A Lemon rises in the East: SqzMyLemon (J) vs. JocMeister (A)

[MAurelius]

ahh... I can only say - reading your AAR (amongst a very few others) makes me regret that I am currently not playing WITP AE...
I simply see that there are several reasons that hinder me from committing to another long time project with it (haveing played several campaigns to various stages of the war including the very end...) but still.... all those issues aside - it really makes me think...

so thanks for your efforts

[SqzMyLemon]

I'll be awaiting the turn back from Jocke at some point, but thought I'd briefly point out what's planned for the turn.

China:

I've ordered a shock attack against the Chinese force trying to block the secondary road between Sian and Loyang. Disruption and fatigue of Japanese troops was generally low following the last deliberate attack, so I made the decision to try and rout the enemy with an immediate follow up shock attack. I'm pushing hard to claim control of the hex prior to the arrival of the large enemy formation from Tsiaotso. There's a possiblity of trapping this force entirely, if I can close off the entry hex side and contest the hex to the west, preventing Chinese units from opening an escape route.

Malaya:

Another artillery bombardment is ordered for today against Singapore, which will be followed by another deliberate attack on the 28th.

Java:

70 Oscar's have deployed to Muntok and are ordered to sweep Batavia today. There are well over 125 enemy fighters at the base, but are they set to CAP is the question? So far, all sweeps against bases in Java have been unopposed. I'm definitely looking to soften up the enemy prior to amphibious operations. This is a trial run to see how the Oscar's perform in a sweeping role. I'd prefer to keep the A6M2's available for escorting Betty/Nell units set to interdict enemy naval forces.

SoPac:

Amphibious operations will begin at Koumac today. An infantry regiment and JAAF AF Bn. will land initially, quickly followed by the 65th Bde. Once the troops are ashore, KB heads to Truk to replenish aircraft, fuel and sorties prior to supporting the Wake Island invasion.

Japanese forces have landed at Ndeni. Support units are moving forward to begin base fortification and airfield construction.

Sub Ops:

Jocke is definitely skirting the south map edge. I've spotted a few TF's, but my submarines have so far failed to launch any attacks. I'll be able to set up new patrol zones and blanket the coverage using Noumea as the primary base to support these operations. This will allow me shorter transit times and longer patrols. Time to turn up the heat.

[SqzMyLemon]

ORIGINAL: MAurelius

ahh... I can only say - reading your AAR (amongst a very few others) makes me regret that I am currently not playing WITP AE...
I simply see that there are several reasons that hinder me from committing to another long time project with it (haveing played several campaigns to various stages of the war including the very end...) but still.... all those issues aside - it really makes me think...

so thanks for your efforts

You're most welcome! I'm finding it hard to devote much time to updating the AAR these days, let alone play two PBEM's. I'm usually at work when I post and have to rely on my memory from not having access to the game or various reports. The AAR is definitely not up to my usual standards and I'm glossing over much of the action. The early war has been covered often enough though, so I'll most likely continue brief updates until more detail is required covering major operations and engagements.

Glad you're still following along.

[obvert]

70 Oscar's have deployed to Muntok and are ordered to sweep Batavia today. There are well over 125 enemy fighters at the base, but are they set to CAP is the question? So far, all sweeps against bases in Java have been unopposed. I'm definitely looking to soften up the enemy prior to amphibious operations. This is a trial run to see how the Oscar's perform in a sweeping role. I'd prefer to keep the A6M2's available for escorting Betty/Nell units set to interdict enemy naval forces.

I forget if you guys are using any rules to stop LR CAP of the base for sweeps? If not, a LR CAP by zeros with the Oscars sweeping would likely wipe any resistance away quickly, then the zeros could go back to their escort role.

[SqzMyLemon]

ORIGINAL: obvert

I forget if you guys are using any rules to stop LR CAP of the base for sweeps? If not, a LR CAP by zeros with the Oscars sweeping would likely wipe any resistance away quickly, then the zeros could go back to their escort role.

Well, more like a gentlemen's agreement rather than a house rule. Fighters may be set to LRCAP, but not set to a specific enemy base with the intent of providing escorts to bombing missions. You either escort or not.

