RE: More screenshots

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RE: More screenshots - 11/29/2012 4:43:32 AM

SqzMyLemon

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Soerabaja, 27 Feb 42:

Attachment (1)

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Post #: 301

RE: Armaments, Vehicles and replacements - 11/29/2012 8:32:58 AM

obvert

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quote:

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon

I pretty much set every unit to replenish and upgrade last game and went with it. I ran into the problem of never having enough vehicle points to replace losses. I'm being much more judicious in allocating war material this time. Rear area units have been set to no replacements, recuperating units must first recover diablements before receiving new equipment. The priority for replacements and upgrades will go to frontline units currently engaged in offensive operations.

I've expanded vehicle production to 240, but recent turns have seen no additions to the pool so I know I'm just covering losses or what is being used in creating new formations. Armaments have been scaled way back, but I may have to increase the points generated to get the pool growing faster. I'm still banking over 6k HI a day so I have excess capacity available.

I'm still accelerating five CV's and an equal number of DD's. Once the BB Yamato is complete I'll decide on whether to add BB Musashi or not. I like my BB's, but E's and DD's may be more important this time around with the reduced effectiveness of Japanese ASW.

Resources are flowing into the Home islands now and I'm steadily increasing the stockpile. I do not plan on using Singapore for resource extraction this time. This should conserve fuel and utilize more of the road/rail network to shorten the route for many transport TF's. I don't like using Babeldoab as a fuel hub and Jocke aggressively patrols likely routes with submarines. I will still utilize Singapore for fuel/oil export to Japan. I don't want excessive spoilage loss trying to move it overland.

Aircraft R&D is starting to repair much faster now that I resized many factories to 30. Frank, George, Judy, Tojo IIa and Tony models are repairing at a constant rate. I'm researching the Karyu and Shinden heavily as well. Supply is recovering in Japan and I'm able to ship overseas again since the initial rush to move supply forward and for production expansion.

It's all coming together.

Thanks for all of the info on model stuff. I'll reply soon by email with more queries I'm sure.

Sounds like the econ is humming along if you have 6k banking already. Nice.

Babeldaob is useful in the beginning, but I switched hubs once the DEI was secure and there were more options. First I thought of using the more secure and slightly larger port of Davao. I prepared it and began getting short run convoys from Borneo to drop there. I then realized that Manila would be a much better option and could last into the later game, plus the area of shallow water in many approaches is a deathtrap for subs. I've caught a number lurking in the islands and near Jolo. The narrow straits have increasingly been a good hunting ground for my ASW rather than for his subs as the ASW air can be concentrated and the sea patrols can focus in on certain routes. From Manila I've been running ships toward Hong Kong and then up the coast to the western HI.

Currently I feign the use of Babeldaob as a hub by having several small convoys still drop there, but with mostly tiny TKs and AKLs running from W NG and the Celebes. His subs have continued to lurk on the approach to this area and have only marginally affected traffic to Manila.

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Post #: 302

RE: Armaments, Vehicles and replacements - 11/29/2012 4:23:21 PM

SqzMyLemon

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Correction on vehicle production, I'm currently at 180 not 240. I've just ordered the six factories to increase by 10 each which will give me 240 in total.

I used Manila's port extensively last game, however it looks like I won't have the use of this base for some time. I may regret not dealing with Luzon in force earlier. I also expanded the repair facilities there to accommodate BB's which really contributed to a fast turn around for moderate damage and saved me having to use the Home Islands.

I like the idea of creating a fake hub. As the number of small bases which the Allied submarines can use for fuel are captured, I can discover where Jocke prefers to patrol as his refuelling options dwindle and encourage him to patrol secondary routes. Leaving Manila available as a base of operations for enemy submarines is a potential problem. Capturing Bataan will allow me to mine the entrance to the port at Manila and perhaps shut its use down.

I started banking 6k a day quite early. I reduced armament and merchant shipping production immediately. I also expanded heavy industry in China. I'm close to 400k pooled by the end of February. I won't be a slave to saving 6k a day though. As long as the needs of the war effort are being met it's gravy, but I'll increase production at the sign of any shortfall.

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Post #: 303

Today's agenda - 11/29/2012 4:44:24 PM

SqzMyLemon

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The next turn is away to Jocke.

