RE: The Elephant Vanishes :: obvert (J) vs SqzMyLemon (A)

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RE: The Elephant Vanishes :: obvert (J) vs SqzMyLemon (A) - 7/5/2016 2:37:33 PM

obvert

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Escorts: Efficiency and Effectiveness - 3

These ships are mostly minelayers converted into E. The Ansyu-C PB are small cargo converted into patrols, and the Yasoshima class, which are about to arrive, are some strange hybrid. They have the worst fuel efficiency of any of these E classes. I may just scrap them.

I've mostly been using the converted CM as fast tanker escorts on the Singapore to Nagasaki route. In hindsight, this has cost a lot of fuel, but I'm not sure there was a better way to go. Some of the older DDs have also been on this route, and they mostly get slightly bette efficiency, at ~5, but not much. In the early days there aren't many other options.

Now, as the new E come online, they will fill in immediately. I usually use them more as hunters, but I see the benefit this time around of getting them into the convoys first, then using whatever are extra to find and kill Allied subs.

The Ansyu-C PB are so useful for most of the game, but they're expensive to use, high VP score and don't really have the power to kill a sub with two Type 95 DCs. I'll most likely use them as occasional fast transports to get supply to forward bases now. There are 99 of them (!!), so a lot to consider. That's also 990 VPs, so something to really consider. Not that many Japanese ships do escape the eventual ride to Davy Jones locker, but maybe in a big port like Hiroshima or Yokohama the price to kill them would slightly offset their price.

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< Message edited by obvert -- 7/5/2016 2:42:34 PM >

_____________________________

"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm." - Winston Churchill

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RE: The Elephant Vanishes :: obvert (J) vs SqzMyLemon (A) - 7/5/2016 2:44:59 PM

obvert

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Lokasenna

I don't know how the fuel use for ships is calculated in Tracker, but I would guess it maybe just looks at 2 phases of cruising movement for every ship in a TF? If so, then if you don't move every TF 2 phases of cruising movement.... fuel usage is less.

Right. Also, I realized that fuel use in ships doesn't remove fuel from bases, so maybe the calculations fluctuates as ships are actually fueled again as well.

Either way, it's close to positive!

_____________________________

"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm." - Winston Churchill

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RE: The Elephant Vanishes :: obvert (J) vs SqzMyLemon (A) - 7/5/2016 3:14:53 PM

Drakanel

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Joined: 4/6/2015
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I find these posts very informative. They also show that in order to play as japan well it's really necessary to have the tracker. Too many details are not apparent from the game UI.

The difference between a 11 fuel/day model and 60 fuel/day model is HUGE. Even supposing the ship is not used all the time, and that consumption is slightly less than what is shown here, it's a difference of several thousand fuel over a year, for a single ship.

For japan, that's really important....

Also, very good strikes on those convoy in the previous update. That is some very interesting VP gain.

About that submarine, in my game as allies against the AI I think I had a sub shoot 8 torpedoes against an xAKL. 6 misses and 2 duds.

(in reply to obvert)

Post #: 1053

RE: The Elephant Vanishes :: obvert (J) vs SqzMyLemon (A) - 7/5/2016 3:31:24 PM

obvert

Posts: 14050
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quote:

ORIGINAL: Drakanel

I find these posts very informative. They also show that in order to play as japan well it's really necessary to have the tracker. Too many details are not apparent from the game UI.

The difference between a 11 fuel/day model and 60 fuel/day model is HUGE. Even supposing the ship is not used all the time, and that consumption is slightly less than what is shown here, it's a difference of several thousand fuel over a year, for a single ship.

For japan, that's really important....

Also, very good strikes on those convoy in the previous update. That is some very interesting VP gain.

About that submarine, in my game as allies against the AI I think I had a sub shoot 8 torpedoes against an xAKL. 6 misses and 2 duds.

Thanks Drakanel. I try to share learning when I can. I was inspired by Lokasenna's 'master class' posts a few days ago detailing how to better read the replay and other info. None of us is a smart as all of us, as this forum consistently proves.

So for running a Hirashima class for a year non-stop I am paying 29,200 fuel instead of a Shimushu/Etorofu at 5,475!! Since I have 9 Hirashima doing this I've used 262,800 fuel instead of 49,275! That is huge. The trouble is I only have a few of those good efficient Es before 44, and I also don't want to lose more tankers, but running the 15-20 knot SC would still be hugely more efficient at 78,840.

I've got 13 other very inefficient former CM class E running those routes for almost the same amounts. So I could maybe have saved an additional 350-400k in fuel just by not using those former CM class E at all.

I wonder what my costs are on the over-use of other classes, like the Ansyu-C PBs? I tend to send out TK/AO with as many as I can, sometimes equalling the number of tankers in the convoy, so I think I've wasted some serious fuel this way over the years.

Does anyone know how much less fuel a ship uses on a stationary patrol vs moving throughout both phases?

_____________________________

"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm." - Winston Churchill

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Post #: 1054

RE: The Elephant Vanishes :: obvert (J) vs SqzMyLemon (A) - 7/5/2016 6:25:53 PM

obvert

Posts: 14050
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Yasoshima Class

This is interesting. These two later E type ships of the Yasoshima class are very different than other Es of the period. I was curious so I looked them up, considering whether I should continue their building seeing as their some of the most outrageous fuel guzzlers of their size.

It turns out these were designed as river and coastal 'cruisers' for the Chinese, laid down in the early 30s and put into service just in time to get sunk in the Yangtze in 1937. The Japanese refloated them in 1938 and eventually refit them as escorts, delivered to the IJN in mid-44.

They're attractive ships, along the lines of the Yubari, but more upright and not so quick. The propulsion was not emphasized for either intended role as they were meant to be cheap and compact. They originally had 6 x 5.5inch guns.

The Yasoshima came to a not so glorious end as shown in the pictures below. USN aircraft put her down in much deeper water the second time.

Attachment (1)

_____________________________

"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm." - Winston Churchill

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RE: The Elephant Vanishes :: obvert (J) vs SqzMyLemon (A) - 7/5/2016 10:52:24 PM

obvert

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Burma

Here is the situation in Burma. The Arakan has fallen to the Allies and we've constricted our positions to a few bases in Central Burma. This line is fairly defensible and the inside rail lines work for all bases other than Taung Gyi. If I can get the Thais to block the North entrance road to the base then I'll feel pretty secure here. A good brigade is moving u to then take the Thais spot on the lines at Taung Gyi. If he tries to cut behind I'm moving another brigade up on the road to dig in.

