Argentina vs. Slovakia (Aurorus against 821Bobo)

[adarbrauner]

I really hoped to read some reactions and insights to my queries about the higly effective bombing of the tank battalion in Luzon, a few posts above.

[Aurorus]

ORIGINAL: adarbrauner

Listen, what kind of game are you playing? I mean what version.

At first, I had not realized that this was a night strike.

in light of this, Bobo's decision was brilliant, audacious, in full spirit of British warlike, aggressive and imaginative attitude, 1000 kudos (just, why at 9000 feet altitude and not 4 or 3 k?).

This was a daylight raid. He had attacked at night the two previous nights, with 1 or 2 planes disabled on the runway in each raid. This is why I state that his attack was not as reckless as it appears. He was hoping that I had diverted some fighters to night defense and was hoping to catch them on the ground in the daylight. He is trying, I think, to stretch out the number of Zeros... some for night CAP, some for day Cap, some disabled... less to sweep Singapore... so that his Buffalos have a fighting chance in the next engagement. As I say, I may have tried something similar in his position. It is a devil's bargain, bombers for Buffalos, but that is the nature of things at times for the allies in 42 and Japan after 43. And yes, I found his decision to be very "British..." stiff upper lip and all of that.

There are not even searchlights, at this point, at Singkawang, since on the JNAF have searchlights, and 2 airforce units and the 24th Air HQ are providing the aviation support. There is only 1 sound detector. His nighttime strikes have been largely unopposed.


The attacks on the tanks at Cabanatuan occurred on Dec. 9th and 10th. I had landed paratroopers in Cabanatuan, in part, hoping to draw out the tanks into the clear terrain. I think, almost any allied commander who is good, would have tried to attack those paratroopers with the Grants. It was a trap. Unlike most Japanese commanders, I focused exclusively on the air force over Luzon the first two days and mostly ignored the thundering herd and the subs. I wanted to establish air superiority immediately and decisively within 48 hours. This was key to my trap for the grants, as I had planned, from Dec. 7th, to divert the Betties to the grants on the 9th. The weather was on my side and the 2 strikes came in on the Grants in clear weather and partial cloud. I misclicked on the 10th, however, for one of the Betty squadrons and they attacked Manila rather than the tanks, so only 110 bombers struck the tanks over the 2 days of bombing, instead of 135. I had hoped for 3 days of strikes on the Grants, but Bob immediately after moving the tanks to Cabanatuan sensed the trap and started them back for Clark on the 9th, rather than plotting them to attack the base. Very, very astute on his part... shockingly so actually. I knew when the Grants arrived back in Clark on the 10th that Bob was going to be a tough opponent.

This is scenario 1 stock using the latest official version, not the beta, which I like, but find to be a bit unstable at times.

[Aurorus]

ORIGINAL: adarbrauner

I really hoped to read some reactions and insights to my queries about the higly effective bombing of the tank battalion in Luzon, a few posts above.

By the way, I enjoy your AAR. You mentioned a while back that you hoped that readers do not find it boring. Not at all. I like your approach as the allies, broadening the front in Java, for example, rather than making a more focused and straight drive up through the Phillipines, such as that used by Canoerebel. It is interesting to compare your two approaches to Japan.

Your approach is probably the one that I would use as the allies: attacking across a broad front, knowing what I do about Japan's limitations. Japan has the forces necessary to counter a narrow allied advance and stymie it for a long time, if Japan uses her capabilities effectively. Japan does not have the ability to stymie a broad-front advance. The only option Japan has against this tactic is to try to counter-attack somewhere. A wrong choice by Japan or a single mistake will result in her defeat. That is the best way to get Japan.. pressure her into making a mistake. It will eventually happen... ala Marianas Turkey Shoot.

[Aurorus]

Dec. 21st, and allied subs find multiple targets across the Pacific, from Japan in the north to Babeldaob and Truk. In every case but one, the allied sub captains failed to make successful attacks. One intrepid U.S. sub commander hit a Japanese cargo ship near Hokkaido. These allied sub captains are getting a lot of practice early. They are going to be a problem once their torpedos begin working. Japanese minesweepers have gone to work at Hong Kong and are running in at night of Batangas to clear the mines at Bataan.

