RE: 1st May 1943 (Full Version)

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Mike Solli -> RE: 1st May 1943 (4/11/2006 6:07:50 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: Terminus

Of course, given the ship repair system, it might be 6 months before the Enterprise and Wasp get down to 2 sys damage.


[:D]



Speedysteve -> 2nd May 1943 (4/12/2006 12:19:08 AM)

Hi all,

See T. Ye have little faith. CV Enterprise repaired to 2 SYS damage today. Wasp still at 3 [:)]

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

Routine day with the wounding and killing of 100's of IJA men in Burma and China from the air.

No sub action

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

This was the most IMPORTANT news of the day from SigInt:

"Imperial Guards Division is located at Wake Island"

WTF?!?

This changes things dramatically. I am including all reserve formations in for this. If I don't have the shipping for this (will work out in the next few days) then i'm postponing it. I want to overpower him in the extreme. He wants to put a division on a frontline atoll so be it. Time for hell on earth soon[8D]

CVL Cowpens arrives in 4 days



Mike Solli -> RE: 2nd May 1943 (4/12/2006 12:21:11 AM)

This is getting interesting. When's your next turn coming?



Speedysteve -> RE: 2nd May 1943 (4/12/2006 12:22:32 AM)

Hi Mike,

Normally Faber responds upto 22.00 UK time. He'll probably next send one by 07.00.

Steven



Mike Solli -> RE: 2nd May 1943 (4/12/2006 12:25:01 AM)

Speedy,

What's your carrier force look like right now (too lazy to check)?



Speedysteve -> RE: 2nd May 1943 (4/12/2006 1:09:01 AM)

Hi Mike,

US carrier force as it stands:

CV Enterprise
CV Saratoga
CV Lexington
CV Essex
CV Hornet
CV Wasp
CVL Belleau Wood
CVL Independence
CVL Princeton
CVL Cowpens (arrives in 4 days time)
CVE Suwannee
CVE Chenango
CVE Sangamon

I plan to use the CVE's as convoy escort and form 3 x CV divisions (2 x CV + 1 x CVL each)

Regards,

Steven



Speedysteve -> 3rd May 1943 (4/12/2006 11:50:27 AM)

Hi all,

SS Drum finished an average patrol by hitting AK Nitiran Maru with a torpedo 300 miles east of Legaspi. She is now out of torpedo's and will head back to Darwin for a bit of R & R. Her patrol has involved the following action:

11/03/43 - Missed an AK 360 miles east of Legaspi
14/03/43 - Sank AK Akagi Maru with 3 torpedos 480 miles east of Luzon
17/03/43 - Sank oil laden TK Nisshin Maru with 2 torpedos 420 miles east of Lamon Bay
26/04/43 - Missed TK Akatuki Maru
03/05/43 - hit AK Nitiran Maru with a torpedo 300 miles east of Legaspi

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

Lots of bombing by Allied air in Burma. Troops, Myitkyina and Mandalay were the targets.

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

The heavies from Darwin returned to Sorong today. No CAP was present and virtually oil remaining oil production was wiped out.

Tomorrow they are heading to Bulla to wipe out resource production.

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

CV Enterprise down to 1 SYS damage. Wasp still at 3.

It's very near the time for 100's of ships to begin loading ammunition, fuel and embarking men to retake some territory back!



Terminus -> RE: 3rd May 1943 (4/12/2006 12:00:51 PM)

Operation Falcon is going to be BIG. How many divisions can you combat load (I assume not all of them)?



Speedysteve -> RE: 3rd May 1943 (4/12/2006 12:09:40 PM)

Thats the problem mate. Load capacity. I plan to do the calculations next turn. As it stands a transport convoy is about 5 days out from Noumea to pick up 2 x Marine Divisions for the Eniwetok invasion. These will move in a roundabout way to Midway.

I do have from memory about 40-50 x AP, 10's of LST, LCI and LSD + 200+ AK in San Francisco. I don't want to use the AK's for troops at all.

If worse comes to worst I will move what troops I can to Midway and then use the Noumea convoy to transport more elements for Wake also. They can transport another 2 x divisions worth.

The good news is that I will keep everything at Midway before jump off. If reinforcements are needed it's not too long a journey to and from Wake.

In short i'll do the calculations and let you know tonight.



Terminus -> RE: 3rd May 1943 (4/12/2006 12:24:16 PM)

You know what it's like: if you land somewhere and don't overrun the base immediately, by way of superior numbers, your boys are going to bleed.



