Combat Report - 4/4/1942
In China, my Kukong Army of about 600 AV was being pursued by his army of around 1600 AV. Today, they attacked, but my boys fought very well and disrupted his forces in a big way. My hope is that this will be enough for them to get out of that hex and toward the line, but I'm not sure that's going to happen. The situation in Southern China is pretty bad at the moment, and I'm rushing units up from the Central Reserve to extend my defensive line west of the Changsha area.
Heavy ASW activity outside of Truk leads me to believe that something important is being staged there. Also, I have a report of 2 CVs headed back down toward the Luganville area, but it is probably a wild report and in any case is close enough to Rabaul that they could be headed there. My own CVs are headed for the Fiji area from Canton with full tanks of fuel and a will to fight.
Buried in the Sunset (Marbakka [A] vs. Texas_D [J]) - Reluctant Admiral 4.1
Moderators: wdolson, MOD_War-in-the-Pacific-Admirals-Edition
RE: Buried in the Sunset (Marbakka [A] vs. Texas_D [J]) - Reluctant Admiral 4.1
Combat Report - 4/5/1942
So there I was casually watching the replay while stuffing my fat face with a chocolate iced glazed krispy kreme donut when all of a sudden the CV Kaga appears in the sights of one the SS Grayling, a fleet sub patrolling just south of Rabaul. I nearly choked to death. Grayling fired six torpedoes. They hit. They did not explode. In the memorable words of another gulf coast resident, "That's all I have to say about that."
In Ambon, Japan got cocky and tried a deliberate attack the day after most of his forces landed. He got 1 to 29 odds and paid dearly for it. He'll take it, of course, but I suspect he will rest his troops a bit before making that mistake again.
Escorts in the bombardment TF headed back to Ceylon encountered the pesky little submarine west of Rangoon that has been causing me problems. They got 7 reported DC hits. It was likely this same sub that took a bomb hit later in the day.
I issued orders for a bombardment attack SE of Pegu, where the current Burmese front line is. According to this information, I have significantly higher AV there, but not enough to get away with a deliberate attack. I expect that situation to remain the same until Singapore is taken after which time I suspect the area will be flooded with troops freed up from there. It may happen sooner than that if he throws the Philippine troops this way.
So there I was casually watching the replay while stuffing my fat face with a chocolate iced glazed krispy kreme donut when all of a sudden the CV Kaga appears in the sights of one the SS Grayling, a fleet sub patrolling just south of Rabaul. I nearly choked to death. Grayling fired six torpedoes. They hit. They did not explode. In the memorable words of another gulf coast resident, "That's all I have to say about that."
In Ambon, Japan got cocky and tried a deliberate attack the day after most of his forces landed. He got 1 to 29 odds and paid dearly for it. He'll take it, of course, but I suspect he will rest his troops a bit before making that mistake again.
Escorts in the bombardment TF headed back to Ceylon encountered the pesky little submarine west of Rangoon that has been causing me problems. They got 7 reported DC hits. It was likely this same sub that took a bomb hit later in the day.
I issued orders for a bombardment attack SE of Pegu, where the current Burmese front line is. According to this information, I have significantly higher AV there, but not enough to get away with a deliberate attack. I expect that situation to remain the same until Singapore is taken after which time I suspect the area will be flooded with troops freed up from there. It may happen sooner than that if he throws the Philippine troops this way.
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CaptBeefheart
- Posts: 2594
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- Location: Seoul, Korea
RE: Buried in the Sunset (Marbakka [A] vs. Texas_D [J]) - Reluctant Admiral 4.1
I'm not necessarily the best guy to comment, but since nobody else is, here goes. Other opinions will vary.
On carriers, I personally like to put a lot in a few TFs. To me, putting one CV per TF was good in WITP, but not in WITP-AE. In WITP, raids would focus on one TF. In AE, raids focus on one hex. So, here's the way I see it (based on memory--no manual here--so anyone correct me if I'm wrong):
1. Yes, there may be a coordination penalty for an overstacked CV TFs, but it's only a bigger chance that 25% of your aircraft won't make the raid.
2. Fewer TFs: Better concentration of escorts and easier to create surface TFs. I also read somewhere that 8 or more DDs per CV TF is fairly effective at keeping subs at bay.
