Greetings everyone!
Time for the big game, the big time, the big everything. After a few years against the AI, i'm digging my teeth into the PBEM and hopefully won't get completly obliterated after a week or two. Playing against the AI can give quite bad habbits so, we'll see how it goes.
Rules are fairly standards :
Scenario : DaBigBabes 28 Extended, no Stack limit
FOW ON
Advanced weather ON
PDU ON
Historical First turn OFF
Allied damage control ON
Surprise ON
Realistic R&D ON
Reliable USN torps OFF
No unit withdrawals OFF
Reinforcements Historical
Turn cicle 1 day
No below 10K 4E naval bombing
Have to pay the PP points to cross border with a restricted unit
No big movements on December 7th appart from forces already at sea, so no evacuation of PH or Manilla.
Going down in flames - BlitzimX(A) vs. Hoplosternum (J) - Allied Side
Moderators: wdolson, MOD_War-in-the-Pacific-Admirals-Edition
RE: Going down in flames - BlitzimX(A) vs. Hoplosternum (J)
December 7th/8th
Grouping both days together as given the rules we had, nothing much happened order wise on the 7th.
The opening day of the war turned out quite okay for the Allies:
Only one DD sunk at PH, and a CM which may sink on the following days due to fires. The BBs are not that damaged and most should be back in the fight in less than a year for the most damaged.
One Netherland sub obliterated and the first casualty of the war
And with that only 16 planes lost total , all the rest only damaged.
All and all, not a bad start.
Now as for the Japanese opening moves, it seems that they're planning a pretty aggressive push on the first day, with the invasion of Borneo already on its way, plus the fall of Julo, sign that the southern escape road may already be cut off. It also looks like the Mini KB has been split, since we spoted 2 different TFs (both sent planes on the opening turn).
I guess i'll try to drip forces bit by bit in all directions. Hopefully the weakest ships will attract the fire and be sacrificed for the greater good.
For the rest of the turn i'd say it's business as usual for the Allies. Preparing convoys, gathering troops to be sent in the different islands, mostly Noumea and Christmas for now. I may consider Adak in a close future as well, it's a pretty good forward base.
Still don't know if i'll hold Burma or not, for now just gathering forces near the border and see how it goes from there.
As long as the KB is nearby, nothing moves from PH.
Grouping both days together as given the rules we had, nothing much happened order wise on the 7th.
The opening day of the war turned out quite okay for the Allies:
Only one DD sunk at PH, and a CM which may sink on the following days due to fires. The BBs are not that damaged and most should be back in the fight in less than a year for the most damaged.
One Netherland sub obliterated and the first casualty of the war
And the two british DDs fleeing HK ran straight into the Japanese invasion force, and didn't survive the day.
Submarine attack near Kota Bharu at 52,74
Japanese Ships
DD Asashio
CL Jintsu
DD Oshio
DD Hibiki
DD Akatsuki
DD Arashio
Allied Ships
SS KXI, hits 7, and is sunk
SS KXI launches 2 torpedoes at DD Asashio
DD Hibiki fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Akatsuki attacking submerged sub ....
DD Arashio attacking submerged sub ....
SS KXI forced to surface!
DD Arashio firing on surfaced sub ....
DD Hibiki firing on surfaced sub ....
DD Akatsuki firing on surfaced sub ....
DD Arashio firing on surfaced sub ....
DD Hibiki firing on surfaced sub ....
DD Akatsuki firing on surfaced sub ....
DD Hibiki firing on surfaced sub ....
DD Akatsuki firing on surfaced sub ....
Sub slips beneath the waves
Manila was heavily bombed, but most subs will be back in the fight in one week at most.
Day Time Surface Combat, near San Fernando at 78,70, Range 20,000 Yards
Japanese Ships
DD Yamagumo
DD Tachikaze, Shell hits 2, on fire
APD Shimakaze
APD Nadakaze
TB Chidori
TB Manazuru
TB Hatsukari
TB Tomozuru
DMS W-13, Shell hits 2
DMS W-14
PB Aso Maru #3, Shell hits 2
PB Kiso Maru
PB Nanpo Maru
AV Sanuki Maru
xAK Sydney Maru #2
xAKL Kumakawa Maru, Shell hits 3
xAKL Hakuyo Maru
xAKL Hanakawa Maru
CM Tsubame
Allied Ships
DD Scout, Shell hits 5, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Thanet, Shell hits 8, heavy fires, heavy damage
Japanese ground losses:
48 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
And with that only 16 planes lost total , all the rest only damaged.
All and all, not a bad start.
Now as for the Japanese opening moves, it seems that they're planning a pretty aggressive push on the first day, with the invasion of Borneo already on its way, plus the fall of Julo, sign that the southern escape road may already be cut off. It also looks like the Mini KB has been split, since we spoted 2 different TFs (both sent planes on the opening turn).
I guess i'll try to drip forces bit by bit in all directions. Hopefully the weakest ships will attract the fire and be sacrificed for the greater good.
For the rest of the turn i'd say it's business as usual for the Allies. Preparing convoys, gathering troops to be sent in the different islands, mostly Noumea and Christmas for now. I may consider Adak in a close future as well, it's a pretty good forward base.
