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ny59giants -> RE: Off topic (4/9/2012 5:26:54 PM)

Can we get a screenshot of the Solomons and Coral Sea area?? It would help your readers follow along better.

If you can afford it now or to file this thought away to later, consider mining the shallow hex just SE of Lunga. It may be a nasty surprise if he tries to get reinforcements in by standard transports or Fast Transport.



SqzMyLemon -> RE: Off topic (4/9/2012 5:54:15 PM)

Sure thing, I'll work on one tonight.

If anybody else is wondering about seeing other information or screenshots, don't hesitate to ask.



SqzMyLemon -> RE: Off topic (4/9/2012 10:21:02 PM)

The next turn has arrived. It looks like we may be back on track getting the game moving. Shouldn't be anything happening this turn, but next one should see some movement and some action in China. I'll post a few screens upon the conclusion of today's action. Catch you all later.



Mike Solli -> RE: Off topic (4/9/2012 10:27:06 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon

quote:

ORIGINAL: obvert

When I've picked up a base by occupying it after my opponent vacates, with no combat during the changeover turn, the forts remain. When the base is captured through combat, the forts do not remain and must be rebuilt. I think. [:)]


This has been my experience as well, in terms of occupying a base after the enemy has vacated it. When the Chinese abandoned Changteh and my forces rolled in, I was pleasantly surprised to see a level three fort waiting for me. Alfred has also made some comments to this affect in one of his 101 threads.

I'm not sure about when losing my own bases. My gut tells me they go back to zero, but in this situation I'm going to base my operations on a worse case scenario of at least level three forts.



If you capture a base without attacking it, you inherit the forts. If you attack it, the fort level resets to 0.



SqzMyLemon -> RE: Off topic (4/9/2012 10:51:49 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Mike Solli

quote:

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon

quote:

ORIGINAL: obvert

When I've picked up a base by occupying it after my opponent vacates, with no combat during the changeover turn, the forts remain. When the base is captured through combat, the forts do not remain and must be rebuilt. I think. [:)]


This has been my experience as well, in terms of occupying a base after the enemy has vacated it. When the Chinese abandoned Changteh and my forces rolled in, I was pleasantly surprised to see a level three fort waiting for me. Alfred has also made some comments to this affect in one of his 101 threads.

I'm not sure about when losing my own bases. My gut tells me they go back to zero, but in this situation I'm going to base my operations on a worse case scenario of at least level three forts.


If you capture a base without attacking it, you inherit the forts. If you attack it, the fort level resets to 0.


Thanks for the clarification Mike. That means I may be facing a fort level of only one or two if I can keep Lunga damaged and prevent further fort construction. I better get cracking with the counterinvasion and get those troops landing. The last few bombardments must have been low rolls, my previous bombardments were really doing a number on the enemy defenders, unless a level one or two fort makes that much of a difference as seen in the most recent bombardments.



SqzMyLemon -> Feb. 12/43 (4/10/2012 2:45:20 AM)

Feb. 12/43 Update:

Sub Ops:

Japanese ASW is really stepping up lately in the Solomons and New Britain area.

SS Gudgeon is spotted by E Otori near Rekata Bay. No ASW attack.
SS Gudgeon is spotted by E Otori near Russel Islands. No ASW attack.
SS S-47 is sighted by SC Ch 29 near Gasmata. SC Ch 29 launches an ASW attack and scores two direct DC and one near miss hits.
SS Gudgeon is again located by E Otori near Rekata Bay. This time E Otori gets a fix and attacks, recording one direct DC hit.
SS O20 is spotted by E Kiku near Rekata Bay, but no ASW attack.

Burma:

Quiet, no Allied bombings or sweeps.

China:

81st Chinese Corps is spotted in clear terrain and bombers are dispatched. The Chinese suffer 0(16) infantry, 1(17) non-combat squads lost totalling 310 casualties.

Kweiyang is hit hard today despite heavy cloud conditions. Japanese bombers inflict 0(28) infantry, 0(36) non-combat and 0(2) engineer squad losses totalling 581 casualties. Chinese fighters were moved to the base, despite damage showing 100% (FOW ?), but did not intercept the bombers.

The Solomons:

Rossel Island is captured by the Yokosuka 3rd SNLF. The plan is get an anchorage established in order to facilitate my search capability in the region and spot any would be enemy SCTF's.

Miscellaneous:

Japan:

Matsue expands airfield to size 3
Vella Lavella expands airfield to size 1
Tuyun expands fortifications to size 2

SS I-35 arrives at Osaka/Kyoto

Allied:

Adak Island expands port to size 4

TK Seirstad is reported to have been sunk near Lahaina on Sep 17, 1942

Thoughts:

Allied submarines are spotted at Lunga today, my guess laying mines or an attempt to interdict bombardment TF's. I'll send in a Minesweeper and escort to deal with and mines. Surprisingly my next bombardment TF actually reached the staging area this turn, so another bombardment will go ahead tomorrow. The first amphibious TF's are also ordered to move towards Tassafaronga. I should start landing in two days. I've decided to throw everthing I can at Lunga. I should be able to outpace any Allied attempt to reinforce Lunga. The priority now is get troops on Guadalcanal as quickly as possible, march on Lunga and establish a perimeter. Then land additional artillery and engineers directly at Lunga to speed up the process and start to grind away at the defences with a serious of deliberate attacks coinciding with naval and air bombardments. It will hopefully be a case of Japanese shock and awe. I do worry about the 4E's, but so far they are being held back and I hope to be strong enough to attrition them when they do appear.

A cautionary note...Yamato and friends arrived at Rabaul and took a very large chunk of supply. More fuel and supply is days away. As Michael points out...logistics, logistics and logistics. I figure the lack of combat for most of 42 allows me to splurge here, I'm committed to whatever it takes. I think a successful outcome here will be worth it. It may have quite an effect on the enemy and result in an even slower pace of advance. That's only if I'm successful of course!

So it begins. [8D] Screens a little later providing more information.



SqzMyLemon -> RE: Feb. 12/43 (4/10/2012 5:54:28 AM)

I got the Solomons done, but it's too late to get Rabaul and area done. I neglected to mention there are another 75+ Betty's currently based within quick transfer range of the Solomons. I so need to get a better graphics program. I could really sex these up, but I lose the quality saving as a jpeg. Here's the fuzzy screenshot:


[image]local://upfiles/33192/DD97FC579DCD4DD2BE657DD677EFAA0A.jpg[/image]



obvert -> RE: Feb. 12/43 (4/14/2012 2:50:44 PM)

Are you guys taking a break?

