The Elephant Vanishes : obvert (J) vs Historiker_SqzMyLemon_Canoerebel (A)

[obvert]

[font="Times New Roman"]March 18-23 1944[/font]

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[font="Microsoft Sans Serif"]CENT PAC: [/font]It is a bit strange having been through this part of he game before. Some things are qutie different, like Burma. Others very much the same, like the Central Pacific, where Dan has started to fill in the space I've left.

[font="Microsoft Sans Serif"]SUBS: [/font]Allied subs are doing some damage. Dan is not hesitating to push them right forward. Extra air ASW units are being added and I'm guessing a lot of those will be heading back home soon to patch up their dings. [:)]

[font="Microsoft Sans Serif"]BURMA: [/font]With Bassein taken I have to be very careful here at Prome. Troops are filtering back from Taung Gyi and that base will be abandoned soon. Once the Thai units slink back to their homeland there will be a general constriction of forces here. That is if Dan doesn't try something first. All of those troops leaving the plains don't seem to be moving forward toward Bassein. So that means one thing. They are heading for ships.

Dan tried a night bombing raid at Toungoo that did some real damage. This came after a raid on the 17th against Pisanoloke where he did get a bunch of Helens on the ground for virtually no losses. Toungou though has a lot of AA, and the B-24s also suffered. Looks like 12-15 lost on the raid for about 15 fighters destroyed on the ground, plus another 10 damaged. The only hard part here is losing pilots. Ground bombing kills very good pilots. [:(]

Dan is trying to test me here as he knows I think night bombing airfields is overpowered, hence the HR on less than 50 planes against any one airfield/port target at night. Because of how the game works even 25-50 hitting a big base can cause significant damage, so AA becomes really important. Bu this is more of a psychological test for me. It's the first thing he's tried to ruffle my feathers. There will be a lot more! [;)]

In this case, I'll do nothing, but I do have some NF around, so he'll find some surprises in critical bases, and the attrition of HB aiframes/pilots is more critical for the Allies than IJAAF pilots/airframes right now.

[font="Microsoft Sans Serif"]SW PAC: [/font] Nothing happening here. Dan is still pulling troops out. I'm doing the same by air and will begin to release larger units soon to rear positions. Hollandia and Sarmi are the major troop concentrations. Soon they'll be held by a few naval guards only.

I wiped out a small unit at Wessel Islands. No big deal. Always feels good though! [:)]
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AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR March 22, 44
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Night Air attack on Toungoo , at 57,50

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 38 NM, estimated altitude 4,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 20

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-84a Frank: 2 destroyed on ground
N1K1-J George: 1 destroyed on ground
Ki-44-IIc Tojo: 3 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
B-24J Liberator: 15 damaged
B-24J Liberator: 2 destroyed by flak

Airbase hits 5
Runway hits 17

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 2000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
10 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 2000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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Night Air attack on Toungoo , at 57,50

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 18 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIc Tojo: 1 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
B-24J Liberator: 1 damaged
B-24J Liberator: 1 destroyed by flak

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 2000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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Night Air attack on Toungoo , at 57,50

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 5,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 7

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIc Tojo: 2 destroyed on ground
J2M2 Jack: 1 destroyed on ground
Ki-84a Frank: 2 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
B-24J Liberator: 5 damaged
B-24J Liberator: 1 destroyed by flak

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

Airbase hits 7
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 6

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 2000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb


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[obvert]

[font="Times New Roman"]March 24-26, 1944[/font]

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[font="Microsoft Sans Serif"]SUBS: [/font] The Sitskrieg means one thing; Dan is shifting to a new axis of attack. I've decided to send out all Glen equipped boats to monitor deep areas of Allied territory to potentially get eyes on some movements. The area between Cent Pac and the Aleutians is particularly patrolled, plus some parts of the IO and near OZ.

Allied subs continue to be aggressive. One Dutch sub hits and sinks a Super-E, but it's escort partner puts three direct shots back onto the sub, so that should be it for another Dutch boat. In terms of VPs it's a great trade, but for opportunity cost I want all of the E boats I can get right now. They just seem to slowly trickle in.

[font="Microsoft Sans Serif"]BURMA: [/font] Finally on the 26th Dan sends in the top guns. He used B-24s to bomb Toungou again, but only about 20. I'm guessing he set more, but they didn't make it to the base. They hit a few airframes but the bulk of the fighters were ready for the day phase and itching for some actual combat.

