RE: The war is back on.

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RE: The war is back on.

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All Forums >> [New Releases from Matrix Games] >> War in the Pacific: Admiral's Edition >> After Action Reports >> RE: The war is back on.

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RE: The war is back on. - 10/11/2012 12:26:59 AM

GreyJoy

Posts: 5032
Joined: 3/18/2011
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: fcharton

quote:

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon
I think the pace will be too slow to provide daily accounts and I don't really have the time anyway. I'm asking the readers that are following what you would prefer to see and have me focus on. What will make this an interesting AAR for you to follow?

I tend to like "unfocused" AARs. Short installment, daily if possible, which never try to give an account of the whole war, but rather tell a small story a day. Cuttlefish used to this in his "non narrative" campaigns.

One thing I really liked in your previous AAR was the introspection. Somehow, the way we react about the game, our doubts and misgivings, are more interesting than the war stories and tales of great victories.

Francois

+ 1. If i only spoke a better english....

(in reply to fcharton)

Post #: 211

RE: The war is back on. - 10/11/2012 2:40:01 AM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 2148
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: fcharton

I tend to like "unfocused" AARs. Short installment, daily if possible, which never try to give an account of the whole war, but rather tell a small story a day.

One thing I really liked in your previous AAR was the introspection. Somehow, the way we react about the game, our doubts and misgivings, are more interesting than the war stories and tales of great victories.

Francois

I can definitely do unfocused.

I think I'm with you on this as well Francois. I'd like to get into more discussions about various developments within the game at any given time, rather than just reporting daily events. I'd much rather provide the how's and why's of what I'm doing. As you followed my last AAR, there's no doubt the emotional up's and down's will be present here too. My major goal is to relax and not get so worked up at times.

I have a few ideas I'm playing around with to make this an interesting read. I'm by no means a writer, but I'd like to develop some sub plots to follow within the larger context of the war. When I was in Vancouver in July, I bought a number of Osprey books on Japanese Army and Navy aces. I thought it might be interesting to track down some of these pilots and follow their virtual war careers and the air units they serve in. I have two books covering Army and Navy aces, and two more focused on Ki-43 Oscar and Ki-44 Tojo aces.

I'd also like to document the state of the economy more regularly, almost as if I was the Minister of Economics or War Production in charge of meeting military and civilian needs while trying to keep everything running efficiently.

Another thing I'd really like to do, is highlight my interest of models within the context of the Pacific War and this AAR. I have so many relevent kits that I could work on during the course of the game and show progress during their construction. I'll have to see what I can do with this one, time being the limiting factor. It is getting colder here, we actually had some snow today, but I do spend more time on models in the winter so this might be perfect timing.

Anyway, thanks for posting and your input. I think this AAR is about to take a completely different direction, and that might actually be a good thing.

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 10/11/2012 2:49:54 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 fcharton)

Post #: 212

RE: The war is back on. - 10/11/2012 2:49:15 AM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 2148
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline

GreyJoy,

My games tend not to be epic, as in your case, but I'm glad to see you following along so far.

I really should do an AAR on my Allied PBEM, I'm so getting my ass handed to me in that one, it's embarrassing. My opponent is simply outplaying me all over the map. China's almost toast, I'm hard pressed in Alaska and New Zealand has been invaded. The north island is about to fall. I've also lost two CV's and in jeopardy of losing over a 100 ships (mostly AP's and transports) trapped at Prince Rupert by KB. There's a good chance I'm about lose 1/4 of my naval surface ships at Seward and four of my big AO's. Ugh, totally depressing, but you've shown it's not impossible to come back when backed into a corner.

_____________________________

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 #: 213

Brief Jan. 28/42 update - 10/12/2012 5:03:53 PM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 2148
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline

Malaya:

The deliberate attack launched against Singapore today only achieved 1:1 odds. The Allies have been able to build the forts back to level 2, although they were reduced back down to 1 after the attack. Japanese bombers and the weather are killing my effort to take Singapore quickly. The bombers are often grounded now to poor weather, and when they do fly the damage inflicted at 10k is minimal and quickly repaired. Disruption and fatigue of my units after this last attack are high, yet no (-) combat modifiers have been applied. I have an almost 4:1 raw AV advantage, but it appears Singapore won't fall prior to February as hoped. I rest and hope the bombers can damage the base to prevent the forts recovering. I've ordered large sweeps over Singapore in case Jocke tries another CAP trap.

China:

A shock attack finally clears the secondary road hex of Chinese troops. Over 500+ enemy infantry squads are destroyed. I now have 800+ AV in 3x defensive terrain with a fort level of 2. If the Chinese force attempting to breakout attacks across the river, I expect them to take horrendous casualties. They are overstacked, likely without supply and the disruption they'll suffer should be massive.

