ToO: Battle of Crete

[Achilles]

Theatre of Operations: Battle of Crete

http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/Gallery/crete/day1.htm

Senior designers Cameronius / Pyros

Chapters:

1. Galatas/Heraklion? (Cameronius research & map designing)
2. Maleme (Cameronius research & map designing)
3.
4.

[Achilles]

Cam,

check out these links

http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/Gallery/crete/index.htm

http://www.nzetc.org/tm/scholarly/tei-WH2Cret.html

http://www.nzetc.org/tm/scholarly/name-003325.html

http://www.nzetc.org/tm/scholarly/tei-corpus-WH2.html


http://www.awm.gov.au/histories/chapter.asp?volume=18

Chapter 10 – The Problem of Crete 197
Chapter 11 – The Loss of Maleme Airfield 221
Chapter 12 – Defence of Retimo 256
Chapter 13 – Heraklion – Defence and Embarkation 279
Chapter 14 – Retreat and Embarkation


cheers,

[Cameronius]

Pyros,
There is aLOT of good reference material in the links you've provided. Thank you. After my initial study of the Battle of Crete, these are my recommendations. While there are a good number of actions occuring in this battle most of them are happening concurrently and no Core force could historically participate in all of them, or every more than a few of them. The entire battle takes place in 10-12 days. These are the Scenarios I propose for this Chapter:
1. Landings at Maleme, May 20, 50-75 turns, The core force will represent 22 bn which takes the brunt force of the German landings around Maleme airfeild.
2. Counter Attack at Maleme, May 22, 25-50 turns, The core force will represent the combined 20&28(Maori)bns, making a counter offensive through Pirgo to recapture the Maleme airfeild.
3. Defense of Galatas, May 25, 25-50 turns, Core force can represent 17,18 or 19bn in a defense of Galatas.
4. Counter Attack on Galatas, May 25, 25-50 turns, Core force will represent the 23bn in a counter attack to retake Galatas.
5. Stilos, Rearguard, May 28, 25-50 turns, Core fore will represent the depleted 20,21,22 Bns in a rearguard action at Stilos.


The Core force should be allowed no refit between scenarios 1&2 and 3&4 as per special counter-attack scenarios. The refit allowance between scenarios 2&3 and 4&5 should be minimal, not quite enough to repair all units. Map reference material and oppossing forces information is abundant. Putting these scenarios together should not be a problem.:thumup:

[Achilles]

Your first analysis sounds very nice. :smoke:

Btw, how many maps should we create and how big?

Secondly you should not forget one very important fact.

The core force will always enter the map from one edge as the core force does.
This may be ok for an advancing / assaulting scenario, but if you wish to create a defend or delay scenario it might create problems not only with the deployment (very wide X-zone of deployment) but also with the AI tactics (since the AI won't be able to deal with the center of gravity of the human forces, in other words the place where the human will concentrate his forces).

Also you should take into consideration the fact that even in the ToO: Crete ( Theatre of Operations ) the core force of the player won't be enough strong in order to represent a battalion. I am not sure but after 8-10 battles in mainland Greece, the core force of the human should have reach 2 Companies max (but this is something we may decide in the future).

Anyway, my recommendation is to try and make a blend of historical setup (as the examples that you have already mention) and then to try and see how the core force of the player will fit into that scenario as a "relief' force, or "shock" force or reinforcement or anything that will give to the scenario a nice tactical approach.

But, always keep in mind that in these scenarios we have to use several auxiliary (fix) troops, which will assume the role of the historical setup (as much as possible).

The difficult part of the designing will be the marriage of the historical event /force setup with the role of the player's core force.

Bottom Line: You have three forces :
A. The Core Force
B. The Already deployed auxiliary (fix) player's force
C. The AI force

Start your scenario synthesis by selecting the appropriate B. force ( already deployed auxiliary (fix) player's force ). Try to select this force with the criteria of the size, the duration and the intensity of the main action (that took place in this skirmish or specific battle).
Try, (and this is the hardest point of the scenario creation) to fit the role of the CORE force into that scenario. The role of the core force may not be obligatory a historical one and it could very well create alternate history.

For example, your core force may decisively assist the Maori to recapture the Maleme airport (still in the next days you will get the order to abandon positions and evacuate to Egypt).
This is probably the biggest challenge of the player, to change the course of events!

