Conference of the Supreme War Council: Q-Ball (J) v. Hemajor (A)
Moderators: wdolson, MOD_War-in-the-Pacific-Admirals-Edition
RE: Combined Fleet Cafe
ORIGINAL: offenseman
I am also watching this one Q-Ball. Very enjoyable and informative AAR. Thank you.
I agree with you about cruisers. They are an overlooked key to limiting what the Allies can do later in the war.
A quick count of confirmed losses, plus cruisers not on my sunk list but I am 99% sure are gone (like HONOLULU and SAN DIEGO), show a total of 19 USN/RAN cruisers sunk; that total includes 2 Omahas, which aren't really in the same class as all the other CA/CL. That's alot of ships! The RN has also lost 3 modern Cruisers.
I counted 12 flush-deck, and at least 27 modern USN DD losses as well.
Day 6: Battle of Nauru
Battle of Nauru, Day 6 (Sept 8, 1942):
Any Allied ships that are floating and in reasonable condition are gone from the area, and fleeing to Pearl. I thought about a pursuit, but two factors led me to decline: First, the real prize, ENTERPRISE, is docked in Tarawa; that's far better than anything I would chase down in the Pacific. Second, I'm OK on fuel, but it might get critical if I run eastward. Better to play it safe at this point, as I am in great position.
Night Bombardment: THANK GOD! There are no CD guns at Tarawa! As a result, the TF built around YAMASHIRO (after dealing with PTs), pasted the airstrip, destroying 38 planes and ending flight ops for the day. Additionally, they pumped 6 shells into ENTERPRISE, setting her on fire.
Day Phase: With no CAP up over Tarawa, our Port Attack was much more successful. Sallys and Helens from Nauru put 5 more Bombs onto ENTERPRISE; she was reported with Fires/Heavy Damage. That's 6 shells and 5 bombs in the "Heavy Damage" territory, and that's after she had to dock to control flooding. If she isn't on the Combat Report tommorow, I will consider her SUNK, as there is no escape right now from Tarawa.
We also bounced 4 bombs off COLORADO, plus put a couple bombs each on SAN FRANCISCO and HELENA. I didn't expect either of those cruisers to be in port; HELENA is reported "Heavy Damage". SAN FRAN took a single torp a few days ago, she was probably there to pump out minor flood damage, and is now stuck in port. She is not on fire and doesn't have "Heavy Damage", so she may make a run for it. With this turn, Hemajor will realize that his ships in Tarawa are doomed if they stay, so I expect a mass exodus tomorrow of some sort. I also hit an xAP, AE, and an AVP, nothing exciting, and there are reported more ships like that there.
At this point, I think ENTERPRISE is toast no matter what, and probably HELENA. I could bomb COLORADO for months without sinking her, so she will either succumb to BB shells from Bombardment, or I'll have to give up and let her go. She won't be able to leave though for fear of Betty attacks, so she'll be stuck for months in Tarawa before even starting repairs, and effectively off the board until 1944.
BTW, though I don't have a sunk confirmation, the fact that MISSISSIPPI, HONOLULU, and SAN DIEGO are not at Tarawa, I will consider them sunk. All three had "Heavy Fires", and suffered much more than the ships that are there. All three just disappeared; usually that means they sank.
Battle of Noumea: Butcher's Bill:
JAPAN LOSSES:
3 CV Akagi, Kaga, Hiyo
2 BB Mutsu, Hiei
2 CA Chokai, Maya
2 DD
+ 6 xAKs
US LOSSES:
3 CV Wasp,Yorktown, Enterprise-(barring a miracle)
2 BB North Carolina, Mississippi
2 CA Astoria, Indianapolis
2 CL Honolulu, Detroit (Plus a third, HELENA, is on the ropes)
2 CLAA San Diego, San Juan
6 DD (at least)
+ at least 20 Transports, 6 AMs, and an AMC
Any Allied ships that are floating and in reasonable condition are gone from the area, and fleeing to Pearl. I thought about a pursuit, but two factors led me to decline: First, the real prize, ENTERPRISE, is docked in Tarawa; that's far better than anything I would chase down in the Pacific. Second, I'm OK on fuel, but it might get critical if I run eastward. Better to play it safe at this point, as I am in great position.
Night Bombardment: THANK GOD! There are no CD guns at Tarawa! As a result, the TF built around YAMASHIRO (after dealing with PTs), pasted the airstrip, destroying 38 planes and ending flight ops for the day. Additionally, they pumped 6 shells into ENTERPRISE, setting her on fire.
Day Phase: With no CAP up over Tarawa, our Port Attack was much more successful. Sallys and Helens from Nauru put 5 more Bombs onto ENTERPRISE; she was reported with Fires/Heavy Damage. That's 6 shells and 5 bombs in the "Heavy Damage" territory, and that's after she had to dock to control flooding. If she isn't on the Combat Report tommorow, I will consider her SUNK, as there is no escape right now from Tarawa.
We also bounced 4 bombs off COLORADO, plus put a couple bombs each on SAN FRANCISCO and HELENA. I didn't expect either of those cruisers to be in port; HELENA is reported "Heavy Damage". SAN FRAN took a single torp a few days ago, she was probably there to pump out minor flood damage, and is now stuck in port. She is not on fire and doesn't have "Heavy Damage", so she may make a run for it. With this turn, Hemajor will realize that his ships in Tarawa are doomed if they stay, so I expect a mass exodus tomorrow of some sort. I also hit an xAP, AE, and an AVP, nothing exciting, and there are reported more ships like that there.