A small force of three Chinese units now in clear terrain N.W. of Sinyang will be shock attacked tomorrow by two Japanese divisions. The enemy force has been bombed constantly for weeks and should be routed easily.

SoPac:

The 65th Bde. lands at Noumea. Some transports and escorting PB's are lightly damaged by CD guns during the landing. A deliberate attack is ordered for tomorrow.

Thoughts:

I hate Japanese army bombers. The inability to keep Singapore damaged is frustrating. Weather has contributed, but so far the results from bombing are generally pathetic.

Troops are loading up at Koepang and Lautem for landings against Australia. The Balikpapan assault force will land at the base to the north and then cross the river to attack Balikpapan. This amphibious force is currently loading up at Makassar.

KB is moving north between New Caledonia and Australia towards Rabaul. I'll finally get KB to port to replenish.

Operations in China are progressing as planned. I've blocked a large Chinese force from escaping in the south. I'm destroying squads in sufficient numbers and moving forward. Jocke has a lot of strength converging on Sian. I will bypass and secure Yenan, then drive on Lanchow. I'm setting up airbases for a sustained bombing campaign against Sian.

Until Singapore falls, I can't advance against Palembang, Luzon or Java. Tick...tick...tick...

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 10/12/2012 6:06:42 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 #: 214

Jan. 29-31/42 update - 10/15/2012 6:53:45 PM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 2148
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline

Malaya:

We've reached Feb. 1/42 and I've failed to accomplish my goal of capturing Singapore in January. A shock attack on the 31st achieved only 1:1 odds and the base held. The rebuilding of the forts to level 2 by the 28th was decisive. Japanese bombers ordered to hit the airbase on the 31st were grounded due to weather, while bombers ordered to target ground troops were not. No luck. The forts must not be allowed to rebuild.

I'm not so worried about the delay, but by the fact my troops are steadily being degraded the longer the siege continues. I think one more shock attack will do it, but I need a few days to rest. It comes down to the bombers now, they must keep the airbase damaged until I can launch the assault.

After Singapore falls, I will deploy my entire strength against Palembang via Oosthaven. These bases must be taken quickly so I can then move on Java.

China:

It looks like Jocke will be able to extricate his force withdrawing from Tsiaotso after all. Despite me controlling the hex, Jocke has opened the west hexside by contesting the hex with two Chinese Corps. The survivors of the river assault can then move through the hex once they make the crossing. I'm powerless to stop this movement.

I know this was used in another AAR and the consensus felt it wasn't exactly Kosher. It's definitely the design flaw in using hex side control as the determining factor in movement and not control of the actual hex. Hopefully, the Chinese trying to escape will become combat ineffective after the river crossing. The tactical goal is still to reduce Chinese formations without actually destroying them, so if this force does escape it's not the end of the world. They'll continue to use up supply.

Jocke is moving lots of units around Changsha and has created numerous 3 unit stacks. I'm going to shift some divisions from the centre to deploy against these concentrations. It's a perfect chance to maul Chinese units in smaller numbers.

CentPac:

An Allied SCTF was spotted east of Wake Island and this leads me to believe Jocke intends on reinforcing the base. KB will replenish and support the amphibious assault against Wake Island to prevent this potentially festering into something worse.

PM and Horn Island will then be dealt with while KB is in the area.

Australia:

Japanese troops will land at Derby tomorrow. An infantry regiment and JAAF AF Bn. are the initial forces. They will be followed by more infantry, armour and support units.

Thoughts:

February will see the attempt to break the back of the Allied defence in the DEI. I'll be pressing against strong enemy concentrations in well fortified positions, further supported by all the air and naval units available to the Australians, British, Dutch and Americans in the DEI. I've decided KB will be committed at some point to ensure the Allies are crushed.

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 10/15/2012 6:56:11 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 #: 215

Brief Feb. 1/42 Update - 10/16/2012 5:33:48 PM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 2148
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline

Malaya:

Singapore's airbase is targeted by every Japanese bomber within range and damage is indicated at 38%. Artillery bombard again to give the infantry a chance to recover disruption and fatigue.

Burma:

Japanese forces are contesting Taung Gyi with an armoured unit. I'm awaiting the arrival of infantry before launching an assault.

Borneo:

Samarinda was captured. Balikpapan will be assaulted by river crossing once more infantry arrive.

Australia:

Amphibious landing at Derby is unopposed, the base will fall tomorrow. The plan is to march on Broome and establish an airbase to close off the area to Allied naval forces. So begins the initial stage of my operations against Australia.

