RE: 2nd Battle of Morotai

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All Forums >> [New Releases from Matrix Games] >> War in the Pacific: Admiral's Edition >> After Action Reports >> RE: 2nd Battle of Morotai

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RE: 2nd Battle of Morotai - 4/18/2010 8:54:41 PM

Canoerebel

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From: Northwestern Georgia, USA
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3/24/44 and 3/25/44
�
JohnDillworth:� I don't like the sound of that, so I hope my opponent doesn't get any ideas from your idea.

Celebes:� Four days of unmolested landings at Sidate, thank goodness.� Most of the transports, including five or six of the precious APA, should be able to retire to Morotai or Ternate.� The Allies have about 2100 AV ashore, now, and will move on Manado to see if that's enough to reduce and capture that critical base.� If not, I'll bring in more troops.

Mindanao:� I'm pretty sure Manado will fall in the not-too-distant future.� The Allies will now begin organizing for the invasion of Mindanao.� This won't be nearly the leap that it would have been previously, because the Allies have a several big airbases stretching from Talaud Island to Sidate (and including Manado, a level seven, when it falls).� Mindanao is the key, because from there the Allies have no "big leaps" until after the fall of Luzon.

Subs:� Miller flooded the Ceram Sea with subs hoping to pick off cripples after the big battle.� Over these two days he got an LST and three xAK.� I think Allied ASW has picked off five or six IJN subs over the past four to six days.

Thailand:� 5223 Provisional Tanks and 23rd�Indian division brushed aside 7th Royal Thai Army/A two hexes east of Bangkok.� One or both of these units will now move west, further constricting the noose around Bangkok.� It is going to be fun to see how Miller handles Bangkok.

China: The IJA failed in a deliberate attack at Nanning.� This weakening of the Japanese army there is�fortunate since the Chinese have about 3000 AV set to arrive in Nanning in a week.� If the Chinese blow through Nanning (that's�a big IF given the quality of Chinese troops), it will threaten Vietnam from the north while the British, Indians, and Africans are threatening from the west.

(in reply to JohnDillworth)

Post #: 1471

RE: 2nd Battle of Morotai - 4/19/2010 4:08:50 PM

Canoerebel

Posts: 21100
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From: Northwestern Georgia, USA
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3/26/44 and 3/27/44
�
Things are beginning to take shape as the Allies prepare for the next big pushes:

Celebes:� The advance 900 AV have arrived at Manado and will try a probing bombardment tomorrow.� Another 1200 AV will arrive tomorrow.

Mindanao:� Dadjangas is held by three units totaling less than 10k.� The Allies have about 500 AV fully prepped, so I think I'll proceed with that as the target (as opposed to a lightning raid on much more lightly held but more distant from my airfields Cotabato).� Then the Allies can land the army prepped for Davao which doesn't look strongly defended.��But Cagayan is strongly held.� I don't mind a big land battle as Allied 4EB and a wealth of strong units should make it profitable.�As they�take and develop major airbases on Mindanao, the Allies will look for opportunties to take some of the good island bases to the south and some of the north Borneo bases.�

Luzon:� Patrols report the KB at Manila.

Thailand:� The Allies control every�road into Bangkok.� Don't yet know whether Miller intends to stand and fight or to break out one way or another.� All of the�"other" Allied army have arrived adjacent to Tavoy and will move into that city to see if taking it is a possibility.

China:� A strongly reinforced Chinese army routed a small Japanese army at Liuchow.� Most of this Chinese army will now advance to Nanning to assist a smaller army there.� Some of the Liuchow Chinese will move SE to sniff for weaknesses around the cities on and near the coast.

< Message edited by Canoerebel -- 4/19/2010 4:09:10 PM >

(in reply to Canoerebel)

Post #: 1472

RE: 2nd Battle of Morotai - 4/19/2010 5:29:22 PM

Canoerebel

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3/28/44 and 3/29/44

Celebes: The probing bombardment shows 900 IJA AV at Manado - 38th Division, two brigades, and a bunch of engineers and base forces. The Allies have about 2100 AV, so I'll try a probing attack tomorrow. If it doesn't appear that this force can reduce the defenses and take the base within a reasonable amount of time, I'll bring in some of the reserve.

