RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obvert (J)

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RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 5/29/2016 9:39:53 PM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
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On a positive note. Kirakira is secured after a second deliberate assault. AAR follows:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Kirakira (116,140)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 6334 troops, 58 guns, 62 vehicles, Assault Value = 123

Defending force 288 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 3

Allied adjusted assault: 34

Japanese adjusted defense: 1

Allied assault odds: 34 to 1 (fort level 0)

Allied forces CAPTURE Kirakira !!!

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

Japanese ground losses:
374 casualties reported
Squads: 3 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 9 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 4 destroyed, 0 disabled
Units destroyed 1

Assaulting units:
2nd NZ Brigade
22nd USN Naval Construction Regiment
176th USAAF Base Force
6th RAAF Base Force

Defending units:
II/84th Naval Guard Unit
1st JNAF Coy

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

II/84th Naval Guard Unit Wiped Out at Kirakira by attrition!!!

The construction of an airbase will begin immediately. Next landings are set for Rennel Island and Tulagi which are Allied controlled, but undeveloped.

Pearl now has over 400k in fuel and 1000k in supply. Fuel totalling 300k is en route to Suva. My most forward base at Luganville has 59k fuel and 130k supply. It's been a long haul, but I can finally start moving once the combat LCU's all arrive. Tabiteuea will be invaded before Rabaul because the troops assigned have almost reached Suva. It's going to take at least a month to get everything in place for Rabaul, maybe even two months.

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

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

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 181

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 5/31/2016 2:53:55 PM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
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Dec. 5/43:

A good day in the air for the Allied cause. A Japanese bombing raid against Normanton goes bad with Betty's arriving prior to an Oscar sweep and no escorts to be seen. The Hurricane IIc's shoot down 23 out of 35 bombers and one Oscar IIb for one Hurricane lost to Ops. There was no damage to Normanton.

I have three amphibious operations occurring in the Solomons right now. Reinforcement of Kirakira and Lunga and the establishment of Allied forces on Rennel Island. I've begun airlifting an American base force to Tulagi as well. I expected an air reaction from Erik during the Kirakira landing that never materialized, with numerous Allied TF's spotted at three bases perhaps Erik will unleash his LBA tomorrow. I've set what CAP I can, but all the TF's are vulnerable.

I've ordered two bombing raids for tomorrow, the targets being the airbases at Munda and Shortlands. I'd like to force the Japanese to have to fly from Rabaul. I'm looking for any tactical advantage I can.

So much shipping is moving right now that bases are back logged trying to unload. Once this initial surge is complete, I'll set up a more efficient system. I've got dedicated fuel/supply CS convoy's heading between San Francisco and Pearl Harbor, next is to set the ones up from Pearl Harbor to Suva. I don't think I can make my move against Rabaul until mid/late January at the earliest.

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 5/31/2016 4:01:05 PM >

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

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

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 182

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 5/31/2016 3:02:26 PM

ny59giants

Posts: 9869
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How does Cooktown look?? I've hit Rabaul from there with B-24s just to keep my opponent honest.

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Post #: 183

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 5/31/2016 3:19:49 PM

SqzMyLemon

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

ORIGINAL: ny59giants

How does Cooktown look?? I've hit Rabaul from there with B-24s just to keep my opponent honest.

Cooktown and Cairns are built up, but weakly garrisoned at the moment. I'm in the process of adding additional strength to prevent a Japanese paratroop drop wrecking my day and possibly wiping out large numbers of aircraft. I can't stress enough how weak the Allied rear bases are. I'm not saying they should be fortresses, but the fact I'm worried about paratroop assaults should indicate how weak they are.

As to bombing Rabaul, I'm not keen on tackling the almost 300 fighters currently based there just yet.

As my operations draw out the Japanese air, there will be plenty of opportunities to hit Rabaul. I won't go after it until I stretch the Japanese air defence and some holes appear to exploit.

I should add, I don't want to keep Erik honest. I want him to pin his ears back and come for me. The more he tries raids like he just did at Normanton, the better. I don't want him to worry about his rear bases just yet. The longer he feels they are secure, the sooner he'll leave me an opening. Just like he did in Burma at Chiang Mai.

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 5/31/2016 3:26:39 PM >

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

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

(in reply to ny59giants)

Post #: 184

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 6/1/2016 2:46:56 PM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
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Dec. 6/43:

Erik is definitely coming for Western Australia. Japanese paratroops land at the base between Perth and Kalgoorlie. Three small Australian base forces were caught in strategic mode trying to reach Kalgoorlie. They held, but I doubt they can stop the base being taken.

