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RE: Developments - 2/13/2010 10:23:22 PM

FatR

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quote:

ORIGINAL: veji1

why on earth would he do that ?? you don't attack an even medium Capped port with the KB post mid42, except if there is a really really valid reason for that (wounded CVs in there...). that's a sure way of just slaughtering your pilots... don't understand it.

Under the last patch, pilots can be retrained in about three-four months. Not quite to the pre-war KB complement level, but pre-war pilots should be mostly gone anyway by this point. But a ship sunk is a ship sunk. Probably he decided that it's better to spend these planes now, when they actually can inflict significant damage, than wait until Allies are perfectly ready for battle.

(in reply to veji1)

Post #: 961

RE: Developments - 2/13/2010 10:38:13 PM

FatR

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quote:

ORIGINAL: vettim89

I think this AAR and Q-Ball's AAR show that the Japanese must make a priority to defend the DEI. A sturdy defense in the CentPac and SoPac is obviously necessary but the Japanese can afford to trade land for time in those areas. They cannot do this in the DEI. THey have to protect this region or its game over. If I ever play the Japanese side I think I would follow the RL model of ignoring CHina. I would pull every unit I could out of there and Manchuko and send them south. A stout defense of Timor and points east is critical for Japanese long term survival

I believe, that you need to consolidate your positions in China first, to do that safely. The initial Japanese holdings are vulnerable, if Chinese are allowed to do as they please.

Also, Japanese need to create a buffer for DEI, by taking Northern, and, probably, Western Australia. Static defense is doomed to fail, there are too many available bases, so Allies always can get a foothold.

(in reply to vettim89)

Post #: 962

RE: Developments - 2/14/2010 9:23:01 AM

Swenslim

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From: Odessa, Ukraine
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I think Cutterfish simply positioned his troops very bad and acted very passivly. DEI is much more easy to defend than Pacific.

(in reply to FatR)

Post #: 963

RE: Developments - 2/14/2010 1:33:38 PM

Canoerebel

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7/30/43 to 8/2/43

CenPac: I am most fortunate that the three damaged CVEs made it to Tabiteaeu safely. Barring submarines, they should be safe now. They go to Pearl Harbor to repair. The landings at Abemama continued - this base is adjacent to Tarawa and can be built to the same size. I pulled all ships back from Makin. I don't know if I have enough troops there to take the island once they recover disruption.

Carriers: All American carrier reinforcements are on the board except CV Constitution, which should arrive at Tahiti in about a week. The others are nearing Tahiti, will refuel, and will move on to Auckland.

SWPac: At the moment the main effort is to move supply from Darwin to the forward bases - Saumlaki takes alot. As soon as the carriers and additional transports arrive the Allies will move on Boela.

Burma: The Allies will bomb Rangoon again - Liberators without escorts this time (my escorts are getting shredded).

China: Miller has carrier through with his self-imposed cease fire. I vacated Kweilin, he had a unit there, but he did take the base. He may have withdrawn. China is borked in our game (due to early-on strategic bombing and the radical results of massed artillery), but I have told Miller repeatedly that I don't want a ceasefire. I intend to go on the offensive here someday. It may be 1945, but the day will come.

(in reply to Swenslim)

Post #: 964

RE: Developments - 2/15/2010 5:41:22 PM

Canoerebel

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8/3/43 to 8/6/43

As the Allies prepare for a series of big pushes in the DEI, the game is reaching a tipping point. The Allies have suffered massive losses of transports (subs and the expensive invasion of the Kuriles beging the two big culprits). In order for the Allied DEI offensive to work, transport losses must be minimal. At the same time, the Allied carriers will be in the confined waters of the DEI where weird things (Cuttlefish vs. Q-Ball situation) or dreaded things (lethal Japanese subs) can happen. I don't believe the Japanese can stop the short-term Allied thrusts against Boela and Sorong, but if they really take a toll on Allied transports and carriers, Allied momentum will be halted when it needs to be ramping up.

Transports: Many of the transports needed in the DEI are currently nearing Pago Pago, or are already moving from Pago Pago to Brisbane. It will take them a few weeks to reach Darwin. As soon as they do so and can combat load troops, the moves will begin.

Carriers: Current whereabouts of Allied carriers: Most American fleet CVs are at Wellington or nearing Tahiti. The CVLs and CVEs are mostly between Pago Pago and Auckland. All of these will rendezvous at Auckland. The three CVEs damaged near Marcus will make Christmas Island in less than a week. From there they head to Pearl for repairs. I am not counting on surprise when the carriers move to Darwin - both routes are under Japanese patrol surveillance and there's nothing I can do to prevent it given the large number of Japanese-held bases in the area.