TF 188 encounters mine field at Bataan (78,77)

Japanese Ships
AMc Toshi Maru #1
AMc Tamo Maru #6
AMc Takunan Maru #3
AMc Shanan Maru #16

108 mines cleared

To all you JFBs, this is how you expedite Luzon. Send in minesweepers at night to clear Bataan from Batangas. Do not send the AMcs into Manila. They will be destroyed by coastal guns. Also watch the moonlight and weather. You will take heavy fire from the coastal guns if it is a clear night with moon.

[Aurorus]

Luzon

Aerial and artillery bombardment continue at Manila. Japanese ground forces have now moved into position at Clark to begin artillery bombardments on the allied position there. The airfield at Clark Field is bombed again and remains inoperable, it seems.

Malaysia - Sumatra - North Borneo


Japanese Zeros sweep Singapore and Palembang, but encounter no resistance.

Nells from Singkawang find allied troop transports unloading at Palembang.

Morning Air attack on TF, near Palembang at 48,91

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 35 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 9
G3M2 Nell x 18

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
PG Herald, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
xAP Matang, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
xAP Kepong, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
xAP Sin Kheng Seng, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk

Allied ground losses:
1995 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 77 destroyed, 135 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
18 x G3M2 Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo


DEI

Allied and Japanese naval forces have withdrawn from Ternate. The Japanese capture the base at Ternate.

[Aurorus]

Dec. 22nd. and the Japanese complete the task of clearing the minefield at Hong Kong. The port is ready for use. Despite a light rain and low moonlight, allied spotters notice the position of Japanese minesweepers at Bataan moving in to clear the minefield for a second night. Under heavy fire from the coastal guns, the minesweepers still manage to clear another path through the minefield. Sacrifice themselves like samurai these minesweepers.

TF 188 encounters mine field at Bataan (78,77) - Coastal Guns Fire Back!

26 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
AMc Toshi Maru #1, Shell hits 11, heavy fires, heavy damage
AMc Tamo Maru #6, Shell hits 10, heavy fires, heavy damage
AMc Takunan Maru #3, Shell hits 8, heavy fires, heavy damage
AMc Shanan Maru #16, Shell hits 7, heavy fires, heavy damage

Manila Bay Defenses firing at AMc Toshi Maru #1
Manila Bay Defenses firing at AMc Tamo Maru #6
Manila Bay Defenses firing at AMc Takunan Maru #3
AMc Takunan Maru #3 firing at Manila Bay Defenses
Manila Bay Defenses firing at AMc Shanan Maru #16
AMc Shanan Maru #16 firing at Manila Bay Defenses
Manila Bay Defenses firing at AMc Toshi Maru #1
AMc Toshi Maru #1 firing at Manila Bay Defenses
Manila Bay Defenses firing at AMc Tamo Maru #6
Manila Bay Defenses firing at AMc Takunan Maru #3
Manila Bay Defenses firing at AMc Shanan Maru #16
89 mines cleared [:)]

[Aurorus]

In Malaysia, waves of Japanese bombers follow fighter sweeps over Singapore and Palembang. The skies are clear and the damage is substantial.

Morning Air attack on Palembang , at 48,91

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 22 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 21
G3M2 Nell x 28
G4M1 Betty x 26

Allied aircraft
no flights

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Vildebeest III: 12 damaged
Vildebeest III: 3 destroyed on ground
P-40E Warhawk: 1 damaged
P-40E Warhawk: 2 destroyed on ground
Swordfish I: 2 damaged

Allied ground losses:
7 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Airbase hits 10
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 42

Morning Air attack on Singapore , at 50,84

Weather in hex: Clear sky[:)]

Raid detected at 39 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 36
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 24

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-IIa Sally: 5 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Buffalo I: 19 damaged
Buffalo I: 3 destroyed on ground
Hudson I: 12 damaged
Hudson I: 1 destroyed on ground
Blenheim IV: 4 damaged
Blenheim IV: 1 destroyed on ground
Blenheim I: 1 damaged

Allied ground losses:
2 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Airbase hits 11
Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 31

Morning Air attack on Singapore , at 50,84

Weather in hex: Clear sky[:)]

Raid detected at 28 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 25
Ki-43-Ia Oscar x 24

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-IIa Sally: 2 damaged
Ki-21-IIa Sally: 1 destroyed by flak

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 3 damaged
Blenheim IV: 2 destroyed on ground
Buffalo I: 2 damaged
Buffalo I: 1 destroyed on ground
Catalina I: 1 damaged