Looks like you have enough airplanes in the Solomons. You might consider a few more interlocking bases around your strongpoints to battle the 4Es once you do get Lunga back. I'm confident you will! [:)]



SqzMyLemon -> RE: Feb. 12/43 (4/15/2012 7:46:05 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: obvert

Are you guys taking a break?

Looks like you have enough airplanes in the Solomons. You might consider a few more interlocking bases around your strongpoints to battle the 4Es once you do get Lunga back. I'm confident you will! [:)]


Hi obvert,

No break, but slow turnaround with turns this week. I didn't get a turn out to Bart on Monday and that means no turn from Bart until Thursday. He's busy Wednesday's and Friday's, so if I miss getting him a turn on the other nights we only get a few done unfortunately. I'm hoping to get the turn back fairly quickly tomorrow. If so, I'll have three days to update.

Things are heating up. Bart is still catching some breaks, but one of these days it will all fall into place for me...right? [:D] There was even a little Japanese CVL action, but results were again disappointing for Japanese naval air for some reason. I also sprung a surprise for the dreaded B-24's in Burma which started out great, but then quickly turned sour. At least I know I'm on top of things, and putting my forces into play as a result of following all the bits of intel I'm discovering through search and SigInt. I just wish I would be rewarded more often than not. Anyway, I'll update tomorrow regardless of whether I get a turn or not.

Stay tuned, we finally have a war on. Japanese troops start landing on Tassafaronga next turn, unless something goes horribly wrong or the Allies have a surprise for me.



SqzMyLemon -> Feb. 13-15/43 Update (4/15/2012 10:59:42 PM)

Feb. 13/43:

Sub Ops:

SS Guardfish near Loemadjang misses DD Usugumo. No ASW attack. This may blow the surprise of my CVL's off the northwest coast of Australia, as this is it's replenishment TF and AO's were reported in the combat report.

SS KXIV is again spotted near Donggala by an ASW TF, and again no ASW is launched. I may need to replace some Captains.

SS O20 is sighted by escorts of a bombardment TF and attacked near Rekata Bay. Both DD's Ariake and Nenohi attack scoring three near miss hits, one of which causes a fuel leak.

The Solomons:

Another bombardment of Lunga and still the 27th Division is targeted over the facilities. I am glad to be getting bombardments in consistently though.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Naval bombardment of Lunga at 114,138

Japanese Ships
BB Hyuga
BB Ise
BB Yamashiro
BB Fuso

Allied ground losses:
85 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 22 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

F1M2 Pete acting as spotter for BB Hyuga
BB Hyuga firing at 27th Infantry Division
BB Ise firing at 27th Infantry Division
BB Yamashiro firing at 27th Infantry Division
BB Fuso firing at 27th Infantry Division

The Gilbert Islands:

Tarawa is swept by F4F-3 Wildcat's (22) from Tabiteuea. No Japanese CAP. Allied medium bombers, B-26B Marauder's (13) and B-25C Mitchell's (15) and follow and hit the airbase causing 17 AB, 5 ABS and 67 Runway hits.

China:

81st Chinese Corps is bombed near Chungking for 0(10) infantry, 0(13) non-combat and 0(1) engineer squads lost totalling 93 casualties.

Kweiyang is targeted inflicting 1(31) infantry, 1(54) non-combat and 0(1) engineer squad losses totalling 236 casualties.

Burma:

Another Allied artillery bombardment at Bhamo. One enemy squad is diasabled for their trouble.

Miscellaneous:

Japan:

Rahaeng expands airfield to size 6
Taung Gyi expands fortifications to size 6
Torokina expands airfield to size 2
Ambon expands fortifications to size 5
Chumphon expands fortifications to size 2

TK Kyokuho Maru arrives at Nagasaki/Sasebo (I will be receiving quite a few tankers during the next 90 days)

58th Field AA Battalion arrives at Keijo
59th Field AA Battalion arrives at Keijo
3rd IJN Special Coastal Gun Battalion arrives at Yokohama/Yokosuka
Det. 3rd Special Base Force arrives at Yokohama/Yokosuka

Allied:

Geraldton expands airfield to size 5

Feb. 14/43:

Sub Ops:

SS KXIV is again spotted and ASW TF's again fail to launch a DC attack.

SS S-38 near Woodlark Island misses SC Ch 14. A DC attack scores a near miss hit.

SS O20 misses DD Kiyonami near Rekata Bay. DD Hatsuharu reports two near miss hits causing damage. This is the BB Yamato bombardment TF.

The Solomons:

Another bombardment of Lunga by BB Yamato and friends. There is damage to the facilities this time.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Naval bombardment of Lunga at 114,138

Japanese Ships
BB Musashi
BB Yamato
BB Haruna
BB Kongo

Allied Ships
AK Almaack, Shell hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
AK Libra, Shell hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Alcyon, Shell hits 3, heavy damage
AK Bellatrix, Shell hits 1, heavy damage

Allied ground losses:
212 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 3 disabled
Non Combat: 5 destroyed, 30 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 3 disabled
Guns lost 9 (2 destroyed, 7 disabled)

Airbase hits 10
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 15
Port hits 18
Port supply hits 1

F1M2 Pete acting as spotter for BB Musashi
BB Musashi firing at 27th Infantry Division
BB Yamato firing at 27th Infantry Division
BB Haruna firing at 27th Infantry Division
F1M2 Pete acting as spotter for BB Kongo
BB Kongo firing at Lunga

In a surprise move the Allies send in two DD's to interrupt my naval operations against Lunga and submarine suppression. These DD's were spotted the previous turn and I thought I had sufficient screens, but was proven wrong. Unfortunately, they sneak through and the DD's Porter and Phelps quickly sink the E Kiji, one of my better performing ASW ships.

They then stumble across an amphibious TF heading to Lunga.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Rekata Bay at 112,135, Range 29,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CL Sendai
DD Hibiki
DD Murakumo
DD Asagiri
DD Yugiri
xAK Kansai Maru
xAK Kashii Maru
xAK Aobasan Maru
xAK Asosan Maru
xAK Asakasan Maru
xAK Atutasan Maru
LSD Shinshu Maru
LSD Akitsu Maru
xAP Teia Maru

Allied Ships
DD Porter
DD Phelps

Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions: 28,000 yards
Range closes to 27,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 27,000 yards
Japanese TF attempts to evade combat
Range increases to 28,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 28,000 yards
Range increases to 29,000 yards...
Range increases to 29,000 yards...
Japanese Amphibious TF evades combat

Lunga's airbase is finally bombed by Japanese LBA. I've been trying for the previous two days, but weather has grounded my aircraft. G4M1 Betty's (26) inflict 2 AB, 2 ABS and 16 Runway hits. The AK Libra is reported hit and sunk...finally another transport goes down.