On the Southern edge the Allies are sitting across the river from Prome and on the road toward Magwe, but that stack is now moving back. Joe sent a message saying that he just noticed all units in Burma need to upgrade to 43 squads and devices, so he's a bit bummed about that. It'll be a while to get them all.

Several fighter groups are now upgraded to the Frank and the N1K2. A few will also move to the J2M3.

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_____________________________

"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm." - Winston Churchill

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Post #: 1056

RE: The Elephant Vanishes :: obvert (J) vs SqzMyLemon (A) - 7/6/2016 2:42:14 AM

Lowpe

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A pretty map of Burma and Indochina. You seem to have your bases covered, and I am sure your are taking precautions here.

I would argue you need to think about building up a stockpile city of supply for the fighting to come. Somewhere on the Chiang Mai railroad, it is probably too late to really build the supply at Moulmein railroad line.

I would then take it even further and build up a supply center on the Hanoi rail line to Lang Son. Lang Son is nice since it is out of the malaria belt.

These rail lines make for great air bases for your planes! SR3 planes work very well.

That you are so far into 44 already, I would look again at your deep air defenses. You really haven't mentioned Nicks and Randys much; or Rufes and Rex. All four planes make for decent deep air defenses against 4E bombers with long legs. Some of those British 4Es can really reach out and touch you. My rule of thumb, is any ship in port within 30 hexes needs air cover now, if only Rufe and Rex, but at least something. Plus they need a unit of AA too.

Look now at where you have your ARs, AS, AD, etc and your ARDs. How many ARD's do you have? You may want to position one in the interior in China if you can as it can become a flotation repair yard of last resort since China seems fairly safe now. Deep in the Yellow Sea would be another option. But try not to have them too far forward. One AR provides the same amount of port repair points as a level 8 port, and what is better they can be stacked.

You probably have thought of all this, but you never know. Lessons learned the hardway...and finally you may want to stockpile some of the worthless devices that you don't want to reinforce anymore.

< Message edited by Lowpe -- 7/6/2016 2:45:22 AM >

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Post #: 1057

RE: The Elephant Vanishes :: obvert (J) vs SqzMyLemon (A) - 7/6/2016 8:48:31 AM

obvert

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Lowpe

A pretty map of Burma and Indochina. You seem to have your bases covered, and I am sure your are taking precautions here.

Well, I'm trying to be careful. It's always hard in a non-SL game where the Allies can stack up as much as they want in a hex. I'm very aware of a possible encirclement by landing behind lines, but I also have a lot more experience with that now and wouldn't play it the same way I did before. Knowing what I know now about troop movement tricks and strengths of Allied units in 44, I could have gotten out of that situation in the game with Jocke quite easily with my main army intact to set up new lines on the borders of Indochina and Malaya.

quote:

I would argue you need to think about building up a stockpile city of supply for the fighting to come. Somewhere on the Chiang Mai railroad, it is probably too late to really build the supply at Moulmein railroad line.

I would then take it even further and build up a supply center on the Hanoi rail line to Lang Son. Lang Son is nice since it is out of the malaria belt.

These rail lines make for great air bases for your planes! SR3 planes work very well.

I've got an air HQ at Chang Mai and at Pisanolouke and plan to use them as fall back bases. They're ready for the next steps. Lang Son has a level 2 base and is being used for recon now. I could later use it for sweeps if needed, but it won't play a major part in the struggle.

As for supply, I'm aiming to use the oil center's refinery supply to support Burma, and so far it's been working. I'm sending it in dribs and drabs by xAKL with a few big shipments that come with arriving LCUs. Major bases all have 20k+ and Rangoon will have 35k+ with these next two arriving. It's a good idea to throw a reserve into Moulmein though. I'll try to do that.

quote:

That you are so far into 44 already, I would look again at your deep air defenses. You really haven't mentioned Nicks and Randys much; or Rufes and Rex. All four planes make for decent deep air defenses against 4E bombers with long legs. Some of those British 4Es can really reach out and touch you. My rule of thumb, is any ship in port within 30 hexes needs air cover now, if only Rufe and Rex, but at least something. Plus they need a unit of AA too.

My FF are almost all with the CS cruisers. I've upgraded to Rex and they're the low CAP for the KB. I don't convert the CS to CVL. So they are now training up to higher standard. I have one Rex group in Namatani supporting ops down there where I need planes on a dot for CAP cover.

I am using all Nicks in large bases. I have only three groups of them now. I essentially have no deep air cover yet as he hasn't been in range of anything critical until now.

I've got Irving NF flying deep CAP at Bangkok, essentially the only major strat target in range right now. They're getting nice experience gain too!

I've been using all newly arrived groups as training to start. I'll eventually get more into the DEI to sit on oil centers and industrial targets. It's nice though not to have to worry about defending Chinese industry. Thanks for asking for that HR Torsten!

quote:

Look now at where you have your ARs, AS, AD, etc and your ARDs. How many ARD's do you have? You may want to position one in the interior in China if you can as it can become a flotation repair yard of last resort since China seems fairly safe now. Deep in the Yellow Sea would be another option. But try not to have them too far forward. One AR provides the same amount of port repair points as a level 8 port, and what is better they can be stacked.

You probably have thought of all this, but you never know. Lessons learned the hardway...and finally you may want to stockpile some of the worthless devices that you don't want to reinforce anymore.

I loved the idea of secret AR repair bases in my first long game. After having numerous ports (and all ships in them) blown to bits by 4Es, I've gone off this idea a bit. I'll get them to a well defended base with a major shipyard, or they're just not going to make it. The points and potential fighting strength I lost just in one raid on my rear sub staging port in that game was silly. Never again.

_____________________________

"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm." - Winston Churchill

(in reply to Lowpe)

Post #: 1058

RE: The Elephant Vanishes :: obvert (J) vs SqzMyLemon (A) - 7/6/2016 6:18:25 PM

obvert

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13 January, 1944

SUBS: Still no sign of Allied subs. Upgrades I guess. I'm moving as much as possible in this interlude.

BURMA: Another good bombardment at Taung Gyi. This is only from two arty units; a 28cm and a 15cm. I may have a look at how much this costs in terms of supply, and if it's not too much, just keep em going. At ~10 infantry disablements a day, this coud make a difference. Also, his supply situation may not be very good in Burma yet. He's got a lot there, (courtesy of Torsten). He also mentioned that all Allied units need to upgrade squads to 43. That will be a problem for him unless he moves them all back or to Ramree or something.

