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RE: Paoshan falls - 3/10/2015 5:48:27 PM

GreyJoy

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July 12-17, 1943

The war goes on.

BURMA: the allies keep on attacking my retreating army at Kalemyo. My guys are really doing wonders in keeping the allies at bay, but superior quality of the allied tank army is really starting to show.
I have the 55th Division which is down to 80 AV, while the 33rd is at 250...facing more than 950 allied AVs of Tanks and Marines (3rd USMC ID present)... luckly my army should be 4 or 5 days from moving out of the Kalemyo hex, so we may be able to retreat safely...even if we need to leave behind a couple of smaller units that will be destroyed (made a couple of errors in resetting the moving orders and now I cannot wait anymore).
For the rest he keeps on reconning the bases in mid-Burma, Ramree and Akyab. I fear a coup de main with his paras, but I should have enough divisions now in central Burma to be able to guard my back.
No sign of any attempt of threatening my air space in Burma till now.

CHINA: good news here. We finally managed to push out the Chinese from the hex immediately south of Chungking, so now the capital is isolated. To do that I needed to use the bombers to preceed a last shock attack by my troopers...and what did the bombers meet? P-47s, P-40s and Corsairs on LRCAP! P-47s in China?!?! Already?! That's pretty scaring... the beasts didn't do as much damage as they could have cause I had set my bombers at 2000 and the enemy fighters were at 25,000...but still, they did take a toll on our guys, downing 59 planes (but half were fighters).
Wenchow remains under siege. More units are arriving. Hope to be able to launch an attack soon.

CENTPAC: here in the Marshalls things are worsening fast. Kwajalein is invaded. Maloap is falling. Roi-Namur is bombed daily. Eniwetok and Wake are reconned... and I have no chance to stop this steamroller..

SOPAC/SWPAC: The allies are massing artillery units at Buin, while some 25,000 men are marching from Lae to Finshhafen. nothing much more happened.

SUMATRA: the first two divisions arrived at Benkoleng and Padang from Burma/India. Good. More air search is moved in this area.

Haruna finally made to Japan. Working on 18 fld damage from a torp..will take until late septemeber considering the update she's going to get.

(in reply to GreyJoy)

Post #: 1621

RE: Paoshan falls - 3/10/2015 6:15:42 PM

Sangeli

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quote:

ORIGINAL: GreyJoy
CENTPAC: here in the Marshalls things are worsening fast. Kwajalein is invaded. Maloap is falling. Roi-Namur is bombed daily. Eniwetok and Wake are reconned... and I have no chance to stop this steamroller..

SOPAC/SWPAC: The allies are massing artillery units at Buin, while some 25,000 men are marching from Lae to Finshhafen. nothing much more happened.

Even if the Allies are moving forward here, you still have them at arms distance. Until the Allies have landed in the DEI or the Marianas, you have breathing room. I'm really interested in seeing what you can do with the IJA when you can start pulling it out of China. Your position overall is very strong I think.

(in reply to GreyJoy)

Post #: 1622

RE: Paoshan falls - 3/11/2015 7:31:00 PM

GreyJoy

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Sangeli

quote:

ORIGINAL: GreyJoy
CENTPAC: here in the Marshalls things are worsening fast. Kwajalein is invaded. Maloap is falling. Roi-Namur is bombed daily. Eniwetok and Wake are reconned... and I have no chance to stop this steamroller..

SOPAC/SWPAC: The allies are massing artillery units at Buin, while some 25,000 men are marching from Lae to Finshhafen. nothing much more happened.

Even if the Allies are moving forward here, you still have them at arms distance. Until the Allies have landed in the DEI or the Marianas, you have breathing room. I'm really interested in seeing what you can do with the IJA when you can start pulling it out of China. Your position overall is very strong I think.

The whole strategy, since 1941,has always been to force the allies to take the centpac vector. So far is working, but i now see the dangers of having them so deep into the pacific.

Units are now flowing to the Mariannas and the Kuriles. Should have quite a lot of divisions there ready for late 1943. I need to delay the allied advance till that moment and i think it's doable. From now on, in centpac, Erik will only find fortresses not easily bypassed.

The real weak spot is in the DEI...that's why i'm keeping the KB there. The weakness of this strategy is that Japan needs to limit itself in the use of the KB...cause i can't defend everything.
I am sending some forces to Sumatra and Java but there are simply too many bases to cover there to be able to defend against a landing op without the KB. I need it there and at its full strenght.
Currently the KB is composed of 950 planes. Barely enough to face the better allied equipment...and i fear the moment of the allied CVs is arriving...

