RE: Headhunter - Lokasenna (A) vs. mind_messing (J)

Matrix Games Forums

Forums Register Login Photo Gallery Member List Search Calendars FAQ

My Profile Inbox Address Book My Subscription My Forums Log Out

RE: Headhunter - Lokasenna (A) vs. mind_messing (J) - No MM yet

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 >> After Action Reports >> RE: Headhunter - Lokasenna (A) vs. mind_messing (J) - No MM yet

Page: << < prev 3 4 [5] 6 7 next > >>

Message

<< Older Topic Newer Topic >>

RE: Headhunter - Lokasenna (A) vs. mind_messing (J) - N... - 9/3/2014 3:17:26 PM

Lokasenna

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

quote:

ORIGINAL: Lowpe

I guess I don't see why you would want to attack everywhere at once in the Marshalls, Gilberts, etc. Seems very risky and harder to protect.

You have plenty of time, no reason for you not to go slow and methodical and safe. imho.

I know he's running Helens and Idas out of Kwajalein and the surrounding bases on ASW - leaving less space for Netties. It's just tempting to hit it all at once... as you say, I do have plenty of time. Impatience is my enemy more than anything.

quote:

ORIGINAL: JocMeister

Might be viable to resize when the Hellcats comes online though. You will end up witgh thousands of Wildkittens in the pool. I never found a use for them as they are crazy outdated and even the FM-2 version can only do 330MPH when it comes available in 44. But they might work well for ablative escort. Obviously range will be an issue though...

Playing with PDU OFF means I will have to use them on the CVEs this time around though. At least the VRF squadrons upgrade to Hellcats...

That has occurred to me - once I get Hellcats in another 4 months, at 2.1 per day, I'll have plenty of fighters in the pools. I'm still seeing A6M2s and not noticed an advanced date on any of the A6M5 models so far, so I think he is heavily invested 2nd and 3rd generation planes like the Jack, Sam, and Shinden. I think this is a mistake on his part - he should have proceeded at least a little ways down the A6M line, lest I have a window where my aircraft are out-and-out superior.

I just remembered that I just started getting Corsairs, albeit the LBA version.

quote:

ORIGINAL: ny59giants

IMO, its gamey to re-size air groups to 81 as Japan. I don't care what it is used for. My rule of thumb is no re-sizing above what is already in play. If Japan has a size 42 IJN fighter group, then that is the largest a re-sizing can go.

Regardless of what Japan has on an island, a bombardment TF will hit it hard enough to disrupt the troops. That is why those old BBs are kept around.

Aside from 3 training groups, this is pretty much what I've done in my own game. Honestly, it's too hard to keep track of huge units and it's easier to rotate units in/out without having varying capabilities. Hard to have interchangeable units if one is size 81 and the other is size 45. Now, splitting the 81 into 3 "mini-sentais" of 27 could be pretty reasonable. He hasn't swept with a big unit yet, but I have met them on CAP over Lunga and Tassafaronga. Although the other day, I was able to get in a 74-plane coordinated sweep (using the beta), so I feel that I could compete with just a little effort in assigning to same HQs, having HQa present, etc.

IIRC, the biggest they go in 1942 is 45, or maybe 42. Later on, I think there might be some low-50s size units in the IJAAF at least. Big units still eat up lots of supply for replacements and daily missions, plus aviation support.

And yeah - I've only lost 2 old BBs this game. Also still have Prince of Wales and Repulse. I should be able to send 2 BBs to bombard each 6,000 SL island, embed 1 in each amphib TF, and still be able to hit 2 islands at once (3 or 4 if I use CAs in the amphib TFs instead).

(in reply to Lowpe)

Post #: 121

RE: Headhunter - Lokasenna (A) vs. mind_messing (J) - N... - 9/3/2014 3:45:26 PM

Mike McCreery

Posts: 4232
Joined: 6/29/2013
Status: offline

Tabituea and Tarawa are the key to the Marshalls & Gilberts. Once you obtain these the rest are within heavy bomber range and you can just blow units completely off atolls.

By doing an all an all fast assault you lose the ability for attacking his reinforcements and naval forces.

Why not set up a trap instead?

_____________________________

(in reply to Lokasenna)

Post #: 122

RE: Headhunter - Lokasenna (A) vs. mind_messing (J) - N... - 9/3/2014 4:51:44 PM

Lokasenna

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

quote:

ORIGINAL: Wargmr

Tabituea and Tarawa are the key to the Marshalls & Gilberts. Once you obtain these the rest are within heavy bomber range and you can just blow units completely off atolls.

By doing an all an all fast assault you lose the ability for attacking his reinforcements and naval forces.

Why not set up a trap instead?

That's a fine idea that I'll have to consider. The logistics will be a big task - a lot of my "spare" stuff is in SOPAC or SWPAC right now.

(in reply to Mike McCreery)

Post #: 123

RE: Headhunter - Lokasenna (A) vs. mind_messing (J) - N... - 9/5/2014 1:16:09 AM

Lokasenna

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

Another golden ship goes down: CA Kinugasa.

On January 11, 1943, after several weeks of recon on Milne Bay (and one big cruiser bombardment that took the airfield out of action), a large Allied SCTF runs in on the "bait" and SCTF present. Kinugasa and 2 or 3 IJN DDs are sent to the bottom in exchange for 2 Allied CAs (Vincennes and Minneapolis), as well as DD Grayson. However, the remaining Allied cruisers make it to the sheep - sinking between 2 and 4 big xAPs, 1 DMS, and 1 xAK, all of which were unloading. Almost 2000 IJA troops are drowned.

Not the best trade, but it will do. Milne Bay now has 7 units present, with 15,000 troops and 100ish Guns/Vehicles each. Still doable with 2 Australian IDs.

