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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... - 12/7/2016 1:12:03 PM   
RangerJoe


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I just read the entire AAR. It is very interesting.

I remember reading about intercepting air evacuations where someone put a CAP or LRCAP at 1000' or 2000' altitude and would shoot down some of the transports. A good use for the P-39.

Try sweeping at a base/hex other than where his planes are based to see if there is any leaky CAP to shoot down.

Try to shut down any airbases not used. Any airbases being used should be bombed at night, if nothing else the fatigue should go up if the pilots don't get their beauty sleep.

Try bombing the ports at night as well, you might get lucky and hit docked ships as a bonus.

At Katherine, you might try an Air HQ with torpedoes there and TB units with experienced pilots for night torpedo attacks against bombarding ships. It might work, it might not.

A good place for the CVE is behind the CV/CVLs providing LRCAP and replacements. They can also carry some Avengers for ASW work.

Take what he gives you and see what opens up.


_____________________________

Seek peace but keep your gun handy.

I'm not a complete idiot, some parts are missing!

“Illegitemus non carborundum est (“Don’t let the bastards grind you down”).”
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RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 12/7/2016 2:49:59 PM   
SqzMyLemon


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quote:

ORIGINAL: RangerJoe

I just read the entire AAR. It is very interesting.


Welcome aboard. I'm glad you are finding it interesting. Drama aside, sadly it's not my best effort at an AAR.

I employ many of your suggestions and it's always good to get a reminder now and again of what others might try. I have some pretty tough Japanese positions to deal with, so I'll just have to see what openings Erik does gives me.


< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 12/7/2016 2:50:30 PM >


_____________________________

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Post #: 482
RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 12/7/2016 3:53:51 PM   
SqzMyLemon


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April 29/44:

No counter-invasion of Darwin, but Japanese cruisers and battleships, including Yamato hammer the base. KB masses in the shallow ocean hex northeast of Darwin and launches a port strike against Groote Eylandt. A heavily damaged DE is sunk that was disbanded in port from the previous day's strike. The port is level 0, but now sports 43% damage. I had no idea you could damage dot base ports before.

With KB massed at Darwin, I'm concerned about a port strike against Normanton where I have a large volume of transport ships deployed. I'm strengthening the air defences at both Mornington and Normanton. My carriers are currently deployed at Sydney, Brisbane and Rockhampton. I will redeploy the fleet to Townsville to be in position to intervene if Erik moves against Normanton. I'll commit my CV's defensively if the situation warrants it supported by strong LBA.

I don't know what Erik is up to, but I'm glad to know the whereabouts of KB.

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 12/7/2016 3:54:23 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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RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 12/7/2016 6:23:42 PM   
Lokasenna


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Given the game's date, I highly doubt you will have to deal with any counter-invasions now that the Darwin operation has been revealed to just be harassment. Let him have his Arafura/Banda Sea party, and take your toys somewhere else. Or activate those toys that are already somewhere else.

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)
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RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 12/7/2016 6:47:40 PM   
SqzMyLemon


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quote:

ORIGINAL: Encircled

Have you had any luck finding a solution to his stacked low CAP?


Not yet. I've tried different combinations of aircraft, altitudes and LRCAP. Depending on how the AI commits my forces, some combinations do ok, others not so good. When all is said and done though I'm lucky to achieve 1.5:1 losses on a good day, but usually it's no better than 1:1. I just can't sustain those loss ratio's.

I've resorted to sitting my aircraft until an operation is pending. Kills the surprise, but if I try for sustained suppression I run out of aircraft. Low CAP for Japan gets the numbers up really fast and swamps my sweeps.

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

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RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 12/9/2016 1:51:34 PM   
SqzMyLemon


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April 30/44:

I guess he just can't help himself. Erik counter-invades at Darwin. IJA 38th Division and a special base force land. The Australian 2nd Division will withdraw from the base tomorrow. There was no way I could hold it considering it suffers a naval bombardment every 3 days.

So more delays trying to move the Allied position forward. One of these days I'll be in position to punish Erik's aggressiveness, but right now I just have to continue to take it. In ten days my carrier strength in Australia will be 9 CV's, 7 CVL's and 21 CVE's. I believe CV Franklin is my next carrier to arrive within 40 days and Lexington should be repaired within three months. I hope.

