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All Forums >> [New Releases from Matrix Games] >> War in the Pacific: Admiral's Edition >> After Action Reports >> RE: Jan. 21/43

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RE: Jan. 21/43 - 2/16/2012 3:50:47 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 #: 841

Jan. 23/43 - 2/16/2012 5:58:48 PM

SqzMyLemon

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

The next turn has arrived in the inbox. I may do something unusual and zip home to run the replay during my lunch break. It's not like I'm expecting anything big to happen, but I sure am curious to see where the invasion lands. Learning more about the enemy dispositions against me and seeing if my subs can accomplish anything more than be on the receiving end of mousetraps and DC's are also questions I'd like answered. I'm also curious to see how my suicide SCTF makes out (not high expectations here) and if my Betty's can get through. It's a slow day at work as well, so I can mull over things during the afternoon.

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 2/17/2012 3:30:11 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 #: 842

RE: Jan. 23/43 - 2/16/2012 9:28:20 PM

SqzMyLemon

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

Post removed, no longer relevant.

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 2/17/2012 3:35:24 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 #: 843

RE: Jan. 23/43 - 2/17/2012 4:45:52 AM

SqzMyLemon

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

Here's a screenshot of Guadalcanal on day two of the Solomon's Campaign:

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 #: 844

Jan. 23/43 Update - 2/17/2012 8:05:23 AM

SqzMyLemon

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

Jan. 23/43:

Sub Ops:

SS Gato duds on PB Tatsumi Maru near Siargao.
SS I-1 sinks the xAK AM. Leader with one torpedo near Hilo

. One gun was reported as a ground loss.
SS Gato hits the xAK Sinsei Maru with one torpedo near Siargao, the transport will likely sink tomorrow.

China

Air Ops:

Chinese troops at Kweiyang are hammered by bombing today. The 15th Chinese Corps suffers 36(4) infantry and 7(8) non-combat squads lost for 307 casualties. I'll attack any Chinese ground forces I see in 2x defensive terrain or less. I spotted this unit moving towards Kweiyang a few days ago and wanted to say hello.

Tuyun's airbase was damaged with 2 AB, 1 ABS and 8 Runway hits.

Kienko's airbase was bombed for 1 AB, 1 ABS and 11 Runway hits.

The Solomons:

Naval Ops:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Lunga at 114,139, Range 23,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CL Jintsu, Shell hits 2
DD Matsukaze
DD Oite
DD Yunagi, Shell hits 1

Allied Ships
CL Phoenix
CL Nashville, Shell hits 1
DD Nicholas
DD O'Bannon, Shell hits 1
DD Gridley
DD Flusser
DD Tucker, Shell hits 1, on fire

Maximum visibility in Clear Conditions: 30,000 yards
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 29,000 yards
Range closes to 23,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 23,000 yards

Air Ops:
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Stewart Island at 116,138

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 20,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 28 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 69 (54 Zero's were initially interdicted by 12 enemy fighters)
G4M1 Betty x 24 (12 Betty's survived the CAP to attack the CV's)

Allied aircraft
F4F-3A Wildcat x 14
F4F-3 Wildcat x 49
F4F-4 Wildcat x 62

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 10 destroyed
G4M1 Betty: 15 destroyed, 1 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed by flak

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-3 Wildcat: 2 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat: 2 destroyed

Allied Ships
CV Hornet
CV Yorktown, Torpedo hits 1
CV Wasp

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Munda at 111,135

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 16 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Allied aircraft
F4F-3A Wildcat x 22
F4F-3 Wildcat x 22
F4F-4 Wildcat x 20
SBD-3 Dauntless x 29
TBF-1 Avenger x 13

Allied aircraft losses
SBD-3 Dauntless: 1 damaged
TBF-1 Avenger: 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Matsukaze
CL Jintsu, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires (Damage at turn end is Sys(25) Flt(9) Eng(5) Fires(0)

DD Yunagi

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Munda , at 111,134

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 36

Japanese aircraft losses
H8K1 Emily: 1 destroyed on ground

No Allied losses

Airbase hits 12
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 19

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Stewart Island at 116,138

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 28 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 34
G4M1 Betty x 3 (Betty's aborted after the escort sacrificed itself)

Allied aircraft
F4F-3A Wildcat x 11
F4F-3 Wildcat x 40
F4F-4 Wildcat x 34

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 5 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-3A Wildcat: 1 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 destroyed

Miscellaneous:

Japan:

Rashin expands fortifications to size 4
Torokina expands airfield to size 1
Kweilin expands airfield to size 7

Allied:

Nothing

Air losses for Jan. 23/43:

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 2/17/2012 3:29:14 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 #: 845

Tactical mistakes - 2/17/2012 5:28:31 PM

SqzMyLemon

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

I spent a long time going over the combat replay numerous times last night in an effort to see what is happening during the air combat phases. I learned a few things, but also remain puzzled with how the air model determines force allocation during the air combat phases. More on that another time perhaps.

I also made some mistakes in how best to commit my forces, that led to sub-optimal orders for inflicting maximum damage on the enemy with the forces at hand.

My first mistake was assuming the enemy objective was Kirakira or Stewart Island. It should have been obvious that Lunga would be the primary target in order to allow the Allies to establish LBA fighter cover immediately upon its capture. My LBA naval air strike orders were set to allow a maximum range of 11 hexes, covering all the potential Allied objectives. Realizing Allied CAP can only be provided by Allied carriers, I should have looked closer at how that could be provided.

By ordering my LBA naval air strike set to a maximum range of 11 hexes to cover all possible invasion sites, I also put them within range of operating against the main Allied carriers and the concentrated CAP that would entail. Knowing CV's will most likely be targeted first, I eliminated any chance of my strike targeting the actual amphibious TF's, catching the ships as they are unloading over the beaches. What happened is exactly what I allowed to happen, my strikes went after the more valuable enemy forces, but also the most heavily defended. The actual invasion TF's were ignored and I suffered high loss for little return. My LBA should have been set to a maximum of 8 hexes in order to directly cover Lunga and Tulagi and would have dealt with much less CAP. Moot if the CV's end up within 8 hexes of Shortlands, but they didn't.

Second mistake was ordering my SCTF to reach Lunga during the daylight naval phase, not during the night phase when they'd have had a better chance of slipping amongst the transports.

The third mistake was not ordering my submarines to blanket all non-base coastal hexes around Lunga, Tulagi, Kirakira and Stewart Island. If the Allies are going to provide adequate CAP for the invasion forces, they must be located one or two hexes away at most. LRCAP could be ordered, but I don't think Bart will risk reducing the CAP directly over his CV's.

So I made some mistakes yesterday that cost me 41 Zero's, 24 Betty's, and a chance to hit the enemy amphibious TF's before they started unloading. I plan on changing that for the next turn.

Some openings for me next turn.

Bart committed his CVE's to provide close CAP for his invasion fleet by ordering them into the base hex. This will entail an air operations penalty if he remains there again the next turn. The main Allied carriers are located 2 hexes away from Lunga, so CAP from these CV's will be delayed and in reduced numbers, unless they are moved closer tomorrow. As long as the Allied CV's stay two hexes away from Lunga and the CVE's remain in the base hex, I should be able to launch a much more effective LBA strikedirectly against the amphibious TF's.

