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RE: Argentina vs. USA: Aurorus (J) vs. Apbarog (A)

 
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RE: Argentina vs. USA: Aurorus (J) vs. Apbarog (A) - 10/3/2017 4:40:27 PM   
Aurorus

 

Posts: 1314
Joined: 5/26/2014
Status: offline 		Here is the situation on Java. Apbarog has retreated most of his forces to the mountains at Madang and Bandoeng. Airfield damage at both bases is preventing fortification, but Bandoeng has 21 industry in the hex. The initial attack at Madang came in at 2-1 but failed to dislodge the allied position. A fresh division and armor will move into the hex in the next 2 or 3 days for another assault. The position has been reduced by continuous naval, artillery, and aerial bombardment and should fall to the next attack.

Bandoeng will be more of a problem. The stacking limit in the hex is 30K, and he has nearly 25K Dutch troops there. Most of my PBs and and many AKs are in the DEI. A number of PBs and AKs have loaded resources to return to Honshu. I will assemble a large transport group and buy out all of the heavy artillery units in Korea next week with the 1500 PPs that I have stored, as well as some aviation support. The heavy artillery will move to Batavia to reduce the position at Bandoeng and then prepare to support operations in Australia.

Notice on the map that I have used bases and ground units to isolate Oosthaven to prevent the allied units there from retreating. Apbarog is growing wise to my tactics and moved a unit out of Oosthaven several days ago to force me to waste time chasing it down through difficult terrain.




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< Message edited by Aurorus -- 10/3/2017 4:45:25 PM >

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Post #: 91
RE: Argentina vs. USA: Aurorus (J) vs. Apbarog (A) - 10/3/2017 5:03:02 PM   
Aurorus

 

Posts: 1314
Joined: 5/26/2014
Status: offline 		Here is the situation as January comes to a close in SoPac. The 56th division is tasked with holding New Caledonia and Espiritu Santo: the eastern approach to Australia from Suva. One regiment of the 56th has landed at Espiritu Santo. It will be replaced with SNLFs as forces become available and shift to New Caledonia. A second regiment will make the initial landing at Koumac tomorrow supported by the 6 fleet CVs, 2 CVLs, and a fast BB cover force. The third regiment and the divisional artillery, recon, and engineers are en route to reinforce New Caledonia from the DEI via the Torres Straits.

Rabaul, Woodlark Island, Lae, Darwin, Horn, and Moresby are all in Japanese hands. The 2nd division is consolidating at Moresby and Rabaul for an eventual move on Cooktown. AA and aviation support are also gathering at Moresby. Further deployment of 2nd division deployment is being hampered by a lack of engineers as DBB reduces Japanese construction engineer capabilities substantially. Both the airfield and port at Moresby will need to be expanded.

The 48th division, with the exception of the engineers, which are in Koepang awaiting fuel for transport, are deployed at Darwin and Katherine in Northeran Australia, along with the 16th army, an armored regiment and additional support units.




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Post #: 92
RE: Argentina vs. USA: Aurorus (J) vs. Apbarog (A) - 10/4/2017 5:58:26 PM   
Aurorus

 

Posts: 1314
Joined: 5/26/2014
Status: offline 		January 28th and a bold and very clever move by Apbarog. I am treating the Solomon Sea as a Japanese lake, and Apbarog exacted a toll. He sent PoW with Indianopolis, Marblehead, Boise, and 2 DDs far to the north, near the Rossell islands, SE of New Guinea and was able to intercept the amphibious group carrying the follow-up regiment for the 56th division to New Caledonia. The Japanese TF commander and the various ship commanders performed admirably in the engagement and managed to fend off the attack without the complete loss of the troop ships.

Here is the combat report of the surface action. Allied surface radar (if PoW or Indianapolis have radar at this point, I am not sure) did not detect the Japanese ships. The Japanese TF scattered at first sight of the allied ships. PoW pushed forward rapidly and aggressively, but was met by a salvo of torpedos from Natori to start the engagement. One of the torpedos hit. PoW continued to purse the fleeing APs and sunk 2 of my best APs but took a second torpedo from the DD Suzakaze, before turning back. The Natori held both Marblehead and Indianapolis at bay, giving better than she received: even scoring a superstructure hit on Indianapolis that started a fire. Boise sparred with a few DDs and had no impact on the batte. The Argentine Maru survived the engagement with moderate damage and without fires along with about half the regiment. (The casualty numbers below are grossly exaggerated). The regiment had only 4.5K troops and half or more survived on the Argentine Maru or were rescued by the DDs and CLs.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Rossel Island at 106,142, Range 8,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CL Natori, Shell hits 3
DD Shiratsuyu
DD Shigure
DD Murasame
DD Samidare
DD Suzukaze
DD Fumizuki
xAP Argentina Maru, Shell hits 6
xAP Koan Maru, Shell hits 3, and is sunk
xAP Kobe Maru, Shell hits 27, and is sunk

Allied Ships
BB Prince of Wales, Shell hits 3, Torpedo hits 2
CA Indianapolis, Shell hits 3
CL Marblehead, Shell hits 3
CL Boise
DD Alden, Shell hits 1
DD Parrott, Shell hits 2

Japanese ground losses:
5521 casualties reported
Squads: 182 destroyed, 42 disabled
Non Combat: 106 destroyed, 108 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 48 (48 destroyed, 0 disabled)

Really, a fine job by Captain Katagi, in command of the Natori and the TF, who rescued me from my own overconfidence. Katagi along with all of the DD commanders had over 70 naval skill. All the AP commanders had over 65 naval skill, and of course, the Argentine Maru, saved half of the regiment... it is the ARGENTINE MARU after all... . This group was escorted by Shiratsyu type DDs, a heavier variety DD, with good anti-surface capabilities. They proved themselves in this engagement. Both allied DDs took penetrating hits resulting in "severe damage."

The fleet CVs are near New Caledonia. I would love to try to intercept PoW as it makes for port. It was already smoking a bit as the engagement began from the torpedo that it took in the DEI, and now it has taken 2 more. It may be only capable of 15 knots or so. The problem is that I am scheduled to land at New Caledonia this turn, and I am not sure that the CVs will be able to cut off the retreat of PoW if it makes directly for the Australian coast.






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< Message edited by Aurorus -- 10/4/2017 6:12:04 PM >

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Post #: 93
RE: Argentina vs. USA: Aurorus (J) vs. Apbarog (A) - 10/5/2017 12:36:31 AM   
Aurorus

 

Posts: 1314
Joined: 5/26/2014
Status: offline 		I watched the replay again, and it was the DD Fumizuki that struck the initial blow on the PoW, not the CL Natori. After she hit PoW with a torpedo, Suzukaze engaged Boise for several rounds as Argentina Maru fled, so the Suzukaze really distinguished herself in the battle.

I decided to take a risk. The battle occurred far to the east of where my TF is located. Really a splendid job by Apbarog of finding my TF so far out. This places the battle in closer proximity to the CVs, so I decided to abandon covering the New Caledonia landing and move east with both CV groups in the hopes of catching the allied raiders, or better yet, catch allied CVs trying to escort them to port. If PoW is slowed to 15 knots, or evern 19 knots, there is a chance we can find her. With the amphibious bonus, all of the troops should be ashore on New Caledonia by the AM phase, so I am risking the APs (which I can ill afford to lose). The chance, even remote, of a CV battle, however, is worth the risk in my opinion. Yorktown was seen about 10 days ago steaming west from Suva to Australia, when she took a torpedo. The fast BBs will stay and cover the landing and hope that Apbarog is not so unpredictable as to send his CVs into close proximity of where the full KB was last sighted.

The Japanese player must take risks, and this seems as good an opportunity as any to throw the dice.

< Message edited by Aurorus -- 10/5/2017 12:37:46 AM >

(in reply to Aurorus)
Post #: 94
RE: Argentina vs. USA: Aurorus (J) vs. Apbarog (A) - 10/7/2017 12:58:34 AM   
Aurorus

 

Posts: 1314
Joined: 5/26/2014
Status: offline 		The hunt for PoW came up empty. It appears as though it may have put into port north of Brisbane for temporary repairs. I have only 2 subs off the southern coast of Australia at the moment, so it seems likely that it will be able to make its way south to better repair facilities. The repair facilities in Australia are too small, however, to fully repair BBs, I believe, so I think that it must return to Pearl or the U.S. at some point. Someone correct me if I am wrong. That may be my only chance to finish her.

That is twice that BB managed to escape. Slippery creature that Prince.

(in reply to Aurorus)
Post #: 95
RE: Argentina vs. USA: Aurorus (J) vs. Apbarog (A) - 10/7/2017 7:50:21 PM   
Aurorus

 

Posts: 1314
Joined: 5/26/2014
Status: offline 		February 1

One regiment is ashore in New Caledonia, and aviation support and engineers are now landing. The follow up regiment, which was ambushed en route by PoW, Indianapolis, Marblehead, and Boise, has been withdrawn to Rabaul to be placed on new transports.

All along the Japanese perimeter, fuel and aviation support are in short supply. Fuel is finally being offloaded at Kendari, Koepang, and Ambon to refuel some PBs, cargo ships, and APs, which transferred all their fuel to combat ships several weeks ago. 3 fast AOs with fuel are in the Solomon Sea waiting for the CVs, which will cover the perimeter from the Solomons to New Caledonia for a week or so, while land-based air transfers down and airfields are built up. 4 other fast AOs are en route to Balikpapan from Rabaul to move more fuel into SoPac for the fleet.

Most of the industry and oil in the DEI was taken intact. I have been very fortunate so far in this game. Even Hong Kong with all its industry was captured mostly intact. 4 TK and AO groups have been formed up with appropriate escorts at Palembang, and fuel and oil are flowing out of Palembang. 2 other 15-and-18-knot TK groups have been formed up with appropriate escorts and are running fuel and oil from Korea to the Home Islands. A small TK group is running oil from Salakhin. Two other small TK groups are running oil from Babo to Babeldaob. There are still a few of the slower 12-knot 8,000 barrel TKs awaiting escorts. Supplies are moving into Miri to repair the oil wells there. The economy is shaping up nicely.

The Takao-class CAs along with Maya and Kagero-class escorts are patrolling the New Guinea coast to ward off further allied raiders in that area. The 3 Myoko-class CAs with an escort of Asahio DDs are en-route to Moresby from Ambon. They will replace Chokai's group, and Chokai and the Takao-class group will move to eastern Solomon Sea. The Mogami-class CAs are en-route to Singapore, with Kagero-class escorts and will support action in Burma along with 4 slow BBs. The older CAs, the Furutaka group, is repairing some minor engine damage at Soerabaja and will remain on station in the DEI. The fast BBs are still covering the landing at New Caledonia as the engineers and aviation support offload.

23rd air flotilla HQ is en route to the eastern Coral Sea region, and its aircraft: 45 Zeros, 54 Betties, and recon unit have moved to within transfer range of the eastern Coral Sea. 11th Air HQ is en route to Moresby and will arrive in 4 or 5 days. 21st Air HQ is at Koepang and covering that approach with 28 Zeros and 27 Nells. 22nd Air HQ is loading at Pontinak to redeploy to Port Blair, which was taken by paratroopers two weeks ago. 24th Air HQ is at Truk and will move to Kusaie Island once the airfield there is built to size 3. This deployment should cover the entire perimeter and allow for a concentration of land-based air assets along the NE and eastern coasts of Australia to support action there once the Java campaign ends.

More aviation support is needed everywhere, and I will buy a few JAAF battalions out of the Home Islands once more PBs arrive at Honshu from the DEI. Mukden will become a size 8 airfield tomorrow or the next day, which will double the aviation support there and free up some additional JAAF battalions, which I will buy out and deploy forward once PBs return from the DEI. 15 PBs are inbound to the home islands, mostly as escorts for xAKs returning with resources from the DEI. Nearly two months of resource production from all over the DEI is in transit to the Home islands on the xAKs that were loaded with troops to begin the game: a model of efficiency really. There are a number of advantages to moving quickly into the DEI.

The Mutuki class DDs are all en-route to Singapore for their February upgrades. The Fubukis have all been upgraded on the Home Islands, and 5 newly upgraded Fubukis are escorting the Shoho, which arrived recently in Yokohama to Rabaul to join the other CVs. The Wakatake DDs are arriving at Yokohama for conversion to APDs.

3 of the divisions that assaulted Singapore are completely recovered and will begin the journey north for the Burma campaign. The Imperial Guards will remain at Singapore for 2 or 3 weeks to recover their disabled squads. One heavily reinforced infantry regiment and 1 SNLF will mop up Kuantan. A second infantry regiment from the 55th division is moving to Georgetown to be loaded on xAK-ts for a landing in Northern Sumatra. The Kuantan mop-up force will also redeploy to northern Sumatra once Malaysia has been mopped up entirely. 10 units of heavy artillery are at Port Arthur awaiting escorts of xAks to redeploy to Java.

It is now mostly a matter of completing the Java campaign and waiting for support, supply, and fuel to trickle down to SoPAc to begin the Australian campaign. For the time being, the game is mostly logistic in the Pacific.

< Message edited by Aurorus -- 10/7/2017 8:12:56 PM >

(in reply to Aurorus)
Post #: 96
RE: Argentina vs. USA: Aurorus (J) vs. Apbarog (A) - 10/7/2017 8:14:38 PM   
decourcy2

 

Posts: 516
Joined: 1/29/2015
Status: offline 		As a player playing Japan, I am surprised you feel comfortable enough pushing to New Caledonia while the Indies campaign is on going.
In the game I just started with Wargmr I have not even started the second wave of invasion loading for lack of anything like a escort.

Are you concerned about your opponent hitting the home islands or Truk while you are stretched?

(in reply to Aurorus)
Post #: 97
RE: Argentina vs. USA: Aurorus (J) vs. Apbarog (A) - 10/7/2017 8:25:01 PM   
Aurorus

 

Posts: 1314
Joined: 5/26/2014
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: decourcy2

As a player playing Japan, I am surprised you feel comfortable enough pushing to New Caledonia while the Indies campaign is on going.
In the game I just started with Wargmr I have not even started the second wave of invasion loading for lack of anything like a escort.

Are you concerned about your opponent hitting the home islands or Truk while you are stretched?



I am stretched at this very moment, though that is being rectified. A special base force is en route to Paramushiro Jima. The brigade on Sakhalin is being reinforced by a second restricted brigade airlifted on the (otherwise useless) Theresas, so I will have over 400 AV on Sakhalin. A base force is at Etorofu, along with 2 JNAF battalions. Etorofu has been switched to "General Defense" so a restricted brigade can be airlifted there on Topsies. 11th Air flotilla is at Bihoru on Hokkaidu, along with 12 Zeros and 27 Betties, who have exp. 70 pilots training in naval search. I am not overly worried about the Home Islands or Kuriles at this point, mostly because the Yorktown was spotted in SoPAC two weeks ago and took a torpedo. A raid there by less than 3 CVs would be very dangerous for the allies, as I can fly Vals out of Etorofu or Paramushiru Jima escorted by 36 A5M4s and Betties from Bihoru escorted by Zeros. BBs Mutsu and Nagato, along with some TBs, are at Etorofu as well.

Truk has 3 SNLFs, a base force, and an air HQ with torpedos. I am not much worried about Truk. I am more worried about raids in the Marshalls, where, at the moment, I have little air cover, but I do have 2 small amphib groups, which landed SNLFs at Nauru and Ocean. They are now preparing for landings at Makin and Tarawa, though Jaluit requires additional supplies before it can load an SNLF for Makin.

(in reply to decourcy2)
Post #: 98
RE: Argentina vs. USA: Aurorus (J) vs. Apbarog (A) - 10/7/2017 8:36:51 PM   
Aurorus

 

Posts: 1314
Joined: 5/26/2014
Status: offline 		As the war progresses, my plan is not to "defend" the Home Islands. Quite the contrary. I intend to strip the Home islands of most ground forces and defend forward. I will convert, eventually, most of the Kuriles to "General defense" as well as places like Chich Jima, Okinawa, and even Manila and Clark Field, so as to base Home Island restricted air units in these locations.

The object of the late-game for Japan is not to "defend" the home islands from ground invasion in my opinion. The allies do not need to invade the home islands to win the game. They only need to strat bomb the home islands. Therefore the object for Japan must be to try to prevent 4-E bombing of Honshu, not to prevent an invasion of Honshu.

< Message edited by Aurorus -- 10/7/2017 8:38:10 PM >

(in reply to Aurorus)
Post #: 99
RE: Argentina vs. USA: Aurorus (J) vs. Apbarog (A) - 10/17/2017 4:08:16 AM   
Aurorus

 

Posts: 1314
Joined: 5/26/2014
Status: offline 		In the past 10 days, Apbarog has done a very nice job stationing some SCTFs around the perimeter of my advance. I spotted a Dutch CL group off the northern coast of Australia, hoping to attack an amphibious group moving on that area. He also had 2 British CLs patrolling between Victoria Point and Port Blair. I made a mistake and sent a group of PBs and xAKs into that area without cover, thinking it secure. They were carrying the 23rd Air Flotilla HQ and a JNAF Coy. I lost the HQ (which was purchased and will return in a month), the JNAF Coy, 3 xAKs, and 4 PBs. A very nice move by Apbarog and a very poor move by me. In addition to sending in that convoy unescorted, I also failed to provide a Jake group to search that area. He also struck the amphibious group at Makin the turn after it had disembarked, so he was clearly waiting outside search range and rushed in during the day. He sunk a CL and 2 APs, with approximately 1000 supply on board yet to disembark.

Several very nice hit and runs by Apbarog while my CVs are tied up at New Caledonia, waiting for the engineers to lay down a level 1 airstrip to cover the landing. I am stretched thin and beyond the range of LBA in several areas of SoPac, so I am vulnerable, and Apbarog has down very well anticipating my moves, stationing his forces in advance, and then hitting and running whereever I make an unsupported move.

I got a bit of revenge today, however, February 7th with a good result at Wenchow.

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

Ground combat at Wenchow (89,58)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 28818 troops, 365 guns, 243 vehicles, Assault Value = 919

Defending force 11210 troops, 38 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 263

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 0

Japanese adjusted assault: 1390

Allied adjusted defense: 226

Japanese assault odds: 6 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Wenchow !!!

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), leaders(+), fatigue(-), experience(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
21 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 17 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Vehicles lost 44 (2 destroyed, 42 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
16142 casualties reported
Squads: 481 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 602 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 35 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 44 (44 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units destroyed 2

Assaulting units:
12th Tank Regiment
15th Tank Regiment
13th Tank Regiment
6th Division
36th Division
51st Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
15th Ind.Medium Field Artillery Regiment
1st Mortar Battalion
2nd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
13th Army
14th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
11th Field Artillery Regiment

Defending units:
100th Chinese Corps
25th Group Army

The land war is progressing nicely. I have lost 102 VPs of troops to 3700, and most of those 102 were lost at sea. If only I were as adept at the naval war as the ground, I might be a decent player.

The industry at Wenchow was taken intact, so I have been very fortunate so far with no substantial industry or oil losses at any major base including Singapore, Soerabaja, Hong Kong, and now Wenchow. The only loss of any note was at Miri where 20 refineries and 20 oil were destroyed.

< Message edited by Aurorus -- 10/17/2017 4:12:35 AM >

(in reply to Aurorus)
Post #: 100
RE: Argentina vs. USA: Aurorus (J) vs. Apbarog (A) - 10/17/2017 4:22:17 AM   
Aurorus

 

Posts: 1314
Joined: 5/26/2014
Status: offline 		Southern Java will be cleared in 2 days. The small stack at Batavia and the redoubt at Bandoeng remain. It appears that most of the combat troops are at Bandoeng. I have a group of fast APs as well as a good number of PBs and xAKs on the move to Port Arthur to pick up units from Manchuria. After buying out some aviation support from Honshu, I have about 1800 PPs to purchase Manchurian units. What I purchase will depend upon what strategy I pursue on Java. On the one hand, I could finish Java now by besieging Bandoeng with heavy artillery from Manchuria and the 4 divisions present, attacking with 2 divisions after a barrage, and then rotating in 2 fresh divisions. On the other hand, I could isolate Bandoeng, park one division there for the time being and move the other 3 divisions to New Caledonia (where there is a large U.S. stack) and then Australia. In this case, I would buy out a division and some armor from Manchuria for the Australian campaign and purchase the heavy artillery and additional troops for Java and Luzon in the coming months. The heavy artillery would be very nice to reduce the U.S. stack in x3 terrain on New Caledonia, but I would not be able to unload the heavier guns at Koumea without expanding the port. This will take quite a while, because the airfield is just now building to size 1, and I will need it to be size 3 at least.

To bypass Bandoeng or not... decisions... decisions... . I am inclined to bypass it and destroy that U.S. stack at New Caledonia now. He seems to be slowly reinforcing New Caledonia via submarine. I have a few days to decide, however, and will think about it.

(in reply to Aurorus)
Post #: 101
RE: Argentina vs. USA: Aurorus (J) vs. Apbarog (A) - 10/17/2017 8:42:19 PM   
Aurorus

 

Posts: 1314
Joined: 5/26/2014
Status: offline 		February 8th,

Major engagement near Ndeni at the southeastern edge of the Solomon Islands. I have noticed that Apbarog has a float plane unit, probably supported by an AVP or like ship, at a dot base somewhere in the Southeastern tip of the Solomons. Small TFs passing by that region have detection levels and occassionally spot an allied float plane. A small transport group was moving down the Solomons with construction battalion for Espiritu Santo, escorted by a small, light covering TF made up of CL Kiso and 5 Shiratsyu-type DDs.

I decided to use this as bait to see if Apbarog would respond with surface elements as they passed the southern tip of the Solomons. The 2 CV groups moved north, along with a heavy CA covering TF. A series of major engagements followed and will likely continue into the next turn. For the moment, we have confirmed reports that Kiso and the 5 DDs are sunk. We are also receiving reports of a major surface action near New Caledonia. We have reports of 1 allied heavy CA sunk, 4 or 5 allied CAs burning, 8-9 allied DDs sunk, and 2 or 3 allied CLs on fire. More details will be available as the battle unfolds and intelligence officers in Japan have time to sort through the AARs.

This may be a major victory for the IJN. We shall see what transpires in the next day.

< Message edited by Aurorus -- 10/17/2017 8:43:41 PM >

(in reply to Aurorus)
Post #: 102
RE: Argentina vs. USA: Aurorus (J) vs. Apbarog (A) - 10/18/2017 3:28:22 AM   
Aurorus

 

Posts: 1314
Joined: 5/26/2014
Status: offline 		Here is how the action on February 8th 1942 developed.

It began with the DD Suzukaze from the CL Kiso light cover group spotting an allied sub and hitting the sub, causing severe engine damage, just SE of the Solomons. Then, an allied CA group made a run at transports disembarking at Koumea. The transports were covered by a fast BB group. This group had been commanded by Tanaka in the DEI, but I forgot to reinstall him as TF commander after the TF put in at Rabaul for minor repairs. So the commanding officer was the captain of the Haruna, who is a 79 Naval but only a 69 aggression, so he is not the equal of Tanaka. (No one is). Nevertheless he handled the combat well. He kept the BBs at range for a time and closed after the allied CAs were burning. Torpedo runs at 5K, 6K, and 8K by the Oi and Kitakami failed to score hits, so that was a disappointment. Both BBs performed well, however, and the DDs were exemplary. Both BBs scored hits with their main guns on the allied CAs, each of which suffered 2 or 3 hits from the BB main guns. Kitakami took a 2 CL shells and a hit from a CA gun that penetrated the belt armor. Kitakami was the only Japanese ship to suffer more than light damage in the battle. It is making 18 knots and will join up with an amphib group to return to Rabaul, hopefully.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Koumac at 113,156, Range 11,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo
BB Haruna, Shell hits 3
CL Kitakami, Shell hits 2, on fire
CL Oi, Shell hits 2
DD Akigumo, Shell hits 1
DD Yukikaze, Shell hits 3
DD Maikaze
DD Isokaze
DD Shiranui
DD Tokitsukaze

Allied Ships
CA Australia, Shell hits 9, heavy fires, heavy damage
CA Canberra, Shell hits 10, heavy fires, heavy damage
CL Perth, Shell hits 1
DD Stuart, Shell hits 3, and is sunk
DD Electra, Shell hits 5, on fire
DD Express, Shell hits 3

CL Perth and DD express splintered off from the main group and were encountered later in the night. DD express suffered a direct hit from a secondary gun Kongo, and it was burning with heavy damage after the brief engagement. Sinking sounds were heard after the battle, and I suspect that Canberra sunk. Australia (probably) was spotted the following morning by a float plane from the Transport group, and she is laboring at less than 10 knots to the southwest. I do not have many subs in the area still, as most of my medium range fleet subs in the Pacific are just now returning to Kwajalein from Pearl and Christmas Island. Nevertheless 4 short-range Submarines are en route to try to intercept the Australia and any other ships that may have survived the battle.

< Message edited by Aurorus -- 10/18/2017 3:56:58 AM >

(in reply to Aurorus)
Post #: 103
RE: Argentina vs. USA: Aurorus (J) vs. Apbarog (A) - 10/18/2017 3:37:11 AM   
Aurorus

 

Posts: 1314
Joined: 5/26/2014
Status: offline 		The allies also sortied a large CA group after the small transport group that was moving down the Solomons. Recon planes from Rabaul today identified that allied seaplane base is at Rennel Island, and the Rennel Island seaplanes had spotted the transport group, along with a light covering TF composed of Kiso and 5 Shiratsyu-class DDs. As I mentioned, I decided 2 days ago to use these groups as bait to see if I could lure an allied SCTF in.

An allied SCTF composed of the CAs San Francisco, Louisville, New Orleans, Pensacola, and Minneapolis found the transport group in the morning. Kiso-group moved to cover and performed admirably against the much heavier allied SCTF. Several allied DDs were burning and crippled.

Day Time Surface Combat, near Ndeni at 119,142, Range 22,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CL Kiso, Shell hits 23, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Shiratsuyu, Shell hits 1
DD Shigure, Shell hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Murasame, Shell hits 1
DD Samidare, Shell hits 2, heavy fires
DD Suzukaze, Shell hits 3, on fire

Allied Ships
CA Louisville, Shell hits 2
CA Pensacola
CA New Orleans
CA Minneapolis, Shell hits 1
CA San Francisco, Shell hits 2
CL St. Louis, Shell hits 1
CL Helena
DD Conyngham, Shell hits 1
DD Shaw, Shell hits 2, heavy fires
DD Flusser, Shell hits 1
DD Downes
DD Cassin, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Reid, Shell hits 1, on fire

CL Helena, CA San Francisco, and several DDs broke off from the allied group and found Kiso later in the morning, finishing off Kiso and the DDs, but not before Kiso scored a penetrating hit on the CL Helena and left it burning, along with 3 more allied DDs hit and burning.

(in reply to Aurorus)
Post #: 104
RE: Argentina vs. USA: Aurorus (J) vs. Apbarog (A) - 10/18/2017 3:51:12 AM   
Aurorus

 

Posts: 1314
Joined: 5/26/2014
Status: offline 		As I mentioned, however, this was a trap. In the night and that morning, the full KB had moved to within range of the allied SCTF and both CV groups launched in the AM phase. KB underperformed badly on the day. Neither Yamamoto nor Nagumi launched their full complement of aircraft (which indicates to me that the allies have a naval air in the theater somewhere). The attack on the main body of the allied force was also a severe disappointment, as the majority of the Kates and Vals targeted the DDs rather than the CAs and aborted their attacks once the DDs were sunk.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Ndeni at 119,142

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 17 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 43
B5N1 Kate x 28
B5N2 Kate x 78
D3A1 Val x 49

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 4 damaged
B5N2 Kate: 1 destroyed by flak
D3A1 Val: 8 damaged
D3A1 Val: 1 destroyed by flak

Allied Ships
CA Louisville
DD Reid, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
CA Minneapolis
DD Shaw, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
CA Pensacola, Bomb hits 2, on fire
CA New Orleans, Torpedo hits 1

An AM strike on the San Francisco group, however, performed admirably, and San Francisco was left burning and badly crippled.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Kirakira at 118,140

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 9
B5N2 Kate x 34
D3A1 Val x 22

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 4 damaged
D3A1 Val: 2 damaged

Allied Ships
CA San Francisco, Bomb hits 6, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Downes, Bomb hits 1
DD Flusser, heavy fires
DD Cassin, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage


Vals from the Akagi also struck a TF that had splintered off from the main allied group. Helena had been set on fire earlier that morning from a shell by the Kiso and was still burning after taking a 250 KG that penetrated amidships.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Kirakira at 117,141

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 4 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 1 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 9
D3A1 Val x 13

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A1 Val: 2 damaged

Allied Ships
CL Helena, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DD Conyngham, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage

Unfortunately, neither Yamamoto nor Nagumo followed up with a second strike in the PM phase, despite being only 4 hexes from the allied TFs. The CAs Takao, Maya, and Atago are only 1 hex from the Louisville, Minneapolis, Pensacola, and New Orleans, however. Hopefully they can find the allied CAs in the night. KB is moving west by south west to try to strike the allied CAs again tomorrow if they flee either to the east or to the southeast.

A disappointing performance by KB: focusing on DDs rather than CAs and not following up in the PM phase. Nevertheless, there is a good chance for another engagement in the night, and the possibility of a 2nd air attack tomorrow. The scoresheet shows 4 SOC-1 Seagulls and 1 Seagull V destroyed, so it appears that at least 2 CAs sunk. I believe they were Canberra and San Francisco. A CL may have sunk as well. I am not sure what types of floatplanes allied CAs and CLs carry.

(in reply to Aurorus)
Post #: 105
RE: Argentina vs. USA: Aurorus (J) vs. Apbarog (A) - 10/18/2017 3:55:29 AM   
Aurorus

 

Posts: 1314
Joined: 5/26/2014
Status: offline 		Here is an image of the situation as it now stands. KB will move west by south west to try to follow up tomorrow if the main allied CA group moves east or southeast. The Chokai group will try to engage the main CA group tonight.

The yellow arrow represents the movement of the 2 CV groups and the Chokai group yesterday and last night. The green arrows represent KBs AM airstrikes. As you can see, I have a number of transport groups and a fast AO group in the area, so the situation is still tense, and it is far to early to claim a Japanese victory. However, if U.S. CVs do not intervene, if the Chokai group can intercept, and/or if KB can attack again tomorrow, the IJN may get a few more allied CAs.




Attachment (1)

(in reply to Aurorus)
Post #: 106
RE: Argentina vs. USA: Aurorus (J) vs. Apbarog (A) - 10/18/2017 5:01:51 PM   
Bif1961


Posts: 2014
Joined: 6/26/2008
From: Phenix City, Alabama
Status: offline 		Looks like he might be in trouble and won't have to worry about refitting several CAs.

(in reply to Aurorus)
Post #: 107
RE: Argentina vs. USA: Aurorus (J) vs. Apbarog (A) - 10/18/2017 8:58:43 PM   
Aurorus

 

Posts: 1314
Joined: 5/26/2014
Status: offline 		Feb. 9th.

Another day that was good for the IJN in some respects and very frustrating in others. Chokai grp. found the allied CA group at night, and fought a series of battles, in which Chokai distinguished herself again. KB failed again to follow up, however, and did not detect the crippled allied CA group during the daylight despite have over 50 planes on patrol, including 12 at low alititude to find small, fragment TFs.

In the initial engagement, Chokai group surprised the allied CAs and every ship fired torpedos from 8K yards, but no hits were scored. Chokai then led the group into very close range. Her initial salvo missed, and she took the worst of it from New Orleans and Minneapolis. 2 shells hit her aft-deck, one destroying a depth-charge rack. Maya followed on and loosed an accurate volley, and she struck New Orleans aft with a belt armor shot that crippled the allied CA with severe engine damage. Chokai then found her range and fired repeatedly, scoring hits on both New Orleans and Minneapolis. Maya further distinguished herself with more accurate gunnery, scoring hits on New Orleans and Minneapolis.

The allied TF the slipped away, but Chokai group found the allies later in the night. Carnage ensued. Chokai again led the charge and scored hits on Pensacola, New Orleans, Minneapolis, and St. Louis. Atago followed on and unleashed several accurate salvos. The allied TF was low on ammo and began conserving ammo, returning fire only on the CAs. The DDs swarmed in and scored multiple hits on the allied CAs.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Ndeni at 119,143, Range 11,000 Yards

Allied aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft losses
SOC-1 Seagull: 1 destroyed

Japanese Ships
CA Atago, Shell hits 2
CA Maya
CA Chokai, Shell hits 1
DD Kagero
DD Amatsukaze
DD Urakaze
DD Hamakaze
DD Tanikaze, on fire

Allied Ships
CA Louisville
CA Pensacola, Shell hits 7, heavy fires
CA New Orleans, Shell hits 27, and is sunk
CA Minneapolis, Shell hits 7, heavy fires, heavy damage
CL St. Louis, Shell hits 1

Again, the allied TF slipped away, only to be encountered and surprised again at Ndeni. Chokai and Atago emptied their guns on the hapless allied CAs, who could return fire only with AA guns, and then Chokai group retired. Both Chokai and Atago suffered minor damage (18 or so system... all minor damage) in the 3 engagements. Very, very well done by Chokai group. One more allied CA is confirmed sunk, and Pensacola and Minneapolis are in serious trouble.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Ndeni at 120,143, Range 12,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CA Atago, Shell hits 1
CA Maya
CA Chokai
DD Kagero
DD Amatsukaze, Shell hits 1
DD Urakaze
DD Hamakaze
DD Tanikaze, on fire

Allied Ships
CA Louisville
CA Pensacola, Shell hits 10, heavy fires, heavy damage
CA Minneapolis, Shell hits 9, heavy fires, heavy damage
CL St. Louis, on fire

< Message edited by Aurorus -- 10/18/2017 9:01:31 PM >

(in reply to Bif1961)
Post #: 108
RE: Argentina vs. USA: Aurorus (J) vs. Apbarog (A) - 10/18/2017 9:05:00 PM   
Aurorus

 

Posts: 1314
Joined: 5/26/2014
Status: offline 		It is very frustrating that KB could not locate the crippled allied CAs in the daylight and finish them. Here is the position of KB: perfect, it would seem, to follow up and finish off Pensacola and Minneapolis. Nevertheless, we have 3 allied CAs confirmed sunk, 9 allied DDs confirmed sunk, 3 CLs damaged and burning, and 3 allied CAs severely crippled with a difficult voyage to any repair facility. Japanese losses in the serie of battles were the CL Kiso and 5 Shiratsyu-class DDs. I will trade a CL and 5 DDs for 3-6 CAs and 9 DDs any time. Here is the current disposition of my naval forces in SoPac. The solitary naval construction battalion, which served as the bait that began this entire battle, proceeded through, oblivious to the carnage occurring all around it, and it appears that it will arrive safely at Espiritu Santo.




Attachment (1)

< Message edited by Aurorus -- 10/18/2017 9:14:42 PM >

(in reply to Aurorus)
Post #: 109
RE: Argentina vs. USA: Aurorus (J) vs. Apbarog (A) - 10/20/2017 12:25:09 AM   
Aurorus

 

Posts: 1314
Joined: 5/26/2014
Status: offline 		Tomorrow, I will reach the moment of decision on my strategy: what to do about Bandoeng, and what units to purchase from Manchuria. These are the considerations. With the damage to Atago and Chokai, the 3 Takao class CAs, including Takao (which did not participate in the action because it was reparing damage at Rabaul when Chokai grp left for New Caledonia) will return to the Home Islands to repair and for their March upgrades. Haruna will need approximately 3 weeks to repair, so I only one SCTF remains to cover TFs in the Pacific. Myoko group is in the Solomons. The 4 old CAs are on station in the DEI and will rotate to the Horn Island-Port Moresby area (which leaves me very little covering the DEI, except 4 slow BBs at anchor in Singapore. I plan eventually to station these in the Indian Ocean to ward off British BBs). At the moment, Mogami grp is moving into the Indian Ocean covered by the CVEs to support upcoming action in Burma.

The momentary shortage of surface elements to cover the whole Pacific front makes me reluctant to move two or three divisions to New Caledonia and inclines me to deal with Bandoeng now while the Haruna is repairing and the Takao class CAs repair and upgrade. However, Bandoeng is of almost no military significance whatsoever. There should be a price to pay for trying to hole up in terrain rather than defend significant objectives. To waste time besieging Bandoeng with my advance elements is to play into Apbarog's hand. I have 24 hours to decide and am open to suggestions or comments (only from those not reading Apbarog's AAR: since I have no idea if he intends to commit more naval or air assets to the defense of SoPac).

BTW: Chokai has participated in 6 surface actions, and if the Minneapolis is sunk, Chokai has sunk 8 enemy ships to date. Her crew experience is now approaching 90 at night. I love this ship. It seems that every game that I play, Chokai is an absolute menace.

< Message edited by Aurorus -- 10/20/2017 12:31:53 AM >

(in reply to Aurorus)
Post #: 110
RE: Argentina vs. USA: Aurorus (J) vs. Apbarog (A) - 10/20/2017 10:38:26 PM   
Aurorus

 

Posts: 1314
Joined: 5/26/2014
Status: offline 		Phase II in China is winding down. Wenchow has fallen, and there are 4 or 5 Chinese corps remaining trapped behind the line in Southern China. I should have these corps cleared out in a few weeks. So, I must start thinking about my next step. I would like to attack in southern China and along the front near Yenan. Some reinforcements brigades are filling out their ToEs and will soon reinforce the brigades in northern China. The Yenan area is the least conducive to defense of Sian and threatens to cut off north China.

An advance along southern China will create the "magic highway" for moving resources, oil, and fuel from Malaysia to Manchuria by rail and road. However, I want to retain operational flexibility so as to be able to strike at points of opportunity where pockets can be created: such as at Ichang or along the Kukong road. So, I am not committed to creating the "magic highway" as quickly as possible.. I am not sure how helpful this will prove to be in the long game, but I have started to move resources from Haiphong to Hong Kong on a few Adens, and I will add to this convoy route a few 12-knot Tks.

This may prove to be fuel wasted eventually if I do launch a southern Chinese offensive, but I do not want to pass up an opportunity to pocket another large Chinese force because I have committed myself to a southern Chinese offensive. What this little convoy route allows is for fuel, oil, and resources to begin to flow to Haiphong now in the early game, while the game engine is still creating resource and oil flow-paths.




Attachment (1)

(in reply to Aurorus)
Post #: 111
RE: Argentina vs. USA: Aurorus (J) vs. Apbarog (A) - 10/20/2017 11:13:13 PM   
Aurorus

 

Posts: 1314
Joined: 5/26/2014
Status: offline 		I spent 700 PPs buying out the heavy artillery from Manchuria. I have decided on a hybrid approach to Bandoeng. Normally, I do not like long sieges with big stacks of troops and artillery, because this uses too much supply. I prefer to make decisive moves and take objectives as quickly as possible. But rules are meant to be broken.

The Dutch units start the game with about 50% of their squads disabled. His units at Bandoeng have probably recovered a good portion of these disabled squads and have improved their morale. He has, not doubt, hoarded supply there, and if I leave this redoubt completely unmolested, it will be stronger, probably, in 2 month than it is now. So I will move the heavy artillery there and besiege it. 2 divisions will remain on Java. The other two divisions will move to New Caledonia to take Noumea, which is showing 15k allied troops.

I will also begin setting up my defense of Java for the (hopefully) distant future. What I want is to multiply my force by defeding in good terrain, but I also want access to 2 good airfields and a port, so that I retain the option to counterattack on Java and resupply my forces if the opportunity to do so presents itself. Soerabaja is the most significant objective on Java, followed by Batavia, but these bases are not in good terrain, so my defense of the island will focus on the West: in the jungles and mountains. The line from Bandoeng to Madioen must be held. Madioen provides an airfield and Tjilatjap provides a port in good terrain. There is also 40 light industry and sufficient resources to sustain this industry in this pocket. I will begin building up the airfield at Tjilatjap to size 4 to support Madioen and begin fortifying the bases along this axis.

I have an SNLF prepping for Christmas Island. I will also build up a base at Christmas island and fortify it. I want to base subs and Netties there to try to inderdict supplies, forces, and fuel en route to Australia.




Attachment (1)

< Message edited by Aurorus -- 10/20/2017 11:14:49 PM >

(in reply to Aurorus)
Post #: 112
RE: Argentina vs. USA: Aurorus (J) vs. Apbarog (A) - 10/21/2017 9:39:44 AM   
GetAssista

 

Posts: 2732
Joined: 9/19/2009
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: Aurorus
The Dutch units start the game with about 50% of their squads disabled. His units at Bandoeng have probably recovered a good portion of these disabled squads and have improved their morale. He has, not doubt, hoarded supply there, and if I leave this redoubt completely unmolested, it will be stronger, probably, in 2 month than it is now.

You can bomb away his supply to prevent the recovery of disabled squads. Extensive bombing is adviceable anyway before you assault the place. Malaria does not help recovery either, just station some LCUs there to not allow Rest mode

(in reply to Aurorus)
Post #: 113
RE: Argentina vs. USA: Aurorus (J) vs. Apbarog (A) - 10/21/2017 6:42:35 PM   
Aurorus

 

Posts: 1314
Joined: 5/26/2014
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: GetAssista

quote:

ORIGINAL: Aurorus
The Dutch units start the game with about 50% of their squads disabled. His units at Bandoeng have probably recovered a good portion of these disabled squads and have improved their morale. He has, not doubt, hoarded supply there, and if I leave this redoubt completely unmolested, it will be stronger, probably, in 2 month than it is now.

You can bomb away his supply to prevent the recovery of disabled squads. Extensive bombing is adviceable anyway before you assault the place. Malaria does not help recovery either, just station some LCUs there to not allow Rest mode


That is basically the plan. The question really resolved to: did I want to spend the PPs to buy out the heavy artillery to bombard the position or use these PPs to purchase ground troops for the Australian campaign. Normally, I do not like to besiege strongholds for extended periods with both artillery and medium bombers, because of heavy supply use. I have been very fortunate in taking industry in this game and have none damaged. I have also taken several key industry and resource sites in China, such as Wenchow, rather quickly. I feel as though I have extra supply. So, I will do a classic siege, while sending two divisions forward. I will probably use Anns to bomb the position with 800 Kg bombs. The Anns are light and use half the supply of the medium bombers, and the 800 Kg bombs are more effective, it seems, in mountains. Eventually, the Anns will become my ASW patrol planes. But, for the moment, I have no pilots trained at ASW.

I always buy out the heavy artillery fairly early, because it reduces casualties when assaulting either Singapore, Manila, or Clark Field. In this game, I by-passed Luzon and took Singapore on the first attack. When I do invade Luzon, I will want the heavy artillery, but I do not intend to invade Luzon until May or June.

< Message edited by Aurorus -- 10/21/2017 6:46:39 PM >

(in reply to GetAssista)
Post #: 114
RE: Argentina vs. USA: Aurorus (J) vs. Apbarog (A) - 10/21/2017 7:16:13 PM   
Aurorus

 

Posts: 1314
Joined: 5/26/2014
Status: offline 		So, I was reading last night, and I discovered that a Japanese mini sub nearly sunk the Brit BB Ramilles. I also learned of a Japanese night-time raid on Pearl Harbor using a small Emily squadron (which appears in the game 3 months ahead of the normal availability date for Emilies). I started thinking.

I had something interesting happen in this game. Two mini-sub carriers, with mini-subs, were set to patrol around Christmas Island in the first weeks of the war along with 2 glen-carrying subs. The plan was to wait for the glens to spot an allied TF moving to Christmas Island and then attack them at port with the mini-subs. What happened, however, was that the mini-sub carrier attacked an allied Tk group and hit an AO. So, if a sub TF set to "Mini Sub Carrier" is capable of patrolling and engaging, why not always send out the subs that have the ability to carry mini-subs with the mini subs? Then, have them operate in teams with the Glen-carrying subs to identify small ports (less than size 3 and without nets) that contain enemy shipping: thereby having the ability to attack both ships at sea and at anchor.

My second thought is: Mavis and Emily are actually Japan's best bombers. They are nearly the equivalent of heavy bombers in payload. I have decided to make a full project of producing Emilies, and I will use at least one squadron, probably two, as heavy bombers. I will produce 12-15 Emilies per month. The engine cost will be high, but it will give me a small and capable heavy bomber force. Can Emilies carry a full payload while being serviced only by an AV? That is an interesting question.

< Message edited by Aurorus -- 10/21/2017 7:17:21 PM >

(in reply to Aurorus)
Post #: 115
RE: Argentina vs. USA: Aurorus (J) vs. Apbarog (A) - 10/21/2017 8:13:58 PM   
MakeeLearn


Posts: 4278
Joined: 9/11/2016
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: Aurorus

So, I was reading last night, and I discovered that a Japanese mini sub nearly sunk the Brit BB Ramilles. I also learned of a Japanese night-time raid on Pearl Harbor using a small Emily squadron (which appears in the game 3 months ahead of the normal availability date for Emilies). I started thinking.

I had something interesting happen in this game. Two mini-sub carriers, with mini-subs, were set to patrol around Christmas Island in the first weeks of the war along with 2 glen-carrying subs. The plan was to wait for the glens to spot an allied TF moving to Christmas Island and then attack them at port with the mini-subs. What happened, however, was that the mini-sub carrier attacked an allied Tk group and hit an AO. So, if a sub TF set to "Mini Sub Carrier" is capable of patrolling and engaging, why not always send out the subs that have the ability to carry mini-subs with the mini subs? Then, have them operate in teams with the Glen-carrying subs to identify small ports (less than size 3 and without nets) that contain enemy shipping: thereby having the ability to attack both ships at sea and at anchor.

My second thought is: Mavis and Emily are actually Japan's best bombers. They are nearly the equivalent of heavy bombers in payload. I have decided to make a full project of producing Emilies, and I will use at least one squadron, probably two, as heavy bombers. I will produce 12-15 Emilies per month. The engine cost will be high, but it will give me a small and capable heavy bomber force. Can Emilies carry a full payload while being serviced only by an AV? That is an interesting question.



I enjoy reading and learning from your insights into Japanese command.

The Emily is a great plane. As a heavy bomber force are there any specific target types that you will focus on?

(in reply to Aurorus)
Post #: 116
RE: Argentina vs. USA: Aurorus (J) vs. Apbarog (A) - 10/21/2017 9:40:05 PM   
Aurorus

 

Posts: 1314
Joined: 5/26/2014
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: MakeeLearn


quote:

ORIGINAL: Aurorus

So, I was reading last night, and I discovered that a Japanese mini sub nearly sunk the Brit BB Ramilles. I also learned of a Japanese night-time raid on Pearl Harbor using a small Emily squadron (which appears in the game 3 months ahead of the normal availability date for Emilies). I started thinking.

I had something interesting happen in this game. Two mini-sub carriers, with mini-subs, were set to patrol around Christmas Island in the first weeks of the war along with 2 glen-carrying subs. The plan was to wait for the glens to spot an allied TF moving to Christmas Island and then attack them at port with the mini-subs. What happened, however, was that the mini-sub carrier attacked an allied Tk group and hit an AO. So, if a sub TF set to "Mini Sub Carrier" is capable of patrolling and engaging, why not always send out the subs that have the ability to carry mini-subs with the mini subs? Then, have them operate in teams with the Glen-carrying subs to identify small ports (less than size 3 and without nets) that contain enemy shipping: thereby having the ability to attack both ships at sea and at anchor.

My second thought is: Mavis and Emily are actually Japan's best bombers. They are nearly the equivalent of heavy bombers in payload. I have decided to make a full project of producing Emilies, and I will use at least one squadron, probably two, as heavy bombers. I will produce 12-15 Emilies per month. The engine cost will be high, but it will give me a small and capable heavy bomber force. Can Emilies carry a full payload while being serviced only by an AV? That is an interesting question.



I enjoy reading and learning from your insights into Japanese command.

The Emily is a great plane. As a heavy bomber force are there any specific target types that you will focus on?


I have no idea, but it is a capability. There is a house rule against strat bombing in this game until 7/43, but after that... if I fail to take the whole of Australia, I would certainly try to destroy whatever industry I can before withdrawing. I think the best use, however, of this capability is to demonstrate it at range on port strikes in every theater to force Apbarog to stretch out his fighter cover over the whole map and reduce his fighter presence at the front. Late in the war, the Emily K2 is radar-equipped. Imagine a Japanese night-raid of 40 heavy bombers strat-bombing Pearl Harbor in late 1944.

< Message edited by Aurorus -- 10/21/2017 9:46:24 PM >

(in reply to MakeeLearn)
Post #: 117
RE: Argentina vs. USA: Aurorus (J) vs. Apbarog (A) - 10/22/2017 10:57:30 PM   
Aurorus

 

Posts: 1314
Joined: 5/26/2014
Status: offline 		Initial reconnaissance reports of Burma show that the allies have mostly evacuated the territory. There are some elements of AVG and about 7.5K ground troops at Rangoon and a few small base forces scattered here and there through Burma. 3 divisions are closing on the Burma border, and the Imperial Guards unit is in Singapore, fully recovered and in reserve for naval transport to any needed location.

The Burma-India border is an arbitrary boundary established by the imperial powers. The object for me in 1942 is always to force battles on the allies. If he has withdrawn from Burma, I plan to advance into India until I encounter resistance and then fight. I will need 2 more divisions, more armor, more anti-tank guns, more artillery, more everything for this theater eventually. It will be 6 weeks before my advance reaches into India, so in a way, while I want to fight battles, I am not unhappy that the allies evacuated Burma. I do not have to reinforce the West immediately, and I can focus on New Caledonia. Also, I can build up supply at the supply-limited bases in Burma to prepare for an engagement in India. I originally did not intend to invade India, but with no British or Indian forces in Burma, I am forced to go into India. I feel that it is very important for Japan to reduce British, Indian, and Australian force pools in the early war period. It is difficult enough to fight the Americans. It is much worse if the Aussies, Brits, and Indians still have full force pools to contribute to the allied offensive. I also want to push far enough to prevent allied fighter sweeps of Magwe, which seems to be a common tactic employed by allied players.

My biggest problem in the West is that I have destroyed almost no British aircraft. Apbarog has done a nice job withdrawing all the British air, and I will be up against Hurricanes with trained pilots. My Zeros are focused in the DEI and SoPac. This leaves the West mostly for Oscars, and Oscars against Hurricanes is a very bad matchup for the Oscar. Tojo is still 3 or 4 months away and then only 2 squadrons and the small prototype squadron will be available. I have 3 30-factories on Tojo (one of which will go into production and expand a little). The other two will continue R&D on Tojo IIb and then IIc. An additional squadron can convert to the IIbs, and there are some 200 of the IIcs in PDU:off in DBB. I have 3 30-factories on Tony. One of these will also convert to production and the rest will continue research on the Tony line. Not until I receive the Tonies will I have enough squadrons of capable army fighters: August or September. Mid 1942 is a very challenging period for Japan in the air-war in PDU:off, more difficult than 1943. P-38s begin to appear and Japan only has a few Nicks to counter the allied 4-Es. There are never enough Zeros.

(in reply to Aurorus)
Post #: 118
RE: Argentina vs. USA: Aurorus (J) vs. Apbarog (A) - 10/23/2017 7:36:30 AM   
Aurorus

 

Posts: 1314
Joined: 5/26/2014
Status: offline 		For those who think that light bombers are useless, I provide the following. I have been softening up the Dutch positions in nothern Sumatra because I will soon land 2 regiments there to complete the conquest of the island. I especially want to try to destroy any engineers that may be stationed on the two remaining oil centers. I have been using Sonias for these attacks, because the targets are soft and in clear terrain. Against soft targets in clear terrain, Sonias are excellent bombers with their 4 x 50Kg bombs.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Pakanbaroe Cdo , at 48,82 (Bengkalis)

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 14 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-51 Sonia x 18

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
170 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 11 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 11 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
18 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing from 6000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 50 kg GP Bomb

(in reply to Aurorus)
Post #: 119
RE: Argentina vs. USA: Aurorus (J) vs. Apbarog (A) - 10/23/2017 5:15:49 PM   
Bif1961


Posts: 2014
Joined: 6/26/2008
From: Phenix City, Alabama
Status: offline 		Since they are dive bombers with probably crews that have good experience the results are to be believed though the bonb load is light.

(in reply to Aurorus)
Post #: 120
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