Matrix Games Forums

 Forums  Register  Login  Photo Gallery  Member List  Search  Calendars  FAQ 

My Profile  Inbox  Address Book  My Subscription  My Forums  Log Out

Logistics in the Pacific

 
View related threads: (in this forum | in all forums)

Logged in as: Guest
Users viewing this topic: none
  Printable Version
All Forums >> [New Releases from Matrix Games] >> War in the Pacific: Admiral's Edition >> After Action Reports >> Logistics in the Pacific Page: <<   < prev  10 11 [12] 13 14   next >   >>
Login
Message << Older Topic   Newer Topic >>
Logistics in the Pacific - 12/5/2009 7:36:05 PM   
Q-Ball


Posts: 7336
Joined: 6/25/2002
From: Chicago, Illinois
Status: offline 		Combat Report, July 5,6,7 1942

Siege of Noumea: No new attacks happened in this period. We rebuilt the forts up to size-2 again, but a large Japanese fleet then appeared offshore and began to bombard. Planes from Luganville are now bombing the ground units. I think this is in preparation for another assault shortly, probably tommorow.

Units are in pretty good shape after the bombardment, mostly the base force took it on the chin. The Militia units are recovering, but are down to 60% strength due to losses, which we will not replace.

Kido Butai continues to lurk in nearby waters.

Burma: We continue to leisurely bomb all the airbases in Northern Burma. At this point my only objective is to continue to make him think I am coming, and to train my pilots. They are getting pretty good at bombing empty airstrips anyway.

Logistics in the Pacific: With a bit of a lull happening, a good time to take a look at Logistical Planning from the Allied side.

Overall, I have not yet decided where our main offensive effort will happen, but I do know it won't come out of Pearl Harbor. The Central Pacific doesn't offer a good highway to Japan early-on, as you really need CVs to make any progress. We will drive hard toward Saipan in 1944, but in the first half of 1943, our only offensive efforts will be in the South and SW Pacific, where our LBA can work to our advantage, and attrite the Japanese airpower.

Given this, I don't know yet what our specific objectives are. I do envision a landing on Timor and the Southern DEI islands, from Perth and Port Hedland. I envision an effort toward Luganville and the New Hebrides, or perhaps New Guinea from Northern Australia. In any case, we want to land somewhere we can "crawl" forward under cover of LBA, both to attrite the Japanese and not require constant CV support.

Even though we don't have a specific objective, that does mean we may as well haul as much as possible to Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific to get ahead. Even if I don't have specific plans for a unit, it makes more sense to "store" it down there, than it does on the West Coast or Pearl Harbor, because it will make our eventual offensive go much quicker.

Shipping: To this end, we have made several changes to the Allied merchant fleet.

As the Allies, you have more than enough xAKs. There is a surplus, even with major losses. But troop capacity is really lacking. For this reason, I have been converting xAK to xAPs like map; almost all the conversions I can do.

The British also start with excess capacity of everything. British Tankers are hauling fuel mostly from Capetown to Australia. I sent alot of xAK and xAPs to the US West coast, because the British have excess capacity. The only thing the Brits need APs for early is the short-haul from Aden to Bombay, which doesn't take long. (this is after hauling the AIF troops).

Hauling Fuel is a priority. It is difficult to build up fuel stockplies. I have maybe 150K in Auckland, about 100K each in Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, and another 100K or so at Pago Pago. None of this is enough, but we have every tanker moving as much fuel as possible. We could really use some more! Once we switch over to the attack, our burn rate will be very high, so we need to plan ahead.

Supplies aren't a big problem, most of them are moved with troops.

Naval Bases: Below is a map of the South Pacific. We are establishing major port bases in key places: Perth, Auckland, Wellington, Vava'u. That last one I had never heard of before, but it's a good one; as you can see, it is screened by other bases so we can set up a search cordon to warn us if KB plan a port raid, it can build to size-6, and has unlimited capacity for troops. This will be our main base in the South Pacific.




Attachment (1)

_____________________________


(in reply to khyberbill)
Post #: 331
RE: Logistics in the Pacific - 12/6/2009 1:15:01 AM   
Q-Ball


Posts: 7336
Joined: 6/25/2002
From: Chicago, Illinois
Status: offline 		Combat Report, July 8,9,10 1942

Noumea: A Japanese attack on the 9th was at 1 to 8 odds, primarily because one of the divisions was moved off the attack to La Foa.....not sure why, to repair disrupted squads perhaps?

At this point, I still can't intervene without a fight, and Cuttlefish almost certainly has reinforcements steaming to New Caledonia. I think he will need that to take it.

Starving me out isn't a possibility in the near-term; we have over 50K supplies.

Australia: It appears Japanese Carriers are headed toward Northern Australia. Don't know yet if it's a raid or something more sinister, I suppose we'll know shortly. That critical intel courtesy of SS Saury. Always good to have subs sitting in choke points!




Attachment (1)

_____________________________


(in reply to Q-Ball)
Post #: 332
RE: Logistics in the Pacific - 12/6/2009 5:33:03 PM   
Q-Ball


Posts: 7336
Joined: 6/25/2002
From: Chicago, Illinois
Status: offline 		Combat Report, July 11, 1942

Baby KB?: An RAAF Hudson out of Broome picked up the TF I mapped above, this time steaming Southeast about 120 miles off Koepang. We have not spotted any other ships. It looks like a raid at this point.