At this point, I think ENTERPRISE is toast no matter what, and probably HELENA. I could bomb COLORADO for months without sinking her, so she will either succumb to BB shells from Bombardment, or I'll have to give up and let her go. She won't be able to leave though for fear of Betty attacks, so she'll be stuck for months in Tarawa before even starting repairs, and effectively off the board until 1944.
BTW, though I don't have a sunk confirmation, the fact that MISSISSIPPI, HONOLULU, and SAN DIEGO are not at Tarawa, I will consider them sunk. All three had "Heavy Fires", and suffered much more than the ships that are there. All three just disappeared; usually that means they sank.
Battle of Noumea: Butcher's Bill:
JAPAN LOSSES:
3 CV Akagi, Kaga, Hiyo
2 BB Mutsu, Hiei
2 CA Chokai, Maya
2 DD
+ 6 xAKs
US LOSSES:
3 CV Wasp,Yorktown, Enterprise-(barring a miracle)
2 BB North Carolina, Mississippi
2 CA Astoria, Indianapolis
2 CL Honolulu, Detroit (Plus a third, HELENA, is on the ropes)
2 CLAA San Diego, San Juan
6 DD (at least)
+ at least 20 Transports, 6 AMs, and an AMC
RE: Day 6: Battle of Nauru
Great new AAR Q-ball! [:)]
Have to catch up with reading, nice to see you on the dark side for a change...
Banzai!
Have to catch up with reading, nice to see you on the dark side for a change...
Banzai!
RE: Day 6: Battle of Nauru
Combat Report, Day 7, Sept 9, 1942:
Today saw more bombardments on the Port at Tarawa. ENTERPRISE finally succumbed, after taking 3 more bombs from Sallys on port attack. Her sinking was confirmed as our planes observed her explode and keel over, reporting a firm SUNK. BANZAI!
HELENA and SAN FRANCISCO each ate a bomb also on Port Attack. Then, yet another bombardment on Tarawa:
Naval bombardment of Tarawa at 136,128
Allied aircraft
no flights
Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator: 1 destroyed on ground
P-38F Lightning: 1 destroyed on ground
F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 destroyed on ground
SBD-1 Dauntless: 1 destroyed on ground
Japanese Ships
BB Fuso
CL Yubari
CL Kiso
CL Tama
CL Kinu
CL Yura
DD Shirakumo
DD Ikazuchi
DD Ariake
DD Shiratsuyu
DD Asagumo
DD Akigumo
DD Akizuki
Allied Ships
BB Colorado, Shell hits 36, on fire, heavy damage
DD Lardner, Shell hits 1, on fire
CL Helena, Shell hits 3, heavy damage
AP American Legion, Shell hits 2
xAP Van Riebeek, Shell hits 1, on fire
CA San Francisco, Shell hits 4
DD Mugford, Shell hits 1
xAKL Wear, Shell hits 1
This is interesting now; COLORADO is starting to take serious damage. And HELENA just won't DIE!
I am keeping a surface TF outside the Lagoon entrance to sink anything trying to leave. For now it's perfectly safe to just park right off Tarawa, but at some point the Allies might be back. LEXINGTON is pulling into Pearl right about now, and probably loading up on a fresh airgroup. My own CVs are just hanging out north of Tarawa, kind of exposed and keeping an eye on things. I can't imagine where he would get a pile of DBs to take me on, but I am still a little nervous about this....
2 more CA just arrived, and they will take their turn at target practice tommorow. The other TFs are steaming back to reload magazines, and maybe give it another shot.
I've accomplished the main objective: Sinking ENTERPRISE. COLORADO and the 2 cruisers are just bonuses at this point, and not worth a whole lot in the long run. Press my luck, or not?
I can keep Port Bombing no problem (which is low-risk), it's just not as effective as the bombardments.
Today saw more bombardments on the Port at Tarawa. ENTERPRISE finally succumbed, after taking 3 more bombs from Sallys on port attack. Her sinking was confirmed as our planes observed her explode and keel over, reporting a firm SUNK. BANZAI!
HELENA and SAN FRANCISCO each ate a bomb also on Port Attack. Then, yet another bombardment on Tarawa:
Naval bombardment of Tarawa at 136,128
Allied aircraft
no flights
Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator: 1 destroyed on ground
P-38F Lightning: 1 destroyed on ground
F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 destroyed on ground
SBD-1 Dauntless: 1 destroyed on ground
Japanese Ships
BB Fuso
CL Yubari
CL Kiso
CL Tama
CL Kinu
CL Yura
DD Shirakumo
DD Ikazuchi
DD Ariake
DD Shiratsuyu
DD Asagumo
DD Akigumo
DD Akizuki
Allied Ships
BB Colorado, Shell hits 36, on fire, heavy damage
DD Lardner, Shell hits 1, on fire
CL Helena, Shell hits 3, heavy damage
AP American Legion, Shell hits 2
xAP Van Riebeek, Shell hits 1, on fire
CA San Francisco, Shell hits 4
DD Mugford, Shell hits 1
xAKL Wear, Shell hits 1
This is interesting now; COLORADO is starting to take serious damage. And HELENA just won't DIE!
I am keeping a surface TF outside the Lagoon entrance to sink anything trying to leave. For now it's perfectly safe to just park right off Tarawa, but at some point the Allies might be back. LEXINGTON is pulling into Pearl right about now, and probably loading up on a fresh airgroup. My own CVs are just hanging out north of Tarawa, kind of exposed and keeping an eye on things. I can't imagine where he would get a pile of DBs to take me on, but I am still a little nervous about this....