In the last 2 months, not counting Chungking maxing out at AF level 9, I've been trading at 1.67:1 in my favor. Not bad...

VP Ratio is 2.795:1 as of 1/15/43. On 11/15/42 it was 2.935:1.

(in reply to Lokasenna)

Post #: 124

RE: Headhunter - Lokasenna (A) vs. mind_messing (J) - N... - 9/5/2014 1:45:12 AM

Lokasenna

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

Operation Mooseknuckle(s)

Because these targets stick out.

Screenshot should be pretty self-explanatory...

I've been able to sit 8 hexes from Milne Bay without being detected. I plan to bomb the everloving crap out of Milne Bay as a distraction for a couple of days, and then shift to bombing Moresby for a day or two, to coincide with the landings. Beaufighters are trained in strafing.

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by Lokasenna -- 9/5/2014 2:45:26 AM >

(in reply to Lokasenna)

Post #: 125

RE: Headhunter - Lokasenna (A) vs. mind_messing (J) - N... - 9/5/2014 1:48:49 AM

Lokasenna

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

And the targets...

Phase 1
Port Moresby
Terapo
(Horn Island)
(Merauke - via paradrop, after INFp unit gets to Cairns from Luganville)

Phase 2
Milne Bay
(Tagula Island - criminally, no units prepped)
Rossel Island
(Woodlark Island - unsure how I'm taking this yet, but will figure out in next couple days)

Phase 3
Torokina - undefended!!
Shortlands - minimally defended at present
(Kiriwina?)

Attachment (1)

(in reply to Lokasenna)

Post #: 126

RE: Headhunter - Lokasenna (A) vs. mind_messing (J) - N... - 9/5/2014 7:09:58 AM

JocMeister

Posts: 8262
Joined: 7/29/2009
From: Sweden
Status: offline

Hmm,

Do you know where the KB is?

If you are to succeed with this you need to remain unspotted until you actually land. After you land I think you need to leave immediately. You are going to have every Betty and Nell in SOPAC/CENTPAC and the DEI flying against the landings on day 2. They will be supported by LBA fighters flying LRCAP from PM itself and surrounding bases.

Your CAP is not big enough to protect that landing IMO. Besides that the CVEs are brittle and slow. Then add the possible threat of Japanese SCTF coming out from Rabaul. For sure he must have some naval power stationed there? A couple of CAs might be enough to chew up your slow BBs and get in among the transports and wreck havoc.

Your second wave need to land with the first because I highly doubt you will be able to land it otherwise. And unless you get really lucky with the weather he will see you 2-3 days out. If he does and you try to land it will be suicide to push forward.

Then again you are a lot more aggressive then I am. But I�m not sure this is not borderline suicide rather then aggressive!

(in reply to Lokasenna)

Post #: 127

RE: Headhunter - Lokasenna (A) vs. mind_messing (J) - N... - 9/5/2014 12:26:02 PM

Lowpe

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

You really like big bites!

You should be a JFB, what with these complicated plans. Wait, you are!

It is Jan 1943, take what is given...and build slowly, steadily and safely.

(in reply to JocMeister)

Post #: 128

RE: Headhunter - Lokasenna (A) vs. mind_messing (J) - N... - 9/5/2014 3:58:48 PM

Mike McCreery

Posts: 4232
Joined: 6/29/2013
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Lowpe

You really like big bites!

You should be a JFB, what with these complicated plans. Wait, you are!

It is Jan 1943, take what is given...and build slowly, steadily and safely.

Where is the fun in that??? :P

_____________________________

(in reply to Lowpe)

Post #: 129

RE: Headhunter - Lokasenna (A) vs. mind_messing (J) - N... - 9/5/2014 4:16:57 PM

Lokasenna

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

quote:

ORIGINAL: JocMeister

Hmm,

Do you know where the KB is?

If you are to succeed with this you need to remain unspotted until you actually land. After you land I think you need to leave immediately. You are going to have every Betty and Nell in SOPAC/CENTPAC and the DEI flying against the landings on day 2. They will be supported by LBA fighters flying LRCAP from PM itself and surrounding bases.

Your CAP is not big enough to protect that landing IMO. Besides that the CVEs are brittle and slow. Then add the possible threat of Japanese SCTF coming out from Rabaul. For sure he must have some naval power stationed there? A couple of CAs might be enough to chew up your slow BBs and get in among the transports and wreck havoc.

Your second wave need to land with the first because I highly doubt you will be able to land it otherwise. And unless you get really lucky with the weather he will see you 2-3 days out. If he does and you try to land it will be suicide to push forward.

Then again you are a lot more aggressive then I am. But I�m not sure this is not borderline suicide rather then aggressive!

Where's your heart?!?

Yeah. I had second thoughts about the CVEs being able to cover everything, even with LRCAP from Portland Roads.

MM has been really slack on naval search in this area. I tested the boundaries over the past few days, including the surface actions at Milne Bay. I've also been running a large xAKL cargo TF from Sydney to Portland Roads in order to maintain supply. It doesn't get sighted until it's at Portland Roads itself, presumably from the recon planes over the base (he keeps it at 9/10 DL). The plan is to rendezvous 2 hexes NE of Townsville, then proceed along the coastal reef up to just off of Cooktown, and then NE to Moresby. If he gets a good sighting on me before I'm 2 days out, I'll probably have to pull the plug as I can't risk losing the assault shipping (~1/2 of my current APs and ~1/6 of my current AKs). If he gets a bad sighting, hopefully he thinks I'm just heading up to drop off at Portland Roads again.

I realize this may seem larger than it is. Phase 2/3 may not happen right away, depending on what goes on with Phase 1, but I do have units prepped and prepping for these targets and would like to take them if possible. But Moresby itself is low-hanging fruit, as far as that goes - it's only 8 hexes from a friendly level 7 (and growing) AF, I can achieve local air superiority for at least a couple of days, and he doesn't have much defending the base with no signs of any more coming in.

