RE: Going The Distance: BTS 4.6 MichaelU/lb4269 (A) vs bristolduke (J)

RE: Going The Distance: BTS 4.6 MichaelU/lb4269 (A) vs bristolduke (J) (Full Version)

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MichaelU -> RE: Going The Distance: BTS 4.6 MichaelU/lb4269 (A) vs bristolduke (J) (3/19/2018 3:41:55 PM)
Feb 19-20, 1942 I make two mistakes over the two days, one of which we get away with, and one which we don't. A fast transport group had been hovering around Suva, waiting for a break in the carrier cover to ship in a Marine raider battalion. While they were hovering I had set them to 'do not unload', and forgot to change this when they went in. So they end the turn in the Suva hex, fully loaded, and just waiting to get smashed by 100 Vals. But whew, his carriers hadn't returned and the dreaded air strike doesn't happen. Also happily, a reinforced attempt to take Suva fails. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ground combat at Suva (132,160) Japanese Deliberate attack Attacking force 11932 troops, 181 guns, 20 vehicles, Assault Value = 358 Defending force 9419 troops, 105 guns, 91 vehicles, Assault Value = 231 Japanese adjusted assault: 106 Allied adjusted defense: 295 Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2 (fort level 3) Combat modifiers Defender: terrain(+), forts(+), experience(-) Attacker: Japanese ground losses: 720 casualties reported Squads: 2 destroyed, 79 disabled Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled Allied ground losses: 325 casualties reported Squads: 3 destroyed, 33 disabled Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled Engineers: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled Guns lost 8 (1 destroyed, 7 disabled) There are now two divisions and two naval guard units in the attack, but he will need to bring more. The other mistake is leaving a group of Chinese units on rest mode, so that when a Japanese brigade shock attacks across a river, instead of getting obliterated it makes it across easily. Damn, this was a big chance to blunt the northern offensive against Sian. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ground combat at 85,39 (near Sian) Japanese Shock attack Attacking force 6669 troops, 36 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 205 Defending force 19692 troops, 73 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 460 Japanese adjusted assault: 280 Allied adjusted defense: 205 Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1 Combat modifiers Defender: terrain(+), op mode(-), experience(-) Attacker: shock(+), leaders(+) Japanese ground losses: 327 casualties reported Squads: 2 destroyed, 22 disabled Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled Allied ground losses: 556 casualties reported Squads: 2 destroyed, 79 disabled Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 2 disabled Engineers: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled Assaulting units: 6th Ind.Mixed Brigade Defending units: 8th Route Army 22nd Chinese Corps 42nd Chinese Corps 2nd Construction Regiment 2nd War Area 18th Group Army It seems that rather than trying to break in to open a supply line to Wenchow, the Japanese are instead shipping in supplies. The divisions must have fought their way to the coast and set up a beachhead. But the extra supplies don't help against the valiant defenders of Wenchow. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ground combat at Wenchow (89,58) Japanese Deliberate attack Attacking force 47741 troops, 441 guns, 159 vehicles, Assault Value = 1097 Defending force 30773 troops, 199 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 773 Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 1 Japanese adjusted assault: 459 Allied adjusted defense: 988 Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2 (fort level 1) Combat modifiers Defender: terrain(+), experience(-) Attacker: Japanese ground losses: 4433 casualties reported Squads: 44 destroyed, 142 disabled Non Combat: 4 destroyed, 41 disabled Engineers: 4 destroyed, 34 disabled Guns lost 30 (5 destroyed, 25 disabled) Allied ground losses: 366 casualties reported Squads: 2 destroyed, 39 disabled Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 13 disabled Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled Assaulting units: 53rd Division 19th Division 17th Division 22nd Division Defending units: 88th Chinese Corps 28th Chinese Corps 3rd New Chinese Corps 100th Chinese/C Corps 3rd War Area 10th Group Army What was surprising was the disparity in casualties. Around Noumea, our carriers are hovering looking for a potential strike on his supply lines. But it looks like he has beefed up his air search because the carrier groups are being picked up. I'm not going to go for a strike near his carriers unless I am assured of surprise. So we'll content ourselves with hovering for now. Our hard fighting LBA and group troops are probably wondering why there are hundreds of carriers planes out there that are not getting into the fight.

ny59giants -> RE: Going The Distance: BTS 4.6 MichaelU/lb4269 (A) vs bristolduke (J) (3/19/2018 6:50:16 PM)
Set ground troops to Reserve Mode (do not pursuit). [;)]

MichaelU -> RE: Going The Distance: BTS 4.6 MichaelU/lb4269 (A) vs bristolduke (J) (3/19/2018 7:14:59 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: ny59giants_MatrixForum Set ground troops to Reserve Mode (do not pursuit). [;)] Ooh, that is interesting. Does that do the same thing as rest, but when a combat starts they'll actually join the fighting?

BBfanboy -> RE: Going The Distance: BTS 4.6 MichaelU/lb4269 (A) vs bristolduke (J) (3/19/2018 7:24:40 PM)
Not as good as Rest but better than Defending. They will only join in if the enemy appears to be breaking through your defences when HE is attacking YOU. Your other troops can immolate themselves attacking the enemy and I don't ever recall seeing the reserve join in.

