The Loyang/Chengchow/Nanyang area can be a death trap for the Allies. The Allied player has to recognize that and make sure he can get he troops safely into the forested hexes between those bases and Sian. There may be other effective ways to handle the Chinese in that region, but that's the best one that I've seen. If the Allied player tarries, and if Japan brings enough, alot of Chinese troops can get cutoff and then destroyed in the open. That's bad news.
So, is Cuttlefish trying to garrison those three cities or is he falling back?
Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A)
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RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A)
"Rats set fire to Mr. Cooper’s store in Fort Valley. No damage done." Columbus (Ga) Enquirer-Sun, October 2, 1880.
RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A)
I concur. If I played Allies I would seriously consider abandoning Loyang and Chengchow as they are untenable. Leave token forces to suck resources and supply for as long as possible and fight the Japanese in the rough/wooded terrain where the KMT can fight on more even terms. That said, I would try to hold Tsiaotso as it is in bad terrain with resources and LI.
CF has done a good job of recognizing the threat of encirclement on the plains and pulled back to Nanyang. The 4 LCUs lost in the plains start so hopelessly out of position that a reasonably competent Japanese player is going to get them no matter what in most cases.
However, while making it obvious what I'm doing in the plains, I have steathily closed the trap around Loyang and Chengchow. CF has only about four days left to recognize his peril before 20 LCUs (all the original garrisons plus the defeated Tsiaotso garrison) are fully surrounded. He lacks air recon and thus probably has poor information, but IMHO it is already too late for the 8 LCUs in Chengchow and probably too late even for Loyang. I've seen many JFBs founder attempting to reach Sian and mentally had written off the attempt. However, 21 Oil is tempting, and if I play it right I can force a big pocket at Loyang, then encircle Nanyang. If all those LCUs die as well, he has only scratch forces to defend Sian, and we will try for it.
A devil's bargain for the KMT as they NEED those supplies, but IMHO you just can't hold in the plains and should abandon them beginning turn 1.
He may try an attack from Ichang, but we are ready with strong forces and he will have to SA to reach us over the river.
CF has done a good job of recognizing the threat of encirclement on the plains and pulled back to Nanyang. The 4 LCUs lost in the plains start so hopelessly out of position that a reasonably competent Japanese player is going to get them no matter what in most cases.
However, while making it obvious what I'm doing in the plains, I have steathily closed the trap around Loyang and Chengchow. CF has only about four days left to recognize his peril before 20 LCUs (all the original garrisons plus the defeated Tsiaotso garrison) are fully surrounded. He lacks air recon and thus probably has poor information, but IMHO it is already too late for the 8 LCUs in Chengchow and probably too late even for Loyang. I've seen many JFBs founder attempting to reach Sian and mentally had written off the attempt. However, 21 Oil is tempting, and if I play it right I can force a big pocket at Loyang, then encircle Nanyang. If all those LCUs die as well, he has only scratch forces to defend Sian, and we will try for it.
A devil's bargain for the KMT as they NEED those supplies, but IMHO you just can't hold in the plains and should abandon them beginning turn 1.
He may try an attack from Ichang, but we are ready with strong forces and he will have to SA to reach us over the river.
RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A)
Dec 29, 1941
Subs
Nothing of note except that Haruna went into the yards at Hong Kong today and will take 131(!) days to repair 26 major float damage. Ugh. Only consolation is that O-19, the sub that hit her, is still showing up on the sunk list; so maybe we actually got her.
4th and SE Fleets
Operation KR D-Day should be Dec 31.
14th Army
Enemy LCUs are trying to abandon Manila. With only 65th Bde in the hex, we don't yet have enough combat power to stop them so unfortunately they will probably get away. However, we never really expected to catch any PI defenders out of Fortress Clark. The IJAAF settles into bombing Bataan one day and Clark the next. They aren't as good as the IJNAF pilots, so we will probably drop from 15 to 11K feet to increase effectiveness and prevent forts. Iba falls.
16th Army
No change, sailing for invasion targets continues.
25th Army
Saigon airfield goes to level 6. We will take it to level 7. We are pounding the 7 LCUs still present at Taiping from the air while the army is closing in. Cribtop Intel notes the enemy is cutting it pretty fine if he wants to evacuate by rail. Perhaps CF is unaware he can't strat move out of the hex once we get troops present.
15th Army
Rahaeng opens as a fighter and recon base.
China
BA Chengchow shows raw AS of 1281 to 328. Enemy has 4 corps and 3 HQ units present. We are troubled that our LCUs are still low on supply. Need to take the base ASAP to close the trap.
Subs
Nothing of note except that Haruna went into the yards at Hong Kong today and will take 131(!) days to repair 26 major float damage. Ugh. Only consolation is that O-19, the sub that hit her, is still showing up on the sunk list; so maybe we actually got her.
4th and SE Fleets
Operation KR D-Day should be Dec 31.
14th Army
Enemy LCUs are trying to abandon Manila. With only 65th Bde in the hex, we don't yet have enough combat power to stop them so unfortunately they will probably get away. However, we never really expected to catch any PI defenders out of Fortress Clark. The IJAAF settles into bombing Bataan one day and Clark the next. They aren't as good as the IJNAF pilots, so we will probably drop from 15 to 11K feet to increase effectiveness and prevent forts. Iba falls.
16th Army
No change, sailing for invasion targets continues.
25th Army
Saigon airfield goes to level 6. We will take it to level 7. We are pounding the 7 LCUs still present at Taiping from the air while the army is closing in. Cribtop Intel notes the enemy is cutting it pretty fine if he wants to evacuate by rail. Perhaps CF is unaware he can't strat move out of the hex once we get troops present.
15th Army
Rahaeng opens as a fighter and recon base.
China
BA Chengchow shows raw AS of 1281 to 328. Enemy has 4 corps and 3 HQ units present. We are troubled that our LCUs are still low on supply. Need to take the base ASAP to close the trap.
RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A)
Nothing of note except that Haruna went into the yards at Hong Kong today and will take 131(!) days to repair 26 major float damage. Ugh. Only consolation is that O-19, the sub that hit her, is still showing up on the sunk list; so maybe we actually got her
Gutsy move! [;)]
In my Allied pbem I'm always on the lookout for the "ship anchor" showing up in ports like HK... that's what 4Es are for... [:D]
And in my Japanese pbem I didn't leave any ships in HK Port until I had all of the nearby Chinese bases in my control, and Chungking isolated and out of supply.
RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A)
Would using a larger RSY like Hiroshima do the repair quicker?ORIGINAL: Cribtop
Dec 29, 1941
Subs
Nothing of note except that Haruna went into the yards at Hong Kong today and will take 131(!) days to repair 26 major float damage. Ugh. Only consolation is that O-19, the sub that hit her, is still showing up on the sunk list; so maybe we actually got her.
Pax
RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A)
Good observations. I'm keeping a very close eye on Chinese bases and planned to bug out if any airplane symbols appeared. Given the long repair time I think Haruna is headed back to the Home Islands. Not sure whether a bigger SY will help (but you'd assume so). No way I'm leaving a BB in HK that long. Hope was it wouldn't be too long and that we could avoid running the sub gauntlet. No dice.
RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A)
Dec 30, 1941
Subs
Permit duds on a DD in the Tarakan invasion fleet near Palawan. A Pete from Mutsu attacks a Dutch sub in the same area. We put Jakes and Alfs in SCTFs and KB on nav search, Petes on ASW. This attack is a proof of concept of our doctrine of using the short legged Petes in an anti-sub role (at least until we can upgrade them all to Jakes).
4th Fleet
An AG arrives at Kwaj, one of the two AS here will move to Truk and then Rabaul. TB invasion is loaded and will head out tomorrow. Upgraded Zero Chutai are en route.
SE Fleet
Kavieng and Rabaul will be invaded tomorrow. No sign of opposition. A transport TF sails for Keijo to pick up 90th Regt, prepping for Noumea. We get lots of reinforcements, many of them base forces destined for the Pacific.
14th Army
Aparri and Laoag hit level 3 airfields. We are marching a brigade of 48th Div, an engineer unit and a tank regt on Manila to take the place. Then a co-ordinated move from all sides on Clark to capture all hex sides and begin the siege in earnest.
16th Army
D-Day at Mindanao tomorrow. Tarakan one or two days after.
25th Army
BA Sambas shows raw AS 59:27. DA tomorrow with air support from Sinkawang's Bettys, as most of the units here are the losers of battles at Sinkawang and Kuching. DA Jesselton drops forts to 0, 1:1 odds, casualties 13(0) vs 0(0). We will take the place tomorrow. Truly a clash of the titans.
China
DA Pucheng (dot base in the mountains in the south near Chusien) takes the place with 19:1 odds, casualties 585(84) vs 199(1). This action trashes again the defenders of Chusien. The former Wenchow garrison is trapped one hex to the east. We have pushed about as far as we can in the South until reinforcements arrive in a week or so, freeing up 15th and 17th Divisions from garrison duty.
DA 1 hex SE of Nanyang against two doomed LCUs gets 56:1 odds, casualties 1188(67) vs 114(0). A few more attacks and these units will surrender. BA at Nanyang shows raw AS at 913 to 2408, so we are on the short end of the stick and can't attack. Not really a surprise given that the bulk of our strength is arrayed against Chengchow and Loyang. It will be interesting to see whether Cuttlefish elects to DA here.
Chengchow is posing a problem. We have the troops to take the place but can't seem to draw supply into the hex. This is frustrating as we dropped 69K tons of supplies at Tsingtao a a f to cover the costs of the North China offensive. We had a supply pull set at Kaifeng and cancel it, hoping to move the 19K at that airbase into the LCUs. LoC is clear, so we're puzzled. After much thought, Cribtop HQ reluctantly orders a DA anyway. We must take Chengchow in order to complete the destruction of the enemy armies here. A relief force of three LCUs has entered the hex west of Loyang (currently occupied by an IJA brigade with another en route, so speed is key.
Subs
Permit duds on a DD in the Tarakan invasion fleet near Palawan. A Pete from Mutsu attacks a Dutch sub in the same area. We put Jakes and Alfs in SCTFs and KB on nav search, Petes on ASW. This attack is a proof of concept of our doctrine of using the short legged Petes in an anti-sub role (at least until we can upgrade them all to Jakes).
4th Fleet
An AG arrives at Kwaj, one of the two AS here will move to Truk and then Rabaul. TB invasion is loaded and will head out tomorrow. Upgraded Zero Chutai are en route.
SE Fleet
Kavieng and Rabaul will be invaded tomorrow. No sign of opposition. A transport TF sails for Keijo to pick up 90th Regt, prepping for Noumea. We get lots of reinforcements, many of them base forces destined for the Pacific.
14th Army
Aparri and Laoag hit level 3 airfields. We are marching a brigade of 48th Div, an engineer unit and a tank regt on Manila to take the place. Then a co-ordinated move from all sides on Clark to capture all hex sides and begin the siege in earnest.
16th Army
D-Day at Mindanao tomorrow. Tarakan one or two days after.
25th Army
BA Sambas shows raw AS 59:27. DA tomorrow with air support from Sinkawang's Bettys, as most of the units here are the losers of battles at Sinkawang and Kuching. DA Jesselton drops forts to 0, 1:1 odds, casualties 13(0) vs 0(0). We will take the place tomorrow. Truly a clash of the titans.
China
DA Pucheng (dot base in the mountains in the south near Chusien) takes the place with 19:1 odds, casualties 585(84) vs 199(1). This action trashes again the defenders of Chusien. The former Wenchow garrison is trapped one hex to the east. We have pushed about as far as we can in the South until reinforcements arrive in a week or so, freeing up 15th and 17th Divisions from garrison duty.
DA 1 hex SE of Nanyang against two doomed LCUs gets 56:1 odds, casualties 1188(67) vs 114(0). A few more attacks and these units will surrender. BA at Nanyang shows raw AS at 913 to 2408, so we are on the short end of the stick and can't attack. Not really a surprise given that the bulk of our strength is arrayed against Chengchow and Loyang. It will be interesting to see whether Cuttlefish elects to DA here.
