Pauk's corner: sake break for Japanese fanboys

[Sneer]

it dispers your assets
and more important
4 times 20 vs 1 times 80
1 variant offers ypu 4 points repaired per turn and second only one - so you get  what you want faster without spending additional supplies

[Ursa MAior]

OK thx.

[jumper]

Hi Pauk,
good decision to regain air superiority in China again. It is too early to loose it. About the training program:
When I commit some sentai/daitai as training one, I triple the number of pilots. This way I have 36ac vs about 100 green pilots (30xp) + add some good leader with high leadership skill. I move them to training camp, turn replacement on to cover lost AC and leave them there. It takes about 3-4 months (depends on weather) to get about 80 pilots with average 65-70xp. About 15-20 pilots kill themselves during the training. Now the training become slower. What is important that at this stage it is tragedy to loose the pilot in training as he is nearly "done". So I move them to the best possible training camp with the training ground as near as possible. 1 hex aside is the best. What I see the distance affects the ops loses more then anything else.. Under these condition you will loose about 1-3 pilots and higher xp = less ops. It takes me about 1-2 month to get unit to average 75xp and I will have 75-80 of them. I can stop or continue. I always continue, if I have time, to get them as high as possible. The ops loses at this xp level with near training ground are nearly none. I prefer to have 70 pilots with average 80-85xp then 75 pilots with 75xp. Or better to say - the average xp is missleading. I continue the training till 95% of pilots are at least 75xp and it usually means the average xp of 80-85. I don´t know why but some guys are flying more often then the others.. [;)]
It is much better to check the list of pilots then the average xp. You may have nice average xp, but when you check the pilots you may see that half of the is about 60xp and the rest about 90xp.. And you never know what gyus will fly the mission. Those 90xp or those 60xp?
What I see from your posts with Andy - you will have enough time for your training program.
And every point of xp is good. The combat results of 75xp vs 80xp pilots are noticable.
I made just a very short test about it some time ago.

75xp fighter daitai lost 5 planes and shot down 9 enemies
80xp fighter daitai lost 4 planes and shot down 12 enemies

36xTojo vs 32xSpitfire V (65xp)

I admit it was VERY short test, repeated only few times as it is REALLY boring..
Leaders were the same on both sides. This result is nice versus spitfires. Maybe against corsairs/hellcats it doesn´t matter what xp your pilots have..

btw are you using empty bases as training ground or do you have house rule that it is gamey? I like San Jose, Cebu, and the base on the island next to Palembang. These 3 I left in Allied hands and use them now as the best training grounds in DEI.


uff.. I planned just congrats + short post.. [:)]

[pauk]

uh-huh, lots of good advices guys, i really appreciate it[:)]...

Honda, you are right - just checked George statistic and it is certainly a top navy land based fighter. The only problem with them is their awful range (4/3) - not only for offensive missions (i doubt that i would be able to conduct them in the 1944), but the more important is "fatigue factor" due transfer from base to base (they really easy gain fatigue). And it would be suicide keeping them in base which can be bombarded from the sea.

Dispite that fact, George looks great and i have to found inland bases suitable for Georges (Clark Field, Java, Burma)... It certainly worth to keep some skilled pilots in reserve for them as PzB mentioned! I also have a plans for keeping Sallys at 80+ --- Frances are coming month earlier than Georges... and i already have plans for both of them....

Decided to produce app 50 Oscar II per month but i'm not sure if i will use them for escort (bombers won't get trough anyway). I will use them for training in China once when i run out of nearby training grounds.

Jumper & Nemo, good ideas. I will reinforce training sentais with 7-8 pilots more and will see what will happens (i don't think that i have 6 months of safe training in front of me...)



AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 01/06 & 01/07/43


Not a much happend, i have trouble with my rescuing mission... one Chinese unit canceled my movement...Andy moved one unit south of Yunan - and that is reason why i sent the bulk of "Yunan Group Army" two hexes away!.

