RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War in the Pacific: Admirals Edition

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RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 4/11/2017 3:18:35 PM

jmalter

Posts: 1673
Joined: 10/12/2010
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Taxcutter
Great AAR. I always look for this one.

I agree. Me too.

quote:

jmalter is right. Once you have Rangoon in hand and the Burma Road open, it is waste of resources going any further.

I don't think I've ever advocated this strategy. Instead, I apply strict conservation of Chinese resources - an iron hand on supply use & careful husbandry of replacement/upgrade devices/airframes. Meanwhile, British/Indian LCUs fight hard for re-conquest east/south of Pegu, the Royal Navy fights hard for attrition, & whatever air assets are available struggle to hold the line - I don't fight them so har as to bring the fighter pools down to poverty, but I've found that the bomber replacement rates aren't at all what our friends would wish for us.

(in reply to Taxcutter)

Post #: 391

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 4/20/2017 7:44:56 PM

jmalter

Posts: 1673
Joined: 10/12/2010
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Macclan5
Supply through the Burma road is less than advertised in my opinion; perhaps its rookie perception between us.

Since my last orders-phase was the end of the month (30 Mar 44), I took the opportunity to check on the Burma Road. All the China Airbridge transports (destination Tsuyung) took a training holiday while getting their replacement airframes. Tsuyung was set to stockpile supplies (no LCU are present or nearby). After running my 2-day turn, supply at Tsuyung increased from 770 to 1770 - so the Burma Road was working as advertised at 500/day.

Notes on the airbridge, where I'm trying to keep operational losses down:
- end of month, check air-support LCUs for morale & fatigue, the worst-rated at each base are placed on Rest.
- end of month, each airgroup gets replacement airframes, but only 3 in reserve
- groups fly supply to Tsuyung at 60% Rest
- when an airgroup uses all its reserve airframes, it's taken off-line & Trains for the rest of the month.
In my previous game, I used similar protocols, but the transports flew at 50% rest & were given 4 reserve airframes each month. This proved unsustainable over the long term, as airframe replacement rates were unable to cope w/ losses & new group req'ments until the C-46D became available in 11/44. In my current game, I traded a 20% reduction in supply transport rate for what turned out to be a substantial reduction in operational losses.

The Burma Road gives 500 supply/day, & my airbridge provides 500-650 supply/day. This is 20-25% of the total daily supply increase in China - which is to say that the majority of China supply is provided by its indigenous production & 'automatic daily supply'.

(in reply to jmalter)

Post #: 392

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 4/21/2017 5:25:48 PM

Schlussel

Posts: 384
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Sacramento, California
Status: offline

Thanks for the thoughts jmalter.

I have very little experience with the Burma road, so its nice to hear what you have done.

As for the air transports to China, I have been working to reduce OPS losses as well, I will try what has been working for you, Thanks! In addition, I have noticed EXP also effects OPS losses, I've been training to about 50 EXP before putting squadrons on supply transport duty, and it seems to favorably effect OPS losses (to the point where they don't exceed replacement rates). Does this align with your strategy?

_____________________________

You say we're surrounded?
Excellent!
That means we can attack in any direction.

(in reply to jmalter)

Post #: 393

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 4/21/2017 7:33:09 PM

jwolf

Posts: 2493
Joined: 12/3/2013
Status: offline

In Burma, I found that taking Moulmein (added to Rangoon and Pegu) gives a nice compact set of bases with good airfields that are close to each other for mutual defense. Eventually I did move down the coast to take Tavoy and Mergui ... it's easy to do that, but the catch is you can't or shouldn't take anything whose airspace you can't defend, and for that I needed more fighters. You do get them, or can transfer some over, but it takes time. Also at this point you should be able to take Port Blair, if you haven't already, and that removes a nasty Japanese thorn in the side. Be warned that the Japanese AI is not at all shy about bringing really major surface forces into the Andaman Sea, presumably from Singapore. Make sure you have air and/or surface units -- preferably both -- that can stand against them.

(in reply to Schlussel)

Post #: 394

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 4/24/2017 5:20:26 AM

Schlussel

Posts: 384
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Sacramento, California
Status: offline

Good stuff, thanks jwolf! The SE Asia theater definitely has some options, but some of those are limited by the lack of carrier support. Case in point, I've had my eye on Port Blair for awhile now, but I have been gun shy since it is still in range of a few big Japanese bases (these Betty's still pack a punch). Once Moulmein and Tavoy are neutralized by the infantry, I think I'll feel safe pulling the trigger on an amphib assault of Port Blair.

_____________________________

You say we're surrounded?
Excellent!
That means we can attack in any direction.

(in reply to jwolf)

Post #: 395

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 4/24/2017 5:40:20 AM

Schlussel

Posts: 384
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Sacramento, California
Status: offline

Situation Report – July 1st 1943

Central/North Pacific:
Capital Ships: 1-CV {Essex], 1-BB (@Pearl Harbor)
Fuel Reserves: 2,365K @ Pearl Harbor
Near-Term Plans: Continue developing bases in Aleutians. Advance on Paramushiro-Jima.
Long Term Plans: Operation to secure critical bases in Marshalls/Gilberts. 27th, 43rd, and 7th Inf. Divisions are prepping for Tarawa, Kwajalein, and Roi Namur respectively.

New Guinea/Solomons:
*Special thanks to MakeeLearn and his Bellum Pacifica Map. Another instance of a forumite putting in their own time to make this game even more enjoyable. Well done sir!

Capital Ships: 5-CV, 6-CVE, 2-CVL, 12-BB
Fuel Reserves:
1,322K @ Noumea
304K @ Milne Bay
209K @ Shortlands
Near-Term Plans: Advance up the New Guinea Coast towards Philippines. Isolate Truk.
Long Term Plans: Develop bases to be used as launch points for Marianas/Philippines Invasions.

SE Asia/China

Capital Ships: 4-BB (@Colombo)
Fuel Reserves:
1,517K @ Colombo
1,413K @ Rangoon
Near-Term Plans: Advance down Burma coast towards Moulmein. Chindit Raid in Central Thailand.
Long Term Plans: Advance down Malaya Peninsula, threaten Singapore from the north.

Base Supply/Construction Status:
Akyab:
Port Size: 4.00 (MAX)
Airfield Size: 8.50 (+0.10)
Supplies: 132K (50 Weeks of normal operations)

Attu:
Port Size: 3.29 (+0.18)
Airfield Size: 3.47 (+0.18)
Supplies: 3K (30 Weeks of normal operations)

Hollandia:
Port Size: 6.00 (MAX)
Airfield Size: 8.00 (MAX)
Supplies: 4K (2 Weeks of normal operations)

Kavieng:
Port Size: 4.57 (+ 0.56)
Airfield Size: 6.85 (+0.83)
Supplies: 111K (50+ Weeks of normal operations)

Milne Bay:
Port Size: 5.94 (+0.20)
Airfield Size: 7.08 (+0.16)
Supplies: 161K (50+ Weeks of normal operations)

Manus:
Port Size: 6.36 (+3.04)
Airfield Size: 6.92 (+4.02)
Supplies: 67K (30+ Weeks of normal operations)

Mussau:
Port Size: 4.00 (MAX)
Airfield Size: 6.67 (+0.49)
Supplies: 15K (4 Weeks of normal operations)

Pago-Pago:
Port Size: 3.78 (+0.12)
Airfield Size: 6.25 (+0.08)
Supplies: 4K (4 Weeks of normal operations)

Ramree Island:
Port Size: 2.35 (+0.43)
Airfield Size: 5.27 (+0.71)
Supplies: 93K (30+ Weeks of normal operations)

Rabaul:
Port Size: 7.00 (MAX)
Airfield Size: 9.00 (MAX)
Supplies: 323K (100+ Weeks of normal operations)

Rangoon:
Port Size: 9.00 (MAX)
Airfield Size: 9.00 (MAX)
Supplies: 97K (15 Weeks of normal operations)

Umnak:
Port Size: 3.00 (MAX)
Airfield Size: 7.99 (+0.21)
Supplies: 3K (10 Weeks of normal operations)

_____________________________

You say we're surrounded?
Excellent!
That means we can attack in any direction.