2 more CA just arrived, and they will take their turn at target practice tommorow. The other TFs are steaming back to reload magazines, and maybe give it another shot.
I've accomplished the main objective: Sinking ENTERPRISE. COLORADO and the 2 cruisers are just bonuses at this point, and not worth a whole lot in the long run. Press my luck, or not?
I can keep Port Bombing no problem (which is low-risk), it's just not as effective as the bombardments.
RE: Day 6: Battle of Nauru
Combat Report, Sept 8-10, 1942:
Battle of Nauru: The Emperor proclaimed a day of prayer and celebration, as the headlines of Asahi Shimbun declare a great victory! We have sunk 3 USN CVs, 2 BBs, (with COLORADO burning), at least 6 cruisers, and repulsed an attack on our perimeter. All this at virtually no cost! Imperial Headquarters is sending Akagi, Kaga, Hiyo, Mutsu, Hiei, Maya and Chokai to very remote posting for quite awhile, so relatives may not hear from the crews. Ever. And whatever happens, don't tell the Army......
In all seriousness, the losses up top are hard, but we salvaged something out of a terrible defeat. So, what next?
At this point, I firmly control the seas around Tarawa, Mili, and Majuro, the 3 Allied bases. I am dropping bombs on Mili every day just to keep forts from building, and I am going to bomb Tarawa's Port for the same reason, and to sink whatever I can.
I have several divisions prepping for counterattack. It will take a couple months before I have enough prep, otherwise I would go right now. But landing unprepped units on an atoll is a VERY bad idea.
During the next two months, our goals is to keep those islands isolated and bombed, and be alert for any releif attempts. At this point Hemajor has a decision; to try to rescue the situation, or let them all die. If rescue, I hope to attack his fleet. If abandon, I will capture alot of troops and restore the perimeter. I have a big advantage in that I have ports right behind me, and for the Allies the nearest relief is Pearl Harbor (or Baker, but we may need to raid that to stop its use for refuel/AKE)..... The Allies will eventually gain Naval superiority, but for the moment, I outnumber the Allied Fleets (I estimate), by 2 to 1 in BBs, over 1 to 1 in Cruisers, and 2 to 1 in CV Aircraft Power. I am counting the Royal Navy in this.
Tarawa: COLORADO has been hit close to 100 times now, and is reported "Heavy Fires, Heavy Damage". In my experience, (and others please confirm), I have never seen a ship survive a "Heavy Fires" report. Although I am dropping non-penetrating ordinance, I think it's fueling the fires, which should doom the ship.
HELENA disappeared from the combat report; she may have finally sunk. SAN FRANCISCO hasn't been hit much as my planes seem to be focusing on COLORADO, but if COLORADO goes down, it think SAN FRAN will follow a few days later.
After that, I may just keep bombing it to rack up ship losses, killing transports is not at all strategically important, but if you can get some freebies....why not?
Burma: I will post a screenie of Burma, but while the Navy is covering itself in Glory, the IJA is not. I have made a complete hash of Burma, allowing an inferior force to push me around. I will post what I mean, but I am being outmaneuvered. It's discouraging. I do have reinforcements on the way, and I do have an evil plan possible to share. Next report.
China: I nearly had 2 divisions cut-off in China way way up north in the mountains past Sian. I had gone that far to cut fuel supplies from reaching Chungking. At this point though it is very tenuous with a long supply line, so I am tightening it up. I will withdraw at least to Sian, and may just keep going. Sian is no good to the Chinese, as the industry is completely trashed, so if I go on the defensive I can free up alot of troops.
Battle of Nauru: The Emperor proclaimed a day of prayer and celebration, as the headlines of Asahi Shimbun declare a great victory! We have sunk 3 USN CVs, 2 BBs, (with COLORADO burning), at least 6 cruisers, and repulsed an attack on our perimeter. All this at virtually no cost! Imperial Headquarters is sending Akagi, Kaga, Hiyo, Mutsu, Hiei, Maya and Chokai to very remote posting for quite awhile, so relatives may not hear from the crews. Ever. And whatever happens, don't tell the Army......
In all seriousness, the losses up top are hard, but we salvaged something out of a terrible defeat. So, what next?
At this point, I firmly control the seas around Tarawa, Mili, and Majuro, the 3 Allied bases. I am dropping bombs on Mili every day just to keep forts from building, and I am going to bomb Tarawa's Port for the same reason, and to sink whatever I can.
I have several divisions prepping for counterattack. It will take a couple months before I have enough prep, otherwise I would go right now. But landing unprepped units on an atoll is a VERY bad idea.
During the next two months, our goals is to keep those islands isolated and bombed, and be alert for any releif attempts. At this point Hemajor has a decision; to try to rescue the situation, or let them all die. If rescue, I hope to attack his fleet. If abandon, I will capture alot of troops and restore the perimeter. I have a big advantage in that I have ports right behind me, and for the Allies the nearest relief is Pearl Harbor (or Baker, but we may need to raid that to stop its use for refuel/AKE)..... The Allies will eventually gain Naval superiority, but for the moment, I outnumber the Allied Fleets (I estimate), by 2 to 1 in BBs, over 1 to 1 in Cruisers, and 2 to 1 in CV Aircraft Power. I am counting the Royal Navy in this.
Tarawa: COLORADO has been hit close to 100 times now, and is reported "Heavy Fires, Heavy Damage". In my experience, (and others please confirm), I have never seen a ship survive a "Heavy Fires" report. Although I am dropping non-penetrating ordinance, I think it's fueling the fires, which should doom the ship.
