Mind Games...again. Mind_Messing (J) Vs Miller (A) No Miller!

[mind_messing]

ORIGINAL: Lokasenna

If you drive through Liuchow all the way to Kweiyang, he may abandon Changsha rather than risk those troops being cut off. If he does so, you might be able to catch him before he's set up somewhere else farther back.

If you want to go for Changsha directly, I would considering coming around from behind: Hengyang and the bases behind it. He's unlikely to have left them undefended, but their terrain is clear rather than urban. That much easier to capture.

I've created some noise to the east of Changsha with a division and a brigade sitting two hexes away, with about five or six Chinese corps sitting on a blocking position along the road.

Pushing to Kweiyang and outflanking Changsha is my goal, getting the troops in position may take some time, however.

[mind_messing]

15th December to 16th December

Not much of note in these turns.

Malaya

Oscars tangle with the AVG. I lose a fair few of the worthless early versions of the Oscars in exchange for some AVG aircraft, but I lose a fair few of the pilots. A hard trade, but the AVG must be broken if the air campaign against Singapore is to commence.

DEI

The Mini-KB loses a flight of aircraft because I had the escorting Zero's on training. Lesson learned. They'll withdraw to stock back up on Kates and reform before screening the Eastern DEI.

Submarines

Another xAK lost this turn. IJN ASW assets are making their presence felt, though just now they're just making alot of noise and killing a great many fish, but it's better than leaving the Allied subs to operate on their own.

[mind_messing]

17th December to 22nd December

DEI

Force Z and ABDA make an appearance, shutting down Sinkawang in a series of bombardments. The IJN intercepts, but IJN crusiers end up fighting Force Z while the IJN battleships fight the ABDA crusiers. End result is three Japanese crusiers sunk (one outright, two more when they slunk in to port and Sinkawang and were bombed) for severe damage to the Prince of Wales and numerous smaller vessels.

More assets are diverted to support Sinkawang, but it's been a bloody defeat here for Japan.

China

A mixed bag. The south is almost entirely Japanese, while the north is a confused mess of LCU's. Nanyang is the new stronghold for the Chinese, with 2.5k AV.
I've decided to simply form a massive hammer with my divisions here and abandoned the early attempt on Chansha in favour of securing Sian. The buildup to a massive Japanese push begins as a air campaign develops. My main targets remain Sian and Yennan.

North Pacific

I divert a regiment and a combat TF based around the Fuso up here to take Dutch Harbour, just because I can.

South Pacific

The Rabaul and Port Moresby invasion force loads at Truk. Rabaul first, then Port Moresby, then perhaps Noumea before being relocated to the DEI.

Malaya

After a few turns of rest, I'm prepared to have another crack at the AVG. If this turn doesn't seriously whittle down thier numbers, fighters will be diverted from the Phillipines to suppress Singapore for the air campaign. I already shudder to think what two weeks worth of grace has allowed the engineers in Singapore to acomplish.

[JocMeister]

When you say 3 IJN cruisers sunk do you mean CAs or CLs? If its CAs I would say its a pretty bad trade!

[mind_messing]

ORIGINAL: JocMeister

When you say 3 IJN cruisers sunk do you mean CAs or CLs? If its CAs I would say its a pretty bad trade!

CA's. A terrible trade. They blundered in to Force Z (in daylight, no less), but gave a reasonable account of themselves. I lost the first one to the guns of the Prince of Wales, two more were badly damaged and made for the nearest port, where they were bombed out of existance a day later. One got away to live another day.

A poor show, hopefully the last.

[JocMeister]

ORIGINAL: mind_messing

ORIGINAL: JocMeister

When you say 3 IJN cruisers sunk do you mean CAs or CLs? If its CAs I would say its a pretty bad trade!

CA's. A terrible trade. They blundered in to Force Z (in daylight, no less), but gave a reasonable account of themselves. I lost the first one to the guns of the Prince of Wales, two more were badly damaged and made for the nearest port, where they were bombed out of existance a day later. One got away to live another day.

A poor show, hopefully the last.

