RE: The Good The Bad & The Indifferent

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RE: The Good The Bad & The Indifferent - 10/14/2016 6:54:05 PM

Canoerebel

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I've done some things wrong and some right in this operation, though overall things are going very well:

1. I've had scores of amphibious TFs hugging coastal hexes. Thus far, I've remembered to keep each TF on "Do Not Unload" except when they are supposed to unload. As a result of this rather atypical diligence, thus far I've managed to avoid unloading on coastal hexes of complete inconsequence, a goof that is always highly exasperating.

2. I had extra troop-carrying capacity as I was loading at Pearl Harbor. That in itself is unusual. Consequently, I ended up taking everything I could find, willingly bringing along some weird units. For instance, I brought along a RCT slated for withdrawal. I figured I could split it up and use it to seize dot hexes. That's exactly what's happened. Now the unit is set to withdraw in about six days. I wish that wasn't the case, but having it along helped in the "shock and awe" aspect of taking as many bases as possible as soon as possible.

3. I had room to bring along most of 1st Marine Division, which was destroyed at Sabang just four months ago (can it be that Sumatra was just four months ago?). 1st Marine has just 40% experience and was 100% prepped for Eniwetok. Again, though, I knew I could use every unit available in seizing or garrisoning weakly held or undefended bases. In this case, though, I goofed. I committed this tattered unit (two RCT) to invade Namlea. It came ashore and evaporated. I think the real problem was that I forgot to check the level of disruption that ensued from the long ocean voyage. Disruption, low experience and lack of prep set this unit up for failure. It did. (I'm fortunate that at least half of the two RCTs are still aboard transports so that I may have a chance to get it ashore at Boela and then lovingly nurse it back to health.)

4. As noted previously, I used Strat mode for invasion troops on ships set to Transport mode to bring along extra troops, mainly support but also a few infantry units slated for secondary invasions. Doing so allowed me to bring much more on the available ships. One of the main units was 33rd Infantry Div., which came ashore at Boela, after that port was taken, in good shape. Once it converted to combat mode it loaded aboard a host of APA and AKA (then empty after already delivering their loads in other invasions). The reloading only took a second day. Already, 33rd Div. has come ashore at Ambon in excellent shape (more about that later, when I address this turn). But there is one fly in the ointment. I forgot to upgrade the division. It still has 1941 equipment and squads!

5. I prepackaged the invasion to make sure that lots of engineers came ashore at critical bases where I needed to build airfields fast. Sorong was the chief focus. I've had it just over a week now. Already, the airfield has gone from level 0 to level 3. Namlea was handled in the same fashion. I've had it less than a week and it's a level two airfield. The other two - Morotai and Manikwari - are at levels one and two, only because I've temporarily stopped the engineers until I can get more supply to them.

6. I used up nearly all my mine inventory in protecting the Marshalls and Gilberts. As a result, the only Big Tent base with mines is Boela. I have one other DM TF set to deliver mines (with Sorong the most likely recipient). But that's it. I don't have any other mines in inventories. Oops.

7. Some helpful AAR readers tutored me a bit in configuring some of my CVE strike aircraft for ASW duty. You also helped me get a better understanding of navigating shallow waters and the benefits offered thereby. It seems, to this point, that Allied air-ASW is doing a pretty good job.

< Message edited by Canoerebel -- 10/14/2016 6:57:55 PM >

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Post #: 7621

RE: The Good The Bad & The Indifferent - 10/14/2016 7:30:39 PM

Lokasenna

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Canoerebel

I think he'll consider picking off key bases. To me, Midway and Wake are the only ones that make sense. Those will help him going forward, though not directly in connection with Big Tent. They are irrelevant to the ongoing invasion at this point. So retaking either or both would instead assist him in future operations and by reconstituting a buffer between Hawaii and the Home Islands. Invasions of the Gilberts or Marshalls would be a complete waste of assets. I don't need them any more and probably would ignore any base or bases lost. They are now 2,000 miles behind the front lines and not necessary to future operations.

If you don't have any SIGINT of him prepping for these bases, especially since they're atolls... I really don't think he can take them if you have even just a battalion or even a full regiment there behind about forts 3-4. Maybe it's different in this mod and Japan actually gets combat engineers, but... atoll invasions are difficult and Japan just doesn't have the tools to conduct them.

