Matrix Games Forums

 Forums  Register  Login  Photo Gallery  Member List  Search  Calendars  FAQ 

My Profile  Inbox  Address Book  My Subscription  My Forums  Log Out

RE: Strategic Musings

 
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 >> RE: Strategic Musings Page: <<   < prev  18 19 [20] 21 22   next >   >>
Login
Message << Older Topic   Newer Topic >>
RE: Strategic Musings - 6/17/2011 4:07:16 PM   
Nemo121


Posts: 5821
Joined: 2/6/2004
Status: offline 		How does taking the Aleutians impact on an Allied thrust from Hawaii via Midway and Marcus? Or even better yet, via Baker, Canton into the Marshalls? I, personally, don't see that it does. I may, of course, be missing something.

_____________________________

John Dillworth: "I had GreyJoy check my spelling and he said it was fine."
Well, that's that settled then.

(in reply to crsutton)
Post #: 571
RE: Strategic Musings - 6/17/2011 6:06:34 PM   
SqzMyLemon


Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline 		Thanks for posting Pax and Nemo.

I'll decide my plans for the conduct of the war over the next 6-9 months during the weekend. I think it being my first game and realistically looking over my position, I will have to resort to a more traditional course of defending the Empire. Unless, I get an epiphany over the weekend.

As much as I really, really want to hit the Hawaiian Islands, it's not realistic at this stage of the game for me and I feel I'm almost forcing myself to attempt it, despite serious misgivings. I definitely think the idea is worthwhile, but I don't have the skill/experience yet of better players to pull it off. On top of that, logistically I'm completely unprepared for a deep thrust like this. The Marshall's and Gilbert's are not built up enough to provide an adequate base of operations.

I plan on seizing back the initiative through offensive means though. I won't rely on a defensive stance anymore, which to this point has severly limited my options. The idea of seeking a fleet engagement was the wrong perspective I believe. My opponent is not concerned with seeking battle on anything but his own terms, and I've wasted so much time in finally realizing the consequences of that. I will pursue a strategy that strengthens my own position whether the Allies respond or not.

I have five things I'll concentrate on immediately:

1. I'm going to try and knock China out of the war by mid/late 43.

2. I'm going to invade the Aleutians in the Spring to eliminate this axis of advance, securing my northern flank for all of 1943.

3. Decide how best to disrupt the Allied advance towards New Guinea and the Solomons at as little cost to myself.

4. Seize a few bases in the CenPAC to establish air search for warning of Allied moves in this theatre.

5. Create a strong reserve for a counter invasion of my choosing against one single major Allied operation.

So, it won't be a Blitzkrieg or decisive strike at Pearl Harbor. It will be something within my means to achieve. I appreciate all the comments and suggestions from everyone and I'm going to apply facets of them in everything I will attempt from here on out.

Nemo, I especially want to thank you for the time you've taken for going over my AAR and all you have suggested. I'm not taking a one-down position here, but I intend on applying aspects of your philosophy to the game from here on out and seek to improve my own strategic vision. I look at things the same way you do at times and want to think outside the box, I just think it's a little late for me to apply it to this particular match in a game shattering way, unless an opportunity presents itself at a later stage. I'm not giving up on what you have suggested, I'm just not there yet in my development. Your Nemesis AAR has shown me that as late as 1944 a bold Japanese strike can pay huge dividends. Your Okinawa operation shows me there will always be an opportunity to strike back despite what appears to be overwhelming odds against it. I'm going to be looking for a way to "gut" my opponent for the remainder of this game...I just have to be able to seize the moment when presented the opportunity.

No matter how the rest of this match will go, I'll be looking at WitP AE from a completely different perspective from now on thanks to all the comments I've received.

It's time to get back to cranking out turns and moving the war forward. I've almost talked myself into inaction. I need to start applying some pressure on the Allies and see if some cracks will form that I can exploit.

(in reply to Nemo121)
Post #: 572
RE: Strategic Musings - 6/17/2011 6:17:16 PM   
SqzMyLemon


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

ORIGINAL: Nemo121
How does taking the Aleutians impact on an Allied thrust from Hawaii via Midway and Marcus? Or even better yet, via Baker, Canton into the Marshalls? I, personally, don't see that it does. I may, of course, be missing something.


Nemo, I missed this before I posted. Do you think then that an Allied thrust from the Aleutians is less of a threat then the Marcus or Marshall route?

I agree with you about how weak I am in the Central Pacifc. I'm looking back when I posted about a gradual threatening of Hawaii via taking bases such as Canton, Johnston and Midway. Do you think those particular bases still have merit if I decided to not threaten Hawaii directly? In taking them, I at least force the Allies to commit naval assets in their recapture and push their start line back to Hawaii. It also has the benefit of being able to interdict/disrupt a direct LOC from Hawaii to the Gilbert's or Marshall's.

I want to stress again, I'm not giving up on an aggressive approach to better my position. I feel as you do that an Allied approach from the Central Pacific is worrisome. Can I still blunt it while avoiding assaulting Hawaii directly? I think there is still merit in looking at capturing more Central Pacific islands, beyond strictly for naval search purposes.

Would you recommend then a series of offensives to capture Baker, Canton, Johnston and Midway while strengthening the Marshall's over an Aleutian operation? You mentioned you thought that route would have potential and made sense after I suggested it. I definitely feel more comfortable with that route if indeed I didn't have to commit to a Hawaiian operation. Not to say if things changed that couldn't be a future objective. If the Allied Fleet did appear as I grab Central Pacific islands and it was defeated that opens up a lot of potential. I just can't factor it in because that relies solely on my opponent. Is it sufficient in your opinion to strictly strengthen the Kuriles against an Allied assault? I could better establish my position on Attu at the very least.

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 6/17/2011 6:33:35 PM >

(in reply to Nemo121)
Post #: 573
RE: Strategic Musings - 6/17/2011 7:05:57 PM   
Chickenboy


Posts: 24520
Joined: 6/29/2002
From: San Antonio, TX
Status: offline 		SqzMyLemon,

I appreciate your inner monologue that you're sharing with us readers. I can't help but feel as though you may be strategically adrift still. Less than two weeks ago, you were bracing all your available forces for a knockout blow against the Allied fleet when they sortied to defend Pearl Harbor. Now your post #572 contains five major strategic objectives-none of which are related to your foremost strategic goal of two weeks ago.

Preparing for such diametrically opposing goals as a predominant mainland China thrust versus a Pearl Harbor / Hawaiian islands offensive will have you clutching at offensive straws. You do not have enough forces at your disposal to do all of these things and do them well at this point in the game.

Perhaps the easiest way to demonstrate this is to ask you to identify the units that you have in mind for each of these disparate offensives. You're going to knock China out of the game within the next 6 months? 180 days to victory, eh? Tall order-what are you going to use (Division numbers, where you get them from, do you have the PP needed, etc.) to accomplish this blitzkrieg. Clearly, if you haven't beaten the Chinese in China in the last 180 days, you're going to need a major influx into the theatre to accomplish this, right? I have a simple question-where are you going to get them from? Please be as specific as you can to be honest to yourself. Will this influx of troops be sufficient to crack through Chinese lines in increasingly poor terrain?

You're going to need significant defensive LCUs to accomplish your other SoPac defensive objectives. Where exactly were these going to come from? For your own sake, I'd recommend being as specific as possible (e.g., 14th Division will begin preparations for San Clemente island and moved there by amphibious TF within 30 days).

I believe that, unlike those playing under scenario 2 or with PDU on, you will find your options limited when you start looking at the details. You don't have very many unrestricted divisions to go around. How will you divide them and what are your priorities? Then things will shake out for you.

This may also help you to deliberate on your long-term strategic plans-by figuring which tactical actions you make may permit realization of your strategic developments. Your short term thinking will impact your long term thinking and vice-versa.

_____________________________


(in reply to SqzMyLemon)
Post #: 574
RE: Strategic Musings - 6/17/2011 7:31:40 PM   
SqzMyLemon


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

I admit, I'm completely adrift and am having one hell of a time trying to figure out the best course of action to take here. I'm guilty of overthinking myself into inaction, or as people are starting to suggest, poorly conceived master strokes. Something tells me I'm not far off from Hitler moving his non-existent armies around on his map taking any number of unrealistic objectives in his head.

I'm obviously not ready/unable to determine my immediate course of action, and perhaps am doing myself a disservice attempting to at this time. I'm also worried I'll create reader fatigue. I'm truly appreciative of all the comments, but feel I'm letting people down by obviously not getting it. I'm not taking a one-down position here, but just don't want to lose the goodwill of the community who offer suggestions that don't seem to lead to direct action on my part. Sigh, I believe I even said something to this effect 6 months ago. So maybe I need to wipe the slate clean and start fresh. I'll look at things this weekend, go over all the posts and see if I can set myself ONE immediate goal to pursue, be it only the capture of a single island.

