RE: The Hive - Cruft Scen 2 PBEM (Japan)

RE: The Hive - Cruft Scen 2 PBEM (Japan) (Full Version)

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Captain Cruft -> RE: The Hive - Cruft Scen 2 PBEM (Japan) (3/13/2012 4:51:36 PM)

Fuel/Oil Stocks

Quantities > 50k tons as at Nov 14 1942:-

Tokyo          997k fuel + 896k oil
Osaka          997k fuel + 965k oil
Kobe           121k fuel + 438k oil
Port Arthur    876k fuel + 149k oil  

Shimonoseki    272k fuel
Palembang      270k fuel
Singapore      239k fuel 
Truk           153k fuel
Ominato        136k fuel
Pescadores     105k fuel
Hakodate       103k fuel
Medan          100k fuel
Ulithi          97k fuel
Nagoya          97k fuel
Guam            86k fuel
Fukuoka         85k fuel
Babeldoab       75k fuel
Manila          71k fuel
Balikpapan      63k fuel
Hirosaki        59k fuel
Cam Ranh Bay    50k fuel

Captain Cruft -> RE: The Hive - Cruft Scen 2 PBEM (Japan) (3/13/2012 5:16:26 PM)
A refresh of the industry screen as per Nov 14 1942. I am not feeling anything like "poor" at this point. [image]local://upfiles/11369/3B6BF256DA5347EF8FE07D226D9AF68A.jpg[/image]

Captain Cruft -> RE: The Hive - Cruft Scen 2 PBEM (Japan) (3/13/2012 6:27:17 PM)
Re-think ... After looking at the map I do have some spare BFs I can move into upper Thailand to support some Swarming. I had scattered my av support so enthusiastically in SE Asia that I had forgotten where it all was ... So, these moves will be put in hand. It should take about a week to get them in place. All the bases in Burma below Mandalay are within 6 hexes of Chiang Mai, which will be the main base involved initially, and apart from Taung Gyi and Toungoo they are all clear hexes. Tojos at Rangoon and Pegu will help with the air fighting.

Captain Cruft -> RE: The Hive - Cruft Scen 2 PBEM (Japan) (3/13/2012 8:27:22 PM)
Nov 16 1942 The Canton Swarm has relocated to upper Thailand. Due to the Oscar's long range, the planes could simply up sticks and fly over in a single day. The 9 airgroups are split between Chiang Mai (4), Rahaeng (1), Uttaradit (1) & Pisanuloke (3). An Air HQ is already present at Chiang Mai and one is on its way to Pisanuloke. Note though that this is only about half the available 1st Air Army airgroups available. The rest will remain in China for the time being, but not practicing Swarm tactics, just being normal fighters. ----- Meanwhile, over in New Guinea, the Allies have sneaked another landing at Vanimo. I now have recon groups set up for Hollandia and Vanimo using super long-range Irvings and Judies flying out of Yap. These airbases, which are currently at size 1, could host 4Es with the potential of addressing various places including the KB's current abode of Ulithi. So I need to be watchful. Here is a pic of the search arcs in this vicinity. Most of this search is being perform by Netties, only a single Mavis group is involved which is at Satawal (the dot base between Truk and Woleai). [image]local://upfiles/11369/7FE876BA5FD94FA2942CD611878FD2D2.jpg[/image]

Captain Cruft -> RE: The Hive - Cruft Scen 2 PBEM (Japan) (3/13/2012 8:50:47 PM)
I have just decided to despatch an experimental EUBanana style submarine wolf-pack from Kwajalein to contest these waters. In addition, I have just noticed what a superb little well-protected JR base Ternate can be. So I will move an air flotilla from Kendari to there, along with some engineers to get the place up to snuff.

obvert -> RE: The Hive - Cruft Scen 2 PBEM (Japan) (3/13/2012 9:02:02 PM)
I'm really curious to see the long-term implications here. I do remember that only the Hive matters, but the Hive needs nectar to make honey! [;)] I guess if you wanted to you could post the KB near the DEI until mid-43 and ward off any attempts that way, just giving the Pacific a pass. If the Hive is the only thing, I'd just think those bees would want to protect their flower patch.

obvert -> RE: The Hive - Cruft Scen 2 PBEM (Japan) (3/13/2012 9:05:19 PM)
duplicate. sorry

