The Auxiliary vessels are force multipliers. Use them wisely and protect them as needed.
Christmas Island is more important than Palmyra since it can be built up much more than Palmyra.
A Good Place to Start - Matthew (A) v Fokko (J) - Bottlenecks Mod
Moderators: wdolson, MOD_War-in-the-Pacific-Admirals-Edition
Re: A Good Place to Start - Matthew (A) v Fokko (J) - Bottlenecks Mod
- Attachments
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- life can beamazing when youhave the right kind of obsession.jpg (47.6 KiB) Viewed 2282 times
Seek peace but keep your gun handy.
I'm not a complete idiot, some parts are missing!
“Illegitemus non carborundum est (“Don’t let the bastards grind you down”).”
; Julia Child
I'm not a complete idiot, some parts are missing!
“Illegitemus non carborundum est (“Don’t let the bastards grind you down”).”
; Julia ChildRe: A Good Place to Start - Matthew (A) v Fokko (J) - Bottlenecks Mod
It seems to me your opponent is committing way too few troops in Philippines & they are coming from all sides... That could be an opportunity to concentrate against them & swat some of them good.
You should be getting close to 2k AV by now (you ARE resting & recovering your troops, right?).
I did not hear any mention of full IJA divisions on the Philippines...
He should have access to ~10 unrestricted divisions in total. Some need to be re-combined first.
This would also mean that they are either in Malaya, China (why there?) or getting ready for a deep push either South/Australia/NZ or against Pearl.
Japan absolutely must grab every oil source within their reach, otherwise their fuel situation becomes critical before the end of '42. If I had to choose, I would rather have the oilfields of Ledo than Pearl Harbor...
You should be getting close to 2k AV by now (you ARE resting & recovering your troops, right?).
I did not hear any mention of full IJA divisions on the Philippines...
He should have access to ~10 unrestricted divisions in total. Some need to be re-combined first.
This would also mean that they are either in Malaya, China (why there?) or getting ready for a deep push either South/Australia/NZ or against Pearl.
Japan absolutely must grab every oil source within their reach, otherwise their fuel situation becomes critical before the end of '42. If I had to choose, I would rather have the oilfields of Ledo than Pearl Harbor...
Re: A Good Place to Start - Matthew (A) v Fokko (J) - Bottlenecks Mod
Hi JanSako, thank you for your comments.
You’ve in part anticipated this post; it looks like Japan is gathering for an attack in the DEI.
Re the Philippines: In addition to what I’ve already listed sigint indicates that 21st Division is preparing for Manila, and there’s an unidentified stack that has appeared at Santiago.
Like you, I’ve been wondering if Japan has sufficient mass either north or south to break through. I do suspect that, in anticipation of the Allies withdrawing to Clark Field/Bataan, Fokko’s plan was use just enough to bottle me up there whilst using south Luzon as a staging post for further moves. It did occur to me I might be able to concentrate and counterattack somewhere; I was leaning against the idea but you’ve prompted me to think again. If Japan is intending to use south Luzon as a base for further advances then a counterattack in this direction from Manila, even if unsuccessful, might prompt Japan to use ground/air forces that are otherwise destined for elsewhere.
I probably don’t have as many units resting as I should; if they’ve got engineers I’ve been keeping them in combat mode to help with fortifications. I’ll have a look at that again.
I also need to become more familiar with the Japanese OOB.
You’ve in part anticipated this post; it looks like Japan is gathering for an attack in the DEI.
- Celebes Sea 29th December.png (1.75 MiB) Viewed 2257 times
Like you, I’ve been wondering if Japan has sufficient mass either north or south to break through. I do suspect that, in anticipation of the Allies withdrawing to Clark Field/Bataan, Fokko’s plan was use just enough to bottle me up there whilst using south Luzon as a staging post for further moves. It did occur to me I might be able to concentrate and counterattack somewhere; I was leaning against the idea but you’ve prompted me to think again. If Japan is intending to use south Luzon as a base for further advances then a counterattack in this direction from Manila, even if unsuccessful, might prompt Japan to use ground/air forces that are otherwise destined for elsewhere.
I probably don’t have as many units resting as I should; if they’ve got engineers I’ve been keeping them in combat mode to help with fortifications. I’ll have a look at that again.
I also need to become more familiar with the Japanese OOB.
Re: A Good Place to Start - Matthew (A) v Fokko (J) - Bottlenecks Mod
If you can keep close to 1:1 raw AV in Manila, he cannot take it, the terrain just helps you as a defender a lot. OTOH you would have a hard time breaking out too. I would perhaps consider counterattacking north if there is nothing (much) coming at you from there. He could be 'being careful' & building up a base up there to bring air closer, but IMO that is pointless cause IJA has enough ground forces to take all of Luzon and either Manila or Clark quickly (covered from Formosa) which would give him a base for planes to bomb the other. It feels... strange.
If he leaves you to build up & train up all those units, with the reinforcements you will be getting later you could go up to 3k AV which he simply cannot break any more until you run out of supplies.
Which you should have plenty to last until summer...
If he leaves you to build up & train up all those units, with the reinforcements you will be getting later you could go up to 3k AV which he simply cannot break any more until you run out of supplies.
Which you should have plenty to last until summer...
Re: A Good Place to Start - Matthew (A) v Fokko (J) - Bottlenecks Mod
Thanks JanSako, I do need to bear in mind that I have only a limited picture of his forces in Luzon, especially the north; at the moment I don’t have any information on what is or may be coming through Aparri.
30th December 1941
MALAYA
The usual Japanese air attacks at Georgetown and sweeps over Kuala Lumpur to little effect. Ops reports indicate a definite uptick in Japanese reconnaissance of Allied positions in Malaya.
PHILIPPINES
The Japanese capture Legaspi and Zamboanga.
DEI
CA Ashigara, CA Maya , CL Kuma and 2 DDs attack Manado. I lost 3 HDMLs and a YP/tug. I must write out 100 times: Motor Launches and Gunboats cannot stand up to regular warships….Motor Launches and Gunboats cannot stand up to regular warships…. maybe I’ll learn eventually. The cruisers proceeded to bombard the port and airfield, damaging 2 P40Bs. I’ve withdrawn the remainder to Kendari; there was only a handful of them at Manado anyway.
USS Enterprise has arrived at Soerabaja. She and her group will refuel, rearm and spend two or three days making some repairs in ready mode.
