Olorin (J) vs NY59Giants (A)
Moderators: wdolson, MOD_War-in-the-Pacific-Admirals-Edition
RE: Japanese Defense, '44-'45
Feb 17, 1944
Almost another month has passed, time for an update.
Burma:
- 20k tons of supplies were delivered to Rangoon, at the expense of 10 xAKs.
- The counterattack by the 25th Army is partially successful. One hex is gained, but the Allies repelled the attack in another (SE of Mulmein). 100 Franks were lost while strafing. The enemy is temporarily out of supply in this hex.
- In order to bolster the above attack, Mulmein was weakened. Michael took advantage and reduced the forts to size 2, in a series of deliberate attacks. I reinforced and stabilized the situation there.
SE Area:
- My defenses are rapidly disintegrating! After taking Umboi Island and Finschaven, the Allies landed at Hansa Bay and took it within a day. The 18th Army is trapped! I must evacuate the 75.000 troops by air. The trouble is that the 17th Army in New Britain and Manus is also essentially cut off and is just waiting for its supplies to run out. 4 DDs were lost while trying to deliver supplies to Kavieng.
- Michael could exploit this success all the way to Mindanao if he wished it. I only have small units garrisoning the northern coast of New Guinea. Hollandia is my strongest point with 200 AV. Three infantry brigades are headed to Cenderawasih Bay.
Future Plans:
Anywhere I look I see potential for disaster. A shake up of Japanese defense plans is needed urgently.
In Burma, the current lines must hold for as long as they can, because there isn't a really suitable place to defend further back. At the moment, there are 2 1/2 divs at Rangoon (28th Army), 3 divs at Mulmein (2nd Army), 5 divs from Mulmain to Rahaeng (25th Army) and 4 1/2 divs around Chiang Mai. I plan to evacuate the 28th Army from Rangoon in mid March, buy out one division from Manchuria and withdraw the 25th Army from the Area completely. This will leave the Burma Area Army with 11 1/2 divs to man the line Mulmein-Rahaeng-Indonesian border.
In the Southeast Area Fleet, the 180.000 troops of the 8th Area Army must be evacuated by air transports and destroyers running fast transport missions wherever possible. At a rate of 3000 per day, 2 months will be needed to transport all of them. Priority is given to the 18th Army at Lae-Nazdab-Saidor-Madang. All these troops are essentially irrelevant for defensive plans in the short term.
In the eastern DEI (2nd Area Army), the frontlines are manned by the 14th Army and the second line by the 19th Army. Darwin is still defended by one reinforced division, which will have to be withdrawn to Timor by the end of March at the latest.
The 21st Army will redeploy to Mindanao and Luzon.
The offensive I had planned in southeast China is canceled.
Almost another month has passed, time for an update.
Burma:
- 20k tons of supplies were delivered to Rangoon, at the expense of 10 xAKs.
- The counterattack by the 25th Army is partially successful. One hex is gained, but the Allies repelled the attack in another (SE of Mulmein). 100 Franks were lost while strafing. The enemy is temporarily out of supply in this hex.
- In order to bolster the above attack, Mulmein was weakened. Michael took advantage and reduced the forts to size 2, in a series of deliberate attacks. I reinforced and stabilized the situation there.
SE Area:
- My defenses are rapidly disintegrating! After taking Umboi Island and Finschaven, the Allies landed at Hansa Bay and took it within a day. The 18th Army is trapped! I must evacuate the 75.000 troops by air. The trouble is that the 17th Army in New Britain and Manus is also essentially cut off and is just waiting for its supplies to run out. 4 DDs were lost while trying to deliver supplies to Kavieng.
- Michael could exploit this success all the way to Mindanao if he wished it. I only have small units garrisoning the northern coast of New Guinea. Hollandia is my strongest point with 200 AV. Three infantry brigades are headed to Cenderawasih Bay.
Future Plans:
Anywhere I look I see potential for disaster. A shake up of Japanese defense plans is needed urgently.
In Burma, the current lines must hold for as long as they can, because there isn't a really suitable place to defend further back. At the moment, there are 2 1/2 divs at Rangoon (28th Army), 3 divs at Mulmein (2nd Army), 5 divs from Mulmain to Rahaeng (25th Army) and 4 1/2 divs around Chiang Mai. I plan to evacuate the 28th Army from Rangoon in mid March, buy out one division from Manchuria and withdraw the 25th Army from the Area completely. This will leave the Burma Area Army with 11 1/2 divs to man the line Mulmein-Rahaeng-Indonesian border.
In the Southeast Area Fleet, the 180.000 troops of the 8th Area Army must be evacuated by air transports and destroyers running fast transport missions wherever possible. At a rate of 3000 per day, 2 months will be needed to transport all of them. Priority is given to the 18th Army at Lae-Nazdab-Saidor-Madang. All these troops are essentially irrelevant for defensive plans in the short term.
In the eastern DEI (2nd Area Army), the frontlines are manned by the 14th Army and the second line by the 19th Army. Darwin is still defended by one reinforced division, which will have to be withdrawn to Timor by the end of March at the latest.
The 21st Army will redeploy to Mindanao and Luzon.
The offensive I had planned in southeast China is canceled.
