RE: Empire of the Rising Lemon? SqzMyLemon (Japan) v Smeulders (Allies)

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All Forums >> [New Releases from Matrix Games] >> War in the Pacific: Admiral's Edition >> After Action Reports >> RE: Empire of the Rising Lemon? SqzMyLemon (Japan) v Smeulders (Allies)

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RE: Empire of the Rising Lemon? SqzMyLemon (Japan) v Sm... - 1/23/2010 12:21:53 AM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
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From: Alberta, Canada
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Jan. 26/42 Update:

Sub Ops:

SS Grayling launches an attack and misses unescorted transports S.E. of Toyohara.
SS Gar misses with an attack S.E. of Ominata.
SS Stingray launches a salvo at an escorted convoy N.W. of Puerto Princesa, hits an xAK but...dud!
SS Gar again attacks and misses a transport S.E. of Ominata.
SS Sailfish launches and hits with a torpedo salvo the same TF as the Stingray, but you guessed it...dud!

This turn I have to eat my words, as far as complaining about how effective I've thought the Allied subs have been overall. I had an extremely lucky day!

Malaya:

Johore Bahru will be attacked next turn as my ground forces are starting to arrive.
Singapore's port is attacked this time as recon last turn indicated 2 subs at home, but I fear they refuelled, rearmed and are on their way, as no hits were recorded.

Singapore's port is attacked again, no hits to the shooting down of 1 Sally and the damaging of 6 others from Flak.

The Philippines:

Bataan was bombed again (2 Sally's and 13 Lily's damaged) and treated to it's first bombardment attack by Japanese forces, 86 Japanese casualties were reported to those of 246 for the Allies. Level 3 forts were reported. the 38th division will arrive tomorrow to add it's weight, I'm glad I sent it. Right now the AV comparision is 1505 to 1187 in favour of the...Allies! I'm hoping supply will be low already, Smeulders did not bombard back I think conserving supply, since under the new patch artillery gobbles it up. I have 170k+ of supply at Clark Field...compliments of the U.S. Thanks Hershey!

Cebu bombed again causing 1 AB, 1 AB Supply and 11 Runway hits, a Betty was damaged.

China:

The jig is up, Smeulders realizing he's about to be encircled at Loyang is...you guessed it, pulling out! He's got a massive army of 28 units at Loyang so I think he's decided to hit my strong army S.W. of Loyang on his way out. We'll see what happens, I'm sure I'll get a bloody nose from that force, but see if I can nip away at it.

My 12th Army S.W. of Loyang bombarded the Chinese forces engaged at 87,44 and caused 875 losses to the Chinese while incurring only 7 myself. The comparison here is 1886 AV to 1112 AV in favour of Imperial forces, a Shock attack is scheduled for next turn and then advance away from the horde moving out of Loyang.

35th Chinese Corps. was again bombed at 91,38 and another 150 casualties inflicted, 1 Sally was damaged by Flak.

Changsha's airbase was bombed again today and this time I had escorts, no AVG though. 4 AB and 4 Runway hits were recorded with one Sonia being damaged.

In the south, 13th Army troops are causing panic among the Chinese units, I think Smeulders knows he's in potential trouble here as well and the retreat will start next turn. It all depends what he does with his large armies sitting in Changsha, and Ichang. There should be 2-3 land battles in China next turn.

The big push is finally on!

Production:

Production changes are kicking in and I'm starting to see my aircraft pools grow a little and supply is increasing with the halting of some repairs to factories. I'll be in a position to start sending fuel and oil to the Home Islands soon, so will address my tanker dispositions another time. Oh, and the Shoho arrived last turn and is already upraded with Zero's, I'm not upgrading the B5N1 Kate's at this time.

I will post screenshots of the major theatres next time and show what's happening as of now.

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Post #: 151

RE: Empire of the Rising Lemon? SqzMyLemon (Japan) v Sm... - 1/24/2010 12:46:56 AM

SqzMyLemon

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

Jan. 27/42 Update:

Sub Ops:

SS Searaven hits and sinks the DD Fubuki in the East China Sea.
SS KXII misses the DD Tsuga in the Celebes Sea, no ASW was launched.

The Philippines:

Daily air bombing of Bataan continues. Another Japanese bombardment attack causes 376 Allied to 38 Japanese casualties.

Malaya:

Johore Bahru captured, remaining Allied units pull out in time to avoid a Shock attack.

China:

12th Army Shock attacks a Chinese force S.W. of Loyang inflicting a punishing defeat on the enemy. Japanese losses were 2624 compared to 13900 for the Chinese. The only bad thing was the Chinese forces retreated into Loyang, further swelling numbers there.

Pingsiang was bombarded by Japanese troops causing a paltry 21 casualties for the loss of 27 Japanese troops.

A small Chinese force attacks rear area units at Kweiteh and captures the base, a minor setback inflicting 1231 Japanese dead to only 23 for the Chinese. I need to eliminate this force quickly, they are blocking my rail line.

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 1/25/2010 8:14:26 AM >

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Post #: 152

RE: Empire of the Rising Lemon? SqzMyLemon (Japan) v Sm... - 1/24/2010 1:01:26 AM

SqzMyLemon

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

Jan. 28/42 Update:

Sub Ops:

Nothing other than Japanese subs spotting a small Allied surface force of at least 2 CA's at Townsville, I'll attack tomorrow.

The Philippines:

Bataan air and ground bombarded again. 352 Allied troops lost to 11 Japanese. The 38th Div. is almost at Bataan the the Shock attacks will begin.

