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RE: Dilemma - 6/13/2014 11:04:42 PM

Smeulders

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Joined: 8/9/2009
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Thanks for the welcome, I've indeed seen that michael has kept busy, but haven't run into large game mechanic changes yet. Any that I should be aware of ? PBEMs are not for the near future, I'm afraid I'd run into the same problems that ended our PBEM. I've got enough time to flip turns against the AI, but maybe not enough to give a PBEM the attention I'd want to. Maybe some smaller scenarios could be interesting.

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 121

Feb. 15/42 - 6/16/2014 10:41:06 PM

SqzMyLemon

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

We've reached Feb. 15th, but turns again slowed during the Father's Day weekend.

Just a brief update.

China:

Japanese bombers continue to hammer Sian. Supply is reduced to the 80/day produced at the base. At least 12 Japanese units are moving to flank Sian via clear terrain hexes. I've begun setting up defensive positions in the mountains to the northwest.

Most of the bases I wanted to reach level four fortifications have done so. Supply will now try to be conserved for ground operations, but that will be dependent on the Japanese air campaign rather than anything I do to conserve it.

Central Pacific:

A Japanese TF is spotted west of Christmas Island. I'm vectoring in a SCTF and submarines to try and interdict this enemy force. Dauntless SBD-2's have been deployed to Palmyra in an effort to attack the Japanese TF at a range of 8 hexes.

Thoughts:

Dutch forces on both Java and Sumatra are being overwhelmed with the Japanese advancing at will. Burma is quiet. China is static although the Japanese are testing the waters at Changsha with a recent artillery bombardment. No enemy movement in the Aleutians, Southeast Pacific or the IO.

Allied air units pour into Australia and India. Ground units are prepping for operations to liberate the Central Pacific atolls of Baker, Canton and Christmas Islands. I need to force back the eyes of the Japanese to allow me some freedom of movement in the Central Pacific. Allied forces will not move prior to the expiration of the landing bonus or the known location of Japanese CV's. I'll look to hit back during the period between April and July when most Japanese CV's are due their first round of upgrades. This is contingent on what the Japanese do over the next 2-3 months though. If Andre makes a grab at substantial portions of Australia, India or even Alaska I will have to stave off AV before I can worry about taking back a number of guano infested atoll's in the Central Pacific. I've begun formulating a plan of attack for defeating the Japanese, but I will go into more detail another time. I will say that I am going to try and put 'Deep Battle' into practice by hitting Japan with a series of mutually supporting offensives which will stretch the defenders to the breaking point and allow a deep penetration to the heart of the Japanese Empire. I'll be in a position to start applying constant pressure on Japan in six months, until then my sole aim is to avoid AV and inflict one sided losses on Japan at sea and in the air.

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 6/17/2014 4:11:31 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 Smeulders)

Post #: 122

RE: Feb. 15/42 - 6/17/2014 2:53:18 AM

BBfanboy

Posts: 18046
Joined: 8/4/2010
From: Winnipeg, MB
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Your strategic offence idea is intriguing. I will be watching with great interest.

_____________________________

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 #: 123

RE: Feb. 15/42 - 6/17/2014 3:19:21 AM

SqzMyLemon

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

I've always been fascinated by Nemo's posts about soviet military doctrine and how it could be applied to a Pacific campaign. I've been reading on the subject and will give it a try. I'm still trying to understand the concept fully and most likely won't do it justice, but I will try. I envision a series of attacks that all aim to weaken Japan's overall defensive capability and build upon each other in succession leading to the destruction of the Japanese navy and a deep penetration into the defences.

With the slow pace of the game I'll have plenty of time to plan it all out and make the necessary preparations.

_____________________________

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 #: 124

RE: Dilemma - 6/19/2014 2:58:07 PM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
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No turns from Andre since Monday, but I know he is busy.

On a non-game note, my new hobby/model room renovation is finished so I can begin to move back in all the kits and supplies and get seriously building. It's going to be great having the space to work on multiple projects at once with everything I need handy and organized much better than before. I am holding off on a spray booth for the moment though, so my spray painting will be conducted outside for now. I have numerous projects to finish up including DD Yukikaze and CV Shokaku.

_____________________________

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 #: 125

RE: Dilemma - 6/20/2014 3:44:09 PM

SqzMyLemon

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

The model room is complete so I'm back in business! Andre said I should have a turn later today as well.

Life is good.

_____________________________

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 #: 126

Feb. 16-20/42 - 6/23/2014 4:23:20 PM

SqzMyLemon

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

It's been a little while since a game related update. We got four turns in since Friday.

Burma:

Japanese forces are on the move in Burma. Enemy forces at Meiktila are advancing on Magwe. The base is lightly defended and one deliberate attack should see them routed.

China:

The situation remains static. Japanese forces still haven't made their flanking move into clear terrain near Sian yet. This is giving me a chance to redeploy a number of Chinese units. Chinese strength at Sian is only 1000AV, but there are more 3000AV in the rough terrain hex directly southeast of the base. I'm setting up my MLR in the mountains protecting the Lanchow to Kienko road in order to keep fuel flowing to the heavy industry. Luckily Japanese bombers have been targeting a single Chinese Corps allowing others to move unmolested. It's only a matter of time until the bombers start hitting the troops at Sian directly, but every day allows me to get stronger and reposition my forces.

Air battles have been raging near Kweilin as Japanese bombers target a Chinese Corps blocking the main Kweilin to Hengyang road. I've had LRCAP based from Kweiyang over these troops in an effort to inflict heavier losses on the Japanese air units. It's been a mixed bag in terms of results, but solely due to my own mistakes. Two squadrons of AVG had maxed out pilot rosters and I forgot to set the rookies to group reserve. I paid the price for this mistake on day one with seven AVG aircraft and three P-38's lost on the day. Total daily losses were in my favour, but I still lost too many aircraft. I rested air units the next day and switched out the rookies. When I again set LRCAP my units performed much better, downing seven Oscars and a few Lily/Sally bombers for only one loss. Boyington flamed his first kill in this engagement. I rested my air units again the following day while a dedicated Japanese fighter sweep whiffed on empty air and no enemy bombers flew. Chinese recon has picked up two Japanese units that have been diverted from the Changsha area to open a hex side for trapped Japanese units at Kweilin. I have not attacked, but I am attempting to block efforts to open a hex side. I now have three Chinese Corps blocking the road amounting to 600AV in 3x terrain. I'm hoping they can hold against what I assume to be at least a division moving in. If I can delay and make the Japanese pay a price to relieve their trapped forces I'll consider this a tactical victory. In hindsight, had I recognized the weakness of the Japanese position here sooner I would have sent another 1000AV or so and made an all out effort to capture Luichow and push the Japanese back to Nanning.

I'm still pleasantly surprised with my position in China.