But, here is more question for you guys...





I've sent Emily on recon mission over the Perth. 50 Seafires were on CAP duty and look at the attachment picture what was found in Perth anchorage! I'm sure that there is a British CV fleet still there! Why he is keeping them there? Will they sneak trough Indian ocean to India or he considering a major offensive on Java, Timor, and waiting for American CVs to get there?

Now, i'm really tempted to send KB in the Indian ocean. Andy keep talking, no offensives before Hellcats are on CVs but i simply don't trust him.... it may sound as good idea especially if British fleet going to India or if he leaves it in Perth!

But the problem would be if he commits American CVs for Marshalls soon and i couldn't react...

I like PzB idea very much also, i might send two CVEs (they upgraded and repaired damage) to Pacific and send KB south to find some conwoys there.... but Andy covered this slot well i think....

I could choose to trust Andys words and send my CVs to regular upgrade.... lots of choices and lots of opportunitis to become immortal or to become dead!



IMPERIAL HQ NEWS SHEET

Couple of valuable HQ units (Group army with 4 hex radius and Air division HQ) arrives in Japan. One will go to Australia, the other one in China.

[Sneer]

you need to decide what you want to do with CV
in 43 you will always have dilema to stay defensive or hunt for sth + remember - even in defensive stance you can't cover whole perimeter

as far as CV raiding - if can use bad weather to move through enemy patrol lines - i managed to sneak with 2 carrier divisions between Fiji and Nomua and there was plenty of naval search

George - certainly excellent plane  - but late - 44-01 is far away
till that moment Jacks will do their job - they are good enough to fight in 43

I find myself greatly dissapointed with 2e japanese fighters in NF/FB configuration - diffrence to allied types is horrendous
there are many Irving "S" sqns scheduled and they are not armoured weak construction
KI 45 is slightly better but only few sqn can equip them and acc =3 of their 30mm is some design mistake
Lack of heavy strong anti bomber platform is visible at each step

[pauk]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 01/08/43

well, it seems i've decided - KB is organised in 4 CV divisions and moving towards Amboina. I have two glenn subs north of Perth and will get info if he tries to sneak in India with his British fleet.

Lots of recon ordered (Luganwile, Townsville, Baker) just with one purpose - to camouflage my intentions in Perth...

Why Perth? Well, i have a hunch that he would try move British fleet to India, plus i can do something with my ground units at Derby-Perth junction.

I decide in favour of Perth gambit because i've tried to sneak KB twice in Pacific but both times i have been spoted. Two upgraded CVE will be decoy and sent to Pacific to be spoted.... hopefully Andy won't expect i would send KB to "nowhere" - Perth area.

Of course, there is a chance for something going wrong:

1. if he moves american CVs to Perth (some kind of amphibious invasion on Java/Burma)
2. If he start a invasion on Marshalls

1. Not likely, if he waited so long, i don't think he would risk CVs before Hellcats are available
2. Well, in that case im screwed[:D]. Seriously, i can assign lots of fighters and LBA to that theatre + navy. Anyway, sooner or latter Marshalls will be lost - and sometimes you have to risk if you want victory.

CHINA

Usual bombings, Andy moving his units to Yunan and Kweiyang, i guess....

[jumper]

Good luck !!!
 

[pauk]

Yes, i'm gonna need it for a perfect moment!

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 01/09/43

It seems that Andy gets tired of my training program - his encircled Chinese peasants decided to commit harakiri.

Ground combat at 46,34 - near Ichang

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 1196 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 47

Defending force 5389 troops, 70 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 111

Allied max assault: 20 - adjusted assault: 0

Japanese max defense: 115 - adjusted defense: 255

Allied assault odds: 0 to 1

Allied ground losses:
428 casualties reported

Once more my ghost unit holds on Burma road...


