Greg,
I did some checking in my other saved games as the Japanese player. Wilkerson must be setting up his economy for a crash. To shift that much over for his increased fighter/bomber production, something MUST give. Considering how you fight, he cannot have gotten very much supply/oil back from the DEI yet. His supply levels must be dropping FAST!
Suggestions:
1. Try to do some SS interdiction and cause trouble with his supply convoys. ANYTHING you can do now will only cause more trouble for him.
2. Put him into an attritional battle somewhere. No matter what you lose, you CAN replace it. If his economy is on the verge of trouble you might make it freeze up. This happened to you and me...
For whatever it is worth...
Moses(AL)Jwilkerson(IJ)
Moderators: wdolson, Don Bowen, mogami
RE: 3-4 Feb
Member: Treaty, Reluctant Admiral and Between the Storms Mod Team.
RE: 3-4 Feb
That's what I think as well John. He has to be burning too much supply.
In responce to Erstads comment earlier I did a quick check of just Tokyo. (Had no time to do a full check of the whole map) If my intell is correct he has repaired 21 factories in just the last 4 or 5 days at that one city. Isn't that 21,000 supply points???
It seems that he must have burned 400,000 sp just for his zero's, Oscar's and Betties already. Plus he has done a lot of engine factories, shipyards, and other minor things.
At some point I think his troops just have to starve. I'll keep fighting him everywhere and make him burn burn burn that supply. My last turn looked pretty good for a change and I'll update you in a while.
In responce to Erstads comment earlier I did a quick check of just Tokyo. (Had no time to do a full check of the whole map) If my intell is correct he has repaired 21 factories in just the last 4 or 5 days at that one city. Isn't that 21,000 supply points???
It seems that he must have burned 400,000 sp just for his zero's, Oscar's and Betties already. Plus he has done a lot of engine factories, shipyards, and other minor things.
At some point I think his troops just have to starve. I'll keep fighting him everywhere and make him burn burn burn that supply. My last turn looked pretty good for a change and I'll update you in a while.
10-12 Feb
10-12 Feb: Things are looking up.[:)]
PI: My troops drive Japan out of Clark Field and across the river for a second time!
Allied Shock attack at Clark Field
Attacking force 36917 troops, 325 guns, 171 vehicles, Assault Value = 881
Defending force 43776 troops, 385 guns, 128 vehicles, Assault Value = 722
Allied max assault: 1676 - adjusted assault: 957
Japanese max defense: 733 - adjusted defense: 428
Allied assault odds: 2 to 1
Japanese ground losses:-----------------------Allied ground losses:
498 casualties reported------------------------1280 casualties reported
Guns lost 22-------------------------------------Guns lost 25
Vehicles lost 8-----------------------------------Vehicles lost 9
Defeated Japanese Units Retreating![;)]
Java: His bombers continue to destroy my air force and I am now pulling most of the air force out. My transports are still operating all throughout Java except for the far east. I loaded up two air units and one small garrison unit today and sent it to India. But more importantly they are pulling out huge chunks of excess supply, oil and resourses. I won't strip Java completely of supply but I hope for their to be just enough to allow my army to fight a good fight. I have 8 AK's at Batvia alone drawing supply out. Convieniantly I get three AK's as rienforcements arriving at Tellatjap. They will each pull out an air unit.
The army of course stays and fights to the death. But my air force is now outmatched. Tommorrow my B26 group will hit his big Sally base and try and kill a couple dozen. Then they will have to run because their base will be obliterated on the next day.
PM: He invaded Gili Gili and I sent a surface force to interdict. The enemy force left and I forgot to set my TF to retire.
Day Air attack on TF, near Gili Gili at 56,94
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 35
G4M1 Betty x 64
Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 5 destroyed, 37 damaged
Allied Ships
CA Salt Lake City, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
CL Perth
CA Canberra, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
DD Preston, Torpedo hits 2, on fire
The Canberra is in trouble and I'd give it a one in three chance of making it to Cairns. But despite the error I'm not too upset about this battle. His Betties got beat up and PM had a day without bombing and so repaired most of its damage. As the weather forcast is favorable and Japan's planes may be a little weary, I've chosen this day to shift 32 B17's to PM for a raid on Rabaul. I will get first shot as the Betties look for ships in the AM phase. Mmmmmmmmmm 64 Betties on the ground in a little level 4 base.
