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I haven't played 2 day turns in a long time ... my biggest take away from it and still sticks with me was that I had to be FAR more conservative on offense ... especially with air elements.

ORIGINAL: PaxMondo

I haven't played 2 day turns in a long time ... my biggest take away from it and still sticks with me was that I had to be FAR more conservative on offense ... especially with air elements.

Wholeheartedly agree, Pax. I did not remember it being this bloody, but it is, so I'll have to find a way to slow down the attrition rate. Perhaps more sweeps and less air bombardments. Carrier operations, on the other hand, cause tons of damage when they have enough targets, so those will definitely stay, as long as CV TFs are well protected. A whole different tempo to 1-day turns, that is for sure.

Ok... time for the report for Dec 13-14, 1941.

The sub war

The sub war seems to have had a lull. Last turn I shifted all my subs with enemy ASW forces on them, and that helped a lot. Still, a bit of activity:

- xAKL Lipis, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage, near Muntok.
- DD Dewey, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage, near Lanai.
- SS Sailfish, hits 1, near Busuanga.

- xAK Kiyama Maru, Shell hits 10, heavy fires, heavy damage, near Taihoku.
- xAK Hukko Maru, Shell hits 13, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage, near Saipan.

The one thing that has me nervous is that CVL Ryujo has not reached port yet. She should do so this turn, but subs are subs, and one may be lying in wait :/

The Pacific

The Big E was either very, very lucky, or very, very unlucky. Even with the floatplanes from the CVS, plus the floatplanes from the escorting cruisers, I was not able to find her. So, she is either sunk or she got away. Time will tell.

The CV TF hounding the wounded carriers did get into daytime surface combat, though, with the following results:

- DD Isokaze, Shell hits 2, on fire.
- DD Shiranui, Shell hits 1.

- DD Lamson, Shell hits 2, on fire.
- DD Porter, Shell hits 8, and is sunk.

The only thing worth mentioning about this combat is that the hybrid designs can surprise you:

- DD Porter sunk by CVL Kushiro at 30,000 yards

Then the air attacks started, but they were not as impressive as last turn’s:

- DD Balch, Bomb hits 2, and is sunk.
- DD Cushing, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage.
- DD Perkins, Bomb hits 1, on fire.
- CA Louisville, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires.
- xAP President Coolidge, Bomb hits 3, on fire.

I shifted a few hexes, and will stay in the area one more turn. Then I will sail the FT to port, and to marry the admiral to a third cousin, twice removed, of the Emperor’s wife.

One thing of note is that the only enemy air units attempting to cause damage to this task force are the Flying Fortresses based in Hawaii. A number was damaged by CAP.

Nauru Island was taken:

Ground combat at Nauru Island (127,128) - Japanese Shock attack
- Allied ground losses:
--- 47 casualties reported
----- Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
----- Non Combat: 6 destroyed, 0 disabled
----- Engineers: 2 destroyed, 0 disabled
----- Guns lost 2 (2 destroyed, 0 disabled)
----- Units destroyed 1

Wake got a night bombardment, in preparation for the amphibious assault that will take place in a couple of turns. 4 modern CAs, plus the Aoba and Kako CLs destroyed 4 squads and disabled 53 more. Whatever remains will not be able to do much against an assaulting SNLF brigade.

The Philippines

The Japanese land-based naval air has been pounding Iba, Clark Field, and Manila airfields since turn 1. Very few allied fighters are contesting the bombers now. The airfields are not at 100% damage, but they are damaged enough so that fortification levels have not been increased. I am close to send a Zero daitai south to Ternate.

Cagayan has been the target of a much milder air bombardment since the start, but the idea is to make the work of the invading forces (a week or so away) easier.

Ground combat at Naga (81,81) - Japanese Shock attack
- Japanese ground losses:
--- 18 casualties reported
----- Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
----- Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
----- Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
- Allied ground losses:
--- 855 casualties reported
----- Squads: 28 destroyed, 0 disabled
----- Non Combat: 30 destroyed, 0 disabled
----- Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
----- Guns lost 3 (3 destroyed, 0 disabled)
----- Units destroyed 1

In north Luzon, Vigan, Aparri, Laoag and Bayombong are in Japanese control. In south Luzon, Legaspi and Naga have been occupied, and 16th Div is moving northwards.

- xAK Hanyang, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk.

In Manila port:

- AO Pecos, Bomb hits 2, heavy damage.
- TK Gertrude Kellogg, Bomb hits 2, on fire.
- SS Sculpin, Bomb hits 4, and is sunk.
- AS Canopus, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage.
- xAK Si Kiang, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage.
- SS Seadragon, Bomb hits 2, heavy damage.
- AM Bittern, Bomb hits 1, on fire.
- SS Spearfish, Bomb hits 2, heavy damage.
- YO-41, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk.
- xAK American Leader, Bomb hits 1, on fire.
- xAKL Don Jose, Bomb hits 1, on fire.
- SS Stingray, Bomb hits 2, and is sunk.
- AS Otus, Bomb hits 1.
- AM Finch, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage.
- xAK Ethel Edwards, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage.
- SS Spearfish, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk.
- xAKL Sagoland, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires.
- SS Sturgeon, Bomb hits 2, and is sunk.
- xAK Capillo, Bomb hits 1.
- xAP Rochambeau, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires.
- xAP Neptuna, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage.
- AM Bittern, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk.

If anybody is wondering why my esteemed opponent does not get the ships out of the port, I have had two BBs plus other surface combatants blocking the exit from Manila Bay since turn 1. The first TF has expended its munitions, so I am rotating a new one in this turn. If I were him, I would have let the herd loose on turn two, as some ships would have gotten through, and the subs would have had an opportunity to fight back. The fact that he didn’t is to my advantage, of course.