RE: Japanese Defense, '44-'45
March 1, 1944
SE Area
- After taking Hansa Bay, Michael descended on Madang and took it with ease. No matter...my float transport planes can rescue the survivors from a coastal hex without a base. The 21st, 42nd and 47th divisions are at 30% strength, and almost entirely transfered to Hollandia and Sami. There is a full strength division still at Lae that will be evacuated last.
- Manus was invaded and the 1st Guards Division crumbled easily under the weight of the combined sea-air-land Allied assault. Elements of it were rescued, but it will be a few months before it's back to full strength again.
- Supply at Rabaul is now in the reds. The SE Area Fleet HQ and the 17th Army HQ are flown out.
- Hollandia is the only forward airfield (size 3). Naturally it attracted the attention of enemy 4E bombers and was closed easily.
- 10 DDs were lost in a botched fast transport mission to Hollandia.
- Michael capture a small dot base NW of Kavieng, to complete the encirclement of the 8th Area Army. While his CVs were busy supporting the landing...
- ...KB attacked allied shipping at Hansa Bay and Manus. Several APs, AKAs and LSTs were sunk but I was hoping for more carnage. The damage dealt by this strike is difficult to assess. I lost 50 attack bombers and Akagi took a torpedo (she will heal in 3 months).
Burma
- The combined British-Chinese-Indian Corps at Mulmein reduced the forts to size 1, but took heavy casualties (500 disablements).
- Half of the 25th Army's strength is withdrawn to Singapore, after its counterattack SE of Mulmein failed.
- The operation to evacuate every soldier from Rangoon (and every kilo of supplies) will commence in 10 days. The IJAAF is kept on the ground until then.
Other stuff
- The IJ Airforce is undergoing a critical expansion in several air groups. Lots of size 49 groups are created.
- Building up the Philippines is proceeding nicely. Manila AF is at level 6.55, Iolio at 3.6.
SE Area
- After taking Hansa Bay, Michael descended on Madang and took it with ease. No matter...my float transport planes can rescue the survivors from a coastal hex without a base. The 21st, 42nd and 47th divisions are at 30% strength, and almost entirely transfered to Hollandia and Sami. There is a full strength division still at Lae that will be evacuated last.
- Manus was invaded and the 1st Guards Division crumbled easily under the weight of the combined sea-air-land Allied assault. Elements of it were rescued, but it will be a few months before it's back to full strength again.
- Supply at Rabaul is now in the reds. The SE Area Fleet HQ and the 17th Army HQ are flown out.
- Hollandia is the only forward airfield (size 3). Naturally it attracted the attention of enemy 4E bombers and was closed easily.
- 10 DDs were lost in a botched fast transport mission to Hollandia.
- Michael capture a small dot base NW of Kavieng, to complete the encirclement of the 8th Area Army. While his CVs were busy supporting the landing...
- ...KB attacked allied shipping at Hansa Bay and Manus. Several APs, AKAs and LSTs were sunk but I was hoping for more carnage. The damage dealt by this strike is difficult to assess. I lost 50 attack bombers and Akagi took a torpedo (she will heal in 3 months).
Burma
- The combined British-Chinese-Indian Corps at Mulmein reduced the forts to size 1, but took heavy casualties (500 disablements).
- Half of the 25th Army's strength is withdrawn to Singapore, after its counterattack SE of Mulmein failed.
- The operation to evacuate every soldier from Rangoon (and every kilo of supplies) will commence in 10 days. The IJAAF is kept on the ground until then.
Other stuff
- The IJ Airforce is undergoing a critical expansion in several air groups. Lots of size 49 groups are created.
- Building up the Philippines is proceeding nicely. Manila AF is at level 6.55, Iolio at 3.6.
RE: Japanese Defense, '44-'45
The game is still on, but pace has been very slow recently, because of me (laptop dead for two months, summer vacations).
The date is May 29, 1944. I'll do an update later.
The date is May 29, 1944. I'll do an update later.
RE: Japanese Defense, '44-'45
May 29, 1944
First the short version:
Burma/Siam:
Rangoon and Mulmein have fallen. Junyo, Hiyo and Zuiho were sunk, while evacuating Ranggoon by sea. 10 IJA and 6 Siamese divs hold the Allies in Tavoy, Pisanoluke and the jungles around Bangkok.
SE Area Fleet:
New Britain and New Guinea were cut off by deep Allied offensives, all the way to Hollandia and Sami. 100k Japanese were evacuated by air. Kavieng still has two infantry regiments supplied by subs. 3 Unryu-class carriers were sunk in exchange for an equal amount of Allied deckspace (CVEs only though).
Eastern DEI:
Dobo and Taberfame have fallen. Darwin was evacuated by air. Sorong, Babo, Saumlaki and every base in between are my next MLR.
Victory:
I am now behind in VPs, having only 46k while the Allies have 6k more than me.
Other news:
Yamato took two torpedo hits while redeploying to Singapore. Flotation damage is 40. It will have to spend the next 270 days in the shipyards of Kure.
First the short version:
Burma/Siam:
Rangoon and Mulmein have fallen. Junyo, Hiyo and Zuiho were sunk, while evacuating Ranggoon by sea. 10 IJA and 6 Siamese divs hold the Allies in Tavoy, Pisanoluke and the jungles around Bangkok.