China: I think I've got him a little scared. My force from Changsa crossed the river and crushed the two small units near Ichang. My force from Homan moved south and defeated one small unit and then continued south. On the 11th we drove 25,000 Japanese in retreat. (2 BDE's and a mongol Division.)
Jwilkerson has reacted by shifting his troops around Changsa toward Homan and it looks like he's pulling back a couple units in the far north adjacent to Kungchang. I have 13 Corps in Kungchang and they've been sitting across from 8 Japanese units for some time now. One of those 8 units just pulled out presumably because Japan is afraid I am about to swarm his entire northern position from the rear. So my troops at Kungchang wil venture forth to do battle. If I can retreat this Japanese stack it will ruin Japan's northern offensive and I will be able to declare China as a stable front.
PI: My troops drive Japan out of Clark Field and across the river for a second time!
Allied Shock attack at Clark Field
Attacking force 36917 troops, 325 guns, 171 vehicles, Assault Value = 881
Defending force 43776 troops, 385 guns, 128 vehicles, Assault Value = 722
Allied max assault: 1676 - adjusted assault: 957
Japanese max defense: 733 - adjusted defense: 428
Allied assault odds: 2 to 1
Japanese ground losses:-----------------------Allied ground losses:
498 casualties reported------------------------1280 casualties reported
Guns lost 22-------------------------------------Guns lost 25
Vehicles lost 8-----------------------------------Vehicles lost 9
Defeated Japanese Units Retreating![;)]
Java: His bombers continue to destroy my air force and I am now pulling most of the air force out. My transports are still operating all throughout Java except for the far east. I loaded up two air units and one small garrison unit today and sent it to India. But more importantly they are pulling out huge chunks of excess supply, oil and resourses. I won't strip Java completely of supply but I hope for their to be just enough to allow my army to fight a good fight. I have 8 AK's at Batvia alone drawing supply out. Convieniantly I get three AK's as rienforcements arriving at Tellatjap. They will each pull out an air unit.
The army of course stays and fights to the death. But my air force is now outmatched. Tommorrow my B26 group will hit his big Sally base and try and kill a couple dozen. Then they will have to run because their base will be obliterated on the next day.
PM: He invaded Gili Gili and I sent a surface force to interdict. The enemy force left and I forgot to set my TF to retire.
Day Air attack on TF, near Gili Gili at 56,94
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 35
G4M1 Betty x 64
Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 5 destroyed, 37 damaged
Allied Ships
CA Salt Lake City, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
CL Perth
CA Canberra, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
DD Preston, Torpedo hits 2, on fire
The Canberra is in trouble and I'd give it a one in three chance of making it to Cairns. But despite the error I'm not too upset about this battle. His Betties got beat up and PM had a day without bombing and so repaired most of its damage. As the weather forcast is favorable and Japan's planes may be a little weary, I've chosen this day to shift 32 B17's to PM for a raid on Rabaul. I will get first shot as the Betties look for ships in the AM phase. Mmmmmmmmmm 64 Betties on the ground in a little level 4 base.
China: I think I've got him a little scared. My force from Changsa crossed the river and crushed the two small units near Ichang. My force from Homan moved south and defeated one small unit and then continued south. On the 11th we drove 25,000 Japanese in retreat. (2 BDE's and a mongol Division.)
Jwilkerson has reacted by shifting his troops around Changsa toward Homan and it looks like he's pulling back a couple units in the far north adjacent to Kungchang. I have 13 Corps in Kungchang and they've been sitting across from 8 Japanese units for some time now. One of those 8 units just pulled out presumably because Japan is afraid I am about to swarm his entire northern position from the rear. So my troops at Kungchang wil venture forth to do battle. If I can retreat this Japanese stack it will ruin Japan's northern offensive and I will be able to declare China as a stable front.
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castor troy
- Posts: 14331
- Joined: Mon Aug 23, 2004 10:17 am
- Location: Austria
RE: 10-12 Feb
ORIGINAL: moses
10-12 Feb: Things are looking up.[:)]
PI: My troops drive Japan out of Clark Field and across the river for a second time!