We don't have any ships on the Australian coast east of Port Hedland, but we are evacuating the ships in the harbor westward just in case. We also have all the planes at Port Hedland on alert.

I am not going to contest anything on the coastline between Darwin and Port Hedland; you can't defend everything, and that stretch is pretty tough to.

Quiet Elsewhere: After that failed attack on Noumea, and with the siege approaching the 5th week, I think CF will find more troops to bring.

The USN CVs are nearly finished with AA and plane upgrades. Enterprise is at Capetown, and will have completed repairs in 15 days. I plan on having HMS Prince of Wales follow her to the South Pacific; PoW is a nice CV escort ship, good speed and lots of AA guns.

_____________________________


(in reply to Q-Ball)
Post #: 333
Not such a G'Day - 12/6/2009 11:27:05 PM   
Q-Ball


Posts: 7336
Joined: 6/25/2002
From: Chicago, Illinois
Status: offline 		Combat Report, July 12, 13 1942

Northern Australia: My search aircraft lost sight of the Japanese CV TF, so I decided to send the Convoy carrying 6th Australian Division back to Port Hedland. Not such a good move!

Baby KB found the convoy about 5 hexes out, and sank 4 xAPs. I am sure 6th Division has lost some squads and equipment, and we aren't out of the woods yet either. A Japanese BB TF, which I had no idea was also around, sailed into Port Hedland harbor; all it found was an AMc, had the TF been there that would have REALLY been bad. No doubt all 12 transports would have been slaughtered.

I am 5 hexes from Exmouth, and I have ordered this convoy there to unload. We have to get ashore as quickly as possible, better than to sink at sea. I have ordered about 100 fighters over Exmouth to fly CAP, so if he attack from the air, at least I will take some Zeros and whatnot with me.

Speaking of air attacks, I had quite a few planes at Port Hedland, and we launched several attacks against Baby KB. Most of the bombers have been training on NavB and are in the 50s in experience in this. Not enough, evidently, as we didn't hit anything. Here is the report for just one attack, and this one included Marine DBs. Too bad we couldn't get just one 1000lb bomb on a flattop!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Port Hedland at 55,124

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 18 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 18



Allied aircraft
Beaufort V x 4
Kittyhawk IA x 5
P-40E Warhawk x 7
SB2U-3 Vindicator x 16


No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Beaufort V: 2 damaged
Kittyhawk IA: 1 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk: 2 destroyed
SB2U-3 Vindicator: 4 destroyed, 9 damaged

Japanese Ships
CVL Zuiho
CVL Ryujo
CVL Shoho



Aircraft Attacking:
12 x SB2U-3 Vindicator bombing from 2000 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x Beaufort V bombing from 7000 feet
Naval Attack: 4 x 500 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Ryujo-1 with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 17000 , scrambling fighters to 2000.
Raid is overhead
4 planes vectored on to bombers
Shoho-1 with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 4 on standby, 1 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 16000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
Zuiho-1 with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 4 on standby, 1 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 16000 , scrambling fighters between 13000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes
5 planes vectored on to bombers



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

For the day, we lost 38 aircraft, bombers and fighters, to 7 Zeros.

Next Steps: Northern Australia: I am sortieing the Royal Navy from Perth in 3 TFs: A CV TF of 2 RN CVs, escorted by mostly USN cruisers (they have better AA values). There is a slow BB TF of 4 Revenge-class and a couple cruisers, and a Fast TF of HMS Repulse and several CAs.

Baby KB has at most enough torpedos for another round. I hope he pursues the transports southward, if he is aggressive I might be able to catch Baby KB after it has expended it's torps. If Baby KB goes away, I will have surface units in position for whatever is coming next. I have yet to see any transports, so this looks to me like a raid, but better safe than sorry.

This is the first real action in this game in awhile, so starting to heat up.

USN CVs: Lexington is nearly repaired, and so is Enterprise. Once that happens, it's time to take the USN out for a spin.

I will probably initially move the bulk of the fleet to Pago Pago. They will counter any Japanese moves after Noumea falls. If Noumea continues to hold, we may even try a rescue/reinforcement. We'll see.

Overall, this was a good day for the Evil Empire!

_____________________________


(in reply to Q-Ball)
Post #: 334
RE: Not such a G'Day - 12/7/2009 12:30:37 AM   
ny59giants


Posts: 9869
Joined: 1/10/2005
Status: offline 		Do you have any subs patrolling between Java and Northern Australia??  Besides using them for offense, you need some to be your picket line to prevent things like today from happening.

(in reply to Q-Ball)
Post #: 335
RE: Logistics in the Pacific - 12/7/2009 4:38:18 AM   
crsutton


Posts: 9590
Joined: 12/6/2002
From: Maryland
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: Q-Ball

Combat Report, July 11, 1942

[The USN CVs are nearly finished with AA and plane upgrades. Enterprise is at Capetown, and will have completed repairs in 15 days. I plan on having HMS Prince of Wales follow her to the South Pacific; PoW is a nice CV escort ship, good speed and lots of AA guns.


But very short legged.


_____________________________

I am the Holy Roman Emperor and am above grammar.

Sigismund of Luxemburg

(in reply to Q-Ball)
Post #: 336
RE: Logistics in the Pacific - 12/7/2009 4:17:33 PM   
Q-Ball


Posts: 7336
Joined: 6/25/2002
From: Chicago, Illinois
Status: offline 		Combat Report, July 14,15 1942

Northern Australia: The Japanese ships that visited Port Hedland, and showed up and toasted 4 transports, are gone. Nagato was spotted by one of my subs up by Soerbaya, probably going back to port.