CHINA: A division, an Army HQ, a brigade and four armor units are now heading to Urumchi. The armor is at Hami now and will attack tomorrow.

SW PAC: A big P-47 sweep against Rabaul was the major news of this turn. He's really being sporadic about this, not at all what I remember from playing Jocke or Torsten, where every sweep was a combined strike with EVERY plane available. At least against the big bases.

There was amajor change today from 31k to 15k for the sweepers. I think this didn't help him as there were a lot of messages about Oscars and Tojos diving from 17-20k, and they were the low CAP.

This time I watched most of the replay. Very interesting. I'm experimenting with both Oscars and Tojos at 5k. I like it, but of course it's different when the sweepers start so low with good advanced warning.

Both a Tojo and an Oscar shot down a P-47 outright, and some others got serious damage on the beasts. They were surprisingly more effective than the Jacks and Georges early. The Nicks got really beat up when they were engaged, and the Georges finally dove in to get some more good work done. No scramblers from this setup. I'm flying mostly 50% with one small Jack group at 80% CAP. Detection was again decent at 22 minutes, but the combined sweep of three groups still overwhelmed the defenders for most of the battle. We only got numbers toward the very end.

All in all, good A to A numbers with more ops losses for the Japanese, and most importantly, we most likely win the battle of pilots again with only 3 KIA and 6 WIA on the day including other areas.

The planes based at Namatani with a 1 hex range did not take part which is odd after so much warning. I have Zeros and Rexes there. I also accidently left a 27 plane George group on LR CAP over Munda. They're tired now and will be back in Rabaul for tomorrow if more is on the way.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR January 13, 42
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Morning Air attack on Rabaul , at 106,125

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 77 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 22 minutes

Japanese aircraft
J2M2 Jack x 31
N1K1-J George x 14
N1K2-J George x 23
Ki-43-IIb Oscar x 32
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 32
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 14

Allied aircraft
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 75

Japanese aircraft losses
J2M2 Jack: 1 destroyed
N1K1-J George: 1 destroyed
Ki-43-IIb Oscar: 2 destroyed
Ki-44-IIc Tojo: 1 destroyed
Ki-45 KAIa Nick: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-47D2 Thunderbolt: 4 destroyed

Aircraft Attacking:
23 x P-47D2 Thunderbolt sweeping at 15000 feet *
17 x P-47D2 Thunderbolt sweeping at 15000 feet *
19 x P-47D2 Thunderbolt sweeping at 15000 feet *

CAP engaged:
204 Ku S-1 with N1K2-J George (0 airborne, 16 on standby, 0 scrambling)
7 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 21 minutes
253 Ku S-2 with J2M2 Jack (0 airborne, 12 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 7000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
254 Ku S-1 with J2M2 Jack (0 airborne, 10 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 7000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes
301 Ku S-2 with N1K1-J George (0 airborne, 10 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 21000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes
21st Sentai with Ki-45 KAIa Nick (0 airborne, 10 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
26th Sentai with Ki-43-IIb Oscar (0 airborne, 12 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 5000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
30th Sentai with Ki-43-IIb Oscar (0 airborne, 10 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 5000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
78th Sentai with Ki-44-IIc Tojo (0 airborne, 11 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 5000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 14 minutes
87th Sentai with Ki-44-IIc Tojo (0 airborne, 11 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 5000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 21000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 11 minutes

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

Ground combat at Taung Gyi (59,48)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 1992 troops, 93 guns, 95 vehicles, Assault Value = 1704

Defending force 89896 troops, 1198 guns, 1412 vehicles, Assault Value = 2509

Japanese ground losses:
Guns lost 2 (1 destroyed, 1 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
70 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 10 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Vehicles lost 3 (1 destroyed, 2 disabled)

Assaulting units:
2nd Guards Division
48th Division
16th Division
7th RTA Division
6th RF Gun Battalion
1st JNAF AF Unit
18th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
8th Area Army
8th RF Gun Battalion
53rd Const Co
80th JAAF AF Bn
45th Ind.AA Gun Co
6th Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
7th Air Defense AA Regiment
35th JAAF AF Bn
23rd JAAF AF Bn
16th Army
15th Air Defense AA Regiment
16th AA Regiment
3rd RF Gun Battalion
57th Field AA Battalion
91st JAAF AF Bn

Defending units:
8th KGV Light Cav Regiment
632nd Tank Destroyer Battalion
25th Indian Division
7th Indian Division
2nd British Division
11th Indian Division
18th British Division
XV Corps Engineer Battalion
627th Tank Destroyer Battalion
17th Indian Division
181st Field Artillery Regiment
134th Field Artillery Battalion
XV Indian Corps
24th Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
97th Field Artillery Battalion
168th Field Artillery Regiment
25th Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
22nd Indian Mountain Gun Regiment

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

Lots of new stuff arriving today, including three non-restricted air HQ!

Also just got the first LST. I just realized these are also gas guzzlers. They'll be mostly used around the HI for supply and troops moving to islands. They can be useful later though for quick evacs or reinforcements.

Reinforcements:LST T-102 arrives at Maizuru
ML G-205 arrives at Sapporo
61st Air Flotilla arrives at Tokyo
62nd Air Flotilla arrives at Tokyo
72nd Air Flotilla arrives at Nagasaki/Sasebo
1st Raiding Force arrives at Tokyo
71st Field AA Battalion arrives at Tokyo
54th Naval Guard Unit arrives at Tokyo
55th Naval Guard Unit arrives at Tokyo
30th Special Base Force arrives at Babeldaob

Good to get 8:9 A to A against the Jugs!

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by obvert -- 7/6/2016 6:22:50 PM >

_____________________________

"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm." - Winston Churchill

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Post #: 1059

RE: The Elephant Vanishes :: obvert (J) vs SqzMyLemon (A) - 7/6/2016 6:27:52 PM

Lokasenna

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Yeah.... in cooperating sweeps, often not all of the planes participate. Often, for my guys, right before it ends one of my sweep squadrons will "join" the combat (the numbers jump from 23 planes left on my side of the window to 48, for example) and then the combat will stop, with 48 planes sweeping the base graphic. Makes me unsure whether those 25 additional planes were affecting the combat at all. Who knows...

Still, that's a really low total result for such a sweep.

