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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 ... - 7/25/2012 2:25:12 AM

Cribtop

Posts: 3890
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From: Lone Star Nation
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November 21, 1942

Subs

Skipjack torpedoes an xAK carrying base forces to Darwin. Although troops are lost to the explosion, the ship itself suffers only nominal damage and continues on to its destination.

A Kate from MKB attacks a sub near Bougainville. For weeks a land based Kate group has been operating ASW missions out of Shortlands in order to make this sort of event routine and perhaps serve as Maskirovka.

Southern Army

Nells destroy 3 B-17s and damage 9 at Alice Springs.

Siboeret forts go to level 3.

Burma

We sweep Akyab, but the bombers supposed to hit the base are scrubbed by weather.

Recon of Ledo now shows 30 fighters present. Mission accomplished. We will spread CF out and then sweep with three elite 42 plane Tojo groups.

5th Fleet

Re-supply missions to our three Aluetians bases are complete. The enemy SCTF has withdrawn at least to the East of Dutch Harbor.

Combined Fleet

As we prepare for passage of the narrows between New Ireland and Bougainville, eight DDs fan out to provide ASW cover. For good measure we through in two PBs from Rabaul. Our main concern is getting spotted by subs or coast watchers and losing operational surprise. The DDs will serve as pickets for our approach to Noumea once the transit is complete.

In case you're wondering, we can't use the gap near Ndeni because CF has wisely based Catalinas there in the aftermath of the Torres Islands.

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RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop ... - 7/25/2012 2:53:03 AM

Cribtop

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November 22, 1942

Cribtop HQ has a heart attack, but it's a false alarm.

Subs

We hold our breath as MKB moves through the narrows. No sub contacts, which is a relief, but just as the map view moves over the area we get the mine explosion klaxon! Was it a carrier hitting a sub dropped mine?

It turns out that the map view was coincidence. In fact, the mine was Japanese and allegedly sinks KXIV in the Sunda Strait, which we recently mined. Bit of an oversight not to have done that previously, but we are glad to get our first victim.

Sawfish duds on an xAK near Ishigaki, then hits a different ship in the same convoy. Halibut duds on another ship nearby. We forgot to set waypoints to use the shallow water near Pescadores, and the convoy went through the channel between Batan Island and Formosa. This may be a blessing in disguise if it convinces CF to hunt in this normally unused waterway.

Saury duds on an xAK near Mussau Island.

An ASW TF harasses Amberjack near Pescadores. CF is sticking to the deep water hexes here while our merchies sail in the shallows only.

SE Fleet

A night raid on Noumea is ineffective, perhaps because it is opposed by 10 P-39s on night CAP.

Southern Army

Looks like our tanks have finally retreated off the enemy's radar in NW Oz, as B-17 attacks cease. We shall see whether the Allied armor on the flank of Daly Waters moves against Daly, Katherine, Derby or another target.

Burma

A busy day here. The IJAAF pounds Akyab to keep that base closed. Interestingly, the two brigades that marched in from India today show a move arrow toward Akyab rather than toward the Imperial Guards Division just to the SE on the map. Either these are moving to reinforce Akyab or CF isn't yet aware that the hex side between the Guards and Akyab is impassable water. He could be preparing to use the Chindits for an air assault, but with the airfield wrecked that won't be easy. Hmm.

Night raids on Ledo are ineffective.

Diamond Harbor's port goes to 4, airfields at Ledo and Kalemyo go to 4 and 3, respectively.

China

DA Kukong gets 20:1 odds, casualties 1443(58) vs 86(0). These isolated corps, once part of a counteroffensive at the beginning of Operation Red Dragon, are some of the KMT's largest and are taking a long time to die.

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RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop ... - 7/25/2012 2:54:04 AM

Cribtop

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Well, we are now caught up and will return from vacation to resume the war tomorrow. What, if anything, will we find at Noumea? Read and find out!

< Message edited by Cribtop -- 7/25/2012 3:21:19 AM >

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RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop ... - 7/25/2012 9:17:30 AM

obvert

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How are you doing against subs overall? Is your ASW air working?