Major sweeps of Batavia are ordered for today and 3/4's are Oscar's unfortunately. I expect heavy losses, but I need to continue reducing enemy fighter strength. The Allies have lost over 70 aircraft since the air campaign against Java started.

I forgot to mention about an air battle in China on the 26th. I'd begun bombing Changsha's airbase off and on with limited success and was shifting targets from the airbase to ground troops. Anticipating a CAP trap by Jocke, I grounded the bombers and ordered heavy sweeps of Changsha. It paid off. Four Oscar's were lost against 14 AVG aircraft.

The Allies are way ahead in aircraft losses. My Ops losses are mounting again and there were back to back days where I lost 12 aircraft each day to Ops with no air combat. I think the tendency for daily crappy weather is a major contributor. Weather is consistently bad all over the map and even a routine base transfer is costly.

Other than the sweep of Batavia it should be a quiet day for Japan. Troops are loading up for the planned amphibious operations against Java and everything looks like a go. The Allies are hoarding their bomber force somewhere in the middle of Java. I'm planning a surprise air attack to catch them on the ground, when I find them and hopefully before the invasion forces sail.

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 11/29/2012 4:45:08 PM >

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Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)

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Post #: 304

Brief 27 Feb 42 Update - 11/30/2012 4:22:19 PM

SqzMyLemon

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The sweeps against Batavia were extremely successful today. Total losses were 16 to 48 in favour of Japan. Zero's swept first which cleared most of the low flying CAP for the later Oscar sweeps. The low flying Warhawks took the brunt of the losses and Japanese fighters finally got to the B-339D's and Hurricane's with four of the latter shot down.

That makes almost 100 enemy fighters lost in two major sweeps. I won't go as far as saying the back is broken of the enemy fighter force, but it is certainly close. I should be able to start sending bombers in soon.

Another port attack against against Soerabaja yields no hits. Weather strikes again with severe storm conditions. Weather is more the problem this game then the enemy air force. I had never really paid much attention before, but I do see why people are resorting to turning off advanced weather conditions. I'd like to see this patched so extreme weather is an exception and not the norm.

Naval air search spotted two enemy SCTF's today, one at Christmas IO and the other to the southeast of the base. More Japanese submarines are taking up station in the theatre so maybe I'll get lucky. This strengthens my decision to bring KB into the theatre. If I can somehow slip in undetected to Timor, I may get a chance to strike and catch a portion of the enemy fleet. KB has just arrived at Sorong.

Other than that a quiet turn.

Jocke will be moving and has mentioned another period of slow turnaround approaching. I'm good with this and told him to concentrate on his game with obvert. I have a lot of projects I need to get done over the winter and this will free up more time for me. I'll need to devote more time to model building to keep pace with obvert as well.

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 12/3/2012 8:36:32 PM >

_____________________________

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Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)

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Post #: 305

Prelude to Mar. 1/42 - 12/3/2012 5:13:22 PM

SqzMyLemon

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We've completed another month and the March 1st turn is away to Jocke.

In a fit of impatience over the weekend, I decided to order the commencement of the invasion of Java. I've not established total air superiority, but have determined it could still take weeks to achieve. I need to get moving! Invasion TF's are ordered to depart Makassar amd Singapore today.

First up is the 16th Division currently at Makassar. Separate elements of the division are tasked with landing at Loemandeng and establishing a beachhead. Control of a level 4 airbase immediately upon capture is the primary reason for choosing to land here. Support units will land simultaneously with the assault forces in order to have CAP up immediately upon capture. Fighters on Denpasar are tasked with providing LRCAP over the invasion TF's. Two strong surface TF's are providing support against enemy surface forces and a small CL and DD force is tasked with keeping the enemy PT's away from the transports.

At Singapore, four divisions are loaded up and will rendezvous at a point near Billiton prior to the final run to Kalidjati. Seizing the level 4 airbase quickly is the key to the entire operation. Paratroops are ordered to assault today via Tina transports based at Singapore. Last recon indicated the base was lightly defended. Enemy bombers and PT's will be the primary threat and fighters based at Muntok and Toboali are ordered to provide LRCAP over the invasion TF's. Strong surface forces will be commtted in support including four BB's.

