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Rookie Problems - Operation Shoestring

 
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Rookie Problems - Operation Shoestring - 2/17/2020 2:48:40 PM   
DanielAClark

 

Posts: 131
Joined: 1/7/2020
Status: offline 		I have begun the Guadalcanal operation as the allies.

I have really no idea about how logistics is going to work here. Do the majority of supplies and fuel come from Australia, or will it come from convoys from the US?

First things up...

Set bases to build defenses and airfields...PM, Milne Bay, Efate, Lungaville.

Set air search...using the B17s as naval search as well.

Identify forces available...why is the Australian HQ for the New Guinea forces in Brisbane? Why cant i transport it to Port Moresby?

Begin setting up convoys...to PM, Milne Bay, Lungaville, Efate, Espirito Santo...not sure how much to send but we will learn.

Invasion forces have set sail. Submarines moving to positions to ambush any reinforcements of the Solomons area.

What am i going to do with all these minesweepers? Ive sent some mine layers to Efate and will decide if mining the Tulagi area is worth it based on how things go.

Currently just holding on the defensive at PM, because i do not have the troops to go over to the offensive. Will i eventually buy out the 41st infantry division? Or will that remain locked for the duration of the scenario...

Feel free to gjve advice. I really do not know what i am doing.

;)
Post #: 1
RE: Rookie Problems - Operation Shoestring - 2/17/2020 4:58:41 PM   
alimentary

 

Posts: 142
Joined: 3/22/2010
Status: offline 		No off-map supply will be forthcoming. The majority of your fuel and supply will come in at Noumea. You can see this by looking at the panel with base information for Noumea. The numbers after the slashes give daily injections of supply and fuel.

You can see that you get 1500 supply per day and 2000 fuel.

Sydney has some daily supply and fuel -- not as much as Noumea. I have not played the scenario in a long while and do not know whether Sydney's industry contributes greatly to the supply situation (while eating all of the fuel) or does nothing much.

(in reply to DanielAClark)
Post #: 2
RE: Rookie Problems - Operation Shoestring - 2/17/2020 5:07:54 PM   
SLeyers

 

Posts: 9
Joined: 4/7/2018
From: S.Carolina
Status: offline 		Some things I've been doing from a novice learning his way through.

Careful with resource management. Allied forces only get a minimal supply influx per day at both Sydney and Noumea (look at the base to see the amount of oil/supplies per turn) so too many convoys will deplete your supply bases fast. No other off map supplies will be coming in. Building up too many bases will also stretch you resources a bit so may want to focus on key strong points.

Would recommend using minesweepers as ASW patrol outside of your active ports (e.g. Noumea west towards Sydney and Noumea East toward Luganville/Lunga) where you will have a lot of traffic in transit or as cargo escort roles to Noumea and PM as they have ASW (albeit poor) capability to help chase off hostile subs.

Have used S-boat subs at Sydney to run a few mines into the slot north of Guadalcanal to slow reinforcement supply convoys into Tassaforanga then put them into patrol routes between Guadalcanal and Shortlands.

Change HQ for a base force and a Seabees to transfer to Lunga following landings using PP to repair/build-up airfield and provide air and naval support. Some forces at Luganville are prepped and have HQ ready for transport. Otherwise have to convert to be able to move them in.

Use PP sparingly as growth rate takes a while so try to stockpile for changing HQ assignments to allow for redeployment. Note that some of your land based squadron leaders in hot spots are fairly shoddy so consider some key ones that may need to be replaced.

Searching B-17s have horrible search experience so will have issues finding much. Might consider getting them repaired and staged to help defend PM as they have the range to fly from Australia where the B-26s/A-20s are short legged.

(in reply to DanielAClark)
Post #: 3
RE: Rookie Problems - Operation Shoestring - 2/18/2020 1:34:05 AM   
DanielAClark

 

Posts: 131
Joined: 1/7/2020
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: alimentary

No off-map supply will be forthcoming. The majority of your fuel and supply will come in at Noumea. You can see this by looking at the panel with base information for Noumea. The numbers after the slashes give daily injections of supply and fuel.

