0i4wca4s/27_jenin_end.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

At Qabitiya, not much going on, trying to sneak around his tanks while consolidating my infantry. Will take a few turns yet. Meanwhile, my Mortar teams are keeping his tankers fully buttoned up, and decided to call an airstrike on one of his Patton troops that I have several units having a visual with.

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/27_qabitiya_end.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/qmf1ligbnxaq2in/27_qabitiya_end.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

Over to Berto!
Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on September 28, 2016, 01:18:23 PM
IDF Turn #28 (of 45) [Day] - Jenin

After a busy week and a half bw both me and Berto, it is back to action. Watching the replay, at Jenin sector, he's moving forward trying to flank my vanguard that dashed towards south. Only to meet my ambushing Shermans and RCLR Jeeps. A couple of burning Pattons witnessed that action, I believe.

Into my turn, and Artillery phase, I hit him quite hard again at the road he's having his troops bivouacing before hitting towards Jenin. They are suffering quite bad there, which is good news to me of course as I finally am on the giving side. I will need to decide if I risk bringing more troop forward, or just weather the storm for a couple of more turns, hitting him hard with my artillery park.

He's really bringing his tanks forward though. I am quite thin on my flank, while I have a pretty much intact Sherman Coy at Jenin. I think I will hold him at bay here. Maybe.

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/28_jenin_0.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/odvpxyfvps9ryto/28_jenin_0.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on September 28, 2016, 01:23:11 PM
IDF Turn #28 (of 45) [Day] - Qabitiya

Down south, he's got quite a plenty of armor here as well, as I witnessed during the previous turns. He's moving some of it toward the lower right map corner, chasing my pesky mortar units there. Meanwhile, he tentatively moved forward here with a few Pattons as well, only to stray into front of my awaiting Shermans. A couple of burning Pattons more here as well.

It is quite a cat-and-mouse struggle though. My four Shermans are now under his LOS, I can't move anywhere as he's got multiple Pattons targeting the surrounding hexes. I will then stay put as well, using the other Strength 2 Sherman troop firing at his recon and mortar vehicles, leaving the other  Sherman with full AP load to hit if he moves his Pattons into a kill zone. I would, they are well armored, and my Shermans here are sitting targets.

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/28_qabitiya_1.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/tds0bvcmj5p3349/28_qabitiya_1.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

This is it for now, finishing my turn on Friday I think  :knuppel2:
Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Sir Slash on September 28, 2016, 09:51:45 PM
What if I can't wait until Friday? The IDF wants action now.
Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on September 29, 2016, 04:17:18 AM
Quote from: Sir Slash on September 28, 2016, 09:51:45 PM
What if I can't wait until Friday? The IDF wants action now.

Ha. The IDF does not comment the speculation that there now seems to be additional smoking tank wrecks out there.  :knuppel2:
Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on September 30, 2016, 10:48:46 AM
IDF End of Play Turn #28 (of 45) [Day] - Jenin

As seen here, he's still got strong armored formations wondering about the place here.

My eastern flank is not very strong (at all!). but maybe that little ambush that took place during his turn has made him more cautious. Let us hope so.

I am again plotting quite a barrage over his troops deployed here, while my troops are sitting in their bunkers and pillboxes, weathering (most of) his barrage coming my way.

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/28_jenin_eop.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/t2x6aht3tygcryz/28_jenin_eop.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on September 30, 2016, 10:53:22 AM
IDF End of Play Turn #28 (of 45) [Day] - Qabitiya

Down south things are way more interesting! It is good to see his Patton troops have taken quite a mauling here, with most of them under strength at this stage. Just don't ask about my Sherman troops (ha!). Here I am plotting my 60mm mortars on his tanks, again to unnerve him, and there's a couple of air strikes there as well, although so far those have been pretty unefficient.

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/28_qabitiya_eop.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/poohimkr3b85pu7/28_qabitiya_eop.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

So what's interesting here, you ask? This! Hammer and Anvil. I am not sure I have the strength to make it to Qabitiya Crossroads, but if I can squeeze his troops between my two echelons, they are finally where I wanted them to be in the first place. The victory conditions with this scenario quite clearly state holding victory objectives is not the key, but taking low losses myself (failing here miserably), and taking out a lot of hostile VPs in return (finally starting to do that atleast).

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/28_plan.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/2p9qk90wt4b43oc/28_plan.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

The Patton-vs-Sherman score sheet, the one that my propaganda makes all the fuss about, is looking quite nice from my viewpoint now. 44-vs-34 at the moment. 