Mini-KB is approaching Balikpapan to refuel and will be available to support the landings. KB is leaving Sorong and heading to Balikpapan via Manado. I decided to use the same route mini-KB used because it was undetected the entire time. I fear enemy naval search from Darwin would easily have picked up KB sailing via Timor as originally intended.

Another invasion TF is heading to Luzon from Singapore. It's time to start taking the rest of the Philippines.

I'm moving before I'm completely ready, but there seems to be no point in further delaying my advance. The Allies are simply sitting back and waiting. The longer I delay, the stronger their various positions become. I expect to take some losses in transport ships, but hopefully they won't include too many of my better troop carrying xAP's.

In China operations are going according to plan. In the north the Chinese are attempting to cut of supply and rail routes, but since I'm not conducting a major offensive here I can deal with the incursions before moving forward. I'm still awaiting completion of a number of airbase expansions as well. The more Chinese activity here the better.

In the south, troops are about to invest Changsha with some risk. I'm only moving in two divisions initially and they are in danger of a Chinese counterattack by superior numbers. This move is required in order to isolate and surround another 7 enemy LCU's. Bases like Hengyang, Kweilin and Liuchow are weakly held. If the Chinese do not discover the shifting of so many Japanese combat troops they may be overwhelmed before a solid MLR can be established.

The leash has been taken off. Japanese forces are ordered to advance on all fronts. Once a foothold is established on Java, fleet assets will be used to aggressively seek out and destroy enemy naval forces, wherever they can be found.

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)

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Post #: 306

RE: Prelude to Mar. 1/42 - 12/3/2012 7:33:33 PM

obvert

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Good move. I think the best way to kill of Dutch air is to let them come to hit your ships as long as you have adequate cover. It's a bit dicey, but as you say, if you lose a few xAKs for extra time, it's worth it.

Maybe test the waters with a CAPed pair of DD in range of his bases and see what happens. They're tough to hit for anything but a highly experienced flier and if those are harried by zeros, that makes it much harder. A quick fast transport or para-drop on a lightly defended port base where you can then send transports under quickly established CAP will also work well.

Looking forward to some action!

_____________________________

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Post #: 307

RE: Prelude to Mar. 1/42 - 12/3/2012 8:51:54 PM

SqzMyLemon

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quote:

ORIGINAL: obvert

Good move. I think the best way to kill of Dutch air is to let them come to hit your ships as long as you have adequate cover. It's a bit dicey, but as you say, if you lose a few xAKs for extra time, it's worth it.

Maybe test the waters with a CAPed pair of DD in range of his bases and see what happens. They're tough to hit for anything but a highly experienced flier and if those are harried by zeros, that makes it much harder. A quick fast transport or para-drop on a lightly defended port base where you can then send transports under quickly established CAP will also work well.

Looking forward to some action!

I think picking off the Dutch air is easier when they are attacking as well and I will give them plenty of targets over the next few days.

Another sweep of Batavia is ordered, then my fighters will perform LRCAP over the invasion TF's. I've dangled a few small TF's around Java and there's been no effort to hit them. I think Jocke has his bombers set to only 2-3 hex ranges and is waiting to hit the transports as they unload. I've had transports unloading at Denpasar for days, and there's been no bombing attacks for example.

It will be good to finally strike. I've seen numerous Allied SCTF's in the IO around Cocos and Christmas IO, but they are not venturing within Betty range. If I can somehow slip my CV's into the IO there could be some juicy targets. I'm diverting a division to clear out Northern Sumatra and allow my ships to get into the IO via Singapore undetected.

No turn from Jocke today, but there isn't expected to be any action other than the amphibious TF's being spotted. The next two turns should be eventful though as my invasion TF's hit the beaches. Once I'm spotted it's going to be very interesting to see how Jocke responds. I'm glad the CV's are out of the picture right now, this may draw out Allied surface assets. If so, there is a good chance my CV's will come into play within the week.

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 12/4/2012 6:32:24 PM >

_____________________________

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Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)

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Post #: 308

Total Chinese casualties to date. - 12/4/2012 4:49:48 AM

SqzMyLemon

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Here are the monthly numbers for destroyed Chinese squads and guns.

