THE WAR COLLEGE-Rio Bravo (A) v. El Lobo (J)

[HansBolter]

ORIGINAL: Rio Bravo

ORIGINAL: HansBolter

Its always a good idea to bring LBA loaded on ships, preferably AKVs, to unload in support of your invasion as soon as an airfield is secured.

Bringing both fighters and anti-shipping bombers ensures your holding has both a defensive and offensive punch.

Hans-


Welcome back, I have been wondering where you have been.

Generally, I agree with you. However, with reference to Operation Sea Shark I respectfully disagree.

Until the Invasion Fleet was 360 miles away from the Marianas Islands, I didn't have a clue what El Lobo's strength in terms of aircraft and ground forces were at Saipan, Tinian, Rota, and Guam. Accordingly, nor did I have a clue how long it might take to capture an airbase nor what shape it would be when captured.

I did not want to leave precious AKVs (I only have four of them) for whom knows how long as sitting ducks for El Lobo to trash.

Further, I knew that If things went well, I could easily fly off some fighters and Dauntless Dive Bombers from the Allied Carriers. Additionally, I knew that I had planned and prepared to load and unload a CD Unit and several AA units at Saipan, Tinian,and Rota. As to Guam, a CD unit and numerous Marine Corps Defense Battalions.

Best Regards,

-Terry

If you only have 4 AKVs you have seriously overlooked available conversions or lost many of them.

I have something 10-12 of them in my current game.

I can bing in two fighter groups and a bomber group ready to fly the day the unload without depleting carrier planes.

Yes, those planes on ships are very vulnerable and warrant extreme protection, but add an important element to early build up of power.

[Rio Bravo]

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

13 carriers - but surely not all are full fledged CVs.
I don't know how much you have bled the KB air groups in the past, so its pilot quality may be pretty good or not, but your aircraft should be better.
Just avoid the 8-hex strike by moving suddenly toward him and make sure you do not have CV TFs following one another - if one reacts the others may NOT follow.
Fighters assigned by full squadron to CAP or Escort. Some low CAP, some around 12K and some around 20K.

BBfanboy-


You are correct, BB. Not all are CVs. OF the 13 Japanese Carriers spotted, 5 are CVs and 8 are CVLs.

This is the first time the Allies drew blood from the Japanese Carriers and only because Japanese Carrier Aircraft attacked Saipan and the Allies had set Carrier Fighter Aircraft Target CAP over Saipan, and LRCAP at ranges of 3 and 4.

At this time, I do not want a Naval battle with the Japanese (Carriers or Surface Combat).

My goal is to unload the troops and supply as soon as possible and get the hell out of Dodge! I want to conserve as many Combat and Surface Ships as possible for the next Operation which is to invade Formosa no later than October 1, 1943.

The Allied Carriers job is to provide cover for the unloading of troops and supply, to provide cover for the Combat surface Task Forces and the Carriers, and to escort all ships back to Pearl.

Having said that, if El Lobo wants a Carrier Battle, they won't be hard to find. Allied Carriers will sit one hex due east of Rota (hex 108,95) until all Amphibious TF Ships and all Surface Combat Ships have returned to the Invasion Fleet at hex 108,95.

Best Regards,

-Terry

[Rio Bravo]

ORIGINAL: HansBolter

ORIGINAL: Rio Bravo

ORIGINAL: HansBolter

Its always a good idea to bring LBA loaded on ships, preferably AKVs, to unload in support of your invasion as soon as an airfield is secured.

Bringing both fighters and anti-shipping bombers ensures your holding has both a defensive and offensive punch.

Hans-


Welcome back, I have been wondering where you have been.

Generally, I agree with you. However, with reference to Operation Sea Shark I respectfully disagree.

Until the Invasion Fleet was 360 miles away from the Marianas Islands, I didn't have a clue what El Lobo's strength in terms of aircraft and ground forces were at Saipan, Tinian, Rota, and Guam. Accordingly, nor did I have a clue how long it might take to capture an airbase nor what shape it would be when captured.

I did not want to leave precious AKVs (I only have four of them) for whom knows how long as sitting ducks for El Lobo to trash.

