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RE: Das darf nicht var sein! - 10/22/2011 2:22:44 AM

Canoerebel

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The DEI, where the decisive campaign of the war is being waged.

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RE: Das darf nicht var sein! - 10/22/2011 3:24:53 AM

Cribtop

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Do you have plans to strat bomb Miri, Brunei, Balik, Samarinda and Tarakan? I suspect all will be within range of these bases. Question is how to protect the 4Es from naval bombardments?

PS - I guess Batavia and Soerabaja are already in range of Oosthaven.

< Message edited by Cribtop -- 10/22/2011 3:26:38 AM >

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RE: Das darf nicht var sein! - 10/22/2011 3:31:31 AM

Canoerebel

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We have a house rule preventing strategic bombing in China and SEAC until 1944.

Would you believe the Allies still control Samarinda?

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RE: Das darf nicht var sein! - 10/22/2011 4:37:53 AM

JeffroK

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Even more questions of Chez's approach is to have left Pontianak, Ketapang & the other Borneo base in Allied hands. Plus the central base and, I think Badjermasin.

Its asking for trouble which a Regiment would reslove!

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RE: Das darf nicht var sein! - 10/22/2011 6:22:30 AM

Cribtop

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Canoerebel

Would you believe the Allies still control Samarinda?

What chu talkin' about, Willis?

(With apologies to anyone not a member of Gen X).

< Message edited by Cribtop -- 10/22/2011 6:24:19 AM >

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RE: Das darf nicht var sein! - 10/22/2011 7:24:42 PM

Canoerebel

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8/13/42

CenPac: Things are really humming here now. KB remains SE of Tarawa, two more IJN carriers reported east of Maloelap, a CA group led by Ashagara intercepts and sinks four xAK near Funafuti, and a combat TF of some kind (possibly Hiyo/Junyo) on a course taking it from Fiji towards Ndeni. Now we're talkin'! The enenmy is stirred up and committing just abouth everything up this way. The Allies have disbanded the transport TF at Tarawa (all ships but one xAP are unloaded). The CL Trenton TF will make a break for it, fleeing east to try to avoid combat with the Ashagara group. The Allies are going to lose some ships in CenPac tomorrow - of most concern are two AP and an AK down near Funafuti - but what a great hornet's next to stir up!

What about....: The two big TFs loaded for Vanua Lava and Luganville, currently halted near Christmas Island, may divert to the south, move on to NZ and Oz, and then proceed to New Guinea, unloading at Allied controlled Port Moresby and Milne Bay.

DEI: I had a bit of a Sync bug this time, for the first time in the game. The replay showed an APD sunk by a sub north of Oosthaven, where its position was a dead give away. Fortunately, that actually didn't happen. The replay also showed the Allies evicting the enemy from Padang. Unfortunately, it was actually a failed 1 to 2 attack. Other than that excitement it was a quiet turn in Sumatra. Things will heat up in about four days when the 6th UK Bde transports arrive at Padang.

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RE: Das darf nicht var sein! - 10/24/2011 9:09:41 PM

Canoerebel

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8/14/42

This was a day that seemed to go badly for the Allies, but digging a little deeper into the importance and meanings of the events suggests a far different interpretation.

CenPac: Enemy "heavy" shipping sandwiches the entire region. Zuikaku and Shokaku are between Tarawa and Ndeni, while the rest of the KB is between Tarawa and Baker Island. I sortied my CL Trenton TF due east hoping to escape, but they ended up one hex from the eastern element of the KB. Trenton was sunk along with a DMS. A bunch of destroyers took damage, but most will make port. The most valuable Allied ships - the AP and AK - are well east of the danger zone and should make it back to Pearl Harbor. Most telling, Zuikaku and Shokaku only have DDs for escorts, and all of the DDs were showing smoke - meaning elevatated SYS damage after many months of hard campaiging. Japana is running short on escorts, working its heavy ships too hard, and is flooding a theater that really isn't very important.

NoPac: I'm nearly postiive that all enemy carriers are employed in CenPac. This is a critical evaluation that needs to be completed, for if true, Wasp will have the freedom to support operations in the Para vicinity. Allied shipping is gathering in the Bering Sea and will be ready to move on Para in less than a week.