(in reply to obvert)

Post #: 1060

RE: The Elephant Vanishes :: obvert (J) vs SqzMyLemon (A) - 7/6/2016 6:39:22 PM

Lowpe

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I think our understanding of this tactic really potentially changes the game all the way to 45. Is there anyway you can sweep him? Look for bleeding CAP which usually the Allies have...your goal is simply to grind the Allied fighter pools down and any exchange around 1-1 in losses is really a win for you most of the time. Of course usually you are fighting his secondary fighters and get much better in your sweeps. Being relentless here is a Mr. Kane specialty.

The other thing I would watch out for is night bombing...can't remember your HR about it. But if he is stymied during the day, Allies will go night, and then they will seek to envelop and bombard. So, congratulations on your aerial defense here as you are buying time.

It is time for the Allies to adapt their tactics. What Tiemanj did was to sweep with large numbers at the most favorable manuever band of the attacking plane. He might have included high LRCAP too upon occasion. He also likes sweeping with Carrier wings which really do cooperate nicely. Multiple waves of sweepers with different planes were quite effective, but the first couple of sweepers did pay a steep price.

I have seen fighters arriving to sweep many, many times...and is unpleasant to see.

Sometimes, though the cooperative sweeps are less effective than two consecutive sweeps. The more waves, usually the more the defenders suffer from op losses, plane damage, and fighter fatigue.

I would consider moving the Nicks off the front lines...their day doing this is over. There is a malus against fighting single engine fighters, and you no longer need their cannons. Pull them back and repurpose them. Kamikaze, Naval Strike, Strafe, Rear port/runway defense, CAP Traps is where they will shine for the rest of the game. Plus it will free up space for single engine planes.

< Message edited by Lowpe -- 7/6/2016 6:44:27 PM >

(in reply to obvert)

Post #: 1061

RE: The Elephant Vanishes :: obvert (J) vs SqzMyLemon (A) - 7/6/2016 6:40:40 PM

Lowpe

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Joined: 2/25/2013
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quote:

ORIGINAL: Lokasenna

Yeah.... in cooperating sweeps, often not all of the planes participate. Often, for my guys, right before it ends one of my sweep squadrons will "join" the combat (the numbers jump from 23 planes left on my side of the window to 48, for example) and then the combat will stop, with 48 planes sweeping the base graphic. Makes me unsure whether those 25 additional planes were affecting the combat at all. Who knows...

Still, that's a really low total result for such a sweep.

I think those Jugs are flying at extended range or long range. The best place to fight them!

(in reply to Lokasenna)

Post #: 1062

RE: The Elephant Vanishes :: obvert (J) vs SqzMyLemon (A) - 7/6/2016 7:12:54 PM

obvert

Posts: 14050
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From: PDX (and now) London, UK
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quote:

ORIGINAL: Lowpe

I think our understanding of this tactic really potentially changes the game all the way to 45. Is there anyway you can sweep him? Look for bleeding CAP which usually the Allies have...your goal is simply to grind the Allied fighter pools down and any exchange around 1-1 in losses is really a win for you most of the time. Of course usually you are fighting his secondary fighters and get much better in your sweeps. Being relentless here is a Mr. Kane specialty.

I've swept the edges a few times, which indirectly may have led to the successful strikes on the TFs in the Solomons by discouraging bleeding or even LR CAP.

He's been good around major bases at keeping planes at 0 range. I swept all over Burma one turn since there are so many units to target, but no joy!

quote:

The other thing I would watch out for is night bombing...can't remember your HR about it. But if he is stymied during the day, Allies will go night, and then they will seek to envelop and bombard. So, congratulations on your aerial defense here as you are buying time.

We have 50 planes max for night bombing airfields and ports. Strategic is unlimited. I'm not too worried about it pre-B-29.

quote:

It is time for the Allies to adapt their tactics. What Tiemanj did was to sweep with large numbers at the most favorable manuever band of the attacking plane. He might have included high LRCAP too upon occasion. He also likes sweeping with Carrier wings which really do cooperate nicely. Multiple waves of sweepers with different planes were quite effective, but the first couple of sweepers did pay a steep price.

We also have a no CAP limit HR now, so I can potentially change it up and go high too! That is in the cards, and I'm waiting for a good moment to use it. That is essentially how I'd been crushing Torsten's sweeps in Burma. Flying at 34k no layers and he had to sweep lower.

now that Sqz could also sweep over 31k, he may do that, but then I just go low again!

quote:

I have seen fighters arriving to sweep many, many times...and is unpleasant to see. Sometimes, though the cooperative sweeps are less effective than two consecutive sweeps. The more waves, usually the more the defenders suffer from op losses, plane damage, and fighter fatigue.

I would consider moving the Nicks off the front lines...their day doing this is over. There is a malus against fighting single engine fighters, and you no longer need their cannons. Pull them back and repurpose them. Kamikaze, Naval Strike, Strafe, Rear port/runway defense, CAP Traps is where they will shine for the rest of the game. Plus it will free up space for single engine planes.

I might. I actually still like Nicks offensively. They're good sweepers and good escorts. So that is why they're here, really. They also do well when the bombers do arrive.

_____________________________

"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm." - Winston Churchill

(in reply to Lowpe)

Post #: 1063

RE: The Elephant Vanishes :: obvert (J) vs SqzMyLemon (A) - 7/7/2016 2:51:54 AM

Lowpe

Posts: 22133
Joined: 2/25/2013
Status: offline

I have done that from time to time, mix in a high cap every now and then....works well with good radar.

(in reply to obvert)

Post #: 1064

RE: The Elephant Vanishes :: obvert (J) vs SqzMyLemon (A) - 7/10/2016 12:56:08 PM

obvert

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

14-16 January, 1944

SW PAC: Not a lot happening here until the 16th. I have been noticing a surge in ships around the southern Solomons, and I'm getting the feeling there may be movement soon.

I saw though recon that Munda has no guns. None. Not sure if those were wiped during previous landing attempts or if these are just engineers without guns, but it made me think it was high time for a strike to inhibit building and damage the fields for any upcoming op around here. I sent two Helen group after sweeps and they surprisingly found two fighter groups on the ground, Corsairs and P-39N1. They must have just moved in. The Helens had a bit of a weak strike but took out 4-5 fighters and got decent strikes o the base. I may strike here again but decided that sitting back for at least a turn in case of retribution was the best follow-up policy for the 17th.

He also swept at Kaveign, aware that I've stationed fighters there in prep to using this as a secondary strike base with its level 7 fields. (I have a big base force and an HQ en route, feeling that Rabaul was feeling a bit solitary down here and one or two good strikes cold really limit what I would be able to do there defensively).

