Empire of the Sun - DesertWolf101 (J) vs Andy Mac (A)

[821Bobo]

Beware of sneaking in supply to Luzon. Q-Ball can tell. [:D]

[DesertWolf101]

ORIGINAL: 821Bobo

Beware of sneaking in supply to Luzon. Q-Ball can tell. [:D]

Haha fair warning. I do worry about that. Not much I can do about submarine supply but I have extensive recon over both Bataan and Clark so that shouldn't be a problem - I hope!

[Lowpe]

ORIGINAL: DesertWolf101

ORIGINAL: 821Bobo

Beware of sneaking in supply to Luzon. Q-Ball can tell. [:D]

Haha fair warning. I do worry about that. Not much I can do about submarine supply but I have extensive recon over both Bataan and Clark so that shouldn't be a problem - I hope!

I always end up patrolling old destroyers to prevent supply attempts at PI and China coast...

[DesertWolf101]

ORIGINAL: Lowpe

ORIGINAL: DesertWolf101

ORIGINAL: 821Bobo

Beware of sneaking in supply to Luzon. Q-Ball can tell. [:D]

Haha fair warning. I do worry about that. Not much I can do about submarine supply but I have extensive recon over both Bataan and Clark so that shouldn't be a problem - I hope!

I always end up patrolling old destroyers to prevent supply attempts at PI and China coast...

Good idea, I think I will do that too

[Alamander]

ORIGINAL: DesertWolf101

ASW Altitude

Hey guys, a newbie question for you -

My opponent is starting to really encircle the Home Islands with subs, and I am bringing in ASW Air into play to help out. Assuming the air crew is well experienced and with high ASW skill, what is the optimal altitude for carrying out air ASW patrols?

I came across a thread where it was suggested to go as low as 100 feet - is that the correct recommendation?

Thanks!

My opponent is doing the same, and my air ASW has been pretty effective at 2000 feet. In the first month of the war, he hit 7 or 8 Adens with torpedoes and sank 2. Since I put the 70-skill ASW pilots on patrol at 2k, he has hit 2 Adens with torpedoes and sunk none.

If you have other search planes supporting with naval search set at 4K or below, I suppose you could go down to 1000 feet or 100 feet. It is hard to spot subs above 4K, and it is hard to spot anything at 100 feet, but if other search planes or patrol boats are detecting the subs, your ASW planes will be more effective the lower that they fly.

I use Anns and Maries for ASW duty because they are easy on supply, which is depleted rapidly flying sorties every day, and because in DBB they carry 250 KG bombs. I seem to recall using Sonias in stock (it has been so long since I played stock). I like to break a couple size 27 and size 36 Ann units into parts and station the parts along my transport routes, especially the tanker routes. I generally keep one size 27 Ann unit intact for ASW patrols from Singapore. Remember that range is halved for ASW patrols, so Anns will only give you a 3-hex zone, and Maries and Sonias, only a 2-hex zone. Using Sallies or Helens will give you longer range, but a substantial increase in supply cost. Seems better to me to use more Anns, since you can put many more in the air for the same supply.

If possible, try to have a group of patrol planes on night search at 2K as well, and a dedicated group of SCs or the like patrolling the area. Effective ASW is all DL. The higher the DL, the better chance of getting hits. I am getting hits in the PM phase fairly regularly (when DL is likely to be higher), but not the AM phase, because my night search, thus far, has not helped much.

Be sure to upgrade all escorts to the modified type-95 depth charges as soon as possible. The regular type-95s are only effective in shallow water, and will usually "explode above the depth of the target" if used in any deep-water hex.

Sorry, I missed where you took Manila. Well, he will be out of supplies in a few months then. He can bring some in by subs, but not enough to keep the island going. In addition to Lowpe's suggestion (which I am not doing in my game). I recommend putting one of the little Val groups that you get on ASW duty with a AF coy unit at a base near Bataan.

[RangerJoe]

ORIGINAL: DesertWolf101

ORIGINAL: Lowpe

ORIGINAL: DesertWolf101



Haha fair warning. I do worry about that. Not much I can do about submarine supply but I have extensive recon over both Bataan and Clark so that shouldn't be a problem - I hope!

I always end up patrolling old destroyers to prevent supply attempts at PI and China coast...

Good idea, I think I will do that too

Offensive minefields if you can safely lay them could also be a deterrence.

[DesertWolf101]

ORIGINAL: RangerJoe

ORIGINAL: DesertWolf101

ORIGINAL: Lowpe



I always end up patrolling old destroyers to prevent supply attempts at PI and China coast...

Good idea, I think I will do that too

Offensive minefields if you can safely lay them could also be a deterrence.

That could work well for Clark actually, but might be a bit risky under the coastal guns of Bataan and its minefields.