An enemy DMS was sunk by an American submarine off the coast of Carnarvon and a destroyer was missed north of Exmouth. Allied submarine DL's increased significantly in the area, so Japanese carriers are present.

In the Solomons, the bombing raid against Munda goes as planned with 44 B-24D's hitting the base. The raid against Shortlands is grounded due to weather. There was no Japanese effort to interdict my taskforces unloading at Rennel Island, Lunga or Kirakira. Large numbers of engineer units have reached Luganville, so the next step is to get these units safely deployed in the Solomons to build up a network of airbases centered on Lunga.

Fuel, supply and troops continue to pour into Suva. Fuel and supply at the base have reached 30k+ and 500k+, respectively. The first of another 300k of fuel will start to arrive in a few days.

Thoughts:

I've practically abandoned Western Australia already. I've got an armoured brigade at Kalgoorlie so it's safe from a paratroop assault. I'll reinforce with AA and an Australian division that was slated for Rabaul. Unfortunately, Kalgoorlie's only a level one airbase so it's going to be tough to really put any pressure on the Japanese. It's a long way from Suva to Perth for my carriers, and by the time I'd arrive the Japanese would be ashore and have a strong air presence. I won't risk the carriers here without LBA protection. All I can really do is sit back and watch, but I will do everything I can to prevent the loss of Kalgoorlie.

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 6/1/2016 2:52:20 PM >

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

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

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 185

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 6/2/2016 3:59:15 PM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
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From: Alberta, Canada
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Dec. 7/43:

An Australian AMc is sunk east of Esperance by Japanese submarine. An AM scores one direct and two near miss hits in return.

SS Plunger hits CVE Hosho with a single torpedo off the coast of Carnarvon. Damage appears to be light so I doubt the CVE will be withdrawn. The CVE was embedded in an amphibious TF headed for Geraldton or Perth. I have many submarines in the area and will try to make this expedition costly for Erik.

I continue to rail reinforcements to Kalgoorlie.

In the Solomons, my bombers fly against Shortlands and do moderate damage. No Japanese fighter interdiction. A bit worrisome is the reinforcement of Rabaul. Recon indicates 17 units present now, up from 14 a few days ago. I'm going to try and move here as quickly as I can, but it could be a month before I land at Rabaul. I'll just have to see how things develop.

A large number of AA units are almost in place in Burma. I will be moving against Shwebo and Mandalay soon. I sure hope the AA performs as expected, or else it's going to be a real grind.

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 6/2/2016 4:01:22 PM >

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

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

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 186

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 6/2/2016 6:05:19 PM

tiemanjw

Posts: 580
Joined: 12/6/2008
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quote:

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon

Dec. 7/43:

An Australian AMc is sunk east of Esperance by Japanese submarine. An AM scores one direct and two near miss hits in return.

SS Plunger hits CVE Hosho with a single torpedo off the coast of Carnarvon. Damage appears to be light so I doubt the CVE will be withdrawn. The CVE was embedded in an amphibious TF headed for Geraldton or Perth. I have many submarines in the area and will try to make this expedition costly for Erik.

I continue to rail reinforcements to Kalgoorlie.

In the Solomons, my bombers fly against Shortlands and do moderate damage. No Japanese fighter interdiction. A bit worrisome is the reinforcement of Rabaul. Recon indicates 17 units present now, up from 14 a few days ago. I'm going to try and move here as quickly as I can, but it could be a month before I land at Rabaul. I'll just have to see how things develop.

A large number of AA units are almost in place in Burma. I will be moving against Shwebo and Mandalay soon. I sure hope the AA performs as expected, or else it's going to be a real grind.

how many troops / guns / AFVs in Rabaul? What does sigint say about units?

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 187

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 6/3/2016 3:13:50 PM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
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From: Alberta, Canada
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Dec. 8/43:

A tough day for Allied submarines operating against the Japanese amphibious invasion of Geraldton. I sent a number of submarines into the shallows to try to get at the transports, but Japanese ASW is extremely effective. I lose one submarine and another three are damaged, two heavily. In return, Allied submarines miss a xAK and two DD's, but hit another DMS. Not the kind of exchange I was hoping for, but then operating in shallow water often ends badly for submarines.