SE Area Fleet:
New Britain and New Guinea were cut off by deep Allied offensives, all the way to Hollandia and Sami. 100k Japanese were evacuated by air. Kavieng still has two infantry regiments supplied by subs. 3 Unryu-class carriers were sunk in exchange for an equal amount of Allied deckspace (CVEs only though).
Eastern DEI:
Dobo and Taberfame have fallen. Darwin was evacuated by air. Sorong, Babo, Saumlaki and every base in between are my next MLR.
Victory:
I am now behind in VPs, having only 46k while the Allies have 6k more than me.
Other news:
Yamato took two torpedo hits while redeploying to Singapore. Flotation damage is 40. It will have to spend the next 270 days in the shipyards of Kure.
RE: Japanese Defense, '44-'45
And now the long version:
With post #187 as reference, I’ll try to give you an overview of the current strategic situation. Overall, I am not happy about any of the two hot theaters (Burma, SE Area Fleet). Both are on the verge of collapsing.
The New Britain/New Guinea area has fallen, mostly by Allied penetrations of the 8th Area Army’s operational depth, cutting off 100k Japanese troops. Most of these troops were evacuated by air quite successfully. What is more disconcerting is that the Allies have managed to obtain a foothold in the Eastern DEI (Dobo, Taberfame), without taking any losses, because I was too fearful of facing the Allied juggernaut directly. Darwin was evacuated by air. Certain oil centers are now within range of the dreaded B-29. Balikpapan, Samarinda and Tarakan are now defended by 50 Nicks each. That is how many I can spare at the moment. I’d like to buy out and convert all 2E bombers lying around in Manchuria and the Home Islands, but I lack the PPs.
Next line of defense in the Eastern DEI is…everwhere. Every front line base has a brigade equivalent, all the way back to Mindanao, where my main stand is going to take place. The reason for choosing to spread out my infantry is that Michael likes carefully prepared and massively escorted, single-axis, short offensives. He likes to have at least 30 planning points, lands with two-three divs only, but I think he has more in reserve in case the first wave fails. As I see it, there is no point in offering serious resistance yet. Anything I can master right now will surely be destroyed without achieving much. So for now, I’m on delay mode.
On the other hand, the Allies will find it easier to advance westward to Java, since there are no ground units behind Koepang. I don’t believe I can defend this region if he chooses to go that route. In any case, I think I will have Palembang in my possession long after its oil fields are torched by Allied bombers. Right now I place that event in late ’44. After that, my economy has 10 months before my oil and fuel reserves are consumed. And after that, the 2m HI points that I managed to save will have to be managed carefully for the remainder of the war. Not looking very bright. This is my main motivation for seeking a decisive battle in order to compel the Allies to sue for peace before the Japanese economy crumbles.
In Burma… there is no Burma any more, at least not in red color. Rangoon and Mulmein have fallen. I committed a strategic blunder here… I lost Hiyo, Junyo and Zuiho while trying to evacuate Rangoon by sea. It would be far cheaper to evacuate by air, as I have done in the SE Area Fleet, or just leave those troops to delay the enemy from descending to Mulmein too early. Anyway, what’s done is done.
The Allies are now bogged down in the jungles around Bangkok. Tavoy still holds, but is subjected to daily naval bombardments. In total, 10 IJA divisions are defending this area. There is also the Siamese Army, but it will inexplicably withdraw in three months or so. That’s going to be critical. Once my forces break there is little to stop the Allies from advancing to Saigon and Hanoi. I am using all PPs to redeploy more divisions from Manchuria.
Regarding the Decisive Battle Area of the Philippine Islands: as per post #187, a LBA reserve of 1900 airplanes is already assembled in Panay and Luzon under the HQs of the 14th Air Fleet and the 1st Air Army, well ahead the target date of the 1st of July. This force is excluding all air formations currently at the front. When the times comes these formations will concentrate at the Decisive Battle Area. There is also the Kido Buttai which can master 850 carrier based aircraft.
July is no longer the target date for the Decisive Battle of the Philippines, it’s too early. It looks like the Allies will reach the area in the fall of ’44. Until then, the air reserve will have reached a strength of 4000 aircraft.
On the ground, the target is still 15 divisions. Currently there are only 10 equivalents in place.
At sea, the Yamato will be out of action for the rest of ’44 at least, but the Musashi was finally commissioned just in time to replace the Yamato. The IJN will be preserved until the right moment comes. Then… it’s all in.
With post #187 as reference, I’ll try to give you an overview of the current strategic situation. Overall, I am not happy about any of the two hot theaters (Burma, SE Area Fleet). Both are on the verge of collapsing.
The New Britain/New Guinea area has fallen, mostly by Allied penetrations of the 8th Area Army’s operational depth, cutting off 100k Japanese troops. Most of these troops were evacuated by air quite successfully. What is more disconcerting is that the Allies have managed to obtain a foothold in the Eastern DEI (Dobo, Taberfame), without taking any losses, because I was too fearful of facing the Allied juggernaut directly. Darwin was evacuated by air. Certain oil centers are now within range of the dreaded B-29. Balikpapan, Samarinda and Tarakan are now defended by 50 Nicks each. That is how many I can spare at the moment. I’d like to buy out and convert all 2E bombers lying around in Manchuria and the Home Islands, but I lack the PPs.
