RE: Once Again into the Breach - Mike (J) vs. tc464 (A)

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All Forums >> [New Releases from Matrix Games] >> War in the Pacific: Admiral's Edition >> After Action Reports >> RE: Once Again into the Breach - Mike (J) vs. tc464 (A)

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RE: Once Again into the Breach - Mike (J) vs. tc464 (A) - 1/22/2018 11:39:22 PM

rustysi

Posts: 7472
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From: LI, NY
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quote:

Rex - Why not?? These are the FF version of the George.

One other thing that I just remembered, as I wanted to check on this first. The George was derived from the Rex, not the other way around.

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(in reply to rustysi)

Post #: 3091

RE: Once Again into the Breach - Mike (J) vs. tc464 (A) - 1/23/2018 1:19:29 AM

Mike Solli

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

ORIGINAL: rustysi

quote:

I accidentally moused over the five Sam factories and noticed it is at 7%! I have no clue how that happened because the factories are currently at 3(27), 3(27), 2(28), 1(29) and 1(29). Anyone have an idea how that happened? I didn�t think R&D could advance if there wasn�t a fully repaired factory. Apparently it can!

AFAIK that can't happen. The only thing I can suggest is you had early repairs to a small R&D factories. IOW you had several 1(1) factories that remained that way for a month or so and then you expanded them to 30, they would then be 1(30). I've had it happen once or twice, but not to a level of seven.

I can't figure it out either, Rusty. But it's right there in the picture. I have all my turns for the entire game (yeah, I'm crazy) so I'm going to go back and sample to see what's up. Also note that until maybe a month ago, I was researching the A7M3, not the A7M2. I'll let you know what I find out.

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RE: Once Again into the Breach - Mike (J) vs. tc464 (A) - 1/23/2018 11:07:28 PM

rustysi

Posts: 7472
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From: LI, NY
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Yeah, the 7% isn't that big a deal, who knows what happened. Why I'm really posting here is that it dawned on me last night that you were still researching the A6M8. If you don't like the range on the M5c, the M8 is even less at four for normal range. I can see they're all fully repaired, but it'll still take you quite a while to get the thing operational, and that's with the engine bonus. Do you think it would be better to switch them to say the Sam and get it cranking once everything is repaired? Just a thought. Maybe some others can chime in here with some ideas.

< Message edited by rustysi -- 1/25/2018 8:18:50 PM >

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RE: Once Again into the Breach - Mike (J) vs. tc464 (A) - 1/24/2018 8:18:02 PM

Mike Solli

Posts: 15792
Joined: 10/18/2000
From: the flight deck of the Zuikaku
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9 Jul 43

Sub War

Too much excitement today. First, the Scamp (I thought I damaged her � damn FOW) torpedoed the xAK Tokusima Maru. She survived (so far) and is heading to Soerabaja for repairs. I'm a bit concerned because she has 13 fires remaining.

Ambon was the sub hotbed today. There are two Allied subs in the hex (at least). First, the Runner was caught by Nowaki and hit by a DC. Then, the Peto put a torpedo into the CVE Taiyo and then was prosecuted and hit with 2 DCs by her screen. Taiyo is now disbanded in port with 3-25(25)-14(11)-0 damage. She�ll eventually finish temporary repairs and head to Soerabaja or Singapore for complete repairs. During the turn, I saw 2 Allied subs still sitting in the port hex.

Note: I got the turn from Ted (haven't run it yet). We were jawing back and forth today during work. Apparently Peto has 75 flot damage and is headed home (wherever that is).

Ted commented that his subs are the only thing that can actually hit my carriers. Now that I think about it, he�s right.

Something hit a mine. Not sure where but it may have been the S-28.

5 Fleet
4 Fleet

Nothing to report.

SE Fleet

The Great Bomber Horde hit Rabaul�s airfield, Kavieng�s airfield and Manus� port, increasing damage to all of them:

Rabaul: 44-94-98
Kavieng: 78-91-39
Manus: 98-100-49

Gotta figure something out here. These bases are beat up to a point where he can maintain it unless I can get fighter cover over them. Gasmata and another base just to the west of Rabaul are undamaged but have little supply to sustain fighters for very long. Gasmata probably won�t get anything other than the transports that are dropping a little supply (from Truk) but that other base may get some supply from fast transport TFs. That base is within range of SBDs, Avengers and Beauforts, but I think there�s enough supply there to support a fighter unit to protect the TF as it dumps off supply. We�ll see. I�ll set that up tomorrow and fly the fighters in at the last minute so it possibly slips below Ted�s radar.

SRA

The Taiyo will survive, but MKB and the surface fleet are now stuck at Ambon. I have about 4 ASW TFs prosecuting the area for subs. Hopefully, both of the subs took enough damage that they will leave, but I expect that not to be the case. I moved the 27 Vals off Taiyo to the airbase at Ambon. The pilots are naval attack and ASW trained so they�re set to ASW to cover Ambon and the surrounding 6 hexes. I may move in an ASW trained Sally sentai too (from the Palembang area which is quiet again now) if I have enough AS to support them. Have to check.

About the US carriers that were near Horn Island yesterday? They just vanished. (Note: Ted admitted they were his big boys.) I�m pretty sure they retired to the east because I have subs to the west and substantial naval search covering the area. They could still be around, but I doubt it.

I have 27 IJA transports at Soerabaja that I will move to Ambon tomorrow. I'll use them to drop an IJA para regiment on Timoeka eventually to try and take out the 4 Marine Raider Battalion there. I want it to coincide with a naval bombardment with my BBs. Gotta clear those pesky subs out of Ambon first�..and confirm the US CVs aren�t in the area. I originally wanted to do a naval invasion but am reconsidering. The Raiders are good, but I�ll bet there are no engineers there, so no forts. A couple bombardments, first with 4 BBs then with 4 CAs should put a hurting on them.

Note: Ted said he sent his carriers toward Merauke to prevent further raids in the area.

Burma
China

Nothing to report.

Other Stuff

It looks like the Ki-100-II Tony is 3 days out. In 1 day, I�ll shift 2x30 factories to the A7M2 and 1x30 to the Ki-84a Frank. The remaining 3x30 will become operational and probably increase to 60 each.