Allied Shock attack at Clark Field
Attacking force 36917 troops, 325 guns, 171 vehicles, Assault Value = 881
Defending force 43776 troops, 385 guns, 128 vehicles, Assault Value = 722
Allied max assault: 1676 - adjusted assault: 957
Japanese max defense: 733 - adjusted defense: 428
Allied assault odds: 2 to 1
Japanese ground losses:-----------------------Allied ground losses:
498 casualties reported------------------------1280 casualties reported
Guns lost 22-------------------------------------Guns lost 25
Vehicles lost 8-----------------------------------Vehicles lost 9
Defeated Japanese Units Retreating![;)]
Java: His bombers continue to destroy my air force and I am now pulling most of the air force out. My transports are still operating all throughout Java except for the far east. I loaded up two air units and one small garrison unit today and sent it to India. But more importantly they are pulling out huge chunks of excess supply, oil and resourses. I won't strip Java completely of supply but I hope for their to be just enough to allow my army to fight a good fight. I have 8 AK's at Batvia alone drawing supply out. Convieniantly I get three AK's as rienforcements arriving at Tellatjap. They will each pull out an air unit.
The army of course stays and fights to the death. But my air force is now outmatched. Tommorrow my B26 group will hit his big Sally base and try and kill a couple dozen. Then they will have to run because their base will be obliterated on the next day.
PM: He invaded Gili Gili and I sent a surface force to interdict. The enemy force left and I forgot to set my TF to retire.
Day Air attack on TF, near Gili Gili at 56,94
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 35
G4M1 Betty x 64
Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 5 destroyed, 37 damaged
Allied Ships
CA Salt Lake City, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
CL Perth
CA Canberra, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
DD Preston, Torpedo hits 2, on fire
The Canberra is in trouble and I'd give it a one in three chance of making it to Cairns. But despite the error I'm not too upset about this battle. His Betties got beat up and PM had a day without bombing and so repaired most of its damage. As the weather forcast is favorable and Japan's planes may be a little weary, I've chosen this day to shift 32 B17's to PM for a raid on Rabaul. I will get first shot as the Betties look for ships in the AM phase. Mmmmmmmmmm 64 Betties on the ground in a little level 4 base.
China: I think I've got him a little scared. My force from Changsa crossed the river and crushed the two small units near Ichang. My force from Homan moved south and defeated one small unit and then continued south. On the 11th we drove 25,000 Japanese in retreat. (2 BDE's and a mongol Division.)
Jwilkerson has reacted by shifting his troops around Changsa toward Homan and it looks like he's pulling back a couple units in the far north adjacent to Kungchang. I have 13 Corps in Kungchang and they've been sitting across from 8 Japanese units for some time now. One of those 8 units just pulled out presumably because Japan is afraid I am about to swarm his entire northern position from the rear. So my troops at Kungchang wil venture forth to do battle. If I can retreat this Japanese stack it will ruin Japan's northern offensive and I will be able to declare China as a stable front.
the Betty attack could have been really worse. If I would see such an attack I would bet ALL my ships would be gone after it. And your TF did put up a very good flak also! Was it just luck on your side or are those Betties low experienced? Did they suffer earlier?
Do you know about CAP over Rabaul? Could result in more B17 lost than Betties also. But as you play stock you get enough of them anyway! [8D]
RE: 10-12 Feb
Well those Betties have been operating around Rabaul for a month and may have been the same groups that participated in the battle with my carriers so they have certainly taken a lot of losses and at least are not his best pilots. Plus as they fly every day I would suspect that morae is not so high. Add to that they are operating from a level four base in the jungle.
My B17's didn't do anything but sit on the runway.[&:] Betties did fly and so I lost a bunch on the ground. So its back to Austrailia.
But my big base force unit is now past Numea and my P40E group hits Brisbane in two days closely followed by another big P39 group. My carriers have been down south making sure my damaged CV's get safely to Sydney but are now heading North again. And my currently available P39 and F4F units are rebuilding and almost ready for action. So as long as Jwilkerson does not interfere I may get my big air battle over PM.
His carriers are still sitting off the coast of Java.
My B17's didn't do anything but sit on the runway.[&:] Betties did fly and so I lost a bunch on the ground. So its back to Austrailia.
