Wow! That is a lot of action. Good luck with the next turn.
The abundance of engineers is one the best assets for the allies.
Spanking Lowpe (NJP72 vs Lowpe (A))
Moderators: wdolson, MOD_War-in-the-Pacific-Admirals-Edition
Re: Spanking Lowpe (NJP72 vs Lowpe (A))
Some general lessons learned, being applied now...
I should have had the 1st Marine Division prepping for Soc Trang....that way yesterday I could have diverted and invaded there with the 2nd Marine in the 2nd Wave for Soc Trang....but my Soc Trang units are still back along our LOC and only two regiments strong. This would have given the Allies a strong tactical advantage of being able to decide the invasion point at the last minute. In a lot of ways, Soc Trang is a better base to invade...better runways, close to Saigon, but lacks defensible terrain and doesn't immediately cut the magic highway.
Japan was focused on Quinhon...thought Cam Ranh Bay was too heavily defended, but was worried about it and that indecision played a part in keeping his SAGs back and assembling.
Japan really needed multiple waves of attacks at Quinhon...but was handicapped by uncertainty about Cam Ranh Bay, and the absolute lack of built up runways in the area to base from...but I am surprised there where no Betty/Francis/Nell attacks. I haven't checked, but I am pretty certain you could configure a medium bomber attack to only range Quinhon. If I would have waited 1 month to do this...Japan would be in a much better defensive position.
Not sure why Japan's air strike in the morning was fragmented...need to watch replay again to see if I can figure it out. I certainly gave Japan enough different targets.
The Pennsylvania was in a different task force from the CVEs but was still targeted....The CVEs and BBs drew the attacks away from the assault transports. And then the Tower Group did in the afternoon. Does this mean in future endeavors, I can use the CVEs in air style Task Forces to benefit from a better air leader but they will still draw air attacks away from the transports?
Again, my conservative play with the Fleet Carriers is probably too conservative. Probably should have had two naval air strikes out and about at say 3 and 4 hex range. Overall I think this might be a big weakness in my play....but my Navy Pilot pool is so thin....I am afraid to lose them. A month from now, and I won't worry so much.
Fleet Carriers reacting. There is a way to stop this, and I toyed with using it and that is to put the Air Combat TFs into Escort TF mode. I out ruled it, since one it seems gamey, and two there might be some hidden penalties (although in a defensive fight Idoubt it). Same reasoning holds true in putting all 8 fleet carriers into the save task force.
Should have setup my long range recon a day or two ahead.
I toyed with having the Sherman and Towers Groups north of Quinhon, but felt that the KB was lurking there due to 10/10 dl on subs in the area. I decided to assemble one hex southeast of Quinhon, to protect the 1st Marines and assembly point, but also to perhaps fragment the KB Alpha strike.
I should have sent more submarines into the area...unfortunately most have to fill up at Tarakan first. I should have made the effort a week ago when I launched the invasion from Hansa Bay....
The turns are a lot of work and coordination and mistakes happen. I am hoping my mistakes are offset by Japan being out of position and the date being early. I don't envy Japan their turn as losing 200+ planes on the KB is a lot of work to address. I guess he will be flying in lots of planes to Hong Kong to fill out, and rotating other squadrons onto the KB.
Fairly pleased with our DiveBomber attacks in the Celebes...nice coordination from multiple runways. Not happy with how Japan has mastered LRCAP.
Very happy with our refinery attacks on Rangoon...but our DiveBombers have difficulty hurting Japanese troops in x3 terrain off base in Burma. They are inflicting disruption though.
I should have had the 1st Marine Division prepping for Soc Trang....that way yesterday I could have diverted and invaded there with the 2nd Marine in the 2nd Wave for Soc Trang....but my Soc Trang units are still back along our LOC and only two regiments strong. This would have given the Allies a strong tactical advantage of being able to decide the invasion point at the last minute. In a lot of ways, Soc Trang is a better base to invade...better runways, close to Saigon, but lacks defensible terrain and doesn't immediately cut the magic highway.
