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RE: PBEM on Hiatus - 2/25/2012 10:18:04 PM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline

Thanks for the posts everyone.

I've sent an e-mail to Bart stating my intention to continue the game. I won't go into my reasons for doing so other than to say it doesn't feel right to quit. I'm just waiting to hear back in case there are any issues to address before we resume. We'll also be upgrading to the latest official update.

The last turn was a huge disappointment, but I'll see if I can move forward from here. I have not decided whether to commit KB to pursuing the retiring American CV's or to concentrate on enemy shipping around Lunga. I'm sure a mass exodus will be ordered, but there is also the possibility Bart will send his carriers back towards Lunga to engage KB. I'll be working on the turn tonight so I have some time to think on it. This could be a very big turn for my forces, IF things go as planned and more importantly as ordered.

The plan from here on out is to limit my comments about combat results, or even trying to interpret them. I don't need the stress. Some suggestions for improving my results have been offered and I'll see what I can do. I plan on letting the game create the drama from here on out. It does a good enough job without any additional effort on my part.

Thanks for following and the support to continue. I'm still not sure I'm making the right decision, but as suggested 1943 has the potential to be an action packed year. How fun it will be...has yet to be determined.

Joseph

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)

(in reply to crsutton)

Post #: 871

RE: PBEM on Hiatus - 2/26/2012 12:19:03 AM

PaxMondo

Posts: 9750
Joined: 6/6/2008
Status: offline

Whoo-Hoo!!! Welcome back brother!!

_____________________________

Pax

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 872

PBEM resumed - 2/26/2012 12:56:49 AM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline

Next turn is sent.

Bart indicated he didn't know my CV's were around the Solomons, as he was relying on submarines to provide a screen to detect KB. That sort of makes the last turn even harder to take. I had him dead to rights and my forces blew it.

Tough call on whether to pursue the American's CV's, attack enemy naval forces at Lunga or withdraw. Did I risk it all on a chance to inflict a serious defeat on the Allied Fleet, or play smart by retiring the Combined Fleet after surprise was lost and the first naval strikes were a dismal failure?

A question for everyone who cares to answer. What would you do faced with a similiar situation?

I should probably post a screenshot showing the dispositions, but I'm going to remain dark until the turn is run. There are 35+ enemy vessels at Lunga with the Combined Fleet 4 hexes away, the American CV's are about 8-10 hexes south of Lunga. If Bart moves his CV's back towards Lunga...it could be an interesting turn. Would he risk his carriers? Would you? Lunga shows 80% airfield damage, so I don't think there is a danger of Allied LBA being deployed at the base this turn.

Stay tuned, and find out whether I'm a hero, a goat or neither tomorrow.

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 2/26/2012 12:58:38 AM >

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)

(in reply to PaxMondo)

Post #: 873

RE: PBEM resumed - 2/26/2012 8:51:49 AM

PaxMondo

Posts: 9750
Joined: 6/6/2008
Status: offline

Well, you're asking and even though I've already said, I'll say it again.�

I wouldn't go in.�

He's gonna have fighters at Lunga pretty quick.� One, two turns if he's prepped and Bart is the type of player who would be prepped.� Once he get fighters there, you are overmatched.� I don't think he's gonna bring his CV's any closer, no reason to unless he wants to meet you and when he does it means (to me) that he has LBA cover for his carriers.� It might look like you could go straight in now before he has LBA at Lunga, but right now you can only come from one direction that is easily predictable and will be defended against.� To be effective, you need to come from either east or west (he can't be strong everywhere yet) and know exactly where he is (from either Mavis or Glen patrols) but that circling move will take you 2 -3 days (or more) and by then he has fighters at Lunga.� And if he detects you (50:50), you would have to abort anyway.

You're not set up to defend the Solomons, so don't.� Nothing forces you to do so.

You need to�get your�exit plan for�both PM and Rabaul moving now (since you did not plan to defend the Solomon's, you should have had one.� In case you don't, take the time now to get one in place and execute it.�

).� He'll have 4E's at Lunga in about 2 weeks.� Once he does, your retreat will be very difficult and costly which is exactly his plan.� Don't play his game, play yours.� You need to use the next 45 - 90 days to get your Marshall and Gilbert (or maybe Caroline/Marianas) defenses tuned up and�in place.

With Tabiteuea(SP?) already taken, I'm not sure you can hold them.� It was a real smart, bold move on Barts part to take it early.� It puts all the Gilberts and Marshalls under 4E range.

Honestly, I think your next big fight will be either the Carolines or the Mariana's.� I would bet the Marianas.� I think he will follow history and bypass the Carolines.� By big fight, I mean opportunity for you to catch his CV's with your KB while you are under LBA and he isn't.� He might switch up and try for the DEI instead ... you need to have your pickets and patrols really active from there.

Remember, your goal here with the KB is to catch his CV's and bloody them. He has to repair them/get new ones to be able to restart his offensive. That buys you time. Your opportunity for this best presents itself whenever he has to force a landing without LBA cover. Until B-29's arrive, this is most every new group. Once the B-29 arrives, you still have to do this, but your odds are not nearly as good. Second, B-29 can't beat you, they can only hurt. He doesn't get enough of them to beat you. What beats you is when he gets B24/B17 in range. He gets a LOT of those, particularly in 45.

Lastly, you are the IJ. Sorry, some bad news here. You are going to lose.

The way I play is to set a time goal and see if I can attain/beat it. Yeah, you're not at the best position right now. Pfft! Who cares!?! You're not Nemo or PzB; well neither am I. Us mortals just have to mosey along best we can. My goal right now would be to make it to Feb 45. I think with careful play, a bit of luck, maybe an oops or two on Bart's part you can do that.

Go! Fight! Win! (at least until Feb 45!)

PS: heck, you can teach me how to last until June 46 with this starting position!

< Message edited by PaxMondo -- 2/26/2012 9:06:29 AM >

_____________________________

Pax

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 874

RE: PBEM resumed - 2/26/2012 3:10:05 PM

crsutton

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

It depends on your carrier air losses. If you have not lost many planes and don't need to replenish, then I would go after the Allied carriers. But as Pax says just be wary of Allied LBA. I firmly believe that the best opportunity to hit and cripple the Allied carrier fleet is between now and April 1943. The KB will never be in a better position strength wise to take on the Allied fleet. Although you will get some new carriers later the flow will not come close to keeping pace with the flow of new Allied carriers. And the hellcat arrives in April and totally reverses the carrier fighter equation.

I speak as an Allied player but fail to see why JFBs try so hard to preserve their carriers during this period. A large carrier battle even if you trade carriers will cripple the Allied carrier force until late 43. This buys the Japanese player six crucial months in time. If Saratoga is crippled and you have killed no other Allied carriers then there are only five fleet carriers. Sink or damage them now-even with the same damage to your fleet and the Allies just have very few invasion options into the face of your LBA. However, if the Allies have their carriers intact, they can always find a place away from the KB to pull off invasions in early 43.

As an Allied player I think that the best Japanese players are ready and willing to lose ships when it will buy them time. No matter how many carriers you have in 1944, there just becomes a point where they are redundant and not as effective. The Allied carrier fleet will never be any weaker than it is now. One other consideration. The Allied carrier aircraft replacement rates are so low that even a non conclusive battle will hamper him due to his small pools. I had two large but inclusive battles with my IJN opponent in early 43. Neither of us lost a single carrier but my loss of fighters and SBDs put my American carriers in port for three months.