Mock Invaision: Miller has undoubtedly been anticipating a major move in the DEI - Timor and Ambon are the most logical targets. I am pondering a massive mock invasion as soon as my carriers arrive. He'll be expecting something so the "trip-wire effect" ought to be pretty easy to trigger. With so many Allied airbases in the area (most of these are now size five to seven) I should be able to win the air battles. The Allies will also have many reinforcing BBs on the scene: Maryland, California, Colorado, South Dakota, Massachusetts, Indiana, North Carolina, Prince of Wales, and Royal Sovereign. Some of these will serve as carrier escorts, but the Allies should be able to field two or three stout combat TFs.

Itinerary: The Allies will quickly move on Boela and Sorong. If those operations go well - they should, given their proximity to Allied LBA - the Alllies will then move quickly to Morotai. While these operations are going on, I also expect the Allies to move east along New Guinea's north coast, picking up Mankowari (lightly garrisoned), Biak (an Allied controlled dot hex that can be built to 4 port/8 airfield, and probably Hollandia. Unless things go awry, the Allies should have Boela, Sorong, and Morotai by the end of summer. From there the Allies will spread out and take nearby bases (like Ternate) and then prepare for the leap across to Manado, Talaud Island, and other bases. If things haven't gone terribly awry, the Allies should be in a position to look at Borneo and the southern Philippines by the end of the year. Meanwhile, these moves should render some base strategically unimportant (Port Moresby, Ambon, Namlea, and perhaps even Timor). The Allies should be able to pick these off with reserve and rear-guard units.

Burma: Allied B-24s are far more effective at flying sweep than are Allied fighters. American B-24Ds from Akyab and RAF Liberator IIs from Chittagong occasionally fly missions against Rangoon and consistently inflict more damage against CAP than they suffer. More than 100 fighters are based at Prome, including a high-experience American outfit that just obtained P-47s. I'll continue working sweep and bombing missions to try to eventually win control of the air over Rangoon. That may take months, but once it happens Rangoon's fate is sealed.

(in reply to Canoerebel)

Post #: 965

RE: Developments - 2/16/2010 4:54:03 PM

Canoerebel

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8/7/43 and 8/8/43
�
DEI:� Planning continues for the series of amphibious landings to take place in quick succession in the eastern DEI - as soon as the transports and carriers arrive:

Carriers:� The CV and CVL (and CVE if I commit them to the DEI, which I think is unlikely due to the sub threat) shall all arrive at Auckland within the week - except for the three damaged CVEs (these are nearing Christmas Island and are heading for Pearl Harbor).

Transports:� My estimate of total lift capacity to sustain the offensive in the DEI over the next few months - 101 AK; 10 APA; 42 AP, and 35 LST/LCI.� That's probably enough barring heavy losses; but I have a history of heavy losses in the game.� I'll have to be more careful in protecting transports.� I do have some reserves - primarily transports heading to Oz from India.

Boela:� The first objective is Boela, which is garrisoned by three units 6k strong.� This base will be quite close to Allied LBA from Babo and Kaimana, so I feel fairly secure.��I think the�force committed is overwhelming: 14,�16 and 23�UK Brigades; 32 US Infantry Division; 12 Marine CD; 134 Field Artillery; 197 Cst AA; 1st Sea Bee; 7th RAA Cst AA; 857 EAB; 9th RAAF HQ; 170 Wing = 750 AV.

Sorong:� Sorong is a bit further but LBA from Babo (and Boela) can provide CAP.� Garrison is four units 11k strong.� Force committed:� 41 Infantry Division; 2 and 29 Oz Brigades; 20 and 15 Marine CD; 21 Heavy AA; 208 Cst AA; 2nd Med. Arty; 3rd Marine Raiders; 2nd RAA Jungle Force; 165 Wing = 680 AV.� I will bump this up if Miller continues to reinforce Sorong.

Morotai:� The troops prepping for Morotai are currently on transports heading to Oz.� This will include at least four Marine regiments and one Army Division.� The move on Morotai will occur as soon as the Allies have Sorong and Boela.