I'm delaying turns in order to not lose time preparing for an operation I can't decide on . I think I need to concentrate on playing some turns, seeing how things develop and re-evaluate this in a few weeks, maybe give myself till the end of November in game time and try again then.

I'm getting frustrated at my inability to do something that on the surface should be rather straightforward.

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 6/17/2011 7:34:47 PM >

(in reply to Chickenboy)
Post #: 575
RE: Strategic Musings - 6/17/2011 7:50:21 PM   
ny59giants


Posts: 9869
Joined: 1/10/2005
Status: offline 		Just played catch up with your AAR. Like Nemo said a long time ago, AE and WITP are always about logistics and economics. What can you do to solidify your access to oil, fuel, and resources into '44 (or further)?? What can you do to make his transport of excessive fuel and supply from the USA??

He will have to send them from the west coast or through Cape Town. Taking Hawaii may be nice, but you mentioned that you haven't built up the Central Pacific enough. If he is currently operating in the Solomons area, it is logical to conclude that he is sending logistical assets from USA to Tahati, Pago Pago, and/or Suva. Even if you don't invade any of the Hawaiian Islands, the capture of Midway (useful as Allies for forward basing subs and decrease turnaround time), Johnson Island, the Line Islands, Canton Island, and Penhran Islands would cause him to take huge detours with his shipping and allow you to raid his SLOC.

I'm not saying you have to take all those bases, but they are not close enough to other bases to have him use LBA to tip the balance in a CV vs CV battle. It should cause him to divert some assets to secure his SLOC. if not, you can base some Nells with an Air HQ to range into his shipping lanes. Some bases are not that important to you, but more important in denying the use of them to your opponent.

< Message edited by ny59giants -- 6/17/2011 7:53:12 PM >

_____________________________


(in reply to Chickenboy)
Post #: 576
RE: Strategic Musings - 6/17/2011 8:08:33 PM   
Nemo121


Posts: 5821
Joined: 2/6/2004
Status: offline 		Clarity is needed. What is your ONE overarching goal?

If it is killing his fleet then you need to draw it out - which I would suggest can best be done at Hawaii. If it is something else then you need a different plan. I don't think you have a simple answer to the question, what's your primary objective?

SqzMyLemon,
The last thing you need is to rush through another few weeks of turns without deciding on anything. Stop play for a week and decide and once you've decided stick to it. Right now you are a man who can't decide how to save himself from drowning but has decided to continue flailing around doing the same things which haven't worked so far before he tries to figure out what would work. That doesn't make a whole heap of sense to me.

If you still can't decide then maybe you would be best to just decide to set up a strong defence and plan a defensive war. At least that way you won't have to use the initiative but can concentrate on reacting - which is easier although still a tough gig.

< Message edited by Nemo121 -- 6/17/2011 8:10:17 PM >

_____________________________

John Dillworth: "I had GreyJoy check my spelling and he said it was fine."
Well, that's that settled then.

(in reply to ny59giants)
Post #: 577
RE: Strategic Musings - 6/17/2011 8:26:51 PM   
SqzMyLemon


Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline 		Thanks everyone. I will do as suggested, take a break for a few days and figure things out. I have been meaning to do an update of my defensive preparations to date. That will give me a chance to address Chickenboy's suggestion for an inventory of troops available for offensive moves and help possibly determine my course of action. I'll go over all the comments and do some homework.

Have a great weekend everyone. I'm helping a friend move tonight, so maybe the beer and pizza will provide clarity! Who knows, maybe time to have a few too many and gain the wisdom of the inebriated.

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 6/17/2011 8:28:11 PM >

(in reply to Nemo121)
Post #: 578
RE: Strategic Musings - 6/17/2011 8:39:12 PM   
FatR

 

Posts: 2522
Joined: 10/23/2009
From: St.Petersburg, Russia
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon
It seems everything comes back to the Hawaiian Islands offering me the greatest risk/reward for dictating events for the next 6-9 months. Hawaii may be an extremely tough nut to crack at this time,

Invasion of Hawaii at any time past December of 1941 boils down to praying for the increasingly unlikely combination of Allied SigInt failure and your opponent making some serious mistakes, while enduring enormous logictical strain. Very big and systematic mistakes in this case. Even if both of these conditions come true, you are vastly unlikely to take Pearl. I know of only one actual game where a Japanese player, IIRC, managed to storm Hawaii successfully (it is on a German AE forum). He did it by a very early attack.

And frankly, even total capture of Hawaii isn't going to cut Allied communication with SWPac. The fuel cost of maintaining any sort of systematic raiding from Hawaii is enormous, and so convoys simply will be slipping south of your airsearch coverage. By late 1942 Allies have plenty of long-legged transports. And Australia can be supplied from Indian Ocean side.


(in reply to SqzMyLemon)
Post #: 579
Nov. 7/42 - 6/25/2011 5:04:57 PM   
SqzMyLemon


Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline 		Still working on getting things figured out, but ran a turn. The Allies appear to be making a move towards Mandalay and led things off with a large air attack against the airbase. Until the extent of the threat in Burma can be determined there will be no troop withdrawals. On to the days events.

Nov. 7/42:

Sub Ops:

SS KXVI patrolling near Balabac is sighted by DD escorts from a resource TF and is attacked. The submarine takes one direct DC hit. The TF suffers no loss.

SS O20 attacks the E Kari with a 4 torpedo spread which fails to detonate. E Kari responds with one direct DC hit on the submarine.

Australia:

A night attack against Fenton is ineffective. Ki-21-IIa Sally's (24) fail to damage the airbase and suffer one bomber shot down.

Burma:

Allied planes appear in the skies over Mandalay in droves today. Small raids occurred in the morning phase causing slight damage to the airfield and it seems the Allied bombers proceeded the early sweeps in many cases. All sweeps consisted of P-40E's or P-40K's. There was no Japanese CAP assigned over Mandalay. The afternoon phase saw the largest bomber strike of Wellington Ic's (32), LB-30 Liberator's (7) and B-25C Mitchell's (31). The Allies got clear skies and the numerous raids caused extensive damage to the airbase. The airbase currently sits at 10 Runway and 51 Service damage. The airbase is only level two and not being utilized, however that will stop any future fort building.

China:

Just air attacks against a few airbases at Tuyun and Changteh. As always I'm looking to score supply hits. The 17th Chinese/B Corps was finally wiped out from air bombardment near Sining. The bombers will now focus on Sining itself.

Miscellaneous:

Fusan expands airfield to size 4
Hankow expands fortifications to size 6
Changsha expands fortifications to size 1
Merak expands fortifications to size 3
Makassar expands airfield to size 5
Sorong expands fortifications to size 2

251 Ku S-1 arrives at Kagoshima
8th Area Army arrives at Tokyo
18th Army arrives at Tokyo

A few screenshots follow to bring the most active theatres up to date and my thoughts on future operations there.





Attachment (1)

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)

(in reply to FatR)
Post #: 580
RE: Nov. 7/42 - 6/25/2011 5:06:26 PM   
SqzMyLemon


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





Attachment (1)

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)
Post #: 581
RE: Nov. 7/42 - 6/25/2011 5:07:24 PM   
SqzMyLemon


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





Attachment (1)

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)
Post #: 582
Strategic Musings - 7/1/2011 12:32:23 AM   
SqzMyLemon


Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline 		Turns will be a little sporadic this week as Smeulders has plans and will give me a great chance to do some WitP AE house cleaning. We've only run two turns since the decision to step back and assess my situation.

Burma:

I'm still awaiting developments at Mandalay so see whether it's a full blown attempt to take the base before I can decide on my future Burma dispositions. I've learnt that the game version we are playing is pre-supply fix in Burma and could mean trouble for the Empire. With the Allies not hampered by poor supply distribution, this theatre takes on new importance. I must slow any further Allied advance to prevent Singapore and area being threatened and keep the Burma Road closed as long as possible. I've decided to fight for Mandalay and will counterattack to prevent them establishing a bridgehead across the Irrawaddy River. The air war is heating up with Allied bombers attempting to reduce Mandalay's airbase. So far I've not capped the base, but I will begin to do so. I will interdict the Allied effort as best I can with raids of my own to disrupt their operations and aggressively protect my airspace.

China:

Operations here will continue as planned. The major objectives at this stage are the capture of Sining and a breakthrough between Tuyun and Chihkiang. No additional forces will be committed to this theatre other than the pre-set reinforcements. Any further troops purchased from Manchuria are destined for the Pacific. At some point I'll begin to look at redeploying troops from China to the Pacific, but only when it appears I'm no longer able to advance and the need to establish a strong MLR becomes paramount for the eventual Allied counteroffensive.

