Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee, Docup(A)-Koniu(J)

[Saros]

Careful that is far too many ships for a single Surface task force. I would break it down into 3x BB a CA and 8DD and and 2x CA 2CL and 7DD. Have both set to react 1and station them in the PM hex. The algorithm will try assign the combat TF's to fight first although it will not always work 100% but you do what you can.
You could also station the Cruiser force in the PM entrance hex while the BB's cover the landing as thanks to the reef there is only one hex they can pass through.

I wouldn't worry too much as he will likely try run with his ships now the KB is behind them. Its either that or lose them all.

Also your strike from the KB was rather small, 80 strike planes when I would expect the better part of 200. Is there a reason for that?

[koniu]

ORIGINAL: Saros
Also your strike from the KB was rather small, 80 strike planes when I would expect the better part of 200. Is there a reason for that?

Almost half of planes was diverted because of weather or they cant find target

[koniu]

Again problem with sync

Docup saw me in combat replay landing in PM (never happen on my side). When he load save there was no sigh of invasion and no combat rapport.(this happen on my side)

From what i know again save is ok. Problem is in combat replays.

I suggested to him to send me screens with his game setting in game menu, and setting after save is loaded. I will compare them with my settings
Is this not help we will reinstall games.

Question: 2 days before first sync problem i have install Halsey insignia mod. I am also using new plane graphics for planes in combat animation (that one when you see planes from up during air battle). Did this can be problem?

[PaxMondo]

Never heard that graphics can cause an issue, but you might open a thread in Tech support.  Micheal may be able to sort it out ...

[koniu]

5 Mar 42

KB
View of KB behind backs and invasion fleet scare allies.

CA TF closest to PM and TF in middle change direction and now they are in Cairns baase (north of Townswille) probably under heavy CAP.

BB`s TF i have attack last day split in three.
2xCL go south. They meet SAG defending KB and during two battles both CL sink. No damage to Japan ships

Damage BB split in two TF. In one BB Maryland was attack by Val`s they not do many damage to BB but they damage two DD. I will hunt BB Maryland tomorrow. He will not run. His damage are high. In last day he only move 3 hexes.

Second BB TF move more north. He was attacked by Kate's and Val`s. During attack they sunk BB West Virginia and CL Honolulu and damage 2 destroyers

KB will slowly sail north east trying to be in range of BB Maryland tommarow

Weather is against me, only 50% of bomber fly today.

PM invasion

Troops have landed today
I have lost 1000 soldiers on beach. I have lost two xAKL one more will sunk in hours.
CL and DD suffer minor damages. But nothing danger to them.
I have now 900AV versus 340AV of allies. Invasion fleet will break and slowly sail to Rabul.

Summary of first 4 days of operation
Japan ship and air losses:

Sunk:
2x xAKL

Damaged:
CVE Hosho 29/16/1/0
CL Kahsima 28/25/6/0
DD Karukaya 25/9/0/0
xAKL 53/16/17/68

Planes
4 Fighters, 7 bombers

Allied ship and air losses:
Sunk:
BB West Virginia
CL Honolulu
CL Caledon
CL Adelaide

Damaged
BB Maryland, Bomb hits 23, Torpedo hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Phelps, Bomb hits 1
DD Selfridge, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DD Farragut, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires
DD Schley, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage

Planes
14 fighter, 10 bombers, 10 planes

[koniu]

I now thinking what to do with CA`s in Cairns base. Intel showing 2xCA 2xDD and 6 more ships.
Docup probably will have havy CAP over port, and i do not think that risking lives of KB pilots is worth of two CA`s. I will need those pilots later to sunk allied CV.

KB have only fuel to reach PM so after tomorrow they will sail there to refuel and rearm torps. MKB will support retreat of invasion fleet from PM. When fleet will be safe he will sail south and take position south east of Townswille behind range of allied patrols.

If Docup will try to evacuate those CA`s south there will be big chance that they are going to be spotted and attack by MKB planes.

PM battle is still active but i imagine how big panic we would see in real world in public opinion of Oz and US.
It was bad week for allies.
Batann fall, probably 2 BB are gone. 3CL`s and few DD sunk. Japanese troops in PM.
Bad week for allies

[Saros]

Just park offshore one turn at 7 hexes and send in the majority of your zeroes in on a high sweep mission. Should clear out lots of his CAP and if it goes your way you can send the bombers in the next day or catch his CA's when they try to run.
Alternatively set the bombers for a well escorted afternoon attack and send half your fighters to sweep in the morning.

[koniu]

ORIGINAL: Saros

Just park offshore one turn at 7 hexes and send in the majority of your zeroes in on a high sweep mission. Should clear out lots of his CAP and if it goes your way you can send the bombers in the next day or catch his CA's when they try to run.
Alternatively set the bombers for a well escorted afternoon attack and send half your fighters to sweep in the morning.