You can see that you get 1500 supply per day and 2000 fuel.

Sydney has some daily supply and fuel -- not as much as Noumea. I have not played the scenario in a long while and do not know whether Sydney's industry contributes greatly to the supply situation (while eating all of the fuel) or does nothing much.


Thank you!

I've adjusted the first sets of transports accordingly.

I've also moved some of the cargo ships and tankers towards Lungaville so that I can then move supplies and fuel accordingly.

Day 2:
Invasion is just about ready to land.

IJA makes bombardment attack on the Kokoda track. Counterbattery fire damages the enemy more.

Our B-17s hit the enemy on the trail...and do minimal damage.

Our PBYs out of Luganville report multiple enemy ship formations close to the islands...this seems to be evidence of how poor they are at naval search.

Will the **** hit the fan tomorrow?

(in reply to alimentary)
Post #: 4
RE: Rookie Problems - Operation Shoestring - 2/18/2020 2:30:05 AM   
RangerJoe


Posts: 13450
Joined: 11/16/2015
From: My Mother, although my Father had some small part.
Status: offline 		Well, you don't always see the damage that the bombers do since they will raise fatigue and disruption. But the B-17s might be better used against a base.

_____________________________

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”).”
― Julia Child


(in reply to DanielAClark)
Post #: 5
RE: Rookie Problems - Operation Shoestring - 2/18/2020 2:11:49 PM   
DanielAClark

 

Posts: 131
Joined: 1/7/2020
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: RangerJoe

Well, you don't always see the damage that the bombers do since they will raise fatigue and disruption. But the B-17s might be better used against a base.


Interesting...i thought i might try them against Buna tomorrow and see.

Invasions of Lunga Point and Tulagi go in. Shock attack tomorrow.

Mine layers returned to Noumea because i forgot to select remain on station...oops. rerouted north to Tulagi.

No response yet from IJN. I want to get the airfield operational so that my carriers are not so tied to one location.

Recon of Kokoda track shows i am significantly outnumbered. However, i maintain an artillery advantage for now. Will stand on defensive until pushed back to PM.

(in reply to RangerJoe)
Post #: 6
RE: Rookie Problems - Operation Shoestring - 2/18/2020 5:17:55 PM   
HansBolter


Posts: 7704
Joined: 7/6/2006
From: United States
Status: offline 		Why shock attacks?

Did the enemies bombardment of your landing reveal a sufficiently weak force to warrant a shock attack?

What are the fort levels?

_____________________________

Hans


(in reply to DanielAClark)
Post #: 7
RE: Rookie Problems - Operation Shoestring - 2/18/2020 10:58:01 PM   
DanielAClark

 

Posts: 131
Joined: 1/7/2020
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: HansBolter

Why shock attacks?

Did the enemies bombardment of your landing reveal a sufficiently weak force to warrant a shock attack?

What are the fort levels?


The bombardment was heavily in my favor...plus i have a large superiority in guns.

However, i do not actually know the fort level...will need to review the combat replay.

It may be prudent to deliberate attack...

(in reply to HansBolter)
Post #: 8
RE: Rookie Problems - Operation Shoestring - 2/20/2020 4:55:19 AM   
DanielAClark

 

Posts: 131
Joined: 1/7/2020
Status: offline 		Deliberate attacks go in at Tulagi and Lunga Point...

Lunga Point and Henderson Field fall to the marines! We fly in a squadron of fighters from Efate and land a squadron of dive bombers from Enterprise on the island. I'm not sure if I can land dive bombers back on Enterprise though...maybe that was a mistake. Will see if I can transfer planes from Noumea later to the Enterprise.

Tulagi still holds out. I will have to let the marines rest a moment before continuing the attack.

The enemy bombards us on the Kokoda track...they are building up a sizeable force and will probably eventually fight a battle there.

