Empire of the Rising Lemon? SqzMyLemon (Japan) v Smeulders (Allies)

[SqzMyLemon]

March 6/42 Update:

New Guinea:

My four DD group arrived offshore and proceeded to inflict 12 AB, 69 Runway and 2 Port hits on Port Moresby. No enemy planes were damaged or destroyed, as they had been withdrawn the day before. I am confident Smeulders will not fly any more missions from the airfield, and I'll periodically hit it until my ground assault units arrive in force.

Hollandia was invaded by Sasebo 1st SNLF. This unit has been busy, charged with capturing all the bases on the northern coast.

New Britain:

I continue to bomb the Allied BF southwest of Rabaul with Vals, 11 casualties were recorded. I'm not concerned with the poor results as this unit is receiving good combat experience, and the bombing skills of the rookies is progressing nicely.

China:

Bombing has achieved what no amount of land combat could do to the 48th Chinese Corps northeast of Sinyang. Sally's caused 151 casualties and finally destroyed the unit. In my experience, I've found using bombers to finish off small Chinese units much more effective, than chasing them around with LCU's. Small units seem to be able to retreat indefinitely in the face of ground assault, wasting your time and often causing the enemy unit to retreat onto a supply route in your rear areas.

The Celebes:

After Madjene was bombarded by SCTF the day before, Smeulders today sent in 7 x 139WH-3's to attack the base. These planes were unescorted and met by 6 Zero's flying LRCAP from Balikpapan. Three 139WH-3 were destroyed and 1 damaged.

The Philippines:

I bombarded Bataan with artillery today in preparation for a deliberate ground assault tomorrow. I'm not optimistic.

[SqzMyLemon]

March 7/42 Update:

Sub Ops:

SS 019 launches a two torpedo salve at the SC CH-5 and misses near Tawau.
SS S-34 in two separate torpedo attacks sink the PB Nagato Maru off the east coast of Lae. The PB takes 3 torpedo hits.

New Guinea:

I kept the 4 DD's off the shore and they bombarded Port Moresby again today. A further 9 runway and 2 Port hits were recorded. They are off to Rabaul to rearm.

New Britain:

Daily bombing of the Allied BF by Vals continued.

Sumatra:

Oosthaven was swept by Zero's today, no Allied fighters on CAP. Forces are moving south to capture Oosthaven, this will be one prong of my assault on Java.

Java:

Batavia was bombed again by Betty's, 1 ABS and 3 Runway hits to the airfield.

The Celebes:

139WH-3's again made an appearance over Madjene today. Only two enemy bombers appeared with 1 being destroyed again by LRCAP out of Balikpapan.

The Philippines:

My deliberate attack on Battan went off well surprisingly. The fort level was finally reduced to 3 and Allied casualties were 2032 to my 3337. I will launch another deliberate attack tomorrow.

Burma:

The 33rd Div/C captured Magwe intact today, it was undefended.

[SqzMyLemon]

March 8/42 Update:

Sub Ops:

SS O24 was busy today, first being spotted and attacked by the DD Kasumi, in which no hits were recorded, then in the afternoon SS O24 launched a torpedo attack against the DD Oyashi but missed. DD Amatsukaze responded with a DC attack in which no hits were recorded...again.

New Britain:

DB bombing continued.

Java:

Two separate bombing raids again targeted Batavia and 3 AB and 21 Runway hits were recorded.

I assembled a strong SCTF supported by a 5 carrier strong TF to motion towards Java from Singapore, they ended the days movement at a rage of 7 hexes from Batavia, but no Allied bomber attack was launched. I want to see how Smeulders will react to what may appear to be the long awaited invasion of Java. I will pull these TF's back next turn and continue to sweep and bomb Batavia. I will post a screen shot in a day or two explaining in detail my planned invasion of Java.

The Philippines:

Sadly I received a reality check at Bataan. It was too good to be true, to think I might get 2 consectutive turns worth of positive results. Bataan was deliberate attacked again today, but at worse odds than yesterday's 1:2. My forces attacked at 1:3, saw no reduction in the fort levels and suffered 3374 casualties to Allied losses of 1490. Discouraging to say the least. I will just bombard next turn. I am bringing in the 21st Div. from China to finally crush Bataan. I am pulling out some units which have been almost destoyed while attacking. I'm glad I looked, because some were armoured units. I wonder why casualties are not more evenly distributed among attacking forces. Some are almost wiped out, while others have been hardly scratched.

