I’m starting a game with my esteemed opponent witpqs. This is scenario 28…da big babes… This scenario greatly reduces air and engineer support. Things are far slower
The name of the game for the Japanese is speed, without losses. Not an easy feat, but the Japanese have a short period of time to capitalize on phase 2 (India, OZ, South Pacific, PH). Time is of the essence.
To do this, conquering the SRA as quickly as possible is the goal. The following is planned:
- Attack Manila with the KB with support of Bells and Betties from Takao. KB supports northern Luzon invasions. The goal is the subs. Everything else is gravy.
- Invade Balikpan as fast as possible
- Move Nells, Betties and Zeroes into Balikpan once conquered
- Attack Soerabaja and any available shipping
- Invade Soerabaja at first opportunity
- Invade Koepang at first opportunity
- Attack Darwin with air assets from Koepang.
I would normally invalid Balikpan in scenario 2 first turn, move Nells/Betties/Zeroes down on turn 2 and then dominate the region with sea and air power. 3 SCTFs provide protection and support of Balikpan with naval and air HQs to insure that Balikpan is a fuel producing, level 4 airbase and naval support base for the entire ops. In this scenario however, the ability to keep planes in the air is greatly limited as is the pilot quality, which based on scenario 1, so not nearly as good, nor are there extra air squadrons that scenario 2 provides. Therefore, the axis of attack will be a bit slower. Cagayan will be the first target, close to support bases and the KB. From there, a major invasion will be launched against Balikpan and then onto Java and Koepang.
Once the region is secure, KB moves to Truk to support operations in the Solomons and PM.
Phase 2 is somewhat open but will most likely be an east/west assault on OZ.
Phase 3, which is basically, cover my a$$, will be a defensive scheme base on either cap & gowns model (also playing witpqs) of multiple, interlocking, 4+ airbases or a variation. The only problem I have with multiple level 4+ airbases is the lack of supporting infrastructure in this scenario, which makes me wonder if I’m doing my opponent a service by building up multiple airbases. We’ll see as the game progresses
AE Really Unconfidential (except for witpqs)
Moderators: wdolson, MOD_War-in-the-Pacific-Admirals-Edition
RE: AE Really Unconfidential (except for witpqs)
We are actually at turn 15, so rather than give a blow by blow, here's the situation.
Luzon
Invasions at aparri and laoag supported by KB...the KB port attacked manilla. Fast TFs invaded Cagayan and Jolo (to project zeroes into the Makassar straights). He's moving all forces to Clark to defend. I'm not going to take Manilla because I don't want to waste 200 AV to garrison. Instead, I'll do a paradrop on Atimonan to prevent resources from getting to Manilla for supplies and continue air bombardments to take out his supply. The 33rd and 4th divisions from the home islands will support this operation. Subsequent invasion on Tanjoengselor (that's a mouthful) to move to tarakan for assault. A turkey shoot occured on fleeing allied shipping in the Celeb, Sulu and South China seas.
Malaya
Normal invasions in Kota Bharu, Singora, Patani...and movements towards Georgetown. Air Assets ground attacked units in Alor Star and Taiping to prevent strategic movement out of area. Alor Star units are now isolated and 2 regiments are moving on it to capture the base. 2 regiments of armor have moved onto Taiping to capture that base. In about a week, a Mersing invasion will be ready using 25th army units based out of the home islands.
Burma
15th army is moving towards Rangoon. Air units out of Bangkok are attacking airfields in Rangoon. Wiptqs has moved part (or all) of the flying tigers into Rangoon, so I've temporarily suspended airfield attacks and moved a second squadron of Oscars into Bangkok to sweep them out of the area.
China
China is where things are most active atm. He's an aggressive player and so am I, so this should be interesting. In the north, I have the 32nd, 35th, 36th, 63rd, 110th and Mongolian Division moving on Loyang and Chengchow. He's move a hoard onto Ichang. I have the 34th in defense plus a garrison force. I've moved the 13th division and 14th independent brigade into supporting position. His shock attack this turn resulting in the following:
Japanese ground losses:
1631 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 84 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 87 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Allied ground losses:
1826 casualties reported
Squads: 3 destroyed, 125 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 100 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 11 disabled
I don't mind this at all. Even if he takes Ichang, I replace faster than he does and he's using valuable supply doing it. Other attacks by me netted large chinese losses...However, he's moving to isolate Nanchang...I have a division moving from Hangchow to the area. 2 other 13th army division are moving on Chuhsien. Divisions from the 11th are moving on Changsha...this is a feint as I don't have enough juice to take the city, but he is moving in response, so it's achieving my goals of taking pressure off other areas.
Luzon
Invasions at aparri and laoag supported by KB...the KB port attacked manilla. Fast TFs invaded Cagayan and Jolo (to project zeroes into the Makassar straights). He's moving all forces to Clark to defend. I'm not going to take Manilla because I don't want to waste 200 AV to garrison. Instead, I'll do a paradrop on Atimonan to prevent resources from getting to Manilla for supplies and continue air bombardments to take out his supply. The 33rd and 4th divisions from the home islands will support this operation. Subsequent invasion on Tanjoengselor (that's a mouthful) to move to tarakan for assault. A turkey shoot occured on fleeing allied shipping in the Celeb, Sulu and South China seas.
Malaya
Normal invasions in Kota Bharu, Singora, Patani...and movements towards Georgetown. Air Assets ground attacked units in Alor Star and Taiping to prevent strategic movement out of area. Alor Star units are now isolated and 2 regiments are moving on it to capture the base. 2 regiments of armor have moved onto Taiping to capture that base. In about a week, a Mersing invasion will be ready using 25th army units based out of the home islands.
