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RE: Avoiding traps - 12/18/2012 11:30:13 AM

GreyJoy

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Yes... the more i think about those 120 aux at Cairns, the more it seems like a para drop operation is taking place...

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Post #: 1531

RE: Avoiding traps - 12/18/2012 12:57:23 PM

GreyJoy

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Ok, orders have been issues. Huge masses of planes and ships moving all around the map. CAP, LRCAP, fast transports missions, ambushes, feints...i've done everything i could.

Turn is sent to Brad...now we just have to keep the finger crossed and hope for the best

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Post #: 1532

RE: Avoiding traps - 12/18/2012 1:03:18 PM

GreyJoy

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The butcher's bill of the day was, 14 4Es dowend, 16 B-25s for 6 Tojos and 4 A6M2s... with 2 pilots KIA and 2 WIA. Not bad indeed

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Post #: 1533

RE: Avoiding traps - 12/19/2012 8:15:13 AM

GreyJoy

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Joined: 3/18/2011
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Jan 21, 22 1943

Well, for the 100th time in this game, QBall made me hunt shadows, smoke and mirrors, while his advance continues like a steamroller.

Nothing happened on the eastern coast of Oz. The BB-LSI TF was just a bait, once again. A Cap trap probably to lure my Netties on long range suicide strikes. The paradrop never materialized and i spent two turns delivering my reserves with transport planes and fast transport TFs to Salamua, Milne Bay and Rossell Isl.... result? some 12 planes lost for op mission and my reserves fragmented and fatigued all over useless bases that will probablu never see an american paratrooper or an allied chute.

Same for southern DEI, but worse.
The enemy sent first several PTs to Salroe (south of Saumlaki). We sent a force composed of 1 TF of 8 modern DDs and 1 more TF with 4 CLs and 8 DDs. Result? The PTs went back to Darwin, while a HUGE SAG TF (BBs, CAs, CLs etc) materialized 2 hexes south west of Samulaki. Just one hex too far for the range of my Netties and Kates. My TFs, for some reasons, didn't retreat in time and got found by 50 SBD-3s from Bathrust Island (yes, the dot base, conquered just 2 weeks ago, is already a level 2 AF and level�1 port

)... my LRCAP was non-existent (don't ask me why cause i don't know) and the result was 4 CLs badly damaged by 500lb bombs that now will have to avoid the enemy SCTF and the 100 subs that are circling in this area... oh well....

In China we got another bloody nose at the gates of Kunming... while 70 enemy fighters got back at Kunming

...

Overall i think we reached that point where Japan can only lose stuff without obtaining any decisive tactical or strategical gain. Enemy CVEs are now present and confirmed at Darwin, while QBall is keeping his CVs out of my sight (probably waiting to get the Hellcats before committing).
He can move easily behind his strong LRCAP and his air power is, by now, much stronger than mine (at least in terms of numbers of active planes).

Despite i've done my best to secure my southern DEI perimeter, i now feel the weakness of my plan.
I've supposed that my opponent would overextend. I've supposed that he could go overconfident. I've supposed that he could make some kind of mistakes.... none of that. Brad hasn't. He is methodical, he never risks. He knows his power is growing and he's not in hurry of using it. Every base he conquers gets immediately well defended. And he never risks his best ships to advance. There's a reason why he landed at Broome (4 months ago) with (old)xAPs and (old)xAKs, even if he could use the AP/AK or the fast and modern xAPs... he simply didn't need to risk his best ships.
Same goes for the modern CL/CAs... why we fought against CL Leander, CL Achilles and CA Pensacola? Why we didn't encounter any Cleveland or Brooklin Class? Cause he knows he simply doens't need to risk them, while every ship, every plane, every pilot i lose is a mortal blow to my fighting abilities.

At the same time he never gives me a clue to his real intentions. He keeps me costantly under mental pressure. Now, for example, some P-40s started to sweep Tabiutea... as if he knew i was just realizing the whole Tabiutea thing was a bluff... he felt, with his lizard instinct (Dexter, anyone?) this new epiphany (sp!?) of mine and sent those P40s like a message (there isn't any other reason to sweep the dot base of Tabiutea now) sayin: "Are you really sure i'm not coming for CENTPAC?"

And what about those Recon Wildcats that from Cocos keep on reconning Merak? Is there any other reason to do that if not keeping me under pressure, reminding me that none of my fronts is secure and safe?