SoPac: Quieter around Pago Pago now, but the enemy airfield on Savaii makes operations difficult. In a few days, once things settle a bit in CenPac, the Allies will shift some Buffalo fighter squadrons to Pago Pago to provide CAP while supplies unload. That's the plan, anyhow.

DEI: Enemy subs tangled with the APD fast transport TF near Oosthaven and then near Toabali. I'm nearly certain now that Steve is aware that the Allies are reinforcing the islands north of Sumatra. He's going to feel some pressure as a result. Massed enemy bombers effectively hit Padang's airfield, nearly shutting it down. This is bad news. I'll reinforce with fighters of my own in hopes that engineers can repair the damage. The 6th UK Bde. reinforcement TF is only two or three days away. I need the field fully capped. Meanwhile, I think the Allies will try a shock attack tomorrow. I think the enemy tank regiments are down to less than 75 AV combined, so that should do it. An IJ division is just one hex away, but I believe it will take at least three or four more days to reach Padang. If I miscalculated, though, that shock attack will get a very nasty repulse.

Burma: The dance continues around Magwe.

China: Chinese army one hex from Ichang. After one more day in movement mode, the army will change to combat mode for the assault across the river. That should take place in three days or so. Enemy opposition is just one unit (probably a mixed brigade). The Chinese have 3,000+ AV.

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RE: Das darf nicht var sein! - 10/24/2011 9:23:53 PM

crsutton

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Well, I don't think there is an JFB reading this AAR that thinks your opponent has much of a chance. I can't imagine playing Japan in a contest where I never owned Palembang for a single day. The ramifications are just too great.

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RE: Das darf nicht var sein! - 10/24/2011 9:45:11 PM

Canoerebel

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There have been some pretty interesting in depth studies that show that Japan can do without Palembang's oil in 1942 (and I think well into 1943) in Scenario Two. That is so counter to everything we know from WitP that I don't think many players are aware of it. So, to my way of thinking, the real problem for Steve isn't his not holding Palembang, but rather the fact that the Allies do. Here the Allies have seven major bases within supporting distance of each other and in the midst of Japan's vitals. That the Allies are now able to begin expanding in the area points to the threat it poses to Japan.

As for oil, at some point Japan will need Palembang (and Samarinda, which Steve still hasn't taken). But by then I think the game will be over for all intents and purposes.

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RE: Das darf nicht var sein! - 10/24/2011 10:01:01 PM

JeffroK

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Have you had a peek at Damiens spiel on the japanese economy.

Maybe as important is the Oil, the Resources in the DEI/Borneo/Malay area are as vital.

Once you start getting a decent level of 4E you will have a wealth of targets to hit, unless you occupy them first!

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RE: Das darf nicht var sein! - 10/24/2011 10:05:23 PM

paullus99

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Interesting that he's decided to concentrate his carriers in CENPAC - though maybe he's smartened up enough to finally realize you've concentrated your carriers in the DEI & intend to leave them there for the duration (at least until your carrier production ramps up in 1943).

Of course, it is a strategic error on his part to be, once again, focusing his attention in an area of the map that isn't vital to his interests (at the moment). I

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RE: Das darf nicht var sein! - 10/25/2011 12:33:12 AM

ny59giants

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I would look to spend some of those precious PPs on some of your AA brigades. You have two in NZ and at least one in Colombo. When filled out (some already are), they have 72 heavy AA guns. They would help on Sumatra.

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RE: Das darf nicht var sein! - 10/25/2011 2:03:40 PM

Canoerebel

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NYGiants, thanks for another good suggestion. Several Kiwi AA units have recently arrived.

I do have a bunch of Indian, Brit, and Aussie heavy AA at Palembang. I feel like the base is fairly protected without going overboard. "Overboard" is a purely subjective notion of my own that I'm not sure I can define. I intentionally haven't brought everything because I didn't want to create massive 55-AA units death traps. I'm not sure there's anything wrong with doing that - it's a game and you play with what you have - but I've just been reluctant to overdo it.

However, I can probably use some of those AA batteries close by - Padang and Oosthaven come to mind.