HELENA disappeared from the combat report; she may have finally sunk. SAN FRANCISCO hasn't been hit much as my planes seem to be focusing on COLORADO, but if COLORADO goes down, it think SAN FRAN will follow a few days later.
After that, I may just keep bombing it to rack up ship losses, killing transports is not at all strategically important, but if you can get some freebies....why not?
Burma: I will post a screenie of Burma, but while the Navy is covering itself in Glory, the IJA is not. I have made a complete hash of Burma, allowing an inferior force to push me around. I will post what I mean, but I am being outmaneuvered. It's discouraging. I do have reinforcements on the way, and I do have an evil plan possible to share. Next report.
China: I nearly had 2 divisions cut-off in China way way up north in the mountains past Sian. I had gone that far to cut fuel supplies from reaching Chungking. At this point though it is very tenuous with a long supply line, so I am tightening it up. I will withdraw at least to Sian, and may just keep going. Sian is no good to the Chinese, as the industry is completely trashed, so if I go on the defensive I can free up alot of troops.
RE: Day 6: Battle of Nauru
Combat Report, Sept 12-14, 1942:
Burma: I forgot to get that Burma screenie, but I will eventually. I have been outmaneuvered there by my opponent, and as a result will probably have to bloodlessly abandon parts of Burma. I think I can stabilize though, as I am getting troops there from the Australian Expedition.
Marshalls: The Allies snuck P-40s and SB2Us to Makin; they bombed a cruiser force I had outside of Tarawa. Ouch! I had to withdraw the CVs to replenish torps and also refuel, so he took advantage of that window.
I don't think I'll lose a ship, but Kinugasa took some serious damage. She will need yard time. I was stupid, you can't stay parked in one place forever.
We continue to bomb Tarawa daily. We have already sunk ENTEPRISE, COLORADO, SAN FRANCISCO, HELENA in port...the biggest ships are gone. We have also sunk at least 1 DD, plus a few transports, including 2 APs (which the Allies have limited supplies of, unlike every other type of transport). With my ships being driven away, I expect an exodus tommorow of anything left that can float. I'm OK with this, I got the good stuff already.
Combined Fleet Re-Org: I had alot of random TFs everywhere, plus we have lost ships and taken damage. I am reorganizing Combined Fleet around the new reality. Currently operational, I have the following:
CVs: Shokaku, Zuikaku, Hiryu, Junyo,
CVLs: Ryujo, Zuiho, Shoho, Hosho
BBs: Yamato, 3 Kongos, 4 Fuso/Ises (Nagato is under repair)
CAs: 10 Operational (3 sunk, 5 under repair)
I am short on cruisers temporarily, but the ones in port have 30-day repair times. I am in great shape on DDs, I have only lost 10 in the game.
Here is my estimate of the operational USN:
CVs: Lexington, Saratoga
BBs: Washington (seriously...the Allies are VERY short here. All pre-Washington Treaty BBs are sunk except for 4 Pearl harbor survivors, who are probably still repairing)
CA/CL: I have to count, but the USN has lost nearly 20 cruisers
The USN is in no condition to challenge me, particularly on the surface. Of course this will change, but even in late 1943, I think they will be scraping for BBs and Cruisers.
In terms of aircraft, I blew through my reserves in IJN pilots and planes in this battle. I have enough replacements though for almost all front-line units; I ran a little short on ZERO pilots, so one of my Land-Based Hikotai is going to have to TRAIN for awhile. I have plenty of IJA Fighter Pilots, and the TOJO is finally building; I am going to try to put the burden on them for awhile.
Burma: I forgot to get that Burma screenie, but I will eventually. I have been outmaneuvered there by my opponent, and as a result will probably have to bloodlessly abandon parts of Burma. I think I can stabilize though, as I am getting troops there from the Australian Expedition.
Marshalls: The Allies snuck P-40s and SB2Us to Makin; they bombed a cruiser force I had outside of Tarawa. Ouch! I had to withdraw the CVs to replenish torps and also refuel, so he took advantage of that window.
I don't think I'll lose a ship, but Kinugasa took some serious damage. She will need yard time. I was stupid, you can't stay parked in one place forever.
We continue to bomb Tarawa daily. We have already sunk ENTEPRISE, COLORADO, SAN FRANCISCO, HELENA in port...the biggest ships are gone. We have also sunk at least 1 DD, plus a few transports, including 2 APs (which the Allies have limited supplies of, unlike every other type of transport). With my ships being driven away, I expect an exodus tommorow of anything left that can float. I'm OK with this, I got the good stuff already.
Combined Fleet Re-Org: I had alot of random TFs everywhere, plus we have lost ships and taken damage. I am reorganizing Combined Fleet around the new reality. Currently operational, I have the following:
CVs: Shokaku, Zuikaku, Hiryu, Junyo,
CVLs: Ryujo, Zuiho, Shoho, Hosho
BBs: Yamato, 3 Kongos, 4 Fuso/Ises (Nagato is under repair)
CAs: 10 Operational (3 sunk, 5 under repair)
I am short on cruisers temporarily, but the ones in port have 30-day repair times. I am in great shape on DDs, I have only lost 10 in the game.
Here is my estimate of the operational USN:
CVs: Lexington, Saratoga
BBs: Washington (seriously...the Allies are VERY short here. All pre-Washington Treaty BBs are sunk except for 4 Pearl harbor survivors, who are probably still repairing)
CA/CL: I have to count, but the USN has lost nearly 20 cruisers
The USN is in no condition to challenge me, particularly on the surface. Of course this will change, but even in late 1943, I think they will be scraping for BBs and Cruisers.