Burma:

I forgot to mention Pegu and Mandalay have started to be bombed as Japanese forces move north towards Pegu. Losses of Japanese aircraft after two days of air attack have been 2 Nate's and 3 Lily's destroyed to no Allied losses. Hurricane IIb Trop's and H81-A3's have been the opposition.

China:

Daily targets of opportunity are bombed, whatever is moving essentially. At 83,52 S.E. of Changsha the 99th Chinese Corp. is Shock attacked pushing them back, losses were 846 for Japan to 4626 Chinese. Pingsiang is captured, but Chinese forces just evacuate the base prior to the Japanese assault.

Bismark Sea:

Gasmata is invaded, the base is empty and will be captured next turn. I used a small force hoping it would atract some kind of attack...no response from the Allies air or naval forces.

As promised, screenshots follow.

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Post #: 153

RE: Empire of the Rising Lemon? SqzMyLemon (Japan) v Sm... - 1/24/2010 2:29:36 AM

SqzMyLemon

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From: Alberta, Canada
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Bismarck Sea, morning of Jan. 29/42.

Attachment (1)

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Post #: 154

RE: Empire of the Rising Lemon? SqzMyLemon (Japan) v Sm... - 1/24/2010 4:09:48 AM

bklooste

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quote:

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon

Bismarck Sea, morning of Jan. 29/42.

Dont think an East coast raid is worthwhile unless you do Sydney and Brisbane.

Maybe show mini KB with some cruisers use some kates somewhere else and he may think its KB and commit some carriers. Some mini subs in Aukland , Brisbane and SYdney may show his Cvs,,

_____________________________

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Post #: 155

RE: Empire of the Rising Lemon? SqzMyLemon (Japan) v Sm... - 1/24/2010 6:24:51 PM

SqzMyLemon

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More screenshots

The Celebes:

Attachment (1)

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RE: Empire of the Rising Lemon? SqzMyLemon (Japan) v Sm... - 1/24/2010 6:25:34 PM

SqzMyLemon

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The Philippines:

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RE: Empire of the Rising Lemon? SqzMyLemon (Japan) v Sm... - 1/24/2010 6:26:10 PM

SqzMyLemon

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From: Alberta, Canada
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Malaya & Borneo:

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RE: Empire of the Rising Lemon? SqzMyLemon (Japan) v Sm... - 1/24/2010 6:26:56 PM

SqzMyLemon

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Northern China:

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RE: Empire of the Rising Lemon? SqzMyLemon (Japan) v Sm... - 1/24/2010 6:27:39 PM

SqzMyLemon

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Southern China:

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RE: Empire of the Rising Lemon? SqzMyLemon (Japan) v Sm... - 1/24/2010 6:28:17 PM

SqzMyLemon

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Intelligence Report:

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RE: Empire of the Rising Lemon? SqzMyLemon (Japan) v Sm... - 1/24/2010 6:28:54 PM

SqzMyLemon

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And finally, some production pool numbers:

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RE: Empire of the Rising Lemon? SqzMyLemon (Japan) v Sm... - 1/26/2010 10:24:49 PM

SqzMyLemon

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I'd like to pose a question out there. What is the best way Japanese players have found to counter Allied submarines? In this game they are killing me. It doesn't matter if I escort or not, in the last 2 turns I've lost 7 transports to enemy subs, and in almost 2 months about 40 ships to them, luckily no fleet ships other than a few DD's, that will change now that I've just jinxed myself.

I believe I allocate enough resources to ASW, I have hunting groups, escorted convoys, air ASW flying at 3-4k altitude. Yet escorted convoys get picked on regularly, air ASW almost never attack spotted Allied subs, and my escorts are targeted frequently and often do not respond with ASW attacks at the offending submarine. Is it all a matter of the individual ship captain's skills and aggression, as well as the air units commander?

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 1/27/2010 3:37:55 AM >

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RE: Empire of the Rising Lemon? SqzMyLemon (Japan) v Sm... - 1/26/2010 10:47:03 PM

SqzMyLemon

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One more question, how aggressive would you be when the Allied player declines combat at almost every situation. I get hit by air attack, the next turn the air units have been withdrawn. Allied surface ships are never in harms way, and every move I make there are Allied subs everywhere. Do I risk KB in attacking ports? Can I safely assume my experience and skill levels should win out against the risk of attack by LBA this early in the game? How would you counter an enemy that won't fight and is just withdrawing or sitting back?

My response has been to be more aggressive taking bases and moving assets in to get established at little cost. I'm not really losing much in terms of combat assets, it's my transports that are taking a beating and the odd air raid. Should I be using KB to hunt for Allied ships at port and leave the base taking to my surface fleet under cover of LBA? Should I be aggressively bombing any and all airbases within range, attrition anything I can find? I'm cautious and conservative in my approach so far, is that the wrong tact? I worry my lack of sinking Allied ships now means way more trouble for me later, even though I may end up taking more territory. I'm not asking to be told how to play of course, but I'm curious to hear some feedback on my strategy so far, and any stratagies that have worked for you in a similiar situation.

Thanks for following along.

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RE: Empire of the Rising Lemon? SqzMyLemon (Japan) v Sm... - 1/27/2010 1:31:00 AM

bklooste

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quote:

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon

I'd like to pose a question out there. What is the best way Japanese players have found to counter Allied submarines? In this game they are killing me. It doesn't matter if I escort or not, in the last 2 turns I've lost 7 transports to enemy subs, and in almost 2 months about 40 ships to them, luckily no fleet ships other than a few DD's, that will change now that I've just jinxed myself.

