Matrix Games Forums

Great discussion and thanks everyones who's contributing.

Pax,

One thing I've neglected to ask you is this, how much is moving and what are the numbers you're able to export from Fusan in your experience? What's your TF capacity from the port. Are you always drawing smallish amounts or are you able to export tens of thousands over a period of a few days? Fusan is port level 8, airfield level 6 or 7 and forts 3 for me right now. I am working on expanding everything at the base to the max, well forts maybe to only level 6.

In my game I'm definitely sure there's no hexside control issue. I've moved units such as obvert has for a long, long time. You are probably right in terms of setting things up from day one to get the ball rolling.

I actually asked Damian last night to see if he could figure it out. He, like you, figures Singapore could be the issue. Unlike you, I've been both importing and exporting from Singapore and was keeping a lot of naval warships and merchant shipping there. Damian first suggested I remove all excess shipping from Singapore to reduce the draw factor and see what happens to the levels. I will finish what is currently loading and give things some time to sort out and see what happens. I'll only import to Singapore for awhile.

I'm a little concerned, because I export a ton of fuel from Singapore and I don't want it sitting around for too long waiting for the resource movement to adjust while the Home Islands go without. I'm like obvert in that regard, in terms of not having the luxury to wait. If it needs to be set up on day one to be most effective, we may not have the time now to let things adjust on their own.

Fun stuff. I really am getting more interested in the number crunching and seeing how things move around. If I can get Fusan working better that will allow me to change quite a few things up.

Damian is going to do some testing over the weekend to see what he learns. He's not convinced fuel/oil/resources flow overland from Singapore to Fusan, but admits he's never done any testing of it either. We've piqued his interest so another economic guru is on the case. [:D]

I didn't finish up the turn last night, but have a rare day off tomorrow so I'll finish it then. And it will also be a serious model day to catch up for hardly working on any this week.

I organized my merchant fleet yesterday and got the excess shipping out of Singapore, but still have to do my orders and amphibious organization in the Solomons. I have about 50-60 transports loaded with men, material and supply to unload at Lunga. I need to make sure they all have escorts, screens and air cover over the next few days. Getting KB in close enough will be tricky with all the enemy submarines around. I also can't rule out some effort by the Allies to hit me while I'm unloading, or at least nuke my airfields in the region. I just have a feeling something may happen and I'm trying to cover everything as best I can.

China, I'm still moving forward and my armour will hit Neikiang in a few days. I should be able to nip at the heels of the "Horde" and then support the capture of Chengtu. Everything is about moving west. Chinese troops cut off around Kienko are moving S.W. in clear terrain where they will be bombed of course.

Burma is ordred to hold fast and troops are being diverted into rough terrain hexes. I will concede the plains, but will not give up Mandalay and as long as I keep the secondary road clear I'll still be in supply. Reinforcements are rushing north to form a defensive line shielding the route to Rangoon.

Ugh, saving PP's is so hard, but I must not spend any more in order to get substantial units into the Pacific. Discipline, I need more discipline! Not in any kind of S&M form though. Then again, WitPAE can be a cruel mistress at times!

ORIGINAL: Chickenboy

Have you thought about raising your Emily production up to 1,000 / month? With a perfect airframe like that, you should be able to defeat the Allies in no time flat. [;)]

How did I miss this! [:D]

I can't tell if the guy is jerking our chains or a little overzealous in his approach and just a little ways out there. I'm all for suggestions and ideas for improving the game or factoring in "what if's", but I think his posts should be focused in the modding forum. I know myself, I'm just getting tired of threads being interrupted with the same old uber Emily crap or duraluminum argument and derailing the topic.

Anyway, I digress. Emily's? We don't need no stinkin' Emily! Now the Sonia...there's a war winner!

D Day -2 or so. Banzai!

[:D]
What's the story behind the Sonja?

Right now, he who must not be named is the only one greenbuttoned by me.

ORIGINAL: Historiker

What's the story behind the Sonja?

It's kind of a running joke with me. With PDU off, early in the game I ridiculed the aircraft. Since playing for so long using her, I have to admit I love the little gal now. I look forward to getting close enough to base Sonia's at an airfield in order to the bomb an enemy airfield or provide recon. She trains my army Kami's, ground attack and recon pilots. She's just a workhorse for me. Sometimes it's not all about fielding the best aircraft, although it would be nice, but utilizing what you have to the best of it's ability. She's no war winner of course, but's she's found a place in my heart. Not in any kind of sexual way, that would just be weird, but more a deep affection.

It's not like the man crush for George Clooney I appear to be developing. Hmmm...best I stop there.

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon

Great discussion and thanks everyones who's contributing.

Pax,

One thing I've neglected to ask you is this, how much is moving and what are the numbers you're able to export from Fusan in your experience? What's your TF capacity from the port. Are you always drawing smallish amounts or are you able to export tens of thousands over a period of a few days? Fusan is port level 8, airfield level 6 or 7 and forts 3 for me right now. I am working on expanding everything at the base to the max, well forts maybe to only level 6.

In my game I'm definitely sure there's no hexside control issue. I've moved units such as obvert has for a long, long time. You are probably right in terms of setting things up from day one to get the ball rolling.

I actually asked Damian last night to see if he could figure it out. He, like you, figures Singapore could be the issue. Unlike you, I've been both importing and exporting from Singapore and was keeping a lot of naval warships and merchant shipping there. Damian first suggested I remove all excess shipping from Singapore to reduce the draw factor and see what happens to the levels. I will finish what is currently loading and give things some time to sort out and see what happens. I'll only import to Singapore for awhile.

I'm a little concerned, because I export a ton of fuel from Singapore and I don't want it sitting around for too long waiting for the resource movement to adjust while the Home Islands go without. I'm like obvert in that regard, in terms of not having the luxury to wait. If it needs to be set up on day one to be most effective, we may not have the time now to let things adjust on their own.