MichaelU -> RE: Going The Distance: BTS 4.6 MichaelU/lb4269 (A) vs bristolduke (J) (3/19/2018 7:27:48 PM)
Thanks guys. I've used it before to initiate pursuit but not on the defense. Will have to give it a go.

ny59giants -> RE: Going The Distance: BTS 4.6 MichaelU/lb4269 (A) vs bristolduke (J) (3/19/2018 7:38:48 PM)
Reserve Mode - When defending, they will not participate unless you are about to suffer a 2:1 odds

DOCUP -> RE: Going The Distance: BTS 4.6 MichaelU/lb4269 (A) vs bristolduke (J) (3/30/2018 2:02:25 AM)
Nice AAR. I just read it all. You guys are doing really good. I just picked up a game with Bristol. Waiting on turn 1 from him. I will follow but prob wont post much.

MichaelU -> RE: Going The Distance: BTS 4.6 MichaelU/lb4269 (A) vs bristolduke (J) (3/31/2018 12:13:09 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: DOCUP Nice AAR. I just read it all. You guys are doing really good. I just picked up a game with Bristol. Waiting on turn 1 from him. I will follow but prob wont post much. Ah, that could explain the sudden slowdown in turns. Good luck with your game.

MichaelU -> RE: Going The Distance: BTS 4.6 MichaelU/lb4269 (A) vs bristolduke (J) (3/31/2018 12:53:37 PM)
Feb 21-24, 1942 Been a bit slow as Mike and I have been busy with other things, including hiking and playing lots of boardgames. However, it should be back to more regular updates now. Assuming Bill keeps up the turn rate, given the number of games he is apparently playing simultaneously. I'll summarise the highlights of the latest turn, as not too much has changed in terms of the overall situation, although there have been several sharp ground clashes. SOPAC: It's another close call for the Akagi, as SS S-34 launches 4 torpedoes at her, but misses completely. What is with our sub captains? Maybe the sight of such a juicy target is just too much for them. But then we get lucky, because a Japanese sub launches 8 torps at the BB California and fails to score a hit. The Japanese carriers had decided on a port strike against Noumea. We've been shipping supplies and troops in there, and the Tfs have been showing high detection levels. So he must have decided to put a stop to all that. By blind luck we didn't have any ships unloading on that turn, so instead the Vals go in and hit the one ship in port, a mine tender. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Morning Air attack on Noumea , at 115,160 Weather in hex: Severe storms Raid detected at 113 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet. Estimated time to target is 37 minutes Japanese aircraft A6M2 Zero x 38 D3A1 Val x 112 Japanese aircraft losses D3A1 Val: 18 damaged D3A1 Val: 3 destroyed by flak Allied Ships ACM Planter, Bomb hits 1, on fire Port hits 3 Port supply hits 1 Not sure it was worth it for him. We've got one unit of AA in there, so it's starting to look like not such a great place to dive bomb. And it looks like the ACM Planter might even survive the experience, as the fires are brought under control and she is still floating. Our carriers have been hanging around northwest of Noumea, looking for an opportunity to race in and knock out some supply convoys. But his air search has really thickened and the carriers seemed to have a continuous Mavis escort. As long as he knows we're out there, we are not going to risk it. The remaining regiments of the Americal division are turning up in Melbourne, so we'll be sending them over to reinforce their compatriots already in Noumea. Once we have a full US division, plus some tanks and other hangers on, Noumea will be tough to take. PHILIPPINES: The attacks at Manila are coming in thick and furious, and supply is approaching critical levels. But despite being cut off for months, the defenders are still giving a good account of themselves, killing off more than 8000 Japanese over the course of two days for about 4,000 losses of their own. Here is the attack from the 24th. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ground combat at Manila (79,77) Japanese Shock attack Attacking force 45725 troops, 464 guns, 224 vehicles, Assault Value = 944 Defending force 44585 troops, 428 guns, 146 vehicles, Assault Value = 528 Japanese adjusted assault: 500 Allied adjusted defense: 981 Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2 (fort level 1) Combat modifiers Defender: terrain(+), leaders(+), experience(-) Attacker: shock(+) Japanese ground losses: 3708 casualties reported Squads: 97 destroyed, 95 disabled Non Combat: 60 destroyed, 82 disabled Engineers: 10 destroyed, 32 disabled Guns lost 29 (14 destroyed, 15 disabled) Vehicles lost 50 (33 destroyed, 17 disabled) Allied ground losses: 1638 casualties reported Squads: 18 destroyed, 80 disabled Non Combat: 31 destroyed, 57 disabled Engineers: 28 destroyed, 9 disabled Guns lost 24 (4 destroyed, 20 disabled) Vehicles lost 21 (6 destroyed, 15 disabled) BURMA: The only combat in Burma is in the air. On Feb 23 Magwe falls to a single Japanese unit, and on Feb 24 the skies over the oilfields darken with bombers. Allied aircraft Blenheim I x 6 Blenheim IV x 12 Hudson I x 12 No Allied losses Oil hits 21 Allied aircraft B-17D Fortress x 20 B-17E Fortress x 8 No Allied losses Oil hits 38 If our intel is to be believed, we've done more than 60 oil hits in one day. Unless our opponent moves fast, the oil will be wiped out before he gets to use it. CHINA: The battle for Wenchow has a few more bloody rounds, and the casualties are very heavily in the favour of the Allies. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ground combat at Wenchow (89,58) Japanese Shock attack Attacking force 45035 troops, 437 guns, 159 vehicles, Assault Value = 869 Defending force 33565 troops, 212 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 806 Japanese adjusted assault: 737 Allied adjusted defense: 1369 Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2 (fort level 2) Combat modifiers Defender: terrain(+), forts(+), leaders(+), preparation(-) experience(-) Attacker: shock(+) Japanese ground losses: 5432 casualties reported Squads: 220 destroyed, 164 disabled Non Combat: 8 destroyed, 56 disabled Engineers: 8 destroyed, 27 disabled Guns lost 46 (6 destroyed, 40 disabled) Vehicles lost 14 (2 destroyed, 12 disabled) Allied ground losses: 517 casualties reported Squads: 3 destroyed, 43 disabled Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 14 disabled Engineers: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled Guns lost 8 (1 destroyed, 7 disabled) An atttempt to break through to the northeast of Wenchow is bloodily repulsed. There are now 5 full Japanese division locked down in this fight, and they are not having a good time. In the forests north of Nanyang another assault fails, with over 2,700 casualties to the Japanese side. The Japanese mixed brigade that managed to get away with a virtually unopposed river crossing on the northern approach to Sian decides to have another go. This time the defenders are actually in Defend mode, and give the attacking forces the good kicking they should have had the first time around. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ground combat at 85,39 (near Sian) Japanese Shock attack Attacking force 6394 troops, 36 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 179 Defending force 19219 troops, 73 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 398 Japanese adjusted assault: 54 Allied adjusted defense: 541 Japanese assault odds: 1 to 10 Combat modifiers Defender: terrain(+), leaders(+), experience(-) Attacker: shock(+), disruption(-) Japanese ground losses: 1282 casualties reported Squads: 5 destroyed, 135 disabled Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 10 disabled Engineers: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled Guns lost 5 (1 destroyed, 4 disabled) Allied ground losses: 87 casualties reported Squads: 2 destroyed, 4 disabled Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled Assaulting units: 6th Ind.Mixed Brigade Defending units: 8th Route Army 22nd Chinese Corps 42nd Chinese Corps 2nd Construction Regiment 2nd War Area 18th Group Army There is one success though, with the Japanese finally breaking open the main road to Loyang. The cut off, out of supply troops of the 17th Group Army had done an amazing job in their mountain fastness of holding off the Japanese for several weeks. All in all, although we have been pushed back on several fronts in China, we're happy with the way things are going. The Japanese advance is slow enough that we are able to block any gaps that appear, and units that die pop up again in Chungking and are put into the reserve ready to block the next breakthrough. Most importantly though, we are handing out masses of casualties. In one attack on Wenchow we destroyed 220 Japanese squads, with more dying in secondary fights. Don't know how many squads the Japanese get a month, but I imagine losing 250 a day is not going to be sustainable for any length of time.