3. Fewer TFs: Less chance of one TF overreacting without the other TFs and getting destroyed piecemeal.
So, in 1942, I'd put all carriers in one or two TFs (up to 3 CVs each--more in '43 and later).
Also, early game it is probably better to keep your carriers in one hex. It would suck to have one TF just out of range of counterattack while the other gets pummeled. The tactic of putting them one hex apart is a late-game adaptation to huge airstrikes from mainland Japan.
Good luck!
Cheers,
CC
On carriers, I personally like to put a lot in a few TFs. To me, putting one CV per TF was good in WITP, but not in WITP-AE. In WITP, raids would focus on one TF. In AE, raids focus on one hex. So, here's the way I see it (based on memory--no manual here--so anyone correct me if I'm wrong):
1. Yes, there may be a coordination penalty for an overstacked CV TFs, but it's only a bigger chance that 25% of your aircraft won't make the raid.
2. Fewer TFs: Better concentration of escorts and easier to create surface TFs. I also read somewhere that 8 or more DDs per CV TF is fairly effective at keeping subs at bay.
3. Fewer TFs: Less chance of one TF overreacting without the other TFs and getting destroyed piecemeal.
So, in 1942, I'd put all carriers in one or two TFs (up to 3 CVs each--more in '43 and later).
Also, early game it is probably better to keep your carriers in one hex. It would suck to have one TF just out of range of counterattack while the other gets pummeled. The tactic of putting them one hex apart is a late-game adaptation to huge airstrikes from mainland Japan.
Good luck!
Cheers,
CC
Beer, because barley makes lousy bread.
RE: Buried in the Sunset (Marbakka [A] vs. Texas_D [J]) - Reluctant Admiral 4.1
Combat Report - 4/6/1942
Bombardment attack in Singapore. He's testing the waters, but still no real effort there.
There is still a TON of activity around Truk. We're talking 6-7 ASW fleets chasing my guys all over the place.
The KB has been spotted again. It is ENE of Guadalcanal and headed SE. Looks like there may be a battle afterall! I fear this one may be decisive in one direction or the other. I should have time to get my CVs into port at Suva tomorrow, so I can make some quick leadership adjustments. What qualities do I look for in my carrier commanders?
Bombardment attack in Singapore. He's testing the waters, but still no real effort there.
There is still a TON of activity around Truk. We're talking 6-7 ASW fleets chasing my guys all over the place.
The KB has been spotted again. It is ENE of Guadalcanal and headed SE. Looks like there may be a battle afterall! I fear this one may be decisive in one direction or the other. I should have time to get my CVs into port at Suva tomorrow, so I can make some quick leadership adjustments. What qualities do I look for in my carrier commanders?
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RE: Buried in the Sunset (Marbakka [A] vs. Texas_D [J]) - Reluctant Admiral 4.1
Combat Report - 4/7/1942
You would think that I would know better than to do anything on a whim in this game, but...err...on a whim, I ordered my Burmese army to conduct a deliberate attack against his force of about half my AV. The results were ugly. I lost 53 squads. I'm an idiot.
The KB continued its bullet-like trajectory toward Suva. My own CVs made it to port, so they will top off their tanks and get some fresh captains here and there before heading to their doom. I'll also be topping off some transports before having them run south, but if the carrier battle goes bad, then they will be sitting ducks for his carriers. I have a lot riding on the next couple of days.
You would think that I would know better than to do anything on a whim in this game, but...err...on a whim, I ordered my Burmese army to conduct a deliberate attack against his force of about half my AV. The results were ugly. I lost 53 squads. I'm an idiot.
The KB continued its bullet-like trajectory toward Suva. My own CVs made it to port, so they will top off their tanks and get some fresh captains here and there before heading to their doom. I'll also be topping off some transports before having them run south, but if the carrier battle goes bad, then they will be sitting ducks for his carriers. I have a lot riding on the next couple of days.
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RE: Buried in the Sunset (Marbakka [A] vs. Texas_D [J]) - Reluctant Admiral 4.1
Combat Report - 4/8/1942
Lots and lots of submarine action today, including a swing and a miss at CV Hiryu as it moved into the Suva area.
