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)
Good info. I had heard that the new supply draw rules made things tough on the Allies in NW Oz, but it's good to know that impossible is a better description. Given that info, we'll presumably hold Daly to Darwin until the enemy endangers the position from the sea, at which time we'll withdraw to the second line centered on Timor.
RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A)
Thrn again Micheal could change something in the meantime ...[8D]
"What gets us into trouble is not what we don't know. It's what we know for sure that just ain't so"
RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A)
Well, sure, Crackaces, he could change it, but I sincerely hope he does not. The current incarnation of WitPAE makes it very difficult to launch major offenses out of N. Australia without control of the sea north of the northern coast. While I have never read specific studies on it, I have read numerous times in other histories of the Pacific War that the Allies rejected this route due to logistic considerations. Without full rail connections, it simply was impractical, if not impossible, to build up the supply needed for offensive action out of Darwin or the other small ports along the coastline. It has always bothered me that Allied players commonly used that route to invade the DEI.
It is one thing to launch a sea borne/CV supported invasion from Perth as it is plausible that adequate supply could have been built up there IRL. However, this is rarely seen in the AARs I have read because the Allies use the much more efficient Darwin to Timor route with LBA out of Darwin and other bases in that area. Never mind that it was a very unlikely route given the logistic shortcomings of northern Oz.
If someone knows otherwise or has access to an Allied study showing otherwise, I would appreciate the title.
It is one thing to launch a sea borne/CV supported invasion from Perth as it is plausible that adequate supply could have been built up there IRL. However, this is rarely seen in the AARs I have read because the Allies use the much more efficient Darwin to Timor route with LBA out of Darwin and other bases in that area. Never mind that it was a very unlikely route given the logistic shortcomings of northern Oz.
If someone knows otherwise or has access to an Allied study showing otherwise, I would appreciate the title.
RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A)
ORIGINAL: princep01
Well, sure, Crackaces, he could change it, but I sincerely hope he does not. The current incarnation of WitPAE makes it very difficult to launch major offenses out of N. Australia without control of the sea north of the northern coast. While I have never read specific studies on it, I have read numerous times in other histories of the Pacific War that the Allies rejected this route due to logistic considerations. Without full rail connections, it simply was impractical, if not impossible, to build up the supply needed for offensive action out of Darwin or the other small ports along the coastline. It has always bothered me that Allied players commonly used that route to invade the DEI.
It is one thing to launch a sea borne/CV supported invasion from Perth as it is plausible that adequate supply could have been built up there IRL. However, this is rarely seen in the AARs I have read because the Allies use the much more efficient Darwin to Timor route with LBA out of Darwin and other bases in that area. Never mind that it was a very unlikely route given the logistic shortcomings of northern Oz.
If someone knows otherwise or has access to an Allied study showing otherwise, I would appreciate the title.
Well yes, this is 100% accurate and as it should be. However, what is good for the goose should be good for the gander. I never see JFBs complaining about how hard it is to take Northern Oz. Oh, wait a minute, that is because it is not hard. [:D] It is amazingly easy. My opponent landed 200k men at Wyndham, a level 0 port at the time and then marched them over 400 miles of what is essentially rough dirt track to outflank and take Darwin from the rear. Quite frankly without trucks this just would never have been possible. So we have this total JFB fantasy scenario where the sky is the limit but have strict restrictions on the Allies ability to react. Point is, taking Darwin and fighting in Northern OZ should be very difficult for both sides. It is not that way now-only for one side. I got no problem with Japan seizing costal bases, but marching inland. Come on, we are talking about a national army that basically was 95% foot bound and I would get thirsty just flying over Northern OZ.....
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)
crsutton, I have to agree with you on your point. However, it is conceivable that the Japanese could have taken the northern Oz coastline. They considered it, but the IJA refused to go. However, taking the coastline would have been about the limit and only feasible because they controlled the sea leading to it. Building up sufficient supply to move inland in significant/offensive numbers would have been about impossible for them too. So, I do agree that the IJ player has a "free pass" card here for moving supply inland without the infrastructure to land it, much less move it hundreds of miles over fairly arid and forbidding terrain.
RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A)
JFB that I am, I have to agree with you both.
I'm a few days behind on updates again thanks to that accursed "job" thing. I have a 3 day weekend coming and will catch up soon.
I'm a few days behind on updates again thanks to that accursed "job" thing. I have a 3 day weekend coming and will catch up soon.
-
Panther Bait
- Posts: 654
- Joined: Wed Aug 30, 2006 8:59 pm
RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A)
The difference between the Allies and the Japanese in fighting in Northern Oz is typically that the Japanese control the sea approaches and can resupply at will bases a few hundred miles in the rear. If the Allies are trying to fight their way north supplied out of southern OZ, their supply lines are measured in the 1000's of miles from Sydney/Perth/Adelaide(?). That's what makes it hard for the Allies. If the Allies gain control of the seas around Timor/Java, and the Japanese are still in Northern Oz, the Allies can do the same exact things as the Japanese can do early war.
Mike
Mike
When you shoot at a destroyer and miss, it's like hit'in a wildcat in the ass with a banjo.
Nathan Dogan, USS Gurnard
Nathan Dogan, USS Gurnard
RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A)
August 22, 1942
Today is Texas Independence Day! All hail the great nation! The holiday lets me catch up the AAR.
Reporting change: The fall of Bataan ends the expansionary phase of the game. We are re-organizing and will report AOs a little differently. As mentioned, 14th Army is now subordinated to SE Fleet and will no longer be reported separately.
