I need all the help I can get 1st ever PBEM Guadal Campaign (J)

[GetAssista]

ORIGINAL: Derfflinger13
With BBfanboy's advice to do 'a Mikawa' and run into the slot for a night action once I have air support at Shortlands does this comply with your thoughts on no carriers. I have 2 weeks to wait for carriers and so far I have seen no sight nor sound from them...

I will ensure all my important transports are escorted now. Should I detach DDs from my potential SCTF or just put the PBs etc into convoy?
I have a large supply and troop convoy en route from Truk with a CL and a bunch of DDs so I hope that one will be safe!

BB probably forgot that in GC scenario Shortlands has and airfield of 0(0), so you can only use Rufes out of it and you don't have many of those. Your retiring SCTFs should have at least a possibility of CAP, from the point of view of your opponent. Currently there is no practical possibility except very long and hence not very effective LRCAP from Rabaul, so he can act freely.
The other thing he forgot is that GC has Tassafaronga. So you don't need counterlanding, only shipping LCUs and supplies to Tass and marching to Lunga from there. But most of that better be done when you have CVs too, so that you can exploit his need for reinforcements. Ship some supplies to that newly spawned regiment and retreated units though via FTTF, or they would have a hard time if Allies decide to kick you out of Tass

PBs are enough to prevent surface attacks, which are the most dangerous for transports.

[Chickenboy]

I'm involved in a Guadalcanal game against Leander right now, about 6-7 turns in. So my advice here will be screened for OPSec.

The above advice is sound, for the most part. Japanese (the side I'm playing) recon is very important, particularly to fix the enemy TF locations. Instead of deploying those Tulagi Rufes as CAP or sweep, for example, check out their NavSearch characteristics. The pilots are well trained for that purpose, and the Rufe has a normal range of 9. If permitted to NavSearch the area without interference, they can lend valuable information about the locations of the enemy.

Look around at your dot bases and other bases on New Guinea, New Britain and so forth. Many of them have small quantities of fuel and supply prepositioned for naught. Use your surfeit of xAK and xAKL transports to ferry that supply to more useful centralized locations. Truk also gets a daily allotment of supply and fuel. That does you scant good all the way up there. Move it on a regular basis to someplace more central to the action. You're going to need some of that supply forward, so start the process early and often.

[Chickenboy]

ORIGINAL: Derfflinger13
With BBfanboy's advice to do 'a Mikawa' and run into the slot for a night action once I have air support at Shortlands does this comply with your thoughts on no carriers. I have 2 weeks to wait for carriers and so far I have seen no sight nor sound from them...

There is an IJAAF/IJNAF support battalion on Wewak (?)(don't have the game open now) that is not doing anything useful. They can be repurposed on Shortlands before the carriers arrive. Who says you have to wait for the CVs to provide SCTF LRCAP?

Avoid putting any air support units on an airfield of size 1 or smaller. The scenario won't allow sufficient time to build airbases in a timely fashion. Size 1 airfields only permit defensive operations (CAP) and detract from the range with which one can fly missions. Preference should be given to size 2 or larger airfields for the scant support available.

[Derfflinger13]

ORIGINAL: GetAssista

ORIGINAL: Derfflinger13
With BBfanboy's advice to do 'a Mikawa' and run into the slot for a night action once I have air support at Shortlands does this comply with your thoughts on no carriers. I have 2 weeks to wait for carriers and so far I have seen no sight nor sound from them...

I will ensure all my important transports are escorted now. Should I detach DDs from my potential SCTF or just put the PBs etc into convoy?
I have a large supply and troop convoy en route from Truk with a CL and a bunch of DDs so I hope that one will be safe!

BB probably forgot that in GC scenario Shortlands has and airfield of 0(0), so you can only use Rufes out of it and you don't have many of those. Your retiring SCTFs should have at least a possibility of CAP, from the point of view of your opponent. Currently there is no practical possibility except very long and hence not very effective LRCAP from Rabaul, so he can act freely.
The other thing he forgot is that GC has Tassafaronga. So you don't need counterlanding, only shipping LCUs and supplies to Tass and marching to Lunga from there. But most of that better be done when you have CVs too, so that you can exploit his need for reinforcements. Ship some supplies to that newly spawned regiment and retreated units though via FTTF, or they would have a hard time if Allies decide to kick you out of Tass

PBs are enough to prevent surface attacks, which are the most dangerous for transports.

I've just checked and Shortlands is in fact 1(1) but Buin, one hex north is 1(3). I am expanding it now (8% complete). I have a bunch of aviation and general support preparing for a strategic move there in a couple of days. Which I intend to cover with LRCAP for that move as well as some surface ships. Then Buin will be a suitable base to protect runs down the slot.
Given I have just 14AV in Tassafaronga I may well need to counterland if I don't get infantry there pronto. But I don't know which troops to move in, so it may be best to just hit one when I have the CVs and Buin for Betty cover too...

