Slitherine

quote:

ORIGINAL: topeverest

My 2 cents.

Sweep and bomb (and bombard) that fallen base into oblivion with everything you have. Pay no meaningful attention to the fleet until you are ready with a massive kami and SCTF and CV raid. Literally, I suggest bringing every fighter back from the empire and sweeping at the highest allowable altitude with literally every fighter you have and airfield bombing with every bomber you have. 75% of fighters to sweep activities. Move every ENG unit you can to maximize aviation support. This is your primary advantage, and I suggest exploiting it.

That base he is about to take means nothing if he cannot get airframes in the air. And if you keep him out of the air, his deathstar cannot leave to launch another invasion.

Keep in mind his support train (AKE, AE, AD, replenishment CV's is a very important target. If you can find them, I would try to get them with minor SCTF)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Insano

exciting stuff - did you have some KB strike planes set to Nav search? I find there is a strong preference for strikes when the enemy is sighted by a local search aircraft. The enemy was lit up to 10/10 for sure by LBA but if a KB search plane didn't radio in the attack... Not saying that's how it should work, just my observation of how the game plays. A token 10% search from every strike squadron would provide the search required. Don't worry about the diminished strike size - you've got to get them in the air first.

Really odd though that there was no strike on such a target rich environment. The enemy carriers did not conduct any Naval strikes of their own so they didn't get the automatic increase in DL from that.

Which Admirals do you have in command of your CV task forces?

quote:

ORIGINAL: Alfred

The priority now is not to hit the supply lines, it is to stop Kushiro from falling.  That means

• the KB also must strike at the beachhead.  It is not just a question of inflicting casualties but raising the disruption level plus increasing significantly the  enemy supply consumption rate.  Remember to reset your DB and TB to level bombing altitudes and dedicated bomb ordnance.  Also set destination even for the KB's fighters
  
• all LBA launching ground attacks against the beachhead
  
• use your NFs, not bombers, on offensive night missions
  
• naval bombardment of the beachhead, yes that includes the Musashi
  
• rushing LCU reinforcements in, by air, SST, land.  Even being in the wrong move mode assists the defence
  
• ensure you have on hand adequate supply, use level bombers and PA which are not tasked with flying in troops.  You don't need naval search.

Delay, delay, delay the fall of Kushiro is the only game in town for the next 2-3 days.  Give up Kunashir and Shikotan if necessary to keep Kushiro.  But don't lose Bihoro.

Remember Allied supply can not be dumped into Kushiro, only into the LCUs themselves and that is limited.  There will be plenty of time later in the week to go after the out of ammo retreating Allied TFs with the KB.  The outlook for the Kushiro defenders will increasingly improve after 3 more days.

BTW setting drop tanks on carrier planes is not a winner.  Search for my posts on the subject.



Alfred

Edit: Forgot to add that even air lifting in support squads with zero offensive assault value, stiffens the defence.

quote:

ORIGINAL: Lowpe

Kamikaze, where are you? Is there a day delay?

quote:

ORIGINAL: MrBlizzard

It seems you're bombed also with friendly advices from your HQ staff, tot capita tot sententiae
So I add mine
I believe you're doin well to suspend bombing attacks against a so strong CAP; you're only wearing yourself in that way; better to sweep now against his fatigued fighters.
And it's useful to attack his LOC with KB, you sink some precious APA and if you're lucky you can sink also some reinforcements troops.
When the enemy will leave with CVs you can bomb his conquered AF with BB. IMO don't bomb it with planes cause you'll only find a super flak and a strong CAP.
You'll restart to bomb with planes (also long range) at reinforcements ships only when his CVs will be away.
Throw to him more MTBs if you have, they've done well mainly on dark nights.
IMO it's not time to think to counterinvasions, he will simply ignore it and you'll divide your forces.
It's a pity your KB planes escorts didn't fly.

quote:

ORIGINAL: koniu

quote:

ORIGINAL: Lowpe

Kamikaze, where are you? Is there a day delay?

Next turn you should be able to convert.
I think kamikaze check is on beginning of turn

How many LowNaval trained pilots You have???

quote:

ORIGINAL: JocMeister

quote:

ORIGINAL: obvert
Anyone else have thoughts?

