RE: Empire of the Rising Lemon? SqzMyLemon (Japan) v Smeulders (Allies)

RE: Empire of the Rising Lemon? SqzMyLemon (Japan) v Smeulders (Allies) (Full Version)

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SqzMyLemon -> RE: Empire of the Rising Lemon? SqzMyLemon (Japan) v Smeulders (Allies) (4/25/2010 2:35:33 AM)
April 6/42 Update: Sub Ops: SS Pike spots the DD Minegumo near Shikuka and fires 4 torpedoes, all miss. No ASW DC hits are recorded. The Philippines: Japanese forces attacked Iloilo and captured the base. Allied forces are retreating after sustaining 1160 casualties, Japanese losses were only 57. New Guinea: Betty's hit the airfield at Port Moresby causing 6 Runway hits. Borneo: Japanese forces launched a shock attack against Bandjermasin which failed to take the base. The fort level has been reduced to 0, casualties were 224 against 143 in favour of the Allies. I will attack again tomorrow. Sumatra: Toboali was captured today, and expansion of the port will commence tomorrow. The Hiryu is putting on steam and will attempt to make the port from Billiton at 2 knots. Fire damage has increased to 21 and system damage is now 58. Java: The CA Furutaka and CL Kiso fired off the last off their rounds at Batavia's airfield causing 8 Runway hits, and will now head back to Singapore to rearm. China: Japanese bombers continue to pound the 83rd Chinese Corps. Another 108 casualites were inflicted, a few more days of bombing and I think this force will be destroyed.

SqzMyLemon -> RE: Empire of the Rising Lemon? SqzMyLemon (Japan) v Smeulders (Allies) (4/25/2010 4:32:39 AM)
Production as of April 7/42. Aircraft: Fighters: A6M2 Zero - 192(44) Pool = 159 Ki-27b Nate - 10(0) Pool = 41 Ki-43-Ic Oscar - 152(0) Pool = 88 Bombers: B5N2 Kate - 60(0) Pool = 26 D3A1 Val - 58(0) Pool = 93 G3M2 Nell - 44(0) Pool = 139 (Production is turned off) G4M1 Betty - 55(0) Pool = 18 Ki-21-IIa Sally - 48(2) Pool = 13 Ki-48-IIa Lily - 34(0) Pool = 3 Ki-51 Sonia - 30(0) Pool = 23 Recon: E13A1 Jake - 54(0) Pool = 53 F1M2 Pete - 3(0) Pool =0 H6K4 Mavis - 12(0) Pool = 21 Ki-46-II Dinah 15(0) Pool = 3 Engines: Ha-60 - 125(0) Pool = 24 Ha-31 - 45(0) Pool = 206 Ha-32 - 211(0) Pool = 70 Ha-33 - 184(46) Pool = 10 Ha-34 - 25(15) Pool = 49 Ha-35 - 308(11) Pool = 5 War Materials: The Empire: (Total throughout the Empire) Oil = 2,493,502 Fuel = 3,424,856 Supply = 2,832,745 Resources = 7,722,629 Japan: (Total in Japan proper) Oil = 2,233,287 Fuel = 1,642,299 Supply = 1,231,446 Resources = 4,567,335 Industrial Production: HI - 7020 Pool = 142821 Manpower - 864 Pool = 299725 Armament - 620 Pool = 42499 Naval - 1581 Pool = 0 Merchant 807 Pool = 36588 I'm assessing aircraft production. Once the current expansion has been completed aircraft production will be completely re-assessed. Playing defined upgrades are off so I still need to produce most aircraft. I don't have the flexibility to convert air units to what I'd prefer. So when I re-evaluate what needs to be produced, I will adjust engine production appropriately. I do know I need to produce more Ha-35 engines to at least 400, maybe even 500. I'll start posting more information on HI expansion and the economy in general. I believe I'm a little more aggressive in expanding production early in some areas, so I'll start going into more detail for those interested in seeing the long term affects and economic outcome. The plan is to expand mostly in 1942 (pay the supply, manpower and HI now) and then stockpile as much of the raw resources and HI as possible to run the economy later into 1944-45. An overall strategy update is next on the agenda. I am currently thinking of an invasion of Eastern Australia to draw Smeulders into committing his fleet. I don't think he'll committ it in defence of Darwin. He's building up strength in Eastern Australia and that's where I'd like to hit him, to disrupt his plans. He's expecting me to take Darwin, which he's garrisoned with 20,000+ troops, but little air or naval power in the region. It's time for me to raid aggressively and seek out his fleet, while I consolidate my gains and finish the invasion of Java. The lack of any severe losses to his navy will bite me in the butt later. I just need to find it without compromising my position or running around on a wild goose chase to hopefully find something to sink. I think he'll react if I threaten Eastern Australia. Do I want it...no. If it leads to a confrontation with his navy and gives me a chance for a decisive defeat of his forces, I'm going to try it. Can Darwin be isolated by taking Western and Eastern Australia? Or is Darwin a must take,and is there a chance of me doing that this late in the expansion period? I just feel if I hit Smeulders in Eastern Australia, I'd do more to upsetting his plans then if I take Darwin, he's conceding that to me really and that bothers me. I want to hit him where he doesn't expect it and make him suffer some serious losses. As always, any feedback would be greatly appreciated!

SqzMyLemon -> RE: Empire of the Rising Lemon? SqzMyLemon (Japan) v Smeulders (Allies) (4/26/2010 12:58:47 AM)
April 7/42 Update: The Hiryu sank today trying to reach Toboali. I think it was BS how I lost her, and my opponent benefited from a freebie given to him by the AI. The ship remained with fires burning for almost two weeks after initially being torpedoed, preventing me from trying to repair her, or even fly the aircraft off the carrier. I did save the valued pilots by transferring them to the general reserve though. That's all I'll say anymore on the matter. Scratch one Japanese flat top. [:@] Oh, on another note, the ACM Ataka Maru sinks after hitting a mine in my own minefield at Madjene, which I had just sent there to maintain it. So far the Allies sail through my minefields with impunity, and my own ships hit my own mines...nice. Who was saying luck doesn't have anything to do with events at times? So far I haven't had much good luck in this PBEM. [8\|] The Celebes: West of Kendari, Dutch forces were deliberate attacked and forced two units to retreat with a further unit surrendering. Dutch losses were 327 to only 5 for Japanese forces. Borneo: Bandjermasin was captured, forcing the Dutch to retreat. Casualties were 70 to 251 in favour of the Japanese. I'll expand the airbase to level 4, and once some air support units land, I'll transfer a unit of Zero's to the airfield and begin sweeping Soerabaja. New Guinea: Port Moresby's airfield was bombed again by Betty's (30) and damage was minimal again, 1 AB, 2 ABS and 9 Runway hits. Java: Batavia's airfield was bombed causing 2 AB and 14 Runway hits. If anything, I hope the bombing is forcing supply to be used repairing the airfield. Semarang was bombarded by the CA Furutaka and CL Kiso. Damage at the airfield was 4 Runway hits, and the port received 1 Port and 2 Port Fuel hits. China: I changed the target of the Sally's today and they hit the Chinese 11th Corps west of Yenan. I'll elimate this unit as it consists of less than 100 troops and 50+ guns. Sonia's (46) bombed the 11th Chinese BF south of Hengyang today, they were intercepted by H81-A3's (4) on LRCAP. Three Sonia's were destroyed and 2 damaged. Once again these hit and run raids by Allied air units. Miscellaneous: TK Okigawa Maru arrived at Yokohama. She'll immediately be sent to Ominato to deliver fuel to Hokkaido so the HI on the island will start producing. My transport TF has arrived at Wake and the loading of the CD unit has begun for deployment elsewhere.

