That's good news ... pulling pilots out of training then has merit.
How will these elite squadrons take 70 exp pilots and make them 80 exp?
Perfection, of a kind, spence (A) vs fcharton (J), no spence, please
Moderators: wdolson, MOD_War-in-the-Pacific-Admirals-Edition
RE: Pilot Pool cost
December 15th and 16th 1941
Slow road to Singers
On the 15th, the Sixth Indian Brigade, defending Alor Star, surrendered, and the base fell. Georgetown will be invaded tomorrow, and will probably fall the next day since it seems to have been evacuated too, and Taiping will probably be ours by the twentieth. Engineers and air support are on their way. I intend to develop these bases as my main airbase to sweep and strike Singapore.
We should reach the Temuloh-Kuala line around Christmas. This is the first forward line of defense the Allies can put up in Malaya. It will be interesting to see whether the enemy tries to fight there. If he does not, we will probably hold this line by the end of the month, be in Johore around the 15th of January, and launch the assault on Singapore around the 20th of January.
In the air, first sweeps over Kuala Lumpur downed half a dozen Buffaloes. I am trying a night port and airfield attack on Singapore tomorrow night. With a little luck…
On our way to Burma
Over Rangoon, the battle for air superiority is still raging. 48 AVG planes have now been destroyed, and rotating squadrons is probably becoming difficult. This means more fatigue and losses. I hope this ends quickly: there are more than a few ships in the port of Rangoon, all of them probably supplying China. As soon as I have air superiority, we can conduct round the clock bombing of the port installations…
On the ground, our tanks marching on Moulmein were stopped by an enemy unit blocking the road. Recon suggests a very small outfit. We are attacking tomorrow.
Bombers over Miri
Zeroes were finally deployed in Miri. My intention was to protect the Kuching landings, and perhaps trap a few bombers from Singapore. But on their first day at work, they received a visit by enemy bombers. Several B17-D were damaged, but the refinery was hit. I need to reinforce the CAP there.
Meanwhile, a bombing run over Kuching discovered several Dutch cruisers parked there. I am assembling a large surface force to deal with them, but this is the second time I see my opponent use this strategy of garrisoning possible invasion sites with static surface task forces.
All this does a pretty good job delaying my moves on Kuching and Singkawang. I will still try to invade Kuching, but I am considering moving in the Celebes before Northern Borneo. The only point of rushing to Kuching, after all, is to catch Singkawang, and land early in Sumatra.
The war in China
Since most of the action on the 15th and 16th took place in China, this looks like the right moment to discuss this theater.
I believe taking China out of the war, or at least neutralizing it, to prevent a second front to open in 1943 or 1944 is almost as important for Japan as taking the East Indies. In scenario 2 (and 1, I suspect) this is possible, and should at least be tried. In this specific game, since I can use troops from Manchukuo, I want to take China by the end of 1942 or the first quarter of 1943.
The Chinese have lots of troops, if they can train them, replace them to full strength, and supply them, the Japanese are doomed. China has also a lot of closed terrain, if the enemy can regroup in such hexes, frontal attacks become very bloody, but long sieges tend to work. Finally, Chinese troop replacement rates are very low, and lack of supply makes replacement of losses a costly affair. This means attrition is a valid strategy, and that trading losses with the KMT is a sensible idea.
Overall, I have two strategic directions for China:
1- Win a lot of small battles, in open terrain whenever possible, to reduce Chinese numbers. Tempt the enemy into such battles.
2- Attack the supply network, by capturing or bombing resources, occupying bases (supply flow through bases, the more bases you hold in an area, the more difficult enemy operations become), and cutting roads and railway lines.
For the early game, this suggests fighting in the North, where Japan holds a good rail network, and can shift troops rapidly, and where a lot of the terrain is flat, open, good tank country.
In the far north, I want to hold Paotow and Kweisui, to anchor my front, moving on Yenan to cut off the troops between Taiyuan and Kweisui, and protect further advances on Ningsia and Ansi. Paotow is now reinforced. The 81st Chinese corps just moved in, and bombardment reveal they have half my AV. I will attack tomorrow. The two Chinese corps defending the road to Yenan have already been defeated twice. I am now two hexes away from the base, and there are signs of movement there. I have two divisions on their way, and two more ready to reinforce.
Yenan is high on my priority list because once it is captured, the northern road to western China is safe, and Sian becomes very difficult to defend.
In the central plains, I am moving in two columns. The southern one, four division strong, is moving from Hwainan towards Sinyang. The northern one, two divisions and armor, is moving from Suchow towards Kaifeng. The objective is to damage as many Chinese corps as we can, and stop on a Sinyang-Kaifeng line.
Meanwhile, several divisions from Manchuria were sent to Anyang and Kaoping, to prepare for an offensive on the railroad junction east of Chengchow, and then Tsiaotso. Troops from the northern column and those will then be ready to attack Chengchow and Loyang.
South of the plains, I have been reinforcing Ichang, and the road from Hankow. This is paying benefits now. On the 15th, one Chinese corps that tried to cut the road was defeated by two divisions. In Ichang, the enemy attacked today, with just 1500 AV against my 1000 behind forts. It wasn’t even fair.
Ground combat at Ichang (83,48)
Allied Deliberate attack
Attacking force 41944 troops, 274 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1455
Defending force 27213 troops, 220 guns, 168 vehicles, Assault Value = 1018
Allied assault odds: 1 to 2 (fort level 3)
Japanese ground losses:
66 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Allied ground losses:
6329 casualties reported
Squads: 215 destroyed, 370 disabled
Non Combat: 5 destroyed, 36 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 33 disabled
Guns lost 55 (1 destroyed, 54 disabled)
The objective, here, is to keep the KMT attacking in Ichang, while defeating piecemeal the units that are trying to isolate it to the east (from Nanyang). All the troops defeated now will be missing when my opponent needs to defend Sian and Changsha.
Finally, I have been raiding the plains around Nanchang. I have no real intentions in this area, but damaging Chinese corps is a bonus, and it should keep my opponent from shifting troops from Changsha to Wuchang or Ichang.
Here’s a map of the operations in China so far. The red arrows are my three offensives, the blue circles are the areas I am reinforcing.
Slow road to Singers
On the 15th, the Sixth Indian Brigade, defending Alor Star, surrendered, and the base fell. Georgetown will be invaded tomorrow, and will probably fall the next day since it seems to have been evacuated too, and Taiping will probably be ours by the twentieth. Engineers and air support are on their way. I intend to develop these bases as my main airbase to sweep and strike Singapore.
We should reach the Temuloh-Kuala line around Christmas. This is the first forward line of defense the Allies can put up in Malaya. It will be interesting to see whether the enemy tries to fight there. If he does not, we will probably hold this line by the end of the month, be in Johore around the 15th of January, and launch the assault on Singapore around the 20th of January.
In the air, first sweeps over Kuala Lumpur downed half a dozen Buffaloes. I am trying a night port and airfield attack on Singapore tomorrow night. With a little luck…
On our way to Burma
Over Rangoon, the battle for air superiority is still raging. 48 AVG planes have now been destroyed, and rotating squadrons is probably becoming difficult. This means more fatigue and losses. I hope this ends quickly: there are more than a few ships in the port of Rangoon, all of them probably supplying China. As soon as I have air superiority, we can conduct round the clock bombing of the port installations…
On the ground, our tanks marching on Moulmein were stopped by an enemy unit blocking the road. Recon suggests a very small outfit. We are attacking tomorrow.
Bombers over Miri
Zeroes were finally deployed in Miri. My intention was to protect the Kuching landings, and perhaps trap a few bombers from Singapore. But on their first day at work, they received a visit by enemy bombers. Several B17-D were damaged, but the refinery was hit. I need to reinforce the CAP there.
Meanwhile, a bombing run over Kuching discovered several Dutch cruisers parked there. I am assembling a large surface force to deal with them, but this is the second time I see my opponent use this strategy of garrisoning possible invasion sites with static surface task forces.
All this does a pretty good job delaying my moves on Kuching and Singkawang. I will still try to invade Kuching, but I am considering moving in the Celebes before Northern Borneo. The only point of rushing to Kuching, after all, is to catch Singkawang, and land early in Sumatra.
The war in China
Since most of the action on the 15th and 16th took place in China, this looks like the right moment to discuss this theater.
I believe taking China out of the war, or at least neutralizing it, to prevent a second front to open in 1943 or 1944 is almost as important for Japan as taking the East Indies. In scenario 2 (and 1, I suspect) this is possible, and should at least be tried. In this specific game, since I can use troops from Manchukuo, I want to take China by the end of 1942 or the first quarter of 1943.
The Chinese have lots of troops, if they can train them, replace them to full strength, and supply them, the Japanese are doomed. China has also a lot of closed terrain, if the enemy can regroup in such hexes, frontal attacks become very bloody, but long sieges tend to work. Finally, Chinese troop replacement rates are very low, and lack of supply makes replacement of losses a costly affair. This means attrition is a valid strategy, and that trading losses with the KMT is a sensible idea.
Overall, I have two strategic directions for China:
1- Win a lot of small battles, in open terrain whenever possible, to reduce Chinese numbers. Tempt the enemy into such battles.
2- Attack the supply network, by capturing or bombing resources, occupying bases (supply flow through bases, the more bases you hold in an area, the more difficult enemy operations become), and cutting roads and railway lines.
For the early game, this suggests fighting in the North, where Japan holds a good rail network, and can shift troops rapidly, and where a lot of the terrain is flat, open, good tank country.
In the far north, I want to hold Paotow and Kweisui, to anchor my front, moving on Yenan to cut off the troops between Taiyuan and Kweisui, and protect further advances on Ningsia and Ansi. Paotow is now reinforced. The 81st Chinese corps just moved in, and bombardment reveal they have half my AV. I will attack tomorrow. The two Chinese corps defending the road to Yenan have already been defeated twice. I am now two hexes away from the base, and there are signs of movement there. I have two divisions on their way, and two more ready to reinforce.
Yenan is high on my priority list because once it is captured, the northern road to western China is safe, and Sian becomes very difficult to defend.
In the central plains, I am moving in two columns. The southern one, four division strong, is moving from Hwainan towards Sinyang. The northern one, two divisions and armor, is moving from Suchow towards Kaifeng. The objective is to damage as many Chinese corps as we can, and stop on a Sinyang-Kaifeng line.
Meanwhile, several divisions from Manchuria were sent to Anyang and Kaoping, to prepare for an offensive on the railroad junction east of Chengchow, and then Tsiaotso. Troops from the northern column and those will then be ready to attack Chengchow and Loyang.
South of the plains, I have been reinforcing Ichang, and the road from Hankow. This is paying benefits now. On the 15th, one Chinese corps that tried to cut the road was defeated by two divisions. In Ichang, the enemy attacked today, with just 1500 AV against my 1000 behind forts. It wasn’t even fair.
Ground combat at Ichang (83,48)
Allied Deliberate attack
Attacking force 41944 troops, 274 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1455
Defending force 27213 troops, 220 guns, 168 vehicles, Assault Value = 1018
Allied assault odds: 1 to 2 (fort level 3)
Japanese ground losses:
66 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Allied ground losses:
6329 casualties reported
Squads: 215 destroyed, 370 disabled
Non Combat: 5 destroyed, 36 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 33 disabled
Guns lost 55 (1 destroyed, 54 disabled)
The objective, here, is to keep the KMT attacking in Ichang, while defeating piecemeal the units that are trying to isolate it to the east (from Nanyang). All the troops defeated now will be missing when my opponent needs to defend Sian and Changsha.
Finally, I have been raiding the plains around Nanchang. I have no real intentions in this area, but damaging Chinese corps is a bonus, and it should keep my opponent from shifting troops from Changsha to Wuchang or Ichang.
Here’s a map of the operations in China so far. The red arrows are my three offensives, the blue circles are the areas I am reinforcing.
- Attachments
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- CHINE151241.jpg (89.83 KiB) Viewed 284 times
Perfection of a kind (fcharton vs spence)
December 17th, 1941
(koto flourish) – The briefing room in the Evil Air Force Headquarters in Saigon – A large map of Singapore hangs on the wall, under the EAF motto “never do well”. General Kato, head of planning in Saigon, small moustache, round steel framed glasses, and an evil looking horse whip under his arm is addressing the leaders of bombers squadrons stationed in the base.
- Right, gentlemen, tonight is our first night raid against Singapore, which will take the enemy off guard, destroy his planes and ships, and accelerate the liberation of Malaysia. I expect every man to do his duty to his Emperor. Yes? Wasabi?
- Sir, how are we supposed to find our targets, you know…
- This is the purpose of this map, here, please study it carefully.
- But, sir…
- Study the map, captain, now if you’ll excuse me, I have an appointment for dinner with miss Tran.
Kato leaves the room, the officers in the room shake their head in disbelief.
The evil night raid that wasn’t
Tonight, I ordered all my bombers from Indochina to pay a surprise attack on Singapore. This should have shocked, and awed, the enemy, and probably destroyed a good number of ships and planes, had not today been a new moon… As a result, none of my bombers found their targets. Surprise is not lost, though, as no plane overflew the Lion City. I will try again in a week.
On this occasion, I tried to find where moonlight was indicated in the game, and could not find it.
In other incidents, CL Java took a bomb hit in Kuching. I am sending a large force to bombard the city, and will invade it in a few days. Manado and Ternate invasions will land tomorrow and the day after.
