Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A)
Moderators: wdolson, MOD_War-in-the-Pacific-Admirals-Edition
RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A)
Thanks, Blackhorse. I figured someone would set me straight. I actually pride myself on minimal typos, but some of these names are tricky. [;)]
RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A)
ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon
ORIGINAL: Nemo121
If you are going to conduct a grand offensive then I think committing major portions of the SRA and whatever you can spare from the CHangsha area in the south, committing only holding forces in the east of China ( around CHangsha etc ) and then another major drive in the north backed by forces from Korea could just work.
Side benefit: You would be taking the centres of production at Changsha etc relatively undamaged since he could either maintain forces there in sacrificial pockets or pull back to defend Chungking and its environs abandoning Changsha etc and allowing the resources there to fall into your hands relatively cheaply. Personally I'd be happy to see those resources destroyed though. You don't really need them and them being destroyed will really hurt China allt he way through until late-44.
I agree with Nemo, and as I mentioned in an earlier post, you only need to have holding forces around Changsha, Wuchang and Pingsiang. Let the Chinese think they can push you around Changsha, if you build the forts and maintain an adequate holding force you can concentrate on a Northern thrust via Sian towards Central China and Chengtu. Once the fuel is cut off with your capture of Lanchow it's going to be really tough to supply the Chinese forces everywhere else. Nothing the Chinese would gain in an offensive around Changsha couldn't be taken back eventually, or they may even be forced to withdraw without a shot fired if Chungking is seriously threatened. As you drive a stake straight at the heart of China, you'll siphon off units from the South to reinforce, if not...that's good too. When the time is right a strike at Kweilin or Tuyun turns the entire Changsha front anyway. If the Chinese can't hold Kweilin, Tuyun and Kweiyang it makes the entire Changsha front meaningless, if they stay at Changsha or Changteh they risk a serious Stalingrad type encirclement.
I still think a Burma thrust will pay dividends, those bases are lightly held and any chance of securing the Burma Road deep within China can only help in the long run. It may have an added benefit of further causing the Chinese to dilute their forces to meet yet another axis of advance. I think the North is the key to China though, win the North and threaten Chungking and Chengtu and the Chinese will get a serious pucker alert and constrict so to speak around Chungking. [:D] That could yield you Changsha and area, as Nemo suggests, at very little cost.
Nemo and SqzMyLemon are on the money here. Take the shortest route into the open terrain around Chunking. Once in the open no Chinese force can stop you due to your mobile units. The shortest route is from Sian. Mass and go west for Chungking. Don't even worry about Lanchow until later. Move west from Sian into the open terrain and most all Chinese forces and cities to the South and West are flanked. Isolate or take Chunking and the remaining Chinese army goes on to a starvation diet.
Based on my own experience I do not believe any good Allied play can prevent a determined Japanese player from taking China out of the War. You are on a good schedule to do so. But don't fool around, Chungking is the key that closes the door. Then everything else will be fairly easy. My two cents anyways.
I am the Holy Roman Emperor and am above grammar.
Sigismund of Luxemburg
Sigismund of Luxemburg
RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A)
Great advice, thanks. I've been suffering a bit from the German disease of trying to recall Rommel and Guderian on the way to the coast for fear of getting our spearhead cut off. However, the recent move by CF to Tienshui itself, rather than to the all important trail hex SE of the base, has given me new adrenaline. Also PPs are such that in about 9 days I can buy out another Kwantung Army division for use in China.
RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A)
I'm all in favor of this kind of info. A good rainy-day my-mind's-a-blank activity - google- or wiki-search a few of those Yank cargo-ship names. All hail the good ship Silvestre Escalante, named for the Spanish Franciscan missionary who explored Utah in 1776.ORIGINAL: Blackhorse
Per Wikipedia:
The name Daly Waters was given to a series of natural springs by John McDouall Stuart during his third attempt to cross Australia from south to north, in 1861-2. Stuart named the springs after the new Governor of South Australia, Sir Dominick Daly.
RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A)
April 6, 1942
Subs
As the Java Second Wave TF retires to Singapore, it tangles with and gets the best of a third Allied sub. This time Skipjack takes 1 penetrating hit, 2 damaging near misses, and 1 near miss that nails the forward torpedo tubes. We can really tell the improved performance of subs with Mod-2 DCs.
Escorts of a small troop convoy that delivered an Air HQ to Roi Namur chase off Gar. This is one of the few sightings of enemy subs outside the DEI and indicates that CF is beginning to spread out his subs to other waters.
4th Fleet
No change.
SE Fleet
Our new seaplane base at Woodlark Island is up and running with Jakes.
14th Army
It looks like CF moved more combat units from Bataan to Clark (up to 28 from 22). Is he trying to maintain combat power as supplies erode or preparing for a desperate assault? We doubt the latter option as we have jungle rough terrain, 3 forts and 100% prep in our besieging army and 100% prep from the 14th Army HQ.
16th Army
Nookanbah falls. Katherine is up next.