I suspect that he has been keeping KB disbanded at Truk or Rabaul, however I routinely get messages about heavy radio at Truk. My subs have sighted large troop convoys either coming or going from there, so it could be them. I also have Catalinas that reach out almost to Gasmata - 4 groups covering the same patrol area to be absolutely sure I sight any incoming IJN TFs.

His IJNAF air corps... so far I know that a large Sentai of Nells are based at Port Blair. At least 1 Sentai is in the Marshalls/Gilberts (I suspect 2, and I recently gutted the one that was at Tabiteuea with P-39Ds on CAP at Baker, 2 days ago). At least 1, more likely 2, units on Nav Search/ASW out of Hokkaido/Kuriles. That only leaves a few Netty units... I'm not concerned about the IJAAF units - they seem to be focusing on Grd Bombing and ASW work.

I have 54 F4F-4's in NE Australia, 25 P-39s, and 25 P-40Ks ready to fly in from NE Australia, currently just flying extra CAP over Portland Roads or Cooktown. Obviously I can't fly all of those in to Moresby, but I'll choose based on how his strikes appear. I suspect It'll be 2 units of F4Fs and 1 of P-39s, as I expect to be facing Zeroes/Nicks on sweep with Helen-Ia and Bettys on strike. Also a small unit of LBA Vals at Buna...

(in reply to JocMeister)

Post #: 130

RE: Headhunter - Lokasenna (A) vs. mind_messing (J) - N... - 9/5/2014 4:31:36 PM

JocMeister

Posts: 8262
Joined: 7/29/2009
From: Sweden
Status: offline

Well, you certainly know the situation better then I do.

I�ll keep my fingers crossed for you! Remaining undetected will be absolutely vital I think.

(in reply to Lokasenna)

Post #: 131

RE: Headhunter - Lokasenna (A) vs. mind_messing (J) - N... - 9/5/2014 4:40:13 PM

Lokasenna

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

quote:

ORIGINAL: JocMeister

Well, you certainly know the situation better then I do.

I�ll keep my fingers crossed for you! Remaining undetected will be absolutely vital I think.

Yeah. I've been keeping my eye on him here, because he could really contest if he wanted to. He just hasn't brought in the units to do it, that I can tell anyway. He's heavily committed over Lunga - there appears to be about 2 regiments each at Russel Islands, Tulagi, and Tassafaronga, with about a division at Lunga. OK, so I'll just skip those. Especially since only 10k men are at Shortlands at present, now 17k at Milne Bay (so that could be tough), but only Guards Mixed Brigade and some kind of aerial support unit at Moresby. That's criminally low, I think. Buna has only a Naval Guard and JNAF unit. Merauke has only the Yokosuka 3rd SNLF. Horn Island and Terapo (and Torokina!) are empty. Tagula Island has only an AF Coy. Rossel Island appears empty. Kiriwina has 2 units, but unsure of which - probably a naval guard and JNAF unit. So he has a modicum of defenses, with big enough airfields and enough interlocking support to prevent me from knocking him out of the air war here, but that's about it.

I've been slowly building this area up for several months now, and he hasn't responded with more forces, other than bringing in reinforcements to Milne Bay (still not a lot...looks like only about 2-5k troops got ashore). If anything, he's transferred bombers away from the Solomons in the past few months. Tassafaronga appears to have either a Netty unit, or else the Nicks that I know are based there are showing up as "bombers - 33". About 160 fighters in that little complex that I'll probably have to face over Milne Bay or Moresby, but that opens the door to bombing the crap out of Lunga with the 50 4Es and 80 2Es that remain at Lunga/Ndeni.

(in reply to JocMeister)

Post #: 132

RE: Headhunter - Lokasenna (A) vs. mind_messing (J) - N... - 9/5/2014 4:47:00 PM

JocMeister

Posts: 8262
Joined: 7/29/2009
From: Sweden
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Lokasenna

Yeah. I've been keeping my eye on him here, because he could really contest if he wanted to. He just hasn't brought in the units to do it, that I can tell anyway. He's heavily committed over Lunga - there appears to be about 2 regiments each at Russel Islands, Tulagi, and Tassafaronga, with about a division at Lunga. OK, so I'll just skip those. Especially since only 10k men are at Shortlands at present, now 17k at Milne Bay (so that could be tough), but only Guards Mixed Brigade and some kind of aerial support unit at Moresby. That's criminally low, I think. Buna has only a Naval Guard and JNAF unit. Merauke has only the Yokosuka 3rd SNLF. Horn Island and Terapo (and Torokina!) are empty. Tagula Island has only an AF Coy. Rossel Island appears empty. Kiriwina has 2 units, but unsure of which - probably a naval guard and JNAF unit. So he has a modicum of defenses, with big enough airfields and enough interlocking support to prevent me from knocking him out of the air war here, but that's about it.

I've been slowly building this area up for several months now, and he hasn't responded with more forces, other than bringing in reinforcements to Milne Bay (still not a lot...looks like only about 2-5k troops got ashore). If anything, he's transferred bombers away from the Solomons in the past few months. Tassafaronga appears to have either a Netty unit, or else the Nicks that I know are based there are showing up as "bombers - 33". About 160 fighters in that little complex that I'll probably have to face over Milne Bay or Moresby, but that opens the door to bombing the crap out of Lunga with the 50 4Es and 80 2Es that remain at Lunga/Ndeni.

Yeah, I never understood why people would slog through the Solomons when you can just jump to PM/Milne in a turn. Of course slogging through the Solomons means that you are tying up lots of Japanese forces.