Malaya/Sumatra:

With the recent spree of Allied moves aimed at Sumatra in other AAR's this theatre will be looked at a little more closely. Defensively I'm unprepared, so Malaya/Sumatra will be getting an infusion of engineer units to get the defences up along the coast. Port Blair and the Andamans will be reinforced to provide a tough outer shell and become the first line of defence. It's all about the fuel/oil. I'm sucking Palembang dry and getting it to the Home Islands as quickly as I can.

Java:

I'm not so concerned with Java. I've been building bases up and have a limited garrison so far, but I do intend on shifting more troops here eventually. Soerabaja's fuel is not transported as I intend on this port being heavily utilized by the fleet so I want large stockpiles of fuel available. I may begin to start exporting oil though, but I'm short tankers at the moment.

New Guinea/Solomons:

I'm going to be strictly defensive/reactive here. New Guinea is being reinforced and I plan on establishing a presence at Milne Bay and strengthening PM for a defensive land campaign. I'm beginning to build up the Admiralty Islands to provide support for both Lae and Rabaul. I predict the Allies will rely solely on LBA, and surface ships conducting an island hopping campaign in this theatre. Their carriers will not be deployed here.

The Gilberts/Marshall's:

Strictly defensive in the Marshall's despite little preparation here. that will change. Truk is loaded with Naval Guard units and I'll start disributing them to ungarrisoned islands. The Gilberts will be built up as quickly as possible to provide a base of operations for offensive action in the Central and Southeast Pacific.

The Kuriles:

The Kuriles will be reinforced with LCU's and air units.

Offensive Plans:

I've decided to concentrate my efforts on establishing a greater presence in the Central Pacific in order to delay an Allied advance and possibly draw out the Allied fleet by threatening the LOC to Fiji and Australia. Looking at Allied base expansions they consist solely of Suva, Pago Pago, Tahiti and Christmas Island. If one of these falls the LOC is severed other than resorting to skirting the south map edge. I've ruled out Fiji as they are too close to a built up New Caledonia to be effective against air attack. However, Pago Pago appears to me to be the point to try and drive towards. Suva is the only major airbase/port that can interdict my operations directly, this may require the use of the Allied Fleet to intervene to stop me getting established or to threaten my own LOC. I want them to interdict my LOC as this may also draw out the Allied Fleet in an offensive manner.

This will not be a direct drive to Pago Pago. I'm going to invest the islands such as Baker, Canton and area first. I also plan on seizing Midway and Johnston Islands. I want to directly threaten the Allied LOC to Australia in order to strengthen my own defensive preparations. It's not enough to simply block the Allied advance in New Guinea or the Solomons. I'm going to try and divert their attention from offensive actions, to one of having to react to ensure their LOC remains open or delay their planned offensives in the Pacific. I hope to draw out the Allied Fleet by increasing the threat of cutting off the most direct route to Australia. Ultimately I'd like to learn where the Allied carriers are, that may indicate which is the primary access of advance planned other than New Guinea or the Solomons.

With Burma about to be severely tested, the troops I had earmarked for operations in the Pacific are no longer available. The new planned objectives in the Pacific will not require large amounts of troops to be committed and I can continue to strengthen my defensive dispositions without denuding them of units.

So my goal in a nutshell is this: Sever the LOC from the West Coast to Australia while strengthening my own perimeter defences and providing a buffer from an Allied Central Pacific thrust. If this draws out the Allied Fleet I will be prepared to engage it. If not, I secure some important bases to interdict Allied shipping and buy myself time to strengthen my defences.

A secondary offensive may be planned to secure Northwestern Australia to act as a defensive buffer by denying it's use to the Allies and provide an early warning of any move against Java or Southern Sumatra from Perth. Nothing concrete on that yet, if at all. It's just an idea at this stage.

With the conclusion of these operations and if there is or is not a naval battle against the Allied Fleet, the Combind Fleet will be redeployed to a more central location in case the Allied main focus is a major undertaking against Java or Sumatra.

I'll post the last couple of turns later and then start to provide screens and information on the entire state of the Empire, while we have a relatively quiet week with few turns.



< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 7/23/2011 8:48:50 AM >

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)
Post #: 583
RE: Strategic Musings - 7/5/2011 10:57:49 PM   
SqzMyLemon


Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline 		Looking at how the game has developed so far and the likely course of action of the Allies, I'm not optimistic that there will be much naval action anytime soon. I think Burma will be the main focus of Allied efforts in the forseeable future. Mandalay is about to be assaulted and if I can't hold I'll have to withdraw into rough terrain farther south. Our version of the game which does not limit the supply availability in Burma has me quite worried, and I expect all available Commonwealth reinforcements to be deployed here to take advantage of this. The war here will be primarily a land war for some time.

In the Pacific, I'm expecting more small scale invasions of lightly held islands, to then be built up with minimal force commitment on the part of the Allies. I need to change this. I must get reinforcements into the theatre in order to deny these easy conquests and force the use of more Allied naval assets to advance. I'm going to keep KB in a reserve role based at Truk for the short term, but have decided to redeploy my CVL's, currently based at Singapore, to the Southeast Pacific. I will contest the next Allied move in the Solomons with the CVL's in order to try and inflict some surface ship losses on the Allies and possibly bait the Allied CV's into action. My CVL's will not stand up well in 1943, so I'm going to see if I can use them effectively to be a catalyst for some form of naval action now.

The next target appears to be Guadalcanal. B-17's have started reducing the airbase and another day of bombing should see the airfield put out of action indefinitely. I'm not contesting the raids other than with LRCAP based at Munda, and sadly, my Nick's are simply not engaging so the bombers are currently enjoying milk runs.

I'm shifting minelayers to start shoring up my LOC's against submarine interdiction around New Britain. I've scoured the Empire to locate all my construction and engineering units, and started to redeply then in order to coordinate their efforts. I need to hurry up and get some serious obstacles built up.

On an economic note, I'm starting to deplete my main hub ports collecting resources and transport ships are sitting idle awaiting loading while the resources are generated. I've sucked Port Arthur, Fusan and Hakodate dry. I've not been using Shikuka to avoid losses to submarine and it's amassed over 1,000,000 resources. I've started to divert transports from Hakodate to Shikuka to allow Hokkaido to recover. Takao is an important resource hub as well, but has languished somewhat as transport shipping was diverted to carry supply. I'll redirect the shipping to get my resource hubs restocked and my transport network humming again.

I'm learning that any focus too far to one side of the spectrum means something suffers. Japan does not have enough shipping to fully concentrate on both resupply/refueling and fuel/oil/resource gathering. In recent months I've moved too far to the resupply/refueling side and my resource gathering has suffered. Fortunately, I've been much better getting the fuel/oil back to the Home Islands, with only slight delays as Palembang recovers on occasion. I need more escorts/tankers to be able to access some of the smaller oil producing bases. I'm in the midst of revamping much of my transport operations and trimming the fat in order to increase my access to under utilized facilities.

The BB Musashi is complete in seven days and then I'll be looking at reducing naval/merchant construction to conserve HI. CV Taiho is available in just over 2 1/2 months as well at an accelerated pace. LCU's continue to be purchased from Manchuria, with the emphasis on Inf. Rgt.'s. I'll begin buying out more AA and air support units from the Home Islands for my MLR in the Pacific.

It's really a shame I didn't look at this aspect of the game more closely. I was so focused on the lack of combat and had become rather complacent on the defensive build up. Now that I realize how much there is to it, I'm afraid I may not have the time needed to recover. Therein lies the dilema on how best to delay the Allies.

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 7/23/2011 8:48:22 AM >

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)
Post #: 584
Nov. 8-15 - 7/23/2011 8:45:53 AM   
SqzMyLemon


Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline 		It's been awhile since an update so here's the major happenings from the last eight turns.

Nov. 8/42:

Sub Ops:

SS Greenling sinks the xAP Kasado Maru near Hansa with two torpedo hits. The transport was carrying elements of the 4th Naval Construction unit to Manus in the Admiralty Islands. No DC hits were recorded from the escorting E Kiji.

Burma:

We trade targets in the skies over Burma. I sweep and bomb Shwebo to little effect while the Allies hit Mandalay. Neither target was contested. Ki-21-IIa Sally's (52) hit Shwebo for 14 AB and 27 Runway hits. Allied aircraft damage Mandalay with 5 AB, 2 ABS and 46 Runway hits. Allied aircraft were a mix of Blenhein IV's, B-25C Mitchell's, Wellington Ic's and LB-30 Liberator's.

Miscellaneous:

Toyohara expands fortifications to size 1
Changsha expands fortifications to size 2
Hengyang expands fortifications to size 3
Sibolga expands fortifications to size 3
Den Passar expands fortifications to size 5

Nov. 9/42:

Sub Ops:

SS Pollack is spotted near Oosthaven by SC Ch 19, no DC hits are recorded.