_____________________________

I am the Holy Roman Emperor and am above grammar.

Sigismund of Luxemburg

(in reply to PaxMondo)

Post #: 875

Prelim Jan. 26/43 Update - 2/26/2012 4:45:45 PM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline

The Combined Fleet made a futile gesture in trying to come to grips with the enemy and it was another disappointing day for Japanese forces. As anticipated, the Allies withdrew in face of overwhelming odds...successfully. KB sank a few SC's. Japanese submarines ran across a few enemy warships and...missed, as usual. There were a couple of inconclusive surface engagements which I had hoped would slow the Allied withdrawal and provide some hard targets for KB during the air phases, but that didn't happen.

Bart may be good, but he's also lucky. He should have been hammered the previous turn when KB arrived and I'd have been picking off the stragglers today. Instead, he caught a huge break and was able to exploit it.

One thing that was surprising, was he did indeed deploy CAP to Lunga. The airfield shows 68% damage after today, so I honestly didn't expect him to risk deploying fighters so soon. I hit Ndeni with a naval bombardment, as I was going to be within LBA range from that base and almost assigned a naval bombardment to Lunga, but as mentioned, I figured the base would be empty of aircraft. Kudos to Bart for moving them in, shame on me for being complacent and not whacking the base. I would have caught Corsair's, Spitfire's and Warhawk's on the ground. Another missed opportunity on my part, but this one is self-induced. I can deal with that.

Not impressed with any Japanese CAP or escorts today. Small numbers of Allied planes caused a disproportionate amount of damage to my air units.

KB and the Combined Fleet will retire in shame after accomplishing absolutely nothing. Bart is good, but I'm not putting him on a pedestal quite yet. He dodged a bullet, plain and simple. He should count himself extremely fortunate to have lost only a few CVE's, DE's, SC's and some transports the previous day.

I highly doubt I'll be seeing the Allied Fleet prior to Lunga reaching a level 8 airfield. He doesn't need to risk anything prior to his carriers receiving Hellcat's. I do expect an effort to get a CD gun unit to the base, and I expect he'll be attempting to lay minefields now as well. I'm whacking the airfield as I retire, but I'm sure the CAP will be withdrawn anticipating the move since bombarding Ndeni will have tipped him off to the danger.

The AI really can start changing it up here. I still get the sense nothing I do matters, the AI simply is not giving me better results. The VAL attacks against numerous Sub Chaser TF's left much to be desired, especially when my CL and DD's got clobbered days before from dive bomber attack and they are much harder targets to hit. I'm still waiting to catch a break when I do something right.

I'll post the combat report later.

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 2/26/2012 4:46:13 PM >

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)

(in reply to crsutton)

Post #: 876

RE: Prelim Jan. 26/43 Update - 2/26/2012 5:29:58 PM

Dante Fierro

Posts: 330
Joined: 2/23/2012
From: Idaho Falls
Status: offline

I've just finished reading a good part of this AAR thread - thanks for all the posts Lemon & thread. You have a great way of summing up and laying out your strategies - rather than simply copy/paste battle reports. I like that. Hard to believe one single AE game lasts as long as it does!

On the Sir Robin strategy. I thought about this for awhile and you do wonder if the strategy would be historically valid - or is a sort of manipulation of the game mechanics. Simply not to fight at all and run wherever you can. This coupled with what appears on the surface to be your bad luck in some important battles - doesn't put you in the best position right now.

I also think the "Sir Robin" strategy takes deliberate advantage of your NOOB status to the game. i.e. it seems to be the perfect strategy to deploy against a IJ player that is getting into the ring for the first time. That is - it reduces the risks of Allied mistakes - while depending on the IJ player to kind of defeat himself - by making common NOOB mistakes in the beginning - such as not managing industry and transport very efficiently, being more slow at amphibious operations than an experienced IJ player would be, etc. So what happens with "Sir Robin" - is kind of double whammy for a fairly inexperienced IJ player:

1) The Allied player takes a lot less risks in beginning turns, bides his time while the new IJ player - because of his inexperience - weakens himself more than an experienced IJ player would - for the later game turns - so the Allied player gains a decent advantage simply by doing very little in the beginning (relatively speaking)
2) There is also the psychological advantage here. The Allied player has been not putting cards on the table - simply biding his time - waiting - before really coming back with a large tide of force. Also he has the advantage of watching how you operate, how you have been handling your TFs etc. So you have this sword hanging over you now for some time - and now it's beginning to fall. Although - granted - this is the nature of Pacific War - i.e. the tide slowly goes out for the IJ player - then comes in for the Allied player - but the "Sir Robin" strategy kind of END FILLs the latter half of the "coming in" for Allied player - i.e. the latter half of game is where the real fight starts. Again - I think this especially puts a fairly inexperienced IJ player at more of a disadvantage - because it would require much more long-term thinking and planning and more experience with the game mechanics etc.

So your opponent did indeed exploit your weaknesses. He also used a valid Allied Strategy that does seem ahistorical - to exploit your inexperience, but a valid strategy nevertheless. That's what you do in war.

I can see why you would want to resign. And tbh - it is likely your odds for winning may not be the best right now. Although never say never. The honorable thing to do is definitely to play out the game IMO. Your opponent has done everything above board. And also, this is your first dip into the pool so to speak. You do kind of have to view it as a learning experience. Probably best thing to do is change your mindset and realize the tables are now turned - and see what you can learn as the IJ player given the disadvantage you're in. Even if losing is now likely - you can still learn much.

And also - why not just start another game on the side (without AAR) with some other new opponent. That way - you won't feel like this game is the do or die - be all - end all - of AE.

My two cents!

< Message edited by Dante Fierro -- 2/26/2012 5:33:20 PM >

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 877

RE: Prelim Jan. 26/43 Update - 2/26/2012 6:15:27 PM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline

First off Dante Fierro, let me say welcome to the AAR and I'm glad you have enjoyed it so far, rants notwithstanding. Thanks for posting.

To everyone.

I brought up the Sir Robin comments to answer Hans Bolter, to try and help him understand my frame of mind regarding the strategy and how it contributed to my almost withdrawing from the game. It wasn't my intention to further the discussion or rehash what's already been said. Everyone that reads this AAR knows my feelings on the strategy and that hasn't changed. I admit that it completely threw me off and I have never recovered from it. Lets just leave it at that. I'm trying to move forward here, the Sir Robin strategy isn't why I face my current predicament. My inattention to the game and lack of interest is. I just want to make that clear.

As I said to Bart in a recent e-mail, it isn't about winning the game. It hasn't been for a long time. Crsutton and others are correct in saying I shouldn't blame Bart for the choice of strategy, it was my inability to counter it that was the problem. That's on me.

Right now, it's just an incredibly frustrating time. I'm putting my forces into play, and the results are just not happening. I realize the momentum is with the Allies, it's actually been that way for months. What is discouraging is the fact we are still at parity, with a slight edge to me in carriers, but the results the last few days have been subpar at best. I don't think there is a Japanese player on the forum that wouldn't have been disappointed in the combat results over the last few days. These are my best units and they've been relatively unscathed the entire war, yet are performing badly when engaging the enemy, for whatever reasons.