It sucks that Tennant Creek can't stockpile enough supply to allow me to use drop tanks from the base. I'm going to run out of supply for my troops at Katherine and Fenton. If the supply situation wasn't so crappy I could suppress Darwin, Bathurst and Wyndham. Instead, Erik gets to do whatever he wants because he can get supply forward while I can't.

I'm actually starting to get pissed off about the whole damn situation due to supply issues. I'm swimming in the stuff, but can't use any of it where I need it the most.

_____________________________

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 #: 486
RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 12/9/2016 3:44:16 PM   
Lokasenna


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Well, just think of the supplies and fuel spent on those bombardment runs.

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RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 12/9/2016 4:22:45 PM   
ny59giants


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quote:

It sucks that Tennant Creek can't stockpile enough supply to allow me to use drop tanks from the base. I'm going to run out of supply for my troops at Katherine and Fenton. If the supply situation wasn't so crappy I could suppress Darwin, Bathurst and Wyndham. Instead, Erik gets to do whatever he wants because he can get supply forward while I can't.


You can try moving a Command HQ to TC to draw extra supplies.
Move some heavy bombers there to draw supplies. Then, fly them back to Alice Springs on days you want to use drop tanks for your fighters.
I imagine you have the base built up, so these are the only other way to draw supplies except by transport planes.

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RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 12/9/2016 6:04:16 PM   
SqzMyLemon


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On a different note.

I loaded up the 22nd Marine Rgt. at Tabiteuea on the May 1st turn. It will sail for Abemama on the 2nd. The regiment is 100% prepped, but will only receive help in the form of two CL's conducting a pre-landing naval bombardment. Once the Marines are ashore, bombers from Tabitueea will support the follow up ground assaults. I think the garrisoning might consist of nothing larger than a Naval Guard unit.

I'm looking at moving against Ponape so I can start to sweep Truk in the near future.

I want to try and entice Erik to move his naval forces around in the Central Pacific. I might get lucky with a submarine or see an opening to deploy the fleet against non-KB targets.

I'm waiting for Nadzab to reach level 9, then I launch an all out air offensive against Vanimo and Hollandia. I'm going to try and slip in amphibious invasion forces to Aitape and Dagua. I've got a large number of forces prepped for Hollandia and I've decided to launch an amphibious landing against the base if I can gain control of the air. KB is always a risk, but I need to start pushing again.

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 12/9/2016 6:07:56 PM >


_____________________________

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

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RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 12/10/2016 8:04:04 AM   
Lokasenna


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How are you bases on New Guinea? Can you protect your southwestern flank for a move on Ponape? Hell, you may even need to come at it from that direction unless you've already taken the northernmost Marshalls to prevent him from getting eyes on you.

Beware the Ponape CD guns. You need BBs for that one.

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RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 12/10/2016 4:52:46 PM   
BBfanboy


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Looks like you have found your balance again - good to see.
Looking forward to your offensives.

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RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 12/11/2016 6:09:14 PM   
SqzMyLemon


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quote:

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

Looks like you have found your balance again - good to see.
Looking forward to your offensives.


Ha, I'm not sure I'd go that far. If only Australian infrastructure had been built up, and more importantly protected, by my predecessor, it would make my life much easier right now.


_____________________________

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 #: 492
RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 12/11/2016 6:16:38 PM   
SqzMyLemon


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May 3/44:

The Abemama amphibious operation goes without a hitch. It should have considering the garrison was only 10 AV of a Japanese Naval Guard Unit. I expect little to no resistance as I move through the Gilbert and Marshall Island's. Suits me fine, I'll take the VP's where I can get them right now. I'll be looking at Nauru, Ocean and Tarawa next.

I've ordered some night fighter sweeps in Burma and New Guinea to see if Erik is prepared for night bombing raids. I'm also about to begin air operations in Burma and New Guinea again. It's time to get back into the war.