China:

Armoured units have successfully crossed the river and are contesting the secondary road between Sian and Yenan in the hex due N.E. of Sian. The hex is controlled by two enemy units and I may try an assault with the armour. Infantry support will arrive in 3-4 days.

Tsiaotso was finally captured and another source of supply is denied the Chinese. The only negative was the enemy units retreated directly onto the secondary road hex to the N.E. which blocks my supply LOC. Follow up units will clear the road, but that will take about a week.

SoPac:

An Allied tanker TF is spotted moving to Suva. Japanese submarines provided the intel, but did not react and attack.

KB has almost reached Rabaul and will join up with Mini-KB which has already arrived. CV Kaga has reached Manus. My entire CV strength is now in the Solomons. CVL Shoho has just arrived in Japan and will sail to Babeldoab.

Thoughts:

Singapore will fall soon freeing up seven divisions. The next priority will be to deal with Palembang and get control of this vital base.

Operations in Australia will focus on establishing LBA bases with minimal troop deployment. I'll slowly make my way overland to Darwin. I want to force a withdrawal of Allied troops or face being cut off and trapped at Darwin. I'd like to draw Allied forces to Alice Springs where I may be able to cut them off if I choose to land at Port Augusta. There is lots of activity all over Australia. I need to get cracking so I can limit the amount of hardware reaching Australia.

I want to deal quickly with Wake Island, PM and Horn Island so I can get back to Noumea and apply pressure to Fiji. It's clear Jocke will now reinforce if he's trying to get fuel to Suva.

Once I establish LBA in a few areas it will be time to use KB to search out and destroy enemy naval forces wherever I can find them. It's clear I must aggressively search out the enemy in order to bring them to battle.

China is going well. I'm not concerned with a rapid advance, but rather still focusing on causing huge losses to enemy LCU's while I can. There are numerous opportunities developing in the south where I can overwhelm smaller concentrations of enemy troops. In the north, Jocke seems to have concentrated a lot of units. I'll stick to the plan of fighting on my terms and use maneuver to create opportunities to bleed the Chinese in poor defensive terrain.

I'm optimistic that February will be a successful month and put me in position to strike against Australia as originally planned. It still comes down to Singapore at the moment, hopefully the next attack will close the deal there.

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 10/16/2012 5:35:35 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 #: 216

Delay due to virus - 10/17/2012 9:24:13 PM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 2148
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline

My computer is down with a new virus so I'll have to take it in to get looked at. I'd just like to add that if given a chance, I'd love to mess up these hackers in equal measure for all the money, time and stress they cause others. No penalty or means of retribution is too harsh in my opinion.

The war will continue when I'm back up and running. Sounds like Jocke needs a timeout too, he's pretty frustrated these days with the new patch. We haven't patched yet, and I have no intention of installing any updates until it is an official one.

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 10/18/2012 2:29:55 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 #: 217

Chinese losses to date. - 10/18/2012 2:28:46 AM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 2148
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline

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

Total:

3261 Infantry
2802 Non-Combat
226 Engineer
242 Guns

Only a few Chinese units have been destroyed outright.

_____________________________

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 #: 218

Brief Feb. 2/42 Update - 10/19/2012 5:09:22 PM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 2148
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline

Australia:

Derby captured. A fighter unit will deploy to the base to provide CAP while transports unload supplies. The infantry regiment will move against Broome. Remaining elements of 56th Division and various support units will arrive over the following week.

An enemy CM is spotted at Horn Island. I anticipate the base has been reinforced as well.

China:

Japanese armoured units rout a Chinese Corps and cut the secondary road between Sian and Yenan.

Enemy forces attempting to withdraw in the south are moving west towards Nanchang. A clear terrain hex must be traversed before reaching the base and Japanese air units will be deployed to interdict this force. I expect an attempt to provide LRCAP from Changsha. Nanchang has level 4 fortifications with a garrison of three infantry divisions and three tank regiments.

Malaya:

Singapore's airbase now shows 78% damage and an artillery bombardment destroys a number of squads. Japanese divisions are still showing high fatigue levels despite not participating in the bombardments. Another day of air and artillery attacks then a shock attack on the 4th.

New Guinea:

Buna is cpatured. Air operations will begin shortly against Port Moresby.

SoPac:

An enemy amphibious TF is spotted at Suva which Japanese submarines fail to interdict.

Thoughts:

Business as usual. Move forward, consolidate and prepare for the tough fights ahead.

Japanese naval ASW is dismal in DaBabes compared to stock. Allied submarines are especially effective in shallow water and base hexes while attempts at ASW fail to record hits in these ideal conditions.

Jocke loves mines, he uses them everywhere. I'll adjust my tactics appropriately.