Next line of defense in the Eastern DEI is…everwhere. Every front line base has a brigade equivalent, all the way back to Mindanao, where my main stand is going to take place. The reason for choosing to spread out my infantry is that Michael likes carefully prepared and massively escorted, single-axis, short offensives. He likes to have at least 30 planning points, lands with two-three divs only, but I think he has more in reserve in case the first wave fails. As I see it, there is no point in offering serious resistance yet. Anything I can master right now will surely be destroyed without achieving much. So for now, I’m on delay mode.
On the other hand, the Allies will find it easier to advance westward to Java, since there are no ground units behind Koepang. I don’t believe I can defend this region if he chooses to go that route. In any case, I think I will have Palembang in my possession long after its oil fields are torched by Allied bombers. Right now I place that event in late ’44. After that, my economy has 10 months before my oil and fuel reserves are consumed. And after that, the 2m HI points that I managed to save will have to be managed carefully for the remainder of the war. Not looking very bright. This is my main motivation for seeking a decisive battle in order to compel the Allies to sue for peace before the Japanese economy crumbles.
In Burma… there is no Burma any more, at least not in red color. Rangoon and Mulmein have fallen. I committed a strategic blunder here… I lost Hiyo, Junyo and Zuiho while trying to evacuate Rangoon by sea. It would be far cheaper to evacuate by air, as I have done in the SE Area Fleet, or just leave those troops to delay the enemy from descending to Mulmein too early. Anyway, what’s done is done.
The Allies are now bogged down in the jungles around Bangkok. Tavoy still holds, but is subjected to daily naval bombardments. In total, 10 IJA divisions are defending this area. There is also the Siamese Army, but it will inexplicably withdraw in three months or so. That’s going to be critical. Once my forces break there is little to stop the Allies from advancing to Saigon and Hanoi. I am using all PPs to redeploy more divisions from Manchuria.
Regarding the Decisive Battle Area of the Philippine Islands: as per post #187, a LBA reserve of 1900 airplanes is already assembled in Panay and Luzon under the HQs of the 14th Air Fleet and the 1st Air Army, well ahead the target date of the 1st of July. This force is excluding all air formations currently at the front. When the times comes these formations will concentrate at the Decisive Battle Area. There is also the Kido Buttai which can master 850 carrier based aircraft.
July is no longer the target date for the Decisive Battle of the Philippines, it’s too early. It looks like the Allies will reach the area in the fall of ’44. Until then, the air reserve will have reached a strength of 4000 aircraft.
On the ground, the target is still 15 divisions. Currently there are only 10 equivalents in place.
At sea, the Yamato will be out of action for the rest of ’44 at least, but the Musashi was finally commissioned just in time to replace the Yamato. The IJN will be preserved until the right moment comes. Then… it’s all in.
- MrBlizzard
- Posts: 636
- Joined: Mon Apr 16, 2012 7:34 pm
- Location: Italy
RE: Japanese Defense, '44-'45
Another game that goes to the end, nice!
How are your supplies-fuel stocks?
How are your supplies-fuel stocks?
Blizzard
RE: Japanese Defense, '44-'45
I just managed to get the tracker in working order again.
Fuel reserves are 4 million.
Oil 2m.
Supply is critically low, only 300k in the Home Islands, but I can ship just enough to keep the front units in fighting condition. There was a bug that cost me around 250k
Fuel reserves are 4 million.
Oil 2m.
Supply is critically low, only 300k in the Home Islands, but I can ship just enough to keep the front units in fighting condition. There was a bug that cost me around 250k
RE: Japanese Defense, '44-'45
We are in June '44.
In Burma, Tavoy fends off another allied assault but it will soon fall if I don't reinforce.
In Eastern DEI, Sorong's airfield is pasted by naval bombardments and 4E bombers. I lost 200 aircraft and the airbase is now closed for good.
An invasion of Kaimana follows, with the usual Allied Death Start in support.
As Kaimana garrison was retreating, Michael sent two bombardment TFs to Sorong. I spotted them one day earlier off Biak and decided it was a good time to employ the KB. I deployed 6 subs on the expected enemy route in order to spoil the bombardment TF and it worked. They bombarded the base but didn't manage to head back to safety when the sun arose.
Thus, the full might of the KB was unleashed against a handful of allied light cruisers and Fletcher DDs.
The result?
1 CL and 2 DDs sunk, 50 attack bombers shot down.
How to explain these results? Is this what the Kido Buttai can offer in '44?
Bad weather alone can't account for the poor aiming of my bombers. The Fletcher-class destroyers must be very good at avoiding torpedoes. Flak was lethal. My bomber pilots were not the absolute best I could deploy (those are kept in reserve until I decide to have a carrier vs carrier battle).
Thoughts?
In Burma, Tavoy fends off another allied assault but it will soon fall if I don't reinforce.
In Eastern DEI, Sorong's airfield is pasted by naval bombardments and 4E bombers. I lost 200 aircraft and the airbase is now closed for good.
