Pre-March 5/42

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Pre-March 5/42

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All Forums >> [New Releases from Matrix Games] >> War in the Pacific: Admiral's Edition >> After Action Reports >> Pre-March 5/42

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Pre-March 5/42 - 12/10/2012 10:38:05 PM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 2130
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline

Sorry for the lack of screenshots showing operations against Java. Christmas shopping and work on the 1:350 BB North Carolina took up most of my time over the weekend.

The Allied turn for March 5th has arrived in my inbox, but I'll quickly recap events of the previous day. I decided against landing at Kalidjati and tried for Semarang instead, but came up one hex short. Allied bombers targeted Kalidjati's airbase and only 10 Zero's responded from LRCAP based at Toboali. The two Japanese TB's patrolling at Kalidjati were not targeted by enemy naval air strikes, unlike the previous day.

In light of the limited LRCAP from Toboali, I've pulled the four amphibious TF's back to await CV air support for a run into Kalidjati as originally planned. I'm committing all my CV's to provide CAP for the landing. I expect nothing less than total victory in the air if the Allies commit.

What did go as planned was the amphibious landing at Loemandjang. I decided to try to capture the base with paratroops in conjunction with the initial landings and it worked like a charm. Total surprise was achieved and there was no enemy intervention. Naval escorts bombarded the defenders of the base (a lone BF) as amphibious troops pored ashore. The lead elements of the 2nd Raiding Rgt. were air dropped and the ensuing shock attack routed the defenders. Adjusted combat strength was 3 AV to 1 AV for 3:1 odds.

My amphibious assault forces were unloaded in one day despite a port level of 0. I almost always load more transports than required to ensure quick unloading and I've never really been concerned with the landing bonus or being fully prepped.

Elsewhere, in China the enemy does not shock attack at Changsha as feared. However, the Chinese force I was trying to isolate to the S.E. won the race against their N.W. hexside being closed and is now contesting the woods hex directly S.E. of Changsha occupied by 650+ Japanese AV. If the Chinese can force a retreat that will threaten my two divisions at Changsha with encirclement. Reinforcements are ordered to move immediately to eliminate this threat.

Lastly, a small Allied TF of six xAKL's were spotted at Port Blair a few days ago. A small Japanese SCTF consisting of CA Chokai and three DD's was ordered to move to Victoria Point from Singapore. Upon reaching Victoria Point the enemy TF was still at Port Blair and a full speed run was ordered. All six transports were sunk and the raiders made it back to Victoria Point safely.

17 fighters are now at Port Blair, so I suspect this was an effort to CAP trap long range Betty/Nell bombers going after the transports. Port Blair will be dealt with soon enough.

What's going to happen today? First I suspect Jocke to try a shock attack in China and attempt to free his forces from encirclement. I will have 650+ AV in a wooded hex and I suspect enemy AV to be less than 1000. Japanese bombers are ordered to hit the enemy ground forces despite the threat of interdiction from AVG fighters at Changsha.

A sweep has been ordered against Batavia and LRCAP has been ordered for Kalidjati. The amphibious TF's have been withdrawn from landing at Semarang to the east and will rendezvous with my CV's. The entire force will then be ordered to Kalidjati. Fighters are already based at Leomadjang and providing CAP for the transports unloading supply. The valuable xAP's have been ordered to withdraw, as has the supporting SCTF. Torpedo planes are on alert at Denpasar in case Allied surface forces appear. Japanese submarines are patrolling the IO side of Java for any sign of enemy naval forces.

Jocke implied the landing at Leomadjang was a complete surprise and that he may have made a mistake of some kind today. Whether that means a mistake in setting his orders, or ordering a counterstrike that may have been ill advised has yet to be determined. I can't wait to get home and find out.

Let's see what happens...

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 12/14/2012 7:40:52 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 #: 331

March 7/42 - 12/14/2012 7:38:50 PM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 2130
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline

The war continues, we've reached 8 March 42.

China:

The Chinese launch another deliberate attack at Changsha after an additional 6 Chinese units reinforce the base. Somehow, my two divisions hold despite 2:1 odds against them. I fear my reinforcements will not arrive in time to prevent another deliberate attack succeeding and force a retreat with heavy loss. I stupidly set combat rather than move mode for my reinforcements.

Another stupid thing I did was send inexperienced Zero pilots against AVG at Changsha. I lost at least 10 fighters for no Allied loss. Follow up Oscar sweeps performed much better and during the replay "Pappy" Boyington was reported going down in flames. I'll have to ask Jocke if he survived.