Plenty of those Pattons still around, no room for getting complacent. At all!  :buck2:

Over to Berto!
Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on September 30, 2016, 10:54:44 AM
Gained some 100VPs on him this turn. Nice! Still heavily on the Major Loss territory here though, so lots of work ahead.  :knuppel2:
Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on October 07, 2016, 11:39:56 AM
Turn #29 (of 45) [Day] - Jenin

Things are certainly heating up again  :knuppel2:

He's got some 20 Pattons trying to flank Jenin from East, I've got like half a dozen shot-out Shermans and RCLR Jeeps to stop him. Not terribly worried, yet(!), as tanks are pretty useless in cities so no way he can storm Jenin objectives by them alone.

On another development, there's Jordanian Pattons heading towards Kafr Dan (remember that town?), so there seems like an endless supply of Jordanian armor in my sector. I've knocked out some 45 Pattons at this stage, but that hasn't stopped Berto from pushing forward, not a good sign.

Here's Jenin at the end of enemy turn replay.

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/29_jenin0.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/yyu3sjz6funri2y/29_jenin0.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on October 07, 2016, 11:44:16 AM
Turn #29 (of 45) [Day] - Qabitiya

Qabitiya sector seems to have calmed down a bit, it seems. Berto seems to be happy to have contained my force, while I am mostly interested in deploying my troops towards North and Jenin. Here's Qabitiay sector at the end of enemy turn replay:

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/29_qabitiya0.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/c04hozq8t1zjezi/29_qabitiya0.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

That's it for today, finishing my turn and reporting tomorrow!

Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on October 08, 2016, 10:54:48 AM
IDF EOP Turn #29 (of 45) [Day]

Not much to add, nicked a few kills here and there, but it is becoming obvious that is quite a formidable Jordanese counter attack in play. As observed in the replay, not only have they hordes of armor in key sectors, they've got a detachment going towards Kafr Dan as well

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/29_eop.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/9440lams4emz9lk/29_eop.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

As seen in the overall picture, my Mech Bde continues to be hopelessly out of place. If it wasn't for the bravery of the 9th Infantry, this battle would have been over many turns ago!

Over to Berto  :knuppel2:
Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on October 10, 2016, 11:11:36 AM
IDF EOP Turn #30 (of 45) [Day]

To speed up things a bit, I move straight to a turn overview. Turn #30, into last third of the battle it is!  :knuppel2:

Enemy turn replay so them cautiously advancing, with some duels against my troops firing at Op Fire at advancing enemies. Taken by surprise, they lose a few more Pattons (those are the one I am counting right), making the situation 35 Shermans knocked out, vs a total of 49 burning Pattons. 1 Sherman vs 4 Pattons during the enemy turn, got quite lucky there.

During my turn I move cautiously about, always leading with my infantry, to absorb the enemy Op Fire in turn. I take a few losses, but crucially, many enemy tanks expire some of their Action Points so I have a few chances to move in. The special accolades go to my Tank Coy at Jenin, who knock out a full SP3 Patton troop, while they bleed elsewhere too. I lose an additional Sherman, vs 7 more Pattons knocked out, quite a turn! What is best is my two isolated Sherman troops finally are able to break out from the pocket (pictured in the Unit List here). I will need them badly, so glad to see that happening! Did not expect that, really, had the letters written already...  O:-)

What else is great is I am for the first time able to move to Minor Loss territory. Given the terrible battle plan I put together that feels like a Major Victory at this stage. Berto is definitively feeling the pain of being on the move here, as this terrain is really terrible for advancing forces. Plenty of places to ambush all around.

Here's the butcher's bill at this stage. My hammer and anvil are still far apart as you can see, but looking at the positives I have had plenty of time to soften the enemy pocket with my artillery. They begin to be quite shot out there at this stage.

Got to love these longer scenarios, I was as good as defeated a while ago. Still feels like walking on a wire though, so many Pattons all around, with just some shot-out Sherman troops here and there to counter them...

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/30_overvieweop.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/hy8u9hnd1hb3w4e/30_overvieweop.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

This is it, back over to Berto!
Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on October 16, 2016, 10:05:27 AM
IDF EOP Turn #31 (of 45) [Day]

Again, to keep things moving, just a quick End-of-Play report from the trenches!

Battle Replay: As expected, I lost a 1SP Sherman I had left in enemy LOS due to running out of Action Points. Got lucky this time, as two or three of them scored retreats only, to fight another day.

