Hunting the Hibiki: Q-Ball (Allies) v Cuttlefish (Japan)

[Nemo121]

Mindanao is rapidly strategically decisive as it will place you close to Japan and still cut off the SLOCs to Sumatra/Java. Anything into Java and Sumatra isn't. It really depends on whether or not you want to end this swiftly and with strategically decisive blows or whether you want to attrit him to death.


In addition as re: the IJA....

If you fight them in Java you'll still have to fight them in the Phillipines later. Far better to just bite the bullet and fight them hard once to decisive effect. Also, by the time you grind them down in Java you'll be weaker but the IJA will have had enough time to use its limited strategic mobility to fully reinforce the next line of targets.

If you go deep now and dislocate them they'll have to scramble to reinforce what you attack at the cost of reinforcing the next line of target bases if what you attack falls --- WHY? Because they don't have the strategic mobility ( or probably saved PP ) to do both. If you dislocate them once and win quickly you can find yourself pushing into and through a stack of bases with insufficient forts and garrisons and achieve a self-perpetuating success --- check out what I did with my costly invasion into Moulmein in my game vs Damian.

It was unexpected, dislocated his lines and formed the basis from which I launched a series of further attacks into areas he had considered safe and which were therefore not adequately prepped or garrisoned to hold. If I had hit the targets which were easy to get at he'd have had ample time to reinforce them, cost me a lot more time and men and have the next line of target bases ready by the time my next invasion was ready.


On the other hand only hit Mindanao if you know you can take it. It is kitchen sink time, bring everything, hit them hard and shock him with your willingness to engage in mutual blood-letting but, at the end of the operation, hold Mindanao. Strategically it is worth the cost so long as your invasion succeeds relatively rapidly.

[Q-Ball]

Combat Report, April 10, 1943

Next Steps: Nemo, you make some good points, and I agree that any troops on Java can be faced again in the PI. It's a problem. I considered Java only because there are 2 primary Allied objectives in the game: 1, Cut Oil shipments to Japan, and 2, establish strategic bombing bases within range of Japan (meaning big airfields you can supply). Invading Java does nothing, of course, for #2. Taking Java, though, would pretty much accomplish #1. If I occupy Batavia, it's game over in terms of Oil to Japan. An airbase there will be able to interdict Palembang, or support landings at Toboali, Muntok, Billiton, pretty much invading Sumatra isn't even necessary to end all shipment of Oil to Japan, except for the stuff off north Borneo, or whatever flows overland from Burma. If that happens, it's game over within a few months. Japanese industry grinds to a halt. The quickest way to end the game is to take Java, IMO.

The Phillipines I think is actually EASIER at this point up to Luzon. There are forces on Mindanao, but Mindanao also has too many points to defend; landings at Zamboanga and Dadjangas would probably not face strong opposition initally, yield large buildable bases, and be fairly easy to defend against counterattack. I would have to probably leave a division in each just in case, maybe less. Once those are taken, the Phillipines Archipelago up to Luzon is completely indefensible on the ground (too many bases to defend, lots of clear terrain too), so getting to the doorstep of Luzon shouldn't be too hard on the GROUND. (Air/Naval opposition being another story, I am more concerned about number of ground troops avaiable).

I have not compeltely decided, I need to soon to start my preps. I am going to go for Banjermasin, taking that base would open the possibility of landing on the North Coast of Java. I envision a tactical plan of simultaneous landings at Tjitilap and a base on the north coast to quickly cut the island in two, send a blocking force toward Soerbaya, but send the bulk of my troops to Batavia. The tactical plan in the PI would be landings at Tarakan, Jolo, Dadjangas, Zamboanga, Tawi Tawi, Sandakan, Puerto Princesa, San Jose, etc, probably in about that order in rapid succession.

I might go for Java, only because there are alot of AARs that include invasions of the Phillipines, but not many with Java, so it would be kind of new.

Ternate: In the meantime, an invasion fleet is steaming toward an empty Ternate, with base troops close behind. I expect only air oppossition, if that. Another fleet is loading for Garontalo; the objective is to isolate Menado and compelte the conquest of Celebes. To keep my Mindinao options open, I am prepping troops for Talaud Is., a nice stepping stone northward. Even if I decide on Java, it will be useful to keep an eye on the area.

Eyes in the Sky: See below

[Canoerebel]

Welcome home, Q-Ball!  How was the trip to France?