Java:

In trouble and failing fast. Soerabaja is now invested and some isolated pockets of resistance are all that remain of the Dutch on Java. The end is near.

Sumatra:

In trouble as well with the Dutch being limited to only a few bases now. Medan and Sabang are lost. There should be no Dutch left by the end of March.

The Philippines:

Clark Field is out of supply and there is only 26k left at Bataan. No Japanese assaults yet, but Luzon will not last much into March.

Central Pacific:

Allied forces lost contact with the Japanese TF heading to Christmas Island the following day, but on the 19th they were spotted at the base. The SCTF I sent to attack this force failed a full speed movement of only eight hexes by moving only six and was out of position. They remained undetected though. The Vindicators at Palmyra attacked the enemy transport TF on the 19th, but only one bomb hit was recorded. On the 20th, my SCTF of two CL's and two DD's was ordered to move south of Christmas Island and back track west to try and intercept the Japanese TF which I believed would be ordered out of DB range. My SCTF failed to find the enemy TF, but the DB's based at Palmyra didn't. Three transports and a PB received multiple 1000lbs bomb hits when appearing only six hexes from Palmyra. Andre indicated his TF veered from it's ordered route which was to sail southwest of Christmas Island to take it out of DB range, but instead moved closer to Palmyra. I think what happened was his force originally moved as intended, but then reacted away from my SCTF and headed northwest into range of the DB's at Palmyra. Frustrating for Andre no doubt and I got lucky with the DB's, but then again I had covered both options and if Andre's forces had moved as intended they most likely would have run right into the arms of my waiting SCTF. I'll take it though, as Allied morale is low with the imminent fall of Java, Luzon and Sumatra.

Sub Ops:

Allied submarines are getting interdictions once again, but suffering from duds and outright misses. One bright spot was SS Silversides patrolling near Babeldoab. It nailed a Tonan class tanker with one torpedo last turn which set fuel burning. It might be enough to sink the tanker, which is one of the big ones and a major loss to Japan.

Thoughts:

I expect to see a major Japanese move soon, but not certain of where at this time.

I'm comfortable with my preparations in India as both the 6th and 7th Australian Divisions have arrived safely, as have numerous reinforcing air units from Aden and Cape Town. A large number of 4E's are currently en route to India via Cape Town as well.

Australia is as secure as I can make it at the moment. I need to get more aviation support to the country though. I've been able to reinforce with substantial American air units over the last month which will offset the loss of many withdrawing ABDA units.

Japanese forces appear to be moving on Christmas Island IO and Cocos Island now. A lot of Japanese ASW is trying to clear out Allied patrolling submarines in the area. Japanese carriers are spotted at Singapore and the numbers indicate they are still mostly likely Kaga and friends. I plan on contesting a Japanese move against Cocos Island, but may run out of time. My CV's from Cape Town are still five and six days away from appearing on map, plus another 2-3 days to reach Cocos. The British CV's took too long to reach Cape Town from Aden and I may miss a chance to surprise the Japanese. I've sortied much of the British and American Asiatic Fleets to contest a Japanese move against Cocos Island, it all comes down to will they arrive in time?

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 6/23/2014 5:34:32 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 #: 127

Feb. 21-22/42 - 6/26/2014 7:37:40 PM

SqzMyLemon

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I spoke too soon.

The first deliberate attack occurred at Clark Field on the 21st. Japan achieves 1:1 and drops forts from level 2 to 1. Casualties are roughly even. Without supply there's not much I can do. I'm attempting to withdraw to Bataan where I have level 4 forts.

Japanese forces invade Koumac on New Caledonia. Allied submarines patrolling in the area spike to 10/10 detection levels. Welcome back KB. So begins the next wave of operations in the Southeast Pacific. Confirmation that Andre is shooting for AV in his latest e-mail. Now to try and deny him the pleasure.

_____________________________

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 #: 128

Off Topic - 6/26/2014 7:44:54 PM

SqzMyLemon

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From: Alberta, Canada
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Our house reno's are almost complete, just the kitchen to complete. I have five glorious days off starting tomorrow (Friday) and have a busy schedule of model building on a number of projects to look forward to. I'm enjoying playing the Allied side, but have to admit the game is dropping down my list in terms of time willing to be spent on it. I'm glad to be 100% percent back into my modeling, getting back into shape for the Summer and social time meeting up with old friends and family. Seeing Erik's post regarding his visit with Nic only reinforces my desire to reconnect with many of my friends this year. I too hope to meet some forumnites at some point in the future.

_____________________________

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 #: 129

RE: Off Topic - 6/26/2014 8:07:23 PM

obvert

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quote:

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon

Our house reno's are almost complete, just the kitchen to complete. I have five glorious days off starting tomorrow (Friday) and have a busy schedule of model building on a number of projects to look forward to. I'm enjoying playing the Allied side, but have to admit the game is dropping down my list in terms of time willing to be spent on it. I'm glad to be 100% percent back into my modeling, getting back into shape for the Summer and social time meeting up with old friends and family. Seeing Erik's post regarding his visit with Nic only reinforces my desire to reconnect with many of my friends this year. I too hope to meet some forumnites at some point in the future.

Come to London!! Lots of things to see and do here. Let me know when you're coming.

_____________________________

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

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 130

Feb. 23/42 - 6/27/2014 4:07:36 AM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
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The Phillippines:

I released supply from Bataan to Clark Field and it paid off today, however against the numbers I'm facing there really isn't much I can do. AAR follows:

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Clark Field (79,76)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 74468 troops, 825 guns, 724 vehicles, Assault Value = 2237

Defending force 36567 troops, 536 guns, 644 vehicles, Assault Value = 1069

Japanese adjusted assault: 2322

Allied adjusted defense: 1342

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

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 0

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

Japanese ground losses:
5222 casualties reported
Squads: 17 destroyed, 421 disabled
Non Combat: 4 destroyed, 70 disabled
Engineers: 17 destroyed, 142 disabled
Guns lost 32 (2 destroyed, 30 disabled)
Vehicles lost 121 (34 destroyed, 87 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
1421 casualties reported
Squads: 43 destroyed, 107 disabled
Non Combat: 3 destroyed, 59 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 27 disabled
Guns lost 42 (14 destroyed, 28 disabled)
Vehicles lost 13 (2 destroyed, 11 disabled)

Assaulting units:
48th Division
2nd Tank Regiment
16th Division
21st Division
3rd Ind. Engineer Regiment
38th Division
18th/A Division
7th Tank Regiment
21st Ind. Engineer Regiment
65th Brigade
19th Ind. Engineer Regiment
4th Tank Regiment
20th Ind. Engineer Regiment
18th/B Division
2nd Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
20th Ind. Mtn Gun Battalion
2nd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
15th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
10th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
1st Hvy.Artillery Regiment
14th Army
9th Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
8th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
1st Medium Field Artillery Regiment
3rd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
2nd Mortar Battalion
5th Naval Construction Battalion