Airbase hits 3
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 9

Morning Air attack on Singapore , at 50,84

Weather in hex: Clear sky[:)]

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 20

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-IIa Sally: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Buffalo I: 8 damaged
Buffalo I: 1 destroyed on ground
Hudson I: 3 damaged
Hudson I: 1 destroyed on ground

Airbase hits 4
Runway hits 4

Morning Air attack on Singapore , at 50,84

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 30 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 23

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-IIa Sally: 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim I: 7 damaged
Buffalo I: 12 damaged
Buffalo I: 1 destroyed on ground
Hudson I: 2 damaged
Blenheim IV: 1 damaged

Allied ground losses:
3 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Airbase hits 4
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 7

For once, Japanese weather forecasts were correct. I need to mark this down in my notable events of the war. The allied engineers at Singapore had just finished repairing the port two days ago, so now they have something new to work on instead of builing fortifications. The clear weather could not have come at a better time.

I had the bombers in position yesterday to begin, but held off for a day because the weather forecast was poor and because the 5th air division was still unloading, and I wanted it in position to coordinate the strikes from Kota Bharu and Kuantan. The strikes were preceded by a sweep of Oscar ICs, so the air coordination, while not perfect, was satisfactory. The Japanese army struggles with air coordination throughout the war moreso than the navy, owing to the less adept army squadron commanders.

[Aurorus]

In Luzon, aerial and artilley bombardments of allied positions continued at Manila and commenced at Clark Field. The following is the current disposition of forces at the two bases.

Ground combat at Clark Field (79,76)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 43942 troops, 510 guns, 157 vehicles, Assault Value = 1505

Defending force 23994 troops, 390 guns, 498 vehicles, Assault Value = 739

Japanese ground losses:
72 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
21 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Vehicles lost 5 (4 destroyed, 1 disabled)

Assaulting units:
21st Division
148th Infantry Regiment
1st Formosa Inf. Regiment
2nd Formosa Inf. Regiment
47th Infantry Regiment
113th Infantry Regiment
33rd Division
9th Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
1st Medium Field Artillery Regiment
8th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
48th Field Artillery Regiment
14th Army
15th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
2nd Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
56th Field Artillery Regiment

Defending units:
192nd Tank Battalion
4th Marine Regiment
91st PA Infantry Division
194th Tank Battalion
57th PS Infantry Regimental Combat Team
45th PS Infantry Regimental Combat Team
31st Infantry Regiment
26th PS Cavalry Regiment
31st PA Infantry Division
14th PS Engineer Regiment
1st PI Base Force
88th PS Field Artillery Regiment
803rd Engineer Aviation Battalion
200th & 515th Coast AA Regiment
Clark Field USAAF Base Force
1st USMC AA Battalion
North Luzon Force
USAFFE
Subic Bay Defenses

Ground combat at Manila (79,77)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 20766 troops, 194 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 983

Defending force 15469 troops, 152 guns, 150 vehicles, Assault Value = 450

Allied ground losses:
21 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
2nd Tank Regiment
16th Recon Regiment
56th Recon Regiment
9th Infantry Regiment
48th Recon Regiment
20th Infantry Regiment
4th Division
16th Engineer Regiment
2nd Engineer Regiment

Defending units:
41st PA Infantry Division
71st PA Infantry Division
1st PA Constabulary Regiment
1st PA Infantry Division
2nd PA Constabulary Regiment
Cavite USN Base Force
Asiatic Fleet
Manila USAAF Base Force
South Luzon Force
PAF Aviation

[Aurorus]

Timing is essential to the early Japanese war effort, and everything depends on something else. Every operation is interrelated and every move should be coordinated. So far, everything is proceeding according to the plan and timetable that I had in mind in my prewar planning. The airwar over Luzon was decided quickly, freeing up many Zeros just at the moment that Singkawang and Kuantan became servicable airfields. The Air HQs arrived on the day that they were needed. Aviation support was routed from every minor port, including the minor ports Thailand that contain aviation support. Small TFs consisting of a small AP and 2 small SCs or Es have been running continuously from these small ports to the locations where aviation support was needed.

