Be careful of having too big a force in Sumatra, I agree hit him with a big stick but dont get caught concentrating too many of your effective LCU on the island.
Yes, the questions is do you need such a large presence on Sumatra? Or, is it simply better to build up enough perimeter air bases to knock out his oil facilities and then move on?
And, how are your Indian and British units set for strength? You lost a lot of squads when he took Ceylon and while fighting in India and they are slow to fill back out.
Weighing how much is needed in Sumatra is tough. I'm leaning towards bringing too much due to the importance of this campaign:
1) The Allies get one shot at an early, overwhelming strike at a place of their own choosing. Once such a vector is chosen, that generally becomes the scene of fighting for a long, long time.
2) Japan will react violently. This theater will be the scene of heavy air and sea engagements for months or years to come.
3) The enemy may try to counterattack with overwhelming ground troops, but won't succeed if the Allies are sufficiently strong.
4) Sumatra offers so many advantages - big airfields in close proximity to critical enemy bases including Singapore and Palembang.
5) Once established in western Sumatra, the Allies can move forard against Malaya under cover of LBA (or part LBA and part carrier air).
6) The Allies have shifted some unit prep to ports in central Malaya, including 27th USA Div. and several paratroop units. If things go well in Sumatra, the Allies will be in position to move on Malaya in the short term.
7) A strong Allied position in Japan's vitals renders non-vital positions largely irrelevant. Thus, Japanese bases at Luganville, the Solomons, eastern New Guinea, the Gilberts, etc. are no longer signfiicant. Brad will still fight for these, because he'll still have troops there for awhile to come, but the Allies will be able to make headway in these areas now.
"Rats set fire to Mr. Cooper’s store in Fort Valley. No damage done." Columbus (Ga) Enquirer-Sun, October 2, 1880.
ORIGINAL: crsutton
And, how are your Indian and British units set for strength? You lost a lot of squads when he took Ceylon and while fighting in India and they are slow to fill back out.
Three UK brigades are still weak from the Ceylon defense (each has roughly 75 AV). Those will be used to pick off small bases or dot hex islands near Sumatra, the Nicobars, and Andamans.
Several Indian divisions were weakened in the defense of India, but I have many others at full strength. The challenge here is having PP to buy these units.
"Rats set fire to Mr. Cooper’s store in Fort Valley. No damage done." Columbus (Ga) Enquirer-Sun, October 2, 1880.
1/15/43 to 1/19/43
China: A big army (3,000 AV) at Henyang will shock attack across the river in two days. The enemy has no more than a division, so this should be an Allied victory.
Diego Garcia: The Allies did a snap invasion of Diego Garcia, with what was on hand, after establishing a picket line that showed there was no ambush around. The Allies didn't have quite enough to prevail, though things look good. (Brad thinks this was a bungled invasion - it wasn't, but I'd like him to continue that thinking). My only concern now is that he be tempted to intervene, but my picket line is in a good position to give warning. The Allies have 70 AV vs. 50 AV, with an Aussie brigade on the way.
Sumatra: The Allies decided that it was better to concentrate forces in the upcoming invasion, focusing on a narrow front from Sabang to Sibolga, rather than a broad front from Sabang to Padang. Changes were made to prep for the units affected (not that many). I've also decided that the Allies can proceed using APs, rather than awaiting conversion to APAs. The Allies will have such a vast armada, and APs are such good amphibious ships, that the extra speed isn't deemed crucial, while waiting the extra time for the conversions to occur in March might be. The final transports are enroute to the staging points in Oz - the last one just reached Tahiti. It is possible that transports can begin loading in three weeks, with D-Day in six weeks. That's a little ambitious, but we'll see.
"Rats set fire to Mr. Cooper’s store in Fort Valley. No damage done." Columbus (Ga) Enquirer-Sun, October 2, 1880.
1/20/42 to 1/22/42
Diego Garcia: Reinforcing Aussie brigade is on the way. This should do the trick barring Japan deciding to contest the battle, which Brad isn't showing any inclination to do.