Japan lands two divisions and a tank regiment at the base. It will fall tomorrow.

Perth is wide open and I may decide to bail on Kalgoorlie as well. All the big airbases will be under Japanese control and I'll be limited to a level one airbase at Kalgoorlie. Not good odds. I'm really paying the price for the lack of expansion and solid garrisoning of the important bases in Australia.

I can't decide whether to ignore the Japanese or mass and counterattack. The levels of preparation of my ground forces for Rabaul and the Solomons is still pretty low. I could use them to counterpunch in Australia while they build up their preparation levels.

I'm going to rethink how I want to proceed in light of these new developments.

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

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

(in reply to tiemanjw)

Post #: 188

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 6/3/2016 3:17:24 PM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
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From: Alberta, Canada
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quote:

ORIGINAL: tiemanj

how many troops / guns / AFVs in Rabaul? What does sigint say about units?

I haven't gotten much SigInt regarding Rabaul. The number of enemy units at Rabaul just went up another five units, totaling 22 now. Frustrating, the delay needed to bring in fuel, supply and troops has allowed Erik to reinforce exactly where I wanted to push. I'll provide a map with more details over the weekend.

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 6/3/2016 5:12:47 PM >

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

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

(in reply to tiemanjw)

Post #: 189

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 6/3/2016 5:38:32 PM

tiemanjw

Posts: 580
Joined: 12/6/2008
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quote:

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon

Dec. 8/43:

A tough day for Allied submarines operating against the Japanese amphibious invasion of Geraldton. I sent a number of submarines into the shallows to try to get at the transports, but Japanese ASW is extremely effective. I lose one submarine and another three are damaged, two heavily. In return, Allied submarines miss a xAK and two DD's, but hit another DMS. Not the kind of exchange I was hoping for, but then operating in shallow water often ends badly for submarines.

Japan lands two divisions and a tank regiment at the base. It will fall tomorrow.

Perth is wide open and I may decide to bail on Kalgoorlie as well. All the big airbases will be under Japanese control and I'll be limited to a level one airbase at Kalgoorlie. Not good odds. I'm really paying the price for the lack of expansion and solid garrisoning of the important bases in Australia.

I can't decide whether to ignore the Japanese or mass and counterattack. The levels of preparation of my ground forces for Rabaul and the Solomons is still pretty low. I could use them to counterpunch in Australia while they build up their preparation levels.

I'm going to rethink how I want to proceed in light of these new developments.

Ignore it... it is costing him fuel, supply, etc to go after an area that really has little value (unless auto victory is on the table). Perth is a long way from everything - let him spend his way into debt.
Also, when you do go to take it back, it should be easier going than, say, Darwin due to the rail line and an effective overland supply route.

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 190

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 6/3/2016 5:43:38 PM

tiemanjw

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quote:

I haven't gotten much SigInt regarding Rabaul. The number of enemy units at Rabaul just went up another five units, totaling 22 now. Frustrating, the delay needed to bring in fuel, supply and troops has allowed Erik to reinforce exactly where I wanted to push. I'll provide a map with more details over the weekend.

17 to 22 units could be anything - some AV support, engineers, breaking down large units into smaller ones for R&R, or even better recon. Without more analysis, I would read much into it.

That said, 17 or 22 units is a lot, and before committing to it, you need to have a good idea of what is there. Good news is that Rabaul is a large support base, so a lot of that will be support units, AV support, HQs, and other non-combatants.

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 191

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 6/3/2016 5:59:40 PM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
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From: Alberta, Canada
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quote:

ORIGINAL: tiemanj

Ignore it... it is costing him fuel, supply, etc to go after an area that really has little value (unless auto victory is on the table). Perth is a long way from everything - let him spend his way into debt.
Also, when you do go to take it back, it should be easier going than, say, Darwin due to the rail line and an effective overland supply route.

I was definitely thinking about the Japanese fuel expenditure for this operation. I guess Erik is confident enough in his position and has the surplus fuel to conduct such an adventure. I'm still leaning towards doing nothing as well. In this case, a response from me would be purely emotional and perhaps not in my best interest. There's the added benefit of knowing these two Japanese divisions are not in the New Guinea/Solomons theatre.

