Lorks-a-lordy, my Empire is on fire! GBL vs 1EyedJacks - Nemo's mod

[goodboyladdie]

An Oscar was shot down by CAP over Homan, while 2 others fell in return for 2 escorting P-43As over Sinyang. A V-92C was shot down of Kiungshan Fortress. This unit will attack the 2 Jap units that have miraculously appeared at Xuwen (see screenie). I suspect they came in by air, but in my haste I forgot to set up LRCAP over the base to disrupt this...

[ny59giants]

Carl,
I see that you have a huge amount of Oil at Perth. Why?? Shouldn't it be shipped to Melbourne and Sydney??

I would try to build up the supplies at Perth by moving them from the South Atlantic base hex. I would focus more on building the forts at Perth rather than go slowly with 3 things at once. You know with this mod that Perth is a major strategic base and needs to take priority over anything else in Australia. 

[goodboyladdie]

ORIGINAL: ny59giants

Carl,
I see that you have a huge amount of Oil at Perth. Why?? Shouldn't it be shipped to Melbourne and Sydney??

I would try to build up the supplies at Perth by moving them from the South Atlantic base hex. I would focus more on building the forts at Perth rather than go slowly with 3 things at once. You know with this mod that Perth is a major strategic base and needs to take priority over anything else in Australia. 

Hi Michael

Perth is being used as a drop off point to allow me to run my large TKs back to the DEI as quickly as possible. Small TKs are shipping oil around the coast to where it is needed. Supplies are being shipped in from Capetown and the South Atlantic as fast as possible and Perth is getting the lion's share. I want the port up as quickly as possible to speed unloading and allow me to have my ships back at sea. The airfield building programme will be held once it gets to the minimum size necessary to be able to operate the broadest range of planes.

Did you read about Mike's issues on the last post of page 13? Any opinions?

[ny59giants]

Mike is complaining about some very slow moving units. I have had a few, but always over difficult terrain so am moderately happy. He is wondering if we have some incompatible files. I think that only a mismatch in PWhex files would cause something like that. Does anyone have any opinions they could share with us, please? Edit Actually, it's worse than that - his I-124 subs are not minelayers in his version, but they seem to be in mine (I will have to check Tracker!).

If those units are ground, the amount of fatigue and disruption are major factors. When you try to use the "R" button to see about transportation layout, it get very confusing. Check out part of Russia or China to see how confusing it is. It could be that you see a rail or track somewhere and in actuality, there is none. I don't know enough to be able to distinguish one from the other.

On the sub issue, I think (but don't hold me to this) that the version of the OOB of the Japanese player overrules the Allied players OOB. If there was a major difference, would that generate a sync issue?? Again, someone who knows more about the game operation should answer this. Shoot Nemo a PM on this.

[goodboyladdie]

12/02/42

Anchorage AF expanded to size 4.

Damage at Johnston is 0/58/0 and at Christmas Island is 0/49/46. 71st BF is unloading at Midway. The Japs have dropped off radar, but my subs reported many aircraft sightings at 84,85, indicating that at least one task forces is advancing Eastwards at cruise speed.

USS Saury, another refugee from Manila with system damage of 40, disbanded at San Diego for repairs. 3 new subs that arrived at San Francisco (see screenie) are off to mine Japan (2) and Kwajalein (1). Mike loves mines as it gives him something proper to do with his minesweepers...

[goodboyladdie]

No 9 Sqn, RNZAF, flew their Beauforts to Noumea, where 2nd Marine Division has finally arrived. 18th Engineers will now leave Noumea and head for Koumac to build defences and facilities that the Paratroopers there are not equipped for.

In Australia the first elements of the evacuated Pp 3/82nd Bn are loading onto LCVPs for transport to Thursday Island. 2/2 Independent Company is moving from Katherine to Broome, now that Katherine is garrisoned by 1st Aus Cavalry Division and an armoured unit in area reserve. Perth finally broke the 20,000 ton barrier for supplies. 2 repaired gunboats (1 US, 1 RN) left Perth for Darwin with 2 minesweepers. I am spreading my minesweepers out as I am sure Mike will be giving me more than a taste of my own medicine at some point...

[goodboyladdie]

SigInt revealed IJA 14th Tank Regt is planning for Singapore.

A Martin B-139 out of Palembang spotted a Jap sub heading NE off Johore Bharu (see screenie). I think Mike is about to get more aggressive with his subs. This is the second one I have seen operate beyond the Java Sea/South China Sea.

Rangoon was bombed 3 times and Manila was bombed twice. At least 3 Bettys and a Lily were destroyed by flak over Manila. A deliberate ground attacked followed at Rangoon that reduced forts to 2 and caused 137/5 Jap casualties against 179/2 for the Allies. Brunei took another oil hit from B-17s in return and now has 111 damaged centres. I hope tomorrow's raids change this as it's an unlucky number.