Burma:

Mandalay fell today to the 33rd Div/A with casualties of 49. The Allies retreated northwards suffering 212 casualties.

Miscellaneous:

Canton expanded to a level 7 airbase today, and the Ha-43 engine has been accelerated to 8/45.

[SqzMyLemon]

March 9/42 Update:

An interesting turn today. My feint towards Java had a positive result and did draw a response from Smeulders. I am putting things in motion to hit Java hard and severly limit the Allies from an effective defence. I think the extra time I take now will provide huge dividends down the road. Troops are embarking from Singapore to staging areas at Balikpapan, where the majority of troops will embark from. Right now the priority pre-invasion is recon, sub detection/suppression and the destruction of airfields and aircraft.

Sub Ops:

SS O24 sure has an issue these days, another torpedo salvo launched at the SC CHa-10 missed, however not one DC attack was launched in return. I don't get it, these SC's were directed to respond to yesterday's sighting and attacks from SS O24, yet they are the ones attacked and they launch no ASW DC attack. I am starting to get more air sightings of Allied submarines by Lily's devoted strictly to ASW air patrol though. The odd Lily will actually make an ASW bombing run now as well. I'm hoping as they gain experience they will become an effective ASW force, because my ASW naval component remains putrid at best.

Sumatra:

The Billiton invasion force has landed. The assault force includes a support unit and JAAF AF Bn. to begin construction of an airfield.

Langsa in the north was attacked today, pushing the Allied forces out of the base. Allied casualites were 655 to 0 losses for Imperial troops.

Java:

Another sweep of Batavia this time found Allied CAP over the base. Smeulders had moved a fighter unit to the base in anticipation of an invasion. 17 Zero's intercepted 23 Buffaloes and promptly shot down 7 Buffalo's to the loss of 1 Zero. I was actually rather lucky, the Zero's were meant to escort a bombing run and got separated. At only 12k altitude they did great. However, 38 unescorted Sally's sent to bomb the airfield were intercepted by 6 Buffalo's. Only 1 Sally was destroyed while a further 17 were damaged. The airfield was bombed though, causing 3 AB and 22 Runway hits. One 139WH-3 was reported destroyed on the ground.

The Philippines:

Bataan was bombarded by artillery today after yesterday's ground assault debacle. Taytay on Palawan was captured, resulting in the destruction of the Allied defence.

China:

Is quiet as Smeulders and I both shuttle troops around.

Miscellaneous:

Nagasaki has expanded to a level 5 airbase and Pingsiang in China has reached level 3 fortification. The Ha-44 was accelerated to 4/43.

Strategy:

I will post a detailed screenshot of my planned invasion of Java and the forces to be utilized. Right now supplies are being stockpiled and troops/shipping massed for the assault. Once Oosthaven is captured and consolidated, the invasion goes ahead.

I've reached a point in the game where I'm frustrated by Smeulders' hit and run tactics. From now on, I will be anticipating these tactics and hitting everything with such force that no matter what Smeulders may do, he'll pay a price for. The days of any Japanese freebies are over. I see anything Allied, I'm going to try and crush it. I am willing to take losses to my surface fleet in order to accomplish this. I'll be raiding ports, bombarding airfields, hitting multiple targets. Anything to unbalance him. I've been far too conservative in my approach, and that plays directly into my opponents hands. I think if I can "blitz" him somewhat, he may get rattled and that could open up opportunities to exploit. Now if I could only reduce Bataan quickly, that would free up 3 divisions to hit Timor with, when he'll be reeling in Java.

Stay tuned...oh, and is anybody out there[&:]

[Mike Solli]

Lemon, I'm reading!  Keep pushing.  Remember, your invasion bonus ends soon (April I think?).
 
For Billiton, I recommend more engineers and an air HQ there (22 Air Flotilla or 3 Air Division), and maybe more air support units.  That'll allow you to put more planes there to support Java/Palembang.

[Mike Solli]

Always assume Smeulders is just around the corner. Overkill is a good thing.