Subs: Miller flooded the Ceram Sea in conjunction with the last battle. The subs have been a nuisance and this turn put single TTs into an AKA and an APA. Allied combat TFs have heavily damaged or sunk a number of IJN subs in this region over the past ten days.

Superforts: The first four 7-plane squadrons arrived at Aden a couple of days ago. The game won't permit them to depart Aden by air - so I've loaded them aboard xAK for the trip to Karachi.

Stranded Dock Ship: I forgot to mention previously, but months ago one of those specialized dock repair ships arrived at Portland. I wanted to move it, but it's apparently to big to navigate the river. So it's stuck in Portland for the duration.

Damaged BBs: After six long months, BB Prince of Wales is ready for action. She will accompany CV Constellation and newly arrived CV Yorktown to the front lines. BB Alabama will arrive in Capetown in about eight days. BB Massachusetts is still reducing SYS damage at Perth. She'll leave for Capetown in a few weeks.

Allied Progress in the DEI (or a seeming lack thereof): It's been six months since the 1st Battle of the Morotai Sea. Since then, the Allies have picked off a few "easy" targets - Port Moresby and Koepang; a few "medium" targets - Ambon, Namlea, Manikwari, and Talaud Island; and one tough target - Ternate; with a second, Manado, in the works. The Allies haven't stuck their noses out very far due in part to carrier disparity. Rather than taking chances, the Allies elected to stay close to LBA and to expand and consolidate their hold on the islands in the eastern DEI. As a result, the upcoming invasion of Mindanao won't be nealry the leap forward it might have been, for the Allies will have at least four air bases within the range of four to six hexes. The relatively quiet period is about to end.

Allied Progress Elsewhere: The funny thing is that the most noticeable Allied success has been in Burma/Thailand, which I had thought would be a quiet theater. The Allies have surrounded Bangkok and hold at least one good road leading east to Vietnam. It takes time to bring troops forward over the yellow road system, but the Allies are making good progress here.

(in reply to Canoerebel)

Post #: 1473

RE: 2nd Battle of Morotai - 4/19/2010 5:59:32 PM

JohnDillworth

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quote:

Superforts: The first four 7-plane squadrons arrived at Aden a couple of days ago. The game won't permit them to depart Aden by air - so I've loaded them aboard xAK for the trip to Karachi.

Let the frustration begin! First off they have to be shipped to Karachi, in real life they flew in. Later, you will have to dismantle them and ship them by train from the East Coast to the west coast. The crews have low experience and they are operationally very delicate. Most of these will spend the war under repair. Good luck!

_____________________________

Today I come bearing an olive branch in one hand, and the freedom fighter's gun in the other. Do not let the olive branch fall from my hand. I repeat, do not let the olive branch fall from my hand. - Yasser Arafat Speech to UN General Assembly

(in reply to Canoerebel)

Post #: 1474

RE: 2nd Battle of Morotai - 4/19/2010 6:30:19 PM

Canoerebel

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John, you are a voice of good cheer and optmism....

I know the Superforts require alot of maintenance, so I don't expect a whole lot out of them. But I think they will require Miller to pull some of his fighters back to defend vulnerable targets, so that will be helpful.

The probing deliberate attack at Manado tomorrow is very important because the Allies are nearly ready to move on Mindanao, but I first want Manado for its airfield. This attack should tell me if the defenses are weakened due to the extended bombing campaign. I think Miller is pulling out cadres - that would be good for the Allies too. The Allies have 2300 AV vs. 900 AV. Go, boys, go!

(in reply to JohnDillworth)

Post #: 1475

RE: 2nd Battle of Morotai - 4/19/2010 6:46:57 PM

witpqs

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You miss the true value of the B-29: Naval Search!

(in reply to Canoerebel)

Post #: 1476

RE: 2nd Battle of Morotai - 4/19/2010 6:51:32 PM

Canoerebel

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Well, those long range B-24 reconnaissance squadrons are nearly as good!

But I did use B-29 for nav patrol in WitP and I'm sure I'll do so in this game.

