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Against all odds -- A Yugoslavian AAR

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unmerged(23441)

unmerged(23441)

Second Lieutenant
Dec 13, 2003
102
0
This will be my first attempt at an AAR. I have read the majority of the one's posted and I think it looks like fun. Since there are so many AAR's involving majors, I decided to try a minor. Keep in mind that this is my first AAR so it will probably be weak compared to others, but I will give it my best shot. Also, I will not be using any dialogue, since I am not very proficient at writing it.

I am playing 1.05C no other mods. Settings are normal/normal, because I am still a rather new player and seem to get kicked around on any other level. Hope that you enjoy......
 
In the beginning....

After assuming control of the Yugoslavian government in 1936 I realized the problems that my nation had. My military was weak at best. My economy not much better, and the spirit of my citizens was down. I have to make a decision. Word is coming from Europe that things are amiss in Germany. A new leader has taken control, and is beginning to build up it's military. Things are spoken of this man like never before.

I know that for my nation to survive I need resources. Although my coal and steel production is sufficient, we produce no rubber and very little oil.

Also, with my weak military I know that any war I am involved in will be primarily a defensive battle. This is the state of my nation in 1936.........
 
CrazyBugger said:
I hope you can survive. Yugo can be pretty hard for begginners - Everyone wants a piece of you - lol. Good Luck

Jono
Click to expand...


Thanks for the advice. I have just begun and am learning that many do want to destroy me. This will be tough...
 
Whatever happens I'll read. Have fun!
 
1936 Starting Status

Here is the starting status of my military on Jan. 1st, 1936:

Army:
3rd Army: (3 Inf, 1 Cav division)
1st Army: (1 Inf, 1 Cav)
4th Army: (1 Inf w/Art Brig)
7th Army: (1 Inf w/Art Brig, 1 Cav, 1 Mtn)
5th Army: (2 Inf, 1 Cav)
2nd Army: (2 Inf)

Air Force:
Royal Yugoslavian Air Force: (1 Fgt, 1 Tac)

Navy:
Yugoslavian Fleet: (1 DD, 1 SS)

With such a meager military, my options are quite limited. Below is a list of my immediate goals for 1936:

Research: My first goal is to get some decent armor. I want to research at least a basic light tank w/30mm before armor production. I also want to increase my units organizations, but am not sure if I'll have the IC's to support that. Naval, Air, and Industrial research will have to wait until I can expand my industry a bit.

Military: Plain Inf will be the norm for a while. Hopefully a few Mtn divs can help with defense of my boarders, but all other military units will wait until I can field a decent product.

Diplomacy: I need resources and I need manpower. Rubber production is non-existent, and oil is very limited. My manpower supply is short, with only about 200. It is obvious that I will need to expand my boarders to have a realistic chance to survive.
 
Part I: Doomed from the start??

1936

January 1st, 1936:

It is decided from the onset that in order to increase my industrial capacity, I am going to have to conquer my neighbors. The Yugoslavian High command has authorized Operation Nightraid, the invasion of Albania. Of all the Yugoslav neighbors Albania is the weakest, and easiest to conquer. The extra coal and steel will help my industry, and the IC's and manpower can only help.

Expecting a public out cry, Head of State Peter II signs a DOW against Albania on January 20th, and Yugoslavian troops, led by 3rd Army march for Tiranna. National dissent jumps to 20%, further crippling what little Industry I have working for me.

Peter II's decision to invade a helpless neighbor would have a devistating effect on his country for the next few years. This effect would come from a rather large neighbor.

On Jan. 24th, in a quite unexpected move, Italy declares war on Yugoslavia. This I did not see coming at all, and this will surely cripple whatever expansion plans I had. Immediatly I mobilize the 5th, 7th, 1st, and 4th armies to the Italian boarder provinces of Ljubljana and Rijeka.

The next day 3rd army marches into Tiranna, and the nation of Albania ceases to exist. Was this really worth it? I am not sure, but there isn't much I can do now except gear up for a real battle. I am outnumbered in troops, aricraft, and naval ships, but I have a plan: Let the Italians come to me.

On Feb 14th, the Italians launch a 7 div assault on the province of Ljubljana, which is garrisoned by the 4th and 1st armies. Having the advantage to get completly dug-in helps, and after a month of brutal fighting the Italians are forced to retreat. I lose a cav division but that is all. On the research front, I continue to pour whatever I can afford into armor research, and the rest is going to consumer goods. I have to get the dissent down to open up my industry.