Timetable:� The Allies should be ready to move on Boela in three weeks; the move on Sorong will occur as soon as the transports can return to Darwin and load the Sorong troops.� Barring a carrier battle defeat or excessive loss of transports, I expect the Allies to keep up the pressure indefinately.� Troops are prepping for distant points like Manado, Ternate, Talaud Island, Samarinda, Tarakan, and Cotabato.

Burma:� The Liberator/sweep combo against Rangoon went the way of the Allies for the first time - IE, the Japanese suffered higher losses.� The high-experience P-47 squadron was the very last to go in, so most of the enemy aircraft had already landed.� But the Thunderbolts claimed three victims and didn't suffer any losses.� Prome is a level seven airbase heading to level nine.� Base forces already on site can handle 375 aircraft.� Things are going to get awfully uncomfortable for the Japanese in Rangoon when Prome hits level nine.

SoPac:� Engineeres are slowly working on Abemama.� The troops that landed at Marcus are recovering disruption and effectively bombarding.� I don't know whether Miller intends to reinforce.� I'll probably try a shock attack in a week or ten days.� The airfield at Tabiteaeu is level three on the way to six.

(in reply to Canoerebel)

Post #: 966

RE: Developments - 2/16/2010 9:35:03 PM

Canoerebel

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Sharp naval engagement in the DEI where an Allied CA/CL force protecting transports was attacked by a raiding Japanese CA/CL force. I haven't gotten the file yet to see how badly my ships are hurt, how many might've sunk, and whether my highly competent and valued commander (Mitscher) is still okay. Who do you think is the victor based upon this:

Day Time Surface Combat, near Saumlaki at 78,117, Range 23,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
     CA Takao, Shell hits 13, heavy fires
     CA Atago, Shell hits 1
     CA Chokai, Shell hits 42, heavy fires, heavy damage
     CA Aoba, Shell hits 1
     CA Kako, Shell hits 3
     CL Sendai, Shell hits 2, on fire
     CL Naka
     CL Jintsu
     DD Shimakaze, Shell hits 1
     DD Yugumo, Shell hits 30, and is sunk
     DD Akigumo, Shell hits 7, heavy fires, heavy damage
     DD Makigumo, Shell hits 4, on fire
     DD Naganami, Shell hits 5, heavy fires, heavy damage
     DD Tamanami, Shell hits 2, on fire
     DD Kiyonami, Shell hits 4, on fire

Allied Ships
     CA Houston, Shell hits 9, heavy fires, heavy damage
     CA Vincennes, Shell hits 3
     CA Exeter, Shell hits 8, heavy fires, heavy damage
     CL Perth, Shell hits 1
     CLAA Juneau, Shell hits 13, heavy fires, heavy damage
     CL Concord, Shell hits 6, heavy fires
     CL St. Louis, Shell hits 11, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
     DD Bailey, Shell hits 1
     DD Hughes
     DD O'Brien, Shell hits 2
     DD Craven
     DD Gridley, Shell hits 1, on fire
     DD Maury, Shell hits 1
     DD Lang
     DD Dunlap, Shell hits 4, heavy fires
     DD Fanning, Shell hits 5, heavy fires, heavy damage
     DD Balch, Shell hits 2, on fire
     DD John D. Edwards, Shell hits 1
     DD Stewart, Shell hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
     DD Isaac Sweers, Shell hits 5, heavy fires, heavy damage
     DD Electra, Shell hits 1, on fire
     DD Express, Shell hits 2, on fire
     DD Napier, Shell hits 1, on fire

(in reply to Canoerebel)

Post #: 967

RE: Developments - 2/16/2010 9:40:02 PM

witpqs

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Tactical: Japan.

Strategic: Did they protect the transports?

(in reply to Canoerebel)

Post #: 968

RE: Developments - 2/16/2010 9:42:32 PM

Canoerebel

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Yes, they protected the transports.

At first blush I'm satisfied with the outcome. The Japanese outweighed the Allies in number of CAs and I bet Miller had a top commander. Any time the Allies can attrit the Japanese CA/CL/DD force on fairly equitable terms is good.

The problem is that I have just one force left in the DEI - a stout one of 23 ships led by BB Royal Sovereign. Big reinforcements are on the way, but for at least another week or ten days the Allies are going to have to stick close to Darwin and hope nothing bad happens.

Thanks for the input witpqs.

(in reply to witpqs)

Post #: 969

RE: Developments - 2/16/2010 11:24:33 PM

Canoerebel

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The damage to the Allied TF was great than I expected.� CA Exeter, CLAA Juneau, and two DDs went down.� Barring sub attack or other calamity, the only other ship threatened with sinking is DD Isaac Sweers. Mitscher survived, thank goodness.