Burma
15th army is moving towards Rangoon. Air units out of Bangkok are attacking airfields in Rangoon. Wiptqs has moved part (or all) of the flying tigers into Rangoon, so I've temporarily suspended airfield attacks and moved a second squadron of Oscars into Bangkok to sweep them out of the area.
China
China is where things are most active atm. He's an aggressive player and so am I, so this should be interesting. In the north, I have the 32nd, 35th, 36th, 63rd, 110th and Mongolian Division moving on Loyang and Chengchow. He's move a hoard onto Ichang. I have the 34th in defense plus a garrison force. I've moved the 13th division and 14th independent brigade into supporting position. His shock attack this turn resulting in the following:
Japanese ground losses:
1631 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 84 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 87 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Allied ground losses:
1826 casualties reported
Squads: 3 destroyed, 125 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 100 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 11 disabled
I don't mind this at all. Even if he takes Ichang, I replace faster than he does and he's using valuable supply doing it. Other attacks by me netted large chinese losses...However, he's moving to isolate Nanchang...I have a division moving from Hangchow to the area. 2 other 13th army division are moving on Chuhsien. Divisions from the 11th are moving on Changsha...this is a feint as I don't have enough juice to take the city, but he is moving in response, so it's achieving my goals of taking pressure off other areas.
RE: AE Really Unconfidential (except for witpqs)
Dec 21st, 1941...
Yamamoto has officially named the invasion of Balikpan: Operation FUBAR...a Japanese word, literally translated means "Golly, this didn't go well". Balikpan and Samarinda have fallen, but only after 2 days of aborted invasions by Lt. Hiyashi, fresh on his first command, who declared that the out of supply torpedo boats defending Balikpan, "looked like battleships to me". After a reassignment to Outer Mongolia, the new commander successfully invaded, but not after Lt. Hiyashi managed to get 3 of his ships sunk by subs, while running away for the safety of Baelobob (and a sushi dinner) before being ordered back to Balikpan at gunpoint.
I'm not sure if they nerfed Japanese ASW, but it's been pretty ineffective...It's gotten so bad that Admiral Nagumo, in charge of the entire operation, ordered the supplies, which went bad waiting offshore on the ships, dumped overboard in an attempt to cloud the water and hide the Japanese fleet. In his own words, "it didn't work". One CL, 3 transports, 2 light transports were sunk and probably a patrol boat (the captain dumped the supplies, but kept the sake), limping for port.
Private Mayagi, winner of the national broad jump contest, claims he could broad jump from one side of the Malacca straights to the other on top of the Dutch subs in the straights. Nagumo will allow him to try, but only if he can drop some spoiled chicken on each sub in the hopes that the smell drives them away.
Next part of this operation, already a week behind, is Java and Koepang. A brief respite will be given, because of the extreme fast pace of this operation, to give everyone a chance to regroup, and give the ASW forces time to actually hit a sub. A reward of 10 cases of sake will be given to one who actually does.
On the China front, named Operation Ouch (another Japanese word, literally translated means ouch), Japanese forces took Loyang, causing 20k in casualties and Hong Kong today. A national holiday has been declared, sake has been liberally distributed, to which most of the air squadrons through all of the fronts have responded "we've started partying a week ago…BANZAI!". It explains the lack of planes in the air. Yamamoto has issued the following directive, "sake is to be given only to those who actually fly".
Divisions in Loyang are at 50% losses or higher, same with Hong Kong. 3 reserve divisions are moving on Chengchow to open the rail line with Sinyang. To the south of Sinyang (and if you know all these places, you’ve played way too much WITPAE), the 116th division and support regiment, were given orders to defend after a number of ineffective attacks, to which the commander gave the order BANZAI in the face of a massive Chinese attack. 90% losses later, they are “strategically” retreating. Other divisions in the area are moving to avert a total disaster.
Observations on this scenario. Planes don’t fly as much. Many more operational losses. It looks like ASW was nerfed, though I’m not sure yet. Land attacks are less effective and have higher casualties. In the face of this, auto-victory is out of the question and phase 2 attacks into India or OZ are not likely to achieve much.
To be continued….
Yamamoto has officially named the invasion of Balikpan: Operation FUBAR...a Japanese word, literally translated means "Golly, this didn't go well". Balikpan and Samarinda have fallen, but only after 2 days of aborted invasions by Lt. Hiyashi, fresh on his first command, who declared that the out of supply torpedo boats defending Balikpan, "looked like battleships to me". After a reassignment to Outer Mongolia, the new commander successfully invaded, but not after Lt. Hiyashi managed to get 3 of his ships sunk by subs, while running away for the safety of Baelobob (and a sushi dinner) before being ordered back to Balikpan at gunpoint.
I'm not sure if they nerfed Japanese ASW, but it's been pretty ineffective...It's gotten so bad that Admiral Nagumo, in charge of the entire operation, ordered the supplies, which went bad waiting offshore on the ships, dumped overboard in an attempt to cloud the water and hide the Japanese fleet. In his own words, "it didn't work". One CL, 3 transports, 2 light transports were sunk and probably a patrol boat (the captain dumped the supplies, but kept the sake), limping for port.
Private Mayagi, winner of the national broad jump contest, claims he could broad jump from one side of the Malacca straights to the other on top of the Dutch subs in the straights. Nagumo will allow him to try, but only if he can drop some spoiled chicken on each sub in the hopes that the smell drives them away.
Next part of this operation, already a week behind, is Java and Koepang. A brief respite will be given, because of the extreme fast pace of this operation, to give everyone a chance to regroup, and give the ASW forces time to actually hit a sub. A reward of 10 cases of sake will be given to one who actually does.
On the China front, named Operation Ouch (another Japanese word, literally translated means ouch), Japanese forces took Loyang, causing 20k in casualties and Hong Kong today. A national holiday has been declared, sake has been liberally distributed, to which most of the air squadrons through all of the fronts have responded "we've started partying a week ago…BANZAI!". It explains the lack of planes in the air. Yamamoto has issued the following directive, "sake is to be given only to those who actually fly".