Burma:

Shwebo is swept but no enemy CAP is encountered. To change it up and try and avoid enemy CAP on bombing missions Akyab's airbase was targeted. Ki-21-IIa Sally's (77) in two raids cause 11 AB, 1 ABS and 57 Runway hits and one Hurricane PR.II destroyed on the ground. Results weren't spectacular considering clear sky over the target and no enemy CAP.

No Allied air activity.

China:

Airfields at Changteh, Tuyun and Sining are being targeted by Japanese bombers to stop any further fort construction and cause supply hits. Sining's defenders will also be targted in preparation for a coming Japanese assault.

Guadalcanal:

Lunga was hit hard by B-17E's (27) causing 6 AB, 7 ABS and 71 Runway hits. There was no Japanese LRCAP reaction from Munda.

Miscellaneous:

Wau expands fortifications to size 2
Kendari expands fortifications to size 4
Umboi Island expands port to size 1

DD Arashi beginning refit in shipyard at Singapore

Pilot Hirata M. is reported as to have escaped capture

Nov. 10/42:

Sub Ops:

SS Stingray is spotted near Port Blair and attacked by E Hato, no DC hits are recorded.

SS I-17 is spotted near Lihue by an Allied ASW TF and takes a direct DC hit. I'm envious.

Burma:

In expectation of continued Allied air attacks against Mandalay, Japanese fighters are ordered to provide LRCAP over the base. Allied fighters consisting of P-40E Warhawk's (23) are interdicted by A6M3 Zero's (7), Ki-43-Ic Oscar's (13) and Ki-44-IIa Tojo's (10). The combat reports indicate six Warhawk's were downed for the loss of one Oscar and one Tojo.

A second sweep of P-40K Warhawk's (23) faired much better against A6M3 Zero's (6), Ki-43-Ic Oscar's (9) and Ki-44-IIa Tojo's (5). The LRCAP was committed piecemeal and handled roughly. Only one Warhawk was downed against one of each Japanese fighter.

A third sweep of P-40K's (25) encountered only seven Japanese fighters, again commited poorly. A Zero and Oscar were shot down against no Allied loss.

A fourth Allied sweep of P-40E Warhawk's (23) encountered no LRCAP.

Then come the bombers unopposed. In a combined morning strike, Blenhiem IV's (30), B-25C Mitchell's (15) cause 3 AB, 2 ABS and 40 Runway hits.

Japanese LRCAP then gets lucky. Delayed Allied bomber attacks are launched in the afternoon and are not proceeded by sweeping fighters. Given a chance to recover the LRCAP is back up and the bombers are interdicted. A6M3 Zero's (6), Ki-43-Ic Oscar's (12) and Ki-44-IIa Tojo's (8) intercept the Allied bomber force consisting of Wellington Ic's (32), LB-30 Liberator's (7) and B-25C Mitchell's (16). Two Wellington's and three B-25C's are downed for the loss of one Tojo. Despite being interdicted the bombing strike is effective, 8 AB, 4 ABS and 88 Runway hits. A second raid of B-25C Mitchell's (14) lose another bomber for no Japanese losses and the airfield suffers another 12 Runway hits.

The intelligence report indicated that almost 20 Allied bombers were actually lost. If so, raids on the 11th will be doubtful. Despite the pounding, Mandalay's airbase is still operational suffering mostly service damage. I'm not actually using the airbase so I believe the bombing is to prevent fort construction prior to a river assault.

Japanese bombing attacks focus on Allied ground troops at Shwebo who are still indicated as marching on Mandalay and the hex directly east of the base. I really don't know why I waste my time hitting Commonwealth troops with bombers as only 19 troops are indicated as casualties and all just disablements, despite being attacked by 75 bombers.

Guadalcanal:

B-17E's (27) hit Lunga hard once again for 5 AB, 2 ABS and 60 Runway hits.

Miscellaneous:

Rangoon expands port to size 6
Toungoo expands airfield to size 3
Lahat expands airfield to size 4
Nabire expands airfield to size 4

Nov. 11/42:

Sub Ops:

SS I-17 still near Lihue is then pummeled by the DD Conyngham. After numerous direct hits the DD reports an oil slick and indeed the SS I-17 succumbs to the attack. Oops, forgot to order it out of its current patrol hex after getting nailed the turn before.

SS Tunny is spotted near Satawal by the E Susuki and a DC hit is reported. i can't recall if it was a near miss or direct hit.

SS Pickerel spots a resource TF near Toyohara on the newly created Shikuka route but duds on the xAKL Kamishima Maru. I hate using this route, as it's patrolled regularly by Allied subs, but I need more resource flow to the Home Islands. Japanese ASW efforts in this war are still ineffective overall.

SS Sunfish is spotted near Kushiro by PB's, the escorts fail to locate the enemy submarine and there is no ASW attack.

Burma:

Japanese forces bomb ground troops at Shwebo again to little effect and am pleasantly surprised to see 112 casualties inflicted with one non-combat squad actually destroyed. If anything it may be disrupting their movement as well.

Allied bombers hit Lashio today which is totally unexpected. This base supports the important Ki-44-IIa Tojo's. LRCAP down one Blenhiem IV. Four separate bombing raids cause 4 ABS, 34 Runway hits and destroy 3 Tojo's on the ground.

Magwe is then hit hard! In two bombing attacks with Liberator II's (14) and B-24D Liberator's (60) the airbase receives 2 AB, 2 ABS and 166 Runway hits.

Mandalay's airbase is then attacked by LB-30 Liberator's (6) causing 1 AB and 16 Runway hits.

CAP over my bases is minimal to avoid getting slaughtered, but I still lose one A6M3 Zero for one downed Blenheim IV.

What is interesting is neither Magwe or Mandalay is being used as an active airbase. These raids are to prevent fort construction and any chance of repairing Magwe's oil industry. What's great is that despite Magwe's oil production currently at 6(294) the refinery is still functioning at full capacity because it's receiving oil all the way from Singapore.

Guadacanal:

Lunga is nailed again by B-17's (33) for 6 AB, 3 ABS and 23 Runway hits.

Miscellaneous:

Medan expands fortifications to size 2

Nov. 12/42:

Sub Ops:

SS Pike misses the SC CHa-42 (can't remember if any duds) near Kushiro with 4 torpedoes. No ASW attack.
SS Grayback duds on the SC CH 32 near Lomblen with 6 torpedoes launched. Again, no ASW attack...sigh.
SS Sunfish near Kushiro sinks the SC CHa-38 with a torpedo hit.
SS Triton attacks E Kari near Buka and duds on her. E Kari attacks with DC's, yep, no hits.

Have I mentioned I hate Japanese ASW? Every one of the targeted ships today are in dedicated ASW TF's working in conjunction with air ASW. Yet time after time these submarines are not suppressed and react/attack constantly against my anti-sub forces. Only the duds are saving me. At least the transports have been relatively lucky avoiding attack. I hate this aspect of the game, and by the time I get the good E's to hunt Allied submarines I'm sure they'll have been nerfed to ineffectiveness. Considering the sheer number of ASW opportunities I get, you'd think my crews might actually improve at some point.

Burma:

I target Katha this time with an air attack. No enemy CAP and the airbase suffers 13 AB, 3 ABS and 47 Runway hits. I sweep all potential targets first to try and engage enemy CAP, there just usually isn't any. Why risk Allied fighters on CAP when the bombers are based far enough away to not be in danger of attack, and the bombers are just as effective, if not more so, in being able to handle any sort of Japanese CAP while performing their own missions.

The Allies target Lashio with a special guest appearance of P-38E Lightning's (19) and P40-K Warhawk's (11). There is no Japanese CAP . No Allied bombing attacks today.

Guadacanal:

More bombing of Lunga by B-17's. I'm not using the airbase so these attacks are unopposed and causing no air losses.

Miscellaneous:

Kushiro expands fortifications to size 2

Nov. 13/42:

Sub Ops:

SS Triton duds or misses the DD Asagao near Buka. No ASW attack. whatever...
SS Haddock duds or misses the xAK Panama Maru near Emirau Island with 6 torpedoes. The DMS W-6 actually uses DC's, no hits of course.

Burma:

Mixing it up I attack Katha with a night bombing raid. Sally's (18) score 1 Runway hit and destroy a P-40K Warhawk on the ground! I goof though by thinking I assigned all my Sally's based at Chiang Mai to these orders by using the "set all Ki-21-IIa's at this base" button, so was surprised to see only 18 out of a possible 67 total aircraft attack during the night. "Set all" doesn't switch all the units to the same day/night settings of the initial unit selected automatically, you must do it manually apparently. A costly lesson to learn as the other Sally's (49) were still set on "day operations" and attacked unescorted and without benefit of any fighter sweeps. Eleven are destroyed by Allied CAP. They still manage to cause 2 AB and 28 Runway hits on Katha. Needless to say, one more thing to have to double check in the future to avoid another nasty surprise.