Dutch East Indies

No action yet. The fact that Force Z escaped unscathed, and I have no idea where they are right now, makes me cautious. Ternate is now occupied by most of 1st Para Assault Div, 1x Eng Coy and 2x JNAF Coy.

Malaya

Alor Star was evacuated by the Brits, and it turned to Japanese control by itself. It seems that many units have taken flight towards Singapore. I will try to cut them off at Kuala Lumpur, but I may not be able to do it in time. I may have to land another division in Mersing to try to keep as many units out of Singapore as possible.

The enemy shipping losses are still mounting here (made possible by daily sweeps by one Zero and two Oscar units:

- HDML Pennigat, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk.
- HDML Panji, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk.
- xAK Persee, Bomb hits 1.
- HDML Pahalwan, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk.

Burma

Two tank regiments are one hex from Tavoy, with 55th Div one hex behind them. Other forces follow.

Chiang Mai’s airfield is being built up. It will one of the two main air bases in the area.

China

The Chinese are retreating in the Nanyang area. Japanese forces advance towards Nanning, Yenan and Changsha. Chinese forces are attacked as opportunities arise:

Ground combat at 84,52 (near Wuchang) - Japanese Shock attack
- Japanese ground losses:
--- 281 casualties reported
----- Squads: 1 destroyed, 19 disabled
----- Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
----- Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
- Allied ground losses:
--- 1855 casualties reported
----- Squads: 51 destroyed, 47 disabled
----- Non Combat: 50 destroyed, 0 disabled
----- Engineers: 2 destroyed, 3 disabled
----- Guns lost 11 (5 destroyed, 6 disabled)
----- Units retreated 1

Ground combat at 90,49 (near Pengpu) - Japanese Shock attack
- No Japanese ground losses.
- Allied ground losses:
--- 596 casualties reported
----- Squads: 12 destroyed, 0 disabled
----- Non Combat: 51 destroyed, 0 disabled
----- Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
----- Guns lost 17 (17 destroyed, 0 disabled)
----- Units destroyed 1

Ground combat at Hong Kong (77,61) - Japanese Deliberate attack
- Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 2
- Japanese ground losses:
--- 670 casualties reported
----- Squads: 1 destroyed, 35 disabled
----- Non Combat: 7 destroyed, 8 disabled
----- Engineers: 4 destroyed, 24 disabled
----- Vehicles lost 5 (1 destroyed, 4 disabled)
- Allied ground losses:
--- 382 casualties reported
----- Squads: 22 destroyed, 34 disabled
----- Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 10 disabled
----- Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Fortification reduction will take a bit, hopefully not too much.

Losses

Naval losses continue to be light:

- xAK Hukko Maru, near Saipan.
- xAK Kiyama Maru, near Taihoku.

Air Losses are lighter, but still uncomfortable:

- 6 Ki-48-Ib
- 6 B5N2
- 4 Ki-21IIa
- 3 D3A1
- 2 G4M1

- 4 Hurricane IIb
- 2 SOC-1
- 2 PBY-5
- 2 B-17D
- 2 Buffalo I

Plus several single planes.

Overall, I am advancing. In some regions at the expected pace, in two specific areas (DEI, SW Pacific) much slower. This last can’t be avoided without taking risks I’d rather not take.

The one HUGE question is… did I sink Enterprise or not? My opponent has said nothing about it, and I will not ask. At the very least he has two CVs that will spend a lot of time in the yards.

POLL

One question I have not answered and I’d appreciate your input on: taking into consideration the damage to the USN carriers, should I invade Midway, or not? This is the easiest moment to do it, but I am not sure if I should or not. What do you all think?

Midway

It's a good base for search and keeping an eye on Pearl. Not much else. Having it denies Northern CentPac search to the Allies. But why not? I have no reasons why not.

ORIGINAL: obvert

Midway

It's a good base for search and keeping an eye on Pearl. Not much else. Having it denies Northern CentPac search to the Allies. But why not? I have no reasons why not.

My thinking was it is a good flying boat but nothing else. Yet, your question is a good one: why not? I can't find a reason either. And with one enemy carrier probably sunk, and a Japanese CarDiv already in place, it may be the next target after Wake falls. It has to be now, or the cost of taking it goes much higher if a US CD unit is brought in.

Random thoughts on the mod and game so far:

- To have FIVE CarDivs at start is an important advantage. The CVLs covered Malaya, the Hiryus covered the Philippines, the CVEs covered the SW Pacific, and the Akagis and Shokakus attacked Pearl. The Akagis then moved to block reinforcements to Midway, while the Shokakus went CV hunting. The Shokakus will soon return to refuel and rearm, before deploying to the New Guinea area. The Akagis might go northwards after Midway is taken, to cover a landing on the Aleutians. The Hiryus will shift south to DEI waters, to cover landings there. The other two will be my reserves.

- There are eight CVs in the pipeline: two Junyos, two Shokakus, and four Shokaku-kais. The Junyos are meh compared to the rest, so I'll probably group them with CVEs, but the other six are top of the line (for Japan). There are also six CVLs in the pipeline: one Ryuho and five Asos. The Ryuho is a bit slow, but the Asos are fast enough to keep up with fleet carriers.

- The two Kushiro hybrids can and will be converted to full-fledged CVLs on 8 '42. They can carry 60 planes each and are very fast, so they will be a bit better than the Junyos! They will be ready a bit late to make much of a difference, though (270-day conversion), but I see no reason not to make the conversion.

- There is only one CVS in this game. It can be converted to CVL, but that might get delayed a bit. Three reasons for that. First, her floatplanes are incredibly useful (The Big E can attest to that). Second, she is the one ship capable of resizing land-based floatplane units to a size greater than 9. Third, with an increased number of CVs and CVLs, one more CVL is less critical unless a disaster happens. I will convert her, definitely, just do not know when.