25th Army
We sweep Soerabaja because a Nell on nav search from Denpasar was attacked yesterday. Pay dirt as we shoot down twelve 339s for no loss.
Our second wave troops are moving off the beachhead and should sweep the island clean until they reach Soerabaja. Batavia has only 2 hexsides left before the base is fully invested. We will shift forces to Soerabaja and knock that base out first (fewer troops and easier terrain), then move everything back to Batavia for the end.
Our little ploy at Toenjen... whatever (SE of Singers) works. An LCTF intercepts the MTB before it arrives at Singapore and sinks it. We then bombard the port but don't get any other ships (there is an anchor symbol and recon shows 1 ship there).
18th Division is retiring on Palembang for transport to the conquest of western Sumatra (true).
15th Army
Recon confirms CF has withdrawn the Burma army to Imphal for now. We will soon (finally) seize Kalemyo and Katha, then Myitkyina and Wazarup. Then we have to decide how to defend this hellhole.
China
Almost to the key hex that cuts enemy LoC. IJA armor has cut the road between Lanchow and Chungking, thus presumably cutting off all oil supplies to the capital.
Still no attack at Wuchang, but a fresh brigade arrives today to bring our AS up to 1095 behind level 5 forts in light urban terrain. Should be enough.
Our small army approaching Pingsiang finds 3 enemy LCUs over the river in a clear hex. We will attack them. The appearance of 2 reinforced divisions near Changsha hopefully shakes up the enemy command a bit. Recon shows that the bases in South China are stripped of troops (1 LCU in almost all bases except for 6 in Kanshien and Kukong and 4 in Wuchow). This is brilliant news for Operation Red Dragon.
Subs
As the Java Second Wave TF retires to Singapore, it tangles with and gets the best of a third Allied sub. This time Skipjack takes 1 penetrating hit, 2 damaging near misses, and 1 near miss that nails the forward torpedo tubes. We can really tell the improved performance of subs with Mod-2 DCs.
Escorts of a small troop convoy that delivered an Air HQ to Roi Namur chase off Gar. This is one of the few sightings of enemy subs outside the DEI and indicates that CF is beginning to spread out his subs to other waters.
4th Fleet
No change.
SE Fleet
Our new seaplane base at Woodlark Island is up and running with Jakes.
14th Army
It looks like CF moved more combat units from Bataan to Clark (up to 28 from 22). Is he trying to maintain combat power as supplies erode or preparing for a desperate assault? We doubt the latter option as we have jungle rough terrain, 3 forts and 100% prep in our besieging army and 100% prep from the 14th Army HQ.
16th Army
Nookanbah falls. Katherine is up next.
25th Army
We sweep Soerabaja because a Nell on nav search from Denpasar was attacked yesterday. Pay dirt as we shoot down twelve 339s for no loss.
Our second wave troops are moving off the beachhead and should sweep the island clean until they reach Soerabaja. Batavia has only 2 hexsides left before the base is fully invested. We will shift forces to Soerabaja and knock that base out first (fewer troops and easier terrain), then move everything back to Batavia for the end.
Our little ploy at Toenjen... whatever (SE of Singers) works. An LCTF intercepts the MTB before it arrives at Singapore and sinks it. We then bombard the port but don't get any other ships (there is an anchor symbol and recon shows 1 ship there).
18th Division is retiring on Palembang for transport to the conquest of western Sumatra (true).
15th Army
Recon confirms CF has withdrawn the Burma army to Imphal for now. We will soon (finally) seize Kalemyo and Katha, then Myitkyina and Wazarup. Then we have to decide how to defend this hellhole.
China
Almost to the key hex that cuts enemy LoC. IJA armor has cut the road between Lanchow and Chungking, thus presumably cutting off all oil supplies to the capital.
Still no attack at Wuchang, but a fresh brigade arrives today to bring our AS up to 1095 behind level 5 forts in light urban terrain. Should be enough.
Our small army approaching Pingsiang finds 3 enemy LCUs over the river in a clear hex. We will attack them. The appearance of 2 reinforced divisions near Changsha hopefully shakes up the enemy command a bit. Recon shows that the bases in South China are stripped of troops (1 LCU in almost all bases except for 6 in Kanshien and Kukong and 4 in Wuchow). This is brilliant news for Operation Red Dragon.
RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A)
Gents,
As we turn our eyes to Western (true)/Northern (map) Sumatra, Cribtop HQ is considering using MKB to launch a surprise port attack at Colombo. CF has so far clustered his merchies at "historical" ports, and the haul could be beneficial. However, the enemy probably has had no intel about MKB for weeks now. Is it worth revealing our location to try this (after Sabang falls)? We will recon the port with Glens before a final decision, but assuming arguendo that we find a lot of ships there, how do you vote?
