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Onto the Breach (for the 4th time) dear friends

 
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Onto the Breach (for the 4th time) dear friends - 11/28/2011 5:49:53 AM   
vicberg

 

Posts: 568
Joined: 4/19/2008
Status: offline 		Starting another game with WITPQS (George).

He's starting up another game as well, so not sure when the turns will start flowing. We are playing Da Big Babes - C version. If you aren't aware of it, it greatly limits carrying capacity of transports, so it takes the WITPAE model and stretches it even further. India, OZ, SOPAC...not sure if these are possible in this version because of transport limits. Not ruling them out, but we'll see. To give an example, it usually takes around 10-15 transports to carry a division. In this version, it takes 20-25 transports. Big difference.

That being said, these are the plans. George likes to not Sir Robin, but withdrawl all forces to defendable positions. He's quite good at this. So, Luzon will be moved to Clark. Malaysia will be moved to Singapore. Java will be moved to either Batavia or some other defendable location. Fortress Palembang he's already done to me once. So, I'm massing a number of invasion fleets behind the KB, which will port strike Singapore on the first turn. The invasion fleets will be positioned close to northern Malaysia. Last game, someone convinced me that first turn invasions of Southern Luzon, Malaysia, Northern Borneo, Sumatra are fantasy because the allies were watching for it and would have responded. So, I'm keeping everything fairly close to historical locations. The KB and supporting amphib and SCTFs will move down Malaysia and into the straights. Invasion fleets will hit Mersing, Singkawang and Palembang, followed by Java and Balikpan, cutting off the Phillipines and allowing me to take it at my leisure.

For right now, historical perimeter is my initial goal. Won't know about "phase 2" locations until I see the impact of the transport changes in this scenario.

Nells and Betties from Formosa will port strike Manilla in addition to port strikes from KB and betties/nells from Siagon on Singapore. I'm bypassing PH because all I'll hit is BBs and a few other ships. There's subs, AKs, and APs in both Manilla and Singpore. I want to attrite his shipping. That's going to be key in this game. In addition, I'll port strike Hong Kong and George Town to nail more AKs. With the KB and some Betties and Nells in Palembang, I'll be able to bag some more goodies in Java. The worry is that the dutch subs, which don't have the unreliable torps, can be pretty effective in straights around Java. Hopefully some ASW pickets in the shallow waters can help. Would rather not like to lose a carrier, but I want to secure SRA as quick as possible.

In china, I'm going to try something a bit different. I'm going to ignore Sian and the north. I'm going to invade Wenchow from the start. Wenchow is actually fairly important. It has it's own resources, light industry, supply, heavy industry and resources. So I'm going to focus 3 divisions on it, the 33rd, 4th, 21st (I've had more in the past and still not taken it) right out of the gate. I'm also moving all APs from Home Islands and surroundings, plus short range DDs, to Wenchow, so once taken, I can reload onto APs/DDs and move to where I believe them needed, with oiler support, which will probably be Malaysia. Phillipines will be a slow campaign. Take out the air power and I'm not worries about PP. In the past, I've tried to take too much and split my forces too thin. So 33rd, 4th and 21st will move to Malaysia and/or Hong Kong after Wenchow falls, most likely Malaysia. I haven't decided if southern china or Singapore is critical in the first 2 months. I'll also be able to pull out more divs from manchurai.

Burma isn't a big deal since it requires a bit of transports to get stuff out of there. The Thai army will do the initial attacks (within 3 hexes of the border) and I'll follow up with some divisions, but the goal there is mostly defense. I'll eventually take Burma, but mostly to prevent attack from there.

My goal in China is to open Vietnam to Shanghai LOC. With the new stockpile feature, I'm hoping to be able to transfer resources and oil from Java to Sumatra to Malaysia and then via rail/road to Shanghai. I'm hoping to greatly reduce transport requirements. We'll see.





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RE: Onto the Breach (for the 4th time) dear friends - 12/2/2011 5:51:15 PM   
Andav

 

Posts: 170
Joined: 5/8/2007
Status: offline 		Hi Vic,

Since I am the guy playing "The other game" with George, I thought I would drop by and say, "Howdy" and wish you good luck in your game. Maybe we can come up with some devious ways to make his life miserable.

Turns have started flowing. I went with a mostly traditional open. The only time I really wax historical with this game is the Pearl Harbor attack. In this mod, it makes complete logical sense to hit Manila and Singapore. With the reduced loads, killing any merchant shipping early is a huge thing. Killing Allied subs is just a bonus. I will also make Singapore, Java and Sumatra a priority. Dealing with Fortress Sumatra does not interest me at all. I plan to start an AAR for my game in the very near future. It will be interesting to see how things diverge.

Anyway, bet of luck to you.

Wa

(in reply to vicberg)
Post #: 2
RE: Onto the Breach (for the 4th time) dear friends - 12/7/2011 4:55:54 AM   
vicberg

 

Posts: 568
Joined: 4/19/2008
Status: offline 		And we are off...

Naval Command

Intel from initial port strikes against Manilla, Hong Kong, Singapore, Cagayen and Georgetown show one light cruiser, 8 destroyers, 12 subs, 25+ transports (xAK,xAP, AMC and xAKL), 6 tankers and numerous (15+) support vessels either sunk or heavily damaged. The strike against Manilla did not go off as well as expected so a change in leadership may be required in the future. The strike against Georgetown did not fly at all. But since that was under Army Command, nothing can be done. Follow up stikes against Manillla, Hong Kong and Singapore have been issued.

Operation Blazing Sun is planned conquests of northern Borneo, Malaysia, Palembang and Java. Numerous invasion task forces, surface combat fleets and the KB have amassed to the east of Malaysia. They will proceed down to secure vital locations as specified in initial war plans. The concern is the dutch subs, but the plan is to deploy a number of ASW forces in advance of the fleet, protected by the air cover of the KB. Invasions of Mersing, Merak, Palembang, Singkawang will secure vital airfields under KB protection and neutralize any threats posed from these areas. Land Based Aircraft will insure dominance once the airfields are secured. Phase 1 will be Mersing, Singkawang and Palembang. Phase 2 will be Merak (on java).