Allied planes sweep Mandalay with Hurricane IIb Trop's and P40-K Warhawk's, no Japanese CAP. P-38E Lightning's (21) sweep Lashio, no Japanese CAP. Numerous Allied bombing raids than hammer Mandalay for 26 AB, 9 ABS and 165 Runway hits. Surprisingly service damage is up but actual runway damage is minimal, the base is completely operational albeit no damaged planes would get repaired because of the service damage.

This tells me that an Allied ground attack based out of Shwebo is near. Fingers are crossed that my defence will hold. I have 1650 AV behind level four forts at Mandalay and I have 900+ AV in the woods directly east to guard the railway against a second assault indicated by the movement ticks out of Shwebo.

China:

Changteh, Tuyun and Sining are still bombed daily. My forces are almost ready to assault Sining. A probing bombardment attack ordered today indicates the AV comparison to be 1323 to 874 in my favour. This total does not include the 12th Tank Rgt. and 27th Division which should arrive tomorrow.

To the east of Tuyun the 4th Ind. Mixed Rgt. deliberate attacks the 3rd New Chinese/A Corps at hex 75,51. The Chinese retreat suffering no losses. Really? 63:1 odds simply pushes the unit back rather than being wiped out, dumb. At least it won't respawn yet .

Miscellaneous:

Iwo-jima expands fortifications to size 2
Manus expands fortifications to size 1
Madjene expands airfield to size 3
Pingsiang expands fortifications to size 6

7th Shipping Engineer Regiment arrives at Manila
38th Field AA Machinecannon Company arrives at Hamamatsu
39th Field AA Machinecannon Company arrives at Hamamatsu

Nov. 14/42:

Interesting developments both in Burma and China!

Sub Ops:

SS I-25 launches 6 torpedoes at the DD Express near Bombay and guess what? They all miss! Japanese ASW ships continue to get nailed by Allied duds constantly, yet my Japanese submarines just continue to outright miss Allied ships on the rare occasion I actually find one. Simply ridiculous how badly my submarines have performed all game.


Burma:

This time my Sally units are all set properly and I bomb Shwebo during the night instead of Katha. Recon indicates over 70 fighters based here. In two separate night attacks Ki-21-IIa Sally's (26) inflict only 3 Runway hits. One Sally is destroyed.

No Allied air attacks today.

The big news here is the long awaited river assault against Mandalay from Shwebo. Well, it wasn't quite what I expected. Not knowing if the main blow would fall on Mandalay or the hex to the east I was concerned to say the least. I learned that Mandalay was not the main target! As feared it looks like the bulk of the Allied force will cross to the S.E. into the hex directly east of Mandalay to sever the railway and get a beachhead in rough terrain.

What was surprising is that only two enemy units were ordered to assault Mandalay directly, the 88th Chinese and 18th Britsih Divisions. Needless to say, they got pummeled. The raw AV was 1666 against 633 in my favour and the adjusted Allied assault AV was 4 compared to my 3871! Odds were 1:967 against level four forts. Allied losses were heavy at 127(284) infantry, 75(499) non-combat, 2(87) engineer squad losses including 3(19) guns and 19(196) vehicles totalling 8735 casualties. Japanese losses were only 0(1) infantry, 0(2) non-combat squad losses and 1(2) vehicles totalling 12 casualties! The Chinese rabble retreated back to Shwebo, but the British still remain. Can you say shock attack tomorrow?

China:

I launch another artillery bombardment at Sining because only the 12th Tank Rgt. arrived today, the 27th is a day late. I will launch a deliberate attack tomorrow without the 27th division. I want to capture Sining and move on.

Miscellaneous:

Sorong expands airfield to size 3
Raba expands airfield to size 3

SC Ch 36 arrives at Tokyo
SC CHa-44 arrives at Kumamoto
34th Sentai arrives at Nagasaki/Sasebo
35th Sentai arrives at Maizuru

Nov. 15/42:

Sub Ops:

SS Sunfish is spotted near Kushiro and attacked by the SC CHa-42. No DC hits are recorded and the SC is out of ammo.
SS Sunfish sinks the SC CHa-13 with one torpedo hit. So much for suppression. I simply laughed after this sinking, I have to...otherwise I'll drive myself to drink or something. How much worse can my ASW get? At least there is some ground combat to make me forget my ASW woes.

Burma:

Allied bombers hit Mandalay today, not the ground troops, but the airbase again. I am so glad the Allies do not target my LCU's! I expected a severe pounding prior to my expected shock attack. Instead the airbase I'm not using is hit for another 10 AB, 8 ABS and 45 Runway hits. I did assign some LRCAP today and two Ki-43-Ic Oscar's and a A6M3 Zero were lost to the bombers, but I did shoot down one B-24D Liberator. No Allied fighters swept prior to the bombers.

Japanese air units, on the other hand, targeted the 18th British Division at Mandalay and Ki-21-IIa Sally's (63) inflicted 51 casualties. Thunderstorms limited the effectiveness of the attack unfortunately.

Then came the Japanese shock attack. The 18th British Division is wrecked and out of the war for awhile to recover I hope. Raw AV was 1664 to 39 in my favour and the adjusted Allied defence was only 14 yielding 270:1 odds! The British suffered 168(0) infantry, 442(0) non-combat, 32(0) engineer squads lost including 11(19) guns and 172(0) vehicles destroyed totalling 3254 casualties. Japanese forces suffered 0(2) infantry and 0(1) non-combat squads lost totalling 23 casualties.

In an e-mail Smeulders informed me the attack against Mandalay was a mistake and didn't occur when he hoped it would, and I guess actually wanted to stop it when he learned both forces wouldn't cross at the same time but forgot to change the orders. Needless to say, it was nice to take advantage of a rare mistake by my opponent, I've made my share already myself and know it sucks when you pay the price for one. I was also told that the planned attack against the hex directly east of Mandalay was stopped to avoid heavy losses as well since he figured I could quickly redeploy from Mandalay because his other force was delayed. I wonder if my air attacks were a factor at all, although I think all his units would have been set to combat mode anyway.

Wow, can you say relief? I have to figure out ways to up the Butcher's Bill for the Allies. Smeulders just hates taking losses. I worried about an attack on that hex east of Mandalay and it would have been a smart move. The Allies had 40 LCU's at Shwebo and I had 1650+ AV at Mandalay behind level four forts, and only 900+ AV in the hex east with no forts but in x3 defensive terrain. An Allied crossing here might have resulted in heavy casualties, but if successful would have effectively split my Burma forces in two and blocked the important railway to Lashio. I'd have had little to no chance of driving him out if he wasn't in bad shape after the crossing. This buys me some more time to block an advance from Shwebo and form a better MLR. I'll post a screenshot of Burma soon to show my dispositions there.

China:

The planned assault against Sining began today with a delberate attack following the daily air attack. The bombing of the defenders has actually been netting a few destroyed squads daily so I'm optimistic Sining won't hold out long. Odds were 1:1 and the forts were reduced to level one. The deliberate attack yielded 6(109) infantry, 1(63) non-combat and 0(3) engineer squads lost totalling 1150 casualties for the Chinese. Japanese losses were 5(96) infantry, 1(86) non-combat and 0(17) engineer squads totalling 2379 casualties. The 27th Division's AV was not included in the attack so I may launch another deliberate attack tomorrow depending on my disruption. Surprisingly after all this time I'm better prepped for Sining than the defenders. Perhaps they are prepping for somewhere else in anticipation of respawning.

My forces in the south continue to redeploy for the planned river assault east of Tuyun. I'm weeks away yet from launching that attack, perhaps early/mid December. I may transfer large numbers of bombers from the DEI to China to really begin to hammer the defenders prior to the assault. Screens will follow to update China as well.

Guadacanal:

Bombed again. The airfield is trashed and I anticipate an Allied landing before the end of the month. Ndeni has just gone to a level one airfield so the Allies will have closer CAP soon. I'm not going to really contest the air in the Solomons until New Guinea itself is threatened.

Miscellaneous:

Taung Gyi expands fortifications to size 4

Musashi arrives in two days! The Taiho arrives in 85 days. Once Musashi comes off the docks I'll scale back naval shipyard use to conserve HI.

Enjoy the update and as always comments are welcome.

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 7/24/2011 5:12:39 PM >

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)
Post #: 585
RE: Nov. 8-15 - 7/24/2011 5:09:45 PM   
SqzMyLemon


Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline 		Got a question here and I'm not sure if I read about this somewhere else. The 51st Division of the 23rd Army has an AV of 648. I notice there are two listings for Japanese infantry squads within the TOE. Is this a bug or some kind of overstrength division? If a bug does anyone know the fix? We are running the last "official" patch.