In addition, we will now generally report on the Soutern Army AO. Southern Army is laid out as follows: 25th Army is put in charge of defending Malaya, Sumatra, Java and Borneo. 16th Army will defend the archipelago east of Java, Celebes and the Moluccas. Newly stood up 2nd Army will base at Darwin and hold NW Oz.
Subs
Lots of action near Sydney. I-15 torpedoes BB North Carolina near the eastern entrance to the Bass Strait! Banzai! The hit doesn't appear too severe, but any major flotation damage to a BB can take a long time to repair. Of greater interest is that this move appears to confirm that CF is moving his CVs and battle line West.
I-8 finally succumbs to her depth charging and shelling by DDs near Brisbane.
4th Fleet
No change.
SE Fleet
No change (we will report enemy fleet movements near Sydney under Combined Fleet below).
Southern Army
Batoe eilanden is occupied, Tambelan eilanden is invaded.
3 DMS sweep mines at Bataan, which will allow rapid loading of 14th Army, 18th Division and 56th Division for the front. These forces are desperately needed to bolster the perimeter; Cribtop HQ projects they will arrive at their staging areas in about 10 days.
15th Army
Night bombers hit Ledo's airfield, destroying 1 C-47 and damaging 6. In addition to hitting this end of the supply conduit, we plan to steal a page from jrcar's game and build up the dot base north of Hanoi for use LRCAPing the Chinese recipient bases.
China
Kweiyang goes to a level 4 airfield - music to our ears as that burns supply.
The IJAAF pastes Changsha's airfield for 8 supply and 106 runway hits. Every so often we will do this to keep airfield damage above 0, retard fort construction and kill supply.
Combined Fleet
Alert! Multiple enemy task forces are spotted by subs and Glens departing Sydney and entering the Bass Strait on a westerly course, including BB SCTFs and CVTFs. It strongly appears that the whole enchilada is headed that way. Combined with two "heavy volume" messages at Perth, the possibility that CF will make a play at NW Oz or the Timor/Java area increases. His possible destinations are Perth, India or Cape Town. We will keep watch with subs, picket ships and air search.
Is a USN upgrade cycle due? He could be heading to Cape Town for that. Obviously, CF could double back (he certainly knows we saw him at Sydney with our Glens), but we will detail a few subs (near Hobart, Sydney, Brisbane and New Zealand) to watch for this. However, it seems that for now he wants to play on the left half of the map.
Combined Fleet will shift from Truk to Babeldaob as a result. The Baker Op is still on for now, however. So long as we have a good idea where the enemy CVs are, we can proceed.
Today is Texas Independence Day! All hail the great nation! The holiday lets me catch up the AAR.
Reporting change: The fall of Bataan ends the expansionary phase of the game. We are re-organizing and will report AOs a little differently. As mentioned, 14th Army is now subordinated to SE Fleet and will no longer be reported separately.
In addition, we will now generally report on the Soutern Army AO. Southern Army is laid out as follows: 25th Army is put in charge of defending Malaya, Sumatra, Java and Borneo. 16th Army will defend the archipelago east of Java, Celebes and the Moluccas. Newly stood up 2nd Army will base at Darwin and hold NW Oz.
Subs
Lots of action near Sydney. I-15 torpedoes BB North Carolina near the eastern entrance to the Bass Strait! Banzai! The hit doesn't appear too severe, but any major flotation damage to a BB can take a long time to repair. Of greater interest is that this move appears to confirm that CF is moving his CVs and battle line West.
I-8 finally succumbs to her depth charging and shelling by DDs near Brisbane.
4th Fleet
No change.
SE Fleet
No change (we will report enemy fleet movements near Sydney under Combined Fleet below).
Southern Army
Batoe eilanden is occupied, Tambelan eilanden is invaded.
3 DMS sweep mines at Bataan, which will allow rapid loading of 14th Army, 18th Division and 56th Division for the front. These forces are desperately needed to bolster the perimeter; Cribtop HQ projects they will arrive at their staging areas in about 10 days.
15th Army
Night bombers hit Ledo's airfield, destroying 1 C-47 and damaging 6. In addition to hitting this end of the supply conduit, we plan to steal a page from jrcar's game and build up the dot base north of Hanoi for use LRCAPing the Chinese recipient bases.
China
Kweiyang goes to a level 4 airfield - music to our ears as that burns supply.
The IJAAF pastes Changsha's airfield for 8 supply and 106 runway hits. Every so often we will do this to keep airfield damage above 0, retard fort construction and kill supply.
Combined Fleet
Alert! Multiple enemy task forces are spotted by subs and Glens departing Sydney and entering the Bass Strait on a westerly course, including BB SCTFs and CVTFs. It strongly appears that the whole enchilada is headed that way. Combined with two "heavy volume" messages at Perth, the possibility that CF will make a play at NW Oz or the Timor/Java area increases. His possible destinations are Perth, India or Cape Town. We will keep watch with subs, picket ships and air search.
Is a USN upgrade cycle due? He could be heading to Cape Town for that. Obviously, CF could double back (he certainly knows we saw him at Sydney with our Glens), but we will detail a few subs (near Hobart, Sydney, Brisbane and New Zealand) to watch for this. However, it seems that for now he wants to play on the left half of the map.
Combined Fleet will shift from Truk to Babeldaob as a result. The Baker Op is still on for now, however. So long as we have a good idea where the enemy CVs are, we can proceed.
RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A)
August 23, 1942
Subs
Gato duds on an SC in an ASW TF near Toyohara. Salmon duds on an xAKL SE of Truk.