Still don't know if i'll hold Burma or not, for now just gathering forces near the border and see how it goes from there.
As long as the KB is nearby, nothing moves from PH.
RE: Going down in flames - BlitzimX(A) vs. Hoplosternum (J)
Oglala will not survive those fires with that much system damage. Scuttle her to reduce 10% VPs for the enemy.
Don't count your repaired Philippine subs yet - he will bomb some more and his fighters will be able to hold off your CAP some of the time. But if he is concentrating on that, you can arm your Cats with torpedoes and go hunting for Amphib TFs. Hold their range short of the known carrier locations though.
He might also try a second strike at PH because of the lack of success there. I am greatly surprised that none of your CAs and only two of your CLs were damaged. The undamaged ones are a real threat to him.
Don't count your repaired Philippine subs yet - he will bomb some more and his fighters will be able to hold off your CAP some of the time. But if he is concentrating on that, you can arm your Cats with torpedoes and go hunting for Amphib TFs. Hold their range short of the known carrier locations though.
He might also try a second strike at PH because of the lack of success there. I am greatly surprised that none of your CAs and only two of your CLs were damaged. The undamaged ones are a real threat to him.
No matter how bad a situation is, you can always make it worse. - Chris Hadfield : An Astronaut's Guide To Life On Earth
RE: Going down in flames - BlitzimX(A) vs. Hoplosternum (J) - Allied Side
December 9th
Around PH the KB is moving West; a good thing i followed my instinct and pulled the Lexington back south , which i had previously ordered to go get the fighters from Wake. If i had carried on, she'd have found herself right in the path of the KB.
In the PI, things already heat up quite a bit; a few more transports and cargo sunk on their way out. A sneaky sub mined the straight out Manilla, and of course all my minesweepers are already away. That costed us only a wounded sub.
CL Boise made a nice quick raid over the landing troops at Jolo, but did absolutly nothing to the 2 other groups it intercepted. I think that's because of the fact she had ONE gun with only ONE ammo left, when all the other 3 main guns were almost full. I really wished there was a way to bypass this limitation..
The trap is closing down with a Force moving south to catch the fleeing ships. Not all will survive, but i consider sending part of Force Z north in the Makassar Strait , depending on where the Mini KB decides to go next.
In the North, the main invasion has been spoted. PT boats are waiting for their glorious sacrifice in an attempt to get some ships down with them.
A second raid on Manilla didn't really push back our repairs by much, despite the amount of damage.
A bombing raid on Babeldaob failed due to bad weather.
Further raids are cancelled and Bombers are returned to Naval search duty, while the PBYs are set for short distance bombings of landing crafts. This will stay like that until their evacuation.
Near Singapore, the Japanese BBs are lurking near Mersin. Sign of an ivasion? Not sure, since most signal interceptions point at Kota Bharu.
The small STF i sent to intercept the Kuching landings unfortunatly failed one hex short, and are now fully detected in the open. With the BBs so close, i'll just make a night run and sail down to Java.
In Java , heavy mining operations are in progress. That's not much, but i'm mining every small passages from the Java Sea to the Indian Ocean, plus part of the Java Straight and the Makasar straight. If there is a small chance of catching some fish, why not taking it.
Further south, operations to evacuate Rabaul's Lark Force is under way, they should start loading next turn.
In AU, i'm still debating whether to send the rest of 30th division to die un Port Moresby, or ship them to Noumea. Given how aggressive my oponent seems to be, Japan may be at my doorstep in a few weeks, and i may just pull back the force from PM all together.
A small force of CL and DD will be detached to patrol around Suva and Pago Pago to deter sneaky invasions.
In the US, some F and DB are sent to East coast to be shiped to India. Subs and support ships are sent to Adak, while ENG and ART are loaded for the same destination. I'm waiting for the PPs to free up and INF division to send up there for protection. Saratoga starts her journey to PH.
A group of support ships and a TK set sail for Christmas island to prepare ground for the incoming troops. I'll build it as a major fuel hub.
Nothing else major in China or India, just troops moving around.
Also quick question : I'm trying to replace the 12 P38 in EC by 12 P26. I have replacements/upgrades allowed, i got 13 P26 in pool, but the airframe don't want to change, is it because they're fully restricted?
I've also set no unit at all to receive upgrade, i suppose it's better than doing stockpiling for individual item?
Around PH the KB is moving West; a good thing i followed my instinct and pulled the Lexington back south , which i had previously ordered to go get the fighters from Wake. If i had carried on, she'd have found herself right in the path of the KB.
In the PI, things already heat up quite a bit; a few more transports and cargo sunk on their way out. A sneaky sub mined the straight out Manilla, and of course all my minesweepers are already away. That costed us only a wounded sub.
CL Boise made a nice quick raid over the landing troops at Jolo, but did absolutly nothing to the 2 other groups it intercepted. I think that's because of the fact she had ONE gun with only ONE ammo left, when all the other 3 main guns were almost full. I really wished there was a way to bypass this limitation..