Most of my submarines will be ordered to blanket the four non-base hexes adjacent to Lunga. Any Allied TF's here might get interdicted, and if the CV's are moved closer...well.

I might also risk the CL Jintsu and friends in order to try and set a small CAP trap for Allied carrier strikes. Any losses I can cause before the Combined Fleet arrives could be the difference.

I will again order LBA to launch a naval air strike limited to a range of 8 hexes with the intention of concentrating on enemy ships directly at Lunga. If Shortlands doesn't overstack, I'm looking at a force of 90 Zero's and 30-50 Betty's for the attack. If the CVE's remain in the base hex I think I have a good chance to break through the CAP and inflict some meaningful damage on the enemy.

There are some positives though. I am attritioning the CV fighters somewhat and I have torpedoed one CV. KB is two days away from being able to launch a strike, and I will be in position to directly unleash substantial surface ships against enemy shipping. When KB is in position to strike, I will order all available LBA to go after the enemy CV TF's.

Let's see what happens next turn. Perhaps I will have better success and cause some concern for the Allies. I should caution, if I don't see a favourable chance to hurt the Allies, I won't risk my CV's recklessly.

_____________________________

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 #: 846

RE: Tactical mistakes - 2/17/2012 11:54:00 PM

PaxMondo

Posts: 9750
Joined: 6/6/2008
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon
My first mistake was assuming the enemy objective was Kirakira or Stewart Island. It should have been obvious that Lunga would be the primary target in order to allow the Allies to establish LBA fighter cover immediately upon its capture. My LBA naval air strike orders were set to allow a maximum range of 11 hexes, covering all the potential Allied objectives. Realizing Allied CAP can only be provided by Allied carriers, I should have looked closer at how that could be provided.

I admit that this is what I thought (lunga/tulagi were targets) when I looked at your screenshot a couple days back. I didn't have time to study it, so had no way to rebut your kirakira thought. But, this is a big deal. Range has a lot to do with everything regarding a naval attack and IMO accounts for 75% of your losses.

You are outnumbered and flying at long range. This is a combination that will give the results you saw. IF this attack had been done in conjunction with a KB attack, then it had a reasonable chance of success. But as I said earlier, I know I can't defend the Solomon's with your starting point.

Edit: No criticsm intended here. I watching this to see if you are successful where I know I would fail. You may very well come up with tactics that I can learn from.

< Message edited by PaxMondo -- 2/17/2012 11:56:35 PM >

_____________________________

Pax

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 847

RE: Tactical mistakes - 2/18/2012 12:33:45 AM

SqzMyLemon

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

quote:

ORIGINAL: PaxMondo

quote:

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon
My first mistake was assuming the enemy objective was Kirakira or Stewart Island. It should have been obvious that Lunga would be the primary target in order to allow the Allies to establish LBA fighter cover immediately upon its capture. My LBA naval air strike orders were set to allow a maximum range of 11 hexes, covering all the potential Allied objectives. Realizing Allied CAP can only be provided by Allied carriers, I should have looked closer at how that could be provided.

I admit that this is what I thought (lunga/tulagi were targets) when I looked at your screenshot a couple days back. I didn't have time to study it, so had no way to rebut your kirakira thought. But, this is a big deal. Range has a lot to do with everything regarding a naval attack and IMO accounts for 75% of your losses.

You are outnumbered and flying at long range. This is a combination that will give the results you saw. IF this attack had been done in conjunction with a KB attack, then it had a reasonable chance of success. But as I said earlier, I know I can't defend the Solomon's with your starting point.

Edit: No criticsm intended here. I watching this to see if you are successful where I know I would fail. You may very well come up with tactics that I can learn from.

Hi Pax,

As always, I value what you say. My losses were heavy, but two things were responsible for that. The first was the post-air attack phase which wiped out my remaining bombers and did a number on my remaining fighters. The other, was the second Betty attack, which in my opinion should never have been launched by the AI in the first place.

I removed much of what I said yesterday about how the AI handled my forces, but if that second raid isn't launched at all, then the numbers for the day would look much better. That's why I'm trying to look at this objectively and adjusting my tactics to avoid putting my forces at such a disadvantage again. Tomorrow's attacks will be within extended and not long range, and I hope to have more offensive punch against less CAP.

I know the situation isn't ideal, but I guess I want to learn from it and test myself under duress.

It's early yet, yesterday hurt, but we'll see what happens this turn. Two days in a row of heavy losses I may reconsider things, but nothing ventured nothing gained either. Bart will be feeling pretty good right now, let's see if I can reverse that tomorrow.

My pilots have had a pretty cushy war so far, it's time for them to earn all those free passes to the Geisha House. And Pax, no negative waves man...stay positive!

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 2/18/2012 12:34:49 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 PaxMondo)

Post #: 848

RE: Tactical mistakes - 2/18/2012 2:14:45 AM

ny59giants

Posts: 9869
Joined: 1/10/2005
Status: offline

I just had about 75 4e bombers visit a base and 100 Tojos rise to defend the base. The initial CAP was only 5 Tojo's and I was ready for an AF to be close down or severely damaged. In short order, I got almost 80 Tojo to show up and take a few passes before the A2A phase was done. I guess they damaged enough to ruin their aim and I got 2 airbase hit, 3 supply, and 5 runway. There was no post air attack phase. I'll take it.

I site this recent example as I sometimes see different results and like you I'm trying to figure out how there is so many ways A2A is conducted. Some I get little before the bombers do there duty and try to knock my base out and then have a very good post attack A2A phase.

In your combat, I would like to be able to find a way to get some Zeros to sweep the CV CAP before the escorted bombers arrived.

_____________________________

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 849

RE: Tactical mistakes - 2/18/2012 2:58:34 AM

SqzMyLemon

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

quote:

ORIGINAL: ny59giants

I just had about 75 4e bombers visit a base and 100 Tojos rise to defend the base. The initial CAP was only 5 Tojo's and I was ready for an AF to be close down or severely damaged. In short order, I got almost 80 Tojo to show up and take a few passes before the A2A phase was done. I guess they damaged enough to ruin their aim and I got 2 airbase hit, 3 supply, and 5 runway. There was no post air attack phase. I'll take it.

I site this recent example as I sometimes see different results and like you I'm trying to figure out how there is so many ways A2A is conducted. Some I get little before the bombers do there duty and try to knock my base out and then have a very good post attack A2A phase.

In your combat, I would like to be able to find a way to get some Zeros to sweep the CV CAP before the escorted bombers arrived.

Hi Mike,

I hope you don't mind me calling you by your first name?

I'm actually ok with the post-air attack, it's going to happen on occasion. What was interesting was just after the last fighter pass before the bomber launched their torpedo strike against the CV's, my escort numbers increased by 14 aircraft. What is puzzling is they didn't participate in any combat. Then after the bombers attacked and the post-air attack phase began, 9 of those fighters simply disappeared before combat began. It was like those fighters had been assigned close escort of the bombers and avoided any actual A2A.

What really killed me though was the 34 fighters assigned to escort 3 Betty's on a suicidal attack in the afternoon. It's not like I need to have Kamikaze's at this stage of the game. That was what ballooned the kill ratio for the Allies. It certainly didn't help that my fighters were divided during the combat either.

Anyway, it's all good! I'm staying positive and instead of complaining, I'm trying to figure out how to punch the Allies in the nose!