Two P-38H groups swept, one at 21k and another at 31k. My Jacks did well against the low and not so well against the high, coming out roughly even after the encounter. I've moved more fighters in now.

Some B-25s targeted Shortlands also, which could be the next target if he wants a field closer to Rabaul. With Allied engineers he could take any tiny base and build it though, and that would be my move here. I'm guessing he'll be more directed at already built bases. I have about 70AV there now which won't stand long against anything bigger than a regiment.

BURMA: Some B-24 strike Taung Gyi, but flak does its job and the fields are relatively untouched after the turn. Not using the base anyway, and got a few with the flak guns.

CHINA: Hami is about to fall, then it's on to Urumchi.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR January 16, 42
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Morning Air attack on Munda , at 111,134

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 13 NM, estimated altitude 34,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5b Zero x 17
N1K2-J George x 40

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
40 x N1K2-J George sweeping at 31000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Munda , at 111,134

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 35,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K2-J George x 4

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x N1K2-J George sweeping at 31000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Munda , at 111,134

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIIa Oscar x 12
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 6
Ki-49-IIb Helen x 29

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49-IIb Helen: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4U-1 Corsair: 8 damaged
F4U-1 Corsair: 1 destroyed on ground
P-39N1 Airacobra: 7 damaged
P-39N1 Airacobra: 1 destroyed on ground

Allied ground losses:
4 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 19

Aircraft Attacking:
29 x Ki-49-IIb Helen bombing from 6000 feet
Airfield Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
6 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 6000 feet
Airfield Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Munda , at 111,134

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5b Zero x 17
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 28
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 15

Allied aircraft
no flights

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
P-39N1 Airacobra: 3 damaged
F4U-1 Corsair: 4 damaged
F4U-1 Corsair: 1 destroyed on ground

Allied ground losses:
4 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Airbase hits 3
Runway hits 5

Aircraft Attacking:
15 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 6000 feet
Airfield Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Taung Gyi , at 59,48

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 42 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-24D1 Liberator x 39

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D1 Liberator: 7 damaged
B-24D1 Liberator: 1 destroyed by flak

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 16

Aircraft Attacking:
15 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 15000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
13 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 15000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
11 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 15000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Kavieng , at 106,122

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 27 NM, estimated altitude 22,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
J2M2 Jack x 27

Allied aircraft
P-38H Lightning x 20

Japanese aircraft losses
J2M2 Jack: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-38H Lightning: 2 destroyed

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x P-38H Lightning sweeping at 21000 feet

CAP engaged:
301 Ku S-1 with J2M2 Jack (0 airborne, 13 on standby, 8 scrambling)
6 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 33000 , scrambling fighters between 18000 and 33000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Kavieng , at 106,122

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 38 NM, estimated altitude 37,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
J2M2 Jack x 12

Allied aircraft
P-38H Lightning x 20

Japanese aircraft losses
J2M2 Jack: 2 destroyed

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
16 x P-38H Lightning sweeping at 31000 feet

CAP engaged:
301 Ku S-1 with J2M2 Jack (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 11 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 33000 , scrambling fighters between 24000 and 34000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes

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

As this map shows there is a lot of activity in the region. Now that all of the forces involved in the OZ operation are back in central areas, I'll be sending them this way, including some Emilys, more Dinah III and Judy recons to search deeply into the Allied position. Although I've not seen CVs anywhere, there is a lot of consistent noise from Suva.

Will my reinforcements arrive in time to Kaveing and Namatani and Feni Islands? Will I be able to contest Shortlands and the middle Solomons if he throws in the CVs?

Shown here are the bases that are being reconned by the Allies. Targets? Interesting that Namatani is not being looked at.

This area is only meant for a roadblock delaying defense, so I have to be careful here not to get carried away and think I have to stop the Allies cold. This is about delay, taking some VPs in the process, and not committing too much. More to come.

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by obvert -- 7/10/2016 1:00:53 PM >

_____________________________

"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm." - Winston Churchill

(in reply to Lowpe)

Post #: 1065

RE: The Elephant Vanishes :: obvert (J) vs SqzMyLemon (A) - 7/11/2016 11:53:41 PM

obvert

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

INVASIONS!!!

There are some major events in the South Pacific going on during the past few turns, and I don't have nearly enough time to get into all of it right now, but I'll post a small but happy screenshot for now.

This is by no means an indication of how the entire day went as the USN got into full gear and began making up for lost time in a big way. It was fun and a bit sould crushing to watch about ten separate amphib TFs land troops at four different bases!!

More to come.

Attachment (1)

_____________________________

"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm." - Winston Churchill

(in reply to obvert)

Post #: 1066

RE: The Elephant Vanishes :: obvert (J) vs SqzMyLemon (A) - 7/12/2016 2:48:33 AM

Bif1961

Posts: 2014
Joined: 6/26/2008
From: Phenix City, Alabama
Status: offline

Admiral Kurita would be jealous.

(in reply to obvert)

Post #: 1067

RE: The Elephant Vanishes :: obvert (J) vs SqzMyLemon (A) - 7/12/2016 10:12:22 PM

obvert

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

17 January, 1944

SUBS: The day starts with the return of the Allied subs. Bonefish hits xAK Fusemi Maru near Truk, empty luckily.

SW PAC: Sweeps roll in all over the place. The first hits Umboi where I had Georges up high for a change, and got a good 1:1 with some Jugs. Then the barrage against Rabaul began. A few waves of Spits and Corsairs, then the B-24s. I got the scrambling message from the start here, with radar notice a solid 27 minutes for the big boys. The P-38s did a fine job of getting the bombers through unfortunately, and they did serious business at the very full Rabaul fields. The next waves met a hornets nest though and paid back the favor, some small packets completely obliterated between the fighters and the flak.

The CAP did well right up until the Juds arrived after the bombing runs. Then it was carnage. Yuck. A tired CAP all out of shape and the beasts diving from 40k.

Still, on the day he lost between 50-60 4E and a number of good fighters over our territory. The fields are open, but the issue is that a huge fleet appeared near Rekata Bay in the Solomons. As expected, something is up.

There will be no major response, but I have mobilized a few reaction forces to see if we can take a chunk out of anything coming. The KB is setting sail in a precautionary manner as it's been in port in the HI for several months upgrading and letting groups train while not using fuel. I'll bring them to at least the Marianas just in case there is dire need or this is not what I think it is. He does hae a large Death Star now and can basically go where he likes. Not knowing where the KB is located is my only wild card here. I'll keep it close for now.

