Use of Force Z: on December the 7th.

Matrix Games Forums

Forums Register Login Photo Gallery Member List Search Calendars FAQ

My Profile Inbox Address Book My Subscription My Forums Log Out

Use of Force Z: on December the 7th.

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

Logged in as: Guest

Users viewing this topic: none

Printable Version

All Forums >> [New Releases from Matrix Games] >> War in the Pacific: Admiral's Edition >> Use of Force Z: on December the 7th.

Page: [1]

Message

<< Older Topic Newer Topic >>

Use of Force Z: on December the 7th. - 12/13/2011 10:54:19 PM

Admiral Mitscher

Posts: 122
Joined: 12/10/2011
Status: offline

I am just beginning my first pbem in AE (against Richard III), and we are playing the Babeslite scenario 26. I have been pondering the use of Force Z on the first day of the war, either the historic or the Sir Robyn type openings. In the past in games against the AI in WitP, CHS, and AE I have had some success with the historic �death ride� of Force Z.

Over the last two years I have had two AE starts in scenario one, and both have been rather successful;

1/ Force Z got into action with the 2 Japanese Kongo class battleships and cruisers and destroyers of the covering force off Kota Bharu. 1 Japanese battleship and 1 light cruiser were sunk in the action, for the loss of 1 destroyer, and Repulse being badly damaged. But unfortunately the Repulse was spotted off Kuantan the next day, and attacked and sunk by Nettie�s. The rest of Force Z safely withdrew to the south, and were sent safely to Colombo.

2/ Force Z got into action with a Japanese landing force convoy, sinking 2 destroyers, a destroyer minesweeper, and several cargo vessels of various sizes. None of Force Z ships were damaged in the action with the landing convoy, but Repulse was slightly damaged in a short inconclusive action with the Japanese covering force while withdrawing. The next day Force Z was attacked by Nettie�s just north of Mersing, both POW, and Repulse were moderately damaged by torpedo hits. But all of Force Z managed to escape south, POW and Repulse was repaired and returned to service.

Now I know that two starts will not be a give me a fare representation on the probable outcome, but it does on the possibilities. So I wonder if the risk is justified, because of the utility of POW, and Repulse in other roles. That also that just the threat that Force Z is still in being, slows the Japanese tempo?

Marc.

Post #: 1

RE: Use of Force Z: on December the 7th. - 12/13/2011 11:42:22 PM

jazman

Posts: 369
Joined: 1/20/2007
From: Crush Depth
Status: offline

Anything you get from these babies is more than in real life. Send 'em in! They were meant to fight, not just be big AA platforms.

_____________________________

BS, MS, PhD, WitP:AE, WitE, WitW

(in reply to Admiral Mitscher)

Post #: 2

RE: Use of Force Z: on December the 7th. - 12/14/2011 1:33:46 AM

ADB123

Posts: 1559
Joined: 8/18/2009
Status: offline

You are a lucky man - go out and buy some lotto tickets!

I've lost both ships on the first turn on any start I've had as the Allies, against the AI and against pbem opponents, unless it has been a "semi-historical" start and I didn't send out the ships.

(in reply to jazman)

Post #: 3

RE: Use of Force Z: on December the 7th. - 12/14/2011 10:11:44 AM

goatan

Posts: 46
Joined: 8/3/2006
Status: offline

I tend to have them patrol within reaction Range of Kuching with a home base for refuelling in the DEI. Usually they will maul an invasion force sent to Kuching and have a fight with a Japanese BB which they sometimes get sunk and sometimes do the sinking. After that they run off home to Colombo and end up escorting supplies to OZ.This is only against AI.

(in reply to ADB123)

Post #: 4

RE: Use of Force Z: on December the 7th. - 12/14/2011 10:17:43 AM

undercovergeek

Posts: 1526
Joined: 11/21/2006
From: UK
Status: offline

my opponent always parked them off mersing or khota baru with the plan to intercept the landing force - i only missed them once, when he got me it always cost me a IJN BB, then he would CAP them and hang around to harass the landing TFs - he was always willing to sacrifice them as previous poster said - get as much out of them as you can

(in reply to goatan)

Post #: 5

RE: Use of Force Z: on December the 7th. - 12/14/2011 10:28:19 AM

obvert

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

On the other hand, they are very useful in the DEI a bit later, if you save them. One opponent brought them around to Soerabaja, put a few CLs in the mix, then sank 3 of my CAs at Ambon. In my current game my opponent did something similar, but they tussled with 4 BB and 4 DD and Repulse got sunk. Still, they are a big threat in the area and if they're preserved can really mess with the timetable of secondary invasions, which would all need BB cover.

(in reply to undercovergeek)

Post #: 6

RE: Use of Force Z: on December the 7th. - 12/14/2011 2:32:10 PM

crsutton