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RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A)

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RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop ... - 11/4/2011 7:49:32 AM

hkbhsi

Posts: 96
Joined: 4/22/2007
From: Rome, Italy
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Cribtop

Gents, the A6M3 discussion brings up another point. Is there any airframe factory I really don't want to have "Yes" selected for upgrade?

Regarding the A6M3, be aware that only a few groups can upgrade to this model even with PDU ON, as it is not carrier capable; I don't have the game in front of me right now but I think it is only 3 or 4. All groups can upgrade to the A6M3a version that come online at the end of 42.

(in reply to Cribtop)

Post #: 841

RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop ... - 11/4/2011 5:43:56 PM

Cribtop

Posts: 3890
Joined: 8/10/2008
From: Lone Star Nation
Status: offline

June 1, 1942

We enter the summer quietly. Cribtop HQ is well aware that the period of Japanese dominance will end when fall arrives, if not before.

Subs

ASW aircraft report another hit on a sub near Sabang. If 20% of the reported hits are real Cribtop HQ is happy. We have several dedicated ASW air groups that are getting up in skill and will soon start doing real damage. For example, we have now cleared the Makassar Strait of subs.

4th Fleet

Japanese shipping returns to normal as the enemy carriers are confirmed on a course back to Pearl Harbor.

SE Fleet

Luganville is reported to have made a level 2 airfield. CF seems to be using the American forces in historical theaters rather than shifting them to Oz or the Indian Ocean. Cribtop Intel predicts a fairly historical counterattack vector, although a Darwin - Timor move is still on the table.

14th Army

No change.

16th Fleet

Kai-Eilanden invaded, Mangole falls. The Meruake reinforcement TF stops at Ambon to load up additional assets.

25th Army

Loading troops for China today. Lingga occupied by rowboat.

MKB screws up. For the second time, the daisy chain follow commands I use (ASW TF followed by Tanaka Force followed by CarDiv1 followed by CarDiv 2) doesn't work. This leaves CarDiv 2 separated. Nothing bad happens, in fact we are now unspotted and out of range of Ceylon, but I'm losing confidence in the follow command. Note that no TF re-fueled its DDs today and all had full Ops points. Would I be better off having everybody follow the ASW TF?

MKB will manually rally at a point well south of Ceylon and re-fuel from the Fleet Oilers tomorrow.

Tomorrow an IJAAF bomber wing flies the Helen and Lily II into action for the first time.

15th Army

Lots of AA arrives today at Magwe and Mandalay. I'm sure CF is terrified.

China

More evidence the KMT is either pulling back or gearing up for a southern offensive. This could get interesting as we land a big army in Southern China. If he goes for the Amoy area we would feign weakness, get him to commit, then go for isolation of his forces. We'll see what develops.

Other

Something Allied sinks today. Good money is on DD Parrot.

< Message edited by Cribtop -- 11/5/2011 5:04:40 AM >

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Post #: 842

RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop ... - 11/4/2011 5:51:28 PM

Erkki

Posts: 1461
Joined: 2/17/2010
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: hkbhsi

quote:

ORIGINAL: Cribtop

Gents, the A6M3 discussion brings up another point. Is there any airframe factory I really don't want to have "Yes" selected for upgrade?

Regarding the A6M3, be aware that only a few groups can upgrade to this model even with PDU ON, as it is not carrier capable; I don't have the game in front of me right now but I think it is only 3 or 4. All groups can upgrade to the A6M3a version that come online at the end of 42.

Unrestricted land based Zero units Cribtop should by now have, Tainan, 6th, 3rd and Chitose groups are 45-strong. Then theres Genzan, Kanoya and 1st (27) and 2nd (12). So about 250 planes in all + at least 36+12 that are restricted.

Criptob, I've found that if I have more than 1 TF in the follow-line the game doesnt always do the fuel calculations right for the last TFs and keeps refueling them or they fall behind the others for some other odd reasons, always 1 hex. I've given up and instead use just lead TF followed by the others. Or 2 lead TFs making sure that they are faster than the followers, leading TFs set to mission, others to cruise.

< Message edited by Erkki -- 11/4/2011 5:56:13 PM >

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Post #: 843

RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop ... - 11/4/2011 10:38:13 PM

hkbhsi

Posts: 96
Joined: 4/22/2007
From: Rome, Italy
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Erkki

quote:

ORIGINAL: hkbhsi

quote:

ORIGINAL: Cribtop

Gents, the A6M3 discussion brings up another point. Is there any airframe factory I really don't want to have "Yes" selected for upgrade?