We are chasing the enemy fleet near the Bass Strait but no direct contacts today. They will outpace our subs but we hope to maintain contact and confirm the western move. The mini sub that was going to Sydney diverts to Perth, while 2 sub minelayers at Singers load up for Perth as well.
4th Fleet
No change.
SE Fleet
Merauke makes level 4 airfield. We also pay PPs to create the CD gun equipped special base force there (the units have been in place for a while, but now the situation seems to require the relatively minor expenditure). We are pleased that the total AS for the new unit is over 100. Nice. Merauke is a cornerstone to the defense of the boundary between SE Fleet and Southern Army AOs.
Southern Army
Tambelan eilanden occupied.
Sabang makes level 3 airfield, Taberfane level 2. Cocos Islands go to level 3 forts.
We create another special base force at Port Hedland to prepare for any move in this direction. 4 X 8 cm CD guns and 120ish AS helps a lot.
15th Army
Hurricanes sweep Mandalay in great numbers today, then 48 Blenheims bomb the base. We lose a 2 Sallys in the night bombing unit but otherwise damage is nominal. Our 2 AA units don't account for much.
The raid is uncontested in the air. We had pulled out most of our planes as we anticipated this given the heavy recon of late and the destruction of C-47s. Thinking is that the Oscars can't handle the Hurris when the Oscars are sweeping, much less when the Oscars are CAP. Mr. Tojo arrives very soon (R&D didn't advance them, but I've heard this is not possible in Scenario 1 for some reason) and we will fight with a vengeance then.
China
We are moving to fully isolate Pingsiang and bringing down a few fresh divisions. Until then a short lull has descended here. There is some evidence that CF is reinforcing a new MLR running Changteh - Chikiang - Tuyun, but force levels in Tuyun and Kweiyang are still light. Changsha is an outpost of this line with an LoC. Pingsiang and the enemy forces trapped outside Loyang are isolated outposts.
Combined Fleet
The last two turns are the first in forever without any combat animations. At a minimum you could count on the bombardment attacks at Clark Field. One way or the other, this is the calm before the storm. We plan further attacks in China, and either CF will try something very soon or we will. Cribtop HQ is contemplating some sort of aggressive move in either SE Fleet (Luganville or Noumea) or off SW Oz. We are unlikely to commit Combined Fleet that far south (too far from bases, no LBA support, cripples can't get home, etc), but are actively planning an ambush if CF is coming for the Timor area in the near term.
Subs
Gato duds on an SC in an ASW TF near Toyohara. Salmon duds on an xAKL SE of Truk.
We are chasing the enemy fleet near the Bass Strait but no direct contacts today. They will outpace our subs but we hope to maintain contact and confirm the western move. The mini sub that was going to Sydney diverts to Perth, while 2 sub minelayers at Singers load up for Perth as well.
4th Fleet
No change.
SE Fleet
Merauke makes level 4 airfield. We also pay PPs to create the CD gun equipped special base force there (the units have been in place for a while, but now the situation seems to require the relatively minor expenditure). We are pleased that the total AS for the new unit is over 100. Nice. Merauke is a cornerstone to the defense of the boundary between SE Fleet and Southern Army AOs.
Southern Army
Tambelan eilanden occupied.
Sabang makes level 3 airfield, Taberfane level 2. Cocos Islands go to level 3 forts.
We create another special base force at Port Hedland to prepare for any move in this direction. 4 X 8 cm CD guns and 120ish AS helps a lot.
15th Army
Hurricanes sweep Mandalay in great numbers today, then 48 Blenheims bomb the base. We lose a 2 Sallys in the night bombing unit but otherwise damage is nominal. Our 2 AA units don't account for much.
The raid is uncontested in the air. We had pulled out most of our planes as we anticipated this given the heavy recon of late and the destruction of C-47s. Thinking is that the Oscars can't handle the Hurris when the Oscars are sweeping, much less when the Oscars are CAP. Mr. Tojo arrives very soon (R&D didn't advance them, but I've heard this is not possible in Scenario 1 for some reason) and we will fight with a vengeance then.
China
We are moving to fully isolate Pingsiang and bringing down a few fresh divisions. Until then a short lull has descended here. There is some evidence that CF is reinforcing a new MLR running Changteh - Chikiang - Tuyun, but force levels in Tuyun and Kweiyang are still light. Changsha is an outpost of this line with an LoC. Pingsiang and the enemy forces trapped outside Loyang are isolated outposts.
Combined Fleet
The last two turns are the first in forever without any combat animations. At a minimum you could count on the bombardment attacks at Clark Field. One way or the other, this is the calm before the storm. We plan further attacks in China, and either CF will try something very soon or we will. Cribtop HQ is contemplating some sort of aggressive move in either SE Fleet (Luganville or Noumea) or off SW Oz. We are unlikely to commit Combined Fleet that far south (too far from bases, no LBA support, cripples can't get home, etc), but are actively planning an ambush if CF is coming for the Timor area in the near term.
RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A)
August 24, 1942
Subs
I-5 misses a DD escorting a big SCTF 1 hex from King Island at the western opening of the Bass Strait containing BB North Carolina and 3 CAs. Numerous Glen contacts indicate that the enemy fleet is still headed West. While still watching for a double back, it appears we know the enemy's direction, if not his intentions.
4th Fleet
No change.
SE Fleet
No change.
Southern Army
Bad weather over Tennant Creek keeps the 4E monsters away, a nice break for our tanks. Supplies are being flown in and are in the white, and DIS from enemy bombing is dropping. Still, we can't hold here for long if CF makes a concerted effort. Helens from Darwin bomb the lone enemy LCU approaching Tennant, which broke off from the stack near Daly. It's the 754th Tank Battalion. We won't run away from just one LCU.