[Deathtreader]

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon

[
Stay tuned...oh, and is anybody out there[&:]

I'm here too...... and enjoying both yours and your opponent's AAR's very much.

Onwards!!

Rob.

[bklooste]

Keep pushing, take risks esp with the amphib bonus ... He can only snipe at 1 location  .  Note air cover is more important then overwhelming force.
There is no point holding your assets till 43 because they will just be sunk by US subs and aircraft with high experience.  Its best to loose most of your Navy and Air in 41 and try to get better than a 1:1 return , it doesnt get any better.....
 
Oh get Tulagi ASAP just use a fragment and fly in a base force.

[bklooste]

Get Timor ASAP  another good trick is to support Java with mini KB , when he sees the CV  his ships will try to make a run esp with oil and then send KB between Java And Australia always nets quite a few tankers.
 
Also surprise KB raids on Suva , Brisbane and Aukland are well worth it , at least it forces him to react and he may have Cvs there.

[SqzMyLemon]

March 10/42 Update:

Sumatra:

Billiton was captured today and the construction of an airfield will begin.

Java:

I continue the softening up northern Java's air defence with daily fighter sweeps and bombing runs against Batavia. The sweeps generally meet no opposition as Smeulders will not commit his force unless it looks like the invasion is coming. A Zero sweep met no opposition today and another bombing riad went in unopposed. 32 Oscar's escorted 36 Sally's and Batavia's airfield took another 2 AB, 3ABS and 35 Runway damage. Another 139WH-3 was reported destroyed on the ground.

I am planning a night raid by a SCTF to hit the airfield at Kalidjati in a few days to knock that airfield out of commision as well. I do not want to hit Bandoeng too hard, as that will be my main air base for operations in northern Java.

The Philippines:

Bataan was bombarded again as I continue to wait for reinforements to arrive from China. Japanese forces lost a gun while only 22 casualties suffered by the Allies.

China:

Air action over Kweilin today. My daily bombing raid of Sonia's escorted by Tojo's was intercepted by 12 H81-A3's. One tojo was shot down to no losses Allied losses.

A deliberate ground assault west of Kukong at 78,56 caused another 438 Chinese casualties to Japan's 82. I will continue to hound and push this force east.

Kwangchowan was captured by the Shanghai SNLF unit. That will increase my supply production in China.

Miscellaneous:

Shortlands in the Solomon's expanded to a level 1 airbase and Lae expanded to level 4. I'll be transferring a bomber unit in for ASW operations and bombing of Port Moresby.

[SqzMyLemon]

March 11/42 Update:

New Guinea:

My 4 DD bombarding TF based at Rabaul made another visit to shore bombard the airbase at Port Moresby. The airfield received damge of 2 AB, 5 ABS and 23 Runway hits. Port supply and fuel suffered a few hits as well.

Java:

Batavia ws once again hit by air attack. 33 Oscar's and 36 Sally's caused 4 AB and 11 Runway hits and another 139WH-3 destroyed on the ground.

Oosthaven was captured today at minimal cost. The 5th Recon Rgt. and 6th Tank Rgt. ousted the Teloekbetoeng BF inflicting 196 Allied casualties for no loss. The transfer of invasion troops for Medak will travel by rail from Palembang as well as support units for the airbase. I'll transfer in fighters once the support is set up.

The Phillipines:

Bataan bombarded for little gain.

China:

A quiet day will the normal daily bombing of any Chinese units within range and another small attack at 78,56 inflicting 561 Chinese casualties to 204 for Japan.

Here are a couple of screenshot updates showing the situation for the upcoming turn in southern China and Java.

Southern China:

[SqzMyLemon]

Java:

[SqzMyLemon]

March 12/42 Update:

For our PBEM this was an action packed turn! Overall a good turn result wise, but not in execution. I still have to figure some things out.

Sub Ops:

The SS O23 was spotted by PB's and attcked north of Brunei, but no DC hits were recorded.

The Solomon's:

Tulagi converted to Japanese control.

The Philippines:

Daily bombardment of Bataan continued with the same meagre results, but reinforcing troops are arriving on Luzon and on the march.

Sumatra:

Djambi was captured, driving out the Dutch with losses of 154 to Japan's none.

