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RE: Jan 17/42 - 4/15/2014 7:29:49 PM   
Encircled


Posts: 2024
Joined: 12/30/2010
From: Northern England
Status: offline 		Indian units start off as utter rubbish, Aus ones are a lot better

I'd reinforce India first to be honest

If you are really worried about Oz, then you can put all the Aus Divisions in SE OZ. You can't defend the North, or the West, but if he wants to take Oz, he's got to go for the SE. That would give you time to hold out till you can reinforce

_____________________________


(in reply to BBfanboy)
Post #: 91
RE: Jan 17/42 - 4/15/2014 7:42:29 PM   
BBfanboy


Posts: 18046
Joined: 8/4/2010
From: Winnipeg, MB
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: Encircled

Indian units start off as utter rubbish, Aus ones are a lot better

I'd reinforce India first to be honest

If you are really worried about Oz, then you can put all the Aus Divisions in SE OZ. You can't defend the North, or the West, but if he wants to take Oz, he's got to go for the SE. That would give you time to hold out till you can reinforce

You are right about the Indian units, but key British Brigades are also available. Some need new commanders.

_____________________________

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

(in reply to Encircled)
Post #: 92
RE: Jan 17/42 - 4/15/2014 7:55:09 PM   
SqzMyLemon


Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline 		Thanks Gents. I'm thinking along the same lines then.

I've concentrated the Australian divisions in the southeast of the country, although I do have one deployed at Kalgoorlie to prevent loss of that base. I've not built up anything in the northeast at his time since it poses the same problem as overcommitting to Burma early. Amphibious landings in strength at Rockhampton could easily isolate whatever I send to Townsville and points north. Allied bomber and fighter units are already en route from Cape Town, as are American aviation and base support units.

As to India, my thoughts exactly on Ceylon. I believe Andre likes to go for Ceylon from previous postings of his. In light of this I'm not reinforcing the island, but preparing a defence to contain any Japanese occupation of the island. I agree on the quality of the Indian troops, but they will be bolstered by the British 18th, Australian 6th and 7th Divisions.

I think I'm on the right track then, and I actually want Andre to try and shoot for the moon as it opens up a lot of counterattack options.

I always think in terms of what I'd do, or not, from the Japanese side so I'm still wrapping my head around the implications of my actions from an Allied perspective.

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

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

(in reply to Encircled)
Post #: 93
Jan 18/42 - 4/16/2014 4:47:35 AM   
SqzMyLemon


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

Japanese forces rout the 31st and 63rd Chinese Corps trying to hold the hex northeast of Kweilin. I'm definitely not seeing much reduction of AV for the Japanese attacking in 3x terrain. However, the 63rd has suffered one deliberate and two shock attacks in three days so I couldn't have asked more of this unit. AAR follows:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 76,53 (near Kweilin)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 12215 troops, 102 guns, 32 vehicles, Assault Value = 419

Defending force 6021 troops, 78 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 148

Japanese adjusted assault: 702

Allied adjusted defense: 271

Japanese assault odds: 2 to 1

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), experience(-)
Attacker: shock(+)

Japanese ground losses:
265 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 18 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Allied ground losses:
2059 casualties reported
Squads: 136 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 88 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 2 disabled
Guns lost 23 (22 destroyed, 1 disabled)
Units retreated 2

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
6th Division
9th Armored Car Co

Defending units:
31st Chinese Corps
63rd Chinese Corps

This Japanese force is now advancing directly on Kweilin. Another force of Japanese has just cleared the hex directly southwest of Kweilin. AAR follows:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 75,54 (near Kweilin)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 7200 troops, 87 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 249

Defending force 562 troops, 4 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 17

Japanese adjusted assault: 179

Allied adjusted defense: 3

Japanese assault odds: 59 to 1

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), morale(-), experience(-), supply(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
10 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
400 casualties reported
Squads: 16 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 13 destroyed, 8 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 4 (2 destroyed, 2 disabled)
Units retreated 1

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
1st Ind.Inf.Group
4th Ind.Mixed Regiment
21st Mortar Battalion

Defending units:
9th Chinese Base Force

I'll have roughly 500AV behind level 3 forts with a small chance of reaching level 4 if enemy bombers don't attack the base soon. I hope the defenders can hold until reinforcements arrive.

Japanese bombing attacks have lessoned over the last few days throughout China after the last AVG interception. I think it's due to a reorganization. The American squadron of P-38's has now reached Chungking and will be available for CAP duties over Kweilin on the 20th. It's a mixed bag of pilots as I don't have that many experienced pilots to transfer into the squadron yet. If they get a chance to intercept unescorted Japanese bombers that will change in a hurry.

Thoughts:

It's getting ugly wherever Japanese units are conducting offensive operations. The Commonwealth forces on Malaya are a lost cause and have performed badly whenever attacked, regardless of terrain. I don't expect the Dutch to perform any better. I think Malaya, Sumatra and Java will be cleared of all Allied forces by the end of March at the latest.

Japanese forces are about to contest Rangoon so the base will fall in the next few days. I'm glad I didn't try and defend it as there is no supply available anyway.

There just hasn't been time...

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

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

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)
Post #: 94
Jan 19-21/42 - 4/23/2014 10:14:02 PM   
SqzMyLemon


Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline 		Another brief update.

Burma:

Rangoon fell to the Japanese 33rd Division after the first deliberate attack.

Andaman Islands:

Port Blair has fallen to a Japanese paratroop unit.

Malaya:

No second attack at Singapore yet. I'm not sure why Andre is waiting. Other than daily bombing there seems to be no hurry to take the base. I'm sure the base will fall after no more than one or two deliberate attacks against Japanese forces currently on hand.

Java:

Japanese forces have invested Batavia and turned the bombers on Soerabaja. The Dutch air force took a pounding on the ground as the base is over-stacked with aircraft. I disbanded a number of Dutch air units last turn as they can achieve nothing besides providing cheap VP's to the Japanese.

