RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War in the Pacific: Admirals Edition

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RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 7/23/2017 8:06:03 PM

BBfanboy

Posts: 18046
Joined: 8/4/2010
From: Winnipeg, MB
Status: offline

Looks like you are on a roll everywhere.
I particularly like killing subs in port - then you know for sure they are gone!

_____________________________

No matter how bad a situation is, you can always make it worse. - Chris Hadfield : An Astronaut's Guide To Life On Earth

(in reply to Schlussel)

Post #: 421

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 7/28/2017 6:21:05 AM

Schlussel

Posts: 384
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Sacramento, California
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

Looks like you are on a roll everywhere.
I particularly like killing subs in port - then you know for sure they are gone!

Agreed...killing those subs in port was satisfying

. There is a definite relief that comes with the realization that 12 fewer enemy subs will be stalking my supply routes.

_____________________________

You say we're surrounded?
Excellent!
That means we can attack in any direction.

(in reply to BBfanboy)

Post #: 422

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 8/5/2017 4:33:57 PM

Schlussel

Posts: 384
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Sacramento, California
Status: offline

Week 88: August 11th – August 17th 1943
North Pacific:
Base building continues at Amchitka, Umnak and Attu. No IJN activity.

Central Pacific:
Truk bombing motoring along nicely. I currently have 11 Liberator squadrons targeting the Airfield (no more shipping sighted in port). Reported damage to Truk at the end of the week is 65% Airfield and 33% port.

Satawal’s AF is slowly expanding…currently 64% of the way to level 1. It has 60 AV support, so it will be able to host CAP once at level 1.

Southern Pacific:
No IJN activity.

South-West Pacific:
Shipping gathering at Rabaul, preparing for Ulithi and Woleai invasions. Troop prep is in the mid 80’s, so the operation will load up in a little over a week.

DEI/Philippines:
In the Philippines, all my base are belong to Japan.

In the DEI, no IJN activity noted.

SE Asia/China:

Allied offensive continues after the fall of Moulmein. Small recon force (209 AV) advances 3 hexes down the coast towards Tavoy. IJA screening force is very weak (<20 AV), but preliminary reports show the Tavoy garrison is stout (7 units and almost 30K troops…including the 10th Division). In the air, this base has over 125 fighters and about 50 bombers, so a few Cruisers from Moulmein have been sent to bombard…let’s see if they can stir up some trouble. This base will definitely take more than what I have assigned; however, my immediate goal is to cut off the Japanese in Indochina…so advancing down the Malay Peninsula will have to take a backseat for now.

The bulk of the Allied Advance heads Southeast/East from Moulmein and encounters heavy resistance on the road to Rahaeng. Infantry support is currently being brought up from Mandalay…and the rail line in Burma is proving to be very valuable for this.

CAP over Rangoon has recovered somewhat, available planes are up to 85-ish. A few small IJAF raids materialize, but are easily dispatched.

In China, supply is healthy in the southern part of the country, but the front line areas in the north (around Loyang) are still borderline starving. Due to the lack of good roads connecting this area to Chunking, I have moved a few transport squadron from Burma to fly supply in. Won’t be much, but any little bit helps.

Notable Base Captures:
- None

Campaign Overview:
Aircraft Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 5,835 [+116]
Biggest Losses (#): Hurricane IIc (471), P-40K Warhawk (410), SBD-3 Dauntless (363)

Japanese: 16,229 [+310]
Biggest Losses (#): G4M1 Betty (4,228), Ki-48 Lily (1,658), Ki-27b Nate (1,434)

Ship Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 559 [+1]
Notables: CV Enterprise, CV Victorious, CVE Copahee, CVE Nassau, CVE Corregidor, CA Astoria, CA Portland, CA Adelaide, CL Durban, CL Sumatra, CL Java

Japanese: 1,217 [+11]
Notables: CV Soryu, CV Kaga, CV Junyo, CVL Shoho, CVL Zuiho, CVL Ryuho, CVE Taiyo, CVE Hosho, BB Kongo, BB Fuso, BB Mutsu, CA Mogami, CA Mikuma, CA Suzya, CA Adoba.

Army Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 10,465 [+8]
Japanese: 7,937 [+37]
A/J Ratio: 1.32 to 1

VP Totals [change]:
Allies: 48,839 [+372]
Japanese: 30,015 [+175]
A/J Ratio: 1.63 to 1

Operation Forbearance:
Phase 1A: [May 1943 to August 1943]
-Establish naval blockade of Truk using DD’s and submarines. - COMPLETE
-Knock out Truk airfield - COMPLETE [Airfield is 65% damaged]

Phase 1B: [May 1943 to July 1943]
-Assault & capture Kusaie – COMPLETE.
-Assault & capture Ponape – COMPLETE.
-Assault & capture Eniwetok. – COMPLETE.

Phase 1C: [May 1943 to August 1943]
-Assault & capture Woleai - IN PROCESS [Recon sights 1 unit/4.6K troops/22 guns].
-Assault & capture Ulithi - IN PROCESS [Recon sights 2 units/10.2K troops/175 guns].
-Assault & capture Yap - IN PROCESS [Recon sights 2 units/2.5K troops/45 guns].
-Assault & capture Babeldaoab - IN PROCESS [Recon sights 4 units/12.2K troops/62 guns/61F/58B/27AUX].

Other Notes:
-Army fighter pools for Spitfire Vc, P-40N, and Hurricane IIc are dangerously low (at or below 20 and falling). These are my workhorse fighters in Burma, so I am curtailing offensive missions as much as possible while still supporting the general offensive. In addition I have turned off upgrades for some P-40K squadrons to ease the strain on the P-40N pools. The good news is naval air pools are doing quite well, I’ve got over 300 Hellcats, 200 Dauntless’, and 200 Devastators [Edit: Avengers]. The upcoming invasions in the Central Pacific will rely almost solely on Carrier air support, so strong reserve pools will be vital to allow me to keep up the pressure and pace of operations.

< Message edited by Schlussel -- 8/8/2017 1:57:25 AM >

_____________________________

You say we're surrounded?
Excellent!
That means we can attack in any direction.

(in reply to Schlussel)

Post #: 423

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 8/6/2017 11:13:54 PM

Bif1961

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

200 Devastators or Avengers?

(in reply to Schlussel)

Post #: 424

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 8/8/2017 1:56:55 AM

Schlussel

Posts: 384
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Sacramento, California
Status: offline

DOH, good catch Bif1961. I meant Avengers.

_____________________________

You say we're surrounded?
Excellent!
That means we can attack in any direction.

(in reply to Bif1961)

Post #: 425

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 8/9/2017 8:36:37 PM

Andy Mac

Posts: 15222
Joined: 5/12/2004
From: Alexandria, Scotland
Status: offline

note to self plan surprises for Burma front

(in reply to Schlussel)

Post #: 426

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 8/13/2017 12:09:08 AM

Schlussel

Posts: 384
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Sacramento, California
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Andy Mac

note to self plan surprises for Burma front

I like your thinking. Maybe the Allied capture of Rangoon could trigger a giant booze-fueled party (with an appropriate supply loss at the base) along with the surrender of all Japanese troops in Burma/Indochina. Sounds like a good surprise to me.

_____________________________

You say we're surrounded?
Excellent!
That means we can attack in any direction.

(in reply to Andy Mac)

Post #: 427

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 8/15/2017 2:46:41 AM

Schlussel

Posts: 384
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Sacramento, California
Status: offline

Week 89: August 18th – August 24th 1943
North Pacific:
Base building continues at Amchitka, Umnak and Attu. No IJN activity.

Central Pacific:
Truk bombing campaign is progressing better than expected (Reported damage to Truk at the end of the week is 100% Airfield and 36% port). I currently have 11 Liberator squadrons targeting the Airfield, although some will be diverted to hit Woleai to support amphibs operations there.

Satawal’s AF is slowly expanding…currently 80% of the way to level 1. At the current rate, I should reach that in a little over a week.