The Dutch ML at Pontianak is still in big danger (96/84/0). I do not want to scuttle her unless I have to, as she is well worth repairing. AK Siace (sys 41) disbanded at Karachi for repairs.

Nos 11, 113 (both Blenheim IV) and 117 Sqns RAF arrived at Aden and flew on to Bombay. 11 Sqn lost a pilot and plane in the transfer. The newly arrived BB Resolution sailed to join her sisters at Batavia, escorted by 2 CLs (Emerald and Mauritius) and 6 modern DDs.

The Indian Army's 255th Tank Brigade is currently in my Western (I suppose that should be Southern) reserve at Hyderabad. They will be replaced by 7th Tank Brigade shortly (still loading at Aden). I am toying with the idea of shipping them to Colombo to join the defence of Ceylon, but am undecided. They are pulling back to Bombay into strategic reserve while I make up my mind whether to risk any mobile units on Ceylon.

[goodboyladdie]

The Mini KB is pulling off to the NE. They only made one raid and then hung around for a couple of days, which makes me believe they were just trying to pull Force Z (now I should call it the British Eastern Fleet, I suppose) out of position. I still get the feeling that Kuching is on Mike's menu.

[goodboyladdie]

1 Lt Conkling of AVG/3 got his 6th kill over Homan (an Oscar I think). A Sally and a Babs were shot down over Sinyang. V-92Cs again bombed Jap forces in Xuwen, identifying IJN Saigon NGF Naval Guard Unit. 2 SB-2 squadrons will join the attack tomorrow with a third providing Recon. The main AVG will LRCAP to try to stop Mike flying in any more troops.

Pursuing Jap units attacked the 9th Provisional Corps (the heroes of Wenchow and one of my best Chinese units). Numbers were quite even, but the Japs must have lacked supplies because only 6 modified assault points attacked, resulting in 633/19 casualties for none on my side.

3 Soviet L class minelaying subs are now repaired. They will sail to lay a defensive minefield off Magadan. The Soviet 2nd Air Base Force will leave Urumchi for an epic trek through China. They are eventually headed for Oboto, on the border, but there is no direct route and they are too far away to airlift.

My Northern blocking force is too big to support at the current distance from my bases. A Corps and a Field Army will head back to Lanchow to form a Northern Reserve.

[goodboyladdie]

After my musings a couple of game turns back I have had time to look at my Royal Navy Torpedo Bomber options come May '42. At first glance it seems a no brainer that the Albacore is a better plane than the Stringbag. However this stringbag has rockets and radar...

[goodboyladdie]

However, pilots are too precious and ranges are greater in this mod, so the Stringbags will have to go. The temptation is to go American, but that low durability is a worry...

[goodboyladdie]

I think the move to the Avenger is inevitable as speed helps when faced by CAP. I would like to go for a mix, but I then run the risk of fragmented strikes. I am pretty sure the Barracuda will not ever be used though, because the improved dash 3 Avenger is out a few months later and the Barracuda does not really come up to the standard set by the dash 1.

[ny59giants]

The Indian Army's 255th Tank Brigade is currently in my Western (I suppose that should be Southern) reserve at Hyderabad. They will be replaced by 7th Tank Brigade shortly (still loading at Aden). I am toying with the idea of shipping them to Colombo to join the defence of Ceylon, but am undecided. They are pulling back to Bombay into strategic reserve while I make up my mind whether to risk any mobile units on Ceylon.

I would not place anything on Ceylon that cannot be easily transported off by transports (Coronados). 3 x Bde on the island would be the max (maybe 4). You don't get Grant tanks as replacements until 3/42, so the 255 Tank will need till 6/42 to be at her full TO&E. You have to decide which tank force needs to be allowed to take replacements - India or Australia. Each one wil take 6 months.

I would keep the 254th & 255th Tank Bde at Calcutta and take on replacements. Keep the 7th Tank at Hyperabad.

[ny59giants]

The Avenger can be escorted by your Spits. Thus, any ships within 6 hexes of the coast without CAP is in serious trouble. [:D]  Train them up in Burma to have an experience range in the mid 60s. Then move them to the west coast and have them as your major deterrence.

Note - I would think about what Dutch units on Sumatra you don't want to die a meaningless death. March them north and use you various patrol planes to evac them to Ceylon. They will make interior bases in India "para-proof." If Mike is thinking about India, he will need to do so in the next few months.

[goodboyladdie]

ORIGINAL: ny59giants

The Indian Army's 255th Tank Brigade is currently in my Western (I suppose that should be Southern) reserve at Hyderabad. They will be replaced by 7th Tank Brigade shortly (still loading at Aden). I am toying with the idea of shipping them to Colombo to join the defence of Ceylon, but am undecided. They are pulling back to Bombay into strategic reserve while I make up my mind whether to risk any mobile units on Ceylon.

I would not place anything on Ceylon that cannot be easily transported off by transports (Coronados). 3 x Bde on the island would be the max (maybe 4). You don't get Grant tanks as replacements until 3/42, so the 255 Tank will need till 6/42 to be at her full TO&E. You have to decide which tank force needs to be allowed to take replacements - India or Australia. Each one wil take 6 months.