Chengchow is posing a problem. We have the troops to take the place but can't seem to draw supply into the hex. This is frustrating as we dropped 69K tons of supplies at Tsingtao a a f to cover the costs of the North China offensive. We had a supply pull set at Kaifeng and cancel it, hoping to move the 19K at that airbase into the LCUs. LoC is clear, so we're puzzled. After much thought, Cribtop HQ reluctantly orders a DA anyway. We must take Chengchow in order to complete the destruction of the enemy armies here. A relief force of three LCUs has entered the hex west of Loyang (currently occupied by an IJA brigade with another en route, so speed is key.
RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A)
Dec 31, 1941
The year ends with a lot of ground combat, most of it favorable to the Empire.
Subs
DDs escorting an empty reinforcement convoy from Bangkok to Cam Ranh Bay DC and damage KXII near Soc Trang.
4th Fleet
TB invasion is en route. D-Day tomorrow.
SE Fleet
Kavieng and Rabaul invaded. Some casualties taken while landing at both bases and a few hits to one transport at Rabaul. We are on schedule to seize both bases soon, no resistance is apparent.
14th Army
We sweep and bomb Clark. Better results are obtained at 11K feet, but we will have to hit Clark again tomorrow as damage is cleared by the enemy.
BA Manila reveals several PA LCUs and base forces present. Raw AS 300:358, but we have significant reinforcements on the march. Will CF let us catch these LCUs outside of Clark?
Butuan invaded, we are surprised to find a PA regt in the base. This causes a few casualties as we unload but allows us to trash a unit outside of Cagayan. Is CF just letting LCUs in the PI sit and await the inevitable?
16th Army
We get a cool mega co-ordinated strike by Nettys from Jolo and Manado, half bombing the port and half the troops. All are on ground attack tomorrow as we will invade Tarakan. KBL and lots of LBA watch over the attackers.
25th Army
We will enter Taiping tomorrow, but recon shows the enemy finally has a movement arrow out. They will get away if in strat mode, but they timed it close (or well, depending on your perspective).
DA Jesselton results in an AS adjusted down from 22 to 4 [8|]. Thus we get a 1:2, casualties 10(0) vs 7(0). We will rest a day and try again. DA at Sambas goes better, odds 3:1, forts level 1, the base falls with casualties 200(48) vs 30(0). Four LCUs retreat into the jungle and we open an LoC from Sinkawang to Kuching.
15th Army
1st Raiding Regt, 33rd Div and 2nd Div have finished unloading. We are marching pretty aggressively to cut off Moulmein.
China
Big day here for the Empire.
DA 1 hex SE Nanyang results in 93:1 odds, 2 enemy LCUs surrender, casualties 3112(676) vs 0(0). This frees up a division to march on Nanyang. SA in the plains (as we cross a river hexside) hits another enemy LCU and forces a surrender. Another division ready to march.
The biggie is that despite low supplies we take Chengchow, odds 15:1, forts dropped to 0, casualties 4852(371) vs 433(1). Six LCUs (3 Corps and 3 HQs) are forced to retreat to Loyang. LI and Resources captured at 30(30). Supplies now flow freely to our units and we march immediately on Loyang. The enemy does not try to break through and now time is on our side. 20 KMT units are in grave danger of a forced surrender at Loyang. [&o]
The year ends with a lot of ground combat, most of it favorable to the Empire.
Subs
DDs escorting an empty reinforcement convoy from Bangkok to Cam Ranh Bay DC and damage KXII near Soc Trang.
4th Fleet
TB invasion is en route. D-Day tomorrow.
SE Fleet
Kavieng and Rabaul invaded. Some casualties taken while landing at both bases and a few hits to one transport at Rabaul. We are on schedule to seize both bases soon, no resistance is apparent.
14th Army
We sweep and bomb Clark. Better results are obtained at 11K feet, but we will have to hit Clark again tomorrow as damage is cleared by the enemy.
BA Manila reveals several PA LCUs and base forces present. Raw AS 300:358, but we have significant reinforcements on the march. Will CF let us catch these LCUs outside of Clark?
Butuan invaded, we are surprised to find a PA regt in the base. This causes a few casualties as we unload but allows us to trash a unit outside of Cagayan. Is CF just letting LCUs in the PI sit and await the inevitable?
16th Army
We get a cool mega co-ordinated strike by Nettys from Jolo and Manado, half bombing the port and half the troops. All are on ground attack tomorrow as we will invade Tarakan. KBL and lots of LBA watch over the attackers.
25th Army
We will enter Taiping tomorrow, but recon shows the enemy finally has a movement arrow out. They will get away if in strat mode, but they timed it close (or well, depending on your perspective).
DA Jesselton results in an AS adjusted down from 22 to 4 [8|]. Thus we get a 1:2, casualties 10(0) vs 7(0). We will rest a day and try again. DA at Sambas goes better, odds 3:1, forts level 1, the base falls with casualties 200(48) vs 30(0). Four LCUs retreat into the jungle and we open an LoC from Sinkawang to Kuching.
15th Army
1st Raiding Regt, 33rd Div and 2nd Div have finished unloading. We are marching pretty aggressively to cut off Moulmein.
China
Big day here for the Empire.
DA 1 hex SE Nanyang results in 93:1 odds, 2 enemy LCUs surrender, casualties 3112(676) vs 0(0). This frees up a division to march on Nanyang. SA in the plains (as we cross a river hexside) hits another enemy LCU and forces a surrender. Another division ready to march.
The biggie is that despite low supplies we take Chengchow, odds 15:1, forts dropped to 0, casualties 4852(371) vs 433(1). Six LCUs (3 Corps and 3 HQs) are forced to retreat to Loyang. LI and Resources captured at 30(30). Supplies now flow freely to our units and we march immediately on Loyang. The enemy does not try to break through and now time is on our side. 20 KMT units are in grave danger of a forced surrender at Loyang. [&o]
RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A)
January 1, 1942
In every game you have the sickening feeling of seeing a mistake turn into the first reverse of the war. Today is that day. [:(]
Subs
Tarpon duds on an xAKL in a supply convoy near Cam Ranh Bay. I-162 sinks the small AO TAN 1 near Denpassar. One more ship and she's an ace. We will move more subs to this area as it seems to be the only active sector. An Ann reports a hit on a USN sub near Formosa.
4th Fleet
No much to report other than that we were wrong about the TB invasion - it will go in tomorrow, not today.
