RE: Once Again into the Breech - Mike (J) vs. tc464 (A)

Matrix Games Forums

Forums Register Login Photo Gallery Member List Search Calendars FAQ

My Profile Inbox Address Book My Subscription My Forums Log Out

RE: Once Again into the Breech - Mike (J) vs. tc464 (A)

View related threads: (in this forum | in all forums)

Logged in as: Guest

Users viewing this topic: none

Printable Version

All Forums >> [New Releases from Matrix Games] >> War in the Pacific: Admiral's Edition >> After Action Reports >> RE: Once Again into the Breech - Mike (J) vs. tc464 (A)

Page: << < prev 83 84 [85] 86 87 next > >>

Message

<< Older Topic Newer Topic >>

RE: Once Again into the Breech - Mike (J) vs. tc464 (A) - 9/7/2015 1:16:32 AM

PaxMondo

Posts: 9750
Joined: 6/6/2008
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: mind_messing

If there's only 1 unit there, do your utmost to take Chungking on the cheap.

+1

_____________________________

Pax

(in reply to mind_messing)

Post #: 2521

RE: Once Again into the Breech - Mike (J) vs. tc464 (A) - 9/7/2015 8:07:40 AM

SqzMyLemon

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

quote:

ORIGINAL: mind_messing

Take Chungking, then worry about the 131 units. I'd suggest surrounding them, but I have seen others suggest leaving troops a retreat path works better - it might be easier to win a string of battles over several hexes than one long siege with a series of battles.

I think trying to completely surround Chungking will result in prolonging a siege of the base. It's easier to cause a retreat from a base and then destroy the retreating Chinese Army in a series of running battles. Cut Chungking off completely and you will need insane odds and many attacks to finally reduce the base and destroy all the defenders. If you've followed any AAR's that document how hard and long it takes to finally destroy isolated units, you'll understand why I think forcing a retreat at Chungking is the best option.

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 9/7/2015 9:08:04 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 mind_messing)

Post #: 2522

RE: Once Again into the Breech - Mike (J) vs. tc464 (A) - 9/7/2015 10:35:26 AM

mind_messing

Posts: 3393
Joined: 10/28/2013
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon

quote:

ORIGINAL: mind_messing

Take Chungking, then worry about the 131 units. I'd suggest surrounding them, but I have seen others suggest leaving troops a retreat path works better - it might be easier to win a string of battles over several hexes than one long siege with a series of battles.

I think trying to completely surround Chungking will result in prolonging a siege of the base. It's easier to cause a retreat from a base and then destroy the retreating Chinese Army in a series of running battles. Cut Chungking off completely and you will need insane odds and many attacks to finally reduce the base and destroy all the defenders. If you've followed any AAR's that document how hard and long it takes to finally destroy isolated units, you'll understand why I think forcing a retreat at Chungking is the best option.

My thoughts are mixed.

Retreat:

Pros

- Possibly easier to get units to surrender.
- Losses due to routs seem to always be very heavy.
- Can lead to battles in favorable terrain (provided the troops retreat correctly)
- Could possibly lead to the industry being less damaged?

Cons

- Can't rotate units in/out of combat easily.
- A long string of battles can take time and effort, especially if troops end up retreating off the road network.
- Can't attack every turn due to movement/pursuit.

Siege:

Pros

- Can attack every turn.
- Can easily rotate units in/out of combat.
- Units engaged in siege warfare seem to build EXP to absurd levels. When I took Chungking, every combat unit was above 80 EXP, with most in the 90s.
- Allows the "bargin basement buyout" of Japanese units wrecked in combat.

Cons

- Time. It took me 6 months to take Chungking.
- Losses. Losses were pretty high at first, but mostly disablements...
- Terrain. x2 terrain with level 6 forts isn't ideal for fighting the Chinese.

All in all, I don't know. Next Japanese PBEM I play, I'll give the Chinese a retreat path and see how that goes.

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 2523

RE: Once Again into the Breech - Mike (J) vs. tc464 (A) - 9/7/2015 10:46:00 AM

Mike McCreery

Posts: 4232
Joined: 6/29/2013
Status: offline

Could taking Chungking work out worse for the Japanese player?

Reading Mind_Messing's post I am just thinking about the obvious uses of cheaply bought out Chinese units given amphibious capabilities.

_____________________________

(in reply to mind_messing)

Post #: 2524

RE: Once Again into the Breech - Mike (J) vs. tc464 (A) - 9/7/2015 11:34:26 AM

mind_messing

Posts: 3393
Joined: 10/28/2013
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Wargmr

Could taking Chungking work out worse for the Japanese player?

No. Having taken Chungking, it's a massive boost to Japan and in various ways. VP's and industry are obvious ones. The ability to strip China of support units (aviation units, air groups, artillery etc) is less apparent. Optimization of garrisons even more so - a great many good divisions can be freed up by Japan in this way.

The main bonus is in the fact that a great many Japanese units arrive in China as reinforcements. A conquered China means these units are essentially free to be bought out and redeployed elsewhere. Sure, most of these units don't have great TOE's, but combat power is combat power and a great many Japanese divisions arrive in China.

It's well worth it for Japan to take Chungking and kick the Chinese out.

Most Chinese units are perma-restricted.

quote:

Reading Mind_Messing's post I am just thinking about the obvious uses of cheaply bought out Chinese units given amphibious capabilities.