Regarding the A6M3, be aware that only a few groups can upgrade to this model even with PDU ON, as it is not carrier capable; I don't have the game in front of me right now but I think it is only 3 or 4. All groups can upgrade to the A6M3a version that come online at the end of 42.

Unrestricted land based Zero units Cribtop should by now have, Tainan, 6th, 3rd and Chitose groups are 45-strong. Then theres Genzan, Kanoya and 1st (27) and 2nd (12). So about 250 planes in all + at least 36+12 that are restricted.

Yes, I was wrong; with PDU ON all land based fighter groups can upgrade to the A6M3 model.

(in reply to Erkki)

Post #: 844

RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop ... - 11/5/2011 2:26:03 AM

Cribtop

Posts: 3890
Joined: 8/10/2008
From: Lone Star Nation
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Erkki

quote:

ORIGINAL: hkbhsi

quote:

ORIGINAL: Cribtop

Gents, the A6M3 discussion brings up another point. Is there any airframe factory I really don't want to have "Yes" selected for upgrade?

Regarding the A6M3, be aware that only a few groups can upgrade to this model even with PDU ON, as it is not carrier capable; I don't have the game in front of me right now but I think it is only 3 or 4. All groups can upgrade to the A6M3a version that come online at the end of 42.

Unrestricted land based Zero units Cribtop should by now have, Tainan, 6th, 3rd and Chitose groups are 45-strong. Then theres Genzan, Kanoya and 1st (27) and 2nd (12). So about 250 planes in all + at least 36+12 that are restricted.

Criptob, I've found that if I have more than 1 TF in the follow-line the game doesnt always do the fuel calculations right for the last TFs and keeps refueling them or they fall behind the others for some other odd reasons, always 1 hex. I've given up and instead use just lead TF followed by the others. Or 2 lead TFs making sure that they are faster than the followers, leading TFs set to mission, others to cruise.

Thanks, Erkki. That seems to be happening to me. I'll set everyone to follow the ASW TF.

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Post #: 845

RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop ... - 11/5/2011 5:12:25 AM

Cribtop

Posts: 3890
Joined: 8/10/2008
From: Lone Star Nation
Status: offline

June 2, 1942

Subs

Pike misses a DMS in an FT TF bound for Christmas Island (IO).

4th Fleet

No change except that a former Alf group upgrades to Jakes at Rabaul. This is part of the ongoing "Jakeification" program throughout the Empire.

SE Fleet

No change.

14th Army

No change.

16th Army

We destroy 6 vehicles and 4 squads in the daily bombing of the enemy's armor heavy stack near Daly Waters. Perhaps this means CF cannot supply his LCUs?

Kai-eilanden occupied.

25th Army

A DMS TF sweeps mines at Batavia. Sinkep invaded and bombed by Helens and Lily IIs with great results.

MKB re-fuels today except for CarDiv 2. They will watch over the fleet and gas up tomorrow.

China

340+ casualties inflicted on the big enemy stack retreating from Wuchang.

< Message edited by Cribtop -- 11/5/2011 5:13:30 AM >

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Post #: 846

RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop ... - 11/5/2011 6:50:12 PM

princep01

Posts: 943
Joined: 8/7/2006
From: Texas
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"Jakeification". Somehow this just sounds like an obscene word. Nice. Straight out of the new Cribtop dictionary.

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Post #: 847

RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop ... - 11/5/2011 7:42:25 PM

Cribtop

Posts: 3890
Joined: 8/10/2008
From: Lone Star Nation
Status: offline

We lawyers love our terminology. The Cribtop dictionary has some great entries, but I can't hold a candle to GreyJoy.

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Post #: 848

RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop ... - 11/5/2011 8:41:33 PM

princep01

Posts: 943
Joined: 8/7/2006
From: Texas
Status: offline

Indeed. And I got called out for "tarry" in one of the other AARs today. What the heck? Don't young people still do the vocabulary quiz in the Reader's Digest anymore?

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Post #: 849

RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop ... - 11/5/2011 9:15:15 PM

Cribtop

Posts: 3890
Joined: 8/10/2008
From: Lone Star Nation
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Hahahahaha. Young people can't spell or type. I forgive GreyJoy b/c he isn't a native English speaker, but seriously. Loose is the opposite of tight, not the opposite of win. And it isn't for "all intensive purposes." Don't even get me started on texting or "could of" instead of could've.

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Post #: 850

RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop ... - 11/5/2011 10:09:18 PM

Cribtop

Posts: 3890
Joined: 8/10/2008
From: Lone Star Nation
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June 3, 1942

Subs

AM Toowoomba (that's just fun to say) DCs I-157 to little effect near Colombo. Surprised CF hasn't sent every DD in the port out to hunt. As of today he's probably guessed MKB has departed. Perhaps tomorrow we'll see the Eastern Fleet make a break for it.