The Gilbert Islands:

Rinse and repeat. Wildcat's sweep Tarawa and Allied medium bombers hit the airbase again for 4 AB, 4 ABS and 9 Runway hits. An A6M2-N Rufe is destroyed on the ground.

China:

Chinese forces near Chungking in open terrain are hit hard by bombers. The Chinese suffer 5(86) infantry and 4(70) non-combat squads lost totalling 856 casualties.

Burma:

I threw a surprise in for the Allies today. The milk run against Lashio was anything but today. I was prepared to have to take on Allied sweeps today, but they either didn't fly or the Allies got complacent. B-24D Liberator's (36) were bounced by LRCAP from three airbases. The Oscar's do most of the damage. Despite the Tojo's and Nick's being set to 80% LRCAP only 13 appear out of a possible 50 aircraft, extremely disappointing. The LRCAP was set specifically to Bhamo so I thought there'd be more, or at least a number would reinforce my initial numbers. That didn't happen. Regardless, the bombers got a bloody nose today. [8D]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Lashio , at 62,46

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 37
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 8
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 5

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 36

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator: 2 destroyed, 22 damaged

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 5

The intelligence report indicated 14 B-24's were downed against 11 Oscar's. I suffered 4 A2A and 7 Ops losses with Oscar's...simply matchsticks. I don't believe 14 bombers were shot down. I can account for 5 outright during the replay and a few more were severely damaged, but I still doubt 14 were lost.

Another Allied ground bombardment at Bhamo causes no loss.

Northwest Australia:

Another surprise for the Allies occurred off the coast of Exmouth. [8D]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Exmouth at 52,128

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 11 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 11
A6M3a Zero x 7
B5N2 Kate x 15

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 1 destroyed by flak

Allied Ships
xAK Mangola, Torpedo hits 4, and is sunk
xAK Lowana (hit by two dud torpedoes!) [:@]
DD Kortenaer
DD Van Nes

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
6 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo

I thought there were more Allied ships and search indicated eight enemy ships, but this was all that were attacked. Unfortunately, about half the bombers couldn't find the target and only these aircraft from three Japanese CVL's attacked. I'm setting my Kate's altitude lower next time to see if that makes a difference in hits.

Miscellaneous:

Japan:

Nauru Island expands fortifications to size 1

AMc Wa 11 arrives at Tokyo
AMc Wa 12 arrives at Tokyo
AMc Wa 13 arrives at Tokyo
DMS W-23 arrives at Tokyo
CM Nuwashima arrives at Tokyo
AO Ashizuri arrives at Hiroshima/Kure
SC CHa-52 arrives at Takamatsu

934 Ku S-1 arrives at Yokohama/Yokosuka
109th Sentai arrives at Maebashi

Allied:

Nothing

Thoughts:

A little love for Imperial forces on Valentine's Day, but overall a little disappointed in only one Allied transport sunk off the coast of Australia. The LRCAP over Lashio worked like a charm and the initial pass by Japanese fighters was impressive, but then the combat quickly devolved into Japanese plane after plane aborting for any number of reasons and then bomber defensive fire took over. If more Tojo's and Nick's had intercepted I think the allied losses would have been much greater. Two Allied DD's slip through substantial SCTF's and take out one of my better ASW ships in the Solomons. I'll take the results today, but I'm still looking for that elusive drubbing of the enemy when I catch him offguard, as I have routinely lately.

Feb. 15/43:

Sub Ops:

SS I-169 misses DD Kortenaer near Exmouth.

SS S-38 is spotted near Woodlark Island by ASW. No DC attack.

The Solomons:

Looking for revenge against the two American DD's, I send in strong SCTF to deal with them. I get what I hoped for and Japanese forces catch the enemy retiring from Munda.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Munda at 111,135, Range 11,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CA Atago
CL Oyodo, Shell hits 1
DD Akigumo, Shell hits 1
DD Kazegumo
DD Tamanami
DD Kagero

Allied Ships
DD Porter
DD Phelps, Shell hits 4, on fire

Improved night sighting under 82% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Clear Conditions and 82% moonlight: 12,000 yards
Range closes to 23,000 yards...
Range closes to 17,000 yards...
Range closes to 11,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 11,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 11,000 yards
Beck, E. crosses the 'T'

CA Atago engages DD Phelps at 11,000 yards
CL Oyodo engages DD Phelps at 11,000 yards
DD Kazegumo engages DD Phelps at 11,000 yards
DD Phelps engages DD Akigumo at 11,000 yards
Range closes to 7,000 yards
DD Phelps engages DD Akigumo at 7,000 yards
DD Kazegumo engages DD Porter at 7,000 yards
DD Porter engages DD Kagero at 7,000 yards
DD Tamanami engages DD Phelps at 7,000 yards
DD Phelps engages DD Kazegumo at 7,000 yards
DD Akigumo engages DD Phelps at 7,000 yards
Range closes to 5,000 yards
CA Atago engages DD Phelps at 5,000 yards
DD Kagero engages DD Phelps at 5,000 yards
DD Phelps engages DD Kazegumo at 5,000 yards
DD Akigumo engages DD Porter at 5,000 yards
Range closes to 4,000 yards
CA Atago engages DD Phelps at 4,000 yards
CL Oyodo engages DD Porter at 4,000 yards
DD Phelps engages DD Kazegumo at 4,000 yards
DD Akigumo engages DD Porter at 4,000 yards
Range increases to 8,000 yards
DD Phelps engages DD Kagero at 8,000 yards
CL Oyodo engages DD Phelps at 8,000 yards
DD Tamanami engages DD Porter at 8,000 yards
DD Phelps engages DD Akigumo at 8,000 yards
Range increases to 13,000 yards
CA Atago engages DD Phelps at 13,000 yards
CL Oyodo engages DD Phelps at 13,000 yards
DD Phelps engages DD Kagero at 13,000 yards
DD Phelps engages DD Kazegumo at 13,000 yards
Task forces break off...

Sigh, the enemy gets the tactical advantage and two heavy cruisers lay an egg, while the four DD's don't perfom much better. Another disappointing showing by Imperial forces.

Betty's hit Lunga's airbase again. Damage is 4 AB, 2 ABS and 6 Runway hits.

The Gilbert Islands:

Wildcat's sweep Tarawa, but no Allied bombers appear today.

Australia:

Japanese CVL's move south, but the Allied transports move east towards Port Hedland. I do not have any idea of Allied LBA at the base, so I steer clear of the level 5 airbase. The CVL's will retire back to Soerabaja, hopefully dodging the Allied submarines I'm sure are converging on her last position.

China:

I'm starting to target airbase again to cause supply losses since the Chinese have formed into such massive stacks. Chungking is targeted today and damage is 10 AB, 2 ABS and 41 Runway hits. Two P-43A-1 Lancer's are destroyed on the ground.