The low layered CAP does its job here. It's always fun to see a Spit VIII group get all chewed to hell. Out of 16 I think 4 made it back to base! [&o]

The P-47D2 didn't fare much better, and it wasn't until the last few sweeps when the CAP wore down that a group of P-38s got the better of them. On the day losses are about even, but of course the pilot losses won't be close. We lost about 11 KIA and 8 WIA on the day. I'm thinking it'll be worse for the Allies over our base. Fun to watch, and we're still in good shape for the next day if he comes again. He did send one group of P-40N5 which were crushed.

Another positive for this day is that the bulk of the defenders were Tojos. It's nearing the time when this airframe will be pulled from frontline duty, and I already have some Ki-100 making their way into the area. More and better Franks are on the way and the second generation Jacks and Georges are beginning to fill out groups as well. So doing this well with Tojos is a good sign. I'm curious about Dan's response. He doesn't talk tactics, pilot training, and settings details often in his AARs and rarely shows much of the combat reports, so I can now start to get a better feel for what he'll do, how he'll react, and his skill with the nuts and bolts of the game.

He is a resourceful player, and he will adjust, so this is a great test for the low CAP tactic in the late war. We have a long cat and mouse ahead that is only just beginning with this turn. [:)]

[font="Microsoft Sans Serif"]CENT PAC: [/font] Subs move in and already spot some moving pieces of naval assets, an AV and some AKEs transferring ... somewhere.

[font="Microsoft Sans Serif"]SW PAC: [/font] Nothing going. After the strike in Burma I've culled every non-Frank/George group for top pilots and replaced these groups with 55-60 exp guys who can fly CAP down here and get some exp gain until something happens. Same of rite Marianas, HI and China groups. I've flush with trained IJAAF pilots, but the IJNAF fighter pools are thin right now. I'm not worried since about 1/3 of the groups leave in July, and a lot are coming through training on map soon.

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AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR March 26, 44
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Night Air attack on Toungoo , at 57,50

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 65 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 22 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-84a Frank: 1 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
B-24J Liberator: 4 damaged

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 5

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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Night Air attack on Toungoo , at 57,50

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 44 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-84a Frank: 1 destroyed on ground
N1K1-J George: 1 destroyed on ground
J2M2 Jack: 1 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
B-24J Liberator: 2 damaged

Runway hits 4

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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Night Air attack on Toungoo , at 57,50

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
B-24D1 Liberator x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
N1K1-J George: 1 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D1 Liberator: 5 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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Morning Air attack on Toungoo , at 57,50

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 28 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 41
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 95
Ki-84a Frank x 13

Allied aircraft
Spitfire VIII x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIc Tojo: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Spitfire VIII: 4 destroyed

CAP engaged:
252 Ku S-1 with N1K1-J George (0 airborne, 9 on standby, 13 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters between 1000 and 41010.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 31 minutes
Junyo-1 with N1K1-J George (0 airborne, 10 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters between 3000 and 9000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes
11th Sentai with Ki-44-IIc Tojo (0 airborne, 16 on standby, 0 scrambling)
8 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 7000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 36740.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes
24th Sentai with Ki-44-IIc Tojo (0 airborne, 17 on standby, 0 scrambling)
8 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 36740.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes
50th Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (0 airborne, 9 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 9000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 22 minutes
59th Sentai with Ki-44-IIc Tojo (0 airborne, 17 on standby, 0 scrambling)
8 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 5000 , scrambling fighters between 4000 and 36740.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes
85th Sentai with Ki-44-IIc Tojo (0 airborne, 14 on standby, 0 scrambling)
7 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 5000 , scrambling fighters between 1000 and 7000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes

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Morning Air attack on Toungoo , at 57,50

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 13 NM, estimated altitude 40,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 40
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 85
Ki-84a Frank x 13

Allied aircraft
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 25

Japanese aircraft losses
N1K1-J George: 1 destroyed
Ki-44-IIc Tojo: 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-47D2 Thunderbolt: 4 destroyed

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x P-47D2 Thunderbolt sweeping at 40000 feet

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Morning Air attack on Toungoo , at 57,50

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 13 NM, estimated altitude 38,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 2 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 38
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 75
Ki-84a Frank x 13