The B-17 raid on Buna does little. There are no enemy airplanes around so my only losses are damaged planes to flak. I rotate the squadrons a bit to let them rest. I occasionally use the P39s on ground attack whenever I feel the bomber squadrons are a bit thin.

The Savo Island area has been mined. Empty cargo ships are withdrawing to Noumea.

Two enemy task forces have been sighted...one coming down the slot, one south of Rabaul. Our carriers will cover the withdraw of the cargo ships...but I'm not really interested in a big carrier engagement. I just want to tell the IJN to back off until I can get more supplies into the area.

Cargo ships have almost arrived at Noumea and will be organized into convoys to send into the Solomons. I still haven't decided an optimum arrangement...speed vs capacity vs ASW or surface protection. My surface combat assets are THIN.

(in reply to DanielAClark)
Post #: 9
RE: Rookie Problems - Operation Shoestring - 2/20/2020 5:07:18 AM   
RangerJoe


Posts: 13450
Joined: 11/16/2015
From: My Mother, although my Father had some small part.
Status: offline 		By bombing either the airfield or the port and causing damage, it slows down the building of fortifications at that base. It can also destroy supplies and with a port strike, also fuel.

I would just keep fighters at Lunga for now.

_____________________________

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”).”
― Julia Child


(in reply to DanielAClark)
Post #: 10
RE: Rookie Problems - Operation Shoestring - 2/21/2020 4:23:05 AM   
DanielAClark

 

Posts: 131
Joined: 1/7/2020
Status: offline 		11th August, 1942

Enemy transports show up at Buna...as do about 20 Zeros. The Zeros damage a few B17s that are bombing the track...as well as engage in a dogfight with my P-39s escorting a few Beaforts on an attack run over the track.

Loss of 2 Beauforts and 4 P-39s...for damage of five Zeros. Not great. I shuffle out the Beauforts back to Australia for some Marauders. I move one of the P-39 squadrons back to Australia and replace with a fresh P39 squadron. Resupply convoys are closing in on PM and Milne Bay. So far no sign of enemy combat vessels in the area. However the Zeros are concerning. I do not have high confidence that I can do much more than distract any long range bombers he may send.

I have gotten 6th Corps headquarters loaded up on transports and they are heading to Port Moresby...where they should have been all along. Damned generals not wanting to be in the malaria zone.

The IJN shows up rather stupidly at Tulagi...the heavy cruiser Chokai and Yubari arrive with a destroyer...in daylight. Our dive bombers from the carrier fleet strike them and get a 1000 lb bomb into each. I am not sure if their plan is to add supplies (no cargo ships) or to bombard (Tulagi is still in IJN hands)...but its free damage for me.

Our forces manage to reduce the fortifications at Tulagi back to 0, but the base still holds out. 28 casualties so I am pretty sure I will eventually win this.

Cargo ships are now heading in toward Lunga with supplies. I am looking to get some transports out to Espirito Santo to move the base force over to Henderson Field. Should have planned that out earlier. Ah well. Things to learn.

(in reply to RangerJoe)
Post #: 11
RE: Rookie Problems - Operation Shoestring - 2/24/2020 3:59:41 AM   
DanielAClark

 

Posts: 131
Joined: 1/7/2020
Status: offline 		12th August, 1942

Enemy forces attack the Australians on the Kokoda trail. We give them a hell of a bloody nose.

Our bombers and fighters are jumped by about 15 Zeros coming out of Rabaul...they damage some Kittyhawks but do not affect the Marauders on their bombing run.

The B-17s keep taking damage from the AA, will ask them to fly higher.

Our transports have arrived carrying supplies at both PM and Milne Bay. No sign whatsoever from Japanese long range bombers.

Our attack on Tulagi continues to fail to dislodge the defenders. I'm not sure how long they can hold out. We will need more supply here in a few days anyway. Our cruiser forces are meeting up with the supply ships coming out of Sydney and will be covering unloading operations for the next few days.

Mikawa's cruiser force fleeing the area is caught by the combined might of most of my carrier air power. Yubari is sunk and Chokai takes numerous 1000lb bombs and is heavily aflame. Still no sign of the rest of the IJN or any long range bombers.