As we turn our eyes to Western (true)/Northern (map) Sumatra, Cribtop HQ is considering using MKB to launch a surprise port attack at Colombo. CF has so far clustered his merchies at "historical" ports, and the haul could be beneficial. However, the enemy probably has had no intel about MKB for weeks now. Is it worth revealing our location to try this (after Sabang falls)? We will recon the port with Glens before a final decision, but assuming arguendo that we find a lot of ships there, how do you vote?
-
FeurerKrieg
- Posts: 3400
- Joined: Wed Jun 15, 2005 8:43 pm
- Location: Denver, CO
RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A)
I'd think MKB could handle the brit carriers, so I'd say go for it unless you think there are US CVs in Indian waters.
RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A)
Colombo always seems to be a favorite place for an Allied flak trap....
Pax
-
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)
I moved the big Allied AA Bde (72 heavy AA guns) from Colombo to India, but if CF didn't, then you will face at least 100 heavy AA guns.
Bring a strong SC TF with you in case he has some of those R Class BBs there along with those numerous CA/CL still in a SC TF.
As an Allied player, I send 2 PBY groups to India due to the shortage that the British and Indian have there. You get some small 6 plane groups that are not enough.
Bring a strong SC TF with you in case he has some of those R Class BBs there along with those numerous CA/CL still in a SC TF.
As an Allied player, I send 2 PBY groups to India due to the shortage that the British and Indian have there. You get some small 6 plane groups that are not enough.
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[/center]RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A)
Great info, guys. We need some recon and the Op has to wait until enemy airfields with search planes at Medan and Sabang are taken.
RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A)
April 7, 1942
Subs
I-10 misses a DMS at Canton. Her brilliant Captain chose the DMS instead of targeting one of 2 big APs (not xAPs, APs). [:@] At least one of our subs shot at something in this hex after 3 days, though. [8|]
Grayling duds on the AV Kamoi west of the Ellice Islands. This is bad news as it gives CF valuable intel on our "secret" sea plane base plans in the region. Awful luck. We consider pulling back but in the end park Kamoi in Nukufetau and assign a 6 Mavis group to the island. From here we get air search coverage all the way south of Fiji and Pago Pago.
4th Fleet
We need to get supplies to Nukufetau. TB is now fully operational with a group of Zeros, a group of Bettys and an Air HQ. We are continuing to build up the Marshalls, Gilberts and the triangle of fall back bases at Eniewetok, Ponape and Kusaie.
SE Fleet
Ndeni invaded.
14th Army
Zamboanga invaded. An xAK hits a reef during unloading and is at 81 flot damage. Probably a goner.
16th Army
No change.
25th Army
Another sweep of Soerabaja finds more 339s to add to our Zero kill count, casualties 8:0. We have a bunch of pilots about to make ace thanks to the last 2 days. A Nell spots a sub at Soerabaja and claims a hit on a DD. That pilot has a budding post-war career as an umpire in the Japanese baseball leagues.
Merak falls. 18th Division is almost re-grouped at Palembang. Next stop - the Medan/Sabang bases.
15th Army
A renewed air bridge effort with newly arrived transports no longer required by 16th Army brings Akyab back up to 900 supplies in the base with both units fully supplied. Imperial Guards reaches the rail head at Prome and begins the long march to Akyab.
China
The IJA North China Army enters the key hex SE of Tienshui, thus cutting the enemy off from the road net to Chungking. 1 hex NE of Tienshui, 5 IJA LCUs DA a straggler and wreck it again, odds 746:1, casualties 92(16) vs 30(0). Cuttles is in danger of having a 32 LCU army encircled and annihilated - or perhaps just pinned and ignored to prevent re-spawn. Cribtop HQ is getting excited about this front. [&o]
We cross the river 1 hex SE of Pingsiang and SA 3 enemy LCUs. A bit of a gamble but it pays off with a 2:1 odds attack forcing 2 KMT Corps to retreat, casualties 5566(224) vs 1953(9). Reinforcements are on the way.
Still not even a BA at Wuchang by the KMT.
5th Fleet
Paramushiro Jima makes level 2 airfield. We are slowly building the Kuriles and Aleutians.
Subs
I-10 misses a DMS at Canton. Her brilliant Captain chose the DMS instead of targeting one of 2 big APs (not xAPs, APs). [:@] At least one of our subs shot at something in this hex after 3 days, though. [8|]
Grayling duds on the AV Kamoi west of the Ellice Islands. This is bad news as it gives CF valuable intel on our "secret" sea plane base plans in the region. Awful luck. We consider pulling back but in the end park Kamoi in Nukufetau and assign a 6 Mavis group to the island. From here we get air search coverage all the way south of Fiji and Pago Pago.
4th Fleet
We need to get supplies to Nukufetau. TB is now fully operational with a group of Zeros, a group of Bettys and an Air HQ. We are continuing to build up the Marshalls, Gilberts and the triangle of fall back bases at Eniewetok, Ponape and Kusaie.
SE Fleet
Ndeni invaded.
14th Army
Zamboanga invaded. An xAK hits a reef during unloading and is at 81 flot damage. Probably a goner.