I think during all the BETA changes and tweaks that took place that something broke when it comes to LBA coordination. As you remember I tested this quite extensively. Probably over 1000 times.

The best I could come up with is that its almost completely random. Besides weather I couldn´t really find anything that gave noticeable effect. As far as I can tell the best thing to do is to just have sheer numbers and wear down the CAP.

I think I posted the results of my test in my AAR? Or possibly in a Tech forum thread?

quote:

ORIGINAL: Lowpe

quote:

ORIGINAL: Alfred

The priority now is not to hit the supply lines, it is to stop Kushiro from falling.  That means

• the KB also must strike at the beachhead.  It is not just a question of inflicting casualties but raising the disruption level plus increasing significantly the  enemy supply consumption rate.  Remember to reset your DB and TB to level bombing altitudes and dedicated bomb ordnance.  Also set destination even for the KB's fighters
  
• all LBA launching ground attacks against the beachhead
  
• use your NFs, not bombers, on offensive night missions
  
• naval bombardment of the beachhead, yes that includes the Musashi
  
• rushing LCU reinforcements in, by air, SST, land.  Even being in the wrong move mode assists the defence
  
• ensure you have on hand adequate supply, use level bombers and PA which are not tasked with flying in troops.  You don't need naval search.

Delay, delay, delay the fall of Kushiro is the only game in town for the next 2-3 days.  Give up Kunashir and Shikotan if necessary to keep Kushiro.  But don't lose Bihoro.

Remember Allied supply can not be dumped into Kushiro, only into the LCUs themselves and that is limited.  There will be plenty of time later in the week to go after the out of ammo retreating Allied TFs with the KB.  The outlook for the Kushiro defenders will increasingly improve after 3 more days.

BTW setting drop tanks on carrier planes is not a winner.  Search for my posts on the subject.



Alfred

Edit: Forgot to add that even air lifting in support squads with zero offensive assault value, stiffens the defence.

If I would have hit the beaches with the KB, I would have no KB now...and not inflicted a lot of damage. I managed to get some Helens thru, but he cost was high in planes, and damage not that great. Same story at Bihoro.

Good tip about using NF on night bombing missions, and I have plenty of Nick NFs, but they don't have any bombs, just the cannons.

The Irving Sa has 2 60kg bombs. Better than nothing...

Lesson learned about drop tanks on CVs. The hard way of course.

• Hokkaido and Sakhalin must be considered as lost. An Allied landing in Korea with the principle aim of triggering Soviet activation can not be totally dismissed
  
• An Allied landing in Korea with the principle aim of triggering Soviet activation can not be totally dismissed
  
• With so much pulled back to the Home Islands and unlikely to be released for duties elsewhere, the SRA will be easily lost
  

quote:

ORIGINAL: witpqs
Just the opposite, Joc. They found something which had been long broken that was allowing way too much LBA coordination. They fixed it, of course. But there was also debate about what to do because it had been broken so long and people had become used to it as the norm.

quote:

ORIGINAL: witpqs

quote:

ORIGINAL: JocMeister

quote:

ORIGINAL: obvert
Anyone else have thoughts?

I think during all the BETA changes and tweaks that took place that something broke when it comes to LBA coordination. As you remember I tested this quite extensively. Probably over 1000 times.

The best I could come up with is that its almost completely random. Besides weather I couldn´t really find anything that gave noticeable effect. As far as I can tell the best thing to do is to just have sheer numbers and wear down the CAP.

I think I posted the results of my test in my AAR? Or possibly in a Tech forum thread?

Just the opposite, Joc. They found something which had been long broken that was allowing way too much LBA coordination. They fixed it, of course. But there was also debate about what to do because it had been broken so long and people had become used to it as the norm.

quote:

ORIGINAL: Lowpe

quote:

ORIGINAL: MrBlizzard

It seems you're bombed also with friendly advices from your HQ staff, tot capita tot sententiae
So I add mine
I believe you're doin well to suspend bombing attacks against a so strong CAP; you're only wearing yourself in that way; better to sweep now against his fatigued fighters.
And it's useful to attack his LOC with KB, you sink some precious APA and if you're lucky you can sink also some reinforcements troops.
When the enemy will leave with CVs you can bomb his conquered AF with BB. IMO don't bomb it with planes cause you'll only find a super flak and a strong CAP.
You'll restart to bomb with planes (also long range) at reinforcements ships only when his CVs will be away.
Throw to him more MTBs if you have, they've done well mainly on dark nights.
IMO it's not time to think to counterinvasions, he will simply ignore it and you'll divide your forces.
It's a pity your KB planes escorts didn't fly.