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Post #: 7622

RE: The Good The Bad & The Indifferent - 10/14/2016 7:39:35 PM

Canoerebel

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That's a good point. He does have beefier units, but probably not enough to make a difference here. No SigInt of prepping at all. He might be willing to throw a division against a 6k-limit atoll like Wake or Midway in hopes of overwhelming the garrison quickly, but I doubt he'd risk it.

I think you're right. I think that leaves two possibilities: (1) raid Oz, or (2) hang around the DEI.

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Post #: 7623

RE: The Good The Bad & The Indifferent - 10/14/2016 8:21:47 PM

Lokasenna

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Canoerebel

That's a good point. He does have beefier units, but probably not enough to make a difference here. No SigInt of prepping at all. He might be willing to throw a division against a 6k-limit atoll like Wake or Midway in hopes of overwhelming the garrison quickly, but I doubt he'd risk it.

I think you're right. I think that leaves two possibilities: (1) raid Oz, or (2) hang around the DEI.

I mean the absence of evidence and all that, but in order to have a good shot at success he'd need to throw a bunch of naval AKs with at least a good division... and what if it doesn't work? All for an atoll or two that is at best a thorn in your side? Compared to having that division to help delay along a line somewhere else?

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Post #: 7624

RE: The Good The Bad & The Indifferent - 10/14/2016 8:58:53 PM

Grfin Zeppelin

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Not only did Cuttlefish got a major defeat in these waters.In this area also Grey Joy anihilated Q-balls Allied invasion forces. Understandable that it makes you uneasy.
I however also remember that you had a slugout in these waters with Miller back then. It was also about Morotai.

< Message edited by Gr�fin Zeppelin -- 10/14/2016 9:01:10 PM >

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Post #: 7625

RE: The Good The Bad & The Indifferent - 10/14/2016 9:23:01 PM

Flicker

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Thanks for the background discussion - I hope to see more of this as you restart the game. I enjoy reading about 'why' players make decisions and I believe that thinking about their 'why' may improve my gameplay.

It's been awhile since we've seen a large map. Have any cities / bases other than those in the Big Tent AO changed color?

When do you expect to launch Third Ring (which I imagine to be primarily Port Moresby and Horn Island)? It seems you have forces stationed in Oz prepping for Third Ring. What else do you hope to accomplish in the Banda Sea / Ceram Sea / Halmahera Sea area (after Ambon)?

Do you have (or do you plan to have) forces prepping for Tabiteuea and Kwajelein / Roi Namur? Are the Gilberts and Marshalls 'safe' enough to use follow on forces and allow them to gain experience? If John is evacuating the Solomons, do you have forces gathering to roll in after he (mostly) leaves?

What's up in Alaska? Is it getting to be too stormy for ops?

Are you thinking about freeing occupied Australia? I know the game doesn't care, but the Australian pixel-government would demand action (or at least a good plan). Yes, I role play somewhat in my games based on contemporary politics, something I doubt that I would do in a PBEM game.

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Post #: 7626

RE: The Good The Bad & The Indifferent - 10/14/2016 10:05:08 PM

Canoerebel

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Grafin, you have a good memory. Miller and I wrestled over the DEI for a long, long time. His defense was tenacious and cost me dearly. I started that campaign thinking it was an attractive theater of operations because the Allies could advance methodically, island to island, under cover of carriers and LBA. I learned that, for similar reasons, Japan could defend those tight waters, under cover of interlocking airfields.

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Post #: 7627

RE: The Good The Bad & The Indifferent - 10/14/2016 10:23:33 PM

Canoerebel

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Flicker, good questions, so get ready for a long, long post. :)

There are three primary objectives in the game: (1) destroy the Japanese Navy; (2) close on the DEI to attack John's oil LOC; and (3) obtain the airfields necessary to strategic bomb Japan's industry. I think I'm making satisfactory progress on counts one and two. Those, in turn, help create the environment in which it will be possible to work on number three.

When the Allies shifted everything into the Pacific in early '43, I pretty much knew how I wanted things to unfold for the balance of the year, up to and including Big Tent. So even while I was prepping for Alaska in May, I was thinking about and planning for Big Tent for the autumn. Things are a bit different now. Of paramount importance is securing the DEI (while not ignoring offense). In addition to base building and supply, this means securing one of the two possible LOCs to the DEI from friendly territory. Originally the preferred route was across northern New Guinea to the Gilberts. Now I much prefer southern New Guinea to Oz.

