RE: BB1.4 THE BLUNT EDGE

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All Forums >> [Current Games From Matrix.] >> [World War II] >> War In The Pacific - Struggle Against Japan 1941 - 1945 >> After Action Reports >> RE: BB1.4 THE BLUNT EDGE

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RE: BB1.4 THE BLUNT EDGE - 11/12/2007 3:08:05 PM

Gen.Hoepner

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This is, more or less, the PzB "Hangover"tm. plan! Even the timings are similar. The difference here relies in the mod. pzB was playing against wollby using Stock scen. let's see how it works here.
Good luck!

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Post #: 91

RE: BB1.4 THE BLUNT EDGE - 11/12/2007 3:25:00 PM

n01487477

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Thanks General, maybe I am standing on the shoulders of others, more seasoned than myself, but I am going to give it my best shot ...

I think this might be a make or break campaign, the stakes are high and the nerves are jingling with anticipation. Can't wait - in a frightened sort of way!!!

Ok, just loaded the 21,18,19,5 Div's & 1 tank, 5 NLF, 1 HQ, 1 Special force & 21st & 23rd Mixed in Singapore, they should be embarking tomorrow for Diamond Harbor.

I have a Bombardment force heading for Rangoon, to assist my 2 DIv's & Special Base Force landing there in the next few days.

The numbers of ships I've assembled is staggering to me. I just wish I had a few of the other repairing BB's on offer ...
includes:-
ACTF1 5 CV's 2 CVL's
5 BB's
7 CA's
7 CL's
30+ DD's
25 MSW's
180 AP's
60 AK's

Chance would be a fine thing !!!

And while I'm here I just wanted to update my picture DB of regional production. Still want to incorporate more here like a flow chart diagram ala WITP economics chart V3.0.

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Post #: 92

RE: BB1.4 THE BLUNT EDGE - 11/12/2007 3:37:00 PM

Gen.Hoepner

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Which is the state of the DH base right now? AF level? cause you'd need an early operative AF for your betties in order to prevent any RN action in bengal bay and a good platform for your sallies/helens in order to be able to bomb calcutta back to stoneage! Calcutta is an urban hex so it will be a tough nut to crack. If he brings here his crack troops (for ex. the 18th Uk and the two indian armoured brigades) it's gonna be difficult to move them out. If i was you...i'd try to make a kind of subterfuge. You should make him think you're gonna unload the bulk of your forces at Chandupur, so he'll move his crack units to Dacca at least (or directly at Chandupur at Best), then unload fast at DH and try to get to Calcutta before he can move in his forces. Calcutta is the key. If you do not get it fast you could be trapped there, so on the shore...could be a bad situation

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Post #: 93

RE: BB1.4 THE BLUNT EDGE - 11/12/2007 3:59:24 PM

n01487477

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Thanks for the heads up... DH is at Lvl 6, I have never invaded India even against AI, so your advice is very enriching. I can see a large force of troops at Calcutta, so maybe I should reverse my plan and go for Madras/Chandapur/Sri Lanka first ?
Even a landing at Chittagong, might draw his troops ?

Anyway, I can make a better evaluation in a few days... with recon from Akyab, I hope

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Post #: 94

RE: BB1.4 THE BLUNT EDGE - 11/12/2007 4:17:33 PM

Gen.Hoepner

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Akyab needs to be taken and immediately defended with crack fighters. If it's (as i hope) already developed at level 4 AF, place there immediately your betties. You need to cover your shoulders from the RN.
Imho Chandupur is a better place to unload your troops. it's a clear hex and when conquered he will have some trouble defending dacca because you're gonna have another railway to march through in order to flank Dacca's position, so he will have to devide his troops if he wants to defend the rivercrossing. Secondly there's no urban hex nearby.
Once you estabilish yourself in Chandupur he will have to move his units towards Dacca if he wants to defend it, so Calcutta won't be so well defended. That will be the time(when he will unbalance himself) to land at DH...so to force him to face 2 different threats.
key is to forbid him from using his close-support AFs...so you have to grab asap a level 4 AF in the area, move in crack fighters and soften his first attempt to close it. Then when his fighters will be blown away, move in your bombers (hundreds of them) and close every AF in range.
At this stage, if things go well, he will be forced to abbandon the area 'cause with so many railroad and no wooden or urban hex to defend, and above all with no air support for his troops, he will be threatened of being flanked (bring tanks with you!).
Anyway imho the key for you is not to be stopped on the shore.