[Derfflinger13]

ORIGINAL: Chickenboy

ORIGINAL: Derfflinger13
With BBfanboy's advice to do 'a Mikawa' and run into the slot for a night action once I have air support at Shortlands does this comply with your thoughts on no carriers. I have 2 weeks to wait for carriers and so far I have seen no sight nor sound from them...

There is an IJAAF/IJNAF support battalion on Wewak (?)(don't have the game open now) that is not doing anything useful. They can be repurposed on Shortlands before the carriers arrive. Who says you have to wait for the CVs to provide SCTF LRCAP?

Avoid putting any air support units on an airfield of size 1 or smaller. The scenario won't allow sufficient time to build airbases in a timely fashion. Size 1 airfields only permit defensive operations (CAP) and detract from the range with which one can fly missions. Preference should be given to size 2 or larger airfields for the scant support available.

Thanks for this Chickenboy and your earlier comment. I will put the Rufe's to good use and I think I already have them on recon... Haven't pinned down his carriers yet. Subs in position in 2 days, should have 8 in the area. I have started the regular supply run (learned from my AI campaign days) but I will search for the support unit on wewak or whatever and put it to better use.

In terms of leaving the 1(1) airfield given it is already developing maybe it will get to a decent size in good time? I mean the carriers don't arrive for 11 days... I will see how it develops. I've already sent the turn off and have some support preparing for strategic move, but if the airfield development really is snails pace maybe I will hold off.

I will let you know when Turn 3 comes back...

[Chickenboy]

ORIGINAL: Derfflinger13
I will put the Rufe's to good use and I think I already have them on recon... Haven't pinned down his carriers yet.

Forgive me if this is too pedantic for you, but I think / hope that you meant "Naval Search", not recon. Recon is used to check out ground targets of interests (ports, airbases, dot hexes, LCUs (Land Combat Units), etc.). Naval search is an entirely different entity that searches solely for naval ships.

What settings do you have on your Rufes? Can you take a screenshot for discussion?

[GetAssista]

ORIGINAL: Derfflinger13
1) We're playing with the extended map so I have some bits and bobs to the east of the solomons

ORIGINAL: Derfflinger13
I've just checked and Shortlands is in fact 1(1) but Buin, one hex north is 1(3). I am expanding it now (8% complete). I have a bunch of aviation and general support preparing for a strategic move there in a couple of days. Which I intend to cover with LRCAP for that move as well as some surface ships. Then Buin will be a suitable base to protect runs down the slot.
Given I have just 14AV in Tassafaronga I may well need to counterland if I don't get infantry there pronto. But I don't know which troops to move in, so it may be best to just hit one when I have the CVs and Buin for Betty cover too...

Ah, you have a different map than stock Guadalcanal scenario. Sorry (both to you and BBfanboy), I did not notice it in the first post. This would then play very differently compared to the usual GC scenario because you can build up bases and rely on land based aviation more. Maybe reinforcement queue is also different. In stock Tassafaronga gets infantry regiment spawned on turn 3.

[Derfflinger13]

ORIGINAL: Chickenboy

ORIGINAL: Derfflinger13
I will put the Rufe's to good use and I think I already have them on recon... Haven't pinned down his carriers yet.

Forgive me if this is too pedantic for you, but I think / hope that you meant "Naval Search", not recon. Recon is used to check out ground targets of interests (ports, airbases, dot hexes, LCUs (Land Combat Units), etc.). Naval search is an entirely different entity that searches solely for naval ships.

What settings do you have on your Rufes? Can you take a screenshot for discussion?

Not Pedantic at all, I should make sure I am using the right lingo so I get the best advice. Here is the set up I have of my Rufes at Buin (I have Jakes at Shortlands)

[Derfflinger13]

Turn 3 back

A quiet turn but plenty of intelligence reports in.
My jakes tell me there are 10 allied ships near Kwajalein but there is no sign on the map. Says they're moving west... This conflicts with the great reports I have just had of task forces south of Guadal.
This brings into question my sub strategy. Currently I have my subs planning to move South East of Guadal. Should I now, with the new intelligence move my 'wolf pack' due south. I have tried to articulate this in the below image. With the current orders for my sub commanders to move into the red zone and high command considering a repositioning into the blue zone.


The only action this turn is one of my last unescorted transports getting some attention on the Truk-Ponape route. I had 4 DDs 2 hexes south but not direct escorting. I have sent the DDs to escort the xAK back to Truk (or should I use them to ASW hunt the area?)