Rusty, I�m going to make a decision on the A6M8 in the next couple of days. Your argument is compelling. There are 4x30 R&D factories on it and it will advance to 7/45 in 3 days. When it advances, I�ll either keep going or change all of them to the A7M2. I currently can�t see the stats and need to look at them. Should I decide to change it, I�ll increase the A7M2 R&D factories from 5 to 11 in the next few days (5 currently + 2 from the Tony + 4 from the A6M8).

I�ve got a nice group of carriers coming soon. The CVLs Chitose and Chiyoda are coming in a little less than 2 months, early September. About a week or so later, I�ll get 3 CVs, the 63 capacity ones. Then in early October, I get 2 more CVL conversions (Mizuho and Nisshin). That�s over 300 additional capacity by mid-October!

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Post #: 3094

RE: Once Again into the Breach - Mike (J) vs. tc464 (A) - 1/24/2018 9:31:48 PM

ny59giants

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quote:

The Great Bomber Horde hit Rabaul�s airfield, Kavieng�s airfield and Manus� port, increasing damage to all of them:

Rabaul: 44-94-98
Kavieng: 78-91-39
Manus: 98-100-49

Gotta figure something out here. These bases are beat up to a point where he can maintain it unless I can get fighter cover over them. Gasmata and another base just to the west of Rabaul are undamaged but have little supply to sustain fighters for very long. Gasmata probably won�t get anything other than the transports that are dropping a little supply (from Truk) but that other base may get some supply from fast transport TFs. That base is within range of SBDs, Avengers and Beauforts, but I think there�s enough supply there to support a fighter unit to protect the TF as it dumps off supply. We�ll see. I�ll set that up tomorrow and fly the fighters in at the last minute so it possibly slips below Ted�s radar.

So ship in about 100 heavy AA guns. I would go with Manus first. They don't cost too much to rebuild, if you have to.

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Post #: 3095

RE: Once Again into the Breach - Mike (J) vs. tc464 (A) - 1/24/2018 9:32:44 PM

Mike Solli

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Ooh, good idea. Rabaul has a bunch but that's about it.

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RE: Once Again into the Breach - Mike (J) vs. tc464 (A) - 1/27/2018 3:18:36 PM

Mike Solli

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From: the flight deck of the Zuikaku
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10 Jul 43

Sub War

Another of my tankers probably bites the dust. In the deep water pass south of Tarakan, the Greenling put a torpedo into the TK Ogura Maru #3. She was empty and she didn�t go down, but she probably will. I need to dedicate an ASW TF to that hex with ships that have good (better than Type 95 and preferably Type 2) depth charges. Her current damage is 30-55(34)-26(17)-17. It all depends on the fire. She�s currently limping along to Tarakan, 4 days out.

The I-17 caught a convoy ~10 hexes SW of Astoria, probably full, and put a torpedo into the xAK Barossa. She didn�t go down either but later in the day, the I-17 put another torpedo into her and down she went.

5 Fleet
4 Fleet

Nothing to report.

SE Fleet

First, the mundane. A total of 170 bomber sorties hit Rabaul�s airfield causing light damage. To be honest, the airfield there is trashed so there wasn�t much more they could do.

Manus got hit by 31x 2E bombers causing a bit of additional runway damage and Tulagi was visited by 10x 4E bombers. I�m not sure what they really were after because they missed.

Ok, KB2, with Soryu, Shokaku and Zuikaku, got within range of Buka and launched a couple of attacks against the shipping there. The first, with 9 Kates escorted by 14 Zeros, put 4 torpedoes into the LSI(L) Westralia sinking her outright. She was a biggun, but empty, which I figured.

The second attack of 18 Kates escorted by 28 Zeros found the APA Dheridan and AKA Libra and put 3 and 2 torpedoes into them respectively. Neither was reported to have sunk but I�ll bet they�re not too happy. It�s interesting to note that both attacks came from Soryu�s TB complement and that Shokaku and Zuikaku didn�t launch any TBs at all.

I�m curious as to why none of the DBs flew. They were 7 hexes out and 27 of 54 Kates flew but none of the 54 Judies flew. A couple of 500kg bombs would have sealed their fate. By the way, one Kate was lost to flak. Not a bad trade rate.

I�ll assume the two ships survive, so I�m going to try and get some subs to the west to try and intercept them when they crawl to safety. I haven�t been putting subs in that area because it�s become so dangerous. One RO sub is just a few hexes away and can get into position. We�ll see what happens. Right now the airfield there is level 1. There are some fighters and bombers at the airbase. I chickened out and moved my carriers a bit north. It didn�t dawn on me that the bombers wouldn�t fly until the airfield reached level 2. I should have stayed there and took them on again. He�s probably going to run with his ships, but they may be badly damaged and unable to move very fast. We�ll see what happens.

So 9 of 27 torpedoes hit, a 33% rate. That was pretty good compared to the past. Hope this is tidings of things to come. I suspect the Allied ships were parked there. It�s a lot easier to hit a stationary target.

SRA

Nothing much happened here. A handful of Nells bombed the Raiders at Timoeka. His CVs have pulled back and were spotted 2 hexes east of Horn Island. KB1 (Akagi, Kaga, Ryujo and Hosho) is still rounding the tip of PNG to team up with MKB1 to support an attack on Timoeka. They�ll be on the north side of PNG tomorrow only 3 hexes from Timoeka. The plan is to bombard it into the stone-age with BBs then CAs and drop a para regment on it. The combined carriers will surge forward a bit to sweep Merauke and kill off the Allied fighters there then bomb the airfield to kill off any PBYs there. That�s the plan, anyway.

Timoeka made a level 2 airfield today. That�s curious because it was a dot base yesterday. A gazillion Seabees? In my daily bombing raid, I keep seeing only the 4 Marine Raider Battalion.

Right now I have a 3 CA TF four hexes west of there. I�m sending them in to visit tomorrow. Hopefully, they�ll trash that brand spanking new airfield. I expect enemy fighters there shortly.

It turns out I had a chutai of transports at Ambon that I had forgotten about. I moved the transports from Soerabaja there so now I have 36 available to move my para regiment.

Burma

Nothing to report.

China

Two more Chinese units wandering around the countryside were killed off today.

Other Stuff

Reinforcements:
RO-110 � Off to Truk for use in SE Fleet area.
xAK Hoten Maru � Std-A, will convert to a TK.

The G4M2a Betty R&D advanced to 5/44 (will become operational around 12/43 or so). There is one repaired factory with another at 13(17).