Not sure if that was a raid or what. A big change in AE, Baby KB is basically a one-shot deal with Torpedos, no doubt the magazines are dry on there, so CF went back for more before getting into another fight. Playing Japan, I am finding you really have to watch that, much more so than the USN CVs, which rely more on Dive Bombers.

On the 15th, a Japanese Sub put 2 torps into HMS Repulse off Carnarvon. The offending sub was sunk by the ASW screen, but that is still irritating. The damage is slight, but enough to send her to the yard, probably Melbourne, for a month or so.

With the Japanese gone, I am going to unload 6th Australian Division at Port Hedland. I will then see how much I lost in that attack.

Burma: I have been leisurely bombing Mandalay and other bases in Northern Burma to get Cuttlefish to commit more troops to Burma. I have no idea if it worked, but the IJAAF and IJNAF made an appearance over Mandalay, and toasted about 15 of my Hurricanes, for only 3 Oscars. Yikes! I will have to be more careful in the future.

The RM Viper Force reached Katha, and found a Japanese unit there. CF must have seen me moving up the trail. Another unit is marching through the jungle for Myiktinya. All of this is "fake", I want him to think we are paving the way for an attack, when in fact we are not.

Noumea: No additional attacks have happened at Noumea for a couple days, other than Japanese bombing. Not sure what's next, maybe CF is getting more guys.

Japanese Moves: I have no idea what the next step is.

nygiants59: I had a few subs on picket, but they failed me that one day, when I thought the Japs had gone. It was a sub that initially spotted the TF leaving Soerbaya. The problem is that I thought he pulled back when the Hudson overflew the TF, thinking surprise was gone. It was, and I nearly put a bomb on a CVL. Maybe I overthought.

crsutton: You are correct sir, only 7400 range, still I'm using it that way. Alot of the RN ships are short-legged, probably because they were designed to work primarily in the North Sea, where range isn't an issue.

< Message edited by Q-Ball -- 12/7/2009 5:29:37 PM >

_____________________________


(in reply to crsutton)
Post #: 337
RE: Logistics in the Pacific - 12/7/2009 5:24:33 PM   
ComradeP

 

Posts: 7192
Joined: 9/17/2009
Status: offline
quote:

With the Japanese gone, I am going to unload 6th Australian Division at Port Hedland. I will then see how much I lost in that attack.


It's probably me, but I'm not too sure I understand this move.

Japanese ships got into one of your harbours, an wrecked the ships there. You had withdrawn the rest as a precaution. You now know that you are vulnerable to such an attack in that area, regardless of your air presence as it is less effect with Japanese fighters around.

Now, after the Japanese brutalized some low value targets, you're going to send in several low value targets with a high value cargo.

2 questions: how are you going to protect them and how long will the unloading take?

As a disclaimer, I'm very much the armchair general here as I'm still not blessed with any experience of AE. I'm reading posts and AAR's to get a picture of how the war unfolds for various people, so I can only comment on your strategy from a perspective of commenting on the theory behind your actions.

(in reply to Q-Ball)
Post #: 338
RE: Logistics in the Pacific - 12/7/2009 5:41:06 PM   
Q-Ball


Posts: 7336
Joined: 6/25/2002
From: Chicago, Illinois
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: ComradeP
Japanese ships got into one of your harbours, an wrecked the ships there. You had withdrawn the rest as a precaution. You now know that you are vulnerable to such an attack in that area, regardless of your air presence as it is less effect with Japanese fighters around.

Now, after the Japanese brutalized some low value targets, you're going to send in several low value targets with a high value cargo.

2 questions: how are you going to protect them and how long will the unloading take?


It's not a bad question, and speaks to Port Hedland in general.

I think you have to think long and hard as Allies before making a ground force commitment to Northern Australia. There is no retreat path from Port Hedland, so if it falls, all the units there will slowly starve. Port Hedland is a little better anyway than Exmouth, because you can retreat to Corunna Downs, but that is a complete dead-end.

So, if you put troops up there, I think you need to put alot, so many that it is either impossible to take, or a major effort for the Japanese to take.

I took the chance to unload, because:

1. A sub spotted the Nagato TF heading toward Soerbaya, so I know that's gone.
2. The CVs have only enough torps for 1 1/2 rounds of combat. As bombers, the Kates are much less effective. So I didn't think it would be a complete slaughter.
3. CF knows I have a pile of aircraft at Port Heldand. He knows that although I didn't score a hit, I had plenty of chances, and a little more luck could result in a crippled CVL.
4. He also knows, thanks to that attack on Repulse, that I have major Naval forces around the bend

I weighed this with the priority of getting 6th Australian to Port Hedland. With that division landed, we have basically the entire AIF there, over 900 AV of very experienced and tough troops, backed up by 200-300 planes. Cuttlefish could take it, but it would take all the resources he has at his disposal.

I waited to make the Port Hedland move until I felt I had the airpower, ships, and ground troops to back it up. I looked at it like almost a contested landing, because if you start reinforcing places like that, you better reinforce with ALOT of troops. Sending a few in is counterproductive.