As to another PBEM, I do have one going and enjoying it. I can apply many lessons I've learned, but one thing stands out. My opponent has tested me from day one, and I have immense respect for him in doing so. That will make me a better player, unlike taking empty bases and trying to develop sound tactics in the complete absence of any meaningful combat until recently, as in this game.

So please, I get it about the Sir Robin. I get it why my situation is so bad. I just want to move forward and do the best I can. A little help from the AI would certainly be appreciated, but that is out of my control. I'll continue trying to improve, and perhaps the results will reflect that in the future. I doubt it at this stage, but I will continue the attempt.

Joseph

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)

(in reply to Dante Fierro)

Post #: 878

RE: Prelim Jan. 26/43 Update - 2/26/2012 6:22:41 PM

Dante Fierro

Posts: 330
Joined: 2/23/2012
From: Idaho Falls
Status: offline

>> First off Dante Fierro, let me say welcome to the AAR

Thx Lemon. Hurrah for you sticking it out.! PS: Just started reading your opponent's AAR. It's an eye opener. I think it will be illuminating to you once your game plays itself out. On the side: I find part of the fascination of playing these games is not only the challenge of the game itself - but sometimes what you end up learning about yourself! Regards.

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 879

Jan. 26/43 - 2/26/2012 7:42:06 PM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline

Jan. 26/43:

Sub Ops:

SS I-5 whiffs against the damaged CL St. Louis, missing with four torpedoes near Rennell Island. She takes one direct and four near miss DC hits in return.

SS S-36 misses the E Sagi near Ontong Java. The E Kiji hits her with only one direct DC hit in a sustained ASW attack.

SS I-15 misses the damaged and burning DD Gridley with six torpedoes near Koumac.

Is there anyone out there that wouldn't be disappointed with these continuing outright misses? As I said, I put my forces into play just like my opponent does. The only difference is he scores hits, but suffering from duds which are hard coded. What's the excuse for my forces? The Captains ate bad sushi and were off their game?

Naval Ops:

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Jan 26, 43
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Lunga at 114,139, Range 11,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DD Matsukaze, Shell hits 1
DD Oite, Shell hits 6, and is sunk

Allied Ships
CA Pensacola, Shell hits 1
DD Henley
DD Wilson
DD Fanning
DD Selfridge, Shell hits 1, on fire

Improved night sighting under 71% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions and 71% moonlight: 11,000 yards

This TF was ordered to Lunga to try and delay Allied ships leaving and reduce their Ops points so KB might have a shot at them in the air phases. I could have scuttled the DD Oite, but kept her afloat to act as a shell magnet.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Lunga at 114,139, Range 11,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DD Yunagi, Shell hits 3

Allied Ships
CA Australia
CL Boise
DD Fletcher
DD Chevalier
DD Waller

Improved night sighting under 71% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions and 71% moonlight: 11,000 yards

Same as above.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Ndeni at 120,143, Range 10,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
BB Yamashiro
BB Hyuga
CL Sendai
CL Tatsuta
DD Shimakaze

Allied Ships
PT-42
PT-66
PT-67
PT-68
PT-73
PT-74
PT-75
PT-76
PT-77
PT-78

Improved night sighting under 71% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions and 71% moonlight: 11,000 yards
Range closes to 10,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 10,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 10,000 yards
Parish, M.H. gains tactical advantage
CL Tatsuta engages PT-78 at 10,000 yards
BB Yamashiro engages PT-78 at 10,000 yards
CL Sendai engages PT-78 at 10,000 yards
DD Shimakaze engages PT-78 at 10,000 yards
BB Yamashiro engages PT-67 at 10,000 yards
CL Sendai engages PT-66 at 10,000 yards
CL Tatsuta engages PT-42 at 10,000 yards
Range closes to 8,000 yards
CL Tatsuta engages PT-78 at 8,000 yards
DD Shimakaze engages PT-78 at 8,000 yards
CL Sendai engages PT-42 at 8,000 yards
Range closes to 6,000 yards
BB Yamashiro engages PT-78 at 6,000 yards
CL Tatsuta engages PT-78 at 6,000 yards
PT-78 engages CL Sendai at 6,000 yards
Range closes to 4,000 yards
CL Sendai engages PT-77 at 4,000 yards
CL Tatsuta engages PT-78 at 4,000 yards
PT-75 engages CL Tatsuta at 4,000 yards
DD Shimakaze engages PT-78 at 4,000 yards
PT-73 engages CL Sendai at 4,000 yards
CL Sendai engages PT-67 at 4,000 yards
CL Tatsuta engages PT-66 at 4,000 yards
PT-42 engages CL Tatsuta at 4,000 yards
BB Hyuga engages PT-78 at 4,000 yards
PT-74 engages CL Tatsuta at 4,000 yards
PT-68 engages CL Tatsuta at 4,000 yards
CL Tatsuta engages PT-66 at 4,000 yards
CL Sendai engages PT-42 at 4,000 yards
Range increases to 5,000 yards
CL Sendai engages PT-78 at 5,000 yards
BB Hyuga engages PT-68 at 5,000 yards
Range increases to 8,000 yards
BB Hyuga engages PT-78 at 8,000 yards
CL Tatsuta engages PT-78 at 8,000 yards
CL Sendai engages PT-75 at 8,000 yards
DD Shimakaze engages PT-78 at 8,000 yards
CL Tatsuta engages PT-73 at 8,000 yards
CL Tatsuta engages PT-67 at 8,000 yards
CL Tatsuta engages PT-66 at 8,000 yards
CL Sendai engages PT-42 at 8,000 yards
Range increases to 10,000 yards
CL Tatsuta engages PT-78 at 10,000 yards
BB Yamashiro engages PT-78 at 10,000 yards
CL Tatsuta engages PT-75 at 10,000 yards
CL Sendai engages PT-74 at 10,000 yards
CL Tatsuta engages PT-68 at 10,000 yards
CL Tatsuta engages PT-67 at 10,000 yards
CL Sendai engages PT-66 at 10,000 yards
CL Sendai engages PT-42 at 10,000 yards
Range closes to 8,000 yards
BB Hyuga engages PT-78 at 8,000 yards
CL Tatsuta engages PT-78 at 8,000 yards
DD Shimakaze engages PT-78 at 8,000 yards
CL Tatsuta engages PT-67 at 8,000 yards
CL Sendai engages PT-66 at 8,000 yards
BB Hyuga engages PT-78 at 8,000 yards
BB Yamashiro engages PT-78 at 8,000 yards
CL Tatsuta engages PT-78 at 8,000 yards
CL Sendai engages PT-75 at 8,000 yards
DD Shimakaze engages PT-78 at 8,000 yards
CL Sendai engages PT-68 at 8,000 yards
CL Sendai engages PT-67 at 8,000 yards
Range increases to 11,000 yards
BB Yamashiro engages PT-77 at 11,000 yards
CL Tatsuta engages PT-78 at 11,000 yards
CL Sendai engages PT-74 at 11,000 yards
CL Tatsuta engages PT-73 at 11,000 yards
BB Hyuga engages PT-67 at 11,000 yards
BB Yamashiro engages PT-66 at 11,000 yards
CL Tatsuta engages PT-42 at 11,000 yards
Range increases to 12,000 yards
BB Hyuga engages PT-78 at 12,000 yards
BB Hyuga engages PT-77 at 12,000 yards
CL Sendai engages PT-78 at 12,000 yards
DD Shimakaze engages PT-78 at 12,000 yards
CL Sendai engages PT-68 at 12,000 yards
CL Tatsuta engages PT-67 at 12,000 yards
Range closes to 9,000 yards
BB Hyuga engages PT-78 at 9,000 yards
CL Sendai engages PT-68 at 9,000 yards
CL Tatsuta engages PT-42 at 9,000 yards
BB Hyuga engages PT-78 at 9,000 yards
BB Yamashiro engages PT-78 at 9,000 yards
CL Sendai engages PT-42 at 9,000 yards
BB Hyuga engages PT-74 at 9,000 yards
BB Yamashiro engages PT-42 at 9,000 yards
Range increases to 10,000 yards
BB Hyuga engages PT-78 at 10,000 yards
BB Yamashiro engages PT-78 at 10,000 yards
CL Sendai engages PT-75 at 10,000 yards
DD Shimakaze engages PT-78 at 10,000 yards
BB Hyuga engages PT-73 at 10,000 yards
CL Sendai engages PT-67 at 10,000 yards
CL Sendai engages PT-42 at 10,000 yards
Task forces break off...