(in reply to Schlussel)

Post #: 396

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 5/5/2017 1:26:09 PM

Schlussel

Posts: 384
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Sacramento, California
Status: offline

Week 82: June 30th – July 6th 1943
North Pacific:
Base building continues at Amchitka, Umnak and Attu. No IJN activity.

Central Pacific:
Japanese CV’s retreat from the area, heading toward the home islands, no other Japanese activity noted.

A small amphibs group (supported by CV’s) leaves Lunga bound for Satawal. The idea is to grab the undefended base and use it to allow better aerial recon of the Forbearance targets to the north and west. [Phase 1C].

Southern Pacific:
Nauru Island is developing nicely. The port and airfield are both at level 2, with the airfield set to reach level 3 in two days. There is over 110 aviation support present. Supporting 2 patrol, 1 fighter, and 1 dive bomber squadron. Patrols from Nauru, Kusaie, and Ponape begin collecting valuable recon info on the Marshalls/Northern Gilberts.

New Guinea/Solomons:
Hollandia succumbs to the Allies on the 30th. Base is heavily damaged [RWY:78/SRV:54/PORT:69] so priority is given to getting engineers offloaded so they can work their magic.

4EB work over the recently-isolated Japanese bases of Vanimo, Ataipe, and Wewak on the Northern NG coast. Two BB bombardment groups (four slow BB’s each) join in on the fun as well. A party-pooper (IJN sub) surprises one group and puts three fish into BB Mississippi. She is moderately damaged [27SYS/34FLT] and limps back to Manus by the end of the week. Good news is ASW patrol catch and sink said party-pooper. A nice consolation, but I will miss the Mississippi’s services in the near future.

DEI/Philippines:
In the Philippines, all my base are belong to Japan.

In the DEI, no Japanese activity.
Allied troops begin preparing for the next big OP, slated to begin in this region in late ’43.

SE Asia/China:
Allied engineers waste no time, and by the end of the week, they have Rangoon fully repaired. The IJAF tried to slow the process with bomber raids, but those efforts fizzled once I got some CAP in place. I currently have 66 fighters (1/2 Spitfires/Warhawks) patrolling the skies above Rangoon and Pegu.

Speaking of Pegu, the bulk of Allied reinforcements reach the city and perform a few deliberates. By the end of the week, the outnumbered Japanese beat a hasty retreat towards Moulmein. The Allies will rest up for a few days and then continue the pursuit.

In Bassein, the Japanese supply issues have allowed British bombardments to even the AV tally. The Japanese are surrounded, so we can take our time here.

There is a similar situation in Taung Gyi, where the Japanese AV is dropping like a rock (Ohhhh like a rock!)…so much so, that I order a deliberate attack at the end of the week. The results are 1:2, with an equal number of disablements on both sides. We’ll rest up and try again in a few days…meanwhile the Japanese can expect to enjoy daily 4EB/2EB bomber raids.

In China, troops are in a defensive posture, hopefully allowing the supply situation to improve enough to allow a small scale offensive.

IJN Watch:
- No capital ships sighted this week

Notable Base Captures:
-Hollandia [New Guinea] captured by the Allies (6/30)
-Pegu [Burma] captured by the Allies (7/6)

Campaign Overview:
Aircraft Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 5,255 [+75]
Biggest Losses (#): Hurricane IIc (386), SBD-3 Dauntless (351), F4F-4 Wildcat (317)

Japanese: 14,480 [+202]
Biggest Losses (#): G4M1 Betty (3,468), Ki-48 Lily (1,407), Ki-27b Nate (1,195)

Ship Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 546 [+2]
Notables: CV Enterprise, CV Victorious, CVE Copahee, CVE Nassau, CVE Corregidor, CA Astoria, CA Portland, CA Adelaide, CL Durban, CL Sumatra, CL Java

Japanese: 1,149 [+10]
Notables: CV Soryu, CVL Shoho, CVL Zuiho, CVE Taiyo, CVE Hosho, BB Kongo, BB Fuso, BB Mutsu, CA Mogami, CA Mikuma, CA Suzya, CA Adoba.

Army Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 10,222 [+22]
Japanese: 7,228 [+278]
A/J Ratio: 1.41 to 1

VP Totals [change]:
Allies: 45,834 [+654]
Japanese: 28,884 [+47]
A/J Ratio: 1.59 to 1

Operation Forbearance:
Phase 1A: [May 1943 to August 1943]
-Establish naval blockade of Truk using DD’s and submarines. - IN PROCESS
-Knock out Truk airfield - IN PROCESS

Phase 1B: [May 1943 to July 1943]
-Assault & capture Kusaie – COMPLETE.
-Assault & capture Ponape – COMPLETE.
-Assault & capture Eniwetok. – IN PROGRESS [Troops loading at Shortlands]

Phase 1C: [May 1943 to August 1943]
-Assault & capture Woleai [Recon sights 1 unit/4.2K troops/29 guns].
-Assault & capture Ulithi.
-Assault & capture Yap.
-Assault & capture Babeldaoab.

Other Notes:
-P-47’s begin rolling off the assembly lines at 56/month. In addition, there are already 3 squadrons formed and they are on their way to the south pacific. Excitement/anticipation builds.

< Message edited by Schlussel -- 5/5/2017 1:30:14 PM >

_____________________________

You say we're surrounded?
Excellent!
That means we can attack in any direction.

(in reply to Schlussel)

Post #: 397

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 5/19/2017 6:18:03 AM

Schlussel

Posts: 384
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Sacramento, California
Status: offline

Week 83: July 7th – July 13th 1943
North Pacific:
Base building continues at Amchitka, Umnak and Attu. No IJN activity.

Central Pacific:
The Satawal invasion force is nearing the beaches (landfall should happen tomorrow). The base has been under constant recon for over 2 weeks and all signs point to no garrison present. Once the island is secured, work will commence on a small airfield to allow recon of Ulithi, Yap, and Babeldaoab.

With the Japanese carriers out of position near the home islands, a second invasion force (with CV escort) begins the long journey from Shortlands Island to Eniwetok. This will be my first Atoll invasion that has a sizeable garrison (4 LCU’s and at least 1K troops). I’m going combined arms (3 INF regiments, 2 tank battalions, 2 ART, 1 Combat ENG). Also, to make sure the first wave gets enough supply, I have some LST’s loaded out with only supply.

Southern Pacific:
Nauru Island is developing nicely. The airfield is now at level 3, with the port set to reach level 3 tomorrow. PBYs are prowling in an arc that goes from Tarawa to Kwajalein and have even reported putting torps into 3 enemy AKs this week. The idea is to drain the enemy’s supply here to make the inevitable assaults a little bit easier.

New Guinea/Solomons:
Talasea, on the norther shore of New Britain, falls to an Allied paratroop assault. Now we begin tightening the noose around the starved Japanese forces south of Rabaul. The force is reported to be 50K strong, but it consists of rejects from the Rabaul assault, and it’s been out of supply for over a month.

An ARD arrives at Rabaul and immediately starts repairing some FLT damage on CVE Suwanee. The CVE should be back in action in about 2 weeks.