As in, Chinese units being used for amphib invasions?

A waste, in my view. Chinese units are impressive in terms of AV, but terrible when it comes down to unit values. Plus, it takes a lot of lift capacity to move the Chinese.

The real value of escaped Chinese is in garrisoning India. There's a great deal of good Indian and British AV that is tied down in garrison duties in the cities - if Chinese squads can free up the immeasurably better Indian/British squads, then that's a far better route to take.

(in reply to Mike McCreery)

Post #: 2525

RE: Once Again into the Breech - Mike (J) vs. tc464 (A) - 9/10/2015 8:40:32 PM

Mike Solli

Posts: 15792
Joined: 10/18/2000
From: the flight deck of the Zuikaku
Status: offline

Interesting comments guys. A couple of my own comments (often based on the discussion you guys have had).

Chungking: If I don't take Chungking on the cheap (ie. there is more in the hex than my intel is telling me), I'll surround the hex except for a "1 hex escape route". That hex will be surrounded, so when the garrison is force out of Chungking, it'll then be surrounded and cut off from all supply. Then I can bomb them into oblivion. Pax mentioned bombing with as many 2E bombers as possible. I have 5 sentai with 139 bombers in Manchuoko training. I'll buy them out and use them for bombing Chungking. I'm going to do that next turn. That's a great idea! Thanks, Pax!

What do I think Ted will do with his 7 (or more) CVs when he gets Hellcats? I think he will go after the Rabaul/Gasmata complex. I figure he'll be good to go (Lex repaired) by the end of May. I'll have all of KB that is currently upgrading completed and all of KB will be at Truk with full complements of planes and pilots.

He may have another go at Adak. That's a concern because KB will be a week away from that AO. I have sent more Glen subs to the 5 Fleet AO and am going to station them in a north-south line to the east of the Aleutians as an early warning line. Adak is a concern because he has a full division ashore. I'm not sure how much supply they have and what kind of shape they're in, but they're there. If he can get even one supply convoy there for one day, that'll set me back quite a bit. I'm considering sending a couple of full strength divisions there to attack and destroy him. That would take a lot of ships and supply too. Tonight I'm going to take stock of what I have available and where, both troops and ships. I would have to support it with KB and the Combined Fleet, so a lot of fuel too. All this when I expect his carriers to surface. Sheesh.

Now back to the war!

_____________________________

Created by the amazing Dixie

(in reply to mind_messing)

Post #: 2526

RE: Once Again into the Breech - Mike (J) vs. tc464 (A) - 9/10/2015 8:45:04 PM

Mike Solli

Posts: 15792
Joined: 10/18/2000
From: the flight deck of the Zuikaku
Status: offline

30 Apr 43

Sub War

Today was a good day for the sub service. The I-11 caught a convoy to the SW of Fiji and sank an xAK and damaged another. The convoy was unescorted.

To the west, south of Lord Howe Island, the I-172 found another convoy and hit two separate xAKs, both loaded with fuel. Neither was reported to have sunk, but fuel laden cargo ships rarely survive even a single torpedo hit.

5 Fleet

The Allied bombardment force, composed of 7 BB and 3 DD, hit Adak again. They were opposed by the valiant MTB G-3, who launched an attack and hit the BB Idaho with a torpedo before getting away! The Allied TF was composed of 8 BB before the I-38 put 3 torpedoes into the Mississippi yesterday. That�s 2 damaged BBs now. The TF caused a little damage to Adak�s infrastructure.

A dozen Allied planes bombed the troops at Adak. His division that landed there is unable to do anything and my troops are good for defense but not really very good to attack his division, so I�m just bombarding his troops. He�s trying to wear down my troops, but a dozen bombers can�t really do much.

Damage:
Adak: 60-59-82

4 Fleet

Nothing to report.

SE Fleet

Ted�s bombers went after Rabaul today. It was inevitable. Several fighter sweeps came in first then a large group of bombers then several independent squadrons. Altogether, 123x 2E and 105x 4E bomber sorties hit Rabaul. I lost 10 fighters shot down (+4 op losses) to about 16 Allied fighters and 4 bombers shot down. In addition, I lost about 2 dozen planes on the ground. Rabaul�s damage is 0-56-60. Not nice, but it was bound to happen.

Over Gasmata, 9x P-40Ks swept, losing 6 for 3 Zeros, then a couple Kittyhawks swept losing 1.

SRA

Nothing to report.

Burma

A British bombardment fleet of 4 BB, 3 CA, 1 CLAA, 2 DD and 2 DE hit Ramree beating up the port. I suspect he�ll do that from time to time. I�m sending a minelayer TF to lay some eggs for a little surprise.

China

Nothing to report.

Other Stuff

Reinforcements:

xAK Tsurushima Maru � Std-B � will convert to a TK
SC CHa-57 � ASW

Training Pilot Accelerations:
110 IJA pilots in month 8
114 IJA pilots in month 6
32 IJN pilots in month 10

The Ki-43-IIIa RUD advanced to 11/43.

An AM was confirmed sunk on 22 Apr 43 at Merauke.

Twelve PB4Y-1s showed up as OP losses. Did they go down with a ship?! I would think they have the range to move to Australia without having to be shipped in a few hops. Am I wrong? Did he really have 12 OP losses? I hope they sank, because then the pilots went with them.