I'm starting to change my mind on this from playing the Allies in my other game. I'm getting my ass handed to me on a regular basis and I just can't compete against Japanese massed fighters when I'm forced to sweep in groups of no more than 25 aircraft at a time.

[SqzMyLemon]

I just received the turn back from Jocke, so it looks like we'll be moving forward again. Jocke is going to try for a turn a day, but I think that's optimisitc considering his focus will be on his daughter and his first PBEM against Erik. The intent was always a second game for Jocke to enjoy when he had a chance, so if the pace slows considerably I'm totally onboard. This currently being my second ongoing PBEM, my first priority is to my other game as well.

That being said, I'm not sure how I want to continue updates. I think the pace will be too slow to provide daily accounts and I don't really have the time anyway. I'm asking the readers that are following what you would prefer to see and have me focus on. What will make this an interesting AAR for you to follow?

I was thinking of taking a different approach altogether and concentrate specifically on production, R&D and merchant shipping. I would still cover offensive operations, but with less detail then normally provided. I thought I might try and focus on why I'm doing things and the logistic requirements, rather then simply posting daily reports after the fact.

This AAR will continue to develop over time and still has no set format really. I'm just kind of throwing stuff out there randomly right now and I'm not sure how that is reading for everyone. Let me know, I'm more than happy to provide any information requested. I'll continue to post, but it may seem random in content until I settle into a new routine. A lot will depend on the future pace of gameplay and what is happening overall.

[obvert]

I'd love to see more of your logistics. I say do what interests you. Since he won't be writing much unless he takes ou the KB ([:D]) a few updates on current events would be very welcome, but I'm interested to see what you do economically and how you make the tough choices.

[SqzMyLemon]

ORIGINAL: obvert

I'd love to see more of your logistics. I say do what interests you. A few updates on current events would be very welcome, but I'm interested to see what you do economically and how you make the tough choices.

I think this is what I had in mind. I'm perhaps just bored with covering the early war period again. It also appears to be developing into a similiar pattern as my last game, which wasn't exactly action packed. It's early though, and there are some Allied positions that will require serious effort to reduce.

The end of the month is near and I just ran the Jan. 27th, 1942 turn. I'll begin fresh starting Feb. 1st.

I've come to the realization that I'm not interested in trying to play a perfectly run Japan. By that I mean, not simply streamlining all production to utilize a select few aircraft types, or base my choice of aircraft solely on a single engine type. I do plan on implementing production decisions as efficiently as possible to ensure the war economy remains viable for the long term struggle ahead.

I'll begin with war production, the state of the economy and R&D development with emphasis on the reasoning behind my efforts to date. I'm looking forward to a change in focus.

[SqzMyLemon]

I needed some time to refresh my memory with what was going and didn't finish up the turn last night. I did run the turn for 27 Jan 42 and it was uneventful.

Malaya:

Bombers hit Singapore's airbase and caused minimal damage, enough to stop fort construction for another day. An artillery bombardment followed, but results were poor. Japanese forces will conduct another deliberate attack tomorrow, 28 Jan 42.

Timor:

The 22nd Air Flotilla HQ has deployed to Koepang. This will allow Zero and Betty coverage of amphibious operations against Broome, Derby and Wyndham.

New Caledonia:

Troops are ashore at Koumac unopposed. The base will be captured tomorrow. If Noumea is lightly held, the 65th Bde. will land directly at the base rather than Koumac.

China:

The shock attack to clear the secondary road hex failed, but 2:1 odds were almost achieved. I may risk another shock attack tomorrow depending on disruption levels. I'm running out of time. This is a clear example of the effects of stacking limits. I have two more divisions a hex away, but if I commit them I'm over stacked. With those divisions I could easily defeat the Chinese. I like the change, it adds a new dimension to ground combat and seems much more realistic.

Sub Ops:

A Japanese sub, SS I-19, finally reacts and attacks an Allied TF in SoPac, and misses an AM! There has not been a torpedo attack since 13 Jan 42. I hope to have more success after I reorganize my patrols. Japanese submariners are seeing some lean times already.

