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May 10/42 - 6/15/2010 8:45:42 PM   
SqzMyLemon


Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline 		May 10/42 Update:

Sub Ops:

SS Pompano is spotted by the PB Toshi Maru near Kai Island and DC'd. Two near misses damaged the enemy submarine.

Borneo:

Japanese forces land at Sampit. The Dutch units in Borneo are still hanging around, and I don't know if they were somehow drawing supply from this base so it was decided to eliminate that possibility. The undefended base will be under Japanese control tomorrow.

Java:

Another fighter engagement over Soerabaja occurred between Ki-43-Ic Oscar's (4) and P-40E Warhawk's (5). Losses were one fighter each.

Another deliberate attack against Tjilitjap resulted in 397 Allied casualties against 205 Japanese. The last detachment of the 21st Div. should arrive tomorrow, so I'll shock attack to try and finally end Allied resistance here.

New Guinea:

Both Hansa Bay and Umboi Island were captured today.

China:

The big news of the day occurred in this theatre with the capture of Ankang. I wasn't surprised that the base fell with the first assault, I've brought a large army for my northern thrust into China. Unfortunately, the defeated Chinese forces retreated towards Sian increasing the number of enemy forces exactly where I don't want them. The worry for me is the cutting of my supply access to the southeast. I will break off a portion of units from the main force to safeguard my supply line. Now that Smeulders realizes the size of my army driving north, it will be interesting to see his reaction. I expect he'll make an attempt to cut off supply reaching my main army. It's game on, the fall of Ankang signals the beginning of a major campaign against Northern China. Here's the combat report to see the numbers involved in this opening stage:

Ground combat at Ankang (82,42)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 125891 troops, 1193 guns, 285 vehicles, Assault Value = 4565

Defending force 26852 troops, 207 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 870

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 1

Japanese adjusted assault: 2908

Allied adjusted defense: 397

Japanese assault odds: 7 to 1 (fort level 1)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Ankang !!!

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), preparation(-), experience(-), supply(-) This force had a clear supply route along a road, I wonder if the number of Chinese forces around Sian is taxing the supply network.
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
1372 casualties reported
Squads: 4 destroyed, 45 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 91 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Vehicles lost 5 (0 destroyed, 5 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
8317 casualties reported
Squads: 276 destroyed, 167 disabled
Non Combat: 427 destroyed, 342 disabled
Engineers: 85 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 23 (22 destroyed, 1 disabled)
Units retreated 9

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
13th Tank Regiment
3rd Ind.Mixed Brigade
78th Infantry Regiment
13th Division
9th Ind.Mixed Brigade
37th Division
32nd Division
3rd Division
40th Division
53rd Infantry Brigade
40th Brigade
58th Division
13th Ind.Mixed Brigade
35th Division
90th Infantry Regiment
8th Engineer Regiment
11th Army
2nd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
5th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
1st Mortar Battalion
15th Ind.Medium Field Artillery Regiment
14th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
51st Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
52nd Road Const Co
8th Ind. Engineer Regiment
52nd Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
2nd Ind. Engineer Regiment
12th Army
20th Medium Field Artillery Regiment

Defending units:
29th Chinese Corps
84th Chinese Corps
3rd Chinese Cavalry Corps
56th Chinese Corps
4th Construction Regiment
3rd Group Army
5th War Area
21st Group Army
31st Group Army

Miscellaneaous:

Buna expands fortifications to size 1

14th Tpt.Chutai converting to Ki-57-II Topsy

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)
Post #: 331
May 11/42 - 6/16/2010 9:07:51 PM   
SqzMyLemon


Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline 		May 11/42 Update:

Sub Ops:

I believe the SS Cachalot has sunk today, during the replay I heard the telltale sound of stressed metal groaning while slowly slipping into the deep. Smeulders mentioned flotation damage was 98% after the succeessful ASW attack against the submarine the other day. Sadly, it appears that this is the only Allied submarine that has been lost to date according to my opponent. Mind you, that first kill is the hardest one to get, perhaps this is a precurser for things to come. Either way, I finally got one!

China:

This theatre is going to dominate updates for the next while as my offensive gets rolling.

The 61st Chinese Corps consisting of just 44 guns at 85,41 was pounded from the air by Sally's (41) and Ann's (4) resulting in 28 guns being destroyed. If I get a good result tomorrow this unit might be eliminated.

An Inf. Bde. has finally reached the 35th Chinese Corp at 90, 39 southeast of Yenan. I'll attack tomorrow and try to eliminate this unit once and for all.

The Chinese 19th Corps at 84,43 southeast of Sian was assaulted today by deliberate attack, sending it retreating after sustaining only 11 casualties. The 9th Armoured Car Co. was ordered to pursue and will hit the enemy again tomorrow.

Recon shows a flurry of activity among the Chinese in both the north and south. In an e-mail Smeulders assures me he has enough troops to deal with whatever I may throw at him, but is surprised by the size of my attacking force in the North. I didn't have the heart to mention another 3000AV is on the way for the northern pincer of my attack. I plan on hitting Sian eventually with +7000AV. I think my opponent underestimates my capabilities in China and I hope to make him pay for this assumption.

It looks like more units are being withdrawn from Sian for deployment elsewhere, the movement appears to be west and northwest. This is exactly what I hope to achieve here with my movements, the weakening of the forces at Sian and a chance to defeat each force in detail until I can assault the base directly. The 11th Army will drive north from Ankang to eventually threaten the rear of Sian. The 12th Army will hold Ankang directly and units of the 1st and 13th Armies are heading back southeast along the road to secure my supply line and deal with the force just retreated from Ankang which is now moving southwest to cut my supply line. The plan is to cutoff and destroy this army of 33000+ troops. Any counterattack right now is folly in my opinion, the smart thing to do is retreat and dig in.

In the south, Chinese units are moving out of Changsha towards the west and units from Hengyang are moving south and west. I can only hope that Smeulders is taking the bait by possibly going on the offensive in this theatre. I can mass almost 4000AV if I need to for a counterthrust, or bybass his armies for an assault on a weakened base. I will trade territory for the chance of a decisive defeat against a large Chinese force or the capture of a key base.

Java:

I launched a shock attack against Tjilitjap today which resulted in 426 Japanese casualties against 700 for the Allies. The poor showing is probably due to very little unit preparation for the base. I often don't prep for smaller targets, but this enemy force being over 10000 strong and in rough terrain required that adequate preparation be undertaken, which in this case I did not do. I'll rest for a day, and resume the attack the next.

New Guinea:

I launched a deliberate attack against Port Moresby today to determine what I'm up against there. The results were not promising. 1:5 odds caused 350 Japanese losses against only 171 for the Allies. AV comparison is 322 vs 162 in my favour, but against level 3 forts and rough terrain I'll need more troops. They are on the way, and I may not rule out the landing of a large force by sea to eliminate this base now.

Borneo:

Sampit fell today, so that should eliminate any supply for Dutch units left in Borneo.

Miscellaneous:

Saumlaki expands fortifications to size 1

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 6/17/2010 6:46:38 AM >

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)
Post #: 332
May 12-15/42 - 6/21/2010 11:22:38 PM   
SqzMyLemon


Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline 		May 12-15/42 Update:

May 12/42:

Sub Ops:

SS KXII torpedo's the xAK Nittai Maru while offloading supplies at Kai Island, the ship is heavily damaged, but the crew are attempting emergency repairs. Two PB's search for the submarine and come under attack themselves. The torpedo attack fails. This was the first successful Allied submarine attack in awhile and occurred in shallow water, so the Allies are becoming bolder in an attempt to score some hits.