Miri was bombed again, my zeroes destroyed a couple of B17-D, but the refinery took more hits.
On the road to Moulmein, the Allied unit that stood in our way was fought and defeated.
Mopping the plains
In China, we attacked in Paotow and sent the 81st Chinese corps back towards Ningsia. The Inner Mongolia bases are now firmly held, I need to wait for reinforcements (a division or two from Manchukuo, before I clear the other enemies in the area (in the mountains north of Kweisui and on the road to Taiyuan).
I am not rushing in this area. In my previous game, I moved west right after capturing Paotow and was in Ningsia in mid-January, and held Urumchi in April. This time, I will probably launch my offensive on Ningsia once the plains are cleared. I want tanks for that since those are small roads, and send a division or two west by January.
In the central plain, the last railroad hex south of Kaifeng was cleared today. Three battered Chinese corps were defeated, one of them surrendering to an infantry division and a tank regiment. This completes the capture of the Suchow-Kaifeng railroad. The last enemy occupied rail hex is the junction north of Kaifeng. Two divisions have arrived there tomorrow, I expec t to hold it tomorrow. Once this is completed, all the railways in northern China will be mine, except Tsiaotso. This should help troop and supply movements.
(koto flourish) – The briefing room in the Evil Air Force Headquarters in Saigon – A large map of Singapore hangs on the wall, under the EAF motto “never do well”. General Kato, head of planning in Saigon, small moustache, round steel framed glasses, and an evil looking horse whip under his arm is addressing the leaders of bombers squadrons stationed in the base.
- Right, gentlemen, tonight is our first night raid against Singapore, which will take the enemy off guard, destroy his planes and ships, and accelerate the liberation of Malaysia. I expect every man to do his duty to his Emperor. Yes? Wasabi?
- Sir, how are we supposed to find our targets, you know…
- This is the purpose of this map, here, please study it carefully.
- But, sir…
- Study the map, captain, now if you’ll excuse me, I have an appointment for dinner with miss Tran.
Kato leaves the room, the officers in the room shake their head in disbelief.
The evil night raid that wasn’t
Tonight, I ordered all my bombers from Indochina to pay a surprise attack on Singapore. This should have shocked, and awed, the enemy, and probably destroyed a good number of ships and planes, had not today been a new moon… As a result, none of my bombers found their targets. Surprise is not lost, though, as no plane overflew the Lion City. I will try again in a week.
On this occasion, I tried to find where moonlight was indicated in the game, and could not find it.
In other incidents, CL Java took a bomb hit in Kuching. I am sending a large force to bombard the city, and will invade it in a few days. Manado and Ternate invasions will land tomorrow and the day after.
Miri was bombed again, my zeroes destroyed a couple of B17-D, but the refinery took more hits.
On the road to Moulmein, the Allied unit that stood in our way was fought and defeated.
Mopping the plains
In China, we attacked in Paotow and sent the 81st Chinese corps back towards Ningsia. The Inner Mongolia bases are now firmly held, I need to wait for reinforcements (a division or two from Manchukuo, before I clear the other enemies in the area (in the mountains north of Kweisui and on the road to Taiyuan).
I am not rushing in this area. In my previous game, I moved west right after capturing Paotow and was in Ningsia in mid-January, and held Urumchi in April. This time, I will probably launch my offensive on Ningsia once the plains are cleared. I want tanks for that since those are small roads, and send a division or two west by January.
In the central plain, the last railroad hex south of Kaifeng was cleared today. Three battered Chinese corps were defeated, one of them surrendering to an infantry division and a tank regiment. This completes the capture of the Suchow-Kaifeng railroad. The last enemy occupied rail hex is the junction north of Kaifeng. Two divisions have arrived there tomorrow, I expec t to hold it tomorrow. Once this is completed, all the railways in northern China will be mine, except Tsiaotso. This should help troop and supply movements.
RE: Perfection of a kind (fcharton vs spence)
December 18th, 1941
To the Sulu Sea, the Celebes and beyond
Today, we invaded Davao and Manado. We will land in Ternate, Jolo and Puerto Princesa tomorrow. Apart from a few Dutch bombers making a pass or three at my xAK, we are meeting very little opposition in this area. It looks like most of the Allied navy has already left the place.
The conquest of Mindanao will happen in two phases. Right now, I have an infantry regiment and a marine battalion on the island. This is enough to secure the south and western coast by early January, but reinforcements will be needed to finish off the northern and central bases. This will probably be done on late January or Early February, when the situation on Luzon gets clearer.
After Manado and Ternate, the next target is Ambon, and then Kendari. I intend to wait before I invade Tarakan and Balikpapan.
The liberation of Georgetown
Georgetown fell today to a deliberate attack. The fortress garrison surrendered, and a battalion retreated to Taiping. Taiping is the important base to conquer. It is a railway station, and south of it, all roads to Singapore are major roads.
We are bombing Kuala and Temuloh, and all intelligence suggests the enemy is not trying to put up a forward defense there. I believe we are in for the ‘see you in Singapore’ strategy.
The northern Bornean question
Kudat fell today, Beaufort is the last enemy base in the northeast. We will be there in a week. Quite logically, we should now invade Kuching and Singkawang. Today, an air raid on Kuching only resulted in a dozen lost bombers for the IJN. I am bombarding the city tomorrow, and will probably invade it the day after. Two SNLF tasked for this are now loaded in Miri.
I am not really rushing here. In fact, since I don’t intend to invade Palembang early, and since my opponent seems to have evacuated most of his navy from this area, the benefit of an early conquest of Kuching and Singkawang is not that obvious. Suppressing Singapore will better be done from Kuala and Taiping, and I doubt naval bombers in Singkawang will catch many fleeing tankers from Sumatra.
But then, I suppose it is another case of the “have troops will invade” syndrome. Mini KB is now forming in Cam Ranh Bay, I might as well use it now.
To the Sulu Sea, the Celebes and beyond
Today, we invaded Davao and Manado. We will land in Ternate, Jolo and Puerto Princesa tomorrow. Apart from a few Dutch bombers making a pass or three at my xAK, we are meeting very little opposition in this area. It looks like most of the Allied navy has already left the place.
The conquest of Mindanao will happen in two phases. Right now, I have an infantry regiment and a marine battalion on the island. This is enough to secure the south and western coast by early January, but reinforcements will be needed to finish off the northern and central bases. This will probably be done on late January or Early February, when the situation on Luzon gets clearer.
After Manado and Ternate, the next target is Ambon, and then Kendari. I intend to wait before I invade Tarakan and Balikpapan.
The liberation of Georgetown
Georgetown fell today to a deliberate attack. The fortress garrison surrendered, and a battalion retreated to Taiping. Taiping is the important base to conquer. It is a railway station, and south of it, all roads to Singapore are major roads.
We are bombing Kuala and Temuloh, and all intelligence suggests the enemy is not trying to put up a forward defense there. I believe we are in for the ‘see you in Singapore’ strategy.
The northern Bornean question
Kudat fell today, Beaufort is the last enemy base in the northeast. We will be there in a week. Quite logically, we should now invade Kuching and Singkawang. Today, an air raid on Kuching only resulted in a dozen lost bombers for the IJN. I am bombarding the city tomorrow, and will probably invade it the day after. Two SNLF tasked for this are now loaded in Miri.
I am not really rushing here. In fact, since I don’t intend to invade Palembang early, and since my opponent seems to have evacuated most of his navy from this area, the benefit of an early conquest of Kuching and Singkawang is not that obvious. Suppressing Singapore will better be done from Kuala and Taiping, and I doubt naval bombers in Singkawang will catch many fleeing tankers from Sumatra.
But then, I suppose it is another case of the “have troops will invade” syndrome. Mini KB is now forming in Cam Ranh Bay, I might as well use it now.
RE: Perfection of a kind (fcharton vs spence)
ORIGINAL: fcharton
I am not really rushing here. In fact, since I don’t intend to invade Palembang early, and since my opponent seems to have evacuated most of his navy from this area, the benefit of an early conquest of Kuching and Singkawang is not that obvious. Suppressing Singapore will better be done from Kuala and Taiping, and I doubt naval bombers in Singkawang will catch many fleeing tankers from Sumatra.
But then, I suppose it is another case of the “have troops will invade” syndrome. Mini KB is now forming in Cam Ranh Bay, I might as well use it now.
Singkawang is the key to the entire region between Singapore and Palembang, I feel. If you have it you know what's moving where, even beyond Sumatra in the IO, and can hit ships between much more easily with air and surface elements. Not to mention getting the DL up so your subs can react to shipping sneaking out of Singers, up the straits, or out into the Java sea.
Also, with a CAP here you can eat a lot of Allied planes attacking your ships. It really gives you much more flexibility. And it's a good place to sweep into Singers from as well.
Even if you don't plan to take Palembang right away, with Singkawang and some recon units you can know where everything is moving throughout the area, where fighters are based instantly, and make the adjustments to your own forces.
"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm." - Winston Churchill
RE: Perfection of a kind (fcharton vs spence)
December 19th and 20th, 1941
Belated invasions
Tarawa was invaded and captured today. The cruisers that were standing there have apparently left after being detected by my destroyers. The 144th infantry regiment is on its way to Wake, where the invasion will be supported by KB, on its way to Truk.
Kavieng and Shortlands should also be invaded in a few days, but I’m waiting for Wake to be over, and KB refueled and rearmed to launch operations in the Bismarck sea and towards the Solomons and the Gilberts. The main reason for this delay is that I don’t have lots of troops in this area. I will receive a good number of small units in January, which are perfect for garrisoning many of those small places.
Kuching
@Obvert : your points on Singkawang as a watchtower make a lot of sense. I am just not convinced there will be a lot to watch in this game. I have quite a few sub patrols around Sumatra, which did spot (and sink, now and then) all the fleeing merchants during the first week of the war, but very little movement since.
But the die is cast, we landed in Kuching today, and will probably take the base the day after tomorrow (after a long wait at sea, my troops need a day to shake disruption off). The invasion force for Singkawang has just left Cam Ranh.
In other news, the first sweeps over Singapore occurred today. Ten Buffaloes are reported lost, this is a good start.
Lingayen qui pleure, Davao qui rit
On Mindanao, Davao fell on the 19th, and Jolo and Puerto Princesa were invaded on the 20th. On Luzon, my opponent pulled a nice counterattack in Lingayen. Five units were retreating there, and two tank regiments imprudently advanced into the hex. The enemy counterattacked and chased my armored units. Both units are damaged, but not trashed (only 50 tanks have been lost), but this clearly show that I need to be a little more careful, and not underestimate my opponent.
One interesting facet of this fiasco is that a similar, weak, vanguard has just invaded Cabanuatan. Maybe my opponent will try his luck there another time. I sort of wish he does: I have a full strength infantry division two days behind…
Belated invasions
Tarawa was invaded and captured today. The cruisers that were standing there have apparently left after being detected by my destroyers. The 144th infantry regiment is on its way to Wake, where the invasion will be supported by KB, on its way to Truk.
Kavieng and Shortlands should also be invaded in a few days, but I’m waiting for Wake to be over, and KB refueled and rearmed to launch operations in the Bismarck sea and towards the Solomons and the Gilberts. The main reason for this delay is that I don’t have lots of troops in this area. I will receive a good number of small units in January, which are perfect for garrisoning many of those small places.
Kuching
@Obvert : your points on Singkawang as a watchtower make a lot of sense. I am just not convinced there will be a lot to watch in this game. I have quite a few sub patrols around Sumatra, which did spot (and sink, now and then) all the fleeing merchants during the first week of the war, but very little movement since.
But the die is cast, we landed in Kuching today, and will probably take the base the day after tomorrow (after a long wait at sea, my troops need a day to shake disruption off). The invasion force for Singkawang has just left Cam Ranh.
In other news, the first sweeps over Singapore occurred today. Ten Buffaloes are reported lost, this is a good start.
Lingayen qui pleure, Davao qui rit
On Mindanao, Davao fell on the 19th, and Jolo and Puerto Princesa were invaded on the 20th. On Luzon, my opponent pulled a nice counterattack in Lingayen. Five units were retreating there, and two tank regiments imprudently advanced into the hex. The enemy counterattacked and chased my armored units. Both units are damaged, but not trashed (only 50 tanks have been lost), but this clearly show that I need to be a little more careful, and not underestimate my opponent.
One interesting facet of this fiasco is that a similar, weak, vanguard has just invaded Cabanuatan. Maybe my opponent will try his luck there another time. I sort of wish he does: I have a full strength infantry division two days behind…
RE: Perfection of a kind (fcharton vs spence)
December 21st, 1941
Several bases were captured today… Kuching and Taiping fell to a deliberate attack. Jolo and Puerto Princessa were empty, and Ternate and Cabanuatan were captured against light opposition.
Whither the AVG?
Since a few days, my sweeps over Rangoon are unopposed. My calculations suggest the AVG should have about twenty planes left. Where are they? I am expecting them in China at some point in the near future. This is pretty good news, as it suggests I will now be able to bomb Rangoon, and interdict shipping through the port.
Also in Burma, my spearheads (an armored and an infantry regiment) are now one hex away from the coast, and Moulmein. Recon suggests this area is lightly defended. This means our drive on Rangoon is on schedule.