Have you considered the possibility that MM has intentionally not reinforced PM/Milne? He seems like a competent player from what I can tell and it seems a bit odd he hasn�t responded to your buildup in any way? Have you fired up Intel Monkey and checked what he has available in the area? If you find 2-3 IDs at Rabaul...

(in reply to Lokasenna)

Post #: 133

RE: Headhunter - Lokasenna (A) vs. mind_messing (J) - N... - 9/5/2014 5:00:11 PM

Lokasenna

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

Rabaul is likewise really underdefended, and my subs haven't stumbled across any incoming convoys. I have gotten a lot of intel lately on IDs moving out of China to Guam, Saipan, Rota, etc. - but none to SOPAC. I think he is expecting me to crush him down here no matter what, so isn't contesting as well as he could... relying entirely on air forces to keep me at arm's length.

Don't get me wrong - I'd love to take the Lunga complex, it would make pressuring Rabaul and pushing north to Kusaie so much easier, but I don't have the tools right now to deal with the probable reaction from KB as well as all of the strikes that could come in. Moresby is much safer. With what he has in place right now, I can push to Moresby, hop to Milne Bay (which I already have suppressed completely with AF damage 90 & port 80, though I may not be able to sustain that against his aircraft pools), build up Tagula and Rossel...and then hop to Shortlands/Torokina. However, it is likely that he'll commit forces to defend the Bougainville bases while I do all of that. I'm beginning to get LSTs and I plan to wait for them.

However-however, if he does that...a door cracks open elsewhere, I think. Like the Gilberts.

RE: Intel monkey - I loaded it up when assessing if I should conduct this op now, and weighed it vs. the intel that Tjilatjap is finally expanding so I don't want to go raid Java anymore. However, I play on multiple computers and have yet to consolidate my intel text files in one place.

< Message edited by Lokasenna -- 9/5/2014 6:01:27 PM >

(in reply to JocMeister)

Post #: 134

RE: Headhunter - Lokasenna (A) vs. mind_messing (J) - N... - 9/5/2014 5:55:48 PM

JocMeister

Posts: 8262
Joined: 7/29/2009
From: Sweden
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Lokasenna

Rabaul is likewise really underdefended, and my subs haven't stumbled across any incoming convoys. I have gotten a lot of intel lately on IDs moving out of China to Guam, Saipan, Rota, etc. - but none to SOPAC. I think he is expecting me to crush him down here no matter what, so isn't contesting as well as he could... relying entirely on air forces to keep me at arm's length.

Don't get me wrong - I'd love to take the Lunga complex, it would make pressuring Rabaul and pushing north to Kusaie so much easier, but I don't have the tools right now to deal with the probable reaction from KB as well as all of the strikes that could come in. Moresby is much safer. With what he has in place right now, I can push to Moresby, hop to Milne Bay (which I already have suppressed completely with AF damage 90 & port 80, though I may not be able to sustain that against his aircraft pools), build up Tagula and Rossel...and then hop to Shortlands/Torokina. However, it is likely that he'll commit forces to defend the Bougainville bases while I do all of that. I'm beginning to get LSTs and I plan to wait for them.

However-however, if he does that...a door cracks open elsewhere, I think. Like the Gilberts.

RE: Intel monkey - I loaded it up when assessing if I should conduct this op now, and weighed it vs. the intel that Tjilatjap is finally expanding so I don't want to go raid Java anymore. However, I play on multiple computers and have yet to consolidate my intel text files in one place.

I think it sounds very odd.

Either he is just making a mistake or he is planning to trap you at PM and annihilate the troops. Makes absolutely no sense to protect the Solomons and then leave the western flank completely unguarded? Then again mistakes are easy to make and he may just be staring himself blind on the Solomons!

If you do make it though? Why bother with Shortlands? Just dump all you have at PM and start walking towards New Britain?

Just copy the sigint files from one computer to the next and then run it.

(in reply to Lokasenna)

Post #: 135

RE: Headhunter - Lokasenna (A) vs. mind_messing (J) - N... - 9/5/2014 6:21:41 PM

Lokasenna

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

quote:

ORIGINAL: JocMeister

quote:

ORIGINAL: Lokasenna

Rabaul is likewise really underdefended, and my subs haven't stumbled across any incoming convoys. I have gotten a lot of intel lately on IDs moving out of China to Guam, Saipan, Rota, etc. - but none to SOPAC. I think he is expecting me to crush him down here no matter what, so isn't contesting as well as he could... relying entirely on air forces to keep me at arm's length.

Don't get me wrong - I'd love to take the Lunga complex, it would make pressuring Rabaul and pushing north to Kusaie so much easier, but I don't have the tools right now to deal with the probable reaction from KB as well as all of the strikes that could come in. Moresby is much safer. With what he has in place right now, I can push to Moresby, hop to Milne Bay (which I already have suppressed completely with AF damage 90 & port 80, though I may not be able to sustain that against his aircraft pools), build up Tagula and Rossel...and then hop to Shortlands/Torokina. However, it is likely that he'll commit forces to defend the Bougainville bases while I do all of that. I'm beginning to get LSTs and I plan to wait for them.

However-however, if he does that...a door cracks open elsewhere, I think. Like the Gilberts.

RE: Intel monkey - I loaded it up when assessing if I should conduct this op now, and weighed it vs. the intel that Tjilatjap is finally expanding so I don't want to go raid Java anymore. However, I play on multiple computers and have yet to consolidate my intel text files in one place.

I think it sounds very odd. Either he is just making a mistake or he is planning to trap you at PM and annihilate the troops. Makes absolutely no sense to protect the Solomons and then leave the western flank completely unguarded? Then again mistakes are easy to make and he may just be staring himself blind on the Solomons!