SOPAC/SWPAC
Fokko very sportingly moved SS I-20 away from Aukland around the eastern side of North Island and towards Wellington, allowing Queen Elizabeth a free run into Aukland with 7th Marine Rgt. Yay! Unfortunately, the facilities at Aukland are not big enough to handle a ship of this size. Boo! I need to find someone to blame for this particular cock up. I was imagining a conversation between the QE Captain and his senior officers going along the lines of something very similar to that of the opening scenes of a recent TV series:
CAPTAIN “Well, Aukland, you see, can accommodate a ship of up to 48,000 tons”
STAFF CAPTAIN “Ah, but this ship is 48,000 TONNES”
CAPTAIN “Yes, I know . [Swigs from his hip flask]. The thing is, there are Americans on the staff in San Francisco….”
Unfortunately the difference between a ton and a tonne is not big enough to account for Queen Elizabeth’s inability to dock. However, as it happens fate, or more precisely another shocking cock up, has presented a plausible scapegoat.
The commanding officer of the 7th Marine Rgt, the very capable, highly respected and much decorated veteran of Belleau Wood and the Banana wars, Lt. Col. Bruiser McHuge, has been left behind looking after the three lorries of the Motor Transport section that got stranded in San Francisco while the remainder of the regiment sailed off to war under command of some snotty-nosed 2nd Lt. This 2nd Lt’s excitement and pride at being chosen by some horrendous mix-up to lead his regiment into battle has somewhat dissipated now he is beginning to realise some of the facts of life. One particular fact of life that he is now becoming acquainted with is the general principle in any self-respecting organisation that if you are the most junior person on the spot when some serious misdeed or terrible mistake comes to light then it is, technically, all your fault.
USA
Maryland, Tennesse and Pennsylvania have arrived at Mare Island for more extensive repairs. They’ll all be there for at least six weeks or so, which is not too bad at all. California, Nevada and West Virgina are still at Pearl Harbour, and it’ll be months before they are in any state to even attempt the crossing to the West Coast.
Warspite has finished repairs at Bremerton and is heading to San Francisco. She’ll join the next NZ/Australian-bound major reinforcement convoy, and then probably head off to the Indian Ocean.
SUBMARINE WARFARE
The occasional submarine fired a few torpedoes in the general direction of the other side’s shipping lanes. Nothing was hit.
30th December 1941
MALAYA
The usual Japanese air attacks at Georgetown and sweeps over Kuala Lumpur to little effect. Ops reports indicate a definite uptick in Japanese reconnaissance of Allied positions in Malaya.
PHILIPPINES
The Japanese capture Legaspi and Zamboanga.
DEI
CA Ashigara, CA Maya , CL Kuma and 2 DDs attack Manado. I lost 3 HDMLs and a YP/tug. I must write out 100 times: Motor Launches and Gunboats cannot stand up to regular warships….Motor Launches and Gunboats cannot stand up to regular warships…. maybe I’ll learn eventually. The cruisers proceeded to bombard the port and airfield, damaging 2 P40Bs. I’ve withdrawn the remainder to Kendari; there was only a handful of them at Manado anyway.
USS Enterprise has arrived at Soerabaja. She and her group will refuel, rearm and spend two or three days making some repairs in ready mode.
SOPAC/SWPAC
Fokko very sportingly moved SS I-20 away from Aukland around the eastern side of North Island and towards Wellington, allowing Queen Elizabeth a free run into Aukland with 7th Marine Rgt. Yay! Unfortunately, the facilities at Aukland are not big enough to handle a ship of this size. Boo! I need to find someone to blame for this particular cock up. I was imagining a conversation between the QE Captain and his senior officers going along the lines of something very similar to that of the opening scenes of a recent TV series:
CAPTAIN “Well, Aukland, you see, can accommodate a ship of up to 48,000 tons”
STAFF CAPTAIN “Ah, but this ship is 48,000 TONNES”
CAPTAIN “Yes, I know . [Swigs from his hip flask]. The thing is, there are Americans on the staff in San Francisco….”
Unfortunately the difference between a ton and a tonne is not big enough to account for Queen Elizabeth’s inability to dock. However, as it happens fate, or more precisely another shocking cock up, has presented a plausible scapegoat.
The commanding officer of the 7th Marine Rgt, the very capable, highly respected and much decorated veteran of Belleau Wood and the Banana wars, Lt. Col. Bruiser McHuge, has been left behind looking after the three lorries of the Motor Transport section that got stranded in San Francisco while the remainder of the regiment sailed off to war under command of some snotty-nosed 2nd Lt. This 2nd Lt’s excitement and pride at being chosen by some horrendous mix-up to lead his regiment into battle has somewhat dissipated now he is beginning to realise some of the facts of life. One particular fact of life that he is now becoming acquainted with is the general principle in any self-respecting organisation that if you are the most junior person on the spot when some serious misdeed or terrible mistake comes to light then it is, technically, all your fault.
USA
Maryland, Tennesse and Pennsylvania have arrived at Mare Island for more extensive repairs. They’ll all be there for at least six weeks or so, which is not too bad at all. California, Nevada and West Virgina are still at Pearl Harbour, and it’ll be months before they are in any state to even attempt the crossing to the West Coast.
Warspite has finished repairs at Bremerton and is heading to San Francisco. She’ll join the next NZ/Australian-bound major reinforcement convoy, and then probably head off to the Indian Ocean.
SUBMARINE WARFARE
The occasional submarine fired a few torpedoes in the general direction of the other side’s shipping lanes. Nothing was hit.
Re: A Good Place to Start - Matthew (A) v Fokko (J) - Bottlenecks Mod
31st December 1941
CHINA
Some interesting Signal Intel - see map.
I am adjusting forces in the area to concentrate at Hami, Kiuchuan and east of Lanchow, and sending as reinforcements the 24th Army from Chengdu and 22nd Art Rgt from Chunking. I’m reluctant to send any more forces at the moment as this may just be a probe, a diversion or just pushing out a picket line. More intel needed.
MALAYA
III Indian Corps was defeated at Kuala Kubu and forced to retreat. I’m pulling back from Kuala Lumpur, Jerantur and Kuantan, falling back on Kluang. The air strikes on Japanese ground forces didn’t go as planned; I accidentally left the escorting Buffalos on range 0. Seven Blenheims were lost.
Japan captures Utan Melintang.