Night Time Surface Combat, near Jolo at 74,90, Range 11,000 Yards
Japanese Ships
DD Yamagumo
DD Tachikaze, Shell hits 5, heavy fires, heavy damage
APD Shimakaze
APD Nadakaze
TB Chidori
TB Manazuru
TB Hatsukari
TB Tomozuru
DMS W-13
DMS W-14, Shell hits 15, and is sunk
PB Aso Maru #3
PB Kiso Maru, Shell hits 7, heavy fires, heavy damage
PB Nanpo Maru
AV Sanuki Maru, Shell hits 2
xAK Sydney Maru #2
xAKL Kumakawa Maru
xAKL Hakuyo Maru
xAKL Hanakawa Maru
CM Tsubame
Allied Ships
CL Boise
The trap is closing down with a Force moving south to catch the fleeing ships. Not all will survive, but i consider sending part of Force Z north in the Makassar Strait , depending on where the Mini KB decides to go next.
In the North, the main invasion has been spoted. PT boats are waiting for their glorious sacrifice in an attempt to get some ships down with them.
A second raid on Manilla didn't really push back our repairs by much, despite the amount of damage.
Morning Air attack on Manila , at 79,77
Weather in hex: Moderate rain
Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 11
B5N2 Kate x 27
Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 37
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed
B5N2 Kate: 3 destroyed, 1 damaged
B5N2 Kate: 1 destroyed by flak
Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Warhawk: 2 destroyed
Allied Ships
xAKL Palawan, Bomb hits 1, on fire
SS Stingray, Bomb hits 1, heavy damage
SS Seal, Bomb hits 1, heavy damage
SS Seadragon, Bomb hits 1, heavy damage
SS Sailfish, Bomb hits 1
A bombing raid on Babeldaob failed due to bad weather.
Morning Air attack on Babeldaob , at 90,97
Weather in hex: Heavy rain
Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A5M4 Claude x 3
Allied aircraft
B-17D Fortress x 4
No Japanese losses
No Allied losses
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Babeldaob , at 90,97
Weather in hex: Heavy rain
Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 5,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A5M4 Claude x 1
Allied aircraft
B-17D Fortress x 5
No Japanese losses
Allied aircraft losses
B-17D Fortress: 1 damaged
Aircraft Attacking:
5 x B-17D Fortress bombing from 4000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
Further raids are cancelled and Bombers are returned to Naval search duty, while the PBYs are set for short distance bombings of landing crafts. This will stay like that until their evacuation.
Near Singapore, the Japanese BBs are lurking near Mersin. Sign of an ivasion? Not sure, since most signal interceptions point at Kota Bharu.
The small STF i sent to intercept the Kuching landings unfortunatly failed one hex short, and are now fully detected in the open. With the BBs so close, i'll just make a night run and sail down to Java.
In Java , heavy mining operations are in progress. That's not much, but i'm mining every small passages from the Java Sea to the Indian Ocean, plus part of the Java Straight and the Makasar straight. If there is a small chance of catching some fish, why not taking it.
Further south, operations to evacuate Rabaul's Lark Force is under way, they should start loading next turn.
In AU, i'm still debating whether to send the rest of 30th division to die un Port Moresby, or ship them to Noumea. Given how aggressive my oponent seems to be, Japan may be at my doorstep in a few weeks, and i may just pull back the force from PM all together.
A small force of CL and DD will be detached to patrol around Suva and Pago Pago to deter sneaky invasions.
In the US, some F and DB are sent to East coast to be shiped to India. Subs and support ships are sent to Adak, while ENG and ART are loaded for the same destination. I'm waiting for the PPs to free up and INF division to send up there for protection. Saratoga starts her journey to PH.
A group of support ships and a TK set sail for Christmas island to prepare ground for the incoming troops. I'll build it as a major fuel hub.
Nothing else major in China or India, just troops moving around.
Also quick question : I'm trying to replace the 12 P38 in EC by 12 P26. I have replacements/upgrades allowed, i got 13 P26 in pool, but the airframe don't want to change, is it because they're fully restricted?
I've also set no unit at all to receive upgrade, i suppose it's better than doing stockpiling for individual item?
RE: Going down in flames - BlitzimX(A) vs. Hoplosternum (J) - Allied Side
Assuming you have lots of supply at EC USA and you set the unit to upgrade to P-26s, the change should happen but it is not necessarily instant. Sometimes it takes a turn or two before the change of aircraft happens. Transit time from the pools to the location maybe.
You are correct to have automatic replacements off, so that you can select which units you want to receive the limited pools of devices. This is much easier than going through and turning off each unit during the first turn.
You are correct to have automatic replacements off, so that you can select which units you want to receive the limited pools of devices. This is much easier than going through and turning off each unit during the first turn.
No matter how bad a situation is, you can always make it worse. - Chris Hadfield : An Astronaut's Guide To Life On Earth
RE: Going down in flames - BlitzimX(A) vs. Hoplosternum (J) - Allied Side
December 10th
More shipping sunk, mostly isolated units fleeing the PI.
Near PH, the KB hasn't move far for this turn, maybe he was expecting a sortie from PH to intercept, or catching my CVs coming back to port.
However, my Enterprise CV TF bumped into a sub, and even if no CV have actualy been spoted, the KB is shown as moving southwest toward Johnston, maybe hoping to cut the road short. I just order Full East to the Entreprise, and the Lexington will continue due South.