The Celebes:

Ternate has fallen with Manado soon to follow.

China:

Kweilin is invested by Japanese forces. Can the defenders hold until reinforced is the question. I have 500AV behind level three forts.

P-38's based at Sian did poorly against small Oscar sweeps. I have an AVG squadron set to 15k and the P-38's set to 25k. Oscar's sweeping at 25k or higher bounced the CAP at either altitude. The previous day I lost 13 AVG fighters over Sian against no Japanese losses. When the P-38's were committed, I lost three Lightning's and a further four AVG fighters against only two Oscar's. Altitude, it all comes down to altitude.

On a positive note, an AVG squadron based at Kweilin caught a Sentai of unescorted Sonia's ground bombing Chinese forces near Kukong and shot down 19 bombers for no loss.

Thoughts:

I'm out of fuel at Cape Town which is delaying my planned redeployment of surface forces to the DEI and Australia. A large number of American air units have been arriving at Cape Town over the last few days and are being shipped to both Australia and India. I chose this route of deployment for the 4E's to avoid unnecessary Ops losses travelling across the Southeast Pacific using poorly supported and supplied bases. The priority remains getting fuel/supply to Cape Town via the Eastern U.S. and Abadan/Aden. I've stopped using PP's for changing air unit HQ's and leaders in an effort to start buying out combat LCU's.

No action in the Central Pacific. Since the initial capture of Baker, Christmas and Canton Islands there has been no further advance. In the Southeast Pacific, Japanese forces have stopped at Luganville with New Caledonia and Fiji not having been targeted yet.

No move by Japanese forces in the Aleutians as yet either.

It's pretty boring and Sir Robinish on my side of things at the moment unfortunately. China is the only theatre I'm actively resisting Japanese moves. Until I have the logistics in place I can't offer meaningful resistance. I think it will take another month or two before I can actively contest Japanese moves, the problem is that may be too late to influence events prior to the next major phase of Japanese operations. Once Singapore and Luzon fall I could be facing invasion of India or Australia.

There is so much I would do differently in hindsight that could have been more effective in securing certain areas. I've preserved my naval assets, but at the price of allowing important bases to fall far easier and sooner than otherwise intended. Live and learn. I'll see if I can make up for these mistakes by utilizing my available forces in a constructive way moving forward rather than simply turtle due to poor logistics.

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 4/24/2014 6:09:39 AM >

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

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

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)
Post #: 95
RE: Jan 19-21/42 - 4/24/2014 3:46:55 AM   
BBfanboy


Posts: 18046
Joined: 8/4/2010
From: Winnipeg, MB
Status: offline 		Is it possible to withdraw the Dutch air units rather than disbanding them and (I presume) losing the planes?

What happens if you do withdraw them and Java is in Japanese control when they return? Will they come back at some
other base or not at all?

_____________________________

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

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)
Post #: 96
RE: Jan 19-21/42 - 4/24/2014 5:20:30 AM   
SqzMyLemon


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

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

Is it possible to withdraw the Dutch air units rather than disbanding them and (I presume) losing the planes?

What happens if you do withdraw them and Java is in Japanese control when they return? Will they come back at some
other base or not at all?


I withdrew units first, then disbanded those that needed to be. Most of the planes and pilots were returned to the pools, but I chose not to reform the squadrons. Almost all the Dutch air units are restricted so I won't miss them, but I know they have an unrestricted squadron that receives B-25's at some point. I have no idea which unit and I don't recall seeing an unrestricted one to buy out yet. Maybe it's a reinforcement.

As to your question about Japanese control of Java. To my knowledge Dutch air units withdrawn to be reformed later will not arrive at another location if the required base is enemy occupied. They are gone for good in my case.

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

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

(in reply to BBfanboy)
Post #: 97
Jan. 22/42 - 4/25/2014 4:32:50 PM   
SqzMyLemon


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

Strange results over Sian today. Oscar's sweep as usual against the Allied CAP with what look to be the same settings, but this time the Oscar's lose 6 aircraft against only one AVG fighter downed. Can't say I understand why my fighters performed so much better today compared to previous Japanese sweeps that simply shot my aircraft down in droves. Regardless, I'll take the results. So far Japanese bombers have not targeted Sian and forts are almost at level 4.

Three Japanese units have invested Kweilin, but no attack yet. Andre is very meticulous, he always bombards prior to an attack to gather intelligence on the defence. I have a reinforcing corps only 3 days away and my fingers are crossed that they will arrive in time to hold the base until troops withdrawing from Kukong arrive.

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

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

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)
Post #: 98
Jan. 23/42 - 4/29/2014 6:29:10 AM   
SqzMyLemon


Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline 		A bloody day for ground forces.

China:

Two important combats to report. Japanese forces try a deliberate attack against the forces blocking the main road to Sian. Chinese forces hold, but the results indicate it's only a matter of time. Chinese losses were comparable to those suffered by the Japanese, but something I can't sustain. AAR follows:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 84,43 (near Nanyang)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 112905 troops, 980 guns, 304 vehicles, Assault Value = 3899

Defending force 67749 troops, 404 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1988

Japanese adjusted assault: 1845

Allied adjusted defense: 4417

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), experience(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
7313 casualties reported
Squads: 36 destroyed, 1013 disabled
Non Combat: 4 destroyed, 94 disabled
Engineers: 18 destroyed, 151 disabled
Guns lost 48 (2 destroyed, 46 disabled)
Vehicles lost 26 (1 destroyed, 25 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
5030 casualties reported
Squads: 92 destroyed, 313 disabled
Non Combat: 8 destroyed, 81 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 20 disabled
Guns lost 34 (2 destroyed, 32 disabled)