Woleai invasion fleet is three hexes southeast of its target. Tonight a few CA/DDs will attempt to soften up the beaches, and then we put boots on the ground. CB’s and base forces are in the initial wave, so this base should be up and running quickly…and with any luck it will be available to support the Yap/Ulithi invasions late next week.
Speaking of that, the Yap/Ulithi invasion fleets have just finished loading @ Rabaul. With 3 concurrent invasions going on, I have a shortage of APA/AKA ships at Rabaul, so I prioritize them for Ulithi since it is the Atoll. I’ll need to get everyone unloaded the first day so the auto-shock attack only happens once. Other than that, both invasions are very similar. Both have a combined-arms makeup (Infantry/Armor/Artillery, and Combat Engineers) and will have BB bombardments and CV support (both offensive and defensive). No signs of KB, but I have small DD groups on early warning picket duty.

Southern Pacific:
No IJN activity.

South-West Pacific:
Slowly reducing the Japanese pocket on Northern New Guinea. 2EB and bombardment TFs visit multiple times a week to pay their respects.

DEI/Philippines:
In the Philippines, all my base are belong to Japan.

In the DEI, no IJN activity noted.

SE Asia/China:
The Allied advance towards Rahaeng runs up against a large IJA presence SE of Moulmein. Currently Allied forces are a little spent from the effort to capture of Moulmein, so the advance will take a short breather to allow the infantry to recuperate.
The slow advance on Rahaeng is contrasted by the lightning quick progress the Allies are making down the coast towards Tavoy.

By the end of the week, advance elements blow through a small Japanese force 46 Miles NE of Tavoy, and the Allies are now marching on Tavoy itself. Tavoy will be quite the fortress, as it is inhabited by at least 1 division (the 10th ID). In addition, a reported 150 fighters and 80 bombers are now based there. I begin a concerted effort to whittle the enemy air in Tavoy with a combination of sweeps/bombing runs, and CA/DD bombardments. Rangoon is 7 hexes from Tavoy, and it is proving to be a perfect base from bombardment runs. I am able to conduct nightly runs by a CA/DD force that is helping to destroy/damage Japanese airpower in Tavoy.

Another big IJAF raid on Rangoon. This time, 45 Sally’s are escorted by nearly 100 fighters. The force bullies its way past the Allied CAP and hits the base…but the damage was minor. Despite getting through, Allied fighters made the enemy pay…over 30 aircraft are shot down (20 are bombers).

In China, troops are in a defensive posture. The supply situation is improving drastically. So much so, that I have moved some Chinese P-66’s from Chunking to frontline bases at Kweilin and Kanhsien. These squadrons are now enjoying escort-free intercepts of Betty’s/Lily’s. It’s free lunch time…NOM-NOM. China is starting to turn from a Japanese training ground into an Allied one.

IJN Watch:
-No capital ship sightings this week.

Notable Base Captures:
- None

Campaign Overview:
Aircraft Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 5,952 [+117]
Biggest Losses (#): Hurricane IIc (475), P-40K Warhawk (441), SBD-3 Dauntless (365)

Japanese: 16,513 [+284]
Biggest Losses (#): G4M1 Betty (3,832), Ki-48 Lily (1,404), Ki-27b Nate (1,399)

Ship Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 559 [+0]
Notables: CV Enterprise, CV Victorious, CVE Copahee, CVE Nassau, CVE Corregidor, CA Astoria, CA Portland, CA Adelaide, CL Durban, CL Sumatra, CL Java

Japanese: 1,227 [+10]
Notables: CV Soryu, CV Kaga, CV Junyo, CVL Shoho, CVL Zuiho, CVL Ryuho, CVE Taiyo, CVE Hosho, BB Kongo, BB Fuso, BB Mutsu, CA Mogami, CA Mikuma, CA Suzya, CA Adoba.

Army Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 10,479 [+14]
Japanese: 7,997 [+60]
A/J Ratio: 1.31 to 1

VP Totals [change]:
Allies: 49,252 [+413]
Japanese: 30,197 [+182]
A/J Ratio: 1.63 to 1

Operation Forbearance:
Phase 1A: [May 1943 to August 1943]
-Establish naval blockade of Truk using DD’s and submarines. - COMPLETE
-Knock out Truk airfield - COMPLETE [Airfield is 100% damaged]

Phase 1B: [May 1943 to July 1943]
-Assault & capture Kusaie – COMPLETE.
-Assault & capture Ponape – COMPLETE.
-Assault & capture Eniwetok. – COMPLETE.

Phase 1C: [May 1943 to August 1943]
-Assault & capture Woleai - IN PROCESS [Recon sights 1 unit/5.1K troops/30 guns. D-Day is 8-25].
-Assault & capture Ulithi - IN PROCESS [Recon sights 2 units/8.7K troops/66 guns. D-Day in approx. 1 week].
-Assault & capture Yap - IN PROCESS [Recon sights 2 units/2.1K troops/41 guns. D-Day in approx. 1 week].
-Assault & capture Babeldaoab - IN PROCESS [Recon sights 4 units/11.6K troops/41 guns/71F/57B/23AUX. 12 ships in port, mostly DD’s].

Other Notes:
-All eyes are focused on the Central Pacific near Woleai. The next turn or two will give me some good feedback on the accuracy of my long range recon, and shape how much I can rely on it in the future.

_____________________________

You say we're surrounded?
Excellent!
That means we can attack in any direction.

(in reply to Schlussel)

Post #: 428

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 8/20/2017 5:17:22 PM

Schlussel

Posts: 384
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Sacramento, California
Status: offline

Week 90: August 25th – August 31st 1943

North Pacific:
Base building continues at Amchitka, Umnak and Attu. No IJN activity.

Central Pacific:
Truk bombing campaign hit a bit of a lull, when a bunch of bombers had to stand down to recover from fatigue. Now only 3 squadrons are hitting the airfield, and the rest are on port and ground attack missions. 3-4 squadrons will be transferred to Hollandia early next week to begin hitting those CD guns.

Satawal’s AF is slowly expanding…currently 96% of the way to level 1. Should get there the day after tomorrow. Then I can bring in a fighter squadron and not have to worry about pesky Betty raids damaging my Catalinas based there.

Woleai invasion went off smoothly. Less than 10 disabled squads on the landing and the auto-shock attack took the base, with the cost of only 15 disabled squads. The Japanese had a base force and a small SNLF detachment, and both were wiped out, in all the Japanese lost 27 combat squads, 283 Non-Combat squads, and 28 Guns.

At the end of the week, the Yap and Ulithi invasions made landfall, and both couldn’t have gone any better. Yap was lightly defended and the Marines easily dispatched them on the first day. Not to be outdone, the two Aussie brigades (plus combat engineers) took the more heavily defended Ulithi just as easily. Total losses on these two islands were about 3,000 for the Japanese (151 Combat Squads, 215 Non-Combat, and 42 Guns) and 340 for the Allies (16 Combat Squads, 10 Non-Combat, and 4 Guns).

Babeldoab is next, but it will require some help from the air force to silence (or a least disrupt) the costal defense guns believed to reside there. The tentative plan is to use carrier support to sweep away the CAP, and then use Liberators based in Hollandia to cause as much disruption as possible so that bombardment TFs can go in. ETA for the land invasion is about two weeks, so the air force should have enough time to complete their mission.

Southern Pacific:
No IJN activity.

South-West Pacific:
Slowly reducing the Japanese pocket on Northern New Guinea. 2EB and bombardment TFs keep the pressure on.

DEI/Philippines:
In the Philippines, all my base are belong to Japan.

In the DEI, no IJN activity noted.

SE Asia/China:
The Allied advance towards Rahaeng resumes, as fatigue and disruption are down to “normal” malaria-zone levels. The Japanese stack just west of Raheng is sizeable (15 units/21K troops/219 Guns/67 AFVs), however, movement ticks indicate at least a portion of the stack is moving into Raheng proper. Well played Mr.AI, defending behind a river is in your best interests.

The Allied drive down the coast towards Tavoy is going well. Advance elements (1 Recon btn. & 3 small armor regiments) arrive in Tavoy and hold off a determined Japanese assault. Both sides have resigned to sit back and lob artillery shells at one another. Raw AV is 213:462 in favor of the Japanese, but I have a few British brigades and an Indian division en route (~900AV). I’ll just hold on for about a week, using the allied air force to keep the Japanese disrupted.