On April 22nd, another assualt is launched against Ljubljana with the same Italian troops. This attack is easily repelled for their army is tired from so much travel.

My first breakthrough came on May 17th. The Italians launched a 14div attack on the province of Rijeka, which is garrisoned by the 5th and 7th armies. In the fog of war, they leave their flank open, leaving the Italian province of Venzia unoccupied. I quickly move the 1st and 4th in and cut off the 14 attacking divs. They are easily destroyed and my first victory in the war is secure.

On July 6th, the Nationalists of Spain declare their independence from their Rebuplican oppressors. A civil war breaks out in Spain.

June thru August show no movement on either side. The Italians launch assault after assault on Venzia, but I am able to hold them off. Also, I am getting Tac Bombed to hell, with no air protection.

Another breakthru in October. The Italians launch a multi-directional attack against Venzia, which is now fortified by the 1st, 4th, 5th and 7th armies. In the process of their attack, they once again leave their flank wide open. I move my Mountain div from the 7th army into the Italian province of Bolzano and take it. The Italians launch multiple div attacks against my Mtn div in Bolzano, but he is right at home and dug in. He alone defeats 6 divs.

At this time, National dissent is down to 17%, so some IC's are taken from consumer goods and 5 plain inf divs are ordered to production.

Feeling a little momentum, I launch my first offensive operation of the war in December. 4th army, consisting of 2 inf divs, led by LTGEN Cincar-Markovic who is a defensive minded genius, invades the province of Milano. With only 1 Italian garrison, victory is easy.

Also, in December my scientists made a few research breakthroughs. My infatry is now upgraded with 30 and 70 mm guns, plus 90mm howitzers. They also construct Early Tanks, and begin research on Wielded Armor.

All in all I was pleased with the performance of my military. Up against a much larger foe, I held my own and gained some ground. I am second guessing myself for invading Albania, and wonder if my nation would be better off with out it. 1937 will be a tough year as the battle has now moved to Italian mainland where they have several Tac bombers plus they outnumber my army by a 3-1 ratio. So goes the war......
 
Part II: Battle for the Boot

1937

1937 looks to be a difficult year. Caught in a much surprised war with Italy, research and unit production are slow. Here are my immediate goals for the year:

-- Continue armor research at all costs. This is important because if I can field some moderatly eqipped armor, it can make a difference in the war.
-- Proceed with my push into the boot. I have to be careful to avoid heavy losses, because my manpower is low, and my manpower out put is only 11 per month.
-- Resources will be a problem in the future. My oil stockpile is running low, and will last this year, but not far after. If I have IC's to spare(which I doubt), I need to get into some industrial research to get conversion techs.

BATTLE FOR THE BOOT

The month of January opened on a sour note. I attempted an assualt on the province of Parma, but was defeated and forced to retreat. Good news from the High Command, 5 new infantry divisions are ready for battle. They are immediatly moved to the front lines and become 7th Corp.

More good news in February, a mass flight of refugees increase manpower plus 30. Every single one helps. I take another shot at Parma and am again thwarted.

After 3 months of a stalemate, the Italians launch an assualt against my 8 dug in divs in Milano. In the process, they once again leave a province open(Parma), and 7th Corp led by General Radenkovic moves in for occupation. I am amazed by my ability to progress in Italy, but even more amazed at the Italian commanders tactical blunders.

In late August the Italians become desperate and it seems they lack communication. Hoping to catch me off guard they attack 7th Corp in Parma leaving La Spezia wide open. I take advantage and occupy. Whether bad communications or disobyeing orders, the sole Italian garrison in the French boarder province of Genoa counter attacked my troops in La Spezia, leaving Genoa wide open. I quickly move my MTN div from Bolzano to occupy Genoa. My forces in Parma and La Spezia counter all Italian offensives are smashed. With the exception of a single division in the province of Torino, who is completly surrounded and cut off, all of Northern Italy is in Yugoslavian hands.

My war planners have a tough next move. Italy has 15 divisions garrisoned in the mountain province of Bologna. I have 5 divs in Parma, and 4 more in the neighboring province of La Spezia. Massive debate at Yugo high command ensues. The Hawks want a multi-directional attack on Bologna, further pushing the Italians into retreat. Cooler heads prevail, and the Yugo war cry will stand; just sit and wait.

In October, my researchers discover the knowledge of wielded armor. Immediatly they begin construction of a Basic Light-Tank prototype. Also, they begin the research of a service rifle and a flamethrower.