Fun stuff. I really am getting more interested in the number crunching and seeing how things move around. If I can get Fusan working better that will allow me to change quite a few things up.

Damian is going to do some testing over the weekend to see what he learns. He's not convinced fuel/oil/resources flow overland from Singapore to Fusan, but admits he's never done any testing of it either. We've piqued his interest so another economic guru is on the case. [:D]

Be interested to see what he comes up with.

As to what I've been able to do from Fusan:
About 40K - 60K/day resources
About 20K-30K/day fuel
About 5K-10K/day oil


That was from my last game (Allied Ironman) that I ended about 4/42 last fall due the lack of gaming time. [:o] I could only get 1 turn/week and not always that. It was too difficult. When IJ is on the offensive in '42, you really have to keep focused as you know. That sparse, it was taking too long to get the "picture" back. Not much fun. Recently I've been playing a little Scen 10 on the side to sharpen my land skills in China and working on my personal mod. I hope in the fall I will be able to get back into a good game. Hope.

The next turn is away, probably won't receive anything back until tomorrow.






Surface, bombardment, escort and amphibious TF's are moving towards Lunga. I've decided on six different amphibious TF and hope I've provided adequate protection and cover for each. The first troops should start unloading the next day. It's on.

Mar.1/43:

Sub Ops:

SS I-19 sinks the xAKL Lepus off the coast of Australia near Exmouth.

Burma:

Taung Gyi is hit by multiple enemy bomber raids causing 12 AB, 2 ABS and 27 Runway hits. Japanese fighter strength is still recovering and not helped by replacement aircraft arriving at Tokyo.

China:

Chinese forces bombed today throughout China suffer 0(19) infantry and 1(18) non-combat squads lost totalling 228 casualties.

Miscellaneous:

Japan:

Paramushiro-jima expands airfield to size 4
Vella Lavella expands airfield to size 3
Boela expands port to size 4
Lomblen expands fortifications to size 5
Ternate expands airfield to size 3

CM Tsugaru taken out of commission to begin refit at Kobe
CM Okinoshima taken out of commission to begin refit at Singapore
E Natsushima beginning refit in shipyard at Soerabaja
E Sarushima beginning refit in shipyard at Soerabaja
E Nuwashima beginning refit in shipyard at Kobe
CMc Toshima taken out of commission to begin refit at Ominato
AR Akashi taken out of commission to begin refit at Batavia
SC CHa-3 taken out of commission to begin refit at Kendari
SC CHa-19 taken out of commission to begin refit at Kendari
SC CHa-29 taken out of commission to begin refit at Manado
SC CHa-32 taken out of commission to begin refit at Manado

Bako NGD Det T-1 on CVL Ryuho converting to size 27 from 24

Allied:

Luganville expands airfield to size 8

xAKL Lepus is reported to have been sunk near Exmouth on Mar 01, 1943

Mar. 2/43:

Sub Ops:

SS S-32 torpedoes and severly damages xAK Madras Maru near Rekata Bay. DD Hibiki performs a half-hearted ASW attack scoring no hits. The transport is carrying troops for the Lunga operation and has a small chance to survive. An artillery unit sufferered 14 casualties.

China:

Chinese troops near Kienko receive 0(5) infantry and 1(1) non-combat squad losses totalling 57 casualties from bombing.

Miscellaneous:

Japan:

Chihkiang expands airfield to size 2
Oita expands fortifications to size 4
Shasukotan expands fortifications to size 3

Allied:

Tabiteuea expands airfield to size 5
Darwin expands airfield to size 9
Portland Roads expands port to size 2

SS Thresher is reported to have been sunk near Emirau Island on Jan 11, 1943

Mar. 3/43:

Sub Ops:

SS RO-63 is spotted near Exmouth, but evades DD Kortenaer which can't get a fix on the submarine.

Burma:

Allied heavies in the form of B-24D Liberator's (36) hit Taung Gyi again. The base is damaged with 2 AB and 3 Runway hits.

China:

Weather and range has been hampering my bombing efforts, but Chinese forces throught China suffer 2(12) infantry, 2(13) non-combat and 0(3) engineer squads lost totalling 375 casualties.

Chungking is hit for 19 AB, 4 ABS and 26 Runway hits. This was the secondary mission for these aircraft. Weather or range again a factor.

Armour units assault Neikiang and easily achieve 5:1 odds and rout the defending 17th Chinese Corps and taking the base, inflicting 46(88) infantry, 19(5) non-combat and 3(0) engineer squads lost totalling 968 casualties. Japan suffers a three disabled squads totalling 10 casualties.

The Solomons:

Lunga is bombarded by BB's today and once again I forget to adjust the range from zero on the TF screen to one. Zero range actually seems to default to a range of 15k. AAR follows:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Naval bombardment of Lunga at 114,138

Japanese Ships
BB Ise
BB Yamashiro
BB Fuso

Allied ground losses:
213 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 15 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 11 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Vehicles lost 5 (1 destroyed, 4 disabled)

F1M2 Pete acting as spotter for BB Ise
BB Ise firing at 27th Infantry Division
BB Yamashiro firing at 27th Infantry Division
BB Fuso firing at 27th Infantry Division

Troops begin unloading at Lunga and casualties are light considering the level of preparation, with the exception of one TF which suffers 54 squad disablements totalling 414 casualties! Still a lot to unload though, and I think it will take a number of days yet.