Japan was focused on Quinhon...thought Cam Ranh Bay was too heavily defended, but was worried about it and that indecision played a part in keeping his SAGs back and assembling.
Japan really needed multiple waves of attacks at Quinhon...but was handicapped by uncertainty about Cam Ranh Bay, and the absolute lack of built up runways in the area to base from...but I am surprised there where no Betty/Francis/Nell attacks. I haven't checked, but I am pretty certain you could configure a medium bomber attack to only range Quinhon. If I would have waited 1 month to do this...Japan would be in a much better defensive position.
Not sure why Japan's air strike in the morning was fragmented...need to watch replay again to see if I can figure it out. I certainly gave Japan enough different targets.
The Pennsylvania was in a different task force from the CVEs but was still targeted....The CVEs and BBs drew the attacks away from the assault transports. And then the Tower Group did in the afternoon. Does this mean in future endeavors, I can use the CVEs in air style Task Forces to benefit from a better air leader but they will still draw air attacks away from the transports?
Again, my conservative play with the Fleet Carriers is probably too conservative. Probably should have had two naval air strikes out and about at say 3 and 4 hex range. Overall I think this might be a big weakness in my play....but my Navy Pilot pool is so thin....I am afraid to lose them. A month from now, and I won't worry so much.
Fleet Carriers reacting. There is a way to stop this, and I toyed with using it and that is to put the Air Combat TFs into Escort TF mode. I out ruled it, since one it seems gamey, and two there might be some hidden penalties (although in a defensive fight Idoubt it). Same reasoning holds true in putting all 8 fleet carriers into the save task force.
Should have setup my long range recon a day or two ahead.
I toyed with having the Sherman and Towers Groups north of Quinhon, but felt that the KB was lurking there due to 10/10 dl on subs in the area. I decided to assemble one hex southeast of Quinhon, to protect the 1st Marines and assembly point, but also to perhaps fragment the KB Alpha strike.
I should have sent more submarines into the area...unfortunately most have to fill up at Tarakan first. I should have made the effort a week ago when I launched the invasion from Hansa Bay....
The turns are a lot of work and coordination and mistakes happen. I am hoping my mistakes are offset by Japan being out of position and the date being early. I don't envy Japan their turn as losing 200+ planes on the KB is a lot of work to address. I guess he will be flying in lots of planes to Hong Kong to fill out, and rotating other squadrons onto the KB.
Fairly pleased with our DiveBomber attacks in the Celebes...nice coordination from multiple runways. Not happy with how Japan has mastered LRCAP.
Very happy with our refinery attacks on Rangoon...but our DiveBombers have difficulty hurting Japanese troops in x3 terrain off base in Burma. They are inflicting disruption though.
Re: Spanking Lowpe (NJP72 vs Lowpe (A))
I didn't see any ID of KB air squadrons in the combat reports - did you see some in the animation? The sightings said multiple CVLs so I am thinking Mini-KB. Also, the strikes did not seem all that powerful/numerous for the number of CVs KB should have.
I expect your CVEs were targeted because Japan had the best DL on them, and little on your CVs. I am not sure, but something in the code for Japan might give BBs the same priority as CV types - historically Japan hung on to the idea of BBs as queens of the sea for far too long.
About the subs doing nothing at Ambon - anytime I have had more than two sub TFs in a hex they do squat. I think the code just doesn't know how to handle it so it does nothing. Just my anecdotal evidence, but you might try fewer sub TFs in the hex.
I expect your CVEs were targeted because Japan had the best DL on them, and little on your CVs. I am not sure, but something in the code for Japan might give BBs the same priority as CV types - historically Japan hung on to the idea of BBs as queens of the sea for far too long.