Further, I knew that If things went well, I could easily fly off some fighters and Dauntless Dive Bombers from the Allied Carriers. Additionally, I knew that I had planned and prepared to load and unload a CD Unit and several AA units at Saipan, Tinian,and Rota. As to Guam, a CD unit and numerous Marine Corps Defense Battalions.

Best Regards,

-Terry

If you only have 4 AKVs you have seriously overlooked available conversions or lost many of them.

I have something 10-12 of them in my current game.

I can bing in two fighter groups and a bomber group ready to fly the day the unload without depleting carrier planes.

Yes, those planes on ships are very vulnerable and warrant extreme protection, but add an important element to early build up of power.

Hans-


This doesn't surprise me Hans.

I have made numerous mistakes.

In fact, I was reviewing some of the mistakes I made that slowed down Operation Sea Shark's Invasion date: Needlessly losing PPs due to withdrawals of ships and aircraft, waiting for two Carriers to get to Pearl when they could have easily caught-up to the Invasion Fleet, and refueling the Invasion Fleet from the Replenishment Task Force three times.

I believe that I could have had the exact same assets involved and landed the troops on or before June 7, 1943 versus June 22, 1943. If I had done that, I would not have faced any Japanese Infantry Regiments on Guam as the Intelligence Reports advised that El Lobo commenced boarding the 124th and 144th Infantry Regiments bound for Guam during the latter part of the first week of June.

*adding to my To Do List "KV Conversions" and placing an add in the newspaper for a secretary for WITPAE*

Best Regards,

-Terry

[Lowpe]

ORIGINAL: Rio Bravo


My goal is to unload the troops and supply as soon as possible and get the hell out of Dodge! I want to conserve as many Combat and Surface Ships as possible for the next Operation which is to invade Formosa no later than October 1, 1943.

That move would catch most JFB's by surprise, I think.[X(]

[Wolfhunter107]

Interesting. Have you allocated any forces for Formosa yet, or is that waiting until you finish in the Marianas?

[Rio Bravo]

ORIGINAL: Lowpe

ORIGINAL: Rio Bravo


My goal is to unload the troops and supply as soon as possible and get the hell out of Dodge! I want to conserve as many Combat and Surface Ships as possible for the next Operation which is to invade Formosa no later than October 1, 1943.

That move would catch most JFB's by surprise, I think.[X(]

Lowpe-


I sure hope so.

Best Regards,

-Terry

[Rio Bravo]

ORIGINAL: Wolfhunter107

Interesting. Have you allocated any forces for Formosa yet, or is that waiting until you finish in the Marianas?

Wolfhunter-


Most of ground forces presently at the Marianas and fresh troops from the Mainland will invade Formosa.

I need to think on it a couple days as to which troops prep for which city on Formosa.

In a day or two I will begin prepping the troops for their respective objectives on Formosa.

Best Regards,

-Terry

[Rio Bravo]

[center]June 23, 1943[/center]



Opening Comment


The previous advisement claiming that the Japanese CV Junyo had sunk was in error.


Synopsis of Combat Events for Today


1.) An El Lobo Submarine puts a torpedo into BB Arizona.

2.) Neither the KB nor Japanese Surface Combat Ships attacked today.

3.) The Allies captured Saipan, Tinian, Rota, and Guam.

4.) The Allies didn't lose a single Walrus or Seagull today.

Attached below as a link is the entire June 23, 1943 Combat Report.


Best Regards,

-Terry

[HansBolter]

If you haven't paid close attention to conversions you have likely overlooked more than just AKVs. Lots of xAKs can convert to AKEs, AEs and AGs. On first turn I examine EVERY ship and assign upgrades. Lots of early reinforcements can also upgrade. It's important to examine each one as it arrives.

[Lowpe]

ORIGINAL: Rio Bravo

3.) The Allies captured Saipan, Tinian, Rota, and Guam.

Quite the coupe de main.

This kind of attack is very difficult for Japan to defend against...especially early when the Empire is large. Close attention needs to be paid to what the Allies are doing and with what. The kitchen sink invasions at Sumatra or Java are equally as difficult to defend against....it takes massing the entire IJN and that needs very early spotting. But more importantly, Japan has accept the fact that it will be a huge invasion early enough to counter.

[Ian R]

ORIGINAL: Rio Bravo

[center]June 23, 1943[/center]



Opening Comment


The previous advisement claiming that the Japanese CV Junyo had sunk was in error.