My transports are returning to Noumea for fuel...then will pick up the base force at Espirito Santo and will take it to Lunga. Hopefully covered by the cruisers at least. We may or may not have carrier support by then as I'm watching the aviation fuel levels on the carriers.

(in reply to DanielAClark)
Post #: 12
RE: Rookie Problems - Operation Shoestring - 2/27/2020 3:50:16 PM   
BBfanboy


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

ORIGINAL: DanielAClark

12th August, 1942

Enemy forces attack the Australians on the Kokoda trail. We give them a hell of a bloody nose.

Our bombers and fighters are jumped by about 15 Zeros coming out of Rabaul...they damage some Kittyhawks but do not affect the Marauders on their bombing run.

The B-17s keep taking damage from the AA, will ask them to fly higher.

Our transports have arrived carrying supplies at both PM and Milne Bay. No sign whatsoever from Japanese long range bombers.

Our attack on Tulagi continues to fail to dislodge the defenders. I'm not sure how long they can hold out. We will need more supply here in a few days anyway. Our cruiser forces are meeting up with the supply ships coming out of Sydney and will be covering unloading operations for the next few days.

Mikawa's cruiser force fleeing the area is caught by the combined might of most of my carrier air power. Yubari is sunk and Chokai takes numerous 1000lb bombs and is heavily aflame. Still no sign of the rest of the IJN or any long range bombers.

My transports are returning to Noumea for fuel...then will pick up the base force at Espirito Santo and will take it to Lunga. Hopefully covered by the cruisers at least. We may or may not have carrier support by then as I'm watching the aviation fuel levels on the carriers.

Good job on hitting those two cruisers. Even if Chokai does not sink she is out for the duration of the scenario. But now you have launched several full-deck airstrikes and it is time to assess your readiness to fight the IJN CVs that will be coming. Check your torpedo and sortie levels left on your carriers. Nothing wrong with heading back to Efate (if there is an AE or AKE there to load them) or Noumea to restock.

You transferred dive bombers to Henderson Field immediately, and I presume without any Air Support. The other things aircraft need are a level 2 or more airfield and supply to be able to fly (avgas) and shoot or bomb (ammo). If Lunga does not have plenty of supply or the AF is only a size 1, get your DBs out of there first before bombardments begin. Once you have clear command of the air and reasonably good command of the sea at night, you can bring back your DBs and Avengers.

You have been using your B-17s to bomb troops in the jungle. That will have some small effect but not worthy of the effort. What you really need in this scenario is knowledge of enemy ship movements- troop transports, bombardment forces, and CVs. Your PBYs cannot cover all the area you need eyes on, and they are vulnerable to enemy fighters. B-17s on Naval Search can fill some gaps - they are not well trained in that but they have range and durability against fighters. But do not search at maximum range - the search will be spotty and the ops losses high. Beyond about 12 hexes range, the wedge of the search arc gets too wide to do a thorough search anyway, so be judicious in your range settings for your aircraft.

_____________________________

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 DanielAClark)
Post #: 13
RE: Rookie Problems - Operation Shoestring - 2/27/2020 6:26:42 PM   
DanielAClark

 

Posts: 131
Joined: 1/7/2020
Status: offline 		13th August

Tukagi continues to hold out.

Chokai has disappeared, likely sunk as her DD escort is still in the area.

The DBs are all back on the CVs. I launch air strikes against Tulagi.

Supplies and fuel moving up to the Solomans. Transports have arrived back at Lunga so I can start shuttling base forces forward.

I send the Marauders after Buna port when i notice IJN ships in harbor. The zeros chew up the bombers and escorting P39s...but we hit the port hard. Hard to tell if its worth it.

All SOPAC B17s are on naval search still. SWPAC B17s are supporting PM.

RO-34 torpedoes Achilles outside of Brisbane harbor. I need better ASW everywhere. Achilles will be under repair for a month.