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

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

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Post #: 192

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 6/3/2016 11:50:19 PM

BBfanboy

Posts: 18046
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From: Winnipeg, MB
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quote:

ORIGINAL: tiemanj

quote:

I haven't gotten much SigInt regarding Rabaul. The number of enemy units at Rabaul just went up another five units, totaling 22 now. Frustrating, the delay needed to bring in fuel, supply and troops has allowed Erik to reinforce exactly where I wanted to push. I'll provide a map with more details over the weekend.

17 to 22 units could be anything - some AV support, engineers, breaking down large units into smaller ones for R&R, or even better recon. Without more analysis, I would read much into it.

That said, 17 or 22 units is a lot, and before committing to it, you need to have a good idea of what is there. Good news is that Rabaul is a large support base, so a lot of that will be support units, AV support, HQs, and other non-combatants.

I'd say he is massing troops to take Port Moresby.

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Post #: 193

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 6/4/2016 1:08:23 AM

tiemanjw

Posts: 580
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quote:

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

quote:

ORIGINAL: tiemanj

quote:

I haven't gotten much SigInt regarding Rabaul. The number of enemy units at Rabaul just went up another five units, totaling 22 now. Frustrating, the delay needed to bring in fuel, supply and troops has allowed Erik to reinforce exactly where I wanted to push. I'll provide a map with more details over the weekend.

17 to 22 units could be anything - some AV support, engineers, breaking down large units into smaller ones for R&R, or even better recon. Without more analysis, I would read much into it.

That said, 17 or 22 units is a lot, and before committing to it, you need to have a good idea of what is there. Good news is that Rabaul is a large support base, so a lot of that will be support units, AV support, HQs, and other non-combatants.

I'd say he is massing troops to take Port Moresby.

That would be great if true... I haven't thought of that. Let him land at Moresby, counter directly into Rabaul. Have fun watching him walk through NG.

(in reply to BBfanboy)

Post #: 194

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 6/6/2016 3:19:07 PM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
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From: Alberta, Canada
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I hadn't thought of a possible counter-invasion at Port Moresby either. I've currently got 233 AV on hand and forts are nearing level 7, so not an easy conquest. However, the number of Japanese LCU's at Rabaul has decreased to 21, so I'm starting to think Rabaul is being used as a staging point to distribute reinforcements in theatre. There doesn't appear to be any reinforcement of Munda, Rekata Bay or Shortlands. The line in the sand looks to be Rabaul proper.

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

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

(in reply to tiemanjw)

Post #: 195

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 6/6/2016 4:21:01 PM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
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From: Alberta, Canada
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I think we are on the Dec. 11th turn.

Japanese forces continue their aggressive ways in Western Australia. Another paratroop drop, this time at Busselton, I think the base is called? The defence consists of a lone RAAF base force and won't hold long. Allied submarines are having an impact, albeit a rather small one. So far a CVE has been torpedoed, two DMS's and an AV sunk. Not much in the grand scheme of things, but taking out specialty ships certainly contributes to limiting some Japanese options.

Heavy Japanese fighter sweeps against Kalgoorlie, but I have no fighters set to CAP so the enemy whiffs at thin air. I have made the decision to fully abandon Kalgoorlie. The airbase is only level 1, so I'm at a severe tactical disadvantage if I try to contest in the air. I'm not going to throw away aircraft in a fight that doesn't mean anything. I'm also not going to allow my armour to be an easy target. I realize what giving up Kalgoorlie means, but my position doesn't allow me an alternative.

So are the Allies doing anything?

In Burma, I'm days away from starting my offensive to reclaim the Irrawaddy Valley. The last of the AA units are almost in position. I've started to slowly deploy tactical bombers to bases along the Tezpur to Ledo rail line. I do not want to take the Japanese air force head on, but rather draw it out in areas where I can mass local superiority. I'll focus on straining Japanese supply by targeting troops whenever possible, but shutting down airbases will also be high on the list of priorities. The Achilles Heel of the Allied operation will be supply, or lack thereof. I hope seizing Mandalay, being a level 7 airbase, will help draw supply down. I still plan on an amphibious operation to unload a large amount of supply directly at Ramree Island, but will take some time to organize, and more importantly provide enough air support to reduce ship losses.

More Allied troops arrive in the Solomons daily. So far there hasn't been a Japanese response, but the more time I'm allowed to bring in reinforcements, the stronger my position will become. The primary goal is expand as many airbases as possible to allow for CAP and tactical bombing missions. A strong LBA presence will take the heat off my naval units once they are committed. If I can secure both Munda and Rekata Bay quickly, that will add two airbases at level 3 and 2, respectively. I have a number of small amphibious operations in the works to replace the USMC 2nd Division at Rossel Island and the Australian 5th Division at Milne Bay with New Zealand brigades. I've been able to get the devices sorted out for the components of Australian 1st Division, so I can now recombine the unit.