Dec/41:

1373 Infantry
1087 Non-Combat
117 Engineer
87 Guns

Jan/42:

1888 Infantry
1715 Non-Combat
109 Engineer
155 Guns

Feb/42:

974 Infantry
1057 Non-Combat
60 Engineer
89 Guns

Total:

4235 Infantry
3859 Non-Combat
286 Engineer
331 Guns

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)

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Post #: 309

RE: Total Chinese casualties to date. - 12/4/2012 12:06:03 PM

PaxMondo

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Question: why do you tally this?

I mean with the FOW present in those numbers ... when I test this the correlation is lousy to say the least. FOW is just too high. I mean +/- 50% kinda FOW. Plus these units all regenerate after 30-60 days at 1/3 strength for free. So, losses to any unit after it is below 1/3 strength (and a lot of the CHI units start at 1/3 strength) don't matter. I think you can seriously delude yourself looking at those numbers. Now, if it is just fun to track them and you're not making any decisions on them - OK. Count away!!!

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Post #: 310

RE: Total Chinese casualties to date. - 12/4/2012 12:33:16 PM

fcharton

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quote:

ORIGINAL: PaxMondo
Question: why do you tally this?�
I mean with the FOW present in those numbers ... when I test this the correlation is lousy to say the least.

Are there so much FOW in the squad losses? I remember looking at it long ago (the analysis should be somewhere at the beginning of my first AAR), and noticing that whereas loss figures were just for the show, the number of disabled and destroyed squads and devices seemed to be correct on my side, which means, since both sides share the same combat report, that they should be correct on the enemy side.

Another way to test (and prove) this, would be to look at changes in the LCU VP total, as the manual gives the conversion rates between lost squads and VP. The combat report should underestimate those losses, since a number of squads "die silently", from attrition, losses at sea and other hidden causes.

Disablements are complicated to assess, because they get repaired, but so long you do not destroy too many units (which should be the case in the early game) destroyed squads are a good marker of how damaged the KMT is.

Just to give an idea, the Chinese begin the game with about 30 000 combat squads, and get about 400 replacements a month (infantry and machine gun teams). If one player intends to take China, I believe more than 20 000 combat squads should be destroyed before you begin marching on Chungking or seriously attacking the centre. Else, he has just too many troops to oppose you. In my current game, I reached the 20 000 mark in the beginning of March, and this is pretty much when the Chinese defense collapsed. Of course, one you start detroying units, and zombies begin to rule the battlefield, the counting becomes futile. But at that point, you are probably already besieging Chungking and new squads are your friends.

Francois

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Post #: 311

RE: Total Chinese casualties to date. - 12/4/2012 3:53:39 PM

SqzMyLemon

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quote:

ORIGINAL: PaxMondo

Question: why do you tally this?

Now, if it is just fun to track them and you're not making any decisions on them - OK.� Count away!!!��

I don't base strategy on the numbers, but I do use it to gauge my progress somewhat. I most likely won't knock China out of the war, but I want to make sure she doesn't recover anytime soon either. If I'm destroying at least the amount of monthly replacements I know China's not gaining in strength. If I'm destroying more squads than can be replaced per month I know she's getting weaker.

I know the numbers are not scientific and do not account for FOW, disablements that recover or non-combat losses through attrition, but they will indicate whether I'm heading in the right direction as far as China is concerned.

That aside, I just like to crunch numbers sometimes.

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)

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Post #: 312

RE: Total Chinese casualties to date. - 12/4/2012 4:05:32 PM

Chickenboy

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quote:

ORIGINAL: PaxMondo
Plus these units all regenerate after 30-60 days at 1/3 strength for free.� So, losses to any unit after it is below 1/3 strength (and a lot of the CHI units start at 1/3 strength) don't matter.�

I thought it was only destroyed units (e.g., annihilated Chinese corps) that regenerated / respawned at Chungking at 1/3 strength? Units that aren't utterly destroyed 'refill' by Chinese infantry squad replacement rates, no? This is (depending on scenario) circa 300 squads / month, isn't it?

If that's the case, I think keeping track of Chinese squads, guns and non-combat units (engineers, vehicles and support) destroyed is sensible. It looks like the Chinese should be running low on replacements due to their heavy losses.

Good show, SqzMyLemon.

