The Good The Bad & The Indifferent

[Canoerebel]

Great suggestions from Cribbit and Justus. I'll take a look at both options. I haven't purchased a PT boat in many months - at least six - so my stockpiles should be high.

[Canoerebel]

10/28/42

Lots of firepower in close proximity. Things are heating up fast. Later or sooner (probably sooner), big forces will collide.

Bay of Bengal: The enemy strike force - including at least four BBs and at least one CVE - took station (or halted or whatever) just two hexes from Akyab. This enemy armada was protected by just 15 Zeroes, which is nothing. Allied bombers (4E, 2E, 1E) sortied in modest numbers ineffectively (an RAF Hudson scored one hit on a BB). Many of these little strikes came in unopposed after the 4EB wore out the CAP. Unfortunately, two torpedo squadrons (16 Avengers, 8 Beuforts) at Akyab failed to fly. Putting a torp or two into an IJN BB or two would've had John hopping out windows. No sign of that enemy carrier force that raided into the Bay two days ago.

Burma: Fairly stout enemy air raids vs. Ramree, doing moderate damage (now 31/31), but nothing targeting Akyab. On the ground, quiet. Tomorrow, the fully supplied Allied army will try another shock attack vs. 21st Div.

NoPac: Part of the Allied feint TF finally registers with enemy awareness. Kates and Zeroes sortie against the advance TFs, which have 24 F4F-4s on patrol from CVE Prince William. The USN fighters down 7 Kates, lose 2 of their own number, and lose one xAK to bombs. Based on John's email comments, there is little if any chance he's going to fall for this feint, so I'm beginning to move my ships out.

SoPac: An IJN CL/DD TF tangles with picket DD Blue north of Lord Howe Island. The American ship puts up a good fight, damaging several Japanese destroyers, but eventually gets destroyed under a hail of gunfire. Lots of IJ activity all over the place. Recon shows 6,000 men at Gove Island! Holy acts of Congress, Batman! This is looking more and more like what took place in the Aleutians two months ago. Just In Time Reinforcements, Part II! I'm now weighing whether to continue my "stand down/dark hole/mislead" strategy or whether to blast my way to Horn Island and New Guinea. There's a good chance John has the KB within hailing distance, but the Allied force is incredibly strong. It might just be time to face off at ten paces. I'll give the matter further thought over the next day or two.

71

[paullus99]

John is spoiling for a fight, that is obvious....the man just can't not be doing something, it seems.

He is an expert at positioning his carriers just out of range (that damn 8-hex advantage), so just be careful, should it come to that. You don't want to give him any free shots, make him pay for everything in blood.

[Canoerebel]

I wonder if John might be having the same trouble I had? Perhaps his BBs are on a bombardment mission targeting the Allied troops in the coastal hex between Akyab and Ramree. That would be funny. It would be funnier because the only Allied unit in that hex is a base force.

I've completed all orders for the next turn except Akyab. My inclination is to bug out, but with the enemy TFs just two hexes away, I'm not even sure I could leave without a clash. Decisions, decisions.

[Canoerebel]

Per the suggestions of Cribbit and Justus, I did some hunting and pecking about the PT boat issue. This is what I learned:

1. One big USN supply TF in theater does not give me the option to purchase PT boats, for some reason.
2. Ramree Island is American (it was taken by Marine raiders back around June 4). It only has 15k supply. Not option to purchase PT boats.
3. I can transfer control of Akyab to the Americans for 100 PP (a pittance!). Doing so activates the option to buy PT boats. I can buy roughly 15 or 20.

I like the idea. Anybody think its unkosher? I don't think so, but I have an hour or two to consider opinions of others.

[Bullwinkle58]

Completely kosher, if you want to go that way term-wise. [:)]

It's for exactly these sorts of reasons that changing base ownership at PP cost is included in the game.

As far as your decision to oppose a stronger IJN force in the Bay for longer-term strategic reasons, I'm hip, man. I won't say anything else because my esteemed opponent can read here.

[JohnDillworth]

I like the idea. Anybody think its unkosher? I don't think so, but I have an hour or two to consider opinions of others.

How many American units are there? If there are American units there it's probably kosher. It's not like you can do it for free. you pay for the priviledge

[Canoerebel]

Akyab has many American units, including 10th Air HQ. There are also scads of American units in close proximity, including a stack at Ramree Island and 41st Div. out in the jungle. The Americans joined with the Brits, Australians, Kiwis and East Africans in placing the highest priority on this theater.

[Canoerebel]

An interesting (and I think credible) side impact of this situation. I only have limited options in changing Akyab's HQ assignment, the best of which is SoPac. This change costs 100 PP. Doing so has unintended consequences with respect to my airforce. Switching the HQ results in the airfield being "overloaded" because my 10th USA Air HQ is assigned to Akyab's current "Southeast Asia" HQ. In order to rectify the overloading and to maxmiize the number of squadrons Akyab can handle, I'll also have to pay 175 PP to switch 10th Air HQ to SoPac.

Or, alternatively, I can just move a few squadrons to Cox's Bazaar temporarily, then pay 100 PP to switch Akyab back to Southeast Asia after I purchase the PT boats. That way Akyab stays in Brit hands, which feels right.

[Canoerebel]

I can buy 28 PT boats, meaning four squadrons of six and one of four.