About the subs doing nothing at Ambon - anytime I have had more than two sub TFs in a hex they do squat. I think the code just doesn't know how to handle it so it does nothing. Just my anecdotal evidence, but you might try fewer sub TFs in the hex.
No matter how bad a situation is, you can always make it worse. - Chris Hadfield : An Astronaut's Guide To Life On Earth
Re: Spanking Lowpe (NJP72 vs Lowpe (A))
A sub nailed a merchant at Ambon...BBfanboy wrote: Wed Mar 22, 2023 6:44 pm
I expect your CVEs were targeted because Japan had the best DL on them, and little on your CVs. I am not sure, but something in the code for Japan might give BBs the same priority as CV types - historically Japan hung on to the idea of BBs as queens of the sea for far too long.
.
Re: Spanking Lowpe (NJP72 vs Lowpe (A))
July 25th, 1943
2nd Marine Division is mostly ashore, but the IJN is threatening.
Admiral Kimmel makes the bold decision to protect the landings. Quinhon is blessed/cursed with a narrow approach...the USN will hold the approaches and give time for the 1st Marine Division and assorted support troops of the first and second wave to unload. Arizona will guard the approach to the harbor with destroyer escorts, while Pennsylvania (slightly damaged for a torpedo strike yesterday) will join with the Amphibious Landing Task Force if the worst happens and the IJN penetrate the battle line.
Of course the Tower Air Group has to escape back behind the line...
2nd Marine Division is mostly ashore, but the IJN is threatening.
Admiral Kimmel makes the bold decision to protect the landings. Quinhon is blessed/cursed with a narrow approach...the USN will hold the approaches and give time for the 1st Marine Division and assorted support troops of the first and second wave to unload. Arizona will guard the approach to the harbor with destroyer escorts, while Pennsylvania (slightly damaged for a torpedo strike yesterday) will join with the Amphibious Landing Task Force if the worst happens and the IJN penetrate the battle line.
Of course the Tower Air Group has to escape back behind the line...
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Re: Spanking Lowpe (NJP72 vs Lowpe (A))
South Dakota Group is in position first...a DESRON of Fletchers enroute to join her are too late for this battle...
Kimmel chose to defend the beaches....based primarily on a weather front of severe storms North of Quinhon, but partly cloudy weather from Quinhon area...the action takes place 45 nautical miles east of Quinhon
Ooops, pictures got crossed....text battle report accurate. 
Kimmel chose to defend the beaches....based primarily on a weather front of severe storms North of Quinhon, but partly cloudy weather from Quinhon area...the action takes place 45 nautical miles east of Quinhon
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Last edited by Lowpe on Thu Mar 23, 2023 9:25 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Spanking Lowpe (NJP72 vs Lowpe (A))
Then aggressive IJN Light Cruisers try to close with the behemoths....and are punished for their temerity.
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Re: Spanking Lowpe (NJP72 vs Lowpe (A))
The big girls retire...replaced in line by a Light Cruiser Group...they tangle with a IJN Desron.
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Re: Spanking Lowpe (NJP72 vs Lowpe (A))
Another IJN DESRON comes steaming in....but they run into a storm of fire!
Night Time Surface Combat, near Quinhon at 66,69, Range 11,000 Yards
Japanese Ships
DD Nagatsuki, Shell hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
DD Oite
DD Hayate, Shell hits 1
DD Suruyame, Shell hits 11, and is sunk
Allied Ships
CL Trenton, Shell hits 4
CL St. Louis, Shell hits 1
CL Montpelier
DD Porter, Shell hits 3, on fire
DD Hull, Shell hits 6, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Van Ghent
Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions and 53% moonlight: 11,000 yards
Range closes to 23,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 23,000 yards
Range closes to 17,000 yards...