But my big base force unit is now past Numea and my P40E group hits Brisbane in two days closely followed by another big P39 group. My carriers have been down south making sure my damaged CV's get safely to Sydney but are now heading North again. And my currently available P39 and F4F units are rebuilding and almost ready for action. So as long as Jwilkerson does not interfere I may get my big air battle over PM.
His carriers are still sitting off the coast of Java.
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castor troy
- Posts: 14331
- Joined: Mon Aug 23, 2004 10:17 am
- Location: Austria
RE: 10-12 Feb
ORIGINAL: moses
Well those Betties have been operating around Rabaul for a month and may have been the same groups that participated in the battle with my carriers so they have certainly taken a lot of losses and at least are not his best pilots. Plus as they fly every day I would suspect that morae is not so high. Add to that they are operating from a level four base in the jungle.
My B17's didn't do anything but sit on the runway.[&:] Betties did fly and so I lost a bunch on the ground. So its back to Austrailia.
But my big base force unit is now past Numea and my P40E group hits Brisbane in two days closely followed by another big P39 group. My carriers have been down south making sure my damaged CV's get safely to Sydney but are now heading North again. And my currently available P39 and F4F units are rebuilding and almost ready for action. So as long as Jwilkerson does not interfere I may get my big air battle over PM.
His carriers are still sitting off the coast of Java.
Have seen the same often enough. Planning on smashing an airfield --- my bombers stay grounded --- my own airfield gets bombed.... [;)]
RE: 10-12 Feb
13-16 Feb:
The last few days have been fairly quiet.
Java: Japan is slowly pounding Java into submission with constant air attacks from land and sea. My bombers play hide and seek and so far haven't gotten hit. I have managed to hit some AK's, a DD, and a MSN, but nothing major. He's really taking his time and every day is another day for me to pull things out and another day that I know where KB is.
China: My central offensive was very successful. I retreated about 40,000 japanese troops in several battles and caused Japan to abandon his northern offensive. His troops in the north are all pulling back toward Yenen. So I will go back into my defensive shell in the center and use the breathing space in the North to mop up a couple Jap units sitting on the road between Lanchow and Sien.
PM: He bombs this airfield every day but has not come close to closing it. I've got hundreds of engineers working. My big airbase unit is 5 or 6 days out from PM. I will force it through with my two carriers in support and then I will have 140 P39's, 72 P40's and 54 F4F's to shift into the fight!!! He has about 50 zero's in the area so I'd better be able to get some serious kills.
I'm sending a bombardment group to Gili Gili with my carriers providing air cover. They will be set for retreat this time.[&:] (my last group got pounded and, by the way, CA Canberra and CA Salt Lake City did go down with the help of Jap subs. This attack is risky I know, but I've only lost three CA's and a handfull of DD's all game so I can accept some risk. I'm actually hoping his AF hits me (be careful what I wish for) because the fight will occur outside of zero range. 60 Betties going unescorted into 20 F4F's and then facing all my flak might not be a bad prelude to the upcoming battles at PM. If I lose a CA well so be it.
The last few days have been fairly quiet.
Java: Japan is slowly pounding Java into submission with constant air attacks from land and sea. My bombers play hide and seek and so far haven't gotten hit. I have managed to hit some AK's, a DD, and a MSN, but nothing major. He's really taking his time and every day is another day for me to pull things out and another day that I know where KB is.
China: My central offensive was very successful. I retreated about 40,000 japanese troops in several battles and caused Japan to abandon his northern offensive. His troops in the north are all pulling back toward Yenen. So I will go back into my defensive shell in the center and use the breathing space in the North to mop up a couple Jap units sitting on the road between Lanchow and Sien.
PM: He bombs this airfield every day but has not come close to closing it. I've got hundreds of engineers working. My big airbase unit is 5 or 6 days out from PM. I will force it through with my two carriers in support and then I will have 140 P39's, 72 P40's and 54 F4F's to shift into the fight!!! He has about 50 zero's in the area so I'd better be able to get some serious kills.