Sumatra: SigInt that 4th Guards Division is aboard a maru bound for Medan with 4th Tank Regiment already there. This is okay - it and all other SigInt reports shows that Brad is paying normal, but not heightened, attention to western Sumatra. The Allies are beginning the final moves to get ground troops to ports of embarkation as the final transports TFs are also making their final runs. I'm hoping to orchestrate D-Day within two months.
SoPac: Japan isn't contesting the air over Luganville, so B-17s from Noumea will shut down the airfield. Brad doesn't care about Luganville, but I want it to firm up my LOC, so it suits me if he decides not to fight for it. This invasion might take place just after Sumatra if I have enough transports to carry the equivalent of a division.
CenPac: I think the Allies have enough troop transports at Pearl and San Diego to handle invasions of Iwo Jima, Marcus and perhaps Wake, a move meant to follow shortly after the invasion of Sumatra. If I don't have enough, I'll reduce the number of targets until I do.
NoPac: I'm gradually shifting some combat ships and more transports up to the Aleutians, including BB Warspite, to lend the appearance that the Allies have offensive ambitions up here.
"Rats set fire to Mr. Cooper’s store in Fort Valley. No damage done." Columbus (Ga) Enquirer-Sun, October 2, 1880.
At the risk of neing immodest, you might want to refer back to my WiTP AAR. My occupation and developement of Sumatra might give you an idea of what you might face when you go for that island
The Great Non-Communicator (Q-Ball) is at it again. The last turn he sent was about ten days ago. Since then, he's been so busy playing WitE that he hasn't had the time to drop a note that no turn would be coming for a few hours or days or weeks. Now, from reading his WitE AAR, I find out that he's gone on vacation. How's that for an opponent? Leaves town for two weeks and doesn't bother to inform his opponent.
[:@]
"Rats set fire to Mr. Cooper’s store in Fort Valley. No damage done." Columbus (Ga) Enquirer-Sun, October 2, 1880.
Really "Bad form" from Q-Ball. It takes all of a minute to send an email informing the other player of any vacation/real life event that would put the game on hold.[:-]
The Great Non-Communicator (Q-Ball) is at it again. The last turn he sent was about ten days ago. Since then, he's been so busy playing WitE that he hasn't had the time to drop a note that no turn would be coming for a few hours or days or weeks. Now, from reading his WitE AAR, I find out that he's gone on vacation. How's that for an opponent? Leaves town for two weeks and doesn't bother to inform his opponent.
Agreed. Courtesy is too a simple gift not to give.
The Great Non-Communicator (Q-Ball) is at it again. The last turn he sent was about ten days ago. Since then, he's been so busy playing WitE that he hasn't had the time to drop a note that no turn would be coming for a few hours or days or weeks. Now, from reading his WitE AAR, I find out that he's gone on vacation. How's that for an opponent? Leaves town for two weeks and doesn't bother to inform his opponent.
[:@]
Well although this can't be a little bit bothering, I can assure you that he seems to enjoy his eastern ride at least. Bring some comfort to his Pacific misadventures I guess [:D] [;)]
The last communication from Q-Ball was on July 9 indicating the turn he sent "might be the last of the day." Well, it proved to be the last of the day, week, fortnight, month, and game. After not hearing anything further from him, including a heads-up "hey, I'm going on vacation," I decided to call it quits.
Everybody knows that Q-Ball is a good guy and a gifted player. You would do me a big favor it you refrained from criticizing his disappearance. I mentioned it only to let you know why I finally decided to call it quits today. I sent Brad an email notifying him that the game was over. I wish him the best in his gaming endeavors and certainly hope he'll return to AE "one of these days."
I read much of his AAR tonight. Very interesting. First, our thinking was frequently along similar lines in many ways. I was surprised that he thought the Allied carriers were probably around southern Oz when they were actually at Capetown. I had figured he might have deduced what I was thinking.
I was also chagrined to see just how prepared he was in Sumatra. That would have been a nasty battle.