November brings more good news to the Yugo high command. The Italians attempt a breakthru of our lines and send 13 divs to attack Parma. My forces in La Spezia move into Bologna untouched, and the 13 attacking Italian divs are annhiliated.

My army is now centralized in Bologna, and only 2 provinces from Rome. I can see the Italian capital in the horizon. Orders come from above to speed up the march to Rome because our oil and rubber stockpile is running dangerously low.

On December 21st the remaining div in Torino is destroyed, and all of Northern Italy belongs to Yugoslavia.

The next year promises to bring much delight for Peter II. With Yugoslavian armies on the door step of Rome, the Mussolini and his thugs have to be worried. So goes the war.......
 
I wasn't quite so lucky when I played Yugoslavia.
 
Excellent progress so far. Patience is a virtue it seems! ;)
 
Part III: Continue the fight

1938:
1937 was a prosperous year for the Yugoslavian army. Outnumbered by it's powerful neighbor, it was able to push to within miles of it's capital. Due to poor Italian command, losses were at a minimal.

1938 Goals:
-- Finish the occupation of Italian proper. Annexation will be quite sometime away due to my Naval insuperiority. With no transports I will be unable to attack Italian prov in N. Africa and Abyssina.
-- As always, continue armor production. I also need to think about researching doctrines that will allow for the contruction of transport ships.
-- Word is coming from Europe that the German industry is in full scale military build-up. My military and intelligence advisors believe that any German aggression will be aimed at France among others. Do we join Germany? This is risky because I no longer have Italy between myself and France. If I aid any allied action, I fear The Germans will roll straight thru Austria and into Belgrade. I will see how this year plays out.

With the Italians in full retreat, I must look to push forward and secure the rest of the boot. On Jan.12 I invade and take the province of Firenze.

On Feburary 6th, 1938 7th Army, and 1st Corp march into the Italian capital of Rome. Opposition is light and Italy makes no attempt to defend.

Also in February, Republican Spain has smashed the Nationalist uprising and the war in Spain is over.

For the rest of Frebruary, and the early part of March, Yugoslavian forces proceed to make their way down the boot of Italy. On March 21st, the remaining Italian mainland forces are defeated and Yugoslavia controls all of the Italian Mainland.

In early April, the Italians surprise me and lauch a 3 div amphibious assault against the province of Split. I have 1 div garrisoning and am holding my own. Two days later, the Italians reinforce the 3 div with another 3. My 1 div is easily beaten, and the Italians have established a beach head in my home land. I quickly mobilize 4 divs, and surround split. In May I launch a muti-directional 4 div attack and regain control of Split. The Italians are forced to retreat. Learning my lesson, I refortify all vulnerable beach heads with extra divisions.

In June, I begin my research on a form of Combat Medical service. I need to increase my units organization, but can not afford to research and doctrines for my army. My scientists tell me that by finding an efficient way to heal my wounded in Combat, I can increase their organization. I take their word for it.

On July 23rd, my scientists have completed the frame work for a Basic Light Tank with 30mm cannons. I immediatly order 2 with attached artillary Brigades for production.

The month of August saw the Italians try various Amphibious assaults of several provinces. With the extra garrisons that I posted, all attacks are repelled.

In September, my chief intel officer gives my discouraging news. The allies have declared war on Germany. Apparently the German military posturing made the allied forces nervous, for Germany had yet to declare war on anyone. I have to decide which side of the war Yugoslavia will take. I could do nothing, but the chance for invasion is to high. Emergency war meetings have been called.

In October, my scientists have learned of way to deliver medical services to the troops at the front lines. I instruct my researchers to find a way to tranport troops overseas, and they begin the plans for Combat transportaion.
The Italians have several provinces overseas that I want to occupy. I could leave well enough alone, but they began this war of agression, and I must finish it.

In December word has come from Europe that Belgium has fallen to the Germans. My advisors were correct. The Germans are headed straight for France. Where does Yugoslavia fall in this great war???
 
What happens if Italy joins Germany?
 
Part IV: Troubling Times

My Immediate goals for 1939:
-- The Annexation of Italy is a top priority. I could use the coal and steel produced in Abyssina. My researchers tell me they are a few months away from fielding a prototype transport vessel. Italy will have to wait.
-- To be able to repel any invasions, I need armor. I must continue armor production and upgrades.
-- Closely monitor the situation in Europe. I need to be ready for any situation. If Germany turns South I could be in trouble.