Aso, as you approach the date when torps start to work, what if anything will you do differently to deal with the new reality?

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Post #: 1564

RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop ... - 7/25/2012 8:09:38 PM

Cribtop

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So far, even with ASW trained (70 skill) pilots, I'm a little disappointed in my air patrols. They spot the subs often, which helps, attack sometimes, and miss often. It could be the air frame. I'm mostly using Lilys as they have good range and a decent bomb, but I plan to try out Sallys. I also have two ancient groups of 1Es operating out of Formosa.

That said, between air and dedicated ASW patrols plus keeping convoys to shallow water, we've so far kept losses low. My big fear is the number of dud hits on second line DDs used to escort tankers. Once those duds become hits I fear I'll run out of escorts!

My plan is to use the last two months of duds to suck dry as much as I can. Then, just before January I will pull the convoys back to base, intending for CF's inevitable sub pulse to hit air. The convoys will then return to the seas in larger, better escorted groups that deliver more stuff less frequently in a more heavily protected package. I call this Operation Galleon in homage to the Spanish treasure fleets that ran to Cadiz.

Thoughts are welcome as in this part of the war I'm making it up as I go!

< Message edited by Cribtop -- 7/25/2012 8:12:35 PM >

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RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop ... - 7/25/2012 8:22:40 PM

Capt. Harlock

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quote:

We spring a surprise daylight raid against Ledo, destroying 6 C-47s and damaging 23. Intention here is to reduce supply flights over the hump but also to force CF to base fighters at Ledo. This will further reduce the number of supply flights per day due to stacking and will divide his fighter strength in theater.

A clever move. Twenty-three damaged -- that should keep the base force busy for some time.

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Post #: 1566

RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop ... - 7/25/2012 10:25:36 PM

Cribtop

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Thanks, Capt. It was that rarest of things - good weather over Burma. As a result, every plane from four different bomber groups at three different bases arrived en masse over Ledo. Pretty good result for crappy IJAAF 2Es. I also could afford to go unescorted since recon confirmed for days there were no figthers present and CF had just suffered the black eye over Magwe.

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RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop ... - 7/26/2012 8:35:16 AM

obvert

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Cribtop

So far, even with ASW trained (70 skill) pilots, I'm a little disappointed in my air patrols. They spot the subs often, which helps, attack sometimes, and miss often. It could be the air frame. I'm mostly using Lilys as they have good range and a decent bomb, but I plan to try out Sallys. I also have two ancient groups of 1Es operating out of Formosa.

That said, between air and dedicated ASW patrols plus keeping convoys to shallow water, we've so far kept losses low. My big fear is the number of dud hits on second line DDs used to escort tankers. Once those duds become hits I fear I'll run out of escorts!

My plan is to use the last two months of duds to suck dry as much as I can. Then, just before January I will pull the convoys back to base, intending for CF's inevitable sub pulse to hit air. The convoys will then return to the seas in larger, better escorted groups that deliver more stuff less frequently in a more heavily protected package. I call this Operation Galleon in homage to the Spanish treasure fleets that ran to Cadiz.

Thoughts are welcome as in this part of the war I'm making it up as I go!

I've been doing much the same. I put an AV in with the big convoys to give constant air presence along the journey. I've not been using many of the older DDs as they almost all have type-95 DCs. The TK convoys hit enough open water that the Es and SCs with type-95-2 and type 2 could at least give something back.

Kates have been the best ASW plane for me. The 2Es are getting more reports of hits as I fly them lower (1k) and their Low Nav skill is getting better. Jakes have been getting some hits as well, but of course they're not going to do much damage.

I'm starting to use even the best DDs in an ASW role combined with air ASW as they still seem to be the most likely to attack a sub in open water.

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RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop ... - 8/8/2012 5:00:46 AM

Cribtop

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November 23, 1942

Real Life. So Cribtop, what the hell? Unfortunately, real life is still winning the fight. I've slowed down from my goal of one turn per day due to "death by a thousand cuts." Some job related but most just the ordeal of three kids, two dogs, and a new house. The AAR has suffered even more as I put most of my limited AE zots into feeding turns to Cuttlefish rather than updates.