_____________________________

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 #: 219

Brief Feb. 3-4/42 Update - 10/22/2012 5:25:06 PM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 2148
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline

Australia:

Bab's based at Derby spot two enemy AMc's at Port Hedland. A small SCTF consisting of a CL and three DD's are ordered to interdict the enemy TF and sink both ships on the 4th.

China:

A large battle is looming near Nanchang as Jocke attempts to breakout with 10 enemy LCU's. Bombers are beginning to soften up the enemy force and ground troops are in position, already claiming ownership of the hex the Chinese intend on occupying. Japanese forces are trailing the Chinese to close the hex side once they enter to trap them completely in clear terrain. I anticipate the Chinese cancelling their movement once they realize the danger and staying in the forest hex.

Japanese forces are marching on Yenan from the west along the secondary road. I do not have the strength to move against Sian at this time with the enemy amassing 30 LCU's defending the base. The priority remains to destroy as many squads from isolated enemy units before moving against Sian.

Engineer and construction units are massing at Tsiaotso to expand the airbase. Nanning will also be expanded. The bombing campaign against Sian will begin once these bases are ready.

Malaya:

Japanese bombers continue to concentrate on keeping the airbase at Singapore closed. Damage reached a peak of 78%, but has fallen to 61% after most of the bombers were grounded due to weather. Artillery continue to bombard and destroy a number of enemy squads daily. The bombers are ordered to target ground troops on the 5th in support of another shock attack.

New Guinea:

A small enemy transport TF is spotted at Port Moresby, but Betty's based at Lae fail to attack. The unit leader's aggression is discovered to be only 42% and has been replaced with a more aggressive one. Hopefully they fly on the 5th. I also have moved Mini-KB from Rabaul to within range of this TF. I want Jocke to see my CVL's here as a diversion, while KB sails to Truk.

KB:

KB will refuel and replenish at Truk in preparation for supporting the Wake Island invasion. If KB remains undetected, I may attempt to set up an ambush at Wake Island by sending in an initial diversionary amphibious TF poorly supported and without air cover to draw an Allied response.

Sub Ops:

On two occasions I've had submarines spot and react to enemy TF's near Fiji and launch torpedoes. Both Japanese submarines outright miss an AM and a xAK. I'm dreading another game of ineffective Japanese submarines. These are two targets that should easily be hit. I continue to have atrocious luck when it comes to successful submarine attacks.

Thoughts:

Jocke aggressively moves forward as soon as Japanese forces withdraw. I'm going to start setting up some ambushes.

_____________________________

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 #: 220

Game and non-related musings. - 10/22/2012 9:54:28 PM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 2148
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline

Slow day at work.

I posted some time ago in the war room concerning the number of Ops losses I've suffered. I'd like to pass on that Ops losses are starting to decrease after implementing a number of suggestions. I've been standing down air units with high airframe fatigue and increasing rest % for active units. These two actions seem to have made an immediate impact.

The amount of air support I provide at a base is always enough for the number of aircraft, but it was brought to my attention that the fatigue % of the support units has a direct bearing on air operations. I will monitor this as the game progresses and determine if keeping the fatigue levels low further reduce my Ops losses.

Economy wise I'm still running a fuel/oil/resource deficit in Japan. Granted, my transport network isn't fully set up yet, but I need to start increasing the numbers arriving across the board. My primary resource extraction ports in Asia are Hong Kong, Shanghai, Keijo and Fusan. Fusan so far is the lowest in terms of stockpile never having more than 12k at the port daily. Hong Kong, Shanghai and Keijo however all have stockpiles over 100k. Drawing from Shanghai is the most productive at the moment.

I'm bringing in resources from Hokkaido. Shikuka has a small number of dedicated TF's extracting oil and resources for transport to Hokkaido. Hakodate is then the primary port for exporting to Honshu.

More to follow...

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 10/23/2012 6:07:46 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 #: 221

RE: Game and non-related musings. - 10/23/2012 2:58:54 AM

PaxMondo

Posts: 4511
Joined: 6/6/2008
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon

Slow day at work.

I posted some time ago in the war room concerning the number of Ops losses I've suffered. I'd like to pass on that Ops losses are starting to decrease after implementing a number of suggestions. I've been standing down air units with high airframe fatigue and increasing rest % for active units. These two actions seem to have made an immediate impact.

Good news!!

