but regarding to B29 : I have only 4 of them, and factories doesn't want to produce them ...
I still hope that I'll manage my soldiers to destroy the factories using dynamite and fire, not long range bombing.
Just after killing those stubborn divisions on Saipan I'm going straight to Tokyo !!! Or eventually via Philipines ...
Time will show.
Have You got any suggestion how to amuse my lazy boys on Saipan to move their ***es up ?
Regards
Peter
the more You play - the less You understand ... :p
The defenders of Saipan consist of two full division and two full brigades....but hardly a gun or tank remains between the lot of them. But they are dug in, and all have experience over 90.
If we fight this hard for an island, imagine the slaughter for the defense of Tokyo.
Japanese carriers are now repaired after the last battle at Saipan, and spoiling for a fight, but the cowardly Americans wont come away from there land based aircover, and even superior Japanese carriers cant resist 2000lb bombs.....Ive lost two carriers to single hits from high flying heavy bombers. However, it will be worth a couple of carriers to get supply to Saipan.
A dozen new squadrons of fighters suddenly appeared......but they have terrible experience levels. They will be ideal for cannon fodder on Kamakaze missions, if I can ever figure out how to activate the special attack (I had expected special attack to appear as a mission option in 1944).
The "Special Attack" Mission is only available after the Allies have cracked the "inner defense perimeter", and it doesn't sound like Peter's gotten there yet. This consists of the islands immediately next to Japan, (like Paramushiro and Okinawa), the Phillipines, and some of the major bases in Malaysia.
Civil war? What does that mean? Is there any foreign war? Isn't every war fought between men, between brothers?
The Japanese rice ration had not arrive in Saipan for over a month . A giant sign was erected on the beach which said "Send more Australians......the last lot were delicious". When the allied troops read this, they suddenly packed up and went home. On top of that, a convoy with the sake ration on it, arrived into Saipan harbour almost unmolested. Big party for the boys in Saipan!!!
A forgotton war of attrition is also proceeding in the north. The allies regularly destroy all the supplies in Paramushiro, and the Japanese equally regularly send replenishment.....with 4 airfield of size 9 to the north of the homeland, a loss up there would spell a worse disaster than a loss of Saipan. (Arctic weather zone seems to have no effect in this version of the game).
The Japanese continue to control the Solomons, all the way from Espiritu Santu to Green Island. The Allies have control of New Britain and most of New Guinea, except for Lae, where a single brigade is still holding up the attention of three Allied units.
Japanese command predicts Ulithi and Yap are the next targets.
PS Thank Capt ....the Allies have Tinian, which seems to be in my inner defense perimeter?
In order to deliver right troops as requested, US forces have been withdrawn from Saipan. Australian units are on their way there. War is a war but kindness is kindness.
Some readiness problems are to be solved on Tinian. There are so many soldiers (10 full divisions (incl. 1st and 2nd Marines) plus a bunch of engineers plus two full sized brigades) that half of them must stay in water to their knees, which is known to cause rheumatism. US goverment prefers to have its sons killed in battle so they won't be there for long. A lot of APs are in the area (almost every one) so next week is going to see another amphibous raids. The only question is where.
A gigantic TF of over 300 AKAs would be the target for Halsey's carriers, the 50th TF counts now 13 carriers (7xCV+6xCVL) and are targetted for any TF which may come close to Tinian, where it stays at anchor.
Having over 300 fighters on CAP allows to disable any available amount of Japanese planes incoming.
USS Iowa together with USS New Jersey and with 5 fastest USN battleships are also hoping to get the escaping task force. The supply group is directed to Northern Sea but it may be fake destination.
Some bombardment is planned for both Pagan and Saipan, using all the rest of US Navy surface combatants.
IJN carriers are somewhere, location unknown. IJN battleships are also hidden deeply, proably still in docks repairing.