PHILIPPINES
I’ve decided not to counterattack on Luzon. JanSako rightly points out it would be difficult for me to break out of Manila in the south, and whereas attacking in the north might be more tactically advantageous I don’t think it would necessarily translate into any strategic benefit.
DEI
109th RN BF arrives at Koepang on Timor. They should be unloaded and ready to go by the time further reinforcements start arriving. Two Brigades from 18th British Div, some AA and 2nd RAA Coastal Artillery Rgt are en route. I’m planning to send 224 Group HQ (currently at Singapore) when the shipping is available.
SOPAC/SWPAC
The Marines of 7th Marine Rgt that have successfully debarked from Queen Elizabeth are being transported to Noumea. Queen Elizabeth is heading to Sydney to offload the remainder of the Rgt; they'll follow on when they can. This wasn’t quite how I envisaged things….
SUBMARINE WARFARE
Nothing. Not a single submarine encounter on other side. Now I think of it, other than two Japanese DDs being unsuccessfully attacked by Dutch bombers near Miri, I don’t think there were any warships in action at all.
CHINA
Some interesting Signal Intel - see map.
- NE China.png (2.33 MiB) Viewed 2194 times
I am adjusting forces in the area to concentrate at Hami, Kiuchuan and east of Lanchow, and sending as reinforcements the 24th Army from Chengdu and 22nd Art Rgt from Chunking. I’m reluctant to send any more forces at the moment as this may just be a probe, a diversion or just pushing out a picket line. More intel needed.
MALAYA
III Indian Corps was defeated at Kuala Kubu and forced to retreat. I’m pulling back from Kuala Lumpur, Jerantur and Kuantan, falling back on Kluang. The air strikes on Japanese ground forces didn’t go as planned; I accidentally left the escorting Buffalos on range 0. Seven Blenheims were lost.
Japan captures Utan Melintang.
PHILIPPINES
I’ve decided not to counterattack on Luzon. JanSako rightly points out it would be difficult for me to break out of Manila in the south, and whereas attacking in the north might be more tactically advantageous I don’t think it would necessarily translate into any strategic benefit.
DEI
109th RN BF arrives at Koepang on Timor. They should be unloaded and ready to go by the time further reinforcements start arriving. Two Brigades from 18th British Div, some AA and 2nd RAA Coastal Artillery Rgt are en route. I’m planning to send 224 Group HQ (currently at Singapore) when the shipping is available.
SOPAC/SWPAC
The Marines of 7th Marine Rgt that have successfully debarked from Queen Elizabeth are being transported to Noumea. Queen Elizabeth is heading to Sydney to offload the remainder of the Rgt; they'll follow on when they can. This wasn’t quite how I envisaged things….
SUBMARINE WARFARE
Nothing. Not a single submarine encounter on other side. Now I think of it, other than two Japanese DDs being unsuccessfully attacked by Dutch bombers near Miri, I don’t think there were any warships in action at all.
Re: A Good Place to Start - Matthew (A) v Fokko (J) - Bottlenecks Mod
The oil in Lanchow is worth its weight in gold for Japan. I don't think that much more than a couple of divs & some tank regiments can be supplied over such a distance, but he will try to take it if he knows what's what.
Unless he is really confident that he can take Ledo & keep allied heavies away from it, which is a much more tall order.
Unless he is really confident that he can take Ledo & keep allied heavies away from it, which is a much more tall order.
Re: A Good Place to Start - Matthew (A) v Fokko (J) - Bottlenecks Mod
Thank you for your thoughts again Jansako. Apologies for not responding before; I’ve been away visiting friends and family, and busy when I got back..
1st January 1942.
CHINA
Japan captures Huangshi and Huoqiu.
62nd Chinese Army has been ordered to attack what I believe to be ‘B’ detachment of 20th RGC Div at Quingyuan (north of Canton), and 2nd Communist Guerrilla corps is attacking what I suspect is a small Japanese garrison unit on the railway Southwest of Tsinan. I hope the intel is good…
MALAYA
The Allied retreat continues.
PHILIPPINES
Another Japanese division in Luzon is identified - 4th Division at Bayombong. Japanese reinforcement land at San Fernando - from what I can see it was 21st Ind Engineer Rgt. One of the consequences of pulling out my airforce from Luzon early is that I don’t really have a handle on Japanese shipping movement around Luzon.
DEI
Dutch Bombers successfully evade Japanese fighters at Miri and bomb the oil facilities there.
SOPAC/SWPAC
I’ve stopped sending B17s from the USA to Australia for now. I don’t think I’ve got the necessary infrastructure (level 5+ airfields and sufficient aviation support) to get the best use out of them in the DEI and/or Australia right now. At the moment I’ve got three squadrons of B17Es in Australia (Charters Towers and Brisbane) plus a squadron each of B17Ds at Kendari and Rangoon. I think fighters and light/medium bombers may be more sustainable, and so of more use, right now. I’m organising a convoy at San Francisco to ship to Australia II Fighter Command HQ, a BF, AA and a further three squadrons of P40Es. When I’ve built up the necessary infrastructure and defences I’ll resume sending heavy bombers to Australia via the Pacific Island airbridge.
I’m sending the PT boats based at Rabaul to maintain a standing patrol at Buka - Coastwatchers report Japanese shipping using the base and I’m hoping I’ll catch something, or at least glean some information about any Japanese buildup in the Solomons. I said a couple of weeks ago (in game time) that I wasn’t going to further contest the Solomons, but this was on the assumption that Japan would swiftly follow up on its initial landings, and this hasn’t happened. I’m reconsidering my options now.
Australian Federal Police are investigating the mysterious disappearance of President Quezon somewhere on the railway between Cairns and Canberra. According to some rumours he just ‘dispersed’.
CENTRAL PACIFIC
34th Rgt has safely unloaded at Canton Island; I’m looking at getting some more aviation support there but as I’m pretty much at the stacking limit I’ll need to pull out one of the starting engineer units. I’m slightly overstocked at Palmyra - I’ll send one of the Marine Defence units to Johnstone Island. Reinforcing Christmas Island is next on my list: 804th EAB is en route and 161st Rgt, currently at Pearl, will follow on when shipping/escorts are available. I’m pleased at Japan has so far made no effective attempt at interdicting my moves in this area - but I can’t assume this will continue.
SUBMARINE WARFARE
I-124 sinks xAKL Makian near Loewoek.
S-37 sinks xAK Ikushima Maru Southwest of Saigon.