Assaulting units:
37th Division
26th Engineer Regiment
58th Infantry Regiment
4th Ind.Mixed Brigade
41st Division
2nd Ind.Mixed Brigade
1st Ind.Mixed Brigade
8th Ind.Mixed Brigade
11th Indpt Infantry Regiment
116th Division
32nd Division
110th Division
9th Ind.Mixed Brigade
35th Division
13th Indpt Infantry Regiment
5th Armored Car Co
26th Recon Regiment
12th Army
Botanko Hvy Gun Regiment
6th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
1st Army
NCPC Army
11th Field Artillery Regiment

Defending units:
61st Chinese Corps
90th Chinese Corps
16th Chinese Corps
38th Chinese Corps
33rd Chinese Corps
34th Chinese Corps
47th Chinese Corps
1st Chinese Corps
36th Chinese Corps
93rd Chinese Corps
5th War Area
7th Group Army
4th Group Army
8th Group Army
15th Group Army

The other action was a deliberate attack against Kweilin. Chinese forces hold, but forts are reduced to 2. A reinforcing Chinese corps is two days away. AAR follows:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Kweilin (76,54)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 15820 troops, 134 guns, 32 vehicles, Assault Value = 546

Defending force 20496 troops, 97 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 534

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 2

Japanese adjusted assault: 354

Allied adjusted defense: 999

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2 (fort level 2)

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

Japanese ground losses:
961 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 131 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 5 disabled
Vehicles lost 11 (1 destroyed, 10 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
147 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 12 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Guns lost 3 (1 destroyed, 2 disabled)

Assaulting units:
6th Division
9th Armored Car Co
4th Ind.Mixed Regiment

Defending units:
31st Chinese Corps
46th Chinese Corps
63rd Chinese Corps
9th Chinese Base Force
16th Group Army
4th War Area
7th Chinese Base Force
9th Group Army
2nd Chinese Base Force
13th Chinese Base Force

Java:

The first deliberate attack was made against Batavia. Forts are reduced easily and I fear the Dutch won't hold out long here. In fact, I think the base will fall after the next attack. AAR follows:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Batavia (49,98)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 25916 troops, 261 guns, 148 vehicles, Assault Value = 940

Defending force 12450 troops, 127 guns, 3 vehicles, Assault Value = 327

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 2

Japanese adjusted assault: 390

Allied adjusted defense: 361

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 2)

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 2

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), leaders(-), preparation(-), experience(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
2227 casualties reported
Squads: 6 destroyed, 151 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 12 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 16 disabled
Vehicles lost 9 (1 destroyed, 8 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
1193 casualties reported
Squads: 6 destroyed, 121 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 13 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 4 disabled
Guns lost 17 (2 destroyed, 15 disabled)

Assaulting units:
2nd Division
Sasebo 8th SNLF
6th Tank Regiment
Sasebo 3rd SNLF
15th Guards Regiment
17th Indpt Guards Regiment
30th Fld AA Gun Co

Defending units:
2nd KNIL Regiment
1st KNIL Regiment
1st KNIL Landstorm Battalion
4th KNIL Landstorm Battalion
KNIL Army Command
ML-KNIL
Batavia Base Force
ABDA
223 Group RAF /1

Thoughts:

Still no attack at Singapore. Japanese bombers hit the base daily though preventing fort construction and using up supplies.

Same at Clark field. The U.S. AA has not been very effective at all causing little, if any, damage to Japanese bombers. I'm guessing the first ground assault will not go ahead until my forces can't reply with FLAK against the bombers.

So far I am holding in China, but I'm reaching the stage where I need to decide whether to commit reserves to hold the forward defence near Sian, or remain in place preparing the next defensive line. I am loathe to move everything forward, because if the Japanese cause a breakthrough I will have no effective defence of Sian leaving the road to Lanchow or Central China wide open.

Other than that, the daily routine is moving supply and fuel forward while preparing forts wherever the conditions allow. Suppy is pouring into Australia via Cape Town with some fuel thrown in. All merchant ships are capable of the return trip without refueling from Australia and the shorter legged transports and escorts are refueled at sea. So far there has been no Japanese submarine intervention of note. That will change soon as Java slowly falls under the yoke.

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

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

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)
Post #: 99
Jan. 24-25/42 - 5/5/2014 4:08:16 PM   
SqzMyLemon


Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline 		The pace of the game has slowed considerably over the last few weeks as RL is limiting game time for both of us. It's given me lots of time to pursue other interests, but it also makes it hard to get into the game at times. That being said, there isn't much I'm doing on the Allied side that needs constant attention anyway. Here's a brief update though.

Burma:

Nothing to report since the fall of Rangoon. Toungoo was captured by Japan prior to the fall of Rangoon and is the limit of the Japanese advance to date.

China:

Japanese forces are surrounding Changsha and invested the base with one LCU. Japanese bombers have been targeting the airbase to prevent fort construction, but I was able to get them to level 4. The problem is going to be resources for the LI, which I'm almost out of. Despite setting resource stockpile to 'on' very little got to the base before it was cut off.

Chinese forces still block the main road to Sian, but it looks like a Japanese move to flank along the secondary road is underway. I'm moving troops to block the road. I've stood down AVG and the P-38's in China to take replacements and recover fatigue. The constant moving around caused a lot of fragmentation of the squadrons. Good news is my CAP at Sian caused enough of a delay to get the forts to level 4 before Japanese bombers made an appearance. I will now stop fort construction and use the supply for combat operations instead.

I've got 1000 AV at Lanchow and constructing forts which are now at level 3. The plan here is to deny this source of fuel/oil for as long as possible. I consider Lanchow a more important base to defend than Sian.

No follow up attack at Kweilin has allowed a Cavalry Corps to reinforce the base. Three more corps are on the way. The troops withdrawing from Kukong are slowly getting closer, but still weeks away. I'll not be able to break the siege at Kweilin, but I'm still considering an offensive against Luichow providing the Japanese don't reinforce or take Kweilin first.