MichaelU -> RE: Going The Distance: BTS 4.6 MichaelU/lb4269 (A) vs bristolduke (J) (4/4/2018 1:42:03 PM)
Feb 25-28, 1942 We're sending in some of the older battleships for a series of attacks on Suva. The first attacks rolls in and hits Nadi, doing some damage to the port and airfield, but not producing all that much. The second goes in against Suva tomorrow. Honestly, I'm not sure how much this is going to achieve, other than burning a lot of fuel. But we have lots of fuel to spare, and also lots of slow BBs. So as long as we can avoid KB, all is good. What we can't seem to avoid though is the Japanese submarine SS I-10. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sub attack near Suva at 132,161 Japanese Ships SS I-10 Allied Ships BB California, Torpedo hits 1 BB Oklahoma DMS Hovey DD Humphreys -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sub attack near Suva at 132,161 Japanese Ships SS I-10, hits 1 Allied Ships BB Idaho, Torpedo hits 1 DD Hamillton DMS Trevor DD Greymouth Two BBs taking light torpedo damage is not too much of a disaster. They'll head back to Pearl, get patched up and be back in the fight in a few months. Could have been a lot worse. We also lose an AMC just off Noumea, one that was carrying elements of the 164th Regiment. Annoying. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ASW attack near Noumea at 114,160 Japanese Ships SS I-1 Allied Ships AMC Monowai, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage DMS Southard Allied ground losses: Vehicles lost 5 (1 destroyed, 4 disabled) We get some small revenge when the SS Didgeridoo sinks a CM. Apparently one heavily loaded with troops. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ASW attack near Babeldaob at 89,96 Japanese Ships CM Itsukushima, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage CS Chitose DD Kuroshio CM Tatsuta CM Tenryu DD Kayobuki DD Nenohi DD Tokitsukaze Allied Ships SS Didgeridoo Japanese ground losses: 18 casualties reported Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled There are quite a few sub attacks going in against what look like supply/troop runs to reinforce Suva. Would have been nice if a few more hits had been scored to make life a bit easier for the defenders. There are several task forces sitting off Pescadores, and SS Saury is sent to investigate. But all she finds is a minefield. Not sure whether she survived the experience. Magwe is being bombed back to the stone age. Or at least back to the pre-oil age. There has been zero opposition as wave after wave of bombers sweep in and put the oil to the torch. Given that our Dutch bombers are still hammering away at Palembang every turn, and have been for months, our opponent is clearly not that interested in protecting oil resources. In China, another attempt to break through north of Nanyang is repulsed, just. It's too close though. Some reinforcements will be dispatched from Sian to help shore up the position. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ground combat at 85,44 (near Nanyang) Japanese Deliberate attack Attacking force 45274 troops, 411 guns, 165 vehicles, Assault Value = 900 Defending force 22519 troops, 133 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 430 Japanese adjusted assault: 501 Allied adjusted defense: 481 Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1 Combat modifiers Defender: terrain(+), experience(-) Attacker: Japanese ground losses: 1394 casualties reported Squads: 23 destroyed, 91 disabled Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 24 disabled Engineers: 0 destroyed, 9 disabled Guns lost 15 (1 destroyed, 14 disabled) Vehicles lost 28 (4 destroyed, 24 disabled) Allied ground losses: 714 casualties reported Squads: 9 destroyed, 63 disabled Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 14 disabled Engineers: 1 destroyed, 7 disabled Another attempt is also made to breach our position on the northern approaches to Sian, but is thrown back with heavy casualties. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ground combat at 85,39 (near Sian) Japanese Shock attack Attacking force 13500 troops, 76 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 483 Defending force 19509 troops, 79 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 408 Japanese adjusted assault: 112 Allied adjusted defense: 399 Japanese assault odds: 1 to 3 Combat modifiers Defender: terrain(+), experience(-) Attacker: shock(+), disruption(-) Japanese ground losses: 2080 casualties reported Squads: 16 destroyed, 229 disabled Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 17 disabled Engineers: 0 destroyed, 9 disabled Allied ground losses: 1132 casualties reported Squads: 27 destroyed, 84 disabled Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 16 disabled Engineers: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled Guns lost 8 (2 destroyed, 6 disabled) We do lose Nanning, in the southwest of China, where a small but spirited defence had managed to hold out for several weeks longer than expected. The saddest blow is the final collapse of the spirited defense of Kuala Lumpur, and with it the end of all resistance on the Malayan peninsula. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ground combat at Kuala Lumpur (49,79) Japanese Deliberate attack Attacking force 8889 troops, 117 guns, 24 vehicles, Assault Value = 237 Defending force 5216 troops, 47 guns, 34 vehicles, Assault Value = 47 Japanese adjusted assault: 90 Allied adjusted defense: 21 Japanese assault odds: 4 to 1 (fort level 0) Japanese forces CAPTURE Kuala Lumpur !!! Combat modifiers Defender: terrain(+), leaders(-), fatigue(-), experience(-) supply(-) Attacker: Japanese ground losses: 46 casualties reported Squads: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled Allied ground losses: 6085 casualties reported Squads: 220 destroyed, 0 disabled Non Combat: 497 destroyed, 0 disabled Engineers: 3 destroyed, 0 disabled Guns lost 52 (52 destroyed, 0 disabled) Vehicles lost 25 (25 destroyed, 0 disabled) Units destroyed 13 We have though managed to extract elements of both Indian divisions, and they will be slowly rebuilt in India, to exact revenge at a suitable time and place. Meiktila in Burma falls. It had been held only by a BAF Battalion after the rest of the troops pulled back to Mandalay. We have 500+ AV digging in there with sufficient supply, so should be able to hold onto it for a while. We want him to commit real troops to this fight, not just the Thai divisions he has been using so far. Another base to fall is Bandjermasin in southern Borneo. We had been using it to bomb the oil fields of Balikpapan, which has now been shut down.