Thoughts:

Looking over aircraft R&D last night, I began to ask myself a number of questions. Should I concentrate on defensive platforms to combat the Allied 4E's, or tactical bombers and escorts? I'm not a believer in the tactical capabilities of Japanese tactical bombers against bases or ground troops, with the exception being China.

I'm leaning towards fighter interceptors capable of tackling the 4E's, and bombers that excel in anti-shipping and ASW roles.

I will begin to go into more depth once I reach 1 Feb 42.

[fcharton]

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon
I think the pace will be too slow to provide daily accounts and I don't really have the time anyway. I'm asking the readers that are following what you would prefer to see and have me focus on. What will make this an interesting AAR for you to follow?

I tend to like "unfocused" AARs. Short installment, daily if possible, which never try to give an account of the whole war, but rather tell a small story a day. Cuttlefish used to this in his "non narrative" campaigns.

One thing I really liked in your previous AAR was the introspection. Somehow, the way we react about the game, our doubts and misgivings, are more interesting than the war stories and tales of great victories.

Francois

[GreyJoy]

ORIGINAL: fcharton

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon
I think the pace will be too slow to provide daily accounts and I don't really have the time anyway. I'm asking the readers that are following what you would prefer to see and have me focus on. What will make this an interesting AAR for you to follow?

I tend to like "unfocused" AARs. Short installment, daily if possible, which never try to give an account of the whole war, but rather tell a small story a day. Cuttlefish used to this in his "non narrative" campaigns.

One thing I really liked in your previous AAR was the introspection. Somehow, the way we react about the game, our doubts and misgivings, are more interesting than the war stories and tales of great victories.

Francois

+ 1. If i only spoke a better english....

[SqzMyLemon]

ORIGINAL: fcharton

I tend to like "unfocused" AARs. Short installment, daily if possible, which never try to give an account of the whole war, but rather tell a small story a day.

One thing I really liked in your previous AAR was the introspection. Somehow, the way we react about the game, our doubts and misgivings, are more interesting than the war stories and tales of great victories.

Francois

I can definitely do unfocused. [:D]

I think I'm with you on this as well Francois. I'd like to get into more discussions about various developments within the game at any given time, rather than just reporting daily events. I'd much rather provide the how's and why's of what I'm doing. As you followed my last AAR, there's no doubt the emotional up's and down's will be present here too. My major goal is to relax and not get so worked up at times.

I have a few ideas I'm playing around with to make this an interesting read. I'm by no means a writer, but I'd like to develop some sub plots to follow within the larger context of the war. When I was in Vancouver in July, I bought a number of Osprey books on Japanese Army and Navy aces. I thought it might be interesting to track down some of these pilots and follow their virtual war careers and the air units they serve in. I have two books covering Army and Navy aces, and two more focused on Ki-43 Oscar and Ki-44 Tojo aces.

I'd also like to document the state of the economy more regularly, almost as if I was the Minister of Economics or War Production in charge of meeting military and civilian needs while trying to keep everything running efficiently.

Another thing I'd really like to do, is highlight my interest of models within the context of the Pacific War and this AAR. I have so many relevent kits that I could work on during the course of the game and show progress during their construction. I'll have to see what I can do with this one, time being the limiting factor. It is getting colder here, we actually had some snow today, but I do spend more time on models in the winter so this might be perfect timing.

Anyway, thanks for posting and your input. I think this AAR is about to take a completely different direction, and that might actually be a good thing. [8D]

[SqzMyLemon]

GreyJoy,

My games tend not to be epic, as in your case, but I'm glad to see you following along so far.

