Aztez (Allies) vs Erstad (Japan)

[Andy Mac]

You really ned to protect Perth I know it can get cut off but if you dont then everything on the South Coast and NZ is vulnerable and your 3 forward repair yards are vulnerable to carrier attacks.

If you hold Perth you can strip infantry from South Island NZ and possibly some forces from South Aus to reinforce East Coast

Its a pain but Perth is the key to South Australia and you will need those repair yards for your 10/42 upgrades.

North Aus is not a huge deal for the allies to lose Perth is.

Good luck

Andy

[aztez]

Yes, Upolulu is definately out of supply. There are an CD Unit and Base Force present along with 4 Hudson bombers which are in need of repairs. As for you suggestion... well I have few submarines enroute there at present... we will soon find out whether those supplies will help somewhat. Thanks for the tip.

First off it is nice to see such experienced player as yourself reading this AAR as Andy Mac. Well, you are correct with Perth... I could send some of the Southern Oz divisions/brigades there but it judgement call.

I have now around 1500 Assault Points in each of the major Southern Oz big cities. If I will send these units there than my defensive position will get nasty. He controls Noumea and he could use that base as staging area in order to launch major offensive towards Southern Oz.

If I would have some supply crisis than Perth would be vital but the supply levels are excellent. (200 000 - 450 000) So I do not need bring in additional supplies to Australia.

The 10/42 upgrade path is a solid suggestion. However I do bulk of my US Navy at around Pearl Harbour. This means that there is not much naval power protecting Oz. Just one big surface TF currently anchored at Brisbane.

A lot of good points guys... I need to think this through [:)]


Report from 4th through 11th of July 1942


Central Pacific


The whole US CV Fleet have now upgraded.

The biggest dilemma is what to do with submarines. I have around 50 submarines resting here and soon they will be send to sea.


North Pacific


[>:][>:][>:][>:]


China


British Spitfires took into action over Chengtu...

Day Air attack on Chengtu , at 41,29

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 54
Ki-46-II Dinah x 1

Allied aircraft
Spitfire Vb x 20

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 6 destroyed
Ki-46-II Dinah: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Spitfire Vb: 7 destroyed, 1 damaged

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Chengtu , at 41,29

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 54
Ki-46-II Dinah x 1

Allied aircraft
Spitfire Vb x 13

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Spitfire Vb: 6 destroyed, 1 damaged

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Chengtu , at 41,29

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 49
Ki-46-II Dinah x 1

Allied aircraft
Spitfire Vb x 13

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 5 destroyed, 1 damaged
Ki-46-II Dinah: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Spitfire Vb: 4 destroyed, 1 damaged


This was the first battles for Spitfires. These 2 squadrons are now taking a rest before joining into action again.


Australia, NZ & South Pacific


This are of operations is covered in general view of things. No offensive actions here since the fall of Darwin.


India & Burma


The second Chindit brigade is also now heading towards Jorhat.

Defensive perimeter in India is building up nicely and as planned.

[ny59giants]

When it comes to Allied sub deployment, I send the large fleet boats (endurance 18,000 and above) to "try" to interdict resources/oil from reaching Japan. The S boats around the Solomons and the remainer to scout potential invasion sites and to isolate them if possible. I usually have 3 AS's based out of Perth, Brisbane, and Pearl. Plus, one/two at Midway, to help save any that cannot make Pearl safely. [;)]
With the Gato class coming out in numbers, you should be able to put a hurt on some of his convoys or at least make him devote significant ASW assets to them.

[Rob Brennan UK]

My 2c about the submarine use is minelaying ..

if you have 50 subs .. split them into 5 groups of 10 ( similar speed +endurance) and mine places randomly and dispersed ..i.e guam, manilla , rabaul, canton, kwajelien. with 10 subs you drop a field that will last more than a few turns. MLE's are in short supply though .. size 9 ports work so maybe mine then send 20 to brisbane /aukland. for more local mining .. i get more hits with mines than torps till 10/42 when u get radar .. then u can go hunting ..

[Sardaukar]

And don't forget that while US torpedoes are abysmal until start of 1943 (they do get bit better in Sept 42, IIRC, from 80% duds to 60%), you can still wage sub war. Time to time you'll get lucky with subs even with that dud rate.
And other nationalities don't suffer from that (Dutch/UK boats). I'm not sure if S-class boats use correct Mk 10 torpedoes in this scenario. If they do, they don't suffer fom duds either.
Sub is of no use if idling in port. Even with misses and duds it gets experience...if not sunk, that is...[:D].

[Feinder]

Just a little update of my own. My mega-CV TF sent to "suppress" the Fun-n-fruity atoll chain bumbed into Erstads own mega-CV TF ...

A a range of 5 ...

My own strike didn't launch. I had my TBDs set to max of 4 so they wouldn't launch unescorted. All his bombers (including Kates), came in with bombs (so at least there's that).