Question: Is it best to leave the boats at Akyab or to sally them forth towards the enemy TFs, which are two hexes distant? If the latter, better to move forward two hexes or just one (to the hex in between the enemy TFs and Akyab). If I steam out of the hex, best to have the PT Boats patrol, remain on station, or set to retire back to Akyab, meaning they'd probably move out and back into Akyab during the night turn?

[Bullwinkle58]

ORIGINAL: Canoerebel

I can buy 28 PT boats, meaning four squadrons of six and one of four.

Question: Is it best to leave the boats at Akyab or to sally them forth towards the enemy TFs, which are two hexes distant? If the latter, better to move forward two hexes or just one (to the hex in between the enemy TFs and Akyab). If I steam out of the hex, best to have the PT Boats patrol, remain on station, or set to retire back to Akyab, meaning they'd probably move out and back into Akyab during the night turn?

I'd say cast a weather eye at the moon, but if you want them to attack tell them to attack. Don't waffle. Given 500 fuel I'd send them out and back with React set on, best COs you can afford. Roll 'em and weep.

[Canoerebel]

Meanwhile, I sit and scratch my head. Horn Island? Gove Island? (Really? Gove Island??? A place the Allies are targeting with a major force?) Divisions, brigades, regiments going to some dadgum unlikley locales. John needs to go into the business of prognostication. He knows me WAY too well.

[Chickenboy]

ORIGINAL: Canoerebel

I'll post a regular update in an hour or two, but in the meantime, this very revealing email came from John:

"You have gotten a GIFT for two days in row! I have ordered my BBs to SMASH Akyab and they have hung up. Won’t go in...NUTS!
I am NOT taking the BAIT you are throwing out MISTER Roper. I KNOW in my gut where your offensive shall occur!
If we’re wrong then this will be quite bad...
If we’re right...BANZAI!
Your semi-esteemed opponent: Johann III"

What a pointless and undermining breach of OPSEC. He can't help himself and it's really hampering his long game.

[Canoerebel]

[8D]

Every little bit helps!

Loose lips sink ships!

An ounce of indescretion is worth a pound of steel!

[Chickenboy]

ORIGINAL: Canoerebel

Per the suggestions of Cribbit and Justus, I did some hunting and pecking about the PT boat issue. This is what I learned:

1. One big USN supply TF in theater does not give me the option to purchase PT boats, for some reason.
2. Ramree Island is American (it was taken by Marine raiders back around June 4). It only has 15k supply. Not option to purchase PT boats.
3. I can transfer control of Akyab to the Americans for 100 PP (a pittance!). Doing so activates the option to buy PT boats. I can buy roughly 15 or 20.

I like the idea. Anybody think its unkosher? I don't think so, but I have an hour or two to consider opinions of others.

I've got no beef with this approach. You're paying the PP, so knock yourself out.

[Bullwinkle58]

ORIGINAL: Canoerebel

Meanwhile, I sit and scratch my head. Horn Island? Gove Island? (Really? Gove Island??? A place the Allies are targeting with a major force?) Divisions, brigades, regiments going to some dadgum unlikley locales. John needs to go into the business of prognostication. He knows me WAY too well.

<whistling> . . . feint in NOPAC . . . <whistling> [:)]

[Bullwinkle58]

ORIGINAL: Chickenboy

ORIGINAL: Canoerebel

I'll post a regular update in an hour or two, but in the meantime, this very revealing email came from John:

"You have gotten a GIFT for two days in row! I have ordered my BBs to SMASH Akyab and they have hung up. Won’t go in...NUTS!
I am NOT taking the BAIT you are throwing out MISTER Roper. I KNOW in my gut where your offensive shall occur!
If we’re wrong then this will be quite bad...
If we’re right...BANZAI!
Your semi-esteemed opponent: Johann III"

What a pointless and undermining breach of OPSEC. He can't help himself and it's really hampering his long game.

Agree 1000%.

And soon he will blame "bad luck" and "bad dice rolls."

[Canoerebel]

Most of the decisions and clicking are done.

1. Paid 100 PP to transfer Akyab to SoPac command.
2. Buy 28 PT boats.
3. Fully refueled the boats, taking 400 Ops points for each (meaning, therefore, that each PT TF has limited Ops points left, so I'm leaving them in port with react set to one rather than sending them out).
4. Each PT boat commander checked - three of six "upgraded" to more aggressive types.
5. Paid 100 PP to transfer Akyab back to Southeast Asia command.

There is one major decision left: Stand at Akyab or retire my fleet in hopes that mines and PT boats will be somewhat effective). I'm leaning towards the former.

[obvert]

ORIGINAL: Chickenboy

ORIGINAL: Canoerebel

I'll post a regular update in an hour or two, but in the meantime, this very revealing email came from John:

"You have gotten a GIFT for two days in row! I have ordered my BBs to SMASH Akyab and they have hung up. Won’t go in...NUTS!
I am NOT taking the BAIT you are throwing out MISTER Roper. I KNOW in my gut where your offensive shall occur!
If we’re wrong then this will be quite bad...
If we’re right...BANZAI!
Your semi-esteemed opponent: Johann III"

What a pointless and undermining breach of OPSEC. He can't help himself and it's really hampering his long game.

+1

Your lack of interest in 'banter' about the turns is likely driving him to this kind of note. I'd say the psyops war is decidedly in your favor! [;)]

[Bullwinkle58]

ORIGINAL: obvert
Your lack of interest in 'banter' about the turns is likely driving him to this kind of note. I'd the psyops war is decidedly in your favor! [;)]

But does any good player want to win that way?