Tonight, however, I'm on a business trip to Austin (my former home for 20 years - oddly bittersweet feeling, that). Since I can't do a turn, I'll try to catch up a bit on the AAR.

Subs

Sawfish torpedoes another xAK in the poorly routed and ill fated convoy near Formosa. Herring duds on a DD escorting a convoy in the South China Sea. ASW forces attack Amberjack near Pescadores. This sub is sticking to deep water while half the tankers in our merchant marine sail by in the shallows.

I-24, moving to drop a mini into Noumea harbor, brilliantly attacks a DD on ASW patrol and takes two penetrating hits in return. The sub will probably make it. Oddly, her mini-sub, Ha-10, is "beamed" twelve hexes NNE into the middle of the Coral Sea. The mini will loiter until retrieved. Weird.

SE Fleet

Madang forts go to level 3, Torokina's airfield to level 1.

Southern Army

Our IJAAF reserve bomber wing, made up of crack pilots who went to nearly 80 EXP and ground bombing skill while milk running Bataan for months, have arrived in Darwin. Today they hit the enemy's lead element, the 754th Tank Battalion, to good effect. We can safely do this without escort as the enemy LCU is out of effective fighter range of Tennant Creek.

Burma

Recon spots a unit identified as XXXIII Indian Corps moving on Akyab. Not sure whether this is an LCU or an HQ, but CF is definitely focused on this AO.

China

DA Kukong gets 37:1 odds, casualties 1067(105) vs 301(1). When will these units die? Ugh.

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RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop ... - 8/8/2012 5:20:56 AM

Cribtop

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November 24, 1942

Subs

Shark ventures into shallow water near Vicky Point to attack a DD escorting 38th Division to Rangoon. Several minor hits are tallied by return DC attacks.

A Glen spots 7 ships 1 hex SE of Noumea. APDs, DDs and a (probably phantom) CL are reported. Another FT TF?

4th Fleet

We detect radio transmissions at 174, 111, West of Pearl. An invasion TF or a routine supply convoy? Cribtop HQ orders a sub flotilla of one Glen boat and 4 regular I-boats to intercept in order to gain intel.

Combined Fleet

Operation Bismarck enters a dangerous phase. The carriers and the destroyer picket ships remain unspotted as they approach Noumea, but SigInt or a lucky sub could still blow the whole deal.

Burma

Recon suddenly detects a mass of Vehicle heavy LCUs moving out of Ledo toward Warazup. Cribtop Intel believes they railed in to Ledo from deep inside India. Given enemy moves near Akyab, we now have a two pronged offensive here. Fortunately, both prongs are moving in slow motion through the jungle while Japanese reinforcements move to Rangoon on fast ships. Still, Cribtop HQ issues a warning order to 56th Division at Singers and to 17th Army at Babel to prepare to join the IJA forces already present in this AO.

Schwebo forts go to level 3.

China

Lao Cai's airfield hits level 3.

DA Kukong, minus the exhausted 60th Division, still nets 17:1 odds and casualties 284(83) vs 90(0).

5th Fleet

Umnak Island goes to a level 6 airfield. We are formulating an evil plan for this base.

Other

CVE Chuyo and much needed base forces arrive in Japan as reinforcements.

< Message edited by Cribtop -- 8/8/2012 5:22:19 AM >

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RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop ... - 8/21/2012 7:40:48 PM

Cribtop

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November 25, 1942

A day of crushing frustration...

Subs

As MKB approaches New Caledonia from the North, our sub screen around Noumea closes a vice grip around the base at short range. Intention is to catch fleeing ships after the port attack. I-10 misses DD Patterson, escort to numerous tankers. Sigh. Nearby, RO-65 evades a PG on ASW patrol, while I-170 ducks away from enemy DDs before she duds(!) on DD Landsdowne.

Amberjack misses an ASW SC near Formosa. Posy duds on another SC near Takao. IJN ASW harasses Swordfish near Tandjoengbala and Wahoo near Pescadores.

The xAK Kosin Maru, torpedoed yesterday, goes down just off the safety of port in Luzon.

