Three Little Pigs: NY59Giants (A) vs Big Bad Wolf (J)

[ny59giants]

I've been thinking about starting an AAR for a while for my game vs Big Bad Wolf (Japan) as we are near the end of March '42. I've started others before, but hope I can give it enough time to do it justice. I'll do a brief recap of how we got here, but with my current situations in two theaters taking up the bulk of the AAR for now.

We are playing Reluctant Admiral 6.6 with "Gnarly Roads" pwhex.

House Rules: Big Bad Wolf vs NY 59Giants

First turn

Allied – Can give orders to only units at sea, no new TFs, land or air movements or changing orders for LBA.
Japan – Port strikes with carriers only, no gamey warp invasion, like Mersing, Sinkawang, Midway or Ambon. Wake is OK.
No hunting of Allied CV's during the first turn.

Air

No 4E below 10,000ft. - Restricted to 10k or higher for naval and ground attacks (does not include PBY/Mavis type patrol craft).
Aircraft Limitations (reflecting the RA Mod):
-No A6M3 on CVEs
-No A6M4 on any form of Carrier
-A7M Sam and B7A-D Grace cannot be operated from CVEs

General

Advanced weather is OFF; PDU – ON; Realistic R&D – OFF;
PPs must be paid when changing theater.
No strategic bombing prior to July 1st 1943.
No strategic bombing in China for the duration of the war.
No night bombing at less than 50% moonlight. Allies can after July 1st 1943
Thai units may freely enter Burma and Malaya, but require PP's to enter India or China.
No invasions or paradrops on non-base hexes
Single ship TF – The Allied player will not form them deliberately after January 42 due to the AI code often ignoring them and not sending out bombers to attack. Japan will be allowed to send out single ships.

[ny59giants]

One of two areas of concern is the South Pacific over to Central Pacific. China is the second.

Last turn (March 29th) saw the invasion of Norfolk Island.

Nadi was invaded (27th) and captured (28th) by 1st China Assault Division. Thankfully, I was recently able to get about 4k supply into Suva. So, my NZ brigade should be able to hold out for a few weeks at Suva.

New Caledonia:
Noumea was captured after a prolong siege as my brave French troops were able to keep the 80th Infantry Regiment at bay for weeks. BBW had to land the Guards Mixed Brigade at Koumac and run it down the island. He likes to use his BBs for bombarding my troops in coastal hexes, but I've been unable to counter them.
Koumac was captured on Feb 7th. But that story is for another post. [;)]

[ny59giants]

Canton Island: Probable base for KB and now is under partial blockade by American subs. It was captured on Dec 19th.

Pago Pago: the siege began on Jan 24th when the 4 fast BCs from KB started the first of many bombardments of the base. BB Ise and Hyuga later were added to regular bombardment attacks based out of Canton. The base fell on March 6th, but those 2 CD units did a number on multiple transports. [:D]

[ny59giants]

Line Islands: If you have read any of my prior postings over the years, you know I like to reinforce Christmas Island relatively quickly as an Allied player and use it for a fuel hub through most of '42. BBW did not allow it in this game as he split CarDiv 1 from CarDiv 5 a few days after his relatively unsuccessful attack on Pearl. CarDiv 1 made a big loop to the east and showed up later to the east or Christmas. It was 28 hexes east of Christmas on Dec 23rd. [X(] I lost CL Detroit, an AP that could have upgraded to an APA in 43, and another 8 xAKs. Not knowing where this part of KB was, I didn't risk sending transports from USA to Line Islands. A Nav Gds lands at Palmrya on Jan 5th and fails to take it. BB Ise and Hyuga hit Christmas on Jan 14th. Landings follow on Jan 16th and base quickly falls the next day.

My SLOC from USA to NZ/OZ is cut and I'm force to take the long way. [:(]

[ny59giants]

China: Probably one of the issues that I'm here to get advice on is defending China. BBW bought out tanks from Manchuria very early in the game and were used very effectively in the central to northern areas of China. Now, I see some of those huge guns from Manchuria. The screenshot shows where I'm at in the northern part. I lost the battle in the hex 3 due east of Sian early on and tried to withdraw through Sian. I didn't move troops to that vital hex quickly. Add in troops retreating into captivity didn't help. Finally, the respawning issue played out as I got lots of destroyed troops at Chungking very weak. I've sucked up over 1300 replacement rifle, but have lost many more. Over 65 Sally have been attacking my troops up here for almost the whole war and are very good.

[ny59giants]

Southern China: I was able to pull back most of my exposed troops to a good MLR from Changsha through Pingsiang down through Kukong to Wuchow. However, BBW was able to quickly overwhelm my troops in wooded hex between Changsha and Pingsiang before they could build up forts. I decided I had to pull back from this defensive line before I got cut off, but kept troops in Changsha. BBW brought over 6 divisions and recently the heavy guns from Manchuria. I retreated over the river and gave up Changsha over the last few days. Why?? My troops all over the map are getting more and more disrupted rifle squads and I've not been able to pull them out of the front lines to recover. Trying to defend Changsha or a hex NW of Sian with high stacking limits allows Japan to bring in superior troops, artillery, and air power. Meanwhile, all those disabled troops still count against the stacking limit, but don't increase my AV. That can be around 10k per Corp.