Operation Lesser Sun will have the mini-KB supporting invasions of Ternate and Cagayen and Ambon. Cagayen will enable anti-ship air to dominate the region.

Operation Pompus Ass will secure the Phillipines. Phase 1 is the taking of Batan and securing the airfield to cover the invasions. Phase 2 will be invasions of Aparri and Laoang. Phase 3 will be an Army movement down the island to drive MacArthur out with Clark Field and Manilla as the goals. Naval Air forces based in Takao may be required to support this operation.

Babeldaob will be used to identify fleeing allied shipping assets. The expectation is that allied assets from the Phillipines will attempt to flee to Rabual, since the KB is operating around Java. Anti-ship land based air will be staged to Truk to prevent this.

The Solomons will await the KB. That's far enough in the future to be called Operation Unnamed.

Army Command
Airfield strikes against Georgetown, Alor Star and Clark Field destroyed numerous allied aircraft and did significant damage to these airfields. Follow up strikes have been issued.

In China, forces are manuveuring for attacks against Wenchow, Chengchow and Hong Kong. In Wenchow, 3 divisions from Shanghai and Home Islands are in route via our Navy Pukes. This is more than is needed, but Wenchow has heavy, light industry and it's own resources, so it is a vital location. The navy is sending AP transports to the city once it is conquered. This will free up the xAK transports currently being used. Wenchow will become a staging base for invasions of either the Phillipines, Malaysia, Sumatra or Java as needed.

The 25th army has landed in Kota Bharu. It's goal, as part of Operation Blazing Sun is to march down the Peninsula and secure Singapore. Elements of 15th Army are supporting this operation.

Logistics Command
Well, we suck. All our transports are greatly reduced. This means more fuel to deliver less supplies. Logistics Command is encouraging a limited expansion across the Pacific. Boredom may change that plan, but it does make a lot of sense. To facilitate our logistical supply chain, a massive reorganization of the navy's transport fleet and support escorts have been ordered. Slow transports of 10 knots have been ordered to Ominato and Fukuoka. These will be used to pull resources from Korea and Hokkaido. Medium transports of 12 knots will be staged at Nagasaki and dispursed down to Takao and Cam Rahn Bay. Medium/fast transports of 14 to 15 knots will be staged at Kobe. These will support SRE operations. Fast transports of 18 knots or more will be staged from Tokyo for Soloman and Marshall support.

Overall Analysis
Operation will go well as long as we can identify and neutralize the Dutch Sub threat. If successful, SRE will be neutralized within 2 weeks.

(in reply to Andav)
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RE: Onto the Breach (for the 4th time) dear friends - 12/13/2011 11:54:36 PM   
vicberg

 

Posts: 568
Joined: 4/19/2008
Status: offline 		December 9th, 1941

High Command
After seeing the massive impact that this scenario has on transporting, High Command is going forward will be adopting the following strategic objectives.

1) Secure SRA
2) Secure Solomons, including Port Morseby
3) Secure Marshalls (Tarawa, Wake, etc.)
4) Secure Aleutions

The KB will be used for each operation. It will be a slow advance. Transports can't be risked in high risk invasions. Supply lines need to be a short as possible.

In China, the goal will be to secure the LOC between Vietnam and Shanghai. Because there will be a slow advance in the pacific, unrestricted divisions and elements of the Kwangtung army will be used to accomplish this. Northern China will be ignored.

Naval Command
As far as current phase is concerned, plans are going off better than expected. For the loss of 2 japanese shipping assets, SCTFs, air assets and submarine assets are taking a toll so far. Singawang has been invaded. Palembang in one or two days. Submarine pickets ahead of the KB are keeping allied subs and ships at bay.

Army Command
China is mostly a movement war. Air elements from the Kwangtung army have been transferred into China Theater. Air Assets are bombarding Georgetown and Alor Star daily to prevent withdrawl from those bases. In Luzon, elements of the 14th army have landed at Aparri and Laoag and will being their march south.

Logistics Command
We still suck. The reorganization is about complete. We'll begin convoy operations shortly. Convoy lines from Nagasaki -> Formosa -> Vietnam will delivery supplies and return resources. Convoy lines from Kobe -> Baebeldaob will do the same. Tokyo -> Truk and Tokyo -> Marshalls will deliver supplies.





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< Message edited by vicberg -- 12/15/2011 1:05:27 AM >

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RE: Onto the Breach (for the 4th time) dear friends - 12/14/2011 12:41:41 AM   
vicberg

 

Posts: 568
Joined: 4/19/2008
Status: offline 		This death list will grow...currently FOW:






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< Message edited by vicberg -- 12/14/2011 12:44:18 AM >

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RE: Onto the Breach (for the 4th time) dear friends - 12/14/2011 12:49:18 AM   
vicberg

 

Posts: 568
Joined: 4/19/2008
Status: offline 		This is the air loss. I have a 2 to 1 air loss. The one thing I'm struggling with is since I'm going for a slow assault, no OZ, no India, no serious SOPAC, so do I need to lose planes and pilots ground bombarding Singapore and Clark, both ripe with AA. Do I need to take those losses? Makes for a more exciting game, but I'm really wondering if conservation is the name of the japanese game. I read AAR after AAR where the japs get slammed anyway. So lesser expansion. More defense. Boring, but can that win?

I truly believe the Vietnam -> Shanghai LOC is one of the most important objectives for Japan. It enables very short supply lines from Java -> Sumatra -> Malaysia and then rail takes over. If Japan can't defend Shanghai (or even Korea) -> home islands, then it's over anyway.