The Ki-100-II Tony is at 92% to reach Jul 43. I moved 1 factory to the Ki-84a Frank and 2 to the A7M2 Sam leaving 3 on the Tony that will become operational in 2 days. I now have 7 Sam factories and 9 Frank factories. Three of the Frank factories will become operational and the other six will research the Ki-84r. I anticipate the Ki-84r to become operational around 12/20/43. I have no estimate on the Sam.

I have decided to give up on the A6M8 R&D. Those 4 factories will change to the A7M2 R&D when the A6M8 advances to 7/45 in 2 or 3 days. That�ll bring me up to 11x A7M2 factories.

The sub reinforcement frees up another 24 naval points. I�m pretty sure that now I can accelerate 2 of the 3 CVs every day. I hope the three CVs will become available mid-September 43. They will be a TF unto themselves with 189 aircraft (81 fighters, 54 dive bombers, 27 torpedo bombers).

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Post #: 3097

RE: Once Again into the Breach - Mike (J) vs. tc464 (A) - 1/27/2018 3:56:30 PM

Mike Solli

Posts: 15792
Joined: 10/18/2000
From: the flight deck of the Zuikaku
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11 Jul 43

Sub War

Despite the couple hundred Allied bomber sorties, it was a pretty good turn today. It all started with the Ikazuchi driving the Gurnard to the surface at Ambon and sinking her, I think. If not, she'd definitely hurting after having been hit 3 times with depth charges and multiple times with the DDs full arsenal.

5 Fleet
4 Fleet

Nothing to report.

SE Fleet

I had detached the Kongo and Haruna from KB2 to make a dash for Buna and shoot the place up and (hopefully) shoot up some of the planes there. It worked out pretty well. They caused a fair amount of airfield damage and destroyed 3 each Wildcats and Dauntlesses while damaging 9 and 11 more respectively. It was so successful that I'm sending them back in to try it again and (again hopefully) destroy some of those damaged planes.

I also noticed there are ships in port at Buna, 3 to be exact. I'm moving KB2 to a point 5 hexes from Buna and am launching full loads of planes on port attack at Buna (secondary, after naval attack) to take out the APA and AKA (and LSI(L) if she is still around).

I moved 24 fighters to Talasea with 6 on CAP and the remainder on LRCAP of Rabaul. My hope was to shoot down a few bombers. It worked. He sent 14 fighter sorties (2 sweeps before the bombers came) and 177 bomber sorties escorted by another 20 fighters against my 54 fighters. Let's see, 20 fighters on LRCAP but 54 fighters present. I forgot that I set most of KB2s fighters on LRCAP too and a lot of them showed up for the fun. When it was all said and done, I lost 5 Zeros shot down, mainly from the carriers, but only 2 carrier KIA and 1 carrier WIA. Overall, I lost 13 carrier Zeros, mainly op losses and written off. The Allies lost 15 fighters and 10 bombers. Not bad at all. It's interesting to note that Rabaul's damage remained the same. The airfield was already trashed so there was nothing more to damage.

Manus took more airfield damage from 60 bomber sorties.

Here's the current damage:

Manus: 94-100-95
Kavieng: 78-91-30
Rabaul: 44-100-99

I expect Ted to go after Talasea tomorrow. I pulled all the fighters out except a few that are damaged. That's ok. It'll give the other airfields a chance to repair a bit.

SRA

The 3 CA bombardment TF hit Timoeka causing significant damage to the airfield and port. It was a nice bombardment.

I still can't replenish my BB main gun ammo (poor planning). I have 2x AKEs that will arrive tomorrow. Maybe that will do it, but I am also shipping a naval HQ there to be sure. I'm confident the CAs will be able to replenish, but we'll see about the BBs.

For the first time in a while, I don't see any enemy subs in or around Ambon. The two that were there are either sunk or badly damaged and attempting to limp to a friendly port.

KB2 will reach a point 3 hexes from Timoeka tomorrow. I can't recall if I gave them any attack orders (it was pretty late and I was pretty tired). It'll be a surprise for all of us!

Burma
China

Nothing to report.

Other Stuff

The Ki-84a R&D advanced to 11/43 (will become operational in 8/43).

The Ki-100-II Tony became operational. 3x30 factories became operational, 2x30 converted to the A7M2 R&D and 1x30 converted to the Ki-84a R&D. So, the production is 90 per month and I increased one factory to 60. Let's see what they can do!

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Post #: 3098

RE: Once Again into the Breach - Mike (J) vs. tc464 (A) - 1/27/2018 7:45:34 PM

rustysi

Posts: 7472
Joined: 2/21/2012
From: LI, NY
Status: offline

quote:

You're right about the load on the Emily. I keep going back and forth between range and load. Thanks for making me unsure....again.

Maybe this will help you decide. In my AI game I'm running short of Mavis'. I really didn't want to produce the first Emily as it won't carry radar, but I have no choice if I wish to keep these patrol units fully supplied with A/C (I converted production to Emily's when they became available). Now all that said I noticed the Emily patrol version has a load capacity of 4400 and a normal range of 25. That's more capacity and range than the transport version of the Mavis. Since both types can perform essentially the same missions maybe its time for you to retire the Mavis-L in favor of the Emily-L, and let the patrol Emily's take over the duties you had in mind for the Emily-L.

< Message edited by rustysi -- 1/27/2018 7:47:18 PM >

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RE: Once Again into the Breach - Mike (J) vs. tc464 (A) - 1/29/2018 10:03:43 PM

mind_messing

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Joined: 10/28/2013
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Would it be possible for to get a picture of the strategic situation with SE Fleet?

quote:

ORIGINAL: ny59giants

quote:

The Great Bomber Horde hit Rabaul�s airfield, Kavieng�s airfield and Manus� port, increasing damage to all of them:

Rabaul: 44-94-98
Kavieng: 78-91-39
Manus: 98-100-49

Gotta figure something out here. These bases are beat up to a point where he can maintain it unless I can get fighter cover over them. Gasmata and another base just to the west of Rabaul are undamaged but have little supply to sustain fighters for very long. Gasmata probably won�t get anything other than the transports that are dropping a little supply (from Truk) but that other base may get some supply from fast transport TFs. That base is within range of SBDs, Avengers and Beauforts, but I think there�s enough supply there to support a fighter unit to protect the TF as it dumps off supply. We�ll see. I�ll set that up tomorrow and fly the fighters in at the last minute so it possibly slips below Ted�s radar.