Allied aircraft
P-38H Lightning x 25

Japanese aircraft losses
N1K1-J George: 2 destroyed
Ki-44-IIc Tojo: 1 destroyed
Ki-84a Frank: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-38H Lightning: 5 destroyed

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Morning Air attack on Toungoo , at 57,50

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 10 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 32
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 66
Ki-84a Frank x 10

Allied aircraft
P-40N5 Warhawk x 25

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
P-40N5 Warhawk: 6 destroyed

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Morning Air attack on Toungoo , at 57,50

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 71 NM, estimated altitude 43,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 21 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 31
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 57
Ki-84a Frank x 10

Allied aircraft
P-38H Lightning x 24

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIc Tojo: 4 destroyed
Ki-84a Frank: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-38H Lightning: 1 destroyed

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x P-38H Lightning sweeping at 40000 feet

CAP engaged:
252 Ku S-1 with N1K1-J George (1 airborne, 3 on standby, 13 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 41010.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 23 minutes
Junyo-1 with N1K1-J George (0 airborne, 3 on standby, 1 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters between 16000 and 41010.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 46 minutes
11th Sentai with Ki-44-IIc Tojo (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 5 scrambling)
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 7000 , scrambling fighters between 14000 and 36740.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes
24th Sentai with Ki-44-IIc Tojo (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 5 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 36740.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 23 minutes
59th Sentai with Ki-44-IIc Tojo (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 9 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 5000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 36740.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 41 minutes
85th Sentai with Ki-44-IIc Tojo (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
6 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 5000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 36000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 44 minutes
50th Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 5 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 34440.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 21 minutes

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Morning Air attack on Toungoo , at 57,50

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 32 NM, estimated altitude 36,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 30
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 44
Ki-84a Frank x 8

Allied aircraft
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 25

Japanese aircraft losses
N1K1-J George: 1 destroyed
Ki-44-IIc Tojo: 7 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-47D2 Thunderbolt: 2 destroyed

Aircraft Attacking:
10 x P-47D2 Thunderbolt sweeping at 35000 feet

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Afternoon Air attack on Toungoo , at 57,50

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 11 NM, estimated altitude 24,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 22
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 62
Ki-84a Frank x 11

Allied aircraft
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 25

Japanese aircraft losses
N1K1-J George: 1 destroyed
Ki-44-IIc Tojo: 6 destroyed
Ki-84a Frank: 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-47D2 Thunderbolt: 6 destroyed

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[font="Trebuchet MS"]Not bad. I'll take it with a bunch of he best Allied pilots lost over the jungle. [/font]

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[Lowpe]

I think Tojo IIc will work the rest of the game as the lowest level of a layered CAP defense...especially if the defense is over 70. I haven't been impressed with Ki100 as the lowest layer ...they just can't dance. They seem to work better at 7 and 9 and still they are never as good as Franks.

Of course if this is Symon's air mod maybe that is different.

What are your night fighters like?

Already, see lots of difference from Squeeze. The morale hit on your fighters from low level night bombing hurts too.

[obvert]

ORIGINAL: Lowpe

I think Tojo IIc will work the rest of the game as the lowest level of a layered CAP defense...especially if the defense is over 70. I haven't been impressed with Ki100 as the lowest layer ...they just can't dance. They seem to work better at 7 and 9 and still they are never as good as Franks.

Of course if this is Symon's air mod maybe that is different.

What are your night fighters like?

Already, see lots of difference from Squeeze. The morale hit on your fighters from low level night bombing hurts too.

I agree the Ki-100 doesn't work as well low. The Jack does though. And the George. The Oscar is best. So I usually use the Ki-100 at 7k. Maybe the Tojo will continue to be fine, we'll see. I need some service 1 planes, so I'll definitely keep trying them. I have a lot of them around, too!

This is just stock, so no Symon's extras.

NF are good, coming through slowly, so right now just the Irving. Got a few groups moving into the area in the next few turns. Some at Rangoon now.

[Lokasenna]

ORIGINAL: obvert

ORIGINAL: Lowpe

I think Tojo IIc will work the rest of the game as the lowest level of a layered CAP defense...especially if the defense is over 70. I haven't been impressed with Ki100 as the lowest layer ...they just can't dance. They seem to work better at 7 and 9 and still they are never as good as Franks.

Of course if this is Symon's air mod maybe that is different.

What are your night fighters like?

Already, see lots of difference from Squeeze. The morale hit on your fighters from low level night bombing hurts too.