[Nemo121]

Pardon my French but "scr*w the AARs" [8D]. Do what makes sense for your strategy....

[ny59giants]

What is going on in Burma and China?? Are there any efforts to drive south to Rangoon and Moulmein to allow massive supply shipments into China via Rangoon?? If you head north into the Philippines, then an effort in China to drive south will close off shipping to Japan even if CF holds Luzon.

As a side note, have you trained up any of your patrol squadrons in NavT to go after lightly escorted shipping??

[Q-Ball]

ORIGINAL: ny59giants

What is going on in Burma and China?? Are there any efforts to drive south to Rangoon and Moulmein to allow massive supply shipments into China via Rangoon?? If you head north into the Philippines, then an effort in China to drive south will close off shipping to Japan even if CF holds Luzon.

As a side note, have you trained up any of your patrol squadrons in NavT to go after lightly escorted shipping??

To answer the first question up top, France was great! We like cooking, drinking wine, and visiting old churches, which is pretty much what France is about, at least in Languedoc where we were. We hadn't rented in a small town before in France, and it was the best experience; quiet, yet walk to the local Boulangeries and Boucheries.

Anyway, as far as the war is concerned, and good questions on Burma/China:

China: Absolutely nothing happening, which suits me. The Japanese are still bombarding me at 79,55 an launching the occasional unsuccessful attack, but that's about it. I am rotating units in and out of the hex to keep them fresh. I have a huge pile of troops at Nanyang that could launch an attack, but the problem is supply: We don't have any. I have had to send units back to Chungking, just so they can get a square meal and not starve on me. Chungking is the only place with adequate supplies.

I don't know what the Japanese plans are, I haven't seen an attack in 4-6 months since the failed offensive on Liuchow. I think Cuttlefish is content to go on the defensive, and pull units from China, which he probably has to do. If so, then China is pretty much a stalemate; the Japanese don't have the troops to attack, and I don't have the supplies.

I will probably plan a major offensive at some point, if for nothing more than to halt the withdrawl of Japanese forces into the Phillipines. I don't think I can really accomplish much, but if I can get 40-50 Chinese units moving somewhere, that might scare him into a reaction.

Burma: This theater has longer-term potential. I would like to clear Burma, to open more supplies to China, and take the Oil at Magwe off-line. The problem is PPs. I have plenty of troops, but most of them are Restricted units in India. I have prioritized PPs for the US forces, and I have also taken the equivalent of 2 UK Divisions to the DEI, which doesn't help Burma either (though the correct call I think).

Looking ahead, I probably will have enough PPs accumulated to launch another major attack in late 1943. Until then, I'm pretty much stuck where I am, although I have bases at Akyab, Kalemyo, and Myiktinya, so once I do start an attack it should be able to develop quickly since already have jump-off points in Burma. I am also building the Chinese troops up, and they are close to a full-strength army corps (800 AV). I will probably send a UK Tank unit over the road from Myiktinya to give them some support, so they should be a credible threat on Lashio.

NavT: I haven't, I probably should. My Catalina units are busy enough as it is supplying air search coverage and keeping a lookout for the IJN. But I should train a couple up soon, good idea. My only long-range torp planes are the Australian Beuforts; I have been training the Aussies, so they are in good shape for NavT. I am starting to train more B-25s on LowN for skip-bombing, but I am still a ways away I think from being able to project ship-killing much beyond the 8-hex range of the Beaufort.

[ny59giants]

Suggestion on some of your Catalina/PBYs - find a few squadrons that are in 'relatively' quite areas and have then set to Naval Attack/Rest with about 40% Naval Search and 40% Training. In a couple of months they should be in the mid-50s or higher in NavT and ready for use.

[Q-Ball]

Combat Report, April 11-12, 1943

Just a quick post with a map

[Q-Ball]

Combat Report, April 13-16, 1943

Slow couple turns in terms of combat; some bombing, a sub sank an AK, nothing big after the action off Davao.

I am putting together some new operations though.....

Banjermasin: Forces are gathering at Makassar for the short 2-day sail to Banjermasin. I plan to take 2 Regts and an AIF Bn. Troops are very prepped, and should take it easily, assuming we get ashore clean.

Cuttlefish has kept Combined Fleet at Singapore watching the Java Sea. I am not quite ready for a major battle there, though getting close; I would like a few more CVs than what I have (3). But I think I can move pretty fast, and I can afford a lost naval battle. Losing that base would be bad for Japan.