The loss board shows three Japanese DDs went down, but FOW is extreme in the case of ship losses.

So, this appears to be a Japanese tactical victory, though Miller seems to think it was an Allied victory.�

(in reply to Canoerebel)

Post #: 970

RE: Developments - 2/17/2010 7:40:53 AM

Galahad78

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I would dare say that CA Chokai and perhaps Takao are also in danger, if not already sunk. What about your own CA Houston and CL St. Louis?

The transports were forced to leave the beachhead?

(in reply to Canoerebel)

Post #: 971

RE: Developments - 2/17/2010 4:50:44 PM

Canoerebel

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The Allied TF was protecting transports carrying supplies to key island bases west of Darwin.

Update: An Allied sub put a TT into CA Takao as she was heading for Kendari. That's the good news - the bad news is that Takao had to be making decent time to make it that far that quickly.

Houston and St. Louis will be fine barring Japanese subs. They should make Darwin tomorrow or the day after.

(in reply to Galahad78)

Post #: 972

RE: Developments - 2/17/2010 6:53:03 PM

Canoerebel

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8/9/43 to 8/12/43
�
DEI:� The vicious clash between combat TFs at Saumlaki is noted above.� The Allies will try a 4EB strike on Kendari's port tomorrow hoping to hit a few cripples.� I'm not very optmistic as this is at long range and Kendari usually puts up a CAP of well over 100 fighters.� Meanwhile, I've recalled all but one transport TF to Darwin as I want to stick close to Darwin for awhile.� The Royal Sovereign TF is the main protection for Darwin at the moment, but a second group including CAs Astoria and Chicago just arrived.

Operation Fort Donelson (the invasions of Boela and Sorong):� The various transport TFs are nearing Noumea.� From there they head to Townsville (to refuel) and then on to Darwin.� ETA at Darwin is perhaps 10-12 days.� Allow a few more to combat load.� Then D-Day is approximately three weeks away.� About fifteen carriers of all types are parked at Auckland.� CVs Constitution and Bunker Hill and CVL Belleau Wood will arrive in no more than four days.� CV Constellation leaves Tahiti tonight.� All CVs should be present at Auckland in a week or less.� A stout combat TF with three BBs (two fast, one slow) is west of Noumea, making for Townsville to refuel, and then to Darwin.

Miller's Perspective:� Miller is obviously very worried about the Allied build up in the DEI.� His recent "Darwin" post on the forum, the clash between combat TFs yesterday, and his big carrier raid a few weeks ago make this clear.� I don't have a good feel for what he might do next - is he desperate enough to continue the attacks, or will he wait until the Allies move on one of his vital bases?� I need to give this some thought.� I think I can trigger a violent reaction from Miller if I move on one of his key bases (Lautem or Ambon are the most obvious targets).� So, should I try to establish an ambush, or should I avoid the "clever" in favor of the massed and coordinated move on the real targets (Boela and Sorong)?� Something to chew over.

Damaged CVEs:� The three CVEs damaged during the Makin invasion arrived at Christmas Island and sail for Pearl tonight.

Makin:� The question is whether to reinforce the invasion or not.� I have 100 AV in good shape (but low prep) ashore.� They artillery is doing a good job of hitting the Japanese garrison, which consists of two Naval Guard units of unknown quality and condition.� I have three picket AKs west and northwest of Makin sitting quiety - no sign of Japanese CVs in the area.� I might detail one CVE with 28 F4Fs and a transport convoy to carry a regiment to Makin to reinforce the attack.� Before doing so the guys on the island will try one attack to see if they can do the job.� Tabiteaeu is a level three airfield and can support the operation.� Abemama's progress is agonozingly slow.� It will be weeks before she has a level one airfield.

< Message edited by Canoerebel -- 2/17/2010 6:54:03 PM >

(in reply to Canoerebel)

Post #: 973

RE: Developments - 2/17/2010 7:10:01 PM

ny59giants

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Makin - Could you use a Fast Transport TF to good use here one way or another??

(in reply to FatR)

Post #: 974

RE: Developments - 2/17/2010 9:40:43 PM

Canoerebel

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That's a good idea, but I've lost most of my APDs in the game (everyone of them because they stayed in a base hex during the day rather than retiring after a night run as they are supposed to do).

Anyhow, my FT capacity is limited, to say the least.