So ship in about 100 heavy AA guns. I would go with Manus first. They don't cost too much to rebuild, if you have to.

I'd advise against this. Not because it's a bad idea, it makes perfect sense, but because it will burn supply like crazy on an island in a remote theater.

100 AA guns will burn more supply than the Allies will ever bomb. The airbase supply dumps make take 1 hit in a raid, or 10, and supply loss will vary. With 100 AA guns, the supply will be eaten up every raid, irrespective of damage caused.

To that end, my advice is keep your AA guns centralized around the major supply centers in the DEI and Home Islands. Out in the wilderness they're a liability, but they're an invaluable asset in the industrial heartland.

(in reply to ny59giants)

Post #: 3100

RE: Once Again into the Breach - Mike (J) vs. tc464 (A) - 1/29/2018 10:59:02 PM

Mike Solli

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

quote:

ORIGINAL: mind_messing

Would it be possible for to get a picture of the strategic situation with SE Fleet?

quote:

ORIGINAL: ny59giants

quote:

The Great Bomber Horde hit Rabaul�s airfield, Kavieng�s airfield and Manus� port, increasing damage to all of them:

Rabaul: 44-94-98
Kavieng: 78-91-39
Manus: 98-100-49

Gotta figure something out here. These bases are beat up to a point where he can maintain it unless I can get fighter cover over them. Gasmata and another base just to the west of Rabaul are undamaged but have little supply to sustain fighters for very long. Gasmata probably won�t get anything other than the transports that are dropping a little supply (from Truk) but that other base may get some supply from fast transport TFs. That base is within range of SBDs, Avengers and Beauforts, but I think there�s enough supply there to support a fighter unit to protect the TF as it dumps off supply. We�ll see. I�ll set that up tomorrow and fly the fighters in at the last minute so it possibly slips below Ted�s radar.

So ship in about 100 heavy AA guns. I would go with Manus first. They don't cost too much to rebuild, if you have to.

I'd advise against this. Not because it's a bad idea, it makes perfect sense, but because it will burn supply like crazy on an island in a remote theater.

100 AA guns will burn more supply than the Allies will ever bomb. The airbase supply dumps make take 1 hit in a raid, or 10, and supply loss will vary. With 100 AA guns, the supply will be eaten up every raid, irrespective of damage caused.

To that end, my advice is keep your AA guns centralized around the major supply centers in the DEI and Home Islands. Out in the wilderness they're a liability, but they're an invaluable asset in the industrial heartland.

Supply is definitely an issue everywhere except Rabaul. Here's SE Fleet area. Note where the US CVs are sitting right now. I suspect they're going to head north. If they do, I don't really know where they'll go. Truk? I'll evacuate all the shipping if they head in that direction. I have a bunch of fighters and ~72 Nells/Betties too. I don't think the carrier aircraft can do much except take losses up there.

Attachment (1)

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Post #: 3101

RE: Once Again into the Breach - Mike (J) vs. tc464 (A) - 1/29/2018 11:00:47 PM

Mike Solli

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From: the flight deck of the Zuikaku
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And here is the southern SRA. You can see my op just starting. I have 3 turns to post so you'll find out more.

Edit: Oops, I goofed. The BB TF is actually the CA TF returning from the raid on Wessel Island. The CA TF is the BB TF and the unlabelled TF to the east is the CA TF that'll going to bombard Timoeka a turn prior to the para landing.

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< Message edited by Mike Solli -- 1/29/2018 11:02:38 PM >

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Post #: 3102

RE: Once Again into the Breach - Mike (J) vs. tc464 (A) - 1/29/2018 11:05:05 PM

Mike Solli

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

12 Jul 43

Sub War

I saw a small TF at Wessel Island, off the north coast of Australia south of Merauke. I thought it might be something worth attacking and sent the I-157 to investigate. Turns out it was the Fletcher. The sub was smacked around a bit suffering moderate damage. She�s headed back to Soerabaja for repairs.

The I-29 caught an xAKL off Prince Rupert Island and put her down with a torpedo.

Finally, the E Fukue hit the Shad with 2 DCs sending her home (or possibly to the bottom). She had been hanging around off Etorofu for some time being a nuisance.

5 Fleet
4 Fleet

Nothing to report.

SE Fleet

Two Kongos, detached from KB2, visited Buka and beat up the port and airfield there. I was hoping they�d shell the ships in port, but no such luck.

But, KB2 launched against Buka�s port, 36 Kates and 49 Judies escorted by 19 Zeros. They badly damaged the DD Russell and APA Sheridan while sinking the AKA Libra. Nice. Later, I heard sinking sounds and will not see anything in port tomorrow. In a couple days, I�ll get confirmation that the Sheridan sank and I believe the Russell sank as well. A 250kg and 500kg bomb on a destroyer will ruin her day. No confirmation on the latter though.

In the afternoon, some land based planes from Shortlands Island launched against KB2. There were 14 SBDs escorted by 15 Wildcats. The defenders were 29 A6M5s and the debut of the A6M5c, 19 of them. For no loss to the Japanese, they shot down 8 of the Wildcats before breaking through to the Dauntlesses. Then they shot down 12 of the Dauntlesses. Of the 2 remaining, flak got one and the other missed Soryu, then was shot down on the way home. According to intel, 5 of the remaining 7 Wildcats were op losses. Lots of very nice experience was gained and a couple of elite pilots too.

The Allied bombers smacked Rabaul and Manus beating on their already destroyed airfields. Kavieng was spared again, but that won�t last unfortunately.

SRA

Twice (morning and afternoon), half a dozen Nells went after the Fletcher and her charge, the LSI(L) Empire Star. They all missed. I�m sending a CA TF there tomorrow to try and catch them.

KB1 launched full deck loads against Timoeka�s airfield. I wanted to damage it a bit so forts can�t be built up. I�m loading the 48 Division on transports to invade if necessary. The para regiment will invade by air soon. They get the first shot.

Ambon is now enemy sub free. Thank goodness. I have 4 TFs to play with:

There�s MKB1 with Ryuho, and 2 CVEs carrying 9 Zeros, 27 Vals and 21 Kates. Recall that Taiyo was torpedoes (and headed to Soerabaja for repairs) and her 27 Vals are now flying ASW at Ambon. They�re currently disbanded in Ambon port.