In the SOPAC area, Tarawa and Nauru have fallen, and the invasion force to Kavieng has been spoted. My STF in the area is however too far to intercept it, i may try and get the Rabaul one. Speaking of Rabaul, the transport TF has arrived and even if it's not big enough, will embark part the Lark Force. I think i'll send it to Noumea to start building up.
In the PI, i think i made one of the first newby mistake. I sent most of my ships fleeing south, and the Japs have positioned their fleets in perfect spot to intercept each and every boat.
I think i'm going to pull back the ships still in the Sulu sea in various ports and hope for better times to slip them passed the net. Given some of his CVLs are heading toward the Makasar straight, i'm even hesitant to bring out TF Z to intercept and cover the retreat. We'll see how it goes, but i expect a bloody week in this area.
I was also hoping to evacuate the 5th BG and Del Monte AAF BF from Mindanao, under cover of the P40Es, but given the pounding i'm getting in Cagayan, it will be a miracle if even one ship manages to slip through. I've created multiple TFs in port to try and spread the bombing runs and hopefully have my main transports be safe.
In the North, my PT boats had 3 encounters, but unfortunatly no shot fired or transport sunk. The TFs are too well guarded.
In Malaya, the BB TF spoted previously was indeed covering a Mersing Landing. 5 Units spoted so far. I decide to accelerate the evacuation of Singapore and start loading as much as the Indian III corps as i can, starting with the Air HQs (not enough PP to buy out the Australian one). They'll be evacuated to India.
In the US, loading has started for troops aiming for different Islands : For Chirstmas I. we have one Marine Rgt, A const RGt, a Pion Bn, a Cst AA rgt and the 11th MAG. For Pago Pago, one Marine Def Bn which will be followed by other ENG units. I'm still debating where to send the second Maring Rgt, probably Noumea. The Marine Rgt on Christmas will be replaced by an INF Rgt once i got the PPs.
3rd day and i'm already overwelmed by everything. The pace is clearly faster than the AI for sure.
More shipping sunk, mostly isolated units fleeing the PI.
Near PH, the KB hasn't move far for this turn, maybe he was expecting a sortie from PH to intercept, or catching my CVs coming back to port.
However, my Enterprise CV TF bumped into a sub, and even if no CV have actualy been spoted, the KB is shown as moving southwest toward Johnston, maybe hoping to cut the road short. I just order Full East to the Entreprise, and the Lexington will continue due South.
In the SOPAC area, Tarawa and Nauru have fallen, and the invasion force to Kavieng has been spoted. My STF in the area is however too far to intercept it, i may try and get the Rabaul one. Speaking of Rabaul, the transport TF has arrived and even if it's not big enough, will embark part the Lark Force. I think i'll send it to Noumea to start building up.
In the PI, i think i made one of the first newby mistake. I sent most of my ships fleeing south, and the Japs have positioned their fleets in perfect spot to intercept each and every boat.
I think i'm going to pull back the ships still in the Sulu sea in various ports and hope for better times to slip them passed the net. Given some of his CVLs are heading toward the Makasar straight, i'm even hesitant to bring out TF Z to intercept and cover the retreat. We'll see how it goes, but i expect a bloody week in this area.
I was also hoping to evacuate the 5th BG and Del Monte AAF BF from Mindanao, under cover of the P40Es, but given the pounding i'm getting in Cagayan, it will be a miracle if even one ship manages to slip through. I've created multiple TFs in port to try and spread the bombing runs and hopefully have my main transports be safe.
In the North, my PT boats had 3 encounters, but unfortunatly no shot fired or transport sunk. The TFs are too well guarded.
In Malaya, the BB TF spoted previously was indeed covering a Mersing Landing. 5 Units spoted so far. I decide to accelerate the evacuation of Singapore and start loading as much as the Indian III corps as i can, starting with the Air HQs (not enough PP to buy out the Australian one). They'll be evacuated to India.
In the US, loading has started for troops aiming for different Islands : For Chirstmas I. we have one Marine Rgt, A const RGt, a Pion Bn, a Cst AA rgt and the 11th MAG. For Pago Pago, one Marine Def Bn which will be followed by other ENG units. I'm still debating where to send the second Maring Rgt, probably Noumea. The Marine Rgt on Christmas will be replaced by an INF Rgt once i got the PPs.
3rd day and i'm already overwelmed by everything. The pace is clearly faster than the AI for sure.
RE: Going down in flames - BlitzimX(A) vs. Hoplosternum (J) - Allied Side
December 11th
Things are starting to heat up on both sides. Pretty interesting turn.
After her original run against Transports on the 9th, retreating CL Boise has been caught up by a STF and unfortunatly sunk, dealing few damages to her oponents. The escorting DDs managed to leave relatively unscrathed.
The PT boats defending the PI have all died for no damage inflicted.
Near Singapore, really nice shots from our TBs which scored hits against Haruna and Atago. Atago is reported as sunk in the intel, but no way to confirm that.
A limited stike on our side on Bangkok, just propaganda meterial.