Range closes to 11,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 11,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 11,000 yards
Bresnahan, M.T. crosses the 'T'
Night Time Surface Combat, near Quinhon at 66,69, Range 11,000 Yards
Japanese Ships
DD Nagatsuki, Shell hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
DD Oite
DD Hayate, Shell hits 1
DD Suruyame, Shell hits 11, and is sunk
Allied Ships
CL Trenton, Shell hits 4
CL St. Louis, Shell hits 1
CL Montpelier
DD Porter, Shell hits 3, on fire
DD Hull, Shell hits 6, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Van Ghent
Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions and 53% moonlight: 11,000 yards
Range closes to 23,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 23,000 yards
Range closes to 17,000 yards...
Range closes to 11,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 11,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 11,000 yards
Bresnahan, M.T. crosses the 'T'
Re: Spanking Lowpe (NJP72 vs Lowpe (A))
Then, Arizona closes with the enemy....inside Quinhon harbor....but it only takes one salvo to put the threat down.
Night Time Surface Combat, near Quinhon at 65,69, Range 11,000 Yards
Japanese Ships
E W-18, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
Allied Ships
BB Arizona
DE Crane
DE Humphreys
DE King
DE Lawrence
Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions and 53% moonlight: 11,000 yards
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Japanese Ships
E W-18, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
Allied Ships
BB Arizona
DE Crane
DE Humphreys
DE King
DE Lawrence
Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions and 53% moonlight: 11,000 yards
Re: Spanking Lowpe (NJP72 vs Lowpe (A))
The the South Dakota is called back into rotation....
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Re: Spanking Lowpe (NJP72 vs Lowpe (A))
The Desron....destined to merge with South Dakota....enters the fray....another inconclusive fight. But the harbor so far is safe...
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Re: Spanking Lowpe (NJP72 vs Lowpe (A))
Trenton and St. Louis are outgunned...but they outperform!
When will Japan run out of ships to send in...
When will Japan run out of ships to send in...
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Re: Spanking Lowpe (NJP72 vs Lowpe (A))
Navy Light Cruisers turn back the IJN Heavy Cruisers....
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Re: Spanking Lowpe (NJP72 vs Lowpe (A))
But the Tone group is determined to reach the port....and are denied!
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Re: Spanking Lowpe (NJP72 vs Lowpe (A))
Now the action sifts to the Celebes...
Marblehead, back in waters she knows well, tries to end the Kuma (damaged yesterday by a couple of 1,000#ers....but to no luck.
Marblehead, back in waters she knows well, tries to end the Kuma (damaged yesterday by a couple of 1,000#ers....but to no luck.
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Re: Spanking Lowpe (NJP72 vs Lowpe (A))
Submarines see the blood in the water and are driven to a frenzy....
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Re: Spanking Lowpe (NJP72 vs Lowpe (A))
Somehow a Junk ends up in the contested seas....must have been blind drunk.
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Re: Spanking Lowpe (NJP72 vs Lowpe (A))
And then, dawn...and with dawn the air raids...Japan is determined to break thru and hinder the landings....but the first raid very low gets a hit at a convoy in the middle of the South China Sea:
Morning Air attack on TF, near Cam Ranh Bay at 67,78
Weather in hex: Moderate rain
Raid detected at 35 NM, estimated altitude 3,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M5c Zero x 15
B5N2 Kate x 18
B6N1 Jill x 14
Ki-43-IIIa Oscar x 27
Ki-43-IV Oscar x 8
Ki-84a Frank x 2
Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 4
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5c Zero: 1 destroyed
B5N2 Kate: 4 damaged
B5N2 Kate: 1 destroyed by flak
B6N1 Jill: 2 damaged
B6N1 Jill: 1 destroyed by flak
Ki-43-IIIa Oscar: 1 destroyed
No Allied losses
Allied Ships
CA Minneapolis, Bomb hits 1
DD Ellet
DD Barton
Aircraft Attacking:
17 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 2000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
13 x B6N1 Jill bombing from 2000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Quinhon at 65,69
Weather in hex: Heavy rain
Raid detected at 39 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M5c Zero x 6
B6N1 Jill x 10
Ki-43-IV Oscar x 8
Allied aircraft
Sea Hurricane Ib x 14
Martlet IV x 3
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 17
F4F-4 Wildcat x 93
F4U-1 Corsair x 13
F6F-3 Hellcat x 169
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5c Zero: 3 destroyed
B6N1 Jill: 3 destroyed, 3 damaged
B6N1 Jill: 1 destroyed by flak
Ki-43-IV Oscar: 3 destroyed
Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 destroyed
And the last strike:
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Quinhon at 65,69
Weather in hex: Heavy rain
Raid detected at 114 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 33 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M5b Zero x 6
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 1
Ki-48-IIb Lily x 20
Allied aircraft
Sea Hurricane Ib x 14
Martlet IV x 2
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 17
F4F-4 Wildcat x 89
F4U-1 Corsair x 13
F6F-3 Hellcat x 165
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5b Zero: 3 destroyed
Ki-48-IIb Lily: 11 destroyed
Allied aircraft losses
Sea Hurricane Ib: 1 destroyed
Morning Air attack on TF, near Cam Ranh Bay at 67,78
Weather in hex: Moderate rain
Raid detected at 35 NM, estimated altitude 3,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M5c Zero x 15
B5N2 Kate x 18
B6N1 Jill x 14
Ki-43-IIIa Oscar x 27
Ki-43-IV Oscar x 8
Ki-84a Frank x 2
Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 4
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5c Zero: 1 destroyed
B5N2 Kate: 4 damaged
B5N2 Kate: 1 destroyed by flak
B6N1 Jill: 2 damaged
B6N1 Jill: 1 destroyed by flak
Ki-43-IIIa Oscar: 1 destroyed
No Allied losses
Allied Ships
CA Minneapolis, Bomb hits 1
DD Ellet
DD Barton
Aircraft Attacking:
17 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 2000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
13 x B6N1 Jill bombing from 2000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
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Weather in hex: Heavy rain
Raid detected at 39 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M5c Zero x 6
B6N1 Jill x 10
Ki-43-IV Oscar x 8
Allied aircraft
Sea Hurricane Ib x 14
Martlet IV x 3
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 17
F4F-4 Wildcat x 93
F4U-1 Corsair x 13
F6F-3 Hellcat x 169
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5c Zero: 3 destroyed
B6N1 Jill: 3 destroyed, 3 damaged
B6N1 Jill: 1 destroyed by flak
Ki-43-IV Oscar: 3 destroyed
Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 destroyed
And the last strike:
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Quinhon at 65,69
Weather in hex: Heavy rain
Raid detected at 114 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 33 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M5b Zero x 6
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 1
Ki-48-IIb Lily x 20
Allied aircraft
Sea Hurricane Ib x 14
Martlet IV x 2
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 17
F4F-4 Wildcat x 89
F4U-1 Corsair x 13
F6F-3 Hellcat x 165
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5b Zero: 3 destroyed
Ki-48-IIb Lily: 11 destroyed
Allied aircraft losses
Sea Hurricane Ib: 1 destroyed
Re: Spanking Lowpe (NJP72 vs Lowpe (A))
Unloading seems undisturbed all night and day! 
Many other submarine attacks occurred...but no other hits....some good intel though. More later.
Getting a few surface hits like this every day on IJN Raiders:
PV-1 Ventura has spotted DD Michishio at 69,96
:::::::: DD Michishio is reported HIT
Bolingbroke IV attacking a Japanese SS at 156,50
:::::::: a Japanese SS is reported HIT
Many other submarine attacks occurred...but no other hits....some good intel though. More later.
Getting a few surface hits like this every day on IJN Raiders:
PV-1 Ventura has spotted DD Michishio at 69,96
:::::::: DD Michishio is reported HIT
Bolingbroke IV attacking a Japanese SS at 156,50
:::::::: a Japanese SS is reported HIT