If you do make it though? Why bother with Shortlands? Just dump all you have at PM and start walking towards New Britain?

Just copy the sigint files from one computer to the next and then run it.

Yeah, I'll do that. I need to remember to grab the files, though... from 2 computers. I'll grab this one's right now, while I'm thinking about it.

I don't know why he'd do that either. He did try to lay a trap for me at Milne Bay - "dangling some bait" and laying a minefield. I detected both, calculated that the risk was worth it with my cruisers anyway once I saw that his SCTF was only 4 ships and not the 8 with possible 6 CAs that I'd sighted on the previous 2 days.

He could fly in some reinforcements, actually. I have another fully prepped USA division for Moresby, but it's at San Francisco. I may need to wait for it to transit... or, I could land anyway as he can't kick me out with what he has there right now and he'd need to ship in some more - and I could sink those ships. Coming to the south side of New Guinea should at this point be a death sentence for his ships. I think even KB would have a hard time of it, with ~300 LBA fighters and scores upon scores of bombers (including USMC SBDs and TBFs) based between Townsville, Cairns, Cooktown, and Portland Roads - and supporting fields built at Charters Towers, Normanton, and Coen.

I really expected him to bring in more troops when he noticed that I was building up the NE horn of the continent. He hasn't, so I want Moresby next.

I am slightly nervous about CAP levels, but you can't make an omelette without breaking a few eggs. I just can't run out of eggs before 1945 or I'm in trouble...

(in reply to JocMeister)

Post #: 136

RE: Headhunter - Lokasenna (A) vs. mind_messing (J) - N... - 9/5/2014 7:14:26 PM

JocMeister

Posts: 8262
Joined: 7/29/2009
From: Sweden
Status: offline

I�m not so sure about you keeping naval control outside PM... If you look at my game vs Erik its a quite similar situation. But I invested way, way more into it then you do. And in the end none of us controlled the sea around PM. I had to rely on quick bombardments during the night while Erik tried to intercept them. But no one could stay around PM at day or they would get instantly sunk by LBA. Thats why I think you need to land everything in one go. Because I think your troops my end up isolated for quite some time.

And I had all those fields at 9 before I started. And ALL the 4Es. All the fighters. Everything I had. All the BBs, all the CAs...and it still took me 3 months to gain control of the area. Granted Erik had the 22nd ID at PM with level 6 forts which caused me no small grief... Are you absolutely 100% sure he doesn�t have an ID at PM?

Have you considered landing at Terapo first? That would give you an AF to provide LCRAP over PM. Its actually what saved me. Once I got an AF at Terapo I could slowly gain control over the air over PM. That allowed me to land reinforcements and supply...Portland Roads is simply to far away to get any decent CAP up over PM.

(in reply to Lokasenna)

Post #: 137

RE: Headhunter - Lokasenna (A) vs. mind_messing (J) - N... - 9/5/2014 7:57:38 PM

Lokasenna

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

Absolutely positive he only has Guards Mixed Brigade at Moresby, with 1 JNAF unit. Many times confirmed with sig int on the Guards Mixed Brigade, and he wouldn't be basing Jakes (and now a tiny unit of Vals) there if he didn't have aviation support, so the second unit has got to be one of those 24-support ones. Those only have 8 engineers, I think. I'd be very surprised if he had forts higher than 4. He hasn't been running in supply since I set up shop in NE Australia.

Many days of 9/10 DL (via B-17 with 40+ Recon bomber pilots!) and the Aussie P-43A unit: 12.2-12.8k troops, 60 or so guns, ZERO AFVs, 2 units.

I'm going to drop the 1st Australian Paratroop Battalion at Terapo on the same day that I land, or more probably on the day after (I know he has TR planes at Rabaul with 4th Raiding Regiment and possibly 1st Raiding Regiment) to annoy him. Then I'll fly in Seabees to work on forts, and supply via B-25 if I have to. Also have all 3 SSTs at Sydney completing their refits in a couple of days, and then I can use them to haul ~350-400 supplies per trip between Portland and New Guinea. Enough to support Terapo's fort building, I think. I've done something similar against another opponent of mine several times.

I had planned to take Merauke with a USA INFp unit (503rd Infantry Paratroopers or something?) as well, but they actually may not be enough if that's a full size SNLF (and I think it is, at 60 AV) so that's on hold for the moment.

As for sea control... I am a little light on my surface forces, and it would be night time battles only. Daytime would be as you say - a blood bath, and largely in my favor I think given the comparative deployment of air forces. I really think he expects me to come up the Solomons.

MKB is almost definitely in the Soerabaja area. Hiryu was sighted a couple of weeks ago north of the Marianas (probably heading back from her 7/42 refit, but possibly heading for). I know he is converting Chiyoda and Chitose as I am now getting "CVL Chitose sighted in port" messages for both of them. I also got a sub attack on Chitose near Iwo back in early November...figured she was heading to Tokyo for that upgrade.

I am in a holding pattern with my invasion forces anyway for a couple of days while I wait for the CVs to catch up to the CVEs. Your comments made me think that maybe I should try to draw out the IJN posted near Malaya by feinting at Blair or Ramree, but I don't want to give up ships for free. I doubt that he would have left the SRA completely undefended in terms of naval power - and besides, that's where the "free" fuel is. He retook Cocos Island back in October using Ise/Hyuga/Nagato/Mutsu, his remaining Takaos, and MKB including Junyo/Hiyo. He knows I like to come from multiple angles at once, which is another bit that says to me he probably has a portion of the IJN in the SRA.

Man, I write a lot.

(in reply to JocMeister)

Post #: 138

RE: Headhunter - Lokasenna (A) vs. mind_messing (J) - N... - 9/5/2014 7:59:56 PM

Lowpe

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

The beauty of PM is that the KB can strike from the north across NG. It feels very safe for a JFB to do. In addition there are a lot of air bases in which planes can mysteriously appear from very great distances if need be.