Other than this, no major combat to report. As planned, quite the slaughterhouse in ships leaving the PI.
Near Hawaii, the KB finally seems to be leaving the scene, all TFs reported heading plain West. I'll get my CVs back to PH from the East to be sure.
Main point of focus for the next day or two will be Makasar Straight, where 3 TFs are rushing in in pursue of ships, among which a small CVL TF.
I've prepositioned Force Z south of Bandjermasin, ready to pounce in and try get some kills. However i don't really know how to approach this, even less with the CVs lurking a bit further west. All Floats planes on the TF are on 100 search, 2 of the 5 set to night patrol. Should i just set a destination in the straight, within green movement, or should i set a patrol zone with one point in the straight, and the other one further south (i suppose all on Mission speed?)? How do i calculate the safe reach for a night interception? I'm aware it's a risky move, but it can be quite a blow if pulled out successfuly. They'll have a bit of air cover from Samarinda as a distraction.
On TF is spoted heading for Ambon or Kendai, but unfortunatly i don't have anything to counter them.
Near the Solomon, CA Lousiville and CL Adelaide are realy to pounce on the invading force eventualy coming to Rabaul. They'll be joined by CA Cambera,CL Perth and one DD if time allows it. Lark Force is soon loaded in Rabaul and will leave the next day.
Near Singapore, Mersing has been captured. The first convoy of troops is loaded in Singapore, and will attempt a dash through the strait of Malacca to India.
In China, nothing out of the ordinary.
Also point to note, my P38 squadron still hasn't been demoted to P26s.
Things are starting to heat up on both sides. Pretty interesting turn.
After her original run against Transports on the 9th, retreating CL Boise has been caught up by a STF and unfortunatly sunk, dealing few damages to her oponents. The escorting DDs managed to leave relatively unscrathed.
Night Time Surface Combat, near Donggala at 70,96, Range 8,000 Yards
Allied aircraft
no flights
Allied aircraft losses
SOC-1 Seagull: 3 destroyed
Japanese Ships
CA Haguro, Shell hits 3
CA Nachi
DD Kuroshio, Shell hits 1
DD Hayashio
Allied Ships
CL Boise, Shell hits 27, and is sunk
DD John D. Ford
DD Pillsbury, Shell hits 1
The PT boats defending the PI have all died for no damage inflicted.
Night Time Surface Combat, near Aparri at 82,73, Range 12,000 Yards
Japanese Ships
CL Natori
DD Satsuki
DD Minazuki
DD Fumizuki
DD Harukaze
DD Hatakaze
Allied Ships
PT-31, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
PT-32, Shell hits 3, and is sunk
PT-33, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
PT-34, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
PT-35, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
PT-41, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
PT Q-111, Shell hits 3, and is sunk
PT Q-112, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
Near Singapore, really nice shots from our TBs which scored hits against Haruna and Atago. Atago is reported as sunk in the intel, but no way to confirm that.
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Mersing at 51,82
Weather in hex: Light cloud
Raid spotted at 15 NM, estimated altitude 3,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes
Allied aircraft
Vildebeest III x 11
Allied aircraft losses
Vildebeest III: 1 damaged
Japanese Ships
BB Haruna, Torpedo hits 1
CA Atago, Torpedo hits 2
Aircraft Attacking:
11 x Vildebeest III launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Mk XII Torpedo
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Mersing at 51,82
Weather in hex: Light cloud
Raid spotted at 14 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes
Allied aircraft
Vildebeest III x 12
Allied aircraft losses
Vildebeest III: 2 damaged
Vildebeest III: 1 destroyed by flak
Japanese Ships
BB Haruna, Torpedo hits 1
LSD Shinshu Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
BB Kongo
Aircraft Attacking:
12 x Vildebeest III launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Mk XII Torpedo
A limited stike on our side on Bangkok, just propaganda meterial.
Morning Air attack on Bangkok , at 56,62
Weather in hex: Light rain
Raid spotted at 17 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes
Allied aircraft
Blenheim I x 3
Blenheim IV x 12
Buffalo I x 15
No Allied losses
Heavy Industry hits 4
Aircraft Attacking:
12 x Blenheim IV bombing from 12000 feet
City Attack: 4 x 250 lb GP Bomb
3 x Blenheim I bombing from 12000 feet
City Attack: 4 x 250 lb GP Bomb
Other than this, no major combat to report. As planned, quite the slaughterhouse in ships leaving the PI.
Near Hawaii, the KB finally seems to be leaving the scene, all TFs reported heading plain West. I'll get my CVs back to PH from the East to be sure.
Main point of focus for the next day or two will be Makasar Straight, where 3 TFs are rushing in in pursue of ships, among which a small CVL TF.
I've prepositioned Force Z south of Bandjermasin, ready to pounce in and try get some kills. However i don't really know how to approach this, even less with the CVs lurking a bit further west. All Floats planes on the TF are on 100 search, 2 of the 5 set to night patrol. Should i just set a destination in the straight, within green movement, or should i set a patrol zone with one point in the straight, and the other one further south (i suppose all on Mission speed?)? How do i calculate the safe reach for a night interception? I'm aware it's a risky move, but it can be quite a blow if pulled out successfuly. They'll have a bit of air cover from Samarinda as a distraction.