4th Fleet

Kusaie makes level 3 forts.

SE Fleet

Pushing reinforcements to Tulagi and Milne Bay.

14th Army

BayBay invaded.

16th Army

Today's bombing of the enemy armor stack near Daly results in casualties of 202(3). Ouch. Tomorrow a base force arrives at Katherine. Then we'll try for a CAP trap against the B-17s.

25th Army

Disappointing DA at Sinkep fails to take the base. Our Nav Guard unit has too many disabled squads for now. The Helens and Lily IIs will keep pounding the enemy to soften them up.

MKB has re-fueled and will head for the Sunda Strait. Pike is there but we'd rather risk 1 USN sub rather than 2 UK subs.

15th Army

No change.

China

Today's bombing of the former Wuchang stack nets 411 reported casualties. CF cannot afford to stay in clear hexes here, which is a nice state of affairs. Another quiet impact of the loss of AVG.

Other

Today will be graduation day for another crop of trained pilots. Many of this second class of fighter pilots spent time on both Escort and Strafe missions to pump up the defense skill. Our pilot reserve is very large now.

< Message edited by Cribtop -- 11/5/2011 10:10:51 PM >

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Post #: 851

RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop ... - 11/6/2011 10:07:01 PM

Cribtop

Posts: 3890
Joined: 8/10/2008
From: Lone Star Nation
Status: offline

June 4, 1942

Subs

I-11 duds on a KV near Colombo. The same KV TF then moves to the other Colombo exit hex and DCs I-157.

MKB spotted the AM Eland Dubois limping toward Ceylon yesterday. In order to avoid giving away MKB's position by its own search planes, we vectored a sub in transit toward the stricken ship. I-165 obliges and sinks the AM.

A Wirraway attacks I-26 near Sydney.

4th Fleet

No change.

SE Fleet

We begin flying a small LCU into Milne Bay today. A much needed TK convoy arrives at Truk to solve the fuel crunch in this AO.

14th Army

BayBay occupied.

16th Army

We are ready to spring a CAP trap on the B-17s, but they haven't tried an attack for several days. We are reconning Port Hedland in preparation for invasion.

25th Army

Our divisions earmarked for Southern China finish loading at Semarang and will head for their destination tomorrow.

MKB is overflown by what is reported as a level bomber. It looks like CF has finally put up long range patrols on Ceylon.

15th Army

We bomb Akyab's airfield today. There is no CAP and we get decent hits (4 supply and 40 runway), but this is just a harassing action to keep up the appearance of aggressive action.

China

We have confirmation that CF has pulled one stack back to Kanshien. We will keep an eye open to see what he is up to. We were able to buy out another Manchukuo Division for service in China as well.

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Post #: 852

RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop ... - 11/8/2011 7:36:28 PM

Cribtop

Posts: 3890
Joined: 8/10/2008
From: Lone Star Nation
Status: offline

June 5, 1942

Subs

I-174 misses a UK DD off Colombo instead of shooting at least one merchant. Tarpon sinks a PB in a convoy carrying base forces from Singers to Kendari for eventual deployment to NW Oz. Our PBs are primarily useful to soak up torpedoes that would instead hit transports.

Sailfish duds on an xAK in a now empty convoy returning to Truk after dropping troops at Rabaul.

4th Fleet

We are re-shuffling a few small base forces to optimize search patterns as more and more 20 Jake search units move to the front. We'll also move a base force to Nauru Island to plug a hole in our search pattern as soon as we can scrape up a new Mavis/Emily unit.

SE Fleet

Reinforcements offload at Tulagi. Now we have two Naval Guards and a small SNLF Coy there. Not enough, but we're heading in the right direction and also nearing level 5 forts. Similar reinforcements are being flown into Milne Bay, and 3 construction units are moving from Lae to MB to build forts. Buna makes level 1 airfield. Truk's fuel crisis is abated at last. We should see regular deliveries from here on.

14th Army

Marching on the last Leyte Island base.

16th Army

CF bombs our troops at Daly, which allows us to set a CAP trap there tomorrow. The 2 ATG units will arrive in 2 days. Our Sallys really pound CF's armor stack for 145(11) casualties. Almost all squads hit are now destroyed rather than disabled, which is a good sign. Cribtop Intel estimates he will have to withdraw here.

Saumlaki invaded. Sounds like Greek food.

25th Army

MKB sets course for the Sunda Strait, with all TFs ordered to follow the ASW TF now. Another convoy is approaching Semarang to pick up arty units destined for China.