Defending units:
31st Infantry Regiment
91st PA Infantry Division
26th PS Cavalry Regiment
31st PA Infantry Division
21st PA Infantry Division
71st PA Infantry Division
4th Marine Regiment
57th PS Infantry Regimental Combat Team
192nd Tank Battalion
51st PA Infantry Division
14th PS Engineer Regiment
194th Tank Battalion
1st PA Constabulary Regiment
Clark Field USAAF Base Force
1st PI Base Force
Cavite USN Base Force
301st Construction Battalion
Asiatic Fleet
88th PS Field Artillery Regiment
USAFFE
1st USMC AA Battalion
200th & 515th Coast AA Regiment
Provisional GMC Grp
Subic Bay Defenses
Far East USAAF
301st PA Field Artillery Regiment

China:

The Japanese are a little light in a few areas. Some bombardment attacks leave me feeling optimistic that I can cause some decent Japanese losses if they attack with the current numbers. AAR's follow:

This is the blocking force preventing the Japanese from opening up a hex side for their forces isolated at Kweilin. I should reinforce with another corps to make sure I can hold as the numbers are too close for my liking at the moment.

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

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 16055 troops, 138 guns, 13 vehicles, Assault Value = 572

Defending force 19777 troops, 162 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 616

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

Assaulting units:
13th Division
39th/C Division

Defending units:
25th Chinese Corps
65th Chinese Corps
63rd Chinese Corps
9th Prov Chinese Corps
12th Group Army

At Changsha the Japanese only have three divisions committed. The defenders are behind level 5 forts so it's won't be easy for the Japanese.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Changsha (82,52)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 48460 troops, 575 guns, 101 vehicles, Assault Value = 1814

Defending force 33681 troops, 229 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1112

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:
8 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
40th Division
2nd Ind.Mixed Regiment
13th Tank Regiment
56th Infantry Brigade
34th Division
51st Engineer Regiment
3rd Division
8th Armored Car Co
11th RGC Temp. Division
4th Mortar Battalion
2nd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
1st Mortar Battalion
14th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
51st Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
2nd Hvy.Artillery Regiment
15th Ind.Medium Field Artillery Regiment
5th RF Gun Battalion

Defending units:
58th Chinese Corps
72nd Chinese Corps
10th Chinese Corps
26th Chinese Corps
78th Chinese Corps
30th Group Army
29th Group Army
17th Chinese Base Force

Southeast Pacific:

An undefended Koumac is occupied by the Japanese. AAR follows:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Koumac (113,156)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 667 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 166

Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 0

Japanese adjusted assault: 19

Allied adjusted defense: 1

Japanese assault odds: 19 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Koumac !!!

Combat modifiers
Attacker:

Assaulting units:
144th Infantry Regiment
2nd Indpt SNLF Coy
7th Indpt SNLF Coy

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 6/27/2014 5:25:49 AM >

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

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

(in reply to obvert)

Post #: 131

Feb. 24-27/42 - 7/4/2014 5:13:50 PM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
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From: Alberta, Canada
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Another brief update.

Java:

Deciding to defend at Soerabaja may have been a huge mistake. Despite level four forts, 60k supply and no disruption from bombing, the first Japanese deliberate assault reduces the defenders AV by 1/3 and drops the forts to level 3. A raw Dutch 500AV+ was adjusted to the low 300's and allowed the Japanese to achieve an easy 1:1. I fear the base will fall to the next attack as it seems the low Dutch experience is just too much of a disadvantage to overcome.

China:

Stalemate continues. Japanese units are finally starting to enter the clear terrain hexes east of Sian. A Japanese bombardment on the rough terrain hex southeast of Sian shows only 1800 enemy AV remain compared to the Chinese 1600AV. I've already begun withdrawing troops from Sian to take up stronger defensive positions in rough terrain to the northwest. I may abandon Sian altogether, but will make a final decision in a few turns. Sian is buying me a lot time right now, but I don't want to give the base away for free if I can help it. The trick will be making it somewhat costly for Japan to take, but withdraw my troops before they get completely routed.

At Kweilin, I'm content to simply hold my position and force the isolated Japanese units to consume supply. I tried an artillery bombardment a few days ago and it did not go well. No Japanese losses were inflicted, yet I lost a few squads. I don't have the strength to take the position without adding a large number of additional units, which I simply can't do. The Japanese tried to open the Kweilin - Changsha main road hex side, but I successfully prevented the operation by blocking with four Chinese corps. It looks like Andre is now going to attempt another try, but from Luichow. I have three corps in each secondary road hex leading to Kweilin to prevent any chance of relief. Kweilin is also buying me additional time to establish better positions in the rear.

Air Ops:

I successfully shot down a number of Japanese bombers over Clark Field with the remaining P-40's on the 25th. Unfortunately, I tried to CAP Soerabaja with the remaining Dutch fighters now supplemented with Hurricane IIb's on the 26th, which was a mistake. Initially results looked good, but I failed to switch a fighter unit of Hawk's from training to CAP which ended up joining the assigned defenders against a second heavily escorted Japanese bombing raid. B-339's and Hawk's were shot down in droves. Overall losses on the 26th, including air combat over both Clark Field and Soerabaja were 21 Allied (16 of which were Dutch) to 18 Japanese. So far the Dutch air and ground forces have performed terribly.

Thoughts:

Japanese CV's have been spotted heading northeast between Sumatra and Malaya. The numbers still reflect CV Kaga and friends. What kind of operation would require Japanese CV's in the theatre? Port Blair has already been captured by the Japanese and Commonwealth forces are bugging out of Burma. Some Japanese DD's did sink a few AMc's at Calcutta a few days ago, but I had all Allied air units set to training so they were not attacked. I'll be setting up a more substantial air defence along the coast of India over the next few days. What are these Japanese CV's up to other than perhaps a small raid? Commonwealth submarines are being vectored in. Maybe I'll get lucky.

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 7/4/2014 6:21:14 PM >

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

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

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 132

RE: Feb. 24-27/42 - 7/5/2014 9:28:48 AM

obvert

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From: PDX (and now) London, UK
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quote:

Deciding to defend at Soerabaja may have been a huge mistake. Despite level four forts, 60k supply and no disruption from bombing, the first Japanese deliberate assault reduces the defenders AV by 1/3 and drops the forts to level 3. A raw Dutch 500AV+ was adjusted to the low 300's and allowed the Japanese to achieve an easy 1:1. I fear the base will fall to the next attack as it seems the low Dutch experience is just too much of a disadvantage to overcome.