- The fact that only one CVE costs build points is interesting. On the one hand, ships that cost build points can be accelerated. On the other hand, the five xAPs that can be converted to CVEs don't cost build points, and that may be important savings given all the added costs for the Japanese.

- The percentage of fast vs. slow BBs and BCs changed dramatically in this mod (as did the number of at-start heavies). The two Nagatos, the two Ises and the two Fusos are 25-kt battlewagons, as usual, but the four 30-kt Kongos have been joined by one 33-kt B-65, one 32-kt Amagi and two 30-kt Owaris (with the possibility of building one more B-65 and two more Owaris). But more important than speed perhaps is that Amagi has ten 40cm rifles, while the Owaris have 41cm rifles! The fast speed combined with big guns should not be underestimated. The thought of Adm. Tanaka Raizo leading a TF with four Owaris, two B65s and four Kongos against an Allied amphibious TF makes my mouth water.

- Cruiser force makeup also changed considerably. The Kitakamis are no longer huge torpedo platforms, there are no training cruisers, and the two Tenryus and two Kumas and are no longer CLs. On the other hand, the two Aobas and two Furutakas are now CLs and have nine 15.5cm rifles, and the four Mogamis are also CLs with fifteen 15.5cm rifles. In their stead, the Dai-Nippon Teikoku Kaigun gained two Niitaka and four Myoko CAs. There are only thirteen CAs at start instead of 18, but they are backed by 11 excellent CLs (including the starting 3 Tokoros, and compared to the rest of the Japanese CLs), so the overall balance is positive for the IJN. four Niitaka CAs are in the pipeline, along five Tokoro CLs.

- The two Kuma CMs can be converted to CLAAs on 8 '42. The six Nagara CLs can be converted to CLAA on 10 '42. The two Tenryu CMs can be converted to CLAAs on 12 '42. The Furutaka CLs and the Aoba CLs can be converted to CLAAs in 5 '43. Collectively, they will help a bit with fleet air defense in the mid- and late- phases of the war.

- Another important addition to the Japanese forces is the 9th Air Fleet. True, it starts as a non-factor, lacking training, but in a few months it has the potential to project a LOT of force. Currently considering to deploy it to the New Guinea-Solomons-New Hebrides area. We will see.

- One "minor" detail that might be overlooked is the IJN G5N2->G8N2 progression. Although the last model arrives in 4 '45 (unless research comes into play), the ability to deliver SIXTEEN 250 Kg bombs at 21 hexes might come in play to disrupt both Allied airfields and Allied LCUs. The last model even has an armor rating of 2. If we ever get to that point, I will let you all know how well these ladies perform.

Well, that is about it. The above are random thoughts that I think make BtS 2.7 an extremely interesting what if. I have not written anything regarding the changes to the Allies. That I leave for a more capable player but, should the writer post it here, it would be an honor.

Thanks all for reading my (probably muddled) thoughts

ORIGINAL: John 3rd

Within the first two weeks of the game I checked every SS commander and replace about 60% of them. As each I-Boat comes into service replace that leader as well. They will do incredibly well.

As to Lowpe's comments, I am beginning to agree and see the logic with him. My I-Boats and Ro- have done amazingly well when Dan is not actively using his escorts effectively; however, that is really beginning to change as we move into the Fall of 1943. Will Post my SS 'Kill' sheet sometime soon on the AAR and you'll be impressed.

I assume you're replacing them as you return them to port ..... Pity this can't be a special turn 0 item for units at sea ....

ORIGINAL: scout1

ORIGINAL: John 3rd

Within the first two weeks of the game I checked every SS commander and replace about 60% of them. As each I-Boat comes into service replace that leader as well. They will do incredibly well.

As to Lowpe's comments, I am beginning to agree and see the logic with him. My I-Boats and Ro- have done amazingly well when Dan is not actively using his escorts effectively; however, that is really beginning to change as we move into the Fall of 1943. Will Post my SS 'Kill' sheet sometime soon on the AAR and you'll be impressed.

I assume you're replacing them as you return them to port ..... Pity this can't be a special turn 0 item for units at sea ....

wouldn't be too realistic if you could ...

ORIGINAL: PaxMondo

ORIGINAL: scout1

ORIGINAL: John 3rd

Within the first two weeks of the game I checked every SS commander and replace about 60% of them. As each I-Boat comes into service replace that leader as well. They will do incredibly well.

As to Lowpe's comments, I am beginning to agree and see the logic with him. My I-Boats and Ro- have done amazingly well when Dan is not actively using his escorts effectively; however, that is really beginning to change as we move into the Fall of 1943. Will Post my SS 'Kill' sheet sometime soon on the AAR and you'll be impressed.

I assume you're replacing them as you return them to port ..... Pity this can't be a special turn 0 item for units at sea ....

wouldn't be too realistic if you could ...

Agreed .... just that it would be a month or more to put good drivers in place once the pigboats start heading back to port .... unless their recalled earlier and not seeing that benefit at all ...

Midway - Since John 3rd and I are taking this mod out for a test drive, this base is great for forward deploying subs off the West Coast. Send in some fuel, an AS, and some Mavis/Emily and you can push forward from there.

The Allies get those two shiny BCs at start which need one thing...crew experience. They are down south of the Gilberts with two hybrid CLV. There is another of the hybrids at Darwin, the Aussie get one at Melbourne, and the Kiwi get one at Aukland. The Yorktown come in at end of Dec '42 with CVL King's Mtn. While not much, it does put pressure on Japan to make sure many of your invasions have proper escorts as the Allied Death Star can bite harder in early '42 than normal. You can convert those 18 knot AOs into CVEs (I don't) and some AKVs into CVEs (I do) in early '42. CV Wasp is a Yorktown Class.