16th Army
No change.
25th Army
Another sweep of Soerabaja finds more 339s to add to our Zero kill count, casualties 8:0. We have a bunch of pilots about to make ace thanks to the last 2 days. A Nell spots a sub at Soerabaja and claims a hit on a DD. That pilot has a budding post-war career as an umpire in the Japanese baseball leagues.
Merak falls. 18th Division is almost re-grouped at Palembang. Next stop - the Medan/Sabang bases.
15th Army
A renewed air bridge effort with newly arrived transports no longer required by 16th Army brings Akyab back up to 900 supplies in the base with both units fully supplied. Imperial Guards reaches the rail head at Prome and begins the long march to Akyab.
China
The IJA North China Army enters the key hex SE of Tienshui, thus cutting the enemy off from the road net to Chungking. 1 hex NE of Tienshui, 5 IJA LCUs DA a straggler and wreck it again, odds 746:1, casualties 92(16) vs 30(0). Cuttles is in danger of having a 32 LCU army encircled and annihilated - or perhaps just pinned and ignored to prevent re-spawn. Cribtop HQ is getting excited about this front. [&o]
We cross the river 1 hex SE of Pingsiang and SA 3 enemy LCUs. A bit of a gamble but it pays off with a 2:1 odds attack forcing 2 KMT Corps to retreat, casualties 5566(224) vs 1953(9). Reinforcements are on the way.
Still not even a BA at Wuchang by the KMT.
5th Fleet
Paramushiro Jima makes level 2 airfield. We are slowly building the Kuriles and Aleutians.
RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A)
April 8, 1942
A very quiet day.
Subs
No contacts.
4th Fleet
No change.
SE Fleet
Ndeni falls to a small SNLF Coy. This action has a specific purpose, namely to serve as a Canary in the Coal Mine. CF seems to be a pretty methodical player and we will dangle this base and unit as a lightning rod. When CF comes for Ndeni Cribtop HQ can assume the first Allied counteroffensive is soon to begin.
Mussau and Kiriwina Islands invaded.
14th Army
We unload at Zamboanga. The damaged xAK sinks but not until after she discharges her troops and supplies.
16th Army
No change.
25th Army
No change.
15th Army
33rd Division (remember them?) finally slogs through the jungle to the hex just east (map) of Kalemyo. 4 enemy LCUs are still present and we will attack tomorrow, then seize Kalemyo. A regiment of 55th Division finally enters an empty Katha and will take it tomorrow.
China
We tried a DA in the hex SE of Pingsiang against the 1 enemy LCU that wasn't forced to retreat yesterday despite having high DIS and low supply in our units from the SA on the 7th. Bad idea as we don't replenish supply and only achieve 1:1 odds, casualties 648(2) vs 313(0). We'll rest up and try again.
A very quiet day.
Subs
No contacts.
4th Fleet
No change.
SE Fleet
Ndeni falls to a small SNLF Coy. This action has a specific purpose, namely to serve as a Canary in the Coal Mine. CF seems to be a pretty methodical player and we will dangle this base and unit as a lightning rod. When CF comes for Ndeni Cribtop HQ can assume the first Allied counteroffensive is soon to begin.
Mussau and Kiriwina Islands invaded.
14th Army
We unload at Zamboanga. The damaged xAK sinks but not until after she discharges her troops and supplies.
16th Army
No change.
25th Army
No change.
15th Army
33rd Division (remember them?) finally slogs through the jungle to the hex just east (map) of Kalemyo. 4 enemy LCUs are still present and we will attack tomorrow, then seize Kalemyo. A regiment of 55th Division finally enters an empty Katha and will take it tomorrow.
China
We tried a DA in the hex SE of Pingsiang against the 1 enemy LCU that wasn't forced to retreat yesterday despite having high DIS and low supply in our units from the SA on the 7th. Bad idea as we don't replenish supply and only achieve 1:1 odds, casualties 648(2) vs 313(0). We'll rest up and try again.
RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A)
Quick screenshot to show why the hex SE of Tienshui is critical. Note the path of the yellow road between Tienshui and the Chinese heartland goes through this hex.
Notes:
1 - IJA North China Army with 3300 AS moves to isolate Tienshui from the SE, SW, NE and E. We will then capture these hex sides and leave the enemy no way out except for the forbidding mountains to the west.
2 & 3 - Nominal enemy defenses at Lanchow and the base just to the south will be swept aside to ensure capture of the Oil at Lanchow by elements of the stack labeled 3.
Notes:
1 - IJA North China Army with 3300 AS moves to isolate Tienshui from the SE, SW, NE and E. We will then capture these hex sides and leave the enemy no way out except for the forbidding mountains to the west.
2 & 3 - Nominal enemy defenses at Lanchow and the base just to the south will be swept aside to ensure capture of the Oil at Lanchow by elements of the stack labeled 3.
- Attachments
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- Tienshui -.. 9, 1942.jpg (257.22 KiB) Viewed 183 times
RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A)
April 9, 1942
Subs
No contacts.