Now having said that, PM is not really a strong counter invade opportunity like some other islands in the area.

Having boots on the ground up front exists only to allow the IJN & airforce time to punish you or to buy time as you need to devote 3 months for additional prep, in which case you normally bypass.

My thoughts.

(in reply to JocMeister)

Post #: 139

RE: Headhunter - Lokasenna (A) vs. mind_messing (J) - N... - 9/5/2014 8:59:49 PM

Lokasenna

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

quote:

ORIGINAL: Lowpe

The beauty of PM is that the KB can strike from the north across NG. It feels very safe for a JFB to do. In addition there are a lot of air bases in which planes can mysteriously appear from very great distances if need be.

Now having said that, PM is not really a strong counter invade opportunity like some other islands in the area.

Having boots on the ground up front exists only to allow the IJN & airforce time to punish you or to buy time as you need to devote 3 months for additional prep, in which case you normally bypass.

My thoughts.

Agree. And yes, he can strike at the invasion forces from the north side of PNG, at the Moresby hex itself. On the way in, or hitting my CVs that will be a couple of hexes away...not so much. Or at least not as much.

If KB is at Rabaul, I'll be in trouble and probably have to scratch the landing. However, I suspect they're at Truk as he knows I want Tabiteuea as well...and Rabaul is farther from that one. They've always come from Truk when he's sent them out hunting before. Also don't think the Guards Mixed Brigade will be able to stand up to my division. He might have good forts there (doubtful, as the Guards Bde landed to take the place originally and the JNAF unit may have been with them; also haven't seen many ships coming to/from since he took the place - I've had good sub presence at choke points and Cat search from Townsville for ages). It's true that supply can flow in from Buna, but I don't think he had a construction unit here to build forts before taking them out.

One more turn tonight, maybe I'll have time to post an update before heading out.

(in reply to Lowpe)

Post #: 140

RE: Headhunter - Lokasenna (A) vs. mind_messing (J) - N... - 9/8/2014 7:52:40 PM

Lokasenna

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

Pulling the plug on Moresby. Noticed two things this turn - one that would be worrying for sending just 1 ID and supporting units in, essentially creating a time limit for capturing the base (which I can't guarantee that I'd meet), and two: I made an oops. Check this out:

I thought the 37th ID loaded pretty easily with just 2 AKs in the TF. Well, that's why. I'm not sending them in without these guys, especially since it seems the commander has reverted to the fragment at Pearl Harbor since it's now the biggest fragment, what with the rest all loaded up on APs... So the amphibs are heading back to Sydney to unload. The assault ships will go to Noumea to load up for Tabiteuea instead.

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by Lokasenna -- 9/8/2014 8:52:57 PM >

(in reply to Lokasenna)

Post #: 141

RE: Headhunter - Lokasenna (A) vs. mind_messing (J) - N... - 9/8/2014 8:07:17 PM

Lokasenna

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

Here's the first thing. He brought in what is probably about a division-equivalent, if not a smaller division itself from China. Notice the movement dot(s) at Buna. Buna had only about 4-5 units prior to now, and under 10k troops. So he's reinforcing Moresby, probably because I stung him at Milne Bay.

This is fine. I bungled the 37th ID anyway and need to wait for its support to arrive in SOPAC, and the 47th ID will join up from San Francisco in about 6 weeks once more xAPs convert (started today at San Fran). This also opens me up in the air a little bit in this area. I had been hesitant to do too much here, lest he catch on early enough to bring in KB before I was even sighted. I bombed Buna's AF at night yesterday, getting 8 planes on the ground for the loss of 3 of my 2Es to flak. Also swept Tassafaronga to attempt to keep his eye on the Solomons (positive trade against A6M2s and Nicks - 12:1 in A2A and 17:2 in total). Tomorrow I'll sweep Buna with 50 P-38s, expecting to come up against Zeroes/Nicks/Oscars on CAP. I'll also resume bombing the Lunga complex periodically, and the port at Milne as well as Port/AF at Moresby, to keep his attention here.

In the meantime, my amphibs will go dump at Sydney and the assault ships will move back over to Noumea. The CVs will hold just south of Milne Bay for now - I am contemplating a dagger-thrust shipping raid there, or at Buna. The CVEs will follow the assault ships to Sydney then Noumea.

Then I'll load up my forces for Tabiteuea from Noumea/Luganville, and the forces for Tarawa at Pearl, and head out. Look for a landing in early-mid February. I'll come back for these mooseknuckles in PNG in March, I think.

Attachment (1)

(in reply to Lokasenna)

Post #: 142

RE: Headhunter - Lokasenna (A) vs. mind_messing (J) - N... - 9/8/2014 8:35:06 PM

Lokasenna

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

Burma snapshot

Visible here is the aftermath of Operation Dino Droppings. Chindits are back at Chittagong - 1 brigade of them, anyway. The 77th Chindits are up at Rawalpindi... I plan to airdrop them to the other side of the Himalayas in a couple of months to mess with MM.

Mostly, I am setting up shop here in the Imphal-Ledo area to rebuild my Chinese LCUs. I get 700 squads per month through the end of June - 350 each of 1941 and 1943 squads. Kohima and Dimapur need a few Chinese LCUs to bulk out their defenses, but as of now every base in the theater has at least a brigade-size LCU to defend against paradrops. With few exceptions, forts are at level 4 or higher.

The hexes with green dots will be sentry locations for Chinese LCUs that withdraw, and therefore won't be rebuilt. Just there as speedbumps in case MM gets adventurous.