With Christmas Island's airbase capable of handling heavy bombers now, I've been able to start island hopping B-24 squadrons to Fiji. There will be 16 heavy bomber squadrons available to support operations against the Solomons. I should be able to add another eight within a few weeks.

I'm now planning the Solomons campaign in depth. The task of getting the forces deployed to Luganville and Suva is almost complete, although I'm a little short on base forces and aviation support currently. I'll begin organizing shipping requirements and what goes where and when exactly. The entire American carrier force has reached Suva safely. There is another surface TF to put together at Pearl Harbor for deployment to Suva, but I'm lacking destroyers. That will change in three days when I get an insane number of DD and DE reinforcements at Seattle and Balboa. CV Intrepid joins the fleet at Balboa in days.

Fuel at Pearl Harbor has reached 600k and there is now over 1.2 million supply. Suva has 300k of fuel and 500k supply. Luganville is next to start receiving fuel and supply in large amounts.

It's been a long haul, but the Allies are almost ready to start moving. It's been a logistical triumph to get so many units and so much fuel/supply moved forward so quickly. I haven't lost a single transport ship during the entire process. Just a little while longer and the Green Machine will start to flex it's muscle.

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

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

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 196

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 6/7/2016 5:24:05 PM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
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From: Alberta, Canada
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Another Japanese DMS is sunk by SS Plunger off the coast of Australia. The skipper has bagged two minesweepers so far.

I've deployed more tactical bombers to Dimapur in India. I'll look to knock out forward airbases in China soon. Bombing Paoshan and nearby bases won't directly affect my operations in Burma, but it will eliminate the use of these forward Japanese airbases to influence events.

Taung Gyi is the weakest Japanese airbase I face in terms of the number of fighters, showing only 137 present. I am planning all out bombing raids against the base to coincide with the start of the ground offensive. That will force Japanese fighters to have to operate from Toungoo and Rangoon. Prome will be heavily targeted once Taung Gyi is closed. The enemy ground forces will be extremely vulnerable in clear terrain.

The way I conduct my air offensive will depend largely on how the Japanese respond. I'm looking to avoid Japanese sweeps whenever possible and concentrate on hitting the bases being used to support bombers. If the Allied AA performs as expected, the need to CAP my own forces won't be necessary and I can concentrate on offensive air missions against Japanese targets.

I'm looking forward to the upcoming battle for air supremacy in Burma.

Preparations continue for the Solomons campaign. I'm making a big push to get the engineers and construction units in place to get the airbases expanded around Lunga. I will seize both Munda and Rekata Bay to establish forward fighter cover and draw out the Japanese air force. If the Japanese mount missions against my forward positions, I'll look to target Rabaul's airbase. In light of two Japanese divisions being committed to Australia, I want to strike quickly and steal a march on the Japanese. The most important weapons in the Allied arsenal right now are transports, bulldozers and the shovel.

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

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

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 197

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 6/7/2016 7:25:58 PM

Macclan5

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Very very interesting - thank you Sqz...

If I surmise correctly:

1) Spotting invasion forces off Western Australia << Geraldton or Perth??>> with a IJN CVE damaged.

2) SigInt demonstrating lots of Rabul activity / lots of units.

3) Lots of units withdrawing or moving around Rabul but no actual troop increases in Shortlands / Munda noted.

4) No spotted counter invasion of Port Moresby

Hmmm... something is up.

Are you secure in Noumea ? Suva ? Is he tossing the dice for a "limited investment SOC strike" to undo your supply and unit rationalization ?

I am assuming that your opponent may be aware of your movements to the offence in Burma but would not use Rabul / Pacific troops there - rather draw from China..

< Message edited by Macclan5 -- 6/7/2016 7:29:22 PM >

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Post #: 198

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 6/7/2016 7:59:07 PM

SqzMyLemon

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Noumea is lightly garrisoned, but Luganville and Suva are packed with air units and LCU's. Any Japanese incursion into SoPac would face 100% of the carriers and 80% of the surface ships in the American fleet.

I think the main defence is at Rabaul and reinforcements are being packaged out to the surrounding bases, but nothing south of Feni.