Of course, you may create a delay scenario, in which, the player should retreat (at one point) because he would seriously be outnumbered (but at this point he would have destroyed enough enemy units, to win a marginal victory).

Finish the scenario creation by balancing with the C. the AI force, but this will be discussed later.

The trick in these scenarios is not the maximum enemy force, but the max enemy force that will be engaged with your units at any given time. This is the maxim of the mass concentration, which I will discuss in a separate thread (after a while).

Continue the good research! :)

[Cameronius]

Achilles,
Some good points you have and I think that I have a handle on most of them. Firstly the maps, there will be three. The first two scenarios will be fought on the map of Maleme(which I have taken the liberty of getting started on). Scenarios 3&4 will be fought on the same Galatas map. Scenario 5 will be fought on another map of Stilos. I have got the Maleme map sized at 100x140 or 5km high, 7km wide. I could use a good topo map of the area if you have access to one. I have not checked my Google Earth yet to see how it looks there. Attached is what I have so far.
The first scenario I would like to see as a straight up Assault/Defend, with the Core taking the place of whatever portion of 22bn their size dictates. If they cannot occupy the entire 22bn position they should be deployed at least around pt107. Instead of providing a counter attacking force in this case the player will be able to decide how to deploy his core in the defense, either in the historical area, pt 107, which will be marked on the map, or anywhere east of the Tavrontis river.
The majority of the Germans historically landed to the west of the Tavrontis, so this should work well for the AI having it's center of gravity landing there with just enough paradrops to the east of the river to make things interesting.
I have a very good start on this scenario. The only things that I am really missing is what was available historically for ANZAC artillery support in this area. I will look around more. I really like this scenario so far, and can't wait to play it.
:thumup:

[Achilles]

Cam,

You have a green light to proceed :thumup:

Show me some tactical maps of the actual region that you plan to design your map, and I will try to find some decent topo maps (1:100,000)
Then I will try to scan the topo section and post the jpg.files for further use.

cheers,
Pyros

[Cameronius]

Achilles,
Here's the map I've been using. The yellow corners show the boundaries of the area I'm drawing. Aren't you going to ask why I'm up so early?

[Cameronius]

Here are the others as well.

[Achilles]

Achilles,
Here's the map I've been using. The yellow corners show the boundaries of the area I'm drawing. Aren't you going to ask why I'm up so early?

Up so early???:surprise:

I guess you never went in bed, because you are committed to the CAUSE! :ar15:

cheers,
Pyros

[Achilles]

All maps are fine.
The 1 km x 1 Km Grids are on-map.
Three levels of elevation are very nice presented on map.

When you finish with the formation of the landscape, we should try to find some picture for the plantation of the region and the percentage of rough terrain, trees, rivers etc...

Attached a GRID_MAP_363

If you have extended editor you may cut and paste selection or else, I will do this for you.

I propose you a Maleme map of height 5x25 hexes X width 7x20 hexes = 125 x 140

cheers,
Pyros

[Cameronius]

I don't have the extended map editor. And besides being commited to the cause I had to start work at 0300.
PS. I drew the grids onto the map.

[Achilles]

Few comments for making a good topo map:

1. Make a print-out of each map
2. Use a pen (directly on printed map) in order to connect the 1 Km grids, forming this way squares of 1 km x 1 km.
3. Try to design each elevation level (one each time), using as a designing visual AID the squares of the map and the SP map editor.
4. Start from forming the boundaries of the sea, then proceed to the lowest elevation, etc...
cheers,

I don't have the extended map editor. And besides being commited to the cause I had to start work at 0300. :eek:

[Cameronius]

Have you looked at the Maleme map that I sent? What you have described is what I have already done. Except, I drew the the grid squares onto the map using a photo editor.:)

[Achilles]

Have you looked at the Maleme map that I sent? What you have described is what I have already done. Except, I drew the the grid squares onto the map using a photo editor.:)

I just checked them,

Excellent first layer of elevation.
Now proceed with the next three levels (start form the lower level - Hill 1)

Nice work Cam! :smoke:

[Achilles]

Cam,

Please, can you post which German formations (battalion level) are involved in your scenarios?

cheers,
Pyros

[Cameronius]

1.Assault on Maleme:
The entire Assault Regiment minus 1/2 of I Battalion. The Assault Regiment consists of Four Battalions of Four Companies each. This is a combined Para and glider-borne unit. The Assault Regiment is an independant formation within General Student's XI Air Corps.