I attempted to bombard Ndeni's airbase anticipating a possible naval strike against Combined Fleet during the air phases. I would have been better served hitting Lunga's instead. My forces pounded away at the PT's for some time. Why the ammo was wasted when the primary mission was bombard and the PT's were beyond torpedo range is beyond me. At least no torpedo hits were recorded as I sent these BB's in lightly screened. I got lucky.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Naval bombardment of Ndeni at 120,143 - Coastal Guns Fire Back!

15 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
BB Hyuga, Shell hits 3
BB Yamashiro
CL Sendai

Allied ground losses:
18 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

BB Hyuga firing at 8th Marine Defense Battalion
8th Marine Defense Battalion firing at BB Hyuga
F1M2 Pete acting as spotter for BB Yamashiro
8th Marine Defense Battalion firing at BB Yamashiro
BB Yamashiro firing at 8th Marine Defense Battalion
CL Sendai firing at 5th Marine Regiment

The bombardment didn't even hit the air base. I hate when this happens and a player has zero control over it. A waste of ammo, fuel and time.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Kirakira at 114,145, Range 17,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CL Natori, Shell hits 1
DD Ayanami, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Asagiri
DD Sagiri, Shell hits 2
DD Yugiri

Allied Ships
CL St. Louis, Shell hits 3
DD Craven, Shell hits 2, heavy fires
DD Gridley, Shell hits 3, on fire
DD McCall, Shell hits 2, heavy fires

Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions: 28,000 yards
Range closes to 23,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 23,000 yards
Range closes to 17,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 17,000 yards
Hirata M. crosses the 'T'
CL Natori engages CL St. Louis at 17,000 yards
DD Asagiri engages DD McCall at 17,000 yards
DD McCall engages DD Sagiri at 17,000 yards
DD Craven engages DD Asagiri at 17,000 yards
DD Ayanami engages DD Craven at 17,000 yards
Range closes to 11,000 yards
CL St. Louis engages CL Natori at 11,000 yards
DD Asagiri engages DD McCall at 11,000 yards
DD Sagiri engages DD McCall at 11,000 yards
DD Craven engages DD Sagiri at 11,000 yards
DD McCall engages DD Ayanami at 11,000 yards
Range closes to 9,000 yards
CL St. Louis engages CL Natori at 9,000 yards
DD Ayanami engages DD McCall at 9,000 yards
DD Sagiri engages DD Gridley at 9,000 yards
DD Craven engages DD Ayanami at 9,000 yards
Range closes to 8,000 yards
CL Natori engages CL St. Louis at 8,000 yards
DD Yugiri engages DD Craven at 8,000 yards
CL Natori engages DD Gridley at 8,000 yards
DD Asagiri engages DD Gridley at 8,000 yards
DD Ayanami engages DD Craven at 8,000 yards
Range increases to 10,000 yards
CL St. Louis engages CL Natori at 10,000 yards
DD Craven engages DD Yugiri at 10,000 yards
DD Gridley engages DD Sagiri at 10,000 yards
DD Craven engages DD Sagiri at 10,000 yards
DD Craven engages DD Ayanami at 10,000 yards
Range increases to 14,000 yards
CL St. Louis engages CL Natori at 14,000 yards
DD Sagiri engages DD McCall at 14,000 yards
DD Yugiri engages DD Gridley at 14,000 yards
DD Sagiri engages DD Craven at 14,000 yards
DD Ayanami engages DD Craven at 14,000 yards
Range increases to 18,000 yards
CL St. Louis engages CL Natori at 18,000 yards
DD Yugiri engages DD Gridley at 18,000 yards
DD Gridley engages DD Sagiri at 18,000 yards
DD Ayanami engages DD Craven at 18,000 yards
DD Ayanami engages DD McCall at 18,000 yards
Range increases to 22,000 yards
CL Natori engages CL St. Louis at 22,000 yards
CL St. Louis engages DD Sagiri at 22,000 yards
DD McCall engages DD Asagiri at 22,000 yards
CL St. Louis engages DD Ayanami at 22,000 yards
Range increases to 24,000 yards
CL St. Louis engages CL Natori at 24,000 yards
CL St. Louis engages DD Yugiri at 24,000 yards
CL St. Louis engages DD Ayanami at 24,000 yards
Range increases to 28,000 yards
Rood, G. orders Allied TF to disengage
Task forces break off...

Japanese forces gave a good account of themselves here.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Tulagi at 114,137, Range 6,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DD Yunagi

Allied Ships
SC-517
SC-518
SC-519
SC-520

Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions: 9,000 yards
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 6,000 yards
Japanese TF attempts to evade combat
Range increases to 6,000 yards...
Both Task Forces evade combat

I expected more.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Lunga at 114,138, Range 19,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CL Natori
DD Ayanami, on fire
DD Asagiri
DD Sagiri, on fire
DD Yugiri

Allied Ships
SC-699
SC-700
SC-703
SC-704

Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions: 28,000 yards
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 21,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 21,000 yards
Range closes to 19,000 yards...
CL Natori engages SC-699 at 19,000 yards
CL Natori engages SC-703 at 19,000 yards
DD Asagiri engages SC-703 at 19,000 yards
Range closes to 16,000 yards
CL Natori engages SC-704 at 16,000 yards
CL Natori engages SC-703 at 16,000 yards
DD Sagiri engages SC-704 at 16,000 yards
DD Ayanami engages SC-703 at 16,000 yards
Range closes to 13,000 yards
CL Natori engages SC-704 at 13,000 yards
CL Natori engages SC-700 at 13,000 yards
CL Natori engages SC-699 at 13,000 yards
DD Ayanami engages SC-704 at 13,000 yards
Range closes to 10,000 yards
CL Natori engages SC-699 at 10,000 yards
CL Natori engages SC-703 at 10,000 yards
CL Natori engages SC-700 at 10,000 yards
DD Asagiri engages SC-703 at 10,000 yards
Range closes to 8,000 yards
CL Natori engages SC-704 at 8,000 yards
CL Natori engages SC-703 at 8,000 yards
CL Natori engages SC-700 at 8,000 yards
DD Yugiri engages SC-699 at 8,000 yards
DD Ayanami engages SC-700 at 8,000 yards
Hirata M. orders Japanese TF to disengage
Range increases to 12,000 yards
DD Sagiri engages SC-704 at 12,000 yards
CL Natori engages SC-703 at 12,000 yards
CL Natori engages SC-700 at 12,000 yards
DD Ayanami engages SC-699 at 12,000 yards
Range increases to 18,000 yards
DD Yugiri engages SC-703 at 18,000 yards
DD Sagiri engages SC-700 at 18,000 yards
DD Asagiri engages SC-703 at 18,000 yards
DD Ayanami engages SC-704 at 18,000 yards
Task forces break off...