It is war. I guess it was the drop tanks...a failing of the A6M5c. Some people avoid the A6M5c all together because of its shorter range. But I never knew this might happen. Live and learn.

quote:

ORIGINAL: obvert

quote:

ORIGINAL: witpqs

quote:

ORIGINAL: JocMeister

quote:

ORIGINAL: obvert
Anyone else have thoughts?

I think during all the BETA changes and tweaks that took place that something broke when it comes to LBA coordination. As you remember I tested this quite extensively. Probably over 1000 times.

The best I could come up with is that its almost completely random. Besides weather I couldn´t really find anything that gave noticeable effect. As far as I can tell the best thing to do is to just have sheer numbers and wear down the CAP.

I think I posted the results of my test in my AAR? Or possibly in a Tech forum thread?

Just the opposite, Joc. They found something which had been long broken that was allowing way too much LBA coordination. They fixed it, of course. But there was also debate about what to do because it had been broken so long and people had become used to it as the norm.

There have been some games where LBA has done really well and gotten some very productive strikes. GreyJoy vs Q-Ball is a good example from what I remember.

quote:

ORIGINAL: witpqs

quote:

ORIGINAL: obvert

quote:

ORIGINAL: witpqs

quote:

ORIGINAL: JocMeister

quote:

ORIGINAL: obvert
Anyone else have thoughts?

I think during all the BETA changes and tweaks that took place that something broke when it comes to LBA coordination. As you remember I tested this quite extensively. Probably over 1000 times.

The best I could come up with is that its almost completely random. Besides weather I couldn´t really find anything that gave noticeable effect. As far as I can tell the best thing to do is to just have sheer numbers and wear down the CAP.

I think I posted the results of my test in my AAR? Or possibly in a Tech forum thread?

Just the opposite, Joc. They found something which had been long broken that was allowing way too much LBA coordination. They fixed it, of course. But there was also debate about what to do because it had been broken so long and people had become used to it as the norm.

There have been some games where LBA has done really well and gotten some very productive strikes. GreyJoy vs Q-Ball is a good example from what I remember.

I'm fine with the way it works post-fix.

quote:

ORIGINAL: obvert

quote:

ORIGINAL: witpqs

quote:

ORIGINAL: obvert

quote:

ORIGINAL: witpqs

quote:

ORIGINAL: JocMeister

quote:

ORIGINAL: obvert
Anyone else have thoughts?

I think during all the BETA changes and tweaks that took place that something broke when it comes to LBA coordination. As you remember I tested this quite extensively. Probably over 1000 times.

The best I could come up with is that its almost completely random. Besides weather I couldn´t really find anything that gave noticeable effect. As far as I can tell the best thing to do is to just have sheer numbers and wear down the CAP.

I think I posted the results of my test in my AAR? Or possibly in a Tech forum thread?

Just the opposite, Joc. They found something which had been long broken that was allowing way too much LBA coordination. They fixed it, of course. But there was also debate about what to do because it had been broken so long and people had become used to it as the norm.

There have been some games where LBA has done really well and gotten some very productive strikes. GreyJoy vs Q-Ball is a good example from what I remember.

I'm fine with the way it works post-fix.

I was trying to think especially of examples of Japanese air strikes hurting Allied invasions. Have you seen that from the Allied side? A et of strikes big enough to do damage to your CVs? If I remember also in my game with Jocke LBA was a big part of the success of later strikes, and against a much larger Allied force, but I also had better airframes and a decent KB to land the right hook after the initial jabs.

quote:

ORIGINAL: Alfred

quote:

ORIGINAL: Lowpe

quote:

ORIGINAL: Alfred

The priority now is not to hit the supply lines, it is to stop Kushiro from falling.  That means

• the KB also must strike at the beachhead.  It is not just a question of inflicting casualties but raising the disruption level plus increasing significantly the  enemy supply consumption rate.  Remember to reset your DB and TB to level bombing altitudes and dedicated bomb ordnance.  Also set destination even for the KB's fighters
  
• all LBA launching ground attacks against the beachhead
  
• use your NFs, not bombers, on offensive night missions
  
• naval bombardment of the beachhead, yes that includes the Musashi
  
• rushing LCU reinforcements in, by air, SST, land.  Even being in the wrong move mode assists the defence
  
• ensure you have on hand adequate supply, use level bombers and PA which are not tasked with flying in troops.  You don't need naval search.