(in reply to witpqs)

Post #: 1477

Well...Pooh! - 4/19/2010 7:52:46 PM

Canoerebel

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3/30/44 and 3/31/44

Celebes: Well...pooh! The probing Allied deliberate attack suggests that the Allies need to commit the reserve force. Here are the results:

Ground combat at Manado (75,99)
Allied Deliberate attack
Attacking force 53945 troops, 1015 guns, 1030 vehicles, Assault Value = 2325
Defending force 30622 troops, 291 guns, 137 vehicles, Assault Value = 943
Allied engineers reduce fortifications to 5
Allied adjusted assault: 2344
Japanese adjusted defense: 4081
Allied assault odds: 1 to 2 (fort level 5)

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), forts(+), disruption(-), experience(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
     2227 casualties reported
        Squads: 4 destroyed, 155 disabled
        Non Combat: 15 destroyed, 132 disabled
        Engineers: 0 destroyed, 77 disabled
     Vehicles lost 38 (0 destroyed, 38 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
     3979 casualties reported
        Squads: 25 destroyed, 181 disabled
        Non Combat: 18 destroyed, 552 disabled
        Engineers: 5 destroyed, 72 disabled
     Guns lost 2 (0 destroyed, 2 disabled)
     Vehicles lost 156 (4 destroyed, 152 disabled)

Assaulting units:
   41st Infantry Division
   22nd (East African) Brigade
   2nd Australian Brigade
   16th Chindit Brigade
   8th Marine Regiment
   6th Marine Regiment
   53rd British Brigade
   754th Tank Battalion
   767th Tank Battalion
   1st USMC Amphb Tank Battalion
   4th British Brigade
   34th Infantry Regiment
   17th Australian Brigade
   131st Combat Engineer Regiment
   145th Infantry Regiment
   14th Chindit Brigade
   23rd Chindit Brigade
   2nd USMC Tank Bn /1
   16th Australian Brigade
   102nd Combat Engr Rgt /1
   1st USMC Field Artillery Battalion
   I US Amphib Corps
   131st Field Artillery Battalion

Defending units:
   38th Division
   19th Ind. Engineer Regiment
   34th Ind.Mixed Brigade
   33rd Ind.Mixed Brigade
   9th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
   62nd JNAF AF Unit
   66th JNAF AF Unit
   72nd JAAF AF Bn
   59th JNAF AF Unit
   24th Field AF Construction Battalion
   1st Base Force
   2nd Air Div /227
   3rd Air Army /79
   16th Field AF Const Bn /194

Tavoy: On the other hand, the probing Allied bombardment at Tavoy suggests the defenses may be fairly weak (especially since many of these units were roughed up during the route from Rangoon and Moulmein):

Ground combat at Tavoy (54,60)
Allied Bombardment attack
Attacking force 570 troops, 58 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1620
Defending force 24193 troops, 280 guns, 205 vehicles, Assault Value = 473
Allied ground losses:
     11 casualties reported
        Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
        Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 1 disabled
        Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
     Guns lost 2 (0 destroyed, 2 disabled)

Assaulting units:
   7th New Chinese Corps
   26th Indian Division
   XXXIII Corps Engineer Battalion
   36th Div Engineer Battalion
   22nd New Chinese Division
   200th Chinese Division
   8th New Chinese Corps
   36th Chinese Division
   72nd British Brigade
   2nd Reserve Division
   29th Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
   21st Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
   Y' Force
   31st Indian Mountain Gun Regiment

Defending units:
   60th Infantry Brigade
   17th Infantry Regiment
   12th Ind.Infantry Brigade
   23rd Ind. Engineer Regiment
   3rd Medium Field Artillery Regiment
   16th AA Regiment
   11th Air Fleet
   11th Shipping Engineer Regiment
   41st Air Defense AA Regiment
   25th Army
   55th Mountain Gun Regiment
   41st Air Defense AA Battalion
   15th JAAF AF Bn
   14th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
   44th Field AA Battalion
   5th Field Artillery Regiment
   2nd Army
   21st Army

(in reply to Canoerebel)

Post #: 1478

RE: 2nd Battle of Morotai - 4/19/2010 9:02:01 PM

Q-Ball

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Canoerebel

Well, those long range B-24 reconnaissance squadrons are nearly as good!

But I did use B-29 for nav patrol in WitP and I'm sure I'll do so in this game.

If you're talking about the Navy PB4Y units, YES, they are like GOLD! I want 10 of those units! With regular range of 26, they can see a Loooooong way away!