Captain Cruft -> RE: The Hive - Cruft Scen 2 PBEM (Japan) (3/13/2012 9:18:55 PM)
Just noticed ... A large stack of "22 units" is approaching Nanyang from the NW. This looks a repeat of the previous advance on Loyang, which was beaten off by air attack. Perhaps he thinks that this time because he is in the woods he will be OK? I don't know about that, but if and when the stack arrives in Nanyang, where we have two divisions and a corps HQ behind level 5 forts, I believe that my air should be able to deal him enough damage to render an assault on his part useless. [image]local://upfiles/11369/FDE66E3DEA0F4CA5B35F8C07ABCF80F0.jpg[/image]

Captain Cruft -> RE: The Hive - Cruft Scen 2 PBEM (Japan) (3/13/2012 9:23:26 PM)
Mr obvert, I am not just going to cede the DEI. Of course I will fight for it, just not in a "decisive" manner [;)] The other thing is I really don't think he has any intention of going there, or at least not soon. His attention seems focused on New Guinea and Burma. Apart from that, none of the Northern Australia bases have been built beyond their starting values except Darwin. Hardly the optimal spring board.

Captain Cruft -> RE: The Hive - Cruft Scen 2 PBEM (Japan) (3/15/2012 3:19:41 AM)
Nov 17 1942 The stack approaching Nanyang has been recce'd and also bombed (slightly). [image]local://upfiles/11369/B891A24E357E49AB80DA8BFD4910DB40.jpg[/image]

Captain Cruft -> RE: The Hive - Cruft Scen 2 PBEM (Japan) (3/15/2012 3:28:14 AM)
Meanwhile, over in New Guinea I am attempting to set up a small trap should he try to extend the perimeter beyond Hollandia or indeed sneak into Hollandia or Vanimo again using Fast Transport. The patrolling SCTF you can see is composed of CL Agano and 4 DDs. I am interested to see how well this first of the modern Japanese cruisers performs in battle. Of course if any of the nearby Allied airbases should go to size 2 and sprout some bombers we will high tail it out of there pronto. The sub in the picture is I-20, which pleased me greatly today by putting a torpedo into an APD returning from the Vanimo landing and then proceeded to survive the subsequent ASW attack unscathed. [image]local://upfiles/11369/CE81ECBB356449119F179C5F3F2EE736.jpg[/image]

Saros -> RE: The Hive - Cruft Scen 2 PBEM (Japan) (3/15/2012 5:15:24 AM)
Well I gotta admit I have never had anything but terrible performances from IJN light cruisers. The CA's on the other hand are monsters.

Captain Cruft -> RE: The Hive - Cruft Scen 2 PBEM (Japan) (3/16/2012 2:25:24 AM)
Nov 18 1942 The Chinese mega-stack has arrived at Nanyang, where next turn it will receive significant aerial ordnance delivered by various means from several airbases. Those LCUs which you can see proceeding towards Nanyang are Ind Tank Rgts, which ought to bolster the defence quite well as it's a clear hex. I am guessing that he will go for a quick coup de main via Shock Attack since he undoubtedly knows that I will be bombing his ass. We will see what happens next turn ... [image]local://upfiles/11369/7246F0D23B9648C684B146BD3F2B383B.jpg[/image]

PaxMondo -> RE: The Hive - Cruft Scen 2 PBEM (Japan) (3/16/2012 5:21:25 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: Saros Well I gotta admit I have never had anything but terrible performances from IJN light cruisers. The CA's on the other hand are monsters. True generally, but the Agano and Oyoda are better. Nothing close to a Boise of course, but better than the starting Cl's IJN gets.

Schlemiel -> RE: The Hive - Cruft Scen 2 PBEM (Japan) (3/16/2012 10:48:27 PM)
In my experience against the AI (I know, I know), I'm not sure a shock attack when you are expecting to be bombed in the right choice, especially with a larger stack. It seems to heavily drive up disruption levels the few times I've tried it (admittedly against tough terrain instead of clear, bu still) before the battle and result in a net lower av than deliberate attack would have. I'll be curious to see what happens.