_____________________________


(in reply to ComradeP)
Post #: 339
IJN on the Move - 12/7/2009 11:38:39 PM   
Q-Ball


Posts: 7336
Joined: 6/25/2002
From: Chicago, Illinois
Status: offline 		Combat Report, July 16,17 1942

IJN is on the move: A Dutch sub picket picked up a large TF consisting of "BB,BB,BB,BB,BB,CA" etc southeast of Java, on a SE heading. I suspect this is the Nagato TF again, replenished in Java and looking for bigger game off the coast of Australia. If this TF is there, it stands to reason that Baby KB did the same thing, and is looking for more blood, mine specifically.

The TF unloading 6th Australian Division has mostly unloaded; some heavy equipment and those damned Motorized Support squads that always take forever are on ship, but the infantry and light guns are all ashore. The Division is at 87% strength, which means the other 13% must be at the bottom of the Indian Ocean. By my calculation, the TF is at least 2 days out of Port Hedland, so we are going to unload for one more day, then pull up and leave no matter what's left on board. No sense hanging around if BBs are going to visit.

I have the RN lurking near Carnarvon. I would love a straight-up BB fight with Nagato, since I have the Revenge-class ships which aren't useful anyway, and damaging a Jap BB is very helpful at this stage. But I don't want to put the BBs in harms way, specifically Baby KB's way, where 4 torps would sink it.

The other IJN move is off New Caledonia. What appears to be Kido Butai Sr. is just off Norfolk Island, on a Southwest Heading. This sighting courtesy of RAAF Hudson based on Norfolk (btw, if you are the Allies, I highly recommend occupying Norfolk for airsearch, and if you are Japan I highly recommend taking it). Not sure where the A-Team is headed, if it's just a cruise around, or heading to hit Sydney or Auckland. Both ports have ships, but nothing major or that I can't afford to lose.

DEI: Den Pasar was taken, the last base with a Dutch flying boat based there. Too bad, lost my eyes over Soerbaya.

Burma: Interesting turn over Burma. The RM Viper force reached Katha, and found a single Jap unit there. I ordered a ground attack, against what turned out to be the 45th AA Bn. The unit appeared to be completely wiped out, as the first 2 attacks destroyed 24 guns, and the 3rd bombing run found air. Very strange, I wonder if that unit was in Strategic mode, because I think (not sure), we totally destroyed it. That would be satisfying if we did.

Sub Question: OK, so I had been planning a devious operation. I converted Nautilis and Argonaught to SSTs, and planned to load an Australian Commando unit on them, and land it at Bengkalis. I picked that base, because it's likely unoccupied, but has Oil installations, and the main objective would be to kind of freak Cuttlefish out. Yet, it appears you can't load troops on a sub transport; is this correct?

Both subs show "Troop Transport" capacity, not sure what it's for if you can't load these guys. I remember reading that they clamped down on this, as it was abused too often by the Allied player pulling unit fragments in WITP and rebuilding whole divisions. It's not a big deal if I can't, that Bengkalis operation just had a high "cool" factor.

_____________________________


(in reply to Q-Ball)
Post #: 340
RE: IJN on the Move - 12/8/2009 7:03:57 AM   
Smeulders

 

Posts: 1879
Joined: 8/9/2009
Status: offline 		Damn, I was thinking of using the Australian commandos the same way. It would be pretty weird to give them troop capacity and then not allow them to carry troops though, so maybe ask someone on the AE team ?

(in reply to Q-Ball)
Post #: 341
RE: IJN on the Move - 12/8/2009 9:02:09 AM   
modrow

 

Posts: 1100
Joined: 8/27/2006
Status: offline 		I did move troops by submarine (pre patch 2 game) - as always, unrestricted command, and I think strategic move rather than combat, but no longer sure about that. I would have to try and dig out a corresponding save from my PBEM.

Naturally, this makes sub invasions a bit more... difficult... I think you need to get into combat mode at the target before you can attack, which spoils a bit of the surprise.

Hartwig

(in reply to Smeulders)
Post #: 342
RE: IJN on the Move - 12/9/2009 5:21:42 PM   
Q-Ball


Posts: 7336
Joined: 6/25/2002
From: Chicago, Illinois
Status: offline 		Combat Report, July 18-21, 1942

These 4 days featured almost no combat, other than bombing milk runs on Noumea, and sub attacks. The raid on Northern Australia didn't materialize, and there have been no attacks at Noumea, where my troops continue to hold out.

I am beginning to think about offensive operations. I will update the status of my forces, and potential targets.

Burma: I have several Indian divisions building strength. Monsoon season is now in the new patch (I think, readers confirm), through September, so I plan some sort of attack in the Fall or Spring of 1943; perhaps the Spring, once I accumulate more replacements. Either way, I would like an attack to coincide with a move elsewhere.

Northern Australia/DEI: I plan an offensive in this area in late 1942. I need to flesh out the operational plan, but in broad strokes, I plan multiple landings at Waingapu and Timor, basically a cluster of bases that don't have signficant Japanese troop presence. I will need at least 5 divisions for this, because although I feel I can grab a couple bases with this force, I expect a very strong Japanese response.

For this reason, I need more forces; planes, troops, ships, etc. I plan to use the entire RN to support this operation, with perhaps CV support from the USN.

I am transferring signficant British troops to Australia. I think India is secure, Burma is sort of a limited space to operate, the Brits don't have the CV support or shipping for an amphib landing. Therefore, I am borrowing some British troops.