China:

The second consecutive interception of a bombing raid, this time over Kukong. The same 12 H81-A3's tangled with Soni's and Tojo's again. 1 Allied fighter was shot down, but at the loss of another Tojo and 2 Sonia bombers.

Another deliberate attack which was reinforced with the arrival of more troops at 78,56 finally pushed out the Chinese forces. The Chinese suffered 3653 to 454 for Japanese troops. I thought they would retreat north into the bush, but unfortunately they retreated east towards Henyang. That kind of screws me, they are on a clear road hex now and can head north next turn, while my troops have to cross a non-road hexside to enter the hex, effectively stopping any chance of me catching them again. This has happended a few times now and to the detriment of my forces everytime after winning a succesful battle.

Java:

This was where all the action happended. My night raid did not go off as planned. I parked them 7 hexes from Kalidjati, well fueled and set to bombardment and mission speed. They crawled to Batavia and did not arrive till the afternoon. In the morning they were attacked by a force of Allied naval torpedo planes. 12 B-339D's and 1 Buffalo escorted 12 Vildebeest III and 6 Swordfish I bombers. At first I thought, oh no...they may be slow, but the torpedo planes tend to be fairly effective. 6 Zero's from Palembang on LRCAP intercepted and shot down 2 B-339D's and broke up the raid somewhat even though no bombers were attacked directly. I still thought, no toredo planes downed I could be in trouble here, however Flak was very effective and no Japanese ships were hit! Flak showed one Swordfish downed and the rest of the bombers damaged. No afternoon attack followed.

Watching the replay I almost thought the SCTF wasn't going to bombard at all, but then up came the action. The sheling was way more effective than I had anticipated. the airfield itself took 22 AB, 10 ABS and 275 runway hits. the port also suffered some minor damage. Allied planes destroyed on the ground were 1 L-212 and 2 FK-2's. However then end of turn report indictated 6 FK-51's, 5 139WH-3's and 2 L-212's destroyed as well. Of the 6 PT Boats in port, 5 took heavy damage and 2 were on fire. Allied ground losses also amounted to 563.

Kalidjait was reconned to a detection level of 9/10 so I wonder if that was why this bombardment was so effective. I'm happy regardless of the fact my night time raid failed miserably, but it's time to get out of dodge next turn to avoid another air attack.

Miscellaneous:

Vitoria Point expanded to a level 3 fort. This will be a primary defensive bastion. The Allies could land here and effectively cut the rail line to southern Malaysia. I want freedom of movement to reinforce north or south if I need to.

[SqzMyLemon]

March 13/42 Update:

Today saw mostly bombing of airbases. I'm experimenting with different combinations and altitudes to see what is most effective. I'm delaying a couple of invasions right now, until the final pieces of the naval puzzle fall into place. The plan will be to hit Kendari at the same time as the Java landings begin, and then to grab Timor before Smeulders can pull everything back from Java. To that end I have split my carrier forces. 3 CV's and 2 CVL's will operate around northern Java, and 3 CV's and 1 CVL supported by LBA will operate in the Celebes. I have to be careful of an appearance of Allied carriers, but I also need to hurry up and gain these last few objectives before my invasion bonus time ends.

Java:

Batavia was bombed again today scoring 1 AB, 2 ABS and 5 Runway hits. the airfield shows 60% damage. Kalidjati today showed runway damage of 100% so that airfield is closed for awhile.

My surface TF cleared the area and is heading to Singapore to rearm. Once rearmed they will rendeveous with the invasion fleets out of Palembang and the invasion of Java is finally on. The initial landing will fall on Kalidjati and then Merak. Oosthaven to Merak will be the primary route of reinforcements for Java. Barges will suppliment the moving of troops quickly between the two ports.

The Philippines:

Daily routine continued.

The Celebes:

Namlea was invaded today to set up another airfield for use against Timor.

Kendari was treated to numerous air attacks on its airbase today as follows:
1. Betty's escorted by Zero's cause 9 AB, 2 ABS and 52 Runway hits.
2. Sally's (28) and Lily's (6) escorted by Oscar's (10)cause 5 AB, 3 ABS and 52 Runway hits.
3. Unescorted Lily's (15) cause 3 AB, 2 ABS and 9 runway hits.

No Allied planes made an appearance in defence.