We may have another problem as well. Despite another heavy pounding of the airbase at Mandalay the service damage remained at 43 and no runway damage whatsover. I'll await the next bombing attack and if the damage doesn't change there's probably a bug and I'll post it to michaelm.

Thanks

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 7/24/2011 5:15:29 PM >

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)
Post #: 586
Strategic Musings - 7/27/2011 7:29:18 PM   
SqzMyLemon


Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline 		It looks like I get the benefit of the extra 185 Japanese squads currently on the 51st Division's TOE. This is a glitch that once encountered remains until the extra squads are lost through combat or attrition. They will not take replacements and eventually the division will take on it's original TOE as indicated in the DB.

Smeulders is ok with me using the division in an offensive role as the alternatives were to deploy it somewhere in a defensive role behind the lines, or split it up for garrison duties. Neither option was an adequate solution as it didn't address the extra squads and at some point that division or it's component parts will be in combat. I also mentioned that an extra 200 AV won't win me the war in China so best to get the unit back to normal from combat operations and be done with it.

My river assault in China is only weeks away and I've got everything almost in place. A lot will depend on the Chinese reaction, but I think the advance will go as planned. Sining will be assaulted again today, and once the forts are reduced to zero I don't see the base holding out for long.

I've the next turn in the inbox and the Musashi will arrive after running the turn. I can then start to scale back my HI use for ship construction. I'm accelerating a number of CV's at the moment, but may re-evaluate that decision due to the lack of naval losses in general and when they actually will be available. If their construction nets me CV superiority they'll continue, if not, they'll be set back to normal production. The Taiho arrives in 84 days which will also take a load off naval construction for HI conservation.

I currently have just over 525k HI points pooled.

I'm looking forward to the Sally IIb coming online come December, as that will allow me to ugrade an air unit or two currently relegated to training duties in China. The next fighter improvement will be the Tony in February, and that will free up another two Sentai's currently training with Nate's.

I'll post the screenshot of Burma later, but it's time to seriously contemplate pulling back from Bhamo and Lashio to form a better MLR. The downside is the possibility of opening up a direct supply route into China. I'm not sure I want to do that, but I also don't want to get split in two if the Allies cross from Shwebo in force to the hex directly east of Mandalay. It's also time to look at leaving Mandalay prior to getting bombed back into the stone age. Forts are only level four, and if the Allies continue to hit the airbase they won't be able to reach level five. Burma is relatively static, but I can't help thinking it's as secure as a house of cards. If the Allies stop teasing and actually focus on Mandalay's defenders from the air, I'll be in a world of hurt with no chance of inflicting comparable losses to Allied ground units.

Once the Musashi is available and deployed to join the Combined Fleet, operations against Allied positions in the Central Pacific will commence in early 1943. I need the time to mass fuel/supplies, free up LCU's and redeploy naval units currently based at Singapore. In the meantime, Baker Island will be recaptured using minimal fleet and LCU assets. I want to gage the Allied response, if there even is one.

Lots to do and not enough time. I give myself a window of five more months to try and engage the Allied Fleets in some kind of battle, after that I'll definitely be hunkering down and awaiting the hammer.

I tried to come up with some daring plan, but against my opponent I think it will be wasted. I think the weakness of the enemy currently is the aversion to any kind of losses. Taking more territory at little cost won't necessarily gain me more time as once thought. What I do think will buy me more time is striking blows anywhere I can find Allied forces at this time. If I can up the Butcher's Bill, that in itself will go a long way to slow down the Allied advance in my opinion. I must start hitting Allied forces to get Smeulders out of his comfort zone and test his resolve before he can rely solely on overwhelming strength. I still need to take some extra territory to at least extend the distance the Allies have to go, and that may just result in some battles.

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 7/27/2011 7:30:52 PM >

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)
Post #: 587
RE: Nov. 8-15 - 7/27/2011 9:56:32 PM   
Chickenboy


Posts: 24520
Joined: 6/29/2002
From: San Antonio, TX
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon

Got a question here and I'm not sure if I read about this somewhere else. The 51st Division of the 23rd Army has an AV of 648. I notice there are two listings for Japanese infantry squads within the TOE. Is this a bug or some kind of overstrength division? If a bug does anyone know the fix? We are running the last "official" patch.

I think the overstrength 51st is a bug.

_____________________________


(in reply to SqzMyLemon)
Post #: 588
Nov. 16-17/42 - 7/28/2011 2:58:56 AM   
SqzMyLemon


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

Sub Ops:

SS I-25 is spotted near Bombay and attacked by DD's Jupiter and Express. In probably one of the longest DC attacks I've witnessed, both DD's unload on the submarine. Luckily, only two DC hits are recorded, one being a direct hit. The Submarine is ordered to Singapore for repairs.

SS Sealion is spotted by E Hato near Port Blair and attacked. One direct DC hit is recorded.
SS shark is spotted by E Hato near Port Blair. No ASW attack is launched.

Burma

Night air attack against Akyab's airbase yields 1 AB and 6 Runway hits.

Mandalay is bombed by B-24D Liberator's (42) in four separate raids causing 7 AB, 4 ABS and 66 Runway hits.

There is no movement out of Shwebo indicated.

China:

Tuyun's airbase bombed resulting in 10 AB, 4 ABS and 35 runway hits.

The 11th Chinese Corps shock attacks across the river near Tuyun and establishes a beachhead against the 4th Ind. Mixed Rgt. Casulaties on both sides are light. The Chinese suffer 0(64) infantry, 1(43) non-combat and 0(3) engineer squad losses totalling 736 casualties. The Japanese 0(4) infantry, 0(2) non-combat and 1(0) engineer squad losses totalling 51 casualties.

Guadalcanal:

Lunga is pounded by B-17E's (33) in two raids for 4 AB, 3 ABS and 87 Runway hits.

Miscellaneous:

Kusaie Island expands airfield to size 1
Talaud Island expands fortifications to size 4

203rd Sentai converting to Ki-43-IIa Oscar

Nov. 17/42:

A good turn for Imperial Forces.

Sub Ops:

SS I-33 happens upon an Allied Tanker TF near the Channel Islands, but is spotted before she can attempt an attack. Escorts do not launch an ASW attack but drive the submarine off. Undeterred, the I-33 stalks the TF and launches a 6 torpedo spread at the DD Worden, all miss. The DD mounts a DC attack and scores two near miss hits. Still game, the I-33 launches another 6 torpedo spread at the destroyer once again, this time scoring two torpedo hits and sinking the DD Worden. The remaining escort, the DE John D. Edwards launches a DC attack, but no hits are recorded.

Happy to sink something, I still wonder why the escorts are targeted when there are 5 tankers outbound from the West Coast most likely loaded with fuel. My submarine expends 12 of her 18 torpedoes against the DD while not one tanker is targeted. I hope she can still locate the TF tomorrow and hopefully nail a tanker instead.

On a side note, I believe I heard the submarine sinking sound during one of the two air phases. Perhaps one of my bombers nailed one!

Burma:

Mandalay is once again targeted by B-24D Liberator's (36) scoring 4 AB, 1 ABS and 20 Runway hits in two raids. After the turn damage to the airbase stands at only 3 service damage. So there is no bug, the airbase is just being repaired rather quickly. I checked and I have 161 engineers at Mandalay, so that explains the low damage levels.

I had ordered another night attack against Akyab, but poor weather grounded my bombers.

China:

A deliberate attack is ordered against Sining and the results are good. Forts are reduced to zero and Chinese squads losses were heavy at 67(101) infantry, 36(69) non-combat and 1(5) engineer squads totalling 1838 casualties. Japanese troops suffered 2(166) infantry, 5(206) non-combat, 0(7) engineer squads lost including 3(49) vehicles totalling 2387 casualties.

Supply is in the red and disablements are high so I'll rest a few days. Bombers will target the airbase once again to prevent forts and then a shock attack will be ordered in a few days to crush the defenders and capture Sining. I'm not going to destroy these Chinese units, once they are out of the base I'll pursue with a small force and harass the Chinese to Urumchi if I have to.

Miscellaneous:

A proud day as the BB Musashi arrives at Tokyo, she'll be escorted to Truk to join the rest of the Combined Fleet.

6th Close Supp.Unit arrives at Harbin

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 7/28/2011 3:01:27 AM >

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)

(in reply to Chickenboy)
Post #: 589
Nov. 18-19/42 - 8/2/2011 5:22:39 AM   
SqzMyLemon


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

Burma:

Night air attacks against Akyab cause 2 AB and 8 Runway hits.

B-24D Liberator's (30) in two raids damage Mandalay with 5 AB, 4 ABS and 49 Runway hits.