I seem to be getting a little better supply flow in Burma now for some reason, not great, but since I've moved the bulk of the troops out of some bases they are getting supply regularly. I find this ridiculous, but it's the way the game works. I've always disliked the 3x base supply requirements, but sometimes the only way to get supply forward is to turn a base into a ghost town.

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 12/12/2016 5:07:25 AM >


_____________________________

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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RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 12/11/2016 10:03:25 PM   
adarbrauner

 

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quote:

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon



This game has been decided by the 8 hex Japanese strike feature. Any enjoyment I'd get from this game is effectively gone thanks to this feature. Erik might as well be playing the AI.


8 hex is 280 miles.
This is the move Ozawa (tried to) make at the Phillipine Sea, i.e. keeping an at least 240-250 costant distance between his carrier group and the americans, to exploit the longer range of his airplanes, so this is a real Japanes feature (?!).


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RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 12/12/2016 5:30:19 AM   
SqzMyLemon


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May 4/44:

Neither night fighter sweep mission flew. Am I wrong thinking I can employ this tactic? Can I only perform CAP with night fighter units?

Since I'm on the topic of night fighters, can they perform escort missions during night bombing raids?

A quiet couple of turns, no Japanese offensive missions whatsoever.

I'm concentrating on getting radar and aviation support forward to make best use of the new level 8 and 9 airbases being constructed in New Guinea. I've ordered an all out 4E bombing raid against the airbase at Dagua. The intention here it to suppress Aitape, Dagua and Wewak and burn supply. I hope to force supply to migrate from Hollandia to these bases, requiring regular Japanese supply runs to feed the 80k Japanese troops now committed between Hollandia and Sarmi.

The last of the U.S. divisions from the Burma theatre have reached Karachi. They will embark for deployment to the Pacific.

British and Commonwealth troops continue to redeploy in Burma. I'm about to start an air war over Ramree Island and Prome. The plan is to force Erik to use his aircraft offensively to prevent my supplying Ramree Island with transport ships. I'm going to try and take away Erik's low CAP tactic by forcing him to take the offensive. Providing I get radar warning, the Allied fighters seem to perform better against Japanese sweeps. Plus, he'll be losing his pilots for a change.

I'm starting to formulate a plan, one that I hope will create the conditions to finally start kicking some ass. I'm tired of being the whipping boy in this one.

_____________________________

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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RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 12/12/2016 12:01:41 PM   
dave sindel

 

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quote:

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon

May 4/44:

Neither night fighter sweep mission flew. Am I wrong thinking I can employ this tactic? Can I only perform CAP with night fighter units?

Since I'm on the topic of night fighters, can they perform escort missions during night bombing raids?



I've had the same experience. I have some Beaufighter NF's stationed at Ramree Island and tried to sweep over Rangoon for several turns. They never flew. When I put them on LRCAP over Rangoon, they were present when my B-24's arrived on a night bombing mission. Didnt do much vs the Nicks that my opponent had flying, but at least they were there.

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RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 12/12/2016 3:26:24 PM   
BBfanboy


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Any fighter can be put on a night mission, but can only fly defensive CAP type missions. Sweep is not allowed.

Having radar on the fighter is not a guarantee of intercept. That is logical, especially on LRCAP. The fighter radar is not 360º search, only a narrow cone in front of the aircraft so it would need a friendly ground radar to vector it to a target. I think the code recognizes that by requiring a very good D/L on the attackers.

And because you cannot have masses of fighters maneuvering at night in close proximity each fighter operates individually which limits the number that can intercept the enemy during the time of the strike. For the same reason your fighters cannot work together to sweep at night.

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RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 12/12/2016 3:30:06 PM   
SqzMyLemon


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Thanks for the posts.

I'll try the LRCAP idea. It may not be terribly effective, but perhaps it can help out a bomber or two. I've refrained from night bombing so far, but now that I'm in a different frame of mind, I'll use whatever tools I have to turn this around.

_____________________________

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 #: 498
RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 12/12/2016 4:13:42 PM   
Lokasenna


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I've never had NFs conduct a sweep. It just never happens.

For intercepts, the radar on the plane helps them with attacking... I guess. I never notice a difference. They seem to perform the same with or without. But it says in the combat report "Some CAP with radar" when they have it, so presumably it does something. On the margins.

