nOOb greetings! plus questions (Full Version)

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jds1978 -> nOOb greetings! plus questions (10/1/2010 3:28:58 PM)

Howdy all.

Recently got WitPAE after years of fun with UV.

I'm pretty much blown away by the developers attention to detail...nice job [&o]

I'm two months into my first game (Scenario 7) and could use some advice.

1. Japanese conquest is on a slightly advanced historic track. Wake, Singapore and Rabaul have fallen. Borneo is about to fall (last garrison is solated at Balikpapan)

2. Nagumo spent a full week blasting Pearl Harbor [X(]....losses are heavy (4 x BB's sunk, the remainder with wicked damage...)

3. The Japanese are pushing hard for the South Pacific. The Soloman chain has been occupied, Espiratu Santo occupied and they have landed forces on Pheonix Is chain (Canton Is and another one...can't remember)

4. In response, I'm sending I Amphib/2nd Marine towards Caledonia to shore up the Hebrides. Supporting this force is Yorktown/Enterprise.

*******************************************

Questions

1. How troublesome is the possibility of a Japanese advance base on Canton in relation to SOPAC strategy? Should I neutralize it with a Marine landing or can I successfully isolate them?

2. After dealing w/ Canton, I plan on a limited offensive (tenative summer '42) in the Soloman's. Should I wait until the Japanese appear to be consolidating their gains or push forward regardless? How will I know when to strike?

********************************************

Assumptions

1. I need to preserve my fleet CV's until the Essex class come online. I have three CV's operating ( Lex, Yorktown & Enterprise.....Sara in dry dock due to torpedo damage for 90 days )

2. I will not be fighting for Australia proper (I have nearly 2 ANZAC divisions stationed at Port Moresby)

3. The Japanese do not threaten Hawaii



Thanks



sprior -> RE: nOOb greetings! plus questions (10/1/2010 3:39:44 PM)

1. Canton. Not that erksome, what it will do is extend your supply lines as you have to go round any planes based there who might want a bit of your transports. As for taking the island back you need to know what he has there first.

2. "Limited offensives" have a nasty habit of turning into major ones especially when island hopping. The IJN carriers will tuen up. can you go toe to toe with them? If the answer is no then try for something less ambitious.



USSAmerica -> RE: nOOb greetings! plus questions (10/1/2010 3:41:03 PM)

Welcome aboard, jds! [sm=00000436.gif]



Misconduct -> RE: nOOb greetings! plus questions (10/1/2010 3:44:22 PM)

Well a couple of things, the Japanese AI plays historically so best to preserve as much as possible, around 6/42 or 8/42 you can easily push ahead with building Pago Pago, Suva, and getting a supply line built to Australia. I would suggest getting bases built, and practice landing on islands with 0 port and AF to learn building them up, remember to watch the supplies - you can't overstock it or they will be spoilage.

2. Basically you have to be able to face the KB on equal terms, for example taking Guadalcanal in 8/42 is a good idea, only if the KB isn't zipping around Noumea like in my game. Anywhere you can mass fighters to help you improves the odds - for example taking Tarawa and then Makin, and going up the chain.

Whatever you do, don't go after the KB with your short hand of carriers to early, work on a supply line and draw the Japanese out later in the war.



JohnDillworth -> RE: nOOb greetings! plus questions (10/1/2010 5:25:02 PM)

Welcome!
There are a number of possible scripts the AI might be running so one can't say for sure what it might do next. Even if I knew I wouldn't tell you because it ruins the fun!
Couple of really general things in addition to whats been said above.
You will not have enough carrier aircraft for most of 42. Preserve them for when you need them.
Start training pilots. See all the many threads for that and all the other stuff.
Might be too late but Tankers (TK &AO) are like gold. keep them out of harms way and escort at all times.
start building bases and stocking them with supplies and fuel This is what will support your offensives late in 42

Run fuel and supplies into Perth from Capetown and from the West Coast to Hawaii and the South Pacific (escort the American convoys, the Capetown ones might be OK. Learn how to use the supply allocation options on your bases to make sure the stuff moves around the continent. This seems to happen automatically for fuel.