China:

An artillery bombardment attack against Sining results in 2(4) infantry squads and 2(0) guns destroyed totalling 32 casualties. Another deliberate attack is ordered for tomorrow.

The Gilbert Islands:

Allied ships have been spotted at Tabiteuea. No information as to the makeup of the TF's is available.

Miscellaneous:

Iwo-jima expands airfield to size 1
Peleliu expands fortifications to size 3
Komodo expands fortifications to size 1

34th Sentai converting to Ki-48-IIa Lily

Kure 6th SNLF arrives at Hiroshima/Kure
Yokosuka 7th SNLF arrives at Yokohama/Yokosuka

Nov. 19/42:

Burma:

Chittagong was targeted for a night attack, but Japanese bombers were grounded due to weather.

B-24D Liberator's (6) attack Chiang Mai during the night, no damage is inflicted to the airbase.

Mandalay is hit during the day by B-24D Liberator's (48) in three different raids. All are intercepted by Ki-45 KAIa Nick's set to LRCAP from Toungoo. One B-24D is shot down. The Nick's responded in groups no larger than 9 aircraft at a time despite 50% set to LRCAP out of a possible 42 aircraft. they also just couldn't penetrate the defensive fire of the bombers and aborted due to damage in droves. Damage to the airbase was 3 AB, 2 ABS and 30 Runway hits. All damage has been repaired by the morning of Nov. 20th and the airbase is 100% operational. In fact, the forts actually increased 1%.

China:

A deliberate attack against Sining achieved 1:1 odds against a fort level of zero. Japanese losses were 5(117) infantry, 6(125) non-combat and 0(9) engineer squads including 2(23) vehicles lost totalling 1773 casualties. Chinese losses were less at 4(106) infantry, 9(124) non-combat and 0(4) engineer squads totalling 1369 casualties. I'll rest for supply and to recover disruption then shock attack to finish the defenders here.

The Gilbert Islands:

Well, this is the big one. The question as to where the American Fleet is has been answered, it's invading Tabiteuea! I believe every available American CV and CVE has been commited, as well as the majority of the surface fleet. Seven different TF's have been spotted so far comprising no fewer than 61 ships. Four TF's include aircraft totalling around 200 fighters, 240 bombers and 250 auxiliary planes. I think it's safe to say here is the Allied carrier force. The combat reports follow to provide a clear picture of what has been committed in terms of Allied naval air power and LCU's.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Nov 19, 42
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amphibious Assault at Tabiteuea

TF 221 troops unloading over beach at Tabiteuea, 137,134

Allied ground losses:
27 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 6 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Vehicles lost 1 (0 destroyed, 1 disabled)

10 Support troops lost from landing craft during unload of 2nd Marine Rgt /5

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Tabiteuea at 137,134

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 28 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 13

Allied aircraft
F4F-3A Wildcat x 4
F4F-3 Wildcat x 4
F4F-4 Wildcat x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 7 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied Ships
CL Perth
CL Adelaide

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x G4M1 Betty bombing from 8000 feet *
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
VF-2 with F4F-3A Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 14 minutes
VF-3 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes
VF-42 with F4F-3 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 2 minutes
VF-6 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 12 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Tarawa , at 136,128

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes

Allied aircraft
SBD-3 Dauntless x 123

Allied aircraft losses
SBD-3 Dauntless: 3 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
16 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Port hits 4
Port supply hits 1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Tarawa , at 136,128

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes

Allied aircraft
SBD-3 Dauntless x 35

Allied aircraft losses
SBD-3 Dauntless: 2 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
5 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Port hits 2
Port supply hits 1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Tarawa , at 136,128

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 18 minutes

Allied aircraft
SBD-2 Dauntless x 14
SBD-3 Dauntless x 15

No Allied losses

Port hits 2
Port supply hits 1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Tarawa , at 136,128

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes

Allied aircraft
SBD-3 Dauntless x 25

No Allied losses

Port hits 3

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground combat at Tabiteuea (137,134)

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 8167 troops, 188 guns, 90 vehicles, Assault Value = 308

Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 0

Allied adjusted assault: 125

Japanese adjusted defense: 1

Allied assault odds: 125 to 1 (fort level 0)

Allied forces CAPTURE Tabiteuea !!!

Combat modifiers
Attacker: shock(+), fatigue(-)

Assaulting units:
2nd USMC Engr Rgt /1
8th Marine Rgt /1
2nd Marine Rgt /1

Miscellaneous:

Takao expands port to size 7
Aitape expands fortifications to size 2
Port Moresby expands fortifications to size 2
Sian expands airfield to size 2
Djokjakarta expands fortifications to size 1

A note on the Betty attack. After spotting the enemy TF's the turn before, I set Betty's based at Roi Namur to extended range and was surprised to see an attack actually launched at that distance. The Betty's evaded the CAP on the way in, but at that range only carried bombs and scored no hits. The post attack phase was when the Allied CAP mauled the bombers, all 13 were lost on the day.

So what does this mean? I wanted to know where the Allied fleet was, so now I need to figure out how best to respond, if at all. The majority of the Combined Fleet is located at Truk, with KB one days sail out from the base (I'd started them moving in case there would be an opportunity to strike later) and are heading towards Ponape. Mavis's based at Tarawa gave me no notice of the Allied Fleet until they were already right on top of the target, so I had no advance notice of the Allied Fleet whatsoever. I've strong surface forces available at Truk, Rabaul and Babeldoab with the BB Yamato currently at Truk. BB Musashi will leave Kobe tomorrow and make for Truk.

I'm not sure taking on the Allied Fleet at 1:1 odds may be such a good idea right now. They've brought everything but the kitchen sink. The landing of almost the entire 1st Marine Division tells me this is going to be the Allied main base op operations for a thrust into the Gilberts and Marshall's. I don't know whether the TF's were launched from Hawaii or Fiji. Fatigue levels are high on the Allied LCU's so perhaps they sailed from Pearl Harbor. Other than the CV's the closest Allied LBA is Ndeni, Luganville and Suva. Too far away for a direct threat to a Japanese counter. The Allies will have to keep the CV's on station until they've established their position and built up the airbase.

So, to strike back or wait to gather my forces and try to catch the Allies at a later time. Considering I was planning on a striek towards Pago Pago this will allow me to direct reinforcements to the Marshall's without raising an alarm. It's moot I know since the Allies have beat me to the punch. However, I see opportunity here despite the heavy odds of a favourable Japanese strike. The Allies have stuck their neck out, way out with no immediate LBA support and a long supply line. I'm sure I've only seen a portion of the enemy forces so far as there must be massive reinforcement and supply TF's just over the horizon.

Every submarine I have available will be vectored to the area in the hopes of scoring some hits on the enemy. In the meantime, I'll gather the fleet, gather reinforcements and decide on my course of action. I only have a small window of opportunity to strike at the heart of the enemy fleet before I'll be outclassed and outnumbered. It may not be an imaginative plan, but it may be worth sending the Combined Fleet out to finally engage the enemy while the outcome is still in question. Knowing my opponent, I think every future invasion will consist of a jackhammer like this, so I'll never really be stronger to strike back than now.

There's also the option to invade around Tabiteuea, to try and cut off the LOC for supplies and reinforcments. Taking Baker and Canton Island's cuts it off from Hawaii. A counter against Ndeni interdicts the LOC to New Caledonia and Espiritu Santos. That would leave Fiji as the only LOC I can't interdict directly. I feel there's an opportunity here to strike back in a meaningful way, not simply to pin the ears back and charge in. It might be good practice for me to attempt an isolate strategy rather than direct confrontation.

In terms of my past issues with the game, it's a non-issue right now. From this point forward it's time to put what I've learned together with the numerous suggestions and comments from others to the test. I do see a chance to strike back despite what appears on the surface to be overwhelming Allied strength. I just have to play...smart.

A few screens follow to bring other theatres up to date. I'll post the Gilberts and area next posting to show what's up.

Burma:



Attachment (1)

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 8/2/2011 5:23:55 AM >

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)
Post #: 590
RE: Nov. 18-19/42 - 8/2/2011 5:25:05 AM   
SqzMyLemon


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





Attachment (1)

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)
Post #: 591
RE: Nov. 18-19/42 - 8/2/2011 5:25:42 AM   
SqzMyLemon


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





Attachment (1)

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)
Post #: 592
Strategic Musings Nov. 20/42 - 8/2/2011 9:00:54 PM   
SqzMyLemon


Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline 		Having slept on things I've decided that it's in my best interest to not risk...




missing an opportunity to engage the enemy. I've waited almost 1 1/2 years of real time for a chance to get at the Allied Fleet and there will be no other time in which I'll be as strong in comparison with the enemy. As it stands right now with the numbers, I'm going into this fight at 1:1 odds, even less possibly if it is indeed his entire CV force. I'll be outnumbered in aircraft and larger CV's for sure having already lost the Hiryu.

