Westerley Wind, Fine NJP72 (J) vs Lowpe (A) DBB Sce 30

[njp72]

Noticed DEs escorting some of his CV task forces which was interesting. Is he struggling a bit with DDs???

Lowpe's Fletcher losses are now running over a page and half and whilst their numbers eventually become endless, they are not unlimited in Dec 43. Still damn hard to kill though.

[njp72]

Big naval clashes around the disputed islands off Okinawa and Formosa this turn with the IJN emerging triumphant.

Sweeping squadrons of DDs did their job of clearing out some Fletchers and putting some torps into a fast USN BB and Cruiser.

This tactic is critical before the main body arrives.

[njp72]

Then the main body arrives and it is curtains for this Allied fleet.

BB Ise's shooting was again beautiful and first rounds were right on target. She absorbed a couple of 16 inch shells but will survive. Getting great mileage out of these older IJN battlewagons.

[njp72]

Squadrons of Fletchers are everywhere. But the sweepers continue to do their job admirably and keep them at arms length from the main body.

Mission accomplished (at least for this turn)

[njp72]

Lowpe sensibly deployed some screening DDs in front of his main fleet as well but on this occasion, they were completely ineffective against the experienced crews and long lances from the IJN.

[njp72]

Continuing with the good fortune of the turn, the next group of surface combatants have made good their escape out of the DEI. Took some damage from DBs after air cover failed to keep all of the Allied aircraft at bay but still very happy at the result. Have not lost a ship yet doing this run but each turn feels like I am really pushing my luck.

*Great to see Kuma still afloat who has been involved in some great battles in 42 and 43.

[Warofthe2ndWorld]

Wow, Lowpe is really catching Ls.

[njp72]

Wow, Lowpe is really catching Ls.

Strategically his position is very strong but tactically over the last couple of months he has been getting the worst of it.

I doubt I can shift him from a number of his positions so ultimately he will come up trumps but in the interim I can still have plenty of fun.

[njp72]

Lowpe is back online and we start with our usual naval clashes around Okinawa.

Again the IJN marginally comes out on top dispatching a US CA for the loss of a good IJN DD.

The major problem now is close to half of the remaining surface fleet gun power of the IJN are in shipyards repairing battle damage and the Allied offensive grinds on.

Air will have to do some heavy lifting for a while.

[njp72]

The exciting movie, Escape from the DEI has now hit the theatres in Tokyo

The final major surface group has emerged relatively unscathed from its sprint from the jaws of death from DEI.

Approx 20 x DDs, 4 x CLs and 3 x CAs will start making their way back to the Home Islands where they will be sorely needed around Okinawa.

Tried using tankers this turn but they are just to slow to survive and Lowpe nailed a couple filled with oil.

[RangerJoe]

Wow, Lowpe is really catching Ls.

Strategically his position is very strong but tactically over the last couple of months he has been getting the worst of it.

I doubt I can shift him from a number of his positions so ultimately he will come up trumps but in the interim I can still have plenty of fun.

That is the most important thing, having fun. Learning to be a better player does not hurt either.

[njp72]

The long lance continues to inflict nasty damage on the USN around Formosa.

The latest victim

[njp72]

Wow, Lowpe is really catching Ls.

Strategically his position is very strong but tactically over the last couple of months he has been getting the worst of it.

I doubt I can shift him from a number of his positions so ultimately he will come up trumps but in the interim I can still have plenty of fun.

That is the most important thing, having fun. Learning to be a better player does not hurt either.

Absolutely agree, it is only a game but the thrill of a good challenge is very exciting and Lowpe is terrific. Just as much fun now as it was in early 42.

[njp72]

28th December 43

Quiter turns as the Allies refocus their efforts towards Southern China and away from the Island Chains near Okinawa. I have chosen to conserve strength until I can determine where he exactly his main effort is focused.

The IJN has slowly healed after the earlier clashes in December and is getting ready to sortie again. Air wings have been rebuilt and KB remains largely intact. A number of BBs are still in the shipyards and will not be available for the next effort.

Major clashes again predicted if Lowpe keeps pushing toward Shanghai.

[njp72]

Scoreboard

Getting slaughtered on base points but not really sure what I can about that.

The rest is okay. Based on my experience my air losses will continue to increase quite dramatically into 44 but hopefully his shipping and land losses also increase.

[njp72]

Coming into the start of 44 the Empire is about to unleash the remainder of its meagre resources.

The objective is not to halt Lowpe/ Allies (you can't against a skilled player with the resources he has at his disposal) but to bleed him for points.

All of the island garrisons within 20 hexes of the home islands are heavily fortified (though some lack supply) and the final reserves out of Manchuria are being mobilised and bought out for Southern China.

I have sufficient oil/ fuel and supplies to maintain a maximum effort for 6 months (Jan to Jun 44) and then after that we will see.

Kamikazes prepare to start your engines

[njp72]

Snapshot of the industry and pools.

More than sufficient for 6 months of very heavy fighting. Late 44 will be a struggle though I suspect I won't have too many units left by then.

[njp72]

A/C pools and engines.

Levels are okay, not brilliant but okay.

The Frank R and the A6M8 will continue to do all of the heavy lifting. The Sam may or may not get there (I am skeptical) and the jets have always been a waste of resources.

Night fighters are good, plenty of Nick Ds and Geckos will be ready to roll when he comes calling.

[njp72]

2nd Jan 44

Ambush alley is up and running strong. Plenty of intercepts and damaged Allied shipping but nothing sank of consequence. Maximum focus remains on the logistical shipping and trying to avoid Allied surface fleets. Losses are not light for the Empire (especially in the air) but sustainable.

With regards to a target rich environment it won't get any better than this.

[njp72]

Ambush Alley- the run coming into Southern China.

Kamikazes will add to the fun in a week or so but additional training and airframes are required.