SqzMyLemon -> RE: Empire of the Rising Lemon? SqzMyLemon (Japan) v Smeulders (Allies) (4/30/2010 11:51:04 PM)
April 8-10/42 Update: April 8/42: New Guinea: Port Moresby's airfield is bombed by Betty's (30) escorted by Zero's (18) and cause 2 AB, 1 ABS and 2 Runway hits. China: Sally's (60) and Ki-30 Ann's (3) continue to bomb Chinese units around Yenan. The 11th and 3rd Chinese Corps' at 86,37 sufferred 7 casualties with 29 guns lost/disabled. Java: I launched an air attack against the port at Semarang today. Recon has been showing a CL in port for the last few days and with little Allied CAP active, I decided to strike. Ki-21-IIa Sally's (20) escorted by KI-43-Ic Oscar's (23) found not a CL, but my old friend AVP Poolster still kicking. 2 bomb hits have finally sent her to the bottom. The port suffered a further 2 Port, 3 Port Fuel and 3 Port Supply hits. The 21st/A/B Div. units continue to attack Dutch units retreating from Bandoeng. A deliberate attack was inconclusive with casualties of 320 for the Allies against 126 for Japanese forces. Borneo: I have support troops hitting the beaches at Bunguran. The island north of Kuching will become a level 4 airbase for ASW bomber operations and naval search providing cover for my fuel/oil laden TF's leaving Singapore for destinations east. Miscellaneous: Tsiaotso expands fortifications to size 1 Ternate expands airfield to size 2 April 9/42: Sub Ops: A 4 DD fast transport TF I have shuttling troops around in the Marshalls was attacked by the SS Plunger near Eniwetok, all four torpedoes luckily missed. The submarine actually recieved one direct DC hit in return! New Guinea: Port Moresby received its daily visit from the Betty's (29) and Zero's (17) and damage to the airfield was 2 AB, 1 ABS and 11 Runway hits. Java: Another deliberate attack southeast of Bandoeng by 21st Div. troops forced the Dutch forces into the mountains. Japanese troops suffered 400 casualties against 1378 for the Dutch. China: A small deliberate attack at 80,55 by the 66th Ind. Rgt. pushed the Chinese out and reteating north towards Henyang. Chinese forces suffered 205 casualties to no loss for Imperial troops. Sally's, Lily's and Ann's in a combined strike of 90 bombers hit the 83rd Chinese Corps east of Yenan at 91,38 wiping the unit out completely, after taking 143 casualties. I will refocus on the 11th Chinese Corps tomorrow to eliminate this force quickly. I hope to eliminate the remaining units around Yenan by the end of the month, then the Sian campaign can begin. In the meantime, my units in China are not idle. Units are being reformed and being redeployed for the coming offensives. Airbases are being built up to support operations, as are defensive positions in static areas to absorb any Chinese counterattacks. Miscellaneous: Davao expands airfield to size 3 Jolo expands airfield to size 5 Lae expands fortifications to size 1 Device Kawasaki Ha-60 advances R&D April 10/42: Sub Ops: SS S-38 sinks the DD Tsuga while escorting a small invasion TF bound for Dili on Timor. The other DD escort fails to spot or launch a counter ASW attack. Attu: I sent a small invasion TF to capture Attu. The 47th Naval Guard unit landed unopposed. The reasoning here is to force Allied submarines to have to refuel farther away from the Home Islands. I'm curious to see if there will be any Allied reaction to this. I'm just probing here and there to see if Smeulders will commit any fleet units. The Philippines: Allied defence of Panay has collapsed after a successful deliberate attack by Japanese troops at San Jose. The 61st PA Inf. Div. and the 3rd PI BF were eliminated, 3705 Allied troops lost against 41 for Japanese forces. Mopping up will continue as soon as these troops are loaded up for the next objective. China: Once again the bombers were back to continue to pound Chinese forces around Yenan. The 11th/3rd Chinese Corps' took 7 casualties and a further 30 guns destroyed/disabled. A rare bombing raid by A-29A Hudson's (8) at 78,54 hit the Japanese 2nd Ind. Mixed Rgt. inflicting 12 casualties. Miscellaneous: Nagasaki/Sasebo expands airfield to size 7 Lunga expands fortifications to size 1 Rabaul expands fortifications to size 1 Manado expands fortifications to size 3 I continue to reorganize my fleet. Two CV's are leaving Singapore for redeployment farther east to link up with KB which is leaving Balikpapan next turn en route for Babeldoab. I have decided that with no intelligence on Allied carriers or fleet movements, it's best to have my carriers combined until I learn more. Smeulders' lack of interdicting my operations in Java and Timor will allow me to rely on LBA and SCTF's to defend my movements. It's time to have KB disappear for awhile and let my opponent wonder where they are. I'll post more on the fleet reorganizing later. I am reassessing my planned offensive against Eastern Australia. I think the priority right now should be the capture of Darwn and area, see how Smeulders reacts and go from there. I've decided the use of Darwin as a 4E bomber base against me really requires me to take it, to delay that inevitability for as long as possible. The 4 Div. is en route from Luzon to Makassar and will be one of the primary units for Australia. I continue to transport support units around and build up my defences as the base expansions clearly show. Supply and fuel are being stockpiled at key locations to provide adequate reserves for when my fleet is heavily engaged...somewhere! Stay tuned.

