Talk Among Yourselves...
May 2001
Thursday, May 31, 2001
Talk Among Yourselves...
A little good news from the gang at TournamentHouse.com:
"We finally got this damn TH Forum up and running. This time for good. Should 200 megs be enough? We had a little problem with the domain we picked the last time, but all is golden now. Instant messaging, private messaging, polls, who's on line, and many other great features!"
June 1, 1942
Air War, Germany-
Britain launches a "1000 bomber" raid against Essen and the Ruhr industrial area.
Now Hiring!
No need to read the want-ads when the perfect job awaits you here:
"CMHQ is Hiring...Again...Well if working for free and accepting my constant abuse could be considered as a job... Here is what I need. I need someone that is FLUENT (read: really really good) with the Chat software package "Conference Room", by Webmaster Inc. and IRC in general.
As you may be aware that is what CMHQ Chat runs on and I really need someone to work with me to get some of the more advanced features implemented and basically do all the work for me and let me take the credit. So, if you are interested, please email me at madmatt@combatmission.com at once and lets "chat" about it...Thanks!"
Attention!
Stix has a little something he'd like to say:
"ATTENTION: All battles still incomplete! On 3JUN we will have had 3 weeks to complete the first round...a 20 turn battle. I do believe that is more than enough time, even with the American Holiday. So...anyone not done by 3JUN01 WILL receive a 200 point penalty that will be applied to their next round's battle PER DAY past the DUE DATE. If you have any concerns, bitches, gripes, or complaints, please bring them up now, as I will be unforgiving come Sunday....Have a nice day!"
May 31, 1940
Politics, United States-
President Franklin D. Roosevelt launches a "billion-dollar defense program" to bolster the armed forces.
Wednesday, May 30, 2001
Incoming!
Manx got his server access back and is making up for lost time:
"We have a great mixture of stuff for you in this latest update -- it's taken me virtually all night (and morning) to compile this lot!:
MODS
(1) - M3A1s by Matthew Peterson
(2) - Wasp, Universal/MG Carrier by PawBroon
(3) - Feldgrau/Camo 1944 SS Uniforms by DRD
(4) - Dark Winter Hoods by Josh Singer
(5) - Winter Challenger by Daedalus The Flyer
(6) - Updated Winterised Comet by Daedalus The Flyer
SCENARIOS
(1) - RP Duke on the Heimat by Andy Thomas
(2) - Putot V1.1 Update by Andy Thomas
(3) - Back We Go by Niles Hirschi
(4) - Last Stand-Dalsenburg by Niles Hirschi
(5) - Villers Bocage by Tommy Moisan
Thanks to all the above for contributing to the site.
Enjoy!"
May 30, 1941
Politics, Iraq-
Iraq signs an armistice with Britain whereby the country agrees not to assist the Axis nations. It also agrees not to obstruct the stationing of British forces in Iraq. A pro-Allied government is subsequently installed.
In Living Colour, Or Not!
Alla Keefek sent over this update for everyone to enjoy:
"Even though the colour portraits look good, I wanted to use Real photos. All but 2 are from the West Front. I tried to use photos that cover different people from 1944 to 1945. Also different weather conditions, hence the different uniforms. I am still looking for French photos now. Also note that the USA paratroopers Spotter will still show up as a the orginial game one. It uses the French pic."
Tuesday, May 29, 2001
Read All About It!
Yes, folks, it's true. The print coverage of Combat Mission 2 has begun in earnest! If you check the July issues of Computer Gaming World and Computer Games Magazine, you will be pleasantly surprised to find CM2 previews complete with screen shots.
Stay tuned to CMHQ for more information as Big Time Software continues to work feverishly on completing CM2.
May 29, 1944
Pacific, Papua New Guinea-
The first tank battle of the Pacific campaign is fought on Biak Island, off New Guinea, between the Japanese and Americans. It is a US victory.
Monday, May 28, 2001
Don't Tell Hasbro...