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)
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RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 12/20/2016 7:46:17 AM   
SqzMyLemon


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May 12/44:

Not much going on, but thought I'd post a morale boosting air action update.

Erik, as per his usual aggressive self, has been sweeping Groote Eylandt with Franks from Darwin. Today, I moved in some Spitfires and joined battle. The Franks get a drubbing. AAR follows:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Groote Eylandt , at 82,130

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 37 NM, estimated altitude 34,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-84a Frank x 37

Allied aircraft
Spitfire Vc Trop x 14
Spitfire VIII x 24

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-84a Frank: 9 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Spitfire VIII: 1 damaged

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Groote Eylandt , at 82,130

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 72 NM, estimated altitude 34,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 17 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-84a Frank x 4

Allied aircraft
Spitfire Vc Trop x 10
Spitfire VIII x 17

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-84a Frank: 1 destroyed

No Allied losses


In Burma, I tried a larger supply run to Ramree Island, but this time I chose to defend my airspace against the Japanese LBA attacks I was sure would follow. Erik obliged, as I knew he would. For the loss of three British LST's and one AM, the Japanese air attacks get mauled. I land an additional 6k of supply bringing the total at Ramree Island to over 20k now. AAR's follow:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Ramree Island , at 54,48

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 49 NM, estimated altitude 33,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-84a Frank x 49

Allied aircraft
Spitfire Vc Trop x 28
Spitfire VIII x 56
P-40E Warhawk x 11
P-38H Lightning x 6
P-40K Warhawk x 22
P-40N5 Warhawk x 23
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 46
F4U-1A Corsair x 14

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-84a Frank: 6 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Warhawk: 2 destroyed
P-40K Warhawk: 2 destroyed
P-40N5 Warhawk: 1 destroyed

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Ramree Island , at 54,48

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 32 NM, estimated altitude 35,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-84a Frank x 49

Allied aircraft
Spitfire Vc Trop x 28
Spitfire VIII x 52
P-40E Warhawk x 8
P-38H Lightning x 4
P-40K Warhawk x 13
P-40N5 Warhawk x 18
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 46
F4U-1A Corsair x 14

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-84a Frank: 5 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Spitfire Vc Trop: 1 destroyed
P-40K Warhawk: 1 destroyed

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Ramree Island at 54,48

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 46 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
D4Y1 Judy x 32
Ki-43-IIIa Oscar x 49

Allied aircraft
Spitfire Vc Trop x 24
Spitfire VIII x 48
P-40E Warhawk x 8
P-38H Lightning x 1
P-40K Warhawk x 10
P-40N5 Warhawk x 18
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 45
F4U-1A Corsair x 14

Japanese aircraft losses
D4Y1 Judy: 12 destroyed, 3 damaged
Ki-43-IIIa Oscar: 5 destroyed

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
LST 11, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk
LST 73, Bomb hits 3, and is sunk
AM Carnatic, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
LST 160, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Ramree Island at 54,48

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
D4Y1 Judy x 17
Ki-43-IIIa Oscar x 33

Allied aircraft
Spitfire Vc Trop x 23
Spitfire VIII x 52
P-40E Warhawk x 8
P-38H Lightning x 6
P-40K Warhawk x 9
P-40N5 Warhawk x 21
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 43
F4U-1A Corsair x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
D4Y1 Judy: 3 destroyed
Ki-43-IIIa Oscar: 4 destroyed

No Allied losses

On the day, the air losses indicate I lost 29 aircraft from all causes, the Japanese 98. The P-40's take the brunt of the losses with 16, but they were low CAP. The Allied Corsairs, P-38's, P-47's and Spitfires performed spectacularly only losing one aircraft each, excepting the Corsairs and Spitfire Vc's which lost two. Only four Allied pilots were lost on the day. I don't trust the intelligence report which showed 72 Franks, 21 Oscars and 33 Judy's being destroyed in A2A and Ops, but still a rough day for the Japanese. More importantly, I'm guessing many good enemy pilots were shot down and captured.

I've been trying some different approaches of late with my air units, and so far so good. I may not be able to perform offensive sweeps effectively, but on defence my fighters, especially the Spitfires, are laying it on the Japanese.

