RIDERS ON THE STORM-THANK YOU

[Gen.Hoepner]

I think that for the 1st of May we'll be almost ready for Ponape. Manila will hold for some more weeks i guess...he needs more troops!
The siege of Karachi hasn't started yet, so i'm confident about the lasting of the indian capital.
Anyway, Eniwetok is already a tough nut to crack for him. 500 AVs will remain there with CD guns, AAs, forts and artillery...and the Americal Division will probably be shipped there as soon as the 32nd arrives at PH...plus i have a HUGE air army in CENTPAC...something like 400 fighters and 550 bombers, plus 4 CVs....not bad indeed[;)]

[Gen.Hoepner]

Yesterday night i took a big look deep into the Oz defences.
If he lands at Darwin or Perth area i'm safe. Darwin has 70,000 supplies, 9 forts, and 1600 AVs...enough i think.Perth is rather safe too.
Problem will be if he lands in the East coast...but without PM and the solomons it would be quite a suicide...
 
However i'm looking forward to the 1st of May. I'll be able to upgrade my british air groups...so to say lots of seahurricanes and seafires on my brit CVs and 32 hurricanes available in China...not bad!
 
the P-38Fs are coming online in the pacific...despite their terrible replacement rate (25/month) they'll be usefull against Truk[;)]
 

[Bogo Mil]

You might take back the Solomones the same way he conquered them: Take a small, expendable unit an carry it around, grab the islands and don't leave anything for defense. Then you can place some patrols there (you have enough AVDs to support them, no base force needed) - surprise attacks against your weak flank in East Oz would be much more difficult.

Did you already build Noumea to full size? If not, you should do so before Jan '43. Each point of airfield size gives you 200 victory points, each port is 100. Since the Japs need 4:1 for autovictory, this can really make the difference...

[Gen.Hoepner]

ORIGINAL: Bogo Mil

You might take back the Solomones the same way he conquered them: Take a small, expendable unit an carry it around, grab the islands and don't leave anything for defense. Then you can place some patrols there (you have enough AVDs to support them, no base force needed) - surprise attacks against your weak flank in East Oz would be much more difficult.

Did you already build Noumea to full size? If not, you should do so before Jan '43. Each point of airfield size gives you 200 victory points, each port is 100. Since the Japs need 4:1 for autovictory, this can really make the difference...

Hi Bogo and welcome aboard!
Yes, actually i was thinking of using one of those companies that grow in OZ OOB...have forgotten to do so lately...thx for remembering it to me:-)
Noumea hasn't been built yet. I simply do not have the men and resources right now to send anything there...every men, plane, supply or fuel is moving towards CENTPAC (from PH to Eniwetok).
As soon as the Ponape buisness will be accomplished, we'll start sending men and resources to Oz and so to Noumea,...i hope for June/july some important convoys will be arriving at Sydney and Brisbane...but for the moment, every ship available is busy moving up and down from SF to the Marshalls...transports seem to be always lacking in numbers!

[witpqs]

Along those lines build up your ports followed by airfields in the USA & Canada. Free points!

[hades1001]

Just watch out your flank, allies is too weak at this point to go this far.
 
It maybe a trap[:D]

[Gen.Hoepner]

ORIGINAL: witpqs

Along those lines build up your ports followed by airfields in the USA & Canada. Free points!

Yes, thanks, gotta do that! A lot of things to remember....[:)]

[Gen.Hoepner]

ORIGINAL: hades1001

Just watch out your flank, allies is too weak at this point to go this far.

It maybe a trap[:D]

A Trap?
That can be...but at this stage the trap may consist only in a KB raid against my supply lines in the Pacific...not an invasion. He simply doesn't have enough troops to spare at the moment. The bulk of his army is in India, while more 3000 VPs are in Luzon...so an invasion of PH is out of question...let's say he has 1 division to use in the pacific...where he can go to invade?...Solomons, which are empty...yes, ok, but that won't bother me much...Suva? Very risky with the Marshalls in my hands....
No, i do think now he can only raid. I'll try to be more carefull...but a counterinvasion is out of question imho at this stage[:-]

So Hades, are u going to play against Trollelite?

Today the game should be resumed...Trollelite was out for the weekend....

[Bogo Mil]

I overlooked the situation again. If you want to prevent an autovictory, you must do something in Noumea, imho.

Let me explain: In your last intel screen you had 19600:6300 victory points. You will lose Manila before 1943, that's 1200 Points less for you. Even if Karachi holds, your troops in Burma and Manila will give him at least 5000 points, so we are at 25000:5100.  Ok, you have to earn some 1200 points, this is not too much. But if Karachi falls, your gap becomes too big, I'm afraid.

Noumea is now at 600 VP. If he takes it (Japan received a lot of SNLF and NavGd units), we are at 25000:4500. This is a big gap, even if Karachi holds. Should it fall - no way to prevent an autovictory.
On the other hand, if you defend the place and max it out to 2100 VP, you are almost save. Even if you lose Karachi it should be possible to earn enough points for destroyed ships and aircraft. I think, this should really be your priority now. Try to release a brigade from NZ and send 100 fighters, some base forces and engineers. And a fleet, of course. If you really don't have the troops, you should even consider to strip one of your brand new Marshall islands.