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RE: Das darf nicht var sein! - 10/25/2011 2:15:33 PM

Canoerebel

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A post in GreyJoy's AAR prompted me to re-read much of my "Shattered Vow" AAR against Miller. That was a Scenario Two match that was a tough match to the end, with remarkably heavy fighting in the DEI in 1943 and 1944. Re-reading that made me re-evaluate things in this game. Some thoughts:

1. Usually it is difficult for the Allies to keep the fleet fueled when it's employed "at the front." Here, that's no problem given the fuel that flows from Palembang to Oosthaven. Many ships top off there; the rest are fueled by oilers that top off there. The Allied fleet has no fuel concerns.

2. Steve hasn't committed his airforce in meaningful numbers yet. He's lost something over 3,000 aircraft. The Allies have lost 800 less But we've never engaged in a sustained air campaign. I would be worried about him throwing his airforce at me over a sustained period of time, given what I experienced in my other Scenario Two games, but there are two differences: the Allies are engaging in pilot training and PDU is off, which means Japan isn't producing unlimited Tojos and the like. Steve could wage a prolonged and costly air war in Sumatra, but it wouldn't be as one sided as it would have been absent those two factors.

3. The Allies really do have a great situation here, but they had better be careful not to think they can advance too far too fast. The Allies can't win a ground campaign in 1942 no matter how well things are going. I had better concentrate on two things in the DEI: (a) make absolutely certain that eastern Sumatra is secure; and (b) advance carefully and strongly into the islands and bases to the north, for Steve is going to counterattack; don't let him just roll right through lightly held Allied bases.

4. The Allies have done well in hitting Japan in multiple places - Kuriles, Gilberts, Samoa, Santa Cruz Islands, Burma, China. Keep that up. Carefully consider occupying Port Moresby and Milne Bay in strength to further stretch and disrupt the enemy, but be careful.

5. The one area where the Allies can win the game in 1942 - but not without Japan's cooperation - is decisively defeating its navy. Whack Japan's capital ships good and the enemy is going to lose or surrender much more quickly. Japan's big ships have already been materially reduced, but not to the point (yet) where the enemy would feel compelled to concede.

< Message edited by Canoerebel -- 10/25/2011 2:34:21 PM >

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RE: Das darf nicht var sein! - 10/25/2011 3:27:31 PM

Canoerebel

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8/15/42

CenPac: Dispersed elements of the KB plus one IJN sub finish off three crippled DD and a DMS. Soryu, Hiryu and Junyo confirmed east of Tarawa, while Zuikaku and Shokoku remain to the west. Interestingly, all three carrier TFs have no escorts larger than a DD.

DEI: A sub puts to torps into CA Salt Lake City at Oosthaven. She has heavy damage, but is disbanded into port, which is staffed by 147 Naval Support. Allied shock attack at Padang prevails, booting two tank regiments and an infantry battalion. This engagement is more important than it seems. Two fresh IJA divisions will soon arrive at Padang. Steve could have used the tanks as a flanking force to threaten Padang with isolation, but now they should be easy to brush aside. Steve didn't send bombers this turn, which was fortunate. The airfield is in bad enough shape that no fighters got off the ground. This could be a major problem.

Burma: Another Japanese unit is moving up the road towards Magwe, but I don't think it's a strong one. The Allies are still working to cut off the Japanese force there, or at least take the hexside which would prevent it from retiring to the SE.

China: The Chinese army approaching Ichang has covered 34 miles. It will switch over to combat mode and should cross the river to attack day after tomorrow.

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RE: Das darf nicht var sein! - 10/25/2011 4:56:03 PM

Cribtop

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As a JFB the phrase "dispersed elements of the KB" sends shivers and shudders down my spine.

< Message edited by Cribtop -- 10/25/2011 11:43:25 PM >

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RE: Das darf nicht var sein! - 10/25/2011 5:27:23 PM

Barb

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Hi, If I can offer my advice - do not combine slow surface combatants with fast ones. They will make the rest of the ships much more vulnerable!