A ground assault in the north.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground combat at 80,40 (near Tienshui)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 41966 troops, 322 guns, 186 vehicles, Assault Value = 1452

Defending force 18847 troops, 87 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 767

Japanese adjusted assault: 1155

Allied adjusted defense: 1492

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), leaders(+), experience(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
939 casualties reported
Squads: 7 destroyed, 91 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 12 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 42 disabled
Vehicles lost 8 (1 destroyed, 7 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
665 casualties reported
Squads: 6 destroyed, 174 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 9 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Assaulting units:
110th Division
12th Tank Regiment
27th Division
63rd Division
2nd Ind.Mixed Brigade
North China Area Army

Defending units:
3rd Chinese Corps
9th Chinese Corps
57th Chinese Corps

I do not like ground combat in this game. The defensive modifiers and terrain make uber stacks inevitable. The penalty of reduced AV for the attacker against forts or terrain is just harsh, that's what the defensive modifiers are for. The attacker is always penalized twice and it just rubs me wrong. An almost 2:1 advantage is swung completely in favour of the defense. I should start shock attacking regularly to overcome this, but then again one bad roll completely shatters your forces. I'd rather grind away when I do have an advantage, rather than risk a disaster from a bad roll.

On a happier note, Chihkiang and Patung fall. The Chinese leave one unit guarding the river line N.E. of Tuyun while the rest withdraw to Kweiyang. There are now 89 Chinese units and over 700k+ in the base. This allows me to move my armour and artillery over the river instead of losing 23 days marching through rough terrain. If the Chinese defend Kweiyang, I will attempt to surround it rather than a frontal assault.

Miscellaneous:

Peiping expands fortifications to size 3
Milne Bay expands fortifications to size 3
Torokina expands fortifications to size 1

I'm finally able to get all of 78th Sentai converted to Ki-61 Ia Tony's, it will deploy to Burma.

Thoughts:

Overall, I'm happy with progress. I'm dictating events, hitting back at the Allies everywhere and making good progress in China. I'm still concerned over inability to score serious losses on the enemy when I catch him offguard, but one of these days it's bound to happen.

I think the complete withdrawal in China is a mistake. I'm going to be able to shorten my line substantially and withdraw numerous units as soon as PP's are available. I'm already reducing the number of bombers and redeploying them to Burma and the Pacific.

I've landed the 30th Rgt. of 28th Division and the entire 2nd Division on Tassafaronga. The 16th and 54th Divisions will arrive in days, but I may hold one back to land directly against Lunga along with artillery, tanks, engineers and the HQ units to coincide with the units marching overland arriving. The 48th Division will be held in reserve. The lack of Allied 4E bombing is really helping me get additional airbases expanded. Soon I'll be able to muster a pretty decent sized force of naval LBA to counter any naval incursions in the theatre.

CV Taiho and 16 DD's have arrived at Rabaul, as has another 150k of fuel and 75k+ of supplies. I'm growing stronger daily. I'm not sure of Allied intentions, but if they don't act soon in Lunga's support, it will be a lot more difficult than it could have been. It's going to be a tough haul and by no means a short operation for me and success is not guaranteed, but I'm feeling better about things than I did two weeks ago. I keep doing what I'm doing and await a serious Allied reaction.



SqzMyLemon -> RE: Feb. 13-15/43 Update (4/16/2012 1:17:07 AM)

I forgot to mention. There was a sinking noise heard last turn and then the intelligence report indicated CV Yorktown sunk near Lord Howe Island. This isn't the first time she's reported sunk though and there were no Ops losses of any note registered. The report indicated Lord Howe Island which makes sense if she sailed for Sydney to make repairs. I think instead it was one of the transports hit by bombardment at Lunga. Darn FOW!

I'm working on a screenshot of the Solomons to bring things up to speed. I have a lot going on there and with the large number of amphibious TF's unloading, I'm a little nervous. Bart mentioned in his previous e-mail about the "juicy TF" his DD's missed interdicting.

The next turn is away, but it looks like no chance of a second turn tonight. [:(]



SqzMyLemon -> China (4/16/2012 4:33:36 AM)

Here's an update of China. Japanese forces continue to advance and there will be numerous attacks against Chinese rearguards.

[image]local://upfiles/33192/9FEB114D7C6F47358ABC880B2300D72D.jpg[/image]

I wish I could type, or took the time to proofread. I'm constantly editing my posts to fix up spelling and gramatical errors! And I see I still missed a bunch in the earlier update! [8|]

I'll finish up the Solomons screenshot tomorrow and it will show the current dispositions. I'm too tired tonight to finish it up and it will then be moot if I run the turn first without posting it. [:D]

Ugh, I'm not even making sense. Catch you all tomorrow. [>:]



SqzMyLemon -> RE: Feb. 13-15/43 Update (4/16/2012 6:12:27 PM)

Here's the Solomons screenshot to bring things up to speed.

I just got the e-mail from Bart with the next turn and now I'm looking forward to watching the replay, but at the same time a little nervous. The reason is the last line from Bart's e-mail, and I quote: "Enjoy the turn (it may be a bit more bloody than the last one)."

So here I sit at work with 6 more hours till I get home and wondering what the heck that means. Is it another SCTF incursion aimed at Tassafaronga? 4E's hitting the Solomons? Is it a run at my CVL's off the coast of Australia?

Stay tuned...

[image]local://upfiles/33192/E77623EA8DD94DF5A6351BD6D6EC69D2.jpg[/image]



obvert -> RE: Feb. 13-15/43 Update (4/16/2012 9:02:17 PM)

Good move. I think with all of that floating around the KB should definitely be at the forefront. Make sure you're Nav Search is as far out and as top notch as you can get it as well.

Do you have Rufes to throw in at Tulagi?

I hate it when Jocke sends me warnings like that and I can't see the turn right away! Looking forward to the action!



SqzMyLemon -> The CV battle that almost was! (4/16/2012 9:02:21 PM)

Curiosity was killing me, so I went home over my lunch hour and ran the turn. My spouse just looked at me like I was just plain weird. [:D]

Oh man! We just missed having a big CV battle S.W. of Guadalcanal, but ended up one hex too far apart. I had no idea the Allied CV's might be committed, I was completely focused on enemy SCTF's and thought the CV's might be in position to support a strike on Tarawa.

The Allies sortied what appears to be four CV's in one TF (10 ships) and another large SCTF (10 ships) and positioned them 6 hexes directly S.E. of Tassafaronga. My CV's reached their patrol position as shown on the previous screenshot and the two fleets ended up eight hexes away. Let me say that I was lucky today. With my CV's unable to come to grips with the enemy CV's, all my shipping at Tassafaronga was ripe for the picking, but for whatever reason the enemy failed to launch any naval air strikes against numerous Japanese TF's in the area. If I had shifted my movement one hex east, we'd have had a carrier battle!