SE Fleet
We continue to unload and attack at both Rabaul and Kavieng. Rabaul falls, odds 3:1 vs level 1 forts, casualties 991(168) vs 197(1). Lark Bttn surrenders and the other two LCUs retreat. xAK Venice Maru succumbs to her wounds from the 6" CD guns. One other xAK has moderate damage. The Kavieng attack fails to take the base, netting a 1:1, casualties 19(0) vs 44(0). We may need more force here, but will try bombing by LBA out of Truk tomorrow.
KB is still undetected and we will try to keep it that way.
14th Army
More troops arrive in Manila. We will attack soon if CF doesn't withdraw. Given events today in China (see below), we will probably not enter the Clark hex until Manila falls to avoid being defeated in detail. IJAAF keeps bombing Clark but isn't hitting much. Annoying.
DA Butuan takes the base with 155:1 odds, casualties 1251(117) vs 30(1). The enemy LCU retreats to Surigao rather than Cagayan, splitting up the Mindanao defenders. Another LCU is spotted in the hex to the SW retiring on Davao. This explains what the enemy was probably doing in Butuan - transiting from the Davao area to Cagayan to form a stronpoint. We interrupt this little plan.
16th Army
Tarakan's CD gun unit is bombed twice by IJNAF LBA. Exactly the target we wanted to hit. The invasion then begins, covered by various escorts, including CAs Chokai and Maya and the bravest DD in the IJN, the Hibiki. Everyone's favorite destroyer does well, helping silence 9 guns and causing the sometimes nasty Tarakan CD unit to be ineffective as the troops storm ashore. Two 139s try to bomb Mutsu and miss, revealing the fact that we forgot to LRCAP Tarakan from KBL. Fortunately, this mistake turns out to be harmless. Allied BA Tarakan reveals raw AS of 183:40.
25th Army
The bulk of our army in Malaya enters the Taiping hex. 7 enemy LCUs are still present. We will attack soon and hope to maul as many UK LCUs outside of Singers as possible. The IJAAF bombs the troops at Taiping as they have been doing for about a week.
15th Army
A regiment will arrive in Tavoy tomorrow. 33rd Div boards trains for the front at Bangkok. We will start moving here in earnest now.
China
A nasty turn for us. We got greedy by entering the Nanyang hex with 2 divisions while 2+ divisions cleaned up the enemy in the plains. Although we have destroyed 3 LCUs on the plains and will destroy another before all is said and done, our premature entry into the Nanyang hex left us up against 2400 AS of Chinese, more than we thought would be there (lots of the 350 AS KMT corps rather than the 100 AS variety). Cuttlefish DAs today and we get a terrible adjusted AS (928 down to 320ish) for no apparent reason (decent prep for the hex and good supply) and get bounced out with 3:1 odds, casualties a sickening 3614(63) vs 10485(442). [:-] The two divisions lose about 20% of their squads outright and with disablements one is at 55% combat power, the other units are at 70%. Foolish waste of troops here. We should have waited and entered the hex with all our forces. Underestimate the enemy, even the Chinese army, at your peril. One consolation prize is that in the vicious fighting one KMT LCU is destroyed.
At Pucheng, we try an ill-advised DA against the retreating but undefeated garrison of Wenchow. Due to terrain bonuses, we get a 1:1 but take far greater losses - 463(1) vs 2188(11). Painful, but at least mostly disablements. This front is now in stalemate, although we will take the abandoned Wenchow tomorrow.
Finally, on the Loyang front, CF has recognized his danger and is falling back towards a relief force 1 hex west of the city. DA today by the relief force against our screening brigade fails, 1:1, casualties 605(8) vs 324(0). Another IJA brigade will arrive tomorrow and should bolster the defenders. However, if the enemy completely abandons Loyang he will have enough combat power to push us aside. Unfortunately, we assume he will outrun our troops advancing from Chengchow.
Thus, our dreams of a major encirclement on the north China Plains have probably ended. We will have to settle for seizure of Chengchow and Loyang and a siege of Nanyang. For the moment our Nanyang forces will concentrate in the rough forest hex NW of Sinyang and await reinforcements once the Loyang campaign is concluded.
5th Fleet
5th Fleet HQ issues a warning order to its forces to commence Operation AA, the seizure of Attu and Amchitka, beginning with loading of the invasion forces tomorrow.
Home Islands
We will soon make a separate post with our first economic status report.
In every game you have the sickening feeling of seeing a mistake turn into the first reverse of the war. Today is that day. [:(]
Subs
Tarpon duds on an xAKL in a supply convoy near Cam Ranh Bay. I-162 sinks the small AO TAN 1 near Denpassar. One more ship and she's an ace. We will move more subs to this area as it seems to be the only active sector. An Ann reports a hit on a USN sub near Formosa.
4th Fleet
No much to report other than that we were wrong about the TB invasion - it will go in tomorrow, not today.
SE Fleet
We continue to unload and attack at both Rabaul and Kavieng. Rabaul falls, odds 3:1 vs level 1 forts, casualties 991(168) vs 197(1). Lark Bttn surrenders and the other two LCUs retreat. xAK Venice Maru succumbs to her wounds from the 6" CD guns. One other xAK has moderate damage. The Kavieng attack fails to take the base, netting a 1:1, casualties 19(0) vs 44(0). We may need more force here, but will try bombing by LBA out of Truk tomorrow.
KB is still undetected and we will try to keep it that way.
14th Army
More troops arrive in Manila. We will attack soon if CF doesn't withdraw. Given events today in China (see below), we will probably not enter the Clark hex until Manila falls to avoid being defeated in detail. IJAAF keeps bombing Clark but isn't hitting much. Annoying.
DA Butuan takes the base with 155:1 odds, casualties 1251(117) vs 30(1). The enemy LCU retreats to Surigao rather than Cagayan, splitting up the Mindanao defenders. Another LCU is spotted in the hex to the SW retiring on Davao. This explains what the enemy was probably doing in Butuan - transiting from the Davao area to Cagayan to form a stronpoint. We interrupt this little plan.