Java:

A second deliberate attack against Batavia knocks the forts down to 1, but the Japanese take heavier losses. The base won't survive a third attack and the defenders have no path to safety. It's only a matter of days now.

Malaya:

No attack at Singapore yet, but it appears there is a large Japanese force about to reinforce the hex. That would explain the delay. I believe the forces on hand were enough to take the base, but casualties may have been higher than Andre would prefer. This way he'll take the base easily at little loss and be in good shape for a quick move against Australia or India.


Australia:

Supply continues to pour in via Perth, Albany and Esperance. However, actual LCU and aircraft reinforcements are still weeks away. The Commonwealth Fleet remains at Cape Town, but once more fuel arrives I'll look to redeploy large numbers of assets farther forward to contest some upcoming Japanese moves.

Thoughts:

The Allied focus remains on logistics. Future PP's will be used to buy out some American LCU's, particularly a division or two. Andre is very deliberate in his moves and preparations which has allowed me to get a somewhat better defence set up in China than previously thought possible, however, it remains fragile because of the dwindling supply situation. Not getting enough resources to Changsha is especially going to cause me problems. I see some opportunities to hurt the next wave of Japanese advances, but as always will be determined by what Andre gives me. I'm hoping he'll get a little complacent and leave himself open here and there for counterstrikes.

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 5/5/2014 5:11:35 PM >

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

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

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)
Post #: 100
Jan. 26/42 - 5/8/2014 3:28:21 PM   
SqzMyLemon


Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline 		We got in a rare turn yesterday.

Philippines:

I sent up the last of the American fighters based at Clark and Bataan to face the unescorted Japanese bombers that target CF everyday. A handful of Lily and Sally bombers were shot down for no loss.

China:

I now have 731 AV at Kweilin. The Japanese have not tried anything since the first deliberate attack. Another Chinese Cavalry Corps will arrive in three days. Another two corps are about a week away.

Troops withdrawing from Kukong have reached the hex northeast of Wuchow. I have about 1000 AV and I'm tempted to try an assault against Wuchow as there is only one Japanese unit at the base. I could use a temporary influx of supply since the base generates 61/day. I have to decide if taking Wuchow is worth getting hammered by Japanese bombers in clear terrain and essentially sacrifice a corps to maintain the 20 garrison limit. The other option is to keep my force intact and keep moving towards Kweilin/Luichow.

What fighters Japan has operating in China seem to all be sweeping Sian at the moment. All my fighter units still remain at Kweiyang recovering fatigue and taking replacements.

I'm happy with China at the moment. I've countered the latest attempts by Japan to move forward and things are stable at the moment. I'm stretched a little thin in areas, but still trying to establish a defence in depth. This is where I miss stacking limits. I have to stack to be able to counter the Japanese numbers, but that means a lot of gaps in the line.

Thoughts:

Another Australian Brigade arrived at Aden and is boarding transports for India. I'm feeling more comfortable daily in India as more troops arrive. I'm still light in areas. Calcutta needs to be reinforced, but that is where the arriving Australian brigades are heading so it's just a question of time. I've parked the British 18th Division at Chittagong.

It appears an enemy amphibious force is moving on Balikpapan and should arrive in the next day or two. After an initial flurry, Japanese advances have slowed down considerably. Having played Japan I know this is most likely an operational pause brought about from the need to reorganize. Spearheading the enemy TF's are CVL's and CVE's. No sign of enemy CV's for some time. I'm guessing the Aleutians or the Southeast Pacific might get a sighting soon. When Singapore falls, if I catch a scent of Japanese CV's I'll know India is most likely a target since there's no other reason for them to be there. It's more logical to mount an operation against Australia based out of Soerabaja, so that is where I'll look when trying to determine if Australia (Perth) is a target. A move against Darwin could easily be based from Ambon or Koepang, but there has been no enemy move for either of these bases yet.

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 5/8/2014 4:33:26 PM >

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

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

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)
Post #: 101
Jan. 27-28/42 - 5/12/2014 6:32:27 AM   
SqzMyLemon


Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline 		The slow pace of the game continues with only two turns completed since last Thursday. Andre sounds incredibly busy lately.

Balikpapan being the next target for the Japanese advance is confirmed. A number of Japanese amphibious TF's began unloading on the 28th. Dutch CD guns continue to perfom well with a number of enemy transports heavily damaged. A Dutch submarine sinks an APD. The base will fall to the first deliberate attack though. The 138 mines at the base were not a factor with no hits recorded.

In China, the cat and mouse air war continues. Unfortunately, my LRCAP from Kweilin did not fly due to weather and Japanese bombers in the area flew unopposed. The AVG 2nd Sqn. did fly CAP over Changsha and shot down four Sally's for no loss. Poor detection times limited the number of Allied fighters available and most withdrew due to mechanical failure. The Pacific War's first Allied pilot to achieve ace status is V.R. Rossi in AVG 2nd Sqn. with five victories. Anticipating Japanese sweeps I've withdrawn the fighters to Kweiyang.

The ground war in China remains quiet. A Japanese bombardment occurred at Kwelin on the 28th so this could preclude another assault. Another Chinese Cavalry Corps will arrive in combat mode tomorrow bringing the defenders AV to around 950 AV. Japanese AV in the hex remains close to 750 AV. Forts are level two. Another two corps should arrive in three days and will force Andre to reinforce if he hopes to take the base. More importantly, if Kweilin can hold it means my withdrawing forces from Kukong will finally escape being trapped indefinitely behind Japanese lines. If they escape, I'll have another six corps available for a strategic reserve in China.

I've placed a large number of Chinese units in non-base hexes in 3x defensive terrain and some have constructed level four forts already. I learned in my previous PBEM the importance of setting up these kinds of positions to anchor the line rather than rely on holding bases which quickly have the fortifications reduced during combat. It seems to me these non-base field fortifications are not reduced during combat and don't consume supply to construct either.