2nd UK Infantry is headed to Australia, along with an Indian Bde, and 22nd West African Bde. I am also sending some RAF base force units, which the Brits have an excess of, and the Aussies don't. 32nd US Inf. Div. is moving to Perth. This will add to the AIF forces I already have, basically the whole mobile Australian Army.

I need more USAAF flighters, because they will need to do the heavy lifting with the inevitable Japanese coutnerattacks. I also need some US tanks to augment the Aussie tanks, and some Seabee units are also needed.

Overall, this operation will take some time to flesh out, and it's not easy to get stuff to Perth from the USA, but I really like an offensive in this area.

SW Pacific: I will also launch an offensive in the SW Pacific. I am unsure yet of the target; maybe Noumea if that's gone, or maybe Milne Bay, I don't know yet. What I do know is that it won't hurt to stockpile Marines, Base troops, everything I can down there, so that's what I am doing.



_____________________________


(in reply to modrow)
Post #: 343
RE: IJN on the Move - 12/9/2009 5:58:19 PM   
Canoerebel


Posts: 21100
Joined: 12/14/2002
From: Northwestern Georgia, USA
Status: offline 		A few questions, Q-Ball:

1)  You guys are keeping a blistering pace!  Me and Miller are blistering too and we're only in October '42, yet we started before you guys and we're playing two-day turns.  How many turns are you doing a day and how does it affect your home/business life? 

2)  I like your plans, but how can you prevent your RN carriers tangling with the KB?  Will you rely upon brute strength, a diversion, or both?

(in reply to Q-Ball)
Post #: 344
RE: IJN on the Move - 12/9/2009 6:45:34 PM   
Q-Ball


Posts: 7336
Joined: 6/25/2002
From: Chicago, Illinois
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: Canoerebel

A few questions, Q-Ball:

1)  You guys are keeping a blistering pace!  Me and Miller are blistering too and we're only in October '42, yet we started before you guys and we're playing two-day turns.  How many turns are you doing a day and how does it affect your home/business life?


You are right, we usually do 4-5 turns a day. I usually only spend 5 minutes on a turn; load up a few convoys on the West Coast, check the subs, etc. Every day or two I will sit in front of the TV at night and spend 1/2 hour to hour checking everything, setting sub patrols, etc. I have sent back turns sometimes where I issue no orders whatsoever. I also don't look at all the replays, which I know is a no-no, but saves alot of time; I read the combat report,and load the replay if things are looking interesting.

Cuttlefish, he is semi-retired and has a sugar momma apparently. (wife works)

I suspect I will slow down once I have to attack. 

quote:

2)  I like your plans, but how can you prevent your RN carriers tangling with the KB?  Will you rely upon brute strength, a diversion, or both??


Not sure. A couple options:
1. Hope KB is near Truk, and time the whole thing so I can land in 3-4 days from sighting, about the time it would take KB to intervene.
2. Bring the USN CV's around Australia to support
3. Accept losses

Probably combination of 1 and 3. I think I can do it before KB reacts, but I am guaranteed to have a pile of losses regardless. We are the Allies, we can affort it.





_____________________________


(in reply to Canoerebel)
Post #: 345
RE: IJN on the Move - 12/9/2009 8:37:08 PM   
Capt. Harlock


Posts: 5358
Joined: 9/15/2001
From: Los Angeles
Status: offline
quote:

The raid on Northern Australia didn't materialize, and there have been no attacks at Noumea, where my troops continue to hold out.

I am beginning to think about offensive operations. I will update the status of my forces, and potential targets.


Do you have a submarine presence around Noumea? At the least you can force Cuttlefish to keep the KB moving and burn fuel.

It looks like the Japanese expansion has been pretty much brought to a halt. Cuttlefish got further into the South Pacific than historically but not quite as far into India/Burma. (I forget whether you managed to keep a route into China open.)

_____________________________

Civil war? What does that mean? Is there any foreign war? Isn't every war fought between men, between brothers?

--Victor Hugo

(in reply to Q-Ball)
Post #: 346
RE: IJN on the Move - 12/9/2009 9:25:27 PM   
Canoerebel


Posts: 21100
Joined: 12/14/2002
From: Northwestern Georgia, USA
Status: offline 		Wow, Q-Ball, that information does not compute.  It's like hearing a radio DJ for years.  When you finally bump into him on the golf course, he doesn't look anything like he "should."  Well, you are such a thoughtful and meticulous player that I envision you spending six hours just adjusting search arcs each turn before getting really serious to devote the weekend to pilot training matters. 

You've blow my mind, but it's encouraging to know that somebody else out there (and a very fine player to boot) can fly through turns.

(in reply to Capt. Harlock)
Post #: 347
RE: IJN on the Move - 12/9/2009 10:35:43 PM   
ny59giants


Posts: 9869
Joined: 1/10/2005
Status: offline 		I'm probably on the other end of the "bell shaped curve" and spend too much time during turns. 

FYI - I just got a 5 page letter from John III today. I'll call his wife in the next few days and discuss some things with her. He now has one month left until he's out (9 Jan 2010).

(in reply to Canoerebel)
Post #: 348
RE: IJN on the Move - 12/10/2009 6:06:29 PM   
Q-Ball


Posts: 7336
Joined: 6/25/2002
From: Chicago, Illinois
Status: offline 		Thanks Dan and Michael, it's a good question on how much to spend on turns.