Allied air power flexes its muscles and overwhelms the Japanese CAP over Tavoy. The sweeps came in first and wore the enemy fighters down, and then the Mitchells/Liberators came in and plastered the airfield. At the end of the day, the airfield was 76% damaged and 45+ enemy planes were destroyed on the ground.

Mid-Week, a strong IJN surface force (BB Kirishima/BB Nagato + 4 CAs) appears near Tavoy. Their arrival coincided with a planned night time bombardment by 5 Allied CAs and 4 BBs (The 4 R’s – Revenge, Resolution, Royal Sov, and Ramilles). What resulted was a pretty intense naval engagement. First the enemy surprised the 4 BBs and while both sides got in their shots, Revenge got the worst of it (40+ system damage) with the other Allied ships only taking minor (<10) system damage. Then the Japanese force intercepted the Allied Cruisers, but after a brief firefight (without any hits), the Allies broke off the engagement. In the end, neither of my bombardment TFs were able to hit Tavoy, with both opting to retreat north under the Allied cap umbrella near Rangoon/Moulmein. In the morning, the Allies had their chance at a counter blow, as recon sighted the Japanese TF one hex north-west of Tavoy. Two squadrons of veteran Albacores (a 6 plane and an 18 plane) attacked and put two torpedoes into the Kirishima and 1 into CA Myoko. Not bad, but then I was delighted to see that both Albacore squadrons sortied again in the PM phase…and here they delivered the coup de grace…putting another fish into BB Kirishima and FOUR into BB Nagato. No sinking sounds, but both BBs showed up on the sunk ship list the next day. Recon the following day only sighted the 4 cruisers (Myoko in Tavoy and the other 3 retreating southwest), so I think it’s safe to say “Scratch two more IJN battlewagons”.

Another big IJAF raid on Rangoon. This time, 75 Sally’s are escorted by nearly 80 fighters (I don’t know how they can keep this up). This time I have a stiffer CAP up, and the Japanese force is demolished. Over 65 enemy planes are shot down (mostly bombers) and none of them make it to release their bomb loads. In all, 145 Japanese planes were lost that day.

In China, troops are in a defensive posture, and the supply situation is still improving. Transport planes are flying supply from Chunking to Sian, and it is really helping the supply situation in the Loyang area, which has been borderline starving for a while now.

IJN Watch:
-2BB/4CA spotted near Tavoy

Notable Base Captures:
- Woleai [Central Pacific] captured by the Allies (8/25)
- Yap [Central Pacific] captured by the Allies (8/31)
- Ulithi [Central Pacific] captured by the Allies (8/31)

Campaign Overview:
Aircraft Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 6,089 [+137]
Biggest Losses (#): Hurricane IIc (482), P-40K Warhawk (470), SBD-3 Dauntless (366)

Japanese: 17,015 [+502]
Biggest Losses (#): G4M1 Betty (4,013), Ki-48 Lily (1,650), Ki-27b Nate (1,552)

Ship Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 559 [+0]
Notables: CV Enterprise, CV Victorious, CVE Copahee, CVE Nassau, CVE Corregidor, CA Astoria, CA Portland, CA Adelaide, CL Durban, CL Sumatra, CL Java

Japanese: 1,231 [+4]
Notables: CV Soryu, CV Kaga, CV Junyo, CVL Shoho, CVL Zuiho, CVL Ryuho, CVE Taiyo, CVE Hosho, BB Kongo, BB Fuso, BB Mutsu, BB Kirishima, BB Nagato, CA Mogami, CA Mikuma, CA Suzya, CA Aoba.

Army Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 10,501 [+22]
Japanese: 8,289 [+292]
A/J Ratio: 1.26 to 1

VP Totals [change]:
Allies: 50,166 [+914]
Japanese: 30,343 [+146]
A/J Ratio: 1.65 to 1

Operation Forbearance:
Phase 1A: [May 1943 to August 1943]
-Establish naval blockade of Truk using DD’s and submarines. - COMPLETE
-Knock out Truk airfield - COMPLETE [Airfield is 100% damaged]

Phase 1B: [May 1943 to July 1943]
-Assault & capture Kusaie – COMPLETE.
-Assault & capture Ponape – COMPLETE.
-Assault & capture Eniwetok. – COMPLETE.

Phase 1C: [May 1943 to August 1943]
-Assault & capture Woleai - COMPLETE [Development-PORT: 2(1) AIR: 2(0) Damage-Runway:60 Service:45 Port:87].
-Assault & capture Ulithi - COMPLETE [Development-PORT: 4(3) AIR: 0(0) Damage-Runway:0 Service:0 Port:77].
-Assault & capture Yap - COMPLETE [Development-PORT: 1(1) AIR: 2(3) Damage: Runway:15 Service:51 Port:91].
-Assault & capture Babeldaoab - IN PROCESS [Recon sights 4 units/11.6K troops/55 guns/44F/12B/28AUX. 12 ships in port, mostly AMC’s].

Other Notes:
-Over 500 Japanese planes were lost this week, including 145 on one day alone. Allied planes took some elevated losses as well, but I am happy with the ratio this week. The grind continues on the ground, sea, and in the air.

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by Schlussel -- 8/23/2017 5:39:51 AM >

_____________________________

You say we're surrounded?
Excellent!
That means we can attack in any direction.

(in reply to Schlussel)

Post #: 429

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 8/20/2017 5:44:32 PM

BBfanboy

Posts: 18046
Joined: 8/4/2010
From: Winnipeg, MB
Status: offline

Congrats on your successes last week! Sinking 5 IJN BBs already is great progress! Hope you can finish off Myoko. Please change the name of the last CA in your IJN ship sunk list to Aoba!

_____________________________

No matter how bad a situation is, you can always make it worse. - Chris Hadfield : An Astronaut's Guide To Life On Earth

(in reply to Schlussel)

Post #: 430

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 8/21/2017 4:01:19 PM

Taxcutter

Posts: 389
Joined: 4/4/2016
Status: offline

Great progress.

I keep trying to jump start my operations up to your tempo.

(in reply to BBfanboy)

Post #: 431

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 8/23/2017 5:35:39 AM

Schlussel

Posts: 384
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Sacramento, California
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

Congrats on your successes last week! Sinking 5 IJN BBs already is great progress! Hope you can finish off Myoko. Please change the name of the last CA in your IJN ship sunk list to Aoba!

Thanks BBF for the kudos and the fact checking! I updated those ship names on my previous post.

quote:

ORIGINAL: Taxcutter

Great progress.

I keep trying to jump start my operations up to your tempo.

Don't worry about keeping pace, you are dealing with Ironman AI. With all the extra goodies Japan gets in that mod, I fully expect you to have a tougher go than I do. Good news is you look to have stemmed the Japanese tide, I will eagerly follow your upcoming DEI excursion.

_____________________________

You say we're surrounded?
Excellent!
That means we can attack in any direction.

(in reply to BBfanboy)

Post #: 432

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 8/23/2017 2:05:27 PM

jwolf

Posts: 2493
Joined: 12/3/2013
Status: offline

My bet is that neither of the IJN BBs sank. But even if that's right, they are both out of action for a very long time. In my game I found out -- partly the hard way -- that the Japanese AI will make vigorous attempts to maintain naval superiority in the Andaman Sea area, and in turn the Malacca Strait when the action moves down there. They do have a great facility at Singapore and good lines of communication. My prediction is that you will see, at one time or another, every BB the Japanese have, including Yamato and Musashi, in that theater. Just make sure you have good naval and/or air assets to match them. The Brit Albacore squadrons are very good but they are highly vulnerable to enemy CAP if you make a mistake.

(in reply to Schlussel)

Post #: 433

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 9/2/2017 3:49:18 AM

Schlussel

Posts: 384
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Sacramento, California
Status: offline

You're right on jwolf. At this point in the war, as long as those BBs are laid up in the yards, that's almost as good as a sinking....almost...as the VP haul for a sinking would be even nicer.

Thanks for the heads up on the AI's tactics in SE Asia, I will make sure to keep my eyes peeled for IJN surface assets.