Over the past few months, I have come to realize just how insightful (not inciteful, mind you) Nemo's comments are. While I sometimes have trouble understanding everything he says, and infrequently take issue with how he says it, the guy is smart. Reading Q-Ball's AAR reinforces that impression. Nemo was always right on with his comments, evaluations, and suggestions. Had I been playing Nemo, the game would have ended in a Japanese auto victory.
Thanks to everyone who followed the game. I'm sure Q-Ball could use a healthy dose of "welcome backs!" when he returns, as he'll undoubtedly feel a little remorse about how the game ended. So, I'll be the first to say it (and with all sincerity): Welcome back, Q-Ball!
"Rats set fire to Mr. Cooper’s store in Fort Valley. No damage done." Columbus (Ga) Enquirer-Sun, October 2, 1880.
Sorry to hear it's over, Dan. Bottom line is that IMHO, you won. Finally, I have to agree that Nemo knows what he is talking about. I've learned a lot from him myself.
Too bad Canoerebel, that it has to end this way. My symphaties and respect for the choice you made and being very civil about it.
Cheers,
d0mbo.
You are a class act CR. In case anyone was wondering this is what the high road looks like. Looking forward to following your current AAR and hopefully seeing a new one started in the future. The take away from this AAR is that a Japanese auto victory is possible. Waiting to see someone do it.
all the best
Today I come bearing an olive branch in one hand, and the freedom fighter's gun in the other. Do not let the olive branch fall from my hand. I repeat, do not let the olive branch fall from my hand. - Yasser Arafat Speech to UN General Assembly
Too bad Canoerebel, that it has to end this way. My symphaties and respect for the choice you made and being very civil about it.
Cheers,
d0mbo.
+1
I'm entering this in my mental registry as a clear cut victory for you, Canoerebel. For folks that drop out of games like this, it's the same as a "Decisive Victory" for you in terms of points difference. A job well done.
ETA: I was hoping that the game would at least continue through your invasion of Sumatra. His preparations there would have made this a very interesting and a very bloody contest.
I want to echo that you handled this entire situation with class Canoerebel. Thoroughly enjoyed following along, but it's too bad we won't see how the fight for Sumatra would have gone.
Luck is the residue of design - John Milton
Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)
A few more comments after digesting Q-Ball's AAR:
1. We really were thinking in parallel quite often. We even frequently used the same language - "reading the tea leaves" and the like. We were both talking about three auto-victory routes - India, Australia, and Hawaii (although I should say I now think there may be two more). We both thought Oz would be the most likely target for awhile. After Q-Ball switched his aim towards India, I wasn't too long in making the same decision - focus on India.
2. It took Q-Ball much, much longer than I had expected to pick up on the major Allied development in the Aleutians. Apparently, he wasn't monitoring port and airfield growth. I had expected him to see this and develop a healthy concern for the safety of the Kuriles. Instead, he picked up on it rather late - only after he saw a fair bit of shipping at Adak Island. He did eventually begin a major build up in the Kuriles, but my deceptions weren't particularly effective.
3. He felt like the game was over when he lost those seven or so divisons in India, but that was totally a figment of his morale. He remained very strong and would have been fine throughout the game. We all know morale plays a huge part in the game - at least when an Allied player loses an major carrier battle early in the war and promptly concedes. But this reinforces the idea that any major commitment that ends badly can have a serious impact on a player's psyche, even if it's land units that can be rebuilt.
4. Q-Ball came within eyesight of auto victory, so I can see why some might think Japan won the game. On the other hand, the Allies conceived a plan that envisioned Japan invading either Oz or India, then getting hung up in a deteriorating air war that would result in the mauling of alot of IJA troops. That is exactly what happened, though I didn't think Brad would get so deep into India and so close to auto victory. So, the Allied grand strategic plan had flaws, but it ended up working out.
"Rats set fire to Mr. Cooper’s store in Fort Valley. No damage done." Columbus (Ga) Enquirer-Sun, October 2, 1880.