One thing i know... the next game i'll play the allies i'll remember all these lessons

R&D: N1K1 advanced to March 1943... soon we'll have them... will they save me? No... but probably they'll help my mood

< Message edited by GreyJoy -- 12/19/2012 8:19:10 AM >

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Post #: 1534

RE: Avoiding traps - 12/19/2012 10:25:03 AM

veji1

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I would repeat what I said earlier, your problem here is that you never committed overwhelming odds to win a battle.. You cannot play and expect to win against the allies by defending on a budget while trying to protect everything, just because keeping the KB hidden is good to make sure allies go slow.

Guess what.. if he goes for small offensives with equipment he could afford to use and it works because you hardly defend, well he is going to keep on doing it and it will keep on working... As the Japs you have to pick your spots and smack as hard as possible with as much power as possible to win a quick massive tactical victory, and hope you weren't trapped so that he can attack somewhere else...

To be honest the mod you are playing makes it extremely more difficult, but I must say you got your timing wrong regarding the KB. The KB should be used to spank the allies hard whenever possible when it is strong... Then in late 43 and after it is useful more as a fleet in being until time comes when its sacrifice is usefull.. But here you played japan too conservatively... If you spread out your forces and don't commit when you can, you will be slowly nimbled away.

Good luck though !

_____________________________

Adieu � Dieu odieux... sign� Adam

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Post #: 1535

RE: Avoiding traps - 12/19/2012 11:36:50 AM

GreyJoy

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quote:

ORIGINAL: veji1

I would repeat what I said earlier, your problem here is that you never committed overwhelming odds to win a battle.. You cannot play and expect to win against the allies by defending on a budget while trying to protect everything, just because keeping the KB hidden is good to make sure allies go slow.

Guess what.. if he goes for small offensives with equipment he could afford to use and it works because you hardly defend, well he is going to keep on doing it and it will keep on working... As the Japs you have to pick your spots and smack as hard as possible with as much power as possible to win a quick massive tactical victory, and hope you weren't trapped so that he can attack somewhere else...

To be honest the mod you are playing makes it extremely more difficult, but I must say you got your timing wrong regarding the KB. The KB should be used to spank the allies hard whenever possible when it is strong... Then in late 43 and after it is useful more as a fleet in being until time comes when its sacrifice is usefull.. But here you played japan too conservatively... If you spread out your forces and don't commit when you can, you will be slowly nimbled away.

Good luck though !

You are absolutely right mate. And i agree with your statement. I know.... I'm realizing right now that my mind isn't made for this kind of attitude... that's the problem i'm facing. I always feel too weak... The aggressiveness needed to play Japan as it should be played isn't really something in my chords.
Also i think i've been too conditioned by my previous game... Rader has beaten me so hard that i haven't recovered yet and i'm too influenced by what happened in that game to really play a game with a strategy indipended from what has happened.

Probably now it's even too late to be aggressive. The real problem is that i stopped advancing as soon as the amphib bonus went out...while i should have pushed way further and way more aggressive. Now, with the Corsairs arriving online and with only 3 months far from having 130 Hellcats/monthly...well...

And QBall has been smart and wise to exploit these weaknesses of my Character

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Post #: 1536

RE: Avoiding traps - 12/19/2012 12:33:56 PM

obvert

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GJ - you are always your own harshest critic, which is really good in many ways to keep pushing and learning.

There is still a lot of time and opportunity here though. Through your persistence and eventual aggressive response in the game with rader you showed you do have the necessary mindset to play this side well. This is just your first time doing it in a mod where you have to consider every move carefully. Top that off with a very strong and elusive opponent and it's a mixture that could get you down very quickly.

Nothing is decided yet. He still has to make the jump somewhere. Decide which place YOU want to defend (probably the SE DEI near OZ) and defend it tooth and nail. Give what you can elsewhere, but don't compromise that one area. Show the KB sometimes to let him know you'll use it. Make him wonder what YOU'RE going to do next. It's possible to still chip away at his forces at this stage as well.

Maybe it's time to use your recon to look in places he should be concerned about, or not to look at all for a while. He can't set you up if you make it seem you're not paying attention.

Ask yourself what would make you nervous as the Allied player right now. He still has to prep for any target he wants, and if he preps for one you defend heavily, or lead him to believe you will defend heavily, he may have to take time in changing those plans. If he continues to go o a shoestring and you catch him, it will force him to go bigger on what he really wants, which can give you the chance to get a more decisive result.

_____________________________

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Post #: 1537

RE: Avoiding traps - 12/20/2012 10:34:30 PM

GreyJoy

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Sorry guys, been very busy in the last days...

Got it. Gotta attack. Gotta respond. Will do!

Jan 23, 24, 25 1943

Couple of good turns.