MichaelU -> RE: Going The Distance: BTS 4.6 MichaelU/lb4269 (A) vs bristolduke (J) (4/4/2018 1:52:14 PM)
At the end of February, it is time to take stock. So far we are pleased with the progress of the war. While Singapore fell early and the Philippines looked very dicey, Manila has held much longer than expected and the early fall of Singapore has not been capitalised on. The brutal repulse at Ambon and Kendari seems to have cooled Japanese plans for the DEI, and the switch to a push down the Solomons has stalled badly in Suva. It looks though like the Japanese are about to make a renewed push to get their offensives moving. SIGINT shows there is another brigade shipping to Suva. A Japanese carrier force and some transports have been spotted in the Makassar Straits. Allied high command has finally decided to commit the 8th Marine Regiment to the defense of Suva, on the basis that if we can stall him here long enough, we won't need them defending Auckland. Also, there is now a complete US division in or arriving soon at Auckland. Another regiment is shipping to Noumea, and will be followed by the last of the division in a few days time. It looks like we might be able to stop the Japanese at the Noumea-Suva-Pago line. India has added one each of US, British and Australian divisions to its defenses, as well as many air groups, and with the Japanese bogged down in Burma, the subcontinent looks pretty solid. And China is stable as well, and is causing massive ground troop losses for the Japanese. All this is good, but what really matters is that we've managed to do terrible damage to oil installations as we have fallen back. The Japanese economy is going to be creaking well before the historical timeframe.

BBfanboy -> RE: Going The Distance: BTS 4.6 MichaelU/lb4269 (A) vs bristolduke (J) (4/4/2018 1:53:53 PM)
Your opponent Mike (lb4269) has not posted much on the forum so I am guessing he is pretty new to the game? He may not yet be aware of how the Japanese economy needs oil to continue the game long-term. If he doesn't get oil to his refineries and produce fuel, his HI shuts down and there goes his aircraft/ship/armament/vehicle industry, + pilot training. As for bombing a target every turn, being predictable sets yourself up for an ambush ...

MichaelU -> RE: Going The Distance: BTS 4.6 MichaelU/lb4269 (A) vs bristolduke (J) (4/4/2018 2:38:58 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: BBfanboy Your opponent Mike (lb4269) has not posted much on the forum so I am guessing he is pretty new to the game? He may not yet be aware of how the Japanese economy needs oil to continue the game long-term. If he doesn't get oil to his refineries and produce fuel, his HI shuts down and there goes his aircraft/ship/armament/vehicle industry, + pilot training. As for bombing a target every turn, being predictable sets yourself up for an ambush ... Mike is actually my partner, he runs the logistics and subs and I run everything else. He doesn't post much because he is a very busy man. I do wonder though if our opponent, Bill, is aware of the damage the bombing campaign is doing to his long-term prospects. As for being predictable, I agree with you on the risk of ambush. However, I have been bombing Palembang every day for several months and there has been no sign of an ambush.

