ALLIED ONLY: aztez (A) vs erstad (J) ...2nd ROUND

[Rob Brennan UK]

Re the Queens .. don't do what i did and send it to PM .. ships too big to unload and was fodder for an equally suprising KB appearance when i tried moving her back. OUCH

I had put 2 DD's as escort for the QE .. wish i hadnt as it slowed her down !

IIRC allies get 2 naval base forces (small ones) in january , they are like scones covered in jam and creme .. uttely lovely but don't last long ! .. Moved one to christmas and one to pago .. massively help unloading efforts imo.

Good luck .. great read

[ny59giants]

Patrol Zones are a nice addition. However, if you have insufficient recon and/or search, they can be painful.

FOW is really effective and shows how much time and effort in recon we all need to partake in.

Even though I know that the map scale and aircraft ranges are different, I haven't converted that knowledge into my decision making process enough.

The AI went after Repair Shipyards at Soerbaja in my game. 7 out of 8 damaged by KB-1. The few ships I had in there got kicked out as they surpass existing capacity (1000). Thus, any Allied player will need to look at training up B-17s for City Attack to do the same to captured bases with Repair Shipyards. Something to put on your "to do list."

[hgilmer3]

Great AAR. Thank you for the AAR.  I have a question.  You mentioned "in stock" several times.  This isn't the stock game?  I keep reading trying to find what version it is.  I first saw you said you would probably play from Dec 8 the full campaign. that isn't stock?

[jimh009]

ORIGINAL: hgilmer3

Great AAR. Thank you for the AAR.  I have a question.  You mentioned "in stock" several times.  This isn't the stock game?  I keep reading trying to find what version it is.  I first saw you said you would probably play from Dec 8 the full campaign. that isn't stock?

"In stock" refers to the original War in the Pacific Game...released a few years ago. Admirals Edition is a greatly updated and modified edition of the original game.

[aztez]

jrlans: That is the million dollar question. Personally my thoughts are 50/50%. Allthough I was very disappointed to see Rabaul fall in an single ground offensive.

Agreed. The problem is that I don't know how to do it. I have 2 PT squadrons stationed at Hawaji which could be useful. If I read the manual correctly by disbanding them these would show up in the pool.

Rob: I think Port Moresby is way too isolated to be sent anykind of reinforcements. As described I think Townswille are will eventually command the whole area there so I judge PM to be affordable loss.

I also have already +200 av gathered at Christmas Island along with supplies so the base should be safe soon enough. Need to check these naval base forces asap.

ny59giants: Agreed. I thought I had recon so that why I risked it and paid the price.

FOW.. enough said. It is completely diffrent and I did pay for it last turn at Ichang. I do have hate/love realationship with the FOW already.

That is on the "to do list" but so much stuff that needs to be sorted out first.

hgilmer3: Thank you! What Jim said.. when I prefer to the stock I do mean "the old Witp".

That campaign was out 1st encounter with Witp. I got kicked around for longtime in that one too.

jimh009: Add-on.. this feels like Witp II already!

[aztez]

Noumea (december 23rd and 24th)


KB delivered an it's christmas gifts last turn too.

The KB is located just 40 miles outside Noumea and I couldn't prevent it from hammering the remaining surface fleet ships.

Morning Air attack on TF, near Noumea at 115,160

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 45 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 7
B5N2 Kate x 26
D3A1 Val x 26



Allied aircraft
Walrus II x 1


Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 2 damaged
D3A1 Val: 4 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Walrus II: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
CL Leander, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
CA Canberra, Bomb hits 10, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Voyager



Aircraft Attacking:
13 x D3A1 Val diving from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
13 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 17000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
13 x D3A1 Val diving from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
13 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 17000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
No.700 Sqn FAA S-10 with Walrus II (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 6000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 40 minutes

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CA Canberra
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CL Leander

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Noumea at 115,160

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 7
D3A1 Val x 18



Japanese aircraft losses
D3A1 Val: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
DD Voyager, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage



Aircraft Attacking:
18 x D3A1 Val diving from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring an Allied DD


So, the commowealth TF is toasted. I can safely say that this operation was an massacre at sea.

We could have been lucky with surface combat interception but KB managed to pull out and as they say rest is history.

The landings at Rabaul also were completed and I was disappointed to notice that my troops were completely run over in the initial assault. The level 1 fortifications and prep points didn't amount to much. I had those units well enough supplied too.

Ground combat at Rabaul (106,125)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 11560 troops, 89 guns, 2 vehicles, Assault Value = 252

Defending force 2002 troops, 29 guns, 2 vehicles, Assault Value = 61

Japanese adjusted assault: 238

Allied adjusted defense: 21

Japanese assault odds: 11 to 1 (fort level 1)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Rabaul !!!

