Islands of Destiny: RA 5.0 Japanese Side
Moderators: wdolson, MOD_War-in-the-Pacific-Admirals-Edition
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ny59giants
- Posts: 9902
- Joined: Mon Jan 10, 2005 12:02 pm
RE: January 10-16, 1942
If you are using one of the more recent beta patches, set your CS convoys up north to include coastal hexes. It adds a little more in distance, but should be safer.
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Movement
Quietly KB-2 slips into Australian waters. Vice-Admiral Yamaguchi Tamon takes his Hiryu--Soryu--Ryuho hunting...
Just a week ago a good portion of the remaining Allied Fleet was spotted. HMS Prince of Wales, several CAs, and a bunch of CLs were clearly seen and attacked by the CVEs assigned to Cover the Carnavon Landings. After departing Oosthaven, Yamaguchi orders all Attack Planes to stand down and passes up several opportunities to attack lone Allied ships in the course of his path. Now--January 17th--he orders his flight crews to action stations. His quartet of BCs and CAs prepare to launch search planes for the first time in a week.
What will he find? An empty ocean? Targets?
He has already decided if nothing is seen over the next couple of days then he shall make Port Strikes at Perth and other points. Three fat AOs have departed Koepang to feed his fuel-hungry ships.
Just a week ago a good portion of the remaining Allied Fleet was spotted. HMS Prince of Wales, several CAs, and a bunch of CLs were clearly seen and attacked by the CVEs assigned to Cover the Carnavon Landings. After departing Oosthaven, Yamaguchi orders all Attack Planes to stand down and passes up several opportunities to attack lone Allied ships in the course of his path. Now--January 17th--he orders his flight crews to action stations. His quartet of BCs and CAs prepare to launch search planes for the first time in a week.
What will he find? An empty ocean? Targets?
He has already decided if nothing is seen over the next couple of days then he shall make Port Strikes at Perth and other points. Three fat AOs have departed Koepang to feed his fuel-hungry ships.
Member: Treaty, Reluctant Admiral and Between the Storms Mod Team.
RE: January 10-16, 1942
ORIGINAL: ny59giants
If you are using one of the more recent beta patches, set your CS convoys up north to include coastal hexes. It adds a little more in distance, but should be safer.
The coastal option is there and I shall use it. Am letting the sea clear out of shipping between Hokkaido and Sakhalin for about two weeks and then shall reinstitute convoys.
I took all that shipping that was moving between the islands and rerouted it to haul one load of resources from Hokkaido to Honshu. Once they return I will thoroughly reorganize the TF Groups and get back to regular shipments.
Member: Treaty, Reluctant Admiral and Between the Storms Mod Team.
Movement
...and on the other side of the Pacific, Vc-Adm Nagumo Chuichi weighs anchor with the Kido Butai. His immediate command contains CarDiv1, CarDiv5, two CVLs, 2 BCs, 3 CAs, 1 CL, and 10 DDs. A little over a week of rest and repair have helped the ships as well as crews. He sets course for entering the Coral Sea slightly to the east of Rabaul and will then make course for Luganville and Noumea. He is hunting as well.
The concern here--of course--is the serious possibility of meeting up with the American CVs. He is the Tiger--sleek and powerful--but there is the possibility of a lion hiding in the grass. It could leap out and take a swipe at him ANYTIME...
The concern here--of course--is the serious possibility of meeting up with the American CVs. He is the Tiger--sleek and powerful--but there is the possibility of a lion hiding in the grass. It could leap out and take a swipe at him ANYTIME...
Member: Treaty, Reluctant Admiral and Between the Storms Mod Team.
New Unit: Pioneer Bn
Reluctant Admiral is premised as a Naval Enhanced Scenario where Yamamoto Isoroku gets all he wanted for the Kaigun beginning in 1939 when he becomes the Naval Minister. In several instances during his life he wrote about the need for specialized naval units that could help in the building of bases. In those writings he correctly foresaw what the war would become .
FatR and I tried to be as realistic as possible in drawing up RA so we knew that manpower is at an absolute premium for Japan. In many cases we took established units and simply rearranged them (EX: the SNLF Assault Brigades being made up of 3 original SNLF units) or we took a normal unit and added to it (the Naval Guard units + CD = Atoll Defense Units). In some cases we created all new units that are very small. Here is an example of one. This is the Japanese Pioneer Battalion. It reflects Yamamoto's desire for base-building but also the woeful Japanese industry. I believe that the Japanese player gets six (or eight) of these small units during the game to help with base construction. Every unit has some fighting ability. These units don't add much to the OOB but all Japanese players will use ANYTHING they can get!
As more of these unique RA units arrive I'll make a screenshot with the unit and a few comments.
FatR and I tried to be as realistic as possible in drawing up RA so we knew that manpower is at an absolute premium for Japan. In many cases we took established units and simply rearranged them (EX: the SNLF Assault Brigades being made up of 3 original SNLF units) or we took a normal unit and added to it (the Naval Guard units + CD = Atoll Defense Units). In some cases we created all new units that are very small. Here is an example of one. This is the Japanese Pioneer Battalion. It reflects Yamamoto's desire for base-building but also the woeful Japanese industry. I believe that the Japanese player gets six (or eight) of these small units during the game to help with base construction. Every unit has some fighting ability. These units don't add much to the OOB but all Japanese players will use ANYTHING they can get!
As more of these unique RA units arrive I'll make a screenshot with the unit and a few comments.
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Member: Treaty, Reluctant Admiral and Between the Storms Mod Team.