I would keep the 254th & 255th Tank Bde at Calcutta and take on replacements. Keep the 7th Tank at Hyperabad.

Hi Michael

Thanks for the input. Putting an armoured force somewhere so constricted seems to be a mistake, I agree. The high impact assault force they would bring would be useful for hitting landings (albeit they will not be such a force until late '42). However, if Mike really wants Ceylon in this mod, I don't think I could stop him. I have 4 brigades plus the base forces present currently. My plan for here is to hold him as long as possible to throw off his schedule while hitting his shipping and long lines of communication with naval and air forces. I am building up the airbases to the rear of Ceylon to ensure I can keep hitting him hard from mutually supporting fields. The main battle will be beyond Ceylon, BUT the loss of Ceylon bottles up the RN.

[goodboyladdie]

ORIGINAL: ny59giants

The Avenger can be escorted by your Spits. Thus, any ships within 6 hexes of the coast without CAP is in serious trouble. [:D]  Train them up in Burma to have an experience range in the mid 60s. Then move them to the west coast and have them as your major deterrence.

Note - I would think about what Dutch units on Sumatra you don't want to die a meaningless death. March them north and use you various patrol planes to evac them to Ceylon. They will make interior bases in India "para-proof." If Mike is thinking about India, he will need to do so in the next few months.

I am pulling selected units out, but do not want to take too many as it would feel gamey. Small exposed units that are not serving the main defence are candidates for moves if they can contribute to the main Allied Defence Plan. When the hammer falls I will be rescuing key fragments, as this would be realistic just before the end. I am using the same strategy in the Philippines, with non combat mouths the first priority for withdrawal.

[scout1]

ORIGINAL: goodboyladdie

ORIGINAL: ny59giants

The Avenger can be escorted by your Spits. Thus, any ships within 6 hexes of the coast without CAP is in serious trouble. [:D]  Train them up in Burma to have an experience range in the mid 60s. Then move them to the west coast and have them as your major deterrence.

Note - I would think about what Dutch units on Sumatra you don't want to die a meaningless death. March them north and use you various patrol planes to evac them to Ceylon. They will make interior bases in India "para-proof." If Mike is thinking about India, he will need to do so in the next few months.

I am pulling selected units out, but do not want to take too many as it would feel gamey. Small exposed units that are not serving the main defence are candidates for moves if they can contribute to the main Allied Defence Plan. When the hammer falls I will be rescuing key fragments, as this would be realistic just before the end. I am using the same strategy in the Philippines, with non combat mouths the first priority for withdrawal.

Just surrender for God's sake to the superior forces of the Empire of Japan..... Resistance is futile. You will be absorbed ....[:D]

[goodboyladdie]

ORIGINAL: scout1

ORIGINAL: goodboyladdie

ORIGINAL: ny59giants

The Avenger can be escorted by your Spits. Thus, any ships within 6 hexes of the coast without CAP is in serious trouble. [:D]  Train them up in Burma to have an experience range in the mid 60s. Then move them to the west coast and have them as your major deterrence.

Note - I would think about what Dutch units on Sumatra you don't want to die a meaningless death. March them north and use you various patrol planes to evac them to Ceylon. They will make interior bases in India "para-proof." If Mike is thinking about India, he will need to do so in the next few months.

I am pulling selected units out, but do not want to take too many as it would feel gamey. Small exposed units that are not serving the main defence are candidates for moves if they can contribute to the main Allied Defence Plan. When the hammer falls I will be rescuing key fragments, as this would be realistic just before the end. I am using the same strategy in the Philippines, with non combat mouths the first priority for withdrawal.

Just surrender for God's sake to the superior forces of the Empire of Japan..... Resistance is futile. You will be absorbed ....[:D]

I don't do surrender...[:'(]

[scout1]

ORIGINAL: goodboyladdie

ORIGINAL: scout1

ORIGINAL: goodboyladdie





I am pulling selected units out, but do not want to take too many as it would feel gamey. Small exposed units that are not serving the main defence are candidates for moves if they can contribute to the main Allied Defence Plan. When the hammer falls I will be rescuing key fragments, as this would be realistic just before the end. I am using the same strategy in the Philippines, with non combat mouths the first priority for withdrawal.

Just surrender for God's sake to the superior forces of the Empire of Japan..... Resistance is futile. You will be absorbed ....[:D]

I don't do surrender...[:'(]

How about capitulation then ...... if not surrender. I'm sure there's a distinction ....

[goodboyladdie]

ORIGINAL: scout1

ORIGINAL: goodboyladdie

ORIGINAL: scout1




Just surrender for God's sake to the superior forces of the Empire of Japan..... Resistance is futile. You will be absorbed ....[:D]

I don't do surrender...[:'(]

How about capitulation then ...... if not surrender. I'm sure there's a distinction ....

You'd know! Lightweight...[:'(]