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), forts(+), disruption(-), experience(-)
Attacker: shock(+)

Japanese ground losses:
144 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 11 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled


Allied ground losses:
761 casualties reported
Squads: 25 destroyed, 7 disabled
Non Combat: 27 destroyed, 14 disabled
Engineers: 10 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 8 (8 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Vehicles lost 2 (2 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units retreated 2
Units destroyed 1


Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
Maizuru 1st SNLF
144th Infantry Regiment
2nd Indpt SNLF Coy
15th Base Force
33rd JNAF AF Unit

Defending units:
B Coy/NG Rifles
Lark Battalion

[aztez]

China (december 23rd and 24th)

In the previous post we talked quite about the cities of Ichang and Sinyang.

As expected the IJA launched an delibirate assault in Ichang and were succesfull dislodging the Chinese forces there.

Take an notice on the amount of losses inflicted. Allthough there FOW in play the disabled/destroyed squads amounted to quite much.

Our offensive at Sinyang was an disaster. We had 4:1 advantage in terms of ground troops but didn't come even close to capturing the base.

IJA bombers did hit our units there so it could have played an role here but I think this mostly down to poor leadership and unit experience. Add those quite effective bombing runs and there you have it. Our av value fell down dramatically.

The supply situation is not and was not an issue. So, I can safely say that Chinese do not carry much in terms of an offensive powers.

[aztez]

Malaya (23rd and 24th december)


Finally lets leave this turn update with an view coming from malaya peninsula.

I was suprised to see enemy landings at Mersing too. Thus this means that IJN landed in no fewer than 4 beachheads.

Take the Malaya + Massive operations at Luzon and Rabaul = It means that Japanese have power to at least do 3 separate and well supported landings from the start.

Few british Vilderbeest bombers tried to hit those transports at mersing but were easily repulsed by group of Zero fighters.

The fight for Johore Baru is will commence soon and now that Dave has many airbases in Malaya the skies above singapore will soon be completely Japanese. Those sweeps have pretty much destroyed RAF there. Add 3 big lba bombings too and the matter is settled.

[tanksone]

ORIGINAL: aztez

China (december 21st and 22nd)

I wanted to post this pic from China.

Now compare the pics from previous turn and this one.

Few days back it showed that 8 enemy ground units where moving towards Hankow. So, they 40 miles south of Ichang.

Now that my troops have entered Ichang it shows that there 14 units defending the city. This is not what I wanted either.

Actually somewhat suprised to see this situation because of movement rate. These guys really should not be back there at all by calculating the movement rate. Than again I have an feeling that this might have been FOW and those units never left the city.

Dave is really reading my operations well. I guess I'am too predictable.

Nomore reports tonight. Need to head to bed...

Hi, nice read. I'm sure you've thought of this but he may just be mess with you and broke up a couple of divisions to make it look like his stack has a lot troops. After a bombardment attack you should have a better idea of whats there. Good luck....

[aprezto]

My oh My. Paul, you live!

[jrlans]

With regard to the landing at Mersing; my guess is that Dave is trying to cut off your fleeing forces from getting to Singapore expect a quick attack and then a fast move across the penisula to try to cut off any laging forces.

As for Noumea i dont know if Kb was just trying to round up straglers or provide invasion cover either way i dont think there is much you can do about it right now. What surface forces do you have left in the South Pacific right now? If Dave escorts an invasion TF with only PBs if you can get some DDs down there you might be able to at least disrupt the landings, though i doubt you would be able to stop them. The US 4 stackers from the philipines would be nice if any of them got out.

[devoncop]

Hi!

Well its been quite a first 3 weeks!!

Tojo is certainly going hard and fast but given how many targets he's hit so soon and simultaneously I would thing there will be a period of consolidation which will be helpful once Singapore and probably Port Moresby falls.

The less than fearsome performance of the Chinese Nationalist forces seems particularly well modelled [&:] but their numbers will still have an effect and having units ready to interdict multiple supply lines so Tojo has to play "whack a mole" has to be the way forward.Its a bit like a Soviet 1941 strategy in many ways dont you think?

On a HUGE positive note, I have managed to install AE on a single core PC which runs it and WPO like a dream so I am fit to go.While I hear what you say about PBEM I will definately try the AI for a while as it doesn't mind if I perform like the UK at Eurovision!!!

Watching this with interest and recon seems so crucial now I have definately learnt this lesson!

How are things in DEI by the way?

Best wishes

Ian

[Sardaukar]

Some things to think about in China...

You might want to set lot of rear area units to Rest-mode to save supplies. Similarly, you may want to set lot of rear area units to No Replacements, to ensure your combat units get best there is available.

Also, be very conservative with your attacks with Chinese units and try to consolidate defensible line, behind the rivers etc. And don't forget to bring all your artillery units from rear to battle, they help a bit.