I believe I allocate enough resources to ASW, I have hunting groups, escorted convoys, air ASW flying at 3-4k altitude. Yet escorted convoys get picked on regularly, air ASW almost never attacks spotted Allied subs, and my escorts are targeted frequently and often do not respond with ASW attacks at the offending submarine. Is it all a matter of the individual ship captain's skills and aggression, as well as the air units commander?

Air asw is a waste of time IMHO until you have decent skills in it , air search will kill more. It will also spot more which makes your escorts more effective and their subs less effective. I tend to keep small ASW units with 4 ships at choke points and get the convoys to follow them when they get close thought this is a bit of MM. Loosing resource xAK /xAKLs ( esp the smaller) is IMHO irrelevant so they are lucky to get 1 escort i like to give tankers ( esp large) or troop ships fleets 2-4 though. Japans ASW is aweful ,remember to convert the ships to those 3 rack PBs.

ANyone tried FP on night mission searches/ASW ?

Your Naval points and Ha-33 engines seem a concern. Are you sure your biggest unit isnt getting delays ?

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RE: Empire of the Rising Lemon? SqzMyLemon (Japan) v Sm... - 1/27/2010 2:21:04 AM

bklooste

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quote:

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon

One more question, how aggressive would you be when the Allied player declines combat at almost every situation. I get hit by air attack, the next turn the air units have been withdrawn. Allied surface ships are never in harms way, and every move I make there are Allied subs everywhere. Do I risk KB in attacking ports? Can I safely assume my experience and skill levels should win out against the risk of attack by LBA this early in the game? How would you counter an enemy that won't fight and is just withdrawing or sitting back?

My response has been to be more aggressive taking bases and moving assets in to get established at little cost. I'm not really losing much in terms of combat assets, it's my transports that are taking a beating and the odd air raid. Should I be using KB to hunt for Allied ships at port and leave the base taking to my surface fleet under cover of LBA? Should I be aggressively bombing any and all airbases within range, attrition anything I can find? I'm cautious and conservative in my approach so far, is that the wrong tact? I worry my lack of sinking Allied ships now means way more trouble for me later, even though I may end up taking more territory. I'm not asking to be told how to play of course, but I'm curious to hear some feedback on my strategy so far, and any stratagies that have worked for you in a similiar situation.

Thanks for following along.

It sounds like he is witdrawing surface and land units and but being aggressive with his air assets.

The best way to counter withdrawls is a deep strike , attack him in many places and using small units especially para fragments ( 50-100 troopers can legitmately take an unguarded base IMHO) . You cannot be conservative against his tactics.
As a Japanese player i would be happy if he is aggressive with his planes however you need to ensure you are fighting non restricted pilots every pilot you kill now is a win before it gets into better aircraft. It is wastefulll to bomb any airbase in range but use your assets where he is forced to react. You can also expend your surface fleet if he attacks you you know where his planes will be - sweep /bomb the appropriate airfield ( dont move ships in raneg of 2 fileds).

IMHO territory doesnt matter anything more than historical (except for PM) will be wasted and cut of , Japanese non CV /AO/TK ships losses do not really matter as they are useless/gone in 44 anyway expend them before he gets better ships. Your goals should be kill his pilots , kill his CVs , kill his Land units. How is he evacuating his land units ?

With regard to deep strikes KB is enough at this point ( unless he has his carriers and LBA) , send your BBs as part of your landing fleet to attract some bombs . Note places like Kendari , PM are betetr than Java. NEw Gunea is a good place to attrition him as he has few bases take PM slow( so you can sweep and kill his fighters) once PM is gone hit Charters Towers and Brisbane with massive raids.

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RE: Empire of the Rising Lemon? SqzMyLemon (Japan) v Sm... - 1/27/2010 3:37:50 AM

SqzMyLemon

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From: Alberta, Canada
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Good points all around bklooste. I'm going to change it up and try naval search instead of ASW for a bit. I've have been coverting the small xAKL's to PB's. I'm also in the process of completely reorganizing my resource TF's and changing the routes and destinations and forces involved.

I started to send little surface TF's out to try and draw fire, but it hasn't worked yet. I will continue to probe and if I get a response I'll hit back hard. I agree, I need to be causing more air casualties then I am, I too worry about a big Allied pilot pool getting into better aircraft down the road. I'll keep on the aggressive path and see what happens in the short term. My main worry is getting a lucky torpedo hit on one of my carriers considering how many Allied fish are exploding overall. At least I hope it will be harder to hit a 33kt carrier as opposed to a 12kt transport. It will be nice to get my subs active here, now that I realize the reaction range has been reduced to one, no wonder I'm not finding anything.

I'll look into my naval points too, I have one ship accelerated, the Taiho, but otherwise I shouldn't be taxing my production too much. I'm also addressing the engine shortages, a work in progress.

Thanks again for your comments.

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 1/27/2010 6:25:54 PM >

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Post #: 167

RE: Empire of the Rising Lemon? SqzMyLemon (Japan) v Sm... - 1/27/2010 12:08:57 PM

bklooste

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Change routes ASAP , i think he has your routes .

"I started to send little surface TF's out to try and draw fire"

Whats in it ? CLs normally bring things out and those Katoris are not much use.

If a CV takes a fish so be it , dont worry about what may happen. Look at it this way , plan to loose 6 CVs in 42 , 4 BB and 4 CA , 200 Akx in 42 which is pretty close o histroical , just pick fights close to your bases if you can if you do better, great if not well they are no use past mid 43 anyway so only losty 6 months

. BB's are only usefull in DEI and PI i see no reason why any BB is usefull past end of 42 so use ( lose ) them .