China:

The 9th Armoured Car Co. attacks the 19th Chinese Corps inflicting 16 casualties and send the rabble fleeing into Sian.

The 35th Chinese Corps is attacked by the 1st Ind. Mixed Bde. at 90,39. The Chinese suffer 52 infantry, 44 non-combat and 4 engineer squads destroyed with 14 guns lost against 2 disabled Japanese squads. The Chinese retreat West.

Miscellaneous:

Rahaeng expands fortifications to size 1
Ponape expands fortifications to size 2
Eniwetok expands fortifications to size 1
Oita expands fortifications to size 2

Device Nakajima Ha-45 advances R&D

xAK Bushu Maru arrives at Nagoya
SC Ch 30 arrives at Okayama

May 13/42:

Australia:

A6M2 Zero's (20) swept Darwin at 16,000ft and encountered no Allied aircraft.

I attempted to bombard Darwin with a SCTF based at Saumlaki, but once again my ships fail to reach their objective during the night and are still 4 hexes distant after all naval movement is resolved. They were set to "mission speed" and "do not refuel" and still didn't make it. They are spotted, but I'm committed now and they will strike Darwin tomorrow.

China:

Ki-43-Ic Oscar's (15) swept Changsha at 22,000ft and found the sky empty of Allied CAP.
Ki-51 Sonia's (35) were ordered to bomb the railyard at Changsha to disrupt the movement of Chinese forces from the city. No enemy losses were reported. A raid by Ki-21-IIa Sally's (22) hit Hengyang's railyard disrupting 11 enemy squads departing from the base.

Bombing attacks continue to harass the 35th Chinese Corps. I don't forsee this force lasting much longer.

Java:

Japanese forces launched a shock attack against Tjilitjap and finally succeeded in wiping out the Dutch defenders. Japanese losses were light at 437 casualties reported. Allied losses were heavy with 12220 troops removed from the Allied OOB. The addition of the remaining 21st/C Div. was the turning point. Japanese forces are immediately embarking by rail towards Soerabaja. Banzai!

Miscellaneous:

Paramushiro-jima expands fortifications to size 1
Pisanuloke expands airfield to size 2
Iloilo expands fortifications to size 1
Saumlaki expands fortifications to size 2
Ankang expands fortifications to size 1

DD Hayashio beginning refit in shipyard at Singapore
DD Amatsukaze beginning refit in shipyard at Singapore

Sasebo 5th SNLF arrives at Nagasaki/Sasebo
14th Naval Guard Unit arrives at Yokohama/Yokosuka

May 14/42:

Sub Ops:

SS Pompano launches a multiple torpedo attack on the xAP Kobe Maru unloading at Kai Island which all miss. Escorts launch a DC attack and record three near miss hits.
SS KXII is a busy little beaver these days and launches a torpedo attack against the DD Satsuki at Kai Island, but misses. An ASW atack is launched scoring 5 near miss DC hits, it was disappointing that no direct hits were scored while the submarine was operating in shallow water.

Australia:

My SCTF of 2 BB's, 2 CA's, 2 CL's and 6 DD's bombarded the airfield at Darwin finally and caused 8 AB, 3 ABS and 41 Runway hits, the port was also shelled and suffered 33 Port and 9 Port Fuel hits. Allied troop losses were light at 216 casualties. Allied CD guns fired 91 rounds and peppered the BB Fuso scoring 21 hits while the CL Jintsu suffered one. I was at first worried what the damage to the Fuso was, but was relieved to see only 9 system damage inflicted. Smeulders was very pleased with the apparent carnage inflicted on the BB in a follow up e-mail, but FOW is a wonderful thing! The SCTF will retire to a suitable port to replenish after refueling from AO's at Saumlaki.

New Guinea:

The Kure 2nd SNLF unit landed at Milne Bay and will capture the base tomorrow.

China:

The 35th Chinese Corps gets it's usual visit from Japanese bombers, 5 infantry, 4 non-combat and 1 engineer squads were destroyed.
Ki-43-Ic Oscar's (3) swept Changsha and were intercepted by H81-A3's (19) of AVG. One Oscar was downed. A follow up raid by Oscar's (15) tangled with more H81-A3's (19) and another Oscar was downed to the loss of 2 Allied fighters. My sweeping altitude was recorded at 28,000ft which seems high, I am trying to operate my fighters within optimum manuever bands so this altitude doesn't seem right. I checked after sending the replay, and the fighters were set to 20,000ft, so I do not know why the combat report indicated an estimated altitude of 28,000ft. We have a gentlemans aggreement to not stratosphere sweep so I hope this will not be intrepreted as starting to push that envelope.

Java:

Japanese Ki-21-IIa Sally's (13) escorted by Ki-43-Ic Oscar's (10) bombed the Semarang BF at 53,104 and were intercepted by P-40E Warhawk's (4) from Soerabaja. No planes were lost on either side, and casualties on the Dutch ground forces were a few disabled squads.

Miscellaneous:

Dili expands airfield to size 3
Lautem expands fortifications to size 2
Malang expands fortifications to size 3

CMc Ma 2 arrives at Tokyo
SC Ch 28 arrives at Okayama
SC CHa-34 arrives at Shanghai

May 15/42:

Australia:

Sweeps over Darwin by A6M2 Zero's (23) at 15,000ft encountered no Allied aircraft, so the airfield was damaged sufficiently enough that no allied aircraft were rebased there. I am tempted to send in Betty's based at Koepang to bomb the airfield tomorrow, but these are experienced pilots and I won't risk them un-escorted.

China:

The 35th Chinese Corps losses another 6 infantry, 1 non-combat and 1 engineer squads to air attack.

Hengyang was bombed by Ki-21-IIa Sally's (22) escorted by Ki-43-Ic Oscar's (14) at 10,000ft. H81-A3's (15) intercepted the raid and one Allied fighter was downed against one Oscar and eight Sally's damaged. Chinese casualties were 150 of which 1 infantry and 1 non-combat squads being destroyed. I was lucky my air losses were not higher.

Both Japanese and Chinese units are on the move. The Chinese are probing around Wuchang and are attempting to move into the base. I have reinforcements on the way. It appears there is a Chinese force moving south from Hengyang, I'll wait to determine it's strength after it crosses the river before I react to it. I've decided to push the Chinese force threatening my supply line at Ankang towards Sian. I do not want a force of 33,000 Chinese troops running amok behind me. The delay is fine, as I'm waiting on troops to arrive from around Yenan anyway which will take weeks yet.

Java:

A repeat of yesterday's air mission against the Semarang BF resulted in a P-40E Warhawks downed against one Oscar lost and two Sally's damaged. Dutch ground casualites were a couple of disabled squads

New Guinea:

Japanese troops began unloading over the beaches at Babo, the base will be captured tomorrow.

Miscellaneous:

A flurry of expansions occurred today as my support units work overtime to get installations/fortifications up and running.