I expect to see Andre move to flank Sian soon. He's blocked along the main road, but now probing the secondary road which I've also blocked. However, the Chinese inability to recon effectively means I can expect Japanese forces to move without any previous indication, even if in the same hex. I predict Andre will shift the bulk of his forces to attack along the secondary road or even cross the river to move north of the base and flank it completely to avoid the 3x terrain. If so, I'll have no choice but to withdraw from my blocking position and fall back to Sian proper.

That being said, I'm trying to establish a solid MLR to prevent Central China's industry being cut off from Lanchow's fuel. Sian's alway a priority for Japan, but Lanchow is the greater prize in my opinion and I'm conducting my defence accordingly.

Thoughts:

The Allied buildup is painfully slow. The bulk of my time is spent on logistics. I still think I can mount some kind of counter for the move against Timor, but that will depend on the whereabouts of KB. I will definitely move if I'm just dealing with CV Kaga and friends. I really can't get excited for the early game with the Allies. Until I know whether Australia or India is a target it's impossible for me to plan anything effectively at this time.

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 5/12/2014 5:15:33 PM >

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

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

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)
Post #: 102
RE: Jan. 27-28/42 - 5/12/2014 10:30:30 PM   
SqzMyLemon


Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline 		I forgot to mention that Wake Island was just bombarded by Japanese BB's for two consecutive days. An amphibious landing is expected soon.

Allied plans are to remain out of harms way until I have more combat LCU's available for offensive operations. I'd like to launch an operation to liberate Christmas Island, but lack the troops to hold it. I've decided to wait until the Japanese amphibious bonus expires and I know KB's whereabouts before moving to take the island back.

I've been getting some SigInt regarding the Kuriles. Lots of activity at Ominato as well so I think Andre is already moving to secure this flank.

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

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

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)
Post #: 103
Jan. 29/42 - 5/13/2014 1:44:19 AM   
SqzMyLemon


Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline 		Balikpapan falls after shock attack. I was surpised to see Andre risk a shock attack and the possibility of damaging the facilities. Alas, the base and facilities were captured fully intact.

In China, AVG 1st Sqn. interdicts Japanese bombers targeting the Chinese forces moving to Kweilin from Kukong and down seven. Japanese Oscar's sweep empty sky at Changsha . Allied air units in China continue to chip away at the Japanese bomber force while avoiding enemy fighters.

It appears there is Japanese movement out of Luichow to the northwest. I can only hope Andre weakens the defence by moving out a majority of the four units currently there. I don't think he anticipates an attack on the base.

Overall, another quiet turn.



< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 5/13/2014 2:45:05 AM >

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

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

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)
Post #: 104
RE: Jan. 29/42 - 5/14/2014 5:24:44 PM   
SqzMyLemon


Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline 		No turn from Andre yesterday so it was an evening spent working on the models. I've currently switched gears and working on a 1:350 scale RM Roma for a campaign build I joined on a modeling website. I have one year to complete the kit. I'll work on finishing up some ongoing builds as well, but my focus is on the BB right now. There's a model show upcoming here in June that I'm excited to see as well.

On a game related note, I renamed my four future CV reinforcements last turn. They are:

CV Boomstick (Army of Darkness anyone?)

CV Death From Above (Apocalypse Now)

CV Retribution and CV Reckoning

Idle minds come up with goofy names.

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

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

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)
Post #: 105
RE: Jan. 29/42 - 5/15/2014 12:09:57 AM   
BBfanboy


Posts: 18046
Joined: 8/4/2010
From: Winnipeg, MB
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon

No turn from Andre yesterday so it was an evening spent working on the models. I've currently switched gears and working on a 1:350 scale RM Roma for a campaign build I joined on a modeling website. I have one year to complete the kit. I'll work on finishing up some ongoing builds as well, but my focus is on the BB right now. There's a model show upcoming here in June that I'm excited to see as well.

On a game related note, I renamed my four future CV reinforcements last turn. They are:

CV Boomstick (Army of Darkness anyone?)

CV Death From Above (Apocalypse Now)

CV Retribution and CV Reckoning

Idle minds come up with goofy names.

Retribution and Reckoning sound like the typical British names meant to inspire their crews.

Death from Above doesn't roll off the tongue, but it fits the ship type.

I am not familiar with Army of Darkness so the Broomstick reference goes over my head. Something like Cudgel or Mace sounds a bit more menacing than a broomstick to me!

_____________________________

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

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)
Post #: 106
Jan. 30/42 - 5/15/2014 2:09:28 AM   
SqzMyLemon


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

Wake Island falls to Japanese amphibious assault.

China:

A first deliberate atatck at Wenchow leaves me shaking my head. It appears my attempt to hold this base will be in vain after these initial results. AAR follows:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Wenchow (89,58)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 30775 troops, 291 guns, 111 vehicles, Assault Value = 1112

Defending force 26079 troops, 124 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 834

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 2

Japanese adjusted assault: 924

Allied adjusted defense: 1123

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2 (fort level 2)

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

Japanese ground losses:
950 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 108 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 20 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 8 disabled
Guns lost 46 (1 destroyed, 45 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
1071 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 95 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 34 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 15 disabled
Guns lost 8 (1 destroyed, 7 disabled)

Assaulting units:
17th Division
15th Division
17th Ind.Mixed Brigade
4th Mortar Battalion

Defending units:
88th Chinese Corps
50th Chinese Corps
100th Chinese Corps
16th Construction Regiment
23rd Group Army
10th Group Army
25th Group Army
3rd War Area
14th Chinese Base Force

Two more Chinese Corps reach Kweiling and the defender's now total over 1600 AV. I moved in AVG 1st and 3rd Sqn.'s and the P-38's to Kweilin in an effort to gain local air superiority. The Kukong troops are getting nearer everyday and will add another 1000 AV to the defence. The Japanese moved two LCU's out of Liuchow, but I see they are moving back towards the base. Perhaps Andre realized the danger.