Next week will be surely interesting !
the more You play - the less You understand ... :p
Tinian doesn't seem to be on the list. According to the manual, one of the following bases needs to be in allied hands for "Special Attack" missions to be authorized:
Amami I., Aomori, Balikpapan,
Bataan, Batan I., Bonin I.,
Cagayan, Cebu, Clark Field,
Davao, Etorofo Jima, Iwo Jima,
Kitaktyushu, Lagaspi, Leyte,
Lingayen, Manila, Mindoro,
Miri, Nagoya, Negros,
Okinawa, Osaka, Palawan,
Palembang, Panay, Paramushiro,
Sakhalin I., Samar, Sapporo,
Sasebo, Shimushiri Jima, Takmatsu,
Tarakan, Tawi Tawi, Tokyo
Mind you, if the Allies get Tokyo, the game is pretty much over: they get a 20,000 victory point bonus.
I'm afraid the new squadrons will have to be trained the regular way. Hint: it's much more advantageous for the National Oil Reserve to do the training on the home islands bases.
Civil war? What does that mean? Is there any foreign war? Isn't every war fought between men, between brothers?
USS Lexington and the rest of carriers, except of (damaged a bit) Essex raised their anchors going to Japan in order to test homeland's air defences. A small concentration of ships in port is detected in NW Japan, I am hoping to get few of them.
A two division raid is also scheduled to Iwo-Jima so Graham is going (maybe) to have his divine wind squadrons at least. They would be proceeded by rather strong bombardment and a small raid of remaining carriers.
We'll see tomorrow morning, Graham will proably describe the results a bit.
Will it turn to a diseaster or a great victory ?
It must be Polish national speciality. Brave charges. I do not know why I am doing this ...
:p
THANK YOU VVVEEEEERRRRYYYY MUCH CAPT. HARLOCK !!!
I also want a tip !!!
the more You play - the less You understand ... :p
I've been trying to walk a fine line between talking about lesser-known and undocumented features, and telling you guys how to play the game. I admit I came pretty close to the edge with that bit about training in the home islands, but in all fairness I also told the Allies how to get 20,000 victory points. (Lest the Japanese try to pile LCU's onto Tokyo, I also point out that Nagoya and Osaka are worth 5,000 points apiece.)
But to try to even things up, let me also mention that several cities for the Allies are designated National reinforcement arrival points. If they are controlled by the enemy, the reinforcements do not appear--until the base is re-captured by the Allies. So if, for example, Sydney were to be re-taken, the LCU's and air squadrons that were supposed to arrive in '43 would then show up. This includes air squadrons destroyed by having their bases captured. The bases are listed on page 52 of the original manual.
Civil war? What does that mean? Is there any foreign war? Isn't every war fought between men, between brothers?
Was half succesfull. Althrough no carrier even seen Japanese plane (were all downed by CAP), ships in port of Kagoshima remained unattacked. Halsey attacked Osaka instead - heavily damaging the shipyards there and killing almost 15000 civilians.
Japs demand his head to be taken off. War crimes ... Just like their attack on Pearl was a nice gesture.
Due to small misunderstanding a replenishment tf came to close to Japan (they laid their anchors at Hiroshima), having an fleet oiler heavily damaged and dangerous way back ... Hope we'll see at least some of them back.
No US troops at Saipan. They have been withdrawn to Tinian, only two divisions landed on Iwo Jima, killing few Japs.
Then next week seen an armada of few hundred ships loaded with six or more full divisions (incl. 1st & 2nd Marine) departing to Iwo Jima, to take the island finally. All available big & small carriers, battleships and heavy cruisiers went to pound the defenders.
A new tactic of 8 separate transport task forces is used with Geiger sitting on Iwo Jima since last week to control the battles.
A lot of resupplying task forces are mixed with those carrying troops. If this attack would fail US HQ would have no idea how to capture a island but to use A bomb.
Last elements of Japanese 48th division are holding at Lae. Base is captured but this famous division is doing its best. Good to have the main of it destroyed on Wake. Usual air battles over Saipan, where outnumbered Japanese pilots are contributing themselves to Saipan reef project.
Reports to follow.
the more You play - the less You understand ... :p
as first, unconfirmed reports say. Many boys died but sixth wave of attackers made it through.
Regular bombing of Japan would be at least possible.
Engineers are on Iwo Jima already.
