An excerpt from the desk of the Allied Commander-in-Chief: Campaign 55 exploded into life, with pulses racing having seen the 1.31 preview. Operation GRETSKY, the initial opening strategy was planned and executed to near-perfection - Allied forces bulldozed their way through the Axis defenses east of Brussels and our Phase 1 and 2 objectives were met within the first 24 hours, with pulsating victories at Aarshot, Diest, St Truiden in the target area. As the Axis shifted their forces to contain our momentum, opportunities arose elswhere, and we pushed to the north and in the mid-south.

Axis CinC Katonka and Allied CinC GreatOne deserve a special mention this week.  Both are special CinC’s, with Katonka as our first female CinC and GreatOne as our first player to rise to Theater Command on both sides.  Also, both players have given much in the roles to become CinC, and have simply been an amazing set of leaders – keeping both sides fighting fair and fighting hard. 

As a former CinC myself, I understand what it takes to get to the CinC position, and the work involved.  When we have 2 CinC’s functioning so well together the game is better for the players, the officers and for CRS.

For all you both have done, and all you are doing, CRS thanks you.  I know the players are happy. 

Congratulations GreatOne and Katonka.

FROM THE DESK OF THE ALLIED COMMANDER IN CHIEF:

Campaign 55 exploded into life, with pulses racing having seen the 1.31 preview.

Operation GRETSKY, the initial opening strategy was planned and executed to near-perfection - Allied forces bulldozed their way through the Axis defenses east of Brussels and our Phase 1 and 2 objectives were met within the first 24 hours, with pulsating victories at Aarshot, Diest, St Truiden in the target area. As the Axis shifted their forces to contain our momentum, opportunities arose elswhere, and we pushed to the north and in the mid-south. We have now positioned ourselves east of the starting line and we are poised to press hard and take the fight deeper into Axis territory.

So this first message of Campaign 55 is a massive Salute! to all our Allied players for the fantastic execution so far. The teamwork exhibited between AHC and Allied playerbase over the last few days is exactly what we intend to bring week in week out. Coordinated Aos, defensive organization and plenty of opportunities to kill our Axis enemies.

Great job all, but we must avoid complacency, let's continue to work together - squads, AHC and players - to keep these Allied victories
coming.

Be sure to look out in Allied Secure for details of Operation COBRA - planned for this weekend!

AAR Of The Week:

Defense of Longwy 9-7-09 18:30 CDT

Time-span and events are estimated, as I immediately went to work when logged on. From approx 18:30, to past midnight, CDT, I was in Longwy, and was OiC for a few hours.

Upon entering game, and logging in, I checked with AHC, to get map status, as well as the CoC for the evening. Fenir had the map. I asked "where needed", and was asked to report on all BDE supplies, for BEF and ArFr. After responding with the supplies, Longwy (which was under DO for some time) came under contention, and I immediately went their to assist with the defense.

Upon arrival, I checked the bunker, and saw that guards where active on spawnable depots and both AB's. Fenir was on-site, and guarding, so I helped the re-capture of the depots, and eventually recaptured the city.

At this point, Axis CAP/CAS arrived in full force, and made difficult any defense. Also, supply was very low, from both BDE's in Longwy. Armor was gone, ATG/AAA very low, and all INF but Rifles, Grens, Mortors and ATR's where depleted.

As the town was recaptured, the Axis forces made another attempt form the Arlun/Longwy FB, and attacked from the NE, and we fought this back, by placing defensive troops around the perimeter.

Supply was slowly trickling in, and we where killing more than dying, so we where holding fast.

As more Axis MSP's came in, we sought these out, and destroyed them.

All said, the town was heavily contested at least 3 times, and each time, we fought back and regained the town, with minimal supply.

When the Axis AO was lifted, I immediately went to work, organizing the re-capture of the Longwy FB's, and personally oversaw the taking of the Arlun/Longwy FB.

Then the Long-Arlun FB defense was established, and Cometus (who had assumed MAP OiC) requested a Mole Operation for Arlun, to relieve northerly objectives. The moling operation was set, and after about 30 minutes, I logged for the night.

NOTES: Allied communications and morale was very high last night, and squad cooperation was excellent. All the players, as well as the AHC (Fenir, SDWells, and myself) worked as a team, and accomplished a difficult mission. I can think of fewer times where I have spent so much time defending radios, and had so much fun

Special Mention needs to go to two squads, who fought selflessly and for many hours in Longwy:
13th Infantry Regiment - guarding and clearing depot machines!
84th Sqrdn - CAS/CAP (who drove the Luftwaffe away)

S!
Andy "Bulldog" Harsh

This week saw the following players recognized for their commitment to the Allied cause:

Mention In Dispatch Bronze Star

Mclupo
Drillin

FB Destroying Ribbon

Wolfxx
Falcongt

Meritorious Unit Commendation

84th Squadron, RAF
13th Infantry Regiment

Here are a summary of the moves within the AHC the past week:

Inital Ocs Placements:

Aeropaus - Arfr
K1ng - Raf
Bulldog - Arfr
Dragoon - Bef

ALLIED PLAYER OF THE WEEK: 
Falcongt – Strong team player, this Allied soldier leads from the front.  With a good sense of humor and understanding that sometimes things don’t always work out, he continues to press the Allied cause.  Falcon rides the rough patches and makes adjustments as needed to stay positive and work with both the AHC and his fellow players to make missions fun for all on them.

ALLIED OFFICER OF THE WEEK:
Sdwells – This very new AHC officer has shown exactly what the officer corps needs.  He has a dedication to the Allied side, takes the map constantly, looks for areas to learn, and can take advice/criticism and keep on pushing.  He is a positive example to others who would enroll, and just what the Allies need to continue to be a long-term threat to the Axis.

S! Keep pushing east Allies.

-GreatOne, Allied CinC