Start to read some of the after action reports. Human players are much better than the AI , but you will pick up lots of detail.

Welcome aboard and have fun!



jds1978 -> RE: nOOb greetings! plus questions (10/1/2010 5:32:14 PM)

Thx for the help.


I plan on detaching Yorktown and Enterprise on a quick raid on Canton while the I Amphib transports pass in order to get a good idea of what the Japanese have stationed there.

I'm more apt to let Canton slide and concentrate on Espiratu and Lunga w/ the 2nd Marine.

The Japanese carrier force was last sighted more than a week ago. 3 CV's smashed up the Dutch in Indonesia and the other half of the force covered their landings on Lunga/Munda/Espiratu. I'm assuming this force is currently in Truk (Heavy volumn of radio traffic for the last 3 days)

*******************************************

At what point is it advisible to take on the Japanese fleet CV's 'on equal footing?'

My carrier pilots are already the cream of the crop in terms of skills, should I wait until (if?) CINCLANT transfers other CV's to the PACFLEET?



JohnDillworth -> RE: nOOb greetings! plus questions (10/1/2010 5:41:43 PM)

quote:

At what point is it advisible to take on the Japanese fleet CV's 'on equal footing?'

Tough to say but if you outnumber him you might want to take a swing at him. The SI sometimes splits the carriers. If they are all together, not until 1943. Even on equel terms I'd wait until you upgrade torpedo bombers. Your torpedoes don't work well, but the Devastators are useless. SBD's can be real carrier killers, use them wisley becuase you will only get one shot.



John Lansford -> RE: nOOb greetings! plus questions (10/1/2010 6:15:45 PM)

jds,

The most important thing you need to know in early '42 before sending your CV's in harms way is where is the KB?  If it's over in the DEI region, go raid all through the CentPac region, just watch out for the Bettys.

As for Canton, the AI really likes that place, along with Baker Island.  It took Baker and then Canton in my CG, then retook Canton after I counterinvaded both those bases in early '42.  Baker isn't a problem (too small), but Canton will become a thorn in your side if you leave it alone for long.   Bettys flying out of Canton can interdict your supply lines unless you extend them east of Christmas Island down to Tahiti.



stuman -> RE: nOOb greetings! plus questions (10/2/2010 3:32:32 AM)

Welcome aboard !

Place your keys on the table. Your hosts are not going to let you leave. Ever. [:)]



bradfordkay -> RE: nOOb greetings! plus questions (10/2/2010 4:46:47 AM)

" SBD's can be real carrier killers, use them wisley becuase you will only get one shot."

Sometimes that is all you need... I recently had an interesting affair in what I call the Battle of Norfolk Pines (my TFs were between Norfolk Island and the Isle of Pines). Chez had captured the New Hebrides while I was still building up Fiji and Samoa. My TF with the Noumea garrison was still halfway from SF. I had a decent result with a bombardment by the Aussie/Kiwi cruisers and was following it up with an attack by the Mississippi and New Mexico, covered by the Hornet. I thought that his carriers were still in Rabaul/Truk replenishing - they weren't.

He had pretty much the whole KB in the area with CarDiv2 west of New Caledonia and CarDivs 1 & 5 to the northeast. The first day only CarDiv 2 was involved and the Hornet was sunk, but her SBDs managed to put one 1000 pounder into the Soryu and managed a Massive Fuel Explosion. Yep - a Midway type hit. So the battle ended with us trading carriers. It was late June '42, so I'm pretty short on carriers (both the Lexington and Saratoga have swallowed submarine torpedoes and are under repair) but I'm relatively happy with the result. The Mississippi swallowed three aerial torpedoes in the attack (his pilots told him they got six hits) but it now looks like she is going to survive though she'll be out of action for about as long as all my PH BBs...



jds1978 -> RE: nOOb greetings! plus questions (10/2/2010 3:46:34 PM)

thx for the input and welcome

Further developments.........

