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Scratch Another off the LIST! - 4/16/2013 5:17:07 AM

John 3rd

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July 18, 1942

Interesting day with events in nearly every region. Quick around the horn reports:

North Pacific
Transports finish loading all the troops that landed at Akutan and are taking them back to either Umnak or Adak. The Umnak Convoy will unload its cargo and then combat load the troops for Cold Bay. We are not wasting time. The landing moves forward quickly. D-Day is expected to be about July 25th. Cold Bay is about to be pounded by 2 BBs and we'll see what the reaction is.

Central Pacific
The build-up to re-taking the stolen Gilberts sees its first objective fall. Makin is invaded by the 1st Maizuru SNLF Assault Brigade. The atoll is bombarded by 2 BC and 3 CA doing mild damage to the troops and base there. The landing goes in with another pair of BCs and CAs embedded in the Invasion Force. This attack scores some serious damage to the American Forces present and is only mildly disrupted during the actual landing itself. While looking good, I am not prepared for the result of a---GET THIS--67-1 Shock Attack. Holy CATS! Japan suffers 518 Casualties while the Americans surrender elements of the 21st Inf Reg and a TK Bn. Totals reach 1,981 Troops plus equipment. Ahhhhhh...that was really EASY!

OK. Time to move to #2. The Makin Invasion Force leaves the troops present there and heads for Nauru and Noumea to pick-up the two ID to be used at Tarawa.

It is obvious now what dan's strategy is. He grabs the bases, forces a response, and then does a USELESS SS Operation to lift off elements of the troops left behind. I think this is stupid because he is senselessly sacrificing portions of units but I do see that it keeps me somewhat occupied. Course this really hasn't derailed me in shape or form in the Central Pacific. I was done with Offensive Operations when I moved on New Caledonia. Guess I get some experience to my troops and a nice prisoner haul of troops that won't be able to fight at full strength for a while.

South Pacific
Begin loading the Inf Div to take Luganville. Am doing this at Lunga and it will be similar approach as Makin with a pair of BBs doing a bombardment and then another pair embedded within the Landing Force. Combined Fleet HQ is unloading at Ndeni to provide direct support for this landing.

Australia
After taking Normanton I have managed to lift out nearly 50,000 resources that flowed there from that base to the south. Cannot remember the name of it right now but this has been a nice addition in terms of resources.

NW Australia is now pretty darned secure. Have moved troops around and have engineers and BF at all the places I want.

Burma
Ramree has a TF unloading in it. This is the same TF that lost an AP and AK the day before due to Torpedo Attack. I have fighters Sweep in and a solid furball occurs over the base. Nearly 50 Allied Fighters start the day and while only 12 rise at the end of it. Towards the end I have a suicidal attack made by 21 Betty and Kate TB. They have no fighter escort. Luckily I only lose three and the remaining planes CRUSH the convoy. Four AKs are hit with at least a pair of TTs and go down. Supply, troops, and vehicles go with them. NICE!

Dan does me the huge favor of bombarding the ID that just moved into the Jungle hexes. This is what we discover facing each Inf Div:

Hex: 59,43---7th Aussie ID, 2 Indian Brigades, 1 TK Bn, 2 Artillery units, and IV Indian Corps.

Hex: 58,44---6th Aussie ID, 254th Arm Brig, an Indian Brig, 1 Art Reg, and XV Indian Corps

Hmmm...what does that leave him for major units at this point? The 18th ID was badly cut-up/crushed at Cocos. I know there are some mroe TK units but not sure past that. Certainly several British Brigades as well as more Indians...

At least I know what is to the north.

Singapore
CV Junyo makes the port and disbands. Looks like she is out for about 30 days. Perfect! I can use her when the rest of the Fleet reaches here for the IO Operation.

Home Islands
CarDIv1 and 2 CAs begin their refits. STUPID Game! Since I left these CV's Zeros and Kates at Tabitueau, the game automatically re-sized the Vals to 72 plane units. CRAZY! What the heck am I gonna do about that??!!

Yamato, 3 CA, and some DDs just disbanded at Kobe for some R&R and repairs.

CarDiv2 and their minions will do the same at Nagasaki in about two days.

Those are the major developments for the day...