15th Army

Two Royal Thai Army Divisions are about to assume some garrison duties, freeing up combat power and potentially giving us 3 crack Divisions to play with. 15th Army HQ is ordered to study possible attacks on either Akyab or Kalemyo. For various reasons, Akyab is probably more favorable. Mandalay makes level 3 forts, Rangoon level 4.

China

Recon confirms that CF is trying to use his former Wuchang stack to move to the rescue of his 2 surrounded corps SE of Wuchang. This move triggers a response in which we will appear to withdraw to get him moving forward while our bombers slow down his stack. Then several units will reinforce the enemy's target hex while another IJA stack uses the good road to try to isolate the enemy's main force. We could also demonstrate against a rather depleted Changsha. This in turn plays into our larger plans for Operation Red Dragon, which we will detail in a few screenshots shortly.

5th Fleet

CVE Unyo and a Val group are moving to RV at Ominato. It is about time to send out the Raiders again.

< Message edited by Cribtop -- 11/8/2011 7:39:44 PM >

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RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop ... - 11/8/2011 8:06:12 PM

Cribtop

Posts: 3890
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From: Lone Star Nation
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North China

Cribtop HQ has left China quiet for some time, trying to give CF the impression that our earlier victories have left us short of combat power. In fact, we have been quietly buying divisions out of Manchuria while awaiting arrival of the 4 elite Southern Army divisions earmarked for Operation Red Dragon.

In North China, we have the 32 LCU stack at Tienshui bottled up, and have stopped the KMT relief probes in the mountains. At the appropriate time, 5 Divisions will cross the river and shock attack a 2 LCU stack just west (map) of the mountains. We will then use a small unit to move into the mountains, seizing the last hexside there and cutting off 5 LCUs. Then we push for Kienko, which is held by a single LCU.

Intention here is to time the offensive so as to present Cuttlefish with an existential threat in China just as the southern pincer of Red Dragon moves out of Canton. This will force CF to choose between 2 destabilizing thrusts with his strategic reserve at Chungking. We are betting he is more worried about Kienko than south China, but either way the IJA benefits.

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by Cribtop -- 11/8/2011 8:14:50 PM >

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RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop ... - 11/8/2011 8:16:29 PM

Cribtop

Posts: 3890
Joined: 8/10/2008
From: Lone Star Nation
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Central and Southern China

In the center, our operations have been designed to convey weakness, encouraging the enemy to probe forward, deeper into the intended kessel for Operation Red Dragon. He is currently moving a 15 LCU stack (yellow) toward two isolated corps SE of Wuchang marked "I." We had local reserves at Sinyang and will now move some forward to Wuchang. They are marching in both directions to shore up the hex containing the 2 enemy LCUs while swinging additional forces along the good road between Wuchang and Changsha. The main goal here is to keep CF's principal operational reserves in Central China occupied, but the dream goal would be to isolate the former Wuchang stack and possibly even threaten Changsha just as all hell breaks loose in Southern China.

The moves marked "II" represent the 3 Divisions of 13th Army which have disengaged from the Central front as CF pulled 5 LCUs back to Kanshien, giving him a total of 12 there. Intention is for 2 Divisions, the HQ and some arty, 100% prepped for Kanshien, to pin this force, which recon shows is the only operational reserve CF has in the South.

Finally, "III" represents the main event. 4 Southern Army divisions and 2 or 3 bought out Manchuria Divisions (put into Southern Army so we can ship them to Canton and later move them to the Pacific) will land at Canton and push hard on Wuchang and the key base at Kweilin, held by only 1 LCU. We will evaluate at that time but prefer to push on toward Kweiyang if possible rather than taking the short hook to Changsha. Thus, a massive pincer move threatens the enemy's entire central position.

Ultimate desired end state is: 1) Capture of a buffer for Canton in South China and depriving the enemy of industry there; 2) flanking and capture of the Kukong/Kanshien positions; 3) Capture of the knot of bases near Changsha; 4) Capture of Kwieyang, isoalating all of Central China; and 5) Capture of the 3 bases on the road from Kweiyang to Burma, thus shutting down the Burma Road for good and opening a new Japanese LoC into Burma that is far more defensible than the LoC originating at Rangoon. These goals are listed in ascending order of difficulty.

Frankly, depending on the enemy's actions, we probably cannot achieve all the objectives listed above. However, if we even get to item 3) we will have put China into supply-less deep freeze, probably for the duration (recall that Chungking is cut off from the ChiCom armies near Yenan and all of far Western [true] China). If we can establish the alternate LoC into Burma, admittedly a longshot, it will be game-changing for the defense of Burma. Finally, after this offensive culminates we will have a large number of divisions ready to finish Luzon and then move to the Pacific.