Nago expands fortifications to size 1
Nanchang expands fortifications to size 3
Saigon expands airfield to size 6
Saigon expands port to size 6
Ayuthia expands fortifications to size 2
Davao expands airfield to size 4
Magwe expands airfield to size 4
Toungoo expands fortifications to size 2
Madurai expands airfield to size 2
Kendari expands fortifications to size 3
Den Passar expands fortifications to size 2
Ankang expands fortifications to size 2

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 6/24/2010 6:30:44 PM >

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)
Post #: 333
May 16/42 - 6/24/2010 6:28:49 PM   
SqzMyLemon


Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline 		May 16/42 Update:

A note on casualties. I'm going to switch from stating casualties in terms of the number of troops lost, and instead indicate the number of squads/guns/vehicles disabled and destroyed. The format will be: x(xx) where x=number destroyed and xx=number disabled. I think this will reflect losses more accurately and provide a much better indication of how a particular battle went in game terms.

China:

Just bombing of the 35th Chinese Corps at 90,40 to report. Chinese losses were 3(0) infantry, 6(0) non-combat squads and 2(0) guns. A Japanese infantry brigade has arrived in the hex and a shock attack will be launched tomorrow.

New Guinea:

Both Babo and Milne Bay were captured today. Babo is another small source of oil for my hungry Empire.

Japanese forces once again assaulted Port Moresby with a deliberate attack. The result was encouraging. Reinforced by the 146th Inf. Rgt., Japanese forces achieved 1:1 odds (much better than the 1:5 achieved on the 11th) and reduced the forts down to level 2. Japanese casualties were 0(23) infantry, (0)13 non-combat and (0)1 engineer squads and (0)3 vehicles. Allied losses were 4(62) infantry, 5(42) non-combat and 0(5) engineer squads and 0(1) vehicle.

Lack of supply and poor morale are becoming factors for the Allied defenders. I have determined to continue the assault tomorrow to give the defenders no respite.

Miscellaneous:

Nagasaki/Sasebo expands fortifications to size 3

Prince Rupert expands port to size 9
I thought this was interesting. Vancouver is already a large port in it's own right and I'm surprised Prince Rupert would be expanded to a level 9 port. I wonder if this could be an indication of a move towards supporting an Allied offensive aimed at the Kuriles. I don't see the need to have such a large port just for transport TF's. A size 9 port indicates to me that it will be used to refuel/rearm large surface ships. I could be way off here, but it seems like an unneccessary expansion to me otherwise. Either way, I've already started to shore up Japanese defence of the Kuriles.

The Allies are definitely stirring, to what purpose yet I have no clue.

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)
Post #: 334
RE: May 16/42 - 6/25/2010 7:02:34 AM   
khyberbill


Posts: 1941
Joined: 9/11/2007
From: new milford, ct
Status: offline
quote:

thought this was interesting. Vancouver is already a large port in it's own right and I'm surprised Prince Rupert would be expanded to a level 9 port. I wonder if this could be an indication of a move towards supporting an Allied offensive aimed at the Kuriles.
I

Not necessarily any strategic purpose. I build all bases on the west coast and Canada to as high as I can. Supply is basically unlimited and, I believe points are accrued as well.

_____________________________

"Its a dog eat dog world Sammy and I am wearing Milkbone underwear" -Norm.

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)
Post #: 335
RE: May 16/42 - 6/25/2010 6:08:26 PM   
SqzMyLemon


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

Nice to see you following along. I didn't think of it in terms of victory points, but that makes sense as they do increase from base expansions. I guess the slow pace of the game has me paranoid and seeing an Allied invasion around every corner so to speak. Thanks for posting.

(in reply to khyberbill)
Post #: 336
May 17/42 - 6/25/2010 6:37:03 PM   
SqzMyLemon


Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline 		May 17/42 Update:

A good day for Imperial Japanese forces on a few fronts. Air action in Java, and ground combat in New Guinea and China. I'd like to think the game will start to get more interesting soon, for those of you following along. China is definitely becoming a hotbed of activity and with my impending assault on Soerabaja about to be launched in a few days that will free up a significant amount of troops for operations elsewhere.

Here's what transpired today.

Java:

Ki-43-Ic Oscar's (17) swept Soerabaja at 18,000ft (the combat report indicated an estimated altitude of 22,000ft so that may explain the higher altitude of 28,000ft reported a few days ago even though my aircraft were much lower) and mauled the Allied CAP on patrol. P-40E Warhawk's (4) at 17,000ft were no match for the numbers they faced, and all Allied fighters were downed for no Japanese loss.

China:

The 35th Chinese Corps was bombed by air once again prior to the planned ground assault to follow. Chinese forces suffered losses of 4(1) infantry, 2(0) non-combat squads and 1(1) guns. The ground assault followed and forced the Chinese rabble to retreat after a shock attack. Enemy losses were 18(0) infantry, 30(0) non-combat and 5(0) engineer squads, and 10(0) guns for no loss to Japanese forces. The Chinese retreated West.

A Chinese recon in force of three Corps did indeed cross the river south of Hengyang and a battle ensued with the 12th and 17th Ind. Mixed Bde.'s. Chinese units shock attacked at 1:2 odds and crossed successfully suffering light casualties. Japanese forces suffered the loss of 3(37) infantry, 1(47) non-combat squads, compared to the Chinese losses of 0(234) infantry, 12(278) non-combat and 0(19) engineer squads. I expect to be forced to retreat when they attack tomorrow. I will hold off on a counterattck in the hopes the Chinese will send more troops across the river from Hengyang, then I can hit them with 2500+ AV in open terrain. China is definitely getting interesting.

New Guinea:

Allied B-17D's (6) made a special guest appearance over Milne Bay inflicting 4 Port hits on the base. Sadly, I think this will become a regular occurence even more so after the following post.

Port Moresby Falls! Surprisingly the base fell to deliberate attack following oh the heels of the assault yesterday. Odds were 3:1 and losses for Japanese forces were extremely light at 0(3) infantry, 0(14) non-combat and 0(1) engineering squads and 0(8) vehicles disabled. The Allied troops suffered losses of 309(118) infantry, 312(213) non-combat and 29(0) engineer squads, and 115(2) guns and 14(1) vehicles. So scratch 8470 troops of the 1st Motor Bde, Port Moresby Bde. and the 15th RAAF BF from the Allied OOB. Barring any fragments evacuated of course.

Miscellaneous:

xAK Teikai Maru arrives at Yokohama/Yokosuka

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 6/25/2010 8:13:29 PM >

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)
Post #: 337
May 18/42 - 6/28/2010 2:28:31 AM   
SqzMyLemon


Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline 		May 18/42 Update:

Java:

Allied fighters have been evacuated form Soerabaja so a sweep of Oscar's met no resistance. Ground forces are piling into Soerabaja, but I will not attack until all are in position. Allied defenders number roughly 36000. I do not want a long siege with the possibility of the industry being trashed, as what happened at Batavia. It will be a massive assault to crush the defenders quickly.

The Dutch Djojakarta and Semarang BF's at 53,104 were assaulted by deliberate attack from the 114th Inf. Rgt. and held. Losses were 1 infantry and 2 non-combat squads disabled for the Japanese, to only 5 non-combat squads disabled for the Allies. A shock attack will be launched tomorrow.

