Resource Transport TF's?

Matrix Games Forums

Forums Register Login Photo Gallery Member List Search Calendars FAQ

My Profile Inbox Address Book My Subscription My Forums Log Out

Resource Transport TF's?

View related threads: (in this forum | in all forums)

Logged in as: Guest

Users viewing this topic: none

Printable Version

All Forums >> [New Releases from Matrix Games] >> War in the Pacific: Admiral's Edition >> After Action Reports >> Resource Transport TF's?

Page: << < prev 9 10 [11] 12 13 next > >>

Message

<< Older Topic Newer Topic >>

Resource Transport TF's? - 5/28/2010 7:47:26 PM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline

Just a question.

I've been catching a lot of comments in other posts and AAR's about resource shipping to the Home Islands. It seems a lot of Japanese players are primarily shipping resources from Shanghai, Port Arthur, Hakodate and Shikuka exclusively to save on fuel wastage on other routes. I currently was shipping resources from Singapore and Manilla to Takao where I have roughly 600,000 resources stockpiled and growing, then shipping from there to Kyushu. Is this a wasted effort transporting resources all the way from Singapore and area to Japan, or is the priority to ship as many resources to the Home Islands as possible...period? I already use Takao as my major fuel/oil hub for shipments from Singapore, Miri, Brunei, Tarakan and Balikpapan prior to transport to Japan proper.

If using just 4 primary ports for shipment of resources to Japan, wouldn't that leave an awful amount of transport shipping idle, I wouldn't think those four ports would have the capacity to handle all the shipping efficiently without serious delays during loading/unloading? Can they alone provide enough resources to build a huge stockpile in the Home Islands? What are other Japanese players doing with the abundance of resources in the captured territories? Using them strictly for local industrial consumption?

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 301

April 27/42 Update - 6/1/2010 5:30:42 PM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline

April 27/42 Update:

Java:

P-40E Warhawks (10) swept Semarang, no Japanese planes are based here. Soerakarta was captured while undefended and puts me in a good position for the drive on Soerabaja.

China:

I continue to pound the 35th Chinese Corps by air, as ground troops are not in position to launch any attacks. Casualities were 159 over 3 raids.

Burma:

Blenheim IV's (27) made a bombing run over Lashio hitting the resource production centre's. 6 Resources hits were recorded. I have no CAP over Lashio so the bombers were not interdicted. Smeulders' indicated he wanted to see what experience points the pilots might gain.

New Guinea:

B-17D's (6) appeared over the 24th Inf. Rgt. near Port Moresby at 98,129. A6M2 Zero's (4) intercepted from Buna, and two B-17's were damaged for no loss. The troops were not hit.

Japanese and Allied units traded artillery bombardments at Port Moresby. Troops continue to march overland. Next time I invade from the sea, this is taking far too long.

Miscellaneous:

Canton expands fortifications to size 2
Woleai expands fortifications to size 1
Shortlands expands fortifications to size 1
Buna expands airfield to size 3

DD Asashio beginning refit in shipyard at Singapore

C./50th JNAF Coy arrives at Tokyo

I can only hope the recent appearance of Allied bombers will continue, I'd like to start attritioning the Allied airforce. However, I don't think Smeulders will commit them on a regular basis, there's no immediate gain for him to do so. I don't believe he'll risk any assets unless it's in conjuction with a strategic gain for the Allied war effort.

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 302

April 28/42 Update - 6/1/2010 5:45:46 PM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline

April 28/42 Update:

Sub Ops:

SS I-170 was spotted near Palm Island off the coast of Northeastern Australia. One near miss hit was suffered from the DC attack.
SS I-18 patrolling off the coast near Darwin, spotted, attacked, and sank the AG Canopus with two torpedo hits. The ship was a small one, but at this stage I'm happy to sink anything! The submarine eluded an ASW attack.

China:

Daily bombing of the 35th Chinese Corps continues. Another 143 casualites reported.

Java:

I've had a couple of MGB's sitting at Semarang for days now and they were strafed by P-40E's (12) based from Soerabaja. The MGB G-5 received 12 hits, but damage is minimal.

Sumatra:

The Yokosuka 3rd SNLF began an airborne landing on Siberoet Island off the west coast and captured it with a shock attack. The island was undefended.

Christmas Island IO:

The 2nd Sasebo SNLF Coy captured the island which was undefended.

New Guinea:

Japanese and Allied forces again traded artillery bombardments. Casualities on either side were minimal.