< Message edited by John 3rd -- 4/16/2013 5:21:41 AM >

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RE: Scratch Another off the LIST! - 4/16/2013 8:40:40 AM

obvert

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quote:

CarDIv1 and 2 CAs begin their refits. STUPID Game! Since I left these CV's Zeros and Kates at Tabitueau, the game automatically re-sized the Vals to 72 plane units. CRAZY! What the heck am I gonna do about that??!!

You should be able to re-size them back. I always change the option to 'resize not allowed' after having this happen once. Not a real problem though. Just takes a turn to remedy.

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Post #: 512

RE: Scratch Another off the LIST! - 4/16/2013 2:51:56 PM

John 3rd

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Yaa...I figured as much. Had this happen once before. Will o through and make sure ALL resize options are off. I had thought I already did this for the Mod. We talked about it and I thought I did it for Japan.

Lots of wet white stuff in La Salle this morning. Dan and I will get a turn in later once I take a break from the store.

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Scratch Another off the LIST! - 4/16/2013 6:00:49 PM

John 3rd

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Here is some standard air action over Ramree for July 19, 1942:

Sweep: 14 Zero vs. 27 mixed Fighters 3 Zero for 2 Fighters
Sweep: 18 Zero vs. 15 Fighters ZERO for 8 Fighters

3 Zero for 10 Allied--Not too bad...

Attachment (1)

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RE: Scratch Another off the LIST! - 4/17/2013 2:23:13 AM

Prydwen

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quote:

What about going over to the OFFENSIVE in the Theatre he has committed to? I tend to agree with doing the upgrades immediately. This said, I have enough points about to pick-up another Inf Div. This is my thinking from church. He is forward-committed with powerful kland forces just sitting--for some reason--in the jungle. What about investing Ramree with a solitary ID and then thrust 3-4 ID up that road and drive on Akyab. This could force HIM to react and not vice-versa. He would be in the jungle and take forver to move while I could be using a trail/road.

Right or wrong it's aggressive and that's one of the many reasons your AAR's are always so entertaining. I just wish I had more time to get on and read. Or better yet, play. A few more weeks and I should be back from overseas. We'll see what happens then.

Go get him!

Joe

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Post #: 515

Sea Action - 4/17/2013 2:38:58 AM

John 3rd

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July 20, 1942

The Japanese have been moving their SS about from theatre to theatre and, after the Australia excitement, a group of RO- and I-Boats suddenly make their presence known in the Bay of Bengal. Two RO- score immediately hitting a pair of AKs (sinking Jehangil and damaging Steaua Romania). Better yet I-122 plants 40 mines between Akyab and Ramree and immediately I here explosions.

The post turn combat log shows SS Haddock sunk by a mine this day. If so, I LIKE three ships in one day. It is s olid start as four more SS enter the waters of the Bay this day.

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RE: Scratch Another off the LIST! - 4/17/2013 2:40:01 AM

John 3rd

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quote:

ORIGINAL: ItsAMadhouse

quote:

What about going over to the OFFENSIVE in the Theatre he has committed to? I tend to agree with doing the upgrades immediately. This said, I have enough points about to pick-up another Inf Div. This is my thinking from church. He is forward-committed with powerful kland forces just sitting--for some reason--in the jungle. What about investing Ramree with a solitary ID and then thrust 3-4 ID up that road and drive on Akyab. This could force HIM to react and not vice-versa. He would be in the jungle and take forver to move while I could be using a trail/road.

Right or wrong it's aggressive and that's one of the many reasons your AAR's are always so entertaining. I just wish I had more time to get on and read. Or better yet, play. A few more weeks and I should be back from overseas. We'll see what happens then.

Go get him!

Joe

Always enjoy your commentary Sir. Are you in the military?

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July 21, 1942 - 4/17/2013 4:10:02 PM

John 3rd

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July 21, 1942
Regional Reports

I've got everything I want sent to Burma so we'll see what happens. Figure about a 2-3 weeks for everything to be in place and then we'll see if we can get MISTER Roper reacting to the Japanese for a change in this campaign.

There are tons of troops in Tokyo and Shanghai that I have bought out over the last two months who haven't been shipped to their new homes and I need to get rolling with that. Am now seriously examining the defensive positions I WANT to have and deciding which ones to reinforce or better prep for the inevitable attacks. Have got a batch of APs and large AKs heading to each of those locations and will be sending troops mainly to the Kuriles, Aleutians, and Central Pacific. Many theatres are now in a transition period finishing offensives and looking to be reset for the defense.