I’m loading up a Submarine Tender and Tanker at Pearl Harbour, destined for Midway. I’ll do something similar with Adak.
1st January 1942.
CHINA
Japan captures Huangshi and Huoqiu.
62nd Chinese Army has been ordered to attack what I believe to be ‘B’ detachment of 20th RGC Div at Quingyuan (north of Canton), and 2nd Communist Guerrilla corps is attacking what I suspect is a small Japanese garrison unit on the railway Southwest of Tsinan. I hope the intel is good…
MALAYA
The Allied retreat continues.
PHILIPPINES
Another Japanese division in Luzon is identified - 4th Division at Bayombong. Japanese reinforcement land at San Fernando - from what I can see it was 21st Ind Engineer Rgt. One of the consequences of pulling out my airforce from Luzon early is that I don’t really have a handle on Japanese shipping movement around Luzon.
DEI
Dutch Bombers successfully evade Japanese fighters at Miri and bomb the oil facilities there.
SOPAC/SWPAC
I’ve stopped sending B17s from the USA to Australia for now. I don’t think I’ve got the necessary infrastructure (level 5+ airfields and sufficient aviation support) to get the best use out of them in the DEI and/or Australia right now. At the moment I’ve got three squadrons of B17Es in Australia (Charters Towers and Brisbane) plus a squadron each of B17Ds at Kendari and Rangoon. I think fighters and light/medium bombers may be more sustainable, and so of more use, right now. I’m organising a convoy at San Francisco to ship to Australia II Fighter Command HQ, a BF, AA and a further three squadrons of P40Es. When I’ve built up the necessary infrastructure and defences I’ll resume sending heavy bombers to Australia via the Pacific Island airbridge.
I’m sending the PT boats based at Rabaul to maintain a standing patrol at Buka - Coastwatchers report Japanese shipping using the base and I’m hoping I’ll catch something, or at least glean some information about any Japanese buildup in the Solomons. I said a couple of weeks ago (in game time) that I wasn’t going to further contest the Solomons, but this was on the assumption that Japan would swiftly follow up on its initial landings, and this hasn’t happened. I’m reconsidering my options now.
Australian Federal Police are investigating the mysterious disappearance of President Quezon somewhere on the railway between Cairns and Canberra. According to some rumours he just ‘dispersed’.
CENTRAL PACIFIC
34th Rgt has safely unloaded at Canton Island; I’m looking at getting some more aviation support there but as I’m pretty much at the stacking limit I’ll need to pull out one of the starting engineer units. I’m slightly overstocked at Palmyra - I’ll send one of the Marine Defence units to Johnstone Island. Reinforcing Christmas Island is next on my list: 804th EAB is en route and 161st Rgt, currently at Pearl, will follow on when shipping/escorts are available. I’m pleased at Japan has so far made no effective attempt at interdicting my moves in this area - but I can’t assume this will continue.
SUBMARINE WARFARE
I-124 sinks xAKL Makian near Loewoek.
S-37 sinks xAK Ikushima Maru Southwest of Saigon.
I’m loading up a Submarine Tender and Tanker at Pearl Harbour, destined for Midway. I’ll do something similar with Adak.
Re: A Good Place to Start - Matthew (A) v Fokko (J) - Bottlenecks Mod
2nd January 1942
CHINA
The intelligence was good. 62nd Chinese army attacked and defeated 20th RGC (B) Div at Qinqyuan (north of Canton). Meanwhile the 2nd Red Guerilla Corps did the same to 2nd Rgt, 22nd RGC Temp at Tai’an (South of Tsinan). Both of my units are now falling back to try and avoid any retaliation.
Japan takes Poyang and Lungyu, both in the south near Hangchow.
I’ve had some Hudsons and DB3Ms at Wenchow for a couple of days now waiting for the chance of a night raid against Nagasaki - moonlight is 100% but the weather continues to be thunderstorms. I’ve stood them down again for tomorrow, but I think the next day I’ll send them in regardless.
MALAYA
Allied forces are now in headlong retreat. Japanese fighters swept Kluang for the first time. Most of my CAP didn’t make it up in time; which is probably why I lost only two Buffalos. The days of air parity over Malaya are now well over with. I’ve started evacuating some Blenheims and Hudsons to Burma/India. The remainder will carry out one final strike against the advancing Imperial Guards division, then they’ll also go. The Buffalos will stay at Singapore; anything with a decent anti-shipping capacity will go to the DEI.
Originally I planned to make a stand along the line of Kluang-Mersing, but having seen how quickly the Japanese pushed aside III Indian Corps I don’t think I’ll be there very long, and once the airfields of central Malaya are in Japanese hands I don’t see the advantage of holding Kluang. All forces are now falling back directly to Singapore.
I’ve been giving some thought to which units will be evacuated and which will stay and fight. III Indian Corps will fight it out in Singapore. I’ll get out the RAF Base Forces first. After that I’ll have to decide between the Australian Bdes and British Bns. I don’t think I’ll have the PP to buy them all out. Pulling the British out and leaving the Australians behind might have led to some political awkwardness in real life….
PHILIPPINES
Did I say I didn’t really have a handle on what Japan is up to in Philippine waters? That proved to be rather prescient, as 38th Division made a surprise landing at Subic Bay. This is not an immediate threat, as I’m fairly well dug in on the Bataan/Clark Field/Manila triangle. Elsewhere on Luzon 41st PA Div surrendered at Bayombong, and I don’t think I can hold out at San Fernando much longer.
Attrition has taken it toll on my flotilla of pink PT boats; I’m down to the last one - PT35 - and that’s been ordered to interdict any shipping at Subic Bay. I’ll have to think of another way of evacuating the nurses. Meanwhile the Lanikai and its passengers are sneaking away near Panay at the moment.
DEI
More threats are emerging; a Japanese TF has appeared north of Kuching and another at Morotai at the eastern end. I don’t know if the Kuching TF is an invasion force for that area, a probe or an attempt to interdict communications, but whichever, I cannot allow a threat to develop to communications with Singapore unchallenged. I’ve sent a force of 4 CLs and 4 DDs to intercept, with the Hermes group following behind. Enterprise has also put to sea; a bit of extra firepower never hurts, although she may be too far away.
I’m not going to react to what I think is going to be a landing at Morotai; Japan has a couple of heavy surface TFs and Mini KB lurking in the Celebes Sea. Its a shame about the civilians at Morotai, they were the last group northeast of Kendari/Ambon to be pulled out, and PG Isabel sent to rescue them was just 80 miles away
SOPAC/SWPAC
All quiet here - for the moment. Recon out of Rabaul indicates KB is still at Truk.