Strong P-38 sweeps, based from Ndeni, against Tassafaronga engaged my LRCAP covering the TF's and losses were roughly even on the day. The morning action going my way, the afternoon in favour of the Allies. I got hit with 3 separate P-38's squadrons, so not sure how many more are available with PDU off at this stage.

I have a few things to address though. I must get bases built up quickly to get more LBA into the fight, and I must shut down Ndeni's airbase.

Next turn is going to be interesting to say the least. There are quite a few possibilities. Do I seek battle, will the Allies? Or will we pull back and look for an opening again later. In my case, I'm committed. I will most likely remain to protect the amphibious TF's and get more troops onto Guadalcanal. I wish I had the BB's closer, I'd make a run at Ndeni to whack those P-38's on the ground. What a crazy day, we came so close. If I can crush the Allied CV's that opens up a lot of options for me. I think in my case I wanted a CV battle to occur, but it may be better for me it didn't. I get CV Taiho joining up soon and those extra DD's. The next bombardment TF's are ready as well as the next wave of amphibious TF's, so I want to keep the pressure on.

I think it may be worth while to gather my strength and make an all out run against Ndeni to neutralize it while I continue building up, seeking any battle that is offered. Does anyone know if P-38's count as two engines for stacking purposes as Nick's do? My guess is they would, and if that is the case it means the Allies can either choose them or bombers at Ndeni, not both. An attack against Ndeni might be the way to go right now and force the Allies to commit the CV's withour air cover from Ndeni. Oh decisions, decisions!

Tonight is going to be one heck of a turn to figure out.




Mike Solli -> RE: The CV battle that almost was! (4/16/2012 9:22:45 PM)

You may want to reconsider sending minelayers to Lunga. Your minefield there is an offensive minefield, which means it can hit either side equally. If you have a minefield at an enemy base (regardless of who owned the base when it was laid), it's an offensive minefield and will go after either side.



obvert -> RE: The CV battle that almost was! (4/16/2012 9:25:44 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: Mike Solli

You may want to reconsider sending minelayers to Lunga. Your minefield there is an offensive minefield, which means it can hit either side equally. If you have a minefield at an enemy base (regardless of who owned the base when it was laid), it's an offensive minefield and will go after either side.


That's good to know. Seems like it should be (even though it sounds like it's not) assumed that it was charted when layed and that it wouldn't hit the side that laid it because they would avoid that area?



SqzMyLemon -> RE: The CV battle that almost was! (4/16/2012 9:47:15 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Mike Solli

You may want to reconsider sending minelayers to Lunga. Your minefield there is an offensive minefield, which means it can hit either side equally. If you have a minefield at an enemy base (regardless of who owned the base when it was laid), it's an offensive minefield and will go after either side.


Thanks for that info Mike, and hopefully you haven't jinxed me. [:D]

I've had about eight bombardment TF's hit Lunga now and haven't hit one yet. [X(]



crsutton -> RE: The CV battle that almost was! (4/16/2012 10:03:01 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Mike Solli

You may want to reconsider sending minelayers to Lunga. Your minefield there is an offensive minefield, which means it can hit either side equally. If you have a minefield at an enemy base (regardless of who owned the base when it was laid), it's an offensive minefield and will go after either side.



A chance but a small chance. Japanese minelayer are cheap and fairly expendable. I would send it in. I did lay a massive air minefield at my opponent'base and my mines sunk two of my DD on successive bombardment runs. It was a very big minefield though and it is the only time it has happened to me.



SqzMyLemon -> RE: The CV battle that almost was! (4/16/2012 10:05:54 PM)

Bart informed me why his CV's didn't hit shipping at Tassafaronga...are you ready?

He had his entire carrier air wing stood down and he forgot to switch it back! So I dodged a bullet at Tassafaronga, but what an opportunity lost, if I'd only shifted KB one hex east. Unbelievable.




SqzMyLemon -> RE: The CV battle that almost was! (4/17/2012 12:16:10 AM)

One last comment before I head home to work on the next turn. Despite the near miss at Tassafaronga and the almost carrier battle, I learned that I need to place my forces better if I'm expecting trouble. I could have placed KB in a much better position to cover as many possible enemy attack vectors. Granted, I wasn't expecting enemy CV's, but if I'd put KB in a more logical position then the American CV's would be coral reefs in a few months from now.

Another positive is that Bart is making mistakes. I mentioned a long time ago that perhaps if I got in his kitchen, he might start making some and today was a perfect example. A missed opportunity for sure, for both sides, but he missed a golden opportunity to maul me. I count myself lucky today, but I also plan on putting myself in a better position to capitalize on his next mistake.

I expect the Allies to withdraw under cover of LBA, but I will also plan for an Allied attack as well, just in case. I need to get my forces on Guadalcanal as quickly as possible so my fleet can be used offensively, rather than tethered to providing cover for amphibious TF's. A quick naval reorganization on my end and then I move aggressively. I want to hit Bart while he's beating himself up over today's events. So, a scotch and some music tonight while I plan the next turn and hopefully it will all come together. [8D]



SqzMyLemon -> Thoughts (4/17/2012 9:14:34 PM)

I didn't get a chance to complete the turn last night. I surprisingly spent most of the time not reviewing dispositions in the Solomons, but pretty much everywhere else.

Burma:

Burma is still a stalemate, and I don't like my situation there. The only way I see to counter the Chinese movement to Kunming is to use Burma troops to march on Paoshan to ensure no supply reaches China from Burma. Alfred has confirmed that the Burma Road remains closed as long as Rangoon is held, or any portion of the route is occupied by Japanese forces, so the potential 500 tons of daily supply will not reach the Chinese for the foreseeable future.

The focus remains keeping a direct supply path from being established from Bhamo along the secondary road into China. Alfred has also kindly confirmed that Myitkyina being Allied, a supply path already exists to Paoshan, but the amount is a trickle compared to what could flow along the secondary road.

I want to launch an assault against Paoshan, but any weakening of troops at Mandalay and area will invite an Allied move against me. I have an idea for something, but it means taking troops from Peter to pay Paul. It may be time to mount a limited offensive against Commonwealth troops in Burma to cut the rail line from Shwebo to Myitkyina. This may rattle the cage enough to create an opening for an attack on Paoshan.

There appears to be Allied movement heading east from Akyab. Perhaps the Allies intend to test my flank along the coast. The 33rd Division currently holds the line, and I'm confident it is enough for the moment.