The first few months bring good news from Belgrade. 2 new armor div's are ready for use. They are M2A4's with 30mm cannons and equipped with artillery brigades. I am quite please with their speed and manuverability.

The German war machine it seems is unstoppable. The invasion of Poland begins in April and the Polish government joins the allies. Also, my researchers have built a prototype transport vessel. Due to Industrial limits, I can only order one for production.

The month of May once again brings several feeble Italian amphibious assaults. All are crushed.

More good news from Belgrade. The 1st transport vessel is ready for use. Plans are immediatly formulated to invade Italian N. Africa. The Italian fleet in the med is very formidable. I do not think that I will be able to do an amphibious assault on N. Africa, so my diplomats request military access from the French. Access is granted.

Progress is slow getting units to French N. Africa. With only one TP ship I can only move a single unit at a time. The plan draws for my 2 tank divs plus an inf div to lead the assault to Tripoli. By late July, after expertly avoiding any Italian naval ships, my 3 divs are deployed in French N. Africa. They make their way to the Tripoli border.

August 10th brings the biggest breakthru of the war. My 3 divs capture an unexpected, unguarded Tripoli. The Italians have many ships in port and are unable to get them underway in time. My troops seize the port and I capture 3 submarines, 5 cruisers, 2 destroyers and 4 transport ships. I now have the makings of a decent Navy.

I immediatly take my newly acquired tranports and load 1st Corp(3 inf) and head for Abyssina. My task force arrives in mid September and begin the March to Addis Abeba.

On November 2nd, after nearly 4 years of war, the nation of Italy is annexed and becomes part of the glorious nation of Yugoslavia. Transports are immediatly established to bring what coal and steel I can back to the homeland.

Back in Belgrade, the champagne is flowing freely and congratulations are passed to all military commanders for a job well done. Up against a mighty opponent, our military prevailed.

I December, celebrations are still rampant. That would all change quickly. In a matter of 5 days, Hungary, Bulgaria, and Romania join the Germans in their crusade against the allies. I now have 3 axis nations on my boarder. I am put in a position where if I join the allies, I am sure to be defeated by my axis neighbors. I do not fear each alone, but together I am not sure if I could prevail. If I join the axis, the French are sure to invade, and I would lose all of my newly acquired North and West African territories, for my military would be stretched to thin to defend both. If I sit by and stay neutral, I will not have the chance to expand my industrial and economic base, and will fall far behind the technology tree of my neighbors, and will probably get invaded anyway. I think my decision is obvious.....
 
Indeed. So an Axis you will be. Probably a wise move.
 
I must say that it was a lot of ships captured, I played Italy and attacked Yugoslavia (sorry), Of all the Yugoslav ships, I only captured one transport!
(You can rad about it in the world is not enough - an italian AAR)

As I said, I´m impressed.
As for the tug-of-war between the axis and allies about you, I think you should stay neutral, keep a low profile...
 
I wish thee luck in your Axis quest. :)
 
Zuckergußgebäck said:
I must say that it was a lot of ships captured, I played Italy and attacked Yugoslavia (sorry), Of all the Yugoslav ships, I only captured one transport!
(You can rad about it in the world is not enough - an italian AAR)

As I said, I´m impressed.
As for the tug-of-war between the axis and allies about you, I think you should stay neutral, keep a low profile...
Click to expand...

I think that I got very lucky with capturing the ships. It would have taken me years to bulid what I captured.

I thought about staying nuetral but this is what worries me:
With the annexation of Italy I have alot of territory to cover. My military is stretched very thin. If the axis continues to roll through europe and elsewere, I am sure they will try and take me out. Research is going painfully slow, and if they do declare war on me I will be far behind techwise, with 3 axis nations to my east and germany rolling in from the north.

If I join the axis, I might be able to invade and conquer Austria the Czec Republic, which at the time I outnumber in forces. This will help expand my Industrial and economic base.
 
Pictures

By the way, can someone tell me how to post pic's to my posts. I am not even sure how to take an ingame screenshot. I read in another post that you have to press F11 and save a jpg. I tried that and nothing happens. I'd love to be able to post some screenshots w/ my posts. Thanks for your Help!!
 
Buddha said:
if I join the axis, I might be able to invade and conquer Austria
Click to expand...

What has happened to anschluß and the end of chechoslovakia?

As for the pics, I am also a bit confused, everyone is talking about internet service providers providing webspace to upload pics, it´s pure madness! :confused:
 
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