Third Ring is the op to secure that LOC by taking out the choke-point bases - Port Moresby, Horn Island and Merauke. The troops needed for that op (and to reinforce the DEI strongly) are ready to go and 100% prepped (though many are still restricted, so I'm stockpiling political points). Once I secure the Big Tent AOO (could be as soon as a month, probably no longer than two months), John's position at the three bases will no longer be tenable - he won't have a secure LOC to resupply these bases, which are already under daily air attack. I expect supply to be an issue.

What happens then? What happens after Third Ring is complete and Big Tent is strong enough to stand alone, meaning without Death Star to provide security? The one thing I won't do is whatever John is preparing for. If he socks Mindanao or Java full of troops, I'll find another vector of attack. I'll look for a weakness to exploit somewhere.

I have troops at Pearl prepping for Marcus, which is almost certainly needed at some point. I might also take on Eniwetok and Kwajalein (the latter just to free up the troops I have sitting there). But really the Marshalls and Gilberts and Solomons and possibly even the Carolines are irrelevant now. I don't need them to reach the DEI (Oz will handle that theater). So when the time comes to again move in real strength - probably late spring or early summer '44 - I'll move somewhere deeper and big. Obvious candidates would be Hokkaido, Taiwan, Leyte and the Marianas. But China and Korea would also be possibilities.

For the next few months, John is going to devote a lot of time and resources to create a new main line of defense. That line is going to include Mindanao and, in all likelihood, Borneo, and Java. He'll probably attend properly to Luzon, Taiwan, Okinawa, the Marianas, and Hokkaido. I'll do what I can to feed his paranoia, where doing so serves my interests. I'll be monitoring base building and SigInt for these regions. And, at the moment, I'm thinking foremost about Hainan Island and the China coast, with western Borneo (Miri, Brunei, Kuching, etc.) in second place, and some other places in third.

At the moment Oz isn't an issue. But when the Allies consolidate their position in the DEI, especially at Taberfane, Dobo and Kai-Eilendeed, John's positions at Darwin and Timor will become tenuous. I think I'll let the Japanese positions in western Oz mainly just whither away while I work closer to Japan.

Winter is nigh in the Arctic. I won't be doing anything major there until spring of '44 or later, if ever.

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Post #: 7628

RE: The Good The Bad & The Indifferent - 10/14/2016 11:09:21 PM

Canoerebel

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11/26/43

Big Tent: Landings at Ambon are unmolested and go unusually well. All of the troops are ashore with minimal fatigue and disruption. I've copied and pasted details of the bombardment and the Japanese auto-artillery attack to show a few things: (1) the amount of supply destroyed, (2) the strength of the enemy garrison, and (3) the lack of fatigue, etc. incurred by the Allied assault troops.

The bombardment targeted support personnel rather than infantry. This leads me to believe that the base has ample fortifications. So I'm going to deliberate attack tomorrow, preceded by a bombardment by a fresh TF. I have a feeling that supply will become the critical factor here - that the base won't fall until I eliminate it. I'd guess it doesn't have a lot of supply to begin with, so we're off to a good start.

The Sync Bug reared its head today, showing a USN sub scoring a hit (the third in three days) on Junyo. This one was a mirage, but it does confirm Junyo's location, just west of Saipan. She's making her way slowly, so probably has at least moderate damage.

No sign of KB today or the Kaigun today.

John still doesn't have a meaningful naval presence in the Banda Sea region. That'll change. It has to change. I'm looking longingly at vulnerable enemy shipping at Dili and Lautem, and at the ungarrisoned islands to the north, and wondering what I can afford to detach. I also look at Morotai and Manikwari and their lack of supply. They are strongly defended and can withstand any attack if they have adequate supply. So which is more important, attend to them first or continue to seek these targets of opportunity? I'm leaning towards the former.

This was a good day.