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Post #: 313

RE: Brief 19 Feb 42 Update - 12/4/2012 4:16:24 PM

Chickenboy

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quote:

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon

I know these updates suck and are pretty boring. I really need to get motivated and do some screenshots...soon!

Not at all. I regret being so far behind on your AAR, SqzMyLemon. I've recently started a scenario 2 PBEM and am also in February 1942. Interesting to compare notes about where we are and our relative positions.

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Post #: 314

RE: More screenshots - 12/4/2012 4:29:02 PM

Chickenboy

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quote:

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon

Batavia, 27 Feb 42:

Nice maps and commentary, as always, SqzMyLemon. I'm envious of your eye for graphic presentations.

In my scenario 2 PBEM, my opponent largely withdrew the Dutch and Royal Navies from the DEI. I took Palembang by a coup de main in late December, after it became clear that he evacuated his naval forces. From there, it was a pretty short fight to liberate Oosthaven on Sumatra.

I was debating a Kilidjati landing site as my first site on Java, but extensive aerial reconnaisance confirmed Merak was lightly held. Thus, a cross-strait invasion (Oosthaven-Merak) was utilized instead.

Have you considered further liberation of Oosthaven? In addition to opening up the Merak landing site, it may also enable you a decent a/f closer for LRCAP if you do decide to land at Kilidjati.

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Post #: 315

RE: Total Chinese casualties to date. - 12/4/2012 6:29:41 PM

SqzMyLemon

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quote:

ORIGINAL: fcharton

Are there so much FOW in the squad losses? I remember looking at it long ago (the analysis should be somewhere at the beginning of my first AAR), and noticing that whereas loss figures were just for the show, the number of disabled and destroyed squads and devices seemed to be correct on my side, which means, since both sides share the same combat report, that they should be correct on the enemy side.

I agree Francois. I've often found the troop count to be mere fluff, but the actual squad losses can give you a pretty good idea of what the enemy AV count will be reduced by for the next attack if conducted within a few days before disabled squads recover.

I think my strategy of reducing Chinese formations rather than destroying them needs some way of assessing progress. Providing I'm not destroying units, keeping track of the relative strength of the Chinese in terms of squad losses does have merit as you suggest.

_____________________________

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Post #: 316

RE: Brief 19 Feb 42 Update - 12/4/2012 6:55:21 PM

SqzMyLemon

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Chickenboy

quote:

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon

I know these updates suck and are pretty boring. I really need to get motivated and do some screenshots...soon!

Not at all. I regret being so far behind on your AAR, SqzMyLemon. I've recently started a scenario 2 PBEM and am also in February 1942. Interesting to compare notes about where we are and our relative positions.

Hi Andre,

I'm glad you are still following, your absence had been noted.

Hopefully the pace of my game won't fall too far behind yours. It will be great to compare positions as we move forward and mutually come up with ways to drive the Allies to despair/distraction.

I thought of Merak and Oosthaven, but right now I want to avoid that particular choke point. I have bad mojo operating through those straits from my previous AAR. I'm man enough to admit...I'm scared.

Actually, I want to land at Kalidjati to apply immediate pressure and isolate Batavia. I felt landing at Merak in strength shows my hand and limits what I can do tactically. It also allows the Dutch to concentrate on only one route of advance. Landing at Kalidjati allows me multiple axes to advance, as does Loemandeng. I can then divide up Java and defeat it in detail while I prepare for the siege of Batavia. If I can get Soerabaja on the cheap, that will definitely allow me to move on Perth sooner than later. The fuel and port will be a huge asset until Batavia and Palembang fall.

Oosthaven will become important once I'm established on Java and have dealt with Allied air or naval threats that would have originated from Batavia. Then I can rail up and deal with Palembang.

Thanks also for the compliment on the screenshots. I've been a computer drafter for over 10 years now and like to think I have a good grasp of spatial presentation and providing information visually in an effective manner. Glad you're getting caught up with the AAR and hope to see you posting more as events unfold.

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)

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Post #: 317

RE: Brief 19 Feb 42 Update - 12/4/2012 7:12:15 PM

Chickenboy

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quote:

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon
Glad you're getting caught up with the AAR and hope to see you posting more as events unfold.

I've 'subscribed' to this AAR to ensure that I won't fall so far behind again.