China
In Fujian, a regiment from Foochow has reached Pucheng, which seems abandoned. Troops clearing the plains around Nanchang are moving south. My goal is to clear a Nanchang – Pucheng – Foochow axis, and use it to move towards Chuhsien and Wenchow. After a bit of garrison shifting, I have managed to spare two divisions in Hangchow, they are moving towards Chuhsien. If everything goes as planned, I will have about 1000 AV to attack the city, and about 700 more in reinforcements. Once Chuhsien is captured, I will march on Wenchow and either take it, or lay siege. But Pucheng and Chuhsien are more important, since they open the roads from Shanghai to Canton.
In the plains, all enemy units (save one small HQ near Suchow) were pushed west of a line from Sinyang to Kaifeng. I intend to occupy the railroad, and wait for the first battles around Chengchow to see if I need those troops in Henan, or if I can proceed and march on Nanyang. If possible, I would an early capture of Nanyang, because bases are what the enemy uses as supply hubs. Once Nanyang falls and Chengchow and Loyang are surrounded, all troops around Sinyang, Ichang and Nanyang need to trace much longer supply lines, and make counteroffensives on the Ichang-Hankow line much more difficult.
In Ichang, ten Chinese units are in the city, facing my 1000 AV behind forts. I don-t think the enemy has enough, and am not sure why they remain here. Attempts to cut their line of supply, back towards Hankow, have failed, and the units committed to this operation are probably too damaged to go on. I intend to wait until my troops north of Sinyang march on Nanyang, threatening to pocket them.
North of the plains, we are attacking Tsiaotso and the railroad junction tomorrow. If this succeeds, we will hold all the northern railways, and be ready to march on Chengchow and Loyang. I have about seven divisions and plenty of armor in this area. This should be enough to take the two bases.
Finally, two divisions are one hex south of Yenan. Three brigades are about a week behind, and one more division is ready to move in Taiyuan. Yenan has been partially evacuated. Three corps are now moving towards Sian, I expect to defeat them before they leave. Yet, some 30 000 troops, and ten units, are reported in Yenan, which makes it unlikely to fall at once. I am expecting the first siege of the war to take place in Yenan.
Overall, the first phase of the war is proceeding very smoothly. We hold a line that goes from Paotow to Tatung, Taiyuan, Kaifeng, Sinyang and Ichang. The next stage will be to complete the conquest of the plains, by capturing Chegchow, Loyang and Nanyang, and, if possible, pocketing some of the units now waiting in the Sinyang-Ichang-Hankow triangle.
Once this is done, one question will arise : Sian or Changsha.
Several bases were captured today… Kuching and Taiping fell to a deliberate attack. Jolo and Puerto Princessa were empty, and Ternate and Cabanuatan were captured against light opposition.
Whither the AVG?
Since a few days, my sweeps over Rangoon are unopposed. My calculations suggest the AVG should have about twenty planes left. Where are they? I am expecting them in China at some point in the near future. This is pretty good news, as it suggests I will now be able to bomb Rangoon, and interdict shipping through the port.
Also in Burma, my spearheads (an armored and an infantry regiment) are now one hex away from the coast, and Moulmein. Recon suggests this area is lightly defended. This means our drive on Rangoon is on schedule.
China
In Fujian, a regiment from Foochow has reached Pucheng, which seems abandoned. Troops clearing the plains around Nanchang are moving south. My goal is to clear a Nanchang – Pucheng – Foochow axis, and use it to move towards Chuhsien and Wenchow. After a bit of garrison shifting, I have managed to spare two divisions in Hangchow, they are moving towards Chuhsien. If everything goes as planned, I will have about 1000 AV to attack the city, and about 700 more in reinforcements. Once Chuhsien is captured, I will march on Wenchow and either take it, or lay siege. But Pucheng and Chuhsien are more important, since they open the roads from Shanghai to Canton.
In the plains, all enemy units (save one small HQ near Suchow) were pushed west of a line from Sinyang to Kaifeng. I intend to occupy the railroad, and wait for the first battles around Chengchow to see if I need those troops in Henan, or if I can proceed and march on Nanyang. If possible, I would an early capture of Nanyang, because bases are what the enemy uses as supply hubs. Once Nanyang falls and Chengchow and Loyang are surrounded, all troops around Sinyang, Ichang and Nanyang need to trace much longer supply lines, and make counteroffensives on the Ichang-Hankow line much more difficult.
In Ichang, ten Chinese units are in the city, facing my 1000 AV behind forts. I don-t think the enemy has enough, and am not sure why they remain here. Attempts to cut their line of supply, back towards Hankow, have failed, and the units committed to this operation are probably too damaged to go on. I intend to wait until my troops north of Sinyang march on Nanyang, threatening to pocket them.
North of the plains, we are attacking Tsiaotso and the railroad junction tomorrow. If this succeeds, we will hold all the northern railways, and be ready to march on Chengchow and Loyang. I have about seven divisions and plenty of armor in this area. This should be enough to take the two bases.
Finally, two divisions are one hex south of Yenan. Three brigades are about a week behind, and one more division is ready to move in Taiyuan. Yenan has been partially evacuated. Three corps are now moving towards Sian, I expect to defeat them before they leave. Yet, some 30 000 troops, and ten units, are reported in Yenan, which makes it unlikely to fall at once. I am expecting the first siege of the war to take place in Yenan.
Overall, the first phase of the war is proceeding very smoothly. We hold a line that goes from Paotow to Tatung, Taiyuan, Kaifeng, Sinyang and Ichang. The next stage will be to complete the conquest of the plains, by capturing Chegchow, Loyang and Nanyang, and, if possible, pocketing some of the units now waiting in the Sinyang-Ichang-Hankow triangle.
Once this is done, one question will arise : Sian or Changsha.
RE: Perfection of a kind (fcharton vs spence)
ORIGINAL: fcharton
Whither the AVG?
Since a few days, my sweeps over Rangoon are unopposed. My calculations suggest the AVG should have about twenty planes left. Where are they? I am expecting them in China at some point in the near future. This is pretty good news, as it suggests I will now be able to bomb Rangoon, and interdict shipping through the port.
All I can say is vary what you're doing with bombers. He is probably training up some pilots and waiting until you commit somewhere so he can jump you one day unexpectedly. Maybe sending sporadic sweeps for a week would be a good idea to start off. Then when you want to bomb something sweep and escort the bombers. The AVG can be decimated early if you choose your moments and get them with numbers of A6M2s and with quality pilots, but only early. Once they get some kills they'll be very tough.
China
Overall, the first phase of the war is proceeding very smoothly. We hold a line that goes from Paotow to Tatung, Taiyuan, Kaifeng, Sinyang and Ichang. The next stage will be to complete the conquest of the plains, by capturing Chegchow, Loyang and Nanyang, and, if possible, pocketing some of the units now waiting in the Sinyang-Ichang-Hankow triangle.
Once this is done, one question will arise : Sian or Changsha.
Sian is tougher terrain to get through to get to the base, but the base itself is clear, so an advantage for the IJA and IJAAF. Also this basically serves up the rest of the NW to you once the units in Sian are beaten. If there are a lot of defenders in Changsha, this will be tough early when the supply is still good.
"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm." - Winston Churchill
RE: Perfection of a kind (fcharton vs spence)
December 22nd, 1941
The Manado Turkey Shoot
The enemy is being cheeky! Today, a small destroyer force raided the Manado invasion task force on its way back to Babeldoab. This wasn’t even fair, but then, you don’t win a war through fair fights.
Japanese Ships
APD Fuji, Shell hits 14, heavy fires
APD Tsuta, Shell hits 8, heavy fires, heavy damage
TB Otori, Shell hits 1
TB Hiyodori, Shell hits 8, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
PB Heiei Maru #7, Shell hits 4, heavy fires
xAK Syoka Maru, Shell hits 12, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Rokko Maru, Shell hits 10, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
xAK Igasa Maru, Shell hits 7, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAKL Sasago Maru, Shell hits 11, heavy fires, heavy damage
Allied Ships
DD Alden
DD Edsall, Shell hits 1
DD John D. Edwards
DD Whipple, Shell hits 1, on fire
APD Tsuta, TB Hiyodori, xAK Syoka, Rokko, Isaga, and Sasago Maru were sunk, the rest are limping back to Ternate. The destroyer squadron seems to have gone to Manado (to bombard? Reload? Load troops?). They are probably low on ordnance, and I have a cruiser force on its way on a bombardment mission. But I most certainly need more surface combat forces in the Celebes.
In Ambon, my invasion force is one or two days away. Ships are reported in port, but I have several cruisers in the escort. I would like to prove the enemy method of hiding in ports wrong.
The Luzon gambit
Something interesting is happening in Cabanuatan, east of Manila. A small infantry force has taken the base yesterday, and my opponent, trying to replicate his victory in Lingayen two days ago, sent troops from Clark to counter attack. I have the 4th ID in Bayombong, marching on Cabanuatan too. If I arrive before them, the counter-attack will most certainly result in a severe allied defeat that will, in turn, help the capture of Lingayen and Manila. Today, a tank regiment arrived in Cabanuatan, and this suggest the infantry will be here tomorrow. My infantry division has covered 24 miles in a day, and should arrive tomorrow as well.
Meanwhile my bombers have been attacking his troops in Clark, and will now bomb Cabanuatan, trying to disrupt as many attackers as possible.
We have entered Manila. Reinforcements are arriving (including an Infantry division that just landed in Mauban). I expect the base to be attacked in about a week.
Enemy strategy for Luzon is still unclear. The largest enemy force (18 units) is reported in Bataan, and both Manila and Clark are held, but not strongly.
Clearing roadblocks
South of Sinyang, a pair of Chinese corps were defeated. One of them, that already had retreated several times surrendered, the other one retreated with heavy losses. (note the final AV)
Ground combat at 87,48 (near Sinyang)
Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 26866 troops, 271 guns, 184 vehicles, Assault Value = 1350
Defending force 10002 troops, 51 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 353
Japanese adjusted assault: 867
Allied adjusted defense: 14
Japanese assault odds: 61 to 1
Japanese ground losses:
249 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 9 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Allied ground losses:
4861 casualties reported
Squads: 132 destroyed, 39 disabled
Non Combat: 211 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 5 destroyed, 3 disabled
Guns lost 20 (19 destroyed, 1 disabled)
Units retreated 1
Units destroyed 1
The railroad is one hex away, the job of my southern column, in the plains, is about finished.
In the north of the plains, Tsiaotso fell today. On the railway junction, something strange happened.
Ground combat at 88,43 (near Kaifeng)
Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 28805 troops, 252 guns, 69 vehicles, Assault Value = 976
Defending force 7671 troops, 38 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 221
Japanese adjusted assault: 545
Allied adjusted defense: 45
Japanese assault odds: 12 to 1
Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), op mode(-), leaders(+), experience(-)
Attacker:
Japanese ground losses:
527 casualties reported
Squads: 3 destroyed, 44 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Allied ground losses:
766 casualties reported
Squads: 7 destroyed, 53 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 9 disabled
Raw ratios were 4:1, assault odds 12:1, but the enemy held its ground, and very little damage was done. I suspect a lucky die roll here, and will be attacking again tomorrow.
Elsewhere in China, Pucheng fell undefended, and an inconclusive battle took place south of Yenan. More about that tomorrow, presumably.
Sian or Changsha
I like your points on supply, Obvert. Here is my take on this question.
Like you, I think I’d prefer to go for Sian first, mostly because I already did it in my previous game, and think I have a pretty good idea of how to handle it. I also like the idea of clearing all the northwest of China.
What I don’t like with a northern campaign is that once it is over, you either need to try to invade Sichuan by the northern (and very defensible) route, a Long March in reverse, if you like, or spend a good amount of time transferring your troops to central China. Also, once in Northern China, you become very predictable : basically, it has to be Sian, Lanchow, Sining perhaps, and then Ankang, and Tienshui…
Capturing on Changsha has about the same supply benefits (you cut fuel when capturing Sian and Lanchow, and resources when going for the Hunan basin), and might be slightly more difficult as it begins the game with a larger garrison. But it puts your troops in a much better position. From Changsha, you can move west, northwest, or southwest… It also makes southern China very difficult to defend. In this specific game, another aspect is the fact that I will probably hold Ichang. This creates a threat to Changteh, and a longer front if I start massing troops in the area.
As I said, I am still undecided. But I must say there is something intriguing in going for Changsha first…
The Manado Turkey Shoot
The enemy is being cheeky! Today, a small destroyer force raided the Manado invasion task force on its way back to Babeldoab. This wasn’t even fair, but then, you don’t win a war through fair fights.
Japanese Ships
APD Fuji, Shell hits 14, heavy fires
APD Tsuta, Shell hits 8, heavy fires, heavy damage
TB Otori, Shell hits 1
TB Hiyodori, Shell hits 8, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
PB Heiei Maru #7, Shell hits 4, heavy fires
xAK Syoka Maru, Shell hits 12, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Rokko Maru, Shell hits 10, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
xAK Igasa Maru, Shell hits 7, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAKL Sasago Maru, Shell hits 11, heavy fires, heavy damage
Allied Ships
DD Alden
DD Edsall, Shell hits 1
DD John D. Edwards
DD Whipple, Shell hits 1, on fire
APD Tsuta, TB Hiyodori, xAK Syoka, Rokko, Isaga, and Sasago Maru were sunk, the rest are limping back to Ternate. The destroyer squadron seems to have gone to Manado (to bombard? Reload? Load troops?). They are probably low on ordnance, and I have a cruiser force on its way on a bombardment mission. But I most certainly need more surface combat forces in the Celebes.