Ground combat at 37,30

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 928 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 24

Defending force 724 troops, 7 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 0

Allied max assault: 28 - adjusted assault: 7

Japanese max defense: 13 - adjusted defense: 11

Allied assault odds: 0 to 1

New sub evacuation convoy encountered near Sorong. I still have two mega ASW TFs near Cebu island. Will i be able to caught subs this time?

[duckenf]

would you mind posting a strategic map of your empire? It would be useful to see howthings stand at present

[pauk]

greetings, nice to see new faces here!

here is strategical map. As you may see i currently have 15 divisions available for defensive perimeter (3th and 20th div were transfered from China and paid with PP, while 9th div is still CAA but it is a part of agreement with Andy when we arranged house rules for China).

In next month i will have enough PP for another division and not sure where i will send this unit. Lots of canditates: - Burma (you can never feel enough safe there), Pacific or Australia...

But since the 31th division will arrive in Shangai (Burma Area Army) i think i will send this division to the Pacific or Australia.

I didn't post all brigade and tk rtg locations since didn't changed their locations a lot from the last time i've posted strategic map....




In five months i will recive following divisions (didn't include HI and CEA divisions)

30th div, 43th div and 46th div.

[PzB74]

I don't read Andy's AAR's - too afraid to click the wrong one [;)]
So here are the places I would watch extra carefully:

1. Amph landings to cut of the Malaya peninsula and then a step by step expansion. Mid to late 1943.
Cutting of the Malay peninsula will threaten oil fields at Palembang and allow and expansion southwards.

1. PNG/Solomons. First half of 1943.
A capture of southern PNG is vital as it provides a platform that can be used to expand into the Solomons
and up into central PNG. Such an offensive could be launched simultanously with an offensive in Burma/Malaysia.

3. Marshall Islands. Late 1943.
In order to get in position to invade the Marianas the Marshalls must be cleared. This can be done when
enough LBA has been gathered. One by one the islands will fall in the last half of 1943.

Strong reserves around Alor Star, Rabaul and Kwajalein will make it possible to counter these threats.
Especially a large air transport corps placed in Truk would come in handy. Your light surface forces are
still superior through 1943 and could be used with great effect at night.

Try to hold the KB back until the enemy has shot his bolt.
These are hard learned lessons from my own game....

Sure you will make a good stand Pauk! [:)]

[pauk]

Yes, Andy wasn't inventive with giving names to AARs[:'(]

Nice analysis...

1. Actually, from the current situation, i would be happy if he tries cut Malaya peninsula - that's the reason why i keeping strong garnison in the Malaya. Of course i don't have any illisions that this force would be enough to throw him back to the Indian ocean - this garnison have duty to delay the enemy until reinforcements arrives - from Burma and other places. Georgetown and Alor star are almost fortified (lvl 7 + building), Johore is level 5 + building and lots of mines are placed in Malaya peninsula.

I count on my large AFs in Khota Baru and Bangkok - Jacks and crack army fighters will provide strong escort and inflict serious damage to his invasion forces... after he invade Malaya we can announce that new Galipoli begins!

2. PNG/Solomons - not a fortress at the moment but i do not plan to defend PNG and Solomons to the last man. As you pointed Andy will probably launch simultanousely offensive in PNG and some other place. Japan doesn't have resources to win both battles - and i have to ask myself one question. What i can, and what i cant affort to loose?

Malaya is out of the question - that would mean game over, while Solomons and PNG would give me more time. And even with lost Solomons/rabaul area SRA wouldn't be threatened... IMO, that would be a good move for me...

3. Marshalls - somehow i expect that he will attack Marshalls earlier. Corsairs arrives! But if your timetable would be followed by Andy i would be more than happy.


I have 150 transports in the Truk area[;)], I've robbed poor Kwantung army....

Couple of quiet days passes and we reached 12th January...



AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 01/12/43

KB is now near Amboina - it seems that Andy withdraw most of ships from Perth. I don' know if he sneaking towards India - have two Emily chutais at the Broome and couple of subs which covering map ende but they didn't reported anything yet....