Australia:

I almost sent a Japanese airborne unit to land on Horn Island prior to any recon being done. I'm glad I held off, recon indicated 2000 Allied troops present. With the fall of Port Moresby I sent a hello to the defenders via a bombing raid. G4M1 Betty's (23) based at Lae caused casualties of 0(2) infantry, 0(8) non-combat squads and 0(1) vehicle. I will not bomb tomorrow as I expect to see Allied fighters possibly based there next turn to try and get some cheap bomber kills.

China:

Bombing of the 35th Chinese Corps resulted in 1 infantry, 1 non-combat squads and 7 guns destroyed. This Chinese force is almost wiped out. I've included a few screenshots of the Chinese theatre as well in this update. It's the only place of interest at the moment.

Miscellaneous:

Kumamoto expands fortifications to size 2
Chichi-jima expands fortifications to size 1
Maloelap expands fortifications to size 3
Tjilitjap expands fortifications to size 1
Donggala expands airfield to size 1
Kanoya expands fortifications to size 2

The Yamato arrives tomorrow

Northern China as of morning of May 19/42:





Attachment (1)

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 6/29/2010 12:01:10 AM >

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)
Post #: 338
RE: May 18/42 - 6/28/2010 2:34:26 AM   
SqzMyLemon


Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline 		This is what I see possible in terms of reducing supply production for the Chinese. I think this could deal China a serious blow. Is there anything I'm missing in terms of understanding the routing of fuel into Central China that could prevent me effectively running the Chinese HI dry?







Attachment (1)

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)
Post #: 339
RE: May 18/42 - 6/28/2010 2:35:53 AM   
SqzMyLemon


Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline 		Southern China as of the morning of May 19/42:





Attachment (1)

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)
Post #: 340
May 19-20/42 - 6/29/2010 8:42:09 PM   
SqzMyLemon


Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline 		May 19-20/42 Update:

May 19/42:

Sub Ops:

SS I-4 is spotted near Tahiti by two Allied AM's. No attacks result. This is typical of my submarine forces, no torpedo attacks, always spotted and either suppressed or DC'd.

Australia:

As predicted, recon showed six Allied fighters stationed at Horn Island. I did not send any Betty's today fbut I will sweep the base with Zero's tomorrow.

China:

Just the usual bombing of the hapless 35th Chinese Corps resulting in 4 guns destroyed.

A small deliberate attack at 79,55 by the 49th Chinese Corps hoping to hit the 8th Armoured Car Co. alone was beaten back after the timely arrival of the Japanese 2nd Ind. Mixed Rgt. One Japanese vehicle was disabled against losses to the Chinese of 29 infantry and 17 non-combat squads destroyed with 2 engineer squads disabled totalling 334 casualties.

Java:

A shock attack by the 114th Inf. Rgt. destroyed one of the Dutch BF's holding out at 53,104. Losses for Japan was 1 non-combat squad disabled while the Allies suffered 31 non-combat squads and 8 guns destroyed for a total of 199 troops.

Miscellaneous:

Port Blair expands fortifications to size 2
Soerakarta expands airfield to size 1
Singkawang expands fortifications to size 2
Billiton expands airfield to size 4
Ternate expands fortifications to size 2

BB Yamato arrives at Hiroshima/Kure

May 20/42:

Sub Ops:

SS Spearfish puts a torpedo into the AO Notoro just East of Cagayan today. The tanker was empty, but the damge is critical at 96% float damage. I don't mind the torpedo hits, but I'm getting a little tired of every one causing them causing critical damage. I'm assuming the tanker will sink tomorrow. No ASW DC attack was launched as usual.

New Guinea:

Japanese troops began unloading at Cape Gloucester.

Australia:

Horn Island was swept by A6M2 Zero's (9) and encountered no Allied fighters, they have typically been withdrawn as per the Allied modus operandi.

Sumatra:

Japanese forces began unloading at Great Nicobar today, the base will supplement Port Blair for searching the Indian Ocean for any sigh of Allied shipping or the British Fleet. This will be fruitless as the Allies are remaining along the map edges and relying on rail/road movement to move supply/troops long distances.

The Banda Sea:

Japanese forces began unloading at Salajar.

China:

The 8th Armoured Car Co. and 2nd Ind. Mixed Rgt. returned the favour and assaulted the 49th Chinese Corps by deliberate attack. No Japanese losses occurred while the Chinese suffered 31 infantry, 27 non-combat and 2 engineer squads destroyed totalling 160 troops.

The three Chinese Corps have stopped their retreat to Hengyang and are quietly still sitting south of the river. I will not counterattack yet, I'll wait and see if the Chinese commit more forces across the river before showing my hand. I'm predicting a small move towards Kukong.

Java:

Another pocket of Dutch resistance was wiped out today at 53,104. A shock attack by the 114th Inf. Rgt. eliminated the Djojakarta BF. Dutch losses were 51 non-combat squads destroyed and 7 guns lost totalling 572 troops. that leaves only Soerabja to go.

Miscellaneous:

Ominato expands airfield to size 4
Tavoy expands fortifications to size 2
Talaud Island expands airfield to size 3

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 7/7/2010 7:49:32 PM >

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)
Post #: 341
Just some thoughts. - 6/29/2010 9:51:29 PM   
SqzMyLemon


Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline 		To those following the game I apologize for the slow pace of things. Had I known the type of game it would develop into I should have indeed heeded the advice/warnings of a few players about being more aggressive early. I wish I could have forced my opponent into having to commit his naval/air/ground forces in some way to actually make this game fun. However, that being said I don't think that would have taken anything less than an invasion of Pearl Harbor, San Diego, Sydney or Capetown. I think anything less and he would still be playing exactly as he is.

I never in my wildest dreams would have thought an Allied player would be so adverse to any kind of losses considering he essentially has the superior side in the game. The Allied player can afford to take far more losses than the Japanese side so the lack of any kind of fight from the Allies has been disappointing. Sadly, I think the game will follow this route:

1. Allied tranpsort TF's are limited to travelling the edges of the map to avoid any chance of contact with Japanese submarines and all supply/fuel/resources will be dropped off at the furthest point from the front and will be moved into harms way by road/rail movement. I've done everything I can to bring submarines to bear, but they can't find a damn thing, anywhere.

2. The Allied Fleet will continue to sit in port awaiting carrier parity or superiority before venturing out in any kind of offensive movement other than TF escorting. Naval operations will only commence when Japanese submarines lose their effectiveness due to better Allied ASW in 1943. Pearl Harbor was a poor raid so the Allied BB force is largely intact and I expect to see overwhelming forces committed when they venture out. So I really do think there will be no Allied naval assets or operations committed until 1943 at the earliest.

3. Allied air power will continue to train up pilots, wait for superior aircraft to come online, build up massive bomber forces before committing to any kind of sustained air operations.

4. Allied submarines will continue to be the primary force applied to attrition and harass my naval movements since my ASW performance has been nothing short of abysmal to date.

5. Essentially avoid any operations that may entail Allied losses unless the Japanese stick their necks way out in the vain hope of finding Allied naval/air assets to engage.