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< Message edited by vicberg -- 12/14/2011 12:50:36 AM >

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RE: Onto the Breach (for the 4th time) dear friends - 12/14/2011 1:23:31 AM   
PaxMondo


Posts: 4427
Joined: 6/6/2008
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: vicberg

Makes for a more exciting game, but I'm really wondering if conservation is the name of the japanese game. I read AAR after AAR where the japs get slammed anyway. So lesser expansion. More defense. Boring, but can that win?

I truly believe the Vietnam -> Shanghai LOC is one of the most important objectives for Japan. It enables very short supply lines from Java -> Sumatra -> Malaysia and then rail takes over. If Japan can't defend Shanghai (or even Korea) -> home islands, then it's over anyway.

I'm watching this intently. Your lesser strategy, and one that I think Mike will use, is interesting. I think some of the other AAR's with big expansion, the difficulty is when to start to contract? The timing of that is clearly tough, but you need to do that prior to being forced into a really bad situation.

I completely agree with the LOC Singers -> Fusan (if you can). It saves so much FUEL.

Also agree with the perimeter to defend, although i push it out a bit more, drawing the circle HK->Taiwan->Okinawa->Iwo->Kuriles. There is little to do about the B-29's. They will get in range no matter what. But those are limited numbers. You've got to keep the other 4E's at bay because they get SO many that losses are meaningless. Also want to keep the B29's unescorted for as long as possible .. limits them to night ops which aren't as effective.

Anyway, watching with great interest. I beleive in max expansion ... but I'm quite willing to see that other opportunities.



_____________________________

Pax

(in reply to vicberg)
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RE: Onto the Breach (for the 4th time) dear friends - 12/15/2011 1:43:08 AM   
vicberg

 

Posts: 568
Joined: 4/19/2008
Status: offline 		December 10th,

China
1st Army is moving on Chengchow. 13th Army is moving on Wenchow. I'm moving the 33rd, 21st and 4th divisions to support Wenchow. Wenchow can be tough nut with it's own supply and heavy resources. All the xAPs, AKs and APs are being consolidated at Wenchow to reload the unrestricted divs and moves them onto Malaysia. The 23rd army took Hong Kong today. That was fast. The 38th will be transported to Malaysia. Air assets from Kwangtung are being transferred to China, based on Hankow. Targets of opportunity are any units in the open and away from AVG snipes. The 1st army is moving on Chengchow. The 11th is holding short of Changsha to pin troops there. North China will be ignored.

Luzon and Malaysia
14th army is moving south to Clark. 25th Army is moving on Alor Star and Georgetown. Allied shipping Fleeing east from PI ran into a Japanese Cruiser Task Force on opposite headings. The allies lost 4 DDs, a number of xAKs, xAPs and xAKLs. Subs in the Malacca straights and in between Sumatra and Malaysia continue to pick off damaged allied ships fleeing the theater. Transports, an AVP, a TK have been bagged so far. The Mersing invasion was abandoned, temporarily. Since the allies have moved all air assets back to Java, a mersing invasion may happen in the next few days. Lesgaspi invasion was cancelled and rediverted to Aparri as the Houston was spotted around Legaspi.

Sumatra and Java
Sinkawang has fallen. Palembang will be invaded tomorrow. Surface fleets bombarded Palembang today. Allied air attacked these fleets from Java, but LRCAP from the KB downed 13 planes without a loss or any damage to the surface fleets.

So far, everything is going quite smoothly. Air losses are 2-1 in the japanese favor. The only japanese shipping losses are 1 xAK and 1 AG. That's it. Support elements and combat troops are moving towards Palembang from rear areas. Once Palembang is secured, LBA will be used to cover further landing and operations. The KB will move towards Baeledaob to support Balikpan, Ambon, Ternate invasions and then to Truk for resupply. Once at Truk, I have a decision to Solomon or not to Solomon or move up to the Aleutians.





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RE: Onto the Breach (for the 4th time) dear friends - 12/15/2011 7:14:48 PM   
vicberg

 

Posts: 568
Joined: 4/19/2008
Status: offline 		December 11th, 1941

The turkey shoot to the east of PI is continuing. A replenished Light Cruiser TF and part 1 of the mini-KB is to the south. To the north is a BB TF and part 2 of the mini-KB. The Houston looked like it was going to sneak up to Aparri, but a couple of SCTFs (light cruisers, Destroyers and Torpedo Boats) have discouraged that. Plus Betties from Takao sunk a Minelayer also trying to sneak up. The Houston is now heading east, towards my BB TF and mini-KB part 2.

A few more allied support ships and transports were bagged by both parts of the mini-KB. I took my first sub loss. An APD was sunk off Singawang. My subs continue to bag a few AKLs and AKs. A patrol boat hit a mine in Palembang as Palembang was invaded by the 143rd. Palembang is expected to fall tomorrow. Merak will be invaded tomorrow. The KB and the BB TF that the KB is following will swing to the north and then west of Java and then into the Timor Sea passing South of Java. There it will support Balikpan, Ternate, Kendari and Ambon before proceeding to Truk for replenishment.

Cagayan fell today. Guam will fall tomorrow.

3 unrestriced Divisions and one from the 13th will be at Wenchow in a couple of days. Once Wenchow falls, these divisions will be transported to Malaysia.

I'm enjoying so far this line of attack for the Japanese. All resistance has retreated around Singapore, Sumatra and Java in the face of the KB and BB TF, plus supporting SCTFs and Amphib TFs. In 4 days, since the beginning of the war, I'll be on Java. I believe the turkey shoot in PI is because he's afraid to move those ships south to Java because of the KB.

I need to start paying attention to the Marshalls and Truk. George is the type of player who would sneak up with his carriers and launch a couple of port strikes to bag some goodies.




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< Message edited by vicberg -- 12/15/2011 7:22:18 PM >

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RE: Onto the Breach (for the 4th time) dear friends - 12/15/2011 7:26:33 PM   
Andav

 

Posts: 170
Joined: 5/8/2007
Status: offline 		It is interesting it looks like everything fled east in your game. In my game, everything went southwest. George is a sneaky kinda guy and would gladly stoop to low down tactics like raiding places and not doing the same thing twice.