January 19, 1942
Status Report
KB
Nagumo swings his CVs east running the northern edge of the Solomons. He is not spotted. Shipping has been reported in the Luganville--Noumea--Suva area. This is his target area to begin operations. He figures 3 days to launch operations.
KB-2
Yamaguchi spots nothing on the 18th or 19th and--more importantly-- his TF is not spotted. Tomorrow CarDiv2 will launch an afternoon Port Attack with their Kates at Perth while Ryuho does same with Albany. We'll see if this shakes anything from the trees...
KB
Nagumo swings his CVs east running the northern edge of the Solomons. He is not spotted. Shipping has been reported in the Luganville--Noumea--Suva area. This is his target area to begin operations. He figures 3 days to launch operations.
KB-2
Yamaguchi spots nothing on the 18th or 19th and--more importantly-- his TF is not spotted. Tomorrow CarDiv2 will launch an afternoon Port Attack with their Kates at Perth while Ryuho does same with Albany. We'll see if this shakes anything from the trees...
Member: Treaty, Reluctant Admiral and Between the Storms Mod Team.
January 17-29, 1942
Combat Report
January 17-29, 1942
A dangerous sense of frustration is building within Japan's War Cabinet. While still moving at a good pace, the war is not COOPERATING for Japan's benefit. Allied shipping has--SEEMINGLY--disappeared throughout the entire Pacific and Indian Oceans. Japan's SS work the sealanes and operate near what should be busy Ports to find NOTHING. Her two CV TF prowl the seas and find NOTHING. The Imperial Japanese Army--SEEMINGLY--cannot find its own A** and manage to launch a strong attack upon any Allied unit at any major point of the compass (Singapore and Clark).
It feels like January 1942 has been pissed away and THIS is not a GOOD feeling to have as Japan.
The fact that I haven't updated over a period of 12 turns REALLY tells you how boring and utterly uneventful the turns have been.
North Pacific
Troops ashore and engineers digging. He has a small set of Allied DDs operating up here. We shall lay a trap by taking a CA up north to dish out a little pain. Currently there are 8 old DDs working the Kaigun's Will.
Central Pacific
Calm and Boring
South Pacific
A pair of Jaliut-based Raiding TF sweep into Suva and Pago Pago and find nothing. CA Furutaka manages to waltz over S-27 and take a PAIR of TTs near Suva on the 23rd. By some miracle of the Goddess, the old CA sits calmly at 22 SYS and 70 Flot and DOES NOT SINK! She makes it to Vaitupu on the 27th where she disbands in Port where an element of the 4th Fleet HQ waits and an AR arrives on the 29th to help.
KB swings in towards NZ and is not spotted until reaching striking range from Auckland and Wellington on the 27th. Air Search finds nothing and so a Port Strike is planned for both of the above-mentioned targets, however, bad weather stops the Wellington Strikes on both days. Auckland is hit by approx. 45 Zero and 61 Kate each day the Allies lose an AMc, 2 AK, and an AP. Not much. Only good out of this is no planes are lost. Spot some shipping to the east of NZ and move KB that direction on the 29th. If there is no luck on the 30th then the fleet will move north and meet-up with its 4 large AOs (protected by a CL and 3 DD) and then move to attack Sydney.
Take Buna with an Inf Reg (South Seas Force) and add the 14th ID. We'll take Port Moresby by crossing the mountains.
Grab Milne Bay and Terapo to cut PM off from the rest of the world.
Philippines
Manila fell soooooooo easily and we got 11 units to surrender that led me to think this might be fairly easy and quick. NOT! The army cannot coordinate an attack at Clark. Over 100 Bombers are hitting the AF and occasionally the troops and there have been three attacks. We haven't come close to a 1-1 result. Forts sit at ONE but we cannot accomplish anything. The stacking limits precludes me from a 3 Inf Div attack so we're trying to juggle units to find the magic combination.
Am grabbing the bases in the Central Philippines.
Australia
The 90th Inf Reg continues its move eastward towards Katherine. Nookbanah falls the 24th.
Corunna Downs is taken by a SNLF Assault Brigade on the 17th. That Brigade is then lifted and sent to reinforce the Carnavon units that are moving south towards Geraldton.
The enemy is driven out of the two hexes directly south of Carnavon as pressure is exerted to move towards Geraldton.
KB-2 moves into the sea area SW of Perth for little to no results. Port Strikes are flown against several target for no results. Give up and recall the CVs on the 25th. They refuel on the 27th at Exmouth and then set course for Oosthaven. Perhaps we'll try the Indian Ocean...
Java
The 4th ID moves to Batavia but is so tired from its successful attacks at Palembang and Cocos that it cannot take Batavia by itself.
Two Brigades move along the southern side of Java and take Bandoeng on the 28th. One heads due north to cutoff the Batavia troops and the other heads east along the coast.
Borneo
The 56th ID rests for a week at Balikpapan until the 2nd ID arrives. It then moves out to take Bandjermasin. That landing will occur on the 30th. Need this place for LR CAP prior to the eastern Java Landing. Once Bandjermasin Falls then the 2nd ID will head for the eastern tip of Java and make an Assault Landing. 56th will join-up a few days later.
Little Allied air activity here. Two of the A-24 Squadrons fly out of Makassar for a couple of days and then disappear. Move recon birds into Balikpapan and Koepang and initiate recon of the remaining bases in this region. Is it possible that these planes are cutoff and cannot get home? Doubt it but want to find and kill them.