16th Army
Tarakan's CD gun unit is bombed twice by IJNAF LBA. Exactly the target we wanted to hit. The invasion then begins, covered by various escorts, including CAs Chokai and Maya and the bravest DD in the IJN, the Hibiki. Everyone's favorite destroyer does well, helping silence 9 guns and causing the sometimes nasty Tarakan CD unit to be ineffective as the troops storm ashore. Two 139s try to bomb Mutsu and miss, revealing the fact that we forgot to LRCAP Tarakan from KBL. Fortunately, this mistake turns out to be harmless. Allied BA Tarakan reveals raw AS of 183:40.
25th Army
The bulk of our army in Malaya enters the Taiping hex. 7 enemy LCUs are still present. We will attack soon and hope to maul as many UK LCUs outside of Singers as possible. The IJAAF bombs the troops at Taiping as they have been doing for about a week.
15th Army
A regiment will arrive in Tavoy tomorrow. 33rd Div boards trains for the front at Bangkok. We will start moving here in earnest now.
China
A nasty turn for us. We got greedy by entering the Nanyang hex with 2 divisions while 2+ divisions cleaned up the enemy in the plains. Although we have destroyed 3 LCUs on the plains and will destroy another before all is said and done, our premature entry into the Nanyang hex left us up against 2400 AS of Chinese, more than we thought would be there (lots of the 350 AS KMT corps rather than the 100 AS variety). Cuttlefish DAs today and we get a terrible adjusted AS (928 down to 320ish) for no apparent reason (decent prep for the hex and good supply) and get bounced out with 3:1 odds, casualties a sickening 3614(63) vs 10485(442). [:-] The two divisions lose about 20% of their squads outright and with disablements one is at 55% combat power, the other units are at 70%. Foolish waste of troops here. We should have waited and entered the hex with all our forces. Underestimate the enemy, even the Chinese army, at your peril. One consolation prize is that in the vicious fighting one KMT LCU is destroyed.
At Pucheng, we try an ill-advised DA against the retreating but undefeated garrison of Wenchow. Due to terrain bonuses, we get a 1:1 but take far greater losses - 463(1) vs 2188(11). Painful, but at least mostly disablements. This front is now in stalemate, although we will take the abandoned Wenchow tomorrow.
Finally, on the Loyang front, CF has recognized his danger and is falling back towards a relief force 1 hex west of the city. DA today by the relief force against our screening brigade fails, 1:1, casualties 605(8) vs 324(0). Another IJA brigade will arrive tomorrow and should bolster the defenders. However, if the enemy completely abandons Loyang he will have enough combat power to push us aside. Unfortunately, we assume he will outrun our troops advancing from Chengchow.
Thus, our dreams of a major encirclement on the north China Plains have probably ended. We will have to settle for seizure of Chengchow and Loyang and a siege of Nanyang. For the moment our Nanyang forces will concentrate in the rough forest hex NW of Sinyang and await reinforcements once the Loyang campaign is concluded.
5th Fleet
5th Fleet HQ issues a warning order to its forces to commence Operation AA, the seizure of Attu and Amchitka, beginning with loading of the invasion forces tomorrow.
Home Islands
We will soon make a separate post with our first economic status report.
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thegreatwent
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RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A)
Ouch Nanyang is a bloody nose for sure. Any chance your following forces will be enough to force their way in or are you going to have to regroup those two divisions?
RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A)
Bottom line is we have plenty to take Nanyang once we concentrate our forces and shift troops after the fall of Loyang. We have more than 7 division equivalents in the immediate area (several of them crack outfits with great EXP) plus the two that got their wings clipped at Nanyang. However, there will be no glory rides to Sian anytime soon. Got impatient and learned to underestimate the KMT as for three PBEMs we've just swept them aside no matter the odds. Well, eventually sheer numbers matter. Joe Stalin said something to that effect. [;)]
RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A)
Economic Update
The first of each month, when relevant, we will provide a summary of economic actions. We aren't making major expansions until the DEI oil is flowing, if we ever do. However, here are a few tidbits.
Air frames & Engines
Turned off the old stuff, Idas, Anns, Sonias and Marys (I don't think all these were producing at start, but whatever was we shut down). Deactivated the larger of the two Nate factories and will deactivate the second soon. We increased production of Vals and B5N2 Kates to about 30/month. Zeros were bumped up to 150/month and we may go up from there once it finishes repairing. Oscars increased to 80/month.
All of this plus planned production in the next 6 months meant we needed lots more Ha-35, Ha-33, Ha-34 and Ha-32 engines. We rationalized engine production to match needs using the Tracker planning tool.
Armaments & Vehicles
Jacked up vehicles to about 200/month. Got armaments up to 33K in reserve and then shut off about 65% of the factories. We may turn these back on soon as I've read up to 100K in reserve is a good thing. Advice on this point is welcome.
Naval Production
Increased a few very small naval shipyards (5s up to 10s etc). Turned off Shinano, accelerated Shoho.
HI
Increasing about 7500/turn until a few turns ago when we increased engine production last turn. Still increasing at a good clip, but we'll have to see tomorrow's tracker to know the exact number.
Convoys
China/Korea/Manchukuo/Hokkaido convoys are running well using the modified Mike Solli method. Resources are pouring in and we soon hope to extend the front lines such that Oil can already be drawn out of Miri, Brunei, Tarakan and even Balikpapan.
The first of each month, when relevant, we will provide a summary of economic actions. We aren't making major expansions until the DEI oil is flowing, if we ever do. However, here are a few tidbits.
Air frames & Engines
Turned off the old stuff, Idas, Anns, Sonias and Marys (I don't think all these were producing at start, but whatever was we shut down). Deactivated the larger of the two Nate factories and will deactivate the second soon. We increased production of Vals and B5N2 Kates to about 30/month. Zeros were bumped up to 150/month and we may go up from there once it finishes repairing. Oscars increased to 80/month.
All of this plus planned production in the next 6 months meant we needed lots more Ha-35, Ha-33, Ha-34 and Ha-32 engines. We rationalized engine production to match needs using the Tracker planning tool.
Armaments & Vehicles
Jacked up vehicles to about 200/month. Got armaments up to 33K in reserve and then shut off about 65% of the factories. We may turn these back on soon as I've read up to 100K in reserve is a good thing. Advice on this point is welcome.
Naval Production
Increased a few very small naval shipyards (5s up to 10s etc). Turned off Shinano, accelerated Shoho.