Every port above size 1 in Thailand, Samah, Formosa, and Babeldaod has been used to move everything as quickly as possible. Most ports have been at their operations capacity since Dec. 7th, with the tonnage of ships at dock at capacity. Babeldaob is a mess right now with 4 turns of operations basically in queue: supplies to offload, ships to fuel and rearm, troops to load... etc... . It has been this way for two weeks with no end in sight. This is important for beginning Japanese players: make full use of your port capacity. This means using every port to its limit, with ships in dock equal to the port capacity, and getting naval support into the smaller ports that will serve as your primary embarkation and debarkation points.

[GetAssista]

ORIGINAL: Aurorus
Most ports have been at their operations capacity since Dec. 7th, with the tonnage of ships at dock at capacity. Babeldaob is a mess right now with 4 turns of operations basically in queue: supplies to offload, ships to fuel and rearm, troops to load... etc... . It has been this way for two weeks with no end in sight. This is important for beginning Japanese players: make full use of your port capacity. This means using every port to its limit, with ships in dock equal to the port capacity, and getting naval support into the smaller ports that will serve as your primary embarkation and debarkation points.

I use amphibious TFs for supply and troop transport for the bonus period, they do not clog the ports

[adarbrauner]

ORIGINAL: Aurorus

In Malaysia, waves of Japanese bombers follow fighter sweeps over Singapore and Palembang. The skies are clear and the damage is substantial.

Morning Air attack on Palembang , at 48,91

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 22 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 21
G3M2 Nell x 28
G4M1 Betty x 26

Allied aircraft
no flights

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Vildebeest III: 12 damaged
Vildebeest III: 3 destroyed on ground
P-40E Warhawk: 1 damaged
P-40E Warhawk: 2 destroyed on ground
Swordfish I: 2 damaged

Allied ground losses:
7 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Airbase hits 10
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 42

Morning Air attack on Singapore , at 50,84

Weather in hex: Clear sky[:)]

Raid detected at 39 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 36
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 24

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-IIa Sally: 5 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Buffalo I: 19 damaged
Buffalo I: 3 destroyed on ground
Hudson I: 12 damaged
Hudson I: 1 destroyed on ground
Blenheim IV: 4 damaged
Blenheim IV: 1 destroyed on ground
Blenheim I: 1 damaged

Allied ground losses:
2 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Airbase hits 11
Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 31

Morning Air attack on Singapore , at 50,84

Weather in hex: Clear sky[:)]

Raid detected at 28 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 25
Ki-43-Ia Oscar x 24

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-IIa Sally: 2 damaged
Ki-21-IIa Sally: 1 destroyed by flak

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 3 damaged
Blenheim IV: 2 destroyed on ground
Buffalo I: 2 damaged
Buffalo I: 1 destroyed on ground
Catalina I: 1 damaged

Airbase hits 3
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 9

Morning Air attack on Singapore , at 50,84

Weather in hex: Clear sky[:)]

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 20

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-IIa Sally: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Buffalo I: 8 damaged
Buffalo I: 1 destroyed on ground
Hudson I: 3 damaged
Hudson I: 1 destroyed on ground

Airbase hits 4
Runway hits 4

Morning Air attack on Singapore , at 50,84

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 30 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 23

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-IIa Sally: 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim I: 7 damaged
Buffalo I: 12 damaged
Buffalo I: 1 destroyed on ground
Hudson I: 2 damaged
Blenheim IV: 1 damaged

Allied ground losses:
3 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Airbase hits 4
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 7

For once, Japanese weather forecasts were correct. I need to mark this down in my notable events of the war. The allied engineers at Singapore had just finished repairing the port two days ago, so now they have something new to work on instead of builing fortifications. The clear weather could not have come at a better time.

I had the bombers in position yesterday to begin, but held off for a day because the weather forecast was poor and because the 5th air division was still unloading, and I wanted it in position to coordinate the strikes from Kota Bharu and Kuantan. The strikes were preceded by a sweep of Oscar ICs, so the air coordination, while not perfect, was satisfactory. The Japanese army struggles with air coordination throughout the war moreso than the navy, owing to the less adept army squadron commanders.

Ouch!

[Aurorus]

ORIGINAL: GetAssista

ORIGINAL: Aurorus
Most ports have been at their operations capacity since Dec. 7th, with the tonnage of ships at dock at capacity. Babeldaob is a mess right now with 4 turns of operations basically in queue: supplies to offload, ships to fuel and rearm, troops to load... etc... . It has been this way for two weeks with no end in sight. This is important for beginning Japanese players: make full use of your port capacity. This means using every port to its limit, with ships in dock equal to the port capacity, and getting naval support into the smaller ports that will serve as your primary embarkation and debarkation points.