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RE: BB1.4 THE BLUNT EDGE - 11/13/2007 4:41:07 PM

n01487477

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Thanks again General,
am trying to adjust my plans on the fly, feels like a real fluid battle plan now, so I'll keep plugging away and see how it progresses.

A BAD DAY AT CHITTAGONG
I don't usually show combat reports but this one is of note, as they were rested and about 80% experience. Sure they were on LREscort duty, here;s what my esteemed opponent says ...

Looks like the Hurricane compares pretty well against the Zero. Zero has an edge on maneuver and slight better climb. The Hurricane is better armored has better guns and is faster, and there is no
longer a Zero bonus. Seemed fairly accurate, alot of hurricanes were damaged and some shot down, more Zeros were shot down than damaged. I think this reflects fairly well the fighter idology of both sides. My planes will never be as agile as yours but they take damage better and hit hard. I think this is the lament of an awful lot of Japanese players.

Day Air attack on Chittagong , at 31,25

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 54
G4M1 Betty x 118

Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIb x 53

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 22 destroyed, 1 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 15 destroyed, 22 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane IIb: 13 destroyed, 21 damaged

Allied ground losses:
83 casualties reported
Guns lost 4

Airbase hits 3
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 12

Anyway, got to keep going now, I'm committed to taking India, "farewell to my arms" !!!

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Post #: 96

RE: BB1.4 THE BLUNT EDGE - 11/14/2007 4:11:57 AM

n01487477

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A STUPID DAY AT RAMTREE IS. (1 hex Sth of Akyab)

Using Ramtree as a waypoint on my way to Akyab, I set my TT to "DO NOT UNLOAD" ... you guessed it ... they did!!

Now I've got my posterior sticking out ready to be slapped ... I asked whether my opponent wanted to redo ... It seems a bit rude, but this is not FOW, just a game bug... so we'll see.

Should say also, I've learnt this lesson, no land based waypoints!)

Have changed some things (took the screenshot later)

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< Message edited by n01487477 -- 11/14/2007 4:13:35 AM >

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Post #: 97

RE: BB1.4 THE BLUNT EDGE - 11/14/2007 9:27:54 AM

Gen.Hoepner

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NEVER LAND WAYPOINTS!!!!!!....

A redo here would be just fine imho...

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RE: BB1.4 THE BLUNT EDGE - 11/15/2007 4:56:05 AM

n01487477

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7/5/1942: Akyab
Despite the fact that the monsoon season was a month away, the oppressive heat and humidity, were not the only reason that this once peaceful fishing community was quiet at midday. No feluccas were out today, the town�s population had fled into the surrounding fields, leaving the town to the Indian Division which had taken up residence months before. The Ex-Pat British Commander, twirled his wax pointed moustache, and thought:
�My troops are not as ill disciplined and ill equipped as some of those toffee-nosed Oxbridge types, sitting back in Dacca, believe. My guys have a strong back-bone, one that can only be acquired from years of being kicked around by British Colonial troops.�

A bead of sweat formed on his brow and ran down his cheek as he frowned and thought,

�I just hope we are not overwhelmed, 17000 troops might not be enough to hold those stinking Japs�

�Sir, surveillance photo�s, and some combat reports just in�, his adjutant walked with purpose in his step �

The General whipped his cheek and flicked through the reports first � damn �
�Jap para�s have taken Cox's Bazaar, the beach 120 miles north��
�Jap armor spotted 50 miles south, with an Inf Div 50 miles behind them.�
He turned to the photo, counted the ships, �Hmm maybe only a Division and some support � maybe we have a chance after all � �

Overhead, the rush of air and sound of falling shrapnel, brought both the General and the adjutant, into the beating sun. They looked up to see the swarming P-38�s and Curtis H81-3A�s, engage the Zero�s which were protecting the convoy of ships, which had just emerged on the horizon. Soon the air was littered with white and red falling stars.
�Those fighting Tigers�, he grinned, �if only we had more of those lads, the war would be over by Christmas� �
�Sir, communication from our coastal guns � one Destroyer hit, Jap troops landing in force � �
�Double Damn, I�ll have that junior officer�s stripes � one DD hit !! I should have known, he never could play cricket ... no eye for it �

Overhead, the sound of Swordfish and Beaufort�s droned, the General waited for the sound of explosions � none came. �Where are they going?�, he thought � �someone�s made a cock-up � �

Later it was learned, 1 AP was sunk at Ramtree Is.

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RE: BB1.4 THE BLUNT EDGE - 11/15/2007 2:46:54 PM

n01487477

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8/5/42: Akyab

Just a quick update, troops almost completely offloaded, this TF, was the worst packed, as I didn't have enough AP's at Rangoon. I'd like to have them offloading a bit better in the future!

Lots of ASW action today 5 different allied subs attacked around Akyab and Blair Island.

The Allies sent 5 PT's to Akyab, catching me without a SC TF, and it thumped my ASW TF instead, 1 DD is limping back to Rangoon, out of the war for a month I guess. I only got one PT sunk ... I hope SCTF make a difference in this.

Next turn is my first assault on Akyab, supported with a BB bombardment, I'm hoping for some good casualties, unfortunately my planes haven't flown for 3 turns :(

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RE: BB1.4 THE BLUNT EDGE - 11/16/2007 2:27:51 PM

n01487477

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9/5/42: Akyab is going to be a bit harder to take than first thought, luckily I have AP's loaded with troops inbound (2 turns away), my Bombardment has been pretty ineffective, the Allies mustn't have much support there only 133 casualties, from 2 BB's and 3 CA's bombarding.

Surprisingly, my Div in Akyab, seems to have shrunk considerably, since launching from Rangoon, did they get scurvy ? I wish I had saved some data on this, to check!

The Allies sent another air raid consisting of 23 Swordfish, 3 Mohawks, 21 Beauforts and 42 P-40E Warhawks, but even here the Allies must be disappointed with meager results. I'm not willing to commit LR Cap as they fall like flies ... so I'm stuck until I capture Akyab.

The Allies finally spotted my ACTF, and now the silent hunters are swarming to intercept, I just hope my 3 ASW pickets can get them...

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RE: BB1.4 THE BLUNT EDGE - 11/16/2007 3:39:06 PM

tsimmonds

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quote:

ORIGINAL: n01487477

A STUPID DAY AT RAMTREE IS. (1 hex Sth of Akyab)

Using Ramtree as a waypoint on my way to Akyab, I set my TT to "DO NOT UNLOAD" ... you guessed it ... they did!!

I made exactly this error in my last PBEM when moving to take Akyab.

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RE: BB1.4 THE BLUNT EDGE - 11/16/2007 10:20:29 PM

trollelite

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Well, you could reload immediately, at least 90% of them, including almost all combat element, would be reembarked, but you lose some supply, add disruption to your troops, and delayed by one day's time.

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RE: BB1.4 THE BLUNT EDGE - 11/17/2007 4:19:36 AM

n01487477

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11/5/42: Imminent Next Wave ...
When I was younger, I watched "Papillon", and then immediately read the book... One thing I always liked growing up, going to the beaches , Nth of Brisbane, was counting the waves ... and getting the best ride ... You know the seventh is usually the best, Papillon was a good guide... Unfortunately I've missed this set.

What I mean is that, as you all know it's better to get the full movement and unload period possible, by having your TT, one hex from the LZ, the turn before... (only moved 3 hexs last turn) anyway, now I'm not sure if I want to move one hex or go for a midday landing... I could go Chittagong or Cox's Bazaar ... what to do ?