_____________________________

Pax

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 222

Singapore Falls! - 10/23/2012 5:23:02 PM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 2148
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline

5 February 42:

Malaya:

The big news today was the fall of Singapore...finally. Japanese bombers targeted enemy ground troops today to cause as much disruption prior to the shock attack. It paid off as there was a (-) disruption modifier to the defenders. AAR follows:

Ground combat at Singapore (50,84)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 91837 troops, 935 guns, 564 vehicles, Assault Value = 2492

Defending force 38513 troops, 381 guns, 250 vehicles, Assault Value = 599

Japanese adjusted assault: 3681

Allied adjusted defense: 685

Japanese assault odds: 5 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Singapore !!!

Allied aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft losses
S.19 Singapore III: 1 destroyed
Buffalo PR.I: 1 destroyed

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), disruption(-)
Attacker: shock(+)

Japanese ground losses:
3228 casualties reported
Squads: 6 destroyed, 175 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 33 disabled
Engineers: 44 destroyed, 41 disabled
Vehicles lost 16 (2 destroyed, 14 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
21551 casualties reported
Squads: 960 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 4142 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 215 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 445 (445 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Vehicles lost 332 (332 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units destroyed 32

There's no chance of recuperation for Japanese forces though. They will immediately move on Sumatra and Java. Minesweepers are moving to clear Singapore's harbour and engineers will repair the airbase and port. Air units in Malaya will stand down for a few days to reorganize prior to beginning the air campaign to establish air superiority over Palembang and Batavia.

China:

Chinese units breaking out from Tsiaotso launch a river assault today and suffer heavy losses, but not as many as I had hoped. My failure to clear this hex of enemy troops quickly prevented me from moving west to ensure the Chinese could not open the west hex side. Jocke will be able to move thru my forces and escape. Poor game design, but it is what it is. AAR follows:

Ground combat at 86,42 (near Loyang)

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 5346 troops, 43 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1572

Defending force 38548 troops, 310 guns, 534 vehicles, Assault Value = 1394

Allied adjusted assault: 0

Japanese adjusted defense: 6127

Allied assault odds: 1 to 99

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+)
Attacker: shock(+)

Allied ground losses:
7537 casualties reported
Squads: 357 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 282 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 14 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 41 (41 destroyed, 0 disabled)

Assaulting units:
2nd Chinese Cavalry Corps
76th Chinese Corps
80th Chinese Corps
27th Chinese Corps
36th Chinese Corps
93rd Chinese Corps
98th Chinese Corps
1st War Area
Jingcha War Area
36th Group Army
14th Group Army
39th Group Army

Defending units:
10th Tank Regiment
32nd Division
5th Tank Regiment
15th Division
35th Division
11th Tank Regiment

The fact the enemy will escape to Sian means there will be no early capture of this base. I will capture Yenan while I await airbase expansions in the region. In the meantime, I will shift forces to the Changsha area to take advantage of smaller concentrations of enemy troops that I can defeat in detail.

In other news, Chinese forces around Nanchang realize the danger of entering the clear terrain hex east of the base and instead are now moving S.W. to stay in good defensive terrain. I will move to counter. This force I don't plan on letting escape.

New Guinea:

CL Nagara and four DD's sink an enemy AM and two xAKL's at Port Moresby today. Mini-KB was not needed and remains undetected east of Buna.

Thoughts:

Jocke has confessed to exploiting hex side control in China to allow his forces to escape from encirclement. There's not much I can do about it and I don't blame him for doing so. This feature of hex side control is not one I'm impressed with. It allows exactly this type of maneuver. I was aware of this though and tried to counter, I just wasn't able to close the door.

With the fall of Singapore, I can finally get moving against Allied strongpoints. I definitely need to deal with Palembang and get fuel/oil flowing to the Home Islands.

More to follow, especially some screenshots to bring everything up to date visually.

Note:

February is starting out well in terms of weakening China's ground forces. In only five days, I've already reached the magic 350 Chinese squads destroyed. Total of the month so far is:

524 Infantry
496 Non-Combat
20 Engineer
47 Guns

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 10/23/2012 6:07:18 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 #: 223

RE: Singapore Falls! - 10/23/2012 8:05:54 PM

fcharton

Posts: 737
Joined: 10/4/2010
From: Nemours, France
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon
Chinese units breaking out from Tsiaotso launch a river assault today and suffer heavy losses, but not as many as I had hoped.

Just launch a deliberate attack tomorrow, and you will get this corrected. One thing I have noticed in China (but it is probably a feature of the combat model) is that the "second and third" attacks tend to pay. Always counterattack and pursue when you can, this is usually when you get the big squad losses.

quote:

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon
Jocke has confessed to exploiting hex side control in China to allow his forces to escape from encirclement. There's not much I can do about it and I don't blame him for doing so. This feature of hex side control is not one I'm impressed with. It allows exactly this type of maneuver. I was aware of this though and tried to counter, I just wasn't able to close the door.