I've noticed, though, that the AV of the Japanese garrison on Marcus is dropping.� I'll continue to monitor this.� If Miller is evacuating the troops or if the Allied bombardments are that effective it may be possibly to take the island without additional troops.

< Message edited by Canoerebel -- 2/17/2010 9:41:16 PM >

(in reply to ny59giants)

Post #: 975

Operation Griswoldville - 2/18/2010 9:34:23 PM

Canoerebel

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8/13/43 to 8/18/43

Japanese Perspective: Miller sees and frets about the massive build-up in the eastern DEI; I believe he reads my posts regarding Darwin and the DEI; yet the Allies haven't really moved in a big way yet even though the '43 carrier reinforcements have arrived. Miller must be wondering if all the DEI "noise" is really a diversion. Is he wondering whether the big Allied push will come against Malaya, Sumatra, Iwo Jima, or possibly even the Kuriles? He's got to be considering the possibility. To "feed his paranoia" I gave this post a title.

Operation Griswoldville: This was actually the Allied move against Tarawa. Against all odds, and despite my efforts to mess everything up, this Operation has turned into a rather unlikely success. Makin Island fell to the Allies on the 18th. That means at very little cost the Allies took islands on either side of Tarawa that can be built as big or bigger than Tarawa. This should neutralize Tarawa as a sub base, which will give the Allied LOC in the southeastern Pacific a bit more of a buffer. Since it turns out I don't have to commit a reserve force to Makin, this operation didn't end up slowing down the moves in the DEI - my carriers are just now arriving at Auckland and nothing happens without them anyway. The three damaged CVEs just made Pearl Harbor. So the Allies ended up making a silk purse out of a sow's ear.

CenPac: With Makin, Abemama, and Tabiteaeu in Allied hands, the Allies will focus on building these bases. I have troops prepping for Marcus and Wake, but those operations will take place no earlier than 1944. I do have three "picket" ships well to the west and northwest of Makin and have some thoughts about how I might use them.....

DEI: I need to send some reinforcements to Babo - mainly to free up the transports their occupying. To create some confusion on the part of the Japanese, I may send a mock invasion force forward in the DEI, then pull them back at the same time a "TF" comprised of the three "picket" ships shows up somewhere odd - like Enewitok. Then I'll send the "real" transports into Babo. As for the Operation Fort Donelson (invasion of Boela) troops and ships, many of the transport convoys are nearing Townsville. The carriers and combat ships should leave Auckland in no more than four days.

Burma: The P-47 squadron at Prome just flew a successful 4:1 sweep vs. Rangoon. This may have been the first truly successful Allied sweep in the game to date.

(in reply to Canoerebel)

Post #: 976

RE: Operation Griswoldville - 2/18/2010 10:42:26 PM

Canoerebel

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From: Northwestern Georgia, USA
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Yikes! I forgot to turn off upgrades for my carriers at Auckland. As a result, CV Wasp is out of action for the next fifteen days. I can't believe I did this. I may just delay things in the DEI, or I may send a bunch of CVE in place of Wasp. I don't know yet.

(in reply to Canoerebel)

Post #: 977

RE: Operation Griswoldville - 2/18/2010 11:15:16 PM

crsutton

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From: Maryland
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Oh well, I have done it too.

In the end, an upgrade is a good thing......

_____________________________

I am the Holy Roman Emperor and am above grammar.

Sigismund of Luxemburg

(in reply to Canoerebel)

Post #: 978

Operation Griswoldville - 2/19/2010 3:02:05 PM

Canoerebel

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8/19/43 and 8/20/43

DEI: The map below shows the current base configuration in the eastern DEI. The Japanese have been focusing on the bases closer to Java, leaving the "northern periphery" less protected. The Allied plan calls for back-to-back invasions of Boela and Sorong. As soon as those bases are taken and the airfields operational, the Allies will move on Morotai, Manikwari, and Talaud Island. The latter can be built to a level eight base and is situated just south of Mindanoa, so I expect Miller to throw everything he has at me at that point if he hasn't already done so before.

Force Disposition: All Boela and Sorong troops are already located at Darwin. Most of the additional troops (Morotai) and transports are now between Townsville and Darwin. One of the big BB TFs will arrive at Darwin in two days. The rest of the combat ships and carriers remain at Auckland, where CV Wasp and BB Washington (augh!) are upgrading.