In CENTPAC i can easily abbandon Rabaul and the whole SOPAC/SWPAC area without losing anything strategically really important. But i need to stay and fight there as long as possible, slowing him down as much as possible. Not an easy balance to achieve.

(in reply to Sangeli)

Post #: 1623

RE: Paoshan falls - 3/11/2015 11:16:24 PM

witpqs

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quote:

The whole strategy, since 1941,has always been to force the allies to take the centpac vector. So far is working, but i now see the dangers of having them so deep into the pacific.

"Oh, no! He took the bait!"

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Post #: 1624

RE: Paoshan falls - 3/12/2015 12:05:15 AM

JohnDillworth

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I really like your defense, particularly the way you have cut off Northern Australia. You have all the right fortresses in all the right places. I suspect you can't be in all places and there are weak spots, but that is for your opponent to figure out. I find the lack of his CV's.....disturbing. Where are his "good" divisions? The 2 Australian ones and any Marine Divisions? None of his best divisions, no CV's, no AKA's, no APA's...Hmmmmmmmm

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Post #: 1625

RE: Paoshan falls - 3/12/2015 12:13:48 AM

Lowpe

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It is a question of supplies, fuel and oil.

Did Japan burn too much early on, or by burning so much insure longer production in the HI in 45.

Only time will tell.

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Post #: 1626

RE: Paoshan falls - 3/12/2015 3:12:19 PM

GreyJoy

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July 18-19, 1943

INDIA: the allies keep on pushing at Kalemyo. Another DA breaks the forts down to 1 and the 33rd ID is no more (12AVs remaining

). I need two more days to evacuate the biggest part of my army... hope I can get there...

The allies land at Attu with 2 American Regiments and 1 artillery unit. The units there have been starving for 5 months now and can't hope to pose any resistance. The small atoll is easily conquered...now he has Diego Garcia in sight.

CHINA: he keeps on reconning the bases in the plains of chungking...I suspect he's thinking about a para-drop operation...mmmm.....

Wenchow is now about to be invested...in 4 days we'll start the attacks

CENTPAC: more successes for the Jakes! Another low level strike catches a company of LCIs full of supporting troops (a base force probably) and sinks 5 transports, causing more than 50 squads destroyed or disabled...not bad for those float planes!

SOPAC: 2 allied units reached Finshtafen. Now we'll see if my strategy works here.
He continues to pound Buin and Torokina and started to recon Buka, Green Island and Feni Island... the flanking movement will now begin?

OZ: quiet. Deadly quiet

NOPAC: Quiet

DEI: Quiet

(in reply to Lowpe)

Post #: 1627

RE: Paoshan falls - 3/12/2015 3:16:17 PM

GreyJoy

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quote:

ORIGINAL: JohnDillworth

I really like your defense, particularly the way you have cut off Northern Australia. You have all the right fortresses in all the right places. I suspect you can't be in all places and there are weak spots, but that is for your opponent to figure out. I find the lack of his CV's.....disturbing. Where are his "good" divisions? The 2 Australian ones and any Marine Divisions? None of his best divisions, no CV's, no AKA's, no APA's...Hmmmmmmmm

The 3rd USMC ID is at kalemyo, pushing out the japs from india back to Burma.
Another USMC ID was fighting (divided in regiments) in the Marshalls
So only 2 Marines IDs are missing

Where could he be striking with his CVs? My guesses are: Kuriles or Sumatra.
Don't think the MArshalls are doable yet.

My fortresses are now: Exmouth, Port Hedland, Derby, Horn Island, Mereuake, Finshhafen, Umboi Island, Rabaul, Kavieng, Ponape-Kusiae-Truk, Sarmi and Biak.

This is my southern line.

(in reply to JohnDillworth)

Post #: 1628

RE: Paoshan falls - 3/12/2015 5:22:58 PM

GreyJoy

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Lowpe

It is a question of supplies, fuel and oil.

Did Japan burn too much early on, or by burning so much insure longer production in the HI in 45.

Only time will tell.

Oh I spent a lot...way too much.

HIs is what really doesn't bother me. I don't care about it, while I care about supplies. And supplies is what I wasted too much during the first year, trying to compensate for the PDU OFF with a deep RnD program and with the failure of the indian adventure.

However, things are improving a bit.

Supplies are now at 3.5 Millions (if tracker is to be believed), while fuel is at 7.9M (bunkers included).
HIs are still at 900K, but, again, I don't care much until fuel flows.

(in reply to Lowpe)

Post #: 1629

RE: Paoshan falls - 3/12/2015 5:28:24 PM

Sangeli

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quote:

ORIGINAL: GreyJoy
My fortresses are now: Exmouth, Port Hedland, Derby, Horn Island, Mereuake, Finshhafen, Umboi Island, Rabaul, Kavieng, Ponape-Kusiae-Truk, Sarmi and Biak.