2.Counter attack at Maleme:
Same as above(depleted), plus some small elements of the 5th Gebirgsjager Division.

3.Defense of Galatas:
I and II Battalions of 100 Gebirgs Regiment
I Fallschirm Regiment, depleted to bn+ size
The Ramcke Group, bn+ size

4.Counter attack at Galatas:
Elements of the Ramcke Group
I and II Battalions of 100 Gebirgs Regiment (depleted)

5.Delay at Stilos:
Wittman advance guard (composition unknown)
I and II Battalions of 85 Gebirgs Regiment


I like the new smiles too:stirthepot: :bigfire: :toilet:

[Achilles]

Daily German Reports from 20 - 25 May 1941


20.Mai 1941

12.Armee

Preparations for operation „Merkur“ completed.

Antikythera is occupied in the morning.

Lage Kreta
Gruppe Iraklion
Town and harbor Iraklion are taken but have to be given up in the night 21./22.



Situation Kreta 18:00

Sturmregiment at Molemesl ½ km south of the undamaged airfield. Enemy in the mountains is attacked by Stukas.

German troops at Chania on both sides of the road with front to the northeast.

Alikianu captured. In Chania strong enemy forces with artillery.

The 2 companies on the peninsula northeast of Chania have obviously no contact to the group west of Chania.

East of Retimnon in german hand. No reports from Iraklion where 3 battalions have been landed.



Gen.Lt.Süssmann is killed in the first glider at Aigiga.

Gen.Maj. Meindl is seriously injured.


21.Mai 1941

12.Armee

5:00 5.Pz.Div. occupies Antikytera.



Lage Kreta
Gruppe Iraklion
Town and harbor Iraklion are taken.


22.Mai 1941

12.Armee

Lage Kreta:

Gruppe Malemes slowly advanced and reached Pyrgos (3km east of airfield Malemes) and took the heights south of Malemes.

Airfield Malemes occasionally under enemy artillery fire. Enemy artillery could not be taken out by air attacks until now.

Brought in to Malemes by air today: 1 Btl. Geb.Jg.Rgt.85, 1 Btl. Geb.Jg.Rgt.100, Geb.Pi.Btl.95, Feldlaz.XIPi.K., 1 Fallschirmbatterie (6 guns). 2 HS126 aircrafts transferred to Malemes.

The command over all forces at Maleme and Chania has the commander of the 5.Geb.Div. He has order to join the two groups and attack towards the Suda bay.

19:15 (22.) The important height 116 at Galatos is taken.

Gruppe Chania
The group reports that they can attack towards Chania after receiving some heavy weapons.

Gruppe Rethimon
Is holding east of the town. No major fighting today. Airfield not in german hands.

Gruppe Iraklion
In the night 21./22. town and harbor have to be given up because of ammo shortage. Enemy uses swastika flags and light signals to get the supply drops.

Airfield and town still in enemy posession.

Elements of 2 battalions west of the town. Elements of 1 battalion east of the airfield. Group plans to assemble all troops and attack the airfield tomorrow.


23.Mai 1941


12.Armee

Following elements of 2.Pz.Div. still in the area Patras:

Tle. Schtz.Rgt.304 (4 officers, 122 men, 49 vehicles); Tle. Pz.Aufkl.Abt.5 (2 officers, 36 men, 26 vehicles). A.O.K.12 plans to move these elements together with the tracked elements pf 5.Pz.Div. to Saloniki and from there by train to W.K.VII.



Lage Kreta
Gruppe Malemes
Landed on Malemes during the 23rd:

Stab Geb.Jg.Rgt.95, Pz.Jg.Abt.95 (20 guns), elements of Kradschtz.Btl.55 with motorcycles.

Enemy air attack on Malemes (23. or 24.?) destroyes 5 Ju-52 and ammo.

Orders for tomorrow: Continue attack towards the Suda bay. Clear the area Kasteli. Advance towards Palaechora.

Gruppe Rethimon
Situation unclear. No radio contact.

Gruppe Iraklion
In position 2 ½ km west of Iraklion south and southwest of the airfield. In Iraklion and most probably also in the back of the group enemy forces with artillery.

Orders for tomorrow: Defend the positions together with the battalion landed west of Iraklion in the morning of the 23rd


24.Mai 1941

12.Armee

The number of rescued men from 1.leichte Seestaffel increased to 1400.
Lage Kreta
Commander 6.Geb.Div. takes command of Gruppe Malemes and Chania.