Miscellaneous:

Manila expands airfield to size 4
Balikpapan expands fortifications to size 3

AV Akitsushima arrives at Tokyo

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 303

April 29/42 Update - 6/1/2010 6:19:18 PM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline

April 29/42 Update:

Sub Ops:

SS KVIII launched a 2 torpedo salvo at the SC Ch 21 and missed, then was attacked spotted by an ASW SC TF near Salajar at 65,108 and received one direct DC hit!

SS KXIV was spotted off teh coast of Djemadja by the PB Tatebu and received 3 near miss DC hits. This is encouraging to see some successful ASW attacks beginning to happen.

Port Blair:

The assault force began landing on the island this morning. Shore bombardment from the 2 CA's, 2 CL's and 4 DD's provided support.

Dutch New Guinea:

The 23rd Naval Guard unit began unloading at Manokwari.

China:

The 35th Chinese Corps suffered another 172 casualties from bombing today.
Japanese ground forces are moving towards Ankang. We've also picked up some movement from Chinese forces at Sian heading east. I will follow up with recon to get an idea of the numbers moving. I can only hope that the Chinese are getting restless and that some small offensives may be in motion. If I can get Smeulders to start moving that will help me tremendously. I'll be keeping a close eye on Chinese movements in the theatre. Right now though, I am committed to the assault on Ankang. I believe this will cause a reaction from my opponent which I hope to exploit.

Java:

The P-40E's (12) were back again over Semarang strafing my MGB's, of which the MGB G-5 took another 7 hits.

21st/A and 21st/B Div. forces reinforced by the 47th Inf. Rgt. began deliberate attacks against Tjilitjap again. Casualites were 189 for Japanese forces against 268 Allied. I don't believe my forces are strong enough to carry the base yet, but I wanted to start ramping things up in Java. The AV comparison right now is 420 to 205 in Japan's favour.

Djokjakarta was captured today forcing the Dutch defenders to flee towards Soerabaja. Japanese losses were light at 15, while 200 Dutch troops fell.

Timor:

The Dutch defenders at Lautem fell after a deliberate attack launched by the 41st Naval Guard unit and the 48th Eng. Rgt. Japanese losses were 22, while the Allied lost another 608 casualties. That leaves only the troops east of Koepang to deal with on the island, and these are treated to a deliberate attack which inflicts 47 casualties for the Dutch to no loss for Japan.

Miscellaneous:

Lomblen expands airfield to size 2
Bihoro expands airfield to size 6

Maizuru 3rd SNLF arrives at Maizuru
301st Ind.Infantry Battalion arrives at Asahikawa
302nd Ind.Infantry Battalion arrives at Asahikawa
303rd Ind.Infantry Battalion arrives at Asahikawa
Kure 5th SNLF arrives at Hiroshima/Kure
Yokosuka 5th SNLF arrives at Yokohama/Yokosuka
Ichiki Det. arrives at Asahikawa
79th Garrison Battalion arrives at Singapore
80th Garrison Battalion arrives at Singapore

Always great to get an influx of reinforcements. These units will be dispatched as quickly as possible from the Home Islands to postings throughout the Empire.

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 6/1/2010 6:37:24 PM >

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 304

April 30/42 Update - 6/1/2010 6:36:23 PM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline

April 30/42 Update:

Sub Ops:

SS Trout launches 6 torpedoes at the SC CH 23 spotted near Buna, but luckily all miss. No ASW attack is launched sadly.
SS Trout is then spotted again and attacked by ASW assets, no hits are recorded.
SS Trout then launches another 4 torpedoes in an effort to score a hit on the SC CH 11, this time hitting with a dud. No ASW attack is launched.

China:

The 35th Chinese Corps continues to be pounded, suffering another 150 casualties.

The 23rd Chinese Corps is attacked northeast of Sian by the 110th Div. and 12th Tank Rgt. Japanese casualties were 252 against 316 for the Chinese. This unit was an advanced unit stationed at 85,40. I believe the movement from Sian is meant to check my advancing forces from Yenan. Future turns will give me a better idea of the threat I'm facing.

Java:

Another deliberate attack against Tjilitjap saw both sides suffer equal casualties, although more units were destroyed on the Dutch side. Japanese losses were 323, to 324 Allied.

Port Blair:

Port Blair fell to a deliberate attack. British forces suffered 169 casualties and the destruction of the Port Blair RN Det. Japanese losses were 6 wounded.

Timor:

The final Dutch units on the island were destroyed today. 216 casualites and the elimination of the Dili Det. and the Koepang BF. Japanese forces sufefred no losses and Timor is completely in Japanese hands!