Sinabang invaded. Only a few more bases left to DBCL. A base force and a 20 plane Jake unit will move in here.
15th Army
No change as the enemy aircraft stay home and storms abound.
China
Recon shows more evidence of new enemy LCUs at Tuyun and Kweiyang, but numbers of troops and guns are still low. CF is basing the KMT air force here, so at least some of the new arrivals must be base forces. We'll destroy the Chinese air force soon, but for now are focused on pounding the enemy outposts left in the south in preparation for attacks there.
Combined Fleet
We consider our options and decide to sortie for Babel. If evidence of a move on the Timor area continues to mount, Combined Fleet and Indes Fleet will join the Timor Sea Squadron at Kendari, but that's a ways off.
Subs
I-5 misses a DD escorting a big SCTF 1 hex from King Island at the western opening of the Bass Strait containing BB North Carolina and 3 CAs. Numerous Glen contacts indicate that the enemy fleet is still headed West. While still watching for a double back, it appears we know the enemy's direction, if not his intentions.
4th Fleet
No change.
SE Fleet
No change.
Southern Army
Bad weather over Tennant Creek keeps the 4E monsters away, a nice break for our tanks. Supplies are being flown in and are in the white, and DIS from enemy bombing is dropping. Still, we can't hold here for long if CF makes a concerted effort. Helens from Darwin bomb the lone enemy LCU approaching Tennant, which broke off from the stack near Daly. It's the 754th Tank Battalion. We won't run away from just one LCU.
Sinabang invaded. Only a few more bases left to DBCL. A base force and a 20 plane Jake unit will move in here.
15th Army
No change as the enemy aircraft stay home and storms abound.
China
Recon shows more evidence of new enemy LCUs at Tuyun and Kweiyang, but numbers of troops and guns are still low. CF is basing the KMT air force here, so at least some of the new arrivals must be base forces. We'll destroy the Chinese air force soon, but for now are focused on pounding the enemy outposts left in the south in preparation for attacks there.
Combined Fleet
We consider our options and decide to sortie for Babel. If evidence of a move on the Timor area continues to mount, Combined Fleet and Indes Fleet will join the Timor Sea Squadron at Kendari, but that's a ways off.
RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A)
August 25, 1942
Subs
Searaven duds on a DMS in an ASW TF near Singers. We are disappointed that return fire by DC is ineffective since in shallow waters we had a chance to do some real damage. Still, the discovery of a USN sub on this station proves that we really did ding the Tennant some days back.
4th Fleet
Subs needed for the attack on Baker Island arrive at Kwaj to re-fuel. AMCs with float planes will arrive from Japan in a few days. Then the screening forces will launch from Kwaj while the invasion, bombardment and surface cover forces simultaneously depart from Truk.
SE Fleet
No change.
Southern Army
Today the weather allows 41 B-17s, escorted by about 7 Kittyhawks, to bomb our troops at Tennant Creek. Only 4 Nicks are present on LRCAP unfortunately, but they give a good account, shooting down two Kittyhawks and damaging several bombers. One Nick is lost, unfortunately.
Sinabang is occupied.
15th Army
We fly the 1st Raiding Regiment into Bhamo. This is a temporary expedient to prevent a move by enemy paras here. It reminds me of the quote by an Italian officer concerning use of the Folgore paratroop division to man the fortifications at El Alamein: "It was like using champagne to clean the floor." In a few weeks we'll have some garrison troops more suited to this assignment, but this is a hole that needs covering now.
China
Siangtan hits level 3 forts. Recon spots enemy troops with a move arrow NW out of Anking. Probably an effort to reinforce the mountain hex south of Tienshui. We have a fresh division approaching to bolster the defenses are aren't too concerned.
Combined Fleet
The fleet sorties for Babel without incident, preceded by a dedicated ASW TF.
Subs
Searaven duds on a DMS in an ASW TF near Singers. We are disappointed that return fire by DC is ineffective since in shallow waters we had a chance to do some real damage. Still, the discovery of a USN sub on this station proves that we really did ding the Tennant some days back.
4th Fleet
Subs needed for the attack on Baker Island arrive at Kwaj to re-fuel. AMCs with float planes will arrive from Japan in a few days. Then the screening forces will launch from Kwaj while the invasion, bombardment and surface cover forces simultaneously depart from Truk.
SE Fleet
No change.
Southern Army
Today the weather allows 41 B-17s, escorted by about 7 Kittyhawks, to bomb our troops at Tennant Creek. Only 4 Nicks are present on LRCAP unfortunately, but they give a good account, shooting down two Kittyhawks and damaging several bombers. One Nick is lost, unfortunately.
Sinabang is occupied.
15th Army
We fly the 1st Raiding Regiment into Bhamo. This is a temporary expedient to prevent a move by enemy paras here. It reminds me of the quote by an Italian officer concerning use of the Folgore paratroop division to man the fortifications at El Alamein: "It was like using champagne to clean the floor." In a few weeks we'll have some garrison troops more suited to this assignment, but this is a hole that needs covering now.
China
Siangtan hits level 3 forts. Recon spots enemy troops with a move arrow NW out of Anking. Probably an effort to reinforce the mountain hex south of Tienshui. We have a fresh division approaching to bolster the defenses are aren't too concerned.
Combined Fleet
The fleet sorties for Babel without incident, preceded by a dedicated ASW TF.
RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A)
August 26, 1942
A quiet day.
Subs
No sign of the enemy fleet in the Great Australian Bight. Given the presence of 3 Glen subs near Hobart, this is pretty definitive evidence they continued on toward Perth. We have two I-boats to the West, one off Perth and the other off the SW corner of Oz, waiting to try to spot them again. Many I-boats are pursuing, hoping to set up a "siege" at Perth similar to the one at Sydney. All this intel on the enemy fleet is golden.
We have another Glen boat moving toward the western map edge, hoping for a lucky spot if the enemy is bound for the edge and presumably Cape Town.
4th Fleet
Bettys from TB hit Baker, confirming that the only garrison is still the 1st Marine Raiders. As a bonus, the raid gets some good hits on the enemy.
Kwajelein makes a level 5 port, a long term project finally completed. This will allow close support of fleet ops if things heat up here.
SE Fleet
Significant reinforcements (2 SNLF, 2 Raiding regiments) arrive at Truk.
Southern Army
No sign of the enemy air force over Tennant Creek.
Loading of the units at Bataan is almost complete. In addition, the first of two big one time resource convoys begins to load excess resources at Manila. By good chance, the port is at 6.99% and should hit level 7 very soon.
15th Army
Enemy float planes overfly Port Blair on nav search again today. We will put up some high Zero CAP to deter this.
China
We are in position to start closing off one of the two remaining enemy controlled hex sides at Pingsiang. The final hexside will be closed off by an armored car unit that will be in position tomorrow. The assault should begin in about 1 week (we are awaiting two new divisions).
Combined Fleet
The fleet is approaching Babel. We won't move further absent more evidence of enemy intentions, but should be in position to react in time. To assist with this, 3 PBs will take up station off the NW corner of Oz today and tomorrow.
A quiet day.
Subs
No sign of the enemy fleet in the Great Australian Bight. Given the presence of 3 Glen subs near Hobart, this is pretty definitive evidence they continued on toward Perth. We have two I-boats to the West, one off Perth and the other off the SW corner of Oz, waiting to try to spot them again. Many I-boats are pursuing, hoping to set up a "siege" at Perth similar to the one at Sydney. All this intel on the enemy fleet is golden.
We have another Glen boat moving toward the western map edge, hoping for a lucky spot if the enemy is bound for the edge and presumably Cape Town.
4th Fleet
Bettys from TB hit Baker, confirming that the only garrison is still the 1st Marine Raiders. As a bonus, the raid gets some good hits on the enemy.
Kwajelein makes a level 5 port, a long term project finally completed. This will allow close support of fleet ops if things heat up here.
SE Fleet
Significant reinforcements (2 SNLF, 2 Raiding regiments) arrive at Truk.
Southern Army
No sign of the enemy air force over Tennant Creek.
Loading of the units at Bataan is almost complete. In addition, the first of two big one time resource convoys begins to load excess resources at Manila. By good chance, the port is at 6.99% and should hit level 7 very soon.
15th Army
Enemy float planes overfly Port Blair on nav search again today. We will put up some high Zero CAP to deter this.
China
We are in position to start closing off one of the two remaining enemy controlled hex sides at Pingsiang. The final hexside will be closed off by an armored car unit that will be in position tomorrow. The assault should begin in about 1 week (we are awaiting two new divisions).
Combined Fleet
The fleet is approaching Babel. We won't move further absent more evidence of enemy intentions, but should be in position to react in time. To assist with this, 3 PBs will take up station off the NW corner of Oz today and tomorrow.
RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A)
August 27, 1942
Subs
An annoyingly good day for Allied subs.
First, a lone PB transferring to Soerabaja to serve in the picket line engages K VII unsuccessfully near Manado. Then K IX sinks an xAKL containing part of a base force bound for Sinabang in the Sunda Strait. Lifeboats in the TF reduce the loss of life, fortunately. Then Growler torps an xAK in a regular supply convoy bound for Hankow. The ship is alive but in bad shape. She is 1 hex south of some of the islands off Kyushu and will try to make one for emergency repairs. Finally, Gar duds on an ASW TF near Toyohara (again).
Our own subs see no sign of the enemy TFs south of Oz. Perhaps this means they are heading for the map edge? We have the approaches to Perth, the Bight and the "double back" routes pretty well covered.
4th Fleet
No change.
SE Fleet
Woleai makes level 3 forts as our "inner perimeter" program begins.
Southern Army
Our picket line off NW Oz is starting to take shape.
Manila makes level 7 port.
15th Army
A quiet day due to bad weather. We will soon recommence night bombing at Ledo.
China
Both sides still shifting troops. We have 2 regiments, a tank regiment, and a division marching to stiffen our 23rd Army's defenses, which currently run Kweilin - Liuchow - Nanning, in case CF tries a counteroffensive on this front.
Combined Fleet
We arrive at Babel and will await recon efforts to pick up the enemy fleet again. What is CF up to? Hmmm.
Subs
An annoyingly good day for Allied subs.
First, a lone PB transferring to Soerabaja to serve in the picket line engages K VII unsuccessfully near Manado. Then K IX sinks an xAKL containing part of a base force bound for Sinabang in the Sunda Strait. Lifeboats in the TF reduce the loss of life, fortunately. Then Growler torps an xAK in a regular supply convoy bound for Hankow. The ship is alive but in bad shape. She is 1 hex south of some of the islands off Kyushu and will try to make one for emergency repairs. Finally, Gar duds on an ASW TF near Toyohara (again).