4th Fleet
A kamikaze supply ship (tough to be a merchant skipper in our navy, eh?) departs Kwaj for Nukufetau. Between Mavis and Betty at TB and Nukufetau, we've suddenly "turned the lights on" in this neighborhood, but so far see no roaches scurrying for the fridge.
A base force leaves Tokyo Bay bound for Marcus. We are quickly trying to seal up the "air gap" in the northern central Pacific.
SE Fleet
Lots of Naval Guard units depart Truk for Rabaul. From there they will be distributed to various bases in the perimeter. Mussau and Kiriwina Islands fall. Almost finished with DBCL work. Float planes at Munda Point begin ferrying supplies to our tiny Ndeni garrison.
14th Army
DA Zamboanga takes the base and thus completes the conquest of Mindanao with 9:1 odds. Two PI LCUs surrender. Our regiments will rest a few days then load up for Panay.
Extra AA and base force units depart Luzon for Singapore and distribution to more useful locales.
16th Army
A late-arriving tank regiment unloads at Wyndham.
25th Army
Batavia is now fully invested with all hex sides "red." The crack 5th Division and several armored units move out to assist with the conquest of Soerabaja. The equally elite 2nd Division will man the siege lines. Seriously, these two Divisions gained from all the fighting at Singers and are 98 EXP. Yikes.
15th Army
DA 1 hex east (map) of Kalemyo chases 2 enemy base forces and an arty unit into Kalemyo with 11:1 odds, casualties 710(77) vs 19(0). We will march on Kalemyo, but expect the enemy to get away from there as he can use the trail to Imphal. Katha falls and we will move on to Myitkyina. The conquest of Burma should be wrapped up by late April. Cribtop HQ is planning for the defense as we speak. Part of that is lots of fighters. To that end, the last Sentai flying Nates has upgraded to Oscars and moved into Rangoon. We have 3 Oscar Sentai and the Tojo Chutai in theater for now, with more to come in time. Just a few Chutai of Nates in China to go and the Nate will be relegated exclusively to trainer status.
China
The march on Tienshui continues. We are establishing a small rapid reserve in strat mode at Sinyang. Almost have enough PPs to buy out another Division from Manchuria.
5th Fleet
Shimushiri Jima makes level 3 forts and will build up a level 2 airfield. In the first sign of any enemy activity in NOPAC, Umnak Island is reported to make a level 1 airfield. We'll keep an eye on this...
Other
Hordes of tankers arrive at a secret location and will soon be hauling oil and fuel around the Empire.
Subs
No contacts.
4th Fleet
A kamikaze supply ship (tough to be a merchant skipper in our navy, eh?) departs Kwaj for Nukufetau. Between Mavis and Betty at TB and Nukufetau, we've suddenly "turned the lights on" in this neighborhood, but so far see no roaches scurrying for the fridge.
A base force leaves Tokyo Bay bound for Marcus. We are quickly trying to seal up the "air gap" in the northern central Pacific.
SE Fleet
Lots of Naval Guard units depart Truk for Rabaul. From there they will be distributed to various bases in the perimeter. Mussau and Kiriwina Islands fall. Almost finished with DBCL work. Float planes at Munda Point begin ferrying supplies to our tiny Ndeni garrison.
14th Army
DA Zamboanga takes the base and thus completes the conquest of Mindanao with 9:1 odds. Two PI LCUs surrender. Our regiments will rest a few days then load up for Panay.
Extra AA and base force units depart Luzon for Singapore and distribution to more useful locales.
16th Army
A late-arriving tank regiment unloads at Wyndham.
25th Army
Batavia is now fully invested with all hex sides "red." The crack 5th Division and several armored units move out to assist with the conquest of Soerabaja. The equally elite 2nd Division will man the siege lines. Seriously, these two Divisions gained from all the fighting at Singers and are 98 EXP. Yikes.
15th Army
DA 1 hex east (map) of Kalemyo chases 2 enemy base forces and an arty unit into Kalemyo with 11:1 odds, casualties 710(77) vs 19(0). We will march on Kalemyo, but expect the enemy to get away from there as he can use the trail to Imphal. Katha falls and we will move on to Myitkyina. The conquest of Burma should be wrapped up by late April. Cribtop HQ is planning for the defense as we speak. Part of that is lots of fighters. To that end, the last Sentai flying Nates has upgraded to Oscars and moved into Rangoon. We have 3 Oscar Sentai and the Tojo Chutai in theater for now, with more to come in time. Just a few Chutai of Nates in China to go and the Nate will be relegated exclusively to trainer status.
China
The march on Tienshui continues. We are establishing a small rapid reserve in strat mode at Sinyang. Almost have enough PPs to buy out another Division from Manchuria.
5th Fleet
Shimushiri Jima makes level 3 forts and will build up a level 2 airfield. In the first sign of any enemy activity in NOPAC, Umnak Island is reported to make a level 1 airfield. We'll keep an eye on this...