I use amphibious TFs for supply and troop transport for the bonus period, they do not clog the ports

I use amphibious TFs as supplements where needed, especially at size one ports. But the unload rate of amphibious TFs is substantially less than that of transport and cargo TFs that are "docked." That is what I mean by making full use of every possible port... having TFs, especially transport and cargo TFs, docked everywhere possible.

I do not like amphibious TFs to move troops except on the first 2 turns and for invasions or emergencies because the troops suffer fatigue and disruption during transport. Also, devices are often damaged when they disembark, especially if the TF is not docked. The larger the device, the more likely it is to be damaged, it seems.

The way in which amphibious TFs disembark at ports has changed in the new Beta. This game is the official version. I believe the change in the Beta involves docked amphibious TFs, which will now recieve the "docked" rate. They do not receive the docked "rate" in the official game and unload at the same speed whether docked or not. The way it works in the official version is that an amphibious TF will unload troops at the amphibious rate, which is less than the the "docked" port rate, especially if naval support is present. Amphibious TFS that unload at friendly ports do not receive the Japanese "amphibious bonus." The rate at which amphibious TFs unload supplies at friendy ports is, I believe, still governed by the rules for port operations and contributes to port operations totals for a turn.

Loading troops onto any TF, amphibious or transport, should almost always be done in dock. The loading times are much, much slower for TFs not docked and devices will be damaged during loading if the TF is not docked. Also, if it is an amphbious TF, the units will begin to disrupt and fatigue during the loading time, which can make for a really poor invasion, especially if loading takes a week or more: which can easily happen for undocked TFs. Without naval support, even loading a regiment from a size 3 port can take 3 or 4 days, supplies... another 3 or 4 days. Undocked... weeks.

[GetAssista]

ORIGINAL: Aurorus
..
The way in which amphibious TFs disembark at ports has changed in the new Beta. This game is the official version. I believe the change in the Beta involves docked amphibious TFs, which will now recieve the "docked" rate. They do not receive the docked "rate" in the official game and unload at the same speed whether docked or not.
...
<lots of other minor problems for amphib tfs mentioned>

Just run a simple test - take all ships with troops in Samah on your 1st turn (you have it saved right?) into as single amphib TF with no * to ensure normal action points. And set it to unload. You will most certainly see all 70k men and a lot of supply land in a single turn in a size 3 port. Good luck matching this with transport TFs.
I believe my solution works for your problem. In fact I can't recall any other Japanese AARs having logistic problems of your scale with troop movement. Japan has enough shipping to never clog ports waiting for units or supply during bonus period. Especially supply, because why unload a pair of docked ships when you can unload a dozen undocked with higher rate, then move TF to other base needing supply

[Aurorus]

Dec. 23rd. Yamamota spent the night of the 22nd at Combined Fleet HQ on the Home Islands receiving reports from his area commanders. He felt the general staff had done a fine job with planning the Palembang operation. Minesweepers and torpedo boats were on schedule to arrive 12 hours before the amphibious group to deal with the allied PT boats and minefield. Air superiority was achieved briefly with the air raids on Singapore and Palembang. All units were in place and in order. Surface combat groups, carrier cover. Then the first reports starting coming in.

The minesweepers failed to detect the minefield and engaged the PT boats instead. Then the torpedo boats detected the minefield: rather than the other way around. Forunately... the minesweepers performed admirably in their engagement with the PT boats. The torpedo boats did their best with the minefield, actually removing 3 mines and a fourth when the TB Kiji collided with one.

Night Time Surface Combat, near Palembang at 48,91, Range 2,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DMS W-4
DMS W-11
DMS W-12
DMS W-20

Allied Ships
PT TM-4, Shell hits 2, and is sunk
PT TM-5
PT TM-6, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
PT TM-7, Shell hits 2, and is sunk
PT TM-8, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
PT TM-9
PT TM-10, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
PT TM-11, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
PT TM-12, Shell hits 7, and is sunk
PT TM-13, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
PT TM-14, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
PT TM-15, Shell hits 1, and is sunk

TF 57 encounters mine field at Palembang (48,91)

Japanese Ships
TB Kari
TB Sagi
TB Otori
TB Kiji, Mine hits 1, heavy damage

4 mines cleared


At least the TBs detected the minefield before the amphibious group arrived or this could have been one epic naval disaster.

