S3 Series

http://www.squadselectseries.com - new map and summary up

In one of those unpredictable events common to the Western Desert a local sandstorm blew in and grounded all the bomber aircraft of the Allies based in the area around El Alamein. This had dire effects on their offensive capabilities just as the Axis began to push forward to the south of Fort Maddelena. This did not stop Commonwealth Hurribombers from bombing a panzer column wreaking four tanks. But generally the Allies had to play defense using their Hurris and Kittyhawks to attack the many attacks by small groups of Ju88s and persistant ground operations by the newly rejuvenated Regia Aeronautica. Their nimble MC200s would hit British tanks around the fort defenses and coming up from reserve. Joined by Ju88s the Axis would account for nine Matildas and eight halftracks. The two newly activated forward airfields of the WDAF were shutdown by combined Axis attacks. F7 and F22 are closed for operations for the final frame.

In the fighter on fighter combat the WDAF came out ahead claiming 21 enemy fighters for 10 lost to them. Overall they shotdown 34 e/a while losing 17 to them. Thirteen of the valuable Ju88s were lost giving the Allies the lead in the frame. Proving sometimes no offensive is a good thing. The score going into the final frame is 365 for the Axis and 348 for the Allies. It comes down to the final frame.

Frontline has only moved slightly with Gabr Selah and Bir El Hanga falling to Italian ground forces. Both sides are intent on the coastal road and attacks in this area and south near the always important Fort Maddelena. Allied airfields are very restricted now near the front and except for a temporary field at Sollum most are far back along their supply lines toward Alexandria. The Axis are only slightly better with some close fields south of the Fort but these are rough and only suitable for the rugged MC200.

Good Luck in the Final Frame

Notes - my apologies to the Allied Frame CO. Putting together a plan and having no inclination that your main strike force is not going to show up makes it impossible to switch roles and plans at T+0. As always I appreciate how much time you all put into this event and how much it means to you when someone steps up and organizes the night for you. Frame COs are our lifeblood and need to be assisted anyway possible, we want them to come back.

I'm wondering why F23 is still closed to the Allies when F26 is open to the Axis? The rule explains F26 since the front moved, but F23 has remained on the green side the entire time and only attacked once so closing it for a frame seems fair but not the remainder of the series. There enough limitations already.
13. Closed Fields - fields closed during play will remain so for the series. If the front moves and closed fields are captured they are operational for the side that captures them, until being closed once again.

All fields closed during play remain so for the series unless the front advances and liberates them.
Most bomber pilots like this rule in that their efforts are rewarded down the line with fields closed for the series.

The front line movement is a bit arbitrary and I believe simulates the chaotic shifting of fortunes you saw in the wide out battles along the Libyan Frontier.
Many years ago we had elaborate movements and counters to simulate the ground war but it proved too cumbersome and detailed to follow. Now for simplicity sake we make judgement calls trying to simulate history and relative game play results. Its not always right but it usually proves a challenge.

Still didn't answer the question as to why you arbitarily chose to keep 23 closed even though it well behind the front line in green tereitory. Doing so arbitrarily screws the Allied side and I for one object. Why I left WB for over a year as I was tired of flying allied and getting screwed. 2nd issue, you said you would keep the arena open. It's not.

Terrain rollover was Monday and Spindz moved it private. Its public again

All fields that are closed during play remain so for the entire series. Luckily the 4th flies for both sides now so Allied discrimination will only be an issue 50% of the time

Allies win frame 4 by 27 points. The score going into the final frame is 365 for the Axis and 348 for the Allies. It comes down to the final frame.

Good one!

<S>
Nick