***
Sub attack near Truk at 116,109

Japanese Ships
xAKL Kumakawa Maru, Shell hits 11

Allied Ships
SS Drum, hits 1

xAKL Kumakawa Maru is sighted by SS Drum
SS Drum attacking on the surface
SS Drum low on gun ammo, Rice, R.H. breaks off surface engagement and submerges
***

Other updates:
*1(3) airbase at Buin 16% complete (so 8% a day, should have a decent airfield here soon in 11 days if it doesn't get bombed).
*two fast transport groups are en route to run supply into GC overnight (do these need to be escorted by heavy troops or are they aiming to be undetected in and out?)
*I have 30+ Betties and Zeroes ready to be based at Buin.
*No heavy surface units are ordered into action across the theatre with all 5 CAs still at Rabaul and PB/Sc/DD on escort duties.

[Chickenboy]

ORIGINAL: Derfflinger13

Turn 3 back

A quiet turn but plenty of intelligence reports in.
My jakes tell me there are 10 allied ships near Kwajalein but there is no sign on the map. Says they're moving west... This conflicts with the great reports I have just had of task forces south of Guadal.

Spurious sighting reports like this are common proxies for identified submarines or phantom sightings by untrained / poorly trained airmen. But it *does* raise the question of just why you have Jakes anywhere near Kwajalein atoll. They're needed elsewhere, namely near Guadalcanal. If you've got them there for some reason, move 'em.

This brings into question my sub strategy. Currently I have my subs planning to move South East of Guadal. Should I now, with the new intelligence move my 'wolf pack' due south.

Ex nae on the Olf-wae ack-pae. In the game, submarines should be in singletons for greatest effect. Spread them out-one sub per hex in the areas you most want covered.

The only action this turn is one of my last unescorted transports getting some attention on the Truk-Ponape route. I had 4 DDs 2 hexes south but not direct escorting. I have sent the DDs to escort the xAK back to Truk (or should I use them to ASW hunt the area?)

For escort of your transports, use the many PC, PG, PB and E-class of vessels that come with the scenario. Your DDs per se are to be reserved for more surface activities and escorting of your premier CAs and CLs.

Other updates:
*1(3) airbase at Buin 16% complete (so 8% a day, should have a decent airfield here soon in 11 days if it doesn't get bombed).
*two fast transport groups are en route to run supply into GC overnight (do these need to be escorted by heavy troops or are they aiming to be undetected in and out?)
*I have 30+ Betties and Zeroes ready to be based at Buin.
*No heavy surface units are ordered into action across the theatre with all 5 CAs still at Rabaul and PB/Sc/DD on escort duties.

Don't forget the NCBs you have at Buna, Lae and (x3) at Truk. These will help you build any airbases much quicker.

Also, your Betties on Buin's erstwhile size 2 airfield will not function as you think they will until you get a HQa (with torpedo device) within range of Buin. I don't recall the range of the one at Rabaul, but it likely won't supply you with torps due to the range. Check it. Maybe move it depending on your needs.

[Derfflinger13]

Thanks Chickenboy. The Jake started there - I will move them. Should that area just be totally disregarded then for this scenario (i.e. why was it added as part of this scenario then?)

Sorry my terminology of wolf pack was misleading - they are all in singletons andwill just cover a vast area. Thinking I will move them south of GC, catch anylaterally movement between East and West of GC.

I will check the range of my HQa at Rabaul when I am next in game and check if I have any others I will consider moving them south.

And finally I will relieve my DDs from ASW/Escort duty. I currently have groups of PBs and SCs around Rabaul - should I have any on ASW duty around ports or just use them all for escort?

[Chickenboy]

I just checked the HQa on Rabaul. It's got a range of 5, so Buka should be in the area to allow torps.

[Chickenboy]

ORIGINAL: Derfflinger13
And finally I will relieve my DDs from ASW/Escort duty. I currently have groups of PBs and SCs around Rabaul - should I have any on ASW duty around ports or just use them all for escort?

"All" or "None" shouldn't really be the terms used here. You have enough for both functions. The PBs, with their generally superior range, serve as effective escorts. The SCs, with their inferior range, but superior ASW ratings, make for good local ASW platforms.

[Chickenboy]

ORIGINAL: Derfflinger13

Thanks Chickenboy. The Jake started there - I will move them. Should that area just be totally disregarded then for this scenario (i.e. why was it added as part of this scenario then?)

I think that it was included in order to be part of the rectangle of operations associated with the scenario. Ponape just so happened to be in the rectangle with its terminus at Truk, so it was included as well. I don't think that the island is useful to conduct of the Guadalcanal campaign any moreso than NE New Guinea (e.g., Hollandia, Wewak).

It's a function of limited capabilities and platforms to do the job at the front. You *know* (unlike the grand campaign) where the enemy will be focusing and when they will be focusing there. Why not (unlike the Japanese IRL) focus your assets to best prosecute the war where you need them?

[Derfflinger13]

ORIGINAL: Chickenboy

ORIGINAL: Derfflinger13
And finally I will relieve my DDs from ASW/Escort duty. I currently have groups of PBs and SCs around Rabaul - should I have any on ASW duty around ports or just use them all for escort?