Hit Burma ,Ambon , Palembang , Bilton and PM ASAP dont wait for major things to fall take troops from PI if you have to . Note if he stops running than be more cautious but while he is withdrawing you have to press and see where he aint , keep some reserves and reinforce where he chooses to fight this includes KB .

I suspect he may make a stand at PM.

Have a read of Nemos AAR as he is withdrawing a lot as an allied player.

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Post #: 168

RE: Empire of the Rising Lemon? SqzMyLemon (Japan) v Sm... - 1/27/2010 7:08:46 PM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
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Jan. 29/42 update:

Sub Ops:

SS S-36 in the Celebes Sea launches a salvo at the xAKL Ryoyu Maru which takes a torpedo and sinks, some troops from a JAAF AF Coy were lost, but not the unit itself.

The Philippines:

The daily air bombing continued over Bataan, as well as another ground bombardment attack, Japanese losses were 391 to 245 for the Allies. My units are starting to suffer from high fatigue so I may not bombard tomorrow. 38th Div has not arrived at Clark Field yet.

China:

Air sweeps by Nates over Changsha resulted in a drubbing for the JAAF. H81-A3's shot down 7 Nates to no losses during 3 sweeps. An escorted bombing raid followed the sweeps, resulting in another Nate destroyed along with 1 Sonia and 1 Oscar to 1 H81-A3 shot down.

Japan traded ground bombardments with the Chinese at Nanyang. Japan's losses were 143 to China's 124.

Borneo:

Balikpapan was raided by Betty's striking the airfield, 1 AB, 1 AB Supply and 6 Runway hits were recorded to the damaging of 7 Betty's.

The Celebes:

My Balikpapan invasion force passing by Donggala was hit by a raid of 9 Banshee's based at the airfield at Balikpapan. The xAK Tosei Maru was hit with two 1000lbs bombs and 72 casualties were suffered by troops of the 144th Inf. Rgt. on board. My carrier support LRCAP did not intercept, maybe too far away.

The Bismarck Sea:

The Lae invasion is on and was welcomed by 16 SB2U-3 Vindicators based at Port Moresby. 4 LRCAP Zero's from my covering carrier TF intercepted. Poor results led to the tranports xAK Syunko Maru and xAK Uga Maru being treated to 3 and 2 bomb hits respectively. 155 Japanese invasion troops were lost. Vindicator losses were only 1 destoyed and 2 damaged.

Gasmata was captured.

Malaya:
Mersing is captured undefended, and units are massing for the final drive on Singapore.

(in reply to bklooste)

Post #: 169

RE: Empire of the Rising Lemon? SqzMyLemon (Japan) v Sm... - 1/27/2010 7:48:31 PM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
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From: Alberta, Canada
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Jan. 30/42 Update:

Sub Ops:

SS O16 in the Celebes Sea near Donggala sends 2 fish into the xAK Tosei Maru sinking the transport. A rare ASW attack by the escorting DD Ushio reports 2 DC hits.
SS O23 near Donggala hit the tranpsort xAK Giyu Maru with 1 torpedo, but it does not sink...yet. No ASW launched
SS KX takes a crack at an invasion TF, but the salvo misses and the DD Ayanami is the only escort of 3 DD's to respond, scoring no hits.
SS KXVII launches 2 torpedoes at the DD Ushio, but misses. No ASW is launched.
SS KXII finishes off the xAK Giyu Maru with 2 more torpedoes, what's remaining of her assault forces are picked up by a DD escort.
SS KXIII is sighted before it can make an attack, but ASW records no hits.
SS Cuttlefish S.E. of Ominato launches a 4 torpedo salvo at the xAK Kinsyu Maru, but misses! No ASW is launched.

Japanese subs, no sightings.

Borneo:

I sent 2 TB's into the harbour at Balilkpapan to try and draw fire and the TB Kamo does it's part by clearing a mine, by hitting it, causing substantial damage. TB Kiji shore bombards the airfield causing 5 AB supply and 7 Runway hits.

The Balikpapan invasion fleet contains 3 DMS minesweeping vessels and some mines are cleared, and receiving 5 hits from coastal guns.

A morning air attack at Balikpapan by 18 A-24 Banshee's escorted by 3 B-339D's hits and finishes off the xAK Kizan Maru previously hit the day before. Only 1 Zero from LRCAP from the Soryu responds, but is effective. 1 B-339D and 1 A-24 Banshee's are destroyed, with a further 3 A-24's Banshee's damaged. 2 more A-24 Banshee's come in unescorted and 1 is destroyed, another damaged.

2 more afternoon raids by 1 B-339D and 14 A-24 Banshee's score no hits, but are bounced by 3 Zero's. 2 Banshee's are destoyed, another 6 damaged in total.

The assault troops are ashore which is all that matters! CL Nagaro takes one coastal gun hit after shore bombarding.

Sambas in the N.W. is Shock attacked and captured, Japan's casualties were 40 to 669 Allied.

The Bismarck Sea:

Lae is captured, is was undefended. Troops continue inbound to Rabaul, damage is being repaired at the base, supply and support troops landing. The Shortlands invasion force is steaming for it's objective, supported by 7 carriers split up into 2 TF's of 4 and 3 respectively. Allied subs are spotted inbound, I hope they hit one of my mines I dropped at Rabaul.

China:

Nanyang bombarded by Imperial forces again, Chinese casualties are 20, Japanese 58.