On TF is spoted heading for Ambon or Kendai, but unfortunatly i don't have anything to counter them.
Near the Solomon, CA Lousiville and CL Adelaide are realy to pounce on the invading force eventualy coming to Rabaul. They'll be joined by CA Cambera,CL Perth and one DD if time allows it. Lark Force is soon loaded in Rabaul and will leave the next day.
Near Singapore, Mersing has been captured. The first convoy of troops is loaded in Singapore, and will attempt a dash through the strait of Malacca to India.
In China, nothing out of the ordinary.
Also point to note, my P38 squadron still hasn't been demoted to P26s.
RE: Going down in flames - BlitzimX(A) vs. Hoplosternum (J) - Allied Side
You could expect that nearest enemy TF to move at least 4 hexes during the night phase. Set your Force Z to a patrol zone extending from where you think the enemy will end up and back to where you are now. Set react to 4 and have your FPs search at night at 5000 feet, range 4. Do not set any linger time in the patrol zone. Mission speed or Full Speed is appropriate for this mission.
If the Japanese have been coming at full speed they will be short on fuel and should not be able to pursue for long, but you must be prepared to take Force Z out of the DEI once it has been detected. Darwin is a trap. Go to Perth, then Capetown or Colombo.
You need 25 airplanes to upgrade your fighter unit.
If the Japanese have been coming at full speed they will be short on fuel and should not be able to pursue for long, but you must be prepared to take Force Z out of the DEI once it has been detected. Darwin is a trap. Go to Perth, then Capetown or Colombo.
You need 25 airplanes to upgrade your fighter unit.
No matter how bad a situation is, you can always make it worse. - Chris Hadfield : An Astronaut's Guide To Life On Earth
RE: Going down in flames - BlitzimX(A) vs. Hoplosternum (J) - Allied Side
Good luck guys!
Nice hit on Haruna.
Nice hit on Haruna.
Intel Monkey: https://sites.google.com/view/staffmonkeys/home
RE: Going down in flames - BlitzimX(A) vs. Hoplosternum (J) - Allied Side
Well written AAR so far!
What is your plan for Palembang? Reinforce, or just leave it? If you are evacuating troops from Singers, you could drop some at Palembang. You can also bring in a couple Indian Brigades that are available at-start (though they have low exp). Use Dutch transports and flying boats to fly units to Palembang, starting with a couple nearby that are in useless spots anyway (The Riouw garrison unit?). March all the small Dutch combat units on Sumatra to Palembang. An extra base force from Singapore will also help. Drop supplies at Oosthaven, and use that port to get units to/from Palembang and India.
The more AV you can get there, the better, even crappy units. Delaying Japanese take of Palembang is the most important thing you can do to disrupt his timetable, IMO.....
What is your plan for Palembang? Reinforce, or just leave it? If you are evacuating troops from Singers, you could drop some at Palembang. You can also bring in a couple Indian Brigades that are available at-start (though they have low exp). Use Dutch transports and flying boats to fly units to Palembang, starting with a couple nearby that are in useless spots anyway (The Riouw garrison unit?). March all the small Dutch combat units on Sumatra to Palembang. An extra base force from Singapore will also help. Drop supplies at Oosthaven, and use that port to get units to/from Palembang and India.
The more AV you can get there, the better, even crappy units. Delaying Japanese take of Palembang is the most important thing you can do to disrupt his timetable, IMO.....
RE: Going down in flames - BlitzimX(A) vs. Hoplosternum (J) - Allied Side
I'm already moving all units in Sumatra able to move in Palembang, at least those able to strat move. The others are walking, but i do agree i didn't think about flying them down.
In fact i don't yet have the reflex to "save" bits of units by flying them out from Java down to AUZ. Even the path to take for than isn"t really clear and i don't see the benefits to end up with dozens of barely whole units.
I'll see to drop a malaysian unit or two down here, we'll see if my first convoy manages to slip through or if thousands of men will drown trying.
In fact i don't yet have the reflex to "save" bits of units by flying them out from Java down to AUZ. Even the path to take for than isn"t really clear and i don't see the benefits to end up with dozens of barely whole units.
I'll see to drop a malaysian unit or two down here, we'll see if my first convoy manages to slip through or if thousands of men will drown trying.
RE: Going down in flames - BlitzimX(A) vs. Hoplosternum (J) - Allied Side
Given time, you can move alot of Dutch units around via air. There are two units at Pamakisan that are in a totally useless spot; fly them to Soerbaya, rail to Batavia, then fly to Palembang....much more useful.
Also, run extra supply to Sumatra while you can....just drop it at Oosthaven. It's worth diverting a few from the Rangoon run (you should be running as much supply as possible to Rangoon, then pulling up the trail to China, while you still can)
Also, run extra supply to Sumatra while you can....just drop it at Oosthaven. It's worth diverting a few from the Rangoon run (you should be running as much supply as possible to Rangoon, then pulling up the trail to China, while you still can)
RE: Going down in flames - BlitzimX(A) vs. Hoplosternum (J) - Allied Side
I'll have a look at it; it's basicaly a way to move restricted units inside the borders, when you are unable to use sea transports.