Java:

Mixed bag in the air war as the Allied fighter strength is being steadily ground down, but at high cost. Today's sweep of Batavia benefited from Allied CAP being committed in driblets and Zero's bounced the enemy much of the time. Still, seven Zero's were lost for roughly 25 Allied fighters. The Hurricane's have been very effective, but 10 were downed today (5 A2A & 5 Ops).

The base N.W. of Loemadjang was easily captured the other day and my force now march on Soerabaja. Semarang fell to day two of a paradrop assault.

The Amphibious TF's have reached Kalidjati, but were out of Ops points preventing troops unloading. KB failed to reach it's assigned patrol hex to provide air cover for the unloading. There were a number of submarine attacks against various TF's which may have been responsible for disrupting KB's movement, or possibly refueling despite adequate bunker fuel. Whatever the reason, KB is five hexes out of position and will have to run the submarine gauntlet again in order to provide support tomorrow.

Luckily, no Allied naval strikes were launched against my shipping now at Kalidjati. I expect the kitchen sink thrown at me tomorrow and waves of PT's as my transports try to unload. It will come down to my SCTF's and LRCAP providing support to prevent a disaster.

Port Blair:

Is being reinforced. There are now two Allied LCU's and fighters based here. KB will swing north and escort the 21st Division to deal with Port Blair once Medan on Sumatra is captured. The division will then deploy to Burma.

The Philippines:

38th Division has captured Subic Bay, but two high value xAP's (3800 troop capacity) were lost to CD guns. I did not try to suppress Subic Bay to gain surprise and lost the two best transports in the TF as a result. Enemy PT's tried to interfere, but screening SCTF's protected the transports and sank a couple of enemy boats.

Thoughts:

It's all about the unloading at Kalidjati. Can KB avoid the submarines, will my screening surface forces prevent the PT's getting to the transports and will my LRCAP keep the Allied bombers at bay? These questions will be answered next turn.

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 12/14/2012 7:39:16 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 #: 332

RE: March 7/42 - 12/14/2012 9:24:52 PM

Chickenboy

Posts: 14836
Joined: 6/29/2002
From: Twin Cities, MN
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon
It's all about the unloading at Kalidjati. Can KB avoid the submarines, will my screening surface forces prevent the PT's getting to the transports and will my LRCAP keep the Allied bombers at bay? These questions will be answered next turn.

_____________________________

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 333

RE: March 7/42 - 12/14/2012 10:48:05 PM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 2130
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline

Forgot to mention.

Balikpapan, Samarinda, Tarakan, Miri and Brunei have all been captured, so these bases are my sources of oil and fuel at the moment. I've started small tanker runs from Balikpapan to Makassar and Babeldoab to supply fuel for naval operations. Brunei and Miri are starting to drop fuel and oil at Singapore. I'd like to see if the oil starts making its way to Bangkok and Rangoon and if the fuel will move to Saigon.

Saigon since game start has been at 200k+ of fuel and holding. Singapore does not appear to be drawing fuel and is only used to top off combat ships. I am not exporting anything from Singapore at this stage.

Shanghai, Keijo and Fusan are drawing fuel from Port Arthur it seems. I'm going to stop using Shanghai as a resource exporting base and see if the fuel currently there will migrate back to Keijo and Fusan. Fusan does seem to be drawing fuel as I have a small number of tanker (1250 capacity) regularly transporting it to the Home Islands.

I'm moving the bigger tankers forward and will eventually start setting up large capacity TF's to get serious amounts of fuel/oil to Japan. I haven't decided on the major export ports yet.

Another note, I'm down to only stockpiling 5.2k of HI daily, down almost 1k from usual. I ramped up some engine production and that may be accounting for much of the decrease. I also turned some merchant shipyards back on as I was always running a deficit. I want to make sure the tankers that should be under construction are actually building.

I'm starting to get the exportation of resources back to Japan in gear and should be humming along by months end as I sort everything out.

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 12/14/2012 11:07:48 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 Chickenboy)

Post #: 334

On my way to... - 12/15/2012 7:07:47 AM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 2130
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline

crashing the Japanese economy!

Completing the turn today, I noticed bases in the Home Islands short of supply. Not to worry, I did the same thing last game. I'm of the expand early and let the economy recover later school of Japanese economics. Still, I'll hold off shipping any further supply from the Home Islands until I'm back in the black.