I have a 4 BB bombardment TF headed to a point where they will bombard Timoeka the day the paratroopers invade.

I have a 4 CA bombardment TF that will bombard Timoeka the day before the paratroopers invade.

I have a 3 CA TF that�s on its way to check out Wessel Island for enemy shipping. It�s normally part of the escort for MKB1. It will either remain as a surface/bombardment TF or reintegrate with MKB1 depending on the needs of the operation.

Burma
China

Nothing to report.

Other Stuff

The N1K2-J R&D advanced to 3/44 (will become operational 9/43).

A couple Allied xAKs were confirmed sunk. One sank at Pt. Moresby way back on 6/7/42 by aerial torpedoes (probably Betties). The other sank at Dutch Harbor by Vals on 2/10/43.

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Post #: 3103

RE: Once Again into the Breach - Mike (J) vs. tc464 (A) - 1/29/2018 11:06:51 PM

Mike Solli

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From: the flight deck of the Zuikaku
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13 Jul 43

Sub War

The Hatsuharu caught the Sturgeon off Truk and hit her once with a DC.

I had an unescorted xAKL between Balikpapan and Tarakan. No clue why she was unescorted. Anyway, the Greenling surfaced and sank her, but not before taking a 12cm shell. It was almost worth it.

5 Fleet

Nothing to report.

4 Fleet

I had pulled out the 90 Regiment at the beginning of the war to spearhead the aborted invasion of Pt. Moresby. She�s been sitting in Truk the whole war. I just learned that Ted dropped off some troops at Tabiteuea, engineers I believe. I�m loading the regiment to take it. I have a CA TF headed there to bombard it to slow down any construction. Once KB2 returns to Truk to replace lost planes, they�ll head there to, along with the BBs to either bombard or support KB2.

SE Fleet

Not a whole lot happened other than the Allied bombing. Kavieng was hit demolishing the airfield once again. *Sigh*

Fifteen B-25s raided Hollandia. They didn�t realize I have a chutai of Zeros stationed there. Five bombers were shot down and I gained 2 more elite pilots! Banzai!

SRA

The CA surface fleet steamed to Wessel Island to find the Fletcher and the LSI(L). Instead, they found a cargo fleet of 2 xAK and 4 xAKL and sank them all. Not sure if they had dropped their supply or not. They�re headed back to Ambon to rearm for the impending invasion of Timoeka.

Burma
China

Nothing to report.

Other Stuff

Reinforcement: 131 Naval Construction Battalion, SE Fleet

The B6N2a Jill R&D advanced to 7/44 (will become operational in 12/43).

The TK Ogura Maru #3 reached port at Tarakan, and sank after being torpedoed a few days ago. It was a valiant effort but the fires were too much.

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Post #: 3104

RE: Once Again into the Breach - Mike (J) vs. tc464 (A) - 1/29/2018 11:08:37 PM

Mike Solli

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From: the flight deck of the Zuikaku
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14 Jul 43

Sub War

I�ve been having fuel issues in C/M/K and shipped some up to Pt. Arthur. I made the mistake of not escorting the TKs (none were readily available). Of course Ted had a sub hanging out up there. He sank one and the sub got away. Stupid loss on my part. I sent a couple of ASW TFs with SCs that carry Type 95 DCs. It�s all shallow hexes so they will be effective, even with the crummy DCs. We�ll see if they can find the sub.

I had sent a minelayer TF to drop their eggs at Adak, which they did successfully. On the way back, the TF ran through Amchitka, where Ted had the Barb lurking (never saw her). She torpedoed and sank a small CM. I�m sending three of the ASW TFs (Type 95 DCs) to guard Attu, Amchitka and Adak. Those subs are a pain in the ass.

5 Fleet

Nothing to report.

4 Fleet

The 90 Regiment invasion TF, the CA TF and the BB TF are headed for a rendezvous at Kwajalein. KB2 arrived at Truk and replenished its aircraft and is heading to Kwajalein tomorrow. I�ll probably reconfigure the TFs after they all arrive at Kwajalein. I�ve also pushed out a screen of 9 subs for early warning, just in case. I don�t expect any trouble, but you can never be sure with these sneaky Americans.

SE Fleet

I moved some fighters back to Talasea to try and take out a few bombers. It worked pretty well considering the small number of fighters. A total of 1 Tojo IIc and 9 Georges met 10x P-38Gs and shot down half of them for no loss. Then they met 18x B-25s and shot down 5 of them as well. Unfortunately, that was the end of my fighter support. The Tojo was lost along with its pilot. The rest of the bombers hit Rabaul keeping the airfield damage maxed.

The US CVs had been tooling around about 4-5 hexes south of Rabaul. Today they showed up at Lae. Are they headed north? We�ll see!

SRA

The Timoeka operation begins tomorrow! The CA bombardment TF will do its thing overnight. The 48 Division TF is enroute. KB1 continued to bomb the defenders, hopefully increasing their morale and fatigue to intolerable levels.

Burma
China

Nothing to report.

Other Stuff

Reinforcements:
E W-27 � ASW
E W-31 � ASW
E Maeshima � Hirashima class, short range ASW ship (2550 endurance)
SC Cha-62 � ASW

MKB2 (Junyo, Hiyo, Shoho and Zuiho, 168 aircraft) will complete its refit at the Home Islands in 2 days. We�ll see where they go. They will probably go to Truk. I�m tempted to send them to the Aleutians to surprise Ted up there and sink some shipping on their way to Truk. There is also a Replenishment TF at the Home Islands that is ready to go to assist them if needed. Their escorts just finished refit as well. MKB2 is composed of 96 Zeros, 36 Vals and 36 Kates.

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Post #: 3105

RE: Once Again into the Breach - Mike (J) vs. tc464 (A) - 1/30/2018 1:29:09 AM

Bif1961

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Nothing like punishing the Americans for not supporting an invasion strongly enough, good luck at Tab.

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Post #: 3106

RE: Once Again into the Breach - Mike (J) vs. tc464 (A) - 1/30/2018 2:33:56 AM

Mike Solli

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Thanks. Just ran the next turn. My CAs bombarded Timoeka. The paratroopers, BBs and carrier bombers go in tomorrow. 48 Division is waiting in the wings if they're needed. Fingers crossed.

I did nail the xAP President Fillmore. I just love taking out those Presidents.