An invasion of Kaimana follows, with the usual Allied Death Start in support.
As Kaimana garrison was retreating, Michael sent two bombardment TFs to Sorong. I spotted them one day earlier off Biak and decided it was a good time to employ the KB. I deployed 6 subs on the expected enemy route in order to spoil the bombardment TF and it worked. They bombarded the base but didn't manage to head back to safety when the sun arose.
Thus, the full might of the KB was unleashed against a handful of allied light cruisers and Fletcher DDs.
The result?
1 CL and 2 DDs sunk, 50 attack bombers shot down.
Morning Air attack on TF, near Sorong at 82,107
Weather in hex: Partial cloud
Raid detected at 71 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 26 minutes
Japanese aircraft
G3M3 Nell x 16
Japanese aircraft losses
G3M3 Nell: 9 damaged
G3M3 Nell: 1 destroyed by flak
Allied Ships
CL Mobile, Torpedo hits 1
DD Hazelwood
CL Columbia
Aircraft Attacking:
14 x G3M3 Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Sansapor at 83,107
Weather in hex: Heavy rain
Raid detected at 72 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 21 minutes
Japanese aircraft
P1Y1 Frances x 8
Japanese aircraft losses
P1Y1 Frances: 5 damaged
P1Y1 Frances: 1 destroyed by flak
Allied Ships
CL Biloxi
CL Santa Fe
Aircraft Attacking:
7 x P1Y1 Frances bombing from 6000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Sorong at 82,107
Weather in hex: Partial cloud
Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 26 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M5b Zero x 54
B6N2a Jill x 69
D4Y1 Judy x 28
D4Y2 Judy x 10
D4Y3 Judy x 10
Japanese aircraft losses
B6N2a Jill: 8 damaged
B6N2a Jill: 3 destroyed by flak
D4Y1 Judy: 2 damaged
D4Y1 Judy: 4 destroyed by flak
D4Y2 Judy: 2 damaged
D4Y3 Judy: 2 damaged
Allied Ships
CL Cleveland, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CL Montpelier
DD Cony, Bomb hits 1
CL Columbia, Bomb hits 2
DD Marshall, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CL Mobile, Bomb hits 2, on fire
DD Miller
DD Heermann
DD Claxton
DD Hazelwood
DD Healy
Aircraft Attacking:
6 x D4Y3 Judy releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
11 x B6N2a Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
10 x D4Y2 Judy releasing from 3000' *
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
19 x B6N2a Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
8 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 1000' *
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
18 x B6N2a Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
3 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 1000' *
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
9 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 3000' *
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
11 x B6N2a Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
4 x D4Y3 Judy releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
3 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 2000' *
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring DD Marshall
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Sansapor at 83,107
Weather in hex: Heavy rain
Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 26 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M5b Zero x 10
B6N2a Jill x 77
D4Y3 Judy x 36
Japanese aircraft losses
B6N2a Jill: 14 damaged
B6N2a Jill: 1 destroyed by flak
D4Y3 Judy: 10 damaged
D4Y3 Judy: 2 destroyed by flak
Allied Ships
CL Birmingham, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CL Biloxi
DD Reid
CL Santa Fe, Bomb hits 2, on fire
DD Downes
DD Shaw
DD Case
DD Perkins
Aircraft Attacking:
12 x B6N2a Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
3 x D4Y3 Judy releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
25 x B6N2a Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
5 x D4Y3 Judy releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
26 x B6N2a Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
9 x D4Y3 Judy releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
4 x D4Y3 Judy releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
13 x B6N2a Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
5 x D4Y3 Judy releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
3 x D4Y3 Judy releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
4 x D4Y3 Judy releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Sansapor at 83,107
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms
Raid detected at 79 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 29 minutes
Japanese aircraft
G3M3 Nell x 14
Japanese aircraft losses
G3M3 Nell: 9 damaged
G3M3 Nell: 1 destroyed by flak
Allied Ships
DD Perkins
CL Biloxi
CL Santa Fe
Aircraft Attacking:
14 x G3M3 Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Sorong at 82,107
Weather in hex: Light rain
Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 26 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M5b Zero x 64
B6N2a Jill x 92
D4Y3 Judy x 41
Japanese aircraft losses
B6N2a Jill: 9 damaged
B6N2a Jill: 1 destroyed by flak
D4Y3 Judy: 5 damaged
D4Y3 Judy: 3 destroyed by flak
Allied Ships
CL Columbia, Bomb hits 3, on fire
DD Claxton
CL Mobile, Bomb hits 1
CL Montpelier, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Marshall
CL Cleveland, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Cony
DD Healy
DD Colahan, Bomb hits 1
DD Miller
DD Hazelwood
Aircraft Attacking:
13 x D4Y3 Judy releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
23 x B6N2a Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
18 x B6N2a Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
17 x B6N2a Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
9 x D4Y3 Judy releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
19 x B6N2a Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
4 x D4Y3 Judy releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
7 x D4Y3 Judy releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
11 x B6N2a Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
3 x D4Y3 Judy releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
4 x D4Y3 Judy releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CL Columbia
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CL Montpelier
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Sansapor at 83,107
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms
Raid detected at 78 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 25 minutes
Japanese aircraft
B6N2a Jill x 46
D4Y3 Judy x 18
Japanese aircraft losses
B6N2a Jill: 9 damaged
B6N2a Jill: 1 destroyed by flak
D4Y3 Judy: 4 damaged
Allied Ships
CL Santa Fe, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DD Shaw
DD Flusser
CL Birmingham
CL Biloxi, Bomb hits 2, on fire
DD Downes
Aircraft Attacking:
19 x B6N2a Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
12 x D4Y3 Judy releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
26 x B6N2a Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
4 x D4Y3 Judy releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
2 x D4Y3 Judy releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CL Biloxi
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
How to explain these results? Is this what the Kido Buttai can offer in '44?