Luckily today, the Allies decided to bomb the hell out of the 1st Para Reg, which had occupied Cox's Bazaar, until being assaulted 2 turns ago, by some of his troops that had moved out of Chittagong..
this has left my 100 ship TT,unscathed, with her 110,000 troop ready for action.

TT2, is about to unload 33000+ troops at Akyab, I need an airstrip, and my first force seemed to shrink considerably, I can't understand it really, "shrinkage" usually only happens in the cold of winter...

Anyway joking aside, I will also have a 3rd and 4th wave yet to be determined, but they should be loading in Singapore this turn, and heading North to either Vizagaptam or Diamond Harbor or maybe Ceylon, luck permitting.

I notice he has a lot of Chinese troops amassed at Lashio, and some Indian Div's at Mandalay, I'm going to expect a counterthrust against Rangoon and bolster my forces in this region too, but if I can cut his supply lines, this will be a "Berlin airdrop" moment ...
more later...

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< Message edited by n01487477 -- 11/17/2007 4:22:39 AM >

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RE: BB1.4 THE BLUNT EDGE - 11/17/2007 3:29:18 PM

n01487477

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12/5/42: Cox's Bazaar
Firstly, no less than 6 Dutch subs were attacked today by Helens, a good day for my ASW air wing. Although PC2 was attacked and sunk by two torpedoes.

Cox's Bazaar:- Massive troops offloads, although very few supplies made it on the beach, I'm actually really worried that if he makes a concerted attack, I could lose quite a few troops to attrition, their supplies are 0. Another supply convoy will arrive at lunch with 30K supplies.

10 Zero's were jumped by Allied aircraft with 15 destroyed ... strange combat report ....

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 10

Allied aircraft
Curtis H81-3A x 38
P-38E/F Lightning x 23

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 15 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Curtis H81-3A: 4 destroyed, 3 damaged
P-38E/F Lightning: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged

And the Allied losses were after my zero's showed 0 ... love it!

Akyab: 30K Troops slowly offloading, hopefully I can make an attack in 2 days ...

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RE: BB1.4 THE BLUNT EDGE - 11/17/2007 5:42:07 PM

Big B

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That is a strange one. Were the Zeros on LRCAP? If so, that would explain the combat continuing after the screen shows 0. IIRC, LRCAP combat can occur with without a graphic combat display...

B

quote:

ORIGINAL: n01487477

12/5/42: Cox's Bazaar
Firstly, no less than 6 Dutch subs were attacked today by Helens, a good day for my ASW air wing. Although PC2 was attacked and sunk by two torpedoes.

Cox's Bazaar:- Massive troops offloads, although very few supplies made it on the beach, I'm actually really worried that if he makes a concerted attack, I could lose quite a few troops to attrition, their supplies are 0. Another supply convoy will arrive at lunch with 30K supplies.

10 Zero's were jumped by Allied aircraft with 15 destroyed ... strange combat report ....

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 10

Allied aircraft
Curtis H81-3A x 38
P-38E/F Lightning x 23

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 15 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Curtis H81-3A: 4 destroyed, 3 damaged
P-38E/F Lightning: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged

And the Allied losses were after my zero's showed 0 ... love it!

Akyab: 30K Troops slowly offloading, hopefully I can make an attack in 2 days ...

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Post #: 106

RE: BB1.4 THE BLUNT EDGE - 11/17/2007 6:46:35 PM

n01487477

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13/5/42: Akyab region

Yes, Brian, they were on LRCap, so thanks for explaining that to me, unfortunately, Grognerd has just told me that the planes he lost, had pilots experienced in the 40's ... this is his email ...

By the way AVG took on some new pilots/planes so the cream has to rise to the top (you know what happens to the rest!)
AVG has had an avg. exper of 74 but there is one pilot at 49 the rest are pretty good, well that pilot finally did not make it back from a mission. The group shot up in exper so I devided to give them some fresh blood. They have not taken a single pilot since the game started. I'd rather have smaller compact groups of highly experienced fighters. But in several months AVG will upgrade to P-38's and I want to give the fresh pilots some exper. It's too bad you can't upgrade just with existing crews instead of having to fill out the group.