You need to start preparing some fortresses in central and southern Sumatra. You are probably correct that you will be unable to stop a landing near Sabang. But the geography of Sumatra starts becoming an advantage as the Allies advance SE. You can rely on support from Malaya and the terrain starts getting worse. Goal in Sumatra is to keep Palembang out of P-47 range. The western flank of Sumatra is the most difficult to defend I think; there are a handful of bases within range of Palembang, including some offshore islands that are certainly not defended. Difficult choices to make here...

(in reply to GreyJoy)

Post #: 1630

RE: Paoshan falls - 3/12/2015 5:34:22 PM

GreyJoy

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Sangeli

quote:

ORIGINAL: GreyJoy
My fortresses are now: Exmouth, Port Hedland, Derby, Horn Island, Mereuake, Finshhafen, Umboi Island, Rabaul, Kavieng, Ponape-Kusiae-Truk, Sarmi and Biak.

You need to start preparing some fortresses in central and southern Sumatra. You are probably correct that you will be unable to stop a landing near Sabang. But the geography of Sumatra starts becoming an advantage as the Allies advance SE. You can rely on support from Malaya and the terrain starts getting worse. Goal in Sumatra is to keep Palembang out of P-47 range. The western flank of Sumatra is the most difficult to defend I think; there are a handful of bases within range of Palembang, including some offshore islands that are certainly not defended. Difficult choices to make here...

Already thought about that. My only answer to this strategical question is to create some strongpoints that have a strategical value.

Siberoet (the only island on the western side of Sumatra that can go to lvl 9 AF) will be guarded by a reinforced division, while it will be backed up by Padang, with a division and a level 4/5 AF.

Benkoleng will have a division (the 41st) and a couple of heavy arty units.

Sebang is already a good fortress, with nearly 35,000 men well dug in behind 5 forts.

Can't do much more than that. Can't defend everything. Need to cover the most valuable spots and pray.

However with KB in position and some decent AFs for the LBA, it can be a tricky trip for the allies to come out of India and get here without the Adamans...

Doable, yes, but risky? I guess so

(in reply to Sangeli)

Post #: 1631

RE: Paoshan falls - 3/12/2015 7:20:44 PM

crsutton

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Yes, Siboret is a key base. It has to be defended.

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Post #: 1632

RE: Paoshan falls - 3/12/2015 7:42:01 PM

Lokasenna

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From: Iowan in MD/DC
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quote:

ORIGINAL: GreyJoy

quote:

ORIGINAL: Sangeli

quote:

ORIGINAL: GreyJoy
My fortresses are now: Exmouth, Port Hedland, Derby, Horn Island, Mereuake, Finshhafen, Umboi Island, Rabaul, Kavieng, Ponape-Kusiae-Truk, Sarmi and Biak.

You need to start preparing some fortresses in central and southern Sumatra. You are probably correct that you will be unable to stop a landing near Sabang. But the geography of Sumatra starts becoming an advantage as the Allies advance SE. You can rely on support from Malaya and the terrain starts getting worse. Goal in Sumatra is to keep Palembang out of P-47 range. The western flank of Sumatra is the most difficult to defend I think; there are a handful of bases within range of Palembang, including some offshore islands that are certainly not defended. Difficult choices to make here...

Already thought about that. My only answer to this strategical question is to create some strongpoints that have a strategical value.

Siberoet (the only island on the western side of Sumatra that can go to lvl 9 AF) will be guarded by a reinforced division, while it will be backed up by Padang, with a division and a level 4/5 AF.

Benkoleng will have a division (the 41st) and a couple of heavy arty units.

Sebang is already a good fortress, with nearly 35,000 men well dug in behind 5 forts.

Can't do much more than that. Can't defend everything. Need to cover the most valuable spots and pray.

However with KB in position and some decent AFs for the LBA, it can be a tricky trip for the allies to come out of India and get here without the Adamans...

Doable, yes, but risky? I guess so

Seems decent prep, however keep in mind that Sabang is out in the open. Not even forts will really save you here. Allied engineers can and will drop those, while they can't do the same to terrain (I know you already know this).

If you could bring in another division, and maybe some arty... perhaps as a reserve?

(in reply to GreyJoy)

Post #: 1633

RE: Paoshan falls - 3/12/2015 7:53:20 PM

Sangeli

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Yes, even though Sabang has a decent fort I just don't know if defending it with 35k soldiers is the best move. Allies will have full prep for the base and the stacking limit is a lot higher than 35k. Personally I don't think the solution is to reinforce it; I think it's to pull a lot of it back. Let the Allies have Sabang and concentrate defenses further south. The initial moves of invasions are always easy to pull off and Sabang is target #1. It's the subsequent moves after you have reacted that become more difficult. Concentrate on stopping the Allies at that point.