In Wenchow are you landning there or marching there? The more I listen to you about this the more I think this should be something the Japanese should do. It will be well into January before I can marshal enough from the units on the map to press this direction.

I also agree about Vietnam to Korea especially in this mod. Fuel will be something which will be monitored more closely then in a normal game. The less you can spend moving it from the DEI the better.

Wa

< Message edited by Andav -- 12/15/2011 7:27:15 PM >

(in reply to vicberg)
Post #: 10
RE: Onto the Breach (for the 4th time) dear friends - 12/15/2011 9:35:24 PM   
vicberg

 

Posts: 568
Joined: 4/19/2008
Status: offline 		I'm landing at Wenchow. Consolidating xAPs at Wenchow for the reloading. Let's see, the 21st (from Shanghai), 33rd (from Nagasaki) and 4th (from Osaka). They are landing. The 22nd div is marching down from (forget the city, but there's a major road down to it) some city to the west of Shanghai. Wenchow can be a beotch. I've had 3 divisions there in prior games, thinking that's plenty and NOPE. It generates it's own supply. Provides HI. Starts at fortification level 1 or 2 (I think). It's in forest. Very nasty little nut to crack. George likes to put 5 or more units into it.

Yes, my plan, after Singapore and Java are secured, is to start focusing on China and Aleutians, possibly Solomons. With the pace things are progressing, I may do all 3. I'll probably leave 1 div in Java and 1 in Sumatra/Malaysa and then take the 38th and and 33rd and focus on southern china via Hong Kong. Once the road to hong kong is free, and singapore has fallen, then I'll see if stockpiling makes it that far. A good indicator if the LOC can actually work. I'll be pulling divisions out of Manchuko to support this. Changsha is the goal (plus the roads up to it) and closing the burma road. Once that happens, china is out of it. Since I may not be expanding very far past historical (if that), china will be my main focus in hopefully mid 42 and on.

< Message edited by vicberg -- 12/15/2011 9:41:56 PM >

(in reply to Andav)
Post #: 11
RE: Onto the Breach (for the 4th time) dear friends - 12/16/2011 2:45:35 AM   
vicberg

 

Posts: 568
Joined: 4/19/2008
Status: offline 		I'd like to claim originality for the Singapore->Fusan (or Shanghai) LOC. But it's based on history. Operation Ichi-go included 17 jap divisions to take Changsha and open the supply line. It started sometime in 44 and was successful. Unfortunately, the Allies already took Siam and started their strategic bombing campaign against the HI, so it was somewhat irrelevent. However, if the Japanese can do it in 42???

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Post #: 12
RE: Onto the Breach (for the 4th time) dear friends - 12/16/2011 2:23:05 PM   
Andav

 

Posts: 170
Joined: 5/8/2007
Status: offline
In 42 would be very nice for certain.

Also, I am going to post here pretty regularly when possible even if it is just to say "Atta boy!". I think having George see my name show in the last posted might work to our advantage. I know I will need all the help I can get. The more plans he *thinks* we are discussing the better! Maybe a Meta Mind Game!?!?

Wa


(in reply to vicberg)
Post #: 13
RE: Onto the Breach (for the 4th time) dear friends - 12/19/2011 4:47:31 PM   
vicberg

 

Posts: 568
Joined: 4/19/2008
Status: offline 		December 20th, 1941

Not a lot to report since the last post.

China
Ichang fell to the chinese with large losses. I couldn't get the 34th Division out fast enough. Insult to injury, the 34th was ground striked daily after it retreated to the east and was attacked again trying to move down to Hankow. It will be rebuilding for a while. In Wenchow, as I feared, 4 divisions were not enough to take the city. To make matters worse, 4 divisions are overstacked in the location. However, my last attack was at 1-2 odds and did more damage to the chinese than my troops. So I'm hoping they are wearing out. George is trying to reinforce the city from the north. I'm ground striking him to prevent this. In the north, Chengchow fell. Loyang will fall soon also. My troops have caused large damage to his forces attempting to retreat. The 38th div loaded from Hong Kong as is now in route to Java.

Malaysia and PI
Troops are now next to Clark and Manilla. Only 2 divs at the moment. I'll fortify next to these locations. In Malaysia, armored elements will take Kuala Lumpur. There's 4 divisions in Malaysia. Singapore is more critical than PI, so when (or if) Wenchow falls, I'll move the 3 additional divisions to Malaysia. The problem is that the stacking limit before Singapore is 75k and Singapore is 210k. So that means more than one river crossing, which usually causes massive damage, or overstack and move in all at once.

Java
Java and SRE is going quite well. Merak fell. THe KB move southwest of Java and proceeded into the Timor Sea striking both Batavia and Soerabaja airfields in route. Invasions are underway for Samarinda and Ambon. With these two locations secured, focus will fall on Batavia and Soerabaja. The KB will be moving to Truk to support invasions at Rabual and PM. At this point, the SRE isn't conquered, but it's neutralized.

Other News
George moved his CVs close to Chichi-Jima to support fleeing allied shipping. It caught a TF transporting the 2nd division in route to Truk. An APD was lost and I should consider myself lucky. Air losses continue to be 2-1 in my favor. Shipping losses are light. Sallies, Zeroes, Oscars, Lillies, Vals and Kates have been increased in production.


(in reply to Andav)
Post #: 14
RE: Onto the Breach (for the 4th time) dear friends - 12/22/2011 3:56:23 PM   
vicberg

 

Posts: 568
Joined: 4/19/2008
Status: offline 		December 23rd, 1941

China
Wenchow fell on the 22nd! Funny thing about this ground combat system. When you start doing more damage than taking, regardless of odds, keep attacking. I had a 1-2 odds on the 21st and did more damage, so continued into the 22nd. Fatigue averaged around 30. Did it anyway and took the city. The 4th and 33rd are loading up to move down to Malaysia. They will be invading Mersing. However, Mersing may already be in my hands by the time they arrive as I have 4 armored regiments moving close to Khota Bharu.