_____________________________

You say we're surrounded?
Excellent!
That means we can attack in any direction.

(in reply to jwolf)

Post #: 434

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 9/5/2017 6:17:41 AM

Schlussel

Posts: 384
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Sacramento, California
Status: offline

Situation Report – September 1st 1943

Central/North Pacific:

Capital Ships: 6-CV, 1-CVL, 4-CVE, 1-BB (@Pearl Harbor)
Fuel Reserves: 2,940K @ Pearl Harbor
Near-Term Plans: Continue developing bases in Aleutians. Operation to secure critical bases in Marshalls/Gilberts. 27th, 43rd, and 7th Inf. Divisions are prepping for Tarawa, Kwajalein, and Roi Namur respectively.
Long Term Plans: Advance on Marianas.

SW Pacific:

Capital Ships: 2-CVE, 1-CVL, 13-BB
Fuel Reserves: 1,701K @ Noumea
325K @ Milne Bay
273K @ Rabaul
Near-Term Plans: Secure bases near Biak on New Guinea coast.
Long Term Plans: Develop bases to be used as launch points for two axis advance towards Marianas/Philippines.

SE Asia/China:

Capital Ships: 4-BB (@Colombo)
Fuel Reserves: 1,706K @ Colombo
1,405K @ Rangoon
Near-Term Plans: Advance down the coast and capture Tavoy/Mergui. Separate Allied advance to head inland and capture Bangkok via the Rahaeng road.
Long Term Plans: Threaten Singapore/Saigon. Link up with Chinese in Indochina.

Base Supply/Construction Status:

Attu:
Port Size: 3.60 (+0.10)
Airfield Size: 3.77 (+0.09)
Supplies: 1K (10 Weeks of normal operations)

Eniwetok:
Port Size: 4.66 (+0.49)
Airfield Size: 1.13 (+0.10)
Supplies: 27K (25+ Weeks of normal operations)

Hollandia:
Port Size: 6.00 (MAX)
Airfield Size: 8.00 (MAX)
Supplies: 31K (10+ Weeks of normal operations)

Milne Bay:
Port Size: 6.00 (MAX)
Airfield Size: 7.60 (+0.28)
Supplies: 126K (100+ Weeks of normal operations)

Manus:
Port Size: 7.00 (MAX)
Airfield Size: 8.00 (+0.02)
Supplies: 65K (20+ Weeks of normal operations)

Mussau:
Port Size: 4.00 (MAX)
Airfield Size: 7.29 (+0.62)
Supplies: 25K (3 Weeks of normal operations)

Pago-Pago:
Port Size: 4.01 (+0.11)
Airfield Size: 6.41 (+0.08)
Supplies: 46K (20+ Weeks of normal operations)

Rabaul:
Port Size: 7.00 (MAX)
Airfield Size: 9.00 (MAX)
Supplies: 32K (1.5 Weeks of normal operations)
*Large supply drop due to Woleai/Yap/Ulithi invasions. Supply ships with approx. 140,000 supply are docked in Rabaul harbor and unloading.

Rangoon:
Port Size: 9.00 (MAX)
Airfield Size: 9.00 (MAX)
Supplies: 357K (20+ Weeks of normal operations)

Ulithi:
Port Size: 4.53
Airfield Size: 0.56
Supplies: 5K (1 Week of normal operations)
*Supply offloading

Yap:
Port Size: 1.00
Airfield Size: 2.00
Supplies: 7K (3 Week of normal operations)
*Supply offloading

< Message edited by Schlussel -- 9/7/2017 3:00:38 AM >

_____________________________

You say we're surrounded?
Excellent!
That means we can attack in any direction.

(in reply to Schlussel)

Post #: 435

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 9/9/2017 8:11:29 PM

Schlussel

Posts: 384
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Sacramento, California
Status: offline

**FLASH REPORT September 3, 1943**

**FOR YOUR EYES ONLY**

Situation: Early on 2 Sept, PBY search aircraft spotted Japanese carriers north of Satawal, heading North West toward the beaches at Ulithi and Yap. Allied command was surprised at this development, as local naval search out of Satawal was focused in a 90 degree arc from Babeldoab to the Marianas. The Japanese TF approached from the east, and attacked 3 xAK anchored at Satawal. The strike consisted of 40 Judys and 40 Jills, escorted by over 50 Zeroes...the American xAKs had no chance, but they served to warn the larger TFs to the north west. Now the Japanese are poised to strike at the Ulithi/Yap invasion beaches, which are jammed with AKs/LSTs offloading supply.

Plan: Allied command has decided to turtle with all local carrier strength near Yap/Ulithi to cover the critical re-supply effort on both islands. Dauntlesses and Avengers are standing down from naval strikes and instead focusing on ASW and naval search. Assuming CAP can attrit Japanese carrier air, the carriers will then look to switch to an offensive stance.

As the Allies wonder how their improved equipment and training will match up against the cream of the Japanese air force...the first major carrier clash of 1943 looms large...

**END TRANSMISSION**

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by Schlussel -- 9/9/2017 8:12:08 PM >

_____________________________

You say we're surrounded?
Excellent!
That means we can attack in any direction.

(in reply to Schlussel)

Post #: 436

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 9/9/2017 8:32:12 PM

jwolf

Posts: 2493
Joined: 12/3/2013
Status: offline

Did the Japanese carriers come from Truk? Seems weird considering how badly damaged Truk's facilities are. How many enemy carriers, do you think? From the strike I would guess at least 2, but could be more. Do you have a good surface force around there? If you can choreograph it so that the SCTF hits the KB during the night, they will be much more vulnerable to a daytime strike from your CVs. Looks like fun. Good luck!

(in reply to Schlussel)

Post #: 437

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 9/9/2017 9:48:45 PM

BBfanboy

Posts: 18046
Joined: 8/4/2010
From: Winnipeg, MB
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: jwolf

Did the Japanese carriers come from Truk? Seems weird considering how badly damaged Truk's facilities are. How many enemy carriers, do you think? From the strike I would guess at least 2, but could be more. Do you have a good surface force around there? If you can choreograph it so that the SCTF hits the KB during the night, they will be much more vulnerable to a daytime strike from your CVs. Looks like fun. Good luck!

Funny - I was thinking the opposite - that the USN should be concerned about IJN SCTFs and set some of the SBDs/TBs to search and some to short range naval strike, both day and night. Of course that might dilute the CAP available for USN carrier defence.

_____________________________

No matter how bad a situation is, you can always make it worse. - Chris Hadfield : An Astronaut's Guide To Life On Earth

(in reply to jwolf)

Post #: 438

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 9/10/2017 5:11:47 AM

Schlussel

Posts: 384
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Sacramento, California
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: jwolf

Did the Japanese carriers come from Truk? Seems weird considering how badly damaged Truk's facilities are. How many enemy carriers, do you think? From the strike I would guess at least 2, but could be more. Do you have a good surface force around there? If you can choreograph it so that the SCTF hits the KB during the night, they will be much more vulnerable to a daytime strike from your CVs. Looks like fun. Good luck!

I think the carriers came down the east side of the Marianas and then turned west to arrive at their current position. Due to the bombing campaign, I have a constant 9/10 detection on Truk and haven't seen a single ship there for the last week.

Allied surface strength is just CAs/DDs for CVTF defense. Ive got a 4 BB group north of Manus, but they recently bombarded Ulithi and are heading to Rabaul to rearm. For the next turn or two, only the silent service will attempt offensive actions. The plan is to flood the probable path of the enemy CVs and hope a sub captain (or four

) gets a shot at an enemy flat top.

I agree with your carrier assessment jwolf, there were 80 bombers + 50 fighters in the IJN strike on Satawal and I'm betting another 50 fighters were on CAP, so approx. 180 planes...which translates into 2-3 carriers or thereabouts. If this assessment is correct, then I have the CV/plane number advantage, but the Japanese caught me in the middle of an amphibious operation, so protecting my supply ships is job one. Plus there are another 3-4 Japanese carriers out there somewhere.

quote:

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy
Funny - I was thinking the opposite - that the USN should be concerned about IJN SCTFs and set some of the SBDs/TBs to search and some to short range naval strike, both day and night. Of course that might dilute the CAP available for USN carrier defence.

