Fortress Palembang: Problems and Solutions

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Q-Ball
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Fortress Palembang: Problems and Solutions

Post by Q-Ball »

Dan (Canoerebel) had an AAR with an excellent example of how a "Fortress Palembang" strategy can cause fits for the Allies. I am playing a couple early games, and so this problem has come up on both sides, as well as thoughts around solutions. Against PzHortlund, I nearly made a critical mistake around Palembang by delaying too long, and so I think a discussion around timetables and solutions is important.

First, if the Allies want to make a fortress Palembang, I think they can do it no later than December 21st, if the Japanese do not take countermeasures before then. By the 21st, the Allies can do several things to boost the garrison:

1. Land 44th and 45th Indian Brigades at Oosthaven, and rail them to Palembang. Their TF can get to Oosthaven by the 20th, and from there it's just a 1-day train ride. This is why the 21st is most critical.

2. Move units from Malaya; this depends on availability of the sea lanes b/w Singapore and Palembang. By the 20th, you should be able to rail-down to Singapore, load-up, and move anything you want to to Palembang.

3. Using the Dutch Transport unit and Flying Boats, you can move a couple KNIL Bns for free via air; the Riouw Bn is an easy choice, and maybe the guys at Singakawang. Also, almost everyone marches over the Bn at Bengkolen.

4. If the Allies spend PPs, you can also move a Regt from Batavia pretty easily

5. It's also very easy to make Palembang torp-capable; either move ABDA command from Batavia, or pick-up an RAF HQ unit at Singapore. Either will work.

So, it's very possible to make a fortress by the 21st of December. By then, the Allies can also pull together quite alot of cruisers, not to mention Force Z. Because Palembang is a swamp, you would need something like 5 divisions to dislodge those Indian Bdes if they are enhanced by Dutch. A siege is not practical, because Palembang is a supply source, which means it would take a very long time to erode supplies.


So, what can the Japanese do about this?

Here is what I would do, but would welcome other's thoughts:

1. Land at Kuching or Singkawang no later than the 10th. Maybe both. You can use some magic TFs to get there Turn 1 or Turn 3, (Singkawang is probably not kosher Turn 1), but either way you can get there quick. You will need the KONGOS to cover this. You also want to load-up the Air HQ at Saigon on T1, and have that moving to Kuching, along with an JAAF Bn for air support. This will get Kuching torp-capable by the 11th or 12th at the latest.

The Allies can counter with Force Z to break-up the Kuching landing, but that's not a terrible thing. Force Z is likely to sustain damage from an encounter with the KONGOS, so very likely to be forced to retire from DEI regardless of outcome. Attacking Kuching, Force Z is also exposed to NELLS from Saigon if it takes damage and lingers there off the coast, very possible if PoW or REPULSE has eaten a Long Lance.

Kuching and Singkawang will each fall to the smallest combat unit you have, so don't use alot of infantry for this

2. Interdict the sea lane from Palembang to Singapore with Torp Bombers, via Kuching. NETTIES here will stop traffic between those two points. A small Zero cap is sufficient to protect Kuching from the few crap bombers the Allies have. Make sure you escort the Zeros. You can also use surface raiders to nail any transports you see.

You should also move the AIR HQ at Kompong Trach to Kota Bharu ASAP. This will put another NETTIE base within range of Singers, though typically you want to use this base to bomb Singers instead of attack shipping.

The Allies can still move an RAF HQ before you shut this down, but there isn't really infantry available before the 12th without a PP expenditure.

3. Use a "Magic TF" for Palembang; divert one of the ones ticketed for Malaya, preferably one that includes some AV Support. I think 3 Regts is sufficient, IF you land before the 20th.

Doing this, I don't think, will delay the advance on Singapore. Northern Malaya can be cleared by lesser forces, and you can land these guys later and have them catch-up via rail on the march to Singapore.

Doing all of this, though is a reaction to Allied strategy, also pays dividends, in that Palembang is a very nice airbase within range of Batavia. You can use it to support a landing on Java easily.

In the event that Force Z defeats the Kongos, you can counter this by, Turn 1, starting the BBs in Japan toward this area. They will arrive about the 18th or so in force. So, even if the Kongos are gone, and Force Z lives, you can still muscle your way to Palembang. Pull together lots of CAs too, since they can actually reach Palembang. I also like moving ZUIHO and HOSHO here to provide extra CAP support as a counter to Torp Bombers.

The Allied torp bombers are a problem; just make sure you CAP everything, (LR CAP from Kuching). It doesn't take many Zeros though to really savage the Torp Bombers so that helps. It's only Un-Capped TFs that are in real danger.

Hope that helps, would love ot hear other's thoughts on how to solve this problem as Japan.
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RE: Fortress Palembang: Problems and Solutions

Post by n01487477 »

Damn triple post...
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RE: Fortress Palembang: Problems and Solutions

Post by n01487477 »

see below
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RE: Fortress Palembang: Problems and Solutions

Post by n01487477 »


ORIGINAL: Q-Ball

Because Palembang is a swamp, you would need something like 5 divisions to dislodge those Indian Bdes if they are enhanced by Dutch. A siege is not practical, because Palembang is a supply source, which means it would take a very long time to erode supplies.

All good points Q-Ball -
On this point though, I'd not play with OilRef producing supply these days. Economic mods are slowly coming out, JuanG, Treespider and some others including myself are changing this dynamic...The official scenario's will always have this now unfortunately.

Also - I move those Air HQ's out of Takao pretty quickly too. As well as some free PP Div's in Japan.

Singapore almost becomes a secondary sprint when compared to Palembang esp. with a good Allied player. But leapfrogging down the Penninsula is important overall to gain the objective of Palembang.

[edit] Lastly the one AKE in Japan needs to be routed quickly to the region.
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RE: Fortress Palembang: Problems and Solutions

Post by Q-Ball »

ORIGINAL: n01487477
ORIGINAL: Q-Ball

Because Palembang is a swamp, you would need something like 5 divisions to dislodge those Indian Bdes if they are enhanced by Dutch. A siege is not practical, because Palembang is a supply source, which means it would take a very long time to erode supplies.

All good points Q-Ball -
On this point though, I'd not play with OilRef producing supply these days. Economic mods are slowly coming out, JuanG, Treespider and some others including myself are changing this dynamic...The official scenario's will always have this now unfortunately.

Also - I move those Air HQ's out of Takao pretty quickly too. As well as some free PP Div's in Japan.

Singapore almost becomes a secondary sprint when compared to Palembang esp. with a good Allied player. But leapfrogging down the Penninsula is important overall to gain the objective of Palembang.

I am glad that's coming out, because Supplies should not come from Oil Refineries. I understand why they did that (Avgas), but it's a distortion.

I would actually restrict supply generation solely to real industrial centers, and turn off most of the Light Industry too. That's just me, but I think "Supplies" should really be ammo production and large-scale food production.

But, as it stands, Palembang is a supply source, so my question is how to deal with that. But good points for down the road
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RE: Fortress Palembang: Problems and Solutions

Post by n01487477 »

ORIGINAL: Q-Ball

ORIGINAL: n01487477
ORIGINAL: Q-Ball

Because Palembang is a swamp, you would need something like 5 divisions to dislodge those Indian Bdes if they are enhanced by Dutch. A siege is not practical, because Palembang is a supply source, which means it would take a very long time to erode supplies.

All good points Q-Ball -
On this point though, I'd not play with OilRef producing supply these days. Economic mods are slowly coming out, JuanG, Treespider and some others including myself are changing this dynamic...The official scenario's will always have this now unfortunately.

Also - I move those Air HQ's out of Takao pretty quickly too. As well as some free PP Div's in Japan.

Singapore almost becomes a secondary sprint when compared to Palembang esp. with a good Allied player. But leapfrogging down the Penninsula is important overall to gain the objective of Palembang.

I am glad that's coming out, because Supplies should not come from Oil Refineries. I understand why they did that (Avgas), but it's a distortion.

I would actually restrict supply generation solely to real industrial centers, and turn off most of the Light Industry too. That's just me, but I think "Supplies" should really be ammo production and large-scale food production.

But, as it stands, Palembang is a supply source, so my question is how to deal with that. But good points for down the road
Maybe, you're thinking otherwise but you can't turn off Light Industry with the new patch. I apologise if you're talking about modding it that way though.

Also you missed my last point about the AKE - which is very important to get into the theatre as you can't reload those BB's without it.

As for how it stands - I'd just echo what you are saying and take Kuantan very early, Singkawang before or after Miri (If you need air support) and then Mersing. I've even landed Engineers at Muntok with Fast Transport DD's/CL's after Singkawang to get the airfield up and running quickly.

In my present game with Floyd, I came late to the rush as I've not played a full PBEM for a while. In the next go - I'll take your advice and be all over it within the first 10 days. Fast Transports into Palembang in the first week could help [;)]

I have to War game it out and see what both sides could do better.
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RE: Fortress Palembang: Problems and Solutions

Post by ny59giants »

Since you stated that you can use the 'warp speed TF' and will probably play a non-historical first turn, then there is a good chance that a CV from KB will be sent to the Malaya area. I like to send Kaga just because she is the slowest of the CVs within KB.

When you re-organize the massive number of TFs at Samah, you can place the two Naval Guards TF (original destinations were Ternate area) into one with the bonus move TF. These can end up somewhere south of Saigon after the bonus move. Have the Naval Guards at CamRahn Bay that was to head for Singora "Meet and Merge" with this TF. If you need added punch, rearrange the three 'warp speed' TFs at Saigon that usually head over to land together to take Victoria Point quickly into one (full inf rgt). Use the extra two 'warp speed' that you have to load the Air HQ (without supply) and a BF or two. These can all meet up south of Saigon somewhere.

So three Naval Guards, an inf rgt, plus support units end up turn 1 south of Saigon somewhere (the point will be how far south you feel is appropriate and not gamey). Then, you decide if Singkawang and/or Palembang is their destination in the next week.
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RE: Fortress Palembang: Problems and Solutions

Post by John 3rd »

It is my MOST IMPORTANT landing of the DEI Campaign. Qball is dead right. With how the game functions, the Japanese have to get there fast with a lot and smash through before the Allied player makes it certain the refineries will be destroyed.

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RE: Fortress Palembang: Problems and Solutions

Post by Shark7 »

You can significantly shorten the game as Allies if you do this...in that some players will not continue if Palembang is completely destroyed. It is a very unfortunate thing that one base is the make or break of the entire game.

I sometimes think that the Palembang refineries and oil should have been split up and placed in several dot bases surrounding the actual base location. You know, something like you have an 'Palembang Oilfield North, Palembang Oilfield West, etc' just due to how much importance is placed on that 1 location.

The strategy listed here is perfectly viable, just realize that it could turn into a game-breaker in some circumstances.

And taking it too early as Japan leaves the refineries and oilfields open to destruction by Allied bomber raids.
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RE: Fortress Palembang: Problems and Solutions

Post by Yaab »

One solution is to play a DaBigBabes game, as BigBabes disabled supply generation by refineries.
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RE: Fortress Palembang: Problems and Solutions

Post by Olorin »

ORIGINAL: ny59giants

Since you stated that you can use the 'warp speed TF' and will probably play a non-historical first turn, then there is a good chance that a CV from KB will be sent to the Malaya area. I like to send Kaga just because she is the slowest of the CVs within KB.

When you re-organize the massive number of TFs at Samah, you can place the two Naval Guards TF (original destinations were Ternate area) into one with the bonus move TF. These can end up somewhere south of Saigon after the bonus move. Have the Naval Guards at CamRahn Bay that was to head for Singora "Meet and Merge" with this TF. If you need added punch, rearrange the three 'warp speed' TFs at Saigon that usually head over to land together to take Victoria Point quickly into one (full inf rgt). Use the extra two 'warp speed' that you have to load the Air HQ (without supply) and a BF or two. These can all meet up south of Saigon somewhere.

So three Naval Guards, an inf rgt, plus support units end up turn 1 south of Saigon somewhere (the point will be how far south you feel is appropriate and not gamey). Then, you decide if Singkawang and/or Palembang is their destination in the next week.

That was roughly my early DEI strategy in our game.
I moved Kaga, the CVLs and a couple of BBs from the HI to southwest of Saigon. It can be done by manipulation and merging of various TFs.
By having a mini KB there, you can land in NW Borneo, go for Mersing on the 8th and counter Force Z, all with one move.

You can also bring the 56th Div by merging the TF that carries it with a "magic TF" from the HI. That is a nice reserve force to have early in the region. You can decide to commit it in Malaya or Sumatra.

In our game, I landed at Palembang with 220 AV on the 14th, iirc. I used 3-4 SNFL units from Cam Ranch Bay an Samah. They were enough to take the base intact.
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RE: Fortress Palembang: Problems and Solutions

Post by denisonh »

The key to Palembang is Oosthaven and once Sinkawang is taken and flying Netties (add in some naval search, recon and mines), Oosthaven is difficult to use as a port. Sinkawang is the most important landing IMHO becuase it provides a base for LBA to start bombing Palembang, controls the northern Java seas limiting Allied movement, and makes Batavia untenable as a basing option for the Allies. Add Muntok and the isloation/reduction of Palembang can start before landing forces.
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RE: Fortress Palembang: Problems and Solutions

Post by AW1Steve »

ORIGINAL: John 3rd

It is my MOST IMPORTANT landing of the DEI Campaign. Qball is dead right. With how the game functions, the Japanese have to get there fast with a lot and smash through before the Allied player makes it certain the refineries will be destroyed.


EXACTLY! Or as was once said "Get there firstust with the mostest"! [:D]

Fortress Palemburg , or the Gambit is simply a race. And the allied player needs to consolidate his forces by marching overland.
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RE: Fortress Palembang: Problems and Solutions

Post by treespider »

Play DBB ver. C with stacking limits.....or alternatively my my mod when I finally get around to finishing it.

No Oil Center Supply production in either scenario.
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RE: Fortress Palembang: Problems and Solutions

Post by JeffroK »

Hopefully, while the JFB is charging down to Palembang, the AFB is using this time to create other roadblocks to be stumbled upon.

I think a lot of effort is going into countering a gambit which really only is of value against a JFB who isnt well organised or against the AI.
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RE: Fortress Palembang: Problems and Solutions

Post by Historiker »

Either play a scenario where refinerey don't produce supplies or introduce a HR that the Allied player has to turn off Palembang's refinery on turn one.
When the supplies have to be shipped in, the Jap player doesn't have to worry at all.
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RE: Fortress Palembang: Problems and Solutions

Post by GreyJoy »

ORIGINAL: Historiker

Either play a scenario where refinerey don't produce oil or introduce a HR that the Allied player has to turn off Palembang's refinery on turn one.
When the supplies have to be shipped in, the Jap player doesn't have to worry at all.

Well, as far as i know, a stiff defence at Pelembang (which means the allies manage to place there 2 more infantry Bdes) enanches the chances that, during the upcoming battle, more oil pumps get damaged... So it's always a good exchange - in the long run - for the allies to try to defend Palembang as long and as stiff as they can. 200 oil industries damaged means a lot for the Japanese economy in the long run
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RE: Fortress Palembang: Problems and Solutions

Post by mike scholl 1 »

Wouldn't the simplest solution be a "Gentlemen's Agreement" to stick to reality? No way the British were going to reinforce Dutch territory when Malaya and Burma were both vulnerable. In return, there was no way the Japanese were going to go thundering off after Australian holdings in the Bismarcks, Solomans, or New Guinea until they had achieved there more important goals in East Asia (ie. before January). Reasonable is always the best solution.
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RE: Fortress Palembang: Problems and Solutions

Post by Historiker »

ORIGINAL: Shark7

You can significantly shorten the game as Allies if you do this...in that some players will not continue if Palembang is completely destroyed. It is a very unfortunate thing that one base is the make or break of the entire game.

I sometimes think that the Palembang refineries and oil should have been split up and placed in several dot bases surrounding the actual base location. You know, something like you have an 'Palembang Oilfield North, Palembang Oilfield West, etc' just due to how much importance is placed on that 1 location.

The strategy listed here is perfectly viable, just realize that it could turn into a game-breaker in some circumstances.

And taking it too early as Japan leaves the refineries and oilfields open to destruction by Allied bomber raids.
Is it still possible to add a device several times to one base? I had seen (and experienced it) this problem in witp times. A simle workaround was to set 5 or more oilwells into one base, with the combined output of the single well that was in stock. In even of damage, one was able to repair x (= number of oilwells) times faster than in stock.
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RE: Fortress Palembang: Problems and Solutions

Post by Historiker »

ORIGINAL: mike scholl 1

Wouldn't the simplest solution be a "Gentlemen's Agreement" to stick to reality? No way the British were going to reinforce Dutch territory when Malaya and Burma were both vulnerable. In return, there was no way the Japanese were going to go thundering off after Australian holdings in the Bismarcks, Solomans, or New Guinea until they had achieved there more important goals in East Asia (ie. before January). Reasonable is always the best solution.
My opponent has my offer to evacuate Palembang or redo the turn if my defense totally destroys the oil. I want to have a good game, not one that is as short as possible.
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