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Post #: 318

Life is good - 12/4/2012 9:46:51 PM

SqzMyLemon

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Two turns waiting for me when I get home from work and after I brave the frigid arctic conditions walking the pooch for an hour or so.

I don't expect much in terms of action, but curious to see what TF's will be spotted heading to Java while avoiding the attention of enemy submarines.

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)

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Post #: 319

RE: Brief 19 Feb 42 Update - 12/4/2012 10:19:29 PM

Colonel Mustard

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[/quote]

Thanks also for the compliment on the screenshots. I've been a computer drafter for over 10 years now and like to think I have a good grasp of spatial presentation and providing information visually in an effective manner.
[/quote]

Speaking of screenshots, how do you make those? And how do you get the text boxes on them?

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Post #: 320

RE: Brief 19 Feb 42 Update - 12/4/2012 10:32:00 PM

SqzMyLemon

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Colonel Mustard

Speaking of screenshots, how do you make those? And how do you get the text boxes on them?

I take a screenshot from the game and save it as a jpg in paint. I then convert the jpg to an adobe pdf where I can then add the text boxes and line work. Take another screenshot and save it as a jpg in paint again.

I wish I knew a way of getting the best of both worlds without losing the sharpness of the image. You can see my screens are a little fuzzy and not as clear as others. I need to do some homework and see if there is a better way to achieve what I'd like to without losing the image quality.

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)

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Post #: 321

RE: Brief 19 Feb 42 Update - 12/5/2012 12:04:14 PM

PT boat skipper

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The situation in Sumatra is not as bad compared to my game (Busting Fortress Palembang). My opponent has moved 100 000+ troops to southern Sumatra from Singapore/Java and added further reinforcements (18th BR DIV and AUS coastal artillery regiment). I have (by 15 feb) conquered western Java and northern Sumatra. Batavia is excellent IOT control the SLOCs to/from southern Sumatra

It will be interesting to follow developments as you 'close the deal' in the SRA. Good luck! Beware of mines at Merak.

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 322

RE: Brief 19 Feb 42 Update - 12/6/2012 5:37:29 PM

SqzMyLemon

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From: Alberta, Canada
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Thanks for posting PT. Mines at Merak worry me too, but I have a feeling Jocke's used up his pools already. When I eventually transit the straits there will be plenty of DMS's on hand to clear the way, if mines are present.

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Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)

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Post #: 323

Brief March 1st update - 12/6/2012 6:18:19 PM

SqzMyLemon

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Java:

Sweeps and bombing missions against Java were all grounded due to weather. The previous day my sweeps encountered no enemy CAP, so I ordered bombing missions against Batavia's airbase to hit the aircraft on the ground. A golden opportunity was lost to bad weather. This couldn't have happened at a worse time with my invasion TF's moving in. I am beginning to rue advanced weather on and should have listened to people who cautioned against it.

The 1st Raiding Regiment paradrop on Kalidjati did go ahead and the shock attack yielded 3:1 odds and reduced the forts to 0, however the defending Dutch BF held. I'll drop an additional paratroop unit tomorrow and try another assault. If I can capture this base before the amphibious forces land that will allow me to establish CAP a day earlier than planned.

Amphibious TF's originating from Singapore have all been spotted northeast of Billiton so the Allies know I'm coming, not that the air landing on Kalidjati hasn't already alerted them to the invasion. Amphibious TF's from Makassar have not been detected, so landings at Loemandeng may still come as a surprise if they are not spotted near Denpasar tomorrow.

All fighters within range will now LRCAP the various amphibious TF's as they approach the coast and their landing zones. Small CL and DD TF's will lead the way to prevent the enemy PT's from getting to the transports.

It is D-1 until troops are ashore.

China:

Lots of movement indicating a withdrawal of some Chinese units from Liuchow, Changsha and Sian. I don't think Jocke will completely abandon any of these bases, but it appears he's already preparing secondary positions farther to the rear.

Two Japanese divisions have invested Changsha, the question is will Jocke counterattack? Unless Jocke forces a retreat from these units, another 7 enemy LCU's will be isolated behind my lines.