Other
Hordes of tankers arrive at a secret location and will soon be hauling oil and fuel around the Empire.
RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A)
April 10, 1942
Subs
I-17 misses a DD in what appears to be an ASW hunter group. Perhaps I'll re-title this AAR "The Battle of the Toothless Sub Fleets."
4th Fleet
We begin unloading a special base force with some nasty CD guns at Kusaie as the defensive plan continues to take shape.
SE Fleet
No change.
14th Army
No change.
16th Army
No change.
25th Army
Two regiments of 56th Division enter Tjilatjap to fix 4 enemy LCUs and prevent their escape by rail. A sweep of Soerabaja achieves 4:1 kills, but this breaks our Zeros' unbeaten record in this air battle. A follow on attack against the airfield by Nells achieves little thanks to bad weather.
Cribtop HQ re-shuffles the fleet at Singapore a bit, creating Tanaka Force out of BBs Kongo and Haruna, 3 CAs, 1 CL and 9 DDs. This fast reaction squadron will shadow MKB to provide extra punch in whatever region the carriers are sailing. This will also keep all the Kongos together in case MKB needs to replace a damaged or sunk SBD magnet. Admiral Tanaka is still currently in command of the South Seas Fleet, but will transfer to command this squadron soon.
15th Army
Rangoon makes level 7 airfield. Recon in Assam shows that the enemy's air force is staying well out of range for now. Note that we have yet to see Cuttlefish bring out his 4Es or fighters to play in this game. Saving up for the counterattack, probably.
China
DA in the hex SE of Pingsiang retreats the enemy corps still present with 21:1 odds, casualties 1272(142) vs 214(4). Tomorrow we will further isolate the enemy's army at Tienshui.
Subs
I-17 misses a DD in what appears to be an ASW hunter group. Perhaps I'll re-title this AAR "The Battle of the Toothless Sub Fleets."
4th Fleet
We begin unloading a special base force with some nasty CD guns at Kusaie as the defensive plan continues to take shape.
SE Fleet
No change.
14th Army
No change.
16th Army
No change.
25th Army
Two regiments of 56th Division enter Tjilatjap to fix 4 enemy LCUs and prevent their escape by rail. A sweep of Soerabaja achieves 4:1 kills, but this breaks our Zeros' unbeaten record in this air battle. A follow on attack against the airfield by Nells achieves little thanks to bad weather.
Cribtop HQ re-shuffles the fleet at Singapore a bit, creating Tanaka Force out of BBs Kongo and Haruna, 3 CAs, 1 CL and 9 DDs. This fast reaction squadron will shadow MKB to provide extra punch in whatever region the carriers are sailing. This will also keep all the Kongos together in case MKB needs to replace a damaged or sunk SBD magnet. Admiral Tanaka is still currently in command of the South Seas Fleet, but will transfer to command this squadron soon.
15th Army
Rangoon makes level 7 airfield. Recon in Assam shows that the enemy's air force is staying well out of range for now. Note that we have yet to see Cuttlefish bring out his 4Es or fighters to play in this game. Saving up for the counterattack, probably.
China
DA in the hex SE of Pingsiang retreats the enemy corps still present with 21:1 odds, casualties 1272(142) vs 214(4). Tomorrow we will further isolate the enemy's army at Tienshui.
RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A)
Looks like the enemy in Assam will get nasty in the air if they are husbanding their resources...
Anything you can do to encorage battle?
Feint at Ceylon?
Are you LRCAPing chinese bases over the border to kill transport aircraft?
Cheers
Rob
Anything you can do to encorage battle?
Feint at Ceylon?
Are you LRCAPing chinese bases over the border to kill transport aircraft?
Cheers
Rob
AE BETA Breaker
RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A)
Definitely agree we need to force the action. It was great to get the AVG but that's not enough. Currently we are reconning, looking for enemy bases. So far only Ledo and Calcutta are built and have a/c present. Phase 2, currently awaiting a few more base forces near Mandalay, is an IJAAF offensive against these bases. We are also shifting Glen boats to the Bay of Bengal to evaluate the feasibility and value of a raid by MKB against Ceylon, Madras, Trincomalee, even Calcutta.
RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A)
April 11, 1942
The Mother of all Quiet Days, but the promise of action tomorrow!
Subs
Our new sub patrols in SOPAC may have hit pay dirt. Three I-boats lurking near Samoa find themselves close by a large enemy convoy reported to contain 2 CVEs and 3 TKs. Not sure about the accuracy of the reporting, but it could be a heavily escorted fuel convoy bound for Fiji or the enemy fleet AOs. Either way we will hope for an intercept tomorrow. A Jake reports a hit on a USN sub near Singapore.
4th Fleet, SE Fleet, 14th Army
No change.
16th Army
21st and 38th Divisions finally slog into Katherine. Now the Darwin campaign can begin in earnest. Elsewhere, an armored regt enters and will take a vacant Derby.