In China we swept again Kunming, obtaining a solid 33 to 7 in my favour. P-40s and P39s fell from the skies like flies. The following days the bombers appeared again over the enemy city.
Our divisions are reaching Chengtu. We are almost ready to attack.

Near Tabiutea Brad is showing me lots of TFs... but, so far, nothing really big...wonder if these are, once again, feints and traps...

North of Darwin the enemy start bombing Saumlaki and Babar, while we keep on reinforcing these places with fresh troops.

On the 25th a strong enemy TF arrived to bomb Saumlaki...on its way back my silent hunter service, again, did its job... sinking the CA San Francisco with 3 fishes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Babar at 77,118

Japanese Ships
SS I-164, hits 2

Allied Ships
CA San Francisco, Torpedo hits 3, heavy damage
CA Devonshire
CL Detroit
CL Concord
CL Sumatra
DD Mahan
DD Le Triomphant
DD Conyngham
DD Case

SS I-164 launches 4 torpedoes at CA San Francisco

The idea not to build Saumlaki and Babar is paying off now... he has very little to bomb and my guys are already behind forts so he will have to do something different.

We're also bringing troops to other dot bases between Timor and NG...

Yet, no sign of enemy CVs anywhere.... also his 4Es haven't appeared in northern Oz... i really hope i can have some N1K1 soon... My bet is that by Feb we'll start to build them

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by GreyJoy -- 12/20/2012 11:42:17 PM >

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Post #: 1538

RE: Avoiding traps - 12/21/2012 2:16:42 AM

princep01

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Medals for the submariners...and sake for them and you! Nicely done.

Question; Are you scouting Perth. Brisbane, Auckland and Sydney with those nasty Glens? Maybe it would produce a whiff of CV if you did so.

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Post #: 1539

RE: Avoiding traps - 12/21/2012 2:37:01 AM

BBfanboy

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quote:

ORIGINAL: princep01

Medals for the submariners...and sake for them and you!� Nicely done.

Question;� Are you scouting Perth. Brisbane, Auckland�and Sydney with those nasty Glens?� Maybe it would produce a whiff of CV if you did so.

Sounds like a new Christmas cologne for Naval Wargame players - Eau de CV
A heady avgas base with a hint of funnel smoke, burnt cordite and unwashed sailors ... certain to ensure your spouse/gf/bf leaves you alone to play AE.

_____________________________

No matter how bad a situation is, you can always make it worse. - Chris Hadfield : An Astronaut's Guide To Life On Earth

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Post #: 1540

RE: Avoiding traps - 12/21/2012 6:21:25 AM

GreyJoy

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quote:

ORIGINAL: princep01

Medals for the submariners...and sake for them and you!� Nicely done.

Question;� Are you scouting Perth. Brisbane, Auckland�and Sydney with those nasty Glens?� Maybe it would produce a whiff of CV if you did so.

Yes, i have Gleens in every sensitive place...but, for the moment...no joy!

He's now reconning Engano (SW of Sumatra) from Cocos....mmmmm......

And here's the map of southern DEI:
We're delivering troops everywhere, while Lautem and Koepang reached AF lvl 8. My subs are moving in packs, as you can see, and so far they are doing well in the game. I've learnt the hard way against Rader how to use subs... don't waste them looking for merchants and convoys but use them with the Japanese doctrine: hunt only warships!
And use them only in flottillas... a sub alone is a dead sub...a pack of wolves is deadly!

So far, we've sunk using only subs 3 BBs, 2 CAs, some old CLs and badly damaged 3 CVs... not bad!

Attachment (1)

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Post #: 1541

RE: Avoiding traps - 12/21/2012 8:36:09 AM

GreyJoy

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We now are delivering more troops to Kai-Enlanded and to the dot bases on western NG coast.
Around Ambon we're building 3 more bases with good AFs and connected by an Air Division HQ. The 20th Division (still broken in pieces) just arrived at Kendari and will be soon be ready to fight.

He's bombing daily Babar and Saumlaki with 2Es from Darwin. We have already ambushed his B25s over there and soon we'll be hunting them down again.

Still unsure what's going on near Tabiutea... don't understand if it's a feint, a small sideshow, or a major invasion.
However am sending 2 more SNLF units to the Marshalls just to be sure i don't get caught with my pants down there.

An air HQ just arrived at Sapporo, along with 4 new base forces. I still have to decide where to send these units... i'm really tempted to move them to the Mariannas, but i also wonder if it's not a waste considering how much he is focused on the southern DEI now...