_____________________________

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Post #: 1479

RE: 2nd Battle of Morotai - 4/19/2010 9:48:31 PM

Canoerebel

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Orders issued and things are getting very, very busy in the northern DEI.� I have alot of transports loading and on the move - and plenty of fighters and combat ships to provide protection - but now would be a disastrous time for Miller to attack (if he were as successful as last time):

Invasion of Dadjangas, Mindanao:��Troops at Ternate and Morotai are loading.� I have just about decided to proceed even though Manado remains in Axis hands.� It's a short hop and the Allied-held islands in between can offer a fair bit of CAP.� The defense is three units less than 10k; the assault wave will consist of 158 Sep Infantry, 1st USMC Tanks; 185 Infantry, 2 USMC Engineers, 7th Marines, and 25th Oz Brigade.

Carriers:� Patrols report the KB still at Manila.� The Allies have formed�seven carrier TFs at Darwin with another on the way in the Torres Straits:��Two each�with a fleet CV and three CVL; one with a fleet CV and two CVL;�one with a fleet CV and one CVL; and four 4-CVE escort TFs.� The fleet carriers will sail around the western tip of Ceram, hoping to avoid known sub concentrations; the CVE will proceed by the eastern tip of Ceram. The carriers will be assist in the Dadjangas invasion, but will remain within the LBA CAP umbrella.

Manado, Celebes:� A big reinforcement convoy is loading troops at Morotai and will make the short hop to Sidate in two or three days.� This one is exposed a bit.� However, the Allies landed a bunch of HQ, base force, and support personnel at Sidate, which is nearly a level five airfield, so it can now handle most of it's CAP needs in-house.

Makassar:� A CL/DD TF will raid this port tonight, targeting some reported merchant shipping.

Bay of Bengal:� The Port Blair invasion force left Ceylon a week ago, but I pulled it back after getting a whiff of Frances torpedo bombers in the region.� So I sent a small BB/CA TF to Moulmein, under plenty of CAP, to act as a "magnet."� Sure enough, here came the Frances - the CAP downed perhaps 20 to 30, but one BB took minimal damage from a torpedo.� In the meantime, patrols reported a Mini-KB steaming north from the Georgetown vicinity.� This is something I've been watching for for months - I figured the lure of RN BBs would be strong.� I don't have any way of countering carriers at the moment, so my ships will pull back.

Tavoy:� The Allies will try a probing deliberate attack tomorrow.

China:� Troops should be in place to attack at Nanning within within three days.

< Message edited by Canoerebel -- 4/19/2010 9:50:34 PM >

(in reply to Q-Ball)

Post #: 1480

RE: 2nd Battle of Morotai - 4/19/2010 10:07:52 PM

Canoerebel

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From: Northwestern Georgia, USA
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A map of the situation in the DEI as of April 1, 1944:

Attachment (1)

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Post #: 1481

RE: 2nd Battle of Morotai - 4/19/2010 10:59:57 PM

Canoerebel

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4/1/44 and 4/2/44

The final turn of the day brings a solid "thud" and "oof":

Bay of Bengal: BB Valiant stumbled across a sub and took two TT (thud); later in the day she took ten bombs and one kamikazee strike from the Mini-KB. To date, that's the 11th or 12th BB to take damage or destruction from a sub.

Tavoy: The probing deliberate attack suggests that the Allies don't have enough at hand to take this base (oof). I won't reinforce, since Tavoy is far less important than the situation around Bangkok and further east. I will be satisfied with holding the 18 IJA units in place.

DEI: As Allied transports continue to load, and as combat ships and carriers make their way to the scene from Darwin, nothing untoward occurs over this two-day turn - no nasty sub attacks nor pounces by aircraft or ships. That's a very good thing as the Allies look at invading Dadjangas in about five to seven days.

(in reply to Canoerebel)

Post #: 1482

Buyer's Remorse - 4/20/2010 2:25:04 PM

Canoerebel

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Well, shoot!� I just finished going through orders for my next turn, a process that was seriously complicated by the disappearance of the KB from Manila.� I have a vast network of patrol aircraft at advanced positions, but no sign of those carriers.� Perhaps Miller moved them further back out of sight...or perhaps he's moving them forward to pounce.� I don't know, and since I'm about to invade Mindanao it would have been really, really nice to see them still parked at Manila.