HI
Increasing about 7500/turn until a few turns ago when we increased engine production last turn. Still increasing at a good clip, but we'll have to see tomorrow's tracker to know the exact number.
Convoys
China/Korea/Manchukuo/Hokkaido convoys are running well using the modified Mike Solli method. Resources are pouring in and we soon hope to extend the front lines such that Oil can already be drawn out of Miri, Brunei, Tarakan and even Balikpapan.
RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A)
January 2, 1942
We pick ourselves up off the floor with a solid turn.
Subs
Seal duds on an xAK bringing base forces to Babeldoab and is DC'd ineffectually by escorts. I-162 is out of torpedoes and heads back to a hero's welcome at Saigon. KBL's escorts DC O-20 near Tarakan. Kudos to the DesDiv commander for screening the CVLs effectively. Two minelayer subs mine Banjoewangi (or however you spell that).
4th Fleet
We invade TB via FT TF. It falls to the mandatory shock attack and the ships head back for Kwaj.
SE Fleet
Rabaul's airfield opens for business and is occupied by Jakes and 1/3rd of Tainan Air Group. Lead pilot in this unit is one Sakai S., with EXP of 84, Air skill 80+ and 3 kills.
We bomb Kavieng with Bettys from Truk, softening up the defenders. DA then takes the base with 16:1 odds, casualties 44(6) vs 0(0).
The Solomons invasion force begins to load at Truk. We will hit Tulagi, Munda Point and Shortlands. Then Lae and PM are on the menu. KB and South Seas Fleet probably won't see port until all of this is done. An ACM at Truk is destroyed in a mine handling incident, proving the old Navy axiom that any ship can be a minesweeper... once. [:D]
14th Army
Waiting for one more unit to arrive at Manila, then we attack. The future Manila base force unloads at Aparri tomorrow. The troops at Butuan move out for Cagayan.
16th Army
Three Dutch planes are shot down by Zeros over Tarakan. We bomb the enemy troops. While supplies unload, an xAKL is damaged by CD fire. Our troops are still a little more disrupted than we'd like, so we wait to attack until tomorrow. We are gratified that Allied BA here kills two Dutch squads. Those mandatory bombardments are a bummer for the defender.
We will soon launch a fresh invasion as the Tarakan invasion fleet has finished unloading supplies and is ordered to retire. Manado airfield goes to level 4.
25th Army
SA Jesselton ends the mini-drama, taking the base with 3:1 odds, casualties 145(10) vs 0(0).
Langkawi occupied by rowboat. We bomb and DA Taiping, taking the base rather easily with 11:1 odds, casualties 2918(401) vs 625(3). Seven LCUs are retreated, pursued by 3 armored regiments. A measure of revenge to inflict such losses on UK forces outside of Singapore. Recon shows 8 units at Temuloh and a similar number at Kuala Lumpur. Is CF going for a forward defense or opting for a more historical feel?
China
A second Allied DA goes in 1 hex west of Loyang as the relief force races against time to free its comrades. However, as expected a second IJA brigade enters the hex during the movement phase, giving the enemy a disappointing (for him) 1:6 odds, casualties 1212(8) vs 652(2). CF will probably escape here, but not without a fight as our main force closes on Loyang. We are bombing Loyang to slow him down as best we can.
Wenchow falls. Industry is about 20% damaged. We have had sub-optimal luck on facilities so far. Hopefully saving up our "undamaged" die rolls for Tarakan, Balikpapan and Palembang.
Home Islands
Shoho, which was accelerated, arrives early! Banzai! We order her Claudes upgraded and then she will join KBL.
We pick ourselves up off the floor with a solid turn.
Subs
Seal duds on an xAK bringing base forces to Babeldoab and is DC'd ineffectually by escorts. I-162 is out of torpedoes and heads back to a hero's welcome at Saigon. KBL's escorts DC O-20 near Tarakan. Kudos to the DesDiv commander for screening the CVLs effectively. Two minelayer subs mine Banjoewangi (or however you spell that).
4th Fleet
We invade TB via FT TF. It falls to the mandatory shock attack and the ships head back for Kwaj.
SE Fleet
Rabaul's airfield opens for business and is occupied by Jakes and 1/3rd of Tainan Air Group. Lead pilot in this unit is one Sakai S., with EXP of 84, Air skill 80+ and 3 kills.
We bomb Kavieng with Bettys from Truk, softening up the defenders. DA then takes the base with 16:1 odds, casualties 44(6) vs 0(0).
The Solomons invasion force begins to load at Truk. We will hit Tulagi, Munda Point and Shortlands. Then Lae and PM are on the menu. KB and South Seas Fleet probably won't see port until all of this is done. An ACM at Truk is destroyed in a mine handling incident, proving the old Navy axiom that any ship can be a minesweeper... once. [:D]
14th Army
Waiting for one more unit to arrive at Manila, then we attack. The future Manila base force unloads at Aparri tomorrow. The troops at Butuan move out for Cagayan.
16th Army
Three Dutch planes are shot down by Zeros over Tarakan. We bomb the enemy troops. While supplies unload, an xAKL is damaged by CD fire. Our troops are still a little more disrupted than we'd like, so we wait to attack until tomorrow. We are gratified that Allied BA here kills two Dutch squads. Those mandatory bombardments are a bummer for the defender.
We will soon launch a fresh invasion as the Tarakan invasion fleet has finished unloading supplies and is ordered to retire. Manado airfield goes to level 4.
25th Army
SA Jesselton ends the mini-drama, taking the base with 3:1 odds, casualties 145(10) vs 0(0).
Langkawi occupied by rowboat. We bomb and DA Taiping, taking the base rather easily with 11:1 odds, casualties 2918(401) vs 625(3). Seven LCUs are retreated, pursued by 3 armored regiments. A measure of revenge to inflict such losses on UK forces outside of Singapore. Recon shows 8 units at Temuloh and a similar number at Kuala Lumpur. Is CF going for a forward defense or opting for a more historical feel?
China
A second Allied DA goes in 1 hex west of Loyang as the relief force races against time to free its comrades. However, as expected a second IJA brigade enters the hex during the movement phase, giving the enemy a disappointing (for him) 1:6 odds, casualties 1212(8) vs 652(2). CF will probably escape here, but not without a fight as our main force closes on Loyang. We are bombing Loyang to slow him down as best we can.