Back on days when WITP:AE went gold only a few months ago, I and my friend discovered one strange thing - Similar task forces that had cruise speed setting were shot to pieces by task forces having Mission speed setting. We then arranged for several rounds of TFs meeting up on the same turn (each TF had 4 CAs+6DDs). The side with cruise speed suffered terribly (2-3 CAs went under, 5-6 heavily damaged, rest lightly damaged), while the other side was only sligthly damaged (0-1 CA went under, 2-3 damaged, rest almost without scratch). With escorting destroyers in similar scale. It came out that Cruise speed was used in combat thus one side had all ships moving at 15kts and the other at 30+kts. Allied radar, damage control, japanese experience and torpedoes played only a minor role in final results (usually moved the number of ships within damage classes by one up or down).

This was repaired some time ago - but what you have in your game is similar. You have Task Forces set up in a way that they are moving at 20-22kts while your opponent is dancing around you with 30+kts.

The results you can see in the Oosthaven battles, recently at the Aleutians, and once in a time someone has heavy combatants in amphib TF cought up and shot up badly with surface combat TF.

So try to use your ships by classes - old battlewagons with light DD escort (2-4 per BB) on Bombardments or in Amphib TFs (protected by other SC TFs). You can even use them against old japanese battlewagons (Ise, Hyuga, Nagato, Mutsu, Fuso, Yamashiro) - but I wouldn bet on them against Kongos, heavy cruisers or CL-DD TFs.
Then set up your "real" SCTFs from fast battleships (27+kts) with light escorts and heavy cruisers with destroyers and finally light cruisers and destroyers.

I suppose you will get much better results from your surface combat forces then. Of course you are attritting IJN - but at what cost in your surface ships!

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RE: Das darf nicht var sein! - 10/25/2011 5:42:58 PM

Canoerebel

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Thanks, Barb. That's interesting info and further confirmation of what Nemo and others have been telling me. I've reconfingured my TF composition, but I'm sure I still have more to learn.

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RE: Das darf nicht var sein! - 10/25/2011 6:01:56 PM

Barb

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Nobody fell "educated" from the sky! (Well thats a slovak�saying translated into english - not sure if it has the right meaning this way). I came on this by chance - when my friend complained about heavy ships losses in Guadalcanal scenario. It appeared, that he had his task forces set at Cruise Speed :)

I usually use TFs by classes - i.e. to have ships from as little classes as possible in a TF (there are some exceptions, like CLAA or destroyer leader CL/DD) - but 2-3 works well (like 4x Mogami CA, 1x Kuma CL, 4-6x Kagero DD).

Also smaller Task forces seem to be better at night (IIRC when more ships than 6 in a TF, their effectivenes is reduced a little). So having BB Pennsylvania + 3x DD and CL + 4xDD and DMS at separate task Forces should perform much better than a one big TF (1xBB, 1xCL, 7xDD, 1xDMS).

Edit: "learned" for "educated" - I think it is a better word in english for the meaning
Edit: "dropped" for "fell" - dtto

< Message edited by Barb -- 10/26/2011 3:09:19 PM >

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RE: Das darf nicht var sein! - 10/25/2011 6:15:32 PM

Miller

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Barb

I usually use TFs by classes - i.e. to have ships from as little classes as possible in a TF (there are some exceptions, like CLAA or destroyer leader CL/DD) - but 2-3 works well (like 4x Mogami CA, 1x Kuma CL, 4-6x Kagero DD)

I am totally anal when it comes to organising IJN taskforces, I also like to group ships according to class and type. It is probably the most enjoyable part of the game for me

Every combat ship lost for the IJN is a disaster.......Just don't ask about how I managed to lose all four Kongo class BBs in a single night

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RE: Das darf nicht var sein! - 10/25/2011 11:32:17 PM

zuluhour

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maybe with this?

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RE: Das darf nicht var sein! - 10/26/2011 1:24:31 AM

crsutton

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Barb

Nobody dropped "learned" from the sky! (Well thats a slovak�saying translated into english - not sure if it has the right meaning this way). I came on this by chance - when my friend complained about heavy ships losses in Guadalcanal scenario. It appeared, that he had his task forces set at Cruise Speed :)

I usually use TFs by classes - i.e. to have ships from as little classes as possible in a TF (there are some exceptions, like CLAA or destroyer leader CL/DD) - but 2-3 works well (like 4x Mogami CA, 1x Kuma CL, 4-6x Kagero DD).