I really should do an AAR on my Allied PBEM, I'm so getting my ass handed to me in that one, it's embarrassing. My opponent is simply outplaying me all over the map. China's almost toast, I'm hard pressed in Alaska and New Zealand has been invaded. The north island is about to fall. I've also lost two CV's and in jeopardy of losing over a 100 ships (mostly AP's and transports) trapped at Prince Rupert by KB. There's a good chance I'm about lose 1/4 of my naval surface ships at Seward and four of my big AO's. Ugh, totally depressing, but you've shown it's not impossible to come back when backed into a corner. [&o]

[SqzMyLemon]

Malaya:

The deliberate attack launched against Singapore today only achieved 1:1 odds. The Allies have been able to build the forts back to level 2, although they were reduced back down to 1 after the attack. Japanese bombers and the weather are killing my effort to take Singapore quickly. The bombers are often grounded now to poor weather, and when they do fly the damage inflicted at 10k is minimal and quickly repaired. Disruption and fatigue of my units after this last attack are high, yet no (-) combat modifiers have been applied. I have an almost 4:1 raw AV advantage, but it appears Singapore won't fall prior to February as hoped. I rest and hope the bombers can damage the base to prevent the forts recovering. I've ordered large sweeps over Singapore in case Jocke tries another CAP trap.

China:

A shock attack finally clears the secondary road hex of Chinese troops. Over 500+ enemy infantry squads are destroyed. I now have 800+ AV in 3x defensive terrain with a fort level of 2. If the Chinese force attempting to breakout attacks across the river, I expect them to take horrendous casualties. They are overstacked, likely without supply and the disruption they'll suffer should be massive.

A small force of three Chinese units now in clear terrain N.W. of Sinyang will be shock attacked tomorrow by two Japanese divisions. The enemy force has been bombed constantly for weeks and should be routed easily.

SoPac:

The 65th Bde. lands at Noumea. Some transports and escorting PB's are lightly damaged by CD guns during the landing. A deliberate attack is ordered for tomorrow.

Thoughts:

I hate Japanese army bombers. The inability to keep Singapore damaged is frustrating. Weather has contributed, but so far the results from bombing are generally pathetic.

Troops are loading up at Koepang and Lautem for landings against Australia. The Balikpapan assault force will land at the base to the north and then cross the river to attack Balikpapan. This amphibious force is currently loading up at Makassar.

KB is moving north between New Caledonia and Australia towards Rabaul. I'll finally get KB to port to replenish.

Operations in China are progressing as planned. I've blocked a large Chinese force from escaping in the south. I'm destroying squads in sufficient numbers and moving forward. Jocke has a lot of strength converging on Sian. I will bypass and secure Yenan, then drive on Lanchow. I'm setting up airbases for a sustained bombing campaign against Sian.

Until Singapore falls, I can't advance against Palembang, Luzon or Java. Tick...tick...tick...

[SqzMyLemon]

Malaya:

We've reached Feb. 1/42 and I've failed to accomplish my goal of capturing Singapore in January. A shock attack on the 31st achieved only 1:1 odds and the base held. The rebuilding of the forts to level 2 by the 28th was decisive. Japanese bombers ordered to hit the airbase on the 31st were grounded due to weather, while bombers ordered to target ground troops were not. No luck. The forts must not be allowed to rebuild.

I'm not so worried about the delay, but by the fact my troops are steadily being degraded the longer the siege continues. I think one more shock attack will do it, but I need a few days to rest. It comes down to the bombers now, they must keep the airbase damaged until I can launch the assault.

After Singapore falls, I will deploy my entire strength against Palembang via Oosthaven. These bases must be taken quickly so I can then move on Java.

China:

It looks like Jocke will be able to extricate his force withdrawing from Tsiaotso after all. Despite me controlling the hex, Jocke has opened the west hexside by contesting the hex with two Chinese Corps. The survivors of the river assault can then move through the hex once they make the crossing. I'm powerless to stop this movement.

I know this was used in another AAR and the consensus felt it wasn't exactly Kosher. It's definitely the design flaw in using hex side control as the determining factor in movement and not control of the actual hex. Hopefully, the Chinese trying to escape will become combat ineffective after the river crossing. The tactical goal is still to reduce Chinese formations without actually destroying them, so if this force does escape it's not the end of the world. They'll continue to use up supply.

Jocke is moving lots of units around Changsha and has created numerous 3 unit stacks. I'm going to shift some divisions from the centre to deploy against these concentrations. It's a perfect chance to maul Chinese units in smaller numbers.

CentPac:

An Allied SCTF was spotted east of Wake Island and this leads me to believe Jocke intends on reinforcing the base. KB will replenish and support the amphibious assault against Wake Island to prevent this potentially festering into something worse.