I believe the hexside control feature makes sense if you consider a hex is 85 km across. Granted, it makes surrounding enemy units a difficult task, but I always thought wargames (especially those using rigid ZOCs and similar features) made it much easier than it was in real life.

You can still use it to your advantage; but you need to plan a lot, and have a very good understanding of geography and movement speed. Around Loyang and Yenan, keep in mind that over rough or desert rough terrain, armored units move 15 miles a day, and you have armored car units, whereas the chinese don't...

Francois

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 224

RE: Singapore Falls! - 10/23/2012 8:28:03 PM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 2148
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline

Hi Francois,

Good points about the hex side control issue, but it's all good. I knew what to do to counter, but the Chinese were able to hold the hex longer than anticipated and I couldn't close the route off. It's the way the game has been designed, and I realize you either complain about it or work with it. I plan on working with it.

As to a counterattack, not sure I can do that. I'm overstacked in the hex by 5k worth of troops and the river assault put my supply in the red. I'm sure the Chinese are in even rougher shape and may be overstacked as well. One thing to consider though, Jocke moved two fresh Chinese Corps into the hex from the west prior to the river crossing. They may be enough to stop a rout. There are still four Chinese units that haven't crossed the river yet, but they are indicated as moving S.W. It may be an effort to try and cut me off instead.

I think I accompished what I could. I failed to close the trap and it's time to bypass these enemy units and threaten flanking Sian. I stick to the plan of wearing down the Chinese without destroying them and force them to fight on ground of my choosing.

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

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Post #: 225

RE: Singapore Falls! - 10/23/2012 9:15:09 PM

obvert

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If there is a new map the would be great. I'm having trouble visualizing, but your plans sound solid from a semi-disoriented viewpoint.

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Post #: 226

RE: Singapore Falls! - 10/23/2012 9:54:01 PM

SqzMyLemon

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quote:

ORIGINAL: obvert

If there is a new map the would be great. I'm having trouble visualizing, but your plans sound solid from a semi-disoriented viewpoint.

I know, I've been lazy this time around

. A map or two will clear everything up. I think I was waiting for Singapore to fall and used that as an excuse to slack off.

With Singapore now under my control, I'm going to start documenting fuel/oil/resource flow of the major bases along the Singapore-Fusan route, much as I did last time. I'll see if I can get things moving this time around.

I'll also start providing my R&D info and why I'm choosing to produce certain aircraft. With PDU on, I still plan on building more fighter types than just the Frank and George. I want to see what their capabilities are and how they perform in different roles. For me, PDU on is more about having the flexibility to customize my air force rather than being shackled to a historical OOB.

So, I promise Erik, maps soon.

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 10/23/2012 9:55:53 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 #: 227

Totally off topic - an early Christmas - 10/24/2012 4:14:19 PM

SqzMyLemon

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As my finances took a beating while doing some recent house renovations, I thought what a better time to add to the debt load by ordering some historic figures. They arrived yesterday, the same day the renovations finished, so it seems like good karma to me. I love getting packages, especially of models. i ordered four figures from various periods of history. A Zulu Warrior of 1870, a Roman Vexillifer, a 17th Century Duelist and a mounted Napoleonic Dutch Lancer. As you can tell, I have varied interests covering all periods of historical figures.

My entire model building has been disrupted for almost 2 months now. All my painting supplies have been tucked away in a spare room inconvienently blocked by furniture and bookshelves. So all my current projects have been on hold. I'm looking forward to getting back at things, but now I'm wrestling with the urge to renovate my office/hobby room.

I have a closet that is used strictly for storage and I've had the idea to turn it into a display area for finished kits. This will entail removing the existing poorly done shelves, clothes rod, patching the walls and repainting the entire room. So I think I just added another few weeks delay until I get back to modelling. It's amazing how starting a renovation of a basement may in fact lead to an entire makeover of much of our dated, 1970's bungalow. They say you don't need money to be happy, but it sure helps in other ways. I sense a lot of OT in my immediate future.

Sorry for the digression, work is slow and this is where my mind is at these days. The next turn is away and it should be uneventful. I think the only thing on the dance card is a deliberate attack ordered against Taung Gyi. Two infantry regiments will assault Balikpapan by river crossing from Samarinda in a few days and KB is rendezvousing with the Wake Island invasion force at Truk.

Screenshots will be provided tonight.

_____________________________

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 #: 228

Another game issue - 10/25/2012 5:23:58 PM

SqzMyLemon

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We've run into another snag. Apparently, a British CV did not move off-map as Jocke had intended way back around the middle of January and before he was aware of the problem the CV had entered the map, out of fuel and steaming for Singapore. The home port is listed as Batavia. I haven't picked up the CV with search, because all my aircraft were focused on Singapore and am unclear of the base Jocke has said he's disbanding the ship in. He's asked for a chance to get fuel to the CV and repair some flotation damage that currently sits at 65%.