I agree the Ki-100 doesn't work as well low. The Jack does though. And the George. The Oscar is best. So I usually use the Ki-100 at 7k. Maybe the Tojo will continue to be fine, we'll see. I need some service 1 planes, so I'll definitely keep trying them. I have a lot of them around, too!

This is just stock, so no Symon's extras.

NF are good, coming through slowly, so right now just the Irving. Got a few groups moving into the area in the next few turns. Some at Rangoon now.

I re-started my Tojo IIc production because I came to the same conclusion by feel as well.

I'm keeping the Ki-100 going, though - it seems to kill bombers better.

[Lowpe]

ORIGINAL: Lokasenna

I'm keeping the Ki-100 going, though - it seems to kill bombers better.

Agree, but the tricky part is getting the Ki100's into the fighters. When it happens, it is glorious as those cl cannons chew thru the bombers while the durable frame can absorb a fair bit of punishment, unlike the Oscar IV.

Also, the Tony makes for a great ship LRCAP platform...especially when the Allies can't sweep first.

[obvert]

[font="Times New Roman"]March 27-April 6, 1944[/font]

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[font="Microsoft Sans Serif"]GAME: [/font] Well, we've hit a slow period. Literally several days in a row without so much as an ASW action. I don't think much will happen until Dan starts to show his cards for the next stage. He will test, poke, jab, but there will be little regular action. That means I need to be even more vigilant about looking deeply into possible invasion paths.

The combat reports below give a picture of how slow the game is right now.

[font="Microsoft Sans Serif"]BURMA: [/font] A few isolated air raids. They hurt for the Allies. Our flak is good in Burma. But this is not important. He'll prepare to land behind Burma soon. Once prep is ready. I'm starting to transition units back already, but really I'm waiting for the new troops that are coming in the next month. A massive reinforcement. Hopefully just in time.

[font="Microsoft Sans Serif"]CENT PAC: [/font] Bases are being gradually snapped up. Marcus is back to forts 6. The Marianas are tough. I think he'll not come here though.

[font="Microsoft Sans Serif"]SW PAC: [/font] Still nothing happening and units transitioning away.
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AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR March 27, 44
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AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR March 28, 44
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Afternoon Air attack on Toungoo , at 57,50

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 33 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
J2M2 Jack x 15
N1K1-J George x 45
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 61
Ki-84a Frank x 25

Allied aircraft
Spitfire VIII x 2

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Spitfire VIII: 1 destroyed

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AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR March 29, 44
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AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR March 30, 44
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ASW attack near Enderbury Island at 156,142

Japanese Ships
SS I-2

Allied Ships
SC PC-783
SC PC-598
SC PC-597

SS I-2 is located by SC PC-783

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ASW attack near Enderbury Island at 156,142

Japanese Ships
SS I-2, hits 4

Allied Ships
SC PC-598
SC PC-597
SC PC-783

SS I-2 is sighted by escort

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AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR March 31, 44
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AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR April 1, 44
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Morning Air attack on Prome , at 55,50

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 41 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 12
B-25D1 Mitchell x 16
B-25H Mitchell x 12

Allied aircraft losses
B-24J Liberator: 11 damaged
B-24J Liberator: 1 destroyed by flak
B-25D1 Mitchell: 7 damaged
B-25D1 Mitchell: 1 destroyed by flak
B-25H Mitchell: 3 damaged

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

Airbase hits 19
Airbase supply hits 9
Runway hits 18

Aircraft Attacking:
16 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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Morning Air attack on Prome , at 55,50

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 22 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 11
B-25D1 Mitchell x 32
P-38H Lightning x 14

Allied aircraft losses
B-24J Liberator: 5 damaged
B-25D1 Mitchell: 7 damaged
B-25D1 Mitchell: 1 destroyed by flak

Airbase hits 14
Airbase supply hits 11
Runway hits 42

Aircraft Attacking:
16 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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Morning Air attack on Prome , at 55,50

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 43 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes

Allied aircraft
A-20G Havoc x 16
B-24D1 Liberator x 12
B-24J Liberator x 6

Allied aircraft losses
A-20G Havoc: 3 damaged
A-20G Havoc: 1 destroyed by flak
B-24D1 Liberator: 11 damaged
B-24J Liberator: 3 damaged

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

Airbase hits 4
Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 17

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 7000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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Morning Air attack on Prome , at 55,50