Malaya
TOTAL FRUSTRATION. The 3 Inf Div make their assault crossing and--for some unexplained reason--Imperial Guards losing 50% of its combat strength! Don't know why but it happens. Two full ID plus a mauled one isn't enough to take the place. NEAT! Nearly 150 bombers are hitting this place daily.
Sumatra
Looking good here. Four TK Reg are steadily driving north up through the center of the landmass.
Pick-up the 21st Brigade from Benkoelen and deposit it at Sabang on the 25th. Take the base on the 26th. NICE!
Bring a set of warships around Sumatra, bombard Port Blair, and then move to the west coast of Malaya. Pick-up an Inf Reg and place it on the east coast of Sumatra to hasten the movement here.
Burma
A single TK Reg and an Inf Reg take southern Burma! BANZAI! (Translation: Dan evacuates and gives it to Japan for free) If he has decided to put up even a rearguard action, my troops would still be on the outskirts of Moulmein. I'll gladly take this positive.
China
The Central Plains are stabilized west of Loyang and Chengchow. An actual line has been created between the two forces stretching from the road north of the river down towards Ichang. No complaints here. There are, however, BUNCHES of Chinese up here so I reinforce Loyang, Nanchang, and Chenchow with additional Inf Brigades to create a reserve of sorts.
The Changsha Area continues to be of interest. I am building up troops SW of Ichang. More Inf Div are forming a line just East--SE of Changsha. I have made several useless attacks here to keep him thinking I am coming right up the center. NOT! Four Inf Div and support troops will crossover to the west and coordinate the attack from SW of Inchang. Once we succeed with these attacks the troops will drive to cut off the Chinese. Doubt if it will work but I am TRYING to channel Guderian here! [:'(] To that end I have 4 TK Reg and several smaller Recon units gathering for the moment to release them...
SS Ops
01-22 I-1 AK Dardanus SUNK near Waipapauri, NZ
01-23 I-1 TK Falkefjell SUNK near Auckland
Lose Ro-62 due to mines at Midway.
Allied SS Ops continue to go frighteningly well. Lose a DMS, an AK, and an AKL. Have damaged AS Chogei, CL Natori, and CA Furutaka.
Engineering
01-19 Mukden AF-7
01-20 Sinyang AF-3
01-21 Cocos AF-1
01-23 Lae AF-2, Oosthaven AF-3
01-25 Jehol AF-7
01-27 Harbin AF-7
01-29 Sapporo Pt-6, Nagasaki AF-6
Reinforcements
Buy out the 6th ID from China for only 1,000 Political Points! The unit had had two bad attacks near Changsha and I took it out of the line and then bought it. The ID reached Shanghai on the 25th and is now resting and rebuilding its strength. Will send it to Rabaul about mid-February.
Next unit to buy will be the Imperial Guards Brigade in Tokyo.
The 14th ID, 6th ID, and Imp Guards Brig will form my Eastern Australia Invasion Force. They shall all be under the command of Combined Fleet.
January 17-29, 1942
A dangerous sense of frustration is building within Japan's War Cabinet. While still moving at a good pace, the war is not COOPERATING for Japan's benefit. Allied shipping has--SEEMINGLY--disappeared throughout the entire Pacific and Indian Oceans. Japan's SS work the sealanes and operate near what should be busy Ports to find NOTHING. Her two CV TF prowl the seas and find NOTHING. The Imperial Japanese Army--SEEMINGLY--cannot find its own A** and manage to launch a strong attack upon any Allied unit at any major point of the compass (Singapore and Clark).
It feels like January 1942 has been pissed away and THIS is not a GOOD feeling to have as Japan.
The fact that I haven't updated over a period of 12 turns REALLY tells you how boring and utterly uneventful the turns have been.
North Pacific
Troops ashore and engineers digging. He has a small set of Allied DDs operating up here. We shall lay a trap by taking a CA up north to dish out a little pain. Currently there are 8 old DDs working the Kaigun's Will.
Central Pacific
Calm and Boring
South Pacific
A pair of Jaliut-based Raiding TF sweep into Suva and Pago Pago and find nothing. CA Furutaka manages to waltz over S-27 and take a PAIR of TTs near Suva on the 23rd. By some miracle of the Goddess, the old CA sits calmly at 22 SYS and 70 Flot and DOES NOT SINK! She makes it to Vaitupu on the 27th where she disbands in Port where an element of the 4th Fleet HQ waits and an AR arrives on the 29th to help.
KB swings in towards NZ and is not spotted until reaching striking range from Auckland and Wellington on the 27th. Air Search finds nothing and so a Port Strike is planned for both of the above-mentioned targets, however, bad weather stops the Wellington Strikes on both days. Auckland is hit by approx. 45 Zero and 61 Kate each day the Allies lose an AMc, 2 AK, and an AP. Not much. Only good out of this is no planes are lost. Spot some shipping to the east of NZ and move KB that direction on the 29th. If there is no luck on the 30th then the fleet will move north and meet-up with its 4 large AOs (protected by a CL and 3 DD) and then move to attack Sydney.
Take Buna with an Inf Reg (South Seas Force) and add the 14th ID. We'll take Port Moresby by crossing the mountains.
Grab Milne Bay and Terapo to cut PM off from the rest of the world.
Philippines
Manila fell soooooooo easily and we got 11 units to surrender that led me to think this might be fairly easy and quick. NOT! The army cannot coordinate an attack at Clark. Over 100 Bombers are hitting the AF and occasionally the troops and there have been three attacks. We haven't come close to a 1-1 result. Forts sit at ONE but we cannot accomplish anything. The stacking limits precludes me from a 3 Inf Div attack so we're trying to juggle units to find the magic combination.