Captain Cruft -> RE: The Hive - Cruft Scen 2 PBEM (Japan) (3/17/2012 1:42:10 AM)
Nov 19 1942 Well it was a Deliberate Attack. I am far from expert at ground combat but I would say that it looks like Nanyang is fairly safe. I will continue to bomb there though just in case. Also it's good practise for the proto-Swarm in that area. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ground combat at Nanyang (85,45) Allied Deliberate attack Attacking force 112431 troops, 766 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 4447 Defending force 26559 troops, 196 guns, 218 vehicles, Assault Value = 942 Allied adjusted assault: 1170 Japanese adjusted defense: 1558 Allied assault odds: 1 to 2 (fort level 5) Combat modifiers Defender: forts(+), leaders(+), experience(-) Attacker: Japanese ground losses: 1431 casualties reported Squads: 3 destroyed, 132 disabled Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 28 disabled Engineers: 0 destroyed, 23 disabled Vehicles lost 18 (1 destroyed, 17 disabled) Allied ground losses: 3357 casualties reported Squads: 35 destroyed, 710 disabled Non Combat: 4 destroyed, 61 disabled Engineers: 13 destroyed, 55 disabled Guns lost 40 (1 destroyed, 39 disabled) Assaulting units: 82nd Chinese Corps 29th Chinese Corps 55th Chinese Corps 30th Chinese Corps 12th Chinese Corps 42nd Chinese Corps 48th Chinese Corps 3rd Chinese Corps 95th Chinese Corps 4th Chinese Cavalry Corps 19th Chinese Corps 41st Chinese Corps 7th Chinese Corps 71st Chinese Corps 16th Chinese Corps 84th Chinese Corps 4th Construction Regiment 6th Group Army 3rd Group Army 31st Group Army 2nd Group Army 5th War Area 18th Group Army 21st Group Army 4th Chinese Base Force Defending units: 35th Division 13th Tank Regiment 41st Division 12th Army

Captain Cruft -> RE: The Hive - Cruft Scen 2 PBEM (Japan) (3/17/2012 2:21:24 AM)
Over in Burma he has air-dropped a Chindit brigade on Ramree Island. This base, when developed, will bring his short-range British fighters within range of Rangoon. A good move. I have scheduled the first Swarm attack in this theatre for next turn. Around 60 Oscars will sortie from Chiang Mai to attack the LCU stack to the W of Shwebo at 100ft. Tojos from the same base will sweep at 20,000ft, hopefully simultaneously. Losses may be quite high, and it's at extended range so 30kg bombs instead of 250kg, but the main purpose is to test the British flak not to seriously damage him. [image]local://upfiles/11369/B9BCACBF640B408AB723E101FC2B1989.jpg[/image]

Captain Cruft -> RE: The Hive - Cruft Scen 2 PBEM (Japan) (3/17/2012 8:52:31 PM)
Nov 20 1942 The Chinese retreat from Nanyang ... [image]local://upfiles/11369/AD461868BFE645C4AF733FF4EE9C108D.jpg[/image]

Captain Cruft -> RE: The Hive - Cruft Scen 2 PBEM (Japan) (3/17/2012 8:57:37 PM)
The Swarm vs. the Brits ... Negligible results for 16 planes lost due to flak and op losses. Not good, but about as expected. The conclusion is, amass more planes and only attack if you can equip the 250kg bomb. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Morning Air attack on 2nd British Division, at 58,45 , near Shwebo Weather in hex: Overcast Raid spotted at 32 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet. Estimated time to target is 7 minutes Japanese aircraft Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 112 Allied aircraft Mohawk IV x 2 P-40K Warhawk x 3 Japanese aircraft losses Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 1 destroyed, 49 damaged Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 6 destroyed by flak Allied aircraft losses P-40K Warhawk: 1 destroyed Allied ground losses: 34 casualties reported Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled Aircraft Attacking: 27 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar bombing from 100 feet * Ground Attack: 2 x 30 kg GP Bomb 25 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar bombing from 100 feet * Ground Attack: 2 x 30 kg GP Bomb 24 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar bombing from 100 feet * Ground Attack: 2 x 30 kg GP Bomb 27 x Ki-43-IIa Oscar bombing from 100 feet * Ground Attack: 2 x 30 kg GP Bomb CAP engaged: No.155 Sqn RAF with Mohawk IV (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling) (2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.) 2 plane(s) intercepting now. Group patrol altitude is 18000 Raid is overhead 23rd FG/75th FS with P-40K Warhawk (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling) 3 plane(s) intercepting now. Group patrol altitude is 15000 Raid is overhead Also attacking 14th British Brigade ... Also attacking 16th Indian Brigade ... Also attacking 2nd British Division ... Also attacking 14th British Brigade ... Also attacking 16th Indian Brigade ...

FDRLincoln -> RE: The Hive - Cruft Scen 2 PBEM (Japan) (3/17/2012 10:20:20 PM)
What kind of experience and skill ratings do these Oscar pilots have?

Captain Cruft -> RE: The Hive - Cruft Scen 2 PBEM (Japan) (3/17/2012 11:15:28 PM)
It varies widely, but Exp, Def and LowG are always > 50.