CENTRAL PACIFIC
Reinforcements are now in place at Canton Is. and Palmyra. The surplus detachments of 1st Marine Defence Rgt at Palmyra are now loading for Johnston Is. Reinforcing Christmas Island is now the priority.
USA
Yorktown arrived at San Diego, but not without some drama…..having to dodge two torpedoes from SS I-1. The Japanese sub took two hits for her troubles.
SUBMARINE WARFARE
S-41 took six hits at Miri, but it was mostly system damage and she should make it back okay.
I-7 sank YP-250 near Vancouver Island, but let slip Warspite and some transports that were nearby.
CHINA
The intelligence was good. 62nd Chinese army attacked and defeated 20th RGC (B) Div at Qinqyuan (north of Canton). Meanwhile the 2nd Red Guerilla Corps did the same to 2nd Rgt, 22nd RGC Temp at Tai’an (South of Tsinan). Both of my units are now falling back to try and avoid any retaliation.
Japan takes Poyang and Lungyu, both in the south near Hangchow.
I’ve had some Hudsons and DB3Ms at Wenchow for a couple of days now waiting for the chance of a night raid against Nagasaki - moonlight is 100% but the weather continues to be thunderstorms. I’ve stood them down again for tomorrow, but I think the next day I’ll send them in regardless.
MALAYA
Allied forces are now in headlong retreat. Japanese fighters swept Kluang for the first time. Most of my CAP didn’t make it up in time; which is probably why I lost only two Buffalos. The days of air parity over Malaya are now well over with. I’ve started evacuating some Blenheims and Hudsons to Burma/India. The remainder will carry out one final strike against the advancing Imperial Guards division, then they’ll also go. The Buffalos will stay at Singapore; anything with a decent anti-shipping capacity will go to the DEI.
Originally I planned to make a stand along the line of Kluang-Mersing, but having seen how quickly the Japanese pushed aside III Indian Corps I don’t think I’ll be there very long, and once the airfields of central Malaya are in Japanese hands I don’t see the advantage of holding Kluang. All forces are now falling back directly to Singapore.
I’ve been giving some thought to which units will be evacuated and which will stay and fight. III Indian Corps will fight it out in Singapore. I’ll get out the RAF Base Forces first. After that I’ll have to decide between the Australian Bdes and British Bns. I don’t think I’ll have the PP to buy them all out. Pulling the British out and leaving the Australians behind might have led to some political awkwardness in real life….
PHILIPPINES
Did I say I didn’t really have a handle on what Japan is up to in Philippine waters? That proved to be rather prescient, as 38th Division made a surprise landing at Subic Bay. This is not an immediate threat, as I’m fairly well dug in on the Bataan/Clark Field/Manila triangle. Elsewhere on Luzon 41st PA Div surrendered at Bayombong, and I don’t think I can hold out at San Fernando much longer.
Attrition has taken it toll on my flotilla of pink PT boats; I’m down to the last one - PT35 - and that’s been ordered to interdict any shipping at Subic Bay. I’ll have to think of another way of evacuating the nurses. Meanwhile the Lanikai and its passengers are sneaking away near Panay at the moment.
DEI
More threats are emerging; a Japanese TF has appeared north of Kuching and another at Morotai at the eastern end. I don’t know if the Kuching TF is an invasion force for that area, a probe or an attempt to interdict communications, but whichever, I cannot allow a threat to develop to communications with Singapore unchallenged. I’ve sent a force of 4 CLs and 4 DDs to intercept, with the Hermes group following behind. Enterprise has also put to sea; a bit of extra firepower never hurts, although she may be too far away.
I’m not going to react to what I think is going to be a landing at Morotai; Japan has a couple of heavy surface TFs and Mini KB lurking in the Celebes Sea. Its a shame about the civilians at Morotai, they were the last group northeast of Kendari/Ambon to be pulled out, and PG Isabel sent to rescue them was just 80 miles away
SOPAC/SWPAC
All quiet here - for the moment. Recon out of Rabaul indicates KB is still at Truk.
CENTRAL PACIFIC
Reinforcements are now in place at Canton Is. and Palmyra. The surplus detachments of 1st Marine Defence Rgt at Palmyra are now loading for Johnston Is. Reinforcing Christmas Island is now the priority.
USA
Yorktown arrived at San Diego, but not without some drama…..having to dodge two torpedoes from SS I-1. The Japanese sub took two hits for her troubles.
SUBMARINE WARFARE
S-41 took six hits at Miri, but it was mostly system damage and she should make it back okay.
I-7 sank YP-250 near Vancouver Island, but let slip Warspite and some transports that were nearby.
Re: A Good Place to Start - Matthew (A) v Fokko (J) - Bottlenecks Mod
- Kuching.png (1.98 MiB) Viewed 2124 times
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RADM.Yamaguchi
- Posts: 849
- Joined: Sun Jun 30, 2019 5:09 pm
Re: A Good Place to Start - Matthew (A) v Fokko (J) - Bottlenecks Mod
Hi Matthew,
Good luck on your game. And thanks for the AAR. Ranger Joe was instrumental in helping me with my game as japan as he seems to be here with you and the allies. I've never played the allies but when i saw you sending Hermes and those cruisers towards Kuching i thought i should caution you about his Nells and Bettys. They have great range your opponent could easily have them and their torpedoes based within range. Allied AA is not very effective early and that British CAP can be overwhelmed pretty easily. I don't know if interupting an eventually successful invasion of Borneo is worth the possible loss of those ships. Just my two cents from the japanese side.
Good luck on your game. And thanks for the AAR. Ranger Joe was instrumental in helping me with my game as japan as he seems to be here with you and the allies. I've never played the allies but when i saw you sending Hermes and those cruisers towards Kuching i thought i should caution you about his Nells and Bettys. They have great range your opponent could easily have them and their torpedoes based within range. Allied AA is not very effective early and that British CAP can be overwhelmed pretty easily. I don't know if interupting an eventually successful invasion of Borneo is worth the possible loss of those ships. Just my two cents from the japanese side.
Re: A Good Place to Start - Matthew (A) v Fokko (J) - Bottlenecks Mod
Hey Admiral Yamaguchi, welcome to the AAR! Ranger Joe’s advice has been invaluable, particularly on technical/tactical stuff that I would never even have thought of, although others have given good advice too. Any insights from the Japanese side are especially welcome. You’re right about the Nells and Bettys; I need to pay more attention to their range and be more circumspect around them.