25th Army
Makassar makes level 4 airfield. Still marching on Tjilatjap in Java.
15th Army
No change.
China
In the north, our army now occupies both the hex SW of Tienshui and the mountain hex blocking the trail to Ankang. The enemy LoC is cut. We will try to take this army out of play, but probably not by outright destruction, which would teleport 1/3 of it to Chungking. The operational goal is to force a retreat into the mountains, inflicting horrible losses and removing the stack's offensive potential, then leave it to rot, perhaps with a few PoW guards from the IJA.
In the south, we spot a 5 LCU army trying to sneak along a trail toward Nanchang. This will force our Pingsiang army to fall back a bit, but reinforcements are arriving in the central front and we have hatched a clever plan. As long as CF can't find a big army to drive on the Amoy region we should be ok here until the commencement of Operation Red Dragon.
5th Fleet
Shikuka makes level 2 airfield.
The Mother of all Quiet Days, but the promise of action tomorrow!
Subs
Our new sub patrols in SOPAC may have hit pay dirt. Three I-boats lurking near Samoa find themselves close by a large enemy convoy reported to contain 2 CVEs and 3 TKs. Not sure about the accuracy of the reporting, but it could be a heavily escorted fuel convoy bound for Fiji or the enemy fleet AOs. Either way we will hope for an intercept tomorrow. A Jake reports a hit on a USN sub near Singapore.
4th Fleet, SE Fleet, 14th Army
No change.
16th Army
21st and 38th Divisions finally slog into Katherine. Now the Darwin campaign can begin in earnest. Elsewhere, an armored regt enters and will take a vacant Derby.
25th Army
Makassar makes level 4 airfield. Still marching on Tjilatjap in Java.
15th Army
No change.
China
In the north, our army now occupies both the hex SW of Tienshui and the mountain hex blocking the trail to Ankang. The enemy LoC is cut. We will try to take this army out of play, but probably not by outright destruction, which would teleport 1/3 of it to Chungking. The operational goal is to force a retreat into the mountains, inflicting horrible losses and removing the stack's offensive potential, then leave it to rot, perhaps with a few PoW guards from the IJA.
In the south, we spot a 5 LCU army trying to sneak along a trail toward Nanchang. This will force our Pingsiang army to fall back a bit, but reinforcements are arriving in the central front and we have hatched a clever plan. As long as CF can't find a big army to drive on the Amoy region we should be ok here until the commencement of Operation Red Dragon.
5th Fleet
Shikuka makes level 2 airfield.
RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A)
April 12, 1942
Subs
Four I-boats swoop in a co-ordinated wolfpack swarm against the enemy's "CVE/TK" convoy near Pago Pago and... nada. Ugh. We'll assume they are heading for Suva and we somehow missed them and act accordingly. I even had a first person narrative all dreamed up for "the night of the long knives" I had hoped to see here. [:-]
SC escorts of a 1250 TK convoy chase off KXV near Singapore. We are beginning to run regular Oil convoys and in fact the first regular shipment to Japan should land within the week.
4th Fleet
No change.
SE Fleet
Tabar Island invaded. We forgot about ordering this invasion and had a moment of panic during the replay thinking it might be Cuttlefish somehow sneaking up to the gates of Rabaul. [:D]
14th Army
Our 2 regiments at Zamboanga load for the central PI bases still in enemy hands.
16th Army
Derby falls and we kill an AM in port. BA Katherine shows only four base forces present, raw AS 927:54. DA tomorrow.
25th Army
Sweep and airfield attack at Soerabaja kills the last 339 on CAP and destroys at least one enemy bomber on the ground.
Semarang falls as our forces move on Soerabaja.
15th Army
Glen recon of Ceylon shows only 3 LCUs, no ships or planes. However, DL is low so we will go again tomorrow to make sure. This news would pretty much scrub the idea of a Ceylon raid by MKB, but CF has to be hiding his British ships somewhere...
China
The enemy is moving from all sides to discourage continued offensives by the IJA in the north. First, a few ChiCom units are probing down the road toward Sian from their isolated positions in the east. We can block this with a brigade in rough terrain for now. Second, the 5 enemy LCUs near Nanchang, which we bombed and reconned today, are moving east. This force should be stopped by available local forces as well. Finally, 3 more LCUs are photographed by recon at Kienko, with at least 1 marching toward Tienshui.
BA at Kungchang shows a small corps and a base force present, raw AS 762:116. DA tomorrow.
5th Fleet
Amchitka Island makes level 3 forts and will now work on a small airfield.
Subs
Four I-boats swoop in a co-ordinated wolfpack swarm against the enemy's "CVE/TK" convoy near Pago Pago and... nada. Ugh. We'll assume they are heading for Suva and we somehow missed them and act accordingly. I even had a first person narrative all dreamed up for "the night of the long knives" I had hoped to see here. [:-]
SC escorts of a 1250 TK convoy chase off KXV near Singapore. We are beginning to run regular Oil convoys and in fact the first regular shipment to Japan should land within the week.