Miscellaneous:

Japan:

Ketoi-jima expands fortifications to size 2
Saipan expands port to size 4
Donggala expands fortifications to size 2

201 Ku S-1 converting to A6M3a Zero

12 Ki-43-IIa Oscar replacements arrive at Tokyo (I need to get supply and an Air HQ set up at a rear base in Burma to avoid this)

TK Ryuei Maru arrives at Hiroshima/Kure (Another 11600 capacity tanker) [8D]

Allied:

Nothing

Thoughts:

Decision time in China. How big of a force do I use to tie down the "Other Horde" blocking the crossroads east of Kunming, while my main force flanks to the south. I estimate Chinese strength at anywhere between 10-20k AV. I'll also be ordering the flanking move of a few divisions and brigades into mountainous terrain in an effort to cut off the "Horde" in Central China. I'm going to invest Chungking, but not assault it at this time. I just want to contain the six enemy units there and rather march on Chengtu. Capturing this base will keep my pursuing units in supply in Central China and they might be able to catch the "Horde" if I can slow it down.

In the Solomons, the timing of the first assault against Lunga now depends on the speed in which the additional 30k of troops can be unloaded and the amount of disruption to be recovered. My tranports are at their most vulnerable once again, but I also have two strong SCTF's providing cover this time around. KB is also on hand again. I'm totalling relying on my naval air search to give me warning of an impending attack and the direction it may come.

Probably no turn from Bart tomorrow, so I will provide some screens if I get a chance to.

Decision time in China. How big of a force do I use to tie down the "Other Horde" blocking the crossroads east of Kunming, while my main force flanks to the south. I estimate Chinese strength at anywhere between 10-20k AV.

That's a big horde! If they're bombed relentlessly and you are in 3x defensive territory 4-5k should be plenty. The trick could be getting just enough there for long enough, building a few forts as well so you're stable, and not so much he won't risk an attack. If you can get him to attack, you could trash a huge number of Chinese units.

ORIGINAL: obvert

That's a big horde! If they're bombed relentlessly and you are in 3x defensive territory 4-5k should be plenty. The trick could be getting just enough there for long enough, building a few forts as well so you're stable, and not so much he won't risk an attack. If you can get him to attack, you could trash a huge number of Chinese units.

Hi obvert,

The next turn is away and I've decided to play China carefully. It's going to be quite tricky getting the numbers right against this Chinese force of 101 units! [X(]

I agree, too strong he may just retreat, not enough I could get roughed up badly. Get it right and if the Chinese attack, they could be bloodily repulsed. I may wish I'd kept my armour here rather than race it into Central China, but I felt it would be more effective in the clear terrain. Providing the Allied air in Burma doesn't interfere, I should be in good shape to clean up Chinese forces around Kienko and take Chengtu easily.

I'll post a screenshot of China next update. I've ordered Kunming's airbase hit to start causing supply loss and perhaps divert some Allied fighters away from Burma. I need Chengtu in order to maintain my advance, so that takes precedence over Chungking. Chungking will be invested, but not assaulted yet.

I'm looking at the "Horde" in Central China. There is a real possiblity I could cut off this entire force of 48 units. It will take 24 days to move two Japanese divisions into a blocking position along the secondary road to Chengtu. It will take the Chinese much longer to reach the same position, especially if bombing slows them down further. I'm going to shoot for a force of about 1200 AV initially. A lot may depend on what the "Other Horde" near Kunming does. If it withdraws further towards Kunming and gives up the road hub, I definitely will attempt to completely destroy the "Horde" trying to escape Central China. If I can trash the Chinese now, it will take much pressure off me in Burma which is about to get very ugly I think.

Mar. 4/43:

Sub Ops:

SS S-38 sinks SC Ch 36 near Kiriwina Island. SC Ch 29 gets some measure of revenge, scoring a direct DC hit on the enemy. The submarine sinking sound is heard after this action. I doubt one DC was enough, but perhaps the enemy submarine was previously damaged from air attack. I'm presuming SS S-38 to have sunk.

SS S-32 sinks previously damaged xAK Madras Maru near Rekata Bay.

Burma:

Allied bombers hit Taung Gyi again with damage at 2 AB, 1 ABS and 2 Runway hits.

Japanese ground forces at Meiktila were targeted today. Japanese losses were 0(10) infantry, 0(11) non-combat and 0(2) engineer squad losses totalling 205 casualties.

Six Allied units have crossed the river so far and I expect then to march on Magwe or Meiktila. I'm standing pat at Taung Gyi and Mandalay for the moment. Toungoo is also being reinforced. I will not venture into clear terrain and I will force the Allies to fight me in rough terrain or bases with high fort levels.

I just want to point out that we are playing pre-Burma supply fixes. This means the Allies will have no difficulty providing supply for air operations or ground troops in the theatre. The fact most airfields in Burma have already expanded to level 9 and that there are over 150k Allied troops taking the offensive speaks volumes about the lack of supply problems for the enemy. Not much I can do about this and I expect Burma to fall quite quickly. I don't believe Monsoon rules have any effect on our PBEM either and is another added bonus to the Allies at this stage of the game.

China:

The "Horde" suffers 0(40) infantry, 1(21) non-combat, 0(2) engineer squads and 1(6) guns lost totalling 571 casualties from bombing. Other Chinese forces near Neikiang lose 1(20) infantry and 1(5) engineer squads totalling 212 casualties.

Kunming's base is targeted and suffers 2 AB, 3 ABS and 3 Runway hits.

The Solomons:

Amphibious transports continue to unload troops. The 48th Division, with only 20% prep for Lunga, takes horrendous casualties unloading over the beach. Losses are reported at 3(184) infantry squads, 2(30) non-combat squads, 0(35) guns and 0(11) vehicles totalling 1909 casualties. Oucho. Well, the 48th was meant as a reserve anyway, so hopefully it will recover strength in time to lend it's weight to the attack.

Another day of unloading should see the rest of the troops unloaded. A deliberate attack will be launched as soon as fatigue and disruption levels allow it. Two bombardment TF's are ready to go in prior to the assault to cause maximum disruption to the enemy.