Also smaller Task forces seem to be better at night (IIRC when more ships than 6 in a TF, their effectivenes is reduced a little). So having BB Pennsylvania + 3x DD and CL + 4xDD and DMS at separate task Forces should perform much better than a one big TF (1xBB, 1xCL, 7xDD, 1xDMS).

I never set a TF at cruise speed. Never have and never will. Mission speed is cruise speed for most purposes. Only thing I ever set to cruise speed is TFs with cripples in them. Some say this helps but I have my doubts.

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RE: Das darf nicht var sein! - 10/26/2011 10:39:09 AM

zuluhour

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this baby.

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RE: Das darf nicht var sein! - 10/26/2011 3:11:23 PM

Barb

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quote:

ORIGINAL: crsutton

quote:

ORIGINAL: Barb

Nobody dropped "learned" from the sky! (Well thats a slovak�saying translated into english - not sure if it has the right meaning this way). I came on this by chance - when my friend complained about heavy ships losses in Guadalcanal scenario. It appeared, that he had his task forces set at Cruise Speed :)

I usually use TFs by classes - i.e. to have ships from as little classes as possible in a TF (there are some exceptions, like CLAA or destroyer leader CL/DD) - but 2-3 works well (like 4x Mogami CA, 1x Kuma CL, 4-6x Kagero DD).

Also smaller Task forces seem to be better at night (IIRC when more ships than 6 in a TF, their effectivenes is reduced a little). So having BB Pennsylvania + 3x DD and CL + 4xDD and DMS at separate task Forces should perform much better than a one big TF (1xBB, 1xCL, 7xDD, 1xDMS).

I never set a TF at cruise speed. Never have and never will. Mission speed is cruise speed for most purposes. Only thing I ever set to cruise speed is TFs with cripples in them. Some say this helps but I have my doubts.

It was repaired in one of the first official patches - so ships will use cruise speed when cruising, but will speed up for action. I use cruise speed sometimes (esp. for convoys).

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RE: Das darf nicht var sein! - 10/26/2011 3:13:57 PM

Canoerebel

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8/16/42

CenPac: Enemy shipping - mainly carrier TFs - continue to flank Tarawa on either side, though the ones to the west seem to be moving NW as though heading to Tulagi or some other port. No action here today.

SoPac: Things have quited down around Pago Pago, though it will take me a few days or longer to get the fighters in place to try a supply run into the island. The two big transport TFs that were originally bound for Vanua Lava and Luganville have moved south from Christmas Island, will refuel at Tahiti, and then will move on to New Zealand. Given time, they're destinations will be Port Moresby and Milne Bay.

DEI: The Allies had fortunate timing in yesterday's successful shock attack at Padang, for today one of the IJA divisions arrived. Allied AV is about 595 with forts three and jungle terrain, so Steve will probably have to await arrival of his second divisions. Padang airfield is still hurting: runway damage declined from 71 to 57, but airfield service damage remained steady at 66. Fortunately, no new raids today, for I'm not sure the Allies are getting any fighters up in the air. The 6th UK Bde transports are two days out of Padang. Choices: bring them in, hold them back for a few days to let the airfield repair, or divert them to Benkolen. As best I can tell, Toabali and Billiton haven't drawn enemy attention yet (in the form of recon missions or combat ships). I'm 95% sure Steve is aware of this activity now.

China: The Allies will shock attack into lightly held Ichang tomorrow.

Burma: IJA shock attack at Magwe fails, though the Japanese are getting decent odds. This particular report is tough to interpret. The Allies suffered higher infantry losses, but Japan suffered disproprortionate non-combat and engineering losses. In fact, I think the IJ engineering unit evaporated. I can't figure out if Japan will need to wait a few days before attacking again, or whether it should do so tomorrow. Look at the report and tell me what you think:

Ground combat at Magwe (57,47)
Japanese Shock attack
Attacking force 32560 troops, 360 guns, 87 vehicles, Assault Value = 1088
Defending force 16701 troops, 327 guns, 228 vehicles, Assault Value = 742

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 1

Japanese adjusted assault: 458
Allied adjusted defense: 302

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 1)
Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 1

Combat modifiers
Defender: preparation(-), morale(-), experience(-)
Attacker: shock(+), disruption(-)