The Philippines:

Bataan is air bombed again, no Japanese ground bombardment occured today, however the Allies did, causing 483 Japanese losses to only 22 Allied.
Naga is captured.

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 1/27/2010 11:11:56 PM >

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Post #: 170

RE: Empire of the Rising Lemon? SqzMyLemon (Japan) v Sm... - 1/27/2010 11:07:45 PM

SqzMyLemon

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From: Alberta, Canada
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Jan. 31/42 Update:

Sup Ops:

SS Swordfish launches 3 separate 4 torpedo salvos during the entire day and 3rd time lucky hits and sinks the xAK Ikoma Maru S.E. of Hakotate!
SS Cuttlefish sinks the xAK Nitimei Maru with 1 torpedo S.E. of Ominato. Not satisfied with that she also launches a 4 torpedo salvo at the ACM Misago Maru #11, but misses.
SS Seal brazenly attacks and sinks a xAKL (I missed the ship name, and it has not appeared on the sunk ships list yet) with gunfire on the surface in broad daylight around Amami Oshima recording 8 shell hits. The merchant gets off a lucky shell hit on the Seal before she slips under the waves.

Borneo:

The Balikpapan assault force is set to defend by mistake apparently and digs in, receiving an Allied bombardment attack to no effect. xAK Kizan Maru succumbs to the 1000lb bomb she took yesterday and goes down in the harbour. Singkawang is bombed to little effect.

The Philippines:

Bataan bombed again by Lily's and Sally's. Japanese ground forces again treat Bataan to an artillery bombardment. Casualties continue to be light, Japanese 40, Allied 284.

On Mindanao, Zamboanga is Shock attacked by assaulting units that landed yesterday. The 4/101st PA Bn and 4th PI Base Force are wiped out ending all Allied resistance on the island. Japanese casualties were 77, Allied forces lost were 1345.

Malaya:

A false sighting of ships at Singapore results in a senseless port attack, resulting in the loss of 2 Betty's, with a further 16 damaged. The guilty radio operator has been severely reprimanded, and will only be able to eat tofu in the foreseeable future.

Burma:

An Oscar sweep of 9 aircraft over Bassein lures out 2 H81-A3's and one is shot down to no losses to the Oscar's.
15th Army troops spearheaded by the 33rd Div. are almost at Pegu.

China:

Nanyang is again shelled by ground forces, losses to the Chinese were 191 to Japan's 19 casualties. The Chinese try a spoiling attack at Tsiaotso from Loyang. Crossing the river they are repulsed, taking 1026 casualties to no Japanese losses. At 86,45 around Nanyang, Japanese troops rout the Chinese 7th Corp. with a Shock attack. 4790 Chinese lay on the field compared to 140 Japanese.

So just some musings on the future:

So ends Jan. 1942. Overall I'm pleased now that I'm getting the hang of things. Allied subs still cause me grief, but I'll get over it eventually, I hope. My offensive in the Solomon's is going well and I hope to be landing on Guadacanal soon. Port Moresby will be taken as soon as my LBA is established on Rabaul.

In the Celebes, Ambon and Kendari are next in the sights once Manado is a size 4 AB and adequate LBA is established.

Borneo has gone well with little loss to my shipping overall in constricted waters with the soon to be capture of Balilkpapan and Samarinda. Singkawang will be under attack in a few days as well. Miri should see the uninterrupted flow of oil and fuel to the Home Islands soon. My main concern as always is Allied submarines, but I'll micromanage my waypoints to provide the safest possible route for my valuable tankers.

Burma is about to be assaulted directly, Pegu is the first target. Air operations will be stepped up as well, AB's in the area are expanding to accomodate a sustained air campaign. JAAF Nate's are upgrading to Oscar's to provide better fighter cover.

Malaya should see the investment of Singapore, troops are consolidated and the final push has begun.

The Philippines will see Bataan finally dealt with as soon as the 38th Div. arrives at Clark Field. Troops will rest to bring fatigue down, the Shock attacks begin right after.

China is going well so far, I'm capturing cities without much loss and pushing the Chinese back. If Changsha can fall early I'll be very happy, the constant retreating by Smeulders is opening up flank attacks against almost all his major forward holdings. So far my manuevering is accomplishing what I thought I'd pay dearly for. If I can take some strategic objectives quickly that will release Southern Army units to strengthen Burma and my defences everywhere.

The main priority though for the the next few months is aggressive hunting of Allied ships. A reorganizing of my submarine forces is in order, I will start to find and sink his shipping, give him a taste of what he's dealt to me so far. Aggressive patrolling of his important bases is planned now as well as screening him from my fleet movements.

As far as merchant shipping, my entire maritime transportation network is getting overhauled, new routes, new port expansions, new TF composition to provide maximum protection while getting more efficient. My shipping will shift to the north side of the Home Islands, direct convoys to Tokyo will be large and heavliy escorted.

Production is good, I've halted some repairing, getting some pools built up. I'm keeping my head above water so far I think, once many of my other repairs are done I should be in good shape for just small alterations to tweak production.

Pilot training is going well, cycling raw recruits as often as possible into training, getting a good reserve of experienced pilots built up. I'm trying placing some inexperienced pilots directly into front line units to get them combat experience, maybe 5-10% of a unit. If losses are not too great and they are not cannon fodder I may increase this amount somewhat. The allies lack of combat missions against me is helping. My units are gaining real time experience flying actual missions while his sit and train out of harms way. I plan on being far more aggressive in the air, when I have my new bases set up I'll hit with major force and dominate the skies. I do get a sense that Smeulders is banking on a strong air defence of Java, I hope to hit him hard and often to throw him off balance.