In other news, CV Franklin arrived at Balboa on the 11th and is en route to Pearl Harbor. The last damaged CV in Australia will be fully repaired next turn. I'm going to target Ponape next, while I wait for forward airbases on New Guinea and Manus to reach level 8. Then I unleash my LBA to hammer Japanese positions along the north coast and conduct some smaller amphibious operations against Aitape, Dagua and Wewak.

I'm almost ready to move in Burma with the new ground offensive. I'm not optimistic, but it's time to start grinding away.

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 12/20/2016 7:56:51 AM >


_____________________________

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 #: 500
RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 12/20/2016 6:13:48 PM   
SqzMyLemon


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May 13/44:

Quiet turn with no air combat whatsoever, as both sides rest after the previous days action.

I'm waiting a few days for damaged airframes to repair before I conduct another supply run to Ramree Island.

The CV Bunker Hill has fully repaired, so the navy will begin preparations for the Ponape amphibious assault. The amphibious forces will begin staging at Shortlands.

Groote Eylandt has expanded to a level 2 airbase and once it reaches level four, I will move against Gove. I'd like to draw KB's attention here so my operations against Ponape will just face Japanese LBA.

The action should pick up in a few weeks, as I attempt to move forward once again.

_____________________________

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 #: 501
RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 1/2/2017 6:47:49 PM   
SqzMyLemon


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Game date May 25/44.

Not much to report game wise. Japan has been quiet, especially now that I'm deploying Allied CAP forward and in numbers. The last few Japanese sweeps have resulted in heavy air losses for Erik. Moving forward, I will continue my tactic of deploying CAP and force Erik to use his fighters offensively. As long as I'm not sweeping against low Japanese CAP, the Allied fighters perform extremely well in a defensive role. So much so, that I've been able to supply forward airbases with large transport taskforces without Japanese air interdiction.

I've been spending the month of May moving fuel and supply forward, completing LCU preparation and reorganizing the fleet. The first of the U.S. divisions withdrawn from Burma will arrive on the East Coast in two weeks. They will rail for San Francisco and then deploy to the Pacific. I've also transferred a number of bomber squadrons from India to the U.S., and they are now en route to Pearl from San Francisco. I've received a number of squadrons of B-29's and they will deploy to Australia and New Guinea. I may try a strategic strike against Boela to knock out the oil, if the base looks weakly defended.

Immediate plans are the capture of Nauru and Ocean Islands. An amphibious TF will set sail from Tabiteuea tomorrow bound for Ocean Island. I'll be moving against the Marshall's soon. The Japanese defence is token at best, but I'm not in a hurry here and only committing a few assets.

I'm prepared to move against Gove, but want to try and draw KB to the area first. I'm going to posture around Horn Island until I'm spotted and if KB reacts, I will then move against Ponape. The Allied carriers will support the operation against Ponape to prevent naval air strikes from Truk. I'm committing all my carriers except a few CVE's and CVL's (bait to draw KB to defend Gove) just in case KB makes an appearance near Ponape. Once Ponape is captured, I'll quickly expand the airbase and start to neutralize Truk. I'd sure like to secure Truk to use as a forward air and naval base, but it will be a tough nut to crack. I'm going to attack Truk when ready in an effort to draw out KB and defeat it, or at least sink a few enemy carriers. If I can take Truk, my next move will be to bypass both the Marianas and New Guinea, and strike for Babeldoab and the Philippines. I'll be going ahead with operations against Aitape, Dagua, Wewak and Vanimo soon, but will now bypass Hollandia, Sarmi and Biak. The airbases on New Guinea have almost completed their expansions, and I can begin my air offensive to gain total local air superiority prior to amphibious landings against Aitape, Dagua and Wewak.

In Burma, the British and Commonwealth forces are almost ready to move. Supply at Ramree Island has reached 34k. I'm still a few weeks away though, as the upgraded armour brigades haven't arrived yet. A fair number of my divisions now sport 43 and 44 TOE's, so the extra firepower will come in handy. I've read about Eriks trick to get Japanese divisions to reach higher non-base fort levels than 2, so I'm anticipating slow going. Providing I don't get slaughtered, a slow grind is fine with me as the purpose is to keep Japanese forces in Burma.