Last turn, Combined Fleet disappeared from Singapore, so I may go ahead. He may be bringing it around Borneo because of my recent moves toward Mindanao.

Next Steps: I am planning landings at Banjermisan, and Christmas Island IO; that last one is very provocative, as it is right on the doorstep of Java. I am also going to move into the Sulu Sea:

[John 3rd]

Just got caught up reading the AAR.  You appear to be in a very good position to go for the jugular and totally sever him from the DEI.  In doing this so early in the war, he had got to be totally depressed!  Nice work.'
 

[Canoerebel]

John's right, Cuttlefish has to be totally depressed.  He's taken it on the chin for many months of game time and he is in a terrbile position for it to be so early in the game.  Which means he has to be biding his time and chomping at the bit to strike back - and the Japanese remain formidable in '43, so I keep expecting something to happen.
 
And it may happen pretty soon.  Your plan looks like an advance on a narrow front that will be flanked on both sides by large Japanese bases on Mindanao and Borneo.  You won't have much air cover, and you'll be sticking your nose pretty far forward as you advance toward Puerta Princessa.  If ever there was a time for the Japanese to strike it would be then...or else Cuttlefish may as well concede the game.

[Chickenboy]

Q-ball,

I really like this move.

I've been eyeing North Borneo as the IJ player and realizing what a rich source of densely packed, improveable bases lie right there for an allied counteroffensive. I suspect that most players will have them undefended too.

With Tawi Tawi and Palawan, *this* is worth fighting for as the IJN. Now you can range over the S. China sea and prevent shipment of resources and oil-you don't even need the Phillipines to start the strangling.

Beeg fight coming, I bet. He's not going to like this very much.

[Q-Ball]

Canoerebel: I have to be cognizant of flank attacks, you are right. It's not easy to advance up a narrow pipe.

At this point, I am "clear" up to Balikpapan, and through the Makassar Strait. I have all bases on Celebes save Menado, and that base right now is rubble, as I am bombing it from Kendari. Once Ternate and Garontolo are up and running, I can keep Menado suppressed with daily bombing runs from closer-in.

I have to open a wide gap between Mindanao and Borneo if I am going to bypass Mindanao. I need Zamboanga and all those islands, and probably get quickly into the Phillipines archipelago. I need piles of bombers and good bases, to keep the bases on Mindanao suppressed. And I may just need to go in and clear it out.

All: Thanks for comments.....certainly, once I clear Palawan, it's getting very very bad for the Empire. Once I have a highway to the South China Sea, I can force all tanker traffic to the Vietnamese coast. That will allow me to basically have a sub in every hex, and occassionally raid the lines. I'll know every convoy coming, because Vietnam is in PBY range of Puerto Princesa.

[John 3rd]

I've said a similar thing to Dan about this.  If I was CF, I'd gather troops and try to cut in at the base of the salient.  Preferably I'd this while you were in the midst of a major operation at the top of the salient.  Be wary of this...
 

[Q-Ball]

Combat Report, April 17-20, 1943

Tarakan: The Tarakan invasion fleet is loaded up and heading into the Makassar Strait. With Combined Fleet still sighted daily at Singapore, I expect to be able to land without IJN intervention, at least on the surface.

The garrison is reported to be 10,000 troops; my guess is about a Brigade worth plus base troops. My forces are 6th Australian Div, 18th Aus Bde, and 29th UK Bde. Hopefully this is enough. I also plan a simultaneous para drop on an empty Tawau.

This is a pretty serious move toward the Sulu Sea, and should completely close Miri and Brunei to any more fuel shipments.

Miri: Speaking of which, I stationed several B-25 units at Samarinda that are trained on NavB, and set them to Nav Attack. Today, it paid some dividends, as we attacked a tanker TF in Miri harbor; only 2 hits, but on two different tankers, each reporting "Heavy Fires". Burn Baby Burn!!!!!!

Bandjermasin: The garrison has doubled, from one unit to 2, and up to 6500 troops. Cuttlefish obviously airlifted a unit in! Sneaky! Additionally, the refugees from Balikpapan are now nearing the base. I have not moved yet, as a landing there WILL trigger an attack from Combined Fleet. I can handle the BBs, the problem is the CVs will stand 7 hexes off and launch strikes, and I can't do a ton about it other than some LRCAP from Balikpapan. There is no way to pull it off without losses. I think I'm going in anyway, I can't wait anymore for the place to get stronger, as I only have 2 Regts prepped fully, and to add more troops would mean another month's delay.