Now I have to blame myself for much of the problem. I guess I should have invaded Pearl Harbor, Australia, India, Russia, and the mainland USA to bring on some kind of engagement on a regular basis, but I didn't. Other than the Java Sea engagement there has been no sign of the Allied Fleet...anywhere. There have been no Allied bomber offensives...anywhere. There have been no Allied raids (besides one at Balikpapan) to speak of...anywhere. I think the Allied strategy of conserving ones forces early is a valid one, if not very sporting or fun. Would I do it, probably not, but that's me. I decided to counter this strategy by sitting back, building my defences and anticipating a bloody Allied advance when it does finally appear. In this case, the absolute worse strategy to follow given my oppontent's moves. I've decided to have some FUN and not just wait to get pummeled by superior numbers in 1943. I'm going to put together some TF's and look for what I might find, some base bombardments, take a few more islands to possibly trigger some kind of a response. If he continues to turtle so be it, at least I can say I tried. I've been tracking his base improvements so I'm hoping he'll have activity around those points, and if I show up might actually fight for something. This may be pointless in the grand strategy of the game, and I'm pretty sure I'll lose some more naval assets to torpedo doing it, but at this point I almost don't care.

I have to be honest here and say I am not enjoying, nor having any fun, in this particular matchup. So I've decided to not update the AAR anymore until something actually happens, it's just too time consuming and boring to post nothing, day after day after day. I can only imagine how dull it is for those of you still even following this PBEM. Unfortunately I have no idea when something exciting may happen either. I just think in the spirit of gamemanship my opponent should not have been completely docile, and just sit back and wait until he has all the advantages before commiting his forces. I have invaded what Japan needs to, I may not have been very aggressive doing it, nor far reaching, but I have ventured out and have been willing to committ to action. This is not the game I had hoped it would develop into, but as I mentioned, I guess that is mostly from my shortcomings as a Japanese player.

Sorry for the rant, but just had to vent a little. For those of you following along I'll do my best to make it interesting in the following weeks, for those of you no longer, I completely understand .




< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 6/30/2010 5:17:37 AM >

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Post #: 342
RE: Just some thoughts. - 6/29/2010 10:26:55 PM   
Ketza


Posts: 2227
Joined: 1/14/2007
From: Columbia, Maryland
Status: offline 		I am running into this same issue with one of my opponents. Its not very much fun at the moment but I am taking the opportunity to "practice" setting up my defence and see how things develop without any fighting going on.

I am wondering just what he is amassing out there. Kinda spooky.

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)
Post #: 343
RE: Just some thoughts. - 6/30/2010 9:47:02 AM   
bklooste

 

Posts: 1104
Joined: 4/10/2006
Status: offline 		The best tactics the allies can do is a sir robbin and wait for force superiority - this presents major  risks to Japan

- You cant attrition his CVs so will face his massed CVs with Hellcats
- He has all his airframe so can fill his training squadrons and can train his pilots up to 50/70 when he gets his gen 2 air craft he can put Veteran pilots in them
- He can use safe lines of communication

The questions you need to ask is

1  what advantages does it present ?
2. What to do ?

The advantages are
1. You have an intact pilot pool
2.  He is bored which leads to  lazy defences
3. You retain the strategic initiative until he is ready to strike.
4. His defences are widely seperated.

So what to do ?

IMHO the most important thing is to attrition his air frame pool but this is much harder now he is training up pilots. The 2nd most important thing is to force him to send his fleets or take targets of great valuable .
The worst thing you can do is CV raids unless you know he has major assets there...  since he can have decent CAP  you loose your best pilots and he simply replaces his losses - these must be saved for a major action . You could offload your best pilots and do a raid.

Remember even if you loose the ground battle if he commits his air and or Naval you will have "won" compared to waiting. If you take the i will loose approach you have a LOT more options.

Ceylon , Hawaii ( appart from PH) and Dutch harbour area are all good.   SE Oz can destroy a lot of industry but i dont like giving hm free forces.  

2 other options strongly worth considering are take half your divs in teh SE and ship them to China or Russia and have a go.
Russia is probably a game looser but you will fight him anyway .. anhd he certainly cant sit back while you maul his allies ( since a Russian Deffeat will mean a China Defeat ) and a huge unrestricted Japanese army.

Anyway you need a new strategy and sitting back and raiding will not do ...

For Subs send them all to the West coast  as they have to leave the West coast before they can go to the channels.


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Post #: 344
RE: Just some thoughts. - 6/30/2010 10:15:30 PM   
bacchus


Posts: 35
Joined: 1/4/2003
From: South Carolina
Status: offline 		Sounds frustrating and boring. I understand the need to conserve and wait for better equipment but it is a game but it takes a long time (RL) to get a game to 1943 playing one turn at a time. If their is no action and the game has lost interest, invade Russia just to spice it up. At least it will be a definite change. As a matter of fact I think you should invade Russia in all your PBEM games That could take the pressure off the fact that you are totally waxing me in China in our game.




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Post #: 345
RE: Just some thoughts. - 7/1/2010 9:56:51 AM   
bklooste

 

Posts: 1104
Joined: 4/10/2006
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: bacchus

Sounds frustrating and boring. I understand the need to conserve and wait for better equipment but it is a game but it takes a long time (RL) to get a game to 1943 playing one turn at a time. If their is no action and the game has lost interest, invade Russia just to spice it up. At least it will be a definite change. As a matter of fact I think you should invade Russia in all your PBEM games That could take the pressure off the fact that you are totally waxing me in China in our game.





Well your going to fight russia in 45 anyway ... better to build some space and depelete him before the guard Tank armies hit. Its worth remembering it was a major factor in the surrender.

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Post #: 346
RE: Just some thoughts. - 7/1/2010 9:58:12 AM   
bklooste

 

Posts: 1104
Joined: 4/10/2006
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: bklooste


quote:

ORIGINAL: bacchus

Sounds frustrating and boring. I understand the need to conserve and wait for better equipment but it is a game but it takes a long time (RL) to get a game to 1943 playing one turn at a time. If their is no action and the game has lost interest, invade Russia just to spice it up. At least it will be a definite change. As a matter of fact I think you should invade Russia in all your PBEM games That could take the pressure off the fact that you are totally waxing me in China in our game.





Well your going to fight russia in 45 anyway ... better to build some space and depelete him before the guard Tank armies hit. Its worth remembering it was a major factor in the surrender. Though any sane allied commander will then become more active



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Post #: 347
RE: Just some thoughts. - 7/1/2010 11:37:37 AM   
Yakface


Posts: 846
Joined: 8/5/2006
Status: offline 		Hi Lemon, or should it be *all hail the emperor or the Lemon throne*. Love the AAR, the detail and analysis. This one is always my first call when loading up Matrix forums. I do sympathise with you over the degree of nothing-doingness your opponent is exhibiting. However I can't agree with your last post - it is Japan's job to make the running until you are halted.

Japanese expansion in WITP is much faster than history. As a consequence, if the Japanese player just builds his perimeter with the intention of defending it, there is going to be a long period of boredom.....

Japanese attempts at expansion (IRL) only stopped after the decisive carrier battle loss at Midway. Japan's interest in the Solomon islands was not perimeter building, but as suport for a campaign to isolate Australia - Fiji, Noumea, Efate etc. And if that had gone well, I'll bet they wouldn't have stopped there.

Your points 1-5 above sound like very sensible allied play. Take point 1 - he's routing his merchants away from your subs. You can't really complain about that.

As Japan, you shouldn't stop mid 42 and moan that the Allies aren't trying to win the war in Jan 44 by immediately lauching assaults at you. If your opponent wants to turtle-up, take more from him, take everything. My current game has me in India and Oz, Fiji and Umnack island all by July.