Was sacrificing so much territory a good thing or should they have died in place?? Some did before the recent Beta fixed the respawning issue.

[zuluhour]

stacking limits? Its two different methods of defense. I am also trying to form a defense (no stacking limit) by Sian. Paul manages up to 400 ac on these raids. I have lost well over 1,ooo (people) a day.

[ny59giants]

Burma: I tried to reform the 1st Burma Division and defend forward at Moulmein. That was successful until troops tried to cut them off. While the division retreated to Toungoo, tanks were able to get around that base and cut it off from an attempted retreat to the jungle. The Imperial Guards and 33rd Divisions were deployed here and helped to destroy it. Almost all of the country is now in Japanese hands. I was able to get two Chinese Corps through and they are over at Calcutta. They are not filling out as I need every Chinese rifle to go to troops in China.

[zuluhour]

No 11th Group army by Paoshan? I also like a t least a brigade at Diamond Harbor (I think, by Calcutta?).

edit; Oh, they are in Calcutta. Those division sized units of 11th AG fill out quickly to around 240av though.

edit#2: The single ship TF rule would irk me to no end, as I move fuel in single ship TFs through back water sea lanes for the first 18 months. With such limited escort available you are forced to convoy with such a high concentration of strategic assets in one place. Does that not also alter evacuation and seaplane base resupply missions as well as atoll resupply missions? Why would you send 10 ships to Midway? etc>

[ny59giants]

India - I've been focused here for the early part of the war PP wise. The American 41st Division is bought out and prepping for Cocanada. The A and B part of the division is in India with the C between Cape Town and India. I learned to focus on the forts at Calcutta vs building up AF. You need a size 7 AF to upgrade aircraft and I've built up Delhi to do that.

Single ship TF is just something that an Allied player could abuse too much. Just a personal thing.

My Canadian KVs end up helping out as escorts.

I have troops headed from Chungking to western China now.

[zuluhour]

Afterthought: Looking at the Burma map, he does not appear to be pursuing you. That would make my guys on Ceylon and western India nervous. I would not like to see Pashan and Kunming fall as well, supply over the hump...is just me or are the JFBs getting better and better?! 

[rook749]

ORIGINAL: ny59giants

Line Islands: If you have read any of my prior postings over the years, you know I like to reinforce Christmas Island relatively quickly as an Allied player and use it for a fuel hub through most of '42. BBW did not allow it in this game as he split CarDiv 1 from CarDiv 5 a few days after his relatively unsuccessful attack on Pearl. CarDiv 1 made a big loop to the east and showed up later to the east or Christmas. It was 28 hexes east of Christmas on Dec 23rd. [X(] I lost CL Detroit, an AP that could have upgraded to an APA in 43, and another 8 xAKs. Not knowing where this part of KB was, I didn't risk sending transports from USA to Line Islands. A Nav Gds lands at Palmrya on Jan 5th and fails to take it. BB Ise and Hyuga hit Christmas on Jan 14th. Landings follow on Jan 16th and base quickly falls the next day.

My SLOC from USA to NZ/OZ is cut and I'm force to take the long way. [:(]

Sounds Like your Japaneses Player and mine had the same thoughts, as this is pretty much what he tried in my game. I lost Christmas Island after a fight but I have Fanning and Palmyra. Is there any chance you can land and build up Fanning as its a pretty good base to bomb the other two from.....

Rook749
AAR: This will End Badly @tm.asp?m=3516510&mpage=1&key=

[ny59giants]

The Japanese invasion bonus ends next turn. [:)][:)] So, I think India and Ceylon is safe. I haven't described it yet, but there are four division on Java and four more 'still' laying siege to Manila. [:D] BBW tends to bombard for long period of time before a deliberate attack. He had four divisions at Batavia before he attacked along with artillery. I have a list of "free" divisions at start and some of the tank regiments that I keep track of through 42. So I think his major expansion is over.

Observation - While it would seem that the Allied divisions and Chinese Corp can be powerful, all need time to fill out their TO&E and gain needed experience. Except for US Marines, Aussie 6th & 7th Division, and parts 17th India Division, all are below 50 experience levels. Most of those in India or come in in early 42 have experience levels below 30. Some as low as 20. [X(] They need to rest and then just get their Rifle up to 42 squads. Those divisions in Australia are slightly better, but not by much. The tank/armored units in India and/or Australia need better tanks along with experience. That doesn't happen until mid-42 or later. Players do not need to look at just the Assault Value of Allied troops, but their experience levels along with what their Rifle squads are. Some are militia!! Look at their Anti-Armor and Anti-Soft values and it isn't a pretty picture. Its not until the 43 squads come out do the Allied divisions stand up well with Japanese 1:1.