KB and Mini-KB:

Mini-KB's DL is at 3/3 just S.W. of Balikpapan. The Ops report indicated my TF spotted the enemy search plane, but there was no reporting of "enemy carriers" during the replay. Does this mean I may still be undetected? KB is just east of Manado and remains undetected as well. The plan is to try and get KB into the open waters of the IO to search out enemy naval assets and destroy them before Jocke get a bead on KB's location. Unlikely, but you never know.

Thoughts:

I expect to see massive enemy LBA strikes tomorrow heavily escorted. My fighters will be asked to neutralize this threat and deal a crushing blow to the enemy air force. There is no sign of enemy SCTF's within range of my amphibious TF's and the most likely naval threat remains the enemy PT's and submarines.

Tomorrow could be an interesting day if the Allies respond in force.

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 324

The Allied reaction. - 12/7/2012 6:10:18 PM

SqzMyLemon

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From: Alberta, Canada
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2 March 42 Update:

Java:

Spotting Japanese amphibious TF's on the 1st, the Allies react to the imminent invasion of Java by loading Batavia's airbase with close to 300 aircraft.

Recon indicates 108 fighters and 160 bombers now at the base. I wonder if the base could be overstacked? A small Japanese SCTF of two TB's was ordered to patrol off Kalidjati today to gauge the Allied reaction. 21 bombers escorted by fighters attacked the TF, but scored no hits.

Amphibious TF's were ordered to rendezvous 5 hexes away from Batavia and hold station, they did not come under attack. This confirms Jocke has limited his range from Batavia to encompass Kalidjati and no further.

Kalidjati was captured after a second paradrop assault so the base is now mine. Do I rush the amphibious TF's in and rely on the LRCAP being enough? If the Allies throw the weight of their air power at the amphibious TF's unloading, I fear my LRCAP from Muntok and Toboali could be overwhelmed and I will suffer extremely heavy losses. If I delay a few days, I can bring in supplies and elements of a BF to get additional CAP up for the landings. The other option is to feint for Kalidjati and land at Semarang instead. The Allies have put their proverbial eggs in one basket at Batavia and may not be prepared to counter a landing at Semarang.

The amphibious TF's from Makassar have arrived near Denpasar and remain undetected. I will land at Loemandeng tomorrow unopposed and the base could be used to provide LRCAP for landings at Semarang in two days. Mini-KB has reached Balikpapan and KB is two days away. Once Mini-KB is refueled she can provide additional CAP for landings at Semarang. KB will be available in three days to support landings. I could wait the three days and provide such overwhelming CAP as to wipe out the Dutch in one go if they shift air units to protect landings at Semarang.

I will provide a screenshot when I get home to clearly show my options and the current force dispositions. Decision time!

China:

The AVG shows up in force over Changsha today in an attempt to ambush my air units. Oscar's on sweep perform adequately despite being severely outnumbered late in the air action. I had Oscar Ib's set to escort Sally's hitting the airbase and good thing I did, otherwise my bombers would have been massacred. On the day I lost 17 Oscar's and 4 Sally's while AVG loses 15 aircraft. I'll take it, considering I was escorting at a huge disadvantage the Oscar's performed well.

The Chinese launch a deliberate attack at Changsha and achieve 1:1 odds...not good. My two divisions hold, but take some squad losses (5 destroyed) and 138 disabled. The Chinese suffer around 175 destroyed squads and a fair amount of disablements. If they launch a shock attack tomorrow I could be in trouble. My raw AV was just under 900 and didn't get adjusted much higher despite being in 2x defensive terrain.

Will I hold?

Thoughts:

Tomorrow could be a wild turn. I will have to think on how I want to tackle Java tonight. The main thing is I can be flexible here, I'm not tied to having to land at Kalidjati. My Loemandeng amphibious force remaining undetected is a big deal. I should land quickly and most likely face little to no opposition. I can feint at Kalidjati and switch the LRCAP to sweep and escort missions to support bombing Batavia's airbase and hopefully catch the Allied air on the ground. Waiting a few days will allow my CV air to provide support as well. A small delay of a few days improves my ability to counter the enemy much more effectively and may be the prudent move here.

If the Chinese attack again at Changsha and I hold, they will save me the trouble of reducing their combat effectiveness the hard way. Can I hold if they risk a shock attack is the question.

Interesting times...