Divisions in Loyang are at 50% losses or higher, same with Hong Kong. 3 reserve divisions are moving on Chengchow to open the rail line with Sinyang. To the south of Sinyang (and if you know all these places, you’ve played way too much WITPAE), the 116th division and support regiment, were given orders to defend after a number of ineffective attacks, to which the commander gave the order BANZAI in the face of a massive Chinese attack. 90% losses later, they are “strategically” retreating. Other divisions in the area are moving to avert a total disaster.
Observations on this scenario. Planes don’t fly as much. Many more operational losses. It looks like ASW was nerfed, though I’m not sure yet. Land attacks are less effective and have higher casualties. In the face of this, auto-victory is out of the question and phase 2 attacks into India or OZ are not likely to achieve much.
To be continued….
RE: AE Really Unconfidential (except for witpqs)
[:D]
Lucky for you, tonight it's just me
Any ship can be a minesweeper..once !!
http://suspenseandmystery.blogspot.com/
Any ship can be a minesweeper..once !!
http://suspenseandmystery.blogspot.com/
RE: AE Really Unconfidential (except for witpqs)
Dec 23rd, 1941....
Operation Ouch continues. Chengchow falls. Makes 20k of casualties in 3 days...ouch. In this scenario, engineers are golden. Losing 83 of them is not good for him.
Allied ground losses:
9822 casualties reported
Squads: 439 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 375 destroyed, 47 disabled
Engineers: 14 destroyed, 1 disabled
Guns lost 7 (6 destroyed, 1 disabled)
Units retreated 9
Coupled with Loyang 2 days ago:
Allied ground losses:
12208 casualties reported
Squads: 470 destroyed, 24 disabled
Non Combat: 651 destroyed, 35 disabled
Engineers: 83 destroyed, 4 disabled
Guns lost 23 (23 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units retreated 9
Ichang is holding on by a thread. Each time they knock down the forts, we rebuild just in time. The Chinese got 2-1 odds, so, gulp, hopefully will hold until reinforcements arrive, 2 days away. The nasty Chinese forces that shocked my banzai attack by the 116th division are moving north to Sinyang. I have a division waiting for them.
Luzon has been code named Double Ouch. A "probe" attack (wouldn't that be nice) into clark netted this disaster:
Japanese ground losses:
8569 casualties reported
Squads: 66 destroyed, 347 disabled
Non Combat: 74 destroyed, 282 disabled
Engineers: 9 destroyed, 38 disabled
Vehicles lost 95 (10 destroyed, 85 disabled)
Allied ground losses:
2639 casualties reported
Squads: 12 destroyed, 68 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 149 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 14 disabled
Guns lost 2 (1 destroyed, 1 disabled)
Looks like I'll need to pull down the 38th division from Hong Kong. I'll start that tomorrow. Airfields are being improved on Luzon and it's going to be prolonged campaign. This scenario is dang bloody!
A cheer goes amongst the navy as for the first time in 4 days, the japanese do not lose a ship to subs. A jake did report landing a rotten chicken on top of a dutch conning tower, but that’s about as close to a hit as I’ve been able to get. Balikpan is consolidating and an ampib of the 16th army HQ, plus supporting regiments are loading for the invasion of java.
to be continued...
Operation Ouch continues. Chengchow falls. Makes 20k of casualties in 3 days...ouch. In this scenario, engineers are golden. Losing 83 of them is not good for him.
Allied ground losses:
9822 casualties reported
Squads: 439 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 375 destroyed, 47 disabled
Engineers: 14 destroyed, 1 disabled
Guns lost 7 (6 destroyed, 1 disabled)
Units retreated 9
Coupled with Loyang 2 days ago:
Allied ground losses:
12208 casualties reported
Squads: 470 destroyed, 24 disabled
Non Combat: 651 destroyed, 35 disabled
Engineers: 83 destroyed, 4 disabled
Guns lost 23 (23 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units retreated 9
Ichang is holding on by a thread. Each time they knock down the forts, we rebuild just in time. The Chinese got 2-1 odds, so, gulp, hopefully will hold until reinforcements arrive, 2 days away. The nasty Chinese forces that shocked my banzai attack by the 116th division are moving north to Sinyang. I have a division waiting for them.
Luzon has been code named Double Ouch. A "probe" attack (wouldn't that be nice) into clark netted this disaster:
Japanese ground losses:
8569 casualties reported
Squads: 66 destroyed, 347 disabled
Non Combat: 74 destroyed, 282 disabled
Engineers: 9 destroyed, 38 disabled
Vehicles lost 95 (10 destroyed, 85 disabled)
Allied ground losses:
2639 casualties reported
Squads: 12 destroyed, 68 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 149 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 14 disabled
Guns lost 2 (1 destroyed, 1 disabled)
Looks like I'll need to pull down the 38th division from Hong Kong. I'll start that tomorrow. Airfields are being improved on Luzon and it's going to be prolonged campaign. This scenario is dang bloody!
A cheer goes amongst the navy as for the first time in 4 days, the japanese do not lose a ship to subs. A jake did report landing a rotten chicken on top of a dutch conning tower, but that’s about as close to a hit as I’ve been able to get. Balikpan is consolidating and an ampib of the 16th army HQ, plus supporting regiments are loading for the invasion of java.
to be continued...
RE: AE Really Unconfidential (except for witpqs)
January 3rd, 1942.....
Haven't been able to post for a bit because of RL and the pace of the game....I'm really impressed with this scenario. I wish they would do it for scenario 2 as the base, to give the japanese a bit more punching power. It limits air, limits ground and has a very realistic flavor to it. No more level 4 airbases built in a few days....and a ground attack without adequate support....not good.