Am grabbing the bases in the Central Philippines.
Australia
The 90th Inf Reg continues its move eastward towards Katherine. Nookbanah falls the 24th.
Corunna Downs is taken by a SNLF Assault Brigade on the 17th. That Brigade is then lifted and sent to reinforce the Carnavon units that are moving south towards Geraldton.
The enemy is driven out of the two hexes directly south of Carnavon as pressure is exerted to move towards Geraldton.
KB-2 moves into the sea area SW of Perth for little to no results. Port Strikes are flown against several target for no results. Give up and recall the CVs on the 25th. They refuel on the 27th at Exmouth and then set course for Oosthaven. Perhaps we'll try the Indian Ocean...
Java
The 4th ID moves to Batavia but is so tired from its successful attacks at Palembang and Cocos that it cannot take Batavia by itself.
Two Brigades move along the southern side of Java and take Bandoeng on the 28th. One heads due north to cutoff the Batavia troops and the other heads east along the coast.
Borneo
The 56th ID rests for a week at Balikpapan until the 2nd ID arrives. It then moves out to take Bandjermasin. That landing will occur on the 30th. Need this place for LR CAP prior to the eastern Java Landing. Once Bandjermasin Falls then the 2nd ID will head for the eastern tip of Java and make an Assault Landing. 56th will join-up a few days later.
Little Allied air activity here. Two of the A-24 Squadrons fly out of Makassar for a couple of days and then disappear. Move recon birds into Balikpapan and Koepang and initiate recon of the remaining bases in this region. Is it possible that these planes are cutoff and cannot get home? Doubt it but want to find and kill them.
Malaya
TOTAL FRUSTRATION. The 3 Inf Div make their assault crossing and--for some unexplained reason--Imperial Guards losing 50% of its combat strength! Don't know why but it happens. Two full ID plus a mauled one isn't enough to take the place. NEAT! Nearly 150 bombers are hitting this place daily.
Sumatra
Looking good here. Four TK Reg are steadily driving north up through the center of the landmass.
Pick-up the 21st Brigade from Benkoelen and deposit it at Sabang on the 25th. Take the base on the 26th. NICE!
Bring a set of warships around Sumatra, bombard Port Blair, and then move to the west coast of Malaya. Pick-up an Inf Reg and place it on the east coast of Sumatra to hasten the movement here.
Burma
A single TK Reg and an Inf Reg take southern Burma! BANZAI! (Translation: Dan evacuates and gives it to Japan for free) If he has decided to put up even a rearguard action, my troops would still be on the outskirts of Moulmein. I'll gladly take this positive.
China
The Central Plains are stabilized west of Loyang and Chengchow. An actual line has been created between the two forces stretching from the road north of the river down towards Ichang. No complaints here. There are, however, BUNCHES of Chinese up here so I reinforce Loyang, Nanchang, and Chenchow with additional Inf Brigades to create a reserve of sorts.
The Changsha Area continues to be of interest. I am building up troops SW of Ichang. More Inf Div are forming a line just East--SE of Changsha. I have made several useless attacks here to keep him thinking I am coming right up the center. NOT! Four Inf Div and support troops will crossover to the west and coordinate the attack from SW of Inchang. Once we succeed with these attacks the troops will drive to cut off the Chinese. Doubt if it will work but I am TRYING to channel Guderian here! [:'(] To that end I have 4 TK Reg and several smaller Recon units gathering for the moment to release them...
SS Ops
01-22 I-1 AK Dardanus SUNK near Waipapauri, NZ
01-23 I-1 TK Falkefjell SUNK near Auckland
Lose Ro-62 due to mines at Midway.
Allied SS Ops continue to go frighteningly well. Lose a DMS, an AK, and an AKL. Have damaged AS Chogei, CL Natori, and CA Furutaka.
Engineering
01-19 Mukden AF-7
01-20 Sinyang AF-3
01-21 Cocos AF-1
01-23 Lae AF-2, Oosthaven AF-3
01-25 Jehol AF-7
01-27 Harbin AF-7
01-29 Sapporo Pt-6, Nagasaki AF-6
Reinforcements
Buy out the 6th ID from China for only 1,000 Political Points! The unit had had two bad attacks near Changsha and I took it out of the line and then bought it. The ID reached Shanghai on the 25th and is now resting and rebuilding its strength. Will send it to Rabaul about mid-February.
Next unit to buy will be the Imperial Guards Brigade in Tokyo.
The 14th ID, 6th ID, and Imp Guards Brig will form my Eastern Australia Invasion Force. They shall all be under the command of Combined Fleet.
Member: Treaty, Reluctant Admiral and Between the Storms Mod Team.
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ny59giants
- Posts: 9902
- Joined: Mon Jan 10, 2005 12:02 pm
RE: January 17-29, 1942
Allied reinforcements come in big about twice per month. The 1st and the 15th give or take a few days. The first big one is Jan 15th.
Don't forget that Dan is very paranoid about India. He will send troops to Eastern USA and then to Cape Town to await PPs to buy out for India. Thus, some high endurance subs to west of both Bombay and Karachi. Most of my Allied TFs this early get two escorts in this theater (shortage of them). Another group of subs to get ships coming towards Karachi from Aden (place near the eastern most exit hex). I would probably home port at least 12 to 15 subs from Georgetown, Malaya.