Question: How important do players rate Port Blair? How much strength would you commit to defending it and the Andaman Islands?

China:

The withdrawal of Chinese forces, particularly in the Kweiyang area, is making my life extremely easy right now. Movement is indicated west from Kweiyang, but the amount of Chinese forces that will remain as a rearguard has yet to be determined. If Kweiyang is lightly held, I should have no problem capturing the base. The decision whether to pursue and siege Kunming, or turn north and invest Chungking, will be made after this base falls.

In the north, it's a different story. There is a strong enough rear guard to slow my advance. There is also a pocket of resistance to clear up in my rear N.W. of Ankang. These enemy troops need to be eliminated prior to a full blown move against Kienko, since they can threaten my supply line if left alone.

The recent advances are proving a problem for my bombing campaign. The Sonia's lack the range to hit enemy forces in clear terrain or airbases effectively at the moment. The sooner I can capture Kienko and Kweiyang the better. On the plus side, I'm able to reduce the number of bombers needed in theatre, which also means a reduction in air support units required. These units are being redeployed to the Pacific.

The Solomons:

I have so much coming and going to the Solomons right now the logistics are a mess. The most urgent need is engineer and air support units for base expansions. I must get Tulagi and Tassafaronga airbase's up to at least level two as quickly as possible. I'm positive 4E's will begin appearing to prevent this. To counter this, the suppression of Ndeni's airbase is a high priority to prevent enemy fighter sweep and escort missions. I'm confident if I can get Tojo's and Nick's in numbers close to likely targets, I can make the bombers pay a heavy price.

Movement from Tassafaronga to Lunga may take as long as two weeks overland. Not ideal. I think I need to ramp up the timetable, the longer I take, the more time allowed for something to go wrong or the Allies to reinforce the base. I must get all the assault troops onto Guadalcanal within the next 4 days and moving overland. When they reach Lunga, a strong amphibious TF will land all the engineer, artillery and support units at the same time. This gives me two weeks to continue to pound Lunga's facilities and defenders. The two weeks will also allow as much base construction as possible, even level one airfields will increase my CAP potential remarkably.

Combined Fleet will withdraw and mass at Shortlands to reorganize, especially now that CV Taiho and 16 DD's have arrived. It will then cover the next wave of amphibious landings and stage for a bombardment run against Ndeni. I will need some small SCTF's to deal with enemy PT's and minesweepers to clear the approach. I will risk naval LBA strikes in order to accomplish this. Ndeni must be suppressed.

Of course, all this doesn't take into account the American CV's. What will the Allies do? I think facing the current odds, they will withdraw. I will not risk going after them into range of enemy LBA. I will force them to come to me, until I am truly established on Guadalcanal and the neighbouring bases can provide adequate LBA coverage. I will reorganize my LBA to allow the Betty's to become a factor again, and interdict any enemy SCTF's foolish enough to try and disrupt my operations.

Lots to do, but the priority is get the troops on Guadalcanal and get airbases built up. To this end, all available engineer and base forces are moving forward from rear areas not deemed vital to the current MLR buildup. The deadline I'm assigning to the liberation of Guadalcanal is the end of March/43. I think this is doable.

The Economy:

Oil is a problem and dropping like crazy. I am once again reorganizing my merchant fleet to maximize oil flow back to the Home Islands. I am doing a good job getting oil to Singapore for transportation to Japan. My weakest effort is moving excess oil from Soerabaja, Balikpapan, Boela and Babo. I will set up a new convoy route of fast Japanese transports to get resources and oil out of Balikpapan. The recent tanker additions to the merchant fleet will allow me to get oil from smaller bases finally moving to Japan as well.

Fuel is steady, but I am looking at reducing transport use around the Home Islands. I looked long and hard at my operations around Japan and found them rather inefficient. I'm using too many small transports requiring constant refueling from Japanese ports. These are redeploying to the DEI in order to use fuel produced locally for replenishment. I have hundreds of thousands of resources just sitting in the DEI and I want them in Japan proper. Singapore, Palembang, Soerabaja, Balikpapan, Makassar and Cagayan all have massive stockpiles.

I'm finding moving fuel much easier, but some is still stockpiling in undesired locations. For example, both Sabang and Medan in Sumatra are recording over 90k pools of fuel each. I wish this fuel would migrate down to Palembang. I'm trying something here. I turned off fuel production at Medan to see if that gets more oil moving to Palembang and allows me to reduce the pools with tankers. When I deal with the surplus, I'll see about regular convoy runs to keep the pools low.

Plane production is steady. There will be some transition shortly as the Judy is at 99% R&D and will advance to full production in March. A few other airframes are due to advance soon. I'm kicking myself for not trying to advance the Tojo IIb, it is still 5 months away and would allow many air units to upgrade. I focused more on the Tony despite being able to field more Tojo IIb's...dumb! I'll make up for it with Tojo IIc advancement though, which I believe is the best model.

Tanker production will be accelerated. I have over 60k+ merchant points and see no point having a surplus near the end of the war. I probably should have come to this conclusion months ago, but I'm still learning the long term consequences of my actions, and my priorities, with Japan.

Overall:

Lots of mistakes, indecision and learning on the job, but I think I'm doing ok. I'm addressing my problems and working on solutions. I think I have taken the initiative away from the Allies, as they are reacting to my actions at the moment. That's not to say they aren't going about things behind the scenes, but I'm sure the situation developing at Guadalcanal was not anticipated and has delayed operations elsewhere. Two CV's damaged and out of the picture at the moment can't help either. I think the next month and a half is crucial. If I can take back Guadalcanal and get the Solomons and New Guinea sorted out, I can shift the bulk of forces here to man the MLR in the Pacific and DEI, which will make it far tougher on the Allies to advance on multiple fronts at the same time.

I'm not looking for a decisive naval victory, but some form of sound defeat of enemy naval forces is critical in the next two months in my opinion. I need to give the Allies pause before the flood of new ships and aircraft arrive. Any reduction of enemy naval forces is to be sought after, and I think they will be drawn to Guadalcanal like a moth to flame. I just have to capitalize on it!



Mike Solli -> RE: Thoughts (4/17/2012 9:30:09 PM)

Pt. Blair - I love that place. You can keep the RN in check by stationing an air flotilla HQ and some Netties there. As long as the air base is functional, you don't need a large garrison. But, as soon as the air base is trashed, Pt. Blair is doomed. I'd keep 50-60 Zeros and Oscars there to keep the airbase alive.

Oil/Fuel - I recommend increasing your refineries in Java to match your oil output. It shouldn't take that much to do it. Then, after you ship the remaining excess oil out, fuel will be the only thing you have to export. You can base some of your fleet at Soerabaja and that fuel will definitely be used.