My rationale for trying to interrupt any possible invasion is:
a) Locally I don’t want Japan to be establishing airbases at Kuching/Singkawang and threatening Singapore/Palembang/Java Sea too early.
b) A wider strategic aim of fighting to inflict loss and delay, for which I am prepared to accept my own losses. Whether this is the right time or place is another matter – losing my cruiser squadron would be quite a blow. Perhaps I should have given it more thought. I certainly don’t lay claim to any strategic competence, either in conception or execution.
The situation in the eastern DEI:
My rationale for trying to interrupt any possible invasion is:
a) Locally I don’t want Japan to be establishing airbases at Kuching/Singkawang and threatening Singapore/Palembang/Java Sea too early.
b) A wider strategic aim of fighting to inflict loss and delay, for which I am prepared to accept my own losses. Whether this is the right time or place is another matter – losing my cruiser squadron would be quite a blow. Perhaps I should have given it more thought. I certainly don’t lay claim to any strategic competence, either in conception or execution.
The situation in the eastern DEI:
- Eastern DEI.png (2.07 MiB) Viewed 2094 times
Re: A Good Place to Start - Matthew (A) v Fokko (J) - Bottlenecks Mod
Japanese advances and Chinese raids in China:
- Southern China.png (1.76 MiB) Viewed 2093 times
- Eastern China.png (1.71 MiB) Viewed 2093 times
Re: A Good Place to Start - Matthew (A) v Fokko (J) - Bottlenecks Mod
Doing great with the Chinese raids, those can really mess up Japan's plans if they are not countered early & properly. (Just ask LST 
)
In South-East China, I would at this point abandon Wenchow, maybe leave a sacrificial unit or two and defend the next base W of Chushien (Yushan-Chushou, is it?). You won't have enough forces to hold both the center and the northern route, although I have no idea why he decided to attack on both axis. Japan must pick carefully which bases to conquer because they all need to be garrisoned. IMO taking Wenchow (with the help of naval bombardments) and going the shortest route east is the way to go. Once they open up the railroad through to Nanchang, you probably cannot stop them short of Changsha & they can easily send a smaller force South to open up the way to Hong-Kong through Kukong. Or keep pushing towards Kweilin & past.
Remember that the 'dashed' railways still transport supplies and resources, just the player is not allowed use them for strat moving.
)In South-East China, I would at this point abandon Wenchow, maybe leave a sacrificial unit or two and defend the next base W of Chushien (Yushan-Chushou, is it?). You won't have enough forces to hold both the center and the northern route, although I have no idea why he decided to attack on both axis. Japan must pick carefully which bases to conquer because they all need to be garrisoned. IMO taking Wenchow (with the help of naval bombardments) and going the shortest route east is the way to go. Once they open up the railroad through to Nanchang, you probably cannot stop them short of Changsha & they can easily send a smaller force South to open up the way to Hong-Kong through Kukong. Or keep pushing towards Kweilin & past.
Remember that the 'dashed' railways still transport supplies and resources, just the player is not allowed use them for strat moving.
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LargeSlowTarget
- Posts: 4971
- Joined: Sat Sep 23, 2000 8:00 am
- Location: Hessen, Germany - now living in France
Re: A Good Place to Start - Matthew (A) v Fokko (J) - Bottlenecks Mod
Not in this mod^^.BBfanboy wrote: Sun Nov 20, 2022 9:27 pm Don't worry too much about MacArthur - he has a clone. If he dies trying to get South, he will reappear when SWPac HQ appears around May or June 1942 at Brisbane.
Ah come on, don't rub it in! Or I'll add static devices to all Chinese units in the next mod version^^JanSako wrote: Sat Feb 18, 2023 11:42 pm Doing great with the Chinese raids, those can really mess up Japan's plans if they are not countered early & properly. (Just ask LST
Re: A Good Place to Start - Matthew (A) v Fokko (J) - Bottlenecks Mod
I’ve no idea whether my pinprick attacks in China are having any military effect, but irritating one’s opponent is always good fun!
Some useful thoughts there JanSako on that corner of China, I’ll take a good look at that. Excellent point regarding the dashed railways; it’s obvious of course, but it hadn’t occurred to me all the same.
Some useful thoughts there JanSako on that corner of China, I’ll take a good look at that. Excellent point regarding the dashed railways; it’s obvious of course, but it hadn’t occurred to me all the same.
Re: A Good Place to Start - Matthew (A) v Fokko (J) - Bottlenecks Mod
3rd January 1942
CHINA
51st Chinese Army attacked and defeated an RGC Rgt at Shouguang on the Tsingtao-Tsinan rail line. 51st Army is withdrawing to the South-West to try and avoid the inevitable Japanese reaction, but for the moment both rail lines south to Tsinan are cut. 84th Army has arrived at Tuanfeng South-east of Hankow and has been ordered to attack what I think is the 11th RGC Div there. I don’t how a Chinese army will fare against an entire auxiliary division - I’m about to find out.
Signal Intelligence indicates that 3rd Tank Rgt is on the main road heading North-west into China along the Mongolian border, about half-way between Paotow and the turn-off for Kiuchuan. I’ve cancelled the planned bombing raid on Japan from Wenchow and moved the Hudsons and DB3-Ms to Lanchow, as these are the only aircraft in theatre with the range to recon/bomb the road at this point, and I want to get a better sense of what forces are present and their likely objectives.
Japanese gunboats bombed Honghu (west of Hankow), just missing my own gunboats heading down the Yangtze. I had intel that the Japanese boats were at Wuchang and I was hoping to catch them by bombarding there.
MALAYA
Buffalos swept Kuala Kubu for the Blenheims to bomb the advancing Imperial Guards Division. Meanwhile the Oscars swept Kluang, so all the fighters missed each other. 22nd and 27th AIF Brigades are pausing at Kluang as a rearguard whilst the retreat continues….except for 9th Indian Division which is inexplicably lagging behind at Kuala Lumpur, prompting another spat between Heath and Percival.