DEI/Philippines:
In the Philippines, all my base are belong to Japan.

In the DEI, no Japanese activity.
Allied troops begin preparing for the next big OP, slated to being in this region in late ’43.

SE Asia/China:
Allied fighters finally have air superiority over Rangoon/Pegu. The AI has realized this and has stopped trying to hit the two Allied airfields, instead focusing on the Allied armies marching towards Moulmein.

Speaking of that, the Allied army overwhelms the enemy in the hex NE of Moulmein. Now they pause to recover from disruption/fatigue before making the jump over the river.

Enemy pockets of resistance at Bassein and Taung Gyi are being reduced methodically. The defenders at both locations still show a lot of fight, so it could be another month before these are neutralized.

In China, troops are in a defensive posture, hopefully allowing the supply situation to improve enough to allow a small scale offensive.

IJN Watch:
- 3 BB/2CV (58F/96B) spotted at Truk (7/12) however recon fails to locate them the rest of the week…so this could be a false ID.

Notable Base Captures:
-Talasea [New Britain] captured by the Allies (7/10)

Campaign Overview:
Aircraft Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 5,334 [+79]
Biggest Losses (#): Hurricane IIc (395), SBD-3 Dauntless (351), F4F-4 Wildcat (323)

Japanese: 14,816 [+336]
Biggest Losses (#): G4M1 Betty (3,509), Ki-48 Lily (1,765), Ki-27b Nate (1,350)

Ship Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 548 [+2]
Notables: CV Enterprise, CV Victorious, CVE Copahee, CVE Nassau, CVE Corregidor, CA Astoria, CA Portland, CA Adelaide, CL Durban, CL Sumatra, CL Java

Japanese: 1,155 [+6]
Notables: CV Soryu, CVL Shoho, CVL Zuiho, CVE Taiyo, CVE Hosho, BB Kongo, BB Fuso, BB Mutsu, CA Mogami, CA Mikuma, CA Suzya, CA Adoba.

Army Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 10,247 [+23]
Japanese: 7,335 [+107]
A/J Ratio: 1.40 to 1

VP Totals [change]:
Allies: 46,336 [+502]
Japanese: 28,931 [+47]
A/J Ratio: 1.60 to 1

Operation Forbearance:
Phase 1A: [May 1943 to August 1943]
-Establish naval blockade of Truk using DD’s and submarines. - IN PROCESS [subs in place, DD waiting for AF to be knocked out]
-Knock out Truk airfield - IN PROCESS [4EBs prepping at Manus and Mussau]

Phase 1B: [May 1943 to July 1943]
-Assault & capture Kusaie – COMPLETE.
-Assault & capture Ponape – COMPLETE.
-Assault & capture Eniwetok. – IN PROGRESS [Troops en route]

Phase 1C: [May 1943 to August 1943]
-Assault & capture Woleai [Recon sights 1 unit/4.7K troops/23 guns].
-Assault & capture Ulithi.
-Assault & capture Yap.
-Assault & capture Babeldaoab.

Other Notes:
-Allied subs are plentiful and are prowling the sea lanes south of the Home islands, taking advantage of the new forward bases. All 6 Japanese ship losses this week are AK’s lost to sub attacks.

Attachment (1)

_____________________________

You say we're surrounded?
Excellent!
That means we can attack in any direction.

(in reply to Schlussel)

Post #: 398

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 5/22/2017 3:16:37 PM

Taxcutter

Posts: 389
Joined: 4/4/2016
Status: offline

Nabbing Eniwetok and by-passing Kwaj and Ponape?

Beaucoup guts, but if you can get a decent base built up Kwaj become untenable.

I can't imagine you getting too much of a baser on Satawal but getting eyes on Truk and Woleai is worth a shot.

Has Rabaul been worth the bloodbath?

(in reply to Schlussel)

Post #: 399

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 5/22/2017 6:32:09 PM

BBfanboy

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

quote:

ORIGINAL: Taxcutter

Nabbing Eniwetok and by-passing Kwaj and Ponape?

Beaucoup guts, but if you can get a decent base built up Kwaj become untenable.

I can't imagine you getting too much of a baser on Satawal but getting eyes on Truk and Woleai is worth a shot.

Has Rabaul been worth the bloodbath?

He has Ponape - 10 hexes from Truk. Good range for MBs.
Satawal is 8 From Truk, Potential 0f 3/3 or 4/4. Good for fighter Sweeps & Escort.
HB Range from Truk - Kavieng, Mussau Is., Guam, Woleai and more.

_____________________________

No matter how bad a situation is, you can always make it worse. - Chris Hadfield : An Astronaut's Guide To Life On Earth

(in reply to Taxcutter)

Post #: 400

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 5/27/2017 5:48:49 AM

Schlussel

Posts: 384
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Sacramento, California
Status: offline

Correct, I'm hoping my assault on Eniwetok will effectively isolate Kwajalein. Plus Eniwetok has a relatively nice port facility that I can make good use of.

As for Rabaul's worth, initially the jury was out but now I am much more content with my decision to assault the Japanese stronghold. While Manus has the same AF/Port size capability, it has taken awhile to develop (Manus has still yet to max out on port size). Compare that to when I captured Rabaul it was already at Max port and AF and only took a week for engineers to repair the damage the aerial bombing caused. Rabaul itself was a nice VP haul, but even more so when you add in the points the Allies received for ground troops that Japan lost. Add in the experience gained by my ground and air forces in the campaign and I think I can confidently say it was worth the struggle.

_____________________________

You say we're surrounded?
Excellent!
That means we can attack in any direction.

(in reply to BBfanboy)

Post #: 401

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 6/4/2017 6:33:57 AM

Schlussel

Posts: 384
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Sacramento, California
Status: offline

Week 84: July 14th – July 20th 1943
North Pacific:
Base building continues at Amchitka, Umnak and Attu. No IJN activity.

Central Pacific:
Satawal is un-garrisoned as expected and falls quickly. 3 PBY squadrons are brought in immediately and begin to reconnoiter Truk and targets to the northeast (Wolei & Ulithi). Engineers begin work on a small airfield for CAP purposes.

The Eniwetok landings go somewhat smoothly and the auto shock attack captures the base (garrison was a glorified base force). I say ‘somewhat’ because a lone IJN sub sank 3 LSTs full of supply on the day of the invasion. The loss left me needing supply and further complicated the over stacking problem I had on the atoll. The temporary solution was to load up most of the assault troops and ship them back to Rabaul for their next assignment. This lightened the supply demand until more can be brought in.

The Japanese response to both Allied assaults was pretty strong. 40+ Bomber raids targeted amphib ships at both islands. CAP from escorting carriers did their job, with only one strike getting through…hitting an AKL which has yet to sink.

Southern Pacific:
Region is quiet this week, as PBYs fail to find any enemy shipping in the area. And from my perspective this is actually a good thing.

New Guinea/Solomons:
A rare un-eventful week in this area, which has been a hub of activity ever since the Japanese invaded in early ’41. Important yet un-exciting logistical operations are progressing, as this region will serve as the launching point for amphibious assaults for the foreseeable future.

DEI/Philippines:
In the Philippines, all my base are belong to Japan.

In the DEI, no Japanese activity.

Allied troops begin preparing for the next big OP, slated to being in this region in late ’43.

SE Asia/China:
I make a bit of a goof (forgot to use the ‘follow’ command) and half of my advancing army crosses the river into Moulmein and auto shock attacks, while the rest is still on the north side of the river (only 1 mile away from crossing…damnitt!). Even though I had the raw AV edge, the Japanese were behind level 3 forts and inflicted a decisive defeat, inflicting over 5,000 casualties (including 145 destroyed/198 disabled squads). I quickly order the troops still on the north side of the river to halt to avoid another auto shock attack the following day. The plan now is to wait till the Allied troops in Moulmein recover from their fatigue/disruption before trying to force the river with reinforcements.