I'm sending a bombardment group to Gili Gili with my carriers providing air cover. They will be set for retreat this time.[&:] (my last group got pounded and, by the way, CA Canberra and CA Salt Lake City did go down with the help of Jap subs. This attack is risky I know, but I've only lost three CA's and a handfull of DD's all game so I can accept some risk. I'm actually hoping his AF hits me (be careful what I wish for) because the fight will occur outside of zero range. 60 Betties going unescorted into 20 F4F's and then facing all my flak might not be a bad prelude to the upcoming battles at PM. If I lose a CA well so be it.
17-19 Feb
17-19 Feb:
Java: The entire Japanese Navy hits Kragen. I'm guessing Jwilkerson still wonders if my surface fleet is around but it is long gone. The only thing left in Java is ground troops and some short ranged fighter groups awaiting the day when an AK will arrive to take whats left away. I hope he brought some supplies as there is very little left to capture. Only Batvia has a significant stickpile and it will be a couple weeks before he gets there and I hope even that will be depleted by then.
PM: The big air battle is at hand. On the 20th my transport fleet supported by two carriers will be 3 hexes from PM and just outside zero range from Rabaul. I wonder if his Betties will hit the fleet or PM again. On the 21st my transport will reach PM and I will shift in 65 P39's and 54 F4F's. Sitting in Cains and Townsvile I have 144 P40'2 and P39's getting ready. Already about 30 P40's are combat ready. These will go in the days that follow. Yesterday Japan flew 59 zero's over PM. 8 in a FS, and 51 escorting Betties. All my fighters are at high morale and decent experience. The Jap fighters must at least be a little tired. I hope for a big success on the 21st.
Carriers: My two damaged CV's finally reached Sydney with 87 and 74 sys damage.
Java: The entire Japanese Navy hits Kragen. I'm guessing Jwilkerson still wonders if my surface fleet is around but it is long gone. The only thing left in Java is ground troops and some short ranged fighter groups awaiting the day when an AK will arrive to take whats left away. I hope he brought some supplies as there is very little left to capture. Only Batvia has a significant stickpile and it will be a couple weeks before he gets there and I hope even that will be depleted by then.
PM: The big air battle is at hand. On the 20th my transport fleet supported by two carriers will be 3 hexes from PM and just outside zero range from Rabaul. I wonder if his Betties will hit the fleet or PM again. On the 21st my transport will reach PM and I will shift in 65 P39's and 54 F4F's. Sitting in Cains and Townsvile I have 144 P40'2 and P39's getting ready. Already about 30 P40's are combat ready. These will go in the days that follow. Yesterday Japan flew 59 zero's over PM. 8 in a FS, and 51 escorting Betties. All my fighters are at high morale and decent experience. The Jap fighters must at least be a little tired. I hope for a big success on the 21st.
Carriers: My two damaged CV's finally reached Sydney with 87 and 74 sys damage.
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ny59giants
- Posts: 9888
- Joined: Mon Jan 10, 2005 12:02 pm
RE: 17-19 Feb
I would send the CV with 74 sys damage towards Auckland and then to USA as soon as it is able to do 11 knots (2 hexes per day) and escort it with 4 DD's that have good ASW rating (I think 4 is the best this early in the war). If you cannot get all the fragments together, wait until you get the Long Island and use her to get them back to USA.
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[/center]RE: 17-19 Feb
I would love to get those CV's to SF but I am deathly afraid of his subs. Jwilkerson must be the greatest supreme submarine commander of all time. His subs have been deadly at finding my crippled ships and at killing my transports.
My subs have had very little success as he seems to have massive ASW where ever my subs raise their heads. If there is one area of the game where I have been trounced it is in the sub/ASW war.
I guess I'm in no rush at the moment. My West coast ports are being fully utilised repairing the BB's from Pearl Harbor. Sydney is a level 10 port with some repair facilities and an AR will be there in a couple days. I'll monitor this for a while and see how they are repairing.
I don't think I have to worry about KB showing up off the coast of Sydney for a while.[X(]
My subs have had very little success as he seems to have massive ASW where ever my subs raise their heads. If there is one area of the game where I have been trounced it is in the sub/ASW war.
I guess I'm in no rush at the moment. My West coast ports are being fully utilised repairing the BB's from Pearl Harbor. Sydney is a level 10 port with some repair facilities and an AR will be there in a couple days. I'll monitor this for a while and see how they are repairing.