Speedysteve -> RE: 3rd May 1943 (4/12/2006 12:58:49 PM)

I know mate. I know. This is why it's important I see what I can land in the 1st wave. If I can land 4 x divisions + ENG + HQ in 1 wave then I will proceed. Ideally i'd like to also land the 2 x RCT's as support and another division would be handy.



niceguy2005 -> RE: 3rd May 1943 (4/12/2006 7:29:08 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: Speedy

I know mate. I know. This is why it's important I see what I can land in the 1st wave. If I can land 4 x divisions + ENG + HQ in 1 wave then I will proceed. Ideally i'd like to also land the 2 x RCT's as support and another division would be handy.

Is this size of a force realistic to land on the first wave, sounds like that beach will be awful crowded, just curious.

Marine on the beach: "Hey fella, that better be your bayonette poking me in the leg!" [:D]



Speedysteve -> RE: 3rd May 1943 (4/12/2006 8:13:02 PM)

Understood Niceguy but it's gotta be a fight fire with fire thing. From SigInt he has at least the IGD, a Brigade and a CD unit on Wake alone. There's bound to aldso be at least a BF.

Simply put. If I go in with a realistic level every time I would NEVER take Wake island.



Mike Solli -> RE: 3rd May 1943 (4/12/2006 8:46:24 PM)

With the Imperial Guards Division there, I'd bomb the hell out of Wake for a loooonnnngg time before landing. Even 4 divisions doesn't sound excessive.



Mynok -> RE: 3rd May 1943 (4/12/2006 9:11:11 PM)


Erm..I'd be thinking "bypass". [X(]



LittleJoe -> RE: 3rd May 1943 (4/12/2006 9:12:52 PM)

I was thinking that, its Wake.



Speedysteve -> 4th May 1943 (4/12/2006 10:03:38 PM)

Hi all,

Thanks a lot for the input guys. You're making my life harder by making me think more on it[;)]

I understand your concerns but I have to go for somewhere. I donm't weant to go through the Solomans/NG since it's a long hard slog. At least the current route will cut off north from south.

You're right to bring up the point cioncerning 4 division NOT being excessive. We all know that Wake could not contain this or even the IGD and a Brigade + whatever for example but this is a game. If Faber has put all those troops on there then I need to be able to bring whatever force to bear that is needed to destroy them.

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

Today saw more bombing in Burma. I'm going to concentrate on IJA troops at Myitkyina rather than the airfield for a bit. See if I can reduce his stength. If so I may attack on the ground.

Bullas resource production was halved by the heavies from Bulla.

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

I have done a lot of calculations today. Due to these and your thoughts the plan for Falcon will change a little. Here it is:

At San Francisco I have 30 x AP now. These can load ALL planned combat formations for Falcon ( 4 x Divisions, 1 x HQ, 1 x ENG Rgt) + leave enough spare for another division. The 7th Division is at San Francisco and has ALSO been tasked with Falcon.

As it stands I have transports about to reach Noumea. They are to embark:

1st Marine Division
2nd Marine Division
2 x Bde
1 x HQ

I am now thinking to include the Marine Divisions for Falcon also and the 2 x ARM Rgt already at Midway preparing for Eniwetok.

Excessive? Maybe but I WILL get Wake.

Now this gives me the following invasion forces:

XIV Corps
37th Infantry Division
40th Infantry Division
24th Infantry Division
7th Infantry Division
1st USA Cav Division
1st Marine Division
2nd Marine Division
2 x Bdes
2 x Arm Rgt
1 x ENG Rgt

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

For phase 2 - Eniwetok invasion I will allocate:

25th Infantry Division (at PH)
43rd Infantry Division (on its way back from Kiska)
3rd Marine Division (due in 21 days time)
Upto 8 x RCT/Bde's.
1 x ENG Rgt.


ETA for invasion now end of June.

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

What do you all think?



LittleJoe -> RE: 4th May 1943 (4/12/2006 10:25:39 PM)

Wake wouldnt really cut north from south as you put it, at max its a level 2 airfield right? What could you put on a level 2 airfield thats gonna disuade him from sending any shipping east of the Marinas, not much..

I know your feeling though, your itching to grab somthing, and do somthing with your new toys, i get the same feeling with the Kido butai, but using your 'toys' out of frustration or feeling of having 'to do somthing' only ends up with half baked poorly though out rushed operations.