I'm about to pocket 7 Chinese units. George is an aggressive player and likes to disrupt the japanese rail lines in the center. I'm going to divert a number of divisions and brigades to destroy these units. Always a good thing. Chinese in rough terrain are tough to dislodge so less is better.

SRE
I've gotten a bit lazy. The success of forcing the massive retreat got me a bit overconfident. Went straight for Samarinda, because Balikpan usually has quite a few mines and good CD defense, and Ambon. I should have had many more amphibs ready to go in anticipation of the arrival of the KB in the Timor Sea to allow them all to go off under cover of the KB. Should have also taken Manado and Ternate prior to Samarinda and Ambon. As a result, I've moved the KB to Truk and my amphibs are more exposed than they should be. I've a lost a couple xAKs to CD guns, which should have been supressed, and to remaining Dutch air assets. I won't make that mistake again for Rabual. The CVL Zuiho took a torp (US one...they ALWAYS hit my carriers), and I should consider myself extremely lucky. It's limping to Babeldaob, with 60 floatation damage (and that number is going down, so damage control is kicking in). If I had Manado, I could base there. If damage had been worse, I would have lost her. The 38th Div landed on Java and is moving with the 124th regiment on Batavia.

Solomons
Invasions are prepping. George usually pulls out of Rabual and defends PM. The 2nd Div is now ready to move down from Tokyo. The 51st Guards will take Kavieng. The 52nd Guards will take Shortlands. The 144th rgmt will take Rabual. I'm expecting the 2nd Div to be slated for PM. Once these locations are taken, LBA can cover the rest and the KB will move to the Marshalls to secure Wake and Tarawa. Aftewards, onto the Aluetians.




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< Message edited by vicberg -- 12/22/2011 3:58:42 PM >

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RE: Onto the Breach (for the 4th time) dear friends - 12/27/2011 5:37:49 AM   
vicberg

 

Posts: 568
Joined: 4/19/2008
Status: offline 		Haven't posted in a while. I've got my ass handed to me at Ambon. My fault. 6 AKs and more damaged as a result. I've sent a CA SCTF to help with a shore bombardment and a tank regiment is on the way. More SNLFs are on the way from Samah to help in the area. THe 38th Division has made no progress in Batavia. I'm starting to get worried about fortress Java, but not too much. I have 6 division moving next to Singapore and I believe that it will be conquered in a week. Supply air drops that sneaky George has been sending to Singapore have been inderdicted. His supply creation has been limited by strategic bombardments. So I'm hoping for a mid-January conquest. Once done, the division will spread to Java and PI. I'll start kicking the "conquer the million other places" right now. Because the port strike against Manilla, first turn, went so poorly, I'll need to escort my invasions more than I wish, but by March, everything should be conquered.

Since I'm going to play a defensive game, I've unrestricted alll Construction units from Manchuko. The Islands around Hokkaido and Hokkdaido itself are the first targets. Mines, fortifications and airfields are goals. Air support is a big issue there, so I'm hoping to have enough limited air support engineers to place units in the north, along my main defensive lines with high level airfields to have a quick reaction force.

I believe I need to conquer all of New Guenia to secure my perimeter. I'm not sure I'll do an Aleutian campaign. If I don't, I may attempt something else, a bit more daring.




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< Message edited by vicberg -- 12/27/2011 5:47:36 AM >

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RE: Onto the Breach (for the 4th time) dear friends - 12/27/2011 5:34:58 PM   
vicberg

 

Posts: 568
Joined: 4/19/2008
Status: offline 		January 6th, 1942

I like the first couple of weeks of the war, but since then, the effort has stalled a bit. This mod requires an extreme amount of advanced planning. The reduced transporting forces it. I don't have enough of anything, anywhere right now with the exception of Malaysia.

Phillipines
In PI, I've held short of Manilla and Clark. I've been strategic bombing Manilla to prevent supplies and I paradropped on Antimonan the first day of the war. Without resources, they should start starving in a month or two.

Malaysia
I've moved 2 divisions of the 15th Army, plus the 33rd and 4th. The 21st is in route, but I may divert it to PI or Java. 7 divs total, approx. Everything will strategic down to Johore Bahru. I'll be overstacked there and cross as a mass. I won't be overstacked in Singapore. Crossing rivers can be painful, so I would like to go in with as much as possible. George has been sending air supply to Singapore. My cap is stopping that for the last few days. I've also been strategic bombing his resources to prevent supply buildup. Once taken, the 15th will divert to Burma. The 25th to taking the remaining areas of Sumatra and Java. The 4th will return to PI. I'll have enough PP to pull a div out of Kwangtung, so 5 divs in PI should be enough.

Sumatra
Another stalled area. Once again, not enough troops. I moved the 143rd regiment west and george promptly moved a unit down into Palmenbang. I have a special base force there, so I'm not without AV, but it's stupid of me. Luckily, I have a tank regiment in route on fast transports that was destined for Mersing, but I'll divert to Palembang and then drive that unit out and north.

Java
Once again, not enough troops. In retrospect, I should have done Mersing invasion. That might have sped up the Singapore campaign. As it stands I have the 38th and supporting regiment on Batavia, but it's not enough to dislodge. This will probably require another 2 divs at this point. I have fast xAP transport waiting to embark divs once Singapore falls, so, Java will be next.

Solomons
Solomons are going smooth. Lae, Rabaul and Shortlands have fallen. Tulagi is next. Once again, not enough air support units in the region. I've exhausted all my fast transports out of Tokyo for resupplies of truk and marshalls. The 2nd div is a day away from Rabaul. It's been on transports for a while now, so I'll debark at Rabaul while I get this area organized. I need air support units in the region plus construction units. Some of these will be coming from Kwangtung, but that will take a couple of weeks. While waiting, the KB is supporting the Tulagi invasion from the northeast. It's going to move to the Gilberts to support invasions of Tarawa and surrounding areas and then Wake. I'll return it back to the Solomons for a PM invasion.