Burma? Seems like Brad has completely lost interest in this theater... but i don't trust this loss of interest, so i'm keeping my air army at full strenght there.

GEORGE: at mid feb 43 we'll start to produce 160 N1K1 each month. I'll keep the A6M5 and the A6M3a active anyway, cause i'll need a good mix of SR1 and SR3 fighters. The Georges will be used only on major AF with lots of AS (Rabaul, Koepang, Lautem, Ambon, Mandalay, Rangoon) and in backwater bases like Bankok or Palembang. They, along with the Nicks, will soon start to be deployed on those AFs that can be reached by enemy 4Es unescorted.
With the arrival of the N1K1 i truly hope my defensive capabilities will make a little step forward

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Post #: 1542

RE: Avoiding traps - 12/21/2012 8:49:44 AM

GreyJoy

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A small consideration about the bombardment TF that bombed Saumlaki lately... mmm... an old US CA, a RN CA, a couple of Omaha Class CLs, some old ducth CLs... doesn't seem like the best he can bring here, right?! Where are his fast BBs? Where are the cleveland class CLs??? Is this whole southern DEI campaign another sideshow??????

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Post #: 1543

RE: Avoiding traps - 12/21/2012 9:01:54 AM

GreyJoy

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Also Sorong and the other nearby bases need my attention... damn, i really hope i can finish the China campaign ASAP...i badly need a lot more troops for the DEI garrisoning process.
Now 10 divisions are investing Chengtu. I truly hope the battle for Cengtu won't take too long... still don't know the forts level there but i guess it's at least a level 4... with a +2 terrain... luckly i dominate the skies and i have a decent artillery train with me. Also, the battles for this city should leave some of my divisions in bad shape....and that will mean a far cheaper PPs cost to buy them out!

For what concerns the economy, we're finally able to suck the oil from Umruchi. It seems that a couple of TK TFs at Shangaii are able to start the flowing process. Very good! Our oil reserves in Japan are already very very low (something like 10 days of production) and we really need to speed the whole convoy process (which is now, even if safe, defenelty too slow)

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Post #: 1544

RE: Avoiding traps - 12/21/2012 10:13:47 AM

veji1

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quote:

ORIGINAL: GreyJoy

A small consideration about the bombardment TF that bombed Saumlaki lately... mmm... an old US CA, a RN CA, a couple of Omaha Class CLs, some old ducth CLs... doesn't seem like the best he can bring here, right?! Where are his fast BBs? Where are the cleveland class CLs??? Is this whole southern DEI campaign another sideshow??????

It isn't a sideshow, it is just the result of the games dynamic :
- Qball is methodic and from the get go decided not to expose his precious assets until he could use them on favorable terms. This time is coming soon, but not yet, ergo, still hiding his best stuff.
- His whole North OZ campaign ran on a shoestring worked well, why change method ? He was probably planing and hoping on jumping quickly on a few more bases via Para and Fast transport, risking loseable assets. He tested your line of defense there with his B25 and Bombardment force. The response tells him that he just hit the real MLR, now he will be even more carefull, But until that point why should he have changed a successfull method ?

SO no the DEI/OZ campaign was not a sideshow, it was the main show because he could run it on a low risk budget. NOw that he hit the line he is going to check if he can turn it, surprise it (bases near Bali ?). If he sees he can't than there will be a big operationnal pause to think about what to do.

He is still going to build everything he can to be able to field the strongest possible LBA, but he is very likely not to land a massive army on Timor. Why would he risk it ?

Having hit the MLR here, he will start looking more actively at other places where he can push on a budget and stretch you.. His goal is to stretch you, he has committed enough troops to Burma to make you commit lots there, but no quality guys because he just want to stretch you. Same in OZ. He will probably start trying to hurt you a bit in the Salomons and Centpac to stretch you some more.

All the while preparing his big hammer for a strong decisive operation in mid-43 that will open the crust. At least that should be the plan.

_____________________________

Adieu � Dieu odieux... sign� Adam

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Post #: 1545

RE: Avoiding traps - 12/21/2012 11:25:19 AM

GreyJoy

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quote:

ORIGINAL: veji1

quote:

ORIGINAL: GreyJoy

A small consideration about the bombardment TF that bombed Saumlaki lately... mmm... an old US CA, a RN CA, a couple of Omaha Class CLs, some old ducth CLs... doesn't seem like the best he can bring here, right?! Where are his fast BBs? Where are the cleveland class CLs??? Is this whole southern DEI campaign another sideshow??????