I expected more...again.

Air Ops:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Tulagi at 114,137

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid spotted at 15 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 28
G4M1 Betty x 13

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 2

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 2 damaged

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
SC-517
SC-518
SC-520

Aircraft Attacking:
13 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo

CAP engaged:
VMF-213 with F4U-1 Corsair (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 25000
Raid is overhead

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Luganville at 114,148

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid spotted at 13 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 9
A6M3a Zero x 11
D3A1 Val x 13

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A1 Val: 2 damaged

Allied Ships
SC-522
SC-640, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk
SC-637

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
8 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Lunga at 114,139

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 33
D3A1 Val x 27

Allied aircraft
Spitfire Vc Trop x 2

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed
D3A1 Val: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Spitfire Vc Trop: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
SC-704
SC-703, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk
SC-700
SC-699, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk

Aircraft Attacking:
20 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
7 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
No.452 Sqn RAF with Spitfire Vc Trop (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 25000
Raid is overhead

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Rennell Island at 113,142

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 42 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 48
A6M3a Zero x 39

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 1 destroyed, 3 damaged
B-17E Fortress: 1 destroyed by flak

Japanese Ships
CV Junyo

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 7000 feet
Naval Attack: 8 x 500 lb SAP Bomb

Ichimura B. in a A6M2 Zero makes head on attack ... forces B-17E Fortress out of formation

The numbers are misleading, 27 fighters were airborne providing CAP at the time of the attack. At one point, when the first CAP reinforcements arrived followed by another 20-30 fighters, not one more attack was directed at the enemy bombers. There was no post-air attack launched. So 2/3rd's of my fighters never fired a shot.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Tulagi at 114,137

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 17 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 27
G4M1 Betty x 13

Allied aircraft
Spitfire Vc Trop x 7
P-40E Warhawk x 11
F4U-1 Corsair x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 4 destroyed
G4M1 Betty: 1 damaged

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
SC-520
SC-517
SC-518

Kudo's to Bart for providing CAP at Lunga. I get the bonehead award for ignoring the possiblity and not making him pay with naval bombardments against the airbase. I might have whacked a lot of fighters on the ground. I continue to let Bart of lightly when given the chance to capitilize on his mistakes. Of course there is no guarantee the bombardments would have targeted the airbase and not the ground troops instead.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Lunga at 114,139

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 13 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 11
A6M3a Zero x 33
D3A1 Val x 27

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A1 Val: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
SC-700, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk
SC-704, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
15 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
4 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

As disappointing as it was to just hit Sub Chasers today, at least there are fewer for my submarines to face. This entire 4 ship enemy TF was destroyed in the series of attacks today. There were still too many Sub Chasers that got away today for my liking. The gunnery and martial spirit of my SCTF's was abysmal.

China:

Chinese ground forces S.W. of Tuyun are bombed daily in preparation for the coming ground assault in a few weeks.

Miscellaneous:

Japan:

Keijo expands airfield to size 5
Ichang expands airfield to size 3
Sining expands fortifications to size 2

Device Mitsubishi Ha-43 advances R&D

Allied:

Madurai expands airfield to size 8

Thoughts:

So in all, a rather disappointing day. The poor performance of my forces is across the board, involving all branches of the services. I can't explain it. I'm not happy with it of course, but will continue to put my forces into play and try to improve conditions for success.

Future strategy dictates some unconventional moves on my part. I can play safe and delay the inevitable slow death of Japan, or I can think outside the box and play...differently. I fear with a lodgement in both the Gilbert and Solomon Island chains, the Allied Fleet can retire and advance under LBA rather than commit to any high risk activity until mid 1943. I think I need to force them into operations to support these lodgements where I may bloody them and test their resolve.

I completely agree with crsutton, I won't have any better opportunity to inflict losses on the Allied Fleet and waiting is not an option. Alfred also made a post in Criptop's AAR that struck a nerve. At this point, a Japanese "Fleet in Being" strategy as a deterent is no longer applicable. The Combined Fleet sitting at Truk or the DEI will not delay or stop the Allies advancing under cover of LBA.

There's a massive Allied force at Shwebo just waiting to break out, when it does I'll be hard pressed to hold. If I am going to accomplish anything defensively this game, it is now. I'm going to use the Combined Fleet to delay the Allied advance as long as possible and force the Allies to react to me for a change.

Sorry Pax, I hear everything you say and it's a smart strategy, IF I was better prepared. I'm not. So I'll have to play by the seat of my pants in an effort to create some openings I can exploit. I had the Allies dead to rights a turn ago, I have to try again and hope for better results. Waiting and trying to defend the smart way won't change anything and that will frustrate me to no end.

I'm going to lose. I'm ok with that, but I'm going to go out on my own terms.

Stay tuned.

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 2/26/2012 7:47:06 PM >

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 880

RE: Prelim Jan. 26/43 Update - 2/26/2012 8:04:46 PM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Dante Fierro

I find part of the fascination of playing these games is not only the challenge of the game itself - but sometimes what you end up learning about yourself! Regards.

The biggest thing I've learned about myself this game is how indecisive I am, and lack a certain confidence. I've always been competitive, unfortunately it brings out the worst in me and the AAR reflects that at times. It's not a side of myself I like to see, or anyone else for that matter.

I should go with my gut more often though. The ideas are there and some of them are good ones. Being indecisive, unprepared and overall Charlie Brownish has put me behind the 8 Ball in this game. If I would follow through on my ideas and put myself in a better position to succeed...I would.

I'm glad this AAR provides more for me than simply documenting the game. Less frustration would be nice too, but I'm working on that.

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)

(in reply to Dante Fierro)

Post #: 881

RE: Prelim Jan. 26/43 Update - 2/26/2012 8:13:45 PM

Dante Fierro

Posts: 330
Joined: 2/23/2012
From: Idaho Falls
Status: offline

>> I'm going to lose. I'm ok with that, but I'm going to go out on my own terms.

Something I monitor in my own games: level of risk. If I am doing well, I lower my risk. If I'm losing, I increase risk - do more out-of-the-box maneuvering as you mention.

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 882

RE: Jan. 26/43 - 2/27/2012 2:23:21 AM

PaxMondo

Posts: 9750
Joined: 6/6/2008
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon

I'm going to lose. I'm ok with that, but I'm going to go out on my own terms.

BANZAI!!!!!

