Blocking the Straits of Johor and tips on assaulting Singapore

[BBfanboy]

I did not mean to use paratroopers to block the retreat, and I think this would only work if they actually conquer the base since they should not take control over any hexsides. I consider dropping small para groups (less than a whole unit) to force a surrender and let 20 men control a 40 x 40 mile hex as gamey and would not do this.

Looking a bit deeper into it I found some mentioning in AARs from 2012/2013 (I was about 10 back then ) saying that dropping in paratroopers at the same day you attack would double (didnt thought the advantage would be that big!) your AV. I am thinking of something similar to D-Day.
But I am not sure if my paratroopers would even survive the AA and if this old information is (still) correct.
If it works and helps to capture Singapore in the initial shock attack I think this could significantly benefit the japanese effort early war and would be worth trashing a para unit in my oppinion.

If their is no clear answer whether this works I might be running some tests at some point.

Paratroop drops and river crossings (without controlling the hexside and having an established beachhead already) always trigger a shock attack. This is where the X2 AV boost comes from. But there are other adjustments for skills, experience, disruption and fatigue that may lower the value of the AV value used in combat calculations. If AA and other ground fire was a factor in a para drop they would increase the malus in those calculations. I am not sure, but terrain may even be part of the para-drop calculations. Dropping on clear terrain should obviously mean less disablement and disruption than dropping into trees or rough/mountain/swamp terrain.

[GrosserKreuzer]

I did not mean to use paratroopers to block the retreat, and I think this would only work if they actually conquer the base since they should not take control over any hexsides. I consider dropping small para groups (less than a whole unit) to force a surrender and let 20 men control a 40 x 40 mile hex as gamey and would not do this.

Looking a bit deeper into it I found some mentioning in AARs from 2012/2013 (I was about 10 back then ) saying that dropping in paratroopers at the same day you attack would double (didnt thought the advantage would be that big!) your AV. I am thinking of something similar to D-Day.
But I am not sure if my paratroopers would even survive the AA and if this old information is (still) correct.
If it works and helps to capture Singapore in the initial shock attack I think this could significantly benefit the japanese effort early war and would be worth trashing a para unit in my oppinion.

If their is no clear answer whether this works I might be running some tests at some point.

Paratroop drops and river crossings (without controlling the hexside and having an established beachhead already) always trigger a shock attack. This is where the X2 AV boost comes from. But there are other adjustments for skills, experience, disruption and fatigue that may lower the value of the AV value used in combat calculations. If AA and other ground fire was a factor in a para drop they would increase the malus in those calculations. I am not sure, but terrain may even be part of the para-drop calculations. Dropping on clear terrain should obviously mean less disablement and disruption than dropping into trees or rough/mountain/swamp terrain.

So this has only to do with the facht that (at least) one unit is doing a shock attack?
I understand the reasons for doing a shock atack (river crossing without beachhead, drop, ordered to), but it seems I dont understand the effect it has. I know that it will be more costly for the attacker (especially if it fails) and on goods odds more fort levels might be destroyed. But I am not sure what the manual means with "increase the chance to overwhelm an enemy position" (maybe this is the 2x AV boost) and if their is a difference between all capable units doing a shock attack or just one small unit with the rest doing a deliberate attack (except the fort reduction, this only works when all attacking units use eigther shock or bombardment).

[RangerJoe]

Against the Chinese in clear terrain, it is not a bad thing to shock attack with armoured units while the infantry and cavalry stick to deliberate attacks.

[BBfanboy]

If a unit tries to shock attack it leaves terrain cover and charges the enemy positions. This should only be done when the enemy is obviously too weak to mow down the attackers. Usually that means they have had high disablements and destroyed squads in at least the last two deliberate attacks, or they are showing a supply malus (- sign). Fort levels are also a factor - you want to have lowered the forts to 3 or less without heavy disablements or destroyed squads on your side.
As RJ suggests, if the enemy does not have a counter against one of your assets, use that to grind them down. Tanks and artillery come to mind.

Combat Engineers are precious - I never shock attack with them. Their whole job involves using terrain cover and infantry support to crawl close to the enemy bunkers to destroy them. You can set all the other units to SA and leave the CEs on DA orders.

[pontiouspilot]

May I add several suggestions. Early bombardment via air is critical to keep supplies low and forts from construction. You must put a boot on Singapore's throat and interdict arrival of supplies. If you have done this you are 50% of way there...with patience. Additionally make sure that you have formed Japanese into divisional units where possible and have a high preparation factor. You must have adequate HQ and support generally. As mentioned above, combat engineers are precious and are much needed....the Japanese Engs are spread all over hell. Your job may still be grueling if the Allies retreated in good order to Singapore. Against a well organized allied player who can get most of Allied force to Singapore with 50K-100K in supplies behind 3 or higher forts you better plan to have 4-5 full divisions with all necessary support. In 10 + PBEMs I have only lost Singapore 3 times. In one of the 3 my Aussie opponent says he had 9 x IJA divisions largely trashed in getting the jewel. In current game I have 1550 AV with 150K in supplies behind 5 forts...I'm hoping for the attack!

cheers