[DesertWolf101]

ORIGINAL: Alamander

ORIGINAL: DesertWolf101

ASW Altitude

Hey guys, a newbie question for you -

My opponent is starting to really encircle the Home Islands with subs, and I am bringing in ASW Air into play to help out. Assuming the air crew is well experienced and with high ASW skill, what is the optimal altitude for carrying out air ASW patrols?

I came across a thread where it was suggested to go as low as 100 feet - is that the correct recommendation?

Thanks!

My opponent is doing the same, and my air ASW has been pretty effective at 2000 feet. In the first month of the war, he hit 7 or 8 Adens with torpedoes and sank 2. Since I put the 70-skill ASW pilots on patrol at 2k, he has hit 2 Adens with torpedoes and sunk none.

If you have other search planes supporting with naval search set at 4K or below, I suppose you could go down to 1000 feet or 100 feet. It is hard to spot subs above 4K, and it is hard to spot anything at 100 feet, but if other search planes or patrol boats are detecting the subs, your ASW planes will be more effective the lower that they fly.

I use Anns and Maries for ASW duty because they are easy on supply, which is depleted rapidly flying sorties every day, and because in DBB they carry 250 KG bombs. I seem to recall using Sonias in stock (it has been so long since I played stock). I like to break a couple size 27 and size 36 Ann units into parts and station the parts along my transport routes, especially the tanker routes. I generally keep one size 27 Ann unit intact for ASW patrols from Singapore. Remember that range is halved for ASW patrols, so Anns will only give you a 3-hex zone, and Maries and Sonias, only a 2-hex zone. Using Sallies or Helens will give you longer range, but a substantial increase in supply cost. Seems better to me to use more Anns, since you can put many more in the air for the same supply.

If possible, try to have a group of patrol planes on night search at 2K as well, and a dedicated group of SCs or the like patrolling the area. Effective ASW is all DL. The higher the DL, the better chance of getting hits. I am getting hits in the PM phase fairly regularly (when DL is likely to be higher), but not the AM phase, because my night search, thus far, has not helped much.

Be sure to upgrade all escorts to the modified type-95 depth charges as soon as possible. The regular type-95s are only effective in shallow water, and will usually "explode above the depth of the target" if used in any deep-water hex.

Sorry, I missed where you took Manila. Well, he will be out of supplies in a few months then. He can bring some in by subs, but not enough to keep the island going. In addition to Lowpe's suggestion (which I am not doing in my game). I recommend putting one of the little Val groups that you get on ASW duty with a AF coy unit at a base near Bataan.

Thank you, I will try 2,000 feet and see how that goes. I am also doing as you say and trying to leverage the plethora of float planes that the Japanese have to help out with search too. Thanks for the other tips too - I agree that the Anns in particular are great for the role given low supply and the 250kg bomb.

[RangerJoe]

Don't forget Jakes! If you pull off one of the two float plane units from the IJN cruisers that have two, then max resize them up to 27. You can split them up to thirds if you can. Put them at dot bases with an AV even. Some of those can also train Low Nav to prepare for the Holy Typhoons. [;)]

Jakes trained in Low Nav work well against merchants and un/underarmoured escorts.

[Alamander]

ORIGINAL: RangerJoe

If you pull off one of the two float plane units from the IJN cruisers that have two, then max resize them up to 27. You can split them up to thirds if you can. Put them at dot bases with an AV even.

Japan can create a massive float-plane naval air-force by pulling float-planes off capital ships and resizing them. Some players (including myself) view this as gamey, and it is probably a discussion that you should have with your opponent about what he views as appropriate. I make no judgements. People have different views of the game, and it is really a matter of preference and opinion.

Whatever the case, in scenario 1, Japan is always governed by supply, so however you resize your float-plane squadrons, keep in mind that every Jake sortie is one less CAP fighter sortie that can fly at some point in the war. Certainly, you need float-plane search, but don't overdo it at the expense of other things. As always with Japan, moderation is the rule.

[RangerJoe]

ORIGINAL: Alamander

ORIGINAL: RangerJoe

If you pull off one of the two float plane units from the IJN cruisers that have two, then max resize them up to 27. You can split them up to thirds if you can. Put them at dot bases with an AV even.

Japan can create a massive float-plane naval air-force by pulling float-planes off capital ships and resizing them. Some players (including myself) view this as gamey, and it is probably a discussion that you should have with your opponent about what he views as appropriate. I make no judgements. People have different views of the game, and it is really a matter of preference and opinion.

Whatever the case, in scenario 1, Japan is always governed by supply, so however you resize your float-plane squadrons, keep in mind that every Jake sortie is one less CAP fighter sortie that can fly at some point in the war. Certainly, you need float-plane search, but don't overdo it at the expense of other things. As always with Japan, moderation is the rule.

True. But if you save that merchant fully loaded with supplies, look at how many potential sorties that you have saved. If you save a fully loaded tanker, think of how much fuel that is that can be turned into HI and supply.