The IJA megastack was last sighted moving SE to Myitkyina, though it's entirely possible that it's still at Warazup (and not 5 units as reported) and I don't know it. But if I had to guess, I'd say he's going to fortify the Burma area with them, and possible down the Malaya coast from Bangkok on down. He may transport a few to the Pacific. I don't expect him to continue pushing offensively from here on out.

Overall, Dino Droppings was a great success. Things got really hairy for a time, and I was concerned that about 30-40 Chinese LCUs were going to be butchered, but MM delayed attacking until his full stack was present (a mistake, IMO) and everything was able to make it out. 1 Chinese Corps and the Carabiniers Regiment are in trouble down near Shwebo, but they might yet live as he hasn't been very active in pursuing them.

He also appears to be falling back slightly near Akyab, down to 18 units sighted to the east from a high of 25 or 27 at one point.

Total tally of Chinese units saved (Unit / AV):
including those moved to India before the start of Dino Droppings, except 79th Chinese Corps which is on garrison duty and won't rebuild.
* signifies that unit withdraws.

32nd Chinese Corps, 239
95th Chinese Corps, 345
53rd Chinese Corps, 544
94th Chinese Corps, 545
87th Chinese Corps, 552*
7th New Chinese Corps, 41*
4th Chinese Corps, 268
31st Chinese Corps, 65*
75th Chinese Corps, 365
6th Chinese Corps, 39
2nd Chinese Corps, 44
63rd Chinese Corps, 49
3rd New Chinese Corps, 53
50th Chinese Corps, 165* (withdraws in 1946...)
8th Chinese Corps, 185
62nd Chinese Corps, 193
18th Chinese Corps, 240
68th Chinese Corps, 322
73rd Chinese Corps, 380
78th Chinese Corps, 196
71st Chinese Corps, 214
44th Chinese Corps, 235
26th Chinese Corps, 327
24th Chinese Corps, 248
67th Chinese Corps, 87*
2nd Prov Chinese Corps, 50
56th Chinese Corps, 63
60th Chinese Corps, 189
10th Chinese Corps, 199
54th Chinese Corps, 347
5th Chinese Corps, 567
65th Chinese Corps, 76
72nd Chinese Corps, 331
25th Chinese Corps, 547
21st Chinese Corps, 550
9th Prov Chinese Corps, 366

5th Chinese Cav Corps, 155

1st Chinese Base Force
2nd Chinese Base Force
3rd Chinese Base Force
7th Chinese Base Force
9th Chinese Base Force
10th Chinese Base Force
11th Chinese Base Force
13th Chinese Base Force
16th Chinese Base Force
17th Chinese Base Force
18th Chinese Base Force
20th Chinese Base Force

5th Const Rgt
6th Const Rgt
7th Const Rgt
16th Const Rgt

3rd Heavy Mortar Rgt
4th Heavy Mortar Rgt
41st AA Rgt
49th AA Rgt
56th AT Rgt
57th AT Rgt

China Air TaskForce
NCAC
Red Chinese Army
Central Reserve
--1st Group Army
3rd War Area
--10th Group Army
--23rd Group Army
--30th Group Army
4th War Area
--9th Group Army
--11th Group Army
--16th Group Army
-2nd Group Army (5th)
-3rd Group Army (5th)
-31st Group Army (5th War Area)
6th War Area
--26th Group Army
-12th Group Army (7th)
9th War Area
--27th Group Army
--29th Group Army
--30th Group Army
-4th Group Army (Jingcha War Area)
-34th Group Army (Jingcha War Area)

About 9000 AV currently present in the Imphal area in Chinese units

. 8000 Support squads in the pool, and 2134 Chinese '41 squads in the pool (with another 1866 coming = 4000). 224 Chinese '43 squads in the pool, with 700 already upgraded - though I should have waited. Getting 11.67 squads per day. So by the end of June, assuming I can burn through the pools, I should have ~15000 Chinese squads. I'll never be able to upgrade them all to 1943 squads, so I'll be judicious in choosing those LCUs with the best leaders and best experience before I set them to upgrade. Many of my Chinese units are already at 50+ Exp.

Support arrives at 40 per day. I want to retain a "reserve" of about 2000 squads of support in case I need to rebuild a couple of USA/USMC or Indian IDs, but otherwise I plan to burn this pool on Chinese units.

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by Lokasenna -- 9/8/2014 10:00:43 PM >

(in reply to Lokasenna)

Post #: 143

RE: Headhunter - Lokasenna (A) vs. mind_messing (J) - N... - 9/8/2014 9:25:29 PM

Lokasenna

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

The Silent Service

Now that I have semi-working torpedoes, I've sent my subs after merchant lanes with a bit more gusto. There are somewhere between 10 and 15 subs working the South and East China Seas. One sub fired 4 torpedoes at Tonan Maru #3 in mid-January, getting one hit and setting her on fire. I had hoped she'd sink to fires, but MM confirms that she did not.

Still, I'm getting reasonable results in this area without getting dinged much on DL - he appears to be concentrating on the island fortress areas like the Kuriles, Marianas, and Marshalls with his aerial ASW.

In the South China Sea, I've tried to stay as much in the middle as possible. I suspect he is hugging the Indochina coast at least past C.R. Bay, and then proceeding almost directly NE to either Hong Kong or the Formosa Straits.

Confirmed and possible sinkings since August, 1942 below. As you can see, I've mostly been using my subs for intel on fleet movements and some supply/minelaying operations up to this point.