This may not be the right strategic response, but I'm going to attempt to play the player here. My opponent hates taking losses and does everything methodically to avoid them. If I do not respond he'll be free to secure the base, build it up and rely on LBA in it's defence allowing him to withdraw his fleet into the great unknown once again. It could be months again before he needs to commit his naval forces. The enemy is before me and I intend to meet him.

I know the Allies are prepared for a counterblow and in fact may be counting on it. That's ok. It's time to see who can outperform the other in a fight. I believe the aversion to taking losses is my opponents weakness, I must inflict losses on him in order to achieve anything. I think mistakes will be made that I can exploit and I can play upon the fact he may hesitate to commit reserves if the fight goes badly for him.

So I've decided, I fight for a guano infested island that has no value to me other than the fact it ties down my enemy where I can finally come to grips with him. If I get defeated I'll soldier on and fight the good fight, if I win the battle I can say I took the bull by the horns and outplayed my opponent at least once in this game when it was on his terms and the outcome wasn't a sure thing.

Gilbert's screenshot later and how I plan on reacting.

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)
Post #: 593
RE: Strategic Musings Nov. 20/42 - 8/3/2011 1:25:50 AM   
SqzMyLemon


Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline 		Here's a screenshot of the Gilbert Islands. More to follow as I begin to mass the Combined Fleet and re-deploy my offensive forces.





Attachment (1)

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)
Post #: 594
RE: Strategic Musings Nov. 20/42 - 8/3/2011 7:50:45 AM   
Blackhorse


Posts: 1983
Joined: 8/20/2000
From: Eastern US
Status: offline
I look forward to reading about the Gilberts' campaign . . .

Tabiteuea is a wise choice for the Allies' central position. You are right not to go in half-cocked: but if he has brought along a lot of Seabees, Tabiteuea can be built into a good-sized airfield, quickly (SPS=3), and it can hold 60,000 troops. If you delay much, he might build a series of interlocking airfields so you'll be facing LBA cover and support, as well as his fleet.

Great AAR, btw. The map/text combo is informative and entertaining.

_____________________________

WitP-AE -- US LCU & AI Stuff

Oddball: Why don't you knock it off with them negative waves? Why don't you dig how beautiful it is out here? Why don't you say something righteous and hopeful for a change?
Moriarty: Crap!

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)
Post #: 595
RE: Strategic Musings Nov. 20/42 - 8/3/2011 5:56:49 PM   
SqzMyLemon


Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline 		Thanks for posting Blackhorse, it's always nice to get feedback and comments on the game. I'm glad you're enjoying the format of the AAR.

I agree, time is of the essence to react in a meaningful way. Reading a few other AAR's and in particular comments from Allied players such as Canoerebel, Vettim and others, I know I'm playing into the hands of my opponent by reacting to his invasion. In all likelihood, this is really an attempt to begin to bleed my forces in a battle of attrition and the choice of venue is of no importance to me in the grand scheme of things. I never really intended to defend the Gilbert's or Marshall's and they've only taken on importance since I've decided to try and capture Pago Pago.

That being said, I want to have some naval action before I'm completely overwhelmed by the numbers and quality of the enemy I'll be facing in 43. So, I know this may not be the strategic thing to do, as I mentioned earlier, but it is what I have to do to in order to continue enjoying this matchup.

The key for me will be to get as many troops into the remaining Gilbert Islands to avoid them switching to Allied control and allowing him to develop mutually supporting bases. So my initial strategy will not be to counterinvade Tabiteuea directly, but the surrounding islands. I also must reinforce Tarawa as that will be a major base of operations to support SCTF raids against Tabiteuea. He may build up the base, but if I can keep it isolated then strangling it later becomes easier.

I will invade Baker Island at this time as long as I can keep the Allied Fleet busy. I do not know if Hawaii of Fiji was the staging point for this operation, my initial feeling is Fiji and New Caledonia are the major supporting bases. I will use KB east of Tabiteuea as I think the Allies will expect me to come from the N.W. via Truk. If Hawaii is the major LOC then KB will be in a position to interdict reinforcement and supply TF's.

Right now my best offensive weapon are my submarines which are closing in, if I can start breaking up some formations and maybe a lucky hit or two on a carrier, that will go a long way to creating a situation I can exploit. Other than losing the CV Hiryu the Combined Fleet is completely intact, as is the Allied Fleet. I expect to lose ships, perhaps a lot of ships, but there won't be a better chance for me later, he's far from his logistical support and this is the biggest chance for me to either whip him, or get whipped myself. It will be interesting as neither of us has LBA at the moment so it's fleet on fleet.

Again, thanks for posting and I'm glad you've still been following along.

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 8/3/2011 7:36:53 PM >

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)

(in reply to Blackhorse)
Post #: 596
RE: Strategic Musings Nov. 20/42 - 8/3/2011 6:10:14 PM   
GreyJoy


Posts: 6750
Joined: 3/18/2011
Status: offline 		Agree. You should strike now. Nov 42? He should be completely voulnerable up there...with no LBA and only his 6 CVs...with crappy wildcats...

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)
Post #: 597
RE: Strategic Musings Nov. 20/42 - 8/3/2011 6:20:55 PM   
SoliInvictus202


Posts: 367
Joined: 8/27/2010
From: Austria
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: GreyJoy

Agree. You should strike now. Nov 42? He should be completely voulnerable up there...with no LBA and only his 6 CVs...with crappy wildcats...


I don't know what planes SqzMyLemon is flying - but in one of my games the Allied have dominated the skies from say November '42 onwards, because my opponent kept attacking my ships, covered by my CVs, with the original A6M2 Zero model - he launched hundreds of planes, escorting Netties, or put them on sweeps - he really tried everything - but the F4F4 is significantly better than the original Zero... (I am still unsure why he failed to use the A6M3a, but that is a different matter)
The results were "Mariana-Turkey-shoot" comparable...


< Message edited by SoliInvictus202 -- 8/3/2011 6:21:06 PM >

(in reply to GreyJoy)
Post #: 598
RE: Strategic Musings Nov. 20/42 - 8/3/2011 6:32:46 PM   
SqzMyLemon


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

ORIGINAL: SoliInvictus202

I don't know what planes SqzMyLemon is flying - but in one of my games the Allied have dominated the skies from say November '42 onwards, because my opponent kept attacking my ships, covered by my CVs, with the original A6M2 Zero model - he launched hundreds of planes, escorting Netties, or put them on sweeps - he really tried everything - but the F4F4 is significantly better than the original Zero... (I am still unsure why he failed to use the A6M3a, but that is a different matter)
The results were "Mariana-Turkey-shoot" comparable...


To quote Blackhorse's signature:

quote:

Why don't you knock it off with them negative waves? Why don't you dig how beautiful it is out here? Why don't you say something righteous and hopeful for a change?


I'm flying the A6M2 Zero, the A6M3a will go into production in Dec. 42, ten days from now. I can produce 212 Zero's per month so I'll switch to the A6M3a immediately and crank out the airframes. This is why I expanded my production capacity early in the game, I don't have to waste time repairing factories to increase production, I can hit the ground running.

It will come down to tactics and whose pilots perform better. I've hardly lost any KB pilots, so this is the cream of the crop, as I'm sure the Allied pilots are as well. However, it's not just going to be a CV battle, there is the potential here for some massive surface ship engagements. BB Yamato and BB Musashi might have something to contribute to the outcome as well.

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 8/3/2011 7:37:22 PM >

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)

(in reply to SoliInvictus202)
Post #: 599
RE: Strategic Musings Nov. 20/42 - 8/3/2011 7:39:17 PM   
SqzMyLemon


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

ORIGINAL: GreyJoy

Agree. You should strike now. Nov 42? He should be completely voulnerable up there...with no LBA and only his 6 CVs...with crappy wildcats...


Thanks for posting Greyjoy. Now I just have to figure out if you are an AFB plant or truly think I have a shot.

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)

(in reply to GreyJoy)
Post #: 600
Page:   <<   < prev  18 19 [20] 21 22   next >   >>
All Forums >> [New Releases from Matrix Games] >> War in the Pacific: Admiral's Edition >> After Action Reports >> RE: Strategic Musings Page: <<   < prev  18 19 [20] 21 22   next >   >>
Jump to:





New Messages No New Messages
Hot Topic w/ New Messages Hot Topic w/o New Messages
Locked w/ New Messages Locked w/o New Messages
 Post New Thread
 Reply to Message
 Post New Poll
 Submit Vote
 Delete My Own Post
 Delete My Own Thread
 Rate Posts


Forum Software © ASPPlayground.NET Advanced Edition 2.4.5 ANSI

3.875