CHINA: In a small victory Hami falls and forces now move to Urumchi.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR January 17, 42
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Morning Air attack on Umboi Island , at 100,125

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 24 NM, estimated altitude 34,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 32

Allied aircraft
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 22

Japanese aircraft losses
N1K1-J George: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-47D2 Thunderbolt: 3 destroyed

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x P-47D2 Thunderbolt sweeping at 31000 feet

CAP engaged:
Yokosuka Ku S-1 with N1K1-J George (0 airborne, 22 on standby, 0 scrambling)
10 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 33000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Rabaul , at 106,125

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 72 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes

Japanese aircraft
J2M2 Jack x 52
N1K1-J George x 27
N1K2-J George x 71
Ki-43-IIIa Oscar x 9
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 36
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 29

Allied aircraft
Spitfire VIII x 2
F4U-1 Corsair x 24

Japanese aircraft losses
J2M2 Jack: 1 destroyed
N1K1-J George: 1 destroyed
Ki-45 KAIa Nick: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Spitfire VIII: 1 destroyed
F4U-1 Corsair: 2 destroyed

CAP engaged:
204 Ku S-1 with N1K2-J George (0 airborne, 18 on standby, 18 scrambling)
9 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 22000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 32 minutes
253 Ku S-2 with J2M2 Jack (0 airborne, 12 on standby, 17 scrambling)
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 7000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 21000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 30 minutes
254 Ku S-1 with J2M2 Jack (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 9 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 7000 , scrambling fighters between 13000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
301 Ku S-2 with N1K1-J George (0 airborne, 10 on standby, 13 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 22000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes
Hiryu-1 with N1K2-J George (0 airborne, 9 on standby, 13 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 23000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes
21st Sentai with Ki-45 KAIa Nick (0 airborne, 10 on standby, 14 scrambling)
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 22000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
26th Sentai with Ki-43-IIIa Oscar (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 5000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 5000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes
30th Sentai with Ki-43-IIIa Oscar (0 airborne, 5 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 5000 , scrambling fighters between 20000 and 21000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 11 minutes
78th Sentai with Ki-44-IIc Tojo (0 airborne, 12 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 5000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes
87th Sentai with Ki-44-IIc Tojo (0 airborne, 12 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 5000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 22000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Rabaul , at 106,125

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 79 NM, estimated altitude 21,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 27 minutes

Japanese aircraft
J2M2 Jack x 45
N1K1-J George x 22
N1K2-J George x 65
Ki-43-IIIa Oscar x 8
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 34
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 22

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 12
B-24D1 Liberator x 33
P-38H Lightning x 35
F4U-1 Corsair x 2

Japanese aircraft losses
J2M2 Jack: 1 destroyed
Ki-43-IIIa Oscar: 3 damaged
Ki-43-IIIa Oscar: 1 destroyed on ground
Ki-44-IIc Tojo: 2 destroyed
Ki-45 KAIa Nick: 1 destroyed
Ki-46-III Dinah: 2 destroyed on ground
H8K2-L Emily: 1 destroyed on ground
Ki-48-IIb Lily: 1 destroyed on ground
L2D2 Tabby: 1 destroyed on ground
Ki-56 Thalia: 3 destroyed on ground
H8K2 Emily: 3 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator: 3 destroyed, 4 damaged
B-24D1 Liberator: 2 destroyed, 20 damaged
P-38H Lightning: 2 destroyed

Japanese ground losses:
9 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Airbase hits 5
Runway hits 11

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 20000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Rabaul , at 106,125

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 37 NM, estimated altitude 25,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
J2M2 Jack x 39
N1K1-J George x 21
N1K2-J George x 59
Ki-43-IIIa Oscar x 8
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 24
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 19

Allied aircraft
B-24D1 Liberator x 8
P-38H Lightning x 23

Japanese aircraft losses
J2M2 Jack: 1 destroyed
N1K2-J George: 1 destroyed
Ki-43-IIIa Oscar: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D1 Liberator: 1 destroyed, 5 damaged
B-24D1 Liberator: 1 destroyed by flak
P-38H Lightning: 1 destroyed

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 20000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Rabaul , at 106,125

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 68 NM, estimated altitude 21,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 23 minutes

Japanese aircraft
J2M2 Jack x 36
N1K1-J George x 19
N1K2-J George x 53
Ki-43-IIIa Oscar x 6
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 22
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 18

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 7
F4U-1 Corsair x 11

Japanese aircraft losses
J2M2 Jack: 1 destroyed
N1K2-J George: 1 destroyed
Ki-45 KAIa Nick: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator: 1 destroyed, 3 damaged
B-24D Liberator: 1 destroyed by flak
F4U-1 Corsair: 1 destroyed

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 20000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Rabaul , at 106,125

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 60 NM, estimated altitude 22,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 20 minutes

Japanese aircraft
J2M2 Jack x 32
N1K1-J George x 17
N1K2-J George x 49
Ki-43-IIIa Oscar x 5
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 21
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 14

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 8

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator: 4 destroyed
B-24D Liberator: 1 destroyed by flak

ALL WIPED OUT!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Rabaul , at 106,125

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 64 NM, estimated altitude 22,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 21 minutes

Japanese aircraft
J2M2 Jack x 30
N1K1-J George x 15
N1K2-J George x 42
Ki-43-IIIa Oscar x 4
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 18
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 11

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
N1K2-J George: 1 destroyed
Ki-44-IIc Tojo: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator: 5 destroyed
B-24D Liberator: 1 destroyed by flak

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 20000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Rabaul , at 106,125

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 78 NM, estimated altitude 22,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 26 minutes

Japanese aircraft
J2M2 Jack x 27
N1K1-J George x 12
N1K2-J George x 31
Ki-43-IIIa Oscar x 3
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 12
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 7

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIIa Oscar: 1 destroyed
H8K2-L Emily: 1 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator: 4 destroyed, 2 damaged
B-24D Liberator: 1 destroyed by flak

Runway hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 20000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Rabaul , at 106,125

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 76 NM, estimated altitude 45,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 22 minutes

Japanese aircraft
J2M2 Jack x 25
N1K1-J George x 11
N1K2-J George x 24
Ki-43-IIIa Oscar x 2
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 10
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 7

Allied aircraft
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 23

Japanese aircraft losses
J2M2 Jack: 2 destroyed
N1K1-J George: 1 destroyed
N1K2-J George: 5 destroyed
Ki-43-IIIa Oscar: 1 destroyed
Ki-44-IIc Tojo: 2 destroyed
Ki-45 KAIa Nick: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-47D2 Thunderbolt: 1 destroyed

Aircraft Attacking:
13 x P-47D2 Thunderbolt sweeping at 40000 feet *

CAP engaged:
204 Ku S-1 with N1K2-J George (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 5 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters between 20000 and 35300.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes

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

Ground combat at Hami (81,17)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 2160 troops, 0 guns, 207 vehicles, Assault Value = 104

Defending force 3448 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 22

Japanese adjusted assault: 78

Allied adjusted defense: 16

Japanese assault odds: 4 to 1 (fort level 1)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Hami !!!