Bad weather alone can't account for the poor aiming of my bombers. The Fletcher-class destroyers must be very good at avoiding torpedoes. Flak was lethal. My bomber pilots were not the absolute best I could deploy (those are kept in reserve until I decide to have a carrier vs carrier battle).
Thoughts?
RE: Japanese Defense, '44-'45
Yep, DDs are expert at avoiding torpedoes. DDs combine high manoeuvrability + high max speed, and sometimes, numerous heavy DP guns. Torpedoes are nasty for ships with low manoeuvrability (CAs, BBs, xAKs, xAPs etc.).
Additionally, bad weather really ruins torpedo runs.
Additionally, bad weather really ruins torpedo runs.
RE: Japanese Defense, '44-'45
I believe there are several factors here:
- relatively small and very fast/very maneuverable ships
- very heavy FLAK will light-up a lot of planes and damage even more because none of the IJN DB/TB have armor. DBB increases FLAK values and it adds up to the change Michaelm did in one of the patches that also increased FLAK efficiency.
- pilot quality - and I may stand corrected here - I'm under the impression that great DB pilots launch at 1000ft, good ones launch at 2000 ft and average ones launch at 3000 ft. And I noticed a large number of DB launching at 3000 ft (which means less accuracy).
- weather.
Oh, and I almost forgot. DDB has reduced Torpedo Accuracy for the Japanese..by quite a lot comparing to stock. And a bit lower accuracy and effect for the bombs as well iirc.
- relatively small and very fast/very maneuverable ships
- very heavy FLAK will light-up a lot of planes and damage even more because none of the IJN DB/TB have armor. DBB increases FLAK values and it adds up to the change Michaelm did in one of the patches that also increased FLAK efficiency.
- pilot quality - and I may stand corrected here - I'm under the impression that great DB pilots launch at 1000ft, good ones launch at 2000 ft and average ones launch at 3000 ft. And I noticed a large number of DB launching at 3000 ft (which means less accuracy).
- weather.
Oh, and I almost forgot. DDB has reduced Torpedo Accuracy for the Japanese..by quite a lot comparing to stock. And a bit lower accuracy and effect for the bombs as well iirc.
“The object of war is not to die for your country but to make the other guy die for his.”
Gen. George S. Patton
Gen. George S. Patton
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RE: Japanese Defense, '44-'45
I had a 12 ship Fletcher TF get absolutely annihilated by the KB in 45 (could have been late 44). Bad weather and bad luck on your part IMO. [:)]
RE: Japanese Defense, '44-'45
Thanks for your replies gents. [:)]
The days after the failure of the Kido Buttai the two fleets stayed out of contact of each other. The Allied moved their carriers between Boela and Babo, but KB had retired towards Davao.
Then, 5 Allied cruiser TFs bombarded Ambon, Boela and Babo totally unopposed. My air power in the Eastern DEI front is wiped out.
In Burma, I tried to catch Allied bombers but instead I was caught by Allied fighters:
M
Together with op losses, I lost 65 IJA fighters and 25 IJN fighters, in exchange for maybe 6 or 7 enemy fighters.
I am not trying it again any time soon [:D]
The days after the failure of the Kido Buttai the two fleets stayed out of contact of each other. The Allied moved their carriers between Boela and Babo, but KB had retired towards Davao.
Then, 5 Allied cruiser TFs bombarded Ambon, Boela and Babo totally unopposed. My air power in the Eastern DEI front is wiped out.
In Burma, I tried to catch Allied bombers but instead I was caught by Allied fighters:
M
orning Air attack on Rahaeng , at 58,56
Weather in hex: Partial cloud
Raid detected at 28 NM, estimated altitude 41,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes
Japanese aircraft
N1K2-J George x 79
Allied aircraft
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 25
Japanese aircraft losses
N1K2-J George: 22 destroyed
Allied aircraft losses
P-47D25 Thunderbolt: 1 destroyed
CAP engaged:
S-302 Kokutai with N1K2-J George (43 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(43 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
43 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 31276 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 31276.
Raid is overhead
S-309 Hikotai with N1K2-J George (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(36 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 36 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 31276 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 31276.
Raid is overhead
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Pisanuloke , at 58,57
Weather in hex: Moderate rain
Raid detected at 38 NM, estimated altitude 40,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-84a Frank x 116
Allied aircraft
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 25
Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-84a Frank: 21 destroyed
No Allied losses
CAP engaged:
1st Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (19 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
19 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 31514 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 31514.