PM and Horn Island will then be dealt with while KB is in the area.

Australia:

Japanese troops will land at Derby tomorrow. An infantry regiment and JAAF AF Bn. are the initial forces. They will be followed by more infantry, armour and support units.

Thoughts:

February will see the attempt to break the back of the Allied defence in the DEI. I'll be pressing against strong enemy concentrations in well fortified positions, further supported by all the air and naval units available to the Australians, British, Dutch and Americans in the DEI. I've decided KB will be committed at some point to ensure the Allies are crushed.

[SqzMyLemon]

Malaya:

Singapore's airbase is targeted by every Japanese bomber within range and damage is indicated at 38%. Artillery bombard again to give the infantry a chance to recover disruption and fatigue.

Burma:

Japanese forces are contesting Taung Gyi with an armoured unit. I'm awaiting the arrival of infantry before launching an assault.

Borneo:

Samarinda was captured. Balikpapan will be assaulted by river crossing once more infantry arrive.

Australia:

Amphibious landing at Derby is unopposed, the base will fall tomorrow. The plan is to march on Broome and establish an airbase to close off the area to Allied naval forces. So begins the initial stage of my operations against Australia.

China:

Armoured units have successfully crossed the river and are contesting the secondary road between Sian and Yenan in the hex due N.E. of Sian. The hex is controlled by two enemy units and I may try an assault with the armour. Infantry support will arrive in 3-4 days.

Tsiaotso was finally captured and another source of supply is denied the Chinese. The only negative was the enemy units retreated directly onto the secondary road hex to the N.E. which blocks my supply LOC. Follow up units will clear the road, but that will take about a week.

SoPac:

An Allied tanker TF is spotted moving to Suva. Japanese submarines provided the intel, but did not react and attack.

KB has almost reached Rabaul and will join up with Mini-KB which has already arrived. CV Kaga has reached Manus. My entire CV strength is now in the Solomons. CVL Shoho has just arrived in Japan and will sail to Babeldoab.

Thoughts:

Singapore will fall soon freeing up seven divisions. The next priority will be to deal with Palembang and get control of this vital base.

Operations in Australia will focus on establishing LBA bases with minimal troop deployment. I'll slowly make my way overland to Darwin. I want to force a withdrawal of Allied troops or face being cut off and trapped at Darwin. I'd like to draw Allied forces to Alice Springs where I may be able to cut them off if I choose to land at Port Augusta. There is lots of activity all over Australia. I need to get cracking so I can limit the amount of hardware reaching Australia.

I want to deal quickly with Wake Island, PM and Horn Island so I can get back to Noumea and apply pressure to Fiji. It's clear Jocke will now reinforce if he's trying to get fuel to Suva.

Once I establish LBA in a few areas it will be time to use KB to search out and destroy enemy naval forces wherever I can find them. It's clear I must aggressively search out the enemy in order to bring them to battle.

China is going well. I'm not concerned with a rapid advance, but rather still focusing on causing huge losses to enemy LCU's while I can. There are numerous opportunities developing in the south where I can overwhelm smaller concentrations of enemy troops. In the north, Jocke seems to have concentrated a lot of units. I'll stick to the plan of fighting on my terms and use maneuver to create opportunities to bleed the Chinese in poor defensive terrain.

I'm optimistic that February will be a successful month and put me in position to strike against Australia as originally planned. It still comes down to Singapore at the moment, hopefully the next attack will close the deal there.

[SqzMyLemon]

My computer is down with a new virus so I'll have to take it in to get looked at. I'd just like to add that if given a chance, I'd love to mess up these hackers in equal measure for all the money, time and stress they cause others. No penalty or means of retribution is too harsh in my opinion.

The war will continue when I'm back up and running. Sounds like Jocke needs a timeout too, he's pretty frustrated these days with the new patch. We haven't patched yet, and I have no intention of installing any updates until it is an official one.

[SqzMyLemon]

Here are the monthly numbers for destroyed Chinese squads and guns.