In terms of aircraft, I blew through my reserves in IJN pilots and planes in this battle. I have enough replacements though for almost all front-line units; I ran a little short on ZERO pilots, so one of my Land-Based Hikotai is going to have to TRAIN for awhile. I have plenty of IJA Fighter Pilots, and the TOJO is finally building; I am going to try to put the burden on them for awhile.
RE: Day 6: Battle of Nauru
Combat Report, Sept 13-22, 1942:
Burma: I still haven't posted a screenshot, out of embarrassment mostly. I have been outmaneuvered here. What a mess! I do have reinforcements coming to hopefully set up a front line on the Irriwaddy.
I need to defend Magwe; without Magwe, there isn't much point to defending the open terrain in the Upper Irriwaddy.
China: I am pulling back to establish a solid MLR on non-clear terrain. I will probably abandon Sian, which is trashed, and consolidate my gains. I am not making progress any more, and I can foresee pulling units from China. I also want to create a mobile reserve to react to any Chinese infiltrators.
Marshalls: Here is the real action. The US forces on Makin, Mili, and Tarawa are effectively isolated.
I have been bombing the port at Tarawa for days, both to keep up the pressure and sink ships. I have sunk 2-3 more DDs and more transports, the total now is down below 10 transports left. All the bigger warships are already sunk there.
The last few days, my opponent has successfully ambushed some bombing runs, shooting down alot of my bombers. Wildcats and P-40s suddenly appeared. I had to stop bombing Mili and Tarawa and re-group. He must have shuttled these planes in from a CVE east of the Marshalls, or maybe even a CV, as he is very low on CV aircraft. Regardless, we are going to address this.
This means that he intends to fight for the Marshalls. This is a good thing; I want to create a killing zone on my terms, and this will do nicely. IJN BBs are gathering, and will make mincemeat of those airbases.
I also sent KB to the East to look for those shuttling CVs. Didn't find them, but I did find a couple transport TFs heading to the Marshalls; the cavalry is coming.
My hope is that he commits the USN piecemeal, and I destroy more warships. That is the main objective. The consolation prize is that I intend to capture all the ground units on those islands, and kick the Allies out of the Marshalls. That's the plan anyway.
One of the worst situations in AE is to be tethered to isolated ground units. Trying to get reinforcements and supplies through sealanes and skies controlled by the enemy is dangerous and often leads to more losses. With these temporary successes by fighters, and they were good ambushes which hurt, I think he'll be encouraged to up the ante. I hope so, as I possess, for now, full Naval Superiority.
Burma: I still haven't posted a screenshot, out of embarrassment mostly. I have been outmaneuvered here. What a mess! I do have reinforcements coming to hopefully set up a front line on the Irriwaddy.
I need to defend Magwe; without Magwe, there isn't much point to defending the open terrain in the Upper Irriwaddy.
China: I am pulling back to establish a solid MLR on non-clear terrain. I will probably abandon Sian, which is trashed, and consolidate my gains. I am not making progress any more, and I can foresee pulling units from China. I also want to create a mobile reserve to react to any Chinese infiltrators.
Marshalls: Here is the real action. The US forces on Makin, Mili, and Tarawa are effectively isolated.
I have been bombing the port at Tarawa for days, both to keep up the pressure and sink ships. I have sunk 2-3 more DDs and more transports, the total now is down below 10 transports left. All the bigger warships are already sunk there.
The last few days, my opponent has successfully ambushed some bombing runs, shooting down alot of my bombers. Wildcats and P-40s suddenly appeared. I had to stop bombing Mili and Tarawa and re-group. He must have shuttled these planes in from a CVE east of the Marshalls, or maybe even a CV, as he is very low on CV aircraft. Regardless, we are going to address this.
This means that he intends to fight for the Marshalls. This is a good thing; I want to create a killing zone on my terms, and this will do nicely. IJN BBs are gathering, and will make mincemeat of those airbases.
I also sent KB to the East to look for those shuttling CVs. Didn't find them, but I did find a couple transport TFs heading to the Marshalls; the cavalry is coming.
My hope is that he commits the USN piecemeal, and I destroy more warships. That is the main objective. The consolation prize is that I intend to capture all the ground units on those islands, and kick the Allies out of the Marshalls. That's the plan anyway.
One of the worst situations in AE is to be tethered to isolated ground units. Trying to get reinforcements and supplies through sealanes and skies controlled by the enemy is dangerous and often leads to more losses. With these temporary successes by fighters, and they were good ambushes which hurt, I think he'll be encouraged to up the ante. I hope so, as I possess, for now, full Naval Superiority.
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offenseman
- Posts: 768
- Joined: Fri Feb 23, 2007 11:05 pm
- Location: Sheridan Wyoming, USA
RE: Day 6: Battle of Nauru
In my game, I just made a major change to my Burma strategy and am anxiously waiting for the Burma update to see if I can learn from your problems there. 
Great AAR by the way!
Great AAR by the way! Sometimes things said in Nitwit sound very different in English.
RE: Day 6: Battle of Nauru
Combat Report, Sept 23, 1942:
Offenseman, thanks for the comments. I'll get around to Burma; it's easier to show maps where you are doing well. I suck in Burma.
Marshalls: A couple very interesting developments.