Regional Examination of this:

North Pacific
AS stated many times over the last 2-3 months since Dan made this an active theatre that I wanted to kill troops and then reposition mine for the bases I want and establish a Main Line of Resistance. We're at that point now as the Cold Bay Operation prepares to get underway. As stated before I want to hold Amchitka and all points west. Will leave troops at Umnak and Adak because those are good bases but those troops will be just enough to force a major invasion.

Attu Area
I'm moving 7th ID to Attu for the garrison there. There are two good bases right next to Attu that provide excellent AF usage possibilities. Have an Air Flotilla at Tokyo moving here so all three bases have access to TTs. NICE! I've already got Shemya at Lvl-3 AF (nearly 4) with Forts at 3. The other base (don't remember its name) but it just went to Lvl-1. Just engineers at these bases presently but they shall each get a Regiment/Brigade sized unit. One of these Brigades is at Shanghai waiting to be lifted out.

Amchitka
Will move an SNLF Assault Brigade here to augment the engineers already present.

Kuriles
I've got the Ichiki Unit and 3 Inf Bn at Bihoro to will be moved to provide Infantry support to the Kuriles. There are 4 CD units spread out here and nearly all bases with decent AF potential are built-up. Need a couple of Base Forces here and we're good for the time being.

Central Pacific
As we work to finish off the Allied lodgement at Tarawa and Apemama, troops are at Toyko waiting to move to Kusaie and Aillinglap. Want to build-up those bases. Michael mentioned them and I concur that they are needed if CR comes again through this area. Plan to keep a decent amount of troops here by using an SNLF unit, several CD, and one Inf Div.

South Pacific
Concurrent with the Central Pacific, I shall leave Luganville (about to be taken), Efate, and Noumea garrisoned just strongly enough to force a serious commitment but shall redeploy the 4 ID down here to garrison the MLR in this region: Ndeni, Lunga, Munda, that base East of Milne Bay, and Milne Bay itself.

These area are prime examples of what I was mentioning at the start. We have offensive Ops going on at Tarawa, Apemama, and Luganville while at the same time the shipping will do double duty and pull troops from other locations back to their new homes. Hope this serves to keep Dan THINKING I am on the attack when I am actually not all! The continued use of the pair of CVLs and CarDiv1's aircraft from bases has also--it is HOPED-- kept Dan THINKING KB is in the Gilberts. Instead it is throughly laid-up getting refitted.

Australia
Already set the defense. I don't think he will come back this way. If he was serious he would have followed up the early operation. Am pulling aircraft and Base Forces from this region to begin the serious work of building up Timor, the Barrier, and Java.

Burma
Have already detailed the planning here.

Sank an AK at Ramree by Bettys and hit the AF with bombers. No aerial opposition again.

Moving the Mini-KB up to Sabang and might lightly nibble into the bay of Bengal.

China
I'm done here. Am attacking Changteh just to do something but this region is done. I am buying troops out as quickly as I get PP. Am shifting to Regiments and Brigades to place them at atolls and smaller bases that cannot handle a full ID.

Home Islands
A LOT of the Kaigun is present. It is approaching the end of July which means CarDiv2 upgrades. Crap... I am thinking to fully refurbish the Fleet and then move. Dan knows Yamato has come back because an SS took a shot that missed as the big BB approached home. Musashi is less then 3 weeks away. Want her to form-up with her sister. An additional thought in keeping the Kaigun here is that I can bring home the 4 BC and pair of Tone CA's so the carriers can be completely re-organized.

Will use this time to train up my aviators and pull some aircrew to the pools and re-work some plane sizes in the Home Islands.

EDIT: Should also note my that Radio Direction Specialists appear to be doing some serious work presently. I like to watch this and see if any pattern occurs. Right now something is moving along the southern map edge (I think) from Aussieland going east. Could this be the US CVs? Who knows. Have gotten three hits on radio traffic over the last week. LOTS of radio traffic in the NW US. Does this mean something? Hmmm...will keep watching it and making notes to see if there is a real pattern emerging...