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 74 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 18 minutes

Allied aircraft
A-20G Havoc x 16

Allied aircraft losses
A-20G Havoc: 8 damaged
A-20G Havoc: 1 destroyed by flak

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
15 x A-20G Havoc bombing from 7000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR April 2, 44
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AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR April 3, 44
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AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR April 4, 44
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AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR April 5, 44
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Morning Air attack on 31st Ind.Mixed Brigade, at 59,48 (Taung Gyi)

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 70 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 20 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-25D Mitchell x 12
B-25C Mitchell x 9
B-25D1 Mitchell x 16

Allied aircraft losses
B-25D Mitchell: 2 damaged
B-25D Mitchell: 1 destroyed by flak
B-25C Mitchell: 2 damaged
B-25D1 Mitchell: 1 damaged

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

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x B-25D Mitchell bombing from 12000 feet
Ground Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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Morning Air attack on Taung Gyi , at 59,48

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 33 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-24D1 Liberator x 9
B-25C Mitchell x 16

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D1 Liberator: 3 damaged
B-24D1 Liberator: 1 destroyed by flak
B-25C Mitchell: 1 destroyed by flak

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 8

Aircraft Attacking:
16 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 12000 feet
Ground Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR April 6, 44
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[palioboy2]

ORIGINAL: obvert

ORIGINAL: Drakanel

I find these posts very informative. They also show that in order to play as japan well it's really necessary to have the tracker. Too many details are not apparent from the game UI.

The difference between a 11 fuel/day model and 60 fuel/day model is HUGE. Even supposing the ship is not used all the time, and that consumption is slightly less than what is shown here, it's a difference of several thousand fuel over a year, for a single ship.

For japan, that's really important....

Also, very good strikes on those convoy in the previous update. That is some very interesting VP gain.


About that submarine, in my game as allies against the AI I think I had a sub shoot 8 torpedoes against an xAKL. 6 misses and 2 duds. [8|]

Thanks Drakanel. I try to share learning when I can. I was inspired by Lokasenna's 'master class' posts a few days ago detailing how to better read the replay and other info. None of us is a smart as all of us, as this forum consistently proves.

So for running a Hirashima class for a year non-stop I am paying 29,200 fuel instead of a Shimushu/Etorofu at 5,475!! Since I have 9 Hirashima doing this I've used 262,800 fuel instead of 49,275! That is huge. The trouble is I only have a few of those good efficient Es before 44, and I also don't want to lose more tankers, but running the 15-20 knot SC would still be hugely more efficient at 78,840.

I've got 13 other very inefficient former CM class E running those routes for almost the same amounts. So I could maybe have saved an additional 350-400k in fuel just by not using those former CM class E at all. [X(]

I wonder what my costs are on the over-use of other classes, like the Ansyu-C PBs? I tend to send out TK/AO with as many as I can, sometimes equalling the number of tankers in the convoy, so I think I've wasted some serious fuel this way over the years.

Does anyone know how much less fuel a ship uses on a stationary patrol vs moving throughout both phases?

It I am reading through the AAR right now and was wondering if you still knew where these "master class" posts about watching the replays are located? I'm enjoying the read from both sides. It's looking like things are about to heat up in the Solomon's!

[obvert]

I may have titled Loka's posts master class, but I'm not sure you could find it searching for that.

I'd search for posts around the same date as this post in my AAR. Could have been main forum or in one of his AARs. Probably the game with Bullwinkle.

[Lokasenna]

ORIGINAL: obvert

I may have titled Loka's posts master class, but I'm not sure you could find it searching for that.

I'd search for posts around the same date as this post in my AAR. Could have been main forum or in one of his AARs. Probably the game with Bullwinkle.

Um... I don't remember. Main forum maybe. It may have been its own thread.

[Lowpe]

Wasn't it in one of your infrequent AAR posts?

[Lokasenna]

ORIGINAL: Lokasenna

ORIGINAL: obvert

I may have titled Loka's posts master class, but I'm not sure you could find it searching for that.

I'd search for posts around the same date as this post in my AAR. Could have been main forum or in one of his AARs. Probably the game with Bullwinkle.

Um... I don't remember. Main forum maybe. It may have been its own thread.

I found it.

fb.asp?m=4111634

[Lowpe]

ORIGINAL: Lokasenna


I found it.

fb.asp?m=4111634

Thank you, well worth reading again.[&o]

[Lokasenna]

Well, that was by no means a complete lesson. Really only a few tidbits, but if you expand on the what you learned, padawan... you can find other things to notice.