You're right BBf, while I haven't spotted any IJN capital ships, I am leary of a surprise appearance by a few enemy BBs...its happened before. With this in mind, I have 80% CAP (range 1) up. SBDs and Avengers primary mission is naval strike (range 1) with patrols at 20% (Avengers performing ASW and SBDs performing search).

< Message edited by Schlussel -- 9/10/2017 5:12:45 AM >

_____________________________

You say we're surrounded?
Excellent!
That means we can attack in any direction.

(in reply to jwolf)

Post #: 439

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 9/16/2017 4:02:22 PM

Schlussel

Posts: 384
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Sacramento, California
Status: offline

Week 91: September 1st – September 7th 1943

North Pacific:
Base building continues at Amchitka, Umnak and Attu. No IJN activity.

Central Pacific:
Truk bombing campaign is back in motion, and Truk Damage is 100% Airfield and 69% Port. 3 Squadrons of B-24s have been transferred to Hollandia, but an influx of enemy fighters at Babeldaob (approx. 100 total now) is causing a pause so my CVs can sweep the skies a bit.

Satawal’s AF reaches level 1…finally! A squadron of Corsairs transfers in and sees immediate action as a few 20+ plane Betty raids come in over the next few days. The CAP performs admirably and no hits on the AF are registered, while over 15 enemy bombers are downed during the course of the week.

The Japanese respond to the Yap/Ulithi invasions with a coordinated multiple day KB/LBA strike on the Allied armada. Allied command felt job #1 was protecting the amphibious fleet, so the American CVs played defense, putting up higher CAP and using their Dauntlesses and Avengers for ASW and search missions only. In the PM phase of Sept 3rd, 100 bombers escorted by 45 Zeroes vectored towards the main Allied CV TF of 6 CVs protected by about 75 Hellcats on CAP. 34 bombers got through the Allied fighter screen and hit Hornet with 1 Bomb (13SYS/8FLT/5ENG) and Lexington with one as well (3SYS). For their effort, the Japanese lost 70 Bombers and 7 Fighters. Additionally, three (30 bomber+escort) land based raids by the Japanese came in the same evening, a few bombers get through from each raid, but no hits were scored, and the raids were savaged by CAP and AA fire…only escorts returned to the Japanese bases. The following day, smaller attacks were attempted (both CV and land based) but these were considerably smaller and no bombers got through the Allied CAP. Over two days, an estimated 150 Japanese planes were smoked near Ulithi, causing many to call this event “The Great Mediocre Yap/Ulithi Turkey Shoot and/or Clay Pidgeon Jamboree”. It’s wordy, but I’m sure the American media wordsmiths will come up with something more succinct and catchy.

After the two failed days of enemy attacks, the Allied high command shifts to the offensive (sensing the weakness of the Japanese carrier arm) and devises a plan of attack. They order the 3CVEs + CVL Beallau Wood to maintain defense of the amphibs, while all 6 fleet CVs steam North by Northeast to hopefully intercept the Japanese carriers. Escorted strikes were given priority with ranges set so that they wouldn’t blunder into land based CAP from the Marianas if the KB headed back that way. Unfortunately, the KB high tailed it back to the relative safety of Tinian and its 150+ land based fighter CAP. Seeing the opportunity has been missed, the Allied CVs return back to the Yap/Ulithi area empty handed.

Meanwhile, engineers quickly repair the base facilities at Woleai and Ulithi. Amphibs are finishing offload of the final bits of supply, then it is back to Rabaul to load up the Babeldaob invasion forces. Recon indicates Babeldaob has about 12K troops…I assume most of these are support troops, but I’m not taking any chances. A quick capture of this enemy base will open the way to the Philippines/Eastern DEI.

Southern Pacific:
No IJN activity.

South-West Pacific:
Slowly reducing the Japanese pocket on Northern New Guinea. 2EB and bombardment TFs keep the pressure on.

DEI/Philippines:
In the Philippines, all my base are belong to Japan.

In the DEI, no IJN activity noted.

SE Asia/China:
The Allies try a deliberate attack West of Rahaeng late in the week. Losses are even on both sides (16 disabled/80 destroyed squads), but the Allies’ AV is about 4x the Japanese. The best part is the attack seemed to halt the enemies’ withdrawal into Rahaeng proper. Now the stage is set to launch one final shock attack and bleed the enemy before they can consolidate behind the river at Rahaeng.

The Allied drive down the coast towards reaches Tavoy, and allied raw AV is about twice the Japanese. A probing attack suffers disproportionately high Allied casualties, but the forts are reduced to 5. Troops are resting up and will try again this week.

Allied air power continues to suppress the Tavoy airfield. Intel reports 93% damage and only 15 enemy fighters are left.

Late in the week, KB junior (3CV-46F/80B) appears South of Addu and launches a few strikes on the island, causing about 35% runway and service damage. Limited fighter availability in the region means the Allied garrison will just have to hunker down and weather this storm.

In China, troops are in a defensive posture, and the supply situation is still improving. Transport planes are still flying supply from Chunking to Sian, and it is really helping the supply situation in the Loyang area.

IJN Watch:
-3 CV (46F/80B) spotted near Tavoy
-5 CV (97F/120B) spotted near the Southern Marianas

Notable Base Captures:
-None

Campaign Overview:
Aircraft Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 6,267 [+178]
Biggest Losses (#): Hurricane IIc (496), P-40K Warhawk (492), SBD-3 Dauntless (366)

Japanese: 17,746 [+731]
Biggest Losses (#): G4M1 Betty (4,867), Ki-43 IIb Oscar (2,091), Ki-48 IIb Lily (2,005)

Ship Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 559 [+9]
Notables: CV Enterprise, CV Victorious, CVE Copahee, CVE Nassau, CVE Corregidor, CA Astoria, CA Portland, CA Adelaide, CL Durban, CL Sumatra, CL Java

Japanese: 1,238 [+7]
Notables: CV Soryu, CV Kaga, CV Junyo, CVL Shoho, CVL Zuiho, CVL Ryuho, CVE Taiyo, CVE Hosho, BB Kongo, BB Fuso, BB Mutsu, BB Kirishima, BB Nagato, CA Mogami, CA Mikuma, CA Suzya, CA Aoba.

Army Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 10,520 [+19]
Japanese: 8,334 [+45]
A/J Ratio: 1.26 to 1

VP Totals [change]:
Allies: 50,989 [+823]
Japanese: 30,618 [+275]
A/J Ratio: 1.67 to 1

Operation Forbearance:
Phase 1A: [May 1943 to August 1943]
-Establish naval blockade of Truk using DD’s and submarines. - COMPLETE
-Knock out Truk airfield - COMPLETE [Airfield is 100% damaged]

Phase 1B: [May 1943 to July 1943]
-Assault & capture Kusaie – COMPLETE.
-Assault & capture Ponape – COMPLETE.
-Assault & capture Eniwetok. – COMPLETE.

Phase 1C: [May 1943 to August 1943]
-Assault & capture Woleai - COMPLETE
-Assault & capture Ulithi - COMPLETE
-Assault & capture Yap - COMPLETE
-Assault & capture Babeldaoab - IN PROCESS [Recon sights 4 units/11.8K troops/60 guns/97F/15B/18AUX. 12 ships in port, mostly DD’s].

Other Notes:
-Over 700 planes lost this week, add that to enemy losses last week, and the Japanese have lost over 1,200 planes in the last 14 days. An estimated 75% of those losses were bombers, so this should give the Allies more freedom of movement ion the future.

< Message edited by Schlussel -- 9/16/2017 4:05:07 PM >

_____________________________

You say we're surrounded?
Excellent!
That means we can attack in any direction.

(in reply to Schlussel)

Post #: 440

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 9/18/2017 4:46:22 PM

Taxcutter

Posts: 389
Joined: 4/4/2016
Status: offline

Carrier battle south of Saipan. Great fun!

How long does it take you to issue an orders phase? My computer and windows X have me taking two hours a turn. Four hours if there are a lot of reinforcements.

Hate to think what it'll be like in mid-1944.

