RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obvert (J)

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RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 1/16/2017 3:35:48 PM

SqzMyLemon

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From: Alberta, Canada
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June 4/44:

Most amphibious taskforces withdraw from Ponape heading southwest. Being unsure whether KB could/would be committed, I also withdrew the covering CVE taskforces. As a result, Judy's from Truk sank a couple of xAP's and three LST's. Two more LST's were sunk at sea three hexes from Ponape. I don't like losing the LST's, but the strike packages could have made it past my CAP and hit the CVE's instead. I don't want to lose any more carriers until I engage KB.

I never deployed my CV's to support the landings, just the CVE's. I don't believe my main carrier force was spotted and I decided to keep it back in case KB deployed. As much as I want to take on KB right now, it's imperative I spot the enemy CV's first so I don't get ambushed.

I did not launch a deliberate assault against the base today, but rested to bring down disruption. A ground assault is ordered for tomorrow. I was able to unload 13k of supply, so if I can destroy the defenders quickly I'll be able to mount effective CAP operations.

Next up for the Allies is to reorganize the amphibious shipping for operations against Wewak, Dagua and Aitape. Events will kick off with Allied air attacks to neutralize Hollandia's airbase. There are 200+ enemy fighters at the base, so the initial sweeps will be costly.

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 511

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 1/17/2017 5:21:45 PM

SqzMyLemon

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June 5/44:

Ponape falls easily. A reduction in Japanese AV from 92 to 13 clearly indicates Erik used the 60+ Auxiliary aircraft at Truk to pull out as much as he could before the Allied assault. Meh, I'll bag some troops one of these days. I lose a PF, xAP and a few more LST's to submarines though, so the number of ships lost for this objective reach a level I'm not comfortable with. I chose to withdraw my carrier CAP and ASW patrols so the losses are on me. I've deployed Ventura ASW and PBY search capability to Ponape. I'll wait to see what Erik does before deploying fighters. I'm going to organize a large supply mission to Ponape and bring the stockpile to roughly 40-50k.

Now to reorganize my transports and move against New Guinea once again.

I've begun recon missions against as many Japanese bases as I can reach in the DEI, New Guinea and Central Pacific.possible. Those with light air defences will be bombed to reduce the number of LBA bases available.

Two more U.S. divisions withdrawn from Burma have arrived at Balboa. They'll deploy forward immediately.

My CV's will perform their June AA upgrades and be ready in two weeks. The upcoming operations against New Guinea will be an all LBA show.

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 512

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 1/23/2017 3:35:06 PM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
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From: Alberta, Canada
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June 10/44:

New Guinea:

A-20G Havoc's target enemy troops at Wewak and get good results. Over 200 casualties are inflicted on two Naval Guard units for the loss of one Havoc to Ops.

Dagua was also targeted by Havoc's, but only 10 casualties were caused against the defenders.

Australia:

It appears the Japanese have begun withdrawing troops from Darwin. I've moved some forces to just southwest of Darwin to see if Erik reacts. I won't contest Darwin, because I don't want to subject my forces to naval bombardments. Until I can provide adequate LBA coverage that allows naval air strikes against Japanese surface forces Darwin will remain in Japanese hands.

Gove also looks like it's being abandoned, so I'll land troops shortly to take it over.

Burma:

Allied armour has almost reached position after upgrading its TOE and making the long journey along the coast. It will require another week or so to link up with the rest of my forces. Once my force has consolidated, it will move to the hex northeast of Toungoo. I'll use movement ticks to try and conceal my true intentions and see if I can catch Erik out of position for my planned move against Taung Gyi. I have no allusions, whatever I try will be a real grind and my biggest problem will be to replenish ground losses. Supply will still be the limiting factor until I can pry open a direct supply path from Ramree Island.

Thoughts:

It's been a monotonous grind waiting to recover from the last naval setback and wait for airbase expansions to reach levels that can sustain a proper air offensive against New Guinea. However, the time has come to unleash my forces once again. The last week of turns has been spent redirecting fuel and supply routes to forward bases. Pearl Harbor and Suva will no longer be the primary destinations for stockpiling material. Pearl Harbor has 1.5 million fuel and 4 million supply. Suva has 250k of fuel and 800k of supply. Fuel and supply will now be sent directly to Lae, Milne Bay and Rabaul.

The air re-organization is almost complete and I've slowly been moving squadrons into position. I hope to simply overwhelm the Japanese air defences in New Guinea and start to target rear bases for destruction.

The biggest Allied push of the war is about to begin.

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 1/23/2017 4:45:56 PM >

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)

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Post #: 513

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 1/23/2017 5:00:32 PM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
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From: Alberta, Canada
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The navy is upgrading. The submarine arm in particular is preforming its June upgrades.

CVE aircraft are being upgraded to F6F Hellcats and better pilots. Some CV's are performing upgrades. CV Lexington is currently upgrading and conducting repairs. I'm not sure how long the upgrade will take, but damage repair is still listed at 26 days. She's out for a least another month and change. CV Hancock is upgrading at Suva. A number of other CV's have been withdrawn to Australia to perform two week upgrades.

While the carriers upgrade, the surface forces are massing at Milne Bay. I will implement new naval tactics against KB, a real combined arms approach of submarines, surface forces and carriers to break up Japanese cohesion and get to their ships. I expect heavy losses, but the time to husband my forces is over. It's time to find red things on the map and destroy them.

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 514

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 1/23/2017 6:15:41 PM

BBfanboy

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That's the spirit! Force him into attrition he can't afford!

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

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Post #: 515

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 1/24/2017 5:10:17 PM

SqzMyLemon

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From: Alberta, Canada
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June 11/44:

The first supply transport run made it to Ponape unmolested. An Allied DE ASW taskforce is vectored to a Japanese sub spotted southwest of Ponape. Two direct DC and 14 near miss hits heavily damage the sub. Unfortunately, only one DE attacked and used up all its charges. Had a second DE engaged, the sub might have been destroyed outright.

Sweeps precede more A-20G bombing of Wewak. No enemy CAP, but bombing results aren't as good as the day before. Still, the defenders are starting to degrade nicely.

Allied amphibious taskforce will land at Ocean Island tomorrow. An Australian Bde. should be sufficient, but it's less than 60% prepped. I'm not too worried and will deal with the situation, if the landing goes badly.

U.S. carriers assigned to conduct upgrades arrive at Brisbane and Sydney.

Air Operations:

Tomorrow will be a busy day in the air. Recon of Bangkok indicates 18 fighters, 73 bombers and 30 auxiliary aircraft present. I've ordered two bomber groups to hit the city and airbase. Targets are the HI and Refinery.

Chang Mai shows 78 fighters. Two squadrons of Wellingtons are ordered on a night bombing mission against the airbase.

Fighter sweeps will begin against Hollandia.

There are four proposed targets in the DEI, including Babo and Boela. The first B-29 raids of the war may occur tomorrow.

Time to get busy.

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 516

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 1/25/2017 3:26:55 PM

SqzMyLemon

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The June 12/44 turn is away.

Bomber strikes against Bangkok, Chang Mai and Prome in the far east. Prome is getting the brunt of the attention, as I want to sell a move against the base and try to draw Japanese troops away from Taung Gyi.

Babo, Boela and Taberfane will be targeted in the DEI. The first B-29 strikes are ordered against Boela with three squadrons taking part.

Ground troops will be bombed at Wewak and Dagua.

Five squadrons of P-47's will sweep Hollandia. Seven squadrons consisting of Corsairs, P-38's and Hellcats will provide LRCAP.

This is the Allied version of Germany's "Eagle Day" that started off the battle of Britain proper. I hope it goes well for me today.

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 517

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 1/25/2017 3:30:13 PM

Canoerebel

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Glad you're posting.

You keep posting, I'll keep reading. It will be fun to see how you orchestrate your counterattack as '44 wears on. Good luck and good hunting!

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 518

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 1/26/2017 2:32:29 PM

SqzMyLemon

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Thanks CR. I'll keep muddling my way through this.

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)

(in reply to Canoerebel)

Post #: 519

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 1/26/2017 2:54:36 PM

SqzMyLemon

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From: Alberta, Canada
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June 12/44:

Mixed results on the day where weather had more of an impact on the results than the Japanese.

The Bangkok raid of B-17E's faced a small CAP of Irving NF's (it was a daylight raid) and shot down four of the fighters for no loss. Poor weather over Bangkok limited the damage to only 2 HI and 1 Refinery hits. I believe I was bombing at 12k. Unfortunately, the bomber group assigned to hit the airbase packed full of bombers didn't fly.

The B24 raid against Babo went well. No Japanese CAP and 2/3's of the oil production is destroyed.

The B24 strike against Taberfane's airbase caused heavy damage and there was no Japanese CAP.

The B-29's scheduled to hit Boela did not fly due to weather.

A night bombing mission against Hollandia's airbase was a huge disappointment. The B24's were fragmented into small groups and not a single hit was recorded. Altitude was set to 15k. This is the second night bombing mission I've tried and in both cases no hits were recorded. Allied fighters sweeps against Hollandia did not fly due to weather. Unfortunately, apparently my LRCAP did and fatigue is now in the 20-30 range. I will have to rest the squadrons before I try again.

Enemy ground troops were hit at Dagua and Wewak.

The amphibious invasion of Nauru Island is successful. All Japanese troops had been pulled out. Disablements were high because the Australian Bde. was only 41% prepped, not in the 60's like I first stated. It doesn't matter as the base was undefended, but I do find it funny that there were so many considering the landing was uncontested.

On the day only one B24 was lost to FLAK. Considering the overall number of aircraft that flew today, I'm pleased to suffer only one bomber loss. By no means was the day crippling to Japan, but my ultimate goal is to apply pressure wherever I can now without degrading my forces too much in the process. I don't care whether I take empty bases or bomb undefended targets. It will all add up in the end.

I'll see how Erik reacts and plan accordingly. I feinted towards Darwin with my ground forces to see if Erik would send in a bombardment TF, he did. I am looking at ways to counter Erik's aggressiveness. He almost always reacts and if I can get things set up properly, I hope to spring a few traps in the near future.

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 1/26/2017 2:55:46 PM >

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)

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Post #: 520

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 1/30/2017 3:37:01 PM

SqzMyLemon

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From: Alberta, Canada
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June 15/44:

Finally! The armour has reached its staging area in Burma and the long awaited offensive can begin.

Allied troops take a near empty Gove. The expansion and strengthening of the base will begin immediately.

One bomber group each targets the airbases on Taberfane and Aru. I'm starting to really like sending one bomber group to smaller targets rather than hitting it with multiple bomber groups. I get one large raid and one fragmented follow up force in most cases. It may take a few more strikes to knock the target out, but suffering fewer bomber losses is what matters to me.

Troops are now fully prepped for Aitape and Dagua. The airbases on New Guinea have almost maxed out. Troops will begin loading on transports and the next offensive in New Guinea will be underway tomorrow.

Naval upgrades are ongoing, but the fleet will be ready to move against Truk in three weeks. I'm going to land two divisions. Not enough to take the base outright, but the intention here is to start mounting pressure on Japanese held positions and create opportunities to engage KB.

All the U.S. divisions re-deployed from Burma have reached the East Coast and railing to San Francisco. These forces are ear-marked for the Marianas. All other forces already in theatre are prepped for the next major moves to occur after the invasion of Truk.

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 521

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 2/1/2017 2:48:42 PM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
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From: Alberta, Canada
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Does anyone have experience against the Truk CD guns? How nasty are they?

While I'm at it, what about the CD guns at Babeldoab?

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 2/1/2017 2:49:49 PM >

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 522

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 2/1/2017 3:33:41 PM

Lokasenna

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Bomb as much as you can first, and bring battleships to soak the guns. Make sure you are able to unload in a single day, as a second day of unloading without full BB ammo to do the counter battery can be very costly to your ships (and men).

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 523

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 2/1/2017 6:32:59 PM

BBfanboy

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quote:

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon

Does anyone have experience against the Truk CD guns? How nasty are they?

While I'm at it, what about the CD guns at Babeldoab?

In my first game I sent a TF of four BBs to bombard Truk, with 0 standoff distance. Truk CD ate them up - all retired with over 50 systems damage and fires.
In subsequent games I used a standoff distance of 18 and after a half dozen or so BB bombardments was able to shorten the stand off distance by 2 for each of about five subsequent bombardments. Escorts set to "do not bombard". My BBs took the odd hit but nothing serious. Now Truk is out of supply and I can do all out bombardments, but there are still lots of troops there so it is bypassed for now.

Lokasenna is right - bomb to reduce supply and disrupt the fortress and fighting troops. When you get to where your bombardments and bombing only target support units, the fighting units are down in AV (by disruption) and invasion is much easier.

My big beef with the game (playing against the AI) is the weather. I developed Mussau Island and Ponape Island specifically to bomb Truk. In four months of game time I think weather has only been good enough for bombing three days at Mussau Island and six or seven days at Ponape. I have a sub TF at Truk to give me the weather read there, and I have good D/L from FPs of bombardment TFs waiting one hex from Truk before the run-in.

_____________________________

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

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Post #: 524

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 2/2/2017 2:37:46 PM

SqzMyLemon

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From: Alberta, Canada
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Thank you both for some insight. I may have to rethink my plan for Truk. It's going to be a tough nut to crack with 40k+ Japanese at the base.

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)

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Post #: 525

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 2/2/2017 2:39:45 PM

Canoerebel

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Bullwinkle did a long, involved, successful invasion of Truk. pM him for details, if you're still exploring the idea.

But there's no need to invade an island with 40k defenders. If they're behind six forts or more, that's asking for trouble. That should be Exhibit A to the Island-Hopping Campaign presentation.

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 526

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 2/2/2017 4:33:30 PM

Lokasenna

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Yeah, I wouldn't bother. Once you've taken the islands in the surrounding area, Truk is unnecessary for you and far less useful to him. If he insists on trying to use it for SLOC harassment, just bomb/bombard it until he stops. He'll run out of supply as well if it becomes dangerous for him to ship in more, at which point you might notice him begin to use aerial transport to lift troops out - but I still wouldn't let that sway you into invading.

(in reply to Canoerebel)

Post #: 527

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 2/2/2017 6:54:54 PM

SqzMyLemon

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Truk was an easier target 2-3 months ago. Most of what Erik withdrew from the Gilbert and Marshall Islands ended up in Truk, which increased the numbers substantially. It may be best to avoid it as suggested. My initial thought was to invade and try to draw KB out. There's no guarantee Erik wouldn't just let the Truk CD guns tear me a new one and not commit his CV's at all, although I don't think he can resist the urge to strike whenever the opportunity presents itself.

I may just continue to low ball in the DEI and along the New Guinea coast for another month and then make a lunge for Babeldoab and Mindanao. I can use the month to suppress Truk, feint an invasion and then strike deep. I'm fully prepped for Babeldoab and the Marianas, roughly 50% for targets in the Philippines. Erik is a master of withdrawing forces by air transport, I'd like to get into his rear to mess up his ability to simply withdraw as I advance. I expect mass carnage on my side if I attempt such a move, but there isn't much of a chance otherwise to seize the initiative and stop Erik from dictating my pace of advance.

Erik continues to reinforce forward areas in the DEI and Burma continues to draw in more Japanese forces, so that is good for me. The Marianas are being reinforced too, but what I plan on invading with won't make Erik happy. I don't like having no stacking limits either, but in a stock game mass means everything and I intend on using mass liberally to capture key objectives. I can't afford to get cute. Erik defends with everything he has, it would be stupid of me to attack with anything less.

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)

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Post #: 528

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 2/2/2017 7:48:05 PM

Lokasenna

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I think it would be a mistake to attempt Babel and Mindanao simultaneously. Each presents challenges that require a more concentrated force, for different reasons. Mindanao requires the suppression of more enemy airfields while Babel requires more heavy surface ships (which in turn need air cover).

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Post #: 529

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 2/2/2017 7:52:30 PM

BBfanboy

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I took Yap before Babeldaob so I could bomb a bit from there. Ulithi AF tends to be undeveloped so Yap is fairly isolated and often not well garrisoned.

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Post #: 530

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 2/2/2017 7:55:45 PM

SqzMyLemon

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Lokasenna

I think it would be a mistake to attempt Babel and Mindanao simultaneously. Each presents challenges that require a more concentrated force, for different reasons. Mindanao requires the suppression of more enemy airfields while Babel requires more heavy surface ships (which in turn need air cover).

I wasn't clear in my post. By lunge for Babeldoab and Mindanao I didn't mean simultaneously. If I land at Mindanao, but Babeldoab doesn't go well I'd be hooped.

I meant Babeldoab, secure it, then move immediately on Mindanao. I can't risk trying to do too much at once. The Japanese Fleet is huge and hasn't really been degraded. Whatever I try, Erik will bring everything to stop me, and it's a lot he can bring. This will be a titanic battle. My goal is to secure an important base and take out as much of his navy as I can, without getting crushed in return.

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 2/2/2017 7:56:45 PM >

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)

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Post #: 531

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 2/2/2017 8:09:00 PM

SqzMyLemon

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Time isn't on my side. I can't do the normal thing of taking surrounding bases, soften up my target then invade in a month or two. Erik will simply melt away, reinforce ahead of me and I'm in the same situation all over again, but another 3-4 months of game time has advanced. I need to hit him where it will hurt so I can get in behind him and have him scrambling for a change, rather than allow him to simply keep on doing what he has been doing for seven months.

My Rabaul operation caught him off guard, but it's only because of the subsequent naval losses I suffered that allowed him four months to recover and get his defences in place ahead of me. If those battles weren't completely one sided, I'd already be knocking on the door to Babeldoab and the Marianas.

No, I can't continue to let him dictate my pace. I need to punch his forces in the face, send them reeling and never let them recover. I must be in the Philippines before the end of 44, anything later and I gain nothing but a long term slog as Erik simply melts away before me and each successive position becomes harder to take.

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)

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Post #: 532

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 2/2/2017 8:34:03 PM

Lokasenna

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quote:

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon

Time isn't on my side. I can't do the normal thing of taking surrounding bases, soften up my target then invade in a month or two. Erik will simply melt away, reinforce ahead of me and I'm in the same situation all over again, but another 3-4 months of game time has advanced. I need to hit him where it will hurt so I can get in behind him and have him scrambling for a change, rather than allow him to simply keep on doing what he has been doing for seven months.

My Rabaul operation caught him off guard, but it's only because of the subsequent naval losses I suffered that allowed him four months to recover and get his defences in place ahead of me. If those battles weren't completely one sided, I'd already be knocking on the door to Babeldoab and the Marianas.

No, I can't continue to let him dictate my pace. I need to punch his forces in the face, send them reeling and never let them recover. I must be in the Philippines before the end of 44, anything later and I gain nothing but a long term slog as Erik simply melts away before me and each successive position becomes harder to take.

I dunno, I disagree. Obviously every opponent is different, but my 2 experiences thus far are that once the wall is breached in a big way, the flood comes in on Japan in a big ol' torrent and dominoes really start to fall. Plus, your OOB expands massively in 1944 - so massively that it should allow you to conduct 2 major operations in different theaters at one time by early 1945.

I think that, for the right locations, you definitely have time to bomb for a month before you go in.

Of course, it also helps to just constantly be bombing whenever you have a chance all over the map.

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Post #: 533

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 2/2/2017 8:58:53 PM

SqzMyLemon

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From: Alberta, Canada
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quote:

ORIGINAL: Lokasenna

I dunno, I disagree. Obviously every opponent is different, but my 2 experiences thus far are that once the wall is breached in a big way, the flood comes in on Japan in a big ol' torrent and dominoes really start to fall.

I have to bow to those with more experience than myself. Valid points. I'm just tired of having to dance to Erik's tune and being tied to routes of advance not of my own choosing. I have to take on his tough positions because that's all I have access to, or try to crush his CV's and finally get freedom of action. I don't know, that's how I see it at least.

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 2/2/2017 9:00:08 PM >

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)

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Post #: 534

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 2/2/2017 9:56:15 PM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline

Before I can think of what my next step should be, there is the matter of Dagua and Wewak to deal with first.

Invasion forces started loading up for both bases last turn, which was a few days later than originally planned. An Australian brigade is assigned to each target. LRCAP will cover the amphibious forces based from Hollandia, Madang and Manus. I'll provide a SCTF as escort in case any Japanese surface forces are committed.

CV Hancock finishes upgrades at Suva tomorrow and will sail to Brisbane, to await other carriers completing upgrades.

In Burma, ground forces continue to move southwest towards the gap between Prome and Toungoo. There are 15 Japanese LCU's in the hex, although I think a number of them are split divisions. Since Erik has found a trick to increase the fort levels of larger units in non-base hexes by splitting them, I'm seeing reports of split divisions all over the map via SigInt. I may enter the hex and see what the enemy AV is. I can attack with 7500 AV including 1000 tanks, if I choose to.

I've been saving my air force for months, I have large reserves of aircraft now and the number of squadrons I can commit is staggering.

It's almost time...

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 2/2/2017 9:57:12 PM >

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 535

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 2/3/2017 4:00:35 PM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline

June 17/44:

The troops for Dagua and Wewak are loaded aboard the transports at Milne Bay. The task forces will begin the trip to their targets tomorrow via Lae and Madang. Additional fighter units have been moved into New Guinea to provide LRCAP during the amphibious assaults. There are no Japanese bombers based at Hollandia or Sarmi, so Allied submarines will deploy along the New Guinea coast to interdict any enemy SCTF's. There are a large number of enemy xAKL's in port at Hollandia. I suspect these are to be used in withdrawing cargo from Hollandia while ground troops are airlifted out. There are now over 225 Japanese fighters based at Hollandia, and another 200 at Sarmi. It could get interesting during the next few days.

Some supply delivered by LCT's has reached Gove safely. I'll slowly build up the stockpile while base expansion is underway. Once I can provide more CAP, I will start sending in larger amounts of troops and supply. The purpose of these little operations is to build up the bases close to Darwin to provide support for the re-capture of the base. I won't lose the base a second time.

In Burma the ground forces have occupied the first woods hex to the northeast of the Japanese blocking position between Prome and Toungoo. I've set movement ticks in three directions to try to mask my true intentions. I hope to draw Japanese reinforcements towards Prome. Meiktila now has a stockpile of 10k. If only I can reach the magic number to allow upgrades to occur directly in the Irrawaddy Valley. I've begun switching some aircraft models around for a number of squadrons in theatre. I was a little heavy on P-47D2's and I want to employ all the aircraft I have on hand, while keeping replacement pools healthy.

Thoughts:

I'll be concentrating on smaller tactical operations to begin bleeding the Japanese forces, while the larger strategic plan begins to formulate. In the short term, it's time to start implementing my plan of finding red units on the map and destroying them. Erik has conveniently provided me with lots to choose from

.

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 2/3/2017 4:03:16 PM >

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 536

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 2/4/2017 6:38:50 AM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline

June 18/44:

A good day in the air over Ponape, a bad day for the transports trying to supply the base. I'm starting to anticipate Erik's moves, but so far I still can't pull off a turn where I don't exchange losses. A small five ship taskforce I had moving to Ponape was spotted on the 17th. I thought of moving an additional fighter squadron to the base, but I didn't. I already had two squadrons of Corsairs present and thought an additional squadron might encourage heavy sweeps. Anyway, I anticipated a Japanese naval air strike against my transports, but decided they'd have to make do with my existing CAP. AAR's follow:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Ponape , at 119,113

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 177 NM, estimated altitude 35,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 52 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K2-J George x 27

Allied aircraft
F4U-1A Corsair x 32

Japanese aircraft losses
N1K2-J George: 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4U-1A Corsair: 1 destroyed

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

CAP engaged:
VMF-322 with F4U-1A Corsair (4 airborne, 11 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 31000 , scrambling fighters between 24000 and 32000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes
VMF-441 with F4U-1A Corsair (4 airborne, 11 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 31000 , scrambling fighters between 25000 and 36900.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Ponape at 119,113

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 91 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 23 minutes

Japanese aircraft
D4Y1 Judy x 21
Ki-43-IIIa Oscar x 19

Allied aircraft
F4U-1A Corsair x 27

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIIa Oscar: 8 destroyed

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
AM Triumph, Bomb hits 2, and is sunk
xAKL Argus, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAKL Karuah, Bomb hits 2, and is sunk
xAKL Mortlake Bank, Bomb hits 2, and is sunk
xAKL Kindur, Bomb hits 3, and is sunk

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
5 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
12 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
VMF-441 with F4U-1A Corsair (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(12 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
9 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 31000 , scrambling fighters between 35000 and 36900.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 22 minutes
VMF-322 with F4U-1A Corsair (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(15 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
11 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 31000 , scrambling fighters between 34000 and 37000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring AM Triumph
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAKL Argus
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAKL Mortlake Bank
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAKL Kindur

So, I lose my entire taskforce, but I do shoot down 10 George and 19 Oscar fighters for the loss of 2 Corsairs, one of which was an Ops loss. I lose four transports worth 1 VP each and the escort (can't recall the VP's). I had a lot of retirements that prevented my Corsairs from getting to the bombers in the second attack. It always kind of bugs me when you outnumber an escort that more of your fighters aren't vectored immediately to the bombers. Rather, it seems like the CAP has to dispatch every single escort before they move on to the bombers. I probably would have still lost all my ships, but it would have been nice to get to the bombers even for a few passes. Regardless, I'm happy with the results.

The Allied fighters perform great when on CAP with radar, and I continue to try and create situations where Erik will attack and lose pilots and planes over my own bases. It's unfortunate that I can't seem to be able to cause him heavy air losses AND prevent his bombers from getting through.

In other news, I hit Prome's airbase with a squadron of B-17's. Airbase damage is listed at 14% and I lose one bomber to FLAK. Again, the intention is to try and draw Erik's attention to Prome and area, and away from Taung Gyi.

The Dagua and Wewak amphibious task forces will reach Madang and Hansa Bay tomorrow, and the jig will be up. I've moved in large numbers of fighters to provide CAP for the invasions next turn. I've also committed a number of naval dive bomber squadrons to strike at any SCTF's Erik may send in. If recon indicates any Japanese bombers moved to Hollandia, I will expect a naval air strike against my transports during the landings and plan accordingly. I may have a counter in mind.

It looks like we may have a war on again...

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 2/4/2017 6:41:17 AM >

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 537

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 2/4/2017 10:37:26 AM

Itdepends

Posts: 937
Joined: 12/12/2005
Status: offline

Your CAP was set well for the sweeps but too high for the bombers. Not sure if there is an exact ratio but you don't have to get rid of all the escorts before you'll start to break through to the bombers.

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 538

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 2/4/2017 5:26:03 PM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline

June 19/44:

Quiet turn and no apparent change to Japanese dispositions at Hollandia. Of course, Erik could have moved in bombers this turn without my knowing, but the invasion is a go. I've assigned a few squadrons to sweep both Dagua and Wewak, but most of my fighters have been assigned to CAP or LRCAP to be available to interdict any naval air strikes from enemy LBA. I don't think there is a risk of Japanese carriers, but who knows.

No sign of any Japanese movement in Burma either. I swept the enemy position between PRome and Toungoo and there was no Japanese CAP. Erik is keeping his fighters on CAP at range 0 over his bases. More supply is getting into Ramree Island daily, with almost 80k present now.

The next turn is off. Next stop Dagua and Wewak.

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)

(in reply to Itdepends)

Post #: 539

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 2/4/2017 11:48:15 PM

PaxMondo

Posts: 9750
Joined: 6/6/2008
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Lokasenna
Of course, it also helps to just constantly be bombing whenever you have a chance all over the map.

+1

You're allies with supply to burn. It's '44, there should be no holding back. Every bomber group should have a target every turn ... not saying put them into harms way, but they should be knocking on an IJ door every turn .... you know the IJ cannot CAP every target, hit where he isn't. Every ton of supply of his that you burn is one he never gets back.

The IJ can never afford this ... you can.

_____________________________

Pax

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Post #: 540

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