Allied aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft losses
I-16-III: 9 destroyed

Combat modifiers
Defender: experience(-)
Attacker:

Allied ground losses:
1568 casualties reported
Squads: 52 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 35 destroyed, 12 disabled
Engineers: 12 destroyed, 0 disabled
Units retreated 2

Assaulting units:
5th Armored Car Co
15th Tank Regiment
9th Armored Car Co
2nd Tank Regiment

Defending units:
9th Separate Brigade
21st Chinese Base Force

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

I don't see much in the way of CVs here, but I'd guess this is CVEs and the Death Star lurks behind. There is a lot more at Kira Kira and in the lower Solomons. Minelayers are moving and MTBs and midgets are being mobilized at Rabaul.

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by obvert -- 7/12/2016 10:19:34 PM >

_____________________________

"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm." - Winston Churchill

(in reply to Bif1961)

Post #: 1068

RE: The Elephant Vanishes :: obvert (J) vs SqzMyLemon (A) - 7/12/2016 10:27:38 PM

obvert

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

17 January, 1944 (cont.)

Here is the view of the Allied fleets beginning to strike. Looks like Shortlands, but can't be sure here. I'm preparing for anything and everything.

Air strikes will be limited and I'll try to direct them away from any main fleet that appears by restricting range and search. I'll only commit two 36 plane Judy groups, two 27 plane Lily DB groups, 27 Frances and 45 Kates.

On the surface I have 4 old DDs, 3 fast TB/E, plus a little surprise lurking out near Truk. Depending on how long this takes I'll also have some CA and CVE coming in for a look around.

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by obvert -- 7/12/2016 10:31:07 PM >

_____________________________

"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm." - Winston Churchill

(in reply to obvert)

Post #: 1069

RE: The Elephant Vanishes :: obvert (J) vs SqzMyLemon (A) - 7/12/2016 10:50:45 PM

Lokasenna

Posts: 9297
Joined: 3/3/2012
From: Iowan in MD/DC
Status: offline

Holy cow, the B-24D losses in a single day

. Where are his B-24J's, though? It's 1/44, he should have them?

(in reply to obvert)

Post #: 1070

RE: The Elephant Vanishes :: obvert (J) vs SqzMyLemon (A) - 7/12/2016 11:34:20 PM

obvert

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

quote:

ORIGINAL: Lokasenna

Holy cow, the B-24D losses in a single day . Where are his B-24J's, though? It's 1/44, he should have them?

They're all in CBI. They took a similar hit over there a month ago. Here these have been getting a bit slammed as he's trying to close Rabaul. The losses have to add up, but the toll on my service 3 fighters is significant. Sweeps and 4Es day after day and suddenly 1/3 of the fighters are on the ground.

Luckily the N1K2 and J2M3 are filling in and the Ki-100 is close, due in about a month. I don't have Franks down here yet either.

_____________________________

"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm." - Winston Churchill

(in reply to Lokasenna)

Post #: 1071

RE: The Elephant Vanishes :: obvert (J) vs SqzMyLemon (A) - 7/12/2016 11:37:36 PM

obvert

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

The next turn started as I'd expected; an invasion at Shortlands.

Attachment (1)

_____________________________

"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm." - Winston Churchill

(in reply to obvert)

Post #: 1072

RE: The Elephant Vanishes :: obvert (J) vs SqzMyLemon (A) - 7/12/2016 11:39:23 PM

obvert

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

MTBs shot around the area and had several good engagements, but couldn't get in close to land a hit with the fish. Damn!

These are in small TFs because I only have two of the 38knot, two 29 knot, and the rest are all 22 knot.

Attachment (1)

_____________________________

"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm." - Winston Churchill

(in reply to obvert)

Post #: 1073

RE: The Elephant Vanishes :: obvert (J) vs SqzMyLemon (A) - 7/12/2016 11:42:16 PM

obvert

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In the daylight some small strikes went out to find the Allies and find them they did. Unfortunately, this shot is the beginning of the engagement, when I thought they might have a chance to get through. After this the CAP got to 500+ Hellcats!!! This is the full Death Star!

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_____________________________

"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm." - Winston Churchill

(in reply to obvert)

Post #: 1074

RE: The Elephant Vanishes :: obvert (J) vs SqzMyLemon (A) - 7/12/2016 11:49:07 PM

obvert

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After another strike also failed hitting the TFs at Shortlands the 4Es hit Rabaul again. Sweeps from three Spit groups again preceded the beasts and didn't do as well as previous turns. maybe they're wearing out.

This time the P-38s again were tough, but the CAP was strong and got to the bombers again. The real killer though was the flak today. He lowered altitude to 12k and lost ~18 planes to flak!!

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_____________________________

"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm." - Winston Churchill

(in reply to obvert)

Post #: 1075

RE: The Elephant Vanishes :: obvert (J) vs SqzMyLemon (A) - 7/13/2016 12:01:00 AM

obvert

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18 January, 1944

SW PAC: This seems bigger than it did the turn before. Now, with the entire Allied CV fleet a fwe hexes from Rabaul I wonder if he's going big. There are a lot of trailing TFs,marauding DD TFs and some big boys in the mix. Whenever I see multiple TFs that have assault shipping identified I know it's no joke. A lot of search planes lost though since the CAP is at around 600 fighters!!

He's landed all he's going to need at Shortlands. The base will fall soon, but I'm more worried about what comes next. Will he come for Rabaul?

