NYGiants (A) vs. BlamO (J) - CHS 158c 2 Day Turns

[ny59giants]

I am going to try my hand again in doing an AAR. Last year about this time my computer became allergic to WitP and started crashing while playing a PBEM against 1Eyed Jack. [:@]

Finally, I have gotten it fixed and on 16 June started a PBEM against BlamO using CHS Scenario 158c (the latest and greatest version of Nik Mod). [:D]

I will back track somewhat to let you know what has transpired (both the Prince of Wales and Repulse were sunk on a failed nighttime bombardment of Jolo when it could not get far enough away from mini-KB and those torpedo carrying Kates. [:@] Each took over 6 torpedoes before going down.[&o]

At Pearl Harbor, the West Virginia and Oklahoma were sunk on the first day. Only the Akagi launched torpedoes for two days, but they did their damage.

I will be learning how to post screen shots rather than lengthy Combat Reports (that get boring and hard to follow the flavor of the game). So bare with me while I learn. [;)]

Admiral Benoit - Allied CNO

[ny59giants]

About 120 mile south of Manado is KB. He has taken a slow tour around Celebes. First hitting Balikpapan, then sitting 5 hexes SE of Soerabaja without launching any planes [&:], and finally 4 days worth of attacks on Kendari (Port, Runway, & Serive each over 60% damage) which sunk what few ships I had there (AV and small "coastal" AK. For me, the "coastal" AK/AP are those with less than 1500 capacity and small endurance - 5000 or less.

Right now I am sending in various two ship transport TF to Kendari to take out what supply and resources I can. We have a HR that after 1/42, TF must be at least 2 ships when possible due to the game mechanics often ignoring 1 ship for naval attacks.

At Soerabaja I have Forts at 5 (54%), Supply over 37k, 460AV, 167LBA (47F, 87LB - 3 squadrons on B-17's resting for potential attack on Palembang Oil once it falls). No damage to AF. [8D]

Over at Sorong, I have an AK & MSW that just came from Manila with a frag of 4th USAAF BF and was only attcked once by Nell's carrying bombs. [:D]

[ny59giants]

At Singapore, I have fallen back to Johore Bahru with 8 Infantry Bde (AV 541) at forts 2 and Singapore with 28k supply and AV 281. He has the 2, 5, 18, 56 Divisions attacking.
I have fragments of various size in India or close to it ( 1 Malaya Bde, 2 Malaya Bde, 101 RN BF, 225 Grp HQ, Malaya HQ, MAF aviation, 3 ISF BF, FMSV Bde). More may go via the 2 British subs.

At Palembang, I have 3 Infantry Bn and 3 BF (AV 90). I moved some from the other side of Sumatra to try to give me more engineers so when it is captured, their presence will cause more damage to the oil. He has landed with 21 Mixed Bde, 4 Mixed Rgt, and 4 Construction units. He has 2 BB TF with multiple BB/CA in each. So far, it has held for 6 days worth of attacks. [:D]

He had placed mini-KB about 4 hexes off of Batavia and launched multiple attacks against the AF along with Nells from Kuching. I have pulled out most of my Martins to Tjilitjap and other AF to recover. The plan is to increase morale all around and then hit Palembang hard after it falls. Mini-KB has pulled back to Indonesia, I think.

[ny59giants]

In Burma, he has sent the 55 Division and 6th Tank Rgt. He has bombed both Ragoon and Moulmein, but has not assulted.

I took the CD unit from Ragoon to Port Blair along with the 2 BF's from Tavoy and Victoria Point. I now have AV 77 and forts 0 (74%). I need this place to get my short legged LBA from Malaya to India and I want him to actually invade the place with more than a NLF or 2. [:D]

At Mandalay, I have 5 BF's and the 221 Group HQ building forts 2 (24%). The Chinese LCU's assigned to SE Asia are moving towards Lashio (6 Division plus a HQ).