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 12/8/2012 6:11:52 PM >

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 325

Pre-March 4/42 - 12/8/2012 4:57:40 PM

SqzMyLemon

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From: Alberta, Canada
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The turn is away to Jocke and I'm hoping he'll have time to send one off today. The chance for action is high, although much will depend on how the Allies respond.

I will await the turn before posting pre/post screenshots. Will Allied CV's make an appearance and wreck my Java invasion? We'll see...

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 12/10/2012 9:37:17 PM >

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)

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Post #: 326

RE: Pre-March 3/42 - 12/8/2012 5:06:46 PM

GreyJoy

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Pretty strange two IJA divisions had only a 1-1 at Changsha...do you have any HQ with them? How many chinese corps were attacking?
However after a 1-1, with the usual lack of supplies suffered by the chinese, i doubt a shock attack will achieve anything good for them

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Post #: 327

RE: The Allied reaction. - 12/8/2012 5:18:37 PM

Chickenboy

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From: Twin Cities, MN
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quote:

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon

Will I hold?

At Chansha tomorrow? Almost certainly. You, as defender, are in a heavy urban hex with the advantage of interior supply lines. They will-almost certainly-not have replenished their supplies needed for another shock attack tomorrow. I'd venture their disruption is high too.

Any LBA that you can have ground attack these units? The additional insult to their disruption could be worthwhile.

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Post #: 328

RE: The Allied reaction. - 12/8/2012 5:21:50 PM

Chickenboy

Posts: 14859
Joined: 6/29/2002
From: Twin Cities, MN
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quote:

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon
I can be flexible here, I'm not tied to having to land at Kalidjati.

LRCAP a couple TFs of DMSs assigned to mine sweep at Merak. This will serve three functions: 1. Draw their naval bombers into a CAP trap. 2. Sweep mines at Merak and 3. Set the possibility of a Merak landing into your opponent's thoughts. Do this for a couple days until you have KB/mKB on hand to further CAP support your landing forces in 2-3 days. Then you can decide where to land-a mine-depleted Merak or reinforce Kalidjati.

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Post #: 329

RE: Pre-March 3/42 - 12/8/2012 6:11:17 PM

SqzMyLemon

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From: Alberta, Canada
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quote:

ORIGINAL: GreyJoy

Pretty strange two IJA divisions had only a 1-1 at Changsha...do you have any HQ with them? How many chinese corps were attacking?
However after a 1-1, with the usual lack of supplies suffered by the chinese, i doubt a shock attack will achieve anything good for them

quote:

ORIGINAL: Chickenboy

At Changsha tomorrow? Almost certainly. You, as defender, are in a heavy urban hex with the advantage of interior supply lines. They will-almost certainly-not have replenished their supplies needed for another shock attack tomorrow. I'd venture their disruption is high too.

Any LBA that you can have ground attack these units? The additional insult to their disruption could be worthwhile.

Here's the combat report for the Chinese deliberate attack on the 3rd for interest's sake. AAR follows:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Changsha (82,52)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 64542 troops, 345 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1960

Defending force 25424 troops, 206 guns, 42 vehicles, Assault Value = 888

Allied adjusted assault: 1162

Japanese adjusted defense: 1009

Allied assault odds: 1 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
743 casualties reported
Squads: 5 destroyed, 138 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 20 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 14 disabled

Allied ground losses:
3035 casualties reported
Squads: 174 destroyed, 139 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 28 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 15 disabled
Guns lost 28 (1 destroyed, 27 disabled)

Assaulting units:
72nd Chinese Corps
18th Chinese Corps
10th Chinese Corps
58th Chinese Corps
26th Chinese Corps
53rd Chinese Corps
87th Chinese Corps
14th Chinese Base Force
30th Group Army
9th War Area
27th Group Army
17th Chinese Base Force

Defending units:
6th Division
39th Division

I was doubled up on AV so that didn't help and I was also surprised the Chinese got a (+) leadership modifier. The average leadership rating for my two divisions was 65. I do have the China Area Army prepped for Changsha, but not sure if within range.

We'll see what happens, if anything, and bombing the troops isn't an option at the moment with AVG controlling the air above the base. I'm fully supplied though and another division will arrive in two days. If I can hold I won't be going anywhere.

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 12/8/2012 6:13:04 PM >

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)

(in reply to GreyJoy)

Post #: 330