Java:

CL Sumatra arrived via reinforcement at Soerabaja last turn and I was wondering whether to withdraw her to Australia or not. Dutch naval search indicated two Japanese AMc's at Kalidjati so I figured, what the heck, lets take those out. CL Sumatra didn't find AMc's, but did locate other targets. AAR's follow:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Kalidjati at 50,99, Range 11,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
SC Ch 22, Shell hits 2, and is sunk

Allied Ships
CL Sumatra

Improved night sighting under 96% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions and 96% moonlight: 11,000 yards
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 11,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 11,000 yards
CL Sumatra engages SC Ch 22 at 11,000 yards
Range closes to 9,000 yards
Range closes to 7,000 yards
Range closes to 4,000 yards
SC Ch 22 sunk by CL Sumatra at 4,000 yards
Combat ends with last Japanese ship sunk...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Kalidjati at 50,99, Range 10,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
PB Kiso Maru, Shell hits 1, on fire
PB Tatsumiya Maru, Shell hits 2, heavy fires
xAK Atago Maru, Shell hits 12, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Tamaki Maru, Shell hits 9, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Awajisan Maru, Shell hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage

Allied Ships
CL Sumatra

Thoughts:

Total VP's are almost even at this stage with both Japan and Allied scores over 8k with a slight Allied lead. I'll begin losing a large number of base VP's soon, so I need to start thinking about how to proceed with denying Andre any chance of Auto-victory. I'm slowly chipping away with small VP's gains in the air war, but I'm going to have to start sinking some Japanese ships and contesting a number of future enemy amphibious operations moving forward.



< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 5/15/2014 3:10:01 AM >

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

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

(in reply to BBfanboy)
Post #: 107
RE: Jan. 30/42 - 5/15/2014 2:14:50 AM   
SqzMyLemon


Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline 		BBfanboy, hope this clears up the Boomstick for you. It's not Broomstick . I'll have to work on the two that sound like British CV's. Time to glean some more ideas from the movies.




Attachment (1)

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 5/15/2014 3:17:07 AM >

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

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

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)
Post #: 108
RE: Jan. 29/42 - 5/15/2014 7:20:16 AM   
obvert


Posts: 14050
Joined: 1/17/2011
From: PDX (and now) London, UK
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon

No turn from Andre yesterday so it was an evening spent working on the models. I've currently switched gears and working on a 1:350 scale RM Roma for a campaign build I joined on a modeling website. I have one year to complete the kit. I'll work on finishing up some ongoing builds as well, but my focus is on the BB right now. There's a model show upcoming here in June that I'm excited to see as well.

On a game related note, I renamed my four future CV reinforcements last turn. They are:

CV Boomstick (Army of Darkness anyone?)

CV Death From Above (Apocalypse Now)

CV Retribution and CV Reckoning

Idle minds come up with goofy names.


I still have yet to do this, and I'm really looking forward to it! Have to decide on a good theme.

_____________________________

"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm." - Winston Churchill

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)
Post #: 109
RE: Jan. 29/42 - 5/16/2014 1:33:40 AM   
BBfanboy


Posts: 18046
Joined: 8/4/2010
From: Winnipeg, MB
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: obvert


quote:

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon

No turn from Andre yesterday so it was an evening spent working on the models. I've currently switched gears and working on a 1:350 scale RM Roma for a campaign build I joined on a modeling website. I have one year to complete the kit. I'll work on finishing up some ongoing builds as well, but my focus is on the BB right now. There's a model show upcoming here in June that I'm excited to see as well.

On a game related note, I renamed my four future CV reinforcements last turn. They are:

CV Boomstick (Army of Darkness anyone?)

CV Death From Above (Apocalypse Now)

CV Retribution and CV Reckoning

Idle minds come up with goofy names.


I still have yet to do this, and I'm really looking forward to it! Have to decide on a good theme.

Mother of Dragons?
The Hound?
Tyrion?
Wildling?
White Walker?
Wildfire?
Dire Wolf?

_____________________________

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

(in reply to obvert)
Post #: 110
Jan. 30 - Feb 02 1942 - 5/20/2014 8:13:22 PM   
SqzMyLemon


Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline 		A few major developments since the last update.

DEI:

Singapore fell on Feb. 1st and Batavia on the 2nd. Unfortunately, no industry was damaged at Batavia upon capture. Other than Palembang, all major bases have remained intact upon capture by the Japanese.

China:

Stalemate in China continues, but there is definitely a move to flank Sian via the clear terrain to the east. I'm not going to change my dispositions yet. The main road is still blocked by my main force while a smaller Chinese force has blocked the secondary road safeguarding the main force's flank. I have sufficient AV in Sian and I am actually in the process of moving additional forces into position to contest a move against Sian directly.

I have sufficient AV at Kweilin to prevent an easy capture of the base now. Once my forces from Kukong arrive I'll have almost 3000 AV at the base. I'm ruling out an offensive against Luichow at this time, because of the low morale of my forces. I definitely am in need of a reserve safeguarding the back door to China via Paoshan.

Changteh just reached level four forts and Changsha is 99% to level five. No further fort construction will be pursued at either of these bases. In fact, no base will undertake fort construction above level four with the exception of Kunming which will try to reach level six.

Thoughts:

The fall of Singapore frees up six Japanese divisions. I expect to see some deployed to Burma eventually. What Andre intends to do with these units is a mystery, but I am putting India and Australia as the most likely targets. However, I wouldn't rule out all six being sent to China via Paoshan. I'm pretty confident with the troop levels in India, but low experience is going to be the Achilles Heel of the defence.

Allied naval assets have begun February upgrades. I'll be in position to start looking for trouble in a few weeks as naval combat units deploy forward and fuel/supply stockpiled. I need to start making further advances somewhat costlier for Japan.