The next turn is away. I've adjusted my orders appropriately and we'll see what happens. I'm taking another risk though, but will explain that after the turn is run. As long as I don't target the CV's today and the CVE's remain in the base hex I may catch a break, otherwise it may get ugly...real fast. Yorktown's damage may be a factor too, if Bart gets a little nervous by my bombers still getting through his CAP and launching attacks he may do something unexpected. My fingers are crossed for my submarines to accomplish something this turn too, but that's nothing new. I always hope they'll get into the war before it ends.

More importantly, I hope to restore Pax's faith in me!

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

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

(in reply to ny59giants)

Post #: 850

RE: Tactical mistakes - 2/18/2012 3:10:59 AM

PaxMondo

Posts: 9750
Joined: 6/6/2008
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon

More importantly, I hope to restore Pax's faith in me!

Hey, I have faith!

And its going to be good watching you play this out.

_____________________________

Pax

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 851

RE: Tactical mistakes - 2/18/2012 9:05:38 AM

ny59giants

Posts: 9869
Joined: 1/10/2005
Status: offline

A few QQ (Quick Questions) - What are the status of Judy, Jill, and George availability or R&D efforts?? Placing Tojo on Munda with extended range might help over his fleet if they land at Lunda and Tulagi. You could LRCAP those two bases in the next few days at high percentages, but will need to rotate in/out different air groups.

Using my first name is fine with me.

_____________________________

(in reply to PaxMondo)

Post #: 852

RE: Tactical mistakes - 2/18/2012 6:27:18 PM

SqzMyLemon

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

quote:

ORIGINAL: ny59giants

A few QQ (Quick Questions) - What are the status of Judy, Jill, and George availability or R&D efforts?? Placing Tojo on Munda with extended range might help over his fleet if they land at Lunda and Tulagi. You could LRCAP those two bases in the next few days at high percentages, but will need to rotate in/out different air groups.

Using my first name is fine with me.

R&D efforts for all three airframes have been minimal. I have so few units that can upgrade to the George I scaled back the research. Both the Jill and Judy may arrive one month early at best. With the lack of naval combat over the past year, R&D priority was given to army airframe research.

I've moved an A6M3 and a Ki-II-44a unit to Rabaul to provide LRCAP over Shortlands in case the Allied CV's sortie to close my major airbase in the Solomon's. The lack of built up airfields is hurting of course, but I'm working like crazy on getting them up to level 2 at least for sweeps. I've also been deploying some Oscar's for escort fodder.

Munda is being bombed by B-17's in an effort to close the airfield. I only have search planes there at the moment. Another long term tatcical mistake on my part not getting supporting fields built up, but then again I wasn't going to fight here, as Pax pointed out.

The Allies will take Lunga quickly unless my 135 AV behind level 4 forts can hold for a bit. At least Bart has not been targetting the troops with heavy bombers to cause disruption. I need to see how the next few days of air and naval combat go, before I can think of other options to improve my defence.

My Empire for a decent CA force at Rabaul that could try and interdict the landings today. That was a glaring weakness on my part...having next to no surface assets at Rabaul.

I tell you, waiting for a turn sometimes is just a killer. It hasn't been an issue in this game before with the lack of action, but right now it seems like it's taking forever for the inbox to chime

. I'm coming down with a cold and slept like crap last night to boot. Factor in the second guessing of the orders to my air units while trying to sleep...well, the sooner the turn comes so I can find out how things went, the better. Then I can load up on cold meds and relax!

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

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

(in reply to ny59giants)

Post #: 853

RE: Tactical mistakes - 2/18/2012 6:38:05 PM

ny59giants

Posts: 9869
Joined: 1/10/2005
Status: offline

I forgot you were playing with PDU off. That sucks big time.

IMO, this setting hurts a Japanese player more. Since I play both side, I would be fearful of a push up towards Rabaul that gets him far enough to shift over to get Port Moresby and cover an attack into the SRA via Horn Island route. You will need to slow him down here as he could island hop up the chain quickly if he can recon the area in a few days and find you have nothing here. Restrict the range of your Betty/Nell to just cover the landings is a possibility.

OT - For your cold, I would highly recommend those Zicam zinc tablets that just dissolve in your mouth. I usually get my change of season colds in fall/winter and then again in winter/spring change. These will not get rid of it all by themselves, but a good supplement to what you would take for OTC meds.

_____________________________

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 854

RE: Tactical mistakes - 2/18/2012 7:02:28 PM

PaxMondo

Posts: 9750
Joined: 6/6/2008
Status: offline

I agree with NY59 assessment ... he is positioned to march right up the Solomon's to Rabaul and then take PM. I also agree that your tactics should be to slow him down. My caution is not to put assets into a meat grinder doing so. You are out of position and you do not have interlocking protection in place. Make your decisions in light of that.

Losing Rabaul this early is not good, but then it is an outcome of your strategy of not defending the Solomon's. Not a criticsm, only an observation. Defending the solomon's is tough as IJ. You have to REALLY prep to do so and you have to keep PM to do it IMO, which is very difficult in the face of concerted 4E strikes from OZ. It certainly is doable, but is takes a lot of assets to do so. You decided not to invest those assets. Now is too late to completely change that strategy. You can't get the assets (12xAF, 100,000 fuel, 250,000 supply, Air HQ*2 or 3 etc) in place in time. You can make some careful strikes to delay and interfere, but Rabaul and PM will fall within 90 days.

I'm concerned watching your reactions that they are piecemeal and hence getting ground up in the allied meatgrinder. Even with the KB, I don't think you have enough assets to commit it. You don't have LBA coverage and he will in a few days. That is a huge balance shift. This is PDU OFF, and as nygiants states, from this point forward it is real penalty to the IJ. In '42 you can argue it is IJ advantage as it keeps the 4E's stuck in mainland air groups.

Just urging caution here ....

I would be spending most of my efforts getting my next layer of defense in place. Look 90 days out ... he has Rabaul and PM. Where is he going next? What is the trap/defense I can create to prevent/obstruct/delay his intentions?

_____________________________

Pax

(in reply to ny59giants)

Post #: 855

Jan. 24/43 Update - 2/18/2012 9:54:06 PM

SqzMyLemon

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

Jan. 24/43:

Sub Ops:

I received the answer to whether my submarines will contribute anything meaningful to the war effort today, and it is an emphatic no. Despite the large number of submarines on station around Lunga, the Allied Fleet continues to sail at will and completely unmolested. Not a single torpedo attack against any Allied ships. I continue to get the short end of the stick here, I don't know what our particular settings/preferences/patches have done, but Japanese submarines in this PBEM are useless.