[aztez]

tanksone: Thanks. I think you are correct. Dave propably split some units and kind outplayed me there. (Not the first time around for sure)

My troops actually already retreated from Ichang so it was an "decoy" and I got busted.

jrlans: Unfortunately it became obvious that the KB was covering landigs at Noumea. More on this on the combat report soon.

Those US DD's are still hammering away in Luzon. Well, 2 of them left since I got 1 repaired last turn... and I doubt they would have made any diffrence here due to the carrier power by IJN.

devoncop: There is no signs of enemy moving towards PM. Than again he is really in no rush at all. Now that Noumea is about to fall he can focus his attention to it when he is ready.

As for Singapore I have so far avoided the ground combats in Malaya due to sir Robin defense but we shall soon see how easily those commonwealth troops are doomed.

I will post an pic from DEI on todays summary. It has been somewhat quiet since he is just moving slowly forward here.

Recon is definately important. If I had spotted his TF's moving forwards than I would have withdrawn immediately. That wasn't to be though.

Congrats! Now you don't have worry about your spare time anymore! AI might be wise thing to do and certainly is if you are in any doubt.

Sardaukar: You are devious! Actually put the "rest" plan in motion at China, Australia and India. Lets see how fast those exp levels rise up.

I have no immediate plans for anykind of an offensive at China. I might if an opportunity rises so I want to remain somewhat flexible here. Now it is definately about consolidation and skirmish.

I will post pic's from Noumea and DEI in just a bit.

[aztez]

Noumea (december 25th and 26th)

As some of you visioned the KB was not in the area just to squash our fleet.

Instead it is most definately covering an large scale invasion force heading into Noumea. I had 1 damaged CA and DD left and these ships engaged the enemy. First I thought they were dueling out with KB but it became obvious that they stumbled upon enemy invasion TF.

Night Time Surface Combat, near Noumea at 115,160, Range 1,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CL Katori
CM Tokiwa
CM Okinoshima
DD Asanagi
DD Yunagi
xAKL Shonan Maru #8
PB Tama Maru #5
PB Chokai Maru, Shell hits 3, and is sunk
PB Nagata Maru
PB Santos Maru, Shell hits 8, and is sunk
xAKL Toyotsu Maru
PB Fumi Maru #3
PB Kyo Maru #6
PB Kyo Maru #7
PB Shonon Maru #11
PB Takuna Maru #6
PB Takuna Maru #7
xAK Aratama Maru
xAK Tatuharu Maru
xAK Tenyo Maru
xAK Kamikaze Maru
xAK Terushima Maru
xAK Kohoku Maru
xAK Yosyu Maru
xAK Tensyo Maru
xAK Uji Maru
xAKL Katsura Maru
xAKL Kaito Maru
xAKL Tenposan Maru
xAP Kashima Maru

Allied Ships
CA Louisville, Shell hits 20, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD La Triomphant, Shell hits 5, heavy fires, heavy damage



Low visibility due to Rain with 42% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Rain and 42% moonlight: 2,000 yards
Range closes to 4,000 yards...
Range closes to 1,000 yards...
Fenwick A. crosses the 'T'
CL Katori engages CA Louisville at 1,000 yards
CA Louisville engages DD Yunagi at 1,000 yards
CA Louisville engages PB Chokai Maru at 1,000 yards
Range increases to 2,000 yards
CL Katori engages CA Louisville at 2,000 yards
CA Louisville engages DD Yunagi at 2,000 yards
Range increases to 4,000 yards
CL Katori engages CA Louisville at 4,000 yards
CA Louisville engages DD Yunagi at 4,000 yards
Range closes to 2,000 yards
CL Katori engages CA Louisville at 2,000 yards
CA Louisville engages DD Yunagi at 2,000 yards
PB Santos Maru sunk by CA Louisville at 2,000 yards
CA Louisville engages CL Katori at 2,000 yards
DD Yunagi engages DD La Triomphant at 2,000 yards
CA Louisville engages PB Kyo Maru #6 at 2,000 yards
Range increases to 3,000 yards
CA Louisville engages CL Katori at 3,000 yards
DD La Triomphant engages DD Yunagi at 3,000 yards
CA Louisville engages CL Katori at 3,000 yards
DD La Triomphant engages DD Yunagi at 3,000 yards
CA Louisville engages PB Nagata Maru at 3,000 yards
Range increases to 4,000 yards
CL Katori engages CA Louisville at 4,000 yards
DD Yunagi engages DD La Triomphant at 4,000 yards
PB Chokai Maru sunk by CA Louisville at 4,000 yards
Fenwick A. orders Allied TF to disengage
CL Katori engages CA Louisville at 4,000 yards
DD Yunagi engages DD La Triomphant at 4,000 yards
CA Louisville engages PB Fumi Maru #3 at 4,000 yards
CA Louisville engages PB Nagata Maru at 4,000 yards
Range increases to 6,000 yards
CL Katori engages CA Louisville at 6,000 yards
DD Yunagi engages DD La Triomphant at 6,000 yards
Task forces break off...