Details to follow.
the more You play - the less You understand ... :p
In the biggest amphibious invasion I have ever seen, about 8 Divisions hit Iwo. Three regiments and a brigade opposed the landing, all dug into 9 entrenchment. 400 squads of round eyes will never return home. It took bombardment by 3 task forces and bombing from about 15 carriers, and about the six invasion waves, before the the defenders were finally worn down.
...but we now have Kamakaze ! It will be interesting to experiment with how these guys operate.
The weather report in Japan says something about a divine wind.
Japanese section.
And now weather forecast for february.
Althrough windy, the weather is going to be dangerous.
Stay home Japanese citizens.
Heavy fire rains are expected, as well as some iron rich precipitations. Temperatures would fluctuate from +5 C degree to +1000 C degree in some places.
Remember to wear helmets when going to work, as well as gas-masks.
BBC, 01-02-1944
the more You play - the less You understand ... :p
Last week was quite boring.
After capturing Iwo Jima US troops have started to upgrade airfield there. It has now size 3. Some remnants of Japanese army are still there but looses are equal at the moment, 500 to 500 killed in land battles.
Last soldiers of Japanese 48th infantry division were killed in Lae, so whole division doesn't exist. Wake avenged.
Nothing interesting is going on over Saipan, usual air battles, heavy looses on both sides, but 2:3 or better for Allies. Japanese flak is downing more bombers than Japanese fighters.
Bonin Island (size 3 airfield also) was bombed by "old veteran" bb task force in preparation for invasion there too.
After having those two bases built up US air force would have ability to bombard Japan at will.
Any suggestions where allies should strike next ?
Australia ?
Tokyo ?
Palau ?
Philipines ?
Okinawa ?
Paramushiro ?
Saipan ?
the more You play - the less You understand ... :p
er.. No.1
>>, the 50th TF counts now 13 carriers (7xCV+6xCVL)
Thought there was a rather good house rule about a max of 6 CV/CVL per TF, as there is no 'confusion' check in game on how much CAP you put up (?) unlike a check of how much strike you put up. Otherwise you get unreal perfect 100% CAP which will kill every Kamaikaze before they see a ship.
And to get 13 carriers operating close enough together so that the CAP is mutually supporting, blimey, you would loose loads to air crashes, espeically with Corsairs and those long looping approaches they had to use.
Last thought - better to have your main TFs with low numbers as increase PPs given to it? (just a rumour I heard?).
er..No.2.
>> biggest landing..8 Divisions...
So, how did 2nd Marines like going ashore in the CVs life rafts? Because they sure would not have enough LVT/LCVP/LCM etc to use. OR have we delayed D-Day in Europe as every LC heads East? Another handy house rule in max size of US ampib assaults eg max four divs in one go in 1944/45.
Love the reports though..
Sometimes, when you are a Bear of Very Little Brain, and you Think of Things,you find sometimes that a Thing which seemed very Thingish inside you is quite different when it gets out into the open and has other people looking at it. - Winnie the Pooh
Pity that Your opponent collapsed. It is a victory.
Not easy to break US power in 4 turns.
Regarding to task forces of 15 CVs & CVLs (I have such now),
no other way to raid Japan without getting my ships slaughtered.
Now, when crazy suicidical idiots are available it is the only way to have carriers still, at a cost of low reactiveness and huge PP looses. Until I am using my carriers to support invasions not to intercept enemy carriers (they aren't disturbing me ) the big task force is no problem.
It would be surely hard in reality to coordinate such fleet ... But Halsey seems to have no problem with it.
Regarding to LCU's landing limitations it would be IMPOSSIBLE to capture Saipan or Iwo Jima using only 4 divisions in a week. As shown by the game reality Japanese player can succesfully defend his positions even without using the battlefleet and carriers so additional help isn't needed.
The fact is also, that Japanese historical efforts & results shown that they could loose a naval battle even when had twice as many planes and ships ... Remember all Tanaka convoys smashed only by Henderson Field air crews ...
In our game, Graham is having total superiority with highly experienced land units. Killing all those Australia, India veterans wouldn't be easy.
the more You play - the less You understand ... :p
Anami Oshima is taken. (a small (level 2 airfield) island next east to Okinawa). When the base would grow it would allow me to cut Japan off.