Combined Fleet

We send long range Nells after the port of Noumea at night as Operation Bismarck goes for maximum effort here. Havocs are up on night CAP and we lose two Nells for no gain.

In the daylight phases, our sweeps fail to materialize, instead adding to escorts for a pitiful raid of 12 Kates. What! As expected, hordes of P-39s are up, suffering at the hands of our Zeros but breaking through to kill all the Kates. Weather in the hex is severe storms, messing up our strikes. Nothing else flies. What a waste of a solid approach, bringing 11 carriers undetected to the launch point. Our planes confirm 59 ships in port, including BBs and tankers. Ugh. Still, perhaps this is a balance for the storms that prevented damage to MKB at the Torres Islands. Frustrating, however, as we did everything we could to strike a powerful blow.

As a meager consolation prize, Vals on Nav Attack sink 2 AMs and 3 xAKs near the Isle of Pines.

Southern Army

IJAAF Sallies punish 754th Tank Bttn in NW Oz with 38 vehicles destroyed, 11 disabled.

Burma

Akyab is pummeled by the IJAAF to keep the airfield closed.

Construction

Ichang airfield goes to level 2, Bihoro forts to 5. Noumea, ironically, makes level 7 port today.

< Message edited by Cribtop -- 8/21/2012 7:50:30 PM >

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RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop ... - 8/24/2012 7:48:27 PM

Cribtop

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November 26, 1942

A day of more #%+^%!

Subs

RO-65 misses an AM near Noumea.

IJN ASW can't find Swordfish near Singers despite having that sub spotted by aircraft.

Combined Fleet

We had a decision to make and guess correctly that CF would choose to huddle under his substantial CAP in port rather than make a break for it over a carpet of subs. Despite this, the second attack on Noumea is wildly disappointing. We successfully sweep this time, achieving about 1:1 in kills and wearing out the CAP. A well escorted Kate strike then puts all 143 bombers over the target. I whooped for joy and sat with pen ready to record the carnage. No joy. Poor weather in the hex results in three desultory hits on BB South Dakota. NOTHING else against 59 ships sitting in the harbor! Arrghh! Very frustrating to make the right moves here and come up empty. BBs, CAs, CLs and numerous TKs were identified as present. What a haul it would have been!

There are only two bits of decent news. First, we only lose 14 pilots, which ain't bad considering the 80 plus P-39s on CAP. Air frames lost are 43 Zero and 1 Kate to 37 P-39s. Second, CV Enterprise suddenly shows up on the sunk list today. Cribtop Intel doesn't believe it's really likely, but there was evidence she slipped out of Noumea bound for Sydney recently. It's theoretically possible the Big E went down en route.

MKB will retire toward the Torres Straits. Intention is to avoid the enemy subs currently swarming the Solomons and to hit the Liberator base at Cooktown before running the straits and disappearing off the map for a while.

SE Fleet

Luganville hits port 6, Vava'u hits airfield 4.

Southern Army

Nells on night airfield attack destroy 1 B-17 and damage 4 at Alice Springs. I really like the legs of the G3M3 model. Very versatile.

Battered enemy armor in Oz is shown as retreating. This whole push may have been only a feint by CF, but whatever it was, it appears to be over with Japan still in firm possession of the key NW Oz bases.

Burma

Akyab's closed airfield is hammered by Helens and now shows 100% damage.

China

A slow motion rescue effort culminates today as Chinese troops wade over a river to open a hex side at Paotow, where several LCUs have been isolated since the early days of the war. Even though all we have are collaborationist Chinese in defense, the mountains plus fort levels leave the enemy attack at 1:2 odds, casualties a light 65(0) to 50(0). We will let the enemy withdraw here if he so desires. The entire ChiCom army is cut off from central and western China and out of supply near Yenan. A few more starving LCUs there won't matter much.

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RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop ... - 8/24/2012 8:09:43 PM

Cribtop

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November 27, 1942

Subs

Allied DDs hit RO-60 near Noumea and force the sub to withdraw. Nearby, I-170 sinks AM Muritai while I-21 sinks AM Matai. Looks like CF will stay put here with his fleet. We'll wait around another day or two then order all subs back to the barn for re-organization.