So, my carriers ended the turn on either side of Ceram - fleet to the west, escort to the east.� I assume Miller's patrols sighted them.� He'll suspect something is up given the vast amount of shipping around the Moluccas, Ceram, and Celebes.� It would have been GREAT to have my Kendari invasion ready to go, for it would be possible to get in and get out before the KB could have shown up.� But the Kendari troops are at Darwin and Timor while most of my transports are at Ceram and the Moluccas.� Shoot!

So, to make the best of things, the Allies will orchestrate a feint towards Kendari.� All carriers and some mock transport TFs will rendezvous a few hexes west of Ceram.� Lots of�B-24 and B-17�will target Kendari (nothing new) and Makassar (new) with some B-25 and SBD will join in the Kendari strikes (also new).� While Miller may not be completely fooled, he won't be sure exactly what's going on.

Perhaps my patrol aircraft will pick up the KB again...but either way the Dadjangas invasion fleet leaves Morotai in three days.� At that point,the carriers will steam north and take position just south of Talaud Island.� CAP over the beaches will be provided by LBA from Talaud and vicinity.

P.S.� Despite hits from three TT, one kamikazee, and ten bombs, BB Valiant has only moderate damage.� She's caught in no-man's-land, however.� It will take her two days to reach Akyab.� I have lots of LRCAP from that base plus Prome and Bassien, so the Mini-KB isn't as big a concern as�combat ships and subs.� Miller knows Valiant is heading for Akyab and he'll do his best to pick her off.

(in reply to Canoerebel)

Post #: 1483

RE: Buyer's Remorse - 4/20/2010 2:42:55 PM

Canoerebel

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A map of the mock invasion of Kendari follows.

Why do this? Well, my Mindanao invasion fleet (currently at Morotai and Ternate) need two more days to load, and I don't want to bring my carriers that far foward as it will surely incite and equal and opposite reaction from the enemy, whose carriers were recently at Manila.

So this feint toward Kendari is intended to sew at least some uncertainty among the enemy high command. He may not be convinced of a move toward Kendari, but neither is he likely to conclude that a move on Mindanoe takes place in three days.

At least that's my hope. I have about thirty minutes before I actually finish this turn, so if anybody spots a terrible miscalculation, please let me know within 29 minutes or forever hold your peace.

Attachment (1)

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Post #: 1484

RE: Buyer's Remorse - 4/20/2010 4:33:51 PM

Canoerebel

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4/3/44 and 4/4/44
�
Mock Invasion of Kendari:� Zoiks, Scoob!� Japanese subs took six shots each at Saratoga and Hornet and missed.� So this mock invasion surely has Miller's full, complete, entire attention.� Undoubtedly he's got blood lust now and I wouldn't be surprised to see him swing into action.

Operation Chambersburg (Invasion of Dadjangas):� The invasion fleet is schedule to depart Morotai tonight (I don't have the turn file from Miller yet, so I'm in the planning stages at the moment).� Assuming that there aren't any reports about the KB, it's still going to be tough to pull the trigger, for if Miller sends the KB south towards Kendari from Manila or vicinity it will pass close to Mindanao.� My ships will steam right into the path of the hurricane.� I'm also very, very, very worried about my fleet carrier TFs reacting against orders.� This always, ALWAYS happens and never, NEVER turns out well.� But other than those "minor" concerns, I feel pretty good about the invasion.� The beaches are pretty close to Morotai and I do have four or five good airbases to provide LRCAP.� So unless the turn file reveals something really bad, the invasion shall proceed.

Bay of Bengal:� Miller committed his combat TF to try to intercept BB Valiant, but he withdrew the Mini-KB.� There were no interceptions and the chances of Valiant surviving went up considerably.

Thailand:� Small Allied and IJA armies are engaged at Nikon-Richitsimu (spelling, hah!), an important crossroads town east of Bangkok.� The attacks dropped forts from three to one, so the base should fall in a few days.� Any Allied successes east of Bangkok should increase the appearance that�this key city�is isolated.

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Post #: 1485

RE: Buyer's Remorse - 4/20/2010 5:15:51 PM

JohnDillworth

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quote:

Japanese subs took six shots each at Saratoga and Hornet and missed

Conoerbel,
You should have a clear abundance of DD's DE's, assorted anti ship craft and good commanders available. Are you flooding sub infested areas with regular ASW patrols? There should be enough ports/tenders to have constant patrols sweeping these areas.