French - Their small navy of 2 BC with escort arrive at Panama in May '42.

Allied aircraft purchases - JuanG developed and we implemented this into all three mods. It may cost 150 to 240 PPs to buy 12 to 18 aircraft, but it does help get you more of those nasty P-38s. My OCD-ness comes out when training pilots and they have been the best fighters through early '43 by far (all my double aces fly Lightnings). The Allies also get dedicated pilot training groups (3 USN, 2 Marines, 3 US Army, 1 Brit fighter).

13th Armored Div - Rather than have it come and then leave until '45 at end of Dec '42, I allow it to stay. [8D] It hasn't seen action yet in my game and it will eat up 6 months worth of Sherman replacements, but I want to see how good it can be to have an Allied heavy in the game vs Japan's four tank divisions.

China - I've increased the non-infantry devices by about 100%. Industry has less damage and places like Chungking get greater daily supply. I'm hoping the country can survive longer rather than be captured by late '42.

36 SBD-2 - 30 F4F-3A - 14 TBD-1 you have as carrier loses for the allies following the carrier battle, it would suggest you sank it with it's airgroup.

ORIGINAL: Bif1961
36 SBD-2 - 30 F4F-3A - 14 TBD-1 you have as carrier loses for the allies following the carrier battle, it would suggest you sank it with it's airgroup.

You are most probably correct, especially since the TBD-1s were not in range to attack.

Sorry for the delay. I thought I was waiting on my opponent… and he had timely sent the turn to me. Dec 15-18, 1941 (two turns).

The sub war

Subs continue to do their thing. The Dutch subs, in particular, have proven particularly irksome. I am so glad I have (allegedly) sunk half a dozen subs in Manila port.

- CA Louisville, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage, near Lihue.
- xAP Merkur, Shell hits 4, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage, near Port Moresby.
- xAKL Kanchow, Shell hits 16, near Balikpapan.
- SS KXVII, hits 5, near Kuantan.
- xAP President Coolidge, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage, near Pearl Harbor.
- AKL Kohala, Shell hits 9, heavy fires, heavy damage, near Suva.
- CM Kung Wo, Torpedo hits 2, heavy damage, near Muntok.

- SS I-24, Mine hits 1, near Johnston Island.
- SS I-174, Mine hits 2, on fire, heavy damage, and SINKS. First Japanese combatant lost.
- CL Naka, Torpedo hits 1, near Kuantan. The same sub that sent the CVL Ryujo to the yards :/
- xAK Aden Maru, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage, near Shimonoseki.
- xAK Mansei Maru, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage, near Shimonoseki. The location tells me that my esteemed opponent has put his subs on patrol. 11-Kt. PB conversions will be ready in 3-5 days, while 14-Kt. PB conversions will be ready in 13-15. Meanwhile I am escorting what I can, which is not everything, not by a long shot.
- xAP Kitano Maru, Torpedo hits 1, near Puerto Princesa. Troublesome because it is part of an amphibious TF.

The Pacific

I delayed a bit trying to catch the Lexington, but to no avail. Since I do not see carrier planes lost on the ground, I guess she escaped. Well, them be the breaks. The war will be a long one. I have ordered the Shokaku CarDiv back for replenishment. They will then sail for continued ops, either in the SW Pac or in the DEI.

Wake was bombarded again, and then the 1st Mauzuru Assault Division did her thing. For 105 disabled casualties, the two defending units plus the Marine fighter detachment were destroyed.

The Philippines

Japanese land-based naval air keeps pounding Clark Field, and Manila airfields, but switches from Iba to Bataan. Enemy fighters seem to have been transferred to Cagayan, so two Daitais and one detachment of Zeroes are sent to Babeldaob-Peleliu-Ternate, while three detachments remain in Vigan. They ought to be enough, especially with the amount of damage done to the enemy airfields.

48th Div and 65th Bde, plus supporting troops, have started moving towards San Fernando. Things go slower with 2-day turns, as a day is wasted here and there. I actually like the slower tempo. 16th Division should reach Atimonan in 1 turn, 2 tops.
Cagayan continues to be bombarded by Nells. I am trying to destroy some supply and to keep the airfield damaged, so that fortifying in the whole island is more difficult.

In Manila port, the carnage continues:

- xAK Capillo, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage.
- AO Pecos, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage.
- AO Trinity, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage.
- xAK American Leader, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage.
- xAP Rochambeau, Bomb hits 6, heavy fires, heavy damage.
- PG Asheville, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage.
- xAKL Paz, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage.
- TK Mindanao, Bomb hits 3, and is sunk.
- xAKL Don Jose, Bomb hits 2, and is sunk.
- xAK Cape Fairweather, Bomb hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage.
- xAK Ethel Edwards, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage.
- xAKL Dona Nati, Bomb hits 1.
- AS Otus, Bomb hits 2, on fire.
- ARD YFD-1 Dewey, Bomb hits 2, on fire.
- TK Gertrude Kellogg, Bomb hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage.
- xAP Neptuna, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk.
- xAKL Compagnia Filipinas, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk.
- xAKL Bisayas, Bomb hits 1, on fire.
- xAKL Palawan, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage.
- xAKL Corregidor, Bomb hits 1, on fire.
- AS Canopus, Bomb hits 1, heavy damage.

For the first time ever in all my years of playing, I had to send a CarDiv (Hiryu+) to port because they ran out of bombs! The bay remains blockaded by an important surface force, plus there is a chutai of Vals bombing the port. The Hiryu will replenish, and then move out to contest the waters around Java.

Dutch East Indies

Ternate continues to build up, and transports are being transferred for invasions to begin.