Thanks for following along. Banzai!

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 2/1/2010 11:27:43 PM >

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 171

RE: Empire of the Rising Lemon? SqzMyLemon (Japan) v Sm... - 1/28/2010 1:29:30 AM

bklooste

Posts: 1104
Joined: 4/10/2006
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I suspect since his fleet is withdrawn all his best commanders are in his subs ..commanders are critical.

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Post #: 172

RE: Empire of the Rising Lemon? SqzMyLemon (Japan) v Sm... - 1/28/2010 9:31:02 PM

SqzMyLemon

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

Feb. 1/42 Update:

Sub Ops:

Nothing to report. I've started to completely overhaul my merchant resource TF's including destinations, routes and composition.

The Philippines:

Bataan was bombed by ground and air units again today, Japan suffered 90 casualties, Allies 354. Jolo was captured in the south.

Borneo:

Balikpapan's airfield was bombed again, a mistake on my part. The base fell this turn, so all I've done is add to the workload of my engineers and increased my supply requirements. Damage caused was 1 AB, 1 AB Supply, and 16 Runway hits. Japanese losses taking the base were 9 troops compared to 276 for the Allies, the remainder have retreated into the bush. Also, most importantly Balikpapan was taken with no damage to any of the oil/fuel facilities! A detachment of Zero's is inbound to provide CAP.

Samarinda was captured as well, Japan's losses were light again, only 28 to 355 for the Allies.

Singkawang and Sambas were bombed again. These raids are not accomplishing anything and serve no purpose, I really should have stopped them this turn.

China:

I made a tactical mistake here today. At Nanyang, I launched an ill advised Shock attack against the fortifications hoping that the majority of Chinese forces would have left the base this turn. The objective was to catch and defeat what may have been lagging behind in the retreat. Well...instead I hit the full +90k troops there and got a bloody nose. Japanese losses were very high to the tune of 4752 lost, many destroyed, to the Chinese loss of only 1315. I expect a shock attack possibly next day when Smeulders realizes I'm reaching here, so it may get worse for me until my main army arrives.

Burma:

Japanese forces reach Pegu and the base is empty, I'll take control of it next turn. There is a force of +20k Allied troops directly to the N.E. and Rangoon appears to be empty. My first thought is Smeulders is hoping I'll dash into Rangoon and then he'll drive his forces back into Pegu to cut my supply. If this is his plan, I didn't just fall out of a Cherry Blossom tree. Once Pegu is mine I'll be waiting to see what develops before I push to Rangoon. I've moved 2 air units of Oscar's up to start sweeping the area, and Zero's will be escorting bombers to attack enemy ground units.

The Solomon Islands:

The Shortlands invasion force of two Naval Gd. units of the 4th Fleet has landed unopposed, and the base will be caputured tomorrow. The Guadalcanal invasion force is loading up at Rabaul including base and construction units to start construction of an airfield. I'm sending little KB to the Celebes to take over for my 2 CV's already there. They will also provide support for the eventual Java invasion. I'm sending Zuikaku and Soryu back to link up with the other Fleet Carriers around Rabaul to fully support my Guadalcanal operations. I may invade Espiritu Santo sooner then anticipated. depends on any Allied reactions to the Guadalcanal operation.

The Bismarck Sea:

The Allied airforce was nowhere in sight today, after the initial strikes against my Lae invasion force they've melted away. I'm sending recon to PM to see what is up, I'm guessing they have rebased to Townsville. If so I'll hit PM quickly. The Port Moresby invasion force is being prepared at Rabaul and should sail in a few days. Bombing of the airfield at Port Moresby will commence tomorrow though, in case there are air units still there.

(in reply to bklooste)

Post #: 173

RE: Empire of the Rising Lemon? SqzMyLemon (Japan) v Sm... - 1/29/2010 6:53:42 PM

SqzMyLemon

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

Feb. 2/42 Update:

Sub Ops:

Not much to report other than the sinking of the xAKL Kensho Maru from the previous days surface attack by the SS Seal. SS Perch was spotted snooping around Amani Oshima and attacked, no DC hits recorded by the SC CHa-24 though. (what else is new)

Malaya:

Bombing operations have been stepped up against Singapore. Daily raids of Betty's, Nell's and Sally's conducted ground attack missions. Very little damage was indicated on the combat report, 1 gun, 2 vehicles and 18 casualties to the Allies. Japanese air units suffered 4 Nell's, 2 Betty's, and 21 Sally's damaged.

The Philippines:

Bataan again treated to daily air and ground bombardment. Air units suffered 4 Sally's and 8 Lily's damaged. Ground casualties were Japan 19, Allied 345.

Burma:

Allied troops N.E. of Pegu are bombed by Lily's escorted by Oscar's. One Hurricane IIb Trop intercepts, but no air losses are suffered by either side, with the exception of 4 Lily's damaged. 18 casualties are suffered by Allied Troops. Pegu is captured by Imperial forces.

China:

A poorly executed fighter sweep by 6 Oscar's over Changsha was met by 10 H81-A3's. 2 Oscar's were lost, no allied fighters were downed. A raid by 6 Hudson's escorted by 7 H81-A3's hit an armoured recon unit, causing 11 Japanese casualties.

Licking my wounds I bombarded again at Nanyang, causing 33 casualties.