(in reply to BBfanboy)
Post #: 14
RE: Rookie Problems - Operation Shoestring - 2/28/2020 12:53:18 AM   
DanielAClark

 

Posts: 131
Joined: 1/7/2020
Status: offline 		15th August

One of my xAKLs unloading at Tulagi is surprised by a midget submarine and is sunk. Tulagi still holds out.

In addition, a fleet of IJN ships arrives and hangs out in the hex without being attacked by my carriers. This is fascinating because my cruiser force is covering my transports unloading at Lunga Point...and no one engages. I need to check my ships reaction settings and my captains aggressiveness.

My other xAKL unloading at Tulagi is set to flee to Lunga Point.

One of my three carriers has only 160 sorties remaining...the other two have over three hundred. In theory they should be ok to attack still.

At Port Moresby, the IJA bombards again, but the 30th Australian Brigade holds firm. My planes are back to bombing the track.

I took a look at the aircraft pools...wow. I've been burning through aircraft like I had way more than I do. I will have to be a bit more sparing in their use.

(in reply to DanielAClark)
Post #: 15
RE: Rookie Problems - Operation Shoestring - 2/28/2020 1:40:57 PM   
DanielAClark

 

Posts: 131
Joined: 1/7/2020
Status: offline 		16th August

Tulagi still holds out. Enemy surface vessels that were spotted at Tulagi last turn have disappeared. I really hope they were not supply ships. My men on Tulagi have insufficient supply to attack.

Our carriers go after a DD and E two ship squadron west of Lunga and fail to hit either. Saratoga is running low on sorties <100. Enterprise and Wasp are still good >300. I assume the CVs need to rearm at an AE or base and I can not just resupply them with an AO...right?

Lots of supply and fuel moving up to Lunga...will have it wait out of range if i have to withdraw the CVs.

The Japanese launch a deliberate attack on yhe track...and the results are indeterminate. Thats not a good sign, IMO. My plan is to continue holding the blocking position for a bit longer while fortifications at PM still build.

The Japanese send a Bettie raid against PM...our P40s and P39s take losses driving away the 5 zero cap...but once that is done, the destroy 12 of the 21 Betties. The P39 is fearsome against bombers...

(in reply to DanielAClark)
Post #: 16
RE: Rookie Problems - Operation Shoestring - 2/28/2020 2:56:27 PM   
Taxcutter

 

Posts: 389
Joined: 4/4/2016
Status: offline 		I play mostly whole-war scenarios against AI. But a couple ideas here bear repeating.

Aussie minesweeper are at their best performing local ASW patrols. They are too short-ranged for anything else.

B-17Es are at their best bombing bases, but if you are searching an area where you fear there may be a CAP, B-17s at high altitude are not all that likely to get shot down. Every Zeros are sucking air at 20,000+ feet and are slowed down enough that these fragile fighters have to take long slow passes. B-17s and B-24s have some of the best turbochargers available in 1942. Those turbos moved the whole ETO air war argument up to over 25,000 feet.

(in reply to DanielAClark)
Post #: 17
RE: Rookie Problems - Operation Shoestring - 3/15/2020 4:47:14 AM   
DanielAClark

 

Posts: 131
Joined: 1/7/2020
Status: offline 		16th August
Another poorly escorted raid on Port Moresby. A zero and three Betties shot down for the loss of one P-39. Unloading of supplies and the headquarters for the Australian Corps proceeds while the airfield is lightly bombed.

B-17s are back bombing the track. I rotated another squadron of P39s in for the squadron that was showing some wear and tear.

No fighting at Tulagi or Lunga Point. My forces on Tulagi are waiting for supplies.

The Japanese destroyer and E patrol boat are met at night by Admiral Crutchley's cruiser force and neither side does much damage to each other. In the morning, Admiral Scott and the San Juan find the enemy destroyer group and maul them. Probably sinking the E boat and heavily damaging the destroyer. It is likely that the follow up air strike from my carriers sank her. In addition, our carriers sink a destroyer to the north of the islands...seemingly operating alone.