SS I-168 is ordered to Lunga to intercept the Allied amphibious TF and is hammered by the escorting DD's. DD Hammann single handedly pummels the submarine with DC's, forcing her to surface to be shredded by the remaining DD's with shellfire. As usual I don't even get a shot off.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Lunga at 114,138

Japanese Ships
SS I-168, hits 20, and is sunk

Allied Ships
CL Concord
AP Crescent City
AP President Polk
AP U.S. Grant
AP Fuller
AP W.A. Holbrook
DD Aylwin
DD Hammann
DD Anderson

SS I-168 is sighted by escort
I-168 bottoming out ....
DD Aylwin fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Hammann fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Anderson fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Hammann attacking submerged sub ....
SS I-168 forced to surface!
DD Hammann firing on surfaced sub ....
DD Anderson firing on surfaced sub ....
DD Aylwin firing on surfaced sub ....
DD Anderson firing on surfaced sub ....
DD Aylwin firing on surfaced sub ....
DD Aylwin firing on surfaced sub ....
DD Hammann firing on surfaced sub ....
Sub slips beneath the waves

SS 1-122 ends up occupying the hex the Allied CV's have moved to. Im lucky if one Japanese escort launches a DC attack against an enemy submarine, here the SS I-122 is hammered by three escorting DD's. She does launch torpedoes after being forced to surface, but as usual they all miss.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Lunga at 113,139

Japanese Ships
SS I-122, hits 16, and is sunk

Allied Ships
DD Cushing
BB South Dakota
CA Vincennes
CA Quincy
CLAA San Juan
CLAA San Diego
DD Frazier
DD Preston
DD Smith
DD Perkins

SS I-122 launches 4 torpedoes at DD Cushing
DD Preston attacking submerged sub ....
DD Smith attacking submerged sub ....
DD Perkins fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Cushing attacking submerged sub ....
DD Preston fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Smith fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Cushing fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Preston attacking submerged sub ....
SS I-122 forced to surface!
DD Smith firing on surfaced sub ....
DD Perkins firing on surfaced sub ....
DD Cushing firing on surfaced sub ....
DD Preston firing on surfaced sub ....
DD Perkins firing on surfaced sub ....
DD Smith firing on surfaced sub ....
DD Perkins firing on surfaced sub ....
DD Cushing firing on surfaced sub ....
DD Preston firing on surfaced sub ....
DD Smith firing on surfaced sub ....
DD Perkins firing on surfaced sub ....
DD Cushing firing on surfaced sub ....
DD Preston firing on surfaced sub ....
Sub slips beneath the waves

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Lunga at 113,139

Japanese Ships
SS I-26, hits 5 (once again, doesn't even get a shot off)

Allied Ships
BB Washington
BB North Carolina
CA Astoria
CA New Orleans
CL Honolulu
CLAA Juneau
CLAA Atlanta
DD Aaron Ward
DD Farenholt
DD McCalla
DD Lardner
DD Lansdowne

SS I-26 is sighted by escort
I-26 diving deep ....
DD Farenholt attacking submerged sub ....
DD McCalla fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Lardner fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Lansdowne attacking submerged sub ....
DD Farenholt attacking submerged sub ....
DD Lardner fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Lansdowne fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Farenholt fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Lardner fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Farenholt fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Farenholt fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Farenholt fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Farenholt fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

I'm glad I had halted 99% of all future submarine production. A waste of HI, and they have sucked A$$ the entire game. Completely useless.

China:

Air Ops:

Kienko's airbase damaged with 1 AB, 2 ABS and 7 Runway hits.

Kweiyang's defenders are bombed for 0(11) infantry and 0(16) non-combat squads lost for 202 casualties.
Kweiyang's airbase damaged with 2 AB and 5 Runway hits.

Troops continue to redeploy for the Tuyun offensive. Ground bombing will shift to start hitting the enemy defenders directly in preparation for the assault.

The Solomon Islands:

Naval Ops:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pre-Invasion action off Lunga (114,138)
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

51 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
CL Concord
DD Anderson
AP Crescent City
AP Harris
DD Aylwin

Allied ground losses:
15 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amphibious Assault at Lunga (114,138)

TF 155 troops unloading over beach at Lunga, 114,138

Allied ground losses:
44 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 4 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 1 (0 destroyed, 1 disabled)
Vehicles lost 3 (0 destroyed, 3 disabled)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pre-Invasion action off Lunga (114,138)
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

48 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
CL Achilles
CL Leander
DD Thanet
DD Voyager
APD Kilty

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amphibious Assault at Lunga (114,138)

TF 269 troops unloading over beach at Lunga, 114,138

Allied ground losses:
22 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 84 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 5 (0 destroyed, 5 disabled)
Vehicles lost 5 (0 destroyed, 5 disabled)

Air Ops:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Lunga at 113,139

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 78 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 27 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 79 (Escorts did a fantastic job today, and I staggered the altitudes)
G4M1 Betty x 31 (The bombers were hardly touched by enemy CAP prior to the torpedo run)

Allied aircraft
F4F-3A Wildcat x 28
F4F-3 Wildcat x 21
F4F-4 Wildcat x 81

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 3 destroyed
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed, 26 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 2 destroyed by flak

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-3A Wildcat: 1 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
BB Washington, Torpedo hits 1
BB North Carolina
CV Saratoga, Torpedo hits 2, on fire
CV Enterprise
CV Lexington
CLAA Atlanta

Aircraft Attacking:
28 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet (I continue to get poor results, I just can't get the rolls for a decisive strike)
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo

Ammo storage explosion on CV Saratoga

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Munda , at 111,134

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 7
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 7

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 36

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 3 damaged

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 5

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Lunga at 113,139

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 28 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 63 (Only 27 actually participated in the combat)
G4M1 Betty x 17 (13 bombers made it through the CAP)

Allied aircraft
F4F-3A Wildcat x 23
F4F-3 Wildcat x 19
F4F-4 Wildcat x 73

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 2 destroyed
G4M1 Betty: 4 destroyed
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed by flak

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 3 destroyed

Allied Ships
CV Saratoga
CV Lexington
CV Enterprise

Ground Ops:

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

Ground combat at Lunga (114,138)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 3334 troops, 31 guns, 2 vehicles, Assault Value = 141

Defending force 14344 troops, 232 guns, 399 vehicles, Assault Value = 542

Allied ground losses:
37 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Assaulting units:
84th Naval Guard Unit
Yokosuka 5th SNLF
5th Indpt SNLF Coy
46th JNAF AF Unit /1

Defending units:
27th Infantry Div /1
102nd Combat Engr Rgt /1
1st USMC Tank Bn /1
XIII US Fighter Cmd /5
2nd RNZAF Base Force /1

Nice job of the Allies getting ashore so quickly, I had hoped a port level of 0 would have slowed the initial landing.

Miscellaneous:

Japan:

Maizuru expands airfield to size 7
Rambutyo expands airfield to size 2

Allied:

Portland expands port to size 7

More later. I'm drugged up and off for a steak dinner. I'll discuss the results more later and respond to your comments. That's two Allied CV's torpedoed in two days. I've lost some planes and a couple of useless submarines, but I'm getting my chances. I think I'm a little unlucky as I've been getting to the CV's, but just can't get more hits. That is out of my control.

The next turn is sent, but I'm going dark until the replay is run. Catch you later!

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 2/19/2012 4:01:57 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 PaxMondo)

Post #: 856

Jan. 25/43 - 2/20/2012 7:53:32 AM

SqzMyLemon

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

Pointless to complain, the game is perfect.