In Ambon, my invasion force is one or two days away. Ships are reported in port, but I have several cruisers in the escort. I would like to prove the enemy method of hiding in ports wrong.
The Luzon gambit
Something interesting is happening in Cabanuatan, east of Manila. A small infantry force has taken the base yesterday, and my opponent, trying to replicate his victory in Lingayen two days ago, sent troops from Clark to counter attack. I have the 4th ID in Bayombong, marching on Cabanuatan too. If I arrive before them, the counter-attack will most certainly result in a severe allied defeat that will, in turn, help the capture of Lingayen and Manila. Today, a tank regiment arrived in Cabanuatan, and this suggest the infantry will be here tomorrow. My infantry division has covered 24 miles in a day, and should arrive tomorrow as well.
Meanwhile my bombers have been attacking his troops in Clark, and will now bomb Cabanuatan, trying to disrupt as many attackers as possible.
We have entered Manila. Reinforcements are arriving (including an Infantry division that just landed in Mauban). I expect the base to be attacked in about a week.
Enemy strategy for Luzon is still unclear. The largest enemy force (18 units) is reported in Bataan, and both Manila and Clark are held, but not strongly.
Clearing roadblocks
South of Sinyang, a pair of Chinese corps were defeated. One of them, that already had retreated several times surrendered, the other one retreated with heavy losses. (note the final AV)
Ground combat at 87,48 (near Sinyang)
Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 26866 troops, 271 guns, 184 vehicles, Assault Value = 1350
Defending force 10002 troops, 51 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 353
Japanese adjusted assault: 867
Allied adjusted defense: 14
Japanese assault odds: 61 to 1
Japanese ground losses:
249 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 9 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Allied ground losses:
4861 casualties reported
Squads: 132 destroyed, 39 disabled
Non Combat: 211 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 5 destroyed, 3 disabled
Guns lost 20 (19 destroyed, 1 disabled)
Units retreated 1
Units destroyed 1
The railroad is one hex away, the job of my southern column, in the plains, is about finished.
In the north of the plains, Tsiaotso fell today. On the railway junction, something strange happened.
Ground combat at 88,43 (near Kaifeng)
Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 28805 troops, 252 guns, 69 vehicles, Assault Value = 976
Defending force 7671 troops, 38 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 221
Japanese adjusted assault: 545
Allied adjusted defense: 45
Japanese assault odds: 12 to 1
Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), op mode(-), leaders(+), experience(-)
Attacker:
Japanese ground losses:
527 casualties reported
Squads: 3 destroyed, 44 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Allied ground losses:
766 casualties reported
Squads: 7 destroyed, 53 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 9 disabled
Raw ratios were 4:1, assault odds 12:1, but the enemy held its ground, and very little damage was done. I suspect a lucky die roll here, and will be attacking again tomorrow.
Elsewhere in China, Pucheng fell undefended, and an inconclusive battle took place south of Yenan. More about that tomorrow, presumably.
Sian or Changsha
I like your points on supply, Obvert. Here is my take on this question.
Like you, I think I’d prefer to go for Sian first, mostly because I already did it in my previous game, and think I have a pretty good idea of how to handle it. I also like the idea of clearing all the northwest of China.
What I don’t like with a northern campaign is that once it is over, you either need to try to invade Sichuan by the northern (and very defensible) route, a Long March in reverse, if you like, or spend a good amount of time transferring your troops to central China. Also, once in Northern China, you become very predictable : basically, it has to be Sian, Lanchow, Sining perhaps, and then Ankang, and Tienshui…
Capturing on Changsha has about the same supply benefits (you cut fuel when capturing Sian and Lanchow, and resources when going for the Hunan basin), and might be slightly more difficult as it begins the game with a larger garrison. But it puts your troops in a much better position. From Changsha, you can move west, northwest, or southwest… It also makes southern China very difficult to defend. In this specific game, another aspect is the fact that I will probably hold Ichang. This creates a threat to Changteh, and a longer front if I start massing troops in the area.
As I said, I am still undecided. But I must say there is something intriguing in going for Changsha first…
RE: Perfection of a kind (fcharton vs spence)
December 23rd 1941
I am decidedly not very good at naval operations. Today, my Shortlands invasion, on its way back, was intercepted by an enemy surface force. It was not nice.
Japanese Ships
CL Kashima, Shell hits 13, on fire, heavy damage
PB Keijo Maru, Shell hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage
PB Nikkai Maru
xAKL Katsuragisan Maru, Shell hits 2, on fire
xAKL Amakasu Maru
PB Sento Maru, Shell hits 19, and is sunk
Allied Ships
CA Canberra
CL Perth
DD Voyager
The Kashima will probably make it to Truk, the damaged PB and xAKL won’t.
Off the coast of Borneo, CVL Ryujo, supporting the landings in Singkawang, took a torpedo hit. She’s heading to Hong Kong for repairs. Once we are safe in Singkawang, mini-KB, without Ryujo, will sail to the Celebes, to support the invasion of Ambon, delayed by the unexpected appearance of a large enemy cruiser force, and the brave retreat of my landing force (despite a significant escort).
Also, Manado fell today, to the second deliberate attack. We now hold Manado, Ternate, Sorong, Jolo and southern Mindanao. Kendari and Ambon are next in line.
In China, on the railway junction east of Chengchow, the 27th Chinese corps, that stood its ground against very high odds yesterday surrendered en masse. More than 1000 squads were destroyed.
Allied ground losses:
6755 casualties reported
Squads: 572 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 418 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 34 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 50 (50 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units destroyed 1
In Yenan, the three corps that were trying to sortie we pushed back into the city, with heavy losses. 13 units are reported in Yenan, half of which have already been defeated in battle. Two divisions will cross the river to the base in a few days, three brigades are on their way, and a division is further away. I believe Yenan can be captured in early January.
I am decidedly not very good at naval operations. Today, my Shortlands invasion, on its way back, was intercepted by an enemy surface force. It was not nice.
Japanese Ships
CL Kashima, Shell hits 13, on fire, heavy damage
PB Keijo Maru, Shell hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage
PB Nikkai Maru
xAKL Katsuragisan Maru, Shell hits 2, on fire
xAKL Amakasu Maru
PB Sento Maru, Shell hits 19, and is sunk
Allied Ships
CA Canberra
CL Perth
DD Voyager
The Kashima will probably make it to Truk, the damaged PB and xAKL won’t.
Off the coast of Borneo, CVL Ryujo, supporting the landings in Singkawang, took a torpedo hit. She’s heading to Hong Kong for repairs. Once we are safe in Singkawang, mini-KB, without Ryujo, will sail to the Celebes, to support the invasion of Ambon, delayed by the unexpected appearance of a large enemy cruiser force, and the brave retreat of my landing force (despite a significant escort).
Also, Manado fell today, to the second deliberate attack. We now hold Manado, Ternate, Sorong, Jolo and southern Mindanao. Kendari and Ambon are next in line.
In China, on the railway junction east of Chengchow, the 27th Chinese corps, that stood its ground against very high odds yesterday surrendered en masse. More than 1000 squads were destroyed.
Allied ground losses:
6755 casualties reported
Squads: 572 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 418 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 34 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 50 (50 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units destroyed 1
In Yenan, the three corps that were trying to sortie we pushed back into the city, with heavy losses. 13 units are reported in Yenan, half of which have already been defeated in battle. Two divisions will cross the river to the base in a few days, three brigades are on their way, and a division is further away. I believe Yenan can be captured in early January.
RE: Perfection of a kind (fcharton vs spence)
ORIGINAL: fcharton
December 23rd 1941
I am decidedly not very good at naval operations. Today, my Shortlands invasion, on its way back, was intercepted by an enemy surface force. It was not nice.
I've found that TF composition is crucial in the beginning, and getting in and out fast with these invasions can really save some of your fleet. Also, getting recon and naval search into the area using AVs or any other ship with floatplanes can help diagnose the situation before you commit these forces to a landing.
Fast transports made up of surface combat ships are ideal for these unopposed landings as they can defend themselves both from surface and submarine forces on their way there and back, and move quickly.
"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm." - Winston Churchill
RE: Perfection of a kind (fcharton vs spence)
December 24th, 1941
On fast transports and naval searches
Thanks a lot for the comments, Obvert, they do make a lot of sense. I have yet to use fast transports, I believe I understand how they work, but so far, I never found a reason to prefer them to amphibious landings. For large offensive landings, ship capacity is usually too low. For base reinforcement or unopposed second line landings, they use up combat ships that I always end up needing on the front line, or as escorts for my more important convoys.
The lack of naval search in front of my amphibious forces is a bad habit I believe I have picked during my previous game (the AAR entitled “now that the land rings…”). Back then, my opponent, after a putting up a good fight on the first days of the war, had retreated all his naval forces from the DEI, and I landed everywhere against little opposition. I am trying to improve on all this, but I am learning very slowly.
Hurries over Singapore
With Zeroes and Oscars now based in Taiping and Kota Bharu, sweeps over Singapore become much easier. This will improve again soon, as we just landed in Singkawang. Intelligence shows the base is lightly garrisoned, and I believe it will fall tomorrow, and can be used to base planes the day after.
I am shooting down five enemy planes a day, over Singapore, for one or two losses on my side. So far, enemy fighters were all Buffaloes, but today, Hurricanes IIb appeared in the sky. A look at the combat report shows those were from the 488th RAF squadron, which normally begins the game equipped with Buffaloes, but somehow upgraded to Hurricanes (probably by disbanding some outfit, since I don’t think the allies produce Hurricanes before January). This will be interesting to follow. Hurries are better armed than my fighters, but slightly less maneuverable, and have higher service ratings, and I have much better pilots, too…
There is little more to report in Malaya, we’re one hex north of Temuloh, and two hexes south of Taiping. Sweeps over Kuala, Kuantuan and Mersing produce nothing, apparently, everybody has packed into Singers.
Closing on Manila
A preliminary bombardment of Manila showed the base is lightly held. We have 450 AV there, the defenders have 230, there is no sign of reinforcement from Clark. I am waiting from the 21st division, now in Batangas, before I attack the city.
Cabanatuan has been reinforced and will be attacked tomorrow. A division equivalent has arrived in Laoag, and is now marching on Lingayen.
All in all, I have a little less than four divisions on Luzon. The enemy seems to be going for a Clark-Bataan perimeter. My objective is to bottle him in Clark (by controlling all hexsides out of it) by the end of the month. Then I will lay siege, and bomb the place to submission. I expect this can be done with only part of the forces currently on Luzon. In particular, I’d like to send the 4th ID to Singapore...
Down with the 81st
In Mongolia, we sortied from Paotow (so long you can call “sortie” a process which involves four days walking a hex, and one more to order the attack), and attacked the 81st Corps, that had been defeated a week ago, for the second time. Fu Zuoyi stood no chance…
Ground combat at 91,33 (near Paotow)
Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 6832 troops, 52 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 254
Defending force 3449 troops, 39 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 118
Japanese adjusted assault: 105
Allied adjusted defense: 39
Japanese assault odds: 2 to 1
Japanese ground losses:
312 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 41 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 2 (1 destroyed, 1 disabled)
Allied ground losses:
835 casualties reported
Squads: 41 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 45 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 2 disabled
Guns lost 3 (2 destroyed, 1 disabled)
Units retreated 1
The 81st is probably now damaged enough to provide no resistance to my advance on Ningsia. My troops are now moving on Kweisui, to attack the Chinese corps holding the mountain hex north of it.
The objective here is to destroy enough squads to prevent any organized resistance by there troops, between Mongolia and Turkestan. The siege of Yenan, bound to begin very soon serves the same purpose.
The battle for Ichang
In the plains north of Hankow, a Chinese corps was defeated with heavy losses. On the railway from Hankow to Sinyang, two Chinese corps fought a Japanese brigade to an inconclusive draw. The Chinese are probably not strong enough to take the hex, and two divisions have been ordered to reinforce my brigade. Once these corps are defeated, the battle for the Sinyang – Hankow area will probably be over.
I have now 1000 AV in Ichang, behind forts, and the enemy has ten units that already damaged themselves while trying to attack a few days ago. They also have been occupying the marshes south of the base, but this attempt to cut Ichang off is not going well, now that his troops on the other side of the river have been defeated.
Still, there are quite a few enemy units in and around Ichang, which would be worth destroying or at least damaging. As soon as the plains are conquered, instead of moving on Nanyang and Loyang (and then Sian), I will probably send troops towards Ichang, to try to damage as many of the defenders as I can, and threaten Changsha.
The more I look at Ichang, the more I find it a very interesting position. From there, you can threaten cutting of the Changsha basin from the West, or moving early on Patung (across country) or just falling back to northern China (via Hankow and the railroad).
On fast transports and naval searches
Thanks a lot for the comments, Obvert, they do make a lot of sense. I have yet to use fast transports, I believe I understand how they work, but so far, I never found a reason to prefer them to amphibious landings. For large offensive landings, ship capacity is usually too low. For base reinforcement or unopposed second line landings, they use up combat ships that I always end up needing on the front line, or as escorts for my more important convoys.