1. SIGINT tipped me off on further Japanese landings in the Hebrides: Target Efete. I've detached Jack Fletcher's CV TF from the main I Amphib transport group and sent them forward to disrupt the landings. I'm assuming it will be a shore-to-shore affair with the SNLF force currently occupying Espiratu as the spearhead.

2. RAAF Hudson's have spotted Zuikaku with a CVE steaming Southwest along the northern New Guinea coast. Assumptions are that this will be the IJN's covering force for the Efete operation.

3. In other words: Carrier battle due in 1 week or less around Efete. If my recon is correct, Fletcher will outnumber the IJN.

*********************

4. The Japanese have started their invasion of Burma. 28,000 troops with armor support are threatening Rangoon. I've pulled the two AVG squadrons stationed in Rangoon out (I have little faith in the British Army)

5. As per previous poster.....the Japanese have based at least a squadron on Betties on Canton Is.

*********************

Questions....

Should I divide my CV force into seperate TF's centered around a single CV (Yorktown + escorts and Enterprise + escorts) a la early war CV doctrine? Or should I keep them massed in the single TF under Frank Jack Fletcher? Dividing the CV's might dillute their offensive and defensive firepower, but lessens the risk of both CV's being sunk by a single strike. Does the realities of airpower (plus WitPAE's coding) negate Clauswitz?



witpqs -> RE: nOOb greetings! plus questions (10/2/2010 5:55:52 PM)

Keep them in the same hex (or at least adjacent hexes), in separate TF's. Later on use 2 to a TF, then later 3 or 4 depending upon escorts available.

In '42 it's best to use 1 carrier to a TF when possible.

Look up in the manual the rules about coordinating air strikes from carriers.



jds1978 -> RE: nOOb greetings! plus questions (10/5/2010 3:13:24 PM)

I've played several weeks since my last post....

1. The Japanese have started their landings in the Dutch Indies. The initial landing at Palembang was thrown back into the sea (the enemy returned 2 weeks later with a much larger force)

2. The whole of the Japanese CV fleet is supporting the Army's attack on the DEI.

3. The CV battle expected around the Hebredies never materialized. The IJN TF was shuttling air reinforcements to Lae and Rabaul.

4. Major running action around Efete/Espiratu between Feb 2-10. Fletcher's CV TF caught an invasion force set for Efete (thx you, HYPO)[&o].....I've sunk close to 30 Maru class AP/AK's, drowned over 4,000 IJA personel and bottled up 15-30,000 troops on Espiratu.

5. Manilla, Clarke Field and Rangoon are near the breaking point.

**************************************************************

Questions.....

1. I have 4 squadrons of B-26's at Noumea that refuse to fly bombing missions. The RNZAF det. of Hudsons are flying, but the Marauders will only fly recon. There is plenty of supply and the base is at level 3. What have I overlooked?

2. The Australian 6th Div.......should I set them for CBI or SWPAC? opinions?

3. Both Noumea and Port Moresby have been set as American commands (SWPAC and SOPAC respective) .....too early? Have I screwed up and wasted PP?



Bullwinkle58 -> RE: nOOb greetings! plus questions (10/5/2010 3:21:03 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: jds1978


3. Both Noumea and Port Moresby have been set as American commands (SWPAC and SOPAC respective) .....too early? Have I screwed up and wasted PP?


IMO there are FAR better places to put those PPs so early.

Have you thought of buying out a West Coast USA division?



Canoerebel -> RE: nOOb greetings! plus questions (10/5/2010 3:38:31 PM)

Politcal Points are incredibly precious for the Allies, though that's something you can only learn through time and experience.