Ouch! A bad trade indeed. While the PoW is a very nice ships I bet your opponent is very happy with that exchange. He gets more BBs but you wont get more CAs! Take care of them or they will run out fast. [:)]

[mind_messing]

December 22nd

Submarines

Major headache. At least one IJN cargo ship is being sunk per turn, while I'm unable to mount any sort of counter. Even with PB's, SC's and ASW air units, the Dutch and American S-Boats operate with impunity. My floatplanes and bombers just don't have the skill levels yet, and the depth charges are purely for show.

Phillipines

Manila falls. Time for Clark to be invested. I intend to simply starve the Americans out over the coming weeks.

Malaya

The supposed sweeps of Singapore never materialize. The good news is that in two or three turns I'll have a working fighter base in minimun range of Singapore, so hopefully that's when the pain will really start.

DEI

A Dutch sub claims a kill from the Tarakan invasion force, which is reloading troops and heading for Samerinda to perform the Balikipan Two-Step.

Pacific

Wake still holds out, with the defenders becoming the attackers and getting a 1:1. I'll land another naval guard shortly, just to save the LCU's. Another bloody nose.

KB screens the Rabaul landings and sinks the Adeliade in Port Moresby harbour along with a xAP. Reinforcements? Withdrawing? We'll know in a week when the 4th Division takes Port Moresby.


[center]Central China: Note the big Chinese stack at Nanyang. The battle at Loyang was a minor defeat for the Chinese, and they seem to have given up defence of the hex.[/center]

[mind_messing]

ORIGINAL: JocMeister

ORIGINAL: mind_messing

ORIGINAL: JocMeister

When you say 3 IJN cruisers sunk do you mean CAs or CLs? If its CAs I would say its a pretty bad trade!

CA's. A terrible trade. They blundered in to Force Z (in daylight, no less), but gave a reasonable account of themselves. I lost the first one to the guns of the Prince of Wales, two more were badly damaged and made for the nearest port, where they were bombed out of existance a day later. One got away to live another day.

A poor show, hopefully the last.

Ouch! A bad trade indeed. While the PoW is a very nice ships I bet your opponent is very happy with that exchange. He gets more BBs but you wont get more CAs! Take care of them or they will run out fast. [:)]

I console myself with the knowledge that without the DEI oil, Japan run's out fast, and that they were destroyed for a worthy goal.

Plus, what's the point of keeping them while Allied ships get better and better as the game progresses.

Straw arguements, but they help make me feel better about the three new reefs off Singkawang.

[JocMeister]

ORIGINAL: mind_messing
Straw arguements, but they help make me feel better about the three new reefs off Singkawang.

[:D]

[mind_messing]

December 23rd

Submarines

I see a worrying trend developing. One Japanese minelayer is destroyed and a big xAP dudded off the Phillipines. This makes me worry, ASW is going to be a big focus for me in the coming weeks as a result. I plan to try to flood the area with floatplanes, and hope the system damage forces the American subs away.

DEI

A task force of three Japanese battleships and escorts takes station off Sinkawang, this should deter any moves on that flank. The Mini-KB holds the eastern flank of the DEI push.

Malaya

Singapore now holds 121 fighters. Not a insignificant number. I'm going to really bring the hammer for this; Nate's, Oscars, Zero's, the lot. No half measures. We'll break the British and the AVG over Singapore or we'll lose the cream of the Japanese air services.

Pacific

The Americans on Wake attack...and fail miserably. Japan takes her turn attacking tomorrow. Here's hoping it's a success.

I muck up the Rabaul invasion badly. A couple of support squads land while the majority of the 4th Division is left idle in Truk. Back to Truk goes the invasion force, back another week on the timetable.

Burma

Japanese tanks reach the first bases in Burma as the infantry and guns are dragged through the jungle. I'll be interested to see Miller strategy for this theater, and how I cope with it.

[mind_messing]

December 24th

Phillipines

On the day I withdraw my Zero's, the Allied fighters come up to play over Clark. The Nates did a good job, dying so that the bombers could get through, but it leaves a nasty taste afterwards. A caretaker Hikotai of Zero's have moved in to keep the Americans honest.

DEI

British and Dutch air bomb Sinkawang again, getting a minelayer and minetender in port. This base is now well-suppressed. Two Zero Hikotai on long-range CAP get off a few decent shots, but the sheer number of strikes wear them down. The fact that they both had armless blind men as squadron leaders didn't help either. Planes have been moved closer to interdict the Allied bombing efforts.

I've been sorely punished for my eagerness to get this base.