Enemy pockets of resistance at Bassein and Taung Gyi are being reduced methodically. Bassein falls at the end of the week, while the enemy hold out at Taung Gyi…although their forts are down to 0, so their end is near.

In China, troops are in a defensive posture, hopefully allowing the supply situation to improve enough to allow a small scale offensive.

IJN Watch:

- No sightings. Sub detection levels seem to indicate something in the area of the Marianas, but no concrete evidence yet.

Notable Base Captures:
-Satawal [Caroline Islands] captured by the Allies (7/14)
-Eniwetok [Marshall Islands] captured by the Allies (7/16)
-Bassein [Burma] captured by the Allies (7/20)

Campaign Overview:
Aircraft Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 5,500 [+166]
Biggest Losses (#): Hurricane IIc (426), SBD-3 Dauntless (351), P-40K Warhawk (350)

Japanese: 15,161 [+345]
Biggest Losses (#): G4M1 Betty (3,615), Ki-48 Lily (1,240), Ki-27b Nate (1,193)

Ship Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 551 [+3]
Notables: CV Enterprise, CV Victorious, CVE Copahee, CVE Nassau, CVE Corregidor, CA Astoria, CA Portland, CA Adelaide, CL Durban, CL Sumatra, CL Java

Japanese: 1,165 [+10]
Notables: CV Soryu, CVL Shoho, CVL Zuiho, CVE Taiyo, CVE Hosho, BB Kongo, BB Fuso, BB Mutsu, CA Mogami, CA Mikuma, CA Suzya, CA Adoba.

Army Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 10,410 [+163]
Japanese: 7,440 [+105]
A/J Ratio: 1.40 to 1

VP Totals [change]:
Allies: 46,895 [+559]
Japanese: 29,423 [+492]
A/J Ratio: 1.59 to 1

Operation Forbearance:
Phase 1A: [May 1943 to August 1943]
-Establish naval blockade of Truk using DD’s and submarines. - IN PROCESS [subs in place, DD waiting for AF to be knocked out]
-Knock out Truk airfield - IN PROCESS [4EBs prepping at Manus and Mussau]

Phase 1B: [May 1943 to July 1943]
-Assault & capture Kusaie – COMPLETE.
-Assault & capture Ponape – COMPLETE.
-Assault & capture Eniwetok. – COMPLETE.

Phase 1C: [May 1943 to August 1943]
-Assault & capture Woleai [Recon sights 1 unit/4.1K troops/24 guns].
-Assault & capture Ulithi [Recon sights 2 units/9.3K troops/62 guns].
-Assault & capture Yap [Recon sights 1 units/5.3K troops/12 guns].
-Assault & capture Babeldaoab.

Other Notes:
-The Allied momentum hit a bit of a speedbump in Burma this week, but the advance continues on all other fronts.

_____________________________

You say we're surrounded?
Excellent!
That means we can attack in any direction.

(in reply to Schlussel)

Post #: 402

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 6/6/2017 5:38:36 PM

Macclan5

Posts: 1065
Joined: 3/24/2016
From: Toronto Canada
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Schlussel

Phase 1C: [May 1943 to August 1943]
-Assault & capture Woleai [Recon sights 1 unit/4.1K troops/24 guns].
-Assault & capture Ulithi [Recon sights 2 units/9.3K troops/62 guns].
-Assault & capture Yap [Recon sights 1 units/5.3K troops/12 guns].
-Assault & capture Babeldaoab.

Nicely done and another fine update.

My thanks.

I hope that other newbie players do take advantage of reading this AAR. It is full of wonderful information about the logistics to support attack / counter attack / invasions.

The other most famous newbie tutorial is a great read - but you offer a lot of insight into logistics, and build up plans; where this other AI is more focused on moves / defense given its end date.; Logistics build up plans is the part of the game a new player needs to master.

--

Question:

Do you find that spotting / recon tends to consistently underestimate total opposition troop strength...

I might even estimate by as much as 20% (?)

Fog of war is a key design and welcome as a feature...

..but when planning your objectives to you 'gross up' your need strength.. or do you have a formula of what you land with.

Frankly I tend to use a bit of both... a formula 'adjusted' to account for 25% more than spotted.

< Message edited by Macclan5 -- 6/6/2017 5:40:16 PM >

_____________________________

A People that values its privileges above it's principles will soon loose both. Dwight D Eisenhower.

(in reply to Schlussel)

Post #: 403

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 6/7/2017 12:58:18 AM

Dirtnap86

Posts: 95
Joined: 10/3/2016
Status: offline

Re: The Burma Road and supply

I think the prevailing idea for getting supply into China is to put HQ units on the 'trail' in Northern Burma into China to pull supply out of Rangoon and up to them where it then flows into China. Also, there should be an indicator in Rangoon's detailed base view that says if the Road is open.

(in reply to Macclan5)

Post #: 404

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 6/11/2017 6:42:31 AM

Schlussel

Posts: 384
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Sacramento, California
Status: offline

Thanks MacClan!

I'd love to take the credit, but this AAR has been a community effort. All my insights are made as a simple newbie who's attempting to tackle the grand campaign. I try to lay out my thoughts/ideas because I find I can organize them better when I have to write them out...also because I really enjoy the feedback from you and the other fourumites.

As for spotting, yes I agree that it tends to underestimate enemy strength..and your 20% number may be a pretty good guesstimate. To reduce the fog of war, I have found that keeping a dedicated recon unit (or two) on a base hex for at least a week is very helpful. Even bombers on ground/airfield attack seem to help detection...and as we know, raising detection levels does wonders for spotting accuracy.
I don't have an exact formula per se; however I like to use a 3:1:1 ratio for Infantry:Armor:Artillery when performing an amphibious assault against a garrison of less that 10K troops. For each 10K increase in garrison, I add another 3:1:1. If I suspect sizable forts, I will also add a combat engineer unit to help with this. I have toyed with including a base force in the initial assault, but I am pretty limited on ship space currently, so I try to maximize AV on the initial wave, and include the base forces/Seabees in the follow on waves.

Dirtnap86-
Thanks for the tips, I've also found that Tsuyung also has a "Burma Road Status" on its base info screen. Not sure how this is tied to the Rangoon status, but currently both of them say the Burma Road is open. As of right now, it seems like supply is flowing into China. Chunking now has a 5K surplus over its normal level of 3x required supply.

_____________________________

You say we're surrounded?
Excellent!
That means we can attack in any direction.

(in reply to Macclan5)

Post #: 405

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 6/12/2017 2:57:06 PM

Macclan5

Posts: 1065
Joined: 3/24/2016
From: Toronto Canada
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Schlussel

Dirtnap86-
Thanks for the tips, I've also found that Tsuyung also has a "Burma Road Status" on its base info screen. Not sure how this is tied to the Rangoon status, but currently both of them say the Burma Road is open. As of right now, it seems like supply is flowing into China. Chunking now has a 5K surplus over its normal level of 3x required supply.

Burma Road.

Further use some toggles east of Chunking..ask for higher draw in Siyang for example if you hold it.

--

However as I opined: I think its a case of 'great expectations'.

Most / many Allied 'Rookies in particular' celebrate the opening of the Burma Trail expecting it to transform the war.

Especially as you strive to open it much earlier than it did in history i.e. 1943 or 44 instead of 45.