MichaelU -> RE: Going The Distance: BTS 4.6 MichaelU/lb4269 (A) vs bristolduke (J) (4/9/2018 10:34:28 AM)
March 1-5, 1942 Despite a torpedo in the Idaho, the brave old BBs sail into Suva and let the attacking Japanese have a volley of 14 inch shells, causing a not particularly dramatic 123 casaulties. Still, every little bit helps. What it will also hopefully do is shift Japanese attention away from Noumea, where we are shipping in many reinforcements. The plan works, almost too well. The last remnants of the Marine Raiders go into Suva by fast transport. But due to some clumsy planning on my part the ships are still unloading when daylight reveals Japanese carriers within striking range. I had mentally written off this force, but there is a pleasant surprise when the Japanese Vals and Kates appear over the base without a single Zero to escort them. P40 pilots pick up some easy kills. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Suva at 132,160 Weather in hex: Heavy cloud Raid spotted at 16 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet. Estimated time to target is 5 minutes Japanese aircraft B5N2 Kate x 27 D3A1 Val x 14 Allied aircraft P-40E Warhawk x 13 Japanese aircraft losses B5N2 Kate: 7 destroyed D3A1 Val: 7 destroyed, 2 damaged No Allied losses Allied Ships APD Crosby, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk APD Schley DD Rathburne Allied ground losses: 182 casualties reported Squads: 2 destroyed, 0 disabled Non Combat: 18 destroyed, 6 disabled Engineers: 2 destroyed, 0 disabled We lost the one APD, but given what could have happened we got off rather lightly. And got to shoot down some crack Japanese pilots. I can't begin to imagine why there were no Zeros in the attacking force. While this is going on a tank battalion and another 6,000 supply unload in Noumea. The 132nd regiment is a day or so out. Finally some defence appears at Palembang, where 25 Oscars take on a group of Hudsons going in for a bombing run. Luckily the Oscars are patrolling at 30,000 feet, so by the time they get down to 5,000 feet, the bombers are gone. But we are alerted, and sure enough a small group of tankers is spotted sailing towards the port. Our available Banshees and Vildebees, two squadrons of each, assemble at Batavia. Hurricanes will sweep while the Dutch fighters fly escort. Those poor Japanese pilots. Pinckney arrives in his trusty Hurricane, and rapidly clocks up his 12th, 13th and 14th kills. By the time the Banshees arrive there are only two Oscars left, which don't even make contact. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Morning Air attack on TF, near Palembang at 48,91 Weather in hex: Light cloud Raid spotted at 5 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet. Estimated time to target is 1 minutes Japanese aircraft Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 2 Allied aircraft A-24 Banshee x 11 No Japanese losses No Allied losses Japanese Ships TK Nihon Maru, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires TK Kiyo Maru, Bomb hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Morning Air attack on TF, near Palembang at 48,91 Weather in hex: Light cloud Raid spotted at 7 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet. Estimated time to target is 2 minutes Japanese aircraft Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 2 Allied aircraft A-24 Banshee x 15 No Japanese losses No Allied losses Japanese Ships DD Yamagumo, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage TK Nihon Maru, Bomb hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage TK Manju Maru, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires Looks like two tankers dead and one heavily damaged, and a DD sunk for good measure. The major difference between the Banshees now and at the start of the war is that the pilots are really good. All their naval bombing skills are in the 60s or better, and their experience is high as well. The Japanese are trying to break through north of Wenchow, but are not having much luck. Although they have an advantage in AV, the tough terrain more than negates that, forcing a stalemate. We're sending over another corps anyway to make sure the position holds.

MichaelU -> RE: Going The Distance: BTS 4.6 MichaelU/lb4269 (A) vs bristolduke (J) (4/9/2018 10:36:26 AM)
And here is a picture of the dashing Pinckney, just before his latest successes. [image]local://upfiles/32803/843FC51FB9824D11AEECF6E957AE2D73.jpg[/image]

MichaelU -> RE: Going The Distance: BTS 4.6 MichaelU/lb4269 (A) vs bristolduke (J) (4/9/2018 10:48:42 AM)
Given the starring role Pinckney is playing in our game, thought I'd read up about him. Turns out he an ace with the distinction of having shot down planes from each of the major Axis powers of Germany, Italy and Japan. He was flying Buffaloes over Burma in January 1942 when he was shot down and killed. It's these sort of historical touches that show the passion the developers of WitP have for their subject matter. What a great game.

MichaelU -> RE: Going The Distance: BTS 4.6 MichaelU/lb4269 (A) vs bristolduke (J) (4/9/2018 11:08:38 AM)
After smashing the three tankers at Palembang, our thoughts again turn to oil, and how the Japanese empire is managing. Our bombing campaign against oil facilities has been relentless. Let me summarise the situation for oil at the various Japanese controlled bases, and maybe someone who knows the game better than me can tell me how it looks. Palembang: 381 (620) Medan: 251 (0) Djambi: 247 (4) Miri: 131 (164) Tarakan: 91 (25) Balikpapan: 67 (254) Samarinda 67 (55) Magwe: 53 (298) Bengkalis 41 (0) Brunei: 11 (10)