Don't forget that Dan is very paranoid about India. He will send troops to Eastern USA and then to Cape Town to await PPs to buy out for India. Thus, some high endurance subs to west of both Bombay and Karachi. Most of my Allied TFs this early get two escorts in this theater (shortage of them). Another group of subs to get ships coming towards Karachi from Aden (place near the eastern most exit hex). I would probably home port at least 12 to 15 subs from Georgetown, Malaya.
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RE: January 17-29, 1942
Malaya
TOTAL FRUSTRATION. The 3 Inf Div make their assault crossing and--for some unexplained reason--Imperial Guards losing 50% of its combat strength! Don't know why but it happens. Two full ID plus a mauled one isn't enough to take the place. NEAT! Nearly 150 bombers are hitting this place daily.
What does he have there? What level are the forts?
Seems like you'll need a lot more here if these units were so mauled. Will you hold on OZ plans until you get Singers or go forward there?
"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm." - Winston Churchill
RE: January 17-29, 1942
In both areas Forts are only at 1. It shouldn't take MUCH to grab them! This is why I am sooooo frustrated at the moment.
I cannot launch the Phase Two Operations until I have EITHER Sing OR Manila. It is unsettling...
I cannot launch the Phase Two Operations until I have EITHER Sing OR Manila. It is unsettling...
Member: Treaty, Reluctant Admiral and Between the Storms Mod Team.
Pondering...
OK. First I would like to know exactly who is reading the AAR? Would like to know who is on the 'team' before I get too carried away with a Strategic Conference.
Have done some serious thinking regarding the stubborn Allied Resistance at Singers and Clark and am pondering the overall Strategic Plan set at the start of the war.
Immediate Thoughts:
1. I've kept the KB within visual range of NZ for nearly a week. Have done this to lend credence to an all-out assault on Australia and/or a takeover of New Zealand. Time to bring the TF home to Truk and then ???
2. KB-2 is nearly to Oosthaven. It will refuel and move on to raid the IO and check out what my opponent might be doing around the Diego Garcia area. Once that mission is done it shall return to Java and re-organize.
3. The 56th ID just landed and took Bandjermasin. The 2nd ID is loading and will grab Makassar in a few days. The two of them will then join (under the CVE's CAP) and land in eastern Java. Want Java taken by Feb 15th.
4. Must own up to reality that Singapore needs another ID to help what is already there bring home the surrender. Am pulling another ID from Luzon to buttress the Singapore Offensive. Target Feb 15th for the end of that campaign as well.
5. This will leave the Philippines as a rear-guard action area.
Dan's two favorite areas of work is up north in the Aleutians and the India--Burma area. He KNOWS how aggressive I am and is sure that I shall swing for the fences somewhere. Might it totally flummox him if I didn't? Could take Northwest, West, and Northeast Australia and then SIT and dig-in. This goes contrary to what my initial plans were but I am now thinking about it. The hang-ups with Clark and Singapore is what has caused this thinking change. I've already got 3 ID TRASHED. They will need time to rebuild. What sort of units will be trashed in taking these two bases in the next few weeks? Simple reality is the tick-tock of the clock and the Invasion Bonus.
My mind keeps heading back up North on the map. It is a LONG WAY away from everything currently going on and the deep Japanese commitment to the DEI. Don't know why but I think he might come that way again. Am already working on the Kuriles for defense. I'm getting ready to lift the Kawafuto Brigade to Attu or Adak to strengthen the troops there. Have got several more Construction units about to come in that are detailed to move to these islands. Am getting ready to move Search Planes (Emily and Jake) to starting 'looking' around. Have a group of 6 I-Boats headed to Attu to operate from the base there.
First wave of major reinforcements are about to arrive for the Fleet. I've got Yamato, Junyo, and Nisshin all due within 26 days. These additions shall necessitate a shuffling of the Fleet. Nisshin will join KB raising my total to 4 CV and 3 CVL. Have decided to make the CVLs into total CAP CVs. Will expand their 18 Zero units out to 27-30. The kates will be pulled off and expanded out to 27 as well and shall then be used from ground bases. Junyo will join CarDiv2 (Hiryu--Soryu--Ryuho) whereupon I shall pull CarDiv2 and send it to the Big Boys. This will leave two medium CVs and 2 CVEs to be active in the DEI--IO. This decision comes from the memory of Dan loving to operate his CVs together. Logically he now has 4 with a 5th one due soon. If we clash, I want KB to be 6 CV and 3 CVL. This should be enough to crush the American Fleet and provide some hope of non-catastrophic losses to the Japanese...
The above entry is me simply pondering life, my opponent, and the game. Comments and/or thoughts???
Have done some serious thinking regarding the stubborn Allied Resistance at Singers and Clark and am pondering the overall Strategic Plan set at the start of the war.
Immediate Thoughts:
1. I've kept the KB within visual range of NZ for nearly a week. Have done this to lend credence to an all-out assault on Australia and/or a takeover of New Zealand. Time to bring the TF home to Truk and then ???
2. KB-2 is nearly to Oosthaven. It will refuel and move on to raid the IO and check out what my opponent might be doing around the Diego Garcia area. Once that mission is done it shall return to Java and re-organize.
3. The 56th ID just landed and took Bandjermasin. The 2nd ID is loading and will grab Makassar in a few days. The two of them will then join (under the CVE's CAP) and land in eastern Java. Want Java taken by Feb 15th.
4. Must own up to reality that Singapore needs another ID to help what is already there bring home the surrender. Am pulling another ID from Luzon to buttress the Singapore Offensive. Target Feb 15th for the end of that campaign as well.