Turn is away to Jocke. Should be some fireworks today in Java. I've set roughly 100 fighters based at Toboali to 80% LRCAP of Kalidjati. I sure hope they show up in decent numbers to counter the expected massed Allied naval air strikes or it's going to get messy!

_____________________________

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 #: 335

RE: On my way to... - 12/15/2012 9:15:04 AM

obvert

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Joined: 1/17/2011
From: London, UK
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Did you hear anything about Pappy?

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"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm." - Winston Churchill

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Post #: 336

RE: On my way to... - 12/15/2012 12:20:08 PM

PaxMondo

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quote:

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon

... I'm of the expand early and let the economy recover later school of Japanese economics. ...

(As opposed to the Mike Solli School)

But you know what? Whatever works. I'm kinda in the middle. Sort Off. Kinda.

_____________________________

Pax

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Post #: 337

RE: On my way to... - 12/15/2012 5:43:47 PM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 2130
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: obvert

Did you hear anything about Pappy?

Jocke, quite gleefully, informed me Boyington is alive and well. Apparently he had taken a case of beer up with him on patrol and used it to douse the flames.

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

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

(in reply to obvert)

Post #: 338

RE: On my way to... - 12/15/2012 5:47:05 PM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 2130
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: PaxMondo

(As opposed to the Mike Solli School)

But you know what? Whatever works. I'm kinda in the middle. Sort Off. Kinda.

I'm winging it a little right now Tony. I'm running an engine deficit as well so that's next on the agenda to deal with.

Call me the "anti-Mike" this time around, I'm probably playing more historical this way.

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

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

(in reply to PaxMondo)

Post #: 339

Much ado about nothing... - 12/15/2012 5:49:30 PM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 2130
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline

8 March 42:

Java:

No Allied reaction to the massive reinforcement of Kalidjati other than a half-hearted PT Boat attack that withdrew after one shot was fired from an xAP. Troops are pouring ashore, but I'll need another day or two yet to get everything unloaded.

No sign of Allied air attack. I wonder if KB's presence persuaded Jocke to save his bombers for another time. I actually withdrew KB this turn to Balikpapan for fuel and to avoid enemy submarines. KB's been moving erratically lately and thought I better top off the bunkers to avoid further issues. With KB out of the picture maybe the Allies will strike today, but now I've based a large Zero unit at Kalidjati and LRCAP is still available from Toboali, so the window of opportunity for an easier strike against my transports is quickly closing.

Port Blair:

A Allied TF of ten ships recently spotted near Port Blair is sailing N.E. towards Akyab/Chittagong. I tried for an intercept today with CA Chokai and friends, but came up two hexes short. I've ordered another attempt to engage this enemy force and have assigned LRCAP protection from Rangoon in case I'm caught within range of Allied LBA from Akyab, Cox's Bazar or Port Blair.

China:

Ouch! I misplayed Changsha and allowed an opportunity for a Chinese shock attack prior to Japanese reinforcements arriving and I paid the price. Kudo's to Jocke for risking the attack knowing reinforcements might have spoiled his attack. AAR follows:

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

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 101204 troops, 572 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 2673

Defending force 26932 troops, 232 guns, 42 vehicles, Assault Value = 788

Allied adjusted assault: 3427

Japanese adjusted defense: 795

Allied assault odds: 4 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
6918 casualties reported
Squads: 254 destroyed, 74 disabled
Non Combat: 237 destroyed, 83 disabled
Engineers: 22 destroyed, 26 disabled
Guns lost 47 (16 destroyed, 31 disabled)
Vehicles lost 13 (5 destroyed, 8 disabled)
Units retreated 3

Allied ground losses:
6018 casualties reported
Squads: 78 destroyed, 610 disabled
Non Combat: 7 destroyed, 60 disabled
Engineers: 8 destroyed, 44 disabled

Defeated Japanese Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
53rd Chinese Corps
87th Chinese Corps
74th Chinese Corps
58th Chinese Corps
18th Chinese Corps
72nd Chinese Corps
10th Chinese Corps
37th Chinese Corps
26th Chinese Corps
20th Chinese Corps
94th Chinese Corps
19th Group Army
14th Chinese Base Force
29th Group Army
17th Chinese Base Force
1st Burma Auxiliary AA Regiment
30th Group Army
27th Group Army
9th War Area
57th AT Gun Regiment

Defending units:
39th Division
6th Division
138th Infantry Regiment (only this unit was in move mode)

Despite the losses, these units are still in relatively good shape. However, I was forced to retreat into the wooded hex N.E. of Changsha so movement out will take some time. Four more divisions will arrive in Changsha today though, they were only two miles short of arriving in time to save the day. Fault lies with me as a result of a poor choice and sequence of movement modes.