Troops still unloading at Cox's Bazaar and Akyab, although, that is almost completed on the end of the second day, 100K troops offloaded in 2 days, at a beach, many casualties, much shrinkage, but still happy enough. My supply AK's, came into Cox's Bazaar and then ran away due to some surface combat...not happy about that, have set them not to retire this time!

Another 4-5 ASW attacks, his Dutch SS's must be feeling the heat, or the water, lolling around their feet by now...

And a little show of strength, has frightened me further about the air campaign ... In one ground attack...no resistance put up by me...
Allied aircraft
Wirraway x 7
Kittyhawk IA x 28
Wellington III x 101
Curtis H81-3A x 9
P-38E/F Lightning x 21
B-17E Fortress x 15
LB-30 Liberator x 47
Buffalo I PR x 2

Meanwhile swordfish and Beauforts continue to harass my AP's, taking a small toll in damage so far. Luckily, my exposure is almost over, with the quick deployment of forces...

< Message edited by n01487477 -- 11/17/2007 6:47:45 PM >

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RE: BB1.4 THE BLUNT EDGE - 11/18/2007 1:48:29 PM

n01487477

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14/5/42: Very Busy turn, I'll try to summarise...

Norfolk Is:- Bombardment by 7 US CL's, destroying some zero's and H8K's, I don't know why I can never see his ships approaching ... I have plenty of planes searching from Noumea and Norfolk.

Fiji:- Attack on my AP's trying to sneak a land force onto the Island Paradise. I've turned them away to, combine with some other forces and a ACTF 2 which is a few days away...the air attack was damaging enough for me to think twice ...

Near Meiktila (NE of Rangoon): As I suspected a few turns ago, he starting moving down 2 Div's toward Rangoon, I sent a bit of an air raid, and for once I got a fair result...
3 A6M2 & 4 Bettys & 8 Oscar's destroyed with 23 P-40E sent flaming to the ground.
Ok, it's no creaming but this is one of those few times I've surpassed parity.

Akyab & Cox's:- ready to start some action, troops unloaded, supplies almost complete ...Getting hit by 150+ aircraft each turn, is causing some problems however!

< Message edited by n01487477 -- 11/18/2007 1:50:09 PM >

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RE: BB1.4 THE BLUNT EDGE - 11/18/2007 8:05:12 PM

ny59giants

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I've got a game of CHS going as the Allies in mod 8/42 and I have always thought if the Japanese were going to take India (or at least attempt to) this small left hook looked like a possible winner. My only question is the timimg being too late for you. The India/Burma theater is the best defended early in the game (they get those large Avaition regiments) and some other large BF that make their air defense stronger and allow the building up of forts quickly.

If possible, a screen shot of the interior to show what he has deployed. Do you know were his major LCU's are at?? Plus, did he move the Chinese assigned SE Asia into the interior?? The shorten distance between Imphal and Mandalay makes it easier to move forces. If you control that area, it may be hard from him to get LCU's back fast enough to not get cut off. I would wish you good luck, but part of me wants to see it fail. Don't want future and/or current opponents thinking this can happen.

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RE: BB1.4 THE BLUNT EDGE - 11/19/2007 3:40:17 AM

n01487477

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15-16/5/42:-Too Late?

Some ppl, even I, doubt it is fortuitous timing, this is going to be a tough campaign, I have another 5 Div's in reserve,(2 coming from Japan,3 at Singapore resting %85% eff) & 3 on transports heading Nth from Singapore...

But landing my forces at Cox's Bazaar and Akyab, has cost me dearly, they have gone from 100% TOE to about 60-70%. I'm really a bit disappointed, as there were not that many casualties from guns/unloading.
My recon is pretty patchy Nth of Chittagong, when I have Akyab, that will improve, I have 5 recon units waiting at Moulmein...