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Post #: 1634

RE: Paoshan falls - 3/12/2015 9:13:30 PM

GreyJoy

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Sangeli

Yes, even though Sabang has a decent fort I just don't know if defending it with 35k soldiers is the best move. Allies will have full prep for the base and the stacking limit is a lot higher than 35k. Personally I don't think the solution is to reinforce it; I think it's to pull a lot of it back. Let the Allies have Sabang and concentrate defenses further south. The initial moves of invasions are always easy to pull off and Sabang is target #1. It's the subsequent moves after you have reacted that become more difficult. Concentrate on stopping the Allies at that point.

Sebang is alreay a key base for me. Cannot be abbandoned. It is a lvl 9 AF with Air HQ and plenty of AA. I may be trying to add a base force with some CD guns if i can. However it is a beast to take on if you ask me. Every allied advance will be spotted long before they arrive and, even with the full DS, they will be facing full complement of the japanese LBA, along with the KB that could be lurking around. Medan and Georgetown and the supporting bases.Not exactly an easy move.

If China goes well in the next months i may be able to add another ID to the base. I would go there if i was him, that's for sure.

Imagine the arriving allied DS escorting 5 infantry divisions and their transports... they get close to Senbang... they cannot put the planes on Nav attack bcause they will get butchered by my LBA CAP while targetting the ships anchored there (at least a SAG). Would you risk to get close without Naval attack set for your planes knowing the KB could be around?

(in reply to Sangeli)

Post #: 1635

RE: Paoshan falls - 3/12/2015 9:41:36 PM

Lokasenna

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quote:

ORIGINAL: GreyJoy

quote:

ORIGINAL: Sangeli

Yes, even though Sabang has a decent fort I just don't know if defending it with 35k soldiers is the best move. Allies will have full prep for the base and the stacking limit is a lot higher than 35k. Personally I don't think the solution is to reinforce it; I think it's to pull a lot of it back. Let the Allies have Sabang and concentrate defenses further south. The initial moves of invasions are always easy to pull off and Sabang is target #1. It's the subsequent moves after you have reacted that become more difficult. Concentrate on stopping the Allies at that point.

Sebang is alreay a key base for me. Cannot be abbandoned. It is a lvl 9 AF with Air HQ and plenty of AA. I may be trying to add a base force with some CD guns if i can. However it is a beast to take on if you ask me. Every allied advance will be spotted long before they arrive and, even with the full DS, they will be facing full complement of the japanese LBA, along with the KB that could be lurking around. Medan and Georgetown and the supporting bases.Not exactly an easy move.

If China goes well in the next months i may be able to add another ID to the base. I would go there if i was him, that's for sure.

Imagine the arriving allied DS escorting 5 infantry divisions and their transports... they get close to Senbang... they cannot put the planes on Nav attack bcause they will get butchered by my LBA CAP while targetting the ships anchored there (at least a SAG). Would you risk to get close without Naval attack set for your planes knowing the KB could be around?

I would take Port Blair and some of the Andamans first, and use my own (superior) LBA to harass or possibly suppress Sabang. It would also give me eyes on the immediate surrounding waters, as well as bases via long range recon planes. I might even do this and then hit you somewhere else, after making you think I'm coming for Sabang and all those troops... As for not being able to set the CV planes to naval attack to deal with any SAGs due to your LBA CAP, why couldn't he send in a SAG of his own to clear it out, covered by LBA or CV CAP and let your LBA fly into his wall of planes/flak? I'm not saying you shouldn't defend Sabang, I just don't see the extreme strategic importance of it and I think it being an open hex makes it weaker than desired for such a strong level of defense.

(in reply to GreyJoy)

Post #: 1636

RE: Paoshan falls - 3/12/2015 10:15:25 PM

GreyJoy

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Yes, the Adamans are the key to Sebang imho. I have a plan for the adamans, but it will all depend on how much Erik decides to commit there.

Will surely be intresting times to come. Tense ones.

(in reply to Lokasenna)

Post #: 1637

RE: Paoshan falls - 3/12/2015 11:49:28 PM

Sangeli

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quote:

ORIGINAL: GreyJoy
Sebang is alreay a key base for me. Cannot be abbandoned. It is a lvl 9 AF with Air HQ and plenty of AA. I may be trying to add a base force with some CD guns if i can. However it is a beast to take on if you ask me. Every allied advance will be spotted long before they arrive and, even with the full DS, they will be facing full complement of the japanese LBA, along with the KB that could be lurking around. Medan and Georgetown and the supporting bases.Not exactly an easy move.