IMO it is for Japan to push the Allies to commit forces during the early war, when they would rather be waiting for superiority. Few people see any value in victory points. I think we should, otherwise the right thing for the Allies to do is forget contesting anywhere early in the war. As the Japanese - go for the humiliation of getting 4x allied VP auto-victory on Jan 1st '43. As the Allies, make sure they don't get there. It's the only basis for not having a years worth of doing nothing. It's also the only way in which you can expect to force a decisive carrier battle as the Japanese, otherwise why the hell would the Allied player want to tangle with the KB when at a disadvantage - it would be sheer stupidity.

In summary I somewhat agree when you write Now I have to blame myself for much of the problem. I guess I should have invaded Pearl Harbor, Australia, India, Russia, and the mainland USA to bring on some kind of engagement on a regular basis, but I didn't. . In an existential sense, it is the responsibility of the more powerful player at the time not to stop.

Having said all that, my only game as the Allies (about 8-10 now as Japan) is in a similar situation. My opponent grabbed DEI, Solomons, Aleutians by June 42 and stopped. I prepared to defend along the Noumea, Fiji Burma line as I had the impression he was a very aggressive player, so we then had a couple of months of downtime (I also screwed up my defence of Java which added to the tameness of May and June).

For some strategic reasons, but mainly for the sake of making a contest of things, I decided to take back the Aleutians. Really I should be just sitting there waiting for better aircraft, more troops and more carriers.......it's not going well BTW.



< Message edited by Yakface -- 7/1/2010 11:47:06 AM >

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Post #: 348
RE: Just some thoughts. - 7/1/2010 8:09:32 PM   
SqzMyLemon


Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline 		Thanks for the comments everyone. I guess it's more frustration on my part of just having an opponent sit back and wait until he is provided all the necessary tools to mount an overwhelming campaign. There are numerous areas where I am relatively weak and susceptible to some form of Allied intervention, KB cannot be everywhere and I just figured I'd be kept on my toes and challenged somewhat. Even during the war the Allies didn't turtle, nor did they foolishly throw away their forces, but fought with what they had and lept at any chance to inflict some kind of damage on the Japanese early and often as they could. They took their drubbings early, but they also gave some.

Yakface:

Thanks for your comments. Put like that I agree with you. I think Smeulders is pursuing a sound strategy as the Allies and I'm certainly not saying he should do anything foolish just for actions sake, but I do think he could be doing something. He loses a few planes they are withdrawn, he reinforces a base to delay me then does nothing and is surprised it falls quickly. I do hope to take advantage of this later in the game, eventually he'll have to committ to something and he will take losses, I'm curious to see what that tolerance for loss will eventually be.

Anyway, the biggest thing I got from your post, if I'm reading between the lines correctly, is shut up and play . You, bklooste and bacchus are right, it's really up to me to dictate terms right now and I'm wasting that opportunity sitting back and crying about how boring the game has become. To that end I figure I have 7 more months before the Allies will venture out to play so I might as well cause as much grief as I can in the meantime. The focus of my strategy is still the securing of a strong perimeter position, I just need to expand it a little.

I'm really glad you are enjoying the AAR and thank you for the constructive criticism.

bacchus:

I'll stick to China in our game and the capture of all your troops in Burma . The Bear scares me and I still have to take Ambon .

bklooste:

I've been seriously thinking of a Ceylon operation. I think that could be the most bang for my buck. If it was three months earlier I'd seriously think of the Russian option, although with PDU off I'd be leary of relying on Ida's, Ann's and Nate's for airpower. I want to hit the Southeast Pacific, but the logistics to sustain it just doesn't seem feasible this late.

I still will take a break from updating daily and will only post major developments as they occur. I really need to just focus on my operations rather than worry about what my opponent may or may not be doing. I'll reserve any further thoughts to myself and let the game actions speak for themselves. Actually, a lot of my criticisms are reflective of my play to date as well. I wouldn't be surprised to learn he's saying the same things about me.

I'm off to plan future Allied carnage.

(in reply to Yakface)
Post #: 349
RE: Resource Transport TF's? - 7/1/2010 8:41:33 PM   
Mike Solli


Posts: 15792
Joined: 10/18/2000
From: the flight deck of the Zuikaku
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon

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?



Hey Lemon, I'm trying to catch up with your AAR and got to this one. A "huge" resource stockpile of resources is relative. Honshu needs 3.3 million resources a month in addition to what is produced there. I don't think you can build up a huge stockpile. I'm of the philosophy that you must ship as much of everything that you can as early as you can to Honshu because eventually Honshu will be isolated. This includes resources. As long as you've got shipping available, send it home. Let's say you amass 10 million resources when the Allied blockade finally does it's job. That'll last you 3 months unless you start cutting production somewhere.

I like to spread out and use multiple ports for shipping stuff to the Home Islands. If you minimize the ports used and your opponent finds one, he'll visit the place with every sub in town. Ouch.

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Post #: 350
RE: Resource Transport TF's? - 7/1/2010 8:41:33 PM   
Mike Solli


Posts: 15792
Joined: 10/18/2000
From: the flight deck of the Zuikaku
Status: offline 		Duplicate


< Message edited by Mike Solli -- 7/1/2010 8:45:28 PM >

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Post #: 351
RE: Resource Transport TF's? - 7/1/2010 11:04:46 PM   
SqzMyLemon


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

Great to see you back online. I'm catching up on your AAR as you get things caught up there. I agree, I still am transporting large resource TF's from Singapore to Takao. I actually like the challenge of seeing how many resources I can get into the Home Islands. I think if anyone wanted a 2v2 with someone to just do production and resource management I'd be a good candidate , considering my offensive ability is rather lacking . I've got to have that lion heart in me somewhere!

I've essentially put all my low endurance transports on the Hakodate to Ominato run and Shikuka to Waikkanai route. The Aden's are almost exclusively Takao to Nagasaki. The big boys do the long routes. Lima's run the Port Arthur to Fukuoka run, while the Singapore to Takao run are the Kyushu's and Yuren class transports. Other low endurance transports do the Makassar/Balikpapan/Philippine Islands to Manila route then on to Takao.

I also transport fuel to Hokkaido so Muroran and Sapporo will both produce their HI, otherwise they just run dry all the time. For those of you who can't get fuel to flow to Sapporo, I've learned Muroran needs a minimum of 9200 fuel stockpiled before any excess will travel to Sapporo. If you unload fuel at Sapporo it will just migrate south.

How are you liking PDU off? I find I just don't have that many good air units to spread around. I'd like more Oscar's in Burma, but am sitting at only two Sentai at the moment. A lot of the Nate's will just have to wait till the Tojo's and Tony's come online. That reminds me to turn off my fighter production, the Zero pool is over 200 aircraft while the Oscar's are sitting close to 150 aircraft. As you get caught up you'll see it's become sitzkrieg on the Japanese side of things and the invisible man on the Allied .