Hot off the press from Calgary, Alberta, Canada:
"One new scenario-an ASL conversion by ASL Veteran. Also a MINI-CAMPAIGN dealing with the Devil's Brigade at the Anzio beachhead. The direct link to the Anzio campaign is http://members.home.net/madorosh/cat.htm
More versions of this scenario will follow soon; for now boards 4 and 33 are available."
A Treat for All You German-Speaking Fans
A little surprise arrived from the crew in Germany:
"- After a long quiet period, news from our site will now reach you again as soon as it becomes public.
- The rank and medal insignia are now online.
- The ladder table has been re-designed and the rules too! Everyone
can now play as many games as they like. The result of a battle must still be reported, of course.
- Since there has been a lot of disinterest lately, I will have to boot those players out at the end of the season that haven't played at least three games... and those players that don't get in touch any more.
- We need someone to help us with the campaign maps. And a game
master.
- The campaign section is offline for now.
- Have created a new logo.
- The rules for ranks and medals have been re-worked and can be looked up in the rules section.
- The players' profiles have been re-worked as well. You can choose
from three different ones. Submit your ideas and I'll try to incorporate them. You can find them under "Regeln" - "Spielerprofile."
______________________________________________________________________
- Nach langer Stille, erreichen Euch Nachrichten über unsere Site jetzt wieder sofort.
- Die Grafikensymbole für Dienstgrade sind online.
- Die Ligatabelle wurde neu gestaltet; entscheidend ist das die Regeln sich geändert haben! Es darf jeder soviel Spiele gleichzeitig spielen wie er will! Muß natürlich am Ende der Schlacht mir das Ergebnis mitteilen.
- Da es in letzter Zeit bei vielen zu akuter Lustlosigkeit gekommen ist, werde ich all die Spieler am Ende der Saison aus der Liga kicken, die weniger als drei Spiele in der Session gemacht haben... und die Spieler, die sich nicht mehr melden!
- Wir brauchen dann nochmal Hilfe für die Kampagnen-Karten! Es wird ein Game-Master gesucht!
- Der Kampangen-Bereich ist vom Netz und wird ganz neu überareitet.
- Habe mal ein neues Logo erstellt.
- Die Regeln für Orden und Auszeichnungen sind neu überarbeitet und
können im Regelwerk begutachtet und nachgelesen werden."
A Few Unmentionables...
This just in:
"Four new scenarios-conversions from everyone's favourite boardgame by a variety of authors, including two resurrected from the mysterious Col. Klotz's files."
May 28, 1941
Mediterranean, Crete-
Major General Bernard Freyberg, the New Zealand commander responsible for defending Crete, decides the island cannot be saved as the German offensive intensifies. His forces are already retreating toward Sfakia on the south coast. British losses are 1742 men, plus 2011 dead and wounded at sea, while Germany has 3985 men killed or missing.
Sunday, May 27, 2001
The Big Annoucement and one King Mother of an Update
Ok, the teasing is over.. You have heard the rumors and it's time to light this candle. Effective immediately the excellent Forward Observer website and CMHQ will be joining forces to bring you the best in full Combat Mission and Combat Mission 2 coverage.
How will this play out? Well for starters Ted Quincey, the proprietor of the FO site has come on board the staff of CMHQ and is now my News Editor. This means that CMHQ will again be updated multiple times a day with CM news and features from the over 40 Combat Mission Websites across the net.
This also means a considerable change in the layout of this site. As you can see I have trimmed up some of the fat and tried to give you the a viewer a slicker more streamlined experience. Above on the left under the Spotting Reports section you will see a list of the 10 (I can change that amount if its not enough) news updates posted here. Those will include news from all the CM sites as well as updates on our own goings on here. To the right you will see a new table which will list the most recent Mods, Articles and Features that are posted here. This means that at a glance you can scan for all the CM news you could want as well as check out what new stuff is available here.