Synopsis of Combat Events for Today


1.) An El Lobo Submarine puts a torpedo into BB Arizona.

2.) Neither the KB nor Japanese Surface Combat Ships attacked today.

3.) The Allies captured Saipan, Tinian, Rota, and Guam.

4.) The Allies didn't lose a single Walrus or Seagull today.

Attached below as a link is the entire June 23, 1943 Combat Report.


Best Regards,

-Terry

Could you give us a screen shot of the aircraft losses for the day?

I mean ordered by highest numbers to lower.

I'm suspecting the IJ air fleet has incurred some grievous ground losses.

And that being done, I'd go after the KB right now.

I did a quick bit of mental arithmetic - ignoring bombers a long way away, he has possibly 6 x about 80 + 7 x about 40 carrier aircraft. Around 750. Minus losses, maybe 650 effectives? Trading carriers one for one now will hurt him a lot more than hurts you.

Leave the CVEs behind to cap the islands.

PS - if you have any CVEs hanging around Pearl, load up some corsairs by crane and move them within 40 hexes of Saipan, or whatever Corsair transfer range is. They can't operate shipboard, but they are supposed to be able to fly off to a land base.

Just don't put more than 5 groups on one carrier. I'm reasonably sure the 115% limit doesn't prevent the fly-offs.

[GetAssista]

ORIGINAL: Rio Bravo
4.) The Allies didn't lose a single Walrus or Seagull today.

Congratulation on the 4th! That's a rare feat and a milestone any AFB should be proud of!

More seriously, congratulations on the overwhelming success of a well executed invasion. It significantly turns the tide of war. Unfortunately, el lobo was unexpectedly thin on the ground given the importance of Marianas so we, the spectators, will be left without the excitement of prolonged fighting for the beaches. Oh, but there will be other fights to spectate, I guess

[CaptHaggard]

Gentlemen,

I too wish to congratulate Admiral Rio Bravo—Terry—for dreaming up one of the more wild-eyed wargame plans I have ever known him to concoct over the last 40-plus years that I have known him—and further, sallying through all my protestations, paranoias, mitigations and dire contingencies to achieve this success.

A typical exchange over the past months:

Me: You really should read Morison's history about the Marianas—how valuable the Marshalls were for staging... perhaps if we take those...

Terry: I'm sure they were, but I don't want the Marshalls, we've got to get the Marianas and not give Lobo any hints as to our plans.

Me: OK, well, we have Wake... for now... and that helps... but why not wait 90 days then... the end of September... we'll have much more CV support and more good amphibs...

Terry: No, I don't think so. I think he's weak out there right now. We can't get going soon enough. June 1st, Hag. I don't care what's at Pearl, it's leaving for the Marianas on June 1st.

Me: But—

Terry: Just buckle up, Hag. And get your boys ready.

There is a lot more tough fighting ahead, and another plan that is no less ambitious that this one (Formosa—straight shot).

Yes, a lot lies ahead, but for now, on this day, I salute Admiral Bravo—my friend Terry—for a brilliant victory!

Too, I also want to take this opportunity to salute our opponent, El Lobo. That guy has had zero exposure to wargames prior to this campaign, neither boardgames or computer games. He's doing an amazing job and proving himself to be a most cunning and intelligent opponent.

Cheers! And now back to work, the turn just came it...

Robert, a.k.a. Hag

[Wolfhunter107]

Jeez, the Arizona can't catch a break.

Also, congratulations on the capture of the Marianas. You managed to catch the Evil Emperor where he had his pants down, and he paid for it.

[pontiouspilot]

Good work!...I wouldn't have thought there was a snowballs chance in hell that you could sneak that freight train into the middle of what is typically his main line of defense. He really didn't seem to have much there. As discussed, I would get LBA support into the newly captured islands and let him bang KB's head on some land based air for awhile while your subs perhaps whittle around the edges. Strategically what next? I would jump straight in bed with your unsuspecting foe....I bet if he had Marianas that poorly prepped that Home Islands even less prepped. Whatcha thinkin??

[Rio Bravo]

ORIGINAL: HansBolter

If you haven't paid close attention to conversions you have likely overlooked more than just AKVs. Lots of xAKs can convert to AKEs, AEs and AGs. On first turn I examine EVERY ship and assign upgrades. Lots of early reinforcements can also upgrade. It's important to examine each one as it arrives.