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 1/29/2010 7:43:21 PM >

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 174

RE: Empire of the Rising Lemon? SqzMyLemon (Japan) v Sm... - 1/29/2010 7:42:48 PM

SqzMyLemon

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

Feb. 3/42 Update:

Sub Ops:

KXII was spotted in shallow water at Balikpapan and was promptly attacked by the DD Ayanami reportedly recording 10 hits. I'm not optimistic, no serious hits were recorded and the sub was spotted again later by another DD, but no ASW attack was launched. If the sub doesn't sink or is not heavily damaged, it's just par for the course so far in this PBEM.

Miscellaneous Sinkings:

The transport xAK Tatuharu Maru sank to an unknown object at Shortlands, I'm guessing an Allied sub slipped a mine into the harbour.

Malaya:

Daily bombing of Singapore continues. I got a report of Allied casualties were 3 guns and 4 vehicles disabled. Losses were 1 Betty downed, another 2 damaged, 5 Nell's, and 25 Sally's damaged. Ground forces are moving to the city.

Burma:

Another ground air attack hit the Allied troops withdrawing N.E. from Pegu. 10 Oscar's escorting 13 Lily's and 21 Sally's were intercepted by 4 Hurricane IIb Trop's, and 2 Hurricanes were reported shot down to no losses. However, 3 Lily's and 1 Sally were damaged by Flak for inflicting 52 casualties on the British.

The Philippines:

Bataan was again treated to it's daily medicine. 15 Lily's and 5 Sally's were damaged. The ground bombardment caused 63 Japanese and 263 Allied casualties. The 38th Div. has arrived, depending on fatigue and disruption of my forces, Shock attacks may begin as early as tomorrow. I have the 38th and 4th Div.'s there now so I hope the week of bombardment will pay off and Bataan falls quickly after a few Shock attacks. Supply can't be good on the Allied side I'm hoping.

New Guinea:

Vindicator attacks in both the morning and afternoon over Lae sank all 4 xAK's unloading supplies there, the Nissan, Wales, Chicago, and Kenzan Maru's, all receiving multiple bomb hits. In fact, of 15 Vindicator's attacking in the morning 13 bomb hits were recorded. This was dumb on my part, I should have moved my Zero's at Rabaul to Lae while the unloading went on, I had forgotten I actually landed a JAAF unit at Lae so I had support at the base. I would have made mincemeat of the unescorted DB's. Live and learn, and note to self, don't rush turns as there's too much to forget!

I did sweep and bomb Port Moresby in the morninng though, and only caused 1 AB Supply and 1 Runway hit. Recon and my bombing raids indicated no air units at PM, so either my recon sucks, or the Vindicators are not based at PM. They must be at PM though, I think the coast of Australia has to be too far away for them to manage the distance. I'm moving KB in to pound the airfield, with CAP I should be able crush any unescorted DB raid.

China:

All went well here today. The main Chinese force has bugged out of Nanyang and the token resistance was hit hard. A Shock attack yielded 3059 Chinese casualties to Japan's 75. Remaning Chinese forces retreated and Nanyang is in imperial control. Smeulders is falling back towards Sian, I'm massing everything to chase and capture Sian before he can consolidate it. I'm buying out the Sally's and Lily's from Manchuria and moving them west to pound him all the way.

East of Yenan in the mountains, the 6, 7 and 8th Ind. Mixed Bde.'s finally caught a Chinese force. The Shock attack yielded 1655 Chinese losse to 273 for Japan, the advance continues. Token resistance at Loyang was also attacked today, again a Shock attack resulted in the capture of the base inflicting 2353 Chinese casualties, to my 86 in return.

I've decided to feint at Changsha and will be sticking to my original plan of dealing with Chinese troops further south. I want to give Canton some much need breathing space and capture all the bases on the coast. I plan on enveloping Changsha instead of taking it head on, too costly. I'll see if maneuvering will unhinge Smeulder's defences there, as they have so far elsewhere.

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 1/29/2010 11:58:37 PM >

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 175

RE: Empire of the Rising Lemon? SqzMyLemon (Japan) v Sm... - 1/29/2010 8:02:32 PM

SqzMyLemon

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

I'd like to start shoring up defences in the north and reinforce Paramushiro-jima and Hokkaido. Is there no way to load units from the Home Islands to transfer to Hokkaido without having to PP to another command to get them onto transport ships? Can they be flown in? I'd like to move the 12 Air Flotilla HQ to Bihoro on Hokkaido, as well as some combat and engineering units to Paramushiro-jima to increase the garrison and build up the fort and AB size.

Also, if I choose to use KB to bomb the airfield at Port Moresby, is it move effective to dive bomb with Vals at 10k ft, and level bomb with Kates at 20k ft, or glide/level bomb with both at a 15-20k ft? I'd like to knock it out of action in no more than 2 days.

Would you risk KB in the Celebes and area to support the assault TF's when Java is invaded, or rely on LBA?

Smeulders is living it up for a week in France, so I've time to really figure out some things here and go over all the little details I've been neglecting. For those of you following along, any comments are always appreciated. Some ongoing dialogue would be great and I have to admit, I'm a bit unnerved by the complete disappearance of the Allied navy, I'm at a loss as how best to procede. I'm happy taking ground and going along with my strategy with very few losses, but just think I'm missing something here.

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 1/30/2010 12:39:40 AM >

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Post #: 176

RE: Empire of the Rising Lemon? SqzMyLemon (Japan) v Sm... - 1/30/2010 6:33:40 AM

bklooste

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Would you risk KB in the Celebes and area to support the assault TF's when Java is invaded, or rely on LBA?

Both ....