SqzMyLemon -> RE: Empire of the Rising Lemon? SqzMyLemon (Japan) v Smeulders (Allies) (5/5/2010 7:05:32 PM)
April 11-14/42 Update: April 11/42: China: The 3rd Prov. Chinese Corps was finally destroyed at 86,37 by air bombing, that leaves the remnants of the 11th Chinese Corps to go. Java: Dutch troops at Tjilitjap were bombed by Sally's operating from Kalidjati. 14 casualties were recorded. A small recon artillery bombardment of Batavia destroyed 2 vehicles and indicated an Allied AV of 475. As soon as the remainder of my forces arrive the assault will begin, I should have somewhere in the neighborhood of 1000 AV. The Banda Sea: Japanese troops pushed the defending Dutch troops further into the bush after a successful deliberate assault. Casualites were 172 and 46 for the Dutch and Japanese respectively. The Dutch force will be destroyed by bombing and lack of supply attrition. It's good experience for my rookie pilots. Japanese forces began amphibious landings at Waingapu and Dili. Both bases are undefended. Attu: The base was captured today by the 47th Naval Guard unit. Miscellaneous: Cam Ranh Bay expands port to size 6 Bataan expands fortifications to size 3 Rabaul expands fortifications to size 2 Makassar expands fortifications to size 1 xAK Teishun Maru arrives at Saigon April 12/42: China: I've turned the attention of the bombers on the 35th Chinese Corp at 90,38. 80 Casualties and 2 guns were lost. The 11th Chinese Corps at 86,37 was bombed, but no casualties were recorded. Java: The airbase at Madioen was bombed by Ki-21-IIa Sally's (19) escorted by KI-43-Ic Oscar's (24) and the airfield received 4 AB and 12 Runway hits, a 139WH-3 was reported destroyed on the ground to no Japanese losses. The Banda Sea: Both Dili and Waingapu were captured, add two more bases to the growing Empire. Miscellaneous: DD Asakaze beginning refit in shipyard at Singapore DD Tachikaze beginning refit in shipyard at Singapore SC Ch 25 taken out of commission to begin refit at Nagasaki/Sasebo 3rd Sentai converting to Ki-48-IIa Lily (Always nice to upgrade an air unit!) 26th Air Defense AA Regiment arrives at Mukden 24th Air Defense AA Regiment arrives at Sapporo April 13/42: Southeast Pacific: A small invasion force landed at Ndeni. The plan here is to take as many of these small bases in the area with the same unit until it's intercepted and destroyed. I need time to shift naval assets over to set up some semi-permanent air recon bases. I wonder if Smeulders is thinking it's bait to try and lure him out, it's not. I have no fleet to speak of in the Southeast Pacific, but this will change shortly as fleet units will be rebased to Truk and area. China: The 11th Chinese Corps has disappeared from the map so it looks like attrition has claimed the unit, one more Chinese force to go then I can focus on Sian. The 35th Chinese Corps was again bombed by 88 aircraft today, losses to the rabble were 103 casualties. Java: Another air raid on Madioen was successful today. Allied fighter units on CAP actually made a special guest appearance, but this raid was stronger than the previous one [;)]. Sally's (20) escorted by Oscar's (45) were intercepted by Allied B-339D's (3), Hurricane IIb Trops's (3) and P-40E Warhawk's (4). 6 Sally's were damaged against 1 each of the Allied fighters downed by the Oscar's, and a further P-40E and 139WH-3 destroyed on the ground, the airfield suffered 3 AB, 3 ABS and 32 Runway hits. No Oscar's were lost. The Celebes: Japanese forces landed at Talaud, once taken, an airbase of level 4 will be built. Kolaka was assaulted driving out the Dutch defenders. The Kure 3rd SNLF suffered no losses, while the Dutch suffered 50. Attrition will now claim the remaining Dutch forces on the island. Borneo: Japanese ground forces pushed the Dutch into the jungle after a successful deliberate attack at 62,97 west of Balikpapan. Casualities for the Dutch were 240 against only 13 for the Kimura Det. Once again, the jungle and bombing will claim these Dutch units over time. Miscellaneous: Mandalay expands fortifications to size 1 Lae expands fortifications to size 2 Kendari expands fortifications to size 1 A lot of reinforcements today, they will rail to Nagasaki and then be shipped out. The majority are bound for DEI with a few going to Truk for deployment in the Southeast Pacific and Marshall's. 13th Air Flotilla arrives at Hamamatsu (I'm hoping I can buy out this HQ for deployment to the Banda Sea region) 26th Air Flotilla arrives at Yokohama/Yokosuka (Will be shipped to Sumatra, Malaya, or the DEI depending on need) 13th Mortar Battalion arrives at Mishan 18th Naval Guard Unit arrives at Tokyo 85th Naval Guard Unit arrives at Tokyo 86th Naval Guard Unit arrives at Tokyo 87th Naval Guard Unit arrives at Tokyo 88th Naval Guard Unit arrives at Tokyo 89th Naval Guard Unit arrives at Tokyo I/19th Naval Guard Unit arrives at Tokyo II/19th Naval Guard Unit arrives at Yokohama/Yokosuka III/19th Naval Guard Unit arrives at Tokyo 3rd Indpt SNLF Coy arrives at Tokyo 6th Indpt SNLF Coy arrives at Tokyo 11th Ind.Hvy.Art Battalion arrives at Fushun 12th Ind.Hvy.Art Battalion arrives at Fushun April 14/42: Sub Ops: The SS I-165 was spotted near Colombo and DC'd by the DD Isis, no hits were recorded. This is starting to bug me. Allied subs almost always launch a torpedo attack against my escorts, yet whenever I encounter an Allied TF, I'm immediately DC'd and almost 99% of the time never try to launch a torpedo attack. Japanese uber subs my ass [8\|]. SS Pike was spotted east of Toyohara for days now by air ASW. I vectored 2 ASW TF's consisting of 1 DD, 3 Sc's and 3 Sc's respectively to attack, here's the result: ASW attack near Toyohara at 126,46 Japanese Ships SC CHa-18 DD Minegumo Allied Ships SS Pike SS Pike is located by SC CHa-18 Pike diving deep .... DD Minegumo fails to find sub, continues to search... DD Minegumo fails to find sub, continues to search... DD Minegumo fails to find sub, continues to search... DD Minegumo fails to find sub, continues to search... DD Minegumo fails to find sub, continues to search... Escort abandons search for sub Once again, I do everything I possibly can and...nothing! Uber Japanese ASW my ass [:D]. There are actually a total of 5 submarines formed in a line that have all been spotted by air ASW, yet my ASW hunting groups constantly fail to react and attack them. Australia: It's been a long time since I've been able to say that word! [:D] Darwin was bombed by G4M1 Betty's based at Ambon. Damage to the airfield was minimal at 2 AB and 12 Runway hits. I just want to get into Smeulder's kitchen a little letting him know that Darwin and area is under direct threat now. There was no CAP today, I believe there is just recon units there currently. I expect there to be some CAP there tomorrow to try and down a few unescorted bombers, however no raid will be launched. Timor: The Dutch units east of Koepang were bombed by D3A1 Val's which destroyed 1 gun, it's a start! This air unit is 90% rookies so they need all the experience they can get. The Banda Sea: An invasion force landed at Saumlaki. An airbase will be built here, which will directly threaten Darwin with fighter sweeps and provide escorts for my bombing raids. China: The daily bombing of the 35th Chinese Corps continued. Another 74 casualities inflicted. Ground units are pressing in to surround and destroy this formation. Then they join up and march on Sian. There are still 10000+ Chinese troops in this formation. Port Blair: Ki-21-IIa Sally's bombed the base inflicting 14 casualites on the British. Troops from Sabang will be loaded up soon to invade and then set up a recon airbase. Miscellaneous: Babeldaob expands fortifications to size 2 Bassein expands fortifications to size 1 Shortlands expands airfield to size 2 Nadzab expands airfield to size 2 Great! More reinforcements. I'm going to have to divert shipping to Nagasaki to get these troops into theatre quickly. 5th Ku S-1 arrives at Takao 38th Sentai arrives at Sapporo 94th Sentai arrives at Tokyo 203rd Sentai arrives at Ominato 171st Cavalry Regiment arrives at Changchun 71st Mountain Gun Regiment arrives at Changchun 71st Engineer Regiment arrives at Changchun 49th JNAF AF Unit arrives at Tokyo Screenshots will follow to update the major theatres of operation as of April 15th, 1942. I've been thinking long and hard on my strategic goals for the remainder of the game and think I've settled on a plan. Thanks for following everyone. I see Chickenboy has started a thread on the topic of another Allied opponent pulling a Sir Robin or Turtle defence. I will follow that closely as that is exactly what I am facing here. Any comments and strategy advice would be grealty appreciated. I think I have the measure of my opponent somewhat, but then again I don't have much to base it on so far. I'll discuss what I think during the overall strategy assessment.

SqzMyLemon -> RE: Empire of the Rising Lemon? SqzMyLemon (Japan) v Smeulders (Allies) (5/5/2010 7:10:01 PM)
The Banda Sea as of April 15/42: [image]local://upfiles/33192/155DA31690204C2BB139D85350083CC8.jpg[/image] Oops, that should read West of Darwin. [8\|]

SqzMyLemon -> RE: Empire of the Rising Lemon? SqzMyLemon (Japan) v Smeulders (Allies) (5/5/2010 7:11:08 PM)
Java as of April 15/42: [image]local://upfiles/33192/99C4D4EF163E4582B2F95B6CF179FCD7.jpg[/image]

SqzMyLemon -> RE: Empire of the Rising Lemon? SqzMyLemon (Japan) v Smeulders (Allies) (5/5/2010 8:06:24 PM)
Northern China as of April 15/42: [image]local://upfiles/33192/248B743DBCCA4750862EDCFF47392B1E.jpg[/image]

Chickenboy -> RE: Empire of the Rising Lemon? SqzMyLemon (Japan) v Smeulders (Allies) (5/5/2010 8:11:46 PM)
Hiya, SqzMyLemon: I've yet to go through this entire AAR-I'm kicking myself for not having subscribed to it earlier. I just wanted to say that I really like your AAR summaries and write-ups. Most enlightening! [&o] Now, of course, I'm going to have to steal your ideas where I can...[8D]

CarnageINC -> RE: Empire of the Rising Lemon? SqzMyLemon (Japan) v Smeulders (Allies) (5/5/2010 8:38:57 PM)
Nice drive into central China [:)]

SqzMyLemon -> RE: Empire of the Rising Lemon? SqzMyLemon (Japan) v Smeulders (Allies) (5/6/2010 12:09:38 AM)
Yay! Comments! I'm not alone in my little fantasy world here. [:D] Chickenboy: Thanks for the compliment, it makes me feel the time is worth putting in to documenting the matchup, there are days I wonder. I have read many of your posts and have learned a lot from them, so I thank you for that. I think you are being kind though, I really get a sense I don't know what the heck I'm doing most of the time. I have tons to learn, but any ideas of mine you think worthwhile implementing, I'm happy to oblige. In the meantime I'll continue to try and make this a good and informative read. I can't say exciting as our PBEM is dull, dull, and dull so far. CarnageINC: I love your AAR style, very fun to read and the graphics are first rate. I hope China will work, I'm really looking at that central thrust and if I can get my act together and fully support the effort...it could work as planned. It's all in the planning stage right now. I have to rely on the conservative nature of my opponent to not seize the opportunity to launch a massive counterattack if I choose the central thrust.