_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

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

(in reply to BBfanboy)
Post #: 111
RE: Jan. 30 - Feb 02 1942 - 5/20/2014 8:43:07 PM   
DOCUP


Posts: 3073
Joined: 7/7/2010
Status: offline 		Have to say Love the Boomstick.  I might have to use it.

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)
Post #: 112
Feb. 03/42 - 5/21/2014 4:17:56 PM   
SqzMyLemon


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

Japanese bombers have shifted to target Sian now with a 100+ raid. I've withdrawn the CAP so the bombers have a milk run. All damage is repaired the next day. Supply stockpiles dropped significantly though. I may have to commit to contesting Sian's airspace to stop the supply loss. Currently the fighters are based at Kweilin which is allowing fort construction and freedom of movement for Chinese forces in the area.

At Wenchow I'm pleasantly surprised by a 1:2 odds DA by Japanese forces. The forts remain at 2 and casualties are light compared to over 200 disabled infantry squads for the Japanese. A movement tick is indicated east, so one of the Japanese units got trashed and is being withdrawn to recover. It seems Andre must have gotten a great roll in the previous attack that netted him a 1:1 and dropped forts from level three to two.

I'm happy with China. My forces are slowly recovering disabled squads throughout the country and all my frontline bases are garrisoned sufficiently to halt the Japanese for the moment. Changsha's forts reached level five so this will hopefully be a tough nut to crack with 1000 AV defending.

Sub Ops:

No sign of Japanese submarines anywhere which is great. Allied subs remain unlucky. Another Dutch submarine missed a Japanese CL near Denpasar last turn. The number of opportunities has dwindled, but those attacks that do occur mostly miss now, especially the Dutch of late.

Thoughts:

Andre is methodical, but I notice he tends to continue to commit a large number of air assets against already weakened units or bases rather than prevent others from expanding. For example, bombers have been concentrated on bombing the airfields at Wenchow and Sian which have allowed forts at Kweilin and Changsha to expand. Sian was previously left alone allowing forts to reach level four while the troops in 3x terrain were targeted. I'm in no way criticizing Andre's methods, but it has allowed me to build up stronger defensive positions then I otherwise might have in some areas. The same situation is occurring in Java where Japanese bombers are targeting the retreating troops from Batavia rather than preventing fort construction at Soerabaja. Forts there are 80% complete to level four. I can only hope the trend continues allowing me to fortify further.

More Australian units have arrived at Aden and are loading onto transports for deployment to India. This is where saving the bulk of Commonwealth and Dutch shipping is paying huge dividends for me. As soon as an LCU or air unit arrives at Cape Town or Aden it is immediately loaded within days and on it's way. I'm not delayed by waiting for transports to arrive at any given port.



_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

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

(in reply to DOCUP)
Post #: 113
Feb. 04/42 - 5/22/2014 5:34:47 AM   
SqzMyLemon


Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline 		I spoke too soon. Dutch SS O-20 nails a Japanese Kagero class DD off the coast of Java. Always a good day when that happens.

Quiet turn otherwise with absolutely no ground combat. A rare occurence.

Singapore's mines are cleared so Japanese forces will start pouring into the IO now if they so choose. The next few weeks/months will shed light on Andre's overall gameplan.

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

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

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)
Post #: 114
Feb. 05/42 - 5/29/2014 3:10:51 PM   
SqzMyLemon


Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline 		Turns have been at a snail's pace. Andre is busy and I got hit with a virus that actually required me to take my computer in to get fixed. Hate viruses.

Java:

Japanese bombers continue to hammer Dutch ground units since the fall of Batavia. Works for me as Soerabaja has almost reached level four forts.

Sub Ops:

A rare sighting of a Japanese submarine off the Indian coast near Cochin. It elects to not fire on a Commonwealth xAKL and the escorting PG then chases it off. I have a number of unescorted TF's approaching the Indian coast so it's time to address the lack of naval air search.

China:

Sian continues to get pounded from the air, but other than supply loss there has been no sustained damage to the airbase. It appears eight Japanese units are deploying to eventually flank Sian. Chinese units are ordered to hold their current positions, but reserves are being moved into the area.

Great news in China is that the forces withdrawing from Kukong are days away from arriving at Kweilin. Six Corps and over 1000 AV have been saved. This will allow me a reserve. If my morale wasn't so low I would have assaulted Luichow, but I've decided to rest the troops in the short term. The area around Kweilin and Luichow is definitely a weak spot for Japanese forces. I'm just not sure whether the Chinese forces can take Luichow at this time despite having almost 3000 AV for operations. I'll see what develops, but I think a successful Chinese offensive here could cause Andre some problems and provide some much needed supply to my forces.

Thoughts:

Two American CV's are now at Cape Town awaiting the arrival of a British CV and CVL Hermes. Japanese carriers have been spotted near Denpasar and I suspect this is still CV Kaga and friends. As soon as the British carriers arrive I'll be deploying into the IO. I have a large number of surface forces available as well. It's time to look for trouble.

Fuel, supply and American air units are arriving almost daily at Cape Town now. A number of TF's carrying air units and base forces have just left for Perth. PP's expenditure remains reserved for combat LCU's at this time to try and secure Alaska and portions of the Aleutians.

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

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

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)
Post #: 115
Feb. 06-10/42 - 6/2/2014 3:20:01 PM   
SqzMyLemon


Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline 		Andre and I seem to have been able to get back on track with the game. We are about to run the Feb. 10th turn.

I also got hit with a virus on my old laptop running Windows XP which is causing me nothing but problems, so over the weekend I bought a new laptop. Windows 8 is completely foreign to me and I'm having trouble getting the game screen resolution changed. Right now I'm stuck with only being able to see a small portion of the game map and despite reading a number of threads on the subject I can't get the screen to resize. I'll get it figured out as I want to post some screenshots to update China and Java. Anyway, on to a brief game update.