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AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR January 18, 42
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Morning Air attack on TF, near Green Island at 109,127

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 118 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 30 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 18
D4Y1 Judy x 23
N1K1-J George x 22

Allied aircraft
FM-1 Wildcat x 54
F4U-1A Corsair x 38
F6F-3 Hellcat x 532

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zero: 4 destroyed
D4Y1 Judy: 14 destroyed
N1K1-J George: 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F6F-3 Hellcat: 1 destroyed

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Rabaul , at 106,125

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 77 NM, estimated altitude 36,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 16 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 3
A6M5b Zero x 6
J2M2 Jack x 63
N1K1-J George x 40
N1K2-J George x 18
Ki-43-IIIa Oscar x 10
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 39
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 6

Allied aircraft
Spitfire VIII x 14

Japanese aircraft losses
J2M2 Jack: 1 destroyed
N1K1-J George: 1 destroyed
Ki-43-IIIa Oscar: 1 destroyed
Ki-44-IIc Tojo: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Spitfire VIII: 3 destroyed

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x Spitfire VIII sweeping at 31000 feet *

CAP engaged:
Yokosuka Ku S-1 with N1K1-J George (1 airborne, 9 on standby, 6 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
8 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 38000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Rabaul , at 106,125

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 79 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 27 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 3
A6M5b Zero x 4
J2M2 Jack x 50
N1K1-J George x 29
N1K2-J George x 17
Ki-43-IIIa Oscar x 8
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 29
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 6

Allied aircraft
B-24D1 Liberator x 48
P-38H Lightning x 38

Japanese aircraft losses
J2M2 Jack: 1 destroyed, 6 damaged
J2M2 Jack: 1 destroyed on ground
N1K2-J George: 13 damaged
N1K2-J George: 1 destroyed on ground
Ki-45 KAIa Nick: 2 damaged
Ki-45 KAIa Nick: 1 destroyed on ground
Ki-46-III Dinah: 1 destroyed on ground
H8K2-L Emily: 3 destroyed on ground
L2D2 Tabby: 1 destroyed on ground
D4Y1-C Judy: 1 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D1 Liberator: 3 destroyed, 19 damaged
B-24D1 Liberator: 3 destroyed by flak
P-38H Lightning: 3 destroyed

Japanese ground losses:
23 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Airbase hits 6
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 15

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 12000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Rabaul , at 106,125

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 77 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 26 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 3
A6M5b Zero x 3
J2M2 Jack x 40
N1K1-J George x 25
N1K2-J George x 12
Ki-43-IIIa Oscar x 6
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 25
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 4

Allied aircraft
B-24D1 Liberator x 11

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zero: 1 destroyed
Ki-44-IIc Tojo: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D1 Liberator: 5 destroyed, 1 damaged
B-24D1 Liberator: 2 destroyed by flak

Runway hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 12000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Rabaul , at 106,125

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 77 NM, estimated altitude 37,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 22 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 2
A6M5b Zero x 1
J2M2 Jack x 20
N1K1-J George x 10
N1K2-J George x 4
Ki-43-IIIa Oscar x 1
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 13
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 1

Allied aircraft
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 18

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zero: 1 destroyed
J2M2 Jack: 2 destroyed
N1K1-J George: 1 destroyed
Ki-44-IIc Tojo: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-47D2 Thunderbolt: 2 destroyed

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x P-47D2 Thunderbolt sweeping at 31000 feet *

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

Ground combat at Shortlands (109,131)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 2279 troops, 10 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 77

Defending force 9168 troops, 366 guns, 363 vehicles, Assault Value = 263

Japanese ground losses:
11 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
23 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
1st South Seas Det.
3rd Indpt SNLF Coy
40th Const Co
51st JNAF AF Unit /1

Defending units:
763rd Tank Battalion
762nd Tank Battalion
3rd NZ Bde /1
12th NZ Bde /1
57th Coastal Artillery Regiment
181st USAAF Base Force /3
76th Cst AA Rgt /6
611th Cst AA Rgt /4
221st USN Base Force /3
229th USN Base Force /1
Southwest Pacific /2
XIII US Bomber Cmnd
226th USN Base Force /1
7th Marine Def Bn /2
607th Cst AA Rgt /6
257th USAAF Base Force /1
32nd Aviation Base Force /3
610th Cst AA Rgt /7

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

I'm kicking my self a bit that I set those strikes to go. A little bit trigger happy.

His 4E losses are again horrific. How many of these can he run?

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_____________________________

"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm." - Winston Churchill

(in reply to obvert)

Post #: 1076

RE: The Elephant Vanishes :: obvert (J) vs SqzMyLemon (A) - 7/13/2016 12:11:06 AM

obvert

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Here is a look at the area now. The highlighted TF running in is my surprise. Still unseen, these are the Mutsu and Nagato with five old DDs. They'll run at flank into the mess and have a home port of Kaveing, hoping to be outside the main combat areas by daylight. Wishful thinking, I know, but had to try something here, and I did set two 45 plane groups to LR CAP. Against the full DS that might not matter, but we'll see!

Minelayers went for Rabaul and Kaveing, PTs are everywhere and midgets are covering most bases. Fleet subs will work the edges out in the deep water for the most part.

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"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm." - Winston Churchill

(in reply to obvert)

Post #: 1077

RE: The Elephant Vanishes :: obvert (J) vs SqzMyLemon (A) - 7/13/2016 12:19:43 AM

Lowpe

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Just from looking at the total 4E lost, it doesn't seem like much given the date.

However, I am sure he has to juggle pilots and replacements.

(in reply to obvert)

Post #: 1078

RE: The Elephant Vanishes :: obvert (J) vs SqzMyLemon (A) - 7/13/2016 1:10:24 AM

Lowpe

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Comparing the B24D losses to my game, he might be short of them...so I take back my previous statement a little.

(in reply to Lowpe)

Post #: 1079

RE: The Elephant Vanishes :: obvert (J) vs SqzMyLemon (A) - 7/13/2016 8:33:22 AM

obvert

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Lowpe

Comparing the B24D losses to my game, he might be short of them...so I take back my previous statement a little.

He'll have the 'J' in quantity enough but in this area it will be at least a week or two before they get back to full strength if he has to upgrade. My fighters are struggling to stay in the game though. Tough going at Rabaul. I think the losses are worth it for him if the sweeps now continue to work the place. He hasn't used any 2E here to follow up but that could be next.

As you can see by this another one of these kitchen sink raids would knock us out, and it could be coming. About 40-50 more of these will be in working order by tomorrow but it'll still be tough if the CV planes get involved.

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"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm." - Winston Churchill

(in reply to Lowpe)

Post #: 1080

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