At Ndeni, the Allies anticipated a Japanese SCTF raid and provided a welcoming committee. AAR follows:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Ndeni at 120,143, Range 7,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CL Noshiro, Shell hits 4, on fire
DD Minazuki, Shell hits 1
DD Yuzuki, Shell hits 1

Allied Ships
CL Montpelier
DD Fletcher
DD Nicholas
DD Radford
DD Saufley
DD Balch
DD Clark, Shell hits 1, on fire

Reduced sighting due to 3% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Overcast Conditions and 3% moonlight: 7,000 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...
Range closes to 7,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 7,000 yards
Allies open fire on surprised Japanese ships at 7,000 yards

Japanese forces are surprised and handled roughly. CL Noshiro is repair bound providing she doesn't run into enemy submarines. My naval search did not indicate an enemy SCTF in the area. My guess is they were sent from Luganville or had just recently arrived at Ndeni. Enemy PT's, AM's and transports were indicated last turn and that was the reason for the attempt at interdiction on my end.

Miscellaneous:

Japan:

Sidate expands fortifications to size 4

SC CHa-11 taken out of commission to begin refit at Manila
SC CHa-12 taken out of commission to begin refit at Manila

TK Gyoshin Maru arrives at Nagoya (8150 capacity)

Allied:

Voroshilov expands airfield to size 9

Thoughts:

I've reorganized Amphibious TF's once again at Lunga. Only small TF's with troops to unload remain. The majority of ships still needing to unload supply have been withdraw a short distance away. With an enemy SCTF appearing at Ndeni, I'm now expecting an Allied effort to disrupt further landings. I'm keeping one strong SCTF at Lunga to provide cover, and I'm willing to risk it against whatever the Allies may throw at it. I've assigned all LBA fighters to provide CAP over Lunga and the unloading transports. I won't rule out Allied CV's appearing, but the LBA will have to deal with them as best it can. KB is over the horizon awaiting developments. My next bombardment TF's will wait until the same day a ground assault can be launched. It could be a bloody turn, but will depend on if the Allies move or not. Some timely intel on Allied CV's would be most welcome.

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon

Mar. 4/43:


The Solomons:

Amphibious transports continue to unload troops. The 48th Division, with only 20% prep for Lunga, takes horrendous casualties unloading over the beach. Losses are reported at 3(184) infantry squads, 2(30) non-combat squads, 0(35) guns and 0(11) vehicles totalling 1909 casualties. Oucho. Well, the 48th was meant as a reserve anyway, so hopefully it will recover strength in time to lend it's weight to the attack.

Another day of unloading should see the rest of the troops unloaded. A deliberate attack will be launched as soon as fatigue and disruption levels allow it. Two bombardment TF's are ready to go in prior to the assault to cause maximum disruption to the enemy.

Ouch is right. Yikes.

Looks like you should have plenty there without this one right way. Looking forward to the fireworks.

At Ndeni, the Allies anticipated a Japanese SCTF raid and provided a welcoming committee. AAR follows:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Ndeni at 120,143, Range 7,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CL Noshiro, Shell hits 4, on fire
DD Minazuki, Shell hits 1
DD Yuzuki, Shell hits 1

Allied Ships
CL Montpelier
DD Fletcher
DD Nicholas
DD Radford
DD Saufley
DD Balch
DD Clark, Shell hits 1, on fire

Reduced sighting due to 3% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Overcast Conditions and 3% moonlight: 7,000 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...
Range closes to 7,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 7,000 yards
Allies open fire on surprised Japanese ships at 7,000 yards

Japanese forces are surprised and handled roughly. CL Noshiro is repair bound providing she doesn't run into enemy submarines. My naval search did not indicate an enemy SCTF in the area. My guess is they were sent from Luganville or had just recently arrived at Ndeni. Enemy PT's, AM's and transports were indicated last turn and that was the reason for the attempt at interdiction on my end.

Does low moonlight help or hinder the IJN against Allied ships with radar? I would have thought it would hurt the IJN, as here, but in my game with Jocke it seemed we were able to sneak up on a BB to 2,000yds before engaging or being engaged.

ORIGINAL: obvert

Does low moonlight help or hinder the IJN against Allied ships with radar? I would have thought it would hurt the IJN, as here, but in my game with Jocke it seemed we were able to sneak up on a BB to 2,000yds before engaging or being engaged.

I thought the Japanese were adept at night engagements, but I fear that was before late 42. I don't know how their ability is determined in game terms and under different moonlight conditions, but I think getting surprised on my end will be par for the course from now on against Allied radar. Considering I didn't get much opportunity for naval action prior to now, I don't know how good I may have been. At least I don't have to worry about the impact to my morale from seeing the performance of my forces deteriorate over time. I get to experience that right from the get go now that the Allies will finally fight after running for a year. [:D]

Kidding aside, so far I'm not overly confident in my ability to spank the Allies' naval assets. Too many missed opportunities already, and the Allies simply get stronger daily. With how risk adverse my opponent continues to be, every opportunity missed is another early nail in Japan's coffin.

Well not really. [:)]
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Next turn is away. The first deliberate attack against Lunga has been ordered to go ahead. If all goes according to plan, Lunga will be hit by three different bombardment TF's prior to the land assault phase. I wanted to also hit the base with KB and LBA, but my spidey sense is tingling and I don't want to be caught at a disadvantage if enemy naval forces appear and remain within naval strike range. I really suspect some kind of big Allied move this turn. I don't rule out strong SCTF's supported by CV's in some regard, or seeing a massive 4E attack against my troops at Lunga. Fingers are crossed on this end for the attack to go well.

I hope to hit the Allies hard this turn in a few other areas as well. In China, I have entered the same hex the "Other Horde" is in east of Kunming. Artillery and additional units will arrive this turn to bolster the numbers and combat potential. It may be a risk, as I have no idea on the effectiveness of the Chinese troops. If they attack and get good results, I could be in big trouble if I don't hold.