_____________________________

Created by the amazing Dixie

(in reply to Mike Solli)

Post #: 2527

RE: Once Again into the Breech - Mike (J) vs. tc464 (A) - 9/10/2015 8:50:01 PM

Mike Solli

Posts: 15792
Joined: 10/18/2000
From: the flight deck of the Zuikaku
Status: offline

1 May 43

Sub War

This isn�t really sub related (but in a sense it may be), but the very first thing that happened this turn was that I heard sinking noises. I have no idea what ship sank, but my first thought (a hope, really) was that the Mississippi sank. I saw in the intel screen that 2 Kingfishers were op losses. Maybe it was the Mississippi. She�s not showing up as sunk. I guess I�ll find out in a few months.

Anyhoo, SW of Horne Island, the I-158 caught and sank another xAKL, part of a supply convoy.

SW of Los Angeles, the I-27 sank another xAK. That area is a very fertile hunting ground. I send only Glen subs there because, on occasion, ASW TFs venture out to try and get lucky. I usually spot them and can maneuver out of their path.

5 Fleet

I made a tactical error which caused my heart to skip a few beats. Fortunately, the damage against me was less than the Allied damage so it wasn�t as bad as it could have been.

MKB (Zuiho, Shoho and Hosho) with about 50 Zeros and 15 or so Kates was positioned to the north of Adak, in case some enemy TF came in range. My mistake was that it was 7 hexes (my range set for my Kates) from Unmak Island, Ted�s air base in the region. As it turned out, the 2 US carriers were slowly withdrawing and were also 7 hexes away. Fortunately, they had taken substantial air losses but still had a lot of planes. I estimate they had about 50 Wildcats, a dozen Avengers and 40-50 Dauntlesses. In addition, Unmak was sporting a handful each of P-40Es and P-400s (state of the art stuff

).

Several piecemeal attacks went in from both sides. Here they are in order:

We hit first (if you want to call it that). A massive raid of 7 Kates escorted by 8 Zeros against a minor TF, ASW I think. Seven Wildcats, a P-400 and P-40E attacked them, shot down 2 Zeros and broke through to the Kates, shooting down 6. The lone survivor missed. No Allied fighters were lost. That was a great way to start things off.

The next attack, also mine, was worse. Six Kates were escorted by 5 Zeros. I lost 2 Zeros and all the Kates. I�m not sure who they were attacking because none of the Kates survived the enemy fighters. There were 6 each P-400s and P-40Es. One of each was lost.

Score: 16 Japanese to 2 Allied planes shot down.

Now it was the Allied turn. The US carriers spotted and attacked MKB by a small force of 8 Dauntlesses and 6 Avengers escorted by 13 Wildcats. 22 Zeros defended my carriers. The Zeros broke through the Wildcats after shooting down 6, but downed only 1 Dauntless before they reached my carriers. (This is where my heart stopped beating.) Fortunately, they all missed, then my fighters shot down 4 Avengers on their way back home.

Score 16 Japanese to 7 Allied planes shot down. (Getting a little better.)

The final attack was 16 Dauntlesses (unescorted!) opposed by 13 Zeros. My Zeros shot down 12 of the Dauntlesses. Flak got one and the other 3 missed my carriers!

Final Score: 16 Japanese to 20 Allied planes shot down. No ships hit on either side.

MKB is heading west to meet up with their oilers and then will head to Japan to replenish and repair minor sys damage.

As an afterthought, 11 enemy bombers attacked Adak�s airfield. Net damage increase was 1 runway.

Adak: 60-59-81 with 15k supply.

4 Fleet

Nothing to report.

SE Fleet

A couple of Allied sweeps of Gasmata netted us 3 more Allied fighters shot down for no loss.

Ted�s 2E bombers went after Manus today. That�s fine with me. It gives Rabaul a chance to repair a bit.

SRA
Burma
China

Nothing to report.

Other Stuff

Reinforcement: 7 SNLF Company � rebuilt � will garrison Phnom Penh.

Four CA and 3 DD completed refit in the Home Islands. All but 2 DD will steam for Truk. The remaining DDs will hang around until the CVs complete their refit.

New aircraft models that are now available:

B6N1 Jill: I will not build this model. I�m waiting for the B6N2, which will be available in June. In the meantime, I converted the B5N2 factory to the B6N1 and increased it to size 30. When 1 Jun 43 arrives, it�ll be fully repaired and I�ll upgrade it to the B6N2 and immediately begin producing them.

N1K1-J George: I converted two old, unused A6M2 factories to size 30 and 60 and another unused factory to size 30. By the end of May, I�ll be producing 3 a day and by the end of June, 4 a day. I wish I could get them more quickly, but I�ll just have to wait. The only thing I don�t like about this model is the Service Rating of 3. My plan is to use them at large airfields with plenty of AS. They have armor!

Ki-44-IIb Tojo: I will not produce this model. I want the Ki-44-IIc.

Ki-44-IIc Tojo: I upgraded all 4x30 Ki-44-IIa through the IIb to this model. They have armor and an SR of 1!

Ki-45 KAIc Nick: I will not produce this model.