The Chinese won a tactical victory, but I hope to turn this into a strategic voctory for Japan. The attack had to have used up a lot of supply and 610 disablements has to hurt in the long term. The losses suffered today pale in comparison to what I'd have suffered launching an attack against Changsha myself to inflict the same casualties on the enemy. I'll recover my losses, the Chinese most likely won't.

Thoughts:

I'm firmly established on Java and a screenshot after the next turn will provide troop dispositions. I've invested Soerabaja with two infantry regiments and an artillery bombardment is ordered to scout the defending forces. Only four enemy units are defending the base so I don't expect a long siege. Already securing a number of larger airbases on Java reduces the need to have naval assets on hand. Once the remaining troops are ashore at Kalidjati and the transports withdrawn, only smaller sized TF's will be required to land additional units and supply.

The next turn could be bloody though. The withdrawal of KB gives the Allies the green light to launch large scale air attacks. I only have one Zero unit and LRCAP from Toboali to counter. Factor in the risk of PT's and submarines and I could lose some ships today. I won't rule out Allied naval forces making an appearance, but naval search and submarine patrols so far indicate no enemy TF's within range. With Jocke, you never know. Give him an inch and...

What I'm hoping most for today is CA Chokai catching that enemy TF off the coast of Burma. I want to let Jocke know that Port Blair is now off limits.

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 12/15/2012 6:48:31 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 #: 340

RE: Much ado about nothing... - 12/15/2012 6:21:51 PM

MAurelius

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Joined: 6/28/2012
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must have been a lot that happened on March 8 :D

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Post #: 341

RE: Much ado about nothing... - 12/15/2012 6:49:58 PM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 2130
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: MAurelius

must have been a lot that happened on March 8 :D

Technical malfunction.

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

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

(in reply to MAurelius)

Post #: 342

RE: Much ado about nothing... - 12/15/2012 7:07:06 PM

PaxMondo

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

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon

... The attack had to have used up a lot of supply and 610 disablements has to hurt in the long term. The losses suffered today pale in comparison to what I'd have suffered launching an attack against Changsha myself to inflict the same casualties on the enemy. I'll recover my losses, the Chinese most likely won't....

.

I would agree, I think in a few days this will prove to be a big mistake on your opponents part. Now I'm trying to figure out how to this as a planned move ...

_____________________________

Pax

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Post #: 343

RE: Much ado about nothing... - 12/15/2012 9:36:03 PM

obvert

Posts: 3683
Joined: 1/17/2011
From: London, UK
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It's great Jocke tried that in China after so many difficult results there in our game. I agree those units will be worse off in some respects, but they did just get a big experience gain I would bet. Still, with what you have coming, you should be able to break them down eventually.

_____________________________

"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm." - Winston Churchill

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Post #: 344

Mar 9/42 - 12/16/2012 3:38:27 AM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 2130
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline

Java:

I believe the presence of KB in the Java Sea on the 7th caused hesitation on the part of Jocke to launch naval air strikes against my amphibious TF's at Kalidjati in fear of KB's CAP during the initial unloading. No air attacks occurred on the 8th since he hadn't realized KB had retired. The way was clear for the Allies to throw everything that could fly against Kalidjati on the 9th and Jocke seized that opportunity. It was a day too late. Had the Allies struck on the 8th, I believe I'd have been hard pressed to effectively defend the transports from air attack. Instead, the extra day allowed me to base CAP directly at Kalidjati supported by LRCAP from Toboali and the result was only one transport heavily damaged, sustaining two torpedo hits (most likely will sink tomorrow).

Two successive Allied air attacks saw Japanese fighters decimate the Allied fighter escort and only the low altitude of the bombers saved them from the CAP prior to their attack runs. No bomb hits were scored in the first attack and only two torpedoes found their mark in the second and more heavily escorted strike package. The Allied escort did its job though, the bombers got thru only to fail miserably from poor accuracy.