It isn't a sideshow, it is just the result of the games dynamic :
- Qball is methodic and from the get go decided not to expose his precious assets until he could use them on favorable terms. This time is coming soon, but not yet, ergo, still hiding his best stuff.
- His whole North OZ campaign ran on a shoestring worked well, why change method ? He was probably planing and hoping on jumping quickly on a few more bases via Para and Fast transport, risking loseable assets. He tested your line of defense there with his B25 and Bombardment force. The response tells him that he just hit the real MLR, now he will be even more carefull, But until that point why should he have changed a successfull method ?

SO no the DEI/OZ campaign was not a sideshow, it was the main show because he could run it on a low risk budget. NOw that he hit the line he is going to check if he can turn it, surprise it (bases near Bali ?). If he sees he can't than there will be a big operationnal pause to think about what to do.

He is still going to build everything he can to be able to field the strongest possible LBA, but he is very likely not to land a massive army on Timor. Why would he risk it ?

Having hit the MLR here, he will start looking more actively at other places where he can push on a budget and stretch you.. His goal is to stretch you, he has committed enough troops to Burma to make you commit lots there, but no quality guys because he just want to stretch you. Same in OZ. He will probably start trying to hurt you a bit in the Salomons and Centpac to stretch you some more.

All the while preparing his big hammer for a strong decisive operation in mid-43 that will open the crust. At least that should be the plan.

Good analysis my friend! Thank you

Well, if he slows down in his advance, the better! The more time i gain, the more my perimeter gets stronger. Still a lot needs to be done. I need to start ASAP to send troops to the Mariannas. Marcus and Wake are strong, but with a coup the main they could be bypassed...exactly like i bypassed Paramushiro Jiima and landed directly in western Kuriles and Hokkaido against Rader.
So i'm sending the newly arrived Air HQ to Saipan and will start to send there base forces and some infantry.

I've done what i could for western Sumatra, placing decent garrisons in some places and positioning the needed Air HQs.

For the islands around Bali, i've garrisoned everything directly on the perimeter. Java has 3 divisions in reserve and 2 Air HQs...clearly not enough to stop an invasion, but probably enough to slow him down untill the reserves arrive.

Also the Kuriles need to be garrisoned more.... but to do all of that, i need first to conquer Chegtu, then a river of divisions will be available...which means 1 divisions monthly (probably more if i buy out the trashed ones)...

I won't let him advance easily anymore, anywhere. If he wants to grab more lands, he will have to fight and risk his assets for every inch of ground.

Not a massive army in Timor you say? Well, if he wants to advance fast, he should be looking for some decent AFs...and Timor has the best bases in the whole area...And if he doesn't want to risk a direct landing, he will have first to shut down all my AFs...and that won't be an easy task. Koepang is a fortress. Plenty of AAs and a great AF, with tons of engineers. I'll probably place there some CD guns also...but the next CD unit arriving will be moved to Sebang...that is always a weak spot. I already have a division, an air HQ, two base forces and an Artillery unit (with 150mm guns) there.but i want more!

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Post #: 1546

RE: Avoiding traps - 12/21/2012 3:46:34 PM

witpqs

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quote:

I've learnt the hard way against Rader how to use subs... don't waste them looking for merchants and convoys but use them with the Japanese doctrine: hunt only warships!
And use them only in flottillas... a sub alone is a dead sub...a pack of wolves is deadly!

Could you clarify that for me - do you mean that you use multiple-subs in on TF, or that you use a bunch of single-sub TFs in the same area?

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Post #: 1547

RE: Avoiding traps - 12/21/2012 4:03:55 PM

veji1

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I think it's multiple single TFs in a area where they react to each other's finds and "dilute" detection level...

_____________________________

Adieu � Dieu odieux... sign� Adam

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Post #: 1548

RE: Avoiding traps - 12/21/2012 10:50:40 PM

GreyJoy

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quote:

ORIGINAL: veji1

I think it's multiple single TFs in a area where they react to each other's finds and "dilute" detection level...

Exactly!

Guys...we have a problem...

Jan 31, 1943

The enemy, all of a sudden, bombed and plastered Christmas I.O., shutting down the AF with 80 Liberators from Cocos Island... then the enemy CVs popped up, attacking a picket TF south of Christmas... so Brad is invading on my flank...Java? Probably yes...damn...
Ok, gotta keep my blood still. 100 Netties are immediately moved to Sosarbaja, along with 30 Judys and 60 Kates. 160 Zeros and 40 Nicks are also moved at Batavia and Sosarbaja... don't wanna strip too much from the southern DEI. The KB is getting to Menado once again (burnt too much fuel doing nothing all around), while the SAG TFs are getting to Makassar, along with Baby KB.