I do plan to keep KB hidden and use it only if he provides me a opportunity (like it was at Perth where he was keeping British fleet). I know that after middle 43 KB means almost nothing but i hope that KB, strenghtened with Taiho and 3 Unryus can launch powerful strike after massive land based strike.

CHINA

Konichiwa go isn't brilliant at the moment. I've lost 25 planes this turn - most of them were Sallys (ops losses)!. And the Burma road is finally open.

I'm posting CR just to give you a picture what happens in China.


Day Air attack on Kunming , at 39,33

Japanese aircraft
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 33
Ki-21 Sally x 25
Ki-49 Helen x 51
Ki-46-II Dinah x 10

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21 Sally: 1 damaged

Allied ground losses:
29 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 3
Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 59

at 10000 feet

42 enemy units are in Chungking now. Even high attitude cant save my ac from being damaged/latter lost....

Day Air attack on Chungking , at 43,32

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 68
Ki-21 Sally x 87
Ki-49 Helen x 39
Ki-46-II Dinah x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21 Sally: 2 damaged
Ki-49 Helen: 1 destroyed, 4 damaged

Allied ground losses:
305 casualties reported

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 77

at 12000 feet

Bombers from Sian accompained those from Ichang....

Day Air attack on Chungking , at 43,32

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 36
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 46
Ki-21 Sally x 111

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-45 KAIa Nick: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged
Ki-21 Sally: 1 destroyed, 9 damaged


Allied ground losses:
163 casualties reported

Airbase hits 9
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 121

at 6000 feet

Last strike came from Wuhan...

Day Air attack on Chungking , at 43,32

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 27
Ki-21 Sally x 56
Ki-49 Helen x 59
Ki-46-III Dinah x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21 Sally: 1 damaged
Ki-49 Helen: 5 damaged
Ki-46-III Dinah: 1 damaged

Allied ground losses:
67 casualties reported

Airbase hits 3
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 87

at 6000 feet

Andy moved another unit south of Yunan - testing enemy strength...

Day Air attack on 57th Chinese Corps, at 37,33

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 12
Ki-21 Sally x 14
Ki-49 Helen x 34

No Japanese losses


Allied ground losses:
101 casualties reported

at 6000 feet

Ghost unit lost and forced to retreat towards Lashio. Burma road is open, but i hope i would be able to close it again in couple of turns. Tk regiments arriving....

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 884 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 25

Defending force 724 troops, 7 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 0

Allied max assault: 28 - adjusted assault: 52

Japanese max defense: 13 - adjusted defense: 9

Allied assault odds: 5 to 1


Allied ground losses:
11 casualties reported

Defeated Japanese Units Retreating!


I don't have any doubts that Andy would relase his 4E dogs on my poor tk units. I was thinking what about moving ac in the Mandalay... I could gather 200 fighters so it would be possible to inflict casaulties to the enemy. I know i would be hammered with powerful strikes from several AFs but if i can evacuate air groups from Mandalay i wouldn't lost all groups on the ground - not sure if i can do it (evacuating ac from mandalay via railroad)...

[pauk]

A couple of bad turns...

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 01/14/43

You will probably say that i'm just unlucky but i'm sure that sub/ASW routine doesn't work! My subs waiting in ocean hex for hunt, but instead of hunting they become hunted. And that is not a first time... getting tired of this...

One of my subs parked between Noumea and Suva is hit with DC from AVD Casco... why would she attack first? It is well known fact that even weak alled escort can find submerged subs before she fires torpedoes....[8|]


ASW attack at 76,114

Japanese Ships
SS I-8, hits 2, on fire

Allied Ships
AVD Casco
MSW Wasaga
MSW Ungava
MSW Outarde
TK Pinna
AK Port Orford
AK Argus
TK Gulfking
TK Gulfdawn

The damage is not high - 21 sys - but floating damage is pretty high - 46...