5. This will leave the Philippines as a rear-guard action area.
Dan's two favorite areas of work is up north in the Aleutians and the India--Burma area. He KNOWS how aggressive I am and is sure that I shall swing for the fences somewhere. Might it totally flummox him if I didn't? Could take Northwest, West, and Northeast Australia and then SIT and dig-in. This goes contrary to what my initial plans were but I am now thinking about it. The hang-ups with Clark and Singapore is what has caused this thinking change. I've already got 3 ID TRASHED. They will need time to rebuild. What sort of units will be trashed in taking these two bases in the next few weeks? Simple reality is the tick-tock of the clock and the Invasion Bonus.
My mind keeps heading back up North on the map. It is a LONG WAY away from everything currently going on and the deep Japanese commitment to the DEI. Don't know why but I think he might come that way again. Am already working on the Kuriles for defense. I'm getting ready to lift the Kawafuto Brigade to Attu or Adak to strengthen the troops there. Have got several more Construction units about to come in that are detailed to move to these islands. Am getting ready to move Search Planes (Emily and Jake) to starting 'looking' around. Have a group of 6 I-Boats headed to Attu to operate from the base there.
First wave of major reinforcements are about to arrive for the Fleet. I've got Yamato, Junyo, and Nisshin all due within 26 days. These additions shall necessitate a shuffling of the Fleet. Nisshin will join KB raising my total to 4 CV and 3 CVL. Have decided to make the CVLs into total CAP CVs. Will expand their 18 Zero units out to 27-30. The kates will be pulled off and expanded out to 27 as well and shall then be used from ground bases. Junyo will join CarDiv2 (Hiryu--Soryu--Ryuho) whereupon I shall pull CarDiv2 and send it to the Big Boys. This will leave two medium CVs and 2 CVEs to be active in the DEI--IO. This decision comes from the memory of Dan loving to operate his CVs together. Logically he now has 4 with a 5th one due soon. If we clash, I want KB to be 6 CV and 3 CVL. This should be enough to crush the American Fleet and provide some hope of non-catastrophic losses to the Japanese...
The above entry is me simply pondering life, my opponent, and the game. Comments and/or thoughts???
Member: Treaty, Reluctant Admiral and Between the Storms Mod Team.
Pondering...
Forgot to add CHINA. Am going to make a real, serious play here in the Changsha Region. Don't know if it will accomplish anything but we shall throw everything into an assault designed to take those 4-5 cities in that area.
Member: Treaty, Reluctant Admiral and Between the Storms Mod Team.
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ny59giants
- Posts: 9902
- Joined: Mon Jan 10, 2005 12:02 pm
RE: Pondering...
OK. First I would like to know exactly who is reading the AAR? Would like to know who is on the 'team' before I get too carried away with a Strategic Conference.
Not me! [;)]
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[/center]RE: Pondering...
ORIGINAL: John 3rd
OK. First I would like to know exactly who is reading the AAR? Would like to know who is on the 'team' before I get too carried away with a Strategic Conference.
I'm following this epic match as well. You have a nice style writing AARs, it is always a great read. I now need to read up on your thoughts first, though! [;)]
Seems your luck in this match doesn't hold up this time... Actually what your saying sounds very reasonable. I'd also rather detach another ID to clean up Singapore than to risk a prolonged struggle there. The makes the IO comparably safe and a good choice for naval battles for him as long as your direct route via Singapore is blocked and you don't own Port Blair yet I would think.
The invasion bonus, time is running... but I think with 3 ID hurt somewhat it is too early to abandon offensive ambitions? If you slow or turtle up, you'll not encourage Dan to make any mistakes, or even bring his CV for a party. You'd just offer him the chance to rebuilt and prepare unmolested. Guessing from what I saw in past AAR from him, I'd expect him to try some counterattack -- perhaps your guess with the Aleutians might be right, but also the SEPac region with Brisbane and Melbourne nearby would be suitable for that? That AO would have the added benefit of being far away from your home islands and yards.
If you wanted to gamble, you could place two fast CA with some Asashios or Kageros on Hokkaido. In worst case they'll be lost for action down south gathering dust there. But they could easily cause trouble if Dan tries something half-heatedly in that area.
Raiding the IO with a CV force makes sense, it will at least make it more difficult or risky for Dan to get his reinforcements to Karachi. If nothing, this will possibly gain a you a little more time before Dan could start a serious campaign from that direction. Your experience with Dan keeping together his CV would make me go about very cautiously in this theater while they are not detected though...
Pondering...
janh: Will comment to your Post when I get home from work.
Did our morning turn. My mind chewed on the above Post last night and I have decided to reinforce the Aleutians. It is the LOGICAL place for an early fight.
Orders go out:
1. The 4 Mogami-Class CAs with 6 DDs are ordered to Kobe.
2. Two CLs, 3 DDs, and several APs carrying 4 Construction Bn are redirected to Attu.
3. APs are already nearing Sakhalin to grab the Kawafuto Brigade. This was already in the works.
4. Reinforce the 6 I-Boats already en route with 6 more returning from West Coast duty.
5. KB-1 now returning from the NZ Diversion.
6. Moving aircraft up to Hokkaido and then on to Paramushiro Jima. Initial plans are for a Daitai and Chutai of Zeros, ditto Nells, and 2 Chutai of Air Search Planes.
Got to work...
Did our morning turn. My mind chewed on the above Post last night and I have decided to reinforce the Aleutians. It is the LOGICAL place for an early fight.