Night Naval bombardment of Ambon at 76,109

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
D4Y1 Judy: 49 damaged
D4Y1 Judy: 2 destroyed on ground
N1K1-J George: 11 damaged
N1K1-J George: 1 destroyed on ground
Ki-84a Frank: 21 damaged
Ki-84a Frank: 1 destroyed on ground

Allied Ships
BB Tennessee
BB West Virginia
CA San Francisco
CL Columbia
CL Phoenix

Japanese ground losses:
319 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 3 destroyed, 26 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 17 disabled
Guns lost 7 (1 destroyed, 6 disabled)
Vehicles lost 2 (1 destroyed, 1 disabled)

Airbase hits 19
Airbase supply hits 11
Runway hits 68
Port hits 42
Port supply hits 2

OS2U-3 Kingfisher acting as spotter for BB Tennessee
BB Tennessee firing at Ambon
OS2U-3 Kingfisher acting as spotter for BB West Virginia
BB West Virginia firing at 16th Garrison Unit
CA San Francisco firing at Ambon
CL Columbia firing at Ambon
CL Phoenix firing at Ambon

Ground combat at Ambon (76,109)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 4602 troops, 20 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 170

Defending force 9095 troops, 140 guns, 22 vehicles, Assault Value = 339

Assaulting units:
16th Garrison Unit
2nd Guards/C Div /1
33rd Ind. Engineer Regiment
63rd JNAF AF Unit

Defending units:
33rd Infantry Division
V US Amphib Force
225th Field Artillery Battalion

Attachment (1)

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Post #: 7629

RE: The Good The Bad & The Indifferent - 10/15/2016 12:17:46 AM

Lokasenna

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Canoerebel

Grafin, you have a good memory. Miller and I wrestled over the DEI for a long, long time. His defense was tenacious and cost me dearly. I started that campaign thinking it was an attractive theater of operations because the Allies could advance methodically, island to island, under cover of carriers and LBA. I learned that, for similar reasons, Japan could defend those tight waters, under cover of interlocking airfields.

Which is exactly why this time will be different (and more like my game with Bullwinkle). There isn't a strong network of airfields here for him, or any network at all.

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Post #: 7630

RE: The Good The Bad & The Indifferent - 10/15/2016 12:17:52 AM

Canoerebel

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A map of IJN DEI base markers. This will be an aid in monitoring John's base-building activity in coming months.

I was going to do this for a number of other sectors as well, but it's tedious work. I add to it, but I'll pace myself.

Attachment (1)

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Post #: 7631

RE: The Good The Bad & The Indifferent - 10/15/2016 12:36:26 AM

Lokasenna

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Can you send a CV/CVE raiding force against those transports heading for Mindanao? There's nothing better than drowning troops on ships. A full speed run of 16 hexes could put you just 5 hexes SW of Babeldaob, which he might judge a relatively safe zone. I guess since you don't know exactly where KB is, that's a little risky... but if there's a division or two heading that way, I'd really consider trying it. What's the worst that could happen - a battle with KB? Could you handle that?

And if that happened...wouldn't a battle with KB be beneficial to you? Even if it meant putting some of Big Tent on hold.

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Post #: 7632

RE: The Good The Bad & The Indifferent - 10/15/2016 12:38:36 AM

Lokasenna

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FYI about Denpasar - it starts at size 2/3. It does require a garrison IIRC, at least in stock. However, I'm not sure if building it up as Japan is a wise idea. I'm rather surprised by the size numbers on Balikpapan, Manado, and Kendari or Makassar in particular. These are key bases for delaying an offensive in this area and it doesn't look like he's built them up at all.

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Post #: 7633

RE: The Good The Bad & The Indifferent - 10/15/2016 12:46:36 AM

Miller

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Canoerebel

Grafin, you have a good memory. Miller and I wrestled over the DEI for a long, long time. His defense was tenacious and cost me dearly. I started that campaign thinking it was an attractive theater of operations because the Allies could advance methodically, island to island, under cover of carriers and LBA. I learned that, for similar reasons, Japan could defend those tight waters, under cover of interlocking airfields.

Twas a meatgrinder for my navy though.

Kudos to John for coming back (I didn't think he would), lets hope he sticks in out long enough for both of you to get some more good licks in.

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Post #: 7634

RE: The Good The Bad & The Indifferent - 10/15/2016 4:21:12 AM

BBfanboy

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Re: the mine situation - are the British mine stocks also depleted?
If not, the Abdiel class (Abdiel, Welshman, Manxman) CMs are great for laying a big field in a hurry - 150 mines each, 39 kts max speed, good range.
The latter two ships might not be available until later in the game though.

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Post #: 7635

RE: The Good The Bad & The Indifferent - 10/15/2016 4:46:36 PM

crsutton

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Lokasenna

quote:

ORIGINAL: Canoerebel

I think he'll consider picking off key bases. To me, Midway and Wake are the only ones that make sense. Those will help him going forward, though not directly in connection with Big Tent. They are irrelevant to the ongoing invasion at this point. So retaking either or both would instead assist him in future operations and by reconstituting a buffer between Hawaii and the Home Islands. Invasions of the Gilberts or Marshalls would be a complete waste of assets. I don't need them any more and probably would ignore any base or bases lost. They are now 2,000 miles behind the front lines and not necessary to future operations.