I'm not sure how to deal with this situation to be honest. The timing is brutal for me. Since I've just captured Singapore it's imperative that I begin my operations to capture Sumatra and land on Java. I have to wait a few days for Singapore to be clear of mines anyway, but I'm going to have to order LBA to guard against naval attacks and they could inadvertently strike the CV if within range. First I need to know exactly what port the ship will be disbanded in, then I can react accordingly.

I understand Jocke has his mind elsewhere and am willing to cut him a lot of slack. This is another big whoopsie though that was missed. I'll wait to find out exactly what the situation is before I issue my next orders. I don't know what kind of an impact it will have yet, I just hope it won't affect my current operations drastically.

Just waiting to hear back from Jocke as to what he intends on trying to do. As you can tell, I'm rather confused about the situation and don't know where the CV currently is and what port it is near, although he says it is west of Singapore.

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 10/25/2012 5:28:03 PM >

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

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Post #: 229

RE: Another game issue - 10/25/2012 5:34:49 PM

SqzMyLemon

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Ok, the CV is at the base south of Medan, Tand something or other. This shouldn't cause me too much trouble then since I'll be focusing on getting to Palembang and Batavia. The tricky issue will be LBA and the range I can set to cover against enemy naval interdiction.

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Post #: 230

Strategic Musings - 10/25/2012 9:20:54 PM

SqzMyLemon

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Another slow day at work, so I sit pondering my next moves.

I'm beginning to question my planned operation against Australia for a number of reasons:

I don't believe a strat bombing campaign can be successful unless you cross the reinforcement trigger line. The number of bases north of the line within range of Australian industry are few and can easily be shut down by Allied 4E's.

Is destroying Australian units in my best interest? Right now the restricted divisions are extremely expensive PP expenditures to buy out, if they are destroyed they will become available for a fraction of the cost. Yes, the replacement rate is slow, but I suspect it being a boon to Jocke to buy these units out cheaply.

Fuel. It's going to require a lot of fuel and with the status of Palembang's oil facilities in question, I may find I won't have the excess fuel available if the production capacity is trashed after capture.

Will the Allies commit naval assets in the defence of Australia?

Is the delay caused to the Allies enough to justify the large fuel and supply expenditure to Japan? Are the troops better served strengthening the perimeter rather than conducting offensive operations over ground they can never hold?

I'm asking myself these questions and the more I think about it, I think invading Australia without the intention of capturing it outright might cause more problems then solutions to the strategic defence of the Empire.

Just some thoughts. A lot will depend on how Sumatra and Java go and whether I can defeat a large portion of Allied naval strength over the next two months.

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

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Post #: 231

Screenshots - 10/26/2012 4:56:46 AM

SqzMyLemon

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Here's the first of many planned screenshots to bring the war up to date visually for everyone. I don't have time to edit them in detail tonight, but I will add comments tomorrow in text form.

Northern China:

I'm going to bypass Sian and attempt to establish a bridgehead in the hex 92 miles north of Sian, or the hex directly northwest in clear terrain. I believe the Chinese will withdraw from Sian rather than risk being blocked from the safety of the mountains. I will drive on Lanchow after securing my flank at Yenan.

Stacking limits completely changes China, and I intend on reducing the Chinese in detail. Targeting enemy units with selective bombing should allow me to make a breakthrough.

The position marked 1 on the map is where the Chinese have successfully crossed the river and opened up an escape route. There are four units still east of the river that have not crossed yet.

I will not chase the Chinese into the rough wooded terrain southeast of Sian. Rather all units will flank to the east and drive on Lanchow. Nanyang, Tsiaotso and Kaifeng will be built up to allow a sustained bombing campaign against Sian and enemy units withdrawing into the mountains. The days of death star armies is over in China, maneuver will dictate events now. I like it.

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 10/26/2012 9:55:14 PM >

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Post #: 232

RE: Screenshots - 10/26/2012 4:57:40 AM

SqzMyLemon

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Southern China:

The Chinese force two hexes east of Nanchang consists of 10 units trying to withdraw to safety. There are five more enemy units unaccounted for southwest of Nanchang in rough terrain which recon hasn't been able to pick up lately. The three enemy concentrations east of Changsha consist of 2-3 units each. There are an additional three enemy units in the woods hex northeast of Changsha. There are five enemy units at Kukong and two units northwest of the base.

I have two divisions at Wuchang that can quickly be reinforced with another three divisions once the railway to Loyang is cleared. There are three divisions and three tank regiments at Nanchang. There is a division and two mixed infantry brigades contesting the hex east of Nanchang with another 4 brigades moving up along the main road.