Miscellaneous:

Maizuru expands port to size 7
Cagayan expands fortifications to size 2
Lashio expands fortifications to size 1
Saumlaki expands airfield to size 2 (Zero sweeps against Darwin will commence now)

xAKL Tenpei Maru arrives at Tokyo
SC Ch 29 arrives at Kobe
SC CHa-33 arrives at Hirosaki/Aomori

17th Army arrives at Tokyo

So ends another month. I'll update the major theatres with screenshots next update, and look at the latest production figures and the current state of the Japanese economy. The next steps strategically will be examined as well.

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 6/3/2010 7:06:16 PM >

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 305

Screenshots - 6/1/2010 9:46:56 PM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline

Here are the first of the screenshots updating the various theatres of operation current to the morning of May 1/42.

Burma:

Attachment (1)

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 306

RE: Screenshots - 6/1/2010 9:47:39 PM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline

Java:

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 6/1/2010 9:49:56 PM >

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 307

RE: Screenshots - 6/1/2010 9:51:22 PM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline

The Banda Sea:

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 6/1/2010 10:24:56 PM >

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 308

RE: Screenshots - 6/1/2010 9:52:13 PM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline

The Celebes:

Attachment (1)

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 309

RE: Screenshots - 6/1/2010 10:17:49 PM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline

The Southern Philippines:

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 6/1/2010 10:19:50 PM >

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 310

RE: Screenshots - 6/1/2010 10:45:57 PM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline

The Solomom Sea:

Attachment (1)

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 311

RE: Screenshots - 6/1/2010 11:06:48 PM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline

Southern China:

Attachment (1)

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 312

RE: Screenshots - 6/1/2010 11:53:56 PM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline

Northern China:

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 6/1/2010 11:55:34 PM >

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 313

RE: Screenshots - 6/2/2010 3:03:52 AM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline

Air Production 1

Attachment (1)

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 314

RE: Screenshots - 6/2/2010 3:04:21 AM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline

Air Production 2

Attachment (1)

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 315

RE: Screenshots - 6/2/2010 3:05:08 AM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline

Industrial Production:

Attachment (1)

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 316

RE: Screenshots - 6/2/2010 3:05:45 AM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline

Air Losses to date:

Attachment (1)

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 317

RE: Screenshots - 6/2/2010 3:06:18 AM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline

Game Summary and VP's:

Attachment (1)

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 318

RE: Screenshots - 6/2/2010 3:42:59 AM

CapAndGown

Posts: 3206
Joined: 3/6/2001
From: Virginia, USA
Status: offline

Just a few notes: One reason your ops losses may be high is from transferring units. My ops losses have been very high too. So now I am being extra careful when making transfers. I will only transfer to bases where the weather is clear or partly cloudy. Occasionally, I will transfer to a base where there is overcast or light rain. But stay away from thunderstorms.

Once you have secured Java, your oil/fuel convoys should use Balikpapan and avoid Tarakan. By using Balikpapan and shipping the stuff to Singapore you will not need to transit any deep water hexes. I would also send stuff from Miri to Singapore. This route is all shallow water. From Singapore you can organize two or three mega-convoys with heavy escorts.

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 319

May 1/42 - 6/2/2010 3:50:16 AM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline

May 1/42 Update:

The Banda Sea:

Japanese forces began the invasion of Mataram suffering 147 casualties while unloading.

Australia:

The first air sweeps of Darwin begin. The first raid of A6M2 Zero's (26) at 22000ft are intercepted by Kittyhawk IA's (16) and P-40E Warhawks (8) flying at 20000ft and 15000ft respectively. I was actually a little disappointed in the performance of my fighters with 4 Zero's being lost in A2A against that of 1 Kittyhawk and 1 P-40E's to A2A. I will continue to sweep tomorrow. the plan is complete air superiority so I can send in a SCTF to shell the airbase and create a moonscape. This may draw out some Allied naval assets in the region if Smeulders thinks the invasion is on, and I should have bases set up for the naval torpedo planes by then.

A second wave of A6M2 Zero's (3) goes in after the initial raid, perhaps they became separated somehow as only one unit is set to sweep from Saumlaki. The Zero's are intercepted by more Kittyhawk IA's (6) and P-40E's (2) with two Kittyhawks reported shot down for no Japanese losses.

The intelligence report, however, shows the day's losses as 6 A6M2 Zero's to A2A while 7 Kittyhawk IA's and 2 P-40E's were downed with a further 2 each to Ops losses. Total losses then were 13 Allied planes lost to 6 Japanese, so maybe not such a bad result after all.