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by John 3rd -- 4/17/2013 4:22:27 PM >

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RE: July 21, 1942 - 4/17/2013 4:45:50 PM

Prydwen

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Hi John,

Yes I'm in the Air Force. I work maintenance on KC-135's. it's for aerial refueling.

I think you're wise to be looking at your defenses. I don't think you can start too early. I don't have anything specific to suggest but I do think greyjoy is doing a good job of defense.

Good luck!

Joe

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RE: July 21, 1942 - 4/17/2013 4:58:43 PM

John 3rd

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Will take a look.

Thanks for the service.

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Post #: 520

Lovely Sight - 4/17/2013 11:17:32 PM

John 3rd

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It doesn't happen often but sub vs. sub did happen during the war. Since the return of Japanese RO- and I-Boats to the IO they have been scoring often and getting some nice sinkings. Here is an example from 7-22:

Am waiting on the final turn of the day from Dan and then I'll do another Post.

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by John 3rd -- 4/17/2013 11:18:13 PM >

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Post #: 521

RE: Lovely Sight - 4/17/2013 11:26:57 PM

ny59giants

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Adak - I look at this base as the key to the western Aleutians. Its shear size potential makes it an ideal base in many respects, IMO. One the Allies get it and can build it up, they can just march their way to Attu. Ask Nick (Olorin) about how I did just that.

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RE: Lovely Sight - 4/18/2013 12:26:41 AM

John 3rd

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I concur. I'm not in a big hurry in the Aleutians presently but the pieces are already moving and/or are about to. Will deal with that in a detailed Post. I have to admit to a certain level of paranoia here since Dan made his monster attack through the Aleutians to the Kuriles and into Sakhalin in our first game. He wouldn't do that again. Would HE?

Love this part of the game. He and I know each other soooo well that the mind side of it is highly complex.

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Scratch Another off the LIST! - 4/18/2013 2:19:55 PM

John 3rd

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July 25, 1942

Scratch a 3rd base off of the 'to do' list! The Sendai Division comes ashore under the protection of 4 BB's guns and rapidly expands its beach-head against the 30th Aussie Brigade. The next day a Deliberate Attack yields the entire garrison in a 9-1 attack. The 2nd reports only 132 Cas in exchange for--catch this--8,163 POWs.

BANZAI!

Tarawa tomorrow...

Attachment (1)

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RE: Scratch Another off the LIST! - 4/18/2013 5:22:47 PM

Chickenboy

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quote:

ORIGINAL: John 3rd
The 2nd reports only 132 Cas in exchange for--catch this--8,163 POWs.

Good job liquidating the gaijin, John. Make him pay for expending some otherwise fine troops so injudiciously.

Reminiscent of the scene when the "man with no name" from The Good, the Bad and the Ugly watched the fighting on the bridge: "I've never seen so many men wasted so badly."

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RE: Scratch Another off the LIST! - 4/18/2013 8:29:57 PM

Capt. Harlock

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quote:

Scratch a 3rd base off of the 'to do' list! The Sendai Division comes ashore under the protection of 4 BB's guns and rapidly expands its beach-head against the 30th Aussie Brigade. The next day a Deliberate Attack yields the entire garrison in a 9-1 attack. The 2nd reports only 132 Cas in exchange for--catch this--8,163 POWs.

BANZAI!

Tarawa tomorrow...

"Islands of Destiny" appears to be the right name for this AAR. How is the Victory Point situation?

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RE: Scratch Another off the LIST! - 4/18/2013 8:35:58 PM

John 3rd

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Harlock has that right. I don't care about Dan zipping in, abandoning, and trying lift out fragments through submarines but this is criminal with all the POWs I am getting. Will have a tally later when the remaining targets are gone.

Paula and I went to an Estate Sale today and STOLE a whole bunch of Union Pacific equipment. We got some rail switches, signage, 1960s time tables--maps--calendars. It ROCKED! Will Post a few pictures when I get the chance.

Running turn...