The plan is to block the enemy from escaping, but then swing past it with the majority of my forces and drive on Pingsiang and then cut the railway to Changsha. Japanese forces from Wuchang will race along the main road and invest Changsha, hopefully mauling a number of enemy units in the process. I'm attempting to cut the Kukong-Hengyang railway, but it seems the Chinese are aware of the danger and attempting to rail north. I'm moving a division to block the Kweilin-Hengyang railway.

It's going to be at least 3-4 weeks before I can move. If set up properly, I believe I can maul a number of enemy units, force them to react to a move against Changsha and may just be able to mass enough strength to punch a hole through their lines and establish a bridgehead over the river.

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< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 10/26/2012 9:19:58 PM >

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Post #: 233

RE: Screenshots - 10/26/2012 4:58:34 AM

SqzMyLemon

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Sumatra:

With Singapore captured the focus shifts to Palembang. Djambi was captured by air assault and an infantry regiment was air transported in and is about to capture Benkoelen. Additional ground forces will be air transported in directly from Singapore and operations against Palembang will commence shortly.

Airbases on Bangka are being expanded to level two and four to support sweep and bombing missions against Batavia. Billiton will expand to level two to provide additional sweep capacity.

Every Japanese fighter and bomber in the region will focus on shutting down Dutch airfields to insure air superiority over the entire theatre of operations. This is going to be strictly a naval surface and LBA show.

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< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 10/26/2012 5:50:33 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 #: 234

RE: Screenshots - 10/26/2012 4:59:30 AM

SqzMyLemon

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The Celebes:

I don't have the strength to capture Tarakan yet. The Naval Guard units which lack firepower are proving unsuitable for assaulting defended bases. I'll land additional forces soon and bomb the defenders heavily to tip the scales in my favour.

Two infantry regiments are about to assault Balikpapan. Upon capture of the base these troops will deploy against Java and a special BF will arrive to provide a garrison and port support.

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< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 10/26/2012 5:37:55 PM >

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Post #: 235

RE: Screenshots - 10/26/2012 5:00:05 AM

SqzMyLemon

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The Banda Sea:

Next target here is Denpasar. Capturing this base will allow me to establish LBA right on Java's doorstep. Deciding to hold off on Darwin, I can use the forces available on Timor for operations against Java and Western Australia instead.

Dutch submarines are taking their pound of flesh, and Japanese ASW is proving to be ineffective while using the Type 95 DC which can't penetrate deep water. Japanese LBA is training up in ASW skill, but are not proficient yet. At least I'm spotting the submarines and can avoid them on occasion.

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< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 10/26/2012 5:29:49 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 #: 236

RE: Screenshots - 10/26/2012 5:00:47 AM

SqzMyLemon

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Australia:

Darwin is off the short list for invasion. I'll concentrate on securing Broome and Port Hedland first. Once Horn Island and Broome are captured Darwin is effectively neutralized. I'd like to try and draw more Australian troops north before turning my attention to capturing Darwin.

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< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 10/26/2012 5:18:49 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 #: 237

RE: Screenshots - 10/26/2012 5:01:23 AM

SqzMyLemon

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Burma:

Ah Burma, I hate Burma.

Taung Gyi fell on Feb. 6th and Japanese forces will now march along the secondary road to Lashio. I'm in no hurry to capture Magwe only to see the oil facilities destroyed by Allied bombers before I can adequately defend the base.

The priority remains to block any chance of Chinese forces receiving support from Burma or India. I am beginning to think operations in India might be beneficial to securing Burma well into 1943. Ceylon is starting to look like an intriguing target. I may try and draw the Royal Navy into battle and remove it from the theatre completely. I have a plan I'm beginning to formulate, but more on that later.

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< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 10/26/2012 5:10:37 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 #: 238

RE: Screenshots - 10/26/2012 5:02:03 AM

SqzMyLemon

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New Guinea:

Recon indicates Port Moresby is held by three enemy units. I should be able to launch an amphibious assault against the base within a few weeks supported by LBA at Lae, Buna and Rabaul. Horn Island is also on the short list for invasion.

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< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 10/26/2012 4:55:18 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 #: 239

RE: Screenshots - 10/26/2012 5:03:17 AM

SqzMyLemon

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SoPac:

New Caledonia is now in Japanese hands. Once Wake Island is dealt with, I'll begin preparations to invade Fiji and area. The Allies clearly intend on defending the islands and a steady stream of enemy transports are arriving at Suva.

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< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 10/26/2012 4:50:33 PM >

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Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

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Post #: 240