I have 4 divs plus support regiments on Clark. Daily air bombings and occasional probes are the name of the game. I can replace faster than him, so this is a war of attrition. Occasionally, I switch to ground attacks with air force...they are a good indicator of the moral and supply level in the hex. The more damage, the more ripe they are for ground attack. A probe attack is scheduled to go today.
In china, I've continued to push the chinese around as I mass troops and HQs for an attack on Nanyang. There's been minor scirmishes between some of my divisions and fleeing elements, but otherwise, not much more to report. My air force is doing between 300-500 casualties a turn. I pulled a number of sallies out of kwangtung, plus upgrades to existing units. Nanyang and Kweishien(sp?) are the currently goals for china. I'm quite happy with the bombing campaign.
In burma, japanese forces continue to mass for the attack on Rangoon. Right now, they are north of Moleumien (sp again...no map in front of me)...waiting for the imperial division. I've moved bombers out of Bangkok and am sweeping with fighters. There's not enough air support to keep planes in bases where they aren't being used and it's taken quite a bit of time to get multiple Oscars to coordinate on the Rangoon sweeps (from the same base). It only started when I transferred all non-essentials out of the area. So I'm making headway against the AVG.
In java, I've taken Malacca and Soerabaja. A task force is in route with naval HQ, air HQ and engineers to secure the port. Minesweepers have cleared it. Witpqs has attempted to attack my TFS in the region, but a squadron of zeroes on Malacca (with an air HQ) have managed to defeat all attacks and create quite a few aces in the process. However, the KB did a dance of death with the dutch subs to support the invasion....I managed to avoid any damage until the last day. The Shokaku took a fish and has 18 sys...she's at balikpan and will be repaired in a couple of weeks. In the process, I went ahead and repaired additional CVs and BBs. I suddenly realized (too late) that I'm ripe for a 4e attack, so I moved 3 CVs one hex south of Balikpan and put all zeroes on 50 escort...hopefully, witpqs won't realize. The next goals for this region are keopang and batvia. I'm light on troops atm, as george attempted an attack on cagayan and I diverted a regiment to support the base. I'm regretting that now. Batvia is the gateway to Sumatra. So I'll need to scrape up other troops.
In the marshalls and solomons, nothing going on. Once java is secured and KB is fully healed, I'll transfer a BB sctf and the KB to truk to support the invasion of Rabual and the rest of the solomons.
Haven't been able to post for a bit because of RL and the pace of the game....I'm really impressed with this scenario. I wish they would do it for scenario 2 as the base, to give the japanese a bit more punching power. It limits air, limits ground and has a very realistic flavor to it. No more level 4 airbases built in a few days....and a ground attack without adequate support....not good.
I have 4 divs plus support regiments on Clark. Daily air bombings and occasional probes are the name of the game. I can replace faster than him, so this is a war of attrition. Occasionally, I switch to ground attacks with air force...they are a good indicator of the moral and supply level in the hex. The more damage, the more ripe they are for ground attack. A probe attack is scheduled to go today.
In china, I've continued to push the chinese around as I mass troops and HQs for an attack on Nanyang. There's been minor scirmishes between some of my divisions and fleeing elements, but otherwise, not much more to report. My air force is doing between 300-500 casualties a turn. I pulled a number of sallies out of kwangtung, plus upgrades to existing units. Nanyang and Kweishien(sp?) are the currently goals for china. I'm quite happy with the bombing campaign.
In burma, japanese forces continue to mass for the attack on Rangoon. Right now, they are north of Moleumien (sp again...no map in front of me)...waiting for the imperial division. I've moved bombers out of Bangkok and am sweeping with fighters. There's not enough air support to keep planes in bases where they aren't being used and it's taken quite a bit of time to get multiple Oscars to coordinate on the Rangoon sweeps (from the same base). It only started when I transferred all non-essentials out of the area. So I'm making headway against the AVG.
In java, I've taken Malacca and Soerabaja. A task force is in route with naval HQ, air HQ and engineers to secure the port. Minesweepers have cleared it. Witpqs has attempted to attack my TFS in the region, but a squadron of zeroes on Malacca (with an air HQ) have managed to defeat all attacks and create quite a few aces in the process. However, the KB did a dance of death with the dutch subs to support the invasion....I managed to avoid any damage until the last day. The Shokaku took a fish and has 18 sys...she's at balikpan and will be repaired in a couple of weeks. In the process, I went ahead and repaired additional CVs and BBs. I suddenly realized (too late) that I'm ripe for a 4e attack, so I moved 3 CVs one hex south of Balikpan and put all zeroes on 50 escort...hopefully, witpqs won't realize. The next goals for this region are keopang and batvia. I'm light on troops atm, as george attempted an attack on cagayan and I diverted a regiment to support the base. I'm regretting that now. Batvia is the gateway to Sumatra. So I'll need to scrape up other troops.
In the marshalls and solomons, nothing going on. Once java is secured and KB is fully healed, I'll transfer a BB sctf and the KB to truk to support the invasion of Rabual and the rest of the solomons.
RE: AE Really Unconfidential (except for witpqs)
This is my industry situation...somewhat stable, but still bleeding resources
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RE: AE Really Unconfidential (except for witpqs)
Almost all of these losses are because of subs...in scenario 2, I usually can damage or destroy subs...in scenario 1 (or this scenario), asw is awful. I've adopted a new tactic of assigning the best commanders to my ASW TFs and converging on a sub whenever I see one. Kill the carrier, so to speak.
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RE: AE Really Unconfidential (except for witpqs)
Overall, I'm not unhappy...I have one CV banged up for a couple of weeks, quite a few CAs and DDs, but the japanese navy is intact...A couple of days ago I even managed to scored a SS hit (10 cases of sake to that crew)....I have almost 2 to 1 in air and 2 to 1 in ship. I'm accustomed to higher ratios, but that's in scenario 2 and usually against opponents who don't put up much of a fight. George is not giving ground willingly.