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Scratch Another off the LIST: Tarawa - 4/18/2013 9:58:00 PM

John 3rd

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July 26, 1942

The seas around Tarawa thunder as a preparatory bombardment by 2 BC and 3 CA inflict 257 Caualties and damage 18 Guns. Near nightfall the Invasion TF drops anchor and delivers its deadly cargo. Embedded within the Landing Force are 2 BC and 2 CA that inflict another 595 Casualties on the besieged garrison. The troops of the 14th Inf Div and 14 Nvl Guard storm ashore and simply CRUSH the remaining opposition. The 7th Marine Regiment, 34th Combat Engineer Regiment, and 762nd TK Bn surrender. Including the bombardments a total of 3.028 troops (not to mention 150+ guns and other items) march into the bloated POW Camps of Dai Nippon.

I don't care that I am whacking these guys who probably have 50% of them lifted off by USELESS SS. These casualties are real and the units shall take time to rebuild. I'll take that time and say 'thank you!'

Feels like I'm beginning to get these Amphip Landings (post landing bonus) down...

BANZAI!

Attachment (1)

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RE: Scratch Another off the LIST: Tarawa - 4/18/2013 9:59:05 PM

John 3rd

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Next on the Target List: Apamama.

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Post #: 529

Concerning Hobbits... - 4/18/2013 10:22:53 PM

John 3rd

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These little victories are helping my morale a bit. I'll wager Dan still thinks a portion of the KB is still in the Gilberts. NOT!

To do a little mind work, the Mini-KB steams into the center of the Bay of Bengal and launches two strikes that sink a DD, a PG, and 5 AK. After this turn I email and leave the following message for MISTER Roper:

On ONE Hand...

I am done with sending my land-based torpedo bombers into Ramree. That is a promise.

..on the OTHER hand...

That sound is a gauntlet.

Let him wonder exactly WHAT I have deployed in the IO...

The serious note to that is I just watched a Star Trek: The Next Generation episode entitled 'Peak Performance.' In that episode Mr. Data fought off an elite strategist in a game called stratagaema. He won but not trying to WIN but play for a STALEMATE. The episode really hit me on a deep level. I'm am now re-examining my entire planning side to operations right now and find things to be in pretty good shape. I've obsessed about Ramree and lost several hundred aircraft to the USELESS coordination penalty where wave after wave of UNESCORTED bombers impale themselves on a strong CAP. No more.

Decisions:
1. Let him have Ramree. I shall move troops there to bottle him up and simply take a stalemate. Yes: he will build-up the AF but there isn't much I can do there. This is simple reality. I shall continue to build-up my bases and move into the jungle to contain his planned offensive. We shall drive up the coast to simply distract him but the real emphasis will be simply HOLDING the ground for as long as possible. Will pull back my planes and retool/replace. Need more engineers and they are moving there presently.

2. Need to reconsolidate my mobile strike forces with my Betty's and Zeros:
a. North Pacific gets 3 Daitai of Bombers and 2 Daitai of Zeros based at Attu and surrounding islands.
b. Central Pacific gets the same based at Lunga.
c. DEI--Australia will have 1 Bomber and 2 Fighter
d. Burma--Malaya will have 2 Bomber and 4 Fighter based at Georgetown and Victoria Point.

3. A thorough examination of reinforcement destinations has been undertaken and they are moving to where I need them to be for the eventual true counterattacks. July 24th saw five TF depart Tokyo:
a. Agattu (Aleutians): CD Unit, SNLF Coy, and a Base Force
b. Ailinglaplap (Marshalls): Engineers and Base Force
c. Attu (Aleutians): Heavy AA unit
d. Kusaie (Marshalls--Carolines): Engineers and Base Force
e. Ponape (Carolines): Base Force

Have a bunch of AP coming to Shanghai where I will lift off a BUTTLOAD of Infantry and Engineers. Will detail that with tomorrow's turn.

4. Kaigun
Have the 4 BC and 2 Tone CAs now on their way home to join the Fleet. Sending the Fleet to the Bay of Bengal might be smart but I don't want to tangle with a bunch of Land-Based Air. He has that there in droves. I THINK his CVs are moving in the SE Pacific or back towards Pearl. Two more Radio Messages followed movement over the last four turns of SOMETHING moving at about 10-12 hexes a day. Figured this by using a ruler and scrunching my eyes closed!

If he IS moving the CVs to SE Pac, Central Pac, or North Pac then I want to be ready with the WHOLE Fleet.