Too bad she was empty.

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Post #: 3107

RE: Once Again into the Breach - Mike (J) vs. tc464 (A) - 1/30/2018 12:56:20 PM

mind_messing

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I think you need to have a look at what you can do to backstop your deployments in New Guinea. To my eye, everything east of Hollandia is now gone once the Allies make their next jump.

What's your dispositions around Sorong and Manado? The Sorong region can be very nice to defend as Japan due to geography protecting many bases from surface threats.

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Post #: 3108

RE: Once Again into the Breach - Mike (J) vs. tc464 (A) - 1/31/2018 12:54:39 AM

Bif1961

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President Fillmoore was considered one of the worse Presidents and now a sunken vessel.

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Post #: 3109

RE: Once Again into the Breach - Mike (J) vs. tc464 (A) - 1/31/2018 7:36:51 AM

obvert

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Mike Solli

4 Fleet

I had pulled out the 90 Regiment at the beginning of the war to spearhead the aborted invasion of Pt. Moresby. She�s been sitting in Truk the whole war. I just learned that Ted dropped off some troops at Tabiteuea, engineers I believe. I�m loading the regiment to take it. I have a CA TF headed there to bombard it to slow down any construction. Once KB2 returns to Truk to replace lost planes, they�ll head there to, along with the BBs to either bombard or support KB2.

Counter invading the Cent Pac islands at this stage might be a tad overextended. In my book this uses a LOT of fuel for not much long term gain. These islands will not win the war for the Allies, and it's almost better they work through them slowly than be shut down early and change tack.

Also, counter-invading an atoll is risky. Kind of a tar baby there, and IJA independent regiments don't have much extra oomph from arty to punch through.

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Post #: 3110

RE: Once Again into the Breach - Mike (J) vs. tc464 (A) - 1/31/2018 11:18:15 AM

ny59giants

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The various "E" Class ships will help your ASW efforts. I'm putting at least one escort in my large Cargo and TK TFs that has radar and Type 2 depth charges to hopefully help out. If nothing else, it makes me feel better.

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Post #: 3111

RE: Once Again into the Breach - Mike (J) vs. tc464 (A) - 1/31/2018 8:48:57 PM

rustysi

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From: LI, NY
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Two things Mike.

1)

quote:

The B6N2a Jill R&D advanced to 7/44 (will become operational in 12/43).

At some point in her development the Jill switches engines. From the Ha-4x (don't recall which), to the Ha-32, or Ha-33. Just wondering if you were aware, and not heading for a surprise.

2)Also starting around November '43 you start to get large numbers of ground reinforcements. This will go on into at least early '45. My point here is how are you situated for armaments? From what I've read these reinforcements will put a strain on this resource. Pretty sure you can ignore filling out some of these units, but how many I've no idea.

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Post #: 3112

RE: Once Again into the Breach - Mike (J) vs. tc464 (A) - 2/3/2018 7:34:44 PM

rustysi

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quote:

There were 14 SBDs escorted by 15 Wildcats. The defenders were 29 A6M5s and the debut of the A6M5c, 19 of them. For no loss to the Japanese, they shot down 8 of the Wildcats before breaking through to the Dauntlesses. Then they shot down 12 of the Dauntlesses.

Something I meant to say the other day. With your superior numbers I would expect nothing less. Curious to see what the results would be in a more even contest.

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Post #: 3113

RE: Once Again into the Breach - Mike (J) vs. tc464 (A) - 2/9/2018 11:07:45 AM

Mike Solli

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Morning guys. I appreciate all the advice.

mind_messing, that area is in pretty good shape. I have decent defenses at the important bases, regiment, brigade or division. Plus, I have IJA fighters and IJN bombers in the area as well. Not to mention MKB1, significant surface ships and KB1 (only temporarily though).

Obvert, I understand what you're saying but Ted has a habit of sneaking into a base close to my main bases and building it up with a billion engineers. Then he shoves droves of fighters there and my base gets overwhelmed. I need to take Tabiteuea back. I should have taken it months ago but neglected to do so (yes Michael, you warned me).

Michael, I'm beginning to do the same. I know I'll get a bunch of them but I don't have a lot yet. I also like to use them in ASW TFs in critical deep water hexes. Too many needs, not enough assets. I guess that's the norm for Japan.

Rusty, I have no idea if I have enough armaments. I currently have ~120k and it's growing every day. I don't have them all turned on but keep increasing the number turned on. We'll see.

Ok, on to the turns...

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Post #: 3114

RE: Once Again into the Breach - Mike (J) vs. tc464 (A) - 2/9/2018 11:15:27 AM

Mike Solli

Posts: 15792
Joined: 10/18/2000
From: the flight deck of the Zuikaku
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15 Jul 43

Sub War

The sub war started today with the I-28 about 15 hexes NE of Pearl Harbor, on the West coast-Pearl SLOC. She found a convoy and put a torpedo into the xAK Chios. That slowed her down enough that she put another 2 torpedoes into the cargo ship and had the satisfaction of seeing her go down.

Finally, there were 3 subs around Vauva�u and Fiji. A convoy was spotted and the subs moved to possible routes the convoy would take. This paid off and the I-171 put 2 torpedoes into the xAP President Fillmore. She also went down.

I sank a President and didn�t lose any ships. It was a very good day.

5 Fleet

Nothing to report.

4 Fleet

Everything is headed to Kwajalein. They should arrive over the next couple of days. Then I�ll set the invasion in motion.

SE Fleet

Ted�s bombers went after Talasea�s airfield today, which was nice since it allowed the other airfields to repair a bit. They�re still all closed, but it�s going in the right direction. I may not be able to recover from this unless something really good happens. No clue what that could be though. I�ll just try to prolong the combat in this area as long as possible. Until the end of 1943 would be wonderful, but I�m pretty sure it�s unlikely.

I had a whopping 16 fighters in the air over Talasea and Rabaul today. For the loss of 1 Tojo, I shot down 4 Spitfires and 4 Beauforts. Picking away at them, but it�s not enough to make any difference.

I saw the first P-47s today. Nothing could touch them but at least they didn�t shoot any of my fighters down. One was lost as an op loss!