I also think a successful Japanese sweep of Batavia on the 7th weakened the potential numbers of fighter escort available, substantially contributing to the victory in the air today. Total Allied losses over Kalidjati were 36 fighters and 12 bombers against two Oscar's. I don't know what kind of fighter strength remains to the Allies, but another attack tomorrow will meet similiar treatment. The small number of bombers shot down was a direct result of flying low under the CAP as Japanese fighters couldn't engage until the post-air attack phase. I've adjusted my CAP altitude accordingly.

Japan's first naval ace was reported today scoring his 4th and 5th kills. PO2 Endo, Masuaki of the Tainan KU S-1 based at Kalidjati. According to Osprey Aircraft of the Aces #22 "Imperial Japanese Navy Aces 1937-45" by Henry Sakaida, Endo scored a total of 14 victories but did not survive the war. It's been a long time since I cited a reference, and if incorrectly done I'd appreciate a heads up from those in the know.

Bombardment of Soerabaja indicates the base is weakly held. AAR follows:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Soerabaja (56,104)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 810 troops, 71 guns, 54 vehicles, Assault Value = 253

Defending force 5709 troops, 47 guns, 4 vehicles, Assault Value = 121

Allied ground losses:
101 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 4 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
9th Infantry Regiment
33rd Infantry Regiment
7th RF Gun Battalion
3rd RF Gun Battalion
17th Medium Field Artillery Regiment

Defending units:
Artilleriecommando Coastal Gun Battalion
Soerabaja Base Force
MLD
Malang Base Force

A screenshot of Java follows. You can see Japan is ideally situated to isolate Batavia and quickly capture Soerabaja and is moving to do so.

Attachment (1)

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

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

(in reply to obvert)

Post #: 345

RE: On my way to... - 12/16/2012 3:41:39 AM

Mike Solli

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quote:

ORIGINAL: PaxMondo

quote:

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon

... I'm of the expand early and let the economy recover later school of Japanese economics. ...

(As opposed to the Mike Solli School)

But you know what? Whatever works. I'm kinda in the middle. Sort Off. Kinda.

Lemon's comment (above) made me cringe!

_____________________________

Created by the amazing Dixie

(in reply to PaxMondo)

Post #: 346

RE: On my way to... - 12/16/2012 3:42:18 AM

Mike Solli

Posts: 13695
Joined: 10/18/2000
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quote:

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon

quote:

ORIGINAL: PaxMondo

(As opposed to the Mike Solli School)

But you know what? Whatever works. I'm kinda in the middle. Sort Off. Kinda.

I'm winging it a little right now Tony. I'm running an engine deficit as well so that's next on the agenda to deal with.

Call me the "anti-Mike" this time around, I'm probably playing more historical this way.

_____________________________

Created by the amazing Dixie

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 347

RE: Mar 9/42 continued... - 12/16/2012 4:00:56 AM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 2130
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline

China:

Four Japanese divisions have arrived at Changsha so a repeat of Chinese martial success here is now doubtful. The two beat up divisions have been ordered to reinforce rather than pull back and recover. As obvert suggested, the Chinese gained some valuable experience, but I believe this success will be short lived.

The railway to Liuchow is severed and providing my division can hold, no Chinese reinforcements can be railed west from Changsha. It's a race to Liuchow now and there are four Japanese divisions south of Pingsiang on the move.

The plan in China is still to cause casualties to the Chinese in any form as I move forward, even at the expence of a Japanese defeat on occasion. It all burns supply and will weaken the Chinese over the long term. However, I don't plan on allowing a repeat performance any time soon. The setback at Changsha was self induced and had I not botched my movement orders the Chinese would have been crushed. Is this a sign of megalomania or do I have to blame someone else for my defeat first?

Screenshot of Southern China follows:

Attachment (1)

_____________________________

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 #: 348

RE: Mar 9/42 continued... - 12/16/2012 4:05:56 AM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 2130
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From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline

Northern China:

Jocke's doing a good job of trying to cut off my rail lines and supply routes, but this too will be shortlived. Japanese forces are in supply and are moving to flank Sian while building up bases for a sustained bombing campaign against Sian directly. I'm not bombing any Chinese units in my rear, I'll not willingly destroy these units unless absolutely necessary. Screenshot follows:

Attachment (1)

_____________________________

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 #: 349

RE: Mar 9/42 continued... - 12/16/2012 4:15:15 AM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 2130
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline

The Philippines:

The move against Bataan is underway. Only four enemy LCU's are defending the base and I hope two divisions will be enough. The plan is capture Bataan, clear the minefield and bombard the snot out of Manila before trying to take it by assault. Luzon is entirely shoestring. If Jocke ever realizes how weak I am here and counterattacks Clark Field while I'm busy at Bataan, it could get unpleasant in a hurry. I'm rushing garrison units to Luzon to create an illusion of strength. Screenshot follows:

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 12/16/2012 4:21:42 AM >

_____________________________

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 #: 350

RE: Mar 9/42 continued... - 12/16/2012 4:37:32 AM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 2130
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline

Lastly, CA Chokai failed to react to the Allied TF two hexes away off the coast of Burma and must have zigged while the enemy TF zagged and got away. I think it must have changed direction and headed for Ceylon, skirting south of my TF, otherwise I should have found it. The lack of reaction was the decisive factor though, I may have to check the skill set of the TF commander or Captain of the heavy cruiser.

The next turn is away to Jocke. Medan on Sumatra should fall today and I'm braced for another go at my transports at Kalidjati. The majority of my combat ships are at Singapore and Balikpapan taking on fuel and repairing minor damage. It's time to get my CV's into the IO and cause some mischief now that my Java operation no longer requires a large naval presence. Darwin will have to wait until a few loose ends are tied up and there are additional troops available.

An interesting development in Burma. It appears Jocke may try and hold the line Akyab-Katha-Myitkyina. If so, I may opt for a landing in India to bag the lot rather than head for Perth as originally intended. The strategc goal remains, find Allied units and destroy them wherever they are to be found. I'm flexible.

Lots of Allied activity in Alaska as well. If I'm going to get a foothold in the Aleutians, I better get on it.

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 12/17/2012 5:36:10 PM >

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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 #: 351

RE: Mar 9/42 continued... - 12/16/2012 11:15:13 AM

obvert

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Joined: 1/17/2011
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I like your move to cut the rail through the woods near Kweilin. I think playing with stacking frees up movement so much more that things like that really work and giant stacks can't come over to steamroll your guys.

If you think the supply path would allow it maybe it would be interesting to send some even farther to cut the road to the North toward Chikhiang. The recon for the Chinese is so bad you might be sitting on the road before he knows you're moving that way.

Looks like he's using some guerilla tactics on your railroads South of Nanyang. Might have to make some zombies there!

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"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm." - Winston Churchill

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Post #: 352

Mar 10-11/42 - 12/17/2012 6:36:00 PM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 2130
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From: Alberta, Canada
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Jocke and I completed a fair number of turns over the weekend, but things will slow down again this week.

Sumatra:

A few things of note:

Medan fell easily to the 21st Division and production facilities are completely intact.

Elements of the 5th division have invested Palembang. More troops need to be deployed before I can launch an assault.

Oosthaven was taken by paradrop. There were no defenders.

Java:

All elements of 16th division will combine at Soerabaja in a few days and the first assault will be ordered against the base.

An attack against Tandoeng is ordered for next turn despite being overstacked in the hex. The capture of this base will cut Java in two and isolate Batavia from further reinforcement. Batavia will require a long siege, but the rest of the island just requires mopping up. Seizing Soerabaja has become the priority over capturing Batavia. The troops freed up from Java (excepting those required at Batavia) will redeploy to Sumatra for operations against Palembang.

Merak is not mined, so I can traverse the strait between Java and Sumatra to land troops at Oosthaven. These forces with move by rail to deploy for the attack on Palembang.

China:

Jocke's going to be able to open a hex side and allow the seven units currently trapped S.E. of Changsha to escape. I will conduct a series of attacks to weaken this force as much as possible before they withdraw across the river. I most likely will withdraw completely from Changsha now rather than tie up strength here. I will still make my push via Kweilin and Liuchow as planned. If I can prevent reinforcements from Changsha interfering, I should have enough strength to capture both bases and drive on Tuyun.

In the north, I'm days away from attempting a river crossing to flank Sian in strength. Japanese bombers are ordered to disrupt the four Chinese LCU's currently holding the river.

Thoughts:

I'm really just firing from the hip this game. Plans are flexible enough to try and exploit any weakness in the enemy defences rather than follow a more methodical or planned approach. I'm advancing where opportunity takes me. At least until I move on Perth or decide on an Indian gambit to trap Allied forces in Burma.