Am contemplating a major raid into the Gulf of Alaska towards Western USA or a thrust from the Marshalls towards the Line Islands--Pago Pago. Would not get close enough to deal with the LBA but hope to find some serious convoys. The Fleet-in-Being concept is NOT one I adhere to. The CVs WIL be used once they refit. The question is where? I am recalling my big AOs and will forward deploy them wherever I decide.

This is a detailed Posting and ideas are welcome. Options are open. Thoughts?

BANZAI!

< Message edited by John 3rd -- 4/18/2013 10:25:18 PM >

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RE: Concerning Hobbits... - 4/18/2013 11:07:48 PM

GreyJoy

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I'm doubtfull in mid 1942 the best use of the KB is to go hunting for hypotetical convoys. Why don't you try to lure him into an invasion and then SMASH him? Dan is a great player, but he tends not to be that patient... use his will to fight to your own sake

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RE: Concerning Hobbits... - 4/18/2013 11:21:14 PM

Chickenboy

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quote:

ORIGINAL: GreyJoy

I'm doubtfull in mid 1942 the best use of the KB is to go hunting for hypotetical convoys. Why don't you try to lure him into an invasion and then SMASH him?

I agree. And being as you ALREADY HAVE a committed invasion (Ramree and surrounds) that must be fed, it seems to me your haul is more guaranteed in the Bay of Bengal than Pago Pago. I mean you know stuff must be around the former. The latter is a guess-probably not worthy of the expenditure of scant fuel reserves.

OR take the opportunity to upgrade your fleet CVs' radar and other fix-it-ups that you know you'll need sooner or later. I can't imagine that Dan would rest easy if KB and all of its iterant fragments just up and disappears for a month. Make him sweat a bit. Dial down the ping-pong KB effect and reassert the threat of a fleet in being.

By the way-unless you know where Dan's CVs are, you're taking a risk with these small mini-KBs flitting to the combat zones. Those guys are going to get greased when you get ambushed by 3-4 Allied fleet CVs. As the authors of Shattered Sword reiterated so many times, there were exactly two types of strategic goals in the Pacific. Those that mandated the use of ALL of the Japanese carrier assets and those that mandated the use of NONE of the Japanese carrier assets. Parsiminonious application of bits and pieces of the KB is fraught with peril. Avoid the temptation of being everywhere at once, John.

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RE: Concerning Hobbits... - 4/18/2013 11:28:22 PM

John 3rd

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Greyjoy: THAT is truly what I have been thinking about! He is very aggressive and not willing to wait. After that damned Star Trek episode, I stared at the map. Went Region-by-Region:

1. Burma: Stalemate until he launches his offensive. We'll see what happens at that point. It is a GROUND war though and he doesn't HAVE to commit his Fleet. Don't THINK he'll use the Fleet here. Give it about a 20% chance.

2. DEI: Hold Cocos and so I would see anything coming with Emily Recon flying from Sabang, Cocos, and Exmouth. Highly Doubtful--5%

3. NW Australia: I am committed here and prepped. If he came here it would not be cheap. Rule this as possible but doubtful. IF he REALLY wanted to he would have when he showed up 4-6 weeks ago. Say 10%.

4. South Pacific: Have extensive recon flying out of Ndeni, New Caledonia, and that island east of Milne Bay. Area where I am finishing Offensive Operations. Highly doubtful: 10%.

5. Central Pacific: Where I am currently working a wrapping up OPs. He still thinks (perhaps) that KB is present. His CVs MAY be moving into the area though: 25%

6. North Pacific: He has come this way before and he LIKES it. Would he allow himself to do it again? This theatre has been very quiet. It APPEARS that I am forward-deployed with my current troops there in theatre. Would he WANT me to advance into Cold Bay and then do a attack faaaar to the rear? Hmmm...possible...maybe even likely...will rate that a 30% chance. Maybe I give it that high of mark because I keep THINKING about it as a route.

Lean towards an early Allied counterattack at the North Pacific or Central Pacific. Soooo...if this is what we think then WHICH one? Hmmm...

< Message edited by John 3rd -- 4/18/2013 11:37:47 PM >

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Post #: 533

RE: Concerning Hobbits... - 4/18/2013 11:34:03 PM

John 3rd

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Chickenboy

quote:

ORIGINAL: GreyJoy

I'm doubtfull in mid 1942 the best use of the KB is to go hunting for hypotetical convoys. Why don't you try to lure him into an invasion and then SMASH him?