We plug a million odd supplies into Rangoon in follow up. CAP protected... organized like a fine tuned instrument.

...and then nothing

It doesn't seem to migrate 'fast enough'.

Alfred's supply and resource guide is very useful here... linked in the War room forums.

Once you understand the 'pace' based on road type you become better equipped to set realistic expectations.

_____________________________

A People that values its privileges above it's principles will soon loose both. Dwight D Eisenhower.

(in reply to Schlussel)

Post #: 406

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 6/12/2017 5:04:14 PM

BBfanboy

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

quote:

ORIGINAL: Macclan5

quote:

ORIGINAL: Schlussel

Dirtnap86-
Thanks for the tips, I've also found that Tsuyung also has a "Burma Road Status" on its base info screen. Not sure how this is tied to the Rangoon status, but currently both of them say the Burma Road is open. As of right now, it seems like supply is flowing into China. Chunking now has a 5K surplus over its normal level of 3x required supply.

Burma Road.

Further use some toggles east of Chunking..ask for higher draw in Siyang for example if you hold it.

--

However as I opined: I think its a case of 'great expectations'.

Most / many Allied 'Rookies in particular' celebrate the opening of the Burma Trail expecting it to transform the war.

Especially as you strive to open it much earlier than it did in history i.e. 1943 or 44 instead of 45.

We plug a million odd supplies into Rangoon in follow up. CAP protected... organized like a fine tuned instrument.

...and then nothing

It doesn't seem to migrate 'fast enough'.

Alfred's supply and resource guide is very useful here... linked in the War room forums.

Once you understand the 'pace' based on road type you become better equipped to set realistic expectations.

You can accelerate the supply movement pace by building the enroute bases to the max. Both in Burma and China.

_____________________________

No matter how bad a situation is, you can always make it worse. - Chris Hadfield : An Astronaut's Guide To Life On Earth

(in reply to Macclan5)

Post #: 407

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 6/12/2017 5:58:16 PM

jwolf

Posts: 2493
Joined: 12/3/2013
Status: offline

Schlussel, I wonder if you could comment on your strategy in the Marshalls. It seems like you've done pretty well there. In my game it's late Sept 43 and I still don't have a foothold in the Marshalls, although Wotje is -- I think -- finally close to falling. Tabituea was never taken by the Japanese, so I built that up, and Tarawa wasn't difficult to take. But everything north of there is away from fighter cover, except for carriers. Bombardments are effective, but slow, and every rock is a level 6 fort that requires a full division at least. It's been very frustrating. I'd like to hear the key to your success!

(in reply to BBfanboy)

Post #: 408

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 6/16/2017 11:15:07 PM

Schlussel

Posts: 384
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Sacramento, California
Status: offline

Agreed MacClan, I must remember to keep my supply expectations in check (re, the Burma road opening). Although I'm itching to get the Chinese into the fight (to open the proverbial 2nd front), they'll hold off for awhile, I'm sure.

I'll focus on building those bases, thanks for the pro tip BBFanboy.

As for the Marshalls/Gilberts jwolf, my strategy has been to outflank the Japanese strong-points (Tarawa/Kwajalein), and starve out those enemy troop concentrations. Initially I occupied Tabiteuea as you did, and played defense. I looked at attacking the enemy head-on, but was discouraged by the enemies multiple interlocking airfields. My success in the Solomon Islands opened up the option of cutting off the Marshalls/Gilberts, and I think I have finally accomplished that by taking Nauru, Kusaie,Ponape, and ultimately Einewetok. Tarawa/Kwajalein will probably be invaded in late '43 if the situation presents itself (to simplify my supply LOC), but for now I am focused on starving them out, which will make the eventual assaults much easier. I don't care how many forts the enemy has, if you don't have bullets and food, you aren't gonna last long.

_____________________________

You say we're surrounded?
Excellent!
That means we can attack in any direction.

(in reply to jwolf)

Post #: 409

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 6/24/2017 12:03:05 AM

Schlussel

Posts: 384
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Sacramento, California
Status: offline

Week 85: July 21st – July 27th 1943
North Pacific:
Base building continues at Amchitka, Umnak and Attu. No IJN activity.

Central Pacific:
Gains at Satawal and Eniwetok are secured. CAP at Eniwetok fends off a few more (albeit smaller) IJAF raids. Japan also raids defenseless Satawal, and soes a fair bit of damage to the base force. I manage to route a carrier TF back to Satawal and catch the Japanese bombers without escorts. Results in 23 Bettys downed in one afternoon…jolly good show!

Southern Pacific:
Region is starting to become a backwater area of operations. Lots of shipping moving in and out, but no combat to speak of. As stated previously, I welcome this with open arms.

New Guinea/Solomons:
Important yet un-exciting logistical operations are progressing. Isolation of the Japanese position on the north coast of New Guinea is going swimmingly. 6 AKs were sent to the bottom this week attempting to reach the Japanese bases in the vicinity of Wewak.

In other developments, I have 12 squadrons of Liberators positioned at Mussau and Manus poised to begin pounding the Truk airfield. Operations will begin tomorrow with a combination of day and night raids.

DEI/Philippines:
In the Philippines, all my base are belong to Japan.

In the DEI, no Japanese activity.

SE Asia/China:
Allied force trapped on the Moulmein side of the river survive two Japanese shock attacks and hold their position. Reinforcements are on the way (with the correct follow command this time) and should force the river early next week.

Enemy resistance at Taung Gyi finally succumbs to the grinding allied assaults. The Japanese moved SW along the road with the Allies in hot pursuit.

In China, troops are in a defensive posture, hopefully allowing the supply situation to improve enough to allow a small scale offensive.

IJN Watch:
- No sightings this week.

Notable Base Captures:
-Taung Gyi [Burma] captured by the Allies (7/26)

Campaign Overview:
Aircraft Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 5,542 [+42]
Biggest Losses (#): Hurricane IIc (429), SBD-3 Dauntless (351), P-40K Warhawk (350)

Japanese: 15,321 [+160]
Biggest Losses (#): G4M1 Betty (4,475), Ki-48 Lily (1,707), Ki-27b Nate (1,375)

Ship Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 556 [+5]
Notables: CV Enterprise, CV Victorious, CVE Copahee, CVE Nassau, CVE Corregidor, CA Astoria, CA Portland, CA Adelaide, CL Durban, CL Sumatra, CL Java

Japanese: 1,173 [+8]
Notables: CV Soryu, CVL Shoho, CVL Zuiho, CVE Taiyo, CVE Hosho, BB Kongo, BB Fuso, BB Mutsu, CA Mogami, CA Mikuma, CA Suzya, CA Adoba.

Army Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 10,425 [+15]
Japanese: 7,555 [+115]
A/J Ratio: 1.38 to 1

VP Totals [change]:
Allies: 47,245 [+350]
Japanese: 29,577 [+154]
A/J Ratio: 1.60 to 1

Operation Forbearance:
Phase 1A: [May 1943 to August 1943]
-Establish naval blockade of Truk using DD’s and submarines. - IN PROCESS [subs in place, DD waiting for AF to be knocked out]
-Knock out Truk airfield - IN PROCESS [4EBs prepping at Manus and Mussau]

Phase 1B: [May 1943 to July 1943]
-Assault & capture Kusaie – COMPLETE.
-Assault & capture Ponape – COMPLETE.
-Assault & capture Eniwetok. – COMPLETE.

Phase 1C: [May 1943 to August 1943]
-Assault & capture Woleai [Recon sights 1 unit/4.5K troops/31 guns].
-Assault & capture Ulithi [Recon sights 2 units/6.8K troops/48 guns].
-Assault & capture Yap [Recon sights 2 units/1.5K troops/31 guns].
-Assault & capture Babeldaoab [Recon sights 5 units/9.3K troops/46 guns/34F/26B/18AUX].