The lack of naval search in front of my amphibious forces is a bad habit I believe I have picked during my previous game (the AAR entitled “now that the land rings…”). Back then, my opponent, after a putting up a good fight on the first days of the war, had retreated all his naval forces from the DEI, and I landed everywhere against little opposition. I am trying to improve on all this, but I am learning very slowly.
Hurries over Singapore
With Zeroes and Oscars now based in Taiping and Kota Bharu, sweeps over Singapore become much easier. This will improve again soon, as we just landed in Singkawang. Intelligence shows the base is lightly garrisoned, and I believe it will fall tomorrow, and can be used to base planes the day after.
I am shooting down five enemy planes a day, over Singapore, for one or two losses on my side. So far, enemy fighters were all Buffaloes, but today, Hurricanes IIb appeared in the sky. A look at the combat report shows those were from the 488th RAF squadron, which normally begins the game equipped with Buffaloes, but somehow upgraded to Hurricanes (probably by disbanding some outfit, since I don’t think the allies produce Hurricanes before January). This will be interesting to follow. Hurries are better armed than my fighters, but slightly less maneuverable, and have higher service ratings, and I have much better pilots, too…
There is little more to report in Malaya, we’re one hex north of Temuloh, and two hexes south of Taiping. Sweeps over Kuala, Kuantuan and Mersing produce nothing, apparently, everybody has packed into Singers.
Closing on Manila
A preliminary bombardment of Manila showed the base is lightly held. We have 450 AV there, the defenders have 230, there is no sign of reinforcement from Clark. I am waiting from the 21st division, now in Batangas, before I attack the city.
Cabanatuan has been reinforced and will be attacked tomorrow. A division equivalent has arrived in Laoag, and is now marching on Lingayen.
All in all, I have a little less than four divisions on Luzon. The enemy seems to be going for a Clark-Bataan perimeter. My objective is to bottle him in Clark (by controlling all hexsides out of it) by the end of the month. Then I will lay siege, and bomb the place to submission. I expect this can be done with only part of the forces currently on Luzon. In particular, I’d like to send the 4th ID to Singapore...
Down with the 81st
In Mongolia, we sortied from Paotow (so long you can call “sortie” a process which involves four days walking a hex, and one more to order the attack), and attacked the 81st Corps, that had been defeated a week ago, for the second time. Fu Zuoyi stood no chance…
Ground combat at 91,33 (near Paotow)
Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 6832 troops, 52 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 254
Defending force 3449 troops, 39 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 118
Japanese adjusted assault: 105
Allied adjusted defense: 39
Japanese assault odds: 2 to 1
Japanese ground losses:
312 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 41 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 2 (1 destroyed, 1 disabled)
Allied ground losses:
835 casualties reported
Squads: 41 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 45 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 2 disabled
Guns lost 3 (2 destroyed, 1 disabled)
Units retreated 1
The 81st is probably now damaged enough to provide no resistance to my advance on Ningsia. My troops are now moving on Kweisui, to attack the Chinese corps holding the mountain hex north of it.
The objective here is to destroy enough squads to prevent any organized resistance by there troops, between Mongolia and Turkestan. The siege of Yenan, bound to begin very soon serves the same purpose.
The battle for Ichang
In the plains north of Hankow, a Chinese corps was defeated with heavy losses. On the railway from Hankow to Sinyang, two Chinese corps fought a Japanese brigade to an inconclusive draw. The Chinese are probably not strong enough to take the hex, and two divisions have been ordered to reinforce my brigade. Once these corps are defeated, the battle for the Sinyang – Hankow area will probably be over.
I have now 1000 AV in Ichang, behind forts, and the enemy has ten units that already damaged themselves while trying to attack a few days ago. They also have been occupying the marshes south of the base, but this attempt to cut Ichang off is not going well, now that his troops on the other side of the river have been defeated.
Still, there are quite a few enemy units in and around Ichang, which would be worth destroying or at least damaging. As soon as the plains are conquered, instead of moving on Nanyang and Loyang (and then Sian), I will probably send troops towards Ichang, to try to damage as many of the defenders as I can, and threaten Changsha.
The more I look at Ichang, the more I find it a very interesting position. From there, you can threaten cutting of the Changsha basin from the West, or moving early on Patung (across country) or just falling back to northern China (via Hankow and the railroad).
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RE: Perfection of a kind (fcharton vs spence)
December 25th 1941
Silent (service) night
Santa-san had a present for the crew if the I-22 today: a troop transport…
Submarine attack near San Clemente Island at 224,82
Japanese Ships
SS I-22
Allied Ships
AP Hugh L. Scott, Torpedo hits 2, on fire
AP Hugh L. Scott is sighted by SS I-22
Massive explosion on AP Hugh L. Scott
SS I-22 launches 2 torpedoes
Hugh L. Scott shows up as sunk but, judging by the change in LCU VP this turn, I don’t think she had many troops on board (or if she did, they were rescued by other vessels). Still, an AP is an AP…
Compared to my previous game, where submarines hardly sank anything, thirteen enemy ships are reported as lost to 53cm torpedoes (IJN sub weapon of choice) as of today. With more than 10 000 tons, Hugh L. Scott is my largest prize so far (but a sub did put a torpedo into Saratoga, a few days ago…) Right now, I am patrolling in a corridor from Suva to Christmas Island, around Hawai and along the West coast.
Sleighs over Singapore
We are still sweeping Singapore, and managed to shoot down two Hurricanes today, together with a handful of Buffaloes. The AVG is still nowhere to be seen, I have the feeling they are not in China.
Singkawang fell today to a deliberate attack. The airfield is in good condition, and I will base Zeroes and Nells there tomorrow.
The air war, so far, has been quite bloody, but favorable to Japan. We have lost 316 planes, to 516 for the Allies. This 3:5 loss ratio keeps being reached day after day.
To Moulmein and beyond
Yesterday, the 14th Tank Regiment had attacked Moulmein and reduced its forts. Today, the base fell. Two infantry regiments should arrive tomorrow, the rest of the column in a few days. The area between Moulmein and Rangoon does not seem defended. It is most likely that the battle for Burma will take place in Rangoon in about two weeks.
Meanwhile, we are bombing Rangoon and its port. No ships have been seen there, so it seems the enemy did not try to resupply China.
In other news
On Luzon, Cabanatuan fell today. Two Philippine Divisions and a Tank Regiment were mauled and retreated towards Clark Field. In Manila, a second day of bombardment confirmed the enemy does not seem to be reinforcing the city.
On Mindanao, Cotobato was captured. The 146th infantry regiment should reach Dadjangas tomorrow. After that, the southern half of Mindanao will be ours.
Finally, in China, the two Chinese divisions defending Pakhoi were easily defeated today (they had been bombed from the air for more than a week). They have retreated into the plains between Pakhoi and Kwangchowan. This is good: the last place I wanted them to go is the jungle between Pakhoi and Haiphong.
Tomorrow is a pretty big day for Japan. We are raiding Ambon, where a large Allied task force has been detected, and in China we are assaulting Chengchow. Boxing day indeed !
Silent (service) night
Santa-san had a present for the crew if the I-22 today: a troop transport…
Submarine attack near San Clemente Island at 224,82
Japanese Ships
SS I-22
Allied Ships
AP Hugh L. Scott, Torpedo hits 2, on fire
AP Hugh L. Scott is sighted by SS I-22
Massive explosion on AP Hugh L. Scott
SS I-22 launches 2 torpedoes
Hugh L. Scott shows up as sunk but, judging by the change in LCU VP this turn, I don’t think she had many troops on board (or if she did, they were rescued by other vessels). Still, an AP is an AP…
Compared to my previous game, where submarines hardly sank anything, thirteen enemy ships are reported as lost to 53cm torpedoes (IJN sub weapon of choice) as of today. With more than 10 000 tons, Hugh L. Scott is my largest prize so far (but a sub did put a torpedo into Saratoga, a few days ago…) Right now, I am patrolling in a corridor from Suva to Christmas Island, around Hawai and along the West coast.
Sleighs over Singapore
We are still sweeping Singapore, and managed to shoot down two Hurricanes today, together with a handful of Buffaloes. The AVG is still nowhere to be seen, I have the feeling they are not in China.
Singkawang fell today to a deliberate attack. The airfield is in good condition, and I will base Zeroes and Nells there tomorrow.
The air war, so far, has been quite bloody, but favorable to Japan. We have lost 316 planes, to 516 for the Allies. This 3:5 loss ratio keeps being reached day after day.
To Moulmein and beyond
Yesterday, the 14th Tank Regiment had attacked Moulmein and reduced its forts. Today, the base fell. Two infantry regiments should arrive tomorrow, the rest of the column in a few days. The area between Moulmein and Rangoon does not seem defended. It is most likely that the battle for Burma will take place in Rangoon in about two weeks.
Meanwhile, we are bombing Rangoon and its port. No ships have been seen there, so it seems the enemy did not try to resupply China.
In other news
On Luzon, Cabanatuan fell today. Two Philippine Divisions and a Tank Regiment were mauled and retreated towards Clark Field. In Manila, a second day of bombardment confirmed the enemy does not seem to be reinforcing the city.
On Mindanao, Cotobato was captured. The 146th infantry regiment should reach Dadjangas tomorrow. After that, the southern half of Mindanao will be ours.
Finally, in China, the two Chinese divisions defending Pakhoi were easily defeated today (they had been bombed from the air for more than a week). They have retreated into the plains between Pakhoi and Kwangchowan. This is good: the last place I wanted them to go is the jungle between Pakhoi and Haiphong.
Tomorrow is a pretty big day for Japan. We are raiding Ambon, where a large Allied task force has been detected, and in China we are assaulting Chengchow. Boxing day indeed !
RE: Perfection of a kind (fcharton vs spence)
December 26th, 1941
Another perfect day for the silent service
Off the West Coast of the United States, I-22 sank a tanker named Alfred Clegg. That’s 17 000 tons sunk in two days for this single ship.
Off Victoria I-18 sank a cargo, Katrina Luckenbach (strange name, if you ask me…)
The battle of Ambon
As expected, the large surface task force (two cruisers, a light cruiser and nine destroyers) that was ordered to bombard Ambon found the enemy task force there on its way. It was a bad day for the Allies, CA Pensacola and CL Danae were sunk, and several others badly damaged. Later, CL Adelaide tried to stop the returning task force, with her little guns. It didn’t work.
Japanese Ships
CA Myoko, Shell hits 1
CA Haguro, Shell hits 3, on fire
CL Nagara, Shell hits 1
DD Kuroshio
DD Oyashio
DD Yukikaze
DD Tokitsukaze
DD Yamakaze
DD Kawakaze
DD Umikaze
DD Suzukaze, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Shiokaze
Allied Ships
CA Pensacola, Shell hits 5, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
CL Danae, Shell hits 11, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
CL Caledon, Shell hits 5, on fire
DD John D. Ford, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Peary, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Pillsbury, Shell hits 3
DD Pope
Haguro is the only ship damaged on my side. She’ll be fine, but will need some yard time.
There still are quite a few ships in Ambon. Apparently, this is one of the places my opponent chose to defend (in retrospect, I am a bit surprised by the absence of mines in the port). As a result, I have decided to change my plans. Instead of going for an early Ambon and Koepang invasion, I will attack the Celebes (Macassar and Kendari) and the southern coast of Borneo (Tarakan and Balikpapan).
In the plains
Two important battles took place in China. North of Sinyang, a large enemy force was defeated by three Japanese divisions, reinforced with armor. Over 1100 squads, half of them combat, were destroyed. Those four corps are no more a fighting force.
In Chengchow, three divisions, attacking across the river, took the city at the first attempt. Over 650 squads were destroyed.
This concludes my operations in the central plains. Apart from small mopping up operations, which will take place tomorrow, all the plains east and including the railway line from Sinyang to Chengchow are under Japanese control. The only two Chinese bases left in this area are Nanyang and Loyang.
What now? Loyang sports more than 85 000 troops, not all in good shape. I probably have enough to defeat them should they choose to fight for the city. And I would be quite happy to do so: all troops damaged in the plains will not fight in the better terrain between Loyang and Sian. I will first try to isolate the city, by cutting the western road to Sian. Unless my opponent evacuates now, this means we will have a battle for Loyang. In the south, troops west of Sinyang have already been seen retreating towards Nanyang. I will try to prevent this, but they own the faster track.
My short term goals are pretty straightforward. Between Nanyang and Hankow, I want to do as much damage as I can on the defeated units in the area. Capturing Nanyang would be a plus, since it would complicate their supply situation. Around Loyang, I want to cut retreat paths. Once this is done, and unless the enemy succeeds in evacuating Loyang, I will need to decide whether I go for Loyang or Nanyang first. This will depend on the situation at the time, but overall I believe Nanyang is more important than Loyang. Once I hold this base, I can launch an early attack on Sian, or move troops towards Ichang to defeat the enemy there.
Another perfect day for the silent service
Off the West Coast of the United States, I-22 sank a tanker named Alfred Clegg. That’s 17 000 tons sunk in two days for this single ship.
Off Victoria I-18 sank a cargo, Katrina Luckenbach (strange name, if you ask me…)
The battle of Ambon
As expected, the large surface task force (two cruisers, a light cruiser and nine destroyers) that was ordered to bombard Ambon found the enemy task force there on its way. It was a bad day for the Allies, CA Pensacola and CL Danae were sunk, and several others badly damaged. Later, CL Adelaide tried to stop the returning task force, with her little guns. It didn’t work.