The Allied plan is a massive landing against the Philippines to split the Japanese in two later this year. Everything I am doing right now is an effort to make that possible, especially trying to draw out KB and defeat it defending single islands where it can't be heavily supported by LBA. That's the plan at least, whether it will work has yet to be determined.

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 1/2/2017 6:52:48 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 #: 502
RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 1/2/2017 9:27:35 PM   
SqzMyLemon


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I've been experimenting with different combinations of sweeps, escorts and bombers. I'm sure Erik is thinking some of my air actions of late are complete overkill, but I'm trying to figure out how to reduce my losses when conducting offensive missions. I'm choosing undefended targets to see how my squadrons are committed, the true test will be against enemy CAP. Right now I seem to be able to get much more LRCAP support for sweeping squadrons than before, perhaps it's just the bigger forward airbases that are providing me the numbers now.

I've also experimented with sending smaller strike packages of bombers, usually one bomber group of four squadrons. I'm finding the number of fragments is less, resulting in one large raid followed by one or two smaller raids of stragglers. When I sent large raids of twelve or more squadrons, my planes were so spread out that losses were extremely high, almost 40-50% of the aircraft were committed in single groups with no escorts and consequently slaughtered.

Right now the smaller strike packages seem to be just as effective at causing damage, but against lightly defended targets. The true test will be the major Japanese airbases.

I'm optimistic that employing these tactics may reduce my overall losses.

_____________________________

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 #: 503
RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 1/3/2017 3:29:04 PM   
SqzMyLemon


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May 26/44:

Allied Mitchell's target Gove today. The defence consists of a Naval Guard unit and aviation support battalion. Previous raids have caused few casualties, but today a large number of squads were disabled and a few destroyed. I've been flying low, at 7k to cause defensive AA fire, so I suspect the base is now out of supply and contributing to the losses.

The Ponape amphibious forces will begin loading on transports and staging at Shortlands. The fleet is ready to provide support and is currently marshaling at Munda. There are seven enemy units indicated at Ponape, but troop numbers are less than 8k. I suspect these are fragments being evac'd from the Marshall's to Truk. I have a regiment prepped for Ponape and a division in reserve. I may land both to take the base quickly. I'll be landing large numbers of air and engineer support squads to turn Ponape into a level 6 airbase as quickly as possible. At least 75k of supply will be unloaded. I want the landings concluded within two days. The base is already a level 3 airbase, so sweeps of Truk will commence immediately upon capture.

In Burma, I've amassed 6k AV one hex southwest of Magwe. There is another 2k yet to arrive, including the armour which is now southeast of Akyab. With Ramree stockpiling supply and the interior bases all expanding, the supply situation has improved. There are still days where supply is in the red, but I should be able to attack every few days fully supplied. The question now is where. Initially I was thinking the hex between Prome and Toungoo, but I really want to eliminate the threat of Taung Gyi. I may send my entire force to clear the hex southwest of the base, which appears to be occupied by only one Japanese division. I control all other hex sides, so if I can clear this hex, Erik has to withdraw or risk 21 units being isolated. I'm sure he'll reinforce the hex, but 8k AV should be able to handle capturing the hex. I caught on recon last turn that a Japanese tank division may be moving through the hex, I'm going to throw every bomber I can to try and catch it in move or strat mode tomorrow.

Just a note. I don't like having to mass 8000 AV to clear one hex, but that is the nature of a non-stacking limits game. I prefer the realism stacking limits brings to the game, but in stock massing is the only way to clear a hex at times. Considering my opponent has massed his forces in all the key hexes and has interior lines, I can only respond in kind by targeting a single location and hitting it with everything I have. Even then, with the insane defensive benefits of rough terrain and non-destructible forts in non-base hexes, I still might barely have enough to do the job.

Anyway, the game is about to heat up with numerous operations finally ready to commence and the Allied fleet fully repaired once again.