Tomorrow should be the big day. In addition to my carriers, I have taken two steps in the hope of increasing my chances. First, I have several ASW and combat fleets that I will rush into the area at the same time. I'd rather lose 4 DDs or a CA and have his bombers distracted for my main attack than have everything focused on my carriers. Second, I moved three squadrons of Banshees to Suva (I started this last turn). They will be tired from their travels, but hopefully they will luck out and join the main attack, adding to the number of dive bombers on target. As it happens, they will have lots of escort because I chose to land the aircraft bound for Luganville at Suva when I saw the carriers coming. Their escort will consist mostly of Aircobras.
Should be an interesting day. Unfortunately, unless he runs the replay with me tonight, it could be a full day before I get it back as he has some personal issues to deal with tomorrow.
Lots and lots of submarine action today, including a swing and a miss at CV Hiryu as it moved into the Suva area.
Tomorrow should be the big day. In addition to my carriers, I have taken two steps in the hope of increasing my chances. First, I have several ASW and combat fleets that I will rush into the area at the same time. I'd rather lose 4 DDs or a CA and have his bombers distracted for my main attack than have everything focused on my carriers. Second, I moved three squadrons of Banshees to Suva (I started this last turn). They will be tired from their travels, but hopefully they will luck out and join the main attack, adding to the number of dive bombers on target. As it happens, they will have lots of escort because I chose to land the aircraft bound for Luganville at Suva when I saw the carriers coming. Their escort will consist mostly of Aircobras.
Should be an interesting day. Unfortunately, unless he runs the replay with me tonight, it could be a full day before I get it back as he has some personal issues to deal with tomorrow.
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RE: Buried in the Sunset (Marbakka [A] vs. Texas_D [J]) - Reluctant Admiral 4.1
Rotsa ruck! 
No matter how bad a situation is, you can always make it worse. - Chris Hadfield : An Astronaut's Guide To Life On Earth
RE: Buried in the Sunset (Marbakka [A] vs. Texas_D [J]) - Reluctant Admiral 4.1
Well, I hope to have the replay and probably the turn tonight, but my opponent had to take a day for some medical stuff and now he tells me that the file will not play correctly for him. I tried sending him the file again, but that didn't work. I went back to a save from right before I ended the turn and we're going to see if that works in a few.
Not that I'm accusing him of anything, but I'm wondering when the turns calculate results? In other words, when does it roll the dice? When I 'end turn' and save it? When he opens the replay?
Of all turns to get a full day delay plus technical issues....
Not that I'm accusing him of anything, but I'm wondering when the turns calculate results? In other words, when does it roll the dice? When I 'end turn' and save it? When he opens the replay?
Of all turns to get a full day delay plus technical issues....
RE: Buried in the Sunset (Marbakka [A] vs. Texas_D [J]) - Reluctant Admiral 4.1
Can't answer that from my own lack of experience with PBEM, but maybe the FAQ on "How to start a PBEM" will help:
tm.asp?m=2180809
tm.asp?m=2180809
No matter how bad a situation is, you can always make it worse. - Chris Hadfield : An Astronaut's Guide To Life On Earth
RE: Buried in the Sunset (Marbakka [A] vs. Texas_D [J]) - Reluctant Admiral 4.1
We're still having problems getting the turn to run for him. He says that he gets graphic errors while he's trying to run the replay and then it crashes on him. He is going to do a fresh install and try it again, but I'll have a busy day tomorrow, so who knows when we'll actually get the turn done.
RE: Buried in the Sunset (Marbakka [A] vs. Texas_D [J]) - Reluctant Admiral 4.1
Graphic errors? What does that mean?
Are his errors occurring while your SBDs reign death and destruction upon the KB?
Are his errors occurring while your SBDs reign death and destruction upon the KB?
Member: Treaty, Reluctant Admiral and Between the Storms Mod Team.
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KenchiSulla
- Posts: 2956
- Joined: Wed Oct 22, 2008 3:19 pm
- Location: the Netherlands
RE: Buried in the Sunset (Marbakka [A] vs. Texas_D [J]) - Reluctant Admiral 4.1
The outcome is fixed the moment the allied hit save...
I have had problems a couple of times with corrupted save files, but only 2 or 3 times and that was ages ago (2010)
Good luck!
I have had problems a couple of times with corrupted save files, but only 2 or 3 times and that was ages ago (2010)
Good luck!
AKA Cannonfodder
"It happened, therefore it can happen again: this is the core of what we have to say. It can happen, and it can happen everywhere.”