I don't believe there will be a counter-invasion of Port Moresby, Milne Bay or Rossel Island, but I have received SigInt of Japanese units prepping for Lae.

I think the reverse is true. I worry more about Japanese troops being redeployed from Burma/China to SoPac. The Japanese definitely have no shortage of troops in Burma at the moment.

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

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

(in reply to Macclan5)

Post #: 199

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 6/7/2016 9:34:08 PM

Macclan5

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quote:

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon

I don't believe there will be a counter-invasion of Port Moresby, Milne Bay or Rossel Island, but I have received SigInt of Japanese units prepping for Lae.

Well good luck and hit-em-hard as they say.

I failed to pick up your bulk deployment (navy, land, air) in theater.

Prepping for Lae would certainly give me pause; as well.

Its curious he is offering an invasion force (or misdirection feint) in Western Australia AND prepping for Lae (and dug in to fight supply and attrition in Burma).

I guess two divisions AND a tank brigade in Perth is considered more than a feint but...its troop levels he can sacrifice for an extended 1945 defense. Given the distances to organize a counter attack in Oz... it takes time.. and that could be his primary goal. Cut rail heads - cut supply lines via Perth....

He is clearly not going to surrender the initiative and dig in everywhere.

Nuisance 'roll the dice' landings to disrupt your SLOC or bog down advances 'prima face' appear to be apart of the strategy.

If something does actually land in Lae perhaps you can counter punch further north...

< Message edited by Macclan5 -- 6/7/2016 9:37:11 PM >

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Post #: 200

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 6/8/2016 3:08:41 PM

SqzMyLemon

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

ORIGINAL: Macclan5

Well good luck and hit-em-hard as they say.

Its curious he is offering an invasion force (or misdirection feint) in Western Australia AND prepping for Lae (and dug in to fight supply and attrition in Burma).

I guess two divisions AND a tank brigade in Perth is considered more than a feint but...its troop levels he can sacrifice for an extended 1945 defense. Given the distances to organize a counter attack in Oz... it takes time.. and that could be his primary goal. Cut rail heads - cut supply lines via Perth....

He is clearly not going to surrender the initiative and dig in everywhere.

Nuisance 'roll the dice' landings to disrupt your SLOC or bog down advances 'prima face' appear to be apart of the strategy.

It's clear to me the Japanese adventure in Western Australia is being undertaken for a number of reasons:

1. Delay and push back my start line for any Java invasion based out of Australia.
2. Destroy Allied static and other forces caught in the net.
3. Garner strategic VP's destroying resource and industry centres.

This is exploiting the weak position my predecessor left in Australia. As I've mentioned numerous times, the bulk of the Australian forces were committed to a landward drive from Tennant Creek to Darwin, or fully committed in New Guinea. It took over a month for me to redeploy the units from Tennant Creek to a base with a rail line for redeployment. It turns out I didn't have enough time to shore up my position before the Japanese struck. I had plenty of air units, but not enough aviation support to go around, especially considering the number of aircraft committed to New Guinea and Northeast Australia. I just didn't have the troops or time to secure the west. I also had to protect the bases in the northeast from attack. Had Erik used his paratroops here early, he could have possibly wiped out huge numbers of aircraft at airbases with only a few base forces in defence.

I believe this is the last instance where I pay for my predecessor's dispositions. Had Australia been secured as it should have been, a Japanese offensive against Australia at this date could have been snuffed out pretty quickly. Instead, I either fight back and delay my offensive, or I just bend over and take the pain. I'm getting really tired of having had to bend over and take it so far. This sucks to give up free points, but at least the Rabaul offensive is mine and hopefully the turning point in the game where I can create my own path, rather than constantly in damage control for a situation not of my own making.

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 6/8/2016 3:18:02 PM >

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Post #: 201

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 6/8/2016 3:39:39 PM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
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From: Alberta, Canada
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Dec. 13/43:

Allied forces continue to consolidate their positions in the Solomons. There is still no Japanese response other than reinforcing of bases around Rabaul. There is heavy Japanese transport activity in the area, but I have no way of interdicting the taskforces. I'll try to slip in some mines by submarine, but the Japanese air ASW is effective and it's difficult to get in close without attracting too much attention.