Oil's going to drop no matter what you do. Ultimately, the glut will be gone. As long as you ship ~250k fuel equivalent a month (10 oil = 9 fuel here), you'll keep the industry going. That's not including ship fuel though.

Are you converting your Std- series xAKs to TKs? That would do a lot to alleviate your fuel/oil movement problems. I convert them all.



SqzMyLemon -> RE: Thoughts (4/17/2012 9:53:24 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Mike Solli

Pt. Blair - I love that place. You can keep the RN in check by stationing an air flotilla HQ and some Netties there. As long as the air base is functional, you don't need a large garrison. But, as soon as the air base is trashed, Pt. Blair is doomed. I'd keep 50-60 Zeros and Oscars there to keep the airbase alive.

Oil/Fuel - I recommend increasing your refineries in Java to match your oil output. It shouldn't take that much to do it. Then, after you ship the remaining excess oil out, fuel will be the only thing you have to export. You can base some of your fleet at Soerabaja and that fuel will definitely be used.

Oil's going to drop no matter what you do. Ultimately, the glut will be gone. As long as you ship ~250k fuel equivalent a month (10 oil = 9 fuel here), you'll keep the industry going. That's not including ship fuel though.

Are you converting your Std- series xAKs to TKs? That would do a lot to alleviate your fuel/oil movement problems. I convert them all.


Hi Mike, thanks for posting and following along.

I'm definitely looking at beefing up Port Blair. I just don't want to overcommit, so your suggestions will help me make up my mind.

That's a good idea about the refineries on Java. I hate the fact oil keeps accumulating there.

I've converted the STD-C's and most D's, I can't recall how many B's I've done, but I think I opted out from converting the A's. I think the A's are the ones that have too small of a capacity? I was just looking last night to make sure I didn't have any yet to convert, and found two D's I missed.

The tankers I'm receiving lately are a real boon and I'm getting back on track. I have to remember oil transportation has suffered a lot with the recent need to ship so much fuel to the Solomons for combat operations. I think I have a better system in place so the large tankers can get back to hauling oil now.



SqzMyLemon -> RE: Thoughts (4/18/2012 7:08:00 PM)

Next turn is away. A massive reorganization of merchant shipping and redeployment of land and air units has begun. Effects from the changes made to merchant shipping won't be felt for weeks, but I think it will lead to an improvement or fuel/oil/resource flow once again.

A step back in the Solomons. Some SCTF, BBTF's and amphibious TF's are ordered to rendezvous to a staging point to reorganize. The additional DD's arriving has given me a lot more flexibility, so I want to maximize my offensive potential. I will begin landing two more divisions on Tassafaronga in 1-2 days and another bombardment TF will hit Lunga to keep the airbase closed. Only one amphibious TF remains unloading troops and supplies at Tassafaronga, the others have been withdrawn. I will build up both Tassafaronga's and Tulagi's airbase to level 1 as quickly as possible. I will also land an SNLF on Kirakira to deny the Allies another base and it may draw fire away from more important bases.

I'm landing more air support and engineer units on numerous bases over the next week. I should be able to deploy more air units forward within days. Fighter cover remains key, but I'll be able to start deploying land based Val's and Kate's forward. The 1st Air HQ has joined the 6th Air HQ and the 11th Air Fleet HQ, allowing every base in New Guinea and the Solomons to be torpedo equipped.

I'm laying more mines, but will avoid hexes my bombardment TF's take.

KB is...[sm=innocent0009.gif]

No idea what the Allies intend. If they attack, I may lose some transports, but I've tried to cover every eventuality without undo risk to myself. Could be interesting, but I predict a withdrawal within their LBA umbrella. Let's see what happens.



SqzMyLemon -> RE: Thoughts (4/19/2012 9:26:05 PM)

Probably no turn from Bart until the weekend. It took me quite a while to determine my orders for the turn, and I'm sure Bart will want to make sure all the i's are dotted and t's crossed. I still expect an Allied withdrawal, but my forces are in a position (I hope) to handle whatever the Allies may try in offensive terms.

It looks like a couple of model nights and that suits me just fine. My deadlines are fast approaching. Tonight I'm working on a British Cromwell Mk. IV. Everything's been sanded and test fitted, so I can start gluing and adding photoetch details. If it would stop snowing here every weekend I may be able to do some priming outside for a change and get this one on the road to completion.



obvert -> RE: Thoughts (4/20/2012 8:39:07 AM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon

quote:

ORIGINAL: Mike Solli

Pt. Blair - I love that place. You can keep the RN in check by stationing an air flotilla HQ and some Netties there. As long as the air base is functional, you don't need a large garrison. But, as soon as the air base is trashed, Pt. Blair is doomed. I'd keep 50-60 Zeros and Oscars there to keep the airbase alive.

Oil/Fuel - I recommend increasing your refineries in Java to match your oil output. It shouldn't take that much to do it. Then, after you ship the remaining excess oil out, fuel will be the only thing you have to export. You can base some of your fleet at Soerabaja and that fuel will definitely be used.

Oil's going to drop no matter what you do. Ultimately, the glut will be gone. As long as you ship ~250k fuel equivalent a month (10 oil = 9 fuel here), you'll keep the industry going. That's not including ship fuel though.

Are you converting your Std- series xAKs to TKs? That would do a lot to alleviate your fuel/oil movement problems. I convert them all.


Hi Mike, thanks for posting and following along.

I'm definitely looking at beefing up Port Blair. I just don't want to overcommit, so your suggestions will help me make up my mind.

That's a good idea about the refineries on Java. I hate the fact oil keeps accumulating there.

I've converted the STD-C's and most D's, I can't recall how many B's I've done, but I think I opted out from converting the A's. I think the A's are the ones that have too small of a capacity? I was just looking last night to make sure I didn't have any yet to convert, and found two D's I missed.

The tankers I'm receiving lately are a real boon and I'm getting back on track. I have to remember oil transportation has suffered a lot with the recent need to ship so much fuel to the Solomons for combat operations. I think I have a better system in place so the large tankers can get back to hauling oil now.


The problem for me isn't TKs it's PBs and Es and SCs. I've got EVERYTHING converted that can be changed to a PB, (other than the necessary several converted to ACM).

I'm a bit obsessive about escorting, especially TKs and AOs. I almost equal the number of TKs with escorts if possible. Maybe that's overkill. Fusan is still trying to pull from Port Arthur, and not getting any stuff from further afield. (I'm making sure at least one, and usually more tankers are loading there at any given time, Pax!).

But to the point, this and around the HI, into the Kuriles, is where I do and will use the Std-A TKs to leave the bigger guys for longer distance transport.