The territory is bad here. It's got more stuff to ruin than Batavia though, so you may have chosen the right spot if all of the industry and oil gets wiped in the assault.

quote:

Japanese CV's have been spotted heading northeast between Sumatra and Malaya. The numbers still reflect CV Kaga and friends. What kind of operation would require Japanese CV's in the theatre? Port Blair has already been captured by the Japanese and Commonwealth forces are bugging out of Burma. Some Japanese DD's did sink a few AMc's at Calcutta a few days ago, but I had all Allied air units set to training so they were not attacked. I'll be setting up a more substantial air defence along the coast of India over the next few days. What are these Japanese CV's up to other than perhaps a small raid? Commonwealth submarines are being vectored in. Maybe I'll get lucky.

Diego Garcia?

_____________________________

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

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 133

RE: Feb. 24-27/42 - 7/5/2014 3:45:43 PM

BBfanboy

Posts: 18046
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From: Winnipeg, MB
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quote:

ORIGINAL: obvert

quote:

Japanese CV's have been spotted heading northeast between Sumatra and Malaya. The numbers still reflect CV Kaga and friends. What kind of operation would require Japanese CV's in the theatre? Port Blair has already been captured by the Japanese and Commonwealth forces are bugging out of Burma. Some Japanese DD's did sink a few AMc's at Calcutta a few days ago, but I had all Allied air units set to training so they were not attacked. I'll be setting up a more substantial air defence along the coast of India over the next few days. What are these Japanese CV's up to other than perhaps a small raid? Commonwealth submarines are being vectored in. Maybe I'll get lucky.

Diego Garcia?

IRL, Nagumo took KB raiding in the IO with the goal of eliminating some of the British navy and AF. There was no plan to invade anything.

The plan nearly worked but a Canadian patrol aircraft spotted KB approaching Ceylon and flashed the warning while being attacked by a swarm of Zeros.
The RN bugged out of Columbo and saved their R class BBs and lots of other shipping. CVL Hermes and CAs Cornwall and Dorsetshire were caught and sunk.
I met the pilot of the Canadian Cat that spotted KB. S/L (later Air Commodore) Birchall was hailed as "the saviour of Ceylon", but the story of his efforts
in captivity to maintain morale of the troops despite malnutrition and vicious treatment was riveting. Real leadership from a real hero, and it saved many lives.

_____________________________

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 #: 134

RE: Feb. 24-27/42 - 7/5/2014 4:21:40 PM

Lokasenna

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From: Iowan in MD/DC
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I'm guessing raid on Ceylon. It's hard to properly defend from the air this early, and even if you sent every RAF fighter unit there from Aden I think Kaga & Friends could bat them aside with no problems.

(in reply to BBfanboy)

Post #: 135

RE: Feb. 24-27/42 - 7/6/2014 1:56:02 AM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
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From: Alberta, Canada
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Thanks for the comments Gents, I was beginning to wonder if anyone was still following.

If Andre decides to raid with CV Kaga, CVL's and the CVE's, I may have a surprise for him. CV's Hornet, Saratoga and a British CV and CVL are in the IO. They are currently west of Cocos Island anticipating an invasion of the base. If they remain undetected, I could cause some trouble.

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 7/6/2014 2:57:03 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 Lokasenna)

Post #: 136

RE: Feb. 24-27/42 - 7/6/2014 4:16:47 AM

witpqs

Posts: 26087
Joined: 10/4/2004
From: Argleton
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Even with sparse posting sometimes by Andre, I'm sure there are many of us reading both sides and thereby constrained from saying much.

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(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 137

We've reached March 1st - 7/11/2014 4:33:21 PM

SqzMyLemon

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

We've reached the end of February.

Andre is slowly reducing the remaining Allied positions in Java and the Philippines. I'm about to abandon Clark Field and hold Bataan for as long as forts and supply allow. Soerabaja shouldn't last beyond the next deliberate attack. With only one month of the amphibious bonus remaining I expect increased Japanese activity after what seems like a long static period. Andre is extremely deliberate in his movements and maintains his troops at a high level. He will withdraw a unit to recover rather than risk further degradation of it's combat abilities. It's allowed me to hold some positions that I think could have fallen weeks ago, but then there really is no hurry. I think it's more important to retain the combat effectiveness of Andre's units for the next phase than it is to capture bases quickly with higher losses. With the extra early LCU's available to the Japanese in Scenario 2, it's far easier to be ahead of the historic timetable in 1942 anyway. I really don't care about losing the historic perimeter, or how quickly, it's what is planned next that has me worried. Australia? India? New Zealand? The Aleutians? Fiji? That is when the game will begin for me to all intents and purposes. I'm just going through the initial butt kicking that is standard with an aggressive Japanese opening. I'll simply stay out of the way until I can fight back effectively where I need to. If this was Scenario 1 I'd be far more aggressive, but it isn't, and conserving my forces is the order of the day.

The first deliberate attack was launched against Changsha today. Japan achieved 1:2 odds and Japanese casualties were rather light in my opinion, only 13 destroyed squads and 370 disabled. Changsha's defence has been reduced by 230AV, but the forts were not reduced and remain at level 5. The Japanese are attacking with only three full divisions supplemented by numerous small regiments and support units. I was disappointed with the low Japanese losses when raw AV was 1700 vs. 1200 in Japan's favour.

I'll be bugging out of Sian when the bulk of Japanese units finally arrive. I've left less than 1000AV in the rough terrain hex southeast to entice an attack. I just hope to cause higher Japanese casualties for one more battle before withdrawing my forces to avoid being routed. I have had a lone Chinese corps in 2x defensive terrain east of Sian pounded by Japanese bombers for a week and Andre has diverted nine units to attack it next turn. Complete overkill. Andre continues to use a large number of assets attacking units that have no overall ability to influence events and leaves me free to consolidate other positions unmolested. I'll take it, but I also know that China will fall regardless of what I do, it's just a question of how expensive I can make it for the Japanese.

Japanese naval units are starting to patrol around Timor so I anticipate invasions are soon to follow. I'm moving in an Australian SCTF to try and catch the Japanese napping. The CV's in the IO are still patrolling west of Cocos, but I may move them to Timor instead, especially with the Japanese CV's last reported somewhere off the west coast of Malaya. Interestingly, Japan just conducted an amphibious invasion at Sibolga on the west coast of Sumatra. I wonder if CV Kaga and friends could be near Sabang?

Anyway, enjoying the game immensely despite the slow pace.

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

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

(in reply to witpqs)

Post #: 138

March 1-2/42 - 7/13/2014 11:44:27 PM

SqzMyLemon

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

Java:

The big news was the fall of Soerabaja. Defending here was a mistake. Despite level four forts and plenty of supply the Dutch simply couldn't hold due to their abysmally low experience. Adding insult to injury, the facilities fall into Japanese hands completely intact. Add 200k of fuel and 50k of supply to the Japanese stockpile. AAR follows:

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Ground combat at Soerabaja (56,104)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 45078 troops, 438 guns, 415 vehicles, Assault Value = 1531

Defending force 17895 troops, 223 guns, 49 vehicles, Assault Value = 367

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 2

Japanese adjusted assault: 827

Allied adjusted defense: 186

Japanese assault odds: 4 to 1 (fort level 2)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Soerabaja !!!