Oh well. (Mis)fortunes of war.

Actually, I did "better" than I expected. Thank gawd for RN armored flight decks - 3 RN CVs were attacked, along with Wasp and Sara.

Wasp and Sara are crippled (in really bad shape sys dmg). Float damage is likely managable, so I think they'll make it. It's gonna be a LONG trip back to San Fran for them tho, and they're going to be in the yards for a LONG time.

While I'm chagrinned that I didn't get to attack his CVs (I'd have taken a 1:1 exchange), I -did- shoot down 250 of IJN's finest veterans, including 140+ Zeros. My own fighter sqdns took a beating, but I think I lost something like 110 F4Fs (was very surprised that my own fighter sqdns inflicted more on his). And when you ask, my CAP setting was a "reasonable" 50%.

Dunno. We'll see how it all plays down, should be interesting.

Wasp and Sara aren't sunk. But crippled to where I'd be surprised if I saw them before Fall '43.
I get Essex and the mini-fleet of CVEs in about 90 - 100 days. That'll replace Wasp and Sara airgroups in the battle line.
Frankly, I think his airgroups are out of action for much longer than 90 days. Sure he's got the airframes. But his pilots have been decimated. I've still got 4 USN CVs + 3 RN CVs + 2 CVLs with fully intact airgroups. I don't think I'm in -that- bad a shape.

We'll see. I'd certainly rather have sunk/damaged a few of his CVs, but the situation is what it is, and it could have been worse.

-F-

[aztez]

Things are on the road again. I have been busy since we were moving to our new home and I had some difficulties with my new ISP.

As you suggested (Rob, NyGiants,Sardaukar) I have deployed my submarine fleet to sea. The bigger submarines will be patrolling the nearer to the Japanese home islands. The smaller submarines will be deployed near Solomons, Marshalls and around Southern Pacific theatre.

Ouch, Feinder. Seems that Dave got the better end of that Carrier battle. That just confirms me that I should be very careful with my CV's.

I'am still thinking about trying to relocate those British CV's from India to Pearl Harbour. That would be an very risky journey but that would bolster my naval assets big time.

Anyway, feels good to this game rolling again.

As concerning to my other PBEM againts Hawker... well that seems to be halted. I haven't heard from him in weeks. (I know he has been busy...) I'am actually thinking about finding someone else to continue that one since 1-2 turns per month simply isn't enough. Let's see what next few days will bring concerning that game.

[Rob Brennan UK]

Funnily enought Aztez i just had great success with one (yes one) US sub off SW japan .. ok didnt sink much ( one AK).. but fired off all ammo and made him move ASW assets here, while i crept home to reload .. i suppose the best maxim is be everywhere with a few subs ..

I disagree with moving the brits from india to PH .. way too far .. maybe australia but not much further . else thats 2 months transit time .. and if winnie wants one back your screwed on PP's

Glad you got the glitches sorted out with moving .. bigger place now with the little one i guess ? .. how is the wee thing ?

[veji1]

hi,

I wouldn't say that moving the RNCVs to PAC is gamey, because all is fair in love and war, but don't you think in terms of historical flavour it is a bit odd ?

I mean I could perfectly envision RNCVS protecting OZ, so going as far as the Coral Sea, but seing them in central pac, at least before the last years of war when therer possessions are not in danger anymore seems somewhat bizarre to me...

Not criticizing or anything, just giving you my view...

[Rob Brennan UK]

Certainly not gamey .. just a waste of time is my opinion

[Feinder]

I disagree with moving the brits from india to PH .. way too far .. maybe australia but not much further . else thats 2 months transit time .. and if winnie wants one back your screwed on PP's

My personal take on RN & combined with USN etc.

1. You actually send Brit CVs back when Winnie asks for them?!!!! Never! -I- am the Supreme-Over-Emporer-And-Otherwise-All-Powerful-Leader of the Allies. Winnie and FDR are merely a puppet governments that I have installed. They serve at my whim. This whole Japanese excursion is simply an annoying speed bump to world domination. Seriously tho. I -NEVER- send back RN CVs. Screw the 2000 points.

2. I don't have a problem coordinating RN and USN units. Nobody checks to see if those Burma Armies are invading Oz or Pearl (even in a much less aggressive Japanese strategy). I -very- quickly was forced to adapt the mentality that a unit is a unit. HQ is irrelevent. Move it to where it NEEDs to be. Japan is -not- keeping SouthSeas LCUs in the SoPac, and those Manilla Divisions aren't just going to garrison the Phillipines. I usually keep the navies in like TFs (more or less, but a loose rule). But Erstad isn't keeping baby-KB in SRA or India. He -will- put everything into mega-KB, and your only tool vs. that your mega CV group.

But to each his own. I -started- off trying to maintain command structures. But when you opponent doesn't (not criticizing, he's welcome to), you have to react accordingly.