BBfanboy -> RE: Going The Distance: BTS 4.6 MichaelU/lb4269 (A) vs bristolduke (J) (4/9/2018 2:31:06 PM)
Very good start to the oil bombing campaign - too bad you get no VPs for those hits. Your opponent(s) seem much less familiar with how to manage their end of the war (and in particular the air war) than you and your partner. The Japanese should be clearing the skies of the old Allied fighters at this stage in the game. I predict an early end to the game unless you give them some hints at what they should be doing to advance their cause. Alternatively, your opponents should start an AAR so that JFBs can provide them with constant advice.

ny59giants -> RE: Going The Distance: BTS 4.6 MichaelU/lb4269 (A) vs bristolduke (J) (4/9/2018 4:24:31 PM)
AMC and APDs make a good Fast Transport TF for the Allies. Rebuilding CW (Common Wealth) divisions - While you will probably have enough Indian infantry to rebuild the two shattered divisions from Malaya. You will have trouble with much of the support troops (guns and AA) as they are shared with the Aussie, NZ, and British LCUs. Some players send the smaller LCU to Delhi to disband to keep their pools up.

MichaelU -> RE: Going The Distance: BTS 4.6 MichaelU/lb4269 (A) vs bristolduke (J) (4/9/2018 4:34:23 PM)
At this stage of the war we shouldn't be leading on air losses in the war by more than 300 planes, that's for sure. Our opponent has an AAR, "The Mike and Mike show ends", but it hasn't been updated since mid-January. Not sure if any tips were passed on, as I haven't been in to read it. [image]local://upfiles/32803/5E8958E9BE37430B9624C1CCF052750A.jpg[/image]

John 3rd -> RE: Going The Distance: BTS 4.6 MichaelU/lb4269 (A) vs bristolduke (J) (4/10/2018 1:14:11 PM)
Good reading and solid work so far. Keep it up!

MichaelU -> RE: Going The Distance: BTS 4.6 MichaelU/lb4269 (A) vs bristolduke (J) (4/12/2018 2:53:07 PM)
March 6-8, 1942 The area around Suva is crawling with Japanese subs, which have already managed to put torps into a couple of battleships. They finally pick up one of our transports, sending it to the bottom with all troops. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Submarine attack near Kandavu Island at 130,165 Japanese Ships SS I-3 Allied Ships xAP Cap Tourane, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage Allied ground losses: Vehicles lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled) This was part of a AA unit going to reinforce Suva. Another attack against the AMC Cap de Palmes fortunately misses. There are sub attacks off Noumea as well, which also miss. We've put an AG into Noumea so we can run a couple of ASW groups out of there, in an attempt to hold down the sub threat. Our oil bombing campaign almost comes unstuck when a group of B17s flying into Balikpapan encounter a very large CAP of Zeros. Fortunately the Japanese fighters don't get much warning, and aren't able to close with the bombers before they have dropped their bombs and left. The haste of the bombing is reflected in the low number of oil hits. Looks like Balikpapan is closed to us. However, it is still open season at Palembang, where the Hurricanes easily clear out the Oscars, giving the Banshees free rein. There are no more tankers, but we find cargo ships loading fuel, escorted by some light cruisers. Over several bombing runs we get the following: CL Abukuma, Bomb hits 1, on fire xAK Nankai Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire xAK Arima Maru, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage xAK Nankai Maru, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires DD Oshio, Bomb hits 1, on fire CL Abukuma, Bomb hits 2, on fire Banshees with decent pilots are a lot scarier than the early war version. What is annoying though is that our Vildebees refuse to join in. They are sitting in the same airfield, at Batavia, with the same orders and loaded with torpedoes, but for two turns the Banshees have attacked alone. The only notable ground combat over three days is an attempt to breach the defences north of Wenchow. Despite managing 1-1 odds, it is sharply repulsed. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ground combat at 89,57 (near Wenchow) Japanese Deliberate attack Attacking force 15311 troops, 118 guns, 4 vehicles, Assault Value = 362 Defending force 7999 troops, 26 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 236 Japanese adjusted assault: 211 Allied adjusted defense: 211 Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1 Combat modifiers Defender: terrain(+), leaders(+), experience(-) Attacker: Japanese ground losses: 1673 casualties reported Squads: 3 destroyed, 175 disabled Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 9 disabled Engineers: 0 destroyed, 11 disabled Allied ground losses: 106 casualties reported Squads: 1 destroyed, 11 disabled Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled And this part is sad. The Japanese anger at the defenders of Tarakan is such that they have pursued the last remnants into the jungle and proceed to finish them off. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ground combat at 67,92 (near Tarakan) Japanese Deliberate attack Attacking force 3608 troops, 24 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 99 Defending force 924 troops, 7 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 3 Japanese adjusted assault: 43 Allied adjusted defense: 1 Japanese assault odds: 43 to 1 Combat modifiers Defender: terrain(+), leaders(+), disruption(-), fatigue(-) morale(-), experience(-), supply(-) Attacker: disruption(-) Allied ground losses: 1062 casualties reported Squads: 13 destroyed, 0 disabled Non Combat: 67 destroyed, 0 disabled Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled Guns lost 5 (5 destroyed, 0 disabled) Units destroyed 3 Those men fought so bravely, against such terrible odds. They deserved better.

BBfanboy -> RE: Going The Distance: BTS 4.6 MichaelU/lb4269 (A) vs bristolduke (J) (4/12/2018 4:22:25 PM)
Re: the Vildebeests: Did they by any chance have drop tanks installed? That would give them a "normal" range of 8 but the drop tanks would make carrying a torpedo impossible. Without drop tanks, the "normal" range is 4, but I have never seen the Devastator cannot carry a torp that far even though it is within "normal" range, so that may be the situation with Vildebeests?