SqzMyLemon -> RE: Empire of the Rising Lemon? SqzMyLemon (Japan) v Smeulders (Allies) (5/6/2010 12:11:04 AM)
Southern China as of April 15/42: [image]local://upfiles/33192/510E69A4532F40278027916BF6CBC9F2.jpg[/image]

SqzMyLemon -> RE: Empire of the Rising Lemon? SqzMyLemon (Japan) v Smeulders (Allies) (5/6/2010 1:29:37 AM)
Strategy Update: Where to start? I'm very concerned about the lack of Allied shipping losses to date and I've been thinking of operations that would force Smeulders to react and commit his surface/carrier fleet. The more I think on the matter, the more I don't like putting my assets at risk for little gain. I know I have crawled through the Japanese expansion phase of the game and I put that down to complete inexperience. That being said, it's no longer an excuse either...it is what it is. Looking over the fledgling Empire I've amassed so far, I think overall I should be happy to date. The sinking of the Hiryu aside, I've lost very little for the territory I've gained. After the CV, the largest surface ship I've lost is a destroyer, and only 3 of them I believe. I can't do anything about my opponent conserving his naval assets, and I'm not going to search the Pacific in the hopes of finding them. The plan right now is to finish the conquest of Java and then consolidate, consolidate, and consolidate. If I can keep my fleet intact, yet still mount some limited offensives to grab my remaining objectives with little loss, I'm in good shape. I will not fight my opponent on his terms. Essentially my expansion is over, other then a possible Northern Australia operation that I'll go into more detail at another time. I know my opponent is probably congratulating himself on his defence of Bataan and what I'm sure he feels is a great defence of Java, eating up my expansion phase. That's all well and good, but what if I never planned on expanding to Australia, Fiji, or the Southeast Pacific? Everything he has left in harms way will be destoyed at little cost to my forces and I've gotten some serious real estate for nothing more than a song. I just have to race against the clock to get my defences up while he's still expecting to see KB appear off the coast of Los Angeles. Right now, Smeulders is relying completely on his submarine forces to inflict what damage he can on me, and to that point I obliged by constantly moving my fleets units around. Now I still would have commited KB to the initial assault on Java, and as seen it was worth while in terms of mauling what he sent against me. Losing the CV Hiryu was unfortunate, but what can I do, it was a lucky shot pure and simple. That being said, I'm reorganizing my fleet and stationing assets throughout the Empire. KB will mass in a central position and sit things out until the Allied fleet starts appearing. I will focus on ASW training and limiting any further damage by enemy submarines. As my air ASW gains more experience I should be much more effective avoiding them and killing them. I already have seen improvement. To further that end I'm starting to log the hexes enemy submarines appear in and tracking their routes, how long they delay in a hex and the patrol patterns, to further route my TF's out of harms way. My air force is completley intact, pilot training is progressing and I'm getting a healthy pool built up. I'll reasses some aspects of production though, because PDU off is a different beast than most players play. Not being able to downgrade units to older models will change the numbers of certain aircraft I produce. I'm forced to upgrade along specific paths, so having 500+ A6M2 Zero's in the pool will do me no good if I can't use them. A waste of resources and HI building them. Everything for me now is maximizing my assets in the planned defence of the Empire. My opponent has not really felt the sting of much of my arsenal. I think he'll be in for a surprise when he decides to come out. All of a sudden his naval assets and transports will be operating in my waters, against my fleet, LBA, submarines and my LCU's that won't run away [:-]. That being said, I don't think he'll come out to play until he outnumbers me in carriers, has improved torpedoes (the ones he has right now work just fine in my experience), has better aircraft and planes. I think when he comes, he'll hit me with a hammer blow. I hope to use his conservative approach against him though. My defence will be tenacious, unpredictable and aggressive, nothing like my offensive approach [sm=00000036.gif]. His plans will get upset, he'll take losses and I think that if I can upset his apple cart he'll make mistakes. Of course I have nothing to base this on, he may be a genius for all I know [:D]. I might seriously get my ass handed to me! I believe he'll make his first offensive push in Burma or the Marshalls, the most conservative approach. With all the recent AAR focus on how vunerable the DEI is, I think he'll avoid attacking there first from Australia, he'll expect me to be loading it up. It looks to me like his main effort is reinforcing the east coast of Australia for an eventual strike against New Guinea or the Solomons. There has been 0 Allied activity elsewhere, no base improvements in areas that he thinks I plan on capturing. I hope to use this to my advantage later. Sorry for the rant, just putting some ideas out there and some thoughts on what my opponent may do. As always, any thoughts or comments that will not compromise anything on his end are welcome. Thanks for following along.

SqzMyLemon -> RE: Empire of the Rising Lemon? SqzMyLemon (Japan) v Smeulders (Allies) (5/6/2010 10:15:38 PM)
April 15/42 Update: Sub Ops: SS Sargo torpedoed and sank the PB Rokko Maru #2 off the coast of San Fernando at 78,70. The transports ships she was escorting were not attacked. SS O20 locates my now escortless TF, compliments of the SS Sargo, west of Iba at 76,71. A cocky Captain P. Snippe brazenly decides to surface in daylight and attack. I hope Mr. Snippe has brought another pair of underpants, because the Captain of the xAK Tsukuba Maru, taking matters into his own hands, orders the deck gun to open fire! 3 shell hits later Captain Snippe decides to slip under the waves to fight another day without firing a shot [:-]. Give that transport Captain a DD command to show my putrid ASW forces how it's done! Timor: The rookie D3A1 Val's (17) escorted by A6M2 Zero's (9) bombed the Dutch forces east of Koepang inflicting 25 casualties. Just reading the details of the air attack and thought it was interesting that the DB's came in at 12,000' and 11 released at 2000' while 6 released at 3000'. It's pretty neat that the game is detailed enough to have different bomb release altitudes within the same unit. China: The Chinese 17th Army Group northeast of Yenan at 89/36 was wiped out after consecutive bombing raids by Sally's. 50 Sally's in the first wave inflicted 157 casualties and the follow up force of 13 more Sally's finished off the remaining 44 troops. That leaves the Chinese 35th Corps left to destroy. Java: Dutch defenders at Semarang were bombed by Ki-21-IIa Sally's (21) at 10000' inflicting 71 casualties, all disabled. At 05:15, the quiet of the morning was shattered from the fire of over 200 artillery pieces raining shells down upon the Dutch defenders of Batavia, announcing the launch of the ground assault. Engineers reduced the fortification level down to 2 at 1:1 odds. The deliberate attack resulted in Japanese casualites of 1028 against that of 2909 for the Dutch. At this stage the casualites were mostly disablements, but I'm confident Batavia will not hold out long. As I mentioned before, this will not be another Bataan. Sumatra: Padang fell to Imperial forces after a deliberate attack that forced the Dutch to retreat northeast. Japanese losses were 16 compared to 435 Allied casualties. Sumatra is almost Dutch free. The Celebes Sea: Talaud was occupied at no loss by the 4th Engineer Co. and construction of the airfield will begin tomorrow. Australia: A troubling discovery by recon over Townsville, an enemy submarine TF of 6 vessels was spotted. Here come the new radar equipped bain of my existence. A tanker was also spotted. I'm reconning all around Townsville to see what the fighter situation is at the airbases in the area. If it is minimal, I'll start preparations for future port attacks by Betty's on the next TF spotted. I'm starting to vector submarines into the shallows along the east coast to see if I can start picking off some allied transport shipping. Darwin as predicted is now sporting 30+ fighters and some bombers have rebased here. It's nice when you can predict a reaction, no Betty raid was launched today to get jumped. My guess is Saumlaki will be the target of bombing to disrupt the construction of the airfield. Every time I see Saumlaki I think of lamb souvlaki, I think it's Greek food for dinner soon [:D]. I don't know what the mine level is like at Darwin, but I'm thinking of a nice little cruiser raid to pound the airfield in a few days. I figure I've a least 3-4 days before my amphibious TF will be ready to head for Broome, the first target to begin the isolation of Darwin. I'm going to rely on SCTF's and LBA for my Australian operations, I'll be curious to see if that emboldens Smeulders to commit something carrier wise in the region. Miscellaneous: Ayuthia expands fortifications to size 1 xAK Teikin Maru arrives at Saigon SC CHa-32 arrives at Kumamoto

Nemo121 -> RE: Empire of the Rising Lemon? SqzMyLemon (Japan) v Smeulders (Allies) (5/8/2010 7:22:26 PM)
Hmm, I fear anything other than an attribution of Balckian coup d'oeuil and fingerspitzengefuehl would be viewed as a personal attack but I will say that for commentary to be worth anything it cannot be just complimentary or complementary ( two different but often mutually consistent things on this forum ).

SqzMyLemon -> RE: Empire of the Rising Lemon? SqzMyLemon (Japan) v Smeulders (Allies) (5/8/2010 9:07:28 PM)
I welcome your commentary Nemo. I'm trying to become a better player, so I'd actually appreciate any comments you had to make. I just ask that you don't make me feel stupid, that's all [:D]. I have much to learn and am willing to discuss anything rationally, it's water under the bridge now. On with the game.