Kandanos (20km southwest of Malemes) free of enemy.

2 regimental groups at Chania, Cuda and West. 1 regimental group and greek forces at Rhetimon and Iraklion.

Cretan civilians ambush german troops.

7 enemy fighter aircrafts land at Iraklion airfield today.



Forward line 16:00: A.J.Marino 2km west of Calatas. Enemy artillery southwest of Chania about 3 light and 1 heavy battery. Forward positions at 8km east of Castelis and 8km north of Kandamos. Castelis still occupied by enemy.

[Achilles]

Anzac organization

The Allied order of battle from east to west is as follows:

Heráklion Sector
– Brigadier B H Chappell and the 14th Infantry Bde HQ with: a detachment of the 3rd Hussars (six Mk VI light tanks) and a detachment of the 7th RTR (five A12 Matilda heavy tanks); 234th Medium Bty, RA (thirteen 75 / 100mm guns); 2/Leicesters; 2/Black Watch; 2/York and Lancasters; 2/4th Australian Infantry; 7th Medium Regt, RA (acting as infantry); 3rd Greek; 7th Greek; Greek Garrison Btn; and combat service support assets including a company from 189th Field Ambulance, RAMC and a section of 42nd Field Company, RE.

Central Sector (Rethymnon / Georgeoupolis)
– Brigadier G A Vasey and the Australian 19th Infantry Bde HQ (Lt Col I R Campbell commanding the Rethymnon Sector) with: a detachment of 7th RTR (two A12 Matilda heavy tanks); a section from 106th RHA (two 2pdr AT); X Coastal Defence Battery, RM (two 4in guns); 2/3 Field Regt, RAA (fourteen 75mm / 100mm guns); 2/1 Australian Infantry Btn; 2/7 Australian Infantry Btn; 2/8 Australian Infantry Btn; 2/11 Australian Infantry Btn; 2/1 Australian MG Company; 4th Greek Regt; 5th Greek Regt; and combat service support assets including B Company, 2/7 Australian Field Ambulance and a detachment of the AASC.

Suda Bay Sector
– Major General C E Weston, RM and the HQ Mobile Naval Base Defence Organisation (MNBDO) with: numerous AA units including 151st Heavy AA Bty, 129th Light AA Bty, RA, 156th Light AA Bty, RA, 23rd Light AA Bty, RM and the 2nd Heavy AA Regt, RM; 1/Royal Welsh Fusiliers; 1/Rangers (9/KRRC); Northumberland Hussars (acting as infantry); 106th RHA (acting as infantry); 2/2 Australian Field Regt (acting as infantry); a detachment from the 2/3 Australian Field Regt (acting as infantry); 16th Australian Infantry Bde Composite Btn; 17th Australian Infantry Bde Composite Btn; 1st Royal Perivolians (composite unit); 2nd Greek Regt; and numerous service support units such as 231st Motor Transport Coy, 5th Ind Bde workshop, 4th Lt Field Ambulance, RAMC, 168th Field Ambulance, RAMC and 606th Palestine Pioneer Corps.

Máleme Sector (including Galatas)
– Brigadier E Puttick and the HQ 2nd New Zealand Division with: a detachment of the 3rd Hussars (ten Mk VI light tanks) and a detachment of the 7th RTR (two A12 Matilda heavy tanks); Light Trp, RA (four 3.7in howitzers); 5th New Zealand Field Regt; Z Coastal Defence Bty, RM (two 4in guns); Section C Bty Heavy AA, RM (two 3in guns); 4th New Zealand Infantry Bde (Brigadier Inglis – 18th, 19th and 20th New Zealand Btns); 5th New Zealand Infantry Bde (Brigadier Hargest – 21st, 22nd, 23rd and 28th (Maori) New Zealand Btns, 1st Greek Regt (at Kastelli)); 10th New Zealand Infantry Bde (Brigadier Kippenberger – New Zealand Division Cavalry Detachment, New Zealand Composite Btn, 6th Greek Regt, 8th Greek Regt); and various service support assets including 5th New Zealand Field Ambulance, 6th New Zealand Field Ambulance, 7th British General Hospital and the New Zealand Provost Coy.


http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g141/pyroslambert/BattleofCreteToEs.jpg

[Achilles]

German Organization:

There would be two main drops, one in the morning around Canea and the airfield at Máleme, the other in the afternoon against the airfields at Heraklion and Rethymnon.
These drops would be undertaken by the 7th Flieger Division (Generalleutnant W Süssmann), of three parachute regiments (1st under Oberst Bruno Bräuer, 2nd under Oberst Alfred Sturm and 3rd under Oberst Richard Heidrich) each of three battalions with divisional artillery, engineers and signals, as well as the Luftlande Sturmregiment (Airborne Assault Regiment – under Generalmajor Eugen Meindl) that had four battalions (three parachute and one glider) and supporting assets. These had a combined strength of just over 8,000 men. The Luftlande Sturmregiment would capture Máleme airfield by first landing three glider detachments from the 1st Btn (on an AA position near the mouth over the Tavronitis River, next to Hill 107 near Máleme airfield and on a bridge over the Tavronitis River) and then the remainder of the regiment (three battalions) would parachute in and surround the positions of the 5th New Zealand Bde east of the airfield. The 3rd Fallschirmjäger Regiment, with two Glider detachments from the 1st Btn, Luftlande Sturmregiment as well as airborne engineer and AA units, would jump into Prison Valley and develop an attack north-east under the command of the divisional commander, Generalmajor Süssmann. The 2nd Fallschirmjäger Regiment (less the 2nd Btn) would land near Rethymnon with the 1st Btn attacking the airfield and the 3rd Btn attacking the town itself. The 1st Fallschirmjäger Regiment along with the 2nd Btn, 2nd Fallschirmjäger Regiment would land around Heráklion in a slightly dispersed manner as the Germans were unsure as to the extent of the defensive perimeter around the one good airport on the island. Here the disadvantages of the compromise can be seen as Student clearly wanted to put the weight of the attack on Heráklion, and if it was considered to be that important, why attack it in the second wave?

The assault force would be reinforced by the 5th Gebirgs Division (14,000 men under Generalmajor Julius Ringel) with three regiments of infantry (85th Gebirgsjäger Regiment under Oberst Krakau, 100th Gebirgsjäger Regiment under Oberst Utz and the 141st Gebirgsjäger Regiment under Oberst Jais from the 6th Gebirgs Division), one artillery regiment (95th Gebirgs Artillery Regiment under Oberstleutnant Wittmann) as well as artillery, anti-tank, reconnaissance engineer and signals assets. It would move to Crete by both air and sea.

May 1941

7th Air Division
1st Parachute Rifle Regiment
2nd Parachute Rifle Regiment
3rd Parachute Rifle Regiment
7th Artillery Battalion
7th Anti-tank Battalion
7th Flak Battalion
Machine-gun Battalion
Pioneer Battalion
Other divisional units

5th Gebirgs Division
Headquarters, 5th Gebirgs Division
95th Artillery Battalion Oberstleutnant Wittmann
95th Anti-tank Battalion
95th Reconnaisance Battalion
95th Engineer Battalion
95th Signal Battalion
85th Gebirgsjäger Regiment
100th Gebirgsjäger Regiment
141st Gebirgsjäger Regiment

Luftlande Sturmregiment
Headquarters Luftlande Sturmregiment
1st Battalion
2nd Battalion
3rd Battalion
4th Battalion

[Cameronius]

Thanks Pyros, Excellent Info!:clap:

[Achilles]

Cam,

I will add you some more info covering the exact Bn, company and platoon details (squad details and number of weapons).

This way you may create a good (realistic) force composition (mainly for the Germans).

cheers,
Pyros

p.s perhaps the most interesting info are the numbers of Tanks and Guns for the Allies (bold data inside the parenthesis)

[Cameronius]

These were probably held in reserve near Galatas because there is no mention of them on the first day of fighting around the airfeild. There are 3 tanks from the 3rd Hussars used during the counter attack attempt on Day 3. I assume that they are the light Mk. IVs.:horse:

[Cameronius]

Pyros,
Attached is the Alpha stage Maleme map. I have a problem with the long bridge feature over the Tavrontis. I want the whole length to sit at elevation 20 but I can't seem to get it to. I have tried setting each individual hex using the "*" key, but every time the hexes revert back to -1 elevation shortly after. I saved this map when all bridge hexes were at elevation 20.

1. Can you open it in your editor to see if they still are at elevation 20?

2. Do you have a solution to this problem?

:freak: :mad: :scream: :censored: :argh: :drink:

Thanks,

Cam

[Achilles]

Cam,

I will check it when I return home in a couple of hours (but I am not optimistic about it).