Stay tuned...

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon

ORIGINAL: obvert

Does low moonlight help or hinder the IJN against Allied ships with radar? I would have thought it would hurt the IJN, as here, but in my game with Jocke it seemed we were able to sneak up on a BB to 2,000yds before engaging or being engaged.

I thought the Japanese were adept at night engagements, but I fear that was before late 42. I don't know how their ability is determined in game terms and under different moonlight conditions, but I think getting surprised on my end will be par for the course from now on against Allied radar. Considering I didn't get much opportunity for naval action prior to now, I don't know how good I may have been. At least I don't have to worry about the impact to my morale from seeing the performance of my forces deteriorate over time. I get to experience that right from the get go now that the Allies will finally fight after running for a year. [:D]

Kidding aside, so far I'm not overly confident in my ability to spank the Allies' naval assets. Too many missed opportunities already, and the Allies simply get stronger daily. With how risk adverse my opponent continues to be, every opportunity missed is another early nail in Japan's coffin.

I don't really see much of an advantage with Allied surface ships through 1944. Japan holds a distinct advantage through 44 and early 43 but better radar starts to negate that advantage. However, Japanese ships have much higher crew quality until 1944 and that pretty much evens out the Allied radar advantage.

After 1944, Allied ships start to pull ahead and I am finding that I am winning more battles, The reasons are; Allied warship crews arriving after 1/1/44 come on with very good day and night skills, Allied torpedoes are working, Allies have much better late war radar, modern Allied ships, CLs, DDs, BBs, mostly have faster rate of fire, and lastly the Fletcher class DD is far superior to all Japanese DDs because of all of the above and the fact that it has a little armor protection too.

It all seems about right to me.

ORIGINAL: crsutton

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon

ORIGINAL: obvert

Does low moonlight help or hinder the IJN against Allied ships with radar? I would have thought it would hurt the IJN, as here, but in my game with Jocke it seemed we were able to sneak up on a BB to 2,000yds before engaging or being engaged.

I thought the Japanese were adept at night engagements, but I fear that was before late 42. I don't know how their ability is determined in game terms and under different moonlight conditions, but I think getting surprised on my end will be par for the course from now on against Allied radar. Considering I didn't get much opportunity for naval action prior to now, I don't know how good I may have been. At least I don't have to worry about the impact to my morale from seeing the performance of my forces deteriorate over time. I get to experience that right from the get go now that the Allies will finally fight after running for a year. [:D]

Kidding aside, so far I'm not overly confident in my ability to spank the Allies' naval assets. Too many missed opportunities already, and the Allies simply get stronger daily. With how risk adverse my opponent continues to be, every opportunity missed is another early nail in Japan's coffin.

I don't really see much of an advantage with Allied surface ships through 1944. Japan holds a distinct advantage through 44 and early 43 but better radar starts to negate that advantage. However, Japanese ships have much higher crew quality until 1944 and that pretty much evens out the Allied radar advantage.

After 1944, Allied ships start to pull ahead and I am finding that I am winning more battles, The reasons are; Allied warship crews arriving after 1/1/44 come on with very good day and night skills, Allied torpedoes are working, Allies have much better late war radar, modern Allied ships, CLs, DDs, BBs, mostly have faster rate of fire, and lastly the Fletcher class DD is far superior to all Japanese DDs because of all of the above and the fact that it has a little armor protection too.

It all seems about right to me.

I hope you are right crsutton. I'd still like to go toe to toe against the Allies for at least half of 43. [:)]

I'm not disapointed in the results of this particular action. I ran into a superior enemy SCTF and was surprised which contributed to a poor performance. I just noticed that Allied radar has led to my forces being surprised a couple of times now. Only small CL and DD TF's though with perhaps not the best Captains. I'll be much more concerned if my CA's get roughed up the first time I encounter an enemy naval force at night. Looks like there will be plenty of opportunities to find out soon enough.

Mar. 5/43:

Burma:

Numerous Allied fighter sweeps against Meiktila encounter no Japanese CAP as usual. The bombers then pound the base inflicting 1(20) infantry, 0(17) non-combat and 1(4) engineer squads lost totalling 275 casualties.

Taung Gyi is again targeted by B-24D's and damaged for 7 AB, 3 ABS and 29 Runway hits.

China:

Japanese bombers again hit the 'Horde' causing 3(40) infantry and 2(25) non-combat squads lost totalling 446 casualties.

Kunming's airbase is damaged with 6 AB, 2 ABS and 8 Runway hits.

Chinese troops near Kienko are bombed for 0(5) infantry and 0(5) non-combat squad losses totalling 59 casualties.

The 17th Chinese Corps near Neikiang is bombed for 0(17) infantry and 0(3) non-combat squad losses totalling 118 casualties. A deliberate attack by Japanese armoured units then wipes out the enemy. Chinese losses are 133(0) infantry and 79(0) non-combat squads destroyed totalling 1662 casualties.

Chungking is bombed and the base suffers 1 ABS and 7 Runway hits, while ground troops receive 0(3) infantry and 0(5) non-combat squad losses totalling 36 casualties. A WTF moment follows as a shock attack is launched against Chungking. The 5th Armoured Car Co. crosses the river and luckily survives. Losses are 4(28) vehicles. This movement was never ordered. I have units to the south of Chungking set to move N.W. into rough terrain and cross the river arriving west of the base. The AI overrode my orders, and despite a tick indicating a N.W. movement, the units were actually travelling north along the main road. This isn't the first time I've been burnt by wonky AI movement of my forces. The routine to move along the best supply route is a poor design decision in my opinion. This was a one hex move that should never have been subjected to AI interference. Luckily, I caught the 1st Army HQ before it crossed the river next turn, otherwise it might have been trashed too.