SqzMyLemon -> April 16/42 Update (5/8/2010 10:17:36 PM)
April 16/42 Update: Sub Ops: SS KXIV is spotted by the AMc Wa 19 and damages the sub with a DC near miss. SS Trusty was spotted north of Miri, this is one sub I'd like to destroy. No ASW attack was launched though. China: Bombardment of the Chinese 35th Corps continues, another 69 casualties inflicted, all disabled. Java: Another deliberate attack at Batavia reduced the fort level to one at 1:1 odds. Casualties were 657 to 1100 in favour of Japan. Roughly half the Allied losses were destroyed. I think another attack will see Batavia fall, I'm going to let my units completely surround the base before I launch the next assault. I don't want to waste time mopping up in the north. As soon as the base falls, I want the units loaded up by rail for transport south. Miscellaneous: Jolo expands fortifications to size 1 Lunga expands fortifications to size 2 Tsiaotso expands fortifications to size 2 Kendari expands fortifications to size 2 28th Fld AA Gun Co arrives at Tokyo

SqzMyLemon -> RE: April 16/42 Update (5/10/2010 10:59:17 PM)
April 17/42 Update: Sub Ops: SS Sailfish spots the SC Ch 7 near Phuket and launches 4 torpedoes which all miss. The ASW TF counters with a DC attack, but no hits are scored. Java: The 56th Inf. Rgt. began landing at Semarang, which I hope will catch the Dutch offguard and force the retirement of enemy forces from Tjilatjap. An assault will be launched tomorrow. An overzealous click fest caused the bombing of the airfield at Semarang in error. Damage was 5 AB, 4 ABS and 25 Runway hits, they were supposed to hit Madioen. Troops have arrived at their positions around Batavia and another deliberate attack will be launched tomorrow. I anticipate the fall of the base after the attack, if it does not then I will launch a shock attack which will end resistance in the north. When Semarang falls tomorrow the rail line will be open for the quick transfer of troops for the march to Soerabaja. Losses in Java to date have been minimal, so the 38th and 4th divisions at Makassar will not be needed in Java. Borneo: The various dutch forces left on the island are treated to periodic air bombardment by Betty's based at Balikpapan. The Samarinda KNIL Bn received 37 casualties. The Banda Sea: An actual combat unit and additional support units landed at Saumlaki. The island will be under Japanese control tomorrow and construction of the airfield will finally begin. There has been absolutely no Allied reaction to date other than recon. Burma: I'm am sending out recon units to determine where the Allies are in this theatre and finding they are essentially all north. I am building fortifications and slowly increasing my defence. I don't believe Smeulders is bringing any transport TF's directly to the area of Calcutta, I think everything lands on the west coast of India and is railed overland. I have a few submarines patrolling in the area and there have been zero sightings for months. Port Blair will be taken soon, so I'll have some eyes in the sky to see if anything is shaking east of Ceylon. China: Daily bombing of the 35th Chinese Corps at 90,38 continues. Another 63 casualties inflicted at Japanese troops maneuver to completely surround this force before launching the ground assault. Units continue to shuffle around and I'm constantly looking for a way to crack China's MLR. I still plan on the Ankang movement to see if I get any kind of reaction from Smeulders. I'm tinkering with yet another idea for the south. I also plan on starting to look for ways to confront China's airforce, it's time for an air war in China. The Japanese Ankei SNLF unit was bombed by Chinese SB-III's (13) and A-29A Hudson's (8). Casualites were 7 troops and 1 gun. A second wave of eight SB-III's did no damage. Miscellaneous: Wuchang expands fortifications to size 5 Mandalay expands fortifications to size 2 Makassar expands fortifications to size 2 Pingsiang expands airfield to size 2 Device Nakajima Ha-45 advances R&D I have two divisions free at Makassar for deployment. I am rethinking my plans for Australia, I am not convinced I need to take Darwin at this time. I will take Port Hedland, and Broome for the establishment of air recon bases. I may need to reinforce the assault on Port Moresby so I'll be putting together a fast TF to capture Horn Island, then land additional troops in New Guinea. Japanese submarine assets are rebasing and refueling in preparation for blanketing the Eastern coast of Australia. I believe there is some steady transport activity along the coast, the downside is Smeulders is limiting his movement to the shallows so I expect to take some submarine losses here. My entire fleet is in, or near, Singapore. I will quickly reorganize my naval assets into a Singapore Fleet, a Philippine/DEI Fleet and a Central/Southeast Pacific Fleet. The British Fleet is completely intact minus the Repulse I believe, so my Singapore fleet will have to include some strong surface ships and a couple of CVL's to counter the British. The DEI will be surface ship heavy and I haven't decided on whether to base any CVL's here yet. The Southeast Pacific Fleet will be based at Rabaul/Truk/Kwajalein. It will contain all my CV's and a strong surface ship component. I plan on putting together some CL and DD raiding TF's to begin searching for allied transport shipping. I'm pretty sure all of the Allied shipping is well south so I'm not optimistic I'll find much. Consolidation of captured territory continues, and the constant search for additional support units needed for various duties throughout the Empire.

SqzMyLemon -> April 18/42 Update (5/12/2010 6:44:07 PM)
April 18/42 Update: Sub Ops: SS Sturgeon spotted a two SC Ch TF near Rabaul and elected not to attack. No ASW DC attack was launched either. SS KXVI was spotted near Culion by PB's, but no ASW attack was launched. Transport sinkings are way down of late. The combination of air ASW, stronger escorts and routing has limited any opportunities for Allied submarines. Smeulders will not commit his submarines in shallow coastal water either, so I route everything I can through them. Borneo: I bomb the remaining Dutch units with Betty's based at Balikapan daily to speed up their destruction. Another 91 casualites were suffered by the Samarinda KNIL BN at 64,96. The Betty's have no better function to perform at this time until more airfields are built up to accommodate them. They are switched to ASW patrol when the situation warrants it. Timor: The Vals continue their on the job training and I was pleasantly surprised to see their ground bombing accuracy was 85%, not bad considering you can't really miss hitting the ground [:D]. Java: Doh, forgot to change the settings of the bombers, and Semarang's airfield was hit again prior to the ground assault going in. The deliberate attack by the 56th Inf. Rgt. was successful, forcing out the Semarang BF. Dutch casualites were 262 to no loss for Japan. Troops from Kalidjati are on the way by rail to reinforce the advance towards Soerabaja. Batavia was assaulted by deliberate attack again since all units are in place. The base held while the fortifications were reduced to 0. Casualites were 473 Japanese to 2212 Allied. A shock attack tomorrow should end things here. Miscellaneous: Wuchang expands airfield to size 4 Roi-Namur expands fortifications to size 2 Rabaul expands fortifications to size 3 Sabang expands airfield to size 2 Ambon expands fortifications to size 3 Southwest Area Fleet arrives at Tokyo The fleet reorganization at Singapore begins tomorrow as all ships have finally arrived.