Yes, if it is level 9 it cannot be abandoned; I was not aware of this. It's not the strategy I would have pursued but it's clearly too late. Now I guess your strategy HAS to be to fight a decisive battle if/when Allies land. In that case I guess it makes sense to stack your defenses on the coastline and make the landing as difficult as possible. I can certainly imagine a scenario where a large battle takes place and a handful of transports get sunk but the Allies force a landing anyway. For now this strategy is OK, but I think you may grow to regret building up Sabang to level 9 should the Allies not land in Sumatra and continue their CentPac approach. Because once you have to keep the KB close to the Marianas it is going to be a lot easier for the Allies to land in Sumatra and take Sabang; right now your strategy is banking on the Allies simply hitting a brick wall there.

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Post #: 1638

RE: Paoshan falls - 3/13/2015 4:24:07 AM

crsutton

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Sangeli

Yes, even though Sabang has a decent fort I just don't know if defending it with 35k soldiers is the best move. Allies will have full prep for the base and the stacking limit is a lot higher than 35k. Personally I don't think the solution is to reinforce it; I think it's to pull a lot of it back. Let the Allies have Sabang and concentrate defenses further south. The initial moves of invasions are always easy to pull off and Sabang is target #1. It's the subsequent moves after you have reacted that become more difficult. Concentrate on stopping the Allies at that point.

Sabang is a base that can be built to a level 9 airfield and pretty decent port. For that reason alone you want to deny it to the Allies for as long as possible. Basically after mid 43, once the Allies get their foot in a door, it won't come out. Yes, they can take Sabang but you almost have to fight for it anyways. Edit..Oh, I see that Master GJ has already built it up. Has to be fought for now...

< Message edited by crsutton -- 3/13/2015 5:26:26 AM >

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Post #: 1639

RE: Paoshan falls - 3/13/2015 8:15:05 AM

Encircled

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Its all part of the fun playing the Japanese

Don't build up the base, and you lack the air support and infrastructure to challenge the allies when they come, do build up the base and you have to fight for it.

I don't think he's done a bad thing with Sabang, especially if he can reinforce it but I guess time will tell.

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Post #: 1640

RE: Paoshan falls - 3/13/2015 8:21:12 AM

GreyJoy

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July 20, 1943

An important day.

India-Burma border. Kalemyo.
The battered 2nd area army is trying to get out of the pit where it's been confined by the Japanese high command.
These 38,000 men are the rear guard of the 400,000 men army that, only few months back, was controlling half of the indian subcontinent.
These guys have fought from Patna down to Calcutta, then to Dimampur, keeping the exit door open for the rest of their companions to march south, to the safe plains of Burma.
The 2nd Area Army (often confused by me with the 15th Army HQ, don't ask me why) is composed by two elite divisions of the IJA: the 33rd and the 55th. 2 AT units, one heavy mortar unit and 5 AA units are supporting them.
They face the best of the best of the allied arsenal.
Several American Tank battallions, with shermans and stuarts.
Several British elite tank units.
And, among all, the 3rd USMC Infantry Division. Possibly the best unit in the theatre.

They have fought from Dimampur to Imphal, always keeping the allies at bay.
They thanked the high command for leaving enough stockpiled supplies on the way back to Kalemyo.
But now, after one month of constant fightings, those supplies are over.
From Kalemyo, they started to move out in the jungle, back to Burma.
3 miles a day. A real slog.
The AA units and the Army HQ first, the two divisions covering their back.
The 33rd was the rearguard of the rearguard. And it took the beating.
The allied tanks attacked every other day.
From 370 AVs the big and proud unit now has 7 AVs left.
But they keep on marching.
In one week the allied army has destroyed 2 levels of forts at Kalemyo, always achieving a 1-2 but always producing much more casualities on our side than on theirs.
And now that the goal was near, the high command orders the 33rd to be divided in 3 regiments and to leave the role of rearguard to the 55th which still have 180 AVs left.
The high command understands the importance of this day. The allies will surely attack today. It has been a pattern so far. Every other day a DA.
So it is ordered a massive aid from the air force.
The mission is easy to understand, not that much to accomplish: fight for the air space of Kalemyo. Cover the retreating troops and send every bomber we have in theatre to slow the allied tanks.
The point is that the Allied HC thinks the same.
The result is a massive air battle over Kalemyo.
Jugs and P-38Hs sweep from Ledo and Dimampur.
They find A6M8s, A6M5cs and KI-43 IIIa.
The battle is fierce.
The zeros down 7 P-47s and 6 P-38s. Losses on our side are obviously higher: 35 of the LRCAP planes are lost. Not bad.
Then 160 Franks sweep the nearby hex. They find some Hurricanes on LRCAP. They butcher them easily. 12 hurricanes are lost for no losses on our side.
Then the allied bombers arrive. at least 150 2Es.
There are still planes defending our troops.
20 Wellingotns are bagged, but then our fighters need to leave.
When the hordes of B25s arrive the skies over Kalemyo are clean of fighters...
The 33rd is hit again and again...but it keeps on marching...
The AA units fire their very last rounds...
Then our bombers arrive too...but the allied AA is strong and the storms don't help us...
When the allied launched their assault the 33rd is already gone. The 55th stands still, covering the retreat of the twin unit.
The allied tanks attack in waves. The 55th shivers...but doesn't give up (80 exp, 89 morale).
The supporting units are now just a shadow of what used to be... but the allied tanks don't break the lines.
Losses are horrendous...but only a 1-1 is achieved... and now only 2 miles are left to be marched... we can get there!!!!
A couple of units that couldn't get there in time will be left behind, but the 55th will be able to get out!