Bullwinkle is right - there are far, far, far more important uses than converting bases to different HQs. You will never have enough PP to do what you need to do in the game. The shortage forces you to make tough decisions, which is quite fun and realistic. Some of the early war expenditures that take priority:

1) Paying for restricted units. This alone will eat up more Political Points than you have, so you'll have to be judicious. There's alot of restricted units on the West Coast that you'll want to move to various bases in the Pacific or Oz. There will also be occasions where you'll want to pay for units in hopeless situations that you want to evacuate by air or ship - this is the case with some units in Philippines, Borneo, Java, etc. Especially important are the base forces.

2) Paying political points to swap out lousy commanders for competent or good ones. You'll want to do this with some ground units in China and possibly India. You'll also want to switch some air unit, submarine, and ASW commanders. With regard to the latter two you're looking for guys who are "aggressive."

3) Pay carefull attention to your withdrawal requirements. You don't want to overlook a ship or aircraft squadron and thus lose valuable PP that way. Sometimes you'll have a sub way over near Japan due for withdrawal in 15 days - no way to get it back to the West Coast in time. So you have to plan ahead a good 30 to 40 days.



John 3rd -> RE: nOOb greetings! plus questions (10/5/2010 4:13:28 PM)

Welcome to the HELL that is WitP: AE. You too can become an Addict...

BANZAI!
[sm=00000436.gif]



John Lansford -> RE: nOOb greetings! plus questions (10/5/2010 8:53:15 PM)

Agree with the others saying PP's for the Allies is a valuable asset you need to pay close attention to.  Changing base HQ's early in '42 wastes PP's; use them to activate an Aussie or WC division, or get a better commander for an LCU or TF.  I had several ships get stranded far from base when they had to withdraw and lost several hundred PP's that way, which hurt in early '42.

Your B-26's may have very low experience or morale.  If they are asked to attack a base or TF with a lot of AA or CAP, they just won't do it if their morale/experience is low.  If it's below 60, put them on training or assign them to bomb fairly undefended locations.



jds1978 -> RE: nOOb greetings! plus questions (10/5/2010 9:06:17 PM)

quote:

Your B-26's may have very low experience or morale. If they are asked to attack a base or TF with a lot of AA or CAP, they just won't do it if their morale/experience is low. If it's below 60, put them on training or assign them to bomb fairly undefended locations.


.....yup...they are all at around 50 experience. [sm=sign0031.gif]



jds1978 -> RE: nOOb greetings! plus questions (10/9/2010 4:33:18 PM)

Another month of play finished......current date is March 5, 1942

Sitrep

1. Manilla, Clarke Field, Bataan, Rangoon and the RAF forward AF's in Burma have fallen. All RAF rebased into India/AVG sent back to China. Surviving Commonwealth troops retreating NW towards India. Dutch Indies all but done for.

2. Two major invasion attempts against Efete thwarted by Yorktown and Enterprise CV TF's along with sizable SAG TF detached. 5-7000 enemy troops drowned

3. HYPO SIGINT indicates what I perceive to be an "Australia Next" strategy by Orange. Major IJA field armies planning for action in Darwin/Efete/Noumea/Rosel Is (Woodlark et al.)

4. IJN fleet CV's remain on station around DEI.

5. Estimate Orange air strength in SWPAC/SOPAC: 1 sqd. Betty/2 sqd. Nell's at Rabaul, 2 sqd. Type 21 fighters Luganville, 2 sqd. Ki27 Lae.

6. Due to unexpected air action off Luganville, CAG of Enterprise/Yorktown down 50-75% strength in SBD's (the Zeke's based at Espiratu bounced an unescorted strike....heavy casualties incurred.)

7. Reinforcements sent to Australia.....Lexington, 2 CA's, 10 DD's, 3 BB's......estimate arrival 1-2 weeks.

************************************************

Questions....

1. Enterprise/Yorktown docked at major Australian port (Brisbane).......how long till the SBD squadrons regain full material streangth? I've replaced the KIA/MIA pilots in the sqd rooster, but how long will it take for the replacement aircraft to arrive?