Can i stop an invasion? Probably not... but far from LBA Brad is really risking. 15 subs are immediately re-directed from Singapore and Palembang...

The other bad news is that the enemy attack Lautem...i had 42 Tojos and some 36 Nicks on CAP... but they performed horribly and several squadrons of SDBs and Beauforts put 2 bombs and 1 torp into CL Oi

.... my light Cruiser Fleet is in a really bad shape

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Ambon at 76,109

Japanese Ships
xAK Kanko Maru, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage
PB Yoshida Maru
xAK Tsuyama Maru
xAK Sugiyama Maru
xAK Daido Maru
PB Takuna Maru #6
PB Shonon Maru #11

Allied Ships
SS S-45, hits 3

His subs are becoming a problem lately...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Christmas Island IO at 42,115

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 18
SBD-3 Dauntless x 17

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
xAKL Hidaka Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
xAKL Kokuei Maru

Aircraft Attacking:
17 x SBD-3 Dauntless bombing from 9000 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAKL Hidaka Maru

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Lautem at 72,115

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 35 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 11 *and the rest of the squadrons!?!?!?!!?!?*
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 11

Allied aircraft
P-38E Lightning x 18
SBD-3 Dauntless x 11

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-38E Lightning: 2 destroyed

Japanese Ships
DD Hasu
CL Oi, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DD Nokaze
DD Kyukaze

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000' *
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000' *
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000' *
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
66th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIa Nick (3 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes
78th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (3 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 31000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Lautem at 72,115

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 75 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 25 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 3
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 2

Allied aircraft
Beaufort VIII x 24

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Beaufort VIII: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Numakaze
DD Kyukaze
CL Oi, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
DD Hasu
DD Asagao

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by GreyJoy -- 12/21/2012 11:02:36 PM >

(in reply to veji1)

Post #: 1549

RE: Avoiding traps - 12/21/2012 10:58:45 PM

GreyJoy

Posts: 6750
Joined: 3/18/2011
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I will never understand perfectly how CAP works.... 72 planes, in 2 Sentais, 40% CAP, zero range.... and only 11+11 show up? Why the rest didn't scramble?? Oh well.... let's concentrate on his invasion

(in reply to GreyJoy)

Post #: 1550

RE: Avoiding traps - 12/21/2012 11:17:01 PM

ny59giants

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

Often the CAP will cover the base, but not any TFs in the base hex. Sometimes you get good cover over your TFs, but it is best to set range to 1 and LRCAP you TFs. I've learned this one the hard way also.

_____________________________

(in reply to GreyJoy)

Post #: 1551

RE: Avoiding traps - 12/21/2012 11:25:38 PM

GreyJoy

Posts: 6750
Joined: 3/18/2011
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: ny59giants

Often the CAP will cover the base, but not any TFs in the base hex. Sometimes you get good cover over your TFs, but it is best to set range to 1 and LRCAP you TFs. I've learned this one the hard way also.

Good to know! Thanks Micheal!

However now my problem is to mass enough firepower in Java and Sumatra in...well, yesterday!

KB should be able to get there by 4 turns...but he won't get close to land before 2 turns... and he'll be facing my LBA for 2 turns...then then KB will arrive.

(in reply to ny59giants)

Post #: 1552

RE: Avoiding traps - 12/22/2012 7:43:23 AM

GreyJoy

Posts: 6750
Joined: 3/18/2011
Status: offline

Feb 1 1943

Brad is driving me crazy! The enemy CVs disappeared and, despite the heavy naval search, so did what seemed to be an invasion TF near Cocos... again we're fighting smoke and mirrors!
We're not fighting McHartur or Halsey but David Copperfield!!!!!

However, our plans aren't changing. We're shifting forces to Java and Sumatra. That flank is too weak anyway so we need to give some cover and be ready for an invasion.
At Java now are present 135 Netties, 76 Kates, 35 Vals, 50 Judys, 160 Zeros (A6M5 and A6M2), 82 KI-44a and 30 Nicks. The mini-KB, 3 BBs, 6 CLs, 3 CAs and 25 DDs are also ready. 15 subs are reaching Sosarbaja in 2 days, while 5 more are already patrolling the waters around Christmas I.O. In 3 more days we'll be able to double those numbers, and we're not counting the KB!

We had a little payback over Lautem today. Several SDBs and Beauforts arrived again today, but the P38s forgot to escort and they got butchered... For some strange reasons (i hadn't the time to follow Micheal's suggestion) today our CAP (same settings) performed nicely, shooting down 30 enemy bogies for no loss and not a single bomb or torpedo was dropped on our ships

.