Look what we find - American CV heading to India.... grrrr, why i got brilliant ideas couple of days too late (my CVs are near Koepang and can't arrive on time. Ok, we will hide KB and wait for the enemy!)


ASW attack at 1,73

Japanese Ships
SS I-25

Allied Ships
DD Inconstant
DD Hotspur
DD Griffin
DD Foxhound
DD Fortune
CL Enterprise
CV Yorktown

There is no reason to complain... first attack was unsucessful... but hehe, didn't you think that's all?[8|]

ASW attack at 1,73

Japanese Ships
SS I-25, hits 6, on fire

Allied Ships
DD Inconstant
DD Hotspur

Same here. Floating damage is reason for concern....

In China, Kunming and Chungking were attacked from the air.

Sometimes i feel that this Scott sold his soul to the devil... his bombers attacked my tk regiment just turn before they arrived on the Burma road...

Day Air attack on 4th Tank Regiment, at 36,30

Allied aircraft
Wellington III x 6
P-40E Warhawk x 9
B-25C Mitchell x 18
B-25J Mitchell x 9
B-17E Fortress x 34
B-24D Liberator x 28
IL-4c x 7

Japanese ground losses:
240 casualties reported
Vehicles lost 10

at 7000 feet
--------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 7th Tank Regiment, at 36,30

Allied aircraft
Wellington III x 3
P-40E Warhawk x 3
B-25C Mitchell x 9
B-17E Fortress x 6
B-24D Liberator x 12
IL-4c x 3

Japanese ground losses:
133 casualties reported
Vehicles lost 7

at 7000 feet

Attack on enemy LCU south of Yunan...

Day Air attack on 57th Chinese Corps, at 37,33

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 12
Ki-21 Sally x 18
Ki-49 Helen x 38

Allied ground losses:
207 casualties reported


AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 01/15/43

Next day offers the same picture of new "brilliant ASW/sub" model...I've encountered that new sub transport fleet heading to Iloilo and formed three strong ASW TFs. Also sent couple of merchant ships for repelnishment purpouses...

Next time i will sent merchant ships as ASW - subs cant hit big fat and slow ships!

Sub attack near Iloilo at 42,56

Japanese Ships
AP Nichibi Maru

Allied Ships
SS Peto

Finally! Ater countless tries one of ASW TF scored hits on Peto. But, only one was direct hit. Will she sink?


ASW attack near Iloilo at 42,56

Japanese Ships
PC Ch 32
PC Kyo Maru #13
PC Kyo Maru #12
PG Unkai Maru #1
PG Nagata Maru
PC Hachijo
APD APD-38
APD APD-37
APD APD-36
DD Harusame

Allied Ships
SS Peto, hits 5, on fire

Looking familiar?

Sub attack near Iloilo at 42,56

Japanese Ships
AP Nichibi Maru

Allied Ships
SS Whale

Whale found Usugumo and sinks her. Two hits aren't consolation at all...


Sub attack near Iloilo at 42,56

Japanese Ships
DD Usugumo, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
PC Ch 30
PC Ch 23
PC Ch 5
PC Shonan Maru #2
PC Gamitsu Maru #1
PC Fumi Maru
PG Keijo Maru
PG Kaiun Maru
PG Saga
PG Hashidate
PG Takunan Maru #3
PG Oi Maru

Allied Ships
SS Whale, hits 2

Tk regiment arrives on Burma road but disruption was high....


Ground combat at 37,30

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 2045 troops, 0 guns, 139 vehicles, Assault Value = 91

Defending force 972 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 28

Japanese max assault: 52 - adjusted assault: 4

Allied max defense: 26 - adjusted defense: 11

Japanese assault odds: 0 to 1


Japanese ground losses:
5 casualties reported

Allied ground losses:
42 casualties reported

Recon over Yunan reported only 100 men over last few weeks. I thought i could take the base with paras but it seems that one Chinese division just arrived at the base.