In the air, we lost 44 planes in A2A against 44! Amazing result considering the tactical disadvantage and what we faced.

In China, another victory for the tank divisions... need to destroy as many units as possible now...chungking needs to be starved

Allied DMSs approaching Diego Garcia...

(in reply to crsutton)

Post #: 1641

RE: Paoshan falls - 3/13/2015 8:31:33 AM

GreyJoy

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quote:

ORIGINAL: crsutton

quote:

ORIGINAL: Sangeli

Yes, even though Sabang has a decent fort I just don't know if defending it with 35k soldiers is the best move. Allies will have full prep for the base and the stacking limit is a lot higher than 35k. Personally I don't think the solution is to reinforce it; I think it's to pull a lot of it back. Let the Allies have Sabang and concentrate defenses further south. The initial moves of invasions are always easy to pull off and Sabang is target #1. It's the subsequent moves after you have reacted that become more difficult. Concentrate on stopping the Allies at that point.

Sabang is a base that can be built to a level 9 airfield and pretty decent port. For that reason alone you want to deny it to the Allies for as long as possible. Basically after mid 43, once the Allies get their foot in a door, it won't come out. Yes, they can take Sabang but you almost have to fight for it anyways. Edit..Oh, I see that Master GJ has already built it up. Has to be fought for now...

Sebang is surely a good place to invade for the allies, as we all know. 95,000 of SL cap is a lot, which means at least 4 divisions.
But I also do believe that, against a well defended base, even if it's in clear terrain, it's quite a gamble to make a direct assault without first having conquered any other supporting base.
I think the base is pretty safe for the moment. I worry much more about Siberoet and the other islands on the western coast. Those are much more easy to conquer and just as dangerous.

I am doing what I can. As you know forces are limited and hard choices need to be made

(in reply to crsutton)

Post #: 1642

RE: Paoshan falls - 3/13/2015 11:19:16 AM

GreyJoy

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Kwajalein (Marshalls) is now ready to fall. Roi Namur will be the very last base in the Marshalls in allied hands. Then he'll probably go north to Wake and Eniwetok and west to Kusiae.
What could be done in those places has been done. Especially Kusiae should be quite a nasty place to invade and I can efford the loss of it as long as Ponape remains a bastion in my hands.

Pretty strange that he hasn't done anything yet against Exmouth...mmm....

(in reply to GreyJoy)

Post #: 1643

RE: Paoshan falls - 3/13/2015 12:22:18 PM

ny59giants

Posts: 9869
Joined: 1/10/2005
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I keep double checking the date of your war Nic. Its only July '43 so the Allies don't have overwhelming assault shipping to use yet. It depends how much of those pre-war and early war APs Erik was able to keep until 3/43 for their upgrades to APAs.

The conquest of the Marshalls didn't require them. A place like Exmouth probably will because he has to worry about your carriers.

Good job so far in your retreat from India into Burma.

"The Art of the Retreat in AE" is difficult to master. I haven't done it enough in my games to figure it out yet.

< Message edited by ny59giants -- 3/13/2015 1:22:51 PM >

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(in reply to GreyJoy)

Post #: 1644

RE: Paoshan falls - 3/13/2015 12:47:20 PM

HansBolter

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Joined: 7/6/2006
From: United States
Status: offline

By July the Americans have at least 30-40 LSTs and 10-20 LCIs as well as over 100 deployable landing craft to supplement the APAs and AKAs.

Not overwhelming, but not shabby by any means.

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Hans

(in reply to ny59giants)

Post #: 1645

RE: Paoshan falls - 3/13/2015 3:06:19 PM

GreyJoy

Posts: 6750
Joined: 3/18/2011
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July 21, 1943

A tough day.