Burma: Allied fighters are still getting roughed up on sweep (the sweeps over the past two days - which didn't include the P-47Ds - lost 25 fighters while claiming one Japanese fighter [terrible performance, but par for the course in our game]. However, the B-24s were then able to inflict quite a bit of damage against the airfield. Overall, the air campaign against Rangoon has been bloody, but the Allies are beginning to assert themselves in a meaningful way.

Attachment (1)

(in reply to crsutton)

Post #: 979

RE: Operation Griswoldville - 2/19/2010 7:02:12 PM

Canoerebel

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From: Northwestern Georgia, USA
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8/21/43 to 8/24/43

Babo, New Guinea: The last shipment of troops that I wanted to get to their destination prior to the amphibious operations getting underway has finished unloading. This transport TF was protected by the Royal Sovereign TF. There is alot of Japanese shipping in the area - including BBs at Ambon. I wouldn't be surprised if Miller has planned an interdiction raid, but the transports and combat ships are heading back to Darwin.

Kaimana, New Guinea: A separate transport TF unloaded another base force here. This level five field can handle 150 aircraft and will be a key part of the upcoming operations. I'm sending the "new guys on the block" (BB Indiana and BB South Dakota TF) here.

Carriers: All carriers but the upgrading Wasp just formed into TFs and will leave Auckland tonight. The group consists of six CVs, three CVLs, and ten CVEs. Wasp will following in about a week. (Three CVEs are repairing at Pearl Harbor and two more just left Portland for Christmas Island. These may be used in CenPac and SoPac at some point).

Burma: Miller has suddenly pulled his aircraft out of Rangoon. This comes as a surprise. Although he was losing some on the ground, he was winning every air battle. He may be upgrading to better aircraft or resting. I can't imagine he would abandon 33 units to uncontested bombing.

China: The Japanese took the vacated Kweilin.

(in reply to Canoerebel)

Post #: 980

RE: Operation Griswoldville - 2/19/2010 10:39:02 PM

Canoerebel

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8/25/43 to 8/28/43

DEI: Miller has suddenly stepped up efforts to reinforce northeastern DEI - another unit landed at Sorong doubling the garrison. I suspect this is an infantry division. He also landed another small unit a Mankwari. Nothing I can do about it - I can't move unitil my carriers arrive (they're midway between Auckland and Townsville, so they aren't far). The bright side would be if (big if) Miller is scrambling to reinforce forward bases and neglects bases further back like Morotai and Talaud Island. A Japanese sub sighted BB Indiana, so Miller knows the Allies are reinforcing this region. There's no way of gaining strategic suprise and I think even tactical surprise will be tough. I'm not going to get real clever here. Once my carriers arrive I'm just going to move on Boela with everything I have.

Burma: Japanese fighters returned to Rangoon in big numbers and chewed up the Allied sweep (as usual). The Japanese always come out ahead in the air wars. That doesn't feel right for late '43, but I honestly don't know if the problem is my inadequecies in pilot training or the ease with which the Japanese can train or both.

(in reply to Canoerebel)

Post #: 981

RE: Operation Griswoldville - 2/20/2010 12:00:32 AM

Canoerebel

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The Boela invasion force began loading. This should be overkill, but the troops are prepped so they'll all go:

Infantry: 32nd USA Infantry Division; 14, 16 and 23 UK Brigades.
Artillery: 134th Field Artillery Regiment
CD/AA: 12th Marine CD; 7th RAA Cst. Arty; 197 Cst. Arty; 76 Cst. Arty
Engineers: 857 EAB; 1st Naval Engineers
HQ/Base Force: II Aus. HQ; 9th Group RAAF; 170 Wing; USMC Air Pac (100 torpedo ordinance).

I have a ton of AKs left over, but not enough APs to carry the Sorong invasion force. So the invasions will be sequential rather than essentially simultaneous. Given the recent Japanese reinforcement of Sorong that's okay.

(in reply to Canoerebel)

Post #: 982

RE: Operation Griswoldville - 2/20/2010 1:59:53 PM

Canoerebel

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From: Northwestern Georgia, USA
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8/29/43 and 8/30/43
�
DEI:� Quiet here as the eve of the offensives nears.� SigInt revealed part of a Japanese infantry division on a maru heading for Morotai.� This is unwelcome news as Morotai is my third big objective.� It currently has a level 0 airfield.� I'd rather it was lightly guarded, but I think Miller has waited until too late to see to the northeastern DEI.��Not that he was negligent - he just had to focus first on the vulnerable bases closer to the heart of the DEI.� The Allied CVEs are nearing the Torres Strait.� The fleet carriers stopped in Townsville to refuel and should catch up in a few days.� CV Wasp will finish upgrading at Auckland in four days.� All troops for the Boela invasion have loaded on the transports at Darwin.� They will likely set sail in four days.� D-Day should be eight to ten days away.