With the amount of men and materials youve got there you could pretty much take any one of his bases on his perimeter, why not take one that has a more accomdating airfield and actually leads to somewhere?



Speedysteve -> RE: 4th May 1943 (4/12/2006 10:31:10 PM)

Hi LittleJoe,

Wake can be a size 5 airfield. It's a 4 at present.

The main reason for me going there is thus:

I want to go from Wake > Eniwetok/Kwajalein > Mariana's ?> Mindanao OR Iwo Or Okinawa. Once I go to the Mariana's the Solomans and rest of Marshalls etc will be cut off from Japan.

As it is Faber has main division on all frontline bases - Lunga has a Brigade, Gili Gili has a Brigade, Rabaul has 4th Division etc etc.

Where would you land based on the current situation?



Capt. Harlock -> RE: 4th May 1943 (4/12/2006 10:32:29 PM)

quote:

ETA for invasion now end of June.

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

What do you all think?


I have to agree with your "overkill" forces. If the Imperial Guards Division is truly there, we are already beyond a realistic situation. (IIRC the guards are the largest division in the IJA, with a lot more vehicles than a typical Japanese division.) Also, Wake is necessary for your attack route. Bypassing it would be a little like bypassing Los Angeles on the way from San Diego to San Francisco.



LittleJoe -> RE: 4th May 1943 (4/12/2006 10:41:03 PM)

Shows how much i knwo about Wake [:'(]

If you have the carrier advantage, id say South Pacific, who holds Baker? From my expierience in my Pbem as Japan, Baker is very easy to bomb into dust from Canton and then raid, its a little too far from Tarawa to be supported from there, making it easy to isolate and invade. If you have Baker, then Tarawa.

All the usual tried and tested areas really, you knwo your game situation and build up of forces better than i do, it could take you months to build up enough forces in the S pac for a invasion, but i have never seen Wake used as a launch pad for a invasion to anywhere esle, like Baker its a bit too isolated, and im gonna put my neck on the line again and say its port facilities are pretty average? (No little joe its currently level 8 ;) )



Speedysteve -> RE: 4th May 1943 (4/12/2006 10:52:45 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: LittleJoe

Shows how much i knwo about Wake [:'(]

If you have the carrier advantage, id say South Pacific, who holds Baker? From my expierience in my Pbem as Japan, Baker is very easy to bomb into dust from Canton and then raid, its a little too far from Tarawa to be supported from there, making it easy to isolate and invade. If you have Baker, then Tarawa.

All the usual tried and tested areas really, you knwo your game situation and build up of forces better than i do, it could take you months to build up enough forces in the S pac for a invasion, but i have never seen Wake used as a launch pad for a invasion to anywhere esle, like Baker its a bit too isolated, and im gonna put my neck on the line again and say its port facilities are pretty average? (No little joe its currently level 8 ;) )


LOL LittleJoe [:D]

I hold Baker (Maximum size 4/4). Basically he holds all of the Solomans, NG, Timor, Marshalls.

As far as I see it I have to take a jump at one of the outlying atolls/points - Lunga/PM/Tarawa/Wake/Timor or Paramushiro Jima.

All have inherent risks. At least with Wake I have a size 4 port and 6 airfield (Midway) 14 hexes away.

Regards,

Steven



Mike Solli -> RE: 4th May 1943 (4/12/2006 10:55:45 PM)

First, let me set the record straight. I'm rooting for that penguin friend of yours. (Penguin is practically chicken.[:D]) But, I'm talking strategy here, so I'll chime in.

What's your goal here? Is it to start an offensive? Probably. Here are some other questions you need to answer before you load a single one of your precious APs.

Do you want to lure out the IJN?
Do you want to take territory?
Do you want to kill Japanese troops?
Do you want to whittle down his pilot experience level?

You need the answers to these questions before you do anything. I'm convinced that in this game you have to decide what your goals are before you start an operation. Too many people don't think about such things. It's very easy to lose track of your operational and strategic goals probably because of the 1 day turns. We all tend to get caught up in the "I shot down 3 planes over Rangoon today." syndrome. In my June 42 game I've taken to writing down goals for the next 1, 3 and 6 months. I try to use as much detail as possible and then make a checklist so I can check them off as I complete them. It keeps reminding me of my real goals.

As a Japanese player I would never place a division is such an isolated place. Note the word isolated. You have in your CVs and CVLs some 630 aircraft, right? You can isolate Wake. Why do you want Wake? Is it a springboard for a Central Pacific strategy? Or is it just to attack the Japanese?