Combat modifiers
Defender: experience(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
1675 casualties reported
Squads: 7 destroyed, 95 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 16 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 44 disabled
Guns lost 10 (1 destroyed, 9 disabled)
Vehicles lost 11 (1 destroyed, 10 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
22826 casualties reported
Squads: 706 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 1847 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 119 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 269 (269 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Vehicles lost 63 (63 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units destroyed 23

Assaulting units:
55th Engineer Regiment
Sasebo 1st SNLF
2nd Division
1st Ind. Engineer Regiment
8th Tank Regiment
6th Tank Regiment
5th Division
5th Amphibious Brigade
17th Indpt Guards Regiment
17th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
21st Medium Field Artillery Battalion
1st Base Force

Defending units:
Artilleriecommando Coastal Gun Battalion
Tjilatjap KNIL Battalion
6th KNIL Regiment
Lijfwacht Cav Sqn
Batavia Coastal Gun Battalion
4th KNIL Regiment
2nd KNIL Landstorm Battalion
Marinier Battalion
VI KNIL Battalion
Banjoewangi Base Force
Kalidjati Base Force
Bandoeng Base Force
1 ML-KNIL Aviation /2
3rd KNIL AA Battalion
Malang Base Force
Merak Base Force
Semarang Base Force
223 Group RAF
Djojakarta Base Force
Soerabaja Base Force
MLD
Commandement Marine
2 ML-KNIL Aviation /1

The Philippines:

Allied troops abandon Clark Field just in time. The Japanese launch what would have been a devastating shock attack against the base, but find only the Subic Bay Defenses remain. Bataan will see the final stand of the Allies on Luzon. Forts are level four, but supply is minimal. AAR follows:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Clark Field (79,76)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 60293 troops, 741 guns, 592 vehicles, Assault Value = 1795

Defending force 265 troops, 22 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1

Japanese adjusted assault: 2650

Allied adjusted defense: 1

Japanese assault odds: 2650 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Clark Field !!!

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

Japanese ground losses:
Vehicles lost 5 (4 destroyed, 1 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
392 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 35 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 31 (31 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units destroyed 1

Assaulting units:
4th Tank Regiment
19th Ind. Engineer Regiment
16th Division
48th Division
20th Ind. Engineer Regiment
21st Division
7th Tank Regiment
38th Division
18th/C Division
3rd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
8th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
1st Hvy.Artillery Regiment
2nd Mortar Battalion
9th Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
2nd Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
10th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
14th Army
15th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
2nd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
1st Medium Field Artillery Regiment
20th Ind. Mtn Gun Battalion
5th Naval Construction Battalion

Defending units:
Subic Bay Defenses

March 2/42:

An Allied SCTF catches a small Japanese SCTF, that has been patrolling the area for days, in a running naval engagement near Timor and sadly results are extremely poor. Despite what on paper was the superior force, Allied gunnery is awful. The last action of the day saw the Japanese force actually surprised, but Allied gunnery can't take advantage. Series of AAR's follow:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Koepang at 67,115, Range 10,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CL Jintsu, Shell hits 1
CL Isuzu, Shell hits 3
DD Yudachi
DD Samidare

Allied Ships
CA Australia, Shell hits 1
CA Canberra
DD Bulmer, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Edsall
DD John D. Edwards, Shell hits 1
DD Paul Jones
DD Parrott
DD Stewart

Improved night sighting under 100% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions and 100% moonlight: 11,000 yards
Range closes to 10,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 10,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 10,000 yards
CL Isuzu engages CA Canberra at 10,000 yards
CL Jintsu engages CA Australia at 10,000 yards
CL Isuzu engages DD Stewart at 10,000 yards
DD Paul Jones engages CL Isuzu at 10,000 yards
DD Yudachi engages DD John D. Edwards at 10,000 yards
DD Yudachi engages DD Edsall at 10,000 yards
DD Bulmer engages DD Yudachi at 10,000 yards
CL Isuzu engages CA Australia at 10,000 yards
CA Australia engages CL Isuzu at 10,000 yards
DD Samidare engages DD Bulmer at 10,000 yards
DD Samidare engages DD Parrott at 10,000 yards
DD Samidare engages DD Paul Jones at 10,000 yards
DD John D. Edwards engages CL Isuzu at 10,000 yards
DD Edsall engages DD Yudachi at 10,000 yards
DD Yudachi engages DD Bulmer at 10,000 yards
Range closes to 8,000 yards
CA Canberra engages CL Isuzu at 8,000 yards
CL Jintsu engages CA Australia at 8,000 yards
DD Yudachi engages DD Parrott at 8,000 yards
DD Paul Jones engages DD Yudachi at 8,000 yards
DD John D. Edwards engages DD Yudachi at 8,000 yards
DD Edsall engages DD Samidare at 8,000 yards
DD Samidare engages DD Bulmer at 8,000 yards
Range increases to 10,000 yards
CL Isuzu engages CA Canberra at 10,000 yards
CL Jintsu engages CA Australia at 10,000 yards
DD Parrott engages DD Samidare at 10,000 yards
DD John D. Edwards engages DD Yudachi at 10,000 yards
DD Yudachi engages DD Paul Jones at 10,000 yards
DD Samidare engages DD John D. Edwards at 10,000 yards
DD Yudachi engages DD Edsall at 10,000 yards
DD Samidare engages DD Bulmer at 10,000 yards
Range increases to 11,000 yards
CL Isuzu engages CA Australia at 11,000 yards
CL Jintsu engages CA Canberra at 11,000 yards
DD Samidare engages DD Bulmer at 11,000 yards
DD Yudachi engages DD Parrott at 11,000 yards
DD Paul Jones engages DD Samidare at 11,000 yards
DD John D. Edwards engages DD Yudachi at 11,000 yards
DD Yudachi engages DD Edsall at 11,000 yards
DD Samidare engages DD Bulmer at 11,000 yards
CL Isuzu engages CA Canberra at 11,000 yards
CA Australia engages CL Isuzu at 11,000 yards
DD Samidare engages DD Stewart at 11,000 yards
DD Parrott engages DD Samidare at 11,000 yards
DD Yudachi engages DD Paul Jones at 11,000 yards
DD Yudachi engages DD John D. Edwards at 11,000 yards
DD Yudachi engages DD Edsall at 11,000 yards
DD Yudachi engages DD Bulmer at 11,000 yards
Task forces break off...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Larantoeka at 67,114, Range 23,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CL Jintsu
CL Isuzu, Shell hits 2
DD Yudachi, Shell hits 1
DD Samidare, Shell hits 1