[Aurorus]

First light and the float planes assembled and launched before dawn began reporting sightings of allied ships: a BB east of Oosthaven and 11 hexes from Singkawang. Then more sightings: large surface groups, allied CVs, under cover of what had to Prince of Wales and Repulse, also just east of Oosthaven. Kates sat ready on the flight decks of Ryujo and Zuiho... Nells and Betties had armed topedos on the runways at Singkawang, and the Betties sortied!

Morning Air attack on TF, near Singapore at 50,84

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 14
G4M1 Betty x 10

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
AM Toowoomba, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk

Aircraft Attacking:
10 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo

Ignoring the dawn reports of BBs and CVs east of Oosthaven, they focused on the real threat to the IJN: the Toowoomba. They achieved complete surprise and sank the hapless minesweeper in the port at Singapore before the allies could react. Surely, in the afternoon, once everyone had a little saki, and the Toowoomba had been dealt with, they could find some time for the allied CVs and BBs. Early in the afternoon, Ryujo and Zuiho came under attack from allied torpedo bombers from the Hermes.

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Toboali at 51,91

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 31 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 20 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A5M4 Claude x 11
A6M2 Zero x 15

Allied aircraft
Swordfish I x 12

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Swordfish I: 7 destroyed


Surely, Yamaguchi would follow up with a strike on the allied CVs or the BBs with his planes. Yamamoto waited for the reports... and waited... and waited... and waited. Evening fell and no attacks... no additional strikes had been launched: a complete failure of Japanese naval air to perform at a crucial moment in the war. After dark, the amphibious group began unloading.


Pre-Invasion action off Palembang (48,91) - Coastal Guns Fire Back!
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

63 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
CL Naka
DD Samidare
DD Yudachi
DD Murasame
xAP Koan Maru, Shell hits 4
DD Harusame
xAP Naminoue Maru

Japanese ground losses:
57 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
6 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

CL Naka firing at Palembang Base Force
DD Samidare firing at Zuid KNIL Battalion
DD Yudachi firing at Palembang Base Force
Palembang Base Force firing at DD Murasame
DD Murasame firing at Palembang Base Force
75mm CD Gun Battery engaging xAP Koan Maru at 12,000 yards
DD Harusame firing to suppress enemy battery at 12,000 yards
75mm CD Gun Battery engaging xAP Koan Maru at 12,000 yards
DD Harusame firing to suppress enemy battery at 12,000 yards
DD Yudachi fired at enemy troops
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 5,000 yards
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 1,000 yards


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Amphibious Assault at Palembang (48,91)

TF 42 troops unloading over beach at Palembang, 48,91

Japanese ground losses:
231 casualties reported
Squads: 15 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)

[Aurorus]

The current disposition of forces at Palembang.

Ground combat at Palembang (48,91)

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 2166 troops, 15 guns, 5 vehicles, Assault Value = 105

Defending force 5896 troops, 71 guns, 11 vehicles, Assault Value = 236

Assaulting units:
Zuid KNIL Battalion
So.Sumatra Garrison Battalion
Palembang Base Force
110th RAF Base Force
223 Group RAF
109th RN Base Force

Defending units:
4th Ind.Mixed Rgt /1
21st Ind.Mixed Bde /2

In the Phillipines, aerial and artillery bombardments of allied positions continued at Clark Field and Manila. On Mindanao, alled remnants have been surrounded at Malaybalay, and small Japanese marine units continue operations to clean up the smaller islands.

In Malaysia, the drive on Singapore continues.

Ground combat at Temuloh (50,78)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 7259 troops, 52 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 254

Defending force 425 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 20

Japanese adjusted assault: 354

Allied adjusted defense: 1

Japanese assault odds: 354 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Temuloh !!!

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), leaders(+), preparation(-), morale(-)
experience(-)
Attacker: shock(+)

Japanese ground losses:
13 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
467 casualties reported
Squads: 31 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 35 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Units destroyed 1

Assaulting units:
11th Infantry Regiment
41st Infantry Regiment

Defending units:
1st Hyderabad Battalion

Not to be outdone by the navy, the airforce also failed to launch a follow up strike on Singapore, despite clear skies. 3 or the 4 bomber groups scheduled to attack failed to launch. Those that did found few allied planes on the field.