Japanese ground losses:
1467 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 47 disabled
Non Combat: 42 destroyed, 42 disabled
Engineers: 57 destroyed, 7 disabled
Guns lost 3 (3 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units destroyed 1

Allied ground losses:
935 casualties reported
Squads: 5 destroyed, 109 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 78 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Vehicles lost 21 (1 destroyed, 20 disabled)

Assaulting units:
48th Engineer Regiment
33rd Division
42nd Infantry Regiment
4th Guards Division
14th Guards Regiment
55th Mountain Gun Regiment
21st Medium Field Artillery Battalion

Defending units:
27th Infantry Division
BFF Brigade
23rd British Brigade
132nd Infantry Regiment
45th Recce Regiment
2nd Burma Brigade
16th Indian Brigade

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RE: Das darf nicht var sein! - 10/27/2011 3:52:34 PM

Canoerebel

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8/17/42

NoPac: Paramushiro ports went to level four. Thus, the August operation in the Kuriles has benefited the Allies one port level, an additional RCT to garrison Para, and about five or six IJN DDs sunk or damaged. The Allies have lost BB Pennsylvania, CL Trenton, and a decent number of xAKs. Also, Japan committed BB Kongo. CVE Chenango just arrived at Tacoma. Her squadron of 24 F4Fs will report for duty in the Aluetians. In a week, the Allies should be able to post 50 F4Fs and 25 P39s at Para to cover another supply and reinforcement run into the base.

CenPac: KB still loitering east of Tarawa (the western component of Shokaku and Zuikaku is no longer on my radar screens). CL Tenyru TF tangles with torpedo boats at Tarawa, sinking five of them. DD Arasho took one TT. Ndeni will go to level one port and airfield inside a week. Three Allied DDs and one xAK moved on from Ndeni to Rockhampton. That symbolizes the tenuousness of the Japanese LOC from Rabaul/Truk down to Fiji, Noumea and Savaii Island.

SoPac: Quiet at Pago Pago, but the Japanese have alot of aircraft at Savaii. It's going to be tough to resupply Pago Pago.

DEI: The Japanese come out on the short side in massed air attacks on Padang, losing more than 100 aircraft including 50 Sallys and 25 Bettys. The Allies lose 20 aircraft on the day. Steve will likely stand down his bombers for a few days, so the Allies will send in the 6th UK Bde. transports - they should arrive tomorrow or the day after. Enemy recon reported at Cocos Island - I think for the first time in the game. This base is strongly held (300 AV, four forts) with lots of aircraft and shipping, so that's something for Steve to mull over.

Burma: Second IJ shock attack at Magwe fails at 1:2 and doesn't touch the fort. Losses were fairly even and fairly light, but Steve will have to rest his guys for a few days. In the meantime, I hope that Allied 2EB can continue to attrit enemy strength. This is going to be a close battle, but I feel like I'm playing with house money here - I don't really need upper Burma; I just like the fact that Steve is giving it his attention.

China: The Chinese shock attack cross river and easily take Ichang, mauling an RCG division in the process. Steve is probably concerned that this is part of an larger campaign to take Sinyang. I'm going to encourage that perception, though I don't plan to move on that base.

< Message edited by Canoerebel -- 10/27/2011 3:53:18 PM >

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Post #: 1886

RE: Das darf nicht var sein! - 10/27/2011 5:08:37 PM

princep01

Posts: 943
Joined: 8/7/2006
From: Texas
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CR, you asked about the loses on the battle at Magwe (8/16). It is apparent to me that, for whatever reason, the Japanese combat engineers took it in the neck reducing the Magwe forts. It is almost certain that the 48th Engineers went to visit their ancestors permanently. I cannot explain why their losses were so high, but the fact that the next day's attack was 1-2 and did not reduce the forts tells us who did die the day before.

It is also possible that losses among his support troops also contributed to the following days malaise. Again, I have no idea why the Japanese non-combatant losses were so high, I just notice they were.

Good job.

