Today is a double-update of sorts. The day of 12th (turn before last) was mostly filled with maneuvers, although there were some highlights. Monastir fell to the 23rd FJ, and the Italians were dispatched southwards towards our next objectives after eliminating the enemy forces spoken of earlier. More on these objectives later. Also Sheb, I went ahead with the taking of Monastir because the 23rd FJ isn't motorized, and so would have to walk right by it anyway.
Near Salonika, our fighter wings engaged the Brits and shot most of their planes down. The 12th fighter wing earned some honors.
The 1st FJ and 13th Gebirsjagers coordinated an assault on the heavy artillery located at the airfield. Although the 1st FJ assaulted first, and nearly completely wiped out the entire artillery battalion, the 13th Gebirsjagers took the glory when assigned mopping up detail shortly after. To be fair, the 13th took significant casualties (tripping over munitions, maybe?) and they're an honorable unit, probably our most decorated at this point. Maybe next time, 1st FJ.
We're just handing these things out like candy.
Here are some details about the 13th:
Yesterday the 36th SS grenadiers moved up into position for the assault on Salonika, but the attack was delayed until Commander McCrea could get his 15cm guns in position.
I also gave those Panzer 38ts an honorable discharge by sending them to their certain destruction, attacking the AA position. They had no impact whatsoever. This has made room for one of our reserve divisions to be deployed.
Now, for current briefings.
April 14th, 1941First of all, I'd like you all to meet our new arrivals, the 10th Grenadiers. They are under Generalleutnant DarkerDark's command. Currently they're on the road, trundling down in Opels towards the frontlines.
Here's the situation outside of Salonika. EJ, I only moved the 22nd into that lousy pocket because I needed to make room for the 36th Grenadiers to assault the city. The heavy guns are in place and the city should fall pretty quickly, especially with air support after the AA is knocked out. I've brought some Bulgarians in
to absorb the brunt of the attack help out. BTW, I investigated and disbanding auxiliary units (like Italians or Bulgarians) will not open up slots for our reserve troops, which is unfortunate. We'll have to take these guys all the way to Athens with us.
Like I said, I sent the Italians south through the hill country, hoping to get them in place for a back-door assault on Trikkala, which is situated in a very rugged mountain pass. The poor 25th infantry stumbled into a Greek infantry division, though. Reconnaissance from our fighters shows that we're up against lots of infantry, and little else. I would rather go around Kozani, at the top of the image, but the position of that city on the only highway will choke our advance (especially if it starts raining), so we might as well take it. After this upcoming tangle with Northern/inland Greece, we'll have heavy artillery support from our navy , who've almost made it around the coastline and are on their way up to aid us. Speaking of which:
Here they are sinking the British expeditionary force that was too daft to slip out of the bay when they had the chance. Picture taken outside of Athens. That's all for now.