Two Marines (1st & 2nd) divisions together with one Australian division took the base defended by Sasebo Rgt without much problems. Mitscher provided air cover with huge carrier forces.
(Halsey was promoted and became the leader of Central Pacific, Nimitz is leading 5th fleet now). Second carrier TF with 15 CVEs under Spruance left on Iwo Jima (now size 4 field) to protect the base against possible IJN counterattacks, the same as fast battleship force (incl. two newest : Iowa & New Jersey) waiting on long reaction range for occasion to kill some remnants of IJ Navy. Japanese battlefleet is proably after repairs (caused by Saipan II battle), waiting for occasion to fire their guns.
US forces are going along the New Guinea. After fall of Lae next step of McArthur is to take Australia. If Capt. Harlock tips are true - it would be good to have some Australian divisions. Getting Melbourne proably won't be problematic due to big concentration of troops in Southern Pacific. I need only a week or two free of landings in Japan's area to use my APs elsewhere.
Graham should at least try to do something in counter of my actions, if not, in a month from now Japan would be isolated from all bases in Pacific & India & Australia. His task isn't easy due to my air and naval superiority but having a lot of air groups and kamikaze ability gives a chance.
I love major naval battles !
the more You play - the less You understand ... :p
The "roundeyes" attacked south western Japan with a task force of about a dozen CV and CVL, with innumeral CVE in support, as well as bombardment groups sent to several coastal cities. They were met by well over 1000 Japanese fighters. The first wave of attacking allied planes boasted over 450 carrier aircraft in a single strike. About ten hits on the carriers were achieved.
By about the tenth airbattle, the carrier group was reduced to just over 100 aircraft...... a sitting duck for an attack from Yamaguchi's carriers.....but the good Admiral made a navigation error and failed to show up. (**** !)
Four divisons then landed in Kogashima on the homeland, but the result was never in doubt. The inexperienced American troops were no match for the entrenched veterans defending the homeland. With attacking odds of zero, many Allied household will be mourning the loss of their sons.
The big question is, how long can the Japanese airforce afford losses of more than 700 aircraft per week?
The Japanese again lost more than 700 fighters defending Kogashima, but a few of the kamakaze got through in the end.
In addition, an entire destroyer task force of about 50 DD was completely wiped out at Kogashima, by two American battle fleets that contained about 12 BB plus numeous CA, CL and DD.
For all this pain, the Japanese got only one CVE, a couple of CL and damaged a few BB.
However, the sacrifice was not in vain. Admiral Yamaguichi's carrier fleet arrived in the nick of time, and hit an exhausted American fleet. Only got one Essex class carrier, however any carrier battle in 1944 that does not result in complete destruction of the Japanese fleet, must be considered a lucky.
Originally posted by strawb Thought there was a rather good house rule about a max of 6 CV/CVL per TF, as there is no 'confusion' check in game on how much CAP you put up (?) unlike a check of how much strike you put up. Otherwise you get unreal perfect 100% CAP which will kill every Kamaikaze before they see a ship.
The PacWar Data Card says this about CAP: Page 37, Carrier Combat Operations: To determine the amount of fighter protection above carriers (Combat Air Patrol), the computer makes two die rolls. In 1944 and 1945 any US CVs have their CV points multiplied by .75 to simulate the efficiency of US carrier coordination. The formula is: if 6+Random(8) < CV points, then CAP is halved.
With 27(.75)=20.25 CV points, he would have half CAP every time, which wouldn't be much better than 100% on your 6 CV limit. Of course that probably refers to v1.0, I don't know if it has been changed since then.
Indeed, the biggest (yet) air battle happened last week on Kagoshima waters.
For unknown reasons adm. Mitscher failed to withdraw his carriers from Japanese waters and the beginning of week catched him still at Kagoshima harbour. The result was easy to be predicted. USS Hornet was sunk, USS Wasp almost totally crippled, some minor damage was done to the rest of Mitscher fleet.
The bright side was that adm. Scott first, then Merril both engaged a large Japanese destroyer task force at Kagoshima.
US battleships done an excellent job sinking over 30 Japanese destroyers for a price of USS New Jersey a bit damaged. The rescue crews are working on it.
the more You play - the less You understand ... :p
) the big task force is no problem.