Raid is overhead
47th Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 13 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 31514 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 31514.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 1 minutes
63rd Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 18 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 31514 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 31514.
Raid is overhead
77th Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 19 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 31514 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 31514.
Raid is overhead
246th Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (17 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
17 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 31514 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 31514.
Raid is overhead
248th Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 16 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 31514 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 31514.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 4 minutes
265th Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (14 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
14 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 31514 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 31514.
Raid is overhead
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Pisanuloke , at 58,57
Weather in hex: Moderate rain
Raid detected at 35 NM, estimated altitude 39,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes
Japanese aircraft
Ki-84a Frank x 54
Allied aircraft
P-47D25 Thunderbolt x 25
Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-84a Frank: 14 destroyed
Allied aircraft losses
P-47D25 Thunderbolt: 1 destroyed
CAP engaged:
1st Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
8 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 31514
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
47th Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 31514 , scrambling fighters to 35514.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 23 minutes
63rd Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 31514
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 46 minutes
77th Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
9 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 31514
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
246th Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 31514
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 176 minutes
248th Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
13 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 31514 , scrambling fighters to 35514.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 119 minutes
265th Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
11 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 31514 , scrambling fighters to 35514.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes
Together with op losses, I lost 65 IJA fighters and 25 IJN fighters, in exchange for maybe 6 or 7 enemy fighters.
I am not trying it again any time soon [:D]
RE: Japanese Defense, '44-'45
Why are You keeping all Your CAP on one altitude? Big mistake
Layers is a key.
Usually sweep will dive on planes flying in lower layer and that will allow planes from higher layer to dive on enemy even if they start below sweep.
Spread Your planes between 20-30k and You should see much better results. Plus You will take lees fatigue when flying lower and number of planes in air should be bigger especially for those groups that flying lower
Layers is a key.
Usually sweep will dive on planes flying in lower layer and that will allow planes from higher layer to dive on enemy even if they start below sweep.
Spread Your planes between 20-30k and You should see much better results. Plus You will take lees fatigue when flying lower and number of planes in air should be bigger especially for those groups that flying lower
"Only the Dead Have Seen the End of War"
RE: Japanese Defense, '44-'45
ORIGINAL: koniu
Why are You keeping all Your CAP on one altitude? Big mistake
Layers is a key.
Usually sweep will dive on planes flying in lower layer and that will allow planes from higher layer to dive on enemy even if they start below sweep.
Spread Your planes between 20-30k and You should see much better results. Plus You will take lees fatigue when flying lower and number of planes in air should be bigger especially for those groups that flying lower
I try layered CAP on the highest altitude bands whenever two different types of planes are on CAP duty. Usually Tojos are the lower flying planes. If there is a difference in loss ratio, it's too small to notice (for me).
What do you think about layered CAP on altitudes between 10-20k? My thinking is, you are going to get bounced anyway, why not get a small advantage from slightly superior maneuverability? It's not the dominant characteristic in air combat, but every bit helps.
RE: Japanese Defense, '44-'45
ORIGINAL: Olorin
ORIGINAL: koniu
Why are You keeping all Your CAP on one altitude? Big mistake
Layers is a key.
Usually sweep will dive on planes flying in lower layer and that will allow planes from higher layer to dive on enemy even if they start below sweep.
Spread Your planes between 20-30k and You should see much better results. Plus You will take lees fatigue when flying lower and number of planes in air should be bigger especially for those groups that flying lower
I try layered CAP on the highest altitude bands whenever two different types of planes are on CAP duty. Usually Tojos are the lower flying planes. If there is a difference in loss ratio, it's too small to notice (for me).
What do you think about layered CAP on altitudes between 10-20k? My thinking is, you are going to get bounced anyway, why not get a small advantage from slightly superior maneuverability? It's not the dominant characteristic in air combat, but every bit helps.
This can work. I remember one instance where I had Sams and Ki-100 low with some Franks above and P-47Ns and P-51Ds swept. We actually got a positive result.
This has not always been the case though. I've also struggled with the layered vs all one altitude CAP against P-47s and Spit VIII. These seem to get the same kill ratio whatever I do on average. Against the other planes that may be used though the layers do work better.
You might also try layers like 4k-6k-8k and see what happens. I didn't get this quite figured out, but theoretically some sweeps might not even get to very low flying planes if he's at 31k. Your fighters will climb to get to bombers from there though.
Fighters climbing throughout the combat is also a problem when trying to fight low. I never tried this but I wonder of turning radar units onto rest mode would actually keep fighters from climbing early. Might have to set a higher CAP percentage to make up for late scrambling.
"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm." - Winston Churchill
RE: Japanese Defense, '44-'45
Not only layers, but simple numbers in the air is important as well. When I have 40xTBolt and 30xSpit sweeping ... that's a real problem because it represents a significant investment by the allies. It means I need to come up with at least 100 fighters in the air to counter this effectively. 100 in the air means at least 300 on the ground. Thats a minimum of 6x49 ac groups ...
Pax
RE: Japanese Defense, '44-'45
ORIGINAL: Olorin
What do you think about layered CAP on altitudes between 10-20k? My thinking is, you are going to get bounced anyway, why not get a small advantage from slightly superior maneuverability? It's not the dominant characteristic in air combat, but every bit helps.