_____________________________

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 #: 504
RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 1/6/2017 4:49:01 PM   
SqzMyLemon


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May 27/44:

Bombing results against the IJA 2nd Tank Division moving southwest of Taung Gyi were extremely poor. For the loss of five B-25's to FLAK, only one enemy tank was destroyed. I know the terrain is a big factor, but considering almost 100 bombers were used at 6-8k, I did expect to see more ground losses especially when the unit is moving along a main road. Good idea, but the results don't justify conducting attacks of this nature in 3x terrain. I heavily swept the target hex with fighters and encountered no CAP. Erik is keeping his fighters over base hexes at zero range. Erik tries the same tactic against me one hex west of Ramree Island, but my fighters on CAP are set to zero range as well.

It appears Erik has gotten some recon on my ground forces massing northwest of Toungoo. It appears more units are moving out from Taung Gyi and other movement ticks indicate possible reinforcement of Prome. I'm going to try and outmaneuver Erik and isolate Taung Gyi. If I can gain control of the hex southwest of the base and close the hex side, I'm in business. I'll post a screenshot soon to make my dispositions and intentions clear.

Amphibious transports at Tabiteuea are still loading my landing force meant for Ocean Island. It should sail tomorrow.

Ponape invasion forces begin loading at Shortlands. The entire amphibious force should be ready to sail in a few days. I've decided to land the division meant for reserve in the first wave. I want a quick capture of the base. Supporting aviation and engineer units will also unload in the first wave.

June will be a busy and eventful month for the Allies.



< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 1/6/2017 4:50:18 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 #: 505
RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 1/8/2017 6:15:01 PM   
SqzMyLemon


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From: Alberta, Canada
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Situation in Burma as of 1 Jun 44.




Attachment (1)

_____________________________

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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RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 1/8/2017 6:33:13 PM   
SqzMyLemon


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New Guinea and the Ponape invasion forces. Apologies for the poor spelling. I rushed the screenshots.




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< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 1/8/2017 6:50:15 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 #: 507
RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 1/9/2017 12:52:15 AM   
Lokasenna


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quote:

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon

New Guinea and the Ponape invasion forces. Apologies for the poor spelling. I rushed the screenshots.





Use Hollandia/Vanimo as bomber training targets while you land at Yap and Sorong when your navy's repaired. That's what I'd do, anyway.

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)
Post #: 508
RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 1/9/2017 2:05:22 PM   
SqzMyLemon


Posts: 4239
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quote:

ORIGINAL: Lokasenna

Use Hollandia/Vanimo as bomber training targets while you land at Yap and Sorong when your navy's repaired. That's what I'd do, anyway.


The bombers will be involved quite a bit over the next few weeks. Funny that you mention Yap and Sorong. I was thinking of going straight for Babeldoab, Pelelie, Woleai and Yap.

I'm getting lots of intelligence about the Marianas and Moluccas being reinforced, so I want to bypass them as well...for now.

The fleet is only absent BB Massachusetts and CV Lexington right now.

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

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

(in reply to Lokasenna)
Post #: 509
RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 1/11/2017 3:39:54 PM   
SqzMyLemon


Posts: 4239
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From: Alberta, Canada
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June 3/44:

Allied amphibious forces land at Ponape. Japanese CD guns are active and damage a number of ships, but nothing has sunk yet. The combat replay looked worse than actual damage sustained indicates. One xAP and two LST's are the heaviest damaged and may sink tomorrow. A few destroyers are banged up, but overall the supporting naval units are in good shape.

Allied strength ashore amounts to roughly 400 AV. The amphibious transports will withdraw with whatever unit fragments are still aboard, and only a few dedicated supply taskforces will stay and continue to unload. The Japanese defence consists of a Naval Guard unit and various base forces withdrawn from the Marshall Islands totaling around 92 AV.

There are two Japanese submarines near Ponape, but further Japanese plans for defence are unknown. Truk indicates 120+ fighters and 20 bombers present, so it's unlikely there will be any LBA naval strikes. I have no idea if KB will be sent in, but there were a large number of enemy surface taskforces spotted near Biak.

I'll rest a day to recover disruption and then the ground assaults will begin. Japanese resistance will depend on the level of fortifications.

_____________________________

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 #: 510
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