Jan. 25/43:

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Jan 25, 43
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Rennell Island at 114,140

Japanese Ships
SS RO-33

Allied Ships
BB Washington
BB North Carolina
CA Astoria
CA New Orleans
CL Honolulu
CLAA Juneau
CLAA Atlanta
DD Buchanan
DD Farenholt
DD McCalla
DD Lardner
DD Lansdowne

SS RO-33 is sighted by escort
DD Farenholt fails to find sub and abandons search
DD McCalla fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Lardner fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Lansdowne fails to find sub and abandons search
DD McCalla fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Kirakira at 114,143

Japanese Ships
SS I-24, hits 11

Allied Ships
APD Dent, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage
CL Achilles
CL Leander
DD Voyager
APD Kilty
AP Arthur Middleton
AP President Monroe
DD Thanet
DD Tenedos
DD Scout

SS I-24 launches 6 torpedoes at APD Dent
DD Thanet fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Tenedos attacking submerged sub ....
DD Scout attacking submerged sub ....
DD Thanet fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Tenedos fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Scout fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Scout fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Scout fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Scout fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Scout fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Kirakira at 114,145

Japanese Ships
SS I-23, hits 1

Allied Ships
DD Thanet
CL Achilles
CL Leander
DD Voyager
APD Kilty
AP Arthur Middleton
AP President Adams
DD Tenedos
DD Scout

SS I-23 launches 6 torpedoes at DD Thanet
I-23 diving deep ....
DD Thanet fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Tenedos fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Scout fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Scout fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Scout fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Scout attacking submerged sub ....
SS I-23 eludes ASW attack from DD Scout
DD Scout fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Kirakira at 114,146

Japanese Ships
SS I-15, hits 1

Allied Ships
CV Wasp
BB South Dakota
CA Vincennes
CA Quincy
CLAA San Juan
CLAA San Diego
DD Frazier
DD Preston
DD Smith
DD Perkins
DD Cushing

SS I-15 launches 6 torpedoes at CV Wasp
I-15 diving deep ....
DD Preston fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Smith attacking submerged sub ....
DD Perkins fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Cushing attacking submerged sub ....
DD Cushing cannot establish contact with SS I-15
DD Smith fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Cushing fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Cushing fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Cushing attacking submerged sub ....
DD Cushing loses contact with SS I-15
DD Cushing fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Cushing fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Cushing fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Chungking , at 76,45

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid spotted at 44 NM, estimated altitude 26,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 43

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
19 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar sweeping at 24000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Lunga at 114,138

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 109 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 38 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 64
A6M3 Zero x 27
G4M1 Betty x 26

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 10
F4F-4 Wildcat x 22

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 5 destroyed
A6M3 Zero: 1 destroyed
G4M1 Betty: 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 2 destroyed

Allied Ships
CVE Copahee, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
CVE Altamaha
CVE Nassau, Torpedo hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
26 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo

CAP engaged:
VF-42 with F4F-3 Wildcat (0 airborne, 7 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters between 18000 and 21000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes
VRF-2F with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 5 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 21 minutes
VRF-5F with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 41 minutes
VMF-111 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 5 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 15000 and 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes

Ammo storage explosion on CVE Copahee

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 66th Chinese Corps, at 74,52 , near Tuyun

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 40 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 74
Ki-21-IIb Sally x 46
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 23

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-IIa Sally: 3 damaged
Ki-21-IIb Sally: 3 damaged
Ki-49-IIa Helen: 4 damaged

Allied ground losses:
109 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 15 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
23 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 6000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
26 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 6000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
22 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 6000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
23 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 6000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
23 x Ki-21-IIb Sally bombing from 6000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
23 x Ki-21-IIb Sally bombing from 6000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
3 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 6000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb

Also attacking 4th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 52nd Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 70th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 2nd Prov Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 20th Chinese Base Force ...
Also attacking 66th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 4th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 52nd Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 70th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 2nd Prov Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 66th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 4th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 52nd Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 70th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 2nd Prov Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 66th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 4th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 52nd Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 70th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 2nd Prov Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 20th Chinese Base Force ...
Also attacking 66th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 4th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 52nd Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 70th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 2nd Prov Chinese Corps ...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 8th Chinese Corps, at 74,52 , near Tuyun

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 35 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 59
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 10

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-IIa Sally: 4 damaged

Allied ground losses:
63 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
19 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 6000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
19 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 6000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
21 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 6000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb

Also attacking 24th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 7th Chinese Base Force ...
Also attacking 4th War Area ...
Also attacking 66th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 8th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 24th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 8th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 24th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 7th Chinese Base Force ...
Also attacking 4th War Area ...
Also attacking 66th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 8th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 24th Chinese Corps ...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Kienko , at 78,41

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-30 Ann x 28
Ki-51 Sonia x 19

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-51 Sonia: 1 damaged

Airbase hits 5
Airbase supply hits 10
Runway hits 27

Aircraft Attacking:
28 x Ki-30 Ann bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 1 x 250 kg GP Bomb
10 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 4 x 50 kg GP Bomb
9 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 4 x 50 kg GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Chungking , at 76,45

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid spotted at 30 NM, estimated altitude 29,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 27

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar sweeping at 24000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 84th Naval Guard Unit, at 114,138 (Lunga)

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Allied aircraft
Hudson III (LR) x 12
B-17E Fortress x 33
F4F-3 Wildcat x 3
F4F-4 Wildcat x 5
PB4Y-1 Liberator x 6

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
40 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x PB4Y-1 Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
Ground Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x Hudson III (LR) bombing from 7000 feet *
Ground Attack: 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
10 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 7000 feet
Ground Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 7000 feet
Ground Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
11 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 7000 feet
Ground Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

Also attacking Yokosuka 5th SNLF ...
Also attacking 46th JNAF AF Unit /1 ...
Also attacking 5th Indpt SNLF Coy ...
Also attacking Yokosuka 5th SNLF ...
Also attacking 84th Naval Guard Unit ...
Also attacking 46th JNAF AF Unit /1 ...
Also attacking 84th Naval Guard Unit ...
Also attacking Yokosuka 5th SNLF ...
Also attacking 5th Indpt SNLF Coy ...
Also attacking 84th Naval Guard Unit ...
Also attacking 46th JNAF AF Unit /1 ...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Lunga at 113,139

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 13 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 13
SBD-3 Dauntless x 57

Allied aircraft losses
SBD-3 Dauntless: 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
CL Katori, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CL Kashii, Bomb hits 6, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Karukaya, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires
DD Asagao, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
13 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
8 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
7 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
8 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
12 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CL Kashii
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CL Katori
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring DD Karukaya

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Rennell Island at 114,140

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 17 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Allied aircraft
F4F-3A Wildcat x 13
F4F-3 Wildcat x 16
F4F-4 Wildcat x 88
SBD-3 Dauntless x 28
TBF-1 Avenger x 25

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
CL Jintsu, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Oite, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Matsukaze
DD Yunagi

Aircraft Attacking:
13 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo
12 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo
13 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
3 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
12 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring DD Oite

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Lunga at 114,138

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 116 NM, estimated altitude 19,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 40 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 50
A6M3 Zero x 25
G4M1 Betty x 22

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 2
F4F-4 Wildcat x 47

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 4 destroyed
A6M3 Zero: 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 5 destroyed

Allied Ships
CVE Altamaha, Torpedo hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
CVE Nassau, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
CVE Prince William, Torpedo hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
22 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo

CAP engaged:
VF-42 with F4F-3 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000 , scrambling fighters to 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
VMF-111 with F4F-4 Wildcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
VRF-2F with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 13 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes
VRF-5F with F4F-4 Wildcat (2 airborne, 5 on standby, 17 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 32 minutes

Ammo storage explosion on CVE Altamaha

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Lunga at 114,138

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 118 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 44 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 42
A6M3 Zero x 15
A6M3a Zero x 46
B5N2 Kate x 35
D3A1 Val x 76