CenPac:� Abemama, just south of Tarawa, will go to level one port and airfield tomorrow.� The Allies are sending a sea bee unit to Makin.� Once the three CVEs at Pearl finish repairing, the Allies will have five in this theater.� At that point I'll look into moves on islands north or west of Makin and Abemama.

Allied Grand Strategy:� The Allies have patiently built up infrastructure (big bases) and troop concentration (at Darwin).� With the ships about to arrive on the scene the Allies must begin a sustained, lengthy series of moves to advance deep into Japanese territory.� I have more than enough troops to take the bases I want (or to bypass�any that look too tough in favor of the multitude of dot hexes with big potential).� The only thing that can stop the Allies in the short term is to�lose carrier cover.�

Japanese Grant Strategy:� As I've said since day one, Miller excels at tactical defense.� So the upcoming contest is just he kind he loves and does well at.� I expect him to offer a vigorous, well-thought-out defense.� I expect him to throw everything he has at the Allies at what seems, to him, to be�a propitious moment.� This will include his carriers, combat ships, and massed LBA.� I don't know if the Boela invasion will trigger this since he has lightly garrisoned the base, but I'll be on guard.� If not Boela, though, then the moves on Sorong and Morotai will definately trigger a violent reaction.� The real wildcard will be Japanese submarines.� They have been absolutely amazing in the game to date.� I'm very worried about my carriers in these restricted waters.�

< Message edited by Canoerebel -- 2/20/2010 2:01:35 PM >

(in reply to Canoerebel)

Post #: 983

RE: Operation Griswoldville - 2/20/2010 6:16:25 PM

Canoerebel

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From: Northwestern Georgia, USA
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Note to self:

The Allied carrier operations in confined waters, sub threat, and "weird things happen like what happened to Cuttlefish" has been on my mind alot.

The carriers will be operating in the sea between New Guinea and Ceram. There's a narrow pass into these waters from Oz. The island of Garantola (dot hex) is in this choke point. Miller has already posted subs here. I expect more of the same. I wouldn't be surprised if he also mined the hex and sent TFs to try to really screw with the movement of the Allied CV TFs.

I need to post minesweeper TFs in the hex along with a combat TF that can handle any "small stuff."

(in reply to Canoerebel)

Post #: 984

RE: Operation Griswoldville - 2/20/2010 7:07:23 PM

Canoerebel

Posts: 21100
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From: Northwestern Georgia, USA
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Okay, okay, okay. Something is up...I think. Nobody's posting in here these days. Usually that means folks are trying to guard their tongues lest they give something away. I need to check my sea lanes, watch my flanks, and be on guard everywhere for anything and everything. IE, something's up but I have no idea what or where...so this "intuition" is of no help.

The Allied carrier force revealed itself while passing through the Torres Straight. Hellcats flew escort for some B-25s targeting Port Moresby. :) The smallest things, but I just can't think that far ahead and that intricately. Anyhow, I wasn't expecting to arrive unnanounced...and Miller probably wonders if this might be a diversion.

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Post #: 985

RE: Operation Griswoldville - 2/20/2010 8:28:32 PM

Bullwinkle58

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Canoerebel

Okay, okay, okay.� Something is up...I think.� Nobody's posting in here these days.� Usually that means folks are trying to guard their tongues lest they give something away.� I need to check my sea lanes, watch my flanks, and be on guard everywhere for anything and everything.� IE, something's up but I have no idea what or where...so this "intuition" is of no help.

OK, this is just too good . . .

Seriously, one thing I notice in your AARs is how much you inner-debate head-fakes, deception, feints, etc. in your planning. Sometimes you may be doing this when necessary (early war for sure) and other times you talk yourself out of doing the Right Thing. (You are or were an attorney, right? I work with you guys, so I can understand the impulse.

)

The times now, and your carefully designed plans, call for Just Doing It. Roll over him. Use the forces coming to you to march in there and pound him. If his recent strike on Darwin (which, as you know, WAS discussed elsewhere in these forums) shows anything, it's that he's thinking just this way already. He has a shrinking window of time to slow you down and bloody you; Darwin demonstrated he realizes this. He's going to try to cut you up from here on out until he can't anymore. Accept that, take your lumps, and go on and win the game. Don't be too subtle about it.