Allied Ships
CA Australia, Shell hits 7, on fire
CA Canberra
DD Bulmer
DD Edsall
DD John D. Edwards
DD Paul Jones
DD Parrott
DD Stewart

Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions: 28,000 yards
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 23,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 23,000 yards
CL Isuzu engages CA Canberra at 23,000 yards
CL Isuzu engages CA Australia at 23,000 yards
CA Australia engages DD Samidare at 23,000 yards
Range closes to 18,000 yards
CL Isuzu engages CA Canberra at 18,000 yards
CA Australia engages CL Isuzu at 18,000 yards
Range closes to 15,000 yards
CL Isuzu engages CA Canberra at 15,000 yards
CA Australia engages CL Isuzu at 15,000 yards
DD Samidare engages DD Stewart at 15,000 yards
DD Yudachi engages DD Parrott at 15,000 yards
DD Samidare engages DD Paul Jones at 15,000 yards
DD John D. Edwards engages DD Samidare at 15,000 yards
DD Edsall engages DD Samidare at 15,000 yards
DD Samidare engages DD Bulmer at 15,000 yards
Range closes to 12,000 yards
CL Isuzu engages CA Australia at 12,000 yards
CA Australia engages CL Isuzu at 12,000 yards
DD Samidare engages DD Stewart at 12,000 yards
DD Samidare engages DD Paul Jones at 12,000 yards
DD Samidare engages DD Edsall at 12,000 yards
Range closes to 8,000 yards
CL Isuzu engages CA Australia at 8,000 yards
CL Isuzu engages CA Australia at 8,000 yards
DD Samidare engages DD Bulmer at 8,000 yards
DD Yudachi engages DD John D. Edwards at 8,000 yards
DD Samidare engages DD Edsall at 8,000 yards
DD Yudachi engages DD Bulmer at 8,000 yards
Range increases to 12,000 yards
CA Australia engages CL Isuzu at 12,000 yards
CA Australia engages CL Jintsu at 12,000 yards
DD John D. Edwards engages DD Samidare at 12,000 yards
DD Samidare engages DD Parrott at 12,000 yards
DD Samidare engages DD Paul Jones at 12,000 yards
DD John D. Edwards engages DD Samidare at 12,000 yards
DD Yudachi engages DD Edsall at 12,000 yards
DD Yudachi engages DD Bulmer at 12,000 yards
Range increases to 14,000 yards
CL Isuzu engages CA Australia at 14,000 yards
CA Australia engages CL Jintsu at 14,000 yards
DD John D. Edwards engages DD Yudachi at 14,000 yards
DD Edsall engages DD Yudachi at 14,000 yards
DD Samidare engages DD Bulmer at 14,000 yards
Ura, Koichi orders Japanese TF to disengage
Range increases to 19,000 yards
CA Australia engages CL Isuzu at 19,000 yards
CL Jintsu engages CA Australia at 19,000 yards
CL Isuzu engages DD Stewart at 19,000 yards
CL Isuzu engages DD Parrott at 19,000 yards
CL Isuzu engages DD Paul Jones at 19,000 yards
CL Isuzu engages DD John D. Edwards at 19,000 yards
CL Isuzu engages DD Edsall at 19,000 yards
CL Isuzu engages DD Bulmer at 19,000 yards
Range increases to 20,000 yards
CL Isuzu engages CA Australia at 20,000 yards
CL Isuzu engages CA Australia at 20,000 yards
CA Australia engages DD Samidare at 20,000 yards
CL Isuzu engages DD Parrott at 20,000 yards
CL Isuzu engages DD Paul Jones at 20,000 yards
CL Isuzu engages DD John D. Edwards at 20,000 yards
CL Isuzu engages DD Bulmer at 20,000 yards
Range increases to 21,000 yards
CL Isuzu engages CA Australia at 21,000 yards
CL Isuzu engages CA Australia at 21,000 yards
CA Australia engages DD Samidare at 21,000 yards
Range increases to 23,000 yards
CA Australia engages CL Isuzu at 23,000 yards
Range increases to 24,000 yards
CL Isuzu engages CA Canberra at 24,000 yards
Range increases to 25,000 yards
CA Canberra engages CL Isuzu at 25,000 yards
Range increases to 27,000 yards
Range increases to 28,000 yards
Range closes to 27,000 yards
CA Canberra engages CL Isuzu at 27,000 yards
CL Isuzu engages CA Canberra at 27,000 yards
Range closes to 26,000 yards
Range increases to 28,000 yards
Task forces break off...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Endeh at 66,114, Range 23,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CL Jintsu
CL Isuzu, Shell hits 2, heavy fires
DD Yudachi
DD Samidare, Shell hits 1

Allied Ships
CA Australia, Shell hits 1, on fire
CA Canberra
DD Bulmer
DD Edsall
DD John D. Edwards, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Paul Jones
DD Parrott
DD Stewart

Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions: 28,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 23,000 yards
Allies open fire on surprised Japanese ships at 23,000 yards
CA Canberra fires at CL Isuzu at 23,000 yards
Range closes to 21,000 yards
CL Jintsu engages CA Australia at 21,000 yards
Range closes to 20,000 yards
CA Canberra engages CL Isuzu at 20,000 yards
CL Jintsu engages CA Australia at 20,000 yards
Range closes to 18,000 yards
CL Isuzu engages CA Canberra at 18,000 yards
CL Isuzu engages DD John D. Edwards at 18,000 yards
Range closes to 14,000 yards
CA Australia engages CL Isuzu at 14,000 yards
DD Paul Jones engages DD Yudachi at 14,000 yards
CL Isuzu engages DD John D. Edwards at 14,000 yards
CL Jintsu engages DD Edsall at 14,000 yards
Range closes to 11,000 yards
CA Australia engages CL Isuzu at 11,000 yards
DD Yudachi engages DD Paul Jones at 11,000 yards
DD Yudachi engages DD John D. Edwards at 11,000 yards
DD Edsall engages DD Yudachi at 11,000 yards
Range closes to 9,000 yards
CA Australia engages CL Isuzu at 9,000 yards
DD Edsall engages DD Yudachi at 9,000 yards
DD Paul Jones engages DD Samidare at 9,000 yards
DD Yudachi engages DD John D. Edwards at 9,000 yards
DD Edsall engages DD Yudachi at 9,000 yards
Range increases to 14,000 yards
DD Paul Jones engages DD Samidare at 14,000 yards
DD Paul Jones engages DD Yudachi at 14,000 yards
DD John D. Edwards engages DD Samidare at 14,000 yards
DD Samidare engages DD Edsall at 14,000 yards
DD Bulmer engages DD Samidare at 14,000 yards
Range increases to 18,000 yards
CL Isuzu engages CA Canberra at 18,000 yards
CL Jintsu engages CA Australia at 18,000 yards
CL Jintsu engages DD John D. Edwards at 18,000 yards
Range increases to 21,000 yards
CL Jintsu engages CA Australia at 21,000 yards
CL Jintsu engages DD John D. Edwards at 21,000 yards
Task forces break off...