(in reply to Canoerebel)

Post #: 1887

RE: Das darf nicht var sein! - 10/27/2011 5:21:16 PM

Nemo121

Posts: 5821
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When you reduce a force below 50% of its total TO&E ( not 50% of its combat power but 50% of TO&E ) units which would have been disabled become destroyed. We all know that rule but this is how it plays out in combat - Smaller, independent units culminate sooner and take far greater losses in persistent combat than larger units. A smaller unit might lose 100 squads ( combined ) destroyed whereas a larger unit with the exact same AV might only lose 80 squads ( combined ) disabled vs the exact same force. Bigger, in AE, IS better - if you disregard the effect of aerial attacks, which of course you can't. Hence the need for balance and trade-offs.

So, as with all things in AE ground combat follows the Lanchester Laws but also has a very significant, predictable tipping point. In this CR the IJA Engineer unit tipped from receiving mostly disablements to actually receiving only destroyed units - and so many were destroyed that it evaporated. C'est la guerre.

This is why the combat model organically models the benefits of having an entire division in action vs 3 Regiments so well - even if overall AV would be identical. I'll make a post in STAVKA in the next few days explaining this since posting it here will jsut end up with it getting lost whenever the AAR finishes.

< Message edited by Nemo121 -- 10/27/2011 5:27:33 PM >

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Post #: 1888

RE: Das darf nicht var sein! - 10/28/2011 4:10:28 PM

Canoerebel

Posts: 21100
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From: Northwestern Georgia, USA
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8/18/42

NoPac: The transports are in position; the combat TF and Wasp TF are reprovisioned; and now we await arrival of Chenango's squadron of F4Fs, which reached Prince Rupert today. The second run into Para should occur within the week.

CenPac: KB still in position east of Tarawa with various other IJ TFs scattered about. So much activity in this area, so much force committed here, that I keep thinking Japan is about to invade something on a massive scale. But nothing yet. Ndeni port and airfield go to level one tomorrow. Tarawa forts go to level four in a day or two.

SoPac: The IJ ground troop AV seems to be dropping. Steve hasn't reinforced or made a supply run in awhile. He has too much here to give up, even with the developments in CenPac that undoubtedly concern him, but I'm keeping watch.

DEI: 6th UK Bde transports reached Padang today, but didn't have enough time to begin unloading. Enemy patrols did pick up these shipping, so I'm expecting a hot battle tomorrow. No enemy air attacks today, so the airfield is in better shape and I"ve bumped up the CAP. A fair bit of 6th Bde should come ashore no matter what happens during the daylight hours, and I think that will be enough to secure Padang against the two enemy divisions that will besiege the base. APDs take another infantry battalion to Billiton, which now has 157 AV and will soon have two forts. The terrain is jungle and the base is under the massive air umbrella from Palembang and Oosthaven, so Japan is going to have a challenge dealing with this new threat.

Burma: No attacks today. Both sides continue jockeying about seeking an advantage.

(in reply to Nemo121)

Post #: 1889

RE: Das darf nicht var sein! - 10/28/2011 6:11:42 PM

vettim89

Posts: 3615
Joined: 7/14/2007
From: Toledo, Ohio
Status: offline

Been thinking about this game and cosidering what you shold do next. From your somments I get the feel that while you are in an excellant position at the moment, you know that an overly bold move could cost you the gains your have already achieved. That said, I wonder what would be the best way to conduct the war from this point onward.

I have to think that this game hinges on the DEI in spite of Chez's overfascination with the SoPac and CentPac. I think you have done an excellant job of choosing your battles wisely. Nemo has pointed out in the past that some times the most critical decision to make is refusing battle when it is offered to you in a way that is unfavorable to your goals or dispositions. I think a lot of JFB do this in mid to late '42 in the mindset of "I need to do something". I just guess I would caution you against such a move (not that I think you would). The best thing you can do for Chez right now would be to overextend yourself and allow him a victory he really didn't earn. The only reason I bring this up is I know your past history. I know your tendency to attempt and often pull off a bold move mid-war. My position is that you already pulled off your bold move and now is the time to capitalize on it rather than formulate a new even bolder move.

So, from my reading I sense that both Java and Malaya are heavily guarded. If that is true, then Borneo seems to be the next best move. I am not saying right at this very moment but by the first of the year, you should be ready. Have your considered what your next move will be?

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Post #: 1890