China:

The 35th Chinese Corps was bombed again, suffering another 105 casualties. After recon there is more movement from Chinese forces at Sian, two units have moved 1 hex east, and there is movement both southwest and southeast. It looks like Smeulders is aware of my move towards Ankang and is sending reinforcements. I'll recon more heavily to see what I'm up against. It looks like my plan of having the Chinese weaken Sian is working, now I hope I can exploit something here!

Java:

Another deliberate attack was launched against Tjilitjap. Japanese losses were 347 (mostly disrupted) to 322 for the Dutch (about half destroyed) so it looks like they are beginning to crack.

Dutch New Guinea:

Manokwari was captured today by the 23rd Naval Guard for no loss. Another potential air base is gained.

Miscellaneous:

Guam expands fortifications to size 1
Lahat expands airfield to size 2
Sabang expands airfield to size 3
Waingapu expands fortifications to size 2
Nadzab expands airfield to size 3

SC Ch 1 taken out of commission to begin refit at Nagasaki/Sasebo
SC Ch 2 taken out of commission to begin refit at Nagasaki/Sasebo

B./50th JNAF Coy arrives at Tokyo

Noumea has expanded to airfield size 3 so the Allies are active in the Southeast Pacific. I will start to focus my submarine forces in the region to look for allied transports. I plan on some active SCTF's in the region soon as well. It's too early to say he'll be heading towards the Solomon's, but it makes me start to wonder.

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 6/9/2010 8:20:32 PM >

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 320

RE: Screenshots - 6/3/2010 7:14:21 PM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline

Thanks for posting cag.

That's good advice regarding future routes for my oil/fuel TF's. My opponent definitely does not like using his submarines in shallow water, so I might as well take full advantage of that. Soerabaja's days are numbered so rerouting my TF's will occur sooner than later.

I'll look at my air unit transfers and see how the weather is affecting things, it can't hurt to try!

(in reply to CapAndGown)

Post #: 321

May 2/42 - 6/9/2010 9:21:18 PM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline

May 2-3/42 Update:

It's been a little while since I've updated, there isn't really much going on anywhere. There has been an increase in air activity over the last few turns resulting in a few battles.

May 2

China:

The 35th Chinese Corps at 90,39 continues to be pounded from the air daily. Casualties were 89, with 8 infantry, 5 non-combat and 1 engineer squads being destroyed.

Java:

Another deliberate assault against Tjilitjapyielded poor results. Casualites were 396 Japanese against only 188 for the Dutch. Fortunately, all Japanese squads were only disabled. The Dutch lost 2 infantry, 7 support squads destroyed and 8 vehicles lost.

Mataram:

The island was assaulted today by deliberate attack. The dutch defenders held suffering only 10 casualties, all disabled. No losses were incurred by the 81st Naval Guard unit.

Miscellaneous:

Chengting expands airfield to size 4
Jolo expands fortifications to size 3
Koepang expands fortifications to size 2

CV Junyo arrives at Nagasaki/Sasebo (I'll resize the air units to capacity immediately, and then she'll join up with the other CV's at Saipan eventually)

May 3/42 Update:

The Philippines:

Invasion troops started to hit the beaches at Bacolod as the escorting DD Asagumo supported the landings with shellfire. 285 Japanese casualties resulting from the unloading, with 1 infantry squad being destroyed.

Australia:

Another fighter sweep of Darwin was ordered from air units at Saumlaki, with A6M2 Zero's (22) engaging Allied CAP of Kittyhawk IA's (1), P-39D Airacobra's (28) and P-40E Warhawk's (12). The Zero's swept at 22000ft and the altitude of the allied fighters were staggered from 8000-14000ft. The altitude advantage was a huge factor I believe in comparison to the sweep the other day. No Zero's were lost against Allied losses of five P-39D's and 3 P-40E's.

A second sweep by a group of A6M2 Zero's (8) downed another P-39D and P-40E for no loss. this raid swept at 20000ft and again encountered CAP flying at 14000ft or lower. I do not plan on repeating these missions tomorrow. I think the Allies will bring in more fighters and I want to start being a little unpredictable.

China:

The 35th Chinese Corps suffers 82 casualites, with 3 infantry, 7 non-combat, 1 engineer squads destroyed and 5 guns lost.

Changteh was swept by Ki-43-Ic Oscar's (9) which encountered some H81-A3's (2) og the AVG, which I think was CAP bleeding from Changsha. One H81-A3 was downed for no loss. Oscar's were flying at 16000ft, the CAP was at 15000ft.

