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In my games against human, the game shows a tendency not to execute land combat actions at all. Sometimes allied units waited a month before next attack, sometimes they just landed without engaging the enemy. It came even to phase, where it is necessary to land an unit in order to have any battle ...

In some older versions the game indeed resolved as many land battles as needed before one side extinguished or retreated back to ships, while fighting on atolls.
Since 3.0 it is proably gone. Expect long sieges.

Don't give up !


Be careful trusting SIGINT.

The collapse of the SEAC LCU's is something I was debating with Jeremy Pritchard. My opinion is that LCU's with experience ratings less than 30 can't put up a serious defense (or attack, for that matter). In Version 3.2 it's fairly easy for the Japanese player to overrun all of mainland India. (Hans should take care not to lose SEAC and Eastern Fleet HQ's.)

BTW, about bringing in Chinese units. Hans probably already knows this, but it's worth repeating: don't activate the KMT units. Use the CBI units; they cost much less in preparation points to activate and march.

Interesting stuff this - Hans has raised China in Burma issue in email which i hope he does not mind me sharing:
------

I need your opinion on this, before doing anything hasty.
We agreed to dump the HQ deployment rule, does this mean that I am free to deploy chinese
units outside China? I found out that for example a British base in Burma can be changed to a KMT base. This way I can
march Chin units into Burma, or anywhere else for that matter.
The way I see it, it doesn't violate our agreement, but as your army in China is locked there, I would understand
if you argue that so should my Chinese troops.

Another thing is, What happens when you take Myit Kyima? My guess is that I will be able to place Chinese
units there at that moment, but would it violate our deal?
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Well in reality Chinese units (under Stillwel/CBI?) were in North Burma/Indian border - though nobody in British command like the idea at all. So I have no problem with Chinese units fighting to keep the India China link open (espeically since we now have no Dakotas for an airbridge). Equally if the IJA had gone gung ho in China and the choice was die or fight from India/Burma where allied supply would be easier, what would KMT force do?

So certaintly KMT in Mitkyina (sic) Lashio and Mandaly, and when I beat them retreating back to India ....

BUT as the Good Capt says, KMT bases stay as KMT bases, with bad/no leaders, poor supply, double PP costs to activate etc etc. IF CBI has units now they will be better than KMT troops and you can use them on any base - but your call I'm easy.

RE quality of troops (and Burma is one of my pet interests and probably why I put so much game focus there - I also had an old Uncle who was in the Chindits - now that was a war!). UK and CW troop perfromance (or rather command and control performance at Corps level and below, as we can decisions performance at higher levels was with respect to all concern ABYSMAL in 41/42. A few Japanese divisions, operting frequently in disjointed brigade groups with little support did for them.

I have comitted rather more resources to my Burma/Indian operations , including air and navy - no CV strike on Colombo yet but plenty of big guns around. So I should be kicking butt. Even more what ifs, but if you extract even a bit of Aus Div out of Malaya, pull back in Burma to where at least one unit is well entenched and focus air power, and Japanese use only in place forces, then life is tricker for IJA.

Finally in a game vs the AI, I took all of India and Ceylon, BUT I cannot take Calcutta after a 4 month siege with 6+ good divs and air power - rightfully reflecting that Fcalcuuta = rest of India= BIG place so hope for Hans yet.

Originally posted by deVada
Be careful trusting SIGINT.

I learned that the hard way a couple of turns ago, but will it be more reliable later in the war?

Until now (turn 6) I haven’t experienced any problems initiating land combat. Are you sure it’s not a PP-, supply- or commander problem you have come across?

As for the Atoll issue I’m still a little confused. Earlier in the game Strawb made an attempt on Wake. There the combat continued until the IJA unit was eliminated, and as I recall (Strawb, correct me if I’m wrong) a similar combat occurred on Midway, ending with the destruction of the defending Marine unit.

Another matter is the appearance of 10000t Marus in allied taskforces. When I gave orders for turn 3, I found out that creating a new transport taskforce, either at bases or at sea, a group of 11 10000t Marus was magically included.
Strangest thing is, that when I was to give orders for the next turn, they had all disappeared, except one group, which also happened to be the only group that had been attacked and reduced by air forces. ????? Coincidence?
I don’t know, but since then I haven’t experienced this phenomenon, have any of you had the same problem?

Yet another thing, and this may be a stupid question, but can anyone tell me where to find a ships/weapon type/available chart for v3.2?

Originally posted by Hans-Brink
I learned that the hard way a couple of turns ago, but will it be more reliable later in the war?