Ki-49-II KAI transport: I�m converting the Ki-57-II factory to this model and increasing it to size 15. This will be the IJA transport for the remainder of the war, for a couple of reasons. It frees up the Ki-57 engine factory (which is converting to the Ha-45). This uses the Ha-34. I have two Ha-34 factories, size 30 and 360. I�m converting the size 30 factory to the Ha-45. This gives me 360x Ha-34 engines a month allocated as follows: 120 for the Tojo, 180 for the Helen bomber and 30 for the Helen transport. There is a surplus of 30 engines a month for future needs. Also, there is no longer a need for R&D engines for this factory (which is why I converted the small factory). I have >500 engines in the pool so the Ha-34 engine factory is off until I draw the pool down to ~300 or so.

I have high hopes for the Tojos and Georges. I�m confident the new Tojos will do well. The �a� model is doing well now. We�ll see how the Georges do.

_____________________________

Created by the amazing Dixie

(in reply to Mike Solli)

Post #: 2528

RE: Once Again into the Breech - Mike (J) vs. tc464 (A) - 9/10/2015 8:51:33 PM

Mike Solli

Posts: 15792
Joined: 10/18/2000
From: the flight deck of the Zuikaku
Status: offline

2 May 43

Sub War

The I-153, patrolling west of Perth, sank and xAK.

5 Fleet

MKB is withdrawing to the west with 29 (of 54) Zeros and 2 (of 24) Kates. My pilot levels are a bit better with 38 Zero pilots and 14 Kate pilots. I had a lot of op losses and written off planes.

The Allied carrier and bombardment TFs are withdrawing to the east. I don�t expect the carriers to return, but I think the BBs will return. There are 6 that are undamaged of the original 8.

The only combat was a dozen Allied bombers vs. 6x Oscars over Adak. For no loss, the Oscars shot down 3 Bolingbrokes (finally got the name right) and a B-25.

4 Fleet

Nothing to report.

SE Fleet

A few Kittyhawks swept Gasmata today, losing all 3 for no Japanese losses.

The day over Rabaul began with several fighter sweeps followed by several bombing raids, against the airfield again. By the end of the day, I lost 5 fighters shot down along with 9 destroyed on the ground. The Allies lost 7 fighters and 3 bombers. Rabaul finished the day with damage at 0-69-60.

A small bombing raid hit Tulagi causing no damage and costing the Allies 2 Wildcats and a B-24.

Rabaul is becoming a concern. I�m pulling out all of the non-fighters until his bombers become fatigued enough that he has to stop to rest them. There are still a number of damaged planes there, unfortunately.

SRA

Nothing to report.

Burma
China

Nothing to report.

Other Stuff

The A6M5c R&D advanced to 4/44.

_____________________________

Created by the amazing Dixie

(in reply to Mike Solli)

Post #: 2529

RE: Once Again into the Breech - Mike (J) vs. tc464 (A) - 9/10/2015 8:52:57 PM

Mike Solli

Posts: 15792
Joined: 10/18/2000
From: the flight deck of the Zuikaku
Status: offline

3 May 43

Sub War

Just west of Nagoya, the Stingray went after an ASW TF hitting and turning into matchsticks the Ch-26.

5 Fleet

Ten bombers attacked Adak and only 7 went home. Only 1 Bollingbroke is left. I suspect the Canadians are scrambling around looking for some better bombers (and pilots to fly them).

Adak: 60-59-23 � Damage is coming down.

4 Fleet

Nothing to report.

SE Fleet

This time Ted sent 79x 4E bomber sorties against Rabaul�s port. They didn�t do much damage to the port itself, but hit a number of ships: 1 AS, 1 PB, 1 ACM, 3 xAK. None sank but 1 or 2 probably will.

Ineffective bombing of Tulagi�

Three more Kittyhawks died over Gasmata.

Rabaul: 14-69-34
Tulagi: 2-54-0

SRA
Burma
China

Nothing to report.

Other stuff

Reinforcement: 9 JNAF Company � This is one of those nice little support units (8 AS & engineers) that also has a platoon of SNLF infantry.

_____________________________

Created by the amazing Dixie

(in reply to Mike Solli)

Post #: 2530

RE: Once Again into the Breech - Mike (J) vs. tc464 (A) - 9/10/2015 8:54:46 PM

GetAssista

Posts: 2732
Joined: 9/19/2009
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Mike Solli
Chungking: If I don't take Chungking on the cheap (ie. there is more in the hex than my intel is telling me), I'll surround the hex except for a "1 hex escape route". That hex will be surrounded, so when the garrison is force out of Chungking, it'll then be surrounded and cut off from all supply.

Don't know if I understood you correctly, but you should not surround that hex at once. Units retreat along valid supply paths, so you need to leave an unblocked path towards some base that is still Chinese. Of course once Chunking garrison retreated, it is easy to block further route with some fast unit and commense with the initial plan

(in reply to Mike Solli)

Post #: 2531

RE: Once Again into the Breech - Mike (J) vs. tc464 (A) - 9/10/2015 9:10:33 PM

Mike Solli

Posts: 15792
Joined: 10/18/2000
From: the flight deck of the Zuikaku
Status: offline

Ok, here's my poor visual of what I'll try at Chungking. I'll put units in the hexes with red stars. Should I out the Chungking defenders, they'll retreat east. If I can, I'll take the other base to the east after I push the Chungking defenders out, leaving those troops in the open. If not, I'll push them into the other base hex and bomb them to oblivion. That base has only 20 LI.