Other Notes:
-Allies back on track this week. The once tenuous Allied position outside Moulmein is now self-sufficient. Offensive may resume once reinforcements arrive early next week.

_____________________________

You say we're surrounded?
Excellent!
That means we can attack in any direction.

(in reply to Schlussel)

Post #: 410

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 6/27/2017 1:13:54 PM

Macclan5

Posts: 1065
Joined: 3/24/2016
From: Toronto Canada
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Schlussel

New Guinea/Solomons:
Important yet un-exciting logistical operations are progressing. Isolation of the Japanese position on the north coast of New Guinea is going swimmingly. 6 AKs were sent to the bottom this week attempting to reach the Japanese bases in the vicinity of Wewak.

In other developments, I have 12 squadrons of Liberators positioned at Mussau and Manus poised to begin pounding the Truk airfield. Operations will begin tomorrow with a combination of day and night raids.

...

Operation Forbearance:
Phase 1A: [May 1943 to August 1943]
-Establish naval blockade of Truk using DD’s and submarines. - IN PROCESS [subs in place, DD waiting for AF to be knocked out]
-Knock out Truk airfield - IN PROCESS [4EBs prepping at Manus and Mussau]

Nicely done and again a nice update for newbies following a long.

Long term strategic plans laid out carefully... though overall you must be approx 15 months 'ahead of history'.

Curious:

Neutralization of Truk ? Invasion of Truk ?

Are you contemplating isolation or outright annexation? Play it by gut instinct ?

This is - I think - a constant debate with newer players. You did take Rabul for example (as did I in my first GC). Often new players question "should I invade X" on the main forums or "help invading Y" in a similar vein.

However with Truk there can be a significant cost (troops, time invested, cost verses gain) , especially for the poorly prepared and under-planned.

Truk is an incredibly useful base given its central location.

However playing against the AI on "normal or hard (or some combination)" - the AI is extremely fortified and prepared based on my limited experience. Against a human opponent I can only imagine.

This is one of those decisions that make me love this game because you are actually forced to contemplate some of the very hard decisions Nimitz, MacAurthur, et al actually had to face in real life albeit with the benefit of perfect 20/20 historical vision.

_____________________________

A People that values its privileges above it's principles will soon loose both. Dwight D Eisenhower.

(in reply to Schlussel)

Post #: 411

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 6/30/2017 8:07:27 PM

Schlussel

Posts: 384
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Sacramento, California
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Macclan5

Neutralization of Truk ? Invasion of Truk ?

Are you contemplating isolation or outright annexation? Play it by gut instinct ?

Good questions as always MacClan5, this was a tough decision, here were my thoughts regarding an invasion of Truk [in my game]:

Proximity to bases:
-Currently only B-24's and B-17's can reach Truk without using extended ranges...and the Flying Forts are no longer in production, so I have to be careful with their use going forward. In the Rabaul campaign, 2EBs were able to pick up the slack when the 4EBs got fatigued, and this will not be possible in a Truck campaign. The constant bombing of Rabaul allowed the Allies to keep the enemy suppressed while resting the ground troops between deliberate attacks. Looking back, I feel this was crucial to my success.

+Ponape is Allied, and within 2EB range of Truk. The AF there is level 3 and can be built up to level 6 to support an air campaign. Time is an issue here though.

-My attempts to shut off sea supply to Truk using patrolling surface forces (DD groups) has been met by violent enemy air raids from Enemy airfields in the Marianas. I've already lost 2 DDs and the rest have skedaddled out of enemy air range. I could bring in a CV TF, but currently their services are needed elsewhere (and KB is still out there)...plus I don't have enough yet to rotate them out and keep up a continuous blockade. That leaves only the silent service...and while subs have done a nice job sinking merchant traffic thus far, I feel it won't be enough for an effective protracted blockade effort.

-Defenses:
-Rabaul had Level 8 forts when I attacked...Truk will have at least that, plus some deadly Costal Guns (a reacting surface force found that out the hard way)...and the terrain is Jungle+Rough...not a good combo. All of this will most likely result in high amphibious casualties and a protracted land campaign. Truk's usability may be severely diminished by the time it is captured and operational, .
+Rabaul had close to 90K troops, Truk only has about 35K...not sure of the front line/support troop ratio though.

-Capacity:
+Truk is a 7(4) Port and a 5(2) Airfield in a very good location. Facilities are fully expanded and getting the base operational would only involve repairing any damage done by the allied bombing campaign (This took 1 week when capturing Rabaul).

-In the vicinity I already have two level 7 ports [Rabaul and Manus], and Truks level 5 AF might be a little small to support a large bombing campaign against the Marianas. If I can take Yap, it has a larger AF size potential (6), and is closer to the Marianas by about 2 hexes.

Other:
-I am currently playing on the HARD difficulty level, which gives enemy bases some "free" supply to assist the AI, this reduces the effect of a blockade.
-Staking limit is 60K at Truk, so supply will be a bigger issue than at Rabaul.
+Truk is a middle-to-high value base. Taking the base would be a 100+ point swing in the Allies favor.
+Being an island, Truk's defenders will have nowhere to go once defeated.

After careful consideration, my plan is to neutralize and bypass Truk. While it would be great to have, I think the opportunity cost outweighs the benefits. I can always invade in '44 when the defenders there have been isolated & starving for 6 months.

_____________________________

You say we're surrounded?
Excellent!
That means we can attack in any direction.

(in reply to Macclan5)

Post #: 412

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 7/3/2017 7:09:14 AM

Schlussel

Posts: 384
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Sacramento, California
Status: offline

Situation Report – August 1st 1943

Central/North Pacific:
Capital Ships: 1-BB (@Pearl Harbor)
Fuel Reserves: 2,636K @ Pearl Harbor
Near-Term Plans: Continue developing bases in Aleutians. Capture bases in the Truk vicinity to isolate it and provide bases to launch Marianas invasion.
Long Term Plans: Marianas invasion. Operation to secure critical bases in Marshalls/Gilberts.

SW Pacific [Formerly New Guinea/Solomons]:

Capital Ships: 6-CV, 6-CVE, 2-CVL, 13-BB
Fuel Reserves:
1,530K @ Noumea
330K @ Milne Bay
194K @ Shortlands
97K @ Rabaul
Near-Term Plans: Update theatre name to more accurately define location of future operations…COMPLETE. Advance up the New Guinea coast and prepare for strikes that will cut the oil lifeline to the Japanese empire.
Long Term Plans: Develop bases to be used as launch points for two axis advance towards DEI/Philippines.

SE Asia/China

Capital Ships: 4-BB (@Colombo)
Fuel Reserves: 1,601K @ Colombo
1,413K @ Rangoon
Near-Term Plans: Capture Moulmein. Allied army will then split up…group one will head down the Malaya peninsula, group two will advance into Thailand to link up with the Chinese.
Long Term Plans: Threaten Singapore from the north.