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RE: AE Really Unconfidential (except for witpqs)
As far as pilots go, I've maxed out pilots on training squadrons, set range to zero and training to 100%. That's working well. There's not enough 81+ pilots yet to put in each squadron, and that does seem and make a big difference along with the squadron leader, but it's still showing good results.
With combat squardons, the allied pilots are terrible, so I've maxed out these squadrons with 30s and 40s and set training to 50%. I have to watch fatigue and moral closely, but the inexperienced pilots are moving up quite fast.
With combat squardons, the allied pilots are terrible, so I've maxed out these squadrons with 30s and 40s and set training to 50%. I have to watch fatigue and moral closely, but the inexperienced pilots are moving up quite fast.
RE: AE Really Unconfidential (except for witpqs)
January 8th, 1942....
Haven't posted in a while because there hasn't been much to post. The kill the carrier approach against the dutch subs is working. I have 2 subs in my sunk list and a number of hits on others. The Shokaku is repairing slowly. Very little in the way of new bases...air bombardments of both Clark and Singapore, but nothing else significant. I've start arty bombardments which are actually causing damage (amazing!)...so that tells me that they are being reduced in supply and moral. I'll keep occasional probes going to see how the allies are doing.
There's a major change in thinking concerning this scenario. I took Soeerabaja almost a week ago and the air service damage still hasn't come down from 80. I have quite a few engineers at the base and plenty of supplies, but it won't budge. That's slowing up the rest of the java campaign in part because I need the airfield. There's another level 4 airfield 2 hexes southwest of the base that I'm driving for right now. He's stacking everything on Batvia. Once I get a functional airfield, I'll start air attacks and invade with 5 regiments at merak. The invasion of keopang is on it's way. In a few days, we'll see how that goes. The KB will be supporting so I don't have too many concerns. I'll send a couple SCTFs to support the ops.
The name of this game from my side has been mistakes, mistakes, mistakes. Cerimonial swords and daggers are in route and heads are rolling. Multiple fragmented regiments (my fault)...I have around 10-15 ships in a state of serious damage/repair and accidently layed a minefield in front of balikpan that has cost 3 more ships damaged...plus a general lack of urgency in any of the operations. Still getting used to these changes plus the changes of scen 1. The dutch subs and my initial inability to stop them was definately a factor.
In china, Nanyang has fallen and the chinese are making a stand just northing in the rough. Chinese in the rough are tough, so I'm not sure if I'll proceed or try to at least take a couple of pokes at them. If that force can be serious hurt, there's not much behind for an assault on Sian.
In the air war, I've gained the upper hand against the AVG. That's a good thing. I can see that the generally poor level of training at the start of the war, both pilot quality and ASW is definately rising.
Haven't posted in a while because there hasn't been much to post. The kill the carrier approach against the dutch subs is working. I have 2 subs in my sunk list and a number of hits on others. The Shokaku is repairing slowly. Very little in the way of new bases...air bombardments of both Clark and Singapore, but nothing else significant. I've start arty bombardments which are actually causing damage (amazing!)...so that tells me that they are being reduced in supply and moral. I'll keep occasional probes going to see how the allies are doing.
There's a major change in thinking concerning this scenario. I took Soeerabaja almost a week ago and the air service damage still hasn't come down from 80. I have quite a few engineers at the base and plenty of supplies, but it won't budge. That's slowing up the rest of the java campaign in part because I need the airfield. There's another level 4 airfield 2 hexes southwest of the base that I'm driving for right now. He's stacking everything on Batvia. Once I get a functional airfield, I'll start air attacks and invade with 5 regiments at merak. The invasion of keopang is on it's way. In a few days, we'll see how that goes. The KB will be supporting so I don't have too many concerns. I'll send a couple SCTFs to support the ops.
The name of this game from my side has been mistakes, mistakes, mistakes. Cerimonial swords and daggers are in route and heads are rolling. Multiple fragmented regiments (my fault)...I have around 10-15 ships in a state of serious damage/repair and accidently layed a minefield in front of balikpan that has cost 3 more ships damaged...plus a general lack of urgency in any of the operations. Still getting used to these changes plus the changes of scen 1. The dutch subs and my initial inability to stop them was definately a factor.
In china, Nanyang has fallen and the chinese are making a stand just northing in the rough. Chinese in the rough are tough, so I'm not sure if I'll proceed or try to at least take a couple of pokes at them. If that force can be serious hurt, there's not much behind for an assault on Sian.
In the air war, I've gained the upper hand against the AVG. That's a good thing. I can see that the generally poor level of training at the start of the war, both pilot quality and ASW is definately rising.
RE: AE Really Unconfidential (except for witpqs)
Here's the situation in China...all the plains are in my hands and I'm moving north of Nanyang and south toward Kanhsien...The force moving south is an HQ plus 2 divs and another in support. I continue to bomb Ichang...he's moving AVG to stop that, but it's not quite working. If this continues, I'm wondering if he will abandon the city. My goal in china is simple. Force all Chinese into rough terrian. Anything in the open will get nailed.
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RE: AE Really Unconfidential (except for witpqs)
Here's the situation in java. Soerabaja has not repaired in a week, in spite of engineer units. Runway damage is moving down, but air services has not budged from a level of 80. The scenario is doing what it should, slowing things down. It's screwing with my time tables, but that's karma. I'm moving on Madioen to secure a level 4 airbase as well as moving more engineers down to Soerabaja. The dutch subs have disappeared, so my kill the carrier strategy has worked. George has moved reinforcements into Batvia.
Tarakan fell and I'm assembling the 4th and 124th battalions there. Once loaded, I'll pick up the 33rd regiment at samarinda, 24th, 143rd and 146th regiments from soerabaja and land at merak.