[hades1001]

I just told you if I was the IJ player, what would I do.
 
The Indian Campaign would not last long, and in 2 or 3 months, evil trollelite can gather all of his troops, around 8000-10000 AVs
 
supported by KB and the whole Combined fleet.
 
The best point to break through your defense is wake or some other isolated island.
 
Cut off your supply line, seige all your frontline bases. Starving them to death and you can do nothing.
 
You will loss thousands of US troops and may not able to recover until later 1943

[Gen.Hoepner]

ORIGINAL: Bogo Mil

I overlooked the situation again. If you want to prevent an autovictory, you must do something in Noumea, imho.

Let me explain: In your last intel screen you had 19600:6300 victory points. You will lose Manila before 1943, that's 1200 Points less for you. Even if Karachi holds, your troops in Burma and Manila will give him at least 5000 points, so we are at 25000:5100.  Ok, you have to earn some 1200 points, this is not too much. But if Karachi falls, your gap becomes too big, I'm afraid.

Noumea is now at 600 VP. If he takes it (Japan received a lot of SNLF and NavGd units), we are at 25000:4500. This is a big gap, even if Karachi holds. Should it fall - no way to prevent an autovictory.
On the other hand, if you defend the place and max it out to 2100 VP, you are almost save. Even if you lose Karachi it should be possible to earn enough points for destroyed ships and aircraft. I think, this should really be your priority now. Try to release a brigade from NZ and send 100 fighters, some base forces and engineers. And a fleet, of course. If you really don't have the troops, you should even consider to strip one of your brand new Marshall islands.

mmm...You've made up my mind. I'll try to move some eng units (base forces and seabees) plus maybe a RCT to Noumea...it will take some time however...let's see what i can master...In Oz there are enough fighters to be moved there...however Oz cannot be depleted that much...so i must stay on balance.

Thanks mate, good point[;)]

[Gen.Hoepner]

ORIGINAL: hades1001

I just told you if I was the IJ player, what would I do.

The Indian Campaign would not last long, and in 2 or 3 months, evil trollelite can gather all of his troops, around 8000-10000 AVs

supported by KB and the whole Combined fleet.

The best point to break through your defense is wake or some other isolated island.

Cut off your supply line, seige all your frontline bases. Starving them to death and you can do nothing.

You will loss thousands of US troops and may not able to recover until later 1943

You really think that Karachi will last for only 2/3 more months? I hope not...i'm starting to believe that Karachi can hold its ground...maybe with a bit of luck...but i see a chance.
However the Marshalls aren't a trip in the park for him...even if he brings in everything he has. He cannot gain anymore the air superiority without risking his whole KB...and the KB has 3 platforms (CV Kaga and 2 CVEs) out of action for some more time. I have 4 mutual supporting bases south of Kwalajein and Eniwetok is really well reinforced...for sue if he brings 8 divisions in one single atoll he can take it, but i won't be so sure...
Anyway, there's not much i can do right now. I'm reinforcing every base i have gained...and i won't overextend...be sure of that. [;)]

[Hortlund]

ORIGINAL: hades1001

I just told you if I was the IJ player, what would I do.

The Indian Campaign would not last long, and in 2 or 3 months, evil trollelite can gather all of his troops, around 8000-10000 AVs

supported by KB and the whole Combined fleet.

The best point to break through your defense is wake or some other isolated island.

Cut off your supply line, seige all your frontline bases. Starving them to death and you can do nothing.

You will loss thousands of US troops and may not able to recover until later 1943

Pure fantasy. After India, he needs to mop up the NEI and Manilla. After that, his troops will need weeks of rest and his ships will need some serious dock time. Without any combat damage, having your ships at sea for several months will lead to sys-damage above 10.

The danger is to northern Australia, but it seems our General has fortified it well.

"starve to death" LOL... have you actually played this game?

[Hortlund]

General, have you used your DMs at Pearl to mine your frontline bases in the pacific?

[castor troy]

ORIGINAL: Gen.Hoepner

ORIGINAL: Bogo Mil

I overlooked the situation again. If you want to prevent an autovictory, you must do something in Noumea, imho.

Let me explain: In your last intel screen you had 19600:6300 victory points. You will lose Manila before 1943, that's 1200 Points less for you. Even if Karachi holds, your troops in Burma and Manila will give him at least 5000 points, so we are at 25000:5100.  Ok, you have to earn some 1200 points, this is not too much. But if Karachi falls, your gap becomes too big, I'm afraid.

Noumea is now at 600 VP. If he takes it (Japan received a lot of SNLF and NavGd units), we are at 25000:4500. This is a big gap, even if Karachi holds. Should it fall - no way to prevent an autovictory.
On the other hand, if you defend the place and max it out to 2100 VP, you are almost save. Even if you lose Karachi it should be possible to earn enough points for destroyed ships and aircraft. I think, this should really be your priority now. Try to release a brigade from NZ and send 100 fighters, some base forces and engineers. And a fleet, of course. If you really don't have the troops, you should even consider to strip one of your brand new Marshall islands.

mmm...You've made up my mind. I'll try to move some eng units (base forces and seabees) plus maybe a RCT to Noumea...it will take some time however...let's see what i can master...In Oz there are enough fighters to be moved there...however Oz cannot be depleted that much...so i must stay on balance.