If you don't have any SIGINT of him prepping for these bases, especially since they're atolls... I really don't think he can take them if you have even just a battalion or even a full regiment there behind about forts 3-4. Maybe it's different in this mod and Japan actually gets combat engineers, but... atoll invasions are difficult and Japan just doesn't have the tools to conduct them.

Got to agree. I don't see Japan retaking any atolls at this stage of the game. And if they do don't see you having much trouble taking them back.

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Post #: 7636

RE: The Good The Bad & The Indifferent - 10/15/2016 4:59:02 PM

crsutton

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A few comments.

You have really given me an appreciation for a big stick approach. My invasions tend to be more surgical. I really avoided using XAP and XAK for invasions forces but am finding that a mix of them with APA and AKA type will unload an invasion force very quickly and allow for more force. The only difference is that it is a two day affair rather than one.

I no longer mine my own bases. Most of my mining is offensive (looking to kill DDs) these days as I find that careful mining. even when the field dissipates faster, is more effective. Ships passing through minefields seem to trigger mines much more that ships just moving into minefields. And I have yet to see a minefield do much against a bombardment TF anyways.

You are just about in decent B29 range for much of his oil fields. However, with the fix in the last patch I think that it just may be more beneficial to instead run all your carriers in and raid them. Come 1/44 your carrier force is so strong that you can just about handle any sort of LBA threat he has. I am going to be trying this in my game.

Looking at your map of his base development really puts an emphasis on the Allies biggest strength both in the game and historically-the ability to build level 8 and 9 airfields at will. Even with John's enhanced building capability in this mod it is just something that he can't reproduce. It really does not matter the number or quality of Japanese fighters. The side operating out of the larger airfields will always win in the end.

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Post #: 7637

RE: The Good The Bad & The Indifferent - 10/15/2016 4:59:02 PM

Canoerebel

Posts: 21100
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quote:

ORIGINAL: Lokasenna

Can you send a CV/CVE raiding force against those transports heading for Mindanao? There's nothing better than drowning troops on ships. A full speed run of 16 hexes could put you just 5 hexes SW of Babeldaob, which he might judge a relatively safe zone. I guess since you don't know exactly where KB is, that's a little risky... but if there's a division or two heading that way, I'd really consider trying it. What's the worst that could happen - a battle with KB? Could you handle that?

And if that happened...wouldn't a battle with KB be beneficial to you? Even if it meant putting some of Big Tent on hold.

There are options everywhere! I could strike south to take vacant Babar and Saumlaki; southwest to hit enemy ships (very close ones, at that!) delivering supply or troops to Dili and Lautem; northwest to invade vacant bases in the Celebes; or north (at a distance) to lash out at the shipping closing on Mindanao.

But is it worth the risk? The move to the north would be the riskiest and most costly. The carriers carrier might not catch those TFs, or those TFs might be carrying less valuable troops, or, worst of all, an encounter with an enemy sub or combat TF might throw Death Star TFs into confusions, leading them to separate, leaving them in hostile waters close to enemy airfields.

The carriers are down to 70% sorties now, so I�ll have to choose my targets wisely. I have to keep a reserve of sorties in case KB closes; and I�m not yet positive the AE/AKE at Boela can replenish big ships. (I might need to build the port to level three or four first).

I'm probably best served sticking close to home and doing the non-sexy logistics required to make this operation self-sustaining. If I goof up now, the entire op would be in jeopardy. Without the carriers, John might be able to reassert control of the area and neuter my new bases. But if I stay focused and get the supply-delivery job done and give the bases the protection they need until they are built strong, the chances of failure are small. And the future opportunities to strike out from there in strength � and in multiple directions � are many.

I still think John is going to be aggressive in committing assets � ships, planes, subs � offensively into the Big Tent AOO. If so, a defensive stance right now should pay dividends in that regard.

But If KB is sighted somewhere far, far away, I would consider re-loading troops on amphibs and heading west to the Celebes under cover of the carriers. First, though, the Herd has to return to Boela, unload some supply, load troops, and see if any replenishing is possible. So, in perhaps four days, I could be in a position to move offensively again.