Artillery Phase: I have a habit of placing mortars on top of enemy tanks in a hope of hitting a lucky disable every now and then. I recall it is a 3% or 4% chance to have a shrapnel hitting the tank commander, or jamming a turret, or what not. One disable this time! Nice  O:-)

At this stage the score went to 298VP so just 2 points under a Minor Loss which is my renewed target out of this game. The ever so important Pattons-vs-Shermans score stands at 57-37. as both sides lost two tanks in this phase.

Carefully, then...

Friendly Phase: Not much going on here as you can see. My forward infantry reported a sighting of enemy Divisional HQ at Qabitiay Xroads, before being hit and retreated out of sight. There was a Bde HQ further up that unpaved road there, so this time around plotted a lot of artillery on top of that area. Would be a lucky break to hit something there so why not try.

Then, recon-by-death. I run out of patience to lead with my infantry once they were out of action points, and went ahead and moved one of my 2SP Twin-AA halftracks forward. Disaster, as a single Patton eliminated them, a loss of 10VP. Ouch!  :tickedoff:

However, as the situation develops, I am well positioned to continue move back north with my infantry, with Shermans in close support just behind them. My grand Hammer-and-Anvil goal of encircling the whole area is now readjusted to encircle their pincer that has reached out just a bit too much to the Northeast by now. Encircle, destroy, consolidate all forces to Jenin for what I hope at that stage is a Minor Loss indeed. Let us see.

Here's the end-of-play screenshot:

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/31_overview_eop.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/irtce79ostim73t/31_overview_eop.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

That's it, back over to Berto!

Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on October 20, 2016, 11:40:08 AM
IDF EOP Turn #32 (of 45) [Day]

Here#s anohter End-of-Play report from the trenches!

Battle Replay: It is never a good sign receiving the PBEM email with comments like "Ah, that's much better." And so it was, my two Strength 2 Shermans at my very most rearguard did not survive their break out of pocket further than this. There's so many Patton troops in hot pursuit of the remnants of my Mech Bde I just hope they survive their hammer move towards the anvil of my awaiting troops at Jenin. I did knock a couple of Pattons with Op Fire here and there, but this was a costly turn in that sense.

Artillery Phase: My unspotted artillery on enemy HQs did not score any casualties, but was well worth it I guess. Other, plotted targets saw quite a few scores again, so the action for the friendly turn #32 beging with 282 Victory Points, and some ground to make towards Minor Loss threshold at 300 VP again.

Carefully does it again...

Friendly Phase: Quite a few Patton troops still at loose west of Jenin, I am spreading my infantry to find them out. I did find quite a few, and knocked four Pattons out with a loss of one friendly track. I am well positioned to attack them again come next turn. I always lead with my infantry, as there's no sense to drive blind into their gunsights with my few precious Shermans remaining. It is working. So far  :buck2:

Here's the end-of-play screenshot. As you can see, Jordanian Pattons are consolidating a noose around my Mech Bde who, I guess I don't know which at this stage, are either retreating or advancing towards Jenin and North at this stage. Bit of both I guess.

Not much plan left. Mop up the Jordanian pocket west of Jenin (hopefully), and retreat them into safety of Jenin (hopefully).

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/32_overview_eop.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/38bmf0w4wldx2br/32_overview_eop.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

Back over to Berto!  :)
Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on October 23, 2016, 10:45:18 AM
IDF Turn #33 (of 45) [Day]

Disaster time!  :buck2:

Battle Replay: See those three halftrack troops there, a click southwest from Hill 361. That's my Bn HQs providing support to my Mech Bde combat troops. I was carefully maneuvering them out of harms way, ensuring there's no hostiles in any hexes they have a LOS to. Well there were no SPOTTED hostiles anywhere. The prowling Patton troop or three could not believe their luck having the soft skinned vehicles parked in their gunsights... Up in smoke. What a disaster, the whole Mech Bde will probably spend rest of the battle in Low Combat Efficiency, cut out from their Battalion Nets and communication  >:(

I also found out the enemy pincer east of Jenin is stronger than what I expected, I mean, look at all those Pattons there! I order my tankers to enagage them at zero range, from ambushing positions, but I don't expect them to live to see the end of the day...

What else. Oh yes, he's got another pincer northwest of Jenin, but I am not going to worry about it. Yet.

Artillery Phase: Nothing much to report from artillery come this turn, but this is truly turning into a target rich environment again.