¯ Primo Levi, writer, holocaust survivor
"It happened, therefore it can happen again: this is the core of what we have to say. It can happen, and it can happen everywhere.”
¯ Primo Levi, writer, holocaust survivor
RE: Buried in the Sunset (Marbakka [A] vs. Texas_D [J]) - Reluctant Admiral 4.1
ORIGINAL: John 3rd
Graphic errors? What does that mean?
Are his errors occurring while your SBDs reign death and destruction upon the KB?
He specifically mentioned that the map just turns solid white during the replay. I'm not sure what else is happening. He hasn't mentioned a carrier battle.
RE: Buried in the Sunset (Marbakka [A] vs. Texas_D [J]) - Reluctant Admiral 4.1
Here is what we've tried so far:
- Original save file emailed - ERROR
- Same save file resent - ERROR (we've occasionally had corrupted files sent over gmail)
- RE-saved file - ERROR (I always make a save just before I end the turn)
- Reinstalling his game - PENDING
RE: Buried in the Sunset (Marbakka [A] vs. Texas_D [J]) - Reluctant Admiral 4.1
But he already restarted his PC, or ? This should be the first option.
RE: Buried in the Sunset (Marbakka [A] vs. Texas_D [J]) - Reluctant Admiral 4.1
Combat Report - 4/9/1942
FINALLY! We basically went back to our last working save, and that seems to have worked (although he did mention that he still had a graphical glitch)
Well, there is now no question at all that he knows my carriers are there. Unfortunately, he did not come further south. He told me that his recon spotted my aircraft at Suva, so he doesn't want to come down. Fine with me. My intention is to shoot north and get this over with. I can move my Banshees to Luganville, and he will be within range, but I don't think I can fit the fighter escorts up there too, so they'd be pretty vulnerable. I think its worth 25+ Banshees for a chance hit, though. CAs Astoria and Canberra will likely be lost in the coming battle, but if they deflect attacks from the carriers, then they will be worth it too.
FINALLY! We basically went back to our last working save, and that seems to have worked (although he did mention that he still had a graphical glitch)
Well, there is now no question at all that he knows my carriers are there. Unfortunately, he did not come further south. He told me that his recon spotted my aircraft at Suva, so he doesn't want to come down. Fine with me. My intention is to shoot north and get this over with. I can move my Banshees to Luganville, and he will be within range, but I don't think I can fit the fighter escorts up there too, so they'd be pretty vulnerable. I think its worth 25+ Banshees for a chance hit, though. CAs Astoria and Canberra will likely be lost in the coming battle, but if they deflect attacks from the carriers, then they will be worth it too.
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RE: Buried in the Sunset (Marbakka [A] vs. Texas_D [J]) - Reluctant Admiral 4.1
Into the valley of death rode the 600
Kates to the left of them
Vals to the right
BBs and CAs in front of them
And still onward they came
The brave and suicidal 600 ...
But then, no guts, no glory! Luck!
Kates to the left of them
Vals to the right
BBs and CAs in front of them
And still onward they came
The brave and suicidal 600 ...
But then, no guts, no glory! Luck!
No matter how bad a situation is, you can always make it worse. - Chris Hadfield : An Astronaut's Guide To Life On Earth
RE: Buried in the Sunset (Marbakka [A] vs. Texas_D [J]) - Reluctant Admiral 4.1
Combat Report - 4/10/1942
My AVG unit based in Rangoon engaged in some pretty successful sweeping of fighters SE of Pegu. We'll keep this up for a few days.
In SOPAC, the expected carrier clash did not come. Japan pulled away to the north, probably hoping to keep out of the range of my CBA while in his own range. He did succeed in launching three times against the northernmost DD distraction group sinking a DD and a PG (Charlestown [:@]), but some of my CAP bled over into that hex, so he did have to pay a price for it. None of my carriers got within range to strike and he got out of Banshee range as well. At the end of the day, I lost 2 Wildcats to 2 Zeros, 1 Kate, and 3 Vals. If I hadn't lost two small warships, I'd not even bother calling this a skirmish.
I'm no fool. He would love for me to move further north because he has 4E bombers based out of Munda and possibly Tulagi. Instead, we will turn and head back toward Suva. I may deposit some excess Wildcats at Luganville to protect the Banshees that I will leave there for now. If he wants a battle, it is up to him. In the meantime, I will continue with my troop deployment.