CV Situation: For the past month, I have been down to 2 operational CVs in the DEI: Lexington and Saratoga. HMS Victorious recently joined the group, and repairs are completed on USS Wasp; she is sailing up from Sydney. Yorktown will be repaired in 8 days at Colombo, and Essex is due within a month. So, things are looking up a bit. Hornet and Enterprise, though, are both 3+ months away from full repair though. Damn subs!

Of course, the Allies get a pile of CVs in June and July, so that will be the point at which we take on KB full-bore.

[Miller]

A very interesting game you have going on here. Considering his previous carrier losses I think 4 US CVs plus Victorious and the CVEs you have available now will be more than a match in a straight fight with whats left of the KB, as long as you keep them out of LBA range of course!

[princep01]

I see things differently than John 3rd and Canon. Personally, I really do not see any liklihood of a serious strategic counter offensive from the Japanese. A tactical raid...well, maybe. However, at this point the IJN/IJA are completely on the defensive and reacting only to your moves. Keep it that way. Unrelenting pressure is the way to keep it that way. You are doing exactly that with your move into the Sulu Sea.

Worrying about "tiding up the lines" at the "base of the salient"....oh please. Stop with all the hand wringing, Monty. The IJNs chance for strategic counter-offensives died a gruesome death when the flower of the KB was destroyed south of Ambon.

Do you need to stay alert for raids on your left flank? Yes. LBA and vigilance with your recon air is all that is needed to thwart anything serious until you can bring your CVs and surface foces to bear in conjunction with said LBA. No strategic counter offensive will occur in my opinion, but if it does, it will be the end of the IJN. I'd welcome a thrust like John and Canon speak of.

Be not deterred. Stike, strike and strike again. The beast lies badly wounded. Give it no time to get its footing while you prepare to strike its head off at Luzon or Palawan.

[Swenslim]

Important thing witch I have learned from this AAr is that japan player must not rely on few strong bases with many troops because such bases can be easily bypassed but have a 2-3 divisions in reserve for immidiate counter attack and total destruction of allied invasion army.

[princep01]

Swenslim, you know the real life story. Those Japanese bastions with large troop concentrations were often by passed and bombed/blockaded into irrelevance. However, your solution would require the Japanese to be at least partially psyhic. The counter attack land forces have to be prepped for the location they will counterattack to be reasonably effective. Yours is not a bad idea, but unless the Allies oblige by coming where you guess, that might not work so well.

[Q-Ball]

Combat Report, April 21-27, 1943

Japanese Situation: Good comments Miller, princep, and Svenslim. I think you are right about massive commitments to a single base; they can be bypassed. Menado has 15 units, and Mindanao has at least 25; I intend to bypass both. The Allied player can find a nearby airbase, load it with bombers, and keep the surrounded bases suppressed, until they just run out of supplies.

Defending the Empire is a real problem, one I am starting to study in my other PBEM, which is in August 1942 (I am the Empire in that one). One thing I think, is that you must be able to mount an air defense, and you can't do that unless you have a group of interlocking airbases.

Tarakan: The Allies have landed at Tarakan. The first day we landed unoppossed, the second day featured air attacks from Davao. Bettys put a torp into 2 of my BBs, but suffered alot of losses in return; 40 planes total, with over 20 Bettys. If there is an air attack tommorow, it will likely be from CVs, rather than Bettys.

Combined Fleet disappeared from Singapore. The CVs left 2 days ago headed Northeast, probably to go around my airsearch cover. I expect them to hit the anchorage tommorow. I don't have quite enough CAP up to really protect the shipping, so I expect to take some losses, but we should shoot down a ton of planes in return.

The other problem is that I am not sure I brought enough troops; I have 6th Australian Div, plus 2 additional Brigades, against a Japanese Bde (51st, from China), and an Infantry Regt. It will be close, depending on the forts.

Bandjermasin: We are gathering shipping at Makassar for a move on this spot; once we finish unloading at Tarakan, I will quickly move the fleet to cover this invasion. With luck, I will catch Combined Fleet in the wrong spot and make a quick landing here.

Evil Cuttlefish successfully flew in another unit (!), but I sank a single xAKL that was probably running supplies there. I have closed the runway with bombers to prevent more transport fly-ins (except by Mavis transports. As a side note, Japanese players should build those valuable planes!). We'll see what happens next.