I will be enhancing this NEWS page with some very cool features (those of you familiar with the old CMHQ-Annex site will recognize much of this) including e-mail notification of site updates and full news archive searching. I will also be reformatting the Untested Mods area in the near future which will coincide with the introduction of yet another, as yet un-named person coming on board to take over the role of CMHQ's Mod Manager. I am currently speaking with a couple of candidates for that job and when that person comes onboard it will make submitting and having your mods hosted here easier and quicker than ever. Stand by for more info on that in the weeks to come.
So, sit back, let the news soak in and read below for all the other goodies we have in store for you!
Okay, so assuming you read the above you will see a nice NEW list of mods and articles up above. Let me recap them for you...
*An awesome new Mono Color Panther G (early and late)
*8 (that's right EIGHT) New M5A1/Stuart Mk V, M8 HMC, T8 Combat Car/Stuart Kangaroo Mods.
*3 New Deanco Clipboard Interface mods (French/German/Revised English Languages)
* New Fire Mod
* New Smoke with Flames Mod
* Updated Pz IV Mods (now Mod Manager Compliant!)
* New SdKfz 251/1 Mod
* A New article from Pawbroon on How To Mod Textures for CM...
So there you go, links are up above! Enjoy and welcome to the future of CMHQ!!!
Busy, Busy, Busy...
Kinch rushed in a few moments ago with this update:
"The Boots and Tracks team has been very busy this Spring. We have many projects in the works. On that note, we are pleased to release two new Wild Bill Battles.
Also, we have posted every Boots and Tracks battle since Combat Mission CD went gold. They are organized by author.
There is a new map and several screen shots from our work.
So, head on over and don't forget to tell us what you think. Your feedback is key.
Kevin "Kinch" Kinscherf"
More Advances...
Things seem to be moving along nicely:
"Welcome to the second round, Treeburst155, mPisi, Pondscum, and Sock Monkey.
Everyone else get those turns returned so we can move onto round 2!!!.
Stix"
May 27, 1941
Politics, United States-
President Franklin D. Roosevelt declares that "an unlimited national emergency now exists." The government assumes wide-ranging powers over the economy and pledges to resist any act of aggression from Germany.
I Stand Corrected
Chris sent over this batch of corrections:
"Corrected identification of US and Brit 37mm gun in Guns chart.
Corrected Stuart V max speed in Tanks chart.
Added US designation for Stuart V {M3A3} in order to differentiate it from the M5A1."
Two Days Running...
Rommel22 has made his second update in two days! Today, he adds the following:
"I got around to do another update, since I took the entire week off work. Anyway, I added new scenarios to the page; five new scenarios in all. The first is a pack of 4 multiplayer scenarios. These are only to be played against another human opponent. These scenarios are very well-balanced! The next scenario is by me. This one is completly hypothetical, but a lot of fun to play. So, check them out in the scenario section."
Saturday, May 26, 2001
Up Close and Personal
Magnus sent in this new operation:
"Check our "Scenarios" section for a new scenario by Bakounine. It is called "Opération Stösser" and takes place on 16th December 1944.
After a completely missed jump, Fallschirmjäger under von der Heydte are trapped behind enemy lines and must fight their way to prevent encirclement. Map is heavily wooded, making it ideal for ambush at point blank range... Combats will prove particularly lethal."
I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas...
Here is some winter news from Tom:
"A new winterized Challenger by Daedalus the Flyer can be found at TCMHQ. There is also an improved version of the winterized Comet available. Get it from the "Mods-Allied Armor" section."
May 26, 1940
Western Front, France/Belgium-
Operation Dynamo, the evacuation of Allied forces from the Dunkirk area, begins. A defensive perimeter established on the Aa, Scarpe, and Yser "canal line" covers the withdrawal, while an assorted rescue flotilla of pleasure boats, commercial craft, and naval vessels crosses and recrosses the English Channel.
Friday, May 25, 2001
Scenarios? You Got It!
Spike is at it again:
"Hello Everyone,
Once again the site has been updated. The following scenarios were added today:
Captue of Balta
Chess Elite
Forest Dwellers
Going to Town
Hell on HorseShoe Hill
Meyers Decision 1
Meyers Decision 2
Meyers Decision 3
Over Hill Over Dale
Polder Bridge
Ride of the Valkyries Act 1
Rock Quarry
Stop by the site and have a look!"