Japanese Ships
CA Myoko, Shell hits 1
CA Haguro, Shell hits 3, on fire
CL Nagara, Shell hits 1
DD Kuroshio
DD Oyashio
DD Yukikaze
DD Tokitsukaze
DD Yamakaze
DD Kawakaze
DD Umikaze
DD Suzukaze, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Shiokaze
Allied Ships
CA Pensacola, Shell hits 5, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
CL Danae, Shell hits 11, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
CL Caledon, Shell hits 5, on fire
DD John D. Ford, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Peary, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Pillsbury, Shell hits 3
DD Pope
Haguro is the only ship damaged on my side. She’ll be fine, but will need some yard time.
There still are quite a few ships in Ambon. Apparently, this is one of the places my opponent chose to defend (in retrospect, I am a bit surprised by the absence of mines in the port). As a result, I have decided to change my plans. Instead of going for an early Ambon and Koepang invasion, I will attack the Celebes (Macassar and Kendari) and the southern coast of Borneo (Tarakan and Balikpapan).
In the plains
Two important battles took place in China. North of Sinyang, a large enemy force was defeated by three Japanese divisions, reinforced with armor. Over 1100 squads, half of them combat, were destroyed. Those four corps are no more a fighting force.
In Chengchow, three divisions, attacking across the river, took the city at the first attempt. Over 650 squads were destroyed.
This concludes my operations in the central plains. Apart from small mopping up operations, which will take place tomorrow, all the plains east and including the railway line from Sinyang to Chengchow are under Japanese control. The only two Chinese bases left in this area are Nanyang and Loyang.
What now? Loyang sports more than 85 000 troops, not all in good shape. I probably have enough to defeat them should they choose to fight for the city. And I would be quite happy to do so: all troops damaged in the plains will not fight in the better terrain between Loyang and Sian. I will first try to isolate the city, by cutting the western road to Sian. Unless my opponent evacuates now, this means we will have a battle for Loyang. In the south, troops west of Sinyang have already been seen retreating towards Nanyang. I will try to prevent this, but they own the faster track.
My short term goals are pretty straightforward. Between Nanyang and Hankow, I want to do as much damage as I can on the defeated units in the area. Capturing Nanyang would be a plus, since it would complicate their supply situation. Around Loyang, I want to cut retreat paths. Once this is done, and unless the enemy succeeds in evacuating Loyang, I will need to decide whether I go for Loyang or Nanyang first. This will depend on the situation at the time, but overall I believe Nanyang is more important than Loyang. Once I hold this base, I can launch an early attack on Sian, or move troops towards Ichang to defeat the enemy there.
RE: Perfection of a kind (fcharton vs spence)
December 27th 1941
The fall of Manila
It was an easy affair. The 21st infantry division arrived yesterday, and attacked the city at once. The garrison was outnumbered
Ground combat at Manila (79,77)
Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 24453 troops, 237 guns, 74 vehicles, Assault Value = 881
Defending force 9749 troops, 107 guns, 150 vehicles, Assault Value = 222
Japanese adjusted assault: 460
Allied adjusted defense: 163
Japanese assault odds: 2 to 1 (fort level 0)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Manila !!!
Japanese ground losses:
450 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 42 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Allied ground losses:
3557 casualties reported
Squads: 59 destroyed, 29 disabled
Non Combat: 308 destroyed, 38 disabled
Engineers: 14 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 47 (47 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Vehicles lost 96 (90 destroyed, 6 disabled)
Units retreated 5
Only Bataan, Clark Field and Iba remain under Allied control. Iba will be captured tomorrow, and then we will march on Clark from all directions. The idea is to close the hexsides leading out of it, to prevent any sortie. Then I will lay the siege, bombard a few days to see what we are facing, and probably leave a relatively small garrison and let the defenders starve.
Further south, on Mindanao, Djajangas was captured. The enemy only holds the northern coast.
Indian Ocean
In Burma, the second attack on Moulmein succeeded in taking the city. The defenders have retreated towards Pegu, I am chasing them. Over Rangoon, my sweeps are no longer challenged by enemy fighters. We are detecting a large concentration of enemy troops. It seems my opponent will defend Burma.
The 15th Guard regiment are arriving in Moulmein tomorrow. Together with my tank regiment there, they will constitute my spearheads, and march on Pegu. The Imperial Guard division is a few days behind. They will join the others in Pegu and march on Rangoon.
I am still hoping to close the Burma road by mid January.
In the Red Lair
Two divisions crossed the river into Yenan. It was a bloody affair, but we’re in. Three brigades are four days behind. Another division is a week back.
Ground combat at Yenan (88,37)
Japanese Shock attack
Attacking force 22313 troops, 214 guns, 133 vehicles, Assault Value = 725
Defending force 21049 troops, 148 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 529
Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2 (fort level 3)
Japanese ground losses:
2182 casualties reported
Squads: 16 destroyed, 231 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 34 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 31 disabled
Guns lost 12 (1 destroyed, 11 disabled)
Allied ground losses:
595 casualties reported
Squads: 5 destroyed, 48 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 13 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 9 disabled
Assaulting units:
37th Division
41st Division
5th Armored Car Co
Defending units:
42nd Chinese Corps
1st Construction Regiment
129th Red Chinese Division
120th Red Chinese Division
4th Chinese Cavalry Corps
19th Chinese Corps
115th Red Chinese Division
2nd Construction Regiment
2nd War Area
18th Group Army
23rd Chinese Corps
6th Group Army
12th Chinese Base Force
Prospects are pretty good. The enemy has 13 units in town (and another one one hex away), including four infantry corps, and a cavalry corps. The 19th and the 23rd corps were the troops defending the road from Taiyuan, and have been damaged on several occasions. The 4th Cavalry corps was defeated four days ago. Overall, the enemy has relatively weak forces garrisoning the city. I am relatively confident that I can take the base in January.
The fall of Manila
It was an easy affair. The 21st infantry division arrived yesterday, and attacked the city at once. The garrison was outnumbered
Ground combat at Manila (79,77)
Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 24453 troops, 237 guns, 74 vehicles, Assault Value = 881
Defending force 9749 troops, 107 guns, 150 vehicles, Assault Value = 222
Japanese adjusted assault: 460
Allied adjusted defense: 163
Japanese assault odds: 2 to 1 (fort level 0)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Manila !!!
Japanese ground losses:
450 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 42 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Allied ground losses:
3557 casualties reported
Squads: 59 destroyed, 29 disabled
Non Combat: 308 destroyed, 38 disabled
Engineers: 14 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 47 (47 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Vehicles lost 96 (90 destroyed, 6 disabled)
Units retreated 5
Only Bataan, Clark Field and Iba remain under Allied control. Iba will be captured tomorrow, and then we will march on Clark from all directions. The idea is to close the hexsides leading out of it, to prevent any sortie. Then I will lay the siege, bombard a few days to see what we are facing, and probably leave a relatively small garrison and let the defenders starve.
Further south, on Mindanao, Djajangas was captured. The enemy only holds the northern coast.
Indian Ocean
In Burma, the second attack on Moulmein succeeded in taking the city. The defenders have retreated towards Pegu, I am chasing them. Over Rangoon, my sweeps are no longer challenged by enemy fighters. We are detecting a large concentration of enemy troops. It seems my opponent will defend Burma.
The 15th Guard regiment are arriving in Moulmein tomorrow. Together with my tank regiment there, they will constitute my spearheads, and march on Pegu. The Imperial Guard division is a few days behind. They will join the others in Pegu and march on Rangoon.
I am still hoping to close the Burma road by mid January.
In the Red Lair
Two divisions crossed the river into Yenan. It was a bloody affair, but we’re in. Three brigades are four days behind. Another division is a week back.
Ground combat at Yenan (88,37)
Japanese Shock attack
Attacking force 22313 troops, 214 guns, 133 vehicles, Assault Value = 725
Defending force 21049 troops, 148 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 529
Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2 (fort level 3)
Japanese ground losses:
2182 casualties reported
Squads: 16 destroyed, 231 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 34 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 31 disabled
Guns lost 12 (1 destroyed, 11 disabled)
Allied ground losses:
595 casualties reported
Squads: 5 destroyed, 48 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 13 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 9 disabled
Assaulting units:
37th Division
41st Division
5th Armored Car Co
Defending units:
42nd Chinese Corps
1st Construction Regiment
129th Red Chinese Division
120th Red Chinese Division
4th Chinese Cavalry Corps
19th Chinese Corps
115th Red Chinese Division
2nd Construction Regiment
2nd War Area
18th Group Army
23rd Chinese Corps
6th Group Army
12th Chinese Base Force
Prospects are pretty good. The enemy has 13 units in town (and another one one hex away), including four infantry corps, and a cavalry corps. The 19th and the 23rd corps were the troops defending the road from Taiyuan, and have been damaged on several occasions. The 4th Cavalry corps was defeated four days ago. Overall, the enemy has relatively weak forces garrisoning the city. I am relatively confident that I can take the base in January.
RE: Perfection of a kind (fcharton vs spence)
December 28th 1941
Bad day on Wake
After an unsuccessful attempt by an SNLF battalion, the 144th regiment landed on Wake Island a few day ago. With 100 AV against 30 allies, this looked like an easy campaign. Not so. After a day of rest to wear off the initial disruption, the first deliberate attack barely missed 1:1 odds, increasing disruption, and disabling a number of squads. And today, a second attack totally missed. My regiment is now in very bad shape. It is supplied, and I don’t think the enemy can take it out, but the conquest of Wake is embarrassingly difficult.
An SNLF was sent on a fast transport from Kwajalein. I hope fresh troops can tilt the balance. If my regiment can survive and recover until then, that is…
Good news from Nauru
Both Nauru and Ocean islands were invaded and captured today. This is good news, as our Imperial reserves of guano were getting low. Both SNLF battalions will now reembark and capture neighbouring islands.
I am still hesitating about setting up resource convoys from Ocean and Nauru. Those tend to use a lot of fuel, and Japan does not really need resources.
Kuala Lumpur…
… was liberated today. It hardly was defended, and it now seems clear that there will be no advanced defense of the Peninsula. We will fight in Singapore, then.
Before we move onwards to Malacca, I am resting my units for a few days, to allow for the capture of Temuloh. There is no point rushing now, and I don’t want to leave enemy units in my rear.
That is pretty much all there is to say about the war today… On Luzon, our troops are marching on Clark Field. In China, we are waiting for reinforcements in Yenan, marching on Chuhsien and Loyang, and towards Nanyang, where the Chinese pulled a nice counterattack today, against a tank regiment that had imprudently moved into forward position.
Ground combat at 86,46 (near Nanyang)
Allied Deliberate attack
Attacking force 16515 troops, 152 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1354
Defending force 960 troops, 0 guns, 144 vehicles, Assault Value = 81
Allied assault odds: 9 to 1
Japanese ground losses:
Vehicles lost 54 (22 destroyed, 32 disabled)
Units retreated 1
Allied ground losses:
277 casualties reported
Squads: 6 destroyed, 39 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Defeated Japanese Units Retreating!
Take that, you, Evil Emperor!
Bad day on Wake
After an unsuccessful attempt by an SNLF battalion, the 144th regiment landed on Wake Island a few day ago. With 100 AV against 30 allies, this looked like an easy campaign. Not so. After a day of rest to wear off the initial disruption, the first deliberate attack barely missed 1:1 odds, increasing disruption, and disabling a number of squads. And today, a second attack totally missed. My regiment is now in very bad shape. It is supplied, and I don’t think the enemy can take it out, but the conquest of Wake is embarrassingly difficult.
An SNLF was sent on a fast transport from Kwajalein. I hope fresh troops can tilt the balance. If my regiment can survive and recover until then, that is…
Good news from Nauru
Both Nauru and Ocean islands were invaded and captured today. This is good news, as our Imperial reserves of guano were getting low. Both SNLF battalions will now reembark and capture neighbouring islands.
I am still hesitating about setting up resource convoys from Ocean and Nauru. Those tend to use a lot of fuel, and Japan does not really need resources.
Kuala Lumpur…
… was liberated today. It hardly was defended, and it now seems clear that there will be no advanced defense of the Peninsula. We will fight in Singapore, then.
Before we move onwards to Malacca, I am resting my units for a few days, to allow for the capture of Temuloh. There is no point rushing now, and I don’t want to leave enemy units in my rear.
That is pretty much all there is to say about the war today… On Luzon, our troops are marching on Clark Field. In China, we are waiting for reinforcements in Yenan, marching on Chuhsien and Loyang, and towards Nanyang, where the Chinese pulled a nice counterattack today, against a tank regiment that had imprudently moved into forward position.
Ground combat at 86,46 (near Nanyang)
Allied Deliberate attack
Attacking force 16515 troops, 152 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1354
Defending force 960 troops, 0 guns, 144 vehicles, Assault Value = 81
Allied assault odds: 9 to 1
Japanese ground losses:
Vehicles lost 54 (22 destroyed, 32 disabled)
Units retreated 1
Allied ground losses:
277 casualties reported
Squads: 6 destroyed, 39 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Defeated Japanese Units Retreating!
Take that, you, Evil Emperor!