_____________________________

Pax

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 883

RE: Tactical mistakes - 2/27/2012 2:51:37 AM

Chickenboy

Posts: 24520
Joined: 6/29/2002
From: San Antonio, TX
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: PaxMondo

I would be spending most of my efforts getting my next layer of defense in place.�

Hi SqzMyLemon,

Just got back from a family trip and catching up with your AAR. Glad there's some action afoot!

I agree with Pax on this and will comment further as events unfurl.

_____________________________

(in reply to PaxMondo)

Post #: 884

RE: PBEM on Hiatus - 2/27/2012 3:04:49 AM

Chickenboy

Posts: 24520
Joined: 6/29/2002
From: San Antonio, TX
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon

Bart has suggested that I think things over, and suggested I take a week to allow for a chance to reconsider. He by no means is suggesting I do so, but is allowing me that option. Bart's been a great guy over the course of the time we've played, he's put up with my vents and has always been nothing but polite and considerate. He understands my frustration and lack of fun factor with the game right now, and knows it hasn't developed as we both probably would have liked. He also acknowledges how the last few days could be frustrating for me, but indicates it hasn't been too bad either, and he has a point.

Everyone who follows this AAR, knows by now I can be rather implusive and let my emotions get the better of me at times. I admit that things are deeper on my end then the game itself. It's probably a culmination of a lot of things going on in my life right now. I'm going to take that week and remove myself from the game to think things over.

One thing that would haunt me if I decide to end the game, is not securing the Solomons for Pax. To show I could do it.

Back in a week with a decision. Feel free to offer any thoughts be they positive or negative if so desired.

Joseph

I think you should continue. You're being unduly critical of your efforts in the Solomons at this time. I look at your combat reports and see a half dozen (seven?) Allied aircraft carriers damaged-some severely-and some other capital ships also put out of action for a while. In exchange for some **** IJN CLs and DDs? You also scored heavily on a goodly number of other craft during the unloading process.

So what if he takes Lunga in February 1943? You can contest it where it's convenient for you for a couple months and then let him have it. So he builds a massive aerodrome there by April 1943 and pounds Rabaul? Big whoop. He won't be able to support his 4EBs from that range either, so your Georges, Tojos and Nicks can attrit his 4EBs writ large.

Historically, Guadalcanal was a bleeding ground for the IJNAF and IJN. No reason you can't use the opportunity to attrit him as he's out on a limb too.

Buck up, dude. Get in there and kick some ass! Engage him in a defensive struggle all the way up the Solomons and you'll have held the SWPac door closed until 1944. That's a major feat in my book.

_____________________________

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 885

RE: PBEM resumed - 2/27/2012 3:12:35 AM

Chickenboy

Posts: 24520
Joined: 6/29/2002
From: San Antonio, TX
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon

A question for everyone who cares to answer. What would you do faced with a similiar situation? Would he risk his carriers? Would you?

Yes. I'd at least have them in range to whack any surface forces still at Lunga during the next daylight phase.

I'd also detach an SCTF for nighttime interdiction off of Lunga. Set their home base to Rabaul and they can clear the combat zone by morning if you're only 4 hexes away right now. LRCAP 'em if you need some additional fighter coverage.

Get in there! KILL! KILL! KILL!

_____________________________

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 886

RE: PBEM resumed - 2/27/2012 4:22:54 AM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline

Hi Chickenboy,

I'm glad to see you back and posting.

As you can see from the replay, I was unsuccessful interdicting the Allied exodus from Lunga with forces from the Combined Fleet. I had a major SCTF that was set to full speed in an effort to catch something at Lunga, the enemy slipped through the net. I got some reactions during the turn, but only the CL and DD's interdicted anything.

Next turn I'll mop up the remaining enemy SC's, shell Lunga in an effort to nail the fighters now based there. My main effort in the short term will be to close Lunga, sink whatever remains of Allied shipping at sea and then withdraw my CV's for fuel. The CV Taiho arrives in 13 days, a new CL and a large number of refitted DD's are also available.

Immediate defensive measures are to bring reinforcements to Munda and Shortlands. I'm reinforcing Eniwetok, Kusaie Island, Ponape and Truk. I'm frantically building up additional airbases around Manus and Rabaul. I am looking at slowing the Allies down here and forcing them to commit additional assets. I'm going to push back, feint a counterinvasion, and try and force the Allies to commit air and naval assets for destruction in Lunga's defence. As you say, who cares about Lunga, I certainly don't need it. If the Allies think I do, maybe I can get their attention focused here and bloody their nose defending it, while I prepare my defences farther back. The worst thing is about 25k of supply was captured at Lunga, a mistake on my part provisioning the island so much with no intention of keeping it.

I must have overcommitted to Burma and China, because other than SNLF and Naval Guard units there is nothing else to defend with. Should I be splitting up divisions into their three parts and garrisoning as many potential bases as possible in light of this? The forts, airbases and ports are being built up in the rear, there's just no way to garrison them until late 43 at the earliest. This is what makes me think I have to defend forward, with everything I can bring to bear until more troops are on hand.

I will be saving PP's to get units out of China as fast as possible. If I can take Tuyun and possibly drive on Kweiyang, it will probably then be time to go defensive in China. Seeing the Allied juggernaut waiting to be unleashed in Burma, I don't think I'll have the time to try and open a direct line to Burma via Kunming and Paoshan.

I agree with you. I think the Allies are out on a limb, both in the Gilberts and Solomons. The only thing preventing an Allied defeat is my poor play and preparations. An isolate strategy would work against Bart here, as his supporting bases are few and far between and had I prepared for as much, he'd be in trouble. I have no doubt of that. This is my biggest lesson learned with playing Japan, create a strategic reserve at all costs! However, since I'm in no position to do that, the next best thing is fight back and draw more Allied force here.

The fact Bart ran rather than even risk a SCTF to hit KB or something tells me everything. I need to bleed him and force him to fight where and when he doesn't want to. If I can keep Lunga suppressed and pressure him to commit naval assets, he may make some mistakes. I must capitalize on his obvious aversion to taking losses. I'm prepared to lose ships and will risk them now. Bart hasn't seen this from me yet and he may get a rude awakening.

I concur. It is time to buck up and Kill 'em, Kill 'em all.

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 2/28/2012 5:02:39 AM >

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)

(in reply to Chickenboy)

Post #: 887

RE: PBEM resumed - 2/27/2012 9:11:21 AM

ny59giants

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

From one fellow Japanese newbie to another, I feel your pain.

Right now I'm dealing with roving 4e bomber raids in May '43. They just have too much range and I don't have enough George groups to go around. They are the best 4e killers at this point.

Japanese BB TF are hit and miss, but more miss when you try to hit a base. Meanwhile, Allied BB TF will nuke a base and leave you with a WTF look on your face. If there is a magical way to get them to do damage and hit the AF more than kill trees in the jungle, I haven't found it yet.

Mr Tojo still rule the skies when assigned CAP or sweep mission. Use them that way!! I just had them shoot down 32 P-40Ks on escort for 1 Tojo.

Your best asset is still the SC TF. They can take on a superior forces and win.