This part has been quiet to date and I am moving supplies and troops from Aden to India while using the ML's from the Dutch and British in Malaya to mine various ports. I did not send the MLE that started in Colombo to Java (which I should have done in hindsight). [:(]

[ny59giants]

In Luzon, I have fallen back to Manila behind forts 2 (I was able to increase it one level before the AF took too much damage and troops moved into the city). My supply is only 20k. [:(] However, I have AV 1569. [X(] He has brought only 16 & 48 Division, 65 Bde, and 5 Engineer units. He may be able to take down the forts with the engineers, but having that much AV in an urban hex means he is in for a long seige. [:D]

The only other place of concern Cagayan (AV 179) which has had held out for a few weeks against 3 NLF and the 56 Bde. Earlier in the game, my beloved PT's sunk CS Chitose off of Legaspi. [&o]

[ny59giants]

I have had little action around Rabaul and PM. He has had subs use 2 torpedoes each to sink my sailboats (small AK's with less than 200 capacity) twice. [:D] I recently had the Tautog miss the Mutsu with its torpedoes (the CO will be questioned when he gets back to Pearl) 60 miles NW of rabaul on 1/13.

I have taken the small LCU's off of Lau and Kavieng and sent them to PM. I want my units to die for a purpose and not just as a speed bump.

[ny59giants]

Can I get a few more of these??

PLEASE!![X(][X(]

[ny59giants]

Here are the house rules we are using.

Non-negotiable:

I like AB's extended maps (will NOT go back to stock map) and prefer a game using CHS, if possible. If you would like to try another using AB's extended maps, I'm game!!
I like 2 day turns as they add in some more FOW and help the game get through in less than actual game time. Plus, one day turns allow too much micro-management.
Non-historical 1st turn: The Japanese "may" move LCU's from their historical start positions to "major" bases throughout the Pacific (Truk, Kwajalein, Palau, Saigon, Camranh Bay, Formosa, Home Islands, etc.) From there they can be sent on turn 3 invade where ever.

Negotiable:These are suggestions and are not set in stone. Please offer your own or possible changes.

Multiple port attacks allowed on turn 1 & 2, but must be based on a CV/CVL/CVE. Thus, KB & mini-KB may be used in combinations non-historical.

450 planes total in one hex from CV/CVL/CVE's. No Allied "death stars" in late war stages, nor the KB plus "death star" by mid-42 when they get more CV's. OR may have CAP set to 50% instead of a plane limit.

ASW TFs cannot exceed 8 ships

PT Boats may not be included in TFs with other ships (exception: when transferring between bases - using the extra ships as portable fuel sources. PT TF may have a max of 6 ships in it. 1 PT TF for port sizes 0 to 4, 2 Tf for size 5 to 8, and 3 Tf for size 9 or 10.

No creating Barges/PT at bases smaller than size 3

No Allied CV Capable air units on CV's until 1/44 - designed to keep Marine Fighter groups off CV's

Allied player may only give orders to Allied warships (not AK/AP) already at sea on turn 1

No units of the Kwangtung HQ may be moved out of the area without first paying the applicable PP costs (Land or Air units)

AF size equals the number of 1e & 2e times 50. Thus, a AF(4) can hold 200 1e & 2e planes. However, 4e level bombers count double!!. Thus, that same field would hold only 100 4e level bombers. They can be mixed. Hopefully, this will reduce the Uber-Bombers.

No 4e level-bombing below 11,000' when set for naval attack. B-29's are not allowed to be set on naval attack.

Invasions only on base or dot hexes.

Cadre evacuations allowed.

Single-ship TFs are allowed to the end of 12/41. Afterwards, there must be two or more. This is to compensate for the game mechanics usually allowing 1 ship TF not being attacked

"Training" your squadrons in China is fine. The Allies may use "same-hex supply training" of bomber squadrons

No Japanese LCU naval invasions north of Tavoy until Singapore falls.

"Be realistic" with cutting off troops for surrender. A whole Btn would be sufficient to cut off a unit, but a few squads = no.

If you don't attack the Soviets on turn 1, please give 2 weeks lead time before attacking the Soviets (if you're going to do it), so I can come up with my own defensive posture. If you want to surprise the Soviets as well, you're welcome to beat the snot out of them with surprise on turn 1.