Everything concerning water has a fixed altitude of zero.
So there is nothing that you may do to modify the height of a bridge (still I will try to use some reverse engineering to see if we can create anything weird!) :nuts:

cheers,
pyros

Btw, why do you want to have a bridge at 20 height?

[Cameronius]

Pyros,
Upon looking at some other maps or the area, I've decided that the bridge was not a long single span. So I will redesign the area. Please use your time for something more valuable.

Thanks again.

[Achilles]

Don't worry Cam,

Btw, to try to assist you is something that I consider quite important! :thumup:

cheers,
Pyros

[Cameronius]

You are TOO kind!:o :shy: :laugh: :D

OK here is the Alpha 2 Maleme map. Hope you like it. I now will go straight into designing the first 2 scenarios for Crete. I've had enough of drawing maps for now.
:bigfire: :horse: :toast: :salute:

[Achilles]

I will take a look in 40 minutes! :smoke:

cheers,
Pyros

[Achilles]

Superb map Cam! :thumup:

Just a remark:

It may be better to avoid 90 degrees river crossings because of terrain effects and in some places it seems that the river is not continuous.
Also the damage in one building has a strange pattern (perhaps it is related with WinSPMBT).

See the picture.

[Cameronius]

The streams that run north /south are streams. The ones that flow east/west are canals, I assume for irrigation. They are supposed to be separate and as for the 90 degree crossing, the separation was not intentional but I think it makes a good representation of sluiceways feeding into the canals from the stream.

[Cameronius]

Also can you send me a pic of the damaged building you are typing about, so I can see what you see.

[Achilles]

Here it is. :smoke:

[Achilles]

The streams that run north /south are streams. The ones that flow east/west are canals, I assume for irrigation. They are supposed to be separate and as for the 90 degree crossing, the separation was not intentional but I think it makes a good representation of sluiceways feeding into the canals from the stream.

Ok, I understand! :D

cheers,
Pyros

[Cameronius]

Ah Yes,
It is the shellholes you are referring to I assume? They are there bc the terrain under the building is rough in that hex. I put damage there by accident and did not want to remove and replace the building to get rid of it. Is this an acceptable decision?

[Achilles]

It is fine as it is, you may even add more if you have reports of a German bombing raid in Maleme region during that day.

Btw, perhaps we should consider to add some damage to some of the maps.
Also you may add more damage as the missions are evolving.

Finally here are some things that I may do to help you(extended map editor):

1. I may remove any/all damage from your map by a special extended map function.
2. I may Cut and Paste any section of your map (in order to create smaller maps for smaller missions).

cheers,
Pyros

[Achilles]

Btw, It may be good if you could check the Tall building, Impassable building and traversable Building mechanism of the Kalpaki scenario (331).

cheers,
Pyros

[Cameronius]

Pyros,
I will, however I don't think any of those features are needed for historical/tactical impact in the first scenario. I think they will come in handy when the battle moves on to Galatas.

Cam

[Cameronius]

Btw, I wanted the bridge at 20 elevation bc it spanned a ravine with 20 elevation at either end. In tactical terms any units crossing the bridge should be within view of defenders on the opposite bank. With the bridge lying at the bottom of the ravine, -1 elevation, this creates an unrealistic, covered and fast approach route for an atttacker.
Cam

[Cameronius]

Achilles,
What are the corresponding numbers for German ranks in unit editor?

[Cameronius]

Pyros,
I have a problem. I am current doing some initial testing of the Maleme scenario. The German force has a huge number of airstrikes, transports and gliders. I find that they are entering and exiting on their assigned vectors less than 50% of the time. This is VERY bad!:freak: :angry:
I hope I am not doing something wrong.

Attached is the scenario so far. Notice the turn 0 airstikes. The Stukas are all vectored to enter from the west and exit from the northwest. Less than 50% do. All of the Ju 52s and gliders in the following turns have the same problem.
Is this a deliberate design feature or a bug? I hope it's not deliberate bc if you can't rely on aircraft using their assigned vectors than the vectoring feature is useless.:OHNO: :upset:

[hoplitis]

Cam,
there are posts in the ShrapnelGames forum concerning problems with entry/exit routes of planes, spotter planes UAVs etc in winSPMBT. Your problem seems similar. Have you checked those posts out?