[maybe I shouldn't say (or wrote) that, but there is a way to fool Allied commander using the SIGINT. The SIGINT never lies, but it's easy to do like this:
i.e. Japanese player wants to move his ships secretly to another base under his control. To do that, additionally confusing Your allied opponent, select the TF fake destination to a base vital to enemy (which are You not planning to attack later !!!), set the maximum (or accurate if the base is closer) standoff range and return to port orders, home base should be set as the real destination. In effect some snoopers can be confused, which changes the balance a bit ]


Until now (turn 6) I haven’t experienced any problems initiating land combat. Are you sure it’s not a PP-, supply- or commander problem you have come across?

[no Hans, that is surely not a matter of PP or supply or commander, actually I rather suspect the poor experience ]

As for the Atoll issue I’m still a little confused. Earlier in the game Strawb made an attempt on Wake. There the combat continued until the IJA unit was eliminated, and as I recall (Strawb, correct me if I’m wrong) a similar combat occurred on Midway, ending with the destruction of the defending Marine unit.

[I am not sure on this matter, Jeremy ! Are You there ?]

Another matter is the appearance of 10000t Marus in allied taskforces. When I gave orders for turn 3, I found out that creating a new transport taskforce, either at bases or at sea, a group of 11 10000t Marus was magically included.

[are You using manual composition of a TF ?]

or

[WONDERFUL BUG !!! , never seen this. Got similiar, when my divisions appeared in Ponape (that time under IJN control) without any reason - just to be a training meat for Japs (what a waste of kill points!]

Strangest thing is, that when I was to give orders for the next turn, they had all disappeared, except one group, which also happened to be the only group that had been attacked and reduced by air forces. ????? Coincidence?
I don’t know, but since then I haven’t experienced this phenomenon, have any of you had the same problem?

Yet another thing, and this may be a stupid question, but can anyone tell me where to find a ships/weapon type/available chart for v3.2?

[If You have a pacwar editor, You can simply acces the scenario file which You are currently using and see everything what'll arrive in the future. Notify me please if You do not have one. It is in .xls file]

Keep struggling Hans!
The reward is sweet. Some people call it vengeace ...

Capt. Harlock
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BTW, about bringing in Chinese units. Hans probably already knows this, but it's worth repeating: don't activate the KMT units. Use the CBI units; they cost much less in preparation points to activate and march.
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Thanks for the tip Capt. I didn’t know. Actually I haven’t played the game for 12-15 months, and this is my first time as Allied player, as it is my first time playing against a human opponent.
Btw. At present time I haven’t any CBI units or HQ (turn 6). When will these arrive? Or is there something that triggers them?


Strawb
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Well in reality Chinese units (under Stillwel/CBI?) were in North Burma/Indian border - though nobody in British command like the idea at all. So I have no problem with Chinese units fighting to keep the India China link open (espeically since we now have no Dakotas for an airbridge). Equally if the IJA had gone gung ho in China and the choice was die or fight from India/Burma where allied supply would be easier, what would KMT force do?
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Exactly!
The trick is to strike a balance between loyalty to historical facts and not twisting the game into a surrealistic scenario.
Imagine this: For some strange reason a Japanese player chooses not to commit any resources in Burma/India. As a result the Allied opponent transfers all KMT units to the US west coast.
Hmmm… Not my kind of game.
On the other hand, a game where the players are supposed to follow the history letter by letter?
Then I think I would prefer to watch a documentary on the subject instead.
To me the what ifs is what makes this game interesting. As you say, the British were not too fond of the idea having Chinese soldiers in Burma. Then again they were not confronting 4+ Japanese divisions. (As some of us does)
In my opinion, KMT units should be allowed in Burma if the Burma Road is at risk. Regardless how many/few resources the Japanese player commits.
I’m convinced that the British would have accepted this if Japanese forces had been a serious threat to India.

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So certaintly KMT in Mitkyina (sic) Lashio and Mandaly, and when I beat them retreating back to India ....
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Copy that…eeehhh, I think


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BUT as the Good Capt says, KMT bases stay as KMT bases, with bad/no leaders, poor supply, double PP costs to activate etc etc. IF CBI has units now they will be better than KMT troops and you can use them on any base - but your call I'm easy.
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Copy that too


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I have comitted rather more resources to my Burma/Indian operations
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Now that I can confirm!