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 20

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 1 destroyed
B5N2 Kate: 5 damaged
D3A1 Val: 15 damaged
D3A1 Val: 1 destroyed by flak

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 4 destroyed

Allied Ships
DD Selfridge
AK Bellatrix, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DE Peary, Bomb hits 2, and is sunk
DD Fletcher
CA Chicago
CL St. Louis, Bomb hits 3, on fire
AK Fomalhaut
AK Libra, Bomb hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Gridley
AK Alcyon, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
CL Boise
DD Phelps
AK Almaack, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Chevalier
AK Algorab, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Fanning
DE Pillsbury, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
CA Australia
AK Titania, Torpedo hits 4, and is sunk

Aircraft Attacking:
11 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
6 x A6M3a Zero sweeping at 14000 feet
2 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
18 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
18 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
17 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
5 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 14000 feet
7 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 14000 feet
5 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 14000 feet
11 x A6M3a Zero sweeping at 14000 feet
12 x A6M3a Zero sweeping at 14000 feet
10 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
14 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
11 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
4 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 14000 feet
3 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
7 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
VRF-2F with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 18000 and 22000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 30 minutes
VRF-5F with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
13 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 17000 and 22000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes
VMF-111 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 24000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes

Massive explosion on AK Bellatrix
Massive explosion on AK Algorab
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring DE Peary
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring DE Pillsbury
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring AK Libra

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Lunga at 113,139

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Allied aircraft
SBD-3 Dauntless x 29

Allied aircraft losses
SBD-3 Dauntless: 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
CL Katori, Bomb hits 5, and is sunk
DD Karukaya, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk
DD Asagao, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
8 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
8 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 10000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CL Katori
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring DD Karukaya
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring DD Asagao

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amphibious Assault at Buka (109,128)

TF 129 troops unloading over beach at Buka, 109,128

Japanese ground losses:
37 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 7 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 2 (0 destroyed, 2 disabled)

10 Support troops accidentally lost during unload of Yokosuka 1st SNLF /2
10 Support troops lost in surf during unload of Yokosuka 1st SNLF /2

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

Ground combat at Lunga (114,138)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 3302 troops, 31 guns, 2 vehicles, Assault Value = 139

Defending force 14412 troops, 232 guns, 399 vehicles, Assault Value = 542

Japanese ground losses:
56 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Vehicles lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)

Assaulting units:
84th Naval Guard Unit
Yokosuka 5th SNLF
5th Indpt SNLF Coy
46th JNAF AF Unit /1

Defending units:
102nd Combat Engineer Regiment
27th Infantry Division
1st USMC Tank Battalion
2nd RNZAF Base Force
XIII US Fighter Cmd

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

Ground combat at Lunga (114,138)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 13006 troops, 216 guns, 396 vehicles, Assault Value = 542

Defending force 3407 troops, 41 guns, 1 vehicles, Assault Value = 133

Allied engineers reduce fortifications to 3

Allied adjusted assault: 402

Japanese adjusted defense: 55

Allied assault odds: 7 to 1 (fort level 3)

Allied forces CAPTURE Lunga !!!

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
E13A1 Jake: 1 destroyed

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), forts(+), fatigue(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
1827 casualties reported
Squads: 42 destroyed, 63 disabled
Non Combat: 20 destroyed, 16 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 20 (9 destroyed, 11 disabled)
Vehicles lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units retreated 4

Allied ground losses:
31 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled

Assaulting units:
102nd Combat Engineer Regiment
27th Infantry Division
1st USMC Tank Battalion
2nd RNZAF Base Force
XIII US Fighter Cmd

Defending units:
Yokosuka 5th SNLF
84th Naval Guard Unit
5th Indpt SNLF Coy
46th JNAF AF Unit /1

Miscellaneous:

Japan:

Repairs completed on DD Akizuki at Kobe, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on DD Teruzuki at Kobe, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on DD Susuzuki at Kobe, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on DD Hatsuzuki at Kobe, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on DD Naganami at Kobe, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on DD Samidare at Kobe, ship returned to service

Manus expands airfield to size 4

Allied:

Allied forces CAPTURE Lunga

Previous report of sinking of SS O20 incorrect. Intelligence reports ship is still in service

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 2/20/2012 4:22:51 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 #: 857

RE: Jan. 25/43 - 2/20/2012 3:50:24 PM

Crackaces

Posts: 3858
Joined: 7/9/2011
Status: offline

As far as the percentage hits .. the game rewards increased detection levels ... it would be interesting to know what your detection level was compared to the USN ..

In my game, I ambused KB#2 CVL's/CVE's that were also supported by Betty's and Nells ... and the IJ was very frustrated. I sank a CVL and no damage dispite numermious aircraft attacks on the Lady Lex and Big E ... but we both realized I was at a very low detection level and the IJCVTF was 10/10 sailing into a web of Cat PA overlapping patrol zones. Similar results .. very high hit ratio's for the USN ..zero hits for the IJ ..

On the other hand the opposite occured in my game in the Indian Ocean A RN CVTF was tracked off Calcutta and with a high detection level & 24 Betty's smashed through LB CAP (2 hexes) achieving well over 60% hit ratios to sink a CV and BB ...

There are sooooo many varibles that construct up a battle. I think you were thinking the whole problem was die rolls [thus expecting different results on the second replay] and there maybe a hole in your strategy/opertional execution. It could be as simple as the wrong leaders on the submarines or any number of other variables... but read NEMO's AAR's [only because he provides this detail] and you get a feel of mastering these nuances....

Just a thought ..

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 858

RE: Jan. 25/43 - 2/20/2012 5:20:34 PM

SqzMyLemon

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

quote:

ORIGINAL: Crackaces

As far as the percentage hits .. the game rewards increased detection levels ... it would be interesting to know what your detection level was compared to the USN ..

In my game, I ambused KB#2 CVL's/CVE's that were also supported by Betty's and Nells ... and the IJ was very frustrated. I sank a CVL and no damage dispite numermious aircraft attacks on the Lady Lex and Big E ... but we both realized I was at a very low detection level and the IJCVTF was 10/10 sailing into a web of Cat PA overlapping patrol zones. Similar results .. very high hit ratio's for the USN ..zero hits for the IJ ..

On the other hand the opposite occured in my game in the Indian Ocean A RN CVTF was tracked off Calcutta and with a high detection level & 24 Betty's smashed through LB CAP (2 hexes) achieving well over 60% hit ratios to sink a CV and BB ...

There are sooooo many varibles that construct up a battle. I think you were thinking the whole problem was die rolls [thus expecting different results on the second replay] and there maybe a hole in your strategy/opertional execution. It could be as simple as the wrong leaders on the submarines or any number of other variables... but read NEMO's AAR's [only because he provides this detail] and you get a feel of mastering these nuances....

Just a thought ..

Thanks for your post Crackaces. I'll take that into consideration.

I think it's best I no longer comment on combat results, because there's an excuse to explain away every poor result in this game. The "voodoo" mechanics of the game engine make it impossible for the average player to learn what is happening and why. I'm glad there are players that have the time and smarts to figure things out, I obviously don't have enough of either.

I apologize for my tone, but right now all I'm seeing are missed bomb hits, missed torpedo hits, missed interdictions and a mediocre/ineffective KB. DL's may explain only half my planes launching, but that doesn't explain the poor performance from my best pilots, commanders and leaders once they are actually attacking a target. I understand finding the enemy is half the battle, but once there I expect to see some better results. It's that simple.