China
The pocket never materialized. It's quite hard using hexside ownership rules, so I've been chasing units that simply don't die. In the mean time, I have 4 divisions on Nanyang. 3 more are in route. Once taken. I'll form a defensive line of Nanyang, Chengchow and Loyang. The remaining divisions will move towards Changsha. In the south, the 13th Army has taken Kanhsien and is moving towards Kukong. Not sure why George isn't heavily defending there, so my guess is that he's planning a counter offensive somewhere else. Most likely the north or possibly out of Changsha.

Overall
Quite unhappy with my lack of planning. I need to step the game up quite a bit. George is too good of a counter-puncher to be complacent.



< Message edited by vicberg -- 12/27/2011 5:36:49 PM >

(in reply to vicberg)
Post #: 17
RE: Onto the Breach (for the 4th time) dear friends - 12/28/2011 4:18:54 PM   
vicberg

 

Posts: 568
Joined: 4/19/2008
Status: offline 		January 9th, 1942

Timor Sea
Ambon has been going on for a week now. Part of the problem is that the reduced transporting coupled will losses sustained in the area have left me without much in the way of transport for reinforcements. I transferred 3 SNLF (one paratroop) from Samah and they've arrived in Ambon. The CD guns, which have been tearing through my fleets have now been supressed.

Japanese Ships
BB Yamashiro
BB Fuso
BB Mutsu
BB Nagato
CL Oi
CL Kitakami
CL Kiso
CL Tama
CL Yura
DD Mikazuki
DD Yugure
PB Heiyo Maru
PB Awa Maru
PB Ayaha Maru
xAK Yagi Maru
CS Chitose


Allied ground losses:
126 casualties reported
Squads: 4 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 9 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 4 (4 destroyed, 0 disabled)

Phillipines
The Japanese are awful as strategic bombing. It's been almost 2 weeks of it now and the light factories in Manilla are still not out of action. They are at 75% damage at this point. The same goes for Singapore. There, I'm bombing the resources. Otherwise, my troops have held outside of Clark and Manilla.

Sumatra
Perhaps it was a bug in the game, but the Allied unit in Palembang suddenly disappeared. It didn't show that it was moving out of the hex. So the Phantom is gone now. Strange. George is reinforcing northern Sumatra. That doesn't worry me. Once Singapore falls, I'll take care of Java and Sumatra.

Java
Units in Batavia are in a holding action.

Solomons
Tulagi fell. Air support units are moving to the region.

Marshalls
KB is moving to support Wake/Tarawa. Transports are loading SNLFs.

Logistics
I'm moving a number of 12 knot transports to both Balbeldaob and Truk. There's simply not enough transports to do what I need.

Overall
George likes to hit where I'm not. My guess is that his carriers are somewhere off Sumatra right now, out of detection. I simply haven't done enough damage to George right now. 400+ air losses in a month of war. In my game with Michael, he already has 300+ air losses in 3 days of war.






Attachment (1)

(in reply to vicberg)
Post #: 18
RE: Onto the Breach (for the 4th time) dear friends - 1/1/2012 4:33:35 AM   
vicberg

 

Posts: 568
Joined: 4/19/2008
Status: offline 		January 16th, 1942

Not much more to report. Ternate and Ambon fell. 4 Divisions are on Singapore and another 2 are about to move in combat mode within 2 days. I moved onto Singapore with the 4 divs in Move Mode. That's a mistake. I actually did as much damage as I took but it disrupted my troops to 90. Yikes.

George is doing something in Sumatra. I'm not too worried. I can land and/or paradrop onto bases. It's close to all of my fighters and escorts, so anything he puts there will end up being POWs.

Unfortunately, my entire SRE campaign has come down to Singapore. Once it falls, I can distribute divs to conquer the rest, but until then, I'm stuck. I'm not entirely sure where I will move the divisions, but I believe quite a few will take java, 1 or two will conquer Sumatra. Afterwards, Burma and PI will be the focus.

My strategic campaign has destroyed his light industry in Manilla. So supplies should start dwindling there fairly soon.

KB is supporting Wake and then Tarawa, etc. I'll expand to Baker and call it good.

< Message edited by vicberg -- 1/1/2012 9:37:47 PM >

(in reply to vicberg)
Post #: 19
RE: Onto the Breach (for the 4th time) dear friends - 1/1/2012 2:53:16 PM   
Richard III

 

Posts: 405
Joined: 10/24/2005
Status: offline 		Very interesting AAR, like Pax I`m subscribed. My understanding is that aside from the Map and OOB, there are significant DB changes in dababes scenarios, that affect AA, AtoG ASW, Flak, and possibly other parts of the combats. Have you seen any combat results that might play out different from the stock scenarios, and if you do could you comment on it ?

_____________________________

"If all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail"
A. Maslow

(in reply to vicberg)
Post #: 20
RE: Onto the Breach (for the 4th time) dear friends - 1/1/2012 9:59:24 PM   
vicberg

 

Posts: 568
Joined: 4/19/2008
Status: offline 		The game requires an entirely new installation and/or swapping various files vs. stock game. Significant changes.

TBH, I haven't read about device changes, but there are signifcant changes to air support/ground support/engineers/reduced transports. Basically, much less in every category. Slow to build up bases or repair damage. Less ground support means slower ground campaigns, more disruption and lesser combat effectiveness. My troops went to 90 disruption crossing the river into Singapore and it's taken a week to bring that number back down. In Stock, one naval guard unit can take Ambon or Tarakan. In this game, nope. Need two or more because combat effectiveness is reduced. My usual initial month of campaigning, which has a nice pace and initiative to it, has really been disrupted by this scenario because I can't keep planes in the air and my troops aren't as effective. It's taken a while to get used to.