First, SOUTH DAKOTA and WASHINGTON pounded Tabiteua overnight. The strip is wrecked, and they pretty much shut it down as an airbase. I didn't see them coming, hand'nt really figured they are around, but they are.
During the DAY phase, KB caught and sank an AKV carrying B-26s, apparently bound for Baker. Clearly Baker, and it's lvl 1 airstrip, is what is funnelling planes to/from the Marshalls. There is probably also an AKE there handing out Ammo to the BBs.
KB will visit Baker tommorow; I hate port raids vs. cap, but a lvl 1 can only put up so many fighters. Long-term, I plan a major bombardment/attack on Baker to torch what should be an overloaded airstrip, and demolish whatever is in the harbor.
Clearly, my opponent is choosing to fight for the Marshalls. Let's see if I can make him pay.
Offenseman, thanks for the comments. I'll get around to Burma; it's easier to show maps where you are doing well. I suck in Burma.
Marshalls: A couple very interesting developments.
First, SOUTH DAKOTA and WASHINGTON pounded Tabiteua overnight. The strip is wrecked, and they pretty much shut it down as an airbase. I didn't see them coming, hand'nt really figured they are around, but they are.
During the DAY phase, KB caught and sank an AKV carrying B-26s, apparently bound for Baker. Clearly Baker, and it's lvl 1 airstrip, is what is funnelling planes to/from the Marshalls. There is probably also an AKE there handing out Ammo to the BBs.
KB will visit Baker tommorow; I hate port raids vs. cap, but a lvl 1 can only put up so many fighters. Long-term, I plan a major bombardment/attack on Baker to torch what should be an overloaded airstrip, and demolish whatever is in the harbor.
Clearly, my opponent is choosing to fight for the Marshalls. Let's see if I can make him pay.
RE: Battle of New Hebrides
Wow, what an incredible battle.
What's the total tally now (it's hard to keep up!)-- Allies' surface fleet DECIMATED, 4 USN Carriers sunk, 3 RN Carriers sunk... to 4 Jap Fleet Carriers, 2 Battleships, and 3 CAs? Not a terrible trade off at all in my humble opinion. You've bought yourself the rest of 1942 and far into 1943 for the Japanese Empire. If all continues well, it'll take up to late 1943 for him to even have carrier parity. BANZAI!
What's the total tally now (it's hard to keep up!)-- Allies' surface fleet DECIMATED, 4 USN Carriers sunk, 3 RN Carriers sunk... to 4 Jap Fleet Carriers, 2 Battleships, and 3 CAs? Not a terrible trade off at all in my humble opinion. You've bought yourself the rest of 1942 and far into 1943 for the Japanese Empire. If all continues well, it'll take up to late 1943 for him to even have carrier parity. BANZAI!
RE: Battle of New Hebrides
ORIGINAL: JonReb
Wow, what an incredible battle.
What's the total tally now (it's hard to keep up!)-- Allies' surface fleet DECIMATED, 4 USN Carriers sunk, 3 RN Carriers sunk... to 4 Jap Fleet Carriers, 2 Battleships, and 3 CAs? Not a terrible trade off at all in my humble opinion. You've bought yourself the rest of 1942 and far into 1943 for the Japanese Empire. If all continues well, it'll take up to late 1943 for him to even have carrier parity. BANZAI!
Eventually, I will lose Naval Superiority, but I hope to push that off into late 1943 at least. He'll have CV superiority in August, 1943, after the 3 CVs and 3 CVLs that appear in June and July. I am working on Accelerating TAIHO to arrive in April, to give me a little more wiggle room.
I should have surface superiority a little later into 1943; assuming he repairs the 4 Pearl Harbor BBs, plus WASH and SD, plus INDIANA and MASSACHUSETTS. That's 8 BBs. I will have 10 by then, including MUSASHI. Barring further losses, I should have 15 CAs still, and the Allies probably fewer cruiers, since the USN/RAN have lost over 20. I need to make an exact count though.
RE: Battle of New Hebrides
Q-Ball, how your opponent uses B-17 ? In my game he at first uses night bombings (good for me we have rule not to bomb anything at night if moon is less than 50%) to damage and destroy planes and than daily raids to destroy everything that survived night. And nothing can stop this damn flying fortresses !!!
RE: Battle of New Hebrides
ORIGINAL: Swenslim
Q-Ball, how your opponent uses B-17 ? In my game he at first uses night bombings (good for me we have rule not to bomb anything at night if moon is less than 50%) to damage and destroy planes and than daily raids to destroy everything that survived night. And nothing can stop this damn flying fortresses !!!
Good question. They are an irritant. He used them alot during the New Hebrides campaign, and I worked hard to get Zeros in the skies. He lost 70-100, depending on FOW, so his B-17Es are pretty much gone. It will get worse shortly with the B-24Ds coming; I need to close Tarawa, as that is the base that can support them.
No doubt 4E is the Allied super-weapon
RE: Battle of New Hebrides
Combat Report, Sept 24-28, 1942:
Spoke too soon: Right after Svenslim's question, abour 40 B-17s hit Milne Bay, and another 35 hit Roi Namur, from Tarawa. I guess he still has some left!
The Milne Bay attack is curious, maybe just harassment, maybe not...he has been reconning New Guinea pretty hard. The Roi Namur is an attempt to get me to stop bombing Mili, which is currently closed, courtesy of the IJA. I have an idea to stop those 4Es though...
Marshalls: Allied shipping, that appeared to drop off those ships, seems to have fled once they saw my CVs. I have CVs handy in case anything else comes. They still have not run any transports to the 3 islands since the initial landings in August, though I suspect they all have plenty of supplies from those landings.