... action ...
Cox's Bazaar fell today, supplies are critical, but with new AK's 1 day out, that should improve soon.
I'm not proud, but I divided my TF into 1 unit to get around the overwhelming a/c advantage he has... I did this as he stated in another AAR, he didn't see a problem with this...
And if single ship TF's are Gamey then the Tokyo Express was gamey and that was real life!
... so we'll see if he think it is in his game :)

Allied troops are moving toward Rangoon, but I have 2 Div's ready for him, and can move another if needs-be.

Akyab, saw its fort reduce 2 lvls in 2 days, now at 4, another attack tomorrow, a day of rest and then an assualt, me thinks...

Enjoy the S.Shot, I'll give a better one, when my recon does a better job...I sympathise with how you feel NY59Giants ... this is going to be interesting and will need some fortune and guile to lay claim to India.

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RE: BB1.4 THE BLUNT EDGE - 11/19/2007 3:51:26 PM

n01487477

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17/5/42: Grand Experiment failed
Single TT's don't stop air attacks, 5 single AK's were hit, and badly damaged, I have decided to sacrifice them to offload their cargo, they wouldn't make it back to Rangoon anyway. Also I DD was very badly damaged, and will sink next turn, a MSW achieved that fate already today.

Akyab got 3:1 today, so I'm not even going to bother with a rest day, tomorrow they go for the throat!

1 more day before I start moving to Chittagong, the troops need the rest and some supplies or they will be attacking understrength. Although, the disruption factor, is a problem, he sent 200+ aircraft to pound the hell out of my troops today. I knew I should have taken some AA regiments, just didn't have the room for them.

...

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RE: BB1.4 THE BLUNT EDGE - 11/19/2007 4:45:47 PM

ny59giants

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I would go for Chittagong, Dacca, and then Rangpur. The other part of the pincer would be moving troop up the west side of China to prevent escape of forces back into China. You could go through the bases or try to just march up the trail to Kumming. Even if you don't take it, just the threat should give him pause for concern.

I don't know what your House Rules are, but you should have subs along the west map edge to catch anything coming from Australia.

I will be right back, time to go get some more

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RE: BB1.4 THE BLUNT EDGE - 11/20/2007 3:35:59 AM

n01487477

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18/5/42: Akyab falls
Today the Glorious Imperial Army took Akyab, unfortunately my troops moving south from Cox's Bazaar didn't get there in time, so the Allied forces escaped Nth. My troops from Akyab will be in hot pursuit and hope to sandwich him between Akyab and Cox's.

Mistake made today, Bombarded with "escorts set to" at Chittagong, some heavy damage to my DD's, I just love messing them up :( The Bombardment itself was incredibly ineffective and caused minimal damage.

Otherwise, a small turn today, although I've just set two TT's to Fiji, with a ACTF2 close in support, I have a feeling though this may lead to some tears... he has massive amounts of airgroups at Nandi ... maybe a CV force close by too ...maps tomorrow.

To NY59Giants: I was thinking similar, but moving up through China is a real problem in BB1.4. Think it might have to be inland Burma... thanks for your thoughts though...

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RE: BB1.4 THE BLUNT EDGE - 11/21/2007 3:54:57 PM

n01487477

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19-22/5/42: Nandi(Fiji)

Stretching reasonable bounds of what I can take with available resources, has finally hit a brick wall. And things that should have gone right have gone wrong. But now I'm there, I'm going to have a bit of a struggle...

2 Bombardments of Nandi, did not go there, and changed to SCTF at the end of turn, for no apparent reason.

Japanese forces landed on the 20/5, and the last two days, have been costly, I've lost 5 MSW's, 1 PC, 1 PG, 2 AP's and there are about 15 ships with high system damage, to coastal guns and the large air force stationed at Suva. My troops are offloaded, but the real threat now lies at Suva, where I've discovered 2 Inf Div.

Japanese recon stinks, and as for Naval search it is almost non-existent. Even at shorter range lengths. Either they were here in the beginning or they have been brought in. Either way, I didn't see them.