I think you have to spend a half hour to hour every few game days to double-check everything. But the new Sub Patrol Zones is a massive time-saver; you can fire and forget on the subs, just check every couple weeks of game time to see if any are low on fuel, or if a particular patrol zone seems dry. Same for Waypoints, you can set the convoys, then just quickly check the ports to see if any arrive.

The only thing that requires daily maintenence are forces in combat. When there isn't alot of combat, all I do is check a few key ports, load up a convoy if it's ready to load, and send the turn back.

_____________________________


(in reply to ny59giants)
Post #: 349
RE: IJN on the Move - 12/11/2009 5:22:45 PM   
Q-Ball


Posts: 7336
Joined: 6/25/2002
From: Chicago, Illinois
Status: offline 		Gentlemen!

With little major action over the last few days, it is time to reveal to you the broad outlines of our Fall 1942 offensive efforts. The brave garrison on Noumea is still holding, and affixing the attention of the Empire on it's conquest. Their sacrifice shall not be in vain. Although we remain on the alert and digging in on the coasts of Australia and Fiji, we feel that the time is right to reveal our operational plans...........

The Fall 1942 Offensive shall consist of 3 timed thrusts, designed to confuse, bemuse, and then deliver a devastating blow to Japan. We will discuss the tactical outlines in other notes, but here are the broad outlines.

First, in October 1942 (after Monsoon), we shall launch OPERATION FORAGER, an offensive into Burma. The primary objective is Myiktinya, though the strategic objective is to draw Japanese ground troops and airpower into this region.

FORAGER will consist of a 3-pronged attack; one Indian Corps will move from Akyab to threaten the Lower Irriwaddy. This is a diversion. The main effort will be conducted by 5 Divisions from Kalemyo and Ledo; infiltrators and units from Kalemyo will occupy Katha, threaten Shwebo, and block reinforcements to Myiktinya. 2-3 divisions will march overland from Ledo toward Myiktinya, establishing an airbase at Wazarup for air supply. Finally, fresh Chinese Units (we have been resupplying by air and rebuilding at Paotang), will march toward Lashio, to draw attention, and block a retreat from Myiktinya toward Lashio.

Once FORAGER is firmly under way, we will launch OPERATION SEARCHLIGHT. This is a purely fake invasion effort on the Marshalls. We will send several Transport TFs and some older cruisers toward the Marshalls. The purpose of this operation is to draw IJN Naval assets, particularly Japanese Carriers, to the Marshall Islands. We expect to lose 20-30 transports and perhaps some cruisers in this effort.

Their sacrifice will not be in vain, for as those ships are being attacked by Japan, our Third operation, and most important, will reveal itself off the coast of Timor, OPERATION REPRISAL. REPRISAL will be supported by all CVs in the US and RN Pacific Fleets, at least 10 BBs, most of our cruisers. Landing forces will be the AIF, 2 UK Division, 3 US Army INfantry Divisions, plus tanks and artillery. Support forces will consist of at least 15 Base Force Units and 10 Construction Battalions. Our initial landings will be on Waingapu (which should be lightly defended), and Timor (which will have more oppossition). We expect a strong Japanese response and heavy combat. But if we can get 3 days of peaceful unloading, we should be able to uncork enough troops to establish a foothold in the Southern DEI and begin a war of attrition. Ships will sail from the expanded ports at Perth, Port Hedland, and Exmouth.

Gentlemen, Major Stecker is distributing your breifing documents, and we await your comments.

< Message edited by Q-Ball -- 12/11/2009 5:25:43 PM >

_____________________________


(in reply to Q-Ball)
Post #: 350
RE: IJN on the Move - 12/11/2009 5:31:54 PM   
Mike Solli


Posts: 15792
Joined: 10/18/2000
From: the flight deck of the Zuikaku
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: Q-Ball
Once FORAGER is firmly under way, we will launch OPERATION SEARCHLIGHT. This is a purely fake invasion effort on the Marshalls. We will send several Transport TFs and some older cruisers toward the Marshalls. The purpose of this operation is to draw IJN Naval assets, particularly Japanese Carriers, to the Marshall Islands. We expect to lose 20-30 transports and perhaps some cruisers in this effort.


One recommendation for this op. I'd put some ash 'n trash troops on the ships. When Cuttlefish sinks one and no troops show up swimming, he'll probably realize that something is up. Those troops may not like it, but it's all for the greater glory of the empire, uh, I mean, democracy, right?

So basically you're trying to say that the goal is this:

Cuttlefish =

_____________________________


Created by the amazing Dixie

(in reply to Q-Ball)
Post #: 351
RE: IJN on the Move - 12/11/2009 5:32:36 PM   
NormS3


Posts: 521
Joined: 12/10/2007
From: Wild and Wonderful WV, just don't drink the water
Status: offline 		Great AAR and detailed plan Q-ball. And best of Luck!

Is that Major Jack (NMI) Stecker? Wouldn't you rather have him out in the field?

(in reply to Q-Ball)
Post #: 352
RE: IJN on the Move - 12/11/2009 8:31:19 PM   
Capt. Harlock


Posts: 5358
Joined: 9/15/2001
From: Los Angeles
Status: offline
quote:

The purpose of this operation is to draw IJN Naval assets, particularly Japanese Carriers, to the Marshall Islands. We expect to lose 20-30 transports and perhaps some cruisers in this effort.


20-30 transports?? I guess you must have enough to spare.

Looking forward to execution!