(in reply to Lokasenna)

Post #: 7638

RE: The Good The Bad & The Indifferent - 10/15/2016 9:17:20 PM

Canoerebel

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From: Northwestern Georgia, USA
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Due to John's busy work schedule yesterday and today, I kept this turn longer than usual. I've sent it back with these major orders issued:

1. Death Star and hundreds of merchant ships, support ships, and ASW (joined by all the empty transports that just finished at Ambon) will move two hexes to the east, again taking station in the shallow water of coastal Ceram.
2. Death Star's position will allow CAP to cover the remaining ships at Ambon, including BB Maryland TF, which goes in tonight to bombard.
3. 33rd Infantry Division will deliberate attack, augmented by one artillery unit and HQ.
4. Two small raiding TFs detached, one to strike at shipping at Lautem, the second to take a crack at intercepting another TF steaming east in the Banda Sea.
5. I gave a lot of thought to moving Death Star within range of Timor. But Dili has 90 fighters. So a raid, even if successful, would like score only xAK while expending sorties and possibly costing some fighters, which are more vulnerable in the escort role. I decided not to chance bleeding off assets.

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Post #: 7639

RE: The Good The Bad & The Indifferent - 10/16/2016 2:17:20 AM

Canoerebel

Posts: 21100
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From: Northwestern Georgia, USA
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quote:

ORIGINAL: crsutton

A few comments.

You have really given me an appreciation for a big stick approach. My invasions tend to be more surgical. I really avoided using XAP and XAK for invasions forces but am finding that a mix of them with APA and AKA type will unload an invasion force very quickly and allow for more force. The only difference is that it is a two day affair rather than one.

I no longer mine my own bases. Most of my mining is offensive (looking to kill DDs) these days as I find that careful mining. even when the field dissipates faster, is more effective. Ships passing through minefields seem to trigger mines much more that ships just moving into minefields. And I have yet to see a minefield do much against a bombardment TF anyways.

You are just about in decent B29 range for much of his oil fields. However, with the fix in the last patch I think that it just may be more beneficial to instead run all your carriers in and raid them. Come 1/44 your carrier force is so strong that you can just about handle any sort of LBA threat he has. I am going to be trying this in my game.

Looking at your map of his base development really puts an emphasis on the Allies biggest strength both in the game and historically-the ability to build level 8 and 9 airfields at will. Even with John's enhanced building capability in this mod it is just something that he can't reproduce. It really does not matter the number or quality of Japanese fighters. The side operating out of the larger airfields will always win in the end.

I too use xAK and xAP in invasions. The assault troops go aboard AKA and APA (and AK and AP) whenever possible. But the x-class ships are important for bringing supply, fuel, and troops not needed for the assaults.

I am using mines defensively here for two reasons: (1) I just built a nice, big fort in the middle of Indian country; the Indians have to come to me; and (2) to create havens safe from enemy subs; John (and like most players) hates to lose subs to mines; here, he just had one mishap at Boela, and I bet he steers clear of that important base from now on.

< Message edited by Canoerebel -- 10/16/2016 2:19:49 AM >

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RE: The Good The Bad & The Indifferent - 10/16/2016 5:24:46 AM

Lokasenna

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With an AGC with fully prepped HQm, you can unload from xAP and xAK just as fast as from an APA/AKA by themselves (without the AGC/HQm bonuses).

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RE: The Good The Bad & The Indifferent - 10/16/2016 6:07:46 AM

Anachro

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I need to learn how to better make use of HQs for my general combat and landings. Are there any good threads for this?

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RE: The Good The Bad & The Indifferent - 10/16/2016 6:59:03 AM

durnedwolf

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Are you doing any night bombing with your 4E bomber groups?

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RE: The Good The Bad & The Indifferent - 10/16/2016 7:36:49 AM

ny59giants

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quote:

I need to learn how to better make use of HQs for my general combat and landings. Are there any good threads for this?

You need to learn to pair up (both prepping for same base) a mobile Command HQ with a Corp/Army HQ when attaching major bases. The Americans have 4 Command (North Pacific, Pacific, South Pacific, and SW Pacific) for this task.

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RE: The Good The Bad & The Indifferent - 10/18/2016 3:51:13 AM

Canoerebel

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11/27/43

Big Tent: The first attack at Ambon accomplishes nothing, with equally modest losses on both sides. In order to succeed here, I'll need to either eliminate supply or reinforce. Forts four were untouched. BB Maryland TF bombarded well, retired to Boela, and fully replenished (that was nice to see).