Jocke has commented I'm not giving him many opportunities to strike back as much as he'd like to. Perhaps presenting a slightly weaker advance on my part in a few areas with disposable assets may encourage him to counterattack. If I can tease him out, perhaps I can start to inflict some losses on Allied naval forces.

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

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

(in reply to obvert)

Post #: 353

RE: Mar 9/42 continued... - 12/18/2012 5:33:03 PM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 2130
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
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quote:

ORIGINAL: obvert

I like your move to cut the rail through the woods near Kweilin. I think playing with stacking frees up movement so much more that things like that really work and giant stacks can't come over to steamroll your guys.

If you think the supply path would allow it maybe it would be interesting to send some even farther to cut the road to the North toward Chikhiang. The recon for the Chinese is so bad you might be sitting on the road before he knows you're moving that way.

Looks like he's using some guerilla tactics on your railroads South of Nanyang. Might have to make some zombies there!

I completely agree about stacking limits. I think it introduces maneuver back into the game and smaller forces can actually contribute to the war effort rather than just being fodder for whatever uber-stack used to come along. My one complaint (too strong of a word) is not being able to know the stacking limit of a non-base hex prior to entering it. If it is provided, I do not know where to look for it. I'm often moving from one hex where I met the stacking limits, to a new hex where I'm now overstacked.

I need to shuffle more troops forward before I can infiltrate the Chinese defences further. I'll be looking to cut Chinese supply LOC's wherever I can, I'm just not in position to do so yet.

Jocke is doing a good job cutting the railway, but I'm not using it. All troops that needed to be shifted quickly have already done so. I'm essentially operating two separate fronts in China and each is independent of the other with it own supply and troop movment LOC's. There's no reason to clear the Wuchang-Chengchow railway until I get the Luichow to Changsha rail line clear to facilitate resource movement to Korea.

_____________________________

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 #: 354

Holiday Break - 12/19/2012 9:03:10 PM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 2130
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
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I just received the next turn from Jocke after a slight delay of a few days. Jocke requested the extra time after having an epiphany on how to make my life difficult for the remainder of the war and wanted to get started on things immediately.

Jocke will be away over the holidays and there is a good chance we'll not get anymore turns completed for at least a week. This brings me to the purpose of this post. I'll have plenty of time to think about future operations. I also haven't provided much information on R&D, aircraft or ship production and the current state of the economy. I plan on providing an update on the current state of the Home Islands and future war production priorities.

I'd also like to discuss the merit of trying to trap current Commonwealth forces in Burma by invading the Calcutta region in India, but at the expense of limiting operations against Australia. I don't think I can effectively do both, but I'd like to get an idea of what is considered by others as the more dangerous threat to the Allies.

Please let me know of any other information you'd be interested in and I'll put something together.

_____________________________

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 #: 355

RE: Holiday Break - 12/20/2012 4:29:37 PM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 2130
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
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Jocke and I are taking a week off from the game to concentrate on other things during the holidays. My goal is some serious model time. Any updates I do will just recap the last few days, provide details on the production side of things and discuss my strategy moving forward.

Developments in China have me scratching my head and I will post more on that in a day or two.

_____________________________

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 #: 356

RE: Holiday Break - 12/21/2012 2:11:13 AM

PaxMondo

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Well, Q1Y42 is winding down. Post up some Tracker shots of your economy. Maybe your pilots aces as well? etc. Let us get a better sense of where you are here for us 'logistics' types.

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Post #: 357

Lemon's Japanese economy...a work in progress - 12/22/2012 6:35:49 PM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 2130
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
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Here are some production screenshots for those interested. First up is the WitP Chart. I've slowly been dropping from a surplus of over 6k HI daily to just over 5.2k and holding. I've been tweaking merchant and naval shipyards while increasing engine production, and these are mainly responsible for the decrease.

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 12/22/2012 6:36:29 PM >

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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 #: 358

Lemon's Japanese economy Pt. 2 - 12/22/2012 6:38:11 PM

SqzMyLemon

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Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
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Here are regional production totals and nothing is jumping out as a concern at this time.

Attachment (1)

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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)

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 359

Lemon's Japanese economy Pt. 3 - 12/22/2012 6:42:28 PM

SqzMyLemon

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Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
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Naval production follows. I have forgotten to switch DD Teruzuki back to normal production. I usually stop CVL Ryuho for a few months because her air groups are not available for almost 9 months after completion of the carrier. CVL's aren't a real priority for me anyway.

Attachment (1)

_____________________________

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 #: 360