SqzMyLemon -> April 19/42 Update (5/13/2010 6:07:21 PM)
April 19/42 Update: Sub Ops: SS Trout was spotted by an ASW TF N.E. of Buna and an aggressive [X(] DC attack was launched by the SC Ch 23. Two near miss's were recorded and some engine damage caused to the submarine. That's what I hope to see continue, my crews gaining experience and becoming somewhat more effective. China: Some stirrings of life in China. I have begun a bombing/attrition campaign in China with the first objective being the destruction of the airfield at Changsha. Nate's and Sonia's are my primary units right now, but the Sally's and Oscar's will be brought in to bear soon, as air units shuffle around. Fighter sweeps by Nate's encountered no Allied air flying CAP, although recon shows 30+ fighters based there. Following the sweep the Sonia's (10) escorted by Nate's (27) hit the airfield. Numerous allied planes were damaged on the ground, and the days air combat summary indicted two H81-A3 destroyed. The airfield itself suffered 3 AB and 12 Runway hits. I expect either CAP to be up tomorrow or the air units withdrawn. The 35th Chinese corps received it's daily bombing attack by Sally's, with 57 casualties being recorded. Surprisingly, the Chinese then launched a deliberate ground assault agianst my forces in the hex at 90,38. The 35th Chinese Corps is cut off and soon to be completely surrounded, but suffered only a disruption penalty during the attack. Japanese losses were 47 compared to 475 for the Chinese. Ningsia was captured by the 27th Div, in the north. The Banda Sea: A Japanese invasion force began landing on the Dutch occupied island of Den Passar. I've only sent a combat Eng. Rgt. as the Dutch defenders amount to less than 200 troops, just an air support unit for recon aircraft based there. Saumlaki was taken today, so construction of the airfield will begin. Java: Batavia falls! Japanese forces launched a shock attack which ended Dutch resistance in Northern Java. Japanese losses were 1117, of which the majority were disruptions. Allied losses totalled 16435 troops. Unfortunately Batavia is now trashed, damage to the HI is 1(19), LI 1(79) and Resources 1(59). Should I have shock attacked? Did my inclusion of so many engineer units factor into the wholesale destruction of the industry, or do the engineers of the defending force come into play more? Either way I'll have to repair to get the industry functioning again. I want to avoid this kind of devastation at Soerabaja at all costs. What determines the damage to facilities during an attack? Sumatra: Dutch units were drven out of Sawahloento east of Padang. Dutch casualties were 1050 for no loss. The 56th Recon Rgt. is pursuing. Australia: Recon had indicated shipping at Townsville the previous day, so G4M1 Betty's (18) launched a port attack from Lae. The xAKL Canopus was hit by a 250kg bomb, heavy damage and fires were reported. The PG Swan was also hit by a 250kg bomb resulting in heavy fires. The port suffered 2 Port hits and only 3 Betty's were damaged. There was no Allied CAP, which will change tomorrow I'm sure. I'm planning an air campaign against Darwin. Once airfields are built up to support bomber units, I will try to close down Darwin's airfield. I will also send in a SCTF to level the airfield at some point here. If I can keep Darwin's airfield closed from the air, I see no need to capture the base outright, no functioning airfield means no B-17's. I plan on taking Broome though, just to give the impression of a Northern Australian assault. Port Hedland will be taken to provide a base for recon of any naval movement around the N.W. corner of the country. I hope the isolation guarantees it will not be taken by land. Miscellaneous: Japanese construction engineers are busy these days. Naha expands fortifications to size 3 Jolo expands fortifications to size 2 Nanyang expands fortifications to size 2 Balikpapan expands fortifications to size 1 Ternate expands fortifications to size 1 DD Oshio beginning refit in shipyard at Singapore DD Michishio beginning refit in shipyard at Singapore DD Natsugumo beginning refit in shipyard at Singapore DD Kasumi beginning refit in shipyard at Singapore I was informed in an e-mail by Smeulders that he was planning on defending his further holdings differently in the future. I have no idea what this will entail , as so far in my opinion nothing has been defended to any great extent to date. I can only guess that means I'll start seeing much more allied air activity and the appearance of an allied navy at some point. If this proves to be the case I'll be happy, maybe he'll start coming to me or at least provide some hard targets to go after. I expect to see an appearance from the British Fleet soon, so the priority is to capture Port Blair for recon purposes. Either way, the construction of the defence's continues, and all units will be on alert as of now. I plan on reinforcing the Marshall's and Solomon's when my fleet units arrive in the Central Pacific. I'm out of PP's, so I'm going to try and restrain myself from using any to get a stash built up.

Nemo121 -> RE: Empire of the Rising Lemon? SqzMyLemon (Japan) v Smeulders (Allies) (5/13/2010 11:30:06 PM)
I've been asked, by SqzMyLemon to comment here, publicly, with clarification sought, and given, that if I comment I'll comment honestly... Just saying that before anyone starts jumping up and down that critique = personal attack. Initial comments: Well I think you're aware that your initial operations were safe, tentative and casualty-averse to the extent of being unwarrantedly cautious of submarines. I would suggest that the best way to deal with submarines is to provide defences for your TFs ( passive defence with escorts etc ) and then just ignore them. Submarines will take their tithe while you expand but you'll lose far more of strategic value ( principally time ) if you I think that, so far, you've shown a willingness to own up to errors and seek to improve on them. That's the most important thing I've taken from the whole AAR so far. Many players on here who congratulate themselves and get congratulated by others on their "awesomely brilliant play" etc etc ad nauseum are more interested in being right ( and being adulated for being right ) than being correct. Recognise that in every operation you run you will make mistakes, utterly refuse to impart blame to the engine UNLESS you cannot ascribe that blame to your own errors or lack of understanding of the orders system first and then be determined to learn the lesssons of those mistakes and incrementally improve your tactics and operations to the point that they actually begin working. I think you're open to such a path ( which puts you ahead of 90% of the forumites right there ) and I think that's the path you need to take. Once during one of Britain's wars with the French around the Canadian border ( so late 18th century ) the British commanding general was asked why he didn't put a certain general in command of a given task as that general had been on 20 campaigns with him. His answer was that his mule had also been on 20 campaigns but his mule hadn't learnt anything from those 20 campaigns and neither had this general. That's a truism to bear in mind when you play and as you read AARs. You won't see self-critique in many, if you do then follow that AAR because that's a player you can learn from. As to the rest... It is time for the socratic method.... 1.What are your strategic goals for 18 months time? What front line trace do you want to hold? 2. How is that front line trace vulnerable to Allied airpower, naval power and ground forces? 3. Revise your front line trace in view of 2 by either retreating or advancing the front-line trace or reinforcing what holds the current trace in a given sector. 4. Once you have the front line trace you want then you need to decide the forces you'll need for that. I noticed you deciding whether to build Musashi or not.... but your consideration was done in a strategic vacuum. You wondered whether the ship was worth it... The answer is it depends on the type of war you want to fight. It might be or it mightn't but you need to decide what war you want to fight and THEN you can decide if it is worth it. 5. How will PDU effect you? Have you done even a basic examination of what fighter you will have available ( and in what numbers ) from mid-43 and what fighters and numbers the Allies will have at the same time? I would think that would be important. 6. Can you write your strategic goals down in 3 sentences and encompass every theatre and your plan for that theatre for the next 18 months within those 3 sentences ( maximum 5 sentences ). Back in WW2 Kesselring ordered the German retreat through Italy to commence with an order comprising just 79 words IIRC. Basically he got 3,000 soldiers moving per word. His instructions were precise enough and general enough to achieve his goals ( the two aren't mutually exclusive ). Just put up a first draft and it should be possible to edit it into something closer to the intent with increased clarity over the next couple of days. Why the socratic method? It makes you think and I think you'll learn more from it.... Overall for a first game you've done well AND you're open to learning - which is the most important finding of reading your AAR -... After all this is about how good you'll be in 1 year, not how good you are today. Issues I usually consider when deciding a front line trace: 1. No base should be within range of land-based fighters except where utterly necessary ( e.g. India ). 2. Bases should be mutually supporting so you can LRCAP it with fighters when his 4-engined bombers come calling and close the airfield. 3. You need to minimise the ability of the Allies to attrit you so you should limit the points of contact with his navy, air force and ground troops as much as possible. 4. China - will I resource bomb it, hold a small portion securely or seek to anihilate the Chinese with a major ground offensive?

Nemo121 -> RE: Empire of the Rising Lemon? SqzMyLemon (Japan) v Smeulders (Allies) (5/13/2010 11:56:51 PM)
A logic puzzle.... You are bombing a Chinese Corps, you can destroy that force with your bombing ( not probably correct in anything but the longest term view but we'll leave that aside for now ). Should you do so? In other words just because you can do something should you? Under what circumstances should you not do something you can do? ( this can be either specific or general answers ).