[DesertWolf101]

ORIGINAL: RangerJoe

Don't forget Jakes! If you pull off one of the two float plane units from the IJN cruisers that have two, then max resize them up to 27. You can split them up to thirds if you can. Put them at dot bases with an AV even. Some of those can also train Low Nav to prepare for the Holy Typhoons. [;)]

Jakes trained in Low Nav work well against merchants and un/underarmoured escorts.

Yes indeed I did resize a few of these units but mostly for the added training capacity. I focused on naval search and ASW skills, but I am now going to see if training them on sweep would train the air skill - would love to get more IJN fighter pilot training going.

[821Bobo]

ORIGINAL: DesertWolf101


but I am now going to see if training them on sweep would train the air skill - would love to get more IJN fighter pilot training going.

It will. I am doing that with US NAVY pilots.

[DesertWolf101]

January 15, 1942

Submarines

With Singapore taken, I dispatch some AMc craft to sweep the mines. One of these is blown out of the water by a torpedo from O23 near Djambi.

North Pacific

The 7th Base Force holds on against another deliberate attack.

New Guinea

The 144th Regiment finally makes it to Merauke.

Further east, Japanese troops land at Terapo and Salamau is seized.

Borneo

Japanese destroyers knock out a couple of Dutch PT boats at Bandjermasin right before Japanese troops disembark. Eight swordfish string bags attempt to strike my ships in the area but are finally annihilated by Zeros on CAP.

China

The Japanese spearhead army stages a surprise arrival at Ichang and shatters the Chinese forces besieging the base. 860 Chinese combat squads are destroyed for 12 Japanese.

Chinese Base Force units, with the aid of the Chinese Air Force, drive out my paratrooper unit from Ankang.

[DesertWolf101]

ORIGINAL: 821Bobo

ORIGINAL: DesertWolf101


but I am now going to see if training them on sweep would train the air skill - would love to get more IJN fighter pilot training going.

It will. I am doing that with US NAVY pilots.

Great!

[DesertWolf101]

January 16, 1942

Submarines

KXVI sinks one of my patrol boats near Tawi Tawi.

Singapore

Another one of my coastal minesweepers is sunk after it hits one of the mines it is supposed to sweep.

New Guinea

Japanese battleships Kirishima and Hiei light up the Australians and Dutch at Merauke, paving the way for a successful Japanese assault that finishes off the Allies on the base.

Java Sea

Zero fighters shoot down around ten Dutch 139WH-3 bombers as they attempt to go after my ships and a tank unit in Sumatra.

Burma

Oscar fighters dominate H81-A3 and Buffalo aircraft over Burma, bringing down half a dozen for no losses.

A Japanese shock attack across the river takes Pegu, completely trapping the 1st Burma Division one hex to the north.

[DesertWolf101]

January 17, 1942

Submarines

IJN submarines are having a harder time carrying out their attacks near the United States as my opponent ramps up the presence of escorts and ASW air in the theater. Numerous IJN submarines are depth charged this turn and the last but escape significant damage.

New Guinea

Japanese troops land at Buna.

Burma

Following bombing from the air, the first Japanese/Thai attack goes in against the trapped 1st Burma Division, disabling about half its squads.

[DesertWolf101]

January 18, 1942

Submarines

I-23 attempts to interfere with the Allied ships around Adak but gets a depth charge hit for its trouble. I-17 for its part gets minor damage following an attack by DD Perkins near San Diego.

I-22 damages AK San Angelo with a torpedo near where I-17 was damaged.

North Pacific

The Allies pull out their forces from Adak! I strongly suspect that my opponent did not want to continue risking the troops and ships here as the KB had not been sighted for several weeks at this point.

New Guinea

The Japanese Guards Mixed Brigade takes Buna form the Australian Port Moresby survivors. As part of this operation, the valuable Kyushu class cargo ship AK Hokuroku Maru sinks after its bottom is ripped out as its runs aground. Gah! [:-]

Burma

The 1st Burma Division is further weakened by the second Japanese attack.

China

A Zero sweep knocks out a few AVG fighters over Sian.

[DesertWolf101]

January 19, 1942

Submarines

I-17 finishes off the burning AK San Angelo.

New Guinea

Japanese forces take Terapo from the defending Australian infantry company while my paratroopers land on and take Wau airfield. All non-dot bases in Papua are now under Japanese control.

Burma

The 1st Burma Division is reduced to 0 AV.

[DesertWolf101]

January 20, 1942

Central Pacific

Japanese battleships Hyuga, Ise, Fuso, and Nagato shatter the night sky as they bombard Wake, paving the way for the successful assault of an SNLF and two Naval guard units that takes the island. A number of Wildcats are found destroyed on the ground.

Burma

Even with another 109 combat squads destroyed in the latest Japanese attack, the 1st Burma Division refuses to surrender.

Having been hit by B-17D bombers over the last few turns, the still surrounded paratroopers at Toungoo come under an Allied attack as my opponent unsuccessfully attempts to finish them off before the imminent arrival of my relief columns.