Sunfish duds on and then torps an xAK southwest of Osaka. Seawolf hits a small tanker near Groote Natoena. Both Japanese ships sink. Escorts DC Herring off the coast of Japan.

SE Fleet

33 Liberators hit PM.

Buka makes level 1 airfield.

Southern Army

A great night raid by Nells out of Darwin destroys 1 B-17 and damages 18 at Alice Springs.

Burma

Five more enemy LCUs are spotted moving toward the Assam/Arakan border. Any doubt that this is the major Allied effort is gone. Cribtop HQ orders numerous additional divisions (2nd, 5th, 2nd Armored, 3rd Armored and at least one "China" division already bought) to prepare to ship out. In addition, several soon to arrive IJAAF base forces will be allocated to Burma to support new air units also ordered to the front.

Most of 38th Division has already unloaded at Rangoon, with the rest due to arrive shortly.

Our general plan is to delay in Burma. We will not try to hold the plains for long, falling back instead to prepared defenses in the jungles near Taung Gyi and Toungoo. That said, Cribtop HQ does authorize planning for the recently conceived Operation Whirlwind, an amphibious landing by 4 to 6 divisions at Chittagong designed to come in behind the Allies, seize Akyab and disrupt the enemy advance. Considerations against this Op boil down to Japan's lack of ground capability to seize the Assam bases at this late date. Thus, we cannot truly cut the enemy off from behind. The safer bet may be to just pile on in the jungles of lower Burma.

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RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop ... - 8/24/2012 9:41:23 PM

Cribtop

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November 28, 1942

Subs

Brave I-9, victor in a gun battle after being forced to surface near Perth, makes port safely at Soerabaja. Her crew are Heroes of the Empire.

SE Fleet

After yesterday's unescorted Liberator run on PM, the obvious move was to send in the Nicks, but we smelled a rat and held off. Today CF sweeps the base's fortuitously empty skies with the dreaded P-38, first sighting of this aircraft in the war. Cold comfort as now we will have to deal with the menace of the Fork Tailed Devil.

Southern Army

Our elite Sallys re-visit the 754th Tank Bttn in Oz, destroying 35 vehicles with no disablements. After the replay, the hex is suddenly empty even after recon flights. Cribtop Intel is of the opinion that we destroyed the unit. BANZAI!

Brunei makes airfield level 4, Saumlaki hits level 1.

China

DA at Kukong nets 18:1 odds, casualties 1228(238) to 36(0). When will these units die?

Combined Fleet

MKB withdraws NNW without incident, still grumbling about bad luck over New Caledonia.

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RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop ... - 8/24/2012 9:55:00 PM

Cribtop

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November 29, 1942

Subs

I-1 misses an AM near Perth.

Escorts hound O-16 near Boela. Sunfish duds on an xAK near Kyushu.

SE Fleet & Combined Fleet

MKB is spotted by Oz based Catalinas SSE of Milne Bay. Fortunately, the location is far enough East that CF will probably assume we are headed to Rabaul instead of the Torres Strait.

Buna forts go to level 5. Even the second and third lines are getting pretty stout now.

Southern Army

Bataan hits level 5 airfield. We meant to stop at four but now will go on to 6, the base SPS.

China

DA Kukong, 47:1, casualties 649(68) vs 78(0). Enemy AV in the combat window is now finally down to zero for all five LCUs. The end is near.

A little mini-drama in the North as 11th Division enters hex 89, 39, which is just SE of Yenan (map). This move forces three cut off enemy LCUs to re-route overland through the mountains in order to avoid a shock attack over the river. Those poor men will be walking the long way for months now under constant air attack from training groups based in Manchukuo.

Other

We have completed Phase I of our "Jakeification" program, which converted all the useless 1E search groups from Petes and other trash into Jakes. Phase II now begins as capital ships swap out their Petes and Daves for Jakes, giving better eyes to the Fleet. Whatever Zaibatsu holds the Jake contract is happy.

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RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop ... - 8/25/2012 5:13:19 AM

Alfred

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Don't lightly dismiss the value and practicality of Operation Whirlwind.