Edit: Note that my attacking army is in the NE corner of the map.

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by Mike Solli -- 9/10/2015 10:11:36 PM >

_____________________________

Created by the amazing Dixie

(in reply to GetAssista)

Post #: 2532

RE: Once Again into the Breech - Mike (J) vs. tc464 (A) - 9/10/2015 9:12:53 PM

Zorch

Posts: 7087
Joined: 3/7/2010
Status: offline

Banzai!

Attachment (1)

(in reply to Mike Solli)

Post #: 2533

RE: Once Again into the Breech - Mike (J) vs. tc464 (A) - 9/11/2015 1:28:38 AM

Lokasenna

Posts: 9297
Joined: 3/3/2012
From: Iowan in MD/DC
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: PaxMondo

quote:

ORIGINAL: Mike Solli

Chungking may have high fort levels, but as of 2 May, I see 1 unit there. Who knows really. I'll give it a shot. My army attacking toward Chunking has 4 divisions, 2 brigades, 1 tank division and an artillery unit, plus an army HQ and the CEA HQ for support. We'll see if it is enough.

Bring enough Sally/Helen and you should be fine. I use a minimum of 500 LB ... 12 groups or more. Yeah, its a lot, but against lvl 6 forts you need a lot. Even if you don't see many disablements, remember it lowers morale and that counts a lot.

Forts I think start the game at 6 ... scen dependent. All you want to do is to bring them down each attack without too many losses ... disrupted/disabled you'll have lots and that's fine.

Morale, disruption, and burns organic supply.

(in reply to PaxMondo)

Post #: 2534

RE: Once Again into the Breech - Mike (J) vs. tc464 (A) - 9/11/2015 1:29:31 AM

Lokasenna

Posts: 9297
Joined: 3/3/2012
From: Iowan in MD/DC
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: mind_messing

quote:

ORIGINAL: Wargmr

Could taking Chungking work out worse for the Japanese player?

No. Having taken Chungking, it's a massive boost to Japan and in various ways. VP's and industry are obvious ones. The ability to strip China of support units (aviation units, air groups, artillery etc) is less apparent. Optimization of garrisons even more so - a great many good divisions can be freed up by Japan in this way.

The main bonus is in the fact that a great many Japanese units arrive in China as reinforcements. A conquered China means these units are essentially free to be bought out and redeployed elsewhere. Sure, most of these units don't have great TOE's, but combat power is combat power and a great many Japanese divisions arrive in China.

It's well worth it for Japan to take Chungking and kick the Chinese out.

Most Chinese units are perma-restricted.

quote:

Reading Mind_Messing's post I am just thinking about the obvious uses of cheaply bought out Chinese units given amphibious capabilities.

As in, Chinese units being used for amphib invasions?

A waste, in my view. Chinese units are impressive in terms of AV, but terrible when it comes down to unit values. Plus, it takes a lot of lift capacity to move the Chinese.

The real value of escaped Chinese is in garrisoning India. There's a great deal of good Indian and British AV that is tied down in garrison duties in the cities - if Chinese squads can free up the immeasurably better Indian/British squads, then that's a far better route to take.

Almost every Chinese unit is grey-restricted. Only a few, maybe 5 in total, can be purchased and therefore put on ships.

(in reply to mind_messing)

Post #: 2535

RE: Once Again into the Breech - Mike (J) vs. tc464 (A) - 9/11/2015 1:31:47 AM

Lokasenna

Posts: 9297
Joined: 3/3/2012
From: Iowan in MD/DC
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon

quote:

ORIGINAL: mind_messing

Take Chungking, then worry about the 131 units. I'd suggest surrounding them, but I have seen others suggest leaving troops a retreat path works better - it might be easier to win a string of battles over several hexes than one long siege with a series of battles.

I think trying to completely surround Chungking will result in prolonging a siege of the base. It's easier to cause a retreat from a base and then destroy the retreating Chinese Army in a series of running battles. Cut Chungking off completely and you will need insane odds and many attacks to finally reduce the base and destroy all the defenders. If you've followed any AAR's that document how hard and long it takes to finally destroy isolated units, you'll understand why I think forcing a retreat at Chungking is the best option.

Hate to spam posts here but....

Each time I've taken Chungking, all of the defenders just surrendered instantly. No need to cause a retreat, really.

It's also only a chance that they'll remain after the base is taken, and frankly this happens much more often with Japanese units remaining at a base to be wiped out after it is taken than it does with Allied units. Allied units just give up and surrender, it seems. But in any case, it's not guaranteed. If the units are in poor shape and low on Morale (uh, every Chinese unit still in China?), they'll just surrender.

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 2536

RE: Once Again into the Breech - Mike (J) vs. tc464 (A) - 9/11/2015 3:03:23 AM

Mike Solli

Posts: 15792
Joined: 10/18/2000
From: the flight deck of the Zuikaku
Status: offline

Lokasenna, I always appreciate your input. I've never gotten close to attacking Chungking in the past, but my experience is similar to yours. Allied units often surrender, especially when beat up for awhile. I just ran the next turn and this discussion on Chungking may be moot. The 131 (500k) unit army just disappeared off my scope. The Great Yellow Herd is heading north to Chungking. They'll get there long before I do. In that case, I'll just take the other 3 bases and then surround and pound Chungking. I'm moving AS to within range and can buy out 9 bomber units from Manchuoko, ~140 planes to add to the 50 or so I have in China now. More to come tomorrow.