Miller -> RE: The Hive - Cruft Scen 2 PBEM (Japan) (3/18/2012 12:59:38 AM)
Wasting your time using those Oscars in that role, even with 250kg bombs. Maybe worthwhile against Chinese troops in clear terrain, otherwise pointless. In my game I have seen 300 plane Helen strikes do virtually nothing to large Brit/Aus troop stacks in Burma.

Captain Cruft -> RE: The Hive - Cruft Scen 2 PBEM (Japan) (3/18/2012 1:44:52 AM)
We shall see :-)

PaxMondo -> RE: The Hive - Cruft Scen 2 PBEM (Japan) (3/18/2012 7:12:42 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: Captain Cruft We shall see :-) I am watching for just this reason. It is an intriguing proposition here ....

Captain Cruft -> RE: The Hive - Cruft Scen 2 PBEM (Japan) (3/20/2012 2:00:33 AM)
Burma I think he is by-passing Mandalay and going for Magwe, both to deny me the oil and because it is a ready-built size 5 airbase. This supposition is based on the movement of the LCU stack which I bombed the other day. Magwe is 6 hexes from Rangoon, Pegu and Chiang Mai and is a clear hex. This makes it an ideal target for the Swarm. So if and when he gets there I will deploy the Oscars up front in those 3 bases and have Tojos and a few Nicks behind at Moulmein and the other Thai airfields to provide CAP and Sweep support. The 33rd Division at Mandalay is now down to 40% or so due to disablements caused by the incessant bombing. However, as he has now apparently committed himself on the ground I am happy to retreat the unit back to Rangoon where it may be able to recover in time to help defend the city when the time comes. So, the question is: can the Swarm stop the Brits in their tracks and render an invasion of Burma impossible? Only time will tell ...

Captain Cruft -> RE: The Hive - Cruft Scen 2 PBEM (Japan) (3/20/2012 2:18:36 AM)
China The IJAAF's Sally Corps (some 140 legacy "heavy" level bombers) is bombing Changsha on a daily basis. Recon reports that the airfield is now at 100% damage, and interestingly there were absolutely no flak puffs to be seen today. This suggests to me that the place has a supply problem, so I am doing an exploratory Bombardment Attack next turn to see what it says the AV is. I now have > 4,000 there, maybe a Deliberate Attack might even be appropriate soon. To be honest I would be more than glad if he were to run away here as he has done just about everywhere else. Changsha is quite clearly untenable over anything but the short-term given the IJAAF air power in the vicinity and the Chinese lack of supply.

Captain Cruft -> RE: The Hive - Cruft Scen 2 PBEM (Japan) (3/20/2012 2:23:46 AM)
New Guinea No new landings. He seems to now be concentrating on building up the bases on the Kavieng -> Manus -> Wewak -> Hollandia line. I will try and disturb this a bit using subs and SCTFs like the one mentioned above formed around CL Agano. A notable event this turn was the first recon flight over Truk. The DL didn't rise much so I presume this was a PBY or B17 or other non-recon plane. Regardless, this suggests that I may soon have to face the 4E menace over Truk, albeit much later than I had presumed. Our massed A6M3s and flak are ready ...

Captain Cruft -> RE: The Hive - Cruft Scen 2 PBEM (Japan) (3/20/2012 2:53:13 AM)
Fighter production I am about 90% convinced on deciding to can all George and Frank production. These planes just don't float my boat. It seems to me that they would never have been produced under non-desperate conditions, being too complicated and unreliable etc. Can I defend the Hive using just Zeros, Oscars and Tojos? With a few Nicks thrown in? Am I mad? [X(] Please note: I have not actually done this yet. It's just a thought ...

PaxMondo -> RE: The Hive - Cruft Scen 2 PBEM (Japan) (3/20/2012 4:41:13 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: Captain Cruft Fighter production I am about 90% convinced on deciding to can all George and Frank production. These planes just don't float my boat. It seems to me that they would never have been produced under non-desperate conditions, being too complicated and unreliable etc. Can I defend the Hive using just Zeros, Oscars and Tojos? With a few Nicks thrown in? Am I mad? [X(] Please note: I have not actually done this yet. It's just a thought ... I don't think you can, BUT I am all about watching how this plays out. So, I say CAN'EM all. Just go with OSCAR!!! [sm=00000613.gif]

Saros -> RE: The Hive - Cruft Scen 2 PBEM (Japan) (3/20/2012 4:52:56 AM)
Uh yeah don't do that, especially the Frank. Zekes are too slow/fragile and the others are chronically underarmed. Service rating 3 isn't too bad it just means you need to operate them from bigger bases with plenty of airsupport and you can;t cut as many corners as you do with the earlier planes. Service rating 4 however is basically unusable.

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