(in reply to Schlussel)

Post #: 441

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 9/18/2017 5:06:04 PM

BBfanboy

Posts: 18046
Joined: 8/4/2010
From: Winnipeg, MB
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Taxcutter

Carrier battle south of Saipan. Great fun!

How long does it take you to issue an orders phase? My computer and windows X have me taking two hours a turn. Four hours if there are a lot of reinforcements.

Hate to think what it'll be like in mid-1944.

If you take care of admin. stuff like leader changes as units arrive, even 1944 should not be a huge grind. Big waves of reinforcements are not frequent, but if you neglect the constant trickle it can build into a chore.

_____________________________

No matter how bad a situation is, you can always make it worse. - Chris Hadfield : An Astronaut's Guide To Life On Earth

(in reply to Taxcutter)

Post #: 442

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 9/18/2017 6:21:58 PM

jwolf

Posts: 2493
Joined: 12/3/2013
Status: offline

With the front lines in the Caroline Islands and near the Thai border ... the Jap AI mounts a raid on Addu???

(in reply to BBfanboy)

Post #: 443

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 9/22/2017 5:40:39 AM

Schlussel

Posts: 384
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Sacramento, California
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Taxcutter

Carrier battle south of Saipan. Great fun!

How long does it take you to issue an orders phase? My computer and windows X have me taking two hours a turn. Four hours if there are a lot of reinforcements.

Hate to think what it'll be like in mid-1944.

A turn normally takes an hour for me...that includes issuing orders and watching the replay, but it can take longer if I have a big OP loading up in port.

I am similar to BBF in that I try and take care of reinforcements as they come in (I look for them at the bottom of the OPS report), so its not such a big job. I also keep running notes on things I'm working on so I can pick up where I left off if I go a few days between turns.

quote:

ORIGINAL: jwolf

With the front lines in the Caroline Islands and near the Thai border ... the Jap AI mounts a raid on Addu???

My thoughts exactly. Just when I thought that the AI scripts had run their course and its gonna just sit back and let me island hop my way to Honshu....it launches a coordinated LBA & KB attack near the Marianas and the KB Jr. sorties west of Colombo. The Colombo incursion almost caught 2 big TK task forces incoming from Cape Town, but luckily a patrolling American sub picked up the enemy carrier force and launched a few torps at CV Akagi. None of them hit, but the Japanese lost the element of surprise and able to divert my precious tankers south.

_____________________________

You say we're surrounded?
Excellent!
That means we can attack in any direction.

(in reply to Taxcutter)

Post #: 444

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 9/30/2017 3:29:51 PM

Schlussel

Posts: 384
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Sacramento, California
Status: offline

Week 92: September 7th – September 14th 1943

North Pacific:
Base building continues at Amchitka, Umnak and Attu. No IJN activity.

Central Pacific:
Truk bombing campaign is transitioning to sustainment mode as squadrons are being rested and moved to Hollandia to assist with the upcoming Babeldaob operation. Truk Damage is hovering around 100% Airfield and 73% Port.

Allies hit Babeldaob with a 6BB bombardment and a CV attack early in the week which prompts the IJN ships in the harbor to beat a hasty retreat westward. Carrier based SBDs hit two DDs and sink an AMC before the enemy ships get away. The Allies follow that success up with daily 4EB missions on Babeldaob to keep the base suppressed. Currently base damage is at 100% AF and 9% Port.

The Japanese continue to hit the Yap/Ulithi area with raids of about 20 Bettys, origin seems to be the Marianas. Allied Jugs on CAP perform well, allowing a total of 4 bombers through all week…and those 4 were all downed in the post attack phase. The Japanese keep coming though, like in Burma, they seem to have an unlimited pool of bombers.

Allied CV assets move back from Yap/Ulithi zone towards Rabaul to cover the empty transports and gear up for Babeldaob. The new Allied bases in the Central Pacific will be on their own for a week or so.

Japanese carriers are still posted in Tinian harbor, the enemy port is a beehive of activity, with lots transports seen moving to and fro. I have a mass of subs staking out the approaches from the home islands, but I’ve had very few attacks this past week. Enemy air must have lots of ASW patrols, because half my subs have 10/10 detection. I attempt to shuffle spotted boats around daily (allemande left style) to shed the detection as much as possible.

Southern Pacific:
No IJN activity.

South-West Pacific:
Slowly reducing the Japanese pocket on Northern New Guinea. 2EB and bombardment TFs keep the pressure on.

Half of the amphibs have returned to Rabaul and are engaging in a quick repairs before their next task. All ships should be patched up and loaded with troops by the end of the week.

DEI/Philippines:
In the Philippines, all my base are belong to Japan.

In the DEI, no IJN activity noted.

SE Asia/China:
The Allies shock attack west of Rahaeng and push the Japanese back into Rahaeng proper, while causing much damage to the fleeing troops. Japanese combat troops suffer 109 destroyed, 39 disabled combat squads, and lose 242 Non-combat, 26 guns and 16 vehicles. The Allies suffer relatively light losses [4 destroyed squads, 59 disabled squads, and 2 vehicles lost]. Post combat, the Allies advance about halfway to Rahaeng during the week. The movement is a little slower than usual because all troops are ordered to follow the slowest artillery unit. Rahaeng lies across a river and I don’t want a repeat of the Moulmein debacle.

The Allied reinforcements reach Tavoy late in the week and the Allies now have the AV advantage 600:300…preparations are being made for a deliberate attack early next week.

Allied air power continues to suppress the Tavoy airfield. Intel reports 99% damage and only 6 enemy fighters are left.

Early in the week, KB junior (3CV-46F/80B) launched a few more strikes on Addu before retiring to the southeast. Damage to the Allied base seems light, but the enemy CV presence has diverted a few convoys coming in from the Cape. They will hold their positions at the west end of the map until Allied command is sure the enemy has vacated the area.

In China, troops are in a defensive posture, and the supply situation is still improving. Transport planes are still flying supply from Chunking to Sian, and it is really helping the supply situation in the Loyang area.

IJN Watch:
-3 CV (50F/91B) spotted near Addu, ships disappear to the SE mid-week.
-9 CV (136F/110B), and 1BB spotted near the Southern Marianas

Notable Base Captures:
-None

Campaign Overview:
Aircraft Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 6,449 [+182]
Biggest Losses (#):P-40K Warhawk (525), Hurricane IIc (501), SBD-3 Dauntless (372)

Japanese: 18,148 [+402]
Biggest Losses (#): G4M1 Betty (4,365), Ki-43 IIb Oscar (2,009), Ki-27 b Nate (1,621)

Ship Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 572 [+4]
Notables: CV Enterprise, CV Victorious, CVE Copahee, CVE Nassau, CVE Corregidor, CA Astoria, CA Portland, CA Adelaide, CL Durban, CL Sumatra, CL Java

Japanese: 1,243 [+5]
Notables: CV Soryu, CV Kaga, CV Junyo, CVL Shoho, CVL Zuiho, CVL Ryuho, CVE Taiyo, CVE Hosho, BB Kongo, BB Fuso, BB Mutsu, BB Kirishima, BB Nagato, CA Mogami, CA Mikuma, CA Suzya, CA Aoba.

Army Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 10,562 [+42]
Japanese: 8,428 [+94]
A/J Ratio: 1.25 to 1

VP Totals [change]:
Allies: 51,510 [+521]
Japanese: 30,900 [+282]
A/J Ratio: 1.67 to 1

Operation Forbearance:
Phase 1A: [May 1943 to August 1943]
-Establish naval blockade of Truk using DD’s and submarines. - COMPLETE
-Knock out Truk airfield - COMPLETE [Airfield is 100% damaged]

Phase 1B: [May 1943 to July 1943]
-Assault & capture Kusaie – COMPLETE.
-Assault & capture Ponape – COMPLETE.
-Assault & capture Eniwetok. – COMPLETE.

Phase 1C: [May 1943 to August 1943]
-Assault & capture Woleai - COMPLETE
-Assault & capture Ulithi - COMPLETE
-Assault & capture Yap - COMPLETE
-Assault & capture Babeldaoab - IN PROCESS [Recon sights 4 units/10.5 K troops/58 guns/23F/5B/12AUX. 0 ships in port].