Look to attack the support shaft of the Allied advance and dull the spear tip that way. The Allies have overwhelming supplies. The problem is getting them to the front lines. I would be making some hunter killer sub groups (one Glen boat and two I-boats all set in parallel patrol zones and the Glen in the middle) to find out where his logistical tail in strung out across. What base in the South Pacific is he using as his supply hub?? Noumea, Suva, Pago Pago?? A reinforced KB can still get in and out of an area and do some damage.

_____________________________

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 888

RE: PBEM resumed - 2/27/2012 4:50:55 PM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline

Hi Mike,

The unreliability of bombardments is certainly a concern. The key to delay in the Solomons will be keeping Lunga neutralized while I get my house in order around Shortlands and Rabaul. SCTF's will have to suppress the airbase for now, so I'm counting on the bombardments hitting the facilities and runway.

In New Guinea and Rabaul, my Tojo's, Nick's and Oscar's are in good shape. Only a few Zero and Betty units are still replenishing lost airframes, they'll be ready to go again soon.

Reducing the number of enemy ASW ships should take some heat off my submarines. I will need them to screen effectively to give me a chance of reacting quickly to enemy naval movements.

I'm getting more fuel into the theatre to support increased naval operations. I'll be diverting one of my large fuel TF's to supply Rabaul with over 150000 tons and then maintain levels with much smaller TF's coming from Babeldoab.

I'll be expecting submarine laid enemy minefields to begin appearing in order to disrupt bombardment operations. I plan on doing the same on the most likely routes into Lunga and area. My concern will be suppressing enemy submarines, a minefield or two on my part might bag a couple and deter them operating in the slot.

Should be interesting times ahead.

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)

(in reply to ny59giants)

Post #: 889

RE: PBEM resumed - 2/27/2012 5:03:31 PM

ny59giants

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

Form up small (2 to 4 DDs) in a SC TF and get them close enough to Lunga that his SBDs come after them. Then, have a LRCAP over them to destroy them and 'hope' that they are nible enough to not get hit. While he is recoverying from this, line up a BB TF to hit the base the next turn and change your LRCAP over to this TF. A nice one two punch if you can pull it off.

Don't forget to do some hex clicking to see how the 'third' opponent in this game is playing, Yes, Mr Weather has a great amount of influence over both players. While the info you get from each hex is not 100% foolproof, I have used weather fronts to my advantage from time to time.

Usethis game as a learning tool and try things. Mine is steadily heating up, so I will use it to try out different tactis and strategy.

_____________________________

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 890

RE: PBEM resumed - 2/27/2012 7:59:53 PM

obvert

Posts: 14050
Joined: 1/17/2011
From: PDX (and now) London, UK
Status: offline

If you can get China solidified and get some of those divisions down to So Pac soon you should be able to get a great line from Rabaul to Lae secure. I know your first encounter didn't go well with naval strike aircraft, but I would fortify the second line bases heavily and just make sure you can bleed any invasion that hits the outer area with the KB and LBA.

If he just has the one area at Lunga out on a limb it will be very hard to keep it while you pick off reinforcements. You did take out CVEs and put at least one CV in the yards for a while. He will have a hard time going toe to toe for several months. Further, at least you know where he will strike now. This means other areas can relax a bit while you shift forces here.

quote:

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon

Hi Mike,

The unreliability of bombardments is certainly a concern. The key to delay in the Solomons will be keeping Lunga neutralized while I get my house in order around Shortlands and Rabaul. SCTF's will have to suppress the airbase for now, so I'm counting on the bombardments hitting the facilities and runway.

In New Guinea and Rabaul, my Tojo's, Nick's and Oscar's are in good shape. Only a few Zero and Betty units are still replenishing lost airframes, they'll be ready to go again soon.

Reducing the number of enemy ASW ships should take some heat off my submarines. I will need them to screen effectively to give me a chance of reacting quickly to enemy naval movements.

I'm getting more fuel into the theatre to support increased naval operations. I'll be diverting one of my large fuel TF's to supply Rabaul with over 150000 tons and then maintain levels with much smaller TF's coming from Babeldoab.

I'll be expecting submarine laid enemy minefields to begin appearing in order to disrupt bombardment operations. I plan on doing the same on the most likely routes into Lunga and area. My concern will be suppressing enemy submarines, a minefield or two on my part might bag a couple and deter them operating in the slot.

Should be interesting times ahead.

150000 tons of Fuel! And here I though this mod limited supply and fuel movement! Wow.

One way to deal with the minefields is just assign DMS in single ship TFs to hit likely points searching to find the mines. In a week with 4 DMS you should be able to locate any mines in the area and begin to remove them.

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 891

RE: PBEM resumed - 2/27/2012 8:44:50 PM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: obvert

If you can get China solidified and get some of those divisions down to So Pac soon you should be able to get a great line from Rabaul to Lae secure. I know your first encounter didn't go well with naval strike aircraft, but I would fortify the second line bases heavily and just make sure you can bleed any invasion that hits the outer area with the KB and LBA.

If he just has the one area at Lunga out on a limb it will be very hard to keep it while you pick off reinforcements. You did take out CVEs and put at least one CV in the yards for a while. He will have a hard time going toe to toe for several months. Further, at least you know where he will strike now. This means other areas can relax a bit while you shift forces here.

150000 tons of Fuel! And here I though this mod limited supply and fuel movement! Wow.

One way to deal with the minefields is just assign DMS in single ship TFs to hit likely points searching to find the mines. In a week with 4 DMS you should be able to locate any mines in the area and begin to remove them.

All good points obvert. I'll be refining my tactics over the coming weeks, but some of my ideas echo yours.

As to the fuel, this isn't a mod. This is just Scenario 1 with PDU off. The lack of combat for most of 1942 allowed me to conserve fuel usage. I've been sucking Palembang and Balikpapan dry, but I have over 300,000 tons still on Java. I quick diversion of one of my biggest fuel TF's and I can easily ship 150,000 tons to Rabaul. This should allow me uninterrupted naval ops for the immediate future in this theatre. Then my smaller, less valuable tankers can move in additional fuel and risk the enemy submarines which are bound to be swarming around the Solomons soon.

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)

(in reply to obvert)

Post #: 892

RE: PBEM resumed - 2/27/2012 9:11:57 PM

obvert

Posts: 14050
Joined: 1/17/2011
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quote:

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon

quote:

ORIGINAL: obvert

If you can get China solidified and get some of those divisions down to So Pac soon you should be able to get a great line from Rabaul to Lae secure. I know your first encounter didn't go well with naval strike aircraft, but I would fortify the second line bases heavily and just make sure you can bleed any invasion that hits the outer area with the KB and LBA.

If he just has the one area at Lunga out on a limb it will be very hard to keep it while you pick off reinforcements. You did take out CVEs and put at least one CV in the yards for a while. He will have a hard time going toe to toe for several months. Further, at least you know where he will strike now. This means other areas can relax a bit while you shift forces here.

150000 tons of Fuel! And here I though this mod limited supply and fuel movement! Wow.

One way to deal with the minefields is just assign DMS in single ship TFs to hit likely points searching to find the mines. In a week with 4 DMS you should be able to locate any mines in the area and begin to remove them.

All good points obvert. I'll be refining my tactics over the coming weeks, but some of my ideas echo yours.