The Solomons:

Too many amphibious TF's unloading at Lunga to list, but the majority of troops have landed and disablements were relatively few today. I'm in good shape to launch the first deliberate attack tomorrow supported by heavy naval bombardment.

Miscellaneous:

Japan:

Vella Lavella expands port to size 1
Pantar expands fortifications to size 2
Hachinohe expands fortifications to size 3
Buitenzorg expands fortifications to size 4

Soryu-2 converting to D3A2 Val (This was an error on my part, but does allow an upgrade to Judy's now of which I have five)

Allied:

Cooktown expands port to size 2


Mar. 6/43:

This was a bittersweet turn to run. The battle for Lunga went better than I could ever have hoped for, but this was offset by absolute and utter frustration with the air model and how my air units are continually committed to battle in Burma. Here we go.

Burma:

I decided I would try and hit back at the Allies today in the air and what a disaster! Seeing that the Allies were targeting both Meiktila and Taung Gyi, but only sweeping against Meiktila, I sensed an opportunity. I ordered up all the LRCAP I could and specifically set Taung Gyi as the target. Well, the Allies didn't bomb Taung Gyi today and all my LRCAP was sent to Meiktila, where they were absolutely slaughtered . AAR's follow:

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Morning Air attack on Meiktila , at 58,47

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 23 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 64
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 18

Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIb Trop x 16
P-40K Warhawk x 20

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 8 destroyed, 2 damaged
Ki-45 KAIa Nick: 5 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane IIb Trop: 2 destroyed
P-40K Warhawk: 2 destroyed

CAP engaged:
1st Sentai with Ki-43-IIa Oscar (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(33 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 33 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 16000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes
21st Sentai with Ki-45 KAIa Nick (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(18 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 18 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 12000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 3 minutes
33rd Sentai with Ki-43-IIa Oscar (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(16 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 12 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 44 minutes
59th Sentai with Ki-43-IIa Oscar (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(19 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 19 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 32 minutes

Despite Tony's and Tojo's also based at Toungoo where the Nick's and some Oscar's came from, you can see not one was available for this initial sweep. Of course my Nick's being set low to interdict BOMBERS, they are committed against sweeping fighters and both the Oscar's and Nick's suffer dive after dive after dive from Allied fighters. A large follow up group of Oscar's arrived midway through the battle and guess what. They suffered dive, after dive, after dive from Allied fighters. This pretty much eliminated half my Oscar's available. Next...

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Morning Air attack on Ichiki Det. , at 58,47 (Meiktila)

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 89
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 18
Ki-61-Ia Tony x 18

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 22
Wellington Ic x 35
B-24D Liberator x 12
B-24D1 Liberator x 8
B-25C Mitchell x 29
B-25D1 Mitchell x 3
P-40K Warhawk x 9

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 2 destroyed, 5 damaged
Wellington Ic: 2 destroyed, 3 damaged
B-24D Liberator: 2 damaged
B-24D1 Liberator: 3 damaged
B-25C Mitchell: 1 destroyed, 16 damaged
B-25D1 Mitchell: 3 damaged
P-40K Warhawk: 4 destroyed

Japanese ground losses:
280 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 18 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 10 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
10 x Blenheim IV bombing from 10000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 lb GP Bomb
10 x Wellington Ic bombing from 10000 feet
Ground Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x Wellington Ic bombing from 10000 feet
Ground Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
9 x Blenheim IV bombing from 10000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 lb GP Bomb
9 x Wellington Ic bombing from 10000 feet
Ground Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
13 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 10000 feet
Ground Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 10000 feet
Ground Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 10000 feet
Ground Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
8 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 10000 feet
Ground Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 10000 feet
Ground Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing from 10000 feet
Ground Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
63rd Sentai with Ki-43-IIa Oscar (27 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(27 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
27 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 16000
Raid is overhead
27 planes vectored on to bombers
78th Sentai with Ki-61-Ia Tony (18 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(18 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
18 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
87th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (18 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(18 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
18 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 22000
Raid is overhead
203rd Sentai with Ki-43-IIa Oscar (21 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(21 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
21 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 16000
Raid is overhead
1st Sentai with Ki-43-IIa Oscar (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 14 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 16000 , scrambling fighters to 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 45 minutes
33rd Sentai with Ki-43-IIa Oscar (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 9 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 49 minutes
59th Sentai with Ki-43-IIa Oscar (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
18 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 79 minutes

Despite some decent numbers of CAP and dealing with the few escorts quickly, my planes simply could not penetrate the bomber defensive fire. The Tojo's and Tony's are next to useless bomber interceptors and are damaged and driven from the skies like chaff. The Oscar's also had a hard time despite getting a number of passes in. Not one Nick was available since they were committed earlier to get slaughtered by sweeps. Not one single additional Japanese fighter from the 1st, 33rd or 59th Sentai's joined this fight, unlike the previous sweep where my forces were reinforced. It gets worse...

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Morning Air attack on Meiktila , at 58,47

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 15 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 65
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 10
Ki-61-Ia Tony x 11

Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIb Trop x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 7 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane IIb Trop: 2 destroyed

CAP engaged:
1st Sentai with Ki-43-IIa Oscar (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 14 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 16000 , scrambling fighters to 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 21 minutes
33rd Sentai with Ki-43-IIa Oscar (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 9 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 23 minutes
59th Sentai with Ki-43-IIa Oscar (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 18 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
63rd Sentai with Ki-43-IIa Oscar (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
14 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 16000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 13 minutes
78th Sentai with Ki-61-Ia Tony (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
11 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes
87th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
10 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 22000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 186 minutes
203rd Sentai with Ki-43-IIa Oscar (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
10 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 16000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 251 minutes

The super Hurricane IIb's dove on my CAP as it was committed in chunks, with each successive wave being subjected to the dive. Despite the combat replay showing 11 Tony's actually arrive, not one actually attacked the enemy fighters. No Tojo's ever appeared. Kudo's to the Oscar's for even shooting down two Hurricanes. Layered CAP doesn't work when I'm simply dove on constantly since my better fighters at higher altitude never even commit to battle. The low flying CAP is then massacred. And the final agony, just like what happened during the previous large air battle a week ago. Ugh...