1. It is consistent with your defensive strategy of indirect defense. Not much point in adopting on paper a particular strategy but then failing to implement it at the first oportunity.

2. It will have significant psychological benefits, not just locally in the Burma area but throughout the entire PTO.

3. You are assuming too much that the Allied rear area bases will be stoutly garrisoned.

4. You don't need to capture all the enemy rear area bases to achieve the benefits.

As part of the preliminary planning process you should consider the following factors.

(a) Is Chittagong the best target?

(b) Are you prepared, and will you be in a position to start evacuating by sea almost immediately after capturing the main target base?

(c) A quick capture of the rear area Allied base very shortly after the Allied schwerpunkt has been committed allows for the Japanese to walk the exact same route of the Allied advance back. The intention being to remove the Allied hexside control and thereby trap the Allied schwerpunkt.

(d) Critical to the operation is maintaining mobility and local initiative. That neccesitates holding local air superiority.

(e) A supplementary operation which may be of immense value is a small landing on a non base hex.

(f) What separate forces will you have available to deal with any Allied seaborne attempts to resupply the "trapped" units.

Alfred

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Post #: 1576

RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop ... - 8/25/2012 7:16:32 AM

Cribtop

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Excellent questions as always, Alfred.

The concept for Operation Whirlwind arose as I tried to answer the following question: "How do I use the fact that I can create local air and naval superiority to disrupt the Allied advance?" Given the dominance of the elite Tojo groups over Hurricanes the few times CF has ventured forth, and given the commitment of his 4Es and P-38s to NW Oz and attacks on Port Moresby (both misallocations, IMHO), I believe I can obtain local air superiority. I am currently moving 1st armored division into position in front of an enemy recon unit as bait to draw out and attrit the Commonwealth air force, or to force CF to show his hand if he has more air assets than I expect in theater. If so, the tanks can quickly withdraw.

As for why Chittagong, it is lightly held and easily taken, while the opposite is true for most other target bases nearby. It also provides quick access toward Dacca, a key enemy airfield, and Akyab; which will be good to possess for many reasons, including cutting off one of the main enemy thrusts through the jungle. We could land at Viz, but then would face troops currently holding Calcutta in strength.

I would be willing and able to commit KB and large surface assets to stop Allied naval mischief. One major advantage I currently possess is a huge disparity in available CVs (knocks wood). Combined with IJNAF LBA based in strength at Port Blair (long range Nells) and Rangoon, it will be tough for CF to move anywhere in the Bay of Bengal if I have a mind to deny it to him.

As for ancillary moves, CF has left open several key rear area bases in Assam. I could order para-drops by two regiments in theater to seize these bases just before the amphib to cut all rail lines and cause chaos.

Finally, if I did this I'd want to wait until the CW armies had almost broken onto the Mandalay plains. They are then trapped with a month's march back or pushing on to possible encirclement.

Currently, both Kalemyo and Imphal are heavily garrisoned. If I could use a false withdrawal to convince CF to move these troops forward, then I feel the line of Assam bases all the way to Ledo could be taken. The stationary presence of these troops so far is my biggest concern.

OK, I'm starting to like this idea more!

PS - this whole discussion will be made more interesting soon. I am about 10 days behind the game but hope to catch up this weekend. As you will see, I believe (knocks wood again) that I am about to catch all remaining enemy CVs between KB and about 100 LBA near Java.

< Message edited by Cribtop -- 8/25/2012 7:25:52 AM >

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Post #: 1577

RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop ... - 8/25/2012 10:17:23 PM

Capt. Harlock

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quote:

the obvious move was to send in the Nicks, but we smelled a rat and held off. Today CF sweeps the base's fortuitously empty skies with the dreaded P-38, first sighting of this aircraft in the war. Cold comfort as now we will have to deal with the menace of the Fork Tailed Devil.

Congratulations on your "spidey sense"! But it seems to me that CF did not push the Lightnings as hard as he could -- shouldn't they be operational towards the start of November instead of near the end?