Like ASW TFs reacting.

[obvert]

[font="Times New Roman"]April 7-15, 1944[/font]

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The only action here has bee between the USN sub fleet and the convoys, escorts and ASW hunter-killer TFs in Cent Pac over the past week. The USN sinks an xAK and during the next few turns the IJN hunters score three victories against USN subs on three consecutive days. They damage another on the fourth.

I think Canoerebel may begin to change his sub patterns soon, as there are also a lot of air hits being claimed by the well trained and plentiful Japanese ASW air groups. With a lot of G3M3 Nells out there even the distant deep ocean pockets are accessible.

There is literally nothing else going on right now. It's kind of the same as when Joseph went through some spells of complete inactivity, the difference being those came usually after an acton and he moved back to reset. This feels odd too though, and seems like there may be a big hail mary move coming. If I were on the Allied side I'd want to know more about my opponent's tendencies by trying a few little things out. There is plenty up for the taking right now, CR is just declining to move in and take it.

Burma continues to restrict, with four IJA divisions pulled back into reserve, two all of the way back to Bangkok. Some smaller units that are waiting for another unit to combine into a division will also move back to what for their companion. This is inviting attack by the Allies. I'm now convinced he will not, and only wants to "show" a forward force. The plan is elsewhere.

[font="Trebuchet MS"]
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AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR April 7, 44
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Sub attack near Chichi-jima at 120,75

Japanese Ships
xAK Kisogawa Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
SC CHa-76

Allied Ships
SS Puffer

SS Puffer launches 6 torpedoes at xAK Kisogawa Maru
SC CHa-76 fails to find sub, continues to search...

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AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR April 8, 44
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AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR April 9, 44
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AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR April 10, 44
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Sub attack near Marcus Island at 118,80

Japanese Ships
E Kanju
E Manju

Allied Ships
SS Manta

SS Manta launches 6 torpedoes at E Kanju
E Manju fails to find sub, continues to search...
E Manju fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

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ASW attack near Chichi-jima at 116,81

Japanese Ships
E Kanju
E Manju

Allied Ships
SS Raton

SS Raton is located by E Kanju
Raton diving deep ....
E Manju fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Truk at 115,100

Japanese Ships
E Etoforu
E Oki

Allied Ships
SS Cero, hits 18, heavy damage

SS Cero is located by E Etoforu
E Oki fails to find sub, continues to search...
E Oki attacking submerged sub ....
E Oki attacking submerged sub ....
SS Cero forced to surface!
E Etoforu firing on surfaced sub ....
E Oki firing on surfaced sub ....
E Etoforu firing on surfaced sub ....
Sub slips beneath the waves

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AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR April 11, 44
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sub attack near Marcus Island at 118,80

Japanese Ships
E No.3

Allied Ships
SS Manta, hits 11

SS Manta launches 6 torpedoes at E No.3
Manta diving deep ....
E No.3 fails to find sub, continues to search...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR April 12, 44
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sub attack near Marcus Island at 117,82

Japanese Ships
E Kanju
E Manju

Allied Ships
SS Raton, hits 13, heavy damage

SS Raton launches 6 torpedoes at E Kanju
Raton diving deep ....
E Manju attacking submerged sub ....
E Manju fails to find sub, continues to search...
E Manju attacking submerged sub ....
Large oil slick appears over area of attack!
Escort abandons search for sub

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR April 13, 44
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR April 14, 44
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ASW attack near Truk at 115,100

Japanese Ships
E Oki

Allied Ships
SS Queenfish, hits 1

SS Queenfish is sighted by escort
Queenfish diving deep ....
E Oki fails to find sub, continues to search...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[/font]

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[font="Trebuchet MS"][/font]

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[obvert]

The Japanese cause just received a number of new and very much needed units. Four divisions have arrived over the past few days in the home islands. One will stay on Hokkaido. Another will be moved to Ominato to be flown anywhere needed in the north. Two others will be bought and form part of the new close in defence network.

I'd like to beef up anything in B-29 range of the HI and have a fluid reserve for important extended areas like Sumatra, Java, and Borneo. My feeling is that the Allies will aim to move deep. Canoerebel likes the "herd." I think he's seeing the benefit of strat bombing in the game with John III so it will be at or near the top of the list of priorities.