Delay, delay, delay the fall of Kushiro is the only game in town for the next 2-3 days.  Give up Kunashir and Shikotan if necessary to keep Kushiro.  But don't lose Bihoro.

Remember Allied supply can not be dumped into Kushiro, only into the LCUs themselves and that is limited.  There will be plenty of time later in the week to go after the out of ammo retreating Allied TFs with the KB.  The outlook for the Kushiro defenders will increasingly improve after 3 more days.

BTW setting drop tanks on carrier planes is not a winner.  Search for my posts on the subject.



Alfred

Edit: Forgot to add that even air lifting in support squads with zero offensive assault value, stiffens the defence.

If I would have hit the beaches with the KB, I would have no KB now...and not inflicted a lot of damage. I managed to get some Helens thru, but he cost was high in planes, and damage not that great. Same story at Bihoro.

Good tip about using NF on night bombing missions, and I have plenty of Nick NFs, but they don't have any bombs, just the cannons.

The Irving Sa has 2 60kg bombs. Better than nothing...

Lesson learned about drop tanks on CVs. The hard way of course.

Care to provide the objective evidence that you would have lost the KB or is it just an emotional gut feeling without any backing analysis.

1. Enemy CVs were east of Kushiro with fighters overwhelmingly tasked with CAP/LRCAP of carriers and Kushiro hex.
2. Enemy bomber planes were tasked with hitting the Kushiro defenders.

So what exactly would have been contained in the enemy strike package that struck so much fear?

3. KB could be positioned out of range of enemy planes but still within range of hitting the Kushiro beachhead.
4. You said all but 4 fighter units had returned to the Home Islands. That means you have some short legged fighters which could not reach Kushiro and these could have been tasked 100% to protect the KB from that all so fearsome Allied strike. By the way what exactly did those short legged planes do other than drinking sake.
5. Japanese CVs by themselves sink nothing. Same applies to Allied CVs. It is the aircraft they carry that inflict damage. The KBs planes could have been offloaded to a land airfield and from a terrestrial airfield launched against the Kushiro beachhead. The CVs themselves could have skedaddled off to Shanghai. That would be some game bug if the Allies could have sunk the Japanese carriers anchored in Shanghai.

Would the KB airwings been decimated? Probably yes but you have deep pools and if you don't, you won't survive until April Fool's Day 1944. Plus you could have swapped out all your good pilots and drafted rookies in. For the purposes of inflicting disruption and increased supply consumption the rookies would have sufficed.

6. Instead you sent planes to attack the Allied carriers located one hex further away than the beachhead. How exactly was that going to aid the beleaguered defenders at Kushiro. Enough enemy troops had already been landed to capture the base if they remained unfatigued and undisrupted.
7. You know you can't specify a target with a naval attack mission. But you can with ground attack, as I reminded you. Even the escorting fighters could have been given Kushiro as the target. Doing so would have improved considerably your aircraft coordination against Kushiro.
8. You flew in to Bihoro more troops. Why, they should have been sent to Kushiro as you were advised. What had been landed at Bihoro was not yet fatal there but more than sufficient Allied troops would be released to capture it once Kushiro fell.


The KB is currently off on a Pacific sightseeing tour. Even if it had sufficient sorties, (which it doesn't have anyway), the KB sightseeing cruise could sink every single Allied APA and AKA plus all the xAK etc and this will have no impact on Allied capabilities to launch future invasions. Firstly because he is already on Hokkaido. This is why Shikotan and Kunashiri were expendable for even with their possession the Allies would still need to launch an invasion to get ashore on the Home Islands. Secondly what is still coming down the Allied pipeline dwarfs what he currently has and therefore future invasions elsewhere are not impeded.