I don't think I have to worry about KB showing up off the coast of Sydney for a while.[X(]
RE: 17-19 Feb
20-21 Feb:
PM: The long anticipated air battle of PM begins and ......well what can I say:
Day Air attack on Port Moresby , at 53,91
Japanese aircraft-----------Allied aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 16------------F4F-4 Wildcat x 30
------------------------------P-39D Airacobra x 40
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 7 destroyed, 1 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged
P-39D Airacobra: 9 destroyed, 5 damaged
OK so far so good but then...............................
Day Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 53,91
Japanese aircraft---------------Allied aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 58----------------F4F-4 Wildcat x 29
G4M1 Betty x 51---------------P-39D Airacobra x 31
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 2 destroyed
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed, 19 damage
Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 25 destroyed
P-39D Airacobra: 20 destroyed
Allied Ships
CA Chicago, Torpedo hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
CA Chester, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
CA Astoria, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
DD Sims
DD MacDonough
DD Worden
A 22 to 1 kill ratio in fighters!!!!! And I was flying at 21000 ft for my P39's and 25000 ft for my F4F. This is not acceptable and I don't know much what to do about it. 4 more smaller air combats occur over PM this turn resulting in 20 more allied fighter losses for 2 zero's and a Betty. At least his op losses are huge--10 zero's to operational losses (Is he flying at max altitude and would this make a difference here). I can't give uo just yet and in desperation I will put my remaining fighters at 30,000 ft just to see if it makes any difference.
Burma: He is sending his two Burma divisions over the mountains to Akyab. This will take a while and I get to bomb them from Dacca all month. My bombers from India duel with his Oscars and bombers from various bases which are operating against Akyab.
Java: He has taken Kragen but I don't think this can be the main attack despite the presence of the entire Jap Navy. This invasion fleet came from the east and the divisions freed up in Malaysia have not had time to get there. There are still 4 free divisions in the vicinity of Singapore. All of my remaining aircraft are hiding away from KB and will not reappear until KB leaves. More AK's head for the small bases west of Palembang in preperation to evac more air groups.
I'm really glad I'm not playing John III here. He would have sent KB circling round and round Java killing all my AK's and preventing any evacuation.[X(]
PM: The long anticipated air battle of PM begins and ......well what can I say:
Day Air attack on Port Moresby , at 53,91
Japanese aircraft-----------Allied aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 16------------F4F-4 Wildcat x 30
------------------------------P-39D Airacobra x 40
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 7 destroyed, 1 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged
P-39D Airacobra: 9 destroyed, 5 damaged
OK so far so good but then...............................
Day Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 53,91
Japanese aircraft---------------Allied aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 58----------------F4F-4 Wildcat x 29
G4M1 Betty x 51---------------P-39D Airacobra x 31
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 2 destroyed
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed, 19 damage
Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 25 destroyed
P-39D Airacobra: 20 destroyed
Allied Ships
CA Chicago, Torpedo hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
CA Chester, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
CA Astoria, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
DD Sims
DD MacDonough
DD Worden
A 22 to 1 kill ratio in fighters!!!!! And I was flying at 21000 ft for my P39's and 25000 ft for my F4F. This is not acceptable and I don't know much what to do about it. 4 more smaller air combats occur over PM this turn resulting in 20 more allied fighter losses for 2 zero's and a Betty. At least his op losses are huge--10 zero's to operational losses (Is he flying at max altitude and would this make a difference here). I can't give uo just yet and in desperation I will put my remaining fighters at 30,000 ft just to see if it makes any difference.
Burma: He is sending his two Burma divisions over the mountains to Akyab. This will take a while and I get to bomb them from Dacca all month. My bombers from India duel with his Oscars and bombers from various bases which are operating against Akyab.
Java: He has taken Kragen but I don't think this can be the main attack despite the presence of the entire Jap Navy. This invasion fleet came from the east and the divisions freed up in Malaysia have not had time to get there. There are still 4 free divisions in the vicinity of Singapore. All of my remaining aircraft are hiding away from KB and will not reappear until KB leaves. More AK's head for the small bases west of Palembang in preperation to evac more air groups.