I will be starting air operations against Japanese forces in New Guinea and the Solomons in a matter of days. It's time to start wearing down Japanese air strength and base infrastructure. I'll avoid heavily defended targets when possible. I'm looking for weak points in the defence where I can commit overwhelming force to get an advantage. The 4E's will concentrate on targets in New Guinea. While 2E's hammer the Japanese troops in the Solomons. I don't want to damage the airbases too much, because I plan on using them immediately upon capture.

Burma is going to be a tough fight. It is going to come down to how Erik plays it and whether my supply holds up. Allied forces will be at a disadvantage and the first few months will be hard, but if I can use maneuver to create some gaps in the Japanese line there is opportunity here. If I can get supply into the Irrawaddy Valley I will be fine. It really comes down to can I keep my troops supplied.

I'm getting spoiled with Allied ASW. Another submarine tried to penetrate my shipping lane between Pearl Harbor and Christmas Island. It ran across a TF of eight Fletcher class DD's. It must have been the longest ASW combat replay I've ever watched. Two DD's tag teamed SS I-33 leaving her heavily damaged with three direct DC hits and six near misses causing damage. I'm actually rather surprised she wasn't forced to surface. In my previous experience, three direct DC hits almost always caused a sub to the surface.

Next turn I get 26 DD's and 8 DE's as reinforcements. Crazy!

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 6/8/2016 3:43:09 PM >

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Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

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

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Post #: 202

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 6/8/2016 4:20:17 PM

Encircled

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From: Northern England
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I don't think I'm giving away any JFB secrets here, but a lvl 4 + airbase plus loads of allied flak is pratically invulnerable to Japanese bombers.

Too many losses for too few gain

As long as you don't insanely overload your bases, you'll be fine without CAP.

Now shore bombardments on the other hand.....

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Post #: 203

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 6/8/2016 4:53:50 PM

BBfanboy

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

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon

Dec. 13/43:
I'm getting spoiled with Allied ASW. Another submarine tried to penetrate my shipping lane between Pearl Harbor and Christmas Island. It ran across a TF of eight Fletcher class DD's. It must have been the longest ASW combat replay I've ever watched. Two DD's tag teamed SS I-33 leaving her heavily damaged with three direct DC hits and six near misses causing damage. I'm actually rather surprised she wasn't forced to surface. In my previous experience, three direct DC hits almost always caused a sub to the surface.

Next turn I get 26 DD's and 8 DE's as reinforcements. Crazy!

The type of DC makes a difference; the ones from the DCTs are smaller than the ones from the racks, and, IIIRC, the rack dropped Mark 9 is smaller than the older Mark 7 but the Mark 9 is more accurate. So yes, three Mark 7 hits will outright sink or force to the surface an I-boat or two hits for an RO boat), but you likely have the Mark 9 DC now.

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Post #: 204

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 6/8/2016 5:24:27 PM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
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quote:

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

The type of DC makes a difference; the ones from the DCTs are smaller than the ones from the racks, and, IIIRC, the rack dropped Mark 9 is smaller than the older Mark 7 but the Mark 9 is more accurate. So yes, three Mark 7 hits will outright sink or force to the surface an I-boat or two hits for an RO boat), but you likely have the Mark 9 DC now.

These were type 6 & 7. Good to know the differences. Having never gotten beyond early 1943, there will be much new to me in terms of device effects.

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

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Post #: 205

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 6/8/2016 5:31:07 PM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
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From: Alberta, Canada
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quote:

ORIGINAL: Encircled

I don't think I'm giving away any JFB secrets here, but a lvl 4 + airbase plus loads of allied flak is pratically invulnerable to Japanese bombers.

Too many losses for too few gain

As long as you don't insanely overload your bases, you'll be fine without CAP.

Now shore bombardments on the other hand.....

My predecessor was big on a level 8/9 airbase crammed with aircraft. I'd rather have a grouping of bases for different roles. I will combine tactical bombers with fighters when warranted, but I much prefer dedicated 4E bomber bases in the rear and fighter only bases forward for example. That's why it was a major undertaking to disperse my aircraft among many bases, rather than having all my aircraft in one location when I took over. Just a play style preference, but it's what I'm comfortable with and works for me.

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 6/8/2016 5:33:57 PM >

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

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

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Post #: 206

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 6/8/2016 7:00:13 PM

tiemanjw

Posts: 580
Joined: 12/6/2008
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

quote:

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon

Dec. 13/43:
I'm getting spoiled with Allied ASW. Another submarine tried to penetrate my shipping lane between Pearl Harbor and Christmas Island. It ran across a TF of eight Fletcher class DD's. It must have been the longest ASW combat replay I've ever watched. Two DD's tag teamed SS I-33 leaving her heavily damaged with three direct DC hits and six near misses causing damage. I'm actually rather surprised she wasn't forced to surface. In my previous experience, three direct DC hits almost always caused a sub to the surface.