Indi-Burma border. Kalemyo.
While the 55th ID sleeps away, the 2nd area army and the whole lot of supporting troops are left behind. Hard choice to make, but a couple of more days and I could have lost 2 full experienced divisions.
While the AA units and the guns can easily bought back, a division is expensive and takes a lot of time to be rebuilt... a choice I had to make.
The support units are overrunned and two are destroyed (an AA unit and an heavy mortar unit). Will be bought back and sent to the Mariannas.

Ground combat at Kalemyo (59,42)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 21426 troops, 303 guns, 1098 vehicles, Assault Value = 789

Defending force 5193 troops, 162 guns, 196 vehicles, Assault Value = 11

Allied adjusted assault: 349

Japanese adjusted defense: 73

Allied assault odds: 4 to 1 (fort level 0)

Allied forces CAPTURE Kalemyo !!!

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

Japanese ground losses:
731 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 211 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 144 (143 destroyed, 1 disabled)
Vehicles lost 201 (201 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units retreated 8
Units destroyed 1

Allied ground losses:
42 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 4 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Defeated Japanese Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
762nd Tank Battalion
627th Tank Destroyer Battalion
3rd Marine Division
3rd Carabiniers Regiment
754th Tank Battalion
194th Tank Battalion
150th RAC Regiment
50th Tank Brigade
6th Medium Regiment
III Indian Corps
134th Field Artillery Battalion
2nd Hyderabad Base Force
183rd Field Artillery Battalion
IV Indian Corps
2/1st Med Regiment
1st West African AA Regiment

Defending units:
1st Art.Mortar Regiment
31st Ind.AA Gun Co
36th Field AA Battalion
2nd Area Army
2nd Ind.AA Gun Co
2nd RF Gun Battalion
41st Air Defense AA Battalion
6th Air Defense AA Regiment
54th Field AA Battalion
1st RF Gun Battalion
12th Ind. AA Battalion

IN SOPAC/SWPAC

At Finshhafen, Erik tries to support his two advanced units (still don't know what they are) with a supply landing operation. The ships are welcomed by the CD gun fire and by some mines...

At Buin, heavy naval bombing, followed up by air bombings, plaster the base. Erik lands the 2nd USMC regiment, but the following attack only achieve a 1-2 and forts remain at 4. Won't last long, I know, but everyday helps

Ground combat at Buin (109,131)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 12191 troops, 250 guns, 163 vehicles, Assault Value = 455

Defending force 7126 troops, 56 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 193

Allied adjusted assault: 544

Japanese adjusted defense: 711

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

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

Japanese ground losses:
405 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 29 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Allied ground losses:
104 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 15 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
32nd Infantry Division
2nd Marine Regiment
147th Field Artillery Battalion
131st Field Artillery Battalion
97th Field Artillery Battalion

Defending units:
18th Garrison Unit
46th Naval Guard Unit
42nd JNAF AF Unit
44th JNAF AF Unit
45th JNAF AF Unit

In the Marshalls, after several days of bombings, the yanks launch another DA...and got butchered! :-)

Ground combat at Kwajalein Island (132,115)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 4478 troops, 55 guns, 31 vehicles, Assault Value = 105

Defending force 3948 troops, 49 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 61

Allied adjusted assault: 10

Japanese adjusted defense: 50

Allied assault odds: 1 to 5 (fort level 3)

Combat modifiers
Defender: disruption(-), experience(-)
Attacker: fatigue(-)

Japanese ground losses:
102 casualties reported
Squads: 4 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 2 (1 destroyed, 1 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
847 casualties reported
Squads: 10 destroyed, 106 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 8 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 11 disabled
Guns lost 22 (2 destroyed, 20 disabled)
Vehicles lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)

Assaulting units:
37th (Sep) Infantry Regiment
110th Cmbt Engineer Battalion
1/542nd Boat&Shore Engineer Battalion

Defending units:
Maizuru 2nd SNLF
44th Naval Guard Unit
6th Fleet
Nimur Naval Fortress
Kwajalein Base Force

(in reply to HansBolter)

Post #: 1646

RE: Paoshan falls - 3/13/2015 3:12:57 PM

GreyJoy

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

quote:

ORIGINAL: ny59giants

I keep double checking the date of your war Nic. Its only July '43 so the Allies don't have overwhelming assault shipping to use yet. It depends how much of those pre-war and early war APs Erik was able to keep until 3/43 for their upgrades to APAs.

The conquest of the Marshalls didn't require them. A place like Exmouth probably will because he has to worry about your carriers.

Good job so far in your retreat from India into Burma. "The Art of the Retreat in AE" is difficult to master. I haven't done it enough in my games to figure it out yet.