I remember that my B17s on Noumea have enough range to hit Tulagi so I order them to do so. Hopefully once I can get supplies up than we will be ok to continue the battle.

My transports leave Espirito Santo before loading the base force for the Lunga Point airfield (forgot to click 'remain on station' until the base force was ready to load). Rookie problems...

Long Island has arrived, but no planes came with her.

(in reply to Taxcutter)
Post #: 18
RE: Rookie Problems - Operation Shoestring - 3/15/2020 5:00:43 AM   
RangerJoe


Posts: 13450
Joined: 11/16/2015
From: My Mother, although my Father had some small part.
Status: offline 		The Long Island had not assigned aircraft if I remember correctly. It was used more as an aircraft ferry which would get close enough to launch the planes which would then fly to the new airbase - or at least try to.

_____________________________

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”).”
― Julia Child


(in reply to DanielAClark)
Post #: 19
RE: Rookie Problems - Operation Shoestring - 3/15/2020 5:00:51 AM   
BBfanboy


Posts: 18046
Joined: 8/4/2010
From: Winnipeg, MB
Status: offline 		Be careful with your long range bombers. Flying them at max range is very hard on both the pilot and the aircraft. Check your aircraft fatigue levels by clicking on the "Planes" text at the bottom of the air unit screen. Once you start getting over 20, operational losses increase - especially on long flights. You do not have many long range bombers in early 1942.

_____________________________

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 DanielAClark)
Post #: 20
RE: Rookie Problems - Operation Shoestring - 3/15/2020 10:26:15 PM   
DanielAClark

 

Posts: 131
Joined: 1/7/2020
Status: offline 		17th August.
Enemy bombardment of Kokoda track. Ineffective.

Our P39s hit the track, and our B17s hit the port at Buna.

Lots of new ships arrive, mostly cruisers and destroyers.

Our carriers actually do sink the destroyer fleeing from Tulagi.

I realize i need to undock the AO and AV at Espirito Santo to load the base force into transports? Still getting a greyed out icon. I will need to get the right size transport fleet into the harbor.

This is rather difficult.

One of the carriers is withdrawing to Noumea. We stay with 2 covering the landing area. However this wont last much longer.

(in reply to BBfanboy)
Post #: 21
RE: Rookie Problems - Operation Shoestring - 3/15/2020 10:43:53 PM   
RangerJoe


Posts: 13450
Joined: 11/16/2015
From: My Mother, although my Father had some small part.
Status: offline 		Disband the AV and the AO into the port, they work better that way.

Just because you see no damage does not mean that there is no effect. Supply usage will go up because of the need to clean/replace the soiled loin cloths and other clothing. Fatigue and disruption will also increase.

_____________________________

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”).”
― Julia Child


(in reply to DanielAClark)
Post #: 22
RE: Rookie Problems - Operation Shoestring - 3/15/2020 10:52:40 PM   
BBfanboy


Posts: 18046
Joined: 8/4/2010
From: Winnipeg, MB
Status: offline 		If the AV is staying at Espiritu Santo, it should be disbanded in port rather than docked. The AO does not have to be docked to refuel other ships either. If it is still in a TF, other TFs can refuel from it using the "Refuel at Sea" option. You can also disband an AO or tanker in port and it will provide fuel via the "Refuel in port" option.

You will frequently run into situations where the port is too small to dock all the ships for the unit you want to load. The solution is to just be patient and load the unit in chunks:

1. Remove ships from the TF until the total displacement tonnage (upper right on the TF screen when you are adding or removing ships) is under the port limit (on the Base Info screen, upper center).

2. Dock the TF and set to "Do Not Unload". Do not give it a destination other than the port it is in.

3. Select "Load troops" and from the list that comes up select the unit you want. If the unit does not appear, it is not movable because it is assigned to a restricted HQ and you have to spend PP to reassign it to an unrestricted HQ. If the unit is on the list but greyed out, it is in the wrong Op Mode for the type of TF. Amphibious TFs load units in Combat Mode. Transport TFs load units in Strategic Move Mode. If you are using a Transport TF, make sure the destination port is big enough and safe enough to dock individual ships (check individual ship displacement tonnage against the largest ship limit in the receiving port). Inability to dock a transport will lead to very long unloading times.