Malaya

It seems that most troops are being evacuated to Fortress Singapore, with the occasional unit left as a speed bump. The advance is slower than I hoped for, but the Japanese are moving forward with five Inf Divs, 2 Tk Rgts, plus other supporting units.

Last turn I decided to use land-based naval air to bombard Singapore port. The result? I can now only see one ship left there with residual port damage of 1 (Detection 9/10). The rest have either been sunk or ran away:

- xAK Fatshan, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, near Singapore.
- xAKL Chengtu,Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage, near Singapore.

In Singapore port:

- xAK Silverbeech, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage.
- AMC Manoora, Bomb hits 12, heavy fires, heavy damage.
- xAP Perak, Bomb hits 3, and is sunk.
- AMc Klias, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk.
- AMc Jerantut, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk.
- AMc Rahman, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk.
- AMc Jarak, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk.
- HDML P 10, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk.
- AMc Gemas, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk.
- xAKL Nam-Vian, Bomb hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage.
- HDML 1062, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk.
- ML No. 310, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk.
- HDML 1063, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk.
- YP DG Frezouls, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk.
- YP DG Crayssac, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk.
- AMc Beryl, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk.

Ground combats:

Ground combat at 51,78 (near Kuantan) – Japanese Shock attack
- Japanese ground losses:
--- 65 casualties reported
----- Squads: 0 destroyed, 8 disabled
----- Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
----- Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
- Allied ground losses:
--- 2069 casualties reported
----- Squads: 115 destroyed, 0 disabled
----- Non Combat: 136 destroyed, 1 disabled
----- Engineers: 2 destroyed, 0 disabled
----- Guns lost 6 (6 destroyed, 0 disabled)
----- Vehicles lost 2 (1 destroyed, 1 disabled)
----- Units retreated 1
----- Units destroyed 1

Ground combat at 51,76 (near Kota Bharu) - Japanese Shock attack
- Japanese ground losses:
--- 157 casualties reported
----- Squads: 0 destroyed, 16 disabled
----- Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
----- Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
- Allied ground losses:
--- 1325 casualties reported
----- Squads: 28 destroyed, 4 disabled
----- Non Combat: 51 destroyed, 0 disabled
----- Engineers: 6 destroyed, 5 disabled
----- Guns lost 6 (4 destroyed, 2 disabled)
----- Units retreated 2
----- Units destroyed 1

Burma

Almost the same as last post. Two tank regiments are one hex from Tavoy, with 55th Div and support one hex behind them. Chiang Mai’s airfield is slowly being built up, and 33rd Inf Div is en route towards Bangkok.

China

Land combats are still yielding many Chinese squads destroyed (I seem to recall someone posting the need for the Japanese to destroy about 300 Chinese squads per month). I have hit a couple of road blocks, but I have also been given a couple of opportunities. The one thing my esteemed opponent did was to bring the AVG to bear, which cost me a fair number of light bombers. I have had to reposition fighters to respond to the threat.

Ground combat at Hong Kong (77,61) - Japanese Deliberate attack
- Japanese ground losses:
--- 494 casualties reported
----- Squads: 2 destroyed, 36 disabled
----- Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
----- Engineers: 5 destroyed, 3 disabled
----- Guns lost 5 (1 destroyed, 4 disabled)
-----Vehicles lost 2 (1 destroyed, 1 disabled)
- Allied ground losses:
--- 702 casualties reported
----- Squads: 17 destroyed, 59 disabled
----- Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 13 disabled
----- Engineers: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled

There were three bombardment attacks after that. Forts are still at 2, and I still do not make 1:1 odds, but at least Allied casualties are higher than mine now. We will see what happens next turn.

Ground combat at 88,43 (near Kaifeng) - Japanese Bombardment attack
- No important losses. This is only to keep the Chinese unit here tied up.

Ground combat at 83,52 (near Changsha) - Japanese Bombardment attack
- Japanese ground losses:
--- 11 casualties reported
----- Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
----- Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
----- Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

There are 3 Japanese Inf Divs and 3 Chinese Inf Corps here. I need to soften them up and add at least one more division and some artillery.

Losses

Naval losses continue to be light:

- xAK Mansei Maru, near Shimonoseki.
- SS I-174, near Johnston Island.

That I-Boat is the first combatant lost, and to a mine, of all things. So far I have been able to get all damaged surface ships to port. They will move to the big yards once all the non-major damage is removed.

Air Losses are far too high again. It is hard for me to wrap my head around this aspect of 2-day turns, it seems. Total losses (as reported) so far are:

- 65 B5N2
- 53 A6M2
- 47 Ki-30
- 35 G4M1
- 30 D3A1
- 21 Ki-21-IIa
- 21 Ki-48-Ib
- 19 Ki-32
- 12 Ki-27b
- 10 Ki-15-II
- 10 E13A1
- 9 G3M2
- 7 C5M2
- 4 F1M2
- 4 H6K4
- 4 L3Y2
- 4 Ki-43-Ib
- 3 B5N2-C
- 3 E14Y1
- 3 MC-21
- 2 Ki-21-Ic
- 2 Ki-56
- 2 H6K2-L

- 31 SBD-2
- 30 P40E
- 26 Buffalo I
- 23 P-40B
- 23 F4F-3A
- 20 Hurricane IIb Trop
- 19 Vildebeest III
- 17 Hudson I
- 15 F4F-3
- 15 SOC-1
- 15 TBD-1
- 11 F2A-3
- 10 H81-A3
- 10 PBY-5
- 8 PBY-4
- 7 B17-D
- 7 SBD-3
- 6 Do-24K-1
- 6 Blenheim 4
- 6 P-36A
- 5 Blenheim I
- 4 Wirraway
- 4 OS2U-3
- 3 T.Iva
- 2 L-18

Plus several single planes. The only area where I am not doing THAT bad (at least in comparison) is in fighters. 69 Japanese lost for 164. Still, I'd rather see that reach a 3-1 ratio (yeah, right! Wishful thinking on my part).