A Little Remodeling...
Rommel22 swings back into action:
"So I finally got of my lazy ass and fixed, updated, and added new features to the site. One of the new features I added is CSS, or Cascading Style Sheets. I am learning Java script so I added this small feature I learned. The other thing I did was update the links. I added several sites related to CM, other sites I really like, and some sites realted to WWII.
Well, that's it for now. I might add more scenarios soon, IF SOME OF YOU SEND ME SCENARIOS!!!"
What's in a Name?
Chris Hare's Combat Mission Scenarios is now called Chris' CM Database.
Direct Link: Chris' CM Database Hear Me...
He's a pinball wizard...:
"A list of voice files has been added to the site, outlining the different British voice .wav files (both number and what is said), as a tool for any sound modders out there. Also, a new scenario section has been added with more scenarios to be added soon, and the divisional histories are nearing completion."
May 25, 1944
Balkans, Yugoslavia-
The Germans launch an air, glider, and mortar attack on the partisan headquarters at Divar, in which Marshal Tito narrowly escapes capture. The attack is believed to have been the plan of SS Major Otto Skorzeny, the officer who rescued Mussolini.
A Little Help, Please!
It appears MadMatt would like to have your undivided attention:
"Attention all CM Utility/DoDad/Thingamajig Authors...CMHQ Needs YOU!!!!
...or at least info about your program. Here is the deal: we now have a growing list of really sweet CM-specific utilites floating around, but I don't know of any one site that has them all hosted or even a full list of these CM Essentials. Now, I am not talking about Mods here; I am talking about programs like the new BER (Random Endgame Generator), the web-based QB Randomizer, the PBEM Manager, and the like.
What I would like is to have the people involved in these projects just drop me a line and give me a brief rundown on your tool, what it does, and where it is hosted (I will link to it, I don't need to host the files unless you want me too) so I can start a new section on CMHQ called "CM Essentials: Addons and Utilities."
I think it would be nice to have one comprehensive list of all the programs that are out there now as I am sure there are some that I am not aware of. So, send me what ya got and I will do my part and make it known to the world!
By the way, expect a HUGE Annoucement and Update this weekend at CMHQ (No, its not about CM2!)...
Madmatt"
Thursday, May 24, 2001
The Next Big Thing
Tom has been kind enough to send over the following:
"TCMHQ published a new huge scenario called "Wingen-sur-Moder" ( based on historical facts ), designed by Steve Dixon Paul Synott, and Dan Brown. It deals with an attempt by Task Force Herren to recapture the village of Wingen in the Alsace-Loraine region on January 6th, 1945 ( during Operation "Nordwind" ). The town was defended by elements of the 6th SS Gebirgsjaeger Division. You can get it from the "France 1944/45" site in the scenario section."
If it Ain't Broke...
From on high, the word is spoken:
"Okay, all the old corrupt user accounts (and we know who you were!) have been repaired and all the Hacked Attempt style messages should be gone. We still lost a few days worth of posts and for that we are sorry but we retrieved as much as we could.
Anyone that created a new username to try login (while their old one was broken) *should* be able to use their old account and be fine.
The Search Feature is also working a little better but we are looking at a more permanent solution to that issue.
So, let the games resume!
Madmatt"
May 24, 1917
United States-
Jerome Kraszewski, grandfather of SuperTed, is born. Kraszewski later goes on to serve in a recon unit in the ETO during World War II.
Wednesday, May 23, 2001
Back in Action!
Could it be....? Nah, it couldn't be.... It is! It is! MoJo is still alive! Here's the latest from him in a very long time:
"Hi all, been a while since you guys seen me around (if you still remember me). Well I'm back and just wanted to let you know that I dusted off the cobwebs and finally updated my website. I have completed my Jeep set with a Jeep Pack Mod. It now has both Jeep and the MG Jeep modded up to look real "muddy." Not really a big update but something to get the site movin again. More updates coming soon hopefully, thats all for now.