I will decide when i run next turn.
I at work right now so need to wait 4 more hours.
I was thinking also about combining attack of KB and MKB. 200 zeros sweep should be good for that mission.
Biggest problem is fuel of KB. I think i will fix it by marge KB with 3 BB to adjust fuel from them.

Nearest full is in Rabul. I have there 50k. and 120K in Truk.
AO`s are at lest 6 days from Truk with 120k of fuel so they will not make on time

[koniu]

6 MAR 42

KB found and sunk 2 DD`s. He not found BB Maryland in area. I think Maryland sunk
SS have spotted another BB near Noumea but i will not try to hunt it.
Old BB`s are not worth of risking KB and info is not confirmed

KB will sail north west trying to find CA`s. KB is now without SAG TF support (SAG is sailing to Rabul to refuel)

Second day of landing in PM. I have 15k supply now .
BB` bombard PM kilning 300 man and destroying one bomber on AF.
Land troops have attack. I lost 3,5k man, allies 500 [:(] Adds where 1:1
Good new i have reduced fort to 1.
For few days i will rest. Bombers will keep AF damaged to stop allies from building fortifications

Enemy forces 10k man 260AV, Japanese troops 22k 640AV+200AV disabled
I have lost 2 more xAKLs. All ships will sail to Rabul tomorrow under MKB umbrella

SS near Sydney sunk xAK

In last KB attack only 70 bomber fly. It is third day when i see only 40-50% of planes in air. I have checked all squads. they have good seating and commanders are good with high aggressiveness. I understand that they fly in small number today. only 2xDD to attack but in attack vs BB they should use everything. I have also notice that attack was made only by squad from 3 CV, rest do not fly in last tree days

[zuluhour]

they have good seating

I always look for this in a new car.[;)]

[koniu]

I have check my R&D program.

I am almost sure i will be able to accelerate Ki-49IIa 3 moths earlier. Helen will replace Lily bomber. I will produce Ki-21 and Ki-49. I will not shot down Ki-21 program because of engine optimization

Also i will probably accelerate A6M3a for three months. In June i will change my biggest A6M2 factory to A6M3. It will take at lest 3 month to repair all factories and will cost me so many supplies but in September i will be able to produce 100+ A6M3a.

I now building pool of A6M2 in case carrier`s will need reinforcements. I also will produce few M2 until M3a arrive.

Sad new about Tojo no chance to accelerate them.

KB&MKB

In first opportunity i will rebuild structure of them.

Two CVE will sail to HI. CVE Hosho need repairs second is to slow. I will use fighter squadron from them and replace them with Val`s from KB. I think i will need few extra fighters in KB.

So i will have 3 CV divisions

KB
6xCV

MKB1
1xCV
1xCVL

MKB2
2CVL
1CVE(after repairs)

MKB1 and 2 will operate in DEI and support small risk operations in Pacific and KB will spread death in Pacific

In 5 days allies will have 5 big CV so it will make 7 to 5.In 35 days i will have another CV making 8 big one in Japan side.

I have not seen allied CV since December. I have some intel in February about CV in Christmas Island but nothing trustworthy.

Later i thinking to build two 4xCV TF`s and try to find Allied fleet. May should be nice time to carrier battle[:D]


Q: Do i need 10K supplies in base to repair R&D factory?

[koniu]

ORIGINAL: zuluhour

they have good seating

I always look for this in a new car.[;)]

I will have long talk with Firefox dictionary

[koniu]

7 MAR 42

PM invasion.
Fleet is sailing home. I have forgot to give order to leave PM to one cargo TF. and they have small fire fight with CD guns. Two xAKLs sunk two more damaged.
MKB will waitt for them to give air support.
Allied SS south of PM sunk my xAK with small unit on board. it coast me 300 man and 2PP to rebuy unit
Second time my SS rapport BB in Noumea hex.

Sea part is ending, now time to capture PM. I will give my units few days of rest and attack


Java invasion
Troops start to load on ships in few days i will land

Philippines
Troops marching to manila. They are taking reinforcements fast. Manila is very good for that.
Firs mine sweepers will arrive tomorrow. Lots of mines to clear.


China.
Lots of bombings and sweeps on my side. Allies bomb HK port but he was empty.
Battle in north china. Chinese defending wooden hex. I have 3:1 advantage in numbers but terrain is against me. I have los 3k man allies 500.

Burma.
Allies have bomb AF and ports in north Indochina. almost no damage.
When i land in Java and capture Batavia i will move some units from there and start Burma operation.


I think i have made few strategic mistakes in war. One of them is being to slow in Burma.
Second is leaving Wake in allied hands.

From last days a have heavy radio volume from Adak. Ships in port reported. Patrol base, SS base? We will see
I think i will wist them soon.