Afternoon Air attack on Singapore , at 50,84

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 35 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 25
Ki-43-Ia Oscar x 24
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 24

Allied aircraft
no flights

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Buffalo I: 1 destroyed on ground

Allied ground losses:
5 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 5

Japanese intelligence reports almost 30 bombers on the airfield at Palembang. And the Nells and Betties were given a secondary target to strike the airfield at Palembang. Not only did they fail to launch on the allied CVs and BBs, they even failed to launch on their secondary target. Not a happy day for the IJN, but it could have been worse... much worse, given the complete incompetence of every field commander involved.

Yamamoto couldn't sleep that night of the 23rd. Enough was enough. On the morrow, he was going to begin putting his affairs in order at Combined Fleet and then board a Mavis for points south. He is going to take personal command of a CV group, to avoid another incident like this in the future. Yamaguchi will be relieved of command of Ryujo and Zuiho at the first opportunity. Kinpai, of the 22nd Air HQ, will be reassigned as well.

[Aurorus]

ORIGINAL: GetAssista
Just run a simple test - take all ships with troops in Samah on your 1st turn (you have it saved right?) into as single amphib TF with no * to ensure normal action points. And set it to unload. You will most certainly see all 70k men and a lot of supply land in a single turn in a size 3 port. Good luck matching this with transport TFs.
I believe my solution works for your problem. In fact I can't recall any other Japanese AARs having logistic problems of your scale with troop movement. Japan has enough shipping to never clog ports waiting for units or supply during bonus period. Especially supply, because why unload a pair of docked ships when you can unload a dozen undocked with higher rate, then move TF to other base needing supply

As I say, amphibious TFs will unload troops at the amphibious rate. You do not get the amphibious bonus unloading at a friendly port, however. Try this test... unload a division into Iba with the allies in control of the hex. Then try to unload a division into the hex after you have taken control of it. You will see that the division unloads with the bonus only when the allies control the base.

Your start game TFs unload rapidly in most locations because the troops are disbursed among so many ships. Each ship has its unload rate. If you want fast unloads from amphibious TFs, just spread the troops out among more ships. This is a common allied tactic to replicate the advantages of the Japanese amphbious bonus.

Try this. Unload the 5th recon unit at the size 1 port at Patani. This was among my most important moves in this game, and I wanted it to be perfect and as fast as possible. You will discover that most of the unit is unloaded off 2 ships on turn 1. You will discover that most of what remains on the ships is the motorized support, which has a high load. Now... split the TF into 2 TFs... one that can dock and one that cannot. You will find on the 9th, that the one docked has offloaded all of its motorized support undamaged. You will discover that the one that is not docked has not offloaded all of its support, and what it has offloaded has suffered some devices disabled. I needed the whole 5th recon intact and combat ready south of Alor Star on turn 4. How did I get it there? By breaking up the TF and using the port.

Why was it faster for me in port in this game? Because I unloaded naval support into the Patani on turn 1 as well. How do you think that I trapped those Indian units in Alor Star... by chance... by accident... or by careful planning and testing. 821Bobo did what every good allied commander does. He set those units to strategic move on turn 1 and then ordered them south. What if he had just "moved" them south instead? That is why I needed the 5th recon combat ready and not half the unit with half its motorized support disabled. If he had "moved" south, rather than strat moving, the 5th recon may have had to hold that hex 1 day until the armor from Kota Bharu had arrived.

As to supplies. I am not having a problem with supplies. I could not move air forward this quickly, however, if I did not make very efficient use of the ports. I know this to be true, because I did not make good use of my ports the first two times that I played Japan against the AI, and I mostly used amphibious TFs, like you recommend. I found that getting forward bases supplied and with aviation support always caused delays.

[adarbrauner]

ORIGINAL: Aurorus

Dec. 23rd. Yamamota spent the night of the 22nd at Combined Fleet HQ on the Home Islands receiving reports from his area commanders. He felt the general staff had done a fine job with planning the Palembang operation. Minesweepers and torpedo boats were on schedule to arrive 12 hours before the amphibious group to deal with the allied PT boats and minefield. Air superiority was achieved briefly with the air raids on Singapore and Palembang. All units were in place and in order. Surface combat groups, carrier cover. Then the first reports starting coming in.