2. Dug-Out Doug MacAurther: What HQ should I reassign him to?
4.



ckammp -> RE: nOOb greetings! plus questions (10/9/2010 5:00:02 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: jds1978

Another month of play finished......current date is March 5, 1942

Sitrep

1. Manilla, Clarke Field, Bataan, Rangoon and the RAF forward AF's in Burma have fallen. All RAF rebased into India/AVG sent back to China. Surviving Commonwealth troops retreating NW towards India. Dutch Indies all but done for.

2. Two major invasion attempts against Efete thwarted by Yorktown and Enterprise CV TF's along with sizable SAG TF detached. 5-7000 enemy troops drowned

3. HYPO SIGINT indicates what I perceive to be an "Australia Next" strategy by Orange. Major IJA field armies planning for action in Darwin/Efete/Noumea/Rosel Is (Woodlark et al.)

4. IJN fleet CV's remain on station around DEI.

5. Estimate Orange air strength in SWPAC/SOPAC: 1 sqd. Betty/2 sqd. Nell's at Rabaul, 2 sqd. Type 21 fighters Luganville, 2 sqd. Ki27 Lae.

6. Due to unexpected air action off Luganville, CAG of Enterprise/Yorktown down 50-75% strength in SBD's (the Zeke's based at Espiratu bounced an unescorted strike....heavy casualties incurred.)

7. Reinforcements sent to Australia.....Lexington, 2 CA's, 10 DD's, 3 BB's......estimate arrival 1-2 weeks.

************************************************

Questions....

1. Enterprise/Yorktown docked at major Australian port (Brisbane).......how long till the SBD squadrons regain full material streangth? I've replaced the KIA/MIA pilots in the sqd rooster, but how long will it take for the replacement aircraft to arrive?

2. Dug-Out Doug MacAurther: What HQ should I reassign him to?
4.



1. How soon you replace your losses will depend on how many planes you have available. At this point in the game, you should have produced around 70 SBD-3s. That should be enough to replace 50% losses to 2 CV squadrons. Note that the maximum number of replacement planes that can be added to a group is 12 every 7 days.

2. Why replace MacArthur? He is one of the better Allied leaders, and the high PP cost (200!) is prohibitive. Just leave him in command of SWPac.



jds1978 -> RE: nOOb greetings! plus questions (10/9/2010 5:15:51 PM)

Re; Mac.....just pulled him out of the Philipine Dept at the end of Febuary. More or less waiting for SWPAC HQ to arrive



ckammp -> RE: nOOb greetings! plus questions (10/9/2010 5:25:52 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: jds1978

Re; Mac.....just pulled him out of the Philipine Dept at the end of Febuary. More or less waiting for SWPAC HQ to arrive



I know it's too late now, but you could have just left MacArthur in Manila; there are two MacArthurs in the game, one commanding USAFFE, and one commanding SouthWest Pacific.
Since you will have 2 MacArthurs, you could put one in command of South Pacific.



jds1978 -> RE: nOOb greetings! plus questions (10/16/2010 4:17:06 PM)

Further developments

1. 8th RCT/2nd Marine Div deployed to Efate.

2. 1st Air Fleet has finished ops in and around Java Sea. 1st and 2nc CV divisions retire north towards Home Islands. 5th Division set to South Pacific..

3. USN strenth around SWPA/SOPAC......3 BB's (old treaty crates) 3 CV TF's (Yorktown in Brisbane replenishing CAG/Enterprise covering ANZAC landings on Islands near Milne Bay/Lexington en route Brisbane ETA 2 days)

4. US Army gearing up for reinforcing Australia. 24th & 25th ID preparing for deployment.

5. RN is rescuing Division sized force that had been cut off by the IJA thrust into Burma. 2 squadrons of Hurricane IIb's forward deployed at Arkan providing air cover.

6. 5th CV division has shown up NE of the Hebredies Chain. Lost a USN SAG (2 CA's/3 DD's) due to air action. Allied shipping around Noumea sent to Auckland to minimize further damage.

************************************

Questions......