4th Fleet
No change.
SE Fleet
Tabar Island invaded. We forgot about ordering this invasion and had a moment of panic during the replay thinking it might be Cuttlefish somehow sneaking up to the gates of Rabaul. [:D]
14th Army
Our 2 regiments at Zamboanga load for the central PI bases still in enemy hands.
16th Army
Derby falls and we kill an AM in port. BA Katherine shows only four base forces present, raw AS 927:54. DA tomorrow.
25th Army
Sweep and airfield attack at Soerabaja kills the last 339 on CAP and destroys at least one enemy bomber on the ground.
Semarang falls as our forces move on Soerabaja.
15th Army
Glen recon of Ceylon shows only 3 LCUs, no ships or planes. However, DL is low so we will go again tomorrow to make sure. This news would pretty much scrub the idea of a Ceylon raid by MKB, but CF has to be hiding his British ships somewhere...
China
The enemy is moving from all sides to discourage continued offensives by the IJA in the north. First, a few ChiCom units are probing down the road toward Sian from their isolated positions in the east. We can block this with a brigade in rough terrain for now. Second, the 5 enemy LCUs near Nanchang, which we bombed and reconned today, are moving east. This force should be stopped by available local forces as well. Finally, 3 more LCUs are photographed by recon at Kienko, with at least 1 marching toward Tienshui.
BA at Kungchang shows a small corps and a base force present, raw AS 762:116. DA tomorrow.
5th Fleet
Amchitka Island makes level 3 forts and will now work on a small airfield.
RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A)
April 13, 1942
A day with lots of lovely Banzais.
Subs
We continue to try to hunt the enemy TK convoy in SOPAC and a Glen spots them moving West just past Vava'u. We will pursue and attempt intercepts with about 5 subs, but they may have slipped past us. Cribtop HQ has spent some time thinking about sub ops and is going to shift to parking off key bases that the enemy is known to be building up. Boring but hopefully effective.
4th Fleet
Our CVE Raiders are approaching Kwaj to top off before another foray. Marcus Island now sports a base force as the perimeter continues to build.
SE Fleet
Buka is invaded while Tabar Island falls.
14th Army
We need to get a garrison force to Zamboanga before continuing the central PI campaign. Is there a hotkey that shows garrison requirements?
16th Army
DA Katherine takes the base despite low supply levels in the attackers with 3:1 odds and level 1 forts. 4 base forces retreat, casualties 899(146) vs 146(2). On to Darwin!
Kendari makes level 4 port.
25th Army
Soerakarta occupied by rowboat portage units [:D]. This is odd and serves to cut the rail line and isolate 4 Dutch LCUs from Soerabaja.
DA Tjilatjap takes the base with 9:1 odds. 3 LCUs are retreated and the static CD unit surrenders with casualties 1797(258) vs 359(2). Soerabaja is next on the menu.
15th Army
No change.
China
DA Kungchang takes the base with 7:1 odds, casualties 1490(77) vs 37(1) as 2 LCUs retreat. Lanchow's oil is almost in our grasp. In addition, we are a day or two from accumulating sufficient PPs to buy out another Kwantung Army division for use in China.
Other
Loads of Naval Guards, a few base forces and an Air HQ arrive and will be deployed shortly.
A day with lots of lovely Banzais.
Subs
We continue to try to hunt the enemy TK convoy in SOPAC and a Glen spots them moving West just past Vava'u. We will pursue and attempt intercepts with about 5 subs, but they may have slipped past us. Cribtop HQ has spent some time thinking about sub ops and is going to shift to parking off key bases that the enemy is known to be building up. Boring but hopefully effective.
4th Fleet
Our CVE Raiders are approaching Kwaj to top off before another foray. Marcus Island now sports a base force as the perimeter continues to build.
SE Fleet
Buka is invaded while Tabar Island falls.
14th Army
We need to get a garrison force to Zamboanga before continuing the central PI campaign. Is there a hotkey that shows garrison requirements?
16th Army
DA Katherine takes the base despite low supply levels in the attackers with 3:1 odds and level 1 forts. 4 base forces retreat, casualties 899(146) vs 146(2). On to Darwin!
Kendari makes level 4 port.
25th Army
Soerakarta occupied by rowboat portage units [:D]. This is odd and serves to cut the rail line and isolate 4 Dutch LCUs from Soerabaja.
DA Tjilatjap takes the base with 9:1 odds. 3 LCUs are retreated and the static CD unit surrenders with casualties 1797(258) vs 359(2). Soerabaja is next on the menu.
15th Army
No change.
China
DA Kungchang takes the base with 7:1 odds, casualties 1490(77) vs 37(1) as 2 LCUs retreat. Lanchow's oil is almost in our grasp. In addition, we are a day or two from accumulating sufficient PPs to buy out another Kwantung Army division for use in China.
Other
Loads of Naval Guards, a few base forces and an Air HQ arrive and will be deployed shortly.