Thoughts:

Overall, I can't complain. The Big E has been sunk. The Lady Lex has been severely damaged. That gives me a much freer hand, although I must not become careless; all major operations must have carrier cover. BB's Idaho and Maryland in the bottom of Pearl Harbor. BC Ranger damaged by a torpedo. Not less than half a dozen subs sunk in Manila. A number of Allied cruisers have become artificial coral reefs. A dozen or so DDs sunk. Over a dozen xAPs also sunk. Those are decent numbers for the first ten days of the war.

What will the future bring? We will see. But a few things I have in mind right now:

Pacific:
- Midway first.
- Admiralty Is. -> Bismark Archipielago -> Solomon Is. after that.

The Philippines:
- There is an amphibious TF en route to land enough forces to conquer the island. It will take a bit less than a week to arrive, I think.

DEI:
- Ambon first.
- Landings in Borneo, Sumatra and Java afterwards.

Malaya:
- Should I land a 6th division there and, if so, where? One could land in 3-4 turns.
--- 4 units totaling almost 9k Allied troops in Mersing (detection 9/10).
--- 7 units totaling almost 9k Allied troops in Johore Bahru (detection 8/10).
--- Friendly Kota Bharu with Port-1, 12 NavSup, and 12 shore parties.
--- Friendly Singora with Port-2.

Any thoughts on this would be greatly appreciated

Burma:
The usual suspects. It all depends on how forward my esteemed opponent defends.

China:
- 51st Inf Div is being released to augment attacks along the Wuchow –> Luichow –> Nanning axis.
- Chuhsien being approached. Wenchow next.
- Changsha being approached.
- Chengchow being attacked. Loyang next on the list.
- Yenan being approached.
- Long range attack towards Lanchow being launched. The target is the oil there.

I have been considering posting on research, repair yards, air and naval production, etc. I will try to do that soon.

Strategic Considerations

Below you will find my take on how to go about the Japanese economy. I don’t do everything on turn 1 (did once… supply situation became dire), but I like to plan things before turn 1.

Air Research

I tend to have size-30 research factories, unless they were bigger already. I also tend to research fighters heavily, other planes not as heavily. I also research a few planes that some other players do not. Since I have never reached 1945 in a game, I have no idea how efficient or inefficient my research plan is, but perhaps this game will let me know. Anyway, these are my current research factories:

2x A6M2 Sen Baku
4x A6M2-N
4x A6M3
1x A6M5
1x A6M8-S
2x A7M2
4x B6N1
2x B7A2
1x C6N1
3x D4Y1
1x E16A1
3x G4M2
4x G5N3
1x H6K2-L
1x H8K2-L
2x J6M1
1x Kikka
1x M6A1
1x N1K1
4x N1K1-J
1x Q1W1
1x S1A1

1x Ki-102b
1x Ki-102c
1x Ki-201
1x Ki-202
3x Ki-43-IIa
5x Ki-44-IIa
3x Ki-45 KAIa
3x Ki-49-Ia
1x Ki-49-II KAI
4x Ki-61-Ia
3x Ki-67-Ia
7x Ki-84a

Air Production

I fear that some of the following numbers may not be enough, due to the high attrition rate Japanese planes have been sustaining, but this is at least my current plan:

120x A6M2
45x B5N2
8x B5N2-C
45x D3A1
30x E13A1
9x E14Y1
60x G3M2
60x G4M1
30x G5N2
30x H8K1
15x L3Y2

60x Ki-21-IIa
30x Ki-30
97x Ki-43-Ic (two factories start at odd sizes)
15x Ki-46-II
34x Ki-48-Ib
15x Ki-57-I

Factories will be turned on and off as needed. There are also 3 other factories which are currently not producing planes.

Engine factories follow the requirements from both production and research air factories.

Naval Production

The design team for BtS decided to make things interesting: you can’t have your cake and eat it too. There are not enough naval shipyard points to do everything the Japanese player would like to do (and it would hit your economy hard to rack the total up to that level). Accelerating carriers is nice, but a price has to be paid for it. The question is: what price? Stop construction of the last two Owari-class BBs? Looking at the arrival dates, stopping the Aki which arrives early ’44 might be an option. Stoping CA Chikuma, which arrives in mid-44 might also be good.

Yet, to accelerate the carries I wanted to accelerate, I decided on a different course of action. I temporarily halted construction of 11 I-boats, with the intention of restarting it as soon as the points become available. In 8 days, for example, CVL Nisshin will become available, and two destroyers will come out of the pipeline in the next 30 days, so I will restart production of at least two I-boats within that time frame. Yu-class SST’s, Ha-1xx SST’s, Type D SST’s, and Ha-2xx SS’s will probably not get built.

This has allowed me to accelerate the following:

- CV Taiho, Katsuragi, and Kasigi.
- CVLs Shinyu, Unryu, and Kurama.

Furthermore, CVE Shinyo has been accelerated, but since CVEs use merchant shipyard points, that was much easier to do.

Repair Yards

I posted this before, but I am adding it here for completeness. This is the plan for the big yards, so they can repair damaged/destroyed BB big guns:

Hiroshima & Nagasaki: 122 SY to repair 41cm rifles (4 ships max).
Yokohama & Kobe: 102/100 SY to repair 40cm rifles (3 ships).
Shanghai & Tokyo: 63/62 SY to repair 36cm rifles (10 ships max).
Hong Kong & Singapore: 63 SY to repair 36cm rifles.