We've succesfully delievered another Brigade (a garrison unit to be honest) at Babar, using transport planes and fast transports, dribbling the enemy PTs that every other day pay a visit to the straits around Saumlaki. Good.

In China the situation is clearly explained in the attached map. We're fighting hard for Kunming, with alternate fortunes, but at Chengtu we're really ready to attack. I still need to reduce the supplies there, but i think we're getting close. The enemy has 90,000 men for 1,800 AVs, while we have 80,000 for 2,000 for the moment, but i plan to have 3,200 AVs in the city by mid Feb 43.
Kunming is a PITA and i doubt i'll be ever ready to reach it...but we'll try anyway.

Supplies are delivered to Burma (badly needed) and to the whole southern area army front.

1 Air HQ, 5 base forces and 1 division are finally loading at Tokyo in order to be shipped to the Mariannas.

N1K1 has entered into production!!!!!!

We're building 80 of them for the moment, while 4 industries are R&D the second version which should be availbale by 3/44
We'll use the N1K1 as our primary LBA navy fighter untill the J2M3 will become available (probably october-november 1943). The latter has been selected as our best mid-war IJN fighter untill the N1K2 becomes available.

Attachment (1)

(in reply to GreyJoy)

Post #: 1553

RE: Avoiding traps - 12/22/2012 8:10:43 AM

GreyJoy

Posts: 6750
Joined: 3/18/2011
Status: offline

Just noticed that two TKs of mine, embedded in a convoy TF that from Miri is bringing fuel to Singapore, collided on each other while they were fully loaded

...one TK is in sinking condition and won't make it, while the other one has 80 engine damage and is making 1 knot

Man, these details really make me love this game!

(in reply to GreyJoy)

Post #: 1554

RE: Avoiding traps - 12/22/2012 8:19:51 PM

crsutton

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

quote:

ORIGINAL: GreyJoy

I will never understand perfectly how CAP works.... 72 planes, in 2 Sentais, 40% CAP, zero range.... and only 11+11 show up? Why the rest didn't scramble?? Oh well.... let's concentrate on his invasion

About the way you would expect. Does not sound like radar was much help. You spotted the raid when it was 13 minutes away from the target. Then below that in the report it says it took 24 minutes for the entire group to scramble and reach the target. So, most of the CAP was too late..Only the patrol that was actually on station engaged. The rest were too late. Fortunes of war.

_____________________________

I am the Holy Roman Emperor and am above grammar.

Sigismund of Luxemburg

(in reply to GreyJoy)

Post #: 1555

RE: Avoiding traps - 12/23/2012 5:38:58 PM

GreyJoy

Posts: 6750
Joined: 3/18/2011
Status: offline

I know Crsutton... fortunes of war. We all have to get into our minds that, despite our orders, in war things never go as you would expect

Feb 03, 1943

Brad is clearly playing a cat&mouse game with me. While the USCVs disapeared from indian Ocean, another CVTF is spotted near Noumea. probably a CVE TF...i cannot know for sure cause the DL was very very low... he seems to be wanting to make my attention away from southern DEI... but i won't eat this bait!
His bombers keep on pounding Woodlark Island, Babar and Saumlaki, while Christmas Island I.O. is kept shut by his liberators...

Lots of shippings near Darwin tell me something is ready to begin down there. We're ready. We are balanced and my defences keep on getting stronger every day.
Come to me. I'm ready to pay with iron and blood the price of honour!!

But i'm not forgetting the Kuriles nor the Mariannas. The first big reinforcements TFs are loading right now at Tokyo. Soon Saipan, Guam and Tinian will become fortresses and so will be Etorofu, Shimushiri Jima, Onnekotan jima and Paramushiro. Come my friend, come...

Sebang is also getting a 320mm Artillery battaillon and some CD guns too.

Moulmein is getting fortified and we'll soon begin to fortify Thailand (i've read with fear what is happening in Jcar's game...

)

(in reply to crsutton)

Post #: 1556

RE: Avoiding traps - 12/24/2012 5:06:04 PM

GreyJoy

Posts: 6750
Joined: 3/18/2011
Status: offline

Feb 04-05, 43

Seems like Brad is up to another feint with those CVEs spotted near Noumea 2 days ago.