Sumatra:

Dutch troops continue to be pushed north of Medan by Japanese forces attacking along the east coast. Allied losses were 722 to Japan's 17.

Miscellaneous:

I received a slough of reinforcements today. 4 x RF Gun Bn's, 7 Naval Guard Units, 29th Ind. Eng. Rgt., Hong Kong Special BF, 85th JAAF AF Bn, 21st Special BF and the 25th Air Flotilla HQ. I'll ponder what to do with all of these units. I'm thinking it may be time to start thinking about reinforcing my Pacific outposts.

I will try and post more screenshots of the immediate action after the next turn. There will be large concentrations of the Japanese Fleet gathered and I'm positive Smeulders will find something to attack, or defend against for that matter. I hope I have prepared enough to counter whatever he has planned for the defence of this region. The primary goal is to take my land objectives and isolate Java completely from reinforcement or withdrawal. However, any Allied ships that make an appearance will be the number one priority. Naval search is indicating no Allied ships of any consequence in most ports, so I'm clueless to where the Allied fleet is. I wouln't be surprised if Smeulders is waiting for me to commit fully to the DEI and then he'll strike the Marshall's. I've been withdrawing units to Truk, and do not plan on defending the Marshalls if it comes to that. I'm curious to see if that may develop.

Stay tuned!

[SqzMyLemon]

March 14/42 Update:

Sub Ops:

SS Grayling was spotted east of Toyohara today, and was actually attacked by SC's, two DC hits were recorded causing some minor damage.
SS O21 was spotted north of Brunei by ASW naval units, but no DC attack was launched.

Java:

The planned invasion will be launched in three days, so the softening up efforts continue. I created a couple of MTB's in Osthaven and sent them into the harbour at Batavia. MTB-2 hit a mine and sank. That doesn't bode well for the idea of a possible shore bombardment of the airbase. If two MTB's can get into mine trouble, I can only imagine what will happen to BB's and CA's.

Bandoeng was swept with Oscar's (11) and Zero's (10) today and Allied Buffalo's (4) made a special guest appearance. One Buffalo was shot down to no Japanese losses. Rather a poor result I think. Sally's (41) then followed to bomb the airfield causing 2 AB, 5 ABS and 22 Runway hits. A Swordfish and Hurricane IIb Trop were destroyed on the ground.

The Celebes:

Kendari was hit again today in three separate raids inflicting 9 AB, 4 ABS and 53 Runway hits. No losses were suffered in the air, but I do notice that Japan's air units do suffer from a fair amount of Ops losses every day. Rather discouraging to end up with more wrecked aircraft and pilot losses daily from crashes than actual air combat.

The Philippines:

Bataan was bombarded again today, I will try another Deliberate attack tomorrow and see what happens.

Sumatra:

The Djambi BF surrendered just west of Djambi today after a Shock attack, the Dutch surrender 182 while Japan's casualties were 14. Benkoelen was assaulted by deliberate attack and Allied forces retreated north towards Padang, leaving 314 of their number, no losses suffered by Imperial forces.

Miscellaneous:

I received the SS I-29 at Port Arthur today, as well as the AMc Wa-2 and a CMc at Tokyo.

[SqzMyLemon]

March 15/42 Update:

Sub Ops:

Both the SS O21 and SS O23 were spotted north of Brunei, but once again no DC attacks were launched.

Java:

Invasion support TF's are being assembled at Singapore today. The assault TF's are all ready to go at Palembang. Batavia was again bombed today. Sally's (37) hit the airfield causing 3 AB, 2 ABS and 18 Runway hits, and one Sally fell to Flak.

The CL Dragon and DD Stronghold were spotted in Buitenzorg by Betty's (6) and attacked, however I was set to bombs and no hits were recorded.

The Philippines:

The Deliberate attack went ahead as planned against Bataan today and a very good result was achieved. I achieved 2:1 results, the fort level fell to 2 and Allied casualties were 3582 compared to only 1588 for Imperial forces. Bataan is finally cracking.

The Celebes:

Namlea was captured today.

Miscellaneous:

Ambon expanded to a level 1 fort and Billiton expanded to a level 1 airbase.