Timing is the issue. Surely CF will figure out that some of the forces committed are from Southern Army, and respond with offensives in Burma and the Pacific. The issue will be a race between our gains in China and what we can afford to lose elsewhere.

Banzai!

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by Cribtop -- 11/8/2011 8:41:53 PM >

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RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop ... - 11/8/2011 8:51:55 PM

Capt. Harlock

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quote:

Timing is the issue. Surely CF will figure out that some of the forces committed are from Southern Army, and respond with offensives in Burma and the Pacific. The issue will be a race between our gains in China and what we can afford to lose elsewhere.

I like to see a man who understands the risks and chooses the high-stakes gamble anyway. Good luck!

_____________________________

Civil war? What does that mean? Is there any foreign war? Isn't every war fought between men, between brothers?

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Post #: 856

RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop ... - 11/8/2011 9:02:45 PM

Cribtop

Posts: 3890
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From: Lone Star Nation
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quote:

ORIGINAL: Capt. Harlock

quote:

Timing is the issue. Surely CF will figure out that some of the forces committed are from Southern Army, and respond with offensives in Burma and the Pacific. The issue will be a race between our gains in China and what we can afford to lose elsewhere.

I like to see a man who understands the risks and chooses the high-stakes gamble anyway. Good luck!

True that. However, when you think about it, the entire Japanese position, especially in Scenario 1, is a high stakes gamble. We've got to knock the enemy out somewhere in order to hope to hold out long enough. Given the rather unpalatable alternatives, China seems like the easiest choice.

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Post #: 857

RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop ... - 11/8/2011 9:04:47 PM

Mike Solli

Posts: 15792
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From: the flight deck of the Zuikaku
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quote:

ORIGINAL: Cribtop

True that. However, when you think about it, the entire Japanese position, especially in Scenario 1, is a high stakes gamble. We've got to knock the enemy out somewhere in order to hope to hold out long enough. Given the rather unpalatable alternatives, China seems like the easiest choice.

I agree with you Cribtop, but I wouldn't exactly call China easy. I think it's the most possible of the alternatives though.

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Created by the amazing Dixie

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Post #: 858

RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop ... - 11/8/2011 10:10:52 PM

DivePac88

Posts: 3119
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From: Somewhere in the South Pacific.
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quote:

ORIGINAL: Mike Solli

quote:

ORIGINAL: Cribtop

True that. However, when you think about it, the entire Japanese position, especially in Scenario 1, is a high stakes gamble. We've got to knock the enemy out somewhere in order to hope to hold out long enough. Given the rather unpalatable alternatives, China seems like the easiest choice.

I agree with you Cribtop, but I wouldn't exactly call China easy. I think it's the most possible of the alternatives though.

I also think that China; because of it's geographical position, is the easiest place for Japan to project it's forces, and the least easiest place for the Allies to project their build-up of forces.

_____________________________

When you see the Southern Cross, For the first time
You understand now, Why you came this way

(in reply to Mike Solli)

Post #: 859

RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop ... - 11/10/2011 12:02:57 AM

Cribtop

Posts: 3890
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From: Lone Star Nation
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June 6, 1942

D-Day minus 2 years is very quiet.

Subs

K XI, lurking at the top of the Malacca Strait along with every other UK & Dutch sub, torpedoes and sinks an xAK transporting two small ATG units to Rangoon. We forgot to put a lifeboat in this TF, but get a bit lucky as two of the escorts are APDs that perform the lifeboat function. About 25% of the unit is lost.

4th Fleet

We are getting near the end of the build up of TB and shift a construction unit to get started on Tarawa. Just about all the other Marshalls bases have organic engineers at work. Ichiki Detachment begins to unload at Kwaj.

SE Fleet

We finish unloading reinforcements and supplies at Tulagi and the TF is on its way back to Truk and out of danger. We unload an Air HQ, a base force, an AA unit and a construction unit at Meruake to join a Nav Guard already in place. Lots of supply will also be offloaded and we will build the airfield up.

14th Army

No change.

16th Army

We try a CAP trap at Daly Waters but only get 8 Zeros over the target and those few fail to intercept. We do manage to cause an Ops loss at least.

Bara invaded; Saumlaki occupied. Recon confirms only one enemy LCU at Port Hedland, so we will proceed with what Canoerebel refers to as a "snap invasion."

Dili makes level 4 airfield.

25th Army

MKB continues to make for Singers; our 25th Army Divisions continue to make for China.

15th Army

Tomorrow we will re-form the 55th Division.

China

We are bombing the enemy stack near Wuchang while continuing to manuever.