Ki-51 Sonia's (25) escorted by Ki-43-Ic Oscar's (37) at 10000ft bombed a probing 49th Chinese Corps in the open at 80,54. The raid was intercepted again by bleeding CAP from changsha of H81-A3's (2). One H81-A3 was downed for no loss and 31 casualties were inflicted on the Chinese force, all disabled squads.

Allied A-29A Hudson's (8) and SB-III's (19) appeared over the 3rd div. at 83,44 inflicting 11 casualties on the division, all disabled. No Allied bombers were lost or damaged.

Java:

My old friends, Allied 139WH-3's (9) based at Soerabaja were active over Banjoewangi trying to disrupt the landing of the 4th Div. there. A6M2 Zero's (2) from Denpasar intercepted. Three bombers were damaged and no ships were hit. They reappeared in the afternoon, only 6 this time, and missed the unloading ships. Zero's (2) on CAP shot down one 139WH-3 and damaged another four bombers.

Another deliberate attack against Tijiltjap again caused heavy Japanese losses for little gain. Allied losses were 140 against that of 449 Japanese losses. 2 infantry and 1 non-combat squads being destroyed on the Japanese side, 5 infantry, 7 non-combat squads destroyed with a further 1 gun and 2 vehicles lost.

Madioen was captured for no loss, as it was undefended. I'll move air units to the size 4 airfield tomorrow.

Burma:

The 143rd Inf. Rgt. advancing towards Akyab was bombed by Blenheim IV's (16), but suffered no losses. Ki-43-Ic Oscar's (5) on LRCAP downed one bomber and damaged two others. A second attack by Blenheim IV's (15) caused 6 casualites to the 143rd Inf. Rgt. and LRCAP of one Ki-43-Ic Oscar only damaged one bomber. A third and forth raid of Blenheim's (31) and (16) respectively

were unopposed and caused a further 13 casualites. All ground casualites were disablements.

Rangoon's oil refinery was bombed by Wellington Ic's (12) and caused 3 refinery hits. I have no CAP over Rangoon, but that will change now that the Allies are starting to show some teeth here. I think the quiet days in Burma are at an end, there has been a lot of Allied reon and now actual bombing attacks. I will have to begin paying more attention here and increasing my air presence. The 38th Division is railing up from Singapore, the first of land reinforcements on the way for this theatre.

The Solomon's:

Troops began unloading at Woodlark Island and suffered 106 casualties doing so. All disabled squads.

Port Moresby

Artillery bombardment of the base begins. No losses were incurred.

Mataram:

The base was assaulted and captured today, resulting in the destruction of the defending Prajoda Garrison BN and Mataram BF.

Miscellaneous:

Lashio expands fortifications to size 2
Toungoo expands fortifications to size 1

Junyo-1 converting to size 17 from 18
Junyo-2 converting to size 17 from 15
Junyo-3 converting to size 17 from 6

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 6/9/2010 9:22:11 PM >

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 322

May 4/42 - 6/9/2010 10:27:58 PM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline

May 4/42 Update:

Burma:

Interesting, no bombers over the 143rd Inf. Rgt. today, but plenty of Hurricane IIb's at 20000ft flying sweeps. Two squadrons of 16 Hurricanes each in separate raids trying to catch my LRCAP. I had no CAP up today. I will start to plan accordingly and set up a few surprises for the Allies to try and take advantage of the predictable reactions I'm seeing. I'm surprised at the unwillingness to suffer losses to his bomber units and maintaining some kind of sustained air offensive. I don't know if Smeulders realizes how effective his bomber force can be at attritioning Japanese fighter units. I only have so many good units with the rest being made up of Nates. Any kind of sustained bombing would be causing me nothing but grief right now. Perhaps he is just waiting until he is ready to go on the offensive and hit me with everything he's got then.

China:

Same daily bombings.

Java:

Another attack by 139WH-3's (6) but this time over Mataram. A6M2 Zero's (2) from Denpasar intercept downing one bomber and damaging another 3. Again, no shipping was hit.

New Guinea:

I've some shipping active around the Solomon's so I swept Port Moresby with Zero's and then hit the airfield with G4M1 Betty's (19) based at Lae in case the Allies tried a hit and run raid in the area. No Allied air units were present and the airfield took 9 Runway hits with 6 Betty's being damaged. I sent in D3A1 Val's also based at Lae to hit the ground troops, but no losses were indicated while three DB's were damaged.

Another artilllery attack at Port Moresby caused 18 Allied casualties, all disablements.

Woodlark Island was captured by the Kure 2nd SNLF unit. The will immediately re-embark for Milne Bay. I need to send reinforcements to the Solomon's, I don't have enough support units for the base expansions and fortifying I intend to do. I had best hurry because I think this is one area the Allies might hit first.