_____________________________

Created by the amazing Dixie

(in reply to Lokasenna)

Post #: 2537

RE: Once Again into the Breech - Mike (J) vs. tc464 (A) - 9/11/2015 3:49:47 AM

PaxMondo

Posts: 9750
Joined: 6/6/2008
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Mike Solli

He may have another go at Adak. That's a concern because KB will be a week away from that AO. I have sent more Glen subs to the 5 Fleet AO and am going to station them in a north-south line to the east of the Aleutians as an early warning line. Adak is a concern because he has a full division ashore. I'm not sure how much supply they have and what kind of shape they're in, but they're there. If he can get even one supply convoy there for one day, that'll set me back quite a bit. I'm considering sending a couple of full strength divisions there to attack and destroy him. That would take a lot of ships and supply too. Tonight I'm going to take stock of what I have available and where, both troops and ships. I would have to support it with KB and the Combined Fleet, so a lot of fuel too. All this when I expect his carriers to surface. Sheesh.

Mike, you know what I think about Adak ... pivotal for the NorPac. As long as you hold it, Hokkaido is hard to threaten.

_____________________________

Pax

(in reply to Mike Solli)

Post #: 2538

RE: Once Again into the Breech - Mike (J) vs. tc464 (A) - 9/11/2015 8:34:11 PM

Mike Solli

Posts: 15792
Joined: 10/18/2000
From: the flight deck of the Zuikaku
Status: offline

I agree with you, Tony. Adak is crucial. That's why I'm giving it what many may thing too much time and concern.

4 May 43

Sub War

Nothing to report.

5 Fleet

Things have quieted down quite a bit here. Ten Allied bombers visited Adak, but 3 Bolingbrokes (I think I finally spelled the name right) failed to return, thanks to the Oscar sentai still LRCAPing Adak from Amchitka. Damage to Adak is dropping nicely: 60-38-0. Supply has fallen to 14.5k. I�ve got a fast transport convoy with 4k supply loading at Etorofu. For the first time in a while, all of my ground units have 0 disruption.

I moved the Oscar sentai (27 repaired planes of 46) and the Judy chutai (4 repaired planes of 8) back to Adak. When I was doing the LRCAP mission from Amchitka, 5-6 Oscars would fly. Now I hope to have 12-15 fly. Tomorrow (hopefully) will see more of his bombers die.

I have a lot of subs in the area and Ted has several ASW TFs (mainly SCs and AMs) running around looking for the subs. They often are within 4-5 hexes of Adak. I�m hoping the Judys go after some and take a couple of them out.

Next turn, I�m going to find a sentai of IJA bombers that are currently training pilots in Japan, buy them out, upgrade the planes with Helens or Sallies and send them to Amchitka so they can start a bombing campaign against the 41 Division in Adak. That division is a thorn in my side.

Finally, I�m going to find the best division I can in Japan (or Kwantung Army) and buy it out (I have over 5k PPs available) to land at Adak to take out the 41 Division. I�m hoping that by the time it gets there, the 41 Division will be out of supply and beat up. I�m going to send some artillery/heavy mortar units I have in the Home Islands along for fun.

4 Fleet

Nothing to report.

SE Fleet

Today, just about all of the Allied bombers rested (thank goodness). Four partial Allied fighter squadrons swept Rabaul and 2 swept Gasmata. Total losses were 5 Japanese fighters to 6 Allied fighters.

At Tulagi, a handful of bombers escorted by Wildcats attacked again, but caused no damage and no planes were lost on either side.

Damage to my 2 bases dropped quite a bit today:

Rabaul: 14-69-4
Tulagi: 2-30-0

At this rate, it�ll take 2 days to repair all of Tulagi�s damage and 3 days for Rabaul.

I�ve noticed that I don�t see subs very often around Truk anymore. When I do, it�s never more than 1.

SRA
Burma

Nothing to report.

China

I think Ted got a whiff of my army working its way toward the Chungking Plateau. The huge (500k) 131 unit army dropped off my radar, which means it is heading north back up the road to Chungking. It will reach Chungking before I do. That�s ok. I�ll settle in for a siege. I�m going to buy 9 bomber sentai from Manchuoko to go along with the sentai and 2 chutai I currently have in China. That�s a 300 bomber force to pummel Chungking. My biggest issue is enough AS/airfields within normal range of Chungking, but I�m working on that.

Other Stuff

My Tojo IIcs are coming off the production line nicely. In ~8 days, I�ll have enough to upgrade a 42 plane sentai (including 4 spares). I already have the unit picked out. I have a sentai at Gasmata still flying the Ki-43-Ic. That should be a bit of an upgrade. That sentai will withdraw to Truk to upgrade and then fly to Rabaul to be used in the defense of that base. I expect to have a second and most of a third sentai upgraded by the end of May.

Still no Georges have come off the assembly line. The factories have only repaired 4 each, so it�s not surprising. I�m still anxious to get my first daitai of them. They will replace an A6M2 daitai, also in SE Fleet AO. I really don�t expect to have the first daitai operational until the end of May unfortunately.