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Post #: 860

RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop ... - 11/12/2011 2:36:41 AM

Cribtop

Posts: 3890
Joined: 8/10/2008
From: Lone Star Nation
Status: offline

June 7, 1942

Subs

I-15 misses an ASW AM near Port Kembla. I bet a seaside town with a cool name like Port Kembla has awesome bars. We have a sub off San Francisco just to keep CF honest. Today its Glen flies over Mare Island and S.F. itself. That ought to get the enemy's attention. We have engaged in some careful recon and believe we've found the hex row that SF to PH bound convoys use. A Glen boat is parked there hoping for prey.

Anns from Sabang attack 2 enemy subs in the area while the first of 2 inbound ASW TFs with Mod-2 DCs harasses K XI. Cribtop HQ wants to make the head of the Malacca Strait very unwelcome territory for CF's silent hunters.

4th Fleet

Ichiki Detachment unloads at Kwaj while a construction LCU begins work at Tarawa.

SE Fleet

Horn Island is hit today by 10 B-17s. Our Nicks are coming and will base from Meruake, which now sports a lot of troops. A kamikaze xAK is unloading supplies at Horn Island. Given that so far only 1 in 5 kamikaze xAKs has been sunk, perhaps we should re-think the name of the mission. Perhaps "vaguely endangered xAKs?"

14th Fleet

No change.

16th Army

Bara occupied.

25th Army

No change. Haven't said that about this AO in a while.

15th Army

Cribtop HQ orders a study of a ground offensive against Akyab and an air offensive against Chittagong, where 70 enemy fighters are observed by recon. Elements would include a naval bombardment followed by A6M2 sweeps (much to the shame of the IJAAF) and IJAAF bombing raids. We would ideally wait for the moon (currently at 28%) to wax stronger and would lead the bombardment TF with an LCTF to clear PT boats (if present).

China

Continuing to move into position for Red Dragon. Quiet turns, but the feeling at Cribtop HQ is intense.

Hankow makes level 6 forts.

5th Fleet

Toyohara makes level 3 airfield; Bihoro level 4 forts. The Kuriles will be defended if CF ever comes calling.

CVE Unyo arrives at Ominato. The CVE Raiders will be detached from 5th Fleet and re-assigned to Combined Fleet for another raid very soon.

< Message edited by Cribtop -- 11/12/2011 2:38:27 AM >

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RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop ... - 11/12/2011 2:44:02 AM

ny59giants

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When it comes to China the difference between fighting in terrain with a x3 bonus like JR (Jungle-Rough) vs those like Jungle, Rough, or Woods with only a x2 defense modifier is huge. Hit his AFs hard to eat up supply and any unit that get into clear terrain. Besides the terrain modifier, the supply issue is huge. Just ask me.

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RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop ... - 11/12/2011 2:44:24 AM

Cribtop

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June 8, 1942

A quiet turn.

Subs

Our ASW TF again harasses K XI.

4th & SE Fleets; 14th Army

No change.

16th Army

Most of our bombing raids are scrubbed today by bad weather, but our Sallys hit CF's armored stack for an eye-popping 79(24) casualties with 20(

) vehicles destroyed. All hits destroy. rather than disable, squads. Ouch, surely things are rough for the Aussie armor here.

Ruteng occupied.

25th Army

Almost to Sibolga. We should mop up Sumatra soon.

15th Army

Nothing flies as Thunderstorms rule the whole region. An RTA division arrives at Pegu and boards trains to free up IJA troops.

China

No change.

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RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop ... - 11/12/2011 2:50:43 AM

Cribtop

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A few questions for the readerbase.

1) Assuming Operaton Red Dragon kicks off on June 15th, and assuming that CF is aware of the size of commitment of our forces in China by the 20th or so, and recalling that this is a Scenario 1 game so no extra IJA troops - how much spare LCU combat power will the enemy have to throw at us in the Pacific AOs between now and the historical date of Operation Watchtower in August? How big of an offensive can he send in?

2) Just noticed that HI in the pools went over 400K. We have about 2600 spare HI per turn (except for the turn each month we get dinged for pilot training). How would you rate that on the Japanese economy progress meter? PS - the resource shipment problem has been solved and we are now also receiving very regular shipments of Oil to the Home Islands.

< Message edited by Cribtop -- 11/12/2011 2:51:18 AM >

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RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop ... - 11/12/2011 3:49:35 AM

Mike Solli

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1) Well, there's the 1 Marine Division. I suspect CF could scrape up some RCTs as well. Not sure about that.