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Post #: 1578

RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop ... - 8/25/2012 10:19:51 PM

Cribtop

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Yes, I'm frankly surprised they didn't show up earlier. Question is - is he showing just a few or the lot? If just a few, where are the rest?

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RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop ... - 9/6/2012 11:33:37 PM

Cribtop

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November 30, 1942

Only one month left in the Year of Japan... And there are signs the Allies are moving.

Subs

I-169 misses PG Moresby near Noumea. I-1 misses an AM near Perth.

Salmon duds on an xAKL near Kusaie.

Combined Fleet

MKB approaches the NE coast of Oz without incident and launches a series of strikes on enemy bomber bases. First, one group of Kates bombs Cooktown at night, destroying 1 B-24 and damaging 8. Just after dawn, CAP shoots down a Catalina and a long range Hudson, the first sign of enemy air search on this Op to date. Next, we accidentally sweep Cairns, not Cooktown, due to a setting mistake. It turns out well as we shoot down 8 Kittyhawks for the price of one Zero. Finally, 163 Kates go after Cooktown. Zero escorts handle the CAP with losses of 2:2, then the Kates pummel the airfield. Although we are disappointed not to catch the P-38s on the ground, the raids do well in terms of airfield hits and B-24s destroyed and damaged.

This attack over, MKB will run the Torres Strait and head for Babel to get some rest.

SE Fleet

Rabaul makes fort level 6. Question: is it worth it to go for level 9 here? My instinct is to leave it at 6, but input welcome. Port is at 4 and airfield at 7. I'd build the port more but since the base is within 4E range of Oz I don't see it as a safe repair yard. In fact, I'm really sweating the pumping out of Ryuho, hit by an SBD at Torres Islands.

Burma

38th Division and 1st Tank Division unload safely at Rangoon to bolster defenses.

We have identified 8 divisions for Operation Whirlwhind and are assembling them from all over the Empire. Operational command of this force will devolve on the crack 17th Army HQ, which led Operation Red Dragon in China. Need to get them in position at Singers, re-fresh MKB and wait for CF to crawl so far forward into the jungle that he can't get back quickly.

China

DA Kukong achieves 45:1 odds and one enemy LCU finally surrenders. Casualties 1970(297) vs 79(1). I don't even want to think how many months' worth of replacements CF is "behind" in China. His army must be a shadow of its former strength.

Other

BB Mushashi and several large air groups arrive as reinforcements. To balance this, one big Zero group has to be withdrawn. We accelerate an Unryu or two now that Mush is online.

< Message edited by Cribtop -- 9/6/2012 11:34:47 PM >

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Post #: 1580

RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop ... - 9/6/2012 11:40:49 PM

Cribtop

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December 1, 1942

Subs

An ASW TF puts two penetrating DC hits into Seawolf in shallow waters near Djemadja. Nice.

Combined Fleet

MKB moves to the mouth of the Torres Strait. No enemy response and we have apparently moved out of his air search range, which is a pleasant surprise.

China

DA Kukong nets 54:1 odds, casualties 2055(188) vs 9(0). The enemy has at last crossed the point where degradation becomes destruction.

Other

Karachi makes a level 8 airfield and nets CF a bag of VPs.

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Post #: 1581

RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop ... - 9/6/2012 11:45:50 PM

obvert

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quote:

Rabaul makes fort level 6. Question: is it worth it to go for level 9 here? My instinct is to leave it at 6, but input welcome. Port is at 4 and airfield at 7. I'd build the port more but since the base is within 4E range of Oz I don't see it as a safe repair yard. In fact, I'm really sweating the pumping out of Ryuho, hit by an SBD at Torres Islands.

I agree. I haven't been using Rabaul for just that reason. I would leave it at level 6.

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Post #: 1582

RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop ... - 9/8/2012 3:41:44 PM

ny59giants

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Posting here as you need the hits and not on GreyJoy's, but you cannot say much about your Cowgirls UNTIL they win a playoff game or two. For all the talk about Romo being an 'elite' QB, he has to do better than 1-3 in playoff games.

Eli has more Super Bowl wins than Romo has playoff wins.