SqzMyLemon -> April 20/42 Update (5/15/2010 1:08:26 AM)
April 20/42 Update: The Philippines: Japanese forces began landing at Cebu today after a long loading process to get them into action. 301 casualites were suffered from coastal guns and offloading so far. The Banda Sea: Japanese troops began offloading at Lomblen. The 12th, 13th and 15th Naval Construction Bn.'s and the 4th JAAF BF will begin construction of an airfield after the base is assaulted tomorrow. Lomblen will be the home to the 5th Air Div. HQ providing the frontline air defence around Timor. Den Passar will be assaulted tomorrow. China: The Changsha Turkey Shoot! I followed up the previous days air operations against Changsha today. Expecting to see AVG in full force I still committed my Nate's and Sonia's to the suppression of the airfield. Well...I did not expect the carnage I received. Initially Ki-27b Nates (9) swept at 18000ft, they were intercepted by H81-A3's (31) of AVG at 20000ft. Five Nate's were downed to no Allied losses. Stragglers from the initial raid, two more Nate's swept and one was shot down again to no Allied losses. And now the real carnage, the bombing raid. Sonia's (11) escorted by Nate's (27) were mauled by intercepting H81-A3's (30). The raid was flying at 10000ft and the losses were: Nate's (11) and Sonia's (3) with one Sonia also being damaged. Allied losses were...wait for it...0. In total I lost 26 Nate's to A2A and two to Ops losses. I know they are Ki-27b Nate's, but I did not expect to see this level of carnage with decent pilots and my fighters operating in their best maneuver bands. This will essentially limit any future Nate activity in the region to pilot training only, until the Nate squadrons begin upgrading in mid 1943. I'll see if I have any Ki-43-Ic Oscar units free for this theatre. A painful result today, but I can only use what I have unfortunately, and that is Nate's and Sonia's for the most part. The Celebes: Palopo was captured by the 5th Tank Rgt. That was the last of the Dutch held bases on the island. The Dutch units left will be claimed by the jungle. Sumatra: The 56th Recon Rgt. pushed the Padang BF back after a successful deliberate attack. Dutch losses were a further 43 troops, none for the 56th. Miscellaneous: Balikpapan expands fortifications to size 2 Brief strategy blurb. China: I have decided on an all out attack on Sian. I figure the forts are at a max of 4, it's open terrain and there's a huge Chinese army there. I can mass almost 8500 AV for the assault. The plan is to take the north oil centres, set up a defence and then pull the majority of the troops back for an assault in the south. I looked at the bases I have in the south, they all have limited or no economic value, so a Chinese counterattack here while I attack the north will not hurt my overall industrial capacity in China providing I can contain it. I will trade space for time in the south, in order to gain a victory in the north. Losing Sian and the other oil producing base to the north will hurt China. I am buildling up defence's in the south and assigning sectors to the various armies. A Chinese counterattack in the south is what I'm actually hoping for, if Smeulders leaves his MLR to go on the offensive, I'll have a surprise for him. It will take time of course to prep and bring additional units to bear, but I'm giving myself till the end of 1942 to achieve the majority of my goals in China. I have a plan for China now, a long term plan...finally. I'll post a screenshot for clarity another time. Singapore: The fleet continues to reorganize and carry out minor repairs of some major surface ships. Ships will begin to head out to their respective theatres of operation in a few days. Japan: The resource flow into Japan is not good at the moment. Oil/fuel is only trickling in, and resource stockpiling is not increasing to the levels I had hoped. Supply on the other hand is increasing, so that's good. The problem is my TF organization. I have begun a review and will be posting a lot more on my TF set ups. I'm looking at minimizing fuel usage while increasing the efficiency of my transportation network. I've been supplying a lot of fuel to certain bases and have not been sending enough back to Japan. I have not been sending fuel out from the Home Islands for some time. Every TF is under review and certain port expansions are underway to facilitate the movement of raw materials. I love this aspect of the game, but if not done properly it creates huge problems as you all know. I'll be spending a few hours on TF's alone tonight and begin writing up a spreadsheet of my transport TF's. It's May of 1942 and I'm finally figuring out what the heck I'm doing, and not doing! Nemo: I appreciate your comments, I'll try your suggested method of assessment and post the answers to the question's you posed for me when I can give it some thought and time. I am the first to admit that I really didn't have an overall plan and now that I have a clearer vision, I can take the concrete steps to implementing it. The biggest thing for me is feedback, I do intend on getting better and becoming a formidable opponent. I'm always open to suggestions and try to learn from my mistakes. As you say, the people that make mistakes and learn from them are the ones to look out for. Thanks for following along everyone. Is there anything anyone is interested in knowing? More details on certain things? Just let me know. Enjoy and stay tuned, there will be a war happening in this PBEM at some point [>:].

Nemo121 -> RE: April 20/42 Update (5/15/2010 4:00:55 AM)
Well, give a man the solution to a problem and you solve that problem, help him to figure out the WAY to approach the problem and you've just given him the tools to solve that and all his future problems. Saying go to x, do y would be easy, but not helpful to you really IMO. Plus, in my experience when people get the solution to a problem they apply the solution but often lose interest in the why of how it works and don't do the thinking necessary to improve...

SqzMyLemon -> April 21/42 Update (5/21/2010 5:48:22 PM)
April 21/42 Update: Sub Ops: SS Pike spots an ASW hunting TF and launches a 4 torpedo salvo which misses the DD Yuzuki. No DC attack is launched in response. SS Pike is then spotted by the SC CHa-18 which forces the submarine to dive, but no DC attack is launched once again. [8\|] New Guinea: The 24th JAAF AF unit was landed at Nabire on the northern coast. The construction of an airfield for recon purposes will commence. The Banda Sea: The 67th Naval Guard unit landed at Taberfane. Support units will follow up for construction of an airfield. Saumlaki saw a special guest appearance of SB2U-3 Vidicators (8) which sank the xAK Nishimi Maru after two bomb hits in the morning, an afternoon raid then sinks the xAK Kuwayama Maru with another two bomb hits. I saw the bombers at Darwin, but did not think they were DB's and saw little threat. That opinion has since been changed. I have to admit that my opponent makes me pay for any omissions on my part, any area I leave an opening he takes advantage of it. I expect to see a larger Allied air presence at Darwin now. The 21st Eng. Rgt. launches a deliberate attack at Den Pasar wiping out the defending Den Pasar BF for no loss. Lomblen fell to Imperial forces today. This base will be the home of the 5th Air Division HQ, and construction of an aifield will commence immediately. China: The 35th Chinese Corps was bombed again by a combination of 89 Sally's and Lily's. Casualties were heavy at 170. There is no other target of note for the bombers these days. With no effective fighter units to guard against the AVG making an appearance, I continue to bomb Chinese units out of effective CAP range. The bomber crews are routinely cycled into the reserve pool as they gain experience and new pilots brought in. The Philippines: Troops continue to pour ashore at Cebu as Allied units bombard the beaches. A deliberate assault against the defenders is imminent. Miscellaneous: Nanchang expands fortifications to size 1 Cagayan expands port to size 4 DD Arare beginning refit in shipyard at Manila

SqzMyLemon -> April 22/42 Update (5/21/2010 5:57:02 PM)
April 22/42 Update: [>:] The Philippines: The first assault by Japanese forces against the defenders of Cebu resulted in 249 Japanese casualties against only 84 for the Allies. The odds were 1:2 against a fortification level of 0. I attack again tomorrow. The Banda Sea: Taberfane is captured. Miscellaneous: DD Arashio beginning refit in shipyard at Hakodate SC Ch 3 taken out of commission to begin refit at Singapore SC Ch 13 taken out of commission to begin refit at Singapore SC Ch 20 taken out of commission to begin refit at Singapore

SqzMyLemon -> April 23/42 Update (5/21/2010 6:20:46 PM)
April 23/42 Update: Sub Ops: SS Grenadier is located near Iriomote and attacked by PB's, no DC hits were recorded. The Banda Sea: Surprisingly the port at Den Pasar was mined so the DMS W-7 was dispatched to clear the obstacles. 43 mines were cleared. The ships unloading at Saumlaki were withdrawn until the airfield is constructed to allow CAP to be present. As predicted Darwin now sports 40+ fighters and 50+ auxiliary aircraft. I am planning a future naval bombardment of the base to crater the airfield. China: I decided to speed things up in China with an artillery bombardment against the 35th Chinese Corps at 90,38. No casualites were reported against the Chinese forces. AV comparison is 860 to 35. I think Smeulders must be holding the majority of his forces in reserve. There are roughly 10000 troops reported here from recon. The Philippines: Japanese forces deliberate assaulted the defenders at Cebu again. Attack odds were 1:1 and casualties were 157 to 216 in favour of the Allies. The assault will continue. Sumatra: A deliberate attack by the 56th Recon Rgt. against the Dutch defenders at Pakanbaroe resulted in the elimination of the last Dutch forces in Sumatra. No losses were suffered by Imperial forces. Japanese engineers can now get on with the construction of defences throughout the Island. New Guinea: Nabire was taken under control and will commence construction operations. Burma: The 33rd/B div. captured Bhamo, I think that effectively cuts the supply flow to China by road at least. I have begun to load up the 38th Div. at Makassar for redeployment to this theatre. I need to start reinforcing here as I'm picking up a lot of allied recon in the area which may indicate the possibility of a limited ground offensive by the enemy in the near future. To that end, expansion of many Allied bases in India are being reported facilitating the growing numbers of Allied land and air units arriving in theatre no doubt. Miscellaneous: Taung Gyi expands fortifications to size 1 Makassar expands airfield to size 4 Den Passar expands fortifications to size 1 Waingapu expands fortifications to size 1