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Post #: 352
RE: Just some thoughts. - 7/5/2010 7:37:41 PM   
khyberbill


Posts: 1941
Joined: 9/11/2007
From: new milford, ct
Status: offline
quote:

Sorry for the rant, but just had to vent a little. For those of you following along I'll do my best to make it interesting in the following weeks, for those of you no longer, I completely understand


Basically stated, after you did the Japanese historical start you are disappointed that your foe's vastly inferior air force, navy, army and fleet air arms have not come out to be sunk, shot down or captured while you sit in Rangoon, Hong Kong, Singapore etc? As you have noted and in the AAR's that I follow, most of the action occurs when the Japanese (or LYB's as the Captain calls them) stray off the reservation and invade Oz or Ceylon (excellent but short AAR by Yubari) or in my current games, New Zealand and Alaska. By staying within historical boundaries, you allow your foe to make plans for attacks starting in the second half of 42 when the CV's finally have a few fighters and there is some infantry available to support an invasion. And he will still probably attack you where KB isn't.

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Post #: 353
RE: Just some thoughts. - 7/5/2010 9:06:36 PM   
SqzMyLemon


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

ORIGINAL: khyberbill

Basically stated, after you did the Japanese historical start you are disappointed that your foe's vastly inferior air force, navy, army and fleet air arms have not come out to be sunk, shot down or captured while you sit in Rangoon, Hong Kong, Singapore etc? As you have noted and in the AAR's that I follow, most of the action occurs when the Japanese (or LYB's as the Captain calls them) stray off the reservation and invade Oz or Ceylon (excellent but short AAR by Yubari) or in my current games, New Zealand and Alaska. By staying within historical boundaries, you allow your foe to make plans for attacks starting in the second half of 42 when the CV's finally have a few fighters and there is some infantry available to support an invasion. And he will still probably attack you where KB isn't.



Hi khyberbill,

Thanks for the post. I'm going to put my frustration down to my own poor level of play and refrain from comments on what my opponent may or may not be doing. I didn't want my post to seem like I'm expecting my opponent to act rashly or send his forces out to be slaughtered, I'm not. There are numerous AAR's out there that show smart, aggressive Allied play early in the war. I've already admitted that I've pursued the wrong strategy against an Allied player that won't fight unless pushed somewhere, I realize now that I've not made him have to fight. I will pick up the pace of my own operations to spice the game up and since it is my first ever game of WitPAE I might as well prosecute it in terms of a learning experience. I'll be better prepared to pursue a more aggressive Japanese expansion in my next game. As I mentioned, I'll refrain from comments on my opponents actions or lack thereof in the future. I don't have to like the style of play, but I'll respect the strategy and just worry about my own side. I appreciate the reality check .

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Post #: 354
Invasion Question? - 7/5/2010 9:52:13 PM   
SqzMyLemon


Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline 		I'd just like to confirm that any operations in India will not activate reinforcements until you move into the hex range 37-18 to 56-18 which is the row directly south of Dehli? So if I invade Ceylon and the Madras coast I will not activate the reinforcements? Operation "Facta Non Verba" is in the planning stages. Thanks in advance.

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Post #: 355
6 Month Strategic Assessment - 7/8/2010 9:52:48 PM   
SqzMyLemon


Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline 		Sorry, posted in error. I'll provide an assessment later tonight.

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Post #: 356
RE: 6 Month Strategic Assessment - 7/8/2010 11:32:06 PM   
crsutton


Posts: 9590
Joined: 12/6/2002
From: Maryland
Status: offline 		As an Allied player playing scen #2, I can find not fault with your opponent's plan. This is not AE and in spite of the developer's claims a good Japanese player holds all of the advantages until 1943 rolls around. My opponent is aggressive and I am putting up a good fight where I can. However, he is both skilled and conservative and only uses his force in mass. Due to a critical lack of Allied replacment aircraft and the totally whacked out ability of the Japanese player to produce prodigious amounts of planes and pilots, there are few options against a competent Japanese player in 1942. This was unexpected by me as in WITP the Allied player really can start to hurt the Japanese side by September of 1942 and really begin to dominate in Jan 1943 when the corsair comes on board. This is not the case in AE.

So, here are the realities as discovered by me.

Japan will hold air superiorty all through 1942 and early 1943.
The best use of American carriers in 1942 is to not get sunk. Even trading carriers allows Japanese surface ships and LBA to dominate for some while to come.
The Allied player can hold no point on the map that a good Japanese player wants until late 1942. Any attempt to do so will risk a godly chance for a disaster.
Sir Robin it is.

However, my opponent, seeing my defence has pushed me hard and maintained pressure while beginning to build up a strong defensive line.

You are Japan and hold all the cards in mid 1942. It is up to you to go and find the Allied player and hurt him where you can. If he finds a way to evade you then he is outplaying you. Go get em tiger....

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Post #: 357
RE: 6 Month Strategic Assessment - 7/8/2010 11:48:52 PM   
SqzMyLemon


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

ORIGINAL: crsutton

You are Japan and hold all the cards in mid 1942. It is up to you to go and find the Allied player and hurt him where you can. If he finds a way to evade you then he is outplaying you. Go get em tiger....



Hi crsutton,

Do you ever have one of those "I wish I'd kept my thoughts to myself" moments? I've been chastised for my remarks on the lack of any Allied operations to date and in hindsight regret them. However, that being said the constructive comments by yourself and others have essentially changed my way of looking at things, so for that I thank you all.

The plan from here on out is to take the fight to the Allies, damn the torpedoes. My losses are minimal as are his of course, but there is no more cherry picking to be had in the game for Japan. Any future operations should garner some kind of response from the Allies so it's time to finally push the envelope. I certainly will not have an easy time of things now, since I've essentially given the Allies a six month cushion to build up defences and rally the troops in key areas of the map. I'm not worried now about playing a conservative, defence oriented game or taking losses, all I can do is try to put myself in a strong position to finally inflict some hurting on the decadent west.

Thanks for still following along, and I hope to change the entire pace of the game to make it more interesting all around.

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 7/9/2010 2:08:05 AM >

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Post #: 358
May 21-25/42 Update - 7/9/2010 2:04:42 AM   
SqzMyLemon


Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline 		Well, I had better start updating what's been happening to set the stage for the next seven months of the war. I'm over my little pity party and it's time to man up .

May 21/42:

Sub Ops:

The AO Notoro was again attacked by the SS Spearfish, but the one hit was a dud. The tanker lives to see another day with flotation damage down to 92% while travelling at cruise speed heading for Cagayan.

China:

Continued bombing of the 35th Chinese Corps. All losses inflicted now result in destroyed squads and equipment so the days are numbered for this Chinese force.

Australia:

Horn Island was swept by Zero's again today, but no Allied aircraft are home. The intention of operations in Australia and area is to try and keep Allied attention centred here and a possible invasion. Anything to keep the focus away from my planned operations in India.

New Guinea:

Allied B-17D's (7) made an appearance over the 17th Medium FA Rgt. today east of Port Moresby. Leaking CAP of A6M2 Zero's (3) from Buna intercepted. Three bombers were damaged for no loss and no ground troops took casualties.

Cape Gloucester was captured today.

The Banda Sea:

Both Salajar and Ruteng were occupied today.