Erik has kept his best ships (CVs and future APA/AKA included) out of the war for 1 and half year now. He saved them all!

Thanks for the retreat. Gotta admit that there were moments in which I was very scared about not doing it... Madras...Ceylon...Patna...Calcutta... but everything went smooth and, in the end, I only lost a couple of smaller units...not bad

(in reply to ny59giants)

Post #: 1647

RE: Paoshan falls - 3/13/2015 4:31:18 PM

GreyJoy

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Joined: 3/18/2011
Status: offline

Reinforcing the Kuriles.

I think it's about time that I get serious about the Kuriles.

The defensive plan is the following:

Paramushiro Jiima: A division plus some base forces
Onnekotan Jiima: A division + 2 base forces
Shimushiri Jiima: A division + Air HQ, 2 base forces and a SNLF unit
Etorofu: a brigade plus a base force
Hokkaido: 2 IDs + 7 base forces and 1 Air Army HQ.

36 brand new KI-61d are being moved to Hokkaido, along with 56 Dive bombers, 27 Kates, 36 Betties, 16 Mavis and 36 Oscars IIIa. Not enough to counter a full scale invasion, but this is what I can get there at the moment.

Finshhafen is a key point. If it holds, as I wish, along with Umboi Island can prevent any advance towards the NG coast. even if Lae and Nazdab gets build up to level 8 and 9, the presence of these two bastions can really slow Erik's advance.
The air alone cannot win the war. Ships needs to bring men forward. And the ships need to move through that strait...with CD units, mines, midjet subs and the danger posed by Rabaul.
Just in case I have sent some units to Saidor and Madang too, so he can't hope to bypass my bastions marching through the jungle.

His only way will be flanking Rabaul on the eastern side...thus exposing to my air and navy... my plan is to last until 1944 in this region. by that time, my rear defensive line should be ready

(in reply to GreyJoy)

Post #: 1648

RE: Paoshan falls - 3/13/2015 5:18:26 PM

HansBolter

Posts: 7704
Joined: 7/6/2006
From: United States
Status: offline

Don't overlook Hansa Bay once he breaches the Umboi line.

It is the last base along the NG coast that can be built to a level 9 airfield.

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(in reply to GreyJoy)

Post #: 1649

RE: Paoshan falls - 3/13/2015 6:00:37 PM

GreyJoy

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

quote:

ORIGINAL: HansBolter

Don't overlook Hansa Bay once he breaches the Umboi line.

It is the last base along the NG coast that can be built to a level 9 airfield.

I know, but Hansa Bay is too close to his main base complex (Buna, PM, Lae-Nazdab). Can't hope to hold on there and I don't wanna build up bases that I cannot really defend.
No, the strategy is to let everything un-built from Umboi up to Sarmi-Biak.
Once he breaks through Umboi he will have to build up them all but I wont' fight for those bases (Hollandia, Hansa Bay, Vanimo etc). Let him come north...

July 22, 1943

The day sees only air battles...

The Gorges sweep Lae for the first time, finding lots of juicy targets... P-38s, Spits and Kittihawks. The Australians...love to kill the Kangooros

As always the Georges arrive first (also a Frank Sentai is involved but it arrives when the battle is already over... )and do well.
6 N1K1 lost (3 KIA pilots) for 36 allied fighters downed

Unfortunately the 3 pilots KIA are my top three aces...

with 8, 8 and 6 kills... oh man what a loss

Morning Air attack on Lae , at 99,126

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 22 NM, estimated altitude 29,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 40

Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk III x 8
Spitfire Vc Trop x 16
Kittyhawk III x 12
P-38G Lightning x 14

Japanese aircraft losses
N1K1-J George: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Kittyhawk III: 3 destroyed
Spitfire Vc Trop: 2 destroyed
Kittyhawk III: 3 destroyed
P-38G Lightning: 4 destroyed

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x N1K1-J George sweeping at 25000 feet

CAP engaged:
No.18 Sqn RNZAF with Kittyhawk III (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 6 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
No.79 Sqn RAAF with Spitfire Vc Trop (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 8 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 23 minutes
No.82 Sqn RAAF with Kittyhawk III (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes
8th FG/80th FS with P-38G Lightning (0 airborne, 10 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 15 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Lae , at 99,126

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 17 NM, estimated altitude 29,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 4

Allied aircraft
Spitfire Vc Trop x 7
Kittyhawk III x 4
P-38G Lightning x 1

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Spitfire Vc Trop: 1 destroyed
Kittyhawk III: 1 destroyed

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x N1K1-J George sweeping at 25000 feet

What else?
Not much to be honest....we're almost ready to attack Wenchow in China

If I only had more than one George sentai.....