Our own subs see no sign of the enemy TFs south of Oz. Perhaps this means they are heading for the map edge? We have the approaches to Perth, the Bight and the "double back" routes pretty well covered.
4th Fleet
No change.
SE Fleet
Woleai makes level 3 forts as our "inner perimeter" program begins.
Southern Army
Our picket line off NW Oz is starting to take shape.
Manila makes level 7 port.
15th Army
A quiet day due to bad weather. We will soon recommence night bombing at Ledo.
China
Both sides still shifting troops. We have 2 regiments, a tank regiment, and a division marching to stiffen our 23rd Army's defenses, which currently run Kweilin - Liuchow - Nanning, in case CF tries a counteroffensive on this front.
Combined Fleet
We arrive at Babel and will await recon efforts to pick up the enemy fleet again. What is CF up to? Hmmm.
RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A)
August 28, 1942
Subs
No sign of the enemy fleet. It seems unlikely they slipped past our subs with no contacts to reach Perth, but we will perform some Glen recon to try to confirm. It looks ever more likely that they doubled back (in which case we will probably pick them up with Glen subs) or headed to Cape Town or India. Very interesting.
S-39 puts two torps into an xAK hauling resources from Pontianak to Singers and down she goes. We'll shift some Jakes to cover this area, but CF has clearly re-worked his sub patrols to good effect. He knows where we will be because he knows the resource and oil sites. The best solution is ASW aircraft with trained pilots, which are beginning to come online in bigger numbers.
4th Fleet
A big re-supply convoy unloads at TB.
SE Fleet
Gasmata makes level 4 airfield while Madang begins building.
Luganville hits level 6 airfield. We will perform some Glen recon here and Noumea to try to get a feel for CF's intentions.
Southern Army
A new LCU approaching Tennant Creek is revealed to be 8th Australian Division. The jig is up - there's no sense getting pounded by B-17s if that much force is coming. Our 3 tank regiments will flee East into the desert before heading back to Daly.
15th Army
Weather scrubs our attempt to return to night bombing at Ledo. Cribtop HQ orders a consideration of defenses in the event that CF's fleet movements indicate an intention to launch an offensive against Burma, Malaya or Sumatra. Cribtop Intel rates this as rather unlikely, but it doesn't hurt to think (well, sometimes it does, but mostly only while doing income taxes).
China
1 LCU has left Changsha and is now on the road between Changsha and Changteh. This is probably just an effort to secure the LoC, but it would be intriguing if it were the first move of an abandonment of the city.
We are again having the "armored movement problem" at Pingsiang, and this time there are no cute solutions. We are trying to capture the SW (map) hexside, but our armored car unit instead moves East along the major road. This bug is a real problem at a key hex, as the fall of Pingsiang will free up combat power to seize Changsha. We'll try again and also get an infantry unit on the move, but that will be slower and the delay is unfortunate.
Combined Fleet
For now we will loiter at Babel and use other assets to aggressively recon in an effort to ferret out the USN CVs. CF's recent actions and even his e-mail comments indicate that he will try something soon. We really want to guess where the blow will fall in order to be in ambush position.
Subs
No sign of the enemy fleet. It seems unlikely they slipped past our subs with no contacts to reach Perth, but we will perform some Glen recon to try to confirm. It looks ever more likely that they doubled back (in which case we will probably pick them up with Glen subs) or headed to Cape Town or India. Very interesting.
S-39 puts two torps into an xAK hauling resources from Pontianak to Singers and down she goes. We'll shift some Jakes to cover this area, but CF has clearly re-worked his sub patrols to good effect. He knows where we will be because he knows the resource and oil sites. The best solution is ASW aircraft with trained pilots, which are beginning to come online in bigger numbers.
4th Fleet
A big re-supply convoy unloads at TB.
SE Fleet
Gasmata makes level 4 airfield while Madang begins building.
Luganville hits level 6 airfield. We will perform some Glen recon here and Noumea to try to get a feel for CF's intentions.
Southern Army
A new LCU approaching Tennant Creek is revealed to be 8th Australian Division. The jig is up - there's no sense getting pounded by B-17s if that much force is coming. Our 3 tank regiments will flee East into the desert before heading back to Daly.
15th Army
Weather scrubs our attempt to return to night bombing at Ledo. Cribtop HQ orders a consideration of defenses in the event that CF's fleet movements indicate an intention to launch an offensive against Burma, Malaya or Sumatra. Cribtop Intel rates this as rather unlikely, but it doesn't hurt to think (well, sometimes it does, but mostly only while doing income taxes).
China
1 LCU has left Changsha and is now on the road between Changsha and Changteh. This is probably just an effort to secure the LoC, but it would be intriguing if it were the first move of an abandonment of the city.
We are again having the "armored movement problem" at Pingsiang, and this time there are no cute solutions. We are trying to capture the SW (map) hexside, but our armored car unit instead moves East along the major road. This bug is a real problem at a key hex, as the fall of Pingsiang will free up combat power to seize Changsha. We'll try again and also get an infantry unit on the move, but that will be slower and the delay is unfortunate.
Combined Fleet
For now we will loiter at Babel and use other assets to aggressively recon in an effort to ferret out the USN CVs. CF's recent actions and even his e-mail comments indicate that he will try something soon. We really want to guess where the blow will fall in order to be in ambush position.
RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A)
Crib, I'm too lazy to look it up in the manual, but are armored car units restricted re crossing certain types of terrain hexsides? Being wheeled units, this makes some intuitive sense. Have you tried moving across the hexside with other types of units? It could be that the restriction is limited to the ACs.
RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A)
ORIGINAL: princep01
Crib, I'm too lazy to look it up in the manual, but are armored car units restricted re crossing certain types of terrain hexsides? Being wheeled units, this makes some intuitive sense. Have you tried moving across the hexside with other types of units? It could be that the restriction is limited to the ACs.
They can cross any type of hexside that any other ground unit can cross-no limitations for any specific type of unit. They move slower in certain terrain but still move. As far as I know movement is affected by terrain not by any sort of hexside. That is a blocked hexside no matter the reason is blocked for all units.
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)
August 29, 1942
Good thought on the possibility that the armored cars couldn't cross that hexside, but I really don't think it works like that. Just a pathing issue, I suspect. I'm trying again and moving in infantry as they don't seem to suffer from the malady.
Subs
Seawolf twice duds on a DMS in an ASW TF near Singers; twice the return fire is ineffective, which is frustrating given that our DCs were actually reaching the sub due to shallow water depth. Then we are very fortunate that K VII duds on a DD escorting Tankers near Manado.
Our Glen mission to recon Perth is scrubbed by storms over the city, we'll try again tomorrow.
4th Fleet
We are putting a bunch of supply at TB. A second SNLF loads at Truk for Tarawa.
SE Fleet
Enemy recon of various bases, mostly Munda and Tulagi. Manus makes level 3 forts.
Southern Army
We put our crack Zero Hikotai on LRCAP at Tennant, mostly attempting to kill Kittyhawk escorts. The Kittys don't come out to play, however, just the bombers. Our elite pilots press home their attacks, and the result is mutually assured destruction as the A6M2s aren't as durable as the Nicks. 4 Zeros go down in exchange for 3 B-17s. Fortunately we only lose two pilots, and they were on the lesser side of the experience scale for that air group. Still, from now on we'll let the Nicks handle the monsters.
Our armor is withdrawing from Tennant to the East. Then we'll cross the desert back to Daly. Recon shows two enemy LCUs and some search aircraft at Normanton, which is interesting. Perhaps a raid on this base would be useful.
Miri and Taberfane hit level 3 airfields.
Car Nicobar is invaded by DBCL troops.
15th Army
Yet again weather stops our air raids on Ledo. It really rains a lot in Burma. [:D]
Cox's Bazaar makes airfield level 2.
China
We are marching on Pingsiang from multiple directions. A new division arrives tomorrow, two more are a few days' out. We'll try a BA once the first of these divisions arrives to determine raw AS. In the meantime, bombers are pounding enemy troops at Pinsiang, Kukong and Ankang. We're bombing Ankang to slow down the enemy stack in order to ensure IJA reinforcements get to the mountain hex first.
Combined Fleet
We are in a holding pattern until we find out the location of the enemy fleet and until recon of potential target Luganville occurs. Did CF somehow double back? The world wonders.
Good thought on the possibility that the armored cars couldn't cross that hexside, but I really don't think it works like that. Just a pathing issue, I suspect. I'm trying again and moving in infantry as they don't seem to suffer from the malady.
Subs
Seawolf twice duds on a DMS in an ASW TF near Singers; twice the return fire is ineffective, which is frustrating given that our DCs were actually reaching the sub due to shallow water depth. Then we are very fortunate that K VII duds on a DD escorting Tankers near Manado.
Our Glen mission to recon Perth is scrubbed by storms over the city, we'll try again tomorrow.
4th Fleet
We are putting a bunch of supply at TB. A second SNLF loads at Truk for Tarawa.
SE Fleet
Enemy recon of various bases, mostly Munda and Tulagi. Manus makes level 3 forts.
Southern Army
We put our crack Zero Hikotai on LRCAP at Tennant, mostly attempting to kill Kittyhawk escorts. The Kittys don't come out to play, however, just the bombers. Our elite pilots press home their attacks, and the result is mutually assured destruction as the A6M2s aren't as durable as the Nicks. 4 Zeros go down in exchange for 3 B-17s. Fortunately we only lose two pilots, and they were on the lesser side of the experience scale for that air group. Still, from now on we'll let the Nicks handle the monsters.
Our armor is withdrawing from Tennant to the East. Then we'll cross the desert back to Daly. Recon shows two enemy LCUs and some search aircraft at Normanton, which is interesting. Perhaps a raid on this base would be useful.
Miri and Taberfane hit level 3 airfields.
Car Nicobar is invaded by DBCL troops.
15th Army
Yet again weather stops our air raids on Ledo. It really rains a lot in Burma. [:D]
Cox's Bazaar makes airfield level 2.
China
We are marching on Pingsiang from multiple directions. A new division arrives tomorrow, two more are a few days' out. We'll try a BA once the first of these divisions arrives to determine raw AS. In the meantime, bombers are pounding enemy troops at Pinsiang, Kukong and Ankang. We're bombing Ankang to slow down the enemy stack in order to ensure IJA reinforcements get to the mountain hex first.
Combined Fleet
We are in a holding pattern until we find out the location of the enemy fleet and until recon of potential target Luganville occurs. Did CF somehow double back? The world wonders.
RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A)
Crib, in 4th Fleet Area, what is "TB"? I am not certain what encompasses 4th Fleet Area, so I cannot ID "TB" without getting a headache:).
RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A)
Tabitaea. It's so hard to spell I shorten it to TB. [;)]
RE: Wait, I can't read Cuttlefish's new AAR? - Cribtop (J) vs CF (A)
August 30, 1942
Subs
Recon of Perth and Sydney by Glen boat finds little home in either port. We spot an ASW TF at Sydney and an odd TF reported as 2 AVs. No anchor symbols at all. We will continue recon to increase DLs to make sure, but for the moment we must assume that CF headed toward the map edge to duck our "minders." The real question is whether he heads West or doubles back East.