_____________________________

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Post #: 1486

RE: Buyer's Remorse - 4/20/2010 5:23:19 PM

Canoerebel

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I find ASW patrols pretty ineffective, though I do have several in these waters. Combat TFs with good ASW ships are more effective. During the same turn in which subs took shots at my carriers, Allied anti-sub efforts did this:

(1) Submarine attack near Boela at 79,112

Japanese Ships
     SS I-37, hits 27, and is sunk

Allied Ships
     DD Knapp
     DD Marshall

(2) ASW attack near Kofiau at 79,107

Japanese Ships
     SS I-40, hits 13

(3) Sub attack near Mangole at 75,106

Japanese Ships
     SS I-180, hits 5

Allied Ships
     CV Saratoga
     BB Washington
     DD Jenkins
     DD Taylor
     DD Schroeder
     DD Saufley
     DD Porterfield

Allied Ships
     SC-984
     DE Foreman      DD Wickes
     DD Wadleigh
     DD Uhlmann
     DD Picking

(4) Sub attack near Mangole at 75,106

Japanese Ships
     SS I-8, hits 6, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
     CV Hornet
     DD Isherwood
     DD Wickes
     DD Wadleigh
     DD Uhlmann
     DD Picking

During the two-day turn, an IJN sub did put a TT into an AO in the Torres Straits, and another hammered an AKL way over near Tarawa.

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Post #: 1487

RE: Buyer's Remorse - 4/20/2010 5:31:21 PM

Canoerebel

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I just opened the turn file. Patrols sighted the KB NE of Mindanao on a SW heading - meaning any ships that move toward Dadjangas move right into the teeth of the KB.

So, my preliminary thought is to freeze everything in port at Morotai (we've done this before, but the defenses are even stronger now).

The Allied carriers will stay around Ceram/Kendari covering a couple of small amphibous TFs carrying engineers to the dot hex bases just off the coast from Kendari.

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Post #: 1488

RE: Buyer's Remorse - 4/20/2010 5:40:31 PM

Smeulders

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It looks like Japanese subs may still get lucky late in the game, but the cost seems very high. More than likely at least 2 SS sunk in a single turn isn't really a pace that can be kept up.

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Post #: 1489

RE: Buyer's Remorse - 4/20/2010 6:42:37 PM

Canoerebel

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Very tough decisions to make this turn. Based upon the location and course of the KB, and reconnaissance reports that Davao, Cabayan, and Babledoab aifields are flush with aircraft, it appears to me that Miller is anticipating a move on Mindanao. I'm not quite ready to sail into a hurricane, so the here's a summary of orders issues:

1) The Allies will continue to "threat" to Kendari. Two small amphibious TFs will land a base force and Lark Battalion at Boeton Island, just off the coast. The CVE TF will provide close-range support. The fleet carriers will stand a bit further off - 80 miles south of Ceram's western tip.

2) A BUNCH of loaded transports will flee Morotai and Sidate and head south for two reasons: (1) hopefully to get them out of harm's way and (2) to further the appearance of a move on Kendari.

3) Some transports and a bunch of combat ships, including BBs New Jersey and North Carolina, will remain at Morotai under what I can best characterize as mass fighter protection. My best hope is that the KB will close and lose alot of aircraft.

4) Subs and PT squadrons assigned to likely waters.

5) If the KB remains in the Philipppines area an invasion of Kendari would be much less risky than one of Mindanao. I'll have to make a decision shortly whether to return the transports to Darwin, unload, and re-load the Kendari troops.

6) The Chinese will shock attack at Nanning tomorrow.

7) BB Valiant will make Akyab tonight. She looks fine.

Wow, what a game Miller is putting up. Great fun.

(in reply to Smeulders)

Post #: 1490

RE: Buyer's Remorse - 4/20/2010 7:02:17 PM

Q-Ball

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Indeed, Miller's initial push was a bit lackluster, but he is really throwing the kitchen sink at you in the DEI. He's more aggressive on defense than attack it seems

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Post #: 1491

RE: Buyer's Remorse - 4/20/2010 7:06:59 PM

Canoerebel

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Yeah, I've always felt that Miller's particularly adept at tactical and operational defense.

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Post #: 1492

RE: Buyer's Remorse - 4/20/2010 7:19:20 PM

JohnDillworth

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quote:

Kendari

If he does not want to fight for Kendari then it seems he has you figured out. Perhaps if you had a Borneo or Java option he might have something else to think about.