4. Once the first TF is fully loaded, undock it and form another TF of the same type, set it to "Do not unload" and dock it. Choose the same unit again and load the next chunk. There is an option when giving the load orders to "Use Minimum Ships" that is handy here (you have to use the "Verify Load" text after you do that and it will show ships that can be removed from the TF, but if the unit has Motorized Support or Artillery it tends to underestimate how many ships are needed so keep at least one "extra ship" at this point and choose "Use all ships" to redistribute the load).

5. The TF with first chunk of the unit loaded can either wait for subsequent chunks and merge those TFs into it (transfer ships individually) or the first TF can leave immediately and the subsequent TFs can be sent when they are loaded. This spreads out the unloading at the destination port.

6. BTW, any combat ships not carrying troops can be added to a TF after it undocks rather than tie up dock space.

_____________________________

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 DanielAClark)
Post #: 23
RE: Rookie Problems - Operation Shoestring - 3/15/2020 11:41:19 PM   
DanielAClark

 

Posts: 131
Joined: 1/7/2020
Status: offline 		Thanks for the step by step instructions. Will see what i am doing wrong on this coming turn.

I think i was trying to load troops packed in strategic mode for an amphib transport. Oops.

Affirmative on the bombers. I am basically trying to hit the port at Buna because it eill slow down any supply unloading as well as eat into supply to repair damage.

I use the p39s or the B26s to hit the track.. or at least that is the current plan.

I am amused that no serious IJN opposition has emerged...part of me thinks the enemy is just waiting for my carriers to go away.

(in reply to BBfanboy)
Post #: 24
RE: Rookie Problems - Operation Shoestring - 3/16/2020 1:16:12 AM   
DanielAClark

 

Posts: 131
Joined: 1/7/2020
Status: offline 		18th August
We hit the Kokoda Track hard with the B26s AND the P39s. Our B17s hit Buna from 15000 feet and do MORE damage. Which seems counter intuitive (more damage from higher altitude)...but I think this is representing familiarity with the target now that it has been hit several times.

Setting up new sub chaser squadrons and shipping them out to various locations (Brisbane, Sydney, Noumea, Lunga, etc). Our AMs have already been hammering at a few pesky I boats that have tried to penetrate the Australian ports.

One of my destroyers hits a friendly mine outside of Tulagi. Urgh...realism.

Our B17s hit Tulagi hard again, and will need to stand down for fatigue.

However, our forces make a deliberate attack and TAKE TULAGI!

I have ordered the base force to unpack, and then will load it onto transports in 2-3 days. This whole learning experience has cost me a week...and may result in further delays as I will need to rearm the carriers before risking the transports.

Intelligence reports IJN ships sheltering in the Shortlands...waiting for their chance once the carriers are gone. So, when the carriers leave...so will EVERYTHING ELSE.

Learning note:
I have been using transport instead of amphibious task forces. For locations where I need quick resupply...I will need to use the amphibious task force. Hopefully I remember that in the future.

;)

(in reply to DanielAClark)
Post #: 25
RE: Rookie Problems - Operation Shoestring - 3/16/2020 1:44:15 AM   
RangerJoe


Posts: 13450
Joined: 11/16/2015
From: My Mother, although my Father had some small part.
Status: offline 		If you have APDs and need quick supply, use a Fast Transport to haul a few supplies.

_____________________________

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”).”
― Julia Child


(in reply to DanielAClark)
Post #: 26
RE: Rookie Problems - Operation Shoestring - 3/18/2020 6:13:48 AM   
DanielAClark

 

Posts: 131
Joined: 1/7/2020
Status: offline 		Ran two turns tonight.

Up through 20th August
Port Moresby Front
I have reorganized the B17s and concentrated them at Townsville. We hit Buna hard on the 19th...but stand down for the 20th due to fatigue.