-
SqzMyLemon
- Posts: 4239
- Joined: Fri Oct 30, 2009 2:18 pm
- Location: Alberta, Canada
RE: Perfection of a kind (fcharton vs spence)
ORIGINAL: fcharton
December 28th 1941
Bad day on Wake
After an unsuccessful attempt by an SNLF battalion, the 144th regiment landed on Wake Island a few day ago. With 100 AV against 30 allies, this looked like an easy campaign. Not so. After a day of rest to wear off the initial disruption, the first deliberate attack barely missed 1:1 odds, increasing disruption, and disabling a number of squads. And today, a second attack totally missed. My regiment is now in very bad shape. It is supplied, and I don’t think the enemy can take it out, but the conquest of Wake is embarrassingly difficult.
An SNLF was sent on a fast transport from Kwajalein. I hope fresh troops can tilt the balance. If my regiment can survive and recover until then, that is…
I think a few days bombardment are key to taking Wake. Either air bombardment from KB swinging by or send a couple bombardment TF's to soften up the defence and cause disruption. I find without either, Wake can hold against a stronger force for some reason.
Luck is the residue of design - John Milton
Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)
Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)
RE: Perfection of a kind (fcharton vs spence)
Hi SqzMyLemon,
I am discovering the virtues of bombardment, especially from the air. They seem to be extremely important against large stacks or dug in defenders. Wake is a case in point, but I have been experimenting with it in China. In Pakhoi, a half strength Chinese corps was reduced to something spongelike by several weeks of bombings by Idas and Sonias (not the most fearsome Imperial bombers…)
December 29th 1941
This was not a very eventful day…
The two Chinese corps that occupied the railroad between Hankow and Sinyang were defeated, with heavy losses, by two divisions (3rd and 6th) and a brigade. This was the last significant enemy stack north of the railway line. The units that were trying to seal Ichang off have been seen retreating towards Nanyang, too. Ichang seems safe now, and the battles for the northern plains resulted into large casualties for the Chinese.
In Chuhsien, a preliminary bombardment revealed a 500 AV strong garrison. Two infantry corps, a construction regiment and three headquarter units. I have two fresh divisions, we shall see.
In the DEI, Sidate was captured. My task force en route to Ambon was attacked by enemy Banshees… One troop transport was sunk, and most of a base force went down with her. I hate those guys… (especially when I forget to set LRCAP over my invasions).
December 30th 1941
That was another light turn…
The invasion of Ambon is proving a disastrous affair. The troops hit the ground today, but a second transport was sunk in the process, despite air cover and naval bombardment. My SNLF battalion made it ashore in decent shape, but almost nothing is left of the base force that accompanied it, and very little supplies were landed. The first enemy bombardment also showed the enemy had reinforced the place, and we are outnumbered.
Reinforcements are on their way, I will bomb from the air, and try to hold my beachhead until the cavalry, or whatever you call it in these areas, arrives.
The mini-KB, operating in the area, managed to sink PC Zeaman and damage AVD Arend. One of my DD is in very bad shape. I hope she makes it back to Ternate.
In China, a first deliberate attack on Chuhsien reduced the forts, but failed to achieve 1:1 odds. I need some rest before I attack again.
In the North, it looks as if the enemy is trying to move against my supply lines. A unit is crossing the river from Yenan, another one is marching (also across a river) on the railway between Peiping and Kalgan. I am pretending not to see, I am not recceing, not bombing, and have infantry waiting for them…
Yesterday, a Chinese corps moved into Tsiaotso. I had a division and a brigade ready for them…
Ground combat at Tsiaotso (88,42)
Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 19014 troops, 160 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 659
Defending force 1479 troops, 18 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 50
Japanese assault odds: 16 to 1
Japanese ground losses:
26 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Allied ground losses:
685 casualties reported
Squads: 15 destroyed, 34 disabled
Non Combat: 20 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 10 (6 destroyed, 4 disabled)
Units retreated 1
I am discovering the virtues of bombardment, especially from the air. They seem to be extremely important against large stacks or dug in defenders. Wake is a case in point, but I have been experimenting with it in China. In Pakhoi, a half strength Chinese corps was reduced to something spongelike by several weeks of bombings by Idas and Sonias (not the most fearsome Imperial bombers…)
December 29th 1941
This was not a very eventful day…
The two Chinese corps that occupied the railroad between Hankow and Sinyang were defeated, with heavy losses, by two divisions (3rd and 6th) and a brigade. This was the last significant enemy stack north of the railway line. The units that were trying to seal Ichang off have been seen retreating towards Nanyang, too. Ichang seems safe now, and the battles for the northern plains resulted into large casualties for the Chinese.
In Chuhsien, a preliminary bombardment revealed a 500 AV strong garrison. Two infantry corps, a construction regiment and three headquarter units. I have two fresh divisions, we shall see.
In the DEI, Sidate was captured. My task force en route to Ambon was attacked by enemy Banshees… One troop transport was sunk, and most of a base force went down with her. I hate those guys… (especially when I forget to set LRCAP over my invasions).
December 30th 1941
That was another light turn…
The invasion of Ambon is proving a disastrous affair. The troops hit the ground today, but a second transport was sunk in the process, despite air cover and naval bombardment. My SNLF battalion made it ashore in decent shape, but almost nothing is left of the base force that accompanied it, and very little supplies were landed. The first enemy bombardment also showed the enemy had reinforced the place, and we are outnumbered.
Reinforcements are on their way, I will bomb from the air, and try to hold my beachhead until the cavalry, or whatever you call it in these areas, arrives.
The mini-KB, operating in the area, managed to sink PC Zeaman and damage AVD Arend. One of my DD is in very bad shape. I hope she makes it back to Ternate.
In China, a first deliberate attack on Chuhsien reduced the forts, but failed to achieve 1:1 odds. I need some rest before I attack again.
In the North, it looks as if the enemy is trying to move against my supply lines. A unit is crossing the river from Yenan, another one is marching (also across a river) on the railway between Peiping and Kalgan. I am pretending not to see, I am not recceing, not bombing, and have infantry waiting for them…
Yesterday, a Chinese corps moved into Tsiaotso. I had a division and a brigade ready for them…
Ground combat at Tsiaotso (88,42)
Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 19014 troops, 160 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 659
Defending force 1479 troops, 18 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 50
Japanese assault odds: 16 to 1
Japanese ground losses:
26 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Allied ground losses:
685 casualties reported
Squads: 15 destroyed, 34 disabled
Non Combat: 20 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 10 (6 destroyed, 4 disabled)
Units retreated 1
RE: Perfection of a kind (fcharton vs spence)
December 31st 1941
Down with the reds
Near Yenan, a Red Chinese division tried to sortie across the river. Unfortunately, this move had been detected in advance, and a full strength Japanese division was waiting.
Ground combat at 89,38 (near Yenan)
Allied Shock attack
Attacking force 1478 troops, 10 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 67
Defending force 13900 troops, 136 guns, 52 vehicles, Assault Value = 464
Allied adjusted assault: 0
Japanese adjusted defense: 1036
Allied assault odds: 1 to 99
Allied ground losses:
1706 casualties reported
Squads: 87 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 21 destroyed, 27 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 6 (6 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Assaulting units:
115th Red Chinese Division
Defending units:
8th Division
The 8th division will attack tomorrow, and finish them off. This and the failed move on Tsiaotso yesterday should dampen future Chinese dreams of counterattack.
The thing about Ambon
After our disastrous landing yesterday, there was much concern in the Evil Imperial HQ about the fate of our Ambon beachhead. Fatigued, disrupted, unsupplied and outnumbered, our situation seemed fateful, as they say in history books when writers wax lyrical.
But once again, the naysayers were proven wrong (and summarily executed in the rejoicing and merrymaking that followed): the Allied defenders attacked, but failed to gain favorable odds, and had to retreat, disrupted.
We should reinforce Ambon in two or three days, with and armored regiment. I know this is not the best unit for that task, but that was the closest one we had. Another SNLF battalion should arrive in about a week.
Bornean adventures
Beaufort fell today. We now hold all the northern coast of Borneo. Also today, we landed in Balikpapan. During the night, a patrol boat was sunk, and one of our destroyers (HEIS Fubuki) hit a mine. She’s still afloat, but damaged.
The landings took place in the early morning, with the coastal guns damaging xAP Hie Maru. Finally, we were attacked by B17-D in the afternoon. Four enemy bombers were damaged, and we suffered no losses.
At the end of the day, we have more than 100 AV on the ground, and two of our ships are damaged. We need another day to unload supplies.
The war so far
So far, it was a good beginning for the Evil Empire. The raid on Pearl Harbor succeeded in sinking three battleships and a cruiser, and Netties from Indochina dispatched Prince of Wales and Repulse. In the Indies, we have captured all of Malaya north of Kuala and Temuloh, most of Luzon, half of Mindanao, Manado and Ternate and the northern coast of Borneo. In Burma, we hold Moulmein, and are closing on Rangoon. In China, we have captured Hongkong and the coastal bases in Guangdong, and most of the central plains. Overall, 75 bases were taken this month.
On the other hand, there were little invasions in the South Pacific. Rabaul and Guadalcanal are still held by the Allies.
Losses were high but favor Japan. We sank 114 allied ships for 41 of ours, and shot down 550 planes for 250 losses. Ground unit loss points are 1300 to 100. Victory point ratio is 1.5:1.
Enemy doctrine is beginning to get clearer. This is an important difference between this kind of PBEM game and reality: if you play a new opponent, you begin the war with no idea of his playing style, and it is always better to spend a while understanding how he reacts, before formulating detailed plans.
In the Southern Resource Area, my opponent has been waging a defensive battle. He generally fell back on key bases (Rangoon, Singapore), pulled back his heavy bombers and most of his navy, reinforced some areas (Burma and Ambon), and launched quick counter strikes every time he could. During counter attacks, his weapons of choice have been naval bombing at low altitude (we have no home rule preventing it), and surface raids by small task forces, generally built around one or two cruisers. He also bombed oil fields and refineries every time he had a chance.
I read all this as a “no nonsense” approach to strategy, coupled with a tactical approach to defense. Since the Allies cannot prevent Japanese conquest, they retreat slowly and orderly, while trying to stab the Empire every time it overextends. My best counter is to remain methodical, and avoid Ambon-like deep thrusts (which is exactly what the enemy is waiting for).
In China, his strategy is difficult to understand. He did try a number of counterattacks, towards, Ichang, Sinyang, Taiyuan, Anking and now Kiukiang and Nanchang, but never commits enough troops, and always seems to stop short of the target. I believe he has no real plan for China, and has not decided on a line on which to fall back. As a result, lots of Chinese troops are still scattered in forward positions.
This suggests the following general strategy (henceforth referred to as the “Evil Doctrine”, or ED for you acronym-lovers).
I am not aggressive enough to force the Allies into submission by 1943 (in game terms, through auto-victory). Therefore, my goal is prevent, or delay, Allied reconquest. To do so, I want to take China out of the war as early as possible. Enemy indecisiveness there suggests this can be done by the end of 1942 or the beginning of 1943. Then, troops garrisoning China will be sent to India, the East Indies and the Pacific, allowing for a very strong defense by the second half of 1943. If I still hold most of the DEI and central Pacific by then, I believe I can survive, and win. If enemy reconquest begins earlier, or China takes too long to fall, well…
This means two major objectives for 1942 and early 1943: defeat China, and delay Allied advance.
In my opinion, the key to conquering China is to slowly reduce its huge army. The Chinese begin the game with a lot of troops, bad quality troops, but a lot of them. On the other hand, low replacement rate and lack of supplies mean that when a Chinese unit is defeated in battle (after its second retreat, say), it will probably never recover. As a result, my short term goal in China is not to conquer territory but to damage enemy units. I believe this is better done now, when the enemy has to defend a long front, from Yenan to Loyang to Nanyang to Ichang to Changsha, and I hold railways and roads that allow for fast troop movement between sectors. Marching on Sian, or going for an early breakthrough in central China, will only cause the enemy to fall back on shorter lines, in better terrain, and slow the time I need to shift troops along the front.
To delay Allied advance I have two ideas. First, I am pretty certain that my opponent will advance methodically in the Pacific and the DEI. The best way to slow such advances is to start with a large perimeter. Therefore, I will try extend into south Pacific and northern Australia. Second, I believe that Allied attempts to defend Sumatra or Java in 1942, if they are defeated, delay Allied reconquest, by having them lose more troops early in the game. I cannot ask my opponent to go for a fortress Palembang, but I want to tempt him into it, by delaying the invasion of Sumatra and Java. I do realize this means risking the oilfields and refineries, but this is scenario 2, and you can’t have everything, anyway.
Down with the reds
Near Yenan, a Red Chinese division tried to sortie across the river. Unfortunately, this move had been detected in advance, and a full strength Japanese division was waiting.
Ground combat at 89,38 (near Yenan)
Allied Shock attack
Attacking force 1478 troops, 10 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 67
Defending force 13900 troops, 136 guns, 52 vehicles, Assault Value = 464
Allied adjusted assault: 0
Japanese adjusted defense: 1036
Allied assault odds: 1 to 99
Allied ground losses:
1706 casualties reported
Squads: 87 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 21 destroyed, 27 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 6 (6 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Assaulting units:
115th Red Chinese Division
Defending units:
8th Division
The 8th division will attack tomorrow, and finish them off. This and the failed move on Tsiaotso yesterday should dampen future Chinese dreams of counterattack.
The thing about Ambon
After our disastrous landing yesterday, there was much concern in the Evil Imperial HQ about the fate of our Ambon beachhead. Fatigued, disrupted, unsupplied and outnumbered, our situation seemed fateful, as they say in history books when writers wax lyrical.