I have been sweeping Tarawa with Oscars, exchanging a little better than 1 to 1 vs. the P-40s and P-38s. That's OK by me, I can make more Oscars, but I know he is out of P-40Es (lost over 700!).
At this point he is trying to reassert air control. I have a plan though to stop that, and once we have air control back, can think about retaking the islands. We are 30 days out from that at least due to preps.
Burma: As well as things are going in the Marshalls, Burma is a class-A hack job by Q-Ball. Check out the map; 2 divisions are surrounded in Akyab, and it's not much better up north. I just dropped off most of the 1st Armored Div to hopefully restore the situation. Currently, I have 8 divisions in Burma, you would think that would be enough.
Aircover is a problem, the Allies dominate the air via large airbases just over the border. I have gotten some licks in shooting up bombers, but I know from playing the Allies that attriting the RAF isn't very viable; they get alot of Hurricanes.
The only good news is that to me, he lacks the Seapower to make Burma truly decisive. How so? The way I see it, the only thing in Burma that is important is Magwe; lose Magwe, and there is no point to defending the Upper Irriwaddy. If he pushes me out of Burma and into Siam, the Royal Navy isn't strong enough to exploit that via landings lower down the coast. Currently, the RN is just a small collection of cruisers.
Spoke too soon: Right after Svenslim's question, abour 40 B-17s hit Milne Bay, and another 35 hit Roi Namur, from Tarawa. I guess he still has some left!
The Milne Bay attack is curious, maybe just harassment, maybe not...he has been reconning New Guinea pretty hard. The Roi Namur is an attempt to get me to stop bombing Mili, which is currently closed, courtesy of the IJA. I have an idea to stop those 4Es though...
Marshalls: Allied shipping, that appeared to drop off those ships, seems to have fled once they saw my CVs. I have CVs handy in case anything else comes. They still have not run any transports to the 3 islands since the initial landings in August, though I suspect they all have plenty of supplies from those landings.
I have been sweeping Tarawa with Oscars, exchanging a little better than 1 to 1 vs. the P-40s and P-38s. That's OK by me, I can make more Oscars, but I know he is out of P-40Es (lost over 700!).
At this point he is trying to reassert air control. I have a plan though to stop that, and once we have air control back, can think about retaking the islands. We are 30 days out from that at least due to preps.
Burma: As well as things are going in the Marshalls, Burma is a class-A hack job by Q-Ball. Check out the map; 2 divisions are surrounded in Akyab, and it's not much better up north. I just dropped off most of the 1st Armored Div to hopefully restore the situation. Currently, I have 8 divisions in Burma, you would think that would be enough.
Aircover is a problem, the Allies dominate the air via large airbases just over the border. I have gotten some licks in shooting up bombers, but I know from playing the Allies that attriting the RAF isn't very viable; they get alot of Hurricanes.
The only good news is that to me, he lacks the Seapower to make Burma truly decisive. How so? The way I see it, the only thing in Burma that is important is Magwe; lose Magwe, and there is no point to defending the Upper Irriwaddy. If he pushes me out of Burma and into Siam, the Royal Navy isn't strong enough to exploit that via landings lower down the coast. Currently, the RN is just a small collection of cruisers.
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RE: Battle of New Hebrides
Great AAR. Just got caught up.
Just goes to show you how playing the Allies works. Your opponent made a lot of mistakes and lost a lot of ships then he whacked three of your carriers and bingo, he had reversed all of his poor choices up to that point. All he needed to do was pull back and do a little counter boxing. With five fleet carriers intact any further Japanese expansion could have been very dangerous. Instead he choose to throw "bad money after good." Of course he will get most all carriers and CAs back but not for a good while. You are in about as good a position you can hope for as Japan. Well played...
Sooner or later, he will have to learn not to waste ships or he won't have much of a chance. OK, he might eventually win but it won't be pretty.
Just goes to show you how playing the Allies works. Your opponent made a lot of mistakes and lost a lot of ships then he whacked three of your carriers and bingo, he had reversed all of his poor choices up to that point. All he needed to do was pull back and do a little counter boxing. With five fleet carriers intact any further Japanese expansion could have been very dangerous. Instead he choose to throw "bad money after good." Of course he will get most all carriers and CAs back but not for a good while. You are in about as good a position you can hope for as Japan. Well played...
Sooner or later, he will have to learn not to waste ships or he won't have much of a chance. OK, he might eventually win but it won't be pretty.
I am the Holy Roman Emperor and am above grammar.
Sigismund of Luxemburg
Sigismund of Luxemburg
RE: Battle of New Hebrides
Combat Report, Sept 29-Oct 2, 1942:
Burma: Reinforcements, in the form of the 56th Division, arrived just in time to save the elements of the 18th Division that were cut off near Shwebo. We are out of danger of losing them, though the 18th is really beat-up, and Shwebo is not a good defensive position. I am moving accross the Irriwaddy to Mandalay, to set-up defenses there.
Reinforcements are on the way to Burma, soon i will outnumber the identified Allied units. I might even be able to cut-off the troops moving down the trail toward Prome, since I still have Akyab, in their rear.
Marshall Islands: After a brief surge where the Allies reestablished air cover over Mili, Makin, and Tarawa, and started bombing my bases with 4E, we have reasserted control.
I have established a forward base close to the Marshalls, to allow quick re-loads and refuel of BBs. This is a key advantage I have fighting in this area that the Allies don't have, I have land right behind me, and closer ports. Using this, a series of BB bombardments shut down all 3 airbases, torching 60+ Allied planes in the process, including 20 or so 4Es, which is satisfying.