However, as the Japanese SCTF withdraws, Dutch SS O24 lines up CL Isuzu in the crosshairs. AAR follows:

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Sub attack near Endeh at 65,114

Japanese Ships
CL Isuzu, Torpedo hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Yudachi
DD Samidare

Allied Ships
SS O24

SS O24 launches 4 torpedoes at CL Isuzu
O24 diving deep ....
DD Samidare attacking submerged sub ....
DD Samidare fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Samidare fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Samidare attacking submerged sub ....DD Samidare fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

An Alf is listed as an Ops loss, so I believe the Japanese are short a light cruiser.

Overall, neither side dominated, but Japanese fire was far more effective than Allied. I'm lucky to not have suffered greater damage. The American DD's contributed little to the battle and will be withdrawn for conversion to DE's. They will perform escort duty from here on out. The Allied SCTF reacted aggressively to bring on these engagements, but poor gunnery meant an opportunity to bloody the Japanese was lost. As a result of the reactions, the Allied SCTF ended up well within long range of Japanese Betty/Nell bombers that could have been based at Soerabaja. Luckily, Andre's use of these bombers to target ground troops in Java meant no naval LBA strike ensued. Since the Japanese bombers have been used in this way for the entire Java campaign, I decided the risk of naval air attack was low and ordered the Allied SCTF to interdict. I'm not sure I would have otherwise.

I think this is the most frustrating aspect of playing the Allies in the early days. Even if you get a favourable engagement, the low experience of the Allied forces generally leads to subpar results. If not for the lucky torpedo hits on the CL by SS O24, the Japanese clearly would have come out ahead in today's actions. I'll take it though. Every success, regardless of how little, helps the Allied cause.

_____________________________

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 #: 139

RE: March 1-2/42 - 7/14/2014 12:45:03 AM

topeverest

Posts: 3376
Joined: 10/17/2007
From: Houston, TX - USA
Status: offline

Your illustrious opponent is a legendary JFB and has played this scenario in the past. Is it in bounds to discuss what he might do based on that?

_____________________________

Andy M

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 140

RE: March 1-2/42 - 7/14/2014 4:03:37 AM

SqzMyLemon

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

quote:

ORIGINAL: topeverest

Your illustrious opponent is a legendary JFB and has played this scenario in the past. Is it in bounds to discuss what he might do based on that?

Thanks for posting topeverest. I have to leave this up to your discetion. As long as Andre's AAR is not compromised, I can't see any reason not to speculate based on previous experience as people have done at times in other AAR's

I'm pretty sure Andre will go for Ceylon and parts of India. It seems the best short term solution for harvesting the VP's needed for an auto-victory in 1942. I take it as a given that I will lose New Caledonia and Fiji. I would not rule out an invasion of New Zealand, but I don't think Andre is the kind of player that would enhance the Allied OOB with emergency reinforcements.

I think Andre will use the remainder of the amphibious bonus to grab as many bases as possible, but a major operation to achieve auto-victory may not become evident until April or June. Until then, I prepare for every conceivable objective as best I can.

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 7/14/2014 5:04:01 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 topeverest)

Post #: 141

March 3/42 - 7/14/2014 4:17:52 AM

SqzMyLemon

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

Diego Garcia:

Three Japanese DD's bombard the base during the night. Is this the prelude to invasion?

China:

Japanese troops are beginning the move to flank Sian. I'll post a screenshot after the next turn. The bulk of the Chinese defenders at Sian will withdraw northwest in two days. My reasoning is that Sian can't be held and the routing of 2000AV will be disastrous. I'd rather force Andre to dig my forces out of 3x defensive terrain. Many of the Chinese units have morale in the 80's now and I don't want to see that degraded by being bombed in clear terrain after being routed from Sian.

I moved AVG 3rd Squadron to Changsha last turn to CAP the base. The Japanese have been bombing it with a lone Sonia Sentai. For no loss, AVG downed 13 Sonia's in A2A. On the day, total air losses were 3:29 in the Allied favour with half the total being Japanese Ops losses.

The air campaign over China has not been a milk run for the Japanese. Here's a brief total of Allied kills by squadron in China:

AVG 1st Squadron - 22
AVG 2nd Squadron - 37
AVG 3rd Squadron - 42
24 PG/21st PS Squadron - 18

That's a total of 119 Japanese aircraft (excluding Ops losses) downed by A2A in China so far. Not bad.

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 7/14/2014 5:19:59 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 #: 142

RE: March 3/42 - 7/14/2014 7:55:29 AM

obvert

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

quote:

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon

Diego Garcia:

Three Japanese DD's bombard the base during the night. Is this the prelude to invasion?

China:

Japanese troops are beginning the move to flank Sian. I'll post a screenshot after the next turn. The bulk of the Chinese defenders at Sian will withdraw northwest in two days. My reasoning is that Sian can't be held and the routing of 2000AV will be disastrous. I'd rather force Andre to dig my forces out of 3x defensive terrain. Many of the Chinese units have morale in the 80's now and I don't want to see that degraded by being bombed in clear terrain after being routed from Sian.

I moved AVG 3rd Squadron to Changsha last turn to CAP the base. The Japanese have been bombing it with a lone Sonia Sentai. For no loss, AVG downed 13 Sonia's in A2A. On the day, total air losses were 3:29 in the Allied favour with half the total being Japanese Ops losses.

The air campaign over China has not been a milk run for the Japanese. Here's a brief total of Allied kills by squadron in China:

AVG 1st Squadron - 22
AVG 2nd Squadron - 37
AVG 3rd Squadron - 42
24 PG/21st PS Squadron - 18

That's a total of 119 Japanese aircraft (excluding Ops losses) downed by A2A in China so far. Not bad.

I agree, if you've built your troops up and he's showing pressure and the use of a large air force at Sian, get out and into +3. Sucks to lose a supply center and give the Japanese oil, but better than losing all of those troops if you'll then lose the base anyway.

Good work with the AVG. Looks like he's not getting many fighters into China to help out. Keep it up!

_____________________________

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

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 143

RE: March 3/42 - 7/14/2014 11:20:32 AM

ny59giants

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

Defending Java - Batavia if your playing with Stacking Limits (SL) and the mountain bases if your not. Soerabaja looks like a nice place, but its clear terrain and your Dutch troops need whatever terrain modifiers they can get.

Diego Garcia - Its becoming more a SOP for Allied players to send one of those 'at sea' TF with a brigade here. At least you can force Japan to invade with a division rather than a few SNLF units. I like to send one of the rebuilt Brit RN BFs destroyed in Malaya here if given a chance.