August
Trout hits AO Shiriya outside Saipan (probably survived)
Silversides sinks an xAK outside Yokohama
S-33 sinks a CM at Tulagi
SS KXVI sinks an empty xAP outside Manus
2 dud attacks

September
S-33 sinks a big PB at Tulagi
3 dud attacks

October
Guardfish sinks an xAKL outside Truk
S-34 sinks an xAK outside Toyohara
Guardfish sinks a PB outside Truk
Pickerel cripples an xAK outside Sapporo
Gurnard sinks an xAKL outside Sasebo
SS Triton lost to 250kg bomb outside Saipan
Trusty sinks an xAKL outside Medan/Georgetown
S-34 cripples an xAK outside Toyohara
5 dud attacks

November
Trigger cripples a large PB outside Rabaul
4 dud attacks

December
SS O20 sinks a PB tuna boat outside Exmouth
S-27 cripples an xAK outside Kushiro
4 dud attacks

January, 1943
Pollack sinks a PB outside Emirau Island
Hake cripples an AO outside Torishima (fuel on board)
Sawfish cripples an xAK outside Amami Oshima
Gar hits Tonan Maru #3 in the South China Sea. Gar takes 2 hits + 8 near hits, crippled.
Tunny cripples an xAK outside Batan Island
Porpoise sinks an xAKL outside Medan
Stingray sinks an xAKL on the surface outside Wenchow
Pompon sinks an xAKL outside Amami Oshima

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by Lokasenna -- 9/8/2014 10:26:59 PM >

(in reply to Lokasenna)

Post #: 144

RE: Headhunter - Lokasenna (A) vs. mind_messing (J) - N... - 9/9/2014 3:38:42 AM

Lokasenna

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

People who have HRs against night bombing are going to hate this one...

For days and days and days, I've had recon going against Lunga. I assume DL 9/14 is about 4 levels better than DL 9/10, right? So I decide to swap 4 of the 10 units at Luganville to VII Bomber Command (the most common HQ) in the hopes of a fully coordinated night strike, just for the sake of beauty.

Well, that doesn't happen. But what does happen is tremendous:

Needless to say, MM is not pleased. But I think this will work to counter some of those 81-plane fighter groups. Some of the losses are at Milne Bay, at least 10 and maybe as many as 20. 6 Allied 4Es lost on the day, plus others out of the zone of action.

MM says Lunga is out of commission. AF damage 50? Not sure about out of commission, but definitely hurting. I don't think I'll hit it again, and instead give my guys a well-deserved day off. I don't get any more B-17s until 1945 anyway.

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by Lokasenna -- 9/9/2014 4:39:27 AM >

(in reply to Lokasenna)

Post #: 145

RE: Headhunter - Lokasenna (A) vs. mind_messing (J) - N... - 9/9/2014 3:42:07 AM

Lokasenna

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

This was just the latest in several days of night airfield bombing recently, including at Buna and Milne Bay. On top of the sweeps at Tassafaronga and Buna in the last 4 days, we have destroyed 134 Japanese aircraft in exchange for 73 Allied aircraft....49 of those yesterday, when my CV escorts failed to intercept the CAP at Buna and I lost almost 40 SBDs/TBFs from Yorktown/Saratoga. I was attempting to catch his troop ships unloading at Buna.

Attachment (1)

(in reply to Lokasenna)

Post #: 146

RE: Headhunter - Lokasenna (A) vs. mind_messing (J) - N... - 9/9/2014 4:27:34 AM

JocMeister

Posts: 8262
Joined: 7/29/2009
From: Sweden
Status: offline

Hehe, that loading mistake kind of sucks. I�ve taken to habit to never leave port straight after loading. That way I can always check if/how much was left behind, load the fragments on other ships and then merge it with the first TF.

(in reply to Lokasenna)

Post #: 147

RE: Headhunter - Lokasenna (A) vs. mind_messing (J) - N... - 9/9/2014 5:14:03 AM

Lokasenna

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

quote:

ORIGINAL: JocMeister

Hehe, that loading mistake kind of sucks. I�ve taken to habit to never leave port straight after loading. That way I can always check if/how much was left behind, load the fragments on other ships and then merge it with the first TF.

Ah, but I loaded up at Sydney. I didn't notice right away that a large piece of the support got left at Pearl.

(in reply to JocMeister)

Post #: 148

RE: Headhunter - Lokasenna (A) vs. mind_messing (J) - N... - 9/9/2014 5:31:43 AM

JocMeister

Posts: 8262
Joined: 7/29/2009
From: Sweden
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Lokasenna
Ah, but I loaded up at Sydney. I didn't notice right away that a large piece of the support got left at Pearl.

Yes, but I ALWAYS do that. Its a good practice as it seems to happen most the time. So I would have noticed at PH.

(in reply to Lokasenna)

Post #: 149

RE: Headhunter - Lokasenna (A) vs. mind_messing (J) - N... - 9/9/2014 7:20:58 PM

pontiouspilot

Posts: 1127
Joined: 7/27/2012
Status: offline

Good raid!! I agree with the chicken over the lemon. I think the lemon is simply a little sour! I had assumed this type of raid was feasible with a little luck. This should stand as an example of the havoc a bold allied player can dish out if the Jap player wants to fish too far afield with all his carriers. May it deter some of the wild Jap thrusts into the Indian Ocean and Australia that we have seen. Against most Jap players the only real problem would be from Betties with torps. Many Jap players at this stage have virtually no search assets in home islands. All you have to do is sail a ship from Seattle to Wenchow to find out.

I had planned a similar early '42 raid using 2 carriers carrying only fighters to protect a 6 battleship bombardment force. (in 1 of my PBEM games I had very little damage to BBs at Pearl but for the 2 sunk outright). My proposed targets were solely in Hokaido however.

(in reply to Lokasenna)

Post #: 150

Page: << < prev 3 4 [5] 6 7 next > >>

All Forums >> [New Releases from Matrix Games] >> War in the Pacific: Admiral's Edition >> After Action Reports >> RE: Headhunter - Lokasenna (A) vs. mind_messing (J) - No MM yet