[John 3rd]

Michael! Didn't know you were gonna start this.

All I have to say (for the moment) is that BBW is man after my own heart. He is using all the tactics I do at start. You have commented about the similarities between my current 2x1 and yours. Sure LOOKS pretty close!

The guys over in my game are truly concerned about Allied aircraft production. Are you having issues with airframes as well? Specifically P-40, F4F, and B-17. Have you liked the additions to the Dutch and RAF?

[ny59giants]

Welcome aboard Rook749!!

To take on Japanese KB, I tend to form an Allied "Death Star" for '42 and beyond. I always add an additional Marine fighter group (18 planes) to all American CV except Wasp. Its nice to have 45 fighters per CV even if they are all Wildcats. [8D] I already have the 25th Division prepping for Christmas at Pearl. This is RA, so there are some changes in Allied OOB along with Japanese. I have CLV Charlotte with 12 fighters and 12 DBs. I get parts of the French fleet at start and their two BCs in a few months. Despite losing Prince of Wales on day one to an I-boat, I will have about 18 BBs (new and old) by mid-42. His attack at Pearl was largely ineffective as I get the last BB repaired in less than 5 months.

Add in the British CV/CVLs that can be used in mid-42 until they withdraw, I'll have about 600 carrier based planes by May and more if I wait for Wasp in mid-June. The question I need to figure out is where to use them?? The Line Islands or South Pacific are likely. Looking at John 3rds AAR and I can match numbers briefly in mid-42 vs Japanese carriers, but he may have better pilots. In RA, there are dedicated "Training Groups" for the Americans - 3 Navy, 2 Marine, and 3 Army. So, when Hornet just came in, I was able to fill out her air groups with highly trained pilots. This will help me out later.

[John 3rd]

Glad those American Training Groups are working for you.

Seems to me you've got to grab X-Mas back so you can begin your movement into the other Pacific areas. BBW follows my view of keeping his CARDIVs divided (until about May 42 to for me). Is he doing this now? Even with having sunk Yorktown and Enterprise in my 2x1, I will gradually bring the CVs together in the summer of 1942. Your 'death star' will easily defeat the Japanese if he is still staying divided at that point. Thus, I'd hit Christmas as you are much closer to PH and he is quite a ways from Truk/Kwajalein AND bring the kitchen sink! I KNOW you will...

[:'(]

[ny59giants]

The guys over in my game are truly concerned about Allied aircraft production. Are you having issues with airframes as well? Specifically P-40, F4F, and B-17. Have you liked the additions to the Dutch and RAF?

You just passed mid-March in your game. Those 5 ABDA groups in Australia just withdrew. The Allied player gets those P-40Es that could be 125, additional PPs, and some pilots with some training. When the Allies withdraw some other groups, including the B-17s, they get PP and planes back into pool. Hopefully, your two opponents will visit here to see that all is not lost. Yes, it would be nice to have more F4F-4s, but 45 per month is OK. I just got one American CV switched over (27 for CV based and 18 for the Marine group). While my CVs and most of the American warships go through their 4/42 upgrades, I'll have most of another CV done. Then, I'll have ALL American CVs with some type of Wildcats and my Buffalos will be shore based or for training groups.

Java is still holding as Soerbaja is left. The Dutch will come back at Aden in a few months and be used to guard the western side of India. The RAF is training....training...training. Like England, I'm awaiting the blitz! [:D]

EDIT - I 'highly' suspect that KB is at Canton Island. That's why you see a partial blockade. June and July are going to be fun for Allies!![;)]

[ny59giants]

Aleutians: Japan has taken Umnak and bases to the west while I am building up Dora Harbor. I chose Dora over Cold Bay due to larger AF potential. Umnak just went to size 4 while Dora is almost to 3. All I want to do here is reinforce Dutch Harbor, Dora, and Cold Bay for most of 42. Hope to take back Umnak in late 42 just before winter.

BB Yamato & Mutsu hit Kodiak on March 21st for her shake down cruise. Nagato got 4 x 1000 lb bomb hits the day before and headed home for repairs. I moved my air groups out before hand.

[John 3rd]

Check out the last Post in my AAR if you get the chance.

[ny59giants]

Already did look at your post 'early' this morning. [>:] If I remember right, there was no increase in at start IJN airframe production, but a decrease in IJN pilots experience in RA. So, they want more Allied stuff early. I got some to happen in second half of '42 with more P-40K and P-38s. They will get some more recon aircraft which does indirectly help combat as they can fly more recon missions. I guess I see them feeling the need to do something to every one of your thrust rather than gather their forces for a major counter punch.

Just did April 1st turn. Alameda naval base is busy as almost the whole American Navy is there for 4/42 upgrades. The local economy will get a boost for about three weeks. [:D]