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maybe I shouldn't say (or wrote) that, but there is a way to fool Allied commander using the SIGINT. The SIGINT never lies, but it's easy to do like this:
i.e. Japanese player wants to move his ships secretly to another base under his control. To do that, additionally confusing Your allied opponent, select the TF fake destination to a base vital to enemy (which are You not planning to attack later !!!), set the maximum (or accurate if the base is closer) standoff range and return to port orders, home base should be set as the real destination. In effect some snoopers can be confused, which changes the balance a bit
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Take my word for it HE KNOWS


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Another matter is the appearance of 10000t Marus in allied taskforces. When I gave orders for turn 3, I found out that creating a new transport taskforce, either at bases or at sea, a group of 11 10000t Marus was magically included.

are You using manual composition of a TF ?]
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Yep!
Create new Task Force
Transport
Select from port
Picking the ships
Right click
Right click on new taskforce
And voila… included is a group of Marus. Easy to spot as their number/type text is displayed in yellow.
But as I said, it occurred in turn 3, and since then there have been no problems


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[If You have a pacwar editor, You can simply acces the scenario file which You are currently using and see everything what'll arrive in the future. Notify me please if You do not have one. It is in .xls file]
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I haven’t been able to find a xls file in my gamefolder. Where can I get this?
Any help would be appreciated.


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Keep struggling Hans!
The reward is sweet. Some people call it vengeace ...
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And so it is DeVada, so it is

Washington Post
January 18. 1942

--FLASH--
Percival surrenders
On a press conference the British supreme commander in India has announced the fall of Singapore. The garrison surrendered after a few days of heavy fighting in the outskirts of the town, he said.
An article in Darwin Chronicle states, that the Australian 8’th division still offer some resistance in the northern part of the town, but Japanese forces controls the harbour and airfield.
--END FLASH--

--FLASH--
Chinese baptism of fire
At Changsha the first battle between Chinese and Japanese forces has been fought.
Though outnumbered, the Japanese forces succeeded in forcing a Chinese army to surrender, just outside the city. They didn’t manage to gain control of the area though.
According to our sources in china, this incidence will have no influence on the Chinese commitment in Burma.
--END FLASH--

--FLASH--
Stalemate in the Celebes
Skirmishing on Ambon Island continued throughout this week. The Japanese now have 2 regiment sized combat formations on the island, but despite the support from cruiser squadrons and close air support from Kendari, the well entrenched allied defenders still controls the harbour and airfield.
--END FLASH--

--FLASH—
Central Pacific news
Yesterday Japanese naval forces succeeded in landing an additional brigade on Palmyra. The US air forces sank a MCS and a tanker, but were unable to intercept the transports heading for the atoll.
--END FLASH--

Apologies to my fellow Europeans of a Low Countries ilk but those D*MNED DUTCHMAN!

No ship too tough, no TF to big for the those flying Dutchman of Batavia. Their Martin bombers are flying on coconut milk and patched with palm leaves. It is what comes of running the whole Dutch East Indies/Phillipines operation on minimal forces as a 'lesser front'..

Actually the Batavia operation is a interesting position for newbies. Yes try the risky operations, especially if you have good intel, BUT do not reinforce failure. When my first attempt failed I should I have sat back, gathered some proper firepower and probably easily removed the problem.

Instead, as a 'lesser front' I have been dribbling in ships and units left over from opther operations. Result: a steady trail of damaged CAs, CL DD and even a BB heading to shipyards. All those units working as one would have taken Batavia and still be in fit shape for more battles now. :rolleyes:

And irony - the HQ which was in charge of this 'forgotton army fighting a backwater war? 14th Army the same name as Britaisn 'Forgotten Army in burma in 1942-45!

There are actually two editor files included in release 3.0. (I believe one is in Excel 97 format and the other in Excel 2000.) I would first try searching your hard disk for files named "pacwared*.xls". If that doesn't turn up anything, see if you still have the download compressed file. Note: the 3.1 and 3.2 upgrade files don't have the editor--you must have a full installation file, which will be over 6MB in size.

Incidentally, the editor is now an indispensible tool for playing Pacific War. So many changes have been made that the original manual's tables on things like aircraft, weapons, and leader ratings can no longer be trusted.

Washington Post
January 25. 1942


--FLASH--
Australian Division surrenders
This week the remains of the Singapore garrison surrendered to the Japanese commander Lt. General Yamashita. Thus! The Malayan peninsular is now fully controlled by the IJA.
--END FLASH--


--FLASH--
Continued Japanese advance in India
During this week Japanese forces gained control over Imphal and Lashio, as the British forces withdrew from their positions. At the same time the IJA has moved in on Calcutta.
Lt. General Pownall expects a closure of the Burma Road within a week or two.
--END FLASH--


--FLASH--
Changsha first Chinese city to fall
2 Chinese armies defending Changsha retreated to Henyang after a heavy assault from Japanese army units
--END FLASH--