Miscellaneous:

Lomblen expands airfield to size 3
Oita expands fortifications to size 1

DD Minegumo beginning refit in shipyard at Nagasaki/Sasebo

There is a lot more Allied activity in the Southeast Pacific in terms of base expansions. My opponent is realizing I'm not interested in much more expansion and is starting to react. Japanese submarines are starting to redeploy to this theatre in the hopes of disrupting my opponents operations.

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 323

May 5/42 - 6/9/2010 10:40:50 PM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline

May 5/42 Update:

Sub Ops:

SS Trout was spotted by SC Ch 23 near Buna and was attacked. No DC hits were recorded.
SS O16 was spotted by SC CHa-20 near Tawi Tawi and attacked. One actual direct Dc hit was recorded causing heavy damage.

Java:

Allied submarines had laid mines at Mataram and the DMS W-7 was dispatched from Balikpapan to deal with the matter. 16 mines were cleared.

New Guinea:

Seeing Allied submarines at Port Moresby the day before, I launched a port attack against the base with Betty's (18) again, although I think the enemy submarines were just stopping to refuel. No subs were in port and damage resulted in 3 Port and 4 Port Supply hits. Destroying some supply is always a good thing though. The Val's bombed the defenders again, but inflicted no losses. Five Val's were damaged and suffered 2 Ops losses so bombing will stop as it's been ineffective anyway.

The Philippines:

Japanese invasion forces are completely ashore at Bacolod and a shock attack against the defenders carries the day. The 73rd PA Inf. Rgt. was wiped out suffering 1165 casualties. So ends all Allied resistance in the Philippines, Banzai!

Miscellaneous:

Kumamoto expands fortifications to size 1
Singkawang expands fortifications to size 1
Makassar expands fortifications to size 3
Dili expands airfield to size 2
Lautem expands fortifications to size 1
Talaud Island expands airfield to size 2
Kanoya expands fortifications to size 1

TK Akane Maru arrives at Hiroshima/Kure
xAK Nishi Maru arrives at Maizuru

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 6/12/2010 3:53:39 AM >

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 324

May 6/42 - 6/9/2010 11:08:57 PM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline

May 6/42 Update:

Sub Ops:

SS KVIII was spotted by SC CH 22 near Sepandjang, but no ASW attack was launched.
SS KVIII was then spotted by PB Suyozai Maru, but no ASW attack was launched.
SS KVIII was tired of the harassment and launched 2 torpedoes at the PB Suyozai which missed, a DC attack was initiated with no hits being reported.

Java:

Mataram's port was swept for mines again with another 34 being cleared.

The Banda Sea:

Invasion troops began landing at Kai Island today. An airfield will be built here. There was contemplation of a recreation centre being built here as well, but it was determined it was too close to the front to be viable.

China:

Daily bombing. And some interesting probing moves by small Chinese units. Units are being siphoned from Sian to location east, southwest and west. I wonder if Smeulders is trying to reinforce Ankang? If so, I don't believe his forces will make it thru the bush in time to save the base. I also wonder if he might try and trap my army somehow. Once Ankang is taken, I will determine what the Chinese are up to and take appropriate action. Interesting times ahead. My main army is 92 miles southeast of Ankang and marching.

A small Chinese unit, the 23rd Chinese Corps in open terrain at 84,41 was bombed by Ki-21-Ic Sally's (19) and suffered 165 casulties, with 2 infantry and 1 non-combat squads being destroyed. This unit is moving east to actually engage Japanese units. I wonder is these are just recon's in force lately to determine my troop strength. I'll gladly beat up on any units sent out for this purpose. I actually welcome a Chinese attack in order to weaken a position or two.

New Guinea:

I have finally gotten around to sending a small force to take Madang on New Guinea. Troops began unloading and suffered 33 casualties, all disabled.

Port Moresby was bombarded by artillery again today. Another 7 Allied casualties were inflicted, all disabled. I just hope to be increasing the Allied supply usage in the base until the rest of my forces finally arrive for the actual assault to begin.

Miscellaneous:

Kagoshima expands fortifications to size 1
Nagasaki/Sasebo expands fortifications to size 2
Rahaeng expands airfield to size 4
Batavia expands fortifications to size 1

51st JNAF AF Unit arrives at Tokyo

I have just under 800 PP's saved up and may start buying out 1st Tank Div. units for deployment to Burma. Or save up enough for another Inf. Div. for China. A large defeat of a Chinese force is needed to reduce troop commitments there. So the plan is to still try and isolate and destroy Chinese forces around Sian. I'm interested in seeing what the situation will be like by the end of June in Northern China.