MichaelU -> RE: Going The Distance: BTS 4.6 MichaelU/lb4269 (A) vs bristolduke (J) (4/12/2018 4:45:35 PM)
That could explain it. They are using drop tanks and torpedoes. I will try switching them to bombs.

MichaelU -> RE: Going The Distance: BTS 4.6 MichaelU/lb4269 (A) vs bristolduke (J) (4/18/2018 2:38:11 PM)
March 9-12, 1942 It looks like we're finally getting on top of our Noumea sub problem, with a group of Australian AMs knocking about some of the subs operating one hex west and southeast of the port. Good timing as the last regiment of the Americal division is about to arrive. We'll feel pretty confident about holding the place once the whole division is in place. Our bombing of Palembang port finally pays off. We had suspected there might be a few damaged ships in the port, and our bombers manage to find them. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Morning Air attack on Palembang , at 48,91 Weather in hex: Thunderstorms Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 5,000 feet. Estimated time to target is 6 minutes Allied aircraft 139WH-3 x 2 B-339D x 6 Hudson I x 9 Allied aircraft losses 139WH-3: 2 damaged Hudson I: 1 damaged Japanese Ships DD Yamagumo, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage TK Manju Maru, Bomb hits 1 In the area around Nanyang, we launch a few counterattacks where the Japanese have left some of their secondary forces to hold areas, heavily damaging one RGC temp division and damaging another. Japanese attacks in China are making no headway. The biggest repulse comes in Wenchow, with another heavy loss. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ground combat at Wenchow (89,58) Japanese Deliberate attack Attacking force 43458 troops, 432 guns, 157 vehicles, Assault Value = 879 Defending force 35299 troops, 218 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 877 Japanese adjusted assault: 407 Allied adjusted defense: 2275 Japanese assault odds: 1 to 5 (fort level 3) Combat modifiers Defender: terrain(+), leaders(+), experience(-) Attacker: Japanese ground losses: 5935 casualties reported Squads: 225 destroyed, 153 disabled Non Combat: 3 destroyed, 32 disabled Engineers: 4 destroyed, 34 disabled Guns lost 67 (4 destroyed, 63 disabled) Vehicles lost 10 (2 destroyed, 8 disabled) Allied ground losses: 183 casualties reported Squads: 1 destroyed, 14 disabled Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled And that's it really, four days of combat action summarised. The Japanese carriers seem to have gone back to replenish, so the SoPac is quiet. After the push into Palembang was painfully punished, there is no further attempt to impose Japanese will in the DEI. The DEI delay is helping the Dutch, because it seems March is when they finally start to get replacement planes. I've upgraded a whole bomber squadron to Mitchells. There are some P40s and Hurricanes coming online. Nice. Since the Japanese aren't creating any excitement, we might try to do so.

MichaelU -> RE: Going The Distance: BTS 4.6 MichaelU/lb4269 (A) vs bristolduke (J) (4/20/2018 4:14:53 PM)
March 13, 1942 The idea was to generate some excitement, and we certainly manage that. There has been a whole bunch of unloading going on at Luganville and it seemed to not be covered very well, so we send the carriers in to have a sniff. Normally I'd avoid this sort of fight, because the fear of being trapped between KB and a base full of Bettys does give one pause. But Luganville is fortunately still a level 1 airfield, so we should be okay from torpedoes. And KB was last seen sailing northward, presumably to replenish. Day dawns with our carriers six hexes off Luganville, and seven hexes away from an unidentified TF. The sweating starts. Has he caught us in a classic ambush. Our carrier planes, and level bombers flying from Noumea, arrive in numbers over Luganville and find the juiciest of possible targets - unloading tankers. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Morning Air attack on TF, near Luganville at 120,150 Weather in hex: Thunderstorms Raid spotted at 40 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet. Estimated time to target is 15 minutes Japanese aircraft A6M2 Zero x 3 Allied aircraft F2A-3 Buffalo x 15 F4F-3A Wildcat x 16 F4F-3 Wildcat x 19 SBD-3 Dauntless x 36 F2A-3 Buffalo x 3 F2A-3 Buffalo x 4 Japanese aircraft losses A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed No Allied losses Japanese Ships DD Sawakaze, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage DD Yakaze DD Shiokaze TK Tonan Maru #5 TK Tonan Maru #4, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage TK Nisshin Maru #2, Bomb hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage Most of the attacks were against DDs, and missed. But the carriers are burning merrily. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Morning Air attack on TF, near Luganville at 120,150 Weather in hex: Thunderstorms Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet. Estimated time to target is 8 minutes Japanese aircraft A6M2 Zero x 1 Allied aircraft F4F-3A Wildcat x 8 F4F-3 Wildcat x 5 SBD-2 Dauntless x 36 No Japanese losses Allied aircraft losses SBD-2 Dauntless: 5 damaged Japanese Ships DD Shiokaze DD Sawakaze, heavy fires, heavy damage TK Tonan Maru #4, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage TK Tonan Maru #5, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage DD Yakaze PG Hai Can 12, Bomb hits 4, heavy fires PG Hai Can 11 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Luganville at 120,150 Weather in hex: Moderate rain Raid spotted at 15 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet. Estimated time to target is 4 minutes Japanese aircraft A6M2 Zero x 5 Allied aircraft B-25B Mitchell x 7 Japanese aircraft losses A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed Allied aircraft losses B-25B Mitchell: 2 damaged Japanese Ships DD Shiokaze TK Toa Maru, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires That is pretty bad for the Japanese. Losing a bunch of fuel-laden tankers has got to hurt. Checking the turn shows the unknown TF reported as a CV and a CVL, plus some others. Did we just get very, very lucky and pull off a killer blow under the nose of KB? The TF was seven hexes away, so we should have exchanged strikes. Maybe he was hampered by bad weather? On the other hand, combat reports show that our bombers were engaged by Zeros from Chitose Ku S-1 Det and Akagi Kansen. So maybe he got very lucky and only had those ships in the area, in which case he can be very glad there was no exchange of strikes. We might never know. What we do know is that we're going to be high speeding it out of there.