-MoJo"
May 23, 1941
Sea War, Atlantic-
Two British Cruisers, Norfolk and Suffolk, assisted by radar, find the German battleship Bismark and cruiser Prinz Eugen in the Denmark Straits between Iceland and Greenland. However, the two German ships sink the battlecruiser Hood and damage the battleship Prince of Wales, which have been sent to engage them. Bismark's oil tanks, however,are hit and begin leaking. That night, a torpedo-bomber hits the ship but does little damage.
On to the Second Round...
Stix sent in the following update:
"AKoTM Tourney Ladder has been updated!
Welcome to the second round Harpooner, Labapple, Senior Beef, and Speedy."
Tuesday, May 22, 2001
The Weather Outside Is Frightful...
Just in time for winter in the Southern Hemisphere, Manx has the following goodies at COMBAT MISSIONS:
"Another new mod for you today. Thanks to Josh Singer for sending in his Winter Hooded Faces and Axis Smock/Helmet mods. You need to be aware that the Hooded Faces mod is designed for use in Winter Battles ONLY!
Also, we have a brand new Scenario for you by Steve Dixon, entitled "Wingen-sur-Moder," which sees US & German Mountain troops fighting a desperate & bloody battle for control of the town. Thanks Steve!
Enjoy!"
A Sad Day...
It is the end of an era as Griffin announces:
"CMCP is Closed Permenantly
As of today, this site is shut down permanently. I think, even though the time was short, I have to move on. I have learnt a lot of experiences in maintaining this site (not the HTML skills). The decision is hard, I would appreciate your understandings.
In case you care, the CMDB form is still here but the utilization rate is less than 1% so I don't think it matters much. As for the files hosted here, I would pass on to other interested parties. So stay tuned.
Thanks for everybody who have supported this site.
Griffin"
TOMMY Tells All!
Just in case you were wondering what TOMMY was going to be:
"With the introduction of the wildly popular Desert Fox/Desert Rats module, as well as preliminary news on an upcoming Pacific module, interest in British uniforms has increased. I am pleased to announce that the British mods I have been able to offer the CM community, representing British uniforms for Northwest Europe, North Africa, the Mediterranean, and soon also the Far East, are now hosted on their own site - along with sketch histories and orders of battle of all the infantry divisions (as well as infantry components of armoured divisions) that fought in Northwest Europe.
The site will expand soon to include vehicle markings, uniform insignia, and sketch histories of British divisions around the world in World War Two, and give players the ability to have these formations represented in Combat Mission and its aftermarket modules. TOMMY is now online and offers CM players easy access to information that apparently has not been compiled for the internet in any one place before."
May 22, 1943
Sea War, Atlantic-
Admiral Karl Doenitz suspends patrols in the northern Atlantic. Some 56 submarines have been destroyed since April alone in a campaign of attrition the Germans cannot afford.
Escalating losses of both vessels and experienced crews force him to redeploy his remaining forces to less hazardous Caribbean waters and the Azores. Improved tactics, radar, code-breaking, air cover, and the increased building of escorts have combined to strengthen convoy defenses.
Monday, May 21, 2001
Combat Mission Scenario Archive
Spike is working hard:
"The Scenario Archive has been updated yet again!
We have added more scenarios to the page. After a mass mailing to authors that have scenarios listed on the page, we are starting to get a constant stream of emails coming in giving their permission to post the scenarios! Happy days indeed!!
We have just added a "PLAYTESTERS PAGE" to the Archive. This will allow all authors to post their scenarios to The Archive and have anyone download it and play it. We do ask that all playtesters give the author feedback so the scenario can be perfected and eventually archived! I would like to thank Mr. Kevin Pietersen for suggesting the idea!!! Great idea Kev; keep 'em coming!
If you would like to comment on something or have a suggestion, please email me! Stop by The Archive and check us out!
Thanks Again,
Spike Out!"
May 21, 1940
Western Front, France-
British tanks battle with the 7th Panzer Division at Arras until May 23.