Dec/41:

1373 Infantry
1087 Non-Combat
117 Engineer
87 Guns

Jan/42:

1888 Infantry
1715 Non-Combat
109 Engineer
155 Guns

Total:

3261 Infantry
2802 Non-Combat
226 Engineer
242 Guns

Only a few Chinese units have been destroyed outright.

[SqzMyLemon]

Australia:

Derby captured. A fighter unit will deploy to the base to provide CAP while transports unload supplies. The infantry regiment will move against Broome. Remaining elements of 56th Division and various support units will arrive over the following week.

An enemy CM is spotted at Horn Island. I anticipate the base has been reinforced as well.


China:

Japanese armoured units rout a Chinese Corps and cut the secondary road between Sian and Yenan.

Enemy forces attempting to withdraw in the south are moving west towards Nanchang. A clear terrain hex must be traversed before reaching the base and Japanese air units will be deployed to interdict this force. I expect an attempt to provide LRCAP from Changsha. Nanchang has level 4 fortifications with a garrison of three infantry divisions and three tank regiments.

Malaya:

Singapore's airbase now shows 78% damage and an artillery bombardment destroys a number of squads. Japanese divisions are still showing high fatigue levels despite not participating in the bombardments. Another day of air and artillery attacks then a shock attack on the 4th.

New Guinea:

Buna is cpatured. Air operations will begin shortly against Port Moresby.

SoPac:

An enemy amphibious TF is spotted at Suva which Japanese submarines fail to interdict.

Thoughts:

Business as usual. Move forward, consolidate and prepare for the tough fights ahead.

Japanese naval ASW is dismal in DaBabes compared to stock. Allied submarines are especially effective in shallow water and base hexes while attempts at ASW fail to record hits in these ideal conditions.

Jocke loves mines, he uses them everywhere. I'll adjust my tactics appropriately.

[SqzMyLemon]

Australia:

Bab's based at Derby spot two enemy AMc's at Port Hedland. A small SCTF consisting of a CL and three DD's are ordered to interdict the enemy TF and sink both ships on the 4th.

China:

A large battle is looming near Nanchang as Jocke attempts to breakout with 10 enemy LCU's. Bombers are beginning to soften up the enemy force and ground troops are in position, already claiming ownership of the hex the Chinese intend on occupying. Japanese forces are trailing the Chinese to close the hex side once they enter to trap them completely in clear terrain. I anticipate the Chinese cancelling their movement once they realize the danger and staying in the forest hex.

Japanese forces are marching on Yenan from the west along the secondary road. I do not have the strength to move against Sian at this time with the enemy amassing 30 LCU's defending the base. The priority remains to destroy as many squads from isolated enemy units before moving against Sian.

Engineer and construction units are massing at Tsiaotso to expand the airbase. Nanning will also be expanded. The bombing campaign against Sian will begin once these bases are ready.

Malaya:

Japanese bombers continue to concentrate on keeping the airbase at Singapore closed. Damage reached a peak of 78%, but has fallen to 61% after most of the bombers were grounded due to weather. Artillery continue to bombard and destroy a number of enemy squads daily. The bombers are ordered to target ground troops on the 5th in support of another shock attack.

New Guinea:

A small enemy transport TF is spotted at Port Moresby, but Betty's based at Lae fail to attack. The unit leader's aggression is discovered to be only 42% and has been replaced with a more aggressive one. Hopefully they fly on the 5th. I also have moved Mini-KB from Rabaul to within range of this TF. I want Jocke to see my CVL's here as a diversion, while KB sails to Truk.

KB:

KB will refuel and replenish at Truk in preparation for supporting the Wake Island invasion. If KB remains undetected, I may attempt to set up an ambush at Wake Island by sending in an initial diversionary amphibious TF poorly supported and without air cover to draw an Allied response.

Sub Ops:

On two occasions I've had submarines spot and react to enemy TF's near Fiji and launch torpedoes. Both Japanese submarines outright miss an AM and a xAK. I'm dreading another game of ineffective Japanese submarines. These are two targets that should easily be hit. I continue to have atrocious luck when it comes to successful submarine attacks.

Thoughts:

Jocke aggressively moves forward as soon as Japanese forces withdraw. I'm going to start setting up some ambushes.