So here we stand, before the Friendly Move. Some ground to cover. Oh well, fix those bayonets, in we go!

[spoiler](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/33_endofreplay.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/x8rjgl45cxq0773/33_endofreplay.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

Quite a comeback to be made!  :buck2:

To be continued...
Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on October 26, 2016, 10:45:04 AM
End-of-Play IDF Turn #33 (of 45) [Day]

Quote from: Crossroads on October 23, 2016, 10:45:18 AM
Quite a comeback to be made!  :buck2:


After some particular nasty fire exchanges I managed to claw back the -16VP deficit from Minor Loss to +33VP. I have at least 3 Shermans with LOS to hostile Pattons, so they are toast for sure. That's an easy +21VP to them for a starter. This is really swinging back and forth now!  :buck2:

Friendly Phase: It now seems he's pushing a pincer round Jenin from both sides, albeit the one from west seem to be some infantry recon teams at this stage. The visibility and LOS in this terrain really sucks, so who knows what's coming from there. But I do have my light screening forces in place, so I will not worry about them now. Not yet.

Meanwhile, my Mech Bde survivors continue to push north, they are from a couple of turns to closing the retreat avenue of the Jordanian eastern pincer there. There's a ton of Pattons there somewhere still, but I have plenty of screening Infantry that are hunting them down, and my precious few remaining Shermans ready for some opportunities as well.

Screenshot:

[spoiler=Situation at the end of play IDF turn 33](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/33_endofplay.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/7jbsn1f2xlmofj4/33_endofplay.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

Oh, but this will be a close one.

What else? Oh yes, the Shermans vs Pattons kill ratio:

Over to Berto!  :knuppel2:

Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on October 26, 2016, 10:46:27 AM
After a few high level overviews, I'll try to depict some of the close action battle come next turn. This is a tactical game, after all.
Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on October 30, 2016, 08:28:28 AM
End-of-Play IDF Turn #34 (of 45) [Day]

Enemy Phase #33. It was just as bad as I thought, the spread out Shermans east of Jenin were all knocked out. There's a bit of a dance going on, he's retreating from the highway towards Jenin, his eastern pincer is retreating towards the eastern map edge, while he is hot at my Mech Bdes heel as they in turn try to push north, towards the safety of Jenin. Also, I don't know if he had heavy tubes earlier, but they hit me with a vengeance, took quite some losses to his arty. Not good.

Friendly Arty Phase Not many hits this time around, but a few kills here and there. VPs stand at 275 at the beginning of Friendly Phase #34, so again quite some catching up to do!

Friendly Phase: I thought I'd record some tactical small unit action this turn, but there wasn't much happening so maybe next turn. Mech Bde continues to push north, they caught up with some shot-out disrupted enemy units which were mopped upped on the run. My tanks caught some enemy APCs at long range, together with some RCLR Jeeps, which were put out of their misery albeit with little VPs to show for the effort.

Yet, small streams etc etc, I pushed again to the Minor Loss territory, but again with many of my units caught at their crosshairs, including the two Sheman troops of the Mech Bde. The push to north is turning to a rout a bit with some of my units who can't reach the safety of Jenin soon enough.

At the same time, I still hope I can catch some of his disrupted units escaping east before they vanish to the mountaneous terrain there.

Screenshot:

[spoiler=Situation at the end of play IDF turn 34](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/34_endofplay.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/iqog10lzywt8hta/34_endofplay.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

Over to Berto!
Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on November 17, 2016, 11:33:40 AM
End-of-Play IDF Turn #35 (of 45) [Day]

Enemy Phase #34. More hostile tracks show up, hot on pursuit behind my retreating / advancing Mech Bde. The points tally is hard hit back at 275 VPs, and with the encircled Jordanian pincer just escaping before I am able to close the pocket for good, the odds are not good.

Friendly Arty Phase Less and less soft targets available, it seems...

Friendly Phase: It is every man for themselves now, at the end of the turn I was able to claw my way back to Minor Loss at +310VP for one final time, but I believe this is it. Off to Jenin with surviving elements, not much left of the plan at the moment.

So here we are, at the end of the friendly turn. Jordanian mech forces close in on my retreating Mech Bde, my tanks are pretty much burning all over the map, but what a fight it has been! Stuff for legends  :knuppel2:

Screenshot:

[spoiler=Situation at the end of play IDF Turn 35](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/35_endofplay.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/awr7pi47c6ewu6n/35_endofplay.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

Back to Berto! Won't be long now.  :)
Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on November 24, 2016, 01:04:58 PM
End-of-Play IDF Turn #36 (of 45) [Day]

Enemy Phase #35: A painful exercise for sure, as I again witnessed having my Shermans knocked out that had a LOS to an enemy unit. But due to the terrain, it is really difficult to find a safe path home. The replay phase ends with score back to Major Loss, at 278VP.