Other Notes:
-Last week’s CVstrike/Bombardment of Babeldaob was a nice little success. Enemy fighter/bomber numbers were cut in half, the airfield was 100% damaged, and the 12 enemy surface ships skedaddled like a bunch of cockroaches. Now we just have to keep the pressure on until the troops arrive.

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by Schlussel -- 9/30/2017 3:30:56 PM >

_____________________________

You say we're surrounded?
Excellent!
That means we can attack in any direction.

(in reply to Schlussel)

Post #: 445

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 10/15/2017 7:21:07 AM

Schlussel

Posts: 384
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Sacramento, California
Status: offline

Week 93: September 15th – September 21st 1943

North Pacific:
Base building continues at Amchitka, Umnak and Attu. No IJN activity.

Central Pacific:
Truk bombing campaign is maintaining pressure on the enemy base despite losing almost half its Liberator squadrons (10)…as they are now at Hollandia pounding Babeldaob. Truk Damage is hovering around 100% Airfield and 87% Port.

The Babeldaob invasion fleet departed Rabaul early in the week fighting off multiple Japanese bomber raids, and anchored 40 miles off the landing zone on the 20th. Proceeded by a 6BB bombardment, the troops hit the beaches on the 21st and got most of their fighting strength offloaded (550 AV). The Japanese did not bombard, so I am not certain of their strength, but I estimate a regiment plus (about 150-200 AV total). We bombard tomorrow to test the enemy defenses.

The Japanese continue to hit the Yap/Ulithi area with occasional raids but allied Yap CAP performs nicely. Ulithi still doesn’t have an airfield, so P-38 CAP is flying from Yap. Next week a re-supply TF is due into Yap (and enemy bomber raids are drawn to them like moths to a flame) so I might give them a nice reception…a Yap CAP Trap – if you will.

Speaking of surprises, I finally got the jump on IJN supply TFs sneaking into the Marshalls. They were slipping by North East of Eniwetok…just out of Land based DB range. I sent two small Fletcher TFs into the area and they managed to sink 8 enemy AKs this week. This drew quite a response from enemy bombers at Kwajalein…but the Allied Destroyers were able to escape without a scratch.

Japanese carriers are still posted in Tinian harbor, the enemy port is still a beehive of activity, with lots transports seen moving to and fro. Once the Babeldaob operation winds down, I will have significant CV assets to properly deal with this problem.

Southern Pacific:
No IJN activity.

South-West Pacific:
Slowly reducing the Japanese pocket on Northern New Guinea. 2EB and bombardment TFs keep the pressure on.
Amphibs loading for quick invasion of Morotai, to allow better recon of next op.

DEI/Philippines:
In the Philippines, all my base are belong to Japan.

In the DEI, no IJN activity noted.

SE Asia/China:
The Allies pursue the fleeing Japanese to Rahaeng and after two days of bombardment, they attacked and captured the base. The infantry will pursue the retreating enemy to Pisanuloke, while the armored units will swing south to cut the Japanese retreat path to Bangkok.

At Tavoy, the Allies now have the AV advantage 861:231. Deliberate attacks last week got nearly 1:1 odds, but failed to reduce the level 5 forts. This may be another slow grind situation with more deliberate attacks scheduled for early next week.

KB Jr. disappears from the Addu/Diego Garcia area. I keep allied supply/fuel TFs in place for a few more days just to make sure the danger has passed. Assuming we don’t see a re-appearance of enemy CV assets, Allied TFs should resume their movement by mid next week.

In China, troops are in a defensive posture, and the supply situation is still improving. Transport planes are still flying supply from Chunking to Sian, and it is really helping the supply situation in the Loyang area.

IJN Watch:
-6 CV (100F/90B), and 3-5BB spotted docked at Tinian

Notable Base Captures:
- Rahaeng [Indochina] captured by the Allies (9/18)

Campaign Overview:
Aircraft Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 6,551 [+102]
Biggest Losses (#):P-40K Warhawk (545), Hurricane IIc (505), SBD-3 Dauntless (372)

Japanese: 18,692 [+544]
Biggest Losses (#): G4M1 Betty (4,004), Ki-43 IIb Oscar (2,121), Ki-27 b Nate (1,791)

Ship Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 573 [+1]
Notables: CV Enterprise, CV Victorious, CVE Copahee, CVE Nassau, CVE Corregidor, CA Astoria, CA Portland, CA Adelaide, CL Durban, CL Sumatra, CL Java

Japanese: 1,259 [+16]
Notables: CV Soryu, CV Kaga, CV Junyo, CVL Shoho, CVL Zuiho, CVL Ryuho, CVE Taiyo, CVE Hosho, BB Kongo, BB Fuso, BB Mutsu, BB Kirishima, BB Nagato, CA Mogami, CA Mikuma, CA Suzya, CA Aoba.

Army Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 10,594 [+32]
Japanese: 8,529 [+101]
A/J Ratio: 1.24 to 1

VP Totals [change]:
Allies: 52,207 [+521]
Japanese: 31,902 [+1,002]
A/J Ratio: 1.64 to 1

Operation Forbearance:
Phase 1A:
-Establish naval blockade of Truk using DD’s and submarines. - COMPLETE
-Knock out Truk airfield - COMPLETE [Airfield is 100% damaged]

Phase 1B:
-Assault & capture Kusaie – COMPLETE.
-Assault & capture Ponape – COMPLETE.
-Assault & capture Eniwetok. – COMPLETE.

Phase 1C:
-Assault & capture Woleai - COMPLETE
-Assault & capture Ulithi - COMPLETE
-Assault & capture Yap - COMPLETE
-Assault & capture Babeldaoab - IN PROCESS [Invasion secures beachhead, deliberate attack upcoming].

Other Notes:
-CV Bunker Hill arrives in Balboa on the 18th, and heads for Cape Town under ASW escort. Allied high command needs a CV presence in the Bay of Bengal/Andaman Sea to allow further progress in the region. The American CV should arrive in the theater in about a month.

-The last troops load up on transports and depart Lunga on the 19th. The base has meant so much to the Allied cause…being an important outpost that checked the Japanese SoPac advance in in ’42. Since that time, it was the jump off point for the Allied counterattack through the Solomons and an important heavy bomber base for Liberators dropping incendiaries on Rabaul. But the conquering tide has moved forward and now Lunga has lost its military significance…but the base at Lunga Point will always live on in the pixelated hearts of the Allies.

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by Schlussel -- 10/22/2017 7:30:14 AM >

_____________________________

You say we're surrounded?
Excellent!
That means we can attack in any direction.

(in reply to Schlussel)

Post #: 446

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 10/22/2017 7:27:55 AM

Schlussel

Posts: 384
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Sacramento, California
Status: offline

Week 94: September 22nd – September 28th 1943

North Pacific:
Base building continues at Amchitka, Umnak and Attu. No IJN activity.

Central Pacific:
Part of the KB sorties from Tinian and hits Hollandia with a well-coordinated strike…brushing aside the P-40s on CAP and scoring some hits on the airfield. On the return trip, it swings east towards Truk and hits my amphibs fleet returning from Babeldaob. Fortunately, I am much better prepared for this attack and the 104 Hellcats/Wildcats on CAP chew up the two strikes. 41 Jills and 38 Judys are flamed…but 7 Jills get through and hit CVE Barnes with a single bomb hit (7-SYS 9-FLT 2-ENG). Not a bad exchange for the Allies, especially since the AI timed this strike perfectly. All my carrier assets were spread out supporting island invasions, so I couldn’t press home my advantage after savaging the Japanese bomber force. By the weeks end, the enemy carriers were back in the safety of Tinian harbor.

Truk bombing campaign is maintaining pressure on the enemy base. This week saw over 50 enemy aircraft destroyed on the ground, and all of that came from Truk. Damage is hovering around 98% Airfield and 100% Port.

The Babeldaob invasion launched a few deliberate attacks, but is unable to root out the defenders, though the enemy forts have been reduced from 6 to 1, so the end is near.

Current AV ratio is 540:36 in favor of the good guys.