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Post #: 1493

RE: Buyer's Remorse - 4/20/2010 7:29:05 PM

Canoerebel

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He has 50k troops at Kendari, so he's prepared to fight. He just can't be in both places at one time and the Allies don't have enough transports to handle two separate invasion simultaneously. So if Miller guesses the target right a bloody altercation ensues (as was the invasion of Morotai); if he guesses wrong or guesses late then the Allied landings are relatively unopposed (as at Sorong, Ambon, Ternate, and Sidate).

(in reply to JohnDillworth)

Post #: 1494

RE: Buyer's Remorse - 4/20/2010 9:14:31 PM

Canoerebel

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4/5/44 and 4/6/44

The drama continues...

Mindanao: The KB took station off the east coast of Mindanao, the perfect position to combine with LBA to hammer any invasion fleet heading for Dadjangas. Two things: (1) Clearly, Miller was fully prepared and (2) I'm glad I pulled back. Miller didn't come close enough to engage my ships and aircraft at Morotai, but a Japanese sub was destroyed there after sinking a PF.

Allied Moves: The Allied carriers, combat ships, and transports will move just NW of Ceram's western tip to see what develops - if Miller withdaws I will send the Manado reinforcements that I had to hastily withdraw. I am also sending some empty transports to Boela to pick up two Aussie brigades 100% prepped for Kolako, a base across the peninsula from Kendari. If the Allies postpone Mindanao as now appears likely, I'll use the carriers to cover landings at Kolako (assuming the KB remains near the PI) while the bulk of the transports retire to Darwin, unload the Mindanao troops, and re-load with Kendari troops. Sheesh!

Reinforcements: Three more carriers - Franklin, Constellation, and Yorktown will arrive in theater in no more than three weeks. At that point I think the Allies would accept a confrontation with the KB as long as it was relatively close to a friendly port and under a decent amount of LRCAP. Dadjangas falls within that definition.

Thailand: Japanese forts at Nikon-Richitsimu (spelling, hah!) fell to zero, so this base may change hands tomorrow.

China: 3000+ Chinese AV couldn't dislodge six IJA units at Nanning. I may try once more in a few days, but I think the Chinese offensive is about to end.

(in reply to Canoerebel)

Post #: 1495

RE: Buyer's Remorse - 4/21/2010 2:42:37 PM

Canoerebel

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4/7/44 and 4/8/44

Kamikazee Nest: Further recon and patrol flights confirm that Miller had established a strong network of airfields on and supporting Mindanao. That and the KB created the potential for quite a trap had my transports and combat ships approached Dadjangas. In addition to the KB, which probably had 300 to 400 aircraft, Babeldaob has 350, Davao 100, Cagayan 460, and Butuan 425. Add to that other nearby airfields (Jolo, for instance, is a level five) and I might have faced more than 1500 aircraft.

So, What's a Man to Do? I really want to move on Dadjangas and Cotobato because both are lightly garrisoned and make good airfields. But the Allies cannot risk taking on 1,500 or 2,00 aircraft at this point. After looking at the map, planning, reconsidering, squirming, fretting, and looking at the map again, I've decided to implement the following plan:

1) The Manado reinforcements (currently aboard transports in the Ternate/Namlea areas) will proceed to Sidate and unload. The KB seemingly withdrew, so I should have a window. I've beefed up the CAP at Sidate. The Allies have a 2.25 to 1 advantage at Manado right now (and will try the second probing deliberate attack tonight). These reinforcements should bring the margin to 3:1.

2) The Dadjangas invasion stands down. Most of the troops will disembark at Boela and await an all-clear at another date. When empty, the transports will return to Darwin and load the Kendari troops (the equivalent of four divisions).

3) Transports at Boela are loading two Aussie brigades 100% prepped for Kolaka, a good base with big potential across the peninsula from Kendari. Patrols show the base vacant. These transports should finish loading in two days and, under cover of the Allied carrier fleet, will proceed to Kolaka. Allied 4EB has closed the airfield at Kendari, and are working on Makassar. Absent the KB, opposition from the Japanese air forces shouldn't be very strong. The Kendari troops will unload at Kolaka (rather than engaging in an amphibious landing at Kendari).