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 6/14/2010 6:13:15 AM >

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 325

May 7/42 - 6/10/2010 8:07:05 AM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline

May 7/42 Update:

China:

The only interesting thing combat wise today was a small engagement between Japanese forces at 81,54. The 49th Chinese Corps probing my positions entered a hex occupied by the 12th and 17th Ind. Mixed Bde.'s. I launched a deliberate attack expecting a Chinese rout. I was rather surprised by the result. Here's the combat report. I'll put this down to a bad roll. I'll look at the leaders of both my units though. I'm actually amazed how often in reading the combat reports, Smeulders almost always has the better leaders. Are the Japanese land commanders that bad, even against the Chinese?

Ground combat at 81,54

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 11712 troops, 76 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 422

Defending force 2599 troops, 43 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 92

Japanese adjusted assault: 292

Allied adjusted defense: 297

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), leaders(+)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
344 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 25 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 23 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Allied ground losses:
450 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 31 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 28 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Assaulting units:
12th Ind.Mixed Brigade
17th Ind.Mixed Brigade

Defending units:
49th Chinese Corps

New Guinea:

Artillery bombardment against Port Moresby inflicted 12 Allied casualties, all disabled. AV comparison is 320 vs 164 in favour of my forces. This will be offset by terrain, forts and leaders I'm sure. Not enough to storm it outright until my other forces join the assault. I'll continue to bombard, but may throw in a deliberate attack to see what happens. I am sorely lacking in engineers and none are available here. A lack of foresight on my part.

Madang was captured by the 8th Ind. SNLF Coy.

Java:

Kragan came under Japanese control, it was undefended. Another source of oil/fuel for the Empire. The 148th Inf. Rgt. will now join the march on Soerabaja.

The Banda Sea:

Kai Island is now under control and is occupied by the 47th JNAF AF unit. Construction of an airbase will commence immediately.

Miscellaneous:

Lunga expands fortifications to size 3
Port Blair expands fortifications to size 1
Oosthaven expands fortifications to size 1

The Allies are busy expanding bases now, and Katherine in Australia has expanded to a level 3 airfield. I daily wonder if I should have pushed for an invasion of Northern Australia. Darwin is held by roughly 25000 Allied troops including 300+ AFV's. I would not be interested in pushing beyond Darwin so I really don't see the merit in taking it. I still think isolating Darwin by air and forcing any Allied shipping trying to reach the port to run a gauntlet of Japanese LBA, SCTF's and submarines is the way for me to go, in this particular matchup. I want Allied shipping to try and reach Darwin, I fear if I take it, he'd just use land forces to re-capture the base, saving him having to commit his fleet. If I can hammer the airfield periodically by air and SCTF's, I think I can keep it closed down. To that end I'll be committing a lot of my LBA to the Timor and New Guinea theatre. It should prove interesting to see if I've made a huge blunder or not. I've a large SCTF at Koepang, and I plan on a night bombardment of the airfield in a few days. I do not know if the port is mined, I might send a submarine in to find out prior to the raid. I also do not know the strength of the coastal guns.

Looking over things, other than a headstart on many base expansions and fortifying, I fear my Empire is rather weak. It's going to be a real challenge to get the ground troops in place to defend everywhere adequately. I really need to look at the Marshall's and get more air assets and LCU's there to take advantage of the number of static CD units. Once Java is wrapped up that will free up a large number of units so that will certainly help. Soerabaja may be a tougher nut to crack than I think, but I have landed the 4th division to bring the odds up for a quick victory there.

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 6/10/2010 8:10:28 AM >

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 326

May 8/42 - 6/14/2010 3:04:21 AM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline

May 8/42 Update:

A very quiet turn.

Sub Ops:

SS Trout misses the SC Ch 23 after launching 4 torpedoes near Buna. The ASW TF launches a desultory DC attack and withdraws after scoring no hits. SS Trout continues to stalk the Tf and launches another 6 torpedoes at the SC Ch 10, but once again they all miss. No ASW attack is launched.

China:

The 12th Ind. Mixed Bde.'s launches a shock attack against the 49th Chinese Corps at 81,54 inflicting 426 casualties (all disabled) while the Japanese lose 47 troops (all disabled). I failed to set the 17th Ind. Mixed Bde. to attack, so I'm not surprised at the failure to dislodge the enemy. Both brigades will attack tomorrow. Smeulders is definitely testing the waters by sending out these expendable Chinese units. It's either to probe for potential Japanese weakness, additional recon for an early warning of a Japanese offensive or just to determine my strength.