I have 23 days of resources left in the HI and am now committing major transports just to keep resources flowing into HI. Once again, less transport capabilitity means more transports are needed for even basic operations. I'll be converting xAKs into AKs where possible because it may take one or two APs/AKs to transport a combat unit, it takes 10 or more xAKs to move the same unit. It takes 20-25 xAKs to move a div.

I'm already worried about fuel in late game, which is why China will be critical. To attempt an Indian/OZ/deep SOPAC campaign in this game will simply aid the allies in their quest, IMO. So, right now, Singapore -> Java/Sumatra -> Burma/PI. Solomons are already conquered. I may push a bit further into Sopac and possibly the Aleutians. Still not sold on either yet. Aleutians are a probable.

AF engineers and construction units are in route from Manchuko to Truk to help build the outer defense. I'm laying mines and building airbases/forts around in inner defensive areas. It's going to take a long time to build these up. There aren't enough construction units or air support units to defend every base, so I'm going to focus on a lesser number of interlocking airbases, with the hopes of being able to get 3-4 large airbases in mutual aupports along the inner defense line, marshalls, solomons, gilberts. Certainly, I can have 5-10 built up airbases in each region, but without support flying hundreds of planes onto a base without the ability to keep them in the air will just create more problems.

It's definately different. I like it a lot.



< Message edited by vicberg -- 1/1/2012 10:01:07 PM >

(in reply to Richard III)
Post #: 21
RE: Onto the Breach (for the 4th time) dear friends - 1/2/2012 3:19:34 PM   
vicberg

 

Posts: 568
Joined: 4/19/2008
Status: offline 		The assault on Singapore has begun.

Not too unhappy with results but disruption and fatigure went back above 50 after one day of fighting.

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 72674 troops, 749 guns, 436 vehicles, Assault Value = 2523

Defending force 50301 troops, 477 guns, 346 vehicles, Assault Value = 778

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 2

Japanese adjusted assault: 928

Allied adjusted defense: 1259

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2 (fort level 2)

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), forts(+), preparation(-), experience(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
1371 casualties reported
Squads: 5 destroyed, 130 disabled
Non Combat: 48 destroyed, 26 disabled
Engineers: 24 destroyed, 58 disabled
Guns lost 16 (1 destroyed, 15 disabled)
Vehicles lost 45 (9 destroyed, 36 disabled)
Units destroyed 1

Allied ground losses:
3483 casualties reported
Squads: 153 destroyed, 90 disabled
Non Combat: 19 destroyed, 136 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 11 disabled
Guns lost 48 (15 destroyed, 33 disabled)
Vehicles lost 32 (10 destroyed, 22 disabled)

Assaulting units:
15th Ind Engineer Regiment
14th Tank Regiment
4th Division
55th Engineer Regiment
55th Cavalry Regiment
5th Division
113th Infantry Regiment
33rd Division
56th Recon Regiment
23rd Ind Engineer Regiment
112th Infantry Regiment
1st Tank Regiment
148th Infantry Regiment
Imperial Guards Division
18th Division
41st Infantry Regiment
3rd Medium Field Artillery Regiment
3rd Mortar Battalion
25th Army
20th AA Regiment
18th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
15th Army
5th Mortar Battalion
56th Field Artillery Regiment
55th Mountain Gun Regiment
3rd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
21st Medium Field Artillery Battalion

Defending units:
SSVF Brigade
1st Manchester Battalion
FMSV Brigade
1st Malay Battalion
3rd Cavalry Regiment
11th Indian Division
3rd SSVF Battalion
2nd Gordons Battalion
2/17 Dogra Battalion
2nd Malay Battalion
2nd Loyal Battalion
9th Indian Division
1st HK&S Heavy AA Regiment
111th RAF Adv Base Force
27th Australian Brigade
2nd ISF Base Force
Malayan Air Wing
2nd HK&S Heavy AA Regiment
223 Group RAF
224 Group RAF
109th RAF Adv Base Force
Singapore Fortress
3rd Heavy AA Regiment
110th RAF Adv Base Force
22nd Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
1st Indian Heavy AA Regiment
24th NZ Pioneer Coy
1st Hyderabad Battalion
AHQ Far East
Malaya Army
112th RAF Adv Base Force
1st ISF Base Force
113th RAF Adv Base Force
3rd HK&S Light AA Regiment
109th RN Base Force
Singapore Base Force
III Indian Corps
22nd Australian Bde /2

There's been enough said about the ground combat system, but it really does need a bit of work. Less losses on each side, less fatigue and disruption to enable a more historical flavor of armies fighting for sometimes weeks on end. You just don't get that flavor when it's one day of fighting and then rest for another 2 days, which is what I'm going to need to do.

(in reply to vicberg)
Post #: 22
RE: Onto the Breach (for the 4th time) dear friends - 1/4/2012 1:05:03 AM   
vicberg

 

Posts: 568
Joined: 4/19/2008
Status: offline 		January 20th, 1942.

Japanese continue to advance. The Gilberts have fallen.

No action in Java. Lack of transports from Babeldaob are having an effect. Koepang was invaded. I'm sure George has already pulled everything out of Darwin, so a non-event there. I'm loading as much as I can to land on Java and chip away at Batavia and Soerabaja. I have a number of japanese SCTFs in the area, so I'll be able to land a regiment and a couple of Tank Regiments to start the conquest. I'm loading the 2nd division at Rabaul for an invasion of PM. KB will support that.

I believe I've played far too conservatively. Not enough damage done at all. So my response will be to get more aggressive in taking Java/Sumatra and then some deep strikes with the KB. Perth will be the first target. It's quite nice because I can advance from outside search ranges, unlike an East Coast of OZ strike. Building up defenses and making deep strikes will be the pattern of this war until mid/late 42. I'm expecting a counter attack by George by that point. Once his point of advance is clear, I'll be able to tailor my defenses.

Still needing more transports to keep resources flowing. I think I'll have 50% of my transport fleet, at least, at work for resource movement.

Defenses are being built.