Thanks mate, good point[;)]

be aware that Noumea is one of the biggest death traps in the game. You can´t defend all of New Caledonia and a smart Japanese player often waits until Noumea is well garrisoned, then he lands at La Foa or Koumac and then marches to Noumea.

[hades1001]

Pure fantasy. After India, he needs to mop up the NEI and Manilla. After that, his troops will need weeks of rest and his ships will need some serious dock time. Without any combat damage, having your ships at sea for several months will lead to sys-damage above 10.

The danger is to northern Australia, but it seems our General has fortified it well.

"starve to death" LOL... have you actually played this game?

Check out my AAR and you will see what IJ can do

Something you just can't imagine, but could happen[8D]

PS, sys over 10 is no big deal.

Anyway, if GH can hold all Karachi and the central pacific bases, trollelite just failed to organize the war the right way.
And the fall of Japan won't be far away.

[hades1001]

I just checked out the AVs GH got in Karachi, it is over 2,500, impressive.

Only if trollelite can gether over 10,000 AVs in Karachi, which is almost impossible in CHS.

I'm sure trollelite is having big headache right now but he still have a chance to get out of this.

I preferred to overestimate my opponent so you can make better plans.

Some dangers you have to just take into consideration, it's better than be surprised, right?

[Mistmatz]

ORIGINAL: castor troy
...
be aware that Noumea is one of the biggest death traps in the game. You can´t defend all of New Caledonia and a smart Japanese player often waits until Noumea is well garrisoned, then he lands at La Foa or Koumac and then marches to Noumea.

Same is true for Suva, but this is even further away for the empire.

So unless the Marshalls are taken back by the japanese in this game, such an action is very unlikely. In particular not unless trollelite is going for the 4-1 autovictory, which he said he isn't after.

[Gen.Hoepner]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 04/15/42


Japanese bombers arrive in hordes in China and at Karachi.
At Karachi he targeted the whole res./HI centers...quite strange indeed because those facilities would have been stopped just entering in the base hex...[&:]
However Karachi is down to 289,000 supplies...and today we saw what Japan can master in india in terms of bombers....something like 500! Karachi has still 2500 AVs, forts near level 7....

In China it's the same...he's moving back from Changsha...now he's massing 20 units north of it, in order to advance and cross the river, so to cut the supply line to Chunking and force me to do stupid things....i'm retreating from Shangai/Nanchang area...let's see if i can give him some troubles here...

In the Marshalls i've ordered to an RCT to move to Wake. Now Every base has at least 500 AVs and forts are building fast. I'm confident that my defences in this area can hold.

Bad weather prevented any raid from Eniwatok to Ponape today....

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Karachi , at 21,3

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 36
Ki-21-II Sally x 129
Ki-49 Helen x 113
Ki-46-II Dinah x 10

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-II Sally: 3 damaged
Ki-49 Helen: 7 damaged

Heavy Industry hits 66

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Karachi , at 21,3

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 73
G4M1 Betty x 157
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell: 1 destroyed, 9 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed, 7 damaged

Resources hits 28

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Changsha , at 45,37

Japanese aircraft
D3A2 Val x 131[X(]
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 48
Ki-30 Ann x 48[X(]
Ki-32 Mary x 54[X(]
Ki-48-I Lily x 143[X(]

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-48-I Lily: 1 damaged


Allied ground losses:
154 casualties reported
Guns lost 3

Airbase hits 31
Airbase supply hits 25
Runway hits 220

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Changsha , at 45,37

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 25
G4M1 Betty x 44
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 12
Ki-21-II Sally x 26
Ki-49 Helen x 99
Ki-15 Babs x 13

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell: 1 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 1 damaged
Ki-49 Helen: 1 damaged


Allied ground losses:
78 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 12
Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 100

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Kwajalein , at 81,84

Usual raid over Kwalajein....[:)]


Allied aircraft
Beaufort I x 27
P-40B Tomahawk x 15
B-18A Bolo x 12
B-25C Mitchell x 43
B-26B Marauder x 53


Allied aircraft losses
Beaufort I: 1 damaged
B-25C Mitchell: 3 damaged
B-26B Marauder: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
20 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 12
Port supply hits 1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Hankow

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 54057 troops, 267 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1789

Defending force 23039 troops, 62 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 309



Allied ground losses:
34 casualties reported
Guns lost 3


mmmmm...here he has moved back many units...but the hex is urban and sure the forts are high...i'd be tempted but i restrain myself...[:(]

[Feinder]

The only thing I can think of for bombing Karachi...  Does he get strat points for bombing India?  I think I tried it already, I don't think I got anythign for my trouble.  I do know you score points for bombing Oz (watch that by the way).  But I'm not sure about India.
 
-F-