Industry

If things go Japan’s way, which means capturing most of the oil fields intact, I might build some additional heavy industry, but it is too early to tell. For the time being, these are the numbers for Japanese industry:

- Heavy Industry: average a bit over 4k since day 5 of the war.
- Manpower: increasing about 6k now.
- Armament: with 260 points of factories turned off, increasing a bit over 1k now.
- Vehicles: increasing all six factories to size 35. Still need more than what I produce.
- Naval shipyards: with 1720 points of production, increasing pool less than 10 points, with a pool of a bit over 60.
- Merchant shipyards: with 663 points of production, increasing pool less than 10 points, with a pool of over 500.

The Anshan oil field and refinery are slowly being repaired, and the Lanchow oil field and refinery are an important strategic objective in China. Sian will probably remain in Chinese control, unless I do particularly well in the theater. Of course, they are not much compared to the oil in the DEI, but every bit helps.

I do not repair captured light industry. I do selectively repair resources and/or heavy industry, but it depends on many factors. Ocean Island and Nauru, for example, will not get repaired.

Well, that is about it. The above are only my thoughts, and I do not claim this to be the best way to go about managing the Japanese economy. But I decided to post the above for two reasons. First, so the Japanese Fanboy Club ™ can tear my ideas to pieces (so I can learn), and also to show newer players a possible way of doing things.

I did not see Palembang listed as a priority for capture. When is going to happen?? If not soon, then do a John 3rd trick and use some CA/CL/DDs as Fast Transport TF to take a nearby base so you can prevent any form of Fortress Palembang from happening. Bangka Island with Muntok at top with its 0(7) AF can be expanded quickly and then march down to Tobolia with its 0(7) AF that is another you could use to sweep Batavia in a few weeks time. He used those FT TFs to great effect in our game.

ORIGINAL: ny59giants
I did not see Palembang listed as a priority for capture. When is going to happen?? If not soon, then do a John 3rd trick and use some CA/CL/DDs as Fast Transport TF to take a nearby base so you can prevent any form of Fortress Palembang from happening. Bangka Island with Muntok at top with its 0(7) AF can be expanded quickly and then march down to Tobolia with its 0(7) AF that is another you could use to sweep Batavia in a few weeks time. He used those FT TFs to great effect in our game.

Good question, ny59giants!

One thing that must be considered is that the PoW and Repulse are prowling the area. That being said, after the Hiryu CarDiv comes out of port, it could divert to the area and cover a heavy TF, a cruiser TF, and an amphibious TF. The only unit I have that can invade is infantry division number six tentatively earmarked for Malaya, but perhaps the division could capture Palembang and then move to Malaya for the final attack on Singapore. It could then be replaced by air and port facilities, air units, plus a smallish combat unit or two. Thoughts?

If you capture Singkawang you can base your Nell/Betty there with a Zero group to prevent Force Z from coming too far into northern Java Sea. Having an AF 2 hexes away from Palembang allows you to use LBA to cover future landings. Also, for now, it would allow you to base Vals and Kates to attack any Allied transports trying to unload troops at Oosthaven with the back up of Nell/Betty at Singkawang. Remember, the Allies have the 18th UK Div coming from Cape Town and he has three brigades at sea along the west coast of India that could soon be off the west coast of Sumatra. I'm not saying you have to invade Palembang now, but you need to prevent him from significantly reinforce it. Fast Transport TFs can get in and out before he has time to react.

ORIGINAL: ny59giants
If you capture Singkawang you can base your Nell/Betty there with a Zero group to prevent Force Z from coming too far into northern Java Sea. Having an AF 2 hexes away from Palembang allows you to use LBA to cover future landings. Also, for now, it would allow you to base Vals and Kates to attack any Allied transports trying to unload troops at Oosthaven with the back up of Nell/Betty at Singkawang. Remember, the Allies have the 18th UK Div coming from Cape Town and he has three brigades at sea along the west coast of India that could soon be off the west coast of Sumatra. I'm not saying you have to invade Palembang now, but you need to prevent him from significantly reinforce it. Fast Transport TFs can get in and out before he has time to react.

Hmm... true... this coming turn (my opponent has the ball right now) I will take a good look at that. I can move a CarDiv and two BB Divs to the area without much trouble. And the amphibious TF should be there in less than a week, which is more than my other divisions will need to reach Singapore. Perhaps an invasion is in order. I have engineers, AA, and an air HQ earmarked for Palembang. I would just need to find what to garrison it with.

Thanks for the thoughts, keep them coming!

ORIGINAL: Kitakami

Air Research

I tend to have size-30 research factories, unless they were bigger already. I also tend to research fighters heavily, other planes not as heavily. I also research a few planes that some other players do not. Since I have never reached 1945 in a game, I have no idea how efficient or inefficient my research plan is, but perhaps this game will let me know. Anyway, these are my current research factories:

You may be getting a bit too broadly based for your economy, unless you just want to try stuff out. Take comments with a grain of salt. It's all up to how you want to play!

2x A6M2 Sen Baku Not needed IMHO. Other better kami options and it's not better than any other A6M in any other way.

4x A6M2-N Assuming this is to move once repaired to the A6M5. Lots of A6M in general. It's good to move some factories forward to later models, but you may end up with too many A6M eventually with what you're also building.

4x A6M3
1x A6M5
1x A6M8-S
2x A7M2 Too bad you have the Sen Baku already started. Here is where those resources should be placed.

4x B6N1 Too many. Probably 2 x 30 is enough.

2x B7A2 Those extra 2 x 30 from the Jill should go here.

1x C6N1 No need to research this one. Good plane, but Judy is fine until it comes.

3x D4Y1
1x E16A1

3x G4M2 No need to research later Bettys. Better to use for P1Y1 and Peggy (T).

4x G5N3 Or more even here, since you can!!

1x H6K2-L
1x H8K2-L No need to research these, and you'll end up with a Mavis-L factory not worth anything once the Emily-L arrives.