2) 2600 HI a day (minus the pilot costs) will give you ~700k HI per year. Assuming no change, you'll have ~1.5 million by 1944. I'd consider bumping up the HI factories in Java and Singapore when you can. Especially Java. Java has oil, refineries and resources. That's the perfect place to increase HI. I'd consider bumping up HI and possibly refineries to match the resource output. Any excess stuff can get shipped out.

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RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop ... - 11/12/2011 4:21:21 AM

Cribtop

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Thanks, Mike. I'll have to rebuild Batavia's industry for the Java Plan, but that can be done as I have 1.9M supply in Tokyo and that grows each day.

PS - I have repaired HI in the DEI where I've taken it (and Wenchow) on the theory that HI is magically transported to the pools and every point I can wring from the "colonies" will keep me alive in '45 (now there's a JFB campaign slogan).

< Message edited by Cribtop -- 11/12/2011 4:22:09 AM >

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RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop ... - 11/12/2011 2:33:27 PM

ny59giants

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I'm in mid-August and I have both the 1st and 2nd Marines re-combined and elements of three more Marine divisions. I have 3 infantry divisions and some regiments bought out along with a few of my Kiwi friends. The Allies have very few APs to use and needs the slow unloading xAPs for any invasions. I've had to put back into action those APs that convert to APA in '43 to use. I hope not to lose many.

HI - I build up Georgetown and Singapore to 100 HI total. Hong Kong has gone to 100 HI. I agree with MS to build up Java some more. Her extra fuel goes to get the SRA ready for the eventual Allied counteroffensive here by stockpiling at various bases. Balikpapan goes to get Truk and South Pacific fuel needs met and stockpiled before extra goes to Honshu.

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RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop ... - 11/13/2011 7:11:06 PM

Cribtop

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June 9, 1942

A day with tons of sub action with little to show for it for either side. This is appropriate as today we recalled almost all subs with the intention of forming sub flotillas and changing our sub tactics.

Subs

I-16 misses an AM off Colombo. I-2 misses a KV 1 hex away and suffers a penetrating hit in return. The sub will limp for Port Blair. Finally, I-3 is DC'd without result in the same zip code. Clearly CF is mobilizing ASW to deal with the sub cordon that is the last remnant of Operation Raging Bull II. Time to go home rather than endure constant British ASW attacks.

At the head of the Malacca Strait, we now have Anns and 3 ASW TFs working. They attack Truant but it's our SCs and the Type 95 DCs explode above the sub. We hope the Mod-2 DCs of the other 2 TFs will have better luck. Trusty duds on a DMS in an ASW TF a few hexes away. CF really should stop using those surplus American torpedoes.

It's only fair though, as several I-boats have experienced duds in the game as well.

MKB aircraft attack a sub in the Sunda Strait, presumably Pike.

Seal duds on our kami xAK as it departs Horn Island. Once again, one of our kami xAKs escapes.

Allied aircraft attack an I-boat off Brisbane.

Other than that, not much happened in the sub war today.

As mentioned, Cribtop HQ has performed an analysis of our sub efforts to date, which have been lacking. It appears that CF is using large convoys to supply Fiji, Tahiti and Pearl. We have not had success finding his convoys, in part due to smart routing by the enemy and in part due to the fact that the large "trunk" convoys are infrequently passing by. We have paid attention to the linear nature of the game's algorithms, and note the fate of Warspite as she ran a gauntlet of subs and was attacked multiple times. The answer we have landed on is use of multiple subs with similar range in flotillas that will be deployed en masse near a given target for a time before moving elsewhere. Setting this up will require us to recall most subs to hub bases in order to create the flotillas.

4th Fleet

No change.

SE Fleet

Shortlands makes level 2 airfield, Milne Bay makes level 2 forts only a few days after engineers begin work. Our kamikaze xAK unloads over 1,000 supply points at Horn Island. Our Nick group is still moving toward Meruake and a CAP trap as CF still has 10 B-17s making training runs here.

14th Army

We are loading to take the last few central PI bases. This whole campaign has been slowed up by garrison requirements, or more accurately by our poor management of same.

16th Army

Memboro occupied. The Port Hedland invasion approaches the target, covered by the Timor Sea Squadron. We are taking advantage of the fact that CF revealed the location of his CVs while he took advantage of knowing where MKB was. This is probably the last amphib of the war by Japan except for counterinvasions later on.

25th Army

The CVs and their companions safely transit the Sunda Strait. The warships will make a brief stop at Singers while the Fleet Oilers gas up at Palembang. DA takes Sinkep with 30:1 odds and forces the surrender of a Dutch battalion. Only a few defended bases left in the DEI.

