Westerley Wind, Fine NJP72 (J) vs Lowpe (A) DBB Sce 30

[njp72]

Interesting dynamic building here.

Does he go for it?

I'm guessing yes on past experience but anything is possible.

May have to plan for multiple contingencies here which means about a thousand clicks

[njp72]

Well I guessed the target destination correctly and KB was set up very nicely but alas couldn't get the job done

Multiple strikes failed to connect and the CAP plus the Allied flak was predictably murderous.

Well played by Lowpe with his CAP settings and TF composition.

One of the few strikes that actually hit something.

[njp72]

Despite the disappointment of the elite IJN air groups failure to deliver the goods, the current dispositions of both groups task forces still offer some tantalizing opportunities for the superb IJN surface groups to save the day.

Lowpe is a long way from home and the IJN is about to swarm him (well that is the plan).

It is doubtful the IJN will get a better opportunity for the remainder of the war to inflict some nasty damage on the USN.

Next turn will be a cracker.

[RADM.Yamaguchi]

Sorry to hear about your unfortunate results. Sounded like a good plan.

I wonder about the IJN dive bombers. I've never bothered to carry any Vals or Judys on my CVs after July 1, 1942.

[njp72]

Sorry to hear about your unfortunate results. Sounded like a good plan.

I wonder about the IJN dive bombers. I've never bothered to carry any Vals or Judys on my CVs after July 1, 1942.

Such is life/ war I really enjoy the DBB version of the game which makes you work very hard to sink anything.

Lowpe did a great job with his TF composition to ensure KB had multiple targets and couldn't concentrate on one threat.

The Judys have performed well to date (especially against merchant/ assault shipping) and happy to keep them on the CVs. The Vals are clearly obsolete now.

Eventually most airgroups will be upgraded to the Grace but in the interim Judy's will still be the work horse. Damn hard to hit warships with torps from the Jills but if you are going to sink something valuable you need them to play a part.

[njp72]

D +2 of the Allied landings at Quinhon and thus far Lowpe has out fought the forces of the Empire.

In 2 days of ferocious combat the empire has lost 400+ a/c, 3 x DDs and 2 x CLs

The Allies have lost 100 a/c and 3 to 4 DDs. Amazingly light casualties for both sides given the amount of lead flying around.

Interestingly the Allies have a number of damaged ships which are no doubt holed up at the port. The other million dollar question is regarding how many AKEs he has bought with him and their ability to rearm..... Given his previous excellent planning and attention to logistics it would be foolish to think the USN can't rearm and fight just as effectively as they did this turn.

Whilst the Allies have thwarted the Empire over the last two turns, it is very early days and critically Japan has major air and ports nearby which will aid future rounds of combat. Sooner or later those torps will strike home and Lowpe is a long way from home with a major logistical tail.

This is a fight Japan can win, especially in July 43

[jedwardpita]

I admire your fortitude in the face of overwhelming odds. This game is one of the most entertaining I have ever seen. Two skilled players giving their best for years.

[njp72]

I admire your fortitude in the face of overwhelming odds. This game is one of the most entertaining I have ever seen. Two skilled players giving their best for years.

Appreciate the comments and I am very glad you are finding it entertaining. It has to be one of the best games I have ever played and I have had some crackers over the years with other wonderful opponents.

Come mid 44 I will be screwed but mid 43 I have a chance

[njp72]

Breaking my own golden rule here and it is going to cost me but unfortunately the IJN is being forced to engage the USN in open seas as I try to crush the very dangerous lodgment on the coast of Vietnam.

The first round of a multi prong battle- didn't go well for the IJN. North Carolina's 16 inch guns prove vastly superior to the 36 cm of Kongo and Hiei

Kongo in serious trouble.

[njp72]

Round 2 went slightly better as next IJN peppered an exhausted USN task force with smaller caliber shells.

Again couldn't get any of the torps to strike home on North Carolina

[njp72]

At the end of the day the TF achieved its mission at high cost.

Another USN surface group is no longer mission capable and on the plus side 3 x DDs and a CL were sunk. Love seeing those Cleveland CLs go down.

The IJN didn't lose a ship but as stated Kongo is battling to stay afloat.

Access to ports at Hong Kong, Manilla and Singapore are greatly assisting the IJN return to service the numerous damaged CLs, CAs and DDs.

With this rate of combat Lowpe is going to need a port or even the USN will start to run out of ships which this time should halt his aggressive expansion.

[MBF]

Keep fighting the good fight - this is one of the best AARs I've read !

[njp72]

Keep fighting the good fight - this is one of the best AARs I've read !

Thanks MBF, glad you are enjoying the journey.

Have no fear, I intend to go down swinging. Nothing will be left in the locker room, all out on the field.

[njp72]

One of the few shining lights and a beacon of hope for the Empire.

The KI84 R is making good progress and should arrive Oct/ Nov 43.

This plane alone will make life a bit more interesting for the fearless allies.

[RADM.Yamaguchi]

One of the few shining lights and a beacon of hope for the Empire.

The KI84 R is making good progress and should arrive Oct/ Nov 43.

This plane alone will make life a bit more interesting for the fearless allies.

That's quite an investment in the Frank - i hope it really works out well for you

i'm curious about the number of factories. All of mine are always 30.

Did you know that if you go to the industry management screen you can adjust the factory numbers by increments of 1?

just trying to help

[njp72]

One of the few shining lights and a beacon of hope for the Empire.

The KI84 R is making good progress and should arrive Oct/ Nov 43.

This plane alone will make life a bit more interesting for the fearless allies.

That's quite an investment in the Frank - i hope it really works out well for you

i'm curious about the number of factories. All of mine are always 30.

Did you know that if you go to the industry management screen you can adjust the factory numbers by increments of 1?

just trying to help

Yes I am really banking on the Frank R to make life miserable for Lowpe. Nothing else has seemed to work thus far.

You are correct about the factories- I got lazy and also wanted to experiment. 30 does seem to be the ideal number for R&D purposes. Appreciate the tip.

[njp72]

One of the last turn's navy clashes around the coast of Vietnam.

It was a poor showing by the IJN with multiple CAs damaged for no return. Thankfully nothing lost, just banged up.

The only positive I noticed from several clashes was the USN surface groups are now being forced to use DEs. Am I finally getting close to exhausting him before I exhaust myself ???? Many false dawns in this game.

[njp72]

Battle of Savo Island Mark 2

After threatening to demonstrate a modicum of competency which has seemed to elude the IJN during the whole campaign around Vietnam, finally it clicked.

I took the remaining undamaged surface fleets and importantly went the coastal route to target his CVs. Unfortunately, Lowpe must have realised to some degree his vulnerability and moved his CVs and CVEs but left a strong but tired surface group to defend the key port.

This fleet was subsequently overwhelmed by the IJN and finally the torps started to hit home.

Round 1

[njp72]

Round 2

[njp72]

Round 3