2x J6M1 A beast!

1x Kikka
1x M6A1 Okay, but not so useful late. Fragile.

1x N1K1
4x N1K1-J

1x Q1W1 No need. Maybe build just a few, but thee are better ASW planes. Kate. Helen 1.

1x S1A1 So late it's hard to get. Either all-in (3 x 30) or not at all for me. The Irvings do fine though, and the Frances-S are surprisingly decent.

1x Ki-102b
1x Ki-102c
1x Ki-201
1x Ki-202
3x Ki-43-IIa
5x Ki-44-IIa
3x Ki-45 KAIa That's a lot! It comes in early 44 anyway, soon enough you don't really need research, just a plan to switch an unused factory to build it.

3x Ki-49-Ia
1x Ki-49-II KAI
4x Ki-61-Ia

3x Ki-67-Ia Too many. Better to have this on the (T) version, which still works for LBA.

7x Ki-84a I like it!

ORIGINAL: obvert
You may be getting a bit too broadly based for your economy, unless you just want to try stuff out. Take comments with a grain of salt. It's all up to how you want to play!

2x A6M2 Sen Baku Not needed IMHO. Other better kami options and it's not better than any other A6M in any other way.

4x A6M2-N Assuming this is to move once repaired to the A6M5. Lots of A6M in general. It's good to move some factories forward to later models, but you may end up with too many A6M eventually with what you're also building.

4x A6M3
1x A6M5
1x A6M8-S
2x A7M2 Too bad you have the Sen Baku already started. Here is where those resources should be placed.

4x B6N1 Too many. Probably 2 x 30 is enough.

2x B7A2 Those extra 2 x 30 from the Jill should go here.

1x C6N1 No need to research this one. Good plane, but Judy is fine until it comes.

3x D4Y1
1x E16A1

3x G4M2 No need to research later Bettys. Better to use for P1Y1 and Peggy (T).

4x G5N3 Or more even here, since you can!!

1x H6K2-L
1x H8K2-L No need to research these, and you'll end up with a Mavis-L factory not worth anything once the Emily-L arrives.

2x J6M1 A beast!

1x Kikka
1x M6A1 Okay, but not so useful late. Fragile.

1x N1K1
4x N1K1-J

1x Q1W1 No need. Maybe build just a few, but thee are better ASW planes. Kate. Helen 1.

1x S1A1 So late it's hard to get. Either all-in (3 x 30) or not at all for me. The Irvings do fine though, and the Frances-S are surprisingly decent.

1x Ki-102b
1x Ki-102c
1x Ki-201
1x Ki-202
3x Ki-43-IIa
5x Ki-44-IIa
3x Ki-45 KAIa That's a lot! It comes in early 44 anyway, soon enough you don't really need research, just a plan to switch an unused factory to build it.

3x Ki-49-Ia
1x Ki-49-II KAI
4x Ki-61-Ia

3x Ki-67-Ia Too many. Better to have this on the (T) version, which still works for LBA.

7x Ki-84a I like it!

Obvert,

Your comments have value. As I have never gotten to late war, there are things I have never seen succeed or fail. Kamikazes is but one example.

I plan before turn 1, but I don't do everything on turn 1, or in the first month, for that matter. That means that I only increase the size of research factories in blocks. So far, I have only increased to 30 the size of research planes for factories arriving in the first 6 months of '42. January will see the size increase of the factories for planes arriving in the next six months, etc. I do this because I once almost crippled the Japanese expansion by overspending supply in the first two weeks of the war. This means that there are tweaks I can still make without much loss.

So, regarding your comments:

- 2x A6M2 Sen Baku: if they are not needed, they will become A7M2 factories.
- 4x A6M2-N: yes, the idea is to bring forward the later A6M models as quickly as possible. Only one will become a production factory.
- 4x B6N1: One will become a production factory. The rest will be brought forward to get the B6N2 and B6N2a sooner.
- 2x B7A2: will try to scrounge 1-2 more factories to assign here.
- 1x C6N1: could become a B7A2 factory
- 3x G4M2: I was thinking about the armored G4M3a Bettys here. The difference in arrival between the G4M3a and P1Y1 is 7 month in favor of the P1Y1. Perhaps this can be lessened by research? I do not like the service rating of 4 in the P1Y1, the gun value is 19 to 8, in favor of the Betty, and the P1Y1 uses the Ha-45 engine.
- 4x G5N3: I am not sure, but I think this plane and its successors can be quite handy.
- 1x H6K2-L
- 1x H8K2-L: I had not considered your point, and it is valid. I will change them to something else.
- 2x J6M1: I agree, a beast. Perhaps I'll add another factory or two.
- 1x M6A1: I will need one factory. Might as well try to get it a bit early if possible.
- 1x Q1W1: If the Kate and Helen are better ASW platforms, then this factory will be converted to something else.
- 1x S1A1: I will try to add a factory or two here.
- 3x Ki-45 KAIa: I only need one factory, true. I don't know why I have three! I will change this. Thanks!
- 3x Ki-67-Ia: The idea is to make one factory a production factory, and bring the other two forward to the (T) variant. There are two months of difference, and that might help get the factories to size-30 earlier.
- 7x Ki-84a: a must, I think. That will be the JAAF workhorse during a critical point of the war.

So, the new changes could then be:

- 2x A6M2 Sen Baku -> 2x A7M2, bringing total up to 4 factories.
- 1x C6N1, 1x Q1W1 -> 2x B7A2, bringing total up to 4 factories.
- 1x H6K2-L, 1x H8K2-L -> G5N3, bringing total up to 6 factories.
- 2x Ki-45 KAIa -> S1A1, bringing total up to 3 factories.

Thoughts?