My AVG unit based in Rangoon engaged in some pretty successful sweeping of fighters SE of Pegu. We'll keep this up for a few days.
In SOPAC, the expected carrier clash did not come. Japan pulled away to the north, probably hoping to keep out of the range of my CBA while in his own range. He did succeed in launching three times against the northernmost DD distraction group sinking a DD and a PG (Charlestown [:@]), but some of my CAP bled over into that hex, so he did have to pay a price for it. None of my carriers got within range to strike and he got out of Banshee range as well. At the end of the day, I lost 2 Wildcats to 2 Zeros, 1 Kate, and 3 Vals. If I hadn't lost two small warships, I'd not even bother calling this a skirmish.
I'm no fool. He would love for me to move further north because he has 4E bombers based out of Munda and possibly Tulagi. Instead, we will turn and head back toward Suva. I may deposit some excess Wildcats at Luganville to protect the Banshees that I will leave there for now. If he wants a battle, it is up to him. In the meantime, I will continue with my troop deployment.
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RE: Buried in the Sunset (Marbakka [A] vs. Texas_D [J]) - Reluctant Admiral 4.1
I am surprised he backed off; IF he has KB together intact, and he hasn't lost alot of pilots so far, he should be seeking battle.
The USN CVs fight at a disadvantage in early 1942; you probably barely have enough Wildcats, and you are still saddled with the TBD Dauntless. This is before the big 4/42 flak upgrade accross the US Fleet. KB pilots are more experienced at this stage, and every IJN CV carries a maximum component of Kates. While he wouldn't get away unscathed, in a straight-up fight the IJN is going to come out ahead most of the time.
Even with a bloody exchange that puts alot of CVs out of commission temporarily or permanently, the IJN still can put a credible force together centered around the 3 CVLs they have now, plus the two JUNYOS coming out of the yards.
You shouldn't be so eager to seek battle. By the time 1943 rolls around....sure. You can get downright reckless at that stage. But be careful now.
The USN CVs fight at a disadvantage in early 1942; you probably barely have enough Wildcats, and you are still saddled with the TBD Dauntless. This is before the big 4/42 flak upgrade accross the US Fleet. KB pilots are more experienced at this stage, and every IJN CV carries a maximum component of Kates. While he wouldn't get away unscathed, in a straight-up fight the IJN is going to come out ahead most of the time.
Even with a bloody exchange that puts alot of CVs out of commission temporarily or permanently, the IJN still can put a credible force together centered around the 3 CVLs they have now, plus the two JUNYOS coming out of the yards.
You shouldn't be so eager to seek battle. By the time 1943 rolls around....sure. You can get downright reckless at that stage. But be careful now.
RE: Buried in the Sunset (Marbakka [A] vs. Texas_D [J]) - Reluctant Admiral 4.1
ORIGINAL: Q-Ball
I am surprised he backed off; IF he has KB together intact, and he hasn't lost alot of pilots so far, he should be seeking battle.
The USN CVs fight at a disadvantage in early 1942; you probably barely have enough Wildcats, and you are still saddled with the TBD Dauntless. This is before the big 4/42 flak upgrade accross the US Fleet. KB pilots are more experienced at this stage, and every IJN CV carries a maximum component of Kates. While he wouldn't get away unscathed, in a straight-up fight the IJN is going to come out ahead most of the time.
Even with a bloody exchange that puts alot of CVs out of commission temporarily or permanently, the IJN still can put a credible force together centered around the 3 CVLs they have now, plus the two JUNYOS coming out of the yards.
You shouldn't be so eager to seek battle. By the time 1943 rolls around....sure. You can get downright reckless at that stage. But be careful now.
Several times now in chatting he has gone fishing for the number of carriers that I have. He seems to think that I already have Wasp and a couple of others that I won't get until much later in the year.
I wouldn't be as aggressive as I am right now except that the area is extremely vulnerable with large shipments of troops trying their best to get off in their assigned locations. I think I've unloaded all the Suva and Noumea transports, so all that is left is to get my boys stationed up in Luganville. I would love for him to just leave the area for a week so I can unload and then return my CVs to the WC for their April upgrades, but to get him to do that, I'll need to do a bit of posturing.