_____________________________

Civil war? What does that mean? Is there any foreign war? Isn't every war fought between men, between brothers?

--Victor Hugo

(in reply to Q-Ball)
Post #: 353
RE: IJN on the Move - 12/11/2009 8:37:41 PM   
Mike Solli


Posts: 15792
Joined: 10/18/2000
From: the flight deck of the Zuikaku
Status: offline 		He's playing the Allies.  Given time, he'll have enough of everything.

_____________________________


Created by the amazing Dixie

(in reply to Capt. Harlock)
Post #: 354
RE: IJN on the Move - 12/12/2009 3:55:57 AM   
Q-Ball


Posts: 7336
Joined: 6/25/2002
From: Chicago, Illinois
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: Mike Solli
One recommendation for this op. I'd put some ash 'n trash troops on the ships. When Cuttlefish sinks one and no troops show up swimming, he'll probably realize that something is up. Those troops may not like it, but it's all for the greater glory of the empire, uh, I mean, democracy, right?

So basically you're trying to say that the goal is this:

Cuttlefish =


I see you have read the brief, General Solli. Excellent suggestion; clearly you are skilled in the ways of subterfuge. You are ordered to command OPERATION SEARCHLIGHT. We'll keep you in our prayers.

Seriously, I have already prepped a Bn at Pearl for Wotje, in the unlikely odds they actually get ashore. To make the subterfuge complete, I think forces will consist of the following:

1. Cruiser TF of 4 Cruisers will bombard Wotje first; chances are they can actually get away, but just in case, we'll use mostly Omahas.
2. CVE Long Island will provide cover with a handful of Wildcats; enough for CF to know that a flattop is present. I don't think he'll suspect it's just Long Island.
3. I will form a couple surface TF's of an Omaha and some old DDs; they will flash larger on the intel screen
4. Finally, gobs and gobs of the oldest Aks I have, organized into about 6-8 TFs of 6-8 ships each

The troops might not have to actually die; I just need KB to be sailing that way to make this work.

For REPRISAL, I have detailed the 32nd, 40th, and elements of the 37th Divisions, US Army, to join the Australian and UK contingents. Everyone is starting to prep and study for their targets. I am prepping 3 divisions plus all my tanks and artillery for Koepang, where I expect the most resistance. The Brits are prepping for Waingapu and the other base on Soemba Is. 1 Division is prepping for Maumere. I also plan to grab the rest of Flores is resistance is light. 10 Construction units are on the way to Perth. I will need to build all these bases fast.

Within 2 weeks of landing, I hope to have 3-4 operational airbases. Too late for the Japs to kick me out.

_____________________________


(in reply to Mike Solli)
Post #: 355
RE: IJN on the Move - 12/12/2009 4:30:22 AM   
Mike Solli


Posts: 15792
Joined: 10/18/2000
From: the flight deck of the Zuikaku
Status: offline 		Q-Ball, you're sneaky.

37 ID, that's the Ohio National Guard. I spent 17 years in the brigade that used to be the 37 ID. Please take care of my predecessors.

_____________________________


Created by the amazing Dixie

(in reply to Q-Ball)
Post #: 356
RE: IJN on the Move - 12/12/2009 2:02:42 PM   
Q-Ball


Posts: 7336
Joined: 6/25/2002
From: Chicago, Illinois
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: Mike Solli

Q-Ball, you're sneaky.

37 ID, that's the Ohio National Guard. I spent 17 years in the brigade that used to be the 37 ID. Please take care of my predecessors.


That's up to the Japanese, isn't it?

Combat Report, July 22-29, 1942

Not a great deal of new activity these days, but a quick summary:

Burma: There has been some air war in Burma. The RM Viper Force is on the railway between Shwebo and Myiktinya, so the 33rd IJB Division is moving to clear it. I set all my bombers to bomb it on the move, which worked for a day, until Cuttlefish ambushed my planes and shot down about 20 (for 6 Zeros lost). After that, they disappeared, and I resumed bombing. I guess the Japanese will do hit and run.

I am also bombing Myiktinya. I may have alerted Cuttlefish to the danger up there and he might reinforce, which won't help FORAGER. Oh well. The primary objective of FORAGER is to draw air and troops to Burma, so we'll know if we see more troops there.

Northern Australia: I am hoping to quietly build up this area ahead of REPRISAL. Cuttlefish knows Port Hedland is a major installation, I hope he considers that defensive in nature.

A Japanese TF appeared off Carnarvon on the 28th. I didn't get enough intel on it, other than it's "ships", but has to be warships. Next turn, they disappeared. I only had a couple supply convoys at risk, but that makes me think I need to be careful moving ground troops around there.

Noumea: Siege continues. No new attacks, Japanese bomb every day. Probably, Cuttlefish is getting more troops. KB disappeared.

USN CVs: Enterprise is FINALLY repaired, and heading toward Perth, where she will drop anchor in about 3 weeks. That will be about a 7-month torpedo hit, pretty serious damage. Big E is still carrying obsolete airplanes, so we will upgrade that when we get to Perth.

Within 30 days, the last Devastator should be retired from the fleet. The other 5 USN CVs are at Pearl, and they will shortly move to Pago Pago. I am planning an interim operation before REPRISAL, a landing on Nukufetau, and they will support that landing before heading to Australia. Accompanying them will be pretty much most of the US Fleet. I will probably leave a couple BBs and older cruisers at Pearl.