Friendly Arty Phase A hit here and there, I plotted most of my arty to the IP nothwest of Jenin, with a full stack of Jordanian infantry there. Several VP kills there, as a small consolidation.

Friendly Phase: Not much come this turn. I had one Patton platoon at my crosshairs, but only managed a retreat at first go. A retreat out of LOS to add, so that was that. I then knocked out at least one Patton with my infantry, so there! Otherwise, I can only witness the enemy pincer breaking out to southeast, supported by armor, nothing I can do there. So instead, I just tell my men to rush in towards Jenin.

The turn ends at 285VP, so not much of a claw back. Let us see if Berto considers his status good enough for a counter attack to retake Jenin, there's plenty of turns there. Then, with a -15VP deficit from Minor Loss, I could get a good chance to make a go for that.

Screenshot:

[spoiler=Situation at the end of play IDF Turn 36](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/36_endofplay.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/2g96gdwgknjof7o/36_endofplay.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

And back to Berto. Now, sound those attack bungles, will you!  :knuppel2:
Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on November 24, 2016, 01:06:43 PM
That's some burning AFVs, by the way!  :notworthy:

Each single tank wreck marker is 1-4 wrecks, while double tank wreck marker stands for 5 or more wrecks  :smitten:
Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on November 26, 2016, 01:15:41 PM
End-of-Play IDF Turn #37 (of 45) [Day]

Replay / Enemy Phase #36: Seems he's now got some heavy tubes available as well, quite painful when they hit one of the retreating platoons. Apart the artillery, there's not much happening.

Friendly Arty Phase #37 Not a lot of targets around anymore, so I continue to pound the IP he insists to keep occupied. A few losses there, but not much here either.

Friendly Phase #37:  My Mech Bde reaches Jenin, finally, so taking this turn and the couple of next ones too to again group Coys together, with Bn HQs in vicinity to ensure everyone's as prepared as possible for the remaining few turns. My tanks come out of Jenin to punish one of the remaining Jordanian Platoons in my LOS, while their Recce troop who got too nosy was wiped out too.

I opted to toggle View Option "Specials On Top" on again, to better see the entrenched hexes within Jenin. Need to stay safe, their artillery is getting too be really dangerous...

Screenshot:

I forgot to include the Victory Status dialog in the screenshot, it was around 260VP iirc, so some catch-up still required!

[spoiler=Situation at the end of play IDF Turn 37](https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgrogheads.com%2Fforums%2Findex.php%3Faction%3Ddlattach%3Btopic%3D15700.0%3Battach%3D8874%3Bimage&hash=4f37754f2dbd98f7a192d2b8ee98728df5501704)[/spoiler]

Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on December 05, 2016, 12:48:55 PM
End-of-Play IDF Turn #38 (of 45) [Day]

Replay / Enemy Phase #37: Everything's gone a bit quiet now. Besides artillery. Seems everyone's still got plenty of shells to go around. At this time though not a lot of spotted targets, so not much harm done as long as everyone stays down at their bunkers. During the enemy phase one of his Patton troppss opens up on my retreating platoon, another one sneaks into position North of Jenin. That's pretty much it.

Friendly Arty Phase #38 I score a couple of hits with my concentrated artillery, most targeted against his platoons in LOS Northwest from Jenin.

Friendly Phase #38:  Seems Berto's willing to observe the situation for the remaining turns, not that I can blame him for that.  I snipe at some of his infantry's in the open with my Mortar platoons from Jenin, scoring a couple of hits.

Overall, from 255 to 264VPs during the turn. C'mon, we're holding Jenin as a hostage, certainly quite the humiliation! Come into open so I can shoot you!  :tickedoff:

Screenshots:

Here's the overall situation at this stage. One of my Mech Inf platoons got left behind, I don't believe it's got much of a chance to retreat out from the map. Otherwise, a bit eerie after all the intense fighting from the previous turns. As seen here, I am now sitting comfortably in Jenin, with some recce units here and there keeping an eye on things.