SqzMyLemon -> RE: Thoughts (4/20/2012 4:10:34 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: obvert

The problem for me isn't TKs it's PBs and Es and SCs. I've got EVERYTHING converted that can be changed to a PB, (other than the necessary several converted to ACM).

I'm a bit obsessive about escorting, especially TKs and AOs. I almost equal the number of TKs with escorts if possible. Maybe that's overkill. Fusan is still trying to pull from Port Arthur, and not getting any stuff from further afield. (I'm making sure at least one, and usually more tankers are loading there at any given time, Pax!).

But to the point, this and around the HI, into the Kuriles, is where I do and will use the Std-A TKs to leave the bigger guys for longer distance transport.


I've found escort needs decreased for me once the DEI was secure and my air ASW brought up to speed. Other than SS KXIV patrolling around Donggala I havn't seen an enemy sub in the entire DEI for at least 4-6 months. So that meant some smaller tanker TF's get one or two escorts tops. I do use the older DD's to escort my largest tanker TF's and they may get as many as six escorts. Now that I am receiving more E boats, they will take over much of the escorting duties. I'm like you though, a small number of escorts early to mid-war translates into a lot of sunk Japanese transports, working torpedoes or not.

I'm still tracking resource movement and I have to say it doesn't appear to move much. Taking into consideration the large stockpiles at Singapore which could be moving, the other bases I'm tracking generally show a pretty constant amount of resources and fuel stockpiled from turn to turn. I too am trying to draw more fuel to Fusan, I've been disbanding a lot of small older transports there to increase the amount of fuel on hand in the port, so far not much love. I have Fusan set to stockpile oil for example and it remains consistently at 180 every day. I can't remember the exact interval, but right now it is every 5-7 days that a large influx of resources will appear at Fusan. Usually around 80k-100k. I'm still playing around and hopefully I'll stumble on some way of drawing fuel/oil east.

I'm starting to receive a lot more tankers, so I hope I can start getting to those smaller sources of fuel and oil. I probably should be using those Std-A's, so I'll convert a bunch. That will allow me to concentrate all the medium tankers on moving fuel/oil to the hubs for the big boys.

I think there should be a Shipping Tycoon WitP AE mod. I enjoy the merchant fleet operations so much I almost find the naval actions a distraction!

[sm=crazy.gif][:D]



SqzMyLemon -> Feb. 16-17/43 Update (4/21/2012 8:55:10 PM)

Feb. 16/43:

Sub Ops:

SS RO-62 sinks xAK Lowana near Port Hedland.

SS Grayling duds on DD Yugiri near Russell Islands.

The Solomons:

P-38G Lightning's (20) sweep Tassafaronga and are met by LRCAP of A6M2 Zero's (16) and Ki-44-IIa Tojo's (9) from Munda and Shortlands. Japanese fighters perform well getting the bounce and three Lightning's are downed against one Zero.

A second enemy sweep of P-38F (35) and P-38G Ligntning's (3) over Tassafaronga perform much better against LRCAP of Zero's (10) and Tojo's (5). Two Zero's and two Tojo's were lost against no enemy fighters. The LRCAP this time was committed piecemeal and the Allied numbers easily picked off each individual aircraft. Why aircraft are committed this way I don't know, but it often leads to massacres of CAP.

Overall though, the intelligence report indicated 7 Lightning's downed for the day. I'll take those results, despite losing about 10 of my own fighters.

The other details in the Solomons have already been mentioned and there's nothing to really add. The Allies missed out on mauling my amphibious TF's unloading at Tassafaronga. I missed out on a decisive victory over Allied carriers by one hex, against what would have been a defenceless enemy.

China:

I hit airbases today in an effort to destroy more supply.

Kweiyang's airbase suffers 11 AB, 11 ABS and 63 Runway hits.
Kienko's airbase is damaged with 4 AB, 6 ABS and 39 Runway hits.

Miscellaneous:

Japan:

Rangoon expands fortifications to size 4
Wau expands fortifications to size 4
Chihkiang expands fortifications to size 1
Komodo expands airfield to size 1

Allied:

Brisbane expands port to size 6

xAK Lowana is reported to have been sunk near Port Hedland on Feb 16, 1943

Feb. 17/43:

Sub Ops:

SS O20 is spotted near Rekata Bay. No ASW attack.

SS I-10 spots a small Allied TF near Norfolk Island and torpedoes the xAK Cape Fairweather with one fish. No enemy ASW attack.
SS I-10 returns later and sinks the dead in the water xAK Cape Fairweather with three more torpedo hits.

Wow! Two transports sunk in two days by Japanese submarines. I hope this will continue.

The Gilbert Islands:

I tried setting some A6M2-N Rufe's (5) to CAP Tarawa and that was a mistake. They were commited individually against sweeping F4F-3 Wildcat's (19) and all five Rufe's were lost against no Allied losses. Dumb on my part to give away free kills like that. [8|]

China:

Kweiyang's airbase was bombed again for 11 AB, 5 ABS and 26 Runway hits.
Kienko's airbase was damaged with 7 AB, 6 ABS and 15 Runway hits.

Miscellaneous:

Japan:

Kavieng expands airfield to size 4
Changteh expands airfield to size 2


DD Uranami beginning refit in shipyard at Singapore
E Kuretake beginning refit in shipyard at Singapore
E Sanae beginning refit in shipyard at Singapore

253 Ku S-1 converting to A6M3a Zero

Allied:

Previous report of sinking of SS Kingfish incorrect. Intelligence reports ship is still in service
xAK Cape Fairweather is reported to have been sunk near Norfolk Island on Feb 17, 1943

Thoughts:

Allied naval forces have withdrawn, destination unknown. I'm guessing they are heading to Pearl and not Sydney. Hard to say though, hopefully I'll get a sniff with a submarine report or a "heavy radio traffic" message indicating where they might have gone.

I go about my business. I continue landing troops on Tassafaronga and I am positioning naval forces to allow me some offensive potential against varius Allied positions. I'm prediciting a quiet few days, unless the Allies once again commit small SCTF's in an atempt to disrupt my operations in the Solomons.

China could see some land combat tomorrow, but it depends on whether my forces can catch withdrawing Chinese forces.



ny59giants -> RE: Feb. 16-17/43 Update (4/22/2012 8:56:53 AM)

I have converted only the Std A, B, and C xAKs to TKs. Along with the small 1250 capacity TKs, they move a lot of my oil out of small ports (size 4 or smaller) to my main hub like Singapore. Anything larger and the TKs are there for a long time loading oil.

Like you, this is my longest game as Japan. I've made some mistakes, but my opponent has made even bigger ones. Thankfully, he has lost significant CVs while mine are all still afloat and in great shape. My motto is, "46 or bust." [:D]



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