Ground combat at Yunan

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 1695 troops, 16 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 40

Defending force 2735 troops, 3 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 64

Japanese max assault: 32 - adjusted assault: 11

Allied max defense: 63 - adjusted defense: 181

Japanese assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 4)


Japanese ground losses:
89 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Allied ground losses:
5 casualties reported

There are two Chinese BFs at the Yunan. I guess that Andy will try ambush my bombers moving acs to Yunan if i allow AF to become operational again...

Now i have two units on Burma road - at Yunan (paras) and 120 miles north of Yunan (tk rtg). Of course both hex are joint possesed (AJ) so i'm not sure if Burma road is closed again...

[PzB74]

I'm still managing to knock the enemy subs out - but it's very hard work to actually torpedo an enemy ship.
With sub doctrine turned ON by mistake not even unescorted cargo ships are engaged. Disaster!

Over the last months I've managed to set up 2 sub attacks on Iowa and Essex class ships, but no hits and 5-6
subs have been lost in return. Trying again tomorrow, the damaged cve's should be vulnerable.

Still, the scouting and minelaying role are still the best options I'm afraid. After action interdictions should also
remain somewhat efficient.

Too bad about your tank regiment. It's sooo sad to see your best units get crushed by 2-3 air strikes. Even
the German Pz Divs enroute to Normandie suffered less damage than this. Anyone heard about night movement
and concealment during daytime?

Move your crack units together with fragments and non combat formations with low numerical values. E.g
1st Construction Battalion....

[pauk]

Thanks for the input - i've checked my preferences and it said - Jap submarine doctrine OFF... I'm not saying that subs should be secret weapon, but in my games they don't want to attack even unescorted ships... oh well such is a life, i guess:(

kinda a dissapointed i admit...



AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 01/16/43

Subs from Iloilo probably loaded their stuff (i was hoped that closed port would prevent them from loading in one turn...) and spotted east of Mindanao...

Another dissapoinment happens in Australia. I put a good cards there but got another miserable performance....



SAA HQ is just 60 miles NE from battlefield so it should provide significant bonus. My troops are crack - except the 1st tk division - and with good morale, plenty of supply. But as you may see, my adjusted assault was pathetic... have no friggin clue why... and i'm pretty sure that Andy don't have HQ in the hex while i have one Army HQ....

Lexi was spotted again from glenn equipped sub - i put some fighters in Palembang on CAP jut in a case... Two carrier divisions refueled at Koepang other two will do it tonight...

[Sneer]

supplies available to troops - red ? - you were lowered 4+ times  

[pauk]

nah... that's the reason why i'm confused... didn't expect an easy victory there but 1:1 should be achived.....

[pauk]

another day passed and nothing worth to be reported. However, there are some interesting things I learned today - you are probably familiar with thread "ground combat again"... it is shame, but i have to admit i've never paid attention to the supply lines - i thought that via railroad my forces would recive enough supply...

When Andy sent his force to Perht via land, i didn't think about it but stopping him at crossroad wasn't big mistake since i've decided not to defend Perth... but, lesson is learned - i'm moving my units to Derby and Darwin - i'm loosing supply because my supply lines are long (spoilage).

Anyway, Andy confirms me that his post somewhere in the forum about ground offenisive is just throwing the sand in my eyes. Certainly, he didn't said it directly but enough to me.

Not that i was expected a ground offensive towards northern Australia (somewhere i've posted "i'm not that naive"), i expected seaborne invasion - and i got confirmation of his future plans.

He will undertake seaborne offensive on northern Australia, or, more likely on Timor - i don't have to be afraid of that yet but have to think about it... especially if he tries coordinated offensives on two theatres - and this is certainly possible in late 1943....

[Sneer]

i think that cost is 1% on railroad so you get about 80 for 100 send 
i don't think you are penalized as Andy suggested
check in manual

[PzB74]

I've shunned major land combat campaigns since Hangover... [;)]