--FLASH--
Bataan and Lingayen in question
Heavy fighting occurred as Japanese forces made their first attempt to take control over Bataan port and airfield.
All US Pacific commanders spent the week in Washington, where they assembled to discuss the consequence of an early fall of the Philippines.
--END FLASH--


--FLASH—
Wake, the hot spot
Our correspondent on Wake reports that the presence of IJN has been strengthened around the island.
Evidently they want this island he states
--END FLASH--


--FLASH--
A relatively quiet week on Palmyra
Except from a few air interdictions on Japanese shipping near the coast, there has been no activity on Palmyra this week.
A representative from CINPAC predicts that additional Japanese units will be landed soon. The lack of activity now, he claims, is just the silence before the storm.
--END FLASH--

--FLASH--
Japanese probe in the Coral Sea
Yesterday a Japanese task force bombarded New Caledonia. It is expected that amphibious forces are heading for the island at this moment.
--END FLASH--


--FLASH--
Air raid on Darwin
According to an article in Darwin Chronicle, Japanese carrier based planes bombed the airfield at Darwin 2 days ago. Combined US/Australian air forces struck on what appeared to be 2 light and 2 escort carriers. 1 CVL was heavily damaged.
--END FLASH--

Washington Post
February 1 1942

--FLASH--
India
The British retreat in India continues. Thus the Japanese army took Jorbat without firing a single shot. In a message from SEAC to the Chinese HQ, Lt. General Pownall urge Chang-Kai-Sheck to move into Burma.
--END FLASH--

--FLASH--
Ambon Island evacuated
Fierce combat in the jungle continued, until an Australian Taskforce arrived and evacuated the defenders. 1 CL was sunk by Japanese torpedo bombers.
--END FLASH--

--FLASH--
Dutch defences breaks
In a communiqué to Washington, Wawell reports that Japanese units have captured Batavia. He requests for an immediate evacuation of all ABDA forces on the island of Java.
Batavia had to be left to the Japanese after days of determined resistance. Though the flying Dutchmen were supporting the ground troops, the assault was to heavy.
During the landing the Dutch air groups succeeded in sinking 1 CVL and 2 CVE.
--END FLASH--

--FLASH--
Amphibious assault on New Caledonia
Our journalist in Brisbane reports that Japanese forces have landed on New Caledonia. The landing was supported by 125+ carrier based bombers, and suppressing fire from a 2 BB battle group.
Still the defenders were able to hold their positions.
--END FLASH--

Washington Post
February 8 1942

--FLASH--
India/Burma
This week, a Japanese division captured Myitkyina. As seen several times in the last 3 weeks, the British forces had left the city defenceless.
--FLASH--

--FLASH--
New Caledonia
Land combat ceased this week, but an IJN battle group regularly bombards the island
--END FLASH--

--FLASH--
Japanese super battleship sighted
Our correspondent on Palmyra reports, that an air patrol sighted the Japanese battleship Yamato, accompanied by 4 light cruisers.
A few hours’ later dive-bombers located and attacked the ship.
Several hits struck the BB without causing serious damage. 1 CL was sunk though, and another severely damaged.
--END FLASH--



RUMOURS… RUMOURS… RUMOURS… RUMOURS… RUMOURS… RUMOURS

Rumours has it:

An official in CINPAC claims British naval forces are ready to evacuate the Java isles

An anonymous source In South Pacific Command states that the first US soldiers have arrived at Port Moresby

A High ranking officer in CINPAC claims that Midway is target for an offensive that will be launched in a very near future.

Military sources in both Australia and US say that land and air assets are being assembled for a massive offensive in New Guinea.

A reliable source in Washington claims, that US commitments in China will be significantly increased in the upcoming month.

1. The IJN wish to complain that the brand new paintwork of the Yamato was stratched this week by careless IJAAF pilots off Palyrma - The admiral is not happy. And it must have been IJAAF 'cause we own Palymra don't we????? (what not YET?).

2. New IJN navy policy: CVEs who needs them. CVLs however are a different matter (and we still have them despite US propoganda) More imprtantly we still have 6 CVs - we're waiting...

3. Wanted - ship repair workers. Expertise in CAs and CLs espeically useful.

Originally posted by strawb
1. The IJN wish to complain that the brand new paintwork of the Yamato was stratched this week by careless IJAAF pilots off Palyrma - The admiral is not happy. And it must have been IJAAF 'cause we own Palymra don't we????? (what not YET?).

Admitted! That monster has some thick skin. Now let’s see how it perform in a newly introduced exercise…SUB DODGING, all the way back to Japan.

Japan? Why would we want to send the Queen of the Seas home? Far to many other things to do...