I have my Seabees & 6 Naval Guard units, now at Nandi, with some other available troops about 8-10 days away, my real thoughts are turning to retreat, I think I've bitten off more than I can chew. I could lose these troops, just like I did at Dutch Harbor, some time ago.

Burma: Troops are moving at a glacial pace, from Akyab and Cox's to Chittagong. Also another large force coming into Cox's tomorrow, I'm hoping that my 150+ LRCap from Akyab will catch him napping, as he tries to bomb/torp my TF.

Going to change course a bit, will explain tomorrow when I have more time. But it basically entails, me hunting his British CV/BB, then landing Colombo/West India...cheers!

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RE: BB1.4 THE BLUNT EDGE - 11/21/2007 4:34:10 PM

ny59giants

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Going for Suva/Nandi this late in the war without KB is looking for trouble. You are beyond LBA range, except for Nell/Betty (no Zeros). If he has the AF above 4, then you face potential Beauforts, in masse, along with plenty of other medium and heavy bombers. Even the use of mini-KB here is not favorable. He can island hop his LBA from both Pearl and Australia there in a few turns (unless you have Pago Pago and Noumea).

I think you caught a little bit of the dreaded "victory disease."

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RE: BB1.4 THE BLUNT EDGE - 11/22/2007 1:35:54 PM

n01487477

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23/5/42- Victory Disease!
Having spent part of the day thinking about this, I've come to the conclusion that I'm starting to agree with you. I believe my adventurous life in the Pacific has come to an end.

I have not however decided that this is the same position I must take in India/Burma, where I still feel there is a little window to continue the Japanese onslaught.

This may not be easy however as I think he should have 2-3 CV's and a 4+ BB's to contend with. In the Pacific, however, he should have 5-6 CV's mostly undamaged and ready to go ...

Here is some air action over Cox's Bazaar, where my LRCap from Akyab got a little clobbered by, some heavily stacked air units. This is just the first taste of bad things to come... even thought I won the numerical number war, my losses are more telling as any japanese player will tell you...

Japanese aircraft
55 A6M2 Zero --4 damaged 1st wave 27 destroyed, 1 damaged
11 Ki-43-Ic Oscar -- 8 destroyed
Ki-44-IIb Tojo -- 3 destroyed

First Wave of Allied aircraft
3 Kittyhawk IA -- 3 destroyed
4 Wellington III -- 1 destroyed, 2 damaged
8 LB-30 Liberator -- 8 damaged
6 Hurricane IIb -- 5 destroyed

Second wave
16 Kittyhawk IA -- 4 destroyed, 7 damaged
15 Wellington III -- 0
18 Curtis H81-3A -- 9 destroyed
19 P-38E/F Lightning 3 destroyed, 5 damaged
24 LB-30 Liberator -- 0
16 Hurricane IIb -- 12 destroyed

Total losses IJN 38 Planes V Allied 45

< Message edited by n01487477 -- 11/22/2007 1:38:10 PM >

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Post #: 116

RE: BB1.4 THE BLUNT EDGE - 11/24/2007 2:57:48 AM

n01487477

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24~25/5/42: I can't get no satisfaction!

I have 18 H8K's and 9 Bettys at Port Blair, all set for range 15 naval search, neither of them saw a 10 ship SCTF, until they were nearly at Diamond harbor ... my opponents search capabilities seem to see a pimple on a sparrows arse from 2 miles, and yet the Japs are useless. Not just here, but in other theatres as well ...

IT SEEMS LIKE AGES SINCE I ATTACKED AN ALLIED TF, so imagine my anticipation! And ...

Anyway down to the action ...
24/5: saw my floating buffet coming out of Nandi, mauled by what seemed to be 10+ subs, he has been very effective in this element of the war since day one. Knowing paths and effectively, using my laziness against me.
Chittagong, saw the first deliberate attack, and my forces reduced the fort by 1 (now 3), today they had a rest and tomorrow, they will shock attack, with added troops that have marched from Cox's Bazaar overnight.
Dutch Harbor, SCTF was 6 hex's away before spotted, I sent my ACTF, north from Port Blair to intercept ...