The carrier force at Lae is still sitting there. It�s the CVE force. (The CV force is at Milne Bay.) I have an RO sub 2 hexes north of Lae and gave it orders to move into Lae to go after the CVEs. It�s probably a death sentence, but I hope to get a shot at a carrier. Sinking one, even a CVE, might really set Ted off and he might do something stupid. I�ll pit my CVs against his CVEs any day. See below.

SRA

The 4 CA bombardment fleet hit Timoeka, along with KB1s bombers, doing damage to the airfield, port and the troops there. Tomorrow, the 4 BB bombardment fleet and the bombers will hit it again, and the paratroopers are going in. The 48 Division is in reserve at Ambon should the paratroopers fail. I�m mildly concerned because the transports are flying at extended range. I sure hope they drop some paratroopers. The CAs are going to stay in the area as a reserve bombardment force if needed. They used up only half of their main gun ammo.

I still need to scrape up a garrison for that base. I don�t want to leave the paratroopers there and also don�t want to abandon the base.

Burma
China

Nothing to report.

Other Stuff

Reinforcement: TK Ayagiri Maru � replaces the tanker I stupidly lost a day ago.

The A6M8 R&D advanced to 7/45. That's it for this model. I moved the last of these R&D factories to the A7M2 Sam, which now has 11 factories. They�re repaired to 4,3,2,1,1,1,0,0,0,0,0. Just humming along!

Ted is getting really frustrated with my carriers. In an email last night he went off (but he did end it with a smiley). Apparently, the 3 carriers I torpedoed recently (Enterprise, Essex & Lexington) are in the shop for longer than he recently claimed. He said he wants to go after my carriers but can�t because of his �carrier shortage�. Really? He hasn�t lost any at all. In addition to the damaged carriers, he has at least 4 CVs, 1-2 CVLs and 7+ CVEs. If it were me, I�d invade in the Central Pacific, where Japanese LBA is scarce (though he may not know that). Attacking the right island could draw me out. I guess he�s afraid I�d send everything and overwhelm him. That�s a possibility but my carriers are spread out all over the place:

KB1 (Akagi, Kaga, Ryujo, Hosho) � NW corner of PNG
KB2 (Soryu, Shokaku, Zuikaku) � Headed to Kwajalein from Truk
MKB1 (Ryuho, Chuyo, Unyo) � Ambon
MKB2 (Junyo, Hiyo, Shoho, Zuiho) � finishing up refit tomorrow in the Home Islands

His problem is that he can only see KB1 right now. He probably has good idea of MKB1 and knows KB2 is probably around Truk. But, he can only see 25% of my carriers while I can see almost all of his. I don�t think he really needs carriers down there. He can do everything with LBA (as you can plainly see). He has quite a few TBs and DBs there to hit any of my ships that stray too close.

One thing that I have realized (and I suspect he�s realizing too) is that he�s invading with too few troops. My forts allow a couple Naval Guards/SNLFs to hold off a division for a good period of time. Does he have a shortage of AP(A)s at this point in the war? I haven�t a clue. I haven�t seen him invade with more than a single division and an engineer regiment at any one time. Can he haul more? I suspect so, but I�m not sure at all.

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Post #: 3115

RE: Once Again into the Breach - Mike (J) vs. tc464 (A) - 2/9/2018 11:18:39 AM

Mike Solli

Posts: 15792
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From: the flight deck of the Zuikaku
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16 Jul 43

Sub War

The RO-109 dutifully went to Finschhafen to hunt down the Allied CVE TF. Those cowards fled, but she did find an xAK which she torpedoed and probably sank. I heard sinking sounds later in the day.

5 Fleet

Nothing to report.

4 Fleet

Almost ready for the invasion TFs to sail from Kwajalein.

SE Fleet

Talasea was the target of Allied bombers again today. Damage to the other bases dropped:

Manas: 98-100-73
Kavieng: 78-100-90, an engineer regiment will be landing here in the next couple of days.
Rabaul: 44-100-25, still not able to fly planes from here but that should change with a couple more days of peace.
Talasea: 0-100-98

Both the US CV and CVE TFs are idling at Milne Bay.

SRA

Well, para drops happen only at normal range apparently. I�m flying the para regiment to a base that is closer to Timoeka and will try again in a couple of days.

The BB TF hit Timoeka hard, killing about three dozen steps and disrupting another dozen. The CA TF will wait and the BB TF will replenish at Ambon. KB1s bombers also pounded the troops there.

Burma
China

Nothing to report.

Other Stuff

Reinforcement: 17 Naval Construction Battalion returned after being destroyed.

The Ki-43-IV R&D advanced to 6/45 (will become operational on 2/44).

MKB2 completed refit. It�s composed of Junyo, Hiyo, Shoho and Zuiho, 96 fighters, 36 DBs and 36 TBs, along with escorts. I�ve decided to send them back to Truk.

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Post #: 3116

RE: Once Again into the Breach - Mike (J) vs. tc464 (A) - 2/9/2018 11:35:41 AM

Mike Solli

Posts: 15792
Joined: 10/18/2000
From: the flight deck of the Zuikaku
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17 Jul 43

Sub War

Only one undersea event of note, and I�m glad I wasn�t drinking coffee at the time. The Cisco found KB2 a hex SW of Kwajalein and launched 6 torpedoes at Shokaku.

One hit but it was only a dud.

Thank goodness! In return, Cisco ate one depth charge.

5 Fleet

A few Allied subs continue to hang around trying to cause problems. Two are in or around Adak and one is at Amchitka. I�m trying to scare up an ASW TF made up of good ships to kill or drive them off. It�s an ongoing issue with the Japanese to find enough good ASW vessels.

4 Fleet

Well, KB2 was spotted. Ted definitely knows I have at least one carrier at Kwajalein. The bombardment TF (2 BB, 3 DD) is at Kwajalein and has a low detection level. I suspect he thinks it�s one of the normal supply TFs hanging around Kwajalein between missions to resupply the small garrisons in the area. Finally, the invasion TF (with 90 Infantry Regiment aboard) is still 6 or 8 hexes to the west and undetected.

I�m sending all 3 TFs to the SW to assemble and then go in to Tabiteuea. I should have done that from the start. I should have realized that there would be subs around Kwajalein. I don�t have enough ASW/Naval Search right around Kwajalein to see them.

I got real lucky with Shokaku.

SE Fleet

Rabaul�s airfield was the target of about 180 Allied bomber sorties. Her damage went up again.