[spoiler=Map Overview at the end of play IDF Turn 38](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/38_overview.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/9m2u67caxa17ebl/38_overview.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

And here's the detailed reports again:

[spoiler=Sitrep at the end of play IDF Turn 38](https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/38_endofplay.png)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/3v0u5mnid02g3bs/38_endofplay.png?raw=1)[/spoiler]

75 knocked out Pattons vs 59 Shermans.

I have seven (7!) runners remaining in my Sherman Bn, with 3 AMX light tanks to join them. Wow.

Over to Berto.

COME INTO OPEN! THERE'S NO ONE HERE! 
Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on December 20, 2016, 12:09:31 PM
End-of-Play IDF Turn #39 (of 45) [Day]

Replay / Enemy Phase #38: Heavy shelling all around Jenin. My troops are all keeping their head down, but the two last rounds do the damage still. I lose a full understrength Inf Platoon to a heavy shell, boom, vapor, and the very last mortar round disables one of my light AMX tanks. Bummer!

Friendly Arty Phase #39 The remaining Jordanian troops are pretty much all out of LOS sight now. Not a thing hit during the friendly artillery.

Friendly Phase #39:  One of my Mech Inf Platoons at SP3 is still in the middle of the Indian country. I will lose that shortly too. All alone, nothing it can do to save itself. Besides that, I spread around Jenin in a hope Berto would call a late attack yet. No sign of any of that at the moment. Nor would I launch one in his shoes either. But hope springs eternal!  :knuppel2:

Overall, from 264 to 236VPs during the turn. This battle is effectively over now, but I will hang in tight for the remaining turns to see what happens.  O:-)

No screenshots come this turn. No changes, as I am all bugged out from anywhere but Jenin which I intend to hold for the remaining turns.

Over to Berto!
Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on December 21, 2016, 01:01:57 PM
Time to call it the quits / End-of-Play IDF Turn #40 (of 45) [Day]

Replay / Enemy Phase #39: By now all my surviving units are well entrenched, weathering the artillery barrage very well. No losses at all during the heavy shelling of Jenin! In the southern sector, my trapped 3SP Mech Inf platoon is assaulted and captured, glad to see the brave troopers heading towards POW camp rather than seeing them being blasted to smithereens.

Friendly Arty Phase #40 I had placed my artillery to rain on the (very) few Jordanian units I have a LOS with, and cause some kills and a retreat there. Still, I end up losing a few more VP points by the end of the hostile turn, again.

Friendly Phase #40:  Seems the enemy is content with their shameful loss of Jenin, so I will send a message out that in case they indeed are not planning a counter attack to recapture the city, I am ready to call it the quits. I am in no position to negotiate a better result than what is the Major Loss at the moment, so there we go.

I did end up winning my Official Tank Killer Competition, though! 75 Pattons knocked out in exchange to 59 Shermans and one AMX light tank. Not bad!

Here's the situation at the end-of-play IDF turn 40, which I guess will be the last turn played.

[spoiler=Situation at the end of play IDF turn 40](https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgrogheads.com%2Fforums%2Findex.php%3Faction%3Ddlattach%3Btopic%3D15700.0%3Battach%3D9334%3Bimage&hash=0b5e1b9e67dea1bb7fc1ea7d2bfc3f780b59aa72)[/spoiler]

Sending the message to Berto next. Hope he would decide to attack Jenin though, would be fun to try and defend it with my remaining forces. Especially as he must have quite an advantage on armor at the moment. I am down to 9 runners, but that would still be quite a force to be used in defence of the city.

I guess we'll find out soon enough. Over to Berto!

Over to Berto!
Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on December 21, 2016, 02:43:56 PM
And so it ends! Turn #40 (of 45) 

Quote from: Crossroads on December 21, 2016, 01:01:57 PM
Sending the message to Berto next. Hope he would decide to attack Jenin though, would be fun to try and defend it with my remaining forces. Especially as he must have quite an advantage on armor at the moment. I am down to 9 runners, but that would still be quite a force to be used in defence of the city.

I guess we'll find out soon enough. Over to Berto!


Alas, the Jordanians sent a message they are quite content to sit on their Major Win, and why not.

Here's the situation from IDF point of view where the hostilities ended for this particular battle:

[spoiler=Final IDF positions at the end of play](https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgrogheads.com%2Fforums%2Findex.php%3Faction%3Ddlattach%3Btopic%3D15700.0%3Battach%3D9336%3Bimage&hash=dc7d2e7046a5726aa7a2b64898dbc4f7c7ed3423)[/spoiler]

I will prepare a more thorough analysis of the battle a bit later, but here's some first comments as the smoke is still covering parts of the battlefields.