Later on the turn KB made short work on the damaged allied ships. The carriers also provided an ground assaults in the area thus softening up the defenders.

How I wish that I had those 2 US CV's still in service. I would most definately have intervened here since the cv vs cv totals would have been 1:1.

Now that Noumea will be finished off shortly it means the initial strategy needs to be revised. Thankfully for the off map bases this is not as bad if this was done in stock witp.

I think that this definately an area that I hope that Witp/AE would have some random elements. IJN/IJA had exact intelligence from the start about troop strenghts here so he could gather just enough infantry units to accomplish this operation. If AE would randomize few brigades from Oz/NZ in an way that enemy would NOT have know where they are I bet for almost 100% certainty that any Japanese player would have reconed this area first! Thus meaning we would never see such "bold" and early operations even with US carriers taken out of action.

Oh.. well maybe they will make this kind random setup someday in the future.

[aztez]

ABDA (december 25th and 26th)


Red circle = CVE Hosho with amphibitous TF
Blue cirlcle = The enemy base at Miri.
Orange circle = The batlle of Menado
Black circle = CVL Ruyho with enemy transport TF

Here you guys have. At first Dave landed troops at Miri. Nothing to stop him doing this so this base was the 1st to fall. I think he is building up airfield here and will move torpedo bombers asap once ready.

Eventhough it is somewhat out of the pic Davao has fallen. Theoretically this belongs to philippine offensive but this base can be used againts ABDA, northern oz and Luzon. Needless to say we could not do anyhing about.

IJN has splitted its remaining carriers into 2 TF's. Nasty thing to do as you already witnessed when AK/AP/TK slaughter took place near Borneo.

It has become obvious that CVE Hosho is covering further landings in northern Borneo. It is hard to say what the target for these landings actually is. Either Kuching or Singkawang. My bet is in the later option since lba bombers have supported strikes againts that base,

The stronger carrier TF is positioned as such that it provide cover for 2 landings zones and advances. I think he is maximizing the airpower as effectively as it could be, I'am tempted to intervene BUT those japanese torpedo bombers are so accurate and deadly that it is propably not worth an effort. It also seems that there additionlal transport TF along here so I would bet that these guys are moving either towards Kendari or Ambona. Too early to tell just yet.

Basically Dave have not rushed anything here. I think it wise to play it safe and wait for lba cover. Just as he is doing at the moment.

[Erik Rutins]

Great AAR, Dave seems like quite a formidable opponent.

[ny59giants]

As in WITP and now in AE, the early loss of American CVs will almost always allow the Japanese player to be a little more aggressive. The use of foreknowledge of LCU disposition will be present for the first few months of the game. But, the increased FOW can be used to your advantage also. I would use my "stealth" method of landing troops and supplies at key bases - maybe Christmas Island, Pago Pago area, and even Suva. Instead of building up port and AF, focus on building forts up to level 5 or 6.

Subs - time to send them in mass and use that new tool called, "Patrol Zones," to flood the South Pacific and make it very difficult for him to move around without running over a sub. He only has 8 Air HQs until 3/42, so he needs to move one here to make it effective against shipping to and from Australia.

The next big question is will he try for either Suva or New Zealand??

[aprezto]

ORIGINAL: aztez

I think that this definately an area that I hope that Witp/AE would have some random elements. IJN/IJA had exact intelligence from the start about troop strenghts here so he could gather just enough infantry units to accomplish this operation. If AE would randomize few brigades from Oz/NZ in an way that enemy would NOT have know where they are I bet for almost 100% certainty that any Japanese player would have reconed this area first! Thus meaning we would never see such "bold" and early operations even with US carriers taken out of action.

Hi Aztez. A great AAR so far, very informative to those that haven't yet found the cajones to do the main even themselves.

Just a thought on your thought above. I think it is relatively reasonable that the Japanese could have fore-knowledge of the OOB of many of the targets they slated for themselves in the opening stanzas of their campaign. I know it is not that historically accurate that they would extend their supply lines like they have here (and maybe that is how you can make them pay), but I don't think that randomizing the make up of the units in locations is either likely to happen or very realistic. I don't even think it is necessarily a good game thing.
It only really impacts the opening months or so, then every Japanese landing is done with a certain amount of guesswork regarding the enemy disposition.

[Xxzard]

If the Allies could actually make a strong move very early on, it would be the same way for them. It cuts both ways, but it just so happens it is a lot more useful for the Japanese.