I had moved a daitai of Georges to Gasmata hoping they would fly some CAP over Rabaul. I didn�t want to use LRCAP to minimize fatigue. In retrospect, that was a mistake. They ended up flying CAP over Talasea, tangling with P-47s and Spitfires. A dozen P-47s arrived first and they shot down 4 for the loss of 1 George. That was a pleasant surprise. Then about half a dozen Spitfires showed up and they shot down 2 of them as well for no loss. Finally, 3x B-25s showed up and all were shot down. I pulled them out again, just in case the bombers visit Gasmata. Actually, I wouldn�t mind the bombers hitting Gasmata for a few turns. That would allow my other bases to repair, possibly to the point where I could station fighters there again.

I see one Allied carrier TF at Milne Bay. The other is MIA.

SRA

I moved about 75% of the 2 Raiding Regiment to Dobo today. The 3 dozen transports moved there and will drop the paratroopers on Timoeka (3 hexes away) tomorrow. I have a 4 CA bombardment force going in to soften the place up a bit more before the paratroopers land. The 48 Division invasion TF is at Ambon and will head to a staging area just west of Timoeka in case they are needed. There�s only ~280 paratrooper infantry that will be going in. My intel says there�s 560 US troops at the base. A lot are support though. We�ll see what happens.

Finally, the BBs have replenished and will head back to the staging area in case they are needed. MKB2 is still disbanded at Ambon. I don�t think they�ll be needed. I see no enemy shipping at all (other than a single sub sitting at Merauke), all the way to Horn Island. I have a sub stationed in the straight by Horn Island, just in case something tries to enter the area.

Burma

Nothing to report.

China

Another Chinese unit in the countryside (a HQ this time) was killed off.

Most of my Chungking assault force is sitting and waiting for the remaining units to arrive. Four divisions and about 8 or so heavy artillery units are still enroute. I�ll give you a full list of what�s there tomorrow.

Right now, all my bombers here are bombing various isolated groups of Chinese and Chungking�s troops and airfield (to keep it damaged). When I decide to move my army in, I�ll focus all of the bombers on Chungking, keeping 1 chutai on the airfield and the rest on the troops. I want to try and keep the fatigue and disruption up on the troops (if possible � not sure how effective they�ll be in a city with an unknown number of forts).

Other Stuff

Not a whole lot to discuss. Several different ops are in various states of progress � Timoeka, Chungking and Tabiteuea.

To be honest, I didn�t expect to be launching operations (at least at this frequency) at this point in the war (other than Chungking). Ted has been testing a new tactic: sneaky invasions. None of the large scale operations like the invasion of Adak many months ago. I need to catch them early and snuff them out before he gets too many troops in to make it impossible for me to invade. I have to be cautious though because he can ambush my forces.

Early in the war I converted all of the Tohos to carry troops. They�re nice because they can haul quite a lot of troops and are 14 kts. Most of them are at Singapore right now. I think they just ended up there. I�m going to take stock of what I have and move some around to strategic locations with reserve troops co-located to be able to do these necessary invasions as needed. I have decent reserves in the SRA but very few in the central Pacific. I need to scour the rear area troops for some powerful brigade sized units to use as these fire brigades.

I�ve also hoarded most of the xAPs and LSDs, which are decent at invasions. Most of them are in Tokyo with some at Singapore. I think it may be time to use some of the xAPs to haul potential invasion forces. They drop troops quicker than xAKs and are much faster. I�m still going to reserve the LSDs to dropping off garrisons near the front lines when needed. They can do it very quickly then get the heck out of Dodge.

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Post #: 3117

RE: Once Again into the Breach - Mike (J) vs. tc464 (A) - 2/9/2018 11:59:28 AM

obvert

Posts: 14050
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quote:

ORIGINAL: Mike Solli

Obvert, I understand what you're saying but Ted has a habit of sneaking into a base close to my main bases and building it up with a billion engineers. Then he shoves droves of fighters there and my base gets overwhelmed. I need to take Tabiteuea back. I should have taken it months ago but neglected to do so (yes Michael, you warned me).

I like to do the same as Allies, but the most effective strategy against that I've seen is to move the Japanese base back. This does two things.

1. It shortens the LOC as the game goes on and forces the Allies to extend into area protected only by CVs, thus giving the KB opportunities to arrive by surprise and take advantage of proximity to their own LBA and bases.

2. Changing strong points forces the Allies to reprep for targets somewhere else down the line, but it also obscures somewhat where those strongpoints might relocate.

Why do you need anything in the Marshalls or Gilberts at this point in the war?

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Post #: 3118

RE: Once Again into the Breach - Mike (J) vs. tc464 (A) - 2/9/2018 12:27:59 PM

ny59giants

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quote:

One thing that I have realized (and I suspect he�s realizing too) is that he�s invading with too few troops. My forts allow a couple Naval Guards/SNLFs to hold off a division for a good period of time. Does he have a shortage of AP(A)s at this point in the war? I haven�t a clue. I haven�t seen him invade with more than a single division and an engineer regiment at any one time. Can he haul more? I suspect so, but I�m not sure at all.

The Allies (Americans) start off with about 15 or more APs that can convert to APAs in 3/43. I hide mine at Mare Island until I can do so. He will get about another dozen APAs by mid-43 (he gets one or two per month until '44 starts the flood - after Normandy invasion is over). So, he can load two to three full divisions depending on how many you (Japan) have sunk. He gets some APs and LSI to use but they don't unload as fast. When you see Ted invade with these ships, does he have any LCUs with Nav Support squads (these speed up the unloading process for LCUs and supply)? He should be loading his 'assault forces' with minimal supply and then have 2 or 3 TFs with just supply unloading next to them (this should mean he unloads troops in two days or less and then gets them out of danger). Even though they are slow (11 knots), the LST is ideal to use.

Japan's counter - Do you have any Tina's (or Topsy) within range to airlift troops into base? Do you have a full division with enough fast APs to counter invade, if possible? You would need some degree of air superiority to do this, but it is something to plan for.

I would say its about time to start concentrating KB back together. Having 4 parts almost got me into trouble.

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Post #: 3119

RE: Once Again into the Breach - Mike (J) vs. tc464 (A) - 2/9/2018 1:57:20 PM

ny59giants

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Can you break down and post what your pools are by types of airframes and what you are producing?

Example: FPs - How many Jakes do you have and how many are you producing?

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Post #: 3120

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