Base Supply/Construction Status:

Akyab: Port Size: 4.00 (MAX)
Airfield Size: 8.61 (+0.11)
Supplies: 171K (100+ Weeks of normal operations)

Attu:
Port Size: 3.50 (+0.21)
Airfield Size: 3.68 (+0.21)
Supplies: 2K (20 Weeks of normal operations)

Eniwetok:
Port Size: 4.17
Airfield Size: 1.03
Supplies: 28K (25+ Weeks of normal operations)

Hollandia:
Port Size: 6.00 (MAX)
Airfield Size: 8.00 (MAX)
Supplies: 16K (8 Weeks of normal operations)

Milne Bay: Port Size: 6.00 (MAX)
Airfield Size: 7.32 (+0.24)
Supplies: 149K (100+ Weeks of normal operations)

Manus:
Port Size: 7.00 (+0.64)
Airfield Size: 7.98 (+1.06)
Supplies: 66K (20+ Weeks of normal operations)

Mussau:
Port Size: 4.00 (MAX)
Airfield Size: 7.29 (+0.62)
Supplies: 19K (2 Weeks of normal operations)

Pago-Pago: Port Size: 3.90 (+0.12)
Airfield Size: 6.33 (+0.08)
Supplies: 48K (20+ Weeks of normal operations)

Ramree Island:
Port Size: 2.75 (+0.40)
Airfield Size: 5.73 (+0.46)
Supplies: 17K (5 Weeks of normal operations)

Rabaul:
Port Size: 7.00 (MAX)
Airfield Size: 9.00 (MAX)
Supplies: 167K (6 Weeks of normal operations)

Rangoon:
Port Size: 9.00 (MAX)
Airfield Size: 9.00 (MAX)
Supplies: 373K (30+ Weeks of normal operations)

Umnak:
Port Size: 3.00 (MAX)
Airfield Size: 8.00 (MAX)
Supplies: 7K (30+ Weeks of normal operations)

New Theater Map:

_____________________________

You say we're surrounded?
Excellent!
That means we can attack in any direction.

(in reply to Schlussel)

Post #: 413

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 7/10/2017 3:06:58 PM

Taxcutter

Posts: 389
Joined: 4/4/2016
Status: offline

Good stuff.

Got me thinking. I should have Rabaul bypassed (I ain't gonna invade against 91,000 spotted troops) and Manus. NE New guinea under control I may change my strt a bit and use the now-open torres strit to get into his oil fields ASAP. Truk is too well garrisoned and Ironman fortifies every latrine like the Maginot Line. But if I can nab Celebes and cut his oil routes he'll have to come out and fight with KB..

(in reply to Schlussel)

Post #: 414

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 7/12/2017 5:34:19 AM

Schlussel

Posts: 384
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Sacramento, California
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Taxcutter

Good stuff.

Got me thinking. I should have Rabaul bypassed (I ain't gonna invade against 91,000 spotted troops) and Manus. NE New guinea under control I may change my strt a bit and use the now-open torres strit to get into his oil fields ASAP. Truk is too well garrisoned and Ironman fortifies every latrine like the Maginot Line. But if I can nab Celebes and cut his oil routes he'll have to come out and fight with KB..

I like the cut of you jib taxcutter, 90K+ troops are best bypassed. The only thing I would recommend is grabbing Manus...if it can be done on the cheap. Between the enhanced ship repair abilities, and being able to restock BB main gun ammo (with a little NAV support), I have found that having a size 7 port in a forward area quite a lifesaver.
As for drawing out KB, I have no advice for you there, as I have not had any luck at all. The stock AI is playing KB close to the vest (it was @ Hollandia, but it bugged out once I got within 4EB range. Maybe the Ironman AI is a little more aggressive and your plan will draw it out. I wish you luck.

_____________________________

You say we're surrounded?
Excellent!
That means we can attack in any direction.

(in reply to Taxcutter)

Post #: 415

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 7/15/2017 7:34:28 AM

Schlussel

Posts: 384
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Sacramento, California
Status: offline

Week 86: July 28th – August 3rd 1943

North Pacific:
Base building continues at Amchitka, Umnak and Attu. No IJN activity.

Central Pacific:
CV task force stays near Satawal and fends off a few more IJAF raids. Engineers are busy building up the airfield to level 1 (it is currently at 33%) so it Satawal can defend itself.

Southern Pacific:
Logistical operations aplenty, no IJN activity noted.

South-West Pacific:
Supply being moved to Hollandia and the big Allied bases in the New Britain area (Rabaul Manus, Mussau) to support future operations.

Truk bombing campaign gets off to a slow start, as weather grounds the Allied 4EB’s the first half of the week. Currently we have 1 squadron flying night runs while 4 fly in the daylight hours, all targeting the airfield. The last day of the week, I switch one of the daytime raids to a port raid…and I sink 3 subs outright. Reported damage to Truk at the end of the week is 25% Airfield and 4% port. 3 more liberator squadrons are transferring into Manus tomorrow and will all target the port, as Intel reports there are 9 more sitting ducks…err subs, at anchor.

DEI/Philippines:
In the Philippines, all my base are belong to Japan.

In the DEI, a small Japanese DD force attacks a lone Allied MTB boat at Brunei. After a protracted battle, the Japanese finally hit and sank the MTB with their deck guns. Not sure if the Japanese will try an amphibious landing, only time will tell.

SE Asia/China:
Allied reinforce their position on the Moulmein side of the river and try a deliberate assault. The result is 1:1 and it drops the forts down from 3 to 2. Each side has about 200 squads knocked out of action, but the Japanese have a much higher percentage of those squads destroyed (not to mention they lost over 120 vehicles). The Allies bombard the rest of the week and will renew the assault tomorrow.

Pursuing forces catch the retreating enemy troops southwest of Taung Gyi and launch a few deliberate attacks that disable most of the Japanese fighting strength. The enemy loses approx. 140 infantry squads this week and AV is next to nil. A shock attack is on tap for tomorrow.

In China, troops are in a defensive posture, hopefully allowing the supply situation to improve enough to allow a small scale offensive.

IJN Watch:
-12 Subs spotted at Truk
-No capital ship sightings this week.

Notable Base Captures:
-None

Campaign Overview:
Aircraft Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 5,625 [+83]
Biggest Losses (#): Hurricane IIc (447), P-40K Warhawk (365), SBD-3 Dauntless (351)

Japanese: 15,574 [+253]
Biggest Losses (#): G4M1 Betty (2,338), Ki-48 Lily (1,662), Ki-27b Nate (1,427)

Ship Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 558 [+2]
Notables: CV Enterprise, CV Victorious, CVE Copahee, CVE Nassau, CVE Corregidor, CA Astoria, CA Portland, CA Adelaide, CL Durban, CL Sumatra, CL Java

Japanese: 1,177 [+4]
Notables: CV Soryu, CV Kaga, CV Junyo, CVL Shoho, CVL Zuiho, CVL Ryuho, CVE Taiyo, CVE Hosho, BB Kongo, BB Fuso, BB Mutsu, CA Mogami, CA Mikuma, CA Suzya, CA Adoba.

Army Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 10,443 [+18]
Japanese: 7,653 [+98]
A/J Ratio: 1.36 to 1

VP Totals [change]:
Allies: 47,639 [+394]
Japanese: 29,738 [+161]
A/J Ratio: 1.60 to 1

Operation Forbearance:
Phase 1A: [May 1943 to August 1943]
-Establish naval blockade of Truk using DD’s and submarines. - IN PROCESS [subs in place, DD waiting for AF to be knocked out]
-Knock out Truk airfield - IN PROCESS [Airfield is 25% damaged]

Phase 1B: [May 1943 to July 1943]
-Assault & capture Kusaie – COMPLETE.
-Assault & capture Ponape – COMPLETE.
-Assault & capture Eniwetok. – COMPLETE.

Phase 1C: [May 1943 to August 1943]
-Assault & capture Woleai [Recon sights 1 unit/3.7K troops/32 guns].
-Assault & capture Ulithi [Recon sights 2 units/6.8K troops/53 guns].
-Assault & capture Yap [Recon sights 2 units/2.6K troops/37 guns].
-Assault & capture Babeldaoab [Recon sights 5 units/11.8K troops/51 guns/68F/51B/23AUX].