RE: Going down in flames - BlitzimX(A) vs. Hoplosternum (J) - Allied Side
If you do decide to use the Oosthaven port, mine the hex. The IJN loves to send subs and DDs/CLs through that strait.
No matter how bad a situation is, you can always make it worse. - Chris Hadfield : An Astronaut's Guide To Life On Earth
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CaptBeefheart
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RE: Going down in flames - BlitzimX(A) vs. Hoplosternum (J) - Allied Side
On the P-38 squadron, the greyed-out "No upgrade possible" might provide a clue if you do a mouseover on it.
If it's not too late, sending some of those Manila ships east between Iwo Jima and the Marianas is usually worthwhile. In most scenarios the IJ has scarce naval search assets [EDIT: in the beginning] and there may be a large gap in that area.
Good luck!
Cheers,
CB
If it's not too late, sending some of those Manila ships east between Iwo Jima and the Marianas is usually worthwhile. In most scenarios the IJ has scarce naval search assets [EDIT: in the beginning] and there may be a large gap in that area.
Good luck!
Cheers,
CB
Beer, because barley makes lousy bread.
RE: Going down in flames - BlitzimX(A) vs. Hoplosternum (J) - Allied Side
December 12th
I can say that this day has been a disaster for the allies.
None of the STF i set up came into any contact. The one i set to patrol north Borneo (only 4 hexes) even managed to completly ignore 2 TFs heading for the bases, and ends up in plain sight, while its origin base is invaded. In a sense i think it's for the better, as the 2 enemy TFs appear to be sweeping TFs in preparation for the landing crafts, which are a bit north.
None of the planes set to Naval attack scored any hit, the sub war is so far pathetic with 6 shots an not even a dud, some of my planes of been decimated, and a Japanese unit already occupies Johore Baru, cuting down retreat to singapore and catching 8 units in strat mode in the hex.
Transports carrying the 5th BG out of Mindanao has been obliterated, and the survivors end up stranded on Oroquitea, as i didn't set the TF to Do not Unload.
And to top this, one of my small TFs set to intercept invasions near Celebes decides it can't move more than 1 Hex per day, for no apparent reason (engine damage doesn't seem to be the reason).
8 ships sunk this turn, and 8 bases captured.
In 2 words , not good.
Situation in the PI:
Situation in Malaya and Borneo.
In the light of this, i take the following actions:
- The PI are definetly cut off, with the bombers at Jolo and the invading troops progressing fast. All sea worthy ships, including those in repair, will attempt a dash out via the North and East, where bombers aren't yet a problem.
- Evacuation of the P40Es,PBY and B17 (or what remains of them) to Java set to full gear.
- In Singapore, the transport with 224 RAF Group leaves port. The next to leave, or try to, will be the one carrying the 223rd group. All Other troops will stay and fight, since i won't have time to extract them. So far the convoy with part of the 3rd Corp has sliped through unharmed, rushing North full speed.
- Following advices from previous posts, i'll try to fly some units to Palembang, either dutch units or British ones.
Other than this, the rest is BAU. A full force of support and troops is heading North for Adak, CI renforcements are on the way and China is quite calm for now. Troops are moving around in Burma and India.
I can say that this day has been a disaster for the allies.
None of the STF i set up came into any contact. The one i set to patrol north Borneo (only 4 hexes) even managed to completly ignore 2 TFs heading for the bases, and ends up in plain sight, while its origin base is invaded. In a sense i think it's for the better, as the 2 enemy TFs appear to be sweeping TFs in preparation for the landing crafts, which are a bit north.
None of the planes set to Naval attack scored any hit, the sub war is so far pathetic with 6 shots an not even a dud, some of my planes of been decimated, and a Japanese unit already occupies Johore Baru, cuting down retreat to singapore and catching 8 units in strat mode in the hex.
Transports carrying the 5th BG out of Mindanao has been obliterated, and the survivors end up stranded on Oroquitea, as i didn't set the TF to Do not Unload.
And to top this, one of my small TFs set to intercept invasions near Celebes decides it can't move more than 1 Hex per day, for no apparent reason (engine damage doesn't seem to be the reason).
8 ships sunk this turn, and 8 bases captured.
In 2 words , not good.
Situation in the PI:
Situation in Malaya and Borneo.
In the light of this, i take the following actions:
- The PI are definetly cut off, with the bombers at Jolo and the invading troops progressing fast. All sea worthy ships, including those in repair, will attempt a dash out via the North and East, where bombers aren't yet a problem.
- Evacuation of the P40Es,PBY and B17 (or what remains of them) to Java set to full gear.
- In Singapore, the transport with 224 RAF Group leaves port. The next to leave, or try to, will be the one carrying the 223rd group. All Other troops will stay and fight, since i won't have time to extract them. So far the convoy with part of the 3rd Corp has sliped through unharmed, rushing North full speed.
- Following advices from previous posts, i'll try to fly some units to Palembang, either dutch units or British ones.
Other than this, the rest is BAU. A full force of support and troops is heading North for Adak, CI renforcements are on the way and China is quite calm for now. Troops are moving around in Burma and India.