1. Akagi is reported sunk by a mine at Vigan Harbour. With FOW on, how reliable is this info?

2. What's the best use of the RN in the Indian Ocean? I've set most units to Bombay to avoid getting shellacked in Ceylon.




jds1978 -> RE: nOOb greetings! plus questions (10/26/2010 3:53:13 PM)

Date: 4/6/42
Sitrep

1. IJA using combined amphib and overland assaults to oust the British from Burma. Since their latest op (Akyab) is under my air umbrella I'm making them pay. Still they have 18,000 troops at Akyab. Two whole brigades are lost behind IJA lines being used as guirilla force as long as their supplies hold. British now fortifying a line running Cox Bazar>Kohima.

2. Two developments in Sopac/Centpac: Canton Is is becoming a bigger nuisance as the Betty squadrons are able to hit supply shipping in East Oceana. I also suspect that a strong SAG is stationed there ( 2 x's BB's, 2 x's CA's, 3 x's DD). IJN has stationed bombers at Lunga.

3. CarDiv 5 continues it's shuttle raids between Noumea and Suva. They have been at it for three weeks now and have essentially isolated both bases. Supplies critical at Noumea and totally expended at Suva. Garrisons and major combat forces beginning to starve.

4. Am currently using Enterprise and Yorktown TF's to blast IJN shipping around Buna/Lae in an attempt to draw CarDiv 5 away from Suva/Noumea. Lexington stationed in reserve at Brisbane. Allies have additional 3 x's treaty BB's in theatre.

5. After a week of heavy sustained action over Hankow, the AVG has driven IJAF forces out of Central China (hurra for small victories!) Chinese Nat. Army conducting limited offensives in North Central Chinese plains w/ considerable success.

*****************************************************************************

Questions.....

1. How long can Zuikaku/Shokaku keep this up w/o retiring? Things are getting desperate in New Caledonia and Oceania stations. Should I gather my 3 CV TF's and attempt to break the seige? The Japanese CAG's are set for Port and AF strikes....is the AI able to shift back to Naval strikes mid-turn, or are they locked into their perspective missions like Human player?

2. I have an Amphib group attempting to unload RAAF Base Forces at Rossel Is (currently garrisoned by ANZAC Regiment)....but keep getting the 'Unable to unload all troops/supplies message.' What is going on?



John Lansford -> RE: nOOb greetings! plus questions (10/26/2010 4:47:00 PM)

There are some devices in an LCU that simply won't unload across the beach without specialized equipment (AKA, APA, or LST).  If you're unloading from a standard xAK, xAP, or even an AP/AK the unload time will be very, very long.  Your best bet is to cancel the unloading, send the remnant to a port, and return it to its parent LCU once you've got the base with a functional port.  Make sure you use a ship that can dock at the port, and it will unload just fine then.



jds1978 -> RE: nOOb greetings! plus questions (10/26/2010 4:50:55 PM)

John Lansford: Thx for the tip!![:)]



jds1978 -> RE: nOOb greetings! plus questions (10/26/2010 8:56:44 PM)

quote:

1. How long can Zuikaku/Shokaku keep this up w/o retiring? Things are getting desperate in New Caledonia and Oceania stations. Should I gather my 3 CV TF's and attempt to break the seige? The Japanese CAG's are set for Port and AF strikes....is the AI able to shift back to Naval strikes mid-turn, or are they locked into their perspective missions like Human player?



....any help re: above?



Banzan -> RE: nOOb greetings! plus questions (10/27/2010 10:01:17 AM)

Truk isn't far away, so jap CVs can replenish quite fast in that area.
Are you using 4Es to surpress enemy airfields ? When you make a stand at Port M. and around, you should build up the airfield fast and surpress/close Raubaul and others close airfields. Gives you a lot more space to move and much less shot down searchers.
Stacking up fighters can help a alot in defense, but it doesnt help turning anything.

Sometimes i get 2 carriers in one group but remove the TB-Bombers to stay below the 150 aircrafts/TF cap. Gives you a strong attack/defense force, but still no mach for a jap CV-Force (at least in '42). :)



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