Another attack on Singapore has been scheduled. I'm sure I won't take it and it will be another few days before another one can happen. In Burma, George is getting some target practice in against my Thai troops. I've dedicated zeroes and Netties to shut down Rangoon airfield.

(in reply to vicberg)
Post #: 23
RE: Onto the Breach (for the 4th time) dear friends - 1/4/2012 4:45:29 AM   
vicberg

 

Posts: 568
Joined: 4/19/2008
Status: offline 		This is such an irritating combat. One combat again at Singapore and fatigue jumps to 60. Sheez. So, no bombardment, since that only seems to disrupt me. In one or two days another one. I'm reducing forts. I'm making progress. I really don't like this ground combat model. Pretty lame, IMO.

Ground combat at Singapore (50,84)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 82887 troops, 849 guns, 443 vehicles, Assault Value = 2447

Defending force 47720 troops, 465 guns, 337 vehicles, Assault Value = 634

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 1

Japanese adjusted assault: 1646

Allied adjusted defense: 941

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

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
2842 casualties reported
Squads: 102 destroyed, 129 disabled
Non Combat: 4 destroyed, 46 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 18 disabled
Guns lost 28 (4 destroyed, 24 disabled)
Vehicles lost 39 (2 destroyed, 37 disabled)


Allied ground losses:
1654 casualties reported
Squads: 41 destroyed, 60 disabled
Non Combat: 91 destroyed, 146 disabled
Engineers: 3 destroyed, 18 disabled
Guns lost 41 (17 destroyed, 24 disabled)
Vehicles lost 69 (61 destroyed, 8 disabled)
Units destroyed 2

(in reply to vicberg)
Post #: 24
RE: Onto the Breach (for the 4th time) dear friends - 1/4/2012 4:49:12 AM   
vicberg

 

Posts: 568
Joined: 4/19/2008
Status: offline 		FYI, Allied players should follow George's model. Move all troops onto best terrain. Build up forts (which are way overpowered in conjunction with terrain) and pull out all air power and shipping. Slows japanese completely. I can't focus on both PI and Malaysia and Java. I have majority of Japanese power on Malaysia. I've been ground attacking him almost since beginning of war and it still isn't enough. Terain and forts are WAY overpowered. I believe a progressive valuation should be given to increasing value of forts and terrain should be reduced.

(in reply to vicberg)
Post #: 25
RE: Onto the Breach (for the 4th time) dear friends - 1/4/2012 10:36:24 PM   
Andav

 

Posts: 170
Joined: 5/8/2007
Status: offline 		Hey Vic,

I do agree the Allies should follow George's model. It is most irritating. Watching where he chooses to defend is very interesting. Chinese units in rough terrain which takes forever to march into. Most annoying. Stacking is most annoying as well.

I have been fearful of Wenchow so I starting bombing it from Dec 7th. One or two runway hits most days. He only has two units there and will have the unit from the city to the north which was retreated. I have 3 divisions plus two regiments marching there.

He has pretty much bugged out of everywhere. I find this kinda surprising since it is not really necessary. I think with this mod and the reduced loads, the Allies can pick some forward places to defend more than normal. The Japanese just cant drop divisions where ever they want. It is hard enough to get a NGU somewhere in fewer than 20 ships. I think they have opportunities to put some road blocks up and cause the Japanese to have to come with more units.

I should cross to Singapore tomorrow once our current issue with the vanishing units is resolved.

Let the smoke screen begin!

Wa

(in reply to vicberg)
Post #: 26
RE: Onto the Breach (for the 4th time) dear friends - 1/4/2012 11:15:06 PM   
PaxMondo


Posts: 4427
Joined: 6/6/2008
Status: offline 		Just my 2 cents ... think you are doing quite well. Singers looks to fall, as you say, quite soon. Yes, George is falling back, but it is a good strategy by the allies. I think this scenario makes both China and India that much more likely targets than stock. Not sure what your next round of target plans are, but will be watching. Will you go for either China or India or ???



_____________________________

Pax

(in reply to Andav)
Post #: 27
RE: Onto the Breach (for the 4th time) dear friends - 1/5/2012 1:47:29 AM   
vicberg

 

Posts: 568
Joined: 4/19/2008
Status: offline 		I'm definately going for China.

I'm doing fine. I'm taking more shipping losses than I like. I'm used to steamrolling in the first few months, but there simply isn't enough transports. I've already committed 1/2 my transport fleet to resource transport. I'm going to switch tactics in the SRE. Once singapore falls, I'm going to move the majority of divisions onto Java and make sure that falls and then I'll distribute the divisions to Burma and PI. PI should be ripe in a month.

(in reply to PaxMondo)
Post #: 28
RE: Onto the Breach (for the 4th time) dear friends - 1/5/2012 1:51:12 AM   
vicberg

 

Posts: 568
Joined: 4/19/2008
Status: offline 		What George also uses well are PT boats. I had two SCTFs come against Massakar and they didn't hit a thing. Then my amphib force came in a lost a ship and damaged another before retreating. So I'm going to adopt new tactics for PT boats. Have the amphib follow the SCTF. Make sure the SCTF is on remain on station and then once the PTs retreat, invade the spot.

(in reply to vicberg)
Post #: 29
RE: Onto the Breach (for the 4th time) dear friends - 1/5/2012 2:42:16 PM   
Andav

 

Posts: 170
Joined: 5/8/2007
Status: offline
The PT are an issue. It is kinda my standard practice to sweep a base with a CL led SCTF. He is also sending HDMLs (or what ever) into my landing zones. So far they have not done anything other then cause the landing forces to "Get underway".

I am going to push in China as well. With the reduced cargo space in this mod, moving an Army to India would be very difficult. Plus, opening the supply route from Malaysia to Korea is a HUGE thing to keep from burning fuel hauling from Singapore. Once Sumatra and Java are secured, some of the units will go to China via Vietnam.

Wa

(in reply to vicberg)
Post #: 30
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