Invasion of keopang is still loading at balikpan. Once again, everything is slowed down...
I'm launching a night attack on batvia in the hopes of catching his APs that just reinforced. Make him pay for those types of move.
Tarakan fell and I'm assembling the 4th and 124th battalions there. Once loaded, I'll pick up the 33rd regiment at samarinda, 24th, 143rd and 146th regiments from soerabaja and land at merak.
Invasion of keopang is still loading at balikpan. Once again, everything is slowed down...
I'm launching a night attack on batvia in the hopes of catching his APs that just reinforced. Make him pay for those types of move.
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RE: AE Really Unconfidential (except for witpqs)
Here's the situation in Rangoon...Typical stuff....I'm winning the air war and have started airfield attacks from Bangkok. The force north of Moulmien is awaiting the imperial guard division to swat away the flankers and then go to Rangoon.
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RE: AE Really Unconfidential (except for witpqs)
January 11th, 1942...
Well Madioen has fallen and air units are moving to the base because though I have quite a few engineer units in Soerabaja, they are not enough. The runway is about cleared, but the air services are still at 80% damage...so I'll shift operations to Madioen and start an air campaign against Batvia.
Ternate fell and I'll be picking up the 124th and 4th battalions, as well as 33rd from samarinda and anothe regiment from Cagayan. With 3 more in java, that makes 5 regiments, 2 battalions and the 16th HQ, with air support. I'll be landing at merak within a week, with mini-KB and SCTF support. I have most of the japanese surface assets in the area, so there's plenty to work with.
The dutch subs haven't disappeared, but they haven't done any damage in quite a few turns. They are becoming less of a concern. I have managed to continue to hit them.
Japanese Ships
PB Naruto Maru #3
PB Saiko Maru
Allied Ships
SS O20, hits 1
My own sub campaign around ceylon and san francisco have continued to net some kills..
Japanese Ships
SS I-124
Allied Ships
TK Manvantara, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
The air war over rangoon is being won by the japanese (finally)...
Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 35
Allied aircraft
H81-A3 x 4
Buffalo I x 5
No Japanese losses
Allied aircraft losses
H81-A3: 1 destroyed
Buffalo I: 1 destroyed
The air war in china is going well also...this is an attack on Ichang...he has 20+ units there...I'm hoping my damage will force him to move forward accross the river to retreat....
Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-Ic Sally x 39
Ki-27b Nate x 6
Ki-48-Ib Lily x 15
No Japanese losses
Allied ground losses:
416 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 17 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 28 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
The ground combat in clark is ugly for both of us. Just going to have to give it time and wait for them to starve.
Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2 (fort level 0)
Japanese ground losses:
2431 casualties reported
Squads: 4 destroyed, 150 disabled
Non Combat: 45 destroyed, 83 disabled
Engineers: 22 destroyed, 57 disabled
Vehicles lost 83 (28 destroyed, 55 disabled)
Units destroyed 1
Allied ground losses:
2554 casualties reported
Squads: 11 destroyed, 135 disabled
Non Combat: 36 destroyed, 185 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 9 disabled
Vehicles lost 71 (31 destroyed, 40 disabled)
The allies have been booted out of cagayan....
But the big news is north of nanyang....I moved 6-7 divisions, plus HQs (multiple for the support) and he shock attacked. A gutsy and good call as it's possible that some units may have straggled getting there...as it was, they didn't and he got multched....
Allied adjusted assault: 1689
Japanese adjusted defense: 5962
Allied assault odds: 1 to 3
Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), op mode(-)
Attacker: shock(+)
Japanese ground losses:
1522 casualties reported
Squads: 37 destroyed, 33 disabled
Non Combat: 3 destroyed, 72 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Vehicles lost 13 (10 destroyed, 3 disabled)
Allied ground losses:
11597 casualties reported
Squads: 249 destroyed, 396 disabled
Non Combat: 259 destroyed, 439 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 44 disabled
My own forces will be shock attacking to return the favor...if this goes well, the path to Siam is open....
Well Madioen has fallen and air units are moving to the base because though I have quite a few engineer units in Soerabaja, they are not enough. The runway is about cleared, but the air services are still at 80% damage...so I'll shift operations to Madioen and start an air campaign against Batvia.
Ternate fell and I'll be picking up the 124th and 4th battalions, as well as 33rd from samarinda and anothe regiment from Cagayan. With 3 more in java, that makes 5 regiments, 2 battalions and the 16th HQ, with air support. I'll be landing at merak within a week, with mini-KB and SCTF support. I have most of the japanese surface assets in the area, so there's plenty to work with.
The dutch subs haven't disappeared, but they haven't done any damage in quite a few turns. They are becoming less of a concern. I have managed to continue to hit them.
Japanese Ships
PB Naruto Maru #3
PB Saiko Maru
Allied Ships
SS O20, hits 1
My own sub campaign around ceylon and san francisco have continued to net some kills..
Japanese Ships
SS I-124
Allied Ships
TK Manvantara, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
The air war over rangoon is being won by the japanese (finally)...
Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 35
Allied aircraft
H81-A3 x 4
Buffalo I x 5
No Japanese losses
Allied aircraft losses
H81-A3: 1 destroyed
Buffalo I: 1 destroyed
The air war in china is going well also...this is an attack on Ichang...he has 20+ units there...I'm hoping my damage will force him to move forward accross the river to retreat....
Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-Ic Sally x 39
Ki-27b Nate x 6
Ki-48-Ib Lily x 15
No Japanese losses
Allied ground losses:
416 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 17 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 28 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
The ground combat in clark is ugly for both of us. Just going to have to give it time and wait for them to starve.
Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2 (fort level 0)
Japanese ground losses:
2431 casualties reported
Squads: 4 destroyed, 150 disabled
Non Combat: 45 destroyed, 83 disabled
Engineers: 22 destroyed, 57 disabled
Vehicles lost 83 (28 destroyed, 55 disabled)
Units destroyed 1
Allied ground losses:
2554 casualties reported
Squads: 11 destroyed, 135 disabled
Non Combat: 36 destroyed, 185 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 9 disabled
Vehicles lost 71 (31 destroyed, 40 disabled)
The allies have been booted out of cagayan....
But the big news is north of nanyang....I moved 6-7 divisions, plus HQs (multiple for the support) and he shock attacked. A gutsy and good call as it's possible that some units may have straggled getting there...as it was, they didn't and he got multched....
Allied adjusted assault: 1689
Japanese adjusted defense: 5962
Allied assault odds: 1 to 3
Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), op mode(-)
Attacker: shock(+)
Japanese ground losses:
1522 casualties reported
Squads: 37 destroyed, 33 disabled
Non Combat: 3 destroyed, 72 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Vehicles lost 13 (10 destroyed, 3 disabled)
Allied ground losses:
11597 casualties reported
Squads: 249 destroyed, 396 disabled
Non Combat: 259 destroyed, 439 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 44 disabled
My own forces will be shock attacking to return the favor...if this goes well, the path to Siam is open....
RE: AE Really Unconfidential (except for witpqs)
January 12th, 1942....
Sub war continues. This is the support TF for the keopang invasion.
Japanese Ships
BB Nagato
CA Kako
CS Mizuho
DD Shigure
DD Tokitsukaze
DD Suzukaze
DD Umikaze
Allied Ships
SS Snapper, hits 1
Another air assualt on Ichang.
Allied ground losses:
239 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 14 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 13 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
My counter attack north of nanyang. Didn't go as well as I had hoped. I have another deliberate attacked scheduled for tomorrow.
Japanese ground losses:
4001 casualties reported
Squads: 156 destroyed, 197 disabled
Non Combat: 55 destroyed, 219 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 24 disabled
Vehicles lost 2 (2 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Allied ground losses:
4210 casualties reported
Squads: 60 destroyed, 143 disabled
Non Combat: 135 destroyed, 150 disabled
Engineers: 9 destroyed, 3 disabled
Now this is a strange one...one armored regiment cross the river at pegu next to rangoon....
Attacking force 384 troops, 0 guns, 95 vehicles, Assault Value = 64
Defending force 12349 troops, 66 guns, 8 vehicles, Assault Value = 306
Japanese adjusted assault: 86
Allied adjusted defense: 51
Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 2)
Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 1
Combat modifiers
Defender: preparation(-), morale(-), experience(-)
Attacker: shock(+)
Allied ground losses:
29 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
One would think that 12k of defenders could do something against 50 tanks, but I guess not.
Sub war continues. This is the support TF for the keopang invasion.
Japanese Ships
BB Nagato
CA Kako
CS Mizuho
DD Shigure
DD Tokitsukaze
DD Suzukaze
DD Umikaze
Allied Ships
SS Snapper, hits 1
Another air assualt on Ichang.
Allied ground losses:
239 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 14 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 13 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
My counter attack north of nanyang. Didn't go as well as I had hoped. I have another deliberate attacked scheduled for tomorrow.
Japanese ground losses:
4001 casualties reported
Squads: 156 destroyed, 197 disabled
Non Combat: 55 destroyed, 219 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 24 disabled
Vehicles lost 2 (2 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Allied ground losses:
4210 casualties reported
Squads: 60 destroyed, 143 disabled
Non Combat: 135 destroyed, 150 disabled
Engineers: 9 destroyed, 3 disabled
Now this is a strange one...one armored regiment cross the river at pegu next to rangoon....
Attacking force 384 troops, 0 guns, 95 vehicles, Assault Value = 64
Defending force 12349 troops, 66 guns, 8 vehicles, Assault Value = 306
Japanese adjusted assault: 86
Allied adjusted defense: 51
Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 2)
Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 1
Combat modifiers
Defender: preparation(-), morale(-), experience(-)
Attacker: shock(+)
Allied ground losses:
29 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
One would think that 12k of defenders could do something against 50 tanks, but I guess not.
RE: AE Really Unconfidential (except for witpqs)
Wonder if was that he had troops still in strat mode?
Pax
RE: AE Really Unconfidential (except for witpqs)
Doubtful, if they were I would see an Ops Mode (-) under his modifiers...figure that of those 12k, half or less are combat (probably 25% or 3k)...probably, mostly base forces or garrisons and they've been retreating after a couple of combats, so low morale and probably little to no AT weapons. However, tanks at that time were vulnerable to grenades, stick bombs, demo charges, all available at the time. Somethings a little overpowered, but hey, I'm not complaining
RE: AE Really Unconfidential (except for witpqs)
January 15th, 1942....
Koepang invasion succeed without a hitch. Moving engineers to the base to repair and then I'll send some netties down to see what lurking around Darwin.
Regiments are in place at soerabaja to invade merak and then batvia. The invasion force will move out tomorrow with 6 plus regiments, the 16th HQ, plus support. I'll be able to form the 2nd div from it. I still expect a couple weeks to take it because everything he has left is stacked there. I'm taking his supply out from the air daily now, since I took madioen.
In China, I took Kanhsien (in the south) and moving east. I'm moving the division from Canton north to support. I'm hoping to attack Changsha from south and from the west. In the north, he's moving everything to sian. I have 2 divs to the east of sian, one and a brigade moving north, another rebuilding in loyang and 6 on the road to the south. However, sian isn't worth the losses. He's retreating without me doing anything and I'll take the land without a fight. I'm moving 2 divs south to support the changsha attack.
In burma, the majority of my forces are in pegu, but he moved a small unit to cut me off. I have a regiment shock attacking this turn and moving a armored regiment down in case the attack doesn't work.