PHILIPPINES
Another Japanese assault at Manila is repulsed. The Allies held out at San Fernando too, which I was not expecting, and even got the forts back up to level 1. Japanese 38th Division takes Subic Bay and appears to be advancing on Clark Field. The 31st PA Division at Iba was heading for Clark Field, but I’ve diverted it to Subic Bay as I want to try and cause the Japanese some difficulties here - until the 38th Division can link up with other Japanese forces this is its only supply source. I’m sending a couple of submarines here and sent some Kingfishers to Bataan on Naval Attack. PT35’s attack at Subic Bay could have gone better - she was obliterated by the very first shot.
The Lanakai is going to make a dash for North Borneo.
DEI
Nothing came of the the Japanese light surface forces near Kuching - it might have been just a probe or diversion. Hermes got off an air strike at them but to no effect, while Vildebeests operating out of Kuching hit CL Yura with two 500lb bombs. The Allies lost one Vildebeest and one Swordfish. My CL/DD group is returning to Biliton; Hermes will rearm at Singapore then also return to Biliton.
in the eastern DEI the Japanese took me by surprise by not landing at Morotai. PG Isabel was able to pick up the civilians after all and might be able to make a getaway. Japanese ships are concentrating northeast of Manado, but still haven’t struck anywhere yet. I wonder what Fokko is waiting for? Is he trying to draw me out to battle on his terms?
According to my search pilots the circled area contains at least 46 ships, with 7 CS/CVL/CVE, 5 BBs, 10 CAs, and several transports, cargo ships, DDs and PBs.
SOPAC/CENPAC
All fairly quiet. A Japanese TF with at least one CA is spotted in the Marshalls, west of Roi-Namur, heading southwest. I’ll keep an eye on that. HMAS Perth is investigating a (probably erroneous) report of Japanese ships near Rossel Island. Afterwards she’ll take a look around northeast of the Solomons. I’ve got a couple of ’S’ Class subs heading here too from Suva. Japan seized Buka and Shortlands pretty early on, but never followed up either in the Solomons or at Rabaul. I’m looking for signs of any Japanese build up in the Solomons, and so far I haven’t seen any.
SUBMARINE WARFARE
I-25 took a hit from DD Cushing between Hawaii and the Line Islands.
Sailfish and Shark both traded blows with xAKLs in the East China Sea. Shark’s damage was minor and she’s continuing her patrol. Sailfish is at Float Damage of 53, system 28 and automatically diverted towards Wenchow. I would never of thought of using Wenchow, but she can stay there until her flood damage is down, and then head for safety. This was another reason to cancel the planned bombing raid on Japan from Wenchow - if Sailfish is going to be there I don’t want the Japanese air forces to be paying undue attention to Wenchow.
I wonder how practical it would be for Allied subs operating in the area to use Wenchow as a refuelling point? They could top off with fuel before beginning their patrol, it would certainly increase their time in theatre…..hmmm……I’d never thought of it before…. There may not be time to get anything up and running before Wenchow falls, but it might be worth a try nonetheless.
CHINA
51st Chinese Army attacked and defeated an RGC Rgt at Shouguang on the Tsingtao-Tsinan rail line. 51st Army is withdrawing to the South-West to try and avoid the inevitable Japanese reaction, but for the moment both rail lines south to Tsinan are cut. 84th Army has arrived at Tuanfeng South-east of Hankow and has been ordered to attack what I think is the 11th RGC Div there. I don’t how a Chinese army will fare against an entire auxiliary division - I’m about to find out.
Signal Intelligence indicates that 3rd Tank Rgt is on the main road heading North-west into China along the Mongolian border, about half-way between Paotow and the turn-off for Kiuchuan. I’ve cancelled the planned bombing raid on Japan from Wenchow and moved the Hudsons and DB3-Ms to Lanchow, as these are the only aircraft in theatre with the range to recon/bomb the road at this point, and I want to get a better sense of what forces are present and their likely objectives.
Japanese gunboats bombed Honghu (west of Hankow), just missing my own gunboats heading down the Yangtze. I had intel that the Japanese boats were at Wuchang and I was hoping to catch them by bombarding there.
MALAYA
Buffalos swept Kuala Kubu for the Blenheims to bomb the advancing Imperial Guards Division. Meanwhile the Oscars swept Kluang, so all the fighters missed each other. 22nd and 27th AIF Brigades are pausing at Kluang as a rearguard whilst the retreat continues….except for 9th Indian Division which is inexplicably lagging behind at Kuala Lumpur, prompting another spat between Heath and Percival.
PHILIPPINES
Another Japanese assault at Manila is repulsed. The Allies held out at San Fernando too, which I was not expecting, and even got the forts back up to level 1. Japanese 38th Division takes Subic Bay and appears to be advancing on Clark Field. The 31st PA Division at Iba was heading for Clark Field, but I’ve diverted it to Subic Bay as I want to try and cause the Japanese some difficulties here - until the 38th Division can link up with other Japanese forces this is its only supply source. I’m sending a couple of submarines here and sent some Kingfishers to Bataan on Naval Attack. PT35’s attack at Subic Bay could have gone better - she was obliterated by the very first shot.
The Lanakai is going to make a dash for North Borneo.
DEI
Nothing came of the the Japanese light surface forces near Kuching - it might have been just a probe or diversion. Hermes got off an air strike at them but to no effect, while Vildebeests operating out of Kuching hit CL Yura with two 500lb bombs. The Allies lost one Vildebeest and one Swordfish. My CL/DD group is returning to Biliton; Hermes will rearm at Singapore then also return to Biliton.
in the eastern DEI the Japanese took me by surprise by not landing at Morotai. PG Isabel was able to pick up the civilians after all and might be able to make a getaway. Japanese ships are concentrating northeast of Manado, but still haven’t struck anywhere yet. I wonder what Fokko is waiting for? Is he trying to draw me out to battle on his terms?
According to my search pilots the circled area contains at least 46 ships, with 7 CS/CVL/CVE, 5 BBs, 10 CAs, and several transports, cargo ships, DDs and PBs.
- Japanese Fleet.png (2.02 MiB) Viewed 2005 times
SOPAC/CENPAC
All fairly quiet. A Japanese TF with at least one CA is spotted in the Marshalls, west of Roi-Namur, heading southwest. I’ll keep an eye on that. HMAS Perth is investigating a (probably erroneous) report of Japanese ships near Rossel Island. Afterwards she’ll take a look around northeast of the Solomons. I’ve got a couple of ’S’ Class subs heading here too from Suva. Japan seized Buka and Shortlands pretty early on, but never followed up either in the Solomons or at Rabaul. I’m looking for signs of any Japanese build up in the Solomons, and so far I haven’t seen any.