The Japanese finaly pause in their onward rush, to plan, consolidate and deploy forces.

The fall of Bataan (and that of Singapore has freed many forces for use in the Indian push, the South West island drive and to defend the numerous islands in Central Pacific.

The high pressure drive has not been kind on IJN in terms of losses (and damaged for that matter) and the failure to finish off the second CV off Midway when Lexy was sunk is beginning to grate now.

Stats attached.

S

NOW attached

Washington Post
February 15 1942


--FLASH--
Limited actions in India/Burma
A British task force bombarded the airfield and depots at Dacca. At the same time, Chinese troops advanced to Myitkyina, where they got contact with entrenched Japanese units.
--END FLASH--

--FLASH--
Bataan, the last stand
The Japanese army launched a new series of assaults on the allied positions at Lingayen and Bataan. At Lingayen the defenders surrendered after only a single days moderate resistance.
At Bataan, however, fierce combat continued throughout the week.
The situation is desperate, US officers claim. It might be a matter of days, before the exhausted garrison will have to surrender.
--END FLASH--

--FLASH--
Central Pacific news
The struggle for control of Palmyra continued throughout the week. On the isle US Marines have dug in, while dive- and fighter-bombers are working from dawn to dusk to prevent Japanese shipping in supplying the IJA formations that has been landed there.
Both sides made several attempts to reinforce their positions, but all of them failed. Beside the 2 BBs battle group, the IJN has moved 6 CVs in, probably in order to gain air superiority over the isle.
--END FLASH--

--FLASH--
South Pacific getting warm
As on Palmyra, both sides have dug in on New Caledonia. 2 Japanese battleships continually bombarded the island, while Zeros from Espirtu Santo flew several CAS sorties.
In a telegram to Washington, the Australian prime minister expresses his concerns on the development in the South Pacific.
--END FLASH--





RUMOURS… RUMOURS… RUMOURS… RUMOURS… RUMOURS… RUMOURS…

Rumours has it:

A coast watcher in Perth claims to have seen 2 Carriers heading north. Whether they were Japanese or allied is unknown.

Having returned from an operation behind enemy lines, a British officer accuses Japan for violating the Geneva Convention on how to treat POWs. He claims to have seen former commander of the Philippines, Lt. General Macarthur being forced to work on a Japanese railroad project in Burma.


A rumour, which origin is unknown, says that combined Australian and British forces are about to launch a full-scale attack on the oilfields at Palembang. Both Sidney and London denies the existence of such plans.

Washington Post
February 22 1942


--FLASH--
Bataan Surrenders
Early this morning, an official in the US Ministry of defence announced the fall of Bataan.
Due to lack of supplies the garrison had to surrender, he said.
More than 10.000 men went into POW camps. In addition the Japanese captured 90+ guns and 12 tanks.
--END FLASH--

--FLASH--
Japanese mop up in the Solomon isles.
According to an article in Darwin Chronicle, Japanese forces have captured Cape Gloucester. As Gasmata and Rabaul are already in the hands of the Japanese army, it is a fact that Japanese forces control the most vital airfields in the Solomon region.
--END FLASH--

--FLASH--
Continued air and naval action at Palmyra
The 6 Japanese CVs continued launching massive air strikes on Palmyra.
No attempts were made to ship in supplies from neither side.
On the isles land units were inactive for the duration of the week.
--END FLASH--

--FLASH--
Setback for the allied in the South Pacific.
This week combined Japanese naval and land forces succeeded in capturing the base on New Caledonia.
Admiral Nimitz ordered a survey of the incidents that caused the fall of the base. This way the Admiral hopes to avoid similar defeats in the future.
As the only paper, Washington Post has been permitted right to public certain fragments of the survey, and it goes:

In an attempt to cut off supply to the Japanese units in New Caledonia, and to intercept the 2 BB battle group bombarding the base. A carrier group including Enterprise and Saratoga, commanded by Vice Admiral Halsey was rushed to the area.
Initially Halsey surprised an IJN convoy heading for the base. Instantly, An air strike was launched, sinking 6 large Aps and 2 DDs, The convoy then retired. Meanwhile the IJN BBs pounded the island, destroying more than 20 aircrafts on the ground.
Halsey’s second strike was aimed at the battle group, which by now was leaving the area. Several hits were scored on one BB, and a light cruiser was reported sunk.
Unfortunately, two other Japanese convoys landed supplies and additional units, while Halsey’s planes were striking the battleships.
Japanese ground units immediately made an assault on the garrison, forcing the defenders to a hasty retreat to the jungle.
--END FLASH--