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Morning Air attack on Meiktila , at 58,47

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 15 NM, estimated altitude 22,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 42
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 10
Ki-61-Ia Tony x 11

Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIc Trop x 16
P-40K Warhawk x 84

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 16 destroyed
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 4 destroyed
Ki-61-Ia Tony: 5 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane IIc Trop: 1 destroyed
P-40K Warhawk: 2 destroyed

Aircraft Attacking:
11 x P-40K Warhawk sweeping at 20000 feet
8 x P-40K Warhawk sweeping at 20000 feet
5 x P-40K Warhawk sweeping at 20000 feet
7 x Hurricane IIc Trop sweeping at 20000 feet
6 x P-40K Warhawk sweeping at 20000 feet
9 x P-40K Warhawk sweeping at 20000 feet

CAP engaged:
1st Sentai with Ki-43-IIa Oscar (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 16000 , scrambling fighters to 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
33rd Sentai with Ki-43-IIa Oscar (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 9 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 13 minutes
59th Sentai with Ki-43-IIa Oscar (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
12 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 75 minutes
63rd Sentai with Ki-43-IIa Oscar (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 16000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 212 minutes
78th Sentai with Ki-61-Ia Tony (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 11 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000
Raid is overhead
87th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 10 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 22000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 12 minutes
203rd Sentai with Ki-43-IIa Oscar (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 10 scrambling)
Group patrol altitude is 16000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 9 minutes

Now my better fighters are committed and get creamed. I arrive in driblets and the 100 enemy fighters slaughter my best pilots and shoot down more of my CAP in the last battle of the day than I've lost in the previous three engagements put together. I'm just livid at the ridiculous way my fighter force is decimated by the final sweeps on two different occasions now. I have nothing nice to say about the air model in this game at the moment.

Why are my Nick's commited against early sweeps while the Tojo's and Tony's based at the same airfield do nothing?

Why are my best fighters committed against enemy bombers, while my planes better suited to bomber interdiction are committed against enemy sweeps?

Why do my best fighters tend to hold back and let the lower CAP get slaughtered, and then are so ineffective or don't attack at all?

Why does the last enemy sweep account for the majority of my fighter losses on the day?

Why is CAP reinforced against enemy sweeps, but not enemy bomber raids?

So far I've tried layered CAP and been slaughtered. So far I've tried large numbers and been slaughtered. Next time I set all my aircraft to 25k and see if altitude makes any difference. I think it will. I lost 120 fighters today against only 40 downed for the Allies and again the majority of my losses were suffered against the final large sweep after the bombers had been and gone. More importantly, why did any of my LRCAP interdict Meitkila when they were ordered to LRCAP Taung Gyi? 33 pilots were killed on the day.

My fighter strength in Burma is down to 25%. I'm receiving no replacements of Tojo's or Tony's as yet and the Oscar pool is now empty. My fighter force in Burma ist Kaput. Despite numbers commited that should be swamping initial Allied sweep and bomber attacks, I'm getting massacred.

Ok, now that the ugly business of the day has been addressed, let's get to the good news.

China:

Enemy troops near Kienko lose 1(18) infantry and 1(10) non-combat squads totalling 270 casualties from bombing.

Kunming's base is damaged with 3 AB and 4 Runway hits.

Chungking's defenders are bombed for 0(7) infantry and 0(1) non-combat squad losses totalling 53 casualties. The base is further damaged with 2 AB and 4 Runway hits. An artillery bombardment of Chungking follows. AV comparison is 1096 to 709 in Japan's favour. No rush here. The siege begins.

The 'Horde' is bombed and 2(12) infantry and 0(10) non-combat squads are lost totalling 231 casualties.

The great news of the day occurred in the Pacific. The naval bombardments against Lunga were effective. AAR's follow:
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Night Naval bombardment of Lunga at 114,138

Japanese Ships
BB Musashi
BB Yamato

Allied ground losses:
110 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 14 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 8 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled

BB Musashi firing at 27th Infantry Division
F1M2 Pete acting as spotter for BB Yamato
BB Yamato firing at 27th Infantry Division

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Naval bombardment of Lunga at 114,138

Japanese Ships
BB Ise
BB Yamashiro
BB Fuso

Allied ground losses:
284 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Non Combat: 6 destroyed, 30 disabled
Engineers: 3 destroyed, 4 disabled
Guns lost 5 (1 destroyed, 4 disabled)
Vehicles lost 17 (8 destroyed, 9 disabled)

Airbase hits 8
Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 8
Port hits 2

BB Ise firing at Lunga
BB Yamashiro firing at 27th Infantry Division
F1M2 Pete acting as spotter for BB Fuso
BB Fuso firing at 1st USMC Tank Battalion

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Night Naval bombardment of Lunga at 114,138

Japanese Ships
CA Kumano
CA Suzuya
CA Mogami
CL Agano

Allied ground losses:
96 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 13 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 2 disabled
Vehicles lost 2 (1 destroyed, 1 disabled)

Airbase hits 6
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 23
Port hits 8
Port supply hits 1

CA Kumano firing at 27th Infantry Division
CA Suzuya firing at Lunga
CA Mogami firing at 27th Infantry Division
CL Agano firing at Lunga

This one is for you Pax!

The deliberate attack then goes forward. AAR follows:
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Ground combat at Lunga (114,138)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 57043 troops, 639 guns, 335 vehicles, Assault Value = 2088

Defending force 12480 troops, 229 guns, 391 vehicles, Assault Value = 433

Japanese adjusted assault: 1914

Allied adjusted defense: 85

Japanese assault odds: 22 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Lunga !!!