Orders go out:
1. The 4 Mogami-Class CAs with 6 DDs are ordered to Kobe.
2. Two CLs, 3 DDs, and several APs carrying 4 Construction Bn are redirected to Attu.
3. APs are already nearing Sakhalin to grab the Kawafuto Brigade. This was already in the works.
4. Reinforce the 6 I-Boats already en route with 6 more returning from West Coast duty.
5. KB-1 now returning from the NZ Diversion.
6. Moving aircraft up to Hokkaido and then on to Paramushiro Jima. Initial plans are for a Daitai and Chutai of Zeros, ditto Nells, and 2 Chutai of Air Search Planes.
Got to work...
Member: Treaty, Reluctant Admiral and Between the Storms Mod Team.
RE: Pondering...
ORIGINAL: ny59giants
OK. First I would like to know exactly who is reading the AAR? Would like to know who is on the 'team' before I get too carried away with a Strategic Conference.
Not me! [;)]
I'm not there either...
formerly known as SoliInvictus202
RE: Pondering...
ORIGINAL: MAurelius
ORIGINAL: ny59giants
OK. First I would like to know exactly who is reading the AAR? Would like to know who is on the 'team' before I get too carried away with a Strategic Conference.
Not me! [;)]
I'm not there either...
Well...I KNEW you were not there..EVER!
Member: Treaty, Reluctant Admiral and Between the Storms Mod Team.
Pondering...
We only got one turn in today.
My work schedule is really kicking my A**. For those who have been involved in my life events over the last 5-6 years you might find the changes amazing. Pretty nuts. Life is SOOOOOOOOOO unpredictable. Am now managing my store here in little ole La Salle. Means about 15 more hours a week to the schedule book. Neat!
Am seriously looking at getting back into Community College education so this is a GREAT development.
My eldest turns NINE next week. How is that possible?
Major Fleet redeployment underway as I work to begin a top-to-bottom reorganization. Ships moving hither and yon.
Had a very STRANGE thing happen. For no apparent reason the Imperial Guards showed launching a Shock Attack on Singapore. I about keeled over when I saw it come up on the screen. LAST thing that 50% strength ID needs to do. Turn finishes and I pull things up. RESULT: No change to the ID. Same strength as the previous turn. WEIRD...
Attacked Clark with 3 ID on January 31st. There are no Forts there. Got a 1-2 and lost 3,500 men. My army is BROKEN! Can someone send me an army that works?
My work schedule is really kicking my A**. For those who have been involved in my life events over the last 5-6 years you might find the changes amazing. Pretty nuts. Life is SOOOOOOOOOO unpredictable. Am now managing my store here in little ole La Salle. Means about 15 more hours a week to the schedule book. Neat!
Am seriously looking at getting back into Community College education so this is a GREAT development.My eldest turns NINE next week. How is that possible?
Major Fleet redeployment underway as I work to begin a top-to-bottom reorganization. Ships moving hither and yon.
Had a very STRANGE thing happen. For no apparent reason the Imperial Guards showed launching a Shock Attack on Singapore. I about keeled over when I saw it come up on the screen. LAST thing that 50% strength ID needs to do. Turn finishes and I pull things up. RESULT: No change to the ID. Same strength as the previous turn. WEIRD...
Attacked Clark with 3 ID on January 31st. There are no Forts there. Got a 1-2 and lost 3,500 men. My army is BROKEN! Can someone send me an army that works?
Member: Treaty, Reluctant Admiral and Between the Storms Mod Team.
-
ny59giants
- Posts: 9902
- Joined: Mon Jan 10, 2005 12:02 pm
RE: Pondering...
Attacked Clark with 3 ID on January 31st. There are no Forts there. Got a 1-2 and lost 3,500 men. My army is BROKEN!
Before your trip to Kansas, I mentioned teaming up your four non-restricted Command HQs with your four Army/Corp HQs. Did that happen here?? You will need to pull out that shattered division(s) to Manila where I would have placed a Command HQ. Break it down to combat commands and assign good leaders to speed up rebuilding time.
It seems that you have not kept the tip of the spear very sharp. Not enough to overwhelm either Manila or Singapore. If he is down to just Clark and Bataan on Luzon, then leave a full, or close to full division at Clark with the 65 Bde to lay siege and just bomb his AFs to destroy supply. Get these two bases later. You have known that Singapore is the key and pushing down the peninsula with three divisions is probably enough, but you need a fourth and maybe a fifth division to take Singapore.
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[/center]RE: Pondering...
The problem I am having with Clark is that the stacking limit is only 40,000. The 3 ID took that number to just over 43,000.
Already shifting troops to Singers. The 21st got orders to move from Luzon. It is headed to Naga where I have APs about to arrive. There will be no more attacks here until I get that extra Inf Div. Might add the 2nd as well. As Michael mentions, Command HQs are everything. I have the 25th Army and Southern Army HQ dealing with Singapore.
I promised to respond to janh's comments:
The invasion bonus, time is running... but I think with 3 ID hurt somewhat it is too early to abandon offensive ambitions? If you slow or turtle up, you'll not encourage Dan to make any mistakes, or even bring his CV for a party. You'd just offer him the chance to rebuilt and prepare unmolested. Guessing from what I saw in past AAR from him, I'd expect him to try some counterattack -- perhaps your guess with the Aleutians might be right, but also the SEPac region with Brisbane and Melbourne nearby would be suitable for that? That AO would have the added benefit of being far away from your home islands and yards.