I agree. And being as you ALREADY HAVE a committed invasion (Ramree and surrounds) that must be fed, it seems to me your haul is more guaranteed in the Bay of Bengal than Pago Pago. I mean you know stuff must be around the former. The latter is a guess-probably not worthy of the expenditure of scant fuel reserves.

OR take the opportunity to upgrade your fleet CVs' radar and other fix-it-ups that you know you'll need sooner or later. I can't imagine that Dan would rest easy if KB and all of its iterant fragments just up and disappears for a month. Make him sweat a bit. Dial down the ping-pong KB effect and reassert the threat of a fleet in being.

By the way-unless you know where Dan's CVs are, you're taking a risk with these small mini-KBs flitting to the combat zones. Those guys are going to get greased when you get ambushed by 3-4 Allied fleet CVs. As the authors of Shattered Sword reiterated so many times, there were exactly two types of strategic goals in the Pacific. Those that mandated the use of ALL of the Japanese carrier assets and those that mandated the use of NONE of the Japanese carrier assets. Parsiminonious application of bits and pieces of the KB is fraught with peril. Avoid the temptation of being everywhere at once, John.

Great thoughts CB! I did that quickie raid into the IO to make Dan pause a bit. Perhaps I can get him to show his hand as well. Calculated risk. The Mini-KB heads back to the barn in Singapore. It won't be risked again in the near future.

Based on the thinking above, I want to be forward deployed into either a threat axis of North or Central Pacific. We'll get everyone refitted and then move the whole Fleet there. Where should the anchorage be? Truk may be too far out of the way for a quick reaction. Marcus would be better but one could not put the whole fleet there (if one is REALISTIC)...

I am going to deploy some 'pickets' into the area stretching from Amchitka down to Marcus. Will follow what the Japanese actually did with their picket line during the summer of 1942. Will also move six or seven Glen I-Boats to high traffic--logical--areas for his CVs to move through or to.

We've got about 2-3 weeks of game time to make a final decision.

< Message edited by John 3rd -- 4/18/2013 11:36:50 PM >

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Post #: 534

RE: Concerning Hobbits... - 4/19/2013 5:35:24 PM

John 3rd

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No big news for the 27th other then I-165 MISSED CV Illustrious along the coast of India near Viza. Know where at least ONE of his CVs are!

Have the Abemama Invasion Force on the way was well as Cold Bay in Alaska. We'll see if the Aleutian venture draws more attention. As the Invasion Force moves east I pink-up an SNLF Brigade to place at Amchitka.

Am working most of the day so no turns for a few more hours yet...

< Message edited by John 3rd -- 4/19/2013 5:36:03 PM >

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RE: Concerning Hobbits... - 4/19/2013 7:56:01 PM

zuluhour

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quote:

ORIGINAL: GreyJoy

quote:

use his will to fight to your own sake

for goodness sake or sake the beverage? Either works I think.

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RE: Concerning Hobbits... - 4/19/2013 8:26:42 PM

Capt. Harlock

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quote:

1. Burma: Stalemate until he launches his offensive. We'll see what happens at that point. It is a GROUND war though and he doesn't HAVE to commit his Fleet. Don't THINK he'll use the Fleet here. Give it about a 20% chance.

It seems to me that as long as you hold Rangoon and have the Burma Road closed, the advantage is yours. I don't see that you can hold this situation indefinitely, but the idea here is to increase the cost of the Allied offensive to the maximum.

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RE: Concerning Hobbits... - 4/20/2013 1:04:42 AM

zuluhour

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Wish I could throw 2c in the hat, but I am reading both accounts.

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Post #: 538

Not Today - 4/21/2013 4:11:24 AM

John 3rd

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I had a really LONG day at the store and so Dan and I just got one in. I've got a turn in the inbox but am too tired to run it. Will do so early and since I have two days off will get a some serious Posting in Sun--Mon.

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Post #: 539

RE: Concerning Hobbits... - 4/21/2013 4:14:49 AM

John 3rd

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quote:

ORIGINAL: zuluhour

quote:

ORIGINAL: GreyJoy

quote:

use his will to fight to your own sake

for goodness sake or sake the beverage? Either works I think.

< Message edited by John 3rd -- 4/21/2013 4:15:36 AM >

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