Battlefront.com
A message from Battlefront.com:
"Sorry, the message board is closed while we do some extensive maintenance. As you might be aware, we encounted some severe corruption on the server and this will take some time to resolve completely. The Forums will be taken offline until these issues can be resolved. DO NOT EMAIL US about this matter. Thank you.
Battlefront.com Staff..."
Sunday, May 20, 2001
Boots & Tracks
Great news from Bill and the Boys:
"The Boots and Tracks site has been updated!
We can't tell you by who, but we have good intel it's a scenario designer known around the globe.
Gee ... Who could that be?"
Tom's Combat Mission HQ
A little bit of everything from Tom:
"Get a winterized version of the British Comet tank (made by Daedalus) and PawBroon's new Bren/Wasp Carrier mod from the "Allied Armor" section of the TCMHQ site.
BTW: a full Netscape-compatible version of Tom´s CM site will be available at the start of next week."
COMBAT MISSIONS
Manx is on top of things:
"I've managed to clear down a backlog of stuff sent in over the past few days. I have had quite a few problems with my PC (BSOD's), which has hindered me updating the site. Anyway, after reformatting the HD, I'm pretty sure I've managed to fix the problems I was experiencing. To anyone who has tried to contact me over the past few days; I will get back to you ASAP. I have only just got my e-mail back today (Saturday)
Right, on to the site. We have a big, big update for you tonight!
Mods-
1. A superb set of Canadian, British, and Polish Trucks by David Molinarolo, Rick Klein, Gordon Molek, and Marco Bergman.
2. A stunning new Winterised Comet sent in by a new Mod Artist to the site-Daedalus the Flyer.
3. Smoke by John Caravella-another mod-maker making his first appearance on COMBAT MISSIONS, or anywhere else AFAIK. His first mod is a beaut!...You gotta see this smoke with your own eyes!
Scenarios-
1. Worthington Force-new version 2 by Glen Leugner.
2. Deathride of the Panzers-by Levi Klein.
3. Gemunden-by Steve Eslinger.
4. Last Stand-Dalsenburg-by Niles Hirschi.
5. Midnight-by Andy Thomas.
6. Commando 2-by Andrew Miszyn.
Enjoy it all!"
May 20, 1941
Mediterranean, Crete-
A German force of 23,000 men, supported by 600 aircraft, attacks Crete. The German plan is to launch an airborne assault that can then be reinforced by a seaborne force. After prepatory air attacks, the Germans launch the first major airborne operation in history.
Paratroops come under attack while landing and meet determined resistance from the 42,000 British, New Zealand, Australian, and Greek troops stationed on the island. After an Allied battalion commander holding Maleme airfield mistakenly withdraws, the Germans gain a footing for reinforcements to be landed. While the Germans are able to land some troops by glider and parachute, around 5,000 men are lost on vessels sailing from Greece that are intercepted by British ships.
Combat Mission Scenario Archive
Spike has done some remodeling:
"Combat Mission Scenario Archive has received a much-needed facelift! Spent most of the day creating graphics and adding pull-downs. The sight looks 100% better than it did, and is a bit more friendly to navigate. Stop by and check it out!!!
Please check out the scenarios listed... If you see one of yours and it isn't archived ot linked... drop me an email and tell me to link it, archive it, or forget it! ;-)
Thanks for all the visits and hope to see you again soon.
Spike out!"
Saturday, May 19, 2001
Combat Mission Scenario Archive
Spike has submitted another update:
"Hello everyone...
Another big update at the Archive!!! Added the letters N, O, and P-lots of additional scenarios now available to everyone!!! Come by and check it out!!!!
Spike out!"
Friday, May 18, 2001
May 18, 1942
Politics, Britain-
Admiral Harwood assumes command of the British Mediterranean Fleet.
Thursday, May 17, 2001
May 17, 1944
Italy, Cassino-
The Germans evacuate the monestary at Monte Cassino because of the deep breakthroughs by the French Expeditionary Corps and the US II Corps. The next day, the Polish 12th Podolski Regiment storms the ruins of Monte Cassino.