[Cameronius]

Thanks Hoplitis, I posted something on the Shrapnel forum too.
Where is Pyros?
On his camping trip?:bigfire:

[hoplitis]

Who knows? :crosseye:
No satelite internet connection probably!:laugh: :laugh:

[Achilles]

Cam,

I will check it in the next couple of days.

cheers,
Pyros

[Cameronius]

I would appreciate it very much if anyone would playtest this scenario for me. It is the first scenario of the Crete chapter, the German Para assault at Maleme airfeild. This is a long scenario of 60 turns, a large number of units and lot of air for the germans.
I would like you to play this from the perspective of the ANZAC commander of 22bn. Your bn A,B,C,D coys are deployed to defend the Maleme airfield and the highground inland from impending Parachute and/or Amphibious attack. Attached are part of 27 MG bn, AA assets and 2x 6inch naval gun emplacments. Brigade HQ, 21bn and 23bn are in defensive positions to the east. The guns of 27 feild artillery bty are available for your defense. It is not known where the mass of the German attack will come from or in what form, but it will be supported heavily from the air.

1. I have not yet written a text file or put the correct text on the map.
2. Please do not look at what the germans have got until after you have played. Play from the perspective of the campaign player.
3. The core force at this point in the campaign is only going to be approx 2 coys in size and could be comprized of anything in the ANZAC and/or Greek OOB. Let me know at the end which part of the 22bn defensive force it should replace and why.
4. Is it too long/short?
5. Is it too easy/hard?
6. Is the AI attack realistic?

I did my best to make this as close to historically correct as possible. Both OOBs are accordingly large

[Cameronius]

Achilles, Good to see you back!:D

My problem with the vectoring is aircraft is normal. According to Mobhack, If under AI control the vectors will be randomly switched by the AI. This is not something he is willing to try changing for fear of changing the way the AI handles other decisions as well. Had you run into this before? My partial solution, use fewer airdrops and start more troops on the ground. Can't wait to see what you think of this scenario.:horse:

[Achilles]

Hi Cam,

Due to full time scenario designing, I can't play at the moment the Maleme scenario but I will do it as soon as I finish the ToO Greece.

But I have examined the setup of the forces and here are some remarks:

1. Very interesting initial setup.
2. It is better to combine two categories of AI units:
i) the active ones
ii) the stationary ones (garrison).
3. In order to make the above possible always assign the AI scenario as AI delay or defend (you still can entrench your forces by setting human defend then entrench then set AI delay)
4. You must use carefully the Reaction settings (put 98 to any artillery/mortar and any unit that will protect the AI soft units or any AI unit that will protect the AI from human flank attack.
5. Try to put the Air formations at the edge of the screen because I have a feeling that their initial positions might influence their flying path.
6. When you use waypoints as a direction of attack multiply them at each point by 5-8 (click 20-30 waypoint marks per waypoint point) if you think that your unit will be fighting along the advance (always use maximum WP marks).
7. When you set to a unit WP path always set reaction to 0.
8. Always keep in mind that the player might have a core force with a lot of Tanks, therefor include several AT assets for the AI.
9. Try to think what the human will do and then anticipate his tactical plan.


But Cam keep in mind that these scenario is a HUGE one and you shouldn't include more that one like this in the rest of the Maleme chapter.

OVERALL:
It looks very nice! :smoke:

cheers,
Pyros

[wulfir]

Cam,

I'm on turn 22 and the FJ is fighting me tooth and nail. :D

22 Bn has taken a pounding and ammo is running short..., but I've delt with some concentrations of paratroopers and I'm manouvering the Kiwis for a counterattack west and south...

Greatly impressed by the scenario. Excellent stuff this. :smoke:

[Cameronius]

Wilfur,
That's excellent! Glad you like it. When you are done or sooner please send me a private message(no spoilers for other playtesters) with specific points of improvement, if you have some. I will have a few questions for you as well.
:toast:
Cheers
Cam

[wulfir]

PM sent! :bandit:

[Cameronius]

Pyros,
My Vacation is over. I am resuming work on the remaining Crete battles.:stirthepot:
Cam

[Achilles]

Hi Cam,

Good news!

Currently I am involved in a third party (non Steel Panther) project and I will have very limited free time available.

Never-the-less do your scenarios and we will adapt them to the current campaign.

Btw, IMO it would be better, before you continue the designing of the new scenarios, if you first play the campaign to that point (for balancing issues).

cheers,
Pyros

[Cameronius]

Sure,
But that may take some time.:toilet:

Cam