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

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

(in reply to Crackaces)

Post #: 859

RE: Jan. 25/43 - 2/20/2012 5:43:45 PM

Crackaces

Posts: 3858
Joined: 7/9/2011
Status: offline

quote:

I think it's best I no longer comment on combat results, because there's an excuse to explain away every poor result in this game. The "voodoo" mechanics of the game engine make it impossible for the average player to learn what is happening and why. I'm glad there are players that have the time and smarts to figure things out, I obviously don't have enough of either.

I absoutely agree with this statement. The game is not very well documented and given its complexity it is extremely frustrating sometimes. It is rather difficult to pick up on things and takes a tremendous amount of devotion to learn to play. Given that .. maybe look at this game not to "win" but to appriciate the journey along the way. Try different things not aimed to win per se, but just to see what works. Then apply these lessons to the next game.

Just a thought ..

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 860

PBEM on Hiatus - 2/20/2012 6:16:43 PM

SqzMyLemon

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

Thanks everyone for your posts and comments over the years. This game is already over in my mind and I've stated my intent to resign from the game to Bart in an e-mail.

PDU-off and facing a Sir Robin was a gamebreaker for me, and the resulting disinterest and frustration has made my position untenable. I have too much yet to learn, but I won't learn anything from this PBEM with my current level of frustration. I thought I could, but can't any longer. The last turn was the final straw. I hate to resign, but as many of you have said, life is too short to commit to something you are not enjoying. I am following that advice.

Thanks again, and I wish you all better gaming experiences than I've had.

Joseph

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 2/20/2012 9:16:25 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 Crackaces)

Post #: 861

RE: PBEM on Hiatus - 2/20/2012 9:32:01 PM

SqzMyLemon

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

Bart has suggested that I think things over, and suggested I take a week to allow for a chance to reconsider. He by no means is suggesting I do so, but is allowing me that option. Bart's been a great guy over the course of the time we've played, he's put up with my vents and has always been nothing but polite and considerate. He understands my frustration and lack of fun factor with the game right now, and knows it hasn't developed as we both probably would have liked. He also acknowledges how the last few days could be frustrating for me, but indicates it hasn't been too bad either, and he has a point.

Everyone who follows this AAR, knows by now I can be rather implusive and let my emotions get the better of me at times. I admit that things are deeper on my end then the game itself. It's probably a culmination of a lot of things going on in my life right now. I'm going to take that week and remove myself from the game to think things over.

One thing that would haunt me if I decide to end the game, is not securing the Solomons for Pax. To show I could do it.

Back in a week with a decision. Feel free to offer any thoughts be they positive or negative if so desired.

Joseph

_____________________________

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 #: 862

RE: PBEM on Hiatus - 2/20/2012 9:59:44 PM

HansBolter

Posts: 7704
Joined: 7/6/2006
From: United States
Status: offline

I had to bite my tongue to keep from responding to your next to last post, but since you invited both positive and negative comment in the last post I'll go ahead and offer.

Your next to last post frustrated me to no end and was a prime example of why I don't play PBEM....Japanese players who are fair weather only players and who throw in the towel as soon as their year long to 18 month long escapade of totally superiority starts grinding to a close.

As for the logic of "life is too short to keep doing something you aren't enjoying" I am sure such advice came from a chorus of Japanese players. Stop and think thru the logic you invoke to rationalize quitting and see that no player would EVER play allies if they thought that way. When you ask some one to play Allies agaianst you you are asking them to accept doing something they know up front they aren't going to enjoy (dropping their pants so they can take a beating) in the hopes that they will have an oppurtunity to administer a beating in return once the tide finally turns.

By giving in to the "I don't need to be committed to something i am not enjoying" feelings you are disrespecting your allied opponent since that is exactly what you expected him to do. If you do decide to quit you rob him of the reward he expected for accepting the position of being on the receiving end in the first place.

My advice is "buck up laddy". Get over the dark despair of your dismal results and honor the committment your opponent made to you by accepting being on the receiving end on your behalf.

_____________________________

Hans

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 863

RE: PBEM on Hiatus - 2/21/2012 12:18:56 AM

SqzMyLemon

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

Hans,

I know we don't see eye to eye on things, but I thank you for your post and I understand what you are saying. However, implying I'm comtemplating quitting because my opponent is finally playing the game and my good times are over is unfair in my opinion and is missing the point entirely.

I was robbed of my "good times" by virtue of the Sir Robin strategy employed by my opponent. I faced no opposition whatsoever after the fall of Java and for the next 6 months I saw nothing larger than a DD. In light of that I don't feel I owe the Allied player anything. I could pull a Sir Robin-san and deny him his "good times" just as easily.

This isn't a decision I'm taking lightly and I do realize there is a contract of sorts when two players agree to play. However, it's still a game, and PDU-Off is not a fun game for Japan. I'm shackled with obsolete aircraft for much of the war, and I feel strongly that it prevents a Japanese player's ability to challenge the Allies beyond a historical perimeter. It rings too close to a simulation and not a game in my opinion. In hindsight, if I was playing a Scenario 1 game, but with PDU-On, I'd feel I'd still have a chance. Note, I did not say Scenario 2 as you assume every Japanese PBEM player wants to play. Also, we both have learned a lot in this game, and Bart understands my lack of experience with playing Japan has contributed to the problems I'm facing now. Japan simply can't make strategic mistakes in this game and recover, the Allies can and do.

To your "buck up laddy" and get over the dark despair comment and honour the commitment my opponent made to me, what about his commitment to me in the game? He pulled a Sir Robin and ran, he never took the beating you say all Allied players endure. The forum is full of Allied players avoiding this beating you say is mandatory. You know your comment simply does not apply to many PBEM games, and some of the best Allied players with aggressive play avoid it all together.

However, this isn't about who did or didn't commit to taking a beating first or last, as you seem to think it should be. This is about two people being engaged and sharing a fun and challenging gaming experience over a period of years of their lives. So unless you've unlocked the secret to longevity, yes life is too short to engage in something you are not enjoying. I've stuck it out as long as I could. PBEM is all about compatibility and complementing play styles, some work out, others don't.

One last thing, you are not me, nor are you Bart. We've had some ups and downs over the last few years to be sure, but overall we've given this a fair shot. His e-mail to me today in response to my intention of resigning was very supportive and I got the sense he understood where I was coming from. I'm sure he is disappointed and let down in some measure. However, in light of things, you really have no right to chastise me. You were not a part of, nor privy, to this contract so to speak, and it's really not your place to judge anyone. A far as disrespecting Bart, I disagree. I think I'd be disrespecting him by continuing. This will free him to concentrate on his game with Erkki and look for another more promising matchup is he so desires.

I didn't respond to your post to start an argument or even a dialogue. You've said your peace and now I have said mine.

Respectively

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 2/21/2012 3:40:08 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 HansBolter)

Post #: 864

RE: PBEM on Hiatus - 2/21/2012 3:44:43 AM

PaxMondo

Posts: 9750
Joined: 6/6/2008
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon

One thing that would haunt me if I decide to end the game, is not securing the Solomons for Pax. To show I could do it.

Joseph,

Take your time, get the other things worked out. This game is by no means hopeless. Challenging? Sure. Going the way either of us would plan? Not a chance. But then that's how a lot of things are, including life.