Next turn I get 26 DD's and 8 DE's as reinforcements. Crazy!

The type of DC makes a difference; the ones from the DCTs are smaller than the ones from the racks, and, IIIRC, the rack dropped Mark 9 is smaller than the older Mark 7 but the Mark 9 is more accurate. So yes, three Mark 7 hits will outright sink or force to the surface an I-boat or two hits for an RO boat), but you likely have the Mark 9 DC now.

Fletchers don't get the MK 9 until '45. The MK 9 is mostly on the smaller boats.

(in reply to BBfanboy)

Post #: 207

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 6/8/2016 7:01:56 PM

tiemanjw

Posts: 580
Joined: 12/6/2008
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quote:

My predecessor was big on a level 8/9 airbase crammed with aircraft. I'd rather have a grouping of bases for different roles. I will combine tactical bombers with fighters when warranted, but I much prefer dedicated 4E bomber bases in the rear and fighter only bases forward for example. That's why it was a major undertaking to disperse my aircraft among many bases, rather than having all my aircraft in one location when I took over. Just a play style preference, but it's what I'm comfortable with and works for me.

remember you get double the bang for your AV support at level 8+ airbases. Even if you don't cram them full of A/C, you can make your AV support go further by building them up to that size. This then frees up the extra to move forward to less built up bases.

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 208

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 6/8/2016 7:09:21 PM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
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From: Alberta, Canada
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quote:

ORIGINAL: tiemanj

quote:

My predecessor was big on a level 8/9 airbase crammed with aircraft. I'd rather have a grouping of bases for different roles. I will combine tactical bombers with fighters when warranted, but I much prefer dedicated 4E bomber bases in the rear and fighter only bases forward for example. That's why it was a major undertaking to disperse my aircraft among many bases, rather than having all my aircraft in one location when I took over. Just a play style preference, but it's what I'm comfortable with and works for me.

remember you get double the bang for your AV support at level 8+ airbases. Even if you don't cram them full of A/C, you can make your AV support go further by building them up to that size. This then frees up the extra to move forward to less built up bases.

Fully understood on this end. I just don't like having single fields with 300-500 aircraft present. Yes, you can move up the additional aviation support from the big bases, I just don't like having it all back there in the first place. That's partly why I'm in the mess I'm in. Everything was concentrated in just a few bases and I no longer had any flexibility. In light of recent events, the Allied concentration in a few areas has left gaping holes in the perimeter for a cagey player like Erik to exploit.

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 6/8/2016 7:12:28 PM >

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Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

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Post #: 209

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 6/8/2016 8:24:43 PM

tiemanjw

Posts: 580
Joined: 12/6/2008
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quote:

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon

quote:

ORIGINAL: tiemanj

quote:

My predecessor was big on a level 8/9 airbase crammed with aircraft. I'd rather have a grouping of bases for different roles. I will combine tactical bombers with fighters when warranted, but I much prefer dedicated 4E bomber bases in the rear and fighter only bases forward for example. That's why it was a major undertaking to disperse my aircraft among many bases, rather than having all my aircraft in one location when I took over. Just a play style preference, but it's what I'm comfortable with and works for me.

remember you get double the bang for your AV support at level 8+ airbases. Even if you don't cram them full of A/C, you can make your AV support go further by building them up to that size. This then frees up the extra to move forward to less built up bases.

Fully understood on this end. I just don't like having single fields with 300-500 aircraft present. Yes, you can move up the additional aviation support from the big bases, I just don't like having it all back there in the first place. That's partly why I'm in the mess I'm in. Everything was concentrated in just a few bases and I no longer had any flexibility. In light of recent events, the Allied concentration in a few areas has left gaping holes in the perimeter for a cagey player like Erik to exploit.

I agree... I just wanted to make sure you understood there are some advantages both ways. It can also be easier to circle the wagons at one big base than to try to protect may dispersed bases. Tradeoffs... always with the tradeoffs.
Personally, I like having a lot of size 8/9 AFs with plenty of air support at each so I can jump around a bit. As the allies, you can often afford that!

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 210

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