Wenchow falls. Industry is about 20% damaged. We have had sub-optimal luck on facilities so far. Hopefully saving up our "undamaged" die rolls for Tarakan, Balikpapan and Palembang.
Home Islands
Shoho, which was accelerated, arrives early! Banzai! We order her Claudes upgraded and then she will join KBL.
-
Canoerebel
- Posts: 21099
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- Location: Northwestern Georgia, USA
- Contact:
RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A)
Dwain, have you disclosed your Phase II plans yet? (If so, I must've missed it)
As for China, are you aiming for a status quo situation (once the two sides finish jockeying for their MLRs), or do you intend to push hard?
As for China, are you aiming for a status quo situation (once the two sides finish jockeying for their MLRs), or do you intend to push hard?
"Rats set fire to Mr. Cooper’s store in Fort Valley. No damage done." Columbus (Ga) Enquirer-Sun, October 2, 1880.
RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A)
You haven't missed it - all I've said so far is that I've got a plan but could still be talked out of it. [:D] I'll PM you and give you a shot at my plan in more detail.
Keep in mind that this is Scenario 1 and that the story nature of CF's AAR means neither side will quit if auto victory were somehow achieved. Both of these "political" constraints shape my strategy and approach.
As for China, my stated goal was to drive the enemy off the easy pickings and hold. I've seen many a JFB offensive founder once you move into rough terrain in China and didn't think the game was worth the candle once you establish a defensible MLR. That said, capturing key resources in China is a valid strategic goal, both to degrade the KMT by denying supply and to seize the Oil at Sian. I entertained hopes of destroying the enemy's Chengchow and Loyang garrisons, which would in turn perhaps make a Sian drive more feasible. However, CF has begun to evacuate in the nick of time, so that plan is probably scuppered.
Keep in mind that this is Scenario 1 and that the story nature of CF's AAR means neither side will quit if auto victory were somehow achieved. Both of these "political" constraints shape my strategy and approach.
As for China, my stated goal was to drive the enemy off the easy pickings and hold. I've seen many a JFB offensive founder once you move into rough terrain in China and didn't think the game was worth the candle once you establish a defensible MLR. That said, capturing key resources in China is a valid strategic goal, both to degrade the KMT by denying supply and to seize the Oil at Sian. I entertained hopes of destroying the enemy's Chengchow and Loyang garrisons, which would in turn perhaps make a Sian drive more feasible. However, CF has begun to evacuate in the nick of time, so that plan is probably scuppered.
RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A)
Jan 3, 1942
We are tired of spelling out "January," so we change our post dating doctrine! [:'(]
Subs
I-2 misses a YP off the West Coast. So far our 9 boat "Operation Drumbeat" hasn't yielded results. IJN ASW harasses Skipjack near Formosa.
SE Fleet
KB and South Seas Fleet move toward a rendezvous point with the Solomons Invasion fleet.
14th Army
We order ground bombing and a DA at Manila. The enemy has a few PA LCUs and base forces. We think we have enough but it's a fine line.
16th Army
DA ordered for Tarakan tomorrow. The xAKL damaged by Tarakan's CD guns sinks trying to limp back to Jolo.
25th Army
DA of the Taiping survivors by our armored pursuit forces nets 7:1 odds, causing 3 of 6 LCUs to retreat again, casualties 1879(132) vs 0(0). We DA the remnants again tomorrow. For fans of "Zombie Land," this satisfies Rule No. 2 - Doubletap. [;)] Cam Ranh Bay hits level 6 port and will go on to level 7.
15th Army
Tavoy falls. Elements of 55th Division begin to march on Moulmein while 21st Bde and 33rd Div advance along trails from Chiang Mai, hoping to flank Pegu. Enemy MLR appears to be Rangoon. Recon of Toungoo shows what appears to be the whole AVG waiting at this base. We will have to be very careful indeed using the IJAAF in the face of this, but would much rather see the flyboys with the fancy jackets here than at Singapore or Palembang. We recon Port Blair tomorrow. If not reinforced, 1st Raiding Regt will drop the next day.
China
We are racing the enemy at Loyang. Our Chengchow troops enter the hex tomorrow. We also close the last escape route tomorrow. However, we don't know how much of CF's Loyang army will reach the hex to the west of the city tomorrow either. Another brigade of ours arrives in that hex tomorrow to try to stem the tide. It's a near run thing, as the man said, but as you can tell we will know a lot more after the next replay.
5th Fleet
Operation AA loads at Ominato. The invasion will be accompanied by 5th Fleet (2 BB, 3 CL, 6 DD). 3 subs and one TB ship will serve as pickets just in case the enemy has the same idea we do.
Home Islands
Hordes of ACM and PB finish converting. We ship out the ACM to various minefields and discover we need still more. We're out of To'sus and will convert a few Kisos. A new minefield will be constructed at Tshushima to close that entrance to the Sea of Japan to enemy subs.
We are tired of spelling out "January," so we change our post dating doctrine! [:'(]
Subs
I-2 misses a YP off the West Coast. So far our 9 boat "Operation Drumbeat" hasn't yielded results. IJN ASW harasses Skipjack near Formosa.
SE Fleet
KB and South Seas Fleet move toward a rendezvous point with the Solomons Invasion fleet.
14th Army
We order ground bombing and a DA at Manila. The enemy has a few PA LCUs and base forces. We think we have enough but it's a fine line.
16th Army
DA ordered for Tarakan tomorrow. The xAKL damaged by Tarakan's CD guns sinks trying to limp back to Jolo.
25th Army
DA of the Taiping survivors by our armored pursuit forces nets 7:1 odds, causing 3 of 6 LCUs to retreat again, casualties 1879(132) vs 0(0). We DA the remnants again tomorrow. For fans of "Zombie Land," this satisfies Rule No. 2 - Doubletap. [;)] Cam Ranh Bay hits level 6 port and will go on to level 7.
15th Army
Tavoy falls. Elements of 55th Division begin to march on Moulmein while 21st Bde and 33rd Div advance along trails from Chiang Mai, hoping to flank Pegu. Enemy MLR appears to be Rangoon. Recon of Toungoo shows what appears to be the whole AVG waiting at this base. We will have to be very careful indeed using the IJAAF in the face of this, but would much rather see the flyboys with the fancy jackets here than at Singapore or Palembang. We recon Port Blair tomorrow. If not reinforced, 1st Raiding Regt will drop the next day.