4) The Special Services unit at Lautem has been prepping for Watampone, a small base with big potential just up the peninsula from Makassar. Additional ground troops at Darwin have begun prepping. If the base remains vacant, the Special Services unit will drop concurrently with the landings at Kolako. Then transports will take in the reinforcements.

5) The Allies have several good units prepping for some of the small bases between Timor and Java - Mataram, Roti, and Waingapu in particular. The Allies will move on these bases as soon as transports are available.

6) A few bases in the middle Celebes are vacant or weakly held - especially Garantolo, but also Polapo and Donggala - so the Allies will prepare to seize these - Garantolo first.

Should the KB remain in the Philippines, these operations shouldn't encounter too much opposition. This will give the Allies bases to engage in strategic bombing against Soerabaja and Batavia and to prevent traffic in and out of Balakpan and Tarakan (bases that I don't wish to bomb because I want to use their resources).

If Mindanao remains a Kamikazee Trap, the Allies will concentrate on Celebes and Borneo over the next month and then reevaluate options. If Miller switches his forces to Java/South Borneo, the Allies will again look to Dadjangas (by then the transports currently tied up in reinforcing Manado, plus those that will ferry troops to Kolako, will be available).

P.S. A Japanese sub was destroyed after she put two TT into CVE Kitkun Bay near Namlea. The carrier suffered only light/moderate damage and will remain with the fleet until I get close enough to a port I'm comfortable sending her to.

(in reply to Canoerebel)

Post #: 1496

RE: Buyer's Remorse - 4/21/2010 5:07:24 PM

Canoerebel

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4/9/44 and 4/10/44

Manado: The second Allied deliberate attack comes off at 1:2 (same as the March 30 attack), but this one succeeds in dropping forts from five to four, which is a major development. Casualties were roughly equal and the landing of the reserves at Sidate weren't molested. When the reserves reach Manado, I think progress will come much more quickly. I think the Allies will take Manado in two weeks or less.

Japanese Subs: Picked off yet another IJN sub near Namlea. I believe the Japanese have lost ten or fifteen subs in the last two weeks. Miller, via email, said: "My sub force has all but been wiped out, they served me well." I can only hope the former is true; I know the latter is accurate.

Allied Carriers: Moved south of Ceram without incident, taking position to cover pending landings at Kolako (assuming the KB doesn't head this way). CV Franklin is nearing Townsville, and CVs Constellation and Yorktown (plus BB Prince of Wales) just departed Christmas Island and should arrive at Townsville in ten days.

Burma/Thailand: The lines have temporarily around Tavoy and Bangkok. At Nikon-Richitsimu (spelling, hah!), Allied attacks dropped forts from three to zero, but reinforcements arrived. Nearly all availalbe and decent-sized Allied units are now on or near the front lines, so I don't have much more ability to utilize maneuver. There is one Indian division at Rangoon, but it's only half strength and I want to leave it there to recover and grow.

(in reply to Canoerebel)

Post #: 1497

RE: Buyer's Remorse - 4/21/2010 5:11:11 PM

Q-Ball

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"Hit 'em where they ain't" or where KB ain't more specifically. Mindanao is more valuable than those other targets, but moving toward Java is better than doing nothing. He has to respond to that, losing Java means losing Palembang

_____________________________

(in reply to Canoerebel)

Post #: 1498

RE: Buyer's Remorse - 4/21/2010 5:24:29 PM

Canoerebel

Posts: 21100
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Thanks, Q-Ball. That's the plan.

The thought of facing 1,500 - maybe 2,000!

- Japanese aircraft is daunting. If I brought forward and maximized my LBA LRCAP, I might be able to put 400 fighters over the beach. Honestly, I think that would mean perhaps 200 Japanese aircraft downed in wave one, with hundreds getting through to smash everything in sight, not to mention carriers and combat ships close enough to be included. In subsequent waves the Japanese might lose hundred of aircraft; maybe as many as 1,000. But the Allies would lose scores, possibly hundreds, of ships. I can't afford that.

The ability of the IJ player to easily replace pilots at will, and the porousness of CAP, makes AE a much different game than WitP (and much different than the real war).

(in reply to Q-Ball)

Post #: 1499

RE: Buyer's Remorse - 4/21/2010 5:34:24 PM

Smeulders

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How overstacked are those fields ? Bombing them might mean a lot of planes destroyed on the ground, though the CAP over them is probably daunting as well.

(in reply to Canoerebel)

Post #: 1500