Negatives:

Positives:

So, a Marjor Loss as a result, but was great fun. I thoroughly enjoyed the both battles, for the Jenin proper, and the flanking move against a biggest tank force I've seen since Prokhorovka The Real Battle in JTCS East Front! Dancing around those Pattons was great fun, and what do you know, a few tankers actually survived to talk about it! :))

Congratulations to Berto for his well deserved victory.  :clap:

We agreed to meet again at some other battle field, after the holiday season.

But before that, thanks for watching, and Season's Greetings from Golan Heights!  :)
Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on December 27, 2016, 09:35:20 AM
The Crossroads - After Action Review 

So, a Major Loss, in that aspect I guess it did not go that well. Yet, was a blast, thought I'd get something out of this at one stage, and finally decided as the Jordanian player - prudently - did not push it to retake Jenin once his first attempt at Counter attack was pushed back.

Berto has done an excellent Jordanian Post Mortem at the Matrix CS:ME forum, HERE (http://www.matrixgames.com/forums/fb.asp?m=4204711).

So here's a final review from the IDF point of view.

Playing this blind, as I always prefer to, and as Berto did as well, my Original Assumptions were as follows:

Quote from: Crossroads on December 19, 2015, 01:04:29 PM
For the famous Cunning Plan, here's the deal.

Victory Conditions:

  • Major Defeat: 300
  • Minor Defeat: 600
  • Minor Victory: 900
  • Major Victory: 1200

Objectives, on the other hand, are:

  • Qabitya Crossroads: 150
  • Qabitya: 100
  • Jenin Center: 150
  • Jenin South: 150

... for a total of 550 points, still a Major Loss. So seems what it calls for is a major encirclement and destruction of a Jordanian battle force, rather than holding a certain piece of estate at the area.

So far so good...

Then, to the Cunning Plan...

Quote from: Crossroads on December 20, 2015, 04:02:49 AM
Time for that Cunning Plan, then. Reading the scenario description again, well aware Jason tends to put valuable hints there, ...

Quote from: Crossroads on December 19, 2015, 12:46:37 PM

Here's the scenario description for our next clash or arms:

"The Crossroads" by Jason Petho

5 June, 1967

[Jenin, West Bank, Jordan]: [H2H][HIS][CSL]:

The Israeli assault into the northern West Bank began at 5 pm and was spearheaded by the battalions of the 45th Armoured and 9th Infantry Brigades. The mission was to advance into the West Bank, seize Jenin and advance towards the Damia bridge that spans the Jordan River.

Defending the Jenin sector was the Jordanian 25th Infantry Brigade, supported by heavy artillery and elements of the 12th Independent Tank Battalion The first obstacle facing the Israeli's was the dug in positions that held the city of Jenin, with years to prepare, the positions were well entrenched. While the assault went into the evening of June 5th, the Jordanian 40th Armoured Brigade had travelled through the night to reinforce the beleaguered 25th Infantry Brigade. The ensuing fighting at the Qabitiya Crossroads south of Jenin between the Israeli Shermans and Jordanian Pattons would result in the largest tank battle of the 1967 War.

[ALL][NONE][1.00]


... I find no solace at all. 45 turns of encountering well-dug-in, high quality Jordanian forces is all I see. As a topping, of course, the "largest tank battle of the 1967 War" with my thinly armored albeit heavily armed 'Ronson Lighters' vs Patton M47s.

So be it. Here's the plan, then:

(1) On the right flank, the 53rd Sufa Tank Bn of 45th 'Barak' Arm'd Bde, together with their Mech Inf Bn, shall swing to the very edge of the map, to flank Jenin from Southeast. A move that hopefully will by-pass most of the determined defence.
(2) On the left flank, the 91st Inf Bn (mot), with the support of Mixed Arm'd Recon Coy of 45th Arm'd Bde will then act as the hammer, closing in from the North.
(3) To have my intentions hidden, a forward coy of the 91st Inf Bn shall move in to swing via West, as a diversion attack. Especially in the early turns, I will heavily support them with my artillery, to make as much of racket there that these meager forces can.
(?) Then, with Jenin hopefully encircled and mopped up, I will see what forces I have left.

Supporting this all, my artillery park at the northern edge of the map have prepared Improved Positions, and will be available to support all task forces.

And that is where it all went wrong, of course. The 45th is a fine, fully mechanized formation, and my plan was to use its speed to slice through the Jordanian defence for a Hammer-and-Anvil operation against a piece of Jordanian front before their enforcements would arrive. Namely to encircle Jenin.