I'm really glad I'm not playing John III here. He would have sent KB circling round and round Java killing all my AK's and preventing any evacuation.[X(]
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castor troy
- Posts: 14331
- Joined: Mon Aug 23, 2004 10:17 am
- Location: Austria
RE: 17-19 Feb
ORIGINAL: moses
20-21 Feb:
PM: The long anticipated air battle of PM begins and ......well what can I say:
Day Air attack on Port Moresby , at 53,91
Japanese aircraft-----------Allied aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 16------------F4F-4 Wildcat x 30
------------------------------P-39D Airacobra x 40
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 7 destroyed, 1 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged
P-39D Airacobra: 9 destroyed, 5 damaged
OK so far so good but then...............................
Day Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 53,91
Japanese aircraft---------------Allied aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 58----------------F4F-4 Wildcat x 29
G4M1 Betty x 51---------------P-39D Airacobra x 31
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 2 destroyed
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed, 19 damage
Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 25 destroyed
P-39D Airacobra: 20 destroyed
Allied Ships
CA Chicago, Torpedo hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
CA Chester, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
CA Astoria, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
DD Sims
DD MacDonough
DD Worden
A 22 to 1 kill ratio in fighters!!!!! And I was flying at 21000 ft for my P39's and 25000 ft for my F4F. This is not acceptable and I don't know much what to do about it. 4 more smaller air combats occur over PM this turn resulting in 20 more allied fighter losses for 2 zero's and a Betty. At least his op losses are huge--10 zero's to operational losses (Is he flying at max altitude and would this make a difference here). I can't give uo just yet and in desperation I will put my remaining fighters at 30,000 ft just to see if it makes any difference.
Burma: He is sending his two Burma divisions over the mountains to Akyab. This will take a while and I get to bomb them from Dacca all month. My bombers from India duel with his Oscars and bombers from various bases which are operating against Akyab.
Java: He has taken Kragen but I don't think this can be the main attack despite the presence of the entire Jap Navy. This invasion fleet came from the east and the divisions freed up in Malaysia have not had time to get there. There are still 4 free divisions in the vicinity of Singapore. All of my remaining aircraft are hiding away from KB and will not reappear until KB leaves. More AK's head for the small bases west of Palembang in preperation to evac more air groups.
I'm really glad I'm not playing John III here. He would have sent KB circling round and round Java killing all my AK's and preventing any evacuation.[X(]
the losses jwilkerson inflicted are pretty much what I thought what was going to happen. Though he could have suffered a little bit more when I think of your F4Fs at PM. The P39 against the Zero (not to mention they flew FAR TOO HIGH --> penalty!) is only cannon fodder and IMO not worth putting it in the air against Zeroes. It´s Feb so the Zero is even better than normal with it´s bonus still high. I would recommend to withdraw your fighters from PM as it isn´t worth it. Send them there if you bring in supplies or troops but not to attrit his Zeroes --> at that loss rate the only thing you will attrit is your own air force...
I don´t think he´s flying higher than you. Did the Betties came in in groups of 4 or in groups of 9? If they came in in groups of 4 then he´s flying in at 15.000 or lower IIRC. So that would mean he has his Zeroes at a max of 18000 as escorts. Altitude wasn´t the problem here (with the exception that your P39 performed even poorer than normally when flying over 10000 ft).
Ask John what can happen if such a carrier blocade fails... [:D]
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ny59giants
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RE: 17-19 Feb
You cannot set your P-39's above 10,000 without a penalty. [:-][:-]
If the F4F's are Navy pilots, that will end up being bad for you in the long run if your CV's get into action. IMO, I would keep the fighters over in Northern Oz and only fly them end if, he gets seriosu about PM.
If the F4F's are Navy pilots, that will end up being bad for you in the long run if your CV's get into action. IMO, I would keep the fighters over in Northern Oz and only fly them end if, he gets seriosu about PM.
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[/center]RE: 17-19 Feb
Oh now you tell me. [&:] Where were you guys the whole time I've been planning this little operation.[:D][:D][:-]
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castor troy
- Posts: 14331
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RE: 17-19 Feb
ORIGINAL: moses
Oh now you tell me. [&:] Where were you guys the whole time I've been planning this little operation.[:D][:D][:-]
I thought you were aware of the P39 altitude penalty. Though even if you fly them at max. 10000 ft don´t expect them to do a good job against Zeroes. As said before, if you really want to keep up the fight over PM at this stage then it will hurt you probably more than your opponent.