_____________________________

Created by the amazing Dixie

(in reply to PaxMondo)

Post #: 2539

RE: Once Again into the Breech - Mike (J) vs. tc464 (A) - 9/12/2015 2:46:48 AM

PaxMondo

Posts: 9750
Joined: 6/6/2008
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Mike Solli

I agree with you, Tony. Adak is crucial. That's why I'm giving it what many may thing too much time and concern.

Not possible too over focus on Adak.

_____________________________

Pax

(in reply to Mike Solli)

Post #: 2540

RE: Once Again into the Breech - Mike (J) vs. tc464 (A) - 9/12/2015 3:44:30 AM

Lowpe

Posts: 22133
Joined: 2/25/2013
Status: offline

Mike,

When do you think you will get the Frank a?

Also, what planes are you thinking of for kamikazes. Now is the time to be planning for them.

(in reply to PaxMondo)

Post #: 2541

RE: Once Again into the Breech - Mike (J) vs. tc464 (A) - 9/12/2015 1:09:16 PM

Mike Solli

Posts: 15792
Joined: 10/18/2000
From: the flight deck of the Zuikaku
Status: offline

Morning/afternoon everyone. Lowpe, I don't really know when the Frank a is coming. It's still sitting at 4/44. I have 8 factories so far, with more to come. Two are fully repaired to 30, one at 53/55 and the others are 28, 20, 14, 2 & 0 of 30. The R&D is advancing 2% a day right now (31 right now). Fortunately, there are currently 378 Ha-45 engines in the pool and should reach 500 in about 7-8 days. To venture a guess, I'm hoping late 43 for the a model.

_____________________________

Created by the amazing Dixie

(in reply to Lowpe)

Post #: 2542

RE: Once Again into the Breech - Mike (J) vs. tc464 (A) - 9/12/2015 1:46:40 PM

Mike Solli

Posts: 15792
Joined: 10/18/2000
From: the flight deck of the Zuikaku
Status: offline

5 May 43

Sub War

Nothing to report.

5 Fleet

First thing in the morning, 3 Judys launched on a minesweeping TF in Adak and went after the DD Gillespie. Unfortunately, they missed. Wish I had a full daitai of them.

Four B24s arrived and avoided the Oscars.

Fortunately, they didn't hit anything.

In the afternoon, the 3 Judys launched again, this time for DMS Trevor and hit her once with a 500kg present, leaving her burning fiercely and heavily damaged. Very nice.

I've decided to "sort of" go all out to destroy the 41 Division. I know I really need lots of support to do it right though. Here's what I'm sending:

KB2 - Junyo and Hiyo (54 Zeros, 36 Vals, 18 Kates).
Surface fleet - Yamato, Musashi, Nagato, Mutsu
MKB2 - Zuiho, Shoho and Hosho (54 Zeros, 24 Kates). They are headed for the Home Islands for replenishment.
Slow Replenishment fleet
19 Division
71 Division
4x 15cm Howitzer Regiments
1x 90mm Mortar Regiment

It'll take a while to get everything together. I'm also moving some other support ships (AKEs, ADs, ARs, etc.) to Etorofu to keep the battle going if necessary.

That leaves the full KB at Truk to counter whatever Ted throws my way when he's ready (probably at the end of May). Right now, the Shoho and Ryujo are at Truk, Shokaku and Zuikaku finish refit tomorrow and Akagi and Kaga finish refit in a week.

I spotted 2 US CVs (Lex and Hornet?) at Dutch Harbor.

4 Fleet

Nothing to report.

SE Fleet

Only Allied fighters swept Gasmata and Rabaul. I lost 4 fighters to 8 Allied fighters.

Damage:

Rabaul: 14-42-0
Tulagi: 2-0-0

SRA
Burma
China

Nothing to report.

Other Stuff

Reinforcements:

SS RO-109 - SE Fleet
TK Jinei Maru - Type-1 �

The Ki-100-II R&D advanced to 3/44. I expect to get them in July 43.

I decided to upgrade the Akagi and Kaga's DB daitai to the Judy. The SR3 rating pretty much ensures only 1 good shot, but they use a 500kg bomb out to range 6 and a 250kg bomb to range 7. It might make a difference.

I got my first George!

A pilot was found.

2x Momi PCs completed their upgrades.

Lowpe asked about Kamikazes. Here's what I'm confident I'll have in abundance so far. I'll have ~600 D4Y1/2. I know I'll have a bunch of Betties, Nells, Helens and Salllies. My losses to date have been low and production is good. Especially Helens. I'm producing 90 a month. I expect a very large number of them. I use them exclusively in Burma and I'm dominating his air force so far. He has a large number of bombers there, but they rarely fly because I've trashed his fighters there and the bombers take lots of losses every time they fly. I also have a few hundred IJA 1E bombers (Mary, Ann) that will be expended. I'll have all the excess Vals and Kates too. I estimate ~500 of them total. I need to do some more planning and start producing when possible. I know I'll have a bunch of Ha-35 engines later. I'll need to see what's available that uses that engine.

_____________________________

Created by the amazing Dixie

(in reply to Mike Solli)

Post #: 2543

RE: Once Again into the Breech - Mike (J) vs. tc464 (A) - 9/12/2015 2:15:35 PM

Annagil

Posts: 36
Joined: 7/11/2006
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Mike Solli

That leaves the full KB at Truk to counter whatever Ted throws my way when he's ready (probably at the end of May).