_____________________________

(in reply to obvert)

Post #: 144

RE: March 3/42 - 7/14/2014 6:22:50 PM

SqzMyLemon

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

quote:

ORIGINAL: obvert

I agree, if you've built your troops up and he's showing pressure and the use of a large air force at Sian, get out and into +3. Sucks to lose a supply center and give the Japanese oil, but better than losing all of those troops if you'll then lose the base anyway.

Good work with the AVG. Looks like he's not getting many fighters into China to help out. Keep it up!

Hi Erik,

It's a tough decision to withdraw from Sian and giving up the supply generation. I know from playing Japan that if the Chinese defend Sian heavily, when it falls it gets ugly fast. The way to Lanchow and the central plains of China is wide open. I hope to sacrifice Sian in order to gain a stronger defensive position overall. The trade off is Japanese forces will be free to advance not having to recover from a siege and the airbase will bring Chungking within range of Japanese bombers.

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

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

(in reply to obvert)

Post #: 145

RE: March 3/42 - 7/14/2014 6:29:58 PM

SqzMyLemon

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

quote:

ORIGINAL: ny59giants

Defending Java - Batavia if your playing with Stacking Limits (SL) and the mountain bases if your not. Soerabaja looks like a nice place, but its clear terrain and your Dutch troops need whatever terrain modifiers they can get.

Diego Garcia - Its becoming more a SOP for Allied players to send one of those 'at sea' TF with a brigade here. At least you can force Japan to invade with a division rather than a few SNLF units. I like to send one of the rebuilt Brit RN BFs destroyed in Malaya here if given a chance.

Hi Michael,

Yep, live and learn about defending Java. I had hoped to at least wreck the facilities at Soerabaja, which was my main motivation to defend there. Without terrain modifiers the Dutch just aren't strong enough to put up an effective resistance. As you say, they need all the help they can get.

I have the 46th Indian Brigade garrisoning Diego Garcia. Forts are level three and current strength is 131AV. I'll reinforce further if I can, but I've been concentrating on strengthening Australia and India proper first.

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

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

(in reply to ny59giants)

Post #: 146

RE: March 3/42 - 7/14/2014 6:34:34 PM

SqzMyLemon

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

I finally got my screen resolution issues figured out. The map looks fantastic at 1920 x 1080. I'll have to lower it for screenshots though as I think the icons will be too small for most of our aging eyes to see.

_____________________________

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 #: 147

RE: March 3/42 - 7/15/2014 2:42:40 PM

SqzMyLemon

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

I'm hoping we can get the March 5th turn completed today and then Andre is gone until Monday, so there will not be any turn over the next five days. That should give me a chance to post some screenshots.

The bulk of Chinese forces should withdraw from Sian today, leaving all but a few corps in defence. I think I'm making the right call as Japanese bombers are now targeting the base in earnest and disablements are lowering the AV daily. Disruption and losses will be high while traversing the first clear terrain hex prior to reaching rough terrain, but that can't be helped. It looks like some Japanese armour is leading the flanking move, but I've gotten the jump so the road will remain open until the bulk of my forces reach the mountains.

VP's have now reached a definite 2:1 advantage for the Japanese. The ratio will increase significantly over the next few months if Andre conducts operations where I suspect he will, primarily India and the Southeast Pacific. I'm going to be even harder pressed once China starts the inevitable slide towards no supply.

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 7/15/2014 3:43:04 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 #: 148

March 4-5/42 - 7/17/2014 4:05:23 PM

SqzMyLemon

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

A couple of quiet turns overall.

China:

The number of Japanese bombers hitting Sian is slowly increasing, as is the damage they are inflicting. March 5th sees the bulk of the defenders vacate the base to occupy the clear terrain hex northwest of the base. They will be targeted heavily while in such poor terrain, but at least have stolen a march on the Japanese. I'm torn. I hate giving up Sian without a fight, but without stacking limits, I can't afford to have 2500AV wiped out defending the base.

Allied fighters have been withdrawn to Kwieyang in anticipation of retaliatory Japanese sweeps. Sure enough Changsha is swept by Tojo's and Oscar's.

Southeast Pacific:

Surprisingly, Japanese amphibious landing occur at Noumea on March 5th. Despite low supply, the defending base force's CD guns damage a number of Japanese ships. The Japanese had already invested the base with an infantry regiment that had marched overland from Koumac, so I'm surprised five Naval Guard units were ordered to conduct an amphibious assault when they could just as easily have landed at La Foa and marched into Noumea. Something tells me Andre is in a hurry for some reason. I don't mind, the Japanese may lose a few ships to CD guns and a fair number of enemy squads were lost conducting the landings, more so than had they simply landed elsewhere and marched overland.

Thoughts:

I'm starting to receive large numbers of reinforcing LCU's which will be moved forward as soon as possible. These consist mostly of base and support units. I'm trying to reinforce Tahiti and points east. I will conceded Fiji and Pago Pago, but must draw the line at any further Japanese expansion into the Pacific.

CV Yorktown arrives in fours days. I have not decided whether to send her to Cape Town or Hawaii. I'm leaning towards sending her to Cape Town. That would give me three American and two British CV's in the IO. More than enough to give CV Kaga and friends trouble. However, there's a real possibility KB could appear in the IO if Andre decides to make a major push against Ceylon or India proper. My instincts tell me KB is in the Southeast Pacific about to support an operation against Fiji.

If I can ascertain that KB is still in the Pacific, I will look to engage Japanese forces in the IO with five Allied CV's. Two American CV's will remain at Pearl Harbor. If KB is spotted in the IO, I may launch a counter-invasion of Christmas Island.

I'm happy with preparations in Australia and India to strengthen the defence. Reinforcements are rushed to India as soon as they arrive at Aden and the 11th Indian Division is about to be reformed at Karachi. As much as India looks stronger on paper, I do realize the Commonwealth forces are limited by low experience and replacement rates. The priority for India is engineering support units to build up base infrastructure. I'm preparing to lose Ceylon, but need to build up the bases in Southern India to be able to mount an effective air campaign against Japanese forces. To that end, the first B-17 units are arriving in India and the American 51st FG is already on the continent. I am conserving my 2E and 4E bomber strength for when needed. I see no reason to lose aircraft bombing targets that have no tactical or strategic significance at this time.

I have to be patient, but the time is quickly approaching where I will have to actively contest at least one major Japanese push and look to consolidate some potential Japanese objectives in order to apply pressure with an adequate defence that will require increased effort on the part of the Japanese. Andre's free pass is reaching it's expiration date.

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 7/17/2014 5:08:02 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 #: 149

RE: March 4-5/42 - 7/17/2014 4:10:25 PM

SqzMyLemon

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

We now have a break until Monday while Andre is away. I'll post some screenshots showing China and Burma next update.

_____________________________

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 #: 150

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RE: Dilemma