As to the fuel, this isn't a mod. This is just Scenario 1 with PDU off. The lack of combat for most of 1942 allowed me to conserve fuel usage. I've been sucking Palembang and Balikpapan dry, but I have over 300,000 tons still on Java. I quick diversion of one of my biggest fuel TF's and I can easily ship 150,000 tons to Rabaul. This should allow me uninterrupted naval ops for the immediate future in this theatre. Then my smaller, less valuable tankers can move in additional fuel and risk the enemy submarines which are bound to be swarming around the Solomons soon.

My mistake. I was thinking both you and Erkki were playing the Babes. Sorry. That makes things a bit easier.

Do you move things in large TFs habitually or does it usually go in smaller groups? Just curious about so much going in one TF. Does this work better to utilize more escort and limit sub attacks?

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Post #: 893

RE: PBEM resumed - 2/27/2012 9:22:57 PM

Chickenboy

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quote:

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon
I quick diversion of one of my biggest fuel TF's and I can easily ship 150,000 tons to Rabaul. This should allow me uninterrupted naval ops for the immediate future in this theatre. Then my smaller, less valuable tankers can move in additional fuel and risk the enemy submarines which are bound to be swarming around the Solomons soon.

I would urge caution with such a large quantity of fuel at Rabaul. I'd rather 125,000 tons of fuel of your 150,000 go to Truk-well away from Allied 4EB threats. Keep 25,000 at Rabaul for submarines and smaller craft, but you won't want that much stranded or destroyed by Allied 4EB raids.

I would also dump copious supply at Rabaul and Truk for forward dispersement.

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Post #: 894

RE: PBEM resumed - 2/27/2012 10:19:01 PM

SqzMyLemon

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Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
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quote:

ORIGINAL: obvert

Do you move things in large TFs habitually or does it usually go in smaller groups? Just curious about so much going in one TF. Does this work better to utilize more escort and limit sub attacks?

I have two mega fuel/oil TF's regularly plying a route to/from the Home Islands. They are heavily escorted. They are set to maximise efficiency by being within docking limitations of my biggest ports. I can routinely unload these TF's within two days of arrival. It has been working well so far. I utilize much smaller TF's composed of less valuable tankers to stock up bases under threat of enemy submarines.

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Post #: 895

RE: PBEM resumed - 2/27/2012 10:47:36 PM

SqzMyLemon

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Chickenboy

I would urge caution with such a large quantity of fuel at Rabaul. I'd rather 125,000 tons of fuel of your 150,000 go to Truk-well away from Allied 4EB threats. Keep 25,000 at Rabaul for submarines and smaller craft, but you won't want that much stranded or destroyed by Allied 4EB raids.

I would also dump copious supply at Rabaul and Truk for forward dispersement.

I agree, but there's a reason I see the need for it. Since I'll be relying on SCTF's to suppress Lunga, having fuel at Truk makes my strategy untenable, simply because of the delay it would cause refueling so far away. Speed is key here. Rabaul is a major base for me and I have enough naval support and supplies available to sustain SCTF operations. I also need to get small levels of fuel built up at some forward bases for operations by my ASW TF's. I don't anticipate there being 150k worth of fuel at Rabaul for any period of time, it will be used up quickly. This is so I can maintain a quick pace of operations until things settle down. I need to be able to react quickly over the next few weeks to anything the Allies may try. It took my fleet 4 days to interdict the enemy at Lunga, next time I won't have that much time to interdict them.

Mind you, I've also been building up Manus's port as well. I could disperse the fuel between multiple bases. That could alleviate the concern of having so much fuel at Rabaul. Bart tends to focus on one objective at a time for his bombers. I can definitely see him hitting Rabaul hard here soon from bases in Northeast Australia. If I spread things out a little, he may remain none the wiser.

The Allies will need to stock up both Ndeni and Luganville with fuel for any kind of sustained operations around Lunga. If I can whack the airbase multiple times, and be refueled and rearmed sooner than Bart anticipates, I may catch him making a move when he thinks the coast is clear. If I can make it costly for the Allies to maintain aircraft at Lunga, they will need to do something about it with naval forces.

Supply levels are good. Rabaul 60k+ and Truk 100k+ and more is on the way.

I have some ideas on trying to make the Allied LOC's not as secure as they have been. It's time to push back and remind the Allies it's no longer safe to go back into the water just now

. I want to bleed the enemy any chance I get and he has limited routes to bring fuel/troops/supply to Lunga. I'm looking at seeing if I can put a small Amphibious force together to finally grab the Ellice Islands. If I can get some much needed eyes in place, perhaps I can whack the odd supply TF. I need to put some pressure on the Allied flanks.

Great suggestions though. I'm still developing my plan of attack here and will be refining things over the next few weeks. Keep 'em coming, I'm flexible!

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Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)

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Post #: 896

RE: PBEM resumed - 2/28/2012 5:01:09 AM

SqzMyLemon

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The next turn is off. This turn took a massive amount of time. I did so many things and put so many units in motion my head hurts! I wanted to do something with KB, but decided against it as fuel is becoming an issue. I'm anticipating a lot of enemy submarine attacks against Japanese SCTF's, my fingers are crossed. My biggest fear is Yamato or Musashi taking a fish.

Let's see if the Allies keep the fighters at Lunga, and if so, they could get hit hard from bombardments during the night phase. I wish there was a way you could order a TF to bombard specifically during daylight. In this case, I would prefer a day bombardment. I think they get better results. Anyway, I've ordered the Yamato and Musashi SCTF to hammer Lunga, as well as the four fast battleships that were escorting KB. Lunga is crawling with enemy subs, but if all goes well the base will be hammered by 7 BB's, 4 CA's and a couple CL's. The DD escort's were ordered to hold fire. That may have been a mistake, as I don't anticipate any surface combat and they could easily have rearmed at Rabaul after. I hope they tear Lunga a new one!

I'm going to post a screenshot next time of Baker, Canton and the Ellice Island's. I think Tabiteuea could be isolated with very little effort on my part. I'm sending recon to scout out the Ellice Island's to get a glimpse of what may be there.

I'm also reconning Ndeni. It appears to be lightly held as well, but the DL is low so I could be wrong. If so, then the Allies may be reaching and if I commit my fleet I could cause some trouble. KB is ordered to Rabaul to refuel and allow some LCU's to arrive. I could mount a few small amphibious operations with KB in support within two weeks. With the Allied focus shifting to Guadalcanal, this could be a perfect opportunity to actually employ the isolation strategy. It would be completely shoestring, but perhaps surprise and timing would be the difference. Not to mention 9 CV's.

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 2/28/2012 5:03:25 AM >

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)

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Post #: 897

RE: PBEM resumed - 2/28/2012 5:19:32 AM

Chickenboy

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Yes. That's the spirit. Get in there and kill something, damnit! It'll make you feel much better!

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Post #: 898

RE: PBEM resumed - 2/28/2012 5:06:42 PM

SqzMyLemon

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I just learned yesterday while completing the turn, that all my DMS Minesweepers have been converted to E's. So other than the small AMc's, does Japan have any other source of sweeping mines? It never even occurred to me to hang on to a few of the DMS's. Oops!

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)

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Post #: 899

RE: PBEM resumed - 2/29/2012 1:07:07 AM

PaxMondo

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None that I know of ... I only convert the one type and save the other for counter-offensive minesweeping. Forget which is which. W something I convert and the other W something I don't.

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