However, terrain, strong minefields, and Berto's determined (!) rearguard meant that was not going to happen.

As it was, perhaps a Draw, or at least a Minor Loss were the best I could have hoped for, and as it turned I just could not hold to either one.

At one stage I was hopeful to at least encircle and destroy the counterattacking Jordanian formation, but that was already a tactical opportunity and not a planned one. And as it turned out, the force ratios were already over turned so I was effectively fighting not to be encircled myself, at the same time.

But this was great fun regardless. Berto has named his rearguard action, before his reinforcements arrived, as something he was particularly happy with. I concur.

I would name my tankers as the unexpected heroes of IDF. Shermans were so outdated already by 1967, to attack against the heavily armed M47 and M48 Pattons was not an easy task at all. Yet, they performed so well, outgunning their Jordanian opponents at one stage when the 45th finally had maneuvered to at least some sort of cohesive front line.

To quote my planning phase yet one more time:

Quote from: Crossroads on December 19, 2015, 01:04:29 PM

But back to West Bank! On the friendly side: M51 Super Shermans, facing the Jordanian M47 and M48 Pattons!

This is what the CS Unit Viewer has to say about them:

(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82769465/AARs/The%20Crossroads/01_uviewer.png)

:o 

So while my M51 Shermans and AMX-13s compare slightly favorable at their Hard Target values, look at those Front Armor Strengths: 5 and 9 vs 22 and 38  :buck2:

(for some reasons the CS Unit Viewer fonts seem to be a bit of on some systems, including my W10 64 bit one).

I will be for a quite a ride here. Cunning Plan, eh. Where's those pencils...

Was quite a ride, indeed  :clap:

So, this was it, then. I hoped you enjoyed this During Action Report, took a year to play it through, with not quite a turn per week churn between the two of us.

We'll pick something a bit smaller next time. Until that, here's for a Stellar Wargaming 2017  :bd:




Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: mirth on December 27, 2016, 09:40:04 AM
Great job. Really enjoyed reading this!
Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Sir Slash on December 27, 2016, 07:29:47 PM
Ditto. Too bad about the loss. I thought you were doing just fine. Tough battle.
Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on December 28, 2016, 05:28:14 AM
Thanks guys, glad you enjoyed this!

Yes, would have been interesting to see a late Jordanian push for Jenin, but having read Berto's DAR and how weak he was with infantry at that stage, I agree it was the right call. You can't take a city with tanks only.
Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on March 25, 2017, 04:26:21 AM
DropBox in their finite wisdom decided that the content of my Public folder should no longer be, err, public. I am supposedly supposed to share a link to each and all files instead, but haven't figured out how to have them visible inside image brackets.

So unless there's a generic fix for this, I am afraid those links I put for instance in this DAR are gone  :(
Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: JasonPratt on March 25, 2017, 04:57:13 PM
I noticed it was still working for a few, toward the end, tho. Wonder what the difference was/is?
Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on March 26, 2017, 09:58:29 AM
Quote from: JasonPratt on March 25, 2017, 04:57:13 PM
I noticed it was still working for a few, toward the end, tho. Wonder what the difference was/is?

Cheers, I learned to attach the pictures into these posts, instead of linking to my Public folder. Maybe that's what I need to do for the whole DAR too. Took a year to play the scenario with Real Life often entering into the fray, so why not. Little by little.
Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on November 07, 2017, 02:45:08 PM
Quote from: Crossroads on March 26, 2017, 09:58:29 AM
Quote from: JasonPratt on March 25, 2017, 04:57:13 PM
I noticed it was still working for a few, toward the end, tho. Wonder what the difference was/is?

Cheers, I learned to attach the pictures into these posts, instead of linking to my Public folder. Maybe that's what I need to do for the whole DAR too. Took a year to play the scenario with Real Life often entering into the fray, so why not. Little by little.

Instead of uploading each screenshot to Grogheads server, which at the end I did not want to do, I learned about a hack how the original Dropbox pictures can be shared again.

Since it took a better part of a year to complete this 45 turn thingie, I thought I'd actually refresh all those links, one by one.

First evening effort saw turns 1-13 updated. I hope you enjoy them (again).
Title: Re: CS Middle East: The Crossroads (West Bank, 5 June 1967) -- DAR vs Berto --
Post by: Crossroads on November 09, 2017, 12:03:45 PM
All screenshots are now back in their proper places  :)