Hans-


Well damn, Hans.

I did upgrade aircraft.

*chuckling*

There are so many aspects to this war to get one's head around, to not forget, to have the time to do properly.

Thanks for the information and I will try to find some time during the next week or so to start snooping some xAKs to convert to xAKVs, AKEs, and AGs.

Best Regards,

-Terry

[Rio Bravo]

ORIGINAL: Lowpe

ORIGINAL: Rio Bravo

3.) The Allies captured Saipan, Tinian, Rota, and Guam.

Quite the coupe de main.

This kind of attack is very difficult for Japan to defend against...especially early when the Empire is large. Close attention needs to be paid to what the Allies are doing and with what. The kitchen sink invasions at Sumatra or Java are equally as difficult to defend against....it takes massing the entire IJN and that needs very early spotting. But more importantly, Japan has accept the fact that it will be a huge invasion early enough to counter.

Lowpe-


I could never play this war as Japan.

I just see so many eggs and not enough chickens to protect them.

I think it is impossible for Japan to defend against so many targets.

Accordingly, I agree with your conclusion.

Best Regards,

-Terry

[Rio Bravo]

ORIGINAL: Wolfhunter107

Jeez, the Arizona can't catch a break.

Also, congratulations on the capture of the Marianas. You managed to catch the Evil Emperor where he had his pants down, and he paid for it.

Wolfhunter-


I was thinking the same thing. El Lobo doesn't attack Pearl Harbor so she escapes only to get battered at the Marianas Islands. I have 20 BBs at the Marianas Islands and the Arizona is the one that gets hammered. El Lobo put another torpedo into her today. The Arizona seems jinxed!

From reading hundreds of pages of AARs, I think most, if not all other JFBs would have been caught with their britches down too. The JFBs general belief is that concern need not be given to the Marianas until the fall of 1943 or later. Reading countless JFB AARs stating that same conclusion is what got me thinking about invading the Marianas in June of 1943.

Best Regards,

-Terry

[Rio Bravo]

ORIGINAL: Ian R

ORIGINAL: Rio Bravo

[center]June 23, 1943[/center]



Opening Comment


The previous advisement claiming that the Japanese CV Junyo had sunk was in error.


Synopsis of Combat Events for Today


1.) An El Lobo Submarine puts a torpedo into BB Arizona.

2.) Neither the KB nor Japanese Surface Combat Ships attacked today.

3.) The Allies captured Saipan, Tinian, Rota, and Guam.

4.) The Allies didn't lose a single Walrus or Seagull today.

Attached below as a link is the entire June 23, 1943 Combat Report.


Best Regards,

-Terry

Could you give us a screen shot of the aircraft losses for the day?

I mean ordered by highest numbers to lower.

I'm suspecting the IJ air fleet has incurred some grievous ground losses.

And that being done, I'd go after the KB right now.

I did a quick bit of mental arithmetic - ignoring bombers a long way away, he has possibly 6 x about 80 + 7 x about 40 carrier aircraft. Around 750. Minus losses, maybe 650 effectives? Trading carriers one for one now will hurt him a lot more than hurts you.

Leave the CVEs behind to cap the islands.

PS - if you have any CVEs hanging around Pearl, load up some corsairs by crane and move them within 40 hexes of Saipan, or whatever Corsair transfer range is. They can't operate shipboard, but they are supposed to be able to fly off to a land base.

Just don't put more than 5 groups on one carrier. I'm reasonably sure the 115% limit doesn't prevent the fly-offs.

ORIGINAL: Ian R

ORIGINAL: Rio Bravo

[center]June 23, 1943[/center]



Opening Comment


The previous advisement claiming that the Japanese CV Junyo had sunk was in error.


Synopsis of Combat Events for Today


1.) An El Lobo Submarine puts a torpedo into BB Arizona.

2.) Neither the KB nor Japanese Surface Combat Ships attacked today.

3.) The Allies captured Saipan, Tinian, Rota, and Guam.

4.) The Allies didn't lose a single Walrus or Seagull today.

Attached below as a link is the entire June 23, 1943 Combat Report.