25/5:
Dutch Harbor, Although my ACTF was close enough to attack, she didn't, my fighters and bombers prefer to play "Sudoku", than fly... I guess one reason could be a lack of fuel, and refueling going on ... However, my Betty's at Akyab, put down their rice bowls and had a go ... 12 a/c losses (exp 80+) V 9 Allied (mainly Hurricanes)for 1 Bomb hit on CL Emerald ..

Mick I know how you feel !!

Below is a Screen taken a few days later ... showing supplies going in and my damaged TT's going home ...

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< Message edited by n01487477 -- 11/25/2007 4:49:59 AM >

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Post #: 117

RE: BB1.4 THE BLUNT EDGE - 11/24/2007 3:22:48 AM

ny59giants

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For some reason, (like I just posted with Dive Bomber), naval attacks happen more if you set your LB's (Nell/Betty) to 20% naval search while on Naval Attack. Less punch, but more attacks. Works well with some of you DB/TB on your CV's (here I would go 10% as your TF should use search planes from your CA/BB).

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Post #: 118

RE: BB1.4 THE BLUNT EDGE - 11/25/2007 4:39:13 AM

n01487477

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26~28/5/42: Chittagong falls!

To rub salt in my wounds, the Allies sent that SCTF from Diamond Harbor to Akyab, pounded my air force destroying 20 planes, then stayed in harbor all day (my opponent forgot to set retirement), then to much of my chagrin, 61 bombers from Akyab, could only inflict 2 bomb hits ...
Finally my 53 bombers from Moulmein lumbered up the coast and sunk a CA and a CL. Couldn't I have hoped for better from such a force of bombers? Experience hovering around 80, no LR Allied Cap, bombers at 7000 feet ... 30 Bombers damaged!!

BUT finally some good news, Chittagong is mine! Taken by 3 Divs& some Tank regiments, I overwhelmed his forces, pity they keep escaping North, but I can't encircle at present. Thinking of leaving Dacca alone for a while and striking North... Got to get some more troops from Akyab North... it's just too slow moving overland, 10 days and they've moved 25 miles !!!

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< Message edited by n01487477 -- 11/25/2007 4:46:30 AM >

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Post #: 119

RE: BB1.4 THE BLUNT EDGE - 11/25/2007 3:40:03 PM

n01487477

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END OF MONTH REPORT
Situation Report:
India/Burma: Made some inroads this month, landing at Akyab and Moulmein, now I've taken Chittagong... Have troops ready for deployment on Colombo, and Western India, once I've confronted the British Navy.
South & South East Pacific: deploying coastal guns on most major Islands and mining them as best I can for the eventual tide of change. My force on Fiji is having a hard time of it, I haven't decided whether to cut and run or move more troops in yet.Most of my AP's are near Burma unfortunately.
Northern Area: despite attacks from planes at Dutch Harbor, I'm improving the airfields and ports and about to send more troops to safeguard this route.
Central Pacific: rather quiet month ...
Java/Celebes/Borneo/Sumatra: moving oil and resources as best I can, seem to need some more TK's to do a better job...also delayed many TK's to pick up fuel this month to send to Burma.
China: Just saw 5 units move toward Hanoi, we have a PP rule, so I'm hoping that he hasn't overstepped here. Otherwise, maintaining the status quo for now.

Economy: Running well. As can be seen below, expanded most of what I need for now, supplies are not abundant but are better than I could hope for considering my earlier economic mistakes. 2 Dry-Docks still expanding as are some engine factories converting.

Raw Materials: Resources increased over the course of the month, Oil is down 5 days.
Engines are better, now that I've halted producing Zero's and Betty's.
Research into Tojo's (105) and Tony's (89), are progressing nicely as is AGM3a's (a bit behind the other two)

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< Message edited by n01487477 -- 11/25/2007 3:42:32 PM >

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