Malaya

The mother of all sweeps is ready. Near 104 of the best pilots flying the best aircraft Japan has to offer will attempt to smash Allied defences in Singapore over the next few turns. This will be bloody.

China

A pair of back shock attacks leave a couple of Japanese units badly mauled. Nothing critical, but a halt to operations in the center none-the-less. Most of the single-engined bombers in Manchuko have been bought out for China. I'm holding off on the two-engined stuff for ASW use once they're trained, but I've a pair of units operating from Jehol. They're supporting operations against Yunnan, which I've order to start this turn. Hopefully a breakthrough.

ASW Advice

Anyone got any words of wisdom they'd like to share on an effective Japanese ASW campaign early in the war? I've got the PB's working, along with some single-engine bombers, but no luck so far. Anyone got any tricks that I've not thought of?

[Encircled]

Can't help you with the ASW, as I don't think there is much you can do until the training kicks in.

I think every AFB realises the importance of Sinkawang, and with the POW/Repulse still around its as good a place as any to commit the allied forces early on.

[mind_messing]

ORIGINAL: Encircled

Can't help you with the ASW, as I don't think there is much you can do until the training kicks in.

I think every AFB realises the importance of Sinkawang, and with the POW/Repulse still around its as good a place as any to commit the allied forces early on.

Much to my sorrow. Update to follow shortly.

[obvert]

Night search really helps avoid subs, also helps find ships to react to for your SAGs.

Bad things at Singkawang? It is right out there on a limb, and early it can be a tough spot.

[mind_messing]

December 25th to 27th

Some fairly minor things thrown in with a few major events.

North Pacific

A new front opens up here as Japanese troops land on Adak. Fuso covers the landings while troops pour ashore. My intention is to then move, seize Dutch Harbour, and then pull everything out bar a single AF unit until I can throw some caretaker naval guards in at a later date.

Central Pacific

The Wake invasion force is in serious trouble. Low on supplies and with 19 AV, they're holding on, but only just. The one good thing is the Americans are likely not in any better circumstances. I want Wake, but I fear a trap. KB at present is south of Truk. Once they're done in that area, they'll redeploy north to secure the sealanes around Wake as I move the troops from Adak south to secure Wake.

I send out a AV to Canton to set up a recon base.

Malaya

The sweeps to end all sweeps go in. Lots of destroyed Buffalos and a fair few AVG planes gone as well but for pretty hard losses to swallow. However, the resistane above Singapore is far from broken.

DEI

Sinkawang gets a few days of much needed respite, the airbase might be back up and running in two or three days.

We land at Samarinda, and prepare to dance the Balikipan-Two-Step to dodge the coastal guns. More invasions to go in the Eastern DEI over the next few days.

China

The Yenan push meets resitance, but with the help of IJA air units operating from Manchuko they'll likely break through.

Elsewhere a big air campaign heralds the start of the IJA offensive in the center, with two pincers of about 2.5k AV each preparing to take Loyang and Nanyang before combining for a push on Sian.

The southern sector is a little more sparse, but a empty Wenchow means another 1k AV to help boost things here. IJA units are moving in to position for a thrust on Liuchow while another stack pins the former defenders of Wuchow.

Manchuko

I splurge out on PP's for a bunch of engineer units slated for the Pacific. Probably invest them around the Rabaul complex of bases, or perhaps Hollandia.

Burma

Pegu falls, and more will follow shortly once more units arrive in theater. Recon shows Rangoon holding a great many troops, but few guns and no AFV's. I'll hold off for some more recon flights before commiting.

[mind_messing]

December 28th

Well, the IJN moves from getting disapointing results to mixed results.

DEI

In round two of the battle of Singkawang, the Repulse, along with about eight or nine crusiers (all in the same task force) gets in to a fight with Ise, Fuso and Hyuga.

For a Japanese destroyer and the loss of the Hyuga, we damage a couple of crusiers and sink the Repulse.

Over the past month, four destroyers, two crusiers and a battleship have been sunk off of Singkawang. While the Allies have lost more, they can afford it.

More ships have been positioned to move on Singkawang. There's still a big US crusier force around, and the Ise and Fuso are damaged. The MLD sortied to bomb Singkawang proper, but got poor results.

Bloody, but if I'm going to lose capital ships, it may as well be for the DEI's oil.