The Jap Yap CAP trap does marginally well, as the ships resupplying Yap draw two 20+ bomber raids from the Marianas. I counted 38 bombers destroyed by the Allied CAP made up of P-47s and P-38s.

The Morotai invasion makes landfall near the end of the week and the first deliberate attack drops forts from 5 to 4. Carrier dive bombers will help soften up the defenses further before the next attack….which is planned for early next week.

Recon shows Talaud-Eilanden is un-garrisoned, so I’ve dispatched a small force of paratroopers (fully prepped) to take the island. The base will help protect Babeldaob’s flank, hosting fighters and PBYs. Boots should hit the ground on Sept. 30th, once the base is captured, base forces and aviation groups will unload and get the facilities up and running.

Southern Pacific:
No IJN activity.

South-West Pacific:
Slowly reducing the Japanese pocket on Northern New Guinea. 2EB and bombardment TFs keep the pressure on.

DEI/Philippines:
In the Philippines, all my base are belong to Japan.

In the DEI, no IJN activity noted.

SE Asia/China:
The Allies pursue the fleeing Japanese at Pisanuloke (SE of Rahaeng). The infantry takes the direct approach, while two armored formations perform flanking maneuvers. The northern force (268 Motorized Brigade) fords the river at Uttaradit and captures the base before turning southwest. On the other flank, the British 50th Armored brigade reaches the river crossing halfway between Pisanuloke and Bangkok and begins crossing. In the center, the infantry storms across the river and the auto shock attack ejects the disorganized defenders from Pisanuloke. The Japanese head Southwest towards Bangkok, but their retreat should be cut off in a few days.

At Tavoy, the Allies now have the AV advantage 876:211. Deliberate attacks during the week reduce the forts from 5 to 3, but fail to disable the enemy fighting strength. Hopefully the fort reduction will have a snowball effect here.

In China, troops are in a defensive posture, and the supply situation is still improving. Transport planes are still flying supply from Chunking to Sian, and it is really helping the supply situation in the Loyang area.

IJN Watch:
-4 CV (95F/105B), and 3BB raids Hollandia
-5CV (65F/45B) and 4BB spotted at Tinian all week.

Notable Base Captures:
- Uttaradit [Indochina] occupied by the Allies (9/23)
- Pisanuloke [Indochina] captured by the Allies (9/26)

Campaign Overview:
Aircraft Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 6,649 [+98]
Biggest Losses (#):P-40K Warhawk (568), Hurricane IIc (506), SBD-3 Dauntless (372)

Japanese: 19,207 [+515]
Biggest Losses (#): G4M1 Betty (3,316), Ki-43 IIb Oscar (2,296), Ki-48 IIa Lily (1,677)

Ship Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 582 [+9]
Notables: CV Enterprise, CV Victorious, CVE Copahee, CVE Nassau, CVE Corregidor, CA Astoria, CA Portland, CA Adelaide, CL Durban, CL Sumatra, CL Java

Japanese: 1,265 [+6]
Notables: CV Soryu, CV Kaga, CV Junyo, CVL Shoho, CVL Zuiho, CVL Ryuho, CVE Taiyo, CVE Hosho, BB Kongo, BB Fuso, BB Mutsu, BB Kirishima, BB Nagato, CA Mogami, CA Mikuma, CA Suzya, CA Aoba.

Army Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 10,606 [+12]
Japanese: 8,633 [+104]
A/J Ratio: 1.23 to 1

VP Totals [change]:
Allies: 52,439 [+232]
Japanese: 31,355 [-547]
A/J Ratio: 1.67 to 1

Operation Forbearance:
Phase 1A: [May 1943 to August 1943]
-Establish naval blockade of Truk using DD’s and submarines. - COMPLETE
-Knock out Truk airfield - COMPLETE [Airfield is 98% damaged]

Phase 1B: [May 1943 to July 1943]
-Assault & capture Kusaie – COMPLETE.
-Assault & capture Ponape – COMPLETE.
-Assault & capture Eniwetok. – COMPLETE.

Phase 1C: [May 1943 to August 1943]
-Assault & capture Woleai - COMPLETE
-Assault & capture Ulithi - COMPLETE
-Assault & capture Yap - COMPLETE
-Assault & capture Babeldaob - IN PROCESS [Invasion secures beachhead, AV 540:36 and Forts down to 1].

Other Notes:
-Ulithi AF reaches level 1, and P-47s/P-40s fly in, thus securing the Allies Northern flank in the region. The base should now be able to defend itself until carrier assets are ready to take the fight to the Marianas, and the source of Japanese air attacks.

Attachment (1)

_____________________________

You say we're surrounded?
Excellent!
That means we can attack in any direction.

(in reply to Schlussel)

Post #: 447

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 10/29/2017 3:49:24 PM

Schlussel

Posts: 384
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Sacramento, California
Status: offline

**FLASH REPORT September 30, 1943**

**FOR YOUR EYES ONLY**

Content in the transmission describes Allied operation to isolate the DEI from the Home Islands.

Code-name: CHIMERA

Plan: With Truk neutralized, the next objective is Japan's lifeline to the DEI.

Allied command has decided that to sever this lifeline requires a three pronged approach:

Mindano: Landings at Catabo (a very undeveloped and under-garrisoned base) will provide the beachhead to take back this southernmost island of the Philippines. Once captured, Mindano will lengthen the northern defensive line and provide a base to launch a proper liberation of the Philippines in the future.

Borneo: Landings near Balikpapan and Tarakan Close off the Celebes Sea, while a reinforcement of Brunei (still Allied after all this time) will bring the South Chine Sea into the range of LBA.

Celebes: Landings at Watampone and Kolaka will allow Allied advance and capture of the large Japanese bases of Makassar and Kendari, respectively. Capture of these enemy installations will allow a future offensive aimed at Java.

Timetable: Troops for the targeted invasion sites are already 100% prepped, so once amphibious shipping returns from Morotai and Talaud-Eilanden, the wheels will be put in motion.

**END TRANSMISSION**

Attachment (1)

_____________________________

You say we're surrounded?
Excellent!
That means we can attack in any direction.

(in reply to Schlussel)

Post #: 448

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 10/31/2017 3:29:59 AM

HMASAustralia

Posts: 6
Joined: 7/11/2017
Status: offline

Is there a particular reason you are going into the Celebes and then on towards Java? Would it not be faster, requiring less troops and less asset dispersion to hit Hainan, Saigon and Cam Ranh Bay from Northern Borneo while also providing an anvil upon which to smash the retreating forces from Burma. Or will that break the AI?
On that note do you intend to take the Palawans? As they look to flank the small islands between Luzon and Mindanao while together with Sanadakan, Jolo and Cotabato allow the short legged P-40s and P-39s to LRCAP the entire way through the Philippines relieving your Carriers for the Marianas or other operations.

(in reply to Schlussel)

Post #: 449

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 11/1/2017 4:44:18 PM

Macclan5

Posts: 1065
Joined: 3/24/2016
From: Toronto Canada
Status: offline

I cannot answer for Sch - but I am equally curious in his response.

Sch ?? What are your thoughts on this corridor less traveled ?

--

What I have discovered - I understand - this game models millions of independent bits of supply management into a simpler level of complexity; further oils and supply reasonably historically accurate

I am no historical professor of 20th century warfare; but I do note I have discovered that Balikpapan, Brunei and Tarakan were far more important oil centers that I realized. As a student of the pacific war I was of course very aware and opinionated about allied being more aggressive to Palembang. However equally the proximity of Palembang to Singapore and therefore in real like proximity to a vast part of the combined fleet - made such an invasion corridor very risky.

For example the IJN relied upon Brunei as a fuel stop for the combined fleet leading to the Battle of Leyte. I do not know what troop levels they maintained there historically - but they should have been placing a priority upon it.

This 'corridor of advance less traveled' seems to be anchored in an objective to eliminate fuel from Japan in September 43.

Well before the real life decimation of the Japanese merchant fleet, the Battle of the Philippine Sea, the ascendance of the fast carrier task forces.

_____________________________

A People that values its privileges above it's principles will soon loose both. Dwight D Eisenhower.

(in reply to HMASAustralia)

Post #: 450

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RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War in the Pacific: Admirals Edition