If you don't attack the Soviets on turn 1 (and also ambush their fleet), Stalin requires that he be allowed to relocate the Soviet fleet in a few weeks (when things have calmed down a little, you'd need to have nothing set to NavAtk around the Soviet ports so that I can move the fleet).

Allied TFs at sea at start may issue new orders, but may not load troops.

Sub evac = ok. Sub invasion = not ok.

No city attacks in China for either side. I have not played much as the Chinese and don't want this area to be the main focus of the game.

No "shock with pursuit" attacks.

Attols can have 10k troops and level 6 forts only.

Play a "gentleman's game". If you think it might be gamey, it probably is, so don't do it.

[ny59giants]

In the Central Pacific and West Coast, not much to report after the intial Peral Harbor attack. Wake Island was intially able to repulse the intial attack and all invaders were killed. however, that victory was short lived as on the next 2 day cycle more troops came with KB in support and was taken in one shock attack.

BlamO has liked to place his subs off of San Fran for a while (he had 6 there for a short time). Now that my Clemson Class DD's have gotten there 1/42 upgrade to have an ASW value of 8, he has left and is off of Hawaii. I have 10 ships with an ASW of 8 in the WC, 9 at Pearl, and 6 at Sydney. They are various degrees of getting the sys damage down to 0. Then, he stays at his own risk. He has used the Glen carrying subs to search ports like San fran, Pearl, Pago Pago, and Palmrya. There are a nuisance, but will be hunted once my DD's and fully repaired.

For those not familar with CHS, the Clemson Class DD's (Flush Deck in stock) along with the Wilkes Class get their ASW upgrade in 1/42. Thus, those that start in Manila and Balikpapan are valueable and should not be used carelessly. There is also the 3 Taney Class PG's to use.

[1EyedJacks]

Ahh Michael - Good 2 C U back in the game. Pretty pictures in the AAR 2!

So can I ask what the current game date is? From seeing Malaya I'm guessing late January or eraly Feb?

Got any plans this early in the game? R U gunna do a Sir Robin?

Take care my friend!

[ny59giants]

The siege of Manila began 1/13/42 and here is a screen shot of the forces involved as of 1/17/42. I don't think he has enough to take it for a long time.......

[ny59giants]

Here are the forces at Palembang as of 1/17/42.

[ny59giants]

He was successful in taking Johure Bhure today, 1/17/42, with the following forces. Next is to cross into Singapore.

[ny59giants]

Just some other general things to get people caught up.
 
Search planes sighted 9 subs off of Hawaii today. I beleive some of them are just going through the area as they left the West Coast a week or so ago. My 9 recently upgraded DD's are still repairing sys damage, so they are not going out. There is no convoys coming in right now. Thus, I can wait. I had a supply TF of 35k make port a few days ago and is already unloading. Now have over 75k at Pearl.
 
Another 2 subs sighted off of PM and 1 sunk a small AK. 1 Australian ASW TF is in the area and another is being formed at Townsville. Their MSW have an ASW rating of 5 to start with and should be able to find the 2 RO subs.
 
There are only four LCU combats going on and I just posted 3 of them.
 
I saw an Alf recon Tongatupa (South of Pago Pago) from 6 hexes east. Might be the 2 high endurance PG's that started the war over there. I have two CV TF up off of Baker Island that will be heding that way for search and destroy mission.
 
My overall strategy will come out later.

[Roger Neilson II]

One minor issue, whilst applauding another AAR that isn't a copy paste of combat reports you do need to reduce the size of your pictures... they are becoming very fuzzy at the size you are using. An example: http://www.freedownloadscenter.com/Multimedia_and_Graphics/Graphics_Editors/Photo_Resizer.html

will make the reports load faster and be more easy on the eye. Size them to about 700/800 pixels wide.

Roger

[ny59giants]

Thanks Roger.
I saw the size difference after I posted them. Like I said, I'll be learning how to do various things with my screen shots. Today was just getting my feet wet. Next is to add text and those arrow things, I hope. [:D]

A general question or two. What planes can upgrade to Beaufort I's?? I have PDU on and cannot find the type of planes that use them. I don't get the Beaufort IX for a few more months.  When it comes to choosing the B-25 or 26, is there much of a difference other that the range??