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), disruption(-), fatigue(-), experience(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
1025 casualties reported
Squads: 8 destroyed, 90 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 8 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Vehicles lost 10 (2 destroyed, 8 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
8966 casualties reported
Squads: 504 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 1048 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 133 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 318 (318 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Vehicles lost 559 (559 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units destroyed 5

Assaulting units:
36th Infantry Regiment
3rd Infantry Regiment
48th Division
8th Tank Regiment
54th Division
30th Infantry Regiment
16th Division
2nd Division
1st Air Defense AA Battalion
17th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
15th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
20th Ind. Mtn Gun Battalion
3rd Hvy.Artillery Regiment
31st Special Base Force

Defending units:
27th Infantry Division
102nd Combat Engineer Regiment
1st USMC Tank Battalion
2nd RNZAF Base Force
XIII US Fighter Cmd

Banzai! Banzai! Banzai!

Miscellaneous:

Japan:

Japanese forces CAPTURE Lunga !!!

Tuyun expands airfield to size 3
Dili expands fortifications to size 5

Allied:

Nonouti expands airfield to size 1
Tabiteuea expands port to size 4
Vladivostok expands airfield to size 9

Thoughts:

What a relief at Lunga. Next? [:D]

Now to get my divisions off the island and ready for their next objective. No idea what that should be at this stage. I don't think I can tackle the Gilbert Islands, nor should I really want to. Ndeni is tempting, but I don't want to start going into the Southeast Pacific. I could look at invading Northern Australia. With the recent expansions there, I could severely delay a move in this theatre by capturing Darwin, Port Hedland and Broome. I also need to look at possibly reinforcing Burma further. A counterinvasion at Akyab to threaten the Allied spearhead driving thru the plains is also a possibility. I'd love to hear other's thoughts on the best use of the 5 divisions freed up after the stunning capture of Lunga.

I think the Allies will continue the safe, slow advance in the Gilbert Islands to threaten Tarawa. I will definitely reinforce Ponape and Kusaie Islands. Facilities and forts have been expanding nicely there.

Burma is where I have huge problems and I think that is where I need to focus. With Lunga falling so quickly, I can now shift back many air units to Burma. Another Tojo and two Nick Sentai's will be first. The recent Burma turkey shoot has me seeing red and I want payback against the Allies. I will look at a means of checking and crushing the Allied advance in Burma if I can. Can I possibly use the divisions freed up on Guadalacanal to achieve a strategic victory in Burma or China, while the Allies dink around in the Pacific?

Much to think about tonight and any thoughts are most welcome. I did it. I retook Guadalcanal and wiped out five Allied LCU's including a full division! Now if I could just sink some carriers or at least take a nice bite out of the Allied surface force.

Screenshots next time showing Burma and China.

CONGRATS!!
 
What a surprise that he had no forts.  But you came to the party appropriately ... 4 ID's, 3 IR's and an armor Rgmnt with arty support.  Excellent result.  He must have been building up the AF and not the forts.  Interesting.  makes you wonder about Tabi up north .... how well defended is it?  Have you had recon of it?

ORIGINAL: PaxMondo

CONGRATS!!

What a surprise that he had no forts.  But you came to the party appropriately ... 4 ID's, 3 IR's and an armor Rgmnt with arty support.  Excellent result.  He must have been building up the AF and not the forts.  Interesting.  makes you wonder about Tabi up north .... how well defended is it?  Have you had recon of it?

Thanks Pax!

I don't know if you recall the discussion earlier in the AAR about what the fort levels at Lunga might be after the Allies captured it. The fort level was 3 when I was routed out of the base, and as thought, the forts reset back to zero from changing sides due to combat. On the other hand, if the base had been abandoned the Allies would have inherited the level 3 forts. Since it's capture, the Allies were never given a chance to build up the forts. The constant naval bombardments saw to that.

The facilities were never expanded by the Allies, they remained at what I had previously built them up to, airbase level 3(5) and port 0(1). I think the key to victory were the naval bombardments. They made the difference and allowed me to first neutralize the base, then hammer the defenders constantly.

Tabiteuea is a different monster. I'm not sure if I should try to tackle it at this stage. The Allies' have been there for a long time now and I'm sure forts and troop levels are high. It's also kind of out there for me and I'd lack LBA cover. Enemy submarines would be more of a factor too since I'd lack adequate ASW ability, unlike in the Solomons. It would also entail another massive logistics shift. Perhaps the isolation strategy should be applied, rather than a direct approach, but that would entail the capture of Ndeni to be feasible in my mind. I don't really want to push into the Central and Southeast Pacific though. I risk losing naval assets for not much gain, and it still doesn't address my weaknesses in the DEI and Sumatra.

Burma is getting ugly and I must prevent a Chinese/Commonwealth link up for as long as possible. I do like the idea of an Anzio/Inchon type landing along the coast in order to try and completely cut off the Allied spearhead in Burma. It would be an absolutely bloody campaign, but could pay huge dividends if successful.

Lot's of activity at Perth lately and Northern Australia is being expanded rapidly. Something tells me the Allies may take a stab at the DEI now with so much of my strength committed in the Solomons. Comments Chickenboy recently made about the 4E's also hammered home the point that my previous thought above, to invade Northern Australia, is probably not a smart idea at this stage. Burma is showing me just how weak my air force is with PDU off, and I'd never be able to provide cover against enemy bombers in the kind of numbers and quality I'd need.

This is only a minor setback for the Allies. I'm still pretty weak in more important areas, but I want to take advantage of this victory. This was a tactical success, but I need to strike a strategic blow somewhere. I will think on things tonight and tomorrow. And again, any thoughts or ideas from you and others is most welcome. How do I best capitalize on this development?

Congrats! But do move more radars to Burma. They WILL help you in the defensive air war!