RE: Going down in flames - BlitzimX(A) vs. Hoplosternum (J) - Allied Side
The TF that did not move more than 1 hex was probably balking at enemy aircraft in range. You need to set the TF routing to Direct/Absolute to overcome this.
No matter how bad a situation is, you can always make it worse. - Chris Hadfield : An Astronaut's Guide To Life On Earth
RE: Going down in flames - BlitzimX(A) vs. Hoplosternum (J) - Allied Side
I think it's more to the fact they refueled at sea in port, i just saw it with an other transport TF, the movements went down when i refueled them. I didn't know there was something like that.
Below the problematic child:
Below the problematic child:
RE: Going down in flames - BlitzimX(A) vs. Hoplosternum (J) - Allied Side
December 13th
Nothing much to report this turn. The sub war remains as pathetic for the allies than before, and we had our first naval engagement.
My Fleet retreating from Borneo after its failed interception ran into a japanese TF on its way home.
Night Time Surface Combat, near Singkawang at 56,87, Range 9,000 Yards
No ship were sunk and all made it back to base. The Jupiter will be back in action in 4 days, but the Mauritius is still fighting fires at 64%. We'll see how this goes.
In the south near Java, the TF heading for Ambon may have been a decoy or something, since it just dashed north instead of moving south. As aresult my intercepting fleet stoped in the middle of the sea and got hamered by the mini KB, which i swear didn't though could move that fast in a turn.
With so much damage (99% fire), the Tromp has been scutled while the two DDs get back to Java, leaving me pants down in this area.
So far we haven't done much damage to its shipping.
Guam and Tabiteuea are invaded, and Japanese force progress everywhere in the PI and Malaya.
Near Hawaii, the KB seems to take its sweet time to leave, as despite being indicated to be moving west, hasn't move much since last turn. Not really sure what are the intentions here, maybe a second PH strike?
I also learnt it's not a good idea to set up a base to gather all the supplies and ask to upgrade the fort; Palembang didn't upgrade because there isn't enough supply in all of sumarta. Point taken.
Nothing much to report this turn. The sub war remains as pathetic for the allies than before, and we had our first naval engagement.
My Fleet retreating from Borneo after its failed interception ran into a japanese TF on its way home.
Night Time Surface Combat, near Singkawang at 56,87, Range 9,000 Yards
Japanese Ships
CA Mogami, Shell hits 3
CA Mikuma, Shell hits 1
CA Suzuya, Shell hits 2
CA Kumano
DD Maikaze
DD Nowaki, Shell hits 1
DD Arashi
DD Hagikaze
Allied Ships
CL Danae
CL Dragon
CL Durban
CL Mauritius, Shell hits 7, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Vendetta
DD Jupiter, Shell hits 4
No ship were sunk and all made it back to base. The Jupiter will be back in action in 4 days, but the Mauritius is still fighting fires at 64%. We'll see how this goes.
In the south near Java, the TF heading for Ambon may have been a decoy or something, since it just dashed north instead of moving south. As aresult my intercepting fleet stoped in the middle of the sea and got hamered by the mini KB, which i swear didn't though could move that fast in a turn.
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Taliaboe at 73,103
Weather in hex: Light cloud
Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 6
B5N2 Kate x 12
D3A1 Val x 15
No Japanese losses
Allied Ships
CL Tromp, Bomb hits 6, heavy fires
DD John D. Edwards
DD Whipple
Aircraft Attacking:
11 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
12 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 10000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
4 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CL Tromp
With so much damage (99% fire), the Tromp has been scutled while the two DDs get back to Java, leaving me pants down in this area.
So far we haven't done much damage to its shipping.
Guam and Tabiteuea are invaded, and Japanese force progress everywhere in the PI and Malaya.
Near Hawaii, the KB seems to take its sweet time to leave, as despite being indicated to be moving west, hasn't move much since last turn. Not really sure what are the intentions here, maybe a second PH strike?
I also learnt it's not a good idea to set up a base to gather all the supplies and ask to upgrade the fort; Palembang didn't upgrade because there isn't enough supply in all of sumarta. Point taken.
RE: Going down in flames - BlitzimX(A) vs. Hoplosternum (J) - Allied Side
I do have a question though related to Replacements and Device management, as i want to be sure i don't do anything stupid.
This is currently my Industry screen, as you see everything is stockpiled but the few items set as "N".
From what i understood, this is the best way to controle what goes where, and not find yourself with good devices given to a BF in the middle of nowhere.
So far only a handfull of units are set to replacement ON, mostly in the US, India and China.
Is it the correct strategy? If i want to upgrade or replenish something, i remove the stockpile and set the units to Replace, right?
Also do we have a topic or a general guide as to which items are the most valuable and where they should go?
This is currently my Industry screen, as you see everything is stockpiled but the few items set as "N".
From what i understood, this is the best way to controle what goes where, and not find yourself with good devices given to a BF in the middle of nowhere.
So far only a handfull of units are set to replacement ON, mostly in the US, India and China.
Is it the correct strategy? If i want to upgrade or replenish something, i remove the stockpile and set the units to Replace, right?
Also do we have a topic or a general guide as to which items are the most valuable and where they should go?