Thanks

[Feinder]

I think the Canadians can go to Beufort Is.  I think their Blen IVs.  Not a bad trade.  You can upgrade the Canadians to Beuforts, which will recycle the Blen IVs back into the pools for the UK to use (sine they can't upgrade until May anyway).
 
-F-

[ny59giants]

I will get to updating my AAR today or tomorrow. Palembang, Balikpapan, and Moulmein all fall on 1/22/42. [:(] However, Palembang held out for over 2 weeks. [:D]

Naval Movement Question I posted in a separate thread about various TF's moving supposedly during BOTH phase of each day. We are playing 2 day turns. I had 2 CV TF's at Tulagi with orders to move 2 hexes directly South of Rabaul 9 hexes distance (was trying to catch a BB TF maybe staying to long). The 2 TF had mission speed (6 hexes) with Retirement Allowed to Brisbane. They were to move the 9 hexes to be south of Rabaul during both the night and day movement and "hopefully" launch against the BB TF and then head towards Brisbane. I had planned to make this a hit and run attack.

My CV TF moved only 9 hexes in 2 days and have not retired!?! [:@] Why or what am I doing wrong??

I have been monitoring various types of TF's and this seems to be the norm. Moving only once per day. [&:][&:] I have 2 ASW TF coming from SF to 2 hexes NE of Pearl with recently upgraded and repaired Clemson Class DD's (ASW of 8) to attack subs off Hawaii. They only moved 11 hexes in 2 days.

I need some help here.
Thanks

[ny59giants]

I did not receive a turn this morning. So I cannot use that as an excuse to avoid updating my AAR. [:D]

1/20/42 & 1/21/42

Jon Mark begins his bombing campaign in China. Changsha is hit from Shanghai and Canton, while Honan is hit from Yangku. He also send out LBA to attack my "peaceful" guerrilla units in the woods.

The "sync bug" begins to show itself. [:@] I-154 is at Christmas Island IO, where 2 British DD's (ASW of 8 each) drop 12 DC (5 hits & 7 near misses) and I am very happy (Combat Report shows 5 hits and I don't know the difference between hits and near misses). [:D] Over at Sorong, S-38 puts a torpedo each into CA Kako & DD Uzuki. [&o] Sadly, neither is true. [:(]

Invasions:
Balikpapan has troops landing with a BB TF of 2BB, 3CA, 1CL, 8DD in support.
Palembang, more troops land with a BB TF of 3BB, 4CA, 1CL, 5DD in support.

LBA attacks:
Batavia from Kuching 18 Zero, 98 Nell
Cagayan has 30 Ann from Jolo
Manila has 26 Sally, 12 Helen

Ground Attacks: No assaults just bombardment attacks at Moulmein, Manila, Balikpapan, & Palembang

Naval:
2 AK/AP take torpedoes

[ny59giants]

Not a good day for the Allied land forces.

1/22/42 & 1/23/42

Land Combat:
Palembang falls
Balikpapan falls
Moulein falls
Mershing falls
Bombardment attacks continue at Manila & Cagayan

Air:
Singapore gets visited from 31 Lily, 48 Sally, 15 Helen (I'm destroying more LBA with flak than A2A)
Manila get similar visitors 52 Betty, 26 Nell
He switches his attacks on Java to Bandoens with 60 Nells
Ragoon get 31 Sally, 26 Lily
Changsha and Homan have more LBA

Naval:
DD Express get 3 torpedoes from Nells while trying to refuel at Tjilitap.
I found out that an enemy sub has dropped off mines in Darwin harbor.
Rabaul has a BB TF of 3BB, 3CL, 6DD come to shell the base and I hope stay a few days. Undetected up to this point are the Yorktown and Enterprise dock at Tulagi. Just 10 hexes away. [:D] I now give them order to proceed to within 2 hexes of Rabaul (stay tuned!).