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ny59giants
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RE: 17-19 Feb
I know some may think it "gamey," but make sure you have a few fragments of the USMC division and your large BF over on the East coast of Oz just in case PM falls.
If he wants to take PM, he can and will.
If he comes over with KB without you being aware of it, it may be too late.
If he wants to take PM, he can and will.
If he comes over with KB without you being aware of it, it may be too late.
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[/center]RE: 17-19 Feb
ORIGINAL: ny59giants
You cannot set your P-39's above 10,000 without a penalty. [:-][:-]
If the F4F's are Navy pilots, that will end up being bad for you in the long run if your CV's get into action. IMO, I would keep the fighters over in Northern Oz and only fly them end if, he gets seriosu about PM.
Is it where they are set or where they fight? I've always assumed that if they are set at X but they climb to Y they pay the penalty. The difference is that even if you set P-39's low, I have always assumed (without data) that a clever IJN player could send in a high altitude sweep and clean up.
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ny59giants
- Posts: 9888
- Joined: Mon Jan 10, 2005 12:02 pm
RE: 17-19 Feb
Is it where they are set or where they fight? I've always assumed that if they are set at X but they climb to Y they pay the penalty. The difference is that even if you set P-39's low, I have always assumed (without data) that a clever IJN player could send in a high altitude sweep and clean up.
In the Manual, page 205 Rule 17.3 states, "P-39D and P-400 aircraft are less effective in air-to-air combat fighting at altitudes over 10,000 feet. To reflect this, one point is subtracted from their maneuverabilty rating for every 1,000 feet over 10,000, up to a maximum penalty of 15 maneuver points. "
I would say that you set them at 10,000 and they will go up to the level needed via the AI and suffer the consequences in a2a combat. [:(]
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castor troy
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- Location: Austria
RE: 17-19 Feb
ORIGINAL: ny59giants
Is it where they are set or where they fight? I've always assumed that if they are set at X but they climb to Y they pay the penalty. The difference is that even if you set P-39's low, I have always assumed (without data) that a clever IJN player could send in a high altitude sweep and clean up.
In the Manual, page 205 Rule 17.3 states, "P-39D and P-400 aircraft are less effective in air-to-air combat fighting at altitudes over 10,000 feet. To reflect this, one point is subtracted from their maneuverabilty rating for every 1,000 feet over 10,000, up to a maximum penalty of 15 maneuver points. "
I would say that you set them at 10,000 and they will go up to the level needed via the AI and suffer the consequences in a2a combat. [:(]
and that´s the fact that they, as mentioned, always will be dead meat against Zeroes. You can get lucky though, if your opponent sends in the Betties at 6000, then the Zeroes will be at 9000. Result, you don´t suffer the penalty but the P39 will still suck to some degree.. [8|]
RE: 17-19 Feb
Well you have to try things and find what works. The idea was that getting masses of aircraft bouncing from high altitude might outway the inferiority of the plane. Just like real life a few disasters are unavoidable.
I will try again with my P40's and F4F's. I will use my P39's but this time they will bomb Lae at low altitude and see how they fare iin an offensive role.
The 1st Marine will fight at PM. There will be no withdrawl and even if I wanted too I doubt I could get much out. If he wants to send a couple divisions to PM to dig my guys out thats fine. It's almost March and by the time he takes PM it will be well into April.
His window of opportunity for doing anything creative like invading India/Austrailia/Or whatever will have closed.
Plus I prefer to have Jwilkerson conducting operations in the South Pacific where he is far from his bases of supply and well into malarial zones.
I will try again with my P40's and F4F's. I will use my P39's but this time they will bomb Lae at low altitude and see how they fare iin an offensive role.
The 1st Marine will fight at PM. There will be no withdrawl and even if I wanted too I doubt I could get much out. If he wants to send a couple divisions to PM to dig my guys out thats fine. It's almost March and by the time he takes PM it will be well into April.
His window of opportunity for doing anything creative like invading India/Austrailia/Or whatever will have closed.
Plus I prefer to have Jwilkerson conducting operations in the South Pacific where he is far from his bases of supply and well into malarial zones.