Think about what your goals are.

By the way, I'm proud and pleased to see the 37 ID at the top of your list.[:D]



Speedysteve -> RE: 4th May 1943 (4/12/2006 11:37:47 PM)

Hi Mike,

Great post. Thanks[8D]

My goals are all of them to be honest to a certain extent.

First and foremost to start the offensive! After sinking part of KB in the Aleutians and MORE IMPORTANTLY attriting his pilots heavily I have a force that I believe can take him on now and will only get stronger.

Wake is purely a springboard for me into the Mariana's eventually (after securing my flanks). I don't overly care if IJN comes out to play. This stage is to secure a lodgement for further expansion. If I can wipe out the largest Division the IJA has even better.

I will take note of how 37th ID performs Mike. Pride is at stake [8D]

I appreciate your comments [8D]



Speedysteve -> 5th May 1943 (4/13/2006 12:10:11 AM)

Hi all,

Bulla is no longer producing resources due to be wiped from the map by heavies from Darwin.........

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

SS Silversides and SS Triton both encountered what are believed to be convoys (in Sulu Sea and 180 miles SW of Hong Kong) but were kept under by escorting MSW's.............

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

To show the effects of interdiction in Burma here's the current Japanese troop readiness levels:

Ground combat at Myitkyina

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 110287 troops, 1111 guns, 469 vehicles

Defending force 170195 troops, 1511 guns, 39 vehicles

Down 100 guns from over a month ago.........

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

Troops are embarking at Noumea.

CVL Cowpens arrives tomorrow.



Speedysteve -> 6th May 1943 (4/13/2006 11:34:54 AM)

Hi all,

SS Guardfish was hunted by a 5 ship ASW force 240 miles east of Legaspi......they did not find their prey.

SS Haddo located a lone Freighter in the early hours of 6th May. She was sailing 110 miles SE of Okinawa. The Haddo surfaced and closed on its target. The commander wanted to give the enemy ship a chance to surrender so she fired a few 40mm warning shots into her hull. The enemy ship attempted to increase speed an turn to port. Haddo had no choice. torpedo's slammed into the enemy hull and the ship turned turtle within 35 minutes.........



Speedysteve -> 7th May 1943 (4/13/2006 11:41:45 AM)

Hi all,

A fairly quiet day. Bombing by me in Burma.

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

CL Mobile arrives in 2 days time.

All ships in the US are still harboured at San Francisco repairing and training for the upcoming operation.

Most troops are aboard transports at Noumea now.



Rob Brennan UK -> RE: 7th May 1943 (4/13/2006 5:53:45 PM)

Hi steven, Happy to catch up and see you got that bit of info about the IGuard div .. that would have been a horrible shock otherwise[;)].

stacking limits on atolls doesn't really work very well. 1 div max is my usual + any CD AA ART etc. BUT if the attacker only has 1 div max then its suicide. I agree you need to take wake back for all the reasons you stated, plus it would be a bitch to have to re-prep them for elsewhere [:D].

If you have baker however as Joe stated (hi joe).. then it is possible to do a marshall route if its less defended ( which in your game it loooks too tough with divs everywhere. )

Flattening wake might be a bit tricky however as b17's cant reach only the liberators can iirc. and no escorts either.

Good to see that CV wise the tide is slowly turning in your favour [:D] .

anyway, just wanted to say hi and nice going .. and Joe , I WILL get baker back from you .. soon v v soon [;)]



Speedysteve -> RE: 7th May 1943 (4/13/2006 6:19:51 PM)

Hi Rob,

Good to hear from you once more [8D]

I agree flattening Wake without tipping him off will be next to impossible. I do plan on smacking the place about with SEVERAL BB's and my CV's before my men disembark.........



niceguy2005 -> RE: 7th May 1943 (4/13/2006 7:42:41 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: Speedy

Hi Rob,

Good to hear from you once more [8D]

I agree flattening Wake without tipping him off will be next to impossible. I do plan on smacking the place about with SEVERAL BB's and my CV's before my men disembark.........

Hi Speedy and others. Generally speaking, I agree with the Wake must be taken strategy. However, it does become a matter of when. If Wake has the Imperial Gd Div it will be tough. I'm sure the Allies can overwhelm, but is it also possible to isolate and hit them with frequent bombardments while you go elsewhere for a while, like the Gilberts...just ranting out loud [;)]



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