For kates , i tend not to use them at all for land strikes as they are too valueable , if im expecting no resitance and no real AA then 15K.

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Post #: 177

RE: Empire of the Rising Lemon? SqzMyLemon (Japan) v Sm... - 2/1/2010 11:27:35 PM

SqzMyLemon

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

I can mass 5000 AV for an assault on Changsha if I choose to do it, should that be enough? I have been unable to recon the city to the point of getting accurate troops numbers there, other than reporting 32 Chinese units.

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Post #: 178

RE: Empire of the Rising Lemon? SqzMyLemon (Japan) v Sm... - 2/10/2010 2:59:30 AM

SqzMyLemon

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

After a week off Smeulders and I are back at it, once more unto the breach. I've three turns to catch up on already.

Feb. 4/42 Update:

Sub Ops:

Quiet.

Borneo:

Balikpapan was treated to a night time surface raid by the CA Houston & Co. causing the loss of 2 DMS minesweepers and flushing out the rest to be engaged during the day by the force. The enemy TF amounted to 1 CA, 2 CL's and 5 DD's. The following carnage was a further 1 PB, 6 xAK's and an xAP. The soul survivor was the DD Inazuma which put up a herioc defense of the transports, but could not change the outcome. It did damage 6 enemy ships with 12 recorded hits during the action, and I believe it may have sunk an Allied DD which ended up sinking later. A mistake on my part, as I've always kept my invasion and support fleets heavily guarded with surface ships, in this case I pulled them out to soon and Smeulders struck. So far he's made me pay for every mistake I make, which doesn't make me feel very good.

A good note in Borneo is that Singkawang was captured today, and Bailkpapan has received a unit of Zero's and Betty's. The Betty's will be put on ASW duty to try and keep Allied subs at bay.

The Philippines:

I've been just defending at Bataan. I'd like to rest the units, but don't want to risk anything so fatigue and disruption are coming down slowly. I may start bombarding again tomorrow with artillery again. That's not to say Bataan is not treated to it's daily visit by Lily's and Sally's.

Puerto Princesa was invaded by the 4th Inf. Rgt. I know it's overkill, but I have no where else for them to go at the moment. I'm starting to take out all the little bases around to deny them the opportunity to harbour or supply fuel to any submarines in the area.

China:

In northern China a small Chinese forces takes on the 110th Div. at 89,38 and is spanked. The failed Shock attack resulted in 1370 Chinese casualties to Japan's none. My troops continue towards Changsha, but I wonder if Smeulders will fight this time. I'm going to start my drive towards Sian now as well, it will be a race to see who gets there in stregth first. I have the better road, but there's a small blocking force which will slow me down.

At Kaifeng, the Chinese force in my rear continues to be a nuisance and Shock attacks Kaifeng, my garrison units hold losing 79 troops to the Chinese losses of 176.

Burma:

I've captured Pegu already, but something happened that I'm not happy about. The 33rd Div. is marching towards Rangoon as it was abandoned by Smeulders. Well, this turn it switched to my control even though my troops have not entered the city proper, and I was immediately slapped with a no garrison penalty which caused airfield and port damage to reach 100%. This sucks, now I've got to repair it before I've theoretically occupied it! Construction units are being diverted to Rangoon as I type.

The Solomons:

Continues to go well, the Guadalcanal invasion force is en route supported by quasi KB. Rabaul is upgrading to level 4 and supply and assault units for Port Moresby are gathering as well. Bombing of Port Moresby will commence shortly.

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Post #: 179

RE: Empire of the Rising Lemon? SqzMyLemon (Japan) v Sm... - 2/10/2010 3:22:54 AM

SqzMyLemon

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

Feb. 5/42 Update:

A good turn for me overall with a couple of exceptions.

Sub Ops:

A quiet day with nothing to report other than the SS Tuna launching a failed 4 torpedo salvo missing the targeted xAKL around Truk.

Burma:

The 33rd Div. has arrived in Rangoon, other than the already mentioned damage, it was completely abandoned by Smeulders and my troops walked right in.

An air ground attack mission launched against Britsh troops fleeing north from Pegu was intercepted by 11 Hurricane IIb Trop's and downed 1 Sally, 1 Lily and 1 Oscar thrown in for good measure for no loss.

The Philippines:

Bataan bombed again by Sally's and Lily's. I continue to get no intel on how effective this bombing is, all I can hope is that disruption will be a factor when I launch the ground assault. Legaspi is taken by armoured recon. Puerto Princesa is Shock attacked and the Allied force is driven back, suffering 127 casualties to my 11.

The Celebes:

A small invasion force lands on Tawi Tawi. A Zero sweep over Ambon yields nothing. The remaining 103 troops of the Allied Manado garrison unit is wiped out.

Sumatra:

A Zero sweep over Palembang yields nothing, and then a 50 Sally bomber force escorted by Oscar's from Johre Bahru hits the airfield destroying 1 Buffalo on the ground and causing 7 AB and 17 Runway hits.

China:

Kweiteh is recaptured by my forces, but this time Kaifeng falls to Shock attack. I was surprised, the AV values were close, but I suffered a pretty bad loss of 1395 troops for 259 Chinese. My units are strictly RGC so I guess I'm not surprised. Veteran forces are diverting to finally eliminate this Chinese threat.

The Solomons:

Lunga on Guadalcanal is invaded, the base will be mine tomorrow. No sign of any Allied ships or aircraft, not surprising. I'm so far taking this area very cheaply. I don't plan on really doing much with it, other than building up airbases and isolating the northeast of Australia. Port Moresby is the next target.

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Post #: 180

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