In malaysia, I stopped all movement onto Singapore because the river crossings cost me a couple of arty and a regiment. I thought shock attacks only occurred when odds were sufficient, (seeing one arty shock attack is silly) but they seem to be occurring whenever something crosses the river. I have 2 1/2 divisions next to singapore...at shock attack, not worth it yet. I'll let the air campaign do some more work for me. Once batvia is taken, I'll move more units up (if needed) to form another div and then make the crossing with divs first, then supporting units.
Solomons haven't been touched yet. They will be once the KB supports the batvia invasion. As far as the KB goes, the Shokaku is moving to hong kong for repairs.
Dutch subs haven't scored a hit in weeks, so I've gotten the upper hand.
Industry is still bad. Resources aren't moving, at least as well as they do in scen 2. I have about double the amount of convoys that I use in scen 2 and it isn't stopping the bleed. Air and ship production is about normal for where the game is at. I'm continuing to cull pilots from units as the training program goes quite well. Using combat groups, maxed with replacements, on 50% training works quite well.
Stacking troops for defense is the name of this game. In my other PBEM, my opponent didn't and by January 11th, 1942, I already have all of luzon, changsha, batvia (plus soerabaja and keopang), rabaul and ontop of singapore. Judging by air and bombardment losses on singapore, I'll take it next turn.
Koepang invasion succeed without a hitch. Moving engineers to the base to repair and then I'll send some netties down to see what lurking around Darwin.
Regiments are in place at soerabaja to invade merak and then batvia. The invasion force will move out tomorrow with 6 plus regiments, the 16th HQ, plus support. I'll be able to form the 2nd div from it. I still expect a couple weeks to take it because everything he has left is stacked there. I'm taking his supply out from the air daily now, since I took madioen.
In China, I took Kanhsien (in the south) and moving east. I'm moving the division from Canton north to support. I'm hoping to attack Changsha from south and from the west. In the north, he's moving everything to sian. I have 2 divs to the east of sian, one and a brigade moving north, another rebuilding in loyang and 6 on the road to the south. However, sian isn't worth the losses. He's retreating without me doing anything and I'll take the land without a fight. I'm moving 2 divs south to support the changsha attack.
In burma, the majority of my forces are in pegu, but he moved a small unit to cut me off. I have a regiment shock attacking this turn and moving a armored regiment down in case the attack doesn't work.
In malaysia, I stopped all movement onto Singapore because the river crossings cost me a couple of arty and a regiment. I thought shock attacks only occurred when odds were sufficient, (seeing one arty shock attack is silly) but they seem to be occurring whenever something crosses the river. I have 2 1/2 divisions next to singapore...at shock attack, not worth it yet. I'll let the air campaign do some more work for me. Once batvia is taken, I'll move more units up (if needed) to form another div and then make the crossing with divs first, then supporting units.
Solomons haven't been touched yet. They will be once the KB supports the batvia invasion. As far as the KB goes, the Shokaku is moving to hong kong for repairs.
Dutch subs haven't scored a hit in weeks, so I've gotten the upper hand.
Industry is still bad. Resources aren't moving, at least as well as they do in scen 2. I have about double the amount of convoys that I use in scen 2 and it isn't stopping the bleed. Air and ship production is about normal for where the game is at. I'm continuing to cull pilots from units as the training program goes quite well. Using combat groups, maxed with replacements, on 50% training works quite well.
Stacking troops for defense is the name of this game. In my other PBEM, my opponent didn't and by January 11th, 1942, I already have all of luzon, changsha, batvia (plus soerabaja and keopang), rabaul and ontop of singapore. Judging by air and bombardment losses on singapore, I'll take it next turn.
RE: AE Really Unconfidential (except for witpqs)
January 25th, 1942....
Haven't posted in a while because there's hasn't been much to post...
The dutch subs continue to inflict damage. The Soryu took a fish and is repairing in Soerabaja. A few more transports have been lost. The difference is that I am now inflicting damage on them. 5 hits on 2 subs reported today. That usually means sunk.
I've landed at merak and have 7 regiments on Batvia.
Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 2)
Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 1
Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), experience(-)
Attacker:
Japanese ground losses:
1620 casualties reported
Squads: 4 destroyed, 111 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 89 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Allied ground losses:
1253 casualties reported
Squads: 7 destroyed, 75 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 32 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Vehicles lost 65 (1 destroyed, 64 disabled)
I'm trying a shock attack to see if I can dislodge. Bativa is key. With it, the remaining dutch units are isolated and I can destroy them at leisure. Some of the regiments will move to Singapore to form another division with existing regiments already there. The 2nd div will be formed on Batvia in a couple of days. More regiments are moving down from Luzon to form a 3rd division in the area. Then I have a choice. To finish Java or move one to two divisions to Sumatra for Palembang.
Haven't posted in a while because there's hasn't been much to post...
The dutch subs continue to inflict damage. The Soryu took a fish and is repairing in Soerabaja. A few more transports have been lost. The difference is that I am now inflicting damage on them. 5 hits on 2 subs reported today. That usually means sunk.
I've landed at merak and have 7 regiments on Batvia.
Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 2)
Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 1
Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), experience(-)
Attacker:
Japanese ground losses:
1620 casualties reported
Squads: 4 destroyed, 111 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 89 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Allied ground losses:
1253 casualties reported
Squads: 7 destroyed, 75 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 32 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Vehicles lost 65 (1 destroyed, 64 disabled)
I'm trying a shock attack to see if I can dislodge. Bativa is key. With it, the remaining dutch units are isolated and I can destroy them at leisure. Some of the regiments will move to Singapore to form another division with existing regiments already there. The 2nd div will be formed on Batvia in a couple of days. More regiments are moving down from Luzon to form a 3rd division in the area. Then I have a choice. To finish Java or move one to two divisions to Sumatra for Palembang.
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