As to your fears, I'm not aware of anywhere in here where Miller's plans are being debated, discussed, or embellished. I think forum traffic is down due to the Olympics (hey, I'm an optimist), Patch 3, the loss of so much developer input after the Recent Unpleasantness, and perhaps winter weariness. But so far as I know there's no grand cabal plotting your demise. Ignore those voices inside and go begin to put the hurt on him.

Oh, yeah. If an AI game is worth anything, the sea areas you're sending your carriers into IS a submarine buffet. It's just geographical reality. You're going to take some torpedoes. War is hell, man.

< Message edited by Bullwinkle58 -- 2/20/2010 8:30:05 PM >

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Post #: 986

RE: Operation Griswoldville - 2/20/2010 8:47:19 PM

Cathartes

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quote:

Okay, okay, okay. Something is up...I think.

I'm not telling.

Even if I had a clue.

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Post #: 987

RE: Operation Griswoldville - 2/20/2010 9:55:01 PM

crsutton

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From: Maryland
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quote:

ORIGINAL: Canoerebel

Okay, okay, okay.� Something is up...I think.� Nobody's posting in here these days.� Usually that means folks are trying to guard their tongues lest they give something away.� I need to check my sea lanes, watch my flanks, and be on guard everywhere for anything and everything.� IE, something's up but I have no idea what or where...so this "intuition" is of no help.

The Allied carrier force revealed itself while passing through the Torres Straight.� Hellcats flew escort for some B-25s targeting Port Moresby.� :)� The smallest things, but I just can't think that far ahead and that intricately.� Anyhow, I wasn't expecting to arrive unnanounced...and Miller probably wonders if this might be a diversion.

But Miller does not post an AAR. How would we know?

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Post #: 988

RE: Operation Griswoldville - 2/20/2010 10:12:04 PM

Canoerebel

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From: Northwestern Georgia, USA
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Ve have vays of making you talk....

Bullwinkle, no "sleight of hand tricks this time." The invasion force just goes straight to Boela. The transports and accompanying TFs (combat, minesweeping, ASW) leave Darwin tonight. The carrier TFs are west of Merauke, New Guinea, so they'll rendezvous tomorrow and provide cover. D-Day should be no more than three or four days away.

(in reply to crsutton)

Post #: 989

RE: Operation Griswoldville - 2/21/2010 9:50:32 PM

Canoerebel

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8/31/43 to 9/3/43

DEI: D-Day for the invasion of Boela will take place on the 4th (or 5th if the ships dally). The 2nd and 3rd were perfectly normal - no signs of massed Japanese ships or other mayhem, but Miller sighted the TFs so he has time to pounce. There were a bunch of Japanese subs in the area - one of them sank an Allied sub [the third I've lost that way - I swear Jap subs have been on steroids this game).

The invasion fleet consists of three big TFs accompanied by two combat TFs (each has two good BBs), plus some ASW and MSW TFs. The "second wave TFs" will take station one hex east of Boela. All carriers, a big combat TF, replenishment TF, and ASW TF will take station two hexes south of Boela (meaning my carriers aren't entering the tight waters between New Guinea and Ceram).

Two Allied DM TFs will lay mines in the narrow channel on the north side of Ceram.

If my troops unload in good order the campaign should go quickly - the Allies have overwhelming force. As soon as the transports unload they will return to Darwin to pick up the Sorong invasion troops. We'll see if that plan holds together well.

The best thing about this invasion is that it takes place close to a bunch of Allied bases with good fighters - Babo is a level two, Kaimana a four, and Kai-eilenden a four (or five?).

Allied 4EB have flown many raids vs. the airfields at Ambon, Boela and Sorong, so LBA shouldn't be able to fly from close bases.

I'm going to try a bit of trickery - I'm switching the B-24D1s to target Kendari's port - I'd like to pick off the badly damaged CA Takao if possible.

This is the first Allied invasion of the game in which I wasn't holding my breath hoping that surprise had caught the Japanese carriers far away. IE, it's the first time the Allies had the strength to go "toe-to-toe."

I've reduced range on on carrier aircraft to six. I hope that will reduce the chance of my carrier air going astray on a lark - Miller loves to sacrifice CVEs in forward TFs to soak up attacks.

I'll post the results as soon as they come in.

On to D-Day!

(in reply to Canoerebel)

Post #: 990