I tend to do that a lot. I think it comes down to numbers on CAP, and the lower the fight the better...the actual altitude of the engagement is an unknown, but with a high sweep and a low CAP the actual altitude of the fight will be somewhere between.
RE: Japanese Defense, '44-'45
June 13, '44
Burma:
The front is on the verge of collapse! Tavoy is being bombarded by allied battleships and cruisers 3-4 times a week. Forts are down to 0. But the garrison still holds its ground.
What is far more worrisome is that Allied tank units are one hex away from the central Thai plains. The 15th Army is currently withdrawing from Rahaeng and Pisanoluke. Thai units are left behind to delay the enemy. They are scheduled for withdrawal anyway in 48 days.
I spent enough PPs to redeploy 1 div from Manchuria and am in the process of redeploying one more. They will both be placed under the 33rd Army.
I am also redeploying the 16th Army (2 divs) which was my only reserve in Sumatra.
In total, the Burma Area Army has 9 division (one of them is armored), with 3 more on their way.
The 28th Army defends Tavoy and Mergui with 2 battered inf divs.
The 33rd Army defends the jungle NW of Bangkok with 3 good divs.
The 15th Army is withdrawing from Uttradicht-Rahaeng with 3 divs (having already lost the 55th Div north of Utradicht).
The 25th and 16th Armies will hold the front in the plains north of Bangkok, with 4 infantry divs and one armored.
Although that's a significant investment in IJA troops, I don't believe they can hold the British army for long.
Eastern DEI:
Same story, my "front" is about to collapse and all I can do is evacuating the bypassed bases using air transports.
After Kaimana, Boela is also lost to the enemy, which means that the 19th Army's front is breached and Michael can very easily exploit this breakthrough with an advance to Halmahera. The 46th Div was split in 3 brigades holding Boela, Kaimana and Gorong. One brigade was destroyed in Boela, another brigade is marching to Babao after being expelled from Kaimana, and another one is bypassed in Gorong. They are transported to the dot bases north of Ambon (Obi & Batjan), which are currently totally empty.
21 Div is transported to Ternate.
The KB attempted to hit the Allied destroyers near Sorong again. Leaky CAP from the allied carriers caused some casualties. The KB is currently at Manila.
B-29:
For the first time in this war, the B-29 appeared over Japanese bases. Medan was attacked at night for two turns. The first night I had nothing on the air and 8 oil centers were destroyed. The second night I put a Nick group on night CAP and although it didn't get any kills, it prevented further loss of oil centers. After that, Michael stood down his bombers. A good first sign.
Burma:
The front is on the verge of collapse! Tavoy is being bombarded by allied battleships and cruisers 3-4 times a week. Forts are down to 0. But the garrison still holds its ground.
What is far more worrisome is that Allied tank units are one hex away from the central Thai plains. The 15th Army is currently withdrawing from Rahaeng and Pisanoluke. Thai units are left behind to delay the enemy. They are scheduled for withdrawal anyway in 48 days.
I spent enough PPs to redeploy 1 div from Manchuria and am in the process of redeploying one more. They will both be placed under the 33rd Army.
I am also redeploying the 16th Army (2 divs) which was my only reserve in Sumatra.
In total, the Burma Area Army has 9 division (one of them is armored), with 3 more on their way.
The 28th Army defends Tavoy and Mergui with 2 battered inf divs.
The 33rd Army defends the jungle NW of Bangkok with 3 good divs.
The 15th Army is withdrawing from Uttradicht-Rahaeng with 3 divs (having already lost the 55th Div north of Utradicht).
The 25th and 16th Armies will hold the front in the plains north of Bangkok, with 4 infantry divs and one armored.
Although that's a significant investment in IJA troops, I don't believe they can hold the British army for long.
Eastern DEI:
Same story, my "front" is about to collapse and all I can do is evacuating the bypassed bases using air transports.
After Kaimana, Boela is also lost to the enemy, which means that the 19th Army's front is breached and Michael can very easily exploit this breakthrough with an advance to Halmahera. The 46th Div was split in 3 brigades holding Boela, Kaimana and Gorong. One brigade was destroyed in Boela, another brigade is marching to Babao after being expelled from Kaimana, and another one is bypassed in Gorong. They are transported to the dot bases north of Ambon (Obi & Batjan), which are currently totally empty.
21 Div is transported to Ternate.
The KB attempted to hit the Allied destroyers near Sorong again. Leaky CAP from the allied carriers caused some casualties. The KB is currently at Manila.
B-29:
For the first time in this war, the B-29 appeared over Japanese bases. Medan was attacked at night for two turns. The first night I had nothing on the air and 8 oil centers were destroyed. The second night I put a Nick group on night CAP and although it didn't get any kills, it prevented further loss of oil centers. After that, Michael stood down his bombers. A good first sign.
RE: Japanese Defense, '44-'45
Still doing pretty well for this time in game though.
Are the Allies not bombing your troops in the clear plains in Thailand?
Are the Allies not bombing your troops in the clear plains in Thailand?
"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm." - Winston Churchill