Glad your game is back on!

-F-

[Andy Mac]

I dont find it gamey. I will mix and match lighter units up to and including CA's in TF's

I tend to keep Capital Ships seperate i.e. RN BB's not in same TF as USN BB's and the same for CV's

Lets not forget that a large proportion of the RN Battleships were re fitted in US Yards and that the USN did request an RN CV for use at one point (it was refused) so it was possible they could act together (and did in ETO and MTO)

[Feinder]

Are you referrying to getting Vicky on loan? I think she was requested after the loss of Wasp. Can't remember tho, it's been a while since I read about that.

-F-

[Rob Brennan UK]

fiender .. yup i did send back a RN CV in june in my PBEM .. I use PP's a lot and didnt want a 3 month defecit .. had he asked in nov/dec .. nope he wouldnt get em back .. but with the DEI just holding i want to get more out .. just my way of playing i guess.

[Andy Mac]

Looks like I was wrong she did serve wth Saratoga !!!

Refitted at Norfolk Navy Yard USA, winter 1942-43, after which she was loaned to the US Pacific Fleet until being replaced by USS Essex. Despite its massive industrial muscle, the United States still found itself short of carriers in the Pacific, the only American carrier available in the South Pacific was USS Saratoga. HMS Victorious sailed to Pearl Harbor to join USS Saratoga's Battle Group, Task Force 14. She arrived and took up duties under Task Force 14 in the the Southwest Pacific on 17th May 1943. Renamed the USS Robin, she embarked US aircraft and aircrew, and with the Saratoga swept the Soloman Islands, whilst Saratoga embarked all the strike squadrons including the Fleet Air Arm 832 Squadron Avengers.

In May-June 1943, at Noumea, New Caledonia, the light cruiser USS San Diego joined USS Saratoga, and carrier HMS Victorious in support of the invasion of Munda, New Georgia, and of Bougainville. During this period Victorious operated 60 British and American Wildcat fighters for air cover. The two carriers sailed on 27th June, the carriers took up position and in the next few days put up 600 sorties against little opposition. The aircraft were reassigned to their parent carriers on 24 July, and the force reached Noumea the next day.

[aztez]

Hi guys. I do appreciate the views, comments and discussion [:)]

The game is turning into September 1942 and it is peaceful from China to Australia.

Actually the only things happening in last two combat reports were the Japanese airforce bombing runs againts Upolulu and Sanjose (Phi). It seems he has started training his pilots experience levels in those two places.

The scoreline in looking in his favour. It is actually better than 4:1 ratio so as Feinder stated Erstad is a tough and wise Japanese opponent. I will post an screenshot next time to you all so you can see the actual scoreline.

Intresting debate seems to have taken place.

I'am not offended at Veji1 [:)] ...actually what I have been thinking is a joint operations from British CV's and US CV's in South Pacific.

Yes, I agree with you Feinder that there are limits and than again there limits. I think Dave uses his forces flexible way so basically I do not see problems for joining RN ships with US ones.

[:-] ...I'am disagreement with Winston too [:-] He did actually demand 1 RN CV back sometime ago but I burned that letter so I guess he might see me as an Outlaw [:D]

So, I'am not going to send any of those ships back to Britain Rob [:)].. the Wee thing [:D] ...well lets just say it has a lot of energy!!! [:D][:D][:D] ...There are still a lot of things to be done but more space is always nice.

Intresting info on HMS Victorious Andy Mac. I have actually liked your blitzkrieg style of offensives that you are using agaitns PzB. I'am actually thinking of using that style of play in this one too if Dave allows me to do so.

There is just one problem relocating RN CV's. He controls Northern Oz from Broome to Derby which means he has a lot of recon capabilities in his side at the moment.

Also there is no sign of Japanese navy... No CV's nor BB's have been spotted. I have used Bothis utility but no luck with that one.

What I will do next turn is to send few unescorted an empty AK's to South Pacific/CenPac sector in order to find out what his defensive perimeter is a like.

As said thanks for the comments guys! [:)]

[aztez]

Here is the current intelligence screenshot as promised...

[Rob Brennan UK]

that score is darn scary !

[aztez]

ORIGINAL: Rob Brennan UK

that score is darn scary !

Yes it is [8|] ...but this game has not even begun yet on my side.

I have my CV fleet intact and there are quite a few divisions waiting for orders to start their invasions.

I'am still wondering about the possible 1st strike target and the more I think the more I feel I need to recapture Canton Island. (He is propably expecting me to start my advance here)

[Rob Brennan UK]

Canton is imo the most valuable base in the south pacific . full stop.. just ask my recent opponents [;)].. and my older ones too ( littlejoe springs to mind ) .. i lost 4CV's re taking this place before .. and i didnt regret it after the initial angst died off [:D]