John committed a tenacious four-DD TF to a raid on Ambon. It tangled with the CA Baltimore TF. I lost three 10-point DDs (I think all Fletchers), and John lost the same number (also 10-pointers, including Arashio) plus a fourth with "fires, heavy damage." Both of us are bleeding DDs a bit, but since attritioning the Kaigun is my highest priority, I'll take this result. I suspect the enemy TF was highly experienced and had a good commander, because it found several rounds with marked tenacity.

Death Star was going to head into Boela tomorrow to see to replenishing, but mouse-over showed a possible CVE TF approaching Manado from the north. This is unlikely, but on the chance that John is committing his carriers, I've revised Death Star's position to just outside Boela. But lots of transports are to return to port and commence (or resume) unloading.

Early returns for supply distribution via barge are positive. Morotai supply is up to 3.5k.

More an more enemy ships are inbound to the next line of defense - Timor, Kendari, Manado, Mindanao. There are plenty of targets out there, but for reasons set forth earlier, I am not sallying forth at present. Part of the rationale is that I don't expect to ever attack these places. I'd rather have John working feverishly to attend to places I don't intend to attack than to the places I do. That's the plan as long as I have carrier superiority, so not taking long chances with Death Star is key to my long term planning.

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RE: The Good The Bad & The Indifferent - 10/18/2016 7:46:09 AM

Lokasenna

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Can I play editor? You wrote "attritioning"... Sorry, I only did it because you're a writer

.

I don't know why you wouldn't want Manado, but let him reinforce south of there all he wants.

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RE: The Good The Bad & The Indifferent - 10/18/2016 9:16:03 AM

obvert

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Lokasenna

I don't know why you wouldn't want Manado, but let him reinforce south of there all he wants.

With a look at this map, a knowledge of the CV balance and a memory of Dan's last move deep into Japanese territory, I think I see why he wouldn't want Manado. It's a great base, but so are Davao, Cotabato, and Cagayan. Dare I say Kudat and Jesselton?

My feeling is with John scrambling for the front lines, the rear will again be soft.

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RE: The Good The Bad & The Indifferent - 10/18/2016 9:41:06 AM

Crackaces

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quote:

ORIGINAL: obvert

quote:

ORIGINAL: Lokasenna

I don't know why you wouldn't want Manado, but let him reinforce south of there all he wants.

With a look at this map, a knowledge of the CV balance and a memory of Dan's last move deep into Japanese territory, I think I see why he wouldn't want Manado. It's a great base, but so are Davao, Cotabato, and Cagayan. Dare I say Kudat and Jesselton?

My feeling is with John scrambling for the front lines, the rear will again be soft.

I think Big Tent is simply a big shinny object to attract the interest of the IJ ... while the USN goes elsewhere to reek havoc

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RE: The Good The Bad & The Indifferent - 10/18/2016 11:22:05 AM

paullus99

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Once he's established here, surface forces backed by LBA will be enough to keep John away & allow for concerted base-building.

If it was anyone other than John, I'd say he'd be better off withdrawing to an inner line of defense, repair his Navy and prepare to hit back when you make your next move.

I doubt John will do that, however, as he always seems to need to be "doing something." He's the embodiment of John Bell Hood - he attacks when he should defend....

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RE: The Good The Bad & The Indifferent - 10/18/2016 1:14:04 PM

JohnDillworth

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quote:

John committed a tenacious four-DD TF to a raid on Ambon. It tangled with the CA Baltimore TF. I lost three 10-point DDs (I think all Fletchers), and John lost the same number (also 10-pointers, including Arashio) plus a fourth with "fires, heavy damage." Both of us are bleeding DDs a bit, but since attritioning the Kaigun is my highest priority, I'll take this result. I suspect the enemy TF was highly experienced and had a good commander, because it found several rounds with marked tenacity.

yup, this is definitely "cruiser country" but since both of you are depleted I guess DD's will have to do. Both of you are have success with with those small DD raiding parties. Destroyer production is a battle you can't lose, you get tons. scrape you State Side ports and make sure you have more headed this way. a one or 2 DD TF is often overlooked by search and even if found they are the devil to hit from the air. PT boats are your friend in closed waters. even if they don't hit anything they provide a tripwire and some disruption. At the rate you guys are going you might sail into Tokyo bay on a PT boat. Good to see this AAR back up and running

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