Multiple cargo ships spotted in Buna harbor so I order the B26s to go after them. Our P39s bravely escort into the teeth of the handful of Zeros. It does not go too badly...we trade nearly 1-1. Our bombers get through and neatly hit two of the transports with four bombs. Nice work!

Guadalcanal
Two heavy cruisers, two destroyers, and an E boat surprise the San Juan and two of my destroyers. All three USN ships are sunk on the night of the 19th. All day on the 19th, my two carriers (Wasp and Enterprise) spot the enemy ships but refuse to hit them despite having ample sorties (>300) and bombs. I suspect that my strike groups are set with too high a search level (20).

This costs me as the following night the two heavy cruisers and one of the enemy destroyers returns and engages the heavy cruiser group (Australia, Canberra, Chicago, Hobart) covering my transports unloading at Lunga Point. We drive off the enemy, with light damage to the cruisers. Our transports had got underway before the attack began and cleared the area. Again, my carriers refuse to engage the enemy.

I have adjusted the search settings, and will give them one more day...and if they refuse to fly will withdraw them to Noumea to resupply and then join Saratoga which has just finished resupplying.

I begin bombing Tassafaronga with my Noumea B17s...because why not.

The base force is loaded up on amphibuous transports and is proceeding to Lunga Point...guarded by Astoria, Quincy, etc. If I have to withdraw the carriers this force will fall back.

The Japanese have begun making Betty raids on Lunga. Only 5 planes at a time, with a token zero escort. They go after destroyers during the morning attack...but during the afternoon attack they put one fish into Hobart. She will be leaving for Espirito Santo to try to get some emergency repairs complete (float 50 currently)...before then heading to Sydney.

The IJN is starting to hit back.

(in reply to RangerJoe)
Post #: 27
RE: Rookie Problems - Operation Shoestring - 3/18/2020 6:18:23 AM   
RangerJoe


Posts: 13450
Joined: 11/16/2015
From: My Mother, although my Father had some small part.
Status: offline 		Check the commanders of your air units and carriers, including the TF commander.

The San Juan, if I remember correctly, is a CLAA which is best deployed with your carriers or transports for their AA fire.

_____________________________

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”).”
― Julia Child


(in reply to DanielAClark)
Post #: 28
RE: Rookie Problems - Operation Shoestring - 3/18/2020 5:30:44 PM   
BBfanboy


Posts: 18046
Joined: 8/4/2010
From: Winnipeg, MB
Status: offline 		The IJN ships at this point have poor AA batteries and you can risk putting your carrier strikes at a lower altitude for better chance of hitting. For the DBs in clear or slightly cloudy conditions, use 10,000 feet so they will DB rather than level bomb. Dive bombing has the best chance of hitting ships. If the weather is overcast or light rain, I set my DB attacks at 3000 feet to have a better chance of hitting while staying above any 7.7mm MG fire. It's still in range of the 25 mm flak, but the bad weather influences their aim too.
My TBs are usually set to 6000 feet if they have torps and 3000 feet if they are using bombs, regardless of weather.

If there is enemy CAP, it is best to keep all your bombers at the same altitude so your escorting fighters can try and stave off the enemy's. I use 9000 altitude to stay above the 25mm flak and keep the DBs at the same level as the TBs.

BTW, since aerial torps rarely hit and often do not explode at this stage in the war, I prefer to arm my TBs with bombs until there are cripples that my torps have a chance of hitting.

_____________________________

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 RangerJoe)
Post #: 29
RE: Rookie Problems - Operation Shoestring - 3/18/2020 5:35:55 PM   
DanielAClark

 

Posts: 131
Joined: 1/7/2020
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: RangerJoe

Check the commanders of your air units and carriers, including the TF commander.

The San Juan, if I remember correctly, is a CLAA which is best deployed with your carriers or transports for their AA fire.


Yes, her sinking was my fault. She was needlessly exposed and should have been withdrawn to the carrier groups.

(in reply to RangerJoe)
Post #: 30
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