15th Army

CF is obsessively reconning Prome, where we have 3 construction units hard at work. No idea what he's up to, but we will park one brigade of an RTA division just in case he is planning something. We are re-grouping the IJAAF while awaiting enough moon to try an attack at Chittagong.

China

Our former Java divisions sail on toward Canton while a division bought out of Manchukuo arrives at Shanghai and will load for Canton.

< Message edited by Cribtop -- 11/13/2011 7:21:27 PM >

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RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop ... - 11/13/2011 11:10:42 PM

Cribtop

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June 10, 1942

As eight IJA divisions close inexorably on southern China by sea and land, the war goes very quiet. We will only report by active AOs.

4th Fleet

Forts at TB go to level 4.

16th Army

Tockangbesi-eilanden invaded. Name change here is imminent.

Bima is also invaded.

25th Army

Forts at Singers make level 5.

15th Army

CF is still reconning Prome. Did he forget to change orders on an air unit? Odd.

China

The KMT stack near Wuchang is trying to both cover its suddenly endangered rear and continue forward to rescue its trapped brethren. This sort of distraction in Central China is perfect for the purposes of achieving operational surprise in the south.

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RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop ... - 11/15/2011 4:52:49 AM

Cribtop

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June 11, 1942

Good news in China as the storm prepares to break.

Subs

Hordes of IJN subs stream home. K XI misses an ASW DD near Sabang; Ann reports a hit on a sub in the same hex.

4th Fleet

Tarawa, now augmented with a construction unit and a base force, is fortifying nicely.

SE Fleet

More troops load at Ambon and Kendari for Meruake (for those of you as OCD as I am, note for the record that Ambon and Kendari are of course in 16th Army AO; Meruake is the western boundary the SE Fleet AO even though much of the forces for the base are coming from 16th Army).

90th Regiment will be transferred to Munda Point in 2 TFs over the next week or so as we continue to stiffen the front lines here.

14th Army

DA at Tacloban takes the base and forces the surrender of a PA regiment. Finally.

16th Army

Port Hedland is invaded today and appears to be defended only by a small base force. The base forces chased out of Broome are tragically 1 hex to the East after a desperate cross-desert hike. No sign our invasion fleet was detected. So far, so good.

Bima and Tockangbesi-eilanden fall to DBCL forces.

25th Army

MKB, Tanaka Force, and the Fleet Oilers arrive safely at Singapore. As we re-fill air groups, Cribtop HQ is pleased to learn that total pilot losses for the whole (mis)adventure that was Raging Bull II amounted to 4 Kate jocks from Junyo shot down by Hurricanes. We aren't thrilled with the damage to the enemy (BB Warspite, 2 CLs, and 2 or 3 DDs sunk, by Cribtop Intel's count), but at least losses were miniscule. MKB will head for Shangri-La to refit and be in position to counter CF's expected reaction to Operation Red Dragon, which we believe will occur in the Pacific AOs.

Sawahloento occupied. Recon confirms that the bombing 2 days ago utterly annihilated the Bengkalis base force. Only a few more bases and Sumatra will be all red.

Base forces approach Christmas Island (IO) and Cocos. We will recce the latter before landing to confirm it's empty. If not, 2nd Raiding Regt will be detailed to make the capture before that unit shifts to Burma.

15th Army

55th Division is at last officially re-formed while a decently trained RTA Division arrives at Prome. We continue to study a variety of offensive options but the margin for error may be too thin. OTOH, even a spoiling attack here may force CF to spend PPs in Burma when he needs them more elsewhere.

China

Our training Sentai in western (map) Manchukuo finishes off an isolated HQ unit today and will shift to another stack surrounded in the far north.

The big news is that we slipped an armored car LCU into the empty hex just East (map) of Changsha. This cuts off the KMT's "Wuchang" stack, a portion of which is already counter-marching but is too late. Behind the armored car are 600 AS of IJA troops that will arrive in 2 days. By Cribtop Intel's calculations, CF may arrive in the hex tomorrow, ordering a SA for the following day, when he will be rudely surprised by a lot more combat power than he expects in a wooded hex. Could be a bloody nose for him. That tactical good news pales in comparison to the operationally significant opportunity to snare the entire Wuchang stack, and THAT pales in comparison to the distraction this whole thing must present as we are only a few days away from the launch of Operation Red Dragon. Specifically, 4 divisions begin landing in Canton in 48 hours, with a 5th Division beginning to land the next day. The China AO is about to get really interesting.

5th Fleet

Shimushiri Jima makes level 2 airfield. The Naval Guard unit slated for Paramushiro Jima has finished unloading.

< Message edited by Cribtop -- 11/15/2011 5:03:11 AM >

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