RO-33 misses an APD just off Noumea and takes a penetrating DC hit. The TF had 6 APDs, so this was no ASW group. A hint that CF plans to double back? A TF planning to load a diversionary FT TF in the Solomons? We need more Intel.
Koki Maru, the xAK torpedoed near Kyushu, sinks in port today.
At Kwaj, we have subs and floatplane bearing AMCs ready for the Baker Op, but if the enemy CVs are doubling back, we may have bigger fish to fry than Baker.
4th Fleet
No change.
SE Fleet
Kavieng makes level 2 airfield. At Munda, we put a few Zeros on high CAP to try to harass enemy recon planes.
65th Brigade and 14th Army HQ are en route to Truk. For now 48th Division will park at Babel, hedging bets on CF's offensive move. It feels good to have more troops ready to parry an attack.
Southern Army
56th Division is about 3 days out from Singers, 18th Division about four days out from Kendari. Nice.
Weather prevents enemy air attacks at Tennant. This means the tank units should march away from an expected attack by 8th Aussie Division, which arrived in the hex today.
Car Nicobar is occupied. The last DBCL mission launches from Singers to clean up a few islands in the Java Sea and the dot bases near Sinkawang.
Sabang hits level 4 airfield. A base force begins unloading at Sinabang to assist with search missions.
15th Army
Ledo raids are a no go due to weather for the third straight day. Arrgh.
China
The armored car unit again fails to march correctly toward Pingsiang. An infantry unit will try its luck in a few days.
Question: Assume that the armored car unit stays in the hex adjacent to the last enemy controlled hex side and we take Pingsiang. Will the enemy stack surrender rather than retreat into the Japanese controlled hex with the a/c unit? If so, we can go ahead. If not, Arrgh, part II. We have 17 LCUs in the bag here and need to apply the coup de grace in order to get Changsha.
5th Fleet
Japan is swimming in recon groups, so just to rattle CF's cage we moved one to the Aleutians and have been photographing Umnak Island and Dutch Harbor, with help from a Glen sub. The intel shows small garrisons and what appears to be a Catalina group. The enemy looks very defensive here.
Combined Fleet
We have a variety of moves in place to try to gather enough intel to anticipate the enemy's next move and meet it with massed LBA and the full power of Combined Fleet. Where did the enemy fleet go? We will soon have Glen recon of Luganville and Noumea, which should help to answer the question of whether the Solomons are a likely target.
Two new fleet DDs arrive and leave the Home Islands in company with a third that finished upgrading. They will go to Babel for now.
Subs
Recon of Perth and Sydney by Glen boat finds little home in either port. We spot an ASW TF at Sydney and an odd TF reported as 2 AVs. No anchor symbols at all. We will continue recon to increase DLs to make sure, but for the moment we must assume that CF headed toward the map edge to duck our "minders." The real question is whether he heads West or doubles back East.
RO-33 misses an APD just off Noumea and takes a penetrating DC hit. The TF had 6 APDs, so this was no ASW group. A hint that CF plans to double back? A TF planning to load a diversionary FT TF in the Solomons? We need more Intel.
Koki Maru, the xAK torpedoed near Kyushu, sinks in port today.
At Kwaj, we have subs and floatplane bearing AMCs ready for the Baker Op, but if the enemy CVs are doubling back, we may have bigger fish to fry than Baker.
4th Fleet
No change.
SE Fleet
Kavieng makes level 2 airfield. At Munda, we put a few Zeros on high CAP to try to harass enemy recon planes.
65th Brigade and 14th Army HQ are en route to Truk. For now 48th Division will park at Babel, hedging bets on CF's offensive move. It feels good to have more troops ready to parry an attack.
Southern Army
56th Division is about 3 days out from Singers, 18th Division about four days out from Kendari. Nice.
Weather prevents enemy air attacks at Tennant. This means the tank units should march away from an expected attack by 8th Aussie Division, which arrived in the hex today.
Car Nicobar is occupied. The last DBCL mission launches from Singers to clean up a few islands in the Java Sea and the dot bases near Sinkawang.
Sabang hits level 4 airfield. A base force begins unloading at Sinabang to assist with search missions.
15th Army
Ledo raids are a no go due to weather for the third straight day. Arrgh.
China
The armored car unit again fails to march correctly toward Pingsiang. An infantry unit will try its luck in a few days.
Question: Assume that the armored car unit stays in the hex adjacent to the last enemy controlled hex side and we take Pingsiang. Will the enemy stack surrender rather than retreat into the Japanese controlled hex with the a/c unit? If so, we can go ahead. If not, Arrgh, part II. We have 17 LCUs in the bag here and need to apply the coup de grace in order to get Changsha.
5th Fleet
Japan is swimming in recon groups, so just to rattle CF's cage we moved one to the Aleutians and have been photographing Umnak Island and Dutch Harbor, with help from a Glen sub. The intel shows small garrisons and what appears to be a Catalina group. The enemy looks very defensive here.
Combined Fleet
We have a variety of moves in place to try to gather enough intel to anticipate the enemy's next move and meet it with massed LBA and the full power of Combined Fleet. Where did the enemy fleet go? We will soon have Glen recon of Luganville and Noumea, which should help to answer the question of whether the Solomons are a likely target.
Two new fleet DDs arrive and leave the Home Islands in company with a third that finished upgrading. They will go to Babel for now.