[SqzMyLemon]

March 16/42 Update:

Sub Ops:

The SS KVII launched a torpedo salvo at the SC CHa-22 east of Kendari and missed. No ASW attack was launched.

The Philippines:

I launched another Deliberate attack at Bataan today and again was successful in reducing the fort level to 1. However casualties were heavier this time, 3042 Japanese casualties to 2149 Allied. I will attack again tomorrow.

Java:

Merak was bombed today by Sally's (42) and inflicted 106 casualties on the defenders. The invasion TF's have met up with their covering SCTF's just east of Palembang. Tomorrow they go to within 3 hexes of Kalidjati covered by LRCAP from the carriers and LBA bases at Oosthaven. All bombers in the area have been set to to ASW patrol. It's on in Java.

Sumatra:

In the north a Shock attack from crossing the river pushed the Allies back once again. Losses were heavy for Japan suffering 349 to the Allies 651.

Miscellaneous:

Davao expanded to a level 1 fort, Miri expanded to airbase level 3 and Bihoro expanded to a level 3 fort. A couple of engines were accelerated as well, the Ha-42 to 9/45 and the Kayaba Argus to 7/44.

[SqzMyLemon]

March 17/42 Update:

Sub Ops:

SS Grenadier takes a crack at the DD Yayoi east of Orchids Island south of Formosa and misses, no ASW attack is launched in retaliation...sigh.

The Philippines:

Yet another Deliberate attack at Bataan reduces the fort to level 0. Allied losses were only 1232 while Japan's were 3604. My troops are suffering from disruption and fatigue right now, I wil ldecide whether to rest them a day or two, or try one more attack to finally break the defence on Luzon.

Sumatra:

Japanese forces try and quickly captured Sibolga with a Deliberate attack, but the Allied defence holds. Casualties were 14 for Japan to 124 to the Dutch. I will attack again tomorrow.

Java:

All Invasion TF's have met up north of Batavia. Allied responses was swift with the launching of a bomber attack by 139WH-3's (17) escorted by B-339D's (5) against an invasion TF. Zero's (4) from LRCAP on Akagi responded and downed three B-339D's, but failed to reach the bombers. Luckily all bombs missed and 8 139WH-3's were damaged. My CAP from Oosthaven never appeared, they were set to 80% LRCAP but had sweep as their primary mission so I wonder if that was why they did not respond. I will fix matters for tomorrow, for Smeulders will transfer bombers to airbases within range now, as he has done every other time. I want to sky to rain Allied planes tomorrow.

China:

An undefended Nanning was captured today. A Deliberate attack in the north at 89,39 sent the Chinese reeling back, suffering 2837 casualties to 307 for Japan.

The Celebes:

I have transport ships en route for Ambon to start loading for Kendari. My carrier support TF is south of Manado, but I may pull it back for lack of more surface ships in the area. Smeulders has a completely intact surface and carrier fleet out there and if he was to try and pull something I may be at a disadvantage. An interesting comment in an e-mail from Smeulders has me raising a red flag. I've split my carrier forces and have two "KB's" out there right now. I don't know which one Smeulders was referring to, but I think he means around Ambon. He thought it was an interesting combination, 3 CV's and 1 CVL, and if his carriers were near by he might risk an engagement. This tells me two things, I think there are forces near by, and if he's even thinking of an attack I am too weak in surface ships to really counter. I might withdraw temporarily and see if Smeulders moves anything in, my LBA will hopefully spot anything. I'm not going to risk anything yet around Ambon needlessly. In fact with Bataan almost finished, I may just wait and hit Timor hard like originally intended and seal off Java. Imay be completely wrong, and if I am, I really don't lose anything in terms of an objective or time. In fact it really is preferable to wait until Bataan is cleaned up.

I'll post some screenshots tonight for clarification.

[SqzMyLemon]

Java invasion about to hit the beaches. I've brought some serious firepower, but I hope I haven't made a mistake splitting KB right now. I'll find out in the next couple of days.

[SqzMyLemon]

Here is the situation in the Celebes. For all my grand strategic thoughts, I really don't know what I'm doing down here. I'll feint and probe and just see if I can draw some Allied ships out. When Bataan falls, I'll consult my crystal ball and hopefully get an epiphany. I just hope splitting KB right now is not a mistake, as I mentioned earlier.

Stay tuned!