[obvert]

A few more turns of not much. Got a lot of pilots training done. Also found a lot of groups that auto-pulled pilots in with mis-matched skills o the group role. Bomber pilots in fighter groups and vice versa. With I could stop it from doing that, but if I don't do it all manually, and just want to pul 60% exp pilots into a group, it'll always pull the wrong type if the right type is not available.

Anyway. I've got a lot of time to do pilot training is what I mean to say! [:)]

I'm not only using training groups but all groups. Everything is either flying to improve experience at high CAP percentage, training another skill to increase experience in bomber and patrol pilots, or flying active missions like ASW or search. The busiest are the ASW pilots right now. I turned it all on after the Allies "dared" breach the outer borders of the Empire with their USN fleet boats, with working torpedoes now. They've had some success, but also seem to be getting damaged regularly. Once the E boats got a lock on some patrol patterns the hits started accumulating.

So now it's time to think about how to manage the forces now in play with those arriving soon, and what to send where. In addition, I'll have to decide how to manage misdirection and SIGINT confusion. I think I'll try what I've done before which includes splitting destinations between waypoints and final destinations, changing endpoints mid-route, and sometimes splitting off fragments of units to confuse about where the largest portion is located. It's important to time these effectively too. If I misdirect during a few weeks of initial unit movements, then stay quiet for a month, if he reads the SIGINT and begins to set or adjust prep, I then want to move again before units are completely ready. Loading and unloading can be really successful this way. Who knows how many things will be picked up, so setting units to loading in place, while docked uses no fuel but assumes that unit is heading out somewhere. Then unload later, and maybe the SIGINT picks that up, but maybe not. [;)]

GreyJoy was a master of this and either had a very confused unit placement or really messed with my head in his counter intelligence work.

[obvert]

At last, something is happening here ... [;)]

[obvert]

[font="Times New Roman"]The Horde[/font]

---

Canoerebel is a player I've followed for years, and his AARs have been a great joy to read and to take part in since I became a member. Starting this continuation against him was a daunting prospect for me, as I know he will take the time to prepare, and I know he will go big. [X(]

I've spent the last few months mostly bored with this game, mostly running the replays and ending the turn after 5 minutes of doing small tasks like pilots training or ASW tweaks. I've seen a few small threats develop but nothing to really comment on. I've also been very wary of what will come, and I religiously post pickets, Glen subs, AMCs and even cruisers out in the possible deep approaches for any move he might make.

A few days ago the I-14 picked up some ships in Cent Pac to the NE of Midway. That is danger territory for a Japanese player. Any time the Allies are out there it is bad news. It looks like transports, but no sign of CVs yet.

In this game it might be good news, just because something has to happen eventually. I don't like it, and I kind of hope it's one of Canoerebel's big hoaxes. I doubt it will turn out that way though.

I've been aiming to defend this kind of move for a long time, but it will not be a conventional defence. I decided not to commit large numbers of troops to the Kuriles or Sakhalin. I have developed Hokkaido as much as possible though. A lot of troops are arriving right now, and some in a few weeks, so a move now is crisis time. Can I fill holes with what is here? Is there enough?

I won't go for all-in air strikes until I know what I'm facing and see an opportunity. If he wants Kuriles bases, he will have them. Without SL there isn't much I can do about that anyway, but I can try to contain once he's landed and see what opportunities arise. [:)]

On top of this, a 200k + Army is moving in Burma, and could cross any day into Prome. At 6 forts that could be difficult even with so much, but it all depends on what I decide to do there too. Reinforce or get outta dodge!! [:D]

As shown below the Horde is moving to the NE and is currently 25 hexes from Etorofu.It's nearly showtime! [8D]

[obvert]

[font="Times New Roman"]Burma[/font]

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This is the situation in Burma.over 200k troops piled up across from Prome and moving across the river, apparently. This is a BIG army, and should have Aussies, USMC divisions and tanks, plus all kinds of good but untested Commonwealth troops.

I've moved everything into the area into Prome, as I had to save some of the troops one hex past, and now have ~2,500AV in the hex with 6 forts and more AA than Tokyo. I might be crazy, but I'm thinking of adding more. Crossing rivers into even clear hexes with 6 forts can be dangerous, and if he wants to be dangerous with ALL of these troops, I might have to see who blinks first. This could end badly for the IJA.