If you wanted to gamble, you could place two fast CA with some Asashios or Kageros on Hokkaido. In worst case they'll be lost for action down south gathering dust there. But they could easily cause trouble if Dan tries something half-heatedly in that area.
I have not yet decided to cancel the larger plans. Have exactly ONE month to right the boat. If February is a SNAFU like January then I am well and truly screwed so we want to AVOID that!
OPPORTUNITY:
1. Cocos netted a nice bag of troops one normally doesn't get in the opening months. Port Blair now provides the same opportunity. Dan moved 4-5 units into that location before I closed it down. Recon consistently shows 8 units based there. The target has been under daily air attack since January 1st so his Forts are not yet much. Am starting to bombard it as well. Will plan on a two--three ID landing there and get a nice bag of additional troops.
2. Plan to proceed no matter what with my Australia plans. They are far safer from my perspective.
a. Will land at Bowen in the east with 6th and 14th ID as well as the Imperial Guards Brigade. The Brigade will hold Bowen and the two ID will move north. Would like to add an ID to this attack if possible.
b. Two SNLF Assault Brigades are moving down from Carnavon towards Geraldton in the west. Want to add a pair of IDs to facilitate taking Perth and all points to Kalgoorlie.
c. Need to figure out what I shall move on NW Aust with. Plan on taking Tennant Creek back to the coast. Have 4 TK Reg in Sumatra right now who will soon be available. They could REALLY help here.
Once this is done, I shall have gained some resources to add to the Pot and force the Allies to fight here with planes and more troops. Don't intend to keep it through 1943 but I DO WANT an attritional air battle where I can fight the Allies and keep their plane pool whittled down.
While the Aussie Operations go on, I shall reinforce the North, go hunting wherever possible with the KB, and seek an early Fleet engagement. The plan will be to build-up Port Moresby--Milne Bay--Lunga to form the Medium Perimeter there. Am currently toughening up the Aleutians and need to add some depth by working on fortifying the Kuriles. The Central Pacific will be brought up to max atoll strengths and we'll fight wherever he comes there. He won't be anywhere near the DEI so things will be solid there, however, I will place a Brigade-sized unit at every major Sumatra west coast base as a strong speed bump in this area. Gerogetown and Medan will be expanded to the max of their AF size. Learned from Dan and I's last game that DEPTH is needed with him!
Already shifting troops to Singers. The 21st got orders to move from Luzon. It is headed to Naga where I have APs about to arrive. There will be no more attacks here until I get that extra Inf Div. Might add the 2nd as well. As Michael mentions, Command HQs are everything. I have the 25th Army and Southern Army HQ dealing with Singapore.
I promised to respond to janh's comments:
The invasion bonus, time is running... but I think with 3 ID hurt somewhat it is too early to abandon offensive ambitions? If you slow or turtle up, you'll not encourage Dan to make any mistakes, or even bring his CV for a party. You'd just offer him the chance to rebuilt and prepare unmolested. Guessing from what I saw in past AAR from him, I'd expect him to try some counterattack -- perhaps your guess with the Aleutians might be right, but also the SEPac region with Brisbane and Melbourne nearby would be suitable for that? That AO would have the added benefit of being far away from your home islands and yards.
If you wanted to gamble, you could place two fast CA with some Asashios or Kageros on Hokkaido. In worst case they'll be lost for action down south gathering dust there. But they could easily cause trouble if Dan tries something half-heatedly in that area.
I have not yet decided to cancel the larger plans. Have exactly ONE month to right the boat. If February is a SNAFU like January then I am well and truly screwed so we want to AVOID that!
OPPORTUNITY:
1. Cocos netted a nice bag of troops one normally doesn't get in the opening months. Port Blair now provides the same opportunity. Dan moved 4-5 units into that location before I closed it down. Recon consistently shows 8 units based there. The target has been under daily air attack since January 1st so his Forts are not yet much. Am starting to bombard it as well. Will plan on a two--three ID landing there and get a nice bag of additional troops.
2. Plan to proceed no matter what with my Australia plans. They are far safer from my perspective.
a. Will land at Bowen in the east with 6th and 14th ID as well as the Imperial Guards Brigade. The Brigade will hold Bowen and the two ID will move north. Would like to add an ID to this attack if possible.
b. Two SNLF Assault Brigades are moving down from Carnavon towards Geraldton in the west. Want to add a pair of IDs to facilitate taking Perth and all points to Kalgoorlie.
c. Need to figure out what I shall move on NW Aust with. Plan on taking Tennant Creek back to the coast. Have 4 TK Reg in Sumatra right now who will soon be available. They could REALLY help here.
Once this is done, I shall have gained some resources to add to the Pot and force the Allies to fight here with planes and more troops. Don't intend to keep it through 1943 but I DO WANT an attritional air battle where I can fight the Allies and keep their plane pool whittled down.
While the Aussie Operations go on, I shall reinforce the North, go hunting wherever possible with the KB, and seek an early Fleet engagement. The plan will be to build-up Port Moresby--Milne Bay--Lunga to form the Medium Perimeter there. Am currently toughening up the Aleutians and need to add some depth by working on fortifying the Kuriles. The Central Pacific will be brought up to max atoll strengths and we'll fight wherever he comes there. He won't be anywhere near the DEI so things will be solid there, however, I will place a Brigade-sized unit at every major Sumatra west coast base as a strong speed bump in this area. Gerogetown and Medan will be expanded to the max of their AF size. Learned from Dan and I's last game that DEPTH is needed with him!
Member: Treaty, Reluctant Admiral and Between the Storms Mod Team.