_____________________________


(in reply to Mike Solli)
Post #: 357
RE: IJN on the Move - 12/12/2009 2:26:00 PM   
ny59giants


Posts: 9869
Joined: 1/10/2005
Status: offline
quote:

For REPRISAL, I have detailed the 32nd, 40th, and elements of the 37th Divisions, US Army, to join the Australian and UK contingents. Everyone is starting to prep and study for their targets. I am prepping 3 divisions plus all my tanks and artillery for Koepang, where I expect the most resistance. The Brits are prepping for Waingapu and the other base on Soemba Is. 1 Division is prepping for Maumere. I also plan to grab the rest of Flores is resistance is light. 10 Construction units are on the way to Perth. I will need to build all these bases fast.


Since I am temporarily unemployed from General Staff work for another 30 days (John III getting home), I can offer you some advice and feedback.

1) Derby - I would add this to help protect your right flank and isolate Broome. It will make getting aircraft to and from Timor easier and allow you to CAP your TF in the follow up phase of this operation (I expect you to have suppressed Broome via your 4e bombers).

2) Soemba and Flores - I'm glad you have added these targets.

3) Subs - You will need to stockpile mines that go on your subs starting now. I would use them to block the various straits between Soerabaja to Timor to help you protect your left flank. I would time them to lay mines just a day or two before your invasions. This is to be done mainly by your American Fleet subs while your Dutch, Brits, and S-boats flood the rest of the area and cover approaches.

Postpone the attack until early November '42. You get 3 CVEs (they carry 2 squadrons of replacement aircraft, but you could remove the SBDs and use just the Wildcats for CAP) in the second half of October, more P-38s, and some B-24s at Karachi.

(in reply to Mike Solli)
Post #: 358
RE: Logistics in the Pacific - 12/12/2009 3:37:59 PM   
Q-Ball


Posts: 7336
Joined: 6/25/2002
From: Chicago, Illinois
Status: offline 		Michael, good suggestions. Taking more than one base is key, you need mutually supporting airbases, if you establish that it's impossible to shut down my air.

I don't think I'll wait for the CVEs. I should have a couple by early November, but there is a 3-pack that will probably come after D-Day for REPRISAL.

I am concerned about not tipping anything off ahead of time. Flooding the area with Subs in this case shouldn't tip him off; I have alot of subs anyway in the SRA, it's a target-rich environment. I will shift the subs to watch passages, particularly north of Ambon, where anything coming from Truk will transit.

Derby is a key base, but I fear if I build it up too much, he'll suspect something. I am marching a base force unit overland to Wyndham, and I do plan to get a unit to Broome, but I don't want to put more than 2 units in any of those bases yet.

_____________________________


(in reply to Q-Ball)
Post #: 359
RE: Logistics in the Pacific - 12/14/2009 8:58:34 PM   
Q-Ball


Posts: 7336
Joined: 6/25/2002
From: Chicago, Illinois
Status: offline 		Wow, I have to BUMP my own AAR!

Combat Report, July 31, August 1, 1942

Noumea: Not much combat, though Japanese ships are sighted at Koumac, probably bringing in reinforcements. Still only 3 divisions identified. We are approaching 2 months of siege, so I think I am accomplishing what I wanted to.

Burma: I am halting the air campaign over Burma. We were sweeping and bombing troops, but to not too much effect, and sooner or later we would probably get ambushed. Besides, I am resting and training all my units for FORAGER, which has a launch date of September 28, about 59 days away.

Searchlight Prep: I have prepped a single Bn for Wotje. I am moving CVE Long Island, 4 Omahas, 2 Leanders, and about 12 DDs to Pearl. These are the "forces" for Searchlight. I will scrape up about 100 AKs and xAKLs to provide "transport".

Reprisal Prep: The US Fleet is moving to Pago Pago, interim step to Australia. I have a bunch more units heading to Australia. D-Day will be approx. 10/15/42 to 11/1/42. Anyone not prepped by mid-August won't be in an invasion wave, so I need to double-check all my troops and set the Combat OOB. Support forces need to be on a ship and headed to Australia by 9/1/42 if they are currently on the West Coast.

Operation Seeker: We are going to land in about 30 days on Nukufetau, where the Japanese have an SNLF Co. and seaplanes, basically a small observation post. The 22nd Marine Regt is prepping for Nukufetau, and has been for 45 days. This operation has a couple objectives:

1. Secure Nuku for MY eyes.
2. Fix CF's gaze on Central Pacific as the focal point of US Operations (which it won't be)
3. Practice for invasions; I have yet to see how quickly US troops unload from xAPs so I want to check it out. Nothing like live combat to see right?

_____________________________


(in reply to Q-Ball)
Post #: 360
Page:   <<   < prev  10 11 [12] 13 14   next >   >>
All Forums >> [New Releases from Matrix Games] >> War in the Pacific: Admiral's Edition >> After Action Reports >> Logistics in the Pacific Page: <<   < prev  10 11 [12] 13 14   next >   >>
Jump to:





New Messages No New Messages
Hot Topic w/ New Messages Hot Topic w/o New Messages
Locked w/ New Messages Locked w/o New Messages
 Post New Thread
 Reply to Message
 Post New Poll
 Submit Vote
 Delete My Own Post
 Delete My Own Thread
 Rate Posts


Forum Software © ASPPlayground.NET Advanced Edition 2.4.5 ANSI

1.953