That is, unless he decides to try his new toy on a target close to home, where he already has a stranded division and where he knows, because you already did, that you send small CV forces very far from home. Oh, and where you will have steadily reinforced over the previous six weeks denoting an intention to take the base back completely, but you will likely not have been able to yet because it will take forever to move all those units, giving him time to prepare and mass his naval forces. All in all, I hope you are preparing for a single massed assault rather than a trickling Guadalcanal campaign in the Arctic.

That said, I'm sure I was not the only one to inquire with Ted over the last months if he had any news from you and I'm glad you are fine and back!

(in reply to Mike Solli)

Post #: 2544

RE: Once Again into the Breech - Mike (J) vs. tc464 (A) - 9/12/2015 2:17:51 PM

PaxMondo

Posts: 9750
Joined: 6/6/2008
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Mike Solli

I know I'll have a bunch of Ha-35 engines later. I'll need to see what's available that uses that engine.

Tsurugi is a great plane; fast, big bomb (800), and Ha35. Wish it was longer range, but always wish that.

_____________________________

Pax

(in reply to Mike Solli)

Post #: 2545

RE: Once Again into the Breech - Mike (J) vs. tc464 (A) - 9/12/2015 2:29:08 PM

Mike Solli

Posts: 15792
Joined: 10/18/2000
From: the flight deck of the Zuikaku
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Annagil

quote:

ORIGINAL: Mike Solli

That leaves the full KB at Truk to counter whatever Ted throws my way when he's ready (probably at the end of May).

That is, unless he decides to try his new toy on a target close to home, where he already has a stranded division and where he knows, because you already did, that you send small CV forces very far from home. Oh, and where you will have steadily reinforced over the previous six weeks denoting an intention to take the base back completely, but you will likely not have been able to yet because it will take forever to move all those units, giving him time to prepare and mass his naval forces. All in all, I hope you are preparing for a single massed assault rather than a trickling Guadalcanal campaign in the Arctic.

That said, I'm sure I was not the only one to inquire with Ted over the last months if he had any news from you and I'm glad you are fine and back!

I'm forming a string of Glen subs as far out as possible from the Aleutians to spot for that eventuality. KB is about a week from Adak. If he does this, and moves his carriers like he did this last time, they'll swing south and come up from the south of Adak. That would put KB to the south of him and KB2/MKB2 to the west.

My intent is to have all the ground units land on the same day. That risks transport collision, but that risk is worth it. I am using xAPs for this maneuver and all of the units are either loading or the transports are on the way. I'm going to have them meet at Ominato, top off their fuel, and head in from different routes. By the time the transports arrive, the combat ships will be in position.

_____________________________

Created by the amazing Dixie

(in reply to Annagil)

Post #: 2546

RE: Once Again into the Breech - Mike (J) vs. tc464 (A) - 9/12/2015 2:30:09 PM

Mike Solli

Posts: 15792
Joined: 10/18/2000
From: the flight deck of the Zuikaku
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: PaxMondo

quote:

ORIGINAL: Mike Solli

I know I'll have a bunch of Ha-35 engines later. I'll need to see what's available that uses that engine.

Tsurugi is a great plane; fast, big bomb (800), and Ha35. Wish it was longer range, but always wish that.

Hey Pax, what is the designation for the Tsurugi? I never learned the names for the late war planes.

_____________________________

Created by the amazing Dixie

(in reply to PaxMondo)

Post #: 2547

RE: Once Again into the Breech - Mike (J) vs. tc464 (A) - 9/12/2015 7:53:46 PM

Lokasenna

Posts: 9297
Joined: 3/3/2012
From: Iowan in MD/DC
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Mike Solli

quote:

ORIGINAL: PaxMondo

quote:

ORIGINAL: Mike Solli

I know I'll have a bunch of Ha-35 engines later. I'll need to see what's available that uses that engine.

Tsurugi is a great plane; fast, big bomb (800), and Ha35. Wish it was longer range, but always wish that.

Hey Pax, what is the designation for the Tsurugi? I never learned the names for the late war planes.

It's the Ki-115.

I'm researching it a little bit, but I don't expect great things from it... it's a kamikaze and that's it? I think it has low durability, from memory. Wasn't it made from a lot of wood?

(in reply to Mike Solli)

Post #: 2548

RE: Once Again into the Breech - Mike (J) vs. tc464 (A) - 9/12/2015 8:01:58 PM

Annagil

Posts: 36
Joined: 7/11/2006
Status: offline

Wood and steel, very basic controls, awful sight and manouvrability, no weapons except a 800 kgs, round rather than elliptical section for easier production. I think they even lacked a landing gear.

I think they wanted to produce 8 or 10 thousand of those every month.

(in reply to Lokasenna)

Post #: 2549

RE: Once Again into the Breech - Mike (J) vs. tc464 (A) - 9/12/2015 8:52:19 PM

PaxMondo

Posts: 9750
Joined: 6/6/2008
Status: offline

All true, but as fast as the end model Oscar, and that awfully big bomb. Just what you want in a kami. Those 800kg, when they hit, things go BOOM!

_____________________________

Pax

(in reply to Annagil)

Post #: 2550

Page: << < prev 83 84 [85] 86 87 next > >>

All Forums >> [New Releases from Matrix Games] >> War in the Pacific: Admiral's Edition >> After Action Reports >> RE: Once Again into the Breech - Mike (J) vs. tc464 (A)