"All" or "None" shouldn't really be the terms used here. You have enough for both functions. The PBs, with their generally superior range, serve as effective escorts. The SCs, with their inferior range, but superior ASW ratings, make for good local ASW platforms.

Understood and all corrected during before sending Turn 5 off.

[Derfflinger13]

Turn 4 back

Nothing to report this turn. Eerily quiet with no sighting of Allied task forces south of Guadalcanal. Some updates:
* My 9-10 subs are positioned west of Guadalcanal and will be due south in the next turn or so so should provide some intel of task force positioning.
* I’ve got 680 supply into Tassafaragona but no troops yet. Thinking about using the APDs to get a reasonable number of troops in quickly. Given these are like gold dust should these be escorted into Tassafaragona or sent in unescorted overnight? Thinking CL, DD escort.
* Main Convoy from Truk with Main APDs and AK-t have arrived in Rabaul. Sending the AK-t to go and get HQa and HQn and naval guard unit from Kawalejin as they seem redundant out there.
* 1(3) airbase construction at Buin at 23%. I have 2x HQa at Rabaul so strategic moving one to Buin.

Turn 5 sent, will update later today.

[inqistor]

ORIGINAL: Derfflinger13

And finally I will relieve my DDs from ASW/Escort duty. I currently have groups of PBs and SCs around Rabaul - should I have any on ASW duty around ports or just use them all for escort?

As BBfanboy mentioned - forget about ASW. Your ships don't have enough experience to catch anything. I have played this scenario ages ago, but I recall, that I have wasted half of my forces on ASW duty (including planes, and Subs), and got maybe one successful attack. Just put some ASW plane search, to discover those subs, and avoid them with TFs.

The things I recall from finished Scenario:
There is not enough fuel. Avoid full speed at all cost, and refuel your Combat Ships from transports.
There is not enough pilots, and there is not enough airframes. I had one completely empty ZERO unit after two weeks, and have used it as training unit, until end of Scenario (you can probably do the same, you just need to release planes under repair into other units, until you will end with single frame, and can use this unit as trainers). Keep your pilots rested.

[Derfflinger13]

ORIGINAL: inqistor

ORIGINAL: Derfflinger13

And finally I will relieve my DDs from ASW/Escort duty. I currently have groups of PBs and SCs around Rabaul - should I have any on ASW duty around ports or just use them all for escort?

As BBfanboy mentioned - forget about ASW. Your ships don't have enough experience to catch anything. I have played this scenario ages ago, but I recall, that I have wasted half of my forces on ASW duty (including planes, and Subs), and got maybe one successful attack. Just put some ASW plane search, to discover those subs, and avoid them with TFs.

The things I recall from finished Scenario:
There is not enough fuel. Avoid full speed at all cost, and refuel your Combat Ships from transports.
There is not enough pilots, and there is not enough airframes. I had one completely empty ZERO unit after two weeks, and have used it as training unit, until end of Scenario (you can probably do the same, you just need to release planes under repair into other units, until you will end with single frame, and can use this unit as trainers). Keep your pilots rested.

Thanks so much for your advice I will try and put it into effect and will put all remaining ASW ships on short ranged escort routes.
Will take extra care of my pilots.

What is people’s opinion of having 60 Betty’s and Zeros at Rabaul and 30 of each at Buin for LRcover over the Slot? Is this risky in case I’m hit unexpectedly by the carriers? Can I rely on my floats et al at Shortlands to spot any US TFs ranging north?

[inqistor]

Fast TF can make 9 hexes at full speed. Plus 6 (?) hexes range for Carrier Planes strike, and that is only for one phase -> you won't see them coming. Your only option is for them to meet your subs/TFs/mines, and get slowed down. Just make sure, you catch them, when they will be retreating.
LRCap is quite anemic, don't count to have more, than few planes. You can bet, there will be attack on Rabaul.

[Derfflinger13]

ORIGINAL: inqistor

Fast TF can make 9 hexes at full speed. Plus 6 (?) hexes range for Carrier Planes strike, and that is only for one phase -> you won't see them coming. Your only option is for them to meet your subs/TFs/mines, and get slowed down. Just make sure, you catch them, when they will be retreating.
LRCap is quite anemic, don't count to have more, than few planes. You can bet, there will be attack on Rabaul.

Thanks. I have 2 subs near Milne Bay that I can have lie in wait 6/7 hexes south of Rabaul. If they come into that area they should get hit from the two bases on New Britain (80 Bettys, 60 zeros + 16 zeros, 16 vals) and Buin (30+30). I have the zeros set to escort to range 6 (with bettys set to torpedoes) 30 CAP, 30 Rest as Fatigue is 11-19 already (Rest was previously 10-20).