Me? I don't have a PBEM going because I now have a 2 year old son. Didn't plan it for now, but here he is. Oh well, how do they say it? Adapt. Improvise. Overcome.

Look forward to you coming back and showing me how to change a strategy in mid-stride.

< Message edited by PaxMondo -- 2/21/2012 3:46:17 AM >

_____________________________

Pax

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Post #: 865

RE: PBEM on Hiatus - 2/21/2012 4:20:41 AM

SqzMyLemon

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

quote:

ORIGINAL: PaxMondo

quote:

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon

One thing that would haunt me if I decide to end the game, is not securing the Solomons for Pax. To show I could do it.

Joseph,

Take your time, get the other things worked out. This game is by no means hopeless. Challenging? Sure. Going the way either of us would plan? Not a chance. But then that's how a lot of things are, including life.

Me? I don't have a PBEM going because I now have a 2 year old son. Didn't plan it for now, but here he is. Oh well, how do they say it? Adapt. Improvise. Overcome.

Look forward to you coming back and showing me how to change a strategy in mid-stride.

Thanks as always Pax.

This is my last post for a week or so while I decide what to do. It's not the challenge or loss I'm afraid of. It's just the culmination of a lot of little things that have bothered me over the course of the game, and then the whole problem of having learned so much since we started and not being in a position to apply it any longer in a strategic sense. Contrary to what many may think, my standing on the forum is important to me, and I'd hate to get a reputation as being unreliable. This isn't an easy decision for me.

I also truly dislike PDU off. It's not the game experience I wanted with Japan. If I knew how limiting it would be, I'd never have started the PBEM. I would gladly play Scenario 1 again, but only with PDU on. And KB recently attacking those PT's at Ndeni just pushed me over the edge.

Give me a week. I'll talk to Bart and see what we decide to do. I guess if I was optimistic, I'd suggest a restart with the same sides and settings, just PDU on. I'll think about it and see if Bart would be interested, otherwise I think it may be best for my mental health to end this one.

Joseph

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

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

(in reply to PaxMondo)

Post #: 866

RE: PBEM on Hiatus - 2/21/2012 11:43:03 AM

HansBolter

Posts: 7704
Joined: 7/6/2006
From: United States
Status: offline

I'm sorry you feel the way you do. I thank you for your civil response as I usually get nothing but vitriol from Japanese players when I try to remind them of their obligation to thier opponent.

I am also sorry you seem to have the impression you do of the Sir Robin strategy. Do you really feel that it is ok for Japanese players to take their attack machine and aim it at any and every nonhistorical site while expanding the empire way, way beyond any semblence of historical limitations but it's not ok for the allied player to respond in kind by evacuating his assets from the path of the juggernaut? It smacks of a desire for a patsy and not an opponent.

I do recognize that PDU off in scenario 1 can be a very tough challenge for a Japanese player and especially for an inexperienced Japanese player. I commend you for at least giving it a try.

_____________________________

Hans

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 867

RE: PBEM on Hiatus - 2/21/2012 1:17:00 PM

fcharton

Posts: 1112
Joined: 10/4/2010
From: France
Status: offline

Hi Joseph,

Please do take a while to mull this over. Playing as Japan is frustrating, we all knew it from start. But it is only 43, your opponent is having some success, but you're far from desperate. You have a navy, you're doing fine in China, and your opponent's cautiousness will sure play in your hands in the long run. Yeah, you'll lose in the end, that's what playing Japan is all about, but there's more to this game than success. It is, as the Buddhists say, a journey without a goal.

About dropping the game, having been there, and done that, and regretted it, I think the main reason why you should reconsider is NOT the gentleman agreement between you and your opponent (he most certainly knows where you stand, and can sympathize) but the fact that such a long game is hard to come by. You can drop, sure, but what then? Most campaign attempts are short lived, a one year old and still alive campaign is quite something.

Francois

(in reply to HansBolter)

Post #: 868

RE: PBEM on Hiatus - 2/21/2012 3:15:25 PM

ny59giants

Posts: 9869
Joined: 1/10/2005
Status: offline

I'm a few months ahead of Joseph playing Japan in late May '43 using Scenario 2. I have made some mistakes as this is my first game to get '43 as Japan. I've lost others and resigned due to some serious mistakes. I had played JuanG's mod with extra CVs, but failed to take Palembang and Singapore in a timely manner. My lack of oil and fuel brought me to end it by mid-'42.

It took multiple games to learn the beginning as Japan. Thankfully, I have always played with PDU option ON. I have made airframe and engine choices that have cost me extra supplies to this point. IMO, playing your first PBEM as Japan should be by using Scenario 2 as it gives Japan a few extra benefits for a newbie like me.

Thankfully, my opponent is a newbie and he lost too many CVs to date, so I should get into late war unless I do something stupid, which is always a possibility.

Right now I need help in figuring out how not to die by 1000 paper cuts that is the Allied sub fleet. the damn things pop up here, sink a transport or escort and disappear. The Type 95 depth charge is useless, but I continue on knowing I need to learn things in the game for the next time I play Japan.

If Joseph needs a new game and opponent, I would probably apply. This game is my way to relax, even when it gets frustrating.

_____________________________

(in reply to fcharton)

Post #: 869

RE: PBEM on Hiatus - 2/21/2012 4:39:14 PM

crsutton

Posts: 9590
Joined: 12/6/2002
From: Maryland
Status: offline

A few comments.

I agree that playing scen #1 with PDU off is a bad deal for the Japanese player unless he is mentally ready to absorb a historical whacking.

Although I don't think it is necessary at all given scen#1 with PDU off, the sir robin is a viable Allied strategy and can be exploited by the Japanese player to his benefit. There is a counter to any strategy in the game. Don't hold this against your opponent because of his play style-it is not fair to him. Just look upon it as a learning experience and note what you will do differently next time because your next opponent might just do the same.

That said, I think you are about to enter one of the most interesting phases of the campaign. That is early to mid 43 when the forces are approximately equal but with a slow Allied resurrection. Even though you as the Japanese player are going to go over to the defensive, it is a very fine time and both players can have fun, deal out some damage, and learn a lot more about the game. More so than if you were to start over.

A restart is not a bad idea if you opponent agrees. However, I see nothing wrong about extending your contract with him-say in a block of 4-6 months with the option to extend it afterwards. You are passing up on a great time to play the game and try out some new things.

If your carrier losses have not been high then KB is actually stronger than the Allied carrier fleet until about July of 43. The British CVs are all gone and aside from the Exxex he gets no carriers until then. Saratoga just took two fish and suffered a massive explosion which probably means 4-5 months in the yard and you sunk a few CVEs which are still scarce at this point. Give it some thought. I think you are really robbing yourself of another year of very fun play and some valuable experience. I would not give much thought about victory or victory conditions. Try to set in your mind what you would consider an accomplishment for the next six months and then go for it.

I have two campaigns going and love them both. However as the Allied player, I found 1942 to be the most exciting time as that is when I had to play my best and every little thing mattered. My good opponents gave me no slack. I still am having fun but the game is not as interesting to me now that I hold the advantage in 44. I miss the excitement of 1942. You might discover that trying to parrying the Allied counter strokes will be a lot more fun than you think.

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Sigismund of Luxemburg

(in reply to ny59giants)

Post #: 870