China
We are racing the enemy at Loyang. Our Chengchow troops enter the hex tomorrow. We also close the last escape route tomorrow. However, we don't know how much of CF's Loyang army will reach the hex to the west of the city tomorrow either. Another brigade of ours arrives in that hex tomorrow to try to stem the tide. It's a near run thing, as the man said, but as you can tell we will know a lot more after the next replay.
5th Fleet
Operation AA loads at Ominato. The invasion will be accompanied by 5th Fleet (2 BB, 3 CL, 6 DD). 3 subs and one TB ship will serve as pickets just in case the enemy has the same idea we do.
Home Islands
Hordes of ACM and PB finish converting. We ship out the ACM to various minefields and discover we need still more. We're out of To'sus and will convert a few Kisos. A new minefield will be constructed at Tshushima to close that entrance to the Sea of Japan to enemy subs.
RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A)
Consider the use of Paras on Toungoo... getting the AVG on the ground is very rewarding 
Cheers
Rob
Cheers
Rob
AE BETA Breaker
RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A)
And THAT is what we'll do if Pt Blair is not reinforced!
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ny59giants
- Posts: 9902
- Joined: Mon Jan 10, 2005 12:02 pm
RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A)
On Luzon, devote what you can of Sallys to hitting the AF at Bataan to get supply hits. The key to taking Luzon is destroying his supply.
On Luzon, the Allies have plenty of combat power, not enough supply. In Malaya, the Allies have plenty of supply and not enough combat power. Go figure!?! [&:]
Economics - Having 200 Vehicles per day is good as you have multiple tank division components coming out in mid 42. Look 180 or 365 days out on Tracker for LCU Production to double check this. Armament surplus should slowly climb towards 100k. It doesn't have to get there right away. [:D] How much is your daily HI surplus?? At this point around 2,000/day is great. 150 Zero per month should be more than enough unless you are taking huge losses in combat and/or op losses.
Resizing - You should have or strongly consider re-sizing your carrier capable Zero, DB, and TB to larger sizes. I take off the second FP from CA/BB and use those CS to re-size to size 10 each. Then, I crank up Jake production to 40-45 to fill out. They help fill in the gap that your patrol planes cannot fill.
ASW - I like to use some of those small 9 or 12 plane Army air units to train up ASW experience (a few 27 planes size got here eventually). It will take some time. I crank up early war production of Helen I as they get MAD later in the war and I want a large surplus of those planes to last through the war.
Beta Patches - Are you using them?? If so, then build up your two largest ports in Korea as your Resources flow to them vs Port Arthur which makes your convoy duty easier to manage.
Good job so far!!
On Luzon, the Allies have plenty of combat power, not enough supply. In Malaya, the Allies have plenty of supply and not enough combat power. Go figure!?! [&:]
Economics - Having 200 Vehicles per day is good as you have multiple tank division components coming out in mid 42. Look 180 or 365 days out on Tracker for LCU Production to double check this. Armament surplus should slowly climb towards 100k. It doesn't have to get there right away. [:D] How much is your daily HI surplus?? At this point around 2,000/day is great. 150 Zero per month should be more than enough unless you are taking huge losses in combat and/or op losses.
Resizing - You should have or strongly consider re-sizing your carrier capable Zero, DB, and TB to larger sizes. I take off the second FP from CA/BB and use those CS to re-size to size 10 each. Then, I crank up Jake production to 40-45 to fill out. They help fill in the gap that your patrol planes cannot fill.
ASW - I like to use some of those small 9 or 12 plane Army air units to train up ASW experience (a few 27 planes size got here eventually). It will take some time. I crank up early war production of Helen I as they get MAD later in the war and I want a large surplus of those planes to last through the war.
Beta Patches - Are you using them?? If so, then build up your two largest ports in Korea as your Resources flow to them vs Port Arthur which makes your convoy duty easier to manage.
Good job so far!!
[center]
[/center]
[/center]RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A)
ORIGINAL: ny59giants
On Luzon, devote what you can of Sallys to hitting the AF at Bataan to get supply hits. The key to taking Luzon is destroying his supply.
On Luzon, the Allies have plenty of combat power, not enough supply. In Malaya, the Allies have plenty of supply and not enough combat power. Go figure!?! [&:]
Economics - Having 200 Vehicles per day is good as you have multiple tank division components coming out in mid 42. Look 180 or 365 days out on Tracker for LCU Production to double check this. Armament surplus should slowly climb towards 100k. It doesn't have to get there right away. [:D] How much is your daily HI surplus?? At this point around 2,000/day is great. 150 Zero per month should be more than enough unless you are taking huge losses in combat and/or op losses.
Resizing - You should have or strongly consider re-sizing your carrier capable Zero, DB, and TB to larger sizes. I take off the second FP from CA/BB and use those CS to re-size to size 10 each. Then, I crank up Jake production to 40-45 to fill out. They help fill in the gap that your patrol planes cannot fill.
ASW - I like to use some of those small 9 or 12 plane Army air units to train up ASW experience (a few 27 planes size got here eventually). It will take some time. I crank up early war production of Helen I as they get MAD later in the war and I want a large surplus of those planes to last through the war.
Beta Patches - Are you using them?? If so, then build up your two largest ports in Korea as your Resources flow to them vs Port Arthur which makes your convoy duty easier to manage.
Good job so far!!
Great thoughts. I'm hitting Clark and Bataan on alternating days to kill supply and slow down forts. Taking a few days off to finish Manila since CF is choosing to defend it with about 300 AS rather than abandon it.
Daily HI surplus is about 3900, a little less if you amortize the 20K monthly hit for pilot training.
I've re-sized several units, and once Taiyo finishes her current mission to upgrade the 24th Air Flotilla Claudes (2 groups done, 1 to go), she will become a re-sizing machine. GREAT idea on the second unit off BBs and CAs! One thing I was worried about was how to get enough search groups as you just don't have what you need to cover the Pacific.
Have lots of ASW air groups working Formosa already and more to come elsewhere as the "safe zone" expands.
We are not using the beta patch as we kept thinking the final would be out any day.