Malaya

The AVG gets another drubbing over Singapore. The first Japanese sweep goes badly, but resulting sweeps by Oscars perform exceptionally well. At least one-fifth of the Allied fighter strength in Singapore has been destroyed by this point.

China

A lone Japanese division is in extreme danger of being trashed as a marauding group of Chinese stacks shock attacked it on open terrain. The Chinese are being bombed daily and reinforcements are en-route, but they might not make it before the 35th Division is mauled.

North Pacific

Adak is taken, troops reloading for Wake while another convoy sails to drop extra supplies off.

South Pacific

Rabaul in invaded. Engineers and air support is ready to go, and the 4th Division will shock attack before being sent to Port Moresby.

[mind_messing]

ORIGINAL: obvert

Night search really helps avoid subs, also helps find ships to react to for your SAGs.

Bad things at Singkawang? It is right out there on a limb, and early it can be a tough spot.

I find myself wishing I had stuck a few of the floatplanes on the battleships on night search. The Pete, Alf and Dave may not be the best guys, but they're better than nothing.

I've never really had any problems with an early push on Singkawang, and the only clear mistake I've made was to have too few capital ships in reserve. By depending on heavy crusiers, I created a nice set of cascading circumstances that is now costing me far more than I'm willing to pay.

Here's hoping that's the end of heavy Japanese ship losses for 1941!

[obvert]

ORIGINAL: mind_messing

ORIGINAL: obvert

Night search really helps avoid subs, also helps find ships to react to for your SAGs.

Bad things at Singkawang? It is right out there on a limb, and early it can be a tough spot.

I find myself wishing I had stuck a few of the floatplanes on the battleships on night search. The Pete, Alf and Dave may not be the best guys, but they're better than nothing.

I've never really had any problems with an early push on Singkawang, and the only clear mistake I've made was to have too few capital ships in reserve. By depending on heavy crusiers, I created a nice set of cascading circumstances that is now costing me far more than I'm willing to pay.

Here's hoping that's the end of heavy Japanese ship losses for 1941!

There are always at least half of my groups on night search for CL/CA/BB.

That looks like a tough battle. I like the Hyuga. I'd be upset by that.

If he is being aggressive though, use it against him. Stack up and feint, then bring in the air strikes, subs and DDs for a night battle.

[mind_messing]

ORIGINAL: obvert

ORIGINAL: mind_messing

ORIGINAL: obvert

Night search really helps avoid subs, also helps find ships to react to for your SAGs.

Bad things at Singkawang? It is right out there on a limb, and early it can be a tough spot.

I find myself wishing I had stuck a few of the floatplanes on the battleships on night search. The Pete, Alf and Dave may not be the best guys, but they're better than nothing.

I've never really had any problems with an early push on Singkawang, and the only clear mistake I've made was to have too few capital ships in reserve. By depending on heavy crusiers, I created a nice set of cascading circumstances that is now costing me far more than I'm willing to pay.

Here's hoping that's the end of heavy Japanese ship losses for 1941!

There are always at least half of my groups on night search for CL/CA/BB.

That looks like a tough battle. I like the Hyuga. I'd be upset by that.

If he is being aggressive though, use it against him. Stack up and feint, then bring in the air strikes, subs and DDs for a night battle.

It's something I'll be implamenting next turn, I've never really held much faith in night searches or night attacks. If it's too my sorrow then why not start using it?

It's funny,for me, the Hyuga is always the first Japanese battleship to go, and in both my past PBEM games it has been sunk fighting Force Z. Probably just random chance, but it makes you wonder.

As for Miller's aggression, it's playing against him in other theaters. SWPAC seems empty of ships, as does the Central Pacific. Burma and China are without any Allied fighter cover, and though the Burma air campaign has yet to start, the Chinese are feeling the hurt.

[Bullwinkle58]

ORIGINAL: obvert

That looks like a tough battle. I like the Hyuga. I'd be upset by that.

As an Allied player I would gladly pay 2-3 of ANY cruiser I start the game with for a good Japanese BB. Yes, even the Boise. If I can sink them early when they have the advantage I'm going to lunch on the surviving few when I have radar and full-war crew experience in the USN.

Low moonlight generally favors the Allies in the early-war in my experience, especially at close range. High moon favors the IJN.