The minesweepers failed to detect the minefield and engaged the PT boats instead. Then the torpedo boats detected the minefield: rather than the other way around. Forunately... the minesweepers performed admirably in their engagement with the PT boats. The torpedo boats did their best with the minefield, actually removing 3 mines and a fourth when the TB Kiji collided with one.

Night Time Surface Combat, near Palembang at 48,91, Range 2,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DMS W-4
DMS W-11
DMS W-12
DMS W-20

Allied Ships
PT TM-4, Shell hits 2, and is sunk
PT TM-5
PT TM-6, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
PT TM-7, Shell hits 2, and is sunk
PT TM-8, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
PT TM-9
PT TM-10, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
PT TM-11, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
PT TM-12, Shell hits 7, and is sunk
PT TM-13, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
PT TM-14, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
PT TM-15, Shell hits 1, and is sunk

TF 57 encounters mine field at Palembang (48,91)

Japanese Ships
TB Kari
TB Sagi
TB Otori
TB Kiji, Mine hits 1, heavy damage

4 mines cleared


At least the TBs detected the minefield before the amphibious group arrived or this could have been one epic naval disaster.

Were the minesweeper ordered a minesweeping mission or a surface one? Looks like the latter.

I any case , those dutch Pts perform poorly or less than; I hope the Japanese ones shall be much better!

[Aurorus]

ORIGINAL: adarbrauner

ORIGINAL: Aurorus

Dec. 23rd. Yamamota spent the night of the 22nd at Combined Fleet HQ on the Home Islands receiving reports from his area commanders. He felt the general staff had done a fine job with planning the Palembang operation. Minesweepers and torpedo boats were on schedule to arrive 12 hours before the amphibious group to deal with the allied PT boats and minefield. Air superiority was achieved briefly with the air raids on Singapore and Palembang. All units were in place and in order. Surface combat groups, carrier cover. Then the first reports starting coming in.

The minesweepers failed to detect the minefield and engaged the PT boats instead. Then the torpedo boats detected the minefield: rather than the other way around. Forunately... the minesweepers performed admirably in their engagement with the PT boats. The torpedo boats did their best with the minefield, actually removing 3 mines and a fourth when the TB Kiji collided with one.

Night Time Surface Combat, near Palembang at 48,91, Range 2,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DMS W-4
DMS W-11
DMS W-12
DMS W-20

Allied Ships
PT TM-4, Shell hits 2, and is sunk
PT TM-5
PT TM-6, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
PT TM-7, Shell hits 2, and is sunk
PT TM-8, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
PT TM-9
PT TM-10, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
PT TM-11, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
PT TM-12, Shell hits 7, and is sunk
PT TM-13, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
PT TM-14, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
PT TM-15, Shell hits 1, and is sunk

TF 57 encounters mine field at Palembang (48,91)

Japanese Ships
TB Kari
TB Sagi
TB Otori
TB Kiji, Mine hits 1, heavy damage

4 mines cleared


At least the TBs detected the minefield before the amphibious group arrived or this could have been one epic naval disaster.

Were the minesweeper ordered a minesweeping mission or a surface one? Looks like the latter.

I any case , those dutch Pts perform poorly or less than; I hope the Japanese ones shall be much better!

No the minesweepers were on a minesweeping mission and the TBs on a surface combat mission. I saw after the action that the commander of the flagship of the minesweeper mission was pretty aggressive. He showed it I suppose. That is one of the real marvels of this game is how unit commanders will often take "iniative" or fail to "take iniative:" as in the case of Yamaguchi and Kinpai. The history of war is filled with examples of where the best-laid plans are thwarted by incompetent field commanders... or someone who is just having a "bad day." Even "Stonewall" Jackson, one of the great masters of manuever had his "bad days" after the valley campaign. The game recreates this very well, in my opinion.

For all I know, the U.S. CV or CVs were present as well, and they also failed to launch. So... I may not be the only one upset with a lack of iniative on the part of my units. Bob may be thinking the same thing that I am... wondering why the Brits were willing to launch their bombers... but U.S. fighters and divebombers decided to sit on their hands while the British pilots were sacrificed.

[821Bobo]

Well the Dutch PT boat TF commander has been really good one. 80+ naval 70+ aggression, the result was big disappointment. The same 30+ bombers at Palembang on naval strike with plenty of targets around and no sortie launched. [8|]