Other Notes:
-CVs Kaga and Ryuho show up on the sunk ships list. I damaged them during the air attacks around Truk in early June ‘43. CV Junyo is also listed as sunk near Tulagi in early May ’42.
-Found out that there is a button on the CVTF main screen that allows you to see all its air squadrons. Prior to this realization, I would have to click on each carrier and open its squadrons one-by-one to give/check orders. This will be quite the time saver…and it will reduce my clicks per turn considerably. That’s what I like to call a Win-Win.

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by Schlussel -- 7/23/2017 10:06:08 AM >

_____________________________

You say we're surrounded?
Excellent!
That means we can attack in any direction.

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Post #: 416

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 7/15/2017 8:13:16 AM

BBfanboy

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

I don't use that Carrier Aircraft list so much because I usually check the CV for sorties remaining, then go through the aircraft on it.

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No matter how bad a situation is, you can always make it worse. - Chris Hadfield : An Astronaut's Guide To Life On Earth

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Post #: 417

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 7/15/2017 1:57:54 PM

Bif1961

Posts: 2014
Joined: 6/26/2008
From: Phenix City, Alabama
Status: offline

Ditto.

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Post #: 418

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 7/18/2017 5:47:10 AM

Schlussel

Posts: 384
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Sacramento, California
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

I don't use that Carrier Aircraft list so much because I usually check the CV for sorties remaining, then go through the aircraft on it.

Well shucks! Your right BBF, I guess I was hoping this screen would make things way easier. But I should know by now that taking shortcuts can result in some serious oversights (as you mentioned). I have done some heavy meditation and am now spiritually 'one' with the click-fest. All is right again with the world.

_____________________________

You say we're surrounded?
Excellent!
That means we can attack in any direction.

(in reply to BBfanboy)

Post #: 419

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 7/23/2017 10:05:39 AM

Schlussel

Posts: 384
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Sacramento, California
Status: offline

Week 87: August 4th – August 10th 1943
North Pacific:
Base building continues at Amchitka, Umnak and Attu. No IJN activity.

Central Pacific:
CV task force retired to Rabaul to prepare for the last phase of Operation Forbearance. Satawal’s AF is slowly expanding…currently 45% of the way to level 1.

Truk bombing campaign picks up steam, with more 4EB slowly being added. I currently have 5 Liberator squadrons (at Manus) targeting the port and 6 squadrons a (at Mussau) targeting the Airfield. Port attacks succeed in sinking the remaining shipping (9 Japanese subs) at the isolated Japanese base. Reported damage to Truk at the end of the week is 51% Airfield and 31% port. AF is over 50% damage, so it’s officially knocked out, but I’m keeping the pressure on to ensure Japanese engineers can’t bring it back online.

Southern Pacific:
Two IJN subs show up off the coast of Pago-Pago looking to feed on some defenseless transports. Unfortunately for them, the area is being patrolled by PBYs and an SBD squadron on ASW duty. The Allied formations both have aggressive commanders and enemy subs are attacked and reported hit multiple times…and they show up in the lost ships report. Scratch two more iron coffins.

South-West Pacific:
Shipping gathering at Rabaul, preparing for Ulithi and Woleai invasions. Troop prep is in the lower 70’s, so the operation won’t kick off for a few more weeks.

DEI/Philippines:
In the Philippines, all my base are belong to Japan.

In the DEI, no IJN activity noted.

SE Asia/China:
Allied troops renew the offensive and take Moulmein. 14K casualties (including 450 combat squads destroyed) are reported and the enemy retreats in disarray SE towards Rahaeng. 3 British tank brigades are in hot pursuit, while most of the infantry takes a few days to catch their breath. A small Allied detachment also heads down the coast towards Tavoy to scout the enemy defenses.

Enemy troops SW of Taung Gyi are attacked and pushed east off the road and into rough terrain. Allied forces in the area will seek to contain while a small Chinese force races to Chiang Mai to cut off their retreat/supply path.

Mid-week, there is a protracted air battle above Rangoon. For about three days, wave after wave of heavily escorted Japanese bombers impale themselves on the Allied CAP, consisting of 150 Hurricaines/Warhawks. The Japanese get some hits on the base, but the damage is quickly repaired. After it is all said and done, almost 300 Japanese planes (mostly bombers) are lost. The cost to the Allies is significantly lower (40-45 fighters lost), but there are lots of damaged airframes. Allied CAP drops from 100 planes to under 20 in the span of three days, so the base somewhat vulnerable in the short term.

CA Louisville and friends (DD escorts), patrol outside Moulmein and catch 6 AK’s and a few E boats evacuating troops from the base. All enemy shipping is sent to the bottom and a reported 1,500 casualties are inflicted.

In China, troops are in a defensive posture, hopefully allowing the supply situation to improve enough to allow a small scale offensive.

IJN Watch:
-9 Subs spotted at Truk
-No capital ship sightings this week.

Notable Base Captures:
- Moulmein [Burma] captured by the Allies (8/6)

Campaign Overview:
Aircraft Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 5,719 [+94]
Biggest Losses (#): Hurricane IIc (457), P-40K Warhawk (388), SBD-3 Dauntless (360)

Japanese: 15,919 [+345]
Biggest Losses (#): G4M1 Betty (4,659), Ki-48 Lily (1,673), Ki-27b Nate (1,575)

Ship Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 558 [+0]
Notables: CV Enterprise, CV Victorious, CVE Copahee, CVE Nassau, CVE Corregidor, CA Astoria, CA Portland, CA Adelaide, CL Durban, CL Sumatra, CL Java

Japanese: 1,206 [+29]
Notables: CV Soryu, CV Kaga, CV Junyo, CVL Shoho, CVL Zuiho, CVL Ryuho, CVE Taiyo, CVE Hosho, BB Kongo, BB Fuso, BB Mutsu, CA Mogami, CA Mikuma, CA Suzya, CA Adoba.

Army Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 10,457 [+14]
Japanese: 7,900 [+247]
A/J Ratio: 1.32 to 1

VP Totals [change]:
Allies: 48,467 [+828]
Japanese: 29,836 [+98]
A/J Ratio: 1.62 to 1

Operation Forbearance:
Phase 1A: [May 1943 to August 1943]
-Establish naval blockade of Truk using DD’s and submarines. - IN PROCESS [subs in place, DD’s moving into position]
-Knock out Truk airfield - COMPLETE [Airfield is 51% damaged]

Phase 1B: [May 1943 to July 1943]
-Assault & capture Kusaie – COMPLETE.
-Assault & capture Ponape – COMPLETE.
-Assault & capture Eniwetok. – COMPLETE.

Phase 1C: [May 1943 to August 1943]
-Assault & capture Woleai - IN PROCESS [Recon sights 1 unit/4.8K troops/22 guns].
-Assault & capture Ulithi - IN PROCESS [Recon sights 2 units/8.8K troops/50 guns].
-Assault & capture Yap - IN PROCESS [Recon sights 2 units/2.1K troops/40 guns].
-Assault & capture Babeldaoab - IN PROCESS [Recon sights 5 units/9.1K troops/64 guns/54F/66B/25AUX].

Other Notes:
-The sub war has become increasingly dull. Both sides are getting very few kills, and escorts and ASW patrols are becoming much more effective on both sides. I really can’t complain, but I am repositioning some of the Allied subs to see if I can mix things up.

< Message edited by Schlussel -- 7/23/2017 10:10:48 AM >

_____________________________

You say we're surrounded?
Excellent!
That means we can attack in any direction.

(in reply to Schlussel)

Post #: 420