SUBMARINE WARFARE
I-25 took a hit from DD Cushing between Hawaii and the Line Islands.
Sailfish and Shark both traded blows with xAKLs in the East China Sea. Shark’s damage was minor and she’s continuing her patrol. Sailfish is at Float Damage of 53, system 28 and automatically diverted towards Wenchow. I would never of thought of using Wenchow, but she can stay there until her flood damage is down, and then head for safety. This was another reason to cancel the planned bombing raid on Japan from Wenchow - if Sailfish is going to be there I don’t want the Japanese air forces to be paying undue attention to Wenchow.
I wonder how practical it would be for Allied subs operating in the area to use Wenchow as a refuelling point? They could top off with fuel before beginning their patrol, it would certainly increase their time in theatre…..hmmm……I’d never thought of it before…. There may not be time to get anything up and running before Wenchow falls, but it might be worth a try nonetheless.
Re: A Good Place to Start - Matthew (A) v Fokko (J) - Bottlenecks Mod
Oh, my head might explode from the praise!
Oh well . . .
To interfere with invasions, if and when you can send some small DD TFs in with low aggression. They should quickly pull out if there is an enemy SCTF there but will love to play with APs and AKs! Follow up with the weak CLs with a few DDs along as well but not if there are a lot of Nells and Betties available.
As far as pulling out III Corps and the assorted units, see which ones you can start to withdraw using flying boats and transports. I know that the Malaya Army can in a regular scenario. You don't have to pull out the whole unit if you can't do so, you can rebuild from there. Also, check your device path upgrades. Save any units that you can, even in Burma with the Burmese units, if those units have devices that will upgrade to Indian '44 squads. Those Burmese as well as Malayan units that you can pull out will work for garrisons in India.
If you withdraw units by ship from Singapore, send them to Palembang and thence to a port on the Indian Ocean to be picked up. Withdraw them to ether India, Australia, or use them to hold onto Palembang a little longer.
Once you have done what you can there, consider which Dutch units that you want to save. Those little air support units are nice and use common devices.
Paint a submarine PINK and use it to pull out those nurses.
Paint a submarine YELLOW for Big Mac.
Oh well . . .
To interfere with invasions, if and when you can send some small DD TFs in with low aggression. They should quickly pull out if there is an enemy SCTF there but will love to play with APs and AKs! Follow up with the weak CLs with a few DDs along as well but not if there are a lot of Nells and Betties available.
As far as pulling out III Corps and the assorted units, see which ones you can start to withdraw using flying boats and transports. I know that the Malaya Army can in a regular scenario. You don't have to pull out the whole unit if you can't do so, you can rebuild from there. Also, check your device path upgrades. Save any units that you can, even in Burma with the Burmese units, if those units have devices that will upgrade to Indian '44 squads. Those Burmese as well as Malayan units that you can pull out will work for garrisons in India.
If you withdraw units by ship from Singapore, send them to Palembang and thence to a port on the Indian Ocean to be picked up. Withdraw them to ether India, Australia, or use them to hold onto Palembang a little longer.
Once you have done what you can there, consider which Dutch units that you want to save. Those little air support units are nice and use common devices.
Paint a submarine PINK and use it to pull out those nurses.
Paint a submarine YELLOW for Big Mac.
Seek peace but keep your gun handy.
I'm not a complete idiot, some parts are missing!
“Illegitemus non carborundum est (“Don’t let the bastards grind you down”).”
; Julia Child
I'm not a complete idiot, some parts are missing!
“Illegitemus non carborundum est (“Don’t let the bastards grind you down”).”
; Julia ChildRe: A Good Place to Start - Matthew (A) v Fokko (J) - Bottlenecks Mod
Hi Ranger Joe,
My head has already exploded from the mind-boggling complexity of this game.
Operation PETTICOAT is not going well at the moment…
Talking about the painting of Submarines, as an aid for my search pilots (who do not seem to be particularly skilled in ship recognition) I’m in the process of colour-coding all Allied subs. All USN subs will be painted pink in honour of the exploits of USS Sea Tiger. There’s no need for a yellow submarine to pick up MacArthur - he is already in Darwin - but at the behest of another Macca and his chums all RN subs will be Yellow Submarines, Yellow Submarines. I’m not sure about the Dutch subs, the best I could come up with is Shocking Blue. I’ll see if Fokko has any suggestions.
I’ve already bought out some of the Dutch support units, they were cheaper than I thought, and I never seem to have enough aviation support where I really need it. I need to decide which units are going to slug it out in Singapore, and which to evacuate. I want to leave sufficient force to put up a decent fight, but withdraw most of the support units not necessary for its defence. Most if not all of Malaya Command is restricted, so PP availability will be big factor in what stays and what leaves.
I’ll be sure to look at the device path upgrades…..even if my head will hurt just that much more…..
My head has already exploded from the mind-boggling complexity of this game.
Operation PETTICOAT is not going well at the moment…
Talking about the painting of Submarines, as an aid for my search pilots (who do not seem to be particularly skilled in ship recognition) I’m in the process of colour-coding all Allied subs. All USN subs will be painted pink in honour of the exploits of USS Sea Tiger. There’s no need for a yellow submarine to pick up MacArthur - he is already in Darwin - but at the behest of another Macca and his chums all RN subs will be Yellow Submarines, Yellow Submarines. I’m not sure about the Dutch subs, the best I could come up with is Shocking Blue. I’ll see if Fokko has any suggestions.
I’ve already bought out some of the Dutch support units, they were cheaper than I thought, and I never seem to have enough aviation support where I really need it. I need to decide which units are going to slug it out in Singapore, and which to evacuate. I want to leave sufficient force to put up a decent fight, but withdraw most of the support units not necessary for its defence. Most if not all of Malaya Command is restricted, so PP availability will be big factor in what stays and what leaves.
I’ll be sure to look at the device path upgrades…..even if my head will hurt just that much more…..
Re: A Good Place to Start - Matthew (A) v Fokko (J) - Bottlenecks Mod
Note the Dutch bomber squadrons that can upgrade to B-25Cs! You can reduce PP use somewhat by changing an Australian air base or two to ABDA command (unrestricted). Then the Dutch squadrons can fly there and change their HQ later when they are trained enough to go to the front.
No matter how bad a situation is, you can always make it worse. - Chris Hadfield : An Astronaut's Guide To Life On Earth