For the third time in this match, QBall has assembled what seems to be an invasion force east of Townsville. The other two times it was simply a feint.
Several SCTFs and some xAP/xAKs TFs are assembling southwest of Rossell Island... once again the jap subs did their job, sinking an Omaha Class CL (CL Trenton). 3 CVEs are spotted along with this strange invasion force...but not a single BB...so i guess this is another fake invasion.
Rossell Island and Tugala Island seem to be the target anyway.... both bases have been reconned in the last 10 days by his F4s and Woodlark Island AF is kept shut by 100 4Es every day...

Even if i don't think this is for real, i'm getting ready to meet him if he wants to fight. Planes have been transfered and are ready and a SCTF, led by Tanaka, is ready at Rabaul.

Christmas I.O. is ketp closed by his liberators from Cocos... the island has 350 AVs behind 3 forts so it's pretty safe for the moment. His CVs disappeared from Indian Ocean few days ago and are not seen anymore since there.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Tagula Island at 100,143

Japanese Ships
SS I-25, hits 2

Allied Ships
CL Trenton, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Lang
DD Wilson
DD Balch
DD Cummings
DD Preston

CL Trenton sinks...

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

Ground combat at Chengtu (75,41)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 2697 troops, 200 guns, 145 vehicles, Assault Value = 3540

Defending force 73533 troops, 271 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1798

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

Allied ground losses:
79 casualties reported
Squads: 4 destroyed, 4 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
13th Division
34th Division
70th Division
27th Division
37th Division
4th Tank Regiment
1st Tank Division
2nd Tank Regiment
39th Division
15th Division
2nd Tank Division
Botanko Hvy Gun Regiment
6th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
Tonei Hvy Gun Regiment
9th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
1st Army
23rd Army
1st Mortar Battalion
4th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
14th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
5th Medium Field Artillery Regiment

Defending units:
76th Chinese Corps
7th Chinese Corps
17th Chinese Corps
12th Chinese Corps
96th Chinese Corps
3rd New Chinese Corps
80th Chinese Corps
92nd Chinese Corps
57th Chinese Corps
98th Chinese Corps
24th Chinese Corps
69th Chinese Corps
56th Chinese Corps
19th Chinese Corps
3rd Construction Regiment
1st Construction Regiment
29th Group Army
Jingcha War Area
38th Chinese Corps
12th Group Army
2nd Group Army
4th Chinese Base Force
1st War Area
26th Group Army
3rd Group Army
Red Chinese Army
22nd Artillery Regiment
24th Group Army
2nd War Area
5th War Area
56th AT Gun Regiment
3rd Chinese Base Force
7th Group Army
9th Chinese Base Force

We're almost ready to attack here....

(in reply to GreyJoy)

Post #: 1557

RE: Avoiding traps - 12/25/2012 10:57:43 AM

GreyJoy

Posts: 6750
Joined: 3/18/2011
Status: offline

It is no feint this time. This time is for real. Two real invasions at the same time. Enemy CVEs are escorting a mighty fleet towards Rossell Island. Not less than 10 different TFs....BBs, CVEs, APs, AKs, APDs.... They are coming.
Near Darwin a mighty invasion fleet positions itself south of BAbar island.... babar, saumlaki or Salroe are the possible targets.... That is the enemy's plan: divide et impera. Combined fleet can't be everywhere and Brad knows it....

We'll do our best. This time we'll fight as hard as possible

(in reply to GreyJoy)

Post #: 1558

RE: Avoiding traps - 12/25/2012 11:00:44 AM

GreyJoy

Posts: 6750
Joined: 3/18/2011
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But Xmas is not just WitpAE....

Here's me at yesterday Xmas party....a bit, just a bit, drunk....

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(in reply to GreyJoy)

Post #: 1559

RE: Avoiding traps - 12/25/2012 11:34:06 AM

GreyJoy

Posts: 6750
Joined: 3/18/2011
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So it's feb 05 1943

ROSSELL IS.
Enemy CVEs are divided into 2 different TFs, 7 hexes south of Rossell. 3 Amphib TFs are parked 4 hexes ahead, along with a pair of BB TFs. Many more ASW TFs are scattered around.
Rossell is a soft spot in my perimeter. I knew that. Crsutton told me many months ago here on this Thread... but i simply didn't have enough forces to garrison it.
He seems to be doing a move like DOCUP has done against Koniu.

But the question is... is this another feint? I doubt he's really invading into two different spots...with his CVs in the Indian Ocean....mmmmm.....

BABAR IS.
He just bombed it with a CA TF from Darwin...and now a big amphib fleet is parked 2 hexes south of it... he didn't even tried to shut down Timor AFs... that's pretty strange if you ask me...

(in reply to GreyJoy)

Post #: 1560