MichaelU -> RE: Going The Distance: BTS 4.6 MichaelU/lb4269 (A) vs bristolduke (J) (4/21/2018 8:57:29 AM)
Here's the standoff at Luganville. What is the mystery TF? Why was there no strike? [image]local://upfiles/32803/61D3853AD9E9437480C5A2AB4EDF5036.jpg[/image]

MichaelU -> RE: Going The Distance: BTS 4.6 MichaelU/lb4269 (A) vs bristolduke (J) (4/21/2018 9:00:58 AM)
And here is one I can't work out. My torpedo bombers never seem to want to attack. Here they are, 6 hexes away from some tankers, with naval attack orders, and nothing. Same thing happened in the DEI, and there the targets were carriers. Would really like to work this out, before it becomes really important. [image]local://upfiles/32803/6DA813E8CE06408F90C6FD93987909A6.jpg[/image]

ny59giants -> RE: Going The Distance: BTS 4.6 MichaelU/lb4269 (A) vs bristolduke (J) (4/21/2018 10:23:42 AM)
Leaders!! You need a better quality leader for your TBs. Double check all CV air groups once you get back in port/ Second, if they come in at 5k, the fighter groups may be set to high above them. I like 11k to 13k for DBs. TBs are 1k below them and fighters are 1k above so there is a small separation in altitude.

ny59giants -> RE: Going The Distance: BTS 4.6 MichaelU/lb4269 (A) vs bristolduke (J) (4/21/2018 10:25:48 AM)
Air Group Leaders Selecting leaders for air groups is a fairly complex task. Most aircraft can perform multiple roles, so leader selection criteria must include consideration of how the air group will be employed. � Pilot experience affects operational losses. � Air groups with morale < 50 must pass a morale test before flying an offensive mission. If the test is failed, no aircraft will fly. � Air groups flying Naval Search, ASW Patrol, or CAP must pass two morale tests before flying. Each morale test failed reduces the number of aircraft flying by 25%. � Level Bombers must pass three tests before flying an offensive mission. Each test failed reduces the number of aircraft flying by 25%: o Experience test. o Test against the leader�s Air Skill. o Morale test. � Pilot experience affects the chances to find the target in a strike mission. � Pilot experience affects air-to-air combat results. � Leader�s air skill affects results in air-to-air combat. CAP as Principle Role This includes Fighters, Fighter-Bombers, Night-Fighters, and Float-Fighters. Assign leader using these priorities: � Inspiration � Influences the number of CAP aircraft that will fly. Influences air group morale recovery. � Air Skill � Influences the air-to-air combat results. � Leadership � Influences the air group�s experience gain. � No other skills or qualities have any influence. Offensive Missions as Principle Role (except Level Bombers) Missions include Airfield Attack, Port Attack, Naval Attack, Ground Attack, Sweep, and Recon. Air Groups include includes Fighters, Fighter-Bombers, Night-Fighters, Float-Fighters, Dive Bombers, Torpedo Bombers, Float Planes, Patrol, and Recon. Assign leader using these priorities: � Inspiration � Influences the number of strike and patrol aircraft that will fly. Influences air group morale recovery. � Leadership � Influences the air group�s experience gain. � Air Skill � Influences results in air-to-air combat. � No other skills or qualities have any influence. Level Bombers with Offensive Missions as Principle Role Missions include Airfield Attack, Port Attack, Naval Attack, Ground Attack, and Recon. Assign leader using these priorities: � Inspiration � Influences the number of strike aircraft that will fly. Influences air group morale recovery. � Air Skill � Influences the number of strike aircraft that will fly. � Leadership � Influences the air group�s experience gain. � No other skills or qualities have any influence. Patrol Missions as Principle Role Missions include Naval Search and ASW Patrol. Air Groups include Dive Bombers, Torpedo Bombers, Float Planes, level bombers, Patrol, and Recon. Assign leader using these priorities: � Inspiration � Influences the number of patrol aircraft that will fly. Influences air group morale recovery. � Leadership � Influences the air group�s experience gain. � Of small import, Air Skill influences results in air-to-air combat (aircraft can be intercepted by CAP, but this is unlikely). � No other skills or qualities have any influence. Transport Missions as Principle Role Missions include Supply Transport and Troop Transport. Air Groups include Transports, Patrol, and Level Bombers. Assign leader using these priorities: � Inspiration �Influences air group morale recovery. � Leadership � Influences the air group�s experience gain. � Of small import, Air Skill influences results in air-to-air combat. � No other skills or qualities have any influence. Training Mission as Principle Role This includes all air groups. Assign leader using these priorities: � Inspiration �Influences air group morale recovery. � Leadership � Influences the air group�s experience gain. � Of small import, Air Skill influences results in air-to-air combat. � No other skills or qualities have any influence.

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