But once again, the naysayers were proven wrong (and summarily executed in the rejoicing and merrymaking that followed): the Allied defenders attacked, but failed to gain favorable odds, and had to retreat, disrupted.
We should reinforce Ambon in two or three days, with and armored regiment. I know this is not the best unit for that task, but that was the closest one we had. Another SNLF battalion should arrive in about a week.
Bornean adventures
Beaufort fell today. We now hold all the northern coast of Borneo. Also today, we landed in Balikpapan. During the night, a patrol boat was sunk, and one of our destroyers (HEIS Fubuki) hit a mine. She’s still afloat, but damaged.
The landings took place in the early morning, with the coastal guns damaging xAP Hie Maru. Finally, we were attacked by B17-D in the afternoon. Four enemy bombers were damaged, and we suffered no losses.
At the end of the day, we have more than 100 AV on the ground, and two of our ships are damaged. We need another day to unload supplies.
The war so far
So far, it was a good beginning for the Evil Empire. The raid on Pearl Harbor succeeded in sinking three battleships and a cruiser, and Netties from Indochina dispatched Prince of Wales and Repulse. In the Indies, we have captured all of Malaya north of Kuala and Temuloh, most of Luzon, half of Mindanao, Manado and Ternate and the northern coast of Borneo. In Burma, we hold Moulmein, and are closing on Rangoon. In China, we have captured Hongkong and the coastal bases in Guangdong, and most of the central plains. Overall, 75 bases were taken this month.
On the other hand, there were little invasions in the South Pacific. Rabaul and Guadalcanal are still held by the Allies.
Losses were high but favor Japan. We sank 114 allied ships for 41 of ours, and shot down 550 planes for 250 losses. Ground unit loss points are 1300 to 100. Victory point ratio is 1.5:1.
Enemy doctrine is beginning to get clearer. This is an important difference between this kind of PBEM game and reality: if you play a new opponent, you begin the war with no idea of his playing style, and it is always better to spend a while understanding how he reacts, before formulating detailed plans.
In the Southern Resource Area, my opponent has been waging a defensive battle. He generally fell back on key bases (Rangoon, Singapore), pulled back his heavy bombers and most of his navy, reinforced some areas (Burma and Ambon), and launched quick counter strikes every time he could. During counter attacks, his weapons of choice have been naval bombing at low altitude (we have no home rule preventing it), and surface raids by small task forces, generally built around one or two cruisers. He also bombed oil fields and refineries every time he had a chance.
I read all this as a “no nonsense” approach to strategy, coupled with a tactical approach to defense. Since the Allies cannot prevent Japanese conquest, they retreat slowly and orderly, while trying to stab the Empire every time it overextends. My best counter is to remain methodical, and avoid Ambon-like deep thrusts (which is exactly what the enemy is waiting for).
In China, his strategy is difficult to understand. He did try a number of counterattacks, towards, Ichang, Sinyang, Taiyuan, Anking and now Kiukiang and Nanchang, but never commits enough troops, and always seems to stop short of the target. I believe he has no real plan for China, and has not decided on a line on which to fall back. As a result, lots of Chinese troops are still scattered in forward positions.
This suggests the following general strategy (henceforth referred to as the “Evil Doctrine”, or ED for you acronym-lovers).
I am not aggressive enough to force the Allies into submission by 1943 (in game terms, through auto-victory). Therefore, my goal is prevent, or delay, Allied reconquest. To do so, I want to take China out of the war as early as possible. Enemy indecisiveness there suggests this can be done by the end of 1942 or the beginning of 1943. Then, troops garrisoning China will be sent to India, the East Indies and the Pacific, allowing for a very strong defense by the second half of 1943. If I still hold most of the DEI and central Pacific by then, I believe I can survive, and win. If enemy reconquest begins earlier, or China takes too long to fall, well…
This means two major objectives for 1942 and early 1943: defeat China, and delay Allied advance.
In my opinion, the key to conquering China is to slowly reduce its huge army. The Chinese begin the game with a lot of troops, bad quality troops, but a lot of them. On the other hand, low replacement rate and lack of supplies mean that when a Chinese unit is defeated in battle (after its second retreat, say), it will probably never recover. As a result, my short term goal in China is not to conquer territory but to damage enemy units. I believe this is better done now, when the enemy has to defend a long front, from Yenan to Loyang to Nanyang to Ichang to Changsha, and I hold railways and roads that allow for fast troop movement between sectors. Marching on Sian, or going for an early breakthrough in central China, will only cause the enemy to fall back on shorter lines, in better terrain, and slow the time I need to shift troops along the front.
To delay Allied advance I have two ideas. First, I am pretty certain that my opponent will advance methodically in the Pacific and the DEI. The best way to slow such advances is to start with a large perimeter. Therefore, I will try extend into south Pacific and northern Australia. Second, I believe that Allied attempts to defend Sumatra or Java in 1942, if they are defeated, delay Allied reconquest, by having them lose more troops early in the game. I cannot ask my opponent to go for a fortress Palembang, but I want to tempt him into it, by delaying the invasion of Sumatra and Java. I do realize this means risking the oilfields and refineries, but this is scenario 2, and you can’t have everything, anyway.
RE: Perfection of a kind (fcharton vs spence)
January 1st, 1942
All about the oil
Landings went better in Balikpapan than in Ambon, but we did lose a second troop transport. Hate those Banshees! The troops are now supplied, and the task force will sail at full speed towards Davao. A first deliberate attack reduced the forts and achieved 3:1 odds.
Ground combat at Balikpapan (64,97)
Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 2149 troops, 19 guns, 104 vehicles, Assault Value = 119
Defending force 3364 troops, 41 guns, 3 vehicles, Assault Value = 99
Japanese assault odds: 3 to 1 (fort level 2)
Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 1
Japanese ground losses:
22 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Allied ground losses:
537 casualties reported
Squads: 3 destroyed, 56 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 2 disabled
An Allied attempt at counterattack failed, and probably increased enemy disruption. The base will probably fall tomorrow.
Meanwhile, we landed in Tarakan.
To Rangoon and Bataan
Pegu fell today. Reconnaissance reports 15 units in Rangoon, including the five we just defeated. We only have a tank and an infantry regiment. We will wait for the Imperial Guard division, now in Moulmein.
In Clark Field, a first bombardment revealed the enemy only had 280 AV in the base, Philippine infantry, mostly. They probably are behind forts, but we can take the base. We are attacking tomorrow.
La monnaie de leur pièce
(for those of you who cannot read Japanese, this expression means “payback”)
The Allies tried to counterattack in Ambon and Wake, and didn’t quite succeed.
Ground combat at Wake Island (136,98)
Allied Deliberate attack
Attacking force 512 troops, 23 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 27
Defending force 2867 troops, 42 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 25
Allied assault odds: 1 to 5
Allied ground losses:
135 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 19 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 2 (1 destroyed, 1 disabled)
Ground combat at Ambon (76,109)
Allied Deliberate attack
Attacking force 3162 troops, 43 guns, 2 vehicles, Assault Value = 93
Defending force 1850 troops, 36 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 54
Allied assault odds: 1 to 2
Japanese ground losses:
82 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 12 disabled
Non Combat: 5 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Allied ground losses:
214 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 13 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
This will buy enough time for reinforcements to arrive. We can’t be wrong all the time, can we?
Near Peiping, a Chinese corps shock attacked across a river, into the arms of two waiting IJA divisions. Life is unfair!
Ground combat at 95,38 (near Peiping)
Allied Shock attack
Attacking force 1329 troops, 2 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 53
Defending force 26626 troops, 248 guns, 84 vehicles, Assault Value = 908
Assault collapses, attacking force wiped out
Allied ground losses:
1834 casualties reported
Squads: 108 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 70 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 3 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 2 (2 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units destroyed 1
Assaulting units:
83rd Chinese Corps
Defending units:
12th Division
57th Division
South of Yenan, the red division that had done the same yesterday was wiped out.
A good day in China
In Loyang, a first bombardment found 1000 AV in the city, eight Chinese corps, several base forces and engineer units, and lots of HQ. I have lots of artillery arriving tomorrow, and will bombard before I attack, but I am tempted to try and surround the city, to force surrender. The infantry corps will respawn in Chungking, but the engineers, base forces and HQ will be gone for good.
East of Nanyang, the big Chinese stack that had retreated from Sinyang was defeated once more. The damage done is quite impressive.
Ground combat at 86,46 (near Nanyang)
Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 37530 troops, 373 guns, 185 vehicles, Assault Value = 1716
Defending force 24760 troops, 234 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 523
Japanese assault odds: 3 to 1
Japanese ground losses:
3108 casualties reported
Squads: 6 destroyed, 133 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 11 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 32 disabled
Allied ground losses:
9721 casualties reported
Squads: 462 destroyed, 16 disabled
Non Combat: 733 destroyed, 18 disabled
Engineers: 18 destroyed, 10 disabled
Guns lost 50 (31 destroyed, 19 disabled)
Units retreated 8
All those guys are now in Nanyang, and we are following them…
A Chinese corps just advanced into Kiukiang. I had noticed it in advance. A division and a brigade are waiting, and will attack tomorrow.
Finally, a first attack in Chuhsien reduced the forts, but did not achieve much. Another deliberate attack is due tomorrow.
All about the oil
Landings went better in Balikpapan than in Ambon, but we did lose a second troop transport. Hate those Banshees! The troops are now supplied, and the task force will sail at full speed towards Davao. A first deliberate attack reduced the forts and achieved 3:1 odds.
Ground combat at Balikpapan (64,97)
Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 2149 troops, 19 guns, 104 vehicles, Assault Value = 119
Defending force 3364 troops, 41 guns, 3 vehicles, Assault Value = 99
Japanese assault odds: 3 to 1 (fort level 2)
Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 1
Japanese ground losses:
22 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Allied ground losses:
537 casualties reported
Squads: 3 destroyed, 56 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 2 disabled
An Allied attempt at counterattack failed, and probably increased enemy disruption. The base will probably fall tomorrow.
Meanwhile, we landed in Tarakan.
To Rangoon and Bataan
Pegu fell today. Reconnaissance reports 15 units in Rangoon, including the five we just defeated. We only have a tank and an infantry regiment. We will wait for the Imperial Guard division, now in Moulmein.
In Clark Field, a first bombardment revealed the enemy only had 280 AV in the base, Philippine infantry, mostly. They probably are behind forts, but we can take the base. We are attacking tomorrow.
La monnaie de leur pièce
(for those of you who cannot read Japanese, this expression means “payback”)
The Allies tried to counterattack in Ambon and Wake, and didn’t quite succeed.
Ground combat at Wake Island (136,98)
Allied Deliberate attack
Attacking force 512 troops, 23 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 27
Defending force 2867 troops, 42 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 25
Allied assault odds: 1 to 5
Allied ground losses:
135 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 19 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 2 (1 destroyed, 1 disabled)
Ground combat at Ambon (76,109)
Allied Deliberate attack
Attacking force 3162 troops, 43 guns, 2 vehicles, Assault Value = 93
Defending force 1850 troops, 36 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 54
Allied assault odds: 1 to 2
Japanese ground losses:
82 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 12 disabled
Non Combat: 5 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Allied ground losses:
214 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 13 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
This will buy enough time for reinforcements to arrive. We can’t be wrong all the time, can we?
Near Peiping, a Chinese corps shock attacked across a river, into the arms of two waiting IJA divisions. Life is unfair!
Ground combat at 95,38 (near Peiping)
Allied Shock attack
Attacking force 1329 troops, 2 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 53
Defending force 26626 troops, 248 guns, 84 vehicles, Assault Value = 908
Assault collapses, attacking force wiped out
Allied ground losses:
1834 casualties reported
Squads: 108 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 70 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 3 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 2 (2 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units destroyed 1
Assaulting units:
83rd Chinese Corps
Defending units:
12th Division
57th Division
South of Yenan, the red division that had done the same yesterday was wiped out.
A good day in China
In Loyang, a first bombardment found 1000 AV in the city, eight Chinese corps, several base forces and engineer units, and lots of HQ. I have lots of artillery arriving tomorrow, and will bombard before I attack, but I am tempted to try and surround the city, to force surrender. The infantry corps will respawn in Chungking, but the engineers, base forces and HQ will be gone for good.
East of Nanyang, the big Chinese stack that had retreated from Sinyang was defeated once more. The damage done is quite impressive.
Ground combat at 86,46 (near Nanyang)
Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 37530 troops, 373 guns, 185 vehicles, Assault Value = 1716
Defending force 24760 troops, 234 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 523
Japanese assault odds: 3 to 1
Japanese ground losses:
3108 casualties reported
Squads: 6 destroyed, 133 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 11 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 32 disabled
Allied ground losses:
9721 casualties reported
Squads: 462 destroyed, 16 disabled
Non Combat: 733 destroyed, 18 disabled
Engineers: 18 destroyed, 10 disabled
Guns lost 50 (31 destroyed, 19 disabled)
Units retreated 8
All those guys are now in Nanyang, and we are following them…
A Chinese corps just advanced into Kiukiang. I had noticed it in advance. A division and a brigade are waiting, and will attack tomorrow.
Finally, a first attack in Chuhsien reduced the forts, but did not achieve much. Another deliberate attack is due tomorrow.