Miscellaneous:

Truk expands port to size 7
Clark Field expands fortifications to size 1
Oosthaven expands fortifications to size 2
Kai Island expands airfield to size 1
Lomblen expands airfield to size 4

May 22/42:

Sup Ops:

SS Silversides takes a crack at the AMC Asaka Maru en route from Truk to Tokyo and launches 6 topedoes. I again get lucky with a dud.
SS Snapper also trailing the tanker Notoro Maru attacks one of her escorts, the APD Fuji, but misses. Another day afloat, but flotation damage has increased back to 96%. However, I can now dispand the tanker in port and start repairs. I never thought she'd make it and I think setting her to cruise speed saved her.

China:

The 35th Chinese Corps was assaulted today by the 15th Ind. Mixed Bde. at 89,40. The deliberate attack destroyed 8 infantry, 3 non-combat and 2 engineer squads and one gun totalling 50 casualties for no loss. The Chinese force retreated west towards Sian in rough terrain and will now be ignored. All Japanese troops around Yenan continue their march towards Sian.

Australia:

Another sweep by Zero's encountered no Allied fighters.
A probing attack by bombers hit Darwin today. G4M1 Betty's (9) based from Koepang caused 4 AB and 4 Runway hits to the airfield. this signifies the start of the suppression and destruction of Darwin as a viable base to launch any kind of Allied offensive from.

New Guinea:

The 23rd Naval Guard unit began unloading at Merauke and will assault the undefended base tomorrow. I will then quickly re-embark the unit, I was unaware at the time that it could combine with another support unit and become a special BF.

Sumatra:

Great Nicobar was captured today and will become an airbase to supplement Port Blair.

Miscellaneous:

Nabire expands airfield to size 1
Den Passar expands airfield to size 4

May 23/42:

Sup Ops:

SS S-39 sinks the SC CH 23 with one working torpedo near Buna. SC CH 11 comes to the aid of her stricken sister ship and records two direct DC hits on the enemy submarine, heavy damage is reported. The submarine shows up on my sunk list, but I will wait for actual confirmation before I get too excited. If she did indeed go down that will be number two!

Australia:

Darwin was swept by A6M2 Zero's (22) based at Saumlaki, but no Allied fighters had rebased there after the raid by bombers the day before. This is a good sign.

New Guinea:

B-17D's appeared over Buna today at 38,000ft . Zero's attempted to interdict, but cannot climb that high. Needless to say no damage was inflicted on ground troops.

Long Island was captured.

Miscellaneous:

Canton expands fortifications to size 3
Roi-Namur expands fortifications to size 3
Lautem expands airfield to size 2
Kai Island expands port to size 1

SS I-11 arrives at Cam Ranh Bay

May 24/42:

Sub Ops:

SS Seadragon launches four torpedoes at the DD Hagikaze near Satawal, but all miss. The DD was escorting an important fuel TF.

China:

The 35th Chinese Corps has been wiped out, finally.

Australia:

Horn Island's defenders were bombed by G4M1 Betty's (8) escorted by A6M2 Zero's (6) based from Lae. Casualites was a disabled Allied non-combat squad, so future bombing will be halted.

Darwin received it's first heavy bombing attack today. Zero's from Saumlaki swept the skies incase of an Allied air presence, but none were seen. G4M1 Betty's (41) based at Koepang and Ambon combined for a coordinated strike which was great to see. Seven Betty's were damaged while inflicting 13 AB, 1 ABS and 55 Runway hits and one disabled non-combat squad.

Java:

It's been a long time since I've mentioned Java, but the long awaited assault on Soerabaja began today. Fortifications were dropped to level 4 after 5:1 odds. Japanese losses were 2(42) infantry, 3(101) non-combat and 0(40) engineer squads and 1(23) vehicles totalling 1513 troops, against Allied losses of 84(110) infantry, 91(121) non-combat and 9(26) engineer squads including 1 gun and 1 vehicle disabled totalling 5351 troops.

I've brought a lot of force to bear on Soerabaja. AV comparison is 2091 against 542 in favour of Japan. I hope to avoid the trashing of the industry and oil centres here with a quick victory.

Miscellaneous:

Truk expands fortifications to size 4
Woleai expands fortifications to size 2
Rangoon expands fortifications to size 2
Shortlands expands fortifications to size 2
Lomblen expands fortifications to size 1
Saumlaki expands airfield to size 4
Sidate expands fortifications to size 1
Nadzab expands airfield to size 4

DD Okikaze beginning refit in shipyard at Singapore
Loss of CV Hiryu on Apr 07, 1942 is admitted

May 25/42:

Australia:

Darwin was again pounded from the air today, after sweeps again insured the air was free of Allied fighters. The raids today were a little disjointed. The first wave of G4M1 Betty's (25) inflicted 5 AB, 1 ABS and 40 Runway hits while suffering 5 damaged planes. Another wave of G4M1 Betty's (12) caused a further 1 AB, 1 ABS and 11 Runway hits and suffered only 1 damaged bomber.

Ki-21-IIa Sally's (20) based from Dili comprised the final raid of the day, resulting in a further 3 AB, 2 ABS and 13 Runway hits on the airfield. Two Sally's were damaged. I will transition the Sally's into the primary force for the Darwin bombing campaign to save the valuable Betty's for their intended purpose of sinking ships. Once the airfield is cratered I will focus on destroying the port.

Java:

The big news of the day was the fall and capture of Soerabaja! Another deliberate attack at 8:1 odds reduced the fortification down to level 2 and the defenders crumbled. The butchers bill was Allied losses of 810(222) infantry, 2586(227) non-combat and 82(12) engineer squads, with a further 181(1) guns and 5(0) vehicles lost. 14 Allied units were destroyed totalling 35944 troops. Japanese casualties were 3(72) infantry, 3(83) non-combat and 3(40) engineer squads lost including 0(21) vehicles totalling 972 casualties. A great Japanese victory.

I don't know if the massive force ensuring only two days of fighting was the deciding factor, but the industry at Soreabaja is in relatively good shape. Oil 154(36), Resources 65(15), Manpower 1(1), HI 8(1), Repair Shipyard 7(1), LI 33(7) and finally Refinery 138(32). More importantly, it escaped the Allies' attention to turn off fuel production, a boon of 237019 fuel at the base! I've been shipping so much fuel to other bases, Japan's stocks are dwindling fast. The priority now is get this fuel to the Home Islands.

Miscellaneous:

Shikuka expands port to size 5
Eniwetok expands fortifications to size 2
Davao expands fortifications to size 3
Lahat expands airfield to size 3
Tjilitjap expands fortifications to size 2
Dili expands airfield to size 4
Lomblen expands fortifications to size 2

33rd Sentai arrives at Saigon
52nd JNAF AF Unit arrives at Tokyo

So it seems I'm back on track somewhat, and I will post a 5 month assesment including the strategic goals for the next seven months as May winds down. With the Java campaign wrapped up the focus will now shift to tackling a bigger fish...India. Enjoy and any comments, as always, greatly appreciated.

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 7/9/2010 6:56:03 AM >

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)
Post #: 359
RE: May 21-25/42 Update - 7/9/2010 5:28:39 AM   
crsutton


Posts: 9590
Joined: 12/6/2002
From: Maryland
Status: offline 		As a rule, two DC hits will not sink a US fleet boat and rarely an S boat. It almost always takes three solid DC hits to do in an American sub. Two hit will cripple and send them home for a while.  It seems like two good hits will do in some Japanese subs though.

_____________________________

I am the Holy Roman Emperor and am above grammar.

Sigismund of Luxemburg

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)
Post #: 360
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