China:

There are now 8-10 Japanese units making the move to flank Sian as far as I can tell, but we all know how bad Chinese air recon is, so there could be more enemy units making the move than currently shown. I've decided to pull back my entire force blocking the main road to Sian one hex. This will put my units in the hex directly southeast of Sian. Japanese bombers are hitting Sian daily and supply is no longer sufficient to allow flight operations. It may have been a mistake for me to withdraw my CAP from the base. Luckily, I have enough engineers at Sian to prevent permanent damage to the airbase, so far.

I now have 2500 AV at Kweilin, but have ruled out a move against Liuchow. I'll begin withdrawing a number of corps to allow them to recover morale and disablements. Surprisingly, a large number of Chinese units have been recovering morale faster than anticipated with some in the 60-70's now. I have begun replacing one Chinese unit's commander per turn in an effort to improve my capabilities.

Java:

Java is ugly now. Dutch resistance on the west of the island is reduced to holding Bandoeng. Japanese forces have just landed at the eastern most base on Java as well. Java will most likely be overrun before the end of March.

Australia:

A large number of American air units are arriving in the country via Perth and Albany. B-17's and B-26 Marauder's primarily. Supply is also pouring in. I've lost track of the Japanese CV's that were operating near Java. I think they are heading to interdict the Cape Town to Perth LOC so I've set up a submarine screen to hopefully give me enough warning to redirect transports carrying air units. Unfortunately the British CV's are still seven days away from reaching Cape Town so getting Allied CV's into the IO is delayed longer that I would have liked. I want to try and take a crack at the Japanese CVL's and CVE's.

India:

The country is getting stronger daily with the arrival of Australian units from Aden. One Australian division has already arrived. Units of the second have just started arriving at Aden and are already on transports.

Thoughts:

Just business as usual. Getting units and material moving forward. Pilot training is progressing and the lack of air combat is allowing me to build up aircraft pools. No sign of KB or any move of Japanese forces anywhere other than those around Java. I'm just wondering where the next Japanese move will occur.

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 6/2/2014 8:47:20 PM >

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

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

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)
Post #: 116
Dilemma - 6/13/2014 4:04:30 PM   
SqzMyLemon


Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline 		Here's the situation. Japanese forces of roughly 571AV including one division have invested Kweilin. I've successfully converted all hex sides to Chinese control so the Japanese forces are now completely isolated. I have 2500AV in the hex and will soon reinforce with another 300AV. My morale is ok, but experience is low. Do I dare risk a deliberate attack against the Japanese in 3x defensive terrain? The Japanese troops have only just been isolated, but I have just conducted one bombardment for intelligence and few Japanese casualties were inflicted. Should I try a number of bombardments to reduce their supply first, or risk an assault? Do I risk trashing my own forces in this situation or should I just sit tight? I do have some time before there's any chance of Japanese troops opening a hex side, so I could simply hold my position and attack later after letting some supply drain first. Any thoughts?

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 6/13/2014 5:07:43 PM >

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

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

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)
Post #: 117
RE: Dilemma - 6/13/2014 4:40:19 PM   
JocMeister

 

Posts: 8262
Joined: 7/29/2009
From: Sweden
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon

Here's the situation. Japanese forces of roughly 571AV including one division have invested Kweilin. I've successfully converted all hex sides to Chinese control so the Japanese forces are now completely isolated. I have 2500AV in the hex and will soon reinforce with another 300AV. My morale is ok, but experience is low. Do I dare risk a deliberate attack against the Japanese in 3x defensive terrain? The Japanese troops have only just been isolated, but I have just conducted one bombardment for intelligence and few Japanese casualties were inflicted. Should I try a number of bombardments to reduce their supply first, or risk an assault? Do I risk trashing my own forces in this situation or should I just sit tight? I do have some time before there's any chance of Japanese troops opening a hex side, so I could simply hold my position and attack later after letting some supply drain first. Any thoughts?


I wouldn´t attack. At least not yet. Keep bombarding until you are 100% he is out of supply.

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)
Post #: 118
RE: Dilemma - 6/13/2014 5:02:24 PM   
Smeulders

 

Posts: 1879
Joined: 8/9/2009
Status: offline 		Hello Joseph, nice to see you are still enjoying PBEM campaigns, I hope you can make it all the way to Japan in this one. I've recently picked the game up again after a long hiatus and will be following some AARs as well. If my old opponent picks up the Allies himself, I'm definitely interested.

As to my thoughts on the China situation, counterattacking in China seems appealing, but as you say the 3x modifier makes it very risky. You'd get 1800 vs 2800 AV even without experience/morale/leadership modifiers, not enough to rout him. You'll need to have him severely weakened from a lack of supply before you can do real damage. From old tests I seem to remember that units carry a month's worth of supply with them. Even without combat he should be out of supplies by then (excluding air supply). In those tests, it also seemed that increased supply usage from combat was significantly correlated with losses taken. As your Chinese will not inflict many losses using artillery, you may not be able to bring that month down by much. The main question then becomes how long you can keep Japanese reinforcements away. 3 weeks to a month ? You could go for it. If any case, you're not losing anything by keeping them surrounded, so if you think it's too risky now you can re-evaluate in a week or two.

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)
Post #: 119
RE: Dilemma - 6/13/2014 10:08:11 PM   
SqzMyLemon


Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline 		Thanks for posting Jocke and Bart. I think waiting is the proper option as well now that I think on it. Perhaps the fact they are cut off will make Andre risk an attack, or at least divert troops to relieve the pressure, which could create some opportunities for me around Liuchow.

Welcome back Bart. A lot has changed so you'll probably find you have to learn some aspects of the game all over again. I wanted to try the Allies once and I find playing them a completely different experience than Japan. Enjoy getting back into the game and good luck in your future PBEM's.

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

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

(in reply to Smeulders)
Post #: 120
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