As always, Kushiro was the key to everything. Eventually you will find out how close were the Allies to failure had everything been singularly focussed.


Now is the time for a very serious reassessment of the future.

• Hokkaido and Sakhalin must be considered as lost. An Allied landing in Korea with the principle aim of triggering Soviet activation can not be totally dismissed
  
• An Allied landing in Korea with the principle aim of triggering Soviet activation can not be totally dismissed
  
• With so much pulled back to the Home Islands and unlikely to be released for duties elsewhere, the SRA will be easily lost
  

.

There are some counters to these possibilities but they are very difficult to pull off

Alfred

quote:

ORIGINAL: obvert

quote:

ORIGINAL: Lowpe

quote:

ORIGINAL: MrBlizzard

It seems you're bombed also with friendly advices from your HQ staff, tot capita tot sententiae
So I add mine
I believe you're doin well to suspend bombing attacks against a so strong CAP; you're only wearing yourself in that way; better to sweep now against his fatigued fighters.
And it's useful to attack his LOC with KB, you sink some precious APA and if you're lucky you can sink also some reinforcements troops.
When the enemy will leave with CVs you can bomb his conquered AF with BB. IMO don't bomb it with planes cause you'll only find a super flak and a strong CAP.
You'll restart to bomb with planes (also long range) at reinforcements ships only when his CVs will be away.
Throw to him more MTBs if you have, they've done well mainly on dark nights.
IMO it's not time to think to counterinvasions, he will simply ignore it and you'll divide your forces.
It's a pity your KB planes escorts didn't fly.

It is war. I guess it was the drop tanks...a failing of the A6M5c. Some people avoid the A6M5c all together because of its shorter range. But I never knew this might happen. Live and learn.

Sucks. It shouldn't be a problem for them to be using drop tanks with CVs in range.

I noticed above you listed air skills. Do you prioritize aggressiveness too? I always choose aggressive air leaders for groups, TFs and HQs that will influence strikes. I don't prioritize those for things like recon.

As with most of us the first game is to learn and you're definitely getting to see a lot here. There is still some hope to slow this advance. Your Helens now will be very important. You most likely have a ton of good ground bombing pilots. Those fields need to be shut. Night, day, both.

He's still losing planes, and that eventually could mean he either has to pull back or face the odds with a weakened CAP.

Japan in the war was weaker than you are now and yet the Allies did not chose to invade the HI at this point. It shouldn't be possible to do this without a lot of bloodshed and carnage. You need one break and his whole fragile position could fall apart. Keep at it!

quote:

ORIGINAL: Alfred

As always, Kushiro was the key to everything. Eventually you will find out how close were the Allies to failure had everything been singularly focussed.

Alfred

quote:

ORIGINAL: mind_messing

quote:

ORIGINAL: Alfred

As always, Kushiro was the key to everything. Eventually you will find out how close were the Allies to failure had everything been singularly focussed.

Alfred

With near enough a 4:1 advantage in raw AV (to say nothing of firepower, troop quality and armor), Lowpe could have bombed and bombarded with all his might and thrown planes and ships wholesale into the meat grinder and the Allies would have still taken the base. Yes, they'd probably have some pretty damaged and disrupted units, but the base would fly the Stars and Bars.

In going for the ships, Lowpe has gained the VP's. Those are VP's that need to be made back by the Allies before they can declare victory.

For every in-game situation there's a perfect counter, in theory. Sadly the realities of PBEM play mean that putting theory into practice is far from easy.

quote:

ORIGINAL: mind_messing

quote:

ORIGINAL: Alfred

As always, Kushiro was the key to everything. Eventually you will find out how close were the Allies to failure had everything been singularly focussed.

Alfred

With near enough a 4:1 advantage in raw AV (to say nothing of firepower, troop quality and armor), Lowpe could have bombed and bombarded with all his might and thrown planes and ships wholesale into the meat grinder and the Allies would have still taken the base. Yes, they'd probably have some pretty damaged and disrupted units, but the base would fly the Stars and Bars.

In going for the ships, Lowpe has gained the VP's. Those are VP's that need to be made back by the Allies before they can declare victory.

For every in-game situation there's a perfect counter, in theory. Sadly the realities of PBEM play mean that putting theory into practice is far from easy.