SqzMyLemon -> April 24/42 Update (5/21/2010 10:52:54 PM)
April 24/42 Update: Sub Ops: SS KXV is spotted near Donggala by the DD Hakaze and surprisingly is actually attacked with depth charges [X(]. Even more surpising is an actual direct hit [X(]. The sub is not sunk outright, but I'm glad to have scored an actual hit for a change. The Banda Sea: DMS W-7 clears the 11 remaining mines at Den Pasar, the port is now clear for shipping. Java: Madioen's airfield is bombed by Ki-21-Ia Sally's (19) escorted by Ki-43-Ic Oscar's (22) which cause 3 AB, 2 ABS, and 27 Runway hits, destroying one gun and one P-40E Warhawk on the ground. China: I decided to attack the 35th Chinese Corps outright today. Japanese forces assaulted using a deliberate attack inflicting 702 Chinese casualties against only 59 for Imperial forces. The 35th Corps retreats southeast. Air bombing will resume as ground units begin the pursuit. The Philippines: Another deliberate attack is launched against Cebu. Odds are once again down to 1:2, but Japanese forces suffer only 52 against 116 for the Allies. It's just a matter of time for the defenders to crack. Java: I tried an attack at Tjilatjap against the Dutch, but was repulsed. The 21st/A/B Div.'s are too weak to crack the defences. 337 casualties were suffered against 214 to the Allies. They'll sit tight until reinforcements arrive. In the meantime on the northern coast of the island, Japanese units continue to push towards Soerabaja. Miscellaneous: Manado expands airfield to size 6 Lomblen expands airfield to size 1 Saumlaki expands airfield to size 1 Talaud Island expands airfield to size 1 Japanese fleet units begin to ship out from Singapore to their new bases of operation. The majority of my carriers will rebase to Truk and area for a more centralized position. I am leaving two CVL's to remain at Singapore. Two CVE's are being sent to Makassar. The complete lack of intelligence on any Allied fleet dispositions is making it very hard to determine what is adequate strength to leave in any particular theatre. I will adjust as the situation becomes clearer eventually. I am picking up heavy volumes of radio traffic along the east coast of Australia. I'm redirecting more submarines to blanket the coast to see if I can't find some targets. Pearl Harbour is also making a lot of noise. Either it's just recent transport TF arrivals, or something's up. I am accelerating my expansion programs throughout the Empire. The tranport TF reorganization I've been carrying out over the last 4-5 game turns is almost complete and as TF's begin to move again I'll be posting details on all of them. Essentially, I was running into a bottleneck problem of utilizing Hakodate/Ominato and Takao to the exclusion of most other ports, this was creating a serious log jam with shipping, that was bringing loading/unloading to a standstill. I've staggered TF's now, as well as included a few different ports of call to alleviate this problem. It's so easy to say, hey its all going to Takao, Sapporo and Hakodate so I'll concentrate all my TF's there, or to your hubs of choice, don't...it will lead to serious delays in your resource flow. I was using Takao as a hub for shipments from Singapore and Manilla, then for transport to the Home Islands. The port is expanding, but just too slowly to accommodate the sheer volume of shipping I had concentrated there. At one point I had 20+ TF's in various states of loading/unloading and it seemed like nothing was moving. Fuel stocks at Takao are gone after filling up all the transports. I'm looking at customizing all refuel options so that the transports refuel at the point of embarkation, not the port of call or if it is a port that produces fuel. For example, I'm using transports and escorts that start at Singapore fully fuelled and can reach Takao without the need to refuel for the return trip to Singapore, where they can easily be refuelled with fuel shipped from Palembang. The small legged tranports will be used strictly in the Home Islands or in the Philippines. Port Arthur's TF's have been reorganized to be as efficient as possible as well. The STD-C Cargo class ships can be converted now, and I have begun switching them over to tankers. More to follow, it's worth the effort to spend the time here to get these TF's running smoothly.

SqzMyLemon -> April 25/42 Update (5/21/2010 11:28:17 PM)
April 25/42 Update: Another snoozer, sorry folks. [>:] China: Air bombing of the 35th Chinese Corps now at 90,39 resumed and 93 casualties were inflicted, mostly destroyed so they are hurting. Java: Madioen's airfield was bombed again, a further 8 AB, 1 ABS and 24 Runway hits. The Philippines: Another deliberate attack failed to break the defenders at Cebu. Odds were 1:1, and casualites were 74 for Imperial forces as opposed to 134 for the Allies. I'll shock attack tomorrow. Miscellaneous: Nanchang expands fortifications to size 2 Cagayan expands fortifications to size 1 SC Ch 27 taken out of commission to begin refit at Saipan SC Ch 33 taken out of commission to begin refit at Saipan xAKL Etashima Maru arrives at Osaka/Kyoto The pace of the game is incredibly boring as you all know. Unfortunately, I'm rather happy with it [:D]. My sinkings from enemy submarines are down with the new tactics I've employed. My fleet is intact. I'm taking and expanding bases at little to no cost. My supplies and raw material flow is uninterrupted, production is humming along. My fuel and oil situation will improve as my liquid TF's are organized better. I'm conserving fuel usage by streamlining my tranport TF's. The airforce continues to improve in quality and quantity as pilots are trained up and new planes are coming online. I don't know for sure, but this seems like a huge deal for me to expand/consolidate at such little cost in terms of assets. I just hope that I am using the time wisely to prepare an adequate defence. I can't do much about my opponents conserving his fleet/airforce and not bringing anything to bear other than submarines and minimal air assets used in hit and run raids. It is what it is, but I will not go chasing him to bring on a confrontation on his terms. I'm looking at some SCTF raids on some ports in the near future to disrupt what I can at little cost, and of course the destruction of the airfield at Darwin is a priority. In hindsight, there is much I would have done differently to be further along in terms of territory captured and possibly in terms of inflicting greater casualties on the Allied Fleet by having been more aggressive at game start. I believe other than the remaining capture of Java, and some areas in the Solomons, I will not be expanding anywhere else. So now the focus is on becoming stronger and to build my defences, while disrupting what preparations I can of my opponent. There has been no Allied expansion of any bases in the Southeast Pacific, it's all been in India, Ceylon, Eastern Australia and the West Coast. The plan is to put together some SCTF raiding forces to start disrupting things and start snooping around. Submarines are being deployed along Eastern Australia to try and interdict the transports. I really have no clue as to Allied intentions as yet. The buildup makes me think the first Allied push will be in Burma, and the first American Fleet operations around New Guinea based out of Australia, or an attack in the Marshall's. These have been neglected by me to date, but with the restructuring of the fleet I'll have assets in the region to begin the reinforcement of these Islands. The one critical shortage I have are air units, my search capability is not good and some great units are restricted in the Home Islands. The abundance of Nate and Sonia units doesn't help either. I'm looking every turn on ways to improve my air capacity throughout the Empire. Thanks for following along, I plan on a massive update on the affairs of the Empire soon . I'm off to Vegas for 5 days now and will resume the war on my return. Take it easy everyone. [:)]

SqzMyLemon -> April 26/42 Update (5/28/2010 7:15:17 PM)
April 26/42 Update: Sub Ops: No attacks or sinkings to report, but there is quite an increase in sightings by air ASW. It looks like the recent upgrades for Allied submarines is complete and they are returning to action. Japanese subs have located no Allied shipping along the east coast of Australia, although a TF somehow slipped past my screening submarines to dock at Townsville. Despite positioning my submarine forces in positions where I believe Allied shipping to be active, I get no sightings or attacks. I can't explain it. [&:] China: Bombing of the 35th Chinese Corps by various air units results in 88 casualites, including a few guns destroyed. The Philippines: Cebu has fallen netting a further 2539 Allied casualties to Japan's 42. The 81st PA Inf. Div. and Cebu BF were destroyed. One last pocket of Allied resistance to clear up and the Philippines will be completely under Imperial control. Miscellaneous: Lae expands fortifications to size 3 Tarakan expands port to size 4 Japanese forces continue to shuffle around behind the scenes, my fleet and transport TF reorganization continues. My invasion fleet is leaving Sabang en route for Port Blair and I'm about to land a small invasion force on Christmas Island IO to facilitate the creation of an air recon base. Production wise I've ordered a modest increase in Ha-35 production of 20 by switching over a small factory previously producing Ha-32's.

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