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Post #: 1583

RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop ... - 9/8/2012 6:17:17 PM

Cribtop

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True enough. I'll say this for Romo - last year and last game he cleaned up his act on "Farvian" do too much INTs. Problem last year was pass D. This year it will be O line, which worries me a lot. Just surprised we won, honestly.

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Post #: 1584

RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop ... - 9/8/2012 7:06:02 PM

ny59giants

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Giants were down to their 1st CB (Webster) and 5th CB (Coe). The other three are out. They still have some issues on the OL that many fans feel was overlooked during the draft. Its a long season.

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RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop ... - 9/11/2012 8:25:21 PM

Cribtop

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December 2, 1942

Subs

I-170 misses PG Moresby (again) near Noumea. About time to end our sub blockade here and re-organize? Maybe not, as other subs in the area report overflights by Allied CV aircraft. Could be inaccurate, or could be dismounted orphans from the Torres Islands, but we'll know soon enough.

IJN convoy escorts chase off K XVIII near Donggala.

Combined Fleet

MKB runs the Torres Strait without incident except for a few fragmentary reports sent in by Allied coast watchers. Thus does Operation Bismarck reach its unsatisfactory conclusion.

SE Fleet

Nadi makes level 5 airfield.

China

The IJAAF raids Tsuyung for the first time as we continue to hammer at potential supply stockpiles.

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RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop ... - 9/12/2012 6:15:03 PM

Alfred

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Cribtop

... Rabaul makes fort level 6. Question: is it worth it to go for level 9 here? My instinct is to leave it at 6, but input welcome. Port is at 4 and airfield at 7. I'd build the port more but since the base is within 4E range of Oz I don't see it as a safe repair yard. In fact, I'm really sweating the pumping out of Ryuho, hit by an SBD at Torres Islands...

It is worthwhileto build the fortifications up if these two conditions apply:

(a) you intend to not abandon Rabaul and will fight them on the beaches in the event Allied LCUs arrive, and

(b) getting supplies in and maintaining them above 25k is feasible.

If these two conditions apply, then it is worthwhile because going from forts level 6 to forts level 9 sees the unadjusted assault value on the defense boosted by a further 0.75x modifier. IOW you go from 2.25x modifier to 3x modifier.

You also get additional relief from Allied air attacks.

As to further improving the port, generally speaking your idea of not doing so for the reason stated would be very sound, but ...
have you considered using Rabaul as a 4E trap. That of course depends on what anti 4E assets you can get into place both a Rabaul and at interlocking nearby airfields. Using relatively low value ships as 4E bait could be very profitable. If you went down that route, a bigger port to speed up ship turnaround time would be quite useful.

Alfred

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Post #: 1587

RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop ... - 9/13/2012 3:59:42 AM

Cribtop

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Thanks, Alfred. In theory, I would defend Rabaul to the death if CF would let me. However, I envision the day when he bypasses it and I can't keep it supplied.

I have been chomping at the bit to use Rabaul as a 4E trap, with layered Nick and Zero CAP, keeping ships and even subs there in hopes of enticing CF. So far he hasn't taken the bait.

Question: If the enemy invades a base but doesn't/can't take it, and I fly in paratroopers, does that trigger a shock attack? I hope not, because about two weeks in the future CF stuck his hand in a bit of a cookie jar, and lost 2 [CENSORED]s and several [CENSORED]s, one of them loaded. I want to fly in mobile reserves while the big stuff loads up, but don't want to trigger a shock attack against the trapped [CENSORED] Division.

How's that for a tease!?

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Post #: 1588

RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop ... - 9/13/2012 5:28:12 AM

Alfred

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Don't know ofhand for certain if it is dedicated paratroopers being dropped. But you can air transport in non-dedicated paratroop forces and they should not trigger an attack.

As to the supply importation aspect to Rabaul, the importation is only critical until the fortifications have been built up to level 9. IOW if the Allies bypass Rabaul and impose a blockade, that would not be a significant consideration if you had already reached forts level 9 and therefore the necessity of maintaining supplies above 25k was no longer critical.

Alfred

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RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop ... - 9/21/2012 4:58:03 PM

temagic

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You still fightin' there Cribtop?

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