I have a pile of Glen subs east of the Marshalls, and they spotted Allied units moving toward the Marshalls; a CVE group, plus a group of "CACACACA", which is certainly warships. I sent KB over east of the Marshalls to interdict; I missed the warships (they fled), but found Long Island and 2 Old DDs, sinking all of them. Clearly he was shuttling fighters off her. The loss report had no planes on it from the CVE, so not sure where they flew to; maybe Baker.
What Next: My opponent is probably very frustrated by the BB bombardments shutting down airbases. KB has now popped up twice east of the Marshalls, blocking easy access to transports. I don't think he'll give up. What will he do?
There are only two ways to stop me from keeping those airbases closed:
1. CARRIERS: He still has 2, plus will soon get CVEs. I anticipate an attempt to stop me using them. This is very risky and I wouldn't do it, but he has rolled the dice before. I would have 3 CVs, 2 SHOHOS, JUNYO, RYUJO to counter, I think that is enough to handle 2 USN CVs plus CVEs and dish out punishment. I would welcome a CV Battle on those terms.
2. BATTLESHIPS: He has 3 fast-BBs at his disposal; he could try to interdict one of my bombardment runs. This is also very risky; I have aircover, so my damaged BBs will survive, and his will be exposed to air attack. I may need to pair-up my BBs instead of operating in more TFs in anticipation, but I would welcome a night-fight, provided I had those CVs handy.
A combination would probably be tried, with CVs covering the BBs. If it was me, I would give up and let the troops in the Marshalls fend for themselves, but that is not my oppponent's pattern.
Burma: Reinforcements, in the form of the 56th Division, arrived just in time to save the elements of the 18th Division that were cut off near Shwebo. We are out of danger of losing them, though the 18th is really beat-up, and Shwebo is not a good defensive position. I am moving accross the Irriwaddy to Mandalay, to set-up defenses there.
Reinforcements are on the way to Burma, soon i will outnumber the identified Allied units. I might even be able to cut-off the troops moving down the trail toward Prome, since I still have Akyab, in their rear.
Marshall Islands: After a brief surge where the Allies reestablished air cover over Mili, Makin, and Tarawa, and started bombing my bases with 4E, we have reasserted control.
I have established a forward base close to the Marshalls, to allow quick re-loads and refuel of BBs. This is a key advantage I have fighting in this area that the Allies don't have, I have land right behind me, and closer ports. Using this, a series of BB bombardments shut down all 3 airbases, torching 60+ Allied planes in the process, including 20 or so 4Es, which is satisfying.
I have a pile of Glen subs east of the Marshalls, and they spotted Allied units moving toward the Marshalls; a CVE group, plus a group of "CACACACA", which is certainly warships. I sent KB over east of the Marshalls to interdict; I missed the warships (they fled), but found Long Island and 2 Old DDs, sinking all of them. Clearly he was shuttling fighters off her. The loss report had no planes on it from the CVE, so not sure where they flew to; maybe Baker.
What Next: My opponent is probably very frustrated by the BB bombardments shutting down airbases. KB has now popped up twice east of the Marshalls, blocking easy access to transports. I don't think he'll give up. What will he do?
There are only two ways to stop me from keeping those airbases closed:
1. CARRIERS: He still has 2, plus will soon get CVEs. I anticipate an attempt to stop me using them. This is very risky and I wouldn't do it, but he has rolled the dice before. I would have 3 CVs, 2 SHOHOS, JUNYO, RYUJO to counter, I think that is enough to handle 2 USN CVs plus CVEs and dish out punishment. I would welcome a CV Battle on those terms.
2. BATTLESHIPS: He has 3 fast-BBs at his disposal; he could try to interdict one of my bombardment runs. This is also very risky; I have aircover, so my damaged BBs will survive, and his will be exposed to air attack. I may need to pair-up my BBs instead of operating in more TFs in anticipation, but I would welcome a night-fight, provided I had those CVs handy.
A combination would probably be tried, with CVs covering the BBs. If it was me, I would give up and let the troops in the Marshalls fend for themselves, but that is not my oppponent's pattern.
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CapAndGown
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RE: Battle of New Hebrides
I am looking at your maps of the Gilberts and am wondering why these area are not built up more. You have conquered less territory than I have (I have Fiji/Tonga/Somoa in addition to what you have) and therefore fewer bases to worry about building, yet your base building in the central Pacific is rather anemic. Where have you been using your engineers? What kind of build ups are you aiming for?
RE: Battle of New Hebrides
ORIGINAL: cap_and_gown
I am looking at your maps of the Gilberts and am wondering why these area are not built up more. You have conquered less territory than I have (I have Fiji/Tonga/Somoa in addition to what you have) and therefore fewer bases to worry about building, yet your base building in the central Pacific is rather anemic. Where have you been using your engineers? What kind of build ups are you aiming for?
I don't care much about the Gilberts. Tabiteaua is a big base, but that's it.
I have spent alot of contstruction in the DEI, particularly Northern Australia, and immediately north. I guess I am paranoid about this being an axis of advance, because it's bad for japan. I have been fortifying the Solomons and New Hebrides as well, but not to the same extent. I also have alot of construction on Sumatra. I want to protect the OIL.
I have tried to constantly keep construction assets building something, maybe I haven't done a good job, or maybe I just have a well-developed DEI, not sure.
I am about to get a pile of new Construction Bns, they will be very welcome.