[koniu]

8-9 MAR 42

KB&MKB 6 hex east of Cairns. They have orders to attack allied fleet there.But they where one day to late. Allied SAG sail north and bombard PM.(Allied SAG 2xCA, CL, 6xDD)
Docup now know where i am so probably he will run with his forces to Darwin. All carriers will sail to Rabul and from there to Truk they will join there with CV Junyo.
I will not pursue them he have 12 hexes of advantage and all his ships are 30+ knots capable

PB south of Gilbert Islands found Allied CV TF - Saratoga, Lexington 3xCA, CL, 6xDD.
I think Yorktown and Enterprise are close to. He probably using 2xCV TFs to avoid coordination problems. He is doing something there. I think he can building base.

Troops in Singer still loading. One day and they will sail toward Java.

Docup start to sweep my bases in north Indochina and Kendari
We both lost around 40 planes in two days.


I have deliberate PM today. Fort reduced to zero. I have now 560AV, allies forces 200. I will attack tomorrow. I have not decided deliberate or shock?

[PaxMondo]

I'll watch your choice.  I would shock to ensure my odds of victory if I think I can win.  But, don't let that influence your choice ... do want to see the results either way ...
 
 

[koniu]

ORIGINAL: PaxMondo

I'll watch your choice.  I would shock to ensure my odds of victory if I think I can win.  But, don't let that influence your choice ... do want to see the results either way ...

I have send turn 1h ago.
PM troops will shock. Last day i have second time 1:1 and i was deliberate and fort was 1.
Now with fort 0 I can have 2:1 or if dice will be lucky 3:1. I hope.

PS. After my patrols confirmed allied CV`s presence i thinking about to give visit to Gilbert islands. I am star to make plan.

I will need to rearm BB and CA in Truk. AO TF is 4 days from Truk. CV Junyo will arrive in 4 days. I should be reedy on 7 days.

I will use all my carriers except CVEs. I will replace 2 or 3 Val squadrons with fighters. This will give me 50 extra fighters in TF. Carriers will be split to 4 TF in singe hex to minimize coordination problem. Support will be given by BB TF`s and few forward guard TF(probably PB).

[koniu]

10 MAR 42

PM not taken. Bad dice roll. adds 1:2 I have lost 1200 man, allies 900 man.
Enemy forces reduced to 160AV , my force 520AV. I will rest one or two days.

KB still six hexes from Cairns. Patrols have spotted CA Louisville in hex.
It is starting to be PITA. Only 40 Val`s and 13 Kate`s supported by 40 zeros launch to attack. They score 4x250kg bomb hits. All penetrate armor. After fourth hit pilots rapport heavy internal explosion and also one was "severe damage"

-CA Louisville, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
When replay end no sing of CA in hex or port

Escort do good job, none of bombers were shot down but i have lost 17 zeros[:@]
All plane start from CVL`s or CVE`s. I do not know why but KB pilots do not whant to fly
10 pilots MIA, 12 KIA

I saw in night move phase CA TF from PM sailing to Darwin

Combat raport for PaxMondo

Ground combat at Port Moresby (98,130)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 21435 troops, 268 guns, 70 vehicles, Assault Value = 571

Defending force 8737 troops, 195 guns, 48 vehicles, Assault Value = 197

Japanese adjusted assault: 296

Allied adjusted defense: 315

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2 (fort level 0)

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), preparation(-)
Attacker: shock(+)

Japanese ground losses:
1138 casualties reported
Squads: 74 destroyed, 61 disabled
Non Combat: 3 destroyed, 52 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 8 disabled
Guns lost 34 (28 destroyed, 6 disabled)
Vehicles lost 3 (2 destroyed, 1 disabled)


Allied ground losses:
910 casualties reported
Squads: 59 destroyed, 37 disabled
Non Combat: 29 destroyed, 14 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Units destroyed 1

[koniu]

11 MAR 42

Quiet turn.
Few bombings. No plane lost for both sides.
Bataan cleared from mines. Now i will clear Manila.

Java invasion on sea

Units in PM will rest for one more day

EDIT:
5 Subs is patrolling Gilbert's now. 3 more will arrive in days.
Planes have spotted cargo TF.

[koniu]

12 MAR 42

Bombings in Burma, Java, China.
No enemy air contacts.

Java invasion fleet was detected two days from target.

KB and MKB in Rabul hex.
Docup lay mines in Rabul tomorrow my DMS`s will clear them.

SS put torpedo in xAK in Rabul hex. xAK anchored save in port with minor damage.
Escort attack and score 8 hits to SS - reported as sunk.

[koniu]

13 MAR 42

Quiet day.

Two things worth of notice.
During AF bombardment in Akyab my uncoordinated bombers ware caught by RAF training squadron
Sad thing is that attack was predicted by two A6M`s sweeps and they found nothing. 21 Ki-21 bombers lost. I is third time when my bombers are coughs like that. I have lost 50 bombers like that

Shock attack in Rabul. No success

Java invasion one day to target.
KB and MKB one day from Truk. Allied patrol planes spotted in Gilbert Islands