Best Regards,

-Terry

Could you give us a screen shot of the aircraft losses for the day?

I mean ordered by highest numbers to lower.

I'm suspecting the IJ air fleet has incurred some grievous ground losses.

And that being done, I'd go after the KB right now.

I did a quick bit of mental arithmetic - ignoring bombers a long way away, he has possibly 6 x about 80 + 7 x about 40 carrier aircraft. Around 750. Minus losses, maybe 650 effectives? Trading carriers one for one now will hurt him a lot more than hurts you.

Leave the CVEs behind to cap the islands.

PS - if you have any CVEs hanging around Pearl, load up some corsairs by crane and move them within 40 hexes of Saipan, or whatever Corsair transfer range is. They can't operate shipboard, but they are supposed to be able to fly off to a land base.

Just don't put more than 5 groups on one carrier. I'm reasonably sure the 115% limit doesn't prevent the fly-offs.

Ian R-


According to the June 22, 1943 Combat Report, El Lobo's aircraft losses were as follows:

Night Naval bombardment of Saipan at 108,93

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
N1K1-J George: 8 damaged
N1K1-J George: 4 destroyed on ground
G4M1 Betty: 38 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 23 destroyed on ground
G3M3 Nell: 24 damaged
G3M3 Nell: 14 destroyed on ground
A6M5 Zero: 48 damaged
A6M5 Zero: 27 destroyed on ground
Ki-46-III Dinah: 10 damaged
Ki-46-III Dinah: 9 destroyed on ground
D4Y3 Judy: 17 damaged
D4Y3 Judy: 6 destroyed on ground
Ki-46-II Dinah: 12 damaged
Ki-46-II Dinah: 1 destroyed on ground
D3A1 Val: 12 damaged
D3A1 Val: 11 destroyed on ground
H8K2 Emily: 1 damaged
H8K2 Emily: 1 destroyed on ground
D4Y1-C Judy: 4 damaged
D4Y1-C Judy: 3 destroyed on ground
B5N2 Kate: 5 damaged
B5N2 Kate: 1 destroyed on ground
B5N1 Kate: 1 destroyed on ground

Night Naval bombardment of Tinian at 108,94

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIc Tojo: 12 damaged
Ki-44-IIc Tojo: 5 destroyed on ground


Night Naval bombardment of Guam at 106,95

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
H8K2 Emily: 5 damaged
A6M5 Zero: 18 damaged
A6M5 Zero: 6 destroyed on ground
H6K2-L Mavis: 1 damaged
H6K2-L Mavis: 1 destroyed on ground
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed on ground

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Saipan at 108,93

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zero: 24 destroyed
B6N2 Jill: 9 destroyed, 5 damaged
B6N2 Jill: 3 destroyed by flak
D4Y1 Judy: 19 destroyed, 20 damaged
D4Y1 Judy: 7 destroyed by flak

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Saipan at 108,93

Japanese aircraft losses
D4Y1 Judy: 13 destroyed

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Saipan at 108,93

Japanese aircraft losses
B6N2 Jill: 5 destroyed

I'm not sure if I took the right screen shot, but one below shows some Zero losses.

I do not want to attack with my carriers; I left most of the Dive and Torpedo Bombers at Pearl to make room to carry more fighters. I wanted to kill Japanese pilots and provide the most aircover that I could for all the ships.

Best Regards,

-Terry

[Rio Bravo]

ORIGINAL: pontiouspilot

Good work!...I wouldn't have thought there was a snowballs chance in hell that you could sneak that freight train into the middle of what is typically his main line of defense. He really didn't seem to have much there. As discussed, I would get LBA support into the newly captured islands and let him bang KB's head on some land based air for awhile while your subs perhaps whittle around the edges. Strategically what next? I would jump straight in bed with your unsuspecting foe....I bet if he had Marianas that poorly prepped that Home Islands even less prepped. Whatcha thinkin??

pontiouspilot-


Captain Haggard's submarines cleared a path from Pearl to Wake and all Allied aircraft except CAP stood down so as not to give El Lobo any hints the Invasion Fleet was launched toward the Marianas Islands.

The next Objective is Formosa. Hopefully during the month of September, 1943. I am gambling again that El Lobo will not suspect that the Allies would invade Formosa during the fall of 1943.

Best Regards,

-Terry