Chinese units are being peeled off from the main forces at Sian. What was a force of 56 units is now down to 44. I will post a screenshot in a day or two to show what is happening there. My main army will enter Ankang next turn and I'm eagerly anticipating how Smeulders will react to the assault on the base.

New Guinea:

I continue to artillery bombard PM to little effect. The air attacks have been put on hold.

Miscellaneous:

Saumlaki expands airfield to size 3

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 6/14/2010 6:14:50 AM >

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 327

May 9/42 - 6/14/2010 3:35:05 AM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline

May 9/42 Update:

Sub Ops:

SS KVIII continues to be a nuisance around Sepandjang. The PB Suyozai Maru ended up in the crosshairs again, but avoided the 2 torpedoes launched against her. The PB expends it's remaining DC's, but scores no hits.

SS Cachalot was not so lucky. Spotted near Bihoro the Allied submarine is treated to an effective DC attack from an ASW TF. The SC Cha-8 confirms 3 direct hits and 2 near misses which damage the forward tubes of the enemy. Heavy damge is reported and the submarine appeared on the sunk list. Time will tell whether this is actually the case.

New Guinea/Solomons:

Japanese troops land at Hansa Bay and Umboi Island to bring these potential bases under the control of the Empire.

Java:

A sweep over Soerabaja by Ki-43-Ic Oscars (8) is intercepted by P-40E Warhawks (12) and the Allies get the better of the engagement. The combat report indicates two Oscar's downed against one Warhawk, I end up actually losing four aircraft. The sweep went in at 21000ft, the Allied planes were patrolling at 23000ft.

Probolinggo is captured by the 4th Div. as it marches towards Soerabaja.

China:

One of the Chinese units sent to probe my lines or try to operate behind my lines is the 61st Chinese Corps made up entirely of guns. Sally's (27) are routed to hit the enemy unit and end up disabling 17 guns. I'll destroy this unit from the air, because I've learned in the past it's a waste of time to try and eliminate such units with ground troops.

The 49th Chinese Corps at 81,54 was shock attacked by the 12th and 17th Ind. Mixed Bde.'s and was forced to retreat with heavy losses. Chinese casualites were 860 troops destroyed and 1 gun lost to no Japanese losses. I will confront these small probing/screening units with minimal Japanese forces to try and keep Smeulders in the dark as to my intentions.

The 19th Chinese Corps advancing against the 9th Armoured Car Co. at 84,43 launched an artillery bombardment, itself suffering 8 casualites and one gun lost. I believe it would have been surprised to also learn that the 59th Inf. Bde. and 6th Med. FA Rgt. had recently reinforced my screening force. I will launch a counterattack tomorrow.

My main army has reached Ankang and the assault on the base will begin tomorrow.

Timor:

I had a SCTF assembled at Lautem to launch a night time bombardment attack against Darwin today. The TF was set to "do not refuel" and "full speed" because of the distance, in fact I don't know if they would have actually made it all the way to Darwin anyway. It was a moot point because the TF only moved 3 hexes and is just south of Timor, detection level is 5/5 so any surprise is lost. This is one aspect of fleet maneuvers I totally suck at and need to improve, my defensive countermeasures will rely on this tactic heavily. I will attempt the raid again in a few days, but this time from Saumlaki which is closer. I'll refuel the TF and try again to get in and out.

Miscellaneous:

Batavia expands fortifications to size 2
Waingapu expands airfield to size 1

Allied expansions continue, Suva and Cooktown both increase in port and airbase size respectively. Smeulders is building up bases in the Southeast Pacific and Northeastern Australia, making me believe the first counterstrikes will be in the Solomons.

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 6/14/2010 6:18:30 AM >

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 328

China offensive - 6/14/2010 6:57:40 PM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline

Here are screenshots of events in China current to the morning of May 10/42. This theatre is finally starting to heat up again after a long delay to operations, due to a major Japanese reorganization. I'm launching a major offensive in the north of China with the objective being the capture of Sian and the complete destruction of the Chinese forces defending there. The Chinese are beginning to react in a hoped for, and anticipated, manner that can only lead to their destruction piecemeal, unless realizing the threat they are recombined into one massive force. Either way I think I have a plan in mind to deal with whatever may develop.

In the south, I'm hoping for a static front in the short term, with the intention of cracking the Chinese MLR somewhere, or drawing the Chinese out to commit an offensive and crushing it. China should become a very interesting front over the next few months. Enjoy and any comments are always welcome.

Northern China: