What would you do?
Moderators: wdolson, MOD_War-in-the-Pacific-Admirals-Edition
What would you do?
My longtime interbuddy and pbem friend and I start another epic quest in AE, this time with Japan having the option to bypass pearl, and force the US into an uneasy non hostile stance for the first six months of the war.
Allies, me, are unable to do more than garrison OZ and OZ Islands, and the south pacific with US troops, Japan can attack at any time againt US possetion or garrisoned bases bringing US into the war immediately.
The US must keep 3/4 of the BB in Pearl that start the game there or one CV.
I choose to garrison Eastern OZ, PM Rahball. Suva, but lost several Islands to forward based JAps...
I choose to leave on CV in Pearl and am watching my oponent steam roll through Malay Penn, he is almost taken Singapore at Jan 28 42.
Six months is not enough to over run India... and I am curious what poeple would choose to attack/ or defend from either stance assuming the Jap player plays this non historical alternative.
Allies, me, are unable to do more than garrison OZ and OZ Islands, and the south pacific with US troops, Japan can attack at any time againt US possetion or garrisoned bases bringing US into the war immediately.
The US must keep 3/4 of the BB in Pearl that start the game there or one CV.
I choose to garrison Eastern OZ, PM Rahball. Suva, but lost several Islands to forward based JAps...
I choose to leave on CV in Pearl and am watching my oponent steam roll through Malay Penn, he is almost taken Singapore at Jan 28 42.
Six months is not enough to over run India... and I am curious what poeple would choose to attack/ or defend from either stance assuming the Jap player plays this non historical alternative.
"Tanks forward"
RE: What would you do?
America would do nothing. If Japan left Pearl and the Phillipines alone, she would be free to do what she wanted.
We are all dreams of the Giant Space Butterfly.
RE: What would you do?
I guess it's against your house rules, but in the real world if Japanese hadn't attacked the US, it would have continued its build up in the PI until that was an island fortress. MacArthur had a plan to build up forces in the PI and make it a tough nut to crack. A major reason Japan did attack the US was they knew that if MacArthur was given enough time they would be unable to take the PI and whoever controls the PI controls the trade routes with the SRA.
Fortifying Rabaul is a good move too. Control of the Solomons hinges on Rabaul. Or at least it takes holding a bunch of bases around Rabaul to neutralize it.
If the Japanese send the bulk of their forces to India, that puts them on the wrong side of the world when the US is freed up to declare war.
Bill
Fortifying Rabaul is a good move too. Control of the Solomons hinges on Rabaul. Or at least it takes holding a bunch of bases around Rabaul to neutralize it.
If the Japanese send the bulk of their forces to India, that puts them on the wrong side of the world when the US is freed up to declare war.
Bill
WitP AE - Test team lead, programmer
RE: What would you do?
I think the six month mark will come, probably see my oponent try to raid in month 5 to take advantage of his first strike option.
I woul dLOVE to see him attack Perth and darwin as all the OZ troops would rush there... and then ho in the world would he support tropps on the ground once the allies hold the shipping lanes?
I think the solomons will be a non contest as I attack from RB north and west up into the PI area in 42/43.. but today its the admin race, and I admit the area of the game which is my least favorite part..
forthe Jap player... I think making a nuisance in India is too much, but perhaps moving quickly enough to add forces in New Guinia,ap?, and making the summe ra hot one for the US player...
I am wondering about adding supplies and planes to PI.. I really don't have enough to put into PI and OZ/Solomons by June... thoughts?
I woul dLOVE to see him attack Perth and darwin as all the OZ troops would rush there... and then ho in the world would he support tropps on the ground once the allies hold the shipping lanes?
I think the solomons will be a non contest as I attack from RB north and west up into the PI area in 42/43.. but today its the admin race, and I admit the area of the game which is my least favorite part..
forthe Jap player... I think making a nuisance in India is too much, but perhaps moving quickly enough to add forces in New Guinia,ap?, and making the summe ra hot one for the US player...
I am wondering about adding supplies and planes to PI.. I really don't have enough to put into PI and OZ/Solomons by June... thoughts?
"Tanks forward"
- Hanzberger
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RE: What would you do?
Interesting idea but I think America would have found a reason to enter the war. 2 I think what the others wrote about the PI is correct.
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RE: What would you do?
How are you guys handling the problem of reinforcing/resupplying the PI? It seems to me that you can't send in any TFs without them being accosted by Japanese aircraft - which would be considered an act of war.
fair winds,
Brad
Brad
- Canoerebel
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RE: What would you do?
Sounds like a great "what if" scenario. Who thought of it? I'm envious, as I wish I had...
To me, there really isn't a great deal of advtange to Japan in this scenario unless it does one of two things: (1) knocks out China, or (2) even better, knocks out India.
Were I the Japanese player in this game, I'd definately go for India. If I was playing Scenario Two and the USA was quiet for six months, the game would end there. If it's Scenario One, Japan still probably has a decent chance at it as long as Japan gets started by around March 1.
The Allies ought to be focusing on the bases that offer the greatest opportunities to strike the Japanese heartland as early as possible. I'd build up the Western Aleutians, make Wake a 200 AV garrison with a CD, and beef of Rabaul and, if possible, the Admiralties and some of the northern New Guinea bases (or are the Dutch possessions off limits?).
To me, there really isn't a great deal of advtange to Japan in this scenario unless it does one of two things: (1) knocks out China, or (2) even better, knocks out India.
Were I the Japanese player in this game, I'd definately go for India. If I was playing Scenario Two and the USA was quiet for six months, the game would end there. If it's Scenario One, Japan still probably has a decent chance at it as long as Japan gets started by around March 1.
The Allies ought to be focusing on the bases that offer the greatest opportunities to strike the Japanese heartland as early as possible. I'd build up the Western Aleutians, make Wake a 200 AV garrison with a CD, and beef of Rabaul and, if possible, the Admiralties and some of the northern New Guinea bases (or are the Dutch possessions off limits?).
"Rats set fire to Mr. Cooper’s store in Fort Valley. No damage done." Columbus (Ga) Enquirer-Sun, October 2, 1880.
RE: What would you do?
Here's something that might spice up things a bit...
Make the US non-hostile until the Japanese attack.
So, if the US decides to send a 500 ship supply and reinforcement tf's to the PI... the Japs could, if they decide, attack it enroute- thus launching the war against the US.
This will force the US to actually "care" about it's ships, and not just say "woohoo, I'm sending everything to the PI unescorted". If the allies want to escort it with their cv's - well, then they are in danger of losing them to a sneak attack!
Make the US non-hostile until the Japanese attack.
So, if the US decides to send a 500 ship supply and reinforcement tf's to the PI... the Japs could, if they decide, attack it enroute- thus launching the war against the US.
This will force the US to actually "care" about it's ships, and not just say "woohoo, I'm sending everything to the PI unescorted". If the allies want to escort it with their cv's - well, then they are in danger of losing them to a sneak attack!
- Hanzberger
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RE: What would you do?
It was the intent of the Joint Chiefs to send 200+ bombers and 400+ fighters to the PI, if he gives you 6 months they would all be there. Not to mention more base forces with AAA. I am not sure how many more troops were going to be sent there. The war started before they could get everything in place.
For example, the A-24's and P-40E's that show up in Brisbane, those were all going to the PI. You also had (not in the game I don't think) 2 convoys carrying planes and parts that were on their way before they were stopped.
For example, the A-24's and P-40E's that show up in Brisbane, those were all going to the PI. You also had (not in the game I don't think) 2 convoys carrying planes and parts that were on their way before they were stopped.
- Bradley7735
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RE: What would you do?
If it were me, I'd forget about fortifying OZ and the South Pacific. I'd fortify Wake, Guam and Luzon. Put the max AV on Wake. I'd try to get 3 divisions plus tons of support (HQ, AA, CD, planes, planes, planes) and an ass ton of supply on Guam. And, I'd put everything else I could get my hands on to Luzon. I'd airlift all the PI troops from all the small islands to Luzon. Tons and tons and tons of supply. Lots of bombers and all your best US fighters on Luzon. Forget everything else. Defending all the PI will lose you all the PI. Defend 3-4 awesome airbases, and he might have an impossible time taking it in 6 months.
Sneak attack to some major convoy would be the only issue I can see. You'd either need to send in stuff in very small convoys, or in very large convoys.
I'd probably start by fortifying Wake with as much as she'll hold, with your 3 CV's. Then in another month or 2, get a 3 div shipment to Guam with 4 CV's. Then try to get 2 massive shipments to Luzon. While sending lots of small supply ships to get the eventual buildup of supply you'll need to hold for 6 months.
If you hold Luzon, you'll win the war by late 43.
I'd probably garrison Makin and Tarawa with as much as they'll hold too.
Sneak attack to some major convoy would be the only issue I can see. You'd either need to send in stuff in very small convoys, or in very large convoys.
I'd probably start by fortifying Wake with as much as she'll hold, with your 3 CV's. Then in another month or 2, get a 3 div shipment to Guam with 4 CV's. Then try to get 2 massive shipments to Luzon. While sending lots of small supply ships to get the eventual buildup of supply you'll need to hold for 6 months.
If you hold Luzon, you'll win the war by late 43.
I'd probably garrison Makin and Tarawa with as much as they'll hold too.
The older I get, the better I was.
RE: What would you do?
ORIGINAL: Bradley7735
If it were me, I'd forget about fortifying OZ and the South Pacific. I'd fortify Wake, Guam and Luzon. Put the max AV on Wake. I'd try to get 3 divisions plus tons of support (HQ, AA, CD, planes, planes, planes) and an ass ton of supply on Guam. And, I'd put everything else I could get my hands on to Luzon. I'd airlift all the PI troops from all the small islands to Luzon. Tons and tons and tons of supply. Lots of bombers and all your best US fighters on Luzon. Forget everything else. Defending all the PI will lose you all the PI. Defend 3-4 awesome airbases, and he might have an impossible time taking it in 6 months.
Sneak attack to some major convoy would be the only issue I can see. You'd either need to send in stuff in very small convoys, or in very large convoys.
I'd probably start by fortifying Wake with as much as she'll hold, with your 3 CV's. Then in another month or 2, get a 3 div shipment to Guam with 4 CV's. Then try to get 2 massive shipments to Luzon. While sending lots of small supply ships to get the eventual buildup of supply you'll need to hold for 6 months.
If you hold Luzon, you'll win the war by late 43.
I'd probably garrison Makin and Tarawa with as much as they'll hold too.
There were a number of studies made in the early turn of the century thay indicated that Guam could become a "Gibratar of the Pacific" (yeah I know that was a often misused term! [8|]). Hector Bywater (Noted Naval Jornalist of the period) thought the USN should base the bulk of the fleet there). It's also one of the biggest islands with a truly outstanding Harbor). One of the great ironies is that as a result of naval treaties, it was disarmed (it already had 7" CD guns and a squadron of aircraft). So I'd load it up with lots of CD and AA guns, stuff it to the gills with all the supply the island would take (Do the same with Bataan and Cagagyun) and whatever Infantry you can spare. And lots of PBY's. You'll lose Wake (you can't hold it) but Guam can hold out the better part of a year. He will be forced to eliminate it before he can do much of anything. Otherwise, if he permits you to build it up, you'll have air fields capable of supporting B-17, LB-30's and eventually B-24s who can attack the HI in 1942![X(]
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RE: What would you do?
I seem to recall reading that Guam's harbor (Apeio?) was much too shallow for capital ships, which was a point against making it the main Pacific base, especially in the tight money years between the wars.
I also don't like the idea of making any isolated base an important one. To me, you're just signing a death warrant for your men if you do so.
I also don't like the idea of making any isolated base an important one. To me, you're just signing a death warrant for your men if you do so.
fair winds,
Brad
Brad
RE: What would you do?
ORIGINAL: bradfordkay
I seem to recall reading that Guam's harbor (Apeio?) was much too shallow for capital ships, which was a point against making it the main Pacific base, especially in the tight money years between the wars.
I also don't like the idea of making any isolated base an important one. To me, you're just signing a death warrant for your men if you do so.
Actually I've seen CVN's in Apra harbor.And Apra harbor became the "Forward PH" after Nimitz moved his HQ there. And dredging is one of the improvements you would just do. PH had to do a large amount of dredging.